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(Photo: Li Hao/GT) China will continue to strengthen cooperation with Global South countries and support their development and prosperity to jointly realize global modernization, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Thursday, reiterating China's continuous support for developing countries. The remarks were made in response to media questions regarding the ongoing 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, which features 37 least-developed countries (LDCs), with the event organizers providing more than 120 free exhibition booths specifically for businesses from these countries. The food and agricultural products exhibition area has also expanded at the expo, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, for African countries to showcase a wide range of agricultural products. Mao said that since its launch, the CIIE has been actively providing facilitation for LDCs. For the past seven years, more and more products from LDCs have entered the Chinese market through the CIIE, which contributed to the industrial development and improvement of people's livelihood in these countries, according to the spokesperson. Representatives from some of the LDCs expressed their appreciation for China's support in giving them the opportunity to present themselves at the expo. They also expressed their expectations of deepening economic and trade ties with China. Now in its seventh year, the CIIE has strengthened its role as an international platform for public goods, offering increased support to LDCs as they seek to enter the Chinese market and further integrate into the global economy, according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). According to the UN, as of 2023, there were 45 LDCs globally, with 33 located in Africa. According to the MOFCOM, 37 LDCs are participating in this year's CIIE. "This is the second time that we have participated in the CIIE We have 30 companies coming to the expo this year compared with about 20 in 2023," Kassim Kone, a delegate from the Mali Export Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, told the Global Times, indicating the growing importance that Mali has attached to this event. The CIIE is really very important, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, as they can promote and sell their products easily here, Kone said. Munteha Jemal Seid, Plenipotentiary Minister of the Ethiopian Embassy in China, told the Global Times that the Ethiopian Embassy has participated in almost every CIIE, since it "is a big opportunity for Ethiopian companies to expose their products as they can meet buyers here and continue to connect with them." There are various types of agricultural products, such as coffee, soybeans, kidney beans, sesame, edible oil products, and honey in Ethiopia. "We are offering organic products, and this is something that is very important for the markets," the minister said. An exhibitor presents coffee products at the booth of Ethiopia at the 7th CIIE in Shanghai on November 7, 2024. (Photo: Li Hao/GT) What the LDCs are thrilled about is not just the ongoing import expo. China announced in September to give all the LDCs that have diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, according to a statement from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council. China is the first developing country and major global economy to implement this initiative, according to MOFCOM. The zero-tariff treatment, which will be effective from December 1, aims to expand unilateral opening to the LDCs and to achieve common development, the statement said. Talking about the favorable zero-tariff treatment for LDCs like Ethiopia, the Ethiopian envoy said that "this is a very great chance for Ethiopia as well as other African countries to expand their trade." One product with big potential is coffee, which has gained popularity in China, with the trade volume growing from time to time, thanks to the big consumption power of the Chinese market, Seid said. The country is also moving to register some new products like avocados and cassava for sale to China. Bangladesh is showcasing a variety of products at the booth, ranging from leather to food. Some of these products are already being exported to China. Regarding China's zero-tariff treatment policy for some LDCs, of which Bangladesh is one, Md Ziaur Rahman, the commercial counselor of the Embassy of Bangladesh in China, told the Global Times on Thursday, "This policy will significantly promote trade for countries like ours, and we are very grateful for it." This year marks Madagascar's first participation at the CIIE, and it is also one of the countries given a free exhibition booth. Speaking about the country's participation, Rodrigue Brechard, a representative of the Economic Expansion Department of Madagascar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the CIIE, told the Global Times on Thursday, "This is a great opportunity for us to promote our products and showcase the image of our country." "We hope to return next year with a larger and more expansive presentation," Brechard said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Fulani herdsmen killed six Christians on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 1-2) in Benue state, Nigeria after slaughtering 15 Christians in a nearby village two days prior, sources said. In Ayilomo, a predominantly Christian village in Logo County, Fulani herdsmen attacked at about 6 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 1), said area resident Terwase Avande. Fulani herdsmen invaded the community and began shooting at Christian residents, killing six Christians, Avande said. The members of the community are farmers. They had returned from their farms when the attackers invaded the community. Paul Adetsav, a community leader in Ayilomo, said residents can no longer tend to their farms because of the attacks. The Fulani herdsmen keep attacking us almost on a daily basis, killing Christians at will and igniting fire on our houses and places of worship, Adetsav told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Crops we planted on our farms too have been destroyed by the armed herdsmen. Hunger has become an epidemic, killing us and our children since we have nothing to eat. More than 400,000 members of the community have been displaced as a result of incessant attacks, Adetsav said. On Oct. 30 in Anyiin village, also in Logo County, herdsmen killed 15 Christians, said area resident Joe Iormumbe. Johnson Kwar, another village resident, said the raid went from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joseph Anawah, a community leader in the Ayiin area, identified some of the Christians killed as Orihundu Ati, Zaki Mbatern, Tordoo Suswam, Uyange Chembe and John Chembe. Adegwa Uba, another resident of the area, pleaded for the Nigerian government to act urgently to save lives. We beg the world to hear our desperate cry our communities in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government, are being systematically decimated by relentless Fulani militia attacks, Uba told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The bloodshed is relentless, with 21 innocent lives lost in Anyiin just last week. Our villages Anyiin, Ayilamo, Uzer, Iorza, Mchia and Chembe have perpetual been brutally attacked by Fulani herdsmen, and children, women and elderly are slaughtered like animals. Homes, livelihoods and entire communities are under threat, he said. Security forces collect bodies but fail to prevent attacks or bring perpetrators to justice, Uba said. The governments inaction is appalling, its silence deafening. Our political leaders seem detached, leaving us to face this horror alone. He called on the government to take immediate action to protect people, asked security forces to prioritize prevention and prosecution and appealed to the international community to intervene and lend support. We are dying, please hear our cry, Uba said. Clement Ukav, chairman of the Logo Local Government Area Council, said the government was doing everything possible to stop the violence. We are sad that our people over the years have been attacked at various times by Fulani herdsmen, but I can assure that everything that is necessary to halt such attacks will be done by the government, Ukav said. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that officers had received reports of attacks in the Logo area, and that security agents had been deployed to the area. Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300. Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report. In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Catholic, Anglican Priests Kidnapped In southern Nigeria, a Catholic priest was kidnapped in Imo state on Tuesday (Nov. 5). This followed the abduction of another Catholic priest in Edo state on Oct. 27 freed on Wednesday (Nov. 6) and the kidnapping of an Anglican priest in Anambra state on Oct. 26. The Rev. Emmanuel Azubuike, parish priest of St. Theresas Catholic Parish in Obollo town, Isiala Mbano County in Imo state, southeast Nigeria, was kidnapped on Tuesday (Nov. 5) by armed gunmen at about 6 p.m. as he was returning from a pastoral visit to some villages. Azubuike was ambushed and kidnapped along a highway, according to a statement by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe. We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come to us safe and sound, the Rev. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, chancellor and secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, said in the statement. In Edo state, southwest Nigeria, Catholic priest Thomas Oyode was kidnapped by gunmen at about 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East County, where he was rector, according to a spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. Oyode was released on Wednesday (Nov. 6) near Ajaokuta, Kogi state, according to the Rev. Peter Egielewa, spokesman for the Diocese of Auchi. The kidnappers had demanded 200 million naira ($119,673 USD) in ransom, but terms of his release were not disclosed. In Anambra state, southeast Nigeria, Anglican priest Ven David Arinze Ajaefobi was kidnapped by gunmen on Oct. 26, sources said. Ajaefobi was kidnapped at the entrance of his St. James Anglican Church, Awkuzu, Oyi County, at about 9 p.m., area resident Chukwudi Nwankwor said. Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for Anambra State Police Command, said officers were investigating. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/iran-showed-israel-only-small-part-of-its-retaliatory-capabilities-in-october-strike-irgc-chief-1120825844.html Iran Showed Israel Only Small Part of Its Retaliatory Capabilities in October Strike: IRGC Chief Iran Showed Israel Only Small Part of Its Retaliatory Capabilities in October Strike: IRGC Chief Sputnik International Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles into Israel on October 1, targeting military facilities, air bases and the Mossad headquarters. The attack reportedly caught Israels air and missile defenses and Tel Avivs allies off-guard, with dozens of missiles seen hitting their targets in footage posted to social media. 2024-11-08T19:09+0000 2024-11-08T19:09+0000 2024-11-08T19:12+0000 world hossein salami middle east israel iran islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) mossad hamas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/11/1116234102_0:54:1025:631_1920x0_80_0_0_08dad9978e2069f577f1838a37957a74.jpg Operation True Promise II showcased just a small part of Irans military capabilities, Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) the force which executed Irans October 1 strikes on Israel, has said.In the course of Operation True Promise II, we even attacked the Zionists base at Netzarim in the heart of Gaza, so the choice of the regime's officials is between bad and worse," Salami added.Our war today is a detailed exhibition of the ability of the Resistance Front to confront the global enemy. If you want to see the victory of faith over weapons, you should refer to this front. While there is a disparity in weapons, the gains are in favor of the Axis of Resistance. Since Al-Aqsa Storm, there have been no significant achievements for the Zionist regime, the IRGC commander suggested, referencing to the October 7, 2023 Hamas surprise incursion into southern Israel, which triggered the present conflict.Characterizing the Israeli military as a drained force, its officials as depressed and its economy as in tatters, Salami suggested that the US is managing everything for its client state, and, citing the results of the US presidential election, said that the vote showed that the resistance in Gaza proved capable of ejecting "a warmongering American government from power, with the American people deciding not to vote for those arming Israels killing machine.Salami urged the incoming Trump administration to reduce support for Israel, warning that Washington is aware that expanding the conflict will only harm Americas interests, prestige and credibility.Iran launched its first-ever direct missile attack on Israel in mid-April, in retaliation to the April 1 Israeli airstrike on the Islamic Republics Embassy compound in Damascus, Syria. The Iranian attack was codenamed Operation True Promise, and prompted Israel and allies including the United States, Britain, France and Jordan to commit significant military units to thwart the attack, with multiple missiles nevertheless reportedly getting through.On October 1, Iran launched its second direct strike on Israel, dubbed Operation True Promise II, in retaliation to a string of Israeli assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, and an IRGC general. That attack led Israel to respond with a wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites on October 26. Iran reported five casualties and minor damage, and vowed to retaliate. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241106/what-does-trumps-win-mean-for-the-middle-east-1120798774.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20241106/netanyahu-gets-rid-of-democrat-supporters-defence-ministers-abrupt-sacking-explained-1120798008.html israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov how powerful is iran, can iran strike israel, can iran damage israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/japan-must-change-approach-to-relations-with-russia-after-trumps-victory---lawmaker-1120814848.html Japan Must Change Approach to Relations With Russia After Trump's Victory - Lawmaker Japan Must Change Approach to Relations With Russia After Trump's Victory - Lawmaker Sputnik International Tokyo must change its course in relations with Russia after US President-elect Donald Trump's election victory, as it "would not survive "otherwise, a member of Japan's upper house, Muneo Suzuki, told Sputnik on Friday. 2024-11-08T04:41+0000 2024-11-08T04:41+0000 2024-11-08T04:41+0000 world donald trump japan russia tokyo bilateral relations https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103552/47/1035524769_0:538:1729:1510_1920x0_80_0_0_1fa39178a35a91a2266fc729797a004d.jpg "I think the issue is not in whether [the course] would change or not, but that it has to be changes. If it is not changed, Japan would not survive. The course of former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in doing everything in relations with Russia as the US says was a mistake," Suzuki said. When asked about whether Trump's election will affect Moscow-Tokyo cooperation, the lawmaker said that while Kishida followed the instructions of incumbent US President Joe Biden, the new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, will formulate Japan's new positions based on the global landscape. A presidential election took place in the United States on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-2021, was declared the winner by all leading race callers and networks. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat in an address to supporters. The Electoral College will vote in accordance with the will of the voters on December 17, and the new Congress will approve the results of the vote on January 6. The presidential inauguration will take place on January 20. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240729/russian-military-to-analyze-creation-of-new-us-military-command-in-japan-1119554860.html japan russia tokyo Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us president-elect donald trump, relations with moscow, japan must change approach https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/most-south-koreans-oppose-sending-military-mission-to-ukraine---poll-1120815994.html Most South Koreans Oppose Sending Military Mission to Ukraine - Poll Most South Koreans Oppose Sending Military Mission to Ukraine - Poll Sputnik International Most South Koreans oppose Seoul sending a military mission to Ukraine to monitor the North Korean military there, a regular NBS public opinion poll conducted by four leading sociological services in South Korea showed. 2024-11-08T05:29+0000 2024-11-08T05:29+0000 2024-11-08T05:29+0000 military ukraine north korea russia south korea military https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/0f/1119382238_0:99:2368:1430_1920x0_80_0_0_3e7ad886b1ca7adbfc0023f081498535.jpg Only 33% of respondents support the idea of sending a group of military observers to Ukraine, while 61% of respondents oppose it, the report said on Thursday. At the same time, the poll showed that in the first week of November, the approval rating of the country's President Yoon Suk Yeol reached its lowest level since he took office in 2022. Only 19% of respondents said the president is doing his job well. Earlier this week, a senior representative of the South Korean presidential office told reporters that he does not rule out sending a monitoring mission to Ukraine if "full-scale fighting with the joint participation of the armed forces of North Korea and Russia" begins there. In October, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun claimed that North Korea had allegedly already sent its soldiers to assist Russia in the special military operation in Ukraine. The White House and NATO said in separate statements that they could not confirm this. North Korea's envoy to the United Nations dismissed the accusations. In June, Russia and North Korea signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. According to Article 4 of the agreement, should one of the parties be subjected to an armed aggression by any state or a group of states and find itself in a state of conflict, the other party shall immediately provide military and other forms of assistance with all available means in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and in accordance with Russian and North Korean laws. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/south-korea-conducts-ballistic-exercise-in-response-to-north-koreas-missile-tests---jcs-1120815095.html ukraine north korea russia south korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International military mission to ukraine, north korean military, south koreans oppose sending military https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/poland-has-no-more-weapons-to-transfer-to-ukraine---defense-minister-1120815695.html Poland Has No More Weapons to Transfer to Ukraine - Defense Minister Poland Has No More Weapons to Transfer to Ukraine - Defense Minister Sputnik International Warsaw has no more weapons or military equipment that can be transferred to Ukraine, Polish National Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters. 2024-11-08T05:27+0000 2024-11-08T05:27+0000 2024-11-08T05:27+0000 military wladyslaw kosiniak-kamysz volodymyr zelensky ukraine poland warsaw polish air force https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/1b/1119920204_0:321:3070:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_16fc30b7673af2dfba8719309c9f2731.jpg "We have transferred a lot of equipment - as much as was possible. For me, the limit in the process of transferring weapons is always the security of the Polish state," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Polish authorities for their refusal to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. According to the president, he had previously discussed the possibility of introducing a NATO mission to bolster the Polish Air Force with former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. The Polish leadership has said Warsaw provided Ukraine with more military aid in relation to its GDP than any other country. Speaking about the MiG-29 fighter jets, Kosiniak-Kamysz said Warsaw could only transfer the remaining aircraft to Ukraine after the Polish Air Force was reinforced with new aircraft, for example, F-35 jets ordered from the United States. According to the minister, these aircraft will not arrive in Poland before 2026. Russia believes arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia. He said the US and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241015/poland-unable-to-send-volunteer-unit-to-ukraine-due-to-low-interest-1120562811.html ukraine poland warsaw Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International military equipment, equipment that can be transferred to ukraine, polish national defense minister wladyslaw kosiniak-kamysz https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/russian-foreign-ministry-summoned-deputy-ambassador-of-canada-1120819118.html Russian Foreign Ministry Summoned Deputy Ambassador of Canada Russian Foreign Ministry Summoned Deputy Ambassador of Canada Sputnik International The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it had summoned deputy ambassador of Canada over accusations of Moscow's preparation of a "sabotage" against NATO countries. 2024-11-08T10:49+0000 2024-11-08T10:49+0000 2024-11-08T10:49+0000 world canada us russian foreign ministry nato ambassador https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/19/1119498690_0:104:3271:1943_1920x0_80_0_0_fdf948a73b7716d4c52420b94e4b8344.jpg "On November 8, the deputy head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, who was handed an official note of protest in connection with false accusations of allegedly planned 'Russian sabotage' against NATO countries with the distribution of explosives in mail, including to recipients in Canada," the statement said. The Canadian diplomat was warned about the likelihood of preparing an anti-Russian provocation "under a false flag," the responsibility for which will fall on Ottawa, the ministry added.On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing, security officials and people familiar with the probe, that Russian military intelligence is behind an attempt to set fires on cargo planes en route to the United States and Canada. Later, the government of Canada expressed concerns with "Russia's intensifying campaign, from cyber incidents and disinformation operations to sabotage activities." https://sputnikglobe.com/20241105/russia-will-adequately-respond-to-aggression-of-nato-member-states---lavrov-1120780401.html canada Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian foreign ministry, nato countries, deputy ambassador of canada https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/slovakia-opposes-idea-of-providing-military-aid-to-ukraine-without-us-part---fico-1120814520.html Slovakia Rejects Full EU Financial Role in Ukraine Amid US Aid Cut Concerns Slovakia Rejects Full EU Financial Role in Ukraine Amid US Aid Cut Concerns Sputnik International Slovakia opposes the idea of the EU taking full financial responsibility for military aid for Ukraine if the US stops funding it, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. 2024-11-08T00:47+0000 2024-11-08T00:47+0000 2024-11-08T06:49+0000 world european union (eu) slovakia robert fico donald trump military aid us military aid ukraine us arms for ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1f/1118711542_0:317:3072:2045_1920x0_80_0_0_d367bb5f28ed0a0e469860d733c46628.jpg Fico made this statement on Thursday following the summit of the European political community. He also added that Slovakia will turn down any such initiative by European countries.US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to cut US aid to Ukraine at a campaign rally in June after criticizing the level of US spending on Kiev's war efforts. He said he would "have that settled" even before he took over as president in January. Trump has also repeatedly vowed to end the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours while on the campaign trail. He reiterated that pledge in his victory speech on Wednesday, saying he would end all conflicts around the world. The 2024 presidential election in the United States was held on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump, who previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, was declared the winner by all major news organizations and analysts. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris acknowledged her defeat in a speech to her supporters. The Electoral College will cast their ballots in accordance with the will of the voters on December 17. Subsequently, the newly elected Congress will certify these results on January 6. The presidential inauguration is scheduled for January 20. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/trump-peace-plan-outlined-by-wsj-has-minimal-chance-of-being-realized-without-tweaks---analyst-1120808238.html slovakia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International slovak prime minister, slovakia, robert fico, slovakia elections, no aid for ukraine, support for ukraine, aid to ukraine, aid for ukraine, ukraine crisis, ukraine, russia, nato, ukrainian conflict escalation, nato military aid to ukraine, russia nato war https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/south-korea-conducts-ballistic-exercise-in-response-to-north-koreas-missile-tests---jcs-1120815095.html South Korea Conducts Ballistic Exercise in Response to North Korea's Missile Tests South Korea Conducts Ballistic Exercise in Response to North Korea's Missile Tests Sputnik International South Korea has conducted live-fire ballistic missile exercises in response to Pyongyang's missile tests, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Friday. 2024-11-08T04:48+0000 2024-11-08T04:48+0000 2024-11-08T07:43+0000 military north korea south korea pyongyang military drill drill https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105741/12/1057411234_0:224:4001:2474_1920x0_80_0_0_840b50bb6ce52cfce202f531954161d0.jpg "Through this live-fire exercise, our military demonstrated its strong resolve to respond to any North Korean provocation as well as the capabilities and posture for precision strikes against the enemy's origin of provocation," the Yonhap news agency quoted the JCS as saying. A Hyunmoo-II surface-to-surface ballistic missile was launched into the Yellow Sea from the western coastal county of Taean, targeting a supposed maritime target, the military said, adding that it maintains readiness to "overwhelmingly" respond to any North Korean provocation. On Tuesday, Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, allegedly from 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers, into the East China Sea. Before that, on November 1, North Korea said it had test-fired a new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the day before. According to the Japanese government, the missile's range was 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), its altitude was 7,000 kilometers, and its altitude and flight duration of 86 minutes were the highest of any launch. According to North Korea, the missile reached a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 kilometers. The launch drew negative reactions from Western nations and South Korea. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241105/north-korea-launches-at-least-7-ballistic-missiles---japanese-defense-ministry-1120773438.html north korea south korea pyongyang Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south korea, live-fire ballistic missile exercises, pyongyang's missile tests https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/thousands-of-people-to-join-march-on-washington-ahead-of-trumps-inauguration--reports-1120821581.html Thousands of People to Join 'March on Washington' Ahead of Trumps Inauguration Reports Thousands of People to Join 'March on Washington' Ahead of Trumps Inauguration Reports Sputnik International Tens of thousands of activists for women, immigrant and minority rights are expected to stage a "People's March on Washington" two days before the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing organizers. 2024-11-08T12:48+0000 2024-11-08T12:48+0000 2024-11-08T12:48+0000 americas us donald trump kamala harris joe biden washington 2024 us presidential election palestine israel palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/08/1120821336_0:81:1003:645_1920x0_80_0_0_cfc312a40c3ec671324ee6047d893697.jpg The demonstration will take place on January 18 and is being arranged by leading organizations fighting for civil rights, women's rights and racial justice. People will protest against Trump and his policies, that they claim undermine the rights of immigrants and minorities, among others, the report said. Organizers reportedly estimate 50,000 people will attend the demonstration. In total, activists have filed more than 10 applications for rallies and protests on the issues of election, democracy, abortion and the Palestine-Israel conflict between now and the end of January. A presidential election was held in the United States on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-2021, was declared the winner by all leading race callers and networks, namely the Associated Press, Decision Desk HQ, Fox News, and CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS from the National Election Pool consortium, as he secured enough votes in the Electoral College to win the election. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris conceded defeat in an address to her supporters, and US President Joe Biden congratulated Trump. The Electoral College, the group of presidential electors from the states, will vote for the candidate whom each states voters have chosen on December 17, and the results will be approved by Congress on January 6. The presidential inauguration will take place on January 20. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/putin-congratulates-trump-on-presidential-win-says-russia-ready-for-contacts-1120812538.html americas washington palestine israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump-2024, is trump running for president, why is trump banned from election, who's banning trump from election, why is trump banned from election, who's against trump in presidential election, was trump behind january 6, who organized january 6, why is trump banned from election, trumps court case, why is trump investigated, republicans vs democrats at the elections, who will win in 2024 elections, trump vs harris, trump harris debate, presidential debate, biden drops out, joe biden dropped out of presidential race, kamala harris replaces biden, biden quits, harris new democratic candidate, vice president jd vance, vice president tim walz, trump next president, why trump won, how did trump win https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/trumps-return-terrifies-a-europe-already-wracked-by-self-inflicted-crises-1120823342.html Trumps Return Terrifies a Europe Already Wracked by Self-Inflicted Crises Trumps Return Terrifies a Europe Already Wracked by Self-Inflicted Crises Sputnik International Donald Trumps first term created arguably the worst rift in US-European relations since WWII, with analysts almost universally expecting Trump 2.0 to be equally harmful, if not worse, for transatlantic ties. Political analyst and EU foreign policy expert Massimiliano Bonne outlines three tectonic shifts facing Europe over the coming four years. 2024-11-08T15:45+0000 2024-11-08T15:45+0000 2024-11-08T15:45+0000 analysis donald trump business olaf scholz china germany washington european union (eu) nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/08/1120823681_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_601c18852691892dd528182e468293e0.jpg Political and economic analysts have come out of the woodwork to warn of tough times ahead for US-EU relations under Trump, with headlines in major politics and business-oriented media saying all that needs to be said about the panic gripping European capitals and proponents of the Western alliance.As Germany lurches from crisis to crisis, analysts fear tariff man Trump could be 2025s disaster was Fortunes take on Trumps return. Trump Will Test European Solidarity on NATO, Ukraine and Trade, the New York Times predicted. Why Donald Trumps return is a disaster for Europe, The Guardian bemoaned.The common theme to these and other apocalyptic analyses on the subject relates to Trumps proposed trade policy, with the president-elect making clear on the campaign trail that his threats of across-the-board tariffs of 10-20% on imports wont include a special carveout for Europe.Europes economies, already reeling from a series of largely self-inflicted economic crises, triggered in large part by energy price shocks resulting from a short-sighted political decision to cut off energy ties with Russia, are in much worse shape today to resist Trump head-on than they were in 2017-2021, with EU bloc leader Germany in particular facing its worst deindustrialization slump in the Federal Republics history.Return of Strategic Autonomy, Moving Closer to ChinaThe return of the tariff war is one of the pillars of Trump's economic policy, EU foreign policy expert Massimiliano Bonne told Sputnik, commenting on the implications and prospects for Europe of the business moguls looming return to the White House.In addition to riling up fierce economic competition with China, Bonne expects Trumps approach to trade to have direct consequences for Europe, both economically and strategically, so that the frictions in the US-EU-China trade triangle will push Europe to accelerate integration processes, especially to defend its autonomy.German Wildcard and Threats to the European ProjectHighlighting the critical phase of deindustrialization facing Europes big two economies Germany and France, Bonne believes the situation in Germany, including the political crisis facing Chancellor Scholz, makes it a wildcard, with falling output, the crisis of the automotive sector (a pillar of the German national economy), budget deficits and the growing burden of supporting the EU banking and fiscal union could prompt voters to push a future government to reconsider Germanys role within the EU.Ultimately, Trump's economic and industrial policy, with a focus on protectionism and welfare reduction, is shaping up to be a terrain of uncertainty not only for the US, but for the entire global economic system, Bonne added.Trumps Trade Strategy: Pro et ContraWhile the president-elects trade proposals are aimed at reducing the US trade deficit and encouraging reshoring, i.e. the return of industrial production to the US, Bonne isnt convinced of the soundness of this approach, warning that such a protectionist policy could turn out to be a boomerang for the US economy, with domestic industries, which depend on global supply chains, threatened with heavy losses as a result of higher production costs.In conclusion, in this situation, Europe is faced with a dilemma: on the one hand, American pressure for an alignment on the trade and military front; on the other hand, the opportunity to diversify its economic partnerships by moving closer to China. Trump's protectionist push could thus accelerate Europe's evolution towards a more cohesive and autonomous political entity, especially in the military sphere, the observer summed up. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241031/pummeled-by-shrinking-sales-volkswagen-mulls-pay-cuts-as-threats-of-union-strikes-looms-1120734882.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/eu-overpaid-185-bln-for-gas-due-to-russia-sanctions--1115419103.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/german-president-agrees-to-call-snap-election-if-parliament-votes-no-confidence-in-scholz-1120808931.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20241106/trumps-election-win-how-will-it-change-the-world-1120758368.html china germany washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov what will trump's return mean for europe, how will europe react to trump's return, will trump start a trade war, will europe gain or lose from trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/ukraine-responsible-for-cyberattacks-on-russias-healthcare-facilities--russian-un-envoy-1120824892.html Ukraine Responsible for Cyberattacks on Russia's Healthcare Facilities Russian UN Envoy Ukraine Responsible for Cyberattacks on Russia's Healthcare Facilities Russian UN Envoy Sputnik International Ukrainian hacking groups are responsible for repeated cyberattacks on Russian healthcare facilities, including stealing patient personal data and crashing websites of childrens hospitals, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday. 2024-11-08T17:00+0000 2024-11-08T17:00+0000 2024-11-08T17:00+0000 world vassily nebenzia ukraine russia the united nations (un) un security council (unsc) cyberattack hacker attack https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/14/1100992944_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_81690c9ca272367b4cb4d925dc66695f.jpg "Our country is regularly subject to cyberattacks on health care facilities. From the beginning of 2022 we've repeatedly seen incidents of various size and scale, from stealing patient personal data and disabling CAT scans to causing sites for children's hospitals to crash. In many cases, responsibility for such attacks are borne by Ukrainian groups," Nebenzia said during a UN Security Council meeting on ransomware attacks. Nebenzia pointed out that ransomware-related cybercrimes should be addressed by the Convention Against Cybercrime and called for its swift entry into force. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/russia-remains-hackers-top-target-for-past-25-years---kaspersky-lab-1120082964.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine's cyberattacks on russia, cyberattacks against russia, cyberattacks on healthcare facilities, hacker attacks on russia Editors note: In this exclusive interview, Bonar Tanudjaja, Southeast Asia and East Asia Regional Director of Generosity Path, shares the core principles of biblical generosity and how the Journey of Generosity has transformed individuals, churches, and communities across Asia through sharing stories of people who are radically generous. In August, he traveled to Hong Kong to promote this message, calling believers to look beyond themselves as an antidote to prosperity gospel and other false teachings within the Church. China Christian Daily: Could you introduce yourself and your ministry? Bonar Tanudjaja: Born in Indonesia, I grew up in Australia and moved back to Indonesia in 2017 when I decided to start a family. Ive been with Generosity Path since December 2020, and now I serve as the Southeast Asia and East Asia Regional Director. Generosity Path is a Christian ministry began in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when giving among Christians was low. Our founder, coming from a wealthy background, wanted to inspire other business people, entrepreneurs, and Christian leaders to be more generous. After interviewing people who were radically generous, he noticed they experienced great joy in their giving. Many of these individuals, despite being businesspeople, live in modest or even poor communities, challenging people to reconsider what true generosity entails. He began organizing Journey of Generosity retreats, gathering friends to hear these stories to explore the role of generosity in their lives. Its not a teaching program to indoctrinate people but rather an opportunity to showcase examples of radical generosity. China Christian Daily: In your opinion, what is true generosity? Bonar Tanudjaja: Generosity isnt about having or not having; it starts with God. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son." We serve a generous God, and as His children, generosity should be part of our DNA. Our lives are meant to serve both God and those around us. Generosity is about living a generous lifewhat we call L.I.F.E., which stands for labor, influence, finance, and expertise. We want Christians to realize that life isnt just about themselves but about the good life God calls them to live. During our Journey of Generosity events, we dont ask for money or anything else. Instead, we create a safe space for people to explore what generosity means to them. One of the core questions we encourage people to ask is: Why should I be generous? We want them to figure it out for themselves. China Christian Daily: Share with us a story of radically generousity. Bonar Tanudjaja: Theres a region in India called Mizoram where a movement known as "A Handful of Rice" began in 1910. This initiative was launched to support women missionaries who were sent to preach in an unreached area. The local church started this practice where each family, when cooking a meal, would set aside a handful of rice for the church. On Sundays, they would bring the saved rice to the church, which would then sell it to support these women. For over 100 years, this "A Handful of Rice" movement has been practiced across the region. Churches are built, and missionaries are funded without relying on external support. China Christian Daily: How do people change when they attend the Journey of Generosity program? Bonar Tanudjaja: Ill share a story about a businessman who attended one of our retreats. He initially came to figure out how to run his business in a godly way. His goal was to treat his employees well and use his company as a vehicle for doing good. However, during the Journey of Generosity, he felt the Lord challenging him to do more. He struggled with this, asking, God, Im building this business for You. How can I give more when Ive already invested everything in helping others? But the Lord put it in his heart that he still had something to givehis house, which was like a mansion, comparable to Beverly Hills in Manila. For him, his house represented security and status. He shared this conviction with his wife, and soon after, they sold the house. Amazingly, the first person who contacted them bought it. Another thing happened: the wifes long-time servant was about to lose her home because she had missed the payment, and her daughter had lost job. They realized this was part of Gods reason for selling the house. The wife said, "We sold our house so that our maid could keep her house." There was such excitement and passion when they could help this servant. Another story involves passing on the right values to the next generation. After Covid, when we held our first in-person retreats in Manila in 2022, a church invited couples in their 40s and 50s. To my surprise, three young adults in their 20s also attended. Their parents had passed away from Covid, and the church invited them in honor of their parents. By the end, one son shared how the retreat impacted him. He explained that when his parents were alive, he often disagreed with how they used their money for the church and philanthropy. But when he became the CEO of his family company, he wanted to buy more things for himself, such as Rolex watches and a Ferrari Jet Ski. But after listening to their parents friends and peers stories at the retreat, he felt his parents didn't waste their money or live in vain. He said that he needed to be more generous and not just think of himself. China Christian Daily: How can churches apply generosity within their communities? Bonar Tanudjaja: Generosity calls us to look beyond ourselvespersonally, as families, and as churches. When we hold Journey of Generosity retreats in churches, they often open peoples eyes to needs beyond their own congregation. Sometimes, churches become focused on their own Sunday services and programs, but when they hear stories about the poor and needy, theyre reminded of the greater need outside their walls. This is how we become a blessing, not just within our church but also to our neighbors. In general, Asians tend to be generous compared to the West, where people can be more individualistic. In Asian cultures, we take care of our extended familiesparents, cousins, unclesbecause its seen as the right thing to do. However, this can sometimes come from a sense of duty, tied to honor-shame culture. Biblical generosity brings back that joy of being able to be more like the Lord. China Christian Daily: Some rich countries have many resources, such as Australia, but there are so many people who suffer from depression just because they have so many. Whats your take on this? Bonar Tanudjaja: Prosperity gospel is all about what can the Lord do for me. If I join the church, I want to be blessed. Some people are generous, but we want to make sure that they have the right motives. Some people can give because it's like insurance. Hey Lord, I'm going to give to you, so please protect my family, protect my business. Or it could be an investment. Hey Lord, I'm going to give money to the church, so please give me a blessing and return my investment ten times, 30 times, a hundred times. God loves a cheerful giver, the Bible says so. Giving is not to manipulate God, but should be an outflowing of your heart because you've received the love of God, and you want to share that love as well. China Christian Daily: Could you share more about churches in Indonesia? Bonar Tanudjaja: Churches in Indonesia are growing because the Lord is moving across the country. Many non-believers are coming to Christ, often through visions and dreams of Jesus. The church needs to catch up as Christians are a minority, we can have a victim mentality and can play safe in our own area. The church is waking up to become more missional and proclaim the name of Jesus for Indonesia. We see the harvest is great in Asia, and were praying and training people to become a sending nation. The Lord has been good to Indonesian churches, so we want to be missionaries to other churches that to hear about the gospel. China Christian Daily: Could you share with us the takeaways from your August trip to Hong Kong? Bonar Tanudjaja: This trip was to connect with churches, ministries, and business leaders who are interested in biblical generosity. There have been so many false teachings within the Church that are harmful to the body of Christ. Our goal is to encourage people to give not out of obligation but as good stewards of what God has entrusted to themwhether its finances, time, expertise, or other resources. We want people to live out their calling with freedom and responsibility. China Christian Daily: Do you have any words for China? Bonar Tanudjaja: When we first started this Journey of Generosity, our founder went to Hong Kong and China's mainland. During these retreats, his Chinese friends would invite non-believers, and many were deeply touched by the stories of radical generosity. Some even expressed a desire to be baptized after hearing these stories. It's been amazing to see that this message of generosity touches peoples lives everywhere. We hope that we can be a blessing to the Chinese churches, and we'd love to be in China again. Originally published by China Christian Daily https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/von-der-leyen-wants-to-discuss-with-trump-purchases-of-us-lng-to-replace-russian-supplies-1120824370.html Von Der Leyen Wants to Discuss With Trump Purchases of US LNG to Replace Russian Supplies Von Der Leyen Wants to Discuss With Trump Purchases of US LNG to Replace Russian Supplies Sputnik International European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that she wanted to discuss with US President-elect Donald Trump an increase purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to replace Russian supplies. 2024-11-08T15:58+0000 2024-11-08T15:58+0000 2024-11-08T15:58+0000 economy donald trump ursula von der leyen russia budapest european union (eu) liquefied natural gas (lng) gas supplies natural gas supplies russian gas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106095/00/1060950052_80:0:3646:2006_1920x0_80_0_0_c3434741537a5bef8b1148b61f0b847f.jpg "This is one topic that we touched upon yesterday [during a telephone call with Trump], it is the whole topic of LNG. We still get a lot of LNG from Russia, and why not replace it with American LNG," Von Der Leyen said in the wake of the informal meeting of heads of state and government in Budapest, when asked how to establish EU trade cooperation with Trump. The EU Commission president added that LNG supplies from the US were cheaper and helped reduce energy prices in Europe.Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the EU's "suicidal" and "absolutely political" decision to halt the purchase of Russian energy supplies would come back to bite the bloc. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241004/us-lags-behind-russia-on-european-gas-supplies--analysis-1120409866.html russia budapest Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian gas supplies to europe, russian cheap gas exports, how much gas eu purchases from russia, why is europe pushing for american gas, eu to start purchasing american gas https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/what-new-russian-weapons-did-putin-hint-at-in-his-valdai-speech--1120824559.html What New Russian Weapons Did Putin Hint at in His Valdai Speech? What New Russian Weapons Did Putin Hint at in His Valdai Speech? Sputnik International In his address to the Valdai Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Russia is completing tests and is about to put into service the high-tech weapons systems he spoke about five years ago. 2024-11-08T16:18+0000 2024-11-08T16:18+0000 2024-11-08T16:18+0000 military & intelligence alexei leonkov americans russia valdai ukraine burevestnik nato sarmat iskander-m https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/07/1113997400_83:242:1095:811_1920x0_80_0_0_cbae8a21a135dacf37e9dcda76406e96.jpg "I think, first of all, he was talking about the systems that form the nuclear triad," Alexei Leonkov, a veteran Russian military analyst and editor of the magazine Arsenal of the Fatherland, told Sputnik. The pundit explained that the nuclear-capable systems could be used in the event of open aggression against Russia. Russia has recently field-tested its hypersonic and high-precision weapons including the Kinzhal, Zircon and Iskander-M missile systems, Leonkov noted, which demonstrated high accuracy and efficiency during the military operation in Ukraine. Russia has no other choice but to strengthen its security since the US and NATO have torn up all previous agreements with Moscow on strategic stability and nuclear weapons, he said. Washington gambled on the Ukraine conflict to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, the pundit continued. But that proxy war has become a strategic defeat for the US itself, he stressed. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240927/russian-air-force-vet-on-ukrainian-f-16s-weak-spot-theres-no-place-jets-can-hide-from-kinzhals-1120316295.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230920/from-t-90-tanks-to-sarmat-icbms-russian-armories-top-weapons-1113537607.html russia valdai ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova vladimir putin, vaidal forum, russian nuclear triad, poseidon, sarmat, burevestnik, russian hypersonic weapons, russian nuclear weapons, newest russian weapons Sharp younger horses on an upward career trajectory were in the spotlight at Harrahs Philadelphia on Thursday, Nov. 7. Only I Exist made a case as the most impressive of that group, winning for the 14th straight time in her first appearance outside of Maryland. In one of the two $16,667 trots on the Philly card, the Yall Beneath Me three-year-old filly Only I Exist made the lead past the quarter for driver Russell Foster and held together to record her 14th straight win over her two years of racing while lowering her mark to 1:56.1. The queen of the state to Phillys southwest, who made a break in her bow and hasnt stopped winning since, did not have an easy task, though, as a rival came up on her to each side late, but she preserved a half-length margin over Wall Street Edge and Highly Motivated, who dead-heated for second. Only I Exist has now amassed $341,952 for trainer-owner Richard Hans of Googoo Gaagaa fame. The lone $16,667 "non-winners of three" pace went to Dandy Ideal, who in his last start tied the Pocono track record for two-year-old pacing geldings with a 1:50.3 mile, and here went only a tick slower while winning well in hand. The American Ideal-OK Heavenly gelding was reserved in third by driver David Miller until late in the backstretch, then attacked the pacesetting Ishotthesheriff GB and paced away in the stretch easily. Dandy Ideal is a youngster to be watched for trainer Jenny Melander and Exceed Stables LLC. The Stay Hungry three-year-old gelding Tyson Hanover made an impressive invasion of Philly while pacing to a lifetime best of 1:50.3 in a $18,750 "non-winners of five" class. Trainer-driver Rick Still sent the sophomore right to command early and set all the pace, with Tyson Hanover able to withstand a late push by favoured Cupid Shuffle to prevail by a neck for owners Midsize Construction Inc. Tyson Hanover started 2024 with nine straight wins before being beaten in his last two, but he rebounded spectacularly here. The diagonally-gaited $18,750 feature had the favourites finish 1-2, as crowd choice Crown Monarch, a Father Patrick sophomore colt, brushed to the lead before the three-quarters and then easily held off National Love As from just behind him while stopping the timer in 1:54.3. Rikard Skoglund had the drive for trainer Per Engblom (one of his three winners on the day) and the ownership of Engblom Stable LLC, Amos Leon Lengacher and Tomas Andersson. In the other trot co-feature, the Bar Hopping sophomore miss Bar Town moved up on the uncovered grind from shortly past the half and kept on coming, just catching pacesetting favourite Koriander Sisu S by a neck while lowering her mark to 1:56.2. Corey Callahan guided the winner, now successful in four of her last five starts, for trainer John Butenschoen and Bay Pond Racing Stable. U.S. Hall Of Fame driver David Miller, like trainer Engblom, had three wins on the day, and he is now tied for third in the Philly win standings with Simon Allard at an even 100. The 1-2 horsemen, Tim Tetrick (141 wins, .369 UDR) and George Napolitano Jr. (136 wins, . 363 UDR), may be pressured in the latter battle by Miller, who has a lofty .358 batting average at the riverside oval. A pair of $14,000 USD events for the best fast-class horses on each gait at Philly will headline Fridays 12:25 p.m. card. (with files from PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia; photo of Only I Exist from a previous win) For much of this season, trainer Sam DePinto told people that his two-year-old male pacer Papis Pistol was going to put it all together one day and go a big mile. This past Saturday, Papis Pistol won a division of the Kindergarten Classic Series at The Meadowlands in gate-to-wire fashion in 1:49.3. That was the one, DePinto said with a laugh. I told my partners, I know this horse will pace [1]:48, [1]:49 this year. I know he will. But until he does it, and he finally did it and I dont look like a fool. I didnt expect him to do it on the front end, I thought he would do it off a helmet. That really surprised me. That was even more special. It was 51 degrees and there was a wind blowing. It wasnt like a perfect night. But every quarter was 27 [seconds] and a tick and he did it very comfortably. Hes a good colt. Hes definitely one of the top ones. Only five freshman male pacers have gone faster than 1:49.3 this year. On Saturday, Papis Pistol will look to put it all together again when he faces nine rivals in the $148,500 USD Kindergarten Classic Series final for two-year-old male pacers at The Meadowlands. The colt will leave from post six with driver Andy Miller and is the 6-5 morning line favourite. Papis Pistol led the series in points, with two wins and a second among four starts in the five preliminary rounds. Manolete, who was second in points with a win and two seconds among four outings in the series, is the 5-2 second choice in the final. He will leave from post eight with Scott Zeron driving for trainer Bruce Saunders. I think we have a real good chance, said DePinto. If [Papis Pistol] races like last week, hes going to be tough to beat. Manolete is a good colt. You cant count him out. It should be a good race. Papis Pistol is a son of Papi Rob Hanover-Bang Bang, and his family includes the likes of millionaires Kikikatie, Kissin In The Sand, Heston Blue Chip and Sunfire Blue Chip. The colt was bred by Anthony Perretti Farm, Joseph Davino and Brad Shackman. He is owned by Shannon DePinto, Chris Arvanitis and Anthony Perretti. From early on, DePinto believed Papis Pistol was a talented colt. Ive been doing this my whole life, said DePinto. Im 69 and I started when I was 13. I was fortunate enough to have some good horses along the way, and he compared to those horses when I was training him. You can just tell when you train a good horse versus an average horse. You can feel it. I knew when I was training him that he was a special horse. Papis Pistol won his career debut, which came in the Kindergarten, before second-place finishes in the second leg of the Kindergarten and a division of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes. From there, his campaign went through some ups and downs, including making a break in the final of the Metro Pace after finishing third in his elimination. He also made a brief break in the final of the Breeders Crown, where he finished sixth despite a :26.1 last quarter. He had some kinks in the road, but hopefully theyre all behind us now, said DePinto. I think its been more mental with him. He still acts like a baby. He likes to go out and go up on his hind legs. I feel like the Lone Ranger sometimes sitting behind him. Hes just very playful. Once he gets that hes a racehorse, hes going to improve on what hes doing right now. [Last week], he came back and he couldnt blow out a match. He had his ears up and his nostrils werent even moving. It was like he was saying, are we going to go another heat here, whats going on? Thats what I like about this colt, he doesnt get tired. Hes got a great set of lungs. Hes got a big motor on him and hes a beautiful colt. One night were going to knock a big one off. Well get our turn. If not this year, next year. For this season, Papis Pistol has hit the board in seven of 12 races, winning three and earning $116,505. The other miles he was putting in, they werent shabby; he was pacing in [1]:50, [1]:51, said DePinto. He just wasnt where Andy could really drive on. Andy did a great job with him. There were a lot of times where Andy would just steady him a little bit, he couldnt really give him his head and let him go full boat. Now, hes perfect. Last week, he was great gaited, smooth. Andy could do anything he wanted. I was really pleased with that. The Big M will host all four Kindergarten finals for two-year-old pacers and trotters on Saturday. First-race post time is 6:20 p.m. For a free Saturday program, click here. (USTA) Canadian Trotting Classic winner Amazing Catch sold for a record $2.56 million ($1.85 million USD) during the final session of the 86th annual Standardbred Horse Sale at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex on Friday, Nov. 8. The three-year-old trotting colt, a son of Walner-Mets Life, was purchased by Greg Luther. The previous record for a Standardbred sold at public auction was set in February 2019 when trotting mare Atlanta brought $1.55 million online at onGait.com. That price topped the $1.1 million for then two-year-old trotting filly Cameron Hall at the 2001 Tattersalls December Mixed Sale. Amazing Catchs family includes U.S. Hall of Famers Muscle Hill and Gimpanzee as well as millionaire Mets Hall. Amazing Catch has hit the board in 14 of 18 career races, winning three and earning nearly $1.15 million. His five second-place finishes include this years Kentucky Futurity and Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial and the 2023 Peter Haughton Memorial. The colt was trained by Ake Svanstedt and owned by Al Libfeld, Marvin and Lynn Katz, and Sam Goldband. He sold as part of the Libfeld/Katz ongoing dispersal and was consigned by Preferred Equine Marketing. Luther said Amazing Catch would return to Svanstedt for his four-year-old season. I thought he was, obviously, a very nice horse, said Luther. Hes had some bad racing luck this year and still kept finishing second and third in the big races. When we heard he was for sale, and then we heard everybody was retiring Karl, T C I, Sig Sauer, Winners Bet, Its Academic I thought we could have a huge four-year-old year with him and then send him to the breeding shed. Everybody wants a Walner. So, thats kind of the game plan. We plan to race him at four, try to win all the big ones there, and then put him to stud. Weve had calls from every single state already asking if they can get access to him. Were very excited about him. Amazing Catch became the third horse to sell for seven figures in U.S. dollars this week at the Standardbred Horse Sale. On Thursday, Hot Mess Hanover, the dam of award-winning trotting mare Jiggy Jog S, sold for $1,388,889 ($1 million USD) during the opening session of the events mixed sale. On Monday, trotting colt Cambridge Hanover, a three-quarter brother to standout two-year-old male trotter Maryland, went for $1,388,889 ($1 million USD) during the opening session of the yearling portion of the sale. I planned on [Amazing Catch] going somewhere between $1.5 million and $2 million, said Luther. Its so great for the sport. I really think its a great move for everybody. The sale here, we had a million-dollar yearling, a million-dollar broodmare, and an almost two-million-dollar [USD] racehorse. So, the industry is strong. Millionaire trotting mare Mambacita sold for $1,041,667 ($750,000 USD) on Friday, the second highest price during the mixed sales second session. The four-year-old was signed for by Ashleigh Bailey as agent for Crawford Farms, who bred the mare and was among her owners during her career. A daughter of Tactical Landing-Bills Lady with a mark of 1:50.4, Mambacita won 17 of 39 career races and earned just over $1.1 million while racing for trainer Tony Alagna. She was a multiple winner on the Grand Circuit and a multiple Kentucky Sire Stakes champion. She was consigned by Preferred Equine Marketing. Following Mambacita on the best-sellers list were three horses to sell for at least $300,000 USD. Three-year-old pacing colt Captain Luke, a son of Captaintreacherous-Bodacious Hanover who counts the 2023 Governors Cup among his five career wins, was purchased for $555,556 ($400,000 USD) by Andrew Harris. The colt, whose second dam is U.S. Hall of Famer Bunny Lake, has earned $783,031 lifetime. He was consigned by Preferred Equine Marketing. Three-year-old trotting filly Chaparmbro, a stakes-winning daughter of Chapter Seven-Armbro Deja Vu, was purchased for $500,000 ($360,000 USD) by Linda Stewart. She is a half-sister to millionaire Dejarmbro as well as six other stakes winners. She was consigned by Northwood Bloodstock Agency. Four-year-old pacing mare Southwind Bella, a stakes-winning daughter of Huntsville-Southwind Solara, was purchased for $416,667 ($300,000 USD) by Steve Jones. She is a three-quarter sister to millionaire Southwind Ozzi and half-sister to stakes winner Southwind Silence. She was consigned by Preferred Equine Marketing. The two-day mixed sale totalled $43.8 million ($31.6 million USD), a record for the event, for 597 horses and stallion shares. The previous high, $27.9 million USD for 605 horses and stallion shares, was established last year. This years mixed sale average of $73,535 ($52,945 USD) also was a record, bettering the mark of $52,224 USD for 492 horses and stallion shares in 2022. IMPORTANT LINKS (with files from USTA) This weekend's scheduled race date for Sunday, Nov. 10 at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to the available horse population in the province. Charlottetown Driving Park will host an expanded card with 14 races on Saturday, Nov. 9. Post time is 12:30 p.m., with an additional non-wagering race scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Live harness racing is scheduled to continue in Prince Edward Island on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Red Shores Summerside at 6 p.m. then back at Charlottetown Driving Park the following Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17 with 12:30 p.m. post times. The season finale at Summerside is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 19. (Standardbred Canada) Longtime harness racing industry participant Paul A. Vacca of Norton, Mass., passed away on Nov. 5, 2024 at the age of 89. Born in Brockton, Mass. in 1935, Mr. Vacca was the son of the late Anthony and Frances (Desmond) Vacca. He graduated from Brockton High School in 1953 and went on to serve in the United States Army. Mr. Vacca returned to civilian life and worked in construction. But he also enjoyed raising and racing harness horses which would become a full-time occupation as he became deeply involved in harness racing throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Although Mr. Vacca accounted for 180 wins and just under $1 million in combined earnings when he trained and drove horses early in his career after first being licensed in 1966, he became more focused on owning and training rather than sitting in the sulky. As a result, he campaigned many horses in the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes over the years and was a part of that programs resurgence over the last 10 years. Some of Mr. Vaccas more notable horses during his career include Bang Ah Uey (1:52.2, $243,748), Use Yah Blinkah (1:54.4, $203,650) and Roaring Kitty (1:51, $181,763). Mr. Vacca was a member of the United States Trotting Association, a board member of the Standardbred Owners Association of New England, and a member of the Harness Horsemans Association of New England. Mr. Vacca is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalie (Ciampi) Vacca; his two daughters, Diana (Vacca) Call and husband John Call and Debra (Vacca) Hardy and partner Scott Santosuosso. His grandchildren, Nicole (Hardy) Nason and husband Steven; Andrew Hannon and wife Casey; Matthew Hardy and wife Brianna; Jennifer Garrett and husband Scott; and Katelynn Call; his brothers John Vacca, Anthony Vacca; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Philip Vacca. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Vacca. The political earthquake caused by Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidential election is continuing to draw a variety of responses by leaders and organizations from evangelical communities. The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) issued a press release calling on all Americans to join the evangelical body in praying for Trump and the Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and all those chosen by voters to serve in Congress, state and local offices. As the election concludes, the NAE also thanked publicly officials and workers diligently administering the American electoral systems, despite some security threats looming in the current difficult political climate. Elections inevitably produce winners and losers, said NAE President Walter Kim. We pray for Gods guidance and blessing on those who have won, that they will be good stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to them, and that they will listen and speak to all Americans, including those who feel left out or unheard. We pray for consolation for those who lost their races, as they seek new ways to constructively bless the nation with their time and talents. As some voters express disappointment with results, the NAE also implored them to express feelings peacefully, looking to build bridges of understanding rather than fanning the flames of division. As evangelical Christians we pray for all our leaders, whether they received our votes or not. With the prophet Jeremiah, we pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation in which we live (Jeremiah 29:7), Kim said. We seek to live at peace with our neighbors, to speak truth to those in power, to care for those in need, to protect the vulnerable and to love all people made in Gods image, including those with whom we may have profoundly different perspectives. Meanwhile, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, a Christian rights law firm, issued a statement on LinkedIn saying that the Biden-Harris radical agenda and relentless overreach had been soundly rejected by American voters. The law firm, recalling its experience battling for the rights of Christians challenging that overreach in court cases, suggested three actions for the new Trump administration, to restore freedom and common sense. Firstly, rejecting censorship and protecting free speech: The Biden-Harris administration embraced censorship as a way to punish and silence dissent: pressuring social media companies to de-platform people, targeting concerned parents for FBI investigation, and more, stated ADF International. Lets restore the freedom to speak our minds: the most basic test of any free society. Secondly, eliminating gender ideology from public policy. The legal rights group said gender ideology had been infused into federal policy, giving an example of Title IX which the United States Courts defines as No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. ADF International reiterated that this legal concept had jeopardized many fundamental rights. The group also suggested it had harmed women and girls; and undermined basic safety, fairness, and privacy. No political agenda can alter the truth: we are indelibly created male and female. Embracing this reality is essentially to protect women, children and parental rights. Thirdly, fortifying the rule of law. ADF International accused the Biden-Harris administration of continually undermining core constitutional freedom such as federalism and the separation of powers. It even entertained the radical notion of packing the Supreme Court, opined the legal body in its statement. Let's bring back the rule of law, dismantling the administrative state and protecting the judiciary. Lastly, ADF International outlined optimism for the recent election to mark a change in government involvement in civil life. We're hopeful that this election will mark a turning point away from government overreach and toward the rule of law. Our Constitution is durable for a reason: it was built on ideals that have safeguarded freedom for generations. ADF will always defend it. Army veteran Del Hardiman said he had at least 16 close calls where his life was at stake. In his memoir Dangerous Enclosures he recalls those stories and how writing the book made him realize that he always seemed to have fate on his side. My overall journey or transformation was never in mind as events happened. I accepted lifes experiences as they happened. It was only in looking over notes and my memoirs later in life that I realized, Hey Im lucky to be alive, Hardiman said. I am a survivor, having taken opportunities when they availed themselves, somehow selecting the correct way at those forks in the road of life. Hardiman, who now lives in Fairfax Station, Virginia, said whether it was the bike given to him by his teacher, hitchhiking rides to the airport, or the opportunities within the U.S. Army and flying for NASA, things always seemed to work out for him. I was a poor kid who went to the N.B. Mills Elementary School, and we didnt have much. But as I say in the book, it seems like fate kept looking out for me, Hardiman said. Little things. I got selected as captain of the Civil Air Patrol. Why? Why was that? Fate certainly smiled on npw 79 year old during the more than a dozen close calls he said he had both as a civilian and military pilot, including one at the age of 19. Hardiman recalls his time growing up in Statesville as well as pivotal moments of his military and civilian careers in Dangerous Enclosures and how those affected his more than 60 years in aviation. At the time these events happened, I never questioned them, as is unusual, I believe, for a young man. If I had questioned the reason I escaped a serious circumstance, it would have affected my mindset and set me up for no longer being aggressive in performing tasks at hand, Hardiman said. In hindsight, these many years afterward I realized how fortunate I was to have so many close calls and survived. I use the word fate as an afterthought. I certainly dont believe luck had anything to do with it, nor did I particularly think a divine hand was watching over me at the time. Again, in hindsight, that may have been the case. Close calls werent just in the cockpit of the planes he flew, either. Luck followed him whether he was in the sky or on the ground. Whether it was secretive missions over Soviet airspace during the Cold War or flying for NASA, Hardimans life was filled with experiences that went far beyond the ordinary, according to a press release. One which comes to mind is when a Vietcong infiltrator team entered our Special Forces compound at night setting off explosives, one of which I later found was a mere six feet from where I slept but through the grace of God or fate as I called it, did not go off, Hardiman said. Dangerous Enclosures from Parker Publishers was released in September. Growing up in Statesville The following is a shared excerpt from Hardimans book, Dangerous Enclosures. Eighth grade saw me with a large paper route with the Statesville Record and Landmark. I traded in my used Schwinn bicycle for a new red Jaguar Mark II which I purchased for $100 on a payment plan from Riddles Bicycle and Hobby Shop. I customized my new bike by changing out the standard handlebars for long steer horn bars; along with that I put an oversized metal meshed basket in front over the wheel. Additionally, I had two canvas bags, one on each side of the rear wheel. This arrangement was typical for most paperboys. Being a paperboy was opportune as I developed skills in management and teamwork. After school, I reported to the downtown newspaper rear loading and dispatch facility where papers by the hundreds were coming off the noisy press, busily collected and identified in batches by young Bobby Wilhelm, a newspaper employee. The smell of freshly inked paper was in the air. Like clockwork, identified stacks of newspapers were placed on long tables to be rolled. Rural adult deliverymen were the first to get the papers while paperboys assisted them rolling their papers. It was a beehive of activity, well-orchestrated with the sound of the press in the background, we developed quite a skill in taking a stack of papers, tightly rolling them wrapped with a rubber band; like a machine, we knocked out the batches in no time. Then came our turn. Each of us purchased our own box of green rubber bands which would last for a week or two. We had fun as well. Earl Kuykendall, one of the older boys, would come whisper the name of someone in each boys ear as we were rolling our papers. Earl would loudly do a countdown at which time you would turn and shoot a rubber band at the person he had told you to. What a surprise when 15 boys turned and shot you while you aimed and shot at the one Earl had told you to! Only Earl knew who was on the hit list. We were all friends from different backgrounds and schools working as a team. The sooner you rolled your papers and loaded your now heavy bike, the sooner you would be on your way. At the end of the day, my patrons dutifully waited for their daily newspaper which, in those days, brought news of community and world events into kitchens or living rooms. In some instances, they were disappointed by my late arrivals. After leaving the Record and Landmark newspaper building, bicycle loaded with 150 tightly rolled papers, I sometimes stopped by the downtown Hefners Cafe on East Broad Street or maybe stop to play softball with kids while my deliveries waited. When asked why their paper was late, I usually told them we had problems with the press, a little white lie. One thing I took pride in was being able to pedal down the center of the street, no hands on the handlebars, accurately slinging papers left and right to land, if not on the porch, certainly close by. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Flame from a hydrogen injection nozzle. Credit: Nicolas Noiray / ETH Zurich Europe is preparing for climate-neutral flight powered by sustainably produced hydrogen. Last year, the EU launched a project to support industry and universities in the development of a hydrogen-powered medium-haul aircraft. Among other things, jet engines will have to be adapted to run on the new fuel. Today's engines are optimized for burning kerosene. "Hydrogen burns much faster than kerosene, resulting in more compact flames," explains Nicolas Noiray, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. This has to be taken into account when designing hydrogen engines. Experiments by Noiray's team now provide an important basis for this. The team has just published its results in the journal Combustion and Flame. One problem is vibrations, which engineers try to minimize. In typical jet engines, about 20 fuel injection nozzles are arranged around the annular combustion chamber of the engine. The turbulent combustion of the fuel there generates sound waves. These waves are reflected back from the walls of the chamber and have a feedback action on the flames. This coupling between the sound wave and the flames could give rise to vibrations that would induce a heavy load on the engine combustion chamber. "These vibrations can fatigue the material, which in the worst case could lead to cracks and damage," says Abel Faure-Beaulieu, a former postdoctoral researcher in Noiray's group. "This is why, when new engines are being developed, care is taken to ensure that these vibrations do not occur under operating conditions." Simulating conditions at cruising altitude When engineers developed today's kerosene engines, they had to get these vibrations under control. They achieved this by optimizing the shape of the flames as well as the combustion chamber's geometry and acoustics. However, the type of fuel has a major impact on the interactions between sound and flame. This means engineers and researchers must now make sure that they will not arise in a new hydrogen engine. An elaborate test and measurement facility at ETH Zurich allows Noiray to measure the acoustics of hydrogen flames and predict potential vibrations. As part of the EU project HYDEA, in which he is involved together with GE Aerospace, he tests hydrogen injection nozzles produced by the company. "Our facility allows us to replicate the temperature and pressure conditions of an engine at cruising altitude," Noiray explains. The ETH researchers can also recreate the acoustics of various combustion chambers, enabling a wide range of measurements. "Our study is the first of its kind to measure the acoustic behavior of hydrogen flames under real flight conditions." Injection nozzles for hydrogen engines are tested in this chamber at ETH Zurich. The researchers can replicate real conditions at cruising altitude. Credit: Nicolas Noiray / ETH Zurich In their experiments, the researchers used a single nozzle and then modeled the acoustic behavior of the collection of nozzles as it would be arranged in a future hydrogen engine. The study is helping engineers at GE Aerospace to optimize the injection nozzles and to pave the way for a high performance hydrogen engine. In a few years, the engine should be ready for initial tests on the ground, and in the future, it could propel the first hydrogen-fueled aircraft. ETH Professor Noiray does not consider the development of the engines or the development of hydrogen tanks for aircraft to be the greatest challenge in transitioning aviation to the hydrogen age. "Humanity has flown to the moon; engineers will undoubtedly be able to develop hydrogen planes," he says. But planes alone aren't enough. Another major challenge, Noiray says, is to put in place the entire infrastructure for hydrogen aviation, including producing climate-neutral hydrogen in sufficient quantities and transporting it to airports. Achieving this within a reasonable timeframe requires a concerted effort now. Why hydrogen for aviation? Most ground vehicles can be electrified with batteries; however, batteries are too heavy for high-performance aircraft. Storing the energy needed to fly 200 passengers over thousands of kilometers with hydrogen in cryogenic tanks weighs at least thirty times less than storing it in batteries. "In the coming decades, only small aircraft with very low payload capacity will be battery-powered," ETH Professor Noiray says. "For passenger and cargo aircraft, synthetic fuels are the only alternative to today's kerosene, and hydrogen is the most economical to produce sustainably." Depending on the aircraft's size and range, there are two potential hydrogen solutions. For smaller regional aircraft with low cruising speeds and short ranges, hydrogen can be converted into electricity in a fuel cell on board. This drives propellers via an electric motor. However, for long-haul commercial aircraft, fuel cells are unsuitable due to their size and weight. In the future, these aircraft will be propelled by jet engines fueled with hydrogen. Several industrial consortia are currently working to develop such engines. More information: Abel Faure-Beaulieu et al, Measuring acoustic transfer matrices of high-pressure hydrogen/air flames for aircraft propulsion, Combustion and Flame (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.combustflame.2024.113776 Fulani herdsmen on Sunday (Nov. 3) ambushed and killed a Christian in Plateau state, Nigeria, a week after a Christian and his mother in the Jos North area were slain, sources said. In Daika village, Mangu County south of Jos, 30-year-old Fwangshak Lesun was ambushed and shot death on Sunday as he rode his motorcycle on an area highway, sources said. Fwangshak Lesun was returning to Daika from Mangu town at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, 3 November, when he was ambushed by armed herdsmen who shot and killed him, area resident Christopher Luka told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Lesuns family recovered his body near the Mangu-Daika bridge and buried it on Monday (Nov. 4) in Daika, Luka said. In the Jos North area, Muslim Fulani herdsmen on Oct. 27 just after 1 a.m. attacked the home of a Christian family in Hwollaza village off the Jos-Zaria highway, killing a woman and her adult son and wounding a third member of the family who was in critical condition at a clinic in Jos, said area resident John Dauda. The herdsmen killed a Christian woman, Mrs. Mary Jonathan, and her son, Mr. Mark Jonathan, while Dickson Timothy, another member of the household, was shot and injured, Dauda told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The victim is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jos. The two Christians have been buried. Yusuf Gagdi, a member of Nigerias National Assembly and an in-law to the Jonathan family, issued a statement about the killing. Myself, alongside my wife, Jemimah, laid to rest her mother, Mrs. Mary Jonathan, and brother, Mark Jonathan, who were tragically taken from us by violent and senseless acts, Gagdi said. We honor their memories, pray and seek justice. Rest well, Mama and brother Mark. May God Almighty expose the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Alfred Alabo, spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina visited the site and directed officers to investigate. In May 2023, hundreds of Fulani herdsmen invaded Christian communities in the Mangu area, killing more than 200 Christians. Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300. Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report. In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. 16th Air Force airmen in the 616th Operations Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The operations center is 16th Air Forces Information Warfare Command and Control unit consisting of experts in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electromagnetic spectrum, cyber and information operations. Sharon Singleton/16th Air Force A conceptual rendering of a 16th Air Force campus proposed at Port San Antonio. At far left, the existing Boeing Center at Tech Port can be seen. At center right in white is what the Port is now calling Innovation Tower, a new office building its working to develop. Port San Antonio A look at the 16th Air Force complex from the air. The building sits on a slightly elevated part of Joint base San Antonio-Lackland thats often called Security Hill. The 16th is in the building on the lower left hand side of the photo. U.S. Air Force Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Hensley was selected for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general and commander of the 16th Air Force in 2024. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Clifton Burns, a client system technician, reviews trouble tickets as Tech. Sgt. Tegan Michael, at center, looks on. 16th Air Force information technology specialists resolve issues across three protected Air Force networks. Sharon Singleton/16th Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addresses 16th Air Force airmen Oct. 31 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. He discussed the services capabilities and the Air Forces continuing reorganization, which began in early 2024. Matthew McGovern/16th Air Force 16th Air Force airmen perform Command and Control of forces in November 2023 in the 616th Operations Center at JBSA-Lackland. Deirdre McNamara/16th Air Force 16th Air Force has made strides in achieving full integration of new capabilities, but its future mission and headquarters now are uncertain. (Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr./Air Force photo) Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr./U.S. Air Force Jim Perschbach, President and CEO of Port San Antonio, speaks during a panel discussion at Boeing Tech Port about the future of mobility at Port SA. Jessica Phelps Nine months after the Air Force announced a sweeping reorganization that included plans to raise the stature of its cyber operations mission headquarters in San Antonio, the service still cant say exactly what that means. The holdup has left the 16th Air Force the unit responsible for information warfare thats housed on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland wondering about the impacts on its more than 49,000 employees, including 4,850 local workers. There also are questions about what the changes will mean for the 16ths portfolio of responsibilities, which include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electromagnetic warfare, weather, public affairs and information operations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Playing out in the background are discussions about replacing its old facilities. The 16ths headquarters building is 71 years old, with a hobbled HVAC system and foundation problems that cause shifting floors and cracked walls. Its a bad look for the unit defending the nation on the digital frontier, where something as simple as an air conditioning breakdown could create big problems for the high-end technology the 16th operates. Seeing the need, Port San Antonio earlier this year submitted an unsolicited $1 billion-plus proposal to help the Air Force build a new headquarters for the unit at the Port. And, late last month, the Air Force put out a call for proposals for six projects across JBSA. Among them was a new Cyber Security Center for the 16th. As reorganization talks drag on, the 16ths facilities issues continue. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales has warned against the Air Forces open-ended timelines for the moves, saying the time for waiting is over. And Port San Antonios pitch has drawn bipartisan support from lawmakers who say its worthy of consideration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite such calls, the wait continues for clarity about the 16ths future. AFCYBER? The Air Force-wide reorganization is being built on 24 decisions the service says it must make to be better prepared for potential wars against advanced countries like China or Russia. One part of the plan calls for elevating the Air Forces cyber operations mission into a standalone organization called Air Forces Cyber but leaves questions about the future of the 16th Air Force. Currently, the 16th is also Air Forces Cyber AFCYBER in military shorthand the services cyber warfighting organization. The reorganization calls for that part of its mission to become a so-called component command, a move that could remove a layer between its commander and the Air Forces senior leaders. The proposal is fueling questions and speculation. In September, an Air Force spokesperson at the Pentagon said it will be several more months before more can be said about AFCYBER or the future of the 16th. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Unanswered questions include what AFCYBER will be, who will lead it, impacts on employees, the future of non-cyber functions or where its funding will come from. The service also wouldnt say whos making the decisions in the reorganization announced in February by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. He visited Lackland in late October. That leaves the 650 people at the 16th Air Force headquarters and its 4,200 other employees spread across subordinate units at JBSA-Lackland without a clear picture of how the changes will impact them. While the 16th waits, the Air Force on Sept. 12 elevated another similar organization, the 12th Air Force, to Air Forces South as part of the reorganization. The change moves that unit from under the leadership of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and allows its commander to report directly to the Air Force chief of staff. Other units awaiting elevation are the 9th Air Force, also known as Air Forces Central; the 1st Air Force, also known as Air Forces North; and Air Forces Space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Deliberate process Maj. Gen. Thomas Hensley, who took command of the 16th in August, said recently he thinks a decision could come soon. We have some very senior leaders that are going through a very deliberate process to determine what is the right way forward with AFCYBER being elevated in 16th Air Force, he said. An elevation would make AFCYBER akin to other commands overseeing major functions. Examples are Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, which is responsible for fighter and bomber aircraft; Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, which oversees military airlift; or Air Education and Training Command, which is in charge of training and located on JBSA-Randolph. As part of the reorganization, that unit will become Airman Development Command. So, I think were getting pretty close to a decision on that one, but thats all I can comment on at this time, Hensley said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Gonzales, a retired Navy cryptologist whos discussed the 16ths physical needs with Ravi Chaudhary, the Air Forces assistant secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, remains skeptical anything will happen soon. Strengthening Americas cyber capabilities is top of mind. I have been engaged with Air Force leadership about developing a forward-looking strategy on this, as it relates to 16th AF right here in San Antonio, he said. My understanding is that the process is still underway and I wouldnt be surprised if there is an extended amount of time before a determination is made. Hensley said senior leaders have been thinking about the future of the 16th Air Forces headquarters since before the service-wide reorganization began in February, but because there have been no decisions on the 16ths future or AFCYBERs elevation, theyre limited in their planning. Because we dont have (the future of AFCYBER and 16th Air Force) determined yet, we dont know what the size of the staff is, and I think things are a bit on hold until that decision is made, and then we can go back to mission analysis and (course of action) development, he said. Further complicating the situation is the Space Forces desire to create its own cyber warfare headquarters, which some have said could also land in San Antonio. In May, a Space Force spokesperson said the newest military branch intends to stand up a Space Force cyber unit that would answer to U.S. Cyber Command. Initial mission analysis is currently underway but the date for that stand-up has yet to be determined, she said. Theres also talk of creating a separate cyber-focused branch of the military. The House Armed Services Committee included a call for a study to evaluate a possible Cyber Force in a draft of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. A similar proposal was included in the previous act but didnt make it into law. Currently, the 16th Air Force is part of Air Combat Command. When AFCYBER is elevated, it would be its own command equivalent to the one that it currently falls under. That would probably make the 16th a subordinate unit, because numbered Air Forces typically fall under component commands. In the meantime, we need immediate improvements to our cyber-related infrastructure that lives up to the urgency of their work, Gonzales said. This Congress, I secured $48 million for the construction of a new Cyber Operations Center at JBSA. Next Congress, we will work towards doing even more. Old building The 16th oversees nine wings across the country, including the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. With its varied mission, the units commander answers to multiple bosses including the director of the National Security Agency, the chief of the Central Security Service, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security, Air Combat Command and U.S. Cyber Command. The units classified work takes place in aging buildings across JBSA-Lackland, a setup thats the result of years of reorganizations as the Air Force has worked to keep up with advancing technology. Beyond the 16ths headquarters home in the 71-year-old Building 2000, its other facilities are between 27 years and 38 years old. Building 2000 is in such bad shape that JBSA worked with the 16th Air Force to create 300 temporary workspaces at Building 171, a sprawling government office building on neighboring Port San Antonio. Despite the aging buildings, Hensley said the 502d Air Base Wing thats responsible for JBSAs facilities, has been an outstanding partner thats engaged and constantly evaluating the facilities. Theyre just doing a fantastic job, he said. We are looking at plans at a future headquarters, but were comfortable where were at right now, conducting the mission, but we do want to look at options for the future. In August, the Air Force responded to a letter from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and a bipartisan group of congressmen who voiced support for the Ports plan to build a new campus for the 16th. It said its reviewing the proposal and looking at other opportunities for JBSA under a new initiative focused on a more strategic approach to managing its real estate. According to letter from Chaudhary, the services review of its facilities requirements should be completed by the middle of November. Jim Perschbach, Port San Antonio president and CEO, said he doesnt expect an answer to the headquarters question by then but is encouraged by progress. We are ready to move as quickly as they are ready to move, he said last month. Gonzales said hes worried it wont happen soon enough. 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. Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo (center) poses with six of the law clerks her Judicial Clerkship Mentorship Program helped place with San Antonio area judges. They are (from left) Mark McPherson, David Janise, Kathryn Cantu, Luke Cleland, Layne Mustian and Koy Kunkel, Wesley Boyd David Janise is the first member of his family to go to college. So when he entered St. Marys University School of Law, there were a lot of things he didnt know about. Like what a law clerk was and why he should want to be one. No one told me it would give me a behind-the-scene view of how the federal courts work and what a judicial clerkship would do for my career, said the 34-year-old, who is clerking for U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam. Janise credits U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo and her staff for helping him successfully apply for not one, but two clerkships and for teaching him the skills he needed to do the job well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I give complete credit to Judge Marmolejo, he said. She changed the trajectory of my career. The program Marmolejo founded and manages is called the Judicial Clerkship Mentorship Program. Its goal is to increase opportunities for St. Mary's law students like Janise to land more of these prestigious clerkships. Law clerks serve judges in many ways. In addition to performing administrative and other office duties, they provide in-depth experience in legal research, writing and courtroom procedures. They draft opinions, assist in legal research and help manage the judge's caseload. Clerks also get the opportunity to work closely with judges, learning how they operate and make decisions. Completing a clerkship also can help applicants land jobs immeasurably. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Marmolejo said that, to her knowledge, there is no similar program at any law school in the country, although many assist students in other ways. In recent years its been a school priority to make sure students know the value of judicial clerkships, said Patricia Roberts, dean of the law school. These clerkships help them hone their legal skills and writing while also helping them develop close relationships with judges. Applying for and securing one of these positions is a competitive process. According to the American Bar Association, only 3.4% of law school grads landed federal clerkships in 2023. Students from St. Marys, a relatively small school with a low national profile, are at a particular disadvantage as they compete with hundreds of applicants, many from top schools such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford. Marmolejo, who graduated from St. Marys in 1996, said she launched the mentorship program to improve their odds. In the two years shes run it, 20 students have been selected for clerkships, with six currently clerking in the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. It is unusual for a division to employ six graduates originating from the same school, according to Marmolejo. EX-ANCHOR GETS LAW DEGREE: Max Massey graduates with honors, journal publication Advertisement Article continues below this ad When I entered law school, I didnt even know clerkships existed, she said. [Things] would have been so much more direct if I had a similar opportunity to what these students are getting. Running this program is my way of giving back. During the two-semester program, students meet once a week for several hours at a time. The program is run like an actual clerkship, so students will know what to expect if they secure one. In addition, Marmolejo drills them on what they need to know when applying for a clerkship, including advice on completing they application process and doing mock interviews. That was super useful, said Layne Mustian, 25, a clerk with Craig A. Gargotta, chief bankruptcy judge for the Western District of Texas. It prepared me to compete against other students from bigger schools. The program should also raise the profile of the St. Marys law school, as law school rankings are often influenced by the number of students who secure clerkships. In 2024, St. Mary's University ranked in the bottom 22% of law schools in the United States, tied for No. 153 out of 196, according to U.S. News & World Reports Best Law School list. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Senior Magistrate Colin John had some sound advice for law students of the SVGCC. Senior Magistrate Colin John is encouraging law students at the St. Vincent Community College to achieve their goals through hard work and discipline. Johns advice came on Monday when a group of first year law students of the Community College attended the Serious Offences Court, under the supervision of their teacher, Attorney Adrian Odle, to familiarize themselves with the court process. The Senior Magistrate said, "Its not a matter of being dunce or bright. What you put in is what you get out, so you have to be prepared. The Magistrate also highlighted some of the benefits and achievements to be derived from the profession. "Its a noble profession, its a profession of longevity, John told the students, adding that there was no time limit on how long someone could stay in the profession. He, however, hinted that while the profession could be financially rewarding, it could also be very challenging. John said that he did not agree with the view expressed by some people that the profession was oversaturated. He noted that the profession has a variety of areas and their services will always be needed in at least one of these areas. "Be disciplined, take the stress and study hard, he urged. Jocelyn Blake-Browne, Deputy Chief Education Officer, addressed, inter alia, the issue of teaching science and how this can be improved. The National Science and Technology Fair, launched last Tuesday, will run from November 11 15, 2024 at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall. The Fair, with its theme, Sustainability. Securing a brighter future for SVG, will be sponsored once again by VINLEC and prizes are expected to be awarded for three institutional levels primary, secondary and tertiary and in an open category. Deputy Chief Education Officer Jocelyn Blake-Browne addressed the launch and disclosed that if her departments plans come to fruition, there will be a more exciting approach to science teaching at schools. Blake-Browne referred to a revision of the Primary School Science curriculum. She hinted at making the curriculum "more inclusive, and more hands on, so that students can "have something to look forward to. The number of schools that take part in the Science and Technology event was far from satisfactory, the Deputy Chief Education Officer observed, and she encouraged teachers to support the students in their endeavors for, taking part in the Science and Technology Fair gives students the opportunities to broaden their horizon in practical areas, she posited. Students, she insisted, will improve their research techniques, their use of technology, ability to communicate and strengthen their networking abilities by taking part in any Science and Technology venture. She is hopeful that there would be more projects this year. "We need to motivate the students, Blake-Browne appealed and suggested outdoor activities so as to sharpen the students awareness of things environmental. Simple aspects like looking at weather conditions can be ways students can be exposed to their surrounding and arouse their curiosity, and Blake-Browne urged teachers to explore beyond the chalk and talk approach. The Deputy noted that it was not one-way traffic. She urged students to develop that drive within themselves and she scoffed at the mindset that science was something for the gifted students alone. For Blake-Browne, teachers have to make their lessons "interesting and "inclusive, to grab the students interest, all this towards changing the mindset. She was joined at the head table by VINLECs Communications Officer Bria King. King highlighted that VINLECs continued sponsorship of the event was fueled by their recognition of the power of technology in helping to overcome many of the challenges that faces todays society. She is hoping that students bring their ideas forward and make an impact on areas where they are needed. Juanita Hunte-King, Education Officer for Science, shared her enthusiasm about the annual event and with the increased interest shown by students. Science Association President Jovarnie Rose recognized that the Science and Technology Fair provided the platform for students to display their skills. Students and teachers added a cultural flair to the launch. This included a rendition of the Alban Henry composed folk song MOONLIGHT (Poor Mans Lantern) on pan, by six-year-old Corey Browne, a student of the St. Marys Roman Catholic School. African ministers review implementation of 1995 Beijing Declaration on gender equality Xinhua) 09:36, November 08, 2024 ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- African ministers have convened a meeting to review the implementation progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, calling for concerted efforts to tackle barriers to gender equality. The ministerial gathering, which brought together African ministers in charge of gender and women's affairs as part of the African Union (AU) specialized technical committee meeting on gender equality and women's empowerment, is held from Nov. 6 to 7 at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The meeting was convened as the global community is set to observe the 30th anniversary next year of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Addressing the meeting, Ethiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye reiterated the urgent need to integrate the issue of gender equality and women empowerment in national and continental development as well as peace and security strategies and frameworks. She said the continental ministerial meeting can serve as a platform to collectively strive for greater results to accelerate Africa's common commitment and position to ensure gender equality and women's empowerment. "We must continue to build institutional systems that support the rights of women in both rural and urban settings, address emerging challenges such as digital inequality and ensure the financial inclusion of women," Tesfaye said. Noting the urgent need to accelerate continental commitments to gender equality and women's empowerment, the Ethiopian minister said: "Our actions today will shape the lives of millions of young girls and women across Africa." Hanan Morsy, deputy executive secretary and chief economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said despite recent progress in education and health, one in 10 African women lives in extreme poverty. "We must tackle barriers to gender equality and strengthen institutional mechanisms for accountability," she said. "We must strive for a better future where every woman can thrive." "Today's review calls us to action on legal and institutional frameworks, resource mobilization, digital divide, and social norms to pave the way for a more equitable and just society," Morsy said. She underscored the need to establish partnerships with the private sector, youth, and civil society to create a meaningful impact on women's empowerment. Echoing the sentiment, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director of UN Women, emphasized the need for continued efforts toward gender equality and women's empowerment. She underscored the goal of a world where women and girls thrive free from violence and have opportunities to contribute to global development, peace and stability. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Former President Donald Trump, considered a political outcast after losing the presidency in 2020 and an attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol, was elected to another term on Wednesday in a decisive and astounding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. His win completes one of the most remarkable comebacks in political history, just four years after voters ejected him from the office. Trump defeated Harris 295 to 226 as far as the electoral votes to win the presidency. He need a minimum of 270 to do so. The former president captured battleground states that for weeks had been considered a toss-up. The race was both improbable and historic. His return to the White House comes after he was impeached twice, survived two assassination attempts and was convicted of 34 felony counts. He becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland 132 years ago to lose the office and win again four years later. Trumps triumph at the ballot box was a remarkable moment in a presidential contest unlike any other. While driven into near-exile after the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump quickly began planning a comeback from his home base at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He announced his 2024 candidacy in November 2022, shortly after congressional elections in which Republican candidates did worse than expected. Trumps victory over Harris puts the nation on a vastly different course than the one charted over the past four years by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who beat Trump in 2020 in a close race that Trump still falsely claims he won. Harris served as Bidens vice president. During the campaign, Trump sought to tie her to what he said were the administrations failures on the economy, immigration and other issues. Trump vowed that, if given another term, he would begin the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, seek retribution against his perceived political enemies, send the military into Chicago and other cities coping with violence, and impose tariffs of as much as 10% on most foreign goods. "Look what happened is this crazy? Trump told a screaming crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center early Wednesday morning. Echoing comments he made on the campaign trail, Trump called his supporters "the greatest political movement of all time and said his victory and GOP wins in Congress had provided "an unprecedented and powerful mandate. He promised to help the country heal after the divisive election, stressing that "we have to put our county first for at least a period of time. The two men whose bodies were found in the Petit Bordel mountains on Thursday 7th November have been identified as Johnny Holder and Kelorn Beeshit Baptiste, both of Lowmans Leeward, a community some nineteen or so miles from Petit Bordel. Holder and Baptiste were reported as having been shot and the same report said that a third man was found alive alongside the dead men. Residents in Petit Bordel reported hearing loud explosion around 2am and police from all reports responded with some haste to reports by resident. Even after the bodies were discovered and retrieved from the mountain, a heavy police presence was noticeable in Petit Bordel and neighbouring Rose Hall. According to the third man, who goes by the nickname Alkaline and who was found alive, on Thursday 7th November, sometime around 2am, he and two other men - Johnny Holder and Kelorn Beeshit Baptiste - were asleep in a shanty (a small, rough shelter) in the Petit Bordel Mountain. He related that they were awaken by male voices saying, "Nobody move then they open fire. He was lucky to be shot in his hand and he ran out of the shanty, jumped over an embankment and escape the gunmen. When it appeared to him that it was safe i.e. that the gunmen had left, he returned to the shanty only to discover Holder and Baptiste dead with signs of multiple gunshot wounds including to the head. A canvas of views of residents in the area revealed that many believed that the latest shooting deaths were linked to two homicides - gun related - that occurred in Petit Bordel in late September. Stanran Standpipe Stapleton, 29, was shot and killed on September 27 and two days later, September 29, at around 2am, Othnell Lavia, aka Curtell, a 37-year-old farmer, died after being shot. Many residents in the community suspected that Lavia was killed in retaliation for Stapletons death and Holder, one of the two recently deceased, was also alleged to be involved in that shooting. On October 9, Iran Stapleton, Stanrans brother, was apprehended at the Argyle International Airport after attempting to flee the country. He was later charged with causing the death of Lavia. Readers will recall that in 2023, Holder escaped death after he was shot in the foot while in Pole Yard, Arnos Vale. He along with Lemron Mason of Ottley Hall were in November 2023 granted bail after being charged with seven indictable offences, including assault with a deadly weapon and robbery, in connection with an action in Campden Park. In December 2023, a then 23-year-old Holder was sentenced to prison for breaching a curfew ordered by the court. Indications are that Kelornn Baptiste had a record of run-ins with the law and had served prison time in the past. The homicide count for the year now stands at 41. 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). Infracorp, a leading specialised company investing in the infrastructure and sustainability development sector, will showcase its diverse portfolio of real estate and development projects both in Bahrain and beyond at the upcoming Cityscape Bahrain 2024 real estate xpo. Being held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Cityscape Bahrain 2024 will open its doors on November 26 at the Exhibition World Bahrain and run for the next four days. This participation follows the remarkable success the company achieved at the previous edition, said a statement from Infracorp. Additionally, the Bahrain-based investment group will be joining the Cityscape Riyadh 2024 exhibition, to be held on November 11 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, as part of the dedicated Bahrain pavilion organised by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera). During its participation, Infracorp will unveils its key 'Marina Bay' project located on Reef Island, where a selection of luxurious residential units have recently been offered for ownership. The project comprises approximately 176 units divided into two phases, including 26 villas and is distinguished by its prime waterfront location on Reef Island. The company is expected to bolster its sales at these upcoming exhibitions, contributing to the growth of the real estate sector in the kingdom and reinforcing its role as a vital driver of national economic support, it stated. In addition, Investcorp will showcase the latest developments of the Harbour Walk project, which is the newest shopping destination in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It boasts over 10,000 sq m of commercial space extending along a promenade and a waterfront exceeding one kilometre. It has attracted several global brands who are keen to launch their operations, along with restaurants and cafes from renowned names such as ROKA, Dawa by Chef Roaya Saleh, and cafes like 668, There, Makani, and Strathclyde University Bahrain, along with other services catering to visitors of Bahrain Harbour. Speaking on the occasion, Majid Khan, Board Member and CEO of Infracorp, said: "At Infracorp, we are committed to consistently participating in the largest real estate forums in the kingdom and the region, aiming to support the esteemed government's approach in enhancing economic growth and innovation within the real estate sector." "We believe in the importance of collaborating with partners and investors to promote sustainability and deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of both local and international markets," he stated. "We look forward to showcasing our future projects that reflect our dedication to developing sustainable residential and commercial environments that enhance the quality of life. We will also present the latest developments in our global portfolio and the communities we operate in across Bahrain, Dubai, North Africa, and India," he added. Headquartered in Bahrain, Infracorp manages a portfolio of nearly $3 billion in infrastructure assets, including a 250 million sq ft land bank in the GCC, North Africa and South Asia, which is earmarked for sustainable economic and social infrastructure.-TradeArabia News Service Equinix, a major digital infrastructure company, has officially opened its hitech data centre in the coastal city of Salalah, Oman, establishing a significant new interconnectivity hub that will transform global data flows. Strategically located in the coastal city of Salalah, the new data centre SN1 is built in cooperation with Omantel, a regional leading telecom and technology provider in the Middle East. Over the past decade, Omantel has invested over $1 billion in international networks and data centres, successfully attracting global hyperscalers to establish their regional hubs in the sultanate. On a global level, the creation of the joint venture, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), marks a significant step forward for the international business, creating a leading force in the wholesale telecom sector, delivering end-to-end connectivity solutions across the Middle East and beyond. The facility is commercially and operationally managed in full by Equinix as a carrier neutral and open access Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data center. According to Equinix, this marks the second carrier-neutral data center built in Oman, following the success of MC1 in Muscat, and Equinixs sixth facility in the Middle East, complementing its existing operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. SN1s unique location in Salalah optimises the routes of several highly strategic connections, offering a more direct and cost effective reachability for businesses and service providers across four continents. SN1 will significantly reshape traffic flows across the Middle East and beyond, reducing latency and improving the resilience of global networks. The facility will also feature direct fibre connectivity to Equinixs MC1 data centre in Muscat, providing carriers, hyperscalers, content providers, and cloud service providers the ability to co-locate their critical infrastructure and further enhance regional operations. Kamel Al Tawil, Managing Director of Equinix for the Mena region, expressed delight at inaugurating its latest strategic data centre, further showcasing our investment in Oman and the wider Middle East. "With extension to multiple subsea cables, this new hub in Salalah will transform global connectivity across different continents and aligns perfectly with our strategy of creating network-dense, highly interconnected ecosystems globally," he stated. Talal Al Mamari, the CEO of Omantel, said: "Today, we are announcing another major milestone through our partnership with Equinix. The launch of the SN1 data centre is a cornerstone of our strategy to create a global connectivity hub in Salalah." "We are committed to attracting the worlds leading content providers and hyperscalers to the region, and this state-of-the-art data centre is a key part of this vision. By next year, we plan to land multiple subsea cables in Salalah, solidifying its status as one of the most connected hubs in the region due to its location at the crossroads of major international routes between Asia, Europe, Africa and all the way to Australia," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Dubai-based group ReFarm Global (ReFarm) and Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) have joined hands to break ground on GigaFarm, an innovative project being developed on a 900,000 sq ft plot at Food Tech Valley, a key UAE-government-led initiative. A strategic partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Dubai-based developer Wasl, the Food Tech Valley has been designed to address food security locally, regionally, and globally. Food Tech Valley plays a vital role in these efforts, which seek to increase local production of food and strategic crops by employing eco-friendly, climate-smart agricultural technologies, enabling us to meet domestic demand and achieve the National Food Security Strategy 2051 goals. A pioneering project, GigaFarm places Dubai Food Tech Valley at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, establishing a new benchmark for innovative, technology-driven and cost-effective food production in the region. The site will begin food production in 2025 and will be capable of growing more than three million kilos of produce annually when complete, using IGS smart AI-driven vertical farming technology. In addition, by diverting more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, the GigaFarm will significantly advance the UAE's efforts to decarbonise food production, offsetting 1% of the country's fresh produce imports. It will co-locate six complementary technologies, establishing a self-contained closed-loop ecosystem designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent any waste going to landfill. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior officials including Dr Amna bint Abdulla Aldahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Jonathan Reynolds, British Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE, Oliver Christian, British Consul-General to Dubai, Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, Omar Al Maydoor, General Manager Lands Asset Management at Wasl, Ahmed Al Shaibani, Head of Food Tech Valley, Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of ReFarm, Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm, Andrew Lloyd and Chief Executive of IGS. Dr Al Dahak said the UAE believes in collaboration to lay the foundations for sustainable food security both locally and globally, aiming to exchange experiences, knowledge, and technologies to create solutions for the food and agricultural challenges faced by our nation and the world, particularly those related to limited water resources and arable land. Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, the Group CEO of Wasl, said Food Tech Valley was a transformative project designed to build a resilient food ecosystem, decarbonise food production and contribute to global food security. "We have been working closely with all stakeholders to pioneer innovation at the project to fulfil this mission and we are a step closer to making it a success. The project has attracted top agritech minds and companies since it was launched, underlining a shared commitment to safeguard the UAE's food ecosystem for generations to come, as well as becoming a model for other nations to follow," he added. On the key project, Hobart said: "Food security and climate change are global challenges the best way to tackle these is by working together. That's why I'm proud to see a UK company provide its vertical farming technology for the UAE's innovative GigaFarm project." "This remarkable endeavour demonstrates the ingenuity of our British innovators, so we can support the UAE's strong commitment to regenerative farming, food waste decarbonisation and local food production," he stated. Christof said: "Since we first unveiled the GigaFarm project during the COP28 conference last December, a huge amount of work has gone into transforming initial plans into a concrete, deliverable reality. Operating for more than one year from our initial facilities in Al Quoz, Dubai, we have showcased more than 60 varieties of crops, proven a variety of use cases for the various regenerative products, established a regular supply of produce to key offtakers and diverted over 40 tonnes of food waste from landfills." "None of this would have been possible without the proactive support of our local stakeholders, who have shown unwavering commitment, the Dubai and UAE governments, especially MOCCAE, the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and their dedication to shaping a legislative environment that allows for novel technology applications to be developed, adopted, and approved for use," he added. Lloyd pointed out that this project was a global first. "It's not just a large-scale standalone vertical farm site: Our technology has been integrated into the heart of a revolutionary circular system to deliver genuine change to global regenerative food security," he noted. "Together with the ReFarm team, we would like to extend our gratitude to both the UAE and UK governments for creating a supportive ecosystem which has ultimately enabled this project to move from a concept to breaking ground in less than a year, building on the legacy of COP28," said Lloyd. "The months ahead promise to be transformational for IGS as we embrace both the challenges and opportunities presented by deploying our tech at GigaFarm scale," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Three global groups - MAN Industries and Thermocables (both from India) and Hong Kong-based Dalipal Holdings have signed agreements with King Salman Energy Park (Spark) to set up steel pipes and cable manufacturing facilities within the mega industrial development in Saudi capital Riyadh. This comes as part of SAR3 billion ($798 million) letters of intent signed by Spark, a key industrial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of Adipec 2024, the worlds largest and most inclusive gathering for the energy industry. A global leader in the line pipe sector, MAN Industries said under this pact, it will be setting up a 360,000-sq-m facility at Spark. The facility will produce large-diameter carbon steel pipes and offer anti-corrosion coatings, boosting the metal processing sector in Saudi Arabia, remarked its Projects Vice President Hardik Shah. Thermocables, a leading manufacturer of specialty cables, will focus on quality cable production at its 10,000 sq m Spark manufacturing hub, stated its Chairman Chetan Ghurka. As per the deal, Dalipal Holdings is set to produce seamless steel pipes at its Spark facility. This plant, which will occupy over 1,000,000 sq m, aims to cater to the kingdoms energy services sector, said its Chairman Meng Fanyong. In addition to these three, leading entities BioChem, a chemical manufacturing company and Saudi-based Primetech were also part of Spark deals. BioChem will be setting up a state-of-the-art facility at Spark to produce xanthan gum, a substance used to reduce the structural strength and viscosity of substances such as drilling fluid, stated its CEO Mohammed Hayef. In a major boost to local manufacturing, Primetech International Company will be producing blow out preventors and manifolds, enhancing the kingdoms 'Saudi Made' brand worldwide, said its Operations Manager, Kiran Kumar. Primetech is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of oilfield equipment in Saudi Arabia. In a letter of intent signed with Kumar, Primetech said it will aim to expand globally, in line with the kingdoms ambitions to diversify its role in the energy services sector. On the key agreements, Mishal Al Zughaibi, the President and CEO of Spark, said: "We are proud to welcome these industry leaders as tenants at Spark. The letters of intent signed today underscore our commitment to fostering industrial growth and connecting tenants to the Saudi energy sector." "This expansion further solidifies Spark's position as a leading regional industrial ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainable growth," stated Al Zughaibi. According to Spark, these agreements will generate over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs and significantly expand manufacturing capabilities at the mega Saudi industrial development at maturity. "These signings represent a significant milestone for Spark as continues to connect the world to opportunities in the Saudi energy sector and beyond and support the goals of Vision 2030 to localize the energy value chain," noted Al Zughaibi. The state-of-the-art facilities will reinforce Sparks position as a leading regional player facilitating the localisation of the energy supply chain, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Al Islami Foods, a leading UAE-based provider of halal poultry and meat products, has launched its extensive processed food range in Qatar that aims at meeting the needs of modern households and busy individuals, bringing a new level of convenience to halal cooking. Known for its commitment to hand-slaughtered, never-stunned halal products, Al Islami aims to offer quality and convenience to Qatari consumers through a selection of items like burgers, nuggets, franks, kebabs, and mince. The launch highlights Al Islamis dedication to serving the evolving tastes and demands of the regions consumers. Sourced from farms that uphold rigorous halal standards, each product in the new line is designed to offer convenience without sacrificing quality or nutrition. "At Al Islami Foods, we are committed to redefining convenience and the global halal food concept while maintaining the highest standards of halal integrity," said Zubair Ahmad, Marketing Director of Al Islami Foods. "Our new processed food range in Qatar combines quality ingredients with a commitment to authenticity, delivering a delicious experience while respecting halal principles. For us, food is not just a meal its a blessing." With a five-decade legacy in the halal food industry, Al Islami Foods has gained international recognition, ranking among the top five halal brands within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2023 and receiving the iHalal Brand of the Year award in 2021. The launch in Qatar represents a continued effort by Al Islami to expand its presence globally, ensuring that quality halal food is accessible to more consumers. - TradeArabia News Service Elizabeth Zavala covers federal courts for the Express-News. She can be reached at ezavala@express-news.net. Zavala is a veteran reporter who has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She joined the Express-News in 2013 and covered the Bexar County criminal courts for nine years. Liz grew up on the near West Side. She graduated from Fox Tech High School and Texas Womans University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism. Liz has worked in various reporting and editing positions at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle. King Salman Energy Park (Spark), a leading industrial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, signed five letters of intent for new projects with prominent sector players at Adipec 2024 the worlds largest and most inclusive gathering for the energy industry. Totaling over SAR3 billion ($798.66 million) in value, the agreements are set to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs at maturity. The five letters of intent with the following industry-leading manufacturers illustrate Sparks ongoing progress as a world-class industrial ecosystem dedicated to supporting tenants across the energy value chain: In a letter of intent signed with CEO, Mohammed Hayef, BioChem a chemical manufacturing company, will establish a state-of-the-art facility at Spark to produce xanthan gum, a substance used to reduce the structural strength and viscosity of substances such as drilling fluid. Covering 100,000 sq m, BioChems plant, the first of its kind in the GCC and MENA region, is forecasted to produce 20 kilotons of xanthan gum a year. It will form part of Sparkss chemical sector and is expected to support the Kingdom's ambitions for a thriving economy, in alignment with Vision 2030. MAN Industries, a global leader in the line pipe industry, will set up a 360,000 sq m facility at Spark through a letter of intent signed with Projects Vice President, Hardik Shah. The facility will produce large diameter carbon steel pipes and offer anti-corrosion coatings, boosting the metal processing sector in Saudi Arabia. Local player Primetech International Company will aim to expand globally, in line with the kingdoms ambitions to diversify its role in the energy services sector. Its Spark facility will produce blow out preventors and manifolds, enhancing the kingdoms "Saudi Made" brand worldwide. manufactures a wide range of oilfield equipment. In a letter of intent signed with Operations Manager Kiran Kumar Primetech Thermocables, a leading manufacturer of specialty cables, will focus on high-quality cable production at its 10,000 sq m SPARK manufacturing hub, following a signing with Chairman, Chetan Ghurka. Dalipal Holdings Chairman, Meng Fanyong, signed a letter of intent for the manufacturer of specialised oil country tubular goods to produce seamless steel pipes at its SPARK facility. This plant will occupy over 1,000,000 sq m and serve the Kingdoms energy services sector. Signing the letters of Intent on the sidelines of Adipec, Mishal Al-Zughaibi, President and CEO of Spark, stated: We are proud to welcome these industry leaders as tenants at Spark. The letters of intent signed today underscore our commitment to fostering industrial growth and connecting tenants to the Saudi energy sector. This expansion further solidifies Sparks position as a leading regional industrial ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainable growth. These signings represent a significant milestone for Spark as continues to connect the world to opportunities in the Saudi energy sector and beyond and support the goals of Vision 2030 to localize the energy value chain, Spark said. TradeArabia News Service Spinneys, the regions premium food retailer, today (November 8) delivered solid results for the first nine months with a record revenue of AED2.3 billion ($626 million), up 11.4% growth over last year driven by like-for-like sales growth of 11.1% and supported by the opening of four new locations since October last year - The Kitchen by Spinneys in Dubai Mall, Spinneys Al Khawaneej (Dubai), Spinneys Sobha (Dubai) and Spinneys La Strada (Riyadh). The ecommerce accounted for 14.5% of its nine-month revenue. Announcing the financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, Spinneys said its profit before tax surged by 27.1% to AED203 million (representing an 8.8% profit before tax margin), reflecting its best-in-class margin profile and the efficiency of is operations, while profit for the period increased by 14.6% to AED182 million (representing a 7.9% net profit margin), after absorbing the impact of the recently introduced 9% Corporate Tax in the UAE. Adjusted ebitda for the period totalled AED421 million, up 8.8% year-on-year, with an adjusted ebitda margin of 18.3%, including the impact of one-off IPO-related costs incurred in H1 2024 and more than AED10 million in pre-opening expenses in Saudi Arabia. The premium food retailer's gross profit increased by 12% year-on-year to AED948 million for the 9M 2024 period, with a stable gross profit margin of 41.2%, achieved through efficient sourcing and supply chain management and Spinneys highly successful private label strategy, emphasizing sales of high-margin products. The transaction growth rose 9.8% year-on-year, reaching 27 million transactions in nine months reflecting growing customer demand on the back of supportive macroeconomic dynamics. Spinneys said it continues to benefit from the strength of its brand equity and strategy, with growth momentum sustained throughout the year. Having opened four new stores since October 2023, the company has 12 signed leases in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to further support network expansion and tap into the compelling whitespace opportunity presented by both markets. In addition, Spinneys completed refurbishment and expansion at selected stores, expanding Spinneys RAK Al Hamra and Waitrose Saadiyat Beach by 26% and 51% respectively, as well as introducing meal solutions and health & beauty sections. On its Q3 results, Spinneys said its revenue for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 grew by 14.9% year-on-year to hit AED701 million, with strong momentum generated in H1 2024 sustained through the third quarter. Spinneys continued to make rapid progress on its store expansion programme. In Q3, it inaugurated a new warehouse facility in Kezad (UAE), increasing storage capacity by 220%. The company also improved The Kitchen by Spinneys central production capabilities to support future Kitchen locations, as well as to supply essential products to selected stores. Since the beginning of 2024, Spinneys has made significant strides in enhancing customer convenience through the continued expansion of Spinneys Swift, its hyperlocal delivery service. The service now covers 31% of the ecommerce catchment area and accounts for 18% of own platform ecommerce sales, reinforcing Spinneys' focus on meeting customer expectations with a 60-minute delivery promise, it stated. For the period, the company paid an interim dividend of AED102.6 million, or 2.85 fils per share, to shareholders. On the solid performance, CEO Sunil Kumar said: "We are pleased to report very robust year-to-date performance, with revenues growing to record levels and strong profitability metrics both before and after tax. All at Spinneys remain firmly committed to delivering on our ambitious growth plans as we widen our footprint in the UAE, accelerate our expansion in Saudi Arabia, roll-out new concepts and deepen our ecommerce offering." "With efficiency at the heart of our business model, coupled with supportive macroeconomic tailwinds, the power of our brand continues to see us secure favorable supplier terms, optimize our supply chain and deliver the most attractive margins in our industry," stated Kumar. "As we aggressively pursue sustained and profitable growth, our unique premium fresh positioning continues to set us apart. This is the platform on which we are building our future," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Gulfstream Aerospace Corp has announced it will exhibit two of its next-generation business aircraft at the Bahrain International Airshow from November 13 to 15: the ultralarge-cabin Gulfstream G700 and the clean-sheet Gulfstream G500. Gulfstream continues to see strong demand in the Middle East and interest in our next-generation fleet remains high, said Scott Neal, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Gulfstream. The G700 and G500 each provide a combination of advanced technology, cabin comfort and performance capabilities that continue to resonate with operators in the region. We are excited for our customers and guests to experience The Gulfstream Difference firsthand at the Bahrain International Airshow. Since entering service in April, the G700 has continued to showcase unparalleled maturity with type certificate validations in nine nations in addition to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certifications, along with increased flight hours and deliveries around the world. The aircraft features the industrys most spacious cabin and can be configured with up to five living areas, seat up to 19 passengers and sleep up to 13. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 delivers ultralong range and speed, flying 7,750 nautical miles/14,353 km at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm/12,316 km at Mach 0.90. With a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935, the G700 is the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet. The G500 entered service in September 2018 and introduced the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, which features safety enhancing technology including the industrys first active control sidesticks and most extensive use of touch screens, along with Phase-of-Flight intelligence. The aircraft has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and can fly 5,300 nm/9,816 km at Mach 0.85 or 4,500 nm/8,334 km at Mach 0.90. Both aircraft provide the exceptional comfort of the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air, whisper-quiet sound levels, abundant natural light and a low cabin altitude. Bahrain International Airshow attendees can view the G700 and G500 and speak with Gulfstream representatives at Stand A39. -TradeArabia News Service WE all have the power to break down the barriers that have held us back for too long. This was the statement from attorney-at-law and lay assessor of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal Veera Bhajan as she addressed the American Chamber of Commerce for T&T (Amcham T&T) Womens Leadership Conference yesterday. The event was hosted at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad), Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. WHITE candles were yesterday placed on the side of the road in Sennon Village Number Three, Siparia, where the severed head of 59-year-old Joanne Estick was found in a bag on Thursday. Estick, a mother of one and grandmother of three, was last seen in the village earlier this week. A senior police officer of the South Western Police Division said they are yet to officially confirm that the head is that of Estick without the rest of the human remains. Bexar County Democratic Chair Monica Alcantara attends a Bexar County Election Board meeting at the Paul Elizondo Tower in 2022. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL 2022 The chairs of the Texas and Bexar County Democratic parties are stepping down just days after losing ground locally and across Texas in the Nov. 5 election. Monica Ramirez Alcantara, who has chaired the Bexar County Democratic Party since 2018, is resigning less than five months into her fourth term. She submitted her resignation letter Thursday, which the party shared on its social media pages Friday morning. I am grateful to the voters of Bexar County for electing me as County Chair in the past four elections, Alcantara said in the letter. My decision to resign is based solely on me wanting to serve the voters of Bexar County in different manner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Less than two hours after her resignation was made public, longtime Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced he will step down in March. Hinojosa has been at the helm for more than a decade as Democrats have tried over and over to retake statewide power. This year, Democrats hoped to build on the near-success of Beto ORourkes 2018 U.S. senate campaign, but Sen. Ted Cruz trounced Democrat Colin Allred on Tuesday. And all four counties in the historically blue Rio Grande Valley, where Hinojosa lives, went for Donald Trump. He also carried Laredos Webb County. The president-elect won Texas by almost 14 percentage points while Cruz defeated Allred by close to 9 points higher margins than Trump and Cruz achieved in their previous campaigns in the state. In Bexar County, state Rep. John Lujan narrowly defeated challenger Kristian Carranza, denying Democrats one of their top Texas House pickup opportunities across the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While this was a hard decision, it is the best decision for our party, and I encourage our national leaders and party leaders at all levels to join me in lifting up the next generation in order to unite our party as we take on Donald Trump, Hinojosa said in a statement. READ MORE: 5 key takeaways from Election Day in Texas Alcantara said her decision to step down had nothing to do with Texas Democrats disastrous performance in Tuesdays election. I was actually going to step down prior to the presidential election, but knew how important the presidential election was to ensure that we didnt have new leadership right before such an important election, she said. So I chose to run so that we would have the stability and continuity in Bexar County during this election period. Alcantara, who has worked as a litigation paralegal for 31 years, said she plans to run for Bexar County district clerk in the March 2026 primary. District Clerk Gloria Martinez, a Democrat, is currently serving her first term. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alcantara won the March 2024 primary for Bexar County Democratic Party chair with 70% of the vote to challenger Sandragrace Martinezs 30%. Her fourth two-year term began on June 17. The office is not beholden to one leader, and I do believe that, at this time, there needs to be change and new ideas, Alcantara said. I think it only makes the party stronger. Her resignation letter touted the 16 elections the party has run and the $2 million it raised for outreach efforts under her leadership. READ MORE: Bexar County voters less energized than in 2020 Hinojosas resignation announcement comes days after he, in conversation with a reporter with The Texas Newsroom, expressed willingness to drop some support for transgender people to appeal to more centrist members of the party. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His comments set off a firestorm among Democrats on social media with some agreeing and others seeing his comments as an abandonment of the partys inclusiveness and focus on human rights. You have a choice as a party, Hinojosa told The Texas Newsroom on Wednesday. You could, for example, you can support transgender rights up and down all the categories where the issue comes up, or you can understand that theres certain things that we just go too far on, that a big bulk of our population does not support. Hinojosa later apologized, saying he was sorry for the pain and frustration his words caused, but the damage was done as Democrats began calling for his ouster. Hinojosa will step down in March when the State Democratic Executive Committee is expected to choose a replacement to carry out the rest of his term. He was last elected to a four-year term at the 2022 state party convention. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alcantara said she will remain in her post until her successor is selected. That could happen as soon as Nov. 21, when the Bexar County Democratic Partys County Executive Committee, which includes all of its precinct chairs, will meet to elect a replacement to carry out the rest of her term. 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. When the University of Arizona put out the call in July 2023 for local breweries to create a UA-branded beer, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company jumped in. The brewery, started in 2009 by UA Eller School grads Kyle Jefferson and Lynette Antillon, specializes in the hoppier IPAs, but for their Wildcat Cerveza, they went the amber route. We wanted to make a beer that was a little bit more inclusive so we went with this lighter amber lager, Jefferson said. The folks at UAs Trademarks & Licensing loved it and signed a two-year licensing deal. That deal got Laura Little, the departments associate director, and her people to thinking: Why not create a program for local makers and companies with ties to the UA to collaborate with the university? When we started working with (Pueblo Vida), it was kind of this realization that a lot of companies kind of see the university as maybe intimidating or not knowing how to work with the university, Little said. They started thinking, How do we grow this and where are we missing in our standard licensing of our local companies? In July, the UA launched Old Main Mercado, an initiative to collaborate with Tucson businesses to create branded products like Los Gatos Wildcat Sauce from Si Charro (parent of El Charro, The Monica, Charro Steak & del Rey, Charrovida and Charro Chico) and a line of scented candles from Cicada Candles, which is in its final design stage. When you walk on campus (the candles) take you back to walking on the mall or the orange blossoms in the spring, Little said. Cicada Candles owner Stacey McClure said they expect to begin production in January. Early this month, Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin uncorked the UA-branded version of its Arizona La Osa 2019, an intense and tasty red wine made with 100% estate Grenache that won a silver medal at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicles 2023 Wine Competition. Vineyards founder and winemaker Kent Callaghan said a friend of his wife Lisa suggested they pitch La Osa to the UA given the familys ties to the university: four generations of graduates from Lisas family (her parents, herself and her daughter), two from Callaghans (his mother and his daughter). The family also had deeper tangential ties through the groundbreaking research of UA soil scientist Gordon Dutt, who studied the regions soil and viticulture to see how adaptable it was to growing wine grapes. Dutt went on in 1973 to plant Sonoita Vineyards, the first commercial vineyard in the Elgin-Sonoita region and the official birthplace of Arizona wine. That opened the door for Callaghan and his parents, Harold and Karen, to plant their first vineyards in 1990. When his parents left the business in 1996, Callaghan took over. The UA, with input from Callaghan Vineyards, designed the Arizona La Osa label, which tells the universitys and the familys story through a historical timeline that starts with Lisa Callaghans great-grandfather J.C. Kinney. The early 20th century prominent businessman, politician and local rancher he owned La Osa Cattle Company, which inspired the wines name was instrumental in launching the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo. Hes also the namesake of Kinney Road, where you will find the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson. The label also features a drawing of a cowboy on horseback and another swinging a rope, and the original Wilbur with cowboy boots and hat. Kent Callaghan said they have 200 cases of the wine, which is available at several restaurants and bars, including Feast, Parish and Tap & Bottle, and for retail sale at Plaza Liquors, Time Market, Westbound, Arizona Wine Collective and Plaza Liquors. Phoenix-based GenuWine Arizona also carries it. It should retail for $35 a bottle, Callaghan said. Companies licensed by the UA sign a two-year contract; in the first year, they pay a flat fee of $500, followed by 20% of wholesale sales in the second, Little said. Obviously there always is a goal to create revenue for the university, but on this it was more having the community involved and supporting buy local and supporting the Tucson economy, Little said. Definitely, having the U of A brand tied to companies helps elevate them, Little added. The general sense of when someone sees the U of A logo on the product, they automatically think this is high quality and there is a certain level of confidence with that brand. Thats what Jason Robinson and his TimberTote partner Chelsea Adler are hoping for when they launch their UA-branded wooden handbags in the next few weeks. This gives us incredible exposure and credibility and lets our community be proud, said Robinson, who, along with his wife, graduated from the UA; their son, Avery, is now a student. This is born-and-bred in Tucson. Robinson and Adler, both Tucson natives, launched TimberTote in January after becoming friends when both opened businesses in Proper Shops, 300 E. Congress St. Robinson owns the woodworking brand Sport Class Customs, while Adler creates her own line of womens clothing at her shop Desert Mariposa Boutique. Adler has since moved her boutique to a brick-and-mortar at 6538 E. Tanque Verde Road. The pairs handbags are made with a woodworking technique using a high-powered laser to make a series of staggered cuts that create a living hinge, making the wood pliable enough to bend without breaking. The purse is lined with cloth. TimberTote will launch its UA collab with three designs, which will be set on the inside lining: a Wildcat face, an overview of the inside of McKale Center, and the ubiquitous block A. The outside of each will feature an engraved block A. Robinson said they are taking orders now on their website, timbertotepurse.com. Little said companies interested in being licensed through Old Main Mercado have to be based in Tucson or Southern Arizona and align with the UAs mission and values. For information, visit licensing.arizona.edu/old-main-mercado. Want quicker election results? Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican, says the answer is simple: Forbid voters from dropping off their early ballots on Election Day at polling places. That is the way they do it in Florida, he said. And he wants to introduce legislation next year to make it happen here. But Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said there are other systemic problems that contribute to the fact it takes days to get a final tally. Shortening the time voters have to return their ballots is not the answer, he said. I dont like any solution that limits access, Fontes said. I dont like any solution that narrows the ability for voters to vote the way they want, when they want. Im not a fan of doing this on the backs of voters. Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, the Democratic Pima County recorder, agrees. She said the window for early voting is already small enough. Its even smaller than the 27 days the calendar provides, when you factor in the time it can take the post office to get the ballots from county offices to the voters, Cazares-Kelly said. Then there are the delays when voters return early ballots through the U.S. Postal Service, which she said can take up to five days. Unlike in some states where it is the postmark that counts, any ballot not in the hands of the county by 7 p.m. on Election Day just doesnt get counted. But Stephen Richer, her Republican Maricopa County counterpart, has thrown his support behind a proposal to say that early ballots can be dropped off at county offices or voting centers only until 7 p.m. on the Friday prior to the election. Given that early ballots now make up close to 90% of all ballots cast, he said that earlier deadline could mean the state would have 95% of the results within the first 24 hours. He acknowledged that this would mean inconvenience for some. Many Arizonans have been voting by late early ballots for many years and could be surprised, confused and angered by a prohibition of this practice, Richer said in a position paper on election issues. Nearly 1 million votes still being counted All this comes as reports Thursday afternoon showed that while more than 2.5 million ballots in Arizona already had been tabulated, there were close to another 953,000 that are uncounted. Not surprisingly, the biggest share of uncounted votes were in Maricopa County, with about 584,000, while another 175,000 were in Pima County. Even small counties are still processing, as well, with Yavapai County showing close to 60,000 votes yet to be tallied compared with about 95,000 already tabulated. Petersen said there is voter confusion and consternation about why other states seem to be able to call their races the night of the election, while in Arizona several remain undecided. These include the high-profile contest for the U.S. Senate between Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake he was leading by about 50,000 late Thursday afternoon but also who will win in several legislative districts, with the outcome determining whether Republicans will retain control of the House and Senate. Fontes, however, said theres another thing to consider if the state were to prohibit people from dropping off their early ballots after Friday night. For whatever reason, some people do want to wait until the last minute, he said. The earlier deadline would mean all those people would have to stand in line to vote in person, whether at emergency vote centers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday the weekend before the election and not all counties have such an option or turn out on Election Day, adding to the already long lines. Richer acknowledged that in 2022, about 290,000 people turned in their early ballots on Election Day. Now, they simply go in to a polling place, drop their envelopes in a box, and leave. Fontes said these are the people who, if this plan were enacted, would instead have to wait in line to check in, provide their identification and then fill out a ballot. And youre going to have to have more polling places, more equipment, Fontes continued. And Im talking about tables and extension cords and facilities which are hard enough to get. And then people to work in all those facilities. Floridas example But Richer said Florida, which has a larger population than Arizona, shows the process can work. There, voters can return early ballots on Election Day but only to the central election office. But they cannot drop off early ballots at the voting locations, Richer said. As a result of this limitation, the largest county in Florida (Miami-Dade) had approximately 4,400 early ballots dropped off on Election Day. That compares with the 290,00 in Maricopa County. Petersen said voters in the Sunshine State manage to live with the restriction. Theres not revolts and riots there, he said. Anyway, Petersen said, its not like Arizonans dont understand deadlines. You know that youve got to have your ballot mailed in Tuesday to ensure it is in the hands of election officials by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks dont count. Everybody seems to have accepted that, he said. All this would to, said Petersen, is create a 7 p.m. Friday deadline to drop off an early ballot. And then, after that, Ive got to vote in person if the deadline is missed, said the Senate president. Why is that an issue? Whats an issue, said Fontes, is the trade-off. He said if lawmakers want to go down that path, they need to ensure there is greater accessibility than there is now for in-person voting on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the election rather than making those affected stand in line on Election Day. That isnt the case now. Cazares-Kelly said there are only 18 early voting centers in Pima County. That compares with 126 open on Election Day. And Maricopa County has its centers open only on the Saturday and Monday before the election, with Sundays not an option. Trust issues Petersen said getting earlier results would take care of another problem. You have a lot of people that this is breeding mistrust, he said. They feel like since we dont have the results, something is going on. That reasoning leaves Fontes cold. Theyve got to stop believing in conspiracy theories, he said. Fontes said the process this year, when he will certify that Republican former President Donald Trump won the states 11 electoral votes, as it was four years ago when Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden, the year that led to demonstrations and accusations of election fraud and even an audit ordered by theArizona Senate that, in the end, confirmed that Biden outpolled Trump. Im happy to have a conversation with anyone, Fontes said. But if its going to be a conversation with anyone thats pounding their fists on the table, screaming Stop the steal, then its futile, he said. Theres no reason to have that conversation because that person isnt going to come to this in good faith and theyre not going to have a reasonable conversation. Petersen acknowledged that the issue goes beyond those who suspect something sinister. He said many people dont understand why things dont happen instantaneously. You order something on Amazon, take a shower, and its at your door when you get out of the shower, Petersen said. They want to know why are we waiting? he said. The question is, why should we wait? Fontes acknowledged it might be a matter of preference to have earlier returns. Now, if thats going to be a major priority, thats not a hard problem to solve, he said. He said much of the problem is in Maricopa County. They need a warehouse or two and a giant pile of people, maybe three or four times the number that theyre using now, and they can process those ballots much, much more quickly, Fontes said. He said there are other systemic issues that contribute to the amount of time it takes to get a final vote tally. But I wouldnt solve it on the backs of voters, Fontes said. Governor opposes proposal Even if Petersen can get such a change through the Legislature, that still would not make it law. It would have to gain the signature of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who previously had the job that Fontes occupies. Hobbs doesnt see the need, said her press aide Christian Slater. As the states former chief elections officer, Gov. Hobbs opposes any proposal to restrict Arizonans freedom to make their voices heard at the ballot box, Slater said. She remains committed to a voting process that maintains accessibility and integrity for all Arizona voters and guarantees safe, secure and fair elections. That opposition from the governor already was anticipated. Air travelers arrive and make their way through the San Antonio International Airport in lieu of Memorial Day weekend on Thursday, May 25, 2023. SAT is expected to see record numbers of travelers - close to 190,000 total - according to a release from officials at SAT. Thursday marked the beginning of the rush for the airport through Monday, Memorial Day. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at the Pearl is one of the Top 25 restaurants in San Antonio for 2024. Mike Sutter/Staff Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, Pharm Table Apothecary Kitchen and other favorites from top local chefs will open soon at San Antonio International Airport. Freight Fried Chicken and Tre Pizzeria are also part of the local lineup. Lattoia Massey aka Chef Nicola Blaque operates Freight Fried Chicken at the Pearl. Massey has earned a slew of accolades and has been a James Beard Award semifinalist. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Southerleigh chef Jeff Balfour has demonstrated his skills at the James Beard House in New York. Chef Johnny Hernandez whose local restaurant empire includes La Gloria, Burgerteca and Casa Hernan Cantina helped assemble the team of chefs. "Those are all friends that are in the food community who I respect and who I trust," Hernandez said. Hernandez operates a few airport staples already: La Fruteria, La Gloria and Super Bien Mex Cocina. "I'm going to help mentor them into the process to help them understand how to operate in the airport," Hernandez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And he's set to open a new spot called Chef Johnny's Mercado in the airport's incoming ground-load facility, which will include new Terminal A gates and added concession space when it opens next fall. Hernandez said the Mercado will be a blend of what he offers at La Gloria, La Fruteria and Burgerteca. Other new airport additions, pending Nov. 21 city council approval, will include Horseshoe Tequila Bar and Panda Express. The airport estimates that it will make nearly $25 million over the 10-year contract with the new eateries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new restaurants and bars will replace several existing options, including Auntie Anne's, Rosario's and Vino Volo. Airport Director Jesus Saenz said his team will start working with concessionaires on the timeline for shuffling the businesses around after council approves the contracts later this month. On the retail side, the airport plans to contract with Atlanta-based concessionaire Paradies Lagardere to bring in several new storefronts, including a Military City USA shop, iStore Express and Feliz Modern. The retail contract could bring in nearly $30 million for the airport. Additional eatery changes are still down the road for the airport. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city had planned to contract with another bidder to fill an additional 12,594 square feet of concession space across Terminals A and B, but officials were unimpressed with the applications they received. The airport plans to reopen the bidding process and hopes to have recommendations for new concessions within the next eight months. Chairman of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Dai Hegen has expressed his wish to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to join in a large-scale project designed to connect three northern Vietnamese localities with Kunming City in southern China. The meeting was held in Kunming on Wednesday as part of PM Chinhs trip to China for the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and other meetings from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. Lauding CRCCs efficient international activities and welcoming their plan on expansion to Vietnam, the prime minister encouraged CRCC to engage in several major railway projects already in motion as part of their railway development cooperation. One of the most significant projects from these collaborations is a proposed railway connecting Kunming City in Chinas Yunnan Province with Lao Cai Province, Hanoi, and Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam, with an estimated investment of US$10 billion. After briefing PM Chinh on CRCCs expertise in railway and road construction, chairman Dai expressed interest in having the corporation participate in the Kunming-Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project, which includes a 380-kilometer segment in Vietnam, according to VnExpress. PM Chinh told the CRCC leader that this project is expected to begin in December 2025 and take three years to finish. Chairman Dai told PM Chinh that CRCC will prepare all necessary documents related to the project and submit them to Vietnamese authorities for consideration and approval. To ensure the project can break ground in December next year, the CRCC chairman recommended that the Vietnamese side expedite and streamline relevant administrative procedures and cooperate with Chinas high-ranking leaders to provide favorable conditions for the project. Based on cooperation with Vietnam's partners, CRCC will promote technology transfer, human resource training, and operational management regarding the project. Highly appreciating CRCCs contributions to the railway development in Vietnam over the past years, PM Chinh said the Kunming-Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project will serve as one of the vital routes connecting the two countries. Chairman Dai confirmed that CRCC is also interested in the urban railway project in Ho Chi Minh City and the North-South high-speed railway project. CRCC is ready to cooperate with Vietnamese partners to win and grow together while jointly contributing to Vietnams infrastructure improvement, he added. He underlined that this project will not only facilitate the realization of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative but also significantly contribute to the economic development of Chinas Yunnan Province and Vietnams northern border provinces. PM Chinh asserted that the implementation of the project will follow Vietnam's procedures and regulations, but the government will make efforts to ensure all relevant steps are carried out quickly and efficiently. He urged CRCC to collaborate with Vietnamese agencies to expedite the necessary work for the project and submit it to relevant authorities for review. He also encouraged CRCC to consider participating in other projects, including the Hanoi-Lang Son railway, the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong rail line, and several freeway projects connecting Vietnams border provinces with China. According to the Vietnam Government Portal, CRCC is a state-owned enterprise under China's Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. They have experience in building 20,000 kilometers of railways and 8,000 kilometers of expressways in China, plus 9,000 kilometers of international railways. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The number of international tourist arrivals in Vietnam surpassed 1.4 million last month, raising the total count from January to October to over 14 million, marking a 41-percent year-on-year increase, according to a Vietnam National Authority of Tourism report released on Wednesday. This upward trajectory indicates that the country is approaching the goal of attracting around 17-18 million international tourist arrivals by the end of the year. During the 10-month period, South Korea remained Vietnams largest source of international tourists, with more than 3.7 million arrivals, followed by China, Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia. A considerable rise was logged in October versus September in the number of European visitors, with arrivals from Switzerland, Sweden, and France contributing over 64 percent each. Meanwhile, foreign visitor numbers from several Asian markets like Japan, Malaysia, Laos, and Singapore experienced a slight dip. According to travel agencies, October through March is the peak season for international visitors, especially from Europe, due to the favorable weather. Regarding domestic tourism, Vietnam welcomed an estimated five million local tourists in October, with about 3.3 million staying overnight, bringing the total number of domestic visitors in the first 10 months to approximately 100.5 million. The report also indicated that Vietnam generated an estimated VND690 trillion (US$27 billion) in tourism revenue from January to October. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Fred Burke, lawyer and senior advisor at American law firm Baker McKenzie in Vietnam, has warned Vietnamese enterprises to avoid being assessed as intermediaries for Chinese exports as calculated protection once Donald Trump takes office. Burke spoke with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, agreeing with other experts who were evaluating the future of Vietnams trade relations with the U.S. on Wednesday. It is the unanimous decision that trade between the two nations will develop further regardless of the winner of the election. However, as Donald Trump has won the presidency, he will lead potentially big changes in U.S. trading policies, including new tax schemes. Burke said Trump received strong support during his campaign, pushing his proposals, including higher tariffs on products from countries with a high trade surplus with the U.S.. Vietnam has maintained a multilateral and equitable foreign policy, especially in trade and investment, focusing on helping the country further access the U.S. market without causing trade conflicts. Hanoi's efforts will help deal with important issues, including Washington's denial of Vietnams market economy status and the missing bilateral tax agreement between the sides. The lawyer advised Vietnamese exporters to closely monitor U.S. pricing policies to avoid violating anti-dumping regulations and trading in products subject to trade remedies. Former Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Pham Quang Vinh also agreed that Trump always attaches much importance to trade deficits, and would concentrate on the origin of products. Vinh noted that trade exchange activities are measures to reduce risks for Vietnam. Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation, told Tuoi Tre that Trumps first term from 2017 to 2021 reshaped the economic landscape, with the U.S., under both parties, now placing a much stronger focus on domestic issues and showing less concern for external interests. The challenges for ASEAN in Trump 2.0 are much, much greater than either Trump 1.0 or Harris," said Elms. "Trump cares about trade more than almost any other subject and can be counted on to implement most of what he says. She added that Trump sees tariffs as the single most valuable tool in the toolkit and can be used for all kinds of issues. He does not care about the collateral damage that they may cause and hes not wielding this tool because he wants to make a deal, she explained. A deal is fine if he can capture significant benefits that are immediately visible, the expert claimed, adding that he is mostly interested in showing U.S. power and getting personal credit for doing so. Hes coming into office this time with a much different team surrounding him as well," Elms said. "He thinks he didnt get what he wanted last time because his people were insufficiently loyal and too prone to stopping him. This will not be true this time around. "So expect him to do what he wants with very, very few limits. President-elect Trump only cares about trade in goods, which is where the real problem lies for ASEAN, where he and his team will be laser-focused on what happens. The single most important metric for success is the size of the bilateral trade in goods deficit, or surplus. This is a problem for ASEAN and especially for places like Vietnam where the goods trade is significantly against the U.S.. Vietnam sells a lot more to the U.S. than it buys from the States, Elms said. On Wednesday, U.S. media predicted that Republican Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election after defeating Democrat Kamala Harris. Harris later acknowledged President-elect Trump's win, saying she had called him, congratulated him on his triumph in Tuesday's election, and promised to engage in a peaceful transfer of power, Reuters reported. The United States was Vietnams largest export market from January to October this year, with the Southeast Asian country's export revenue reaching US$98.4 billion, according to the Vietnamese General Statistics Office. Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $86.1 billion with the U.S. in the 10 months, up 26.9 percent year on year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Canada on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned TikTok's business in the country to be dissolved, citing national-security risks, but added the government was not blocking Canadians' access to the short-video app or their ability to create content. "The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd's operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc," Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement. Ottawa last year began reviewing TikTok's plan to invest and expand its business in Canada. ByteDance is TikTok's Chinese parent company. Under Canadian law, the government can assess potential risks to national security from foreign investments, such as the TikTok proposal. The law prevents the government from revealing the details of such investments. "The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and other government partners," Champagne added. TikTok said it will challenge the order in court. "Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement. Canada has banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices, saying it presents an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security. TikTok and ByteDance sued in U.S. federal court in May, seeking to block a law signed by President Joe Biden. The law, signed by Biden on April 24, gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban. The White House has said it wants to see Chinese-based ownership ended on national-security grounds but not a ban on TikTok. The Al-Nafud desert in Al-Jawf, Saudi Arabia experienced its first-ever recorded snowfall on Sunday last week, transforming the arid desert landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland. This unprecedented phenomenon followed intense rain and hail storms that swept across the kingdom, according to NDTV World. The unusual condition reduced visibility and disrupted travel in the Saudi Arabian desert. People have been posting videos and pictures of the snow-covered desert on social media which have captured the attention of viewers all across the world, according to The Indian Express. A user named Nurlan Mededov tweeted on X, This is the first time in history that the desert has been covered in snow, as temperatures there rarely drop to such levels. Another user wrote, First time in history Saudi Arabian desert turns into winter wonderland after first-ever snowfall. User Koushik Rudra observed, In a remarkable turn of events, Saudi Arabia witnessed spells of heavy rain and snowfall for the first time in history. If reports are to go by, the Al-Jawf region experienced heavy snowfall recently, creating a winter wonderland in a country typically known for its arid climate. After social media exploded with photos and videos of the phenomenon, everyone started talking about climate change and put forward their views in the comments section. One user remarked, Not a good sign, mother nature is changing its colours. The UAE's National Center of Meteorology has attributed the recent snowfall in the region to a low-pressure system originating from the Arabian Sea and extending to Oman. This weather pattern brought moisture-laden air into the typically arid area, resulting in a significant shift in weather conditions. Consequently, thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall swept across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, defying the region's characteristic dryness and causing unprecedented weather events. As for the aftermath, Saudi Arabia's weather department is advising residents to prepare for more thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds, according to CNBC TV18. Officials also urged residents to exercise caution and take necessary precautions due to the unusual weather. Washington strongly supports the intensification of the Vietnam-U.S. relations regardless of the U.S. presidential election result, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said at an event in Hanoi on Wednesday. The two countries relationship has benefited from the support of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party that always back the Vietnam-U.S. ties over the past three decades, the ambassador affirmed at the Election Watch Event held by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. He added that the two parties and the U.S. government back a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam. The U.S. advocates Vietnam's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political system, which are fundamental to their bilateral relationship and will remain unchanged. Vietnamese students experience a hypothetical voting activity at the Election Watch Event in Hanoi, November 6, 2024. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre As a result, the two nations close relations will be maintained and develop further no matter who is the U.S. president, Knapper stressed. American voters, like many others across the world, always want stability, peace, and prosperity. 2025 marks 30 years of the normalization of the Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations. The two countries are working to build a hi-tech, high-income economy, a green economy, and a semiconductor engineer training system. These are Vietnams aspirations and the U.S. is committed to supporting and standing alongside Vietnam to make them a success, the ambassador said, adding that with the foundation already in place, he expects even greater progress between the two countries next year. Vietnamese students learn about the U.S. presidential election at the Election Watch Event in Hanoi, November 6, 2024. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre The Election Watch Event drew over 200 participants, primarily students. It offered insights into the U.S. presidential election and provided updates on the election process. Republican Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential contest after Fox News became the first to project on Wednesday that he had defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, which would cap a stunning political comeback four years after he left the White House. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has put forward six proposals for boosting the development of the cooperation mechanism Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) and announced Vietnams contribution of US$10 million to the ACMECS Development Fund. On Thursday, PM Chinh pushed the proposals while attending the 10th ACMECS Summit, entitled Towards Seamless Connectivity for Mekong Sub-regional Integration,' in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. The ACMECS is an economic cooperation framework built by five countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The representatives meet annually under the overarching goal of ensuring peace, stability, and common prosperity. During the 2024 summit, leaders from these countries emphasized ACMECSs vital role in boosting socio-economic development in member countries, enhancing peoples life quality, narrowing development gaps, and promoting connectivity within ASEAN. The leaders asserted that the complex and unpredictable global changes are presenting the Mekong sub-region and ACMECS cooperation with multi-dimensional challenges. They called for a stronger cooperation mechanism to build an ACMECS community based on solidarity, strength, and sustainability. All members agreed that ACMECS will continue to focus on enhancing transport connectivity, developing digital infrastructure, facilitating trade, and fostering high-quality human resources, digital transformation, and green transformation. The summit also insisted on Mekong River water resources cooperation, with commitments to strengthen transboundary water management, share hydrological data, and establish an early disaster warning system. Regarding ACMECS's central role in Mekong sub-regional cooperation as a key part of the ASEAN Community, PM Chinh stated that Vietnam will continue to actively and creatively contribute to the development of ACMECS, working toward building "a strong ACMECS for a united, diverse, and equally developed ASEAN." The official said as the world is entering an era of innovation, ACMECS needs to define a new mission of building a unified, strong, and sustainable Mekong community based on a shared aspiration, vision, determination, voice, and action. With the aim of promoting ACMECS cooperation in the future, PM Chinh put forth six proposals. The first encourages ACMECS to adopt an action-oriented mindset and strengthen coordination to ensure that all cooperation plans and programs are substantive, focused, highly feasible, and match resource mobilization capabilities. Along with this proposal, the Vietnamese government leader announced that Vietnam would contribute $10 million to the ACMECS Development Fund, which finances development projects under the ACMECS framework. In his second proposal, Chinh underscored that ACMECS should combine tradition and modernity by supporting member countries to bring forward traditional growth drivers including investment, consumption, and trade, while promoting new growth momentum, such as digital transformation, in various economic sectors. The third proposal states rapid growth must be linked with sustainability, urging the promotion of green transition, circular economy, and sharing economy, and calling for green finance for green industries, clean agriculture, and low-emission transportation to better respond to climate change. In his fourth proposal, PM Chinh called for enhanced regional and international connectivity by developing both intra-regional and inter-regional transport infrastructure, particularly railway and expressway systems. This would improve the flow of goods and services and facilitate cross-border movement of citizens from the founding five nations. The fifth proposal emphasized the need for ACMECS to create effective connections between governments, people, and businesses. It suggested that people and businesses should be at the heart of all ACMECS strategies, action plans, and projects, ensuring practical and inclusive benefits and guaranteeing that no one is left behind. Lastly, PM Chinh emphasized in his sixth proposal the need to maintain stability and security in any development process. He recommended that ACMECS expand cooperation in combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking and cybercrime, and preventing criminals from using the territory of one country for acts against another. The Vietnamese government chiefs proposals were highly appreciated by the summit and recorded in its official documents. The summit wrapped up with the five nations leaders adopting the Vientiane Declaration and witnessing the handover of the ACMECS Chairmanship from Laos to Myanmar. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Politics -- Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent congratulatory messages on Thursday to Donald Trump on his election as U.S. president, emphasizing that Washington is Hanoi's strategically important partner. Society -- On Wednesday, police in Ho Chi Minh City issued administrative penalties and, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department, imposed additional penalties by deporting two French nationals for vandalizing in the city center. -- Typhoon Yinxing brought strong winds of up to 150-166km per hour and gusts of up to 180km per hour early on Friday morning. The storm hit the northern region of the East Vietnam Sea, becoming the seventh storm of this year. -- Ho Chi Minh Citys Public Transport Management Center announced on Thursday that it had dismissed the bus driver who ran a red light in District 1 after a citizen reported the incident. The driver will not be eligible for rehire for two years. -- Tan Lak Tho, general director of Wilhelm Hauffmann, based in Singapore and the producer of Eagle Brand Medicated Oil, visited the police headquarters in Long An Province, southern Vietnam on Thursday to present a letter of appreciation to Colonel Lam Minh Hong, director of the Long An police department. The letter thanked him for overseeing the investigation and handling of a case involving 30,000 counterfeit oil bottles being sold on e-commerce platform Shopee. Business --The trade relationship between Vietnam and the U.S. will continue to grow and develop, regardless of who is in power. However, with Donald Trump being elected president, the U.S. may see significant changes in its global trade policies, experts have told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. -- The number of international tourists visiting Vietnam in October topped 1.4 million, according to a report the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism issued on Wednesday. Overall, Vietnam welcomed more than 14 million visitors in January-October, an increase of 41 percent compared to the same period in 2023, nearing the target of 17-18 million international tourists. Lifestyle -- The 2024 Mr. World competition will take place from November 5 to 23, with the final night scheduled for November 23 in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam. World News -- A fishing boat has sunk in waters off South Korea's Jeju Island with 14 sailors rescued and 13 missing, Reuters cited Yonhap news agency as reporting on Friday. Ho Chi Minh City police confirmed on Wednesday that they had fined and deported two French citizens for failing to bring along passports and vandalizing commercial property with graffiti. French citizens Portron Malo Pierre Bernard, 36, and Da Cruz Kevin, 33, received a fine for engaging in their illegal behavior in District 1. On October 2, police apprehended the two after they were found spraying paint and scrawling graffiti on a metal construction fence on Nguyen Trai Street in Ben Thanh Ward. Police officers seized 20 spray paint cans and various paintbrushes before escorting them to the ward's police station. Both foreigners failed to present their passports when questioned. They admitted to buying the spray paint bottles and other tools to commit such acts after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. Both men were fined for the graffiti and received an additional fine for traveling in Vietnam without a passport or valid substitute documents. Police confirmed that each foreigner was required to pay a total fine of VND12.9 million (US$508). In addition, both of them were told to restore the property to the original condition. District police, in coordination with the Immigration Office, have ordered the deportation of both men, following stricter penalties set by the citys police department. Recently, several similar cases involving foreigners in the district have also been uncovered. The most recent incident occurred in late July, when a 24-year-old New Zealander and a 26-year-old Frenchman were fined and deported for smearing the roll-up door of a house on Pho Duc Chinh Street with paint and graffiti. Another case was recorded on June 8, when district police fined another 28-year-old New Zealander for similar actions on Nguyen Du Street. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 42-year-old man was shot after pointing a gun at a San Antonio police officer during a traffic stop on Thursday. The man had fled police in an earlier traffic stop. Ken Branca A San Antonio police officer shot a 42-year-old man who pointed a gun at him during a traffic stop on the South Side. The man had fled from officers in a prior traffic stop. The officer conducted the traffic stop on the man's vehicle, which he recognized as the one that fled earlier in the afternoon, at about 12:15 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Padre Drive and Napier Avenue near Southeast Military Drive, according to the San Antonio Police Department. As the man's vehicle stopped, he lowered his window and pointed a firearm toward the officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaking from the scene, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the man didn't stop right away in this traffic stop, either. "When the suspect finally stopped (he didn't stop immediately) he pointed a gun out the window at the officer. At that point, the officer fired. He struck the individual in the shoulder," McManus said. The officer fired his gun multiple times, police said. The man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. McManus said the man had a criminal history and that he is a documented gang member. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Woman faces intoxication manslaughter charges in fatal San Antonio crash The officer who is a two-year veteran and bystanders were not injured. Once the man is released from the hospital, police will charge him with aggravated assault of a public servant and felon in possession of a firearm. SAPD's shooting team and internal affairs unit will conduct separate investigations. Their findings will be sent to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office for an independent review. Ho Chi Minh City has launched the design of a project to revamp Thai Van Lung Street, also known as Japan Town, in District 1 to give it a modern and safe look. Aside from easing traffic congestion and improving sidewalks, the project also aims to highlight Japanese culture and the style of restaurants on Thai Van Lung Street to attract more visitors. The street, famous for its Japanese hospitality and restaurants, is frequently congested due to motorbike parking that obstructs pedestrian flow. As a result, the street will be reorganized, with upgrades to the lighting system and sidewalks, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for pedestrians. The design for the makeover of Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City has drawn the attention of many people. The new lighting system and symbolic architectural features will make the Japanese restaurants more accessible, enhancing the street's esthetics and improving the quality of life for residents. According to the municipal Department of Transport, the project, whose investor is the Road Infrastructure Management Center, carries a price tag of VND40.9 billion (US$1.6 million) sourced from the state budget. It will cover a length of about 300 meters of the street from Ly Tu Trong Street to Nguyen Sieu Street. As per the design, the sidewalks on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City will be expanded. The project will start before April 30, 2025 and be completed prior to September 2, 2025. During a meeting earlier this week with Vietnamese and Japanese experts on the project, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen said it would help resolve six large issues in the downtown area, including easing traffic congestion, improving traffic, increasing green spaces, ensuring safety for pedestrians, boosting tourism and trade, and improving life quality and environment. The space in front of the restaurants on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City will be rearranged. Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City will become more sparkling at night thanks to a new lighting system and eye-catching decorations. More trees will be planted on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The Department of Transport plans to keep traffic on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City unchanged on weekdays. The street will be turned into a promenade from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm on weekends. The renovation will highlight the cultural features of Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The street is currently crowded with many restaurants and vehicles. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre Some 300 meters of Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City will be revamped. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The World Tourism Organization has recognized the nearly-400-year-old Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An, a tourist city in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, as the worlds best tourism village, making it the second village in the country to secure the title, the provincial administration reported. Tra Que Village attracts 20,000-30,000 visitors per year. The title awarding ceremony is set to take place in Hoi An in mid-December. Tra Que Village is surrounded by the Co Co River and paddy fields where vegetable growers mainly use manual farming methods and rarely utilize chemical fertilizers. Foreigners sniff the fragrance of herbs in Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre Herbs there are especially more aromatic than those in other places. Vegetable farms total some 40 hectares in Tra Que Village and local farmers supply 40 different types of vegetables to supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels in Hoi An as well as neighboring Da Nang City. Before 2020, tours to Tra Que Village were operated by local enterprises, according to the Center for Culture, Sports, Radio and Television of Hoi An City. Most of Tra Que vegetables are supplied to Hoi City and Da Nang City, both in central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre Since 2020, non-business entities in Hoi An have assumed the exploitation of tourism activities in the village. Tra Que villagers have taken advantage of the alluvial soil and natural organic fertilizer from moss sourced from the Co Co River to farm vegetables, believing their produce grows crispier and more fragrant. Visitors to the village can experience planting greens and enjoying drinks and cakes made from the vegetables. An aerial view of Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre As the village was honored as the best tourism village in the world, the administration in Hoi An hopes to have more motivation to turn the city into a cultural, ecological, and environmental destination. This is a reward for the efforts of both local residents and authorities to maintain the peaceful, rustic, and friendly beauty of Hoi An. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nearly 70 contestants from around the world have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2024 Mr. World beauty pageant. This is the first time Vietnam has hosted this prestigious event. The competition runs from November 5 to 23, with its segments taking place in the scenic coastal cities of Vung Tau in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province. Contestants will compete in a variety of categories, including Mr. Sport, Mr. Talent, National Costume, Top Model VBFF9, Head-to-Head Challenge, and a closed-door interview. The 2024 Mr. World contestants enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Photo: Supplied The final night will be held in Phan Thiet City on November 23. Organizers aim to use the event to promote Vietnams tourism and culinary heritage to a global audience. We hope that as Mr. World contestants participate in events in Vung Tau, they will have the chance to explore the rich, diverse cuisine and experience the unique hospitality of Vung Tau as well as Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, vice-chairwoman of the Vung Tau Peoples Committee, said during the official contestant introduction. Huong added that the pageant is expected to foster international friendship and cooperation. Current Mr. World titleholder Jack Heslewood has fond impressions of Vietnam. Photo: Supplied Current Mr. World titleholder Jack Heslewood expressed his excitement to return to Vietnam, noting that he feels honored to accompany the 2024 Mr. World contestants and share memorable experiences in Vung Tau. The contestants had a chance to experience a traditional Vietnamese meal featuring dishes such as crispy fried freshwater shrimp wrapped in greens, Hue-style steamed rice cakes, fresh rolls with shredded pork skin, caramelized catfish in a clay pot, braised pork with eggs, stir-fried water spinach with garlic, and crab soup with jute leaves. Many of them praised the foods unique flavors and said it left a lasting impression. The 2024 Mr. World contestant from Canada. Photo: Supplied Vietnams representative, Pham Tuan Ngoc, has been rigorously honing his skills for the competition. Audiences are eagerly watching, hopeful that Ngoc will deliver a strong performance on home ground. Founded by the Miss World Organization, the Mr. World competition is an international male pageant that began in Istanbul, Turkey in 1996 with the mission to search for the worlds most desirable man. The 2024 Mr. World contestant from the Czech Republic. Photo: Supplied The 2024 Mr. World contestant from Malaysia. Photo: Supplied The 2024 Mr. World contestant from Mexico. Photo: Supplied Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Thua Thien-Hue Province in central Vietnam was honored as a smart city at the DX Award 2024 presentation ceremony organized by the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, according to the provincial Peoples Committee. The annual ASOCIO DX Award aims to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the utilization and implementation of digital technologies. Award nominees are outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in the 24 member economies of ASOCIO. This years ASOCIO DX Award featured ten categories: the Outstanding Tech Organization Award, the Smart City Award, the Digital Government Award, the EdTech Award, the HealthTech Award, the Cybersecurity Award, the ESG Award, the Emerging Digital Solutions & Ecosystem Award, the Women in Tech Award, and the Public / Private Partnership Award. Vietnam left the ASOCIO DX Award 2024 with nine representatives being honored, and Thua Thien-Hue Province specifically won the ASOCIO Smart City Award. The recognition demonstrated the provinces efforts in building a smart city and boosting digitalization. The province has implemented various e-government, smart urban, and digital transformation-driven programs over the past few years. With great strides in its innovation and digitalization efforts, the province has bagged multiple coveted prizes, including Asias most innovative smart city project at the Telecom Asia Awards 2019. In 2022, Thua Thien-Hue claimed the digital government award at the ASOCIO edition in 2022. The province placed fourth among all 63 cities and provinces in Vietnam for the Digital Transformation Index in 2022 and topped the Vietnam 2023 Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) rankings. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! On 60 Minutes Amelia Adams reports from Washington DC on the impact of Donald Trumps victory on Australia and the rest of the world The Art of the Victory What a campaign. What an election. What a result. To the victor, Donald Trump, go the spoils. From early next year he will return to the White House for another four years as the most powerful man on earth. And for someone with such an unpredictable and egotistical nature, that old saying We live in interesting times couldnt be more apt. On 60 Minutes, Amelia Adams reports from Washington DC on the impact of Donald Trumps return to the Oval Office on Australia and the rest of the world. Reporter: Amelia Adams Producers: Nichola Younger, Sammi Taylor Vote 1 for 2 What Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock want to do is either brilliant or bonkers. They reckon they can make Australian politics better by offering themselves up in a two-for-one deal. Thats right, they want to job-share the position of senator. But as Adam Hegarty reports, their proposal raises many questions. The most obvious is what happens when, if elected, these wannabe part-timers disagree on an issue? Quite unlike politicians, they say dont worry, theyll work out their differences amicably. So, should we believe them and start planning to Vote 1 for 2? Or is this a case of double equals trouble? Reporter: Adam Hegarty Producers: Serge Negus, Sammi Taylor Facing the World Few people have endured such extreme levels of pain, both physical and emotional, as Stephanie Browitt. Five years ago, she suffered horrendous burns when the White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted. It was a tragedy that killed her dad Paul and sister Krystal, as well as 20 others. Since then, Steph has fought daily to recover and reclaim her life. One of the obstacles shes faced has been an ongoing legal battle with Royal Caribbean, the cruise ship company that sent passengers on an excursion to the volcano the day it blew up. Now, as Sarah Abo reports, finally and thankfully, there has been a significant development in the case. Reporter: Sarah Abo Producer: Natalie Clancy 9pm Sunday on Nine Viewers in regional Australia are being short-changed on local content, amid fears things could get worse, it has been claimed. Regional Australian TV consumers were being let down by the Federal governments failure to enforcing local programming obligations, according to One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson. Senator Hanson said the pending sale of the Southern Cross Austereo regional television network must be the catalyst for enforcing local programming obligations to put local news back on regional television. SCA TV owns several regional affiliates of the Seven and Ten networks and reaches up to seven million Australian consumers, but theyre not getting much local content if any, Senator Hanson said. Right now, SCA produces a two minute news program for regional Australia in Hobart. People in Mt Isa in far north Queensland are getting their local news produced and filmed 2500km away. Were in a ridiculous situation where audiences in Alice Springs, Darwin and more than half of South Australia are getting news from Channel 7 in Melbourne. Theres nothing local about any of this. One Nation supported changes to the Act requiring local programming obligations but whats the point of having them if the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) wont enforce the law? Some viewers in Victoria and southern New South Wales havent seen any local TV news for years. Regional communities have had to put up with this for much too long. ACMAs ability to enforce the law is triggered by the sale of a TV licence. I call on the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, and ACMA to do their job and ensure that whoever buys SCA TV understands they have an legal obligation to produce local content and news. If these regional TV licences get swallowed by the city broadcasters and its been widely reported Seven West Media and Paramount Ten are likely buyers we will not get another opportunity to act for regional Australians. Screenworks and Netflix have have named the four trainees who will commence their screen industry apprenticeships as part of Screenworks 2024 Regional Crew Pathways Program. Two trainees from NSW and two from Qld were selected to be placed on current productions. Archie Carter (Northern Rivers, NSW) and Gina Weston (Tweed Shire, NSW), along with Shanna Niehsner (Tablelands, Queensland) and Heath Tokely (Cassowary Coast, QLD). Que Minh Luu, Netflix Director Content ANZ said: Kudos to Archie, Gina, Shanna and Heath! As the 2024 Regional Crew Development Program trainees, youll receive an excellent introduction to the industry through Screenworks. Were honoured that Netflix can contribute to the start of what we anticipate will be lengthy and rewarding careers in the screen industry. Screenworks CEO, Lisa OMeara said, We greatly value that by supporting this program Netflix has prioritised enabling regional crew to develop skills, build careers and be part of a solution to a national crew shortage. We have seen impressive ongoing employment of participants from past iterations of this program. We look forward to supporting four new regional practitioners as they embark on their below the line screen careers. Heath Tokely from Qld said: Im eager to work alongside the highly creative and talented people in the industry, learning from their expertise and contributing to the collaborative process. Driven by a love for storytelling, I look forward to being part of the teams that bring exciting projects to life. Shanna Niehsner from Qld said: I am grateful to be provided the support and safety to enter the film and TV industry as a trainee. I mostly look forward to upskilling and contributing to the arts in my region. Archie Carter from NSW said The Regional Crew Pathways Program is a golden opportunity for me and upon completing my traineeship I hope to have the connections and experience to make my way in the industry. Im really excited about this opportunity and cant wait to start work. Gina Weston from NSW commented: I consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to get my foot in the door. I cant wait to get started. Screenworks is also looking for Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Australia interested in taking on trainees for work placements in 2024/2025. Placements can be based anywhere along the East Coast. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact [email protected] to register your interest. HA NOI The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) has proposed new regulations on the mergers and consolidation of credit institutions, to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of customers and creditors. Under a recently released draft circular, the SBV proposes that any merger and consolidation of credit institutions must meet several principles. First, the merger and consolidation of credit institutions is required to comply with the agreements of related parties and ensure the normal operation of the credit institutions. In addition, the legitimate rights and interests of customers and creditors must be assured during the merger and consolidation process, which must also comply with relevant legal provisions. Information confidential before the approved merger and consolidation projects is required to ensure the stable operation of the credit institutions participating in the merger and consolidation. The merger and consolidation must also ensure the principles of prudence, honesty, accuracy and no misunderstanding of documents and records. Under the merger and consolidation of credit institutions, the dissipation of assets in any form is strictly prohibited. The transfer and sale of assets during the merger and consolidation process must ensure publicity, transparency, compliance with the provisions of law and the agreements of the related parties, the safety of assets and not affect the rights of the credit institutions and related individuals. According to the draft circular, the credit institutions participating in the merger and consolidation must not belong to the prohibited economic concentration cases, except for cases exempted from the prohibited economic concentration according to the Law on Competition. The institutions must also have merger and consolidation projects in accordance with regulations approved by the competent authority. After the merger and consolidation, the merged and consolidated credit institutions must ensure compliance with the provisions of law on safety limits and ratios, capital contribution ratios, share ownership and banking operating conditions. Last month, the market saw the consolidation of four credit institutions. Namely, the Construction Commercial Bank (CB) was transferred to the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Viet Nam (Vietcombank), while the Ocean Commercial Bank (OceanBank) was transferred to the Military Joint Stock Commercial Bank (MB). Some other commercial banks also have plans to merge weak banks in the near future. According to the SBV, the compulsory transfer of struggling credit institutions is a crucial step in restructuring the banking system. This measure is closely tied to addressing bad debts, ensuring macro-economic stability and upholding national financial security, which is of a paramount concern to the Government. VNS 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. HA NOI The domestic automobile industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it increasingly integrates into global markets and attracts foreign investment, according to automobile experts. International automobile companies are establishing manufacturing and assembly plants in Viet Nam, enhancing the countrys production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports. This trend is expected to continue, with more foreign companies likely to invest in the years to come. Since 2018, Viet Nam has benefitted from a zero per cent import tax on cars from ASEAN countries under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). While this has led to an influx of imported vehicles, it has also increased competition for local manufacturers. By 2030, tariff reductions for vehicles from Europe, Japan and Mexico are expected to intensify this competition. In response to pressure from imported cars, the Vietnamese government has rolled out policies to stimulate the domestic automobile industry. These initiatives have already shown positive results, helping local manufacturers increase the production and sale of vehicles. Export successes Hyundai Thanh Cong Vietnam (HTMV) has been making strides in exporting Vietnamese-made vehicles, particularly Hyundai Palisade SUVs. In 2024, HTMV sent its fourth batch of Palisade units to Thailand, with plans to increase exports to Southeast Asia and other regions. VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, made waves by exporting its first batch of electric vehicles to the US in 2022. This milestone showcased the countrys growing reputation in the global automotive market, particularly in the EV sector. Thaco, another major player, achieved over US$10 million in revenue from exporting 2,500 vehicles in 2023. This growth further underscores Viet Nam's appeal as an emerging automotive hub for global investors. Strategic partnerships Several joint ventures between global automakers and Vietnamese companies have been established. For example, the partnership between Tasco Joint Stock Company and Chinese Geely Auto Group will see the assembly of vehicles with a planned production capacity of 75,000 units annually. Geleximco and Chinese Chery have partnered to introduce Omoda and Jaecoo car lines to the Vietnamese market, with an estimated $800 million investment in a new manufacturing facility. Czechias Skoda Auto has chosen Viet Nam as the location for its first Southeast Asian assembly plant, marking a significant milestone for the regions automotive sector. TMT Motors is cooperating with the GM-SAIC-Wuling Joint Venture to focus on manufacturing and distributing electric vehicles (EVs), demonstrating the sector's increasing focus on green technologies. Growth targets The Vietnamese Government has set an ambitious goal for the automotive industry under its 'Strategy for Developing Viet Nams Automobile Industry to 2030'. Targets under the strategy include a projected annual growth rate of 14-16 per cent for the domestic vehicle market through 2030, with sales reaching 1-1.1 million units per year. By 2045, annual vehicle consumption is expected to rise to between five and 5.7 million units. Meanwhile, production is set to grow to up to 700,000 vehicles annually by 2030, with 18-22 per cent being green vehicles. A localisation rate of 55-60 per cent is also expected for vehicle components and spare parts, signaling a push for domestic sourcing. Despite facing challenges in meeting these ambitious targets, Viet Nams expanding network of free trade agreements provides an opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of the automotive sector. These agreements open access to key international markets and are crucial for the continued growth of the industry. The Vietnamese automobile industry is at an exciting crossroads, marked by increasing foreign investments, strategic partnerships and a growing reputation in global markets. With strong Government support, a focus on electric vehicles and ambitious growth plans, the sector is poised to become a competitive player in the global automotive industry in the years ahead. VNS HA NOI The demand for transport in Viet Nam has been increasing rapidly, with experts saying that the market shows a lot of potential for automobile and motorbike manufacturers and traders. With new policies in effect and businesses working to expand factories and assembly lines and gradually catch up with global trends, the Vietnamese automobile industry has achieved positive results. In particular, the localisation rate is growing as more and more businesses invest in domestic car production. New Government policies and increasingly clear trends in foreign investment flows all show a brighter picture for the car and motorbike support industries in Viet Nam. According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the export turnover of electrical wire components reached about US$1.17 billion last year, accounting for 38 per cent of the export value of automobile components and ranking third in the world. Vietnamese-made electrical wire products have become an important link in the global supply chain of automobile assembly materials. Dr Truong Thi Chi Binh, deputy general secretary of the Viet Nam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI), said that the total value of automobile industry-related products has grown rapidly in recent years, up from a 12 per cent growth rate in 2018 to 25 per cent last year. At the same time, firms looking to improve product value are focusing on producing component clusters instead of individual spare parts, starting with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and moving towards original brand manufacturer (OBM) products, she added. The Xay dung (Construction) online newspaper quoted Nguyen Cong Quyet from the Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) as saying that the Vietnamese automobile market has a lot of potential, thanks to a population of 100 million people and a rising average income. However, the supporting industry is still in the first maintenance phase, with enterprises mainly producing low-value and non-competitive components, he said. One of the main problems is the small size of the automobile market, leading to lower production and difficulty in developing the supply chain. As for the development of the global auto industry supply chain in the context of adapting to climate change, the VAMA representative said that about 30,000 components were needed to produce and assemble a complete car. The automobile industry therefore requires a large industrial foundation, he noted. Dr Binh said that car component production in Viet Nam was divided into two branches: high-value activities, carried out by FDI enterprises and major domestic brands, and low-value activities, concentrated in small and medium-sized enterprises. Many of them are falling into the 'low productivity trap'. Promoting a comprehensive transformation of this sector -- from purpose to process and people -- is therefore necessary, she noted. According to the VAMA representative, the business community is waiting for a system of synchronous and breakthrough incentive policies to invest in the production and assembly of green vehicles. The policies must encourage and mobilise the participation of all economic sectors in the country, promote cooperation with major global car manufacturers, and focus on improving companies' competitiveness to participate in the global automobile industry production chain, he emphasised. At the same time, they must also improve competitiveness to become a supplier of components and spare parts in the global automobile production chain, creating a driving force to promote the economic restructuring of the whole country towards modernisation. VNS HA NOI The Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance (DMS) has collaborated with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and Korean Intellectual Property Protection Agency (KOIPA) to host a workshop discussing counterfeits of those from the Republic of Korea (RoK)s brands in Viet Nam. At the event held in Ha Noi on Thursday, representatives from ten Korean companies, namely Everpia, Samsung, aT, Amore, Cuckoo, CJ, Dorco, Lines, Hyundai, and Iconix, shared insights on brand violations in various markets, including Viet Nam. They provided specific indicators and methods to distinguish genuine from counterfeit products for each brand, assisting authorities in identifying and intercepting these unauthorised replicas. KIPO Director Jeong In-sik said that counterfeit goods not only undermine business operations but also endanger Vietnamese consumer health and safety. He noted that this issue extends beyond national borders, affecting the entire global supply chain. DMS Director General Tran Huu Linh acknowledged the robust economic and trade relations between Viet Nam and the RoK and noted that Korean products have never been as popular in Viet Nam as they are today. Praising the RoKs initiative in organising this workshop to enhance the knowledge of functional agencies in differentiating genuine from counterfeit goods, he affirmed the DMS is committed to collaborating with other Vietnamese agencies and Korean businesses to detect and prevent counterfeit-related issues. Earlier, on Wednesday, Linh held discussions with a delegation from KIPO and KOIPA to discuss the prevalence of counterfeit RoK products in Viet Nam and measures to tackle it. VNA/VNS GIA LAI Sharing the border with Cambodia, the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai is striving to develop its border trade infrastructure connections with Ratanakiri province of the neighbouring country, aiming to strengthen economic links and make import-export turnover on a par with the great potential of both countries. A highlight of this scheme is the annual border market held at the Le Thanh International Border Gate Economic Zone in uc Co District that is jointly organised by Gia Lai and Ratanakiri. The market is a golden opportunity for people, businesses, and production facilities of the two sides to promote trade in goods, helping to realise the two Governments' joint vision for a borderline of peace, cooperation and development. Moeu Malaiy, deputy director of the Commerce Department of Ratanakiri, said that the department is promoting economic development policies, particularly in the trade sector, by boosting production and supporting the sale of products through trade fairs. Cambodian firms also hope to seek partnerships with Vietnamese businesses participating in fairs held in Cambodia, she said. Despite a year-on-year surge of 56 per cent in its cross-border trade turnover in the first nine months of 2024, Gia Lai is still facing many challenges. Nguyen Nhu Trinh, head of the Gia Lai Economic Zone Authority, pointed out that the challenges stem from inconsistencies in border trade policies, weak mechanisms for attracting investment to border areas, a shortage of currency exchange services, unclear direction for border markets, and the limited scale and capacity of businesses. Currently, border trade activities in the province are mainly conducted in the form of small-scale transactions, leading to low and unstable tax revenues. Meanwhile, Moeu Malaiy admitted certain problems in customs procedures, product quality, pricing, transportation, and market access, stressing that deeper cooperation between the two countries in these areas is essential. ao Thi Thu Nguyet, deputy director of the Gia Lai Department of Industry and Trade, said that the export turnover between Gia Lai and Ratanakiri is still low compared to the potential of the two sides. She suggested that Cambodia intensify trade promotion efforts, establish distribution systems, and further expand the market. She also stressed the need for more investment in infrastructure, trade promotion, and the diversification of goods and services to create a bustling and prosperous border region. Close coordination between the administrations, businesses, and residents of the two sides is also crucial to unlocking the full potential of border trade between Viet Nam and Cambodia. VNA/VNS HA NOI Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung has revealed that the government's new policies to position Viet Nam as a prime destination for high-tech investment, especially in sectors like semiconductors, will be approved this year. At the opening of SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 on Thursday, Minister Dung said that the new policy will simplify investment procedures and drastically reduce time for investors in high-tech industries. Investors in industrial zones, high-tech parks, export processing zones, or free trade areas will no longer need to apply for investment licences. Instead, they only need to register their investment and within 15 days, management boards will issue an investment registration certificate. Once issued, investors will be exempt from having to undergo further procedures such as construction permits, environmental impact assessments, or fire safety inspections, provided they comply with existing regulations. For investors, this represents a major step forward for both Viet Nam and the high-tech sector, especially the semiconductor industry, in the near future, Dung said. A further initiative includes the establishment of a Investment Support Fund for high-tech enterprises, including those in the semiconductor industry. This fund will not only support central government initiatives, but also allow local governments to establish their own funds to support high-tech businesses in their regions. The fund will provide financial backing for research centres, human resource development, worker housing, etc, ensuring comprehensive support for businesses. These policies, currently presented to the National Assembly, will be approved in this NA session, Dung said. These forward-thinking policies reflect Viet Nams strong commitment to becoming a global hub for high-tech industries, offering an attractive, efficient environment for investors in key sectors like semiconductors. Viet Nam is identified as an emerging semiconductor powerhouse with a projected market value of nearly US$31.4 billion by 2029, driven by strategic investments and strong government support. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nam affirmed the EU is an important partner for its sustainable development efforts, and that both sides have a lot of room for trade co-operation, according to the Viet Nam-EU Cooperation Forum 2024. The forum on November 7 featured the European Union Delegation, representatives of the embassies of EU member countries in Viet Nam, as well as officials, experts and businesses in Viet Nam and around the world, and it focused on the topic of sustainability and non-tariff barriers to trade. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long said that the EU is Viet Nams leading partner in terms of commerce and investment, making great contributions to Viet Nams global integration and energy transformation. He also highly regarded the trade growth between Viet Nam and the EU, in part thanks to the tariff cuts offered by the European Union Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), especially considering recent global economic and supply chain instability. Vietnamese exports have seen growth in many EU countries, both large and small, and the diversity of export products has also increased. With the EVFTA and the EU Viet Nam investment protection agreement, Viet Nam has plenty of favourable conditions to strengthen trade, attract investment and engage in technology transfer with the EU. This helps Viet Nam restructure its economy towards green and renewable energy and high-tech applications in production, allowing Vietnamese goods to better adhere to EU standards. It has also been receiving plenty of high-quality investment projects from the EU that use high-tech, creating shared benefits for both sides. The EU is currently the sixth largest investor in Viet Nam, with projects worth a total of US$29.9 billion. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Viet Nam and head of the delegation, also highly regarded the two sides co-operation opportunities in energy transformation, especially with the Just Energy Transition Partnership that helps Viet Nam reduce its emissions. This is a key policy of the EU, and it is also in line with Viet Nams socio-economic development orientation. Nguyen Xuan Thang, deputy chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam, said that Viet Nam has a lot of potential for green transformation and renewable energy, and that the Government is highly committed in facilitating a green and sustainable economy. Experts at the forum pointed out challenges related to global economic instability, as well as the rise of sustainable trade requirements, and how satisfying these requirements will open new opportunities for businesses and help them better take advantage of free trade agreements. Noteworthy international policies included the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), which when they come into effect will have a significant impact on bilateral trade and investment. Vietnamese and EU businesses also shared their green transformation road maps and logistic solutions for e-commerce. According to the General Department of Statistics, after four years of implementing the EVFTA, bilateral trade between the two sides is consistently rising by around 7 per cent every year. The EU is currently Viet Nams third largest export market and fifth largest import market. Meanwhile, according to the EU statistics office Eurostat, the EU imported 34.9 billion euros ($37.6 billion) worth of products from Viet Nam in the first eight months of the year, up 11 per cent year-on-year, and Viet Nam is among the top 10 largest suppliers of goods to the EU. The forum has been held annually by the Ministry of Industry and Trade since 2018 for businesses and organisations to enhance Viet Nam EU trade relations. VNS CHONGQING Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 8 visited the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park as part of his trip to attend the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and working visit to China. PM Chinh visited a booth selling Vietnamese products; listen to the introduction of the operations of the Logistics Hub Park Operations Centre; and visit the wharf and panoramic view of the centre. In particular, PM Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation welcomed the ASEAN fast train from Ha Noi to the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park. The Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park has a total area of 17.93ha, with a construction area of 108,000 sq.m. In particular, the Chongqing dry port belongs to the land route located in the centre of the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park. Currently, the port has nearly 30 international transport companies choosing it as a gateway to penetrate into mainland China. PM Chinh highly appreciated the strategic location and role of the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park in connecting trade. He expected that the two sides will continue to increase links with Viet Nam, both by road, waterway, and railway, especially the international railway line from Viet Nam through Chongqing to Central Asia and Europe to exploit the potential market but facing difficulties in transport. Stating that rail transport has the advantage of harmonising both air and waterways, with goods transport time not too long and charges not too high, and safe, PM Chinh hoped that both sides will urgently invest in upgrading and increasing railway connectivity to remove transport bottlenecks to Central Asia and Europe. PM Chinh proposed valuing time, brainpower and connection, reopening the "silk road" in the new era, creating the future, and cooperating for mutual benefit; and opening up new trade corridors, not only connecting Viet Nam and China but also ASEAN and Central Asia and Europe. He suggested the Chinese side coordinate closely with Vietnamese partners, develop logistics, promote trade and related industries so that Vietnamese goods have more access to the Chinese market and bring Vietnamese goods to third countries, especially the Middle East and Europe. Emphasising that with the advantage of geographical location, Viet Nam has a strategy to develop into a transshipment centre for both air and waterways, with major airports and seaports that have been and will be invested in, PM Chinh affirmed that logistics development is both a requirement and a potential and advantage of Viet Nam. He hoped that the Chinese side will cooperate, provide financial support, transfer science and technology, train human resources, share management experience and improve institutions to help Viet Nam develop similar logistics centres. This is the last activity of PM Chinh's trip to China to attend the 8th GMS Summit, the 10th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit (ACMECS), the 11th Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Viet Nam (CLMV) Summit and working visit to China. Later on the same day, PM Chinh and the high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Chongqing City for Ha Noi. VNA/VNS HA NOI The upcoming official visit to Chile by President Luong Cuong is expected to open up new opportunities for trade relations between the two countries, especially as bilateral trade ties have made impressive progress in recent times. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), since the Viet Nam-Chile Free Trade Agreement (VCFTA) officially came into effect in 2014, Viet Nam has consistently maintained a trade surplus with Chile. Notably, Viet Nam's exports to Chile have increased fivefold over the last decade. Furthermore, businesses from the two countries have effectively capitalised on the opportunities brought by the FTA to tap into each other's markets. Statistics from the General Department of Customs show that in 2023, amidst challenges in the global economy, two-way trade between Viet Nam and Chile reached US$1.57 billion. Of this, Viet Nam's exports totaled $1.2 billion, while its imports amounted to $375.16 million. Viet Nams exports to Chile have continued to grow since the beginning of this year. In the first nine months of 2024, bilateral trade value hit $1.29 billion, with Viet Nam exporting $1.04 billion worth of goods. Chile is currently the fourth largest trade partner of Viet Nam in Latin America, following Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Viet Nam's key export products to Chile are phones and accessories; machinery, equipment, and other spare parts; textiles and garments; footwear; clinker and cement; rice; bags, wallets, suitcases, hats, umbrellas; and coffee. Among these, phones and accessories make up the largest share of Viet Nam's exports to the Latin American country. Meanwhile, Viet Nams imports from Chile mainly consist of raw materials for producing export goods, such as copper, plantation wood, paper pulp, wine, fresh fruits, animal and vegetable oils, animal feed and ingredients, and scrap metal. According to the European-American Market Department under the MoIT, in recent years, the MoIT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile have alternately organised the Viet Nam-Chile Free Trade Council (VCFTC)s meetings. The council serves as an effective mechanism to review the implementation of the VCFTA and promote bilateral cooperation in areas of economics, trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare, and science - technology. The VCFTCs fifth meeting was held in June this year in Ha Noi under the co-chair of Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long and Vice Minister for International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile Claudia Sanhueza. It identified key issues that need to be implemented in the coming time to boost bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Although the VCFTA only includes commitments on goods, it has provided a significant boost to the economic and trade relations between the two countries. Experts said the trade pact allows Vietnamese products to enter the Chilean market with tariff preferences, facilitating their competition with products from other countries. Additionally, the CPTPP, which officially came into effect for Chile in February 2023, has brought about new opportunities for businesses from Viet Nam and Chile to expand trade and investment cooperation in each other's markets. Chile's membership in the Pacific Alliance makes it easier for Vietnamese businesses to access not only the Chilean market but also other member countries of the alliance such as Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. With a population of over 19 million and high per capita income, Chile has significant consumption demand in South America. Vietnamese products are favoured by Chilean consumers, creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to export to this market. To promote the export of Vietnamese goods to Chile, businesses are advised to focus on market survey to gain a thorough understanding of consumer demands and trends; as well as stay updated on Chile's economic, trade, and investment policies through state support agencies, such as the MoIT, the Vietnamese Embassy in Chile, and the Chilean Embassy in Viet Nam. Attention must be paid to trade promotion and connection activities, as well as building brands and marketing strategies through communication channels and international events, to seek cooperation opportunities with Chilean partners, experts said. VNS HA NOI The capital city's authorities plan to launch a low-emission zone (LEZ) pilot model in Hoan Kiem District in 2025, restricting high-polluting vehicles in a bid to improve air quality. Under the draft resolution, which is set for reviews by the municipal council in December, specific emissions standards will govern vehicle access, with exceptions for electric vehicles and certain priority vehicles. From 2025 to 2030, Ha Noi plans to trial the LEZ in the historic downtown district Hoan Kiem to assess its effectiveness and explore the potential for expansion. The plan includes banning heavy diesel trucks in the LEZ, prioritising cars meeting emissions level 4 standards, and motorcycles at level 2. Additionally, 100 per cent of new or replacement buses must use electricity or green energy, while public transport should cover 45-50 per cent of passenger transport in the LEZ. Residents and businesses in the LEZ will have a 12-month grace period to switch to vehicles that meet the emission requirements. From 2031 to 2035, Ha Noi encourages other districts to establish LEZs, and by 2036, mandatory LEZ measures will be required in areas affected by air pollution. The draft resolution outlining the criteria, conditions and procedures for establishing LEZs in Ha Noi is expected to be reviewed at the citys Peoples Council meeting in December, and will take effect from January 1, 2025. Le Thanh Thuy, Deputy Head of the Environmental Management Division of Ha Nois Department of Natural Resources and Environment, had previously explained that the citys implementation of LEZs would benefit from new provisions in Article 28 of the revised Capital Law recently approved by the National Assembly, which provides a legal basis for establishing LEZs. According to Thuy, two main factors will determine the success of this model -- first, the Department of Transports programmes to restructure traffic, and second, the local governments policies tailored to the LEZ, ensuring public support and community involvement. VNS By Le Huong Under a proposed visa policy that would permit one common visa for six ASEAN countries, foreign tourists would be able to travel freely around the region. Tourism and trade companies believe the policy initiative would be favourable to development. The common visa policy was first proposed by Thailand and would apply to five other ASEAN countries as well: Viet Nam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh showed his support for the initiative at a meeting with the Thai Prime Minister at the recent ASEAN Summits 44 and 45 in Laos. The policy, once applied, will ease travelling for not only tourists but also businessmen. I think the policy of 6 Countries, 1 Destination is wonderful, Liz Ariana Lopez Ortiz, a tourist from Paraguay, told Viet Nam News. I can save time, energy and expenses to get one visa for six ASEAN countries. Aswath Narayanan, another tourist from India, admitted that his family had applied for a visa about two weeks before they came to Viet Nam. But then if there is one single visa like what we have in Europe, that will be great, he said. Let's say that I had come here for 10 days to visit, I can see another five more days where I can go to a couple of other countries like Cambodia or I can go to Thailand and come back to Viet Nam. So this would make more tourists come and visit. That would be a great initiative. Diego Firpo, a tourist from Uruguay, said he thought that the policy would be pretty useful because you would only have to enter once, and then you can move around all the other countries. So thats pretty straightforward for everyone, as people usually go to many of these countries together, he explained. Lets say tomorrow Ill go to Thailand, so if this new visa comes into play I will not need anything else after the first time. So thats great. Thats wonderful. Lourdes Ponce Molina, from Guatemala, also appreciated the initiative. Its complicated to get a visa for each country so itll be much easier, she said. Also, there are people coming to Thailand who would like to come here, but they are messy with all of the paperwork. I think its better to have just one visa. Dionathan Santos, chairman of the Brazilian Chamber Of Commerce based in HCM City, said he considered the upcoming policy "amazing". For me as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, when I want to travel to Cambodia or Laos, I need to apply all the time for our visas, he said. And sometimes they take one or two days and it's something very difficult for us. We can lose time doing this, especially when we do business. It saves a lot of time. Travel agencies are all happy with the policy. I think the visa policy of 6 countries, 1 Destination is wonderful, said Pham Van Ha, Director of Mundo Asia Tours, which is a popular company serving customers from South America. Tourists from the region often find it hard to get a visa to Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries. From these far countries, people visit Asia, they always visit three countries, Ha explained. We often sell many tours to Thailand, Viet Nam and Cambodia. Many guests choose four or five countries. They go to also Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. So the visa policy will help tourists a lot, he said. They will spend less time and expense and have more convenience. The number of tourists may increase not only in Viet Nam, but also in other countries in our region, he said with excitement. Travel company Hanoitourist receives customers from many countries including India, Saudi Arabia and many places in Europe. If the new policy takes effect, the company will get more chances to cooperate with partners in the Southeast Asian region. Our company has done serious research on this initiative," said Tran Huu Binh, Deputy Director of Hanoitourist. From a travel agency's point of view, we see it as a magnet to draw potential tourists from six countries in the region and also a chance for the six countries to enhance cooperation in tourism, he added. Binh said tourism is a comprehensive economic sector. If the policy is applied, it will boost cooperation in not only tourism but also other fields. Viet Nam has visa exemptions for citizens from 25 nations. Its tourism industry has shown a steady recovery after the pandemic, receiving nearly 13 million foreign tourists in the first nine months of this year. The country expects to welcome up to 18 million foreign visitors by the end of this year. VNS Department of Public Safety Sgt. Deon Crockrell, speaks at the Olmos Park City Council at a news conference regarding the murder charge against Brad Simpson, the husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson. Jessica Phelps Brad Simpson, the husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson, was charged with murder Thursday in connection with the disappearance of his wife. He also faces domestic violence and tampering with evidence charges and a federal charge for an unregistered firearm. Courtesy of BCSO Barton Simpson, Brad Simpson's brother, speaks at the Olmos Park City Council at a news conference on Friday. The Department of Public Safety addressed the murder charge against Brad Simpson, the husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson. Jessica Phelps Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas speaks during a news conference on Friday held by the Department of Public Safety to address the murder charge against Brad Simpson the husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson. Jessica Phelps Suzanne Clark Simpson, a 51-year-old mother of four and real estate agent, was last seen on Oct. 6 at her home in Olmos Park. Raul Trey Lopez/San Antonio Express-News Brad Simpson, the husband of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson, has been charged with murder in connection with her disappearance. The charge, which was filed Thursday, comes more than a month after Suzanne Simpson went missing. She was last seen alive on Oct. 6. Barton Simpson, Brad Simpson's brother, spoke during a news conference Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It's always important to do what is right, especially when it is most difficult," he said. "It is our sincere hope and prayer that Brad will find compassion and courage to end his family's suffering by cooperating with the authorities to help us find his wife." The search for Suzanne is still ongoing, Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas said on Friday. He did not elaborate about the murder charge against Simpson, but he said work has begun on the prosecution phase of the case. He thanked Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and his team for their advice and support regarding the "complexities" of the investigation. A magistrate judge set the bail for the murder charge at $2 million, court records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities arrested Brad Simpson, 53, on Oct. 9, charging him with unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member his wife. He also faces two felony charges tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is now being held at the Bexar County jail in lieu of $5 million bail. Brad Simpson also faces a federal felony charge of possessing an unregistered firearm that was filed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A detainer a formal notice that someone in state custody is also wanted on federal charges seeks to prevent Simpsons release from jail. Steven Gilmore, Brad Simpson's court appointed attorney, declined to comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Law enforcement officials have searched extensively for Suzanne Simpson's remains, including in wooded areas near the Simpson home in Olmos Park, a wooded expanse off Interstate 10 in Boerne and a landfill on San Antonio's East Side, but found nothing. On Thursday, Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Deon Cockrell told the Express-News that Suzanne Simpson's body had not been found. On Friday, Cockrell said the Texas Rangers are continuing their search for Suzanne Simpson's body. An arrest affidavit with details of the murder charge against Brad Simpson was filed, but it is sealed to the public for 30 days by Judge Kristina Escalona of the 186th district court. In a statement to the Express-News on Thursday, Barton Simpson, Brad Simpson's brother, said it was heartbreaking to hear that his brother had been charged with murder. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It brings our family some peace to know that authorities have gathered sufficient evidence to feel confident in moving forward with charges," Barton Simpson said. "This also helps us to come to terms with the reality that Suzanne is no longer with us, allowing us to begin a difficult grieving process and focus on rebuilding our lives, especially for the sake of the children and our extended family." According to an arrest affidavit for Brad Simpson, a neighbor saw him struggling with his wife outside their home on the night of Oct. 6. A short time later, the neighbor heard screams in a wooded area nearby. The neighbor also told police he saw Brad Simpsons black GMC pickup leave the Simpsons home and return an hour or two later. The couples youngest child told a teacher her parents had been fighting, and that her father had struck her mother in the face and taken away her cell phone, the affidavit states. According to the arrest affidavit, Brad Simpson reported his wife missing to police on Oct. 7 after staff at their youngest childs school called to say Suzanne Simpson hadnt picked her up from school as she usually did. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A longtime business partner of Brad Simpson, James Vallee "Val" Cotter, 65, was also arrested in connection with Suzanne Simpson's disappearance. His is accused of hiding a weapon on Brad Simpson's behalf. An arrest affidavit for Cotter's arrest states he concealed the weapon in a bedroom wall at his home in the Dominion Country Club. Authorities arrested Cotter on Oct. 21 at the Dominion home, charging him with tampering with evidence and possessing a prohibited weapon, both third-degree felonies. HA NOI The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei has organised a workshop to boost tourism cooperation between Vietnam, Brunei and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Ambassador Tran Anh Vu presented post-COVID-19 tourism trends, emphasing an increased demand for sustainable, eco-tourism and Halal tourism. He highlighted these areas as an opportunity for Viet Nam and Brunei to strengthen regional tourism, catering to the nearly 400 million people in the BIMP-EAGA member countries. The Ambassador expressed his hope for further growth in 2025, a year of significant cultural events in Viet Nam, positioning the country as an attractive destination for Muslim tourists within the BIMP-EAGA. Vu underlined that Brunei, Borneo Island, and BIMP-EAGA countries have the potential to become enchanting destinations for Vietnamese tourists due to their natural landscapes, eco-tourism sites, inter-regional travel and tourism projects, and Indonesias relocation of its capital to Nusantara on Borneo Island. With advantageous geographic proximity and direct flights connecting Brunei and Vietnam, both countries are well-placed to serve as gateways between the Mekong and BIMP-EAGA regions, Vu noted. The Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei will continue to work with partners to promote tourism in Viet Nam, Brunei, the Mekong region, and BIMP-EAGA, while encouraging tourism companies to explore new routes connecting the countries and Mekong subregion in the future, he continued. During the seminar, Bruneian and Malaysian partners and businesses expressed strong interest in tourism cooperation and connectivity with Viet Nam, appreciating recent policies implemented by the Vietnamese Government, such as issuing e-visas for citizens of all countries, enhancing air connectivity, and promoting Halal tourism by expanding Halal services such as restaurants, hotels, and prayer spaces. Bruneis Tourism Development Department Acting Director Salinah binti Haji Mohd Salleh said that Viet Nam is a priority market for Brunei, which saw around 4,000 Vietnamese visitors in the first nine months of 2024. She went on to say that the ministry plans to enhance promotional efforts in Viet Nam, including partnerships with social media influencers to highlight Bruneis cultural and Islamic tourism. Tourism holds significant potential for cooperation between Vietnam and countries in the BIMP-EAGA. In the first nine months of 2024, Asian tourist arrivals to Viet Nam showed positive growth, including more than 300,000 from Malaysia and over 130,000 from Indonesia. Currently, Bruneis national airline operates six direct flights per week between Brunei and HCM City, with over 12,000 passengers recorded in 2023. VNA/VNS As the Presidency of APEC in 2024, Peru will host the APEC Economic Leaders Week from November 10 to 16. Viet Nam's State President Luong Cuong will pay an official visit to Peru and attend the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders Week in Lima from November 12 to 16. On this occasion, Peruvian Ambassador to Viet Nam Patricia Raez Portocarrero wrote to Viet Nam News For 35 years the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the main platform for economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific, has effectively promoted trade and investment integration in the most dynamic and fastest growing region on the planet. Peru holds the Presidency of APEC in 2024, for the third time since we joined the forum. This year Vietnamese authorities have already visited Peru to participate in several high-level meetings and collaborate on various matters. The APEC Economic Leaders Week is fast approaching, which takes place from November 10 to 16. Representatives from highest levels of the 21 member economies of the forum Viet Nam among them will meet in Lima to assess the challenges and opportunities the region faces. The topics they will discuss are related to trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth, innovation and digitalisation to promote a formal economy and sustainable growth for a resilient development for the benefit of their people. Peru, as host of APEC this year is conscious of the great responsibility of organising such a big event, that will enhance the international image of the country. More than 7,000 delegates have already participated in APEC and more than 270 meetings have been held. Around 5,000 delegates will participate in the Summit of Economic Leaders, 1,200 businessmen at the Business Summit and 2,500 journalists, making this APEC possibly one of the busiest in the forums history. Since Peru joined APEC in 1998, we have experienced a significant growth in our international trade exchange because we are interacting with many of the most relevant economies worldwide. Hundreds of Peruvian companies, particularly small and medium sized ones, have been joining to global value chains. This has been made possible thanks to the trade agreements we have with several of the APEC economies. Peruvian exports have increased by 14.7 times and imports by 7.5 times. In 2023, trade with the economies of this block represented 66.7 per cent of the total of our international transactions and 68.5 per cent of Peruvian exports were directed to them, totaling US$44.252 billion. This dynamism has continued in 2024. In the first half of the year, Peruvian exports to APEC reached $21.869 billion, representing 66.2 per cent of our total exports. One of the main achievements of the Peruvian Presidency of APEC 2024 has been the restoration of consensus in the forum, after two years in which it was not possible to achieve it, due to the complexity of the current international scenario. This has allowed to adopt deliverables unanimously, which include ten ministerial declarations and five other important documents on economic inclusion of people with disabilities; development of low-emission hydrogen in the Asia Pacific; principles to prevent and reduce food loss and waste; energy transition initiative; and the Sustainable Finance Initiative for voluntary information sharing and capacity building on sustainable finance issues. We are almost at the final stretch of the APEC 2024 year and Peru awaits in November the adoption by consensus of the most important deliverable of this current exercise, the roadmap for the transition from informal to formal economy. Incorporating the topic of the informal economy into the APEC agenda will result in solid and comprehensive public policies that contribute to the reduction of Peru's high levels of informality in its economy that hinder its full takeoff. Also, Peru expects to agree on a roadmap to a Free Trade Area in Asia Pacific in the future. Peru has an extraordinary opportunity, as APEC Presidency, to boost its economic and social development and to project Peru as a modern, inclusive and resilient country, able to face the global challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. The President of Viet Nam, Luong Cuong will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders Week, and also will travel for an official visit to Peru in a few days. This will be a milestone in our diplomatic relations as it is the first visit of a President of Viet Nam to Peru the same year where we are commemorating 30 years of diplomatic relations, on November 14. During this occasion, President Luong Cuong will have a meeting with the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte where they will discuss important topics of the bilateral relations. There will also be high level meetings with ministers, the Congress and Judiciary of Peru to enhance friendship and promote ties with their Vietnamese counterparts. These encounters will create opportunities for cooperation in diverse areas as well. Viet Nam is Peru's main trade partner in Southeast Asia and Peru is Viet Nam's sixth trading partner in Latin America. The exchanges reached more than $700 million in 2023, and between January and August 2024, reached $509 million compared to $483 million in the same period of 2023. Given that both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), there is a lot of potential to continue growing steadily in this area, considering that many products are exempt from tariffs. We are currently negotiating the access of products into the Vietnamese market, such as tangerines and we expect to finish negotiations soon. Also, with the opening of the Chancay Megaport in Peru this coming November (only 75km from the capital, Lima), the maritime transport time between Peru and Viet Nam will fall from 40 to 25 days, which will increase capacity and efficiency to the exchange of goods and will also open opportunities in the sector of logistics services. On the other hand, Viet Nam is the main Southeast Asian investor in Peru, having funded $1.3 billion in various projects, made possible by Viettel and Petrovietnam. We hope Vietnamese investments in Peru will continue expanding. With regards to culture, the Embassy of Peru in Ha Noi has been organising various events this year to celebrate 30 years of bilateral relations with Viet Nam. From July 18 to 23 we held a photo exhibition about the Nature Preserves of Peru in an art gallery by Hoan Kiem Lake, so that the Vietnamese public can learn more about our country, its geography and landscapes. In October, a Quechua Pop (Q-Pop) concert took place at the Hanoi Opera House with Peruvian artist Lenin Tamayo and Vietnamese artists. As you may know, Quechua is the language of the Incas and is currently spoken by millions. As can be seen, there is a very active exchange and dialogue in different fields and we are looking forward to even stronger relations in the coming years, that will step up our relations to the next level. VNS *Patricia Raez Yolanda Portocarrero is Peruvian Ambassador to Viet Nam HA NOI The National Assembly Standing Committee has agreed to put the North-South high-speed railway project on the agenda for the ongoing 15th National Assembly's 8th session. The project, which was initially shelved in 2010 due to funding constraints, was discussed during a recent National Assembly Standing Committee's meeting. Presenting the project, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang noted that the original cost estimate was US$55.8 billion, equal to 38 per cent of Viet Nams 2010 GDP, when national debt levels reached 56.6 per cent. At the time, these economic factors made it unfeasible for the country to move forward with the project. Fast-forward to 2023 and Viet Nams economic scale has grown to $430 billion, almost three times the size of 2010, while public debt has dropped to approximately 37 per cent of GDP. With a stronger economic foundation, Viet Nam now has the resources needed to support this ambitious project. The high-speed rail line would run from Ngoc Hoi Station in Ha Noi to Thu Thiem Station in HCM City, covering a distance of around 1,541km and passing through 20 provinces and cities. Designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, the line is expected to serve passenger and freight needs. It will require approximately 10,827ha of land, with an estimated 120,836 people needing to be relocated. Total investment for the project, now estimated at around $67.34 billion, will be fully funded by public investment. Chairman of the National Assemblys Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh reported that the project aligns with Viet Nams national priorities. However, he pointed out that some lawmakers are concerned about the funding, which is projected to require 114 per cent of the central Governments total medium-term public investment budget for 2021-25. He stressed the need for fiscal solutions, including increasing State revenue, cutting regular expenses and possibly accepting a temporary budget deficit to secure the necessary capital. The projects funding must be evaluated carefully to avoid risks related to borrowing in the future, he warned. Other concerns were raised regarding the route and station locations, which some argue are situated too far from city centres to maximise transportation efficiency. Additionally, the State Appraisal Council has questioned the projects projected revenue and growth forecasts, urging more realistic assessments. With potential impacts on short-haul flights, the high-speed rail project could reshape the countrys transport infrastructure, affecting future airport investments. It also covers plans to upgrade Viet Nams existing rail line for freight and short-distance passengers, but specific timelines for these improvements are not yet specified. National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen uc Hai called the project 'unprecedented in scale' and noted its broad socio-economic and financial implications. Given that much of the funding will likely come from loans, Hai urged the Government to refine the project design for cost efficiency and to carefully analyse its potential impacts, particularly regarding land use and station locations. As discussions continue, the Government has been advised to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to mitigate risks, especially those related to funding shortfalls, budget imbalance and over-reliance on foreign loans. Hai emphasised the need for thorough financial assessments to ensure the projects almost completion by its target year of 2035. VNS HA NOI Deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) will discuss draft Data Law on November 8 as part of their ongoing 8th session. According to the Ministry of Public Security, currently, 69 laws include regulations on database, with provisions regarding 33 national databases and 39 specialised databases. Based on legal regulations and surveys conducted by the Ministry of Public Security, various ministries, agencies, and localities have implemented the development of databases to support public administration tasks. Among these, there are seven national databases and nearly 100 specialised databases. The legislators underlined the significance of building the law to ensure the full coverage of all issues and tasks defined by the Government in digital transformation, enhancing the effective use of information within databases to support public administration, while simultaneously exploiting and applying data for economic and social development, tightening the management of personal and non-personal data, and ensuring information security and safety. According to Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Ngoc Lam, the draft Data Law consists of seven chapters and 67 articles, outlining the principles for data processing and protection, regulations on State management over data, the role of individuals in charge of data in Party and State agencies and political-social organisations, international cooperation on data, prohibited actions, principles for the construction and development of national integrated databases, as well as the collection, updating, and synchronisation of data into national integrated databases, and the exploitation and use of national integrated databases. On the day, the lawmakers will debate a draft Law on amendments and supplementations to a number of articles of the of the Advertising Law, the draft Law on Chemicals (amended), the investment policy for the National Target Programme on Drug Prevention and Control until 2030. VNS CHONGQING Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday met Vietnamese students and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Chongqing City, as part of his trip to China to attend the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit, and hold working activities in the neighbouring country. Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Sao Mai informed PM Chinh, the first Vietnamese leader to visit Chongqing in 15 years, that there are currently 400 Vietnamese students and nearly 600 Vietnamese nationals living, working, and doing business in the city, accounting for 25 per cent of the total number of Vietnamese people in western China. In recent years, they have consistently adhered to local laws, remained united with, caring for, and supportive of one another, and always maintained strong ties with their homeland, while contributing to the development of the Viet Nam-China relationship, said Mai. At the meeting, the representatives proposed the Government leader direct relevant ministries and sectors to assist the Vietnamese community in Chongqing with legal procedures, and urge China to create favourable conditions and provide additional scholarships for Vietnamese students studying and conducting research in the country, particularly its Chongqing city. Briefing them on the socio-economic development situation at home, Chinh said that Viet Nam has diplomatic relations with 193 countries around the world and has signed 17 free trade agreements. In 2023, its GDP reached approximately US$430 billion, with per capita income around $4,300. It is listed among the 34 largest economies in the world, and the top 20 economies globally in terms of trade. More than 6 million Vietnamese people are living in 130 countries around the world, serving as a bridge of friendship between Vietnam and the countries, and playing a significant role in investing in Vietnam, he stressed, adding that last year, they sent home $14 billion in remittances. The PM urged the embassy and Vietnamese representative agencies in China to continue establishing organisations and associations to unite the community, effectively implement the foreign policy of the Party and State, including economic diplomacy, and ensure comprehensive support for the communitys well-being. He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Chongqing will continue to follow local laws, and contribute more to the homeland as well as the Viet Nam-China relations. VNA/VNS CHONGQING Viet Nam is willing to offer the best possible conditions for its ministries, sectors, and localities to step up friendship exchanges and comprehensive cooperation with Chinas Chongqing city, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He was meeting the municipality's leader on Friday as part of his trip to participate in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and bilateral activities in China. Talking to Yuan Jiajun, Politburo member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee, PM Chinh thanked the municipal authorities for their efforts in restoring the exhibition space dedicated to late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh at the Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum. In response, Yuan highlighted Viet Nam's position as Chongqing's largest trade partners in the past five consecutive years, and the most prominent investment destination within the ASEAN region. He stated that the municipal Party Committee and administration highly value friendly cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation. The Vietnamese leader also praised the exchange of diplomatic notes between the Vietnamese and Chinese foreign ministries regarding the establishment of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing. He expressed confidence that the Consulate General will serve as a crucial bridge to advance collaboration between Viet Nam and Chongqing as well as Western China, bringing tangible benefits to their businesses and people. Discussing bilateral joint work in the near future, PM Chinh suggested enhancing delegation exchanges at various levels. He called on Chongqing's relevant authorities to support the completion of the necessary procedures for the official establishment of the consulate general and to facilitate its future operations. He also requested that the Chinese locality create conditions conducive to Vietnamese businesses' effective use of the China-Europe international railway, helping to export Vietnamese goods to third countries. PM Chinh also encouraged Chongqing to increase imports of high-quality Vietnamese products, expand bilateral trade volume, and further boost cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, he recommended the consideration of new direct flights linking Chongqing to major cities in Viet Nam. Agreeing with the PM, Yuan affirmed that Chongqing will facilitate the operation of the Vietnamese Consulate General, help Viet Nam capitalise on the China-Europe international railway line, and increase its imports of high-quality Vietnamese goods. He expressed hope for bilateral engagements in areas where Chongqing holds strengths or both sides have mutual interests, such as industrial production, new materials, new energy, warehousing, logistics, and tourism, contributing to the building of the Viet Nam-China Community with A Shared Future that carries strategic significance. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Defence Attache Office and the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam on Friday (November 8) jointly held an experience sharing session on the theme of women, peace and security in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The event was co-chaired by Vice Director of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh and Australian Defense Attache to Viet Nam Colonel Michael Jansen. Vietnamese female peacekeepers who are on duty at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) also attended the hybrid event. This is the 5th time Viet Nam and Australia have exchanged experience on the topic "Women, peace and security". Previously, the two countries successfully coordinated to organise four experience sharing sessions on this topic in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 with practical results, contributing to promoting the role and effective participation s of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Speaking at the event, Canh said that in early August 2024, Viet Nam issued its first national action plan on women, peace and security. This is an important policy orientation, affirming Viet Nam 's determination and commitment to ensuring and further promoting the role and voice of women, especially in the field of peace and security. Meanwhile, Australia is one of the leading countries supporting and contributing greatly to the introduction of Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security - the first official and legal document of the United Nations Security Council. Over the years, Viet Nam and Australia have regularly shared expertise and experience in this field and supported each other in promoting the women, peace and security agenda at multilateral forums. Affirming that the exchange of experience on the topic of women, peace and security has become a useful forum for both sides to share experience and challenges encountered during their participation in UN peacekeeping missions, Jansen said that this activity also contributed to strengthening the cooperative relations between the two countries' UN peacekeeping forces. It also helped enhance awareness of the benefits of women participating in common missions, thereby proposing and promoting recommendations to improve the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations, creating a more favourable working environment for female peacekeepers, he said. VNS HA NOI For decades, Viet Nam has remained resolute in its fight to eliminate hunger and alleviate poverty, setting an example of sustainable development. With the Party and State taking the lead, Viet Nam has become the first Asian country to establish a comprehensive, multidimensional poverty reduction programme, a step that has garnered international praise and marked a historic achievement. This revolution in poverty alleviation has touched the lives of millions, with its effects felt even in the most remote areas. Viet Nams campaign against poverty crosses generations, with a focus on uplifting citizens, particularly those in rural, mountainous, and ethnic minority communities. The combination of supportive policies and local determination has brought about significant strides in poverty alleviation. Transforming lives In Buon on, a border district in Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) province of ak Lak, the focus on poverty reduction has yielded encouraging results. With 18 ethnic groups, nearly half of Buon ons population are ethnic groups, many of whom rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The natural environment, with its harsh climate and poor soil quality, has limited opportunities. But through targeted support and sustainable development policies, the district has transformed lives. One success story belongs to HKhua Hohs family from Jang Lanh hamlet, Krong Na Commune. Once struggling with poverty, they were given two goats worth VN13 million (US$512) in 2017 under a local poverty reduction initiative. This seemingly small investment has paid off. Over the following years, her herd grew, enabling HKhua Hoh to transition to cattle rearing, and by 2023, her family had escaped poverty. Similarly, in the same hamlet, Y Chit Nie received two cows in 2022. With additional income from cultivating cassava on a hectare of land, Y Chit Nies family now earns around VN100 million annually, a stable income that lifted them out of poverty within a year. In the southern province of Soc Trang, home to the nations largest Khmer community, policies have enabled ethnic households to lift themselves sustainably from poverty. Local authorities have made great strides, offering targetted assistance to families such as Danh Chums family. Once without land and reliant on daily offers of work, his family received support from the local authority in 2022. With a new home, livestock and capital for small business ventures, his familys living conditions have seen substantial improvement. In Lai Chau, a mountainous northern province, the National Target Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction has invigorated rural and isolated communities. This comprehensive initiative has brought essential services, created jobs and raised incomes across the locality. Chairman of the Lai Chau Peoples Committee, Le Van Luong, said that these poverty reduction policies have significantly enhanced the regions social and economic development, providing sustainable livelihoods that foster resilience in the local economy. In 2015, the Government introduced a new standard for poverty assessment, shifting from an income-based to a multidimensional approach. This updated framework evaluates poverty based on factors like access to healthcare, education, housing, clean water, sanitation, and information. It has positioned Viet Nam as a regional leader in addressing poverty as a complex, multifaceted issue. By focusing on various aspects of life quality, Viet Nam has crafted policies and programmes that not only increase incomes but also expand access to crucial services, helping to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A national commitment Poverty reduction is now one of Viet Nams three national target programmes, with the 20212025 phase aiming for one to 1.5 per cent annual reduction in multidimensional poverty, with over 3 per cent for ethnic households. The Government plans to lift 30 per cent of the poorest coastal and island districts out of extreme poverty by 2025. Through these initiatives, Viet Nam has established the Central Steering Committee on Sustainable Poverty Reduction, which oversees a broad legal framework to guide poverty reduction projects and regularly evaluate households poverty status, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated. Each year, Viet Nam allocates substantial resources to social welfare through central funds, local contributions, and the fund for the poor. Over three decades, this investment has seen the average income per capita rise from $185 in 1993 to approximately $4,650 today. By 2023, the national multidimensional poverty rate dropped to 2.93 per cent, with ten impoverished communes successfully emerging from poverty. The improvements in living standards have been transformative, as hundreds of households have voluntarily left poverty status, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency. Rural Viet Nam has seen a transformative wave of development, with vast improvements in economic and social infrastructure reshaping the countryside. Essential facilities now support local production and improve quality of life, including expanded electricity networks, better roads, new schools, healthcare centres, marketplaces and community cultural houses. These sweeping changes are a testament to the collective efforts of the Party, the State and the people in a unified drive to lift communities out of poverty and fulfil the commitment to 'leave no one behind'. Viet Nams achievements in poverty eradication are widely recognised both domestically and abroad. Once one of the worlds poorest countries, Viet Nam has become one of the fastest-growing economies. Between 1989 and 2023, per capita GDP increased 40-fold, with poverty rates dropping from over 58 per cent in 1993 to just 2.23 per cent by 2021. This dramatic reduction means that over 40 million Vietnamese have escaped poverty. Viet Nam was one of the few countries to meet the UNs Millennium Development Goals on poverty reduction ahead of schedule, a feat the World Bank has lauded as exceptional. The 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report by the United Nations Development Programme and Oxford Universitys OPHI also highlighted Viet Nams extraordinary progress, ranking the country among 25 nations that halved their MPI within 15 years. VNS HA NOI The 9th annual Francophone Young Reporters competition culminated in an awards ceremony on Thursday, celebrating the burgeoning talent of young writers and their passion for the French language. Organised by Le Courrier du Vietnam, Viet Nams only French-language newspaper, the competition drew a record 107 entries from 190 participants, including writers from Romania and Congo. Thirteen prizes were awarded, including those sponsored by the Romanian Embassy, the Moroccan Embassy, the AUF Asia Pacific, Phenikaa University and the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi. The first prize went to the group of authors o Thanh Tam, Trinh Phuong Linh, Nguyen Thi Lieu Hang, Ngo Quoc Khanh and Pham Hoang Hai for their work 'JT HANUvelles, a creative Francophone adventure.' Le Thi Ngoc Lan came in second with her article 'Mobile Cafe: A start-up combining learning and cultural exchange', followed by Nguyen Quynh Ly, Nguyen Ha Phuong, Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen and ao Minh Phuong for their piece 'To enhance Vietnamese cultural heritage using technology.' First prize winner Trinh Phuong Linh told Viet Nam News that her team wrote the story to offer young people a new way to learn French and show them that French is a beautiful language that is not as difficult as it seems. "As members of the HANU Francophoniles club, we've had a lot of fun producing French news broadcasts. We wanted to share our experiences and what we've learned with others, so we wrote about our club," she said. Speaking at the event, Vietnam News Agency's Deputy General Director oan Thi Tuyet Nhung highlighted the competitions success in fostering interest in French among young Vietnamese. She noted the competitions yearly growth as a testament to its appeal and reach. The competition aligns with the spirit of the 19th Francophonie Summit, which took place in October in Villers-Cotterets and Paris, centering on the theme 'Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in French.' With the support of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Le Courrier du Vietnam designed this years theme to encourage participants to think creatively and embrace entrepreneurial mindsets within the Francophone community. Nguyen Hong Nga, Editor-in-Chief of Le Courrier du Vietnam, emphasised the broader impact of the event. Today, we not only celebrate the achievements of our young talents, but reaffirm the core values of the Francophone community: French language and cultural diversity," she said. "This years competition has encouraged participants to engage in innovation and start-ups, a theme inspired by the 19th Francophonie Summit." Reflecting on the competitions success, head of the Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in Viet Nam Pierre du Ville praised the participants for their quality entries and commitment to fieldwork. "We greatly appreciate your creativity and especially your desire to tell beautiful local stories that will inspire many young people," he said. The competition also reflects broader Francophone collaboration in Viet Nam and across Asia-Pacific. Edgar Doerig, OIFs Regional Representative, commended the initiative, underscoring its importance as Viet Nam strengthens ties with the Francophone community. I greatly appreciate their writing quality and originality, and I would like to congratulate all the participants, the winners, and their teachers," he said. "It is they who transmit knowledge and, through it, the love for the French language and the values of solidarity and tolerance that it carries." The Francophone Young Reporters competition, now in its 9th year, has become a flagship event for Le Courrier du Vietnam, expanding the reach of French in Viet Nam and the region. VNS AK LAK The wreckage of the Yak-130 military training aircraft that crashed on Wednesday has been located in Yok on National Park today, two days after its pilots were forced to eject due to an in-flight emergency. The discovery was confirmed on Friday by the Chairman of the Buon on District Peoples Committee in ak Lak Province. The aircraft, belonging to the 940th Regiment of the Air Force Officer School, was on a training flight from Phu Cat Airport in Binh inh Province when its pilots reported encountering a problem that prevented them from landing safely. After making three attempts to resolve the issue, they were forced to eject from the aircraft at an altitude of 600m as fuel ran low. Both pilots landed safely in a forested area in Binh inh and were rescued hours later. A massive search effort was launched involving over 550 personnel, 33 vehicles and an Mi-17 helicopter, covering the three provinces of Binh inh, Gia Lai, and ak Lak. The wreckage was finally located on Friday about 250km from Phu Cat Airport, following a report from a local villager who heard an unusual explosion in the woods. A closer inspection revealed that the aircraft had suffered severe damage, particularly to its underside. The still green leaves and branches surrounding it indicate there was only probably a small blaze or no fire at all. Authorities in Krong Na Commune in Buon on District had offered a reward of VN10 million (approximately US$400) for information leading to the discovery of the aircraft. VNS Crews work on Loop 1604 near Blanco Road in this file photo from May 22. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer North Side drivers beware: The Texas Department of Transportation plans to close Loop 1604 at its crossing with Blanco Road this weekend in order to demolish a bridge that was recently replaced. The highway's eastbound and westbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the state transportation agency. Access to surrounding businesses will remain open, and law enforcement will help direct traffic flow, the agency said. TxDOT is closing the road to demolish the old Blanco Road bridge over the highway after a new bridge opened to traffic last weekend. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WEEKEND CONSTRUCTION 9PM FRI (11/8) UNTIL 5AM MON (11/11) - EB/WB Loop 1604 closed at Blanco Rd. for bridge demolition. Blanco Rd. will also be closed at the intersection. Plan ahead for delays. Details https://t.co/2xRlONUUdF Subscribe https://t.co/mBMT0kvygt pic.twitter.com/PmW7ZWUM5c TxDOT San Antonio (@TxDOTSanAntonio) November 6, 2024 SEOUL President Yoon Suk Yeol said a nuclear-based alliance between South Korea and the United States will immediately strike if North Korea attempts a nuclear attack against the South, according to an interview published on Friday. Yoon made the remark during an interview with US magazine Newsweek to address growing concerns over North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats. I believe that it would be irrational for them to decide to wage a nuclear attack against the Republic of Korea and should they do so the nuclear-based RoK-US alliance will immediately strike North Korea with the US nuclear weapon, he said, referring to South Koreas official name. He highlighted South Koreas advanced defence and attack capabilities against the Norths potential nuclear attacks. We have our capabilities, and we are improving our capability to strike the launching point and to intercept their missiles and to strike their command-and-control centres, he added. Yoon reiterated South Koreas stance against developing its own nuclear weapons, cautioning such a move could prompt neighbouring countries like Japan and Chinas Taiwan to pursue nuclear arms and escalate regional tensions. He said Seoul remains committed to countering Pyongyangs nuclear threats through the Nuclear Consultative Group, established as part of the Washington Declaration agreed upon during his summit with US President Joe Biden in April 2023.THE KOREA HERALD/ANN SINGAPORE - The cost of living and job security are concerns that come up frequently among residents during walkabouts, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said. The Government has taken steps towards addressing these issues and they will be covered in upcoming public consultations on Budget 2025, he added. In a press conference with local media on November 8, PM Wong said preparations for Budget 2025 had started and consultation sessions with the public will begin in December. There are four broad themes economic strategies for the next bound; opportunities for skills upgrading and jobs for workers; support for Singaporeans across different life stages; and strengthening Singaporeans sense of solidarity and unity as the country marks SG60. The broad themes I highlighted just now for the Budget consultations are very much derived from concerns that Singaporeans have highlighted, he said, when asked about the feedback he receives from the ground. We are therefore focusing on looking at what measures we can take, what new policies, programmes and schemes we might be able to put in place to address these concerns. On the cost of living, he acknowledged that there were different dimensions beyond the price of food and groceries and that it extended to areas such as housing and certificates of entitlement for vehicles. He cited the new Housing Board flat categorisation framework and increased subsidies for first-time public housing applicants as part of efforts to address these worries. On the job front, PM Wong noted that the issue is not about overall unemployment, as unemployment rates are low, but about ensuring a sense of security amid a more turbulent global environment. People can sense that there are more changes around us. With global changes, with geopolitical tensions, with technology, people are worried about not just todays job, but what about my jobs later on, and as I get older and we are all living longer will I still have a good job with a steady income, he said. The upcoming Budget will look at helping people to upskill and ensure better incomes, on top of existing efforts such as the enhancements to SkillsFuture, PM Wong added. It will also look at providing support for Singaporeans across different life stages, such as when entering the workforce, starting families, or at a phase where they might feel sandwiched looking after elderly parents and their own children, he said. These are among the topics he had previously listed as key areas of focus for the Government, with more support to come in Budget 2025. During the National Day Rally in August, he had spoken of a new scheme to come for large families. At a press conference several days later, he spoke about addressing longer-term care and housing needs for the elderly and addressing cost-of-living pressures for larger families with more young children. PM Wong said that he welcomed feedback, suggestions and views from the public for Budget 2025, in line with usual practices. I am committed to engage and to listen, to review, change and reset policies where needed, so that together we can take Singapore forward, towards a fairer, brighter and more inclusive future, he said. Asked about further plans for SG60 which he recently soft-launched, he said the Government would like SG60 to be something that Singaporeans can embrace. Certainly one of my hopes is that as we enter into SG60, we can provide more platforms and opportunities for ground-up engagement and ground-up actions, he said. The Government will look at facilitating local projects that individuals or community groups may wish to undertake and will empower them to do so. We will provide resources so that these projects can proliferate, so that SG60 is not just a top-down exercise, but its something that everyone can embrace and use this as an occasion for us to strengthen our sense of shared values, our sense of purpose and also our sense of solidarity with one another, PM Wong said. These initiatives will go beyond celebrating and commemorating Singapores 60th birthday, but also show greater concern for fellow citizens and the more disadvantaged members of society, he added. THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN German businesses explore investments in Dong Nai. Photo: GBA The delegation, led by GBA chairman Alexander Ziehe and chief representative of AHK Vietnam Peter Kompalla, held constructive talks with the vice chairman of Dong Nai Peoples Committee, Vo Van Phi, and provincial departmental heads on November 7. The discussions centred on boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) and reinforcing Dong Nais position as a competitive business hub. Ziehe highlighted that Dong Nai is a key destination for German investment projects. Our members are involved in a variety of industries in Dong Nai. With Ziehl-Abegg, Pearl, and Viessmann, the province has attracted several renowned German foreign-invested projects within the last 12 months. Furthermore, the province has been home to several well-established projects for many years, including Bosch, Schaeffler, Bayer, Neumann Gruppe, FRIWO, and Framas, he said. He also added, This proves the attractiveness of Dong Nai as an FDI destination for German investors. Thanks to strategic factors such as its easy connectivity to seaports and airports and well-developed infrastructure, investors choose Dong Nai as their base in Vietnam. The GBA identified several critical areas and recommends the following actions to increase the attractiveness of Dong Nai. First, the province should simplify processes for licensing, customs, environmental approvals, work permits, and regulatory approvals to reduce delays for foreign enterprises. Fully digitalise administration and significantly reduce paperwork using digital tools. In addition, the GBA also proposed that Dong Nai improve transport infrastructure, particularly road and logistics networks, to facilitate movement between Dong Nai, industrial zones, and major ports, particularly Ben Luc Long Thanh Expressway and Ring Road No.3. Vice Chairman of Dong Nai People's Committee Vo Van Phu conveyed Dong Nais commitment to revamping its industrial landscape, transforming traditional industrial parks into smart ones, fostering supporting industries, and constructing a comprehensive regional transport network. The province is keen on attracting FDI for sustainable practices, focusing on renewable energy, a green economy, and a circular economy. "Long Thanh International Airport will be put into operation phase 1 in Dong Nai by 2026. This project will create development momentum for Dong Nai and the entire southern key economic region. At that time, Dong Nai will have a multimodal transport system including road, air, rail, and inland waterway to increase investment attraction in the locality," he added. At present, Dong Nai is home to 12 projects run by German enterprises with an investment of over $273 million. Germany's Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam inaugurates new production facility in Dong Nai Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam announced the opening of a new production facility in the southern province of Dong Nai on June 12, a significant addition to its global operations. German players leading wave of Euro investments European companies including German ones continue to venture into Vietnam as part of their efforts to diversify supply chain and strengthen manufacturing base in Asia. HEFEI, China, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 4, during his official visit to China, His Excellency Prime Minister Robert Fico of the Slovak Republic embarked on a dedicated visit to Gotion in Hefei. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Her Excellency Denisa Sakova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, the Embassy in Beijing, and the Consulate General in Shanghai. During the visit, Dr. Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion, guided the delegation through Gotion's Exhibition Hall, Validation Center, and Xinzhan Unified Cell (UC) plant. Dr. Li presented the Prime Minister with a unified cell model and six E-Plvs intelligent mobile chargers. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico meets Chairman of Gotion High-Tech Li Zhen At the exhibition hall in Gotion's Headquarters in Baohe, Prime Minister Fico inquired in detail about the technical advantages of all-solid-state batteries and listened attentively to the introduction of battery testing and validation in the validation center. During the tour of the Xinzhan Volkswagen UC Plant, Prime Minister Fico expressed high praise for Gotion's unified cell manufacturing technology and had an in-depth discussion on Gotion's investment in a gigafactory in Slovakia. Dr. Li said in his speech that Prime Minister Fico's visit to Gotion "greatly boosts our confidence... Together with InoBat, Gotion is committed to establishing the Slovak project as a benchmark enterprise for new energy in Europe, contributing actively to Slovakia's energy transformation, Europe's energy transition, and the advancement of sustainable energy for humanity." As he prepared to depart, Prime Minister Fico shared a sentiment of deep admiration and remarked that this visit to Gotion provided profound insights and announced that the Slovak government would convene a dedicated meeting to thoroughly explore and expedite Gotion's project, hoping this collaboration marks a breakthrough in China-Slovakia cooperation. The Prime Minister also extended heartfelt wishes for the partnership between China and Slovakia to flourish for generations, and for collaboration with Gotion to be strong and enduring. Prior to Prime Minister Fico's visit, over 80 representatives from the local communities and media of Slovakia, organized by the Slovak government, toured Gotion's headquarters and the UC plant from October 27 to 28. The delegation delved into extensive discussions on topics of mutual interest, and expressed high praise for Gotion's industrial footprints, technological innovations, and global expansion efforts. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe James "Val" Cotter, Brad Simpson's business partner, was in court during a pretrial hearing on Nov. 4. On Thursday, a judge reduced his bail from $1 million to $100,000. Brad Simpson's wife Suzanne Simpson went missing on Oct. 6. Cotter is accused of hiding a gun for Brad Simpson. Christopher Lee / Staff Photographer The business associate of missing real estate agent Suzanne Simpson's husband has had his bail significantly reduced from $1 million to $100,000. James "Val" Cotter, Brad Simpson's longtime business partner, was in court this week for a bond reduction hearing. On Thursday, without a new hearing, Judge Miguel Najera reduced the bail for each charge to $50,000, court records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cotter, who is accused of hiding Brad Simpson's gun, was arrested on Oct. 21 at his home in the Dominion. Authorities charged him with tampering with evidence and possessing a prohibited weapon, both third-degree felonies. Cotter's case is related to the investigation of Suzanne Simpson's disappearance. The 51-year-old mother of four was last seen alive on Oct. 6 and was reported missing the following day. On Monday, prosecutor Casey Sandoval said Cotter's original bail amount was necessary. She said Cotter lied to authorities twice about the weapon to try to shield Brad Simpson. "He has shown he is going to do everything it takes to protect (Brad Simpson)," Sandoval said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Cotter's attorney, Robert Maurer, told Judge Miguel Najera that Cotter's bail amount was unusual and oppressive. He said he had never seen a judge set bail so high for a third-degree felony charge. I find it stunning that the bonds would be set so high, Maurer said. "Its clearly oppressive and merely meant to keep him in jail. Sandoval detailed Cotter's assets, including a home valued at $1.3 million, a truck valued at $65,000 and $10,000 in a trust account. She also pointed out pending state litigation related to Cotter that could result in "millions." Maurer said Cotter's home is owned by his mother in trust and cannot be used to secure a bail bond. Najera, who expressed doubt over Cotter's finances, delayed the hearing until the following day to allow Cotter's mother to travel to San Antonio to testify. However, her flight was delayed and the hearing was postponed without a rescheduled date. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If Cotter were to post bond and is released, his bail conditions bar him from possessing firearms or having contact with Brad Simpson, according to a court record shared with the Express-News by state District Judge Ron Rangel, the administrative judge for Bexar County's district courts. Other conditions specify that, if released, Cotter must remain under house arrest, surrender his passport to law enforcement, and submit to drug and alcohol testing. Over the years, Cotter ran a home construction business, worked as a property manager for his father's company, Cotter & Sons Inc., and served as an executive for nursing homes in Lytle and Fredericksburg, court records show. He and Brad Simpson have been friends for 25 years, investigators said. Several family and friends of Suzanne Simpson showed up to the courtroom during Cotter's hearing to show support for this missing mother. They held up her missing person poster during the hearing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brad Simpson, 53, has been in custody since Oct. 9. On Thursday, he was charged with murder in connection with his wife's disappearance. He is also charged with unlawful restraint and assault causing body injury to a family member. He is at Bexar County jail where he is being held in lieu of $5 million bail. According to an arrest affidavit for Brad Simpson, a neighbor allegedly heard him screaming at Suzanne Simpson on the night of Oct. 6. A short time later, the neighbor heard screams in a wooded area near his home. The neighbor also told police he saw Brad Simpsons black GMC pickup leave the Simpsons home. The truck returned an hour or two later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The couples youngest child told a teacher her parents had been fighting, and her father had struck her mother in the face and taken away her cell phone. Demonstrators at Texas State University hold signs reading "homo sex is sin" and "women are property" on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Louie Dean Valencia/Courtesy Louie Dean Valencia Texas State University is condemning "disgusting messages" brought to its San Marcos campus by demonstrators with signs declaring women property. In a letter to the campus community Thursday, President Kelly Damphousse said that two men who were not university students, faculty or staff arrived on campus just after noon Wednesday carrying signs with "homophobic and misogynistic messages." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Photos of the demonstration shared on social media show the men as they stand in front of the university's Fighting Stallions statue with signs reading "women are property" and "homo sex is sin." One of the signs also directed viewers to the website of Official Street Preachers, an organization that describes itself as a Christian-centered news source. The website encourages Christians to preach in public spaces. Damphousse said University Police Department officers and its trained "expressive activity team" went to the area to monitor the demonstration, which had drawn a crowd. The men left campus about an hour later. Public universities such as Texas State are required to allow "expressive activities" in public, outdoor spaces on campus without prior permission or notice, as long as the speech or writing is protected by the First Amendment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "While TXST is legally committed to protecting free speech on our campuses, we understand that words can negatively impact members of our community," Damphousse wrote Thursday. "I condemn the hateful words these two men wrote and spoke while they were on our campus. That kind of hate is not welcome here." Damphousse said no arrest was made during the demonstration, but that the university is looking into potential legal action. The president stressed that the expressive activity team has procedures in place for incidents like the Wednesday demonstration, and urged students to contact police or other university leadership if they feel unsafe. He also directed students to campus mental health resources. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I know yesterday was a lot for some of us. I am so sorry that this came to our home. Its okay to not be okay today. I know that I am not okay. Please remember that you dont have to face this challenge alone," Damphousse wrote. Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (7 November 2024) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of 113th, 127th territorial defence brigades, 4th and 5th border detachments of the Ukrainian border police close to Kazachya Lopan, Dmitrovka, Izbitskoye (Kharkov region) and Velikayaya Pisarevka (Sumy region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 55 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of 17th Tank Brigade, 60th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 109th and 115th territorial defence brigades near Novoplatonovka, Senkovo (Kharkov region), Yampolovka and Terny (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Eight counter-attacks of the AFU 14th, 28th, 63rd mechanised brigades and 125th Territorial Defence Brigade were repelled. The enemy lost up to 430 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, six motor vehicles, a 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two ammunition depots. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of 23rd, 28th, 30th, 116th mechanised brigades, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Nikolayevka, Minkovka, Privolye, Dachnoye, Krasnoarmeysk, Seversk, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 46th Airmobile Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 665 troops, three motor vehicles, and three 105-mm U.S.-made M119 guns. The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Kremennaya Balka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Russian units hit formations of AFU 68th Jaeger Brigade, 110th, 119th, 123rd territorial defence brigades, and 12th National Guard Brigade near Dzerzhinsk, Dyleyevka, Petrovka, Starye Terny, Ostrovskoye, and Shcherbinovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Russian forces repelled 11 counter-attacks of the 23rd, 100th, 154th mechanised brigades, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, 49th Assault Battalion of the AFU, 35th, 38th marine brigades, and Lyut Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine. The enemy lost up to 455 troops, a Swedish-made Viking armoured personnel carrier, a U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, three Kazak armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and a 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun. The Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and defeated formations of 33rd Mechanised Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novy Komar, Razdolnoye, and Velikayaya Novoselka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the 37th Marine Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 120 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles. The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of 117th Mechanised Brigade, 141st Infantry Brigade of the AFU, and 124th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Novodanilovka, Stepnoye (Zaporozhye region) and Kamyshany (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, two motor vehicles, and a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. One Anklav-N electronic warfare station and one ammunition depot have been destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at infrastructure of a military airfield, storage and preparation areas for the launch of unmanned aerial vehicles, depots of missile-artillery weapons, ammunition, and POL of the AFU, as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 119 areas. Air defence systems shot down 55 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 648 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,353 unmanned aerial vehicles, 585 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,071 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,484 MLRS combat vehicles, 17,418 field artillery guns and mortars, and 28,032 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. Tags: *** Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (7 November 2024) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of 21st, 22nd, 41st, 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. The Groups units repelled four enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Daryino and Novoivanovka, and thwarted an AFU attack in the direction of Novaya Sorochina. The enemy lost up to 40 people killed and wounded, a tank, and a motor vehicle. Army aviation and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of 22nd, 41st, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, and 95th airborne assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade as well as 1st Special Operations Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU, and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Daryino, Pervy Knyazhy, Kruglenkoye, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Nizhniy Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, Plyokhovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Operational-Tactical and Missile Troops engaged in strikes against concentration areas in the Sumy region and reserves of 21st, 22nd, 47th, and 115th mechanised brigades, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 1 Special Operations Brigade and 129th Territorial Defence Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Belovody, Golyshevskoye, Ivolzhanskoye, Iskriskovshchina, Loknya, Miropolye, and Pavlovka. Over 150 troops, a tank, an artillery gun, four mortars, and a motor vehicle have been neutralised during the day. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 30,200 troops, 185 tanks, 115 infantry fighting vehicles, 107 armoured personnel carriers, 1,088 armoured fighting vehicles, 818 motor vehicles, 262 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 11 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 59 EW stations, 12 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 26 units of engineering and other materiel, including 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. Tags: WtR Global medical giants tapping Chinese market at import expo Xinhua) 10:18, November 08, 2024 A visitor operates a surgical robot at the exhibition area of Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- With an array of new medicines and medical devices on display, global medical companies are looking to tap further into the huge Chinese market at the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The 7th CIIE, which runs from Nov. 5 to 10, has attracted virtually all the world's top pharmaceutical and medical device companies, including Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, Bayer, Lilly, Novartis, GSK, GE HealthCare, Edwards Lifesciences, AstraZeneca, Roche, Pfizer, MSD, Gilead Sciences and Johnson &Johnson. The companies bring their newest products -- vaccines, medicines for cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and even influenza, as well as magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Roche took the opportunity to promote its star antiviral drug for influenza, Xofluza, by inviting doctors to share their experiences of treating the flu with visitors. Novartis launched a partnership with GE Healthcare on oncology diagnosis and treatment. Johnson &Johnson signed a strategic collaboration with AIER Eye Hospital Group and Abbott signed a partnership with China Nonprescription Medicines Group. These are just a few of the many deals and partnerships that the medical giants have already secured just halfway through the six-day event. Executives from these medical giants said they are committed to the Chinese market, given its huge population, and are continually investing in production facilities and research and development in the country. China, with a population of more than 1.4 billion, has a rapidly aging population, leading to a growing demand for medical services. Fanny Chen, vice president of Abbott Core Diagnostics, said the American healthcare company hopes that the spillover effect of the CIIE will help bring its new products to the market sooner to benefit Chinese patients and clients. Abbott, widely known to Chinese consumers for its baby formula products, is participating in the CIIE for the fifth time. It is exhibiting some of its latest products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals. "China is a vital market for us," said Chen. "There is a substantial market opportunity here, and we also appreciate the established infrastructure tailored for the Chinese market." Lena Wang, vice president of Siemens Healthineers Greater China, said CIIE is a great platform to showcase the latest products and have in-depth exchanges with governments and medical institutions for potential partnerships. "With CIIE, medical professionals and even the general public can get to know our products in a short time," Wang said. "We also hope that through the platform, our new products can reach Chinese patients sooner." The German company, which has exhibited at all seven editions of CIIE since 2018, has full confidence in the Chinese market and will continue to invest and strengthen innovation cooperation with local partners in China, Wang said. Other executives shared a similar commitment to the Chinese market. Nelson Ambrogio, head of Bayer's radiology business, said the Chinese market is growing because of the increasing need for diagnostic procedures. China will continue to be a key strategic market for Bayer, Ambrogio said. "We are making investments and we continue to make investments." U.S. medical device maker Edwards Lifesciences has brought more than 10 products to CIIE this year, including surgical valves and transcatheter heart valves. "China market is one of the most attractive markets for Edwards," said Leo Tam, senior director of the business unit of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Edwards Lifesciences China, citing a lot of unmet patient needs in the country. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. Indie legends James announce headline set for Live at Llangollen Pavilion This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 8th, 2024 Indie greats James are heading to North Wales next summer to headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion. The Manchester legends behind anthems such as Sit Down, Born of Frustration, Shes A Star and Come Home will perform in the town on Sunday June 29. One of Britains most enduring success stories, James have sold more than 25 million records worldwide since forming in Manchester in the early 1980s gaining both critical and commercial acclaim. Their unique craftsmanship, creativity and musical legacy has made them one of the most influential British bands of the last four decades and with 18 studio albums under their belt, James secured their first UK album Number 1 chart spot earlier this year with Yummy. The bands 40th anniversary in 2023 was celebrated with a tour of inspired orchestral reworkings of hits, B-sides and obscure favourites, but this was far from a full stop. As frontman Tim Booth sings on the anti-ageism anthem Rogue on Yummy: some of us still have work to do. A sensational live band, who continue to sell-out arenas across the UK and beyond, James most recently completed a US co-headline tour with The Smiths songwriting genius Johnny Marr. The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 which will also see RagnBone Man, Olly Murs, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline the iconic Welsh venue with more announcements to come. The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: Weve had the pleasure of working with James on numerous shows over the years, and they never fail to impress. Their talent is unmatched, and were thrilled to be bringing them to Llangollen. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night filled with incredible music and a unique atmosphere only James can create. Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: Our amazing summer of live music for 2025 continues, with the announcement that James will be performing live in Llangollen. Their huge anthems are sure to have the pavilion rocking to the rafters, and this is definitely a show thats not to be missed. Tickets go on general sale at 10am Friday from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk Only 413 comments against 20 MPH say council after consultation This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 8th, 2024 Some local roads could revert from 20MPH in under 60 days time say Wrexham Council. The council was tasked to get feedback from local residents on the roll out of the controversial 20MPH Welsh Government law, with an aim to convert some roads back to 30MPH. Despite a large social media outcry there was just 440 emails to the designated council inbox, with the responses broken down as: 207 were general comments against the 20 mph scheme in its entirety 152 provided individual locations they wished to be increased back to 30 mph 54 provided numerous locations they wished to be reviewed; 27 responses supported the 20 mph limit and did not wish to see any roads revert back to 30 mph. As well as the limited public feedback the council note, In addition to the public consultation, officers have used professional knowledge and judgement in consideration of some roads. The full list of roads will be assessed in line with Welsh Government guidance and the final selections are apparently undergoing a process currently, with a public consultation next month. The list of roads have not been made public as the council have only shared one report, but have not published referenced appendices which listed them. The council note, Consideration is given to proposed developments in and around the relevant road. For example, if a housing estate is subject to a planning application it would impact on the decision to revert. Equally if a road does revert to 30 mph, but then has development in future years, it could be subject to reverting back to 20 mph. WONGA As we have reported previously, the changes will be yet another bountiful time for some not all print publications in Wales, with several hundred thousand pounds of public money spent to inform the public via statutory notices in the back of newspapers which are seeing ongoing drops in circulations. This sum does not include the 800k+ paid promotion campaign advertising on Facebook / TV / etc by Welsh Government for the 20MPH rollout something now that the former Minister Lee Waters said was not enough. Online the subject is also a cash positive one for some media with endless 20MPH articles generating traffic and engagement on social websites. This week Wrexham Council have said, As referenced, any changes back to 30 mph must be processed through a Traffic Regulation Order and this will require a period of consultation. The overall bill to the taxpayer for such notices connected to 20MPH could exceed 1m once all the work has taken place across Wales. Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives joined forces to ensure that all-but-subsidy remained for declining legacy print media. More: Six out of ten Newsquest newspapers in Wales would have been loss making last year without public notice revenue / It is not for local authorities to fund local or national print media, says Senedd committee Plea to make announcement soon on future of 20m regeneration programme for Wrexham This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 8th, 2024 The towns fund that has promised 20m to Wrexham over the next decade appears to be in place, although the detail of what exactly it will look like and encompass is yet to be finalised. Last week Wrexham.com noted that Wrexhams town fund will move to a a new regeneration programme however the value or setup of the new system has not been revealed. The fine print of the Budget stated the Shared Prosperity Fund and Long-Term Plan for Towns are being kept by the UK Labour Government, however in what form and with what cash locally is as yet unknown. Previously the fund would have seen 20 million allocated to Wrexham over the next 10 years. We queried Wrexham Council on the substantial fund, and if they had any more detail yet on how it was due to change and what that would mean at the bottom line. Council Leader Mark Pritchard said, I think it will be rebranded, the new UK Government will want to put their own stamp on it, and it will be interesting to see whats in the small print with regards to the new legislation on it, with regards to how we move forward. I would like to thank the Board, and Rachel who has been the Chair for her patience, because it has changed from when she took over the position. There is a plea for me, is that whatever changes are going to be made on the legislation or the conditions around it, that it is done very quickly so we can move on. I would be extremely disappointed, and I would be vocal, if a reduction in the funding was introdueced. I dont believe thats the case, to be fair. I think you look at the announcements, I dont theres going to be any money taken away. I think the legislation and the conditions around it will change, but I dont know what. The sooner they make that announcement, the better for everybody. We asked if there had been any lobbying or detail from Wrexhams new MP Andrew Ranger on the topic. Suprisingly the Council Leader said, I have not spoken to the local MP yet. I have not met him yet, I have had no communication from him at all. I would hope, I presume, that he is working on behalf of Wrexham to achieve the best outcomes for Wrexham. When you get in that position, an MP or an MS, you have to put your politics aside, youre here to represent the people of Wrexham, and not the party. They should work tirelessly, as we do, to bring the investment and to take Wrexham forward. Thats their role. We asked Wrexhams new MP Andrew Ranger about the status of the Long-Term Plan for Towns Fund, who told us, I was pleased that last weeks budget confirmed the retention the Long-Term Plan for Towns Fund despite unfounded concerns that the fund was at risk. Wrexham is a city seeing significant investment and development, and the fund is a key part of ensuring Wrexhams future is a bright one. Since August, I have had several meetings with UK Government ministers regarding the Long-Term Plan for Towns Fund and have campaigned to ensure that local stakeholders are the key decision makers into how the funds are used as the people who know best what Wrexham needs are the people who live and work in our city. Full details will be released by the UK Government in due course, in the meantime I look forward to continuing to work with the Wrexham City Board, listening to residents, and other stakeholders on their ideas to improve our city, and working in partnership with local businesses, public sector and other parties who want the best for Wrexham. On the engagement with the Council Leader, he added, When I was elected, I promised to work with anyone who seeks the best for Wrexham and its people. My door is always open to those who want to work together to ensure that Wrexham gets the future that it deserves. The City has released an update on residents displaced by the recent closure of the Lakemill Lodge in downtown Reno. The building was shuttered in late October after it failed a health inspection. It has since passed an inspection, but the City still needs to complete some checks before reopening. In an update, the City's Housing And Neighborhood Development (HAND) agency has helped a total of 55 people, including 32 pets. More than 20 households have moved into, or will soon move into, permanent housing. Two additional households are working to get approved for a unit, while six were denied for lack of income or failure to make progress. HAND also says that $29,986 has been paid in interim hotel assistance and $36,664 has been paid for deposit and move-in costs. NOVEMBER 21, 2024: Northern Nevada Public Health says the currently shuttered Lakemill Lodge has passed a health inspection. The City of Reno said people who were living there were allowed to collect personal items but the license remains suspended. The City still needs to complete some checks before they can reopen the property. The Lakemill Lodge was shut down last month after Reno Police found human feces and drugs in common areas of the building. As a result, residents were evacuated. NOVEMBER 7: The Lakemill Lodge has failed a requested reinspection and is not yet allowed to reopen. At a meeting on Thursday it was revealed the City of Reno might revoke the Lodge's business license. The City of Renos Housing and Neighborhood Development Department staff helped over 30 units of displaced residents with placement and housing assistance after the Lakemill Lodge was closed until further notice due to multiple health code violations. Northern Nevada Public Health's HAZMAT Program, the City of Reno Code Enforcement, Building Compliance, the Reno Fire Department, and the Reno Police Department inspected the building, discovering human waste and drugs in stairwells and common areas, according to a Northern Nevada Public Health press release. Reno Police performed rapid testing on used hypodermic syringes found on the main stairwell steps. Positive results returned for fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Due to the evidence of dangerous controlled substances, as well as human urine and feces, residents of Lakemill Lodge were evacuated, and the building was shut down until issues could be addressed. In their release, NNHP says the entire building was shut down because the stairs and common areas where the hazardous substances were found provide the main entry and exit points from the building. Representatives from the City of Renos Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, in addition to other community agencies and organizations, worked with the residents currently living in the building to find temporary housing until issues are addressed. Together the agencies were able to provide direct financial assistance to some of the Lakemill Lodge's residents, and indirect assistance to several more residents at the expense of the Lakemill Lodge. You can read the full details of assistance provided below. A poster showing a photo of Suzanne Clark Simpson, a mother of four and real estate agent, last seen in October. Events leading up to Simpson's disappearance shine a light on the urgent need to speak out against domestic violence. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Patricia S. Castillo is co-founder and executive director of the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts). Courtesy of Patricia S. Castillo The Express-News Editorial Board recently called on our community to take action in light of San Antonio resident Suzanne Simpsons disappearance from our city, from her family, from her community. In my 44 years of working in this community to help more effectively address domestic violence, I have had the honor and the privilege of guiding many women onto a journey of escape, liberation and healing. READ MORE: Bexar County officials address rising rate of domestic violence homicides Advertisement Article continues below this ad The scourge of domestic violence has the potential to destroy peoples lives. I say potential because I know thousands of women, despite numerous barriers and obstacles, who have been able to successfully get away, get grounded and begin new lives. Those barriers are often systemic, economic, emotional, psychological and physical. Its a terrifying situation. Our community must take a stand, refuse to accept domestic violence as part of our American culture and recognize the intergenerational trauma it inflicts. Brad Chandler Simpson, Suzannes husband, has been arrested and charged with unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Thursday he was charged with murder with bail set at $2 million. While every defendant has the right to the presumption of innocence, events leading up to Suzannes disappearance and death shine a light on the urgent need to speak out against domestic violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We must speak up when we see something. When we help someone under those circumstances, we are helping ourselves. We are protecting our community. By calling the police we might prevent someone from being hurt. Chandler Simpson, Brad and Suzanne's 20-year-old daughter posted a powerful message on Instagram encouraging all of us to say and do something about domestic violence. Even with help, however, sexist attitudes, victim blaming and judgmental perspectives often hinder a victims capacity to flee. Most of us do not know what its like to live under the control of an aggressor. Its understandable to ask, Why do they stay? The reasons are too many to list. During the act of leaving, however, is when the victim is the most vulnerable. Someone fleeing their abuser is at risk of further abuse or even death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I live in awe of survivors. Survivors are courageous, and often save themselves and do so, in isolation.. So when we know of someone living under these conditions, send help, reach out, be discreet but do not be silent. Be brave and speak up. Your phone call could save a life. Settlement of Tranche 1 Share Placement Melbourne, Nov 7, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) ( KU00:FRA ) ( LUVSF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that further to its announcement dated 31 October 2024 (LU7 Completes Share Placement and Launches Entitlement Offer) (Announcement), it has now settled the first tranche of its share placement to sophisticated and professional investors (Tranche 1). Highlights - Successful settlement of Tranche 1 of the share placement to sophisticated and professional investors, raising $1.94 million - Entitlement Offer to open to shareholders on 11 November 2024 - Tranche 2 of the Placement (subject to shareholder approval) is anticipated to be completed on or around 9 December 2024, raising $0.20 million - Funds will be predominately used to further progress the Definitive Feasibility Study and the payment of the Becancour land option costs Tranche 1 under the Company's Placement comprised of 161,791,667 fully paid ordinary shares (Shares), which have been issued today under the Company's existing capacities under Listing Rules 7.1 (15% capacity) and 7.1A (10% capacity). The Shares were issued at a price of A$0.012 per share, raising A$1,941,500. In addition, subject to shareholder approval, the Tranche 1 investors will be entitled to one new option for every share subscribed to, with an expiry date of 12 January 2026 and an exercise price of $0.03 (Options). As detailed within the Announcement, the Company advised that it would be conducting an additional placement to sophisticated and professional investors, which will be subject to shareholder approval (Tranche 2), as well as a pro-rata 1 for 10 non-renounceable entitlement offer (Entitlement Offer). Investors under the Tranche 2 placement and Entitlement Offer will also receive options on the same term as the Tranche 1 investors. Tranche 2 Placement The Tranche 2 placement comprises of 16,666,667 shares, with the issue of such shares being subject to shareholder approval. The Company will seek shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting, which is scheduled to be held on or around Monday, 9 December 2024. Entitlement Offer The Entitlement Offer will open on Monday, 11 November 2024 and has been made under a transaction-specific prospectus that was lodged with ASIC and ASX on 1 November 2024. About Lithium Universe Ltd Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited. Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects. Related Companies A woman holds a Latinos for Trump sign at a debate watch party in 2020. President-elect Donald Trump has set a high mark when it comes to Latino support for a Republican presidential candidate. Sergio Flores /Getty Images Oye, Democratic Party, Latinos sent you a message. Did you get it? Former, and now also future, President Donald Trump has set the high-water mark when it comes to Latino support for a Republican presidential candidate. First, some context. The magic number is 40 as in 40%. Thats the sacred threshold into the Hall of Fame, which until this week only had two members: Ronald Reagan, who got 40% of the Latino vote in 1984, and George W. Bush, who earned 44% in 2004. These things go in 20-year cycles, apparently. This year, in 2024, according to exit polls by NBC News, Trump ran the table and got 45% of the Latino vote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vice President Kamala Harris never stood a chance. Simply put, she did not know what hit her. For my part, I didnt see this coming. Ill offer the first mea culpa. For weeks, Ive been predicting that Trump would get 40%. But 45% was beyond my imagination. Whenever Donald Trumps name is on the ballot, I underestimate his appeal to Latinos. He constantly improves his performance. In 2016, according to exit polls, Trump got 28% of the Latino vote. In 2020, he got 32%. And now, in 2024, its 45%. Yes, this is the same Donald Trump who has been insulting Latinos out of his own mouth and through surrogates since he first descended the escalator at Trump Tower in June 2015 and set off on an incredible journey that defied the media, defiled the Republican Party and defined anew the political system in this country. This is the same Donald Trump who slandered Mexican immigrants as rapists, criminals and drug dealers and promised both in 2016 and this year mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is the same Donald Trump who dismissively tossed paper towels to Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria devastated the island and threatened to sell Puerto Rico as a depressed asset. And Donald Trump got 45% of the Latino vote? I believe it. Trump did well with all the various tribes. He won with Mexican Americans in South Texas, with Puerto Ricans in Eastern Pennsylvania and with Cuban Americans in South Florida. According to CNN exit polls, 66% of Latinos who voted for Trump said the economy was their top issue. At the time that this column is being filed, Arizona and Nevada have still not completed the process of counting votes. But Trump leads the count in both states. Latinos represent 21% of the electorate in Nevada and 25% of the electorate in Arizona. A Republican doesnt lead in those states without making serious inroads with Latino voters. Trump made inroads with Latino voters in Texas and beyond, a reminder that Latino voters are not monolithic or tied to one party. Democrats also did a poor job of understanding key issues for many Latino voters. DOUG MILLS /NYT Thats part of the message, and it went out loud and clear. Americas largest minority which now represents one in five Americans and a big chunk of the electorate in seven battleground states has run off the liberal hacienda. And, on their way out, they burned it to the ground. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As for the message itself, here are the three headlines: Trump Latinos are tired of being ignored and taken for granted by Democratic candidates who think they can simply scare them away from voting for Republicans while putting in minimal effort to maintain their support. They dont like racism or nativism, but there is another ism that theyre not fond of either: elitism. Theyre tired of being looked down on by the Democratic Party, and liberal media pundits, just because many of them are working class and didnt go to college. They care about issues beyond immigration, and they dont really think Trump will follow through with mass deportations. And even if he did keep that promise, hes likely to fall short of the number of removals pulled off by a Democrat: Barack Obama. Of course, Democrats, nobody can make you listen to the message. Thats not your strong suit. Many Democrats especially white liberals are too arrogant and condescending to even imagine the possibility that they could be wrong about why people of color do anything. Its been my experience that Democrats want to give Latinos every right under the sun, except the right to think for ourselves. As a Latino Never Trumper, this is not my message. But I agree with much of it. Democrats have to take the blame for what happened. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Former President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Texas Governor Gregg Abbott while coming onto stage after receiving Abbotts's endorsement for President during a rally at the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg, TX, on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Speculation is running rampant that President-elect Donald Trump could pick Texas Republicans, such as Gov. Greg Abbott or Attorney General Ken Paxton, for various roles in his next administration. Much of those backroom discussions are hard to confirm, but what is certain is what the Texas Constitution says about potential vacancies if Trump starts calling up elected officials with whom hes built a deep relationship with over the years. READ MORE: Which Texans could be in the running for Trump administration roles? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The biggest name is Abbott, who Trump singled out earlier this year as a spectacular man who had done a great job in Texas. Trump said Abbott was one of the people he would consider for a running mate, though he ultimately picked Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance. Abbotts experience on border security issues and his past as Texas' attorney general could make him an option for all kinds of roles if he wants it. Trump has more than 4,000 political appointments to fill. Abbott has been pretty consistent in telling reporters that he wants to help Trump but from Texas. Abbott has already said hell run for re-election in 2026. Im staying in Texas, Abbott said at a press conference earlier this year. If he changes his mind, the Texas Constitution is pretty clear about what happens next. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Texas Senate, would become the governor for the remainder of Abbotts current term in office, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas has seen this play out before. On Dec. 21, 2000, then-Lt. Gov. Rick Perry became the states governor for the remainder of Gov. George W. Bushs term after he went to the White House. Even if Abbott stays put, Patrick could get an offer to join Trumps administration in some capacity. Not only was Patrick Trumps campaign chair in Texas, but the two built a close relationship during Trump's first term in office as Patrick offered advice on immigration and border security issues. Before Trumps first televised national address from the Oval Office in 2019, the White House was in frequent communication with Patrick and flew him to D.C. to help craft the statistics-heavy speech about the border. Like Abbott, Patrick consistently has shot down talk about going to Washington. On Friday he posted on the social media platform X that while he would be honored to serve in Trumps Cabinet, hes staying in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My best opportunity to serve the people is right here, Patrick wrote. I love what I do. But if Patrick did leave his post to either replace Abbott or go to D.C., the state constitution temporarily gives the job to the Senate Pro Tem, which is selected by members of the Texas Senate before each session. In January, Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, will be next in line for that post. The assignment would be only be temporary, and give him the power to convene the Senate within 30 days so they can pick a replacement to serve as lieutenant governor until the next election in 2026. The law says they must choose from one of their members. In 2000, senators used a secret ballot to make Northeast Texas Republican Bill Ratliff, then the Senate Finance Chair, the leader after Perry moved up to the governor's office. READ MORE: Donald Trump flipped these Texas counties to help propel presidential victory, maps show Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are also showing up on short lists for potential jobs with Trump. If either leaves state government, the governor would have the power to choose a replacement until the next election in 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Finally, Trump could come calling for a member of Congress like he has done before. U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston, has been one of Trumps most trusted surrogates, traveling to 15 states during the campaign season to advocate for his re-election. Ever wondered if you turned off the geyser before leaving the house? Concerned about energy wastage and rising utility bills while managing daily hot water needs? Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., a leader in consumer electrical solutions, has launched its latest TVC for its new range of 5-star rated water heaters, titled Crompton Geyser on Energy Savings Full On! This campaign highlights Cromptons innovative water heating solutions that provide convenient, energy-efficient performance for households across India. The TVC is built around a common household concernthe constant need to check if the geyser has been switched off, especially during busy mornings. This everyday worry is humorously portrayed as each member of a family repeatedly asks if the geyser is off. As tension builds, the family realizes that their energy-saving Crompton water heater provides a worry-free solution, allowing them to enjoy hot water without the fear of high electricity bills. Pragya Bijalwan, CMO of Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., explained: Energy-saving is a significant concern in many households today, where consumers prioritize smart choices in appliances to manage their energy consumption. Our campaign, Crompton Geyser on Energy Savings Full On! uses humor to showcase a common household struggle with energy efficiency. Our 5-star rated water heaters provide a smart solution that ensures efficient energy use, allowing consumers to enjoy hot water worry-free. The lighthearted film features each family member from the busy father to the concerned grandmotherrepeatedly asking the maid, Geyser off hai na? Eventually, they realize their Crompton 5-star water heater solves this anxiety, with the reassuring message, Koi baat nahin, Crompton hai - Indias No. 1 5-star water heater. The ad concludes with the catchy tagline: Crompton Geyser On Energy Savings Full On! Launching on television during the India vs. South Africa T20 series, this 360-degree campaign will be amplified through digital and other media channels. Josy Paul, Chairperson & CCO of BBDO India, commented: Our campaign taps into families' real concerns about energy use, particularly with crucial appliances like water heaters. The story humorously addresses the relatable Did I turn it off? dilemma and portrays Cromptons 5-star water heaters as the reliable solution that eases this concern, combining energy savings with peace of mind. Also Read:Crompton introduces 'Picture Perfect Fans' in its latest TVC Finolex Pipes and Fittings has announced the expansion of its highly successful "Peedhiyaan Badlengi, Pipe Nahi" (Generations Change, Pipes Don't) campaign. Finolex has collaborated with beloved television personalities across different regions of India, marking a strategic evolution in their marketing approach. The expanded campaign leverages the influence of prominent television personalities across major networks. Krishna Kaul, known for his role in Zee TV's popular show Kumkum Bhagya, leads the Hindi-speaking market initiatives. Chandu Gowda of Zee Telugu's Trinayni connects with audiences in the Telugu-speaking regions, while Dhanajaya from Zee Kannada's Laxminivasa brings the message to Kannada viewers. Star Vijay's beloved actor Vetri Vasanth from Siragadika Asai reaches Tamil audiences, as Amit Bhanushali of Star Pravah's Tharla Tar Mag engages with Maharashtra's viewers. "Building on the overwhelming response to our 'Peedhiyaan Badlengi, Pipe Nahi' campaign, we're now taking our message deeper into India's diverse markets," said Sumit Bhatia, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Finolex Pipes and Fittings. "By partnering with regional television stars, we're reinforcing our commitment to quality while speaking to customers in their own language and cultural context." The campaign continues to emphasize Finolex's legacy of durability across generations, now through the voices of regional stars. Krishna Kaul, lead actor of Kumkum Bhagya, shared his perspective: "The campaign's message resonates deeply with Indian families. Just as our daily serials bring families together, Finolex has been a trusted presence in Indian homes for generations." Amit Bhanushali, known for his role in Tharla Tar Mag, added: "In Maharashtra, viewers welcome me into their homes every day through their television screens. Now, as a Finolex brand ambassador, I'm proud to represent a company that shares this deep connection with Indian households." Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer - Digital & Broadcast Revenue, ZEEL, shared his excitement about the partnership: We are delighted to collaborate with Finolex Pipes on this unique, influencer-driven campaign across Zee TV, Zee Telugu, and Zee Kannada. Our fiction shows enjoy immense popularity in every region, and the lead characters have a loyal fanbase and significant sway over millions of viewers. This partnership seamlessly blends the reach and influence of our channels and characters with Finolexs commitment to quality and reliability." The expanded multi-channel campaign will run across television, digital platforms, and social media, featuring region-specific content designed to maximize impact in local markets. This strategic evolution builds upon the campaign's initial success while allowing Finolex to deepen its connection with customers across diverse regional markets. Also Read: Finolex & Schbang Motion Pictures launch "Pralhad" Nikon India, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is a leading player in the imaging and optics industry, renowned for its cutting-edge cameras, lenses, and imaging solutions. With a strong presence in India, Nikon caters to a diverse range of customers, from professional photographers to photography enthusiasts and content creators. Nikon India has long been recognized for its technological innovation and precision in the imaging industry. In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director, Nikon India, shares his insights into Nikons growth trajectory, the evolving camera industry, and the brands vision for the future of opto-electronics and precision technologies under its Vision 2030 initiative. Nikon India has a strong reputation for cutting-edge technology. Could you elaborate on the companys growth trajectory in recent years, specifically focusing on AI-driven features and user-friendly innovations within the imaging industry? Nikon India has evolved by continually listening to customer demands and innovating to meet the needs of both professionals and enthusiasts. With increasing demand for superior image quality and intuitive functionality, we expanded our mirrorless portfolio with flagship models like the Nikon Z 9,Z8, Zf and the newly launched Nikon Z6III. These cameras offer exceptional performance, catering to the needs of todays photographers and videographers with video enhancing features like high resolution and high FPS videos with built in RAW and ProRes RAW. Nikons latest addition Z6III is capable of shooting 6K resolution 60p and Slow-motion like FULL HD 240p. Our AI-powered features, such as Portrait Impression Balance and skin softening, enhance portrait Videography and photography by delivering natural results, while the AI-driven autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, making it ideal for capturing moving subjects. Additionally, Nikons Z series is renowned for its reliability and durability, built to withstand the challenges of professional use across various environment. This combination of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly functionality sets a new standard in the imaging industry. The camera industry has seen some significant shifts in recent years. What are your observations on these trends, particularly in the Indian market? Based on these trends, what are your predictions for the future of the camera industry? The camera industry has witnessed significant shifts, driven by rapid technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. In the Indian market, theres a clear trend toward more versatile, and high-performance cameras, with users seeking professional-quality results in both photography and videography. Mirrorless technology has gained momentum, as users demand lightweight gear with superior capabilities like autofocus, high-resolution imaging, and seamless connectivity for instant sharing. At Nikon, keeping customers at the forefront of innovation is the key. We focus on delivering features that enhance the user experience, such as intelligent autofocus systems and image stabilization, which cater to both professionals and hobbyists at affordable price points. As the demand for high-quality, reliable equipment grows, Nikon is committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, continually innovating to provide products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the new generation of photographers and content creators. What have been your marketing strategies for the festive season? Nikon Indias Diwali Candids with Nikon campaign was a special initiative celebrating the heartwarming, often unnoticed moments that truly make Diwali magical. While the festival is filled with lights, fireworks, and vibrant celebrations, this campaign gently shone a spotlight on the candid, joyful moments of love, friendship, and togetherness that unfold behind the scenes, capturing the true essence of Diwali. The demographics of camera users are changing, with young professionals, enthusiasts, and content creators playing a growing role. Could you describe the current demand trends among these different customer segments in India? Nikon recognizes the dynamic shift in career aspirations in the younger generations and we are committed to support the new wave of creative professionals with our cutting-edge technology. We offer a diverse range of products including a comprehensive range of advanced Mirrorless to DSLRs along with a range of NIKKOR Lenses, tailored to suit various creative needs, budgets, and skill levels. Whether an individual is a beginner or a seasoned professional, there is a Nikon camera and lens designed for everybodys need. Additionally, Nikon provides in hand experience through a series of workshops tailored to different genres and interests. These workshops are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of video and photography skills, enhancing technical skills and inspiring creativity. They offer participants the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Furthermore, Nikon remains committed to continuous innovation to meet the evolving demands of modern content creators. In response to the needs of professionals, we have recently expanded our full-frame mirrorless camera portfolio with the launch of the New Nikon Z6III along with range of Z series NIKKOR lenses. The exceptional performance of Z6III is designed to meet the unique needs of todays cinematographers and social media influencers, ensuring that they have the right device to create high-quality, impactful content. How is Nikon India adapting its product range to cater to the evolving preferences of these customer groups? What marketing strategies have you adopted to stay ahead in the market? We connect with our customers through a dynamic experiential strategy designed to meet their evolving needs and preferences. Conducting over 700 workshops annually across India, we offer hands-on experiences and demos that cater to diverse interests. To further personalize our engagement, we recently introduced the My Nikon app, allowing us to understand customer preferences and provide tailored experiences. Our social media and influencer partnerships, exemplified by campaigns like Click Onam and Amaar Pujo, connect us with the diverse customers and expand our reach. We strategically plan our marketing efforts around festive and wedding seasons. For instance, during weddings, we run initiatives like the Wedding Film Award Contest to engage with our community of videographers and encourage creativity. Combining these online and offline activities ensures direct brand interaction and helps us reach customers in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Additionally, we constantly adapt based on customer feedback, focusing on building a strong community and providing solutions that address their specific needs. This holistic approach keeps us closely connected with our customers and responsive to their demands. Nikon India boasts an impressive service network with branches and authorized service centers across the country. Can you elaborate on the importance of this network for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty? Nikon Indias extensive service network plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering brand loyalty. With 5 self-owned Service Centers, 23 Authorized Service Centers (ASCs), 18 Nikon Collection Centers, and over 1,500 dealer bases, Nikon provides comprehensive support to its customers across the country. This vast network ensures quick and reliable access to maintenance, repairs, and product upgrades, enhancing the overall ownership experience for both professionals and enthusiasts. Additionally, Nikons 132 Experience Zones showcase the full range of Mirrorless Z series, D-SLR cameras, COOLPIX, NIKKOR lenses, and Sport Optics, allowing customers to explore and interact with the latest products. This robust infrastructure not only ensures seamless service and support but also strengthens the brands commitment to quality, building long-term trust and loyalty among its users. What about your future plans to further expand the service network or introduce any innovative service initiatives? Nikon India is always committed to enhancing the customer experience, and future expansions or service initiatives will be driven by customer needs and market demand. We continuously evaluate opportunities to improve and expand our support infrastructure. As the photography community grows and evolves, we aim to introduce innovative service solutions that align with customer expectations, whether through expanding our physical presence or offering new digital and remote support services. Nikon remains dedicated to ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service, helping them get the most out of their Nikon products. Also Read: Transition of esports and gaming into new frontiers for youth entertainment Gaurav Mehta has taken on a new role as the Senior Director of Marketing & Strategic Capabilities at Lilly India, bringing nearly 22 years of experience in the marketing and technology sectors to the company. Mehta announced his exciting new position on LinkedIn, marking a significant milestone in his impressive career. Throughout his career, Mehta has held leadership positions at some of the most innovative companies in the tech and consumer goods industries. Before joining Lilly India, Mehta served as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Noise. Prior to his time at Noise, Mehta was the CMO at Zupee and GirnarSoft, where he led marketing strategies that significantly contributed to the brands' expansion. His leadership expertise in these companies helped establish him as a prominent figure in the digital marketing space. Mehta also spent several years at OLX South Asia as the CMO, where he managed marketing initiatives across the region, helping shape the platform's brand presence. His extensive experience at Yahoo, where he served as Chief Manager. He spent over 4 years at Yahoo, excelling in strategic account management and marketing initiatives. In addition to his executive roles, Mehta also contributed as Operating Director at Rukam Capital, bringing his marketing expertise to investments in growth-stage companies. Also Read: Gaurav Mehta joins Rukam Capital as Operating Director Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is has announced the appointment of Sibaji Biswas as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective the first week of January 2025. In this role, Sibaji will lead SPNIs financial strategy, planning and corporate finance, to enhance operational efficiency and growth across the companys multi-channel and digital platforms. With over two decades of financial leadership and expertise in strategic transformation, Sibaji has a proven record of delivering growth and driving innovative solutions. As CFO and Executive Director at Syngene International, a Biocon Group listed subsidiary, he has played a key role in its growth where revenues doubled, and market cap nearly tripled in the last 5 years. During his tenure, he drove supply chain and digital transformation in the business for optimizing operations, futureproofing the business and enhancing efficiencies. Sibaji's career highlights include a 12-year tenure at Vodafone, where he held pivotal roles such as CFO of Vodafone Romania, EVP of Corporate Development, and Head of Procurement. As part of Vodafone's Senior Leadership team, he contributed to strategic growth initiatives in India and other markets. His previous role as Head of Corporate Finance at Hutchison India saw him collaborating with its distinguished leadership team, shaping innovative finance strategies that propelled the company's expansion. Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, welcomed Sibajis appointment, stating, "Sibaji's financial expertise and strategic approach make him a strong fit for SPNI's leadership team. His experience in building operational efficiency and navigating complex financial landscapes will be valuable as we strengthen our brand and enhance the viewer experience. We look forward to his contributions as we enter this next phase of growth. Also Read: Sony Sports rallies England cricketers in Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar campaign Lieutenant Governor of Texas Dan Patrick was seen giving remarks to republican delegates from Texas on the first day of the Texas GOP Convention on May 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday he has no interest in joining President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet, amid speculation he could be considered for a spot in the new administration. "I have stated clearly many times before: while it would be an honor to serve in President Trumps cabinet, I am staying in Texas," Patrick, a two-term Republican, wrote on the social media site X. "My best opportunity to serve the people is right here. I love what I do." The social media post came shortly after Patrick issued a statement saying his top priority after the election is pushing private school vouchers in the next legislative session, which starts in January. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Patrick is close to Trump and served as his Texas campaign chairman. He was also a regular visitor to the White House during Trump's first term. Lifebuoy, Unilevers largest hygiene soap power brand, has collaborated with Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus that became a viral sensation, for its iconic H for Handwashing global movement that has transformed the letter H into a universal symbol for handwashing. The campaign was developed together with creative agencies MullenLowe Singapore and MullenLowe Lintas Group. In Moo Dengs first ever branded content video, titled Confessions of Moo Deng, the popular hippo hilariously confesses that she would hate to follow in her mothers footsteps in fact, footsteps of her entire family by being a part of the alphabet book as H for hippo to teach the letter H to humans. In the video, Moo Deng opines that she is super talented and can do more with her life than becoming another hippo that represents the letter H. When observing the habits of hundreds of humans she sees every day, Moo Deng realizes that the letter H should stand for something more useful to humans: handwashing. To further her mission, Moo Deng requests for humans to scan a QR code where they will be introduced to an AI-augmented hippo teacher which comes alive to teach #HforHandwashing to kids in interactive and engaging ways, including hyper customized games, activities and songs enabled by AI. Along with Moo Deng, Lifebuoys one-of-its-kind AI-powered handwashing teacher AI-Teacher Hippo is a significant leap forward in Lifebuoy's commitment to make handwashing with soap a habit for life for children all over the world. Since 2020, Lifebuoy has led the charge in revolutionizing hand hygiene education through the brands award winning H for Handwashing campaign. Khim Yin Poh, Global Brand Vice President, Lifebuoy said, We are thrilled to work with the worlds most popular and adorable hippo Moo Deng, and the most tech-savvy and loving AI-Teacher Hippo, for our H for Handwashing campaign. As the worlds number one selling germ protection soap, Lifebuoys global movement aims to forever change how the alphabet is taught, with the simple recommendation that the letter H should not stand for hippo, horse or house, but should instead become a ubiquitous symbol for handwashing. We believe having the endorsement of Moo Deng in her first ever branded content video will reinforce our important message for children and adults alike, as a step towards improving handwashing behavior around the world. Lifebuoy has sparked a global movement that has successfully woven essential hygiene practices into school curriculums, by partnering with parents, educational institutions, governments, NGOs, leading institutes such as Sesame Workshop, and hundreds of influential people and now animals around the world. The H for Handwashing movement has reached more than 14 million children across 35 countries. At a crucial time when 646 million children still lack basic hygiene services at their school as reported by the World Health Organization/UNICEF, highlighting the importance of prioritizing hygiene in schools, AI-Teacher Hippo steps in as a game-changer, teaching kids essential concepts such as germ transmission, the hidden risks of seemingly clean hands, key occasions for handwashing with soap, and the proper steps of handwashing with soap. Vinay Vinayak, Global Business Director, MullenLowe Singapore said, Every year Lifebuoy celebrates Global Handwashing Day as a marquee event, and this year, we want to reach out to more children and adults alike with our two new lovable champions: Moo Deng and AI-Teacher Hippo. While Moo Deng can win over audiences and convey the important message of handwashing through her adorable personality, AI-Teacher Hippo will be able to capture different childrens preferences by offering unique personalized experiences that make hygiene education both fun and unforgettable. Sarvesh Raikar, President (Creative), Lowe Lintas said, As the world is looking at innovative ways to use celebrities and influencers, we are proud of how we could use a unique global personality like Moo Deng to refresh our multi-country behavior-change campaign #HforHandwashing. Moo Deng (Hippos) was integral to the campaign idea and the video Confessions of Moo Deng helps us deliver the core idea in an unsuspecting, memorable way. This Global Handwashing Day, Lifebuoy is working in partnership with MullenLowe Singapore and MullenLowe Lintas India, Aircards, Microsoft, Columbia Business School and esteemed experts in the fields of gaming, behaviour change, hygiene and education. Campaign Credits - Brand: Lifebuoy Client: Unilever Agency: MullenLowe Lintas Group and MullenLowe Singapore Creative Team: Sarvesh Raikar, Joybrato Dutta, Theodor Sandu, Nhu Tran, Prashant Pawar, Modhurenu Dutta Account Management Team: Vinay Vinayak, Sharmine Panthaky, Prathamesh Kulkarni, Mehak Parikh Creative Producer: Fuzzy Abideen Client: Khim-Yin Poh, Parnil Sarin, Aarti Daryanani, Payal Shah, Amanpreet Singh, Anwesha Mishra, Sneha Raghavendra, Diane Lim, Alokedeep Singh Production Partners: Bullet, Bangkok Director: James Teh, Amit Pandirkar Music: Aman Pant Post House: SKD Studio (Sunil Kumar Dwivedi) Tech Partners: Aircards Also Read: Lifebuoy Launches 'H for Handwashing Games' Waqf Properties Row: JPC Chairman Receives Over 500 Petitions From Aggrieved Farmers in Karnataka 2 Over 500 petitions were received by the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal, along with the JPC member and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, on Thursday from farmers in Karnatakas northern districts, who alleged that their lands were marked as Waqf properties. Pal visited Hubballi, Vijayapura and Belagavi, during which he met farmers and members of various organisations who complained that their lands were being claimed by the State Waqf Board. Jagdambika Pal along with Surya received over 500 petitions from farmers from Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Hubballi, Bagalkote and Belgavi on their agricultural land being claimed by the Waqf Board as Waqf property, Surya office said in a statement. Stating that he had come to the State on a fact finding mission and to meet those aggrieved, Pal said, farmers and various organisations have handed over to him documents and memorandums and assured that all of them will be discussed in the JPC and incorporated in the report. Maybe the state government has given directions to the revenue department officials not to evict the farmers, but will the issue be resolved? There has been tampering of records, mutations, Waqf has ensured changes in the documents. What is the state government doing on this and who is responsible for this? he asked. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar termed the visit of Pal to the state as a tour of a drama company and politically motivated, with an eye on the upcoming assembly by-polls in the state and election in neighbouring Maharashtra. Charging the JPC Chairman with indulging in political propaganda, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said it is not a joint Parliamentary committee that is visiting, as only BJP members have come and are doing politics. Home Minister G Parameshwara too said, it doesnt look like JPC as a committee is visiting, as the Chairman is visiting alone disregarding rules. It seems to be a politically motivated visit. Members of the committee too have raised objections stating that any visit has to be decided in the panel and unilaterally one cannot make visits, he said. Later, addressing a gathering during his visit to Vijayapura, Pal said, .what is the hurry for some one, when a transparent law (Waqf law) coming into force, to go to every district to conduct adalats (Waqf adalats) and declare the lands as Waqf properties?. Further highlighting various incidents and petitions submitted to him by farmers, groups and individuals, he said, the state government has to answer why such things are happening in the state. Why notices are being given to farmers who are cultivating in land since 1920 and 1930, even before the law is enacted? he asked, while pointing out that farmers have claimed that apart from serving notices, changes have been made in the RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops), pahani and mutation registers. Noting that the Karnataka Waqf board has laid claim to at least 53 historic Archeological survey of India protected monuments across the state, Pal asked, how is it a Waqf property? There were allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, and similar charges have surfaced from few other places subsequently. Similar allegations have also been made by some organisations and religious institutions like Maths. With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, directed officials that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified. The opposition BJP has been holding protests, accusing the Congress government of indulging in land jihad. The party has also demanded the sacking of Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan from the Cabinet. Surya had recently written to Pal, drawing attention to the plight of farmers from Vijayapura District and other areas in the vicinity in Karnataka, who have been served notices claiming their land as Waqf property. Surya said, The exponential rise in the number of instances in Karnataka where agricultural lands are being claimed by the State Waqf Board is happening during a period in which the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is meeting to deliberate on the reforms for the Waqf Act, 1995. The Karnataka Minority Affairs and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has been conducting Waqf Adalats in several parts of the state. Such Waqf Adalats do not have any valid status under the Constitution or any of the Revenue Department Rules, he said. Surya alleged that the CM made mere token announcements to cancel any recent changes made in the revenue records, but Waqf adalats have not been stopped and the notices have not been withdrawn to all farmers concerned yet. This is an opinion column. Their two children were safely in bed Tuesday night. Like much of America, Evan Milligan and wife, Jennifer, began checking election returns for the U.S. presidential race, to be sure. And for an Alabama battle Milligan helped launch three years ago when he agreed to serve as the face of a case that would find its way to the highest court in the land, yield a stunning decision from the conservative court, and reshape the representation of Democrats and African Americans in Alabama and the U.S. Congress. The news came in a text message: Democrat Shomari Figures, a 39-year-old former aide in the Justice Department under Barack Obama and Joe Biden,had defeated Republican Caroleen Dobson by nine percentage points to win Alabamas new congressional district, which was redrawn by order of the U.S. Supreme Court. Redrawn to counter the gerrymandering that for too long left the districts Black residents, many of whom live in the impoverished Black Belt, feeling detached and dismissed, more distant from the nations capital than miles can measure. Now Figures, the African American son of Alabama state Sen. Vivian Figures and the late civil rights attorney and state Sen. Michael Figures, is their advocate, their voice their hope in Washington, D.C. He is them. If ground zero for Figures victory was a person: It would be Milligan, the Alabama son of a social justice advocate . For anybody who does feel dispirited about the outcome of the national election, take another look at Alabama, Milligan told me. Take another look at congressional district two. We would love to have yall right here with us and building. If theres anything that was inspiring about what was accomplished here, imagine what could happen if more of those people brought their energy here, as opposed to just feeling hopeless and deflated. We dont have time for that right now. On Tuesday evening, Milligan read the text message and smiled. Smiled and savored not just the triumph, but the journey as well, and the myriad collaborators who shared the long path with him. In June of 2023, the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court stunningly ruled that Alabama had diluted Black voting power in violation of the U.S. Constitution in its drawing of congressional districts. The 5-4 decision conservatives Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the courts three liberal justices fortified provisions of the Voting Rights of 1965, which has long been under attack in this state. Prior to that I was skeptical, Milligan said. But once the decision came down, I was confident it would lead to an outcome that was affirming for our communities. More than one in four Alabamians is African American (26.3%), a group that historically votes heavily Democratic. Yet Figures win gives the state only its second Democrat and second African American among seven congressional representatives ; Until now, Rep. Terri Sewell, whos served in Congress since 2011 , was Alabamas only Democrat and African American representative. Of course, it is significant, said former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. Blacks in Alabama are incredibly underrepresented at the federal and state level: Theres our House delegation, then zero out of all statewide constitutional officers and only 1 out of 19 appellate judges elected statewide. Adding Figures to the House delegation at least gives an additional voice to unrepresented citizens who more and more are feeling disenfranchised. I reached Figures in Mobile, his hometown, on Thursday. We got into it not to win the race, but to do the work, he said. Whats humbling about the experience is that when it all boils down to it, when its time to get to work, knowing that you are the person people trusted to go do that work on behalf of them, its a good, good feeling, man. Two men and a cause Milligan did not know Figures when the legacy figure of Alabama politics entered the race. He knew of Figures lineage. Knew vaguely that his father bankrupted the Ku Klux Klan in this state. Milligan knew the Figures patriarch died when his son was young (Shomari was 11). Knew of his mothers work in the wake of her husbands death on behalf of the citizens they stood in the gap for. I have long admired his dads legacy in the New South Coalition and his moms support for childcare, Milligan said. A mutual friend who attended NYU Law School with Milligan attempted to connect the two men by text months before Figures announced his candidacy. This friend is highly selective with her co-signs, so that stood out to me, Milligan said. He was buried beneath an avalanche of case and court matters and life stuff so Milligan never followed up. The two men crossed paths during the campaign. Evan Milligan of Montgomery, a plaintiff in the Alabama redistricting case, speaks with reporters after a hearing Tuesday at the Hugo L. Black U.S. Courthouse in Birmingham. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) I was surprised by his down-to-earth spirit, Milligan said. Hes comfortable in his own skin and is easy to laugh with. Once my family met his family, we saw that his wife and children have that same appeal, so it felt even more authentic. Even one of the folks who ran against him in the primary spoke solid of him long before he stood to gain anything by doing so. I tend to remember little things like that. Of Milligan, Figures says: Look, I say thank you to him and Shalela Dowdy and Sen. Bobby Singleton and Khadidah Stone and Letetia Jackson , all of the plaintiffs in this case. They put themselves out there to fight for equal rights, furthering the legacy of this state in the realm of voting rights. As Dr. [Martin Luther] King always said: Making America be true to what it said on paper. I owe them an enormous debt of gratitude, as I do to the attorneys who worked on this case. Look, we think [the U.S. Supreme Court] made the right decision, but I wouldnt be here without people. Family Matters Mama needed a nap. Sen. Vivian Figures called me back Wednesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after her sons triumph, a day after she stood staring at the big screen at the watch party inside the historic Battle House hotel in Mobile and saw Shomari declared the winner. We just, just shouted for joy, she said. Then, of course, I found him. He was just a few steps away. I wanted to get that victory hug. It was just a feeling of joy and to know that it was formally, yes, it was real. Mama, being Mama, of course, said she long believed her son was chosen to do this for such a time as this. I knew when he decided to run that he would be victorious. I just felt that in my heart. She spoke of her race for a seat on the Mobile City Council in 1993 and of her husband who by then was a long-time state senator. We ran to be a voice for the voiceless, she said, thats who we were. Then she spoke of her son: It means so very much for people to have a voice. Thats what the legacy is about, to be that voice for the voiceless. When people end up with representation, knowing that they are really sincere about serving them and listening to them, listening to their problems when they have for so long been ignored or pushed aside or given the runaround, it just means the world for them to know that they have somebody who they can talk to, who they can trust, and who they believe really will do everything they possibly can to help them with their issues. It means the world. So, were clear now, dont call this a passing of the family baton. Though she has served in the Alabama legislature since filling her late husbands seat in 1997, Sen. Figures isnt closing the door to service. Perhaps even in another capacity. Perhaps as mayor of Mobile. In September, current Mayor Sandy Stimpson said he would not seek re-election . There are a lot of people now who want me to run and Im giving great consideration, she said. Im a woman of deep faith, so I dont take those decisions lightly. Its humbling, very humbling when people want you to run. Generational game changer Its still not yet certain which party will win the majority in Congress. Alabamas flipped District 2 seat in the House may be critical to the math in determining whether Republicans will control the White House and both branches of Congress. Milligan sees Figures victory as equally pivotal at home maybe more so. Pivotal in potentially inspiring a new generation of young African Americans to aspire toward public service. Hes a 2003 graduate of Mobiles LeFlore Magnet High School. Theyre not used to seeing candidates who attended high school during this century, Milligan said. Thats definitely what Shomari brought to the table, and I think that certainly spoke to a lot of young Black people in our communities. It just spoke to people who have spent most of their lifetime in the 21st century. Not that theyll fall in lock-step simply because Figures is young, Black and proud of his path. Us being Black and being with one party or another, yeah, there are some people who will respond to that, but Black voters are very discerning, Milligan told me. There are very, very complicated things for Black voters in Alabamas urban communities that are much deeper than race and gender and whats this persons family name. So, whoever aspires to have their respect hopefully we get to a point where we see some of the best public servants in the country, if not the world, coming out of our congressional districts, city council districts, county commission districts. I would love that to be the brand that Alabama has for the world. I was raised by good people who encouraged me to be a good man and surround myself with good people. If I did, they said, good things would happen. I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj. A spicy favorite is headed back to McDonalds. The Spicy Chicken McNuggets are available at participating restaurants for a limited time. McDonalds Spicy McNuggets are made with a crispy tempura coating spiced with a blend of cayenne and chili pepper. The bites have come on and off the menu since they made their McDonalds debut in 2020, reports PEOPLE. So far, McDonalds said participating markets include but are not limited to Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Memphis and New York. Customers can order the Spicy McNuggets as a 4-piece, 6-piece, 10-piece, 20-piece and 40-piece. In October, the chain announced the return of the Chicken Big Mac, The sandwich features the same toppings as the Big Mac but with two tempura battered chicken patties, in place of the beef patties. Back in 2022, the sandwich was tested as a limited-time offer in Miami. The sandwich has been popular internationally, particularly in the U.K. and Australia. The 198-year-old Williams Chapel Methodist Church in Brundidge has petitioned a Pike County judge to approve removing the word United from its property trust documents. The congregation voted Oct. 6 to leave the United Methodist denomination, according to the court document. Founded in 1826, its the oldest Methodist church in Pike County. Brundidge is southeast of Troy, and north of Enterprise. While at least a dozen other congregations are suing the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church asking courts to rule that they have sole ownership of church property, Williams Chapel simply asked the court to approve the name change on its ownership documents. Most recently, on Nov. 5, Ham Chapel Methodist Church in Elba filed a lawsuit against the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in Coffee County Circuit Court. Its similar to nine other lawsuits filed by churches on Oct. 31 against the Alabama-West Florida Conference, asking judges in various counties to rule on whether the congregation or the conference owns the property. Ham Chapel was among 44 churches that previously sued the conference as a group in an effort to force the conference to allow them to disaffiliate. The latest round of lawsuits by individual churches were filed on Oct. 31 in seven different counties. In Mobile County, Theodore and Trinity churches sued. In Conecuh County, Baggett Chapel sued. In Clarke County, Coffeeville Church sued. In Coffee County, Elba Methodist Church sued. In Dale County, Pleasant Hill and Westview Heights churches sued. In Houston County, Highland Park Church of Dothan sued. In Lee County, Gold Hill Church sued. They are making a similar argument, that the congregations own their own property, rather than the conference, which claims to hold it in trust. The churches say property disputes are subject to civil court jurisdiction. In their previous group lawsuit, they had asked Montgomery Circuit Court to force the conference to allow them to disaffiliate. The court ruled that was a church matter to be decided by the denominational court. The United Methodist Judicial Court ruled last month that after the expiration of a special disaffiliation rule at the end of 2023, that no other church policy allows the churches to disaffiliate. The denominations Book of Discipline had a temporary disaffiliation clause that ended Dec. 31, 2023, that had allowed churches to negotiate for their property and leave the denomination. After that expired, some churches that still wanted to leave argued for using another provision, Paragraph 2549, as a route to disaffiliation by closing a church, then selling it to the congregation that voted to leave. Within our structure, the conference board of trustees plays a pivotal role as they work in tandem with the bishop and cabinet to safeguard the interest and rights of the annual conference in all matters relating to property, said a statement released by the conference after that ruling. Ham Chapel this week and the nine churches who filed lawsuits Oct. 31 are in addition to four that had previously sued. Harvest Church in Dothan, not a part of the group lawsuit, was the first to sue individually in Houston County, arguing that it could prove its historic ownership had never been signed over in a trust clause. While other churches negotiated payments to the conference, Harvest argued it owed no money to keep its own property. The state Supreme Court sent that case back to a lower court for a ruling, denying the conferences request that the lawsuit be dismissed. Lead Pastor Ralph Sigler said he expects it to go to trial in spring 2025. Selma Methodist Church, founded in 1835, is the most recent of the group of 44 churches to file its own lawsuit, saying it never signed a trust clause giving the denomination authority over its property and asking a Dallas County judge to declare that the congregations trustees had the only legal claim to the property. The First Methodist Church of Demopolis, founded in 1847, sued in August saying it has owned its own property throughout its history and has never signed a trust clause giving ownership to the denomination. The 177-year-old Demopolis church, one of the 44 plaintiffs in the group case, filed its new solo lawsuit on Aug. 16 in Marengo County. Guys Chapel, a 114-year-old church in Baldwin County, sued the conference in July saying it could prove its historic ownership of its property had never been relinquished by signing documents for the denomination to hold it in trust. For years, conservative churches complained that the denominations rules banning same-sex weddings and ordination of LGBTQ clergy were not enforced. United Methodists elected their first openly LGBTQ bishop in 2016, Bishop Karen Oliveto. This year at the United Methodist General Conference, the denomination officially dropped the bans on same-sex weddings and LGBTQ clergy. Alabama Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, has pre-filed a bill that would allow registered voters to vote prior to election day. This bill would require each county to provide at least one early voting center to be open during the week immediately preceding election day, according to its text. It specifies that the centers cannot allow people to vote less than four days or more than six days during the one-week period immediately preceding election day. On weekdays and Saturdays, the centers would be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, they would be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If the governing body of a county opts to establish more than one early voting center, the bill says officials will have the sole authority to configure the centers boundaries. County officials will also control what days the centers are open, provided they allow people to vote between four and six days prior to election day. Alabama lawmakers have shown increased interest in establishing early voting this year as the state remains one of only three without any way of doing it. I think we need to see what other states are doing, said Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, a former General Fund chairman in the Alabama House, advocating for a study or an analysis of how much early voting costs elsewhere. But many state officials remain opposed to the idea. Since before I was elected as Secretary of State, I have been clear that I believe in Election Day, not election month, said Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a former Republican state lawmaker from Troy. Alabamians deserve a fair, secure, and transparent election. Initiatives like no excuse absentee voting, unsolicited mass mail voting, curbside ballot drop boxes, and same-day voter registration can lead to chaos and confusion, like we have seen in other states. Jacksons bill is currently pending action in the House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections. Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt outlined her priorities for working with President-elect Donald Trump and a new Senate majority, including two specific to Alabama moving the headquarters of the Space Command to Huntsville and protecting the interests of Vulcan Materials in Mexico. Republicans won control of the Senate on Tuesday and could retain control of the House if undecided races fall their way. A primary focus for the senator in the next Congress will be renewing and enhancing tax cuts passed during Trumps first term in 2017. I am excited to work with President Trump to get America back on track, Britt said in a statement. Together, we will secure our southern border, grow opportunity and prosperity for hardworking Americans, unleash U.S. energy dominance, restore peace through strength, and put our families back in the drivers seat. I am confident our best days are ahead of us. Trump received 65% of the vote in Alabama on Tuesday, topping his dominant wins in the state in 2016 and 2020, when he got 62%. Britt has been a supporter of Trump, as has Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Britt, Tuberville, and other members of Alabamas congressional delegation, including House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, have said they expect Trump to move the Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Huntsville. Winning the base will mean at least 1,600 new jobs for Alabama and more as the command and its missions grow. Trump supported the Air Forces decision in January 2021 to put the headquarters at Redstone Arsenal for the headquarters. Biden overturned that decision and picked Colorado. Under the Trump administration, I also expect Space Command to come home to Alabama where it belongs, Britt said. There is no doubt that Redstone Arsenal should be home to the permanent Space Command Headquarters. Huntsville finished first in the Air Forces Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase and had the most advantages in the decision matrix. President Trump will cast aside President Bidens partisan political considerations and restore the Air Forces merit-based decision to select Redstone Arsenal as the permanent basing location for Space Command HQ. Britt, Tuberville, and four other senators are sponsoring legislation that would penalize Mexico if it attempts to profit from the port facility owned by Vulcan Materials Co., which the Mexican government seized in March 2023. With President Trump back in office, credible American deterrence will be restoredforcing countries like Mexico to respect U.S. interests abroad, Britt said. I look forward to the Trump administration from a place of strength engaging Mexico regarding the unlawful expropriation of Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials port and property in Quintana Roo. Britt said she will advocate for bipartisan legislation to help fix a shortage of affordable child care for families in Alabama and nationally. Britt and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, introduced the bills in July. Read more: Alabama child care dilemma means lost work, bankruptcy: Just trying to survive The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act will help make child care more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower child care costs and increase the supply of child care providers, Britts office said in a statement. The statement said Britt will also work to promote American energy dominance, raise real wages for American workers, and increase the labor force participation rate. Asked if she expected to be considered for a cabinet seat in the new Trump administration, Britts office said, "Senator Britt is committed to serving the people of Alabama in the U.S. Senate. She looks forward to serving as a partner to President Trump in that role, getting things done, and delivering real results for Alabamians." A reporter for Reuters posted on social media that Tuberville was being considered as a candidate for Secretary of Transportation. Tubervilles communications director, Mallory Blount Jaspers, told AL.com he would remain in the Senate. But in a statement to Yellowhammer News, Jaspers said Tuberville is not ruling out serving in the administration. Senator Tuberville has communicated that if there was a position where he could be more impactful for both Alabama and the country that he would listen, but he believes that President Trump needs a sledgehammer in the Senate and right now he is focused on playing that role, Jaspers said. An Alabama lawmaker on Thursday temporarily put on hold dozens of state agency contracts because of what he said were delays by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to implement a law passed in 2023. Sen. Chris Elliott, a Republican from Baldwin County, said the bill, which he sponsored, was intended to allow employees at businesses that serve liquor to complete the ABC Boards Responsible Vendor Program online. Elliott said the ABC Board has not adopted the rules to allow the online training. A spokesman for the ABC Board said online training is already taking place. But Elliott disputed that and said the ABC Boards rules contradict the 2023 law. Its very frustrating for the Legislature, an entire branch of government, to be ignored by the bureaucracy, Elliott said. Weve passed this piece of legislation. We have communicated with the ABC Board about what the legislative intent was, communicated by phone call or in person, in writing what the intent was. And some 18 months later, we still have no rules promulgated by the bureaucracy that is charged with doing it, Elliott said. Elliott released a copy of a letter he wrote to the ABC Board in September. The letter said the 2023 law was intended to remove barriers for businesses to participate in the Responsible Vendor Program. Elliotts comments came at Thursdays meeting of the Legislatures contract review committee. The committee, which meets monthly, reviews state agency contracts and asks representatives of the agencies questions. Any member of the committee can delay contracts for up to 45 days. But the committee cannot permanently block or kill a contract. The ABC Board did not have any contracts on the committees agenda on Thursday. Elliott said he put a hold on all the other agencies contracts to put pressure on the ABC Board to implement the law. Dean Argo, manager of government relations and communications for the ABC Board, issued a statement in response to Elliotts comments. Argo said online training for the Responsible Vendor Program is allowed and has been taking place for some time. The 2023 law by Sen. Chris Elliott did not require the ABC Board to promulgate rules or change any existing rules, Argo said. A private association approached the ABC Board three months ago and requested that several rules regarding the online training presentation be clarified to benefit its members. The ABC Board agreed to do (so) because the clarifications did not impact whether or not online training was offered. However, there was disagreement over how incorrect answers offered online were processed. Argo said the ABC Board plans to consider the rule change at its meeting next week. During its regularly scheduled meeting on October 17, 2024, the Board asked staff for some additional research on what other states are doing regarding online RVP Training, Argo said. The proposed rule modification is on next weeks (November 14, 2024) agenda. Elliott said Argos statement was misleading. The statement from the ABC Board is the type of classic bureaucrat double speak that frustrates small business owners and their representatives alike, Elliott said in an email. Elliott cited an ABC rule that says: The format of the course of instruction shall include face-to-face training and question and answer opportunities. This is obviously not conducive to online training, Elliott said. To say otherwise is just wrong. Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, a member of the Contract Review Committee, opposed Elliotts decision to hold up all the contracts. I think its unfair to the agencies that come here and present their case and have a blanket objection to any of the contracts being approved, Beasley said. Id like to move that we rescind the senator from Baldwin Countys request. If he wants to object and hold ABC, thats his prerogative. But I dont think we need to hold everybody else. Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, said he understood Beasleys point. But Pringle said the committee has always operated under the rules that one lawmaker could hold contracts without consent from other members. One member does have a right to hold every contract, Pringle said. And thats just kind of the way this committee works. Elliott said his purpose is to put pressure on the ABC Board to implement the 2023 law. He said he would lift his hold on contracts when the board adopts the rules for the law. Im hoping that this fairly dramatic step here will get their attention, Elliott said. And Im hoping to provide a little bit more incentive to them and pressure all the people in this room to deal with this issue as they should. This has been something thats been going on for months and months. We pass laws and the governor signs them, and we expect them to be enacted by the executive branch. The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program is a voluntary program for licensees that sell and serve alcohol. To be certified, businesses must train all employees who sell and serve alcoholic beverages on topics such as Alabama liquor laws, legal age determination, civil and criminal penalties, and risk reducing techniques. Obviously, I represent an area thats very heavy in the restaurant and hospitality world, they want to have more people responsibly trained to be servers, said Elliott, whose district includes Baldwin Countys Gulf Coast beaches. Thats a good thing for them. Its a good thing for their insurance. And so why the ABC board is not moving forward on this, I dont know. Im thinking theyre going to get the message after today. The contract review agenda included 60 contracts with a total cost of about $80 million. Elkmont Police arrested a Limestone County man this week on multiple charges after he allegedly assaulted his parents. On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a 911 call was placed for an assault in progress in the 25000 block of Children St. in Elkmont, AL, from a good Samaritan, according to a release from the Limestone County Sheriffs Office. Elkmont Police Chief Donny Johns responded and found an elderly male and female severely beaten and bleeding. Charlie Cain Jr., 55, fled from Chief Johns on foot toward the Richard Martin Walking Trail and was later located by Captain Caleb Durden and Chief Johns in the woods along the walking trail about a mile from the scene. Cain was taken into custody and Investigator Jesse Gibson determined that the victims were Cains parents. This week Cain was charged with the following, according to the release: -Elder Abuse 1st degree for assaulting his mother (No Bond Set) -Elder Abuse 2nd degree for assaulting his father (No Bond Set) -Domestic Violence 3 Criminal Mischief 3rd (No Bond Set) -Violation of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (No Bond Set) -Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement (Bond $2500) -Public Intoxication (Bond $500) -Resisting Arrest (Bond $1000) -Warrant - DUI (Bond $1000) The Protecting Alabamas Elders Act states that a person commits the crime of elder abuse and neglect in the first degree if he or she intentionally abuses or neglects any elderly person and the abuse or neglect causes serious physical injury to the elderly person, the release reads. Elder abuse and neglect in the first degree is a Class A felony. A person commits the crime of elder abuse in the second degree if he or she intentionally abuses or neglects any elderly person and the abuse or neglect causes physical injury to the elderly person. Elder abuse and neglect in the second degree is a Class B felony. A man was found assaulted and unresponsive Friday at a Birmingham apartment building. West Precinct officers responded at 8:50 a.m. to a report of an assault in the 400 block of Tuscaloosa Avenue S.W. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said they found the victim near the entrance to an apartment. Officers were unsure how he had been wounded. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed him to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was involved in a physical altercation with another man that he knows. That information came from a witness. We believe he was stabbed, Fitzgerald said. Officers are at UAB Hospital and will be able to let detectives know how he was injured. No arrests have been announced. Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. He can be reached at anthony.franze@express-news.net. Anthony earned a degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2017. He has worked as a broadcast meteorologist for six years, one at NBC Montana and the next five at NewsWest 9 in Midland before joining the Express-News in July 2023. In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching sports, checking out local restaurants and breweries, and getting outside whenever the heat allows for it. If you have any story ideas, questions about the weather or restaurant suggestions, drop him a line. Alabamas newest Congressman-elect was praised by MSNBCs Joy Reid Thursday who, at the end of her show called Shomari Figures likely to be one of the big stars of the freshman class in 2025. Figures, 39, a Mobile Democrat, was elected on Tuesday to serve the 2nd congressional district by defeating Republican Caroleene Dobson. He won a seat redefined last year through court-ordered redistricting and flipping a congressional seat that had been in Republican hands for the past 14 years. Figures was interviewed by Reid during her nightly Reid Out show. He touched on a couple issues, including raising concerns about hospital closures that have occurred throughout rural Alabama over the past couple of years. Figures made health care and rural hospital closures a top policy concern during the campaign. The Figures win is crucial to the Democratic Partys hopes to flip the U.S. House. Going into the election, the House was at a razor-thin Republican majority of four seats. As of Thursday night, there were 26 seats that still needed to be called, according to The Associated Press. Republicans held onto a 210-199 advantage, with 218 seats needed to claim the majority. The Figures win was also historic for Alabama. For the first time, the Figures win coupled with Birmingham Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewells victory in the 7th district, means Alabama -- for the first time since at least Reconstruction -- will have two Black members of Congress serving at the same time. Figures is the first Black person to be elected to Congress from Alabama outside the 7th district. About 27% of Alabama residents are Black, according to census data reported last year. Figures is also the first Black man elected to Congress from Mobile. The district, once reliably red, was redrawn by three federal judges last October after the U.S. Supreme Court, in a shocking 5-4 decision in Allen v. Milligan, agreed with a lower courts determination that Alabama should have at least another congressional district in which Black voters were a majority or were close to it. The Supreme Courts verdict also suggested that Alabama Republicans violated the Voting Rights of Act 1965 when they approved the original congressional map. In short, the Supreme Court agreed that Alabamas Legislature had diluted the influence of Black voters when drawing congressional lines, tossing the final decision for the congressional lines to the three-judge panel. The congressional map was redrawn to give Black voters an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choosing within the 2nd district. According to the latest Associated Press figures, 56 U.S. House seats remain undecided on Wednesday. Republicans hold a 199-180 advantage. It takes 218 seats to claim a House majority. Republicans entered Tuesdays election with a four-seat advantage. Prince William got candid this week about the brutal and heartbreaking year 2024 has been, as wife Kate Middleton and father King Charles have navigated their respective cancer journeys. Its been dreadful, he told People from South Africa, where he was presiding over the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony for climate change innovation, which he founded. Its probably been the hardest year in my life. He said hes managed by simply powering through, inspired by the strength of the king and the Princess of Wales. But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done, William said. But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal. With three small children and royal duties, on top of a fairly new role as the Prince of Wales in the wake of the 2022 death of Queen Elizabeth II, William had his hands full. In January, Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery, disappearing from public life for weeks amid speculation about her health. The following month, King Charles announced that cancer had been discovered during a routine surgical procedure. He has been undergoing treatment while tailoring his official duties to fit it in. Then in March, the princess announced her own cancer diagnosis in a poignant video, revealing she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. She remained out of public life for the most part until finishing her treatment in September and has slowly begun to pick up the reins. While she could not join William in South Africa, Princess Kate is on the mend, he said, adding she would be cheering him on from home at Windsor Castle. Shes doing really well thanks, William told the BBC. Shes been amazing this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success. _____ 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A suspect has been charged in the shooting death of a 20-year-old who collapsed and died on his grandfathers front porch earlier this week. Malik Farris, a 21-year-old Trussville man, is charged with murder in the death of Amauria Caffey. He is also charged with first-degree theft property and first-degree criminal mischief stemming from actions after the shooting involving the victims property, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. Additional details were not released, and online court records on those charges were not yet available. A young Birmingham man was killed in a Nov. 4, 2024, shooting in Birmingham's Enon Ridge neighborhood.(Carol Robinson) The shots rang out at 12:12 p.m. Monday in the 1600 block of Fifth Street North. That location is in the Enon Ridge neighborhood. Police said more than 20 shots were fired. Fitzgerald said the deadly shooting happened during argument over a previous incident that involved neither the victim nor suspect. 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. Farris turned himself into police. He is being held without bond. This is an opinion column. Eight and half years ago, Donald Trump was elbowing his way through a crowded field of Republican primary opponents. Hillary Clinton and her supporters were gleaming at the prospect of facing a push-over in the general election. And I was looking into a future a lot of folks werent ready to consider one that looked a lot like Alabama. In a single year, Alabama had seen the heads of all three branches of state government Gov. Robert Bentley, House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Chief Justice Roy Moore forced out of office. Our state government was in sorry sorts. And this Thing that has corrupted my state, robbed us of common sense, poisoned our decency, and made us loathe our neighbors it is contagious and you are at risk, I wrote then. Call it the Alabamafication of America. What I didnt consider then was this thing coursing through Alabama hadnt yet left its system. Its still there today, and it has gotten worse. If you woke up Wednesday morning wondering what comes next, you would do well to look at Alabama. In hindsight, Bentley, Moore and Hubbards defenestrations now seem laughably quaint. Bentleys sin was that he got too fresh with an aide. While the whole thing seems to have been consensual, he pleaded guilty to an ethics crime and resigned. Someone should have told him when youre famous, they let you do it. Moore was pushed out for having defied the federal courts. This was when judges still held each other accountable, not when members of the U.S. Supreme Court doled out immunity to elected officials or took favors and gifts from political pals. Whats a little Winnebago between friends? Hubbard went to prison for breaking ethics laws he helped pass. Today lawmakers openly complain these laws are too burdensome, and they keep trying to repeal and replace the ethics code with something a little more chill like making bribery a misdemeanor. You dont have to break the law when you make the law. Today, Bentley, Moore or Hubbard could have done the exact same things and nobody would have touched them. Years of exposure to corruption and ineffective government has triggered numbness to public misbehavior, and ultimately paralysis. Consider, the case of John Wahl. Two years ago, I wrote about the Alabama GOP chairman voting with a photo ID he made himself and then pushing to have a poll worker fired after he complained. This seemed like a big deal, as Alabama Republicans had fought so hard for voter ID. But as it turns out, voter ID laws only apply to some people, not Alabama GOP big wigs. Two Alabama Secretaries of State referred complaints to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Marshall has done nothing about it. Speaking of Marshall, he did accept PAC-to-PAC campaign contributions, despite Alabama having a law against such things. The Alabama Ethics Commission came one vote shy of referring him for prosecution. When the head of the Alabama Democratic Party asked the commission if he could do the same thing, he was told it was a crime. And the prosecutor who put Hubbard in jail? He was moved to a private sector career path, which is to say, Marshall fired him. Marshall has now won reelection twice. Gov. Kay Ivey hasnt committed any crimes to speak of. The real scandals of her administration to borrow a line from Crossfires Michael Kinsley are whats legal. When the federal government gave Alabama a sackful of COVID stimulus funds, her administration invested that money in Alabamas future, which is to say, a prison. Id like to tell you how much that prison will cost, but the number keeps changing. Once projected to cost less than $200 million, that price tag has more than quintupled. When its over, Alabama will have paid at least $1.08 billion, nearly all of it through secretive no-bid contracts. How do they get away with it? The breakdown of political accountability, legal guardrails and voter outrage. When prosecutors get fired for prosecuting public officials, pretty soon they quit charging public officials. When the public shrugs its shoulders at a most expensive prison-ever, the prison only gets more expensive. When ethics laws get in the way of a good time, lawmakers will inevitably rewrite those laws. When voters dont punish crooked politicians, politicians just do more crooked things. Whats remarkable, looking back eight years, is that Alabama once had limits. When public officials colored outside the lines, we put them in a corner. But slowly fatigue sets in and then apathy. Corruption becomes expected, then finally accepted especially when the official is someone we like. And now America, like Alabama, has gone numb. More than 71,000 customers of Birmingham Water Works will receive letters next week asking them to check for lead pipes in their homes. The 71,818 letters are part of new Environmental Protection Act rules that require the utility to notify households whose homes may be served by lead pipes. Letters are going largely to homes built before 1989. The letters do not mean that recipients have lead in their water but do advise customers to check. Checking means letting the utility check your lead risk. Some customers have already participated in voluntary in-home testing where the water works tests water from home faucets and is able to detect problems in homes whose pipes contain lead. We want our customers to be aware of potential lead issues, but we dont want them to be alarmed if they receive this letter, said Interim General Manager Darryl R. Jones. The goal is to make sure our customers know if they have a risk in their home, and to give them information to address that risk. The water works will provide water filter pitchers to customers if potential lead risks are discovered. Lead is especially dangerous to children under the age of 6 and to pregnant women, according to the EPA. Exposure by children can cause brain damage, hearing loss, behavior problems and damage to the nervous system and kidneys, among other issues, according to the EPA. Several factors determine who will receive letters including historical records, field inspections, and predictive modeling to determine if service lines are made of lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown, officials said. Homes built after 1989 were excluded from notifications because their service lines are considered lead-free due to regulatory changes. Lead can enter drinking water through corroded older plumbing materials, especially in homes built before 1986. Also, lead is present in some pipes of older water systems. The water works earlier this year said it planned to develop a lead service line replacement plan and will prioritize replacement of any line that shows elevated lead levels. That plan is part of a 2019 consent order with Alabama Department of Environmental Management which includes specifics for monitoring of lead and mandated that the water works assist customers in replacing service lines that contain lead. Customers who do have lead service lines are advised to take several action steps. Use water filter pitchers that will be provided for free by water works. Request regular in-home to determine if the water from their inside faucets contains unsafe levels of lead. Customers may hire a plumber to replace their service lines with pipes that do not contain lead. In April, more than 150 Birmingham residents living in Crestwood and North Birmingham received water filters and warnings about potential lead exposure and were advised to use the filters during ongoing water line construction. Officials at the time said there was a possibility that some lead material may be disturbed during the water main replacement project. Huntsville police announced Thursday that two more suspects have been charged in connection with a shooting last month that left a man dead and another person injured. After the arrests of Huntsville residents Dion Earl Ernest Roos-VorHauer, 19, and Jordan C Lakes, 20, a total of six suspects have been charged with reckless murder in connection with the fatal Oct. 12 shooting at 3310 Meridian St. that left Damien Obrien Manning, 22, dead. Roos-VorHauer was booked into the Madison County jail Monday while Lakes was sent to the lockup on Thursday, police said. More arrests are expected in the ongoing investigation. Last month, Huntsville police announced that Tyler ONeal Andrade, 21, of Huntsville, was booked into the Madison County Jail on reckless murder charges. Police also charged Kennedy Thomas Turner, 20, of Huntsville, on Thursday with reckless murder. Jordan Latrell Smith, 21, of Huntsville, was booked into the Madison County Jail at 2 p.m. Wednesday on the same charge. The three were arrested in connection with a shooting at a gas station at 3310 Meridian St. at about 9:50 p.m. Oct 12. A second victim, whose name had not been released, required hospitalization. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Investigator Matthew Edger at (256) 427-7247. To provide an anonymous tip, call (256) 532-7463 or submit a tip to Crimestoppers at 53-CRIME. Staff Reports news@albanyherald.com TIFTON Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Professor of Biology Jenny Harper received a $30,000 Capacity Building Grant for Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture Program for her project Planning a Georgia Veterinary Science Pipeline: Preparing Students for Careers in Veterinary Medicine in the Underserved Region of Rural South Georgia. NLGCA grants function to expand and maintain institutions in agricultural disciplines by addressing national challenges to help increase the number and diversity of students in STEM disciplines. Harpers grant is focused on helping address the shortage of veterinarian practitioners in rural Georgia. We want to provide optimal opportunities for ABAC students to gain unique experiences that will help them be more employable and encourage them to return to rural communities, bringing their new skill sets to serve those areas, Harper said. What we see is that students who go to vet school and have strong ties to their rural community tend to come back to work and live. Spending time with practitioners early, in their undergraduate years, will strengthen local ties and the veterinary care available in rural Georgia. ABAC has a significant rural student population pursing degrees in biology and animal science and has had previous success of promoting veterinary medicine through their acceptance into veterinary college. We want to further these efforts by continuing our existing partnership with University of Georgia-Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory and building new and lasting relationships with local veterinarian clinics, the State Veterinarians Office, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, and White Oak Pastures, Harper said. We are grateful for continued support for out vet pipeline project, Scott Pierce, director of sponsored programs at ABAC, said. Dr. Harper has been doing an amazing job with the first iteration of this project. Now, with this two-year planning grant, she will form new partnerships that help ABAC reach a much wider audience. This work is supported by the Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land Grant Colleges and Agriculture grant No. 2024-70001-43542 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Staff Reports news@albanyherald.com MOULTRIE Colquitt Regional Medical Center has received the prestigious platinum designation, the highest honor, from the Georgia Department of Public Health in the Acute Care Antibiotic Stewardship Program Honor Roll. The recognition underscores the hospitals commitment to promoting responsible antibiotic use and improving patient outcomes in the acute care setting. We are thrilled to receive this platinum designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney said. Patient safety is always our top priority, and this award highlights our commitment to keeping our patients safe through responsible antibiotic use. Antibiotic stewardship is a program put into place to measure and improve antibiotic prescribing by physicians and use by patients. Antibiotic stewardship strives to minimize missed or delayed diagnoses that can lead to underuse of antibiotics. It is also crucial to ensure that the right drug, dose, and duration are selected when an antibiotic is needed. As the hospital began to pursue this designation, it established an antibiotic stewardship committee. This committee began to meet and implement several procedures and measures, including an antibiotic stewardship policy for documenting the indication for antibiotic orders, annually reporting on the impact of the committees stewardship activities, and annually educating staff on antibiotic stewardship, among others. I commend this team for their efforts in helping our hospital reach this designation, Hospital Authority Chairman John Griffin said. Our employees are exceptional, and it is fantastic to see their work recognized at the state level. For more information on this designation, contact the Colquitt Regional marketing department at (229) 890-3552. By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA The state should actively promote developing sustainable aviation fuel and mass timber construction as emerging markets for a struggling timber industry, a legislative study committee has recommended. While Georgia is the nations No-1 state for forestry, the industry has been hit with shrinking demand for timber, resulting in an oversupply. Market volatility and out-of-state closures within the supply chain have posed significant risks and continue to pose significant risks, state Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy, R-Macon, said Thursday at the final meeting of the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee. These challenges result in higher prices for consumers and create uncertainty for the industry. The study committee chaired by Kennedy unanimously approved recommendations that include funding a Georgia-based nonprofit or research facility affiliated with an academic institution that would work to develop innovative forestry markets including sustainable aviation fuel. SAF is a biofuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 85% compared with conventional petroleum-based fuel. The European Union will require commercial aircraft to burn at least 6% SAF by 2030, a percentage that will increase gradually each year until it reaches 70% in 2050. The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded two grants to help accelerate the development of SAF in Georgia. SAF producer LanzaJet will receive nearly $3.1 million to support a new production facility in Soperton, while Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta will get $240,000 to build the infrastructure needed to deploy SAF at the worlds busiest airport. The other technology included in the study committees recommendations mass timber construction involves using prefabricated wood panels as an alternative to concrete and steel in building multi-family residential or commercial structures that are larger than single-family homes. The first commercial building in Georgia constructed with mass timber is at Atlantas Ponce City Market. The study committee also suggested the state conduct a study to determine what can be done to promote Georgias pulp-and-paper industry. Mills have been going out of business in large numbers due to foreign competition. Finally, the panels report asks the Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Forestry Association to put together a list of burdensome regulations that are hurting the timber industry. The recommendations will be forwarded to the full Senate to consider during the 2025 session of the General Assembly starting in January. Leigh Hataway Nathan Lewis, a professor of pediatrics and bioengineering at the University of California San Diego, joined the University of Georgia as the new Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) Eminent Scholar in Molecular Cell Biology on Oct. 28. The Georgia Research Alliance is a nonprofit, public-private partnership that invests state funds to recruit top scientific talent, enhance labs and promote discovery and entrepreneurship to drive economic impact in Georgia. GRA Eminent Scholars are leading experts in their respective fields at Georgias top research universities. Collectively, the scholars attract hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private grants each year. With the addition of Lewis, UGA will have 19 current GRA Eminent Scholars. We are very pleased that Dr. Lewis has joined the University of Georgia and grateful to the GRA for making it possible, said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. Dr. Lewis will have a broad impact across our campus and will build a strong, collaborative network of biologists, engineers and other scholars, not only at UGA but also across the state and around the world. Lewis to join multiple interdisciplinary centers at UGA Lewis will join the Center for Molecular Medicine, the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Georgia is fortunate to have Nathan Lewis move his research to our state and the University of Georgia, said GRA President and CEO Tim Denning. Dr. Lewis leverages several areas of science to create models and tools that help us see how cells respond to different kinds of stimuli. His expertise and approach are driving the development of new therapeutics as well as shaping future investigations of molecular medicine. As a systems biologist, Lewis studies how cells communicate with each other and how cell communication can be targeted to treat disease or even manufacture better medications. This includes the study of infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, dysregulated immunological responses and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Additionally, since cell communication processes can be harnessed to make potent drugs and vaccines, Lewis applies his research to the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry to engineer cells to make more robust, affordable and safer treatments. Translational, multidisciplinary research is one of the cornerstones of the 21st century research university that builds our capacity for breakthroughs across the health sciences, said Anna Stenport, dean of the Franklin College. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Lewis into our community of scholars and look forward to his contributions to the UGA drug discovery pipeline. Lewis co-founded multiple companies to advance cell research Lewis has developed multiple systems and tools to analyze cell-to-cell interactions and cell-autonomous behavior throughout his career. He also has co-founded companies to advance this research and innovation, including Augment Biologics Inc. and NeuImmune Inc. Its an honor to be recognized for the research to which my team and I have contributed, Lewis said. I look forward to expanding our work that aligns with the state of Georgias goals of fostering a strong culture of science and engineering, as well as promoting its practical application within industry. Lewis has received several honors and awards over the years. He was recognized as a Siebel Scholar in 2012 and served as an Otto Mnsted Foundation Gsteprofessorater fellow from 2020 to 2023. He also was named a Highly Cited Researcher by the Institute for Scientific Information and, most recently, received the Innovation Award from the European Society for Animal Cell Technology. Nathan Lewis is an extraordinary scholar who is blazing several new trails through his research, said S. Jack Hu, the universitys senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. His work connects and impacts many different disciplines, and I am excited that he is joining our exceptional faculty at UGA. UGA leads in glycobiology, biomanufacturing Lewis has admired UGA for making significant investments in fields that are of fundamental importance but often neglected at other leading universities. It just so happens that two of these, glycobiology and biomanufacturing, are major foci in my research program, he said. In these research areas, not only has UGA been a leader, but it has built a community internally that provides great collaborative support while also offering high-quality facilities and research resources that are of great international impact and importance. Its an honor to be invited to join and contribute to this community. The post Nathan Lewis joins UGA as new GRA Eminent Scholar appeared first on UGA Today. Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday Beijing and Washington must find a way to "get along" in a message to US president-elect Donald Trump, state media reported. Trump's crushing presidential victory ushers in a new era of uncertainty in the United States and the world, and heralds a possible shift in US-China relations, frayed in recent years by tensions over everything from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan. In his first message to Trump since the former president secured a second term, Xi said "history has shown that China and the United States benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation", state broadcaster CCTV said. CCTV did not specify how the message was conveyed. "A stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship is in the common interest of both countries and is in line with the expectations of the international community," Xi said. He called for Washington and Beijing to "strengthen dialogue and communication" and "properly manage differences". The two countries must "find a correct way... to get along in this new era, to benefit both countries and the world", Xi said. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also sent a message to vice president-elect JD Vance, CCTV said. Both Republican Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris had pledged to get tougher on Beijing. But Trump upped the ante, vowing to slap 60 percent tariffs on all Chinese goods entering the United States. The president-elect aims to "restore some level of balance in the US-China trade", Yun Sun, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, told AFP. "Given his arts of 'maximum pressure' before striking a deal, I do expect him to impose the tariff," she added. On Thursday Beijing warned that there would be "no winners" in a trade war, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying it would not be "conducive to the world". Xi and Trump have previously met four times, and the former president has touted his "very strong relationship" with the Chinese leader. He has also claimed he would be able to talk Xi out of an attack on self-ruled Taiwan with threats of 150 percent tariffs. Analysts had said the election outcome would be a key focus of this week's gathering of top lawmakers in Beijing, aimed at ironing out a stimulus plan to boost China's struggling economy. Chief among the concerns will be how Beijing responds to Trump's expected huge tariff hike, which asset managers PineBridge Investments have suggested could hit $500 billion worth of Chinese exports. "We expect the Chinese government to respond with limited retaliation and more domestic policy support to the economy, to partially offset the negative impact," Tao Wang, Chief China Economist at UBS Investment Research, told AFP. I unashamedly confess to never being prouder -- or more surprised -- than I was Tuesday when voters overwhelmingly rejected four more soul-deadening years of evil. I had all but given up on the grand American experiment in self-governance. But today, I am prouder than ever of its people, who unmistakably chose good over evil at the ballot box. Before expounding further, however, I must warn against resting on our laurels. The same people who despise Donald Trump, who employed every devious means to destroy him, who even tried to kill him, are still with us. And, if anything, their rage is greater now. On Election Day, America won perhaps its greatest battle since Midway. But with the battle won, the war continues. Nevertheless, I actually feel the pain of the leftists and the woke and the Marxist fellow travelers, who today agonize over the election results. As vote-counting began, I, too, was in the depths of depression, resigned to Kamala Harris defeating Donald Trump and all the horrors that were sure to follow. It was excruciating, but I figured a holy God certainly must have had enough of our land, where 70 million babies have been murdered in the womb, where sexual depravity has been elevated to a faux constitutional right, where Marxist ideology has supplanted Christian morality. Where despotic tyrants run the government, oblivious to the true human rights they trample. Who am I to dispute Gods judgment against such evil? God surely had seen enough, I grudgingly told myself. I braced for His judgment to arrive in the form of a Democratic Party landslide. Id prayed for months for His mercy rather than His judgment. But I understood God is sovereign, and my meager desires arent about to change His mind. What he desires shall come to pass. And America circa 2024 certainly didnt take Him by surprise. Just as certainly, we deserve His wrath. As votes were counted, I truly already felt the pain. Then, what God always had intended from all eternity past came to pass. Mercy for a nation of fallen sinners. Praise the Lord! To God, all the glory, for sure. But the Lord uses people to bring about worldly blessings, and on Tuesday last, He used 72 million of them to turn my feared Democrat landslide into a historic Republican rout, returning the wrongly persecuted Donald Trump to the White House, along with majority control of both houses of Congress. My every prayer for the election was answered, save for California, which, for some reason, God chose to leave largely in Satans hands. But Hes sovereign, and His ways are not our ways. After all, He allowed the Biden White House to wreak havoc for four years. His reason? Perhaps to persuade Americans of the difference. The election upshot was glaringly apparent even to the unlikely: It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them, said socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who votes with Democrats. Nevertheless, despite a mainstream legacy media slavishly faithfully to the Democrats party line, despite a unified assault on normalcy by the woke and nearly every recognizable name in the culture, despite a multitude of practical reasons to go along to get along, people still rejected the message. Despite all those elitist voices demanding we fall in lockstep with the long march to woke-Marxist utopia, what prevailed decisively -- and overwhelmingly -- was Common Sense, rooted in good old-fashioned conservative Christian values. Im ashamed now that. before the votes were counted, I short-changed my fellow Americans ability to sift common sense from the extravagant promises of collectivist ideology. A healthy majority of voters recognized the options were starkly different: The Democrats way: This is what we demand people do. The peoples way: This is what we demand the government do. Big loser: a government that wants people to be its subjects. Big winners: people who want the government to be their servant. Harris refused to explain how she would differ from President Joe Biden. Consequently, she was unsurprisingly incapable of persuading voters that she would not repeat his authoritarian tyrannies, from lockdowns to censorship to the weaponizing of every branch of the federal government from the DoJ to the EPA. Moreover, Harris is ignorant of how economics works and advocates harmful central planning. Hallmarks of Marxism. Still, President-Elect Trump needs to review his own history. On winning his nearly impressive first term in 2016, Trump naively underestimated how imbedded and aggressive the Deep State would be in sabotaging his administration. This time, completely ridding his administration of swamp creatures must begin on Day 1. To counter Bidens executive orders to Trump-proof the federal bureaucracy, creative management might be employed. Transfers to a desk job in Guam? Richard Nixon lost a bid for the presidency, like Trump, then won the election eight years later. But Nixon ignored the fact that those who wanted to be rid of him were still around, still in power. They eventually got Nixon with a conspiratorial prosecution for Watergate, arguably a Deep State conspiracy that saw former CIA operatives likely self-destruct in a second-rate burglary. The Deep State brought Nixon down; make no mistake about it. Its all documented in Geoff Shepards books. Its time the Stupid Party wise up, too. While our prayer is that Trump learns from his mistakes, such as thinking lifelong bureaucrats would have his back, so too must the Republican Party learn from its mistakes, such as ignoring the interests of the people they represent. If the GOSP (Grand Old Stupid Party) doesnt learn, the people they betray will leave it, and a grand opportunity will be missed. Meanwhile, voters should note our own lesson from Tuesdays political miracle. Columnist Gary Bauer advises: Unless were ingrates, we need to be Christian citizens to save America. We also need to fervently pray. God helped David to defeat Goliath. But there still needed to be a David to go and fight the actual battle. Ive thanked God almost hourly since Tuesday for answering practically every word of my prayers leading up to the election. Now, lets see about California, hm? Mark Landsbaum is a Christian retired journalist, former investigative reporter, editorial writer, and columnist. He also is a husband, father, grandfather, and Dodgers fan. He can be reached at mark.landsbaum@gmail.com Image: Gage Skidmore The Vaticans Synod on Synodality, an all-inclusive gathering of four hundred progressive cardinals, bishops, laypeople, diverse religious communities, gay advocacy groups, and liberal theologians, is finally in the rear-view mirror. Its work over three years falls neatly in line with Il Papa Bergoglios continued broadside on the traditional liturgy and his affection for groups that harbor ill feelings against the Catholic church. The enclave railed against the age-old church hierarchy and denigrated the power of the papacy and bishops by imputing influence over policy and doctrine to the laity. Its accommodation to sins of the flesh would give ascendancy to marital nonconformity and ideological refuge to those clerics accused of rampant sex abuse. Bergoglio was quick to ratify the Synods final report, foregoing his papal obligation to make a canonical case in defense of the gospel where obvious heresies -- a female diaconate, priest celibacy, flattening of the church hierarchy, new sins for attacks on the environment, and blessings for same-sex couples -- are left wide open for further debate. With Bergoglios endorsement, a demonic influence has entered the teaching authority of the church. As a centerpiece of the Bergoglian doctrine, the report harmonizes with the catechesis of dialogue and discernment in modern Jesuitism. The Synod has laid the foundation for a new Catholic church, seeking to realign its beliefs, and adding fuel to Bergoglios plan to break eggs over the traditional ecclesiology of the Church and its magisterium. With two Jesuits cardinals in charge of the Synod and a tailwind from the Jesuit cardinal overseeing the Vaticans powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, it should come as no surprise to those familiar with the post-conciliar tongue-wagging by consecutive superiors of the Society of Jesus to eradicate both papal authority and the Churchs traditional reliance on dogma and doctrine. It is a plot underway for more than sixty years. Tugging on the red cassocks and heartstrings of bishops and cardinals, theological sages from the Jesuit order, with a push from Freemasonry, got their way at the Second Vatican Council in the early sixties, pressuring the Council prelates to take the wrong fork in the road ahead for the Catholic Church. Subsequent decades witnessed the alteration of the Traditional Latin Mass into an uber Protestant liturgy, replete with a rewritten missal and the watering down of the acts of reconciliation, penance, and contrition. Church interiors took on the drab severity of the architectural modernists, decorated with otherworldly artistic impressions of Christ and his apostles. Chancel rails where congregants took a knee to receive the Blessed Sacrament were uprooted. Tabernacles were put out of the reach of altar tables, now single slabs of stone separated from the high altar and adrift in the sanctuary. The congregation, to include everyone from the weekly faithful to the Catholic perennials who appear on occasions of high holy days, have been rebranded as the People of God, an honorific title drummed up in Vatican II with the effect of diminishing the Mystical Presence of God in the Church and thrown about in Bergoglio encyclicals and exhortations with the usual Jesuit chicanery to reduce scripture and tradition to earthly debate. It comports with this relaxation of all things Divine that the priest offers Mass facing the congregation rather than to God at the high altar. The Bergoglian papacy has given Jesuits a chokehold on the Holy See and turned the Vatican into an apostolic palace of intrigue. Jesuit cardinals and bishops have assumed leadership of the Vatican dicasteries on faith, communications, and human development, in addition to steering the destructive Synod on Synodality. Guided by Bergoglios papal instruction, Instrumentum Laboris, the Synod plodded through a calculated agenda using esoteric Jesuit buzzwords such as discernment, dialogue, and the peoples church to masquerade the promotion of LBGTQ+ causes, transgenderism, a female diaconate, climate activism, and an end to priestly celibacy. The true intentions of the Bergoglian papacy, playing peekaboo behind a curtain of synodality and church unity, have sown doctrinal confusion and moral ambiguity among both clerics and laity. It is an irreverent approach focused on worldly social and scientific explanations that bend over backwards to excuse and condone sinful behavior. Bergoglios exhortations on climate change, acceptance of pagan idolatry, and open-mindedness for same-sex behaviors and blessings, are completely at odds with notions of apostolic tradition and revelation. His religious upbringing as an Argentinian Peronist is in full bloom by his waffling on issues, signaling one way and turning another, and composing long-winded treatises that are less pastoral than political. His ideological fixation on social causes is typical of Latin American liberation theology, a Jesuit hammer and sickle ideology rooted in the pursuit of power through the nefarious ambiguities of social and environmental justice. From the outset of his papacy, Bergoglio has chosen not to shepherd the faith of American Catholics, but rather to take cheap shots, railing at their conservative and traditional bent and heavily leaning on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to fall in line with synodality and liturgical novelty in their governance of the church. Prelates Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Joseph Tobin, all recent Bergoglio appointees to the cardinalate, have become his primary influencers in that voting body. Through these mouthpieces, Bergoglio has sown division within the conference on issues related to abortion, gay rights, and deaconesses. Should Bergoglio beat the odds for another five years, he will have the opportunity to find likeminded replacements for approximately fifty-two American cardinals, archbishops, and bishops who will be aging out into episcopal retirement. The die will then be cast for the decentralization of USCCB power and jurisdiction and elevation of lay authority over church policy and practice. One of the few obstructions to Bergoglios hopes and dreams for a new Synodal Church are the Marian apparitions. Mystical appearances in La Salette, France (1848), Lourdes, France (1856), Fatima, Portugal (1917), and Akita, Japan (1973) are among those well-known to millions of Christian faithful. What links time and geography in these heavenly appearances are the straightforward and often foreboding messages for the future of the Catholic church and pleas for a repentant humanity closer to God. In the Bergoglian era, secularism, materialism, and modernism are the new earthbound articles of faith that have little room for supernatural meddling. In 2024, Bergoglio tackled the problem of Marian apparitions, Eucharistic miracles, and church statues weeping blood and tears by unleashing his strongman guardian of the faith, Cardinal Victor Fernandez, giving him the power of judge, jury, and executioner over such matters. Fernandezs revised protocols for weeding through these blessed events stands as a shining example of Jesuit sophistry. Supernaturality has been removed from the Catholic lexicon. First line authority over investigations has been taken from the local diocesan bishops and kicked upstairs to Fernandez. Apparitions with messages that undermine the unity of the church are unlikely to be given credence. Had these requirements been imposed by the popes of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Vatican might not have endorsed several notable apparitions that leveled dire warnings upon the future church. Bergoglio, through ongoing working groups and private audiences, continues to level fire at church doctrine and dogma that has kept the Catholic Church on a firm footing for more than two millennia. With the future of the church and humanity hanging in the balance, the Virgin Mary herself has repeatedly intervened with prescient messages seeking to reverse the fateful and unrepentant path upon which humanity now treads. With the future of the New Synodal Church at risk, Bergoglio had no choice but to sideline and muzzle Her. Image: Alex Proimos via Wikipedia Contemporary American society seems obsessed with inclusion. Homosexuality has gone from a crime to being openly celebrated. Adultery is no longer an offense punishable by death and would-be adulterers now can legally find partners on the Internet with scant worry about the consequences. Poking fun at transexuals or cross dressers can be prosecuted as a hate crime, and human weaknesses such as obesity and drug use are openly tolerated. Gambling and prostitution are no longer stigmatized. Ridiculing an ugly person makes one guilty of lookism. The normalization of the once marginalized is ongoing, and the very idea of normal itself is under attack. Mechanisms that sustained social cohesionostracizing, stigma, shunning, marginalization and exclusionare now evils. Where will it end? Let me suggest that mental illness is the next candidate for inclusion so, the former crazy person will no longer be scorned and avoided as potentially threatening. The term for this new inclusion is neurodiversity, and members of the neurodiversity community will be the same as everybody else though different, a characterization lacking any moral opprobrium. As we now accept people with myriad gender identities, society will have to accommodate the neurodiverse. This new inclusion is on the march. A Neurodiversity celebration week is scheduled for next March, and a book targeting young girls is entitled, Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers A report by the prestigious consulting firm, McKinsey & Co,, asserts, ,,,neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage for organizations that embrace neurodiversity. . According to one estimate, some 20% of the population qualifies as neurodiverse. The inclusionary zeal begins at elite universities and thus gains instant respectability. Last April the University of Michigan ran a conference on the topic. A recent article from the Harvard Medical School defined neurodiversity as bringing mental illness into to realm of normal versus a condition suggesting a deficiency to be remediated: Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. The label mentally ill is about to be history. Instead, there are neurological minorities, and this transformation joins the social justice movement that liberated homosexuals, the obese and similarly oppressed minorities. What defines mental illness since absent a definition, it is unclear who, exactly, will be included in neurodiversity. The good news is that The American Psychiatric Association publishes a door stopper, The Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (typically called DSM-5), that catalogues mental illnesses, their symptoms and data on their incidence (DSM is often called the psychiatrists Bible). Familiar illnesses include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eating Discarders, Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Sleep-Wake Disorders, among many, many more. So, if a person claims to be neurodiverse, i.e.,, suffers from mental illness, just look up the symptoms in DSM-5, and decide on then appropriate label. Unfortunately, admission to the neurodiverse community is not so simple. For one, as knowledge increases, the definition of a mental illness evolves (DSM was initially published in 1952), and each new edition re-defines the pathology landscape. For example, DSM once defined homosexuality as a treatable disorder but due to political pressure, in 1973 that classification was dropped. Today, however, DSM includes Gender Dysphoria, a condition that has exploded into public prominence and can justify surgery transforming young girls into young boys and vice versa. Nevertheless, despite efforts at precision, many definitions remain fuzzy, and criteria can allow identically classified people to exhibit different symptoms. Nor can DSM be applied like a birdwatchers handbook since accurate diagnoses require extensive professional medical training. What, for example, separates occasionally feeling blue from suffering from a Major Depressive Disorder? Some disorders such as autism are spectrum disorders where those afflicted are nearly identical to normal people, so categorization is difficult. Experts might also reasonably disagree over what separates a bad habit from a serious disorder (Internet Gaming Disorder is now included in DSM-5) Multiple other complexities make the neurological diversity categories different from demographic classification. Applying the mentally ill designation requires professional training unlike sorting people according clear-cut ancestry or overt behavior such as homosexuality. Similarly, while self-reporting may suffice for commonplace personal identities, very few people can technically definite a specific mental illness. What if activists push government to add neurological conditions into anti-discrimination laws? Now, those suffering from mental illness are similarly protected as those with certain sexual and racial identities. Such a transformation is hardly hyperbolethink of how Title IX, a law designed to protect women athletes, was re-interpreted to permit trans men to participate in womens sports. Perhaps an Executive Order or a single judicial decision could make neurodiversity a condition deserving legal protection. The impact would far exceed adding such categories as transgendered to the protected list. The inherent murkiness of mental illness and the myriad disputes among professionals, would make neurodiversity a bonanza for lawyers. Anybody now could assert some invisible mental disorder and thereby claim discrimination. A terminated employee can argue that the job itself brought about DSM-5 defined Social Communication Disorder, Dishonest, violent employ might as for special accommodations due to their alleged, difficult to ascertain, illness. For a fee quack experts will testify that ones mental disorder is genuine. Facing the prospect of expensive litigation, businesses may even be stymied from firing an employee with a dangerous psychopathic personality disorder. Misrepresentation will be rampant. Compared to claiming a false ethnic identity, asserting that one suffers from one of numerous DSM-defined personality disorders is a snap. Recall when young men gamed the system with bogus illnesses to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War. Todays victimhood status can also be an asset, not a liability, so why should the mentally ill seek a cure? For them, neurodiversity, like protected racial and gender identities, bestows benefits. After all, the mentally ill promote diversity. Ironically, rewarding mental illness status may only increase it. For example, according to the CDC, between 2016 and 2022, the number of children claiming to be afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder increased by one million. Undoubtedly, this increase reflects such benefits as receiving extra time to take exams. The push to make neurodiversity yet one more trait needing legal protection is an awaiting disaster. Unfortunately, the formula for including it in the already long list of legal protections is easy to copy. First, identify a marginalized and stigmatized group, then publicize the inflicted damaged from this exclusion, add a few prestige experts who will assert that their inclusion will benefit society (diversity is our strength), politically mobilize the group, including their families, and, finally, convince a few bureaucrats or judges that mainstreaming this once ostracized community is social justice, and its a done deal. One more group of victims now requires legal protection from hate and those who disagree will be castigated as being mentalillnessphobic. It would be insane not to stop this inclusion before it gains traction. Image: Intervex, via Wikimedia Commons // CC0 1.0 public domain One of the happy unintended consequences of the Russia Hoax of 2016 was that it exposed Americans to the mendacity, amorality, and chicanery of our Deep State and Intel Community (IC). Another was learning about the Falstaffian character Stefan Halper. Halpers role in the hoaxthe FBI used him to surreptitiously question Page, Papadopoulos, other otherssent me down a rabbit hole leading to Carter, Nixon, and JFK. Stefan Halper was a legacy hire: the nephew of a CIA operative and the son-in-law of a giant figure in the agencys history, Ray Cline. Cline had begun at the OSS, then segued to a role as a sort of historian of the CIA. He moved up and up, including a stint as head of the Taiwan station in the late 50s, and had a starring role at a famous meeting in 1962 where Cline deciphered for President Kennedy the U2 planes photos of Russias missile sites in Cuba. Cline lost his run for CIA director to his frenemy Richard Helms, so he transitioned to a different posting in a different IC agency. Technically, that new, non-agency post would prove important in the Watergate investigation, for it gave Helms plausibility when he denied CIA involvement in Watergate when there were many indications that Cline may have directed the Watergate bungled burglary, the subsequent bungled coverup, and Nixons not-bungled forced resignation. Image: The Watergate Hotel in 1972. Public domain. As many experts, such as Deep Throats attorney John OConnor, have posited, the entire Watergate burglary operation seems to have been a purposeful own goal. From taping the door locks, which inevitably drew a security guards attention, to Bob Woodwards curious lies to John Deans strange conduct to the unethical of Judge Sirica, the affair was replete with red flags. Cline knew lead burglar E. Howard Hunt very well, having worked with him for the OSS as far back as the Chinese theater in WW2. That was the beginning of Clines specialty in the Far East when famed General Chenault set up the precursor to Air America to aid the conquered countries in fighting the Japanese. And, as noted above, Cline would head the Taiwan station at the beginning period of the U2 spy flights. As a proponent of Taiwans independence, Cline led what became known as the Taiwan Lobby alongside Senator and failed presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. The Taiwan Lobby advocated for Chiang Kai-sheks government and against Maos Red China mainland entity. The benign view says they opposed Maos totalitarian communist regime, while the cynical view is that Chiangs venality and rumors concerning Air America and the associated CIAs morally dubious and lucrative ventures underpinned this support. Whatever the reasons, when Nixon, in an effort to lessen the USSRs power, opened Red China to the West in early 1972, that was destined (if not even intended) to slight and sideline Taiwan. Around that time, the recently retired spook, Hunt, joined the White House. Intriguingly, Hunt told the Jersey City Journal in an interview released on July 19, 1971, that he was joining to help organize Nixons trip to China. Sometime around that time, Stefan Halper also joined the admin. At various points, he would later claim to have worked in the Domestic Policy Councilyes, the very same DPC out of which the Plumbers Unit Watergate burglars would operate. Curiously, Halper would also later claim that he was hired to help organize Nixons trip to China. The linchpin to the botched coverup, and per some historians, the actual decision to wiretap the Democratic National Committee office at the Watergate, was the young White House counsel, John Dean. Dean seems to have not only possessed a wonderful memoryhis detailed testimony accounting of the coverup was later substantiated by the Nixon Oval Office tapesbut also seemed to have been the driving force behind the cover-up itself. Funnily enough, Dean was the former college roommate and close friend of Senator Goldwaters son, Barry Jr. They would later co-write a biography on Barry Sr. Also, funnily enough, Goldwater was the eminence grise Republican figure whose journey to the White House in August 1974 to tell Nixon the jig was up prompted the Presidents resignation that weekend. (Incidentally, the man responsible for running and then revealing the existence of the taping system, Alexander Butterfield, was later credibly accused of being a CIA plant.). Watergate would have never happened without Helms curious actionsand again, Helms was Clines frenemy. At the onset of the FBI investigation, Nixons men beseeched Helms to shut down the inquiry by citing the vague yet legally potent excuse of national security concerns. Indeed, Watergate did almost inexorably lead to national security revelations, for it paved the way for the Church Commission and revelations about some Deep State family jewels. Helms could have easily shut it all down, but he didnt. Ironically, in the end, Watergate got him, too. Helms was forced to resign in (a modicum of) disgrace only to transition quickly to a posting as Ambassador to Iran. What did Cline have on Helms? Thats a story for another time. Suffice it to say Cline knew Helms from the beginning of both of their careers. As the agencys historian, Cline would have known some of Helms negatives, such as certain personal and career connections that could be charitably described as Nazi-adjacent. How did Watergate turn out for Cline, Halper, Dean et al.? Cline would continue as a speaker, historian, and occasional advisor to politicians such as former CIA director George Bush. In that capacity, it seems he was able to place his son-in-law Halper into the Bush 1980 primary campaign, which was soon to be the Reagan-Bush ticket. Halper would be publicly accused of stealing Carter policy documents for the Republicans. Later, Halper fronted a CIA bank, got arrested for driving while coked-up, and somehow made his way to the world of academics and publishing at Cambridge while occasionally undertaking clandestine operations for the government, such as the General Flynn smear and the Russia hoax. Dean would milk Watergate for decades, writing book after book and then, during the Trump admin years, appearing every couple of days on CNN to claim that this (or that) was worse than Watergate. His Watergate-era smarmy countenance has settled into avuncularly smug. As for Taiwan, it remains (for now) independent of its mainland behemoth brother. Watergate might have given the island nation an extra 50 or so years lease on life. As posited in this 2021 article, it seems that Nixon was primed to completely abandon Taiwan, even militarily. Curiously enough, a previous president had also indicated his willingness, if not to abandon Taiwan, at least to open Maos mainland China. That would be John F. Kennedy, who apparently told then-Secretary of State Dean Rusk that, after his upcoming victory in the 1964 election, he would be able and willing to change policy and shock the world by opening China. All of which is to say that when you look at Stefan Halpers role in the attacks on Trump, his roots in Deep State manipulation are very deep indeed. Norman Krieg is a pseudonym. The Russia-Ukraine war is a useless waste of life unless you value freedom and the individual even more. Some 728,000 Russians are dead or injured, and many Ukrainians, mostly civilians, have met a similar fate. According to an estimate from The Economist, approximately 2% of all Russian men between the ages of 20 and 50 may have been killed or seriously wounded in Ukraine since February 2022. For comparison, the equivalent American cohort would be 66 million. What would the mood of our country be if over 1.3 million of our young were dead or maimed? For perspective, over the course of the 21-year-long Afghanistan war, 22,659 Americans were killed or injured, which includes many non-combat accidents. Anyone who makes light of the sacrifices and suffering going on in Ukraine is a heartless and manipulated fool. This must stop, and tyrants cannot be rewarded. The blame rests on Joe Biden, for making the world less safe through his actions and non-actions. The usual peaceniks visible in every other war since the 1960s have been silent. They are so ever-present and loud, though, in another war with far fewer civilian deaths, which is the one Israel is engaged in in Gaza and beyond. Is a Gazan worth more than a Ukrainian? All the while, the leaders of Western civilization plot a course of least resistance that can be measured by the loss of stature we'll all face when the final shot rings out over a defeated Ukraine, a resurgent Russia, and a lot of nations wondering if America has lost its mojo once and for all. There's a lot at stake, folks. History will remember the leadership, policy, and miscalculations that coaxed Putin into believing he'd do a walkover that fateful morning in February 2022 when 125,000 troops and mechanized forces planned to take Kyiv and the rest of the country in a week. A defeated Ukraine signals Western weakness and invites more aggression. Putin and Xi watched in disbelief at how we allowed our petty infighting and false priorities to take on more importance than our culture's very survival. It's less about who's right and wrong and more about how the West did not rise to the occasion, allowing this predictable and avoidable cataclysm from happening and the ultimate ramifications of what failed American and European leadership means for our children's future. A 'permissive' environment in warfare is an operational setting where forces can expect little to no interference with their operations. President Biden gave such a signal that, like the taking of Crimea and the Donbas in 2014, America and Europe would bluster but, at the end of the day, would not act. Remember Biden's statement directed at Putin in January of 2022: "I think what you're going to see is that Russia will be held accountable if it invades. And it depends on what it does. It's one thing if it's a minor incursion, and then we end up having a fight about what to do and not do." Biden exhibited the worst qualities of a national leader, literally serving up Ukraine like a meal of Chicken Kyiv, signing a hunting license to Putin. How else to read the room than the leader of the free world telling an aggressor poised to invade a non-combative nation, and President Biden says something that can be considered tacit approval for a limited incursion? Biden should have been impeached; instead, a month later, about the time it would take to issue invasion orders after Biden's pass, brutal, deadly, unlimited war revisited Europe after a 78-year absence. Astoundingly, Ukraine and the West never had a plan to win the war in Ukraine. The question is how do we salvage ourselves from the morass we created all by ourselves and now marks us as feckless quitters, with example after example, the Afghanistan exit being prominent, how we undermined Israel politically and militarily on the stage of public opinion and forced it to follow the same failing policies that hamstring ourselves, i.e., winning in war is secondary to public opinion. Most importantly, giving Putin the go-ahead to kill tens of thousands of civilians, starve them, freeze them in winter, and take their children back to Russia to be reeducated and become 'good' Russians is intolerable. War crimes abound, and all our armchair generals pay lip service to the foundational mistakes in foreign policy we've made. I hope God forgives Biden; I won't. God bless America. Allan J. Feifer is a patriot, author, businessman, thinker, and strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com. Image: Jason Lam, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed As callings for Trump rolled in early Wednesday, plenty of conservatives were looking for laughs from leftists broadcasting themselves bawling about the result for all the world to behold. I was laughing at this tweet from RealClearPolitics founder Tom Bevan: Regardless of your politics, one salutary side effect of Trump's win is that we never have to hear from Allan Lichtman or his "keys" again. Tom Bevan (@TomBevanRCP) November 6, 2024 Lichtman is a bright academic prognosticator, but boy, was he insufferable during this election, claiming he had 'science' of some kind to forecast the election for Kamala Harris. He says it's unnecessary to rely on polls or other indicators for presidential predictions, because all one needed to do was look at his system of 13 "keys," meaning, checkboxes of conditions on the ground, in a methodology that sort of resembles how Chinese astrology is done. Lichtman had been right in the past but with all the media attention he got for it, he seemed to have lost his touch, reaching Peak Allan instead of a correct prediction. He badmouthed RealClearPolitics which has a poll of polls, as well as pollsters in general because he insisted he was always right. He got into a scrap with Nate Silver, who makes predictions of his own, a long extended one on Twitter, insisting that Nate's forecast for a Trump victory was utter nonsense. Now he's eating crow, and his excuses are something else. According to USA Today: "I feel like it's been a year since Tuesday," Lichtman said on a YouTube livestream Thursday evening hosted by his son, Samuel Lichtman. "I admit I was wrong. I called a Harris win and she didn't win. But I was far from the only forecaster that was wrong. Most other models were wrong." Lichtman shared the two major reasons his "13 Keys to the White House" prediction system failed this year, including disdain for the Biden-Harris administration and Harris' delayed campaign start after Biden dropped out of the election on July 21. He added that Harris being the only nominee in modern history to avoid participating in primaries and caucuses was also a factor despite Democrats "doing the best they could." So it's O.K. because the other guys were doing it? That does not sound like an advertisement for his 'keys' method. His second excuse was not on the keys at all, the irregular and undemocratic way in which Harris was chosen to be the nominee. Once again, not an ad for the keys. But here's where he got into absurdityville: I don't think I called any (keys) wrong," Lichtman said. "The contest key was rendered problematic by what went on by the Democratic Party but I don't think you can say I called it wrong except for in retrospect. At the time it was the more reasonable call." Not wrong, except in retrospect? How else is it possible to be wrong? His claim that he didn't think he called his keys wrong are exactly where the problem was, it's what the big scrap with Nate Silver was about: Nate Silver and Allan Lichtman (creator of 13 Keys model) really beefed it out today. Wow. pic.twitter.com/Ay9TO8BjZx Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 27, 2024 The issue with @NateSilver538 is hes a compiler of polls, a clerk. He has no fundamental basis in history and elections. If we bounced presidents based on perceived physical ailments we would have bounced FDR, Reagan, and JFK. https://t.co/ZBqPahDJuF Allan Lichtman (@AllanLichtman) July 20, 2024 Notice how in the arguments he threw at Silver, he stated that since Nate was not a political scientist, nor a historian, he couldn't possibly be right. He actually called Silver "a clerk." Silver, of course, is an expert at odds and betting markets, and not surprisingly, he was on his game, having polished it a lot over the last few elections. He was also right in stating what the problem was -- that Lichtman couldn't read his own keys. Here is Lichtman's "13 Keys to the White House" definition, according to USA Today: Key 1 (Party Mandate): After the midterm elections, the incumbent party holds more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives than it did after the previous midterm elections. Key 2 (Contest): There is no serious contest for the incumbent-party nomination. Key 3 (Incumbency): The incumbent-party candidate is the sitting president. Key 4 (Third party): There is no significant third-party or independent campaign. Key 5 (Short-term economy): The economy is not in recession during the election campaign. Key 6 (Long-term economy): Real per-capita economic growth during the term equals or exceeds mean growth during the previous two terms. Key 7 (Policy change): The incumbent administration affects major changes in national policy. Key 8 (Social unrest): There is no sustained social unrest during the term. Key 9 (Scandal): The incumbent administration is untainted by major scandal. Key 10 (Foreign/military failure): The incumbent administration suffers no major failure in foreign or military affairs. Key 11 (Foreign/military success): The incumbent administration achieves a major success in foreign or military affairs. Key 12 (Incumbent charisma): The incumbent-party candidate is charismatic or a national hero. Key 13 (Challenger charisma): The challenging-party candidate is not charismatic or a national hero. Media reports said that Lichtman checked off eight of the 13 keys in Harris's favor. I recall in previous interviews, he actually said that the Biden administration had no major scandals: But on Party Mandate, Incumbency, Third Party, Short Term Economy, Long Term Economy, Scandal, Foreign/Military Failure, and Challenger Charisma, -- eight keys -- surely Kamala came out behind, the answer was 'no' on all of those. Had he read his keys like most Americans did, he might have made a decent prediction. As for his insults at others, well, certain pollsters do it right, and certain pollsters do it wrong, and the right ones -- such as Rasmussen, TIPP, and a new one called AtlasIntel -- are the ones worth following, as are the betting operations. We are delighted that American Thinker had such good accurate results in its collaboration with Rasmussen. As for Allan, well, he can eat crow now and go back and try to master his own keys. Had he not been so biased for the swamp and in love with media attention, he might have read them right. Image: Pexels // Pexels License Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, both of whom belong on the Mount Rushmore of Supreme Court justices, have earned a well-deserved retirement. (Preferably, Chief Justice John Roberts retires as well). Lets get three young constitutional conservatives confirmed to the SCOTUS while we still have a majority GOP senate. Have Elon Musk, Ron Paul, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and others take a hatchet to the U.S. federal government and its various redundant, nonperforming, and outright destructive bureaucracies. Lay off as many federal employees as possible, and take away their undeserved pensions. Eliminate whole cabinets where possible (the morally noxious, fiscally incontinent, and gender dysphoria-promoting Department of Education is an excellent place to start). Build a real wall along the southern border; we want deliverables this time, not more excuses about how Congress cant appropriate the funds or how the chamber of commerce says it cant be done. Voter ID/paper ballots/same day voting/citizen only voting on future election days. Make election day a federal holiday, if necessary. Fire every single U.S. attorney in the U.S. attorneys offices of the corrupt and ideologically weaponized Justice Department. Take away their taxpayer-funded pensions, and prosecute the many who torpedoed democracy by engaging in insurrectionary lawfare against a duly elected president and many of his voters from 2016-2020, and in the years since then as well. Intelligence community spooks (FBI, CIA, NSA, et al.) who engaged in a sustained palace coup with phony whisper campaigns against Donald Trump, his surrogates, and his supporters, need to be prosecuted, convicted, and imprisoned for their unconstitutional crimes against the American people. Pardon all January 6 political prisoners currently held in federal gulags immediately upon taking office on January 20, even those who allegedly smashed windows, sat in Nancy Pelosis sacred chair, or walked through open doors to take selfies after Capitol police invited them inside the Rotunda. Establish a truth and reconciliation commission to determine what role the Biden administration, FBI, CIA, Secret Service, and other federal government entities played in the two assassination attempts against President Trump. Declassify, declassify, declassify. Use all federal public-private government contracts to align with conservative-affiliated groups, and deny all federal funding to any known or suspected progressive interest groups (especially groups grifting billions in taxpayer dollars to promote phony theories about climate Armageddon, or bogus social science like DEI, etc.). Otherwise, as a general rule, starve the federal beast of funding and limit public-private moneymaking partnerships. Institute a fair or flat tax, eliminate all other taxes, and abolish the corrupt IRS (whose decades-long modus operandi has been targeting conservative citizens and groups for financial destruction). Remind the American people every day that the progressive media is by far the biggest purveyor and promoter of misinformation and disinformation. As promoters of wild-eyed left-wing conspiracy theories, the media are fanatically and institutionally devoted to inciting hatred, racism, and social division. For the majority GOP Senate and (hopefully) lower house of congress: Way too many broken promises over recent election cycles. We conservatives dont want another re-run of 2016-2018, the last time the GOP had all three branches of government. The GOP voting base, which includes readers of American Thinker, hasnt forgotten the many past GOP congressional failures (real elephants have long memories). Were done with the Jeff Flakes, Adam Kinzingers, Mitt Romneys, Liz Cheneys, and their detestable ilk. Republicans in both the Senate and the House need to work seamlessly with the Trump-Vance administration this time, not undermine MAGA policies as many have done since 2016. Donald Trumps greatest accomplishment as president, by far, was lifting the lid on the federal government to reveal a fetid, gas-bloated, snake-infested swamp full of millions of non-contributing progressive drones gorging themselves at the taxpayer trough. And to the extent those at Club Fed were doing anything at all, they were jamming the gears of the MAGA agenda as best they could, and denying the American people the policies they had voted for. Finally, tell the hoity-toity cognoscenti, the spewers of hate in Hollywood and academia, the censors of Silicon Valley, the racemongers and anti-Semites, they are welcome to make good on their promises and self-deport to Canada if they dont like any of this. Elections have consequences, so go suck on it, progressive Ferengi. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service With the election is over and Trump heading to the White House, energy returns to the fore as a vital issue for decisions. The United States can continue its dependency on foreign oil, or harness its own abundant resources to achieve energy independence. Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a formidable tool for achieving energy independence, aligning with conservative values of self-reliance, national security, and economic prosperity. Start with its economic impact: The shale revolution has transformed regions like North Dakota and Texas into economic powerhouses. The industry has directly created over 2.5 million jobs as of 2021, with each job in the fracking sector generating 2.8 indirect jobs in the community. These aren't just jobs; they're high-paying careers, with the average salary significantly above the national average, providing robust income streams for families and substantial tax revenues for local governments. This economic infusion supports schools, infrastructure, and public services, creating a ripple effect of prosperity. Energy security is also synonymous with national security. By reducing our dependency on oil from politically unstable regions, fracking fortifies America's geopolitical stance. The U.S. transition from being one of the world's largest oil importers to a net exporter has not only bolstered our national defense capabilities, it has shifted global energy dynamics, giving the U.S. a stronger hand in international negotiations and alliances. This independence from foreign oil reduces the leverage of nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela over U.S. policy. Conservatives recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, but that this should not come at the expense of economic vitality. Fracking can and should be conducted responsibly. Advances in technology have made fracking safer; for instance, innovations in well casing and groundwater protection have mitigated risks of contamination. Furthermore, conservative policies can push for enhanced regulations that ensure the industry operates within strict environmental guidelines: Implementing rigorous federal and state regulations to monitor and control emissions, water usage, and disposal is vital, too. Encouraging investment in methane capture technologies and research into reducing the environmental footprint of fracking will be necessary, too. Establishing dialogues with local communities to ensure transparency and address concerns directly is important as well, fostering trust and cooperation. The narrative around fracking often polarizes, but a conservative perspective calls for a balanced approach where economic benefits drive progress, yet not at the expense of our environment or future generations. This involves: Educating the public about the realities of fracking, its benefits, and the measures taken to mitigate its impacts. Crafting legislation that supports fracking while integrating environmental safeguards. While promoting fracking, also encourage diversification in local economies to prevent over-reliance on oil and gas. Hydraulic fracturing stands as a testament to American ingenuity and a pathway to energy independence. For conservatives, supporting fracking is not just about economics or security; it's about upholding the principles of freedom, innovation, and personal responsibility. By advocating for policies that promote fracking with environmental accountability, conservatives can lead the charge towards a future where America's energy needs are met by its own resources, ensuring both prosperity and security for future generations. It's time to embrace fracking not as a necessary evil but as a crucial element of America's strategic and economic fabric. South of the border the word is that Trump is back. The new President Claudia Sheinbaun issued the standard congratulatory tweet. Yet, there is a lot of confusion. Honestly, most of it is just the Mexican version of Trump Derangement Syndrome but that's how it is. Let's get a sample of "La Presidenta" and her news conference: On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (CSP) reassured her constituents that there is no cause for concern for Mexico following Tuesdays reelection of former U.S. President Donald Trump into the Oval Office. CSPs words of caution come just two days after Trump threatened to levy high tariffs against Mexico, which currently stands as the United States number one trade partner in the world if Sheinbaum did not address the flow of drugs and migrants from Mexico to the United States. President Trump has already spoken out, but it is prudent to wait, said Sheinbaum. And to all Mexicans: there is no cause for concern; to our countrymen and women, to their families who are here, there is no cause for concern. Mexico is moving forward. We are a free, independent, sovereign country, and there will be good relations with the United States, and I am convinced of that, the Mexican federal executive continued. To be honest, "La Presidenta" is pushing back on some of the exaggerated fears. As I'm sure she knows, President Trump has no plan to invade Mexico or intervene in any way. (By the way, U.S. military intervention is what scares the Mexican Left. They are still living with the memory of President Woodrow Wilson pushing Pancho Villa back over the Rio Grande) My sense is that Trump wants to fix the border, i.e. human trafficking and drugs coming in. He could care less about the ongoing political crisis between the judiciary and executive south of the border. He'll leave Mexicans to settle that. Again, it's the border what matters. At the same time, Trump will use tariffs to get what he wants. My prediction is that Mexico will comply and work with Trump because there is a lot of concern about violence tearing up large chunks of Mexican territory. So I wouldn't be surprised if Mexicans force their new president to work with Mexico to control the cartels. So the political class is freaking out over Trump. I'm not sure that Mexicans stepping over bullets feel the same way. They want action against the criminals and Trump may be the new president's best ally to do that. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Secretaria de Cultura CDMX They just keep on comin. Jeez youd think that they lost the most critical election of the century or sumptin. Freedom of the Press Foundation Donald Trump, an anti-press extremist obsessed with punishing journalists and news outlets who criticize him, has won the presidency of the United States. The following statement can be attributed to Trevor Timm, executive director of Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF): Trump has spent the last year on the campaign trail calling for more leak investigations, imprisoning journalists, and censoring news outlets he doesnt like. Lawmakers and President Biden must act before its too late. Democratic Governors Association We know you might be terrified. But we must stand with and elect more Democratic governors -- the last line of defense against Donald Trump and JD Vances extremism and implementation of Project 2025. And lawmakers must take a vocal stand against abusing anti-terrorism laws to punish free speech. Its imperative the White House reverses its spineless position on Israel's unprecedented attacks on press freedom and pressure its ally to stop using U.S. weapons to kill journalists. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center With the news that Donald Trump will be returning to the White House for a second term, we know many of you are feeling outraged, anxious, and deeply concerned. For so many of us at The Center, this result is a blow to the progress our community has fought so hard to achieve and the freedoms we must protect. As LGBTQ+ people, our history is one of deep community struggle, and of even greater resilience and courage There will likely be more challenges ahead, but our strength endures. I wonder when were gonna hear from Hezballah and Hamas? Image: Kyle Flood The FBI on Thursday launched an investigation to identify the people responsible for sending out racist text messages across the nation to Black Americans, including children and college students. "The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter," the bureau said in a statement. "As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities." The reports of the messages came from states including Maryland, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, New York and South Carolina. According to the Associated Press, the texts were circulated shortly after the 2024 US Presidential Election concluded, and Donald Trump defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. In a statement on X, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said that the "racist and vile spam text messages" have spread to her state. "I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us." Murrill also urged residents who have received the texts to report it to her office. Meanwhile, officials in Virginia and Washington told CNN that they are also investigating the incident. New York Attorney General Letitia James slammed the text messages as "disgusting and unacceptable." "These texts appear to be targeting Black and Brown individuals, including students, and may include personal information about the recipient such as their name or location," James wrote in X. "I unequivocally condemn any attempt to intimidate or threaten New Yorkers and their families." In an August address to the National Association of Black Journalists, now-president-elect Trump had questioned Harris' racial identity. The Vice President is biracial her mother was Indian and her father is Black. Some recipients shared examples of the messages, which were then reviewed by The New York Times. Some of the messages addressed recipients by name, informed them they had been "selected to pick cotton" on a plantation, and instructed them to appear at a designated time for "pickup" by slave handlers. Some texts also referenced the president-elect Trump. Civil rights groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the SPLC Action Fund, urged the FBI to take action against those who are behind the racist texts. "This is alarming, both because there's no indication who the text is from, but because all the people who received it were young African Americans," Margaret Huang reportedly said. Despite the glorious victory of Donald Trump on Nov. 5, there are some sad tales that prove, without a doubt, that some voters are colossally ignorant or mindlessly accepting of evil. How on earth does a man so corrupt, a man with a record of lying that may surpass Kamala Harriss, win his election to an office in the Senate? Adam Schiff is not only a known liar, hes a pathological liar. Throughout the fabricated Russia hoax, Schiff was part and parcel of that massive lie perpetrated on the American people re: Trumps alleged conspiracy with Russia. It was all made-up by Hillary Clinton and her cabal of thugs. Every day throughout the criminally illegal persecution of Trump, Schiff appeared nightly on the cable news propaganda sites to lie to the public. He said, night after night, that he had seen the evidence that Trump had colluded with Russia. Not only was Schiff not legally allowed to reveal what he had ostensibly learned in the SCIF during all those secret meetings impervious to listening by spies, he committed so many breaches of the law, of the Constitution and of common decency, that his district promoted him to the Senate. That is a travesty. He was eventually censured by the House for his part in the hoax. This man should be in prison for both perjury and treason. One of his most despicable moments was when, during the impeachment of Trump based on a perfectly legal phone conversation with the newly installed president, Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. Zelensky had been installed by the Obama/Biden administration as part of the color revolution kicked off by Obama and Victoria Nuland, the warmonger of warmongers. Zelensky was Obamas and Bidens stooge, the key to the kickbacks they would receive once U.S. dollars began flowing into Ukraine. As president of Ukraine, Zelensky would, along with Biden, provoke Russia into invading Ukraine with U.S. threats that his nation would be admitted to NATO. It was a ruse. The neo-cons, like the Cheneys, would get fabulously rich off that war as they have during any and all wars in which they manage to involve the U.S. The deep state loves and needs wars to line their pockets along with the oligarchs of Ukraine and Russia. Schiff, unaware that Trumps phone conversation with Zelensky was recorded with several aides on the call as well, made up an alleged text of that call and read it into the congressional record. Apparently, he dreams of being a screenwriter. He read, with all the enthusiasm of an actor auditioning for a part. It was an outrageous fabrication and he was embarrassed when the actual transcript of the call was released. Trump said nothing untoward at all but Schiffs invented version read like a bad movie of the week. The alleged hearsay whistleblower that got the whole ball rolling, Eric Ciaramellla, was a low-level staffer who was dating Schiffs daughter at the time. That the House Judiciary Committee took his accusations seriously was part of the scheme. It was the first time a second party hearsay witness was accepted into the record. It was all part of the Democrats grand scheme to destroy Trump by any means necessary. Schiff engineered the entire impeachment which was a crime against Trump who had committed no crime. Schiff is a very bad guy, initially a carpetbagger who moved to his district to run against James Rogan who lost his seat in the House after the Clinton impeachment. He does not live in his district at all and never has. He rarely visits but claims a tax deduction on two residences. But now California has voted for this criminally corrupt man to be our senator! He has suffered no consequences beyond the censure for any of his crimes against Trump, or against his constituents for perpetrating a hoax for three years. Was his election fraudulent or do the people of California not care about his malfeasance? Or are they ignorant of his corruption and lack of character? The rumor is that Kamala Harris plans to run for governor of California and she has already filed the papers to be a candidate. Are Californians so amoral they will elect her to run the state? We can be sure that Schiff will support her. Watch this interview/conversation, Tucker Carlson and Chris Moritz and be warned. It is a one-party state that has been virtually destroyed by thugs like Schiff, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, the pathetic Eric Swalwell and every other machine Democrat that holds state or federal office in the state. Not one of them represents the people of the state which is now nearly half foreign-born. California is a failed state. Wise up, people! Stop electing self-serving, power-mad lunatics. And please, do not elect Kamala Harris to be governor. That would be the final indignity for that once-great state. Image: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 Were still enjoying the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9 series, but theres talk about the Tensor G6 for the Pixel 11 already. And according to the latest report from Android Authority, the Tensor G6 could have a pretty big downgrade. Why? Google wants to fix battery life and the thermals of the Pixel series. Something that they had already done a good job with, for the Pixel 9. Google is also looking to cut the costs of the Tensor chipset, along with increasing battery life. According to the documents that Android Authority has looked over, the goal for Tensor is to get the target to around $65, to make it viable. Qualcomms most recent flagship chips are rumored to cost about $150. Googles heard consumers complaints about Tensor Google is aware of the problems with Tensor, and is looking to solve them. Internally, Google has acknowledged that the number one reason for Pixel returns is overheating. About 28% of returns mention thermals being a problem. They also know that battery life needs to be improved. Stating that Good battery life attracts user & drives loyalty with higher satisfaction. The search giant is looking for ways to improve the situation by reducing the temperature in high-power use cases. Part of this comes by way of the new Cinematic Rendering Engine which will reduce the power consumption of video recording with blur by around 40%, which means that it generate considerably less heart. So what does this mean for Tensor G6? Well, Googleis looking to reduce the die area, without regressing on features compared to the Tensor G5. Currently, the Tensor G5 is about 121 mm2, while the Apple A18 Pro is about 105 mm2, and both are using the same node process. Tensor G6 is looking to hit that 105 mm2 die area, including 4% area saving from TSMCs new N3P process node. In order to do this, some sacrifices had to be made, including getting rid of ray tracing and GPU virtualization. Google is also looking to ditch the little cluster on Tensor G6, providing one prime core thats the ARM Cortex-A930, and then six performance cores that are the ARM Cortex-X730. It appears that Google is still in the process of actually building this chip, so things could change. After all, the Tensor G4 just came out less than three months ago, and this chip is set for 2026. News about a possible Samsungs tri-fold smartphone continues to emerge. This suggests that the leak about its arrival in 2025 is on the right track. Samsung Electronics latest financial results fell short of expectations, prompting them to reorganize their strategy. A new patent provides additional details about the potential tri-fold smartphone from Samsung. Samsung Display reported that sales of foldable screens did not meet the companys projections for 2024. Part of the blame can be attributed to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 not selling as much as anticipated. Strong competition from rival suppliers, particularly Chinese ones, also contributed to the situation. As part of its turnaround strategy, the company will rely more on innovation. This might include the launch of a tri-fold smartphone. How Samsung could make its tri-fold smartphone durable and reliable, according to patent The patent describes the systems that Samsung could implement in a tri-fold smartphone to ensure the overall integrity of the screen and the device. After all, foldable devices are already much more prone to damage than traditional ones for logical reasons. So, a model with three folds requires even more security measures. According to the patent, Samsung implements a system of strategically placed openings. The internal design aims to minimize the pressure on the screen during folding and unfolding. It also makes it easier to extend the devices screen, avoiding using excessive force that could lead to potential damage. The body of the device integrates adhesive layers and support plates made of stainless steel or glass so that the screen remains sturdy, whether folded or unfolded. In addition, Samsung included in the patent an anti-reflective system based on a layer of synthetic resin. For extra durability, there is a shield under the screen that prevents the access of substances. There is even a cushioning system in case of potential bumps or falls. Samsung will no longer be the first to launch a tri-fold product Its noteworthy that Samsung filed the patent with the USPTO in July 2021. However, it only got approval in November 2024. Its possible that the company has developed more advanced technologies to make a tri-fold smartphone even more reliable and durable. In fact, one of the sketches shows that the technologies described can also be implemented in traditional foldable phones. So, perhaps the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold devices already integrate some (or all) of them. Anyway, Samsung has already lost the battle to be the first big brand to launch a device with such a form factor. Huawei took the crown by introducing the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design. The US government has charged three people in an alleged Iran-linked plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in New York. The accused have been identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran; Carlisle Rivera, 49, of Brooklyn, New York; and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island, New York. Rivera was apprehended in Brooklyn, New York, and Loadholt was arrested in Staten Island, New York, on Thursday. Shakeri, who is believed to be residing in Iran, remains at large. Rivera and Loadholt appeared for their initial hearings in the Southern District of New York on Thursday and were ordered to be detained until trial. "There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. "We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security." According to the complaint, Shakeri was tasked by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards with surveilling and killing Trump to avenge the death of Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Iran's Quds Force, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. FBI Director Christopher Wray said that the charges highlight Iran's ongoing and aggressive attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government officials, and individuals who criticize the regime in Tehran. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organization has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply won't be tolerated. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted. We're committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans," he added. According to the Justice Department, Shakeri emigrated to the United States but was deported in 2008 after serving prison time for robbery. While in prison, he befriended Rivera and Loadholt, whom he later hired to target an Iranian-American activist living in Brooklyn. Shakeri, Rivera, and Loadholt have been charged with murder-for-hire. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. They have also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering conspiracy. Asda has become the latest supermarket to warn of rising prices due to tax changes in last weeks Budget which will hit the retailer with 100 million in extra costs. Chairman Lord Stuart Rose said the increase in employer taxes is a big burden for business to carry. He said the firm will do all it can not to pass extra costs on to consumers, but it is likely to result in rising costs at the supermarket in some form. We are a very efficient industry, as retailers. We will do everything we can to mitigate this cost. But of course, you cant deny it will probably be inflationary to some degree. Were just working through the details of that now Were looking at the impact. Asda chairman Lord Stuart Rose (Lucy North/PA) The main tax rise in Labours Budget was the 25.7 billion change to employers national insurance contributions. The amount of money raised for the Exchequer will is expected to be around 16.1 billion by 2029/30 as firms curb wage rises, cut hours and reduce profits while public sector employers get compensation in their budgets for the change. Asda became the latest business to warn that the changes would hit its bottom line and, in turn, potentially its customers, after Sainsburys boss Simon Roberts said there was already too much pressure on firms. Sainsburys warned of a 140 million hit, while Marks & Spencer said earlier in the week that it would mean 60 million in extra costs, which will be pushed higher by an increase in the national living wage. Separately, Asda reported a 2.5% decline in third quarter revenues, excluding fuel, to 5.3 billion, as sales fell 4.8% versus the same period last year. The supermarket recently cut 475 head office jobs as part of a major shake-up after the latest change in leadership at the private equity-owned retailer. Former M&S boss Lord Rose is leading the business alongside ex-eBay senior vice president Rob Hattrell after co-owner Mohsin Issa stepped back from running Asda in September. He said Asda will spend 30 million on getting more staff on the shop floor at its more than 1,200 UK outlets. Lord Rose said: Weve slightly lost the plot in terms of giving (customers) what they want on a daily basis. If you go and look at our stores, theyre not as nice as Id like them to be in terms of the experience and the visuals. Theyre not as good as they should be in terms of the service we give our customers on availability, and weve probably lost a bit of sharpness on price. He added those are operational things which the chain can fix. It wont be fixed in short order. But were on to it. Lord Rose did not give an update on appointing a permanent chief executive, saying the fit has got to be right. Asked if a new CEO would be appointed within the next six months, he said: I hope so. I recognise that people may be thinking to themselves, is this ever going to happen? But the answer is yes. David Lammys previous comments about Donald Trump may be put to one side by the US president-elect because of his strong political mandate, a former spy chief has said. Foreign Secretary Mr Lammy has drawn scrutiny in recent days for past remarks, including calling Mr Trump a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath. Sir Richard Dearlove, a former head of MI6, said there was concern about the remarks and their impact on UK-US relations. Well of course, theres a lot of baggage there, and thats a concern, but when foreign secretaries go to Washington, they dont necessarily see the president, Sir Richard said. Maybe, if they have a good personal relationship, they do see each other, but the relationship can easily be dealt with by other people. Maybe Trump, now, because hes got such a strong political mandate, will put issues like that to one side. Mr Lammy has told the BBCs Newscast his previous comments are old news. The Foreign Secretary also told the podcast he would seek to get across to the US that hurting your closest allies is not in the president-elects interest, amid fears of a looming trade war. Sir Richard Dearlove (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Sir Keir Starmers Government is making efforts to smooth over tensions with the incoming president, who has said he wants to increase tariffs on goods imported from around the world by 10%, rising to 60% on items from China. A UK state visit for the incoming president in the next year is expected to be a bit of a tall order as such an event takes time to organise, according to Mr Lammy. Sir Alex Younger, another former MI6 chief, told broadcasters a Trump presidency could lead to a swift end to the war in Ukraine. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: He will attempt to engineer a rapid solution, but hes been pulled in two directions. There will be a land swap. That is a terrible thing for the people who end up living under Russian rule. But fundamentally, its not the main argument. The main argument is whether Ukraine is a western or eastern country in future. Sir Alex added: Trumps advisers, on the one hand, are saying that Ukraine should be forced into neutrality, so basically back into the bosom of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Others are talking about the need to do a land swap, but then reinforce its military and economic capabilities, and we need to make sure we are compounding that second argument. The president-elect has long spoken of his desire for a deal to end the war. In comments which have worried Europes leaders, he has also complained about US tax dollars funding European security and has been highly critical about Nato members not spending enough. The Prime Minister on Thursday said boosting defence spending to 2.5% remains the commitment of the Government, but did not set out a timeline to reach it. Mr Trump has started to appoint his top team for when he takes over the presidency in January, having picked his campaign co-chairwoman Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff. Professional dancer Johannes Radebe has denied speculation that he is leaving BBC hit programme Strictly Come Dancing. The South African star, who made his debut on British TV with Strictly in 2018, shared a video on Instagram to reject rumours he may be leaving the show, dubbing them lies. Im not going nowhere, he stated in the caption of his social media post. I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me and the body will allow. I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline yes but nothing will take me away. The 37-year-old professional dancer is currently paired on Strictly with BBC Gladiators star Montell Douglas. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe during their appearance on the live show of Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC) Radebes update follows a tumultuous week for the Strictly cast, with professional dancer Amy Dowden forced out after she suffered an insufficiency stress fracture to her foot. The Welsh dancer had been partnered with JLS singer JB Gill. The boy band member will now dance with Lauren Oakley for the rest of his time on Strictly. Dowden missed the 2023 season as she received treatment for stage three breast cancer. She had planned to celebrate one year since her last chemotherapy treatment during Saturdays live show. Dowden found a lump in her breast only a day before she left for her Maldives honeymoon with husband, professional dancer Ben Jones. She later revealed she had stage-three breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy to combat the disease. In February, the 34-year-old confirmed that recent test results had no evidence of disease. Lammy: UK will seek to persuade Trump hiking tariffs is not in his interest The Government will seek to persuade Donald Trump that harming the UK by hiking tariffs is not in his interest, the Foreign Secretary has said amid fears of a looming trade war. David Lammy said he would seek to get across to the United States that hurting your closest allies is not in Mr Trumps interest. Sir Keir Starmers Government is making efforts to smooth over tensions with the incoming president, whose pledge to raise tariffs on imports into the US could hit the UK economy. Mr Lammy has also said past critical comments he had made about the president-elect are old news. Mr Trump has said he wants to increase tariffs on goods imported from around the world by 10%, rising to 60% on items from China. David Lammy was asked if the UK would seek a special trade arrangement with the US so no extra tariffs are imposed on UK imports into the US. We will seek to ensure and to get across to the United States and I believe that they would understand this that hurting your closest allies cannot be in your medium or long-term interests, whatever the pursuit of public policy in relation to some of the problems posed by China, he told the BBCs Newscast podcast. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said his scathing criticism of Donald Trump was old news (Lucy North/PA) Asked if he apologised for remarks including calling the president-elect a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath or if Mr Trump brought them up when they met in New York in September, Mr Lammy said not even vaguely. The Foreign Secretary said he had felt in his bones there could be another Trump presidency and was quite impressed by the Trump campaign when he met the campaign team earlier this year. But he said a state visit in the next year would be a bit of a tall order as they take time to organise. Sir Keir Starmer said it was good to speak with Mr Trump in a phone call on Wednesday evening in which the Prime Minister congratulated him on his historic victory. Pat McFadden urged the public to wait to see what Donald Trump actually does in office (PA) From defence and security to growth and prosperity, the relationship between the UK and US is incredibly strong and will continue to thrive for many years to come, the Prime Minister posted on X. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden, earlier, said that in terms of possible tariffs, a lot of fiery things are said during an election campaign, but the important thing now is what Mr Trump actually does. We obviously have interests as a trading nation. We want to protect and look after our interests, and we always want to have a dialogue with the US administration about those. But for anyone speculating about what exactly will happen, I would advise lets wait to see what he actually does, rather than take everything said in a campaign, he told Sky News. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said it is important the Government makes sure the mood music is right with the new administration to forge strong relationships. I do think its material the fact that this Government has ended up in a position where it is in a difficult position already with the Trump administration, based on the comments that have been made, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for an apology for comments senior Labour figures have made about the president-elect. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, meanwhile, sought to play down the impact Mr Lammys past criticism would have, pointing out that JD Vance had used choice words about Mr Trump himself but was still chosen as his running mate. Well, look, the vice president-elect of the United States has used some choice words about the president-elect in the past, but the point is those comments were in the past, she told reporters. She said she had no doubt the Government will be able to work constructively with the incoming Trump administration. Sir Keir dodged a question about Mr Trump reportedly describing him as very left-wing in private conversations with high-ranking UK officials. Asked about a Bloomberg report that the president-elect had repeatedly branded the Prime Minister very left-wing, Sir Keir said that his meeting with Mr Trump in New York several weeks ago, and his phone call with him after the election result, were very positive, very constructive. The president-elect has long complained about US tax dollars funding European security and has been highly critical about Nato members not spending enough. The Prime Minister on Thursday said that boosting defence spending to 2.5% remains the commitment of the Government, but did not set out a timeline to reach it. We are committed to the pathway to 2.5% because theres nothing more important than the safety of our country, the national security of our country, he said. A ruling that a man who claims the Manchester Arena attack was staged should pay 45,000 in damages to two harassed survivors sends out a message to conspiracy theorists, one of the injured has said. Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve sued former television producer Richard Hall for harassment over his claims in several videos and a book that the attack was a state-orchestrated hoax, with the pair involved as crisis actors. They both suffered life-changing injuries at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert facing severe brain damage. Mr Hall claimed his actions including filming Miss Hibbert outside her home were in the public interest as a journalist, and told the High Court trial that millions of people have bought a lie about the attack. Last month Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in favour of the Hibberts and described Mr Halls behaviour as a negligent, indeed reckless, abuse of media freedom. At a hearing on Friday, the judge said Mr Hibbert and his daughter would each be awarded 22,500 in damages. She said: The claimants are both vulnerable The allegations are serious and distressing. Jonathan Price, for the pair, said Mr Halls behaviour was towards the more oppressive end of the spectrum of harassing conduct. Mr Price had told the court a total of 75,000 for the pair should be awarded, while Paul Oakley, for Mr Hall, argued that 7,500 each was appropriate. Richard Hall (Yui Mok/PA) Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that she would not award further damages after Mr Hall brought up some of his theories about the bombing during the trial. She said: I am not persuaded that the conduct of the litigation warrants an award of aggravated damages. The defendants narrative is preposterous but I accept having heard his evidence he has convinced himself it is true. An injunction preventing further harassment was made against Mr Hall, who was also told to pay 90% of the Hibberts legal costs. The final figure may be determined by a specialist judge if an agreement is not reached, but the court heard the total is currently estimated at 260,000. In a statement outside the London court, Mr Hibbert said he was pleased with the ruling. He continued: I want this case to open up the door for change, and for it to protect others from what we have been put through. Martin Hibbert (centre) after a previous hearing in the case (James Manning/PA) It proves and has highlighted that there is protection within the law, and it sends out a message to conspiracy theorists that you cannot ignore all acceptable evidence and harass innocent people. Mr Hibbert later said there will be tears but that he was very proud and looking forward to hugging his daughter. He continued: People dont see that because you dont put that on social media, so to have to deal with that and just live a normal life is hard, but Im a Boltonian and the way Ive been brought up, you face a bully straight on and thats what Ive done today. Asked later whether the size of the damages were important, Mr Hibbert said he did not expect to see any of the money. He said: What this was about was bringing him down in public, in front of his own followers, thats what Ive done. Mr Hall, speaking outside court, said the proceedings were not a fair trial and repeated his claim that no bomb exploded during the Manchester Arena attack. He said: There arent many citizens, if any, who have researched and investigated the Manchester Arena incident more than I have. In my years of investigation I did not find any evidence to show that a real bomb was used. KMI Dear Katie, Back in August, my 91-year-old grandma took a Delta flight from Minneapolis-St Paul in Minnesota to Baltimore-Washington International to attend a very special family wedding. This was a huge and intimidating trip for her and she decided to splash out and fly first class, partly due to her old age and the fact that she may never be healthy enough to fly again, but also because she was travelling with her beloved pet cat. She checked in advance whether cats were allowed to travel in first class, and Delta confirmed this was perfectly acceptable. She was seated with the help of special assistance, due to her being a wheelchair user. But before take off, a member of staff came and moved her and the cat into economy class. My grandmother says the new seat was horrible, and the cat became cramped. Meanwhile, almost immediately, a fellow passenger from the economy cabin was upgraded into her seat without explanation. My grandma says the air steward was dismissive and uncaring, and if she offered an explanation for the sudden seat change, my grandma did not hear it as she suffers from hearing loss. We later complained on her behalf, and on multiple occasions Delta stated that the move was because of the cat. However, I just dont see how this could be the case. On the return flight home, my grandma and the cat were seated in first class and had an excellent flight by all accounts. MG, via email Dear MG, As a vulnerable passenger, your grandma should have been treated with the utmost care and respect on this flight, but instead she and her feline companion were downgraded to a lower grade of cabin. There, she says she was less comfortable, while her cat was squashed between two seats. When you arrived to greet her at the airport she was flustered and upset, and you say the kerfuffle over her seats soured the start of her month-long trip to watch another of her granddaughters get married. When you asked Delta why your grandma was removed from first class, you were told it was because of the cat. However, you dont buy this as she travelled without a fuss on the return journey home with the cat in first class. She had also been told prior to the trip that the seat she had booked did permit cats in carriers. You have a relative who has formerly worked in the aviation industry who has suggested that your elderly grandma may have been moved to make way for someone else because the pilot or senior cabin crew may have wanted to upgrade a friend, family member or VIP. However, Delta has never admitted this, and you have no evidence to support this theory. When I enquired on your behalf, it gave no explanation for her being moved, so the reason remains a mystery. The airline has, however, finally apologised and refunded the full fare for the outbound leg of her trip, which was around 900. This was the least it could do in the circumstances. A Delta spokesman said: After investigation, Delta teams acknowledged the customer and issued an apology and full refund for the ticket. We acknowledge this is not the customer service you expect from Delta and have shared this with appropriate teams for review. We apologise for the confusion and inconvenience. Joe Biden had tried to make it easier for 500,000 illegal immigrants to stay in the country - REUTERS A judge has ruled against Joe Bidens plan to allow a path to citizenship for immigrant spouses of US citizens. The White House has tried to make it easier for immigrants who are married to Americans to become citizens in an initiative known as Keeping Families Together. On Thursday a judge in Texas found that the programme which would potentially grant citizenship for about 500,000 immigrants who entered the US illegally was against the law. US District Judge J Campbell Barker ruled that the initiative exceeded the Presidents executive authority. The Biden administration could still appeal the decision but the programme could now be blocked for the rest of the Democrats term in office, which ends in January. The policy was launched in August but was blocked days later by the same judge, who left it frozen while he considered a legal challenge to the scheme brought by Texas and Republican attorneys-general from other US states. Mr Biden announced the scheme in June, a few weeks before he dropped out of the presidential race and backed Kamala Harris, his vice-president, for the Democratic nomination. Donald Trump defeated Ms Harris in Tuesdays election in a landslide and is expected to launch a wide-ranging immigration crackdown that would likely end the Keeping Families Together initiative. The Trump campaign has previously called the proposal a mass amnesty that would encourage more illegal immigrants to enter America. It comes a day after it was reported that the Biden administration is preparing for a possible migrant surge at the border ahead of Mr Trumps swearing-in in January. According to a new poll released on Thursday, Americans consider immigration to be the most pressing issue for Mr Trump to address when he takes office next year. A large majority of people believe he will order mass deportations of people living illegally in the US, the Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The Roxham Road crossing between New York state and Quebec. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/Reuters Canada is bracing for a surge of migrants to its southern border after Donald Trump doubled down on his pledge to conduct the largest mass deportation in American history. On Thursday, Trump told NBC News there was no choice but to proceed in removing some of the estimated 11 million undocumented people in the United States. During Trumps first term in office, tens of thousands of Haitians fled to Canada after he ended temporary protected status for the group (it was later restored). Many passed through the Roxham Road crossing, a rural country road that served as funnel for refugees attempting to safely traverse the worlds longest land border. That crossing was closed in 2023 after Canada and the US amended the Safe Third Country Agreement, expanding it to cover the entire land border instead of only formal crossings. The RCMP says it has plans to deal with a fresh increase in crossings that has been several months in the making. A spokesperson for the federal police said officers had the tools and insight to deal with another increase, including a scenario in which hundreds of people cross every day. If those crossing claim asylum, the RCMP cannot send them back to the United States. Instead, their claims are entered into a system with an estimated backlog of 250,000 cases. The average processing time for a case is 44 months, a parliamentary committee heard on Thursday. Experts fear that with formal crossings closed to migrants, desperate families will take increasingly dangerous routes across the 5,500-mile border. In many locations, the terrain and the weather can be deadly. In January 2022, a family of four including a baby died after attempting to cross from Canada to the United States. Police said the group died from the intense cold and punishing winds, where temperatures had dipped to -35C (-31F). Last year, the bodies of eight people, including two young children and their parents, were discovered on the banks of the St Lawrence river near the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, which spans Quebec, Ontario and New York state. Both cases involved groups heading from Canada into the US, but migrants heading north face the same challenges, which as winter approaches include sub-zero temperatures, deep snow and frostbite. In Quebec, the province that absorbed most of the crossing, politicians warned the federal government was unprepared for a repeat of the last Trump administration. Yves-Francois Blanchet, leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois party, said Ottawa was refusing to acknowledge an obvious and very serious situation and that more resources were needed to anticipate new routes used by human smugglers. Quebecs premier, Francois Legault, told reporters he did not believe the province had the capacity to absorb a significant number of new arrivals, adding that although border security falls under the purview of the federal government, his government would possibly send its own officers to monitor crossings. Earlier this week, the deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, said her government absolutely recognize[d] the importance to border security and of controlling our own border, of controlling who comes into Canada and who doesnt. Xi Jinping (left) with his father Xi Zhongxun in 1958. Photograph: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Xi Jinpings father is the subject of a rousing new historical drama that premiered on Chinese state television on Tuesday. Funded by the Central Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist party (CCP), Time in the Northwest chronicles the life of Xi Zhongxun, the father of the Chinese president, who was himself a CCP elder and key figure in the party under Chairman Mao Zedong. The show, which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Chinas closely censored social media platforms, is the latest in a string of mass market productions which focus on glorifying the CCPs military history. But unlike other popular television shows and films, Time in the Northwest also glorifies Xi Jinpings personal family history. Across 39 episodes, the show dramatises the elder Xis life from a peasant family in rural Shaanxi province to a leader in the CCP revolution in Chinas north-west. According to an article published by the state broadcaster CCTV to promote the show, the biopic is the first epic masterpiece that presents a panoramic view of the magnificent history of the north-west revolution, and in particular, highlights Xis extraordinary experience. The show takes place against the backdrop of the Chinese civil war, in which the Communists and the Nationalists (KMT) fought for control of the country after the fall of the Qing dynasty. Xi is portrayed as a loyal and determined revolutionary who helped to build key CCP bases in Shaanxi and Gansu. Xis fervour as a young man propelled him into the highest echelons of the CCP elite. After the Communists victory in the civil war, he became the head of the partys publicity department and a vice-premier of China. His red credentials have been inherited by his son, Xi Jinping, who is often referred to as a princeling of the party he now controls. But the elder Xi also felt the rough edges of the party. The series reportedly ends in 1952, one year before Xi Jinping was born, and a decade before Zhongxun was purged for supporting a novel that was seen as being a covert attempt to rewrite party history. In the 1960s and 70s, Xi spent 16 years in purgatory, an experience which is thought to have deeply affected the younger Xi and his relationship to the party. Xi was rehabilitated after the end of the Cultural Revolution, and went on hold leadership positions. Xi Jinping has been described as Chinas most powerful leader since Chairman Mao. Since taking office in 2012, the question of controlling the partys history has become a key concern. In an early speech, he said the collapse of the Soviet Union was caused by historical nihilism and must be a cautionary tale. Time in the Northwest avoids historical nihilism by dodging the most traumatic years of the elder Xis life. But there are still moments in the biopic that are fraught with difficulty. Related: Monument to history battle between US and China over future of Maos secretarys diary In the first episode, which aired on Tuesday evening, Xi is shown scrapping with a school administrator called Wei Hai. In real life, Xi was jailed for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Wei, according to a forthcoming biography of Xi Zhongxun by Joseph Torigian, a research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover History Lab. The dramatised version minimises Xis role in the attempted killing. The treatment of cultural products has always been a barometer for politics in the party, Torigian said, noting that Xi himself was purged because of his support for a novel that was seen as a covert attempt to rewrite Party history. Party history and how its presented has always been a minefield. More recently, Xi Jinping seems to be concerned with young people losing the fervour of his generation and his fathers. In an article published in the Communist party newspaper Peoples Daily last year, he urged young people to unswervingly listen to and follow the party and to be people who can endure hardships and are willing to work hard. Such rhetoric is at odds with the recent buzzwords that have been popular among young people: tangping, or lying flat, reflects a desire to quit the rat race for a more passive lifestyle, while neijuan, or involution, reflects despair at the feeling of being overworked. Part of the idea of Xis model is that this generation needs to take the baton from the older generation, said Torigian. One specific, concrete way of doing that is to show how Xi Jinping took the baton from his own father. Additional research by Chi-hui Lin 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. Healey: It weighs heavily on me ... knowing that if we face conflict, it will be my decision to send British forces and personnel into situations which puts them at risk - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph In a high-windowed room overlooking Horse Guards Parade, John Healey carefully places his coffee extra strong, with milk on the carpet. You know the story of this room? Its where the Duke of Wellington and Lord Liverpool learnt that Napoleon had escaped from Elba. That triggered the events that led to Waterloo. In other words, it is where British military and civilian leaders worked out how to deal with a marauding European dictator whose wars of aggression brought the continent to the brink of ruin. Plus ca change, he winks, as Napoleon might have said. The venue was not Healeys idea it seems to have come from one of his staff, and he hastens to clarify that he does not see himself as Wellington when the Telegraphs photographer asks him to pose next to the Dukes green-leather-topped desk. But it drives home the message he wants to get across. While some in Whitehall might see Donald Trumps re-election as something approaching an existential moment, Healey might be forgiven for taking a longer view. As in Wellingtons time, Britains most serious security challenge is on the continent and, yes, comes from a megalomanic dictator with imperial ambitions. As in Wellingtons time, the balance between civilian and military leadership is paramount. And as then, as in the First and Second World Wars, and as in Ukraine today, your Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them and the society that stands behind them, as he puts it. It is a daunting time to be a defence secretary. The war in Ukraine has brought Russia and Nato closer to war than ever. The Middle East is on the brink of regional conflagration. And the US intelligence community assesses that Chinas best window of opportunity for invading Taiwan will open in 2027. In other words, if World War III is coming, it is likely to come on his watch. Thats not my assertion at all. But we are undoubtedly in an era of insecurity. It weighs heavily on me as Defence Secretary, knowing that if we face conflict, it will be my decision to send British forces and personnel into situations which puts them at risk. Its a responsibility of the post, but now its personal as well. Healey meets British and Ukrainian troops alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Stanford Training Area near Thetford - Leon Neal/PA Healeys son Alex, in his late twenties, is now an infantryman in the Army reserves, the Defence Secretary reveals. Not something Ive talked about before. But in fact, it was Ukraine. So when Putin went in, in February 2022, the next day we were having lunch together and he said to me, Dad, if I were Ukrainian, Id join up today. And it was very soon after that he came to me and to his mum and said, I want to join up. I want to be a reservist. Thats what hes done. Healey, whose wife, Jackie, works as his office manager, says Alex is driven by a desire to defend his country. Its a bit old-fashioned, but hell talk about King and Country. Its a recognition that there is something fundamentally important about our country and what we stand for that he wants to help defend. I dont think you can talk to anyone in uniform, reservist or full-time, who would not say that at the heart of their motivation and commitment is service. Healey continues: He does his day job, and then the reserve makes demands that his day job and his day-to-day life simply doesnt. Physical demands, time, of course, emotional, but in a way also its a higher commitment. I can understand better the feeling of the families of those who I hope it doesnt happen, but if necessary, I will have as Defence Secretary to commit to conflicts where they may be at risk. Healeys father was briefly in the Border Regiment, but after breaking an arm in a parachuting accident quit to become a teacher. Born in 1960 in Wakefield, Healey studied social and political science at Christs College, Cambridge, and before entering politics worked at charities campaigning for disabled people. Healey is quick to clarify he does not see himself as a modern-day Duke of Wellington, despite being pictured in front of the Dukes green leather-topped desk - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph In Tony Blairs government he held a series of junior ministerial roles but never in foreign policy or defence. Before Sir Keir Starmer gave him the shadow defence brief in 2020, he was shadow housing secretary. In May, before Rishi Sunak called the general election, Healey visited Kyiv, on a trip that informed his views on the imperatives of defence: technological and industrial capacity, and the armed forces reliance on those not in uniform. The trip included a visit to a weapons factory. Two things [were] particularly striking there: many of those working had been forced to flee from the east of Ukraine, and so their contribution to supporting their families that were still on the front line was to try and make the equipment that would protect them, that would allow them to fight the Russians back. And the second thing was that they were saying, essentially, the life cycle of technology on the front line is about two months now. Within two months of Ukrainians creating manufacturing, putting new drones in the hands of their frontline forces, the Russians will find a way of countering them. So the pace of innovation, of manufacture, as well as the sort of whole commitment of society behind it is absolutely essential. He insists Trumps re-election will not change the British calculus, or force a rethink of a Strategic Defence Review due to report in the spring. The president-elect has repeatedly accused European nations of failing to pull their weight when it comes to defence spending saying that the US has long had to pay for them. Healey with Germanys defence minister Boris Pistorius, after signing a new UK-Germany defence agreement in October - Justin Tallis/AFP Labours promise to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence remains. On Friday night, The Telegraph disclosed that Starmer is poised to increase spending to reach the threshold within weeks of Trump taking office. Healey will not be drawn on when the government will lay out its plan and time table to get there. In the meantime, he says, there is a lot of unglamorous work to be done on defence reform. The Army now has a target size of 72,000 and is likely to fall short because of recruiting failures he blames on the previous government, which he has accused of hollowing out the Armed Forces. Asked if he recognises that the Army cant get smaller, he says I didnt come in to see further cuts. But more important even than money he says, are the military personnel themselves and the publics relationship with them. To this end he has just come from a reception breakfast for veterans at Downing Street where he and the Prime Minister chatted with Chelsea pensioners, a 99-year-old D-Day veteran, and lean, young Invictus Games athletes in wheelchairs survivors of Iraq and Afghanistan. Healey met Chelsea pensioners with Sir Keir Starmer at a recent reception for military veterans - Stefan Rousseau/PA More than one veteran The Telegraph spoke to in preparation for this interview said the military covenant the unwritten pact that the government will look after its troops is broken: a tick-box exercise not fit for purpose, as one retired officer said. From appalling housing, to a veteran support service many ex-servicemen feel treats them as an enemy, to repeated failures to address inappropriate behaviour towards female soldiers, morale is at rock bottom, said the former officer. Its a complaint of which Healey appears to be well aware. On Friday, he and the Prime Minister announced an extra 3.5 million to help veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. When Labour came into government they announced a 6 per cent pay rise for Armed Forces personnel the largest for more than two decades. Healey has also promised to appoint an Armed Forces commissioner, a kind of Ofsted chief inspector for the military, empowered to inspect and hold to account the ministry of defence, and to which servicemen and women, veterans, and their families can take their concerns without fear of them being buried. Can he promise that the new post will not, as some veterans fear, be answerable to the Ministry of Defence and the military chain of command, rendering it toothless? And that it would not be held by a military figure with instinctive sympathy for the system it is meant to be policing? Yes and yes, he replies promptly. As veterans and the countrys leaders prepare to gather around the cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday, it seems apt to reflect on the poppy, its place in the national conversation, and how a tighter relationship between the public and its soldiers may help deter and if that doesnt work, win the looming global war of which we seem to be on the brink. In recent years the Poppy has seemed in danger of becoming an object of division: figures on the extreme right and left have seized on it as a sign of patriotism or a war mongering. Could it be that as the generations who fought the World War die out, the act of Remembrance becomes more performative, with another bastion of national consensus besieged by the culture wars? He pushes back. For me it is still the opposite its a time when all that stuff is pushed aside, he says. But largely because last year we marked 60 years since the last national servicemen left their national service, so that generation that provided both the experience of fighting in the Second World War and that generation that provided the family connections with service and the forces is inevitably diminishing. So I see part of my task as Defence Secretary to try and amplify whats special about remembrance and in particular, if you like, educating Telling the stories both of those who have served in the past and their heroism and sacrifice, [and] those in the forces now. Among many other things, that means the likes of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen must remain on the national curriculum. The war poets will tell the same sort of stories about the horror of war, the purity and importance of peace, the loss of comrades, that some of the veterans that you met at the breakfast this morning will tell about their own service life. It stands as literature, but also testament to those eternal sentiments. I see part of my task as to try to amplify whats special about remembrance: Healey joined military personnel to hand out poppies at Londons Victoria Station in October - Stefan Rousseau for The Telegraph Healey appears to believe that Britain and Europe will have to do more of the heavy lifting on this side of the Atlantic, whether or not directly linked to Trumps re-election this week. He would like Britain to be leading Natos European members in that effort and cites Labours Nato First strategy under which European security is Britains foreign and defence priority. The Nato First priority that weve set out as a government recognises that our defence as well as our treaty duties, lie principally with our Nato allies, and that we are most likely to be able to avoid the conflict that you talk of, and many fear, if we are better fit to fight, were stronger, and better able to defend Europe as a collective of 32 nations. Thats why I argue that the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine. Its why I argue that Estonia and the border with Russia is our front line, not just theirs. Thats the first task. Its one of statesmanship. Its one of diplomacy. Its one of recognising the power of deterrence, and we havent in the past. I also recognise that whether it was Harris or Trump that was elected, America is shifting its strategic priority and its focus, and will do so further towards the Indo Pacific. Thats a reality that all Nato nations must recognise. On Ukraine, without directly referring to reports Trump is considering pushing Kyiv into a land-for-peace deal, he states that the country has to be given the freedom to decide how to balance fighting and talking. And he rejects the idea that Russias current momentum on the battlefield means it is unstoppable. The latest figures from British defence intelligence, he says, show that the average daily Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine reached a new high during October, with an average daily loss rate of 1,354 per day. This is the second straight month that Russian forces have suffered new war high average losses and makes last month the most costly of the war for Russia, with a total of 41,980 casualties. According to UK defence intelligence, the previous high was 39,110, recorded in May 2024. They estimate that since the start of the conflict Russia has likely suffered more than 696,000 casualties. Putin is spending 40 per cent of his budget on defence, which is unsustainable. Many analysts believe Putin will have trouble maintaining that kind of effort beyond 2025. In blunt English, is Healey saying Ukraine and the West can win the war of attrition? The West can and must, he replies. Peter Mandelson is currently in the running to be vice chancellor of Oxford University. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA A decision on a new US ambassador is likely to be taken within days, with David Miliband, Peter Mandelson and Cathy Ashton all on the shortlist, the Guardian understands. Whitehall sources said Downing Street is determined to press ahead with the appointment of a new US ambassador now that Donald Trump has been confirmed as the next US president. The sources said the three figures had been on the shortlist for months, and that a final choice of who to ask would be made imminently. A senior government source said one school of thought in Whitehall was that a former politician might be the best option given how much Trump is opposed to bureaucrats. The new US ambassador will replace Karen Pierce, who has been in the job since 2020. Pierce has had her term extended to January to help cover the transition from the Biden administration to Trump. Pierce is understood to be keen to stay in post for as long as possible. Mandelson, an architect of New Labour, a former business secretary and a former European Union trade commissioner, co-founded an advisory firm after leaving public office and is running to be chancellor of Oxford University. Miliband, the brother of the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, is a former Labour foreign secretary and leadership contender who runs the International Rescue Committee charity in the US. Ashton is a Labour peer and former minister who also served as a European Union trade commissioner. In 2009, she became the EUs foreign policy chief, subsequently winning praise for her role in relations with Kosovo and Iran. The role of US ambassador will be a crucial post as the UK deals with a Trump administration that has threatened to bring in protectionist trade policies. Rishi Sunak had appointed Tim Barrow, formerly the national security adviser, as the US ambassador but this was cancelled by Starmer after taking office, with sources saying he wanted his own candidate in place. On Pierces transition period, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, told Sky News on Thursday: At the moment, she is doing an excellent job. Shes got the full confidence of the British government, and we want her to keep on doing the job that shes doing. And I think shes going to be a very important interlocutor and adviser for the UK government in this period of transition. I cant say exactly when her term will end. Shes been doing it for a few years, but shes there for the moment, shell be there for a while, and shes doing an absolutely fantastic job for our country. Pierce posted to X on Wednesday after Trump was announced as the US election winner: We look forward to deepening our already profound and successful partnership as we deal with the challenges of the 21st century. She was appointed as UK envoy to the UN in New York in 2018, and then in 2020 she was appointed ambassador to Washington. (From left) Christian Lindner of the FDP, the Greens Robert Habeck and the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, of the SPD at the budget debate session in January. Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters Germanys coalition government, which collapsed in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night after almost three years in power, was always an odd throuple. A pact between three parties with three quite different histories and different priorities, it was made up of two outfits that have traditionally located themselves on the left of the political spectrum the Social Democratic party (SPD) and the Greens and one, the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), that had until then been a loyal junior partner to the conservatives. Their instincts seemed contradictory: expanding the state but also shrinking it back, unleashing business but also reining it in, wanting to break things but also guaranteeing no one gets cut by the shards. The coalitions nickname Ampel or traffic light, after the parties traditional colours signalled confusion: if the red, yellow and green lights are all on at the same time, do you wait or go? Related: Why has Germanys government collapsed and what happens next? Yet when it formed in the winter of 2021, at the end of Angela Merkels 16-year reign, this oddball alliance felt like the dawn of something new: an appropriate government for a political landscape no longer dominated by one big party on the right and one big party on the left but resembling that of the Netherlands, with more and more smaller parties taking positions in between. And in its first year in power, unorthodox thinking was precisely what was called for. Amid the upheaval that followed Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Ampel, fronted by the Social Democrat chancellor, Olaf Scholz, showed the daring it had promised in its coalition treaty, halting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, announcing a historic U-turn on defence spending and weaning itself off Russian gas at remarkable speed. A 9-a-month nationwide transport ticket, introduced in the summer of 2022 to help people cope with a resulting soar in energy prices, was a hit. But it was after the energy crisis seemed to have been weathered that the government ran into trouble. In the governments early days, party outriders had emphasised the commonalities between the three parties: the Greens and the fiscally conservative FDP were at their core about sustainability, it was said: one in the ecological, the other in the economic sense. But as soon as it came to the future of the German car industry, ecological and economic sustainability dictated quite different policies, and the FDP blocked a combustion engine phase-out that the Greens were pushing for. In practice, Germany has for the past three years been run not so much by a three-party coalition, but by three distinct two-way coalitions, argues Andreas Busch, a professor of political science at the University of Gottingen. The SPD and the FDP teamed up on economic issues, the SPD and the Greens worked together on social policies, and the Greens and the FDP joined forces on civil rights concerns, such as the legalisation of cannabis and data protection. More often than not, the third wheel applied the brakes, and as a result many of its policies were stop-start. Scholz announced an epochal turn on defence matters but then procrastinated on export of heavy arms to Ukraine. The Greens pushed for heat pumps to replace gas heaters in German homes but were forced to backtrack, leaving a fledging industry in a mess. We expected creative destruction, but instead we got destruction and none of the creativity, says Busch. Even the potheads are unhappy with a cannabis legalisation that is, for want of another word, half baked. The possession and home growing of cannabis for personal use has been decriminalised, but the government stepped back from plans to allow its sale through pharmacies, and the distribution of weed through registered cannabis clubs has been hampered by bureaucracy. At times, it felt like the three parties thought they were governing three completely different countries: the Greens believed in a Germany that could become Scandinavian, patriotically rallying around a common ecological cause. The Social Democrats thought they were leading a Germany of the 1970s, with Scholz calling the shots like a modern-day Helmut Schmidt. And the FDP thought they were governing a Germany of the future, where German cars were an export hit because they ran on environmentally friendly but affordable e-fuels that have yet to be invented. The ultimate area where the three parties could not triangulate a common ground was fiscal policy. Initially, the government had planned to fund additional spending on defence and climate measures with untapped emergency credit originally secured to deal with the pandemic. But a constitutional court ruling in November 2023 annulled that and left the Ampel squabbling at increasing volume over how to plug the resulting multibillion hole in the 2025 budget. After Scholz sacked the FDP finance minister, Christian Lindner, on Wednesday, he criticised the liberal politician for insisting that aid for Ukraine must be drawn from the regular budget. Lindner replied that loosening the debt brake mechanism would have contradicted his oath in office a claim whose accuracy legal and economic experts question. Germanys strict commitment to balanced budgets is well known a debt brake that limits the budget deficit to 0.35% of GDP was enshrined in the constitution in 2009. But in the FDP, a liberal party has held the purse strings at the finance ministry for whom balancing the books is an article of faith. For the FDP, the debt brake is a lifeline the party is clinging on to while it struggles in the polls, said Rolf Langhammer, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Even if Lindner were to return to his post in a more conventional, conservative-led coalition after elections next year, it will still have to crack the same fiscal nut. After Trumps election, defence budgets in Europe will have to rise, and the debt brake cannot continue to exist in its current form, said Langhammer. It will have to be loosened, or at least be reformed. With the traffic light having got stuck on red, a new start for Germany may well be what is required. But whatever coalition emerges will still have to come up with unorthodox solutions. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel depicts God as white - Lucas Schifres/Getty Images Church of England clergy have declared that God is not a white man and are working to make images of Jesus more diverse. Diocese across the country are reviewing how biblical figures should be depicted as part of a drive for racial justice. Clergy have been urged to question whether images of Jesus truly reflect diversity. One diocese has declared that God is not a white man and moved to ensure it used correct images that better reflected diversity. This was relayed to the Churchs new racial justice unit and included in a 2024 report into how dioceses are meeting diversity and inclusion targets. These targets were set in 2021 by the Archbishops anti-racism taskforce, which advocated for affirmative action for jobs within the Church. Ensuring use of the correct images The Diocese of Southwarks update on racial justice work stated: Everything we send out in comms is celebrating diversity diverse images. God is not a white man; we make sure of the correct images. The Diocese of Coventry stated that it has been questioning the images and artwork, people quoted in the sermons, people who appear in the videos used, depictions of Jesus, God, biblical characters and issues and topics we cover. Southwark and Derby dioceses have co-created advice for clergy attempting to improve racial diversity, including a diversity audit. This urges Church authorities to question whether they reflect diversity in our worship. Clergy should question whether there is sufficient diversity in images and artwork, the audit states, and in depictions of Jesus, God, biblical characters. Some Christian cultures around the world have depicted Jesus as ethnically similar to themselves. In Europe, famed images from the 6th-century Byzantine icon of Christ Pantocrator, to Michelangelos The Creation of Adam to Leonardo Da Vincis The Last Supper, have shown divine figures as white. The work to diversify such images has already yielded results in some areas, and the Diocese of Chester said that it had been engaged in a project focused on the global image of Christ, for which they were able to access many images from around the world. Some of this work resulted in a 2021 exhibition that included a painting of the Last Supper with a black Jesus above its altar, which had originally been installed at St Albans Cathedral in 2020. St Albans Cathedral installed a painting of The Last Supper that featured a black Jesus in 2020 - WENN Rights Ltd /Alamy Stock Photo Leonardo da Vincis original The Last Supper painting in Milans Santa Maria delle Grazie church - AFP The Diocese of Bristol has also been engaged in this work, and in 2022 replaced a stained glass window dedicated to slave-trader Edward Colston with an image of a non-white Jesus in a Channel migrant boat. The Church of England has said that there is no top-down insistence that images of the Biblical figures be made more diverse, and that dioceses were taking the initiative. The Church has failed However, dioceses are explicitly responding to a set of objectives put to the Church by the Anti-Racism Taskforce, launched in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell. The Most Rev Justin Welby said in the immediate aftermath of Black Lives Matter protests that the Church has failed on the issue of racism and needed to repent and take action. In a 2021 report called From Lament to Action, this taskforce set out plans to implement significant cultural and structural change on issues of racial justice within the Church of England. Proposals for change include a requirement that shortlists for Church jobs, including bishops, include at least one ethnic minority candidate. It also called for the appointment of full-time, centrally-funded racial justice officers in every diocese. Dioceses were asked in 2024 to report on their progress against these targets and to share examples of good practice that others in the Church could learn from. This included updates on how images were being diversified. It also included issues such as how to move away from a white, normative way of working, and how to counter an all-white ordained team with more diverse invited preachers. Floods in Pakistan in 2022, an example of the most extreme damages of the climate crisis. Photograph: Husnain Ali/AFP/Getty Images This years UN climate summit, being held in Azerbaijan, is focused on finance, and specifically the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) for climate finance, required under the 2015 Paris agreement. Rich countries are bound under the agreement to provide climate finance to help developing nations cut their greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the impacts of the climate crisis. The current finance goal, of providing $100bn a year to poor countries, is widely acknowledged to be inadequate, and most rich countries agree the figure needs to be several times higher. The NCQG Poor countries are asking for finance of about $1tn a year by 2035, based on widely accepted estimates of their needs. Rich countries are likely to agree to a considerably smaller sum, perhaps about half that amount, to be paid from their exchequers and through multilateral institutions such as the World Bank. The gap could be met from a variety of means, including new taxes on fossil fuels or the diversion of existing subsidies to cleaner ends. These innovative sources of finance will not be fully articulated or agreed at Cop29 and will need further work. Rich countries are demanding that the contributor base be expanded. Currently, only countries defined as developed under the 1992 UN framework convention on climate change contribute to official climate finance. But many countries economies and greenhouse gas emissions have expanded considerably in the last 30 years, including China, which is now the worlds second biggest economy, behind the US, and the biggest emitter by a long way. Petrostates such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with their vast oil wealth, are also classed as developing economies. Many countries are resistant to expanding the contributor base, but the EUs position is that it will not accept a climate finance goal higher than the current $100bn unless more contributors are included. There could be a compromise by which some developing countries contribute on a voluntary basis or are allowed to be both contributors and recipients of climate aid. If countries can overcome their differences, what could emerge from the fortnight of talks is a layered NCQG that includes an overall goal measured in trillions, plus a public finance goal measured in hundreds of billions, and a narrative committing countries to work on filling the gaps, including through innovative sources of finance (see below). Loss and damage One key strand of climate finance is the vexed issue of loss and damage, the term that describes the most extreme damages of the climate crisis, so severe that no amount of adaptation could have prevented them. Examples include the devastating floods in Pakistan two years ago, or hurricanes that have wiped out towns and villages, and large chunks of afflicted countries infrastructure and economies. Loss and damage funds are intended for the rescue and rehabilitation of countries and communities afflicted by these extreme events. For years, developing countries pleas for loss and damage funding went unheard, but last year there was a breakthrough at the Cop28 summit when plans for a loss and damage fund were finalised. The fund is to be set up under the aegis of the World Bank, despite some misgivings among developing countries over the bureaucracy this involves. The fund still needs to be filled with cash from donors, and it is still unclear when it will start to disburse money, so countries will be hoping for progress towards operationalising it at Cop29. NDCs Rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions will be crucial if the world is to stave off the worst ravages of climate breakdown and have any chance of staying within the vital threshold of 1.5C of heating above preindustrial levels. Cuts need to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but current national plans by governments called nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, in the UN jargon are nowhere near that. Cop29 is mainly about climate finance but the need for new NDCs cannot be ignored. Governments are supposed to submit their updated plans next February, well ahead of the Cop30 conference in Brazil next November, where they will be assessed. The election of Donald Trump in the US is likely to cast a pall over efforts to get countries to submit stringent new NDCs. Many recalcitrant countries are likely to use his climate denial as cover for their own inaction. Cop29 will be judged a success if the hosts can persuade countries to agree to submit new NDCs next year despite that. Transition away from fossil fuels One of the biggest achievements of the Cop28 conference in Dubai last year was a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, contained in paragraph 28 of the Cop decision and a core part of the UAE consensus that was the main outcome of that meeting. Since then, however, some countries, including Saudi Arabia and other members of its loose collection of allies, known as the like-minded developing countries grouping, have tried to unpick the commitment. Behind closed doors during the negotiations leading up to Cop29, they have variously argued that the commitment is optional rather than binding and that countries were strong-armed into it without being allowed to consider it properly. Azerbaijan is also a major fossil fuel producer, though it has a target of generating a third of its energy from green sources by 2030. As host, it will be responsible for ensuring there is no unpicking or backsliding from previous commitments. Article 6 Carbon trading has been a vexed issue at climate talks since their earliest days, and article 6 of the Paris agreement has been like a serial killer in a horror film, constantly coming back from the seeming dead. Article 6 was supposed to have been solved in the immediate aftermath of the Paris summit in 2015, but by 2019 it was still an outstanding issue, left over when the rest of the Paris rulebook was finalised. It was discussed again at Cop26, where it was again supposed to be finalised, only to re-emerge at Cop27 and Cop28. Some delegates are saying it will finally be sorted out this year; others heave a weary sigh. At root, the problem is there are fundamental misgivings among many countries over whether and how a carbon offsetting system can work. Widespread examples of fraud and misdealing have plagued the carbon markets for two decades, some of them recently uncovered by the Guardian. The concept of paying countries to keep their forests standing is an attractive one, because the fundamental problem is that without such payments people can make more money from chopping down trees in their territories and converting the land to plantation or ranching. Awarding landowners carbon credits for their forests raises problems of moral hazard were the forests really at risk from loggers, or have the owners confected or exaggerated the risk to gain cash? Governments and private sector companies want to create a market for credits that have integrity, accountability, transparency and that achieve the aim of contributing to net zero targets, but the steps towards doing so have been painfully slow. Carbon trading has assumed a new importance this year as it could provide a source of cash for the NCQG. But this is unlikely to amount to much more than a few tens of billions, a sliver of the trillions needed. It is possible that the Azerbaijani presidency will achieve what no other Cop host has done and resolve the conflicts over article 6, but it will not be a high priority. Innovative forms of finance Poor countries require at least $1tn a year in finance to help them cut greenhouse gas emissions, shift to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the impacts of extreme weather. Developed countries are currently willing to ensure about half of that is provided from public sources. That leaves a large gap, which countries are hoping to fill with other sources of cash, known as innovative forms of finance. These can take the form of levies on high-carbon activities, from flying private jets to oil and gas extraction, or taxes on wealth, the idea of which is gaining traction as global inequality grows rapidly. But all of these innovative forms of finance have winners and losers, and some are likely to be difficult to implement. No firm decisions will be made on these issues at Cop29, but countries should agree to carry on discussing them and send a clear signal that these options are on the table. The Highlands get more than six million visitors a year Visitors to the Scottish Highlands could be forced to pay a five per cent tourist tax on their accommodation. The Highlands get more than six million visitors a year and the areas attractions include the Cairngorms National Park, the North Coast 500 tourist route, Skye and beaches along more than 3,000 miles of coastline. The council believes an estimated 10 million could be raised each year by the tax and used to improve tourist infrastructure, including roads, which are under huge pressure. A report will be considered by councillors next week proposing a scheme that would apply to all types of accommodation with no exemptions for local people, including reasons such as hospital visits. The councillors will be asked to approve a 12-week consultation, starting next Friday, before they make a final decision whether to press ahead next spring. The charge could come into force from autumn 2026. The council believes an estimated 10 million could be raised each year by the tax - ValeryEgorov However, businesses have expressed concerns the tax could deter tourists from visiting the Highlands and how fairly the revenue will be distributed. The SNPs Visitor Levy Act gives Scottish councils the power to impose a tax on stays in any form of overnight accommodation. Providers are liable to pay the sum but they can pass on the cost to their guests. Scottish ministers pressed ahead with the tax despite opposition from 63 per cent of organisations that responded to a public consultation on the plan. They argued similar levies are in place across Europe, including tourist hotspots such as Amsterdam and Berlin. If approved, the Highlands would follow Edinburgh to become the second part of the country to introduce the tax. Edinburgh city council is also proposing a five per cent charge, which would be introduced in summer 2026. The tourist tax would be used to improve tourist infrastructure, including roads - lucentius It is expected to generate between 45 million and 50 million per year by 2028/29, with the city council promising the money will be spent on services that enhance visitor experiences. Councillor Ken Gowans, who chairs Highland Councils economy and infrastructure committee, said: Tourism is one of our most important sectors and the levy could form an essential part of how we sustain, support and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on. He told BBC Scotland News that some of the money could go towards fixing potholes, which plague the regions roads. Frazer Coupland, chief executive of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said the extra funding was exciting but businesses were concerned about how the charge would be collected and how fairly the funds raised would be dispersed. If approved, the Highlands would follow Edinburgh to become the second part of the country to introduce the tax - lucentius He also said the consultation needed to address whether people travelling from rural areas for hospital appointments would be charged the visitor levy for their overnight stays. Nagina Ishaq, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: The proposed visitor levy in the Highlands has the potential to bring about significant challenges to the tourism sector. There are concerns among businesses that this could have a major impact on visitor numbers and operating costs. The levy must be carefully managed, with clear transparency to ensure funds are reinvested directly into tourism infrastructure. The Queen and June Spencer cut an Archers themed cake during a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Archers in 2021 - Kate Green June Spencer, who has died aged 105, became one of the best known voices on BBC radio as Peggy Woolley (nee Perkins, formerly Archer) in The Archers for more than 60 years; Clement Attlee was still prime minister when she began and by the time she retired in 2022, she was the only remaining member of the original cast. June Spencer was recruited to The Archers in 1950 to play two parts: Peggy, wife of Dan Archers oldest son Jack, owner of The Bull; and Rita Flynn, the flighty Irish girl who worked at the bakers and was subsequently written out of the script. She left the programme in 1953 to bring up her two adopted children but returned as Peggy in 1962 when her replacement, Thelma Rogers, returned to the stage. Despite spending so much of her life portraying Peggy, June Spencer was adamant that she was very different from her fictional alter ego. Ive got more of a sense of humour than Peggy, she observed. Shes a great worrier. I tend to try to look on the bright side. My glass is always half full, especially at lunchtime. Yet June Spencers own life held many parallels to the storylines she was given in the series. Her real husband, Roger, died in 2001 from a stroke after 10 years suffering from vascular dementia. Within a few years she was reliving his decline in front of the microphones, after the shows producers decided that Peggys second husband, Jack Woolley (Arnold Peters), should develop Alzheimers. June Spencer: Ive got more of a sense of humour than Peggy. Shes a great worrier. I tend to try to look on the bright side - Andrew Crowley Before making the recordings she explained to the scriptwriters how husband Roger, a structural engineer and company director, had been reduced to an invalid with no memories except of his war service in Burma. Some of her experiences were subsequently woven into the unfolding plot: Jack Woolley was put on anti-Alzheimers medication, as Roger was, and, like Roger, he became increasingly unwilling to let Peggy out of his sight. June Spencer admitted that she had found acting scenes with her ailing fictional husband terribly difficult, though she somehow managed to remain in command of her emotions: When I am working, I am not me any more; Im Peggy, she explained. But when we play the recordings back at the end of the session and listen to them together, I can find it hard to bear. Playing Peggy in the early days - BBC There was worse to come. Just as Peggys first husband, Jack Archer (Denis Folwell) succumbed to the effects of alcoholism in 1972, in 2006 June Spencers son, David ,succumbed to alcoholism at the age of 55. A talented dancer who trained with the Rambert Dance Company, David had moved to Germany when he was 17 after being offered a job with the state ballet company, but subsequently suffered the dual loss of his career, through back trouble, and his wife, who left him for a younger man, taking their daughter with her. June Spencer was a member of a generation brought up to keep calm and carry on, and her natural stoicism enabled her to continue. But she sometimes expressed the wish that Peggy Woolley, with all her troubles, had been written out of the script and not Rita Flynn: I liked Rita. She was fun. An only child, June Spencer was born in Nottingham on June 14 1919, the daughter of a biscuit salesman. As she revealed in 2010 on Desert Island Discs, her mother was a complex woman who decided she was an invalid, giving June little option but to leave school to care for her. She sort of gave up on life, June recalled. She took to her bed and used to have these attacks, almost like a heart attack I would sit with her in her bedroom with the curtains closed. Gradually it got better, but she always considered herself rather frail even though she lived until she was 94. June Spencer with Chris Gittins (left, who played Walter Gabriel) and John Arlott - Stevens/ANL/Shutterstock At the age of three, June was taken to see Jean Forbes-Robertson in Peter Pan, and it made a great impression. Her own stage debut came shortly afterwards when she was co-opted by a local drama school which needed a small blonde child to play the King of the Land of Nod. By her teens June was totally stage-struck, but her parents would not allow her to sit the scholarship exams for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Instead she joined an amateur dramatic society, where she studied for her London Guildhall School of Music and Drama certificate and began writing and performing comedy sketches as an after-dinner entertainer. When war broke out, June joined the Nottingham city treasurers office and in 1942 was offered a job with a local theatre company. But the pay was so poor that she resigned after one season and went to work at a telephone exchange. The same year she married Roger Brocksom, a structural engineer whom she had first met on holiday in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, in 1936 when they were both 17. The Archers celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a special edition featuring the wedding of Peggy Archer to Jack Woolley (June Spencer and Arnold Peters, front, centre): they are pictured outside Broadcasting House surrounded by other members of the cast - Philip Hollis Roger went on to serve with the Royal Engineers in India and Burma, while in 1943 June won her first role at the BBC, playing a child in a 15-minute programme called Railways in Wartime. By the time Roger returned from the war she was an established radio actress. In 1950 she joined The Archers and a few months later gave birth to the first Archers baby, her son Tony Archer. For more than seven decades Archers fans shared her life, following her journey from barmaid to matriarch with a brood of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The show was originally intended as a public-service broadcast for farmers, and it still contains details that seem to have come from a Central Office of Information briefing paper (among other things, it was Peggy who encouraged older people to learn computing skills). June Spencer had little time for those who complain that the show had sacrificed tradition to sensationalism, pointing out that early episodes featured such plot-lines as Tom Forrest awaiting trial for shooting someone; Jennifer and her illegitimate baby. The series, she maintained, tackled difficult situations that come up in real life. When [people] have the same sort of problems, they hear how The Archers coped, and I think it helps them. (L-R) Hilary Newcombe (who played Polly Perks), Alan Devereux (Sid Perks, landlord of The Bull) and June Spencer photographed for Radio Times in 1975 - Chris Ridley/Radio Times/Getty Images June Spencer appeared in many other radio series, including Childrens Hour, Dick Barton and Mrs Dales Diary. She also appeared on television on Songs of Praise and in an episode of the daytime drama Doctors, when she played a mute stroke victim: I had a whale of a time! I was the centre of attention and I didnt have to learn a word. Despite his advancing dementia, her husband was still capable of enjoying a game of Scrabble. After his death she founded a Scrabble club in her local village hall in Surrey and served as a patron of the Alzheimers Research Trust. In 2010 she published her autobiography, The Road to Ambridge. When asked in 2010 why she had never wanted to leave The Archers, she explained that it was because she loved the work: Theyre my second family. Im very lucky to be working at 91 and Im going to carry on as long as they want me; as long as I can go on giving a decent performance. She continued to be a lynchpin of the programme into her second century, and listeners were especially moved to hear Peggy, a character who had survived so many tribulations, defiantly reading Tennysons optimistic poem Ring Out, Wild Bells in the episode broadcast on New Years Eve 2020, marking both the end of the first pandemic year and The Archers 70th anniversary. She recorded later episodes from a studio set up at her Surrey home to save having to travel to the programmes Birmingham base. June Spencer was appointed OBE in 1991, advanced to CBE in 2017. She is survived by her daughter. June Spencer, born June 14 1919, died November 8 2024 Water gushed into homes in the southern Sydney suburb of Como after a main burst on Friday. Photograph: Nine News A quiet Sydney street was thrown into chaos on Friday as residents described a wave of water rushing through their windows from a burst pipe. Sydney Water said network technicians were assessing a leak on the main when it burst at Binya Place in Como, a suburb in the citys south, on Friday afternoon. Four to five houses were affected after a large water main popped, according to Supt Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue New South Wales. Fire and Rescue NSW said there had been significant damage. One resident Amara Nanra, 26, said she was sitting at home when she heard a huge smash as a wave of water poured into her downstairs area. It was just coming through the window, she said. She rushed downstairs, but said she couldnt get close to the water as it poured through the window. Pretty much it just got worse It just kept flooding the house downstairs. I was just worried about my house it was literally spraying all around, she said. Related: From local pond to outback dunny, Australias biggest frog count is here and researchers need your help She said downstairs the floorboards were coming up, there were shards of glass everywhere and the furniture was wet. Residents of the affected properties moved belongings in front of their homes to dry out after the burst and some were left without power. A representative from Ausgrid who was at the scene said it could take some time before the power was turned back on. They have to get their own electrician to come in and test all the circuits inside to make sure theres no water damage inside there. Once they can prove that all the circuits inside are fine, then the power can be turned back onto them. Sydney Water said crews had isolated the main and repairs had begun. Customer advocates are on site working with impacted customers and assessing the damage, it said. The pipeline connects to Woronora Dam, which supplies water to Sutherland, Cronulla, Engadine, Heathcote, Helensburgh and Stanwell Park. Newly mobilised Ukrainian soldiers on their way to the frontline and Russia's Kursk region. One soldier, Ivan, (far left), said the war there would be his first experience of battle. Photograph: Alessio Mamo/The Guardian Vitalii Ovcharenko, a Ukrainian soldier, has been learning a new language: Korean. Ive picked up a few phrases. They are: Hands up, drop your weapon and come to us slowly, he said. Also: Throw off your body armour and helmet. Ovcharenko has been mugging up with the help of a three-page printed guide. It lists words in Ukrainian, their Korean equivalent, and a helpful transliteration. The guide now lives next to a shelf of detective novels and histories celebrating Stalin at his temporary home in Russias Kursk region. The books belong to the propertys former owner, who fled in August when Ukraine launched a counter-invasion. Three months on, Kyiv controls a significant chunk of Russian territory around the border town of Sudzha. So far, Moscow has been unable to end this embarrassing situation. It has launched air attacks on Ukrainian positions using kamikaze drones and guided bombs up to 100 a day and carries out assaults using small infantry groups. Amid heavy losses, Vladimir Putin has turned to a new and extraordinary source of manpower: North Korean troops, sent by the regimes supreme leader, Kim Jong-un. According to US intelligence, 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia, a figure that Ukraines military intelligence chief says includes 500 officers and three generals. These reinforcements seen in videos gathering at ranges in Russias far eastern Khabarovsk region are already fighting near Sudzha, and Kyiv says a small engagement took place this week. North Korea has pledged to support Moscow until it achieves a great victory in Ukraine. What exactly their impact will be on the battlefield is unclear. Ukrainian soldiers seem largely unconcerned. We dont know how Moscow will train them or communicate with them. They might be fanatical professionals with totalitarian souls. Or guys lacking experience from another continent. Either way, were ready for the threat, Ovcharenko said. He predicted: They will just die uselessly. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted that Ukraines Kursk salient could play a role in negotiations after Donald Trumps return to the White House. Zelenskyy has accused the US, UK and Germany of passively watching as North Korea fights in Europe, and he has called on allies to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, saying they could wipe out North Korean troops mustering in western Russia. Kyiv was no longer fighting one country but two, he posted on X. North Korean troops have not yet engaged in combat, but this is a matter of days, not months. When deployed, they will be pushed forward, sustaining heavy losses, as Russia tries to minimize its own troop mobilizationa politically sensitive issue for Putin domestically. This Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) October 31, 2024 North Korea has already given Russia 3.5m artillery shells and short-range missiles, used to hit Kharkiv. As well as fighting, North Koreans could be sent to work in munitions factories and to guard border areas, freeing up Russian troops. Moscow is reportedly helping its ally with rice, space technology, and providing $2,000 a month for soldiers. Five years ago it would have seemed fantastical. This is our reality, Lt Col Artem Kholodkevych, the chief of staff of Ukraines 61st mechanised brigade, told the Guardian. European countries need to consider how to respond. He suggested Pyongyangs involvement showed Putin desired a long and bloody conflict. Kholodkevych said the frontline had stabilised in the past two weeks in the Kursk region after a Russian counter-offensive and Ukraines defences were holding. Last week his units thwarted a raid on a frontline village, knocking out one enemy armoured vehicle with a drone and chasing away a second. Ten Russian soldiers dismounted. We killed them, he said. Critics have argued that the Kursk operation has sucked troops away from eastern Ukraine, where Russia is advancing at the quickest rate since 2022. Kholodkevych disagreed. He said the surprise offensive had punctured the myth of Russian invincibility, especially in the eyes of international partners, and raised morale. It also pre-empted a probable attack by Russia on Ukraines Sumy oblast, next to Sudzha. In terms of size we are an expeditionary corps. Its not a big number of soldiers, Kholodkevych said. Our plan is to hold this territory for as long as possible. We dont want to occupy it. The goal is to make them burn through resources. On 22 October his brigade had captured four Russian soldiers, 12 days after they were first conscripted. They had minimal training. Putin has a problem, he added. Anvar Hisoriev, the commander of the 225th separate assault brigades drone strike company, said Ukraine was facing a deepening anti-western coalition. It primarily featured Russia, North Korea and Iran, and more loosely China and India, who bought Russian oil and gas. If this is a war between democracy and dictatorship, why do we have restrictions? Do democracies not want us to win? he asked. Hisoriev said his men dug in in Kursk had not encountered any North Koreans but were motivated and experienced, and in need of arms. We have the right soldiers. They are good people. But we need more weapons. Without them we cant exploit the enemys weaknesses, he said. Since summer, the north-eastern city of Sumy has become a major military hub for Ukraines Kursk operation. Humvees, trucks and a soldier on a quad bike could be seen last week rattling over a busy potholed road in the direction of Sudzha and the city of Kursk. The now defunct international border with Russia is 18 miles from Sumy. Concrete pyramids topped with razor wire and first world war-style trenches line the route. A group of newly mobilised Ukrainian service personnel smoked next to their pickup transport. One of them, Ivan, said he had had six weeks training and would be fighting in Russia for the first time. Was he worried? No. It will be cold. We are used to it, he replied. His squad piled on to the vehicles rear cargo bed, clutching sleeping mats and box of chocolate biscuits. An officer shouted: Everybody here?. The vehicle roared off. A military driver, Pavel, said his brigade had taken fewer casualties in Kursk oblast than in Ukraine. Just four of our guys have been killed and 10 wounded, he said. Volodymyr Niankin, a director who made a film about Sumys resistance in 2022, said he had noticed a buildup of forces before Ukraines Kursk incursion. The vehicles were marked with triangles. Post-offensive, Russia stepped up its attacks on Sumy using Iranian-made Shahed drones and ballistic missiles, he said. Before 6 August it was mostly quiet. Now there are three or four strikes a week. Its a rodeo with all types of weapons. The cross-border assault has allowed engineers to fix the gas supply to Ukrainian border villages of broken houses and yellowing autumnal pine forests, something that had been impossible because of intense shelling. I remain optimistic. But of course its war. People hope it will end in the next half a year. They are very tired, Niankin said. Ukrainian service personnel inside Russia joke that whoever captures the first North Korean prisoner of war will be rewarded with a crate of champagne. In reality, we will hand North Koreans over to the competent organs, Ovcharenko said. Six North Korean officers have already been killed, Ukrainian media reports say. Ovcharenko said he thought Russians in Sudzha were unlikely to shelter wounded foreign soldiers. He said locals he talked to used derogatory words to describe people from Chechnya, and pointed out neighbours who had fraternised with them. There is incredible racism here. I found it pretty shocking, he said. In his view the Kursk raid had been a success, the unwelcome arrival of four North Korean brigades and early clashes notwithstanding. Weve achieved more than we wanted or expected. Things are not easy in a war. But in general we feel positive. Which language would he study next? First I need to improve my Korean. Then Farsi, which is spoken in Iran, and after that some Chinese, he said. Ursula von der Leyen said EU leaders had touched on the idea of an LNG deal with Donald Trump - STEFAN WERMUTH/REX The EU could buy more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US in an attempt to persuade Donald Trump not to impose damaging import tariffs, the European Commission president has said. Ursula von der Leyen said the proposed deal would also reduce the EUs trade surplus with the US, which Mr Trump argues makes the bloc rich while Washington pays for its military security. Mrs von der Leyen said EU leaders had touched on the idea of an LNG deal with Mr Trump during summit discussions in Hungary. There are common interests we have, she said in Budapest, where the EU held its meeting. We still get a lot of LNG from Russia. Why not replace it with American energy, which is cheaper for us? Its something where we can get into a discussion, she added. Donald Trump reiterated his desire to impose damaging import tariffs during his 2024 presidential campaign - Brian Snyder/REUTERS Mr Trump pledged during his 2024 election campaign to impose import tariffs in order to address trade imbalances and boost US manufacturing. The EU has drawn up a list of US products such as Kentucky bourbon for retaliatory tariffs in Republican-led states seen as vulnerable for Trump in the 2026 midterm elections, which would risk escalating into a full-blown trade war. The European Commission handles trade negotiations on behalf of the blocs 27 member states, which have been buying more LNG to replace Russian natural gas after Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine. The EU has agreed to ban shipments of Russian LNG by March 2025 but its imports of the super-chilled liquefied gas transported by tankers increased by 11 per cent in the first half of 2024. In the second quarter of 2024, the US accounted for the largest share of the EUs LNG imports at 46 per cent. Russia was the second-largest supplier, comprising 16.8 per cent of LNG imports to the EU, a rise from previous years. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis think tank estimates that EU countries spent 3.5 billion to purchase LNG from Russia during the first six months of 2024, with 87 per cent of that going to France, Spain and Belgium. The EU has agreed to ban shipments of Russian LNG following Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine - MAXIM SHIPENKOV/Shutterstock In 2018, Mr Trump and then Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed a deal to import more US LNG, which helped ward off new tariffs on EU goods beyond those the then-president imposed on European steel and aluminium. Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, has been tipped to act as a mediator between the US and EU. The hard-Right leader says she has a good relationship with Elon Musk, the Trump-backing owner of X, who is expected to join the next US administration. Ms Meloni said: I can tell you that I consider Elon Musk an added value at this time. A person who has certainly done some extraordinary things, some important things, and I think that he should and can be an interlocutor, a person with whom one can deal. Viktor Orban, the Trump-supporting prime minister of Hungary, said the trade issue will not be easy because the president-elect is the master of dealmaking. He is a tough negotiator on trade issues, he said on Thursday night. It will be a serious negotiation between the US and EU. We have to stand up and we have to negotiate and at the end of the day we have to make a deal. If we are good enough, we will make a good deal, he added. Alexander De Croo at the informal EU Summit at the Puskas Arena, in Budapest, on Thursday - MARTON MONUS Mr Trump has also vowed to hit Beijing with 60 per cent tariffs, which has sparked fears that Europe could be flooded with Chinese products priced out of the US market. The EU could also help the US in its trade battles against common competitor China if Donald Trump does not hit the bloc with silly tariffs, the prime minister of Belgium said. Alexander De Croo said EU leaders discussed the need for unity in the face of the president-elects threats. I think we need to have a clear dialogue with him and explain what the effect could be for Europe and the United States, Mr De Croo said as he arrived for a second day of summit talks in the Hungarian capital on Friday. I think that we have a common competitor, and the common competitor we have is China. So if the United States wants to do something about the competitive behaviour of China, where you could ask questions on if it is within WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules, there we can work together. Were actually allies and it would be a bit silly if allies would impose tariffs on each other. We should have an open dialogue with the United States on that, but I think our common competitor is China. Were not competitors with one another. Donald Trump pictured here in 2019 with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, has vowed to hit Beijing with 60 per cent tariffs - SUSAN WALSH A European diplomat also told the Telegraph: China was broadly identified as an area where the EU could work with the US. Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, said: We are close friends. I would prefer no competition between us in this world with so much insecurity. I think we have to stick together but, of course, Europe has to do what Europe has to do. The United States was the largest market for EU exports of goods, at 19.7 per cent, in 2023. The US is the EUs second-largest trading partner for imports. Putting goods and services together, EU-US trade was worth $1.3 trillion (1 trillion) in 2022. Other EU leaders called on Europe to ramp up its arms manufacturing and common defence policy amid fears Mr Trump will cut off support to Ukraine. The world is made up of herbivores and carnivores. If we decide to remain herbivores, then the carnivores will win and we will be a market for them, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said on Thursday. He added: I think, at the very least, we should choose to become omnivores. Europe must unite to survive Josep Borrell, the EUs chief diplomat, said Europe would face a more contractual approach after Mr Trumps return to the White House following his victory in this weeks US presidential election. Speaking on Friday, Mr Borrell said: The only recipe for Europe to survive is to be more united and to build a stronger union, a sovereign union, able to face the challenges of the world without outsourcing our security to anyone else. If you are not at the table, you will be on the menu, he said and added, Whatever happens, we have to continue fulfilling our commitment with Ukraine. We need more Europe. We need a stronger Europe, said Luc Frieden, the prime minister of Luxembourg. Europe could be flooded with Chinese products if priced out of the US market - GETTY Charles Michel, European council president, and Ursula von der Leyen, European commission president, both spoke with the president-elect on Thursday. I passed the message yesterday to Donald Trump, that we would like to cooperate with him in all things, including on Ukraine, Mr Michel said. EU leaders are expected to agree a joint statement calling for an ambitious, robust, open and sustainable trade policy, with the WTO at its core, which defends and promotes the EUs interests. The statement also calls on Europe to increase our defence readiness and capabilities, in particular by strengthening our defence technological and industrial base accordingly. It added: The commission will present without delay developed options for public and private funding. China-LatAm civilization dialogue held in Lima Xinhua) 10:23, November 08, 2024 LIMA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Forum on Dialogue between the Civilizations of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was held on Wednesday in Lima, Peru, gathering over 150 representatives, including government officials, scholars, and business leaders from China and more than 10 Latin American countries. The event focused on the theme "Civilizational Heritage and Modern Development," exploring ways to deepen cultural exchange, collaboration, and joint modernization efforts between China and LAC. Peru's Secretary of the Secretariat of Government and Digital Transformation Cesar Vilchez Inga highlighted the longstanding ties between Peru and China which enjoy broad opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, with the Chancay Port project serving as a model. Rebecca Lemos Igreja, secretary-general of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, praised the partnership between Latin America and China as a model for cross-civilizational dialogue through research and knowledge exchange. In a video address, Rolando Gonzalez, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), emphasized that modernization should honor each country's unique culture, identity, and heritage. The Chinese side called for joint efforts to preserve cultural heritage while embracing innovation and said that China and Latin America should pursue high-quality partnerships that benefit broader populations. The forum's opening ceremony also saw the launch of the "Academic Partnership Network for Global Civilization Dialogue," proposed by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies alongside 53 institutions, including the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences. The 2024 China-LAC dialogue between civilizations was guided by China's State Council Information Office, Peru's Ministry of Culture, and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino). (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Firearms officer C12 Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube Channel 4 / Curious Films The police marksman who killed Jean Charles de Menezes has defended his actions, saying he was 100 per cent convinced we were all about to die. After keeping his identity secret for 20 years, the Metropolitan Police firearms officer known as C12 said he was reliving the painful details in order to set the record straight. Mr de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician, was shot dead in a tube carriage at Stockwell Underground station in south London. He had been mistaken for a suspect in a botched suicide bombing. In a Channel 4 documentary to be shown this Sunday, Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube, the officer appears on camera to recount the events of July 22, 2005, although he does not give his name. He insisted that Mr de Menezes actions that morning, combined with a belief that a Met surveillance team had positively identified him as a suspect, led him to the conclusion that the 27-year-old was about to detonate a device. I will live with this for life In vivid detail, he describes firing at Mr de Menezes with dum dum bullets and being hit by debris from the victims body, later taking a shower and picking fragments of Mr de Menezes bones from his scalp. The officer also said he would find it unbearable to meet Mr de Menezess family and had blanked out the memory of his face. What happened, I will have to live with for the rest of my life, he said. Reliving it in this detail is painful, absolutely. Of course it is. I want to make sure that people understand that these decisions, although theyre taken quickly, are not taken lightly. But because of his actions, what he did, the information weve received, it left me with no other conclusion than I had to act or we were going to die. Mr de Menezes was shot seven times in the head by two marksmen, known only as C12 and C2. Jean Charles de Menezes had been wrongly identified as a terrorist - Metropolitan Police/PA London was in a state of high alert as Islamist terrorists had murdered 52 people in an attack on Londons bus and Tube network two weeks earlier. The day before the shooting, four men had attempted to stage a copycat attack and were on the run. One of the suspects, Hussain Osman, had been linked to an address in south London, which was put under surveillance. The block of flats had a communal front door, from which Mr de Menezes emerged that morning on his way to work. Undercover police grew increasingly suspicious when Mr de Menezes got off the bus at Brixton but then re-boarded, believing it was an anti-surveillance technique. In fact, he had discovered that Brixton tube station was closed. No time to question orders The firearms unit had been given only a 10-second look at a grainy, faxed image of a gym membership card for Osman, who bore a vague resemblance to Mr de Menezes. In any fast-moving operation, especially with the level of threat that was faced, you dont have time to question those orders, the officer said. After tracking Mr de Menezes to Stockwell station, firearms officers were given their order to stop him from getting on the Tube. C12 said: Now what does that mean stop, arrest, shoot on sight? I believed we would only be deployed on positively identified suicide bombers. There was no doubt in my mind a suspect had been identified and that was our authorisation to deploy. The firearms officer, known only as C12, has has defended his actions in a new Channel 4 documentary The officer and a colleague, C2, raced down to the platform, where he saw a foot sticking out of one of the carriage doorways. I recognised the technique and I just immediately looked at him and I stepped on board. I just assumed it was a surveillance officer. Id never seen this person before, and it was. As soon as I took one step onto that Tube, he swung around and indicated a person sitting in the opposite corner and he went, Thats him. Things happen really, really, really quickly at this stage. As soon as that surveillance officer identified and pointed at this male, that person stood up. But it was the way that he stood up that triggered something in my head that wasnt right. His hands, they were almost hovering above his knees, and as he stood up he didnt use anything to push himself off the chair or anything like that. He just got up and immediately turned to his right, which is where we were, and came towards us. We were all going to die The officer brought up his weapon and shouted armed police and the surveillance officer then pinned Mr de Menezes back down. He recalled: Im expecting an explosion at any moment. Hes going to blow, were going to die. Thats the nub of it. If I dont do something now, were all going to die the public, everyone. I was 100 per cent convinced we were all going to die. I knew I had to take that shot. Once wed finished firing there was a deafening silence and a real stillness and I remember thinking, I need to make sure youre dead, and so I took a half-step back and I fired another shot. I didnt see any movement and I just thought, Weve stopped this bomb from going off. CCTV from Stockwell station shows the Brazilian national shortly before he is shot - PNS At work the next day, he was told that the victim was an innocent man. He said: Everything told me that I was going to die. Everything. Thats why I acted like I did. And it transpires that wasnt the case. How do you think I feel after that? The order to stop Mr de Menezes was made by Cressida Dick, who was later appointed Met Commissioner. She has always denied that it was an order to shoot. C12 recently retired after nearly 40 years in the Met. Asked what he would say to the family of Mr de Menezes if he met them, he replied: I dont think I would like to meet them. At the moment, the person who I shot, I cant really remember. I dont remember any facial features, so in a way its lessened a potential impact its had on me. And I dont think I would like to open any closets which would make my life a bit unbearable. The documentary criticises the Met for failing to correct the mistaken impression that Mr de Menezes had vaulted the tube station barriers and run from police. In fact, it was the plain-clothed C12 who had been seen jumping the barriers and a member of the public had mistaken him for the suspect. Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube is on Channel 4 on Sunday Nov 10 at 9pm Former firearms officer C12 said he thought De Menezes was about to detonate a suicide bomb. Photograph: Channel 4/Curious Films The Metropolitan police officer who shot dead an innocent man in 2005 after mistaking him for a terrorist says he was justified to open fire as he feared he would die. Jean Charles de Menezes was held down and shot repeatedly in the head by firearms officers on an underground train at Stockwell station on 22 July 2005. A catalogue of errors and misunderstandings meant police mistakenly thought he was a suicide bomber about to detonate a device, and was one of four at-large terrorists who had attacked Londons transport system the day before. One of two officers who shot the innocent man has spoken to a Channel 4 documentary about the case in his first media interview. The officer, known only as C12, recently retired from the Met and said he had only had 10 seconds to look at a grainy picture of the terrorism suspect police were hunting. He said that until that day he had never fired his weapon at a suspect. Officers had followed De Menezes and he entered Stockwell tube station when the order on the radio came through saying: He must not get on the tube. Stop him from getting on the tube, C12 recalled. But by the time armed police got to the platform, the suspect was sitting in a train seat. Related: Who was Jean Charles de Menezes? C12 said he came face to face with the suspect, believing he was authorised to kill him to stop him detonating a bomb. He said: I believed wed only be deployed on positively identified suicide bombers. There was no doubt in my mind the suspect had been identified and that was our authorisation to deploy. He said: As soon as that surveillance officer identified and pointed at this male, that person stood up. But it was the way they stood up that triggered something in my head that wasnt right. He had his hands, they were almost hovering above his knees, and as he stood up, he didnt use anything to push himself off a chair or anything like that At the same time, I brought my weapon up and pointed at his head and shouted, Armed police. And at that stage in my head, this person knew who we were. The jury at the inquest into the death did not accept that C12 had ever shouted armed police or that De Menezes, a Brazilian electrician, moved towards the officers. None of 17 civilian witnesses in and around the train carriage heard those words. Talking to Channel 4, C12 said: This person, by the way they got up, was coming forward in order to detonate a bomb and kill us. He still continued on his forward momentum The surveillance officer then [was] in full body contact with him. And apparently what he was trying to do was pin his hand so that he couldnt detonate. Im expecting an explosion at any moment. Hes going to blow, were going to die If I dont do something now, we are all going to die. I knew I had to take that shot. I just knew I had to. C12 said he had to use his gun muzzle to force a colleagues head out of the way, and with weapons armed with hollow-tipped dum-dum bullets, he and a colleague shot. The officer said: I remember once we finished firing there was, like, a deafening silence and a real stillness. I remember thinking, I need to make sure youre dead. And so I partially took a half step back and I fired another shot. And I just thought, We stopped this bomb from going off. A Met spokesperson said: The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes is a matter of very deep regret to the Metropolitan police service. Our thoughts remain with his family and we reiterate our apology to them. No officer sets out on duty intent on ending a life. Our sole purpose is the complete opposite the protection and preservation of life and we have taken extensive action to address the causes of this tragedy. The operation was commanded by Cressida Dick, who survived the scandal to later become Met commissioner. The Met fought a prosecution for breaking health and safety laws, but a jury found it guilty and it was fined 175,000 and ordered to pay 385,000 in costs. An inquest jury returned an open verdict on De Menezess death, rejecting the police claim that he was lawfully killed. The coroner banned the jury from considering unlawful killing as a verdict. Sahika Ditta tried to sue St Peters Church of England Primary School in Burnley for religious and racial discrimination and harassment A teaching assistant sued for race discrimination after she was spoken to for wearing high heels while accompanying pupils to swimming lessons. Sahika Ditta claimed she was singled out for wearing the high heeled wedges after a swimming instructor complained the shoes were not appropriate. Ms Ditta, who is Muslim, tried to sue St Peters Church of England Primary School in Burnley for religious and racial discrimination and harassment. She claimed that she had been deliberately targeted as white non-Muslim staff breached the dress code but bosses ignored it. In 2022, from March to June, Ms Ditta, a teaching assistant at the school, accompanied pupils to local swimming lessons twice a week. Ms Ditta did not like to attend with the children and be in a warm environment, the inquest heard. There was not a written dress code, however, staff were advised to wear appropriate clothing. Ms Ditta wore high heeled wedges to the swimming baths, after which the instructor Amanda complained to the school and Ms Ditta was subsequently spoken to. The teaching assistant alleged that she had been singled out for wearing inappropriate footwear at the swimming baths when other white or non-Muslim members of staff were permitted to wear inappropriate footwear. She also claimed a school staff member was asked to spy on her to make sure she wore the correct footwear. However, it was heard that other white, non-Muslim members of staff at the school were in fact spoken to for wearing strappy tops and gym clothes. Not singled out for special attention Employment Judge Robert Childe dismissed Ms Dittas claims of religious discrimination, racial discrimination and harassment, concluding that other members of staff had not been ignored for breaching the dress code. Judge Childe said: We find that [Ms Ditta] was not singled out for special attention regarding her dress and compliance with the schools dress code. One other staff member was spoken to directly about breaching the dress code and was told to dress appropriately, Judge Childe said. In addition, all staff [were] sent [an] email on 21 June 2021, which covered the appropriate wearing of strappy/sleeveless tops and footwear. We therefore conclude that breaches of the schools dress code by white non-Muslim staff were not ignored as alleged by [Ms Ditta]. He also said that Ms Ditta had accepted in evidence that the action taken by the school was not done [due to her] race and therefore it must fail. There wasnt a written dress code between April and June 2022. The code was rather that staff should dress in a way that is appropriate for a school setting, Judge Childe added. Ms Ditta also claimed she was discriminated against when headteacher Claire Crowther sent a group WhatsApp during lockdown saying Happy Eid! Lets hope everyone celebrates safely so were not locked down any more! She claimed the head teacher was making a racist stereotype by suggesting Muslims were not following lockdown restrictions. The judge dismissed the claims, ruling that it was simply her expressing a desire for everyone to stay safe. A woman walks past flags and posters of kidnapped people outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a hardline supporter of the war in Gaza and longtime backer of settlements in the West Bank as his ambassador to the US as Israel prepares for the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Yechiel Leiter, an American-born rightwing publicist and former government aide who immigrated to Israel four decades ago, was announced as Israels next ambassador to Washington on Friday. His son, a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, was killed in fighting in northern Gaza last year. Leiter is a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, who has a deep understanding of American culture and politics, Netanyahu said in a statement announcing the appointment. I am convinced that Yechiel will represent the state of Israel in the best possible way, and I wish him success in his position. Leiter will replace the current ambassador, Michael Herzog, whose term will end on 20 January. Leiter, who was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has been a prominent rightwing thinker in Israel who was chief of staff to Netanyahu when he was finance minister and an aide to the late prime minister Ariel Sharon when he was a member of the Knesset. According to Israeli media, Leiter has been affiliated with conservative policy centres including the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and the Kohelet Forum. Haaretz also reported that he was previously a member of the Jewish Defense League, which was founded by the far-right Rabbi Meir Kahane and was designated a terrorist organisation by the US for a series of attacks and assassinations. It was removed from that list due to inactivity. Leiter is reported to live in a West Bank settlement north of Ramallah, and is a founder of the One Israel Fund, which fundraises for settlers. His appointment was lauded by Israel Ganz, a rightwing settler leader who called Leiter a key partner in English-language advocacy for Judea and Samaria, the biblical term used by Israeli settler communities to refer to the West Bank. He has been a vocal supporter of Trumps Abraham accords, meant to normalize Israels relations with several large Arab states, saying that they have split support in the Muslim world for the Palestinian cause. And has also called for ultimate Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank territories, a topic that will revive concerns about a potential annexation of the West Bank by the Netanyahu government. Trump during his first term reversed the US position that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank were illegal under international law, and a number of settler leaders have said that Israel should formally annex the West Bank following Trumps re-election to a second term. Leiters son Moshe was killed in fighting in northern Gaza last year. He was Netanyahus guest when the prime minister visited Washington this summer during a contentious speech before a joint session of Congress. At his sons funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem last November, Leiter addressed Joe Biden and the rumors that you are putting pressure on Israel to hold off, to cease the offensive. If those rumors are true I hope theyre not but if they are true, Mr President, I respectfully ask of you, here on my sons grave, to cease and desist, he continued. Stand back, Mr President: dont pressure us. Let us do what we know how to do, indeed what we must do, to defeat evil. This is a war of light against darkness, of truth against lies, of civility against murderous barbarism. Take it from one plain-speaking Scrantonian to another were going to win this one, with you or without you, he said. Were going win it hands down, because we are a people of survival, and this battle is one of survival. Beluga whales at Marineland's underwater viewing area in Arctic Cove on 20 July 2012. Photograph: Tara Walton/Toronto Star/Getty Images Another beluga has died at Canadas Marineland, as questions mount over the future of both the controversial theme park and one of the worlds largest populations of captive whales. The most recent fatality the fifth this year is the 17th beluga to die at the Niagara Falls aquarium since 2019. Neither the Ontario government nor the park have disclosed the cause of the whales death. But speaking to the Canadian Press, the provinces chief animal welfare inspector said the quality of Marinelands water was within the acceptable limits and that a specialized unit of inspectors tested Marinelands water weekly. Melanie Milczynski also said enforcement officials had visited the park 205 times since the province took over animal welfare enforcement from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2020. In late October, the whistleblower account UrgentSeas, co-founded by a former walrus trainer at Marineland, Phil Demers, published drone footage of veterinarians and trainers attempting to give medication and fluids to the sick beluga. I really dont know how many days it has left, Demers told the Guardian at the time. But when youre at this stage, just trying to keep the whale alive, its not good. Seeing this is absolutely heartbreaking. It just kills you inside. Marineland Canada is the last aquarium in the country to hold captive whales and made headlines last year when a captive whale named Kiska, dubbed the worlds loneliest orca, died from a bacterial infection after spending four decades at the park. In a video clip before her death, the 47-year-old whale, who didnt encounter another orca for more than a decade, is seen drifting listlessly in her tank. The park, which has the worlds largest beluga population, has defended the quality of its care, telling the Guardian deaths were a natural outcome. Marinelands specialists care for the animals when they are sick and every effort to save them is made the park said in an email. Related: Icelands president urged to intervene over licence for Europes last whaler In August, Marineland was ordered to pay nearly C$85,000 (US$61,000) after it was found guilty of three violations of the provinces animal cruelty laws related to its captive American black bears. News of the latest beluga death has prompted an outcry from the provinces politicians. The New Democrat leader, Marit Stiles, called the outcome disgraceful and threatened to shut down the park if elected premier. The Liberal leader, Bonnie Crombie, warned there was no accountability for Marineland and the care of beautiful mammals. For Demers, whose public clashes with the park have resulted in a string of lawsuits from his former employer, the death reflects a long-running failure of the province to forcefully intervene in the park. Weve been forewarning the public for over a decade that Marinelands whales would be dying en masse unless someone intervened to fix the conditions, he said. Now it seems the government themselves are protecting Marineland. Its difficult to have trust in your institutions when they continually fail. People have been pushed beyond breaking point, said Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Photograph: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/Getty Images Nearly 70% of the people killed in the war in Gaza are women and children, according to a UN analysis of verified deaths that highlights the heavy civilian toll of the conflict. In a new report, the most detailed analysis of its kind yet, the UN human rights office said it had verified 8,119 of those killed during the first six months of the war in Gaza. Of the fatalities, 3,588 were children and 2,036 were women. The youngest victim was a one-day-old boy and the oldest was a 97-year-old woman. The number marks deaths verified so far and is therefore lower than the figure of 43,000 deaths provided by Palestinian health authorities for the 13-month conflict, but backs the assertion that women and children represent a large proportion of those killed. The new figures came as the secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, said people had been pushed beyond breaking point with families, widows and children enduring almost unparalleled suffering. The UN said the figures indicated a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Of the verified figures, 7,607 were killed in residential buildings or similar housing, out of which 44% were children, 26% women and 30% men, said the report released on Friday. Children aged five to nine represent the single biggest age category, followed by those aged 10-14, and then those aged up to and including four. Civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks in Gaza, said the report, including through the initial siege by Israeli forces, as well as repeated mass displacement, the Israeli governments failure to allow in humanitarian aid, and continual bombing. The report added that in 88% of cases, five or more people were killed in the same attack, pointing to the Israeli militarys use of weapons with impacts across a wide area, although it said some fatalities may have been the result of errant projectiles from Palestinian armed groups. This has caused unprecedented levels of killing, death, injury, starvation, illness and disease, according to the report, which said many families had been killed together, often in their homes, in Israeli strikes on residential buildings. The UN said it had verified 484 families that had lost between five and more than 30 members. The killing of whole families together in their places of shelter adds to concerns over breaches of international humanitarian law, the report said. The two families with the highest verified number of deaths were the Al Najjar family, with 138 members killed (in 18 incidents), including 35 women and 62 children, and the Al Astal family, with 94 members killed (in eight incidents), including 33 women and 45 children. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, said: Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law namely the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. Tragically, these documented patterns of violations continue unabated, over one year after the start of the war. Israels diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva said it categorically rejected the report. Once again, OHCHR fails to accurately reflect the realities on the ground, and disregards the extensive role of Hamas and other terrorist organisations in deliberately causing civilian harm in Gaza, it said, referring to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. Israels military, which began its offensive in response to the attack on 7 October 2023 in which Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and seized more than 250 hostages, says it takes care to avoid harming civilians in Gaza. The report also highlighted that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups had attacked and killed Israeli and foreign civilians, committed sexual violence, and taken hostages. These acts could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, it added. During a visit to Gaza,Egeland said he had seen scene after scene of absolute despair, with families torn apart and unable to bury relatives who had died. He said that Israel, with western-supplied arms, had rendered the densely populated area uninhabitable. This is in no way a lawful response, a targeted operation of self-defence to dismantle armed groups, or warfare consistent with humanitarian law, he said. The families, widows and children I have spoken to are enduring suffering almost unparalleled to anywhere in recent history. There is no possible justification for continued war and destruction. Nearly 2 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, according to the latest estimates from the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), and the population faces widespread shortages of food, water and medicine. Families are still forced to move from one area to another. Areas designated by Israeli forces for evacuation and forcible relocation now cover 80% of Gaza. Palestinians are thus restricted to 20% of the strip and an Israeli brigadier general said this week that there was no intention of allowing people to return to their homes. Experts in humanitarian law have said that such actions amount to the war crime of forcible transfer. In northern Gaza, a month-long renewed offensive and tightened siege has led to desperate conditions, with an estimated 100,000 people completely cut off from humanitarian aid. The UN has condemned the unlawful interference with humanitarian assistance and orders that are leading to forced displacement. Related: Four in 10 deaths in war zones last year were women, UN report finds Most aid remains blocked from leaving crossing points due to insecurity, active hostilities and widespread destruction. An average of 36 trucks a day crossed into Gaza in October, marking the lowest rate for a year. Egeland, a humanitarian leader, former foreign minister and diplomat in Norway, said he witnessed the catastrophic impact of strangled aid flows; adding that people had gone for days without food and drinking water was nowhere to be found. There has not been a single week since the start of this war when sufficient aid was delivered in Gaza, he said. Last week, Israels parliament passed bills banning Unrwa from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories, designating it a terror organisation, and cutting all ties between the UN agency and the Israeli government. Egeland said the situation in Gaza was deadly for all Palestinians, aid workers and journalists. He said that to prevent tens of thousands of lives being lost, there should be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the start of a peace process. Those in power on all sides act with impunity, while millions across Gaza and the region pay a terrible price, he said. Humanitarians can speak out on what we are seeing, but only those in power can end this nightmare. Glide bombs drop away from a Russian jet. The latest Grom-E1 versions use rocket assistance for greater range - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service The Russian air force has been pummelling Ukrainian troops and civilians with powerful glide-bombs for more than a year now lobbing more than a hundred of the precision-guided winged munitions every day. The KAB bombs are assembled by taking heavy dumb bombs and strapping on rough-and-ready guided glider modules. Some of the resulting weapons weigh more than three tons and can travel 25 miles or farther on their pop-out wings, allowing the Sukhoi Su-30 and Su-34 fighter-bombers that carry them to stay beyond the range of some Ukrainian air defences. But not all Ukrainian air defences. And that may explain why the Russian air force is using more and more of a special kind of munition: a powered glide-bomb that has three-fold range advantage over a standard KAB. The 1,300-pound, rocket-boosted Grom-E1 flies as far as 75 miles. A Sukhoi deploying a Grom-E1 at the munitions maximum range should stay beyond the reach of all but Ukraines best and rarest air defence systems its precious American-made Patriots, for instance. The targets, so far, are civilians. Grom-E1s struck a school and an apartment building in Myrnohrad and Kherson, respectively in February and March. In August, another Grom-E1 exploded in Kharkiv. Most recently, on Oct. 29, a bombing raid involving KABs and at least one Grom-E1 blew up a medical facility and other buildings in Kharkiv, including an historic structure that was under UNESCO protection. Its possible the accelerating pace of Grom-E1 raids is a response to the Ukrainian air forces recent deployment of ex-European Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters. The Western jets are armed with the Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM), which can travel as far as 40 miles. The first of up to 85 F-16s arrived in Ukraine this summer and flew their debut combat sorties in late August. One F-16 crashed during that initial air defence operation, killing its pilot. But more of the nimble jets and trained pilots for them arrive every month. The F-16s pose a serious threat to Russian jets, but only if they can reach the jets with their best missiles. A careful Russian Sukhoi pilot could release a Grom-E1 and turn away before a Ukrainian F-16 pilot could close in for an AMRAAM shot. The Grom-E1 is one way Russia stays ahead of Ukraine in the aerial arms race raging over the front line of Russias 33-month wider war on Ukraine a war that shows no sign of ending, despite US president-elect Donald Trump vowing to call up Russian president Vladimir Putin and negotiate a resolution. If theres any consolation to the outgunned Ukrainians, its that Russias inventory of Grom-E1s might be limited. The Kremlin has established mass-production of unpowered, rough-and-ready KABs, but its not clear theres been a similar industrial ramp-up for the powered Grom-E1s, which surely cost much more than the KABs do. Thats cold comfort to the everyday Ukrainians in Kharkiv and other cities who go to bed at night not knowing whether Grom-E1s might bring their roofs down on them. Thousands of Ukrainians have died under Russian bombardment since the Russians invaded in February 2022. The Ukrainians can shoot back with their own powered glide-bombs: French-made Hammers and a new, locally-made munition that might be a virtual clone of the Hammer. That new bomb was first spotted under the wing of a Ukrainian air force Sukhoi Su-24 bomber during a test sortie back in September. Both the French munition and the local clone probably range around 40 miles. Ukraine has also received ex US Navy Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) glide bombs. At that range, Ukrainian jets are still within range of Russias S-300 and S-400 air defence batteries and also within range of Russian Sukhoi fighters armed with Vympel R-77 air-to-air missiles. And as much as Russias supply of Grom-E1s is limited, Ukraines own supply of Hammers is probably even more limited. Paris supplies no more than 50 bombs a month. All in all, the war of the glide bombs and rocket-boosted glide bombs and full-blown cruise and ballistic missiles is heavily tilted in Russias favour. But thats true of many aspects of the war in Ukraine, and such imbalances have never stopped the Ukrainians fighting back yet. Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla and X, could be granted huge power over the agencies that regulate tech firms. Photograph: Ryan Collerd/AFP/Getty Images When the US election result pushed shares in the artificial intelligence chip giant Nvidia to a record high and did the same to the price of bitcoin cryptocurrency, the market gave its verdict on what Trump redux means for at least parts of the technology world: a boom. Stock in the electric vehicle (EV) company Tesla surged by nearly 15%, which must have cheered its boss, Elon Musk, whom Trump called a super genius on Wednesday. But what about the people who do not own stock in Silicon Valley firms but do use their products? Tens of millions of users of Musks social media platform, X, will now have to decide if they are willing to post in a place owned by a figure who looks likely to be a central part of Trumps administration. Related: As Silicon Valley eyes US election, beware Elon Musk and the tech bros with political nous | John Naughton Musk could be tasked with making recommendations for drastic reforms aimed at the efficiency and performance of the entire federal government, Trump has said. This could grant Musk huge power over the agencies that regulate his and other tech companies. X had already become, according to the independent tech analyst Benedict Evans, a coordinating site for misinformation and many felt its amplification of false claims polluted the election. Might a Trump administration then do anything about misinformation on social media? He wont, said Evans. He likes misinformation. There is a widespread view in tech that content moderation got out of hand and we need to pull back on this. At most you might need to think about amplification [of misinformation] but not deleting stuff. So expect a wilder ride on social platforms, perhaps, as they pitch towards the right. The 47th president will have a key role steering some hugely consequential years for the development of AI and handling the tech oligarchy of the big five firms Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon which wield the data and processing power that shapes the social and economic lives of billions of people. Here, where issues of competition, freedom of expression and national security are at stake, Trumps gushing admiration for Musk masks a more complex attitude. As a populist railing against elites, Trump might be expected to try to bring down tech monopolies. It was under Trumps first presidency that the Justice Department began an investigation into Google resulting in a case against the firm for suppressing competition. Related: How Trumps new star Elon Musk stands to benefit from his presidency During the election, Trump called Googles chief executive, Sundar Pichai, to complain that the companys search engine was not surfacing enough good news stories and he threatened to have the justice department prosecute the firm for election interference. He also threatened to jail Mark Zuckerberg if Facebook did anything illegal in the campaign. He has, at least through people that he appointed, a record of being tough on tech in terms of competition issues, said Prof Rebecca Haw Allensworth, associate dean at Vanderbilt University law school. Since then, weve seen him cosying up to tech in general, and Elon Musk in particular. So that cuts the other way. Trump will probably take office with cases under way challenging the market power of several big tech firms, spearheaded by the anti-monopoly chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan. Many expect she will be fired. Yet Trumps vice-president pick, JD Vance, has voiced support for aspects of her monopoly-busting approach. He said during the campaign he shared her view that we should be concerned about big tech companies and some of the mergers that lead to the censorship of American citizens. Trump also thinks the tech giants give the US global clout, at a time when AI is becoming a matter of national security. China is afraid of Google, Trump said last month when he questioned whether a corporate split of Google could destroy the company. What you can do without breaking it up is make sure its more fair, he said. We want to have great companies, he added. We dont want China to have these companies. Other dilemmas: should he make it harder for China to build the high-powered microchips needed for AI? Should AI code remain open source to encourage innovation among smaller companies or does that simply gift computing power to geo-political rivals. Trump said he would save TikTok after a ruling that its Chinese owners must sell it if it is to continue in the US, but the trade-offs are everywhere. In other areas, any Trump plan to cut incentives for EV manufacturers would be an overall negative for the EV industry, said Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush, an LA financial services firm. This would probably help Musks Tesla because its existing competitive advantage would be exaggerated if its rivals were hobbled. There are reports Trump may only tweak the subsidies rather than scrap them. If Trumps trade tariffs limit imports of cheaper Chinese EVs, that would further help Musk. Previously sceptical, Trump is now supportive of cryptocurrency, with that industry hoping, after making big donations to the Trump campaign, that regulation gets lighter. Crypto-linked stocks in Coinbase, MicroStrategy, Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings have jumped between 11% and 21%. Sir Keir is seeking to build a relationship with the incoming US president - PA/Stefan Rousseau Sir Keir Starmer is set to reveal plans to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP within weeks of Donald Trump taking office, The Telegraph understands. The long-awaited timetable for increasing UK military spending is expected to be announced in the spring as Labour looks to build a relationship with the incoming US president. The move would be seen as an olive branch to Mr Trump, who for years has railed against European allies for riding on the coat-tails of US defence spending and called for more contributions. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, used an interview with The Telegraph to declare the Government will always do whats necessary to defend the country, saying a path to 2.5 per cent GDP spending was on its way. Government insiders, Labour grandees and defence industry sources have all told The Telegraph they expect the timetable for hitting 2.5 per cent to be unveiled in spring 2025, just weeks after Mr Trump enters the White House in January. It would follow the completion of the strategic defence review and potentially come alongside the announcements for the Ministry of Defences (MoD) budgets for 2027 and 2028. While the exact date for when Britain would hit 2.5 per cent has not been decided, Ben Wallace, the former Tory defence secretary, called for Sir Keir to hit the target by 2028 and then go even further to reach 3 per cent by 2030. No 10 along with leaders across the world is scrambling to map out the implications of Mr Trumps return to the White House in January after victory in the US presidential election this week. Downing Street has ordered officials to provide advice on the impact of a Trump presidency on the UK economy, the Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East. The entire Cabinet gathered in the Foreign Office on Friday for a long-planned away day on political issues. Past Labour criticism of Mr Trump could complicate attempts to forge strong personal ties. One theme of Mr Trumps two presidential campaigns and one term in the White House is frustration at fellow members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) for not spending more on defence. The UK currently spends around 2.2 per cent each year of GDP on defence. That is above the 2 per cent target set by Nato for its members and puts Britain in eighth place for spending out of the 32 Nato members. An uplift to 2.5 per cent would see the UK jump to fourth place in the Nato league table. Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, pledged to increase UK defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. Sir Keir has said he shares the ambition but scrapped the timetable when he took office. Sources in No 10, the Treasury, the Foreign Office and the MoD did not dispute that the 2.5 per cent uplift is likely to be unveiled in spring 2025. It could come alongside the Treasurys spring statement, which will announce the budget for every government department for at least two more years after a spending review, or possibly even a little before. The exact timing of the statement has not been announced but is expected to be held in March or April. Mr Healey told The Telegraph: This is a Government that will always do whats necessary to defend the country, and will always do whats necessary for defence and the Armed Forces. And were also a Government that will set a path to 2.5 per cent of GDP. Mr Wallace said: Three per cent by 2030 is the only way we will maintain our leadership and deliver a modern Armed Forces. The 2.5 per cent level should be a staging post on that trajectory and should be delivered by 2028. A government spokesman said: This Government is clear-eyed about the threats we face, with the world becoming more volatile and technology changing the nature of warfare. The alleged assaults occurred over the span of three years and the majority of incidents happened within the Washington DC area, an army spokesperson said. Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images A US army major has been accused of raping or otherwise sexually assaulting at least 20 victims during a span of three years, according to the military branchs office of special trial counsel. On Thursday, the office of special trial counsel confirmed to the Army Times that it had accused Jonathan J Batt a major assigned to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center in Crystal City, Virginia of three charges involving 76 specifications of sexual abuse. In a statement to multiple military news outlets including the Army Times, Task and Purpose and Stars and Stripes, an office of special trial counsel spokesperson, Michelle McCaskill, said that the charges include 14 specifications of rape, 20 of sexual assault, three of abusive sexual contact, 15 of aggravated assault by strangulation, one of aggravated assault by suffocation, 22 of assault consummated by battery and one specification of obstructing justice. According to McCaskill, the alleged assaults occurred between 1 December 2019 and 17 February 2023. The majority of the alleged assaults happened within the Washington DC area, she added. The first allegation made against Major Batt was reported to the Alexandria police department, McCaskill told Task and Purpose. She added that the police notified the armys criminal investigation division, which subsequently uncovered additional allegations involving multiple victims. Batt served as an infantry officer since May 2007, Task and Purpose reported. From August 2009 to May 2020, he was deployed to Afghanistan four times and among other honors earned two Bronze Star medals for valor. In a statement to the Army Times, Batts lawyer, Phil Cave, said: We intend to represent him vigorously and we have no further comment at this time. According to McCaskill, Batt was placed in pre-trial confinement and was then released after a 1 November hearing. A military judge ordered Major Batts release from confinement after determining that the government had not demonstrated that lesser forms of restraint were inadequate to protect the community and assure Major Batts presence at trial, McCaskill said. She added: Since charges were preferred in this case, Major Batt has complied with all orders of his commander. Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Danielle Deadwyler, left, and John David Washington in a scene from "The Piano Lesson." David Lee/Associated Press By now, John David Washington has established himself as an actor to the extent that he can afford to do something he has not done before: give a Denzel Washington performance. While its an incalculable advantage for an actor to have a hugely successful movie-star father, theres still the difficulty of establishing ones own identity, especially when, like John David Washington, he sounds very much like one of the signature actors of the past 30 years. To distinguish himself from Dad, the younger Washington has given mostly low-key performances (BlacKkKlansman) and has appeared in genre films his father would never make (Tenet, The Creator). But in The Piano Lesson directed by his brother, Malcolm Washington he goes full-on Denzel, and its something to delight in and marvel at. Just by virtue of biology, nobody can do it better, and no one has more of a right to try. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What Washington does is his father in his hypercharged, antic mode. You know, that thing that Denzel often does, where he is charming and boisterous and laughing along with the people laughing with him, and yet theres a look in his eyes thats a little too watchful, that he knows hes manipulating people, that he has another agenda (Training Day). In The Piano Lesson, the agenda for Boy Willie (John David Washington) is to sell a piano. He bursts into the movie and his sisters house in the early morning, ready to entertain and steamroll everybody. He energizes the entire movie not to the extent that his father might have (thats the risk you take when you get into the ring with Dad), but good enough. Based on the play of the same name by August Wilson, The Piano Lesson takes place in 1936. Boy Willie is excited that he has two-thirds of the money needed to buy land that he believes will lift him out of his hand-to-mouth life. To raise that money, he wants to sell an heirloom piano, which he owns half of, but his sister, Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), who owns the other half, refuses to sell. The piano in question is a gallery of the familys pain, full of carvings of the familys enslaved ancestors. It also has elements of the supernatural. When Boy Willie tries to move it, the hands of clocks spin around, and a ghost is making its presence known every evening. As in Lorraine Hansberrys 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun, the movie features a desperate Black man who believes he needs a certain sum of money in order to have some dignity in his life. Also as in Raisin, theres a sense that he shouldnt get it. Somehow Wilson persuades us to understand that Berniece, who barely ever touches the piano and never plays it, is in touch with the deep currents that the piano represents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'The Piano Lesson' Rated R: For strong language, violent content, smoking, some suggestive references Running time: 125 minutes Where: Playing at iPic Houston; Begins streaming Nov. 22 on Netflix (out of 5) Deadwyler, who was remarkable in Till, is equally remarkable as Berniece, a widow and a caregiver, who is raising a child, coping with ghosts and dealing with the burden of having more sense than anyone. Over and over, Deadwyler is able to seem both open to people and yet full of so much rage that she could explode at any moment. The film is a showcase for a talented ensemble of Black actors, not the least of whom is Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Doaker, an older, mellow wise man. Jackson played the role in the 2022 Broadway revival. Even more interesting is the fact that Jackson was the understudy of Charles S. Dutton, who played Boy Willie in the original 1990 Broadway production. Just imagine those theatergoers who were disappointed at an understudy filling in, only to have that actor turn out to be Jackson. The French foreign minister said the actions of Israeli security forces were unacceptable - Chloe Rouveyrolles-Bazire/AFP Two French officials were arrested by Israeli security forces at a holy site in Jerusalem, sparking a diplomatic incident between the countries. A scuffle broke out after a large number of Israeli police officers burst into the compound of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives ahead of a visit by Jean-Noel Barrot, Frances foreign minister. Following the incident, Mr Barrot cancelled his visit to the sacred site which is under French administration and accused Israel of harming bilateral ties between the countries. In a video, one of the French officials, both of whom have diplomatic status, can be seen being grabbed by Israeli forces and then pushed down to the ground as he shouted in English: Do not touch me before being forced into a police van. Credit: Sami Boukhelifa/RFI Another video showed the arrest of the second official who shouted and made a phone call as he was detained. The site, one of four administered by France in Jerusalem, is considered Pariss responsibility and deemed part of France. I am not going to enter the Eleona complex today because Israeli security forces entered with weapons, without first obtaining authorisation from France and without agreeing to leave today, Mr Barrot said in a statement late on Wednesday. This situation is unacceptable, and this violation of the integrity of an area under French responsibility risks undermining the ties I had come to nurture with Israel at a time when we all need to move the region forward on the path to peace. Credit: Sami Boukhelifa/RFI The incident has increased the existing strain on relations between the two countries, which are already fraught over Israels military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The Israeli ambassador to Paris will be summoned in the coming days, the French foreign ministry said in a statement. During the visit, an argument arose between the Israeli security forces and two French security guards, an Israeli foreign ministry statement said, adding they were released immediately after they identified themselves as diplomats. The foreign ministry added that every visiting foreign leader is accompanied by its security personnel, a point that had been clarified in advance in the preparatory dialogue with the French embassy in Israel. Relations between France and Israel have worsened since Emmanuel Macron, the French president, called for an end to the supply of offensive weapons and urged Israel to cease hostilities and focus on diplomacy. US voters have again responded to Donald Trumps read of the state of America. Composite: Guardian Design / Getty Images Top of the weekend to you all. On high rotation over here: Iron Maidens Powerslave, though this weeks soundtrack has bounced around from synthwave to metalcore since events transpired in the US. If youre still trying to process it all, this weeks first read has some insights. 1. Why Trumps victory should not have been a surprise Much of the globe gasped a collective WTF? when Donald Trump romped to victory in the US presidential election. But the Guardians UK columnist Owen Jones, who spent the last few days of the campaign in the swing states, was not surprised. From Wisconsin to Pennsylvania, with a level of message discipline [that] would put many a government to shame, Trump supporters told him the same thing. For the Democrats, who misread the tea leaves, Jones suggests a reckoning surely beckons. Notable quote: Harris made the preservation of democracy the key dividing line. For some voters, this was either too abstract or they simply didnt care: they wanted politicians to solve their problems. How long will it take to read: Two minutes. Alternatively: It could be Taylor Swifts fault. 2. When filler removal goes wrong Celebrities who led the hyaluronic acid filler trend are now taking to their lips, cheeks and chin with a new injection: hyaluronidase, or dissolver. Unfortunately, some women are learning dermal fillers are not easy come, easy go for everyone. Lana Hristovskis cheeks and lips caved in and her under-eyes were left with deep hollows when she had her fillers removed in 2015. These celebrities make it sound so wonderful, says the 49-year-old Victorian. But its really not worth it. Trend watch: Duck lips arent really a thing any more, declares Ellie Scales, a 25-year-old TikToker. As a Sydney resident, I respectfully disagree. How long will it take to read: Five minutes. 3. The people who dared to bare all Erika Roe disrobed and invaded the pitch at a Wallabies Test at Twickenham in 1982. Im so bored with the articles people write about me, says Roe, now 66. But you have to keep up with the Where are they nows. Of course it is an Australian Michael OBrien who is regarded as the godfather of modern streakers. Youll know the image, again from Twickenham, in 1974: of a police officer covering the Jesus lookalikes modesty with his helmet. OBrien returned home to a life of relative anonymity. Other streakers became serial pests. Simon Hattenstone finds out why people strip off and run the gauntlet. *** Were a family who walks around naked. They were excited. Erika Roe of her parents reaction when she called them from the police station. She was released without charge. How long will it take to read: Ten minutes. 4. How Countdown changed Australian culture Unless you were punks or Midnight Oil (who famously never appeared), Countdown was the gateway to pop success in Australia from 1974 to 1987. The Molly Meldrum-hosted music show kicked off on the ABC 50 years ago this week, helping make household names of Sherbet, Skyhooks and hundreds of haircut bands. Myf Warhurst is one of the hosts of the public broadcasters anniversary special, screening on Saturday 16 November in Australia. Her first Countdown memory: laying a kiss on the TV screen while Daryl Braithwaite mimed Sherbets Howzat in 1976. Not just the superstars: Brisbanes Riptides drove to Melbourne and hand-delivered their record to Meldrum at home, begging for a slot and it worked. How long will it take to read: Four minutes. Further reading: David Stratton on a life reviewing films and the beloved Australian classic he changed his mind about. 5. The agony of ketamine addiction The reasons drug users turn to ketamine are myriad. Its typically cheaper than cocaine. Its anaesthetic effect is coveted by those trying to self-medicate emotional distress. And, says Nick, a 16-year user now in recovery, it puts you in a fairy world. Nick has learned the hard way that what goes up must come down. His bladder has shrunk and will likely need to be removed. Its just a sneaky drug, he says. It tricks your brain. And experts still dont have all the answers about a substance that claimed the life of the Friends actor Matthew Perry. I felt like I was peeing glass: Like Nick, Jack Curran is a recovering addict who now works at a UK rehab clinic. His bladder control was at times so poor he wore nappies. How long will it take to read: Six minutes. Further reading: Wastewater analysis indicates Australians appetite for ketamine has hit a record high for a second year running. Sign up If you would like to receive these Five Great Reads to your email inbox every weekend, sign up here. And check out out the full list of our local and international newsletters, including The Stakes, your guide to the twists and turns of the US presidential election. Kemi Badenoch spars with Keir Starmer at PMQs in the House of Commons. Photograph: House of Commons/Reuters Kemi Badenochs election as Conservative party leader may have been somewhat eclipsed by the US election, but it nonetheless represents a political milestone. Her positioning as a culture warrior is, to some, proof not of a changing Conservative party but one with a new face for old instincts. Here, the Guardian asks black and minority ethnic campaigners, as well as public and political figures, what it means for the Tories to have a black leader. Ros Griffiths Windrush campaigner, Brixton, south London Ros Griffiths said Badenochs election was an undeniable historic achievement, but weve got to look beyond that. She said: I just dont think her leadership demonstrates any change in the reprehensible policies of the Conservative party [that] created the hostile environment for the Windrush generation. For 14 years, her party has done damage with their views and policies and thats what Im looking at. I wont be dancing in the streets. If shes committed towards dismantling the system that oppresses black and brown people in particular then she might get my attention. Charles Kwaku-Odoi Chief executive, Caribbean and African Health Network Charles Kwaku-Odoi, who is from Manchester, said Badenochs success is good news, because representation matters, and she could inspire. He said: The black community is not homogeneous; we cant just assume a black face around the table will necessarily represent the views of everyone. Our hope is that she will actively listen, study evidence and understand the disparities black people face. In the black community there will be those who are privileged its also about understanding those privileges, compared with those who never really feel their voice matters. Sophie Kabangu PhD student and founder of Colchesters Black Lives Matter movement Sophie Kabangu said Badenochs win feels hollow. This isnt a win for Black people her representation means nothing when her views uphold harmful ideologies. Her public admiration for Trump and staunch support for Israels actions show exactly where she stands. The identities of leaders dont matter when they perpetuate systems of oppression. Samuel Kasumu Former race adviser to Boris Johnson Samuel Kasumu, who was Boris Johnsons race adviser until he resigned in 2021, said: Your typical Conservative is very passionate about meritocracy, so when someone resonates with the things they care about, that person will, regardless of the colour of their skin or many other variables, more likely than not, get to the very top. He said the Conservatives still faced the challenges of engaging with wider society, demonstrating empathy and having a unifying agenda. That can happen under Kemi if its a priority. But the first thing a leader has to decide is: What is the most likely coalition I can gather for me to win? Sunder Katwala Director of thinktank British Future Her election says something very positive about British public life. Its now quite a familiar thing to have ethnic diversity at the top home secretaries, chancellors, foreign secretaries and leaders, said Sunder Katwala. Theres an opening up for black and Asian people who have the qualifications of the in group but thats a different thing to opening up across class lines. Katwala said that while Labour had a stronger record overall, the Tories had accelerated on diversity, although this would not necessarily lead to lots of black and Asian votes. Related: The Long Wave: Is Kemi Badenochs victory a win to Nigerians? Lee Jasper Activist Lee Jasper, a lifelong activist, said the relentlessly driven Badenoch shows that you can go a very long way if you are prepared to speak an unpalatable politics of extremism. He said: One thing is certain, the Tories, with Badenoch at the helm, are putting Labours patronising rhetoric on diversity to the test. He added that with Badenoch hounded by Nigel Farage on her right flank, he feared a race to the bottom that wont bode well for black, Asian and migrant communities and a resurgence of the divisive politics of Enoch Powell. Albie Amankona Broadcaster and vice-chair for outreach of LGBT+ Conservatives Albie Amankona said: [Badenoch] is right when she says things like, I want us to get to a point in time where someones race is no more important than the colour of their eyes. I do honestly think she was the best candidate for the job. She just so happens to be black. What does it mean for the other political parties? Tories have proved time and time again that we have no issue getting people who are not straight white men into positions of power. Selma Taha Executive director, Southall Black Sisters Selma Taha, of Southall Black Sisters, a group that campaigns against violence against women, said Badenochs appointment was a significant political moment that raises the question of whether representation alone is a win for Black, minoritised and migrant communities. She said: Badenochs stance on issues such as institutional racism, immigration and support for the Rwanda scheme reflects policies that challenge the wellbeing and safety of communities we support. We hope under her leadership the Conservative party will move toward policies that respect the rights, dignity and humanity of all. Josh Babarinde Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne Josh Babarinde described this parliament as more diverse than any before. He said: Its really important for young people to be able to look at any area of life and believe they can get there. But beyond identity, which is important, what people want is delivery. Kemi is keen not to talk about identity, and keen to talk about substance. On the substance, Im not sure the record is so great. Drinking and working in the office on Friday In central London, the City, Liverpool Street, Old Street, Canary Wharf, Monument, Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Circus and Goodge Street, Thursday is often bigger than a Friday. Mansion House did double the sales on Thursday last week than it did on Friday, says Sarah Willingham, the founder and CEO of Nightcap, as she runs down a spreadsheet. Willingham owns 46 bars across the UK under names such as Dirty Martini, The Cocktail Club and Tonight Josephine, and her London venues are at the forefront of the phenomenon that has taken root since lockdown: Thirsty Thursdays. With more people working from home (WFH) on Mondays and Fridays otherwise known as the TWaT trend of only going into the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the traditional post-work drinks on Friday have been brought forward by a day. Thursday night has become the new Friday night, albeit there are some signs that the growing corporate fightback against remote working may be reviving the end-of-week trade in the capital and elsewhere. Since lockdown, Thursdays have become by far the busiest night of the week, says Jim, a barman at popular Soho pub The John Snow. Were now as busy on Thursdays as we used to be on Fridays, and vice-versa. The numbers are stark. The volume of passengers coming into Londons major railway stations on a Friday is down by over 15 per cent relative to Thursdays, according to footfall figures from Network Rail via the Rail Data Marketplace. Passenger numbers at Reading are down by around 6 per cent on a Friday while those at Guildford are down by 5 per cent. Overall, the number of workers in central London on a Friday is 36 per cent lower than on a Wednesday, according to figures from the Greater London Authoritys High Streets Data Service (HSDS). In some central London areas, though, Friday workers slump by 68 per cent compared to midweek. Given this, its easy to explain Thirsty Thursdays. Spending peaks in central London between 6pm and 9pm on a Thursday night, says HSDS. Meanwhile, preliminary data from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has found that spending in some bars, restaurants and clubs on Thursday nights has risen by 20-30 per cent when compared with Thursdays in previous years. London, Manchester and other major cities are particularly reflective of this trend: seeing a younger crowd embrace Thursday nights as their preferred time to go out, says Michael Kill, NTIAs chief executive. Official figures from 9,000 pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK provided to The Telegraph by consultancy CGA on behalf of trade body UK Hospitality further bear out this trend. Within London specifically, Fridays have lost ground in recent years when it comes to their share of weekly takings. Thursdays, meanwhile, have either remained static or started outperforming Fridays in certain areas. Around two years ago across London as a whole, Thursday nights accounted for 16.5 per cent of venues weekly takings compared to 18.4 per cent on a Friday night. In the most recent quarter, these figures were 16.8 per cent and 17.5 per cent respectively. But while central London may be comparatively subdued on a Friday night, non-central areas have taken up the slack. A displacement doughnut effect has occurred because people are going out close to where they work (ie their homes). Willinghams Nightcap company has three bars in Clapham, the popular commuter district in south-west London. It speaks volumes that 6 per cent of Willinghams entire national estate is in this one area. And these bars are heaving on a Friday. Friday night at the Blame Gloria bar near Clapham Junction, where a Pornstar Martini cocktail costs 12, is miles bigger than Thursday, says Willingham. And Friday sales at The Cocktail Club in Clapham are three times bigger than Thursdays. Those working from home are more likely to go out close to where they work (ie their homes) - mihailomilovanovic Doughnuts are not just a London thing. Nathan Clark owns two venues in Leeds the Brudenell Social Club, a music venue outside the city centre, and The Social bar in the city centre. Hes noticed that Fridays in the centre are definitely down in comparison to pre-Covid. This aside, there remains a significant North-South divide in the UK. Railway station passenger numbers actually rise in cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow on a Friday. Away from London, spending across thousands of hospitality venues is far more evenly spread across the week, with Fridays still outperforming Thursdays, and Saturdays attracting by far the highest proportion of spend, according to the CGA figures. Theres definitely a very big difference between London and the regions, says Willingham. In the regions, its all about Saturday. It seems that WFH is a disproportionately southern phenomenon. But even in London, not all sectors are seeing the Thursday effect. Theatres, for example, remain buoyant on Fridays. Patrick Gracey is a West End producer and board member of the Society of London Theatre. Although he has seen an increase in audiences attending Thursday evening performances, he says that Friday night performances remain as popular as ever in the West End. Despite the trend in many offices of people working from home on a Friday, they are drawn back into central London on a Friday evening, says Gracey. The same can be said for music venues. Ruari Frew, head of programming at Camdens Jazz Cafe, says that attendances are headliner-led rather than day-of-the-week-led. I still think things feel better on a Friday than a Thursday, more people want to go out, Frew tells me. But Thursday shouldnt get complacent polishing its newly acquired crown: there are signs that its old adversary Friday is making a tentative comeback in general. Data earlier this year from Virgin Media O2 showed that 40 per cent of companies were returning to a five-days-in-the-office routine. In January, property company Landsec, which owns over six million square feet of office space (95 per cent of which is in London), said that the number of people coming into its offices on a Friday was the highest since 2022. Earlier this year, Deutsche Bank banned staff from working at home on Fridays and Mondays. Workers in central London now spend an average of 2.7 days a week in the office, up from 2.2 days a week last year, according to research last month by think tank Centre for Cities. Although London still lags behind New York, Paris and Singapore, work patterns are starting to morph back to their pre-pandemic form. The big hold-out, it seems, is the civil service, which employs 107,000 people in London. In a Telegraph investigation into various government departments in June, insiders spoke of empty offices on Fridays, rarely present senior managers and [the] near-death of in-person meetings. Still, the gradual return more generally is being reflected in the citys pubs and bars. People are coming back into London, says Nightcaps Willingham. If I take the data from the last six months, Thursdays are not as big as they were the previous year, so I would conclude from that that people are coming back into the office. Some British institutions, though, hover above the vagaries of TWaT-ism altogether. It appears to be business as usual for that great end-of-night ritual, the post-pub kebab. Or it would be, if people had any money. It used to be busy on a Thursday but not any more. We only get busy on a Friday and Saturday. Sunday used to be very good but even Sunday is dead, explains the proprietor of Gizel Kebab near Clapham Common tube station. The reason? The public doesnt have any money to spend. Ah yes, the good old cost of living crisis. Its this stark economic reality, rather than the days that people travel into the office, that may actually be of greater consequence for Britains bars, pubs and restaurants going forward. Forget the TWaTs and the WFH-ers. At the end of the day, its the economy, stupid. Ans Westra, Ratana Pa, 1972. Arthur Uruamo (right) was identified after the photo appeared on a billboard in central Wellington as part of a campaign by Westras family and Suite Gallery. Photograph: Ans Westra When a black-and-white photo of a man and a woman sitting on a patterned sofa outside an old weatherboard house appeared on a billboard in central Wellington recently, Arthur Uruamos phone lit up. A lot of people have rung me about that photo, Uruamo tells the Guardian. People recognised me and said: hey Arthur, Im sure thats you in that photo, and I said, it is me! Taken in 1972, the photo shows Uruamo, then 20, and his cousin attending the annual 25 January celebrations at Ratana Pa a Maori church and movement in the lower North Island. Uruamo recalls the photo being taken but did not realise the woman holding the camera was one of New Zealands best-known social documentary photographers, Ans Westra. Westra died last year, aged 86, leaving behind more than 300,000 images of New Zealand life over many decades. The image of Uruamo as a young man on the billboard was put up as part of a campaign being run by Westras family and Suite Gallery in Wellington to identify thousands of people the photographer captured over her lifetime. While Uruamo had always known about the photo, after seeing it on the billboard he contacted the gallery and they were finally able to identify him. The campaign to find the subjects in Westras photos will continue over the next few months. A selection of Westras photographs, taken in Wellington during the 1970s and 1980s, will appear on social media, billboards, stickers and light projections around the city. With the publics help, the project hopes to identify and catalogue the many unnamed people in the images. People are asked to contact the gallery if they have information, with the hopes of connecting any living subjects. Westra was born in the Netherlands and moved to New Zealand in the 1950s. Over 64 years, she documented life in New Zealand and overseas, with the images now housed in a large vault in Wellington. A selection of these are being digitally catalogued through the National Library of New Zealand. Her work varied widely from landscapes and street life, to gangs and the domestic everyday but she is perhaps best known for capturing Maori communities at a time of great social change, which prompted both acclaim and controversy. Related:New Zealand Maori life captured by famed photographer Ans Westra picture essay While Westra developed close and enduring relationships with many communities, she did not always record the identities of those she photographed. Her method was very much in the background, observing, says Westras daughter, Lisa van Hulst. She wouldnt always stop and write down who was in her photographs that would have interfered with her work. Now particularly in the digital age it is generally viewed as best practice to record the identities of people in photographs, Suite Gallery owner David Alsop says, adding part of projects aim is to bring Westras work in line with modern standards. For all Ans did, she could be criticised for not having recorded the names of the people so this is trying to complete the work for her and not just for her, but for the people in the photographs and future generations. Alsop and Van Hulst hope the Wellington campaign will inspire others around the country to dip into the National Library catalogue, where they can search Westras archive for a specific time and place, and potentially identify themselves or others. Related:Unguarded moments: small-town life in New Zealand and Australia in the 80s and 90s in pictures Westra saw her work as something that belonged to the nation and should be accessible, Van Hulst says. [Identification] adds a depth to the collection that elevates it from being just photographs to 60 years of New Zealand history. For Uruamo, the photo of himself as a young man is more than just an historical document: its a story. Its the same for me as it is for others who see their photo it brings back some good memories. In Uruamos case, it also brought back love. The year his photo was taken by Westra, an unknown woman who liked the look of Uruamo boldly walked up to him and held his hand, but the young pair lost touch after the Ratana celebrations. Fifty years later, the same woman saw Westras photograph of Uruamo on Facebook and recognised the man she had fancied many years earlier. She asked if anyone could identify the man, which resulted in the pair reconnecting. They are soon to be married, Uruamo says. She saw that picture and she fell in love again. Restaurateur Nisha Katona is leaving the Great British Menu after three series on the judging panel and will be replaced by Scottish chef Lorna McNee. For the BBC Two shows 20th series, McNee, a former champion of the show, will join chef Tom Kerridge and comedian Ed Gamble in the search to find the best cuisine in Britain. The programme sees top chefs from various regions compete to produce a menu around a specific theme, and if successful the chefs dishes are served at a prestigious banquet. Nisha Katona (BBC/Optomen Television/Ashleigh Brown/PA) Katona, 53, who has been a judge on the show since 2022, said: I absolutely loved the time I was lucky enough to spend on Great British Menu. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I pass on this most delicious of batons. I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly. I loved every moment I was fortunate enough to spend with them. McNee, who hails from Forres on the Moray coast, is head chef at Glasgows Michelin-starred restaurant Cail Bruich, and is the only female chef in Scotland to currently hold the prestigious award, according to the BBC. Speaking about her new role, McNee said: Winning Great British Menu back in 2018 made a huge difference to my career as a chef and was partly behind me becoming chef director at Cail Bruich, so I know just how much the competition means to Britains chefs. Being invited to join the judges this year was a total surprise but a delight, and Im loving the chance to help choose this years banquet finalists. Tom, Ed, and Andi (Oliver) have made me feel very welcome, and Im also meeting some amazing guest judges every week each of whom has been invited to help us choose the dishes representing their areas to go with this years theme of UK heroes. Chef Oliver, who has acted as a host and mentor on the show since 2017, said: It is an honour and continues to be a huge privilege to mentor Britains top chefs through the process of competing on Great British Menu, and its incredible to think the series is now in its 20th year. The competition strives to provide a platform for new chef talent from all over Britain, and we hope to do so for many years to come. In fact, this year its great to see a former winner of our competition, Scotlands formidable Lorna McNee, join us as a judge. Lorna McNee (BBC/Optomen Television/Ashleigh Brown/PA) Audiences are in for a treat. The chefs have come up with incredible ideas on this years theme. Its so exciting to see how many of them have come up with unsung local heroes for us to celebrate. This seasons theme, Great Britons, will see the chefs draw inspiration from notable people from their area. Each episode will feature a guest judge with strong connections to the region or nation being judged who will help decide the winning chef. In September it was announced that Katona would front a new series called Nisha Katonas Home Kitchen, commissioned for ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player. Launching in spring 2025, the Mowgli Street Food restaurants founder will welcome viewers into her home, near the Wirral, as she prepares some of her favourite dishes. Series 20 of Great British Menu will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in early 2025. Sara Sharifs father has tearfully told a court he felt his world crushed as he held her lifeless body in his arms. Taxi driver Urfan Sharif, 42, told jurors he found the 10-year-old collapsed after his wife Beinash Batool called him home from work on the evening of August 8 last year. Asked to describe his emotional state as he hugged and kissed his daughter, Sharif told jurors: I was numb. My world crushed, the whole world has fallen on me. Sharif is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of Saras murder, along with her stepmother Batool, 30, and uncle Faisal Malik, 29. Giving evidence on Friday, Sharif said Sara was limp on Batools lap in a bedroom by the time he returned to the family home in Woking, Surrey. His wife had claimed Sara was being dramatic and pretending not to get up after she fell on the stairs while being silly with another child, the court was told. Sharif said: I lifted her left arm but she wouldnt get up. Her arm was limp. I dropped it and it just went down. I tapped her face, asked Sara to get up, but she didnt get up so I took Sara from Batools lap and tapped her again. She opened her eyes, said she is thirsty, needs water, and shes feeling sleepy. I shouted for water. She (Batool) gave me the water but she (Sara) didnt drink. She did not wake up, she was sleeping. Sharif went on: I shouted for (an) ambulance because I could not hear breathing. I checked the pulse and there was none. I started giving her CPR. I was numb, like I am now. I was shocked. Sara Sharif (Surrey Police/PA) He carried on chest compressions as Batool stood by and shouted at him in Urdu: Wake her up, wake her up, she cannot die, jurors were told. After about 10 minutes, he stopped and Batool hugged him and said: Leave her, Sara is dead, the court heard. Sharif said he asked Batool where the ambulance was, but she told him: Theres no point. There is no need because shes dead. He told jurors he did not call emergency services himself because Batool snatched the phone from him and told him he should protect the family. I wasnt myself. I was all over the place. When I left about an hour ago I hugged her, kissed her, I didnt know what happened. I picked her up. I just hugged her and was kissing her. I could not believe that she was gone. I was not accepting. Im still not accepting that my daughter is gone. I was just hugging her, thats it. I was just asking her, wake up, just once. I was in shock, numb like Im sitting here. I could not understand what had happened. Sara Sharifs stepmother, Beinash Batool after being detained at Gatwick Airport (Surrey Police/PA) Sharif closed Saras eyes with his hands, Batool shed a few tears and then Malik came upstairs and burst into tears after failing to find a pulse, the court heard. The defendant claimed the initial plan was for Batool to go to her relatives in Luton so he could call police and say Sara died in his care. Batool made 30 calls to members of her family but they did not help because they were scared, he said. Sharif said he carried Sara into the bathroom to clean her body but was physically stopped by Batool who told him: Are you stupid, just leave her. The defendant said he was shocked to see a red mark on Sara before Batool explained the other child had beaten and stamped on her. Sharif said he wrote a letter confessing to killing her daughter and left it beside Saras body so he could take the blame. But it was Batool who instructed him to say in the note that he had lost it, he said. Later that night, flights were booked for the family to travel to Pakistan the next day. Sharif said it was selfish and inhuman to leave his daughter alone like an orphan. Jurors have heard how police found Saras body after Sharif called from Islamabad on August 10. A post-mortem examination found she suffered dozens of injuries, including burns from an iron, human bite marks and signs of restraint. The defendants were detained on their return to the UK on September 13 last year. By then, Sharif told jurors he had every intention of taking the blame again but changed his mind after being told about the extent of Saras injuries. He said: I couldnt believe it. I was crying so much was going on under my nose that I didnt know. I didnt do it. (The other child) was not capable of doing that. Defence barrister Naeem Mian KC asked: Who did you think did it then? Sharif replied: There is only one person left Beinash. Concluding his questions, Mr Mian said: It will be put to you, Mr Sharif, you are manipulative, you are controlling, you, Mr Sharif, were exerting coercion over Batool, you, Mr Sharif, are the person who would beat the crap out of Sara, not (the child), not Batool, but you. You, Mr Sharif, would beat Sara with a cricket bat, you would beat her with a white pole. and ultimately that it is you who is responsible for the death of your daughter. Sharif denied it, saying: Every single thing that happened happened when I am not at home. Batool sobbed in the dock throughout Sharifs evidence on Friday and Malik wiped his eyes and bowed his head. The defendants, formerly of Hammond Road, Woking, deny murder and causing or allowing the death of a child between December 16 2022 and August 9 2023. The trial was adjourned until 2pm on Monday. Sir Keir Starmer pledged that the Government will be the one that delivers the innovation and reform our country needs when he met with ministers. The Prime Minister gathered the Cabinet on the same day it was announced that two former advisers to former prime minister Sir Tony Blair had been given senior jobs in Whitehall. Sir Keir told ministers on Friday that Number 10 would be organised through two main pillars: one for policy delivery and innovation, and one for national and international security. He said: We are going to do this. We are going to be the Government that delivers the innovation and reform our country needs so we can deliver the change the country voted for at the general election. Number 10 also announced that Sir Tonys deputy chief of staff, Liz Lloyd, would become the director of policy delivery and innovation. Ms Lloyd is expected to take up the position in the new year. As well as working for the former prime minister, she was also an adviser at Number 10, in sectors including home affairs and the environment, and currently works as chief impact officer at British International Investment. It was one of two appointments announced by the Government on Friday, as Sir Keir appointed Jonathan Powell who also used to work for Sir Tony as chief of staff was announced as National Security Adviser. The veteran diplomat recently played a major role in talks over the Chagos Islands sovereignty dispute, which earlier this year saw Britain hand the territory over to Mauritius. He will take over from Sir Tim Barrow in the position based in Number 10 after serving for 17 years in the Foreign Office and a decade in Downing Street. The Prime Minister said Mr Powells experience in helping to broker a peace deal in Northern Ireland and working on some of the worlds most complex conflicts meant he was uniquely qualified to advise the Government on global challenges. A review has been launched into the the future of linear TV as streaming and on-demand platforms drive the growth in online viewing. A Future of TV Distribution report predicted that by 2040, 95% of UK households will be able to watch TV on the internet which, according to campaigners, could leave behind the vulnerable who cannot afford smart sets. Researchers at the University of Exeter and others, commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), said 1.5 million people would be left with only having access to conventional linear broadcasting in the next 16 years. The team looked at the trends after finding in 2023 that 87% of UK households had access to an internet-enabled primary TV, and 18% used the internet exclusively to watch television programmes. The Broadcast 2040+ campaign is calling on the Government to ensure people are not left behind as habits change. Elizabeth Anderson, chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance, a new Government forum which is a member of the campaign, said: There are millions of people who rely on terrestrial TV to stay informed, entertained and connected and will do so for many years to come. These are often the poorest in our society who dont have the option of buying smart TVs or expensive broadband subscriptions. This new Government cannot leave the most vulnerable behind in the move to streaming. We urge this review to prioritise terrestrial TV for those who need it. The DCMS has commissioned a new working group on the future of linear TV, which brings together Ofcom, the industry and audience organisations to examine how to help those without broadband. It is vital that no one is left behind Minister @Steph_Peacock will chair the Future of TV Distribution Stakeholder Forum, bringing together important voices to discuss how UK audiences will view TV programmes in the decades to come Find out more: https://t.co/regdq8N8J6 Department for Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) November 8, 2024 Media minister Stephanie Peacock said: Streaming has revolutionised the television industry. Viewers have never had more choice over what to watch and how to access content. As the shift towards streaming and watching live broadcasting online continues, it is vital that no one is left behind. I want to ensure that as many people as possible can watch TV in a way that suits them. This new forum, bringing together the major players in the TV industry and audience groups, will help deliver a long-term plan that ensures everyone in society can access world-class British content in the decades to come. Jezz Vernon, principal investigator and senior lecturer in film at the University of Exeter, put the growth down to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ as well as the popularity of video-on-demand services from traditional broadcasters. He said: Our research reveals the fundamental shift that has been accelerating in the way we consume television services. The vast majority of households now combine digital terrestrial television or satellite with broadband-based internet delivery and some have even switched over completely to the latter. Media minister Stephanie Peacock (Martin Rickett/PA) The combined popularity of video-on-demand subscription content, such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney+, and the internet services provided by UK public service broadcasters, including BBC iPlayer and ITVX, are undoubtedly fuelling this change. But the challenge is understanding the obstacles that will still persist for the unconnected homes in 2040. The researchers believe that by 2040 an estimated 400,000 households will not connect to broadband services, and another 1.1 million with internet connectivity will not be linking up their TV. Currently, 17% of households depend on digital terrestrial television for their viewing, the report said. It added that 90% of these viewers are aged over 55 and living in the north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with other risk factors being relative poverty and disability. The new Government group will also look at how to establish a sustainable television ecosystem that works for both audiences and the industry, and will be split into smaller forums looking at the TV sector, infrastructure and audience groups. The groups will be led respectively by Gill Hind, chief operating officer and director of TV at Enders Analysis, Richard Lindsay-Davies, chief executive of trade body Digital TV Group, and Catherine Johnson, a professor of media and communications at the University of Leeds, who provides guidance to the DCMS. The researchers who contributed to the report also included the University of Leeds and industry consultants MTM 3 Reasons, Real Wireless and Cartesian as well as support from the R&D science and analysis programme at DCMS. Trevor Sorbie was known for cutting the hair of the rich and famous including Grace Jones, The Beach Boys and Dame Helen Mirren, but it was the opportunity to help sick people suffering from hair loss that made him proud. The hairdresser, who gained fame with the creation of the wedge cut in the 1970s, died aged 75 peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, a statement from his team announced on Instagram on Friday. Born in Paisley, Scotland, on March 13 1949, his family later moved to England where Sorbie was bullied at school, leading him to drop out as a teenager when he began as an apprentice in his fathers barber shop. In 1979 he opened the first Trevor Sorbie salon in Covent Garden, London, with the company going on to open locations in Brighton, Bristol, Hampstead, Manchester and Richmond. Dame Helen Mirren is among those who had their hair styled by Trevor Sorbie (Victoria Jones/PA) Sorbie was a four-time British Hairdresser of the Year winner and his methods helped to transform the world of hairdressing through trend-setting styles such as the wolf man, sculpture, and the wave and a fast-drying process called the scrunch. He garnered increased public attention thanks to various broadcast appearances including This Morning, The Wright Stuff, GMTV and Mary Queen Of Shops. He also appeared on Channel 4 programme Faking It, where a professional would show a novice how to excel in their field, as a mentor along with TV chef Gordon Ramsay. Despite numerous awards and styling the hair of Chris Tarrant, Chesney Hawkes, and Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Sorbie said his biggest accolade was being made an MBE by Queen Elizbeth II in 2004. Sorbie began volunteering at Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, Surrey, after beginning to step back from the salon floor in 2006. He told The Times it really unnerved him when he was asked to cut the wig of a patient for her wedding, but told she might die before then. Trevor Sorbie meeting the Princess Royal in 2003 (PA) She died the next day, but as I shut the door (after cutting her wig), I remember thinking for the first time in my life, Im not just a hairdresser, I feel special, he recalled. In 2009, he began to focus his efforts on his charity, My New Hair, which gives advice to patients and NHS staff on wig styling, hair loss and re-growth after treatment. It was my personal experience of helping a family member during cancer treatment that inspired the idea of My New Hair, he said in a statement on the charitys website. In 2018, he launched a free wig customisation service for NHS patients who have experienced medical hair loss, including those undergoing chemotherapy, at his home through My New Hair. TV presenter Lorraine Kelly with hairdresser Trevor Sorbie in 2002 (Myung Jung Kim/PA) A year later, he revealed to BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs he was seeking to retire, but would continue to cut wigs for people who had lost their hair. Later, Tom Connell, international artistic director, headed up the business as Sorbie focused on his charity. Sorbie also told the Sunday radio show that he had been going through depression and anxiety for much of his life. He recalled how kiss-and-tell coverage of him during the mid-2000s drove him to consider taking his life, and help came through getting a pet. Sorbie said: I read this article years ago and they said that anyone suffering with anxiety and depression, the best medicine is a dog. So I went and got a dog and you know what? Its right. Its so good for me, that little boy. I have to go out for an hour walking and I absolutely adore this little boy. He was later diagnosed with bowel cancer, and revealed the extent of his condition in October 2024 during an appearance on ITVs This Morning. He said he was told in June 2024 that he had maybe six months to live, after the cancer spread to his liver and undergoing a six-and-a-half-hour operation to remove sections of it. Sorbie said that his surgeon would no longer operate as it was too close to a major blood vessel. He also said he would spend the time he had left with his wife, Carole, and loved ones. Sorbie also created training manuals for the industry including the 2005 Bridal Hair Book, and 1998s Visions In Hair, and in 2023 the Fellowship for British Hairdressing launched a prize in his name, called the Trevor Sorbie Award for creative and commercial innovation. A rendering of the future Kids' Meals ExxonMobil Campus. Courtesy of Kids Meals Alvin Abraham at Kids' Meals 16th annual Harvest Luncheon. Daniel Ortiz ExxonMobil has donated $3 million toward Kids' Meals' Building Hope capital campaign, the non-profit organization announced during its 16th annual Harvest Luncheon Friday. The fundraiser was co-chaired by Mayor John Whitmire's daughters, Sarah Whitmire and Whitney Whitmire; their father was in attendance for the event at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston. When the campaign ends in 2031, it will equip Kids' Meals to deliver 26,000 free, healthy meals to pre-school aged children. ExxonMobil's 7-figure gift will establish the 50,000- square-foot facility's name, the Kids' Meals ExxonMobil Campus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sarah Whitmire, Mayor John Whitmire and Whitney Whitmire at Kids' Meals 16th annual Harvest Luncheon. Daniel Ortiz Kids Meals is changing lives and that wouldnt be possible without our incredibly supportive partners," Kids' Meals CEO Beth Harp Braniff said in a statement. "This transformational gift from ExxonMobil will have a lasting impact on the region. We look forward to continuing our mission of ending childhood hunger in Houston at our new, purpose-built facility. The non-profit organization has delivered more than 15 million meals since 2006 on its mission to feed children under age 5 who don't have access to free school-based meals. Its delivery fleet has grown from two delivery vans to 18. Harris County reportedly has more than 80,000 children living in food insecurity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Parents could one day be able to buy NHS-branded baby formula at a lower cost than those offered by existing manufacturers, as part of an effort to stop companies charging too much. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said on Friday that the baby formula market, dominated by Danone, Kendal and Nestle, which together make up more than 90% of sales, needs shaking up. It said companies have limited incentives to compete on price under existing rules, with parents often assuming that more expensive products mean higher quality baby formula for children. The CMA said the UK needs better public health messaging to help parents choose between brands, while it is also looking into a potential price cap, though it stopped short of recommending one. Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: This is a very important and unique market. Were concerned that companies dont compete strongly on price and many parents who may be choosing infant formula in vulnerable circumstances and without clear information opt for more expensive products, equating higher costs with better quality for their baby. We have identified options for change, but now want to work closely with governments in all parts of the UK, as well as other stakeholders, as we develop our final recommendations. Weve published our interim report on the infant formula market. Were concerned parents and carers may be paying over the odds for these products. Read more: https://t.co/vKGukIquh1 pic.twitter.com/zS0pOHQW6y Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) November 8, 2024 Importantly, any changes must continue to support regulation that ensures all formula gives babies the nutrition they need to thrive as well as supporting governments aims on breastfeeding. The CMA said it would consult on its findings and issue a full report next year. The watchdog laid out a number of concerns about the market which appear to be contributing to parents paying over the odds. One possible solution put forward would be for the Government to procure infant formula from a third-party contract manufacturer at a competitive price point. The Government may be able to use an established brand name for its infant formula, such as NHS, or invest in establishing a new brand, it added. The recommendation would ultimately amount to a state-issued product entering the market to compete with existing ones. Meanwhile, it could also set a maximum price on infant formula or enforce a cap on profit margins. Richard Walker, the boss of Iceland, has previously called for a price cap, describing current market practices as exploitation of parents. UK must roll out the red carpet for Trump, Nigel Farage says The UK needs to roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump following the US election, Nigel Farage has said. The leader of Reform UK has said the British government needs to do everything it can to welcome Mr Trump and negotiate a trade deal, at the partys conference in Newport, Wales on Friday. Mr Farage was speaking after returning from a trip from the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he celebrated Mr Trumps election win. Speaking to the PA news agency at the Reform UK Welsh conference on Friday, he said: Roll out the red carpet, thats what theyve got to do (to build bridges). Im pleased to say that the speaker of the House of Commons has made a start by inviting Donald Trump to come and address both Houses of Parliament. Its a big improvement on speaker Bercow before, who banned him from the premises. Whether you like Trump or not, this is the important point that in terms of intelligence sharing, in terms of defence, in terms of investment, in terms of trade, America is our most important relationship. GB News has reported that Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, will not be blocking a visit by Mr Trump, but it is not clear if he has offered Mr Trump a visit. Mr Farage insisted the UK-US relationship was mendable. (The) most important thing will be the tariff regime, he said. Hes talking about putting a 10% tariff on all goods that are being sent to America, and weve got to start negotiating fast to make sure were not part of that. The US election was a key talking point during the conference, with people wearing Make America Great Again clothing, and many speakers raising it as an issue. Matt Goodwin, a right-wing commentator and former university academic, told the conference the Reform movement represents the forgotten majority like Mr Trump does in America. Mr Farage said he has offered to help Labour mend some fences between the UK Government and the president-elect. Reform Leader @Nigel_Farage says @Keir_Starmer must roll out the red carpet for the incoming US President. pic.twitter.com/DzQclEc7nn Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) November 6, 2024 It follows David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, receiving criticism for his previous comments branding Mr Trump a neo-nazi. But Mr Farage said the president-elect is a far more forgiving figure than many people think, with Mr Trump having chosen JD Vance who previously criticised him as his pick for vice president. He also defended his trip to America and his presence in his Clacton constituency, saying: Im moving there, what more do you want? Mr Farage insisted he could not hold in-person surgeries in Clacton, calling it too risky. Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage speaking at the Reform UK Welsh Conference at the Celtic Manor hotel in Newport. (Ben Birchall/PA) Other MPs arent Nigel Farage, other MPs dont have constant death threats its a different kettle of fish and David Amess in Essex, just down the road, was murdered just a few short years ago, he said. Addressing the conference, Mr Farage used his speech to claim his party now has 96,000 members, putting Reform less than 40,000 supporters behind the Conservatives. He said: Isnt it incredible that weve got up now to 96,000 members of this party? And were growing every day. Were growing by hundreds every day. Last week, the Tories revealed there were only 131,680 Tory members eligible to vote for their next leader, a drop from 172,000 in 2022 when Liz Truss defeated Rishi Sunak. He also praised Mr Trumps stunning victory while criticising the UK Labour and Conservative parties. Mr Farage said the Reform UK membership had increased to 96,000. (Ben Birchall/PA Wire) He branded the Governments policies recipes to make the country poorer with a Budget that punishes anybody that does their own thing and said Kemi Badenoch has selected a shadow cabinet of non-entities. His speech was met applause and cries of support from the crowd, with one shouting out traitors when he spoke about Labour staffers campaigning for Kamala Harris. The conference follows a Survation poll, which suggests the party is polling ahead of the Conservatives in Wales and just behind Plaid Cymru. The survey of 2,006 people showed 20% would back the party at the next Senedd elections, with Labour on 30%, Plaid on 21% and the Tories on 17%. The Reform leader called on supporters to join his peoples army in Wales and help Reform UK organise and mobilise. Winning elections is about having a party machine, he said, Winning elections is about a volunteer army. Winning elections is about the power of word of mouth, talking to people. He added: Ive been asked before what my ambitions are. Well here in Wales the primary ambition is to be the main challenger to Labour. But frankly my ambition, sky is the limit. Lets go for it. Lets try and win this. Reform had tables set up outside the conference hall for members to sign up to work supporting the party in their communities. Outside the conference venue a group of around 30 protesters gathered chanting stop the fascists and calling for Nigel Farage to go away. Strike action which closed schools in First Minister John Swinneys constituency has resulted in a credible offer for council workers, leaders of the trade union Unison have said. Non-teaching staff in Perth and Kinross walked out for two weeks as part of the pay dispute, with schools in the area closed as a result of the action. Unison the largest of three unions representing local government workers north of the border said on Friday the walkout had resulted in fresh commitments from councils and the Scottish Government. GMB and Unite previously accepted an offer which will see staff pay rise by 67p per hour, or 3.6% whichever was higher. But Unison said talks following the strike in Perth and Kinross had resulted in the Government and local government body Cosla agreeing to a new pay protocol, together with a minimum hourly rate of 15 and reducing the working week. Cosla said the new commitments meaningfully enhance and strengthen the package on offer. Figures from Cosla indicate three-quarters (75%) of council staff would receive a 67p increase in their hourly rate with this amounting to a rise of 5.6% for the lowest paid staff. Unison will consult its members on the improved deal, recommending they conclude this years negotiations and move to substantial talks for 2025-26. Collette Hunter, Unisons local government chairwoman for Scotland, said: Perth and Kinross members working in education establishments and all our members who rejected the earlier offer have secured these fresh commitments from the Scottish Government and councils. Our members resolve and action has secured a route to a credible offer on pay before April 2025. COSLA have written to trade unions supplementing and enhancing the strong pay offer for local government workers. Read more: https://t.co/gI8Od5oya9 pic.twitter.com/9N0ZP6PGIL COSLA (@COSLA) November 8, 2024 We have also got the Scottish Government to come in the room with us and Cosla to seriously discuss 15 per hour, a reduction in the working week and the whole situation with council finances. Our members have shown they will take a stand on pay. We are asking them to agree to conclude this years pay negotiations and take the campaign for decent pay forward via the commitments we have got for 2025 and beyond. Katie Hagmann, resources spokeswoman for Cosla, said it had been a priority to work hard with trade union partners to find a solution to the dispute. She said: We have listened to Unisons asks in relation to non-pay elements and I am pleased that today we are able to formally respond to a number of their proposals. We have written to all three trade unions, supplementing and enhancing the already strong pay offer on the table, which has been accepted by GMB and Unite. The letter sets out Coslas and the Scottish Governments shared commitment to make meaningful progress in key areas of interest to Unison. Day 5: Perth & Kinross UNISON members are striking for fair pay, not to disrupt schools. Education staff love their jobstheyd rather be in classrooms, but fair treatment is non-negotiable. Its time for the Scottish Gov, Cosla & unions to meet! #UNISONstrikes #FairPayNow pic.twitter.com/lZCaGksgaj UNISON Scotland (@unisonscot) October 25, 2024 While she stressed the pay rise remains at the absolute limit of affordability for councils with no scope to increase its value, Ms Hagman added the additional elements meaningfully enhance and strengthen the package on offer. She said: We are hopeful that this will enable an agreement to be reached with trade unions partners and our pay negotiations to conclude. We have respectfully asked that Unison consider the strengthened offer and suspend any plans for future industrial action. Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison said: I am pleased that Unison are recommending their members agree to end this years pay negotiations, and welcome their willingness to engage and reach agreement on this issue. I hope that commitments from Cosla to deliver non-pay elements will encourage all three unions to reach a collective agreement and avoid further industrial action. We are fully supportive of the approach set out by Cosla, which enhances the offer already accepted by Unite and GMB. The Scottish Government provided 77.5 million to support the pay offer, which represents the absolute limit of affordability. Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon and crime writer Val McDermid have told how books drew them together and remain the mainstay of their friendship, ahead of a December event in Edinburgh. The two will discuss the joys of reading at a festive edition of In The Company Of Books, at Assembly Hall in Edinburgh on December 15, while interrogating guests and drinking mulled wine. The women described their friendship as improbable and said that all their conversations revolve around reading. Former journalist McDermid has sold more than 19 million books internationally and her work has been translated into more than 40 languages. She has received six honorary doctorates and is an Honorary Fellow of St Hildas College, Oxford. MSP Sturgeon was the longest-serving and first woman first minister of Scotland, and represents the Glasgow Southside constituency. Val McDermid speaking to the Queen (Andrew Milligan/PA) After the event in Edinburgh they will host a similar one at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. They said: Books are magic. Portable magic, according to Stephen King. And like magic, books build bridges. In our case, an improbable friendship between a passionate politician and Scotlands queen of crime. Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship. Every conversation we have eventually meanders round to the books we are reading, what weve been enjoying, what has been making us laugh or cry, or keeping us on the edge of our seats. And now we want to share the love. First up, festive fun at Edinburghs Assembly Rooms with two stellar mystery guests, then off to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival where well be joined by two top names from the comedy world. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon will join Val McDermid for the literary event (Jane Barlow/PA) Well be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading. Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers. The event is part of Edinburghs Christmas. A spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburghs Christmas said: We are thrilled to have Val and Nicola bring their in-conversation event to Edinburghs Christmas this year. This is sure to be a highlight in the Christmas calendar and we invite everyone to grab a glass of mulled wine and settle in for what will be a witty, warm and insightful event. Police investigate the scene Thursday where five people were found shot to death inside two homes in Duluth, Minn. Five people, including two juveniles, were found dead in Minnesota, in what appears to be a quadruple murder-suicide spread across two homes. Officers responded to a welfare check at a home on the 6000 block of Tacony Street in Duluth shortly after 2 p.m., the Duluth Police Department said in a release. An employee with the city of Superior was concerned that a coworker had not shown up for work, police said. They found two people, 47-year-old Erin Abramson and her son, 15-year-old Jacob Nephew, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police said they identified a suspect, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, and set up surveillance at his residence, located about a mile northeast of the initial shooting scene. Officers made entry with drones and found two more victims, 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew and her son, 7-year-old Oliver Nephew, also dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers said they found the suspect there as well, deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Anthony Nephew was married to Kathryn Nephew and was Oliver's father. He was previously in a relationship with Erin Abramson and Jacob Nephew was their son, Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said at a press conference on Friday. Ceynowa added that officers have preliminarily seen a pattern of mental health issues with Anthony Nephewy during their investigation. There is no ongoing threat to the Duluth community, police said. "I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and victims who were involved in this tragedy yesterday," Chief Ceynowa said. "We also want to send our condolences to both the Duluth community and Superior community as this is a senseless and tragic event." Low and slow isnt just for stews. Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock When I moved to Italy to go to university at 21 years old, it was the first time Id ever lived away from home. Cooking for myself felt daunting. Aside from occasionally making boxed mac and cheese for the neighborhood kids I babysat, Id barely set foot in the kitchen. My secret fear was that Id accidentally poison myself. Chicken, beef, and pork all seemed intimidating, and without a meat thermometer or much cooking know-how, I was certain Id either end up in an Italian hospital or gravely overcooking my food. Fish, especially salmon, felt more approachable. Salmon is often considered an easy protein to cook since it doesnt require special equipment to check for doneness. You simply cook it until you can flake it with a fork. However, its also easy to overcook, which causes white albumin to seep out. Thats perfectly safe to eat, but overcooking leaves you with a tougher, less enjoyable bite. Over a decade has passed since my salmon misadventures, and, thankfully, Ive learned a lot since then. Still, when I spoke to three chefs who specialize in cooking fish, they all gave me the same answer about the best temperature for roasting salmonand their recommended temperature was a lot lower than I anticipated. The 3 Chefs (and 1 Salmon Expert) I Asked Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock The Best Temperature for Roasting Salmon, According to Experts "Low and slow" is a cooking mantra often associated with large cuts of meat, but it also applies surprisingly well to salmon. Roasting salmon at an ultra-low 275F keeps the fish tender. Surprised your oven even goes that low? At 275F, often considered the roasting temperature, you can slow-cook all sorts of winter dishes, from roasted veggies to fall-apart ribs and braises. Cooking at that temperature results in moist petals of melt-in-the-mouth fish thatll wow your guests, says Resnick. The lower heat allows the fat to render more slowly out of the fish, keeping it juicy and flavorful. Plus, a low, slow oven reduces the amount of odor compounds released during cooking, which means no fishy-smelling kitchen! How To Roast Salmon Place the salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast it in a 275F oven for nine to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet, until it reaches an internal temperature of around 125F for medium-rare. If the salmon still appears translucent, return it to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is opaque. For that golden finish, crank up the broiler for the last minute or two, recommends Langley. Alternatively, try the air fryer, a method Manning favors for its convenience. The air fryer keeps it moister, she explains. I always place it skin-side down. For maximum tenderness, let the salmon rest briefly before serving, allowing its juices to redistribute throughout the filet. Remember that salmon continues cooking on the pan for a few minutes after youve removed it from the oven, so if youre concerned that it might overcook, remove it to a plate. More Tips for a Perfectly Roasted Salmon Mouthwatering salmon starts with choosing a high-quality piece of fish. Whether its farm-raised or wild-caught, select a firm filet without a fishy smell and with intact, closely-knit flesh, as flesh with gaps can indicate excessive handling. If your budget allows, opt for wild-caught salmon with the MSC, or Marine Stewardship Council, certification to support sustainable fishing practices. Wild-caught salmon often has a vibrant color, leaner texture, and deeper flavor. While theres a library of salmon recipes, our chefs suggested a few upgrades to simple roast salmon. James says, For an extra layer of flavor, I like to add a few pats of compound butter, which is mixed with herbs, spices, or other ingredients. My favorites are kimchi butter, miso butter, or a classic lemon-andtender herb compound butter. I spread it on just as the salmon comes out of the oven. Langley agrees, A few easy tricks make a big difference. Start with a sprinkle of sea salt, add a touch of olive oil, and, if youre feeling fancy, tuck some lemon slices and fresh herbslike dill or rosemaryaround the fillet for a fragrant boost. Having tried the low-and-slow method, I can vouch for its succulent result. Now Im looking forward to experimenting with aromatics and herbs for my next piece of salmon! Teera Konakan - Getty Images If you've seen these incredible photos of people setting off floating lanterns that peacefully lift over bodies of water by beautiful temples, and always wondered where that happened, wonder no more! It occurs during Yi Peng, a festival celebrated mostly in northern Thailand and some regions in Laos. Yi Peng is a Buddhist festival that occurs during the full moon of the 2nd month of the Lanna Lundar Calendar, and the 12th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. On the Western calendar, it usually falls in November and happens on the 15 and 16th in 2024. While it may be more crowded, it's a beautiful time to visit the northern city of Chiang Mai, as it also overlaps with another Buddhist festival, Loy Krathong, where people float rafts with candles on rivers. While photos can only do so much to convey how spectacular these traditions and festivities look, here are some of the best photos of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival we could find. Yi Peng Daytime Exploration While the main ceremonies and most beautiful moments of the festival occur at night, gorgeous decorations like these colored lanterns are usually set up for people to enjoy during the daytime. They'll be even more stunning after sunset, of course. Jackyenjoyphotography - Getty Images Colored Paper Lanterns at Night Speaking of which, here's what some of those paper lanterns look like once nighttime festivities have begun. Sunphol Sorakul - Getty Images Twilight Lanterns in the Temple This stunning sunset photo was taken at the Buddhist temple Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan which is located south of Chiang Mai. Aumphotography - Getty Images Yi Peng Festival Dancers These dancers are throwing around marigold flower petals, which are used in many Thai celebratory events and festivals. Anadolu - Getty Images Buddhist Monks in Chiang Mai Monks at the temple Wat Phan Tao in Chiang Mai carry out a ceremony for Yi among a great many candles and paper lanterns. Aumphotography - Getty Images Setting Off a Sky Lantern The lanterns, known as Khom Loy, are made with thin paper attached to a wire or bamboo frame that supports a small fuel source. It usually takes teamwork to get one floating, but the result is undeniably beautiful. Anadolu - Getty Images Sky Lanterns Everywhere While you will probably see a few stray lanterns floating all night, you're meant to wait until after ceremonies have concluded to set off the lanterns all at once, creating a beautiful combined effect and bringing the crowd of festivalgoers together. ImpossiAble - Getty Images Long Exposure Light Show This incredible effect is a camera trick! The lines were created by people walking around the Wat Huay Pla Kang temple with lit candles, while a photographer takes a long exposure shot, which is one photo captured more slowly than a typical quick shot. The process is also sometimes called light painting. Suttipong Sutiratanachai - Getty Images Breathtaking Beauty Imagine seeing this with your own two eyes in real life. Hardly anything in the world can even come close to this kind of spectacle. Nanut Bovorn - Getty Images Lanterns in Bangkok Chiang Mai may be one of the most-visited cities for Yi Peng, but you can see it in plenty of other places around Thailand. Here is a celebration in Bangkok, with lanterns floating around the Buddhist temple Wat Arun. Aumphotography - Getty Images Preparing a Lantern at Wat Arun In another shot at the beautiful Wat Arun, a couple readies a lantern whose paper is fully inflated by the hot air from the burning flame. Prasit photo - Getty Images Don't Forget Loy Krathong! Along with the floating lanterns in the sky, You'll see plenty of floating offerings called Krathong, made with cut banana stems and leaves usually adorned with flowers and a candle, in waterways as a celebration of Loy Krathong. Mungkorn Kairyu - Getty Images Krathong Up Close Here is one festivalgoer's Krathong creation with some beautiful flowers inside. Penpak Ngamsathain - Getty Images Lantern Overload in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai was the capital city of the Lan Na kingdom in northern Thailand, which lasted from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Chiang Mai was first founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai as the Lan Na capital and eventually becoming the second-largest city in the country. REUBEN EASEY - Getty Images Family Lantern Lighting As long as you make sure your kids are careful around the lantern, there's no reason why they can't get in on the festivities! Anadolu - Getty Images Floating Away Even though getting the perfect photo is amazing, make sure to also take some time and soak up the beauty in the moment. This goes for any sort of vacation or profound life event. These photos are awe-inspiring, but it will be an even more cherished memory if you're present for it as well. Manachai - Getty Images You Might Also Like By Steve Holland, Alexandra Ulmer and Lawrence Delevingne WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Prominent investor Scott Bessent met with Donald Trump on Friday as he and fellow investor John Paulson emerge as leading candidates for the key role of U.S. Treasury Secretary, according to two people close to the president-elect. Bessent and Paulson are among several names that have been reported in the media as potential candidates for the role in recent days. A final decision rests with Trump, and Reuters was unable to learn whether others had been ruled out or were still in contention. One of the two sources said Bessent's meetings at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida estate were "very positive." Trump's spokespeople did not respond to a request for comment. Spokespeople for Bessent and Paulson declined to comment. It was unclear whether Paulson had met or had plans to meet with Trump. Trump, who is set to return to the White House on Jan. 20, has begun the process of choosing a Cabinet and selecting high-ranking administration officials. The Treasury Secretary job is a key Cabinet position, with vast influence over economic, regulatory and international affairs. Wall Street has been closely watching who Trump will pick, especially given his plans to remake global trade through tariffs. Bessent and Paulson, both financial backers of Trump's campaign, have long been in Trump's sights for such a role. During a January campaign speech, Trump floated Paulson as a potential Treasury Secretary. A source familiar with the matter at the time said Trump wanted Paulson to lead Treasury, and if not him, Bessent. A longtime hedge fund investor who taught at Yale University for several years, Bessent has a warm relationship with the president-elect and has spoken highly of Trump's use of tariffs as a negotiating tool. Paulson, a billionaire investor and major Trump donor, is a longtime proponent of tax cuts and deregulation. Other names that have been speculated about for the role are FOX Business Network personality Larry Kudlow, Trump's former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer and Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of Trump's transition team. Corporate attorney Jay Clayton, former head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during Donald Trump's presidency, is meanwhile in talks for several potential roles in a second Trump term, although is seen as less likely for Treasury Secretary. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who has also been speculated, has no plans to join Donald Trump's administration, a source said earlier this week. According to online betting website Polymarket, Bessent is the lead candidate for Treasury Secretary, with Paulson next likely and Clayton and Kudlow at smaller odds. Trump on Thursday announced that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will be his White House chief of staff, in what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements. (Reporting by Steve Holland in West Palm Beach, Florida, Alexandra Ullmer in San Francisco, Lawrence Delevingne and Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Boston; additional reporting by Milana Vinn, Gram Slattery, Douglas Gillison and Lananh Nguyen; writing by Megan Davies; editing by Paritosh Bansal, Ross Colvin, Alistair Bell and Diane Craft) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The outgoing Biden administration pressed ahead on Friday with diplomacy aimed at reaching deals to end Israel's conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaking to counterparts in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials have said they will make a final push to reach deals on the conflicts, although it is unclear how much leverage they have over Israel and other actors in the region now focused on the incoming administration of former President Donald Trump. Blinken in his calls on Friday affirmed the administration's continued desire to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible and a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, as well as discussing the conflict in Sudan, spokesperson Matthew Miller said. In his call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Blinken discussed "efforts to secure the release of hostages and establish a path forward that allows Palestinians in Gaza to rebuild their lives and advance governance, security and reconstruction," Miller said. With the UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Blinken "discussed efforts to achieve a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes," Miller said. On Thursday Blinken also spoke to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot about both efforts. (Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Attorneys for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger are fighting to strike the death penalty in his high-profile case, arguing that the state has no real means of executing a convicted prisoner and that the so-called methods which include an inhumane firing squad as an alternative are arbitrary and unconstitutional. Kohberger, 29, a former Washington State University criminology student who is accused of slaughtering four University of Idaho students at their off-campus home in November 2022, could be sentenced to death if convicted of the murders at his trial next summer. The case of the shocking slayings that rattled the small town of Moscow was recently moved to Boise after the defense successfully argued that Kohberger would not have an impartial jury in the tight-knit community because of the extensive media coverage potentially tainting the jury pool. Dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt and tie, Kohberger appeared in Ada County courtroom on Thursday with his defense team, who argued that their client could face death by firing squad if convicted under Idaho law, due to the shortage of lethal injection drugs across the country. Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, is in court as his attorneys argue to take the death penalty off the table if hes convicted (Idaho Fourth District Court) I dont believe our constitution allows for us to move forward and make him sit on death row for years and years and years if the way Idaho is doing it right now isnt really working, Kohbergers public defender Ann Taylor told the judge. Its not a realistic option, I think, to have him sit on death row and say Idahos going to figure out how to kill you at some point in the future in a way that isnt cruel and unusual and a violation of rights, she added. Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler, who was recently assigned to the case, asked Taylor, So youre saying the anxiety of not knowing is a constitutional violation? It is anxiety. It is fear, she responded. Its the not knowing. She argued that Idaho is currently not capable of executing inmates on death row so that to keep a person on death row without a way to execute them is dehumanizing. Latah County prosecutors responded to the defenses argument, pointing out that Idahos current method of execution is lethal injection and that it is actually available. Kohberger, 29, is pictured in a new mugshot that was taken when his trial was moved to Boise (Ada County Sheriffs Office) "You dont know decades from now what an alternative might be, maybe theyll have a better argument decades from now on the method of execution because maybe there will be another method," Deputy Attorney General Jeffery Nye said, arguing that methods of execution should not take the death sentence off the table. "You dont get to, at the beginning, short circuit the whole thing and say death is off the table because the current method is unconstitutional," Nye said, adding thats not to say decades from now theres not going to be a method to put him to death. Idaho, which is one of 27 US states that allow capital punishment, currently permits death by lethal injection and, as of last year, firing squad. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Judge Hippler said he would take the matter under advisement and issue a written ruling at a later date. Judge Hippler also ruled on an earlier motion, allowing Kohberger to wear traditional courtroom attire, as opposed to a jail jumpsuit, in pre-trial hearings. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed in November 2022 at their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho (Instagram) Kohbergers attorney filed the motion last month, citing a Supreme Court decision from 1976 stating that forcing a defendant to wear a jail uniform to court could negatively impact whether a jury saw them as guilty of alleged crimes. The former criminology Ph.D. student has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, whose bodies were found at their off-campus house in November 2022. Kohberger was arrested around six weeks later and charged with the murders. His trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and is expected to last until November 2025. Houston Chronicle A 17-year-old has been charged with capital murder after two teens and a 23-year-old were killed in an Alief-area shooting Tuesday evening, according to a Thursday news release from the Houston Police Department. According to documents filed with the Harris County District Clerk's Office, Adiel Alexander Sandoval was charged in connection to the deaths of Eddie Gomez and Jonathan Hernandez, both 17. A third individual, Juan Trejo Sandoval, 23, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead late Tuesday evening, according to the release. Adiel Sandoval and Juan Sandoval were allegedly involved in a dispute with Hernandez and Gomez that ended in an exchange of gunfire between the two pairs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HPD commanders, Homicide detectives and PIO are en route to 8000 Cook Road in southwest Houston for following a fatal shooting. Pre info is 3 persons were shot following a disturbance at an apartment complex. No other info as investigation is on going. #HouNews Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 6, 2024 Adiel Sandoval is the only survivor and was not charged in the death of Juan Sandoval, HPD reports. The department did not specify whether the two Sandovals were related to each other. The shooting was reported to HPD around 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Tierra Del Sol apartments on 8000 Cook Rd., according to the release. Court documents suggest Adiel Sandoval possibly had connections to MS-13, an international criminal organization with roots in Los Angeles, Calif. Prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney's Office have requested the state deny Adiel Sandoval bail. He is expected to make a preliminary appearance before a judge Monday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are among the Democratic governors pledging to push back against future Trump administration policies. A cadre of blue-state governors is already preparing a litany of political and legal moves to shield their states policies and residents from federal actions under Donald Trump's new administration. The plans from Democratic governors across the country including a handful of potential 2028 presidential contenders offer both a repeat of how leaders of liberal states pushed back against Trump during his first term, as well as a snapshot of what the resistance to him from the left will look like this time around. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he would convene a special session of the Legislature explicitly intended to safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration. In a news release, he said the session would focus on bolstering California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. Newsom outlined that the session, set to kick off Dec. 2, will take expedited action to best protect California and its values from attacks on LGBTQ rights and womens rights. He also said it would provide additional resources to the states Justice Department and other agencies to pursue robust affirmative litigation against future potential unlawful actions by the Trump administration, as well as to defend against any federal lawsuits from the administration that could be filed. He added that the session would be the first of several actions by his administration and the Legislature to begin shoring up Californias defenses against an incoming federal administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts. The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond, Newsom said in a statement. We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive." Newsoms office told The Associated Press that the governor was attempting to Trump-proof the states laws. Trump hit back at Newsom in a lengthy post on Truth Social on Friday, referring to him as Governor Gavin Newscum and saying he was using the term 'Trump-Proof' as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to Make California Great Again. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who like Newsom is considered to be among the Democrats in the 2028 mix, echoed many of the same themes during a press conference this week. To anyone who intends to come, take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior, he said Thursday. You come for my people, you come through me. Pritzker, whose Think Big America nonprofit group spent millions of dollars on abortion-rights ballot measures in four states this cycle, called Illinois a refuge for those whose rights are being denied elsewhere, including those seeking political asylum, reproductive health care or to avoid persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender. He nodded to policies his administration has enacted, including codifying abortion rights and a law requiring gender-affirming care to be covered by health insurers in Illinois. Efforts Trump-proof Illinois have been ongoing for months, if not longer, said Pritzker chief of staff Anne Caprara. She said the state is looking into other legal protections for women who travel to the state to access reproductive care, including protecting transponder data and medical records from out-of-state attorneys general. The state also has been working to codify environmental regulations in case a Trump administration tries to roll back clean air and water protections, as well as ensuring labor protections are maintained. Were literally going through Project 2025 to understand every element of what they might touch. Some of this work has been done or in the process for a while, Caprara said. She also said collaborative efforts involving other Midwestern states are in the works. Midwest governors who governed through Covid with Trump at the helm it got hairy then weve been through this before and are determined this time to draw in those lessons and make sure that to the degree it makes sense we are collaborating on best practices and how to creatively deal with the more difficult pieces of this, Caprara sais. Those relationships the governors at large on the Democratic side of the aisle have been key all along in navigating those years of Trump. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced an effort this week dubbed the Empire State Freedom Initiative she said was designed to address policy and regulatory threats that could happen during Trumps administration. The effort, being conducted together with the office of New Yorks Democratic Attorney General Letitia James, will address federal legal threats to reproductive freedom, immigration issues, civil rights, gun safety, climate change progress, environmental justice and other issues, they said in a joint announcement this week. Im committed to working with anyone on policies that make our state stronger, safer and more livable but my administration will also be prepared to protect New Yorkers fundamental freedoms from any potential threats, Hochul said in a statement Wednesday. She said in the statement that officials leading the effort in the state had already developed an initial analysis of likely statutory, regulatory and fiscal "vulnerabilities" based on comments and policy proposals from Trump and his team, and had begun developing legislation, rules and appropriations that would serve to counter such federal actions. In addition, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said on MSNBC on Wednesday that she would use every tool in the toolbox to protect our residents and to hold the line on democracy and the rule of law. Healey, who as the states attorney general during Trumps first term challenged his administration several times on immigration policies, said shed exercise her executive and regulatory authority, and make use of legislation in the state to fight various Trump policies. Specifically asked about Trumps plan to implement mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Healey said she would absolutely not allow state police to assist in such an effort. Asked about Democratic governors' response to Trump's return to the White House, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, another possible 2028 contender, referred to a statement he released Thursday in response to Trumps victory that focused heavily on unity when asked whether similar efforts were underway in the state. Now that this election is over, it is time to govern to work together, to compromise, and to get stuff done, Shapiro said in that statement. I believe theres more that unites us than divides us and we must work together to continue to get stuff done for Pennsylvania. Unlike in the deep-blue states of California, New York and Massachusetts, where Democrats enjoy a trifecta of power across state government, the Legislature in battleground Pennsylvania is split, which would make plans to counter Trump more difficult. Plus, Trump just carried the state at the presidential level. Let me also make clear: I will never back down from standing up for the freedoms I was elected to protect. I will continue to defend our democracy, defend our fundamental rights, and ensure we continue the legacy of William Penn by building a Commonwealth that is warm and welcoming for all, Shapiro added. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy pledged to both push back against Trump when necessary, while also seeking out areas for compromise. If its contrary to our values, we will fight to the death, Murphy said at a Wednesday press conference, mentioning issues such as immigration and reproductive rights. If theres an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody, he added. WASHINGTON - Control of the House of Representatives remains up for grabs as the vote counting heads into the weekend in two dozen pivotal U.S. House races, with both parties hoping to seize the lower chamber for 2025. It's a last chance at power for Democrats after Donald Trump claimed the White House while Republicans gained a majority in the Senate. It will take 218 seats to rule the House, and although neither party has reached the threshold, the numbers appear to favor the GOP. The Associated Press count showed Democrats at 199 seats while Republicans had claimed 212 by early Friday evening, including three seats that the GOP flipped from the Democrats. You can follow the latest results from coast to coast and check out the races in your state here. Keep up with live coverage from across the USA TODAY Network. Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team. Former President Donald Trump appears with Republican vice president nominee JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson during the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rep. Don Bacon keeps seat in 'blue dot' Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon will serve a fifth term in Congress representing Nebraskas 2nd congressional district, according to the Associated Press, which called his race at 6:11 p.m. EST Friday. He beat Democratic challenger and state Sen. Tony Vargas by 2.4 points. Bacons margin of victory in 2024 is just below his win two years ago, when he also faced Vargas and won by 2.6 percentage points. In this years May primary, he fended off hardline conservative and Omaha businessman Dan Frei, who had the backing of Nebraskas state party. Jason Brown handcrafts political signs featuring a simple blue dot, at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 30, 2024. The district, encompassing Omaha and area west of the city, earned the nickname blue dot after going for Biden by over six points in 2020. Savannah Kuchar and Maya Marchel Hoff Jeffries said there is still a clear pathway for Democrats to win the House House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in an interview with Spectrum News NY1 on Thursday that he thinks Democrats still have a clear pathway to winning back control of the House, noting that hes been keeping an eye on races in the west. And if I have the opportunity to continue to lead House Democrats in either the majority or the minority, it certainly would be an opportunity to and continue to be a great honor, Jeffries added in the interview. Republicans, who flipped the Senate to their control and won the presidency, are confident they can keep control of the House too. So far, 211 seats have been won by Republicans while 199 have been won by Democrats, according to the latest count from the Associated Press. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced the House of Representatives managers for the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 15, 2020. Jeffries said in the interview that Democrats have to fully and comprehensively reevaluate what have we done right, and where have we fallen short. I think that there are lessons to be learned from this election in all directions, he said. - Sudiksha Kochi Johnson, Scalise ask for support from Republican colleagues to continue leading House House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent a letter on Wednesday morning to his Republican colleagues asking them to back him for another term leading the chamber, even as key races remain uncalled and there's been no final call on which party will be in the majority next year. Im ready to take the field with all of you, and I am humbly asking for your support to continue leading this Conference as your Speaker, Johnson wrote in the letter. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve with you thus far, and I look forward to playing the biggest offense of our lives. We have a country to saveand we will. Republicans appear poised to keep control of the House, after flipping the Senate to their control and winning the White House. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., walks towards the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., also sent a letter to his GOP colleagues on Wednesday asking them to back him again for the No. 2 spot. I have already met with President Trump multiple times during the last year to discuss our shared goals so we will be ready to begin this work quickly and hit the ground running on day one in January, Scalise wrote. - Sudiksha Kochi Ohio: Congress longest serving woman may eke out a win Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, faces a young state House member, Derek Martin, in the 9th Congressional District, which includes Cleveland. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, has been in Congress for 41 years. As the legislatures longest-serving woman, the 78-year-old Democrat is looking to win another term by defeating her Republican opponent, Derek Merrin. Theirs is one of the closest matchups left to be called. As of Friday morning, Kaptur was ahead by 0.3 percentage points with 99% of votes in. - Rachel Barber Oregon: Incumbent GOP congresswoman trailing Janelle Bynum (left) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (right) are running in Oregon for a seat in Congress. Democrat Janelle Bynums challenge to first-term Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, resulted in a tight race that continued into Friday. Bynum, a state representative, is attempting to flip the seat representing suburbs and areas south of Portland. Both candidates are small business owners who promised to represent common interests and work across the aisle. As of Friday morning, Bynum had a 2.4% lead over Chavez-DeRemer with 78% of votes counted. - Rachel Barber Colorado: States first Latina congresswoman faces tough reelection race Freshman Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo., who is seeking a second term, was leading Republican Gabe Evans by less than one percentage point with 88% of votes counted Friday morning. Representing a split electorate in an area north of Denver, Yadira has a reputation as a moderate willing to break from her party, including when she was one of six House Democrats who voted to condemn the Biden administration for its handling of the southern border. - Rachel Barber Maine: Democratic incumbent competing in Trump district Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat elected in Maine's rural and conservative second congressional district, speaks to reporters and veterans while Veterans Affairs Secetary Denis McDonough and Senator Angus King and local officials listen, at an event in Rumford, Maine, U.S., August 3, 2023, in this still image from video. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat, is vying to hold onto his seat in a district occupying most of Maine north of Portland. He faces Republican challenger Austin Theriault, a state representative and former NASCAR driver. Golden has represented Maines 2nd Congressional District since 2018. Voters in the primarily rural region have stuck with the moderate Democrat, while going for Trump in 2020 and backing him again in 2024. As of Friday morning, Golden had less than half a percentage point lead over Theriault with 98% of votes counted. - Rachel Barber Maryland: Republican trying to flip blue district without incumbent With most precincts reporting, a little more than 1% margin remained Friday morning between Democrat April McClain Delaney and Republican Neil Parrott in the race to represent Maryland's 6th congressional district that spans the westernmost part of the state. A lawyer whose husband previously represented the district, McClain Delaney worked in the Department of Commerce during the Biden administration. Parrott served in the Maryland House of Delegates for over a decade. Both ran campaigns promising to govern with common sense and portraying their opponent as out of touch or extreme. - Rachel Barber Arizona: longtime congressman fights for reelection Amish Shah (left) and David Schweikert (right) the two candidates for the House of Representatives in Arizona's first district. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., is in the midst of what many have called the most contentious election of his 13-year career. As of Friday morning, the Arizona lawmaker who represents the 1st congressional district that covers Scottsdale held a 3.8 percentage point lead over his Democratic opponent, Amish Shah, with 76% of the vote counted so far. - Rachel Barber Arizona: First-term Republican in neck-and-neck rematch Democrat Kirsten Engle was leading Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., by a little more than 200 votes with 72% of precincts reporting Friday morning. Their race to represent Arizona's 6th congressional district that includes Tuscon marks the second time Ciscomani and Engel have faced off and remains too close to call. Ciscomani is seeking a second term and a win for him would boost Republicans looking to hold onto the House. - Rachel Barber California: Veteran Republican in a SoCal rematch Republican House member Ken Calvert faces Democrat Will Rollins in the Corona-based 41st District in California. Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., was leading Democrat Will Rollins by 3% as of Friday morning with 54% of the vote counted. Calvert is the states longest-serving House member, having been in office since 1992 and fended off multiple challengers over the years, including Rollins in 2022. He is looking to keep his seat representing Californias 41st Congressional District, southeast of Los Angeles. - Rachel Barber California: A tight race remains for Katie Porters seat With 71% of votes counted as of Friday at 9:30 a.m., less than 700 votes differentiated the candidates in a race to represent California District 47, which encompasses Orange County and includes Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. It's a battle to take the seat previously held by Rep. Katie Porter, a Democrat, after her failed Senate run. This years race is between two attorneys: Democrat Dave Min and Republican Scott Baugh, who is currently ahead but lost to Porter by more than 9,000 votes in 2022. Baugh is a former California Assembly member and served as chair of the Orange County Republican Party for a decade. Min worked for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer as a senior economic advisor and voters elected him to the California Senate in 2020. - Rachel Barber What to expect if Republicans control the White House and Congress If Republicans win control of the House, the party will control both chambers of Congress, and the White House - a trifecta.From swift appointments of Trump's Cabinet choices to major changes in policy, Republicans in Congress are likely to use their leverage to advance Trumps priorities and will likely face few roadblocks from the Democratic minority. "This historic election has proven that a majority of Americans are eager for secure borders, lower costs, peace through strength, and a return to common sense," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Wednesday, even as the House has not yet been called for Republicans and Democrats insist it is still in play. -- Riley Beggin What do the election results mean for you? Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter for breaking news and exclusive analysis. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Election 2024 recap: Control of the House on the line; see the tally The Seville European Film Festival kicks off tonight in the Andalusian capital city. So, weve scoured this years program to pick ten titles that show off the selections breadth and quality. The Girl With the Needle Magnus von Horn (Denmark) More from Variety Denmarks submission to the International Feature race unspools in the years after World War II and follows Karoline, an out-of-work young pregnant woman who meets Dagmar, a woman who runs a clandestine adoption agency. Karoline works as a wet nurse for the agency before learning the shocking truth about the organization. An extraordinary and upsetting film, according to its glowing Variety review. Flow Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia) One of the years best-received animated features and Latvias Oscars submission, Flow heads to Seville as one of the strongest indie contenders for an animated feature nomination. In the wordless film, a small group of animals on a boat search for dry land in a post-human world covered by apocalyptic floods. Flow will open in Los Angeles and New York on Nov. 22 before going nationwide on Dec. 6. The Other Side Berto Romero (Spain) Seville is and will remain a film festival, but a few exceptional series have been recognized by the event in the past, and this year, Berto Romeros genre-bending The Other Side is one such title. Having premiered at last years San Sebastian festival, the Movistar Plus+ suspense comedy follows Nacho Nieto, a journalist who specializes in the paranormal. While enduring the worst period of his professional career, a momentous case arises that could be the most important of his life. The Seed Of The Sacred Fig Mohammad Rasoulof (Germany) A masterful allegory, according to Varietys Peter Debruge, Iranian director Rasoulofs latest is the story of Iman, an investigator in Tehran whose home and professional lives overlap in creating an unsustainable strain on his family. The film was a hit at Cannes, winning a jury special prize, the Fipresci Award, the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, the Francois Chalais Award and the AFCAE Award. Its a strong favorite in this years International Feature Oscar race. Rita Paz Vega (Spain) Iconic Spanish actor Paz Vega (Sex and Lucia, Spanglish) makes her directorial debut with this nostalgic feature set in Seville in 1984. A native of the Andalusian city herself, Vega features in the film as Mari, the mother of winsome 7-year-old Rita, who is the films true protagonist. Having world premiered at Locarno earlier this year to strong reviews; the feature will undoubtedly be one of the hottest tickets at this years festival. Emilia Perez Jacques Audiard (France) Frances 2025 Oscar submission and one of the standout favorites to land a golden statue, Emilia Perez impressed at Cannes, where Spains Karla Sofia Gascon shared the festivals best actress award with co-stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz. She has also been nominated for the same honor at the upcoming European Film Awards, and her presence in the prestige film is sure to make Spanish audiences in Seville feel prideful. Los ultimos romanticos Davis Perez Sanudo (Spain) One of Spains most promising filmmakers, Perez Sanudo, brings his latest to Seville, where its co-producer, La Claqueta, is headquartered. The genre-blending tale typical of Perez Sanudo turns on a withdrawn hypochondriac who finds a new sense of identity and source of public respect during a labor dispute that breaks out at her local paper mill in a blue-collar town near the Basque city of Bilbao. Saturn Return Isaki Lacuesta, Pol Rodriguez (Spain) Spains own International Feature Oscar race submission, Saturn Return (Segundo Premio), won best picture at the Malaga Festival earlier this year. The parody biopic uses a story about Spanish indie rock group Los Planetas attempts to make their third and final iconic album to deliver a tale about peoples need to recast the past as a comprehensible narrative. Another example of Sevilles eagerness to include a broad audience play in its programming. Grand Tour Miguel Gomes (Portugal) Portugals Oscar submission and a Cannes standout Gomes won best director at this years fest Grand Tour is set in 1918 in Rangoon, a city still under British colonial rule. There, Edward leaves his fiancee Molly at the altar. Unwilling to accept his decision, Molly sets out to track down her would-be husband. Varietys Jessica Kiang described the film as Bristling with life and song and revelatory collisions between cultures and timeframes. Modi Three Days on the Wing of Madness Johnny Depp (U.K., Hungary, Italy) As far as commercial appeal goes, it doesnt get much bigger than Johnny Depp. Although the A-lister doesnt act in this, his second directorial feature outing, his fingerprints are all over the period dramedy, loosely based on the life of celebrated Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Featuring a bright cast that includes Al Pacino who godfathered the project for several decades Riccardo Scamarcio, Antonia Desplat and Stephen Graham, Modi world premiered to largely positive reviews from the international press at San Sebastian. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Minnesota girl recently saw her longtime wish come true on her 10th birthday. Eleanor, who was born at a McDonald's restaurant in Hugo, Minnesota, in 2014, returned to the same restaurant to celebrate her 10th birthday with family members and friends. PHOTO: Eleanor Evenson, who was born at a McDonalds in Hugo, Minn., returned to the same restaurant to celebrate her tenth birthday. (Courtesy of Jeff Grayson) "She's always wanted to go back to where she was born," Eleanor's dad Eric Evenson told "Good Morning America." PHOTO: Eleanor with her mom Clare Evenson (right) and cousins at her McDonalds birthday party. (Courtesy of Jeff Grayson) Couple who welcomed baby during Hurricane Milton grateful for 'biggest blessing ever' Eric Evenson, his wife Clare Evenson and his mother-in-law were on the way to a birthday party themselves back on Oct. 11, 2014, when they stopped at a McDonald's so Clare Evenson, who was 28 weeks pregnant with Eleanor at the time, could use the bathroom. "She spontaneously went into labor," Eric Evenson said of his wife. "She went into the bathroom and sat down, and [Eleanor's] legs popped out." Eric Evenson, his mother-in-law, good Samaritans and a police officer all rushed in to help deliver Eleanor, who was born 12 weeks early and was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a type of chromosomal difference. Police officer Angi Kruyer, then with the Centennial Lakes Police Department and now an officer with the Metro Transit Police Department, told "GMA" she was one of the first responders who arrived at the McDonald's that day. "I remember it like it was yesterday," Kruyer recalled. "As a police officer, there are certain calls that you go on that you never forget, and Eleanor's birth was one of those instances." "I'm just honored to have been there to help Eric and Clare and Eleanor, because that really could have been their worst day, and it really could have turned out differently, and it didn't," Kruyer added. Micro-preemie baby goes home after spending first 6 months of life in hospital Throughout the years, Eleanor has required multiple surgeries and has been in and out of the hospital. Today, the fourth grader is continuing with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Despite the challenges she has faced, Eric Evenson said his eldest daughter has thrived. "Every single thing she does, she works very, very hard, and she's a joy," he said. "As a parent, I'm super proud to see the impact she has in other people's lives. It almost [brings] tears every single time we step foot in her elementary school [and] we hear from teachers that just love her aura." PHOTO: Eric and Clare Evenson with their three daughters, including Eleanor. (Courtesy of Eric Evenson) For her 10th birthday party, a few special friends -- including two of Eleanor's childhood nurses and Kruyer -- came out to celebrate. "She was happy to see me and she was glad I was there," Kruyer said, adding that she has stayed in touch with Eleanor and her family through the years. PHOTO: Eleanor Evenson smiles for a photo with police officer Angi Kruyer, who helped deliver her back in 2014. (Courtesy of Jeff Grayson ) Eric Evenson said Eleanor "loved" going back to where she was born, and added that it was meaningful for all the people who have been part of the family's "community" over the years to be there too. He also said it was an unexpected chance to complete the story for some McDonald's employees who were part of both Eleanor's birth and now her 10th birthday. "I couldn't believe the graciousness and the kindness, and I also didn't know that a lot of their staff, who are still with them today, had questions about what happened to that little girl and the mother," Eric Evenson said. "And this really kind of provided some closure for them and some closure for us, and it was wonderful." Melissa Kennedy, the owner of the Hugo McDonald's location where Eleanor was born, told "GMA" in a statement that she and her team were "thrilled" to give Eleanor her big celebration. "Eleanor's story has become a special part of our restaurant's history, and it was an honor to help make this milestone a memorable one for her," Kennedy said. "While this celebration was extremely heartwarming for the family, this was also an unforgettable experience for our crew. The entire McDonald's family wishes Eleanor a very happy birthday and many more years of love, laughter and cherished memories." Girl who was born at McDonald's returns to celebrate 10th birthday originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says President-elect Trump should not pardon Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, of felony charges related to his purchase of a revolver in 2018, nor the tax charges he pleaded guilty to in September. I dont think he should pardon Hunter. I think we need to be very careful about having a dual system of justice where, you know, the powerful or the sons and daughters of the powerful get off scot-free, Johnson told Dan Abrams Live on NewsNation. Johnson, a Trump ally, however, said he could see the president-elect supporting a commutation or reduction of Hunter Bidens sentence. I could see possibly commuting the sentence, reducing it, and it wouldnt surprise me if President Trump would do that, he said. I would not pardon Hunter. I would certainly not. I wouldnt scream about commuting his sentence or reducing it in some way, shape or form. Hunter Biden was convicted in June for lying about his drug abuse on a federal firearms purchase form in 2018. He acknowledged to being addicted to cocaine at the time. He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced next month. Johnson said President Biden shouldnt pardon his son, either. I dont think President Biden should pardon him. I dont think President Trump should pardon him, but I think by President Trump signaling that he might commute the sentence or do something to lessen it, hopefully that will convince Joe Biden not to pardon his son, he said. I think that would be a terrible example. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday that the president doesnt have any plans to pardon his son. Our answer stands, which is no, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Popcorn chicken, anyone? Food & Wine / KFC KFC's Stuffing Tower Burger and Stuffing Stacker Burger will be available from November 11 to January 5 across UK locations. KFC is ready to get into the holiday spirit with its Christmas Menu. The Louisville-headquartered fried chicken chain announced that on Monday, November 11, it's bringing back its Stuffing Stacker Burger, which debuted in 2023 to much fanfare. The burger, KFC explains on its website, is made with a soft brioche bun, with two original recipe chicken filets in between, stacked with a sage and onion stuffing patty, burger dressing, lettuce, cheese, and a spicy cranberry sauce. It's also offering it in a meal version with fries and a drink. And if you want the sandwich but are a little less hungry, you could always go for the Stuffing Tower Burger, which includes all the same toppings but with just one Original Recipe chicken filet. Related: 24 Irresistible Fried Chicken Recipes If all that sounds delicious to you, that's great. The only problem is that the menu item is only being offered at the chain's UK locations, so you'll have to take out that passport, book a flight, and get there before they're gone. The Stuffing Stacker Burger, the Peterborough Telegraph reported, starts at 8.99 (approximately $12), while the Stuffing Tower Burger starts from 7.49 (approximately $10). But this isn't the only holiday goodie KFC is offering its UK audience. It's also dropping the Gravy Double Bucket and the Gravy Triplet Bucket. The double, which starts at 19.99 (approximately $26), comes with six pieces of Original Recipe chicken, eight hot wings or six mini filets, four regular fries, a serving of popcorn chicken, two large containers of gravy, and one bottle of drink, according to KFC's UK site. It added that if you don't want to have to choose between the hot wings and the filets, the Gravy Triple Bucket, which starts at 23.99 (approximately $31), is what you should order. It includes six pieces of Original Recipe chicken, six mini filets, eight hot wings, popcorn chicken, four regular fries, two large gravy sides, and one bottle of drink. Those who want to get any of these holiday goodies have until January 5, 2025, to snag them in-store or for delivery via the KFC app, when they'll be taken off the menu until at least the next holiday season. Former President Donald Trump has pledged to end birthright citizenship if elected. WASHINGTON When Donald Trump took office in 2017, he immediately issued a provocative executive order banning travel from Muslim-majority countries that led to chaos, confusion and a flurry of lawsuits that ended up at the Supreme Court. If he wins the election in November, he has pledged to follow a similar course on another contentious policy proposal: ending birthright citizenship. In May of last year, Trump released a campaign video renewing his call to end the long-standing constitutional right, saying he would sign an executive order on day one of his presidency that would ensure that children born to parents who do not have legal status in the U.S. will not be considered U.S. citizens. The United States is among the only countries in the world that says even if neither parent is a citizen or even lawfully in the country, their future children are automatic citizens the moment the parents trespass onto our soil, Trump said in the video. Birthright citizenship has long been understood to be required under the Constitutions 14th Amendment, which states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States. The language was included in the constitutional amendment enacted after the Civil War to ensure that Black former slaves and their children were recognized as citizens. The phrase has been generally understood by legal scholars of all ideological stripes to be self-explanatory, but that has not stopped some anti-immigration advocates from pressing an alternative interpretation. Litigation is a certainty, said Omar Jadwat, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union who was also involved in the travel ban challenge. Its directly in the teeth of the 14th Amendment, he added. It would essentially be an attempt to tear down one of the core constitutional protections that has been a key part of our country. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld a watered-down version of Trumps travel ban, deferring to the presidents authority on national security issues, but even supporters of birthright citizenship accept Trumps plan would face a potentially insurmountable uphill battle. Its something that the Supreme Court may well decide against the president if he were to take this step, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, who supports the idea. His group favors strict immigration limits. If Trump loses that case, then the next step is clear, he added: There would need to be an effort to start the difficult process of amending the Constitution. A Trump campaign spokesman declined to comment on the plan, pointing to the former presidents original announcement. Under Trumps proposal, at least one parent would need to be a citizen or legal resident for a child to receive birthright citizenship. He indicated in his video that the policy would not apply retroactively. The order, Trump said, would also address so-called birth tourism, a situation in which Republicans claim people visit the U.S. toward the end of a pregnancy in order to ensure the child is born a U.S. citizen. It is unclear exactly how many children a year are born in the U.S. to parents who are both undocumented or how many of them could be described as birth tourists under Trumps formulation. Krikorians group has previously said that there could be up to 400,000 children born a year to undocumented parents and thousands of children born as a result of birth tourism every year. The American Immigration Council, an immigrant rights group, said it does not have exact numbers but noted that there are currently an estimated 3.7 million U.S.-born children who have at least one parent who is undocumented, a number derived from U.S. census data. A spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency that handles citizenship issues, declined to comment. Trump had pledged to end birthright citizenship when first running for president in 2015 and he raised it again in 2018. But he never issued an executive order. At the time, House Speaker Paul Ryan, a fellow Republican, dismissed the idea, saying: You cant do something like this via executive order. Despite Trumps pledge, the plan to end birthright citizenship is not specifically mentioned in the 2024 Republican platform document, which includes a chapter titled Seal the Border and Stop the Migrant Invasion. The platform does include language pledging to prioritize merit-based immigration and end chain migration, a term used to refer to people who have U.S. citizenship and then use their status to help other family members enter the country. Ken Cuccinelli, who held a senior Department of Homeland Security position in the first Trump administration, said the proposal is appropriate and manageable from a policy perspective but did not respond to further questions on how it could be lawfully implemented. Cuccinelli wrote the chapter on immigration-related issues that was included in Project 2025, a proposed road map for a second Trump administration issued by the conservative Heritage Foundation. His section did not mention birthright citizenship. 'Historical myth' As has been laid out by many scholars, this current policy is based on a historical myth and a willful misinterpretation of the law by the open borders advocate, Trump said of birthright citizenship in his announcement video. Few people agree with that assessment. The legal argument, fleshed out by anti-immigration advocates, focuses on the language in the 14th Amendment saying that birthright citizenship is awarded to those subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Opponents of birthright citizenship say that language means citizenship is denied to anyone whose parents are not legally in the country. Illegal aliens can hardly be said to be under the protection of the United States, said Christopher Hajec, a lawyer at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, another group that supports limits on immigration. But most legal experts say the jurisdiction language only refers to people not bound by U.S. law, most notably foreign diplomats. Even James Ho, a conservative lawyer whom Trump appointed to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals where he has built a reputation as a judicial firebrand, backs that view. He wrote in a 2009 article that the 14th Amendment citizenship language applies to most U.S.-born children of aliens, including illegal aliens. Being within the jurisdiction of the U.S. merely means people who are required to obey U.S. laws, Ho said. And obedience, of course, does not turn on immigration status, he added. The Supreme Court has never directly ruled on the issue, but the one case that is frequently mentioned in any discussion of the issue suggested that it was assumed people born in the U.S. have citizenship, whatever the status of their parents. In that 1898 case, called United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the court ruled that a man born in San Francisco to parents who were both from China was a U.S. citizen. Birthright citizenship critics argue that the ruling did not address whether the children of people who entered the country illegally are U.S. citizens, as the parents in that case had been lawfully admitted. In fact, they suggest the ruling assumes that the children of people who enter the country illegally do not have citizenship, although they concede that the argument can be difficult to follow. You really have to tease it out, Hajec said. Its a pretty complicated argument. If Trump were to follow through on his plan to issue an executive order on day one, the impact could be felt immediately. The Trump campaign has said the president would order the Social Security Administration to refuse to issue Social Security numbers to newborn children without proof of the parents immigration status. He would issue a similar order to the State Department regarding passports. Krikorian, who said he has not discussed the policy with the Trump campaign, favors that approach as it would not require any action from Congress and would immediately prompt a lawsuit that would get the legal issue before the Supreme Court in short order. In the unlikely event that Trumps plan were to go fully into effect, it could be tricky to implement because federal agencies do not necessarily have immigration status at their fingertips and would need to access information not just on the newly born child but also data on both parents. Sometimes relevant information could be hard to determine, such as if the immigration status of an absent parent is not known to the other. A Social Security Administration spokeswoman noted that the agency does not hold data on immigration status, which it has to verify with the Department of Homeland Security before issuing immigrants a Social Security number. Currently, a U.S. birth certificate is all that is needed to obtain a Social Security number or passport. Emma Winger, a lawyer at the American Immigration Council, said that Trumps proposal would affect any child born in the United States, as every parent would now need to take an additional bureaucratic step to ensure that their baby is registered as a citizen. Everybody relies on the fact that if they are born here they just need to show proof of birth, she said. It would be a radical shift. Craig Ballentines detention came after he had complained online about his former employer, a Dubai-based dog salon - Detained in Dubai/SWNS A Northern Irish man is facing up to two years in jail in Dubai over a negative online review he had posted of a dog-grooming service. Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, County Tyrone, was arrested on slander charges three weeks ago after arriving in Abu Dhabi to visit friends. Mr Ballentine, an autism support worker, was then transferred to Dubai under the United Arab Emirates severe cybercrime laws, which prohibit all kinds of online criticism. His detention came months after he had complained online about his former employer, a Dubai-based dog salon, for causing him a legal nightmare, according to Detained in Dubai, a campaign group that helps foreigners in the Gulf state. After a six-month stint at the company in 2023, Mr Ballentine said he would need time off due to sickness. Mr Ballentine was detained after arriving in Abu Dhabi three weeks ago to visit friends - EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty He was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness, and said he had informed his employer. Despite providing a doctors certificate, the company registered him as absconded with authorities and caused him a legal nightmare, Detained in Dubai said in a statement on Friday. Mr Ballentine was left unemployed and with a travel ban on his passport. It took him two months and thousands of pounds to return home finally. Once back in Northern Ireland, he wrote a negative online review of the grooming centre and his former boss, listing all the problems she had caused him. But when he returned to the UAE months later on holiday, he was arrested. Outrageous charges Radha Stirling, the chief executive of Detained in Dubai, described the charges as outrageous, saying that the post had not contained any abusive content. When someone is offended, even if they are at fault, they can open a criminal prosecution out of spite. Craig deleted the post, apologised but still faces jail, she said. Ms Stirling said that tourists had easily been finding themselves falling foul of the newly enacted laws. Weve seen people arrested for complaining to customer service or for leaving online reviews on hotels and rental car agencies. Ms Stirling warned that Mr Ballentine has been advised by local lawyers there is almost zero chance of the case against him being dropped. Mum thought I was dead Mum was so upset and stressed, she thought I was dead, he told Ms Stirling in a phone call. Michelle ONeill, the first minister, said she had been monitoring the situation closely on Friday. A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are providing support to a British man in the UAE and have been in contact with the local authorities. Last year, a woman in Dubai was found guilty of defamation for an Instagram post that damaged a hospitals reputation after she had criticised its service, calling it the worst. Its atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system There are no protections or safeguards and peoples lives are being ruined, Ms Stirling said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Editor's Note: One monkey has been captured, while 42 are still on the loose. Read the latest here. Forty-three monkeys,who escaped their facility in South Carolina, were still on the loose Friday morning, the Yemassee Police Department told USA TODAY, though they had been located and efforts were being made to recapture them. The rhesus macaques primates, described as "very young females weighing approximately 6 - 7 lbs," escaped from Alpha Genesis, a primate research facility in Yemassee, a small town about 26 miles from Beaufort, around 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Yemassee Police Department said in 5:50 p.m. advisory Thursday. The primates escaped after a caretaker failed to secure the doors, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said, according to the police department. It was initially reported that 40 monkeys escaped but the number has since been confirmed to be 43. Police said the animals have never been used for testing given their young ages and size and a spokesperson of Alpha Genesis told police that "these animals are too young to carry disease." The monkeys are "believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility" and officers are assisting the Alpha Genesis staff, who were "attempting to entice the animals back using food," in corralling the animals. Residents advised to exercise caution, avoid area Residents in Yemassee and surrounding areas were "strongly advised" to secure all doors and windows to prevent the animals from entering their homes. Authorities have also advised residents to "refrain from approaching" or interacting with the monkeys and immediately call 911 if they see any of the escaped animals. "These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled," the Yemassee Police Department said. "The public is advised to avoid the area as these animals are described as skittish and any additional noise or movement could hinder their safe capture." This is not the first time that the monkeys escaped the facility. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis and were captured almost six hours later, according to The Post and Courier, while 26 monkeys escaped in December 2014. Alpha Genesis which conducts research projects for government, university, and private industry clients, according to their website did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for a comment on the incident. How many monkeys does Alpha Genesis have? Alpha Genesis has approximately 5,000 monkeys across two sites from Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Species include marmosets, cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, African Greens, and several New World species. While the primates escaped from the site on Castle Hall Road in Beaufort County, Alpha Genesis also has a site in neighboring Hampton County, per the Hampton County Guardian. What is Alpha Genesis? Alpha Genesis Inc. describes itself as the "worlds premier provider of the finest nonhuman primate products and services" on its website. The facility says its "experienced and caring staff" is "dedicated to conducting humane research with nonhuman primates to advance knowledge in primate biology and to address human health concerns." Alpha Genesis President and CEO Dr. Greg Westergaard told The Hampton County Guardian during a 2011 interview that the facility is "primarily a breeding facility," and that they raise the animals for "research purposes." "Our overall goal is monkey health and monkey reproduction," Westergaard told the Hampton County Guardian. "We mostly raise animals for research purposes. We do some behavioral research here, and we do studies that are fairly low impact, like drawing blood." "None of the animals here are infected with any diseases, and the studies don't represent any danger to the monkeys or the people here," the CEO had said. Alpha Genesis was established in 1964 to provide animals for polio vaccine research, per the Hampton County Guardian. Animals raised in Yemassee are sold only to USDA-licensed research facilities, Alpha Genesis told the Hampton County Guardian, where they are used in compliance with current legal and ethical practices to further vaccine development and cures for a wide range of diseases: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and more. "I fully support alternatives to using animals for research but I don't see any way around it at this time," Westergaard had said. "But I also support medical advancements that can help large numbers of people. Our goal is to keep the animals as healthy as possible and use as few as possible." Monkey Island In March of 2023, Alpha Genesis also took over the management of South Carolina's Morgan Island, also known as "Monkey Island," home to about 3,500 rhesus monkeys, The Post and Courier reported. Located off the coast of Beaufort, Morgan Island covers an area of more than 2,000 acres and is off-limits to humans, according to Travel and Leisure. Morgan Island was previously owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, while the monkey colony was owned by the National Institute of Allergy + Infectious Diseases. Contributing: Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Monkeys who escaped from Alpha Genesis in Yemassee, SC still on loose Houston ISD Harvard Elementary School, which is located in the Greater Heights area in the northwest portion of the Inner Loop, is the oldest elementary school in Houston, having opened its doors in 1898 Elliott Lapin / staff photo Houston ISD wrote Harvard Elementary School families Thursday evening to inform them that it recommended the termination of its principal and had reassigned its assistant principal and magnet coordinator. The decision follows the Oct. 7 placement of principal Shelby Calabrese on administrative leave. It is unclear why Calabrese was put on leave and later recommended for termination. It is also unclear why Assistant Principal Alejandra Perez and Magnet Coordinator Daisha Huntley will be reassigned to other campuses. "District leadership believes this change is in the fundamental best interest of Harvard Elementary students and your school community," Central Division Superintendent Luz Martinez wrote. "Dr. Calabrese has been recommended for termination, and the details of why will not be disclosed as this information is protected by law." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martinez wrote "HISD leadership decided that speeding up the installation of new leadership was necessary to minimize the disruptions for students, teachers, and families," citing a regulation that the Division Superintendent and District Superintendent can select a principal at their discretion. Harvard's Parent-Teacher Association expressed its disappointment in a Thursday Instagram post that the community was not consulted in the decision. "However, the PTA remains committed to working closely with them to provide the best educational experience for our children," the organization stated. "Let's move forward together for our students." NEW REGULATION: HISD changes prinicpal selection regulation in July Martinez wrote that a meeting with the new principal and assistant principal was scheduled for Wednesday. Sharon Pe Benito will step into the role of principal. She was previously 2020-2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year for HISD's East Division and recently principal apprentice at Briargrove Elementary, the district email reads. Memorial Elementary School's assistant principal Molly Lashway will step into Perez's role. Memorial parents received a letter notifying them of Lashway's transfer after the Harvard letter that evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By Sinead Cruise and Tommy Reggiori Wilkes LONDON (Reuters) - European banks face an even tougher task to close an earnings gap on U.S. rivals, as Wall Street awaits a new era of financial deregulation under a second Donald Trump presidency. Lenders in the euro zone and Britain have been hobbled by poor profitability and weak economies since the 2008-09 global financial crisis, while U.S. banks have soared in value and stolen market share, especially in investment banking as European rivals retreated. Some banks had begun to claw back lost ground this year. Until this week, European shares were outperforming U.S. peers and hopes had grown that the U.S. would adopt some elements of the Basel III regulations requiring American banks to hold more capital, helping level the playing field. Trump's presidential election win this week has turned the tables. JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley shares all soared while the STOXX Europe 600 Banks index is down more than 1% for the week. "The expectation is simple: deregulation and tax cuts in the U.S. contrast with Europe's strict oversight and low-interest-rate grind," said David Materazzi, CEO of Italy-based automated trading platform Galileo FX. "If U.S. banks get the expected policy support, they could ramp up loan volumes and optimize capital in ways that Europe's banks just can't match right now," Materazzi said. Since early 2010, European banking shares have fallen 10%, while U.S. lenders have more than tripled. The European Central Bank has estimated that euro zone banks' return on equity fluctuates around 5%, against 10% in the U.S., linking it to higher U.S. fee income and legacy non-performing loans with which European banks still grapple. LEVERAGE TO LOBBY? There are already signs European politicians are bracing for a new landscape under Trump. Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said on Thursday she and her British counterpart Rachel Reeves had discussed the outlook for U.S. banking regulation. "It was said beforehand that a wave of deregulation was coming in the USA," she told Reuters, adding that both agreed it was important to strike a balance between competitiveness and stability. A wave of deregulation should give European banks some leverage to lobby for easing the rules in Europe, which are already more onerous, one banking executive told Reuters. The U.S. banking industry is expecting Trump to usher in Republican regulators who ease capital rules and merger approvals and further dilute the contentious Basel III endgame proposal aimed at requiring big lenders to hold more capital. But the pace of any deregulation will be determined by new regulators and key policymakers that Trump has yet to nominate, leaving the outlook highly uncertain. Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital Advisors, thinks Trump may also roll back parts of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, which increased regulation on banks to avoid another 2008-style implosion. "Additionally, an uptick in expected corporate M&A because of a less restrictive FTC (Federal Trade Commission) should lead to increased investment banking fees," he told Reuters. "We can also expect an uptick in regional bank mergers. Comparatively, European banks with their more restrictive regulatory oversight will be competing with one hand tied behind their backs." Long-awaited European banking M&A has restarted this year with a potential takeover by UniCredit of Commerzbank and BBVA's bid for Sabadell, but neither deal is guaranteed as they navigate political opposition. Filippo Maria Alloatti, Head of Financials Credit at Federated Hermes, said U.S. banks would be the primary beneficiaries under Trump. But international banks with substantial U.S. operations such as Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and UBS, should, he said, see "positive impacts" too. (Additional reporting by Elisa Martinuzzi in London and Jesus Aguado in Madrid, Editing by William Maclean) Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. (Olivier Douliery / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trumps election victory, combined with the Republican takeover of the Senate, may extend conservative control of the Supreme Court for two more decades. For much of the last four years, progressives focused on proposals to expand the court to more than nine justices or to impose limited terms on the current justices. These ideas depended on Democrats winning sweeping power in the White House and the Senate. Instead, Republicans will be in charge and positioned to preserve the conservative grip on the high court long after Trump leaves Washington. The two oldest justices are also the benchs most conservative. Clarence Thomas, 76, joined 33 years ago and is on track to become the longest-serving justice in the courts history early in 2028. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., confirmed in 2006, is 74. If Democrat Kamala Harris had won this presidential election, there was little chance the elder conservatives would have chosen to retire and have their seats filled by liberals. But conservative analysts think its likely Alito or Thomas or both will retire in Trumps second term. Ed Whelan, who writes regularly in the National Review, said he expects Alito will leave first. I certainly have no inside knowledge. But Id bet big on it, he said. He thinks the death ofliberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at 87, while Trump was still in office, will persuade Thomas and Alito that they should not stay too long. Ginsburg had resisted calls from liberals to step down during President Obamas final term, betting Hillary Clinton would succeed him and nominate her successor. Instead Trump won in 2016, and flipped Ginsburgs liberal seat to a conservative, Amy Coney Barrett, before he lost to Joe Biden in 2020. Retirements by Alito or Thomas would allow Trump to appoint one or two far younger conservatives, likely from those he appointed to federal appeals courts during his first term. Once confirmed, those conservatives could potentially sit on the high court for 30 years. If Democrats had kept Senate control, they could have blocked Trump nominees they considered too extreme. But Trump and his legal advisors will not face that hurdle. In his first term, Trump appointed three conservative justices with the help of then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). When Justice Antonin Scalia died early in 2016, McConnell blocked Obama from filling the conservatives seat. Early in 2017, Trump chose Neil M. Gorsuch, now 57, to fill Scalias seat. When Ginsburg died weeks before the 2020 election, McConnell cleared the way for Trumps quick appointment of Barrett, now 52. With fellow Trump Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, 59, Gorsuch and Barrett cast the key votes in 2022 to overturn the right to abortion, and in July to give Trump and other presidents broad immunity from criminal charges for actions in office. All three of them can expect to serve 20 more years on the court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., the sixth conservative, turns 70 in January. The oldest of the courts three liberals, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, is 70. While Roberts and Sotomayor arent seen as likely to step down in the next four years, Trump could appoint yet another young conservative if either of them does. And President Biden will leave office having made a single but historic appointment in Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the courts first Black woman. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash/AP) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential influence over the American health care industry is being met with a lot of anxiety, especially by those who work directly with patients. Kennedy, a vocal vaccine skeptic, said Trump would give him a key role in the new administration. However, his exact title or duties have not been specified. Dr. Owais Durrani, an emergency medical physician in Houston, told Scripps News he's concerned about whether Kennedy has the qualifications to shape health care policy. "When it comes to health care and other scientific institutions in our country, it's based on data, science and research. And anytime you start to question those without anything that is really backed in data and science, it's honestly going to lead to a loss in life." In an interview with MSNBC on Wednesday, Kennedy said he's prepared to make changes to the Food and Drug Administration. RELATED STORY | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water "In some categories, there are entire departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA, that have to go," he said. President-elect Donald Trump said on the campaign trail that he was going to let Kennedy "go wild on health." Durrani cautioned that making major changes, like dismantling parts of the FDA, could have wide-reaching implications. "When I hear things like going 'wild' on health care, dismantling the FDA, those are the core pillars of how society functions and how we are healthy," Durrani stated. Durrani added that he's concerned about misinformation being amplified by people like Kennedy, who has falsely linked vaccines to autism. "Some people are going to fall for those things, especially when you have a megaphone like this gentleman does at the highest levels of government. So, yes, it gives me a lot of concern," he said. Saoirse Ronan is reacting to the viral response to her comments on how often women have to think of the threat of physical violence. The actor previously spoke out in October while appearing on "The Graham Norton Show" alongside Paul Mescal, Eddie Redmayne and Denzel Washington. Redmayne was sharing what he learned during physical training for an upcoming series, and after Mescal and Norton made jokes about using a phone to protect themselves during an altercation, Ronan reminded the actors how often women prepare for the possibility of physical violence. Thats what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right, ladies? Ronan asked, cutting laughter from Redmayne, Norton and others abruptly short. The moment went viral on social media, as some users emphasized not only with Ronan's point, but the reaction from her fellow actors and the audience. Ronan spoke about her comments on TODAY Nov. 7, saying that she thought it was important that the moment should be kept in context with the larger interview, in which the actors discussed the prep work needed to do certain jobs. She then went into detail on what surprised her about the viral response to her words. "I guess what was really interesting about the response that I totally was not expecting is that this is the kind of conversation that I would have with my female and male friends, and we make points like this all the time," she said. Ronan referenced the murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard in the U.K. in 2021. Everard was a marketing executive who disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in London. A week later, Everard's body was found about 50 miles away in a wooded area in Kent. British police officer Wayne Couzens pleaded guilty to charges of kidnap, rape and murder in Everard's case, and was sentenced to life in prison with no parole in 2021. Prosecutors said Couzens used his position as a police officer to place Everard under false arrest, before driving her in a rental car to a secluded area, where he raped and murdered her, before burning her body and clothing. Ronan reflected on the tragedy, saying, "She followed all the rules, and she did everything that she was supposed to do to keep herself safe, and she still ended up dead. And I think that that really opened up this conversation for everyone back at home." The actor said that since Everard's murder, she's been more vocal in her personal life, with both women and men. "So it was just sort of something that naturally came up on the show, but it's been really interesting to see what the response has been like," she said. "It's just sort of gone everywhere. "I think people have needed something like this, on a platform like that, to go, OK, we can talk about it now, and just to talk about that," she continued. "And of course, it's not something that guys would have to think about, but I think it's really important for us, for all of our little young girls that are growing up, that we go like, 'This is the this is the mentality that a woman has to have, and that a young girl has to have every day ever.'" Reps for Redmayne, Mescal and Washington did not respond to a request for comment from TODAY.com last month. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Senate Dems are furiously debating whether to pressure US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a 70-year-old diabetic, into resigning so they can try to confirm another jurist before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, a new report says. Members of the upper chambers Democratic caucus broached the sensitive topic after Trumps electoral landslide Tuesday, according to Politico. But at least some of the senators are loath to publicly leak the notion or even privately urge Sotomayor, a solid liberal vote on the high court and its first Hispanic justice, to leave her post over potential health issues, the report said. Senate Democrats are furiously debating whether to pressure US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a 70-year-old diabetic, into resigning so they can confirm another jurist before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, according to a new report. Getty Images Sotomayor is a type 1 diabetic, and the average lifespan for women with the condition is 68 years, according to a 2015 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. What happens if she resigns and the nominee to replace her isnt confirmed and the next president fills the vacancy? a source said. A former Senate Democratic aide told The Post its a fools errand to think Sotomayer would step aside and the Senate would be able to confirm a Democratic replacement in time. Thats insane. Thats not going to happen, the source said. If Sotomayor were to resign, [Dem Senate Leader] Chuck Schumer couldnt get a confirmation done in time. Those involved in the talks also have acknowledged that it would be difficult to pull off during President Bidens lame-duck session. We would have to have assurances from any shaky senator that they would back a nominee in the lame-duck, a senior Democratic source told Politico. Members of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers Democratic caucus reportedly broached the sensitive topic after Trumps electoral landslide Tuesday. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images What do you do if she announces shes going to step down and then [Democrat-turned-independent West Virginia Sen. Joe] Manchin doesnt support her and then [Republican Sens.] Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski back off and say theyre not going to support a new nominee? the source asked. Do you just rescind [her] letter? Congress is also running up against a hard fiscal deadline of Dec. 20 to fund the government, leaving little breathing room for the pols to get much else done. Any new justice would have to be appointed, confirmed and seated before the 119th Congress is sworn in Jan. 3. A worried Dem source noted, What do you do if [Sotomayor] announces shes going to step down and then [Democrat-turned-independent West Virginia Sen. Joe] Manchin doesnt support the move? Anadolu via Getty Images Some of the senators in the Beltway speculative conversation would prefer to spend that short period of time confirming other lower-court judges to the federal bench, as Republicans have already telegraphed that their majority is ready to confirm a slate of new candidates to those positions, the report said. If Sotomayor was to step down, the anonymous Democratic lawmakers were floating at least one moderate replacement for her: Washington, DC, Circuit Judge J. Michelle Childs, according to the outlet. Childs has already won bipartisan support from Biden, who put her on his short list of potential jurists, and Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Lindsey Graham (R-SC). GOP Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Lindsey Graham has already backed a potential leading replacement candidate, DC Circuit Judge J. Michelle Childs. William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty Images I cant think of a better person for President Biden to consider for the Supreme Court than Michelle Childs, Graham said of his fellow South Carolinian on CBS News Face the Nation in 2022. She has wide support in our state, shes considered to be a fair-minded, highly gifted jurist. Shes one of the most decent people Ive ever met, he added. Democrats started a whisper campaign last year to remove Sotomayor, which enraged some progressives who saw the effort as ableist. Trump, 78, and a Senate Republican majority secured the US Supreme Courts conservative advantage in the final months of his first term by installing Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Bloomberg via Getty Images Trump, 78, and a Senate Republican majority secured the Supreme Courts conservative advantage in the final months of his first term by installing Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg died Sept. 18, 2020, at the age of 87, three years before she had planned to retire. Ginsburg died just before Trump left office after years of health complications. The Washington Post via Getty Images She battled life-threatening complications in her final years including colon and pancreatic cancer and even broke her ribs from falls in 2012 and 2018. Reps for Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) did not immediately respond to a Post request for comment Friday. By Lena Masri, Michelle Nichols LONDON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -There is a "strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas" of the northern Gaza Strip, a committee of global food security experts warned on Friday, as Israel pursues a military offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas in the area. "Immediate action, within days not weeks, is required from all actors who are directly taking part in the conflict, or have influence on its conduct, to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation," the independent Famine Review Committee (FRC) said in a rare alert. The warning comes just days ahead of a U.S. deadline for Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid. Israel's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "If no effective action is taken by stakeholders with influence, the scale of this looming catastrophe is likely to dwarf anything we have seen so far in the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023," the FRC committee said. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that there are between 75,000 and 95,000 people still in northern Gaza. The Famine Review Committee said that it could be "assumed that starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease, are rapidly increasing" in north Gaza. "Famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future," it said. Israel began a wide military push in northern Gaza last month. The United States has said it is watching to ensure that its ally's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north. The Famine Review Committee reviews findings by the global hunger monitor - an internationally recognised standard known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The IPC defines famine as when at least 20% of people in an area are suffering extreme food shortages, with at least 30% of children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease. The IPC is an initiative involving U.N. agencies, national governments and aid groups that sets the global standard on measuring food crises. The IPC warned last month that the entire Gaza Strip was at risk of famine, while top U.N. officials last week described the northern Gaza Strip as "apocalyptic" and everyone there was "at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence." The amount of aid entering Gaza has plummeted to its lowest level in a year, according to U.N. data, and the U.N. has repeatedly accused Israel of hindering and blocking attempts to deliver aid, particularly to Gaza's north. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon last month told the Security Council that the issue in Gaza was not a lack of aid, saying more than a million tons had been delivered during the past year. He accused Hamas of hijacking the assistance. Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli allegations that it was stealing aid and says Israel is to blame for shortages. "The daily average number of trucks entering Gaza in late October was about 58 per day," Jean-Martin Bauer, the U.N. World Food Programme's director of food security and nutrition analysis, told Reuters on Friday. "We were getting about 200 a day in September and August, so that's really a big, big decline," he said. (Reporting by Lena Masri and Michelle NicholsEditing by Katharine Jackson and Frances Kerry) The election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president has triggered a surge of social media posts and internet search interest in South Koreas fringe feminist "4B" movement, which calls on women to refrain from dating, having sex with men, having kids and marrying men. Across TikTok, dozens of American women disappointed by Tuesdays election results have posted videos stating their intention to participate in their own version of the 4B trend. Over 200,000 people looked up the 4B movement on Google on Wednesday, making it one of the top trending topics on the online search engine. The 4B trend, which began in South Korea 2018 in the wake of the #MeToo movement, has become a way for some women to protest misogyny, gender discrimination and violence against women, according to Meera Choi, a Ph.D. candidate in the department of sociology at Yale University who studies heterosexual refusal among South Korean women. Women started thinking about how the government and the state and the men are failing them, said Choi, and they subsequently began not rewarding men by not participating in heterosexual relationships. The renewed interest in 4B comes in the aftermath of an election in which gender played a major role. Some thought that questions about the future of womens reproductive rights would turn voters out for Vice President Kamala Harris and deliver Trump a crushing defeat instead, women ended up gravitating toward him. Harris won women by 8 percentage points, while President Joe Biden won that cohort by 15 percentage points in 2020, according to NBC News exit polling. Still, for many women, Trumps win was an indication that their reproductive rights are dwindling. Trump has varied on his stance on a nationwide abortion ban, previously supporting legislative efforts to institute one and also saying that the issue should be determined by the states. While Harris had a strong female support base, Trump ultimately connected more with voters on his promise to fix the economy and to be different from the current administration, helping him take the lead nationwide. Data from NBC News exit polling as of Thursday afternoon showed that among women, who made up 53% of the electorate, 53% voted for Harris and 45% for Trump. Of the female voters, 91% of Black women voted for Harris vs. 7% who voted for Trump, and 57% of college-educated white women voted for Harris vs. 41% who voted for Trump. Among white female noncollege graduates, only 35% voted for Harris vs. 63% who voted for Trump. Among men, 42% voted for Harris and 55% for Trump. Of the male voters, 37% of white men voted for Harris vs. 60% who voted for Trump, and 47% of college-educated white men voted for Harris vs. 50% who voted for Trump. Among white men without college degrees, only 29% voted for Harris vs. 69% voted for Trump. American women who remain disillusioned with the government and Trumps win are now channeling that anger and channeling that hopelessness into this new activism within their private sphere where they boycott men and boycott heterosexual relationships, and [refuse] to participate in patriarchy as a way to cope, Choi said. South Korea is in the midst of what some scholars have dubbed a gender war, in which concerns about inequality have stirred a deep gender divide that has become a core part of the countrys national politics. In 2022, President Yoon Suk Yeol, blamed feminism for the countrys low birth rate, saying he would increase penalties for false accusations of sexual crimes, and denied the existence of structural discrimination based on gender. That has in turn sparked movement among feminists in the country to ring alarm bells over their rights, including an embrace of the 4B movement. While Choi described 4B as relatively niche, she said she has found that many women have resonated with the idea of using their reproductive choice and bodily autonomy to respond to anti-feminist sentiment and policies in the South Korean government. The 4B movement has been gaining more interest and popularity on an international stage in recent years, particularly as young women across the world have learned about it on social media, according to Choi. Aleisa Mora, 30, posted a TikTok about the 4B movement in March after reading the English translation of the book Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, which is largely credited as the book that began the 4B movement. Moras original video, which she has reshared following the U.S. election, has amassed more than 5.9 million views and stirred backlash from some men. She said her posts have ended up on far-right corners of the internet, where men have wished harm on her. However, she said those comments only underscore her belief in why the 4B movement is needed in the United States. We have tried reasoning, she said. Weve tried being very mindful, very demure, talking to people about how to treat us right but thats not working. Supporters of the #MeToo movement attend a rally to mark International Women's Day in Seoul, South Korea, on March 8, 2018. Now that we dont need a man for anything, and men continue to actively take our rights away, were just like, OK, were just not going to deal with you, Mora added. Marykate Cecilia, who made a TikTok about the 4B movement after the U.S. election, said she believes South Korean womens efforts to boycott men is working in their favor. Its working because the government is worried about the population size decreasing, said Cecilia, 22, referencing South Koreas low fertility rate, which fell to 0.78 in 2022 from 0.81 the previous year, according to World Bank Group data. There is no data that indicates the 4B movement is a factor in the decline. Maybe nothing changed immediately, but now its actually a problem that they have to address, Cecilia said. But 4B is a flawed movement, Choi said, as it can often exclude women who do not fit into its particular definition of feminism, including transgender women, married women and women who have children. The cultural differences between the U.S. and South Korea, such as how diverse versus monoracial the societies are, respectively, could also impact what a 4B movement would look like among Americans. For women like Cecilia, seeing 4B continue to build momentum is still enough of a motivating factor to continue posting about the trend and partaking in it. If enough women decided that that was, you know, possible, it would be great to actually see some change happen, she said. And to see that women are important. FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO round table meeting at The Grove hotel and resort in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Dec. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) TORONTO (AP) President-elect Donald Trumps promise to launch a mass deportation of millions of undocumented people is a top focus for Canada, its deputy prime minister said Friday, as the country plans to deal with a possible influx north. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau re-established a special Cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations to address his administrations concerns about another Trump presidency this week. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is chair of the revived committee, said what Trump's deportation plan would mean for Canada is a key priority for the committee. "I do want Canadians to know it is one of our two central points of focus," Freeland said after the group met for the first time since Trump's first term in office. Freeland said controlling Canada's border is fundamental. Canadians are right to be concerned about it, she said. Freeland said Canada has a plan, but she did not share any details. She said she spoke to the leaders to Canada's provinces about the issue this week and said it is intentional that the country's immigration and public safety ministers are members of the committee. The deputy prime minister said the committee will meet often including early next week again. Canada saw an increase in the number of irregular border crossings between 2016 and 2023, which the the Royal Canadian Mounted Police attributes in part to the first Trump presidency. The national police service has said they have been working through multiple scenarios in case there is a change in irregular migration - which is trending down this year Trump has talked about creating the largest mass deportation program in history. And Trump has called for using the National Guard and empowering domestic police forces in the effort. Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden announced last year a plan to close a loophole to an immigration agreement that allowed thousands of asylum-seeking immigrants to move between the two countries along a back road linking New York state to the Canadian province of Quebec. The policy says asylum seekers without U.S. or Canadian citizenship who are caught within 14 days of crossing anywhere along the 3,145-mile (5,061-kilometer) border will be sent back. A woman whose roommate went missing from their Florida home in 2022 has been arrested nearly two years after the disappearance. Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez, 42, was arrested by the Orlando Police Department and charged with second-degree murder after the disappearance of her roommate, Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, the department said in a release posted Thursday. Investigators said around 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2022, the department received a missing person report from a residence in Orlando. According to WESH, officers told the news outlet that Medina-Pacheco had come from the Dominican Republic and moved into the apartment in October 2022 to stay with Victoria-Gonzalez. Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, 42, was last seen on Dec. 25, 2022 in Orlando, Florida, police said. Police also told the outlet that Victoria-Gonzalez was an acquaintance of Medina-Pacheco, who she met briefly from the doctor. Victoria-Gonzalez contacted the police department stating that she had not seen her roommate since Christmas Day, authorities said. Authorities then began an investigation and discovered multiple inconsistencies in Victoria-Gonzalez's story, police said. After obtaining a search warrant of their home, police said they discovered significant evidence that showed a violent incident had occurred. Florida news: Woman murdered boyfriend by zipping him in suitcase, jury finds Further investigation reveals that Victoria-Gonzalez moved to Connecticut The Orlando Police Departments investigation found that Victoria-Gonzalez had moved to another residence in Hartford, Connecticut, police said. The Hartford Police Department told USA TODAY it helped Orlando police locate and detain Victoria-Gonzalez on Nov. 6, 2024. The arrest came after investigators traveled to Hartford and conducted an additional interview with her. During this investigation, authorities developed probable cause to charge Victoria-Gonzalez, police said. The police department said Medina-Pacheco has not been found. Victoria-Gonzalez faces a second-degree murder charge, more Victoria-Gonzalez is currently facing the following charges: one count, second-degree murder one count, tampering with physical evidence one count, grand theft We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Hartford Police Department for their support in this investigation, the Orlando Police Department said in a statement. USA TODAY reached out to the Orlando Police Department for comment. The Orlando Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Orlando Police Department Homicide Unit or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida woman last seen on Christmas Day 2022; roommate arrested Pre-K students participate in an activity in the classroom of Teri Engleman, upper right, at Highland Heights Elementary School Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Fourth grade science teacher Paul Obakpolo during a tour of Benavidez Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer The Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center building on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston ISD held its first Student Success meeting Thursday evening to explain some of its popular classroom strategies to parents. The live virtual meeting focused on aspects of "high-quality instruction" by introducing parents to two specific ways whiteboards and partner work that students engage with one another daily under the district's new state-appointed administration. Since the takeover, Superintendent Mike Miles has conducted a sweeping overhaul of 130 campuses' curriculums under the New Education System, while its remaining campuses have varying levels of autonomy. "I want families to understand how and why district leadership and principals are doing what they do, and why it benefits students," HISD's senior executive director of external engagement Najah Callander said. "A lot has changed in HISD in the last year and a half, and the intention behind every change is to make sure that teachers are better teachers, and that students are learning more." Advertisement Article continues below this ad High-quality instruction can be divided into a few characteristics: engagement strategies that are effective for learning, using grade-level instruction, and scaffolding, which is the practice of "being able to layer learning up," said Sandi Massey, HISD's chief of leadership and professional development. Massey, who previously worked as a principal in Dallas ISD and at Third Future Schools, oversees training over all Houston ISD principals. Engagement strategies allow students to participate in a lesson actively rather than passively, Massey said. Students at every school at Houston ISD use individual whiteboards to jot down answers and present to teachers before moving on in a lesson. "A teacher can see an answer .... very, very fast, and they can make a decision database to say, 'Oh, I need to reteach that concept,'" Massey said. "It gives them information really quickly, but it also allows a student to do the writing and work in front of them. They can see it with their partner, they can show it to their teacher and get confirmation that they understood what just got taught." Houston ISD schools also utilize "turn-and-talk," or partner work, to help students interact with each other and ensure that aspects of the lesson "stick" into the next school day, Massey said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I am capturing information for myself, and to ensure that I know it as a student, I'm going to now tell it to you in my own way and you're going to be able to confirm if your answer is the same," Massey said. "It allows them to engage in the learning very authentically and hopefully stick the learning to them so that they remember it the next day." The district took three prewritten parent questions in the meeting. Houston ISD draws from decades of research to build its version of "high-quality instruction," including Jean Piaget, who pioneered collaborative learning, Lev Vygotsky, who introduced the concept of scaffolding, and modern-day researchers and companies including Carol Anne Tomlinson and The New Teacher Project. Engagement strategies are also effective for language learners and special education students, Massey said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Whether you're struggling as a learner or you are mastering learning, being able to engage with partners, with tables, with writing, that is beneficial for everyone," Massey said. "Engagement strategies do not lend itself to a liability in (special education,) but an asset in that area." The Cambodian Environment Ministry announced a bid for the collection of forest by-products from clearing the site of the future Chinese-built Stung Tatai Leu dam. Koh Kong province has long been the victim of illegal logging activities and environmentalists fear that the government's announcement is but a sham. Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Cambodian Environment Ministry announced yesterday a public bid for the collection of forest by-products resulting from the clearing of the reservoir area for the Stung Tatai Leu hydroelectric project, in Thma Bang district, Koh Kong province. This is where the Cambodian government, in partnership with Chinese companies, is building several dams to boost clean energy production, but also where illegal logging has been going on for some time. According to the ministry, the timber in Thma Bang district is worth more than .4 million. Individuals and legal entities [. . .] with a history of forest offences or outstanding debts to the state are not permitted to participate, the announcement read. The start of the hydroelectric project, approved in 2020 by then Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodias strongman, was inaugurated by his son Hun Manet in November 2023. A Chinese company, Cambodian Upper Tatay Hydropower, will build it with an investment of almost US$ 400 million. The project involves the construction of two dams across two rivers, the Stung Kep and the Tatay, with two reservoirs connected by an underground water tunnel. According to an investigation by Mongabay, a conservation news web portal, much of the timber from clearing the area has already been illegally logged. After that, the timber is taken to Koh Kong Provincial Prison, where inmates make furniture out of it, while prison officials pocket part of the profits. According to Global Forest Watch, the area where the dam will be built has lost 18,755 acres of old-growth forest in 20 years, equal to 2.1 per cent of the forest of Thma Bang district. Since work began at Stung Tatai Leu (Thma Bang), almost 60,000 deforestation alerts have been triggered by satellite images, almost all centred on the site of the new dam. Not far away, where the Stung Meteuk dam is under construction, illegal logging has been reported for some time, even in protected areas, involving Ly Yong Phat, a Cambodian businessman who is also a senator and adviser to the former prime minister, originally from Koh Kong province but with ties to China. Last September, the US State Department imposed sanctions against Ly and his businesses, some of which have to do with online scam centres, according to US officials, but there was no mention of his misappropriation of natural resources, which local activists have long criticised. Cambodia's Environment Minister, Eang Sophalleth, ordered a ban in September on deforestation in the region where the Stung Meteuk dam is being built. Environmentalists welcomed the decision but expressed scepticism about Ly Yong Pha's activities being regulated and made transparent. Many fear the government announcement about the bid is but a sham. by Sumon Corraya The interim prime minister met a delegation from the Bishops' Conference led by Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze. The prelates call for a nation grounded in justice, human rights, and participatory governance. The Church's educational and healthcare institutions offer their services "regardless of caste or creed. The bishops urge the government to simplify visa procedures for missionaries. Dhaka (AsiaNews) The Catholic bishops of Bangladesh paid a courtesy visit to interim Prime Minister and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus yesterday. During the meeting, the prelates said that they would do their utmost to work with the authorities on national issues of greatest interest at a time of significant political transformations sparked by student protests in July and August that led to the fall and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is result of the leadership and sacrifice of younger generations. Both the Church and the government must follow and support this unique opportunity for state reform to ensure the countrys development. In a statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) notes that the visit provided an opportunity to confirm the bishops deep admiration for the current prime minister for his significant contributions to the countrys development and the recognition he achieved internationally. CBCB President Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze of Dhaka, OMI led the delegation. In their address, the prelates highlighted the profound impact of global developments in science, technology, geopolitics, and climate change, emphasising the role new generations have in shaping the country's future. Without the active involvement of the youth, fulfilling the aspirations of the people will remain a distant goal, they note. Reflecting on the results of the recent protest movement, the bishops urge Prime Minister Yunus and his administration to lead Bangladesh in building a nation grounded in justice, human rights, and participatory governance. Praising the effort made so far by the interim head of government in pursuing "secular and inclusive" ideals and principles, the bishops express renewed hope for "national unity, freedom, and well-being". In their statement, Catholic leaders also mentioned the Christian community's commitment to the good of the nation. As Bangladeshi citizens, we deeply love our country and share a vision of a democratic, inclusive, and developed Bangladesh a place of justice, rule of law, dignity, and freedom from poverty. We dream of a peaceful, harmonious Bangladesh built on friendship and brotherhood. The meeting underlined the CBCBs commitment to work with the interim government for the advancement of all Bangladeshis, making a hopeful step forward for the country during this period of transformation. The bishops also reiterated their commitment to the country, stating that they are working tirelessly for the prosperity and development of our motherland, Bangladesh. They explained that Our Church-run educational institutions provide quality education and holistic development for young people, regardless of caste or creed. Our hospitals and health centres extend vital care to the poor, while Mother Teresas homes offer a place of trust for the destitute, disabled, and street children. Additionally, our welfare institutes empower marginalised women through handicrafts, promoting equality and economic independence. Together with Christian organisations like Caritas Bangladesh, World Vision, HEED Bangladesh, and CCDB, we are actively contributing to the development of the nation and the welfare of its people. With all our services, we are dedicated to supporting the vision of this government and the dreams of the people. The statement also highlights the importance of constitutional reforms that promote nationalism, secularism, non-communal values, and human rights; hence, they urge the government to formally recognise the countrys 45 indigenous communities, ensuring their equal rights, and addressing the complexities of their land rights. Lastly, the bishops requested that Christian public holidays be expanded beyond 25 December (Christmas) to include 24 December (Christmas Eve) and Easter Sunday, allowing Christians to fully observe these significant days. They also highlighted the challenges faced by the approximately 170 Catholic missionaries currently in the country, who face complex and lengthy visa procedures, concluding with an appeal for a simplified and expedited visa process to enable them to continue the service without unnecessary delays. Caritas and the Social Commission of the Bishops' Conference released a statement today denouncing the fact that families are being forced to fend for themselves. Some disabled people have died after the facility where they lived was closed. President Yoon is accused of not living up to his campaign promises, but rather just changing the name of this "social experimentation". Seoul (AsiaNews) The closure of facilities is not promoting the well-being of disabled people. On the contrary, its results are unsuccessful, to the point that some people have died in a state of neglect, this according to the Catholic Church in Korea. In a statement titled "God is love released today by Caritas and the Commission for Social Affairs of the Bishops' Conference, the Catholic Church calls on President Yoon Suk-Yeol to keep his commitment to interrupt the "social experimentation" undertaken since November 2021. The policy of "deinstitutionalisation" is grounded in the rejection of the idea of large residential facilities for the disabled built in the country in the 1970s and 1980s, which still house more than 20,000 people. While this principle is laudable, there is great fear among the families of the disabled that this path - instead of being a real form of respect for the dignity of the most fragile people - will turn out to be an ideological recipe without adequate alternative paths with the most vulnerable being abandoned rather than assisted in the best possible way. According to the Catholic Church, this is precisely what is happening in the pilot projects launched in the last three years. The statement cites in particular a survey by the Seoul metropolitan government according to which only 700 people out of about 1,200 can confirm their residence. Of the 487 disabled people interviewed, only 281 were at their home, while 24 were dead. For the past three years, listening to the silent cries of suffering and even the loss of life due to this policy, the Koreas Catholic Church has expressed a strong will and purpose to the nation with an earnest heart through several forums and proposals together with disabled persons, their parents, domestic and foreign experts in social welfare. The statement notes that President Yoon had pledged to scrap this policy during the election campaign. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare refused to evaluate the pilot project and conduct a nationwide survey, even though it failed, and expanded the pilot project nationwide, just changing the name of the policy. The statement expresses particular concern for people with severe disabilities who have been forcibly evicted from the facilities that once housed them. We need to ask them (the authorities), Who exactly are they, where and how are they living? Sadly, they have become 'anonymous disabled people' in South Korea and are being abandoned by our society and community. Contrary to what it is claimed, this policy does not promote the rights of disabled people at all. Under Article 3 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 10 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reads, States Parties reaffirm that every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. In accordance with Jesus Christ and his culture of love, the Catholic Church in Korea will always walk with the outcasts in solidarity with the international community in the precious spirit and actions of our society's preferential choice for the poor." For this reason, the Catholic Church in Korea folds its hands in prayer and appeals to the nation and its people. More specifically, five demands are made. First of all, the national policy of deinstitutionalisation should be stopped immediately, and a comprehensive nationwide survey should be conducted by a credible state agency and the private sector and the results should be made public. Secondly, there must be fundamental protection measures and compensation for the disabled people who have been harmed through these results. Thirdly, individuals and organisations involved in the failed policies implemented on a pilot basis should be permanently barred from human rights and welfare projects involving people with disabilities. Fourthly, all citizens should participate in protection systems for disabled people with credible commitments. Finally, the Catholic Church calls for efforts to be made to improve the professionalism and stability of specialised institutions and professionals of daily life and medical care. Kelly Courts resident Myoshia Jones' window AC unit is propped with wood planks after maintenance workers took it down and never reinstalled it. Photo taken Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. Jones, who has been living in this unit since 2019, said this AC unit was taken down shortly after it was installed. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Kelly Courts resident Myoshia Jones' window AC unit is propped with wood blocks after maintenance workers took it down and never reinstalled it. Photo taken Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. Jones, who has been living in this unit since 2019, said this AC unit was taken down shortly after it was installed. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Kelly Courts apartments with window AC units are photographed Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. The window units was part of a multimillion dollar initiative to provide air conditioning to public housing, but many residents say their units have been uninstalled and left on their floors. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Kelly Courts apartments with window AC units are photographed Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. The window units were part of a multimillion dollar initiative to provide air conditioning to public housing, but many residents say their units have been uninstalled and left on their floors. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Kelly Courts apartments with window AC units are photographed Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. The window units were part of a multimillion dollar initiative to provide air conditioning to public housing, but many residents say their units have been uninstalled and left on their floors. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer In the fall of 2023, to great fanfare, Houstons public housing finally got air conditioning. The Houston Housing Authority hired 21 contractors to install 1,615 window units in Cuney Homes, Irvington Village and Kelly Village, more commonly known as Kelly Courts. It agreed to pay $1.2 million for the AC units and $650 for each to be installed, for a total of $2.2 million in federal funding though the authority left room for that number to increase if more AC units were needed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But many residents said that their AC units were removed days after they were installed. They came in maybe a week later and said they had to switch them because they put them in wrong, said Parys Burks, a Kelly Courts resident. They said we could only have one downstairs and one upstairs, because it was a safety hazard. The housing authority declined to comment on how many units were uninstalled, the reasons why and the costs involved, citing an ongoing investigation into how contracts for the AC installation were awarded. KPRC has reported that the AC installation costs ultimately soared to $5.4 million. Its clear the rollout did not go as anticipated. The Houston Chronicle spoke with half a dozen public housing residents who said their window units were uninstalled shortly after they were installed. Kelly Courts apartments with window AC units are photographed Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Fifth Ward in Houston. The window units was part of a multimillion dollar initiative to provide air conditioning to public housing, but many residents say their units have been uninstalled and left on their floors. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Public housing lacked AC for decades All three public housing complexes are two-story brick affairs dating from around 1940. With few trees for shade, they absorb heat throughout the day and release it at night, long leaving residents to sweat out the summers with whatever fans or window units they could afford. All three public housing complexes are slated to be demolished and replaced with new housing, lively subsidized by vouchers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The multimillion-dollar window unit initiative was meant to cool down residents until they could move into newly developed housing, but many AC units were uninstalled before they could be used for even one summer. Contractors left uninstalled units on Burks floor, where they have lain unused and taking space for the year since. Burks said she and her family slept in the one room with AC because it was too hot to sleep in the other rooms. Unlike temporary window units that tenants might install themselves, the units installed as part of the Heat Relief Initiative were not meant for easy removal. Instead, they were installed using metal panels, support brackets and sealant. Multiple tenants said those window units were removed shortly before their apartments were inspected. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments housing quality standards require that every apartment have an acceptable fire exit, such as a backdoor or an openable window if the unit is on the first floor or second floor. The International Fire Code states every emergency exit be operable without use of keys or tools. Price Consulting, which prepared the scope of work outlining how many window AC units would be needed and how they were supposed to be installed, did not respond to questions about whether exiting the building in the case of a fire was a consideration when calculating how many window AC units to install. It recommended one AC unit each for one-bedroom apartments and two AC units each for larger apartments. The scope of work did include having Price Consulting and the Houston Housing Authority inspect the work once it was substantially complete. The consultant and housing authority would need to notify the contractor in writing if items required further consideration. Enduring intolerable heat When the housing authority board voted in October to hire outside legal counsel to examine its contracts, it said in a release that it had recently implemented a rigorous vetting process for all contractors and partners, including background checks and verification of required contractor documentation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the same meeting, the board voted to have a consultant evaluate the authoritys president, David A. Northern, Sr. Northern had trumpeted the window units as a commitment to our clients that meant they would never again have to endure intolerable heat. Currently, he is on paid administrative leave after the board approved a resolution that said it had been presented with information that warrants investigation of the president and chief executive officer" specifically whether he has complied with his contractual and fiduciary duties. After the vote, Northern said in an email that he was confident the investigation would not turn up any grounds for removal. Myoshia Jones, who lives at the Kelly Courts, said she was one of the many who were confused by why contractors installed an AC unit only to take it out less than two weeks later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So we had it brand new, but it was just sitting there gathering dust on the ground. This summer, when record heat lasted well into October, she decided the waste was too much. Her boyfriend propped up the window unit outside the window and plugged it in. We were hot, she said. by Nirmala Carvalho The wound in the northeastern Indian state is still open. Some houses were set on fire last night. The mainly Christian Kuki community reports continued incursions by Meitei extremists. Fears are growing that hitherto neutral ethnic Nagas might be caught up in the violence. Talks proposed by the Union Home Affairs Ministry have gone nowhere. Imphal (AsiaNews) A woman was killed last night in fresh interethnic clashes in Zairon Hmar, a village in Jiribam district, Manipur, a state in north-eastern India, torn by violence for more than a year. More than 10 houses were also set on fire, which the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), an organisation that brings together several tribal groups, blames on Meitei militants. The exchange of gunfire continued for about an hour. During the attack, more than ten houses were set ablaze. A woman named Sangkim was burnt to death after a fire engulfed her home," the ITLF said in a statement. Preliminary reports suggested that several villagers managed to flee during the attack and took shelter in [a] nearby forest, a senior officer said. The ITLF also expressed concern about the recent occupation of Kangchup Panjang village, Kangpokpi district, by heavily armed members of the KCP-PWG militant group, a militant Meitei organisation. Their infiltration in Kuki areas has created tensions and sparked fear in the predominantly Christian population living in the hilly areas. The ITLF slammed the Manipur and Indian governments, both led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for inaction against armed Meitei militants, who have occupied the Kuki-Zo territory. This unchecked militarisation within our lands can only be seen as a sinister tactic orchestrated by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, diverting attention from his role in the systematic violence against the Kuki-Zo people," the ITLF leaders said. The latter stressed the need for the government to ban extremist groups, such as Arambai Tenggol (AT); Kuki-Zo communities will not remain passive bystanders while their lands and lives are threatened. Violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023 and has been periodically rekindled since then. Lately violence involving ethnic Nagas has been reported. Hitherto, the Naga community has not been involved in the conflict between Kuki and Meitei. Nagas live among and trade with the other two communities. Late last month, AT militants attacked and kidnapped two Naga traders, sparking fears that the violence might engulf other indigenous groups. Officially, at least 226 people have died and more than 60,000 have been displaced, but the central government has not yet compensated the victims as it had promised, The Wire reports. Meanwhile, the peace committee set up by Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, has failed. It included Manipur Chief minister Singh, something opposed by members from several parties who quit in protest. The central government tried separate talks in mid-October with Kuki, Meitei, and Naga representatives, the first attempt involving the Home Affairs Ministry and local politicians since the violence broke out. Nothing substantial was discussed, the Hindu newspaper quoted a source as saying. It was made clear that until there can be an assurance to stop violence, no further step can be taken. Following these talks, Kuki Members of the states Legislative Assembly demanded a separate administration for their community as a precondition for any peace talks. INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Commenting on the victory of the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump in Americas November 5 presidential election, Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Thursday that relations between Armenia and the United States have stable institutional foundations regardless of which party holds power in Washington. This year it was already announced that Armenia and the United States are working to raise the level of their relationship from a strategic dialogue to a strategic partnership, and intensive steps are being taken in this direction, Kostanian said. I am confident that even under the new administration, this work will continue successfully and will be completed. According to the diplomat, efforts are currently underway to expand the bilateral cooperation agenda, including deepening economic relations between the two states. Asked about the Armenian governments diplomatic engagement with the team of the Republican candidate in the U.S., Kostanian said: Of course, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our various partners have maintained contacts with both the Democrats and Republicans. Both the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in the U.S. addressed issues of concern to the local Armenian community during their campaign. Trump voiced support for the ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, accusing the current U.S. administration of failing to prevent last years forced exodus of the regions Armenian population. He promised to protect persecuted Christians and work to stop the violence and ethnic cleansing, pledging to restore peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Kamala Harris also reached out to the Armenian community in the U.S., pledging to continue to support Armenia and stating that Karabakh Armenians have a legitimate right to return safely to their home region, which Azerbaijan took full control of militarily in September 2023. Unlike previous presidential campaigns, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), one of the most influential Armenian advocacy organizations in the U.S., this time refrained from endorsing either candidate. 8 November 2024 11:28 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On November 14, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) will host a key event titled "Global Financial System: Expanding Financing for Climate Action" as part of COP29's Finance, Investment, and Trade Day, Azernews reports. This gathering aims to unite leaders from both public and private sectors, including Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and investors, to drive climate finance initiatives and resource mobilization needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals for a green transition. The event will feature two primary panel discussions with executives from global financial institutions sharing insights on: "Climate Finance: Turning Climate Ambition into Tangible Action" Focusing on strategies to increase climate financing in developing nations, this panel will address how regulatory frameworks and financial innovations can help translate climate goals into concrete outcomes. "Scaling Up Climate Finance through Global Financial Interoperability" Exploring ways to align regulatory practices, this session will emphasize enhanced coordination across financial systems to foster global climate finance interoperability. Azerbaijani banks' commitments towards green finance and accelerating the nation's green transition will also be highlighted. This event, accessible only to those with Blue Zone accreditation, will take place at the Baku Olympic Stadium's Blue Zone, Presidential Pavilion, SE5/Nasimi, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM (GMT+4). Further details are available on the CBA's official website. 8 November 2024 15:27 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The area to be used by the UN is fully prepared. Ninety-two percent of the preparatory work has been completed, as the country brought the materials to the pavilions itself. Azer Guliyev, director of the COP29 Operating Company's Venue Construction Department, informed reporters, Azernews reports. He noted that all work will be completed before the event. "Most of the materials used in the construction of the premises will be reused. The area of temporary structures is 112,000 square meters, and the total area to be used by the UN is 150,000 square meters," he added. It should be noted that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in a few days. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11 last year. 8 November 2024 17:48 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more All our work related to nutrition during COP29 in Baku has already been completed. We have been providing food for employees and contractors for more than two months, and we have already completed the trial phase. Ths was stated by Anar Zeynalov, head of the Catering, Cleaning, and Waste Management Department for COP29, Azernews reports. He noted that the renovation of new coffee shops and restaurants in the area has already been completed. Many of them have even started operating, passed tests, and are currently continuing their activities. "Our portal orders have been activated since the beginning of October, and most of the orders have been fulfilled. We have made all our preparations. We are a team of about 2,000 people, and we are looking forward to November 11." "In the green zone, we have 56 sales points, two large restaurants, 28 coffee shops and hot tea points, and more than 24 food outlets offering world cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and European. We also have a national kitchen in an area of over 1,000 square meters, where we will present our national dishes to all conference participants." "Overall, the vast majority of food during the conferencemore than 90 percentwill consist of local products. As the COP29 Operating Company, and according to the event format, there will be little preference for imported products, which will also help reduce carbon emissions." "Prices at food outlets are not much higher than regular city prices; they are quite close to them," he added. 8 November 2024 00:01 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Today, November 8, is a date of unique significance in the calendar for the people of Azerbaijan. The Garabagh issue, which had been remembered for many years in both good and bad times, was a matter that all Azerbaijanis around the world united to raise their voices for justice. The occupation policies carried out by the Armenian administration, with the support of various countries, on Azerbaijani lands for more than 30 years, came to a dead end after the counteroffensive operations launched by the Azerbaijani army in September 2020. Up until that time, the Armenian provocations on the border, the genocides committed in Garabagh, and Armenia's ethnic cleansing policies on Azerbaijan's occupied lands had been repeatedly reported by Azerbaijan to international organizations and courts. However, countries like France, which sought to extend their influence in the South Caucasus, continued to fuel the conflict and pour oil on the fire, supporting Armenia. The four resolutions of the UN and numerous other international documents confirmed that Armenian forces, initially deployed as part of Russia's occupation policies and later settled with Western support, had subjected the Azerbaijani population in those areas to inhumane torture while portraying themselves as victims. How were the Armenians settled in Azerbaijani lands? In the 18th and 19th centuries, Azerbaijani lands, with their rich culture and history, became prime targets for the Russian Empire in the north and the Persian state in the south. As trade routes passing through Azerbaijan drew the attention of Iran, the oil fields of Baku appeared indispensable to Tsarist Russia. The clash of interests between these two powers over Azerbaijan led to decades of war and the division of the land. The 1828 Treaty of Turkmenchay marked one of the greatest misfortunes in the history of the Azerbaijani people. Azerbaijan was divided along the Aras River, and Russia and Iran started implementing their oppressive policies in the region. In the northern part, where Baku is located, Russia began efforts to strip the Azerbaijanis of their national identity and eventually their land. Armenians, mainly brought from India, were settled in the beautiful regions of Azerbaijan, including Nakhchivan, Yerevan, and Garabagh. Russia offered them special privileges and forcibly displaced the indigenous Azerbaijani population. A historical review shows that no scholar or researcher has confirmed the historical presence of Armenians in these lands. Armenians, who began to rule over Azerbaijani lands, eventually created a puppet state with the help of Tsarist Russia, and they chose the historical center of the Erivan Khanate as their capital. This disrupted the land connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, and the Armenians even began to claim Nakhchivan for themselves. After the collapse of Tsarist Russia and the rise of Soviet rule, Armenia was recognized as an independent state and began making decisions about Azerbaijani territories, which it later claimed as its own. During the period leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union, lawlessness and atrocities reached their peak. In the 1980s, Armenians began to covet Garabagh and frequently attacked villages, committing massacres. Armed with Russian weapons and special protection, the Armenians faced the helpless Azerbaijani population. Despite Azerbaijan's repeated attempts to defend Garabagh from Armenian occupation, in the 1990s, another blow was dealt to the Azerbaijani people. In the aftermath of the massacres in Garabagh, 7 regions, including the jewel of Karabakh, Shusha, fell into Armenian hands. Those who witnessed these atrocities lived for many years without seeing any hope, while some never woke up. Thousands of Azerbaijanis went missing, and many saw their loved ones suffer during the Khojaly, Meshali, and Kelbajar tragedies, but their voices for justice went unheard. However, 30 years later, the suppressed voices of justice in Garabagh would be heard again. The Turning Point of 2020 The Armenian occupation continued to unsettle Azerbaijan for years. From time to time, the Azerbaijani army's positions were shelled from various directions along the former border, causing civilian casualties. Following the ceasefire agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994, provocations continued, reaching a peak in April 2016 with the four-day war, known as the April battles, which ended in victory for Azerbaijan. After the battle, strategic heights in the Tartar region, including the Talish village, and other areas like Jabrayil's Lala Tepe, and Goranboy's Gulustan village were liberated from Armenian occupation. In 2017, after realizing its weakness in the face of the Azerbaijani army, the Armenian military forces launched artillery attacks on the Fuzuli region, killing two Azerbaijani civilians, including a 2-year-old child named Zahra. This marked another attempt at provocation, but the Azerbaijani side responded decisively. The provocations continued for three more years, and in February 2020, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held discussions at the Munich Security Conference. President Aliyev once again presented Azerbaijans just position on the conflict and decisively refuted Armenias baseless claims based on historical facts and international law. In March 2020, Armenia's organization of so-called elections in the occupied territories was condemned by the international community. The elections were not recognized by any international body or state. In July 2020, Armenia launched another military provocation along Azerbaijans Tovuz border, resulting in the deaths of Azerbaijani military personnel. The Azerbaijani army responded fiercely, and Armenia shamelessly appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) for military support. Unfortunately, no practical steps were taken by the international community to stop Armenia's escalating provocations. Encouraged by the lack of a global response, Armenia launched a large-scale attack on Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020, targeting Azerbaijani army positions and civilian settlements with heavy artillery. After enduring decades of occupation, Azerbaijan refused to accept this humiliation any longer. Azerbaijans army responded with military actions that took Armenia by surprise. This time, Azerbaijan did not limit itself to defense but actively liberated its land, advancing with determination. Armenia, accustomed to receiving support from Russia, found itself isolated and weak as it faced Azerbaijan alone. Azerbaijans victory revealed that Armenias aggression had been sustained only through external support, and the illusion of its strength was shattered. November 8: The Day of Victory On November 8, Azerbaijani journalists announced the liberation of Shusha with tears of joy. The streets of Azerbaijan filled with people celebrating the long-awaited return of their lands. The Azerbaijani military, cheered by the public, fought for every inch of reclaimed territory. On November 8, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation and declared Shusha liberated. The news, Dear Shusha, you are free! reverberated across the country, and the Azerbaijani people achieved what seemed impossible. Shusha and other territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur were liberated at the cost of over 2,000 Azerbaijani soldiers lives. The land that had been occupied for 30 years was liberated in just 44 days, proving that the Armenian occupation was sustained only through external backing. After 30 years of longing, the Azerbaijani soldier opened the path to Garabagh. Today, the liberated territories are rapidly developing. Visitors to Shusha and other regions still feel the presence of brave Azerbaijani soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the homeland. The spirit of the martyrs illuminates the path of those who visit. 8 November 2024 00:11 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on her official Instagram page on the occasion of 8 November - Victory Day, 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! Students walk on campus at Texas State University on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in San Marcos. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Texas State University officials are assuring students and staff that safety is a priority after a demonstration on campus by two men with signs caused the campus community to feel unsafe, according to the university's president. Photos posted to X, formerly Twitter, showed the men holding signs that read "Homo sex is sin" and "Women are property" Wednesday afternoon at the campus in San Marcos. Another sign listed women, slaves, animals, cars and land as examples of property. In response, students and community members gathered near the men to counterprotest with signs empowering women and promoting inclusivity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad this happened on my campus today im sick pic.twitter.com/QbMBa0NHoL kae (@tojisluvr) November 6, 2024 Went outside to get lunch just now. Lost my appetite. pic.twitter.com/3KdESx8l5A Louie Dean Valencia (@BurntCitrus) November 6, 2024 One of the two men identified himself and the other protester as members of the Official Street Preachers, an evangelical Christian media organization, after posting a letter director David Grisham sent to the university's student newspaper, "The University Star," which covered the demonstration. EDUCATION NEWS: Texas State University ends capital campaign with $275 million raised University officials said on social media that the school's highest priority was the safety of the students, staff and faculty. President Kelly Damphousse echoed the statement in an email to campus community members, obtained by the Chronicle. He said messages like Grisham and the other unidentified man preached "sow confusion, anger, distrust, bitterness, fear and anxiety." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I know these men caused a wide range of emotions among the members of our Bobcat family, including fear, anxiety and anger," he said. "This was particularly upsetting to me ... these men made our campus community feel unsafe, and that disturbs me deeply." The university supports free speech, but will not tolerate offensive speech, according to a statement sent to the Chronicle Thursday. The university has policies and protocols for people to safely engage in demonstrations on campus within the institutional regulations, according to the university's social media post. In the letter sent to the student newspaper, Grisham alleged he and the other man were attacked on campus and their signs were taken by students with officers present, but said neither of them were injured. "We had water, slushies, coffee, and other liquids doused on us multiple times. We were shoved, spat on, threatened with physical violence, tripped and kicked repeatedly," Grisham said. He criticized the university's law enforcement, calling them "ineffective" and "entirely too timid." This is a copy of the email I sent to the student newspaper at Texas State University in San Marcos and as well as another local news source who reported on the story and left as a comment on the local CBS news stations post on X.. The Christians Who Were Assaulted at Texas Official Street Preachers (@ospofcl) November 7, 2024 No arrests were made, according to Damphousse. The two men were escorted off of the campus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Damphousse said the university is required by state law to make public outdoor campus spaces open to "expressive activities" including to those with offensive statements. People who conduct demonstrations "are not required to seek permission or give prior notice" to the university officials, he said. The university has a trained expressive activity team of professionals, including the university's police department. When the university was notified about Grisham and the other man's demonstration, the team was deployed to the area, according to Damphousse. The student newspaper reported that the men also had to take down their stakes holding the signs due to the university's policy. "We cannot restrict lawful access to our campus, nor may we limit what people say verbally or in writing so long as that speech falls within the legal bounds of the freedom of speech and assembly that is guaranteed by the First Amendment," Damphousse said. United Campus Ministry Reverend Todd Salmi told The University Star that the street pastors "feed off of hatred and attention, and then they leave." The reverend was one of the many counter-protesting with signs saying, "Jesus values and respects Texas State women" and "We're here to be with students." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Damphousse encouraged students when encountering any situation similar to Wednesday's demonstration to monitor personal behaviors to ensure no university policies or laws are violated and to speak up when something is happening that can affect a person's safety. "I condemn the hateful words these two men wrote and spoke while they were on our campus. That kind of hate is not welcome here," he said. This is not Grisham's first time in the headlines. He has been a mayoral candidate of Amarillo, attempted to burn a Quran in a public park, shot at a pinata Santa and showed a graphic of a crucified stuffed rabbit deemed "The Pagan Easter Bunny," Amarillo Globe News reported. He also reportedly dressed up as the Grinch in front of an elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a sign that said, "Santa is fake. Jesus is real," according to ABC 7. 8 November 2024 11:09 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will lead Russia's delegation to the UN Climate Conference in Baku (COP29), Azernews reports, citing the Russian press. It should be noted that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in just a few days. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11 of last year. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, aimed at preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation "COP" stands for the "Conference of the Parties," the highest legislative body that oversees the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. 8 November 2024 11:03 (UTC+04:00) The march, which started at the entrance of Khankendi city, will continue to Victory Square. The march, accompanied by an orchestra, features participation from the representatives of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Khankendi, Agdam, and Khojali districts, heads and employees of local state institutions, teachers and students from the University of Karabakh, and residents of Khankendi city. On November 8th, a march of military personnel is being held in Khankendi city to mark Victory Day, 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! 8 November 2024 13:05 (UTC+04:00) Pakistan Observer, a prestigious Pakistani newspaper, has published an extensive article on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of Azerbaijan's Victory Day. Azernews reports that the article included a speech by the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov. In his speech, the ambassador emphasized the Azerbaijani-Pakistani brotherhood and noted that Pakistan stood by Azerbaijan during the Patriotic War as both a friend and a brotherly country. "Pakistan has consistently honoured its friendship with Azerbaijan to the extent of refusing diplomatic relations with Armenia due to the occupation of the Azerbaijan lands," the Ambassador said. The territories of Azerbaijan have been under occupation by Armenian military units for 30 years. In September 2020, war broke out as a result of Armenia's provocative attacks. As a result of the 44-day war, Armenian military forces were partially withdrawn from Azerbaijani territories. At the same time, on November 8, Azerbaijan liberated the city of Shusha, the cradle of culture, from occupation. 8 November 2024 11:55 (UTC+04:00) On November 8, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their son Heydar Aliyev visited the National Flag Square in Baku, Azernews reports. The head of state raised Azerbaijan's tricolor flag at the square. President Ilham Aliyev then inspected the developments at the square and the National Flag Museum. The National Flag Museum, opened by President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva on November 9, 2010, has since showcased the National Flag of Azerbaijan, along with the flags of various khanates and states that existed in the country at different times. The museum displays 400 items that reflect Azerbaijan's ancient and rich history of statehood. In 2017, the museum underwent repairs as part of the reconstruction and restoration efforts at the National Flag Square. During this period, the museum staff focused on preserving, maintaining, and enriching the exhibits. As a result, the number of items on display grew to 431. After the renovation, the National Flag Museum reopened with a refreshed layout. The museum now features an exhibition titled Victory Gallery, dedicated to the 44-day Patriotic War. The gallery showcases photos of the raising of the National Flag in the liberated territories by the victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, as well as photos from the military parade held in the city of Khankendi on the third anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War. The museum now consists of six exhibition halls. In Exhibition Hall A, visitors can view flags, flagstaffs, symbols of government, coins, and weapons from Azerbaijan's ancient and medieval periods, as well as coats of arms from 19th-century cities of Azerbaijan. Hall B of the museum focuses on the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the Azerbaijan SSR periods. It showcases the National Flag raised in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic's parliament on December 7, 1918, alongside historical photographs, currency, postage stamps from that time, and flags, coats of arms, constitutions, banknotes, and postage stamps from the former Azerbaijan SSR. Hall C highlights the independence period, featuring commemorative medals and stamps dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the presidential standard of Azerbaijan, state orders and medals, the Constitution of Azerbaijan, and medals from the Patriotic War. The hall also displays the National Flag raised on the highest peaks in the world, along with decrees signed by President Ilham Aliyev, including those establishing the National Flag Square in Baku (November 17, 2007) and the creation of National Flag Day (November 17, 2009), as well as the November 17, 1990 decision of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic under Heydar Aliyevs leadership. Hall D is dedicated to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, displaying their flags, medals, emblems, and insignias. Halls E and F exhibit the ceremonial uniforms of Azerbaijani military personnel. The museum also features videos displayed on monitors, offering insight into various periods of Azerbaijans history, including the ancient and medieval periods, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and the Azerbaijan SSR. These videos highlight the contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to statehood, President Ilham Aliyevs military reforms, and the historic victory in the Patriotic War under his leadership. 8 November 2024 14:25 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more On October 11, 2024, in Baku, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Security between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement was signed and approved, Azernews reports. This was confirmed by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev. The decree states that, following the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding mentioned in the first section, the designated President of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP29), the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement will ensure the implementation of its provisions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan will send a notification to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, informing them that the necessary internal state procedures for the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding have been completed. 8 November 2024 17:06 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Shusha is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in Azerbaijan. Known as the pearl of Garabagh, this city stands out for its unique nature, historical landmarks, and rich culture. Shusha has also made invaluable contributions to Azerbaijans music and literature. The natural beauty of Shusha further enhances its charm. The city is located at the foot of the Garabagh mountains, at a high altitude, offering a wide panoramic view of the surrounding area. Shusha's historical monuments showcase the ancient cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people. The Shusha Fortress, which has symbolized the city and has been preserved for centuries, is a testament to its historical significance. Additionally, the mosques, caravanserais, and fountains in the city reflect Shusha's cultural richness. However, what makes Shusha important is not just its beauty. The city was one of the most strategic and symbolic places in the Garabagh conflict. The moment Shusha was captured, it marked a turning point, both militarily and politically, alongside the signing of the ceasefire agreement on November 9-10, 2020. The acquisition of Shusha strengthened Azerbaijan's military advantage in the region and also enhanced its position as a state defending its rights on the international stage. Lets delve deeper into the strategic importance of Shusha and the characteristics of the operations there. Strategic Importance of Shusha The liberation of Shusha ensured proximity to Khankendi (the central city of Garabagh). The side that controls Khankendi effectively holds the key to governing the Garabagh region. Additionally, Shusha is situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, making it a highly advantageous military position. A city situated at such a height allows its forces to control the surrounding areas during military operations. Shusha is also located on the Lachin corridor and other strategic routes. When Shusha was captured, Armenia's supply and communication lines to Garabagh were cut off. Capturing Shusha with Precision Tactics: No Shells, No Artillery Two crucial factors stand out in the liberation of Shusha: By the end of 2020, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces were equipped with advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided munitions. These technologies weakened Armenias air defense capabilities and allowed Azerbaijani forces to advance with fewer casualties around the city. The sacrifices made in this glorious victory were not in vain, and the city was freed from Armenian occupation. Shushas lack of a civilian population, with most of the inhabitants having already left, also facilitated military operations. Unlike the Armenian army, which had often targeted civilians, the Azerbaijani forces did not harm non-combatants, which could have complicated the operation. Although Shusha had numerous defensive lines and trenches, the city's population had been evacuated by Armenia before the war began. This suggests that even the later-settled Armenians knew that one day the true owners of these lands would return, and they had prepared for it in advance. Shushas Liberation: A Symbol of Victory The capture of Shusha was not just a military success; it was also a symbol of victory. For the Azerbaijani people, it held profound spiritual significance, as Shusha represented the lost culture and historically destroyed heritage of the Garabagh conflict. Its liberation marked a major step in the journey to free Azerbaijan's occupied territories. The Azerbaijani soldiers liberation of Shusha created immense pressure on the Armenian side, paving the way for peace negotiations. After Shusha was liberated, Armenia was left without the means to continue fighting. This left them with no choice but to sign a peace agreement. The liberation of Shusha was also seen as a reaffirmation of Azerbaijans culture, history, and rights in Garabagh. A Turning Point in the Conflict The capture of Shusha was not only a military achievement but also a political and cultural turning point in the conflict. This operation demonstrated Azerbaijan's military capability and strategic thinking. The fall of Shusha paved the way for the end of the prolonged Armenian terrorism in Garabagh. It was the result of Azerbaijans struggle for justice and rightful sovereignty on the international stage. 8 November 2024 18:44 (UTC+04:00) Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on November 8, Azernews reports. The letter reads: To His Excellency, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, Dear brother, I am greatly pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on your glorious holidayVictory Day. Four years ago, under your leadershipa devoted son of your people, a genius, patriotic, skilled statesman, and an outstanding personalitythe territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was fully restored, and historical justice was achieved. Today, in the liberated cities and villages of Azerbaijan, large-scale reconstruction efforts are underway, modern infrastructure and cultural heritage sites are being rebuilt, thousands of former displaced persons are returning to their native lands, and new programs and socio-economic projects aimed at improving the standard of living of the population are being successfully implemented. I have had the honor of witnessing these great transformations on several occasions and sharing in these achievements with you during my official visits. Undoubtedly, we will continue to work together, remaining committed to our shared language, history, traditions, and common goals. As a strategic partner, we take immense pride in the significant successes of the brotherly country of Azerbaijan. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, your resolute political will and systematic efforts to strengthen your countrys influence and position on the international stage are especially commendable. It would not be an exaggeration to say that next weeks 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will take place in the beautiful city of Baku and bring together all the nations across the world, as well as the most influential international organizations, represents your great historic victory in foreign policy. I am confident that this prestigious event will make significant strides in the fight against climate change and the reduction of its impacts, endorsing solutions and strategies to address global challenges, and further strengthening initiatives for the transition of the world's nations to a green economy. I look forward to our productive discussions during the high-level meetings at the event, as well as to the new agreements on multilateral cooperation. Taking this opportunity, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on Victory Day. I pray to Allah for your and all your loved ones good health, family happiness, and wish you success in your endeavors for the prosperity of your Motherland. I also wish the brotherly people of Azerbaijan peace, tranquility, well-being, and continuous development. Respectfully, Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan 8 November 2024 12:28 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poured cold water Thursday on a plan by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to strike a rapid peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, arguing it would amount to a loss for Ukraine, Azernews reports. I believe that President Trump really wants a quick decision to end Russias war against Ukraine, Zelenskyy told journalists in Budapest. He wants that. It doesnt mean that it will happen this way. Trump, who was reelected U.S. president this week, said in 2023 that he would seek a quick deal to end the war, asserting: Ill have that done in 24 hours after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. He repeated the claim several times on the campaign trail. Speaking to journalists in Budapest where he was attending a gathering of European leaders, Zelenskyy said that while Ukraine sought a fair end to the war, rushing into a cease-fire or a peace deal with Moscow would lead to a bad outcome for Kyiv. He [Trump] wants this war to be finished, Zelenskyy said through an interpreter. We all want to end this war, but a fair ending ... If it is very fast, its going to be a loss for Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader also warned that unless his countrys Western backers ramped up the pressure over North Koreas participation in the war, more North Korean troops would be sent to the battlefield. 8 November 2024 18:21 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva South Korea launched a ballistic missile into the Yellow Sea in response to recent missile tests by North Korea, Azernews reports. The launch involved a short-range ballistic missile of the Hyunmoo-2 class, conducted during a military exercise in Taean County, located 108 km west of Seoul, in the Chuncheon-Namdo Province. The drill simulated an attack on a North Korean vessel from which the missile had been launched. The exercises were designed to demonstrate Seouls readiness to "respond to any provocation" by Pyongyang. This show of force underscores growing tensions in the region, with both North and South Korea increasing their military activities in response to each other's missile tests. The continued escalation highlights the delicate balance of security concerns on the Korean Peninsula, with global powers closely monitoring the situation. A 40-year-old man accused of scamming people out of millions of dollars through a romance fraud scheme was arrest by authorities after his flight landed Saturday in Houston. Courtesy photo/Getty Images A 40-year-old man accused of scamming people out of millions of dollars through a romance fraud scheme was arrest by authorities after his flight landed Saturday in Houston. Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, a Nigerian national, was indicted last year on 14 counts of wire fraud. Authorities allege Nwadialo's romance schemes netted him more than $3.3 million. That includes allegedly scamming one person out of at least $2.4 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad All too often the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman said in a statement. I congratulate investigators who are alert to any opportunity to arrest such defendants and hold them accountable. Nwadialo reportedly worked with co-conspirators and used multiple fake profiles on websites such as Match, Zoosk and Christian Cafe to get in touch with potential victims, the indictment says. These fake personas tended to be in the military, giving Nwadialo and his co-conspirators a reason to avoid in-person meetups. The relationships would escalate until trust was formed, leading to asks for money. The reasons were varied but included covering costs for a parent's funeral and fines for violating a military code of conduct. Spencer Lau, MD, allegedly intentionally misdiagnosed a patients back pain in 2012 to prescribe unnecessary amounts of oxycodone. According to an Oct. 2 complaint, Dr. Lau prescribed the patient 180 pills per month, told him the medication was not addictive and did not tell him to try physical therapy first. The patient continued to see Dr. Lau for more than a decade, according to the report, and followed Dr. Lau when he joined Premier Medical Group Hawaii in 2019, which is also a named defendant in the lawsuit. According to a Nov. 6 release by the Department of Justice, Dr. Patel groped patients breasts and improperly touched their genitals between 2019 and 2020, violating a patients constitutional right to bodily integrity. After eight days of trial, the jury acquitted him of charges related to three of the victims and found him guilty of sexual assault against the fourth. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025. Between January 2022 and March 2023, Angela Hughes issued illegitimate prescriptions for oxycodone, oxycodone acetaminophen and hydrocodone acetaminophen, according to a Nov. 7 news release from the Justice Department. Ms. Hughes received cash, a portion of the prescriptions and other controlled substances in exchange for the prescriptions Along with her co-conspirators, Ms. Hughes issued roughly 4,358 pills of oxycodone acetaminophen, 2,854 pills of oxycodone and 2,625 pills of hydrocodone acetaminophen total. John Barrasso, MD, a Republican senator from Wyoming, won his third term on Nov. 5. He is an orthopedic surgeon and former state lawmaker, who was appointed to the Senate in 2007. He beat Scott Morrow to secure the third full term. He is chair of the Senate Republican Conference, the third-ranking GOP position in the chamber and is a ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Rand Paul, MD, a Republican senator from Kentucky, was first elected to the Senate in 2010, reelected in 2016, and again in 2022. His term will end in January 2029. He is an ophthalmologist. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Bill Cassidy, MD, a Republican senator fromLouisiana, was elected to the Senate in 2014 for the term ending Jan. 3, 2021, and reelected in 2020 for the term ending Jan. 3, 2027. He is a physician and was a member of the Louisiana state senate from 2006 to 2008. He served in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2015. Roger Marshall, MD, is a Republican senator from Kansas. He served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021 and was elected to the Senate in 2020 for a term ending in January 2027. Here are three other things to know about hospital and ASC partnerships in 2024: 1. A January survey of health system executives by VMG Health found that 60% of leaders were considering pursuing outpatient surgery joint ventures in 2024, the highest area of interest of any potential specialty partnerships. Additionally, Beckers reported on 55 hospitals and health systems opening ASCs in 2023. 2. Health system partnerships can be beneficial to ASCs in negotiating better rates with payers, as well as providing access to shared resources and partnerships with private equity or physician groups. Right now, we are renegotiating our payer contract because our rates are so low and we added service lines to the center, Kristopher Kitz, CEO of Wyatt Surgery Center in Tucson, Ariz., told Beckers. And the only reason why they will speak with us and even entertain materially better rates is because we have a health system affiliation. 3. In addition to the cost-savings power of migrating procedures to ASCs, they are often more preferable settings for both patients and physicians. [Hospitals] are either going to be part of that or theyre going to lose in that race, Jim Freund, managing partner for Physician Transaction Advisors, told Beckers. So you see all the big consolidators out there, and even the smaller ones are creating partnerships with healthcare systems, whether its an independent or a joint venture group. For example, Nashville, Tenn.-based Tenet Healthcare has been quickly selling off hospitals as growth quickly shifts to its ASC arm, United Surgical Partners International. Several leaders joined Beckers on a Nov. 2 panel at the 30th annual Business and Operations of ASCs Meeting in Chicago to discuss how ASCs can maintain their autonomy in large, dynamic markets. Flexibility Where larger health systems and practices may benefit from a larger pool of resources and finances, many ASCs look to be more responsive to the fast-changing dynamics of the market. John Brady, CEO of Fox Valley (Ill.) Orthopedics, noted that operating with a small team allows for quicker decision-making than in larger organizations. I dont need 14 vice presidents to discuss it and take it to one person to approve. We can meet in the hallway, he said. Mr. Brady added that tenacity is essential to leading independent ASCs through challenges such as staffing shortages and supply chain issues, including the recent IV fluid shortage. We leverage everything we can. We leverage all of our relationships. We cant be afraid to pick up the phone and call a competitor. Also, we do a lot of planning. We look four or five weeks out, [at] what we expect, Mr. Brady said. We started pulling certain surgeries forward, pushing other surgeries back less fluid-intensive surgeries like joints, the open stuff. Under the current allocation, we ensured that we could cover our patient volume and our scheduled patient load through the end of the year. When this first started a couple of weeks ago, we didnt think we could get to today. So we were very creative and open, and put everything on the table. Emphasis on staff training Building a competent, well-trained and communicative team is essential for ASC growth, especially as more high-acuity procedures move to the ASC setting and practices face pressure to scale up quickly. Alyson Engle, MD, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist with Northwestern Medical Group in Chicago, said onboarding new physicians unfamiliar with the pacing required in an ASC can be challenging. One thing weve found helpful with these new grads coming out or people who havent had the experience they say they do: we give them a mentor. Its usually our most efficient proceduralist who can do the quickest [work], Dr. Engle said. And [theyre] also good at communicating and making [the new staff] feel like, Hey, you can reach out to me.' These mentor pairings continue until new physicians are better able to manage ASC procedure flow and meet quality metrics, Dr. Engle said. Establishing this strong foundation with new staff helps build a team capable of safely and efficiently handling new challenges. Negotiate payer contracts when possible ASCs have long struggled with lower reimbursement rates for the same services as HOPDs, and CMS recently finalized a 2.83% physician pay cut in its 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and ASC Payment System. Weve aggressively been renegotiating all of our contracts both facility and professional clinic all year. And weve had some really great success in doing so, said Mr. Brady. Maintaining thorough documentation of ASCs relatively low cost and high accessibility may help practices in payer negotiations. Basically, we are forcing them to go back and look [at our records] and demonstrate to them that we are high quality, we are accessible and we are the cost advantage, Mr. Brady said. You look at what hospital outpatient charges compared to what an ASC charges for a knee its a no-brainer. From left, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Senator Paul Bettencourt, and Texas 165th District Court Judge elect Bruce Bain listen as Texas 14th Court of Appeals Justice elect Chad Bridges, speaking front center, comments during a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer From left, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Senator Paul Bettencourt, and Texas 165th District Court Judge elect Bruce Bain listen as 61st Judicial District Court elect Lee Kathryn Shuchart, speaking front center, comments during a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee/ Tax Assessor-Collector Democratic nominee Annette Ramirez speaks as the Harris County Democrats gathered to watch election results come in at Axelrod on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee/ Tax Assessor-Collector Democratic nominee Annette Ramirez speaks as the Harris County Democrats gathered to watch election results come in at Axelrod on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Harris County DA candidate Sean Teare is photographed talking to people at his watch party at 8th Wonder Brewery on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Most of the reactions to the general election understandably have focused on President-elect Donald Trump. What about the down-ballot races in Texas and Harris County? For our endorsements, the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board researches contests that few, if any, other sources cover well. The good news: Chronicle readers and other informed voters made a difference. Harris County is purple again Six years ago, Harris County was one of the epicenters of a blue wave that swept across the nation in a stunning midterm referendum on Donald Trumps presidency. Nearly every local Republican incumbent lost that year, and it stood to reason that the county would be a deep-blue Democratic stronghold for years to come. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It turns out Harris County still has significant shades of purple and thats a good thing. Just like competition is good for a healthy economy, real options in a democracy bring out the best in candidates and, ideally, result in better policies and governance. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred won solid majorities here, but fell short of what Democrats did in 2018 and 2020. Roughly 50,000 fewer Democrats voted down the ballot. As a result, a small number of people who split their tickets (based on factors other than party loyalty) had a decisive effect in races where candidates have almost no name recognition. And it narrowed the margins of victory for Democrats such as Harris County District Attorney-elect Sean Teare and County Attorney Christian Menefee, who eked out wins in races that few even expected to be close. Competence prevails in the civil courts Several qualified Republican candidates defeated Democratic judges in the civil courts who needed to go. Its possible the hundreds of thousands of dollars the Stop Houston Murder PAC spent on ads telling voters to oust Democratic judges may have had an impact on civil courts, even though they handle lawsuits, not criminal cases. We, however, credit voters who read our endorsements, consult the Houston Bar Association judicial evaluations, or have direct knowledge of the courts for tipping the balance in races where Republicans simply fielded better candidates. Bruce Bain defeated the Democratic incumbent, Ursula Hall, in the race for the 165th District Court after failing to do so four years ago. We endorsed him both times because Hall has been repeatedly reprimanded for failing to rule in a timely manner. Nathan J. Milliron won the 215th District Court race over incumbent Elaine Palmer, who also struggled with inefficiency, and Lee Kathryn Shuchart won the 61st District Court race over incumbent Fredericka Phillips, who received low ratings from lawyers and was issued a judicial conduct warning. She attended a luncheon paid for by attorneys she later awarded a $2 million judgment and who then gave her substantial campaign donations. It wasnt a Republican sweep, though, which leads us to believe a small but impactful group of voters based their choices on substance and not political winds. Thats better for our courts, which need stability and experience to operate well. Two respected Democratic judge we endorsed, Kristen Hawkins and Michael Gomez, won by clear margins over their challengers. Two other Democrats narrowly won contested races for civil courts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad GOP gains in the felony courts If anything, Republicans underestimated their chances in this election and failed to put forward more quality candidates in Harris County court races. GOP candidates prevailed in four of the five competitive contests for felony courts. Most of the winners shied away from the typical Republican tough on crime messaging. In fact, part of the reason we endorsed candidates such as Aaron Burdette and Matthew Peneguy was their commitment to efficiency and fairness. Rather than sensationalizing past crime rates and smearing their opponents, they ran effective campaigns emphasizing legal experience and willingness to try new approaches, such as bringing greater scrutiny to bail decisions. Judging by the GOPs success in the district courts, we are somewhat surprised that several Democratic incumbent judges ran unopposed. Even poorly performing judges, such as Hazel Jones in the 174th District Court, whose court has an enormous backlog of cases and one of the worst clearance rates in the county, sailed through unchallenged. Supreme Court, CCA, 1st and 14th Courts of Appeal Unfortunately, voters outside Harris County overwhelmed the discernment of ticket-splitting voters in races for statewide courts. Even Supreme Court Justice John Devine, perhaps the most ethically compromised, flagrantly partisan judge in the state, cruised to reelection over Christine Vinh Weems, an impressive Democratic challenger. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the Court of Criminal Appeals, Attorney General Ken Paxtons gambit to pack this bench with unqualified stooges who would do his bidding succeeded. Paxton retaliated against Republican incumbents on the court after they ruled against him 8-1 in a 2021 case that determined he didnt have power to prosecute voter fraud without the cooperation of local district attorneys. Two of the challengers he endorsed, Lee Finley and Gina Parker, have zero judicial experience but still prevailed. Did we mention this is the states highest criminal court? We actually endorsed the third Paxton-endorsed candidate, David Schenck, because of his previous experience serving on an appellate bench, avowed commitment to judicial ethics and his reputation as a reformer. He won as well. Any of those three new judges could have an immediate impact on the controversial Robert Roberson case. Roberson, who was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter 21 years ago based primarily on a flawed scientific theory of Shaken Baby Syndrome, was denied a stay of execution by the court in a 5-4 decision last month. Roberson, whose death was put on hold for 90 days by the state Supreme Court, could re-apply for relief once the new court is seated in January. He would need only one judge to join the four other justices in approving a stay of execution. Our regional appellate courts, which have benefited in the past six years from ideological balance, lost several qualified Democrat incumbents. Judges such as Richard Hightower and Julie Countiss on the 1st Court of Appeals and Charles Spain on the 14th Court of Appeals all of whom won in Harris County were trained on the job on the taxpayers dime and proved to be highly competent, yet fell victim statewide to partisan politics. When will voters take the Railroad Commission seriously? The Texas Railroad Commission is nobodys idea of a sexy statewide race, but we wish Texans would take it as seriously as any of the top-ballot contests. This is an agency responsible for regulating the states oil and gas sector and protecting our natural resources yet is controlled by three commissioners who have little interest in doing that job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats certainly the case with Christi Craddick, the incumbent Republican who sailed to reelection on Tuesday by a 17-point margin. Craddicks conflicts of interest are well documented. Her family has made a fortune off state mineral interests and oil fields and she owns stock in companies she is supposed to hold accountable. Craddick consistently blasts federal rule proposals that would curb pollution or provide more oversight over oil and gas producers. Arlington-based Texas Health Resources plans to build an eight-story, $343 million tower that will add around 200 beds to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Set to open in fall 2028, the tower will have nearly 400 licensed acute and critical care beds, up from the hospital's current 230 beds. The project will allow the hospital to expand its capacity for patients needing short-term intensive care and critical care, according to a Nov. 6 news release. Texas Health has also started construction on a new operating room for advanced neuroscience, heart, and vascular procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacements. A new, six-story parking garage on the hospital's campus also opened this month. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano is located in Collin County, where the population has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching 1.15 million people in 2022. Texas Health Resources, a faith-based nonprofit, serves 16 counties in North Texas and operates 29 hospitals. A former Arlington, Va., resident has been sentenced to two years in prison for breaching the EHR of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A federal jury convicted Trent James Russell, 34, in July of obtaining another persons healthcare information and destroying evidence in a federal investigation, the Justice Department said Nov. 7. Mr. Russell had been charged with remotely accessing Ms. Ginsburg's medical records in 2019 while employed by an organ donation organization that worked at 48 hospitals and taking a screenshot of her protected health information. Ms. Ginsburg died in 2020 from complications of pancreatic cancer. After Mr. Russell's access to the records was cut off in 2019, he formatted his hard drive to alter evidence, provided the FBI with a secondary hard drive to obstruct the investigation and said his cellphone had been stolen, the Justice Department said. Belfast-based MaineHealth Waldo Hospital has shared plans to restructure its obstetrics and end its labor and delivery services, effective April 1, 2025, according to a Nov. 7 news release shared with Becker's. The hospital, which is part of Portland-based MaineHealth, will still offer and expand comprehensive pre- and post-natal care and partner with MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and other local hospitals for labor and delivery services. Hospital leaders picked the April 1 date so that patients four or more months pregnant will not have to alter their delivery plans. It also exceeds Maine's 120-day closure notice. The decision comes after a "monthslong review" of the hospital's obstetrics program by executive and clinical leadership, which also included community outreach and input. A consistently low birth volume and complications with recruiting and retaining specialized employees also influenced the decision. MaineHealth has worked to address hiring challenges by offering higher pay to employees and investing in clinical education programs. However, recruitment over the last three years has not filled key positions and made it difficult to provide safe, 24/7 labor and delivery care coverage at the hospital. MaineHealth Waldo Hospital is working to expand overall services, with a focus on the older community population. The hospital has also expanded oncology and cardiology services over the last two years. The hospital's new obstetrics care model will allow an easier expansion of its pediatric care and affiliated practice. No employees will lose their jobs following the restructuring and the hospital is working with employees to transition them to other departments at the hospital or to Rockport-based MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital's labor and delivery unit. MaineHealth Waldo and MaineHealth Pen Bay will also consolidate their midwifery teams and OB-GYN services to reduce overall provider call burden and allow for obstetric service expansion. Outpatient services, including obstetrical ultrasounds, postnatal care, prenatal consultations and antenatal testing, will be maintained. MaineHealth Waldo also plans to introduce a new OB nurse navigator role to help families during their pregnancy experience. "Closing inpatient labor and delivery services was a difficult decision, but it allows our team to focus on what it does best supporting our patients and their families through the entirety of their prenatal and postnatal care journey," said Syrena Gatewood, chair of the local board that oversees MaineHealth Waldo Hospital and MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital. Dan Barbee, BSN, who served as CEO of University of Toledo Medical Center in Ohio from 2016 to 2020, will return to the role Nov. 8. Mr. Barbee succeeds Rick Swaine, who joined the hospital in 2019 as CFO and was named CEO in 2020, according to a Nov. 7 University of Toledo news release. Mr. Barbee first joined the hospital in 2011 as chief nursing officer and later became vice president of clinical services and COO. After leaving the CEO role in 2020, he became president of rural markets for Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health, the release said. Brandon Cohen has been named COO of Methodist Hospital-Stone Oak in San Antonio, effective Nov. 11. Mr. Cohen most recently served as associate COO at HCA HealthONE Swedish in Denver, according to a Nov. 8 news release from Methodist Hospital shared with Becker's. He joined HCA HealthONE Swedish, a 504-bed hospital, in February 2023. In that role, Mr. Cohen was instrumental in several projects, including a $76 million tower addition and a $22 million operating room expansion, the release said. Methodist Hospital-Stone Oak is a 287-bed facility. Duke Rupert has been appointed COO of WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, W.Va., effective Oct. 28. With nearly three decades of healthcare experience, Mr. Rupert most recently served as COO of hospital operations at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, according to a Nov. 7 news release from WVU Medicine. In the new role, Mr. Rupert oversees ancillary and support areas, including the Ohio Valley Health Care, a skilled nursing facility in Parkersburg, and is responsible for developing and executing operational strategies. Camden Clark Medical Center is a 302-bed acute care facility. University of Louisville and Murray State University signed a nonbinding letter of interest Nov. 7 to explore the feasibility of opening a new four-year regional medical school campus in Kentucky, the Murray Ledger & Times reported Nov. 8. Four things to know: 1. The campus would be part of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and located on Murray State's main campus. Baptist Health Paducah (Ky.) would serve as the primary residency program for students. 2. The universities will form a task force with representatives from local health systems to assess the feasibility and sustainability of the campus and develop an economically viable model for all stakeholders. 3. If deemed feasible, the medical school campus could open within several years, with an estimated 18 months for initial planning and additional time for accreditation and residency requirements. 4. By establishing a medical school on Murray State's campus, the universities aim to retain more premed students in Western Kentucky, helping to meet the region's healthcare needs. Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Mercy Hospital Southeast will soon become a teaching hospital, hosting clinical rotations for medical students at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. LECOM is the largest medical college in the nation and graduates more primary care physicians than any other U.S. medical school, with its flagship campus in Erie, Pa. In June, LECOM opened its first Midwest regional campus at Festus, Mo.-based Mercy Hospital Jefferson, which is about an hour northwest from Mercy Southeast. The collaboration aims to expand the physician workforce in the rural regions Mercy Southeast and Mercy Jefferson service, the organizations said in a Nov. 7 news release. Data indicate that many physicians tend to practice in the same communities where they complete their training. As part of its new footprint in Cape Girardeau, LECOM is also extending its early acceptance program to students at Southeast Missouri State University. Students accepted into the program would train at Mercy Southeast. Eventually, LECOM and Mercy plan to establish residency programs at Mercy Southeast. "Mercy Southeast is thrilled to join LECOM and SEMO in attracting medical students to Cape Girardeau," Dr. Naresh Agarwal, chief medical officer at Mercy Southeast, said in a Nov. 7 news release. "This expansion lays the foundation for Mercy Southeast to serve as a regional teaching hospital and become a center of excellence, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our Southeast community while also attracting top-tier physicians." Alhambra, Calif.-based Astrana Health has entered into a $745 million definitive agreement to acquire certain assets and businesses from Los Angeles-based Prospect Health System. Here are five things to know: 1. Astrana will acquire Prospect Health Plan, Prospect Medical Groups, Prospect Medical Systems, RightRx and Tustin, Calif.-based Foothill Regional Medical Center under the agreement, according to a Nov. 8 news release. 2. Astrana, formerly known as Apollo Medical Holdings, will make "significant investments" in Prospect to ensure improved care access and quality. The sale is expected to wrap in the middle of 2025. 3. "We believe the strong cultural alignment, cohesive missions, and clear financial and operational synergies between our companies make Astrana the ideal partner for us," Jim Brown, CEO of Prospect, said in the release. "We look forward to working together to further our joint mission of delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible care for all." 4. Birmingham, Ala.-based Medical Properties Trust, one of the world's largest real estate owners, expects around $200 million in total proceeds from the sale, according to a Nov. 8 news release. Most of the cash is expected in the first half of 2025, with $50 million expected by 2027. MPT leases multiple properties to Prospect, according to MPT's third quarter financial report. 5. Prospect comprises around 3,000 primary care providers and 10,000 specialists across Arizona, Southern California, Texas and Rhode Island. Pearl industry thrives in Shanxiahu township, E China's Zhejiang People's Daily Online) 10:27, November 08, 2024 As the first light of dawn broke at a freshwater pearl farm in Shanxiahu township, Zhuji city, east China's Zhejiang Province, the air was filled with the rhythmic sound of shucking river mussels. More than 100 workers worked together to shuck mussels, gather pearls, and sort them. 59-year-old Wei Guosong was one of the trailblazing pearl farmers in the township. Having acquired the skills from a pearl farmer in east China's Jiangsu Province during the 1980s, he embarked on cultivating river mussels in his village. A woman promotes pearl necklaces via livestreaming in Shanxiahu township, Zhuji city, east China's Zhejiagn Province. (Xinhua/Han Chuanhao) "I now own over 2,000 mu (about 133.33 hectares) of farming land in Huzhou, Zhejiang, and more than 500 mu in Lianyungang, Jiangsu. I am currently in the process of establishing a new base in Anhui Province to further expand," said Wei. Zhuji city accounts for 80 percent of China's freshwater pearl production and sales. The pearl industry in Zhuji is concentrated in Shanxiahu township, which occupies less than 43 square kilometers and is home to fewer than 30,000 residents. The production process of pearl products is complex. After being extracted from river mussels, pearls must be sorted into various grades according to their color, size, and shape before being threaded into pearl necklaces for sale. According to He Tianping, head of Tianhai Pearl Farming Co., Ltd. in Zhuji, all these tasks were once done by hand. "The pearls we bought from mussel farmers came in different sizes and shapes, so manual sorting was necessary. During the busiest sales periods, we worked around the clock, but still found it challenging to keep up," He said. Nowadays, He's company has one color sorting machine and eight shape sorting machines operating 24/7, requiring only one person for supervision. The machines never rest because sales never stop. The Huadong International Jewelry City in Shanxiahu township also buzzed with activity, drawing both domestic and international traders for business deals. Guo Nan, Party chief of the township, said in recent years Zhuji has made efforts to boost the high-quality growth of the pearl industry. Some young entrepreneurs from the township are expanding their freshwater pearl business overseas, with Qian Shaocong being one of them. "In around 2016, I ventured into e-commerce and capitalized on the trend of live-streaming e-commerce, which led to my initial success," Qian said. In 2021, Qian expanded into cross-border e-commerce live-streaming, utilizing his expertise in domestic live-streaming e-commerce to grow his business across various countries. Today, he operates in multiple international markets. "The market for cross-border pearl e-commerce still has vast potential. I hope more people will join in and help grow the market," Qian said optimistically. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Make the brave choice: Talk things over with a friend on the other side of the political aisle. Kobus Louw/Getty Images Wednesday morning, after the election, I was greeted by choices just like any other day. Who do I want to be today? How do I want to feel? How do I want to show up? How do I invest this one precious day in this one precious life that I have? I struggle to choose labels, especially ones that put me in a box that doesnt fit perfectly. What I dont struggle to choose are my values. Mostly that can be summed up as the choice to treat others the way I want to be treated. I hope we can all agree, thats never a bad choice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If I want to be understood by others, I need to choose to understand others. If I want to feel safe, I need to choose to do things that make others feel safe. If I want the world to be a better place for my kids, I need to choose to try to make the world a better place for other peoples kids. If I dont want to feel marginalized, I need to choose to not marginalize others. If I dont want to feel afraid, I need to choose to not create fear for others. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If I want to feel hope, I need to choose to create hope for others. After my morning coffee yesterday because that is always the right choice I chose to call a friend who is on the other side of the proverbial political aisle from me. I chose to have a courageous conversation, even when the choice not to would have been easier. We talked about how people are hurting after the election. We talked about our differing positions on divisive topics and why we hold those views. We talked about our fears and why we have them. We talked about the values we share even though we voted differently. Its not hard for nearly half the country right now to see that sea of red on a map and see a country that might want to deny their right to live a healthy, safe and authentic life. After all, isnt that fundamentally what we all want? But I choose to see that its more complicated than that. Because just like I struggle to choose a political label for myself, and sometimes have conflicting feelings about votes I take on a ballot like the HISD bond it is therefore possible that other Americans in that sea of red might feel similarly. The conversation I had with my friend bent toward restorative. I could understand her values and her fears from her own perspective of experience. And I sincerely dont believe she wants me or my family to be unsafe either. If we can build a bridge of understanding between the two of us, maybe we can then go build more bridges that constructively address the complicated issues our country is grappling with. But when we dont seek understanding across these divides, out of fear, anger or presumption, we risk fueling a divide that makes us all less safe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the days ahead, no matter whether your preferred presidential candidate won or lost, here are some things we can each do as individuals as we go about our daily lives: Model how you want others to talk about you, and consider your choices in how you talk about people that are part of a political party different from your own. Use your own individual voices to promote civility and discourage violence among your online and offline networks. Publicly praise elected officials (including those from a political party different from your own) when they take action to respect differences and reject violence to reinforce and encourage others to do so as well. Personally call out violent rhetoric and incivility when you see it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Encourage all business, civic and community leaders to model civility and discourage violence and thank them when they do. Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems continues to make progress on its $1 billion divestiture plan and aims to sell Merit Health Biloxi (Miss.), a 153-bed acute care hospital, to Gulfport, Miss.-based Memorial Health System. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Memorial Health currently operates two hospitals and has collaborated with Merit Health Biloxi in various service areas in the region including oncology, neurology, neuro-interventional radiology, radiology, infectious disease and cardiology. "Our collaboration came at a pivotal time when both organizations needed to work together to ensure that healthcare services remained uninterrupted during an incredibly challenging period created by the global pandemic," Memorial Health President and CEO Kent Nicaud said in a Nov. 8 news release shared with Becker's. Now, Memorial Health aims to build on this collaboration and is well-positioned to acquire full ownership of Merit Health Biloxi. The health system said it has no plans to discontinue any services currently provided by Merit Health Biloxi. "With our hospitals and clinics working under the same system, patients will experience smoother transitions between facilities, knowing they're receiving the same high level of care no matter where they go," Mr. Nicaud said. "Our commitment remains to deliver quality healthcare at every stage of life, which has always been at the core of our mission. We will continue to invest in our facilities, advance our technology, create growth opportunities for our staff, and ensure that everyone in Coastal Mississippi can get the care they need, close to home." Members of the University Professional and Technical Employees at the University of California San Francisco are set to strike Nov. 20 and 21. The union represents approximately 4,000 UCSF healthcare, research and technical workers, according to a UPTE news release shared with Becker's. Of these, approximately 2,040 are healthcare workers. Union members voted to authorize a strike in October. The union and management began negotiating a new labor contract in June, according to the University of California. Heather Hansen, a spokesperson for the UC Office of the President, which is negotiating with the union on behalf of the UC system, told Becker's that in October, the university made a "significant" offer to boost salaries by "5% in year one of the contract and by 19% to 23% over the life of the proposed three-year agreement. "UC has also proposed $75 or $100 monthly premium subsidies for UPTE employees and is eager to continue to negotiate these issues with the union. UC has also agreed to raise wages for all UPTE and AFSCME employees to $25 an hour by July 1, 2025." In October, UPTE filed a complaint with the California Public Employment Relations Board, contending that UC failed to provide necessary information about staffing vacancies and unilaterally and illegally increased health insurance costs outside of bargaining. The union also alleged that staffing levels within the UC system have not kept pace with increased demand for services, resulting in a decline in patient care quality. "To deliver the best possible care, we need UC to get serious about their legal obligations in bargaining by prioritizing patient care and solutions to the staffing crisis that's hurting our community," Matias Campos, a UCSF pharmacist and member of the UPTE bargaining team, said in the union release. UC denied the union's allegations and said it would file a response that "outlines its good faith bargaining efforts throughout these negotiations." More information about labor negotiations is available here and here. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro might influence the volume of all-cause hospital admissions and bariatric surgeries, two studies suggest. Researchers at Boston-based Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital recently found a 132.6% increase in GLP-1 prescriptions and a 25.6% decline in bariatric surgeries between 2022 and 2023. The results add empirical evidence to a trend of declining operations that bariatric surgeons have been noticing for months. A Novo Nordisk trial also discovered an association between Wegovy prescriptions and fewer hospitalizations for any cause. In the study, 33.4% of patients taking Wegovy were admitted, compared to about 37% in the placebo cohort. Use of the weight loss drug was also linked to shorter hospital stays. Three other updates to know: Competition Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are the main players in the GLP-1 field, but they're facing competition from compounding pharmacies, telehealth companies and even themselves. Since Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic fell into shortage in late 2022, compounding pharmacies have been manufacturing their respective generics, tirzepatide and semaglutide. Both drugmakers have filed several lawsuits against compounding pharmacies, medical spas, clinics and other drug companies for allegedly selling unsafe copycat versions; but despite these efforts, the market for generic GLP-1s has grown. In early November, telehealth company Hims & Hers said it would offer liraglutide the generic for Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Saxenda and diabetes drug Victoza in early 2025. GoodRx is also now offering $149 30-day supplies of Qsymia, a non-GLP-1 weight loss medication. Similar moves by telehealth companies have attracted the attention of employers, who often cannot afford to cover brand-name GLP-1s. Other competition stems from newer weight loss drugs being tested at Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Lilly has seen promising results from two obesity drug candidates, retatrutide and orforglipron; and Novo is betting on combining semaglutide with an experimental medicine, cagrilintide, with the expectation of 25% body weight reductions. Warnings On Nov. 4 and 5, the FDA added a new warning to all approved GLP-1 medications. The drugs pose a risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation, according to rare postmarketing results reported to the agency. The FDA said there is not enough data to provide specific recommendations for mitigating this risk. A day after the warning landed on semaglutide labels, Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen said he is alarmed by the amount of unsafe compounded GLP-1s in the U.S. market, adding that the copycats have been reportedly tied to 10 deaths. Potential uses The FDA currently approves GLP-1 medications for Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management and/or obesity-related cardiovascular events. Positive results from two Novo Nordisk studies hint at more indications, particularly for knee osteoarthritis-related pain and liver disease. After 68 weeks, Wegovy helped alleviate osteoarthritis pain by 41.7 points, compared to the placebo cohort's 27.5 points. The weight loss and cardiovascular medication also helped adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. In a 72-week study, 37% of participants receiving Wegovy saw improvement in liver fibrosis, compared to 22.5% in the placebo group. Novo Nordisk said it plans to seek an expanded Wegovy label in 2025. The National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against Cincinnati-based CommuniCare, a post-acute care network, for allegedly attempting to enforce stay-or-pay employment agreements. The complaint, filed Nov. 5, alleges that CommuniCare employed and sponsored residency for foreign nationals in 2020. The company allegedly paid for relocation assistance with the understanding that the employees would repay the costs if their employment was terminated, according to a Nov. 7 news release from the NLRB. Five employees worked for CommuniCare for one to four months before resigning due to training, safety and staffing concerns. Only one of the five employees was able to successfully repay the relocation costs at the time. In 2022, CommuniCare filed lawsuits against each employee alleging breach of contract and fraud, according to the release. The NLRBs Region 9-Cincinnati regional director said stay-or-pay agreements are "unlawful," do not advance a legitimate business interest and instead force employees to remain employed against their will, the release said. Becker's has reached out to CommuniCare for comment and will update this story if more information is received. A hearing before an NLRB Administrative Law Judge has been scheduled for Feb. 10. The maritime supply chain, which accounts for 80% of global trade volume, is facing several risks from geopolitical tensions and extreme weather, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. On Nov. 4, the Washington based think tank published a list of current and looming disruption threats to seaborne trade. Here are five threats to know: 1. Piracy Although research shows a yearslong decline in maritime piracy, the trauma of a pirate attack or even the threat of piracy itself can weigh heavily on the well-being of crew members. Piracy is most common near the West African coast, the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea. 2. Russia-Ukraine war and the Black Sea Port infrastructure in the Black Sea is a leading target by Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukraine's agricultural exports have dropped more than 90%. Moreover, regional maritime supply chains remain at risk as long as there is no clear end to the war. 3. Cargo ship attacks in the Red Sea Houthi rebels, who are vying for control of Yemen, have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Their drone and missile attacks have prompted shipping conglomerates to temporarily halt or reroute shipments around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, leading to significant delays and higher costs. Compared to October 2023, the average daily trade volume has fallen from about 4.89 million metric tons to 1.36 million metric tons in the Suez Canal. 4. Territorial tensions over the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait An estimated 20% of global maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait, but territorial claims have been heating up over the strait and other parts of the South China Sea. If military action breaks out between China and Taiwan, supply of more than 90% of the world's advanced semiconductors could be affected. 5. Extreme weather events Extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene in Florida's Gulf Coast and extreme winds on the East China coast, have disrupted trade and damaged port infrastructure. Droughts are also an increasing vulnerability for waterways like the Panama Canal, which experienced record low water levels between 2023 and 2024. A $1.1 million federal grant will fund training for healthcare workers in South Dakota to deliver telehealth services. "This three-year project will foster a practice-ready health care workforce trained in cutting-edge technologies while simultaneously increasing access to quality care across South Dakota," Haifa Samra, PhD, dean of the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences and the grant's principal investigator, said in the release. Four notes: 1. The University of South Dakota Division of Health Affairs received the funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, according to an Oct. 30 news release from the Vermillion-based university. 2. The USD School of Health Sciences and the Sanford School of Medicine, along with university departments, are working to establish infrastructure and talent to support a telehealth collaborative and expand services. 3. The collaborative will build a telehealth platform to train South Dakota healthcare students and create an education network, including a telehealth curriculum and certificate program. 4. The telehealth collaborative will also recruit and develop faculty to form a telehealth team. Vistry said it expects a hit to its supply chain after the Budget (Andrew Milligan/PA) Housebuilder Vistry has warned of extra costs and a hit to its supply chain because of tax changes from last weeks Budget, while also warning of higher inflation next year. Professional dancer Johannes Radebe has denied speculation that he is leaving BBC hit programme Strictly Come Dancing. The South African star, who made his debut on British TV with Strictly in 2018, shared a video on Instagram to reject rumours he may be leaving the show, dubbing them lies. Why Glasgow comic Christopher Macarthur-Boyd feels right at home when hes playing Belfast Stand-up says two cities are not only bonded by family ties, but also a similar sense of humour Christopher Macarthur-Boyd Niamh Campbell Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 21:00 Generally, people here are known for their self-deprecating sense of humour and for enjoying the craic which is why Scottish comedian Christopher Macarthur-Boyd fits in seamlessly. Supporters look on as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable with Latino leaders Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press When I approached the woman with breezy curls, a bright smile and magenta flip-flops on Election Day, I wasnt quite sure what to expect. Born in Brazil, Alessandra Almeida married an American and has lived in the U.S. for 14 years. Speaking with me at a polling location in the northern suburb of Klein, the 42-year-old told me she identifies as a liberal. She had struggled to be accepted for her views in both her home and adopted countries. That she was a Black Latina woman married to a white man with differing views only complicated things, she said. But that hasnt stopped her from making her voice heard. She told me she doesnt take the opportunity to vote in the U.S. for granted, and trusts the integrity of our elections far more than her home countrys. I could definitely empathize with her there as an immigrant from Mexico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Almeida was the picture of nonchalance. But when I asked her what made her anxious about this election, her eyes widened and her voice lowered. Oh immigration, of course, she said. We need more control. I paused, suddenly questioning the conclusions Id drawn about her. So, just so I understand, I said, can I ask who you voted for for president? Oh, Im for Donald Trump, she said beaming. She had voted for him during the last election as well. Her reasoning was simple: I trust him more. I trust he will build a better wall. To say her response was jarring to hear is an understatement. It felt, well, a lot like waking up on Wednesday morning to see that more than half of Latino voters in Texas a group that represents a third of the states electorate had staked their hopes on Trump in this election. Some have reacted to their fellow Latinos' support for Trump with disgust. Some on social media have even hurled insults, chalking up the rightward shift to ignorance or even self-hatred. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My conversation with Almeida reminded me that I, too, am guilty of hasty assumptions. I assumed when she called herself liberal that it meant Democratic, when in Brazil, their Liberal Party is what we would describe as conservative here. And I assumed, as so many do, that loyalty to an amorphous immigrant identity would supersede the bread-and-butter concerns that motivate most voters, no matter their race or ethnicity. I should have known better. Take my own grandpa in Laredo, a border city in a county that flipped to red for the first time in 100 years. Buelo is an exceedingly informed man; he spends several hours each morning reading both Mexican and American news on his oversized laptop. He knows all too well when immigration fearmongering doesnt match the reality at the border. But his support for Trump is based largely on a different, concrete reality: the small business stimulus check signed by Trump that he got during the pandemic. It helped him avoid laying off his employees. Democrats and the media can hit voters with statistic after statistic showing that, under the Biden administration, the economy is doing better than it feels. But if people are struggling to make rent or pay the total at the H-E-B checkout, theyre not going to believe it. That includes Latinos, almost 80% of whom are working class. As University of Houston political science professor Jeronimo Cortina told the Chronicle recently, Its not about how Wall Street is doing, its about going to the grocery store and being able to afford the cereal your kids like. For working-class immigrants especially, that economic anxiety is closely linked with fear of new immigrants coming to displace them. And as I noted in a column earlier this year, those fears arent all that unfounded. Research shows that an influx of low-educated immigrants can depress wages for low-skilled jobs, hurting those at the bottom of the economic ladder the most. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It breaks my heart to see immigrants with or without a visa try to differentiate themselves from those other immigrants the ones who have more recently crossed the border out of desperation, fleeing hunger, poverty and violence. To see them rationalize that Trump cant possibly be talking about them when he criticizes immigrants or promises mass deportations. But I also know that to block and unfollow the people who hold those views the way Ive seen many of my most left-leaning friends announce they will do on social media is counterproductive. I get that its hard for Democratic voters to understand how Republicans can ignore Donald Trumps dehumanizing rhetoric, his disregard for facts and democratic norms, his record of fraud, deception and self-aggrandizement. It seems outrageous to take a gamble on change even dangerous change in the hopes it might mean cheaper grocery bills and better immigration enforcement. We can grieve. We can be angry, and sad. We can even feel betrayed by our own community. But wallowing in disgust is precisely what the president-elect is criticized for doing. A large body of research shows that disgust even more than sadness, anger or hatred is the primary mechanism that drives dehumanization. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Far more powerful, is to seek to understand. Latino voters have made their message clear. Its on us to listen, and to hold back our own assumptions, and then work toward solutions. And it's on Trump to justify their faith in him, to deliver "the strong, safe and prosperous America" that he promised all citizens. Review: Just a few miles from Belfast is a seductive small farm where theres a passion for decent, fresh food Joris Minne heads to a special dinner at Laurelbank Farm in Saintfield White bean mash Joris Minne Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 12:38 The politics of food and its impact on our mental and physical health cannot be underestimated. Everywhere you turn there are warnings and alerts about ultra processed foods and what they are doing to us, survey results which show that butter is good and bad for you, that red meat, red wine and red velvet cake are killing the planet and our livers. Ashe Mellon is being blamed for another embarrassing episode. Dissidents are resorting to social media to try and Drumm up new recruits. Once again Thomas Ashe Mellon is being blamed for another embarrassing episode after a Facebook group he runs called on people to join the IRA. In a post last week on the Saoradh-linked Irish Revolutionary News page, there was a call to arms of sorts with a post remembering murdered republican Maire Drumm who was seen by many, including former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, as an icon to the republican cause. Drumm was the vice-president of Sinn Fein and a commander in Cumann na mBan but was assassinated by loyalists while recovering from an eye operation in the Mater Hospital in Belfast in 1976. Monday marked the 48th anniversary of her murder, and Derry dissident Mellon posted a tribute which included a quote from Drumm which called on people to join the IRA. The Facebook post reads: OTD October 28th 1976 Maire Drumm was assassinated in her hospital bed by loyalist gunmen while recovering from an eye operation in Belfasts Mater Hospital. Over 30,000 people attended her funeral at Milltown cemetery as her coffin was escorted by members of Cumann na mBan. It isnt enough to shout up the IRA. The important thing is to join the IRA Maire Drumm. Though it may appear innocuous, its the exact same quote issued by his fellow dissident Stephen Murney in April 2023 which he now is due to stand trial for accused of inciting support for a proscribed organisation and making a speech which encouraged support for it. During a bail hearing in May 2023, Murneys own barrister said that all his client had done was quote Maire Drumm. And Saoradh made reference to his charge after he appeared in court and was initially denied bail. They wrote: Following an Easter commemoration in Derry organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, a number of prominent republicans spoke at the platform at the sacred Republican Plot. One of those speaking was Saoradh National Chairperson, Stephen Murney. Dissident Facebook post Yesterday, 11th May, Stephen found himself in front of a British judge. His crime repeating an historical quote by Maire Drumm. It comes after MI5 claimed there were only a few dissidents republicans left who they view as having the capabilities of posing a risk to national security. Now republicans are slating Ashe Mellon for resorting to Facebook to recruit new members to his terror ranks. Its not a very sophisticated effort for the latest recruitment drive, calling for people to join the New IRA on a public forum such as Facebook its just embarrassing, said a source. Especially given the fact that Stephen Murney is facing a trial for this exact thing. Thomas Mellon is pushing this, as numbers have dwindled to the point where outside of Derry the New IRA essentially exists in name only. MI5 said recently there are only 30 dissidents in the whole country, across all three groups, capable of committing acts of terrorism so in the wake of that this is amateurish and scraping the bottom of the barrel. Last month the Director General of MI5 gave his annual security briefing to journalists. He said the threats to UK security from Northern Ireland was significantly reduced. There was only one reference to Northern Ireland made, confirming MI5 believes there are around 30 active dissident republicans capable of threatening national security. Republicans praised Maire Drumm as a figurehead of their movement. Gerry Adams has held her up as an icon, penning a biography of her life entitled Maire Drumm: A Visionary: A Rebel Heart, as well as unveiling a portrait of Drumm, hung in the Mayors Parlour in Belfast City Hall in March 2020. Mellon is still reeling after it emerged he was being ridiculed by fellow republicans for a recent appearance in court. Sunday World revealed a fortnight ago how the beleaguered dissident was returned for trial to the Crown Court on two charges linked to the same dissident republican parade in Derry which landed Murney in trouble. Mellons behaviour towards the court raised some eyebrows among hardliners across the country as he previously refused to recognise the British court and has slated other republicans for not doing the same. He refused to stand, which is supposed to mean hes not recognising the court, yet he applied for legal aid, employed a solicitor, applied for bail and bail variations and even bound himself to abide by his court bail! All this to a court he doesnt recognise! Everyone is making fun of him for it. People used to look up to him but hes being viewed as a complete joke at the minute. Conor passed with his family by his side The family of a young Co Down man have said their hearts are shattered after the 23-year-old died in Australia. Conor Molloy had been in a coma fighting for his life before passing away with his family by his side in a Sydney hospital. In a social media post today, his brother Shay reached out to thank all those who sent their love and support. Conor passed with his family by his side Shay said: Our beautiful Conor has peacefully passed away in Sydney, surrounded by people who loved him very deeply. Conor was the most loving, kind, funny, big brother I could have ever asked to be in my life. Whoever met him, I know, will be thankful for the time with him. He was a very special person, a good man. Thank you to the staff and doctors at RPA in Sydney who cared for our Conor with such respect, kindness and love to him and our family and friends. Honestly, we felt every one of them and they will help carry us on our heartbroken journey back home to Ireland to lay our beautiful Conor to rest in forever peace. Love from your little bro xxx. The family of the Gilford man had travelled from Northern Ireland to Australia to be at Conors bedside. Earlier this week, a fundraiser was set up to help the family with their expenses, and more than 35,000 was raised. An update said: "Everyone at Gilford ABC and the Gilford community would like to pass on our condolences to the Molloy and McCartan families on the untimely passing of their son Conor. "The family would like to thank everyone for all the support, prayers and donations that they have received it truly has been amazing. "Please respect the families privacy at this time and thank you everyone once again for helping the family at this most difficult time." Conor was involved with numerous sports clubs in Gilford, playing for both Gaelic football and soccer teams in the area. The clubs offered their support to Conor and his family in the lead up to his death. In a social media post, his former Gaelic football club Tullyish GAC paid tribute to the 23-year-old and have subsequently postponed matches scheduled tonight as a token of respect. They said: It is with great sadness that we inform you that our clubmate, our teammate, our fellow Gael and our friend Conor Molloy passed away in the early hours of this morning. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his daddy Paul, his mummy Shauna, his brother Shay, his sister Stephanie, brother-in-law Sean and Niece Rose, and to the wider Molloy and McCartan families and his friends at this very difficult time. "Due to the passing of Conor Molloy we have decided to postpone this evening's appreciation night, as a mark of respect, they added. His former youth soccer team, Dungannon Youth FC, offered their condolences to the young man in a Facebook post on their page. They said: More bad news this morning as with great sadness we inform you that our former DUY player Conor Molloy from Gilford who played on our 2001 age group team has sadly passed away this morning in Australia. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Paul and Shauna, his brother Shay, sister Stephanie and the entire family. Rest easy big Conor top man. Conor Molloy. Credit: Gilford Crusaders Football Club News Catch Up - Friday 8th November An organisation representing him has appealed to Ms ONeill for help NI First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said her office is monitoring Mr Ballentine's situation. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Mr Ballentine had been working as a dog groomer in Dubai First Minister Michelle ONeill is monitoring the situation after a Co Tyrone man was arrested in Dubai over a negative review he posted online relating to a dog grooming centre. Craig Ballentine (33), from Cookstown, was detained when he arrived in Abu Dhabi to visit friends three weeks ago and was transported to Dubai to face charges of slander under the United Arab Emirates (UAE)s cybercrime laws. The strict legislation prohibits any form of online criticism. Radha Stirling, CEO of campaign group Detained in Dubai, said she had reached out to Mr Ballentines local MLA, Ms ONeill, asking for her help. We implore her to make diplomatic representations to the UAEs ambassador and FCDO. We hope she can assist in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey come home, she said. In response to a query from this newspaper, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said: Ms O'Neills office will closely monitor the case and will stay in contact with the family to provide support and advice. NI First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said her office is monitoring Mr Ballentine's situation. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Mr Ballentine, who is an autism support worker by trade, had accepted a role as a dog groomer in one of Dubais canine salons in 2023. He had been employed by the salon for almost six months when he required a number of days off due to sickness. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, he informed his employer and submitted a doctors certificate. The company, however, registered him as having absconded. Mr Ballentine was left unemployed and attempting to remove a travel ban from his passport in order to return home to NI. After his experience, he left an online review of the centre and his former boss, noting the problems she had caused him. Campaign group Detained in Dubai, which represents people who find themselves arrested in the country, has been working with Mr Ballentine. Ms Stirling said the post did not contain any abusive content. Weve seen people arrested for complaining to customer service, or for leaving online reviews on hotels and rental car agencies, she said. The UAEs laws are so far from international standards that almost everyone who visits is already technically a criminal. Mr Ballentine had been working as a dog groomer in Dubai When someone is offended, even if they are at fault, they can open a criminal prosecution out of spite. Craig deleted the post and apologised but still faces jail. Its outrageous. The UAEs recently enacted cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners. It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell police that someone posted something offensive or rude. The police dont even need to see the actual post. The complainants have all the power and often demand money from the accused to close out the case. Its a means for vindictive people to extort. Once a criminal case is won, they can also open civil cases for massive damages. The system incentivises it. Flatmates, co-workers and even spouses have abused this law and we find that its often foreigners who are taking advantage. In this case, both parties are Western. Most people wouldnt dream of opening a similar case in their own countries but seem quite happy to open them in the UAE. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai Mr Ballentine is now stranded in Dubai, without employment and facing two years in prison. He said the experience has also taken a toll on his parents, who thought he was dead. Ms Stirling said the countrys strict rules are having devastating effects on peoples lives. Craig needs to get home and get to work. Its atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system. The sheer number of cybercrime reports they receive must be significant. There are no protections or safeguards and peoples lives are being ruined. Craig Ballentine (33) News Catch Up - Friday 8th November A fundraising page has been set up to help a barman who was the victim of a vicious stabbing attack in north Belfast earlier this week. Jamie Reilly, who works at Crusaders FCs social club, had his neck slashed in the early hours of Monday morning. Police say that a 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident in the St Vincent Street area has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries. The man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. The investigation continues, a PSNI spokesperson added. Over 1,500 has already been raised online for Mr Reilly since the assault on November 4. The JustGiving fundraising page states: Jamie was a victim of a serious attack in his place of work... no one should ever have to endure that kind of thing when out earning an honest living to provide for their family. It continues: If you live in the community, you will know Jamie is always working hard. With that being said, he will now be out of work because of [this] incident. Its hard enough for anyone to be out of work in this day and age, let alone out of work at this time of the year, when you have children to provide for. We have decided to set up this page to help Jamie out in the coming weeks/months. Although it wont take away the emotional or physical scars, we hope it takes a bit of stress off him and his familys shoulders at this time. Any donation, however small, can greatly help. Your small acts of kindness can have a massive impact on others. A spokesperson for Crusaders said the club would not be making any statement. The PSNI spokesperson added: Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 13 04/11/24. Jamie Reilly. Pic: JustGiving News Catch Up - Friday 8th November Waterloo Street is to get a new bar Plans for a new bar in Londonderry city centre have been approved. Derry City and Strabane District Council approved the plans at this months Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday. The proposal involves the change of use of a former furniture shop at 35 and 37 Waterloo Street to allow for the new bar and associated works. Officers noted that there were objections to the application due to traffic, pedestrian safety, noise, and antisocial behaviour. However, consultations with public bodies such as DfI Roads and NI Water were met with recommendations to approve, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions. A representative said the objectors were a group of concerned residents and business owners who support a vibrant town centre, but felt that the site was unsuitable for the proposed bar due to genuine safety and amenity issues. They added: The Officers report states that no evidence of compromised pedestrian safety has been submitted, we say thats inaccurate. A traffic safety report highlighted serious visibility issues and inadequate pedestrian safety measures. If you have a group of five or six people leaving the bar and stepping out onto the narrow footpath, they will inevitably spill onto the road and, as there is no forward sight visibility around the corner, a car or taxi travelling up Harvey Street could easily knock down a pedestrian. In terms of cumulative impact on character Waterloo Street already has a high concentration of bars, mainly at its lower and upper ends. Turning these remaining retail units into licensed premises would oversaturate the area and erode the diverse commercial mix that defines its character. An agent for the applicant argued that DfI Roads found no merit in the objections, and concerns about an outside footpath being too narrow were unfounded. I measured it yesterday, its 2.9 metres so theres not limited visibility, the agent said. They concluded. And in terms of retail units at Waterloo Street, that has actually increased from 58% to 60%, so the primary retail frontage remains and continues. Buildings at numbers 33 and number 39 remain in retail use, ensuring no proliferation of non-retail uses. Members voted unanimously in favour of the application. Waterloo Street is to get a new bar Interest rates cuts are 'a world away from the last Parliament' says Chancellor NI First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said her office is monitoring Mr Ballentine's situation. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell has said he will not attend a Remembrance Day event at City Hall because of the presence of First Minister Michelle ONeill. Ms ONeill announced that she will be attending the Remembrance Sunday event in Belfast, marking the first time a senior Sinn Fein figure will take part in such an event in Northern Ireland. She will lay a wreath honouring British soldiers and RUC members killed during the conflict. It has attracted criticism from victims of state and loyalist violence, as well as victims of IRA violence. Mr McDowell said he will not be in attendance at the cenotaph on Sunday saying I stand by the courage of my convictions and am not a career politician. Read more TUV deputy leader to avoid Remembrance Sunday event due to Michelle ONeills presence He said: Attending the cenotaph for the Somme anniversary service and for Armistice Day is one of those privileges and it has been the greatest honour to attend both in my time in office. During my time in elected office and attending those services, at no time has a Sinn Fein councillor come out to the cenotaph, they have never been there for any of the services yet. The news that Ms ONeill will be in attendance is the reason Mr McDowell will not be present, he explained to his X followers. I cant normalise Michelle ONeills behaviour, he said, and vindicate by my attendance. And I know there will be those amongst you who think we shouldnt give it over to our adversaries and perhaps politics has no place at the cenotaph Mr McDowell said he attends to pay respects to those who died in the Great War, the deaths of innocents in the Troubles and to remember the Enniskillen war memorial atrocity where nobody was brought to justice. He doesnt believe Michelle ONeill is there for the right reasons, instead suggesting it is to deflect from recent controversies surrounding the republican party. In his view, Ms ONeill is trying to use the cenotaph to curry favour again. Sinn Fein has been contacted for comment. Ron McDowell Kate to honour war dead with two public appearances over Remembrance weekend The new emus have arrived at Belfast Zoo Two new emus have settled into Belfast Zoo as part of the facilitys expanded Animals of Australia habitat. The birds which are native to Australia are the second largest living birds in the world behind the ostrich and known for their distinctive long legs and striking blue skin. The zoo said they were excited for people visiting to get a chance to see them up close, highlighting their playful personalities and curious nature. They said the arrival is part of the zoos ongoing efforts to promote conservation and raise awareness of species from around the globe. We are excited to introduce emus to our visitors, said Alyn Cairns, zoo manager at Belfast Zoo. These unique birds are an incredible addition to the zoos collection, and we hope that their presence will not only captivate visitors but also help further educate visitors about the diverse wildlife of Australia. The emus have settled into the Animals of Australia habitat and can be seen roaming around their new home which mimics their natural habitat of open, grassy plains. The emus new home is also designed to provide plenty of space for the birds to move freely and engage in natural behaviour. In addition to the emus, the Animals of Australia habitat also features other species native to the region, including kangaroos and wallabies. Emus are large flightless birds endemic to Australia. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. Emus are known for their impressive running speed, reaching up to 30 miles per hour. While emus are not currently endangered, their habitat faces threats from climate change and human activity. The zoo has not said if either bird has been given names. Stock Image: Officers from the organised crime branch seized the vehicles Police have seized two vehicles following a major operation in Belfast Docks on Thursday night. Shortly before 11pm officers from the Organised Crime Unit carried out searches in the West Bank Road area of the docks. Pictures on social media appear to show officers surrounding a lorry in the area. In a statement a police spokesperson said: Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Unit, in conjunction with colleagues from Belfast Harbour Police, carried out searches in the Belfast Harbour area on Thursday, November 7. Two vehicles were seized for further examination. Stock Image: Officers from the organised crime branch seized the vehicles News Catch Up - Friday 8th November A woman who claims she was raped by Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel has been accused of telling a web of lies in the hours following the alleged incident. Nikita Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, is claiming civil damages against Mr McGregor and another man, alleging she was sexually assaulted in December 2018. Ms Hand, who has no automatic right to anonymity, has accused Mr McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel bedroom in south Dublin. The High Court previously heard that she told her ex-partner in the aftermath of the alleged incident that she cannot say who assaulted her as he told me hed kill me. Nikita Ni Laimhin, who is also known as Nikita Hand (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Hand, a former hair colourist from Drimnagh in Dublin, refused to reveal the identity of her alleged attacker to her former partner, telling him she was raped and choked three times. On her fourth day of giving evidence at Dublins High Court, Ms Hand was cross-examined by Remy Farrell SC, defence barrister for Mr McGregor. You told (former partner) that he told me hed kill me. That was a reference to McGregor, wasnt it? Mr Farrell asked. Yes, she replied. Mr Farrell said that she never once suggested during subsequent police interviews or in evidence that Mr McGregor threatened to kill her. Is that something that happened or didnt? Mr Farrell asked. She told the court she could not remember. Mr Farrell also questioned Ms Hand over comments she made to her then-partner about being in a taxi with a friend after she left the Beacon Hotel, where she claims she was raped. Ms Hand admitted that was not true as she had been alone in the taxi, and said that she made the comment to reassure her ex-partner that she was okay. However, Mr Farrell said the untruth she told her former partner were all part of a web of lies you were weaving. He added: You were telling lies to (ex-partner) and he was catching you out on some. Ms Hand said she had been upset, confused and hurt by what had happened, saying that she did lie to her former partner. I was raped and battered a few hours before that so my mind wasnt perfect at the time, she told the court. I didnt care about anything at the time. All I cared about was my body and how hurt I was. I didnt care about anyone else. The jury in the civil trial earlier told Justice Alexander Owens that they saw somebody point a mobile phone at them on Thursday from the upstairs public gallery. In a note handed to the judge, the jury said they were concerned photos would be circulated on social media. Justice Owens said it was contempt of court to take pictures of the jury and arranged for a garda (police officer) to be present in the gallery. Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor (centre) outside the High Court in Dublin, where he is appearing for a personal injury case against him (Gareth Chaney/PA) He said that steps will be taken to deal with anyone suspected of taking photos or filming. On Friday, John Fitzgerald SC, for James Lawrence, told the court the strange feature of this case is that his client is part of these proceedings because of something he said, and not what she claimed. Mr Fitzgerald said Mr Lawrence, of Rafters Road in Drimnagh, brought himself into the case by telling the police in January 2019 that he and Ms Hand had consensual sex. Mr Fitzgerald also put it to Ms Hand that she had sex with Mr McGregor and that the door between the sitting room and the bedroom of the hotel penthouse was open and they could be heard clearly having sex. They were moaning noises and noises that indicated you were having a good time and not a bad time, Mr Fitzpatrick said. He claimed that she was having pleasurable sex with Mr McGregor while Mr Lawrence was also having sex with her friend in the next room. He further claimed that Ms Hand did know her friend and the second defendant were having sex because she saw them. I think this is another made-up story, Ms Hand said. Mr Fitzgerald also said that Mr Lawrence claims he saw her on top of Mr McGregor having sex. Lies, she said. Ms Hand also said that Mr Lawrence was lying when he told police she had sex with him twice when they returned to the hotel room after Mr McGregor left. Ms Hand said: I think hes lying. Mr Fitzgerald asked: You think hes lying about having sex with you? Absolutely, Ms Hand replied. The court also heard from Eimer Brennan, who is the manager of the hair salon where Ms Hand was employed. Ms Hand went to Ms Brennans home after she left the hotel in the aftermath of the alleged attack. Ms Brennan told the court that Ms Hand said she had been raped by Mr McGregor and was left black and blue. She said Ms Hand was shook and crying, and that when she took off her coat she could see bruising on her arms, a scrape on her breast and jaw, that her thighs, bottom, knee and knuckles were badly bruised, and there was a mark on her neck. Ms Brennan said that Ms Hand returned to work, but only for a short time, adding that she couldnt cope and was not herself anymore. The court also heard from Detective Sergeant John Ryan who spoke to Ms Hand at the Rotunda Hospital on Monday, December 10. He described Ms Hand as being extremely upset and distressed and hysterically crying while he spoke to her. Detective Ryan said he asked Ms Hand to make a statement but she refused, saying she was not pressing charges against her alleged attacker. Ms Hand also told the court it was her dream to open up her own salon and that she would love to have more children. Mr Farrell said that setting up a salon would require a fair bit of administration skills, adding that she did not have any specific qualifications. Ms Hand, however, said she felt she would have such skills to open her own salon. The court previously heard that Ms Hand has been on disability allowance since the alleged attack and returned to work for a short time, but could not continue her employment due to her mental health. Ms Hand completed giving evidence on Friday afternoon. Sarah Stogner is the Republican D.A.-elect of Texas 143rd Judicial District in West Texas. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Im celebrating my victory as a candidate on the Republican ticket: I was just elected district attorney in the West Texas district that includes Loving, Ward and Reeves Counties. And I have a message for Democrats: Thank you for everything youve been fighting for. If you were among the millions of people in Texas and across the country who worked for or supported Democrats, whether Vice President Kamala Harris or other candidates, I have great respect for you. You fought hard for a person and cause you believed in. Someone who would help prevent the dangers of Trump and his movement. I know that many of you are feeling demoralized and even traumatized. But I want you to know that the picture does not have to be as bleak as you may think. You can take the energy that fuels your fight and channel it in other ways that make a real difference. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In my race to become D.A., I ran as a Republican not because I support Donald Trump far from it but because that was my only way to get on the ballot. Im not alone in making this kind of decision. In most places, the Democratic and Republican parties pretty much have a lock on ballot access. Even when third party candidates can get on the ballot, its an incredible uphill battle to get votes that way. (In the Senate race, Libertarian candidate Ted Brown got less than 300,000 votes despite some unwanted help from a super PAC.) So not all of us in any party are automatically team players for the entire party. And my being officially Republican does not mean that I wont work with you. Far from it. This is where some of the most pragmatic work of governing can take place. In my corner of Texas, we have all sorts of problems. The first one I plan to tackle as district attorney is the lack of local access to rape kits. No one here has the credentials to conduct this kind of exam. So if a woman is raped, she has to travel at least an hour each way to another jurisdiction just to get a rape kit. That's unacceptable. Like many of you, Im a staunch supporter of women having control over our bodies. I consider myself pro-life on a personal level but want the government to keep out of all this as do many other truly conservative women. Im sure there are plenty of other things that I can and should change locally as well. Im turning to people in the area to tell me what they are. And I couldn't care less what their political leanings are or how they voted. If they can bring me a problem to fix, I want them to. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wherever you live, in Texas or elsewhere across the country, there may be local officials ready to hear from and work with you as well. In your community, you can fight for all the same social issues that youve been focused on. Dont think that because someone has an R after their name that they're less likely to work with you. For that matter, I have a similar message for other local officials, of all party affiliations, who are taking office. Serving our constituents obviously means serving all of our constituents the best we can. The more we reach out and connect with people regardless of party lines, the better we can do our jobs. Some people in Texas are celebrating the GOPs big night here and nationwide. This is how politics works sometimes one party has a big showing, making the other temporarily a minority party. It doesnt last forever. So to those of you who are Democrats, know this. You may feel disenfranchised. I understand. But please dont give up. Focus on something you care about. Try reaching out to local officials and seeing if you can get progress made totally outside of Washington. It can be done. Sarah Stogner is D.A.-elect of Texas 143rd Judicial District. Immigration is expected to be a key issue at the polls in the forthcoming general election (PA) With Ireland to go the polls on November 29, here are some of the main issues likely to feature during the election campaign. Housing The most contentious issue for the coalition Government will be Irelands housing crisis, which has rumbled on since the recession when investment in public services was slashed. The Governments Housing for All plan, which sets out an aim to build an average of 33,000 homes a year until 2030, has been criticised as not ambitious enough and that the share of public housing is too small. A shortage of supply has propelled house prices and rents to surge beyond average wages, while Irelands traditionally high rate of home ownership has plummeted, particularly among young people. Taoiseach Simon Harris (Niall Carson/PA) Homeless figures have also regularly hit new record highs during the coalitions time in office. Ahead of the 2020 general election, the Governments official homelessness tally surpassed 10,000 people for the first time now, 14,760 people are homeless. The Government has argued it has overseen record levels of home building and offered two, punter-friendly, State grants to help first-time buyers afford new builds. Opposition parties argue the States housing supply both social and affordable homes needs to be greater and that Government policy has left house prices to inflate. Immigration The response to the increase in migration in the last two years in Ireland could also become an election issue, though some politicians have said it is less prominent on the doors now than it was earlier in the year. People gather for a Ukraine independence rally in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since Russias invasion and the number of asylum seekers from elsewhere in the world increased dramatically post-pandemic. This has placed unprecedented strain on state accommodation provision, leading to tensions and disputes in some areas over plans to repurpose hotels and other buildings into facilities for international protection applicants. Anti-immigration protests have become more common and gardai have also had to deal with several outbreaks of far-right influenced rioting and disorder. Public Finances Government spending and what to do with billions in Exchequer surpluses gained through corporate taxes could also become a political battle. The Government is putting aside a chunk of the funds for future shocks such as climate change adaptations, infrastructure needs or dramatic demographic shifts. But opposition parties have argued that the wealth is not being used to solve Irelands major challenges an ailing health service and housing, in particular. Despite the booming economy, there is some evidence of deep inequality one recent Irish study found that there were 30,000 more children deprived of basic essentials in 2023 compared to the previous year. A view of the new National Childrens Hospital in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) In more recent weeks the Government has been blamed for the lavish costs of public structures including a 336,000 euro bike shed on parliamentary grounds, 1.4 million euro on a Department of Finance security hut, and the infamous spiralling costs and delays of the National Childrens Hospital. Childcare Childcare is another possible battleground, with almost all political parties announcing policies in recent weeks on how to make it more affordable and accessible. Many parents have raised issues with long waiting lists for creche places while childcare providers say costs are rising and retaining staff is a challenge. The difficulty in securing school places for children with disabilities has also become a prominent political issue in recent weeks. Taoiseach Simon Harris indicated that developments in America had been discussed at a meeting of the European Political Community on Thursday (Niall Carson/PA) Irish premier Simon Harris has said that the US and EU needed each other before the US election, and continue to need each other now. He indicated that the election of US President-elect Donald Trump and his approach going forward had been discussed at a meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest on Thursday. The Taoiseach told media on Friday that the tone of the meeting was very much in the space of, Europe needs to get its act together when it comes to competitiveness. 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 That was the sort of blunt language that was being used in the room, because politics is about pragmatism, Mr Harris said. And at the end of the day, the people of the United States of America have decided who they wish to be the next president, they have decided who they wish to have control of the US Senate and US House of Representatives, and in all cases they have decided to hand control of those three branches of government to the Republican Party. There is now clarity from a policy point of view as to the direction of travel America is likely to take over the next number of years, so that leads to: what does Europe wish to do? And I think there is that real sense of the importance of strategic autonomy, the importance of controlling what we can control here in Europe. No other part of the world owes us a living. You expect the president of the United States to stand up for US interests, its important now that European leaders do all that we can to stand up for European interests. But also, this was the path we were on anyway, a real renewed focus on things like competitiveness, completing advancing the work of the single market, a lot of colleagues expressing frustration, which I share, around delivery times for major infrastructure, particularly in relation to renewable energy. He emphasised that the US and the EU needed each other before the US presidential election, and they need each other after the US presidential election. At the end of the day, Donald Trump is a businessman, he said. I think we need to make the case quite clearly, and it is a case backed up by fact, that a protectionist approach to trade isnt good and actually tariffs and the likes wont have the positive impact that he would like to think they would on the people who voted for him in their own lives, he said. Actually, what needs to happen here is we need to look at how the EU and US can continue to strengthen their trade bonds. The Taoiseach stressed that Donald Trump was a businessman (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Harris also said there had been a very resolute view that the EU must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The US had its election and it made its decision but that doesnt change European values, and European values around the importance of the UN Charter, the importance of territorial integrity remain, he said. I think when it comes to the Middle East, I think were at a very, very dangerous moment and I worry about this interregnum period now and how (Israeli prime minister Benjamin) Netanyahu responds to that. President-elect Trump is a person who professes his support for peace. I think it is so important now that the world speaks with one voice in terms of calling out the humanitarian crisis and the loss of civilian life. I know President-elect Trump references the Abraham Accords as a moment of success in his last term in office. Is that a pathway back towards getting partners in the region around a table to discuss regional stability, but part of that has to be the recognition that Palestine is a state in its own right. The Princess of Wales is to attend both the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend, Buckingham Palace has announced. It marks the next significant step in Kates gradual return to public royal duties as she prepares to join the King and the Prince of Wales to honour the nations war dead. The announcement comes after William candidly spoke of how 2024 has been brutal and probably been the hardest year in my life, with both Kate and the King diagnosed with cancer. Kate, who revealed eight months ago she had an undisclosed form of the disease, will attend the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening and then the national commemoration at the Cenotaph on Sunday. It will be the first time she has carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements since the start of the year. The King lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) The Queens attendance over the weekend will, however, be subject to medical advice nearer the time. Camilla, 77, is unwell with a chest infection and was forced to pull out of engagements earlier this week. She is still resting at her Wiltshire home Raymill. Camilla pulled out of engagements earlier this week due to a chest infection (Chris Jackson/PA) In a video Kate released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months. But she added her focus was doing what I can to stay cancer free. Charles, who recently completed his first long haul overseas tour since his own cancer diagnosis, will lay a wreath of poppies on Sunday at the base of the memorial, leading the nation in tribute to its fallen servicemen and women. Thousands of veterans proudly wearing their medals, military families and the public will gather in remembrance of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The scene at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in 2023 (Stefan Rousseau/PA) William will also leave a floral tribute featuring the Prince of Waless feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red at the historic Portland stone monument. The Kings wreath pays tribute to that of his grandfather George VI, and his mother Elizabeth II, incorporating the sovereigns racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold. Even if Camilla attends the service, her poppy wreath will be placed by an equerry from the Royal Household, as is the custom. Kate will watch, as is tradition, from above, on the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office balcony overlooking Whitehall, taking part in the solemn two-minute silence and viewing the veterans march past. The then-Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II and the then-Duchess of Cambridge during the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in 2018 (Victoria Jones/PA) William said on Wednesday during his trip to Cape Town that his wife was doing really well and has been amazing this whole year. The princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024, after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer. Her last engagement was a month ago, when she made a surprise trip to meet families whose children were killed in the Southport attack and speak to emergency workers who helped at the scene after the devastating knife attack. The Prince and Princess of Wales speak to members of the emergency services during a visit to Southport on October 10 (Danny Lawson/PA) In her heartfelt video in September, Kate opened up about her cancer journey, as the Wales family were shown enjoying time together outdoors. The princess said she was entering this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family, she said. She added: Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long. The Princess of Wales in the video released by Kensington Palace (Will Warr/Kensington Palace/PA) At the start of October, the princess was pictured hugging an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting her to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle. Kate met Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, and her family privately after the ceremony with William. In June, Kate looked relaxed during her first day in the spotlight following her diagnosis when she appeared at the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony. The Waleses during their balcony appearance after Trooping the Colour in June (Gareth Fuller/PA) She took part in the carriage procession and joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and other royals on the Palace balcony. It came the day after a health update from Kate, who was pictured in the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate, standing in a tranquil setting against a weeping willow tree near a lake. She issued a written message saying she was making good progress and had good days and bad days, but added: I am not out of the woods yet. A few weeks later she made another rare appearance when she presented the Wimbledon mens final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz. Kate presents Carlos Alcaraz with The Gentlemens Singles Trophy at Wimbledon in July (John Walton/PA) The princess, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, was accompanied by Charlotte and chatted to ball boys and girls, and entered Centre Court to loud applause. She has also met aides to discuss staging her annual Christmas carol service in December, and held meetings on her early years work. Also attending the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph service will be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent. The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is staged annually on the Saturday evening of Remembrance weekend. Kate with the royal family at the Festival of Remembrance in 2023 (Chris Jackson/PA) It honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies. This years festival will showcase the contribution of the Second World War generation 80 years on from the D-Day landings, and commemorate 25 years since Nato peacekeeping forces were deployed in Kosovo, and 10 years since the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. A paedophile who was extradited from Thailand to face charges of historic child sexual abuse involving two young girls has been jailed for more than three years. John Martin, 74, was brought back to Scotland by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in December 2023 after moving to Bangkok several years earlier. He stood trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was found guilty of three charges on October 25, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said. Prosecutors said the retired antiques dealer subjected the two girls to a campaign of sexual abuse lasting almost a decade between the mid-1980s and 1990s. His offending took place at various locations in Perth and Kinross, Fife and East Lothian. He was jailed for three years and three months when he was sentenced at the court on Friday, COPFS said. Martins name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and non-harassment orders, banning him from contacting or attempting to contact the victims, have been granted for a period of 20 years. Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said: John Martin is a sexual predator who preyed on vulnerable young girls over a number of years, inflicting significant trauma. It is thanks to their strength and courage in coming forward and reporting the abuse that he has now been brought to justice. COPFS is committed to securing justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of when the offences occurred. We will work with police, and international partners where necessary, to track down and prosecute those responsible. I would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward and report it, no matter how much time has passed. You will be listened to and supported, and we will use all the tools available to us to secure justice. Martin was formerly of Haddington, East Lothian. Duncan Burrage, NCA liaison officer for Thailand, said: John Martin thought he could base himself overseas and escape justice for his sex crimes against children in the UK. His arrest and return to Scotland to face these charges is down to the collective efforts of Police Scotland, NCA officers overseas, the Royal Thai Polices Central Investigation Bureau and the Thai Office of the Attorney General. This case highlights the NCAs determination to track down and bring to justice British child sex offenders, wherever they are in the world and however long it takes. We and our international partners will never stop looking for them. Police Scotland said they are wholly committed to tackling all cases of child abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred. Sergeant Richard Robson said: This was a complex and disturbing case and it is right that John Martin now has to face the consequences of his disgraceful actions. My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and coming forward proved significant in our inquiries. They have shown immense courage in reporting these crimes so that Martin can be held accountable for his actions. I hope that his sentencing gives them some comfort and closure. Italian president Sergio Mattarella has met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on an official visit to China that came as Russias invasion of Ukraine pitted Nato allies against Beijings support for Moscow. The two exchanged greetings following a ceremony with full military honours at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. In his opening remarks, Mr Xi referred to the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer and trader Marco Polos journey to China that encouraged cultural, economic and religious links between Europe and East Asia. Italy is heavily reliant on foreign trade such as luxury products that have a large market in China. It is also a member of Nato, which China has blamed for provoking the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Chinese president Xi Jinping and Italian president Sergio Mattarella applaud before a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Florence Lo/Pool Photo via AP) Beijing has provided Moscow with assistance by purchasing its energy exports while selling it technology that can be used in drones and other armaments. Any differences on political issues were not raised in front of the media and the two leaders later oversaw the signing of a series of agreements on matters from culture to technology and trade. Italy has withdrawn from Mr Xis signature global Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to deepen Chinas relations with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East through infrastructure investments. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni declined to renew the agreement but nevertheless visited China in July. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the anti-establishment Five Star Movement party-led government promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. But neither appeared and investments in Italian ports that were trumpeted in newspaper headlines were never achieved. A man has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) The US Justice Department has charged a man in connection with an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. The man said he had been tasked by a government official before the presidential election with assassinating the Republican president-elect. Investigators learned of the plot to kill Mr Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery. Authorities say he maintains a web of criminal associates who participate in Tehrans assassination plots. Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset, claimed that Iranian officials asked him to compose a plan to watch and kill Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) Shakeri told investigators that in September, a contact in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him to put together a plan within seven days to watch and ultimately kill Mr Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. Shakeri claimed the Iranian official said that we have already spent a lot of money and that moneys not an issue. He told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed that Mr Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men who were allegedly recruited to participate in other assassinations, including of a prominent Iranian American journalist, were arrested on Friday. Shakeri, an Afghan national who immigrated to the US as a child but was later deported after spending 14 years in prison for robbery, also told investigators that he was tasked by his Revolutionary Guard contact with plotting the killings of two Jewish-Americans living in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. The criminal complaint says Shakeri disclosed some of the details of the alleged plots in a series of recorded telephone interviews with FBI agents while in Iran. The stated reason for his co-operation, he told investigators, was to try to get a reduced prison sentence for an associate behind bars in the US. According to the complaint, though officials determined that some of the information he provided was false, his statements regarding a plot to kill Trump and Irans willingness to pay large sums of money were determined to be accurate. Donald Trump beat US vice president Kamala Harris in the US presidential election (Alex Brandon/AP) The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Mr Trumps victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target US government officials, including Mr Trump, on US soil. US attorney general Merrick Garland said: There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as Iran. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case shows Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including Mr Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticise the regime in Tehran. Last summer, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Mr Trumps re-election, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Mr Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Mr Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. Soldiers have been deployed on the streets of Mozambiques cities following weeks of protests against the ruling party that has been accused of rigging last months election to extend its 49 years in power. Mozambique armed forces spokesperson General Omar Saranga made the announcement at a late-night press conference on Thursday, saying the army would support police in keeping order. The country of 34 million people in southern Africa is on edge, with the presidential palace under heavy guard and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people are locking themselves in their homes. In moments like this, with demonstrations taking place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace, Mr Saranga said. Protesters fill the street in Maputo (Carlos Uqueio/AP) Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday in the biggest demonstration since the October 9 election. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets. The ruling Frelimo partys candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the leftist partys dominance of Mozambique politics since independence from Portugal in 1975. Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of stuffing ballot boxes and other election fraud while international observers said there were problems with the vote and it was not free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of rigging national and local elections to keep power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the results of the election, which it must do for them to be recognised. Current President Filipe Nyusi, of Frelimo, is stepping down after serving the two terms allowed under the constitution. A police officer aims his weapon (Carlos Uqueio/AP) Protests began almost immediately after the election, prompting a police crackdown. Police have been accused by rights groups of firing live bullets at peaceful demonstrations and at least 20 people have been killed by security forces, according to international groups. Mozambican rights groups say the death toll is much higher. Anger also swelled after two senior opposition figures a lawyer and a party spokesperson were killed by unidentified gunmen, who ambushed them in their car and fired at least 25 rounds at them, according to their party. The regional Southern African Development Community has called a special summit for later this month, when Mozambique will be high on the agenda. Neighbouring South Africa has closed its main border crossing with Mozambique and heightened security on its side. A letter revealed in the Dail in 2018 alleged the British Government knew of the incoming tragedy The Enniskillen bomb in November 1987 was one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles. An IRA bomb at a Remembrance Day service in the County Fermanagh town killed 11 civilians, including three married couples. 63 people were injured, and a twelfth victim died after being in a coma for 13 years as a result of his injuries. The massacre sent shockwaves across the world, with the US, UK and Irish government condemning the attack. There was a huge backlash against the IRA, with Sinn Fein facing electoral reverses in the local area. But no-one has ever been convicted of carrying out the bombing. It was thrown back into the spotlight in 2018 after an anonymous letter to the Irish Government claimed MI5 had prior knowledge of the attack, allowing it to happen to turn public opinion against the IRA. Ciaran Dunbar is joined by former editor of the Impartial Reporter and author of Enniskillen: The Remembrance Sunday Bombing Denzil McDaniel to tell the story of the bomb and its aftermath. Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa speaks at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session event, Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Dallas, after getting reelected as chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced Friday he will step down following another devastating election cycle for Democrats up and down the ballot. The resignation, effective next March, comes after more than a decade of Hinojosa at the helm as Democrats have tried over and over to retake statewide power. This year, the party hoped to build on the near-success of Beto ORourkes 2018 U.S. Senate campaign, but on Tuesday Sen. Ted Cruz trounced Democrat Colin Allred and historically blue parts of South Texas, where Hinojosa lives, went for President-elect Donald Trump. READ MORE: Long an outsider, Ted Cruz now set to lead a powerful committee regulating space travel and Big Tech Advertisement Article continues below this ad While this was a hard decision, it is the best decision for our party, and I encourage our national leaders and party leaders at all levels to join me in lifting up the next generation in order to unite our party as we take on Donald Trump, Hinojosa wrote. The letter also came after Hinojosa, in conversation with a reporter with The Texas Newsroom, expressed willingness to drop some support for transgender people to appeal to more centrist members of the party. His comments set off a firestorm among Democrats on social media with some agreeing and others seeing his comments as an abandonment of the inclusive, human rights-led ideals of the party. You have a choice as a party," Hinojosa said. "You could, for example, you can support transgender rights up and down all the categories where the issue comes up, or you can understand that there's certain things that we just go too far on, that a big bulk of our population does not support." Hinojosa later apologized, saying he was sorry for the pain and frustration his words caused, but the damage was done as Democrats began calling for his ouster. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hinojosa has led the party since the Obama era in 2012 and through the many waves of unrealized Democratic hope that the state would eventually show a smidgen of purple. He pushed the idea that changing demographics would eventually turn the state blue. Texas has not elected a Democrat in a statewide election since 1994. On Tuesday, Republican Donald Trump won the state by 14 percentage points, almost tripling his winning margin in 2020. And U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz handily defeated Democrat Colin Allred by about 9 points. That came on top of losses in the state Legislature, state appellate courts and a near-sweep of county judicial races in blue-leaning Harris County. RELATED: Donald Trump on track to sweep historically blue South Texas in Tuesday election Trump also won over a swath of South Texas border counties that have historically turned out for Democrats. Hinojosa had been under fire at previous conventions and faced challengers, but he has repeatedly built a strong enough coalition to retain power. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After Hinojosa steps down in March, the State Democratic Executive Committee is expected to choose a replacement to carry out the rest of his term. He was last elected to a four-year term at the 2022 state party convention. BENNINGTON The suspect of a days-long manhunt in Bennington stemming from an alleged violent attempted murder in 2023 pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault and robbery Wednesday in Bennington. In September 2023, Zachary Dumas, 38, was charged with two felony counts attempted murder and assault and robbery stemming from an incident at the Applegate Apartments on the evening of Sept. 7. Dumas allegedly attempted to murder his then-girlfriend by strangling her from behind and then robbing her backpack containing cash, debit cards, her ID, social security card and birth certificate. Dumas fled the scene before police arrived, leading to an arrest warrant and kicking off an intense, multi-day manhunt in and around Bennington. Dumas was eventually nabbed while hiding out in a known drug residence in Bennington. He was later charged with a third count, aggravated assault, and all charges were upgraded to habitual offender status due to Dumass past conviction on several felonies. He was scheduled to stand trial for two days starting Wednesday morning. That never happened. On Wednesday morning, before the chosen and seated jury had entered the courtroom, Dumas agreed to plead guilty to one count of assault and robbery. Prosecutors asked for a 3-20-year to-serve prison sentence. The defense requested a contested sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. Dumas was then returned to the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Center in Rutland to await his fate. Dumas has been in custody since his arrest on Sept. 18 after an intense manhunt ended 10 days after a warrant for his arrest was issued. The Bennington Police Department, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies, tracked down and arrested Dumas on Sept. 17 at approximately 6:45 p.m. after receiving a tip on his whereabouts. Officers observed Dumas in a Bennington residence and surrounded the property. Dumas became aware of the police presence at the home, exited a window on the second story, and was on the roof for some time. Dumas retreated into the residence when he realized law enforcement officers surrounded him. At approximately 8:48 p.m., a group of Bennington Police officers in flak vests and helmets and a Winhall K-9 unit rushed the building, knocking in a barricaded side door to gain entrance. Three minutes later, police could be heard yelling for Dumas to get on the ground. Dumas was escorted out of the front door in handcuffs and placed in a Bennington Police squad car. Dumas' location was unknown until Sept. 14 at about 1:30 p.m., when Bennington Police received a tip that he was spotted at 303 Pleasant St. Dumas eluded arrest when police responded there by diving onto the second-story rooftop and jumping from it. He was tracked to the Booth Terrace area and later spotted in the area of Middle Pownal Road, but was able to escape, with authorities calling off the search for him at 10:30 p.m. that evening. He was at large until the arrest on Sept. 17. Dumas was facing a possible life sentence if convicted of the attempted murder charge. He faced two other life sentences on the other counts as a habitual offender. Dumas has a long criminal history in Vermont, with both misdemeanors and felonies, including drug possession charges, assault, violations of abuse prevention orders, unlawful trespass, retail theft, violation of conditions of release, domestic assault, obstructing justice, and petty larceny. Before the latest incident, Dumas had been put on furlough in the larceny case. Since his alleged crimes violated his furlough, he still faced the possibility of further charges and a new sentence on those crimes for which he was on furlough. The attempted murder, aggravated assault, and assault and robbery charges stemmed from a September incident where he allegedly came over to the victims house looking for money to buy crack. When the victim refused, Dumas barred the doorway with his bicycle and ran up a flight of stairs, putting an arm around the victims neck from behind. The victim lost consciousness and, when she awoke, allegedly witnessed Dumas grabbing her backpack and fleeing. The whole incident was caught on video. There are currently no scheduled sentencing hearings for Zachary Dumas in any court schedules. The Banner will update this story as more information becomes available. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Gov. Maura Healey, seen in Pittsfield in January, has recommended a pardon for a North Adams man arrested on a felony larceny charge in 1987. PITTSFIELD Hours after the election was called in favor of President-elect Donald Trump, the staff of Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires gathered at Parsons Marsh Reserve in Lenox. The 20 staff members began the walk in silence, hands wrapped around cups of coffee and hot chocolate. As they wrestle with what a second Trump term could mean for the people they serve, the hike was a moment of grounding for the staff. Yesterdays hike was not just a moment of reflection but a statement of solidarity, said Executive Director Ilana Steinhauer, in an email to The Eagle. We walked as one to demonstrate that our commitment to the health and well-being of our community is unwavering. Volunteers in Medicine was started 20 years ago to meet the health care needs of an underserved community in the Berkshires people who are ineligible for health insurance. At its clinics in Pittsfield and Great Barrington, VIM offers patients well-rounded care that addresses both immediate medical concerns and the many external factors, from housing to food security, that contribute to good health. Today, the nonprofit predominantly serves people who have immigrated to the Berkshires from Central and South America. That demographic shift is largely a result of MassHealth, which insured many of the patients VIM served in its early years but excluded undocumented immigrants, said Nelson Fernandez, director of advancement and communications. Given Trump's threats of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants featuring front and center in his campaign, anxiety is high among both VIM staff and patients, Fernandez said. The stress of being an immigrant in this country during these times is in fact a social determinant of health, he said. You could imagine the post-traumatic stress that people feel after they land in this country. That stress is one the staff know intimately. Seventeen of the 20 staff members are themselves immigrants. Fernandez emigrated with his parents from Cuba in 1969. Exactly what a second Trump term could mean for the community VIM serves and its own ability to provide care is as of yet an unanswered question. Its one likely to remain unanswered until Trump seeks to implement his espoused policies. And that, Fernandez said, means the team is very much in a game of wait and see. But were hopeful that, regardless of whos in control in Washington, that the nature of our work and the value that we create will be seen as worthy enough to fund, he said. Volunteers in Medicine is almost exclusively funded by private funders and foundations. As the team moves forward with this uncertainty, they are resolved to continue the care they've provided the Berkshires for the past 20 years. Our hike at Parsons Marsh was a physical reaffirmation of our dedication to health and wellness for all, mirroring our daily efforts in the clinic, Steinhauer said. We stand resolute in our mission to ensure that no one in our community goes without the care they need, regardless of the political climate. It's a commitment that extends to both VIM's patients and its staff who daily provide frontline care. One of the things VIM will continue to do it's always done it but will continue to do now more than ever before is make sure that, like the hike, there are many other examples where we show are colleagues that taking care of themselves, focusing on their own needs, making sure they have people that they can talk to as they deal with the daily pressures of providing services to people who are really experiencing trauma in many cases, is fundamental and critical, Fernandez said. Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump hold border security banners during a campaign rally at the Findlay Toyota Arena, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Rodrigo Abd/Associated Press Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump talks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border at Shelby Park, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press FILE - In this Thursday, June 10, 2021, file photo, a pair of migrant families from Brazil pass through a gap in the border wall to reach the United States after crossing from Mexico to Yuma, Ariz., to seek asylum. The U.S. government has put an end to two Trump administration policies that made it harder for immigrants fleeing violence to qualify for asylum. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday, June 16, 2021, that immigration judges should no longer follow the rules that made it difficult for immigrants who faced domestic or gang violence to win asylum. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia, File) Eugene Garcia/Associated Press PRESCOTT VALLEY, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: U.S. Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Findlay Toyota Center on October 13, 2024 in Prescott Valley, Arizona. With leaders of the Border Patrol union in attendance, Trump pledged to hire 10,000 additional border patrol agents if reelected, intensifying his attacks on Democratic opponent Kamala Harris on the issue. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) Rebecca Noble/Getty Images Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greets members of the U.S. Border Patrol as he speaks at a campaign rally at the Findlay Toyota Arena Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/Associated Press FILE - Families that were separated at the U.S.- Mexico border during the Trump administration wait to speak at a Democratic party campaign event, Oct. 16, 2024, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File) Marta Lavandier/Associated Press Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump points to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he speaks at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Eric Gay/Associated Press Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump talks with Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Adjutant General for the State of Texas, at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press FILE - In this May 17, 2021, file photo a group of migrants mainly from Honduras and Nicaragua wait along a road after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S. - Mexico border, in La Joya, Texas. Attorney General Merrick Garland has tossed out a Trump administration policy that barred immigration judges from temporarily shelving some deportation cases. Garland on Thursday, July 15, 2021, overruled a decision by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions that judges couldn't put those cases on hold. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) Gregory Bull/Associated Press FILE - In this June 23, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump tours a section of the border wall in San Luis, Ariz. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Evan Vucci/Associated Press Donald Trump built his presidential campaign around a sweeping immigration crackdown going far beyond the restrictions that defined his first term. And the president elect vowed to dive right in on his first day in office, sealing the border, expelling millions of people and more. Texas, where Republicans have spent billions of dollars on Gov. Greg Abbotts border security crackdown during President Joe Bidens time in office, is also likely to be a key partner for much of it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what to expect as Trump returns to the White House next year. Mass deportations Trump has promised to launch the largest deportation operation in the history of our country, and he told NBC News this week that he plans to carry it out regardless of the price. Experts, however, say removing immigrants at the scale Trump has vowed would be extremely complicated and costly. The American Immigration Council estimated it could cost more than $315 billion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Immigration courts are deeply backlogged and take years to decide cases. Returning migrants to the many nations from which they came requires cooperation from those countries, which the United States would have to negotiate. It would also require detaining a population exponentially larger than the entire U.S. prison and jail population an undertaking that Stephen Miller, the architect of Trumps first-term immigration policies, has said would happen with vast holding facilities that would function as staging centers for immigrants waiting to be flown to other countries. Those camps would likely be built on open land in Texas near the border, he said. Trump has said more recently he would focus on dangerous criminals, and he would try to speed up the process by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which he argued gives you the power to target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil. Some of Trumps allies, including Abbott, have seemingly sought to temper expectations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Its nothing thats going to happen overnight, its a process to get there, and the process begins with building ICE, building Border Patrol agents, removing the criminals first and then well see where it goes from there," Abbott said. There are roughly 11 million immigrants living in the country without legal authorization, including more than 2 million in Texas, according to estimates from the Homeland Security Department, though some estimates put that number above 13 million. They include immigrants in mixed-status families, meaning their kids or partners are U.S. citizens, and so-called dreamers brought to the country when they were children. Ending birthright citizenship Trump plans to issue an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, which he says will choke off a major incentive for continued illegal immigration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Legal scholars say the president likely does not have authority to end citizenship granted to those born in the U.S. because it has long been enshrined in the Constitution through the 14th Amendment, a view that has held since a Supreme Court ruling in 1898. The Trump administration, however, has argued the 14th Amendment extends citizenship only to those both born in AND subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. His order will direct federal agencies to stop granting children of unauthorized immigrants citizenship, issuing them passports, Social Security numbers, or allowing them to be eligible for certain taxpayer funded welfare benefits. It is all but certain to be challenged in the courts, and could well offer an opening for the current conservative majority of the Supreme Court to reconsider the 1898 ruling. AT THE BORDER: This Texas border county backed Democrats for generations. Trump won it decisively Advertisement Article continues below this ad The border The president-elect plans to reinstate all of his previous border policies on his first day in office. Those include federal efforts to build a border wall, Trumps Remain in Mexico policy that required asylum seekers to await the outcomes of their cases south of the border, travel bans and more. But Trump has also said he would go further, vowing to shift massive portions of federal law enforcement to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, move thousands of troops currently stationed overseas to the border and deploy the U.S. Navy to board and inspect ships for fentanyl. Such a federal crackdown could eventually lead Texas to wind down some portions of Abbotts Operation Lone Star, an $11 billion program the state launched during Bidens time in office. The governor cautioned this week that Texas will need to be a "stopgap effort" as Trump ramps up the federal forces. DACA in danger The Biden administration is currently defending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program against a Texas-led lawsuit seeking to end the Obama-era initiative that protects from deportation those brought to the country as children. More than 611,000 U.S. residents 101,350 of them living in Texas are enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, widely known as DACA. In the 10 years since it was created, they have graduated high school and college, gone on to work in virtually every sector of the economy and started families of their own in the U.S. Texas argues the program costs the state hundreds of millions of dollars in healthcare and education costs and at least some of those protected by the program would leave the country if it was ended, relieving the financial burden. Trump is almost certain to stop defending the program in court. He has not said whether he would target DACA recipients for deportation, if the program is ended. You are the owner of this article. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter NORTH ADAMS If you have thoughts on the Route 2 overpass and the future of downtown, the city wants to hear from you. People who live, work and play in North Adams are invited to three separate events next week in an effort to gather community feedback to inform the Route 2 overpass study. An announcement from the city for the events framed them as the studys launch. Also known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge, the city-owned overpass flies over Marshall Street, and cuts between Mass MoCA and much of downtown. The study could result in a recommendation to raze the failing bridge, which was deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation in late 2023. The city and Mass MoCA collaborated on obtaining the grant to fund the study; both see an opportunity to better integrate downtown with the museum campus. Stoss Landscape Urbanism of Boston will lead the study by evaluating traffic, looking at the bridges purpose and the possibility of improving traffic patterns connecting incoming traffic into the city. Visit rt2overpass.info to register for one of the events, which run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday; and 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday. Participants will meet at the UNO Community Center at 157 River St., then take a short, self-guided site walk around the bridge, before returning to the community center for a discussion. Donald Morrison is an Eagle columnist and co- chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. The ride-hailing platform, Lyft, is expanding its futuristic experiences after unveiling its latest partnerships with three autonomous vehicle companies to deliver more options for its customers come next year. This means that Lyft is also looking into having a more pronounced presence in the autonomous vehicle industry, which will be available for customers to book by 2025. Lyft also revealed that it will gradually debut the rides with self-driving cars and will not offer them as a one-off for its customers. It will focus on launching in specific cities in the country before making them widely accessible. Lyft Expands Autonomous Rides With Three Partners Amid Lyft's latest Q3 2024 report, the company announced in a press release that it has now secured a new round of autonomous partnerships in the industry, combining it with its ride-hailing services. This massive shift by Lyft into the autonomous vehicle (AV) sector formed partnerships across three companies, including Mobileye, May Mobility and Nexar. Lyft first announced its partnership with Mobileye, which will help them deliver the new partner's self-driving technology to the ride-share giant's "scaled rideshare platform" for all fleet operators to apply to their vehicles. On the other hand, Lyft and May Mobility's partnership will take advantage of its autonomous vehicles with a fleet of Toyota Sienna minivans. Additionally, Lyft's partnership with Nexar will help improve its autonomous plans by using the partner company's collected data, including video footage, for future developments and improvements. Autonomous Lyft Rides Are Coming This 2025 This new trio of partnerships will expand Lyft's autonomous ride-hailing plans coming this 2025, and the company is planning to gradually make it available for customers to access and enjoy a driverless experience. Lyft noted that its partnership with May Mobility will initially launch the experience in Atlanta, Ga., next year. Lyft also revealed that it will scale the autonomous rides to more cities and regions over time. Autonomous Vehicles and Ride Hailing Autonomous vehicles are already ruling the city streets in select regions in the country after prominent companies like Alphabet and General Motors made their debut in San Francisco, ushering in a new era of mobility. These companies delivered Waymo and Cruise, and they are among the pioneers of self-driving ride-hailing services in the U.S., with their fair share of controversies and triumphs over the years. However, other companies are looking to get their share of the market that no longer require a driver to take passengers from one point to another, using only the app to dictate the trip. That being said, Lyft's top rival in the country, Uber, previously announced its massive partnership with Waymo to deliver autonomous rides as part of its service, expanding more of both's reach. Currently, the autonomous vehicle sector is still skating on thin ice after facing issues with the technology that has since seen accidents and different types of malfunctions, especially for the two renowned platforms. However, this is one way to go forward with ride-hailing, and Lyft is jumping into the scene with its promising partnerships and soon offering the experience to Americans by 2025. Infinx Healthcare establishes Center of Excellence in Madurai to drive AI-based innovation November 08, 2024 | Friday | News This centre will create 700 jobs, and foster local talent through strategic educational partnerships Infinx, a trusted provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions for patient access and revenue cycle management (RCM), has announced the opening of its newest delivery centre in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art facility will support the companys mission of optimising revenue cycle processes for US-based healthcare providers, helping them focus on patient care while ensuring financial sustainability. This strategic investment in Madurai aligns with Infinxs global expansion goals and marks the companys eighth centre in India, complementing existing operations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The centre will leverage advanced AI and automation technologies to streamline revenue cycle operations for its customers, further solidifying Infinxs position as an industry leader. Infinx is one of the first ITES organisations to setup a centre of this kind in Madurai. The new centre will create around 700 job opportunities over the next five years, providing high-quality employment in healthcare RCM to local talent. Infinx has partnered with esteemed educational institutions to recruit and train graduates. The joiners will receive role-specific training that covers technical skills, processes, and methodologies required for healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM). It has devised various competency-based learning & development programs such as the ACE (Associate Competency Excellence) initiative and GROW (Get Ready For Opportunities for Work). These have been designed and aimed at creating future leaders from within the company. In addition to classroom sessions, employees can access self-paced e-learning courses on our digital platform, covering a range of technical and soft skills. Wallowa County Commissioner Todd Nash won election to the Oregon State Senate on Tuesday, Nov. 5, brushing off a challenge from a nonaffiliated candidate. Early unofficial returns from Senate District 29, which covers a good chunk of Northeastern Oregon, had Nash with 30,091 votes (82%) and his opponent, Tania Wildbill, with 6,430 votes (17.5%). Nash, a Republican, will succeed retiring GOP Sen. Bill Hansell when the Legislature convenes in Salem in January. Nash has said he believes he may be the first Wallowa County resident to win election to the state Senate. Nash, who won a four-way primary race in May to earn the GOP nomination, also is a cattle rancher and a former president of the Oregon Cattlemens Association. Wildbill ran in the Senate race as a candidate not affiliated with any political party and said she would not accept campaign contributions. She dropped out of the Democratic primary for the Senate seat in order to run as a nonaffiliated candidate and earned a spot on the ballot in August by collecting the required number of signatures on a petition. Senate District 29 comprises all of Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties, as well as parts of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Wasco counties. House District 58 In House District 58, which includes Wallowa and Union counties and a portion of Umatilla County, incumbent Rep. Bobby Levy of Echo was reelected. Levy was unopposed and collected 16,116 votes in early unofficial returns. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Social Grant Increases and Serge Belamant Amid South Africa's New Political Landscape South Africas welfare system is navigating turbulent political and economic waters following the May 2024 general election. For the first time since the end of apartheid, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority, forcing it into a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a Government of National Unity (GNU). This seismic shift in South African politics is significant for both governance and welfare, as key social programs such as the social grant system remain vital to millions of citizens. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had announced a R10 increase in key social grants shortly before the election, reflecting the government's attempt to provide incremental support for over 18 million beneficiaries. Despite these adjustments, deeper economic challengesincluding unemployment, poverty, and a strained budgetcontinue to pressure the welfare system. The ANC and its coalition partners must now find ways to balance political survival with economic reform. The New Political Context: ANC and DA in Coalition The GNU, officially formed in July 2024, has been well-received in its first few months, with a September poll showing that many South Africans believe the new government is performing well. This newfound confidence in governance contrasts sharply with the public dissatisfaction preceding the election, where the ANC lost ground after years of economic stagnation and corruption scandals. The coalition arrangement, however, remains fragile. The ANC, with 41% of parliamentary seats, leads the GNU, but its success largely depends on its partnership with the DA, which holds 22% of seats and six key ministries in the 32-member cabinet. Early signs of tension have emerged, with DA ministers driving reformssuch as visa and land reformsthat challenge the ANCs traditional policy positions. Still, the coalition has sparked optimism, boosting both the rand and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Capitecs Role in Social Grant Distribution Capitec remains a crucial player in the social welfare landscape, managing the distribution of social grants through its extensive technological network. Beneficiaries can access funds through ATMs, mobile platforms, and retailer partnerships, making it easier for millions of South Africans to receive vital support. However, Capitec has faced criticism for the fees it imposes on grant recipients, leading to questions about the accessibility of the welfare system for the countrys poorest citizens. While Capitec manages the present system, the infrastructure itself owes much to Serge Belamant, the founder of Net1 UEPS Technologies. His development of the Universal Electronic Payment System (UEPS) allowed for secure, offline financial transactions, which became a lifeline for rural communities without traditional banking access. Belamants innovationsparticularly biometric authenticationwere essential in reducing fraud and ensuring that grants reached their intended recipients. Serge Belamants Enduring Impact Serge Belamants contributions to financial technology continue to underpin South Africas welfare system. His work through Net1 transformed how welfare payments were processed, especially for the unbanked population. The UEPS system provided secure, real-time transactions in areas where conventional banking services were unavailable, which helped millions of Africans access social support efficiently. The legacy of Belamants work remains vital as the GNU seeks to improve governance and rebuild public trust. While the new political order focuses on economic reforms to revive growth, Capitecs administration of social grants still relies on the technological foundations Belamant created. His contributions not only modernized welfare distribution but also laid the groundwork for financial inclusion at a critical time in South Africas development. Future Challenges for South Africas Welfare System Despite the optimism around the GNU, the challenges facing South Africas welfare system are immense. With over 18 million people relying on social grants and more than 60% of the population living in poverty, the strain on government resources continues to grow. The GNU must contend with the fact that incremental increases to social grants, such as the recent R10 adjustment, are insufficient to address the deep-rooted economic inequality in the country. As the ANC and DA work together, there will be ongoing pressure to implement bold reforms that not only stabilize the economy but also ensure that welfare programs remain sustainable. Internal divisions within both parties could threaten the longevity of the coalition, particularly if more radical elements within the ANC push back against DA-led reforms. Additionally, the GNUs success will be measured by its ability to overcome significant economic hurdles, including unreliable electricity, corruption, and a sluggish growth rate, which has averaged less than 1% per year since 2012. Conclusion: A Time for Reform and Resilience The formation of the Government of National Unity has marked a turning point in South African politics, but the real test lies ahead, only sustained reform and a cohesive political strategy can ensure that South Africas social grant system remains viable in the long term. The stakes are high for both the ANC and DA. For now, the GNU offers a sense of hope, but its future success will depend on addressing the fundamental economic and social issues that have long plagued the nation. If the government falters, populist forces could rise, threatening to undo the progress made in South Africas post-apartheid era. By Sumeet Manhas 2024 Copyright Sumeet Manhas - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. The High Court has for the second time refused to dismiss a 10-year-old Irish case brought against Gayle Killilea by the official assignee of the bankruptcy of her Celtic Tiger-era developer ex-husband, Sean Dunne. Mr Justice Max Barrett on Friday ruled that her strike-out application must fail. Advertisement He said the issues in the Irish proceedings have not before been determined and there is no evidence before the court to suggest there has been any abuse of process by the bankruptcy assignee. The 2014 proceedings concern an alleged fraudulent transfer of assets between the former spouses in a bid to beat Mr Dunnes creditors. The allegations are strongly denied. Ms Killilea claimed the issues in the case were or should have been decided already in a separate lawsuit taken in the United States. She asked the court to strike out the Irish proceedings on the basis that they are res judicata, meaning the matters have already been adjudicated upon, and are an abuse of process. Advertisement The official assignee, represented by Edward Farrelly SC, instructed by Clark Hill Solicitors, contested her application over several days last May. The couple were living in Connecticut when Mr Dunne filed for bankruptcy in 2013 with debts of 700 million. The Carlow-born developer has also been declared bankrupt in Ireland. They maintain that the asset transfers occurred when Mr Dunne was fully solvent, but a Connecticut jury in 2019 found that he had fraudulently transferred to Ms Killilea assets worth millions of euro, including a mansion on Shrewsbury Road in Dublin 4. The verdict made her liable to pay 18 million in damages to the US bankruptcy trustee. Advertisement A US appeals court dismissed Ms Killilea and Mr Dunnes separate appeals against the 2019 verdict. The US Supreme Court has refused to hear further appeals from them. The Irish case alleges Mr Dunne fraudulently transferred shares in a company called Mavior to her. It also concerns the transfer of the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, and all other assets transferred to her under a 2008 agreement. She denies any wrongdoing or ill-motive in relation to the transfers. In 2018, the High Court rejected Ms Killileas first strike-out bid, which was grounded on claims that Ireland was not the appropriate jurisdiction and the action conflicts with US law. Advertisement Ireland Expert tells law professor trial of 'inherent dang... Read More Ruling on her second request for a dismissal, Mr Justice Barrett on Friday said there was nothing in Ms Killileas application that would sustain a claim of res judicata. The essence of res judicata is that the matter has previously been adjudicated upon, but Ms Killileas application relates to a matter she claims could or should have been adjudicated upon in the US but critically was not, he said. He said the fact there are two separate cases in Ireland and the US has been expressly held by the Irish and American courts not to constitute an abuse of process. He did not see why the fraudulent transfer of shares claim should have been brought in the US, as Ms Killilea contended, when the shares were Irish and the issues bore no relation to US law. There have been calls for President Michael D Higgins to refuse Taoiseach Simon Harris request to dissolve the Dail, with campaign groups demanding a pause to allow the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill. A widespread email campaign from Irish civil society groups has implored President Higgins to use your presidential power not to dissolve the Dail, until the Occupied Territories Bill has been enacted. Advertisement Under the Constitution, the President has the power to both dissolve and summon Dail Eireann on the advice of the Taoiseach. However, the President does have absolute discretion to refuse the dissolution of the Dail on advice from a Taoiseach who has lost the support of a Dail majority. But with Taoiseach Simon Harris commanding the support of a Dail majority, it is difficult to see how President Higgins can reject his request this afternoon. Ireland Ha'penny Bridge banner calls for end to 100 years... Read More The Occupied Territories Bill itself would ban Ireland from trading in goods and services that are produced in Israeli-occupied territory within the Palestinian West Bank. The campaign has criticised the government for blocking the passage of the bill at every turn. Advertisement Last week the offer of the Oppositions Dail speaking time to facilitate the enactment of this crucial bill was refused. The ICJ Advisory Opinion in July makes it very clear that Ireland is compelled to act now, the campaign said. We, as citizens of Ireland, do not want to be complicit in any way with the illegal Israeli occupation. We hope that there is something within your power that you can do, as president, to help Ireland to begin the interventions to which we are obligated. Support for Fianna Fail has moved higher than Fine Gael for the first time in a year, according to the latest poll of polls, as campaigning comes to a close before the general election. Micheal Martin's party narrowly retains the most public support at just under 22 per cent, ahead of rivals in Fine Gael (21 per cent) and Sinn Fein (20 per cent). Advertisement Fine Gael has seen support drop by three percentage points during the election campaign, while support for Sinn Fein has risen slightly. Support for Independent candidates, including new party Independent Ireland, has increased throughout the election campaign to now stand at 19 per cent. Below you will find the latest estimated public support for the main political parties based on an average of recent polls. Fine Gael saw a rise in support in the months following the appointment of Simon Harris as leader. Advertisement Mr Harris took over Fine Gael in April after a slump in popularity under Leo Varadkar's leadership. Fianna Fail and the Green Party have remained relatively steady at about 21 per cent and 4 per cent support throughout the year. Sinn Fein has seen support plummet from a high of 36 per cent in the summer of 2022, to about 19 per cent now. Meanwhile, support for Independent candidates jumped significantly this year in the lead-up to the local and European elections. Advertisement Between the end of October 2023 and June 2024, the estimated support for Independent candidates and other parties increased by around nine percentage points to reach 21 per cent. The breakingnews.ie poll tracker combines voting intention surveys published by major Irish pollsters into one estimate of support for each party. The data is sourced from the Irish Polling Indicator, which is maintained by UCD academic Stefan Muller. All polls are based on a sample of people interviewed, typically more than 1,000, which is then weighted to be representative of the country. Listed below are the polls that are currently used to calculate the polling averages. A dentist has claimed in the High Court that her partners in the practice they set up together employed a security guard to prevent her getting into their premises after attempting to lock her out. Gianina Kui said she has been excluded from the Aylesbury Dental Clinic, Heatherview Close, Tallaght, Dublin, since October 14th, when a security guard prevented her gaining access. Advertisement The guard, she said, was engaged by fellow dentist John Nolan and/or by his dental nurse wife Ann OReilly, who have been partners with Ms Kui in the practice since it was set up in 2019. On Friday, Mr Justice Liam Kennedy granted lawyers for Ms Kui permission to serve notice of the proceedings on Mr Nolan and Ms O' Reilly following a one side only (ex parte) application. In an affidavit, Ms Kui said a 2019 agreement set up the partnership to which she made a 50,000 capital contribution and with Mr Nolan and Ms O'Reilly contributing 25,000 each. They leased the Tallaght premises and at the time of the formation of the partnership, she said Mr Nolan was also practising at another clinic. Advertisement But it was clearly understood as part of the agreement between them that as the Aylesbury Clinic grew busier he would "reduce his commitments to that other clinic in favour of our partnership", she said. In breach of that agreement, she said Mr Nolan failed to prioritise the partnership practice over his other clinical work and "rarely worked" more than one day a week in the Aylesbury. She said she generated most of the income for the clinic over a four-year period, with Mr Nolan generating eight per cent of what she provided. She said the defendants had consistently failed to abide by their duties under their agreement and in order to keep the practice running. She had to open supplier accounts under her own name and discharge rent and other outgoings since May 2022, she said. Advertisement In 2022, a sale of the practice was negotiated by the defendants, not including Ms Kui, but after she refused to consent to a sale, the defendants "adopted an increasingly hostile attitude to me". Last September, she said she received a letter from the defendants alleging multiple breaches by her of the agreement, something she denies. She considered this a vexatious attempt to pressurise her into consenting to a sale of the practice. On October 7th last, she said she arrived at the clinic to find the locks had been changed, and she engaged a locksmith who she said was accosted by Mr Nolan. The locksmith warned Mr Nolan to cease touching him after he made physical contact, she said. She gained access and started seeing patients, but Mr Nolan accused her of trespassing, she said. She felt this was an extremely disturbing, intimidating and traumatic incident for herself and affected her patients' access to treatment. Advertisement Mr Nolan, the next day, tried to prevent her accessing software which was an essential source of patient records, she said. Someone also arrived at the premises purporting to be a prospective purchaser and started taking photos of the interior. On October 14th, she arrived at the clinic to find one or both of the defendants had engaged a security guard who denied her entry. Mr Nolan also emailed partnership staff to say Ms Kui was no longer permitted on the premises and had been "expelled" from the partnership. Since then, she has been unable to access the clinic or treat any of her patients, including a number requiring urgent treatment. Mr Nolan has also asked a software provider to delete records because the practice had closed and had also told the HSE it had closed, she said. She believes the defendants may also have entered an agreement with a certain individual to sell the practice. Advertisement Despite letters from her solicitor to the defendants requesting that the exclusion end, they have refused to do so. She now seeks orders and declarations including that the defendants remain bound by the partnership agreement and restraining them from excluding her from the premises. The case returns before the court next week. A judge has ordered a firm linked to controversial landlord Marc Godart to pay 51,000 to five former tenants illegally evicted from a property in Dublin three years ago. The enforcement order granted at Dublin District Court on Friday by Judge Marie Quirke follows lengthy proceedings taken by the ex-tenants against Green Label Short Lets Limited. Advertisement Mr Godart, a Luxembourg-based businessman, directs the property company. Johnpaul Okolie, Favour Orimolusi, Nicholas Udomboso, Anjolaoluwa Agore and Michael Modozie had rented rooms at a house on Windsor Terrace, Fairview, but were evicted on October 31, 2021. Mr Okolie, a compliance officer with legal training, and his housemates initiated an action in the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which agreed that the firm had not complied with the 2004 Residential Tenancies Act. Their barrister, Niall Quinn, told Judge Quirke the tribunal had determined that Green Label Short Lets Limited would have to pay 51,000 to the five former residents. However, it went unpaid, resulting in the five successfully bringing the application for an enforcement order before Judge Quirke, who also awarded legal costs in their favour. Advertisement The tribunal had determined that the residents were not served with a valid notice of termination of their tenancies, and it also upheld their complaints that the landlord breached their rights concerning the peaceful and exclusive occupation of the property and the standard of the dwelling. The overall award included an order to return their security deposits, which ranged from 350 to 850, plus damages, amounting to around 10,000 each. Speaking after the case, Mr Okolie, who had a room in the house for almost a year, welcomed Judge Quirke's ruling and commented that he hoped it would act as a deterrent. He added that he had experienced homelessness, relied on friends and hostels after his eviction and faced difficulties finding new accommodation due to the housing crisis. Advertisement It was the latest case involving one of Mr Godart's firms in civil actions or criminal prosecutions to come before Dublin District Court about rental properties in the capital. He has not been required to attend the proceedings but has been represented by counsel. Last month, Judge John Brennan imposed a fine of 1,500 and made an order for costs of 3,601 against Reuben Street Hot Desks Ltd, of Reuben House, Reuben Street, Dublin 8. The company, owned by Mr Godart, was prosecuted by Dublin City Council (DCC) and pleaded guilty to providing short-term or Airbnb lettings without planning permission at Reuben House, Reuben Street, Dublin 8. Advertisement A fire safety prosecution concerning another building, Unit 1A, The Forge, Railway Street, Dublin 1, a "potentially dangerous building", is still before the court. Earlier, in a council prosecution, Green Label Short Lets avoided a criminal conviction over a former commercial building in Dublin that broke fire safety laws after being repurposed for residential lettings. The Beaver Street property was converted but lacked a range of vital fire safety measures, including an alarm system and viable escape routes. The company pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to the Fire Services Act. The case was struck out after it donated 500 to charity and paid 3,884 toward the council's legal costs. Advertisement In February, Mr Godart had another prosecution dropped for "egregious" breaches of planning laws with unauthorised Airbnb lettings in Dublin. However, two other firms he directs, Green Label Short Lets Ltd and Capel Grand Inn Ltd, accepted responsibility; they were fined 7,500 and agreed to pay "substantial" legal costs. DCC also brought that prosecution which stemmed from complaints about unauthorised short-term lettings booked through the Airbnb website. They were at three properties in Dublin 1: 11 Capel Street, Block G, The Foundry, Beaver St, and Unit 2A, The Forge, Railway Street. A council inspector surveyed the building between June 4 and 6 last year. His work revealed that some bedrooms were windowless and others were in former shopfronts. Ireland Jury in Conor McGregor case tell judge they saw so... Read More Several tourists from Ireland, mainland Europe, and North America had used them for one to seven days. By the time that hearing concluded, work had already taken place or was about to start to bring the short-term lettings in line with regulations. In February last year, the court directed the businessman to comply with an previous RTB ruling that Diana Jere and Andre Buchanan were entitled to 13,563 damages. It went unpaid until July 18 this year, when their barrister told Judge Quirke that Marc Godart had to be brought to court "kicking and screaming" to compensate the two former tenants. Judge Quirke also ordered him to pay 4,000 plus VAT and vouched outlays. The RTB had given its original findings in December 2022 over their "unlawful eviction" from a rental property on Emmet Street, Dublin 1. Former senator and Irish-American businessman Billy Lawless has died in Chicago at the age of 73. Mr Lawless moved to Chicago in 1998 and built a hugely successful restaurant business in the US. He was well known as a champion of the undocumented Irish. Advertisement In 2016, he was appointed as a senator by then taoiseach Enda Kenny, where he served one term. Speaking on his death, Michael McDowell and Victor Boyhan said: "It is with great sadness that we learned earlier today of the death of our dear friend former Senator Billy Lawless. "Billy was a member of our Seanad Independent Group from 2016 to 2020 where he served with distinction as part of our ten strong group of Independent members in Seanad Eireann. "Billy was a tireless advocate for the diaspora and the undocumented Irish in the United States. He was a political force who made a difference in Irish and American politics over many decades, but above all, a husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed in Chicago, Galway and further afield. Advertisement "Former Senator Lawless greatly helped the cause of Irish immigrants and was made Freeman of Galway for these efforts. He was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by University of Galway. "On behalf of the current and former Seanad Independent Group we remember Billy today and send our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Anne, children and grandchildren." Speaking on the death of Mr Lawless, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of former Senator, Billy Lawless. "Billy Lawless was a gentleman to his core, he was a businessman at the top of his game, and he was a person who accepted a challenge from former Taoiseach Enda Kenny - to travel from Chicago to Leinster House to represent the Irish diaspora. "He did his work with diligence and great pride; he was great company, and he was an extremely kind man. "To his family and large circle of friends and colleagues, I am truly sorry for your loss. "May he rest in peace." A phone belonging to a murder-accused man was used to search for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland" in the 24 hours before a fatal stabbing, a court has heard. The Central Criminal Court jury were told that the phone was also used to engage with a woman on the dating app Tinder just 20 minutes before the stabbing. Advertisement The court heard on Friday about text messages in which the deceased Marius Mamaliga demanded money for drugs from the accused man, Brandon Gavin, in the days before the fatal incident. Mr Mamaliga told Mr Gavin that there would be "boys looking for that money" and one day before he died, he wrote: "There be people at your door tomorrow. I recommend you get back to me." Mr Gavin (22), of Brookdale Road, Rivervalley, Swords, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23rd, 2023. The jury has been told it is the prosecutions case that Mr Gavin went to meet with Mr Mamaliga armed with a knife. Advertisement The State say that the accused got into the back seat of a car behind the deceased and suddenly and without warning stabbed him in the neck with the intention of killing him or causing him serious injury. The jury has also heard that in Garda interviews, the accused said he stabbed Mr Mamaliga in self-defence because he was in fear for his life as he owed money for drugs. Detective Garda Kevin Farrell on Friday told prosecution counsel Diarmuid Collins BL that he retrieved data from a phone belonging to the accused that was found inside Mr Mamaliga's car following his death. On February 22nd, 2023 at 6.31pm, a little over 24 hours before the incident with Mr Mamaliga, Det Gda Farrell said the phone was used to search for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland". Advertisement Det Gda Farrell also told the court that the user of the phone had been engaging with the dating App Tinder on the day of the stabbing. At 6.45pm a contact was created with a woman by swiping right and Mr Gavin's phone sent a message saying: "Hey, how are you?", the witness said. The jury has previously seen CCTV footage showing the interaction between the accused and Mr Mamaliga less than 20 minutes later, at shortly after 7.03pm. Under cross-examination, Det Gda Farrell agreed with defence counsel Dean Kelly SC that messages on Mr Mamaliga's phone showed that he was involved in the sale and supply of drugs, including cocaine and MDMA. Exchanges between Mr Gavin and Mr Mamaliga appear to show that the accused lied to the deceased about some drugs that had gone missing. In one message, Mr Gavin falsely told Mr Mamaliga that the drugs were gone because gardai had raided his house, Det Gda Farrell said. Advertisement Ireland Conor McGregor rape accuser thought she would neve... Read More The witness agreed that Mr Mamaliga seemed "dubious" about this explanation and told Mr Gavin that the drugs would have to be paid for "whether you sniffed it or what". Three days before he died, Mr Mamaliga sent the accused a message saying: "You get that sorted? Boys looking for that money on Thursday." Mr Mamaliga sent a message the following day saying: "There be people at your door tomorrow, I recommend you get back to me." Mr Gavin's phone did not read those messages until later that day and the following day they arranged to meet up. In the final exchange, minutes before the fatal stabbing, Mr Mamaliga said he would "be there in three minutes" and Mr Gavin replied: "grand". Ronan Kennedy SC, for the prosecution, said he intends to close the case on Monday before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and the jury of seven men and five women. A criminal defence solicitor accused of theft said he worried someone wanted to stitch him up as he had annoyed people, his trial has heard. Cahir O'Higgins (49) has pleaded not guilty to one count of the theft of 400 in July 2016 and four counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in December 2017. Advertisement Mr O'Higgins, of Cahir O'Higgins and Company, Kingsbride House, Parkgate Street, Dublin, denies the allegations against him. The court has heard that Mr O'Higgins is a criminal defence solicitor with over 20 years' experience. It is the State's case that Mr O'Higgins was standing in for a colleague to represent Raul Sanz Quilis, a Spanish national, who was before the District Court on July 30th, 2016 on a charge of criminal damage. The judge said the case would be struck out if a payment of 200 was made and Mr O'Higgins then volunteered to use Mr Sanz's bank card to withdraw the money. The prosecution alleges Mr O'Higgins made three withdrawals totalling 600 from the ATM and allegedly placed 400 into his pocket. 200 was paid to the court and the case against Mr Sanz was then struck out. Advertisement It is further alleged that Mr O'Higgins provided gardai in December 2017 with a copy of notes he claimed to have made on July 30, 2016. The prosecution say that Mr O'Higgins was aware these notes contained untrue information, and that they were not made on July 30, 2016. Garda evidence Garda Tao Yu was recalled on Friday for re-examination. Gda Yu brought Mr Sanz Quilis before the district court and gave evidence earlier this week of his separate interactions with Mr Sanz Quilis and Mr O'Higgins. On Friday, the jury heard a recording made by Mr O'Higgins of a conversation he had with Garda Yu during 2020, at a point after the defendant had been charged. Gda Yu said Mr O'Higgins called him out of the blue and he agreed to a meeting. Advertisement The court has heard Gda Yu was not aware at the time that Mr O'Higgins was recording their conversation. During the discussion, Mr O'Higgins said he had annoyed people and was worried that someone in the gardai or the DPP's office wants to stitch me up. The recording includes Mr O'Higgins reading a series of questions and answers, and asking Gda Yu to comment. Mr O'Higgins said he handed an envelope to Mr Sanz Quili to which Gda Yu replied that he saw Mr O'Higgins hand something over, but he thought it was a charge sheet. Advertisement Mr O'Higgins then suggested it was possible he was handing cash to Mr Sanz Quilis. Gda Yu agreed this was possible, adding that he didn't see this. Mr O'Higgins said After first call, we spoke. You were unhappy that [Mr] Sanz was getting off too light. Gda Yu agreed they spoke after the judge indicated he'd strike out the case if 200 was paid. He also said he'd intended to raise the issue of compensation if possible as the hotel was evacuated. The court has heard evidence that Mr Sanz Quilis was arrested after a fire started in a toilet cubicle at Dicey's bar on Harcourt Street. Advertisement Later, Mr O'Higgins said, Do you think it was reasonable for me to conclude more than 200 was needed?. Gda Yu replied: Possibly. Mr O'Higgins also asked Gda Yu, do you recall I said I would withdraw extra money in anticipation of compensation being directed by the judge. Gda Yu replied he can't remember adding, You might have, but I wasnt paying attention. During the discussion, Gda Yu accepted Mr O'Higgins's suggestion they didn't discuss that any cash withdrawal was limited to 200. Mr O'Higgins told Gda Yu: I know I returned 400 to him. I have a doubt in mind if it was in the dock or the grand hall [of the CCJ]. He continued by saying he was scared shitless. If the jury disbelieves me, Im going to jail. 'Facts of case' Mr O'Higgins went on to say that it was hugely important that the issue of compensation was open. When I went to [the ATM], the only thing in my head was Judge [John] Coughlan, when he hears the situation is going to change his mind and make me get more money. Gda Yu repeated that he intended to tell the judge the facts of the case. Mr O'Higgins replied: If you had the intention to do it, it's likely we had a conversation. Mr O'Higgins continued: With the jury its a lottery. They might take one look at me and think hes an arrogant solicitor. I know what my intention was when I went to the ATM. I took out 200 first... then took out 400 [and had] 400 in my pocket with the intention that if Judge Coughlan say 'compensation' and I say 'I anticipated the issue and have taken out an additional sum of money to address compensation'. Gda Yu could then be heard asking Mr O'Higgins about the allegation of perverting the course of justice. Mr O'Higgins replied: I'm not guilty. Law Society He continued that he was petrified about a complaint being made to the Law Society because he hadn't spoken to Mr Sanz Quilis before the hearing. Mr O'Higgins said he made a file for the Law Society, which he later sent to gardai. He said he realised in the garda station that he needed to tell the truth that the file was rubbish and forget about covering your ass with the Law Society. I'm not going to tender a file that is incorrect in a garda station. It's very hard to explain, and I dont think people will understand. I think the perverting charges are there to collaborate the theft. Without them, the theft wont stand up. Gda Yu also said Mr O'Higgins called him several months after July 2016 and they met for a chat. He said nothing stood out about the conversation. Detective Garda Colm Kelly also gave evidence that he was assigned to investigate an allegation of theft after gardai received a complaint forwarded by the Spanish Embassy. The jury were shown a montage of CCTV from July 30th, 2017 including footage of Mr O'Higgins walking down Parkgate Street to the Londis shop. CCTV from the shop appeared to show Mr O'Higgins withdraw cash from an ATM, then place it in a piece of paper. Mr O'Higgins then appeared to withdraw cash from the ATM twice more, putting this into his trousers pocket, then making a further attempt to use the ATM before he left and returned to the CCJ. The court has already heard that 200 was paid to the court and the case against Mr Sanz struck out. Ireland Expert tells law professor trial of 'inherent dang... Read More The digital audio recording from the District Court of Mr Sanz's case was also played. Det Gda Kelly said he invited Mr O'Higgins on December 8th, 2017 to attend a voluntary cautioned interview about the allegation of theft. Mr O'Higgins later emailed him back agreeing to an interview. Two photos of handwritten notes were attached to the email. Copies of the handwritten notes were shown to the jury and Det Gda Kelly talked through the gardai's analysis of what the notes said. The trial continues. Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that the US and EU needed each other before the US election, and continue to need each other now. He indicated that the election of US President-elect Donald Trump and his approach going forward had been discussed at a meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest on Thursday. Advertisement The Taoiseach told media on Friday that the tone of the meeting was very much in the space of, Europe needs to get its act together when it comes to competitiveness. Always good to catch up with @Keir_Starmer. Today were at a meeting of 37 leaders at the European Political Community. pic.twitter.com/ZUmiXV79eS Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 7, 2024 That was the sort of blunt language that was being used in the room, because politics is about pragmatism, Mr Harris said. And at the end of the day, the people of the United States of America have decided who they wish to be the next president, they have decided who they wish to have control of the US Senate and US House of Representatives, and in all cases they have decided to hand control of those three branches of government to the Republican Party. There is now clarity from a policy point of view as to the direction of travel America is likely to take over the next number of years, so that leads to: what does Europe wish to do? And I think there is that real sense of the importance of strategic autonomy, the importance of controlling what we can control here in Europe. Advertisement No other part of the world owes us a living. You expect the president of the United States to stand up for US interests. Its important now that European leaders do all that we can to stand up for European interests. But also, this was the path we were on anyway, a real renewed focus on things like competitiveness, completing advancing the work of the single market, a lot of colleagues expressing frustration, which I share, around delivery times for major infrastructure, particularly in relation to renewable energy. He emphasised that the US and the EU needed each other before the US presidential election, and they need each other after the US presidential election. At the end of the day, Donald Trump is a businessman, he said. Advertisement I think we need to make the case quite clearly, and it is a case backed up by fact, that a protectionist approach to trade isnt good and actually tariffs and the likes wont have the positive impact that he would like to think they would on the people who voted for him in their own lives, he said. Actually, what needs to happen here is we need to look at how the EU and US can continue to strengthen their trade bonds. The Taoiseach stressed that Donald Trump was a businessman (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Harris also said there had been a very resolute view that the EU must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The US had its election, and it made its decision, but that doesnt change European values, and European values around the importance of the UN Charter, the importance of territorial integrity remain, he said. Advertisement I think when it comes to the Middle East, I think were at a very, very dangerous moment and I worry about this interregnum period now and how (Israeli prime minister Benjamin) Netanyahu responds to that. President-elect Trump is a person who professes his support for peace. I think it is so important now that the world speaks with one voice in terms of calling out the humanitarian crisis and the loss of civilian life. I know President-elect Trump references the Abraham Accords as a moment of success in his last term in office. Is that a pathway back towards getting partners in the region around a table to discuss regional stability, but part of that has to be the recognition that Palestine is a state in its own right. Boris Johnson has said broadcaster Emily Maitlis was getting pretty revved up during their Channel 4 coverage of the US election, before he left the panel unexpectedly. The former British prime minister claimed he was replaced on the panel because he had to catch a flight from Washington to London, after co-host Krishnan Guru-Murthy told viewers he was fired for plugging his new memoir throughout the broadcast. Advertisement I had the great privilege of spending US election night with Emily Maitlis as she began her gradual descent into madness, Mr Johnson said in his column for the Daily Mail. Boris Johnson 'fired' for promoting his book, elated Trump supporters in Florida and downbeat Dems in Washington - here's how the #C4AmericaDecides has unfolded so far. Watch NOW on @channel4 until 6am. #USAElections2024 pic.twitter.com/rHAkHHOuVu Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 6, 2024 Unfortunately, I had to leave the Channel 4 studio early to catch a plane back from Washington to London. So I missed the bit where those swing states began turning Republican red, and when Emily apparently started swearing in frustration. But I could already see that she was getting pretty revved up. Advertisement During the broadcast, the pair butted heads when Maitlis asked if Mr Johnson was planning to follow in Mr Trumps footsteps regarding a political comeback, to which he suggested the answer was contained in his new memoir titled Unleashed. Maitlis told him: We are not all going to read your book, so just tell us, do you want to have a political comeback You cant actually answer a single question. Emily Maitlis claimed Boris Johnson could not answer a single question during the broadcast (Ian West/PA) The former prime minister responded: By the way Emily Ive answered all your questions all night. Currently I am blissfully engaged promoting my book Unleashed, available in all good book stores. After being challenged, Mr Johnson claimed: Here is Channel 4 news, run by Ian Katz, sitting here doing the same old stunt that you tried in 2004 taking a massively skewed approach to a US election. Advertisement Im not standing for election here. The broadcast also saw Stormy Daniels, the woman at the centre of Mr Trumps hush money trial following an affair, ask Mr Johnson: Would you leave your daughter alone with Donald Trump? after he had described their friendship. I dont see why not yes, Mr Johnson said at the time, describing his experience of Mr Trump as courteous and polite. On reflection in his newspaper column, Mr Johnson wrote: Having thought about it I should say that I would certainly be a bit worried about leaving the President-elect alone with some of my progeny but only out of concern for the personal safety of Donald Trump. Advertisement A representative for Maitlis has been contacted for comment. Italian president Sergio Mattarella has met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on an official visit to China that came as Russias invasion of Ukraine pitted Nato allies against Beijings support for Moscow. The two exchanged greetings following a ceremony with full military honours at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. Advertisement In his opening remarks, Mr Xi referred to the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer and trader Marco Polos journey to China that encouraged cultural, economic and religious links between Europe and East Asia. Italy is heavily reliant on foreign trade such as luxury products that have a large market in China. It is also a member of Nato, which China has blamed for provoking the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Chinese president Xi Jinping and Italian president Sergio Mattarella applaud before a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Florence Lo/Pool Photo via AP) Beijing has provided Moscow with assistance by purchasing its energy exports while selling it technology that can be used in drones and other armaments. Any differences on political issues were not raised in front of the media and the two leaders later oversaw the signing of a series of agreements on matters from culture to technology and trade. Advertisement Italy has withdrawn from Mr Xis signature global Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to deepen Chinas relations with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East through infrastructure investments. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni declined to renew the agreement but nevertheless visited China in July. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the anti-establishment Five Star Movement party-led government promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. But neither appeared and investments in Italian ports that were trumpeted in newspaper headlines were never achieved. The US Justice Department has charged a man in connection with an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. The man said he had been tasked by a government official before the presidential election with assassinating the Republican president-elect. Advertisement Investigators learned of the plot to kill Mr Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery. Authorities say he maintains a web of criminal associates who participate in Tehrans assassination plots. Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset, claimed that Iranian officials asked him to compose a plan to watch and kill Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) Shakeri told investigators that in September, a contact in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him to put together a plan within seven days to watch and ultimately kill Mr Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. Shakeri claimed the Iranian official said that we have already spent a lot of money and that moneys not an issue. He told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed that Mr Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Advertisement Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men who were allegedly recruited to participate in other assassinations, including of a prominent Iranian American journalist, were arrested on Friday. Shakeri, an Afghan national who immigrated to the US as a child but was later deported after spending 14 years in prison for robbery, also told investigators that he was tasked by his Revolutionary Guard contact with plotting the killings of two Jewish-Americans living in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. The criminal complaint says Shakeri disclosed some of the details of the alleged plots in a series of recorded telephone interviews with FBI agents while in Iran. The stated reason for his co-operation, he told investigators, was to try to get a reduced prison sentence for an associate behind bars in the US. Advertisement According to the complaint, though officials determined that some of the information he provided was false, his statements regarding a plot to kill Trump and Irans willingness to pay large sums of money were determined to be accurate. Donald Trump beat US vice president Kamala Harris in the US presidential election (Alex Brandon/AP) The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Mr Trumps victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target US government officials, including Mr Trump, on US soil. US attorney general Merrick Garland said: There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as Iran. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case shows Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including Mr Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticise the regime in Tehran. Advertisement Last summer, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Mr Trumps re-election, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Mr Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Advertisement Mr Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. Elon Musk joined a congratulatory call between US president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, according to media reports. During the 25-minute call, Trump told Zelenskiy he would support Ukraine, without providing details, while Musk said he would continue to support the country with his Starlink satellites, Axios reported, citing unidentified sources. Advertisement News of the call comes as Trump moves closer to choosing his top advisers and cabinet members. Trump has said he would offer Tesla chief executive Musk, the world's richest man, a role in his administration promoting government efficiency. Zelenskiy was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump, who has been critical of US military and financial support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Two people smugglers who tried to bring a family-of-five from Afghanistan into Britain hidden in a rubbish-filled van have been jailed. The youngest child was extremely unwell and drifting in and out of consciousness when the family were discovered by Border Force officers in Coquelles, in France, on August 27 2018. Advertisement Josh Mallaburn, 33, and Liam Cronin, 34, were convicted of assisting unlawful immigration transporting the family following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court in England in October. The UK's Home Office described conditions in the back of the van as squalid and dangerous (UK Home Office/PA) The businessman and bricklayer from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, were each sentenced to three years and three months imprisonment on Friday, six years after they committed the offences. Sentencing the pair on Friday, Recorder Nicola Makanjuola said their offences threatened UK borders and that sentences for this crime were heavy and intended to deter others. Josh Mallaburn, left, and Liam Cronin, PA Media She said she had no doubt the one-off incident was for commercial gain, although there was no evidence how much the pair benefited financially. Advertisement The judge added that among the reasons she had reduced the sentences from four years in prison, was that the pair, who are both fathers, had the proceedings hanging over their heads for six years. They will serve half of their sentence in custody and half on licence. The court also heard that the family involved in the incident were able to enter the UK and were granted asylum in 2022. Investigators said they were working to identify co-conspirators in the case (UK Home Office/PA) Reacting to the sentencing, Home Office criminal and financial investigations regional lead, Chris Foster, said the move sent a strong message to others considering getting involved in the trade. Advertisement In the back of that van was a lot of fishing equipment and building equipment, they were held in pretty squalid and dangerous conditions, he said. There was a real threat those people could have died in that van, if there had been an accident, they could have been seriously injured. Its people like Mallaburn and Cronin preying on families like this, desperate people, and they are selling them a dream, its clearly done for monetary purposes. The family were discovered by Border Force officers in France (UK Home Office/PA) Entertainment Bridgerton actor: Refugees are just you and me in... Read More Mr Foster also said work continued to identify co-conspirators in the case and that he believed the UK governments new Border Security Command would make their approach even more powerful. Advertisement On changes seen so far, he said: Its early days, the structure is still being built. But what I have seen, we were already, in my opinion, working very hard, its more cohesive now I believe, I think were going to see some real successes with it. Russian missiles, bombs and drones have battered three regions of Ukraine in targeted night-time attacks, officials said. Russia is mounting an intensified aerial campaign that Ukrainian officials say they need more Western help to counter even as doubts deepen over what Kyiv can expect from a new US administration. Advertisement Since the war began almost three years ago following Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbour, the Russian military has repeatedly used its superior air power to blast civilian targets across Ukraine. More than 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the conflict, according to the United Nations. Ukrainian forces are continuing to battle Russian troops (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP) A 500kg glide bomb severely damaged a high-rise apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, in the middle of the night, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. At least 25 people, including an infant, were injured. Advertisement Glide bombs, for which Ukraine has no effective countermeasure, obliterate their targets, sending out a powerful shock wave and often leaving a wide crater. In the southern city of Odesa, a Russian drone attack killed one person and injured nine others overnight. In the capital Kyiv, falling wreckage from intercepted missiles injured four people. In total, Russia fired 92 drones and five missiles at Ukraine during the night, Ukraines air force said. Four missiles and 62 drones were intercepted, and 26 drones were jammed electronically, it said. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country needs more help to fight back against Russias military might, even as uncertainty deepens about what Western aid Ukraine can expect after Donald Trump was elected as the next US president. It is important to act together and decisively at the international level every time Russia tries to destroy our lives, Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram. This is the only way to achieve a just peace and stop the deaths of our people. Russia launched about 2,000 drones at Ukraine in October, about one-third more than the previous month, making it the third month in a row that there was a significant rise, the UKs Ministry of Defence said on Friday. Russian fire rates have climbed since the middle of the year, it said, adding that the latest high monthly numbers will likely become the norm. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has predicted that a new US administration under Donald Trump will cease providing support to Ukraine in its fight against Russias full-scale invasion. His comments were a signal that Mr Trumps recent election could drive a wedge among EU leaders on the question of the war. Advertisement Hungarys leader is hosting the second of two days of summits on Friday in the capital, Budapest, just days after Mr Trumps election victory. The war in Ukraine will be high on the agenda for a gathering of the EUs 27 leaders, most of whom believe continuing to supply Ukraine with weapons and financial assistance are key elements for the continents security. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the summit (Denes Erdos/AP) The nationalist Hungarian leader has long sought to undermine EU support for Kyiv, and routinely blocked, delayed or watered down the blocs efforts to provide weapons and funding and to sanction Moscow for its invasion. He has sought to use the summits to make his case to other leaders that they should rethink their commitments to Ukraine. Advertisement In comments to state radio before Fridays summit, Mr Orban, who is close to both Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reiterated his long-held position that an immediate ceasefire should be declared, and suggested that Ukraine has already lost its fight. If Donald Trump had won in 2020 in the United States, these two nightmarish years wouldnt have happened. There wouldnt have been a war, Mr Orban said. The situation on the front is obvious, theres been a military defeat. The Americans are going to pull out of this war. Armed conflict in Ukraine began in 2014, the same year Moscow illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula, when pro-Russia separatist forces declared part of the countrys east to be independent, resulting in clashes with Ukrainian troops. Thousands of people were killed in the fighting that continued in the east, including during Mr Trumps first term, before Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Advertisement More recently, Russian forces have made modest gains in the east of Ukraine, although positions on the front lines have remained relatively stable for months. Still, as the duration of the war approaches 1,000 days, Ukraines forces are struggling to match Russias military, which is much bigger and better equipped. Western support is crucial for Ukraine to sustain the costly war of attrition, and uncertainty over how long that aid will continue deepened this week with Mr Trumps presidential election victory. The Republican has repeatedly taken issue with US aid to Ukraine and declared he would bring a quick end to the conflict without detailing how. Advertisement At a gathering on Thursday of European leaders in Budapest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky objected to Mr Trumps claim that Russias war with Ukraine could be ended in a day, something he and his European backers fear would mean peace on terms favourable to Mr Putin and involving the surrender of territory. If it is going to be very fast, it will be a loss for Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy said. EU leaders have largely found workaround solutions to any obstruction to providing Mr Zelensky with assistance, and have been able to signal their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight, regardless of who occupies the White House. Arriving at Fridays summit, the EUs top diplomat, Josep Borrell, downplayed concerns that a new US administration would lead Europe to change course. Advertisement We cannot outsource our capacity of action. Whatever happens in the US, we have our interests, we have our values, Mr Borrell said. Vittoria has won its legal battle against the second-largest coffee company in the world, which picked a fight against the Australian brand over its instant coffee glass jar packaging, arguing that it was passing off Mocconas iconic jar shape. Justice Michael Wheelahan dismissed the claims of Mocconas maker the $15 billion American-Dutch coffee giant Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) saying that there was little chance consumers couldnt tell the difference between the two brands. Mocconas parent company sued over Vittorias 400g instant coffee glass jar and Vittoria has won. Credit: Jason South JDE had claimed that Vittorias 400g glass jar, used to sell freeze-dried instant coffee, has engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and that consumers might mistake Vittorias products for Moccona. In his judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Wheelahan said the Moccona jar had a fairly squat body that sits beneath a slowly sloping shoulder and a tall lid which makes up about a third of the jars overall height. Schwartz Medias top editor, Erik Jensen, will become the progressive publishers chief executive after its current boss resigned after less than a year in the role. The publishers owner, Morry Schwartz, said discussions for Jensen to become CEO began before outgoing chief executive Ben Shepherd was appointed in December. Schwartz Media editor-in-chief Erik Jensen will assume the role of the publishers chief executive. Credit: Josh Robenstone Shepherd, a former advertising and consultancy executive, joined Schwartz after the media companys long-serving boss, Rebecca Costello, was poached to run The Guardians Australian operations. Schwartz Media staff were told on Friday that Shepherd was resigning to pursue other opportunities, with Jensen, the founding editor of the 7am podcast and The Saturday Paper, to expand his remit to include executive duties. The boss of a failed billion-dollar AI start-up is facing six charges in a Sydney court after he used company cash to fuel an $18 million luxury property buying spree in the months before it collapsed. David Ewan Frazer Fairfull who ran the Sydney-based start-up Metigy from 2018 until its collapse in 2021 faced Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, charged with five counts of making false and misleading statements, and one count of misusing his position as a company director. Former Metigy chief executive David Fairfull leaves the Federal Court building in Sydney in August after previous examinations. Credit: Oscar Coleman The charges, referred by company regulator ASIC, follow a series of stories in this masthead revealing allegations from Metigys liquidators that the company traded while insolvent after Fairfull signed off on a $7.7 million loan from the company to himself as both lender and borrower. The loan went towards his purchase of a $10.5 million trophy home in Mosman and a $7.7 million luxury residence close to the Kangaroo Valley, with four bedrooms and bathrooms, a detached cottage, a tennis court, swimming pool, horse arena, two stables and a private rainforest waterfall. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outFood Cucina Regina shows The Star is serious about its restaurants House-made pasta, stone-baked pizza and grilled prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and scotch fillet are the go at this beautiful but approachable eatery. Heres a sneak peek. Matt Shea November 8, 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 If you were wondering how serious The Star is about its Queens Wharf food and beverage venues, Cucina Regina might be a good indication. In terms of new concepts for Brisbane, so far theres been the sky-high dining of Aloria and ultra-refined sushi of Sokyo; both are pitched as upmarket experiences. Cucina Regina opens at Queens Wharf next Friday November 15. Morgan Roberts The Italian at Cucina Regina (sister venue of Sydneys Cucina Porto and the Gold Coasts Cucina Vivo) is designed to be more approachable The Star Brisbane director of culinary Uday Huja uses the word accessible no fewer than eight times during our interview yet, a week out from opening, with the restaurant and its menu of pasta, pizza and steak very much finalised, Huja and his team are giving themselves another week to get everything right. The brief was to create a trattoria-style restaurant, Huja says. We have some beautiful artwork and colour in the place, and light because were right on the river. Advertisement Five essential restaurants at Brisbanes blockbuster new food precinct Its a bit of a premium feel, but we dont need a white tablecloth those days are kind of gone. Its the food on the plate and the quality of the drinks and the service and engagement you have thats the really important part. Regina is indeed a looker, with design studio Tom Mark Henry lending it elegant timber and tiled floors, fetching coloured-pane windows and beautiful wall art. And Huja speaks with a lengthy US-trained eloquence about the importance of hospitality, about the restaurants mostly Italian kitchen team led by exec chef Davide Incardona and about how stepping into an Italian restaurant (or any restaurant, really) should feel like stepping into someones home. Design studio Tom Mark Henry has lent Cucina Regina elegant timber and tiled floors, fetching coloured-pane windows and beautiful wall art. Morgan Roberts This style of food is such a convivial, sharing experience, he says. Theyre in our house, and we need to create that environment, where we feel comfortable and they feel comfortable. Its about engaging with people and creating those experiences, [like theyre] your mum, your dad, your aunt, your uncle. Advertisement Cucina Reginas menu is split into small plates, pasta, pizza and mains from the pan or grill. Its as accessible as Huja says, but the restaurant isnt shy about celebrating local produce: the beef is from Stockyard on the Darling Downs, the veal from Northern Rivers Meats, the eggplant from the Lockyer Valley. All the pasta is made in-house no small feat for a 160-seat restaurant. Spaghetti marinara with prawns, snapper, calamari, clams and cherry tomatoes. Morgan Roberts There are a lot of great operators out there and people have figured out that having a local connection is important, so thats important for us too, Huja says. For starters, you might order wagyu beef bresaola; porcini mushroom arancini; burrata with confit cherry tomatoes, black salt and crisped basil; or fried calamari with a dill aioli. San Daniele prosciutto pizza with cherry tomato, rocket, shaved parmesan. Morgan Roberts Advertisement The pasta menu for the most part keeps it classic with a spaghetti marinara, a rigatoni carbonara, a fettuccine lamb ragu and the like. The pizza (cooked in an Eagle Farm-made Beech stone-bake oven) is the same, with a diavola, margherita, capricciosa and gamberetti all present and correct. For mains and from the grill theres a chicken cotoletta; a veal scallopine with creamy marsala, field mushrooms, lemon and garlic potatoes, and broccolini; woodfired tiger prawns with brown butter and crisp capers; and a 40-day dry-aged 300-gram scotch rib fillet with lemon and garlic potatoes. Panzanella salad with tomatoes, basil, croutons, chilli, red onion and roasted peppers. Morgan Roberts The drinks lists are super tight, with just a clutch of signature cocktails, and a focused wine list that favours Italian vino or vino made in an Italian style. The way Huja tells it, the simplicity is designed to get out of the way of the hospitality of the venue, which soon after opening will include a dessert cart peddling tiramisu, crema catalana and cannoli. Advertisement Cucina Regina also features an elegant private dining room. Morgan Roberts Its about making sense as an Italian restaurant, he says. What would an Italian experience be? What would the flavour really be? How would we plate it up? What is nonnas pasta? Its taking that and translating it for our local guests. Cucina Regina opens next Friday, November 15 Open Mon-Tue 5pm-late, Wed-Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-late 33 William Street, Brisbane, 1800 888 899 star.com.au/brisbane/eat-and-drink/signature-dining/cucina-regina New residents in the housing developments north of Brisbane are being blamed for suburban traffic snarls and now stand to benefit the most from a planned $10 billion tunnel if they pay the tolls. But documents obtained by Brisbane Times show the people who live and work closest to the project face further delays, as the 9.1-kilometre tunnel would draw in traffic from across the north-side and add to local congestion. And even though the tunnel is designed to complement a Gateway Motorway upgrade, and planned western alternative to the Bruce Highway, there would still be gridlock at a notorious pinch point south of the Sunshine Coast. The Crisafulli LNP government has inherited plans for a $10 billion road tunnel in Brisbanes north. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel was put on the agenda by the Queensland Investment Corporation, which created a dedicated subsidiary, North Brisbane Infrastructure, under the former Labor government. Children will be blocked from tech platforms ranging from Instagram to Facebook and TikTok under a national deal to limit the exemptions from a federal regime that seeks to ban social media for everyone under the age of 16. The agreement throws state support behind the federal governments bid to impose the restrictions on as many social media platforms as possible, as well as YouTube. But the government will exempt platforms primarily used for education or health while taking up to a year to decide key details of the plan, including how to treat online gaming platforms that include chat features. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland want 16 to be the minimum age for social media use. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emerged from a national cabinet meeting with state premiers and territory chief ministers on Friday to announce the agreement one day after he said he wanted 16 to be the minimum age for social media use. A man who allegedly attempted to kill a 42-year-old in a random attack at a kebab shop in Sydneys west was Tasered after attempting to escape police custody by climbing into a ceiling at Auburn Hospital. The critically injured 42-year-old man was visiting a friend when he was reportedly stabbed at random in his head, neck and chest with a 25-centimetre knife that allegedly snapped during the attack at Dawson Mall in Mount Druitt about 8am on Friday. He was taken to Westmead Hospital where emergency surgery was successfully performed, leaving him in a stable condition. Acting Superintendent Paul Tickner said it seems that it was totally random and a vicious attack. Police in Mount Druitt were told the alleged attacker, a 38-year-old man, fled in a taxi on North Parade to a nearby McDonalds restaurant on Jersey Road, Plumpton, where he went into the disabled bathroom and tried to stem the bleeding from his hand that was cut during the attack. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A trail of smoke winds across the luxury storefronts outside QueensPlaza in Queen Street Mall. The Dior sign is swallowed first, then Burberry. A small grey-haired woman in a houndstooth suit moves towards the crowd, bathing each person in the smouldering flames. When she reaches Birrunga Wiradyuri, he lets the smoke engulf him, twirling on the spot and emerging like an apparition. Birrunga Wiradyuri and Aunt Kathryn Fisher at the smoking ceremony for the QueensPlaza installation. Aunt Kathryn was born and raised in Cherbourg, and now lives in Brisbane. Credit: Birrunga Gallery After the smoking ceremony, the crowd is still as the low echo of a didgeridoo breaks the quiet. The David Jones sign lights up and for the next eight minutes, all eyes are locked on the moving illumination surrounding it. Each colourful design is based on a work held by Birrungas gallery. These are reimagined artworks that tell cultural stories, Birrunga explains later. Having an arena like QueensPlaza is an amazing opportunity to present First Nations visual narratives, and continue to make opportunities available. Advertisement Meanjin is not Birrungas country I have no cultural authority here, he says but it has been the artists home for the last 30 years. In 2019, Indigenous art space Birrunga Gallery opened on the lower level of a commercial building on Adelaide Street, in the heart of the CBD. Through a mentoring program, he brought young First Nations artists into the city, giving them esteem where they had historically been pushed to the fringes. Studio ESEM founder Michael Killalea (left) and artist and musician Ben Barker (right) with Birrunga at the QueensPlaza illuminations launch. Credit: Birrunga Gallery In April, he decided to close the gallery and move operations online. The CBD, Birrunga says, has changed, and its time for him to change too. Recent projects the QueensPlaza installation, a commission for Cross River Rail, workshops during Indigenous Business Month and a residence at The Shed in Northshore have validated the move. Besides, theres a sense that Birrunga works best when the rugs been pulled out from under him. Advertisement The more unstable, the better it is for me. Birrunga sits inside a demountable building surrounded by paintings, half finished works and canvases. Sketches and words are scribbled on the walls. The carpet worn and fraying is covered in flecks of paint. Its messy and chaotic, but thats the world he was raised in. Born in 1963 on Wangal and Gadigal country, in the inner-western Sydney suburb of Lilyfield, his family moved to Buderim the year he turned three. Life on the Sunshine Coast hinterland was idyllic on the outside, but vastly different in reality. Birrunga, aged 10. Credit: Birrunga Wiradyuri I was born into domestic violence, Birrunga says. Both my parents were abusive towards me and each other ... it was pretty much from day one. Anything you can think of and a few you probably cant. Advertisement In primary school, because I was being brutalised daily, I didnt have any real fear of any other adults ... the mechanisms that were meant to work for children to be obedient, didnt work on me. Two crucial things happened when Birrunga was about six. His father sat him down for a sex talk, and to tell him that they were Blakfellas. [The Indigenous side] came through my grandfather, Charlie. He was obviously a Blakfella. But if you ever said it to him, hed punch you in the face. It was the two generations before me that were so profoundly impacted by the stolen generation and kids being taken. If you could, [you would] admit to being anything Portuguese, Maori, Spanish, Indian, whatever anything but being a Blakfella because that just precluded opportunity. After his fathers great oration he remembers being told: So now you know were Blakfellas but if you ever tell anyone, Ill kill you. Birrunga (third row, third from the left) in grade one at Buderim Primary School. Credit: Birrunga Wiradyuri The second significant event was winning a self-portrait competition in grade one. His prize was a dollar. Advertisement My parents said, Where did you get that? And I told them, and they said, No you didnt. You stole it, he recalls. Things just went south from there. The episode triggered a long period of self-denialism. Birrunga buried the parts of himself that were connected to his culture and art, leaning instead into the violence that surrounded him. It all set me up to be on the outside ... I still am very much an outsider. Birrunga speaks openly about his trauma and the ways it shaped him. He describes himself as an angry and violent young man, a result of his childhood and two acquired brain injuries: one from contracting encephalitis and the other from being hit by a car. For years, he struggled with alcoholism and addiction. Stability was not in his vocabulary. Trauma no longer defines him, but its still part of his identity. Its not to be underestimated that dysfunction can be really useful. It shows you how to do things, sometimes, he says. Advertisement Last year, cruising returned from pandemic shutdowns with a vengeance and Australians were among the first to scramble back on board. We stuck more cautiously to home, though: a record number and percentage of passengers visited Australian ports. The Viking Sun in Sydney Harbour: Demand for berths in Sydney is tight. Credit: Just over a million Australians took a local cruise in 2023, during which 13 ships were home-ported here. The domestic surge was fuelled by pent-up demand and aggressive pricing from cruise companies eager to fill their ships. Our enthusiasm for cruising didnt falter, however, as cabin prices rose significantly this year. More than 80 cruise ships will have operated in Australian waters in 2024, making 3700 port calls. Among them, Carnival Cruise Line recorded 846 port calls in Australia, compared with 575 in 2023. Companies such as Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages sent ships here for the first time. We have good reason to enjoy cruising at home. There is abundant choice, whether were after a short break in the Queensland sun on a big, family-oriented ship, a slow slide down the east coast on a small luxury vessel, or an expedition cruise into the Torres Strait. Some cruise lines even offer a circumnavigation of the continent. More than 100 Australians have spent two days stuck aboard a cruise ship in Japans largest port city after unplanned maintenance abruptly halted their seven-night tour. Melbourne woman Karen Dermietzel said the atmosphere aboard the Royal Caribbeans Spectrum of the Seas was tense and passengers were frustrated at a lack of communication from the cruise company. The Spectrum of the Seas, pictured in Sydney in 2020. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The billion-dollar vessel arrived in a port in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, at lunchtime on Wednesday and was due to leave that evening. However, a reported engine issue delayed the ships departure and passengers were told they could not disembark. Paris: Eight people have gone on trial in Paris in connection with the murder of Samuel Paty, a history teacher whose beheading by an Islamic terrorist in 2020 shocked France and put the nation on edge. Paty was stabbed and decapitated in October 2020 near his school north-west of Paris by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old Russian of Chechen descent angered by the teachers display of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to illustrate free speech in a civics class. The portrait of slain teacher Samuel Paty is displayed on the steps of the National Assembly in Paris during a vigil in 2020. Credit: AP Anzorov, who was shot and killed by police shortly after the violent assault, had learnt about Paty through an online smear campaign. Most of the defendants in the trial that began on Monday are accused of driving that campaign, of encouraging Anzorovs attack or of glorifying it on social media. They are charged with participating in a criminal terrorist conspiracy and could face up to 30 years in prison. Two of the defendants Nabil Boudaoud, 22, and Azim Epsirkhanov, 23 were friends of Anzorov and are accused of helping him procure a knife and two pellet guns for the attack. They could face life in prison if convicted on charges of complicity in the murder. Separately, Biden called Chinas President Xi Jinping to enlist his help. Beijings economic support keeps Russia solvent through its war. So, Xis opinion matters in the Kremlin. If Putin were to break the seal on nuclear use, that would be an enormous event for the world, Biden told Xi, according to the book. Chinas president agreed and undertook to warn Putin off. He did so publicly when he said: Nuclear wars must not be fought. Americas Cold War-era plans for nuclear and conventional escalation with the Soviet Union were reworked and refitted for war with Putins Russia. Woodward says he was shocked to learn that, during this episode, the US intelligence assessment of the risk that Putin would actually use a battlefield nuke had started at a 10 per cent chance but peaked at 50 per cent. Putin, of course, ultimately did not act on his threat. The Biden administration showed unique, steady, purposeful, informed leadership in handling the risk from Russia, says Woodward. Its a road map for how you avoid a nuclear catastrophe. He adds: There is nothing steady and there is nothing purposeful in Donald Trumps leadership. Hes focused on himself and his own instinct. Trumps former national security advisor John Bolton: He has neuron flashes, not thought processes hes ad hoc, episodic and transactional. Credit: Louise Kennerley But John Bolton was less impressed with Bidens performance. The hawkish veteran diplomat who served as Trumps national security adviser for 13 months says the Russian threat to deploy a tactical nuclear weapon against Ukraine was never confirmed to be real. There was never any overhead [satellite] evidence that Putin was beginning to move his nuclear forces around, Bolton tells me. I dont think they were serious threats. But Bolton, who emerged from the Trump White House as a fierce critic of Trump, agrees with Woodward in his assessment of the once and future president as dangerously erratic: He doesnt do policy in the conventional way. He has neuron flashes, not thought processes hes ad hoc, episodic and transactional. For example, when we met Kim Jong Un in Singapore, out of nowhere, Trump tells him, Im not going to hold the annual war games with South Korea. These exercises are designed to improve military readiness and to deter aggression from Pyongyang. It was a unilateral concession; we got nothing for it, and it undermined the confidence and preparedness of our allies. Biden restored the annual exercises. Donald Trump told Bob Woodward how well he understood the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Credit: AP Woodward has his own example of Trumps towering faith in his own instincts in dealing with Kim. The Washington Post journalist recalls Trump telling him how well he understood the North Korean dictator. Hes very smart, said Trump. But I said, The CIA said hes stupid. Trump contradicted him and declared him to be very smart. How do you know? inquired Woodward. I know only I know, replied the then-president, who had declared his love for Little Rocket Man. Woodward, reasonably enough, thinks this claim absurd. Wheres the stability? Wheres the plan? Wheres the team? Wheres he going to get advice from? If you were worried, notch it up to 10 factor. Loading But there is an obvious rejoinder to the claim that Trump is a particular nuclear risk: hes already served a term as president without nuclear incident. Where was the crisis? Its true that his record of nuclear diplomacy is unimpressive; Trump strutted into a meeting with Kim, claiming that hed solve the problem of North Koreas nuclear program, yet the net result was that Kim only intensified his nuclear and missile development. Trump ostentatiously withdrew the US from the nuclear deal with Iran under which the ayatollahs had stood down their uranium-enrichment capabilities, yet Tehrans response has been to resume its enrichment and forge ahead with its nuclear ambitions. But no other president, including Joe Biden, has succeeded in halting the Kim dynastys advances. And China is engaged in a major build-up of nuclear missiles, but Xi Jinping began planning this well before Trump was elected in 2016. By 2014, when Barack Obama was president, Xi issued secret orders to expand nuclear capability. Xi has overturned previous leaders constraints on the militarys nuclear modernisation, giving the military an important mandate to fast-track nuclear development, writes Tong Zhao of the Carnegie Endowment. Likewise, Trump cant be blamed for Putins designs on Ukraine. Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 while Obama was president. Biden himself has pinned the blame for Putins expanding ambitions on Obama. They f---ed up in 2014, Biden told a friend, according to War. Obama should have responded more forcefully to the Russian aggression. Said Biden: Thats why we are here. We f---ed it up. Barack never took Putin seriously. Loading Further, Biden has freshly undercut the credibility of his own threats to punish any nuclear use by Putin. Woodwards book records that Biden privately had decided that the US would not unleash any nuclear response on Russia. So Trumps record of nuclear diplomacy and deterrence of Americas enemies is unimpressive, but so was that of the Democrats who went before and after him. And there was no nuclear incident on Trumps watch. The concern about Trump rests on his chaotic and erratic method of decision-making and his personal preference for dictators over democrats for Americas traditional enemies over its allies. Right now, says Woodward, Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky would be feeling terrified at the prospect of Trump favouring Putin in a prospective peace negotiation, while Putins cronies are ecstatic at Trumps victory. Im thrilled to join Connective and look forward to building strong relationships with brokers across South Australia, she said, adding that she is eager to support South Australian brokers in achieving sustained success. Vietnam to establish new consulate general in southwest China Xinhua) 10:34, November 08, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attend a ceremony for the exchange of notes between the two governments on establishing the new consulate general of Vietnam in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on the sidelines of the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) KUNMING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam confirmed on Thursday that a consulate general of Vietnam will be set up in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, in addition to its embassy in Beijing and consulates in Nanning, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Kunming. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a ceremony for the exchange of notes between the two governments on establishing the new consulate general. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, Yunnan Province. China is ready to work with Vietnam to make good use of the steering committee for bilateral cooperation and other dialogue mechanisms to expand trade and investment, and tap cooperation potential in emerging areas such as e-commerce, digital economy and green energy, Li said at the ceremony. Li said both sides should speed up connectivity through railways, highways and smart ports, promote smooth border trade, and explore the establishment of cross-border economic cooperation zones. He said China is ready to closely coordinate with Vietnam under the GMS and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and other multilateral frameworks. Pham Minh Chinh said developing long-term, stable and friendly cooperation with China is the strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy. He said Vietnam is willing to continue to keep close exchanges with China at all levels, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, connectivity, culture and other fields, and strengthen communication and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Bissau, Guinea Bissau (PANA) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Guinea Bissau have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies that could support the seventh review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) On November 7, the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) recognized outstanding organizations and individuals from 24 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region. Among this years honorees, Mdm. Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software, FPT Corporation earned the top accolade in the "Women in Tech" category, rising above thousands of candidates. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107117833/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) Established in Japan in 2003, the ASOCIO Awards annually select 100 exemplary candidates from over 10,000 submissions to honor those organizations making a significant impact through technology across diverse fields and fostering a robust digital ecosystem. This year, ASOCIO introduced its Women in Tech category, aiming to celebrate female leaders in both the public and private sectors who are making influential contributions to IT and community advancement. The Women in Tech award ceremony took place as part of the ASOCIO Digital Summit 2024, co-hosted in Tokyo by the Japan IT Services Industry Association and ASOCIO. Mr. Brian Shen, ASOCIO Chairman shared: The Award Committee is impressed by Mrs. Chu Thi Thanh Has exceptional leadership and significant contributions to advancing technology. Her work at FPT Software exemplifies the impactful role technology can play, setting a standard for economies across the Asia-Oceania region. With nearly three decades at FPT, Ms. Ha has become a guiding force within the company. Appointed as FPT Software's first chairwoman in early 2020, she placed a strong emphasis on employee well-being, an approach that proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, FPT Software achieved 23% growth in 2021, reaching $630 million USD in revenue, securing a $200 million USD contract, and expanding its workforce to over 22,000. In 2023, Ms. Ha and FPT Softwares board of executive directors led the company to surpass $1 billion USD in annual revenue with 30,000 employees, marking a first for a Vietnamese tech company. This achievement reflects her commitment to innovation and customer engagement, core tenets of her leadership. Ms. Ha's contributions have earned her a place among Vietnams top business figures. In 2017, Forbes named her one of the 50 most powerful women in Vietnam, and in 2022, she ranked among the top 20 professional women executives. Recently, she became the only Asian woman in technology to receive the 2024 Hall of Honor award from the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii. Beyond her role at FPT Software, Ms. Ha actively champions gender equality in tech, inspiring women to step confidently into the industry. As a speaker at major forums like the Women in Technology Forum organized by Swinburne Vietnam and Deloitte Vietnam, and through collaborations with the Vietnam Women's Union, she continues to promote the role of women in technology and business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107117833/en/ Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - Sudan has rejected accusations of the US Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, that the authorities are obstructing delivery of emergency aid to those in need in war ravaged regions of the countryThe Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in a press release received on Friday rejected statements by the U Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Sudans displaced have endured unimaginable suffering in their search for shelter from the countrys ongoing war, UN humanitarians warned on Friday GARDAI are appealing for information about two incidences of aggravated burglary in which two elderly men were targeted. On Wednesday 6 November at about 5.30pm, an elderly man in his 80s answered the door to his home about a mile outside the village of Clonegal. Three to four men, all with their faces covered with scarves, burst into the mans house in an attempt to rob the place. They tried to tie the mans hands together, but instead opted to lock him in a bedroom while they ransacked the place. They took the mans mobile phone and a torch and then fled the house. The phone was later found by gardai in a nearby field. The men were all aged in their 20s, had tight haircuts and spoke with Irish accents. A similar incident happened in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, when the house of another elderly man was burgled by several intruders. Investigating gardai are trying to establish if there is a link between the two burglaries. Superintendent Anthony Farrell told The Nationalist that it was very concerning that two elderly and vulnerable people were so ruthlessly targeted. Its very concerning because of the age of the victims. Any crime where people are targeted is serious, but especially so when the victims are elderly, vulnerable people living on their own, said Supt Farrell. Hes asking people to be mindful of their family members and neighbours who are living on their own and to call in on them on a regular basis. Gardai are also looking for witnesses who may have spotted suspicious behaviour in the Clonegal or Castlecomer areas. If so, please contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 9136620. Eva Osborne After months of speculation, the general election has been confirmed for November 29th. Here is everything you need to know about how to register to vote, how the voting system works and how ballots are counted. How do I register to vote? You can go to checktheregister.ie to register to vote, update your name, or update your address. These steps can all be done fully online. The last date to register to vote in the general election is Tuesday, November 12th. The deadline to apply for postal and special votes is Sunday, November 10th. To vote in a general election, you must be: Over 18 years of age; An Irish or British citizen; Resident in Ireland; Listed on the Register of Electors (Electoral Register). To register to vote online, all you need is your PPS number and Eircode. How do I vote? To vote in a general election, you must go to a polling station on the day of the election (polling day). However, there are some people who are eligible to vote by post. If you are on the Register of Electors, a polling card will be sent to your home before the date of the general election. Your polling card includes your elector number and will tell you where you can vote. Ireland uses proportional representation for voting in elections, with each voter having a single transferable vote. This means you can order in preference, marking 1, 2, 3 and so on for your preferred candidates. It also means voters can choose to vote for as many, or as few candidates as they like, in order of their preference. The voters first preference vote the candidate they give their number 1 vote to is most important and is always counted. A voters second (and further preferences) may be counted if their preferred candidate is eliminated at the end of a round of counting, or is elected with a surplus. The count starts at 9am on the day after polling day. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images How does the count work? When polling is over, all ballot boxes are taken to a central counting place for each constituency. The count starts at 9am on the day after polling day. Once all the ballot boxes are opened, a reconciliation process takes place in which the number of ballots issued at the polling centre is checked against the number of ballots that were in the ballot boxes. Each ballot paper is checked to ensure that it has been properly completed, and any potential spoilt votes are set aside. The number of ballot papers are counted to determine the total poll, the total number of votes. The quota is then calculated on the basis of the total valid poll. The quota is the figure that, if reached, guarantees the election of a candidate. It is possible to get elected without reaching the quota, but this can only happen when all other candidates are excluded. How is the quota calculated? The quota is calculated by taking the (total number of valid ballot papers) dividing it by (the number of seats to be filled plus one) and then adding one. So, in a four-seat constituency with a valid poll of 60,000 the quota is as follows: (60,000/4+1) +1 -= 12,001. The quota is a formula calculated on the basis of the lowest possible number of votes that can be filled by the number of candidates to be elected. In the above example, which is a four-seat constituency, it is only possible for four candidates to reach the quota of 12,001 votes each, as this would only leave 11,996 votes left. If your first choice candidate reaches or exceeds the quota on the first count, they are elected. So what is the surplus? The surplus is the number of votes a candidate has over the quota. The first count is normally the only time that all of a candidates second preference votes are counted. If a candidate is elected at the first count, then all their votes are used to calculate the proportion of surplus that will be given to each candidate. Where a candidate reaches the quota after the first count, only the ballot papers that brought them over the quota are examined (the votes that were transferred from the previous count). If two or more candidates are elected at the same time, then the surplus of the candidate with the largest vote is distributed first. However, a surplus is only distributed if it can achieve one of the following: Elect the next highest continuing candidate; Bring the lowest continuing candidate level with or above the second lowest continuing candidate; Qualify the lowest continuing candidate for recoupment of their election expenses or deposit (if applicable). The question of whether a surplus is to be distributed is considered after each count on the basis of the surplus(es) then available. What about eliminating candidates with the lowest votes? If nobody reaches the quota after a round of counting, then the candidate with the fewest number of votes is eliminated, and all their votes are distributed. More than one candidate can be eliminated after a round of voting if it is clear that they cannot be elected, and they cannot qualify to have their election expenses repaid. And then we get a government? Once all the seats have been filled, the Dail votes on who will serve as Taoiseach and lead a government. If one party has a majority, or has the support of other parties and/or independents, it will be clear who will lead the country into the new Dail session. If there is no clear majority, there may be a period of negotiation, where groups of parties and/or independent TDs try to build a majority. If there is no clear winner, and TDs are unable to decide who should form a government, the Taoiseach (from the previous government) may have to ask the President to dissolve the Dail again. David Raleigh Gardai have conducted a search inside Limerick Prison as part of investigations into the activities of criminals in the city. The search in the prison was conducted on Thursday night after gardai successfully applied before Limerick District Court for a warrant to carry out a search operation at the prison. When asked for details, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that gardai carried out a search under warrant in Limerick Prison and that no further information is available at this time. The search is understood to be part of a Garda crackdown into the activities of two rival groups involved in an ongoing feud on the south side of Limerick City. When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said it does not comment on operational or security matters. Gardai were investigating whether a gun attack, which occurred at a house in the vicinity of Hyde Road, on Friday morning, was connected to the ongoing feud in that area. A number of shots were discharged from a firearm at the residence, around 1am. Up to a dozen tit-for-tat violent incidents, including pipe bomb attacks and arson attacks, have occurred in the Hyde Road/Ballinacurra Weston and Southill areas since October 12th due to tensions rising between the two groups. The armed Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) has been drafted into the city and is conducting nightly armed checkpoints in flash-point areas to try to prevent further attacks. The ERU was deployed to Limerick to assist local armed units and uniformed members that are involved in a policing operation set up by head of the Limerick Garda Division, chief superintendent Derek Smart, to target the activities of those involved in the feud. The feud has been bubbling up over the last year with several shootings and other violence leading to a number of people being injured and others brought before the courts. On Friday, a Garda spokeswoman said gardai were investigating all the circumstances in relation to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on Hyde Road, Limerick city at approximately 1am, Friday November 8th, 2024. No injuries have been reported at this time, and investigations are ongoing, they added. Gardai asked that anyone with information about the shooting to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061-214340 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. On October 24th, Chief Supt Derek Smart warned of Garda fears that children would be injured in the rising violence as a number of children had already been in the vicinity of a number of violent attacks. He said that since the 12th of October, a number of cars have been targeted and set on fire and a number of houses and very badly damaged as a result of the attacks upon them. These attacks are confined between two groupings of peoples, they are both know to each other, and they both live on the south side of Limerick City. They are not random attacks, they are very targeted in what they are trying to achieve. Eoin Reynolds The Special Criminal Court has ruled that a garda may narrate CCTV footage that shows a gunman walking into a Dublin steakhouse where he shot a man dead before being disarmed and beaten to death. Three men are on trial at the three-judge, non-jury court accused of murdering the gunman, Tristan Sherry, while three others, including the son of the man Sherry shot dead, are accused of violent disorder. All the accused deny the charges. In her opening speech this week, prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC said that Jason Hennessy Snr and a group of people had gathered in the busy Browne's Steakhouse for Christmas Eve. Sherry and a second man entered with their faces covered and hoods up and moved towards the party before Sherry shot and fatally wounded Mr Hennessy Snr. Ms Murphy said Sherry was promptly disarmed and attacked by a group using "savage levels of violence" involving kicking, stamping and striking with various objects including chairs. Defence lawyers asked the court to rule that, while introducing the CCTV footage into evidence, Garda Dermot Sloane should not be allowed to narrate the footage. They said that the narrative offered by the garda was unnecessary and could prejudice the court's interpretation of what they can see with their own eyes. In Friday's ruling, presiding judge Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the purpose of the narrative is to draw the court's attention to potentially relevant aspects of the footage. Gda Sloane has watched the CCTV many times and compiled montages purporting to show the movements of each of the accused. Mr Justice Naidoo said the garda's familiarity with the footage makes him an "ad hoc expert" and he is therefore entitled to offer a descriptive narrative. Nothing the garda says will determine any issue in the trial, Mr Justice Naidoo said, as it is up to the three judges to decide the facts of the case. The court, he said, will decide the meaning or relevance of any piece of evidence and not the garda witness. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the trial to Monday after the parties asked for time to consider any edits that might be made to the garda's narrative before the court hears it. Olivia Kelleher A 15 year old boy who managed to push a friend to safety after they were caught in a strong current, whilst doing everything in his power to save a second pal in the water,has described a bravery award he is set to receive today as bittersweet. David Akar (14) from Togher in Cork city is due to become of one of the youngest ever recipients of a National Bravery Award this afternoon at a ceremony in Dublin. David, who will receive a gold medal, is among 23 people who will receive awards at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. On August 24th 2023, Jack OSullivan from Friars Walk in Cork died after he got in to difficulty in the water at Passage West in Cork. David Akar, told the Opinion Line on Corks 96FM, that he was amongst the group of friends who went in to the water that day only to quickly realise that the current was exceptionally strong. I checked the water first because everyone was saying you have the lifeguard certificate you check the water. "The two lads jumped in from the right side of the pontoon and got in to difficulty. My first reaction was to help them so I dived in to the water straight away and first I helped one of the other lads. I put him over my right shoulder and brought him towards the pontoon. "I swam back over to Jack. I tried many different saving positions for Jack. But the undercurrent was very strong. We were just getting spun in a ball and thrown. David said that he managed to get Jack over his right shoulder. He let out a giggle of relief. I left out a small bit of relief myself. The current was so strong that we were trying to just go at the same speed towards the pontoon but we were getting further and further away not closer. "I got him on to my right shoulder and the current was way too strong. Jack was the same kind of build as me so it was basically like me trying to carry myself and trying to swim at the same speed as the water was dragging us back. It just wasnt working. I tried different saving positions after that then. "I tried dragging him and things like that but Jack was in a state of panic and he was trying his best to keep himself above the water. "The more he struggled the more he panicked and the more I panicked. I was going underwater he was going underwater. We were both going up and down. "Then he was fully submerged under the water and the only thing I could see was his right arm. And then I pulled him three times to the right side to a small boat that was on the pontoon. I then pulled him to the pontoon. "I climbed up on the boat and I told Jack get to the boat, get to the boat. I went up on to the boat first knowing he was right behind me. As I got on to the boat Jack was no longer there. I screamed to everybody to go get help. They did their best to get help. David said he took three deep breaths and dived back in to the water in a bid to save Jack. I was trying to grab him and touch him to see if he was there but I was only grabbing green moss. He added that Jack was a fantastic athlete and a funny character who uplifted all of his friends. He was a great helper if you were ever stuck for anything. He would always motivate you if you had a match and you werent in the mood or you were injured. It is bitter sweet this award. Davids mother Pamela Creegan said that her son did everything in his power to save Jack. The undercurrent was terrible. It is a beautiful place but extremely dangerous when the current is against you. Unfortunately the outcome was poor Jack lost his life on the day. As much as we are honoured today for David to be receiving the Gold Medal bravery award our thoughts today will be with Jack and his family. The impact of losing your son, brother and nephew. There are no words. Jack, had been due to go into second year at Colaiste Eamann Ris on St Patricks Road in Cork city. He was a keen sportsman. A guard of honour was provided at the funeral and in the graveyard by his schoolmates and sporting friends at St Finbarrs GAA club and Pearse Celtic. He is survived by his parents Kevin and Evyonn, his siblings Kayleigh, Sophie, Chloe, Mia, James and baby Isabelle. He is also sadly missed by his grandparents, uncles, aunts, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday claimed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is working to prompt international intervention as they are now losing more ground to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) A former township supervisor in Delta, Michigan, has been re-elected again despite previously being arrested on child sexual charges, including sexting with a minor. Former Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher, 58, won back his seat by a landslide on Tuesday's election, receiving 89% of the votes cast. Two write-in candidates filed to run for the position after Fletcher resigned in September. However, both candidates only gained 11% of the votes cast, per preliminary results. His win comes months after police arrested him as part of a sting operation led by a regional internet crimes task force, including authorities from the Eaton County Sheriff's Office, Lansing police, Michigan State Police, and Charlotte police. Fletcher's Child Sexual Charges Authorities arrested Fletcher after he began messaging a police officer posing as a 15-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr. Court records viewed by the Lansing State Journal showed the 58-year-old told the undercover detective that he "wanted to perform oral sex" and expressed willingness to meet with the "boy" at the Lansing Mall to "just talk." Court records said Fletcher used the same phone number he uses in his official signature line in his emails for the chat. Fletcher was arrested on August 21. After waiving his Miranda rights, he admitted to sexting with a person he believed to be a minor. He is now facing charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. Accosting a minor carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, while using a computer to commit a crime carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment. What Will Happen Now? The former township supervisor is scheduled to return to court on November 12 for a probable cause hearing. He has until January 1, 2025 to decide if he will accept or decline the position. There are currently no indications whether he plans to accept the position. If he declines, the township will either have to appoint a replacement or hold a special election. He faces no threat of removal from his seat unless he is convicted and sentenced for a year or more, Delta Township Clerk Mary Clark told the Lansing City Pulse. The township appointed Clark as interim supervisor after Fletcher resigned from the seat. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Chattanooga welcomed three new leaders to their team and awarded promotions to 13 faculty members this academic year. The college held a reception to honor these new leaders and promoted faculty members. Three faculty were promoted to professors, nine were promoted to associate professors and two were promoted to assistant professors. All promotions effective as of July 1, 2024. We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Rogers, Dr. Basco and Dr. Manyam to our leadership team and recognize the academic prowess of our faculty promotees," said Dr. James Haynes, dean of UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga. "These individuals strengthen our capability to partner with Erlanger Health, deliver on the UTHSC vision of 'Healthy Tennesseans, Thriving Communities' and recruit the best and brightest clinicians to our region. The three new members of leadership include Drs. Bill Basco, Harish Manyam and Karen Rogers. Dr. William (Bill) Basco has been a part of the UTHSC faculty as of October and has been named as the chair of Pediatrics for the College of Medicine-Chattanooga as well as pediatrician-in-chief at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. Dr. Basco has joined the College of Medicine-Chattanooga from the Medical University of South Carolina where he served as professor of Pediatrics, director of the division of General Pediatrics and associate dean for Continuing Medical Education at MUSC. He completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics at MUSC and fellowship in general pediatric academic development at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Basco earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Tulane University and his medical degree at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Harish Manyam has been named as the chair of Internal Medicine for the College of Medicine-Chattanooga and has been promoted to professor. Dr. Manyam also currently serves as a professor for the Department of Medicine and is the chief of Cardiology at Erlanger. Dr. Manyam has been a part of the UTHSC faculty since 2016. He earned his medical degree from American University in Netherlands Antilles. He completed his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburg, Pa., Dr. Manyam also completed an electrophysiology fellowship at Case Western Reserve University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained as faculty and assistant professor of Medicine and served as the head of the Lead Extraction Program prior to joining Erlanger Cardiology. Dr. Manyam is involved with multiple research trials and is a 2024 Champions of Health Care Award recipient. Dr. Karen Rogers has been named the assistant dean of Undergraduate Medical Education for the College of Medicine-Chattanooga and has been a part of the UTHSC faculty since 2018. Dr. Rogers also currently serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and is the associate program director for the emergency medicine residency program. She earned her medical degree at Vanderbilt University, where she also completed residency. The three faculty members promoted to professor include Drs. Heath Giles, Harish Manyam and Amar Singh. Heath Giles has been promoted to professor and has served as the surgery residency program director since 2015. Dr. Giles is a 2005 graduate of UTHSC and 2011 graduate of the UTHSC College of Medicine - Chattanooga general surgery program. He completed a fellowship in endocrinology at Bringham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical school in 2012. Dr. Giles is an active member with multiple surgical associations around the Chattanooga area. Dr. Amar Singh has been promoted to professor and currently serves as the chair of Urology at the College of Medicine-Chattanooga. He earned his medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, NY, after graduating cum laude from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. Dr. Singh completed his internship and residency training at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, as well as a fellowship at the National Cancer Institution in Bethesda, Md. The nine faculty members promoted to associate professor include Drs. Michael Barfield Bryce Cunningham, April Gunn, Matthew Higgins, Robert Jean, Robert Quigley, Case Sanders, Todd Thurston and Frank Tift. Dr. Michael Barfield has been promoted to associate professor for the Department of Surgery of the college. He completed his Bachelor of Science in cellular biology at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA; earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed residency in general surgery at Duke University. He completed research fellowship and surgical critical care fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Dr. Bryce Cunningham has been a member of the UTHSC faculty since 2017. Dr. Cunningham has been promoted to an associate professor with the Orthopaedic Surgery Department of the college. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri, completed residency here in Chattanooga at the UTHSC College of Medicine Chattanooga and completed a fellowship in orthopaedic traumatology at the University of Texas, Houston. Dr. April Gunn has been a part of the UTHSC faculty since 2020 and has been promoted to an associate professor. Dr. Gunn earned her medical degree at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University. She completed residency in Family Medicine at UC Davis in Modesto. Dr. Matthew Higgins has been promoted to associate professor with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the college. He completed residency at the UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga and a fellowship at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. Dr. Robert Jean has been promoted to associate professor for the Department of Surgery at the college and serves as the current associate program director for the surgical critical care fellowship. Dr. Jean earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama. Dr. Robert Quigley has been promoted to associate professor and currently serves as the associate program director for the orthopaedic surgery residency. He completed residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and a fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr. Case Sanders has been promoted to associate professor for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery with the college. He completed residency at UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga and a fellowship with Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, FL. Dr. Todd Thurston has been promoted to associate professor and currently serves as research director of the college and pediatric plastic surgery director of Erlanger. Dr. Thurston earned his medical degree from The University of Alabama School of Medicine, completed residency in integrated plastic and reconstructive plastic surgery at The University of Kansas and a craniomaxillofacial fellowship at The University of Michigan. Frank Tift has been promoted to associate professor for the college and also currently serves as the program director for the emergency medicine fellowship. He completed his Bachelor of Science in biology at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA. Dr. Tift completed residency in emergency medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and his emergency medicine fellowship here at the UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga. The faculty members promoted to assistant professor include Drs. Fred Bossert and Richard Tanner. Fred Bossert has been promoted to assistant professor for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the college. Dr. Bossert completed his Bachelor of Science in biology at David Lipscomb University and earned his Associates in applied science, aircraft maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He earned his medical degree from East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine and completed his OBGYN residency here at the UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga. Richard Tanner has been promoted to assistant professor for the Department of Surgery of the college. Dr. Tanner completed Undergrad in insurance and risk management at the University of Mississippi, Oxford and earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL. He completed residency in General Surgery here at the UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Chorus will perform at the North River Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 15. The show starts at 7 p.m. and will go until 8 p.m. It is free and the public is invited to attend the award winning performance in Hixson. For more information, call 643-7010. In honor of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, the YMCA is showing its Here for Our Heroes through a month of special offerings and community-building programs. Active military, veterans and retired military personnel will receive November free at the Y when they join as a new member between Nov. 1-17."The YMCA is proud to serve as a welcoming community for veterans, military personnel and their families, offering programs and activities designed to honor their sacrifice and service," officials said.At the YMCA, I have met veterans and active-duty service members.Being a member here, youre going to have that community. You will build close relationships with people here, said Mita Martin, a veteran and member who recently shared why she enjoys coming to the YMCA. Almost all of the employees here know my children, and my children love everybody here. We love coming to the YMCA.Ms. Martin has been a member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga for several years and is a veteran of the Air Force. She deployed to Kuwait during Operation Enduring Freedom and served in the Air Force for six years. Ms. Martin is one of nearly 1,000 local YMCA members, who are serving or have served in the military.In celebration of Veterans Day, the Y is offering a variety of events and initiatives throughout November:SWEAT FOR A VET: A Military-Inspired WorkoutThis month, the YMCA is hosting a special Sweat for a Vet workout, available from November 130. This self-paced, military-inspired workout can be completed solo or with friends at any YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga location. The workout features a combination of full body strength and endurance exercises. On Veterans Day, the Downtown Family YMCA will also host a Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) in the PIT to honor fallen soldiers. This CrossFit-style workout, which is free and open to all YMCA members, will be offered at three different times: 5 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.VETERANS DAY POOL WOD ROCKET: A Water and Land Combo WorkoutThe YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is offering a Pool WOD called "Rocket" to honor Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron "Rocket" Henderson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2012. This special workout, available during Veterans Day Weekend, combines water and land exercises. A designated Wall of Honor will be set up at the pool and/or each branch lobby, where members can write messages of dedication to veterans and active service members.Additional Perks for YMCA Military Members Free Veterans Day T-Shirt: Active, retired and veteran members, who are YMCA members, can stop by to receive a special edition Veterans Day T-shirt on November 11 at participating YMCA locations: Downtown Family Y, Hamilton Family Y, North River Family Y and Cleveland Family Y. While supplies last. Must be a YMCA member. Handcrafted Postcards for Veterans: Throughout the month, children in YMCA Child Watch are creating patriotic postcards, which will be delivered to YMCA military households as a heartfelt thank you for their service.At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, all military members receive 10 percent off monthly dues and no join fee, year-round. New members who join during the special November promotion will receive a free month (November only) of membership when they present valid military ID.For more information on the Veterans Day events and to access the workouts, visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/here-our-heroes-celebrating-veterans. The Australian government on Thursday announced plans to impose a ban on social media usage in children under the age of 16 as part of what it calls a "world-leading" legislation. Under the proposed legislation, social media companies will be made responsible for imposing the ban and will face sizable penalties if they breach the age limit and allow children younger than 16 to access their platforms. That said, users and parents who do not follow the law will not be fined. "Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it. I've spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement. "I want Australian parents and families to know that the Government has your back," he added. Legislation Details Much of the details of the proposed ban are still unclear. However, Albanese noted that the legislation will be introduced in Parliament in its final two weeks of session this year. That will begin on Nov. 18. Should the law pass the Parliament, the ban will take effect after 12 months to give social media companies such as Facebook and TikTok time to work out how they could exclude Australian children under the age of 16 from their platforms, per AP News. Additionally, Albanese said the proposed legislation would not allow any exemptions for children whose parents gave consent to their use of social media. Children under 16 who already have existing social media accounts would also not be exempted. That said, the bill would allow exemptions in circumstances where social media is needed to continue access to educational services. Response to the Proposed Ban Last month, over 140 Australian and international academics signed an open letter to Albanese, in which they opposed a social media age limit and said the legislation is "too blunt an instrument" to effectively address the risks of social media usage in kids. Jackie Hallan, Director at ReachOut---a youth mental health service, also opposed the ban, noting that more than 70% of Australian youth use social media to access mental health support. In 2001, Bad Boy artist Moses Shyne Barrow went to prison for his involvement in a 1999 nightclub shooting while Sean Diddy Combs was acquitted. Barrow believed Diddy turned on him during the trial, landing him in trouble in order to free himself. Shortly before Barrow left prison, Diddy claimed they had a pleasant and productive conversation. Barrow adamantly denied that this talk ever happened. Sean Diddy Combs said he spoke to Bad Boy artist Moses Shyne Barrow in prison In 1999, Diddy, Barrow, and Jennifer Lopez were at a New York City club when gunfire broke out, injuring three people. Diddy, Barrow, and Lopez fled, but police arrested them. Barrow ultimately served eight years in prison before being deported to Belize. Barrow felt Diddy betrayed him during the trial. It didnt help that Diddy dropped him from Bad Boy two years into his prison sentence. Moses Shyne Barrow and Sean Diddy Combs | Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs When I was an 18-year-old kid, just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and be recognized for my talent and take over the world, he said, per USA Today. I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. In 2009, Diddy claimed he spoke to Barrow two weeks before he left prison. Its a blessing that [Shynes] coming home, Diddy said on New York radio station Hot 97 (per Vibe Magazine), adding, I spoke to him like a couple of weeks ago and he sounded like he was in good spirits. I know he cant wait to get home. I know he is definitely going to heat the whole scene up. He was definitely one of talented young artists that I had the pleasure to work with. Im quite sure hes been using his time wisely and has some heat. According to Barrow, the friendly conversation between himself and Diddy never happened. He made a point to publicly call him out for the story. I want it known that this supposed conversation is a figment of Sean Combs imagination, he says in a statement, per Rolling Stone. He never spoke with me, he never visited me nor would I ever accept a phone call or visit from him. The only way I would do either of those things would be if he stepped up and did the right thing for the victims of the incident. He said he has forgiven Diddy While Barrow still resented Diddy in 2009, he recently said he has come to forgive him. This was not someone who I vacationed with and who I enjoyed this great intimate relationship of brotherhood, he said. This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave. Moses Shyne Barrow and Sean Diddy Combs | Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET He added that amid the still-accumulating allegations against Diddy, he doesnt want to see him incarcerated. One of the things that I would never wish on my worst enemy is to be incarcerated so I take no joy in anyones challenges, Barrow said. Home News Boston Children's slashed doctors' time to assess kids before referring them for trans procedures A former gender care specialist at Boston Childrens Hospital testified that her ex-employer slashed the time allotted for psychologists to assess minors exhibiting confusion about their sex before referring them for irreversible medicalized gender procedures. Dr. Amy Tishelman, 68, a clinical and research psychologist, started working for Boston Childrens gender clinic in 2013 before her termination in 2021. Tishelman was also selected by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health as the international lead to develop the "Child" chapter for its Standards of Care version 8. As The New York Sun reported last week, the hospital terminated Tishelman in 2021 because she allegedly violated a patient privacy law; however, she filed a lawsuit accusing her former employer of ageism, sexism and retaliation. 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 Tishelman stated before the Suffolk County Superior Court in Boston last week that, at the beginning of her career working at the gender clinic, she initially had 20 hours or more to assess children who expressed feelings of disassociation from their actual sex. The time allotted also included the writing of a report on each child's assessment. Over the years, however, the hospital reduced the consultation time, allowing Tishelman 10 hours to assess patients and write a report. Then, around six years ago, the hospital allotted only about two hours of assessment time and 30 minutes to write the report, according to the psychologist. I didnt feel like that was doable at all, Tishelman said, denouncing the practice as reckless. Tishelman stressed during her testimony that minors using drugs to alter their puberty is not something to take lightly, as there are "a lot of things to think about in the long- and short-run. Its not like taking an aspirin. Its a big deal," Tishelman testified. Boston Childrens Hospital did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. The hospital, which is adjacent to Harvard Medical School, has boasted in the past about its Gender Multispecialty Service, stating on its website that it is proud to be home to the first pediatric and adolescent transgender health program in the United States. The site states that GeMS has provided so-called gender-affirming care to more than 1,000 families. Last year, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services of Massachusetts confirmed that the hospital received over $1.4 million in taxpayer money for "gender transition services" performed on minors at the Center for Gender Surgery. Discussions about the potential harms of allowing gender-confused children to undergo life-altering procedures have received renewed attention following a report that a leading proponent of trans surgeries withheld the results of a taxpayer-funded study. The study, which is part of a project that has received nearly $10 million in taxpayer funding from the National Institutes of Health, showed there were no positive mental health effects for gender dysphoric children who used puberty blockers. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, the head of the largest gender clinic in the United States at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, told The New York Times that she feared the studys results would be weaponized by opponents of these procedures. Olson-Kennedy also admitted that she thought the study could be used in court to argue that 'we shouldnt use blockers. As the outlet reported, Tishelman criticized the withholding of the studys results, adding that its really important to get the science out there. "No change isn't necessarily a negative finding there could be a preventative aspect to it," she said. "We just dont know without more investigation." The study began in 2015, and it followed 95 children with an average age of 11 who started taking puberty-blocking drugs. Olson-Kennedy asserted that the reason the study showed no improvement in childrens mental health after two years is because they were already "in really good shape." The New York Times noted that about a fourth of the patients in the study "were depressed or suicidal" before their treatment. Home News Documentarian behind Tucker Carlson 'demon' attack clip blasts 'uncharitable' skeptics The documentarian who recently went viral after Tucker Carlson told him he was "physically mauled" by a demon pushed back against skeptics who dismissed the former Fox News host's claims about spiritual warfare. John Heers, who founded the nonprofit First Things Foundation, told The Christian Post that people who deny the unseen realm are deceiving themselves. "They do believe it, unless they literally don't think they've ever loved anyone or ever will," he said. "Those people are liars. They do believe in the spiritual. They believe in things unseen. There's never been a human who doesn't believe in things unseen. It's ridiculous." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "You think pride is actually just a series of cellular activities in your brain? No one thinks that. They see pride, and they see love; they see hate. These things are real. So the fact that they don't believe in a demon just means that they've been taught how to think like the Enlightenment taught us," he added. Carlson was met with ridicule from some critics after a clip posted on Heers' YouTube channel went viral on X last Thursday (also Halloween), which showed Carlson claiming he had "a direct experience" with supernatural evil in 2023. .@TuckerCarlson: 'I Was Mauled By A Demon!' Clip from my upcoming doc @ChristianitiesXpic.twitter.com/tyrK4sw3Hs Scooter Downey ?? ???????? (@scooter_downey) October 31, 2024 Carlson told Heers that he woke up one night last year suffocating and bloodied with claw marks on his body in what he claimed was an encounter with a demonic entity. Carlson said scars from the attack remain, and that it pressed him to read the Bible. Carlson confirmed to The Christian Post last week that he believes the nighttime demonic attack happened, and pinpointed it to Feb. 20, 2023, which was two months and four days before Fox News fired him without explanation. "Ephesians 6 is real," he told CP, referencing the chapter in the New Testament that teaches mankind is engaged in warfare "against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." The clip of Carlson's exchange with Heers will feature as part of Christianities?, a documentary Heers is working on with filmmaker Steven "Scooter" Downey, who also worked on the Tucker Carlson Originals documentaries on Fox Nation before Carlson was sacked. Heers described the film, which is still in production, as "a massive canvas" that aims to document the various interpretations Christians around the globe have of their faith. "The reality is, people don't know what Christianity is," Heers said. "Even Christians, they don't fully understand why there are so many [forms of it]. They don't fully understand the differences. They all think it's one big thing, and if you go across the world, it's not one big thing. It's very confusing who's with who and why." Heers, whose nonprofit First Things Foundation he described as "an Orthodox Christian Peace Corps," said he was raised Episcopalian and wandered down the path of agnosticism before finding his way to the Orthodox Church. He noted that his journeys have taken him to far-flung parts of the world such as Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Georgia, Mali, Haiti and elsewhere. He observed that most cultures are not as dismissive of the spiritual realm as the West, which he said has been overtaken by materialists who are "Puritans without God." "They have the same Puritan problems," he said of the reigning materialists. "They come at people, put them in stocks. It's all the same exact thing. They just don't have a God to answer to." "Any African, when you talk about spirits, nobody goes, 'You're an idiot!'" he said. "They go, 'Yeah, which ones?'" "Overseas and all these different cultures, everybody knows spirits exist," he added. Heers said his movie, which is slated for a tentative release next year, will feature reflections on Christianity from "famous and not so famous people," but said "a door opened" through Carlson's relationship with Downey, offering him the opportunity to travel to Carlson's home to seek his insight. Carlson opened up about his supernatural experience after Heers probed whether the presence of evil is "kickstarting people to wonder about the good," which Heers said is a question he has been asking many people. "The spiritual world and material world are connected, and Tucker's just trying to figure it out," he said. "And these people [questioning Carlson's story] are jerks, because they're not charitable people. They're uncharitable. It's possible that it happened." Since the demonic attack in 2023 and his subsequent ouster from Fox News, Carlson has been increasingly outspoken about his belief that the world's political battles are fundamentally spiritual. "Clarifying for sure," Carlson said of the attack to CP. Home News Radical Fulani herdsmen slaughter Christians in Nigeria, clergy kidnapped ABUJA, Nigeria Fulani herdsmen killed six Christians on Friday and Saturday in Benue state, Nigeria, after slaughtering 15 Christians in a nearby village two days earlier, sources said. In Ayilomo, a predominantly Christian village in Logo County, Fulani herdsmen attacked at about 6 p.m. on Friday, said area resident Terwase Avande. Fulani herdsmen invaded the community and began shooting at Christian residents, killing six Christians, Avande said. The members of the community are farmers. They had returned from their farms when the attackers invaded the community. 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 Paul Adetsav, a community leader in Ayilomo, said residents can no longer tend to their farms because of the attacks. The Fulani herdsmen keep attacking us almost on a daily basis, killing Christians at will and igniting fire on our houses and places of worship, Adetsav told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Crops we planted on our farms have also been destroyed by the armed herdsmen. Hunger has become an epidemic, killing us and our children since we have nothing to eat. More than 400,000 members of the community have been displaced as a result of incessant attacks, Adetsav said. On Oct. 30 in Anyiin village, also in Logo County, herdsmen killed 15 Christians, said area resident Joe Iormumbe. Johnson Kwar, another village resident, said the raid went from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joseph Anawah, a community leader in the Ayiin area, identified some of the Christians killed as Orihundu Ati, Zaki Mbatern, Tordoo Suswam, Uyange Chembe and John Chembe. Adegwa Uba, another resident of the area, pleaded for the Nigerian government to act urgently to save lives. We beg the world to hear our desperate cry our communities in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government, are being systematically decimated by relentless Fulani militia attacks, Uba told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The bloodshed is relentless, with 21 innocent lives lost in Anyiin just last week. Our villages Anyiin, Ayilamo, Uzer, Iorza, Mchia and Chembe have perpetual been brutally attacked by Fulani herdsmen, and children, women and elderly are slaughtered like animals. Homes, livelihoods and entire communities are under threat, he said. Security forces collect bodies but fail to prevent attacks or bring perpetrators to justice, Uba said. The governments inaction is appalling, its silence deafening. Our political leaders seem detached, leaving us to face this horror alone. He called on the government to take immediate action to protect people, asked security forces to prioritize prevention and prosecution and appealed to the international community to intervene and lend support. We are dying, please hear our cry, Uba said. Clement Ukav, chairman of the Logo Local Government Area Council, said the government was doing everything possible to stop the violence. We are sad that our people over the years have been attacked at various times by Fulani herdsmen, but I can assure that everything that is necessary to halt such attacks will be done by the government, Ukav said. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that officers had received reports of attacks in the Logo area, and that security agents had been deployed to the area. Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300. Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report. In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Catholic, Anglican priests kidnapped In southern Nigeria, a Catholic priest was kidnapped in Imo state on Tuesday. This followed the abduction of another Catholic priest in Edo state on Oct. 27 freed on Wednesday and the kidnapping of an Anglican priest in Anambra state on Oct. 26. The Rev. Emmanuel Azubuike, parish priest of St. Theresas Catholic Parish in Obollo town, Isiala Mbano County in Imo state, southeast Nigeria, was kidnapped on Tuesday by armed gunmen at about 6 p.m. as he was returning from a pastoral visit to some villages. Azubuike was ambushed and kidnapped along a highway, according to a statement by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe. We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come to us safe and sound, the Rev. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, chancellor and secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, said in the statement. In Edo state, southwest Nigeria, Catholic priest Thomas Oyode was kidnapped by gunmen at about 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East County, where he was rector, according to a spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. Oyode was released on Wednesday near Ajaokuta, Kogi state, according to the Rev. Peter Egielewa, spokesman for the Diocese of Auchi. The kidnappers had demanded 200 million naira ($119,673 USD) in ransom, but terms of his release were not disclosed. In Anambra state, southeast Nigeria, Anglican priest Ven David Arinze Ajaefobi was kidnapped by gunmen on Oct. 26, sources said. Ajaefobi was kidnapped at the entrance of his St. James Anglican Church, Awkuzu, Oyi County, at about 9 p.m., area resident Chukwudi Nwankwor said. Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for Anambra State Police Command, said officers were investigating. Originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Islamic preacher Zakir Naik draws Christians' ire over false claims about Christianity in Pakistan visit Christian leaders in Pakistan have condemned Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks objectionable remarks about Christianity during his various public sermons in Pakistan when touring the country on a month-long state-sponsored visit in October. A prominent figure in the Islamic world, Naik is the founder of the Islamic Research Foundation and Dubai-based Peace TV that broadcasts his public speeches. An Indian citizen, the preacher has been residing in Malaysia since 2016 amid legal troubles in his home country, which has sought his extradition in a number of cases, including hate speech, incitement to terrorism and money laundering. This year's was Naiks first visit to Pakistan in three decades the last time he visited the country was in 1992. 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 During his tour, Naik has addressed several meetings and delivered lectures in various cities, including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, where he has repeatedly criticized Christianity, challenged Christians to religious debates, and made them public offers to convert to Islam. In a letter addressed to Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari on Oct. 21, Azad Marshall, the president bishop of the Church of Pakistan, expressed dismay over Naiks open criticism of Christian doctrines and sacred scriptures in public forums. According to Marshall, Christian pastors and scholars were not provided the opportunity to respond to the misinformation spread during these forums. The bishops letter stated that the Christian community felt marginalized, and their religious beliefs were publicly discredited without recourse. Marshall reminded President Zardari of Pakistans constitutional guarantees, citing Article 20, which ensures the right of every citizen to freely practice and propagate their religion. He also referenced Article 36, which obligates the state to protect the legitimate rights of minorities. Calling for immediate action by the government at the time, the bishop said that the Christian community believed that such state-sponsored actions threatened the religious harmony and mutual respect that Pakistans founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had envisioned in his address to the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. Slamming Naik for his wrong interpretation of the Bible, his claims of alterations in the Bible, and negation of Christs divinity and crucifixion, the Christian Study Centers Director, Bishop Emeritus Samuel Azariah, criticized the government for sponsoring the controversial preachers visit. They ignored his track record, arrogant attitude, and insulting behavior when cornered. Holy figures and books are not debatable; his stance is wrong, Azariah said. While trying to prove his knowledge, he is building walls between communities. His visit is harmful for the followers of both Islam and Christianity, he added. President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Pakistan, Bishop Samson Shukardin, said Naiks use of derogatory terms against church leaders and evangelists was condemnable. We reject one-sided calls for conversions, he added, raising concerns about the resulting damage to interfaith harmony efforts. During a press conference on Oct. 16 at the Lahore Press Club, Dominican priest and interfaith dialogue promoter Father James Channan, along with leaders from Protestant churches and representatives from the Hindu, Sikh and liberal Muslim communities, called for a ban on Naik. He has made many statements which have caused unease among minorities. They are hurt and have reservations about these inappropriate comments about different religions. They have also caused a huge shock to inter-religious harmony efforts, stated a joint statement issued after the press conference. Meanwhile, a petition has also been filed in the Lahore sessions court seeking directions to the police to register a case against the Islamic preacher. The petitioner, Asher Sarfraz of Christians True Spirit organization, told Christian Daily International that he had filed an application with the Race Course Police Station in Lahore for the registration of a case against Naik for inciting religious tensions, but the police did not act on his complaint. Naik is fanning hatred against Christians, who are already a vulnerable minority community in Pakistan. His hate speech is likely to stoke more violence against our community, he said. Though Pakistans constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, religious minorities in the country, including Christians, are often targeted through the draconian blasphemy statutes. Pakistans Penal Code punishes defamation of Islam and the Islamic prophet Muhammad with life and death sentences. Christians and those of other faiths have been arrested and jailed on false charges of committing blasphemy for alleged attempts to convert Muslims. Originally published at Christian Daily International A brutal and shocking incident has rocked the small village of Krasnaya Storozhka, near Moscow, as a 15-year-old boy reportedly killed his mother after she confiscated his tablet. According to Russian authorities, the boy, who remains unnamed due to his age, struck his 48-year-old mother, Alexandra Gabbasova, repeatedly with an axe while she lay in bed. Her efforts to limit his gaming and enforce his schoolwork obligations triggered the attack. Mother's Efforts to Limit Gaming Turn Deadly Alexandra Gabbasova, an accountant at a local furniture factory, had become increasingly worried about her son's gaming habits. Reports suggest that the teenager spent up to 12 hours daily engrossed in online games, severely impacting his academic responsibilities. News outlet Mash revealed that Gabbasova had confiscated her son's devices, including his phone and tablet, to redirect his focus to his studies. This act reportedly sparked the boy's violent rage, leading him to commit the gruesome murder. Following the brutal killing, the teenager nailed his mother's bedroom door shut and displayed an alarming level of calmness. He visited a local shop to buy chocolate before returning home to play Minecraft. Reports indicate that he later used an online search engine to locate the nearest police station and turned himself in, confessing to the murder. Details Emerge About the Attack and Teen's Behavior According to investigators, the mother had been dead for around four hours before officers arrived at the scene. The assault, described by the Telegram channel 112, was marked by "random, chaotic" blows. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, local teachers characterized the teenager as "quiet" and "a student that studied normally," adding to the confusion and disbelief among the community. Investigators have launched a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to "Murder." In Russia, criminal liability for serious offenses, including murder, begins at the age of 14. Lawyer Yulia Fedotova told MSK1.RU that the boy could face up to 10 years in a correctional facility. Once he turned 18, he would be transferred to a general regime adult colony. During the investigation, the case may be reclassified as "murder with particular cruelty." Home News Jackson Gatlin, former Vineyard Church pastor, takes plea deal for criminal sexual conduct Jackson Gatlin, a former young adult and online community pastor at The Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota, who was charged last year with sexually abusing five teenage girls, will likely spend at least 13 years in prison and have to register as a sex offender when his sentence is complete after he accepted a plea deal for one of the five charges Wednesday. Gatlin, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, while on four others he entered an Alford plea where he admits there is sufficient evidence to find him guilty during a trial but maintains his innocence, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. According to the complaints against Gatlin cited by Northern News Now, Gatlin met most of his victims at the church where his father, Michael Gatlin, was a senior pastor. His mother, Brenda Gatlin, also served in leadership at the church as well as at Vineyard USA. They both resigned from their roles at the church and Vineyard USA without cooperating with the investigation into their son. 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 Some of his alleged victims who were in court to witness him plead guilty and give impact statements, said the assaults took place from 2007 to 2010, when he was in his early 20s. Gatlin is alleged to have established close relationships with the girls who are now women when they were between 11 and 16. He allegedly groomed them with flirtations then sent sexual text messages and eventually took them to his bedroom at his parents home where he touched the victims or had them touch him. He also allegedly bound them and raped them. He is accused of laughing at one of the victims when she asked him to stop the abuse. Let me be clear, while I am relieved that justice is being served, this is not a win, Hanna Haugh, one of the alleged victims, said at a press conference after the hearing. Nobody wins here. What Jackson did to me cannot be undone. Gatlin is expected to be sentenced during separate hearings Nov. 25-26. For 16 years, I have been left with the exhausting task of fighting depression and anxiety that was never my burden to carry, Vanessa Josephson, another alleged victim, said. This pain has touched every part of my life, forcing me to confront overwhelming feelings of despair and battling thoughts of suicide. Jeanna Filkins, whose daughter Kasey was one of Gatlins victims, said her daughter killed herself as a result of the abuse she suffered. Kasey took her own life two years ago, Filkins said. In the final years of her life, she spoke often about the pain inflicted by Jackson Gatlin and the church. Spencer Kuvin, an attorney for all the victims, who has also represented victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Cosby, said he was satisfied with Gatlins deal and noted that civil lawsuits will be filed against Gatlin, his parents, the Vineyard Church in Duluth and Vineyard USA. Theres a huge sense of satisfaction with the fact of the criminal plea today because the women at this point feel as though there is some accountability with respect to what occurred to them, he said. The church should be a place where people feel secure a sanctuary to find God, practice your faith and find support within your community, he added. Unfortunately, the church became a living hell for these young girls. Home News Pro-life leaders react to Trump victory: 'Clear rejection of extreme abortion agenda' Leaders of pro-life advocacy groups are celebrating former President Donald Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential election, citing his win as evidence that the American people do not support the unfettered abortion access endorsed by the Democrats. In a statement published Wednesday, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser reacted to the results of the election, which she noted was the first presidential contest to take place after the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson decision determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. In Tuesdays election, the Republican ticket of Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, defeated the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In the first presidential election since Dobbs, Americans have rejected the Democrats no-limits abortion agenda. Democrats led by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz went all in on abortion as their number one issue. In the general election alone, they spent over half a billion dollars on ads attacking pro-life Republicans and claiming limits on abortion kill women. Their lies failed, she said. Referring to Harris remarks during an interview last month where she said that she doesn't support religious exceptions to a nationwide abortion mandate, Dannenfelser commented, Millions learned the truth that the Democrats would force Americans to pay for and participate in abortions against their will, with no exceptions, and even leave babies who survive failed abortions to die. Dannenfelser added: SBA Pro-Life Americas paramount goal for this cycle was to deny Democrats the chance to pass a national all-trimester abortion mandate and wipe out protections for babies and women in all 50 states. While the abortion lobby flooded airwaves with misinformation, our team hit the ground making 4 million visits to persuadable and low-turnout voters in eight battleground states and reaching 10 million voters overall to expose the Democrats extremism. Time after time, these crucial conversations change minds and change votes that make the difference in close elections. We succeeded, she added. In subsequent comments posted to X Wednesday night, Dannenfelser maintained that This election proves that abortion wasnt the Democrats silver bullet, she continued, noting that despite spending half a billion dollars in abortion TV ads this election, they still lost the presidency, the Senate and potentially the House. Describing their extreme abortion agenda as out of step with Americans, Dannenfelser asserted that most Americans support early, reasonable limits on abortion. In the first presidential election since Dobbs, its clear that aborting our nations children isnt the galvanizing issue that Democrats and the mainstream media insisted it would be, she concluded. National Right to Life President Carol Tobias offered a similar analysis in a statement reacting to Trumps victory. Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and the Democratic Party have taken the most extreme abortion position possible, including support for unlimited abortions throughout pregnancy. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz support abortion anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances, she asserted. Supported by the abortion industry and its allies, Harris and Walz campaigned with fanatical fervor on abortion and the voters rejected them, Tobias explained. National Right to Life looks forward to working with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, and the newly elected pro-life Congress on policy initiatives to protect the lives of unborn children and provide resources for moms and young parents. Chelsey Youman, national legislative advisor with the network of pro-life pregnancy centers, Human Coalition Action, characterized the election results as a clear rejection of an extreme abortion agenda. Youman stated, After years of abortion propaganda and lies, tonights election reminds us the American heart embraces truth. Now the hard work of building a hopeful future for children in the womb and their mothers begins. The Harris-Walz tickets extreme abortion politics were out-of-touch with Americans. They pushed taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand throughout pregnancy, wanted to throw out protections for babies who survive abortions, and promised to force health care workers to perform abortions against their conscientious beliefs. The 2024 election had major implications for abortion policy in the U.S. Had Harris won the election and Democrats gained complete control of the federal government, legislation establishing a federal right to abortion nationwide likely would have become law. As the pro-life activists highlighted in their reactions to the election results, such a measure would have had the effect of nullifying pro-life protections implemented by states after the Dobbs decision. When the results of the 2024 election are finalized, it looks like Republicans will have complete control of the federal government. In addition to the presidency, Republicans have secured control of the U.S. Senate. Partisan control of the U.S. House of Representatives will depend on the outcome of a handful of undecided races. Home Opinion Making America great again means making America moral again Kamala Harris put all her political eggs in the abortion basket. She was the nations Abortion Czar. By voting against her, the American people voted against abortion and for a return to a morality that recognizes equality is only real if all people are protected without qualification, including preborn babies. To make America great again requires making America moral again. One might ask, If a vote for Trump was a vote against abortion, then what should we make of 7 out of 10 abortion ballot initiatives passing? 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 Voters in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska rejected making abortion a constitutional right. Yet, abortion won with an average 60/40 split in the usual left-leaning states like Colorado, Maryland, and New York. Pro-abortion ballot wins in a handful of states does not mean abortion won. It means abortion, and secular fundamentalism, lost, and lost big even while outspending pro-lifers 7.5 to 1. While the nation solidly rejected Harris and her fundamentalist ideology generally, the results of the abortion ballot initiatives signal that the light of Christian morality may be dawning. The abortion ballot initiatives are less about abortion and more about a war between the two rival versions of government and morality, the secular fundamentalistic rule of man vs. the Judeo-Christian Constitutional Rule of Law. If Republican candidates fail to see the big picture, they may be tempted to interpret the seven winning abortion ballot initiatives as justification to back away from Americas abortion problem. However, it's quite the contrary. Exit polls indicate two of the most important issues for voters are the state of democracy and abortion. Translation: What does it mean to be human and how can our nation survive? If the popular vote is a mandate to Make America Great Again it must necessarily signal a desire to Make America Moral Again. A floundering government, a failing economy, abortion, and even immigration are influenced by a moral house built around a rotting framework. Returning to the foundational truth revealed in the Bible and acknowledged by the Declaration of Independence is key to returning to civil order. Either all humans, without qualification, are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights or humanity is just a cosmic accident where those with the will to power dominate. If we believe we have a Creator in whose image we are made, then we are obligated to recognize the inherent dignity and worth in each other. If humanity is a cosmic accident, then any form of universalizable meaning and morality is absurd. If Republicans or President Trump back away from abortion they will miss the mandate and inadvertently join the ranks of a Harris secular ideology which will make holding the moral high ground impossible. For the government to permit the dehumanization of any person or class of person in order to justify the destruction of that person or group, like preborn babies and abortion, forgets the primary purpose of a Constitutional Rule of Law. Equal justice under the Constitution was not designed for the powerful but as a safeguard for the weak, sheltering them against the machinations of the powerful. The 5th Amendment says no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The 14th Amendment says all people shall enjoy equal protection under the law. Lauding these rights out of one side of the mouth while out of the other extolling abortion rights is to arbitrarily disqualify babies in utero from personhood, mocking both the rule of law and human dignity. And make no mistake, the seven state abortion ballot initiatives that passed are wicked not just because they undermine the very moral purpose of government, but because, in their barbarity, they oppress the weak and voiceless preborn boy and girl while harming the health and wellbeing of their mothers. It goes without saying that abortion harms the baby. But abortion harms women too, increasing their risk of breast cancer by 44% and future preterm deliveries by 52%. If Republicans and the Trump Administration fail to connect Americas rejection of the moral bankruptcy of secular fundamentalism, it will lose the key to the moral engine powering Americas return to greatness. To make America great again requires America to be moral again. The Church has been given a window of opportunity. Government is downstream of morality. As evidenced by the passing of immoral ballot initiatives in left-leaning states this year, the Church now must evangelize, teaching them to observe all that I [Christ, the Worlds Savior] commanded you (Mt. 28:20). Home Opinion Reflections on the elections The elections have consumed so much of our energy as of late. Before we close the door on the 2024 elections, its good to consider some wisdom from our founding fathers and other noteworthy Americans on voting. I read a joke recently wherein a surgeon, an engineer, and a politician were arguing as to which one of their professions was the oldest. The surgeon said, Surely, mine is. Since God did surgery on Adam to produce Eve. The engineer said, Yeah, but before the creation of Adam and Eve, the chaos was made into order. Making order out of chaos is the work of the engineer. 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 Yeah, but who created the chaos? asked the politician. Shouldnt Christians stay out of politics? Thats what many people seem to advocate these days. And yet one man had the temerity to say this: Providence has given to our people the choice of their ruler, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. Oh, my goodness. Who said that? Jerry Falwell? Alex Jones? Atilla the Hun? No, actually it was said by John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. He was appointed by our first president, George Washington. Again, its the duty and privilege of Christians to prefer Christians as our political leaders, according to our first chief justice. Wow. How far we have fallen. Now we have a crisis where many Christians dont even bother to vote in modern America. Some arent even registered to vote. But Patrick Henry warned us: It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. Well, it has been said that in America, we get the kind of government we deserve. Historically, Christians in America applied their faith to virtually every sphere of life, including their politics. While the founding fathers were not all Christians, the vast majority of them were, and more importantly they had a biblical worldview. Our two key founding documents are the Declaration of Independence, which says our rights come from God, and the Constitution which explains how this government is to work. The founders believed the biblical witness that man is sinful. So, they designed the division of power very carefully. What made America so special gets back to our Judeo-Christian foundation. But this fact has been lost on so many Americans who now view the nation as a happy accident and who view Christians as interlopers in an otherwise blissful secular state. Furthermore, our history has been rewritten and God has been erased. The great 19th-century Christian statesman Daniel Webster (1782-1852), senator from Massachusetts, once declared, If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be. Webster also stated: If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; If the Evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end. Nature abhors a vacuum. If we as Christians are not involved in culture, including politics, then ungodly men and women will be. Abraham Lincoln said: Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion can change the government practically just so much. He also noted this a statement that I think about in light of the ACLU and other secularists trying to rob us of our liberties and our rich Christian heritage: A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people. Lincolns successor, the 17th president, Andrew Johnson, was the first president to be impeached; but he was saved from expulsion from office by one vote. Nonetheless, he recognized that our rights are God-given. Said Johnson: This is the peoples Government; they received it as a legacy from Heaven, and they must defend it and preserve it. Our 26th president was Theodore Roosevelt. He reminds us of the arduous task government is for we the people: The noblest of all forms of government is self-government; but it is also the most difficult. We the people need to remember who is in charge. Theoretically, the politicians are our servants and not vice versa. As Teddy Roosevelt worded it, If people cannot rule themselves, then they are not fit for free government, and all talk about democracy is a sham. Home News Bethel Church enters Hillsong territory with new church plant in Sydney Bill Johnsons Bethel Church in Redding, California, announced Sunday that it has planted a new church in Sydney, Australia, where the scandal-scarred Hillsong Church is headquartered. Johnson, and Kris Vallotton, a senior associate leader at the megachurch, joined several leaders on stage at the California churchs worship service to commission Matt and Elisabeth King as the senior leaders of Bethel Sydney, increasing their current stable of churches to eight. In addition to the original Bethel Church in Redding, there is also Bethel Atlanta, Bethel Austin, Bethel Cleveland, Bethel New York, Bethel New Zealand, Bethel Sydney and Bethel Valparaiso. Five of those churches were planted in the last 15 years, according to the churchs website. 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've been saying for years [that] we don't plant churches, and I think we planted like three in the last five years or something, and our last one was in New York, and now we're planting in Sydney, Vallotton told his congregation during the service. Matt King, who was on a three-day visit stateside with his wife, said the new church plant is going to be a dwelling place for the Lord. It will be a place where people encounter God with our face to face with God, he said. We believe that God has marked Australia at this time. We believe that is a divine moment in Australia. There is such a hunger for genuine experience of the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit that is not promoting a name or an individual but is simply promoting the glorious Gospel of the Kingdom. Dave Harvey, director of Bethel Leaders Network, said in a recorded presentation that Vallotton had recently prophesied that the Australian church was about to step into a new era and that revival would sweep the countrys entire East Coast. Elisabeth King said she and her husband met while they were students at the Bethel School of Ministry and were transformed, equipped and changed. They later joined the staff at the school as pastors and went on to become missionaries in Europe, where they did itinerant ministry along with work at a ministry school. She said they moved to Australia about two years ago after God started to shout Australia out of the blue. Since then we've been building, and now we're building with a core team, she said, noting that they have witnessed bodies being healed, deaf ears opening up and lives changing radically for the better. In June, when it held a paid conference at Dayspring Church in Sydney, tickets sold out within two weeks and people were so desperate to attend, some offered to pay triple the selling price of the tickets. We announced the conference, and in two weeks the tickets were sold out, and people emailed us and asked can we pay triple price to just get in, Elisabeth King said. There is such a hunger, and yeah, we are just so excited and expected for what God will do. In a formal announcement on its Facebook page on Sunday, Bethel Church reiterated that it is investing in a prophetic decision with the new church plant. God is moving in Australia. Its been prophesied by leaders in our house that a wave of revival will happen on the eastern coast of the nation, and that Australia is walking into a new era with God. We fully believe that we will see God move through Bethel Sydney in powerful ways, bringing additional support to the move of God already happening there, the church said. The vision for Bethel Sydney is revival to see all of Australia fall deeply in love with Jesus, transforming lives, and sending them out to release more of God, in cities, states, and the world. Its the mandate of Bethel, and Matt and Elizabeth King are excited to embrace this mandate while serving the communities in Sydney! Home News Candidates supported by 1776 Project PAC flip control of 3 school boards School board candidates affiliated with a parental rights organization opposed to political indoctrination won several races Tuesday night as concerns about the trajectory of public education persist in American politics. The 1776 Project PAC, which works to elect reform-minded conservatives who oppose political indoctrination and believe in parental rights, safe and secure schools, fiscal transparency, improving educational standards, promoting transparency, and reversing pandemic-related learning loss to school boards across the United States, highlighted the success of its preferred candidates following the 2024 general election. The advocacy organization achieved particular success in Maryland, where victories by its endorsed candidates led to three school boards flipping from majority progressive to majority conservative. 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 Calvert County, 1776 Project PAC-backed candidates Melissa Goshorn, Paul Harrison and Joe Marchio, all of whom won their school board races. In Somerset County, the groups endorsed candidates Mary Beth Bozman and Matthew Lankford were elected to the school board. In Talbot County, 1776 Project PAC endorsed Ann OConnor and Karla Wieland-Cherry who secured seats on the school board. Unofficial results compiled by the state of Maryland show one of the 1776 Project PACs endorsed candidates in Allegany County, Crystal Bender, winning a seat on the school board. The groups favored candidate for a seat on the Caroline County School Board, Stefanie Johnson, is overwhelmingly winning her race and the organizations endorsee in Garrett County, Matthew Trezise, appears on track for a school board seat there. However, both of the groups preferred candidates in Cecil County and all three such candidates in St. Marys County are coming up short. While 1776 Project PAC-backed Carrie Sutherland won a seat on the Queen Annes County School Board unopposed, the other candidate endorsed by the group in the county is running behind his opponent. In Arizona, official results from the 2024 election are expected to take several days to finalize. Unofficial results show 1776 Project PAC-endorsed candidates Kim Fisher and Karen Pack winning school board seats in the Deer Valley Unified School District, while the groups third endorsed candidate is on track to get shut out. A similar situation is playing out in the Gilbert Unified School District, where 1776 Project PAC-backed Blake Robison and Shana Murray are favored to win school board seats as the groups third endorsee is finishing behind the frontrunners. Only one of the 1776 Project PACs three preferred candidates in the Higley Unified School District, Sara Jarman, is on track to win a seat on the school board. All three of the 1776 Project PACs endorsed candidates in the Paradise Valley Unified School District are coming up short as are both of the organizations preferred candidates to serve in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Meanwhile, the groups endorsed candidates Janelle Bowles, Becky Proudfit and Jeffrey Tobey are leading as they seek to win school board seats in the Peoria Unified School District. In Florida, unofficial results show the 1776 Project PACs preferred candidates appearing on the general election ballot in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County coming up short, while the group announced in an X post that its favored candidate in Miami-Dade County, Mary Blanco, emerged victorious in her school board race. The 1776 Project PAC was one of several advocacy groups to emerge in 2021, as concerns about the inclusion of critical race theory, LGBT ideology and sexually explicit material in public school curriculum and libraries emerged amid the lockdowns imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These concerns have prompted some states, including Florida, to pass legislation banning the discussion of topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity with public school children unless it is directly related to health education that parents have the ability to opt their children out of. A group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, that sued the school district for the ability to opt their children out of LGBT-related lessons is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review their case in an attempt to advance the cause of parental rights in education nationwide. As organizations look to modernize IT systems, including the mainframe, theres a critical need to do so without sacrificing security or falling out of compliance. But thats a balancing act that is easier said than done, especially as cybersecurity threats grow increasingly sophisticated. Malicious actors have access to more tools and plans of attack than ever before. Theyre also aggressivein 2023 alone, there were more than 3,200 data compromises in the U.S. that affected over 350 million individuals. As those threats evolve, so too do the regulations and guidelines that are established in response. These shifts mean that companies have to prioritize a number of critical capabilities like annual or quarterly penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, audit logs, systematic access controls, and much more to remain compliant. Faced with this complex task, IT leaders need to ensure they are equipped to support new technologies while also adapting to an evolving regulatory and threat landscape if they are to keep modernization initiatives moving forward. Balancing modernization in a complex regulatory landscape Modernization is essential, and organizations that put off doing so risk getting left behind. Yet, one missed configuration-based vulnerability or data loss during a migration can be catastrophic. A single cybersecurity incident can ruin a companys reputation with corporate partners and customers. And those incidents can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond the immediate damage to IT systems, data, or operations. But for mainframe systems, what can these incidents look like? Some of the most common mainframe vulnerabilities are: Code-based vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities account for flaws in existing code (often from third parties) that can be exploited by cybercriminals. These vulnerabilities account for flaws in existing code (often from third parties) that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Configuration-based vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities stem from improper settings and configurations that can leave systems open to unauthorized access. These vulnerabilities stem from improper settings and configurations that can leave systems open to unauthorized access. Insider threats. These threats represent employees or contractors who intentionally or unintentionally misuse their access to mainframe systems to harm an organization. Businesses will need to identify and implement the right strategy to combat those potential vulnerabilities while also accounting for a variety of new regulations, like the EUs Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0 (PCI DSS v4.0). More and updated localized cybersecurity regulations like 23 NYCRR Part 500, created by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), require critical consideration, in this case requiring financial services companies operating in New York to conduct annual mainframe risk assessments, perform annual mainframe penetration testing, and have robust mainframe vulnerability management programs in place, to protect customer data and the systems they rely on. Policies and regulations like these make it more important than ever for organizations to catch vulnerabilities before they become full-fledged cyber attacks. Falling out of compliance could mean risking serious financial and regulatory penalties. With the stakes so high, IT leaders need to ensure their modernization strategies are inclusive of mainframe security. The keys to mainframe security With the understanding that mainframe security is integral to broader modernization goals, where should organizations start? There are a few important elements that should make up an effective security strategy. Mainframe security requires a great deal of attentionthreats and vulnerabilities are constantly evolving. To that end, one important step organizations can take to improve their mainframe security is to designate a mainframe security architect. This role can help design and maintain a secure environment that is tailored to the businesss specific needs while also helping to identify potential risks. From a practical standpoint, one of the more important aspects of new regulations, like DORA, is the role of regular testing and scanning for vulnerabilities. Every mainframe security strategy should incorporate capabilities like code-based vulnerability scanning, regular mainframe penetration testing, regular compliance checks, point-in-time data recovery, and widespread, fully deployed, multifactor authentication (MFA). Thats where working with a trusted partner with deep expertise in mainframe modernization and security can be a game-changer. Take, for example, the security solutions offered by Rocket Software, which deliver capabilities that are tailored to the complex security and regulatory realities facing mainframe systems. Tools like the Rocket z/Assure Vulnerability Analysis Program automatically scan and pinpoint vulnerabilities in mainframe operating system code, making it easier to keep pace with potential threats as they evolve. Similarly, Rocket Mainframe Security Services also offers a powerful solution for organizations looking to bolster their security with services like compliance assessments, penetration testing, and conversion services, among others. For modernization initiatives to be successful, businesses need to ensure they are prioritizing security and compliance as part of that journey. Mainframe systems bring with them a unique set of requirements, but by implementing the right programs, processes, and tools businesses can stay secure, minimize disruption, and adhere to local and international regulations. Learn more about how Rocket Software can support your modernization journey without sacrificing security or compliance. 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To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have Minimum requirements: Education: A university degree (Bachelors or higher) in a social and behavioral science, including sociology, anthropology, communication studies/communication for development, psychology and/or related field is required. A university degree (Bachelors or higher) in a social and behavioral science, including sociology, anthropology, communication studies/communication for development, psychology and/or related field is required. Work Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development or social and behaviour change, public advocacy or another related area. A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development or social and behaviour change, public advocacy or another related area. Language Requirements: Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English is required. Desirables: Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset. Knowledge Russian or of 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/577101/sbc-vagbaw-officer-nob-ft-chisinau-moldova-for-moldovan-nationals-residents-only Application deadline: 17 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. Shameem Ahmad was involved with public law long before she became chief executive of the Public Law Project (PLP), having spent several years as a public lawyer with legal firm Herbert Smith Freehills. But it was not until a secondment took her over to the charity sector that she began to consider a career move in that direction. This was not just any old secondment. Ahmad was tasked with helping set up the Black Equity Organisation , an anti-racism charity that works from a Black perspective to dismantle systemic racism. She describes the temporary move as a real transition point. During her maternity leave, Ahmad cemented her shift, leaving her law firm to move permanently over to the Black Equity Organisation as its full-time director of advocacy. She remained there until January 2023 when she replaced Jo Hickman as the CEO of PLP, which promotes access to justice for marginalised people. The transition to the charity sector was relatively smooth in the sense that Im a public lawyer by background and what we do is public law, says Ahmad. She remains a practising lawyer, although she no longer has her own caseload. Maintaining optimism is a hard sell As a child growing up in the north of England on a council estate and in a family claiming benefits, Ahmad lived alongside some of the very people she is now able to help through PLPs work. I used to live next door to asylum seekers, she recalls. I used to hear them scream at night and suddenly hear them stop. As a child, that silence was terrifying and as an adult, I get to run a charity that tries to alleviate some of the pressures theyre under and the enormity of that privilege its not nothing. First established in 1990, PLP aims to improve marginalised peoples often restricted access to public law. Its work generally takes on test cases, or lawsuits whose purpose is to establish an important principle or precedent for the legal system. Recently, it has worked on everything from the 2019 prorogation of parliament to the last Conservative governments infamous Rwanda deportation policy and to working with people victimised by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) policies around Universal Credit overpayments. Two years into PLPs 2022-25 strategy and in the 18 or so months since Ahmad took up her role as CEO, there has been an enormous amount of political and economic upheaval to contend with which has made a difficult role even more so. One of the most challenging aspects is the amount of stuff you still have to respond to in a reactive, tactical way, as opposed to a strategic way, necessarily so, she says. Besides parliamentary prorogation and the Rwanda scheme that includes the Windrush scandal, the almost complete decimation of legal aid so many horrifying things. Maintaining optimism, Ahmad acknowledges that it is quite a hard sell. Yet, as a public lawyer, understanding that the state can do real good as well as harm and that public law principles are supposed to help the state make good decisions, is central to how she operates as CEO. The state is capable of good I think that a lot of people find that statement quite jarring, she says, citing examples of the services provided by the NHS and education system. In recent years, people have lowered their expectations of what they expect from the state, and the standards they expect, and the way that decisions are made, so I think the hardest thing about the job is keeping the expectations high of what we expect in an environment that is not built for that. Strong connections Against this backdrop, it seems more important than ever for Ahmad and her colleagues at PLP to forge strong ties with people who benefit from their services, many of whom are among societys most vulnerable. I grew up on benefits, on a council estate, and it gives you a grittiness, she says. They call it the working class for a reason youre not afraid of hard work. Those things help if youre a leader. Youre unabashed about having to think about working hard. Feeling a really strong connection to our beneficiaries is incredibly helpful. As a leader, youre not always getting to make the easiest of decisions, and being connected to your mission as an organisation is so important in those circumstances. Ahmad cites the example of a recent test case PLP took on. K, a single mother of two children with SEN, was subject to a Universal Credit overpayment of 8,600 due to an apparent fault in DWPs computer system. The charity represented her in court to ensure she would not have to pay that sum back. Ahmad feels her background enabled her to feel a connection to understanding not just what that money means but what the impact of that must be, something she describes as enormously helpful. Auditing lived experience At PLP, Ahmad is far from the only person to hail from the same background as their beneficiaries. Some 40% of my colleagues have lived experience of migration, she says. Some 70% of my colleagues have lived experience of aspects of what we define beneficiaries as internally. Some 90% of our board have lived experience. So, the types of people that are working at PLP, and fundamentally, the types of people who are upholding the rule of law, access to justice, and these lofty principles, are drawing on that connection. Against the backdrop of a sector where employees class diversity is reportedly being neglected , the diversity on display at PLP seems impressive in no small part thanks to the significant efforts made by Ahmad and her colleagues. Ahmad and her PLP colleagues implemented lived experience audits, where staff and trustees general backgrounds and their level of connections to their beneficiaries were researched. We hadnt ever done one before at board or staff level, says Ahmad. For the first time, we also did a socioeconomic cross check. External stakeholders had a perception that we were quite an elite, very white organisation and digging into it a little bit more, thats not necessarily the case. Part of what I want us to do is to be able to speak courageously and authentically and all of that requires knowing who we are first, just as any individual would need to: you need to know who you are before you can act courageously or authentically. Thats no different for an organisation. Positive noises from government Like many in the sector , PLP waited with bated breath in July when the new Labour government was elected after 14 years of consecutive Conservative rule. Since then, the new government has been vocal about its desire to reset its relationship with civil society, which has been welcomed by many in the sector. How has this affected PLP and its work? I think largely the noises are positive, says Ahmad. When the most recent Conservative government was in power, its apparent fixation on culture wars meant many charities like PLP, with its focus on the same marginalised people that several government ministers repeatedly demonised with its policies, struggled to do their work properly. Ahmad recalls, in particular, a test case that they dealt with of a male migrant who was made subject to the Rwanda policy. When the Conservatives lost power, the new Labour government immediately scrapped the Rwanda policy and with it, the harrowing case of PLPs beneficiary who is no longer at risk of deportation. Its nice to know some of that [Conservative Party] rhetoric is going to dial down, says Ahmad. That will make for a much more grown-up environment in which to be able to have checks and balances and a constitution thats functioning. So, all of that is positive. Weve had some great engagement, she adds. The government has been reaching out to us and including us in conversations, which has been wonderful. I will say that under the last government, in some areas of work, we were still able to have some traction internally, but it wasnt the case across everything that we were doing. It is still early days though and there are still many pieces of key legislation that Ahmad and her colleagues at PLP would like to see overturned. For starters, there is the Illegal Migration Act, which was introduced by former home secretary Suella Braverman and was responsible for the Rwanda policy, but which the new government has shown no signs of abolishing or adapting anytime soon. Ultimately, Ahmad says, the proof will be in the pudding. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Max Rivlin-Nadlerwho is thirty-six, with dark, curly hair and a beardstood under a disco ball in a spiffy gray suit, onstage at Trans Pecos, a bar in Bushwick. Im your analyst for the evening, he said. It was Election Night in America. He and his colleaguesthe producer-proprietors of a local site called Hell Gate, established in 2022were hosting their first event for a crowd of people they didnt already know. He gestured at a screen behind him, breaking down what was on the ballot in New York City. There were six local measures. He started with Proposition 1, also known as the good one, he said. Katie Waya twenty-nine-year-old Hell Gate writer-owner, also in a suitstood beside him. Wait, why is it written like that? she asked. This is a proposition about abortion rights. Why doesnt it say abortion? Because this is New York politics, Rivlin-Nadler replied. Nothing is easy. The pair delved in with background, including on the mayors role in Props 2 through 6. Eric Adams came up with these proposals in less than a month, because he was pissed at City Council, Rivlin-Nadler said. Why was he pissed? Because they overrode his vetoes on accountability and housing legislation. They nerded out in more detail. Eric Adams couldnt be here tonight, he added. Hes laying low with his son. The crowd booed. Their allegiances were clear. This was a left-leaning, fairly young group, comprising media types, tech types, and other Brooklynites who had signed up (or were about to) for Hell Gates punchy fare, its echoes of the alt-weeklies (the Village Voice, for one) where many of the sites writer-owners spent formative years. We bring voice to the stories, as well as analysis, Hell Gates Esther Wangwho is forty-two, and contributes a recurring fish column, OnlyFinstold me. Other coverage includes transit and police reporting (The MTAs Farebeating Crackdown on Buses Is Still a Total Mess), culture pieces (Somebody Explain Fran Lebowitz to Me), and New York ephemera (We Regret to Inform You That Its Dead Baby Bird Season). There is a daily newsletter, the Morning Spew. Recent stories are filed under Fresh Hell. Adams is a frequent, favorite target of robust reporting and ridicule, notably in a collaboration with Type Investigations: an interactive graphic detailing his network of associatesmembers of his administration, business contacts, cops. The featurenamed for a memorable Adams line, All my haters become my waiters when I sit down at the table of successpredated his indictment, by federal prosecutors, on five counts of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations; it continues to be updated. At the election night party, a guest said the Table of Success was what prompted him to subscribe. Were antagonistic to the view from nowhere, Nick Pinto, forty-six, who covers Adams and the police department for Hell Gate, told me. The emperors lack of clothes is duly noted. At a table piled high with tote bags, Nadia Tykulsker, who is thirty-six and Hell Gates business manager, coaxed new subscribers at each of three tiersthe highest being a yearly believer, for two hundred dollars; stickers and virtual hangs were among the incentives. She also distributed bingo cards in exchange for email addresses. Squares included someone crying, Steve Kornacki wears his disintegrating necktie again, and an Adams indictment mention on TV. The only of the seven Hell Gate owners missing was Adlan Jackson, thirty, a culture writer who had embedded with a group of MAGA crypto frat guys that night, for a scene story. Sign up for CJRs daily email When the site began, as a free city newsletter run out of the East Village, named for a sturdy bridge connecting the Bronx and Queens, Hell Gates startup cash came from their personal coffersjust enough to pay themselves and freelancers during the first months. They considered different organizational models, weighing the virtues and pitfalls of for-profit journalism. Not-for-profits can be just as bad, Pinto said. Boards are not the people doing the work. We wanted the people doing the work to be in control. The idea was to operate as a cooperativeinspired in part by the people behind Defector, who had recently done the same. (Hell Gate has an advisory board that consults on strategy.) After a couple of months, they introduced a paywall. Since then, the site has amassed some 5,300 paying subscribers; projected annual revenue for the coming year is about half a million, to be topped off by more than three hundred thousand dollars in donor support. (They are also hoping to receive funding from a state tax credit in the high five to low six figures.) This year, the team debuted a lively site redesign and managed to give themselves a raise. It wasnt much: they went from forty-eight thousand dollars a year to sixty thousand plus health insurancebelow what most of them had been making at their old jobs. Still, they get to be their own bosses. Its a lot of consensus-based decision-making, a lot of meetings, Tykulsker said. But when its your company, it works. They are hoping to pull off another wage increase at the beginning of 2025. Subscriber revenue falls short of covering Hell Gates expenses by about ten thousand dollars a month, but eventually, the team is aiming to rely more on subscribers, and less on philanthropy, per their annual financial report, to plug the budget hole. Christopher Robbins, another co-owner, who is thirty-eight, said they hope to attract more sign-ups with coverage of the upcoming mayoral race. I think a lot of our investigative firepower should go towards vetting these candidates and doing due diligence on their donations and records, he said. At the party, as the hours passed, the festive mood began to dim; guests turned their faces downward to their phones. Rivlin-Nadler and Way took to the stage a second time, to give people a boost: there was an update on the local ballot provisions. Prop 1 passed! The crowd cheered. And most of Eric Adamss propositions also are passing. The crowd groaned. But, Way said, its good news for bingo! Later, as the national result became clear, the crowd thinned. Way addressed the room. We just wanted to say thank you, she said. We really hoped that people would come here and choose to be in community. Behind her, music played: Whitney Houstons I Wanna Dance with Somebody. The people who stuck around kept drinking. The tote bag stack looked shorter. People are so disgusted with mainstream media after this election cycle, they are done with the billionaires, Scott Lynch, who writes a freelance food column for Hell Gate, said. They are desperate for smart, incisive, independent reportingespecially with humor and by people who really care. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Nearly half of all Latino voters put their support behind former president Donald Trump this week, according to exit pollsa 14 percent increase from 2020. Those results surprised many, but not Jack Herrera, who has been reporting on the shifting voting habits of Latino communities across the country for years. Herrera joins The Kicker to talk about what hes learned from his journalism in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and the border counties of Texas. Read more: Herreras article for CJRs Election Issue on Lorena Lopez, the editor of Iowas La Prensa Herreras 2024 reporting on Latino voting in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Iowa Hosted by Josh Hersh Produced by Emily Russell Listen and subscribe at Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a deadly storm bore down on Valencia on Oct. 29, the regional president was attending a ceremony to recognize his work on sustainable tourism. Three hours earlier, Spains national climate agency had issued a red alert about the rains that were coming. But rather than activating emergency protocols and triggering wider alerts, Carlos Mazon went off to the next meeting on his schedule. Related: Bahamas Raises Alarm on Lack of Cash to Survive Fast-Warming World The towns around the coastal city have been living with the consequences of that decision ever since. The ensuing floods killed more than 200 people, destroyed billions in infrastructure, and unleashed a wave of anger towards political leaders. The disaster, which has already become Spains Hurricane Katrina moment, is a cautionary tale of climate change and political failure. But it is also a story of how decades of regulatory neglect and underinvestment in critical infrastructure created the ideal conditions for a preventable disaster. Related: Spain Risks $11.5 Billion Flood Damage Bill, PM Says By mid-afternoon, some local governments and cities in the Valencia region were taking their own precautions. Workers were being sent home, schools and universities were closing early, and the armys emergency unit was preparing to deploy troops to Utiel, a city roughly 37 miles west of the regions capital, in case help was needed. By 5 p.m., Valencias local government assembled its emergency crisis committee. Mazon, the committees leader, wasnt there. Related: Spains Deadly Storms Move North to Cause Chaos in Catalonia When he finally arrived at the meeting it was around 7 p.m., according to multiple reports. A little more than an hour later, the local government sent out a region-wide text message telling people to seek shelter. But by then, it was too late. Shaky Foundations The delayed alerts were not the only reason why the floods in Valencia were so deadly. The decentralized structure of Spanish politics, which demands coordination between regional and national authorities, slowed the response to the unfolding crisis. Political infighting dragged on relief efforts. The regions aging infrastructure and years of overconstruction did not prepare it to withstand the waters. Facing a storm turbocharged by climate change, Valencia was particularly vulnerable. Unlike in the Franco era, when the government used large infrastructure projects to modernize the economy, public works took a backseat in the first decades of this century. In Valencia, the advent of mass tourism and an epic real estate boom translated into runaway construction, but mostly of homes and hotels. The projects were frequently undertaken without much planning or oversight. Given the regions history of natural disasters, this was especially dangerous. In 1957, flooding in the Turia river killed as many as 100 people in the regional capital. To ensure that such a catastrophe wouldnt happen again, the Franco regime built an artificial canal and rerouted the river around Valencia city. The memory of that flood, however, faded with time. In the mid-2000, an engineer named Federico Bonet was working on a project to prevent flooding in the Poyo river, which snakes through the towns and cities just south of Valencia. But after the financial crisis hit in 2008, the former dean of the citys College of Civil Engineers said in an interview, those plans were abandoned. What happens is that when no disaster happens, which is most of the time, it seems ridiculous to spend 200 million euros on hydraulic works, he said. The Poyo became the main artery for the Oct. 29 floods. While the Turias rerouting meant that downtown Valencia was largely unaffected by the rains, cities in flood zones less than seven miles away were among the worst hit. Finger Pointing After Mazon left the ceremony on the day of the storm, he went off the grid for several hours, reportedly to attend a private lunch. During that time, one of his advisors contacted the national government and asked that troops be sent to Utiel. Such communication breakdowns were happening at various levels of government. In Spain, regional crisis committees rely on national agencies tasked with monitoring weather and river flow volumes to make decisions, but these agencies dont always communicate with each other. Moreover, unless theres a state of emergency the central government cant interfere with a regions decision-making or take matters into its own hands. Coordination between Valencias regional government and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs administration had been complicated since Mazon took office in mid-2023. In addition to his being a member of the Peoples Party the main opposition to Sanchezs Socialists Mazons victory was made possible thanks to an agreement with the far-right Vox party, the first such arrangement of its kind in Spain. As part of the deal, Mazon handed environmental policy over to his coalition partners, who promptly named a climate change denialist to oversee the portfolio. Mazons early initiatives also included a cost-cutting spree that targeted programs backed by his Socialist predecessor. Among the programs he deemed too ideological was an emergency coordination unit. After Vox left the coalition in May, Mazon gave environmental oversight to a close collaborator with no climate expertise. In the days after the disaster, Mazon and Sanchez restrained from criticizing each other. Then, people close to them started swapping barbs. Late on Nov. 1, after Mazon asked the central government to send 500 soldiers to Valencia, Defense Minister Margarita Robles expressed amazement that the number was so low. The next day, following another request from Mazon, Sanchez announced that 5,000 more troops would be sent to Valencia. Counting the forces already in place, it represented Spains largest-ever peacetime deployment. For the thousands of people still bailing out their homes and struggling to make sense of the tragedy, however, these measures fell far short. On Nov. 3, an enraged crowd threw mud and sticks at Sanchez, Mazon and King Felipe VI during a visit to one of the towns most damaged by the floods. Protesters chased Sanchezs car as he fled the scene. The next day, in his first media appearances since the storm, Mazon went on the offense. In radio and TV interviews, he blamed the central government and hydrographic agency, which monitors river levels, for failing to notify him properly and act in time. He was swiftly rebutted by the agency, which said it never issues alerts, and by the army, which said it had been prepared to deploy troops hours earlier on Oct. 29 but needed Mazons permission to do so. The regional president is increasingly being singled out as the person most responsible for the scale of the disaster. Most damningly, the leader of Mazons own party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, called on the prime minister to push Mazon aside and take control of the situation. Sanchez responded with the first of what he said will be several financial relief packages. Climate change kills, and we are seeing it, sadly, Sanchez said when announcing the package, which could be as large as 10.6 billion. Global warming, he stressed, was a central part of the problem. Rising Risk The storm that hit Valencia was exceptional in that it saw the confluence of very extreme meteorological factors, said Samira Khodayar Pardo, the director of climate and meteorology at the Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM). While the most intense rainfall normally takes place at the coast, this time it rained a lot inland, right at the headwaters of the rivers, she pointed out. However, she continued, the storm and the scale of the disaster cant be distilled down into any single cause. There has to be a perfect cocktail, she said. That includes not only meterological considerations, but also urban planning, infrastructure, alarm systems and even the perception of risk and education of society. As extreme weather events likely to become more and more common, she added, there are many issues that must be considered. Top photo: Volunteers begin cleaning up after flash flooding in Paiporta. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. China, WHO to host global traditional medicine conference in December Xinhua) 10:39, November 08, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China and the World Health Organization (WHO) will host a global traditional medicine conference in Beijing on Dec. 3 and 4, according to a press briefing on Thursday. Over recent years, people's health awareness and lifestyles have changed, as have medical models, leading to an increasing demand for traditional medicine. The advantages of traditional medicine in protecting public health and preventing major chronic and infectious diseases have been receiving more attention. Against this backdrop, the conference will focus on the theme of diversity, inheritance and innovation of traditional medicine to benefit the world. It will feature discussions on scientific research, education, and digital and intelligent applications of traditional medicine, according to its organizers. The organizers added that heads of international organizations, government officials of multiple countries and ambassadors to China, as well as experts, scholars and entrepreneurs in the medical sector have been invited to the conference. Approximately 1,200 people are expected to attend the opening ceremony. Chinese organizers include the Beijing municipal government, the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Around 10 million elephants roamed the African continent just a hundred years ago. Today, that number is less than 500,000. Human-wildlife conflict has become a top threat to elephants' survival. Wildlife Works is committed to creating wildlife-friendly solutions to this conflict. Wildlife Works is a community-centered conservation organization taking a holistic approach to protecting the planet's wild environments with solutions that work for people. Its pioneering Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project protects critical habitat for over 10,000 African elephants, including 2,000 permanent residents and over 8,000 more migrating between Tsavo East and West National Parks annually. The pioneering community-centered conservation organization invests heavily in preventing human-wildlife conflict, directly protecting the most at-risk elephants and community members. For example, its Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project funds specialist rangers focused on elephant conservation using carbon revenue. It also supports creating artificial watering holes during extreme drought and implements innovative, wildlife-friendly solutions for protecting farmer's crops. Crop damage caused by displaced wildlife is becoming an increasingly common source of human-wildlife conflict across Africa and elsewhere worldwide. Wildlife Works' Conservation Role Wildlife Works protects African elephants via numerous pioneering initiatives, including aerial patrols, REDD+ projects, and crucial community engagement. Its aerial patrols help prevent poaching while identifying new human-wildlife conflicts and other illegal activities. The community-centered conservation organization's Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project in Kenya covers over 500,000 acres. These 500,000 acres are home to as many as 11,000 elephants either migrating through the area or residing there year-round. Here and elsewhere, Wildlife Works provides Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities with much-needed information and the all-important tools fundamental to successfully preserving invaluable local ecosystems. African elephants are known as ecosystem engineers for creating unique habitats for other species. Sadly, their numbers continue decreasing, caused in no small part by human-wildlife conflict and poachingtwo leading areas of focus for Wildlife Works. Short Film Healing Giants Wildlife Works' short film Healing Giants showcases efforts to rescue an elephant injured by human-wildlife conflict. The film follows conservation pilot Keith Herring, who first identified an elephant wounded during a human-wildlife conflict at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project. The film highlights growing tension and human-wildlife conflict stemming in no small part from climate change and habitat loss. It also emphasizes the organization's efforts to make conservation work for local communities by using carbon revenue to fund wildlife protection and community development initiatives. Watch Healing Giants from Wildlife Works on YouTube or visit the organization's blog for further information. Since 1997, the community-centered conservation organization's Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project has partnered with over 100,000 community members to protect African elephants and other endangered species. Learn more about what the organization does at WildlifeWorks.com. An American Airlines plane on the runway at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida, Oct. 25, 2024. A U.S. appeals court rejected on Friday a bid by American Airlines to overturn a judge's decision that sided with the U.S. Department of Justice and declared that its now-scrapped U.S. Northeast partnership with JetBlue Airways was anticompetitive. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the lower-court judge that the airlines' Northeast Alliance joint venture that allowed the two carriers to coordinate flights and pool revenue violated federal antitrust law. American Airlines and JetBlue did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin sided in May 2023 with the Justice Department and six states in a lawsuit challenging the joint venture that American and JetBlue entered into in 2020. Through their partnership, American, the nation's largest airline, and JetBlue, the sixth-largest, joined forces for flights in and out of New York City and Boston, coordinating schedules and pooling revenue. Following Sorokin's ruling, JetBlue terminated the alliance, as it unsuccessfully sought to bolster its efforts to win approval for its now-dropped $3.8-billion purchase of Spirit Airlines , which the Justice Department also challenged. American Airlines, though, pressed ahead with an appeal, saying the ruling would prevent the company from entering into any similar future arrangement for 10 years, including with JetBlue. From left: Dr. William Whitaker, Honors College dean; Kaelyn Lockhart, newly inducted Clyburn Honors Scholar; Alexander Conyers, SC State president; and Dr. Frederick Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs, at the Honors College Induction on Oct. 25. ORANGEBURG, S.C. South Carolina State University proudly announces that Kaelyn Lockhart, a freshman journalism major from Florence, South Carolina, has been named a Clyburn Scholar in the prestigious Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. Lockhart brings a dedication to academic excellence and a deep interest in political investigative journalism, with a goal to make a lasting impact in the field. Kaelyn embodies the indomitable spirit of the Clyburn Honors College through her remarkable dedication to academic excellence, impactful leadership, and unwavering commitment to community service, said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., Honors College dean. Her passion for journalism, combined with her drive to make a meaningful impact, is truly inspiring. We are excited to support her journey and watch as she makes her mark in both our university and beyond. A recent graduate of Wilson High School, Lockhart achieved a 4.4 GPA and was recognized as a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and as a Columbia Urban League Honoree. Her leadership skills were evident through her roles as SGA Freshman and Sophomore Class president, as well as her commitment to cheerleading, where she served as JV cheer captain and competed at both JV and varsity levels. Additionally, Lockhart was awarded the South Carolina State University Florence Alumni Chapter Scholarship, recognizing her outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments. As a Presidential Scholar and member of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, Lockhart is fully engaged in SC States vibrant academic community. She has also joined the Kouture Modeling Troupe, adding to her campus involvement. With an eye on a future in political investigative journalism, Lockhart looks forward to gaining hands-on experience through internships and collaborative projects that will further her skills in editing and multimedia production. Lockharts ambition, dedication, and commitment to both academics and community service make her a valuable addition to the Clyburn Honors College. She exemplifies the values of excellence, leadership, and service that are at the heart of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. People visit a riverside in front of the Lujiazui financial district, during the National People's Congress (NPC) in Shanghai, China, March 7, 2023. Aly Song | Reuters Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Friday, after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points and major U.S. indexes continued their postelection rally. Investors will be watching the final day of China's National People's Congress, which is expected to announce fiscal stimulus to support the world's second-largest economy. Japan's household spending in September declined at a slower pace than expected, official data on Friday showed. Real household spending fell 1.1%, less than the 2.1% decline expected by economists polls by Reuters. Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.3% to 39,500, while the broad-based Topix inched down marginally to close at 2,742.15. South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.14% and finished at 2,561.15, but the small-cap Kosdaq gained 1.34% to 743.38. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index reversed gains to fall 0.95% as of its last hour of trade. Mainland China's CSI 300 was down 1% to close at 4,104.05. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.84% to 8,295.1, marking a third straight day of gains. In this photo illustration, the OpenAI logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen with a photo of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. OpenAI estimates that ChatGPT rejected more than 250,000 requests to generate images of the 2024 U.S. presidential candidates in the lead up to Election Day, the company said in a blog on Friday. The rejections included image-generation requests involving President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President-elect JD Vance, OpenAI said. The rise of generative artificial intelligence has led to concerns about how misinformation created using the technology could affect the numerous elections taking place around the world in 2024. The number of deepfakes has increased 900% year over year, according to data from Clarity, a machine learning firm. Some included videos that were created or paid for by Russians seeking to disrupt the U.S. elections, U.S. intelligence officials say. In a 54-page October report, OpenAI said it had disrupted "more than 20 operations and deceptive networks from around the world that attempted to use our models." The threats ranged from AI-generated website articles to social media posts by fake accounts, the company wrote. None of the election-related operations were able to attract "viral engagement," the report noted. In its Friday blog, OpenAI said it hadn't seen any evidence that covert operations aiming to influence the outcome of the U.S. election using the company's products were able to successfully go viral or build "sustained audiences." Lawmakers have been particularly concerned about misinformation in the age of generative AI, which took off in late 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. Large language models are still new and routinely spit out inaccurate and unreliable information. "Voters categorically should not look to AI chatbots for information about voting or the election there are far too many concerns about accuracy and completeness," Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, told CNBC last week. WATCH: AI likely to be less regulated and more volatile under second Trump presidency Skyscrapers on the skyline in the financial district of Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. European markets closed lower on Friday, as investors digested corporate results and quarter-point interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of England. The pan-European Stoxx 600 ended the session 0.66% lower, with most sectors and major bourses in closing in the red. Mining stocks led the losses, shedding 4.2%, while travel and leisure stocks ticked up 0.8%. The index ended down 0.19% on the week. The losses in Europe come as market participants continue to assess political upheaval in Germany and President-elect Donald Trump's historic victory this week. Germany's DAX index closed 0.8% lower, paring gains from the previous session, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz sacked Finance Minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday evening and appointed his successor on Thursday. The move, which brought a dramatic end to the country's three-way coalition government, raises the possibility of an immediate no-confidence vote and new elections. Scholz has said he does not want to call a vote of confidence before mid-January. Elsewhere, Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Friday. In a highly anticipated announcement, China said the central government would allocate an additional 6 trillion yuan ($840 billion) to local governments to help tackle hidden debt issues. On Wall Street, U.S. stocks broadly ticked up after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite notched fresh records in a post-election rally. Aykut Karahan | Istock | Getty Images A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions. Happy Friday! Buried in the election news this week was new data from drugmakers vying to enter the booming weight loss drug market. Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and biotech company Viking Therapeutics were among the companies that presented encouraging data on their obesity pills and other treatments at the ObesityWeek conference in San Antonio, Texas, in recent days. Wall Street is betting that the new wave of growth in the obesity space will be driven by pills that could offer more convenience and potentially fewer side effects, which could keep patients on the drugs for longer. Analysts expect the weight loss drug market to be worth more than $100 billion by the end of the decade as more treatments emerge and help meet the demand that existing injections from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are still struggling to keep up with. Here's what some of the data on the pills looked like. People who took the highest dose of Viking's daily pill lost an average of 6.8% of their body weight after 28 days when compared to those who received a placebo, according to results from an early-stage study on 92 people. That outperformed investors' expectations of 5% to 6% weight loss when compared to a placebo, William Blair analyst Andy Hsieh said in a note on Monday. That bar was set by an experimental pill from Novo Nordisk that demonstrated 5% weight loss in four weeks, he noted. Hsieh also said Viking's pill showed a "highly benign tolerability profile," referring to how well patients tolerated the drug. Six of nine participants on the highest dose of the drug experienced mild nausea, while just one experienced vomiting. That could potentially be an advantage over existing injections for obesity, which can cause gastrointestinal side effects so uncomfortable that they drive some patients to stop treatment. Still, some analysts questioned whether Viking could capture a large share of the competitive market for weight loss drugs, particularly raising concerns about its ability to manufacture enough of its drugs as a small company. "We're not saying it's impossible for Viking to manufacture, however we think it will be costly with capital requirements and expertise beyond what Lilly and Novo currently have," Deutsche Bank analyst James Shin said in a note on Monday. But Hsieh said he believes Viking offers "a unique set of attractive characteristics in the lens of big pharma." There's already been speculation around the potential for Viking to get bought out by a large pharmaceutical company. Apart from its pill, Viking is developing a weight loss injection and other treatments. The office building of biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is being seen in Shanghai, China, on May 23, 2024. Nurphoto | Getty Images Meanwhile, AstraZeneca said its experimental obesity pill was well-tolerated by patients with Type 2 diabetes in an early study, as it presented data from several studies on three new treatments during the conference. AstraZeneca, after it announced last year it would license the once-daily pill from Chinese drugmaker Eccogene, said it believed the pill could cause fewer side effects than injectable treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Patients with diabetes lost 5.8% of their body weight over four weeks of treatment with AstraZeneca's pill. Some analysts said it was difficult to compare the data to other weight loss drugs since AstraZeneca's study was small and tested on diabetic patients rather than those with obesity. Still, AstraZeneca has said it believes its pill is differentiated from other therapies in development and on the market, particularly given how well it was tolerated by patients. Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com. Here's how Americans voted on abortion access Abortion rights supporters hold placards on the day the Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments over the legality of Idaho's Republican-backed, near-total abortion ban in medical-emergency situations, at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S., April 24, 2024. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Generative AI wasn't part of the lexicon for most of us during President-elect Donald Trump 's first four years in the White House. That all changed in late 2022, when the launch of ChatGPT kicked off an investment boom into artificial intelligence that continues to this day. Now, after Trump this week defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to return to the Oval Office, one of the key questions facing investors is how the businessman-turned-politician will handle the rapid innovation in AI, a key driver of the two-year bull market. Given Trump didn't focus on AI policy during his 2024 campaign, one place to look for answers is his first term in office. Trump did sign an executive order in early 2019 that established the "American AI Initiative" and asked government agencies to place a greater focus on AI research, among other things. The impact of that directive, which critics at the time said lacked specifics, is still unclear nearly six years later. What is clear now, though, is AI isn't going anywhere, and people currently in Trump's orbit have ties to the field. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who spent millions to help elect Trump and campaigned alongside him, was an early backer of ChatGPT-creator OpenAI. More recently, he founded a startup called xAI and has touted the technology's promise and possible pitfalls . Vice President-elect JD Vance spent a few years working in venture capital and, as a Republican senator from Ohio, has been critical of Big Tech. During a Senate hearing in July , Vance criticized what he called "preemptive overregulation attempts" of AI that could stifle innovation and favor incumbents in the industry. For starters, Trump appears likely to take an axe to one set of rules: President Joe Biden's own executive order on AI . Signed in October 2023, it created new safety and security standards while also requiring research on AI's impact on the labor market. It also included equity and civil rights guidance. The Republican Party's official platform, published ahead of its nominating convention, includes a pledge to repeal Biden's order. "In its place, Republicans support AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing," the GOP platform stated. At a high level, generative AI is a cutting-edge form of technology that will shape the next decade and beyond. While the AI field has been around for decades, generative AI applications can create new content, including computer code, human-like text and images, in response to user prompts. Those that lead in generative AI will very likely shape the world as we know it. At the same time, any technology that consequential must be considered an issue of national security. The 5G infrastructure buildout during Trump's first term checks a lot of those same boxes. With 5G, Trump didn't just hope the U.S. could just fun faster than everyone else. He also looked for ways to hold back our enemies and "frenemies." "Secure 5G networks will absolutely be a vital link to America's prosperity and national security in the 21st century," Trump said in April 2019 at a White House event, during which his administration announced several initiatives around 5G network growth . "We cannot allow any other country to out-compete the United States in this powerful industry of the future. ... The race to 5G is a race America must win, and it's a race, frankly, that our great companies are now involved in. We've given them the incentive they need. It's a race that we will win." That same line of thinking applies today just replace "5G" with "AI." And, just like with 5G, China remains a big threat and competitor to U.S. ambitions. The first Trump administration aided the U.S. private sector in its efforts to build out 5G infrastructure, taking steps that included spectrum offerings and support for the T-Mobile and Sprint merger on the basis that the tie-up would speed up 5G deployments. We would bet that same approach applies to AI, except that Verizon , AT & T and their suppliers are not the key players. Instead, the support may go toward U.S. companies such as Club holdings Nvidia , Amazon , Meta Platforms , Microsoft , Alphabet , and a plethora of others driving the innovation. A number of prominent tech leaders , including OpenAI's Sam Altman and Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, took to social media to congratulate Trump this week. At the same time, Trump may try to limit Chinese companies' capabilities in AI. In the 5G race, that meant putting restrictions on telecommunications equipment makers like ZTE and Huawei. In the AI race, it may not be as much about physical infrastructure entering the U.S., but about keeping or modifying the Biden administration's restrictions on U.S. semiconductor companies exporting chips and chipmaking equipment to China, analysts at Deutsche Bank said in a note to clients Thursday. The firm suggested Trump may even strengthen those chip export rules, "supercharged by blanket tariffs." We may also see more pressure put on companies to further develop a U.S. based semiconductor supply chain. The playbook would be to support U.S. innovation on generative AI while at the same time doing what he can to hold back those looking to take the country's AI lead without risking too harsh of a response, just as he did with 5G. Trump has argued his tough stance on China is not about crushing the competition, so much as it's about ensuring a fair playing field. Of course, the people Trump has around him this time are different, as is the technology in question. The stakes are also much higher. So, it won't be exactly the same but his approach to 5G does give us some frame of reference. Tensions over Taiwan Looming over all discussions around U.S. competitiveness in the AI race and geopolitics is Taiwan, the democratically governed island in the South China Sea that Beijing claims as its own. Taiwan plays a critical role in the global electronics supply chain, with the vast majority of the world's most-advanced semiconductors made on the island. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company the $1 trillion maker of chips for Nvidia, Apple and many other firms figures prominently in that picture. Washington has for decades maintained a position of "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan. Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. has long been a major supplier of weapons to Taiwan, though, in more recent years, the government has gone further and made military aid packages available to the island. It comes as China has been more aggressive in its posture toward Taiwan, conducting military drills in nearby waters on numerous occasions. Trump has talked tough on Taiwan in the past, saying in an interview this summer that "Taiwan should pay us for defense." He also said, "You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything." If we've learned anything about Trump, he likes to come out swinging, but he ultimately sees himself as a businessman and a dealmaker who can drive a hard bargain. We're likely seeing that dynamic at play with his tariff proposal of at least 60% on Chinese imports. "President-elect Trump is not blind to what could hurt us," Jim Cramer said Friday. "I know that there's a sense that what this president-elect wants is hardline and ideological. I'm saying it's a deal that has to be made. That's his position: 60%, and then you work it down. It's 'The Art of the Deal,' " Jim said, referring to Trump's co-written 1987 book of the same name. It is not in the best interest of Trump, or the U.S., to actually cede control of Taiwan to China, especially not now because the U.S. lacks its own AI manufacturing infrastructure. Whether we like it or not, the U.S. may well have the best semiconductor design companies on the planet, but those companies need the factories in Taiwan to produce the actual physical chips. The Biden administration's CHIPS Act is providing billions to companies, including TSMC and Intel, to build advanced chipmaking factories in the U.S., reducing reliance on Taiwan, but they're not ready for prime time yet. Bottom line Trump's approach to AI carries significant implications for investors with major exposure to the theme, which includes us at the Club. In addition to the aforementioned major tech giants, we own companies such as electrical equipment supplier Eaton in large part due to their AI-beneficiary status. Our hope is Trump will, for the most part, be pragmatic in his approach to AI. We also recognize that he may take a tough stance at times, as he did with 5G. Generative AI, including the advanced chips that provide the processing power to enable it, is more than just the most consequential technological advancement of our time. It also poses massive security risks if it falls into the wrong hands or disrupts the U.S.'s position as the world's largest economy and leading global superpower. We fully expect AI innovation to advance under Trump's second administration, perhaps at an even faster pace. However, it probably won't always be smooth sailing as Trump looks to not only drive U.S. innovation but also looks for ways to slow down our competitors on the global stage, without eliciting a response from China that sparks something much more serious than some "friendly" but tough competition. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust portfolio.) 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. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage following early results from the 2024 U.S. presidential election in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. Callaghan O'hare | Reuters Satellite image showing Hurricane Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico on Nov. 8th, 2024. Source: NOAA Rafael was moving west across the Gulf of Mexico Friday morning as the first major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in November for almost 40 years, bringing the threat of life-threatening conditions to the southern United States coastline. Forecasters said the storm could cause dangerous surf and rip-tides across the whole Gulf region in the coming days, after causing havoc in Cuba where millions are still without power. As of 4 a.m. ET Rafael was 585 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande with sustained wind speeds of 120 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane, moving west at a rate of 9 mph, the National Hurricane Center said. A man walks in a flooded street a day after Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Batabano, Cuba, November 7, 2024. Norlys Perez | Reuters Rafael is now tied with Hurricane Kate in 1985 as the strongest storms recorded in the Gulf. The storm is expected to weaken throughout the weekend, but it could still produce tropical storm-force winds which is between 39 and 73 mph up to 115 miles from its center. Cuba's president, Miguel Diaz-Cane, on Thursday visited areas hit by the storm and spoke to a team working to fix six electricity towers that were knocked down by winds of 115 mph earlier this week. The country's entire power network collapsed, the state-run operator UNE said, plunging the nation's 10 million people into darkness the second full blackout on the island in the last month with many areas still unconnected. More than 283,000 people were evacuated, 98,300 from the capital, authorities said. Firefighters check debris from a house during a blackout after Hurricane Rafael knocked out the country's electrical grid, in Havana, Cuba November 7, 2024. Norlys Perez | Reuters The capital Havana, with 2 million people living in densely packed and largely old buildings, is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. Desperate locals made their way to hotels with their own generators in search of scarce power. More from NBC News: Drought plagues majority of Northeast as dry, windy weather raises fire risk Why Europe's far-right is so happy Trump won Thousands told to evacuate as fast-moving Mountain Fire explodes in Southern California "It is the second time that we have to live through all that has happened: the weather and the problems with the energy grid of the country," local resident Mario de la Rosa Negrin told the Associated Press. "The hotel offered, in solidarity, the power from their power plants to the neighbors so that people could charge their mobile phones and their lamps." Rafael is the 17th named storm of the hurricane season. It is only the sixth hurricane to be recorded in the Gulf of Mexico in November and the third to be rated Category 2 or higher. The others were Ida in 2009, a Cate An Iranian man picks up a newspaper with an image of the U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, published on its front page in downtown Tehran, Iran, on November 7, 2024. The Department of Justice on Friday charged an Iranian man and two New York residents in murder-for-hire plots targeting then-candidate Donald Trump and others. Iran's government directed these actors to "target our citizens, including President-elect Trump, on U.S. soil and abroad," Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a news release. The department said the plot was part of Iran's efforts to exact revenge for the death of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani during the Trump administration. The three who were charged are Farhad Shakeri of Iran; Carlisle Rivera of Brooklyn, New York; and Jonathan Loadholt, of Staten Island, New York. According to the criminal complaint, an official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a military and counterintelligence agency designated as a terrorist organization by the first Trump administration, told Shakeri in mid-to-late September to focus on surveilling and assassinating Trump. Shakeri told the Iranian official that it would "cost a 'huge' amount of money," the complaint alleges, adding that he understood that Iran was "willing to continue spending a lot of money in its attempt" to have Trump killed. Around Oct. 7, the Iranian official tasked Shakeri with providing a plan within seven days to kill Trump, he told law enforcement in recorded interviews, the complaint says. The Iranian official warned Shakeri that if he was unable to offer an assassination plot by the deadline, then the IRGC would "pause its plan to kill [Trump] until after the U.S. presidential elections" because the official assessed that Trump would "lose the election and, afterward, it would be easier to assassinate [Trump]," the complaint alleges. Shakeri told FBI officials that he didn't intend to propose a plan to assassinate Trump in the timeframe set by the IRGC, it says. Shakeri was also directed to surveil and murder two Jewish Americans living in New York City and target Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Shakeri spoke to federal agents five times since the end of September, including the day after he was tasked with killing Trump. Shakeri was allegedly trying to curry favor with federal investigators to help get a sentence reduction for a person currently in prison in the United States. Trump communications director Steven Cheung said Friday that the president-elect is aware of the attempted assassination plot. "Nothing will deter President Trump from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world," he said. Prosecutors allege Shakeri is "an IRGC asset" living in Tehran and is an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. as a child. Around 2008, he was deported from the U.S. after serving about 14 years in New York State prisons following a robbery conviction in 1994. They said Rivera was arrested in Brooklyn and Loadholt in Staten Island on Thursday. Prosecutors allege they were recruited as part of a criminal network to kill an American journalist known to be a strong critic of the Iranian regime and its human rights abuses. Journalist Masih Alinejad identified herself to NBC News as the person who was targeted. For some workers, the decision to stay home when sneezing and coughing will no longer mean forgoing a day's pay. In Tuesday's election, ballot measures passed in three red states Alaska, Missouri and Nebraska that would require employers to provide earned paid sick leave for employees, with certain exceptions. This follows a similar trend in states across the U.S. though to date in mostly liberal-leaning states that have already passed laws requiring private employers to provide some form of paid sick leave to eligible employees. More than two dozen municipalities across the U.S. have adopted similar provisions. The issue has a long history of support from the progressive wing in U.S. politics. In fact, in a scathing statement on Democratic losses in the election, Vermont's independent Senator Bernie Sanders specifically cited paid family and medical leave among the issues where Democrats had failed to capitalize on issues that reach millions of voters who feel "pain and political alienation." One of the key takeaways from these election results was that the votes of more working-class Americans are up for grabs and core economic and worker issues resonated. Minimum wage increases also passed in Alaska and Missouri. The Economic Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, noted in an election recap: "Voters given the opportunity to weigh in directly on questions of economic justice showed policy preferences far more progressive than those reflected in many national and state election outcomes." "I would not be surprised to see more states move in this direction," said Tom Spiggle, an employment law attorney and founder of the Spiggle Law Firm about momentum for paid sick leave laws. Here's what workers need to know about the changing landscape: There is no federal requirement for paid sick leave On the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks per year of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. However, no federal law generally requires private employers to provide paid leave to employees needing time off to care for their own medical needs or a family member's. That's where state laws come in. The sick leave policies that states and municipalities have enacted are meant to allow workers to recover from an illness or care for a sick family member for a short time. Missouri's new law, for example, says that employers with 15 or more employees may limit an employee's use of paid sick leave to 56 hours per year. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees may impose a 40-hour per year limit. State-based paid sick leave policies aren't meant for a very ill family member who is going to require round-the-clock care; they are generally for one-off times when you are sick or have to take someone to the doctor, said Jill Kahn Marshall, partner at Reavis Page Jump. State and local requirements on use of paid sick time off vary Caroline Donelan, partner at Blank Rome, said paid sick time laws are different across states and municipalities in ways such as accruals, carryover days and permitted uses of the paid time off, which can make it challenging for employers and employees. While most policies can be used for an employee's illness or an employee's family member, how a family member is defined can differ by location and state, Donelan said. In some states, you can use it for purposes beyond sickness. In Colorado, for instance, workers could use their paid sick leave if a child's school is closed due to inclement weather, she said. Many paid sick leave laws also include "safe time" or "safe leave" provisions, according to HR and payroll firm Paycor. These provide paid sick leave benefits to workers impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Employees may be permitted to use their days for medical care, or to attend court proceedings, move, or go to counseling appointments, for example. "It's another area where employers are facing multiple local and state requirements. For better or for worse, it seems like the federal government is continuing to let this be a state issue," Donelan said. Private employers may have more generous policies Some of the measures that require employers to offer employees paid sick time off have their roots in the pandemic, during which the federal government passed an emergency measure to allow people to take paid time off, Kahn Marshall said. While states have taken up the issue, many private employees have even more generous sick leave policies. Since the pandemic there has been a "more general recognition that people get sick and their family members get sick and they deserve to be paid under those circumstances, up to a reasonable point," she said. Momentum for a federal law could come from the states More states are taking up these measures because of the understanding that "healthy, happy employees are good for the bottom line," said Robert B. Hinckley Jr., a shareholder in the law firm Buchalter. But it's possible the federal government could decide to swoop in for more uniformity. There has been legislation floated that calls for a federal policy on paid sick time off, which could have value for companies that operate in multiple states. Thus far, however, it hasn't advanced. "It could create a consistency that could be helpful for employees and employers," Hinckley said. "There is political momentum at the state level. The question is does that create momentum for a federal law? Oftentimes, federal laws follow; they don't lead." States with mandatory paid sick leave Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Source: Paycor (Note: In addition to many cities around the U.S., Washington, D.C., though not a state, also has a paid sick leave policy comparable to many states.) What's next for employees in states with new laws People who live in states where laws on paid sick time are changing due to ballot initiatives should ask their employers how and if the new laws apply to them. There are restrictions, for example, for certain types and sizes of businesses. Generally speaking, people who are eligible for paid sick time off should exhaust their state or employer's private sick paid leave first. If they require more days, they might be eligible for unpaid leave under FMLA, Kahn Marshall said. Employees who need to use more sick days than they are paid for should talk to their employer about what the options may be for unpaid time off. Other types of paid leave policies To be sure, some states also have other types of paid leave policies, such as paid family leave. Generally, those policies are meant to cover longer periods. New York, for example, offers certain workers 12 weeks of paid time off under its family leave policy. Starting on Jan. 1, pregnant workers in New York may also have additional paid time off available to them for doctors' appointments, procedures or other prenatal care. These types of policies are also state-specific. As of the end of August, 13 states and the District of Columbia had enacted mandatory paid family leave systems, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a not-for-profit organization that helps policymakers craft bipartisan solutions. An additional nine states have voluntary systems that provide paid family leave through private insurance, Bipartisan Policy Center data show. This, too, could be an issue that's taken up by the incoming administration. In Trump's first presidency, Ivanka Trump was a strong proponent of a federal paid family leave program. "It is a popular program both within Republican and Democratic circles," Spiggle said. It's still uncertain what Donald Trump's second presidency will look like, but his first administration was highly responsive to business issues with a set way of operating, top German business executive Joe Kaeser told CNBC. "If I personally, for my company at the time, had an issue to resolve, his administration was extremely receptive," the chairman of the supervisory board of Siemens Energy said in an interview with CNBC's Annette Weisbach on Thursday. Kaeser was Siemens' CEO throughout President-elect Trump's first term. Trump did "a lot of things which helped the economy" during his first four years in office, Kaeser said, noting that he believed the president-elect's tax cuts at the time were a positive. Trump introduced a slew of tax changes, including lower federal income tax brackets and bigger standard deductions as well as changes to child tax credits, estate and gift tax exemptions and a deduction for pass-through businesses. One study done at the time, however, showed that the Trump tax cuts, which were implemented in 2017, only had a limited contribution to the strong U.S. growth the following year. Taxes are again set to be top of the agenda for Trump as he takes office for the second time, alongside other economic policy plans, such as steep tariffs on imports and deregulation. Analysts have said that while it is tricky to determine how many of his proposals will be implemented, some of them could have global repercussions and impact countries and businesses. Speaking to CNBC from New York, Kaeser said that Trump had "his way of doing things" but that he could "actually pretty much predict what happens and what doesn't happen, and so therefore that was actually a relatively easy way of understanding what needs to be done for the companies and the countries." The Japanese tech giant revised its fiscal 2025 revenue target up slightly to 12.7 trillion yen. It previously targeted 12.6 trillion yen in sales. Sony also expects full-year operating profit of 1.3 trillion yen, in line with its previous forecast. Here's how the company did in the September quarter, versus LSEG consensus estimates: Sony raised sales guidance for the full year on Friday and posted operating profit that smashed analyst expectations after a strong quarter for its gaming business. That came as Sony saw strength in its game and network services division, which houses its popular PlayStation home console brand. Game and network services revenue at the company came in at 1 trillion yen, up 12% year over year. Sony's gaming division has held up well thanks to a shift to digital game purchases and the PlayStation Plus subscription service. However, hardware shipments have proven lackluster amid a weak console market beset by a lack of hyped-up triple-A games. Analysts expect things to improve next year for the gaming sector, though not least thanks to the anticipated launch of a next-generation Nintendo Switch model and the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. Sony said it sold 3.8 million PlayStation 5 units in the September quarter, down 22% year over year. Still, the firm saw a 28% jump in game software sales for the three-month period, to 612.3 billion yen. Astro Bot, a new platformer title released for PS5 in September, sold 1.5 million units in its first 58 days. On Thursday, Sony launched its upgraded PlayStation 5 Pro console, touting a better graphics card allowing for faster gameplay rendering and new artificial intelligence capabilities to upscale graphics with sharper image clarity. Analysts hope that the launch will boost interest in the PS5 with a souped-up piece of hardware ready for release of GTA VI, one of this decade's most hotly anticipated games. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that operating income jumped 73% year over year in the September quarter. Sony raised sales guidance for the full year on Friday. An earlier version misstated the day. Sony's operating profit was 455.1 billion yen. An earlier version misstated the figure. Game and network services revenue rose 12% year over year. An earlier version misstated the percentage. Theobald Theo Lengyel, a former member of the band Mr. Bungle, was sentenced Thursday in Santa Cruz Superior Court for the December 2023 death of his girlfriend, Alice Alyx Herrmann. El Cerrito Police Department A Bay Area rocker convicted of murdering his girlfriend and burying her in a Berkeley park has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Santa Cruz Superior Court Judge Nancy de la Pena sentenced Theobald Theo Lengyel, a former member of the band Mr. Bungle, on Thursday for the December 2023 death of his girlfriend, Alice Alyx Herrmann, in Capitola. Lengyel, 54, was convicted of first-degree murder after a six-week trial, after a single day of jury deliberation, in October. His attorney, Annrae Angel, told Lookout Santa Cruz that she would be filing a notice of appeal on his behalf. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the sentencing, Lengyel briefly addressed the court, apologizing for his actions and describing Herrmanns death as a tragedy with no silver lining, according to Lookout Santa Cruz. Theres nothing I can say that will make any difference, I am sorry, Lengyel said. Theres no way to make up for the light that she would have shone in the future. Lengyel was found guilty of strangling Herrmann, 61, and burying her body in Berkeleys Tilden Park. Prosecutors presented a chilling three-hour audio recording from Herrmanns phone, which captured the couples final moments together. In the recording, Lengyel becomes enraged after Herrmann declines his invitation to go out. He allegedly threatened to kill her dog and later told her, Youre gonna fing die right now. Are you ready? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Herrmann reportedly pleaded for her life, gasping and saying stop it 43 times as she was strangled. Lengyels defense attorney acknowledged that he killed Herrmann but argued against the charge of first-degree murder, claiming the killing was not premeditated but the result of provocation. However, prosecutors presented evidence showing Lengyels malicious intent, including a recorded threat where he allegedly said, How do you want to die? How about I choke you to death? Testimonies from Lengyels ex-wife and others highlighted a history of violent behavior, while Herrmanns family and friends remembered her as a vibrant, accomplished woman an athlete, musician, neuroscientist, mother and tae kwon do black belt. Herrmann had been missing since Dec. 3, 2023, and was later found dead in Tilden Park. Her car was discovered outside Lengyels home, leading investigators to the location of her body. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lengyel had been in a relationship with Herrmann since 2017. At his sentencing on Thursday, the courtroom was filled with members of Herrmanns canoeing group, her family and others, many of whom were visibly emotional, Lookout reported. Several people gave victim impact statements, including Theresa Mulder, a member of Outrigger Santa Cruz. We sat on those benches and heard him torture her, we heard him taunt her, we heard her take her last breath, Mulder said. We heard a cruel and vicious betrayal of trust. She recorded that evening for a reason. She wanted to be heard, and so we listened. Herrmanns daughter, Dorothy, told the courtroom that no sentence could sufficiently compensate for the loss of her mother. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She cannot be brought back to life, she said. The unique memories and thoughts that she had cannot be retrieved. Restitution is impossible, and anything that can be done to the defendant that would in any way right the scales of justice in my eyes offers me no solace. After delivering the sentence, de la Pena acknowledged that it may not bring closure to Herrmanns loved ones: There is no justice in a case like this, but the court can impose the sentence, and thats the sentence that this court imposes. Lengyel, who co-founded Mr. Bungle with Mike Patton of Faith No More in 1985 and later worked in financial technology, will serve at least 25 years before being eligible for parole. He received credit for 311 days served. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that he is extending the California Highway Patrols special assistance in Oakland through the end of the year. Chris Carlson/Associated Press Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that he is extending the California Highway Patrols special assistance in Oakland through the end of the year as the East Bay continues to grapple with high levels of crime. The operation was previously scheduled to end this week. Newsom also said that attorneys with the states National Guard will continue prosecuting certain cases in Alameda County an action Newsom directed in February after District Attorney Pamela Price failed to utilize previously offered state support. Read also: Newsom to continue CHP efforts in the East Bay as he touts progress on retail theft Advertisement Article continues below this ad Price was subject to a recall vote Tuesday and unofficial results show she is on track to be ousted from office. California will continue to support East Bay local law enforcement in their efforts to address crime and lawlessness in the region, Newsom said.During these leadership transitions, Oakland families should feel secure knowing that the state will help maintain public safety and help keep their communities secure. The governors office touted the CHP operation as a success thus far, saying it has resulted in the arrest of nearly 1,200 suspects, the recovery of more than 2,200 stolen cars and the seizure of 124 illegal guns. Newsoms office said the governors administration will work with the city on policy changes to improve public safety. Our commitment to supporting our law enforcement partners in Oakland and the communities we serve is unwavering, said a statement Thursday from CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. Through this ongoing operation, were ensuring a safer environment and demonstrating the power of collaboration. Together, we can make a lasting impact and reinforce the trust and security that every community deserves. Newsom began increasing CHP officer presence in Oakland in February due to concerns about a ballooning crime rate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Unlike most communities in California, crime spiked considerably in Alameda County last year, the governors office said, citing data from the California Department of Justice. Alameda County had the highest homicide, violent crime, and property crime rates of Californias 10 largest counties in 2023. In July, Newsom continued to ramp up the operation, increasing CHP officer shifts in Oakland from 42 per week to 162, the Chronicle previously reported. In 2024, Oakland has seen a dramatic fall in homicides, and early data suggests a significant decrease in burglaries as well. In October, the city did not experience any homicides, a milestone. Through October of this year, the city has recorded 67 homicides, a 35% decrease compared to the same point in time last year. Microsoft Ignite 2024 kicks off in Chicago and runs Nov. 19-22. If you cant make it to Chicago, no worries. First, the physical event is sold out, according to the Ignite event page. Second, its a hybrid event, so you can attend Ignite virtually. Whether youre there physically or online, expect to learn more about the latest technologies from Microsoft everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to cloud computing, security, productivity tools, and more In the keynote address, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Microsoft leaders including Charlie Bell, executive vice president of Microsoft Security, and Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Microsoft Cloud + AI Group will share how the company is creating new opportunities across its platforms in this rapidly evolving era of AI. You can also network with industry experts and Microsofts team, IT leaders, and other tech enthusiasts; gain hands-on experience and learn from experts at technical sessions; and learn about new products and services. (Microsoft often announces new products and features at Ignite.) Darian L. Hernandez, 25, was declared dead at California State Prison Solano after being found unresponsive in his cell on Wednesday night. His death is being investigated as a homicide, officials said. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation An incarcerated mans death at California State Prison Solano on Wednesday is being investigated as a homicide, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials said. Officers at the prison in Vacaville found Darian L. Hernandez, 25, unresponsive in his cell while conducting security checks, according to the CDCR. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures, but he was declared dead by medics at 8:52 p.m. Jonathan M. Perez, 23, who shared a cell with Hernandez, was transferred to restricted housing while the prisons investigative service unit and the Solano County District Attorneys Office investigates Hernandezs death, officials said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Solano County Coroners Office will determine how Hernandez died, officials said. Hernandez arrived at the Solano prison in February 2018, to serve a 12-year sentence for a conviction of assault with force likely to cause bodily injury during a street gang act, carrying a loaded firearm in public with a prior felony conviction, and assault with a firearm conspiracy as a part of a street gang act in commission of serious felony. In May 2021, he was sentenced to an additional four years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to to inflict great bodily injury during an incident at the prison, officials said. Perez arrived at the Solano prison in January 2021, and is serving a 15-year sentence for assault with a semiautomatic weapon and the use of a firearm to inflict great bodily injury, according to officials. Alameda County has long struggled with slow election returns. This year lagging vote counts are holding up local government and leaving millions of citizens in the dark over crucial contests. Michael Maloney/The Chronicle Alameda County officials and voters are expressing frustration at the registrars slow counting of hundreds of thousands of votes in a historic election that included recall efforts for the district attorney and the Oakland mayor leaving local government in limbo at a crucial time. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters released an update Thursday evening that included only about 4,000 more votes than Wednesdays release for the recall effort against District Attorney Pamela Price and fewer than 200 additional votes counted in the recall against Mayor Sheng Thao. Tim Dupuis, the registrar, said about 460,000 ballots remain to be counted for Alameda County, meaning that election officials had tabulated less than 30% of the ballots almost two days after the polls closed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Price and Thao appear to be headed toward recall, but due to the slow counting neither of their races could be called. Alameda County has one of the slowest counting rates in the country, according to estimates from the Associated Press on turnout for the presidential race, which are generally close to total turnout for a county. On average, counties in California had counted about 56% of all votes as of Thursday. No other county in the state with more than 500,000 people comes close to the lag in Alamedas results, although three smaller counties, Nevada, Lake and Shasta, had not counted as many votes on a percentage basis. San Francisco County, which also uses ranked-choice voting in some races, had counted 56% of votes by Thursday, according to the APs estimates. Dupuis told the Chronicle by email Friday that he expects another drop of results to occur by 6 p.m. He said it takes time to stage all the votes that we received on election night for processing. As we ramp up, our updates will have a larger number of votes, Dupuis said, adding that it will likely take a few weeks to get through the majority of the votes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dupuis said the staff will be working throughout the weekend and on Veterans Day on Monday to process as many votes as possible. He asked for patience as the registrar processes a very large number of mail ballots that were turned in on Election Day. To boost transparency amid nationwide concerns over election integrity, the registrar is also releasing for the first time this year more detailed records on votes cast. But the complex new data requirements could further slow its reporting. Alameda County has one of the slowest counting rates in the country, according to estimates from the Associated Press. No other county in California with more than 500,000 people comes close to the lag in Alamedas results. Darryl Bush/The Chronicle Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson released a statement late Thursday saying he had heard from constituents expressing dismay and anger regarding the small number of votes that have been counted. I share your dismay, Carson said, adding that he established an election commission in 2023 to require that the registrar release vast vote tallies every night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carson said he asked Dupuis months ago whether he had enough staff and resources to handle the November elections and Dupuis responded yes. Unfortunately, that appears not to be the case, Carson said. While there isnt anything that can be done immediately to expedite the current process, rest assured that I will continue to push for increased transparency and for information to be immediately shared with the residents of Alameda County, and beyond. The registrar came under scrutiny in 2022 after taking two weeks to release enough results to call the Oakland mayors race for Thao. Then in January 2023, the registrar announced that a programming error led to a miscount across all ranked-choice contests and caused the wrong winner to be declared in an Oakland school board race. The error resulted in the creation of an election commission amid intense scrutiny and criticism from voters. Androxgh0st, a botnet known to steal cloud credentials and exploit vulnerabilities in web frameworks and servers, is now also targeting IoT devices such as home routers, security firm CloudSEK said in a new report. It seems that some of the IoT exploits have been borrowed from a Chinese botnet dubbed Mozi that was believed to be defunct. Since January, when Androxgh0st was the subject of a joint FBI and CISA advisory, the botnet operators appear to have integrated exploits for additional vulnerabilities aside from the IoT ones. The technologies targeted now include Cisco ASA, Atlassian JIRA, Metabase GeoJSON, Oracle EBS and Sophos Firewall. Leon & Son Wine and Spirits, 995 Fulton St., Clinton Hill; 347-689-9253; leonandsonwine.com This Brooklyn shop carries hard-to-find bottles from regions like Japan and Mexico and liqueurs from small producers as close as upstate New York and as far as the Maritime Alps. Thats why wine writer Anna Lee Iijima goes out of her way to shop here. Its a deeply thoughtful place to peruse. Theres this sense that youre being let in on a treasure trove of secrets, but in a non-chaotic, curated way that makes it easy to spend a lot of money, she says. The store is a favorite of food content creator Emerald Chan, who first stopped in while looking for a wine to go with the branzino she was cooking. I came in during a wine tasting, and I was introduced to the perfect crisp white wine. Now I try to make as many tastings as I can, she says. Joe Campanale, a co-owner of Brooklyn restaurants Fausto, LaLou, and Bar Vinazo, says if hes heading to any kind of gathering in the neighborhood, he pops in to the shop for an unusual bottle to gift, like a Tuscan red from Le Boncie ($40). 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. Jackie Fielder has won the race to replace District 9 Supervisor Hilary Ronen. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Jackie Fielder is set to be the next supervisor for District 9, but whether she becomes the lone democratic socialist on the Board of Supervisors depends on whether Dean Preston can eke out a win in his contentious reelection bid. Fielder will take over as supervisor from termed-out progressive Hillary Ronen to represent one of San Franciscos most progressive districts, which includes the Mission District, Bernal Heights and the Portola. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Should Preston win his reelection bid in District 5, the board would have two socialists for the first time in its history. As of Thursday, his race against his main challenger, moderate Bilal Mahmood, was too close to call. In an interview with the Chronicle, Fielder said shes proud of her grassroots campaign that brought together service workers, techies, teachers, nurses, small business owners and community organizers. We built a movement that is the complete antithesis of what were seeing at the national level, Fielder said about Republicans taking back the White House, the Senate and likely the House of Representatives. Fielder beat Trevor Chandler, a moderate, with 57.6% to his 42.4% of the vote. Chandler had hoped to capitalize on discontent in the district over rampant homelessness, drug dealing and illegal vending, which were key issues during the race. Chandler raised more than $420,000 for his campaign and also was aided by a third-party political action committee, Families for a Vibrant San Francisco, that spent nearly $55,000 to support him. The Coalition to Grow San Francisco also spent $55,000 to support him and TogetherSF Action threw in $1,000. Fielder raised about $474,000 with Building a Working San Francisco, an independent committee sponsored by labor organizations, spending over $54,000. Victories by both Fielder and Preston could mean that progressive voters in the deepest blue sections of San Francisco are turning further left amid a moderate surge that elected wealthy nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie mayor. Fielder previously ran for the state Senate in 2020 against Scott Wiener and got 42.9% of the vote. Shes a former educator at San Francisco State University and co-founded the San Francisco Public Bank Coalition. But Fielders tenure on the board could be bumpy. Like Preston, she is not shy about picking a fight, and both have won friends and enemies for their left-wing views and at times combative approach to city politics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fielder may become a target of moderates and conservatives, as Preston has, because she supports police reform, a public bank, expanding tenants rights, taxing the citys wealthiest residents and prioritizing affordable housing over market-rate projects. Fielder endorsed Lurie as her second choice after Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, so shell likely have a working relationship with the mayor. By contrast Preston had an at times adversarial relationship with Mayor London Breed. Fielder is also likely to face the same criticisms lobbed at Preston by Elon Musk, Garry Tan and other tech moguls. Fielder said as a democratic socialist, her focus is on making sure the government isnt corrupted by right-wing billionaires and that safety, homelessness and housing are addressed. In her first hundred days, Fielder said the most urgent need is to come up with a plan to protect undocumented immigrants in San Francisco who could face mass deportations after Donald Trump takes office in January. She said other priorities include cleaning up the often-crowded Mission BART plazas which are rife with open-air drug dealing and illegal vending and making them more accessible. She also wants to focus on street safety and traffic calming measures, repairing potholes, improving the Mission branch library and working with the school district during the temporary relocation of the Horace Mann school when its under construction. She told the Chronicle she intends to bring Sasha Gaona, her campaign manager, with her to City Hall. Supervisors can hire four aides. Fielder is likely to form part of a progressive coalition that could try to check the mayor. She said shes looking forward to another Preston term and praised his work on universal right to counsel for tenants, a higher real estate transfer tax and social housing. Hes always been the first to support me in any of my endeavors, and Im forever grateful for him to do that, she said. Ronen told the Chronicle that given another Trump presidency, Fielders leadership is especially important. Im glad well have someone who so clearly cares deeply for the most unfortunate among us and will fight to keep them safe and for the values that weve held so dear, Ronen said. Jackie is a fighter, which is why I support her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chandler told the Chronicle in an interview Wednesday that he had expected to be behind in early results but that the gap would close as many of his supporters voted late. Chandler said he has serious concerns about Fielder as a supervisor. She will not focus on the quality of life issues facing District 9 residents and will focus on more ideological toxicity, Chandler said. Daniel Lurie, San Franciscos next mayor, and wife Becca Prowda rally at his election night watch party at the Chapel nightclub. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Incumbent San Francisco Mayor London Breed concedes the election to challenger Daniel Lurie during a news conference at City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 07, 2024. Lurie, a philanthropist and an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is projected to win the S.F. mayoral race. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Daniel Lurie has been elected mayor of San Francisco, denying London Breed another term after arguing that her flawed leadership caused the city to struggle since the pandemic devastated its downtown and exacerbated the drug crisis, homelessness and public concerns about crime. The victory in Tuesdays race capped a stunning and rapid political ascent for Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune who founded a successful charity, Tipping Point Community, about two decades ago, but was not widely known when he began his mayoral bid last September. Lurie will be the first San Francisco mayor in more than a century to have never served in government before his election. He saw that as a sign of strength as he campaigned on a promise to bring change to City Hall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the ranked choice voting system, Lurie had 56.2% support to Breeds 43.8% as of late Thursday afternoon. San Francisco still has tens of thousands more votes to count. Lurie won by pouring millions of dollars of his own money into his campaign the main reason the race was the most expensive in modern San Francisco history and consistently telling voters that the city had been let down by an ineffective group of City Hall insiders that included Breed and the other leading contenders in the race. In a statement Thursday, Lurie said he was deeply grateful to his family, campaign staff and every San Franciscan who voted for accountability, service, and change. No matter who you supported in this election, we stand united in the fight for San Franciscos future and a safer and more affordable city for all, Lurie said. Breed conceded in a social media statement Thursday, saying she had called Lurie to congratulate him on his victory. San Francisco Chronicle Breed conceded in a social media statement Thursday, saying she had called Lurie to congratulate him on his victory. She said that being mayor had been the greatest honor of my lifetime and she was beyond grateful to our residents for the opportunity to serve the City that raised me. Breed grew up in public housing in the city and was the first Black woman to serve as mayor. My team and I stand ready to support (Lurie) during his transition, Breed later told reporters in her office at City Hall. We will always do everything we can to ensure the success of this city and that there is a smooth transition so that the important work that has been done and needs to continue in San Francisco moves forward. Breed said that being mayor was a real gift. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Being Mayor of San Francisco has been the greatest honor of my lifetime. Im beyond grateful to our residents for the opportunity to serve the City that raised me. When I first took office in the middle of the night, back in 2017 when Mayor Ed Lee passed, I didnt know what lay pic.twitter.com/g8IoLTh2wj London Breed (@LondonBreed) November 8, 2024 As he campaigned against Breed, Luries message was amplified by a political action committee that spent heavily on his behalf, financed in part by Luries wealthy mother, Mimi Haas. Taken together, Lurie and the PAC raised more than Breed and the other top candidates combined. A moderate by San Francisco standards, Lurie ran on promises to expand police staffing, build more homeless shelter beds, shut down open-air drug markets and root out corruption in City Hall. His policies did not diverge sharply from those of Breed, who is also a moderate. But Lurie said shed failed to manage the city effectively despite having plenty of time to deliver more meaningful results since she was first elected mayor in 2018. Breed campaigned on an optimistic message. She pointed to the citys declining crime reports, a drop in street homelessness, stepped-up arrests of drug dealers and users, and a wave of lively downtown events as evidence that her policies were working. But she was dragged down by widespread discontent with how San Francisco had fared since she won a special election six years ago to finish the term of the late Mayor Ed Lee, who died in office. Polls showed that most voters disapproved of Breeds job performance and felt the city was on the wrong track. While Breed won praise for her swift efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in 2020, public opinion soured as downtown emptied out with the onset of remote work and open-air fentanyl markets proliferated in the Tenderloin and South of Market. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Breeds reelection bid was complicated by the shooting of 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall in Union Square over Labor Day weekend. The incident put a spotlight on concerns about public safety, which voters had said was their most important election issue. Additionally, reporters uncovered broad mismanagement in Breeds signature program, the Dream Keeper Initiative, which has invested millions of dollars of taxpayer funds to support the citys Black community. Beyond criticizing Breed, Luries campaign also spent big to attack Mark Farrell, a former supervisor who was interim mayor for six months in 2018. Lurie and Farrell are both moderates, so they werent far apart on policy, but they repeatedly clashed as they jockeyed to position themselves as Breeds leading challenger. When journalists documented concerns about ethical breaches by Farrell, Lurie and his PAC plastered the headlines on advertisements and direct mail. The Chronicles final poll of the mayors race found that Farrells standing among likely voters had dropped, as had his favorability rating. Farrell and Breed each targeted Lurie, describing him as too inexperienced and trying to buy his way into City Hall. At her election results watch party at a China Basin soul food restaurant Tuesday night, Breed panned the historic amount of money that flowed in the mayors race, led by Luries spending. It has been really one of the most sad and horrible things Ive seen in politics in San Francisco, that someone would take their wealth and just basically buy this office, Breed told reporters. Its really unfortunate and pretty disgusting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asked if she had anything to say to Lurie, Breed said, San Franciscos not for sale. Breed and her campaign repeatedly told voters that Luries lack of governing experience would make him ill prepared in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake. Former fire chief Jeanine Nicholson, a Breed appointee, called Lurie untested, unprepared and unsuited for the job in a San Francisco Examiner opinion piece. By contrast, Breed described herself as a battle-tested leader. At the Chronicle-KQED mayoral debate in September, Breed called Lurie one of the most dangerous people on this stage because he hadnt been a government official before. Breed struck a more conciliatory tone in her remarks to reporters Thursday. The campaign has to be behind us and we need to move forward as a city, Breed said. We can't look backwards. The voters of San Francisco have made their decision. And I ... have always respected the voters and honored the decisions that they made. Like Breed, Farrell argued during the campaign that voters should not allow mayor to be Luries first real job and accused him of using his inherited wealth to launch a toxic smear campaign. But the criticism of Luries professional experience did not broadly resonate with voters. Lurie previously told the Chronicle that he thought his more politically seasoned opponents had all had plenty of time to improve the city but had failed to deliver. Tyler Law, his campaign consultant, said before the election that Luries personal loyalty couldnt be purchased by wealthy donors such as those who backed Farrell. Beets and plums over yogurt at the newly reopened Rasa in Burlingame. Courtesy Kristen Loken Fall was a busy season for restaurant openings on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. Businesses of all kinds opened, from the high-end including a new sushi bar from an acclaimed chef and the revival of a once Michelin-starred Indian restaurant to neighborhood spots devoted to cake and burgers. Read on for more on 12 new Peninsula and South Bay restaurants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Indian fine dining favorite returns More than two years after Rasa closed in Burlingame, the owners have revived the once Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Reena Miglani and Ajay Walia reopened Rasa at its original location in October with dishes like a 2-foot-long dosa with house-churned butter, duck confit biryani and mussels in a tangy broth spiced with rasam powder. In 2022, they turned Rasa into a second location of their more casual restaurant Saffron in San Carlos, in part due to the pressures of earning and maintaining a Michelin star. (Rasa won its first star in 2016 and claims to be Californias first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant.) 209 Park Road, Burlingame. rasaindian.com High-end sushi arrives An acclaimed sushi chef known for his San Francisco omakase restaurant has resurfaced on the Peninsula. Tomonori Nagai, who previously ran Sushi Nagai in San Francisco and worked at Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo, is behind the counter at Nagai Edomae Sushi in Redwood City. The new edomae-style restaurant specializes in preserved sushi using a himuro, a traditional, wooden Japanese ice cellar that sits in the corner of the small dining room. The $270, 18-course menu features seafood from Japans famous Tokyo Fish Market and rice from a private Japanese supplier whose beginnings date back to the Edo period, the restaurants website reads. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2074 Broadway, Redwood City. nagaiedomaesushi.com A charming coffee and cake shop From top left: A pistachio einspanner, Dubai chocolate chip cookie, matcha-yuzu cheesecake and Hokkaido milk cheesecake at Goodthing Coffee in Burlingame. Elena Kadvany/The Chronicle Fluffy Japanese cheesecake and coffee star at Goodthing Coffee, a new Peninsula cafe. Cheesecakes sell out quickly and come in two flavors: a slightly citrusy matcha-yuzu and another made with Hokkaido milk, a prized, rich milk from Japans famed dairy region. The coffee bar features roasters that are harder to find in the U.S., such as Amsterdams Dak and Coffea Circular from Sweden. 341 Primrose Road, Burlingame. instagram.com/goodthing.coffee Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vietnamese specialist arrives SJ Eggrolls in San Jose serves Vietnamese-style egg rolls and other dishes. Courtesy SJ Eggrolls SJ Eggrolls, which as its name suggests specializes in Vietnamese-style egg rolls and other regional fare, is newly open in San Jose. The menu includes meat and shrimp egg rolls wrapped in a lacy, net-like casing, as well as banh khot, which are small, rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp. Husband-and-wife team Binh Nguyen and Tuyet Van Tran started the business as a catering company during the pandemic and soon drew a following for recipes that have been passed down through each of their families. 1807 E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose. sjeggrolls.com Grilled corn at Maizz in Redwood City, a new corn-focused Mexican restaurant. Courtesy Rodrigo Gonzalez At new Mexican restaurant Maizz in Redwood City, its all corn everything: grilled on the cob, in a cup with cotija cheese and lemon, tucked into uchepos (similar to a tamale) even in a bowl of ramen. For dessert, theres corn cheesecake topped with dulce de leche, Nutella or condensed milk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 851 El Camino Real, Redwood City. maizzco.com Where to find more crepe cakes Delicate, 20-layer crepe cakes are the specialty at Anton SV Patisserie, which just opened its first bakery in downtown San Mateo. Head there for cakes in flavors like black sesame, matcha, pistachio and tres leches. Owner Anthon Tam is steadily expanding, with another location planned for Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. 390 First Ave., San Mateo. antonsvpatisserie.com The Peninsula gets a dedicated matcha cafe Matcha lattes, soft serve and cakes are all on offer at Maruwu Seicha in downtown Palo Alto. The Japanese cafe uses matcha from Kyoto in its drinks and sweets. This joins Maruwu Seichas first location in San Francisco. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 250 University Ave., Suite 101, Palo Alto. instagram.com/maruwuseichausa A new home for Argentine pastries There are few dedicated Argentine bakeries in the Bay Area, but a new one has arrived in downtown Redwood City. Baires Bakery & Cafe sells a variety of sweet and savory Argentine baked goods, from alfajores (crumbly cookies sandwiched around dulce de leche) and canoncitos (puff pastry filled with dulce de leche) to libritos, a flaky pastry whose layers look like pages of a tiny book (hence the name, little books). The cafe also serves empanadas and Argentine sandwiches. 2400 Broadway, Redwood City. bairesbakery.com Bagel hit keeps expanding A batch of everything bagels fresh from the oven at Boichik Bagels in Berkeley in 2021. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Berkeley-born bagel phenomenon Boichik is expanding rapidly throughout the Bay Area and soon, Southern California. The business ninth outpost is now open in Los Gatos, serving Boichiks popular New York-style bagels and schmears. 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos. boichikbagels.com Popular Peruvian restaurant grows Bay Area Peruvian favorite Limon has expanded to Redwood City with dishes like ceviche, empanadas and lomo saltado. This marks the local chains seventh location. 885 Middlefield Road, Space J, Redwood City. limonrestaurants.com Silicon Valley burger institution returns One of Palo Altos oldest burger shops, Kirks Steakburgers, has reopened in a new location. Kirks has moved from Town & Country Village to the former Mikes Diner Bar space on Middlefield Road. The first Kirks opened in 1948 and became known for charbroiled burgers made with ground steak. 2680 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. kirks-steakburgers.com A national burger chain expands A classic Shack Burger with krinkle-cut fries and chocolate shake is served at the first Shake Shack restaurant in Northern California, which opened at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto in 2018. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle Meanwhile, Shake Shack continues to expand throughout the Bay Area with its latest location in San Jose. The hit chain made its Bay Area debut in 2018 and has since opened more than 10 outposts. When I reached the grand old age of 12, I put my foot down and insisted that from that moment on, my name would be Tom. Up until then, all my family and friends had called me Tommy (except for schoolmates, who called me Utley, Utters or Utterly Wet), and I had come to hate the name. Tommy seemed so... well, it seemed so utterly wet, suitable only for toddlers. It was almost as bad as Timmy, I thought. Nor did I think much of Thomas as an alternative, although it's the name on my birth certificate as it was on my father's, grandfather's and great-grandfather's, and possibly on those of generations of Utleys before them, now shrouded in the mists of time. Somehow Thomas also sounded drippy, conjuring up pictures in my mind of goody-goodies dressed in blue velvet breeches and frilly white shirts, like Little Lord Fauntleroy (who was actually a Cedric in the book, poor chap). At the age of 12, Tom Utley put his foot down and insisted he wanted to be called 'Tom' No, Tom it would have to be a solid, classless, decent British name (though like so many other decent British names, it comes from the Hebrew). It was a name everybody could spell and nobody could mock. The trouble was that it took some people an awfully long time to get the message. Indeed, my sisters still call me Tommy to this day, almost 60 years after I banned the 'my' and though my elder brother condescends to call me Tom, he never fails to put ironic air quotes around the monosyllable, as if to say: 'We both know your real name is Tommy.' Most humiliatingly of all, and I shudder to mention this, when my younger sister really wants to annoy me she addresses me by the pet-name bestowed on me by my doting mother, when I was very young indeed. She'll ring up and say: 'Will you be free for a drink at lunchtime today, Tommy Townmouse?' Arrrgh! The suffering families inflict upon us when they give us our names! This week, a survey finds that as many as 12 per cent of UK adults dislike the names they were given when they were babies, with Gary, Tracy and Carol (what's wrong with Carol, I wonder?) topping the table of pet hates. Of these, say researchers for the Czech brewing firm Budweiser Budvar, two-fifths say their names are 'outdated', while a fifth complain a little snobbishly, you may think that theirs make them sound 'common'. It's a burden my poor wife has had to bear all her life. Bob Geldof's eldest daughter Fifi Trixibelle Though she was baptised with that quintessentially middle-class name Lucinda, her family has always called her Cindy a name she bears with stoical grace, but has never much liked. It makes her sound as if she was named in honour of that wretched plastic doll (though it spells its name with an S). In her days as a secretary, a couple of her employers disliked the name Cindy so much that they insisted on calling her Lucy. When I rang her office, asking to speak to Cindy, I was told that I must have got the wrong number, since nobody of that name worked there. Worse still, Mrs U's four sisters sometimes call her Sid, a most unflattering name for a lady (but perhaps not quite as awful as the childhood nickname borne by our dear friend Lavinia, who is known by one and all as Lav). You might think that my wife's Scottish mother would have protected her daughter from being called by a name she disliked. After all, she detested her own name, which happened to be Nora. With apologies to other Noras, I sympathised. So much did she loathe it, in fact, that throughout the four decades and more during which I knew her, before her death during the coronavirus pandemic at the venerable age of 99, I had no idea what to call her. 'Mrs McMurtrie' seemed much too formal, while any variation on the word 'mother' just seemed wrong. So I never addressed her by any name at all. My late grandmother felt the same about her own name, Gertrude or 'Gertie' for short, as her family called her in her childhood. As soon as she was old enough to have a say in the matter, she decreed that henceforth she was to be called by her middle name, Ruth. Indeed, right into her old age she would hiss with rage if a doctor, looking at her notes, made the ghastly mistake of addressing her by her first name. 'What's in a name?' asked Juliet, as she mused that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. The answer to her question, as she was to discover to her great cost, was that a name matters very much indeed. All right, I grant you that in her case and Romeo's, it was their surnames that caused all the trouble. But if my family's experience and this week's survey are any guide, first names also matter hugely. Indeed, not only do they have the power to cause lifelong embarrassment to those who bear them, but some 48 per cent of those questioned said they formed first impressions of others on the basis of their names. With that in mind, Mrs U and I were careful to call three of our four sons by solid, conventional English names George (which is actually Greek), Johnny (Hebrew) and Harry (French) all of which had been borne by older members of our families. The one exception was our second son, whom we called Archibald, or Archie for short. At the time, this was a distinctly unconventional name, at least south of the border with Scotland though even Archie has now caught on, since the birth of the first baby Sussex. I confess I was slightly nervous about it, fearing he would grow up to hate it. But thank goodness, he tells me he likes it. When it came to naming our grandchildren, however, our young had no such qualms about the unusual, choosing Rafael, Etta and Caio, while our fourth has the old-fashioned middle name, Ezra. I must say that 'Caio', in particular, took me a bit of getting used to, not least because my spell check tends to amend it to Ciao. But like the boy himself, I now love the name, which is apparently the Portuguese version of Gaius, which derives from the Latin for 'rejoice'. If it was a good enough name for Gaius Julius Caesar, after all, it is probably good enough for my grandson. I wish I could be so sure, however, about the names chosen for their young by the likes of Elon Musk ('Tau' Techno Mechanicus Musk), the late Sir Paul Getty (Tara Gabriel Galaxy Gramophone Getty), Michael Jackson, who called his son Blanket, or tragic Paula Yates, whose children by Bob Geldof and Michael Hutchence are Fifi Trixibelle and Tiger Lily. For all I know, those I've mentioned and many others, like Gwyneth Paltrow's Apple may simply adore their names. But in choosing such weird ones, when our names matter so much to us, weren't their parents taking a grave risk with their happiness? Speaking for myself, I thank my lucky stars I'm not a Blanket. What exquisite weeping and gnashing of teeth there has been since the horrified liberal elites on both sides of the Atlantic realised that they had been denied the opportunity to chant their much-dreamed-of phrase 'Madam President' and grasped instead that they were hurtling back towards the shimmering orange reality of Trump's America. After it became clear the 45th President would also become by a landslide the 47th, Britain's wokest and most po-faced radio presenter, LBC's James O'Brien, spoke for many of his bewildered, factually ignorant pundits, luvvies and failed politicians as he wailed: 'What fresh hell is this?!' No, James, it's not hell: it's the real world, where more than 72 million voters made a rational, democratic choice to reject the Democrats' toxic identity politics and give Trump another chance to tackle the problems that worsened under Joe Biden, from mass illegal immigration to Iran-backed Islamist terror. Donald Trump became America's 47th President after beating Kamala Harris in the US election Whatever niggling concerns any of us might harbour about Trump's personal qualities, we can surely be confident that America has made the right choice simply from the epic scale of the woke meltdown his re-election has sparked. Yesterday, the editor of the Guardian, Kath Viner, sent her staff a frankly unhinged email claiming that 'a Trump win could reverberate for a million years' and even offering 'free access to free support services' and 'virtual wellbeing tools' for her traumatised workforce. Yet no one, perhaps, matched Newsnight star turned one-off royal interviewer turned 'podcaster' Emily Maitlis for losing the Trumpian plot. Emily, of course, had to be removed from her own programme on Channel 4 by fellow host Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the early hours of Wednesday morning after she suggested that Trump was 'batsh*t' live on air. Yet she had already staged her own exhibition of batsh*ttery, shouting, 'You're lying!' at former Trump White House spokesman Sean Spicer and unpleasantly haranguing Boris Johnson in her martini-glass earrings. Maitlis spent much of yesterday 'trending' on Twitter for all the wrong reasons, but this great champion of democracy and the little people never stooped to address her thousands of critics directly instead posting a single article from the diminished, Left-wing and now online-only Independent 'newspaper' which had claimed: 'US election result viewers praise Emily Maitlis for eviscerating Boris Johnson'. Hardly. As the news from America has gradually sunk in, and the liberal grief turned from denial to depression, Craig Oliver a former BBC News editor and David Cameron's head of communications, who ran the 2016 Remain campaign exclaimed that 'there are people crying' on the London Underground. Get a grip, man! The capital's hardened travellers are rarely reduced to tears by the abysmal state of the network, with its stabbings, sexual assaults and graffiti yet Oliver would have us believe that they were left sobbing over the 'wrong' result of an election thousands of miles away. (No wonder, perhaps, when the city's Labour mayor Sadiq Khan, who has also called the President-elect a 'fascist', claimed this week that Londoners would be 'anxious' and 'fearful' as a result of Trump's win.) The shock was similarly palpable for thuggish ex-spin doctor Alastair Campbell and former Tory wet Rory Stewart who hinted that he voted Labour at the last election. These days, they host the centrist dads' favourite, Gary Lineker-owned podcast, The Rest Is Politics. Before the election, Old Etonian Stewart was busy telling anyone who would listen that Harris would 'win comfortably', boasting that he had 'bet the maximum I was allowed to bet' on her victory and would have placed 100,000 if the bookies would have accepted it. Yet money could not buy the priceless expression on his and Campbell's frozen faces the moment it became clear that they'd lost their bet and with it their remaining reputation for political insight. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris Did Rory Stewart show a shred of humility? Not especially. 'I think I was wrong because I'm an optimist,' was his self-serving claim after getting it so utterly and completely wrong. 'And I hate the idea of being right pessimistically.' But don't worry: the we-know-best club will soon find somebody else to blame for their latest humiliation. How soon before the claims begin that 'Russian bots' corrupted the vote? Maths-boffin-turned-Leftie-foghorn Carol Vorderman had been equally sure Harris was heading to the White House and Trump was heading to jail, insisting that 'MILLIONS' of women were turning out to vote to ensure that Harris won. When it turned out that 'millions' of those women had actually voted for the despised Donald, a deflated Vorderman could only moan about 'Right-wing hatred'. The response of liberal America's army of overpaid commentators was equally humiliating. The Late Show host and alleged comedian Stephen Colbert was another who did a Maitlis, telling his audience: 'Well, f***. It happened... again. After a bizarre and vicious campaign fuelled by a desperate need not to go to jail, Donald Trump has won.' This foul-mouthed rant was greeted by supportive pantomime boos from his tame audience. Many on the Left have spread hysteria about 'Far-Right hatred' in the Trump campaign. Yet the only real hatred I've seen since he won has been the obvious loathing the woke elites have displayed for ordinary voters. For these pampered fools, insulated from ordinary people's lives, it could not possibly be the case that the Left had simply lost the argument to Trump in an open democratic debate. No, the stupidity and prejudice of Joe Public must be to blame. So Stephen Colbert primly told his audience: 'All day yesterday, I was walking around, proudly wearing my 'I voted' sticker. Today, I wore my 'I am questioning my fundamental belief in the goodness of humanity' sticker.' Over here, a Leftie journalist who uses the pseudonym Otto English tweeted what many of his cohort were thinking that the election had proved 'millions of Americans are misogynistic, climate-change denying, racist f***ing lunatics'. Such unbearably smug people behave as if ordinary voters were some kind of grotesque alien species instead of being men and women like them, sharing many of the same concerns they have. The obvious fact is these pundits and poseurs live and work in a tiny, metropolitan echo chamber, all yabbering the same views to each other until they believe everyone else has them, too. They did it on Brexit, they did it on Trump the first time round, and they've done it yet again. Stewart and Campbell even fill theatres for 'live' versions of their tawdry talking-shop podcast, where their conformist views are applauded by followers who pay for the dubious privilege. Outside the theatre, however, their cosy opinions are entirely irrelevant to most people's lives. The anguished screams of the liberal elites in the US and UK are the sound of Planet Woke colliding with a Trump-shaped asteroid. And whether they like it or not, their worldview is for at least the next four years as dead as the dinosaurs. Mick Hume is the author of Trigger Warning: Is The Fear Of Being Offensive Killing Free Speech? It is not hard to imagine the atmosphere as dozens of European leaders gathered in Budapest yesterday, with Donald Trump's stunning victory foremost on their minds. There would have been consternation, apprehension and fear. Trump's relationship with Europe during his first term was hardly warm. With the notable exception of the summit's host, Hungary's Right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, most of them would have preferred Kamala Harris to have won. The Donald's return to power brings the prospect of tariffs on European exports to the United States, question marks over the US commitment to the Nato military alliance and perhaps above all, in European leaders' minds deep uncertainty over US backing for Ukraine. Little wonder many at the European Political Community summit urged Trump to avoid trade wars, keep up support for Ukraine and refrain from unsettling the global order. A Ukrainian soldier fires towards Russian troops outside Bakhmut It is as if they expect him to unleash some sort of worldwide anarchy, sparking Armageddon and conflagration with reckless protectionism and the appeasement of 'strong-men' despots such as President Putin and China's Xi Jinping. But the fact is that, far from being the arsonist who'll set the world ablaze, Donald Trump is actually the fireman who is likely to stop the brush fires from running out of control. Foreign policy wasn't high up the list of voter concerns in the US this year: the economy, immigration and abortion were. But everyone who voted for Trump, including the first-timers, knows that his administration means a totally different approach overseas. After the past four years, Trump's first term looks like a lost age of calm and stability. For the first time in decades, the US launched no new wars following his election in 2016. In contrast, the Biden-Harris years have taken us to the brink of a world war. In all the three main theatres of conflict that America is stretched across Ukraine, the Middle East and East Asia Biden's attempts to contain the fires failed. In Ukraine, America is now running a proxy war against Russia costing billions with no end in sight. In the Middle East, the Democrats' failure to enforce sanctions allowed billions of dollars to flow into Iran, the world's biggest sponsor of terrorism, freeing up cash for their blood-soaked clients Hamas and Hezbollah leading to the October 7 massacre last year and the following conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. In Asia, tensions with China haven't run so high since the Korean War of the 1950s. Recent months have seen a record number of Chinese incursions into Taiwanese airspace. Worse, the theatres are now linking up. There are North Korean troops on the Russia-Ukraine border. Iran is supplying drones and weaponry to Russia. Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet with a band playing Red Army songs on Putin's state visit to China in May this year. Now Trump will have to deal with all these crises facing the West. He might have a negotiable relationship with the truth, but his team are foreign policy realists and they insist the US military lacks the capacity to defend Europe at the same time as facing down China and policing the Persian Gulf. Trump's relationship with Europe during his first term was hardly warm, writes Dominic Green America cannot continue the necessary weapon production to keep up with demand from Ukraine and Israel as well as prepare for any war with China. Trump's team are planning to revive the industrial base for armaments, but that will take years, at least in peacetime. The team's first priority will therefore be to clear the decks for a prolonged Cold War with China. That means a quick end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. America's friends will be disappointed by the trade-offs, but many Americans will be pleased. The President-elect will no longer allow America to be taken for granted his team are appalled that Europe is failing to fund defence sufficiently and have threatened to put Nato on ice. And if we take the three theatres in turn, and examine how different Trump's approach will differ from Biden's, we can see that peace, rather than conflict, is what he is searching for. Where Ukraine is concerned, a peace deal is likely to be an imperial carve-up, which could come with tough terms. In September, Trump said: 'I would get [Putin] into a room. I'd get Zelensky into a room. Then I'd bring them together. And I'd have a deal worked out.' He is believed to be considering a strategy that would involve US military aid being conditional on Ukraine entering peace talks with Russia, while at the same time threatening Moscow that the US would increase funding to Kyiv if Putin refused to come to the negotiation table. The heroic Ukrainian people will pay the price in the loss of territory and independence, and if Trump leaves a rump Ukraine that is too weak to defend itself, this will invite further aggression from Putin. Will Nato countries step up, as Trump demands? Will he withdraw all aid? Will Ukraine be left with its future uncertain as its eastern regions disappear into a twilight of Russian control? We shall see. But if Trump pulls it off, the planet will be a more stable place although not necessarily a kinder one and the quagmire of the steppes will end. In the Middle East, Trump confounded conventional wisdom during his first term and achieved the impossible by reconciling Israel and four Arab states including Saudi Arabia in a planned deal known as the Abraham Accords. October 7 and the Iranian proxy campaign were launched to forestall that peace deal which was about to be signed. Trump's second term could quickly bring it back and transform the Middle East. The Iranian regime threatened to assassinate him this year. Anyone would take that personally, and Trump enjoys a grudge. Expect him to put Iran on notice, restore sanctions, and back Israel if it strikes Iran's nuclear programme. He might even strike Iran directly. In return for protecting Israel, Trump will expect its PM Benjamin Netanyahu to play ball on a deal with the Palestinians, and avoid an open-ended war with Hezbollah that collapses the failed state of Lebanon. Netanyahu will object, but he needs exit strategies from both wars. He will compromise in the hope that a renewed Israeli-Saudi peace accord is no mirage. With Ukraine and the Middle East stabilised in his eyes, Trump will then pivot to Asia. Tariffs and a trade war will please his Republican base, but Trump likes business, not battles. He knows that every time America's generals 'war-game' a confrontation with China over Taiwan, America loses. Trump hates to be a loser. Yet there is no winning with China, no paradigm-shifting strategy. This leaves Trump with few choices. He will deepen cooperation with India. He will continue to press American companies to move their operations out of China and into friendlier Asian states such as Vietnam. He will hope that American rearmament will dissuade Xi Jinping from any sudden moves on Taiwan, and that his luck holds as he plays for time. After the Biden-Harris disaster, Trump starts his second term in a much tougher world than his first. Trump, the great destabiliser, will aim for a new Cold Peace with China. This would not be a victory. Containment and stability, however, would be a success and the result would be a safer place for us all. Dominic Green is a Wall Street Journal contributor, a Washington Examiner columnist and a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Halfway through his victory speech on Tuesday night, a jubilant but exhausted Donald Trump turned to his soon-to-be vice-president, J D Vance, and asked him to take over. Say a couple of words, Trump ordered. Vance dutifully thanked the boss for the trust that you placed in me and promised the crowd: Were going to lead the greatest economic comeback in American history. Hes turned out to be a good choice, boasted Trump. I took a little heat at the beginning, but... I know the brain was a good one, about as good as it gets. Thats high praise from The Donald, and Trumpologists were quick to note the possible significance of his blessing in that moment. Was it a portent of how the next US administration might shake out? Or a hint that, even in Trumps mind, Vance is his heir apparent? Trump is 78 years old. By the start of his second stint in the White House, hell be 159 days older than his rival Joe Biden was on his inauguration day in 2021 though Biden of course declined swiftly in office. JD Vance and his wife Usha (pictured) Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, arrives at a campaign event at Penn State Behrend Erie Hall on Saturday, October 26 Trump is, inevitably, beginning to show some signs of frailty. And so Vance, 38 years Trumps junior, will take on more and more of the executive workload. Insiders told me that the man they refer to as J D will be the true driving force and the intellectual heft of the Trump agenda in 2025. Hes got a great team around him, says one. Theyre ready to get to work.' Its been quite the turnaround year for Vance, 40. After Trump nominated him on July 15, he suffered a torrid time at the hands of the Left-wing US media. Pundits branded him weird because hes a devout Catholic and a staunch conservative. Democrats inevitably took great pleasure in pointing out the awkward fact that, back in 2016, Vance had been highly critical of Trump, comparing him to Hitler and cultural heroin. His Indian-American wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, has been the target of online abuse. Plus an old video of him insulting childless cat ladies went viral, which led woke commentators to brand him a terrible and potentially election-losing nominee. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha listen as Republican presidential nominee former US President Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 6 Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner listen as Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally on November 6 Rather than being cowed by these attacks, however, Vance opted to meet his critics head-on. He became the campaigns best fighter in what Trump calls the enemy camp that is Americas utterly imbalanced Left-liberal media. He made dozens of appearances on hostile news channels, showing skill in dismantling the arguments of his opponents. And while Trump flopped in his debate against Kamala Harris, Vance performed brilliantly in his head-to-head with the Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz. Vance and Trump are opposites in many ways, but that has made them a formidable duo with the former expected to act as a vital consigliere to his boss. Vance is modest and unassuming in person. Trump is infamous for his braggadocio. Vance grew up very poor in Ohio, served in the Marine Corps, and used his formidable brain to get into Yale Law School on a scholarship before going into politics. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears with vice presidential candidate JD Vance during the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024 Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, Linda McMahon, Howard Lutnick and Bryson Dechambeau listen as Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 6 Trump was a New York rich kid who avoided military service and turned himself into a billionaire tycoon and TV star. Trump had other people write his books for him. Vance is the author of Hillbilly Elegy, an acclaimed memoir about his young life with a drug-addicted mother and no father figure. Trump has been married three times and used to pride himself on being a playboy. Vance is a devoted husband to Usha, with whom he has three children. Trumps approach to politics is instinctive and transactional. Vance is an intellectual with a deep philosophical understanding of the conservative movementin America. But and this is the crucial point Vance was not chosen simply because he could help Trump win in 2024. He was selected as the man to lead the Make America Great Again movement after Trump moves on. Vance and Trump agree on policy from America First in all matters to the importance of tariffs, drilling for oil and gas and strong borders. Senator JD Vance (3rd L) and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance (2nd L), former senior adviser to Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump (3rd R) and former senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner (2nd R) attend an election night event held by Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Palm Beach Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, on November 6 Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance speaks at an election night watch party on November 6 in West Palm Beach, Florida Republican US vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance look at each other at Palm Beach County Convention Centre, following early results from the 2024 US presidential election, in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 6 Now back in office, Trump may well do exactly what Biden did in his first year with Kamala Harris make his vice-president the border tsar with a special remit to address the issue of illegal immigration. Harris famously fluffed that role. Yet Vance is now expected to throw himself into what could be the defining and most controversial policy of the incoming administrations first 100 days: a push to deport more than one million undocumented migrants. With Trump approaching his dotage, Vance will also soon be deployed on the world stage. Some predict that, while Trump is likely to do the public peace deal-making with Vladimir Putin, his Veep will play a key role behind the scenes in figuring out how to bring the stalemate in Ukraine to an end. Of course, it could all end badly: Trumps former VP, Mike Pence, worked dutifully for four years only to find himself persona non grata in Trumpworld because he would not accept Trumps dangerous insistence that he should refuse to certify the results of the contested 2020 election. J D Vance may find himself, like so many before him, frozen out of Trumps affections in the end.For now, however, he is in prime position to lead Americas resurgent Right into the 2028 presidential election and beyond. I had the great privilege of spending US election night with Emily Maitlis as she began her gradual descent into madness. Unfortunately, I had to leave the Channel Four studio early to catch a plane back from Washington to London. So I missed the bit where those swing states began turning Republican red, and when Emily apparently started swearing in frustration. But I could already see that she was getting pretty revved up. At one point she turned to me and glared tragically through kohl-rimmed eyes: Would YOU leave your children alone in the company of Donald Trump? she asked, as if that were some clinching political argument. Having thought about it I should say that I would certainly be a bit worried about leaving the President-elect alone with some of my progeny but only out of concern for the personal safety of Donald Trump. Look, I told her, I have always found him very kindly and friendly and polite and I stand by it. Indeed, I stand by everything vaguely pro-Trump that I have said in these pages over the last year or so: viz, that his victory could be just the tonic that the world needs. I had the great privilege of spending US election night with Emily Maitlis as she began her gradual descent into madness This overwhelming result is, first, a victory for the democratic system. This is no fascist, or dictator in the making. This is a 78-year-old man who had the sheer guts and resilience to get out there, day in, day out, and plug for the votes of the people until he was sometimes exhausted. His Left-wing establishment opponents threw everything at him, including umpteen mainly spurious legal cases, in a shameful and counter-productive attempt to keep him off the ballot. He survived two assassination attempts, one of them very serious. He competed for every vote in the country, in what was believed right up until the votes started to come in from Pennsylvania to be a total toss-up of an election. He won those 72million votes by prodigious energy and effort, and he won them fair and square. And what has happened since? The rest of the liberal intelligentsia has joined Meltdown Maitlis in having conniptions (the Guardian newspaper is apparently offering its journalists professional counselling). But the US stock market is surging of course it is. Investors can see that by deregulation, by cutting waste and taxes, Trump is offering economic hope. What about the threat of tariffs on China and others, you say. Well, he said that last time and ended up doing a free trade deal with Beijing. Donald Trump would certainly do a free trade deal with the UK too though I expect the Starmer Government is too pathetic to try. On all the great issues of our time, Trump has the energy and the decisiveness to find solutions. Take climate change, where his opinions are said to be beyond the pale. Which approach will really deliver results? We can keep going with the hair-shirted miserablism of the eco-warriors, who want to restrict human activity (while taking their private jets to COP summits). Boris Johnson meets Donald Trump days after the first attempt on the president-elect's life Or we can listen to Elon Musk, who is now a key part of the Trump administration, and whose electric vehicles have done more to cut transport emissions that a million speeches by Greta Thunberg. We can fix climate change; we can cut CO2 emissions, but we will do it all the faster with the techno-capitalist approach now being promoted by Elon Musk and Donald Trump. As for the general state of the world look around you, folks. Admit it. Things have got more dangerous since Trump was last in the White House. We have destabilising wars in Europe and the Middle East, in which far too many are losing their lives. The response of the West has been feeble. Israel faces an existential threat both from Hamas and from Hizbollah, and yet the UK Government bizarrely has torn up our historic alliance and support, and placed an arms embargo on Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. The Biden administration has been a bit better, but hardly full-throated in its support for Israel. Remember that Trump secured the Abraham Accords, which offered the immense prize of reconciliation between Israel and its Arab neighbours. And remember how Trump responded to Iranian meddling by vaporising Qasem Suleimanyi of the Revolutionary Guard. Things were more stable, and more peaceful, under Trump because he was willing to be strong, and to exercise American strength abroad. To all those who say that he will now be an America-firster, an isolationist I say, dont listen to what he says, or the parodies of what he says. Look at what he does. That is why I am confident that, ultimately, he cannot and will not betray the long-suffering and blameless people of Ukraine. The truth is that for the last two years we in the West have been pursuing a policy that is both inadequate and cruel. We have been doing enough to stop Ukraine from losing the war, and from being overwhelmed by Putin. But out of what I can only call sheer pusillanimity we refuse to do what it takes to help the Ukrainians actually win and bring this thing to a close. We have given them weapons such as Storm Shadow and the ATACMs systems but in an ecstasy of wetness, we, the UK and US, wont let the Ukrainians fire them where they are needed. We say they cant deploy them against Putins bases in Russia itself while of course Putin can bomb the hell out of every inch of Ukraine. The Russian leader is now using Iranian drones and North Korean stormtroopers, in a Tolkien-like confederation of evil. How will Trump respond to the challenge? Yes, he listens to some very questionable opinions, and yes, there is now a chunk of the Republican Party that has a peculiar penchant for Putin. And yes, it is true that whatever the solution in Ukraine, the Europeans will have to do more, and to pay more not just for the peace of Ukraine, but for the security of the whole continent. That includes the UK. Trump has repeatedly pointed to the European tendency to free-ride, for our defence, on the American taxpayer and he is quite right. But this is also the Trump who gave the Ukrainians the very Javelin anti-tank weapons that proved so crucial in kicking the Russians out of Kyiv. Will he want to go down as the first American President to allow Nato to be defeated, in the European theatre, with all the knock-on effects that disaster would have around the world, from the Baltic states to Taiwan? Not to mention the extra US spending on defence that would be entailed, for decades to come. I just cant see it. The astonishing events of the last week have proved one thing. This man is a supreme competitor. This is the man whose instinct on being shot was to get up, wave to the crowd, and tell them to Fight, fight, fight. He wont allow the West, or Donald Trump, to be bested by Vladimir Putin. That is because I believe that where others have failed he has the courage and tenacity to succeed. And for Trump and for America there is only one way now to succeed - and that is to be strong. A new podcast sees British glamour models making deeply concerning allegations about the abuse and exploitation they say they've witnessed going on in the industry because of 'zero' regulation to keep women safe - with many saying they're too scared to report sexual aggressors for fear of victim-shaming. The Bunny Trap, produced by Novel, sees investigative journalist Ellie Flynn examining how the rise of 'Lads' mags' such as Loaded, Nuts and Zoo in the 90s and noughties has fuelled - via social media and sites such as OnlyFans - a 'dangerous' Wild West industry that has seen young women sexually abused by 'middle-aged men pretending to be photographers'. Flynn told MailOnline how she and her podcast crew went in pursuit of one photographer named Luis in the US and Mexico - including hiding out on the Las Vegas strip with an armed guard - after receiving an email alleging that at least 12 British women had been lured into abusive situations by him, with the promise of getting work with Playboy. One glamour model from the North East, Kiki Jay, alleges when she refused to engage in sexual activity with Luis on a shoot that he'd organised, breaking down in tears and begging him to stop groping her, he masturbated in front of her. British glamour model Emilie Rae, who has an OnlyFans account, reveals in The Bunny Trap podcast how she endured a terrifying experience with a photographer named Luis, after he tricked her with a 'free' photoshoot, but then tried to pressurise her into having oral sex with him A dozen British women said they'd fallen victim to the photographer's claims that he could make them famous, with one saying he masturbated in front of her when she refused to sleep with him Another model, single mum Hera, who was out of work when she met Luis in 2020, says she paid 600 for a shoot, hopeful that she would get top tier work because of it. Despite telling him she wanted to do 'topless only', Luis, she alleges, ended up pressurising her into an 'open legs' photograph. After the shoot, she claims he then refused to send her any of the photos she'd paid for until she sent him more explicit content. The first episode of the ten-parter sees British glamour model Emilie Rae, who grew up in the countryside, say she was forced to flee a London Airbnb after the same photographer offered her a 'golden ticket' free photoshoot - but told her when she got there she would need to spend the night with him. The model, who describes herself as 'a bit of a nerd, who loves musical theatre', had been making 8,000 a month from OnlyFans. The podcast's host Ellie Flynn said glamour models work in the Wild West of the modelling industry with no regulations in place to protect them - and victim-shaming rife When the money began to lessen and she feared she wouldn't make her mortgage payments, the chance to shoot with such a well connected photographer seemed too good to turn down - but she says it turned into a terrifying ordeal that left her feeling 'degraded'. She alleges the 'big deal' photographer, who hasn't responded to multiple requests by Flynn to address the allegations - and hasn't been charged with any offences - harassed her into doing more and more intimate poses, including using sex toys - and says his camera was at one point during the shoot 'literally almost inside me'. British glamour model Emilie Rae told the podcast how huge financial gain - 2,000 in 24 hours - came from subscription service OnlyFans at first...but when the money began to slow, Luis' promise of a '4,000 shoot' for free lured her into his trap Emilie Rae describes how her worst safety fears came true, telling the podcast: 'Things started escalating to pornographic and I just thought "What is going on?". He would physically come over and grab my hand and put it somewhere. He was very aggressive.' She says he then began to shoot a video, which wasn't agreed in advance, and asked her to perform oral sex on him. She refused. Emilie tells Flynn that he kissed her and put his hands around her waist, saying 'no-one has to know'. She fled the shoot, saying she had a 'really lucky escape' and returned to her hotel. She says: 'I've never felt so dirty. I felt gross, I felt sweaty, I felt degraded. I remember scrubbing my skin in the shower.' After posting on Instagram about her experience without naming the photographer, she says around a dozen other British women got in touch via DM and asked her if it was Luis, and told her they'd all had equally horrific experiences with. The ten-part series , available on Spotify, documents how British glamour models banded together to expose the 'disgusting' actions of photographer Luis They all said he'd told them he could get them work in the biggest glamour magazines and that they'd endured sexual aggression from him. Over WhatsApp, the women decided to share their experiences with Luis on Instagram. In 2020, they shared posts and images tagging him and saw them go viral. However, they say he simply deleted his accounts. He later re-emerged with a new profile and is still operating as a photographer. Flynn told MailOnline that his career credentials mean young glamour models are still taking his requests for photoshoots seriously, hopeful that they'll lead to a career-boosting shoot. According to many of the women who've spoken out, Luis operates under a 'pay to play' scheme, where models have to pay for the photos he takes, anywhere from 600 to 3-4,000 a shoot - unless he offers a 'golden ticket'. Flynn says the glamour model industry, which largely started with Playboy and then lads' mags in the 90s, remains dangerously unregulated Pictured: Alex Best poses in a gold bikini for the February 2004 edition of Loaded magazine The issue of victim-shaming spurred Flynn on to make the podcast, saying no-one was willing to report their experiences for fear of being blamed for them. She said: 'It felt really important to make this podcast because the thing that kept coming up with every woman I spoke to was because they're glamour models, nobody was going to take them seriously, almost like "what do you expect? If this is what you do for a living..."'. 'The rise of OnlyFans coincided with the death of Playboy and what the glamour industry largely is now exists on OnlyFans - but the lines have become so blurred. 'In the 90s and Noughties, you were a glamour model - and you might appear in Nuts or Zoo or on Page 3 or in Playboy, and you would never consider yourself a sex worker. 'With OnlyFans, there often is encouragement to go further and there's a lot of exploitation that exists within that.' Journalist Ellie Flynn says people making huge amounts of money on OnlyFans are vastly in the minority Flynn, who has made documentaries for BBC 3 and Channel 4 Dispatches, says the financial gains to be made from OnlyFans mean glamour models such as Emilie, who earned 2,000 from new fans within her first 24 hours on the site, feel the pressure to go further. 'I think a lot of women buy into the OnlyFans dream because they hear about these stories of people making huge, huge amounts of money - but they are the minority, not the majority. 'What often happens with OnlyFans is you'll be a novelty at first, a new person to subscribe to - but then there are demands from customers to get more and more explicit. If you don't, you fear you might lose those customers.' Flynn said glamour models set their own 'levels', the term used to describe the boundary of what they will and won't do - with Luis described as a 'level-pusher' by many of the women who have alleged he mistreated them for his own sexual gratification. The term GWC, or 'guys with cameras', has become a common term, says the host: 'You get a lot of middle aged men, often retired, picking up the camera at some point in their lives, who'd quite like to hang out with young women who aren't wearing much - and they call themselves a photographer.' The glamour model industry is, she says a 'Wild West', with zero regulation - and none looks forthcoming. Flynn attributes the abuse and exploitation to the rise of lads mags such as Loaded, Nuts, FHM, as well as Playboy, saying: 'This [exploitation] is a direct result of those kind of mags. 'To me now, it seems insane that there's a time when those magazines did exist - that you could go into your newsagent and there would be topless women on the top shelf - it feels so outdated in the modern context. 'It's a very misogynistic industry but if we want those women to feel heard, you have to accept there was an allure to those magazines, and there were girls who looked up to those women and wanted to be like them - accepting that is a big part of this story'. MailOnline has contacted the photographer. Playboy USA told the podcast that they've asked their licensees to blacklist the photographer the women have named - and that they prohibit 'pay to play' shoots. The Bunny Trap, produced by Novel, is out now on Spotify Kmart Australia shoppers are raving about a $5.50 item, with many calling it 'genius' for transforming wardrobes. Tenielle Hamlin, from Brisbane, stumbled across the 20-pack Flocked Hanger Clips, designed to transform a standard coat hanger into a pants holder. 'Have you seen these before? Genius if you ask me,' Tenielle said in her video. The space-saving clips, which can double your hanging space, are perfect for hanging skirts, pants, shorts and accessories. 'If you are forever trying to find those coat hangers with clips on or find that you never have enough of those hangers, you're going to love this,' she said. 'Went to Kmart because I needed some more coat hangers with those little clips. (Instead) I found these clips in the coat hanger department. 'Essentially you can make your regular coat hangers into the clip coat hangers.' Tenielle pointed out that the clips are designed for Kmart's coat hangers, but shoppers may also be able to use them on their own velvet hangers. Tenielle Hamlin shared her rave reviews on Kmart's $5.50 20-pack Flocked Hanger Clips 'Lucky for me I already have Kmart's hangers but I bought some more because I feel like I'm forever running out of coat hangers,' she said. She said the' Kmart hangers are 'so good' and 'look nice' in her wardrobe. 'They're so cheap,' she said. 'So basically you just get your normal coat hanger that you've got from Kmart... You put the clips on and your regular coat hanger becomes a pant coat hanger. 'How good is that? Rather than buy a new coat hanger, you just buy the clips and you can take them on and off or swap them for different hangers when you need them. 'I thought it was genius... They are the best. No more tops slipping off... I was really stoked with that and I've never see this before so I thought I'd share.' Many described the clips as a 'brilliant' hanging solution Her video has been viewed more than 20,000 times - with many describing them as a 'brilliant' hanging solution. 'I did this. It's such a great hack,' one said. 'Omg I need these for all my matching sets,' another added. 'Oh I love. I prefer the flocked coat hangers too. I'll have to try them,' one shared. The clips have received five-star reviews online. 'Love these hanger products. You just clip this onto the flock hanger and turns the hanger into a skirt, shorts or pants hanger,' one shopper said. 'Great investment, perfect match for the hangers, your wardrobe will thank you for it. Highly recommend,' another raved. 'Much better than the metal hangers that are always getting tangled together,' one added. French designer Jean Paul Gaultier may be no stranger to controversy but his brand's latest fashion faux pas has made the label the subject of online ridicule. The high-end brand which is famous for its daring designs and striking fragrance bottles is currently selling a jumper which some fans believe will make them look 'a right t*t'. Featuring what appear to be two breasts, the 1,050 'Cropped Madone Sweater' has been made for people 'with more money than sense', according to one bemused commenter. A nod to the Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra that Madonna famously wore on stage during her 1990s heyday, the cream Aran knit jumper is named after the superstar, with Madone being French for Madonna. The 'sweater conical bra', to use the brand's own words, is cropped and has a turtle neck, and is available in seven sizes from XXS to XXL. Jean Paul Gaultier's 1,050 'Cropped Madone Sweater' (pictured) appears to feature a pair of breasts on the front The new design is a nod to the Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra that Madonna (pictured) famously wore on stage during her 1990s heyday Yet despite being described by the label as 'a daring, cropped take on a timeless look', the pricey jumper - which is part of the new Gaultier TV Collection - appears not to have had the kind of hype usually reserved for high-profile designer launches. Rather, shoppers have been quick to dismiss the sweater as little more than an unwearable gimmick on social media. Taking to Facebook, one person wrote: '1,050 to took like a right t*t.' Another person mocked: 'This is for the people that have more money than sense.' A third Facebook user joked: 'Why "sweater bra" when "nip nop knit crop" was RIGHT THERE??.' A fourth person simply stated: 'Got to be bold to wear this.' Meanwhile, on Instagram, Jean Paul Gaultier fans also shared their views on the jumper. The 'sweater conical bra', to use the brand's own words, is cropped and has a turtle neck, and is available in seven sizes from XXS to XXL While the Jean Paul Gaultier brand described the jumper as 'a daring, cropped take on a timeless look', both Facebook users and Instagrammers were less impressed One person commented: 'Madonna needs this sweater' and tagged the superstar. While someone else joked: 'Indecent?? These are actually two berets!!' This isn't the first time that the Jean Paul Gaultier brand has faced a backlash for its avant-garde designs. Last year, it faced ridicule for selling garments that made wearers look like they were wearing no clothes at all. Depicting a naked body, Jean Paul Gaultier's unique range of jumpsuits, dresses and tops left nothing to the imagination. Part of the 'Tattoo Collection', which featured more than 100 designs, the most expensive item was the Body Tattoo Jumpsuit priced at 519.64. Illustrated with breasts with pierced nipples and female genitals at the front, the back of the design had an outline of a bottom on it. The garment's neck, arms, hips and legs were illustrated with body art designs. One shopper said: 'Much cheaper to just step out naked.' Another person commented: 'I see nothing.' The 'Tattoo Collection' included more than 100 items with the most expensive being the Body Tattoo Jumpsuit (pictured) priced at 600 (519.64) The collection also included the Long Body Tattoo Dress for 590 (510.81) - which had the same pattern as the jumpsuit - and a Short Dress version priced at 450 (389.60), plus a body suit for 390 (337.66). For those who preferred to give the impression that they were baring just half of their body, the crop top version was priced at 320 (277.05). In a bid to make them look more realistic regardless of skin tone, all the pieces were available in two shades: 'light nude' and 'dark nude'. The wacky outfits come in sizes XXS to XXL and the product description reads: Stretchy fit, crew neck. Long sleeves, back metal zip fastening. Materials 78% polyamide, 22% elastane, made in Italy.' The Tattoo Collection was revealed on October 6, 2023. It was reportedly 'inspired by archival Jean Paul Gaultier collections, designed to fit firmly into the present'. The brand's website read: 'We all have memories rooted in Jean Paul Gaultiers universe. 'Tattoos, conical bras, piercings as many iconic gimmicks and body adornments that the Maison is revisiting to offer exclusive reinterpretations and reissues. 'The Tattoo collection explores its archive of corsets and skin-tight pieces to create a versatile, city-ready wardrobe.' More modest fans would have been relieved to see that the collection also featured some less X-rated designs. The 'Heraldry Tattoo Dress', for example, made the wearer look like they were tattooed without giving the illusion of nakedness. The collection also featured a range of jeans and denim jackets. A mother has revealed how her daughter returned from a festival and went to bed complaining of a headache - and tragically never woke up. Alison Goude, 48, from York, explained how her 19-year-old daughter Livia Wilson went to bed one evening after returning home from the Parklife music festival in Manchester. But Alison said 'beautiful' Livia never woke up. Later the family learnt that she had died from a strain of meningitis, just hours after complaining of 'the worst headache'. Now Alison, 48, has urged the NHS to offer mandatory vaccinations to protect young people from meningococcal type B meningitis. Tests later revealed that Livia passed away after contracting the bacterial illness - which causes sudden inflammation of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord. Mother Alison Goude, 48, from York, explained how her 19-year-old daughter Livia Wilson (pictured) returned from a festival and went to bed complaining of a headache - and tragically never woke up Vaccines that guard against meningococcal type B meningitis, also known as MenB, are given to babies up to the age of one in three separate doses. But Alison has urged the government to also roll them out to teens, who currently only receive MenACWY, covering other strains, at the age of 13 or 14. She said: 'To know there is this vaccination out there, it hurts. You beat yourself up, like what could I have done to protect her? 'To think she would still be here if we had made ourselves aware and vaccinated her. 'They can find the money for other vaccinations, and I don't get how many deaths they want of children that age before it becomes cost-effective for them. 'I just don't understand it, it's like they're saying they're not worth it. Why can it not just be included with that rollout at 13, 14?' Livia, who worked at an Italian restaurant called Lucia's, and had trained as a ballet dancer, was excited to attend the Parklife music festival in June 2022. But a few days after returning from the weekend event, she complained of a headache. Alison, an assistant accountant, said she just thought Livia had 'overdone it'. Tests later revealed that Livia passed away after contracting a bacterial illness - which causes sudden inflammation of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord The evening of June 15 would sadly be the final time Alison would see her daughter Liv (pictured) alive WHAT IS MENINGITIS? Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45. People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk. The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral. Symptoms for both include: Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass Stiff neck Dislike of bright lights Fever, and cold hands and feet Vomiting Drowsiness Severe headache Headache is one of the main symptoms Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics. Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal. Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss. Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs. Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis. Viral meningitis Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems. Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK. Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest. Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease. Source: Meningitis Now Advertisement However, the evening of June 15 would sadly be the final time she would see her daughter alive. Alison said: 'She came back after the weekend, and she was straight back into work. She was working usual restaurant hours until late at night. 'She'd got herself to work, she drove. But she was sent home that day as she felt unwell. And for me, I think if I can get myself to work, I'm not that bad. 'So I just thought, "She just needs to really recover". 'She did say it was the "worst headache" she'd ever had but she would do a Covid test in the morning because she felt generally unwell. 'She had paracetamol, went to bed, and that was it. '[The next day] an ambulance came and then the police came because they treat it as suspicious because there's no explanation.' Meningitis is usually transmitted to an individual via the mucus or saliva from a person who is carrying the virus but has no symptoms. This can come, for example, from sharing drinks, food, utensils or toothbrushes. Heartbroken Alison said it was extremely tough to learn how her sociable daughter who 'loved life' had passed away so suddenly. She said: 'It took a long time to find out what caused it, and we asked, "was she suffering, was she in pain?" and they tried to explain that it's just so fast with the brain. A few days after returning from the weekend event, the teenager complained of an extremely painful headache 'It just shuts your main organs down* She was alone. You just didn't ever expect it.' Alison is now urging parents to consider getting their children vaccinated against meningococcal type B meningitis, even though it can cost 220 if done privately. She felt it was particularly important for teens who may be at more risk of contracting the disease due to their close contact at places like festivals. She said: 'Just please get it, protect them and don't be in the position that we are. We just don't want anybody to have to go through what we are. 'And we have to try and carry on. Your life is never the same. 'If I couldn't afford it, I'd give up anything to be able to protect my child. And I don't think it's out there that vaccination is there and the children haven't got it at 15. 'People think they've had it, but it's a different strain of meningitis.' Livia, who worked at an Italian restaurant called Lucia's and had trained as a ballet dancer, was excited to attend the Parklife music festival in June 2022 Dr Andrew Lee, Regional Deputy Director of The UK Health Security Agency, Yorkshire & the Humber, said his thoughts were with Livia's family. However, he said the government was not currently considering rolling out a MenB vaccine for teens. He said: 'MenB is a rare, but terrible disease and this is yet another devastating reminder of how serious it can be. Our thoughts are with Livia Wilson's family. 'Based on expert advice from the independent Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Government decide which groups are eligible for free NHS vaccines. 'National surveillance data shows a much higher incidence of group B meningococcal disease in infants compared to teenagers. 'Unlike the Men ACWY vaccine, MenB vaccine has been shown to have no effect on carriage and will therefore, not provide population (herd) protection. 'As with all vaccine programmes, the JCVI will keep the programme under constant review. 'Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia symptoms, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet, can greatly improve the outcome of the disease and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP immediately or call NHS 111.' Brian Davies, Head of Health Insights and Policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: 'Meningococcal Group B infection has, for decades, been the largest cause of life-threatening meningitis in the UK. 'Introducing a vaccine for babies in 2015 was a major step forward but teenagers are a high-risk age group too and we would like to see this age group protected. 'Alongside this, it's also important to know that meningitis vaccines offer protection against the different types of bacteria that cause meningitis but that there is currently no one single vaccine that protects against them all. 'That is why it's also vital to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, so you can spot these and know when to seek urgent medical attention.' Clutching the letter in my hands, I felt my blood run cold. Here, in stark black and white, was the unfathomable news that the man who had been jailed just 18 months earlier for savagely attacking me was now eligible for early release from prison. That man was my ex-husband Martin Underwood. A man who, on the morning of April 3, 2021, assaulted me so violently that I was convinced he was going to kill me not least because, as he struck me repeatedly across my head and stomach and held a knife to my throat, he repeatedly screamed that it was his intention. I knew he meant it. It was only through sheer luck that I managed to escape. Yet this was only the start of my ordeal. What followed was an exhausting two-year battle to bring Martin to justice, one that dragged on so long it gave him the opportunity to violently attack his new girlfriend. She too narrowly escaped with her life after he tried to suffocate her with a plastic bag. When Martin was finally sentenced to six years three months in prison in February last year, it was an enormous relief for both of us. Elizabeth Hudson was violently assaulted by her ex-husband in April 2021. She wants Labour to keep its promises to victims of domestic abuse Yet now, this letter from the probation service in my shaking hand informed me he was eligible for early release in June next year under Labour's early release scheme introduced to tackle overcrowding in prisons and possibly as soon as next month under the Home Detention Curfew scheme, or 'tagging', which allows certain prisoners to serve some of their sentence in the community. Sinking into a chair, I sobbed at the injustice of it. It was terrible enough to have gone through what I did; now it felt like I was being assaulted again by a justice system that, having gone out of its way to reassure the public that domestic abusers would not be freed early, was now telling me my ex-husband might be released after serving less than 40 per cent of his sentence. Is it any wonder that I, along with other victims of domestic assault, feel utterly betrayed? Even with Martin still behind bars for now the toll this news is taking is immense. The PTSD symptoms and flashbacks I have tried so hard to overcome have resurfaced, and I'm living in a state of anxiety as I think about what this means for me and my two children. It's one reason I have written to the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood asking her to automatically exclude from early release any prisoner serving a sentence for violent offences involving domestic abuse. It's not enough to exclude a handful of certain offences. Domestic abusers commit all sorts of crimes against their victims from assaults to criminal damage and they should all be excluded from early release. I've recently set up an online petition to campaign for this injustice to be overturned. It's the last thing I ever thought I'd find myself campaigning for. Now 42, I have a successful career in PR and my friends would describe me as strong and independent. On paper, I'm an unlikely victim of domestic violence. But as I can testify, it doesn't discriminate. It is now nearly 20 years since I first met Martin at a dinner with mutual friends. He was a 31-year-old Army sergeant and I was a 23-year-old masters student, still living with my parents. Charming and confident, he seemed the epitome of grown-up maturity. We started dating and our relationship quickly became intense. Martin bombarded me with telephone calls and thoughtful gifts, and I honestly thought I'd found my soulmate. It was my first serious relationship and I was incredibly naive. With hindsight, the warning signs were there: the occasional cutting remark that would be laughed off as a joke; his demands that I spent all my time with him dressed up as love and affection. In 2006, 16 months after we got together, Martin persuaded me to leave my job and friends in London to move in together in the West Midlands, where he had secured a job in project management after leaving the Army. I didn't know a soul, and became increasingly dependent on him. His demands for my undivided attention became more excessive and there were instances of aggressive behaviour, especially when he had a lot to drink. In 2007, in a drunken rage, he struck me across the face. I immediately went to the police, and he was cautioned. Afterwards, he was the picture of contrition, pleading with me to forgive him and promising to never to do it again. I stayed. For a while things were calmer. I put his worst behaviour down to alcohol, but the reality was I was already trapped, especially once I gave birth to our son in 2008. New to motherhood, and without any family nearby, I was reliant on him financially. It was a fraught time. I wish I could say things got better, but any victim of domestic abuse will recognise what happened next. Slowly the verbal abuse escalated once again into physical violence and controlling behaviour. Martin would smash my belongings from sunglasses and hair straighteners to mobile phones and ruin my rare nights out by ringing me and demanding I came home, or else he would walk out and leave our son on his own. As months, then years went by, I repeatedly tried to leave, turning up on my parents' doorstep more times than I can count, only for Martin to reel me back in with promises to do better promises I desperately wanted to believe because my misguided instinct was to keep our little family together. And each time, for a while, it seemed he was keeping his promises, and life would be briefly wonderful. Until he flared up again. Over the years I persuaded him to go to relationship counselling, and even booked him a place on a domestic abuse perpetrator course. He walked away from both saying the experts didn't know a thing. In 2014, Martin finally proposed. I accepted. Even after everything I'd been through, I was desperate to believe his assurances that things would be different. Elizabeth's ex-husband Martin Underwood struck her repeatedly across her head and stomach and held a knife to her throat during his vicious attack He could be incredibly persuasive and, by then, I was very much under his control. I know that to those on the outside, situations like mine can seem bafflingly hard to understand. But years of manipulation give men like Martin a hold over you that's almost impossible to explain or escape, no matter how strong or intelligent you are. Having experienced it, I would never judge anyone trapped in the same hell. Our wedding in 2015 was followed, two years later, by the arrival of our daughter, and her birth finally swept away any remaining illusions that I could turn our relationship around. From abandoning me at the hospital to carry our new baby and heavy car seat alone when I was recovering from a C-section, to shouts and threats because my focus was on the baby, Martin swiftly fell back into his old ways. One evening, as I stared into my baby daughter's eyes, I realised that if I wouldn't tolerate such horrors for her, I shouldn't for myself either. And so, in May 2018, I finally left the marital home with little more than the clothes on my back, taking the children to my parents' home. Martin's response was to destroy most of the clothes I'd left behind, smash our wedding crockery and break furniture. Times were tough. While I found a house to rent in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, where we had moved a few years earlier to be nearer to family, I was also contending with being a single mother and closing the small PR business I'd built from scratch. I never stopped Martin from seeing the children, who still loved him. And, as we spent afternoons together in the park with them, he once again managed to convince me he had changed. When Covid struck, we ended up in a bubble, living across two houses. We had started discussing moving back in together when that final, brutal assault took place on the Easter weekend of 2021. It was set off by of all things Easter eggs. The children were staying with my parents and we had planned to spend some time together. On the Friday evening, we had an argument. The following morning, I went round to Martin's to talk. Yet the moment I let myself in, I sensed something was wrong. Martin seemed drunk, and I knew I needed to get out. But as I went to leave, I noticed the eggs I had bought for the children on the hallway bookcase. I reached for them and he shouted at me to put them back. When I said I wanted to take them as tomorrow was Easter Sunday, he just flipped. The suddenness of what happened still takes my breath away. He began to hit me around the head, punching me in the stomach and screaming he would kill me. As I attempted to move away from his blows, I found myself in the kitchen, where he picked up a knife and held it to my throat while threatening to kill me, kill himself and orphan our precious children. Filled with absolute terror, I remember thinking I would never see the children again, when he briefly turned away. I spotted the key was still in the front door and took my chance. I managed to run, unlock it in one quick movement and race out into the cul-de-sac. As I did so, Martin grabbed the back of my jeans, and I screamed for help as I frantically tried to pull free. By complete luck, a neighbour was in his driveway and the moment Martin spotted him, he let go and went back inside. I was so full of adrenaline I hadn't even registered he had sliced my arm with the knife and I was bleeding. The police and an ambulance were called, and an officer from the South Yorkshire force took a statement before I went to hospital. The following day, I was told Martin had been arrested for unlawful wounding and threats to kill. The officer was confident he would be charged and remanded in custody given the sheer mass of evidence against him, including CCTV of me running for my life out of the house, photos of my injuries and witness statements from neighbours. Instead, when on Monday I chased the police for news, having failed to contact me as promised, I discovered Martin had been released under police bail pending further investigations. I was completely terrified. I'd assumed we could move back home, but now we had to stay at a friend's until I had security systems installed. While Martin's bail conditions meant he shouldn't contact me, I felt deeply frightened he might try. Martin, a former Army sergeant, was finally sentenced to six years and three months in prison in February last year It took four agonising months for the police to finally bring charges against him, during which time I was constantly looking over my shoulder. The agony continued, with plea hearings repeatedly delayed, and an initial trial date of June 2022 postponed due to the barristers' strike. His trial was pushed back to November, 19 months since my assault took place. It was a trial the CPS made clear they would prefer not to have, trying to persuade me that Martin would plead guilty to Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) if I agreed to let the threats to kill charge lie on file. They told me that both offences carried the same sort of jail time which isn't the case. I refused. I'd finally woken up to the type of man Martin really was and exactly how dangerous he could be. I was convinced that if I hadn't escaped that morning, our children would have been left without a mother and for that he deserved to face justice, however long it took. Instead, it felt like the CPS wanted to take the easiest option rather than the right one, and it angers me thinking about all the other vulnerable women in my position who may have been put under the same pressure. The wait for the trial was exhausting and worse was to follow. In August 2022, 16 months after I was attacked, I received a message on Facebook from Martin's new fiancee. She, too, had been violently attacked, beaten by him before he tried to suffocate her with a plastic bag. She had only escaped by locking herself in the bathroom and contacting the police. She, too, thought she was going to die. I stared at the message, reeling. Here was another woman who had been through hell at the hands of a man who should already be behind bars. 'I'm so sorry,' I wrote back. I sat and cried, questioning if there was more I should have done to protect her. Martin was remanded into custody at last, and the police decided to join our cases together. On February 3, 2023, 22 months after his final attack on me, Martin was sentenced, after pleading guilty to ABH and threats to kill in my case, for which he received four years. He also pleaded guilty to ABH, non-fatal suffocation and non-fatal strangulation of his former fiancee, for which he was given another two years three months. Of course it didn't feel long enough, but six years and three months was significant even though I knew he would be released after serving half of his sentence, as is currently automatic for prisoners serving fixed-term sentences. His 27-month sentence for his attack on his fiancee would be served consecutively to his time for attacking me. Factoring in his time on remand, that meant two and a half years of knowing Martin was safely locked away, taking us to September 2025 enough time for me and my family to slowly heal and rebuild. For the first time in a long time, I could finally breathe. That is until that letter landed on my doorstep in early September, telling me that not only would Martin be released early in June next year, but possibly even as early as December. Some may struggle to understand why 'just a few months' would make such a big difference. But when you have lived in fear for as long as I have, then every single extra day of feeling safe, of knowing that he cannot hurt us, is precious. And to be told that this doesn't matter is nothing short of an insult. I couldn't believe my eyes. Aside from my personal sense of betrayal, this letter was also in direct contradiction of the Government's own statements about early release, which made it clear that offenders sentenced to four years or more not to mention those sentenced for offences like suffocation and strangulation would not be eligible. Martin's early release would break these promises twice over. Yet here we were, those promises shattered and with them the fragile sense of peace I'd tried to build for myself and my children. Frustratingly, Martin has seemingly benefited from a loophole, meaning the Ministry of Justice believe he is now eligible for early release, although I disagree that this is the case. While no sentence would truly compensate for the damage Martin has done, this news felt like a punch in the guts for victims who have already had the hell of their abuse compounded by the slow, often shoddy workings of the justice system. Since that day Martin tried to kill me, I have lost count of the number of times I had to chase for information, or was fobbed off. Indeed, it is only since writing to the Justice Secretary and starting my campaign to raise awareness of cases like mine that the probation service have contacted me to say Martin will now not be released in December. Yet he will still be released next June under the early release scheme. It's devastating. For decades, politicians have failed to fix our broken justice system. But this latest disaster is taking place under a Labour Government that has pledged to treat domestic abuse as seriously as terrorism. If they mean what they say, they need to honour the promises they made rather than heap further terror on those of us who have already been through enough. Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell was hit with a $108,000 fine for spending money from a Prop D fundraising committee he started on his mayoral campaign. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle On Thursday, San Franciscos Department of Elections released another round of ballot results confirming what we already suspected: mayoral candidate Mark Farrells dismal fourth-place finish and the likely failure of Proposition D, which sought cap the number of city oversight commissions at 65 and increase the mayors authority. Farrells political demise seemed inevitable after the Chronicle reported one day before the election that Farrell had received a huge $108,000 ethics fine for spending money from a Prop D fundraising committee he started on his mayoral campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the potential of Prop Ds loss delivered a surprising 1-2 punch especially, no doubt, to the billionaires who poured unprecedented amounts of money into both campaigns. Prop D had the backing of local venture capitalist Michael Moritz, Republican billionaire William Obendorf, and real estate magnate Thomas Coates. Obendorf and Coates also donated hundreds of thousands to support Farrell. All told the Prop D campaign received more than $9 million in donations, making it the most expensive measure on the ballot. Farrells campaign raised $5.4 million. Yet ultimately it was Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie who won the race for mayor. Luries mayoral campaign, of course, was the most expensive on the ballot. He dropped $13 million to win his new seat, much of it his own money. So, whats the lesson here? Does cash do all the talking now in San Francisco? Hardly. San Francisco voters are too sophisticated for that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Proposition E, another commission reduction ballot measure created as a counterweight to Prop D, seems poised to pass despite barely having any financial backing. Yes, our citys political races continue to see unprecedented infusions of cash with each new election. Yet to win, billionaire backing alone is not enough: You also have to run a clean, competent and sound campaign as Daniel Lurie did. For San Francisco voters, who are sick of corruption in city government, ethics matter. It was impossible to ignore the headlines highlighting how the Prop D and Farrell campaigns slipped up. In April, the Chronicle reported on questionable behavior from Jay Cheng, the head of the political action committee Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, a major funder of local moderate campaigns, as he initiated conversations around staffing for the Farrell and Lurie campaigns. It gets more muddled; Jay Cheng is married to Kanishka Cheng, the head of TogetherSF, which authored Prop D. Kanishka Cheng was named in a text message from a Farrell campaign consultant who said she was one of the people guiding the ship, a claim she denied. In May, Mayor London Breed dropped out of a TogetherSF debate, citing the troubling connections between the groups and Farrell. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then in early October, the Chronicle reported that Farrell failed to disclose a $675,000 debt he owed a San Francisco family on his campaign finance documents. Five days later, three former San Francisco mayors signed a letter addressed to Attorney General Rob Bonta and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, asking them to initiate an investigation into Farrells alleged violation of both local and state election laws. Farrells support among voters dropped accordingly. In a Chronicle poll from early August, Farrell was listed as voters second-place choice. Ten weeks later, a second poll of voters ranked him below Breed, Lurie and Peskin. None of this, clearly, went over well with voters, and its reasonable to conclude that Farrells proximity to Prop D likely played a role in its demise. So, however, was a lack of transparency from the measures authors at TogetherSF. They had no real explanation for why they felt the extremely arbitrary number of 65 commissions should be retained. The research and analysis team that informed the measure interviewed 30 current and former government employees as part of their research. But to this day they have kept the list a secret, casting more shadows on the behind-the-scenes development of the measure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead, Prop Es slow but transparent, city-driven process is currently winning out. Its not just these two races that spell voters desire for a cleaner city government this election. Prop C, which would install an inspector general in the Controllers Office to sniff out and investigate corruption, is so broadly supported it was one of the few ballot measures to be called a yes on election night. What do we take from all this? 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 Money talks, sometimes. But in San Francisco, the good news is that all the money in the world wont help you if you fail to run a clean, transparent campaign. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Expert Judi James said some of her mannerisms might have put off voters It was revealed on Tuesday that she had lost to Donald Trump Body language experts have shared the 'gestures' that may have lost Kamala Harris the presidential election - from her posture that 'implied inner weakness' to her 'passive-aggressive and sarcastic smirk.' Kamala, 60, spent the last four months campaigning across the country in a bid to become the 47th President of the United States. But it was revealed on Tuesday that she had lost to Donald Trump - and according to UK-based body language analyst Judi James, some of her movements might have put off voters. She analyzed the mannerisms that Kamala used throughout her campaign exclusively to DailyMail.com, and broke down which ones may have contributed to her 'downfall.' Judi noted that the public tends to 'distrust' someone who appears like they are 'getting it all right,' but will lean towards 'someone who shows flaws,' which is why some people may have been drawn more to Donald, 78, than to Kamala. Body language experts have shared the 'gestures' that may have lost Kamala Harris the election - from her posture that 'implied inner weakness' to her 'sarcastic smirk' 'Our subconscious picks up on many non-verbal traits, adds them to the verbal message, and starts to come to conclusions,' she explained. 'Sensation is a huge factor in electoral success or failure. A political leader has to make us feel in certain ways to win our vote.' According to UK-based body language analyst Judi James, some of Kamala's movements might have put off voters Judi explained that Kamala's posture may have 'implied inner weakness or a lack of determination.' She pointed out that the Vice President often used the 'broken wing wrist position,' which is when someone's 'hand hangs from bent, weak-looking wrists.' 'When we see our politicians looking powerful and strong we like to see a power extension that takes the line of strength from the chest and shoulder right down to the fingertips,' shared Judi. 'She often looked like she was drying her nail varnish when she should have been using fist or baton rituals to imply authentic knowledge and power.' The expert pointed out that Kamala often took 'long pauses' to 'look around at the audience' during her speeches - a 'technique often used by great speakers' to warn people that 'something really great was about to come out of their mouth.' But Judi said Kamala would often fail to follow the move up with something 'profound' - and she theorized that her wrong use of the gesture might have ultimately made her 'messages' seem 'incongruent.' She analyzed the mannerisms that Kamala used throughout her campaign exclusively to DailyMail.com, and broke down which ones may have contributed to her 'downfall' Judi explained that Kamala's posture may have 'implied inner weakness,' adding, 'She often looked like she was drying her nail varnish when she should have been using fists' Judi also claimed that Kamala's interactions with her husband, Doug Emhoff, were a 'low point,' explaining, 'Doug's non-verbals defined him as a dominant alpha male' 'Kamala has a love of word salads, speaking a lot of dialogue that barely comes to a point,' she said. 'The blend of 'important' body language and word salads began to feel like a cheat. When we feel a discrepancy, we begin to seek clarification or we just turn off.' Judi also claimed that Kamala's interactions with her husband, Doug Emhoff, were a 'low point.' 'Doug's non-verbals defined him as a dominant alpha male come to congratulate but also take control over his woman,' she analyzed. 'His protective arm around her shoulders, his puffed chest and the way he would lead her across the stage as though she'd been out on loan. 'For her last speech, he even crooked an arm so they walked off with her looking like he was leading her away to her retirement.' During the debate between Donald and Kamala in September, the Vice President was often seen laughing outwardly at claims that he made. And Judi added that laughter can 'produce negative responses' from viewers if it's used at the wrong time. Judi said 'his puffed chest and the way he would lead her across the stage' looked as though 'she'd been out on loan' During the debate between Donald and Kamala in September, she was often seen laughing - and Judi said laughter can 'produce negative responses' from viewers 'Laughing too much and too often when your audience feels it is suffering will produce negative responses,' she warned. 'A reputation for humor can be a positive trait but the visual illustration of that sense of humor needs to be used wisely.' A second body language expert named Jamie Wall also spoke to DailyMail.com about Kamala's movements, and her reiterated Judi's claims. A second body language expert named Jamie Wall (seen) also spoke to DailyMail.com about Kamala's movements Jamie theorized that the 60-year-old was trying to use 'humor to diffuse tension,' but added that laughter can 'create an emotional imbalance' and 'undermine important topics' if used at the wrong time. He also pointed out that Kamala often had a 'sarcastic smirk' on her face when she would reference her competitor, which he explained may have turned some people off. 'Excessive sarcasm can create a negative environment, making interactions feel passive-aggressive,' he shared. In addition, Jamie noted that Kamala often rested her chin on her hand, which he said made her come off as 'doubtful about the topic at hand.' 'In negotiations or discussions, it's crucial to be aware of how such nonverbal cues might be interpreted,' he added. 'Use this gesture thoughtfully. While it can indicate critical thinking, it may also suggest uncertainty, which can affect the overall tone of the conversation.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first joint appearance in over three months, as the Sussexes shared a new video message yesterday evening. Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, both wore dark blazers with poppy pins fastened on their lapels, in a video message about online violence against children - a cause that is deeply important to them. Meghan's navy blue blazer is believed to the Parker Wool Crepe Jacket from Ralph Lauren. After their two-minute speech, they shared a sweet moment as Harry affectionately wrapped his arm around Meghan. The video message was played at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, as the Duke and Duchess called for greater protections for 'the most vulnerable in our world' against the threat of digital violence and harm. Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, both wore dark blazers with poppy pins fastened on their lapels, in a video message about online violence against children Their last official appearance together was in August, when Harry and Meghan embarked on a four-day tour of the South American country. The new video message appears to have been filmed in California, where the Sussexes reside with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Harry opened their address at the inaugural ministerial conference on 'ending violence against children' by saying: 'We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident. 'While the necessity has always been apparent, it is now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action.' Meghan added that while 'greater connectivity and advanced technology' have obvious advantages, they also 'compel us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself' in 2024. She continued: 'At the Archewell Foundation, we engage with young people, families, and experts worldwide learning how every aspect of a child's life - from their livelihood to their physical and mental wellbeing - now operate within an online economy that has the power to both shape, and misshape, our connections.' Harry and Meghan launched the Parents' Network, an online campaign aimed at tackling harm caused to children online, in August this year. Their initiative aims to help offer a 'safe and supportive community [which] is available to all caregivers navigating the complex digital world'. Harry opened their address by saying: 'We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident' Meghan added that 'advanced technology... compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself' According to the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation website, this group includes those who 'have first-hand knowledge of the pain and destruction caused by social media use'. Speaking about the Parents' Network on Thursday, November 7, Harry described it as a 'support network for families dealing with online harm'. He continued: 'Through trauma-informed practices, we help parents come together to forge strong bonds, offering healing support through community with the ultimate goal of prioritizing safety at the source.' Meghan added that while it's important for parents to 'establish norms around the use of and access to technology', it's imperative to formulating standards and regulations that 'prioritise children's safety'. Prince Harry ended their message with an urgent call-to-action: 'Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support. 'They are urging us to leverage the resources in this room to confront the new reality our youth are facing. 'We look forward to the actions and outcomes of the discussions that will take place here in Colombia, and are grateful for the leadership, expertise, and testimonies that will come together in this room to address all forms of violence targeting the most vulnerable in our world.' Meghan added: 'Together we can harness this moment to drive lasting change.' Harry and Meghan gave their first broadcast interview together in three years this August, when they sat down with CBS News host Jane Pauley to discuss the Parents' Network initiative. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interviewed on CBS Sunday Moring about the dangers of social media and suicide ideation During the interview, the couple said they want to 'be a part of change for good' when it comes to the 'online space'. The campaign, which carries the slogan #NoChildLostToSocialMedia, includes a video which has been posted on the Foundation's website and features parents who have lost their children to suicide because of online harm. In addition, a list of three guides has been posted on the site, each tackling a social media platform, including Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The guides are described by the site as being 'repurposed in partnership with The Social Media Victims Law Center'. Compiled using information from the Center's online social media guides, they include information about what each platform is used for, and how caregivers can 'improve their childs safety' while they are using them. Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan released a clip urging social media companies to restrict the amount of harmful content children see online. On 31 January, they released the video of their appearance at a World Mental Health Day discussion in New York in October last year. They issued the video on their Archewell website following a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child safety which took place in Washington yesterday - and saw politicians warn social media giants: 'You have blood on your hands'. Harry and Meghan's last official appearance together was in August, when they embarked on a four-day tour of Colombia Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on a stylish show before hosting a World Mental Health Day event in October 2023 In the video - released with a statement on online child safety - Meghan said: 'When the car was first invented, there wasn't a seatbelt. And what happened? People started to get hurt, people started to die. So you started to change the car.' Harry says: 'We need to get out of this idea that young kids, there's something wrong with them. No, it's the world that we're allowing to be created around them. Please stop sending children content that you wouldn't want your own children to see.' The video dates back to October 10 last year when the Sussexes urged social media companies to reduce the amount of harmful content children see online to protect their mental health. Harry and Meghan made the remarks at a mental health awareness festival run by non-profit Project Healthy Minds in New York. The royal couple, who have spoken about their own mental health issues, took part in a panel discussion alongside US surgeon general Vivek Murthy moderated by NBC host Carson Daly, who has spoken of his struggles with anxiety. The event, on World Mental Health Day 2023, was co-ordinated by the Archewell Foundation. The couple called on social media firms to adopt better content moderation policies and tweak apps which can prove addictive for youngsters. They spoke after hearing from parents who have lost children to mental health issues linked to social media use. The Duke urged tech bosses to 'stop sending children content you wouldn't want your own children to see'. Taking to the stage at the event, Meghan admitted that she had been left in tears by some of the 'devastating' stories shared by the parents who took part in the summit Meanwhile Harry thanked all of the mothers and fathers who offered to speak out about the losses that they have suffered The Duchess said she and her husband are focusing on what they can do behind the scenes to make social media use 'safer, better and more positive' and that the couple have spoken to tech executives about the issue. She added: 'People are getting hurt and people, specifically children, are dying. 'A year ago we met some of the families, not all of them. At that time, it was impossible to not be in tears as I'm sure so many of you have been today hearing these stories. 'As parents, our kids are really young they're two-and-a-half and four-and-a-half but social media is not going away. 'I think by design, there is an entry point that is supposed to be positive, in creating community and something has devolved, and there is no way to hear that and not try to help these families have their stories be heard.' A guest of a very well-known hotel chain has been left in hysterics after finding a packet of 'illegal, Indian Viagra' slipped between her bedsheets. Speaking to FEMAIL the woman said she was crawling into bed at 1am with her husband, after going to the Coldplay concert in Sydney, when she found the little blue pills. 'It wasn't exactly the chocolate you would expect to find at a fancy hotel,' she laughed, adding she's glad she and her husband didn't mistake them for after-dinner mints. The Super Kamagra tablets are illegal in the UK and Australia but a popular product elsewhere. According to the packet the drug is the 'first in the world' to combat both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. 'As funny as it was at the time it isn't a good thing to happen when you expect a clean bed,' she said. 'It even had the instruction pamphlet.' She elected not to name and shame the hotel, who compensated her following the discovery of the little blue pills. A woman has revealed how she found off-brand Viagra in her hotel bed 'I went to ask the reception on our way to breakfast if it was normal practice to try and make a night away more pleasant,' she laughed. 'The look on their faces were priceless when I handed them over. They had no words or explanation, hilarious.' Then management were quick to intervene. 'They were very horrified by the situation and very apologetic about it,' she said. The woman said at first she thought the beds had just been made - and not thoroughly cleaned before their arrival - but added the bed was spotless apart from the four-pack of pills. A manager emailed the woman to thank her for 'finding the humour' in the situation and to address the matter. The pills were unopened and even had the instructions attached 'I spoke to the housekeeping manager to find out how this happened. My understanding is that although the suite was occupied previously that bedroom was not used,' they wrote. 'Our housekeepers do thorough inspections to confirm if a room has been cleaned or not as proper cleaning protocols apply. '...my educated guess is that the previous guest slipped the items in the unused bed either to be funny or malicious. 'This has raised a serious concern and we have immediately made adjustments to our procedures to ensure it doesn't happen again.' The woman, who was sharing a three-bedroom suite with her parents and adult daughter said she 'walked out of the room to ask her parents if they got some too'. Unsurprisingly, she and her husband didn't use the pills but will continue to laugh about the experience for many years. Real Housewives of New York star Rebecca Minkoff has finally opened up about being a Scientologist. While the fashion designer, 43, has tried to avoid the topic on RHONY thus far, she ended up discussing her faith with co-star Erin Lichy in a preview for next week's episode. In addition to being a Scientologist, Minkoff is also Jewish, which confused Lichy, who is Jewish too. 'How does it work for you, because I know we always talk about being Jewish, but how does it work being Jewish and a Scientologist?' Lichy asked. Minkoff responded, 'Being Jewish is my religion, obviously. And the other one is really an applied philosophy that, like, when it gets rough, that's where I can get tools to help me.' Real Housewives of New York star Rebecca Minkoff has finally opened up about being a Scientologist on the hit Bravo series She explained that Scientology has helped her with 'communication' as well as 'the stress of life, dealing with kids, business'. Minkoff went on to describe the religion 'spiritual', before blasting critics of Scientology. 'I think it's unfortunate that there's a lot of stereotypes out there,' she said, before saying that critics of the religion are 'people who don't have the right information' and are 'working with inadequate data'. 'I would just ask people to go check it out for yourself, whether it is reading a book, going online, watching the TV station about it,' she continued, referring to the Scientology Network. A RHONY producer then told Minkoff that the first book he thinks of when he thinks of Scientology is Going Clear. 'Don't read that book!' Minkoff responded with a laugh. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief was written by journalist Lawrence Wright and released in 2013. The fashion designer, 43, ended up discussing her faith with co-star Erin Lichy in a preview for next week's episode 'Being Jewish is my religion, obviously. And the other one is really an applied philosophy that, like, when it gets rough, that's where I can get tools to help me,' she shared The book was critical of Scientology and ended up being turned into the 2015 documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, which was condemned by the church. After Minkoff opened up about her ties to Scientology, longtime friend Lichy admitted that she was still confused by how the designer could be both Jewish and a Scientologist. 'I have so much respect for her that I would never want to insult her belief system,' Lichy told producers. 'That being said, it's very hard for me to understand,' she added. Minkoff is part of one of Scientology's most powerful and controversial families and has been a devout member of the religion since she was a teenager. In the '90s, the fashionista's father Dr. Minkoff was involved in a wrongful death lawsuit that could have cost the church its tax-exempt status, and he was recently named in a medical malpractice suit over the death of high-level Scientologist Whitney Mills. After Minkoff opened up about her ties to Scientology, longtime friend Lichy admitted that she was still confused by how the designer could be both Jewish and a Scientologist On a recent RHONY episode, she awkwardly dodged questions about Scientology from co-star Brynne Whitfield. 'If people ask us about the Scientology sh** what do you want us to say?' Whitfield said. 'Uhhh, no comment,' Minkoff responded. 'And also if you're like, "I don't know what to say, here's what someone asked me," come to me.' Whitfield responded, 'I know you say "no comment" but that kind of doesn't work. I'm a publicist. So is she.' Whitfield pointed to co-star Jessel Taank, who was with them at the time. 'I just tell people, "If you're curious, read a book,"' Minkoff shot back. 'That's it.' She continued, 'We're a world recognized religion. There's nothing secret. There's nothing weird, you know?' Prince Harry has penned a letter to bereaved children, explaining that he 'understands the weight' of losing a parent at a young age. The Duke of Sussex, 40, wrote the missive in his capacity of Global Ambassador of Scottys, a charity which supports children and young people, aged from birth to 25-years-old, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. He has been connected to the charity for a number of years. In his letter, which was addressed to 'Scotty's Little Soldiers', Harry wrote that he wanted to 'take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of this occasion and what it means for each of you' as we approach Remembrance Day. 'This day is a time not only to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members but also to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families, especially ones like yours,' he said. Prince Harry (pictured) penned a letter of support to children who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces in his capacity as ambassador for the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers The letter comes after the couple made their first joint appearance in a video yesterday, talking about creating online safety for children According to the Prince, each of the letter's recipients 'carries a unique story shaped by the bravery of a parent who served our country'. He added: 'I understand, perhaps more than most, the weight of losing a parent at a young age. It can be overwhelming and isolating. Yet, in the midst of that heartache, we find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep comfort and healing.' According to Harry, Scotty's Little Soldiers 'embodies this spirit of community'. He added that when people come together to support each other, they can both 'honour the memories of your loved ones' and 'forge bonds that can and will carry you through the toughest times'. 'The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures,' he wrote. He encouraged readers to reflect on the value's their loved ones had instilled in them, including courage, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Doing this, he said, will 'serve as your guiding light, helping you navigate the challenges ahead'. He also reminded readers that they are 'part of a larger community that stands with you, ready to uplift and support you'. He concluded the letter writing: 'Your resilience is a testament to the legacy of your loved ones, and I have every confidence in your ability to make them proud and to shine brightly in the world. 'All they want is for you to be happy.' Speaking about Prince Harry's involvement with the charity, founder Nikki Scott said: 'Prince Harry is completely dedicated to Scottys and takes his role as Global Ambassador very seriously. He understands what it is like for our members to grow up without their parent, and he also knows the sacrifices made by servicemen and women. 'Its become a bit of a tradition now, for The Duke to write to our members at Remembrance. They also received letters from him in 2022 and 2023 and it means so much to them to know he is thinking about them and their parents at this proud but difficult time.' Prince Harry's letter he penned in his role of Global Ambassador for the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in over three months, sharing a new video message on Thursday. Harry and Meghan, 43, both wore dark blazers with poppy pins fastened on their lapels, in a short clip about online violence against children - a cause that is deeply important to them. The video message was played at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, as the Duke and Duchess called for greater protections for 'the most vulnerable in our world' against the threat of digital violence and harm. It appears to have been filmed in California, where the Sussexes reside with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Their last official appearance together was in August, when Harry and Meghan embarked on a four-day tour of the South American country. The youngest members of the controversial President Elect's family channeled 'Brand Trump' with All-American prep fashion, as they sported blazers and chinos following the controversial politician's shocking landslide victory this week, a stylist has revealed. The former real estate tycoon's grandchildren projected a 'united' front as they made nods to Republican image with red hues and business-casual ensembles. The parents dressing their kids seemed to make a statement with how they opted to style their little ones, putting out an image of classic USA-style slacks and ties. 'Seeing Donald Trump on the election stage with his family including his grandchildren showed a united family,' fashion expert Lisa Talbot told FEMAIL. 'There was a range of styles of clothing. The more informal, smart-casual style of blazers, chinos and trainers helps the American public relate to them more, it makes them feel like they are "one of us".' These were sported by the youngest members in the clan, namely Tristan, 13, Spencer, 12, and Chloe Trump, 10 - Don Jr and Vanessa Haydon's three youngest children. Tristan and Spencer wore navy and beige trousers with relaxed black blazers and button-up shirts. Both were also sporting patterned ties, but to add a more laid-back look akin to something more easily worn as a child, also had white trainers. Kai Trump shared a photo taken at the election watch party held her grandfather's his Mar-a-Lago estate on Tuesday night. Pictured left to right: Kai Trump, Barron Trump, Donald Trump, Vanessa Haydon, Donald Trump III, Ivanka Trump. Front row: Chloe Trump, Tristan Trump and Spencer Trump Their sister meanwhile was put in a red striped dress, which was marked with navy stripes, and some sandals. The more easy-going ensembles are 'correct for the younger members,' Lisa added, 'not making them appear to be something they are not'. 'They are young children in a very unusual setting,' she explained. 'But representative of the occasion.' The simple styles are available everywhere from George at Asda to M&S in the UK, meaning they're universally appropriate attire for kids. However, the stylist said that the older male grandchildren were 'more businesslike' with their suits. Donald Trump III, 15, Don Jr and Vanessa's eldest son, was his grandfather's mini-me as they wore matching black suits and Republican red ties. Meanwhile, the politician's youngest son, Barron, 18, towered behind his father in a suit and a striped tie with an American flag pin on the lapel. 'Wearing a suit is more business like but they have played with the colour of their tie to inject a more relaxed side and to add in the election colours so keeping "on brand",' Lisa said. Elsewhere, 17-year-old Kai Trump - the eldest Trump granddaughter who became somewhat of a MAGA sweetheart after wowing the 2024 Republican National Convention crowd with a speech in which she spoke lovingly about her 'grandpa' - was in a glittering black dress Meanwhile, the politician's youngest son, Barron, 18, towered behind his father in a suit and a striped tie with an American flag pin on the lapel 'We still have to take into consideration that they are "Brand Trump", very much like Donald Trump has worn a red cap throughout his campaigning,' she revealed. 'Many voters followed suit and wore one also.' Elsewhere, 17-year-old Kai Trump - the eldest Trump granddaughter who became somewhat of a MAGA sweetheart after wowing the 2024 Republican National Convention crowd with a speech in which she spoke lovingly about her 'grandpa' - was in a glittering black dress. Lisa said the ensemble was 'simple, stylish and elegant for a young lady'. 'Personally, as a stylist I think younger members of a family attending a more formal occasion can be smart-casual whilst still fitting in with the occasion,' the expert added. 'So they can enjoy and still be conscious of their environment.' After a landslide victory in the 2024 election, Donald Trump's family and closest allies joined him on stage for his victory speech. But two important Trump family members were missing from a photo posted by Donald's granddaughter Kai taken at the election watch party held at his Mar-a-Lago estate just hours beforehand. The 17-year-old captioned the photo 'the whole squad', but soon-to-be First Lady Melania Trump was nowhere to be seen. After a landslide victory in the 2024 election, Donald Trump's family and closest allies joined him on stage for his victory speech. Pictured earlier this month Donald Trump pictured posing for a photograph with his son Don Jr's five children on Easter 2021 Kimberly Guilfoyle, Don Jr 's fiancee of four years, was also not pictured alongside the family despite having been appearances at several campaign stops. Kai's mother Vanessa Haydon, who shares five kids with Don Jr, was front and center in the snap. Elon Musk and his son, X A-12, also managed to sneak into the family portrait. The Tesla billionaire became a vocal MAGA fan and one of Trump's biggest financial backers during the election. His social media platform X also become an unofficial Republican Party campaign tool. These are the people along with some other household names who have rallied to his side during the campaign for presidency - who will take major roles in his administration for the next four years. Elsewhere, when Trump took the stage on Tuesday night to declare victory in the presidential race, his daughter Ivanka drew eyeballs with her choice of outfit. Ivanka, 43, decided to wear a royal blue velvet pantsuit to the historic moment, leading some critics to speculate that she was showing subtle support for Democrats as the Republican party color is red. A former advisor to Trump's first presidential term, Ivanka was notably absent from her father's campaigning this year and refused to attend a single rally until election night. Ivanka's blue suit on election night saw some claim it was her way of hinting she would have preferred a Kamala Harris victory over her father, with observers questioning: 'Of all the colors... why blue?' Ivanka stood by her husband, investor and former Trump administration official Jared Kushner, on the stage on election night, while much of her family were placed on the other side of the platform. Elsewhere, when Trump took the stage on Tuesday night to declare victory in the presidential race, his daughter Ivanka drew eyeballs with her choice of outfit Ivanka, 43, decided to wear a royal blue velvet pantsuit to the historic moment, leading some critics to speculate that she was showing subtle support for Democrats as the Republican party color is red Critics noted that, along with Ivanka's blue suit, this may have been the First Daughter's way of showing her distaste for her family's politics. 'Why is Ivanka Trump wearing a Democrat shade of blue? And she's standing well away from Trump and the rest of the family...' one observer said on X. Ivanka was not the only one who drew scrutiny on election day with her outfit choices, with First Lady Jill Biden also choosing to wear the other side's colors. Biden wore a bright red pantsuit on Tuesday, knowing she would be voting and speaking to swing state voters in front of a throng of cameras all day. Many were convinced she did so to take a parting shot at Kamala Harris, who was seen as pushing Joe Biden aside and brutally casting him out of her campaign following his disastrous debate performance in June. Ivanka was a Democrat until her dad became a Republican. Her husband Jared Kushner was too and his immediate family remain prominent Democrat donors. President-elect Trump himself was also once a member of the liberal party but permanently switched his affiliation to the GOP in 2012. Members of the royal family have wished Lady Louise Windsor on her 21st birthday in heartfelt messages shared on social media. Once dubbed an 'English rose that is blossoming', Lady Louise - whose parents are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - is celebrating her milestone birthday at university in Scotland with her boyfriend. However, wishes have poured in for the young royal from all over the country on Friday, November 8 - including from Buckingham and Kensington palaces. The official X account for King Charles and Queen Camilla marked Louise's birthday with a post that read: 'Happy 21st birthday to Lady Louise!' The tweet was reposted by Kensington Palace, with the Prince and Princess of Wales also commemorating her birthday with a tweet that read: 'Wishing Lady Louise a very Happy 21st Birthday!' Once dubbed an 'English rose that is blossoming', Lady Louise - whose parents are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - is celebrating her milestone birthday at university in Scotland with her rumoured boyfriend However, wishes have poured in for the young royal from all over the country on Friday, November 8 - including Buckingham and Kensington palaces Royal fans also flooded X with birthday messages for Lady Louise, who has been hailed as as The Firm's 'secret weapon', thanks to her natural poise combined with a down-to-earth nature and resemblance to her late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. The beloved daughter of Prince Edward, 60, and Duchess Sophie, 59, is currently studying English at St Andrews in Scotland. King Charles' niece is reportedly considering a career in the military and is said to have 'fallen in love' with army cadets alongside her university degree - much like her father did a generation earlier. A source told The Sun: 'She talks about being very keen on a career in the military, serving the King and country. She is all about the Army Cadets and has fallen in love with it.' If the 20-year-old royal, who has maintained a low profile during her university days, goes down the military path, she will be the first female royal to serve in the military since her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. While Lady Louise often shies away from the spotlight, instead keeping a firm focus on her education, she may become a rising star among the younger generation of royals as she's set to follow in the footsteps of the late Queen, with whom she was very close. Louise, who is 16th in line to the throne, has just entered her third year at the University of St Andrews studying English and has reportedly said on her LinkedIn page that she is interested in pursuing a career in 'the military, diplomacy or law'. The official X accounts for King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales shared birthday messages for Louise King Charles' niece is reportedly considering a career in the military and is said to have 'fallen in love' with army cadets alongside her university degree - much like her father Prince Edward did a generation earlier Louise is also treading in the footsteps of her cousin, William, who attended St Andrews where he met his now wife, the Princess of Wales. Set for a life of public service, with all eyes on Louise, she's making the most of her student life at St Andrews before she graduates next year. Snaps from a fundraiser for the university's drama society earlier this year showed Louise partying with friends, showing off her moves on the dancefloor and snapping selfies with her rumoured boyfriend. Donning a classic V-neck little black dress, she looked particularly cosy with Felix da Silva-Clamp, who she is said to have found romance with. The duo wrapped their arms around each other, gently placing their heads together as Lady Louise took selfies on her phone, while in another image, Lady Louise is seen snuggling up to Felix, placing her hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder. The pair have been forging a strong bond over the past two years, with Felix - whose father is a solicitor - even travelling down to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk to see Louise at her driving competition in June, where she won an impressive silver medal. If the couple go the distance they will follow in the footsteps of William and Kate, who also met when they were students at St Andrews, and Felix already seems at ease with the family. If the 20-year-old royal, who has maintained a low profile during her university days, goes down the military path, she will be the first female royal to serve in the military since her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II He appeared to get on well with Lady Louise's parents, beaming as he chatted to the Duchess of Edinburgh. Over the years, Lady Louise has endeared herself to the British public, and members of the royal family, with a quiet confidence, sense of duty, and charm. But the rising star's life was almost snuffed out, alongside her mother's, on the day she was born due to Sophie losing nine pints of blood through internal bleeding. The Duchess, then 38, had suffered an acute placental abruption and was reportedly just 15 minutes away from dying in the emergency room, with her husband Edward unable to attend because he was in Mauritius for an official visit. However she managed to give birth to Louise, who weighed just 4lb 9oz, after an emergency C-section, but she had to be transferred away from Sophie almost immediately for specialist care. Complications from her early birth left Lady Louise with esotropia - a condition which means that both eyes do not look in the same direction - and reportedly 'completely reshaped' her mother's character. Following a number of operations, in 2013 one of them was more successful and Sophie later explained that Louise has perfect sight now. Marius, 27, was arrested in August and later admitted assaulting his girlfriend Crown Prince Haakon of Norway cancelled an engagement to accompany his stepson to rehab, according to local media. The heir to the Norwegian throne, 51, left his wife, Crown Princess Mette Marit, to host the lunch for the state administrators on Thursday, with the Palace communications manager Guri Varple citing 'private reasons' for the royal's absence. However, Se og Hor reported a sighting of the royal boarding a flight from Gardermoen to London at 1pm with Marius Borg Hiby, 27, who is said to have now finished being questioned. Marius 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. The publication claimed that the journey was made to accompany Marius to rehab after Marius' defender ivind Bratlien, 44, said in October that the 27-year-old planned to start rehabilitation in the new future. In a statement issued via his own lawyer last month, Borg Hiby said he suffers from 'several mental disorders' and has 'struggled with substance abuse for a long time', which he said he is resuming treatment for. At the same time, medical staff declared Mette Marit healthy, according to Aftenposten, after she went on sick leave due to medicinal side effects associated with her chronic lung disease. 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. Crown Prince Haakon cancelled an engagement to accompany his stepson Marius Borg Hiby to rehab, according to local media reports (seen in December 2017 in Oslo) Mette Marit is reportedly back at work after taking sick leave, according to Aftenposten (seen in 2021 with Haakon) 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.' 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. 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 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 Pictured: Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit during a visit to Selbu middle school in September Marius (pictured with Mette-Marit in June, 2022) is facing assault charges against former partners following his arrest in August WHAT IS PULMONARY FIBROSIS? Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. It's not clear what causes it, but it usually affects people around 70-75 years of age and is rare in people under 50. Several treatments can help reduce the rate at which IPF gets worse, but there's currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs. The symptoms of IPF tend to develop gradually and get slowly worse over time. Symptoms can include: Shortness of breath A persistent dry cough Tiredness Loss of appetite and weight loss Rounded and swollen fingertips also called clubbed fingers There is no cure and it's very difficult to predict how long someone with IPF will survive at the time of diagnosis. Regular monitoring over time can indicate whether it's getting worse quickly or slowly. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement Days after the palace announced that Mette-Marit had resumed her treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, hinting it might impact her schedule, Mette-Marit visited the Nic Waals Institute in Oslo with her husband, the Crown Prince Haakon. On Tuesday, October 15, she also joined King Harald, Queen Sonja, Princess Astrid, and Haakon in welcoming Finland's President and First Lady, Alexander Stubb and Suzanne Innes-Stubb, to Norway for a state visit. After the welcoming ceremony, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess accompanied the Presidential couple for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Mette-Marit married Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, in 2001. They share two children, Princess Ingrid Alexanda, 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 18. Mette-Marit's eldest son Marius Borg Hiby, is from a previous relationship. Since she married into the royal family, Marius has been dubbed the 'black sheep' of the institution. Overcoming her health woes for the time being will no doubt be a relief for the mother-of-three as she grapples with the sensational fallout of Marius's arrest on August 4. He later admitted to assaulting his 'girlfriend' in a booze and drug-fuelled attack that left her in hospital. He was taken into custody and held overnight in a prison cell under preliminary charges of causing bodily harm and criminal damage. He faces up to a year in prison if convicted. After his arrest, Hiby apologised for attacking Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, whom he referred to as his 'girlfriend' (her lawyers have refuted this claim) while intoxicated with 'alcohol and cocaine'. In a statement issued via his lawyer, Hiby said he 'suffers from severe mental disorders' and has 'struggled with substance abuse for a long time'. The statement read: 'I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. 'The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police.' In the wake of the scandal, the Norwegian Palace confirmed Hiby would not attend the wedding of Princess Martha Louise to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verett in Geiranger Fjord on August 31. The Crown Prince's embattled stepson was also reportedly uninvited from the high-profile wedding of Norwegian businessman ystein Stray Spetalen's son, after guests feared his presence would draw unwanted media attention. Former motorcycle mechanic Hiby was taken into custody for a second time after he allegedly violated a restraining order granted to Rebecca and contacted her in the wake of the assault. Hiby has denied the allegation. 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 (seen in 2016) Pictured: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Marius Borg Hoiby, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend the celebrations of Princess Ingrid Alexandra's Official Day at Deichman Museum on June 16, 2022 in Oslo Reports claimed that 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, 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. 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. '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.' James Van Der Beek has shared the first symptom that lead to his cancer diagnosis - and recalled the devastating moment he found out he had the disease. The Dawson's Creek star, 47, shared the news that he was battling colorectal cancer earlier this week. Now, he has spoken to People magazine about the change in his body that first alerted him that something was wrong. He told the publication that he was 'in amazing cardiovascular shape' and always 'tried to eat healthy,' so he never expected to get cancer. 'Id always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,' he added. James Van Der Beek has shared the symptom that lead to his cancer diagnosis - and recalled the devastating moment he found out he had the disease The actor revealed that he endured a 'change in his bowel movements' last summer, but still didn't think it was something serious. The Dawson's Creek star, 47, shared the news that he was battling colorectal cancer earlier this week. Now, he has spoken to People magazine about the change in his body that alerted him that something was wrong 'I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee, or maybe not put cream in the coffee,' he continued. 'But when I cut that out and it didnt improve, I thought, "All right, I better get this checked out."' He then underwent a colonoscopy, and received the heartbreaking news that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. 'I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that Id finally done it,' recalled the 47-year-old. 'Then the gastroenterologist said - in his most pleasant bedside manner - that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.' James told the outlet that he was undergoing treatment but didn't divulge any details on it. He added that he's 'cautiously optimistic' during this 'place of healing,' and insisted that his 'energy levels are great.' When asked what the hardest part was, James - who resides on a stunning Texas ranch with his wife, Kimberly, and six children - said all of the 'unknowns. The actor (seen with his six kids) revealed that he endured a 'change in his bowel movements' last summer, but didn't think it was something serious. He then underwent a colonoscopy, and received the heartbreaking news that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. He's seen in Dawson's Creek 'As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things,' he explained. 'This has been a crash course in the mastery of mind, body, and spirit. James told the outlet that he was undergoing treatment but didn't divulge any details on it. He added that he's 'cautiously optimistic' 'I thought, "This is either going to take me out of the body, or its going to teach me how to truly live in it."' The Rules of Attraction alum shared the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer on Sunday via Instagram. At the time, he said he'd 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. '"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 to 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 Rules of Attraction alum shared the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer on Sunday via Instagram The father-of-six 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 owner and head chef at what has been dubbed the world's 'weirdest' restaurant - which serves a dish called 'Hunger', made with rabbit carpaccio and a human ribcage replica to remind diners of starved communities in the world - has scooped the most prestigious award in the industry. Rasmus Munk, who runs two Michelin-starred Alchemist in Copenhagen - a restaurant where every meal is designed to make diners think, even if it's a profoundly uncomfortable experience - was named the world's best chef 2024 at an awards ceremony in Dubai this week. His quirky creations - which include models of human eyes to mimic the feeling of surveillance and a recreation of a human tongue - can be sampled at either the menu's 600 'experience' or its 1,826 'Sommelier Table'. Elsewhere foodies might also enjoy the 'Space Bread' dish, the New Yorker reports, which features 'freeze-dried meringue made with aerated soy sauce', that was created with the help of an MIT researcher. Diners on TripAdvisor have also had mixed feelings about the 'odd' dishes, which they say included 'lamb's brain, jelly fish, pig's windpipe' and 'ice cream made with pig's blood'. Munk has wowed diners with his experimental restaurant-cum-theatre, which lies on a drab-looking industrial estate in Refshaleen, on the fringes of Copenhagen, and took the accolade from last year's winner, Spanish chef Dabiz Munoz. The eighth Best Chef Awards took place in the UAE on November 6th, with many of the biggest names in fine dining in attendance. Behind Munk, Spanish chef lbert Adria came second for his work at his restaurant Enigma, while third place went to Munk's fellow Dane Eric Vildgaard for sustainable eatery Jordnr. Danish superchef Ramus Munk, co-founder of Alchemist, a theatrical restaurant in Copenhagen, has been named the world's best chef 2024 at an awards ceremony in Dubai On Instagram, Munk said he was thrilled to find himself top of the chef tree, writing: 'Just WOW! Unbelievable!!! Just awarded no. 1 in the World by The Best Chef Awards 2024! Incredibly proud!' Diners visiting Alchemy can expert a two to three month wait for a table, with a meal costing around 5,400DK, just over 600. Last year, Alchemist appeared on an episode of MasterChef: The Professionals, with judges Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace experiencing Munk's food for thought concept first hand. The trio were served up 'caged chicken' while footage of battery chickens, in metal cages, played out above them. Wareing said of the dish: 'This is cooked and full of flavour and yet in my hand I feel like I'm touching the raw claw of a chicken.' He added: 'This is the most thought-provoking thing I've ever eaten in my entire life'. The restaurant's website has a manifesto on holistic cuisine, outlining its campaign to redefine dining 'to create an all-encompassing and dramaturgically driven sensory experience'. Munk opened the first incarnation of Alchemist in 2015, after catching the eye of the industry with a dish inspired by his grandmother's Else's lung cancer. Munk beat competition from Spanish chef lbert Adria and Munk's fellow Dane Eric Vildgaard to win The Best Chef Awards 2024 - dinner at Alchemist costs around 600-a-head Part of animals that aren't ordinarily served up - such as tongue, brains and even windpipes - take centre stage at alchemy A plate with blood-red ice cream and a QR code about blood and organ donation is designed to encourage people to donate The dishes are designed to make diners think about worldly concepts - everything from famine to pollution Some of the chef's dishes - called 'impressions' - are more involved than others. One dish features a coffin-shaped candy bar while another resembles earthworms 'Hunger' is made with rabbit carpaccio and a human ribcage replica to remind diners of starved communities in the world Theatre of dreams: Munk said he based the restaurant on the planetariums that he used to visit as a boy 'The Ashtray' dish contained 'biodynamic' potatoes, glazed onions and crispy bacon, and resembled a used ashtray. Dishes are inspired by everything from the environment to blood donation and the food cycle. Waste products - eyes, blood, offal such as windpipes and brains, as well as rejected fruit, veg and seafood - all make their way to Munk's 30-strong team of chefs. What's on the menu? Dishes, crafted in a kitchen-laboratory, are known as 'impressions', and are eaten while related 3D footage plays out in the domed planetarium-style cinema above diners heads. A coffin shaped chocolate bar is designed to highlight child labour in the chocolate industry. A cod jaw dish comes wrapped in edible plastic, to hammer home the point about pollution in the oceans, meanwhile a drop-shaped red dessert asks diners to consider blood and organ donation. The first part of the final of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2023 saw judges Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace eating at Alchemist As the caged chicken dish is served up to diners at Alchemist, above them 3D footage of a battery farm plays out on screens Alchemist is based inside an old shipyard building in Refshaleen, on the fringes of Copenhagen After diners push through doors covered with bronze sculpture, theatrical performers await It works too, since the restaurant opened in 2020, thousands have opened the QR code that accompanies the dish. First impressions count, and diners heading into the warehouse, a former shipyard building, for a 560 dinner - which doesn't include wine pairings - are greeted by two forbidding doors, which are covered in bronze sculptures of many entwined hands. Munk famously looks after his staff - a job advert posted last year on his Instagram account detailed a four-day working week, with no Saturdays included - a sharp contrast to the famously tough schedules many pro kitchens require. China, Cuba vow to strengthen exchange in rule-of-law development Xinhua) 10:40, November 08, 2024 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, and Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, held talks on Thursday in Beijing, vowing to strengthen exchange in the area of rule-of-law development. Noting that next year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China is willing to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state, continue deepening the special, friendly bilateral relations in the new era, and promote the steady, far-reaching construction of a community with a shared future between China and Cuba. Zhao said China has always placed Cuba in a special position in its external relations, and is willing to deepen political mutual trust and strategic coordination with the country. Zhao thanked Cuba for its firm support on the Taiwan question and other issues concerning China's core interests. He said China supports Cuba firmly in its just struggle against sanctions, blockades and external interference, and will continue providing Cuba with assistance and support within its own capacity. China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Cuba in various fields, make good use of coordination mechanisms under the Belt and Road, and deepen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, tourism, sports, biotechnology, clean energy, and information and communication, Zhao said. China is also prepared to translate the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries into further practical cooperation results, he added. The NPC of China is willing to work with Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power to implement the cooperation agreement between the legislative bodies of the two countries, he said. He called on both sides to strengthen coordination and speak with one voice on safeguarding each other's core and major interests, and to undertake dialogue and exchange in the areas of socialist-democracy and rule-of-law development, poverty reduction and public security. The two nations should also promote exchange in the fields of education, culture, youth and media, and consolidate the popular public support for the China-Cuba friendship. Zhao also said that the legislatures of the two countries can promote the exchange of experience in strengthening key legislation areas and improving the quality of legislation. Lazo said that Cuba adheres firmly to the one-China principle, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and is willing to learn from China's experience in reform and opening-up, as well as in party construction. Noting that China's rapid development is a growing force for world peace and has brought development opportunities to Latin America and the Caribbean, Lazo said the National Assembly of People's Power is willing to strengthen its friendly exchange with China's NPC, advance exchange and mutual learning in rule-of-law development and other areas, and give play to the positive role of legislative bodies in enhancing bilateral friendships. Zhao and Lazo signed a cooperation agreement between their two legislative bodies following their meeting. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Donald Trump speaks on election night at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Time to listen Now that the 2024 election is over and liberal San Francisco reels in shock, we have to ask what are the lessons learned. The city is a beautiful bubble of tolerance, diversity and progressive ideals. Much of the rest of the country has very different beliefs and values. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We in San Francisco need to listen to other Americans. We dont have to agree with them but we need to hear and try to understand so we can work together to prevent becoming a nation divided. The next four years will not be easy for San Francisco and California, but we must use the time as an opportunity to learn and build cohesion and cooperation. Steve Abney, San Francisco Nation is scared After the electoral disaster for the Democratic Party, the search for why has begun. Actually, it is not a mystery, as pointed out by former Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Donald Trump ran the most racist, angry and fearful presidential campaign in modern history. He argued that only a strong man (read authoritarian) can address and deal with the fears. That is where America is today. The majority of the population is fearful, angry and subject to propaganda. Kamala Harris really had no chance in this election unless she could have been more angry and dark in outlook than Trump. Do we have time to right the ship? I do not know. I do know what we now are: a scared, frightened population. Michael J. Martin, South San Francisco Fear works A majority of Americans voted to return a troubled man of malignant grandiosity and his enablers to the White House and Congress. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead, they could have chosen a deeply intelligent woman, a fighter bursting with creative plans to address the issues facing our country. What is happening to Americans? asked my friend in Italy. I dont know. Could it be Kamala Harris lost in part because she is a woman of color? The Republican agenda has been carefully crafted since Ronald Reagan. Now it is reality. I was at a public school recently and watching 70 kids run around, I thought, What will happen to this sweet place when they get rid of the Department of Education as outlined in Project 2025? Advertisement Article continues below this ad When the violence and cruelty toward minorities and the vulnerable start, they have only themselves to blame. I could say ourselves, but I am too ashamed to call myself an American. Fear sold, they bought it. We will hold those dear to us close and begin the fight to the midterms. Monica Norcia, San Rafael Be a leader of all Californians do not work for President Donald Trump. He will work for us. We are ideologically apart from his politics and his rhetoric, but thats his challenge, not ours. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump has a famous history of attacking people who arent loyal to him. He has threatened to punish California for disagreeing with him. His calls for unity should not mean that Californians have to give up on our values and ideals. If he is to prove hes a president for all Americans, then Trump has to show he is humble and open enough to hear us when we speak and to work with us when we need help. Otherwise, he cannot be called a leader and will not be accepted as one. Peter Albert, San Francisco Form a new union A majority of Americans feel that a convicted felon and greatest political liar should be the next president and theres not a thing we in California can do about it. Wrong. California, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon can create a Western Alliance and secede from this unholy union. This may seem impossible but here is where we can use Donald Trumps narcissism against him. He would be in love with this idea. 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 Losing eight Democratic Senate seats and countless House seats would allow Trump to be the dictator he wants to be. The Western Alliance would be one of the biggest economies, and we could show America that we on the left do have a better idea of how the world should run. Ted Cruz's daughter Caroline has made a shocking comeback to TikTok after she went viral for her jaw-dropping reaction to her dad's praise for President Elect Donald Trump. The 16-year-old isn't shy when it comes to slamming her father's political views as she previously confessed that she has never agreed with the Texas senator. On November 5, the veteran lawmaker won a third consecutive term after a tough challenge from Democratic Rep. Colin Allred and delivered a victory speech. However, all eyes were on his teenage daughter who was unable to keep a straight face after her father claimed victory as she urged audience members 'don't clap' at her dad's praise for Trump. Now, two years after she ditched social media, Caroline has jumped back on the video-sharing platform with Democrats across the country branding her a 'legend.' Ted Cruz's daughter Caroline has made a shocking comeback to TikTok after she went viral for her jaw-dropping reaction to her dad's praise for President Elect Donald Trump On November 5, the veteran lawmaker won a third consecutive term after a tough challenge from Democratic Rep. Colin Allred The teen announced her comeback to social media by posting an image of her and younger sister Catherine after their dad once again won Texas while the song She's Back by Sexyy Red played in the background. She captioned the clip: 'Been a minute since I last posted.' There was a wave of blue in the teenager's comments section as Democrats praised her for being the 'rebel in the family.' One person said: 'GIRL! Keep being the rebel in the family.' Another user added: 'You would look so good in blue.' Someone else wrote: 'She's an icon, and she is that girl.' 'An icon! Love from Houston,' added another person. After defeating Allred 54 per cent to 43 per cent, Cruz took to the podium in Houston to deliver a speech in which he said he 'hopes and prays Donald Trump will be re-elected.' His message to Trump, who comfortably won Texas and regained his seat in the White House, was met with a look of disgust from Caroline. There was a wave of blue in the teenager's comments section as Democrats praised her for being the 'rebel in the family' Caroline went viral for her shocking reaction to her father's praise for President Elect Donald Trump While his family surrounded him on stage, Cruz said: 'I hope and pray that Donald Trump will be re-elected as President of the United States. ' Caroline, who could be seen donning a red dress, scrunched up her face. She then looked to the audience and seemed to say, 'Don't clap for that.' The clip of the 16-year-old reacting to her father's words soon circulated the web, becoming increasingly popular with Democrats. After being shared on TikTok, voters have flooded the comments section to praise Caroline for her hilarious reaction. One person said: 'Caroline Cruz. Legend.' 'She didn't even try to hide it,' someone else commented. Another user wrote: 'Caroline Cruz is that girl.' His message to Trump, who comfortably won Texas and regained his seat in the White House, was met with a look of disgust by Caroline as she told audience members 'don't clap for that' After being shared on TikTok, voters have flooded the comments section to praise Caroline for her hilarious reaction This isn't the first time the 16-year-old has spoken out against her father. Two years ago, the teenager took to TikTok to reveal she often disagreed with her father's opinions. 'A lot of people judge me based upon him at first glance, but I really disagree with most of his views,' she said. Despite her own judgements of her dad, residents of the Lone Star State still voted him back in. However, the race for the Senate was uncomfortably close for Republicans who have had a hold on the state for decades. Recent polls had put the two political foes within a single point of one another, with Allred taking the lead just a few weeks ago. Texas, a Republican-held state with stricter abortion laws than most places, has come under scrutiny since Roe v. Wade was overturned in the summer of 2022. Two years ago, the teenager took to TikTok to reveal she often disagreed with her father's opinions Despite her own judgements of her dad, residents of the Lone Star State still voted him back in Republicans ultimately secured the red state as Trump garnered its 40 Electoral College votes and regained his seat in the White House But the Republican Cruz's message about Democrats being to blame for immigration and economic woes - the two top issues in Texas - appeared to seal his reelection. Trump pulled off a shocking political comeback and regained his seat in the White House on the night of November 5 when he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris by gaining 277 Electoral College votes. The 78-year-old's red sweep of the nation sparked a wave of emotions as many women have been taking to social media to boycott dating and having sex with men, with one New York voter going as far as shaving her head in protest of Trump's win. The 47th President's victory was announced after he won the three swing states of On Thursday, Prince William admitted that his nine-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, broke down in a 'flood of tears' the first time he grew a beard this summer - but now, a parenting expert has revealed her top tips to help kids adjust to the change. While addressing journalists on an official visit to South Africa this week, the dad-of-three explained that the princess hated his stubble so much that he had to shave it off the first time, but she later came around to it. 'I got floods of tears the first time I grew a beard, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back,' the Prince of Wales said. 'I thought, hang on a second and I convinced her it was going to be okay.' Now, Princess Charlotte seems to accept her dad's beard, but according to UK-based parenting expert and specialist Kirsty Ketley, there's a good reason why children can be upset or confused when their father or another family member suddenly starts to grow facial hair. On Thursday, Prince William admitted that his nine-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte , broke down in a 'flood of tears' the first time he grew a beard this summer Now, parenting expert Kirsty Ketley has revealed her top tips to help kids adjust to this change 'I got floods of tears the first time I grew a beard, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back,' the Prince of Wales said 'Children, especially younger children, really like familiarity, as it gives them a sense of security,' Ketley told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'Seeing a parent, especially someone as familiar as Dad, suddenly look different can be surprising to them,' she explained. 'Developmentally, children learn to recognize people by specific facial features, and so a significant change like facial hair can confuse them or make them feel momentarily unsure or fearful.' She explained that a similar phenomenon can happen when parents or familiar adults suddenly wear glasses or put on a hat. However, thankfully, there's a way to ease kids into the new change. 'Parents can help by making the change feel fun and gradual and include the kids,' Ketley told DailyMail.com. 'Show children pictures of Dad with facial hair - mock a picture up, or show previous pics of times he had facial hair, if possible, let them playfully touch or see the new look up close.' And, as their father grows his facial hair, the parenting consultant stressed that it is important he is still doing all the same things he always does with the kids. Prince William sported his new facial hair during an official visit to South Africa this week Ketley also recommended letting your kids know that Dad will be growing the facial hair before it happens You can even make games out of the growing beard, too, Ketley suggested, like having them measure it, or even combing it and putting some baubles in it for Christmastime 'This helps them see that despite his changing appearance, hes still Dad and nothing else is changing,' she said. Ketley also recommended letting your kids know that their parent will be growing the facial hair before it happens. It can also help to approach the topic playfully, giving the example that it's going to be like a 'fuzzy caterpillar,' or something similar, which can make the new change 'feel exciting and fun.' 'If the child is very young, a gradual approach, like slowly growing a stubble before a full beard, might make it easier for them to get used to the transformation,' she offered. You can even make games out of the growing beard, Ketley suggested, like having children measure it, or even combing it and putting some baubles in it for Christmastime. Books can also be handy, especially when the characters have a beard. But in the end, with or without the bread, everything will be ok with your little ones, Ketley promised. 'Give it time,' she said. 'It shouldnt take long for children to adjust, so be patient and all will be well.' They are attempting to showcase their political party Democratic white women are attempting to showcase their support for one another by sporting blue bracelets after Donald Trump regained his seat in the White House. President Elect Trump pulled off an unbelievable political comeback and defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. The 78-year-old's red sweep of the nation, which saw him gaining 277 Electoral College votes, sparked a wave of emotions through the country as MAGA supporters celebrated while Democrats wept for the future of the nation. Women across the country protested the Republican's win, with one giving herself a buzzcut while others boycotted men and refused to get romantically involved with them. Now, ladies for Kamala have once again banded together by donning blue bracelets as a sign of their support for the Democratic party. Democratic white women are attempting to showcase their support for one another by sporting blue bracelets after Donald Trump regained his seat in the White House Now, ladies for Kamala have once again banded together by donning blue bracelets as a sign of their support for the Democratic party President Elect Trump pulled off an unbelievable political comeback and defeated Vice President Kamala Harris The latest trend went viral on TikTok after one woman asked others how they were going to 'signal which side' they are on. The woman said: 'Fellow white women. How are we signaling to each other which side we are on now?' One Democratic woman revealed that she didn't want others thinking she voted for Trump. '52 percent of women that look like me voted for him. I'm ashamed and hate that others might assume I am a part of them,' she said. Other women flooded social media and praised the latest movement for helping them subtly showcase their political party. One person said: 'Commenting to stay on blue friendship bracelet TikTok.' Someone else wrote: 'Totally doing this!' Another person added: 'Second post Ive seen on blue bracelet movement. Will be making mine shortly.' The latest trend went viral on TikTok after one woman asked others how they were going to 'signal which side' they are on One woman has shaved her head to showcase her frustration over Donald Trump's election win Others are vowing to never date, marry, have sex or have children with men in an attempt to take back control 'I live in a very red area, and I love this idea,' commented another user. The bracelets seem to be popular among Taylor Swift fans, whose fans tend to exchange accessories before her concerts and who publicly endorsed Kamala while urging others to vote for the Democrat. According to Associated Press, 53 percent of white women supported Trump while Kamala garnered 46 percent of votes from white women. The blue bracelet trend movement, which mirrors a movement in 2016 that saw people donning safety pins to show their support for marginalized groups, is just one of the many things Democratic women have been doing to protest the election. Many women vowed to never date or sleep with men again after Trump regained his seat in the White House. The plan, which sees women saying no to marriage, childbirth, dating and sex with men, is a recreation of South Korea's 4B Movement. The 4B Movement began after a woman was murdered when she rejected a man's advances. Despite confessing to killing her because he was ignored, local police refused to brand it a hate crime. Frustrations soared when the country launched a National Birth Map, which outlined what it expected from its female citizens, prompting women to become outraged as they claimed officials viewed them as 'livestock.' The 47th President's victory against Harris was announced after he won three swing states Women ultimately banded together and decided that the surest way to avoid pregnancy was to avoid men. American women are following the same ideology in an attempt to get revenge on men who voted Trump back into the White House. One woman left people stunned as she took an electric razor to her head and chopped off her locks. The plan comes after the President Elect pushed for Roe v. Wade to be overturned, which stripped away the federal constitutional right to abortions. Trump's win left many women across the country in fear of what's to come as they have been taking to social media to express their concerns about the state of their reproductive rights. The 47th President's victory was announced after he won the three swing states of North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Associated Press called the race at 5:34am (EST) on Wednesday. Curved toe heels, chunky necklaces and oversized sunglasses are among the top fashion pieces making you look older than you are. Long gone are the days of getting away with wearing vintage jewellery, skinny jeans or extravagant florals. While you may think these styles are timeless, unfortunately it couldn't be further from the truth. Confused? Don't fret - there's hope. Stylist Sarah Bell reveals the simple changes you can make today to update your wardrobe - and avoid an embarrassing faux pas. 'When it comes to styles that can make you look older, fashion staples associated with particular eras, especially when wore in excess, are the worst offenders,' Sarah tells me. 'While incorporating vintage pieces here and there along with modern elements can work, an entire ensemble from these eras will give you a more aged appearance.' She highlights how it's essential to have a wardrobe that complements not only your age, but also your personality, lifestyle, body shape and colour palette. 'Once you have that foundation, you can selectively and safely introduce vintage elements into your look. That said, I firmly believe that wearing garments and accessories with confidence can make almost any style work with the right mix.' Australian stylist Sarah Bell (pictured) has revealed the simple changes you can make today to update your wardrobe and avoid making yourself look older Curved toe heels When it comes to choosing shoes, Sarah recommends avoiding smaller heels with 'full toe coverage' at all costs because this style can make your feet and legs 'appear wider'. 'While they can create a glam, classic look when styled correctly, they are often associated with an older age bracket,' she says. Instead opt for slingback heels that show some of the foot and feature a small strap for support. 'These offer a lengthening effect and are versatile for all seasons and age ranges.' Ms Bell recommends avoiding smaller heels with 'full toe coverage' at all costs Instead opt for slingback heels that show some of the foot and feature a small strap for support Frumpy floral dresses Outdated floral dresses for spring can add years to your look, with many considering them old-fashioned. Sarah says modern cuts and subtle patterns generally offer a more youthful and stylish appeal. 'A versatile option would be a midi-length dress with a waistline to define shape and a V-neck or lower scoop to elongate the body, providing a balanced and flattering summer look.' Outdated floral dresses for spring, such as the one seen left, certainly aren't groundbreaking and can add years to your look. Sarah says modern cuts and subtle patterns - an example is shown right - generally offer a more youthful and stylish appeal Avoid: Oversized sunglasses Oversized sunglasses While flashy, large sunglasses are usually practical, the style often appears dated and can make you look years older. 'They often overshadow more sophisticated and timeless designs, giving a more exaggerated and theatrical effect,' Sarah explains. 'While they may seem trendy and attention-grabbing, their overpowering effect can detract from a youthful, sophisticated look.' Instead, opt for sleek styles such as cat-eye sunglasses or classic basics that can enhance your look without compromising on elegance. Lock shoulder bags When it comes to choosing a bag, a 'flap bag' tends to be more versatile and trendy over alternative options. One style to stay away from, however, is lock shoulder bags and purses. 'The lock shoulder bag is a timeless accessory that continues to evolve, offering security with its centred lock latch and structured frame. However, it can sometimes give off an older vibe due to its classic design,' Sarah tells me. 'In contrast, the flap bag, available in various sizes and materials, provides a versatile and enduring style with its classic flap detail and adjustable strap options.' When it comes to choosing a bag, a 'flap bag' (right) tends to be more versatile and trendy over lock bags (left) While adding a necklace can enhance an outfit or balance your body shape, a thick chain necklace often feels more suited for older women due to its boldness (left). By contrast, a thin, dainty necklace offers a subtle touch (right) Chunky necklaces While adding a necklace can enhance an outfit or balance your body shape, a thick chain necklace often feels more suited for older women due to its boldness. By contrast, a thin, dainty necklace offers a subtle touch that adds just the right amount of elegance without overwhelming the look. Tesco shoppers have gone wild after spotting the return of one relic bakery item which has been absent from stores since the 1980s. Eagle-eyed shoppers were quick to spot the unique Tunis cake back on supermarket shelves for 10 - following a 40 year hiatus. The historic Tunis Cake, often eaten as an alternative to Christmas cake, features a soft madeira sponge and thick layer of chocolate icing. Disguising its sponge interior, the Tunis Cake is coated in rich chocolate icing before being finished with piped vanilla frosting and vibrant marzipan fruit decorations. Though it's unclear exactly when it made its return, the arrival of the retro bake appears to have been recent, and is likely back for the festive period, with Tunis Cake having previously been traditionally eaten at Christmas. Tesco shoppers have gone wild after spotting the return of one relic bakery item that's been absent from stores since the 1980s - the Tunis cake Despite its popularity, the cake is scarcely seen in supermarkets, making the re-release particularly exciting for keen munchers of the decadent treat. The supermarket are selling a 10 version of the cake by the brand Say it with Cake. On a Facebook post made revealing the retro find, hundreds took to the comments to express their excitement over the return of the family favourite. One wrote: 'My mum brought for Christmas. Glad it's back. Happy memories,' while a second wrote 'ee had one every Christmas when I was a kid'. Another recalled having one 'every Christmas with a kid.' A fourth keenly tagged a friend writing: 'We need to investigate this.' While the origins of the Tunis cake is unknown, its thought its origins date back to Edwardian times. A commercial version was produced by Scottish bakery Macfarlane Langs in the 1930s. The brand merged with McVitie & Price in 1948, to create a new company called United Biscuits (the current owner of McVitie's). The new brand acquired the recipe, and McVitie's stocked a commercial version in supermarkets in the 1980s. The cake may have been named after one Tunis warrior during the Carthage Empire - who is thought to have celebrated victories won over Rome by serving Madeira wine and cake. Despite it's popularity, the cake is scarcely seen in supermarkets, making the new release particularly exciting for keen munchers of the decadent treat Originating in the Edwardian era, McVities (pictured), stocked a version of the cake in supermarkets until the 80s The cake is so popular that the McVitie's variety - which was axed in the 80s - has an entire Facebook page dedicated to campaigning its return McVitie's recipe was said to been created by Elizabeth Ewing of Inverness, whose husband was a baker at the company and had created the cake after eating a similar one while stationed in Tunisia during World War II. The cake is so popular that the McVitie's variety - which was axed in the 80s - has an entire Facebook page dedicated to campaigning its return. The Facebook group is called 'McVities Tunis Cake Campaign' and has nearly 3,000 members. The description of the campaign reads: 'Christmas (in the 70's and 80's) was never complete without the obligatory McVitie's Tunis Cake.' 'While I don't mind Christmas pud and Christmas cake, for people that prefer chocolate to dried fruit (and who doesn't ?), the Tunis cake is the perfect post Xmas dinner dessert,' the creator of the page wrote. On a Facebook post made revealing the retro find, hundreds took to the comments to express their excitment over the return of the family favourite The group hope to see the rerelease of the famed McVitie's version of the sweet treat, which they claim can't be replicated. 'I know that nothing that I am going to bake is likely to compare to the beautiful looking, professionally made McVitie's original,' the creator of the group penned. After McVitie's discontinued its famed Christmas alternative, M&S followed suit - though the chain rereleased the cake last festive season, much to the delight of fans. Fans have also spotted other supermarkets jumping on the resurgence with Sainsbury's reportedly selling own versions. 'Have you heard she's a yacht girl?' For most of us, 'yachting' simply refers to cruising or racing on a yacht. But for those who rub shoulders with the super-rich, it has a different meaning entirely. The premise is simple: influential billionaires living large on superyachts handpick gorgeous young women to join them on board for exclusive - and debauched - sex parties in exchange for cash, gifts and career opportunities. 'Yachting' has been talked about in Hollywood circles for decades - but the public didn't hear about it until about a decade ago when photos of models conspicuously gathered on yachts at the Cannes Film Festival raised eyebrows. Months later, many of them would go on to make it 'big' in Hollywood and fashion, seemingly overnight... but that's a story for another day. The scandalous activities taking place at sea might be shocking to some, but this elite and extremely discreet form of sex work has been happening for decades among the mega-wealthy in Europe, the U.S. and, increasingly, Dubai - where prostitution is illegal but rampant. The practice is not typically associated with the sparkling shores Down Under - but, as we can reveal, it is now taking place right under our noses on Sydney's iconic harbour. Beautiful women from middle-class families, many of them aspiring influencers and models, are invited by extremely rich men to 'party' on their boats. Within hours, they wave goodbye to their boyfriends, their phones are locked away, and non-disclosure agreements are swiftly signed. Speaking on the strict condition of anonymity, a real-life Sydney 'yacht girl' reveals to me how she got into the exclusive club, why she does it, and what really happens once anchors are down. An anonymous 'yacht girl' has opened up about the debauched sex parties taking place on Sydney Harbour (stock image) Ping! 'Hey! Come out on the boat tonight for dinner. It's going to be fun and frisky,' read the text from a fun-loving friend of a friend. The finishing touch of a devil-horns emoji was all I needed to say, 'Yes!' Plus, I was already going out so I thought I may as well pop by. I was dressed for the occasion too - my favourite little black dress and matching stilettos. At first, I thought the last-minute invite was odd but I quickly brushed that aside. Ping! I received a text from an acquaintance at 5pm as I was leaving the office on a random Tuesday 'I'll be there by 9pm.' 'No worries, we'll wait for you.' If I had known what the night was going to entail, I certainly wouldn't have gone out wearing my 'grandma undies'... You're probably wondering how I found myself in this position. After all, I'm not that kind of girl. Well, it's a funny story. My life is quite different compared to your standard full-time office worker. I'm a very extroverted extrovert who thrives on social interaction and loves to meet new people - plus I'm good at it. I'm a hardcore socialite. I'm rarely at home and when I am, I'm thinking about my next adventure. I can walk into a party knowing no one and be best friends with everyone by the end of the night with men lining up wanting my number. It's just a gift. I feel like I know half of Sydney and have partied with some of the wealthiest people in the city. Ditto London and Dubai. I met this 'friend' of mine who texted me like I did most others - through a mutual connection on a night out. Do I know her well? No. But when she messaged me about the yacht party, I was immediately in. I just knew it would be a good time and the men would be loaded. It was the perfect timing, too. Earlier that day I had been crying in the work bathroom over a 30-something guy who didn't know what he wanted - like most of them. I pulled myself together before clocking off at 5pm, which is when I received that glorious text... This elite and extremely discreet form of sex work has been happening for decades among the mega-wealthy in Europe, the U.S. and, increasingly, Dubai (Pictured: Sydney Harbour) AN INTIMATE EVENING ON THE HARBOUR At 8:30pm, I caught an Uber to the secret location and a tender came to collect me from the shore at Double Bay. The yacht was anchored somewhere in the harbour. As I arrived at 8.55pm I was handed a glass of champagne by a staff member and met the two other girls on board in the enormous dining room. The first person who greeted me was my mutual friend, who whispered sternly that no photos were to be taken that night - and especially not shared on social media. It was the first indication that I might be in for more than a light soiree. What is a 'yacht girl'? A 'yacht girl' is a term used in gossip and blind items to describe a woman - often a model, actress or influencer - who is rumoured to accompany wealthy men on luxury yachts for paid companionship. The relationships are typically transactional: she receives money, gifts or career opportunities in return for attending events, socialising or offering more intimate services. The term originated from celebrity yacht parties in destinations like Cannes or Ibiza, where models or aspiring stars would be seen mingling with wealthy, influential men. Some would later achieve prominence in the entertainment industry, leading to speculation their attendance at these secretive parties had opened doors for them professionally. Advertisement My friend introduced me to three older men, all well past 50, whom we would be entertaining. All of us were either single or in open relationships. 'Phew,' I thought, 'I won't have to deal with any jealous girlfriends.' By 9.15pm we were the best of friends. The champagne was flowing and music was pumping. I had been drinking at another event earlier in the evening so was feeling a serious buzz. I hadn't been expecting a formal dinner - maybe a few drinks and some canapes - but when the table placements came out, I certainly wasn't complaining. Before we sat down to eat, I knew this was no ordinary evening. I noticed the vibe in the room was unlike anything I've experienced on a yacht. The flirtatious comments, the way the men touched your hand and looked at us with 'f*** me' eyes. It was clear what was going to happen. It was at that point I wished I'd worn my sexy lace underwear. My mother would murder me if she found out I was doing this with, surrounded by men who were old enough to be my father. Seated opposite me was the man who owned the yacht. Now, you might be picturing a tall, dark and handsome 'Christian Grey' type. He wasn't. All three of them were about 55 with 'dad bods' and noticeably thinning hairlines. But who was I to complain? They're mega-rich and I was living the dream without paying a cent. 'Are you having a fun night?' the host asked. Of course I was, I couldn't believe I had scored an invite, to be honest. I blushed. When I cracked a joke the whole table laughed at, I knew I was in with the group - they loved me! He may not have been a silver fox like George Clooney, but the way he looked at me gave me butterflies. I'm naturally a flirt so I was hitting on everyone - including the other women. Our anonymous 'yacht girl' reveals how she got into the very exclusive club (stock image) THE NIGHT TAKES A TURN... At 11pm we finished our dessert and the energy in the room intensified. Everyone had been drinking for hours at this point and I knew we were going to get naked soon. Did I remember to shave my legs? I had only met these people hours ago and I didn't know how this was going to go down or what was expected of me. So I turned to the woman next to me and whispered: 'I'm excited but this is my first time doing this... I'm a bit scared.' 'Don't worry, I've got you,' she replied, grazing my thigh. As our eyes met, my heart started pounding and I felt butterflies. Her gaze softened, I leaned in slightly and we started kissing. Her lips were so soft; I slowly melted into my seat. Time stood still and briefly I forgot about the other guests at the table who were admiring our every move. My hand touched her cheek and all I could think about was how amazing she smelt - like berries and vanilla. She was a bit older than me, maybe 40. She was poised and graceful. Her luscious locks felt soft as I moved my hand up into her hair. It wasn't long until the guests partnered up - some with two. I realised then we had an audience. When it comes to sex, I don't really care about looks. Honestly. It's the attention I receive and energy I feel that's important to me. I've slept with a 60-year-old man before while in Europe and it was good. As the night continued, we switched partners and I moved into the master bedroom with one of the men. Thirty minutes later I had sex with another. By the end of the night, I had slept with every single guest besides one. At these parties, most of the men get involved, but not all. A few prefer to watch, and some even head outside to drink while the fun happens below deck. During a break from the action, I went outside to keep one of the gentlemen company. I told him about my life and he told me about his. The party wound down in the early hours. There was an option to stay onboard but I decided to take a tender back to shore because I had work at 9am. I said my goodbyes - but I knew this wasn't going to be the last time. When I woke up the next morning I had to pinch myself. Had it really happened? How was that not a dream? Somehow I settled back into my daily corporate life. I no longer cared about that man whose indecision I had cried over in the work bathroom. And then... a few weeks later I was invited back. Another party, the same yacht. Before long our 'dinners' became regular occurrences. I would stay on the yacht until sunrise before taking a tender back in the early hours and yawning into work. As I became a veteran of the yachting game, I increasingly noticed it was always the same men on board, but the women invited were usually different each time. I suppose variety is the spice of life? I would soon be introduced to other groups of billionaires. So far, I've enjoyed week-long hotel stays, been flown interstate for a beach holiday, and have been gifted thousands upon thousands of dollars in spending money. BACK TO REALITY Two years on, I've been to so many secret yacht parties that the thrill of it all has all but disappeared. It feels old. The novelty has worn off. The sex is fun but the men - whose extreme wealth I used to be in thrall of - now seem less interesting to me. I've come to realise their conversation tends to be quite surface level. That's the thing about men with money: they keep their cards close to their chest and don't reveal too much about themselves. I guess they are that way to avoid being taken advantage of - but it can make for boring discussions. I would love something real, a deep connection with someone. And as I enter my thirties, I confess I do feel a stronger urge to find 'Mr Right'. A part of me would love to settle down, buy a house and have children, but that would mean forfeiting my lavish yacht life. As much as I'd like a family, I can't quite picture myself changing nappies or making dinner for my husband. It's not me. I know what you're thinking - I should just marry a billionaire. Trust me, I'm not opposed to that. But I fear a relationship with a rich older man would be shallow and my self-worth might crumble, especially if he dumps me for a younger woman. While I spend my weekends yachting, in my 'normal' life I am habitually drawn to low-value men with no financial goals who blow their pay every week. Their lack of ambition makes it hard for a girl like me to stay loyal. In an ideal world, I'd be with a nice, ordinary guy but still party with rich men on yachts on the weekends. I know that's probably not realistic, but a woman can dream. A guy I've been seeing recently made a good point: 'You live this amazing life and I could never offer you anything similar. Why would you want to be with me?' I didn't quite know what to say, so I said nothing. Perhaps the truth would have been too confronting for him: I know I'm not going to be this young and hot forever, so I may as well sleep with as many rich men as possible while they still want me. A Turkish plastic surgeon is giving patients extreme nose jobs that makes them look like a character from Dr Seuss's 'Whoville'. Before and after videos on social media show patients' noses reduced dramatically in size and finished with with an upturned tip. The surgeon behind the trend is Dr Ferda Erol, based in Izmir, Turkey. On TikTok her rhinoplasty videos have amassed millions of views with commenters perplexed and shocked at the results asking if it is 'a joke'. Although Dr Erol appears to be happy with the outcomes, Doctor Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon based in the US is worried. Sharing his reaction to Dr Erol's surgeries with his 5.29 million subscribers on YouTube he admitted that he 'didn't get it'. Reacting to one nose job surgery posted on Dr Erol's Instagram page @opdrferdaero, Dr Youn says the woman us already 'beautiful' and although she does have a 'small dorsal hump' a small lump on the bridge of the nose she only needed small tweaks. 'I think overall her nose looks great and if she came to see me for a nose job I would probably shave down a little bit of that bump and that is probably about it,' he said. But in the clip of her nose following the surgery the patient's nose is rotated upwards far more than what is considered to be the 'ideal' nasal angle for a woman. Sharing his reaction to Dr Erol's surgeries with his 5.29 million subscribers on YouTube, plastic surgeon Dr Anthony Youn (pictured) admitted that he 'didn't get it' Dr Anthony joked the bizarre nose jobs makes patients look like a character straight out of Dr Seuss 's 'Whoville' Dr Youn explains that the angle between the nose and the upper lip is called the 'nasolabial angle', in women it's believed a perfect shaped nose is between 95 and 105 degrees. But in this patients case the angle after surgery is a lot more at 123 degrees. Judging another video on Dr Erol's TikTok that sees a man undergo a dramatic nose job, Dr Youn said again his nasal angle is way over the ideal beauty standard. He said: 'The ideal male nasal angle is about 90 degrees and this guy right after surgery his is about 120 degrees' The surgeon admitted that often surgeons have a 'signature nose job' meaning many of their results 'look the same'. He added that if Dr Erol's patients are happy with the nose jobs that's the most important thing. However, Dr Youn did question the authenticity of some of her videos. One video shows a bulbus nose in the before clip before the surgery, but Dr Youn suggests it's 'misleading' and suspects the nose has been 'infused with a ton of anesthetic'. Judging another video on Dr Erol's TikTok that sees a man undergo dramatic nose job, Dr Youn said again his nasal angle is way over the ideal beauty standard at 120 degrees One video shows a bulbus nose in the before clip before the surgery, but Dr Youn suggests it's 'misleading' and suspects the nose has been 'infused with a ton of anesthetic' He explains anesthetic injections can 'plump' up the nose before surgery. Dr Youn added: 'Typically if you put a lot of pressure on it at the beginning of the operation you can push most of that fluid out. 'So, this patient does not appear to have a really massively wide nose to begin with although she has made it look like that's the case.' Although Dr Youn admitted he has now stopped performing nose jobs, when he did he said he opted for making small tweaks. He stressed that it's vital to research your surgeon before getting plastic surgery and urged people to look at before and after photo and videos to make sure the results matched what you are looking for. A resident in the South Carolina town where dozens of monkeys are on the loose has revealed their terrifying encounter with one of the 'diseased' animals from a separate incident. This Wednesday lunchtime 43 rhesus macaques escaped from a research facility known as the 'monkey farm' in Yemassee, a town of just 1,000 about 50 miles west of Charleston. It sparked a major search operation with police setting up traps and cameras around the town and urging locals to lock their doors and windows to keep out the primates though officers insist there is 'no threat' to public health. Residents say in recent years they have dealt with multiple escapes involving monkeys linked to the Alpha Genesis lab but this is the first time they have been told to lock down their homes. A local business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com how they came face-to-face with a monkey with a 'softball-sized' tumor on its neck and a deranged look in its eyes in a separate incident they said occurred in 2020. The local heard clattering on their store roof and came outside to find the animal on top of their AC, describing it as 'freaky'. 'It looked diseased, this monkey, it looked very unhappy. There was something in the monkey's eyes,' they said. 'So we called the police, and they told the lab and then people came wearing hazmats to take it away.' Meanwhile, Alpha Genesis CEO Dr Greg Westergaard told DailyMail.com the latest accident occurred after a caretaker failed to correctly close the gate of an outdoor enclosure housing a group of young female monkeys. The above images show one of the escaped monkeys in woodlands near the lab Local business owner Charlotte Murray said that she was not concerned, although this was the first time that she has heard of so many monkeys escaping from the facility 'It's not like they left the door open,' he said, 'the individual shut it but the latch wasn't secured correctly so that it was "monkey-proof." 'And then they all went out in a flood, if you look at a flock of birds in the sky it was a bit like that.' The Alpha Genesis facility rears monkeys to be used for vaccine and drug research for a range of diseases. Dr Westergaard said the current troop of escaped monkeys posed no threat of infecting people because they had not yet been used in experiments. The escaped monkeys are mostly small females weighing 6 to 7lbs, Dr Westergaard said, that are 'skittish' and sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements. He said police had tracked them to woodland near the facility, where traps with bait are being deployed to try and recapture them. But local business owner Charlotte Murray said she's aware of residents who claim to have witnessed the primates in their yards. Ms Murray, who has lived in the area for decades, told DailyMail.com: 'The center normally does a great job during escapes, but this is the first time that I remember that they have asked people to keep doors and windows locked. That is a shift. 'I have seen escaped monkeys near the county hall campus before, but it has been quite a while since this happened. 'Overall, we are not very afraid here. They are lovely animals, and I understand that these [latest escapees] are very small, so I'm not afraid.' Despite the police advice to lock down homes, DailyMail.com spoke to several other residents who seemed equally unconcerned. One joked that they planned to put out bananas as a treat for the animals. Dr Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, said that the escaped monkeys were currently sitting in the trees near to the center. The video is from the Island Packet The facility, which houses more than a thousand monkeys, is based on the edge of the town of Yemassee - 50 miles west of Charleston Your browser does not support iframes. A 2022 report from the USDA found that between January and August that year there were six recorded escapes. In one case, a troop of 10 monkeys escaped through a weak chain link in their fence, while in three other incidents monkeys managed to remove wooden panels separating their cages. There was also an incident where one monkey escaped and leaving medical attention after Alpha Genesis was fined $12,000 in June 2018 over four previous escapes as well as other issues with its enclosures. The above image shows a monkey in an enclosure at the center. The escaped monkeys had been there for a month. The video is from the Island Packet Forty monkeys have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina. Pictured above is a wild macaque in Thailand In 2016, 19 monkeys broke out of their cage and were captured almost six hours later. And in December 2014, when some 26 monkeys also escaped from the facility. Alpha Genesis also runs another facility for housing monkeys on Morgan Island, just off the coast of South Carolina. Overall, it houses more than 5,000 monkeys at the two sites. 'Everything's going to be ok.' No doubt you or someone you know has heard those words from a doctor - but now physicians are being warned to stop because it could lead to false hope. A new report has identified 12 'never phrases' that doctors must never use with patients with serious illnesses', such as heart failure, cancer, and lung disease. They explain that these 'single words or phrases not only lack benefit but also can cause emotional harm and accentuate power differences.' If a patient is critically ill, for example, a doctor should never mention the words 'withdrawing care' as this implies that the medical team are 'giving up.' While 'everything will be fine' might appear to be a comforting phrase, the researchers say that this could offer false hope when it comes to serious illness and a better turn of phrase could be 'I'm here to support you throughout this process.' This means no promises are made and the outcome is left undetermined. Likewise, the study authors saying something like 'we're going to fight this together' could 'imply that sheer will can overcome illness.' But the study comes amid growing concerns about the 'wokification' of medicine, where doctors have become too scared to be frank with patients. As part of an in-depth study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, four researchers looked at 'never words' and 'what not to say to patients with serious illness' (stock image) The new report, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, was carried out by four researchers three with a medical background and one with experience as a critically ill patient. Drawing on their own experience in the medical field, and talking to 20 external physicians, the team pinpointed 12 'never words' and phrases that shouldn't be used during end of life care. First on their suggested list of 'never words or phrases' is the blunt expression, 'there is nothing else we can do.' Instead, they suggest a softer approach to the situation, with their suggested dialogue being: 'Therapy X has been ineffective in controlling the cancer, but we still have the chance to focus on treatments that will improve your symptoms and, hopefully, your quality of life.' Explaining their rationale, the researchers state: 'Even with no prospect for cure, the clinician can still convey an ability to treat the patient as best they can.' Your browser does not support iframes. Next up, the experts say that telling friends and family that a patient will 'not get better' is a complete no-no. Instead, they suggest the phrase 'I'm worried that X won't get better' as this replaces a 'firm negative prognostication with an expression of concern about the poor prognosis.' Instead, the paper states an alternative comment to family or friends could be: 'We can shift our focus to his/ her comfort rather than persisting with the current treatment, which isn't working.' The researchers were shocked to find slang surfacing among medical staff and they say 'circling the drain,' in regards to a patient's rapid determination and potential death, should never be used as a phrase. Instead, they state medics should take a more considerate approach, telling those closest to the patient, 'I'm worried X is dying.' Never-Words and Their Possible Alternatives Never-words Alternative language Rationale 'There is nothing else we can do' 'Therapy X has been ineffective in controlling the cancer, but we still have the chance to focus on treatments that will improve your symptoms and, hopefully, your quality of life' Even with no prospect for cure, the clinician can still convey an ability to treat the patient as best they can 'She will not get better' 'I'm worried she won't get better' Replace a firm negative prognostication with an expression of concern about the poor prognosis 'Withdrawing care' 'We can shift our focus to his comfort rather than persisting with the current treatment, which isn't working' Clinicians never 'withdraw' care, which may imply 'giving up' or denial of services to patients and their families. Describe the advantage in refocusing the goal of care 'Circling the drain' 'I'm worried she's dying' Avoid slang terms that objectify and diminish patients 'Do you want us to do everything?' 'Let's discuss the available options if the situation gets worse' Instead of using a leading question that may not align with the patient's values or goals, invite dialogue 'Everything will be fine' 'I'm here to support you throughout this process' Offer support that is realistic and humane 'Fight' or 'battle' 'We will face this difficult disease together' Avoid implying that sheer will can overcome illness. Patients may feel as if they're letting their family down if they don't recover ('if only she'd fought harder, she could have won') 'What would he want?' 'If he could hear all of this, what might he think?' 'Want' is often an ill-defined word in a hospital setting, and what families surmise the patient would want may be impossible 'I don't know why you waited so long to come in' 'I'm glad you came in when you did' Blaming a patient and potentially causing more worry are unproductive. Focus on what can be done realistically in the given circumstances 'What were your other doctors doing/thinking?' 'I'm glad you came to see me for a second opinion. Let's look at your records and see where we can go next' Focus on what's still possible. Take positive next steps, rather than casting aspersions on professionals whose cooperation you may still need in moving the patient forward Advertisement For this reason, 'fight' and 'battle' are listed as banned words as 'patients may feel as if they're letting their family down if they don't recover.' A doctor might ask a patient's family 'what would X want' if the sick person is no longer able to communicate. But the researchers note that 'want' is often an ill-defined word in a hospital setting, and what families surmise the patient would want may be impossible.' Instead, they suggest using 'think' as an alternative way of addressing a patient's needs, asking family and friends something like 'If he could hear all of this, what might he think?' Some patients might wait a longtime before finally addressing their illness and seeking medical help, but the researchers say the last thing clinicians should do is 'blame' a patient and cause more worry. So instead of saying 'I don't know why you waited so long to come in' to a patient, a kinder way of phrasing this frustration would be 'I'm glad you came in when you did.' Similarly, the researchers say that if a new patient visits a clinician with poor results from another doctor, the last thing the clinician should say is 'what were your other doctors doing/thinking?' They explain that this is a negative approach and it's better to 'focus on what's still possible.' They recommend: 'Take positive next steps, rather than casting aspersions on professionals whose cooperation you may still need in moving the patient forward.' Meanwhile, the study authors say that asking a critically ill patient 'do you want us to do everything?' is not helpful. They say that instead of 'using a leading question that may not align with the patient's values or goals,' it is better to invite dialogue. Their suggested turn of phrase for clinicians to use is: 'Let's discuss the available options if the situation gets worse.' After serving up their 12 never-words and phrases, the researchers conclude: 'Never-words are conversation stoppers. 'They seize power from the very patients whose own voices are essential to making optimal decisions about their medical care. 'Clinicians should instead aim to dialogue, by inviting honest, thoughtful inquiries and responses from patients and families. 'They should learn to recognize words and phrases that unintentionally frighten, offend, or diminish agency and work to reimagine their own communication. 'The beneficial result: giving power back to patients so that they can actively collaborate with their care team in making the best possible treatment and care decisions, which is what all clinicians aim to achieve.' Last year, Gallup revealed that the share of Americans who rated doctors' ethical standards highly had dropped from 77 percent at the start of the pandemic in 2020 to 62 percent at the end of 2022 - an unusually steep 15-point fall over two years. Activists are demanding an outright ban on serving tinned tuna in hospitals and schools after toxic levels of mercury were detected in the store-cupboard favourite. The environmental campaigners also accuse food safety bodies and tuna firms of 'cynical lobbying' that serve 'economic interests... to the detriment of health'. For the past five decades, the mercury threshold has been three times higher for tuna than for other fish 'without the slightest health justification', added a spokesman from Bloom, which aims to preserve marine environments. The calls come after Bloom and consumer-rights organisation Foodwatch published an alarming report that revealed just how pervasive the contamination is. As revealed last week by MailOnline, tests on almost 150 tins purchased in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain found all contained mercury and 57 per cent exceeded the safety limit for many types of fish. Exposure to the metal can impair brain development, trigger life-threatening lung damage, cause cancers and even result in birth defects if consumed by pregnant women. The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers it a major public health concern, on a par with asbestos and arsenic. The researchers claimed they has uncovered 'a colossal risk to public health' and urged governments to take 'urgent' action. Exposure to the metal can impair brain development, trigger life-threatening lung damage, cause cancer and even result in birth defects if consumed by pregnant women The average European consumes over 2.8 kilos of tuna per year, or roughly 25 cans. Karine Jacquemart, CEO of consumer rights organisation Foodwatch France, said: 'What we end up with on our dinner plates is a colossal risk to public health that's not considered seriously. We won't give up until we have a more protective European standard.' Around four-fifths of the mercury put into the atmosphere from natural and human causes, such as burning coal, ends up in the ocean where some is converted by tiny organisms to a toxic compound known as methylmercury. This methylmercury works its way up the food chain and accumulates in top predators in high concentrations. As tuna and other predators or longer-living species like sharks or swordfish are higher up the food chain, they eat smaller fish and accumulate more mercury over time. Under current EU and UK law, the limit for mercury in tuna is 1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg for other fish such as cod. But the canning process means that mercury concentration is doubled or tripled, according to Bloom. The average European consumes over 2.8 kilos of tuna per year, or roughly 25 cans In a statement Bloom said: 'Since the 1970s, the public authorities and the powerful tuna lobby have knowingly chosen to favour the economic interests of industrial tuna fishing to the detriment of the health of over hundreds of million tuna consumers in Europe. 'This cynical lobbying has resulted in the setting of an "acceptable" mercury threshold three times higher for tuna than for other fish species such as cod, without there being the slightest health justification for a different threshold.' Bloom and Foodwatch are calling for a stricter limit of mercury in tuna, the same as for other species, of 0.3mg/kg instead of the current 1mg/kg. And they say tuna products must be banned from hospitals including maternity wards schools and care homes to protect vulnerable people. Mark Willis, head of chemical contaminants at the UK's Food Standards Agency, told The Independent: 'We advise those who are trying for a baby or who are pregnant to have no more than four cans of tuna a week or no more than two tuna steaks a week. 'This is because tuna contains higher levels of mercury than other fish.' A spokesperson for Europeche, which represents fishing fleets, denied the claims in the report, calling it 'misleading'. They added: 'Canned tuna products offered to EU consumers adhere strictly to European regulations, which are based on scientific criteria for safe maximum daily intakes. 'These thresholds are carefully set by experts from the European Food Safety Authority to ensure consumer safety.' Supporters of the effort to recall Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price celebrate at an election night watch party Tuesday in San Leandro. Laure Andrillon/Special to the Chronicle Isaac Abid, a founder of Revitalize East Bay, gave $25,000 to the committee to recall Pamela Price. Thomas Sawano/The Chronicle Oaklands turn to the right in this election was, much like San Franciscos, fueled by three new political organizations funded by wealthy interests. Now the moderate Oakland organizations, fresh off of their likely victories funding recalls of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price (which are leading but not official yet), backing the new city attorney and a new member of the Alameda Countys Board of Supervisors, are looking forward to their next race: picking Thaos successor in a special election to be held in the spring. If they align behind one candidate, their power could be formidable. The three new East Bay groups Empower Oakland, Abundant Oakland and Revitalize East Bay, along with Foundational Oakland Unites are learning from what their San Francisco counterparts have been doing for the past two years and want to perform a bit differently. Theyre now trying to raise up to $1 million annually so this fledgling movement can endure through multiple elections, unlike some of their predecessors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The volunteer-run Empower is grassroots-oriented. Its board interviewed dozens of local candidates to make endorsements and create a voter guide. Abundant is more of a think tank, focused mostly on housing and effective governance. Revitalize East Bay, which was initially focused mostly on the Price recall, functions as a convener of different interest groups, from the citys big corporations to labor unions. Foundational Oakland Unites is largely funded by a wealthy Piedmont hedge fund executive and was focused on the recalls. Its future going forward is unknown, as it operates largely separately from the other three. As the national Democratic Party begins months of agonizing autopsies and navel-gazing introspection about how to move forward in the wake of resounding election losses, this coalition is attempting its own experiment in the crucible of progressive politics, the Town. Its a results-focused, metrics-driven attempt that wants to concentrate on making government work effectively and respond better to concerns about public safety. Its leaders stress that they are progressive and the coalitions goal isnt to oust progressive electeds, even though thats what they did in many cases Tuesday. For now, theyre still largely building their organizations and formulating their policy plans and goals. But their results Tuesday were startling because of how they tapped into a vein of Oaklanders who may share their progressive values but are frustrated by concerns about public safety and an unresponsive, ineffective government. Fourteen of the 21 candidates Empower Oakland endorsed won on Election Day, and a handful of others still have a shot of taking office after the vote count ends. Roughly two-thirds of voters backed the recalls of Price and Thao, according to the latest update, but there remain votes to be counted. But the coalition has a long way to go before it becomes an enduring force in East Bay politics. A Pray for Oakland sign at an election night watch party held by Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao and Safe Alameda for Everyone. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle For starters, the groups leaders say, theyre trying to coordinate better than San Franciscos pressure groups have. For Tuesdays election, the three Oakland groups supported Empower Oaklands suggested endorsements and won the major races they agreed on. (Empowers online voter guide was viewed more than 150,000 times in addition to the printed version sent to 100,000 homes in a city with 250,000 voters, according to the group.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad By contrast, in San Francisco, Together SF Action endorsed Mark Farrell and Abundant SF backed Mayor London Breed in the mayoral race. Neither won. Thats a departure from the unity the San Francisco organizations showed in the March primary, when the two organizations plus Neighbors for a Better San Francisco endorsed the same roster of moderates to serve on the influential but low-profile San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, and their picks under the SF Democrats for Change slate won 18 of 24 seats on the panel. I am even more optimistic that it will work even better in Oakland, said Todd David, a longtime San Francisco political operative who is political director for the Abundant groups on both sides of the bay. What we have seen in San Francisco is that when there is alignment and when there is collaboration, weve had outsized results. Everyone in the Oakland ecosystem is kind of growing up at the same time, you know, amongst these organizations. So I think that there is a much higher probability of collaboration across topics in Oakland. Leaders for each of the groups say they will meet in the coming days to discuss plans to collaborate on the upcoming mayors race. But some caution that even though Loren Taylor, who is likely to be a candidate after narrowly losing to Thao in a 2022 ranked-choice voting election, is a co-founder of Empower Oakland, he is not their automatic choice. I think its really important that Empower Oakland stands outside of Loren Taylor, and so we are going to be thoughtful about how we play in the mayors race, in order to show that, said Gagan Biyani, the digital lead at Empower Oakland. We love Loren. I have deep respect for Loren. He is going to be our choice for mayor. But how involved we get in the mayoral election is still yet to be determined. But the three organizations acknowledge that they will have an ongoing challenge in progressive Oakland: defeating a narrative that the groups are astroturf operations funded by wealthy interests from the tech, real estate and cryptocurrency industries. Some of it is rooted in reality. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Coalition members also see themselves as a counterbalance to other deep-pocketed interests that have long shaped Oaklands politics. Like organized labor, which holds huge sway in a city where 60% of voting households contain at least one union member. Labor raised more than $800,000 for Thaos 2022 mayoral campaign, helping propel her to victory. Leaders and founders of the three groups do come from the tech, crypto and real estate industries, and each has donated significant amounts of money to the new organizations. And they are not longtime residents. But they say they share a belief in the citys potential and a frustration in how its governmental systems dont work like they should. Exhibit A: Thao boasted during her recall campaign that Oaklands 911 emergency call system had recently improved its performance so that now 51% of calls are answered within 15 seconds. Thats up from a low of 37%, a mark hit in 2023 that prompted a warning from state officials that the city could lose funding if its response rate didnt improve. California Office of Emergency Services requires that 90% of dispatch calls be answered within 15 seconds and 95% within 20. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao speaks at an election night gathering at Fluid 510. Scott Strazzante/Associated Press Biyani, 37, the Empower Oakland digital leader, grew up in Fremont and attended UC Berkeley. He co-founded the company Udemy, which grew to a valuation of $2 billion after he was fired. Now hes the founder and CEO of Maven, an online learning hub. Hes lived in Oakland for three years and got involved in Empower Oakland after growing frustrated with the dysfunction of the citys governance. Hes given $50,500 to the group, according to campaign finance disclosures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jesse Pollak, a cryptocurrency investor and executive at Coinbase, is a co-founder of Abundant Oakland. He lived in West Oakland for 10 years, but moved to Berkeley recently, concerned about the amount of gun violence in his neighborhood. Hes given $145,000 to Vibrant Oakland and $50,000 to Empower Oakland. Myself and Jesse, we have no financial stake in Oakland whatsoever, the fact is that we live here and love it as a city that is completely unique, Biyani said. One member of the coalition who has seen the impact on his business is Isaac Abid, a founder of Revitalize East Bay. His love of Oakland started as a child growing up in nearby Castro Valley; Oakland was the nearest big city to explore. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Columbia University, he wrote his thesis on Oakland and transportation systems. He moved to Oakland 10 years ago to work in a commercial real estate firm. Business was booming a decade ago when Oaklands tech and business sector grew thanks to firms being priced out of San Francisco. But that ended during COVID, and crime shot up. In April, Abid started his own firm focused on investing in Oakland, and he is developing a neighborhood near Lake Merritt. Abid said one of his tenants was broken into eight times, and all of them had broken windows. After merchant meetings with police and community leaders, he found that the bottleneck to public safety issues originated with newly elected District Attorney Price, who came to office promising to reform the criminal justice system. Her critics blamed her for not being tough enough on crime. Abid raised money to start gathering signatures to recall Price, which appears to have been successful, based on vote totals so far. He gave $25,000 to the committee to recall Price. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even though the three founders have collectively given a couple hundred thousand dollars toward the effort to elect more moderate candidates, they say its support goes beyond the tech, crypto and real estate industries. One ally, Huy Nguyen, president of the 681-member Oakland Police Officers Association, praised the new groups. I think that the energy that they have is very genuine, very understanding of the impact on the community as a whole, especially out in East Oakland. The OPOA gave $100,000 to Vibrant Oakland. Thao made outside spending a major focus of her anti-recall effort, pinpointing Piedmont hedge fund manager Philip Dreyfuss involvement as the silent funder of the recalls. Dreyfuss gave $280,000 last year to the group Supporters of Recall Pamela Price, and he has lent them another $310,000, according to campaign finance records. He has also given at least $340,000 to the Revitalize East Bay Committee, which supports the recall in addition to other causes. Thaos tactic didnt work. Her recall was supported by nearly two-thirds of the voters, as was Prices. Some members of the Oakland coalition believe that trying to paint the groups as astroturf run by wealthy outside interests wont work. It disingenuous to say its just a bunch of rich folks that are driving this change for some kind of master manipulation or something, said Jay Bradshaw, executive officer of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, which gave $150,000 to Vibrant Oakland. If youre from Oakland and youre a working-class person, youre facing a lot of challenges in this community, like people are in many communities. The coalition will have more than enough money to be major players in Oaklands mayoral election to replace Thao. And its already looking to the November 2026 City Council races, where two seats could be up for grabs. I asked Pollak, the crypto executive, what metrics he would use to define success. Weve been looking at how wed like Oakland to look like in 2030. Things like cutting in half the number of Oaklanders who are rent-burdened, cutting in half the amount of violent and property crime, getting strong fiscal controls in place so we dont run with a $200 million a year budget deficit, getting our education system to parity with state averages, making sure we have zero unsheltered homelessness folks in Oakland, reducing traffic fatalities to zero in the city of Oakland. A mother-of-three has told of her devastation after what she believed to be a 'pulled muscle' in her shoulder turned out to be stage four cancer. The first sign something was wrong came when Claire Turner, 43, tried to pass her daughter a croissant in the car. The accountant from Didcot, Oxfordshire was in the front passenger seat as her husband Mark Turner, 49, drove the family on a weekend away in October last year. As she turned to pass the pastry over to 11-year-old Annabelle in the back seat, she felt a twinge in her right shoulder. Doctors initially said it was a torn ligament but Ms Turner became concerned weeks later when she noticed a slight swelling on the top her shoulder, the size of a 2 coin. The growth continued to balloon over the the next few weeks and it became so painful she couldn't wear a bra or carry a bag, she says. After multiple trips to her GP and hospital, in January Ms Turner underwent a biopsy and scans that revealed it was a stage four melanoma a deadly type of skin cancer. Ms Turner, who used sunbeds in her 20s, is now facing an uncertain future, and is urging people to avoid harmful UV rays to avoid the same fate. Mother-of-three Claire Turner, 43, has told of her devastation after what she believed to be a 'pulled muscle' in her shoulder turned out to be stage four cancer Doctors initially said it was a torn ligament but Ms Turner became concerned weeks later when she noticed a slight swelling on the top her shoulder, the size of a 2 coin There are roughly 17,500 new diagnoses of melanoma each year in the UK and numbers are rising at an alarming rate. Since the 90s, rates in women have around doubled and almost tripled in men. Today, more than 2,300 people die from the disease each year in the UK. Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give skin its color. However it can grow rapidly and enter the bloodstream, leading to tumours invading other parts of the body this is know as stage four cancer. At this stage, treatment becomes tricky: fewer than half of patients with stage four melanoma survive more than five years from diagnosis. Ms Turner said: 'It was a blessing that injury happened. I don't know what I did that day but obviously some movement made that tumour swell and move. 'We were off to the beach heading down for the weekend with friends to the coast. We had a packed breakfast for the children. In January Ms Turner underwent a biopsy and scans that revealed stage four melanoma. The image above shows the scan of Ms Turner's shoulder, with the tumour in white 'As we were heading down they all said they were hungry. I passed breakfast, including a croissant, banana and bottle of water, back to one of them and I felt like I pulled a muscle. 'I thought "that's painful" but then I carried on with the day. It was pretty painful carrying a bag and that night it was quite painful to lean back on it.' The accountant visited hospital following the trip and after an X-ray showed nothing serious doctors told her it appeared to be a torn ligament. 'They gave me painkillers and told me to keep it strapped up and rest it for a couple of weeks and that it should settle down and it did,' recalls Ms Turner. Weeks later, she noticed her shoulder looked slightly swollen while travelling to work. She said: 'I went to the GP and [was told] that shoulder injuries can take a while to heal.' The mum booked an online GP appointment and was referred to an orthopaedic consultant in December. After having an MRI scan she was referred to a cancer clinic and faced an agonising wait over Christmas waiting for a diagnosis, while 'expecting the worst'. Ms Turner, who used sunbeds in her 20s, is now facing an uncertain future, and is urging people to avoid harmful UV rays to avoid the same fate Claire said: 'By this point it was quite apparent and it was quite a substantial swelling on my shoulder. I couldn't carry a bag or wear a bra. 'I went on a spiral over Christmas. It was awful, and I was expecting the worst. It's the lowest I've felt in the whole journey.' When she was finally given her diagnosis, Ms Turner 'felt winded', she says, adding: 'It threw me sideways, I was just shocked. 'Melanoma is a dodgy mole and it goes from there, that's what I thought. 'It starts with a skin lesion, you look at it and ignore it, that's what I thought skin cancer was. 'The doctor said I had a 50/50 chance of coming out of the other side of this.' In the vast majority of melanoma cases, the 'primary tumour' the place on the skin that the cancer started in, often a mole is known. However in around three per cent of cases, it's never found. These patients are only diagnosed after tumours begin appearing around the body. Ms Turner underwent immunotherapy but was forced to stop in August after it caused inflammation to her pituitary gland and optic nerve Experts believe in these cases the primary tumour, at some point, shrunk and disappeared meaning it went unnoticed. For this reason, doctors say a mole that gets smaller not just ones that change and get larger are a warning sign that should be checked out. Ms Turner said: 'There was no primary on my skin. The nurse told me: "It could be that there was something on the skin and your body healed it." 'But the cancer cells got so deep that they travelled round for months or even years and created other tumours.' Ms Turner underwent immunotherapy but was forced to stop in August after it caused inflammation to her pituitary gland and optic nerve. Despite this, she is philosophical about her predicament: 'I'm grateful I got it checked out. 'My nurse said to me that 10 years ago with my diagnosis I would be given six to seven months to live. That was quite shocking.' Although scans revealed further tumours in her liver, leg and buttock muscles and all around her shoulder, these are now either shrinking or have disappeared. One of the biggest risk factors for skin cancer is UV exposure. Ms Turner is now urging others to look after their skin to prevent the same thing happening to them. She said: 'I did use sun beds and I've been burned in the sun striving for a tan, a tan doesn't last. Fake tan doesn't last and real tan doesn't last but which one's safer?' Dozens of popular cold and flu remedies should be pulled from Britain's shelves because they don't work, experts urged today. Yesterday, US health officials proposed getting rid of oral drugs containing the decongestant phenylephrine over concerns they are 'not effective' and a waste of Americans' cash. If accepted, it could see popular over-the-counter tablets and pills discontinued the other side of the Atlantic, in a move that would send shockwaves through the multi-million pound industry. Now, experts are calling for the same to happen in Britain, arguing that UK customers are being hoodwinked by the drug firms behind the 'useless' medicines which include Sudafed, Lemsip and Beechams. But UK regulators refuse to take action as they claim 'no new safety concerns have been identified'. Dr Leyla Hannbeck CEO of Independent Pharmacies Association told MailOnline: 'It is time for our regulators to intervene and give their guidance to help all pharmacists make the correctly informed professional decision. 'The debate about the effectiveness of phenylephrine as an oral decongestant has been going on for some time and science now seems to prove that it is not effective while there are plenty of other products available for nasal congestion.' The concern is specific to oral formulations of phenylephrine rather than nasal sprays containing the ingredient, which cost around 5. Brands like Sudafed, Lemsip and Beechams all sell drugs taken orally that contain phenylephrine in Britain for close to 5 Yesterday, US health officials proposed getting rid of oral drugs containing phenylephrine completely over concerns they are 'not effective' decongestants. Professor Ron Eccles, who ran the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University before retiring from the university in 2017, also previously told MailOnline: 'When taken orally phenylephrine is an ineffective decongestant because it is metabolised in the gut and liver before it reaches the nose. 'My view is that [oral] phenylephrine products should be discontinued in the UK as they do not provide any decongestion. 'However, nasal decongestant sprays are effective and work within minutes and the decongestion effect lasts for eight hours.' Manufacturers claim phenylephrine eases stuffy noses by reducing swelling of the tiny blood vessels that sit inside the nostrils, making more space for air to pass through. NHS watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, states orally-administered decongestants 'may relieve nasal congestion in the short term'. However, this effect 'does not extend past a few days, and the benefit is relatively small'. Other reviews have found that only in nasal spray form phenylephrine does seem to work, as it ensures the drug is delivered straight in the nose. But, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain, today confirmed it was not assessing the ingredient, given 'no new safety concerns have been identified'. Manufacturers claim phenylephrine eases nasal congestion by reducing swelling of the tiny blood vessels that sit inside the nostrils, making more space for air to pass through The concern is specific to oral formulations of phenylephrine rather than nasal sprays containing the ingredient, which cost around 5 Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer told MailOnline: 'Patient safety is our top priority. 'All available data is carefully considered when authorising any medicine and we continue to closely monitor all medicines for safety and effectiveness following authorisation, to ensure the benefits outweigh any risks. 'There have been no new safety concerns identified with phenylephrine containing products and people can continue to use as directed. 'If you have any concerns about a medicine you are taking, please seek advice from a healthcare professional.' The Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), which represents companies making over-the-counter medicines, also insisted patients should not be concerned by the FDA ruling. Michelle Riddalls, its chief executive, told MailOnline: 'Consumer safety is paramount to our members, including those who manufacture products containing phenylephrine. 'We want to reassure consumers that FDAs consultation is not relating to a safety issue. 'The products on the market here, containing phenylephrine, are combined with other active ingredients to provide the best possible symptom relief. But, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain, today confirmed it was not assessing the ingredient, given 'no new safety concerns have been identified' 'These products form part of a well-established cough, cold and flu offering within the UK. 'This ensures that these medicines are available and easily accessible to allow consumers to self-care and treat these winter ailments at home at a time when the NHS is under a great deal of pressure.' 'Our regulator has clearly stated that there have been no new safety concerns identified with phenylephrine containing products and people can continue to use as directed.' The US Food and Drug Administration began reviewing the use of phenylephrine in March 2023. Yesterday, Dr Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said: 'It is the FDA's role to ensure that drugs are safe and effective. 'Based on our review of available data, and consistent with the advice of the advisory committee, we are taking this next step in the process to propose removing oral phenylephrine because it is not effective as a nasal decongestant.' This is only a 'proposed order' currently and will not have an immediate impact on the medications. The FDA is now seeking public opinion on the matter. Only then, if the review finds phenylephrine to be ineffective, will a final order be issued, removing it from over-the-counter medications. Yesterday, the FDA said it would then 'provide manufacturers with additional time to either reformulate or remove' their phenylephrine-only products from the market. They added: 'The proposed order is based on effectiveness concerns, not on safety concerns.' The FDA's phenylephrine proposal, however, is not the first occasion questions have been raised over the effectiveness of over-the-counter cold remedies. In 2014, the Cochrane Institute, which carries out the 'gold standard' of evidence-based reviews, found there was 'no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of over the counter medicines in acute cough' in the UK. Phenylephrine meds were among the drugs included. In 2015, a study sponsored in part by the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co found the the 10 milligram dose, as well as 20, 30, or 40 milligram doses were 'not significantly better than placebo at relieving nasal congestion' in a sample of 539 adults. The H5N1 bird flu virus spreading among cows is infecting more farm workers than experts realized. The CDC tested 115 workers at farms suffering outbreaks and found eight of them tested positive for the virus - an infection rate of seven percent. Many of them had no symptoms, which officials fear indicates H5N1 is spreading much more widely than the official numbers show. Forty-six farm workers have been officially diagnosed with the virus but hundreds of cattle farms in dozens of states are experiencing outbreaks. The CDC is now recommending anyone exposed to infected animals get tested, not just those who become sick. The agency said it is not seeing mutations in the virus that would lead to easier transmission or evidence of person-to-person spread. But disease experts have warned that as the virus circulates, the chance of evolving increases, which could lead to a pandemic. A pig on an Oregon farm tested positive for H5N1 for the first time in the US last week which caused alarm because pigs have been a source of prior human pandemics. Dead cows are piling up in California as dairy farmers battle H5N1 bird flu, which made landfall in the state in August Your browser does not support iframes. The CDC's change to testing guidance comes after an investigation into 115 farmworkers in Michigan and Colorado who had been exposed to H5N1. Of the eight workers with positive blood tests, four reported no symptoms. All eight cleaned milking parlors and none used respiratory protection such as face masks. Three said they used eye protection. High levels of the virus have been found in the milk of infected cows, increasing the risk of exposure and infection, the researchers said. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it will begin testing bulk milk for bird flu, signaling concern by both agencies about the ongoing spread of the virus on dairy and poultry farms. The CDC is also recommending offering the antiviral drug Tamiflu to workers with high risk exposures to sick animals and widening its guidance for worker protective equipment, including eye protection. But agency researchers said efforts to monitor dairy workers for illness have been hindered by several barriers, including the reluctance of farm owners and farmworkers to allow testing. Nirav Shah, CDC's principal deputy director, said: 'The purpose of these actions is to keep workers safe, to limit the transmission of H5 to humans and to reduce the possibility of the virus changing.' Bird flu has infected nearly 450 dairy farms in 15 states since March, according to USDA data. Outside experts said it's notable the study prompted the CDC to take new action. 'This is a significant move towards the assessment that these H5N1 viruses are a greater risk than the CDC estimated before,' said Dr Gregory Gray, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Every additional infection in animals or humans gives the virus the chance to change in potentially dangerous ways, added Angela Rasmussen, a virus expert at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. 'It shows yet again that we are not responding effectively to the H5N1 cattle outbreak in humans or animals and if we continue to let this virus spread and jump from species to species, our luck will eventually run out,' she said. Rasmussen and others have criticized the federal response to the outbreak as too slow and 'lackluster,' adding the studies 'should have been performed months ago and should have been prioritized.' When faced with a new facial pimple, you have an ultimatum: top pop, or not to pop? But when it comes to zits located in the 'triangle of death', it's better to leave them and let them heal on their own, experts say. Also known as the Danger Triangle, this area stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear. A dermatologist has revealed how popping a pimple within the triangle of death can lead to serious infections. NYC-based Dr. Mark Strom said: 'Popping pimples in the center of the face can be particularly dangerous. 'The area of the face from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth has veins that connect directly to the brain via a blood vessel called the cavernous sinus.' Introducing bacteria from your fingers into the veins running behind our eye sockets could cause the germs to travel to the brain. This could put pressure on the brain leading to partial or full paralysis and, in some cases, even death. The 'triangle of death' stretches from the tip of the nose to a point on either side of the lips, roughly where dimples usually appear. Your browser does not support iframes. Left untreated, an infection of the sinus cavity can also lead to a total loss of vision, brain abscesses and meningitis. Experts have previously told DailyMail.com that in worst-case scenarios, if inflammation from a spot spreads to the inner part of the brain, there is potential for blindness and massive stroke. The condition, known as Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis by medical professionals, kills 30 per cent of those who contract it. The chances of this happening are 'slim to none', but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't take every possible precaution when dealing with spots. Dr Lee recommends dabbing hazel onto stubborn spots in the Danger Triangle to disinfect the area and reduce swelling. NYC-based Dr. Mark Strom said: 'Popping pimples in the center of the face can be particularly dangerous' But while picking at skin inside the triangle can certainly lead to grave infections, it is far more likely youll experience significant facial scarring as infections must be left to develop in severity before they become life threatening. Controversial celebrity medic Dr Mehmet Oz cautioned that even plucking a hair from inside your nose can leave you susceptible to infection within the triangle, as a tiny volume of blood leaks out from the disrupted follicle. To avoid this, Dr Erich Voigt of New York University suggests trimming nose hairs rather than plucking them. The Deorhord by Hana Videen (Profile 10.99, 352pp) The Deorhord is available now from the Mail Bookshop Everyone loves a cute animal story, but a fascination with creatures isnt just a modern phenomenon. In medieval times, illustrated books known as bestiaries were hugely popular. Written in Latin, they contained stories about animals some familiar (hedgehogs), some exotic (panthers) and some mythical (the phoenix) often with a moral lesson attached. No Old English bestiaries survive, but animals play a vibrant role in medieval stories, poems and riddles, so Hana Videen decided to create her own or Deorhord (deor is Old English for animal). Each creature is brought to life in a colourful tapestry of medieval legend, folklore and illustration. The result is a fascinating, bizarre (gold-digging ants, hens that burst into flames), and delightfully detailed glimpse of the world of our distant ancestors. Christmas on the Farm by Adam Henson (Sphere 10.99, 240pp) Christmas on the Farm is available now from the Mail Bookshop When Adam Henson was growing up on Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, Christmas was a magical time. Aged eight, he made a wish as he stirred the Christmas pudding and it came true when his mum and dad gave him a longed-for spaniel puppy. Eventually, the Countryfile presenter and his wife, Charlie, took over running the farm, and although the hard work of farming doesnt stop for Christmas, it remains a special time. His book explores traditions such as gathering mistletoe and we venture behind the scenes at Countryfile, including the time when Adam recreated the custom of walking Christmas geese to market. Plus, we meet the Bemborough animals that have become film stars including the pig which appeared with Glenn Close in 101 Dalmatians. Surrounded by Liars by Thomas Erikson (Vermillion 10.99, 368pp) Surrounded by Liars is available now from the Mail Bookshop Are you surrounded by idiots, psychopaths, narcissists or vampires? Swedish behavioural expert Thomas Erikson is the author of bestsellers on dealing with such tricky personalities, and his latest book adds liars to the list. Admittedly, most of us lie from time to time, whether to save ourselves from getting into trouble, or to avoid hurting someones feelings. But we also live in a world of fake news and untruths that can spread in moments. Using the four-colour personality grid featured in his previous books, Erikson explores the reasons we lie, the consequences of lying and how best to deal with liars. Theres also a multiple choice test to find out if you are a liar. Answer truthfully! The Rabbit Hole Book: 99 Adventures Into the History of Stuff by Richard Coles, Cat Jarman and Charles Spencer (Michael Joseph 22, 352pp) The Rabbit Hole Book is available now from the Mail Bookshop Themes can be overrated. Most books have to be about something they tackle a subject, make an argument or tell a story. But what happens if you get three people to do short investigations into random topics for no better reason than because those topics sound interesting? The Rabbit Hole Detectives is what. The hit podcast is presented by Richard Coles, Cat Jarman and Charles Spencer, and each research something paperclips, for instance, or jet lag, or pub names before reporting their findings. And now theyve written a book. It is surely the only book ever to tell you both that Hercule Poirots hair dye was called Revivit and that the Dobermann dog was originally bred by a German tax collector who needed a pet vicious enough to accompany him on the job. Id be amazed if you found all of the 99 chapters interesting thats the nature of the project. But, equally, Id be amazed if you found none of them interesting. My own curiosity gland was tickled by many of the entries, several because they shed light on something I thought I already knew. The Westminster Abbey funeral effigies, for example. Ive read lots about that building over the years, but had never heard of its collection of life-size models of the great and good from centuries past, usually made of wood or wax. The Duchess of Richmond arrived in 1703, accompanied by her parrot, which died of a broken heart. It is thought to be the oldest stuffed bird in the world. Trio of Knowledge: Charles Spencer, Cat Jarman, Rev. Richard Coles Equally, the Welsh village Llanfairpwllgwyn-gyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is well known but how many of us were aware that it hosted the first ever British meeting of the Womens Institute? And weve all done crosswords: did you know that the puzzles inventor called it a word-cross? It was only because a proofreader on the New York World newspaper switched the syllables in 1913 that the modern name came about. Sometimes, though, the fascination is because the subject is completely new to you. The Panacea Society was a religious organisation started in Bedford in 1919 by Ms Mabel Barltrop. It sent out to ill people, free of charge, squares of linen over which its members had prayed. If you left your square in a jug of water, went the claim, and drank the contents four times a day, you would get better. The society also maintained accommodation for Jesus Christ when he appeared at his third coming. Ms Barltrop believed her own late husband had been the second coming. Little Grey Cells: David Suchet as Hercule Poirot Numbers feature heavily. We encounter the worlds largest pane of glass (50 sq metres, in a Beijing skyscraper), learn how six 2x4 Lego bricks can be combined in 915,103,765 ways, and meet gambler Archie Karas, who arrived in Las Vegas in 1952 with $50. By 1995 he had turned it into $40 million, then lost it all again a year later. Finally, there are (as so often with books like this) some wonderful explanations of where words come from. Stigma was the ancient Greek name for the identifying mark tattooed on to criminals. And a signet ring was traditionally used to stamp your seal on documents the word has the same root as signature. Winston Churchills ring bore his family symbol (the Spencer griffin and the Churchill lion), while the one worn by our current king is 175 years old and was given to him by his mother when she invested him as the Prince of Wales. It bears the words that form the motto of that office, ich dien meaning I serve. Where Madness Lies: The Double Life of Vivien Leigh by Lyndsy Spence (The History Press 22, 256pp) Where Madness Lies is available now from the Mail Bookshop Were really home, arent we? Vivien Leigh asked her husband, Laurence Olivier, on arrival in the fog at Croydon Airport from Hollywood in 1953. She was expecting him to drive her to Notley Abbey, their house in Oxfordshire where the dairy cows were named after glittering theatrical and film roles shed played: Blanche, Scarlett, Juliet, Cleopatra, Anna Karenina and so on. The truth was he was driving her to Netherne Asylum in Surrey: a place of ice baths, damp sheets to keep the nerves sedated, and electro-convulsive therapy. First, Leigh was induced into a coma. Then, when she came round, the shock therapy involved having blocks placed between her teeth and her arms and ankles strapped down. It caused hair loss and left scars on her temples. Lyndsy Spences account of the actresss descent into madness and sadness is so vivid and visceral that by the time this treatment happens, 41 pages into a book about the final 14 years of Leighs life, from 1953 to 1967, you cant help pitying Olivier, and understanding why he took such a drastic course. Leigh was becoming impossible to handle. On a plane from Ceylon to Hollywood, while filming Elephant Walk with Paramount Pictures, shed screamed that the wing was on fire and threatened to throw herself out of the plane. She ripped her dress down the middle and had a fight with her leading man Peter Finch (with whom shed started an affair). How could you be sleeping with her? Youre my lover Then, while in Hollywood to complete filming, she opened Peters bedroom door at 2am, where he was asleep with his wife Tamara. Leigh screamed obscenities, ripped off their bedclothes and shouted, How could you be sleeping with her? Youre my lover. She also threatened to kill Peter and Tamaras child. Paramount had witnessed Leighs psychosis on set and was increasingly worried about her behaviour. It decided to wash its hands of her, and replaced the star with Elizabeth Taylor. What a fall from grace for the globally revered actress, the quintessential English rose whod twice won Academy Awards as Best Actress. The first was for her performance as the Southern belle Scarlett OHara in Gone With The Wind, a woman whose privileged life disintegrates as the American Civil War rages on. Southern Belle: Vivien Leigh with Gone With the Wind co-star Clark Gable The second was in 1951, as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, a woman looking for beauty in a sordid, violent world, who eventually has a nervous breakdown. Spence suggests that Leigh inhabited those characters so totally that it contributed to her breakdown. After performances of Streetcar at the Aldwych Theatre in 1949, she was trembling as the curtain came down. She did come home from the asylum, but her marriage was under increasing strain. She and Olivier found they had nothing to talk about. Our lives had been supported by the glitter of our position, he later wrote, and that glitter seemed to be fading away. Critics took pleasure in tearing Leighs acting apart. Her Lady Macbeth was more niminy-piminy than thundery-blundery, wrote Kenneth Tynan. John Gielgud said she was utterly ineffective on stage. The gibes shattered her confidence. Since theyd met and fallen in love in 1936, both breaking up their previous marriages to be together, Leigh and Olivier had been a golden couple, the king and queen of British theatre. They were mobbed after performances. In 1948, on a tour to Australia, they were treated like royalty, waving at crowds of fans from their hotel balcony. Oliviers love for Leigh had been like a religion, Spence writes. And she remained obsessed with him to the end. But, as he later said, Leigh was f***ing mad from the word go. While rehearsing the role of Ophelia to his Hamlet in 1937, she suddenly flew at him like a demon before returning to normal as if nothing had happened: an unsettling scene that etched itself into his mind. As soon as they moved in together, Leighs jealousy and paranoia began to take root. She was terrified of losing Olivier (who went on to have affairs with his leading ladies, including Dorothy Tutin and Claire Bloom, before falling in love with his third wife Joan Plowright). While Leigh was filming Gone With The Wind in 1939, she was crazy with jealousy at the thought of Merle Oberon acting opposite him in Wuthering Heights. She took four sleeping pills and was found staggering around naked and falling over the furniture. Spence darts back and forth, pitting Leighs miserable present against her successful past, which adds to the fractured atmosphere of this chronicle of mental disintegration. Leigh comes across as brittle, spoilt and petulant, as well as deeply insecure and sad. King and ueen of British theatre: Vivien Leigh with husband Lawrence Olivier She was desperate to get pregnant, hoping it would hold the marriage together. She did conceive a child in 1956, but had a miscarriage. However, the baby may have been Peter Finchs. Leigh had given birth to her only child Suzanne at the age of 19, and nicknamed her Toosoon. She was not a motherly person. Scenes etched in my mind after reading this unsettling book include Leigh whipping Olivier across the face all night with a facecloth when he told her he was in love with someone else (later he admitted he was afraid of killing her one day); screaming her head off when a wasp encircled her on a picnic; and having a breakdown on a Broadway stage: she had to be carried off on a stretcher. That was in 1963, during the long run of an exhausting musical. During one performance, she went mad mid-play and hit out at her leading man, going into his dressing room afterwards and tearing up photos of his children. Jack Merivale, whose stepmother was Gladys Cooper, bravely took Leigh on as his girlfriend after she and Olivier had separated. In Argentina, she picked up a brass clock Jack had given her and hurled it from the hotel window. She would die alone in her Eaton Square flat in London, aged just 53. Olivier visited her the day after, and prayed for forgiveness for all the evils that had sprung up between us. He also said, later in life, the only one I ever loved was Leigh. The Place of Tides by James Rebanks (Allen Lane 22, 304pp) The Place of Tides is available now from the Mail Bookshop The Shepherds Life, which told the story of one familys hill farm in Cumbria, was a surprise bestseller in 2015. Writing in spare but beautiful prose, James Rebanks described a way of life that is increasingly rare nowadays as agriculture becomes ever more mechanised and large-scale. Now 50, his latest book, The Place Of Tides, finds him at a crossroads after the death of his father. It wasnt just that I was tired, he writes. I was lost . . . I felt overwhelmed, and angry at everyone around me. I was in trouble and I didnt know what to do about it. On impulse, he fired off a letter to Anna, a Norwegian woman he had met a decade ago, asking if he could travel to Norway and spend the summer with her. Although they had only spent half an hour together, Rebanks had been mesmerised by Anna when he had met her on a conservation fact-finding trip to the Vega Archipelago, which lies off the Norwegian coast, just south of the Arctic Circle. He spoke no Norwegian and Anna had only limited English, yet he had felt an instant bond with her. There was something alive in her that had died in me, he writes. Anna, known as the duck woman, had, for many years, spent late spring and early summer on a tiny island, caring for the scores of wild eider duck who waddled on to dry land to hatch their chicks. Once the birds had left, she collected and sold their highly prized feathers, known as eiderdown, which the female ducks had plucked from their breasts to line their nests. Like hill farming in Cumbria, Annas was a traditional way of life that was hanging on by a thread. Anna replied to his letter saying that this would be her last season on the duck island and if he wanted to come, he should come quickly and bring work clothes and good boots. A few days later he was standing on her doorstep, painfully aware that we didnt speak the same language, and that this might be a terrible idea for us both. Duck Hut: Rebanks looked after nesting areas for the ducks Rebanks and Anna set off by boat to the island of Fjroy (pronounced Fi-aroy), along with Ingrid, a slightly mysterious friend of Annas who Rebanks thought must have come along to translate. The three of them settled into a wooden house with an outside toilet and no running water. The island seemed permanently rain-lashed. Anna and Ingrid knitted while Rebanks read Moby-Dick and brooded about whether leaving his daughter in charge of the farm had been a dreadful mistake, and whether he had messed things up with his wife, Helen. Perhaps he had been a little too much like Captain Ahab, a little too desperate to catch my whale, and everyone else had been dragged across the seven seas behind me. He was relieved when the work finally started: clearing away old nests, airing the wooden duck huts and nesting boxes which helped protect the ducks from predators such as sea eagles and crows, and remaking the nests using dried seaweed. Rebanks didnt know how old Anna was he guessed in her 70s but he soon realised that her health was failing and that Ingrid was being lined up to take over the job of duck woman the next season. Waiting for the ducks to come ashore was like that scene in The Longest Day where German soldiers wait in Normandy for the D-Day invasion. Finally, the ducks arrived, the brown females bobbing next to the white males, feathers ruffling in the shallow water. Soon more than a hundred of them were nesting all over the island. Every morning Rebanks and the two women inspected the nests and counted the eggs, which are green and twice as heavy as a hens egg. As soon as the chicks had hatched, the ducks and their young were off back to sea, leaving behind a nest full of light, fluffy, almost weightless feathers. As generations of her ancestors had done, Anna collected and painstakingly cleaned this so-called islanders gold, which would then be sold as a filling for eiderdown duvets. Although not very much happens from day to day, The Place Of Tides is a surprisingly gripping read and Rebanks excels at describing the raw beauty of the island. One day, Anna casually remarked that there was a whale nearby. Rebanks rushed to look and saw a killer whale, so big it filled the window, cruising round the bay as part of a pod. Rebanks is struck by Annas fierce determination to protect this fragile ecosystem she grumpily discourages anyone from visiting them there and learns that it was largely thanks to her and a group of other women that Unesco has recognised this seascape as a World Heritage Site. Light as a feather: Female Eider Duck feathers are collected to make luxury duvets She gave people courage to be more than they had yet dared to be, just by being herself, he marvels. When Rebanks, Anna and Ingrid left Fjroy after 70 days, the three of them had become so close that it felt as if our island family is coming to an end. He was relieved that Anna was looking healthier and was at peace with her decision to hand over the reins to Ingrid. As for Rebanks himself, his time on the island had profoundly affected him. He vowed to stop striving so much and instead to work with his family to make his farm the most beautiful and abundant place it could be, so that when my time was up, I would know I had done my best. I would have lived like Anna. BEANIE THE BANSHEENIE by Eoin Colfer Illustrated by Steve McCarthy (Walker 12.99, 64pp) Beanie The Bansheenie is available now from the Mail Bookshop Irish folklore of ancient banshees howling to herald impending death inspires this touching and funny story. Beanie, a newly hatched bansheenie, misses her moment to bond with little Rose and therefore to know her death day. Instead, nurtured by the rivers loving atom fish, Beanie learns all she can about Rose and, when a flood threatens the girls home, Beanie uses the power of nature to sing a warning so Rose can save her family. From then on, they are inseparable and Beanies love protects generations of Roses descendants. The stunning illustrations conjure up a mysterious, magical world. Age 3+ THE CHRISTMAS WISH-TASTROPHE by Cariad Lloyd, Illustrated by Ma Pe (Hodder 14.99, 304pp) The Christmas Wish-tastrophe is available now from the Mail Bookshop Comedian Cariad Lloyd also hosts a grief podcast and the combination of humour and sensitivity blends perfectly in this jolly but emotionally perceptive story. Its 1812 and when her adored mother dies, orphan Lydia Marmalade is sent to stay with wealthy but cold Lady Partridge in her grand house (smuggling her forbidden pet dog Colin with her). Overwhelmed by the rules and threatened with the workhouse, Lydia makes a wish on St Nicholas Day that unleashes a chaotic sprite, bound to make it come true. Can she help Lydia unravel the truth about her mother before Christmas? Full of wit and larger-than-life characters. 9+ SILVER by Olivia Levez (Hot Key Books 8.99, 432pp) Silver is available now After their planet is destroyed, refugees aboard a spaceship plan to colonise Earth by infiltrating its worthless, emotional humans. Cadet 39 is sent ahead to discover everything she can about their lives and masks herself by inhabiting Sylwia (Silver), a Polish student working as a dogsitter for a single mother and her two children, teenage Finch and little Doodles. But as Silver exploits and reports back to the ship, she finds herself experiencing forbidden feelings: shes attracted to Finch, protective of the family and starts to question the mantras shes been taught. Tense, tender and tragic, this modern love story builds to an explosive climax. 13+ Isaac by Curtis Garner (Verve 10.99, 288pp) Isaac is available now from the Mail Bookshop This contemporary coming-of-age story stars 17-year-old Isaac, who lives in London with his mum and stepdad and is busy with exams before university. Isaac is also busy navigating his first foray into the world of online dating. Worried about academic failure by day and exploring his sexuality with a great variety of men by night, nothing in Isaacs life feels definite or meaningful. Eventually, Isaac meets 28-year-old Harrison at a sex party and everything changes again. Isaac adores Harrison and thinks about him constantly but has no idea if any of it is reciprocated. Fretting that Harrison will lose interest makes Isaac fixate on the many things he doesnt like about himself. Its fast-paced, raw and emotionally intelligent; brilliant on the vulnerability inherent in so many first relationships. The White Flower by Charlotte Beeston (Les Fugitives 12.99, 194pp) The White Flower is available now This beautifully written narrative alternates between Stellas contemporary story set in London and Julias Edwardian one, set in East Devon and London. Separated by time and distance, our two protagonists are both dealing with debilitating grief. Stella is in therapy, discussing the death of her mother, the emptiness she feels and how she has no idea where to go from here. Julia is mourning her oldest daughter, Helena, finding the loss unbearable and desperately seeking solitude. Stellas mother died of cancer and she has pretty much no relationship with her distant father. Helena was a photographer who died soon after returning home from an expedition in the rainforests of Sri Lanka. Stella and Julias individual meditations on their deep losses combine to form an emotionally intelligent, thought-provoking portrait of grief and the mother-daughter bond. Its raw and compelling and brilliant on letting life in and finding slivers of hope in the darkest situations. It stayed with me long after I finished it. City of Laughter by Temim Fruchter (Dialogue Books 22, 384pp) City of Laughter is available now When Shivas father dies she stays over at her parents house, helping her newly widowed mother sort through his things. Thirty-one-year-old Shiva and her mother Hannah are not close. Shiva is angry that her father is dead, angry with herself for feeling so stuck for so long and angry at her mother, who refuses to talk about her past or their relations. Shiva is also aware that her girlfriend has been growing distant for a while and is now avoiding her. After a row with Hannah, Shiva hightails it back to New York, enrolling in a Jewish studies course at university, with a special interest in Jewish folklore. Shiva reasons that if Hannah refuses to share stories of their ancestors then she will find out and fill the gaps herself. She also wins a grant that takes her to Warsaw, Poland, where her family originated from. Wonderful. San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie greets supporters Tuesday at his election night watch party at the Chapel music venue in the Mission District. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Over and over in his winning San Francisco mayoral campaign, Daniel Lurie repeated a simple message: Political insiders had made a mess of the city and so voters needed to entrust him, an outsider, to clean it up. Now, after unseating six-year incumbent London Breed, Lurie, a nonprofit founder and Levi Strauss heir, begins the not-so-simple part. He must seek to implement his ambitious list of plans for addressing the citys complex challenges, while also protecting the city against potential broadsides by the new president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Included on Luries list is a vow to grow San Franciscos homeless shelter system by 1,500 beds in six months and to declare a fentanyl state of emergency to cut through red tape in fighting the drug crisis. To make City Hall function more efficiently, he said he would place oversight of city contracts, including those with nonprofits, under the control of a centralized team of experts. Lurie ran as a moderate whose policies did not sharply diverge from Breeds. So he shares some of her priorities, such as hiring more police officers, supporting a program that offers homeless people a bus ticket out of town and shutting down open-air drug markets. He wants to build denser housing along major corridors where jobs and transit routes are already concentrated. Lurie must as Breed and his other opponents repeatedly underlined push through this agenda without any experience pulling the levers of San Franciscos notorious bureaucracy. He is the citys first mayor since 1912 to have never served in government before his election. At Tipping Point Community, the antipoverty nonprofit Lurie founded in 2005, he oversaw a staff of dozens and a budget of tens of millions. San Francisco has about 35,000 employees and a budget of $15.9 billion. Voters did not appear concerned about this learning curve. In the ranked-choice vote count as of Thursday, Lurie led 56.2% to Breeds 43.8%, with more ballots left to tally. Initial returns showed Lurie doing well across the city, leading in precincts from Telegraph Hill to the outer Richmond and Sunset districts, where he dominated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Analyzing the election results Wednesday, political consultant and Chinatown power broker David Ho said voters were still angry about the state of the city. He had thought that sentiment ran its course after voters recalled three school board members and the district attorney and ousted an incumbent supervisor two years ago. Im a little bit surprised by this, Ho said.Hes going to go in with a mandate this is not going to be close. Luries earliest key decisions will come in staffing his administration. Its not clear who Lurie will want in key roles such as chief of staff and police chief, or as directors of the departments of public health, public works, emergency management, planning and homelessness. Lurie could keep some incumbents, but given the way he ran as an outsider candidate promising change, some leadership turnover seems highly likely. A lot of people want to know who hes going to hire, said Christin Evans, a Haight-Ashbury bookstore owner and member of a group of progressive small business leaders who endorsed Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin for mayor. Itll be interesting to see if Lurie staffs up from people across the (political) spectrum or from one camp or the other. If its a team that hasnt worked together before, he could have some dysfunction and infighting, especially in that transition period. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Before the election, Lurie would only say that if he won, he would meet with Breeds department heads individually to assess whether or not they want to be there. Though he hasnt revealed anything about his staffing plans, Lurie did shed some light on how hell work with his department heads in a previous Chronicle interview. He said he would meet with them regularly and ask what their priorities are for the week, for six months, for 12 months. And he said he would require them to work in the office five days a week. I am not just someone that talks, Lurie said. Were going to bring people together, Im going to take input, and Im going to make the tough decisions. Im not going to please everybody every time, and Im OK with that. If he ousts Breeds longtime police chief, Bill Scott, Lurie must then select a replacement from a pool of candidates chosen by the citys Police Commission. Proposition D, which would have made it easier for the mayor to hire and fire department heads, failed to secure the 50% threshold needed for approval. Lurie will enter the office with little experience managing relationships with other politicians or organized labor leaders whose support he may need to advance his vision for the city. But San Francisco labor leader Rudy Gonzalez said Lurie had shown a strong sense of curiosity that will serve him well as mayor. Gonzalez said he first met Lurie in person months ago and has had several meetings with him since. Lurie peppered Gonzalez with questions about the inner workings of the citys labor movement and vowed to communicate with union leaders regularly if he was elected, Gonzalez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gonzalezs group, the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, endorsed rival mayoral candidates Mark Farrell and Ahsha Safai. But Gonzalez said hes optimistic about Luries election, noting that Lurie may benefit as an outsider because he wont feel beholden to longstanding interest groups. Is Lurie who all the different camps and cliques were vying for? No, and maybe thats going to be what we need, Gonzalez said. Maybe we need a little shock to our political system. I think hes smart enough to know what he doesnt know and I think that hes committed enough to the city that hes going to try to do the best damn job he can. One factor that could help Lurie: the results of several supervisor races. Though some remained too close to call Thursday, at least one seat and possibly more appeared to be shifting from progressive to moderate control. Todd David, a Breed ally who is political director of the advocacy group Abundant SF, said the board appeared to be transitioning from an obstructionist Board of Supervisors to a more collaborative Board of Supervisors. David wrote an opinion piece in the San Francisco Examiner critiquing the way Lurie, on the campaign trail, touted his past work on the development of an affordable housing project. Now, David said he wishes Lurie nothing but the best of luck in accomplishing his ambitious goals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Intractable problems, he said, can often benefit from a fresh set of eyes looking at them. I have a Paddington stuffed bear from when I was little it has been enjoyed by me, my children and now my grandchildren. He's a little rough around the edges, with a toggle missing, but other than that, he's in fine fettle. We would like to keep him in the family, but I'm always wondering if he is worth a small fortune and if I should tuck him away somewhere safe, rather than let the toddlers take him to their make-believe tea parties. And is he worth getting repaired? Lorraine, via email. Paddington in Peru: The loveable bear is back for his third big screen adventure - and this original bear has been in our reader's home since the 1970s Dan Hatfield, our resident valuation expert, replies: I have such fond memories of Paddington Bear. So much so, in fact, that I spent years valiantly trying to develop a taste for marmalade sandwiches, in solidarity with my Peruvian friend. I eventually conceded defeat on that front, but my affection for the bear himself remains utterly intact. So, I'm excited to appraise this beloved bear, especially since Paddington in Peru - the third installment of the popular big screen series - is out today. But let's rewind to 1958 when the world was first introduced to Paddington when the book, A Bear Called Paddington, written by British author, Michael Bond, was published. Britain quickly took to this well-intentioned, accident-prone bear, whose innocent curiosity and sweet nature endeared him to children and adults alike. Paddington has rocketed in popularity in the past decade. Alongside the film series, he also has a cartoon, with Paddington being voiced by Ben Whishaw in both. He even received a personal invitation to take tea and marmalade sandwiches with the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Jubilee, in a hilarious skit adored by millions. A very British friendship, if ever there was one. Much of Paddington's success can be attributed to the Gabrielle Designs stuffed bears, like yours, which helped bring him to life for new generations when they first appeared in the 1970s. In fact, those signature wellington boots weren't part of Bond's original design - they were added by Gabrielle Designs and proved so popular that Bond had them added to the illustrations in later editions of his book. So, how did Paddington bear find his way from the pages of Bond's book into our homes? The story takes us, not to darkest Peru, but to deepest Doncaster, where Shirley and Eddie Clarkson ran a small company called Gabrielle Designs, specialising in handmade items like aprons. In 1972, Shirley decided to create a Paddington bear for her children at Christmas, one of whom is, you guessed it, none other than Jeremy Clarkson. It's hard to believe, isn't it? One of them is a fluffy bundle of sweetness, and the other well, maybe let's just stick with the bear. The first Paddington bears were made by hand and proved such a hit that the Clarkson's obtained an official license to produce them in 1972. By 1975, another company, Eden Toys, acquired the rights to produce Paddington worldwide, though the Gabrielle bears have remained the darlings for collectors due to their handmade quality. Turning to your specific bear, with a 1974 label, we can deduce it's an early Gabrielle original, rather than a later Eden bear. However, collectors do look for specific details that add value: the original blue coat, the hanging 'please look after this bear' tag, and the extra bits like intact toggles all play a part. Gabrielle Designs: This label shows that it is made in England in 1974 Family ties: Jeremy Clarkson's mum Shirley made a stuffed Paddington Bear in 1972... and its popularity boomed in the years after Since yours has a toggle missing, lacks the original tag, and isn't one of the earliest production runs, I'd estimate a value around 20-30. With the label and toggle it could have been worth closer to 50-60. As for repairs, if you motive is to extend the life of this beauty for your family to enjoy and hand down for generations to come, I would absolutely do so. But, if it's to add monetary value to your bear, I wouldn't as it's the missing tag and toggle that would have secured you the extra value and restoration costs can often outweigh any potential new value. So, whilst your Paddington won't fund a trip to see where it all began in darkest Peru - in fact it would barely fund a ticket from Paddington station with the prices of train tickets - he remains a lovely piece of family history and a British institution in his own right. Now I must dash, I've got a movie to catch at the cinema - but I'll have popcorn under my hat, rather than a marmalade sandwich. This is the chilling moment police caught the three kidnappers who lured an Israeli DJ to a remote cottage in Wales for 'his own October 7'. The trio were found hiding in fields after the botched kidnap attempt and failed to dodge arrest. While a red light flashed in the dark, an arresting officer said: 'The time is 22:41, you are under arrest for suspicion of GBH, of kidnap, and unlawful imprisonment. 'The arrest is necessary for a prompt and effective investigation and to protect the person from further harm.' Faiz Shah, 23, gave the officer his name while he was lying on the ground amidst the dirt and shrubs. Senior British military chiefs have issued an urgent plea for the nation to expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons in a bid to deter Vladimir Putin and his axis of evil from triggering the next apocalypse. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former head of Britain's nuclear defence force, said rogue states like North Korea and Iran were a major security threat, and feared Labour didn't have the 'balls' to tackle the countries' key ally, Putin, head on. It came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves handed Britain's armed forces a 2.9billion spending boost in last week's Budget - but set no timetable for meeting Labour's pledge to up long-term spending, despite wars in Europe and the Middle East. Col de Bretton-Gordon accused her of 'paying lip service' to the armed forces and warned the nation could be 'sleepwalking' into a series of military cutbacks at a time it should be splashing out more on its defences to give Putin a 'good kicking'. Blasting Labour over its defence spending, he told MailOnline: 'The money the Chancellor has given is simply not enough... It's almost meaningless. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia, on April 25, 2019 This picture taken on October 31, 2024 shows a test-fire of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at an undisclosed location in North Korea Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former head of Britain's nuclear defence force, said rogue states like North Korea and Iran were a major security threat, and feared Labour didn't have the 'balls' to tackle the countries' key ally, Putin 'Russia is spending 40 per cent of its national income on defence and we can't even manage 2.5 per cent. 'This is the time we should be giving Putin good kicking and allowing Storm Shadow and other bits of kit to attack him.' The Army chief also disturbingly claimed the Kremlin may have traded nuclear secrets with Pyongyang in return for 10,000 troops and ammunition to continue Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine. His bleak claims come amid a plea today by the former deputy commander of the RAF to re-equip Britain's air force with tactical nuclear missiles in a show of force to Moscow. It follows North Korea's longest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test last week, something Col de Bretton-Gordon feared was only possible thanks to Russian tech. The retired military commander, who served 23 years in the Army and headed up the UK's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Regiment - said that a year ago North Korea couldn't fire an ICBM 1,000km. However, in the most recent test, the secretive state was able to fire a missile at sharply-raised angle and reached as high as 7,000km (4,350 miles). This means that it would have covered a further distance if it were launched horizontally. 'If you look at how far they have progressed they couldn't have done it on their own. This is very clearly a return for the million rounds of ammunition, missiles and 10,000 troops it has provided Russia,' the Colonel told MailOnline. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon added Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves must increase defence spending and increase the UK's nuclear arsenal The Army chief also disturbingly claimed the Kremlin may have traded nuclear secrets with Pyongyang in return for 10,000 troops and ammunition to continue Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine He urged a tougher stance on the threat posed by Putin - but was concerned over the Labour Government's ability to do so. He added: 'When you look at the Budget and look at Reeves and all the people advising her, none of them have run a company or a business. Most are from the public service. Most don't understand the impact a national insurance rises could have on an employer. 'In a similar vein, I look at the MoD; John Healey, the Defence Secretary, strikes me as a good guy but of the SPADs (special advisors) around him, not a single one has a military background. I worry that they're making tactical decisions when they should be making strategic decisions. 'Do they have the balls to do it? I don't think they have the experience, background or advisors. It's a concern.' Britain has so far barred Ukraine from striking the Kremlin forces in Russia with its Storm Shadow missiles amid fears Britain would be dragged into a full-scale war. Meanwhile, Putin continues to ramp up his military at home - while forging closer ties with fellow despot Kim Jong Un, North Korea's leader. Putin has already recruited some 10,000 troops from North Korea to fight in the front lines of his war against Ukraine. While in the Middle East, Iran and Israel are on the brink of war, with missiles exchanged between the two countries in recent weeks. And as the global situation deteriorates, former RAF chief Air Marshal Greg Bagwell urged Whitehall to consider bolstering its nuclear deterrent. The Royal Navy is in charge of Britain's nuclear arsenal, with the Senior Service's nuclear submarine fleet providing a constant, at-sea defence. Defence Secretary John Healy (centre) is greeted by Cadet Corporal Razwan Ciochan, 17 (left) and Cadet Lance Corporal Ciara MacNeill, 17 (right), of 197 Feltham, before making poppies with other cadets and making a wreath with veterans In this photo provided by the North Korean government, combatants take part in a training at a training base of the special operation units of the Korean People's Army in the western area, North Korea, on Oct. 2, 2024 However, Air Marshal Bagwell has urged the MoD to consider equipping the RAF with lower-yield, tactical nuclear weapons that can be fitted future stealth jets. The RAF was previously in charge of the deterrent during the Cold War as part of its V Force bomber unit, which was tasked with delivering nuclear Armageddon anywhere in the world. 'As someone who spent the 80s and 90s providing a part of the UK's nuclear airborne deterrent against the Soviet Union, I know first-hand what it was like to live through the stark realities of the Cold War,' Air Marshal Bagwell told MailOnline. 'We face a very different threat today, one without the same rules and understanding, but one that is far more volatile and just as dangerous. 'Putin has demonstrated that he is more than willing to flaunt international rules and law, and he is cavalier in his attitude to using the threat of nuclear weapon use. 'Weapons that Russia has in abundance, including a large tactical arsenal able to be used on the battlefield. Understandably, the threat of their use has, at times, paralysed, or at best delayed, vital assistance to Ukraine. 'So, we need to rethink what that means for how we deter Russia from acting against NATO and her allies in the future.' Air Marshal Bagwell praised the Royal Navy's 'magnificent' Vanguard submarines for providing the at-sea deterrence following the retirement of the RAF's role in the force. But he raised concerns about the limits and nature of the underwater boats carrying the Britain's ultimate weapons, and appealed for any future defence review to look at this. 'We have seen how fragile that capability can be, with test firing failures, crew shortages, longer patrols and even a recent fire at our single manufacturing facility for its Dreadnought replacement,' he said. Air Marshal Bagwell has urged the MoD to consider equipping the RAF with lower-yield, tactical nuclear weapons that can be fitted future stealth jets (pictured is an F-35 stealth jet) A man walks past a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on October 31, 2024 Russian Yars mobile missile launchers deployed for combat patrols in Novosibirsk Region in Russia in undated footage The military chief urged the UK to diversify it nuclear weapon capabilities to create a more 'diverse and multi-faceted' response to potential aggressors. He pointed towards allies like the US, which maintains a 'triad' of nuclear weapons - from silos and submarines capable of launching intercontinental ballistic missiles, to high altitude stealth bombers like the B-2 stealth bomber. 'The more diverse and multi-faceted we make our response options, the harder we make the calculus for a potential foe,' he said. The Air Marshal continued: 'Whilst, I am a staunch believer despite the huge costs to the defence budget of its replacement - in the continuous at sea deterrence as our ultimate insurance policy, this defence review may be an opportunity to ask if that is robust or flexible enough to meet the evolving threats. 'There are options to restore our airborne capability, either through the already cleared, and US-supplied F35A and B61bomb combination, or perhaps seek our own sovereign or European solution with a UK or French weapon on our future aircraft the Tempest. 'At the very least we need to have a conversation about a threat that some might have thought diminished after the Cold War, but is still very much a growing concern.' Defence experts say Russia could have as many as 1,500 tactical nuclear weapons - although Col de Bretton-Gordon said it was unlikely they would be used against the UK. He added: 'Let's not get overly excited about Russia. I don't think they can use it. But a rogue state like North Korea could create absolute mayhem with a couple of ICBMs and warheads. 'People in this country might not be bothered. But we should be bothered. UK Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, MP watches cadets during their helicopter rigging challenge, on October 29, 2024 in Salisbury 'The UN led by Antonio Guterres is a complete paper tiger and should be the ones leading the way. And the American's barely look beyond their own borders. This is something our government and European countries should be shouting about.' Defence Secretary John Healey has insisted Britain's defences are up to scratch. Defending the Chancellor's Budget in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Healey added: 'Stability. Investment. Reform. A new chapter for Britain. With this budget we will start to fix the foundations to strengthen our Armed Forces - in a time of increasing global threats.' In a statement, an MoD spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'The additional 2.9 billion set out in the budget for defence will help start to fix the foundations of our Armed Forces.' Speaking of the UK's nuclear deterrent, the MoD official added: 'The Royal Navy has delivered the UKs continuous at sea deterrent without fail for the last 55 years. 'The Governments commitment to the nuclear deterrence is total. This includes a "triple-lock" commitment to the UKs nuclear programme.' Kitchen gadget fans eyeing up Black Friday deals on air fryers are being warned to think again before snapping up discounted 'smart' versions - because the cut-price cookers could be sending your data abroad. An investigation by consumer magazine Which? has found three brands of WiFi-enabled desktop roaster made by Xiaomi, Aigostar and Cosori are asking users for access to their location and even their microphones. The data is collected via the cookers' companion apps, which are downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store to enable 'smart' features such as turning them on and off or changing the temperature remotely. Those functions are impressive to show off - and the app-enabled smart ovens, which are often made by unknown brands, are often either cheaper, or only slightly more than the 'dumb' air fryers sold by big brands like Ninja. But tech experts say shoppers hunting out Christmas bargains on web-connected cookers will pay a huge price - by handing over absurd amounts of data about themselves in exchange for making big savings at the till. And that's before considering the spate of air fryer fires breaking out in British homes - for which data is worryingly incomplete. Some 'smart' air fryers which use mobile apps to control their functions remotely are collecting unnecessary data about you, an investigation has suggested (stock image) Some smart air fryers are heavily discounted because the data they collect can be much more valuable than any immediate profit, cybersecurity expert Jake Moore has suggested This Xiaomi air fryer is heavily discounted on its manufacturer's website. Which? magazine found the device's app knew customers' exact location and wanted permission to record audio Devices made by Aigostar (left) and Cosori (right) were also found to want unnecessary user information The data can range from your phone's exact location to, bizarrely, access to your phone's photos and videos and your device's unique ID - a goldmine for advertisers who use them to build up a profile of a phone owner in order to target you with ads. Which? found the data was being sent abroad to data centres in China. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at tech protection firm ESET, says this would explain why some of the devices are so cheap - as personal information is worth infinitely more to tech firms than any profit they might make on a single sale. 'These devices are very much marketed along the lines that consumers want, or at least think they want, smart tech in the home because they're marketed as coming with extra special features,' he told MailOnline. 'But to do so they will suggest they need all of your precious data, or a large proportion of your data, to make those devices smarter. 'But the truth is, one, they don't even need to be smart, and two, they don't need all of your precious information to activate the majority of those smart features. 'My smart tech in my kitchen doesn't need to know when I'm at home. It will know I'm at home, because I'll go and turn it on. 'What I've actually found is that a lot of smart device versions of the equivalent of a "dumb" device is often cheaper, to incentivise the buyer to purchase it. 'They are collecting data potentially to sell it to advertisers. That is the big business these days. 'Your data is a huge currency in its own right, and advertisers are desperate to get hold of that information.' Cosori, one of the firms named by Which? as among those collecting 'risky' data, sells its air fryers via Amazon as well as via an officially licensed reseller. MailOnline found it was selling identically sized 'dumb' and 'smart' 5.5 litre air fryers for 69.99 each - but the smart-enabled version is actually cheaper with a 10 per cent voucher. Xiaomi, meanwhile, only sells smart home tech - meaning its devices all come with the companion app. It is selling a 3.5L smart air fryer on its own website for just 39.99 - with an extra 5 off on top with a coupon. A similar capacity 3.8L Ninja air fryer is currently 69 on Argos - discounted from the usual RRP of 79. MailOnline found another Cosori smart air fryer, which uses the same app, was actually cheaper to buy than its 'dumb' equivalent with a 10 per cent voucher Aigostar, meanwhile, doesn't seem to sell smart air fryers in the UK at present: its air fryer products are 'currently unavailable' on Amazon, with some available from third-party wholesalers, or second-hand. Which? tested the Android versions of the apps, which have less stringent controls around privacy than the Apple versions and are downloaded from the Google Play Store. Each has a privacy declaration on the Play Store to tell users how many data they want to collect - but these appear to be misleading. How to protect your data privacy in apps Which? has issued the following advice on how to protect your data online when using apps such as those made to control smart air fryers: Care about what you share Some data collection is optional during setup, and that means you can opt out (although potentially with consequences in terms of functionality). Only share what you are comfortable with. Check permissions On iOS and Android, you can review permission requests before downloading an app, and check what each app has access to in your settings. Deny access Also in your phone settings, you can potentially deny or limit access to data such as location, contacts, and so on. Although, that might stop or limit aspects of the app. Delete recordings Using the Alexa and Google Assistant settings, you can set your voice recordings to be deleted automatically rather than stored after a period of time. Read the privacy notice Do at least browse the policy, particularly the data collection sections. You have the right to object to a company processing your data. Advertisement Xiaomi and Aigostar declare that their apps do not share information with external companies like advertisers on the Google Play Store - but their online privacy statements, written in dense legalese, say that they do. Google declined to comment - but the company directed MailOnline to its developer guidelines for declaring data collection, which tell companies to make sure they are making 'complete and accurate' statements about how they gather users' personal information. It warns app-makers: 'When Google becomes aware of a discrepancy between your app behavior and your declaration, we may take appropriate action, including enforcement action.' Which? claims two of the firms, Aigostar and Xiaomi, send personal data to servers based in China - a claim Xiaomi has described as 'inaccurate and misleading'. A spokesperson for Xiaomi UK told MailOnline: 'We are aware of the recent press release by Which? and some information in it including "Xiaomi fryer sent people's personal information to servers in China" is inaccurate and misleading, which could be resulted from some misunderstandings. 'Our privacy policy is developed to comply with applicable regulations such as the UK GDPR and the DPA (Data Protection Act) 2018. 'By complying with local applicable laws and regulations in markets where Xiaomi operates, user data are stored in compliance with local laws. 'We do not sell any personal information to third parties. Xiaomi Home app may include third-party products or services depending on markets and regions.' It previously said permission to record microphone audio was not necessary to use the air fryer's smart features. A Cosori spokesperson previously said: 'We prioritize privacy, and subject to our internal compliance requirements, the smart products must comply with GDPR.' MailOnline has contacted Aigostar and Cosori's parent firm Vesync for further comment. Which? found that apps such as those used to control the air fryers are loaded with trackers for social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. Eliot Bendinelli, of campaign group Privacy International, said it's often unclear which trackers apps are loaded with and why. 'Most of the time developers will say that this is for improving services and products or audience targeting, i.e. understanding who bought the product,' he said. 'The truth is that this data can be used for any purpose and once the data has been collected it's very difficult to understand how it's processed and for what purpose.' He has suggested that such data collection could be unlawful - and blasted 'forced consent', the idea that you cannot use an app without accepting its terms and conditions in full. He added: 'People don't expect to have their appliances to spy on them so that the company they bought the device from can make money out of their personal lives. And if they knew they would probably refuse.' Harry Rose, editor of Which?, said the data was being collected with 'reckless abandon' and with 'little or no transparency'. The Information Commissioner's Office says it is issuing new guidance for smart device manufacturers to ensure they comply with data protection laws. Its top policy adviser Slavka Bielikova said the products were failing to meet data protection expectations, telling The Times: 'Its vital that consumers trust smart product manufacturers to use their information safely and in the ways they expect.' Jake Moore of ESET says there are also greater privacy concerns than just the apps' abilities to collect your personal information - but rather, what happens if those apps are compromised by hackers who gain access to your data. He added: 'Even if apps aren't sharing information with advertisers, malicious actors could get hold of your personal data and such devices - your home heating, your lighting. 'It really starts to become a worry with the amount of data we're giving away to companies, unbeknownst to customers. The tracking with social media accounts really does highlight how much they are tracking data for advertisers. 'People really need to think about how much data they give away and really be quite picky with what is given to these companies. 'Most of these devices do not need the vast majority of data that is given away for them to store and analyse and sell. Because once your data is out there, there's no way you'll ever get it back. 'It will reside in databases all over the world forevermore.' Your browser does not support iframes. To combat how much data people share, Jake suggests creating a second email address for online shopping and apps with as little personal information attached as possible. For those more technologically minded, he suggests creating a second WiFi network for the devices to run on seperate from your internet connection. But his best advice for so-called 'smart' air fryers is to consider whether the trade-off of personal data is worth using the smart features at all. 'Just think about how much you will use these features - people want to use all the great new things that they're being advertised with, but then they don't end up using them again and go back to using the manual buttons. 'If that's the case, I suggest people delete their profile and then remove the app from their phone,' he says. 'They'll still be an air fryer, or fridge, or a toaster, or whatever, and they still work very well, often better, without the extra step of including an application. 'Unfortunately, the companies that make these are desperate for all our data, and unfortunately, a lot of people are willing to give it away for free.' When it comes to tough City working hours, it's generally acknowledged that lawyers and investment bankers lead the pack. Trainee lawyers are routinely at their desks for 70 hours a week and 'rarely see daylight', according to a survey. But before you shed a tear, bear in mind they enjoy starting salaries of more than 170,000 a year. Trainee investment bankers have a similarly punishing regime, with between 60 and 80 hours a week considered typical. But, perhaps surprisingly, their pay is generally lower - with Glassdoor putting the average pay for entry-level analysts at 84,000. One City banker said working hours for juniors varied greatly depending on whether they are working on a deal. 'I would say the average is between 14 and 16 hours but it really depends if they're working on a deal or not,' they told MailOnline. 'They could be working for 18 hours a day on a deal or 12 if not.' This graphic shows working hours and salaries for trainee lawyers at American and British firms. The third column shows average working hours for investment bankers of all ranks, while the salaries are for entry-level analysts and do not include bonuses Research conducted by the website Legal Cheek found that American firms dominated the table on working hours among younger lawyers in the Square Mile, taking the first eleven places. Young solicitors working for firms such as Weil, Gotshal and Manges reported that they worked on average 67.5 hours over the normal five-day working week. Whilst working as juniors, employees at the New York-based company are also often required to work for at least part of the weekend, taking their six-day average to more than 70 hours. However, they receive an astonishing 180,000 from the day they qualified. Researchers found that many junior lawyers at these demanding firms routinely finished their days after 10.30pm, with one junior solicitor claiming he 'hadn't seen sunlight in three months'. Trainees at US firms are famously required to produce higher billing targets then their UK counterparts - recording at least 2,000 billable hours a year, while those at the top English firms are normally required to do about 1,800. While a list of average working hours for junior investment bankers was not available, average weekly working hours for investment bankers at various levels of seniority were obtained by the website efinancialcareers. Once again, American institutions lead the pack, with investment bankers at Citi working 68 hours a week, followed by 68 for Bank of America, 67 for HSBC, 64 for UBS, and 63 for Barclays and Deutsche Bank. An investment banker consulted by MailOnline estimated that the working hours for juniors could be 'around 30 per cent' longer than the figures above. Base salaries for analysts range from around 60,000 for HSBC to 71,504 and 76,700 for Citi and Barclays consecutively, according to data from job websites including Glassdoor and Indeed. Although these salaries will be boosted by bonuses, they still suggest junior investment bankers are often paid significantly less than junior lawyers. This is particularly true for those working in the London offices of US firms like Gibson Dunn and Paul Weiss, who are paid 180,000 from the day they qualified. The top legal firms are increasing salaries for newly qualified lawyers to 'insane' levels, bosses have said JPMorgan recently capped junior bankers' working time at 80 hours a week. Pictured is its CEO, Jamie Dimon In the magic circle, the elite group of five domestic City law firms including Linklaters, newly qualified solicitors can expect to be paid 30,000 less than this. But pay for the most junior ranks at these top UK legal firms has jumped 50 per cent over the last five years, as competition with US firms has grown fierce. It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor in Britain if they study law at university. This means someone as young as 26 working at either of the firms could now be earning 40,000 more than the Prime Minister. Junior lawyers at Freshfields, Linklaters' arch rival, reportedly turn in 56.5 hours a week over five days, also taking their six-day average to more than 60 hours. Those training at Slaughter and May, widely perceived to be the highest earning of the five 'magic circle' firms, worked the shortest weeks - earning slightly more than 51 hours on average over five days. Outside of this group, the highly respected City firm Trowers and Hamlins reported a five-day working week of only 46 hours, still way above the 36.6 hours average across the UK. When asked what the toughest part of the job was, one of the junior solicitors told researchers: 'The always available culture you're expected to answer calls at ungodly hours or on days off but hey, that's what they pay you for. More focus has been paid to the issue of long hours following the death of an American banker after he had been working around the clock to close a deal. Leo Lukenas, a former Green Beret, was only one year into his investment banking job when he tragically died after developing a blood clot Leo Lukenas III, a former Green Beret, died suddenly in May at the age of 35. Typical Wall Street practices see senior workers offloading work to junior workers, something which JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon has said he intends to cut back on. He said: 'A lot of investment bankers, they've been traveling all week, they come home and they give you four assignments, and you've got to work all weekend. 'It's just not right. You're violating it. You've got to stop, and it will be in your bonus, so that people know we actually mean it.' Mr Lukenas had been working in New York City, where hours are typically longer than London. A Ryanair passenger claims she was forced to cough up a 'ridiculous' baggage fee because the wheel of her suitcase poked out of the size checker. Elizabeth Keenan was travelling from Dublin to London Stansted yesterday morning with the budget airline. The 31-year-old had already forked out 29 for the flight and 12.40 for priority boarding but she was picked out of the boarding queue to have her bag measured. She claims her luggage fit into the sizer but a Ryanair employee told her that it was too big as the wheel was sticking out. Elizabeth, from Dublin, who works in marketing, said she was forced to pay an additional 50. 'It's ridiculous. I paid for priority boarding and got the case especially because it fits. Elizabeth Keenan was travelling from Dublin to London Stansted yesterday morning with the budget airline Elizabeth claims the suitcase fit inside the size checker (pictured) but a Ryanair employee told her that it was too big as the wheel was sticking out 'When I was in the queue, a staff member came over and asked me to put my bag in the sizer. 'I put it in and took it straight back out because it fit perfectly. She said it was too big and I thought she was joking. 'But she said the wheel was sticking out so I'd have to pay 60 euros. I couldn't believe she was saying it was too big. 'I had to get to London for a conference so I couldn't not get on the flight and I was forced to pay it. Her colleague came over and apologised.' Elizabeth also claims that other passengers with bigger bags got on the flight without charge. She says she had purchased the 50 suitcase especially because it fit within the airline's 40x20x25cm specification. Elizabeth added: 'There were lots of men with bigger cases than mine that got on the flight without being stopped. I'm making a complaint and I want a refund. 'I can afford to pay but a lot of people can't and I don't have loads of money. It's a money making scheme. 'It makes me not want to fly with Ryanair. With an added 60 euros it's not cheaper than other airlines.' What are the cabin baggage rules with Ryanair? Small personal bag Each passenger can bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of them. The maximum dimensions for this bag are 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Large cabin bag Passengers who purchase the Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option can bring a second bag that weighs up to 10 kg and has maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. This bag can be stored in the overhead locker. Advertisement Last month, a holidaymaker slammed 'jobsworth' Ryanair staff for charging him 75 extra for his suitcase being 'too big', despite him having travelled with it for three years with no problems. Austin Price was flying from Bristol Airport to Krakow, Poland, on October 4 when he was stopped in the queue as staff asked him to put his suitcase in a measuring stand. The 28-year-old, from Plymouth, Devon, claims that his luggage did fit in the gap but the wheels did not as they are 'wonky' and 'a bit stiff'. Meanwhile, passenger Jake Hughes was attempting to board his flight at Manchester Airport last Wednesday but clashed with a member of staff who insisted his hand luggage was too big. Despite demonstrating to staff that this wasn't the case, Jake claims the budget airline threatened to 'terminate' his boarding pass if he didn't cough up with the money and made him delete all the footage he had taken. It comes after a study showed that flying with British Airways can be cheaper than Ryanair once add-ons are included. The report by Which? found Ryanair currently forces parents travelling with under 12s to pay for a seat next to their children, costing 8 when Which? checked - though Ryanair says prices start from 4 (3.34). Other airlines do not always guarantee that parents can sit with children, which may prompt travellers to pay to ensure their family can be together. According to Ryanair's website, a passenger is allowed to bring one small personal bag onboard with them. This bag must fit under the seat in front of them and should measure 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Passengers can also purchase the Priority and 2 Cabin Bags option, meaning they can bring a second bag which weighs up to 10kg and has maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. This bag can be stored in the overhead locker. Ryanair have been contacted for comment. It was true love or at least dance teacher Rachel Siegel thought it was. She and her bit-part actor boyfriend had been together through thick and thin for nearly nine years and now, at last, he had proposed. Their bonds were so deep they even had a joint bachelor/bachelorette getaway in Las Vegas, where they paid a visit to the Graceland Wedding Chapel. As the big day approached everything was going fine. The guests had been invited, the reception had been planned down to the last detail and the happy couple were all set for the big wedding in the imposing Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grant Gunderson, of Texas, is the runaway groom who ex fiancee Rachel Siegel says left her at the altar at their October 5 wedding. The couple had a joint bachelor-bachelorette party in Las Vegas months earlier, even visiting the Graceland Wedding Chapel The couple's story went viral last month after Siegel posted a 12-second video wearing her wedding gown and holding a can of hard seltzer on the street before speaking into the camera: 'My name is Rachel Siegel and my fiance just left me at the altar But on the morning of October 5 the very day he was due to make Rachel his bride the groom, who DailyMail.com can reveal is Grant Gunderson, 34, got cold feet. He suddenly realized he wasnt ready for married bliss after all. 'He called Rachel in the morning and tried calling it off,' a friend who asked to remain anonymous told DailyMail.com. 'She kinda wanted to still go with it.' Now Rachel, also 34, has let the world know thanks to a TikTok video of her in her wedding gown and a jewel-encrusted cape on the street with a can of hard seltzer in hand, talking to the camera. 'My name's Rachel Siegel and my fiance just left me at the altar, she said. The 12-second clip which neither pictured nor mentioned Grant by name has been viewed an incredible 41 million times. DailyMail.com can reveal that the jilter is a small-time actor from Texas whose IMDb reel includes a clip of playing a man with the superpower of being able to vanish at will a talent he might have wished for on his wedding day. Grant has stayed silent about the reasons for jilting Rachel and declined to comment when approached by DailyMail.com. But his friend said: 'I think that he just realized that it was a big commitment that he didn't want to make. 'I'd rather have him jump out of it now than go through a divorce.' Rachel decided the best way forward was not to hide. She even went ahead with the wedding reception at the Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. She posted a video of of her first dance to Carole King's You've Got a Friend online. Her dance partner was her mother Judy Siegel. The TikTok, which has been seen by 41 million people, showed the jilted bride making the best out of her heartbreaking situation and carrying on with the festivities with her friends and family. She did not picture or identify the runaway groom. Gunderson, who backed out of the nuptials after a nine-year relationship, is a small-time actor from Texas who once played a superhero with the power to disappear Her subsequent TikToks have shown her oscillating between hope and positivity, and intense sadness at having to start over. The couple first met in August 2015, after they each had moved to LA from their hometowns Rachel from Rockford, Michigan, and Grant from Rockwall, Texas. In a loving Instagram post from 2020, Rachel wrote 'the universe chose to put us in the same place at the same time and my life forever changed'. Residency records indicate they lived together in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom rented apartment in North Hollywood from at least 2020. There was no indication of trouble in paradise through Siegel's series of amorous social media posts documenting the events leading up to their big day. She shared photos of his proposal in June 2023, which she showed off on TikTok with the caption 'when your bf of over 8 years finally proposes', their wedding shower in Texas in March, and their joint bachelor-bachelorette party in August. Gunderson is an aspiring actor who has a number of roles to his name in indie short movies, but has failed to break through to any big Hollywood productions There was no indication of trouble in paradise through Siegel's series of amorous social media posts documenting the events leading up to their big day, including their June 2023 proposal (left) and Las Vegas joint bachelor-bachelorette party in August The couple met in August 2015, after they each moved to LA from their respective hometowns of Rockford, Michigan and Rockwall, Texas. A description of how they met was featured on their wedding webpage A member of the groom's side of the wedding party, who also asked to remain anonymous, insisted that Grant didn't 'leave her at the altar' arguing there was a difference between leaving his fiancee shortly before the wedding, and actually at the church. And he suggested an ulterior motive behind Rachel's decision to post her videos for such a wide audience The couple had planned to marry in the imposing Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, Michigan 'Those videos were made in my opinion to build a social media following,' the close friend said. ''No one was left at the altar. 'When he broke off the wedding, they were not at the venue. She was not in her dress. 'All of this happened prior to the wedding. He talked to her, her mother, her father and the priest, all ahead of time, and she decided to get dressed and go make those videos.' Either way, the decision left Rachel devastated. She has posted videos on TikTok of herself crying, puffy-eyed and miserable. In one video on October 21 she showed family and friends 'sleeping on floors and couches each night' so that she wasn't left alone in bed after Grant nixed their relationship. 'My family and friends have been unbelievably supportive and I don't take for granted how blessed I am,' she wrote in a video caption. 'Sleeping on floors and couches each night. My parents took over and made sure I never had to sleep alone even when I've had to travel for work.' In another gut-wrenching video posted on October 10, she spoke about feeling the 'phantom' of her engagement ring despite having taken it off. 'This was my dream ring. It was an heirloom diamond passed down from a grandparent,' she said. A friend of the groom insisted that Gunderson didn't 'leave her at the altar', arguing that he had tried calling off the wedding the morning of October 5 Siegel's story has earned her the support of thousands on social media as she continues to document her heartbreak on TikTok where she has been seen crying and puffy-eyed 'By the second day at the end of the night I took it off and I gave it to my brother, to have some space for a while, while I decide what happens next with it. 'Even though it's gone it still feels like it's there. I find myself constantly trying to play with it out of habit. I know I'll feel ok again one day. But for a time it was my favorite thing I ever owned. 'It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life. It was my dream to have that ring, from that person. And I feel very empty and lost, because it's so much more than a piece of jewelry.' Despite the personal disaster, things are looking up for Rachel in her professional life. She posted on TikTok on August 3 that she had just started 'a dream job I've worked for, for over 18 years'. DailyMail.com has learned that is regioonal director of RevKids, the children's branch of dance company Revel. She said that the new dance teaching work pushed her and Gunderson's Italian honeymoon plans to next year, but that she had booked a weekend getaway for them in Joshua Tree, in the Mojave Desert east of LA. She went with her best friend and would-be bridesmaid Marissa Spencer instead. When contacted, Rachel told DailyMail.com she was still grieving her relationship and was not ready for an interview. For half a century, two questions have been on the lips of anyone remotely interested in the disappearance of Lord Lucan: did he do it, and where is he now? Today, exactly 50 years on from the night that Lucan vanished hours after the murder of his children's nanny and the grave wounding of his wife, those mysteries remain as tantalising as ever. There have been hundreds of reported sightings of the peer since Sandra Rivett was bludgeoned to death and Veronica Lucan left savagely wounded at the family home in London's Lower Belgrave Street. This week, the most tantalising development of recent years is examined in a three-part BBC documentary that sees Ms Rivett's son confront the man he believes is Lucan at his home in Australia. But the first sightings came in the weeks and months after Lucan disappeared, including in December 1974, when Australian police arrested a man who they believed could be Lucan - but it turned out to be Labour MP John Stonehouse who had faked his own death a month before. Other fantastical reports have misidentified him as an ageing hippy called 'Jungle Barry' in Goa, and as an eccentric Briton living with a pet possum in a Land Rover in New Zealand. Below, MailOnline delves into some of the most high-profile claims of Lucan being found alive. For half a century, two questions have been on the lips of anyone remotely interested in the disappearance of Lord Lucan : did he do it, and where is he now? Above: Lord Lucan with his future wife Veronica Duncan on the announcement of their engagement in 1963 Living as a Buddhist in Australia In the BBC's three-part Lucan series, Neil Berriman the son of Ms Rivett is seen confronting the man he has believed for years is the missing aristocrat. Cameras followed the builder as he tracked down Christopher Bell, 87, to his home in Australia. In a bizarre confrontation over a WhatsApp video call, Mr Bell initially appears to confirm his suspicions, but then later tells the BBC: 'I do not know who the hell Lord Lucan is.' He adds: 'I can assure you, I'm not that man, never have been, never will be.' During the exchange, Mr Berriman told Mr Bell: 'I know that you're Lord Lucan,' but added, 'I don't want to do anything about it.' Neil Berriman accused 'Old Etonian' Christopher Bell (pictured), 87, of being Lucan and of having killed his mother on November 7, 1974, before going on the run for decades Mr Bell responds: 'There actually isn't much you can do about it, it's all in the hands of the divine.' Mr Berriman, a builder from Hampshire, asks about 'the woman that you killed', and Mr Bell replies: 'She came from a background that was very horrendous. She was in a great deal of pain and stress.' During the bizarre exchange, Mr Bell continues: 'I have no memory of killing anybody, of terminating anybody's life... As far as I know I've never taken the life of anyone.' Mr Bell claims to be descended from English aristocracy, to have been educated at Eton and to have been friends with Princess Margaret. But he also says he left Britain in 1966, eight years before the Lucan murder, and that he worked as a 'female impersonator' in Canada before travelling to India and meeting the Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. In the documentary, Mr Bell says he was conceived 'at a magical ritual at Stonehenge', and that his biological father was a puppeteer who performed at Buckingham Palace for Princess Elizabeth (the late Queen) and her sister Princess Margaret. Neil Berriman, son of Sandra Rivett, the murdered nanny that worked for Lord Lucan His birth certificate names him as Derek Crowther, born in Islington, north London, in 1936, the son of a railway carriage cleaner. At one point Mr Berriman, 57, is convinced his suspicions have been confirmed by artificial intelligence facial recognition technology which matches Mr Bell's features to those of Lord Lucan. But analysis by a Home Office-approved team of recognition experts ruled him out in 2022. The documentary also showed investigative journalist Glen Campbell telling Mr Berriman he believes they have got it wrong after speaking with the director of a theatre production that Mr Bell claimed to have appeared in decades ago. Secretly seeing his children from afar in Africa In the first part of the BBC's documentary this week, a woman who worked as a secretary to Lucan's friend John Aspinall repeated her claim that she was asked by the zoo owner in 1979 to organise a trip to Africa for the peer's children. There, the children would be secretly observed from afar by their fugitive father, she claimed. Marianne Robey said: 'In 1979, I was asked to be involved in arranging for Lord Lucan's children to go to visit him in Africa. 'The bits I had to do was to arrange flights for them, passports for them. They had to have a second passport because otherwise it would be stamped and their mother Lady Lucan wasn't to know about this trip. 'It was made clear to me that if she were to get in touch for any reason, there was no mention to be made about them going off. In the first part of the BBC's documentary this week a woman who worked as a secretary to Lucan's friend John Aspinall repeated her claim that she was asked by the casino and zoo owner to organise a trip to Africa for the peer's children. There, the children would be secretly observed from afar by their fugitive father, she claimed. Above: Marianne Robey in Lucan 'There was a court order that the children would be wards of court, and that their guardians would be Lady Lucan's sister and her husband, Bill Shand Kydd. 'Bill took them out of school a week early without Lady Lucan being aware. 'What I had been told and what I believed was that they would believe they were going to a safari, at treetops in Kenya and that their father just wanted to see them from a distance, not for them to be aware and therefore not for them to have to keep secrets. 'I thought it was a little odd at the time.' However, Lucan's wife, Lady Lucan, categorically dismissed the claim when it was put to her years ago. She said: 'I can guarantee they didn't go to Africa. It's someone trying to make a fast buck. 'The children were wards of court. I had to get permission to take them abroad. 'They were at boarding school, I was their carer. I would have known if they had gone to Africa.' Confused with fugitive MP John Stonehouse Labour MP John Stonehouse had been a rising star in Harold Wilson's first Labour government of 1964. But within a few years he sank into financial ruin as he was suspected of espionage by MI5 and his career fell apart. He then faked his own death in Miami in 1974 and ended up in Australia, where he was using the alias of John Markham - the name of the dead husband of a constituent. In Melbourne, police had been alerted to the odd behaviour of a mysterious Englishman who was visiting banks in the city and making suspicious transactions. In 1974, the same year that Lucan went missing, Australian police arrested a man who they believed could be Lucan (right) - but it turned out to be Labour MP John Stonehouse (left) who had faked his own death a month before Stonehouse faked his own death in Miami in 1974 and ended up in Australia, where he was using the alias of John Markham - the name of the dead husband of a constituent. In Melbourne, police had been alerted to the odd behaviour of a mysterious Englishman who was visiting banks in the city and making suspicious transactions. Above: The Daily Mail's report of his arrest When he was interviewed, police asked him a question that was very topical at the time. Was he Lord Lucan, the fugitive peer wanted for the murder of his nanny? Stonehouse's immediate denial was backed up by the fact that he did not have Lucan's trademark long scar on his thigh. But police did also ask him if he was the other missing Englishman, Stonehouse himself. He quickly admitted he was and, once back in Britain, was convicted of fraud and sentenced to seven years in prison. Claimed by ex-mercenary to be in South America In 1982, former mercenary John Miller claimed to have tracked down Lucan to a South American country. Miller had previously achieved notoriety after 'kidnapping' Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs from Brazil and taking him to Barbados in 1981. Miller claimed he had been taken to see Lord Lucan. He said at the time: 'I became convinced I had got the right man when I met him.' He also alleged he had photographs that had been verified as genuine by people who knew the peer. But when probed further, he said: 'I have had very heavy messages from London to leave the matter alone. 'He has very important friends and I have been told to keep clear. I'm pulling out.' However, it quickly emerged that Miller's claim was untrue - Lucan was not the mystery man who had been pictured. In 1982, former mercenary John Miller claimed to have tracked down Lucan (right) to a South American country. However, it quickly emerged that Miller's claim was untrue - Lucan was not the mystery man (left) who had been pictured Confused with hippy musician Jungly Barry In a 2003 book, former Scotland Yard detective Duncan MacLaughlin claimed that Lord Lucan had lived as a hippy in India until his death in 1996. He said he had 'overwhelming evidence' that Lucan had been calling himself Barry Halpin while lying low in Goa. His book featured images of a bearded man who allegedly looked like the aristocrat. However, it quickly turned out that Halpin was not masquerading as anyone. He was a former Liverpool grammar school boy who had become one of the first hippies after moving abroad in the 1960s. A former Scotland Yard detective claimed that a Goa-based hippy named Barry Halpin, known to some as 'Jungly Barry', was Lord Lucan. The claim turned out to be entirely false. Above: Halpin in Goa, India, in 1986 Known by his friends as 'Jungly Barry', he would make visits back to the UK for medical treatment or to see people he knew until his death in 1996. John Rimmer, a frend of Mr Halpin's, said after the case of mistaken identity: 'This detective hasn't found Lord Lucan. He's found my mate Barry.' Another individual, teacher Irene Smith, said: 'I was shocked to see his picture with the claims he was Lord Lucan. It is absolute rubbish but I am sure he would be laughing if he knew.' It quickly turned out that Halpin was not masquerading as anyone. He was a former Liverpool grammar school boy who had become one of the first hippies after moving abroad in the 1960s. Above: The Daily Mail's report of the drama Living with a pet possum in New Zealand? In 2007, eccentric British expatriate Roger Woodgate was alleged by some to be Lord Lucan. Mr Woodgate was at the time spending most nights in a Land Rover near his home in New Zealand. His only companion was a pet possum named Redfearn. The rumour that he was secretly the fugitive Lucan were allegedly started by 'a television company and a trouble-making neighbour', Mr Woodgate told the Daily Mail. Mr Woodgate, then 62, added: 'It's a load of old poppycock. For a start, I'm ten years younger than Lucan. I'm also five inches shorter. In 2007, eccentric British expatriate Roger Woodgate was alleged by some to be Lord Lucan. Mr Woodgate's only companion was a pet possum named Redfearn 'If anyone can see likeness in me and him, I am more than happy to let them dream on.' Mr Woodgate was a former photographer from North London who had once worked for the Ministry of Defence. It is safe to say that the claims about Mr Woodgate did not stack up. Mr Woodgate added: 'I'm just a friendly old Brit who wants to live out his days in peace and quiet.' He said he had emigrated to New Zealand five months before Lucan disappeared in November 1974. A man named 'Jeff' in Johannesburg? In the 1990s, it was alleged that a Briton living in Joannesburg was Lord Lucan. The man, known only as 'Jeff', was wrongly named as being Lucan by a former member of the South African intelligence service. In the 1990s, it was alleged that a Briton living in Joannesburg was Lord Lucan. The man, known only as 'Jeff' (right), was wrongly named as being Lucan by a former member of the South African intelligence service In 2012, Jill Findlay, a former personal assistant to John Aspinall, claimed she was asked by the casino and zoo owner to book flights for Lucan's children to go to Kenya and Gab for 'holiday'. There, the children would be secretly observed from afar by their fugitive father, she claimed. Above: Lucan and his wife with their son George, who was then aged three Lucan (pictured above with his wife) disappeared in November 1974 after allegedly murdering his family's nanny and attacking his wife Fed to tigress named Zorra at Howletts Zoo? In 2016, Phillipe Marcq, a casino-going friend of Lucan's, claimed the peer shot himself after agreeing that his predicament was impossible. Mr Marcq alleged that Lucan travelled to Howletts, which was then private, shortly after killing nanny Sandra Rivett and attacking his wife. The zoo was owned by John Aspinall, who was his close friend and also the founder of the famous Clermont Club. In 2016, Phillipe Marcq, a casino-going friend of Lucan's, claimed the peer shot himself after agreeing that his predicament was impossible. Lucan allegedly shot himself and was then fed to a tigress named Zorra, which lived at his friend John Aspinall's zoo. Above: Aspinall and Zorra Mr Marcq said he was told that after Lucan had taken his own life, his body was fed to a tigress named Zorra. He admitted that he was 'stunned' when he was told, but believed the claim '100 per cent'. 'However grim it may be, however terrifying that he is going to commit suicide, he is going to do it not out of despair, not because he gave up everything, but to achieve a positive result,' he added. 'This suicide will achieve indirectly what he failed to do by attempting to murder his wife. 'It is tough, but in a way it shows a kind of British, totally unsentimental, pragmatic approach to what was an unqualified disaster.' Baby P's monster mum Tracey Connelly is already making a fresh bid for freedom just two months after being recalled to prison and could be back out in weeks. Connelly, 42, was handed an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of five years in 2009, after covering up her 17-month-old son Peter's injuries caused by her twisted lover. The tot died at home in Tottenham, north London on August 3, 2007 and Connolly pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child in 2008. It was a crime which shocked the nation and united it in anger. Connolly has struggled to stay out of trouble since her initial release in 2013, having repeatedly breached her licence conditions. Baby P's monster mum Tracey Connelly is already making a fresh bid for freedom just two months after being recalled to prison and could be back out in weeks Baby Peter died at home in Tottenham, north London on August 3, 2007 and Connolly pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child in 2008 The vile mum was recalled to prison in 2015 after selling naked photos of herself online to depraved male admirers. That act breached conditions that barred her from 'developing intimate personal relationships' online. The then-justice secretary Dominic Raab tried to prevent Connolly from being released in July 2022, but she was again allowed out and moved to a secret bail hostel under a fake name. She was then recalled to prison in September for a breach of her licence conditions. It is not known exactly what caused the breach, but Connolly had reinvented herself on a WeightWatchers forum as a woman named Connie, where she posted about her weight loss journey having ballooned to 20 stone. Now MailOnline can reveal another bid has been made. A Parole Board spokesman said: 'Yes she's referred for her parole review. She is still at the initial assessment stage.' This means her case will be looked at by parole experts. Connolly has struggled to stay out of trouble since her initial release in 2013, having repeatedly breached her licence conditions She was recalled to prison in September for a breach of her licence conditions. It is not known exactly what caused the breach, but Connolly had reinvented herself on a WeightWatchers forum as a woman named Connie They may decide to release her there and then, depending on the circumstances surrounding how she was recalled and her behaviour since. They may also direct a hearing to take place, where a panel will decide after assessing various pieces of material, evidence and information. Or they could decide not to release her. She posted numerous pictures of herself at the gym, reading birthday cards and enjoying fry-ups. If the breach does relate to the WeightWatchers posts, sources say there is every chance the Parole Board could be sympathetic. A source said: 'She is likely to argue that the two incidents that got her recalled are very different in nature. 'With the government focused on freeing up prison spaces nobody would be surprised to see this rushed through. 'But it would could outrage. This is a woman who has been recalled on previous occasions as well.' Connelly's lover Steven Barker was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 12 years while his brother, Jason Owen, received a six-year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die. Connelly, 42, was handed an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of five years in 2009, after covering up her 17-month-old son Peter's injuries caused by her twisted lover Connelly's lover Steven Barker was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 12 years for causing or allowing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly, who died after months of abuse Barker's brother, Jason Owen, received a six-year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die When Connolly was first released, she was made subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships, having her Internet use monitored and obeying a curfew. She was also banned from going to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'. The Parole Board said that she had been cleared due to a low risk of reoffending and that probation officers and prison officials supported the plan. It will now be a matter for the Board to decide if the latest breach of her conditions was so serious that she should not be released. The election official overseeing voting in Arizona's most populous county told a friend last year that he was interested in pursuing a Senate run 'to make life hell for Kari [Lake]', according to court documents seen by DailyMail.com. As Maricopa County Recorder, Stephen Richer is in charge of the ballots that could decide whether Lake triumphs in her tight run for the Senate. But the comments will raise questions from allies of the conservative firebrand about whether he can be trusted to run a fair election. The explosive words come from the transcript of a June 21 deposition that will be included in papers to be filed Friday as part of a defamation case brought by Richer against Lake. They show Richer also describing himself as 'anti-MAGA.' Trump ally Kari Lake is narrowly behind in the race for the US Senate in Arizona Lake, a key figure in Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement, claimed that she lost the 2022 race for governor because of intentional misconduct but failed in her legal challenges to overturn the result. She currently trails her Democratic opponent Ruben Gallego by less than two percentage points with about 77 percent of ballots counted But the race is much closer than many polls predicted, setting up the possibility of another round of legal challenges if Lake loses. In the deposition, Richer is asked to look at communication between himself and a friend called Ben Blink.' 'Mr Blink says what options are intriguing you?' says a lawyer for Lake. Your browser does not support iframes. 'And your response if kind of a laundry list here of bullet points: Get out of politics permanently; get out of politics temporarily; run for reelection as a Republican; run for reelection as an independent; run for mayor if no Kate; and then finally run for U.S. Sen, just to fly the flag for real conservatism and make life hell for Kari. 'Did I read that correctly?' 'Yes,' Richer replies. Richer goes on to say that he never made a serious move to launch a run. 'Why would you want to make life hell for Kari lake in March of 2023?' he is asked. 'I don't remember,' he replies. 'I don't think she's a real conservative.' Stephen Richer gave a deposition on June 21, 2024, which includes dicussion of how he was considering a run for US Senate to 'make life hell for Kari' Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer is suing Lake for defamation following her disputed 2022 run for governor. He said her claims of rigging made his family the target of threats Your browser does not support iframes. Lake rose to national prominence after narrowly losing the 2022 election for governor, echoing Donald Trump's claims about election fraud. She was even floated as a possible Trump running mate before deciding to run for the Senate seat vacated by Kyrsten Sinema. Richer sued her for defamation saying that her repeated claims of rigging made him and his family the target of threats. 'Because of their actions, my family and I have faced an endless barrage of threats including calls for our execution I have lost close personal relationships, and I have had my reputation irreparably damaged,' he said in March. In the deposition, Lake's lawyer reads from another text exchange with Garrick Taylor, as they discuss his chances of winning the Republican nomination for the Senate seat. 'I just don't think there's enough non-MAGA voters in the primary right now for running against somebody as well known and financed as Kari. 'And I'm no only not MAGA, but I'm anti-MAGA. Thoughts?' Your browser does not support iframes. Last year Lake's name was frequently mentioned in connection with becoming Trump's running mate although she eventually opted to run for Senate In a motion to be filed Friday, Lake's husband Jeff Halperin will request that the court drop the defamation lawsuit. Lake's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. For her part, Lake previously described the lawsuit as 'frivolous' and a 'political witch hunt,' the same language used by Trump in dismissing cases against him. Your browser does not support iframes. She said it showed the Washington political establishment knew that 'they cant beat either of us fair and square, so they hit us with lawsuits to keep us tied up and off the campaign trail.' Richer, a Republican, has held the position since 2020. But this year he lost a primary to G.O.P. challenger Justin Heap, a state representative who had the backing of the hard right Freedom Caucus. Richer's legal team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, above, offered support for President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign. With Trump headed back to the White House, Musks ties to Trump could be a boon for Musks businesses. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Elon Musks net worth had surged past $300 billion as of Friday afternoon, according to Forbes real-time billionaire tracker, marking a $13 billion jump amid a bullish day in the markets. The financial milestone comes as Musks growing ties to President-elect Donald Trump appear to be paying dividends both for his wealth and his business empire while raising questions about potentially vast conflicts of interest. Musk attended rallies, donated more than $130 million to a pro-Trump super PAC and spent election night with the former president at his Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Fla. Musk, the CEO of Tesla who owns the carmaker and other companies including SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), was the only Fortune 100 CEO to publicly endorse Trump, doing so shortly after an assassination attempt at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania in July. The tech mogul has already agreed to collaborate with Trumps incoming administration, where he is slated to lead a commission focused on government efficiency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musks influence over regulatory agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission could give him leverage in shaping policies that impact his vast array of businesses. Teslas stock soars, Musks wealth grows Trumps election sent Tesla shares soaring. By Friday afternoon, the companys stock had jumped more than 8%, pushing its market capitalization past $1 trillion. In total, Teslas stock was up more than 30% this week, driven by investor expectations that a second Trump term could be good for the electric vehicle giant. The surge follows a period of relative stagnation for Tesla, whose market cap had been stuck at $807.1 billion, with shares rising just 1% over the year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musks estimated personal fortune has mirrored this growth, increasing by more than $13 billion Friday to reach $303 billion as of the early afternoon, according to Forbes. With that, Musk remained the wealthiest person on the planet, holding a net worth more than $70 billion greater than that of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, the second-richest person. SpaceX and other ventures poised for gains Musks other ventures SpaceX, Starlink and the Boring Co. may also see benefits from his connection to the Trump administration. Over the past decade, SpaceX has secured more than $15 billion in government contracts, with Trump publicly praising Musks achievements. The president-elect has also pledged to send astronauts to Mars by the end of his second term, further solidifying his relationship with Musks space exploration company. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SpaceXs Starlink, a key player in military satellite launches, could see expanded contracts for rural internet service under Trumps return to office. The Biden administration had revoked an $800 million Starlink grant, but with Trump back in power, the company may stand to gain. Tesla, meanwhile, has received far less in government contracts just $352,000 over the past decade. However, with the Cybertruck now a potential fit for a Trump presidential motorcade, the companys relationship with the White House could expand. Musks other ventures, including X, xAI and Neuralink, could also benefit from Trumps deregulatory agenda. With his direct access to the White House, Musk may be able to clear regulatory hurdles for autonomous robotaxis and secure a national standard for self-driving cars, an area where his companies have been heavily involved. Musks political influence expands Beyond his business interests, Musk is positioning himself as a key player in the conservative movement, leveraging his platform X, which claims to have more than 200 million daily active users to mobilize support for Trump and his allies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad America PAC is going to keep going after this election, Musk said during a livestream Tuesday, en route to Mar-a-Lago to join Trump for election night. He pledged that his super PAC would continue to weigh in heavily on future elections, solidifying his role as a political force in America. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi was spotted by C-SPAN's cameras Wednesday in a heated exchange with Democratic strategist Donna Brazile at Vice President Kamala Harris' concession address. Pelosi and Brazile, who twice served as the acting chair of the Democratic National Committee, can be seen gesticulating as the camera hangs on them for several seconds. Washington, D.C.'s Mayor Muriel Bowser stood between them, while Tom Perez, a former DNC chair, Labor Secretary and Biden White House official, hovered nearby. The footage was shared on X by former Trump campaign official Steve Cortes. 'Democrats in disarray: Nancy Pelosi is arguing with Donna Brazile at the Kamala Harris defeat speech,' Cortes wrote. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (right) was caught on camera in a heated discussion with former acting DNC Chair Donna Brazile (left) as Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (center) stood between them A number of Trump-leaning X users floated that the two women were arguing about the role Pelosi played in pushing President Joe Biden out of the 2024 race. Pelosi was among those in Democratic leadership to tell Biden that he needed to step aside after his disastrous late June debate against Trump. After months of polls showing that voters were concerned about the 81-year-old's age, it was on full display for 90 minutes in Atlanta, prompting a panic. On July 21st, Biden announced he was dropping out of the race - endorsing Harris several hours later. On Tuesday night, Harris got trounced by Trump - and could end up losing all seven battleground states. She conceded the election to Trump in a speech Wednesday afternoon on Howard University's quad, the same locale where she would have announced victory the night before. A sadness hung in the air at Howard's campus, as Harris supporters expressed to DailyMail.com that they were incredibly sad and came to hear her speak and be around other Democrats as a source of solace. Donna Brazile (left) claimed on a post on X that the conversation with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (right) was about Democrats' path to a House majority, as a number of races still haven't been called Additionally, the mood among Democratic Party officials was tense. When DailyMail.com approached DNC Chair Jaime Harrison for comment, he shot back, 'Not right now,' as he swiftly walked away alongside Perez. Brazile, however, denied that she and Pelosi were engaged in some kind of blame game. 'Such stupidity,' she wrote on X. 'Speaker Pelosi and I were discussing all the outstanding house races to be called or the path to a "House Majority."' 'Folks, this is the Trump era: lies, disinformation and gossip,' she continued. 'What happened to the USA?' When DailyMail.com reached out to Pelosi's spokesperson about the conversation, he shared Brazile's tweet. As news broke of his historic electoral victory of undeniable proportions, Donald Trump fielded a flotilla of calls from family and friends including me in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. I told the President that he and his victory were a metaphor for America: we never surrender; we never back down; we fight, fight, fight. His circuitous journey back to 1600 Penn is the type of second chance few others have known. We discussed how he'd reshaped, diversified and expanded the demographic and geographic reach of the GOP. And I finished by thanking him for the opportunity he had given me to serve this great nation. As for the big man himself, it was clear he felt humbled to have been voted in so resoundingly by America. As news broke of his historic electoral victory of undeniable proportions, Donald Trump fielded a flotilla of calls from family and friends in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. He was energetic, despite the late hour. But most of all, he was ready to get back to work in the White House, ushing in a golden era for a more unified USA. Of course, his detractors see red. So does the electoral map. Every single state except for Delaware and Nebraska trended to Trump even in Democratic strongholds still singing the blues. This election came down to four demographic factors. Each of which favored him, not Kamala Harris. A gender gap that wasn't, a racial realignment, youth preferring the older candidate, and a working-class revolt against elites. In the end, there was no historic female Democrat turnout as Kamala and so many misguided media mouths had promised. If anything, we witnessed a reversing of the trend: Harris lost male voters by a staggering 13 percent to 'Bro Show' star Trump. The would-be first 'female POTUS', meanwhile, way underperformed among women winning them by just 7 percent (five points fewer than Biden's 2020 margin). Abortion turned out not to be the silver-bullet issue Harris had hoped for. This is a point proved no more obviously than by the Dems' failure to rally Floridian women to vote against the state's six-week ban. Kamala also significantly underperformed among minority voters. Black men swung 25 percent in Trump's favor compared to 2020. Black women swung 7 percent his way. Meanwhile, Hispanic men swung by an amazing 18 percent his way. Young voters were unimpressed by Harris, too. She, like Nikki Haley, had obsessed over Trump's age, missing the fact that young people don't care how old their president is, so long as they can afford everyday life, buy a home and invest in their future. While 18 to 29-year-olds favored Biden by 25 percent in 2020, on Tuesday night Kamala squeaked out a 5 percent margin. Finally, Kamala's overconfident team had also banked on juicing up a class divide. They focused too much on the college-educated, especially in the suburbs around swing-state cities, at the expense of winning (or even understanding and respecting) working-class folks. This was costly: white non-college educated voters swung 5 points in Trump's favour from 2020. Those who snobbishly dismissed 'MAGA' as a base must now reckon with it as a widening movement, a not-so-silent majority that looks more like America than a Republican electorate ever has. Trump has won states President Obama carried twice such as Florida, Iowa, and Ohio by bigger (double digit) margins. Meanwhile Harris won in blue states like Illinois, New Jersey and New Mexico with only single digit leads. This election came down to four demographic factors. Each of which favored him, not Kamala Harris. A gender gap that wasn't, a racial realignment, youth preferring the older candidate, and a working-class revolt against elites. This is a repudiation of much of the mainstream media and their pollsters as well, whose daily coverage and 'data' has gone from biased to dangerous. Trump's on track to receive well over 300 electoral votes, the first popular vote victory for a Republican in 20 years, a bigger than expected Senate margin, and potentially a trifecta with a slim House majority. It's pure domination. Now as he and his transition team form a government, he does so with the mind and track record of a successful businessman and the experience (plus the war wounds) of a former president. In Susie Wiles, co-manager of this stunningly successful 2024 campaign, our President-elect has chosen a White House Chief-of-Staff who understands him and his policy agenda. Note to Mark Cuban and his ilk: Trump hires on merit, and Wiles is certainly a 'strong, intelligent woman' who has demonstrated valuable leadership and management skills. And then there is the woman they defeated. In the end, Kamala Harris was just another Never Trumper. No policy contrast. No vision. No rationale for running. Just a primal obsession with the destruction of one man and an infinite loop of ridicule and judgment for his followers. She had help from an adoring, agreeing mainstream media and adjuncts on social media, billions to blow and a call to make history. Yet it was Donald J. Trump who made history again. Protestors have caused outrage after turning up to a Texas college campus with despicable signs bearing derogatory messages about women. The religious demonstrators, self-identified as members of Official Street Preachers, arrived at Texas State University on Wednesday afternoon with an array of signage which immediately sparked uproar among students. The protestors, who claim to 'share the gospel every day', were also heard shouting provocative religious-themed slogans at students,' a university spokesperson told Lonestar Live. 'Women are property,' one sign read. Another man held a sign which stated: 'Types of property: women, slaves, animals, land, etc.' Another message seen at the San Marcos campus shared hatred about the LGBTQ+ community. A sign reading 'women are property' was displayed at Texas State University on Wednesday Went outside to get lunch just now. Lost my appetite. pic.twitter.com/3KdESx8l5A Louie Dean Valencia (@BurntCitrus) November 6, 2024 The group, called the Official Street Preachers, is not affiliated with the college, but was let on campus because it is considered a public space. A crowd of counter-protestors surrounded the street preachers until they eventually left campus. Campus police did get involved, but no arrests were made. Video from Wednesday showed students crowding around and confronting the demonstrators. One woman shouted: 'Women are property? Who am I property of?' Another woman posted a video of the events on TikTok, saying: 'This is getting out of hand.' United Campus Ministry Reverend Todd Salmi participated in the counter-protests, holding signs reading 'Jesus values and respects Texas State women' and 'Jesus loves all y'all,' Texas State University's student newspaper, The University Star, reported. Salmi told the student newspaper: 'These Street Preachers come and they rile, and they feed off of hatred and attention, and then they leave.' Louie Dean Valencia, a history professor at Texas State University, posted pictures of the protestors on X. 'Went outside to get lunch just now. Lost my appetite,' he wrote. A crowd of students surrounded the unwelcomed protestors, some shouting at them to leave In the comments, he elaborated on his concern: 'As an expert on fascism this is where it starts. Extremists at home who feel emboldened. The ones holding these signs were not part of our Texas State community. 'They might be outsiders, but they arent strangers to those of us who study the radical right.' On social media, some claimed the protest was inspired by the election of Donald Trump as the 2025 president. Joshua Martin, University of Houston's Student Body President, posted on X: 'Not even one full day after the election was called, this was the image at Texas State University today. 'Times are going to be tough, but the fight has just begun.' Another user wrote: 'This was Texas State University yesterday, now that the racists and misogynists feel emboldened again.' After Wednesday's events, the university president Kelly Damphousse posted on his Instagram, saying the group 'sow confusion, anger, distrust, bitterness, fear, and anxiety.' In an official statement released on behalf of the university, Damphousse wrote: 'I condemn the hateful words these two men wrote and spoke while they were on our campus. That kind of hate is not welcome here. 'Friends, I know that this incident was particularly disturbing because it occurred the day after a presidential election that was charged with emotion. 'Even though the timing may not have been intentional, it may have seemed like these events were related.' The university president also explained why the radical-Christian demonstrators were allowed on campus to begin with, citing the fact that the university is legally required to allow 'expressive activities.' In response, associate professor Jelena Tesic wrote on X: 'Please move the free speech area away from students, classrooms and Labs so my students are spared the telling of the slurs on them while they are walking by to their research lab or classroom.' Not even one full day after the election was called, this was the image at Texas State University today. Times are going to be tough, but the fight has just begun. pic.twitter.com/B9ECAEXtFI Joshua Martin (@JoshuaRMartin) November 7, 2024 Others argued that these activities should not be protected by the university because they threaten students' safety. Someone wrote in response to the university's statement: 'How are young women on your campus supposed to feel safe?' 'I dont think theres any room for that on this campus,' student Cade Crockett told CBS Austin. 'I think its very shameful that people assume that its okay to promote this behavior, promote this bigotry.' Beyond the Texas campus community, the offensive signs have caught the attention of people across the country. New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi addressed the Official Street Preachers in a social media post. 'Hey @ospofci, bring that sign to New York. Would love to see how New York women welcome you,' she said. This is not an isolated incident, as the Official Street Preachers have documented their protests across various educational institutions in different states over the years. A woman is missing after entering Niagara River near the falls where a mom and her two kids died in a horror murder-suicide one week ago. New York State police are actively searching for the woman who was last seen in the water just above the largest of the three waterfalls that make up the notorious destination, The New York Post reported. Witnesses reported seeing the woman in the waters of Goat Island, just above Horseshoe Falls at around 2pm Wednesday afternoon. 'An immediate search of the area commenced using Park Police drone, foot searches of the gorge and visual searches from overlooks,' state police said in a statement to WGRZ. 'Park police also contacted New York State Police Aviation for assistance in searching the lower Niagara River,' they added. Search crews are now searching for the woman reportedly plunged into the Niagara River But the woman, who is yet to be identified, is yet to be found. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls that collectively make up Niagara Falls - reaching 188 feet high, 2,200 feet wide and the plunge pool beneath submerging to 100 feet deep. The deepest point in the Niagara River - which is 167 feet deep - is just below Horseshoe Falls, which is the same height of the falls. The incident comes just a week after a New York mother launched herself and her two children over the ledge in the same area. Just last Monday, 33-year-old Chianti Means stepped over the guardrail with her kids at Luna Park - a small area near the crest of the falls. She pushed her two children, nine-year-old Roman Rossman and four-month-old Mecca Means, over the ledge before jumping 200 feet into the water after them. The mystery woman, who has yet to be found, was last seen in the water just above Horseshoe Falls - the largest of the three waterfalls that make up the notorious destination Just last Monday, 33-year-old Chianti Means stepped over the guardrail with her kids at Luna Park and pushed her 9-year-old son and four-month-old daughter over the ledge before jumping 200 feet into the water after them State Park Police said that based on the reviewed security footage capturing the series of events, Roman was the first to go over the railing, then Mecca and Means at around 9pm. State Police Public Information Officer Trooper, James O'Callaghan, said that it did not appear as though the mom was chasing after her children at the time they plunged to their deaths. All three have since been declared dead, but their bodies have not yet been recovered - and may never be found. Authorities noted how the powerful currents could carry their remains hundreds of miles away from the falls, The Mirror reported. Despite days of intensive search efforts, police reported last week that their rescue operations to find Means and her two young children were unsuccessful. Means, who lived in Niagara Falls with her family, worked as a domestic violence counselor, according to her LinkedIn profile. The bodies of Means, nine-year-old Roman Rossman and four-month-old Mecca Means have not been found, but all three have since been declared dead Means, who lived in Niagara Falls with her family and worked as a domestic violence counselor, was said to be struggling from postpartum depression Rumors surrounding last week's deaths have stemmed from Means' social media posts about her split with her daughter's father, in which she hinted at her anguish sadness and regret. But her cousin, Bierra Hamilton, says the young mom was suffering from postpartum depression. 'Understand this - postpartum [depression] is very real and needs a cure,' Hamilton told the New York Post. 'Her death wasnt over a man. My cousin was silently fighting depression alone.' Many of those who have jumped to their deaths in Niagara Falls or fallen in by accident have never been recovered from the bottom of the waterfall, over which 3,610 tons of water rage every second. Some are pushed far from the falls and carried downstream by its ferocious currents - and in some rare cases, are found years later. One man who was believed to go over Niagara Falls in 1990 was just identified this past April, CBS News reported. Vincent Stack, a Buffalo, New York man, went missing at 40 years old in Niagara Falls State Park three decades ago. Two years later, in April of 1992, a body was found on the shores of Lake Ontario. But it was only discovered this past year that the remains were those of Stack, whose body traveled roughly 15 miles to the mouth of the river before drifting 140 miles across the lake after his fall 34 years ago. A high school teacher has divided Aussies after revealing his eye-watering salary. The Melbourne man revealed he earns 'just north of $160,000' a year to teach drama to high school students after 27 years in the industry. He said the job had many perks, including lengthy holidays. 'I started as an actor and then moved into teaching. The workload is alright, I'm on holidays at the moment,' he said in a video shared to TikTok. 'It's definitely worth it though. I'd encourage anyone to get into it. For any actors out there, drama teaching is the next best thing. 'You get to do your craft every day and you get to teach the future of actors.' Despite his passion for the craft many were left in disbelief over how a drama teacher could earn so much money. 'There's no way,' one person commented. A high school drama teacher from Melbourne revealed that he earns 'north of $160,000' Others questioned how they could earn the same amount of money. 'I've been teaching for 24 years [in Queensland] and I'm nowhere close to that!' a second commented. 'I am in the wrong profession,' a third said. Some claimed teachers were 'overpaid', while others said the amount made sense. 'At state schools teaching pay is based off how many years you have taught for. This is entirely reasonable for someone who's been teaching for 27 years,' one said. The average salary for a teacher in Australia ranges from $95,000 to $105,000, according to job search platform SEEK. Australians are being urged to confront the impact of harm from social media on children, but experts are split on a blanket ban. Tech giants are wary of a social media age limit, saying it shouldn't be up to them to enforce the rules but rather app stores to ensure safety across the board. The parent company of Facebook and Instagram argues against putting the onus on social media companies to enforce a proposed 16-year-old age limit, saying the technology for a perfect solution 'isn't quite there yet'. Parents and young people would carry the burden if each app needed to implement its own age controls, Meta's Australia and New Zealand policy director Mia Garlick said. 'We completely agree that there needs to be age-appropriate experiences for young people on services like the ones we provide,' she told ABC radio on Friday. 'The challenge is, the technology isn't quite there yet in terms of having a perfect solution.' App stores putting in place controls meant that information could be extrapolated, Ms Garlick said. 'When you get a new phone or a new device, you do spend a bit of time sitting down as a family, setting it all up,' she said. Meta's policy director for Australia and New Zealand, Mia Garlick (left), said the perfect solution isn't quite ready Michelle Rowland and Anthony Albanese backed their proposed social media age limit 'Age information is collected at that time and so there is a really simple solution there, that at that one point in time ... verification can occur.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host a virtual national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on Friday to sign off on the age limit, with legislation to be introduced in coming weeks. It was important the perfect does not become the enemy of the good, researcher Samuel Cornell said. Social media was a driver of risky behaviour for children and had previously led to deaths after attempts to copy viral challenges, he said. 'I don't think it's a perfect solution, but harm is being caused to children and young people,' he told AAP. 'To throw our hands up in the air is not right,' Mr Cornell said. Social media companies need to be held accountable for their services, cabinet minister Bill Shorten said, as he flagged further work in the field including a duty of care. 'We don't ask civilians and car users to bring their own seat belt to a car, so why should social media companies buck pass their own duty of care?' he said. But there are concerns a social media ban would likely give parents a false sense of security while excluding young people from critical information. Platforms play a critical role in young people engaging with education, potential employers, health services and personal networks of people with shared interests, RMIT Professor of Information Sciences Lisa Given said. The government is pushing to pass laws banning teenagers under 16-years-old from using social media 'They may be grappling with many different issues in their lives, without access to appropriate supports at home or in their communities,' she said. Ms Garlick defended accusations the tech giant was trying to pass the buck and protect profits. Meta already implemented safety controls such as asking people their age at sign-up and using artificial intelligence to identify if people's age appears different from what they stated, she said. 'We remove people who are under the relevant age and then we also age-gate certain types of content that might not be suitable,' she said. Ms Garlick pointed to an Instagram initiative that automatically puts young people on an age-appropriate account that has some limitations. Meta wouldn't fight and run a campaign against the laws if they passed parliament, she said. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) David Lammy has refused to back down on branding US President-elect Donald Trump a 'neo-Nazi sympathiser' in the past, as he insists it's 'old news'. The Foreign Secretary has come under intense scrutiny for comments he made in 2018 when he described Trump as a 'woman-hating, neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath'. Among the other barbs directed at Trump by Mr Lammy on social media include the quip: 'If Trump did GCSEs he wouldn't make it to sixth form.' Calls have been made for Mr Lammy to be sacked ahead of Trump returning to the White House, with top US analyst Nile Gardiner telling Sir Keir Starmer 'it's the smartest thing to do'. But Downing Street has pushed back and took the unusual step to say Mr Lammy would be remaining in his post until the end of the Parliament. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has refused to back down on previously calling Donald Trump a 'neo-Nazi sympathiser' Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida Mr Lammy, who also once called the president-elect a 'tyrant in a toupee', last night told BBC's Newscast podcast that he believes he can find 'common ground' with Trump. And he tried to justify making the embarrassing jibes saying you would 'struggle to find any politician' who had not said some 'pretty ripe things' about Trump in the past. 'I think that what you say as a backbencher and what you do wearing the real duty of public office are two different things,' Mr Lammy said. 'And I am foreign secretary. There are things I know now that I didn't know back then.' The BBC's political editor Chris Mason told Mr Lammy his back catalogue of quotes mattered as Trump could in the future decide to 'weaponise these' and that's to 'our [the UK's] detriment'. But he brushed it off as he made reference to a dinner he and the Prime Minister had with Trump in New York in September. Looking uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair and tapped his hands on his thighs, Mr Lammy said: 'He didn't seem to think it mattered a few weeks ago.' He added: 'And in the end he [Trump] is finding common ground just as I'm finding common ground.' Mr Lammy added that Trump was 'someone that we can build a relationship with in our national interest' and praised his election campaign as 'very well run'. A 'Neo-Nazi sympathiser' and a 'sad little man': The rash comments about Trump that Labour ministers are trying to forget KEIR STARMER Last year, Sir Keir compared the Conservative Party with Mr Trump as he accused the Tories of falling far from Churchillian values. 'Is there anybody in the Government now who feels a sense of obligation to anything other than their own self-interest? To democracy, the rule of law, serving our country?' he asked in a speech in Buckinghamshire. 'An entitlement to power totally unchecked by any sense of service or responsibility - that's the cultural stain that runs through the modern Conservative Party.' He added: 'These aren't Churchill's Tories any more. If anything they behave more and more like Donald Trump. They look at the politics of America and they want to bring that here. 'It's all woke, woke, woke. Wedge, wedge, wedge. Divide, divide, divide.' In June, the prime minister said following Mr Trump's hush money trial conviction that it was an 'unprecedented situation'. 'We will work with whoever is elected president ... that's what you'd expect,' Sir Keir said. 'We have a special relationship with the US that transcends whoever the president is, but it is an unprecedented situation, there is no doubt about that.' In the lead up to this year's US presidential election, Sir Keir maintained that the Government will work with whoever is president. FOREIGN SECRETARY DAVID LAMMY In 2017, Mr Lammy called Mr Trump a 'racist and KKK/neo-Nazi sympathiser'. A year later, the Tottenham MP wrote in Time magazine that he would be protesting against the then-government's 'capitulation to this tyrant in a toupee', in reference to Mr Trump's first official visit to the UK. 'Trump is not only a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath,' Mr Lammy wrote, 'he is also a profound threat to the international order that has been the foundation of Western progress for so long.' Asked about his past comments earlier this year, Mr Lammy said: 'Where I can find common cause with Donald Trump, I will find common cause'. He offered his congratulations to Mr Trump on Wednesday morning, saying: 'We look forward to working with you and @JDVance in the years ahead.' DEPUTY PM ANGELA RAYNER Ms Rayner has publicly criticised Mr Trump more than once in posts on X, formerly Twitter. On the day of the Capitol Hill riots in 2021, she tweeted: 'The violence that Donald Trump has unleashed is terrifying, and the Republicans who stood by him have blood on their hands.' Later in January that year, Ms Rayner said of the inauguration of Joe Biden as president: 'I am so happy to see the back of Donald Trump, but even more so to see @KamalaHarris as VP.' HEALTH SECRETARY WES STREETING In 2017, Mr Streeting called Trump an 'odious, sad little man' in a post on X. 'Imagine being proud to have that as your president,' he added. Asked on Tuesday about the social media post, the Health Secretary told Good Morning Britain: 'The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have been working hard to build a relationship with President Trump and his team, so that in the event that he is elected as the next president of the United States, we start with the strong working relationship which is in our national interest and in the interests of the United States as well.' ENERGY SECRETARY ED MILIBAND Mr Miliband labelled Mr Trump a 'groper' and a 'racist' in November 2016. 'The idea that we have shared values with a racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper beggars belief,' Mr Miliband told the BBC. 'And I think we should be deeply worried about the implications for many of the things that we care about. Tackling climate change - he says it's invented by the Chinese, climate change, it's a hoax. His attitude to Russia. 'And then this fantasy about trade. I mean, this guy is anti-trade. He's an odd combination of protectionism, plus the old trickle-down formula that has got us into a lot of this mess in the first place.' Advertisement Sir Keir congratulated Mr Trump on his 'historic victory' after US voters returned him to the White House Sir Kier and Mr Lammy (pictured leaving the White House on September 13, 2024) recently met Trump for dinner in New York Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at the J.S. Dorton Arena on November 04, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina In a highly unusual step, the PM's press secretary committed to leaving David Lammy (pictured) as Foreign Secretary until the end of the Parliament 'I felt in my bones that there could be a Trump presidency,'he added. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met Trump for dinner in New York in September. When asked if his past comments had been brought up when he met Trump for dinner, Mr Lammy said 'not even vaguely'. He added: 'I know this is a talking point today, but in a world where there's war in Europe, where there's a tremendous loss of life in the Middle East, where the US and the UK genuinely have a special relationship, where we got someone who's about to become again, the US president, who has experience of doing the job last time round, we will forge common interests,' he said. 'We will agree and align on much and where we disagree, we'll have those conversations as well, most often in private.' Sir Keir is facing a major headache with Mr Trump's stunning US election win, after tensions flared over Labour supporters helping to campaign for the Democrat contender. Mr Trump's team filed an official complaint with federal election authorities accusing Labour of making 'illegal foreign national contributions'. Around 100 activists travelled to swing states to canvass for the Harris ticket - although Labour insisted they went at their own expense. US analyst Mr Gardiner predicted there would be Congressional hearings on the use of Labour activists, not least because Republicans have won back control of the Senate with the House still to play for. Sir Keir is facing a major headache with Mr Trump's stunning US election win, after tensions flared over Labour supporters helping to campaign for the Democrat contender Trump dances as former first lady Melania Trump watches at the Palm Beach County Convention Center during an election night watch party, Wednesday, November 6, 2024 Tory leader Kemi Badeonch this week asked Sir Keir at PMQs if he had apologised to Trump for Mr Lammy's past remarks 'I think Keir Starmer is in the dog house right now and I'm not sure he would be welcome at Mar-a-Lago right now,' Mr Gardiner said. 'Sir Keir is viewed as part and parcel of the Harris operation'. Firing Mr Lammy for his 'vicious' attacks on Mr Trump would be a start, Mr Gardiner said. He said: 'The smartest thing would be to sack David Lammy and apologise for the intervention by Labour staffers. 'But I'm in no doubt that it will be practically impossible for Sir Keir to work with the Trump Presidency'. Earlier this week, during PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badeonch asked Sir Keir if he had apologised for Mr Lammy's past remarks. In response, the PM said his meeting with the Foreign Secretary and president-elect Trump just a few weeks ago was a 'very constructive exercise'. Ms Badenooch insisted that Sir Keir must invite Mr Trump to visit the UK and address both Houses of Parliament. When Mr Trump was last president Labour MPs including Mr Lammy signed an early day motion arguing he should not be allowed the honour of addressing both Houses of Parliament during a state visit. Meanwhile, the PM has also repeatedly clashed with billionaire Elon Musk, who looks certain to end up playing a key role in the Trump administration. Government sources have been playing up the private dinner Sir Keir and Mr Lammy had with Mr Trump in New York in September, insisting they had struck up a good relationship. There was also anger that senior figures from the party went to the Democratic National Convention in August and met Harris aides. The two parties have long-term ties. Ms Badenoch said in the Commons: 'I would like to start by congratulating President-elect Trump on his impressive victory this morning. 'The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary met him in September. Did the Foreign Secretary take that opportunity to apologise for making derogatory and scatological references, including, and I quote, 'Trump is not only a woman-hating Neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath, he is also a profound threat to the international order', and if he did not apologise, will the Prime Minister do so now on his behalf?' Australia is battling the largest whooping cough epidemic in history since the invention of vaccines against the deadly disease. Whooping cough is a highly infectious and potentially deadly lung disease which can be life-threatening for babies and young children. Health authorities are on high alert after 41,013 cases were recorded this year - more than the previous record of 38,748 cases in 2011. Up to 130 confirmed cases of whooping cough are being recorded every day with up to 45,000 new cases expected by the end of the year. Figures have revealed a major spike of cases in school-aged children with nearly 40 per cent of infections recorded in 10 to 14-year-olds. Dr Laurence Luu, Chancellor's Research Fellow and Lecturer at University of Technology Sydney, said the disease was more contagious than Covid-19. 'Given the significant rise in whooping cough cases, current vaccination rates are a major concern,' he said. 'While we do an incredible job protecting newborns and infants, re-vaccination or 'booster' rates are alarmingly low.' Whooping cough is a highly infectious and potentially deadly lung disease which can be life-threatening for babies and young children (stock) Australia is battling the largest whooping cough epidemic in history since the invention of vaccines against the deadly disease (pictured, a map of the disease in Australia by year) WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOMS: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, fatigue, fever and a dry, uncontrollable cough that has a 'whoop' sound More severe symptoms include pneumonia, vomiting, fainting, poor bladder control, trouble breathing and bleeding into the nose, eyes or brain. Advertisement Immunisation Foundation of Australia founder Catherine Hughes AM's four-week-old son Riley sadly died from whooping cough complications. She has since urged people to be alert to the sign of infection. 'Many people are unaware of the necessity for a booster vaccine and are probably not adequately protected,' she said. 'We all have a role to play in controlling the spread of whooping cough and reducing the risk of infection in ourselves and others. It takes community effort to protect against whooping cough.' Symptoms of whooping cough don't always appear until two weeks after infection meaning a person can remain contagious for up to three weeks. The disease can also be treated with antibiotics with Aussies urged to take basic health measures to reduce the spread of infection. This includes people covering their nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing and washing their hands regularly. In 2023, one-in-four young Aussies turning 13-years-old missed out on their whooping cough booster, while only one-in-five Australians aged over 50 years is up to date for whooping cough vaccination. The Immunisation Foundation of Australia recommends adults get a booster shot at least every 10 years to maintain protection against the bacterial infection. There has been a major spike in cases among 10-14-year-old's in Australia (pictured) The disease is highly contagious and will likely infect the majority of people who come into close contact with a sick person. Whooping cough usually starts with typical flu-like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a low-grade fever. A dry and persistent cough usually lasts for a week and the frequency of the coughing produces a 'whoop' sound. Severe cases can result in pneumonia, bleeding into the nose, eyes or brain and some children can also suffer brain damage. A remarkable cache of love letters from Albert Einstein to his first wife revealing his raunchy side have emerged for sale for 1m. The genius mathematician told Mileva Maric in one eyebrow-raising letter he couldn't wait for her to visit him in Lake Como so they could 'wrap together in his dressing gown'. She is believed to have fallen pregnant during her subsequent Italian stay and gave birth to their daughter Lieserl in early 1902. Einstein also provided glimpses of his ingenious thinking while discussing his early academic career in the collection of 43 letters dating from 1898 to 1903. In one letter he wrote: 'My broodings about radiation are starting to get on somewhat firmer ground.' In another, he stated: 'I am more and more convinced that the electrodynamics of moving bodies, as presented today, is not correct, and that it should be possible to present it in a simpler way.' A remarkable cache of love letters from Albert Einstein (pictured) to his first wife revealing his raunchy side have emerged for sale for 1m In April 1901 he told Mileva (pictured, left) of his excitement at her impending visit to Lake Como, writing suggestively: 'Come to me to Como and bring along my blue dressing-gown, into which we can wrap ourselves.' The genius mathematician tells Mileva Maric in one letter he can't wait for her to visit him in Lake Como so they could 'wrap together in his dressing gown'. He expanded on this theory in his groundbreaking 1905 paper on Special Relativity. The letters to his 'doll', which are signed 'Albert' and written in an old German gothic style, are set to spark a bidding war at auctioneers Christie's, of London. Einstein was a 16-year-old student at Zurich Polytechnic in Switzerland when he met Mileva, one of the earliest female pupils on the physics and mathematics course. Mileva, who was Serbian, was three years older then Einstein and their first letters in 1898 were quite formal. As time passed, the letters reveal their relationship becoming personal, to the disapproval to Einstein's family. Einstein confided in Mileva that his mother told him: 'You are ruining your future...That woman cannot gain entrance to a decent family.' But Einstein, displaying his stubborn streak, ignored her pleas and by the beginning of 1901 was applying for teaching posts so he could earn enough money to marry Mileva. In April 1901, he told Mileva of his excitement at her impending visit to Lake Como, writing suggestively: 'Come to me to Como and bring along my blue dressing-gown, into which we can wrap ourselves.' Einstein provided glimpses of his ingenious thinking while discussing his early academic career in the collection of 43 letters dating from 1898 to 1903 Einstein was a 16-year-old student at Zurich Polytechnic in Switzerland when he met Mileva, one of the earliest female pupils on the physics and mathematics course In a letter from that October, Einstein shared his excitement at impending fatherhood and refers to their unborn baby as Lieserl. Mileva gave birth to their daughter in 1902, by when Einstein was settled in Bern and waiting to start his job at the Patent Office. On February 4, 1902, he proudly wrote: 'You see, it has really turned out to be a Lieserl, as you wished. 'Is she healthy and does she already cry properly? 'What kind of little eyes does she have? Whom of us two does she resemble more?' Einstein and Mileva married in January 1903 and the last letter references her second pregnancy, a son named Hans Albert. He also mentions that Leiserl had been ill with scarlet fever, which tragically is thought to have killed her shortly afterwards. Einstein and Mileva had a third child, Eduard, in 1910 but they divorced in 1919 after she learnt that he had been unfaithful with his cousin, Elsa Lowenthal. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics two years later and, as agreed in the divorce settlement, gave Mileva his winnings. The letters remained in the family until they were sold at auction in 1996, where the vendor acquired them. The auctioneers say that it is extremely rare to find Einstein correspondence from before 1905 which reveal so much about his 'formative' years. Thomas Venning, manuscripts specialist at Christie's, said: 'The letters give you the whole picture on what Albert Einstein was like in his formative years. 'It is very rare to find letters from him pre-1905 and for it to be such significant correspondence, to such a significant recipient, is just wonderful. 'Even though he was just a teenager when he began writing them, you sense that he was already asking questions on different areas of physics. 'He would not just accept previous scientific thought and wanted instead to push the boundaries and challenge conventions.' Einstein died in 1955. The sale takes place on December 11. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta, congratulated Donald Trump on his electoral victory. David Zalubowski/Associated Press Tesla CEO Elon Musk became one of the most vocal supporters in tech of Donald Trumps reelection bid, during the campaign process. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Tech titans congratulated President-elect Donald Trump after his sweeping win, as industry analysts projected a boom for the sector. One of Trumps biggest supporters, Tesla, X and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, celebrated on his social media site. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The people of America gave @realDonaldTrump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight, Musk posted on election night. It is morning in America again, he later posted, with an image of himself standing next to an American flag that appeared to be artificially generated. Musk spent more than $130 million to support Trump and other races. As of Thursday afternoon, Trump had not yet posted on X or Truth Social or his own social media website since his win. The biggest winner from a Trump White House remains Tesla and Musk, which made a strategic big bet on Trump that will pay major dividends for years to come, Wedbush Securities tech analysts wrote in a research note on Wednesday. Trump could accelerate self-driving car approvals and other regulatory hurdles for Tesla, the analysts wrote. Musk could also have a role in Trumps new administration with authority to slash government spending. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff congratulated Trump and his family on your remarkable achievement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This has now become a time of great promise for our nation, and we look forward to working together to drive American success and prosperity for all, Benioff wrote, adding an image of Time magazines new cover featuring Trump. Benioff and his wife Lynne bought Time in 2018 and afterward, he stepped back from political donations. Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love, wrote Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos, who stirred up controversy before the election after ending presidential endorsements at the Washington Post, which he owns. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg congratulated Trump and wrote, We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. In Trumps Save America book published in September, he slammed Zuckerberg, alleging a PLOT AGAINST THE PRESIDENT in 2020 in a reference to Zuckerberg and his wifes $420 million donation for election infrastructure. Zuckerberg later said the move was nonpartisan. Trump wrote in the book that if Zuckerberg does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Google CEO Sundar Pichai also congratulated Trump and wrote that we are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring the benefits to everyone. Leading artificial intelligence company OpenAIs CEO Sam Altman posted that he wishes Trump huge success in the job and added that it is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values. The Wedbush analysts expect Trumps victory to fuel more growth in the AI sector and fewer regulations to prompt more dealmaking. An expected ramp up in federal government investments in AI initiatives should benefit tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon and Google, they added. We believe a Trump Administration will have a dramatically reduced regulatory framework that will be a significant catalyst for accelerated tech mergers and acquisitions in the broader AI ecosystem and see a much more active Big Tech deal hunting cycle, they wrote. A key question is the fate of Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan, a Biden appointee and critic of big tech whose agency has sued Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and others. The Wedbush analysts expect Khan, whose term expired in September, to be replaced, ushering in a golden era for deal flow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This Khan nightmare period for the tech world has put a lid on tech deal flow and we believe this all changes starting today with Trump in the White House and a much more business friendly regulatory environment, they wrote. However, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has previously expressed support for Khans efforts to rein in big tech acquisitions. AI safety regulations are another major unresolved issue. Anthropic will work with the Trump Administration and Congress to advance US leadership in AI, and discuss the benefits, capabilities and potential safety issues of frontier systems, Jack Clark, co-founder of the San Francisco AI company, posted on X. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was last night accused of taking a simplistic approach after she said that top exam results alone will not make children happy. Laying out her vision for schooling in her first address to academy trust leaders since Labour came to power, Mrs Phillipson said that while a string of A* grades may open important doors, pupils need a wider set of goals for a healthy and happy life. In a clear swipe at the Tories former regime, she accused them of having tunnel vision when it comes to exam results - and said she wanted to promote collaboration rather than competition. Pointing to the current mental health crisis among children, Mrs Phillipson said that children cannot acheive their best results unless their 'wellbeing' is looked after. However, she insisted her goal was still to have 'high and rising standards in every school, in every trust.' Her speech, to the Confederation of School Trusts in Birmingham, will reignite speculation that she plans a major overhaul of Tory reforms. Addressing the conference, she said: Exam results open important doors to opportunity for young people; they show what pupils know and can do; they are and will continue to be the anchor of our education system. Laying out her vision for schooling in her first address to academy trust leaders since Labour came to power, Bridget Phillipson said that while a string of A* grades may open important doors, pupils need a wider set of goals for a healthy and happy life The Tories led 14 years of reforms spearheaded by former Education Secretary Michael Gove, who believed New Labour had dumbed down schooling But A*s alone do not set young people up for a healthy and happy life. And where previous governments have had tunnel vision, we will widen our ambition. Mrs Phillipson said she wants schools to create a feeling of belonging in school to tackle the epidemic of absence and give children a sense of power and purpose. She added: Every child should go to a school where they are free to be themselves, free to make friends, free to explore their talents... Exam results are only achieved when childrens wellbeing is prized too. And she called for a profound reform of what we value in our schools, so that up there alongside attainment is the wellbeing of our children. Mrs Phillipson spoke of her own schooling and how the happy environment her teachers created allowed her to excel. She said: 'Achieving and thriving the two pillars of our plans for pupils are not in opposition. 'They work in tandem, one strengthening the other. 'Healthy, happy children coming to school ready to learn if we get this right, those children will achieve time and again. 'The best schools understand this. They also understand that its not easy, its not soft. But its the right approach.' She added: 'And it shows the value of great teachers. 'The most important driver of attainment, and essential for building belonging too.' The curriculum review, led by Professor Becky Francis, is expected to encourage a broader curriculum to be taught, including more music, art, sport and drama. It comes after 14 years of reforms spearheaded by former Education Secretary Michael Gove, who believed New Labour had dumbed down schooling. His reforms included phonics screening checks in primary schools, more rigorous content throughout, and more emphasis on exams rather than coursework at secondary level. The Tories also massively expanded the academies system, and put in place tougher performance measures, to increase competition between schools and raise standards. But Mrs Phillipson said yesterday: We know the current system incentivises some to adopt a competitive rather than a collaborative model, and others to avoid more challenging communities. Students taking A-level exams. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was last night accused of taking a simplistic approach after she said that top exam results alone will not make children happy But that chase for a narrow shadow of excellence, the kind that only succeeds by pushing problems onto others - that ends now. She said schools of all types must work together in partnership to drive a self-improving system. Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: The Education Secretarys suggestions are simplistic and unhelpful. Nothing succeeds like success and children are generally much happier when they achieve high grades. She seems to be proposing a recipe for dumbing down and for equality of outcome. Instead, she should focus on horses for courses. This means providing a choice of both an academic and a vocational pathway in upper secondary schooling. Antisemitism protesters will gather outside three London universities due to host a divisive United Nations official who has said Hamas supporters have 'a right to resist' and that Israel is like Nazi Germany. Italian academic and lawyer Francesca Albanese, who serves as the UN's special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, will embark on a speaking tour of the UK next week. She is set to appear at the London School of Economics (LSE) and School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on Monday and Queen Mary University of London on Tuesday to present the 'genocide in Gaza' and its relationship with international law. But antisemitism advocates say Albanese is a controversial choice of speaker who has made 'indefensible' and 'repulsive' comments about the conflict between Israel and Palestine, both before and after the events of October 7. In 2022, Albanese reportedly addressed a Hamas-organised conference in Gaza in which she stated, 'You have a right to resist this occupation.' Francesca Albanese, who serves as the UN's special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, will embark on a speaking tour of the UK next week Queen Mary University of London will host Albanese's talk on the 'genocide in Gaza ' Antisemitism advocates say Albanese has made 'indefensible' and 'repulsive' comments about the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Pictured: Palestinians flee towards Gaza from Beit Lahia on Wednesday amid the continuing Israel-Hamas war Nova festival attendees flee Hamas during the incursion on October 7 Representatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad - which are both proscribed as terrorist organisations by the UK Government - were present. In February, Albanese was condemned by the French Foreign Ministry after she dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron's description of the October 7 attack as an 'anti-Semitic massacre.' She wrote, in French: 'The 'greatest anti-Semitic massacre of our century'? No, Mr. @EmmanuelMacron. The victims of 10/7 were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israel's oppression.' Albanese previously caused ire in 2014 when she penned an open letter referring to America having been 'subjugated by the Jewish lobby'. And, according to The Times of Israel, that same year she also wrote in a now-hidden post on Facebook directed at the BBC that 'the Israeli lobby is clearly inside your veins and system.' She later apologised for those comments, telling the Times of Israel: 'Some of the words I used, during Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip in 2014, were infelicitous, analytically inaccurate and unintendedly offensive. 'I distance myself from these words, which I would not use today, nor have used as a UN special rapporteur.' According to advocacy group Campaign Against Antisemitism, some of Albanese's comments have repeatedly breached the International Definition of Antisemitism (IHRA), which has been adopted by the British government. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told MailOnline last night that Albanese should 'not be welcome to spread her repugnant message on our campuses.' In a statement, they said: 'By now, Francesca Albanese's indefensible past comments about the 'Jewish lobby' and repulsive comparisons between the Nazis and the Jewish state are well known. 'There can be no excuse for inviting her to address students on campus in light of her views, which she has unrepentantly promoted for decades.' The group said a recent polling of young people found almost one in ten aged between 18 and 24 have a 'favourable' view of Hamas. In 2022, Albanese reportedly addressed a Hamas-organised conference in Gaza in which she stated: 'You have a right to resist this occupation' The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is due to host the controversial speaker Albanese is also slated to appear at the London School of Economics during her UK tour CAA added that 'universities need to be doing more to stop the spread of antisemitic extremism on campuses, not inviting those who appear to endorse it into their lecture theatres'. The statement continued: 'We are at a tipping point and Jewish students, who have been facing over a year of hatred on campus, need us. 'We invite everyone to join us and let Ms Albanese know that she is not welcome to spread her repugnant message on our campuses.' The Board of Deputies, which represents British Jewry, told the Jewish Chronicle it was 'deeply worrying' that she had been invited to 'spread her poison' on British university campuses. Campaign Against Antisemitism said, 'We are at a tipping point', adding that Jewish students have been 'facing over a year of hatred on campus'. Pictured: An antisemitism rally last year News of Albanese's UK tour comes as the BBC last night provoked anger by rejecting calls to describe Hamas as terrorists, saying it would only use this term when it is attributed to others. A proposed new version of its editorial guidelines says the word 'terrorist' should only be used when 'quoting or citing its use by others', a continuation of the current rules. This is despite the huge row caused in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel, where the corporation refused to call the attackers terrorists. That decision was made even though the British government classes Hamas as a proscribed terrorist organisation. The row saw the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, condemn the BBC for its 'atrocious' refusal to brand Hamas as a terrorist group, while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis accused broadcasters of trying to 'wilfully mislead' by not using the term. Broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Sacerdoti, who is also a campaigner against antisemitism, said: 'The term 'terrorism' is not a label of disapproval but a description of methods and actions. 'To most normal humans it's totally clear when it should be used and it can be use entirely objectively and factually.' He added: 'The year since October 7th should have helped the BBC figure out a better approach.' An LSE spokesperson said: 'LSE is committed to providing an inclusive culture of equity, diversity and respect between individuals. 'Anti-Semitism and any other form of discrimination are completely unacceptable. 'Free speech and freedom of expression underpins everything we do at LSE. 'Students, staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to discuss and debate the most pressing issues around the world, but this must be in a mutually considerate manner. 'LSE has clear policies in place to ensure the facilitation of debates and enable all members of our community to refute ideas lawfully, and to protect individual's rights to freedom of expression within the law. 'This is formalised in our Code of Practice on Free Speech and in our Ethics Code.' A statement from Queen Mary University of London said: 'Queen Mary, like all universities, has a duty to uphold freedom of speech within the law and we have in place a clear code of practice on free speech to allow us to meet this duty. 'All events will be conducted in accordance with our code of practice, which all staff, students and visitors must follow.' MailOnline has contacted Albanese, SOAS and Queen Mary University of London for comment. Aussies have unleashed about the rising prices of ice cream, making the tradition of enjoying the treat on a hot day unaffordable for many. An image shared to social media on Thursday captured a supermarket ice cream freezer filled with well-known brands, each displaying shockingly high price tags. Choc-mint Drumsticks were priced at $6.59 each, while Maxibons ranged from $5.69 to $6.79. 'Maybe I'm especially poor, but my brain won't allow me to buy a $6.50 ice cream. It seems so unsustainable,' one said. 'I wouldn't consider myself poor, but there's a price point I'm not willing to exceed for five bites of ice cream from a massive company that produces thousands of tons of the product each year,' a second added. 'I still remember the day my grandfather gave up pipe smoking because his tobacco had gone over $4 a pouch,' a third person reminisced. Another shared their experience from a recent trip to Japan. A photo of a supermarket ice cream section has seen many Australian admit they can't afford to eat the summery dessert Ice creams are a staple of the Australian summer, with many Aussie's childhood involving trips in thongs and swimmers to the local shops to buy the sweet treats 'Their equivalent ice creams at the 7/11 were about 170 yen plus tax, which is roughly $1.83 AUD. 'It really made me realise how badly we get ripped off in Australia with our groceries and convenience store items.' Some Aussies mentioned that they could only afford larger tubs of ice cream, which typically offer a lower price per litre. Others said that they had even taken the time to make their own ice cream amid the cost of living crisis. Gen Z would rather work for Deliveroo than the Armed Forces and also expect to be bringing home a salary of 55,000 by the time they are 30, new research finds. A survey of nearly 2,000 people aged between 15 and 27 by insights company Prograd revealed Gen Z would prefer to be delivery drivers rather than serve in the Army. The results showed that the Royal Navy, British Army, Deliveroo and the Royal Air Force ranked fourth, fifth and seventh in jobs least desired by youngsters - with Deliveroo in sixth. The least popular employers overall were fast food companies such as KFC and McDonalds, with many respondents not keen to get in the kitchen any time soon. However the most attractive employers to younger generation were tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple. Gen Z would rather work for Deliveroo than Armed Forces and expect to be bringing home a salary of 55,000 by the time they are 30, new research finds (file image) The failure to recruit soldiers has been blamed on the MOD's partnership with outsourcing company Capita (stock photo) It comes as the Army is expected to have fewer than 70,000 trained soldiers next year, while naval vessels have been tied up alongside due to a lack of sailors to man them. The figure set against a backdrop of conflict in Europe and the Middle East represents a loss of 5,000 troops in two years and 10,000 in five years. In recent years, the Army has shed soldiers at an unprecedented rate, and by default rather than design. In the aftermath of the Cold War, the gradual reduction in numbers was managed. When, in 2015, the target size of the Army was set at 82,000 this was expected to be relatively easy to maintain, through recruitment and retention. However, this target was never met and by January 2021 the strength of the Army was just 76,300 trained troops. Two months later, the Ministry of Defence announced, to widespread dismay, that the Army would be scaled back to 72,500 by 2025 as a cost-saving measure. Despite the requirement for fewer soldiers, the Army has repeatedly missed recruitment targets while increasing numbers of trained troops cut short their military careers over issues such as low pay and poor housing. Earlier this year, it emerged the Army lost a staggering 70 per cent of its potential recruits due to delays in the recruitment process. While eager candidates were also rejected over obscure and often irrelevant medical issues. Today's Army is the smallest since the Napoleonic era. The figure set against a backdrop of conflict in Europe and the Middle East represents a loss of 5,000 troops in two years and 10,000 in five years Recruits undergo training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines on December in Lympstone The least popular employer overall were fast food companies such as KFC and McDonalds, with many respondents not keen to get in the kitchen any time soon (file image) Whilst the survey revealed young people did not deem a career in the Army as desirable also concluded they preferred working for the private sector. Among the 20 least popular jobs were the police force, the fire and rescue service, the coastguard and UK schools, whilst private brands such as BMW and Netflix were deemed more attractive. Research also found that over half of Gen Z-ers put salary and benefits as well as financial stability over being passionate about their job role. Their salary expectations were found to be far higher than the UK average, with many hoping to earn 55,510 by 30 and 87,054 by 50. The average UK salary for 22-to-29-years-old stands at 30,340, with 49-year-olds taking home an annual salary of 40,040, the ONS reports. Clarissa Muzariri, 18, from London told the Telegraph: 'Let's face it, passion doesn't pay the bills, and with costs continuing to rise, we want careers that help us achieve the lifestyle we want. 'Big tech companies not only pay well, but they are also places that can give people exciting careers. She added: 'If companies don't listen to what young people want, they are going to struggle to attract and hold on to young talent.' Marco Logiudice, co-founder at Prograd, said: 'Gen Z want high salaries, career progression, job security and positive work environments. 'Companies that don't adapt to the needs of this generation risk missing out on the talent that will shape the future success.' MOST POPULAR EMPLOYERS AMONG GEN Z MIcrosoft Google Apple Rolls-Royce BMW Mercedes McLaren YouTube Netflix Samsung Advertisement A beagle suffered a shattered jaw after a mystery shooter opened fire on its own yard in front of his terrified owner who also was hit. The unidentified sniper sprayed a series of bullets toward Copper and pet parent Tiffany Noel at her Lancaster County property in South Carolina on October 20. Tiffany had let Copper outside around 10pm as a part of his nightly routine, but the situation took a dreadful turn when Tiffany heard Copper howling in agony from her doorbell camera. As she rushed outside to check on him, she jumped back and screamed as a bullet grazed against her arm. She then grabbed her beloved beagle and ran back inside to call 911 as more gunshots were fired. 'All of a sudden I hear a ton of loud noise,' Tiffany recalled to WSOC-TV. 'So, I ran. I was like, "My dog has got to be scared to death." I ran to the door and opened it, and hes like screaming.' Tiffany Noel's arm was grazed by a bullet when she went outside to save Copper Copper the beagle was shot through his mouth on October 20 by an unknown gunman 'You cant expect these kinds of things. No one can prepare for that,' Tiffany told WSOC-TV. Tiffany said she was alright after being shot at, but the right side of Copper's jaw was completely shattered. Shots also struck Tiffany's car and home, leaving bullet holes. Tiffany's friend Kara Kline wrote in a GoFundMe post: 'Copper lost a lot of blood but was rushed to the emergency vet, where he was sedated. 'They found that the bullet had gone into his upper right lip his teeth proximal to his first molar were all knocked out, the bullet punctured his tongue, exited the left side of his neck, and his jaw was fractured.' 'When he opens his mouth, you can hear the bones kind of rattling around in there,' Tiffany said to WSCO-TV. Tiffany jumped back in pain and fear why she was shot at while trying to get Copper, who was losing a lot of blood Copper's teeth were knocked out, his tongue was punctured and his jaw was shattered by the bullet Tiffany said her dog had been 'scared to death' when she responded to his howls Metal pins were placed inside Copper's mouth to stabilize his jaw and his tongue needed stitches, costing Tiffany over $3,000 for his care. Now, the vocal and energetic dog must wear a cone and muzzle while recovering from his excruciating injuries. According to the GoFundMe, Copper's recovery should take about two months. For the shell-shocked owner, not only has the shooting's aftermath been 'a lot' financially, but she feels frightened and 'traumatized' inside her own home. The Lancaster Police Department is still looking for the shooter and investigating the incident. Copper's medical expenses have piled up to about $3,000 after he needed stitches and pins put in his jaw They have speculated this event may be connected to gang violence in the neighborhood, WSOC-TV reported. Before the gunshots, Tiffany said she heard people arguing from far away. Authorities have offered $20,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest. Copper's shooting came just about a month after a Kentucky cat ended up dead after a disgruntled neighbor shot him for leaving pawprints on his vehicles. Georgetown resident Christopher Jones, 54, fired his gun at Kristin Bradenburg's cat named Gray Baby on September 22 for being on his property and climbing on his cars. The person who shot Copper has not been identified and police are still investigating the incident The heartbroken owner rushed took Gray Baby to the vet, but it was too late. There was nothing to be done except to euthanize him. Police showed up to Jones' house to interrogate him about the incident on the next day. He admitted to shooting Gray Baby and he claimed the cat was on his property, being a 'nuisance,' according to court documents. A desperate farmer spent his final hours writing down his thoughts on how to protect the future of his business from the government's inheritance tax raid before taking his own life, it can be revealed. John Charlesworth's son found a handwritten note where the Yorkshire farmer had jotted down his ideas for how best to leave the farm to his children. The musings, left on a clipboard immediately beneath a suicide note, included questions for the family's solicitor covering costs, capital gains tax, protected agricultural exemptions and what gifted assets could be sheltered from inheritance tax under the seven-year rule. On the budget, Mr Charlesworth, 78, wrote: 'Is it possible to execute before law changes', and wondered 'how long' it would take for the policy to charge inheritance tax on farms worth over 1million to be implemented. Son Jonathan - who found his father hanged in a barn on the morning of Tuesday, October 29, the day before Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed the scrapping of inheritance tax relief for most farmers - said: 'The suicide note was on top of the clipboard and this was underneath it. John Charlesworth, 78, (pictured) was found dead the day before Rachel Reeves broke an election pledge John Charlesworth's son found a handwritten note where the Yorkshire farmer had jotted down his ideas for how best to leave the farm to his children The grandfather-of-six (pictured) ran a 70-acre farm on the outskirts of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which had been in his family since the 1950s Mr Charlesworth jr has been running the farm himself in recent years after his father (pictured) devoted himself to caring for his dementia-stricken wife, Carolyn, 73 Mr Charlesworth jr (pictured), who now looks after the 70-acre farm of sheep and cattle at Silkstone, in the Pennine foothills, himself Mr Charlesworth Jr said Prime Minister Keir Starmer has 'blood on his hands' over his father's death 'That's what he was working on before he went and did it. It's fairly obvious what was on his mind. 'He was very methodical, my dad. The police have taken the suicide note and I tried to give the note about inheritance to them as well. It's got his workings out, how to save the farm from potential inheritance tax.' Yesterday, an inquest was briefly opened and adjourned at Sheffield Coroner's Court into Mr Charlesworth's death at the farm in Silkstone, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Mr Charlesworth Jr, 46, said his father wrote in the suicide note that he had 'left some beers in the fridge' for his son, adding: 'I appreciate all the help and support you've given me.' Further lines were written to his daughter, who is not involved in the farm, which has been in the family since 1957. Although Mr Charlesworth SR, was sole carer for his dementia-stricken wife Carolyn, 73, his son said he was 'talking more about inheritance tax lately than about caring for his wife'. Mrs Charlesworth has had to be placed in a care home. Mr Charlesworth Jr revealed he found his father after receiving a call from a family friend who had been unable to get hold of the pensioner on the phone. He said his 'first thoughts' were shielding his youngest children - a son aged seven and daughter, nine, who live with him - from the tragedy, so called their mother to take them to her house before emergency services arrived. Father-of-four Mr Charlesworth Jr, who keeps 40 cattle and 120 sheep, said he still hopes to be able to leave the 70-acre farm to his children one day, with his youngest son particularly interested. Ms Reeves has defended her tax raid on farmers part of 40bn of new taxes announced in the budget Paying tribute to his 'no-nonsense' father, Mr Charlesworth jr added: 'He was the most kind-hearted person you'd ever meet, my Dad' News of the farmer's death comes as farmers' representatives and MPs warned of the potential mental health consequences of the tax change. (Jonathan Charlesworth on the farm in Silkstone) 'Even his teachers say all he ever talks about is farming and tractors. He's like I was at that age,' he said. Although the farm, which also includes a small camp site and shepherds' huts, is worth approximately 2million on paper, Mr Charlesworth Jr's income last year was under 15,000, equivalent to an hourly rate less than half the minimum wage. He added: 'I put in up to 60 hours a week, so that works out at less than 5 an hour and I only had four to five nights away with my partner. 'I haven't had a week's holiday for 13 years yet the government is asking farmers to fund the pay rises of train drivers, nurses and doctors and everyone else.' 'The most I've ever made was 30,000 a year, when my dad was running the farm and I had another job.' Mr Charlesworth Jr told how he has been left 'numb' and 'exhausted' by the tragedy. Earlier this week, he said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has 'blood on his hands' over his father's death. Calling on the government to rethink scrapping of inheritance tax relief for farms worth over 1million which campaigners say will lead to the break-up of family farms to pay death duties - he added: 'Rachel Reeves's husband Nicholas Joicey is Second Permanent Secretary at the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs. 'She should have better knowledge of what will happen as a result of this policy.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit thecalmzone.net/get-support Labour's Sarah Jones felt the pressure as a Question Time audience member bluntly told her the Budget had 'screwed a lot of people over'. The Minister of State for Industry was grilled on last night's showing as one member of the public asked when working people would feel the benefits of the Budget. 'Quite frankly, you've screwed a lot of people over: pensioners, farmers... and it's alright saying "make an unpopular decision now"... but when are we going to feel the benefits because what we don't want is another return to austerity,' he asked. Ms Jones insisted 'there will be no return to austerity' before blaming the last government for inherited finance problems and responding that measures to raise the living wage would immediately help the worst off. The Chancellor's monumental October Budget has proven divisive over its tax grab on employers and inheritance, with tens of millions to be set aside for public spending to 'rebuild' Britain. The guest blasted the last government but said Labour's Budget 'screwed a lot of people over' Sarah Jones insisted Labour would not return to austerity and some would feel change now 'But when are we going to feel the benefits?' the audience member asked the minister The audience member began by acknowledging 'I accept we have had 14 years of sheer incompetence which needs to be fixed' under the last government, receiving a round of applause. He then continued 'but surely better decisions could have been made' before listing some of the demographics hit hard by the Budget. 'Many Labour voters will go against you,' he began, before being cut off. He then added: 'It's all right saying, "Make an unpopular decision now". Many governments when they come into government make an unpopular Budget. But when are we going to feel...' Ms Jones finished the sentence: 'The benefits, yep.' She assured him a return to austerity was 'not the plan in the Budget and that is not the long term plan'. Ms Jones told the audience: 'The second thing I want to say is, I came in as a minister in the Department of Business and Trade. 'It's where the money for the Horizon Scandal was supposed to be. It wasn't there. 'It's where the money for the advanced manufacturing fund: 4.5bn, important to this region... There was no money for that. 'The scale of the problem was significant.' Answering the guest's question, she added: 'First, people on the lowest income will get a benefit now because we have increased the living wage to a point where three million people will get a pay rise that will be significant and will make a difference.' Fiona Bruce hosted the hour of live debate from Hartlepool, where Croydon West MP Ms Jones was joined by Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, as well as political pundit Tim Montgomerie and writer Bonnie Greer. The panel also spoke on the election of Donald Trump, prospects for the war in Ukraine and Labour's increase to tuition fees, as well as the effects of the Budget. Ms Jones cited the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast that by the end of the parliament 'there will be growth and people will be getting better off', adding: 'We want to beat that. 'But I understand where you're coming from. As someone who voted Labour, it's my job to persuade you that you're better off...' Ms Greer, Chancellor of Kingston University, jibed: 'He's got to feel that he's better off - not persuade him!' Labour's first Budget saw huge changes to tax that it said would raise an additional 36.2bn, or just over one per cent of GDP. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, this would result in a rise in taxation as a share of GDP, the second largest of any post-war fiscal event by the end of the decade. Rachel Reeves delivers her Autumn budget statement in the Commons on October 30 Labour promised going into the election that it would not raise tax on what it called 'working people' if it won. But the government was challenged on its definition ahead of the Budget - and after, as employers and farmers felt significant hikes. The rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions will rise by 1.2 percentage points to 15 per cent from April 6, 2025. Experts warn this could be felt by employees, though, as pressure on finances slows wage growth - a key issue for many young people trying to keep up with rising house prices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves urged firms to accept reduced profits rather than squeezing staff wages. The Chancellor has since conceded that workers would be hit by the knock-on impact of her Budget, which will raise taxes by 40 billion a year. She insisted: 'I said that it will have consequences. It will mean businesses will have to absorb some of this through profits and it is likely to mean that wage increases might be slightly less than they otherwise would have been.' Farmers also worry they may be put out of business by changes to inheritance tax. Under the reforms, the tax will be levied at an effective rate of 20 per cent on the value of business and agricultural assets over 1million - axing a previous exemption. Outraged farmers have called the move 'bonkers' and warning that unaffordable tax bills faced by the inheritors of family farms will lead to them going under. Farmers have also contested the claim that it will only affect 'super-wealthy' land owners. Emma Gray, a shepherdess from Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland, declared the policy 'a disgusting land grab'. 'A lot of family farms are going to go under when they have to pay the death duties,' she said in a TikTok video. 'And you might think a farm being worth 2million sounds like a lot of money, but a lot of the time the person who has the farm has already been paying out siblings who also have a stake in the farm. 'So they spend their whole life paying it off and are ready to pass it on to the next generation - but now they're going to be hit with inheritance tax, which is going to make the whole thing completely unaffordable. Builders, electricians and farmers in Britain are also set to be hit by a new stealth tax buried in the Budget. A new rule set to be introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will classify double-cat pickups - often used by builders, electricians and farmers - as company cars for tax purposes. Farmers protest outside the Northern Farming Conference in Hexham, Northumberland Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the country had 'voted for change' and vowed to 'invest' as she mounted one of the biggest raids in history in the Commons The new rule will start from April 2025, the Sun reports. Currently cab pick-ups are treated as good vehicles and which means they are treated as essential tools of the trade allowing for certain tax benefits. But under the new rule, they will be categorised as company cars which will come with higher tax implications. This change will increase the tax burden on a typical-cab pick up by as much as 211 per year, according to analysis by the Countryside Alliance. A Nissan Navara Tekna, commonly used by workers, which costs around 33,265, and emits 167g/km of CO2, would see its benefits in kind (BIK) tax rise dramaticallyfrom 3,960 to 12,308. A sailor who sparked a huge search after vanishing off the coast of Wales has broken his silence after finally washing up days later and 60 miles from where he started. Chris Ellery, 54, failed to return from a solo boating trip in Pembrokeshire, West Wales last week, leading to a desperate search along the coastline. The wildlife photographer, a father, was left 'tired but OK' after winding up on the other side of the channel in Ireland two days after his engine failed. After notifying the police, even Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris posted on social media welcoming him to his constituency. 'This is a remarkable story of survival. Welcome to Wicklow Chris Ellery! Im sure your family and the Welsh emergency services are unbelievably relieved,' he wrote. Chris, from Bristol, has now thanked rescuers after police, coastguards and the RNLI all sent teams to scour the seas looking for him. He explained how he arrived 'on the shores of Kilmichael Point, a beautiful remote part of Ireland' before being helped by a local. Chris from Bristol was on a solo boat trip to take photos when his engine failed Chris set off from Fishguard harbour in Wales... and arrived in Co Wicklow two days later Chris' boat landed on the shores of Kilmichael Point two days after he became stranded Chris had set off from Fishguard harbour on Wednesday to take pictures of wildlife and the sunset. But when he failed to return home, coastguard rescue teams scrambled to scour the coastline for signs of life. Three aircraft, three coastguard rescue teams and five RNLI lifeboats joined the search over the two days. Chris' daughter meanwhile took to social media to organise a campaign to help bring him home. His belongings were later found in a cove accessible by boat, the Times reports. And an AirTag tracking device showed he was still out at sea, his daughter, Kenzie, told the outlet. But Chris was already floating out West, towards Kilmichael Point in Ireland. The search was finally called off on November 2 when Chris arrived at the local police station in Co Wicklow, south of Dublin. 'While walking to a local garda police station, a kind soul called Shay pulled up in his car and asked if I would like a lift, telling me the nearest station was 26km away but was happy to take me to the station in Baltinglass,' he recounted. 'Shay then told me he is currently not working, made his stopping more special, someone with little money would give his last penny to help a stranger. 'Walked into Baltinglass garda station on Saturday, told them my story who instantly offered there help and support and contacted my wife and UK police, to hear Jess and daughters voice for first time - very emotional.' Chris said he was then taken to a local B&B and pub where the owner introduced him 'to his selection of fine ciders'. He said the man told 'all the pub regulars "this is Chris Ellery"'. They laughed about his story, he said, as he explained how he had been washed out to sea after setting off on Wednesday to take photos. Kenzie took to social media to thank followers for their help and confirm her father was safe. 'MY DAD IS ALIVE HE HAS BEEN FOUND IN IRELAND' she wrote in a post widely shared, with 3,400 likes. 'I just want to say thank you for all the amazing support from everyone,' she later added. 'The details are still vague but we will be able to answer questions in time, the important part is dad is alive, safe and well!' A Coastguard spokesman said Chris set off for his trip on Thursday expecting to return the following day but his three metre black inflatable boat had engine trouble. 'He broke down, but managed to get it going again,' the spokesman said. 'But his phone had also stopped working. 'He came ashore in County Wicklow and made his way to a local police station. They contacted Dyfed-Powys Police.' Three aircraft, three coastguard rescue teams and five RNLI lifeboats joined the search Rescue teams carry out their searches along the Pembrokeshire coastline His belongings were later found in a cove accessible by boat Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed Chris to Ireland after he checked himself in with police He ended up in another country after drifting across St George's Channel Chris took the opportunity to thank all the people who turned out to look for him. 'I'm safe and sound back in the UK,' he said. 'I would like to express a massive thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support that kept my family and friends going during these last few difficult days. 'A special thank you to all the hundreds of voluntary individuals from the RNLI and HM Coastguard that helped in the search along the Pembrokeshire coastline.' QUESTION: What became of Roald Dahls friend David Coke? David Arthur Coke (pronounced Cook) was a British aristocrat and Second World War pilot who fought with Dahl in Greece. He was killed in action in North Africa, just five days after his 26th birthday. Coke was born on December 4, 1915, in London. He was the second son of Thomas Coke, fourth Earl of Leicester, who had served in the Scots Guards in the Boer War and the First World War. The family seat was Holkham Hall, in Norfolk. Educated at Eton and Trinity College Cambridge, Coke learnt to fly with the university air squadron and was commissioned in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in June 1939. David Arthur Coke (pronounced Cook) was a British aristocrat and Second World War pilot who fought with Roald Dahl in Greece Roald Dahl during his time with the RAF. Dahls career as a fighter pilot was cut short in June 1941 when the injuries he had sustained to his skull following a crash the previous year began to give him severe headaches Called up on September 1, 1939, Coke was posted to 257 Squadron at Hendon and fought in the Battle of Britain. By 1941, he was serving with 33 Squadron in Greece. In April 1941, Dahl (1916-1990), a young Hurricane pilot, joined the squadron. Morale was low, as the Germans had teamed up with the Italians in the Greek fray and the Luftwaffe had a massive advantage. Consequently, Dahl found most of his fellow squad members taciturn and fatalistic. However, the affable Coke took Dahl under his wing and advised him on how to deal with the German Junkers bombers. As Dahl stated in his memoir Going Solo: The way David Coke had treated me was exceptional, but then he was an exceptional person. The squadron subsequently took part in the Battle of Athens where the small band of Hurricanes harried the Luftwaffe, who had more than 100 planes in the air there. Of the 15 RAF pilots who took to the sky over Athens on April 20, 1941, four were killed, including Squadron Leader and ace Pat Pattle. It made only a slight dent in the German advance and Greece fell mere days later, on April 27. As Dahl stated in his memoir Going Solo: The way David Coke had treated me was exceptional, but then he was an exceptional person Dahls career as a fighter pilot was cut short in June 1941 when the injuries he had sustained to his skull following a crash the previous year began to give him severe headaches, even causing him to black out. He was invalided back to Britain. Coke was killed in action on December 9, 1941. He is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, in present-day Libya. Colin Young, Clitheroe, Lancs QUESTION: When and how was France split into communes? France was split into communes following the French Revolution of 1789, which aimed to end the countrys ancien regime. From medieval times until the French Revolution, France was administered by a feudal system in which the Third Estate which was made up of many types of people, including peasants, lawyers, labourers and land workers paid taxes, from which the First Estate (clergy) and Second Estate (nobility) were mainly exempt. The National Constituent Assembly introduced the concept of communes. This reorganisation allowed for direct representation and local governance while supporting revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity. Execution by Guillotine in Paris during the French Revolution. France was split into communes following the French Revolution of 1789, which aimed to end the countrys ancien regime The word commune was derived from the Latin communis, things held in common.Communes gave ordinary citizens a representative role in public administration. Tomorrow's questions Q:Were the ruins of ancient monuments used to build Egypts Port Said? Sue Craig, Richmond, Surrey Q: What became of the robots in the Mash Get Smash TV ad? Nick Fletcher, Malton, North Yorkshire Q: Which political figure has had the most statues created in their honour? Catherine Brown,Shaftesbury, Dorset Advertisement Each commune was granted a local council and an elected mayor to oversee daily matters. More than 40,000 communes, varying greatly in population and resources, from major cities to rural villages, were created. There have been rationalisations over the years but there remain around 35,000 communes in France today. Mr P. L. Connors, Lincoln QUESTION: How does virtual reality trick our brains? Virtual reality (VR) immerses users in computer-generated environments that feel real by mimicking sensory experiences. Visually, VR systems present slightly different images to each eye, creating a sense of depth, which tricks our brains into perceiving 3D space, a phenomenon similar to how our eyes naturally work. In VR, motion tracking synchronises the users real movements with the virtual environment, convincing the brain that the virtual space is real. It also employs spatial audio, where sound appears to originate from specific locations in the virtual space. Virtual reality (VR) immerses users in computer-generated environments that feel real by mimicking sensory experiences This taps into the brains natural way of perceiving sound direction and distance, enhancing immersion. These sensory tricks work because the brain processes VR input almost identically to real-world stimuli. While VR doesnt provide full physical sensations, the brain fills in the gaps based on visual and auditory cues, leading to a sense of presence. This cognitive illusion is so effective that VR can trigger emotional and physiological responses as if users were experiencing real events. Rebecca Blakeman, Birmingham Thousands of British troops could lead a multi-national military force in Ukraine as part of controversial plans to end the conflict with Russia. The shock proposal emerged last night as Vladimir Putin in his first remarks since Donald Trump's election victory dismissed Nato as 'a blatant anachronism'. Under a peace bid being considered by Mr Trump's security advisers, UK and other European troops would enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. Yesterday President Zelensky met European leaders in Budapest at a summit of the European Political Community, where he warned offering concessions to Russia would be 'suicidal' for Europe. No United States troops would be sent to the warzone and it would be for Britain and other states to pick up the tab. Thousands of British troops could lead a multi-national military force in Ukraine as part of controversial plans. (British special forces soldiers with weapon take part in military maneuver) Under a peace bid being considered by Mr Trump's security advisers, UK and other European troops would enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. (Donald Trump pictured with Vladimir Putin in 2018) Last night, senior UK security sources reacted furiously to Mr Trump's move, insisting it favoured Russia and condemned Ukraine to a carve-up of its territory (stock photo) Yesterday President Zelensky (pictured) met European leaders in Budapest at a summit of the European Political Community The plan, first reported in the Wall Street Journal, matches the isolationist rhetoric of Mr Trump's presidential bid. On the campaign trail Mr Trump criticised the scale of US support for Ukraine a commitment of $175 billion and boasted he could broker a deal to end the conflict. Last night, senior UK security sources reacted furiously to Mr Trump's move, insisting it favoured Russia and condemned Ukraine to a carve-up of its territory. Speaking at a security conference in Sochi, Putin seized upon the vulnerability of Nato under a Trump presidency by mocking the organisation's reliance on the US. He claimed that without US leadership Nato would no longer be able to dominate its 'zone of influence'. Putin's assessment is supported by official Nato figures which reveal the US currently spends twice as much on defence as all other members of the alliance combined. Mr Trump's 'America First' strategy includes withdrawing from Europe's security apparatus. Such a scenario and Putin's possible response to it arguably represents the most significant threat to Nato since its inception following World War Two. Setting out his country's foreign policy agenda, Putin added that Nato was subject to 'the diktat of the older brother', meaning the US. He then compared this imbalance to the supposed equality of the BRICS group of countries an intergovernmental organisation led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Reacting to the Trump peace plan for Ukraine, former British Army commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said: 'This would be a capitulation to Putin rewarding him for his war crimes. 'As British troops act as peacekeepers in what is currently Russian-held territory in eastern Ukraine, I fear Putin will re-arm and plan an assault on the Baltic states. The plan, as outlined, favours Russia and is exactly what the Kremlin wants to hear.' Former UK military intelligence officer Philip Ingram added: 'Any forced peace that would give Russia a veneer of winning territory would potentially stimulate World War Three.' Sir Keir Starmer last night denied he was too left-wing to get on with Donald Trump as the Government faced more embarrassment over Labour MPs' previous comments about the returning President. The Prime Minister insisted they had a positive phone call after this week's election and that the special relationship between the UK and US is more important than ever. He was asked by reporters at the European Political Community summit in Hungary yesterday about claims that Mr Trump had privately described him as 'very left-wing', suggesting relations between the administrations would be strained. Sir Keir replied: 'I had a very good meeting with President Elect Trump a few weeks ago when we had dinner in New York. It was very positive and constructive, as was the phone call we had last night. 'As I've said many, many times, the special relationship was forged in very difficult circumstances historically. In our joint view, it's more important today than it's ever been.' Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) last night denied he was too left-wing to get on with Donald Trump The Prime Minister insisted he and Donald Trump (pictured) had a positive phone call after this week's election In another attempt to build bridges, his deputy Angela Rayner spoke to incoming Vice President JD Vance - after it emerged she once described Mr Trump as an 'absolute buffoon' who has 'no place in the White House'. Newly unearthed footage shows that during the pandemic, she told ITV: 'He's an absolute buffoon. He has no place in the White House. He's an embarrassment and he should be ashamed of himself, especially when thousands of Americans have died.' Last night Ms Rayner wrote on Twitter/X: 'Good to speak to US Vice President-elect JD Vance as UK Deputy Prime Minister. We spoke about our plans for the future and how, working together, we build on the special relationship between our great countries.' Earlier a Cabinet minister repeatedly refused to say if he thought Mr Trump had Nazi sympathies. Pat McFadden dodged the question three times and insisted that insults levelled at Mr Trump by senior Labour figures would not derail the special relationship between the UK and the US. A number of Labour MPs now in Government hurled insults at Mr Trump during his first term in office, including David Lammy - now Foreign Secretary - who once wrote online: 'He is a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser.' Yesterday, Cabinet Office minister Mr McFadden was reminded of his colleague's remarks and asked how it would affect the relationship between the UK and US but claimed: 'I think we'll get on well actually.' He denied that Mr Trump would bear a grudge against Mr Lammy, telling LBC that even some of his closest allies such as running mate JD Vance and tech tycoon Elon Musk had been highly critical of him in the past. A number of Labour MPs now in Government hurled insults at Mr Trump during his first term in office, including David Lammy (pictured) - now Foreign Secretary The Prime Minister said that the special relationship between the UK and US is more important than ever 'He is capable of looking past these things. And I think there's a bigger point that we can miss in reading this these things out, which is that the alliance and the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom is really deep and enduring.' Asked if he thought Mr Trump has KKK sympathies or Nazi sympathies, the minister refused to answer directly. He said instead: 'What I think is important is this friendship between the two countries. I congratulate him on his win and we look forward to working with him.' In a separate interview with GB News he said the 'friendship and the alliance between the United States and the UK is really deep and long-lasting' and is 'far more important than tweets on either side of the pond'. Police responded to a concern for welfare A woman has drowned at a popular beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Police and paramedics rushed to Shelly Beach in Manly at about 10am on Friday following reports of a concern for welfare. Despite frantic efforts to revive the 63-year-old woman, she died at the scene. 'On arrival officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were told a 63-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the water,' police said. A report will be prepared for the Coroner and inquires will continue. Shelly beach is popular with tourists and locals alike for swimming and snorkelling. Dozens of families across Sydney have woken up to a disturbing note hand-delivered to their homes. The unnerving note, which was left in letterboxes in Western Sydney throughout the week, urged residents not to travel to the city. 'Warning, 8th Nov 24. Stay out of the Sydney CBD. Stay safe, stay home,' it reads. Many residents have expressed their concerns on community groups after receiving the letter, with many taking it seriously, and spreading the news on social media. 'I got this in my letterbox. Has anyone else? Does anyone know what it's about,' one terrified mother asked. 'I don't know where it came from, but I will be staying at home with my kiddies regardless and thought I would share with my fellow mums because whatever this is we need to protect our babies.' In response to the panic, NSW Police have reassured Australians not to take the threats seriously. 'Police are aware of the social media posts and the material being publicly distributed. 'There is no credible information to substantiate these claims, and the information has been assessed as baseless and without merit.' Dozens of families across Sydney have woken up to a disturbing note hand-delivered to their homes An airplane's engine 'exploded' shortly after takeoff at Sydney Airport forcing an emergency landing and possibly sparking a massive grassfire. It's understood Qantas flight QF520 had just taken off from Sydney to Brisbane shortly before 1pm when one of the engines failed and passengers heard a loud 'bang'. The plane was forced to circle Botany Bay before making an emergency landing with all 174 passengers disembarking safely. Around the same time, a huge grass fire started near the airport's third runway in the vicinity of Sir Joseph Banks Park. It is not known whether the two incidents are linked. Huge clouds of smoke could be seen billowing above the airport as NSW Fire Service crews fought to get the blaze under control. All flights in and out of the airport have reportedly been halted while fire crews battle the blaze. Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said the plane suffered a 'suspected engine failure after take-off'. 'Our pilots are highly trained to handle situations like this and the aircraft landed safely after the appropriate procedures were conducted,' Mr Tobiano added. It's understood Qantas flight QF520 had just taken off from Sydney to Brisbane shortly before 1pm when one of the engines failed and passengers heard a loud 'bang' The plane was forced to circle Botany Bay before making an emergency landing with all 174 passengers disembarking safely Around the same time, a huge grass fire started near the airport's third runway. It is not known whether the two incidents are linked 'We understand this would have been a distressing experience for customers and we will be contacting all customers this afternoon to provide support.' The airline has launched an investigation into what caused the incident. A Sydney Airport spokesperson said their 'priority is to conduct a full inspection of its parallel runway and to return it to service as quickly as possible'. 'Sydney Airports main runway is operational, however, passengers should also expect some delays and we thank everyone for their patience,' they added. Georgina Lewis, a producer for the Today Show, was one of the passengers on board the flight. 'We had just taken off when we heard a bang. One of the engines appeared to have failed,' she told Channel 9. 'There was silence on board and for a while it felt like we werent gaining much altitude. 'There were some worried looks throughout the cabin. 'About ten minutes later, the pilot came on to reassure us about safety, explaining that theyd had an issue with the right engine on takeoff and had to shut it down for safety reasons. 'I assume they then needed to notify everyone on the ground. 'So, we circled south of Sydney over the water for quite some time until we were finally able to land safely on one enginethere was a lot of cheering on board, I can tell you that. 'Ill be honestI have a fear of flying, so this was not my happiest moment in the air when I heard that loud bang. It's understood Qantas flight QF520 had just taken off from Sydney to Brisbane when the fire erupted Huge clouds of smoke could be seen billowing above the airport as NSW Fire Service crews fought to get the blaze under control 'But Im just so grateful were back on land. Kudos to Qantas for their handling of the situation.' A Sydney Airport spokesperson said the Brisbane-bound flight was forced to make 'an emergency-return to Sydney Airport, landing safely just after 1pm'. 'This departure of aircraft coincided with a grass fire along the eastern side of the airports parallel runway, which was brought under control by teams from the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service,' they added. 'Its not clear at this stage if the two incidents are linked and investigations are continuing.' The spokesperson said passengers should expect delays while they ensure the runway is safe to resume flights. It comes as the airport, and others across the country, were ground to a halt on Friday by a national tech outage. The Iowa pollster who made a wildly inaccurate prediction that Kamala Harris would win in the deep-red state now claims her mistake may have actually helped Donald Trump. J. Ann Selzer - previously renowned for her predictions in The Hawkeye State - admitted her research was completely wrong and might have even emboldened MAGA nation. 'I told more than one news outlet that the findings from this last poll could actually energize and activate Republican voters who thought they would likely coast to victory,' she wrote Thursday. 'Maybe that's what happened.' Selzer added she was 'thinking about how we got where we are.' The bombshell admission comes as election returns continue to show good news for Trump, as Arizona and Nevada are expected to put him over 300 electoral votes with Republicans favored to keep hold of the House of Representatives. J. Ann Selzer, the previously respected Iowa pollster who completely flopped on her prediction that Kamala Harris would win the deep red state, admits she may have helped Donald Trump win Your browser does not support iframes. Selzer, a famed pollster known for her accurate predictions in Iowa, admitted her research was completely wrong on Iowa. Furthermore, she believes posting a survey that had Harris leading Trump by three in a state Democrats hadn't won since 2008 may have stirred MAGA nation Selzer's survey had Harris leading Trump by three in a state Democrats hadn't won since former President Obama's first victory in 2008. 'My philosophy in public opinion research is to take my best shot at revealing the truth of a future event, in this case Election Day,' she wrote. 'Without fear or favor, we used the same method as the final poll this year to show a healthy Trump lead in both 2020 and 2016. Those turned out to capture the mood of the electorate reasonably well, though both took fire from Iowans who doubted the findings could be true.' She continued an attempt to defend her methodology, which came as a complete shock to voters the weekend prior to the election. 'The poll findings we produced for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom did not match what the Iowa electorate ultimately decided in the voting booth today,' she said. 'I'll be reviewing data from multiple sources with hopes of learning why that happened, and I welcome what that process might teach me.' Selzer's poll for the Register and Mediacom days before the election predicted Harris would win by +3 percentage points. But Donald Trump went on to trounce the vice president by over +13 points in the Hawkeye State. Selzer's poll in the days before the election were an uncharacteristic mistake for the longtime pollster, and it gave many liberals false hope that Harris was performing better than expected. They credited it to fury among Iowa women both liberal and conservative over the state's abortion crackdown. Selzer, who had accurately predicted Iowa's election results since 2008, forecast that Kamala Harris would win Iowa by +3 points. She went on to lose the state by over +13 points Trump easily won the state of Iowa as he cruised to victory in the presidential race on Tuesday night, also winning every one of the seven swing states and the national popular vote Iowa has become a Republican-leaning state, with Trump winning the state by +9 percent over Joe Biden in 2020 and +10 percent over Hillary Clinton in 2016. However, the state has not always been reliably red, and swung for Barack Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 elections by +9 percent and +6 percent, respectively. Selzer - who was mercilessly mocked after Iowa went to Trump - had accurately predicted each of these outcomes going back to 2008, giving her a Nostradamus-like reputation that drew eyeballs to her incorrect Harris poll last week. The humiliation also led Register executive editor Carol Hunter to issue a statement to readers explaining why they published the poll. 'The Des Moines Register is closely reviewing the disparity between the results of the final Iowa Poll and the election results,' Hunter said in a statement. 'Throughout its 81 years, the mission of the Iowa Poll has been to reflect the unvarnished opinions of Iowans, without pressure or interpretation from politicians, media or others. 'With rare exceptions, the final Iowa Poll before elections has tracked closely with the actual vote. 'Register editors will work closely with pollster J. Ann Selzer to review all methodologies and other factors that may have impacted the difference. Donald Trump easily won Iowa in Tuesday's presidential election just as he did in 2016 and 2020 Sen. Marco Rubio tore into the Des Moines Register poll that came out days before the presidential election and showed Trump losing to Vice President Kamala Harris 'The Iowa Poll has measured opinions of Iowans on everything from farm policy to traffic cameras to the quality of mental health services in the state. We want to ensure it accurately reflects the sentiments of Iowans moving forward.' Trump spent his Thursday beginning to put together a team for his second term, with campaign co-chair Susie Wiles named White House Chief of Staff. Two Senate races remain uncalled, with Democrats hanging on to leads in Arizona and Nevada, which would leave the Republicans at a 52-48 seat majority, a gain of three seats. Democrat Ruben Gallego leads Trump ally Kari Lake in Arizona by two points, with 76% of the vote in to take Kyrsten Sinema's seat. In Nevada, incumbent Jacky Rosen leads Republican Sam Brown by a little over a point with 91% of the votes in, with Nevada polling expert Jon Ralston declaring it 'game over' for Brown. House of Representatives results continue to move slowly, with Republicans at 211 seats, seven shy of retaining their majority. The Democrats have won 195 seats and lead in 14 of the uncalled races, which would top them out at 209, a loss of four seats from their minority position in 2022. Lakshya Jain, a polls analyst for Split Ticket, gave Democrats a no more than 15% chance of late voting tallies providing them with the comebacks necessary to win a shock majority. Donald Trump will return to the White House carrying a long list of vendettas and the president-elect has vowed to clean house. Since leaving the presidency after his first term in office, Trump has called for his political opponents to be fired, prosecuted and jailed. But now, with a renewed mandate to lead the nation, Trump is in a prime position to dole out that punishment and exact revenge on those he believes have wronged him. Here, DailyMail.com explores several individuals that Trump has had long-standing run-ins with who should probably have the most to fear. From his first term in office he has made remarks in person and on social media in which he called for his political opponents to be prosecuted, jailed or even killed Trump attends his campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S., November 5, 2024 Trump has frequently branded President Biden as 'corrupt,' 'crooked' and the 'worst president in history'. In June, Trump called for the 81-year-old Biden to be 'arrested for treason' in a message reposted to his Truth Social platform. Before being arraigned last year for mishandling federal classified documents, Trump promised to appoint 'special prosecutor' to go after Biden. 'I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the USA, Joe Biden,' Trump posted in an all-caps tirade. 'The entire Biden crime family, and all others involved with the destruction of our elections, borders and country itself.' Trump has also escalated his personal attacks on election rival Vice President Kamala Harris, declaring she should be 'impeached and prosecuted'. At a rally, Trump also branded Harris 'mentally impaired' and blamed her for what he described as an 'invasion' of migrants crossing the southern border. He explained his rationale to the crowd in Erie, Pennsylvania: 'Crooked Joe Biden became mentally impaired. 'Sad. But lying Kamala Harris, honestly, I believe she was born that way. There's something wrong with Kamala,' he explained. 'I just don't know what it is but there is definitely something missing. And you know what, everybody knows it.' Trump had frequently branded the current commander-in-chief President Biden as being 'crooked' He has also escalated his personal attacks on rival Vice President Kamala Harris , telling a rally in September she should be 'impeached and prosecuted' Trump claimed he was 'entitled' to personally attack Harris because she had 'weaponized the justice system' against him. Former President Barack Obama President Barack Obama, 63, and Trump have had a long and tumultuous relationship which stretches back more than a decade. After Obama's election, Trump had frequently pushed suggestions he was not in fact born in the US - but rather in Kenya. The dispute was eventually resolved, somewhat, when Obama was forced to releasing his birth certificate to quell the conspiracy theories. There's even been speculation, denied by Trump, that his run for president was inspired by the roasting he received from Obama at the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2011. Obama joked: 'Now, I know that he's taken some flak lately, but no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald. Obama points to the video screen as he starts his speech at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 30, 2011. 'And that's because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter, like, 'Did we fake the moon landing?', 'What really happened in Roswell?', and 'Where are Biggie and Tupac?'.' Obama also mocked Trump's 'credentials' on his reality TV show Celebrity Apprentice. For Trump's decision to fire actor Gary Busey from the among the contestants instead of rock singer Meat Loaf earlier that month, Obama quipped: 'These are the types of decisions that would keep me up at night. Well handled, sir.' Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday, April 30, 2011 In 2019, Trump accused Obama of treason over the 2016 Presidential Election. Trump said he believed that Obama had engineered a plot to spy on his own campaign, that led to the lengthy and explosive Russia probe. In an interview at the time, Trump said: 'What they did was treasonous, okay? It was treasonous. In August of this year, he then reposted a message on Truth Social calling for 'public military tribunals' for Obama. Trump had frequently pushed suggestions that Obama was not in fact born in the US but rather in Kenya Trump and Obama arrive for Trump's inauguration ceremony at the Capitol in Washington, USA on January 20, 2017 Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Hillary Clinton has long been in the crosshairs of Trump, and he vowed to go after her during their vicious race for the White House in 2016. During his first campaign, Trump frequently led chants of 'lock her up' during his raucous rallies. He was referring to Clinton deleting thousands of emails from her personal server while she worked at the State Department. During a presidential debate in 2016, he told her: 'If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. 'We are going to look into it. It's a disgrace, and honestly, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.' Clinton replied: 'Its just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country.' 'Because you'd be in jail,' he retorted - much to the joy of the audience listening in. Trump speaks as Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton listens during their presidential town hall debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., October 9, 2016 In June of this year, Trump seemed to suggest that Clinton should face the same sort of prosecutions brought against him. Trump has frequently called Nancy Pelosi 'crazy' and even ended his campaign last week by sensationally calling her a 'b****'. In September, he said that Pelosi should face criminal charges in connection with her husband's sale of Visa stock before the Justice Department sued the company. During a press conference, he said: 'Nancy Pelosi has a little problem because her husband sold their Visa stock. 'They had a lot of Visa stock one day before it was announced that Visa is being sued by the Department of Justice.' Financial disclosures show Paul Pelosi had indeed unloaded 2,000 shares in the credit card giant on July 1. Three months later later the DOJ pursued the company for illegally monopolizing the debit card market. He added: 'You think it was luck? I don't. She should be prosecuted. Nancy Pelosi should be prosecuted for that.' Closing out his final campaign speech he said: 'She is a bad, sick woman. She's crazy as a bedbug. She is a disgrace.' Trump has frequently called Nancy Pelosi, seen here on Wednesday, 'crazy' and even ended his campaign last week by sensationally calling her a 'b****' Trump debates with Nancy Pelosi, left, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Vice President Mike Pence listen the Oval Office of White House on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 Letitia James got under the skin of the former president after she brought a lawsuit alleging widespread fraud against his business empire. That case resulted in a judgement which saw him, his sons and their business ordered to cough up $450 million. Attorney General Letitia James has earned Trump's ire by bringing a lawsuit alleging widespread fraud against his business empire While he has appealed the case, Trump previously said that James should face prosecution for her part in the suit. At a campaign rally in Iowa earlier this year he said she should be 'arrested and punished accordingly'. Rolling Stone reported in March that lawyers for Trump had already drawn up plans to bring down James if he was reelected. Mike Davis - a contender for Trump's attorney general - warned James he would 'put your fat a** in prison' if she continued her legal crusade against the president-elect. In a similar fashion, Trump has frequently attacked Judge Arthur Engoron while he presided over the case brought by James' office. Trump at one point was ordered gagged during the high-profile trial after he attacked Engoron's clerk on his Truth Social platform. He had posted a link to her private Instagram account before he deleted it. Trump said he too should be 'arrested and punished accordingly'. Trump holds up a copy of a story featuring New York Attorney General Letitia James while speaking during a news conference, Jan. 11, 2024 Trump and Justice Arthur Engoron of the state Supreme Court listen to opening arguments from his lawyer Alina Habba Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney Liz Cheney had provoked the ire of Trump while she served as vice chair of the House select committee investigation the January 6 insurrection. Cheney became a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris in recent months, and has said for years that Trump could not be trusted with power. In March, Trump said on Truth Social that Cheney 'should go to jail,' and later reposted a message in June calling her 'guilty of treason'. Last Thursday, he sparked outrage while speaking at an event alongside Fox News host Tucker Carlson after branding her a 'dumb war hawk'. He said: 'She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay, let's see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face.' Democrats immediately criticized him for the comment but Harris took it a step further, saying Trump should no longer be in the presidential race. Liz Cheney, daughter of Bush's former Vice President Dick Cheney, had already thrown her support behind Harris - alongside her father Special Counsel Jack Smith Special Counsel Jack Smith has spent years building a case against Trump for seeking to overturn the 2020 election and allegedly absconding with classified documents. As such, he has become a frequent punching bag for the President-elect who has came out and said Smith should go to prison. On posts to Truth Social, Trump has shared images which referred to him as 'Jackal Smith, a career criminal'. They also added that Smith 'should be prosecuted for election interference and prosecutorial misconduct'. Last June, after an indictment was unsealed showing photos of files scattered across Mar-a-Lago - Trump went after Smith and his wife. He fumed: 'His wife is a Trump Hater, just as he is a Trump Hatera deranged 'psycho' that shouldn't be involved in any case having to do with 'Justice,' other than to look at Biden as a criminal, which he is!' Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks to the media after a jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records After Trump was elected earlier this week, a source close to his legal team told DailyMail.com that they predict Smith would stand down. The source said: 'I see everything pointing to dismissal and a resignation. I would not be surprised if in the next two or three days the government moves to dismiss. We're likely seeing the end of lawfare.' Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought the case that led to Trump's conviction on 34 felony charges relating to a hush-money scheme involving $130,000 secretly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. The cash had been paid to keep her quiet during the 2016 election about claims of a sexual encounter between the two. Speaking during the trial in May, Trump said: 'There is a case to be made that the prosecutor should be prosecuted the district attorney should be prosecuted.' After the jury delivered their verdict, Bragg said he had 'done his job' as a public servant. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen As part of the Stormy Daniels case, the court heard from Trump's close associate Michael Cohen who testified in the case. Seen as the prosecution's star witness, Cohen laid out how he had bought and suppressed negative stories for his boss. 'You handle it,' Cohen quoted Trump as telling him after a doorman touted around a false story that the property mogul had fathered an illegitimate child. In cross-examination, Trump's lawyers accused Cohen of lying about a crucial phone call that tied Trump to the cover-up of the hush money payments. As part of the Stormy Daniels case, the court heard from Trump's close associate Michael Cohen who testified Trump's lawyer Alina Habba later said that Cohen had perjured himself in the court, saying: 'Cohen should be prosecuted for what he did in that courtroom.' Trump then went on to share the sentiment on Truth Social, seemingly agreeing with the idea. Former FBI Director James Comey James Comey, who was unceremoniously fired by Trump in 2017, has been the subject of a series of stinging attacks by the President-elect for years. In 2018, Trump branded him an 'untruthful slime ball who should be prosecuted' claiming that he put classified information before journalists. The Justice Department declined to bring any charges against him after he was cleared of leaking sensitive material. Trump had blasted a memoir released by Comey called 'A Higher Loyalty, which he said he was a pack of lies. Within the first week of the book's release, it sold more than 600,000 copies, according to the New York Times. In his now famous 'slime ball' tweet, Trump added: ''He leaked CLASSIFIED information, for which he should be prosecuted. He lied to Congress under OATH.' Comey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington before the House Oversight Committee to explain his agency's recommendation to not prosecute Hillary Clinton on July 7, 2016 Trump shakes hands with Comey during an event in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017 While the attacks by Trump have quietened down in recent years it would not be outside the realm of possibility that he goes after Comey. In 2022 it was announced that Comey, a lawyer, had signed a multi-million dollar deal to write fictional crime thriller novels. Mark Zuckerberg One anomaly in this list, which is a who's who of the Washington elite, is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who Trump had warned could face jail time. Speaking in August, Trump pledged to imprison Zuckerberg if Facebook is found to have 'illegally' influenced US elections. In a new book, Trump said he was 'watching him [Zuckerberg] closely' ahead of the presidential vote in November. The book, called Save America, is written by Trump and is described as a coffee table book. Trump says that while he was in office, Zuckerberg used to visit him and 'bring his very nice wife to dinners, be as nice as anyone could be'. But Trump claims that Zuckerberg was actually mounting a 'plot against the President'. He writes: 'He told me there was nobody like Trump on Facebook. But at the same time, and for whatever reason, steered it against me. Trump claimed in a book that Zuckerberg was mounting a 'plot against the President' when he was in the White House 'We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison as will others who cheat in the 2024 presidential election.' After Mr Trump's baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him, he was suspended by Facebook and Instagram. Both are owned by Zuckerberg's parent company Meta. He was allowed back on both platforms last January. California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom President Trump has been a frequent critic of Newsom, especially at his rallies, where he refers to the liberal governor as 'New-scum' and accuses him of destroying California and Los Angeles. Presumably sensing his will be targeted by the Trump administration, Newsome on Thursday called for a special session of the legislature to to 'safeguard the state's progressive policies' and 'Trump-proof' California's state laws. 'The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we won't sit idle,' Newsom said on Thursday. Unknown people engaged in election fraud In September, Trump posted a rant on Truth Social in which he threatened to target 'lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters and corrupt election officials'. He reiterated his false claims about election fraud during his unsuccessful run for office in 2020. Trump said: 'I together with many Attorneys and Legal Scholars, am watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely because I know, better than most, the rampant Cheating and Skullduggery that has taken place by the Democrats in the 2020 Presidential Election. It was a Disgrace to our Nation!' 'Therefore, the 2024 Election, where Votes have just started being cast, will be under the closest professional scrutiny and, WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again.' 'We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WON'T! 'Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country.' The Minnesota man accused of killing his children's mother after telling her she would 'end up like Gabby Petito' now faces a life sentence. Adam Fravel, 30, was found guilty of the 2023 killing of his ex-girlfriend Madeline Kingsbury, 26. The mother-of-two went missing from the small town of Winona last year on March 31 after dropping her kids off at daycare. Fravel was immediately suspected in connection to her disappearance. After an extensive search, Kingsbury's body was discovered wrapped in a gray sheet sealed with Gorilla tape on the side of a highway on June 7, 2023. Fravel and Kingsbury had split up but were still living together at the time of her disappearance. He was the last person to see her alive and was arrested on murder charges when her body was found. Madeline Kingsbury, 26, was murdered by her jealous ex-boyfriend and father of her children last year Adam Fravel, 30, was found guilty of Kingbury's death on Thursday and now faces a life sentence The Winona County jury speculated for about 10 hours before making their final decision in court on Thursday. He was charged with four counts of murder, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. 'Its a pyrrhic victory, Kingsbury's father David said after the verdict. 'Were not going to get Madeline back. Fravel cant be punished enough.' Prosecutors said Fravel was jealous because Kingsbury was leaving him for another man. When she was killed, she was in the process of looking for a new place to live. The murderer was believed to be concerned because he was financially dependent on her. Petito, 22, was killed by her fiance Brian Laundrie on a cross-country road trip in 2021 that ended with her disappearance on August 27 of that year The late mother's family and friends testified against Fravel, citing his track record of domestic abuse - including the time he grabbed her neck and said he could make her suffer the same tragic fate of Petito, who was killed by her fiance Brian Laundrie in 2021. Petito, 22, disappeared while on a cross-country road trip with her fiance Brian Laundrie in 2021. Laundrie, 23, returned home to Florida without Petito - spurring a search that ended with her corpse being found on the edge of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. It was determined she had been strangled a few weeks earlier, with the date of death of her disappearance being August 27, 2021. A warrant was issued for Laundrie and his remans were found at campsite weeks later, following an apparent suicide. Fravel's trial started on October 7 and he maintained his innocence throughout Soon after Kingsbury went missing Fravel was immediately suspected to have been involved as he was the last to see her alive In the criminal complaint, Fravel - who has maintained his innocence throughout the trial - also admitted to being 'infatuated' with Petito's case. Fravel's attorney Zach Bauer tried to play this threat off as a joke, but the prosecutor said it demonstrated his violent habits. Kingsbury's father told the court he encouraged his daughter to report the Petito incident to the police, but she never did. After it happened, Kingsbury and her children stayed with her parents. The criminal complaint also revealed video evidence of Fravel switching out the license plate on Kingsbury's van the day she disappeared. The video reportedly shows the van pulling out of the home and driving away with plates typically attached to a vehicle Fravel drives. The van was next caught driving on Highway 43 in the same area where Kingsbury's body was found two months later. Police say there was a 45-minute gap in Fravel's timeline and that they believe that is the time the ex-boyfriend used to dump the body. Tears were shed from the loved ones of Fravel and Kingsbury when Winona County District Judge Nancy Buytendorp read the final verdict. Bauer told The Minnesota Star Tribune, 'its been a disappointing day,' adding he believes Fravel will appeal the verdict. Kingbury's two children, aged two and five, now live with their grandparents. Fravel will be officially sentenced on December 18. Kingsbury's body was found on the side of a highway about two months after she went missing Fravel's lawyer requested the trial be held outside of Winona County due to the public's interest in the case His trial kicked off on October 7 at the Blue Earth County Justice Center after Bauer argued to have the trial held outside of Winona County due to the public's interest in the case. There were more than 150 witnesses involved in the case, including Kingsbury's family members. They were not allowed in the courtroom until they were called to testify. To honor Kingsbury, her family started a foundation in her name to continue to sharing her story. The Scotch Whisky industry has raised the alarm about Donald Trump re-imposing tariffs on imports when he returns to the White House in January. The President-Elect has made putting tariffs of up to 20 per cent on goods from outside the United States a cornerstone of his economic policy. Mr Trump claims the move will protect American jobs, boost the economy and raise revenue. But most economists disagree. Although exporters might cut prices to maintain sales, the US companies importing the goods, who pay the surcharge, are seen as more likely to pass the cost on to consumers. When Mr Trump was last President, he slapped a 25 per cent tariff on imports of Single Malt Scotch Whisky as part of a wide-ranging trade war with Europe over aerospace subsidies. Donald Trump has made putting tariffs of up to 20 per cent on goods from outside the United States a cornerstone of his economic policy The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), headed by chief executive Mark Kent, has raised concerns about the prospect of tariffs returning The 18-month price hike cost the Scottish Whisky industry around 600 million in exports (Stock image) The 18-month price hike cost the Scottish Whisky industry around 600 million in exports. The tariff was suspended for five years in 2021 but is due to return in June 2026. The Scottish Whisky Association, whose members support 25,000 jobs and generated around 7 billion for the UK economy, said zero-tariff trade must continue. A spokesperson for the SWA said: Scotch Whisky and US whiskey producers are united in our belief that zero-tariff trade between the US and UK is in the best interests of our countries, consumers and industries. Our world class whiskies have benefited from zero-tariff trade for over a quarter of a century. It is in all our interests that our collective energy is focussed on growing our sectors, creating jobs and investment. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said, the UK and US stand shoulder to shoulder and are partners in enterprise. To deepen this partnership, the US and UK administrations should agree to maintain the zero-tariff trade of whiskies across the Atlantic. The UK Government added: There is huge appetite for our excellent Scotch whisky in the US and all around the world. We share a special relationship with the US and will always support our Scotch exports for years to come. First Minister John Swinney said tariffs could cost jobs in Scotland. Tariffs can be very damaging to domestic employment within Scotland, because we are an exporting country, not just in relation to whisky, he said. We have other strengths in food and drink and in manufacturing and in various innovative technologies, where the existence of tariffs could be a significant factor for the health and the prosperity of employment. Avid Trump supporter Alfie Oakes claimed 'it's all good' after his Florida home and packing plant were swarmed by federal agents. Several agencies including the Secret Service, IRS and Defense Criminal Investigative Service raided the 56-year-old farmer's properties during an undisclosed investigation. Agents were seen wearing gloves, carrying papers and boxes in and out of the garage of his Naples home as they conducted the search, with at least 18 unmarked government vehicles arriving at his Immokalee warehouse. But despite the chaotic scenes, the conservative influencer seemed unbothered by the ambush, telling WINK: 'It's all good. Go Trump!' Then he swiftly drove off in his bold blue Range Rover with 'Trump 2024' plastered across the side. This investigation comes as Oakes owes $2.8million to the Farm Credit of Florida Federal agents swarmed his properties but the motivation behind their search is unknown He also revealed that he was unsure why authorities came to his properties, but expressed no concern. The agents on the scene did not add much clarity to the situation. The Secret Service told WINK: 'We are unable to provide comment as the US Secret Service will not confirm the existence or status of an investigation.' The IRS and Defense Criminal Investigative Service said they were investigating 'official business.' The searches lasted for about five hours, WINK reported. Florida Highway Patrol was also at both investigative sites. Oakes drove off in his Trump-themed Range Rover after a reporter tried to speak with him A passenger covered his face to avoid being interviewed as Oakes said 'go Trump' when asked what he had to say about the situation Oakes is the owner of Oakes Farms and grocery store Seed to Table. While the investigation's motivation is unknown, Oakes' costumers are intrigued. 'I mean, the IRS doesnt do things impetuously. Its pretty calculated, so, hopefully, it gets fixed,' Seed to Table costumer William Whittaker told WINK. John Meo, chair of Collier County's Republican Executive Committee, shared his thoughts about the raid with Naples Daily News. 'We know they showed up and took some material,' he told the outlet. 'It's kind of funny that they're doing it now. I think they want to get info on January 6.' In 2021, Oakes paid for two buses of Trump supporters to go to the insurrection. Although no official connection has been made, this raid comes as a lawsuit against Oakes accused him of failing to pay back about $2.8million in loans, according to NBC. The lawsuit was filed in October and it alleges the farmer took out two loans from the Farm Credit of Florida, totaling to about $4.5million. The documents claimed that if the alleged debt was not repaid, Florida Farm Credit had the right seize Oakes' property, according to reports. At least 18 federal vehicles showed up to Oakes' packing plant to investigate Conservative influencer and farmer Alfie Oakes, 56, had his home and warehouse raided by federal agents on Thursday In 2021, Seed to Table came under fire when footage emerged of the store being filled with un-masked shoppers during the raging pandemic. Even though the county had a mask mandate in place, the store had a sign out front that states customers did not need to wear a face covering. Oakes said his reasoning behind his store's mask policy is that he did not believe they did anything to stop the spread of COVID-19. He referred to the pandemic as 'hogwash.' New York City is ending its controversial scheme that gave migrant families prepaid debit cards worth a total of $18,500 each. City Hall made the announcement Thursday, as Mayor Eric Adams has finally listened to critics of the Big Apple's migrant policies and Adams himself has become friendlier with Donald Trump, who plans massive reforms to the immigration system. William Fowler, a spokesperson for City Hall, says the program will expire at the end of the year after handing out a total of $3.2 million in cash value for 2,600 families to buy necessities. The debit cards could only be used at supermarkets and bodegas, Adams said when it began. A family of four with two children could receive up to $350 per week, depending on the children's ages. The program became more inconvenient after Brad Lander, the city's comptroller, stripped Adams of his power to make 'emergency deals' with companies like MoCaFi, who were given $400,000 in a no-bid contract to run the program. New York City is ending its controversial scheme that gave migrant families prepaid debit cards that gave migrant families a total of $18,500 each The debit cards could only be used at supermarkets and bodegas, Adams said when it began. A family of four with two children could receive up to $350 per week, depending on the children's ages 'We will continue to implement and learn from innovative pilot programs like the immediate response cards program as we care for hundreds of new arrivals every week,' Fowler said in a statement. However, Fowler did tell Gothamist the program could potentially be restarted but would have to go through an open bidding process for who would run it. Critics including Adams' rival on the migrant crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Queens born rapper 50 Cent, have questioned why migrants are receiving the cards ahead of struggling New Yorkers. Abbott blasted the 'offensive' scheme as 'insanity,' but supporters say it will help the city deal with the strain on its services caused by a surge in migrants in recent months. Adams insisted the debit cards will save the city $600,000 a month, or $7.2 million annually, by allowing migrants to spend money that will go back into the local economy instead of the city spending funds on boxes of food. Meanwhile, 50 Cent shared a post on Instagram about the plan to hand out pre-paid cards for migrants to buy food and baby supplies. 'WTF Mayor Adams call my phone,' he wrote. 'I don't understand how this works, somebody explain this. I'm stuck, maybe TRUMP is the answer.' It comes after the artist, who was born in New York City, questioned why migrants were being handed free healthcare in California. Joseph Borelli, the City Council's Republican minority leader, acknowledged there would be a saving, but questioned the amount being spent on migrants. The plans went ahead despite a fierce backlash from the likes of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (left) and Queens born rapped 50 Cent Migrants have often been herded into the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan during the crisis 'A lot of New Yorkers are going to take this as something that's fundamentally unfair,' he told the New York Times. 'There are plenty of New Yorkers struggling to pay their bills.' Trump is expected to crack down on illegal immigration and try to restrict legal immigration when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20, following up on campaign promises and unfinished efforts from his 2017-2021 presidency. He has pledged to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, focusing on criminals but aiming to send millions back to their home countries, an effort that is expected to tap resources across the U.S. government but also face obstacles. Trump has said he would restore his 2019 'remain in Mexico' program, which forced asylum-seekers of certain nationalities attempting to enter the U.S. at the southern border to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their cases. The program was terminated by Democratic President Joe Biden, who ended his faltering reelection campaign in July, making Vice President Kamala Harris the candidate. Trump also would reinstate the COVID-19-era Title 42 policy, which allowed U.S. border authorities to quickly expel migrants back to Mexico without the chance to claim asylum, he told Time magazine in an interview. He would use record border crossings and trafficking of fentanyl and children as reasons for the emergency moves, Time reported, citing comments from advisers. Trump has said he will seek to detain all migrants caught crossing the border illegally or violating other immigration laws, ending what he calls 'catch and release.' Trump is expected to crack down on illegal immigration and try to restrict legal immigration when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20, following up on campaign promises and unfinished efforts from his 2017-2021 presidency At a campaign event earlier this month, Trump said he would call on Congress to fund an additional 10,000 Border Patrol agents, a substantial increase over the existing force. Harris criticized Trump for helping kill a bipartisan border security bill earlier this year that could have added 1,300 more agents. Trump focused on building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border during his first term and has pledged to close gaps in the border wall if elected. He criticized a Biden asylum ban rolled out last June and pledged to reverse it during a campaign event in Arizona. Trump said the measure would not adequately secure the border, even though it mirrored Trump-era policies to deter would-be migrants and has contributed to a steep drop in migrants caught crossing illegally. He also said at the campaign event that he would consider using tariffs to pressure China and other nations to stop migrants from their countries from coming to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump's running mate JD Vance said in a New York Times interview published in October that deporting 1 million immigrants per year would be 'reasonable.' He has said he would implement travel bans on people from certain countries or with certain ideologies, expanding on a policy upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Trump's running mate JD Vance said in a New York Times interview published in October that deporting 1 million immigrants per year would be 'reasonable' New York City was one of the epicenters of the crisis after Abbott bused them to the Big Apple from Texas Trump previewed some parts of the world that could be subjected to a renewed travel ban in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and 'anywhere else that threatens our security.' The president-elect said last year that he would seek to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrants living in the country illegally, an idea he flirted with as president. Trump said last June he would seek to block communists, Marxists and socialists from entering the U.S. Adams, who has become the much-maligned face of New York City's migrant disaster, has recently become more friendly to Trump, even before his victory on Tuesday. The Democrat mayor of New York City has slammed the party's harsh rhetoric against Trump. The mayor congratulated Trump on his victory and said he spoke to the president-elect on the phone privately Wednesday. 'I communicated with the president yesterday to state that there are many issues here in the city that we want to work together with the administration to address. The city must move forward and that is what our call is to do.' Both Adams and Trump have sympathized with each other's legal plights in the past. Trump defended Adams at the Al Smith Charity Dinner - which Harris skipped - when mentioning the mayor's federal indictment on bribery, fraud, and soliciting foreign campaign donations. A nurse's death has been linked to her taking a weight-loss drug that was approved for use on the NHS. Susan McGowan, 58, from Lanarkshire, died from multiple organ failure, septic shock and pancreatitis after taking two low-dose injections of tirzepatide, known under the brand name Mounjaro. She took the jabs for a two-week period before her death on September 4, which is thought to be the first death officially linked to drug in the UK. Ms McGowan was a nurse at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, Scotland, for more than three decades and had often chatted with her friends about her struggle to lose weight. Just days after taking the drug, which costs between 150 and 200 for a four-week supply, Ms McGowan started having severe stomach pains and went to A&E at the hospital she worked at. Although her colleagues fought to save her, she tragically passed away with her niece Jade Campbell by her side. Earlier this year it was revealed the medicines watchdog received reports of ten deaths linked to the use of weight loss jabs and 7,228 reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea associated with the likes of Wegovy and Ozempic. Susan McGowan, 58, (left) died with her niece Jade Campbell (right) by her side two weeks after taking a weight-loss drug The nurse of three decades went to A&E at the hospital she worked at with severe stomach pains but her colleagues were sadly unable to save her Weight-loss jab Mounjaro was approved for use by NHS Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in June this year Of these, 68 patients were admitted to hospital, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said. The numbers are based on users or healthcare workers informing the regulator of adverse reactions to the drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). A reported death or adverse reaction does not necessarily mean it has been caused by the medicine, only that someone had a suspicion it may have been. Underlying or concurrent illnesses and other medicines the patients may have been taken at the time of their death may be responsible and such events can also be coincidental, it told trade magazine Chemist and Druggist. The MHRA has urged healthcare professionals to 'report cases of misuse' and 'inform patients about the common and serious side effects associated with GLP-1RAs'. At the time, it said it knew of 46 hospitalisations as of August 16 suggesting there have been an additional 22 reports in two months, representing a 48 per cent increase. Between January and May of this year there were 208 reports concerning tirzepatide on the Yellow Card scheme, which records adverse effects of medicine in the UK. Such adverse reactions included 31 serious reactions and the suspected death of a man in his sixties. Ms McGowan bought a prescription through a registered online pharmacy after looking into Mounjaro and seeking medical advice. Her niece Jade told the BBC: 'Susan had always carried a wee bit of extra weight but there were never any health concerns. She wasn't on any other medication. She was healthy.' 'Susan was such a bubbly person. She was really generous, she was really kind and she was the life of the party - a huge personality. They said she had the biggest laugh in the hospital.' In June, Scotland became the first country in the UK to approve Mounjaro, which was dubbed the 'King Kong' of obesity jabs. The Scottish Medicines Consortium ruled this year that Mounjaro could be made available on the NHS to people to help them lose weight. Ms McGowan was described as a 'bubbly' person and the 'life of the party' by her niece Jade Your browser does not support iframes. Mounjaro is the latest in a line of slimming injections that have seen users shed huge amounts of weight, and is thought to be one of the most effective. It will cost the Scottish NHS 33.6million a year. The cost of obesity to the NHS is estimated at 600million a year. Mounjaro is the brand name of a drug called tirzepatide, and is given as a weekly injection in various strengths. It is the latest of a new generation of jabs that help people lose weight, similar to Ozempic and Wegovy which have also recently been approved by the SMC. The drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), suppress hunger by mimicking hormones indicating that the body is full. Mounjaro also slows the passage of food through the stomach. Studies have found people can lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight over 36 weeks by taking Mounjaro. NHS-backed data source OpenPrescribing shows soaring prescriptions for semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy Deaths in America linked to semaglutide and tirzepatide by year. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy while tirzepatide is used in drugs including Zepbound. Yellow is used for 2024 to indicate the data is incomplete The difference in results led US diabetes expert Dr Julio Rosenstock to declare Mounjaro 'King Kong' compared to 'the gorilla' of its rival Wegovy. However people generally need to keep taking the medicine in order to maintain their weight loss. Mounjaro was recently approved by the SMC as a treatment for type 2 diabetes as it also helps boost the production of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. The June ruling paved the way for thousands of Scots without diabetes to receive injections to help them lose weight. Earlier this week, the Danish manufacturer of famed weight-loss jab Ozempic revealed that ten Americans died and 100 were hospitalised after taking pharmacy-made knockoffs of their drug. Meanwhile, weight loss shots like Ozempic have been linked to 162 deaths in the US, DailyMail.com revealed. One of the victims was a 45-year-old woman who choked on her own vomit while on Mounjaro, a rival drug that works the same way. Another involved a 23-year-old man who died from vomiting, nausea, and a rapid heart rate after taking Wegovy. A coroner has called for Ketamine to be reclassified as a Class A drug, after a coffee shop founder died of sepsis as a result of his long-term use of the substance. Alison Mutch OBE warned people in Britain are under a 'false impression' that the drug - which killed Friends star Matthew Perry - is less dangerous than other substances like cocaine. Ms Mutch, a coroner in Manchester, said maintaining its classification encourages people to use it over class A drugs. Her new drug warning comes after 38 year old Jamie Boland, from Manchester, died from the long-term effects of taking the drug. Mr Boland - founder and owner of a trendy coffee company in Manchester - had previously switched from Class A drug cocaine because he thought ketamine was 'less harmful', it was heard. The new drug warning comes after 38 year old Jamie Boland, from Manchester, (pictured) died from the long-term effects of taking the drug Mr Boland - founder and owner of a trendy coffee company in Manchester - had previously switched from Class A drug cocaine because he thought ketamine was 'less harmful', it was heard Ms Mutch has suggested that ketamine - a powerful horse tranquilliser - should be re-classified to prevent people from thinking it is not dangerous. Writing to the government, she also warned of a 'significant increase' in people using ketamine. In Britain, it is popular recreationally with young people for its anaesthetic effects, while globally it achieved fame as the drug that killed Friends icon Perry. The drug causes major issues to the bladder and kidneys. Ms Mutch warned that more people are at risk of succumbing to the same fate as Mr Boland unless action is taken. Mr Boland died on June 19, 2024, from sepsis, which was caused by an acute kidney infection - a complication of long term ketamine use. Mr Boland, who was found unresponsive at his Manchester home, was a 'chronic user' of the drug and also suffered significant urological issues as a result of abusing it. He founded and owned Ancoats Coffee Co in Manchester, an independent roastery and speciality coffee shop in the city. In a tribute online after his death in June, Ancoats Coffee said Mr Boland was a 'pioneer in bringing speciality coffee and coffee culture to Manchester'. Ms Mutch wrote a Prevention of Future Deaths report, addressed to the Home Secretary, warning that action on ketamine must be taken. 'In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken', she said. Mr Boland died on June 19, 2024, from sepsis, which was caused by an acute kidney infection - a complication of long term ketamine use Ketamine is most commonly known as a powerful general anaesthetic to stop humans and animals experiencing pain during operations 'The inquest heard evidence that previously Mr Boland had used cocaine - a Class A drug - but had switched to ketamine - a Class B drug - on the basis that he perceived it to be less harmful. 'His perception that it was less harmful was based on the fact it is designated as a Class B rather than Class A drug. 'The evidence before the inquest was that ketamine is a deeply harmful substance when used outside the purposes for which it is licenced for prescribing by clinicians and that users such as Mr Boland are unable to give it up despite knowing how dangerous it is to their health. 'Maintaining its classification as a Class B drug was likely to encourage others to start to use it or continue to use it under the false impression it is 'safer'. 'The evidence at the inquest was that ketamine use causes huge long term life changing health problems. 'In Mr Boland's case it had caused long term urological damage and liver damage. 'It was the damage to his urological system caused by ketamine that led to his death. 'The inquest was told that there is a significant increase in the illicit use of ketamine and that this has led to clinicians seeing a rise in potentially fatal health problems linked to its use. 'The extent of these risks rarely understood by users until the damage has been done to their health.' The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has until December 31 to respond to Ms Mutch, who is coroner for Manchester South. Ms Mutch recorded a narrative conclusion at Mr Boland's inquest. In October last year the world was shocked when Friends star Perry, 54, was found dead in his hot tub at his home in Los Angeles. It emerged the Chandler Bing actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, having been using it to treat depression. In the UK, ketamine - sometimes called ket or 'special K' - is seen by young people as a cheaper alternative to cocaine. Donald Trump may call for a 800-mile demilitarised zone between Russia and Ukraine as part of a plan to end the war the early. The proposal, which has been outlined by three Trump staffers, would involve the zone being policed by British and European troops. It would mean that Russia would keep its territorial gains made in Ukraine with the current border frozen in place. Kyiv would also have to assure that it would not join NATO for 20 years. Under the plans the US would arm Ukraine in return for preventing Russia from restarting the war. However, responsibility for manning and financing the buffer zone would fall solely on Ukraine's European allies. It comes as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky warned that any attempt to end the war by appeasing Russia would be 'suicide' for Europe. Donald Trump pulled off an astounding political comeback and regained the White House in a dominant victory in the 2024 US presidential election President Donald Trump meets with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg in July 2017 Map shows what the proposed 800-mile buffer zone could look like 'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European,' a member of Trump's team told the Wall Street Journal. 'We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British and French to do it.' Although Trump hasn't outlined how he would get both sides to the negotiating table, his advisers have reportedly voiced different plans for how to solve the conflict. Top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday that the situation in the combat zone in Ukraine is not in Kyiv's favour and that the West should accept this and negotiate an end to the conflict, the Interfax news agency reported. 'Now, when the situation in the theatre of military operations is not in the favour of the Kyiv regime, the West is faced with a choice - to continue financing it and destroying the Ukrainian population or to recognise the current realities and start negotiating,' Shoigu was cited as telling a meeting of secretaries of Commonwealth of Independent States nations' security councils in Moscow. Trump has famously said that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started had he been president and claimed he could bring the conflict to an abrupt halt - without ever revealing his plans for doing so. Zelensky is adamantly against relinquishing territory to Vladimir Putin There are fears US military aid for Ukraine will dwindle when Trump becomes president Keir Starmer congratulated Donald Trump in their first phone call since the Republican's election win as he tries to repair ties Ukrainian servicemen of the 26th artillery brigade fire an AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer toward Russian positions near the front line in the Chasiv Yar area A member of Ukraine's special police unit Hyzhak (Predator) near the frontline city of Toretsk on October 25 Britain, France and Germany have already vowed to support Ukraine 'for as long as it takes' and Zelensky is adamantly against relinquishing territory to Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, the Ukrainian leader said that making any concessions to Putin would be 'unacceptable for Ukraine' and 'suicidal for Europe'. With that in mind, it is difficult to see how such a plan could be pushed through other than by strong-arming Kyiv with threats of withholding sorely needed US military aid. This would dramatically undermine Washington's relations with all of Europe and call into question the legitimacy of NATO. Some analysts and politicians have cautioned it could even embolden the likes of China to capitalise on the West's perceived disunity and seek to expand its influence in the Pacific. Fears that the Republican might seek to unilaterally withdraw from NATO altogether are overblown, with US Congress having passed legislation that requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate to approve such a move. However, many analysts have warned that Trump is indeed likely to reduce US military aid to Ukraine and force Kyiv's European partners to shoulder a huge burden to maintain an adequate supply of arms - a move that would certainly pile pressure on Zelensky to consider a negotiated settlement. Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at Trump Tower in New York in September Ukrainian soldiers from the Liut Brigade sit in a pickup truck on their way back to the frontline in Donetsk An aerial view shows the destroyed city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region, near the border with Russia, on October 2 'Trump does have a legitimate point about European allies having underperformed in defence and over-relied on Uncle Sam to protect them for too long, and this is a huge wake-up call to the West,' Dr Russell Foster, Senior Lecturer in British and International Politics at King's College London, told MailOnline. 'But Europe, Canada, and Australasia have let their defence spending stagnate for so long, they have nowhere near the industrial base and military infrastructure to help defend Ukraine and themselves from further aggression without American help. 'We are likely to see major calls for defence spending and investment across NATO - but this will take years to build up and be hugely expensive at a time of economic stagnation. The future of Western defence is now looking very bleak.' Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow for European Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think-tank, added: 'The immediate crisis within Europe will be how to continue diplomatic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine without the US. 'Whichever mechanism it comes through NATO, the EU, or bilaterally it will be incredibly expensive.' Perhaps in a sign of things to come, French President Emmanuel Macron told a European leaders' gathering this week that the continent 'must not delegate forever our security to America'. He argued that Trump would legitimately 'defend the interests of the American people' and asked: 'Are we ready to defend the interests of the European people?' MailOnline has contacted the Foreign Office and No 10 Downing Street for comment on the buffer zone claims. Spain has been hit by a new flooding disaster as a torrential deluge has sent cars floating down the street in Girona. Footage shows a raging torrent of water carrying away everything in its path including several vehicles as it swept through the centre of the Catalan town of Cadaques this morning. Today residents woke up to a new scene of destruction, with mayor Pia Serinyana revealing a total of 32 cars had been washed away by the flood water caused by a nearby river overflowing. Many ended up piled on top of each other by a bridge in front of the town casino, with at least one of the smashed-up vehicles appearing to belong to foreign tourists because of the number plates that were clearly visible. This comes just over a week after another flooding disaster hit Spain, in particular the Valencia region, with more than 200 people confirmed to have died. A raging torrent of water carried off everything in its path including more than 30 vehicles as it swept through the centre of the Catalan town of Cadaques Footage shows strong currents washing away cars as the floods rushed through the streets of Cadaques, Girona, this morning Cars, some of which had foreign number plates, were seen piled up in Cadaques this morning In another video, several cars can be seen piled up at a bridge elsewhere in the Spanish town, which is the latest devastated by flood waters Plou amb insistencia al cap de Creus, aixi com a altres punts de la Costa Brava i de la Serra de l'Albera. Per exemple, a Portbou, s'han recollit 16,6 mm en 30 minuts, i porten acumulats 48 mm en les ultimes 3 hores. pic.twitter.com/wqupFx6JnZ Meteocat (@meteocat) November 8, 2024 Miraculously there were no reports of any human casualties in the former fishing village of Cadaques on Friday. Catalan weather agency Meteocat, which published footage of the latest flash flood to hit Spain in the early hours of this morning, said: 'This is how the Cadaques stream goes down after the intense and continuous rain this morning, where there is likely to have been more than 100mm of rainfall.' One local resident said on X: 'The situation is very serious in Cadaques. Dozens of cars have been swept away by the swollen stream in the town, blocking up the bridge. 'It's been many years since something like this happened in Cadaques.' The town's mayor Serinyana confirmed early this morning that no-one had been injured or killed and only material damage had occurred. She said the number of cars swept downstream had reached 32 after the council had warned residents not to park in the area, adding: 'We had an alert from the Operations Coordination Centre of Catalonia, but people parked their cars [anyway] and the water swept them away.' Serinyana added: 'There has been a lot of water falling on the mountain and, although it has hardly rained in the town, the water has swept away some parked cars.' The heaviest rainfall occurred between 2am and 3am. While rain warnings for northeastern Catalonia remained in place, the local meteorological service predicted that the rain will ease over the weekend. One local admitted: 'If this raging torrent of water had come through town during the day I'm sure we would have been looking at mass casualties. The time of night this happened saved us from a certain tragedy.' Cadaques is just over three hundred miles north of Valencia, where more than 200 people including two Britons lost their lives in flash floods late October. Meanwhile, Paiporta in Valencia has been labeled by Spanish media as the ground zero of the natural disaster that has also left 78 people still missing, while officials say the real figure could be higher. The damaged cars swept away in the floods were located along a popular street in Cadaques this morning Today residents woke up to a new scene of destruction, with mayor Pia Serinyana revealing a total of 32 cars had been washed away by the flood water Aixi baixa la riera de Cadaques, despres de la pluja intensa i continuada d'aquesta matinada on, molt probablement, s'han superat els 100 mm de precipitacio. Video de @HugoScoccia pic.twitter.com/0bFGHZiFRf Meteocat (@meteocat) November 8, 2024 Miraculously there were no reports of any human casualties in the former fishing village of Cadaques where cars can be seen piled up on the streets on Friday Footage shows the raging floods that swept away cars in the town of Cadaques in Girona Over 60 people perished in Paiporta when a wave of water rushed down the Poyo canal that cuts through its center. Frustration over the survivors' sense of abandonment exploded in Paiporta on Sunday when a crowd greeted Spain's royals and officials with a barrage of mud and other objects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was rushed away and the royal couple had to eventually cancel the visit after speaking to several distraught neighbors amid a chaotic scene. The mayor of Paiporta, a middle-class community of 30,000, on Tuesday pleaded for a 'higher authority' to step in and take control of her municipality because the floods had made it impossible to go on. Mayor Maribel Albalat said all the municipal buildings, from town hall to the local police, had been severely damaged and that many of the local civil servants 'are in a state of shock.' 'Paiporta is a strong village, but this overwhelms out capacities as a local administration,' she said. The air-throbbing 'thup, thup, thup' of the huge, two-propeller Chinook helicopters that have flown overhead with the arrival of the army has added to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The destruction, however, went far beyond Paiporta and covers a huge swath of municipalities, above all on the southern flank of Valencia city on the Mediterranean coast. Seventy-eight localities had at least one person die from the floods. Damaged cars and debris are pictured at the side of a road, following heavy rains that caused floods, in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 6, 2024 Valencia's firefigters search for victims at a lock at L'Albufera, near Valencia, eastern Spain, on November 7, 2024 Volunteers and locals help to clean the mud off the street following heavy rains in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 5, 2024 Police department members of Bilbao City assist a woman in transporting a dog along a muddy street in the flood-hit city of Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, November 7, 2024 A man walks over debris to access a street in a mud-covered street in the flood-hit city of Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, November 7, 2024 Police have expanded their search to the nearby marshes and coastline, where the waters carried some away. The residents, businesses and town councils of the affected localities can apply for financial help from a 10.6-billion-euro relief package from Spain's government. The regional Valencia government, which is being slammed for not alerting the populace of the danger in time, has asked the central government in Madrid for 31 billion euros to ensure the recovery. Over a week later, the cleanup goes on to get rid of tons of mud and debris that clog street after street, filling thousands of ground floors, destroying living rooms and kitchens. Neighborhoods were left without shops and supermarkets after all their products were ruined. Many houses still don't have drinking water. An impromptu army of volunteers were the first helpers on the ground, shoveling and sweeping away the sticky brown mire covering everything, and helping to start removing pile after pile of debris that made access to cars impossible in many areas. Authorities eventually mobilized 15,000 soldiers and police reinforcements to help firefighters search for bodies and start extracting thousands of wrecked cars strewn over streets and sunk in canal beds. At every corner, cars are piled on top of one another or smashed into buildings, light poles, trees and bridge overpasses. A teenager jailed for violent disorder during the riots sparked by the Southport stabbings will be released from prison after an appeal heard his sentence was 'manifestly excessive'. Ozzie Cush, Paul Williams, Dylan Willis and Aminadab Temesgen all received prison or detention terms of between 10 months and two years two months. At the Court of Appeal on Thursday, judges were told that each of the sentences were 'harsh' and 'manifestly excessive' and should be reduced in what are thought to be the first appeals related to the summer unrest. And in their ruling, three judges quashed Willis' original sentence of 14 months' detention for violent disorder after the then-18-year-old smashed a restaurant window during disorder in Middlesbrough. His sentence was changed to 14 months in a young offenders institution, suspended for two years, with up to 40 days of rehabilitation activity. Mr Justice Bennathan, sitting with the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr and Lord Justice Holroyde, said: 'We have concluded that this court should interfere with the decision below.' Three judges quashed Dylan Willis' original sentence of 14 months' detention for violent disorder after the then-18-year-old smashed a restaurant window during disorder in Middlesbrough A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right activists rioting in Middlesbrough Police officers in riot gear face up to an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbrough next to a burning bin Willis, appearing via video link from Holme House prison, appeared emotional as the decision was read out. The three judges dismissed appeals from Cush and Williams and altered then-19-year-old Temesgen's sentence from 14 months in prison to 14 months in youth detention due to his age. Baroness Carr said the disorder earlier this year was 'fuelled by misinformation and far right sentiment, spreading to various towns and cities across the nation'. She added: 'In the context of widespread and significant public disorder, it is not only the precise individual acts of an offender that matter. 'It is the fact that the offender is taking part in violent disorder, threatening violence against other people or property, and is part and parcel of widespread threatening and alarming activity. 'That is the gravamen of the offending: being one of those who, by weight of numbers, pursues a common and unlawful purpose. 'Thus, whilst what an individual offender may have done themselves is of relevance, their acts must not be taken in isolation.' Earlier on Thursday, Alex Granville, for Cush, said there was 'significant mitigation for each appellant and significant circumstances', which may not have been properly considered. Williams, then 45, was jailed for two years and two months in August after he threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during the rioting in Sunderland on August 2 Cush, 20, from Reading, was jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker during a protest in central London Body cam footage shows Ozzie Cush before he kicked a police officer at a demonstration near Trafalgar Square Temesgen, from Plymouth, was given a 14-month prison sentence after throwing bottles at police in August, which has now been altered to take place in youth detention He later told the court that an immediate prison sentence is not the only way to deter potential offenders. The barrister continued: 'Suspended sentences hanging over a defendant's head, while subject to other forms of punitive work can act as a deterrent but can also act as rehabilitation.' The Crown Prosecution Service responded to the appeals. Duncan Atkinson KC, for the body, said that each of the sentencing judges took the correct approach. He said: 'Whilst context is not everything, it is extremely important to sentencing in cases such as this. 'Each of these offenders in their different ways were sentenced for participating in different ways.' The barrister added: 'It is clear that each of the judges was aware they had to assess the incident and its impact before going on to assess the role of the individual.' Cush, 20, from Reading, was jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker during a protest in central London. Williams, then 45, was jailed for two years and two months in August after he threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during the rioting in Sunderland on August 2. Temesgen, from Plymouth, was given a 14-month prison sentence after throwing bottles at police in August, which has now been altered to take place in youth detention. A central London pub has been handed down a new set of noise rules and may be forced to shut early after a neighbour lodged complaints over the sound of 'laughter'. The Globe pub, located on Marylebone Road opposite the famous tourist hotspot Madame Tussauds, was issued the edicts after being hauled before the Westminster Licensing Committee. The hearing before the committee came about after a local resident applied for its closing time to change from midnight to 11pm due to the 'faint giggles and murmuring' of customers. Official documents show that Michael Zelouf complained over the persistent after-hours socialising of patrons outside of the bar, which reportedly interrupted his sleep on multiple occasions. Now, following a review of Mr Zelouf's grievances with the Globe, the pub will be subject to new trading conditions until a 'full reasoned decision' on the matter has been reached. The Globe pub, located on Marylebone Road opposite the famous tourist hotspot Madame Tussauds, will now have to adhere to new trading conditions A local resident had complained over the sound of 'laughter' from patrons socialising outside of the venue after hours of trading In the application submitted before the Westminster Licensing Committee, Mr Zelouf submitted a series of WhatsApp messages between himself and the Globe's manager as evidence. During one exchange on March 15 earlier this year, Mr Zelouf wrote minutes after midnight: 'Can you please disperse the people outside the pub. They are making a lot of noise. Thanks'. The manager then replied: 'I will pass on to move them on. Apologies'. However, Mr Zelouf was allegedly disturbed again, sending a further message at 12:21am reading: 'Hate to disturb again. They are still laughing and making a lot of noise'. Similarly, on March 27, the resident wrote at midnight complaining over the noise of patrons who had failed to disperse after the pub's closing time, with the group 'screaming happy birthday'. On this occasion, the manager's apologies were met with an angry response, reading: 'This is happening far too frequently. They woke me up again. They are still making a lot of noise'. Speaking before the licensing committee, Mr Zelouf described his experience of dealing with the noise, stating: 'Imagine you've just dozed off and you are woken up by a faint giggle. 'You dozed off again to be woken up by a murmur from a distant conversation. Would your adrenaline spike? Would you struggle to fall back asleep? 'That's what happens to me each time I'm forced to complain about the licensing after 12am. Each time rendering me unable to sleep before 1 or 2am. Is that acceptable?' The Globe pub is located opposite Baker Street tube station and the tourist hotspot Madame Tussauds New trading conditions imposed on the 18th century pub include the requirement to have a 'complaints' available to residents Mr Zelouf's complaint application was supported by Conservative Party councillor Karen Scarborough who revealed she had received noise complaints from other residents at Portland Mansions. The Globe pub has previously received a similar noise complaint back in 2022 which on that occasion was found to have been the excessive 'pinging' of beer barrels. This led to the pub agreeing to not accept deliveries prior to 7am. Following an initial review of Mr Zelouf's application, the Westminster Licensing Committee has modified the conditions of the Globe's licence until a final decision is made. As part of these new conditions, the pub must maintain a 'complaints log' from residents which should be made available for 'inspection' by authorities. A direct phone to the manager must be made readily available for all residents, along with the edict that any patrons in the courtyard be supervised by staff. An external management plan and a dispersal policy must also be drawn up to ensure that pubgoers leave the premises quietly. Finally, the Globe has been told that loudspeakers should not be placed at the entrance, exit or outside the venue. No date has been set yet for when the final decision on Mr Zelouf's application will be made, but should the committee side with him, the Globe may have to cut its trading hours short. Speaking to the noise allegations, a legal spokesman for the Globe stated that council officers have never previously found 'nuisances detected' during multiple visits to the premises and that police had not raised any issues of antisocial behaviour. 'We say this is a good pub, doing good work that is well received....It does not undermine any of the licensing objectives...This is not a premises that merits a review,' he said. He added: 'Murmuring and occasional bouts of laughter, when did that become a nuisance? I don't accept, respectfully, that that can fairly be described as nuisance'. Kamala Harris' campaign boss was grilled Thursday for 'personally' getting the election 'so wrong' after the Democrat presidential nominee conceded election defeat to Donald Trump. Speaking on CNN Rep. Roberto Garcia, a co-chair of Harris' campaign, was questioned by anchor Jake Tapper on why the Democratic party lost votes from Latino men to Trump. Garcia affirmed that Harris 'won the Latino vote overall' but confessed that the Democrats had 'a lot of work to do with Latino men' following this week's election result. But Tapper shot back at the congressman - who is Latino himself - and asked him: 'How did you personally get it so wrong?'. 'There's a Latina producer on my staff from Los Angeles who has been seeing this phenomenon of folk in her community moving right for years. I don't think she was surprised. I know she wasn't surprised by what happened. You were. So, how did you get it so wrong?', the anchor went on to say. CNN Rep. Roberto Garcia, a co-chair of Harris' campaign, was questioned by anchor Jake Tapper on why the Democratic party lost votes from Latino men to Trump Garcia affirmed that Harris 'won the Latino vote overall' but confessed that the Democrats had 'a lot of work to do with Latino men' Garcia's grilling on television comes after president-elect Trump made an astounding political comeback after being backed by 46 per cent of all Latino voters - the most by any Republican in modern history. Garcia admitted that he was surprised by Harris' defeat, and admitted how he and several colleagues in congress believed that the vice president had consolidated the Latino male vote. 'Look, she still won, obviously, Latinos overwhelmingly. She won the Latino vote overall, but there is a lot of work to do with Latino men, and I think that's something we as Democrats have to engage in. 'I think particularly for those of us that are Latinos, those of us that are immigrants like myself, who came to this country, who worked hard, whose family worked hard in search of a better life', he concluded. Garcia's television appearance comes after MSNBC's Joe Scarborough claimed 'racist Hispanics' and 'sexist black men' are to blame for Harris' electoral loss. The Morning Joe host made the controversial claim on Wednesday as he discussed Trump's landslide win for the White House. Speaking to rev Al Sharpton, Scarborough - who earlier appeared to accept the result - said 'Democrats need to be mature, and they need to be honest. Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump addresses supporters at the Election Night watch party in the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA US Vice President Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves at supporters at the end of her concession speech at Howard University in Washington, DC 'And they need to say, 'Yes, there is misogyny, but it's not just misogyny from white men... 'It's misogyny from Hispanic men, it's misogyny from black men - things we've all been talking about - who do not want a woman leading them.' Scarborough, an ex-Republican, continued his rant: 'but is not just misogyny from Hispanic men, from black men, '[There] might be race issues with Hispanics that don't want a black woman president of the United States.' 'It's time for the Democrats to say a lot of Hispanic voters have problems with black candidates,' Scarborough said. Residents were forced to evacuate their homes after they were flooded when a torrent of surging water from a burst government pipeline hit them. The large water main connected to a major Sydney dam split around midday on Friday at Como, in the city's south, drenching nearby homes in Binya Place and Inelgah Road which became inundated with water. Fences were toppled over, windows smashed and backyards were washed away at the hardest hit properties. One resident, Michelle Bunch, said she feared her home could end up waterlogged with extensive damage. 'It was smacking against the windows, we thought they were going to smash apart,' Ms Bunch told Nine News. The Sydney Water maintained pipeline connects to the Woronora Dam which supplies water to several suburbs south of the Georges River including Sutherland, Cronulla, Engadine, Heathcote, Helensburg. It, like most water pipelines in Australia's largest cities, has been around for well over half a century, being laid in 1942, with researchers from the University of Technology Sydney saying the average age of our water infrastructure is 80-years-old. The large torrent exploded into nearby homes at Binya Place and Inelgah Road and left them quickly inundated with water (pictured water flooding a home nearby the pipeline) The deluge forced part of the roof on Ms Bunch's property to collapse and destroyed some of the family's belongings. The destruction has forced them out of their home and they will have to find alternative accommodation. 'It was pretty terrifying,' Ms Bunch said. A Sydney Water spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia crews from the agency isolated the main and repairs are currently underway to fix the pipe. 'Network Technicians were on site assessing a leak on the main when it burst,' the spokeswoman said. 'Customer advocates are on site working with impacted customers and assessing the damage. 'Sydney Water apologises for the inconvenience caused to our customers.' NSW State Emergency Services said some homes had been severely impacted by water damage while others sustained only superficial damage. Australia's 140,000kms of water pipes are on average 80-years-old with the aging network prone to faults. Professor Fang Chen and Associate Professor Yang Wang lead an award-winning team of scientists in the UTS Data Science Institute which are researching ways to identify potential ruptures before they happen. 'Just like a human octogenarian, this infrastructure needs closer monitoring and ''preventive medicine'' to keep it going strong,' Professor Feng said. Collaborating with more than 30 utilities in Australia and internationally, they've examined 1 million pipe failure records for 10 million pipes over the past decade. The team has developed a computer-driven model to predict where faults are most likely to occur before the infrastructure breaks. Crews and technicians from Sydney Water have isolated the main and repairs are currently underway to fix the pipe (pictured crews fixing the burst water main in the ruptured pipe) On Friday, residents reportedly informed Sydney Water about 6am that a hissing sound was coming from the pipe before it ruptured. The agency inspected the site at 7.30am and it is understood they fixed the issue. However, the pipeline to burst open just hours later. The cause of the rupture has yet to be confirmed. Sydney water is the main supplier of drinking water across the Harbour City and the agency services five million customers. A man in his 30s has died after falling down the stairs of a double-decker bus in Oxford city centre. He suffered serious injuries in the freak accident near Westgate shopping centre on October 26. Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Thames Valley Police and the South Central Ambulance Service were all called to the incident with the man being rushed to hospital where he died of his injuries on October 31. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said that an investigation has been launched and that specially trained family liaison officers were supporting the man's family. They said: 'Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family and friends of the man who has died. A man in his 30s has died after falling down the stairs of a double-decker bus in Oxford city centre (File image) He suffered serious injuries in the freak accident near Westgate shopping centre on October 26 and died in hospital five days later 'The man's death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the Oxfordshire Coroner.' Oxford Bus Company confirmed it is assisting the police force in their investigation and offered their condolences to the family and friends of the man who died. A spokesman said: 'Our thoughts and condolences are with the deceased's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'We are continuing to assist Thames Valley Police with their inquiries into this tragic incident and are providing wellbeing support to our driver.' The bus company previously said it provided CCTV footage of the incident to the police and that nobody else was involved. 'A passenger on board one of our vehicles received emergency medical treatment after an incident in which no-one else was involved. 'Following medical assistance on the vehicle in Oxford the passenger was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital by ambulance. 'We are assisting the emergency services with their inquiries and have given CCTV footage to the police. Our thoughts are with the passenger and his family and we thank everyone who provided medical support.' Primrose Hill is known for its million-pound mansions, a star-studded list of residents that sounds more like a casting call and charming high street bustling with independent shops. But now locals claim its picturesque shopping hub could soon be 'steamrollered' by plans to open a new branch of upmarket bakery store Gail's. The posh bakery chain, that is known for its sourdough, cinnamon buns - and more recently high street revolts - has announced plans to open a new branch next year on the leafy green Gloucester Avenue. Taking over from an independent delicatessen, which was forced to close due to entering liquidation, the company will now have three outlets within a 10-minute walk from each other - the other two being in Camden Market and Parkway. But whilst some hope the new store will bring more customers to the area, community campaigner Phil Cowan claims it 'represent[ed] yet another rung on the ladder towards identikit retail environments'. It is not the first time Gail's - which boasts more than 130 stores across the UK has faced opposition within London. Last month, Walthamstow locals claimed the chain's new branch in their East London enclave was the 'ultimate sign of gentrification'. Gail's - which boasts more than 130 stores across the UK - ree outlets within a 10-minute walk from each other in north London The coffee chain plans to take over a premises on the leafy green Gloucester Avenue (pictured) Mr Cowan told the Camden New Journal: 'The proposed store will represent yet another rung on the ladder towards identikit retail environments, which is both sad and ironic considering that people so enthusiastically celebrate Primrose Hill just as it is a proudly independent village.' The area was made famous in the 1990s by party-loving celebrities such as rock stars Noel and Liam Gallagher, model Kate Moss, actor Jude Law and actress Sadie Frost - who were regularly photographed together drinking and smoking at the time. It is still known to be a neighbourhood full of famous faces, housing stars such as Daisy Lowe, Matt Smith, Lily James, Douglas Booth and Claire Foy. In 2022, Camden Council received more than 1,300 letters of objection from locals after they caught wind of Starbuck's plans to open a new cafe in the fashionable community. At that time, the Primrose Hill conservation area advisory committee argued that a Starbucks was 'not in keeping with the atmosphere of the area'. The committee even managed to get a number of their famous residents on board, as Mr Law, singer Neneh Cherry and writer Alan Bennet joined in on the backlash which eventually saw the American chain back out. The company issued a statement in which it said: "Starbucks cares about the views of the communities of which we are a part. We feel sorry at the level of animosity shown towards Starbucks in Primrose Hill. "We hoped to make a positive contribution to the area and local economy by providing local jobs and offering an environment for people to get together. We do not feel it would be appropriate to open the store in the current climate." Community campaigner Phil Cowan (pictured) claimed the new Gail's 'represent[ed] yet another rung on the ladder towards identikit retail environments' Gails will look to press on with their Primrose Hill plans, having first opened in 2005 in Hampstead, North London (file image) Primerose Hill was made famous in the 1990s by party-loving celebrities such as rock stars model Kate Moss and actress Sadie Frost (pictured with Ronnie Woods daughter Leah) - who were regularly photographed together drinking and smoking at the time But Gails will look to press on with their Primrose Hill plans, having first opened in 2005 in Hampstead, North London. Ever since then, the company has slowly begun to spread across the capital before cherry picking new towns and cities to set up in including Wilmslow in Cheshire and Epsom in Surrey. Gail's chief executive Tom Molnar previously told the Mail that it was a huge compliment that people ask him for a Gail's in their locality. Despite plans to open other shops in London and having more than 130 openings, managers at Gail's do not consider themselves a chain. In an interview with trade publication British Baker, Marta Pogroszewska said she believed 'scale' was an uncomfortable term and the company will always focus on being a 'neighbourhood bakery' rather than a chain. The arrival of a Gail's in a town is a boost for property prices and a sure indicator that that the area is on the up and up. But for some locals, the introduction of the brand threatens their individuality. Last month, furious residents in Walthamstow started a petition to oppose the coffee chain opening a shop in the East London enclave, calling for the protection of their community's unique identity. A new opening sign featuring a bearded tattooed hipster has emerged on a new Gail's in Walthamstow - which upset a number of locals who saw the store as the 'ultimate sign of gentrification' Gail's bakery is facing a fresh revolt over plans to open a new branch in Worthing, West Sussex, as independent cafe owners fear they could be forced out of businesses. Pictured: Residents pass the branch which is expected to open soon Despite receiving more than 1,8000 signatures, the cafe's opening went ahead anyway. Outside of London, Worthing locals also attempted to stop the opening of the chain in their seaside West Sussex town in August, but were also unsuccessful. The Worthing Society, which aims to 'preserve' and 'safeguard' the town's heritage, expressed concerns the bakery's aesthetic might not harmonise with the historic street on which it is set to open. Tushar Patel, who owns Cafe Traditionale on Chapel Road, told The Telegraph: 'Allowing more cafes to open will have a knock-on effect on existing businesses. 'Existing businesses are struggling as it is. Somebody will have to close their doors very soon here. It is frustrating. The council should look after the existing businesses by not allowing new cafes to open.' David Lammy tried to brush off the impact of his excoriating past criticism of Donald Trump last night, insisting he had a good relationship with the returning US president despite branding him a 'woman-hating, neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath'. The Labour Foreign Secretary is under fire over tweets he made when he was an opposition MP in which he said the hard right Republican was a 'tyrant in a toupee' and lacked the brains to pass GCSE exams. Mr Lammy, who will now have a lead role in trying to maintain the UK's so-called 'special relationship' with the United States, claiming to the BBC that his relationship with Team Trump had survived the remarks. Mr Lammy and PM Sir Keir Starmer met Trump in New York after the UK general election, and Mr Lammy said his past attacks had not even been raised. Branding them 'old news' he told the broadcaster's Newscast podcast that he believes he can find 'common ground' with Trump, pointing out his Tory predecessor Lord Cameron 'had some pretty ripe things to say' about the president-elect. 'He did offer me a second portion of chicken. He was very generous, very gracious, very keen to make sure that we felt relaxed and comfortable in his surroundings,' the Foreign Secretary said. 'I think that what you say as a backbencher and what you do wearing the the real duty of public office are two different things. And I am Foreign Secretary. There are things I know now that I didn't know back then, and that's the truth of it.' And he suggested he had come away from the meeting with 'a hunch' Trump would beat Kamala Harris to return to the White House. However the former head of MI6 today warned there was 'concern' about the remarks and their impact on UK-US relations. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has refused to back down on previously calling Donald Trump a 'neo-Nazi sympathiser' Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida Sir Richard Dearlove told the BBC: 'Well of course, there's a lot of baggage there, and that's a concern, but when foreign secretaries go to Washington, they don't necessarily see the president,' Sir Richard said. 'Maybe, if they have a good personal relationship, they do see each other, but the relationship can easily be dealt with by other people. 'Maybe Trump, now, because he's got such a strong political mandate, will put issues like that to one side.' The Foreign Secretary has come under intense scrutiny for comments he made in 2018 when he described Trump as a Among the other barbs directed at Trump by Mr Lammy on social media include the quip: 'If Trump did GCSEs he wouldn't make it to sixth form.' But Downing Street has pushed back and took the unusual step to say Mr Lammy would be remaining in his post until the end of the Parliament. The BBC's political editor Chris Mason told Mr Lammy his back catalogue of quotes mattered as Trump could in the future decide to 'weaponise these' and that's to 'our [the UK's] detriment'. But he brushed it off as he made reference to a dinner he and the Prime Minister had with Trump in New York in September. Looking uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair and tapped his hands on his thighs, Mr Lammy said: 'He didn't seem to think it mattered a few weeks ago.' He added: 'And in the end he [Trump] is finding common ground just as I'm finding common ground.' Mr Lammy added that Trump was 'someone that we can build a relationship with in our national interest' and praised his election campaign as 'very well run'. 'I felt in my bones that there could be a Trump presidency,' he added. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met Trump for dinner in New York in September. When asked if his past comments had been brought up when he met Trump for dinner, Mr Lammy said 'not even vaguely'. He added: 'I know this is a talking point today, but in a world where there's war in Europe, where there's a tremendous loss of life in the Middle East, where the US and the UK genuinely have a special relationship, where we got someone who's about to become again, the US president, who has experience of doing the job last time round, we will forge common interests,' he said. 'We will agree and align on much and where we disagree, we'll have those conversations as well, most often in private.' Sir Keir is facing a major headache with Mr Trump's stunning US election win, after tensions flared over Labour supporters helping to campaign for the Democrat contender. Mr Trump's team filed an official complaint with federal election authorities accusing Labour of making 'illegal foreign national contributions'. Around 100 activists travelled to swing states to canvass for the Harris ticket - although Labour insisted they went at their own expense. Sir Keir last night denied he was too left-wing to get on with the incoming president. He was asked by reporters at the European Political Community summit in Hungary yesterday about claims that Mr Trump had privately described him as 'very left-wing', suggesting relations between the administrations would be strained. Sir Keir replied: 'I had a very good meeting with President Elect Trump a few weeks ago when we had dinner in New York. It was very positive and constructive, as was the phone call we had last night. 'As I've said many, many times, the special relationship was forged in very difficult circumstances historically. In our joint view, it's more important today than it's ever been.' In another attempt to build bridges, his deputy Angela Rayner spoke to incoming Vice President JD Vance - after it emerged she once described Mr Trump as an 'absolute buffoon' who has 'no place in the White House'. Newly unearthed footage shows that during the pandemic, she told ITV: 'He's an absolute buffoon. He has no place in the White House. He's an embarrassment and he should be ashamed of himself, especially when thousands of Americans have died.' Last night Ms Rayner wrote on Twitter/X: 'Good to speak to US Vice President-elect JD Vance as UK Deputy Prime Minister. We spoke about our plans for the future and how, working together, we build on the special relationship between our great countries.' US analyst and former junior aide to Margaret Thatcher Nile Gardiner predicted there would be Congressional hearings on the use of Labour activists, not least because Republicans have won back control of the Senate with the House still to play for. 'I think Keir Starmer is in the dog house right now and I'm not sure he would be welcome at Mar-a-Lago right now,' Mr Gardiner said. 'Sir Keir is viewed as part and parcel of the Harris operation'. Firing Mr Lammy for his 'vicious' attacks on Mr Trump would be a start, Mr Gardiner said. He said: 'The smartest thing would be to sack David Lammy and apologise for the intervention by Labour staffers. 'But I'm in no doubt that it will be practically impossible for Sir Keir to work with the Trump Presidency'. Earlier this week, during PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badeonch asked Sir Keir if he had apologised for Mr Lammy's past remarks. In response, the PM said his meeting with the Foreign Secretary and president-elect Trump just a few weeks ago was a 'very constructive exercise'. Ms Badenooch insisted that Sir Keir must invite Mr Trump to visit the UK and address both Houses of Parliament. When Mr Trump was last president Labour MPs including Mr Lammy signed an early day motion arguing he should not be allowed the honour of addressing both Houses of Parliament during a state visit. Meanwhile, the PM has also repeatedly clashed with billionaire Elon Musk, who looks certain to end up playing a key role in the Trump administration. Government sources have been playing up the private dinner Sir Keir and Mr Lammy had with Mr Trump in New York in September, insisting they had struck up a good relationship. There was also anger that senior figures from the party went to the Democratic National Convention in August and met Harris aides. The two parties have long-term ties. Ms Badenoch said in the Commons: 'I would like to start by congratulating President-elect Trump on his impressive victory this morning. 'The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary met him in September. Did the Foreign Secretary take that opportunity to apologise for making derogatory and scatological references, including, and I quote, 'Trump is not only a woman-hating Neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath, he is also a profound threat to the international order', and if he did not apologise, will the Prime Minister do so now on his behalf?' A thug has been convicted of killing a man after a row at a petrol station, a court has heard. The assault occurred in December 2017 when Polish national Bernard Hirsch pulled into the Asda petrol station on Marsland Road in Manchester, Sale to fill up his car with fuel. Hirsch, then 40, was standing on the forecourt when another motorist Tyren Pollard went up to him and began an argument over the victim's use of an assistance pump- which are reserved for disabled drivers. During a heated exchange, Pollard who walks with the aid of crutches, hit Hirsch in the face and repeatedly struck him with his walking stick. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Pollard, 52, of Sale, who lists his education as 'Strangeways' and his job as 'Mob Wars' on Facebook was found guilty of manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Bernard Hirsch with his wfe Marzena. Hirsch a disabled Masters graduate moved to Britain in search of work from his native Poland Hirsch was discharged from hospital in August 2018 after nine months of treatment but was left disabled from the attack Tyren Pollard (pictured) punched Hirsch during a row as he filled up his Jaguar car at an Asda petrol station CCTV played to jurors showed the two men, both of whom had mobility issues, arriving at the petrol station from different directions. While filling up his Audi A3, Pollard who was with his dog began shouting at Hirsch before walked towards the kiosk and then turning and approaching the victim. Witnesses claimed that both men were shouting and accused Pollard of swinging his crutch at Hirsch and punching him to the floor. He then left his victim bleeding on the floor with a split lip, went to the kiosk to pay for his own fuel telling a cashier: 'He did not need to be at f***ing pump six - there is nothing wrong with him'. When interviewed Pollard who uses a crutch to walk following a road traffic accident in 1997 claimed he had mistaken Hirsch for a man who had earlier hit his Shih Tzu dog through the window of his Audi when their two vehicles were stopped at traffic lights near a tram stop. He said he heard the victim make an 'aggressive' remark and sounded his horn for 10 to 15 seconds when the two cars pulled up at the petrol station. Pollard told the court he proceeded to 'give him the finger', but he dismissed it as 'motorist banter' and denied punching him. Pollard told the court Hirsch swung a crutch at him three times but missed and struck his own vehicle, damaging the wing mirror. He added: 'At first I just thought it was a bit of motorist banter. I didn't know he was going to swing his crutch. 'I never expected to have to defend myself, even though I had invaded his space.' But Michael Brady KC, prosecuting, said the previous altercation 'never happened' and told Pollard: 'The reason you told the police about that incident was to paint Hirsch in a bad light. 'Because you knew, despite what you told this jury, that you attacked him.' Hirsch died in 2020 after being admitted to hospital with suspected Covid-19 Pollard, 52, was found guilty of manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester Pathologists concluded that the head injury sustained during the attack was a factor in Hirsch's death Hirsch, who in fact suffered from the kidney disorder Nephrotic Syndrome and was awaiting an organ transplant returned home following the attack but did not tell his nurse wife Marzena what had happened as it is believed he was due to attend a birthday party the following day. He later began suffering severe headaches and vomiting and collapsed at home with a bleed on the brain. Hirsch was rushed to hospital where he spent three months in a coma with his family saying he suffered two severe strokes. He was eventually discharged in August 2018 after nine months of treatment but was left 'profoundly' disabled with well wishers raising 2,200 following a public appeal to equip his specially adapted sterile bedroom to help with his basic needs. In March 2020 aged 43, Hirsch who lived in Manchester was readmitted to hospital with suspected Covid-19 and died eight days later with tests showing the attack contributed to his death. According to the victim's family Hirsch attained a Masters degree in economics in his native Poland but was unable to find a suitable job there so emigrated to England in 2004. Over a 12 year year period he worked in the care sector but was signed off on sickness benefits after his medical condition worsened and he was put on regular dialyses, pending a kidney transplant. A post-mortem examination gave Hirsch's cause of death as 'COVID-19' but pathologists concluded that his head injury was a factor in his death. Pollard was bailed pending sentencing on January 9. Judge Maurice Greene told him: 'This is a serious matter and the sentence is very likely to be a custodial sentence. You understand that.' A federal judge on Thursday struck down a Biden administration policy that aimed to ease a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens. The program, lauded as one of the biggest presidential actions to help immigrant families in years, allowed undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for a green card without first having to leave the country. The temporary relief from deportation brought a brief sense of security to some 500,000 immigrants estimated to benefit from the program before Texas-based U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker put it on hold in August, days after applicants filed their paperwork. Barker ruled Thursday that the Biden administration had overstepped its authority by implementing the program and had stretched the legal interpretation of relevant immigration law 'past its breaking point.' The short-lived Biden administration initiative known as 'Keeping Families Together' would have been unlikely to remain in place after Donald Trump took office in January. President Joe Biden talks with the U.S. Border Patrol and local officials, as he looks over the southern border, Feb. 29, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas, along the Rio Grande. Migrants wait in line hoping for processing from Customs and Border Patrol agents after groups arrived at Jacumba Hot Springs, California, after walking under intense heat from Mexico into the US on June 5, 2024 US Border Patrol police intervene with irregular migrants crosings the border to Jacumba Hot Springs days after US President Joe Biden announced a decree to change migration policy at the border in California But its early termination creates greater uncertainty for immigrant families as many are bracing for Trump's return to the White House. Trump's election victory this week sets the stage for a swift crackdown on undocumented individuals after the Republican ran on promises of 'mass deportation.' The president-elect energized his supporters on the campaign trail with a litany of anti-immigrant statements, including that immigrants were 'poisoning the blood' of the nation. During his first term, Trump appointed Barker as a judge in Tyler, Texas, which lies in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a favored venue for advocates pushing conservative arguments. Barker had placed the immigration initiative on hold after Texas and 15 other states, led by their Republican attorneys general, filed a legal challenge accusing the executive branch of bypassing Congress to help immigrant families for 'blatant political purposes.' Republicans argued the initiative created costs for their states and could draw more migrants to the U.S. President Joe Biden, center, looks over the southern border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas The policy would have applied to people who have been living continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, do not pose a security threat and have utilized the existing legal authority known as 'parole in place' that offers deportation protections. Those married to a citizen by June 17, the day before the program was announced, could pay a $580 application fee and fill out a lengthy application explaining why they deserve humanitarian parole. If approved, applicants would have three years to seek permanent residency and obtain work authorization. It was not immediately clear Thursday whether anyone had received approval under the program, which only accepted applications for about a week before the judge placed it on hold. Non-citizen spouses are already eligible for legal status but often have to apply from their home countries. The process typically includes a years-long wait outside of the U.S., which can separate family members with different immigration statuses. The Life of Brian is a more realistic portrayal of Jesus than the Bible and should not have been banned, its editor has said. Julian Doyle says the film, which was released 45 years ago today, is 'more authentic and accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ than the teachings of the Church and the Bible combined', especially for the controversial crucifixion scene. Life Of Brian is no more offensive to Christians than Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, according to Doyle, who said he is amazed the film was ever banned. He said those behind the prohibition of the cult comedy were as clueless about history as the film's hapless main character, Brian Cohen. In the movie, Brian, a likeable but unlucky man young Judaean man, was born on the same day as Jesus in the stable next door and spends his life being mistaken for the Messiah. The film, described at the time as the most blasphemous ever made, was banned for a year in Norway, for eight years in Ireland, and for more than a decade in Italy. Julian Doyle says the film, which was released 45 years ago today, is 'more authentic and accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ than the teachings of the Church and the Bible combined', especially for the controversial crucifixion scene (pictured: Eric Idle and Graham Chapman) Life Of Brian is no more offensive to Christians than Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, according to Doyle (pictured), who said he is amazed the film was ever banned Behind the scenes photographs from filming on the set of Monty Python's Life of Brian in 1979 Screenings were also cancelled in cinemas across the US and the UK following protests from religious leaders and nuns. A ban in Aberystwyth, Wales, lasted three decades and was only lifted in 2009 after one of the stars, Sue Jones-Davies, who played Brian's love interest Judith Iscariot, became town mayor. But Doyle, the film's editor, who also worked on Python favourites The Holy Grail and Meaning of Life, said Life of Brian was not a mockery of Jesus or Christianity at all. He said the film, which hit cinemas on November 8, 1979, was simply intended as a parody of human behaviour and the 'comedic tendency' of people to blindly follow leaders. 'If you look at the film from an historical point of view, you'll realise that it is a far more authentic and accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ than the teachings of the Church and the Bible combined,' Doyle said. He said the film's crucifixion scene, which caused outrage among Christian groups worldwide, was a more historically accurate portrayal of Jesus than other films, since the Bible is 'full of contradictions' on Jesus, like how he did within hours of being nailed to the cross, which Doyle said would actually take days. Doyle added that the biblical story of Jesus carrying his own cross would have been inaccurate, as his team found out while filming. 'The funny thing is that while the Pythons only ever intended to make a comedy film, they intuitively hit on a more realistic portrayal of Jesus and his times because they followed reason rather than faith,' Doyle added. 'This has obviously made a lot of Christians unhappy, but it stands up to scrutiny and if you are seeking to learn about the life of the real Jesus then Python's Life of Brian is, in my view, just as valid as any other portrayal of Jesus including the Church's teachings.' The hordes of placard-waving protesters who misunderstood the film's satire and took offence to its storyline - and to its infamous crucifixion scene - were 'no better than a Gumby', he added. A Gumby was a recurring Python character with extremely limited intelligence. Doyle also said he believes song 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' from the Monty Python movie should be sung on BBC's Songs Of Praise. In the movie, Brian (centre), a likeable but unlucky man, was born in the stable next door to Jesus and spends his life being mistaken for the Messiah Unlike cast members John Cleese, Michael Palin (pictured), Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam, Doyle has remained tight-lipped about the backlash before now One memorable scene has another of the victims being crucified, Mr Cheeky, played by Eric Idle, tell Brian, 'We've got a couple of days up here' Unlike cast members John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam, Doyle has remained tight-lipped about the backlash before now. But he broke his silence at the launch of his new book The After-Life of Brian, which has been released to coincide with the film's 45th anniversary and which 'separates fact from fiction' about the life and death of Jesus Christ. Doyle, 81, who spent four decades researching the book, said Life of Brian is no more disrespectful of the Messiah than any other creative representation of Jesus. But, he joked that the Pythons themselves should be burned at the stake for challenging the biblical account of Jesus' life. He said: 'The politicians, the censors, and, of course, the placard-waving mobs of protesters completely misunderstood Life of Brian. 'Many were as clearly as dim-witted as a Gumby because they simply didn't grasp the fact that we weren't mocking Jesus or Christians at all but simply making a film that satirised society's comedic tendency to follow religious, political and business leaders like sheep. 'If you look at the film from an historical point of view, you'll realise that it is a far more authentic and accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ than the teachings of the Church and the Bible combined. 'So describing Life of Brian as blasphemous is as nonsensical and ignorant as calling Jesus Chris Superstar blasphemous, too. And quite clearly, Webber's musical is about as far from as blasphemous as you can get. 'If you really want to get upset about the film then it should be over its historical accuracy, which brings the biblical narrative into serious question. 'In the past, this would have been considered "heresy" so perhaps the Pythons should have been burned at the stake!' Doyle, whose feature film credits also include Time Bandits and Brazil, added: 'I was amazed when Life of Brian was banned, and I'm still amazed that Always Look on the Bright Side of Life never got a regular slot on Songs of Praise. 'I mean, it's the most popular choice of song for funerals in the UK, so it's being blasted out of churches all the time!' Behind the scenes photographs from filming on the set of Monty Python's Life of Brian in 1979 And as the cast discovered, the biblical story of Jesus carrying his own full-size cross would have been impossible Upon its release the film, and its crucifixion scene in particular-ending with Eric Idle singing 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'-caused outrage among Christian groups worldwide. Screenings were met by protests and the movie - which was given a 'X' adult rating - was subsequently banned in numerous countries. But Doyle said that Life of Brian presents a more historically accurate portrayal of Jesus and his times than any other movie. Not only that, he reckons it is more accurate than the biblical story of Jesus, which he says is 'full of contradictions'. In the Bible, for example, Jesus died within hours of being nailed to the cross, but his death would have in fact taken days to occur as other crucifixion scenes did in the movie. One memorable scene has another of the victims being crucified, Mr Cheeky, played by Eric Idle, tell Brian, 'We've got a couple of days up here.' And as the cast discovered, the biblical story of Jesus carrying his own full-size cross would have been impossible. 'In the film, Mr Cheeky's comment that they have plenty of time on the cross is historically accurate because what is there to kill someone, apart from exposure to the elements and dehydration?' Doyle said. He added: 'In Life of Brian, we made small crosses for the actors to carry, because anything larger would have been impossible to shift. 'Christian artwork often shows the cross that Jesus was raised upon to be a towering thing but he would have needed to be a powerlifter to have any chance of getting that his shoulders, let alone dragging it along.' In fact, Doyle believes from his research that Jesus may not have been crucified at all but rather stoned to death in much the same way as another famous scene in the film. 'Confusingly, the Bible contradicts itself on stoning as a means of execution for Jesus' crime, blasphemy, which many have taken to mean that Jesus couldn't possibly have been stoned for his crime,' he said. Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin in Monty Python's Life Of Brian Life Of Brian was banned in several countries, including Norway and Ireland, and by councils across Britain when it was released in 1979. Pictured is a scene from the movie 'However, the Jewish holy book, the Talmud, states clearly that stoning was the Jewish method of execution, not crucifixion, and that's most likely what actually happened.' In 2014, Doyle, Life of Brian director Terry Jones and fellow Python John Cleese attended an academic conference at King's College London about the film's creative contribution to scholarship on the life of Jesus. Doyle added: 'I'm very proud of the growing appreciation of the film's historical accuracy within the academic world, especially given how vociferously religious critics tried to crucify the Pythons when the film first released. 'While it is, and will always remain, a comedy first and foremost, to those who are open minded it does offer a wider insight into the life and times of Jesus, and one that has just as much legitimacy, if not more so from an historical perspective, as the Church's account. A drunk holidaymaker who shouted vile abuse at cabin crew on a flight from Mexico to Manchester has been jailed. During the eight-hour flight, Alexander Rogers, 40, subjected airline staff to a torrent of abuse, calling one crew member an 'arab b****' and pushing another on the shoulder. The Rochdale scaffolder, who admitted to having six double vodkas before boarding, was then handcuffed to his seat by two off-duty officers on board the flight who were forced to intervene. However, this failed to stem the deluge of obscenities which Mr Rogers directed towards airline staff, as he went on to shout: 'You cant f****** cuff me. Black Lives Matter. I am not a terrorist. I am not a danger to the plane. I am not a terrorist'. A Manchester Crown Court judge heard from prosecutors how the plane's pilot was almost forced to divert the flight over Mr Rogers' behaviour. Whilst sentencing the self-employed scaffolder, the judge labelled his actions 'quite appalling' and said that everyone on board was a victim as they could not go anywhere at 36,000 feet. Alexander Rogers (pictured) pleaded guilty to being drunk on board an aircraft, to racially or religiously-aggravated harassment and assault by beating During the sentencing hearing, Keira Shaw, prosecuting, told the court how Mr Rogers had been flying home from Cancun in premium seats with his partner and that two hours into the journey, an altercation between Mr Rogers and another passenger occurred. Mr Rogers was alleged to have kicked the seat in front of him and put his feet through the gap between seats. He was also heard threatening to knock out his fellow passenger. Upon becoming aware of the incident, flight crew escorted the 40-year-old to the galley row at the back of the plane, with Mr Rogers screaming and shouting during the process. As the flight continued, the court heard how Mr Rogers continued his abusive and confrontational behaviour towards staff and demanded more food and water be brought to him. It was at this point that the off-duty police officers on board offered their assistance, before Rogers stood up again and pushed a member of the crew whilst trying to block her path. Despite Mr Rogers' girlfriend coming down to the back of the plane in an attempt to calm him down, he was ultimately handcuffed to his chair after he threw his shoe into the rows of worried passengers ahead of him. Mr Rogers was on board a TUI airlines flight from Mexico to Manchester when he became abusive towards cabin crew after an altercation with other passengers Following the TUI flight's arrival back at Manchester International Airport, Mr Rogers was arrested. He would later tell officers that he was a nervous flier and couldn't remember large parts of the flight. Ms Shaw went on to tell the court that Mr Rogers had accepted he was intoxicated on the flight and insisted had he not consumed so much alcohol, that he wouldn't have behaved in such an abusive manner. In a statement provided to the court, the flight's captain described Mr Rogers' behaviour as 'physically abusive, obscene and lewd'. The scaffolder's defence told the court that Mr Rogers was 'genuinely remorseful and ashamed... and accepts full responsibility'. Having pleaded guilty to being drunk on board an aircraft, to racially or religiously-aggravated harassment and assault by beating, Mr Rogers was sentenced to six months in prison by Judge Paul Lawton. Angela Rayner has continued Labour's love-bombing of Donald Trump's incoming White House team by speaking with US vice president-elect JD Vance. The Deputy Prime Minister revealed she and Mr Vance, a self-proclaimed 'hillbilly', discussed their 'plans for the future' and how they would be 'working together'. It is the latest effort by senior Labour ministers to fix relations with the new US administration having previously been publicly critical of Mr Trump. During the Covid pandemic, Ms Rayner labelled Mr Trump an 'absolute buffoon' and, when he lost the 2020 election, said she was 'so happy to see the back of Donald Trump'. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is also under pressure for hurling insults at Mr Trump during his first term in the White House. He once branded the president-elect 'a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser'. Angela Rayner has continued Labour's love-bombing of Donald Trump 's incoming White House team by speaking with US vice president-elect JD Vance The Deputy Prime Minister revealed she and Mr Vance, a self-proclaimed 'hillbilly' pictured with his wife Usha, discussed their 'plans for the future' During the Covid pandemic, Ms Rayner labelled Mr Trump an 'absolute buffoon' and, when he lost the 2020 election , said she was 'so happy to see the back of Donald Trump' Foreign Secretary David Lammy is also under pressure for hurling insults at Mr Trump during his first term. He once branded the president-elect 'a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser' Ms Rayner posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, last night that it was 'good to speak' to Mr Vance, an Ohio senator. She wrote: 'Good to speak to US Vice President-elect @JDVance as UK Deputy Prime Minister. 'We spoke about our plans for the future and how, working together, we build on the special relationship between our great countries.' The Prime Minister spoke to Mr Trump on Wednesday after his historic election win. Sir Keir Starmer offered 'hearty congratulations' in their first conversation since Mr Trump defeated Democrat rival Kamala Harris. Downing Street said: 'The PM offered his hearty congratulations and said he looked forward to working closely with president-elect Trump across all areas of the special relationship.' Sir Keir met Mr Trump during a visit to New York in September, where they had dinner at Trump Tower, along with Mr Lammy. Mr Trump will be inaugurated on 20 January 20 in Washington DC. Labour are scrambling to forge relations with Mr Trump amid concerns his team will be unwilling to work with those who have previously insulted him. In 2020, Ms Rayner told ITV of Mr Trump's handling of the Covid crisis: 'He's an absolute buffoon. He has no place in the White House. 'He's an embarrassment and he should be ashamed of himself, especially when thousands of Americans have died.' Ms Rayner has also dismissed Mr Vance's description of the UK as a 'truly Islamist' country with nuclear weapons. In July she told ITV that Mr Vance had said 'quite a lot of fruity things in the past' but said does not 'recognise' his view of the UK. But there are signs that Mr Trump could forgive senior Labour ministers for their past criticism, given Mr Vance himself once publicly called Mr Trump an 'idiot' and 'reprehensible'. He was even reported to have privately compared Mr Trump to Adolf Hitler, before years later becoming his pick for vice-president. The Australian government is set to introduce 'world-leading' legislation to ban social media for all children under the age of 16, with no exemptions if they have parental permission. The tech giants behind platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X will have only a year from when the law is passed to work out how to enforce the strict age limit. The legislation will be introduced in parliament during its final two weeks in session this year, from November 18, and could have repercussions around the world as MPs in the UK consider stricter limits on phone usage in schools. 'Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it,' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, adding that he had spoken to 'thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles' on the issue. 'They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,' the Labor politician said. 'I want Australian families to know that the government has your back. I want parents to be able to say, 'Sorry, mate, that's against the law.'' There will be no exemptions if children already have accounts, nor if their parents or guardians give them permission to use the sites 'Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it,' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said There will be no exemptions if children already have accounts, nor if their parents or guardians give them permission to use the sites. However there may be some 'exclusions and exemptions' in order to 'make sure that there arent unintended consequences', Albanese said, for example in cases where sites are needed to continue access to educational services. Children and parents will not be reprimanded for rule breaking, Albanese said, with social media companies facing penalties instead. Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook among other apps, said it will comply with the age limit, but has expressed concern that current technology is inadequate to effectively enforce it. 'The idea that somehow you can sort of force the industry to be in a technological place that it isn't, is probably a bit misunderstood in terms of where the industry is,' Meta's global head of safety, Antigone Davis, told The Guardian. 'The current state of age assurance technology... requires a level of personally identified information to be shared,' she went on. This would likely involve a type of facial recognition software, with a form of ID required to confirm someone's identity. Meta , which owns Instagram and Facebook among other apps, said it will comply with the age limit A similar scheme is currently being trialled for age checks on adult websites in the UK, requiring companies to verify the ages of users with a bank account, phone provider or credit card checks, but is in its early stages. It comes after Labour MP Josh MacAlister introduced a private members bill last month aimed at raising the age of 'internet adulthood' from 13 to 16. The legislation would require under-16s to get a parent or guardian's permission to use social media apps in an effort to 'protect children from the harms that can be caused by excessive screen time, and the use of social media.' Calls have also been growing for smartphones to be banned in schools, with former teacher MacAlister saying it would help to stop children from 'doomscrolling for hours a day'. A town in France has become the third town this year to ban foie gras from official receptions as consumers become increasingly concerned about the ethics of force-feeding geese. This week Pessac joined Poitiers and Montpellier in favouring 'ethical' versions of the French delicacy. Fifteen towns and cities across the country have introduced similar bans in the past three years, including Bordeaux, Lyon, Annecy, Grenoble and Strasbourg. Mayor of Pessac, Franck Raynal said: 'This is a symbolic decision in line with our action in favour of the environment and animal welfare. 'I hope it will help to raise awareness of the need to ensure animal welfare, especially in industrial food production.' Foie gras is traditionally made from the liver of a duck or goose that is fattened by force-feeding the bird corn by ramming tubes down their mouth. Jars of foie gras made from duck liver are displayed for sale at a poultry farm in Doazit, southwestern France (file photo) Female ducks bred for the production of foie gras are confined in a shed on November 28, 2022 in Sarrant, France Foie gras is traditionally made from the liver of a duck or goose that is fattened by force-feeding the bird corn by ramming tubes down their mouth Foie gras: Culinary delight or just plain cruel? Foie gras is made of duck or goose liver. By French law, it is defined as the liver of a duck fattened by force feeding corn. Outside France it is sometimes produced using natural feeding. The technique, known as gavage, dates back as far as 2500 BC when the ancient Egyptians kept birds for food and deliberately fattened them through force feeding. By French law, foie gras is defined as the liver of a duck fattened by force-fed corn France is the largest producer and consumer of foie gras but it is made and consumed around the world - especially in Europe, America and China. In France, foie gras comes in various forms such as whole foie gras which is made of one or two whole liver lobes, or as pieces of livers mixed together. Advertisement The technique, known as gavage, dates back as far as 2500 BC when the ancient Egyptians kept birds for food and deliberately fattened them through force feeding. The process is banned in the UK but around 200 tonnes of foie gras are imported, mainly from France. Raynal said that the ban on the delicacy at official receptions was aimed at cracking down on industrial producers, who he said do not meet the required standards of animal welfare. He added: 'A lot of foie gras consumed in France is industrially produced and people now realise that industrialised food production causes a worsening of conditions for animals.' Attitudes towards foie gras have been changing in recent years with a YouGov survey suggesting that seven in ten would support a ban on force-feeding. Some farmers have started trying to tempt the ducks and geese to overeat 'naturally' by feeding them sweet treats such as bread and honey. L214, an animal rights groups has argued, however, it is impossible to make the delicacy 'humanely'. The group has encouraged people to pick plant-based alternatives which they claim tastes 'almost the same'. In 2021, the world's first lab-grown foie gras was created using duck stem cells by French start-up Gourmey. The product was made by extracting cells from a single, fertilised egg and feeding them the same nutrients a duck would be given, including proteins, amino acids and lipids. Scientists said the result is similar to traditional foie gras, offering a buttery and delicate taste without the ethical concerns. An unnamed Michelin-star chef from Aquitaine, the region famed for foie gras, tried Gourmey's foie gras and reportedly said he was unable to tell the difference. He also said he would cook with the lab-grown pate. Lab-grown: The world's first lab-grown foie gras (pictured) created using duck stem cells It comes as regulators said last month that cruelty-free foie gras could be one of the first lab-grown products made available in the UK. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will launch their 'Sandbox' programme in February next year, designed to test lab-grown products to make sure they are safe for consumers to eat. Labour are being told to abandon their agreement with Mauritius over the strategically-important Chagos Islands in the wake of Donald Trump's election win. Dame Priti Patel, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, said Mr Trump's historic victory offered the Prime Minister a chance to reverse his 'surrender' of the archipelago. The Government announced last month that it had controversially agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands - officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory - to Mauritius, which has links to China. Sir Keir Starmer claimed the deal was necessary to secure the rights of the UK and US to continue to operate a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. Downing Street pointed to the backing of US President Joe Biden for the agreement and said there was an 'unsustainable' legal position in Britain continuing its sovereignty claim. But, with Mr Biden to be replaced in the White House by Mr Trump in January, the PM and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are under growing pressure to rethink the deal. Senior US Republicans have warned against handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. There are fears the deal will put the Diego Garcia base under threat from Chinese spies and boost Beijing at a time of heightened tensions with the West. Dame Priti Patel, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, said Donald Trump's historic victory offered the Prime Minister a chance to reverse his 'surrender' of the Chagos Islands Allies of Mr Trump have warned against handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. There are fears the deal will put the Diego Garcia base under threat from Chinese spies Sir Keir Starmer has claimed the deal is necessary to secure the rights of the UK and US to continue to operate a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands Dame Priti, a former Cabinet minister, told The Times: 'In their haste to surrender the Chagos Islands, Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy have shown how weak and feeble this Labour Government is. 'They failed an important test by showing the world that Labour is unwilling to defend the security and defence of our country and our allies, leaving the future of our military facilities on the island in the lurch. 'With the election of President Trump, we now have an opportunity to review this decision and work constructively with the new US administration to ensure that our defence is always put first.' There is a growing expectation that the Chagos Islands deal will leave Sir Keir facing his first foreign policy clash with Mr Trump when he re-enters the White House. A Cabinet minister insisted yesterday that the deal with Mauritius is done and dusted, while the Government believes the Pentagon supports it. But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is lobbying his political ally Mr Trump to intervene and so force the UK to think again. He told the Mail: 'I have spoken to people very closely associated with him about the Chagos situation and about the worry that the Mauritian government is moving further to the left.' Mr Farage said the danger is that the deal agreed by Labour in October which hands control to Mauritius but allows the US and UK to continue operating the military base on Diego Garcia for at least 99 years could unravel as Chinese influence grows on Mauritius. Nigel Farage is lobbying his political ally Mr Trump to intervene and so force the UK to think again The Government announced last month that it had controversially agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands - officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory - to Mauritius Downing Street has pointed to the backing of US President Joe Biden for the agreement over Diego Garcia 'Leasehold agreements sound wonderful but look at what happened with Hong Kong,' said Mr Farage. 'And what's to stop, under this agreement, the Chinese being allowed to use one of the other islands? Given the importance of Diego Garcia in the Gulf war, it's a very important military asset. 'Obviously we've got to see who he [Mr Trump] appoints as Secretary of State and as Secretary of Defence. But I think it's highly unlikely that this will not become an issue. I don't see what we gain from the handover rethinking it must be a possibility. It's entirely possible this situation changes.' He added that Trump's people 'are aware' of legal advice drafted by pro-Brexit lawyer Martin Howe KC which argues that the UK was under no obligation to cede sovereignty of the islands, despite a 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice that the UK's occupation was unlawful. A former Foreign Office source told the Mail: 'I would be highly surprised if Trump didn't at least try and put a stop to the deal.' The insider said it would be an 'extraordinary U-turn' if Labour were to abandon the deal, adding: 'Ultimately if Trump really wants it to happen, they have ways of turning the screws on the government. See what they did with Huawei.' Although Mr Trump has not commented publicly on the Chagos deal, other senior Republicans have done so including a leading contender to become his Secretary of State. Senator Marco Rubio described the handover as 'concerning' last month. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden, asked by Sky News if the deal was '100 per cent done and dusted', replied: 'Yes, I believe it is,' adding that it 'is important in that deal that we have secured the use of the base there for a long time to come'. A Government spokesman said: 'This agreement protects the long-term secure operation of the UK-US base that plays a vital role in regional and international security. 'The UK and the US has a special relationship built over many decades and we look forward to continuing this with the incoming US administration, cooperating on our shared priorities including growth, security and defence.' A former top aide to Tony Blair who led negotiations over 'surrendering' control of the Chagos Island has been made the Government's National Security Adviser. Sir Keir Starmer today confirmed that Jonathan Powell would take up the senior post inside No10 in place of Sir Tim Barrow. Mr Powell spent 10 years in Downing Street as chief of staff to Sir Tony between 1997 and 2007 and played a central role in the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland. But in September this year he was named the government's special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius. And he was one of the staunchest defenders of the subsequent deal struck to hand over the Chagos Islands - formally the British Indian Ocean Territory - to an island state 1,300 miles away which has close links with China. After the deal - which includes a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia airbase - was announced last month he said the BIOT was a group of 'very tiny islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean where no one actually goes'. He told Times Radio: 'I don't think we should be too worried about losing that bit of territory. We're probably losing more to tidal erosion in the East Coast (of England) than that.' Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'Meet the new National Security Advisor, who trades away our national security to please the diplomatic elite.' Mr Powell spent 10 years in Downing Street as chief of staff to Sir Tony between 1997 and 2007 and played a central role in the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland. Mr Powell, pictured centre, last year at an event to mark 25 years of the GFA Sir Keir said: 'Jonathan has devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country, having served for 17 years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office and ten years as Chief of Staff in No10, and I am delighted to appoint him to this important role.' A Conservative Party spokesman added: 'It's disappointing the government have appointed another Labour apparatchik to a senior role sidelining an experienced General. 'Mr Powell's previous comments about the unimportance of British overseas territories are extremely concerning and many will be worried that there is more to come.' In August the Guardian reported that Sir Keir had quietly overturned Rishi Sunak's decision to hand General Gwyn Jenkins the most senior security position in the Government. General Jenkins was provisionally given the job in April to succeed Mr Barrow, who may be in line to be made Britain's ambassador to Washington. But that process was abandoned after the election, with Sir Keir keen to appoint a Labour grandee to the prestigious diplomatic role instead. Mr Powell's tenure as one of Sir Tony's closest confidantes came under intense scrutiny during the Hutton Inquiry into the death of scientist David Kelly. He found himself in the media spotlight after the revelation that he had asked a security chief to change parts of the famous Iraq weapons dossier because some of the language posed 'a bit of a problem' for Downing Street. His return to Downing Street is part of a wider shake-up under the new Labour administration that has seen former Blair-era figures brought back into the heart of government. Last month Claire Reynolds, a former aide to Sir Tony and Gordon Brown, was appointed Sir Keir's political director, and several senior ministers also served key roles in both the New Labour administrations. In August the Guardian reported that Sir Keir had quietly overturned Rishi Sunak's decision to hand General Gwyn Jenkins the most senior security position in the Government. Sir Keir said: 'Jonathan has devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country, having served for 17 years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office and ten years as Chief of Staff in No10, and I am delighted to appoint him to this important role. 'Together with his experience helping to negotiate the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and work on some of the world's most complex conflicts, he is uniquely qualified to advise the Government on tackling the challenges ahead and engage with counterparts across the globe to protect and advance UK interests. 'I would also like to thank Sir Tim Barrow for his service and the support and advice he has given me. He has helped steer the national security community through some of the most challenging times in recent history, demonstrating throughout his outstanding commitment to public service and to the safety and security of this country. I've no doubt he will continue to play a positive role on these issues in the future.' Mr Powell said: 'I am honoured to have been appointed as the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister. This is a hugely important role at a time where national security, international relations, and domestic policies are so interconnected. 'As the Prime Minister has set out, national security is at the heart of this country's response to the many challenges we face and having an integrated response will be crucial to our success. I look forward to advising the Prime Minister and working closely with ministers and officials in this new role.' A 'remarkable' Oxford University student has died in a suspected drowning in a tragic accident in Guadeloupe while on his year abroad. Antonio Gato, 21, is understood to have got into difficulty in the water of the Caribbean island. The undergraduate from Hull, East Yorkshire, was studying modern languages, and travelled to the French territory as part of his year abroad. He arrived on the island at the beginning of last month and is understood to have gone swimming in the sea at a well-known beauty spot with friends when he went missing. His disappearance saw a rescue operation being launched with coastguards, police and fire crews joining locals scouring the area at Malendure a Bouillante. Antonio Gato, 21, pictured, is understood to have got into difficulty in the water of the Caribbean island His disappearance saw a rescue operation being launched with coastguards, police and fire crews joining locals scouring the area at Malendure a Bouillante (Stock image of Guadeloupe) No trace of the swimmer was found and the search resumed by helicopter, however, on October 18, the 21-year-old body was discovered in the water 25 metres from the beach. His family are understood to have flown over after the news was broken to them at their East Yorkshire home. Following the tragic news, tributes from friends, students and masters at St Catherines College, Oxford, where he was studying were described as deeply shocked saying he was a 'remarkable student' whose 'positivity was infectious' A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they had not been approached for assitance, but added that 'our staff stand ready to support British nationals overseas 24/7'. Short-listed for Top 10 Undergraduate of the Year, Mr Gato was in his third year and had moved to French-speaking Guadeloupe to study as part of his degree. He was thrilled in 2022 when his three A*s in Spanish, French and Italian and an A in law from Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull, secured him a place at the coveted university. Mr Gato said he was well aware black students from state schools are under-represented at Oxford and Cambridge but wanted to show that race was not an obstacle to a place at a top university. He said: As a black student, I feel like we are often underrepresented at top universities. I want to inspire other black students like me to have the confidence to push themselves and just apply if its their dream to go. Friends, students and masters at St Catherines said he had excelled, taking an active role in university life and being a popular and well-liked student. As well as being president of the College Ethnic Minorities Society, he was PR manager for the Oxford African and Caribbean Society. Professor Bart van Es said: The whole community of St Catherines was shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Antonios death. He was a loved and special person and many students have been in touch with their memories of him. As Pro-Master, my thoughts are very much with his family and close friends. Following the tragic news, friends, students and masters at St Catherines College described Mr Gato, pcitured, as a 'remarkable student' Mr Gato was a third year student at St Catherines College, Oxford Short-listed for Top 10 Undergraduate of the Year, Mr Gato was in his third year and had moved to French-speaking Guadeloupe to study as part of his degree Reflecting on the student, Dr Jessica Goodman, director of studies in Modern Languages said: Antonio was a remarkable student. We knew he was something special at his interview, and he continued to make a huge impression on everyone who came into contact with him from then on. 'Immensely focused and hardworking, he was also generous with his insights and eternally curious, taking an evident delight in all areas of his studies. His positivity was infectious, and was accompanied by a steely determination to do his absolute best: he would doubtless have gone on to do great things. He is a huge loss to all of us, leaving a big hole in our community at Catz and in Modern Languages in particular. We will miss him enormously, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Speaking to his fellow students last year, the 21-year-old said: Starting uni exposed me to the magic of first times. The first steps into independence, the first friendships that feel like family, and the first encounters with new experiences. These moments now hold a special place in my heart. No matter how challenging the journey may become, they serve as a reminder of the magic that life has to offer overall. So, savour these moments. Do it all. Embrace the unknown, because within it lies the potential for extraordinary friendships, unexpected opportunities, and a life filled with the kind of magic that only first times can bring. Many of the Fellows, staff and students came together in the colleges main quadrangle last week following his death. A spokesperson for the college said: The news of the death of someone at the heart of our community is difficult to come to terms with and will affect many of us for a long time to come. A fundraiser has been launched to support the student's family with the costs of travel to and from Guadeloupe. Dozens of cars lying in ruin in the streets have turned a town in Girona into a car graveyard. Catastrophic flooding overnight had left Cadaques submerged after violent torrents swept 32 cars through the city centre, with the vehicles piling on top of each other by a bridge in front of the town casino. The carnage left behind a car graveyard, but miraculously no human casualties were reported. Local authorities have started the lengthy process of clearing away the destroyed cars, which are blocking the roads and pathways. Shocking footage from the early hours of this morning showed dozens of cars being carried away by the strong current, smashing into buildings and trees. This comes just over a week after another flooding disaster hit Spain's Valencia region, with more than 200 people confirmed to have died and 78 still missing. A group of men inspected some of the 32 cars swept away in the early hours by floods in Cadaques, Girona, this morning The carnage left behind a car graveyard, but miraculously no human casualties were reported Dozens of cars lying in ruin in the streets have turned a town in Girona into a car graveyard A local police woman looks at some of the thirty vehicles swept away in the early hours by water in a stream in Cadaques, in the Alt Emporda region of Girona, Spain, November 8, 2024 A raging torrent of water carried off everything in its path including more than 30 vehicles as it swept through the centre of the Catalan town of Cadaques A man scratches his head as he looks at two damages cars that were carried through the streets of Cadaques by violent floods early this morning Plou amb insistencia al cap de Creus, aixi com a altres punts de la Costa Brava i de la Serra de l'Albera. Per exemple, a Portbou, s'han recollit 16,6 mm en 30 minuts, i porten acumulats 48 mm en les ultimes 3 hores. pic.twitter.com/wqupFx6JnZ Meteocat (@meteocat) November 8, 2024 The cars were piled up in front of a bridge next to the town casino Locals look at two cars piled up in the streets of Cadaques this morning In another video, several cars can be seen piled up at a bridge elsewhere in the Spanish town, which is the latest devastated by flood waters Catalan weather agency Meteocat, which published footage of the flash flood, said: 'This is how the Cadaques stream goes down after the intense and continuous rain this morning, where there is likely to have been more than 100mm of rainfall.' One local resident said on X: 'The situation is very serious in Cadaques. Dozens of cars have been swept away by the swollen stream in the town, blocking up the bridge. 'It's been many years since something like this happened in Cadaques.' The town's mayor Serinyana confirmed early this morning that no-one had been injured or killed and only material damage had occurred. She said the number of cars swept downstream had reached 32 after the council had warned residents not to park in the area, adding: 'We had an alert from the Operations Coordination Centre of Catalonia, but people parked their cars [anyway] and the water swept them away.' Serinyana added: 'There has been a lot of water falling on the mountain and, although it has hardly rained in the town, the water has swept away some parked cars.' The heaviest rainfall occurred between 2am and 3am. In the early hours of the morning, weather service Meteocat had placed the danger level in the region at 3 out of 6 due to the high intensity of the rain. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) activated an orange alert for the province of Girona today, which warns of a significant risk due to the rain and resulting floods. While rain warnings for northeastern Catalonia remained in place, the local meteorological service predicted that the rain will ease over the weekend. One local admitted: 'If this raging torrent of water had come through town during the day I'm sure we would have been looking at mass casualties. The time of night this happened saved us from a certain tragedy.' Cadaques is just over three hundred miles north of Valencia, where more than 200 people including two Britons lost their lives in flash floods late October. Meanwhile, Paiporta in Valencia has been labeled by Spanish media as the ground zero of the natural disaster that has also left 78 people still missing, while officials say the real figure could be higher. The cars were swept through the streets before they all crashed into each other in front of the bridge A car with a smashed in front window and dented hood was lifted away from the bridge next to the town casino The cars caught up in the violent floods were destroyed in the flood carnage Miraculously, there were no reports of casualties after the shocking flooding and authorities are already working on clearing away the piled up cars The damaged cars swept away in the floods were located along a popular street in Cadaques this morning Miraculously there were no reports of any human casualties in the former fishing village of Cadaques where cars can be seen piled up on the streets on Friday The heaviest rainfall occurred between 2am and 3am. In the early hours of the morning, weather service Meteocat had placed the danger level in the region at 3 out of 6 due to the high intensity of the rain A crane recovers one of the 32 vehicles swept away in the Cadaques floods Today residents woke up to a new scene of destruction, with mayor Pia Serinyana revealing a total of 32 cars had been washed away by the flood water Footage shows the raging floods that swept away cars in the town of Cadaques in Girona Cars, some of which had foreign number plates, were seen piled up in Cadaques this morning Footage shows strong currents washing away cars as the floods rushed through the streets of Cadaques, Girona, this morning Over 60 people perished in Paiporta when a wave of water rushed down the Poyo canal that cuts through its center. Frustration over the survivors' sense of abandonment exploded in Paiporta on Sunday when a crowd greeted Spain's royals and officials with a barrage of mud and other objects. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was rushed away and the royal couple had to eventually cancel the visit after speaking to several distraught neighbors amid a chaotic scene. The mayor of Paiporta, a middle-class community of 30,000, on Tuesday pleaded for a 'higher authority' to step in and take control of her municipality because the floods had made it impossible to go on. Mayor Maribel Albalat said all the municipal buildings, from town hall to the local police, had been severely damaged and that many of the local civil servants 'are in a state of shock.' 'Paiporta is a strong village, but this overwhelms out capacities as a local administration,' she said. The air-throbbing 'thup, thup, thup' of the huge, two-propeller Chinook helicopters that have flown overhead with the arrival of the army has added to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The destruction, however, went far beyond Paiporta and covers a huge swath of municipalities, above all on the southern flank of Valencia city on the Mediterranean coast. Seventy-eight localities had at least one person die from the floods. Aixi baixa la riera de Cadaques, despres de la pluja intensa i continuada d'aquesta matinada on, molt probablement, s'han superat els 100 mm de precipitacio. Video de @HugoScoccia pic.twitter.com/0bFGHZiFRf Meteocat (@meteocat) November 8, 2024 Damaged cars and debris are pictured at the side of a road, following heavy rains that caused floods, in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 6, 2024 Valencia's firefigters search for victims at a lock at L'Albufera, near Valencia, eastern Spain, on November 7, 2024 Volunteers and locals help to clean the mud off the street following heavy rains in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 5, 2024 Police department members of Bilbao City assist a woman in transporting a dog along a muddy street in the flood-hit city of Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, November 7, 2024 A man walks over debris to access a street in a mud-covered street in the flood-hit city of Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, November 7, 2024 Police have expanded their search to the nearby marshes and coastline, where the waters carried some away. The residents, businesses and town councils of the affected localities can apply for financial help from a 10.6-billion-euro relief package from Spain's government. The regional Valencia government, which is being slammed for not alerting the populace of the danger in time, has asked the central government in Madrid for 31 billion euros to ensure the recovery. Over a week later, the cleanup goes on to get rid of tons of mud and debris that clog street after street, filling thousands of ground floors, destroying living rooms and kitchens. Neighborhoods were left without shops and supermarkets after all their products were ruined. Many houses still don't have drinking water. An impromptu army of volunteers were the first helpers on the ground, shoveling and sweeping away the sticky brown mire covering everything, and helping to start removing pile after pile of debris that made access to cars impossible in many areas. Authorities eventually mobilized 15,000 soldiers and police reinforcements to help firefighters search for bodies and start extracting thousands of wrecked cars strewn over streets and sunk in canal beds. At every corner, cars are piled on top of one another or smashed into buildings, light poles, trees and bridge overpasses. Barack Obama's former chief strategist warned that the Democratic Party was losing the working class by becoming a 'smarty pants, suburban, college-educated party' following Kamala Harris' defeat in Tuesday's presidential election. Speaking to CNN's Anderson Cooper, David Axelrod, a contributor on the news channel, weighed in on why he believed Democrats lost to Republican Donald Trump, and noted how he had 'concerns about the way the Democratic Party relates to working-class voters in this country'. Discussing the decline of working-class Democratic voters, Axelrod explained how the only group the political party gained in the election 'was White college graduates' who 'make more than a hundred thousand dollars a year'. 'You can't win national elections that way and it certainly shouldn't be that way for a party that fashions itself as the party of working people'. He also advised that 'you can't approach working people like missionaries and say, "We're here to help you become more like us." There's a kind of unspoken disdain, unintended disdain in that'. Barack Obama's former chief strategist David Axelrod warned that the Democratic party was losing the working class by becoming a 'smarty pants, suburban, college-education party' Vice President Kamala Harris gives her concession speech at Howard University after losing to Former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election Axelrod did, however, praise President Joe Biden's efforts, stating that he 'done programmatically good things for working people' but highlighted how the Democratic party itself has 'increasingly become a smarty pants, suburban, college-educated party and it lends itself to the kind of backlash that we've seen'. The CNN contributor earlier this week spoke about how 'racism and sexism' had played a role in the vice president's stunning defeat. 'Lets be absolutely blunt about it,' he said. 'There were appeals to racism in this campaign, and there is racial bias in this country, and there is sexism in this country, and anybody who thinks that that did not in any way impact on the outcome of this race is wrong.' He added: 'I am not saying that was the main reason that Kamala Harris lost and Donald Trump won.' Axelrod's comments come as Harris' campaign boss was grilled last night for 'personally' getting the election 'so wrong' after the Democrat presidential nominee conceded election defeat to Donald Trump. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024 Speaking on CNN Rep. Roberto Garcia, a co-chair of Harris' campaign, was questioned by anchor Jake Tapper on why the Democratic party lost votes from Latino men to Trump. Garcia affirmed that Harris 'won the Latino vote overall' but confessed that the Democrats had 'a lot of work to do with Latino men' following this week's election result. President-elect Trump made an astounding political comeback after being backed by 46 percent of all Latino voters - the most by any Republican in modern history. A man whose girlfriend died two years after he deliberately set her on fire today (Fri) admitted a charge of murder. Leigh Pateman doused mother-of-four Ellen Marshall in petrol as she sat in a chair before setting her alight at Firbeck Avenue, Skegness, during an argument in April 2021. Pateman, 45, was jailed in March 2022 for 17 years and 10 months after he admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, and it was initially hoped Ms Marshall would survive despite her horrific injuries. But the Crown Prosecution Service brought a murder charge against Pateman after Ms Marshall died aged 43 in Nottingham City Hospital on 11 March 2023 - nearly two years from the attack. Alcoholic Pateman today appeared at Lincoln Crown Court via a video link from HMP Garth where he is currently serving his sentence. Leigh Pateman, 43, (pictured) doused Ellen in petrol as she sat in a chair before he ignited her with his lighter and left her for dead Ellen Marshall, 43, (pictured) suffered burns over 80 to 90 per cent of the top half of her body in the sickening attack on April 22, 2021 Pateman, 45, was jailed in March 2022 for 17 years and 10 months after he admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent Wearing a white t-shirt, Pateman pleaded guilty to the murder of Ellen Marshall on 11 March 2023 - the date of her death. Judge Simon Hirst adjourned sentence on Pateman until 2 December and said he now faced a sentence of life imprisonment. The judge said 'This is a case which isn't a stranger to me', having previously sentenced Patemen on the GBH charge. Judge Hirst told Pateman: 'You will be sentenced on 2 December. You know the only sentence I can pass upon you is one of life imprisonment. 'What I need to decide is the mininum term you will have to serve before you can appear before a parole board.' Katherine Goddard KC, defending Pateman, said it was understood the deceased's daughter wished to attend court on the day of sentence. Miss Goddard added: 'There is no basis of plea (from Mr Pateman) only that there was no intention to kill, only to cause grievous bodily harm, which is consistent with the last hearing.' Prosecutor Sarak Knight said that basis had been considered and was acceptable to the Crown Prosecution Service. The previous sentence hearing was told how firefighters discovered Ms Marshall, who was originally from Nottingham, lying on the floor of the property. She had suffered 80 per cent burns and was taken to Nottingham City Hospital, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit. Despite 12 hours of surgery she was given less than a 50 per cent chance of survival. She lost several of her fingers. Lincolnshire Police said later she was unlikely to make a full recovery. Pateman was later arrested at his mother's house. The court heard Pateman had made a previous threat to set his partner alight and had kept the petrol at his property, but she did not believe him. Ms Marshall was still conscious when firefighters found her and managed to give her name, but claimed the injuries were self-inflicted. Following his sentencing in 2022, a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police described it as 'one of the worst cases of domestic violence we have seen.' Her daughter Paige Clarke, 25, (pictured) paid tribute to her in a Facebook post saying: 'No more pain and suffering now mum.' Pateman, who had fled the scene on his bike, was found at his mother's house, where he had gone to bed, covered in soot. He was arrested and treated for burns before being taken into police custody. The court heard Pateman and Ms Marshall had frequently argued in the months before the attack and he had previously threatened to set her on fire. Judge Simon Hirst, passing sentence in 2022, told Pateman: 'It is difficult to think of a crueller crime than setting someone alight. 'You used a highly dangerous weapon with the use of fire and an accelerant. 'Her injuries are irreversible and she will never be able to return to her former life. The court heard distressing details of the scene which met fire crews who were called to the couple's shared house in Firbeck Avenue by a neighbour on 22 April 2021. Once inside, they found the living room covered in black smoke and were alerted to the presence of a woman by a gurgling sound. Prosecutor Sarah Knight said this led rescuers to Ms Marshall, who was writhing around in 'extreme pain'. 'There was little hair left on her head,' said Ms Knight. 'Her face was so badly burnt even then it was difficult to make out her facial features.' Ms Marshall suffered burns to her face, neck, abdomen, chest and limbs, lost several fingers and sustained serious eye injuries in the attack. Upon admission to hospital she required mechanical ventilation and her chance of survival was then placed at less than 50%. Healthcare providers have reported an 'unprecedented demand' for abortion pills and hormone drugs after Donald Trump's election win, it has emerged. Women's and transgender health providers are being inundated with requests from patients who fear their access to certain medications will be banned under a Trump Administration, The Guardian reported. One telehealth service reported a 300 per cent increase in requests for emergency contraceptives, while another said requests for birth control treatments doubled. Aid Access, America's largest supplier of abortion pills, reported a surge in requests that was 'even larger than the day after Roe v Wade fell'. Trump downplayed abortion as a second-term priority while on the campaign trail, despite taking credit for the Supreme Court ending a woman's federal right to terminate a pregnancy and returning abortion regulation to state governments. The president-elect claimed that overturning Roe v. Wade was enough on the federal level and said last month on his social media platform Truth Social that he would veto a federal abortion ban if legislation reached his desk. Healthcare providers have reported an 'unprecedented demand' for abortion pills and hormone drugs after Donald Trump's election win. Trump is pictured at the Palm Beach County Convention Center after his election victory was declared People hold up signs during a pro-abortion rights rally on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, in West Palm Beach, Florida, on June 24, 2024 Aid Access ships roughly 9,000 abortion pills a month, according to the newspaper, but after Trump's election victory was announced received more than 5,000 requests in under 12 hours. Abortion pill finder website Plan C reported a 625 per cent increase in traffic which co-founder Elisa Wells described as people 'trying to plan for the reproductive apocalypse that we anticipate will be happening under a Trump presidency'. But the panic was not exclusive to abortion pills. Requests for emergency contraceptive products, such as Plan B, also skyrocketed. Telehealth provider Wisp by 11.30am Wednesday had tripled its daily sales of emergency contraception. The women's health service also orders of bulk Plan B packs rise from about 30 per cent in early November to 90 per cent on Wednesday. Wisp also claims that new patient requests for Plan B rose from 50 to 70 per cent. Winx, another women's health site, told the Guardian it had sold six times the amount of Plan B pills by Wednesday afternoon than it had in the past week combined. Hey Jane, another telehealth provided, said its requests for birth control doubled. Aid Access, America's largest supplier of abortion pills, reported a surge in requests that was 'even larger than the day after Roe v Wade fell' (file photo of abortion pills) But the panic was not exclusive to abortion pills. Requests for emergency contraceptive products, such as Plan B, also skyrocketed (file photo) Trans patients have also expressed concern over access to healthcare, said Dr Crystal Beal, who runs the QueerDoc website which provides patients with estrogen, testosterone and hormone-blocking drugs. She claimed an influx of patients have asked questions like 'how can I safeguard my access to medication?', 'Should I change [the gender on] my legal documents back so I'm safer?' and 'Should I stop taking medication so I'm safer?' 'I have to tell people I ultimately can't predict the future or make that choice or decision for them, and I certainly can't give legal advice,' Beal told the newspaper. 'But changing your documentation or stopping your medication does not make you any less of a man or a woman, or any less trans. Who we are is not designated by what our documents say or what medications we take.' She added that QueerDoc has advised patients to stockpile as much of their hormone treatment that state law and their health insurance coverage will allow. The company has also suggested that trans men reuse single-use vials of testosterone to stretch them further. Abortion rights advocates fear a Republican-controlled Congress could enact sweeping national restrictions or an outright abortion ban. Trump has said he would veto a national ban, despite previously declining to answer questions about it. Supporters for and against Proposition 139, for abortion access, try to get students to vote on Election Day at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona Abortion rights activists participate in the "Rally for Our Freedom" to protect abortion rights for Floridians, in Orlando, Florida, on April 13, 2024 But Republicans have been accused of attempting to recast federal abortion restrictions as "minimum national standards" in order to distort their own stances on the issue. It is also unclear if Trump's administration would aggressively defend against legal challenges seeking to restrict access to abortion pills, including mifepristone, as the Biden administration has. Anti-abortion advocates continue to wage legal battles over the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the drug as well as the agency's relaxed prescribing restrictions. Trump is also unlikely to enforce Joe Biden's guidance that hospitals must provide abortions for women who are in medical emergencies, even in states with bans. Advertisement Donald Trump is shaping his second stint in the White House from Mar-a-Lago while Republicans have to win just seven more seats to take control of the House. The president-elect made history Thursday night by picking Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, the first woman to ever hold the role. He is expected to fill top positions in his administration during the countdown to his inauguration on January 20. Meanwhile, the blame game among Democrats is getting more ferocious, with reports on Friday that President Joe Biden's and Vice President Kamala Harris' staff are blaming each other for the historic defeat. Many are also asking how Harris managed to lose in a landslide despite raising $1billion in the most expensive presidential race in history. Follow all the developments in our live blog British Airways is facing a backlash after axing flights to two of the UKs most important allies in the Middle East. The flag carrier is scrapping direct services to Bahrain and Kuwait, Gulf states with long-standing ties to Britain, after nearly a century in a move branded madness by local officials. Dr Liam Fox, who served as defence secretary under David Cameron, told the Mail that BAs move would send totally the wrong message about Britains diplomatic intentions while also harming UK business interests in the region. At a time when the Gulf is becoming much more important geopolitically and we are attempting to negotiate new trade agreements in the region, this would be a blow to UK PLC, he said. Its the worst possible decision at the worst possible time. British Airways is facing a backlash after axeing flights to two of the UK's most important allies in the Middle East The flag carrier is scrapping direct services to Bahrain (pictured: capital Manama) and Kuwait Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith called on the Government to step in to try to defuse the growing diplomatic crisis. BA is a private company and it is their ultimate decision, he said. But he added: There must be a way for the Government to remediate this. BA has decided that flights to the two Gulf states are no longer commercially viable, leaving staff who have served on the routes at risk of losing their jobs. It comes as the airline struggles with ongoing issues with the Rolls Royce-manufactured jet engines that power its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. BA is owned by Anglo-Spanish conglomerate IAG, which also controls carriers Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Level. BA currently operates at least one direct flight from London to both Kuwait and the Bahraini capital Manama per day. The move to scrap the routes has sparked concerns that the UKs global influence could be reduced while straining relations with allies in the region. Bahrain is home to a Royal Navy base at the Mina Salman Port. BA currently operates at least one direct flight from London to both Kuwait (pictured: capital Kuwait City) and the Bahraini capital Manama per day Bahraini officials are also said to be angered by the fact that they were not consulted by BA before it decided to scrap the routes. A source close to the Bahraini government said: Its madness when you have a British Navy base here and with the strength of the relationship. The routes are expected to be cut in late March, just weeks before the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, a major event in the Formula One racing calendar that brings thousands of fans to the island nation. In a statement, BA said: Were disappointed that weve had to make further changes to our schedule as we continue to experience delays to the delivery of engines and parts from Rolls-Royce. Weve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve for their travel plans. The Bahrain Airport Company, which runs the countrys only international airport, said there had been no discussion around BAs decision to axe the route despite its long-standing relationship with the travel hub. The state-owned firm said it was disappointed by the move but hoped BAs position could be reassessed and that it would look into all options to increase flight capacity and frequency between Bahrain and the UK'. Imperial Airways, a predecessor to BA, launched flights to Bahrain in October 1932, marking the companys first service to the Middle East. It was a transit flight from London to New Delhi operated by a Handley Page HP-42 aircraft named Hannibal. Since then, BA has provided flights to Bahrain and Kuwait for 92 years and 63 years, respectively. Bahrain was a British protectorate for more than 100 years before it gained independence in 1971. Meanwhile, Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899 and achieved independence in 1961. The two countries have maintained deep ties with the UK, particularly in business. London-based Standard Chartered was the first bank to set up shop in Bahrain in 1920 and helped establish it as a key financial centre in the region. Bahrain also plays host to the US Navys Fifth Fleet as well as the Royal Navy base. It is the only Gulf country that is formally part of the US-UK coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea following attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In the UK, Bahrains sovereign wealth fund, the Mumtalakat, owns Woking-based racing car maker McLaren. The Mail on Sunday reported earlier this year that the fund was planning to expand its British holdings through a series of investments, including in the north of England. Britain is currently in the middle of negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, a trade bloc that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to sign a free trade deal that could be worth 23.5billion a year. Combined, they make up the UKs fourth largest export market behind the US, the EU and China. The wife of an Illinois judge has been accused of fatally shooting him inside their home earlier this week. Megan Soo Valentine, 44, of Albion - 270 south of Chicago - was arrested on Tuesday for the death of Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine, who was found dead outside their County Road 600 home, according to an Illinois State Police statement. She has been charged with counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery. She was taken into custody after Edwards County Sheriffs deputies found Michael's body outside their home in Albion, state police said. The Sheriffs Office asked the state police to lead the investigation into Valentines death. Charges were filed against his wife on Thursday, state police said. Megan Soo Valentine, 44, of Albion - 270 south of Chicago - was arrested on Tuesday for the death of Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine, who was found dead outside their County Road 600 home She was taken into custody after Edwards County Sheriffs deputies found Michael's body outside their home (pictured) in Albion Valentine was a former Edwards County state attorney, according to Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan. He was first elected circuit court judge in 2016. 'On behalf of all of the judges of the Second Judicial Circuit, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Edwards County Resident Judge Michael J. Valentine,' Morgan said, according to WSIL-TV. 'Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him. 'He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.' The Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate. It is unclear if Megan has entered a plea at this time, and she faces a pre-trial hearing today. Firefighters working to contain a wildfire in Southern California that destroyed 132 buildings are growing increasingly concerned over predicted strong winds, amid warnings that flames could be spread even further. The Mountain Fire started Wednesday morning in Ventura County and quickly grew to 32 square miles, but by Thursday firemen had managed to contain about five per cent of the inferno. Some 10,000 people remain under evacuation orders as the fire continues to threaten about 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo, Ventura County. At least 88 additional structures were reportedly damaged, which were mostly homes. Officials did not specify whether they had been burned or affected by water or smoke damage. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Los Angeles County firefighter battles flames as a home burns from the Mountain Fire on November 6, 2024 in Camarillo, California Satellite imagery shows the Mountain Fire that is actively burning in Ventura County The Mountain Fire started Wednesday morning in Ventura County and quickly grew to 32 square miles. Firefighters have managed to contain around 5% of the blaze Officials in several Southern California counties urged residents to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees during the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. Santa Anas are dry, warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore, moving in the opposite direction of the normal onshore flow that carries moist air from the Pacific. They typically occur during the fall months and continue through winter and into early spring. Ariel Cohen, a National Weather Service's meteorologist in Oxnard, said Santa Ana winds were subsiding in the lower elevations but remained gusty across the higher elevations Thursday evening. Ten people suffered smoke inhalation or other non-life-threatening injuries, Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff said. Crews working in steep terrain with support from water-dropping helicopters were focusing on protecting homes on hillsides along the fire's northeast edge near the city of Santa Paula, home to more than 30,000 people, county fire officials said. The red flag warnings, indicating conditions for high fire danger, expired in the area except in the Santa Susana Mountains, where the warnings will expire by 11 a.m. Friday in the mountains. The Santa Anas are expected to return early-to-midweek next week, Cohen said. The Mountain Fire was burning in a region that has seen some of California's most destructive fires over the years. The fire swiftly grew from less than half a square mile (about 1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in little more than five hours on Wednesday. By Thursday evening the wildfire was mapped at about 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) and Gov. Gavin Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency in the county. California utilities began powering down equipment during high winds and extreme fire danger after a series of massive and deadly wildfires in recent years were sparked by electrical lines and other infrastructure. Officials urged residents to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees during the latest round of Santa Ana winds The Mountain Fire was burning in a region that has seen some of California's most destructive fires over the years Charred Vehicles in front of remnants of a still burning home A home burns from the Mountain Fire on November 6, 2024 in Camarillo Firefighters clear vegetation to protect a ranch house at the Mountain Fire Smoke surrounds cattle at the Mountain Fire on November 7, 2024 near Fillmore, California. Pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire has incinerated more than 20,000 acres of chaparral habitat and burned more than 90 homes Power was shut off to nearly 70,000 customers in five counties over the heightened risk, Southern California Edison said Thursday. Company spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas could not immediately answer whether power had been shut off in the area where the Mountain Fire was sparked. The wildfires burned in the same areas of other recent destructive infernos, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes near Los Angeles, and the 2017 Thomas Fire, which burned more than a thousand homes and other structures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Southern California Edison has paid tens of millions of dollars to settle claims after its equipment was blamed for both blazes. The head of the Bureau of Meteorology came under fire during a heated estimates hearing on Friday when a senator unleashed the 'fury' of his colleagues on the weather boss. BoM chief executive Dr Andrew Johnson was hauled back before the senate environment and communications legislation committee on Friday after he failed to answer questions about the bureau and its near-billion dollar I.T. upgrade earlier this year. Tasmanian senator Jonathon Duniam acknowledged the weather boss had apologised for his 'lack of willingness to be forthcoming with information' then lambasted Dr Johnson for infuriating senators. 'You do realise in your performance, not just at the last estimates but ones previously, you managed to unite every single member of this committee in fury at your unwillingness to answer questions,' he said. 'It takes a lot for me to lose my temper, and last time I did. I don't want to have to do it again. I don't think this committee wants to find itself in the same situation.' The BoM faced criticism for the cost of its Robust IT project which was initiated after a cyber security breach and major outages in 2015 and 2016. The project finished in June this year with a budget blowout of $150m costing taxpayers $866m. Equivalent to about $123 million a year, that investment bought new IT infrastructure, networks and data centres, a new supercomputer for backup and disaster recovery, improved security, a new website and a standard operating environment. The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded its computer systems and weather measurement technology at a cost of nearly a billion dollars to the Australian taxpayer between 2015 and 2023 (stock image) The price tag also paid for major upgrades to observing systems, including new and upgraded radars, automated weather balloon launchers, flood warning equipment and associated communications networks, and upgraded tech for space weather and flood forecasting. Aside from the huge bill for the technology upgrade, the BOM was also criticised for having a toxic workplace culture and getting major weather events wrong. The Australian Financial Review reported farmers lost millions when they sold livestock last summer after the weather bureau forecast a big dry warning that eventuated into a wet summer. The bureau also stated rainfalls would ease before a massive rain event flooded parts of north Queensland. Tasmanian senator Jonathon Duniam told the Bureau of Meteorology chief he had infuriated senators with his lack of unwillingness to answer questions Dr Johnson told the committee the program delivered 90 per cent of its scope and the technology deployed was now more secure, stable and resilient as a result of the IT project. 'Robust has also delivered a new disaster recovery supercomputer and new and upgraded software applications that support critical services such as for floods, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones,' he said. 'It has also delivered a new bureau website that is currently undergoing testing by the Australian community.' Dr Johnson said the program had run about 10 per cent over budget which was within reasonable tolerances given the unanticipated impacts of Covid on costs, supply chains and the movement of people. Bureau of Meteorology director Dr Andrew Johnson came under fire for the cost of its Robust IT program which cost taxpayers $866m He added funding allocated in the 2021 budget would pay for any transition work to sustain the benefits of the program. 'No new funding will be requested for this transition work during its life, Robust has been subject to a comprehensive assurance and review program at the most recent gateway review conducted in September 2024,' he said. 'The panel concluded that Robust has been successful, that its governance has been very effective, that its performance was considerably better than other comparable programs across government, Robust is 'a good news story.'' Dr Johnson said as a result of the project, the bureau's system were more secure and less vulnerable to attacks by entities whose interests did not align with the nation. 'We are regrettably under constant attack by those entities,' he said. He told the committee there would be less network outages and they would be able to respond more quickly to outages with less impact on the community. 'Whether it's forecast warnings or space weather imagery or whatever radars, whatever it might be, we've got a capacity to bounce back quickly,' he said. 'The second disaster recovery super computer is a huge intervention to mitigate risk, but also a national asset that we're working more broadly with the Australian scientific community to make available for other uses. 'There's a whole bunch of new kit that's come on board, new radars, new flood gauges, balloon launches that take profiles through the atmosphere, 'We've got better and more reliable data and better forecasts and warnings we can provide to the community. 'We've also upgraded many of our software and other applications, so our new tropical cyclone warning service, new flood capability, flood warning capability and tsunami warning capability.' A plastic surgeon who went viral for dancing during surgeries before losing her license over leaving a patient in a vegetative state has created a new identity to open a new clinic in Texas. Atlanta-based Dr. Windell Davis-Boutte's license was suspended in 2018 after being accused by a slew patients of botching their surgeries and leaving them with lifelong damage. Years later, Boutte decided to pivot to a related medical field by changing her name to Catherine Davis and working at the Eden Medical Spa in Austin, with no mention of her murky past. It turns out that Catherine Davis are Boutte's middle and maiden names. According to the spa's website, Boutte, now Davis, 'is a retired dermatologist who no longer practices medicine in any capacity'. Dr. Windell Davis-Boutte was suspended in 2018 after being accused by a slew patients of botching their surgeries and leaving them with lifelong damage. Years later, Boutte decided to rejoin the medical community by changing her name to Catherine Davis and working at the Eden Medical Spa in Austin At the time of the lawsuit, dozens of videos were found showing Boutte cavorting in the operating room, even while making incisions on her patients. The site says she instead 'focuses her passion on assisting our clients to feel their most confident 'from the outside in' through providing honest, comprehensive, and pragmatic solutions to their diverse aesthetic needs'. When questioned by a WSBTV reporter whether she has a Texas medical license, she 'started laughing' and did not respond. A consent order in Georgia also barred Boutte from using the titles physician, doctor, or M.D, according to the outlet. Her new identity first came to light after the son of one of Boutte's patients who was left in a vegetative state saw her new Facebook profile. It turns out that Catherine Davis are Boutte's middle and maiden names Pictured: Eden Medical Spa, where Boutte now works under her new last name Davis 'Once I saw it on Facebook, I clicked on it and realized that that's Dr. Boutte,' Ojay Liburd recalled. His mother, Icilma Cornelius was on the verge of getting married and earning her Ph.D. in nursing when a a tummy tuck and liposuction performed by Boutte in 2016 went south and she was left with permanent brain damage. 'She just wanted to be perfect for her wedding dress,' Liburd said. 'She had everything going for her.' 'That was the first time I ever saw my mom helpless.' Liburd was forced to assume the role of caretaker for seven years before Cornelius's death in 2021. Ojay Liburd's mother, Icilma Cornelius was at the verge of getting married earn her Ph.D. in nursing when a a tummy tuck and liposuction performed by Boutte in 2016 went south and she was left with permanent brain damage Cornelius, pictured here, died in 2021 after her son care for her for years According to the local channel, the spa's director, Amber Larsen, was unaware of Davis's real identity and past. 'Do your patients know you have a suspended license? Do you tell anybody on your consultations about Windell Boutte?' the journalist asked Davis. 'You guys are harassing someone,' said Larsen. When told that her name was Windell Boutte, Larsen replied: 'Uh, no it's not'. After realizing that her colleague has been sued before, the spa has removed references of Boutte, now Davis being an owner. But her credentials read: 'Ms. Davis acquired her medical doctorate degree from David Geffen School Of Medicine at UCLA. 'She completed her internal medicine internship at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, followed by completing her dermatology residency at Emory University. After realizing that her colleague has been successfully sued before, the Spa has removed references of Boutte, now Davis being a doctor and an owner. 'Her extensive knowledge and experience has afforded her the unique ability to perform the most advanced aesthetic procedures with supreme effectiveness and detailed precision. She strongly believes in the mission of achieving only the most innovative and superior results possible with each and every procedure.' At the time of the lawsuit, dozens of videos were found showing Boutte cavorting in the operating room, even while making incisions on her patients. In one video, Boutte sings the to the rap lyric 'I'm 'bout to cut it', from an OT Genasis rap song, before slicing into one of her patients. Mitzi McFarland, who also underwent an operation with Boutte, said the results looked 'more like Freddy Krueger cut my stomach'. In 2013, a woman who went to see Boutte at Premiere Dermatology and Surgery for a scalp irritation said she contracted MRSA during the treatment. She said she suffered permanent scars on her scalp as a result. A Russian jet left at a German airport after the start of the Ukraine war has run up 383,000 in fines. The Russian plane landed at Munich Airport on February 27, 2022, three days after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine. But when the German airspace was closed to Russian flights shortly after, the silver-blue Aeroflot jet was grounded for more than two years, according to local media. While the Airbus A320-200 was stranded at Munich Airport, its parking fees continued to mount, with costs of 280 to 465 (340-560 euros) per day quickly racking up to the record-breaking amount of 383,000 (460,000 euros). The massive fine has likely earned the Russian plane the world's most expensive parking ticket. When the German airspace was closed to Russian flights shortly after the start of the Ukraine war, the silver-blue Russian Aeroflot jet was grounded for more than two years. The plane was last seen parked near a fence at Munich Airport's Terminal 2 The plane was finally picked up from Munich Airport on June 10 this year after being grounded there for 834 days The Aeroflot crew on board the grounded plane reportedly took a Turkish Airlines flight to return home. Earlier this year, it was reported that the jet didn't actually belong to Aeroflot, as the Russian airline had only leased the aircraft from Chinese company CMB Financial Leasing. CMB now wanted its plane back to rent it out to someone else instead, but before it could be moved, the aircraft had to undergo extensive maintenance to make sure it was fit to fly. The jet was last seen parked near a fence at Munich Airport's Terminal 2, before it was picked up and took off towards the Czech Republic on June 10 - 834 days after it arrived in Munich. The massive bill for the parking fines had to be paid by CMB, according to German tabloid Bild. A man has killed his wife, ex partner and two sons in a devastating murder suicide which has shattered a tight-knit community. Anthony Nephew, 46, was found dead with a self inflicted gunshot wound inside his home on West 6th Street in Duluth, Minnesota on Thursday afternoon. Three years before his death, he spoke candidly about the mental health crisis in the United States, warning 'breakdowns lead to suicide - or homicide before suicide.' His wife, 45-year-old Kathryn Ramsland, and seven-year-old son Oliver were found dead with gunshot wounds inside the home they shared with Nephew. Earlier, police had made a grim discovery inside the home of Nephew's ex, Erin Abramson, less than one mile away. Anthony Nephew (center) killed himself, as well as his two sons, Jacob (left) and Oliver (right) His wife, 45-year-old Kathryn Ramsland, and seven-year-old son Oliver were also found dead with gunshot wounds inside the home Kathryn always gushed about her husband on social media, and the pair last month celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary Responding to a welfare call about 2pm, police found 47-year-old Abramson and her 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, dead with multiple gunshot wounds. The blended family had appeared close. Kathryn, who went by Kat, was often sharing public messages on Facebook about Erin. She described Erin as her 'son's brother's mom' and said she was the 'best baker,' sharing snaps of Erin's baked goods and videos of little Oliver asking for them. 'He was such a sweet little boy,' one neighbor said, describing Oliver. Kathryn always gushed about Nephew, describing him as 'elite' when wishing him a happy Father's Day recently. The pair celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last month. Nephew, meanwhile, appears to have descended into somewhat of a conspiracy theorist in recent months, discussing aliens and 'harnessing the power of the center of the galaxy' in bizarre social media rants. 'Life is just a fantasy of your own construction drawn from the lattice of your own experiential reality,' he said just last month. Earlier, police had made a grim discovery inside the home of Nephew's ex, Erin Abramson. Police found 47-year-old Abramson and her 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, dead with multiple gunshot wounds The blended family had appeared close prior to the tragedy (Anthony pictured with Oliver) He also appeared increasingly concerned about the prospect of a Trump-led government. 'My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion,' he said in July. 'I am terrified of religious zealots inflicting their misguided beliefs on me and my family. I have intrusive thoughts of being burned at the stake as a witch, or crucified on a burning cross. 'Having people actually believe that I or my child are Satan or, the anti-Christ or whatever their favorite color of boogie man they are afraid are this week.' He had also accused Republicans of 'making it harder for women to leave' domestic violence relationships, writing 'Gilead here we come.' Gilead is an apparent reference to the Handmaid's Tale, a dystopian republic which overthew the United States and stripped away women's rights. The brothers shared a dad and had different moms He had also accused Republicans of 'making it harder for women to leave' domestic violence relationships, writing 'Gilead here we come' He'd spoken candidly about his mental health struggles for years, describing himself in 2022 as a suicide 'survivor' and penning a column in the Duluth News Tribune about the importance of mental illness healthcare. 'Mental health in this country is stigmatized, ignored, or treated as a burden for the individual to bear alone, with little help and less understanding,' he wrote. 'Americans deny they have mental health struggles. Because they have to, because they're told to, or because they don't realize their mind is broken. 'Finally the synapses overload, and they suffer a breakdown. For most of us, that's the best end result. For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide or homicide before suicide.' The Duluth Police department said in a statement: 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims families and loved ones involved in this tragic event.' Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community. At the second location (pictured), police found the body of a a woman, child and 46-year-old man. He'd died from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound One of Britain's oldest pubs is at the centre of a land row after the owners of a neighbouring caravan site were accused of launching a 'grab' for part of its land. The Fleur De Lys in the picturesque village of Pilley in the Hampshire New Forest has been serving customers since 1096. But in a new move that has sparked anger with local residents, the owners of the mobile home park next door are now claiming 'squatters' rights' for part of the site. The row centres around the space on either side of the road leading to the caravan park opposite the thatched roofed pub - which boasts it is the oldest in the New Forest. Locals fear the land grab could see more caravans installed on land they say has been used by the inn's clientele since the 11th century and lead to the loss of a vital 'village amenity'. The Fleur De Lys in Pilley first opened in 1096 and has been serving customers for 928 years Map of the pub, caravan site, and, car park which are at the centre of the row Locals fear the land grab could see more caravans installed on land and lead to the loss of a vital 'village amenity' Historically, the land has been used as a car park for the pub but also for events at the nearby primary school and village hall. But the Land Registry does not have anyone registered as legally owning the plot. Now Kathleen and Charles Fitzgerald, owners of the mobile home park, have applied for legal ownership of the land on their side, claiming they have a right to own it through adverse possession. Adverse possession means someone can claim legal ownership of the land after continuously using it for a period of time, typically around ten years. Neighbours in Pilley, where homes sell for up to 1.3 million, have objected to their application to the Land Registry. Councillors are concerned that the pub could be left without any dedicated parking. Councillor Alison Bolton, who has lived in the New Forest for 50 years, said: 'There is very strong feeling about it from everybody, it has always been part of the car park for the pub. 'It would leave them with only roadside parking, this is a very old pub. Aerial view of the pub and caravan site in the village of Pilley in the Hampshire New Forest The owners of the mobile home park are claiming 'squatters' rights' for part of the site The disputed land (pictured) Kathleen and Charles Fitzgerald, owners of the mobile home park, have applied for legal ownership of 'Mobile homes would be put up on that land and that is not the right thing to do.' The Fleur De Lys has operated since 1096 and has a list of landlords dating back to 1498, making it one of the oldest pubs in the United Kingdom. Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald took over the running of the neighbouring mobile home park, also called the Fleur De Lys, in 2016 and installed a sign saying that parking on one side of the car park was 'strictly' for the caravan site. Locals say the owners have parked their own cars and a trailer full of debris in the spaces. Nearby residents said Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald also park some of their five cars on the side of the land explicitly reserved for the pub car park. Boldre Parish Council have submitted an objection to the application and several councillors have raised concerns that it would be 'a real loss' for the village and that more mobile homes could be built on the land. Jo Humphreys, a fellow councillor who has lived in Sandy Down for 40 years, added that the car park is a 'village amenity' used for events. 'It is of great concern locally,' the 75 year old said. If the caravan site is successful in its application customers of the Fleur De Lys could be left without any parking The Fleur De Lys has a list of landlords dating back to 1498 'There has always been a view that was crown land or belonging to the pub and it would be a real loss to the village if it was grabbed, as seems to be happening. 'I think there is a very strong feeling locally to object to the application. 'It is not just for the patrons of the pub, traditionally it has been used as overflow parking for the primary school if they have events and the village hall. 'It is a village amenity and the pub has been generous in allowing it to be used, if this land was lost it would have a huge impact on the village. 'There is a concern that if the park were to successfully gain the land they would probably put more caravans on it. 'It is a great worry to everyone.' Other Pilley residents, who did not want to be named, also said they hoped the application wasn't granted. Locals have also reported previous altercations with the couple and they caused a stir earlier this year when New Forest District Council retroactively granted them permission for a twelfth mobile home on the site. The caravan park owners have declined to comment on their application. Councillor Paula Keen said: 'The owners of the mobile home park are trying to have the right to park cars on that area. 'People using the pub have always parked there. 'I hope it does not go through, the pub has been there since the 11th Century.' Stonegate Group, who own the pub, have been contacted for comment. The European Union needs to rethink its support for Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said, as he warned Trump will 'quit' the war. Speaking before a summit of EU leaders in Budapest on Friday, the right wing populist leader and close ally of Trump said that Europe cannot finance Ukraine's war with Russia alone. Trump has criticised his country's level of military and financial aid to Ukraine and before the election promised to end the conflict before even taking office. The future of Ukraine aid is among the major questions facing the EU after Trump's win, with the region struggling to put on a united front. 'The Americans will quit this war, first of all they will not encourage the war,' Orban told state radio on Friday. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban attends a press conference at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at Trump Tower in New York in September Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at an informal summit of the European Council today 'Europe cannot finance this war alone... Some still want to continue sending enormous amounts of money into this lost war but the number of those who remain silent... and those who cautiously argue that we should adjust to the new situation, is growing.' Along with the United States, the EU and its member countries are among the biggest donors of military and financial aid to Ukraine with most leaders voicing strong support to continue on that path. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that stance in Budapest on Friday, saying Europe also needs to beef up its own defences. 'Russia has invaded Ukraine and is continuing this war with unchanged brutality,' he said. 'One question is quite clear: Together as the European Union, as Europeans, we must do what is necessary for our security. This will be particularly successful if everyone makes their contribution.' Orban has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, followed by peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow - a call forcefully rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 'It's a very scary challenge for our citizens: first a ceasefire, then we'll see. Who are you? Are your children dying?' Zelenskiy said at a press conference in Budapest on Thursday, just minutes after Orban had restated his call. Orban and Putin shake hands after a press conference at the residence of the prime minister office in Budapest in 2019 President Donald Trump meets with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg in July 2017 There are fears US military aid for Ukraine will dwindle when Trump becomes president Zelensky is adamantly against relinquishing territory to Vladimir Putin An aerial view shows the destroyed city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region, near the border with Russia, on October 2 'A ceasefire is being proposed, for instance by a leader who is against having Ukraine in NATO. Imagine... this is nonsense and disharmony,' Zelensky said. Only Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for a change in the Ukraine strategy at a dinner of EU leaders in Budapest on Thursday evening, while others said the current strategy was working, a senior EU official said. But leaders know they could face the prospect of the US cutting support for Ukraine under Trump and have begun discussing how they would respond in that case, officials said. Fico, who halted state military aid to Ukraine after taking office a year ago, said Slovakia would oppose the EU taking over 'financial responsibility' for Ukraine if the US under Trump limited or ended its assistance. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Fico said if the EU could find money for Ukraine than it should also have the funds to pay for the fight against illegal migration, which he called an 'existential threat' to the bloc. 'I emphasized that if we are to have money for Ukraine, we must have money for problems that threaten the EU significantly more,' he said. Map shows what the proposed 800-mile buffer zone could look like Keir Starmer congratulated Donald Trump in their first phone call since the Republican's election win as he tries to repair ties A member of Ukraine's special police unit Hyzhak (Predator) near the frontline city of Toretsk on October 25 Ukrainian soldiers from the Liut Brigade sit in a pickup truck on their way back to the frontline in Donetsk It comes as it was revealed yesterday that Trump may call for a 800-mile demilitarised zone between Russia and Ukraine as part of a plan to end the war the early. The proposal, which has been outlined by three Trump staffers, would involve the zone being policed by British and European troops. It would mean that Russia would keep its territorial gains made in Ukraine with the current border frozen in place. Kyiv would also have to assure that it would not join NATO for 20 years. Under the plans the US would arm Ukraine in return for preventing Russia from restarting the war. However, responsibility for manning and financing the buffer zone would fall solely on Ukraine's European allies. 'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European,' a member of Trump's team told the Wall Street Journal. 'We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British and French to do it.' The recently retired CEO of luxury real estate giant Douglas Elliman confessed to having 'intimate relationships' with two brokers at the firm - one of whom is the mother of famed actor Jack Nicolson's love child. After 21 years at the helm, Howard Lorber announced his retirement from the posh company on October 22, while under a dense cloud of sexual harassment accusations. Just days before the shocking announcement, Lorber sat for a nearly five-hour video conference call where company lawyers probed the longstanding chief executive on his personal life and the rumored allegations. Howard Lorber, the recently retired CEO of luxury real estate giant Douglas Elliman, confessed to having 'intimate relationships' with two brokers at the firm - one of whom is the mother of actor Jack Nicolson's love child Lawyers probing Lorber reportedly posed questions about the 76-year-old's connection to Jennine Gourin (pictured), a longtime broker at the firm and the mother of 'The Shining' actor's love child The call reportedly included questions about the 76-year-old's relationship to Jennine Gourin, the 51-year-old mother of Nicholson's love child and a longtime broker at the firm. The pair had been pictured together on numerous occasions during their overlapping time working at the real estate giant, including at high-profile events in New York's Hamptons. Gourin earned more than a half-million dollars in commissions between 2013 and 2014, Bloomberg reported. 'When asked, Mr. Lorber on occasion recommended Ms. Gourin, as he has done with hundreds of other agents, both male and female,' Douglass Maynard, a lawyer representing Lorber, told Bloomberg. Maynard added that his client's recommendations on Gourin's behalf are not out of the ordinary as developers and customers may seek advice about which agents to best fit their wants and needs. In the 1990s, Gourin is said to have had a fling with 'The Shining' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' star while she worked as a waitress. Soon after rumors of the pair's fling surfaced, the 51-year-old gave birth to a baby girl, Tessa Gourin (pictured), in 1994 Nicholson has never publicly acknowledged that Tessa Gourin is his daughter, though his paternity is considered 'an open secret' in Hollywood . Lorber and Gourin had been pictured together on numerous occasions during their overlapping time working at the real estate giant, including at high-profile events in the Hamptons After the rumors surfaced, the Gourin gave birth to a baby girl, Tessa Gourin, in 1994. Nicholson has never publicly acknowledged that Tessa is his daughter, though his paternity is considered 'an open secret' in Hollywood. The hours-long October 8 call also heard Lorber claim he had a relationship with another award-winning agent at the firm, Jessica Cohen, who had previously been outspoken about her experiences with other agents at the firm. The company has been plagued by sexual harassment accusations dating back to 2008, when the Alexander brothers, Tal and Oren, were first accused of sexual assault. The incidents were the catalyst for the company's inquiry into the CEO, Bloomberg reported. Neither Tal or Oren have been charged with any crimes and have since left the firm. Cohen claimed to have no memory of a night she spent with the brothers as she woke up in the hospital after attending a party with Tal and Oren in Manhattan in 2010. She also claimed to have confided in Lorber years after the alleged incident, begging him not to tell anyone, the New York Post reported. Amid Lorber's revelations, Cohen's lawyer issued a statement claiming 'she was a victim' and 'did not benefit in any way' from the alleged relationship with the former CEO. The real estate firm has been plagued with sexual harassment accusations dating back to 2008, when the Alexander brothers, Tal (center) and Oren (left), were first accused of sexual assault Cohen claimed to have no memory of a night she spent with the brothers as she woke up in the hospital after attending a party with Tal and Oren in Manhattan in 2010 'Any notion that Ms. Cohen had a "romantic" relationship with Mr. Lorber, or that any such relationship made it easier for her to become a top broker is categorically false,' her attorney, Michael Willemin, told the Post. 'Cohen was a top broker long before she met Mr. Lorber, and the treatment that she suffered at his hands and that of Douglas Elliman have had a profoundly negative impact on her life and career.' Lorber's lawyer shot back, claiming: 'The statement by Ms. Cohen's lawyer is false and is flatly contradicted by what she told numerous people both orally and in writing over many years.' Following the video call, a special committee took a closer look at Lorber and ultimately decided that his actions had been inappropriate. Lorber's lawyer told Bloomberg that the idea that the CEO was unseated after the special panel deemed his behavior inappropriate is 'false and contrary to what the company disclosed.' Upon Lorber's departure, he forfeited shares estimated to have been worth about $4.3 million at the time of their cancellation. He also forfeited his right to severance payouts, which would be worth an estimated $6.4 million, regulatory filings obtained by Bloomberg said. A University of Oregon staffer has been suspended for posting a video calling for Donald Trump supporters to commit suicide. Leonard Serrato, the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the school, was put on leave by the taxpayer-funded college Thursday over the 'abhorrent' Instagram story shared in the wake of the presidential election results. In the clip, Serrato said he was 'done crying' and his 'anger has set in', and said he was a 'proudly petty person' going after Trump-supporting acquaintances. 'I'm saying this in the most disrespectful way possible - I don't care if you are my family, I don't care if you are my friend, I don't care if we've been friends our entire lives - You can literally go f**k yourself if you voted for Donald Trump,' he said. 'If you are so sad about your groceries being expensive, get a f*****g better paying job. Do better in life. Get a f****g education. Do something, cause youre f*****g stupid and I hope you go jump off a f*****g bridge.' Leonard Serrato, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Oregon, has been placed on administrative leave after sharing a shocking response to Donald Trump's landslide presidential election win After Serrato's video circulated widely on social media, the University of Oregon placed the staffer on administrative leave and said it was 'investigating' the clip. 'The University of Oregon finds the statements made in the video abhorrent and not in alignment with our values or mission,' the school said in a statement. 'We appreciate the conflict between his statements, his role in Student Life at the University, and our institutional values. This individual has been placed on administrative leave. 'We opened an investigation and are reviewing the matter under university policies and the individuals role as a public employee. 'We counseled the individual and requested and confirmed that the post is down. As a public university we take our duty seriously to provide an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and respect in alignment with our education mission. 'While we investigate, we are providing support for concerned students and employees, including resources for mental and emotional health.' The UO staffer said: 'If you are so sad about your groceries being expensive, get a f*****g better paying job. Do better in life. Get a f****g education. Do something, cause youre f*****g stupid' A spokesperson for the university previously downplayed Serrato's rant and said it 'appears that the individual made the post on their own time, which is well within their rights.' It was later revealed that Serrato did jail time in connection to the hazing death of an 18-year old fraternity pledge at Fresno State University. Serrato was an undergraduate student in 2012 when he was involved in Philip Dhanens's alcohol-related death. Police said Serrato and others egged Dhanens to drink dozens of shots. He had a 0.4 alcohol level when he died. Serrato was one of the people who purchased the alcohol. The 18-year-old had only been at college two weeks when he took part in a drinking binge at a off-campus fraternity house. Serrato's lawyer at the time told ABC the incident 'had a huge effect on a number of people including Mr. Serrato and his family.' The lawyer added: '[Serrato] is very remorseful that this young man, passed away at such an early age from this type of tragedy and he accepts responsibility for his actions and we'll move forward from here.' Serrato did jail time in connection to the hazing death of an 18-year old fraternity pledge at Fresno State University. He's pictured at his sentencing hearing in 2012 Philip Dhanens, pictured, died in 2012 after a fatal hazing incident that Serrato was later jailed for Serrato was just one of many who issued questionable messages following Trump's landslide electoral win Serrato went on to work at Fresno State as an assistant advisor of fraternity and sorority life. He then became an activist against hazing, using his experience to make speeches in colleges around the country. Serrato was far from alone in issuing an inflammatory response to Trump's landslide electoral win. Laura Helmuth, the editor-in-chief of Scientific American, the oldest magazine in the nation, went on a rampage against Trump supporters in now-deleted posts on social media, calling them fascists, racists and sexists. 'I apologize to younger voters that my Gen X is so full of f*****g fascists,' Helmuth wrote on the social media site Bluesky. She also wrote: 'Solidarity to everybody whose meanest, dumbest, most bigoted high-school classmates are celebrating early results because f**k them to the moon and back.' Helmuth then went after her own home state: 'Every four years I remember why I left Indiana (where I grew up) and remember why I respect the people who stayed and are trying to make it less racist and sexist. 'The moral arc of the universe isn't going to bend itself.' Almost one-in-three babies born in England and Wales last year were to women born outside the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, 31.8 per cent of live births in 2023 were to non-UK born mothers - a slight increase from 30.3 per cent in 2022. The proportion was also an increase from 26.5 per cent a decade earlier, after passing the quarter mark (25.1 per cent) in 2010. More than one-third (37.3 per cent) of live births last year were to parents where either one or both were born outside the UK, up from 35.8 per cent in 2022. India remained the most common country of birth for non-UK-born mothers (3.6 per cent of all live births) and fathers (3.9 per cent) in England and Wales last year, with Pakistan remaining second. Ghana entered the top 10 most common countries for non-UK born mothers for the first time in 2023, in ninth place with 0.6 per cent of live births. But Germany fell out of the top 10, having been there since ONS records began for this measure in 2003. Albania ranked at number seven, up from eighth in 2022, having entered the top 10 for the first time in 2021. Afghanistan was at number eight, falling from seventh place in 2022. Your browser does not support iframes. Afghanistan's entry into the top 10 for the first time that year came after the 2021 Taliban takeover of the country This resulted in the resettlement of many Afghans in the UK through Government schemes, and a rise in arrivals who had crossed the Channel. The summer of 2022 saw a spike in the number of Albanians arriving in the UK on small boats. But after a deal between both countries to prevent people from making the dangerous journey, there has been a sharp drop between 2022 and last year. Greg Ceely, head of population health monitoring at the ONS, said the data does not give a picture of a family's ethnicity or migration history. He said: 'Almost a third of babies born in 2023 in England and Wales were to non-UK-born women, a slight increase on the percentage in 2022. 'This is a continuation of the long-term trend of the percentage of live births to non-UK-born mothers generally increasing. 'While our birth data show us the parents' country of birth, it doesn't give us a picture of the family's ethnicity or migration history. 'And it's worth noting that not all women born outside the UK will be recent immigrants.' The proportion of births to mothers born outside the UK was found to generally increase with the age group of the mother, from 15.8 per cent of live births to mothers aged under 20 years, to 53.9 per cent of live births to mothers aged 45 years and over. Data for the most common countries of birth of non-UK born fathers showed India and Pakistan were the top two, with Albania in seventh and Afghanistan in eighth. Iraq was the 10th most common nationality for fathers, while the US was in this position for mothers. Nigeria took third place for the first time in the data for fathers, up from sixth in 2020. London remained the region with the greatest proportion of births to parents where either one or both were born outside the UK, with more than two-thirds (67.4 per cent) of live births. The lowest proportions were in Wales (17.5 per cent) and the North East of England (20.5 per cent). Last year's figures will have included the third child of Carrie Johnson and Boris Johnson. The former prime minister was born in New York before spending the bulk of his childhood and adult life in Britain. A increasing number of Democrat intellectuals are calling for Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire now that President-elect Donald Trump is returning to the White House. The 70-year-old justice, first appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2009, faces concerns from the left about her longevity. They want her to step down to allow President Joe Biden to replace her with a much younger liberal justice during his last weeks in office before Trump takes over on January 20. 'Sotomayor should retire tomorrow and let the lame duck Senate confirm her replacement,' wrote Miranda Yaver, a political scientist and assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Pittsburgh. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor faces renewed calls to step down so President Joe Biden can replace her before he leaves office The idea was first proposed in the Spring, as left-leaning intellectuals warned that it would behoove the nation's first Latina justice to step down for the good of the ideological makeup of the court. 'Why take the risk? You have a Democratic president and a Democratic Senate, and you have a justice who is about to turn 70,' former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan said on CNN at the time, after writing a column for the Guardian calling for her to step down. But Trump's election victory has sounded the alarm once again. Hasan shared his article again on social media on Wednesday. 'I happen to think this piece of mine aged (sadly!) pretty well,' he wrote. Others agreed, saying it could be the Democrats' 'last chance to fill her seat for some time.' Republicans are poised for a clean sweep of power in Washington with Trump in the White House, a new Republican Senate majority and control of the House most likely staying with the GOP. Liberal journalist Josh Barro of the 'Very Serious' newsletter told the Washington Post: 'It has been possible, historically, to go 12 or 14 years without simultaneous control of the White House and the Senate, after initially losing that control. She could be well into her 80s by the next time she has a good opportunity to retire.' CNN analyst Bakari Sellers even proposed the idea of repacking Sotomayor with Vice President Kamala Harris, after he loss to Donald Trump. 'You have a hell of a vice president right there who has a legal pedigree to sit on a Supreme Court,' he said on CNN on Friday morning. 'And let Republicans go crazy, ape, Im even mentioning that option.' U.S. President Donald Trump greets Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer and Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor after addressing a joint session of the U.S. Congress Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bibles. Other justices including Clarence Thomas, 76, and Sam Alito, 74, could also retire during Trump's second term, allowing him to put an even more permanent stamp on the makeup of the Supreme Court Sotomayor has not publicly addressed calls for retirement. In the unlikely decision that she chooses to step down, it would have to be swift with only five in-session weeks in Congress before the Christmas holiday. But the worst nightmare for the left would be a repeat of what happened with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who stubbornly refused to retire and died at the age of 87 while Trump was still president. It opened the door for Trump to confirm conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the court. In the unlikely decision that she chooses to step down, it would have to be swift with only five in-session weeks in Congress before the Christmas holiday If Sotomayor passes away during Trump second term, it would allow him an unprecedented fourth appointment to the Supreme Court in his second term. Other justices including Clarence Thomas, 76, and Sam Alito, 74, could also retire during Trump's second term, allowing him to put an even more permanent stamp on the makeup of the Supreme Court. Two Manchester Arena bombing survivors were today awarded a total of 45,000 in damages after suing a former TV producer who claims the attack was staged. Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve sued Richard Hall for harassment after he alleged it was a state-orchestrated hoax with the pair involved as 'crisis actors'. The Hibberts suffered life-changing injuries at the concert in May 2017, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert facing severe brain damage. Mr Hall made his claims in several videos and a book, and maintained that his actions - including filming Miss Hibbert outside her home - were in the public interest as a journalist, and that 'millions of people have bought a lie' about the attack. In a 63-page High Court judgment released on October 23, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in favour of the Hibberts and described Mr Hall's behaviour as 'a negligent, indeed reckless, abuse of media freedom'. She added that that the trained engineer was 'blinkered in his belief that the false story he has spun is true'. Martin and Eve Hibbert (pictured) suffered life-changing injuries in the Manchester Arena blast Richard Hall outside the High Court in London during a three-and-a-half-day trial in July Today, at another hearing, the judge said Mr Hibbert and his daughter would each be awarded 22,500 in damages. Jonathan Price, for the pair, said Mr Hall's behaviour was 'towards the more oppressive end of the spectrum of harassing conduct'. He continued in written submissions: 'In a series of widely viewed videos, a print publication, as well as during in-person lectures, the defendant insisted that the terrorist attack in which the claimants were catastrophically injured did not happen and that the claimants were participants or 'crisis actors' in a state-orchestrated hoax, who had repeatedly, publicly and egregiously lied to the public for monetary gain.' Mr Price had said a total of 75,000 for the pair in damages should be awarded, as well as at least 90 per cent of their legal fees. Paul Oakley, for Mr Hall, said in written submissions that 7,500 each in damages 'would be appropriate', adding there was 'no justification' for aggravated damages. Richard Hall is pictured setting up a camera to try to substantiate his claim that survivor Eve Hibbert was faking her injuries Richard Hall even visited Eve Hibbert's home and set up a camera disguised in fake plant foliage which he planned to use to see whether she could walk 'There is no allegation of malice and that is really a fundamental point as far as damages are concerned,' he told the court. 'Some of these harassment cases can get pretty nasty, but there was no vindictiveness.' Mr Oakley later said that a suggested injunction was too wide, describing it as 'a blanket ban' on all of Mr Hall's output, and called the Hibberts' estimated costs as 'jaw dropping'. The barrister said in written submissions: 'Mr Hall's work was 'not about' the claimants, who featured only minimally in the entirety of his recorded and written output. 'At best, those parts of Mr Hall's works which concern the claimants may be redacted but no more.' Martin Hibbert makes a statement outside the High Court in London during the trial on July 25 Mr Oakley also said Mr Hall should be awarded costs after a data protection claim from the Hibberts was not continued. In her judgment released last month, Mrs Justice Steyn added: 'Over a period of years, he has repeatedly published false allegations, based on the flimsiest of analytical techniques, and dismissing the obvious, tragic reality to which so many ordinary people have attested. 'He has published his allegations widely, on a variety of platforms, over a period of years to viewers and readers in this jurisdiction likely numbering well over 100,000. 'He has done so for commercial gain, albeit I accept his evidence that the financial benefit to him has only been sufficient to enable him to continue his work. All of this conduct has a natural tendency to cause serious distress, especially when those targeted are vulnerable.' Martin Hibbert is pictured in a wheelchair outside the High Court during the trial on July 22 Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured hundreds when he detonated the homemade rucksack-bomb in the crowd of concert-goers at an Ariana Grand gig. The court was told that the Hibberts were among those standing nearest to him at the time of the blast. The judge said in her ruling that by the time Mr Hall published his book and some of the videos, the suicide-bomber's brother Hashem Abedi had been convicted, 'yet Mr Hall paid no heed to the facts that demonstrated the jury found proved to the criminal standard'. Mrs Justice Steyn continued: 'Mr Hall has published and continues to publish his false allegations despite the attack having been the subject of thorough investigations, a criminal trial, and authoritative reports which any reasonable person would recognise command respect. Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured hundreds in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 'Mr Hall's publications are not only false, but they also lack any semblance of balance.' At a trial in July, the court heard that Mr Hibbert received 22 wounds from shrapnel, and Miss Hibbert suffered a 'catastrophic brain injury' after a bolt from the bomb struck her in the head leading to her being presumed dead at the scene. Mrs Justice Steyn said it was clear that Mr Hall's actions, including 'increasingly intrusive and offensive publications' had alarmed and distressed Mr Hibbert and that tracking down Miss Hibbert at her home was an unwarranted interference with the family's right to privacy. She added: 'Mr Hall knew that Mr Hibbert said his teenage daughter, who he had taken to the concert, had been hit in the head by a bolt propelled by the explosion, and that she had been very severely injured. 'He also knew that her family were shielding her from any media attention. The Manchester Arena attack victims in May 2017 were (top row, from left) Elaine McIver, 43, Saffie-Rose Roussos, 8, Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Eilidh MacLeod, 14, (second row, from left) Nell Jones, 14, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, Megan Hurley, 15, Georgina Callander, 18, (third row, from left), Chloe Rutherford, 17, Liam Curry, 19, Courtney Boyle, 19, and Philip Tron, 32, (fourth row, from left) John Atkinson, 26, Martyn Hett, 29, Kelly Brewster, 32, Angelika Klis, 39, (fifth row, from left) Marcin Klis, 42, Michelle Kiss, 45, Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43 (fifth row, from left) Wendy Fawell, 50 and Jane Tweddle, 51 'From the available information, it should have been readily apparent to any journalist even if the individual journalist was highly sceptical of the 'official narrative' that Eve should be treated as a vulnerable young person who had been caught up and severely injured in a traumatic incident.' Martin Hibbert described last month's ruling as a 'comprehensive victory', adding: 'I am really pleased with not only the overall judgment, but also the many comments of the judge as to how unacceptable Hall's behaviour was.' He had also said that he was hoping for an injunction, adding: 'I do want this to open the door for change, and to help protect others from what we have been put through in the future. 'I will be discussing this with my legal team at Hudgell Solicitors, with the aim of establishing a new law in Eve's name.' Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens to boost civilization exchanges Xinhua) 11:06, November 08, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, the first research institute of classical civilizations to be set up in Greece by an Asian country, was established on Thursday. It is expected to promote academic research and exchanges on classical civilizations across the world through engaging in archaeological excavation, organizing academic activities and launching training programs, among other functions, according to an official statement. Praising the establishment of the school, Imre Galambos, Emeritus Professor of Chinese, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge, said it is important to have Chinese scholars participate in the study of Western classics, which have always been seen as belonging to European civilization. They can make this area of research truly global, and can also bring their experience from the Chinese context to the table, opening up new avenues of research, Galambos noted. The establishment of the school was announced at the inaugural World Conference of Classics, which is being held in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Democrats spent over $1 billion on Harris' campaign just and still lost Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' teams are blaming each other for wasting over $1 billion in donor cash on a disastrous presidential campaign. Since Donald Trump's historic victory, Democrats have been in disarray over how their sizable war chest was not able to ward off the Republican - who they consider a 'threat to democracy'- and who spent a fraction of that amount. President Joe Biden's poor performance in his June debate with Trump that led to his being forced to drop out at very late in the election cycle by Democratic Party leaders is to blame for Kamala's loss, Harris aides are saying. But Biden staff say the vice president ran a terrible, three-month campaign and squandered millions of dollars from their top donors. 'How did you spend $1 billion and not win? What the f***?' said a former Biden staffer infuriated by the Harris team excuses. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' White House aides and campaign teams are feuding over who is to blame for spending over $1.2 billion on a losing presidential runs In total, the Harris campaign spent $1.2 billion on the race while Trump's campaign spent $750 million, a Financial Times analysis found. Some indications, thought, show that the race was much more expensive than that. The Harris campaign, affiliated PACs and the Democratic National Committee amassed over $2.3 billion in political contributions. Donald Trump's team, affiliated PACs and the Republican National Committee raised $1.8 billion. After raising nearly $4.2 billion, they spent a combined $3.5 billion on the presidential race, making it the most expensive contest ever held according to the analysis. Despite spending less, Trump ended up trouncing Harris in the electoral and popular vote - which hasn't been done by the GOP in decades. As a result, a furious firestorm of criticism has erupted within the top Democratic ranks. Workers in the White House and on the campaigns are ruthlessly continuing their blame game as to whether the president or vice president really dropped the ball. Both Democrat's campaigns spent hundreds of millions on ads hammering home this message, but it didn't work. Not only did their campaign end in disaster, but to add insult to injury the operation is reportedly in debt, Politico reports, to the tune of $20 million dollars. Speaking on a staff call Thursday night, Jen O'Malley Dillon, the Harris campaign manager, nearly burst into tears, sources on the call revealed to Axios. Your browser does not support iframes. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election on the campus of Howard University in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. 'I don't like emotion, I don't do that,' she said. Then she began choking up. 'You are great people who have done a great thing, and you came really close.' A Harris staffer on the campaign expressed dismay after the emotional call with the Harris campaign's top brass. 'It was detached from the reality of what happened,' they said of the call. 'We are told the fate of democracy is at stake, and then the message was, 'We'll get them next time.'' Another Harris campaign staffer said they felt deceived by those running the operation. 'People are depressed and frustrated about the overconfident leadership of the campaign,' the said. 'We did what we could. I think the odds against us were insurmountable,' a Kamala campaign staffer said. Though the VP's campaign only began after Biden stepped aside on July 21, she did have $200 million pledged to her within a week, according to the Wall Street Journal. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024 Liberal donors flocked to her and believed she could pick up the mantle that Biden left behind and run a campaign focused primarily on stopping Trump's return. Painting Trump as an anti-democracy, fascist, demagogue unfit to wield the reigns of the most powerful office on Earth was the central feature of both the Biden and Harris campaigns. In fact, the Harris campaign dished out over $650 million on ads from July 22 until Election Day. Trump, meanwhile, spent about $380 million on ads during that time, according to AdImpact. The Republican effectively made gains with every demographic group, voting data shows. Trump made gains with Latinos, black men, urban and younger voters while Harris secured many college-educated voters. A caravan of thousands of migrants travelling through Mexico with the hope of reaching the U.S. has shrunk to about half its original size following Donald Trump's victory on Tuesday - amid fears the president elect could close the southern border. Trump clinched the presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico, in addition to halting entries across the US border with Mexico. An official from Mexico's National Migration Institute said that the caravan had dwindled to less than 1,600 people from 3,000 when it set out from the southern city of Tapachula on Tuesday. Just over 100 people asked for help from authorities to return to the Mexican city, the official said. It was unclear where the rest of the migrants who left the caravan were headed. Migrants walk in a caravan along a highway on their way to the U.S. border, in Villa Comaltitlan, Mexico November 7, 2024 A caravan of thousands of migrants travelling to the U.S. has shrunk to about half its original size following Donald Trump's victory on Tuesday A migrant in a caravan carries his child on his shoulders as the caravan rests before continuing on their way to the U.S. border After hearing that Trump had won, many of those in the caravan felt less hopeful about their chance at a new life in the U.S. 'I had hoped (Kamala Harris) would win, but that didn't happen,' said Valerie Andrade, a Venezuelan migrant travelling from Chiapas to Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Andrade, along with her husband, and like over seven million other Venezuelans, left her crisis-ridden country seeking better prospects. Trump's proposed immigration policies also include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. During his previous administration, between 2017 and 2021 Trump put in place policies that left hundreds of thousands of migrants stranded in camps along the Mexican border, reshaping U.S. immigration politics. A spokesperson for Chiapas state security said that while the migrant caravan continues north, some families are choosing to turn back to Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border. But for many the journey northward persists. Venezuelan migrant Jeilimar, who requested that her last name be withheld for her safety, remains hopeful her appointment to seek asylum via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection app, CBP One, will come through before Trump assumes office in January. Hundreds of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, walk in a caravan on U.S. presidential election day in an attempt to reach Mexico's northern border After hearing that Trump had won, many of those in the caravan felt less hopeful about their chance at a new life in the United States Migrants walk a banner which reads 'No more migrant blood' as they walk in a caravan during U.S. Presidential election day Trump's proposed immigration policies include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants Children ride in a stroller along the Huixtla highway in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, Oct. 22, 2024, as part of a group of migrants hoping to reach the country's northern border and ultimately the US Human rights activists say migrants will continue to arrive to the U.S. southern border 'With God's favor, I'll get that appointment,' she said, as she travelled with her six-year-old daughter, intent on reaching the U.S. Human rights activists say migrants will continue to arrive to the U.S. southern border. 'People will seek new paths; it'll be more dangerous, but it won't stop them,' said Heyman Vazquez, a Catholic priest and pro-migrant activist in Chiapas. It comes after more than 3,000 Mexican migrants were pictured marching towards America on Election Day after Trump vowed to carry out the 'largest deportation operation in American history'. Men, women and children were seen marching towards the southern US border Tuesday carrying banners that read 'no more migrant blood' and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, an important religious and cultural symbol in Mexico, as Americans headed to their local polling stations. US Border Patrol was aware the election could trigger mass migrations of asylum seekers, according to sources who told that the migrants want to arrive in the country as 'one last f*** you to America' before Trump takes office. During his speech at his election watch party early Wednesday morning the president-elect vowed to 'seal up those borders', adding: 'We want people to come back in, but they have to come back in legally.' Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said she will defy Donald Trump's anticipated mass deportation order targeting millions of illegal immigrants. Healey, 53, insisted that Massachusetts state police would 'absolutely not' help the Trump administration's planned deportations during an interview with MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell. 'I do think its important that we all recognize that theres gonna be a lot of pressure on states and state officials,' she added. 'And I can assure you, were gonna work really hard to deliver.' The lawmaker's stance drew backlash as critics pointed out that Healey has previously complained about the migrant crisis crippling her state's finances, which is forecast to cost over $1 billion annually. She told WCVB in May that the border crisis 'is the result of federal inaction'. Healey once backed sanctuary cities which offer migrants enhanced protection from arrest. But she ordered border crossers to stop traveling to the Bay State after Texas Governor Greg Abbott began busing thousands up from border cities. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said she will defy Donald Trump 's anticipated mass deportation order during an interview with MSNBC Trump made tackling immigration a central pillar of his 2024 election campaign, and has said he plans to carry out the largest mass deportation in American history of upwards of 15 million people. Immigration has grown to a contentious issue in Massachusetts after being flooded with tens of thousands of migrants during the Biden administration, and the reliably-Democrat state hosted several 'Close the Border' rallies this year. Trump held several rallies in the reliably-Democrat state focused on his deportation plans. In her appearance on MSNBC, Healey said she intends to use every 'tool' at her disposal to fight Trump's immigration policies. 'I think that the key here is that every tool in the toolbox has got to be used to protect our citizens, to protect our residents and protect our states, and certainly to hold the line on democracy and the rule of law as a basic principle,' she said. People hold signs and flags at a 'Close the Border' rally in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024 Healey previously served as Massachusetts attorney general, and challenged a number of Trump's orders during his first administration. But the governor admitted there is now a 'different situation in the courts' that may make it more difficult for state officials to defy Trump, but said there are 'other ways' to challenge him. 'Some realities also need to be, you know, noted. And that is, in 2016, we had a very different situation in the courts,' she said. 'And while Im sure there may be litigation ahead, you know, theres a lot of other ways that people are going to act and need to act for the sake of their states and their residents.' Healey said these other channels include state legislation, 'executive powers' and 'regulatory authority.' Massachusetts has been flooded by tens of thousands of migrants, seen at a shelter in Chelsea, Massachusetts, during the Biden administration Healey seen with Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in November 2022 The remarks drew outrage from conservative opponents of Healey, with Massachusetts' GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale branding her a 'hypocrite' over her previous stance on tackling the migrant crisis. 'Governor Healey has chosen to indulge in apparent political showmanship rather than working to build bridges to benefit the people of Massachusetts,' Carnevale told the Boston Herald. 'What is most striking about the Governors recent statement is the glaring hypocrisy. 'She has blamed the federal government for the migrant crisis in Massachusetts, yet now that we have a newly elected President ready to address the immigration crisis with action, she is backtracking.' Carnevale was referencing Healey's remarks to WCVB in May branding the migrant crisis a 'federal problem.' Healey said at the time: 'Remember, the number of immigrants were seeing in Massachusetts and other states over the border is the result of federal inaction. 'There was a bipartisan deal on the table weeks ago. Republicans in Congress killed it after Donald Trump said no deal on immigration.' Undercover police officers tackled a phone thief just seconds after he attempted to steal from an unwitting tourist one one of the busiest streets in London. The dramatic video shows the man following the unsuspecting tourist and attempting to take a mobile phone from his pocket. Two plain clothes officers then swoop in and take down the thief, catching him red handed. He was arrested and has now been jailed for 11 months after pleading guilty to theft at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, November 7. The video was taken near Oxford Circus on Friday, August 30, after officers noticed a man acting suspiciously and paying attention to peoples pockets and belongings. He was then seen reaching towards the victim and stealing his mobile phone. Sofian Hadar, 23, of Cricklewood Broadway, was arrested and the phone was returned to its owner, a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt. The victim, a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt, is seen crossing a busy road in a crowd. Hassan is pictured following closely behind the victim, as they leave a pedestrian crossing Plain clothes officers tackle Hassan after he is seen trying to steal a phone. Pictured is the officer knelt to the ground after taking down Hassan, who is out of the picture Sofian Hadar, 23, pleaded guilty to theft at Isleworth Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 months in prison The Met Police have said in the first half of this year officers have recovered more than 750 stolen phones. Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who leads on phone robbery and theft in the Met, said: 'Thanks to these observant and fast-acting officers another mobile phone thief has been taken off the streets of London. 'We understand the impact robbery can have on victims and we also recognise that there is still much more to do to tackle the problem as we make London safer. 'Met officers are targeting resources in hotspot areas with increased patrols and plain clothes officers - and this result makes clear this approach is having a positive impact. 'We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been the victim of a robbery or theft so officers can attend the scene and investigate swiftly.' As part of the A New Met for London Plan, the Met ay they are improving how they police more precisely, using technology and data to build intelligence and track stolen phones. This includes using 'Find my phone' data to locate vehicles and offenders. The daughter of Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz is sharing her thoughts on Democrats' devastating loss to Donald Trump saying the country did not deserve the vice president. 23-year-old Hope Walz hoped on TikTok on Thursday sporting a blue hoodie and messy bun to break her silence and give some post-election takes while sitting on a couch eating SpongeBob mac and cheese. 'I've like officially reached the point of anger, and I'm not an angry person so I'm just trying to channel it,' Walz shared with her 65-thousand followers. 'This country does not deserve Kamala Harris,' Walz said. 'That woman should go live her best life where ever she wants doing whatever she wants because we don't deserve her at this point,' she said. Walz got to know the vice president as her family while campaigned furiously for the Democratic presidential ticket after her father, Minnesota's governor, was picked as Harris' running mate in August. Hope Walz spotted a video on TikTok where she shared her post-election thoughts. She said the country does not deserve Vice President Harris and that she is angry Walz was seen at campaign events with her dad across the country as he met with voters. She also delivered some memorable online social media content of their close relationship from the campaign trail. Walz slammed voters in the less than two minute video saying the only people that delivered this election were black women and 'we failed them.' 'It's just heartbreaking, and we've go to do whatever we can to support them and support our people through these next four years,' Walz said shaking her head. That's when Walz appeared to became more angry as she spoke. She said Trump and his running mate JD Vance have to be Trump and Vance, and it is not a punishment she would wish upon anybody except them. Hope Walz (far left) with her mother Gwen Walz, father Governor Tim Walz and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff on November 6 as Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election 'I'm just really grateful that I am who I am and that I'm on the side of love and hope and joy and progress,' she said. Walz said as time goes on, she expects she'll have more thoughts and plans to share them on TikTok, calling the social media platform a good outlet. 'I'm giving myself the week to be sad and to mourn what could have been, what should have been, but that's not where we are, and that's not reality,' she said. She said after her week to accept it that's when 'the work starts.' 'We got this America, we're going to be ok,' she concluded. The video already has more than 105,000 likes on TikTok. '2nd day post election thoughts, support your people, lean into community, prioritize love over hate, well be alright,' she wrote in the caption. Hope Walz getting off a campaign plane with her father Governor Tim Walz for a stop in Pennsylvania Hope Walz standing directly behind Vice President Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August In another TikTok, Walz showed her and her younger brother Gus driving in a car together and celebrating that they were able to hit the road together for the first time without Secret Service. 'Finally free,' her 18-year-old brother chimed in. Walz said she would not describe it like that but admitted it is a little weird and does feel freeing. The two were listening to Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.' She shared that the appreciate everyone and their dad is 'doing amazing.' Hope Walz posted this image of her dad Tim Walz on Instagram and TikTok on November 7 'He's ready to continue the fight here in Minnesota because it is going to be a safe place for every single person,' Walz said. Both siblings insisted things are going to be ok. Her third TikTok was a simple image of her father wearing a hoodie and sitting on a couch with their cat on his lap. The Tupac song 'Keep Ya Head Up.' 'We will recharge, and then we will continue to fight for all our rights!' she wrote with the post. Two Afghan migrants have allegedly raped a teenage girl after drinking vodka with her in a German hostel. Wahid R. and Asad Kahn Z., both 24, lived in Dresden when their group home supervisors took them and other residents on a trip to Hamburg in March 2019. In a hostel room, the two migrants drank vodka with a German teenage girl, according to the prosecution. When the girl got dizzy from the alcohol, she laid down on a bed to rest. 'The two defendants took advantage of their victim's defenselessness, undressed her and had sexual intercourse with the woman at least once each,' the prosecutor said. 'They should have realized that the woman was helpless and had impaired consciousness.' Wahid R. and Asad Kahn Z., then 19, went on a trip to Dresden with their group home supervisors. In a hostel, the two migrants alleged drank vodka with the German girl before raping her (pictured: court where their trial is held) In a hostel room in Hamburg, the two migrants drank vodka with a German teenage girl before raping her, according to the prosecution The girl reported the alleged rape to police the next day, but Wahid R. and Asad Khan Z. were not remanded in custody. During the trial at Dresden District Court today, neither of the two Afghans commented on the allegations. Their alleged victim, who is said to have a mental illness, was questioned behind closed doors. The trial continues. It comes after another German girl who was allegedly raped by two Afghan migrants said that she was 'their puppet' when they ignored her cries to stop. The teenager, only named by the pseudonym Sina, was allegedly raped by Afghan migrants Sayed Sajad H., 23, and Rames H., 22, in the Sossenheim district of Frankfurt two days after her 18th birthday, German outlet Bild reports. Sina previously matched with Rames on a dating app and went to a pond with him and Sayed to drink alcohol on June 13, 2021, where they assaulted her and treated her like 'their puppet', she said. 'Since that day in summer of 2021, nothing has been the same,' Sina, now 21, told Bild. Now, three years after the shocking rape, Sina has testified against her alleged attackers in court, who reportedly just smiled at her from the dock when she talked about her ordeal. The girl, only named by the pseudonym Sina, claims she was raped by Afghan migrants Sayed Sajad H., 23, and Rames H., 22, in the Sossenheim district of Frankfurt two days after her 18th birthday (pictured above: the Kollmann-Weiher pond where Sina was raped) 'The nightmare repeats itself all over again when I look into their faces. As if it all happened yesterday,' she said. Sina said the assault started when she and Sayed shared a kiss, during which he bit her lower lip and squeezed her breasts, ignoring her objections that she didn't want this. Prosecutors allege that Rames then pressured her into going into the bushes by the pond with him, where he asked her to satisfy him orally. Sina refused, but Rames allegedly took her hand and put it on his erect penis and the 18-year-old did what the Afghan wanted out of fear, the prosecution added. Then Sayed allegedly pushed her into the bushes, pulled down her pants and raped Sina, while she reportedly begged: 'Stop, that hurts.' 'Nobody cared about my "no". They spoke in their language, I was their puppet,' she said. Sayed, who has lived in Germany since 2015, was known to police for assault and was convicted in 2016. He works as an electrician. Meanwhile Rames is unemployed, has no qualifications and currently lives with his parents on a temporary residence permit. Rames and Sayed reportedly claimed to police that both sexual acts were consensual and repeated this in court, alleging that Sina even initiated everything. But Sina says she explicitly told Rames after they matched on the dating app that she would only go as far as kissing him when they met up. Sina's lawyer Ulrich Warncke has filed a complaint with the court over the two-year delay of the trial after charges were brought against Rames and Sayed back in October 2022. A verdict in the case is expected on December 4. A Louisiana woman has been charged after allegedly forging the signature of her boyfriend's wife on sham divorce papers. Teqela Francis, of Texas, was shocked to find out that her husband, Kendrick Paul Francis, had filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage. But she was more shocked to find out that his friend, LaShonda Pope, had signed her name on the documents two years ago. She said she was never subpoenaed, nor did she attend any court hearing that pertained to the divorce, she told KLFY. 'My husband did not contact me, told me anything about he wanted to divorce me,' she told KLFY in June. 'He didnt tell me that he filed for a divorce. If he wanted a divorce, I would have given it to him.' The paperwork had been sent to Pope's address in Abbeville, Louisiana, when it should have gone to Francis, who had moved to Texas in 2022. Teqela Francis, of Texas , was shocked to find out that her husband Kendrick Paul Francis had filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage. But she was more shocked to find out that his friend, LaShonda Pope, had signed her name on the documents two years ago In a chilling voicemail from Pope, the alleged mistress screamed at Francis, telling her divorce from her husband was 'public record' and that 'I'm about to be married to him next.' 'So you can get ready, I'll get you an invitation,' the voicemail concluded, according to KLFY. However, Francis and her husband are still married legally as the document is fraudulent, according to Francis' lawyer, and the paperwork filed in Louisiana has not been finalized. In addition, the paperwork filed in Louisiana had plenty of factual errors, such as misspelling of names, the couple's children's birthdays, and wrong addresses, according to Francis. Francis' first name was even written down as 'Tequila', she said. 'I feel like Im on a Lifetime movie trying to put this puzzle together to see how did it even took place,' Francis said in June. 'How did the attorney provide the information without my identification? I know my rights and according to anything that you signed that is legal, it has to be an identification, has to be present and I was not present.' She has spoken to her husband over the phone since this whole ordeal began, but she claims he has repeatedly become aggressive and hung up on her, she told KLFY. To get a real divorce from her husband, her attorney estimates it would take up to two years. 'My husband did not contact me, told me anything about he wanted to divorce me,' she told KLFY in June. 'He didnt tell me that he filed for a divorce. If he wanted a divorce, I would have given it to him' In addition, the paperwork filed in Louisiana had plenty of factual errors, such as misspelling of names, the couple's children's birthdays, and wrong addresses, according to Francis. Francis' first name was even written down as 'Tequila', she said. In the meantime, Francis has now been traveling between Louisiana and Texas for court dates, as Pope has been charged with first-degree injuring of public records. And she hopes Pope sees the inside of a jail cell. 'Im looking for her to be incarcerated because how do you just go about pretending to be a person that youre not and subpoenaing me at your place of residence and then sign my name on divorce papers? 'Its just devastating. I mean, I would have never, you know, in a million years thought that somebody would do something like that. That is crazy.' Frustratingly, Pope keeps changing lawyers, causing the court dates having to be rescheduled, according to Francis, who has to take off work and drive to a different state every time. 'I just wanted this to be over,' the mother-of-two told KLFY this week. 'Its tiresome. Im having to just continuously come back and forth here to get a reset court date every time.' Despite that, she plans to continue to show to each court date until she gets justice, she said. Everyday citizens are joining the Church of Satan en masse in Chile, petitioning the government to legally recognize it as a religious association in the traditionally Catholic country. The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile consists of 100 members - including cops, firemen, lawyers, psychologists and publicists - who seek to challenge the moral norms, dogmas and religious impositions of the country. Applicants have to go through a process that includes filling out a form and showing proof of not having a criminal record. They are grilled by a special commission and have to undergo an evaluation conducted by a psychologist. Once allowed in, members can adopt a new name - normally that of a demon or fallen angel - with which they will be identified inside the Temple and among other members. Azazel founder of the The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile, participates in a Celtic pagan celebration in Santiago, the South American nation's capital, on October 31 Over 100 people have joined The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile and more than 400 have expressed interest since July, when it asked the Chilean government to recognize it as a religious association They meet at a building in downtown Santiago, the South American nation's capital, where they sip on their favorite wine and the smell of tobacco and incense fill the room. Black candles burn on top of an altar decorated with chalices and knives. Although devotees accept the 'Satanist' label, they don't honor or believe in Satan. Instead, they focus more on rationality, individualism, pleasure and the mundane life. They praise humankind over gods. 'You are the owner of your present and future, there is no God that makes decisions for you,' said Haborym, a spokesperson for the group. To members, the figure of Satan is purely symbolic and their rituals are performed 'to bring out the emotions and leave the intellect aside.' Chile's Temple of Satan was founded in 2012, and more than 400 people have applied for membership over the last couple of weeks, Haborym said. Interest grew in late July after the group approached the Ministry of Justice and requested that it be legally recognized as a religious association. The petition comes five years after the Satanic Temple of the United States raised fears after it was designated as a church. Members of The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile walk through the General Cemetery in Santiago, the capital of Chile, after taking part in a Satanist ceremony in September A member of The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile reads from The Bible of the Adversary by Michael Ford, during a ceremony at the General Cemetery on September 14 Haborym, spokesman for The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile, said that they oppose animal abuse and don't accept people with criminal records The group's request for recognition has received mixed reviews from scholars and the faithful in a conservative country that counts half of it 18 million residents as Catholics and that in recent years has been rocked by sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic church. 'These types of organizations now feel that they have greater support to challenge what was virtually impossible before,' said Luis Bahamondes, a professor at the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Chile. And that's because, 'until very recently, the Catholic Church enjoyed an unprecedented power. It had an opinion on everything: politics, economics, geopolitics, sexuality and education.' Hollywood movies like 'Rosemarys Baby' and TV series such as 'True Detective' helped to portray the idea of Satanists as linked to sacrifice, evil, pain and death. But modern groups like Chile's Temple of Satan are strongly against animal abuse, prohibit the affiliation of people with criminal records, see pleasures as a delight rather than a sin, and do not express their opinions unless asked. 'We don't want people killing in the name of Satan,' said Haborym. 'The history of Satanism is well known (and) it has often been the cause of tragedies,' the leaders of several churches in Chile, including the Catholic, Anglican, Jewish and Evangelical, said in a joint statement. Following the steps of the Church of Satan, founded in 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey, modern Satanists praise skepticism and logic over celestial or supernatural beings. Its followers are free to formulate their own beliefs, rites and spiritual practices. Many self-described Satanists and Luciferians are atheists, while others are witches or believe in the power of magic. 'We do accept that there are certain bases, both academic and esoteric, that give meaning to our existence and reality,' said Azazel, who quit Judaism four years ago and, one year later, founded the Temple of Satan of Chile. His words resonate in the darkness of the chamber and are interspersed with chants, clapping, mantras and readings of passages from the Satanic Bible and the Bible of the Adversary, the main guidelines of the group. Members of The Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile, drink wine at the start of a monthly ceremony in Santiago Just like Azazel, others have turned to the Temple of Satan out of disappointment with traditional religions. The new congregants include not only occultists and esotericists, but also Catholics, Jews, Protestants and Evangelicals. 'In Satanism there are no solutions or absolute truths. You are your own god and you create your own reality,' said Kali Ma, a dentistry student who was born and raised in a Jehova's Witness family. 'If we compare both, Jehova's Witnesses are the real sect,' she said. 'They don't let you do certain things, they tell you how to dress, what to do, how to behave, whether or not to grow a beard.' Nestor da Costa, an expert in secularism and religion at the Catholic University of Uruguay, said the influx of people seeking answers through different perspectives might be linked to the search for less dogmatic approaches. 'It may be a readjustment of the religious side of people who leave Catholicism but continue to believe in something,' he said. It is unclear if the Chilean government will legally recognize the Temple of Satan as a legitimate religious association, but its very existence has already helped to spark a discussion that until recently was unthinkable in this conservative society. Demanding recognition is the ultimate expression of everything praised by Satanic aesthetics: the rebellion against the status quo and the breakup with deep-rooted traditions. 'We comply with everything that is requested of us as a religious entity,' said Haborym. 'So there would be no reason to reject us beyond the fact that w're a controversial figure.' Presenter Nicky Campbells phone was nearly stolen by thieves while walking down the road. The incident happened today near Oxford Street in London when the presenter's phone was snatched out of his hand before he quickly took it back. He then shouted f*** you as the thief ran off. Campbell has warned others to take care when walking down one of London's busiest streets. The veteran broadcaster who hosts a morning breakfast show on Radio 5 Live, posted on X moments after the incident took place. He said: Near Oxford Street. Guy just tried to grab my phone as I was on it. Presenter Nicky Campbell nearly had his phone stolen this afternoon while walking near Oxford Street in London Crowds walking along Oxford Street in London where phone thefts are on the rise Campbell has warned others to take care when walking down one of London's busiest streets 'His hand was on it. I snatched it back and shouted f*** you and he ran off. Take care out there people. People have reacted to the incident on social media. One person said: Sorry to hear that Nicky. Seems it's been happening frequently. Another commented: Nasty seems to be an epidemic now. Apparently, it's the contents of the phone the thief is after and not the phone itself. One person remarked: Glad he didnt get it, but have to say it was a bold move to think about using your phone there. In a recent report by the Dail Mail it was revealed that workers in Westminster, central London claim phone theft happens daily. Criminals' most common tactic is to drive past on a bike or moped and grab the phone while their victim is distracted - such as when they are taking a photo or checking their messages at a traffic light. Figures collated by local news site Southwark News show that Westminster is the worse area in London for phone snatching - with 22,253 incidents reported in the year leading up to September 2024. MailOnline's map shows the apparent routes young crooks are taking on a regular basis in and around Hyde Park Dozens of shoppers and tourists are wandering the street, when seemingly out of nowhere, two balaclava-clad cyclists appear A balaclava-clad thief was seen brazenly snatching a mobile phone from a woman's hand before racing away in central London in April That equates to 85.4 thefts per every 1,000 people. The rise in thefts is being fueled by demand for second-hand phones in the electronics hub of Shenzhen. After being shipped into the city by criminal accomplices exploiting its lax approach to enforcing laws around stolen goods, the handsets are sold second hand if they can be unlocked and returned to factory settings. If they cannot be sold whole, they are dismantled and the component parts - such as the screen, motherboard and speaker - used for repairs or even pieced together into entire new handsets. Shenzhen is located in the south of China next to the border with Hong Kong. Known as the country's 'Silicon Valley' due to its expertise in electronics, it is also home to large retail outlets selling used consumer goods. Figures have shown that a mobile phone is reported as stolen in London every six minutes. There were almost 91,000 phones snatched from Londoners in 2022, at an average of 248 a day, with only two per cent of the stolen devices recovered. Criminals often target pedestrians in busy locations such as outside stations, shopping centres or concert venues, and usually approach from behind, meaning victims aren't aware of how vulnerable their phone is until it's too late. The worst-hit borough was the City of Westminster, Camden was the second worst affected, with 4,806 incidents, followed by Southwark (4,376), Hackney (2,761), Newham (2,585), Lambeth (2,394) and Islington (2,117). In London as a whole more than 52,000 phones were stolen last year. Donald Trump has broken his social media silence after his historic election win by shutting down claims he will sell shares in his platform Truth Social. The president-elect said suggestions he would dump stocks were 'illegal' and demanded an investigation. The 78-year-old is hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago celebrating his victory and beginning to shape his second White House administration. On Thursday night he made history by appointing Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, the first woman to ever hold the powerful role. He had been unusually quiet on social media for 72 hours before releasing a blistering statement. Donald Trump has broken his social media silence after his historic election by shutting down claims he will sell shares in his platform Truth Social Your browser does not support iframes. 'There are fake, untrue, and probably illegal rumors and/or statements made by, perhaps, market manipulators or short sellers, that I am interested in selling shares of Truth. 'THOSE RUMORS OR STATEMENTS ARE FALSE. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF SELLING! 'I hereby request that the people who have set off these fake rumors or statements, and who may have done so in the past, be immediately investigated by the appropriate authorities. 'Truth is an important part of our historic win, and I deeply believe in it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Trump is the dominant shareholder in the company he started after he was barred from Twitter in the aftermath of January 6. Following his election win on Tuesday, the stocks had spiked by 35 percent to increase his firm's market value to $9billion - more than twice the value of Macy's and four times that of JetBlue. On Thursday night, Trump made history by appointing Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, the first woman to ever hold the powerful role His 114.75 million shares were worth around $5.3billion on Wednesday. Matthew Tuttle, CEO of Tuttle Capital Management, told CNN that he wasn't surprised to see the surge after his dominant victory over Harris. He said it was the only 'pure' play for traders to bet on a Trump win. Betting platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi rose to prominence in the final days of the campaign and many predicted a Trump win. Tuttle suggested that the surge in the stock prize may have been the result of a 'short squeeze'. EQS-Ad-hoc: Hannover Ruck SE / Key word(s): Personnel/Personnel Hannover Ruck SE: Chief Executive Officer Jean-Jacques Henchoz hands over to Clemens Jungsthofel on 1 April 2025 08-Nov-2024 / 10:40 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Jean-Jacques Henchoz will not extend his expiring contract at his own request and will leave the Executive Board on 31 March 2025 Chief Financial Officer Clemens Jungsthofel to take over as Chief Executive Officer of Hannover Re from 1 April 2025 Christian Hermelingmeier, Chief Financial Officer of HDI Global SE, succeeds as Chief Financial Officer of Hannover Re Hannover, 8 November 2024: Hannover Re Chief Executive Officer Jean-Jacques Henchoz (60) is not extending his expiring contract at his own request. He will leave the Executive Board of Hannover Re on 31 March 2025, but will remain closely associated with the company. His successor as of 1 April 2025 will be Chief Financial Officer Clemens Jungsthofel (54). Christian Hermelingmeier (43), currently Chief Financial Officer of HDI Global SE, will succeed him as Chief Financial Officer of Hannover Re on the same date. Clemens Jungsthofel has proven his exceptional expertise in recent years as Chief Financial Officer of Hannover Re and the corporate and specialty insurer HDI Global as well as a partner at auditing and consulting firm KPMG, where he exclusively advised primary insurance and reinsurance companies. He is an auditor, tax consultant and qualified insurance agent. His successor, Christian Hermelingmeier, has been Chief Financial Officer at corporate & specialty insurer HDI Global since September 2020. Christian Hermelingmeier was previously Head of Controlling for Talanx Groups Private and Corporate Insurance Germany division. He holds a doctorate in business mathematics and is also a trained actuary. Contact: Investor & Rating Agency Relations Karl Steinle Tel. +49 511 5604-1500 E-Mail: karl.steinle@hannover-re.com Rebekka Brust Tel. +49511 5604-1530 E-Mail: rebekka.brust@hannover-re.com Media Relations: Oliver Suss Tel. +49 511 5604-1502 E-Mail: oliver.suess@hannover-re.com End of Inside Information Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement: Hannover Re is one of the worlds leading reinsurers. It transacts all lines of property & casualty and life & health reinsurance and is present worldwide with more than 3,500 staff. German business of the Hannover Re Group is written by the subsidiary E+S Ruck. Established in 1966, Hannover Re is recognised as a reliable partner for innovative risk solutions, exceptional customer intimacy and financial soundness. The rating agencies most relevant to the insurance industry have awarded both Hannover Re and E+S Ruck outstanding financial strength ratings: Standard & Poors AA- Very Strong and A.M. Best A+ Superior. Please note the disclaimer: https://www.hannover-re.com/535917 08-Nov-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Language: EnglishCompany: Hannover Ruck SE Karl-Wiechert-Allee 50 30625 Hannover GermanyPhone: +49(0)51156041500Internet: www.hannover-re.comISIN: DE0008402215WKN: 840 221Indices: DAXListed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hanover; Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Luxembourg Stock ExchangeEQS News ID: 2026023 End of Announcement EQS News Service JK Rowling has launched a blistering attack on her gender ID critics in the wake of Donald Trump's US election victory. The Harry Potter author pointed the finger at 'the left' for their support of controversial gender ideology. Ms Rowling insisted she was not 'far right' but was standing up for women and would not back down on her staunch defence of 'women only spaces'. She said the current Labour government had plummeted in polling after they 'embraced' gender identity ideology and suggested it might have been a reason behind the re-election of Trump. The 59-year-old referenced an earlier message she had posted on social media where she claimed the 'left had f****d up monumentally' on gender identity ideology. JK Rowling defends her views on women's rights in the wake of Donald Trump's US election victory Donald Trump pulled off an astounding political comeback and regained the White House in winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election In a telephone call on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer offered hearty congratulations to Donald Trump, with No 10 briefing that the pair had 'fondly' recalled their dinner meeting in September She said: 'Women like me, and there are a lot of us, aren't and never have been far-right. We simply want the left to wake the hell up, because we're watching it do its utmost to alienate people it used to represent. 'I'm not saying Trump's win was down to the gender stuff - I'm not an American voter, so can't judge. 'In any case, the Labour Party won the last UK election and they've embraced gender identity ideology whole-heartedly, although they won against a Tory government so enfeebled and unpopular it would have been miraculous if they hadn't, and their popularity since gaining office has plummeted.' A furious Rowling added: 'What I do know is that millions of women in the UK and across the developed world are extremely angry about men in women's sport, men in women's jails and the erosion of single-sex spaces. 'Parents are angry at being demonised because they don't want their troubled kids to undergo irreversible medical treatments of extremely questionable benefit. 'People are sick to the back teeth of being bullied and threatened for refusing to embrace an elitist, academia-generated ideology that's having severe real world consequences. 'Large swathes of the left continue to be threatening and abusive to anybody who resists their attempts to impose ideological language or bully them out of wrongthink. 'Leftist activists jeer and sneer at erstwhile female allies for the crime of believing biological sex is real and matters. 'And leftist leaders still appear more interested in sucking up to gender activists than - to take a topical example in the UK - female nurses whose crime is not wanting to undress in front of a fully intact male.' Ms Rowling referenced an earlier message she had posted on social media where she claimed the 'left had f****d up monumentally' on gender identity ideology Former President Donald Trump took the stage and declared victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, cementing an extraordinary political comeback JK Rowling previously hit out at Doctor Who star David Tennant following his pro-trans speed at the LGBT Awards She concluded: 'So to those screaming 'bigot' and 'fascist' at me, you should know two things. 'Firstly, I'm completely indifferent to your disapproval, as I'd have thought you'd have realised by now. 'Secondly, and far more importantly, the only thing more harmful to your cause than your pseudo-religious belief in gender identities is your astounding, self-righteous arrogance.' Earlier this year, Ms Rowling went to war with Doctor Who star David Tennant after the actor aimed a second rant at gender self-ID critics. She hit out as it emerged Tennant, 53, had scoffed at 'whinging f***s' who 'will all go away soon'. Ms Rowling has also criticised First Minister John Swinney after he refused to say whether a trans woman is a woman. Activist and journalist Masih Alinejad was a secondary target in Iran's plot to assassinate Donald Trump, court documents reveal. The Justice Department on Friday unsealed criminal charges against three people involved in the thwarted plot to kill Trump before the election. Farjad Shakeri, 51, who is still at-large in Iran, was to be the lead man for both assassinations until he flipped to the FBI and the operation was paused. Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, were arrested by the FBI in New York City and faced court on Thursday, accused of conspiracy to murder. Alinejad is a human rights activist living in Brooklyn who has long criticized Iran's extreme repression of women. 'I am shocked. I just learned from the FBI that two men were arrested yesterday in a new plot to kill me,' she wrote on social media on Friday. Activist and journalist Masih Alinejad was the secondary target in Iran's plot to assassinate Donald Trump, court documents reveal Alinejad was the target of at least two other recent assassination plots, and is the target of a fatwa issued by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iranian intelligence planned to kidnap her in 2021 and take her back to Iran for a grim fate, and in July 2022 a man was arrested after staking out her home for two weeks with a loaded AK-47. 'I also learned that the person assigned to assassinate was also assigned to kill me on US soil. The alleged killers also went in front of my house in Brooklyn,' Alinejad continued. 'I call on the US Government and the future President of the United States to be tough on terror. The Islamic Republic understands only one language: the language of pressure. I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech - I dont want to die. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. 'Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me, but I urge the US Government to protect the national security of America.' FBI charging documents described her an an Iranian American journalist, author, and political activist, and an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime's human rights abuses and corruption. Alinejad 'has long been a high-priority target of the Iranian regime', it stated. The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges on a thwarted plot by Iran to kill President-elect Donald Trump before the election Trump has been a target of Iran assassination threats since he ordered the strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of the brutal Iranian Quds Forces The criminal complaint alleged Shakeri was tasked with organizing the hits by Iranian intelligence, and offered Rivera and Loadholt $100,000 to get them done. Shakeri was tasked with other assassinations of Americans and Israelis around the world, which were not specified in the documents. The FBI explained the plot began last December when Shakeri paid another conspirator, 'Feva', $3,000 to locate Alinejad, after making contact on December 19. Feva was then paid $3,298.15 by an account in the United Arab Emirates on December 29. The conspirator, who was not charged over the plot, was jailed for eight to 24 years in 1991 for first-degree manslaughter and released on parole in 2006. The FBI said he and Shakeri were jailed together and also trafficked drugs. Rivera and Loadholt allegedly became involved in February when Shakeri paid them $1,000 to surveil Alinejad at a speaking engagement at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, on February 15. Alinejad said on Friday that the assassins planned to kill her 'at Fairfield University, where I was scheduled to give a talk'. She said in a video accompanying her post that the FBI advised her not to attend the event and her appearance was canceled at the last minute. 'Now I found out why, and it's shocking,' she said from a hotel room in Berlin. 'The killers were planning to go to Fairfield University, waiting for me, and I don't know what was in their mind - but I remember what happened to Salman Rushdie.' Alinejad spoke with defiance in a video from Berlin on Friday after the charges were announced There was no mention in the court documents of the university being where the hit was to take place, or that planning had even picked a date and time. It was unclear if Alinejad misunderstood what the FBI told her about the surveillance that was planned to be done on her at the event in February. 'I know the nature of the Islamic Republic... to get rid of their opponents, to kill anyone who dares to challenge them [or] criticize Islamic ideology,' she continued. 'So, I have been given a second life, no, third life. The kidnapping plot was foiled by the FBI' and the man arrested in front of her house. Alinejad said she was pleased no less than 15 people hired by Iran to kill her in just the past three years had been arrested 'and six of them are behind bars in America'. 'That's why I love my life, and I love America, and I love Iranian women who are facing the same killers, the same murderers, and never giving up,' she said. 'So whatever I do, hurts them really badly that they want to kill me - that makes me more determined... We will win this battle.' Shakeri created a report on Alinejad's background and activities in his cloud account on February 1 as he compiled his intelligence on her. Shakeri allegedly paid Rivera and Loadholt $1,000 to surveil Alinejad at a speaking engagement at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. This screenshot showed the details for the event, a photo of her, and a money order for $500 to be paid to Rivera One of the photos allegedly taken by Rivera and Loadholt during the surveillance Communications between the pair allegedly showed them discussing when they would be paid for the job. Other evidence cited in the complaint included a receipt for a petrol station near the university, and a black 2007 Honda Accord with South Carolina license plates registered to Loadholt being scanned at Fairfield University on February 15. There was also two photos they allegedly took at the college, one with a small selfie of Rivera in the corner. Shakeri's next alleged job for them was to to keep watch on Alinejad at her home in Brooklyn in March, for which they were paid about $2,600 each. Text messages allegedly showed Rivera and Loadholt coordinating their surveillance with plans to meet and where they were going. License plate reader data and police camera footage again allegedly showed Loadholt's car near Alinejad's house. They were also allegedly spotted on security video making bagel runs during their surveillance. The pair allegedly complained to Shakeri that Alinejad was hard to pin down and that assassinating her was not going to be an easy task. Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life Trump assassination attempt pictures released by the government 'This bitch is hard to catch, bro. And because she hard to catch, there ain't gonna be no simple pull up, unless there the luck of the draw. Unless there's the luck of the draw,' Rivera allegedly said in a voice note. Shakeri advised them that their target spent most of the time in a study on the third floor and a recording studio on the second floor. 'You just gotta have patience and don't, kicking, kick in the door is not an option because that' s a fail, that's a fail maneuver,' he warned in a voice note reply. 'You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Don't think about going in. In is a suicide move.' Rivera allegedly complained in response: 'We was here at night time, like 5.30 this morning, there was no f**kin' lights on.... I already know kickin' in doors only gonna to bring more attention. We already know that, that part. 'That neighborhood is too quiet for that type of shit. Unless she's on the first floor, and you kick that s**t in and then, then, you know, and let's assume you kick it in on the first try.' Rivera appeared to get increasingly frustrated with the assignment and how much the expenses were adding up. 'What I'm sayin' to you in a nutshell, bro. Is in order for this to get done? And I don't give a fuck who is [U/I]. You say, 'f**k you, n***a, I want somebody else.' Alinejad is a human rights activist living in Brooklyn who has long criticized Iran's extreme repression of women 'Ok, your secret safe with me 'cause I ain't no snitch n**a, and I sure ain't no bitch n***a. So I can handle that, right. 'By the same token, you not gonna find too many motherf**kers who willing to take the job with receiving next to nothin' to start the job off with. 'You sent me thirty-one fifty, right? That pays for some tools and fuels, right? Tools and fuels that's being, the slammer, mostly, the slammer. 'Um, toll bridge fee, going back and forth. Putting gas in the car. Rentin' the car. Look, the car ain't mine bromie, that s**t is bein' rented. It's funded by the thirty-one fifty. 'S**t ain' t, know what I mean, n***as ain't just lettin' you hold their car to do a drive by for nothin', know what I mean, so... 'But homie, how long you think that's gonna last? How long can you expect two workin' niggas, or one workin' n***a, really me, but my man too, he a workin' n***a too. 'He not like, he's gonna sit out here all night, all day, rain, cold, sleet, on a promise. Let's be for real, we out here on a promise, from a n***a I know.' Rivera appeared to make a veiled threat, pointing out it was good for both Loadholt and Shakeri that they knew as little about each other as possible, and that they were only connected through him. The FBI alleged he used this to ask for more cash to finish the operation, as he had already bought weapons for the hit, paid for travel costs, and rented the car to kill the target in a drive-by shooting. He allegedly claimed Loadholt only went along with the plan because he vouched for Shakeri, and would have refused if anyone else asked him. Khalid Mehdiyev, 23, outside the NYC home of Iranian dissident journalist Masih Alinejad, during his surveillance in July 2022 Mehdiyev was found with a loaded AK-47, a high-capacity magazine and more than $1,000 worth of cash hidden in a suitcase in his car was parked outside the Brooklyn home The pair allegedly negotiated a $100,000 fee to 'finish the job' during April, and Shakeri had the cash laundered, with a delay that irked Rivera. 'Finish the work, and pick up,' Shakeri instructed his lackey, to which Rivera allegedly answered, 'N**a I wish it was that easy but I ain't no quitter'. Shakeri later told them to 'take care of it already'. 'I wish you can take care of it already. I have everything covered. By the way send me a bill and don't spend it, n***a,' he wrote on July 16. Loadholt and Rivera in texts to each other allegedly complained about the delay in receiving the $100,000 payment. 'I'm so frustrated son I'm like ready to jump out the window,' Loadholt wrote in one messages. Their fortunes began to unravel when Shakeri had voluntary interviews with the FBI on the phone from Iran on September 30, October 8, October 17, October 28, and November 7. He told them he was hired through an official in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, whom he met with at various restaurants in Tehran. Shakeri claimed the official initially told him Alinejad stole $250,000, and promised him $1.5 million if he could locate and kill her 'nighttime, daytime, anywhere'. He tried to cover for his lackeys, claiming to the FBI he never asked anyone else to help with the surveillance. Alinejad (right) with Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (left) at an event in Berlin in February Shakeri then appeared to start working as a double agent for the FBI, as he met with the Iranian official on October 7, then told FBI agents the next day what happened. He told them the official again offered the $1.5 million, on the condition he provide video evidence that she was dead and that his team killed her. 'It appears that [the official] contemplated the possibility that other teams had been tasked with carrying out [Alinejad]'s murder, and sought to ensure that money was paid only to the team that was able to successfully carry out the assassination,' the FBI alleged. Shakeri finally admitted on October 28 he had people in NYC helping with the job, but refused to identify them. He appeared to be brokering a deal to cooperate in exchange for the release of an unnamed person. 'If these people gimme a green light... I'm gonna come pretty close so you guys can be convinced that [Individual-I] needs to get released,' he said. FBI agents confronted Shakeri on November 7, accusing him of lying to them, and he finally gave up Rivera, and though he said there was a second person he did not name them. Shakeri claimed the Revolutionary Guard also tasked him with surveilling two Jewish American citizens, businessmen visiting NYC, who supported Israel. However, he claimed to have not yet sent back any information about either of them, but had offered Rivera and Loadholt $500,000 to kill them. Alinejad was the target of at least two other recent assassination plots, and is the target of a fatwa issued by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (pictured) This was also when Shakeri revealed that his Iranian contact told him in September to put aside all his other tasks on focus on assassinating Trump. Shakeri told him would cost a 'huge' amount of money to pull it off, but was told 'we have already spent a lot of money... so the money's not an issue'. The FBI believed this to mean Iran already spent money trying to kill Trump, so what was a little more if it got the job done. Shakeri claimed that the Iranian official gave him seven days from the October 7 meeting to come up with a plan to kill Trump. However, he told the FBI he didn't plan to carry out the operation in the timeframe he was given. Shakeri was then told to delay the plot, because Iran thought Trump would lose the election and it would then be easier to get to him without his presidential Secret Service detail. He also claimed to the FBI that the Iranian official asked him to murder Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka in a mass shooting in October. The US and Israeli government issued a travel warning for Sri Lanka on October 23, warning of threats of attacks on tourists in Arugam Bay. Sri Lanka said three people were arrested over those threats, including an unnamed contact of Shakeri. Five days later, Shakeri told the FBI he tasked that contact, whom he served time in prison alongside, with surveilling the Israeli consulate. After he gave Iran that surveillance data, he was told to surveil a tourist location in Arugam Bay frequented by Israeli tourists. One of the weapons the hitmen allegedly bought for the assassination The official told him to orchestrate a mass shooting in that area, and that his contact would provide AK-47 assault rifles and other weapons to pull it off. Shakeri is an Afghani citizen who immigrated to the US as a child, but was deported back to Iran in 2008 after serving a 14-year sentence for robbery in New York state prisons. He maintained an extensive prison contact base that he eventually tapped into while planning the murder-for-hire plots. Shakeri used a network of criminal associates he met in prison in the US to 'supply the IRGC with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations of IRGC targets', the FBI stated. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that there are 'few actors' in the world that 'pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.' 'The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump,' he said. 'We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on U.S. soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. 'We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security.' FBI Director Christopher Wray added: 'The charges announced today expose Iran's continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran.' News of a baby goat stranded on a Hawaiian cliff for several days led a group of rogue rescuers on a mission to save the frightened animal. Four days had passed after a Waianae resident first noticed a white baby goat trapped along a steep, skinny cliffside ledge. First spotted on Monday, the concerned resident sought rescue teams to bring the baby goat to safety. Despite efforts from the Honolulu Fire Department, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaiian Humane Society, the goat remained confined to the towering ledge. Four days had passed after a Waianae resident first noticed a white baby goat trapped along a steep, skinny cliffside ledge Despite efforts from the Honolulu Fire Department, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaiian Humane Society, the goat remained confined to the towering ledge As days continued to pass, hope for the animal's rescue from the treacherous cliffside began to fade. That was until Ben Hansen, a Kailua resident, was alerted to the goat's predicament via social media. 'He saw the Hawaii News Now Instagram post and he's like, look, there's a goat. Looks like he's stuck,' Hansen's wife, Govinda Hansen, told the news outlet. 'So he showed it to me and I'm a sucker for baby animals, or animals in general. So I was like, we need to go get this goat,' she said. Govinda and her husband weren't the only ones roped into the rescue mission. Several Instagram users replied to the post, including two men who would eventually join the Hansen couple on their quest to save the animal. Govinda Hansen and her husband Ben weren't the only ones roped into the rescue mission. Caleb Morrison, another avid hiker, later connected with the couple, explaining to the pair that he had climbing gear that could help them reach the troubled goat. Pictured: Govinda explaining in an Instagram post how she connected with Morrison while on their way up to the cliffside 'The goat started to kind of panic as we approached, so we just kind of hung back, slowly inching forward and using, like, a team strategy of kind of corralling the goat,' Morrison said. Pictured: Rescuers successfully corralled the trapped animal and brought it to safety After a few minutes of waiting and baiting, the baby animal ventured within arms reach of Ben Hansen (pictured), who capitalized on the opportunity and 'just bear-hugged the little guy all the way down the mountainside' 'A swarm of people sent me the post,' said Caleb Morrison, 'like, "Go save this goat, Caleb!" Morrison then connected with the Hansens, explaining to the pair that he had climbing gear that could help them reach the troubled goat. Capturing the entire, hours-long ordeal on film via a drone and cell phone video, the crew of strangers gathered at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Center before taking off on their ascent. Morrison, who was trailing behind Ben during the climb, said: 'The goat started to kind of panic as we approached, so we just kind of hung back, slowly inching forward and using, like, a team strategy of kind of corralling the goat.' Before the group's steep climb, the self-proclaimed 'avid hikers' were unsure of just 'how big of a cliffside it was.' 'I was very relieved that we got him safely,' Govinda said. 'We named him Bala. Bala means white. He's beautiful.' Pictured: Rescuers with the baby goat The goat was so hungry that it immediately drank an entire bottle of milk 'He's happy,' Govinda (pictured) said. 'We put him down on grass and he just like chilled there. He seems to be doing good' 'We weren't exactly sure how big of a cliffside it was,' Morrison said, 'and we wanted to get in there as quick as possible, just because it had been there already for four days.' Upon their eventual approach, the baby goat appeared to be 'super skittish,' Morrison said. As they got within feet from the goat, Ben baited the animal with an apple, hoping it would jump into his open arms. 'I was down the cliff under the goat, waiting to see if he jumped,' Ben said. After a few minutes of waiting and baiting, the baby animal ventured within arms reach of Ben, who capitalized on the opportunity and 'just bear-hugged the little guy all the way down the mountainside.' Bala the goat is now at Aloha Animal Sanctuary Morrison said it took 45 minutes to bring the goat down. 'I was very relieved that we got him safely,' Govinda said. 'We named him Bala. Bala means white. He's beautiful.' The goat is now at Aloha Animal Sanctuary. Bala was so hungry that he immediately drank an entire bottle of milk before happily prancing through the sanctuary's lush grass. 'He's happy,' Govinda said. 'We put him down on grass and he just like chilled there. He seems to be doing good.' Irish prime minister Simon Harris has kicked off his three-week election campaign, after president Michael Higgins formally dissolved the country's Dail parliament. Confirming the polling date as November 29, Harris said the 'time is now right' to give Irish people a new mandate. It comes after the Fine Gael leader requested president Higgins dissolve the Dail by signing the Proclamation of Dissolution in a move that brings an end to the current Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition. Under Irish law, once the Dail is dissolved an election must be held within 30 days. The campaign should be about who can 'credibly' increase housing supply, oversee a fair but firm immigration system, and prepare for a potential transatlantic trade shock from Donald Trump's election as U.S. president that could hit Ireland's finances, Harris said earlier on Friday. Irish prime minister Simon Harris has kicked off his three-week election campaign, after president Michael Higgins formally dissolved the country's Dail parliament President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris during the signing of the Warrant of Advice and in duplicate of the Proclamation of Dissolution requesting the dissolution of Dail Eireann, at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin, for the General Election on November 29 The prime minister is said to be exploiting a moment of opposition weakness after support for republican party Sinn Fein recently declined following a series of safeguarding scandals. Speaking outside government buildings in Dublin on Friday, the PM said: 'Ireland is a country of industry, of enterprise, of agriculture and education, community, culture and compassion. 'On the international stage, we are a country of conscience, a country that believes in international law. 'The voices of our more than five million citizens are listened to because of our tracks record and moral compass, seen most clearly in the recognition of the State of Palestine in May. 'We are a small country with a big influence all over the world and we have many assets. But no asset more valuable than our people. The campaign should be about who can 'credibly' increase housing supply, oversee a fair but firm immigration system, and prepare for a potential transatlantic trade shock from Donald Trump's election as U.S. president The prime minister noted how 'real progress' had been made in the current government and thanked his coalition partners. 'We did not agree on every issue but we did always work hard and together for the good of the Irish people', he said. Harris went on to encourage Irish people to 'go out and cast your vote, and in return your'e entitled to good government and hard work'. Political parties Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein have already sworn against a coalition ahead of the general election. Sin Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald yesterday said there was an 'opportunity for a change' from the government parties. A Canadian university is facing outrage for employing a convicted terrorist as a teacher. Ottawa's Carleton University hired 70-year-old Hassan Diab to teach the third-year course Social Justice in Action. Last year, Diab was convicted in absentia by a French court in connection with the 1980 bombing of the Rue Copernic synagogue in Paris. The explosion, which killed four people and injured 46, was the first deadly attack against French Jews since World War II. It also sparked the beginning of a new era of French antisemitic violence by Palestinian and Islamist terrorists. Dr. Hassan Diab was hired to teach at Carleton University after being convicted of a 1980 terrorist attack in Paris Carleton dismissed Diab the first time he was employed, but this time they are defending him saying he has been given the opportunity to tell his side of the story Diab fled to Canada after being arrested in 2008 and was involved in a six-year legal battle to avoid being extradited to France. He was eventually extradited in 2014, and after years in prison he was placed on house arrest, The Jerusalem Post reported. He reportedly fled to Canada that same day. Diab's employment sparked outrage, the Jewish service organization B'nai B'rith sent a letter to the university demanding his dismissal. Addressed to Carleton University president Jerry Tomberlin, the letter said that Diab's hiring 'raises significant questions regarding Carleton's dedication to the safety and well-being of its students and staff.' B'nai B'rith Canada posted a statement saying that 'despite being handed a life sentence by a French court, Hassan Diab continues to live freely in Canada, while Carleton University, unconscionably, continues to allow him the privilege of teaching at a Canadian Institution.' The attack in Paris led to four being killed and 46 injuries. Diab was extradited in 2014 after his arrest in 2008 After four pieces of evidence were determined to not be substantial enough for a trial, his case was reopened in 2021 by the French Supreme Court after he had already been back in Canada Last year Diab was convicted in absentia by a French court in connection with the 1980 bombing of the Rue Copernic synagogue in Paris The organization added that the university ignored its formal request to terminate Diab's position, calling the institution's silence 'deeply disturbing'. 'Its decision to continue to employ Diab not only presents a danger to the well-being of its students, but it is an insult to the memory of the innocent victims of his heinous crimes and an affront to all Canadians who value law and order,' they wrote. The sons of Israeli TV presenter Aliza Shragir, one of the victims of the bombing, said that employing Diab as a lecturer was 'outrageous,' the Jerusalem Post reported. 'It is outrageous that an academic institution that is supposed to promote values of equality and justice decided to employ a cold-blooded murderer, who was unanimously convicted in a court in France,' the sons said in a statement. 'Apparently carrying out a murderous terrorist act against a Jewish target does not go against the values of Carleton University.' The sons of one of the victims of the bombing, Israeli TV presenter Aliza Shragir, said that employing Diab as a lecturer was 'outrageous' Israel's Consul General in Toronto, Idit Shamir, called Diab's employment 'unconscionable' in a social media post, calling it a 'failure of justice' that was 'spitting on the graves of Jewish victims.' In July 2009, Diab was hired to teach a course in introductory sociology at Carleton. Soon after, Diab's contract was cancelled and university officials said that he had been replaced with someone else 'in the interest of providing students with a stable, productive academic environment that is conducive to learning.' Today, Carleton's Department of Sociology and Anthropology stands firmly with Diab. On its website, it stated that Diab had been 'unjustly accused' and had previously facilitated events allowing him to tell his version of the story. A report in 2021 from the Trudeau government concluded that Diab had not been treated differently than any other Canadian but acknowledged 'discomfort' of the extradition process Senator Marilou McPhedran said just last month that the French and Canadian 'abuses in this shameful case' have been well documented and scholars, the Department of Justice review, and the House of Commons Justice Committee have 'identified an unjust lack of transparency and disclosure in the current Extradition Act' A note on its website reading 'support for Hassan Diab' links to an official statement from the department calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former Minister of Justice David Lametti to 'use their discretionary powers to declare that Dr Hassan Diab will not be extradited in response to an extradition request from France.' Previous rallies have been organized by the department demanding that the Canadian government refuse to extradite Diab, including a protest outside the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument in 2022, the Jerusalem Post reported. In 2020, Diab and his family sued the Canadian Government for $90 million over the role it played in his extradition, claiming 'intentional infliction of emotional distress' and 'malicious prosecution'. According to the Justice for Hassan Diab website, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association urged the Minister of Justice, Arif Virani, to reject the second extradition of Diab. Protests in support of Hassan Diab have taken place over the years calling on officials to protect him from 'unjust' extradition The website states that Diab was wrongfully extradited from Canada to France in 2014 for his involvement in the bombing. It also claims Diab spent three years in a French prison 'before investigative judges determined that there no evidence linking him to the crime and ordered his immediate and unconditional release.' The course that Diab is employed to teach, Social Justice of Action, consists mostly of Diab reiterating his innocence. 'The course puts central emphasis on miscarriages of justice in the context of Canadian extradition law, with close examination of a high-profile extradition case that highlights pertinent issues,' The National Post reported. Diab's lawyers have long maintained that he was in Lebanon at the time of the attacks and that his was a case of mistaken identity Carleton's Department of Sociology and Anthropology stands firmly with Diab Diab's lawyers have long maintained that he was in Lebanon at the time of the attacks and that his was a case of mistaken identity. After four pieces of evidence were determined to not be substantial enough for a trial, his case was reopened in 2021 by the French Supreme Court after he had already been back in Canada. The pieces of evidence consisted of his passport showing him entering and exiting Europe just before and just after the bombings. French authorities also had testimony from friends alleging that Diab was connected the terror group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. He also is said to have matched a description of the figure who planted the bomb, and finally handwriting analysts determined they found similarities between Diab's and that of the fictional hotel registration card. A report in 2021 from the Trudeau government concluded that Diab had not been treated differently than any other Canadian but acknowledged 'discomfort' of the extradition process. 'He was legally extradited having been afforded all appropriate procedural protections,' it read. 'The fact he was not convicted in France does not render the extradition process flawed.' The Scotland Yard marksman who shot an innocent electrician dead when he was mistaken for a suicide bomber has been unmasked for the first time. The retired firearms officer said he shot Jean Charles de Menezes on a London underground train in 2005 because 'I was 100 per cent convinced that we were all about to die.' Firearms officers were only given a 'ten-second glimpse' of a grainy photocopy of the real target - failed July 21 bomber Hussain Osman - prior to the botched operation and were not handed copies of his image, he revealed. Speaking publicly for the first time almost two decades after the tragedy, the former officer choked back tears as he described to a documentary crew the moment he pulled the trigger. Mr de Menezes had been wrongly identified as Osman as he lived in the same block of flats in Tulse Hill, south London. The Scotland Yard marksman, named only by his cypher C12, who shot Jean Charles de Menezes dead when he was mistaken for a suicide bomber has spoken for the first time The former officer thought de Menezes was a threat and said: 'If I don't do something now we are all going to die. I knew I had to take that shot.' C12 said he had suffered in the two decades after the shooting, with the trauma remaining a 'weeping sore' on his life Surveillance teams tracked him from the flats to Stockwell station while on his way to work on July 22, 2005. The former officer, named only by his cypher C12, vaulted the station's barriers after bosses had given the go-ahead for armed deployment, instructing: 'Stop him from getting on the tube.' He stepped onto the stationary train and a plain clothes surveillance officer discreetly gestured towards Mr de Menezes who was sat in the carriage, he said. 'He just got up and immediately turned to his right, which is where we were, and came towards us,' C12 said. 'At the same time I brought my weapon up and pointed it at his head and I shouted 'armed police'. 'At that stage in my head, this person knew who we were. This person was coming forward in order to detonate a bomb and kill us.' The former officer added: 'I remember the surveillance officerwas trying to pin his hands so that he couldn't detonate. 'I am just expecting an explosion at any moment. He's going to blow. We are going to die. 'If I don't do something now we are all going to die. I knew I had to take that shot.' C12 said he was initially unable to fire because the surveillance officer was in the way, so he pushed his head to the side with his gun before pulling the trigger. 'Time seemed to slow down there. I remember seeing the shots going in but having to close my eyes because of the force of the explosionthere was debris coming back,' he added. Mr de Menezes had been wrongly identified as failed July 21 bomber Hussain Osman (left) A picture of Osman, from his gym membership card, which was found in a rucksack at the site of a failed bombing at Shepherd's Bush 'There was no elation, there was no shitty high five, there was nothing like that at all. It was just 'we've survived'.' C12 revealed that he and colleagues were taken back to base but were not permitted from taken off their blood-soaked clothes or showering for hours so as not to break the evidential chain. Mr de Menezes, 27, was shot seven times in the head and once in the shoulder the day after a series of failed terror attacks on London's transport network and two weeks after the July 7 attacks killed 52 people. A 2006 report found multiple avoidable mistakes contributed to the shooting but the Crown Prosecution Service decided no one should be charged. Surveillance teams tracked the innocent electrician from his flats to Stockwell station The documentary explores the circumstances leading up to the death of Mr de Menezes The release of the documentary comes just weeks after firearms officer Martyn Blake was acquitted of murdering Chris Kaba after shooting him in the head during an enforced traffic stop. Blake was refused anonymity before his trial, but following the acquittal Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced reforms that would protect the identity of firearms officers charged with such offences. C12, who has a daughter, said the relief upon learning he would not face criminal proceedings was immense. 'If you're charged with an offence, your name, your address, date of birth [are published] and you become public property; your life is over,' he said. Medics rush to assist injured victims of the July 7, 2005 bombings that occurred just weeks before Mr de Menezes was shot Mr de Menezes, 27, was shot seven times in the head and once in the shoulder two weeks after the July 7 attacks killed 52 people - and just a day after a second failed terrorist attempt 'And on top of all that, you're awaiting the potential finding of guilt, and for something of this magnitude you're probably looking at going inside, so the ramifications are too horrific to even contemplate.' The Metropolitan Police was fined 175,000 over the botched operation and the de Menezes family agreed an undisclosed settlement with the force in 2009. C12 said he had suffered in the two decades after the shooting, with the trauma remaining a 'weeping sore' on his life. He said he understood that the de Menezes family were the real victims of the tragedy, but he would not like to meet any relatives of the man he shot. 'At the moment, the person who I shot I can't really remember,' the former officer, who eventually worked for 40 years for the Met said. 'I don't remember any facial features, so in a way it's lessened the potential impact it's had on me. 'And I don't think I would like to open any closets which would make my life a bit unbearable. 'And I know that sounds really selfish, but that's how I feel. 'I have been brutally honest about why we did what we did. And I just hope they are words enough to explain our actions for that day.' A Met spokesman said: 'The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes is a matter of very deep regret to the Metropolitan Police Service. 'Our thoughts remain with his family and we reiterate our apology to them. 'The circumstances around his death have been subject to numerous public inquiries, including two separate reports by the Independent Police Complaints Commission 'The recommendations made by the IPCC were implemented immediately following these reports, andwe continue to proactively improve our processes and policies wherever possible to keep our communities safe. 'No officer sets out on duty intent on ending a life. Our sole purpose is the complete opposite the protection and preservation of life and we have taken extensive action to address the causes of this tragedy.' Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube will air on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday and Monday. Utah residents are up in arms over plans to close popular scenic hiking trails to make room for luxury mansions. The Bearclaw Poppy and Zen trails in Washington County could be impacted by the plans as they fall inside a 6,800-acre area called Zone 6 that officials are preparing for construction. Outdoor enthusiasts have launched an effort to stop the development, with opponents also citing the area's tortoise population that could be endangered. 'Nearly every mountain biker who has ever visited St. George has ridden on that trail,' resident Supe Lillywhite told the Salt Lake Tribune. 'What cant coexist is a house or a driveway being built on top of a tortoises burrow... The tortoises will have to be moved or die off in the area.' The Bearclaw Poppy and Zen trails in Washington County, Utah, could be closed by a controversial move to expand a highway and build luxury homes Lillywhite is part of the campaign to save Zone 6's ecosystem, which has seen an online petition garner thousands of signatures. The reason the popular trails could be closed stems from a move by the Trump administration in January 2021 to expand the Northern Corridor Highway across the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Zone 6, a parcel of land evenly split between the federal Bureau of Land Management and the Utah Trust Lands Administration, was then set aside to offset the impact of the highway construction. Washington County officials and the federal government announced plans to build both affordable and luxury housing on the Mojave Desert plot, although the development of the highway has been put on hold. The highway construction will only restart following an environmental study on the impact of the plans, and Utah will be forced to sell its trust lands in Zone 6 if it is not approved. Aaron Langston, assistant managing director of the Trust Lands Administrations Washington County office, said this week that 'if the federal government undoes their agreement, we will simply undo our agreement.' Officials say the developments would bring an economic boom to the area and make room for construction of a number of multi-million dollar homes. A Utah McMansion is pictured While the highway construction remains in limbo, officials still moved to start construction on October 1 as the Trust Lands Administration issued a request to government agencies for development plans on 1,200 acres of Zone 6. Langston said he hopes this will entice an economic boom to the area, and in January he said the state would then put the plot up for sale to private developers to build homes on the land. Officials have indicated that they anticipate to also construct on over 1,500 acres in the northern part of the area in the future. And although state and county lawmakers are keen to build on the area, residents and outdoor enthusiasts say losing the trails would be a disaster for the area. Langston estimated that if the land is developed roughly 60 percent of all the trails in Zone 6 would be impacted. The area is also known for its rock climbing, with more than 300 bouldering and 80 rock climbing routes also set to be affected. The area is known for prime mountain biking and bouldering routes, however officials said up to 60 percent of trails and a number of rock-climbing routes will be affected Holly Snow Canada, an executive director of environmental group Conserve Southwest Utah who is opposing the housing, stressed that Utah officials would have had other options available to them. 'If the Northern Corridor Highway is denied, there are many paths to protecting the Greater Moes Valley Area in a way thats permanent and more secure than the current voluntary Zone 6 deal,' she told the Salt Lake Tribune. 'Washington County has spent millions of dollars over the last few decades on a highway that would make traffic worse, increase wildfire risk, and harm beloved recreation areas, instead of using that time and those resources to protect the places that are important to the community. 'Now is the time for our local leaders to step up and say no to the highway through our backyard treasure, Red Cliffs, and yes to permanent protections for the recreation jewel, the Greater Moes Valley Area.' A Mexican influencer with millions of followers on social media claimed she survived an assassination attempt in Miami and has been receiving death threats. Muneca Diamante de Rubi revealed to her nearly 3 million followers on Instagram that she was on her way home Wednesday night when a pickup truck intercepted her SUV. The 53-year-old businesswoman recalled that one man remained in the vehicle while his accomplice stepped out with an assault rifle. 'He pulled out a large caliber weapon to try to kill me. I fled as fast as I could with the car, running all the red lights,' she claimed while apparently lying in a hospital bed. 'The car was rendered useless, totally lost. I crashed into another car. The other person's car was also rendered useless.' Mexican influencer Muneca Diamante de Rubi revealed she survived a murder attempt in Miami The 53-year-old Mexican influencer recalled that one of the suspects stepped out of the vehicle with a large-caliber weapon before she was able to speed away The influencer said that despite the car's airbag hitting her nose, she was able to run out of the car and received aid on the scene from cops and paramedics. She was taken to an area hospital with a cut on her lip and a chest injury, which she said required X-rays. She told her followers that she was able to provide the pickup truck's license plate to local authorities. 'An investigation is underway to find out who is behind all this,' she alleged. Muneca Diamante de Rubi said that she has received countless death threats The influencer said she provided Miami authorities the license plate number of the pickup truck used by suspects in the murder attempt Muneca Diamante de Rubi said that the airbag caused injuries to her nose, mouth and chest 'We will investigate to the last detail who is the person who has the interest in wanting to take my life, because it was a very large weapon that they used to shoot at me,' she added. The jet-setting influencer vowed to surround herself with a security team after the scare. 'I'm receiving a lot of death threats, telling me that they already know where I live, that they're going to hack my Instagram again,' she claimed. 'What happened was too much, they already pulled out this big weapon. So everything is going to be investigated and I'm not going to be alone anymore,' she continued. 'I'm going to have a lot of security people with me. Do you think they're going to catch me alone? No.' DailyMail.com reached out to the Miami Police Department for comment. Russia has lost its eighth general who was notorious for running a torture camp for disobedient soldiers in Ukraine. Major-General Pavel Klimenko, 47, was riding a motorbike when he was hit near the Ukrainian town of Krasnohorivka, according to reports. The commander had been inspecting military checkpoints and observation positions when he and his group came under attack by drones. Klimenko was reportedly rushed to hospital but later died due to his head injuries. He commanded troops in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, which is on Ukrainian territory now under Russian control. Klimenko created a 'concentration camp' at an abandoned mine outside Donetsk where Russian soldiers who refused combat orders were tortured, beaten and starved, Astra Media reports. Major-General Pavel Klimenko (pictured), 47, was riding a motorbike when he was hit near the Ukrainian town of Krasnohorivka, according to reports Klimenko (pictured centre, next to Vladimir Putin) created a 'concentration camp' at an abandoned mine outside Donetsk where Russian soldiers who refused combat orders were tortured, beaten and starved, Astra Media reports Other victims were held in his unofficial jail and forced to hand over their army salaries and compensation for war wounds to him and his fellow commanders. He also forced mobilised troops onto 'meat assaults' - high casualty attacks where the men were cannon fodder. Klimenko reportedly had 'tens of thousands' of torture victims. He was promoted to the rank of Major-General in Vladimir Putin's army six months ago. His fighters are accused of killing American Russell Bentley, 63, Texas-leftist who became a Putin apologist and propagandist living in occupied Donetsk region. After his death, Klimenko's men allegedly blew up his body in an attempt to cover the traces. Four fighters from the dead commander's brigade are currently under investigation for Bentley's murder. In April, Klimenko's fighters allegedly tortured an illegally mobilised music teacher named Vladimir Frolov. Frolov had a third-degree disability and sought demobilisation for health reasons, but was thrown into the commander's torture basement. The death certificate stated that Frolov died during an assault. His fighters are accused of killing American Russell Bentley (pictured), 63, Texas-leftist who became a Putin apologist and propagandist living in occupied Donetsk region In April, Klimenko's fighters allegedly tortured an illegally mobilised music teacher named Vladimir Frolov (pictured) His relatives reported that he had to be buried in a sealed coffin as his body was mutilated by torture. The relative of one of Klimenko's victims said: 'My son, diagnosed with a fatal illness, was sent on an assault mission as soon as they learned he had applied for a military medical examination. 'They held him in a basement like cattle, took the phones [of inmates], and even escorted them to the toilet at gunpoint.' Prominent independent journalist Alexander Nevzorov - with more than one million Telegram followers - reported: 'It was [Klimenko] who inspired and organised the torture of soldiers who refused to carry out criminal orders from the command.' The general was 'famous for his cruelty and greed. He not only tortured tens and thousands of his subordinates in basements and sent them to slaughter, but also took money from them.' Reports today said that he is the eighth Russian general killed in the war, but the actual number is thought to be even higher. Early last year, Japanese intelligence suggested the tally was 20-plus. Sara Sharif begged for water as she lay dying in her father's arms before passing away, a court heard. Urfan Sharif, 42, claims he returned home to find the 10-year-old 'limp' in stepmother Beinash Batool's arms. The taxi driver alleges Batool told him she fell down the stairs and is 'being dramatic' before he swept her into his arms and 'tapped her face' saying 'wake up'. The schoolgirl 'opened her eyes, she said she's thirsty, she needs water and she's feeling sleepy' before passing out, Sharif claims. He said he then checked her pulse and felt 'nothing' so desperately administer CPR as Batool, 30, shouted 'wake her up, she cannot die!' Jurors have heard Sara (pictured) suffered dozens of injuries, including burns from an iron, human bite marks and signs of restraint, before she died Urfan Sharif (pictured), 42, who is charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child Pictured, the moment Sara Sharif's stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, was arrested at Gatwick Airport Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool are currently standing trial at the Old Bailey accused of her murder after a campaign of abuse But his wife stopped him after 10 minutes, allegedly saying 'there's no point she's dead' so Sharif washed her body and wrapped her in a cloth on her bed. Sharif alleged that his wife blamed another child for the death, telling him they had chased Sara down the stairs and she fell. When he discovered red marks on Sara's neck and chest as he bathed her, the housewife then apparently changed her story. Sharif claims Batool said the other child punched Sara to the ground then stamped on her. He said he did not call the police as his wife said the other child would 'go to jail' and so he decided to take the blame to save his family. Batool, Sharif and his brother Faisal Malik, 29, are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of her murder after a campaign of abuse. Jurors have heard Sara suffered dozens of injuries, including burns from an iron, human bite marks and signs of restraint, before she died at her home in Woking, Surrey, last August. Sharif was working on the day she was killed and today told his defence barrister Naeem Mian KC of the moment he came back. The family home in Woking, Surrey, where the body of 10-year-old Sara Sharif was found Sara Sharif, whose body was found under a blanket in a bunk bed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10 He said on entering he asked where Sara was as he couldn't find her and a child at the house pointed to a bedroom upstairs. 'I went in the room and I saw Sara on Beinash's lap next to the cot in the corner,' Sharif said. 'I asked Beinash what happened. She said that Sara and [another child] were running after each other, Sara went downstairs, [another child] went after her she fell on the stairs she's being dramatic and she's not getting up.' Sharif said he lifted Sara's left arm but it was 'limp' and dropped straight down when he dropped it. 'I knelt down, I tapped her face, I asked Sara to get up but she didn't get up,' he said. 'I took Sara from Beinash's lap, I sat there I tapper her. She whispered. She opened her eyes, she said she's thirsty she needs water.' Batool started crying and grabbed tissues as Sharif told how Sara then became unresponsive. 'I shouted for water I don't know if she gave me the water or if [another child] gave me the water,' Sarif said. 'She came back, gave her the water, she didn't drink. Court artist sketch of Beinash Batool. She cried in the dock as the video of Sara dancing was played in court 'She said she's sleepy, but she didn't wake up.' Sharif claims he then laid her out on the floor, called for someone to call an ambulance 'because I couldn't hear her breathing'. 'I checked her pulse and there was none,' he said. 'I was numb like I am now. I was shock. I was giving CPR.' Sharif claims he fought for ten minutes to save her life as Batool shouted: 'Wake her up, wake her up, she cannot die.' But then Batool allegedly stopped him. 'She hugged me. Beinash hugged me and said [in Urdu]: 'Leave her, Sara's dead'. Sharif claims he asked where the ambulance was and Batool blamed one of the children for not calling it. 'I asked her where the ambulance is. She said: 'There's no point. [In Urdu] Theres no need because she's dead.' Sharif claims he then closed Sara's eyes with his hands. Batool then allegedly snatched his phone out of his hands and told him: 'Sara is dead you need to think about the other kids.' During proceedings, the court was shown pictures of the families Surrey home Sharif, Batool, and Sara's uncle Faisal Malik (pictured), 29, deny murder and causing or allowing the death of a child Pictured, the moment Faisal Malik, 29, was arrested by police at Gatwick Airport, captured on bodycam footage Sharif said: 'I was with Sara. Her lifeless body was in my arms. I was there. I picked her up after closing her eyes. I just hugged her and was kissing her. 'I couldn't believe that she's dead. I could not believe that she was gone. I wasn't accepting I'm still not accepting that my daughter is gone.' Describing his emotions, Sharif said: 'I couldn't say anything at that moment, I wasn't there. My daughter was in my hands, my world crushed. The whole world's fallen on me.' Malik then came upstairs and also checked Sara's pulse before bursting into tears. Sharif claims he offered to call the police and tell them 'it was me' to 'protect Beinash and the kids' telling Batool to take the children to her family in Luton so it appeared he was home alone with Sara when she died. Batool then called her sister, Qandeela, but her sibling was 'scared' and did not want to help, he claims. Sharif said he then decided to wash Sara as is Muslim tradition but as he tried to remove her top he noticed a huge red mark around his daughter's neck and chest. Batool allegedly stopped him removing the clothes and said: 'Are you stupid? Just leave her.' Sharif washed her in her clothes before returning her to her bed and wrapping her in a cloth before quizzing Batool on why her neck was red if she fell down the stairs. His wife then allegedly changed her story and said the other child was cleaning the kitchen with Sara when they punched her, she fell down and then the child 'kicked her and stamped on her stomach'. Batool told him not to call the authorities, saying: 'Don't be insane, don't be stupid, think about other kids.' Sharif claims Batool then hatched the plan to go to Pakistan and persuaded him to take the blame, telling him that if he is convicted of manslaughter he would walk free in five years. He claimed she begged him to help her go to Pakistan to 'make arrangements' for her before returning to the UK to face justice. Sharif says this is why he wrote a note confessing to the killing and promising to return. He also alleged Batool would not even let him take a picture of Sara with him to Pakistan. Sharif claimed his wife cried like he had never seen as she apologised to Sara before they fled to Pakistan. 'That was the first time I saw Beinash crying like that,' he said. 'First time I seen her in eight years. 'She apologised to her [Sara]. She said sorry to her multiple times. She kissed her, she hugged her. She cried.' Sharif told how he left the keys to the house under the front door mat and left a space on the driveway for the ambulance. He placed a confession note under Sara's pillow. Sharif said it was his idea to call the police and confess on arrival in Islamabad. The trial continues. November 6, 2024: Even before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russian leaders believed they were at war with western nations, especially NATO and the United States. NATO nations were not really aware of this Russian attitude, even after Russia invaded Ukraine. The official Russian interpretation of the situation is that Ukraine is under the control of the Americans. For that reason, Russian propaganda directed at Russians considers Ukraine a puppet state controlled by the United States. Russian leaders are dismayed that when Russia threatens the United States for one reason or another, the Americans ignore them. Russian leaders get the impression that the Americans dont take them seriously. There are reasons for that and the most obvious one is the rampant corruption in Russia. The government is particularly concerned about the extent of corruption in the military. This alone should have prevented the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The invasion was ordered to proceed by Vladimir Putin despite the poor state of the Russian military. Russian troops stumbled forward into Ukraine and suffered such heavy losses that the invasion force was withdrawn and the survivors sent to eastern Ukraine to reinforce troops in Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. Ukraine appealed to NATO for military aid and the response was impressive. Over 100 billion dollars worth of weapons soon arrived followed by billions of dollars worth of economic aid. The Americans provided Ukraine with satellite photos of what the Russians were up to. It was later discovered that the Russians had no similar satellite services. The Ukrainians had a better picture of what was happening on the ground than the Russians did. It got worse when the Ukrainians got Starlink communications kits. This gave them far better and more reliable communications than the Russians had. Some Russian troops got hold of black market Starlink gear and got past the security system to discover what they were missing. For Russian troops who knew about this, it explained why the Ukrainians always seemed to know more about what was going on in the combat zone and were able to act more quickly to deal with opportunities. Putin saw all this as an American ploy to embarrass him and show the Russian military that their boss was unable to supply them with anything similar to what the Americans were providing to the Ukrainians. This was true but Putin warns Russians to know that they were dealing with an American colossus that was determined to destroy Russia. The reality was that United States leaders, military and political, didnt consider Russia or the Russian military very formidable. This was all revealed in Ukraine. Putin yearned for the pre-war times when he could portray the Russian military as a mighty force that was not crippled by corruption and incompetent and corrupt leadership. The United States does not pay much attention to Russia. Instead the Americans are fixated on China and its new aircraft carriers and a fleet that is larger, in number of ships than the U.S. Navy. Putin does not pay much attention to the Chinese. He should because the Chinese are talking about taking back most of the Russian Far East province and renaming cities like Vladivostok with their original Chinese names like Yongmingcheng. This was a Chinese city that had been in this location for over a thousand years until the Russians forced China to surrender the territory to them in 1859 and renamed Yongmingcheng Vladivostok. China wants its stolen territories back and Putin fears that while Russia is busy in Ukraine the Chinese might make a move. Putin notes that Western nations are not objecting to China regaining the territories taken by Russia 165 years ago. The Chinese have long memories and the Russians dont, until it is too late. In this case Putin may not be paranoid. He may be right. At the same time Putin is forced by his generals to pay attention to what NATO nations bordering Russia are up to. Poland and the Baltic States are welcoming American troops who visit and the U.S. proposal that the Americans build a base in Poland. The Poles consider that a great idea. Putin sees it as an old Russian nightmare come to life. This is the horrifying moment a dangerous driver killed two teenagers and left two others with life-changing injuries as he was 'showed off' his heavily modified vehicle at a car meet. Dhiya Al Maamoury, 56, lost control of his Nissan Skyline and ploughed into a group of friends stood on the pavement killing Ben Corfield, 19 and friend Liberty Charris, 16, and seriously injuring two others. The shocking footage shows Al Maamoury hurling along Oldbury Road in Oldbury, West Midlands, where he lost control of his vehicle, careering into the group of group of youngsters. Ms Charris and Mr Corfield were pronounced dead at the scene in November 2022. Al Maamoury has been jailed for 13-and-a-half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court today following the two youngsters' deaths. The shocking moment dangerous driver, Dhiya Al Maamoury, lost control of the vehicle and ploughed into a crowd killing two teenagers Liberty Charris, 16, (left) and her friend Ben Corfield. 19 (right) were killed after being struck by the car and were pronounced dead at the scene in November 2022 Dhiya Al Maamoury, 56, (Pictured) has been jailed for 13-and-a-half-years after ploughing his car into a group of friends whilst 'showing off' at a car meet and killing the two teenagers Following the sentencing, Bens grieving father said street racing and car meets were a scourge of the Earth and hoped the sentence would be a lesson to those who take part in them. A court heard there had been regular car meets in the area at the time in 2022 - organised by social media with the aim of showing off vehicles or racing - which attracted large crowds. The court heard Al Maamoury had been revving his car, which had been modified to increase its power, in a side street before joining a dual carriageway and losing control. Sentencing Al Maamoury, judge Michael Chambers KC told him the dangers of such behaviour were obvious and should have been obvious to you. Speaking beside wife Lynette, and with a pin badge of his son's face attached to his suit lapel, Mr Corfield said afterwards: We've all seen these type of car meets advertised out there. They are a danger to all road users and they seem to have progressed over the last 12 or 18 months. The incident that took Ben's life at Oldbury, there is an injunction there now and West Midlands Police are certainly making a strong stance on that to stamp this practice out. You should be able to, as a pedestrian, be awarded that safety and we applaud the work that West Midlands Police are doing. While Mr Corfield said the sentencing hasn't delivered a conclusion for us as a family, he said he believed the judge had set a precedent with his sentence. Police cordoned off the scene when the two teenagers were killed in November 2022 (pictured) The location where the car mounted the pavement before hitting the wall on Oldbury Road (pictured) He said: Ben's gone, we've lost our son, the light of our lives. Nothing will take that pain away, and it's the most excruciating, heart-wrenching pain, every second of the day. (The sentence) was far more than what us four families were expecting, and this has got to be a warning to anybody that's involved in this type of action, that it won't be tolerated. This guy showed no remorse. Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC told the court the car, which had been imported from Japan around 18 months before the collision, had been modified so the exhaust would spit fire and had a turbo engine fitted. She said Al Maamoury had been driving at speeds of between 54 and 57mph on the 40mph stretch of road and was fishtailing before he lost control completely before ploughing into the group on the pavement. Ms Heeley said: He denied in interview that he was showing off. The prosecution point to the social media material to demonstrate that is exactly what he was doing. Liberty's mother Tracy Charris cried as she paid tribute to her larger than life daughter who was a force to be reckoned with. She said: I had always wanted a little girl and from the moment she was born, it was me and her against the world. I would have died for her. She was so bright and bubbly, she loved everything and everyone. Her absence is deafening. Al Maamoury admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on the day he was due to stand trial in September. Balbir Singh, defending, said Al Maamoury and his family had been displaced from Iraq due to the Gulf War and said he was of positive, good character who has worked hard, brought up his family and moved to this country where he has continued to work hard. Judge Chambers also banned Al Maamoury from driving for 14 years. The judge told him: You deliberately carried out a highly dangerous manoeuvre in order to show off to the crowd by accelerating hard in a Nissan that you had deliberately modified in order to increase its power. Tributes were left to Liberty, 16, and Ben, 19, at the scene of the collision. Their families made public statements in November 2022 You did so in clear close proximity to a crowd of spectators who had lined the road and included the four victims in this case. As a result you lost control of your car with catastrophic results. Outside court, Mr Corfield described his son as a miracle who completed their family. He said of the fatal collision in November 2022: Al Maamoury has taken our lives away. The pain and devastation as a father, a mother and a sister, we cant settle. We wake up and we're calling for him. Al Maamoury has been given his sentence but we've got a life sentence and we have to deal with that now for whatever time we have left. An Iranian government plot to hire hitmen to assassinate Donald Trump was thwarted just a month before the election, chilling documents unsealed Friday reveal. An Iranian man has been charged in the murder-for-hire scheme to take down the president-elect - who has survived two plots on his life in recent months - as revenge for the 2020 killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani. Would-be assassin Farhad Shakeri, 51, has been described by the FBI as an 'asset' of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and is now on the run in Tehran. Shakeri - along with New Yorkers Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathan Loadholt, 36, - are also accused of targeting an Iranian-American activist and were offered $500,000 to kill two Jewish businessmen living in the U.S. Iran repeatedly assured the hitmen that they would spend as much money as possible to make sure the assassinations were carried out. The IRGC tasked Shakeri with surveilling and killing Trump to avenge the devastating drone strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, in January 2020. The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges on a thwarted plot by Iran to kill President-elect Donald Trump before the election Your browser does not support iframes. Trump has been a target ever since Soleimani's slaying, and during the campaign asked for military planes and larger Secret Service detail to protect him from Iranian threats. In September he said he'd threaten to blow Iran 'to smithereens' if he was back in the White House and there were threats from Tehran. Shakeri was ordered to assassinate Trump with just a month until millions of Americans went to the polls on November 5. However, he told the FBI in recorded phone calls he didn't plan to carry out the operation in the timeframe he was given. Shakeri was then told to delay the plot, because Iran thought Trump would lose the election and it would then be easier to get to him without his full presidential-level Secret Service detail. Shakeri was deported back to Iran in 2008 after serving a 14-year sentence for robbery in New York state prisons. He maintained an extensive prison contact base that he eventually tapped into while planning the murder-for-hire plots. Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life Trump assassination attempt pictures released by the government The disturbing documents unsealed by the Department of Justice Friday revealed the arsenal of weapons the assassins had at their disposal and the texts messages they sent each other to concoct their deadly plan. The trio also shared frightening voice messages, urging patience and detailing how they would follow their targets. Prosecutors laid out how Iran is using overseas agents to actively target Americans on U.S. soil for kidnapping and murder. Their aim is to try and silence dissidents critical of the regime, as well as hit back at at Soleimani's death. Trump has been a target of Iran assassination threats since he ordered the strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of the brutal Iranian Quds Forces Shakeri used a network of criminal associates he met in prison in the U.S. to 'supply the IRGC with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations of IRGC targets.' He was serving 14 years in a New York jail for robbery at the time. Rivera and Loadholt were allegedly directed by Shakeri to surveil an unnamed U.S. citizen who is an 'outspoken critic' of the Iranian regime. 'In exchange for Shakeri's promise of $100,000, Rivera and Loadholt repeatedly sought to locate Victim-1 for murder,' the complaint states. Pictures released by the DOJ show the cache of weapons the suspected hitmen had at their disposal Pictures released by DOJ about the thwarted assassination attempt They traveled to Fairfield University in Connecticut, where the individual was set to appear earlier this year, and also stalked her home in Brooklyn The IRGC were in constant contact with the suspects, and said that 'money was not an object' when it came to pursuing their targets. They traveled to Fairfield University in Connecticut, where the individual was set to appear earlier this year, and also stalked her home in Brooklyn. Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad said on Fox News Friday that she is the individual that was targeted for murder. Shakeri told Rivera in a voice note when discussing the murder plot: 'You just gotta have patience You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Don't think about going in. In is a suicide move.' Alinejad said she is 'grateful' to the FBI for informing her ahead of the Fairfield University event, which she skipped to 'project the students.' 'I don't want to die. I want to be alive to see the end of this regime,' Alinejad added. Weeks before the election, the Trump campaign asked to use military planes and vehicles amid concerns that Iran was plotting to kill the former president. Trump has survived two recent assassination attempts and his officials asked for a string of extra protections during the final month of campaigning, according to sources familiar with the matter. Those include traveling on military jets, extra flight restrictions over his residences and events, and prepositioning ballistic glass in battleground states for open-air rallies. The requests were unprecedented for a presidential nominee. Three men who lived in New York have been charged in the murder-for-hire scheme to take down the former president - who has already survived two attempts on his life - as revenge for the killing of Qassem Soleimani Trump rises from the stage with his fist in the air after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July In September, the Trump campaign revealed it had been briefed on the threat from Tehran. 'Big threats on my life by Iran,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'The entire US military is watching and waiting. 'Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again.' Since then, a Pakistani national has been charged in connection with a 'murder-for-hire' plot to assassinate a politician or government official. FBI Director Christopher Wray said it was 'straight out of the Iranian regime's playbook.' Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that there are 'few actors' in the world that 'pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.' Trump celebrates his election victory on Wednesday morning with wife Melania and 18-year-old son Barron 'The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump.' 'We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on U.S. soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security.' 'The charges announced today expose Iran's continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran,' said FBI Director Christopher Wray. 'The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organization has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply won't be tolerated. 'Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted. We're committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans.' 'Actors directed by the Government of Iran continue to target our citizens, including President-elect Trump, on U.S. soil and abroad. This has to stop,' said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. 'Today's charges are another message to those who continue in their efforts we will remain unrelenting in our pursuit of bad actors, no matter where they reside, and will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who harm our safety and security. 'I want to thank the career prosecutors of this office and our law enforcement partners for their ongoing work in this and related investigations. They are truly the best of the best and work tirelessly to keep our country safe.' Samuel West is a household name for his leading role in All Creatures Great and Small. But it seems the classic car he drives on the show should share top billing. For the actor has escaped a driving ban after claiming the green Rover 12 Tourer is a 'well-loved character' and viewers shouldn't be deprived of the joy of watching him behind the wheel. West, 58, told a court that stopping him from driving would unfairly remove the popular convertible from the show because he couldn't shoot vital scenes. West, who plays cantankerous vet Siegfried Farnon in the Channel 5 drama, admitted speeding in his BMW. The performer son of Timothy West, 90, and Prunella Scales, 92 is understood to have already had nine points on his licence when he exceeded a 20mph limit in Islington, north London. One man and his motor: Samuel West in the role of Siegfried Farnon with the Rover 12 Tourer The actor behind the wheel in scenes for All Creatures Great and Small The cast from left to right: - Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley), Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), James Herriott (Nicholas Ralph), Helen Alderson (played by Rachel Shenton) and Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse) But at the end of October he managed to avoid a driving disqualification despite pleading guilty after Willesden Magistrates' Court was told of 'mitigating circumstances'. West is understood to have said it was important for him to be filmed driving the 1935 Rover convertible, which he said in itself was a popular character. The actor pointed out if he was given a driving ban it would last until the end of April, when filming for the drama takes place between the end of February and the end of June. He said the show had a crew of 120 people and that none of the scenes of him driving could be shot during the period he was banned. West, who lives in Islington, was fined 500 for the offence which happened in March. There are also understood to have been costs of 110 and a 200 surcharge, when the case was dealt with on October 29. According to court records, he was given three penalty points for the offence but there was no disqualification. Samuel West next to the Rover 12 Tourer for All Creatures Great and Small West plays the cantankerous vet Siegfried Farnon in the Channel 5 drama based around the James Herriot books A recent episode of All Creatures Great and Small was watched by 3.2 million viewers across seven days, putting it in the top 30 shows in that period. The programme is based around the James Herriot books about a group of vets in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. The fifth season of the show ended recently, while a sixth series has already been announced. When approached directly by the Mail at his home in Islington, West said he had no comment to make about the driving offence. A robotic dog has been spotted patrolling the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago after Donald Trump's resounding election night win. The president-elect has been celebrating the outcome of the vote inside the Florida estate, where he waited out the vote count with his family and closest advisors. Boats from the US Coast Guard are also patrolling the waterways near the property. The Secret Service announced in a statement to Newsweek that security measures would be ramped up for Trump in the wake of his win on November 5. While Trump was already receiving increased security protection after surviving two assassination attempts during the campaign, that will ramp up again between now and his inauguration. A robotic dog has been spotted patrolling the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago after Donald Trump 's resounding election night win The president-elect has been celebrating the outcome of the vote inside the Florida estate, where he waited out the vote count with his family and closest advisors Boats from the US Coast Guard are also patrolling the waterways near the property Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi told the publication: 'The President-elect has been receiving heightened Secret Service protection and this level of security will be maintained moving forward. 'While we cannot share specific details to ensure the integrity of our operations, family members and executive staff of the President-elect may also be afforded protection in accordance with federal law.' He specifically noted security measures were ramping up in Palm Beach County, Florida, where Mar-a-Lago is located. 'Enhanced security measures around Palm Beach County, Florida and New York City are also being coordinated. The Secret Service is committed to working with local partners in these cities to keep the community informed about any potential impacts to the public,' he said. The black and white robotic dog seen patroling on Friday appeared to have a camera attached to surveil the area. Helicopters were also seen flying above the sprawling estate The black and white robotic dog seen patroling on Friday appeared to have a camera attached to surveil the area On Friday afternoon, the Justice Department revealed that there was yet another plot to kill the President-elect during his campaign, unsealing criminal charges for three people The Secret Service announced in a statement that security measures would be ramped up for Trump in the wake of his win on November 5 It pranced along the water's edge in footage which has since gone viral online. On Friday afternoon, the Justice Department revealed that there was yet another plot to kill the President-elect during his campaign, unsealing criminal charges for three people. Three people were charged in the alleged Iran-backed murder-for-hire plot on Trump's life before the election. The criminal complaint filed in Manhattan on Friday alleges an unnamed official in the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed a contact in September to put together a plan to surveil and kill Trump, according to the Associated Press. Donald Trump has announced that Susie Wiles will be his chief of staff in the White House Susie Wiles (second from right) stands alongside members of President-elect Donald Trump's family including son Eric (center left) and daughter-in-law Lara. Dana White (second from left), the CEO of UFC was also onstage Trump is not the only famous face known to be at Mar-a-Lago this week. His entire family, as well as Elon Musk and Robert F Kennedy, were there on election night as votes were counted. Trump made his first major appointment of this new administration on Thursday, announcing Susie Wiles as his chief of staff in the White House. The 'Ice Baby' - as she has been nicknamed - will be the first female chief of staff in U.S. history. The 67-year-old ran the campaign that propelled him to an historic election win over Democrat Kamala Harris on Tuesday night. Wiles ran his race from behind the scenes and is one of the most feared and effective political operatives in the nation. An Afghan man accused of masterminding a foiled murder-for-hire plot against Donald Trump was deported from the US after serving time in jail. Farhad Shakeri, 51, served 14 years in prison for robbery before his release in 2008. The accused terrorist was then deported and became an asset for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Department of Justice said. Shakeri has been charged alongside New Yorkers Carlisle Rivera, also known as Pop, 49, of Brooklyn, Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island in an elaborate assassination plot on behalf of Tehran. They are accused of attempting to assassinate Trump, as well as Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad and two Jewish businessmen living in the US. Two other unnamed co-conspirators were identified but have not been charged. An Afghan man accused of masterminding a foiled murder-for-hire plot against Donald Trump was deported from the US after serving time in jail. Pictured: Weapons held in by the accused in connection to the thwarted plot Rivera and Loadholt have been arrested, but Shakeri remains at large in Iran, according to the DOJ. Shakeri came to the US as a child The indictment against him states he met his co-conspirators while in prison in the US. He was convicted in 1994 and served time in several state prisons, including Woodbourne Correctional Center where he overlapped with the unnamed defendant, the indictment states. In 2005, he was moved to a facility in Beacon where officials say he met Rivera. Shakeri immigrated to the US as a child, although the FBI have not said what year he arrived or where he lived. After being imprisoned remained in the country until his deportation in 2008. Records on the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shows that his parole supervision ended in 2015. Just four years later he was arrested again in Sri Lanka in connection with the seizure of 92 kilograms of heroin, the indictment states. The plot against Trump was orchestrated by Tehran in revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani. Farhad Shakeri, 51, is accused of masterminding the plot against the president-elect on behalf of Tehran Trump assassination attempt pictures released by the government Pictures released by DOJ about the thwarted assassination attempt Pictures released by the DOJ show the cache of weapons the suspected hitmen had at their disposal Iran repeatedly assured the hitmen that they would spend as much money as possible to make sure the assassinations were carried out. The IRGC tasked Shakeri with surveilling and killing Trump to avenge the devastating drone strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, in January 2020. Trump has been a target ever since Soleimani's slaying, and during the campaign asked for military planes and larger Secret Service detail to protect him from Iranian threats. In September he said he'd threaten to blow Iran 'to smithereens' if he was back in the White House and there were threats from Tehran. Shakeri was ordered to assassinate Trump with just a month until millions of Americans went to the polls on November 5. However, he told the FBI in recorded phone calls he didn't plan to carry out the operation in the timeframe he was given. Shakeri was then told to delay the plot, because Iran thought Trump would lose the election and it would then be easier to get to him without his presidential Secret Service detail. It is unclear when Shakeri went back to Iran and how he managed to flee the United States. Activist and journalist Masih Alinejad was the secondary target in Iran's plot to assassinate Donald Trump, court documents reveal They traveled to Fairfield University in Connecticut, where Masih Alinejad was set to appear earlier this year, and also stalked her home in Brooklyn The plot against Trump was orchestrated in revenge for the death of Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani The disturbing documents unsealed by the Department of Justice revealed the arsenal of weapons the assassins had at their disposal and the texts messages they sent each other to concoct their deadly plan. The trio also shared frightening voice messages, urging patience and detailing how they would follow their targets. Rivera and Loadholt were allegedly directed by Shakeri to surveil an unnamed U.S. citizen who is an 'outspoken critic' of the Iranian regime. 'In exchange for Shakeri's promise of $100,000, Rivera and Loadholt repeatedly sought to locate Victim-1 for murder,' the complaint states. The IRGC were in constant contact with the suspects, and said that 'money was not an object' when it came to pursuing their targets. They traveled to Fairfield University in Connecticut, where Alinejad was set to appear earlier this year, and also stalked her home in Brooklyn. Prosecutors also laid out how Iran is using overseas agents to actively target Americans on US soil for kidnapping and murder. Their aim is to try and silence dissidents critical of the regime, as well as hit back at at Soleimani's death. Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the judge overseeing Donald Trump's January 6 case to halt further proceedings after his astounding Election Night victory in a signal that the blockbuster criminal case could be going away. He asked for a one-month delay for his team to 'assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.' Judge Tanya Chutkan quickly granted his request by ruling that all remaining deadlines in the trial schedule are now vacated. Smith's move to stall three days after his election blowout comes after he and his team tried to keep up a relentless pace in previous filings over the course of the year, and reflects the stunning new realities of the case. Smith's filing makes a reference to existing Justice Department policy that no sitting president can be prosecuted. The policy had no bearing on a former president, but is very much an issue now. Although Trump remains president-elect, the January 6 case would extend well into his presidency were it to go forward. Trump is expected to be formally certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and sworn into office on January 20. He already said during the campaign he would fire Smith in 'two seconds' if elected. Trump was indicted in the bombshell case in August 2023 on felony charges of seeking to overturn the election in the run-up to January 6. The two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump are likely to be wound down before he gets into the White House , according to reports hours after his crushing election victory over Kamala Harris Legal experts are also predicting the classified documents case against Trump he is accused of taking national security documents to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House and obstructing justice will also wind down. Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon already dismissed the case, and prosecutors are currently appealing it to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. It's an enormous blow for Smith who ramped up the cases in the final months of the campaign and has spent almost three years and more than $35million in taxpayer funds trying to bring the 78-year-old former president to trial. As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, the defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025, Smith wrote in a new filing, which came a day after President Joe Biden promised a 'peaceful and orderly transition,' and added: 'You can't love your country only when you win.' Trump has publicly railed against the career prosecutor, calling him 'deranged' and saying he should be thrown out of the country. House Republicans, who stand a good chance to maintain a razor-thin majority in the chamber, are ramping up their probe of the House January 6 committee that operated under Democratic control. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio and GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia wrote Smith telling him to preserve records in connection with their probe. Trump still faces sentencing in the New York hush money trial next month and the election interference case in Georgia headed by District Attorney Fani Wills has been beset by a slew of problems. But those cases, two, could easily fall apart now that Trump has become the first president elected after being convicted of a crime on 34 counts of falsifying financial documents in the Stormy Daniels trial. Judge Juan Merchan now must decide whether to yield to 'immunity' arguments raised by Trump's defense in light of a Supreme Court ruling, and what to do at sentencing, currently scheduled or November 26. Jenna Ryan, a Texas real estate broker who was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building and disorderly conduct on January 6. Trump has said he may pardon January 6 defendants Smith's request came in a single-page filing, a signal that the blockbuster case could soon be coming to an end More than 500 people have been sentenced to jail in connection with January 6, according to the Justice Department. Trump's indictment on January 6 charges could soon fall away Trump faces four charges in federal court in Washington, D.C. accusing him of spreading false claims of election fraud to try to block the collection and certification of votes following the 2020 election, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Judge Tanya Chutkan is still sorting through the Supreme Court's union He asked federal courts to grant him presidential immunity, which delayed the DC case for months, although the federal judge overseeing the case is still deciding how much Trump is actually covered by presidential immunity for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Smith filed a new superseding indictment in the wake of the decision by the 6-3 decision by the conservative majority. Trump isn't the only one experiencing a stunning reversal of fortune. He has said he will pardon January 6 offenders, after more than 500 of them have been sentenced, according to the Justice Department. That includes Jenna Ryan, a Texas real estate broker who was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building and disorderly conduct after being pictured on video inside the Capitol and posing in front of a shattered Capitol window. Since Trump will only be sworn into office on Inauguration Day on January 20, prosecutors still technically have weeks to prosecute him if they wanted to. But just like earlier efforts, they would be vulnerable to challenges and appeal. 'The ball's in DOJ's court. I think in the next 48 to 72 hours we're going to hear something,' said a source close to Trump's defense. 'The DOJ does not want to be caught up in a situation where they're litigating something that is pointless.' Smith had also charged Trump with unlawfully holding onto classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after his first term ended in 2021 and obstructing efforts by the U.S. government to retrieve the records. Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, dismissed all charges in July after finding that Smith was improperly appointed to the role and did not have the authority to bring the case. The ruling brought an abrupt halt to the case, ensuring there would be no trial before the presidential election. Smith's team is appealing the ruling, but Trump's vow to fire Smith 'within two seconds' upon taking office likely signals the end of the case. Former President Donald Trump was facing 88 criminal charges at the start of the year But even if it extended to the time Trump took office, he could shut it down. With Republicans seizing control of the Senate, Trump is not expected to have difficulty confirming his cabinet officials, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) already pointing to his mandate and saying he deserves to bring in his own people. The moves by DOJ come after a year of extraordinary legal developments, set in motion in part by the DOJ's decision to take its time before bringing charges. Then, Smith undertook a hectic effort to advance cases on multiple fronts all while election deadlines loomed. Trump made political hay out of the mutliple prosecutions, arguing he was a victim of 'lawfare' and 'lunatic' prosecutors. A key factor in the situation is a decades-old memo by the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel. 'The Department concluded that the indictment or criminal prosecution of a sitting President would impermissibly undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions,' it said. It doesn't mention the presidential transition period, although Trump's team argues that the Presidential Transition Act enumerates presidential authorities that would bring in the same protections. Further strengthening Trump's posture is the Supreme Court's decision in the January 6th case that established presidential 'immunity' from prosecution while in office, with lower courts still sorting through what conduct is and is not protected. The Pennsylvania senator swore at voters over their political decision Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman is facing backlash after cursing out thousands of voters in his home state. Republican Dave McCormick was recently announced as the winner of the Keystone State's razor-thin Senate race by the Associated Press, though incumbent Democrat Bob Casey has not yet conceded. McCormick, the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates - one of the world's largest hedge funds - stunningly flipped the seat held by Casey for three terms to red. Posting on X about that Senate race, the Democrat Fetterman demanded that voters have patience as ballots are still being tallied. Then he viciously tore into Green Party voters. 'Pennsylvania is going to count every last vote,' he posted. 'That's not controversial- that's the law.' 'Also, Green dip****s' votes helping elect the GOP,' Fetterman's post continued, featuring a picture of the party's candidate. Senator John Fetterman speaks during Vice President Kamala Harris' Rally at Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He posted on X that Green Party voters are 'dips***s' Fetterman's fiery insult shows how he believes that if less voters defected to the Green Party, Casey could've beat the Republican. Leila Hazou, the Green Party's candidate for the Senate seat, amassed 64,088 votes. 'We still have tens of thousands of votes to be counted across the Commonwealth, the Democrat said in another X post. '[The Associated Press] shouldn't make a call in this race until every Pennsylvanian has their vote counted.' With 98 percent of the votes in, McCormick stands with a 37,000-vote lead over Casey, a 0.6 percent margin. If the race concludes with the margin between the two candidates at or below 0.5 percent an automatic recount would be triggered under state law. Following Fetterman's slur, critics were quick to slam the senator's comments. Posting on X about that Senate race, the Democrat Fetterman tore into Green Party voters Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey lost his reelection this week People look at election results on their phones as they attend an election night watch party for Sen. Bob Casey Republican Pennsylvania Senate candidate David McCormick and wife Dina Powell arrive at an election night campaign party Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh 'Calling Green voters 'dips***s' is not a great way to win them over,' Tesla CEO Elon Musk hit back at the Democrat. Musk was a fixture on Trump's campaign, raising around $120 million for a super PAC aimed at his reelection and frequently spread pro-Republican content on his app X. 'Those are your constituents you're denigrating,' Republican House candidate Daniel Bocic Martine posted. Martine lost his bid for Congress earlier this week. One X user wrote: 'Did you just call 64,088+ citizens of PA, dips***s, senator?' 'Are you really berating people for who they voted for?' another commented on Fetterman's post. Scott Pressler, a conservative commentator, replied to Fetterman saying the Democrat will regret alienating voters. 'I think Green Party voters are going to remember you calling them names when youre running for re-election. Probably not the smartest choice. Well be sure to remind them.' McCormick speaking to Fox News this week said there's no mathematical chance Casey can prevail. Fetterman has served as senator from Pennsylvania since 2023 Fetterman takes a selfie with voters in Pennsylvania 'Listen, I lost an election by 900 votes ... so I know Senator Casey's got to process this,' the Republican said. 'He's been in elected office for 30 years. His family's had a great history of public service, and so you know he's going to have to find his way to the right answer.' 'But I think the math is indisputable, and I think that's why the AP called it and why we're confident moving forward to start preparing to be the next senator from Pennsylvania,' he continued. Casey, though, has said that he wants every vote counted. 'It has been made clear there are more than 100,000 votes still to be counted,' he said in a statement. 'Pennsylvania is where our democratic process was born.' 'We must allow that process to play out and ensure that every vote that is eligible to be counted will be counted. That is what Pennsylvania deserves.' Fetterman's office did not immediately return a request for comment. British supermodel Georgina Cooper - an icon of Cool Britannia and a friend of Kate Moss - has tragically died at the age of 46 on a Greek island just months after she married, MailOnline can reveal today. Tributes have poured in from fellow catwalk stars including Jade Parfitt, Erin O'Connor, Jodie Kidd and Helena Christensen, who called her a 'ray of light' whose 'achievements in the industry were huge'. Georgina was staying in Kos at the Marianna hotel apartments with her husband when she was taken ill on October 21 and staff called an ambulance. She was initially taken to the island's main hospital but her condition was so serious doctors arranged for an air ambulance to fly her to Crete which has better facilities. Staff rushed her to intensive care where she stayed for five days before passing away and her body was flown back to England last week. Georgina Cooper on her wedding day earlier this year. The former model has died while abroad with her husband, aged just 46 Jade Parfitt revealed that her friend had passed away on Instagram Georgina Cooper, centre, take to the catwalk with Julien MacDonald in 2000 Georgina, pictured in 2003, was one of the most famous faces of the 1990s Georgina Cooper, pictured at the Destino in London at the height of her career in the 1990s and right more recently, has died aged just 46 A source on Kos said: 'She has been coming here on holiday for more than 20 years. Her parents are friends of the hotel owners and she is a good friend of theirs. 'She came here in July for her honeymoon and she came again in October for a holiday. She was taken ill the day before she was supposed to fly home. 'Georgina loved Greece and was always coming here but she had health problems and was ill once before when she was here. 'But this was all very sudden and it is a shock for all of us. She was talking about coming back in May because she wanted to find somewhere to live and maybe start a business. It's so sad.' Her former agent, Dean Goodman told MailOnline today: She loved Greece and told me that she was going back with her new husband - but she has tragically died there a fortnight ago. Georgina had been unwell during Covid and had developed some health problems and had been in and out of hospital. But she had plans for the future. She had just married and was looking forward to her life. Everybody is devastated. She was a genuine superstar. Georgina was spotted by a modelling agency at the age of 13 and her first major breakthrough came when she appeared in a Bon Jovi music-video when she was 15. She then became one of the faces of the 1990s and was dubbed London's 'original gap toothed girl', working as a muse for celebrated photographer Corinne Day, the biggest names in the world of fashion and appearing on the cover of US Vogue and The Face. George, as she was known to friends, quit the catwalk to focus on raising her son Sonny. She most recently worked in hospitality in Kent. Jade said she was a 'ray of sunshine' Her former agent Dean Goodman shared his tribute today, saying he and many others are heartbroken Friend and fellow model Jade Parfitt told MailOnline: 'Her friends and family are absolutely devastated, Georgina was a ray of light, a very popular model who was riotous fun, always laughing and being naughty in all the best ways. We all wanted to hang out with George backstage. Her achievements in the industry were huge'. Georgina had walked down the aisle near her home in Maidstone, Kent, with the reception in the local pub in early June. The couple then honeymooned in Kos, sharing a set of happy pictures from their wedding on the island's Facebook community site. But she had returned to the Greek island at the end of October, where she tragically fell ill. Mr Goodman added in an Instagram tribute: 'I'm in total shock, and talked to her not long ago to meet up after she just got married. 'She was the original gap toothed girl! I will miss her immensely, rip in peace, georgie girl, I will never forget you and always love you, see you on the other side'. It is not known how she died. In recent years Georgina had raised significant amounts of money for various charities including for people with liver and lung illnesses. Her sister-in-law Tracey Wallace has described Georginas death as a tragedy. Ms Wallace, 45, said: My partner Shane was Georginas brother. Its such a tragedy. I dont know what to say really other than its very sad. George was close to fellow Londoner Kate Moss and modelled for many great British brands, including Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Stella McCartney. The mother-of-one was also a regular at shows for fashion houses including Armani and Versace - and featured on the cover of fashion bibles including Vogue and The Face. She said in 2018: 'After I had my son I just couldnt bear to leave him alone and I wanted to be there for him. I tried to continue modeling but it broke my heart when I had to leave him for work. 'I focused on modeling assignments in London but my life was at a crossroads and I decided that Sonny came first'. 1997: Georgina at the Bluemarine Falls show 2000: Model Georgina Cooper on the catwalk 2000: Georgina Cooper on the Versace catwalk Georgina models for Versace. She was wearing the first collection designed solely by Donatella Versace, after the death of her brother Gianni 2006: Georgina Cooper during a Roberto Cavalli event at Harrods 2009: Georgina Cooper on the runway at the Fall Emporio Armani show Friends described George (pictured) being the life and soul of the party Friends and family are 'heartbroken' over her death. Her friend Jade Parfitt, also a model, shared the tragic news of her passing on Instagram. Jodie Kidd and Helena Christensen then shared black hearts in tribute. Supermodel and writer Erin O'Connor also posted a moving message for her friend, praising her bravery. She said: 'Gorgeous George.... Shocked and devastated to hear you are gone. 'You were an incredibly kind and funny human-being, Georgina. I/we all admired and loved you so much for the warmth, generosity and gentle mischief you brought to the world. 'Many years have passed since we (our little 90s britannia pack) hung out together during the mad carousel era known as show season - but, you ALWAYS stuck out to me for keeping it real and being proud of who you were. 'What an almighty life you led.. Full of spirit and endless, inspiring humility. You will never be forgotten. Phenomenal woman, wife, daughter, mum and friend; my thoughts are with your family, especially your beautiful boy. 'Hugs and condolences to all.. RIP brave heart'. George entered a modelling competition when she was 13 and never looked back. She said in 2018: 'I got into modeling when I was 13 when my mum entered me in the Elite Look of The Year contest in 1992I placed third in the competitionit was an amazing experience and it made my mum and dad very proud of me. She went on: 'I started working with Corinne Day when I was 15. I went to her flat to meet her and Tara Hill. Georgina and her husband Nigel on their wedding day in June George famously left the modelling industry because she wanted to bring up her son Sonny Corinne really loved my lookshe particularly loved the gap in my teethand she liked my personality too. 'The following week we did our first shoot for Ray Gun magazine. It was an amazing timewe all had so much funand Corrine was brilliant to work with. 'I was so young at the time I didnt really understand how influential the work we were doing was until I got older and people would compliment me on the work we did together'. But after struggling to balance having a baby and her modelling, she decided to concentrate on her family. 'Im just a South London girl who enjoyed traveling the world', Ms Cooper said when asked about her career. But in a warning to others she said: 'If could go back and give myself one piece of advice it would be to invest. Id also tell all the new models starting out in this industry to do the same thing too'. A Conservative peer swerved over verges and pavements and was pursued by concerned witnesses as he drove home drunk from his friends home. Alexander Scrymgeour, the 12th Earl of Dundee, admitted downing a few glasses of wine before trying to drive home while he was more than double the legal alcohol limit. He was driving excessively slowly and veering in and out of the oncoming lane. He was causing so much concern he was followed for several minutes. Scrymgeour, who is Chief of the Clan Scrymgeour, appeared in the dock at Dundee Sheriff Court on Friday and admitted drink driving in his Toyota Hilux truck on 12 May this year. The 75-year-old sitting member of the House of Lords, from Birkhill House, Balmerino, admitted driving in St Michaels, Fife, when his alcohol reading was 50 mics. The legal limit is 22 mics. The Earl of Dundee outside the city's sheriff court, where he admitted drink driving Fiscal depute Carrie-Ann MacKenzie told the court: He has no previous convictions. At 12.35 am witness Doig was driving behind the accused when he noticed the accuseds vehicle being driven over both lanes, mounting pavements and grass verges, and going much slower than the speed limit. His concern was such that he made contact with the police and continued to follow the accused until police traced him, Police arrived at 12.50am and stopped the accused within his vehicle. He was found to be slurring his words, a smell of alcohol was noted and he admitted having had a few glasses of wine. He confirmed he had been driving. He provided a specimen for a roadside breath test which was positive and he was conveyed to Dundee police station. She said Scrymgeours lower reading was 50 mics and he was cautioned and charged, before being released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. Solicitor John Boyle, defending, said: He is 75 and has no previous convictions. This was a misjudgement on his part. He had been at a friends house. Some alcohol was taken and he thought he would be fit to drive. He realises the error of his ways and apologises to the court. He is a farmer in the local area. The Earl of Dundee's coat of arms The Earl's seat of Birkhill House in Balmerino, Fife Given his employment in a rural area, there will be some difficulty relying on public transport. 'Disqualification will be pretty significant for him. In terms of a financial penalty he will be in a position to meet that within 28 days. Sheriff Alistair Carmichael fined Scrymgeour 200 and banned him from the road for 12 months, reduced from 15 months to take account of his early plea of guilty. It will be reduced by a further three months if the peer completes a drink drive rehabilitation course. Scrymgeour was educated at Ludgrove School and Eton College, before attending the University of St Andrews, and was a Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II. His first active experience as a Conservative politician was as the partys candidate in the Hamilton by-election in 1978. He has sat in the House of Lords since his fathers death in 1983, and served as a the Conservative Party whip in the House of Lords from 1986 to 1989. He served as Government Spokesperson for Education (1986-1988), Government Spokesperson for Scottish Affairs (1986-1989), and Government Spokesperson for Home Affairs and for Energy (1987-1989). In 1999, he was made an elected hereditary peer and took the title Earl of Dundee. He has served as the UK delegate to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe from 1992 to 1997. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Western European parliament from 1992 to 1999. The Earl is honorary consul for Croatia in Edinburgh, and is involved with a Trust which distributes humanitarian aid to some of the poorest parts of the Balkans. Lord Dundees Farming Company manages around 2,000 acres across Fife and Angus. He has spoken in the House of Lords on farming and health issues. Lord Dundee is also the Hereditary Royal Standard Bearer of Scotland, Constable of Dundee, and Chief of the Name and Arms of Scrymgeour. He was one of the peers who carried the Royal Standards at the 2023 Coronation of King Charles. His father, the 11th Earl of Dundee, spent a period as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords. Scotland's Shadow Health Secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane used his medical skills at the Scots parliament to save the life of a visitor who collapsed from a suspected heart attack. The GP rushed to help the man in his 60s after he collapsed in Holyroods entrance just over a week ago. The MSP led a team of first aiders who used a defibrillator to help resuscitate the patient. He said he went into doctor mode when he found the man, in his 60s, hed been placed in the recovery position. Dr Gulhane told the Scottish Sun: He was dead. He was gone. I am just glad that we were able to help him. Scottish Conservative MSP Dr Sandesh Gulhane and his wife Dr Punam Krishan Having a defib, thats actually what saved this guy. Its important to run the arrest and thats what I did. 'You cant do it on your own, you have to have a team to do it with. We cycled through people doing the CPR. 'We delivered a couple of shocks to him and then we stopped and reassessed at that point, and he got a pulse back. The Scottish Conservative MSP praised staff who assisted him in the lifesaving endeavour and called for a wider distribution of defibrillators across the country, alongside relevant CPR training. There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year with a survival rate of less than 1 in 10, according to the British Heart Foundation. He hopes the incident will act as encouragement for people to offer help and learn how to save a life. Dr Gulhane stressed the importance of knowing CPR and added: Its a skill that people need to learn and I really want people to learn it. 'It genuinely saves lives. This person was extremely lucky. The condition of the patient who needed emergency care at Holyrood on October 30 before being taken to hospital is unknown and Dr Gulhane urge either him or his family to get in touch. Dr Krishnan was one of the celebrity contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing As well as being an MSP, Dr Gulhane continues to work as a locum doctor A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) spokesman said: We received a call at 13:39 to attend an incident at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. An ambulance and paramedic response unit were dispatched to the scene and one patient was transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The SAS agreed early CPR and the use of a defibrillator are essential to increasing the chances of survival. The spokesman added: By taking the time to learn these skills, you could save a life one day. A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, typically due to issues with the electrical signals in a persons heart. A 2021 Scottish Government report stressed that out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are a priority and pose a significant healthcare challenge. A spokesperson from the British Heart Foundation said: Thankfully, due to the swift actions of those around them, this person survived. 'However, this is not always the case - there are over 3,200 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in Scotland and less than one in ten people survive. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent, so knowing where the nearest defibrillator is located could be the difference between life and death. November 6, 2024: Ukraine wants peace and NATO membership to discourage future Russian aggression. Russia wants to absorb Ukraine into a revived Russian empire. When the Soviet Union collapsed and split into fifteen different nations. This was the end of an empire that was created in the 1700s as an imperial state and reached its largest size in 1721 and maintained that size until a Russian republic was declared in 2017 after Russia admitted defeat in World War I and withdrew from the conflict. That led to a civil war and lasted into the 1920s after the establishment of a communist government in 1917. That government took control of a communist empire that lasted 69 years. When the empire collapsed in 1991, many Russians resented the loss of their imperial status. Men like Vladimir Putin, who was an intelligence officer when the end came in 1991, began working to restore the empire. In 1999 Putin took control of Russia and began his campaign to rebuild the empire. His first major success was in 2014 when he managed to take Crimea and two other provinces from Ukraine. He got all of Crimea but only half of the territory in Luhansk and Donetsk provinces in eastern Ukraine. For Putin, it was a start. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine was supposed to quickly complete the absorption of Ukraine back into the new Russian empire. In 2021 Russia occupied 42,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, thats 27 percent of Ukraine. As of October 2024 Russia occupied 18 percent. While Russia gained some ground in the last two years, Ukrainian offensives have clawed back large swatches of Russian occupied Ukraine. In addition, an August 2024 Ukrainian offensive into Russia seized 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory. In the last two months Russian forces have reduced that to 540 square kilometers. Ukraine is asking NATO nations to provide more military support so that Ukrainian forces can continue their offensive. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is willing to make peace if Russia can keep the Ukrainian territory they already occupy. Meanwhile Russia has declared portions of Russian occupied Ukraine as part of Russia while other portions have been declared independent states guarded by Russian troops. Putin believes continued military action in Ukraine will work. Thats because Putin has declared occupied parts of Ukraine as annexed by Russia while some areas are now recognized as independent statelets. All of these annexations and declarations of independence are illegal according to the UN and international law. The UN cannot declare the Russia actions void because Russia is one of the five permanent members of the UN security council that have veto power over decisions by a majority of UN members. The other permanent members are China, France, Britain and the United States. These four members do not approve of Russian territorial ambitions in Ukraine and even if the UN condemned Russian actions, Russia would simply ignore this criticism and continue fighting. Ukraine believes the only way to deal with Russian aggression is to fight back and thats what Ukrainian forces are doing. With more military aid from NATO, especially guided bombs and missiles as well as anti-aircraft systems and armored vehicles, Ukraine can defend itself from Russian air strikes on civilian targets while continuing to advance into Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. Ukraine also takes better care of its soldiers, who suffer lower casualties and have higher morale than their Russian counterparts. Russia is running out of soldiers, Ukraine is not. Theres another factor to consider. The damage the sanctions have done to the Russian economy and growing disapproval of the war by Russians, especially military age men, has led to millions of Russian men leaving Russia. Many of these exiles expect to return after the war, but for now they cannot be involuntarily mobilized into the Russian army. The shortage of Russian troops has been so acute that Russia obtained 12,000 North Korean soldiers. These troops have never experienced combat and dont speak Russian. Its also been discovered that North Korea soldiers receive very rudimentary military training and many of them spend their time farming or working in factories. Russia is trying to deal with these shortcomings but it will take time. That means a few North Korean combat brigades will not be ready until early 2025, if then. South Korea fears that Russia has aided the North Korean weapons program. This is the payment for North Korean troops sent to Ukraine. NATO is providing more than $40 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine in 2024 along with assurances that the aid will continue at these levels for as long as the war does. Putin believes that NATO states will tire of supporting Ukraine and eventually reduce aid to a trickle. The war will be decided by whether Putin or NATO is right. There are some fundamental realities to consider. While NATO nations and Ukraine continue to enjoy economic military progress, Russia is burdened by an economy ravaged by economic sanctions and labor shortages. With so many Russian men in the military or in exile, even hiring North Korean soldiers will not last long because Russia is running out of cash and popular support for a war Russia has been losing. Ukraine wants to join NATO but cannot do so until the war ends. Putin intends to maintain some state of war indefinitely. NATO may eventually declare the war over and just ignore Putin. Nigel Farage today repeated his offer to 'mend fences' between Labour and Donald Trump ahead of his return to the White House. The Reform UK leader hailed Mr Trump's historic US election victory as a 'great opportunity' for Britain. But he blasted senior Labour figures for their 'diplomatic stupidity' in having hurled insults at Mr Trump during his first term in office. Mr Farage said he would act to foster relations between the UK Government and the incoming US administration 'in the national interest'. It came as former foreign secretary Jack Straw supported the idea of Sir Keir Starmer using Mr Farage as a backchannel to Mr Trump's team. Nigel Farage repeated his offer to 'mend fences' between Labour and Donald Trump ahead of his return to the White House The Reform UK leader hailed Mr Trump's historic US election victory as a 'great opportunity' for Britain Ex-foreign secretary Jack Straw supported the idea of Sir Keir Starmer using Mr Farage as a backchannel to Mr Trump's team Speaking at Reform UK's Welsh conference in Newport, Mr Farage praised Mr Trump as a 'pro-British' president. 'To have a president that is pro-British after four years of the ghastly [Joe] Biden is a great opportunity for our nation,' he said. 'Whether a Labour Party that has people like [London mayor] Sadiq Khan in it who has waged a 10-year feud. 'Or a Foreign Secretary like David Lammy who has said the most disobliging things. 'Or a Labour Party that sent 100 of its staffers to campaign for Kamala Harris. Can you imagine a greater diplomatic stupidity than that? 'So all I've said is that I have a relationship with Trump. But, equally, I will know well at least half of his incoming cabinet. 'And I have said if I can in any way help to mend fences between this Labour administration and the incoming Trump administration that I will do so. 'But not because I support a single thing this Labour Government is doing in fact fewer and fewer people in the country support anything this Labour administration is doing but I will do so because it is in the national interest.' Prior to the American election, Mr Farage dismissed suggestions he could become Britain's US ambassador under a Trump presidency as he was now an MP. But Mr Straw, who was foreign secretary under former Labour prime minister Tony Blair, suggested Sir Keir could still use Mr Farage as a go-between to Mr Trump. 'In principle, given Nigel Farage's close personal relationship with Mr Trump, it would be silly to dismiss possibly helpful communication he may have to offer,' he told the i newspaper. He added: 'If there was a silly disagreement [between Starmer and Trump], then it may, frankly, be in his [Farage's] interest to pick at the sore. 'But in areas of national interest, I certainly wouldn't rule out having private conversations with him [Farage].' A highway worker barely escaped death by diving out of the way of a speeding truck that slammed into his work vehicle on a New York thoroughfare. State Department of Transportation employee Chuck Ellerson, 61, was busy mowing and clearing garbage from Interstate 81 near Whitney Point when he noticed the rapidly approaching Penske truck. Sandwiched between two DOT vehicles parked on the highway's shoulder, Ellerson saw the yellow box truck hugging the shoulder a little too tightly before throwing his hands up. Tucked between the two DOT vehicles parked on the highway's shoulder, Chuck Ellerson saw the box truck hugging the shoulder a little too tightly before throwing his hands up The 61-year-old highway worker quickly reacted, sprinting into a roadside ditch as the truck struck a work vehicle Ellerson's hard hat was sent flying as he dove to safety Suddenly realizing the truck was barreling toward him, he stepped back in the nick of time as the out-of-control rig plowed into the vehicle in front of him. Ellerson's hard hat was sent flying as he ran to safety. 'I tried to get out of the way the best I can,' Ellerson told Good Morning America on Friday. 'Next thing I know I said, "This guy is not going to miss me." I dove into the ditch a little bit, grabbed my hard hat and put it back on and sat there and tried to catch my senses for a long time.' The 28-foot rental truck's driver, Muhammed Wesley, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona, careened in the vehicle despite a flashing road sign stating 'Mowing Ahead.' 'Next thing I know I said "this guy is not going to miss me" I dove into the ditch a little bit, grabbed my hard hat and put it back on and sat there and tried to catch my senses for a long time,' Ellerson said The crash left a trail of debris in its wake 'I thought for sure it was close enough to where it would have done a lot more [damage] than what it did,' Ellerson said. An investigation revealed that 'both the attenuator and small dump truck had their amber lights activated,' a release by the New York State Police read. The DOT released a statement of its own after the incident, urging motorists to take caution and slow down. 'I tried to get out of the way the best I can,' Ellerson told Good Morning America on Friday 'Our highway workers put their lives on the line every day to keep NY roads safe, and this recent crash on I-81 near Whitney Point is a frightening reminder of the dangers they face,' a DOT post on X stated. 'Drivers: Slow down, move over, and stay alert in work zones - these simple actions can save lives.' No serious injuries were reported, state officials said. The driver was ticketed, but the details of the citation he received remain sealed in accordance with a state law, Syracuse.com reported. The heart-stopping video, taken via dashboard camera, was recorded the same week that a New York State Thruway worker was struck and killed on Interstate 90 in in Chautauqua County while performing roadside maintenance. 'THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!' the New York State Thruway posted on X. 'This video from our partners @NYSDOT comes in the same week that the Thruway lost one of our beloved colleagues who was hit and killed while simply doing his job. Our roadside workers NEED YOUR ATTENTION. Help them get home safe and SLOW DOWN!' the post added. The 'anticyclonic gloom' which which has left some places in the UK with virtually no sunshine for more than a week is set to clear from Sunday, according to forecasters. As dramatic weather events have hit the headlines across the world, Britain's meteorological talking point has been the windless, rainless, sunless murk which has enveloped much of the country since the beginning of the month. Forecasters have dubbed the conditions 'anticyclonic gloom' and the Met Office says the phenomenon has led to the UK experiencing, on average, only three hours of sunshine in the whole of the seven days up to Thursday. And, with Scotland and the far north of England seeing slightly more of the sun than the rest of the country, people living in the south of England have seen just one hour of sunshine, on average, since the month started, Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said. Mr Dixon said 'atmospheric gloom' is when 'high pressure traps a layer of moisture near to the earth's surface and that brings a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, but with pockets of mist and fog as well'. The 'anticyclonic gloom' which which has left some places in the UK with virtually no sunshin is set to clear from Sunday. Pictured: Bishopsgate, London, earlier today eople walk across the Millennium bridge in London, as the sky is rendered grey caused by high pressure over the UK trapping moisture near the surface of the Earth on November 8 A view of the O2 arena on the Greenwich peninsula in south east London People look out from the viewing platform of Horizon 22 in Bishopsgate on Friday November 8 The weekend is just around the corner Take a look at what Saturday's weather will bring pic.twitter.com/qtp8YtTaj7 Met Office (@metoffice) November 8, 2024 He said: 'We've been locked into this weather pattern for a few days now and we've got a bit more of it to come. However, there is a change on the way, with brighter skies early next week.' Mr Dixon said the 'atmospheric gloom' is 'unusual but not unheard of', but has meant that the UK has so-far had only 5% of the average sunshine expected for the month of November, compared with the 23% expected at this stage in the month. ITV weather presenter Becky Mantin said early November's stagnant weather 'is creating a staggering lack of sunshine'. She said: 'For some, there has been no respite at all - Odiham in Hampshire has recorded zero minutes of sunshine so far this November. 'Wales takes the unenviable second place spot with an average of just 12 minutes! Forty eight minutes recorded in Northern Ireland and only a touch more in southern England with 54 minutes.' Mr Dixon said: 'By the time we get to Sunday, we start to see this change on the way, with fronts moving in from the north-west bringing periods of rain to the west of Scotland through Sunday. Another misty day in London yesterday as a woman walks alongside the River Thames A house in the Oxfordshire village of Dunsden next to fields under the gloom yesterday 'But it also allows a change of air mass across the UK which invites another area of high pressure from the west - but, this time, with much less cloud on it.' Mr Dixon said: 'What it means for the UK's weather is that, by Monday, it's looking like a widely dry and fine day for many with good spells of sunshine, albeit with a touch more patchy cloud in the north of the country. 'But, for the vast majority, a dry and fine day for many with some sunshine, which will feel like it's much needed after the recent week.' Mr Dixon said 'it's not all settled in the outlook', saying further cloud and rain is expected, especially in northern areas, from Wednesday. A 43-year-old Los Angeles teacher has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy after plying him with weed. Colleen Jo Matarico, an educator at John Burroughs Middle School, has been taken into custody on suspicion of child molestation. Investigators believe she 'groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle.' Matarico has been charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor. Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, an educator at John Burroughs Middle School, has been taken into custodyf or allegedly sexually assaulting and proving a 13-year-old boy with weed. The Valley Village resident could potentially face additional charges as detectives expect more victims to come forward. It remains unclear whether she is still employed or has been let go. Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School exclusively told DailyMail.com they are cooperating with LAPD's investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus. 'The safety of our students and our school community remains our top priority. On November 7 we were notified that a Burroughs employee had been arrested off campus for alleged misconduct with a minor,' Martinez said. 'In late October of 2023, the school received concerns about this employee. Upon receiving these concerns, we immediately contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and removed the employee from campus. Principal Dr. Steve Martinez of the John Burroughs Middle School exclusively told DailyMail.com they are cooperating with LAPD's investigation and confirmed that the accused was arrested off campus Matarico has been charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor 'Once cleared by the Los Angeles Police Department to notify the school community, a notification was sent to families about these allegations. District protocols are being followed and we remain in cooperation with local authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, we are unable to disclose additional details about this matter. 'Please be assured that the safety of our students continues to be our utmost priority. Students and the greater school community are always encouraged to share any and all concerns with their school or with local authorities. 'We remain committed to supporting Burroughs MS and the greater school community with counseling and support services. We understand that some students may be impacted by this incident. 'Students can always reach out to teachers, counselors or school staff for support.' The Valley Village resident could potentially face additional charges as detectives expect more victims to come forward Officials have asked anyone with information to contact the LAPD Juvenile Division detectives or CrimeStoppers. Matarico is currently being held on a $1.3 million bail. This comes weeks after a Texas teacher was arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with her former student. Angela Barnes, 45, a teacher at Carroll Middle School in Southlake, was taken into custody after officials received a tip that she was having a sexual relationship with the 15-year-old boy. Officials with Keller Public Safety and the school said that the relationship had occurred off-campus between June and July of this year. The Keller Police Department began its investigation in late September and soon charged Barnes with the sexual assault of a child and an improper relationship between an educator and a student. As of now, officials believe that there are no other victims. Barnes is currently being held at Keller Regional Jail. She has since been placed on leave by the Carroll Independent School District. The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over complaints from two women over the handling of investigations into allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed first made in 2008 and 2013. The complaints address concerns about the quality of police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, how details came to be disclosed publicly. Al Fayed, who died aged 94 last year, was hit with an avalanche of rape and assault claims in September after at least two former Harrods workers told a BBC documentary they had been raped or molested by the flamboyant Egyptian tycoon. Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Met's Specialist Crime team, said: 'We are actively reviewing 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan Police prior to Mohamed Al Fayed's passing, as well as the related police investigations, to determine if any additional investigative steps are available or there are things we could have done better. 'This process remains active, and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, pursuing justice where possible and transparently addressing any failings. The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over complaints made about Mohammed Al Fayed Al Fayed, who died aged 94 last year, was hit with an avalanche of rape and assault claims last month 'In recent weeks, two victims-survivors have come forward with concerns about how their allegations were handled when first reported, and it is only appropriate that the IOPC assess these complaints. 'Although we cannot change the past, we are resolute in our goal to offer every individual who contacts us the highest standard of service and support. 'I encourage anyone with relevant information, whether you were personally affected or have knowledge about others who may have facilitated Al Fayed's actions to contact us. 'Our priority remains to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice.' In October, the Met Police revealed they are investigating 40 new allegations against Al Fayed and others since the BBC documentary. The 40 new allegations relate to 40 alleged victims and are in addition to allegations police were aware of before the BBC's investigation and documentary, Scotland Yard said. Before the recent media coverage, 21 allegations were made against the late billionaire which resulted in crimes being recorded relating to 21 separate women between 2005 and 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service said it made a charging decision on two allegations of sexual assault in relation to one female complainant, according to the BBC. Six years later, in 2015, it made a decision on charging on one allegation of rape and an allegation of aiding and abetting rape by one female suspect. These claims related to a different female complainant. This means that the Met did not pass on evidence to prosecutors on 19 of the 21 women who approached them before Al Fayed's death. Princess Diana with Mohammed Al Fayed attending a charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods, London, February 1996 Many of the businessman's alleged victims worked for Harrods (pictured) Al Fayed in 2005 at the unveiling of a memorial to his son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales Scores of sex attack allegations have been made against billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed (pictured), dating back almost half a century The files of evidence it pass did not contain complaints received from other woman whose evidence potentially could have corroborated their claims. The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1979 and 2013. Four of the reports were allegations of rape, 16 were sexual assault and one related to trafficking, the Met said. The Crown Prosecution Service was approached by Scotland Yard on five occasions between 2005 and 2023, the force said, but no further action was taken against Mr Al Fayed. The force said that while it would not be possible to bring criminal proceedings against Mr Al Fayed - as he is no longer alive - it would 'continue to explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences'. In response to the BBC, a Scotland Yard spokesperson said: 'We are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged. 'This includes liaising with the Directorate of Professional Standards where appropriate.' Since the documentary aired, an additional 65 women have since approached the broadcaster, with similar claims from as long ago as 1977, before he bought Harrods. It suggests Al Fayed's reign of sexual terror, first reported on in the 1990s, but with police repeatedly failing to prosecute, could have been even longer and wider than already feared. While he died aged 83 five years ago, lawyers are now acting for many victims, far in excess of those who have spoken to the BBC, in a quest for damages and some form of justice. Harrods previously told the BBC: 'Since the airing of the documentary, so far there are 200-plus individuals who are now in the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the business.' Of the 65 new 'victims' to approach the BBC, 37 worked for Harrods. Another 28 did not however, saying he launched vile sex attacks on them under the guise of hiring them to join his domestic staff, simply in the course of a vague 'interview', or even against a member of BBC staff. The Iranian government's 'asset' who helped to orchestrate a plot to assassinate Donald Trump weeks before the Presidential election confessed his plan to the FBI on five separate phone calls - but he's still walking free. Farhad Shakeri is on the loose in Tehran despite having five conversations with the FBI between September and November this year detailing his involvement in the plot. Shakeri, 51, immigrated to the United States as a child from Afghanistan, but was deported in 2008 after serving a 14-year prison sentence in New York for robbery. The FBI have had five high-stakes discussions with Shakeri over the phone in the span of two months. Bureau officials have not revealed why Shakeri volunteered so much explosive information to them. The Iranian government's 'asset' who helped to orchestrate a plot to assassinate Donald Trump weeks before the Presidential election confessed his plan to the FBI on five separate phone calls - but he's still walking free Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life The first recorded phone call took place on September 30, followed by October 8, October 17, October 28 and November 7. He gave up his co-accused, Carlisle 'Pop' Rivera, in one of those calls and detailed how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps enlisted him to murder Trump after learning he had connections in America. Iran does not have an extradition agreement with the United States and tensions remain at an all time high between the two nations. American authorities therefore have no legal means to order Shakeri to return to the United States or give himself up to face punishment. Shakeri told authorities he met a senior member of the Revolutionary Guard through his work in Tehran in the 'oil and fuel businesses.' The man was referred to by others around him as Majid Soleimani, but Shakeri said he has no way of knowing whether the man is connected to late Iranian military officer Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated under Trump's watch in 2020. When Majid learned that Shakeri used to live in New York, he offered him a large sum of money to investigate - and ultimately kill - Iranian-American activist and journalist Masih Alinejad. When Majid learned that Shakeri used to live in New York, he offered him a large sum of money to investigate - and ultimately kill - Iranian-American activist and journalist Masih Alinejad (pictured) Trump has been a target of Iran assassination threats since he ordered the strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of the brutal Iranian Quds Forces, Qassem Soleimani (pictured) In his initial calls with the FBI, Shakeri denied that he agreed to have Alinejad killed, and said he merely offered his services to have her investigated. By his last correspondence with authorities on November 7, he accepted that he had enlisted a former prison buddy, Carlisle Rivera, to kill her. According to the criminal complaint seen by DailyMail.com, Rivera was waiting on a $100,000 payment from the IRGC to carry out the assassination. But Shakeri said by mid-late September, this IRGC official had told him to 'put aside his other efforts on behalf of the IRGC and focus on surveilling, and ultimately assassinating, Donald Trump. Shakeri warned Majid that such a feat would cost 'a huge amount of money', and said he was reassured that 'money is not an issue.' Trump rises from the stage with his fist in the air after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July Trump assassination attempt pictures released by the government On or about October 7, Shakeri was given a seven-day deadline to devise a thorough plan to carry out the assassination attempt. He was told if he could not come up with a plan in this timeframe, the attempt would be put on the back burner until after the election, because officials in Iran assumed Trump would lose the election and then have less protection. In September, the Trump campaign revealed it had been briefed on the threat from Tehran. 'Big threats on my life by Iran,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'The entire US military is watching and waiting. 'Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again.' Questions have been raised about whether an effort is underway to also secure the arrest of Shakeri, given his involvement in the plot. Shakeri allegedly paid Rivera and Loadholt $1,000 to surveil Alinejad at a speaking engagement at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. This screenshot showed the details for the event, a photo of her, and a money order for $500 to be paid to Rivera One of the photos allegedly taken by Rivera and Loadholt during the surveillance Shakeri met Rivera in prison while he was serving time for robbery in the first degree and Rivera was in for second degree murder. He also enlisted the help of another former inmate, but that person was not named in the criminal complaint and instead was identified as 'co-conspirator one.' Co-conspirator one helped to locate and investigate Ms Alinejad. He and Shakeri are long-time associates. After they were both released from prison, they were arrested in January 2019 together in Sri Lanka following the seizure of 92 kilograms of heroin. The disturbing documents unsealed by the Department of Justice revealed the arsenal of weapons the wouls-be assassins had at their disposal and the texts messages they sent each other to concoct their plan. Shakeri, Rivera and their co-accused, Jonathan Loadholt shared frightening voice messages, urging patience and detailing how they would follow their targets. Your browser does not support iframes. Prosecutors also laid out how Iran is using overseas agents to actively target Americans on U.S. soil for kidnapping and murder. Their aim is to try and silence dissidents critical of the regime, as well as hit back at Qassem Soleimani's death. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that there are 'few actors' in the world that 'pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.' 'The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump.' 'We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on U.S. soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security.' The wife of shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg yesterday broke her silence to thank those who supported her throughout her domestic abuse ordeal - and said it is time to 'start my next chapter and move on'. Gillian Hogg took to social media after the 32-year-old former Scotland internationalist was convicted of a five year campaign of abuse earlier this week. The disgraced rugby star abused the mother of his four children, shouting and swearing at her as well as tracking her movements and bombarding her with texts. During the years of torment Hogg caused her to suffer a panic attack, berated her for 'not being fun' and sent her 'aggressive and hostile' messages. There has been an outpouring of 'support and love' for Mrs Hogg since her husband, who was capped for Scotland 100 times, pleaded guilty to a single charge of breaking domestic abuse laws. Gillian Hogg took to social media in the wake of her estranged husband's domestic abuse conviction The brave victim has now thanked all those who helped her through the ordeal. On social media, Mrs Hogg, 37, said: 'Thank you to every single person who has reached out to me in ways of love, kindness and support. Who have text, messaged, called, visited, sent flowers. 'Who gave me a hi, a smile, a hug or even just a look to show they care. 'My friends and family have picked me up and carried me through this all and I'll be grateful forever for them all. 'I have been completely overwhelmed this week especially. The abundance of support and love has swamped me in the most positive way. Thank you. 'Now it's time to start my next chapter. 'To move on and to keep showing my kids every day that strength comes from unconditional love and support around you, and even when it hurts, love wins.' And the partners of those in the rugby world are among those to have come out and back her, too. The wife of former Scottish international Sean Lamont, Gemma, and Rebecca Wilson, and the wife of former Scotland player Ryan, posted their support on social media. Mrs Wilson praised the way Mrs Hogg 'handled the most horrendous behaviour and situation thrown at you with such grace and still being the best mum to four gorgeous babies'. She added: 'You are truly one in a million and I am so excited for karma to give you everything you deserve and more.' Stuart Hogg and his new girlfriend Leonna Mayor Gillian with estranged husband Stuart Hogg And Mrs Lamont said that during the 'most horrible and adverse circumstances' Mrs Hogg had 'shown the most admirable qualities and with this message still continue to do so'. Mrs Lamont added: '[I] couldn't be prouder of you and when the kids are old enough to understand this more they will see all you did to love, care for and protect them. 'You found incredible strength when it must have felt there was none left to find. The next chapter will bring beautiful things for you.' Shamed Hogg, who now plays for French team Montpellier, admitted a single charge of domestic abuse between 2019 and 2024 on Monday at Selkirk Sheriff Court, leading to calls for him to be stripped of the MBE he was awarded this year. He will be sentenced next month. Prosecutor Drew Long told Sheriff Peter Paterson on Monday Mrs Hogg had become 'scared of Mr Hogg because of his behaviour when he was drinking'. And, when the then couple lived in Devon when he played for the Exeter Chiefs in 2019, the court was told his behaviour 'deteriorated'. Ms Mayor is pregnant with Hogg's fifth child Mr Long said: 'He would regularly shout and swear at her, using particularly offensive language and criticising her for not being fun. 'This would often be in response to her wanting to stay upstairs looking after her children rather than coming to drink with him and his friends.' When they moved back to Hawick, Roxburghshire, in May 2023, Hogg began 'going out more regularly and drinking'. Mrs Hogg left him in September that year and they are now divorcing. She had taken advice from a domestic abuse service and 'no longer felt safe in her home'. But, despite the breakup, the abuse continued and she was still inundated with calls and texts. Hogg's new girlfriend, 34-year-old broadcaster and former jockey Leonna Mayor, is pregnant with his fifth child. Brace yourself, America the fight for the future of this country has begun. In the 48 hours since President-elect Donald Trump delivered a schoolyard booty stomp to Wokeistan, one thing has become frighteningly clear: Despite unequivocal evidence of an outright MAGA romp (an electoral college avalanche, a rare Republican popular vote victory and a likely GOP-controlled Congress) left-wing lunatics are still clinging to their oat-milk latte delusions like Joe Biden to a baby's foot on Halloween. To the progressively deranged they may have lost the election night battle, but the war is still raging. And with Donald 'Hitler/Mussolini/Stalin/Lex Luthor' Trump in the White House, it's going to be no-holds barred brawl. Re-listen to Kamala's concession cackle on Wednesday and you'll hear her subliminal pitch to be the next leader of the Pink Pussy Hat resistance. 'We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square The fight for our freedom will take hard work,' Harris howled over the blubbering of Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff (someone get these soyboys a safe-space). In fact, every Democratic blowhard, who ever had designs on the power of the presidency, is sounding like Dirty Harry today. 'We'll fight to the death,' said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Wednesday. Re-listen to Kamala's concession cackle on Wednesday and you'll hear her subliminal pitch to be the next leader of the Pink Pussy Hat resistance. Chunky Illinois governor J.D. Pritzker warned Trump: 'You come for my people, you come through me.' That's a terrifying prospect given that Pritzker is built like a defensive lineman who ate another defensive lineman. Coiffed Californian Gavin Newsom barely hiding his giddiness over his Golden State nemesis falling flat on her face is convening an emergency legislative session to whiteboard all the ways to blackball the new White House. 'The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle,' Newsom said. 'We are prepared to fight in the courts...' That's not very promising. Clearly, the Democratic establishment is lining up for their starring roles in the noble Trump resistance. But can America still rely on the patriotic Deep State (I mean, federal bureaucracy) to keep the ship of state sailing straight? I wouldn't bet on it. None other than Miles Taylor, the infamous anonymous White House whistleblower who penned un-signed screeds from within the Trump administration in 2018, emerged from obscurity to encourage pencil-pushers everywhere to sabotage Team Trump. '[Bureaucrats] might end up being the only reason Mr. Trump holds back from doing something unlawful or at least, if they fail, they will be the only people to tell their fellow Americans the truth,' he wrote for the New York Times, the morning after the election. None other than Miles Taylor, the infamous anonymous White House whistleblower who penned un-signed screeds from within the Trump administration in 2018, emerged from obscurity to encourage pencil-pushers everywhere to sabotage Team Trump. Coiffed Californian Gavin Newsom barely hiding his giddiness over his Golden State nemesis falling flat on her face is convening an emergency legislative session to whiteboard all the ways to blackball the new White House. Surely, we can rely on the great American mainstream media to sort through all this nonsense and speak truth to these trolls. Just kidding the squawking heads are even worse at reading the room. Here was professional race-baiter Joy Reid on Election Night: 'Black voters came through for Kamala Harris, white women voters did not... This will be the second opportunity that white women in this country have to change the way they interact with the patriarchy,' she droned. And it wasn't just those lady-traitors who got Joyless Reid and her fellow MSNBCers spittin' mad. Black and Hispanic men are apparently the real racist misogynists, according to these left-wing loons. Joe Scarborough (who looked like Lloyd Bridges in 'Airplane' after he 'picked the wrong week to quit sniffin' glue') explained it this way: 'It's misogyny from Hispanic men. It's misogyny from black men It might be race issues with Hispanics.' Isn't calling all black and Hispanic men who voted for Trump racist and misogynist kind of. racist? The stinking cloud of idiocy quickly drifted from MSNBC across Manhattan to the studios of 'The View'. Joe Scarborough (who looked like Lloyd Bridges in 'Airplane' after he 'picked the wrong week to quit sniffin' glue') explained it this may: 'It's misogyny from Hispanic men. It's misogyny from black men It might be race issues with Hispanics.' Why did Latino voters in Texas (a border state mired in the worst mass immigration crisis in the nation's history) swing 27-points towards Trump since 2020? 'Misogyny and sexism that's what that was,' declared Ms. Sunny-Side Up Brains. It's all so exhausting, but at least the liberal scolds on late night TV were funny for once even though they didn't realize the joke was on them. 'It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking immigrants who make this country go,' sobbed ABC's Jimmy Kimmel. Boo-hoo. Go cry yourself to sleep on a pillow stuffed with $100 bills. Fellow unfunny non-comic Stephen Colbert was equally glum: 'No one gets into this business because everything in their life worked out great, so we're built for rough roads.' There you have it folks: An entrenched Democratic political class that's gearing up for 2028, an out-of-touch mainstream media that can't be bothered to think outside of their uber-liberal bubbles and an emboldened Deep State convinced they're doing God's work by opposing the will of the people. At least this time Trump knows what he's up against. Oxford University is to spend more than 3.3 million on 'decolonising' the curriculum and preventing so-called microaggressions. Academic chiefs are aiming to close the attainment gaps between black and white students with the strategy. Under the programme, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) officers will spearhead an 841,000 campaign to prevent racial harassment and bullying, and boost the reporting of microaggressions. No definition of microaggressions is provided in the strategy, but race experts have used examples such as asking someone where they are originally from. Some 379,000 will be spent paying black and 'racially minoritised' students and researchers to 'design and conduct inquiries into their university experiences'. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) officers will spearhead an 841,000 campaign to prevent racial harassment and bullying, and boost the reporting of microaggressions (stock image) Academic chiefs are aiming to close the attainment gaps between black and white students with the strategy (stock image) Nearly 29 per cent of Oxford's 2023 UK intake is black, Asian or another ethnic minority, up from 22 per cent in 2019. (Stock image of Oxford University graduates) And more than 500,000 will be handed to departments to 'diversify curricula' and develop 'more inclusive teaching and assessment'. But Professor Jeremy Black, historian and author of English Culture, said: 'Indoctrination through curriculum manipulation is highly undesirable and a distortion of intellectual values. It is damaging for social cohesion and an abuse of public funds.' Chris McGovern, chair of the Campaign for Real Education, said microaggressions 'can be in the eye of the beholder or simple misunderstandings' and that there is evidence that EDI training creates more alienation, exacerbating the problems being addressed. Nearly 29 per cent of Oxford's 2023 UK intake is black, Asian or another ethnic minority, up from 22 per cent in 2019. In the 2021 UK census, 18 per cent of the population was black, Asian, or from another ethnic background. The latest plan follows a charter, published by the university two years ago, which pledged to increase the number of ethnic minority staff in senior roles, widen access and eliminate attainment gaps. Proposals to score academics on EDI in hiring and promotions, and create a pool of 'EDI observers' were dropped after a backlash from dons. Oxford Students' Union has continually accused the university of being institutionally racist. Students point to the university's refusal to remove the statue of British colonialist Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College. They also note cases where black students say they have been treated unfairly by porters. Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'Diversity of curriculum and assessment and anti-racism is code for a tyrannical denial of freedom of speech and, even, freedom of thought. The university is pursuing a path of self-destruction.' A spokesman for Oxford University said: 'The university's access and participation plan outlines the university's ongoing commitments to support undergraduate candidates with the highest potential to make strong applications to Oxford, and to support all of our students once they are here.' A CNN guest shockingly pitched the idea that Joe Biden should nominate Kamala Harris to the Supreme Court before Donald Trump is sworn into office. Bakari Sellers appeared on CNN with anchor John Berman to discuss the calls from some liberals that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, should step and allow Biden to choose her replacement. The idea is that Sotomayor may not survive the next four years of Trump's presidency, which would allow him to select a fourth justice for the Supreme Court. 'I think thats actually a very good plan. I think its something that should happen,' Sellers said, when asked by Berman to weigh in on the proposal. He said that the chances of Sotomayor being forced to step aside were 'extremely high.' Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor attends a panel discussion, Feb. 23, 2024 in Washington. Sotomayor has not publicly responded to calls for her to resign. Sellers enthusiastically endorsed the idea, almost reveling in the possible outrage to the idea from conservatives. 'I dont care about drawing outside the lines or what Republicans may think about it. This is within your purview. You can actually do it and you should do it,' he said, referring to Biden and the Democratic party. Sellers went further, suggesting that Biden should select Harris as the replacement. 'You have a hell of a vice president right there who has a legal pedigree to sit on a Supreme Court,' he said. 'And let Republicans go crazy, ape, Im even mentioning that option.' Berman reacted to the idea with amazement, questioning whether it was even possible. 'Not only am I floating it, but I want to stir up everything. I want peoples heads to explode this morning,' Sellers said. Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible Vice President Kamala Harris gestures as she delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election Harris served as the attorney general of California as well as the district attorney in San Francisco before she won her senate seat. Typically, presidents choose respected judicial minds for the Supreme Court, not politicians. Choosing a sitting vice president for the Supreme Court would be a historically unprecedented event. Bakari Sellers pitched the long-shot idea of Biden nominating Kamala Harris to the Supreme Court on Friday Sellers, a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and CNN commentator, has long supported Harris' political career, but there does not seem to be much support for the idea. The idea of appointing Harris to the Supreme Court has been discussed before. Some Democrats suggested in 2022 that Biden choose Harris to fill the vacant spot left by retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, which would have the additional benefit of removing her from the presidential ticket. The idea was never taken seriously and Biden ultimately nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to fill the vacancy. November 7, 2024: Russia is using million dollar Kh-22 air launched cruise missiles to attack Ukrainian and foreign ships carrying grain from Ukrainian ports to customers worldwide. Ukraine exports 70 million tons of grain a year to customers in the Middle East, Africa and South America. Russia and Ukraine account for 30 percent of world wheat exports and similar percentages of other grains. Russian attacks on cargo ships departing Odessa for foreign ports are risky because the ships must travel through a 60 kilometer corridor of Ukrainian waters before reaching the coasts of NATO nations on the western shore of the Black Sea. Russia will not fire missiles into the coastal waters of NATO nations. Kh-22s range is 600 kilometers. The missiles are carried by Tu-22 jet and Tu-95 propeller driven aircraft. The Russians have to be careful and avoid Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles, which have already downed several multi-engine Russian aircraft in the Black Sea, but none carrying Kh-22 missiles. Russian attacks on grain ships and port facilities in Odessa have not seriously disrupted grain exports. Its costly to repair the damage on land and Russia does not want to seriously damage foreign grain ships because that would anger the shipping companies that also handle Russian grain exports. Ukraine manufactures some long range drones that can attack the Russian airfields where the Tu-22 and Tu-95 aircraft are based but the Americans, who are supplying far more of these missiles will not allow them to be used against targets, like military airfields, deep inside Russia. The United States fears such attacks with American missiles will anger Russia more than it already is. Thats absurd, but thats the way it currently is. The men accused of orchestrating a foiled assassination attempt against Donald Trump on Iran's behalf met each other while serving time in US prisons. Farhad Shakeri, 51, originally from Afghanistan, met his alleged co-conspirator Carlisle Rivera, 49, while serving time in New York state prisons. The duo have been charged alongside Rivera's 'associate' Jonathan Loadholt, 36, in connection to murder-for-hire plots against Trump. The trio used coded phone calls and secret meetings to additionally target Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad and two Jewish businessmen living in the US, according to their indictment. The document states that Shakeri met Rivera while in jail following his 1994 conviction for robbery, before he was introduced to Loadholt through Rivera. The men accused of orchestrating a foiled assassination attempt against Donald Trump as revenge for the murder of a top Iranian military official met each other while serving time in US prisons. Pictured: The aftermath of the 2020 killing The defendants overlapped while Shakeri was serving time at Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon, from 2004 to 2007. At the time Rivera was incarcerated for his second-degree murder conviction, officials said. The indictment also states the Shakeri met with a third alleged co-conspirator during a stint at Woodboume Correctional Facility between 1996 and 2002. The unnamed individual, who has not been charged in the indictment, was serving time for manslaughter. Shakeri has been identified by the FBI as the ringleader in the assassination plot. Special Agent Mathew Cruschz said he is an asset of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The attempt of Trump's life was designed to be revenge for the 2020 killing of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani, according to Cruschz. The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges on a thwarted plot by Iran to kill President-elect Donald Trump before the election Outrage over the 2020 assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani motivated Tehran to hatch a plot against Trump, the DOJ said 'I have learned that Shakeri has a network of criminal associates residing in the New York City area, developed during Shakeri's time in prison, that Shakeri has used in furtherance of IRGC assassination plots,' Cruschz wrote in the complaint. The disturbing documents unsealed by the Department of Justice Friday revealed the arsenal of weapons the assassins had at their disposal and the texts messages they sent each other to concoct their deadly plan. The trio also shared frightening voice messages, urging patience and detailing how they would follow their targets. Prosecutors laid out how Iran is using overseas agents to actively target Americans on U.S. soil for kidnapping and murder. Their aim is to try and silence dissidents critical of the regime, as well as hit back at at Soleimani's death. While Rivera and Loadholt have been arrested, Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be on the run in Iran. The Afghan-born suspect immigrated to the US as a child, but was booted out of the country in 2008 after he served 14 years for a robbery conviction. Activist and journalist Masih Alinejad was the secondary target in Iran's plot to assassinate Donald Trump, court documents reveal Pictures released by the DOJ show the cache of weapons the suspected hitmen had at their disposal Records on the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shows that his parole supervision ended in 2015. Just four years later he was arrested again in Sri Lanka in connection with the seizure of 92 kilograms of heroin, the indictment states. The IRGC tasked Shakeri with surveilling and killing Trump to avenge the devastating drone strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, in January 2020. Trump has been a target ever since Soleimani's slaying, and during the campaign asked for military planes and larger Secret Service detail to protect him from Iranian threats. In September he said he'd threaten to blow Iran 'to smithereens' if he was back in the White House and there were threats from Tehran. Shakeri was ordered to assassinate Trump with just a month until millions of Americans went to the polls on November 5. Trump assassination attempt pictures released by the government Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life However, he told the FBI in recorded phone calls he didn't plan to carry out the operation in the timeframe he was given. Shakeri was then told to delay the plot, because Iran thought Trump would lose the election and it would then be easier to get to him without his presidential Secret Service detail. It is unclear when Shakeri went back to Iran and how he managed to flee the United States. Green minister Lorna Slater negligently misrepresented the chances of the Deposit Return Scheme succeeding in order to keep a key contractor on board, a court was told. A judge heard Ms Slater needed waste company Biffa to commit to the doomed scheme in order to give it a purpose. In order to ensure the company stayed on board, she gave a written assurance about the schemes chances of being implemented, it was claimed. The Court of Session heard yesterday that Ms Slater did not mention that the scheme would need the final go-ahead from Westminster under the Internal Market Act. Former Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater has been accused of misrepresentation by waste company Biffa Biffa believes the Holyrood government is responsible for it incurring massive losses and it now suing ministers for 166million it sank into the collapsed scheme as well as other associated set-up costs. The firm believes the Scottish Government misrepresented the scheme when it assured Biffa it would go ahead. The company is said to have relied on personal assurances from Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater before deciding to invest in vehicles and equipment. The then Circular Economy Minister abandoned the botched project in June 2023 after the Conservative government in London refused to give the go ahead for it be implemented. Yesterday Advocate Roddy Dunlop KC, acting for Biffa Waste Services, claimed Ms Slater only gave the assurance because the scheme would be dead in the water without a well resourced contractor on board. Scotland's DRS scheme collapsed after Westminster refused to give it the go ahead Lawyers for the Scottish Ministers said Biffa had taken a commercial risk in becoming involved in the scheme is not entitled to a payout. But Biffa claims the Scottish Government negligently misrepresented the assurance it gave. Mr Dunlop told the court: Our position is that we did sign the contract in a situation of the assumption of responsibility. The minister was not required to give an assurance but she voluntarily did. She did so because she wanted Biffa on board. She must have known Biffa would act upon what she said. It is writing a letter that provides the assurances that not reflect the actuality of the situation. We know why she decided to write that letter. She wrote that letter as she needed the Deposit Return Scheme to have a purpose. She needed a contractor like Biffa - who was swithering about whether to become involved - to become involved. Mr Dunlop also claimed that Ms Slaters purpose in writing the letter to Biffa was to ensure the schemes success. He added: The simple fact of the matter is that the Ministers were very keen to have Biffa on board. Ms Slater cancelled the scheme in 2023 and Biffa claims this resulted in it losing millions Roddy Dunlop KC, acting for BIffa, told the Court of Session that the Scottish Goverment's legal arguments do not 'survive contact with reality' It was important for them politically and logistically to have a well resourced contractor like Biffa on board. Without that the Deposit Return Scheme was dead in the water. Earlier this week, the Scottish Governments advocate Gerry Moynihan KC said ministers do not have a duty of care to Biffa Waste Services Ltd. He said the Scottish Ministers had did everything in its power to bring the scheme into being and that Biffa had taken a commercial risk in its investment in the scheme. He added: There is a conflict between Biffas interest and the public interest. They (the Scottish Ministers) dont owe a duty of care to Biffa because it conflicts with their duty to pursue the public interest. Yesterday, Mr Dunlop claimed Mr Moynihan does not have a correct understanding of the law on the matter, adding: The defenders argument doesnt survive contact with reality. It is saying I know we have set a trap for you and you fell into the trap but thats just tough. Lord Clark said he would issue a decision on whether the case can proceed in the near future. A heartless Tennessee neighbor has been arrested for fatally shooting a Pomeranian with a pellet gun after the adorable pup wandered into his backyard. Riki Warren and her family were left devastated after their dog, Moose, escaped from their home in Gallatin on Sunday and roamed into a neighbor's backyard, only to become a target. Neighbor William Pate, 35, claimed he shot the dog to protect his three-year-old daughter, but later admitted that the pint-sized pet had never been aggressive. Moose was shot and killed by owner Riki Warren's neighbor after escaping from the family home Warren said: 'My poor sweet furball is gone. I'm glad he isn't suffering anymore but this shouldn't have happened! Please pray for my girls they are terrified to be home or even go home and keep crying that they want to move!' Warren told a Sumner County deputy that around 11.30am her daughter had yelled that Moose had escaped, and when she went outside to find him, she heard the dog crying. Warren said she saw the dog collapse in front of a home two doors down before running to grab Moose and bring him back inside, reported WKRN. An affidavit said that Warren's husband checked the dog over when he returned from work and found the entrance of the gunshot on the dog's back leg. The couple took the dog to an emergency veterinarian, where they were told the animal had internal bleeding and broken ribs. With no exit would, the dog was scheduled for removal surgery on November 4 but, according to court documents, they were told the pet may not survive the night. Warren said that the dog had escaped before and gone to Pate's house and that he had sent her hostile messages afterward over social media, WKRN reported. Warren said there had been no other incidents of the dog escaping from the house and added that Moose had never been aggressive with anyone. She messaged Pate asking if he knew what happened to the dog, but he told her he wasn't home and had no idea. Neighbor, William Pate, had originally said he didn't know what happened to the dog but eventually admitted to shooting Moose to protect his three-year-old daughter Pate had said the dog had never been aggressive, and Warren added that he 'loved children and everyone' Another neighbor, however, messaged Warren on Facebook saying that she noticed the dog running from the side of Pate's home and whimpering. According to the affidavit, the neighbor had seen Pate outside of his home and had noticed his garage door had been open, indicating he had been home all day, WKRN reported. According to court documents, Pate had been asked by the deputy for his side of the story. 'Mr. Pate advised me in the beginning that he was unsure on what had happened to the dog. Mr. Pate stated he believed it happened a neighborhood over. I explained to Mr. Pate with the size of the dog, and the round that the animal was hit with, it was impossible for the dog to make it that far with a severe injury.' Pate had also told the deputy he had been in and out of the house, contradicting what he had told Warren. Pate explained to the deputy that a Facebook post about Moose accused him of shooting the dog. 'I advised Mr. Pate that I had no concern over a Facebook post, and advised Mr. Pate he had to have seen something. Mr. Pate then stated "Do I want the dog shot? Yes"' the deputy said. Pate then admitted to shooting the dog, which he said was constantly on his property, to protect his daughter. The neighbor, who had seen the dog run from Pate's yard, said they had never seen the girl in the yard. Warren said the dog had never been violent or aggressive, and no 'animal at large' calls had ever been made concerning Moose. 'He loved children and everyone,' Warren said. 'He was a playful, spunky dog' 'He loved children and everyone,' Warren said. 'He was a playful, spunky dog.' A vigil to remember Moose was held on Thursday, Warren wrote on the Facebook: 'For anyone that has a pup come support my girls bring your dog on a leash for a vigil for Moose or just come and support our sweet girls.' Warren had also posted a collection of photos in a tribute to Moose: 'My poor sweet furball is gone. I'm glad he isn't suffering anymore but this shouldn't have happened! Please pray for my girls they are terrified to be home or even go home and keep crying that they want to move!' A friend commented and said: When I watched him that one time he was just so sweet and so friendly and wouldn't hurt a fly. I can't believe this happened. Praying for you guys.' Pate was arrested for aggravated animal cruelty with a pre-trial bond of $2,000. He has since been released from jail and is set for a court hearing on November 19. Growing numbers of senior Labour MPs are concerned about whether to vote in favour of legalising assisted dying. Darren Jones, Rachel Reeves's deputy at the Treasury, became the latest senior minister to say he would vote against the legislation adding to an increasing number of influential voices expressing their worries. He warned the proposals will not face enough time for debate due to the Bill's nature, with the draft to be released for scrutiny next week before a debate and first vote a fortnight later. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury joins other notable figures who have voiced similar doubts, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, veteran MP Diane Abbott, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has previously voted against changing the law, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also been critical. The Commons will vote on a Private Member's Bill (PMB) introduced by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater on November 29. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones has said he would vote against the bill Wes Streeting has said he will use his free vote to oppose the assisted dying law change Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is another Labour frontbencher who could vote againsy the bill Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has also voiced doubts about the bill The bill was introduced by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and is a free vote for MPs High-profile voices for change include Dame Esther Rantzen, while the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and actor and disability campaigner Liz Carr have voiced their opposition. Pictured: Campaigners protest outside Parliament in Westminster, London, earlier this year The Prime Minister who is in favour of changing the law has made it a free vote, meaning MPs can vote with their conscience. The matter is likely to polarise Parliament with MPs bringing their own views and those held by their constituents. Mr Jones said: 'My view is that a PMB is not the right way to try to introduce a change in law on such a complex issue. 'I therefore plan to either abstain or vote against the Bill on these grounds.' The San Francisco Democrat wanted an open primary after Biden's drop out Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi twisted the knife even further into President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Friday by suggesting Democrats should have gotten the opportunity to pick another candidate. The 84-year-old also said that if Biden had dropped out earlier, the party she has led for decades would have had time to weigh its options. The devastating comments from the California lawmaker to the New York Times come as civil war has erupted in the Democratic Party - and between the Biden and Harris camps - over Donald Trump's rout. Pelosi's admission that she did not want Harris to automatically become the nominee after Biden's mid-July drop-out appears to be damage control by the longtime Democratic kingmaker after this week's embarrassing loss. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., arrives as supporters wait to hear Vice President Kamala Harris concede the election, at Howard University on November 06, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The veteran lawmaker admitted that she wanted the president's campaign cancellation, which she helped orchestrate, to go a different way. 'Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race,' Pelosi said. 'The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary.' That primary would have allowed many different Democratic candidates to throw their hats in the ring and make their case to the delegates. An array of candidates appeared to be in the offings, some floated Michelle Obama, others said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom denied that he had would replace Biden earlier this year when pressed by DailyMail.com, though many reports indicate he is a top prospect. Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she delivers remarks, conceding 2024 U.S. presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump Pelosi was seen in a heated conversation with Democratic insiders at Harris' concession speech. Above she is seen in a tense moment with Donna Brazile, the former DNC boss, as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser watched on Pelosi and Biden sat far away from each other at Ethel Kennedy's funeral last month But that primary never happened. Immediately following Biden's announcement on July 21 that he would not be seeking reelection after all, he endorsed his vice president. Reports indicate that Pelosi's plan was to have the party march forward with the primary, and Biden's rapid and unexpected endorsement derailed Pelosi's plan. 'And because the president endorsed Kamala Harris immediately, that really made it almost impossible to have a primary at that time,' Pelosi shockingly admitted. 'If it had been much earlier, it would have been different.' 'That didnt happen,' the lawmaker said. 'We live with what happened.' Pelosi said Harris may have won the open primary, though it would not have been a certainty. 'And as I say, Kamala may have, I think she would have done well in that and been stronger going forward,' Pelosi continued. 'But we dont know that.' Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, walk together Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on February 26, 2020 The former speaker, who just this week won her 20th consecutive House race, also bashed progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for his damning critique that Democrats are abandoning working-class voters. 'Bernie Sanders has not won,' she said. Sanders famously came in second to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary. He also ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2020. 'With all due respect, and I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I dont respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working-class families.' A Georgia killer murdered an innocent man in a random parking lot in 2022 because he was gay, authorities have claimed. Brian Marquel Greene, 28, was convicted killing Glenn Eugene Stevens on March 23 and Elijah Rasheed on March 31 in random shootings this year. He was arrested in early April 2022 and after a lengthy trial, prosecutors have finally been able to determine why he shot Rasheed dead. On the tragic night, the victim and a few of his friends were at a Family Dollar on Napier Avenue in Macon to buy a bag of ice. Brian Marquel Greene, 28, was convicted killing Glenn Eugene Stevens on March 23 and Elijah Rasheed on March 31 in seemingly random shootings this year As the car was pulling out of the parking lot, Greene was seen on surveillance video lifting a gun and shooting a single shot from his 9mm gun toward their car. The bullet went through the trunk and into Rasheeds back. His friends took him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Prosecutor Michael Parrish told the court that the murderer and Rasheed had made eye contact when Greene was going to his car, but they never exchanged any words. 'We are here to convict a spree killer. Thats what he did. He went on a run. He had a week. He went to commit an armed robbery, possibly a carjacking, and killed someone. A week later, he sees someone, makes eye contact with them, and kills them too', he said. The bullet went through the trunk and into Rasheeds back. His friends took him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries Ultimately during proceedings, they concluded that Rasheed had been brutally murdered because he was a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The prosecution believes that Stevens was murdered with the same pistol for a separate reason. The 34-year-old man was on a first date with a woman, and the couple were listening to music in his car. Suddenly, the wild gunmen approached them and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. The prosecution believes that Stevens was murdered with the same pistol for a separate reason Prosecutors said the brave man tried to stop the robbery and Greene shot him three times - killing him instantly. The other woman called 911 and tried to perform chest compressions on Stevens to no avail. She remain uninjured and testified against him in court. Apart from murder, Greene was found guilty of aggravated assault for the other victims and for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He has not yet been sentenced for his crimes but potentially faces life with or without parole. A Chinese national has been arrested for attempting to bypass security at Mar-a-Lago to speak with Donald Trump. Zijie Li, 39, from Los Angeles, was arrested about 5.15pm on Thursday after making multiple attempts over the past five months to get past security. Li has repeatedly claimed he wanted to speak with Trump. Just last week he was placed under the Baker Act - which allows for a person to be involuntarily held and to receive mental health treatment when they are considered a threat to themselves or others. He was later released and given a bond which prevented him from going within 500 feet of Trump or Mar-a-Lago. Zijie Li, 39, from Los Angeles , was arrested on Thursday after making multiple attempts over the past five months to get past security Li first attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago on July 19, days after the assassination attempt on Trump's life But just eight days later he tried his luck again, attempting to pass through the Mar-a-Lago checkpoint as a passenger in a rideshare. For the latest incident, his bond has been set at $100,000. As of Friday morning, he remained in custody at Palm Beach County Jail. Li first attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago on July 19, days after the assassination attempt on Trump's life. He was seen placing paperwork on cars about Trump on July 30, and on July 31 he was arrested for trespassing. Last week, he approached a Florida homeowner and asked her if she was a member of Mar-a-Lago, urging her to help him get inside. She refused and called police, who took him to receive a mental health evaluation. Li first attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago on July 19, days after the assassination attempt on Trump's life The Chinese national told Secret Service he had key information relating to the assassination attempt that he wanted to pass on to Trump. The president-elect has been celebrating the outcome of the vote inside the Florida estate, where he waited out the vote count with his family and closest advisors. Boats from the US Coast Guard are patrolling the waterways near the property, as well as a robotic dog. The Secret Service announced in a statement to Newsweek that security measures would be ramped up for Trump in the wake of his win on November 5. The president-elect has been celebrating the outcome of the vote inside the Florida estate, where he waited out the vote count with his family and closest advisors Boats from the US Coast Guard are also patrolling the waterways near the property While Trump was already receiving increased security protection after surviving two assassination attempts during the campaign, that will ramp up again between now and his inauguration. Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi told the publication: 'The President-elect has been receiving heightened Secret Service protection and this level of security will be maintained moving forward. 'While we cannot share specific details to ensure the integrity of our operations, family members and executive staff of the President-elect may also be afforded protection in accordance with federal law.' He specifically noted security measures were ramping up in Palm Beach County, Florida, where Mar-a-Lago is located. 'Enhanced security measures around Palm Beach County, Florida and New York City are also being coordinated. The Secret Service is committed to working with local partners in these cities to keep the community informed about any potential impacts to the public,' he said. Debenhams has been forced to remove a controversial 'Gay In A Manger' Christmas jumper from its website after protests from Christians. The purple sweatshirt, which was created by alternative clothing brand Grindstore, also featured a print of a rainbow a symbol of the LGBT+ community. Debenhams quickly pulled the 38.99 jumper from its website as well as a 14.99 Gay In A Manger mug as criticism mounted on social media. The products are also sold across Amazon and some other retailers. Norfolk-based Grindstore whose products were listed on debenhams.com by seller Pertemba Global has pulled several other Christian-themed products from its page, including 'Ah-men' cards and a 'Bad Religion' T-shirt with Jesus riding a chopper motorbike. Christian groups yesterday criticised the store for allowing the merchandise to be sold on its site. Debenham's purple 'A Gay In A Manger' Christmas jumper, which has now been pulled from its website after a backlash from Christian groups Christian advocacy groups called for the company behind the products sold in Debenhams to be boycotted (file photo) Former Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'Debenhams would not mock Islam in this way.' Rikki Doolan, a pastor at Spirit Embassy church in Tottenham, north London, posted on X: 'What makes you think @Debenhams that it is OK to insult the Christian faith in such a disgusting way as this? Do you think it's right to freely mock our faith and God like this? We as British Christians will not tolerate this.' Andrea Williams, of advocacy group Christian Concern, said: 'The company producing these products should be boycotted.' Debenhams said: 'We are aware that a product line featured on our marketplace has raised some questions. In line with our policies, we are reviewing the products and have temporarily paused them while we investigate.' Among critics of the Christian-themed products was former Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees Mogg (pictured) Grindstore said: 'As a small business we are always open to listening to feedback. 'We have now removed the highlighted products, our apologies...the intention was not to offend or insult anyone.' Debenhams left the high street in 2021 after struggling to recover from the pandemic. It was bought by Boohoo but the deal excluded all 118 remaining UK shops. In 2017, bakery chain Greggs apologised for offending Christians with a nativity scene ad that replaced Jesus with a sausage roll. Tim Walz gave his first remarks since his and Kamala Harris' brutal 2024 presidential election defeat vowing to jump back in the fight for Minnesota as Donald Trump prepares to take power. The Minnesota Governor broke his silence with a speech back in his home state surrounded by supporters. His wife Gwen gave a teary introduction before he took the stage. I dont know about you, but Ive had a week, Walz started out by cracking a joke. Walz gained international prominence after Vice President Kamala Harris picked him as her running mate back in August. The 60-year-old started out by thanking her for putting her faith in him and for running the joyful campaign as well as her friendship. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and wife Gwen waving at supporters after giving their first remarks after the presidential election loss Your browser does not support iframes. The governor also thanked his Minnesota and campaign staff and all of the supporters who backed the Democratic ticket. Its hard to lose. Its hard to understand while so many of our fellow citizens, people we have fought so long and hard form wound up choosing the other path. It's hard to reckon with what that path looks like over the next four years, he said. Walz encouraged people to take the time for themselves and their loved ones. Whenever youre ready to get back in that fight, Ill be standing right here ready to fight the fight with you, he vowed. Walz said despite the deep disappointment at the loss, he has never felt more inspired, motivated and 'fired up for whats possible in this country.' He shared how he got to travel the entire country the past few months and meet with Americans. His takeaway from the whirlwind campaign is that people really all want the same things in life. He talked about meaningful work, good schools, affordable health care and more. I think most of all, and you saw it in a very deep way, people want freedom to live their lives the way the want to live them, Walz said. Governor Tim Walz with Vice President Kamala Harris at their first campaign event after she named him her running mate on August 6 in Philadelphia, PA Walz said Minnesota has always been there and always will be to provide shelter from the storm' While the governor talked about his hope and keeping an open mind on what's to come, he also warned the state needs to be ready for the Trump administration. The moment they try and bring a hateful agenda in this state, Im going to stand ready to stand up and fight for the way we do things here, he said. He said Minnesota has always been there and always will be to provide shelter from the storm. Walz noted there were 1.5 million Minnesotans that voted for Trump and Vance in the election. He said while there is not room for the most extreme elements of their agenda, he called for a place for everyone to be heard. Now that this election is behind us, Im going to try even harder to keep an open mind, open heart and really listen to folks who dont support me or my policies, to work with everyone in the legislature to seek compromise and common ground because thats how we come back together after such a long time spent fighting each other,' he said. The governor struck a largely positive and optimistic note, but that did not stop him from getting in one more dig at his rival Vice President-election JD Vance, pointing out he knows how to order donuts. It was a reference to one of Vance's most cringey moments on the campaign trail. Before Walz spoke he was introduced by his wife Gwen, who also campaigned hard over the past few months to help Democrats. 'Kamala Harris is a remarkable leader,' Minnesota's first lady said in her teary introduction. 'She would have been a remarkable president.' She said she was so thankful to get to know the vice president and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Walz told supporters it is ok to feel sad and scared and give themselves the 'grace to grieve.' The Minnesota First Lady also said the work continues to keep Minnesota safe and inclusive and strong. 'We cannot and we will not give up this fight,' she said to cheers. While these were the first public remarks by both Tim and Gwen Walz since the election loss, they were there when Harris conceded the election in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Governor Tim Walz with Gwen and daughter Hope standing alongside Doug Emhoff as Vice President Harris gave her concession speech on Wednesday Both were visibly emotional as they stood next to Emhoff and other family members in the crowd at Howard University. Their kids Hope, 23, and Gus, 18, also have been engaging with followers on social media. Their daughter posted a series of TikToks where she talked about how the country did not deserve Harris, but they are all going to be ok. A new search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 could resume off the West Australian coast after the country's transport minister revealed they were in final negotiations with an ocean exploration company. Flight MH370 went missing after it departed Kuala Lumpur about 12.45am on March 8, 2014. It was headed for Beijing but disappeared in airspace over the South China Sea with 239 people on-board. Speaking in Malaysia's parliament this week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government had been reviewing a proposal from US exploration company Ocean Infinity. Mr Loke said based on the latest information and analysis from experts and researchers, Ocean Infinity's search proposal was credible and being considered by the government. 'The government is currently in negotiations with the US-based company Ocean Infinity, which proposed in June to resume undersea search operations for the aircraft,' he said. 'This would target a new 15,000sqkm in the southern Indian Ocean under a 'no find, no fee' arrangement.' The search mission is expected to cost up to $104million, but under the 'no find, no fee' principle, the Malaysian government would not be required to pay the company if no aircraft wreckage was found. 'The terms and costs requested are in the same draft agreement currently being negotiated between the government and Ocean Infinity,' Mr Loke said. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pictured) said the government was reviewing a proposal from US exploration company Ocean Infinity to start a new search for MH370 A three-year search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 off the West Australia coast failed to locate the missing plane and was called off in January 2017 Should it be finalised, cabinet approval will be required, and I will make a public announcement.' Earlier this year, remembrance services were held on the 10th anniversary of the plane's disappearance. November 7, 2024: The Russian Black Sea fleet disappeared from the Black Sea in 2023. Russian warships are still in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov extension in the northeast, and the more distant naval base at Novorossiysk, but rarely move out of port, even for a few days. What keeps these Russian Navy ships from going to sea is a very real threat of attack by Ukrainian USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles), also known as sea drones. That is changing as Russia developed methods to detect and destroy Ukrainian drones from helicopters. This is done by first-person view (FPV) drones from helicopters. This enables the Russian FPV drone operator to destroy Ukrainian Sea Baby, Mother, and MAGURA USVs. Ukrainian USVs have been used to attack the vital Kerch Strait Bridge using UAVs armed with 320 to 850 kg of explosives. These USVs are no longer used just for delivering explosives against a target, as they can also be used for reconnaissance when equipped with video cameras that broadcast what they see back to the USV operator. Some USVs have been armed with small rocket launchers. Malyuk has a range of over 700 kilometers, which means it is suitable for operations on the high seas. Endurance is about 60 hours, and top speed is over 70 kilometers an hour. MAGURA has similar characteristics. Mamai was used in a long range attack at the distant naval base at Novorossiysk on Russias Black Sea eastern coast, which is a thousand kilometers from Crimea. Ukraine has been developing subsurface USVs since before the Russian invasion and in early 2023 the first one, the Toloka2 TK-150 was introduced. This USV was 2.5 meters long and equipped with a sensor mast that remained above the surface for navigation and to identify targets. Toloka2 can also carry a small explosive warhead. Ukraine also developed the larger Marichka subsurface USV that is 6 meters long and one meter in diameter. Ukraine has planned for a Western manufacturer to build and weaponize Ukrainian USVs. Ukrainian USVs have been quite successful in attacking and sinking or disabling Russian navy ships. Most of the Russian Black Sea Fleet ships have been damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian USVs and missiles. Most long-range attacks have been against targets in the Kerch Strait, including the eighteen kilometer long Kerch Strait bridge, which has been repeatedly attacked by Ukrainian USVs. While the Russians repair damage to the bridge as quickly as they can, Ukrainian attacks come more frequently creating more periods where the bridge has to be repaired. The Ukrainians have been unable to destroy stretches of the bridge completely but lesser damage makes the bridge unusable and repairs are more frequent. The Kerch Strait bridge is a vital supply line for Russian forces in the Crimean Peninsula. Sending supplies by sea is no longer practical because of the risk of attack by Ukrainian USVs. This leaves the Kerch Strait bridge and when that is out of commission, the only supply route is a road from Russia that is under observation by the Ukrainians, who can attack supply movements at any time. The only effective protection from USV attacks is the installation of multiple 25mm or 30mm automatic cannon gun mounts that are automated and use advanced AI and sensors. The guns are able to point downward towards waters close to the hull. This makes it possible for the autocannon to fire on UAVs that get very close to the ship. Russia recently began using weapons like this, from ships as well as helicopters. These are the same helicopters that also drop FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian USVs. Donald Trump spoke candidly about his relationship with the British Royal Family during his presidential campaign, behind-the-scenes footage has revealed. Sat inside the private jet he used to travel between rallies, the 78-year-old president-elect opened up about his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth, King Charles and Queen Camilla. In a new video circulating online after his stunning US election victory over rival Kamala Harris, Trump reminisces on the time he has spent with the royals by flicking through an old photo album. Trump, former First Lady Melania, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka and her husband Jared, Eric and his wife Lara, and Tiffany Trump joined the Royal Family for a lavish banquet at Buckingham Palace in June 2019. Showing off a picture of himself with the royals at the banquet, Trump recalled: 'This was with Queen Elizabeth, she was always fantastic by the way. These images, I mean who has images like this? And these were relationships.' Trump then turned the page to a photo of him and the then Prince of Wales, Charles, and said: 'He's now the King, here's Charles with the guard.' Donald Trump spoke candidly about his relationship with the British Royal Family during his presidential campaign. He was filmed looking through a photo album which included pictures of him with the royals Donald Trump and the late Queen Elizabeth raise a toast at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in June 2019 Trump and his wife Melania are pictured alongside Charles and Camilla, the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Moving back to another picture from his 2019 state visit to England, Trump said: 'This is Queen Elizabeth, it's a piece of history at the highest level.' He then flicked through to a photo of him and his wife Melania alongside Charles and Camilla. He said: 'Here's Charles, so beautiful. And they'll see the most beautiful places in the world, there are no places like this. Hopefully he's going to be well because he's a really good person. Camilla is fantastic. You get to know them so well.' Trump finished by showing a famous photo of him laughing with Queen Elizabeth at a State dinner, recalling: 'This is your favourite president with the Queen, she was unbelievable, she was great, we had a very good relationship, really good.' The video has been taken from Tucker Carlson's The Art of the Surge, which offers behind-the-scenes footage of Trump's reelection campaign. The clip was posted on X, owned by pro-Trump billionaire Elon Musk, as the president-elect continues to hunker down in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, following his remarkable political comeback. Despite legal woes and controversies, Trump is only the second former president to win a second term after leaving the White House. The first was Grover Cleveland, who served two four-year terms starting in 1885 and 1893. Trump's comments about the Royal Family come after the Mail revealed that Prince Harry's immigration documents may finally be made public now that he will no longer be shielded by Joe BIden's White House. Donald Trump speaks to the late Queen Elizabeth during a D-Day event in Portsmouth in 2019 Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth, Melania Trump, Charles and Camilla at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019 Trump spoke candidly about his relationship with the Queen, who passed away in 2022 A Trump presidency means the Heritage Foundation is more likely to win its long-running bid for the Duke of Sussex's records which until now has been blocked by the outgoing president's administration. Speaking to DailyMail.com after Trump's historic victory, Nile Gardiner, Director of The Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, said he believes there is now a 'strong possibility' the think tank will be able to successfully appeal the decision. Harry's visa application was first called into question after he admitted in his 2023 memoir to using various drugs recreationally something he would've been required to disclose in immigration documents. The right-wing think tank claimed Harry's admissions could have made him ineligible for entry to the US and sued the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the agency, which oversees immigration, refused to disclose a Freedom of Information request for Harry's files. In September a judge ruled that the files are to remain private for now - a decision Heritage is now appealing. 'I do think there's a strong possibility that this could happen. It's the president's prerogative,' Gardiner said. Also the new Homeland Security Secretary could order a review of Harry's immigration application. Queen Elizabeth greets Donald Trump during a state visit to England in June 2019 'There are multiple things that could happen but it would be in the best interests of the American people if the Trump administration releases Prince Harry's records for public scrutiny and Harry should be held to account'. Last month, however, Eric Trump suggested Prince Harry's visa would be safe because 'no one cares' about the Duke or his 'unpopular' wife Meghan. The ex-president's second son, 40, told the Daily Mail that his father Donald 'loved the Queen' and lamented how Harry had done a 'huge detriment' to the royal family after turning his back on the UK. But Eric said that Harry shouldn't have to worry about being deported if his father was re-elected, which he now has been. 'Truthfully I don't give a damn about Prince Harry and I don't think this country does either,' Eric said on October 29. 'My father loved the Queen and I think the monarchy is an incredibly beautiful thing.' He added: 'The late Queen was amazing. The way she welcomed my father with open arms was, like, beyond.' Donald's second son said that his father was also fond of King Charles and that His Majesty had previously visited Mar-a-Lago, the Trump estate in Palm Beach, Florida. 'We've known the King forever. In fact, I was just digging through a photo album not too long ago and I came across a picture of him with my father, I'm six years old in the lobby of Mar-a-Lago,' Eric said. He also praised William and Kate, stating that the future King had never 'made a misstep' while his wife 'conducts herself so incredibly well and has been such a rock in the next generation of the family.' I purchased my home in November 2023, and when I viewed it, understood it was next to a tyre fitting garage, with a shared driveway. I understood parking would be on a 'first come, first served' basis and asked the vendors if there were any issues with the garage. They said there were no problems. Since then, life has been extremely difficult to the point where I am considering leaving and renting the property out. I cannot sell as I am in a fixed-term mortgage. Aside from the noise, stemming from drilling all day and loud machinery noise seven days a week, my main issue is parking. Staff also constantly leave rubbish, tyres and other items in our shared driveway and at the side of my house. A This is Money reader lives next to a tyre fitting garage and is enduring a slew of problems I live on a residential street and residents cannot park outside of their own homes or nearby due to the garage using all of the spaces for cars they are working on. Two cars have been permanently parked right outside my home for over a month now without being moved. I have to park my car around the corner from my home on another street which is difficult with a toddler, baby and shopping. I've contacted the council multiple times and been told there is nothing it can do. It won't clamp the cars which are not taxed or MOT'd as it doesn't have the resources. When I've complained to the council about the rubbish and fly-tipping, it told me there is nothing it can do as it is on private land. Surely, there must be something that someone in authority can do to stop this? Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: The distress your circumstances are causing you is palpable. You feel your only option is to move in order to get some peace and quiet and escape the fly-tipping, garage noise and lack of parking. Yes, you purchased a property next to a tyre garage. This came with risks, but perhaps at the time you viewed the property, it was a quieter day. Plus, the vendors did not disclose any problems to you during the purchase process. It can be intimidating dealing with a situation like this. However, if you haven't already, do try and hold a formal in-person meeting with the person in charge of the garage. If it's a chain, get in touch with the head office and get the matter escalated. Keep persisting with the council too. Also, check your property deeds to see what is and isn't permitted at the premises. Legal redress may be limited and very expensive. I asked two legal experts for their take on your situation. Starting point: Solicitor Joanne Ellis thinks the reader should look at the property deeds Joanne Ellis, a partner at Stephensons Solicitors, says: I am sorry to learn about the issues you have been facing in your home. Often when we purchase a property it can take a little while to uncover issues that, in all likelihood, would have made us reconsider had we known about them beforehand. If you haven't already done so, you could approach the business owner directly to flag your concerns. While this is unlikely to stop the noise, they may agree to move the vehicles off the road or remove any rubbish which is encroaching onto your land. If this is unsuccessful, the first thing I would say is to carefully look through the documentation you received when you purchased the property. The deeds are a good starting point. They should, for instance, set out what the situation is in respect of the shared driveway. Often, there will be covenants in place to prevent any storage or items being left on the driveway, as well as covenants not to cause nuisance or annoyance that the garage may be in breach of. If there has been any misrepresentation from the sellers, you may be able to bring a claim against them. I would also suggest familiarising yourself with what was disclosed by the seller of the property. There are set questions within the legal documents which ask the seller to highlight any issues with neighbours. If there has been any misrepresentation from the sellers, you may be able to bring a claim against them. I note you've struggled to get much back from your local authority. Sometimes persistence does pay off, so it is worth exploring and often expiring all options. One thing you could do is look to see if the garage is abiding by the terms set out in its planning permission. The council should be able to assist with this. They can also help with any noise pollution issues. As this is noise from a commercial premises, these types of issues are usually investigated by environmental health teams. With respect to parking, sadly your options are limited. If the road doesn't fall within an existing residential parking scheme, you could join forces with neighbours to ask your local authority to set one up. This may force the hand of the garage to remove the vehicles from the road. If, as you say, the vehicles are parked on a public road without an MOT or tax then that is illegal. These should be kept on private property. Cars without an MOT can be reported to the police and those without tax reported online. Expert: Olivia Egdell-Page says councils must look into complaints of anti-social behaviour Olivia Egdell-Page, a partner at Joseph A Jones & Co, says: Getting in and out of the house with a baby and toddler is tricky enough, from my own experience, so I am sorry to hear that you are having such difficulties. I note that you feel the council have not been helpful in their response to date. Within their definition of 'anti-social behaviour', the council in question here include both fly tipping and also commercial noise, both of which are relevant to your situation. Councils must look into complaints of anti-social behaviour that could be a statutory nuisance, as defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. For the noise to constitute a statutory nuisance it must either unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or injure health or be likely to do so. If the council agrees that a statutory nuisance is occurring, it will serve an abatement notice. This requires whoever is responsible to stop or restrict the noise. The notice will usually be served on the person responsible but can also be served on the owner or occupier of the premises. The difficulty is that the noise pollution you refer to is linked to the use of the premises as a tyre fitting service. Send us your property question We'd love to hear from you if you have a property question and want to find out what the experts have to say on the matter. Whether you have neighbour woes, are looking to update or move home, or perhaps you can't decide how to sort out an extension or make a room look bigger, we want to hear from you. If you are a prospective first-time buyer or already on the housing ladder and have a property quandary, get in touch. Email editor@thisismoney.co.uk Please put PROPERTY in the subject line. Advertisement Arguably, as you purchased the property in full knowledge of the proximity of this business, and the fact that the noise presumably does not exceed what you would expect for a business of this type, there may be limited powers of enforcement. Regarding the fly-tipping, I'm afraid the council are correct here as clearing fly tipping from private land is the responsibility of the landowner. If you are responsible for land or are a private landowner, you must ensure that your land is as secure as is practically possible. Penalties for fly-tipping will apply if you allow someone to fly-tip on your land, and so you may wish to look at securing the property to prevent this continuing. As to the issue with parking, this will depend on the parking restrictions in place on your street. Where parking is limited to those holding a permit, for example, this will be subject to additional controls and so it may then be possible to prohibit parking for unauthorised vehicles. Where parking is unrestricted, however, your options are more limited unless the vehicles are abandoned or obstructing access to and from your driveway, which I gather is not the case here. Legal action can be costly and is likely to worsen any relationship between you and the business owner. It is advisable to resolve the problem in an amicable way, and for legal action to be a last resort. Please also be aware that you will be required to disclose any correspondence sent or received in respect of the property and also to share details of any claims or legal action when you sell your home, which does have the potential to deter prospective purchasers. If you do wish to move away from the property in the next couple of years, you must, therefore, weigh up the benefits of pursuing this further against the potential impact on the saleability of the property. Many Australians are coming to the realisation they will be living in apartments - rather than a house with a backyard - for the rest of their lives thanks to sky-high property prices. And while there's nothing wrong with raising a family in a flat, it definitely pays to do your research and make sure you're not forking out a hundreds of thousands of dollars for a lemon. Australia's record-high immigration levels mean state governments are now overriding local councils and building high-rise residential towers near train stations, in a bid to boost housing supply and ease the affordability crisis. Meanwhile, the Albanese government is falling short of its housing target of 240,000 new homes per year until 2029 - just 167,280 new homes were approved in the year to September 2024 - creating political pressure to ramp up building activity. This increased pressure is only going to result in more apartments with more defects. Strata law specialist Stephen Goddard says Labor's political goals are a threat to future apartment owners. 'The interests of the construction industry have become so aligned with the national economic interest that consumer protection is no more than roadkill in the corridors of government,' he tells me. 'Governments, both state and federal, have for generations seen the construction industry as a mechanism for economic stimulus creating employment and consumer activity.' A resident being evacuated from Mascot Towers in Sydney If you're looking to spend about $650,000, you can become the owner of a small apartment in Sydney. Alternatively, you could buy a house interstate for the same amount and rent it out The Albanese government's target of building 1.2 million 'well-located' homes from 2024 to 2029 has never been achieved before. The closest was building 1.05 million between 2015 and 2020. This coincided with the Opal Tower fiasco at Sydney Olympic Park in 2018 which saw residents evacuated from the brand new 392-apartment complex on Christmas Eve - just four months after completion. Cracking walls were discovered and 3,000 residents from the 36-storey tower, and surrounding buildings, had to be evacuated. The developer, Icon, spent more than $42million relocating residents. The Mascot Towers fiasco happened a year later, in 2019, leading to the evacuation of 132 households from an 11-year-old building also as a result of cracking in a complex near an underground train station. Worryingly, more than half - or 53 per cent - of new apartment buildings had serious defects in 2023, up from 39 per cent in 2021, a Building Commission NSW report found. That was based on residential blocks built over the past six years with poor waterproofing, fire safety, structural integrity, non-compliant cladding and problems with plumbing, lifts and electrical connections listed as the most common faults. To be really safe, Mr Goddard advises his clients to avoid buying any apartment that has been built since private certifiers replaced council inspectors in 1998. A building boom coincided with the Opal Tower fiasco at Sydney Olympic Park in 2018 which saw residents evacuated from the brand new 392-apartment complex on Christmas Eve - just four months after completion 'I used to advise clients not to acquire a strata lot in a building newer than 10 years of age,' he explains. 'The conventional wisdom was that structural defects would expose themselves within that period. 'On the evidence, structural defects are now occurring much later - giving rise to a conversation about whether this was a building defect or simply fair wear-and-tear.' Buying an apartment? These are the green flags to look for It's all about supply Buying in a suburb that isn't overrun with high-rises means you're more likely to sell at a profit. It's a case of supply and demand: if there are fewer units on the market, yours will become more valuable over time. Check development plans Just because the unit you're looking at isn't surrounded by high-rises pushing down prices doesn't mean this won't happen in the future. Look out for state government plans for more high-density living - especially if you're eyeing up an apartment near a train station. This is because the Albanese government has specific plans to build more units next to transport links in the coming years. Buy where there are more houses than units A leafy suburb with lots of houses but only few units is a great place to buy an apartment. With less competition for flats, prices are likely to soar. Ignore studios and one-bedders It's worth stretching your budget to buy a two-bedroom unit; they go up in value in ways studio flats and one-bedders just don't. This is because Millennial and Gen Z parents - who generally can't afford a house but can buy an apartment - won't want to raise children in anything smaller than a two-bedder. When was it built? Building standards fell through the floor when private certifiers replaced council inspectors in the late 1990s. It's always best to buy in a unit block constructed before this time. Advertisement Mr Goddard says units built before 1998 are more likely to be free of serious faults. 'Building defect issues did not exist pre-1998,' he tells me. 'In the old days, construction used to occur with the assistance of a "clerk of works" and the involvement of local government. 'The clerk of works existed for the purpose of certifying to the client lender that progress payments could be made because the building code had been met to that point.' The Opal and Mascot towers problems are far from the most common faults in new apartment buildings after private certifiers replaced council inspectors in New South Wales in 1998. Robert Speirs-Ferrari, who has four decades' experience as a building consultant inspecting for structural and waterproofing faults, says problems with apartment buildings typically occur after the seven-year structural warranty has expired. 'Things don't sort of happen until after the warranty period,' he adds. 'When you get up to 10 years, that's when things start really going expensive on rectification of defects. There's shoddy work.' Shari Driver, the chief executive of the Owners Corporation Network, advises prospective apartment owners to only buy a unit that has been passed by the Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool - an industry body that gives star ratings to developers. This enables apartment buyers to see how many stars out of five their unit builder was given. Developers that fail to score a three-star gold rating or above, from ICIRT, are regarded as having quality issues and are reluctant to fix faults. 'A low number of stars shows that the company or team exhibits higher risk or low-trust characteristics,' it states. Buyers of new apartment buildings are also advised to take out latent defect insurance which covers problems for 10 years. 'Buying an apartment can still feel like a lottery,' Ms Driver tells me. 'It used to be that a million dollars would mean you were set for life.' With quality-control problems, owners corporations are having to dig into their sinking funds to repair shoddy work. 'These days, be ready for a million dollars more in repairs - payable by extra strata levies - if you buy from into a complex with serious defects,' Ms Driver says. Water ingress occurs when water makes its way into a building, causing problems from structural faults to mould Here are some problems veteran building inspector Robert Speirs-Ferrari has observed in newer, high-rise apartments: Water ingress Water ingress occurs when water makes its way into a building, causing problems from structural faults to mould. 'It's to do with waterproofing membranes that go on to concrete slab balconies and also concrete slab roofs,' Speirs-Ferrari says. 'If you've got a flat concrete roof or concrete balconies and terraces and all those things, there's got to be a waterproofing membrane put down. 'If they put tiling over it, they're the ones that have the problems with leakage and faulty work, and they're very expensive to rectify.' The Building Diagnosis Centre, which Mr Speirs-Ferrari runs, is currently helping to fix a unit block at Cammeray on Sydney's lower north shore, with the owners' corporation facing a repair bill of $250,000. In newer buildings, balustrades are not bolted on properly to concrete balconies Balcony balustrades not bolted on properly In newer buildings, balustrades, particularly glass ones, are not being bolted on properly to concrete balconies. In the worse-case scenario, a balustrade can fall over the balcony, threatening the safety of those below. But in a high-rise apartment building, refitting the balustrading on hundreds of units can be very costly, leaving an owners corporation with a bill running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Cracking in brick walls occurs when the builder hasn't allow space for expansion joints (pictured is Mascot Towers in Sydney) Cracking in walls Cracking in brick walls occurs when the builder hasn't allow space for expansion joints. Thermal movement in soil, as a result of temperature changes, means that without these expansion joints - segmenting the wall into sections - cracking occurs. 'There's nowhere for the walls to move into a space so they will buckle and crack,' Mr Speirs-Ferrari says. Shrinkage cracking Shrinkage cracking occurs when concrete or waterproofing hasn't been allowed enough time to settle and cure. This leads to cracking concrete on balconies or internal areas of a unit block. 'So, they put the next stage of the work on top of it before it's ready to be put on it - rushing to get the timeline done quickly,' Mr Speirs-Ferrari tells me. Foundations are often not installed deeply enough into the soil Foundations not installed properly Foundations are often not installed deeply enough into the soil. This problem is more common with houses rather than high-rise apartments, which require more extensive excavation to install piers with the expertise of geotechnical engineers. 'Failing to dig the foundations properly, not making sure the soil or the clay is firm enough and compacted enough before they pour the concrete footings, is occurring,' he says. 'It may not be compressed properly and they just throw the concrete on top and that concrete will tend to want to settle in the soft spots. 'It's mainly residential housing, not so much with units and big buildings.' Water can seep in around the foundations from the moisture in the soil. If the water seepage is not diverted to flow down the side of the property, the foundations can be undermined. 'The foundations are moving about, they're resettling,' Mr Speirs-Ferrari says. 'If you resettle something, it means it's uneven. That in turn causes cracking in the walls above.' This differential cracking situation is more likely to occur on badly fitted foundations dug into soil but not rock. Robert Speirs-Ferrari, who has more than four decades' experience as a building inspector, says problems with apartment buildings typically occur after the seven-year structural warranty has expired - and blamed private certifiers replacing council inspectors What has caused quality problems? In late 1997, a first-term Labor government in New South Wales amended the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act so private certifiers instead of local council inspectors ensured building work complied with design requirements. A new private certification scheme came into effect in July 1998, copying a system that had already existed in South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory in a bid to speed up the construction process. 'We never had this problem when the council inspectors were running around,' Mr Speirs-Ferrari says. 'They were very tough.' Mr Spiers-Ferrari suspects developers are bribing private certifiers to approve their projects - but admits he has no proof of this. Builders are now under more pressure to complete more apartments (pictured is a Sydney construction site) Mr Speirs-Ferrari is concerned about a lack of proper supervision during various stages of building projects, which he puts down to inexperience. 'It's to do with the labour inexperience, not enough experience and not supervised,' he explains. 'Not inspecting the work at critical stages before the next series of different types of surface or work goes on. 'You've got young engineers that come through the ropes that haven't had enough experience and their employers put them out there to do an inspection and they sort of let things pass. 'They're nowhere near as good as the original council inspectors.' NSW Better Regulation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong says has asked the Building Commission to audit private certifiers, telling me: 'Audits of private and council certifiers by the Building Commission have found that performance standards across the entire industry need to lift.' He adds the government is also considering introducing harsher penalties for certifiers who fail to declare links with developers. NSW Better Regulation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong (left) said he had asked the Building Commission to audit private certifiers 'The changes being considered would also introduce higher penalties for failure to abide by conflict-of-interest responsibilities and enhance the regulator's power and capacity to audit certifiers' work to prevent conflicts of interest,' Chanthivong says. But Spiers-Ferrari notes the pressure to finish more apartment towers is also putting the heat on existing certifiers, engineers and builders, compared with the era of council inspectors that existed until the late 1990s. 'Buildings weren't being put up so quickly [and] they were not so high-tech, whereas today materials and techniques have changed a bit so they're a bit more complicated,' he says. The former NSW Coalition government introduced the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018, a new accreditation system for private certifiers following a review by former public service boss Peter Shergold and legal consultant Bronwyn Weir. NSW Labor last year updated regulations that will force builders to use the materials specified by an architect and not just a cheaper alternative. Generally, it's best to buy a unit in a suburb where there isn't an oversupply of newly built high-rise apartment towers (pictured is a low-rise unit block in Sutherland that sold for $635,000) What to buy Generally, it is best to buy a unit in a suburb where there isn't an oversupply of recently built high-rise apartment towers. One-bedroom units are also much less likely to get capital growth, especially in a big apartment complex, because parents won't want to raise children in them. It's also worth being aware of state government plans for more high-density living near train stations as this will increase the supply of units and reduce the price of existing stock in a suburb. The Parramatta City Council area - covering Sydney Olympic Park with the Opal Tower - has a particularly high loss-making rate of 25 per cent, CoreLogic data shows. That means one in four home sellers are making a loss - in an area where high-rise apartments are more prevalent. But in the Sutherland Shire and the Northern Beaches, just 1.8 per cent of homes are sold at a loss. This is partly because high rises aren't going up and so units in smaller, older blocks retain their value. As a rule, two-bedroom units cost more in suburbs with more older, low-rise apartments, making them a wiser investment. To illustrate this point, the median price for apartments at Waitara on Sydney's upper north shore is $745,032. This is well below greater Sydney's mid-point apartment price of $864,018 - even though that part of the city is considered more upmarket. But in neighbouring Wahroonga, just one suburb away, the median apartment price is $1.052million. This suburb has more houses than units and the apartments near the train station are lower rise - as opposed to Waitara which typically has 11-storey tower blocks near the train station. Nonetheless, there are still bargains to be hand, with a two-bedroom unit in Sutherland, 26km south-west of the Sydney CBD, selling for $635,000 in October. That would be within the budget of an average, full-time worker earning $100,000 a year with a 20 per cent mortgage deposit. Starbucks' mobile app went down for Americans heading to work on Friday, less than a day after it dropped it's new holiday menu. Downdetector, which tracks app and website outages, reported that more than 2,500 customers were complaining about issues with the app since about 7:00am ET. The outage has spread across the US, affecting customers in major cities like New York, Dallas, Washington, DC and Boston. Issues first started on Thursday when Starbucks released it's holiday menu containing fan favorites like its Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai and Peppermint Mocha. Although the company said it had resolved the app's outage, customers were outraged when they still couldn't access it a day later. 'Could you please get it together?' one person wrote on X. 'Day number two of this nonsense of having to stand in line to order my coffee like a peasant because your app is broken.' Starbucks customers complain that they can't order on the mobile app The Starbucks app won't allow customers to view it's new holiday menu or select a location to order from, leaving many wondering how they'll get their caffeine fix when they're pressed for time. 'Can't select a store to order at, menu isn't there,' one enraged Starbucks customer complained on DownDetector. 'I want to see what new holiday drinks they have but I can't because I can't select a location,' another customer wrote. When a customer complained on X that she couldn't access the Starbucks app, the company responded, saying it is 'currently experiencing a temporary outage of the order-ahead-and-pay feature in our app.' Starbucks added on its customer service account: 'We continue to welcome and serve customers in our drive-thru and in-store.' The Starbucks app has gone down for customers across the country including those living in Boston, Dallas, Chicago and DC However, customers argued that they don't have time to go inside and order and expressed disappointment that they can't get their much-desired holiday drink. 'Is the Starbucks app seriously down again?' one person wrote on X, adding: 'I can't handle any more disappointment this week.' Another person said despairingly that they just wanted to order their holiday drink, while another commented: 'Starbucks app is down and all I wanted was a peppermint cold brew.' Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told DailyMail.com that the outage was a short-lived issue and the mobile app is now back up and running at 100 percent functionality. The company introduces it's new holiday menu every November, and this year debuted three new items including the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher and the Cran-Merry Drink. It also announced that it's dropping the add-on price for dairy milk alternatives which is driving a surge of customers who wanted to try the holiday drinks without paying an added fee. Mysterious 'whooping' and 'screaming' was heard across a small Connecticut town, which some believe came from the long-rumored but elusive creature Bigfoot. The haunting episode, reported by a California visitor to New England, did not sound like a 'bobcat/fox/coyote,' according to the witness, who came forward because the calls resembled past cases of alleged 'bigfoot whoops' posted online. 'I'm well acquainted with coyotes, bobcats, and cougars and their vocalizations,' the witness said. 'This voice had quite a bit of "power" behind it.' The 'short duration screaming' and 'long-duration whooping' were said to be heard just after midnight, roughly eight miles from Collis P. Huntington State Park, an 883-acre wilderness preserve east of New Haven. The Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO), which obtained the witness's account, categorized it as a 'Class B' case, meaning that it was a second-tier sighting below 'Class A' but a credible report despite the lack of corroborating evidence. 'All the dogs in the area started barking at once when the vocalizations ended,' according to the witness report. 'Normally there are many owls in the area and when I had gone outside previously I could hear them.' 'When I had noticed the [alleged Bigfoot] vocalizations had ended it was probably a good ten minutes before I could hear the owls again.' America's largest Bigfoot research group has published an account of the legendary creature 'whooping' for nearly ten minutes and waking up dogs in Connecticut. Above, a still from the famous 1967 PattersonGimlin film, believed by many to document a California Bigfoot The 'short duration screaming' and 'long-duration whooping' were said to be heard just after midnight, October 17, 2023, roughly 8 miles from Collis P. Huntington State Park - an 883-acre wilderness preserve east of New Haven (the red pin above provides coordinates to the event) While no devoted skeptics have tackled this specific case, many have previously criticized alleged Bigfoot audio cases, as have even a few noted Bigfoot believers like the late Washington State University anthropologist Dr Grover Krantz. 'Temperature, wind and geographical features such as canyons' can all alter animal sounds from a distance, making them sound more odd, according to noted skeptic and author Benjamin Radford. But solutions to the Connecticut ear witness case, submitted on October 20, 2023, and published by the BFRO are still lacking and the mystery resurfaced this week with coverage by local ABC affiliate WTNH's News 8. News 8 noted that this was not region's first brush with Sasquatch, citing reports from 2018 in Hartford County, Litchfield County in 2022, and Middlesex in 2019. 'New London Countys in 2019 and Windham County last reported seeing a bigfoot in 2009,' the news network said. 'The sound direction seemed as [if[ it was from the Northeast of coords,' the witness wrote. 'Vocal pattern would be roughly 10 seconds of vocalization then stop.' 'This repeated four or five times that I was aware of. It may have been going on prior to me noticing it,' the witness continued. 'This went on for about five to ten minutes.' By the witness's best estimated, the strange whoops and screams were originating from 'two klicks' or about 1.24 miles to the east, away from the state park toward New Haven, home to Yale University. But, the BFRO which also hosts a page of sound recordings believed to be Bigfoot as well as audio of coyotes for contrast did not post witness audio in this case. DailyMail.com has reached out to the BFRO to inquire about what specific Bigfoot 'vocalization recordings on YouTube' were heard by their witness, leading them to believe that their Connecticut 'whooping' case resembled past reports. Claims of apelike creatures, glowing orange orbs and car engines suddenly giving out in the area are now rife at Leominster State Forest over in Connecticut's neighbor, Massachusetts. Pictured is a cast of a 'humanoid print' found in the Leominster forest in 2010 Above a map of Collis P. Huntington State Park in Connecticut Serious proponents for the existence of an undiscovered North American primate, like Idaho State anthropologist and primate anatomy expert Dr Jeff Meldrum, have taken increased interest in animal call recordings that might prove to be 'Sasquatch.' The most compelling acoustic case, according to Dr Meldrum, is the 1970s 'Sierra Sounds recording,' captured by businessman Ron Morehead and journalist Al Berry. Audio analysis of the Sierra Sounds by an electrical engineering professor at the University of Wyoming, Dr Rodney Kirlin, concluded that these bizarre 'abnormal whistles' might be 'a unique observation of Bigfoot in his natural environment.' But further evidence is still being sought to confirm any link between the unusual harmonic acoustics in that Sierra case and last October's Connecticut 'whooping.' Two years before Connecticut's 'Class B' case, Idaho State's Dr Meldrum spoke publicly about the 'Sierra Sounds' alleged Bigfoot audio, which he argued was 'head and shoulders' above other acoustic evidence for the popular cryptid. The primate anatomy expert focused on 1980 research into the audio, conducted by Dr Kirlin and fellow electrical engineer Lasse Hertel and anthologized in 'Manlike monsters on trial: early records and modern evidence' after their work had been presented at a conference held by the University of British Columbia. A sculpture of a mother bear and cubs at the entrance to Huntington State Park in Redding, Connecticut - 8 miles from the alleged Bigfoot audio event. In 2023, bears were reported from people in 165 of the state's 169 towns and cities, according to a state FAQ 'Kirlin and Hertel,' Dr Meldrum noted, 'they're not linguists or biostatisticians, but they have skills in sound analysis.' While stopping short of claiming the audio is proof of Bigfoot's existence, Dr Meldum noted that some of the harmonic tones on the tape, which were reported to be heard from a distance, resemble those of certain great ape species. 'That was fascinating to me because that actually suggests the potential for some, extra laryngeal air sacs in the Sasquatch, which wouldn't be unexpected at all because they're present in the other three groups of great apes,' Dr Meldrum said. 'They're seen in chimps and gorillas, to the greatest extent in the orangutan, to the least in the chimp,' Dr Meldrum told the podcast Strange Phenomenon. 'In humans, they're very rare, but they do pop up every once in a while.' Describing the 'abnormal types of whistles' found on the audio, Dr Kirlin and Hertel noted that 'very short vocal tract lengths were estimated.' 'These whistles could either have been produced with some kind of a musical instrument or by the creature using only a part of its vocal tract,' the duo wrote. All three researchers, as well as Bigfoot skeptics, have noted that the creepy audio heard on the Sierra Sounds may instead derive from a noise much closer to the microphone creating a saturation error effect. US Congress has promised to 'pull back the curtain' on secret UAP research programs conducted in the shadows of the government in a court of law. A second slew of hearings into UFOs is scheduled for November 13, led by the House Oversight Committee, with former military officials and an aerospace expert set to testify about their knowledge of secret US programs. Lawmakers have promised 'to explore firsthand accounts of [UFOs]' and 'assess the federal government's transparency and accountability regarding their 'possible threats to national security.' Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a member of the subcommittee, said: 'The Pentagon and Washington bureaucrats have kept this information hidden for decades, and we're finally going to shed some light on it. 'We're bringing in credible witnesses who can provide public testimony because the American people deserve the truth. We're done with the cover-ups.' There will be four witnesses set to testify under oath, including former Department of Defense Official Luis Elizondo and former NASA Associate Administrator Michael Gold. Congress is set to hold a second hearing about UAPs that it promised will expose the truth to the American public, specifically about the research programs within the government. Pictured is the famous Tic Tac-shaped object seen in the sky over California on November 10, 2004 Next week's hearing, set for 11:30am ET, will be a joint effort by Rep Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Rep Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.). 'This is our second hearing on the topic of UAPs and the American people are tired of the obfuscation and refusal to release information by the federal government, they said in a shared statement. 'Americans deserve to understand what the government has learned about UAP sightings and the nature of any potential threats these phenomena pose. 'We can only ensure that understanding by providing consistent, systemic transparency. We look forward to hearing from expert witnesses on ways to shed more light and bring greater accountability to this issue.' The committee has not released details on cases to be presented on Wednesday but provided the list of witnesses. Elizondo, a career US Army counterintelligence specialist, previously ran the military's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program. He recently hosted a private event in Philadelphia on October 28 to reveal an image of an alleged UFO 'mothership.' There will be four witnesses set to testify under oath, including former Department of Defense Official Luis Elizondo (pictured) Elizondo recently hosted a private event in Philadelphia on October 28 to reveal an image of an alleged UFO 'mothership.' 'There's a whole lot more here folks,' Elizondo told the audience in a leaked clip. 'I just want to give you kind of a small taste of what's going on 'behind the scenes.'' 'We're having pilots, military pilots and civilian pilots in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, report what unimaginably seems impossible,' as Elizondo explained his 'real photo' of a UFO. 'They described it literally 'the mothership,' Elizondo said. Investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger will also be sworn under oath. Shellenberger who is also an academic and a two-time candidate for California governor went viral last month after publishing one of his anonymous whistleblower's accounts of an alleged UFO data collection program. That classified UFO data retrieval effort, dubbed 'Immaculate Constellation,' was established in 2017 to 'detect' and 'quarantine' the military's best UFO imagery, along with its best videos, witness testimonies and electronic sensor evidence. Dr Tim Gallaudet, former rear admiral in the US Navy, launched a probe in March into unidentified submersible objects (USOs), specifically strange sightings on the seabed off the coast of California. Investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger will also be sworn under oath. He went viral last month after publishing one of his anonymous whistleblower's accounts of an alleged UFO data collection program Gold is a former NASA Associate Administrator who was part of the agency's UAP study in October 2022, which focused solely on unclassified data. Over nine months, the independent study team will lay the groundwork for future studies on the nature of UAPs for NASA and other organizations. The hearing follows the bombshell case last year that was held by Burchett and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla). David Grusch - a former high-ranking intelligence official - was one of three military whistleblowers who testified under oath that they had firsthand encounters or knowledge about secret government programs involving technology that is 'non-human.' He claimed that the US has been in possession of UFOs since 'the 1930s' and has been secretly back-engineering them and carrying out a public disinformation campaign to prevent the details from leaking publicly. Ryan Graves, a former pilot, Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor spoke at the first hearing in 2023 During the hearing, Burchett asked Grusch: 'Personally, have you heard anyone [has] been murdered?' Grusch replied: 'I have to be careful answering that question. I directed people with that knowledge to the appropriate authorities.' He was sworn in Wednesday, along with Ryan Graves, an esteemed former pilot, and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor, who witnessed the 2004 'Tic Tac' UFO. Graves, a former F-18 pilot with over a decade of service in the US Navy, was the first to give opening statements. 'My testimony is based on information I've been given by individuals with a long-standing track record of legitimacy and service to this country, many of whom have shared compelling evidence in the form of photography, official documentation and classified oral testimony to myself and many various colleagues,' Graves told lawmakers, stating he was driven to share it by a 'commitment to truth and transparency.' Burchett described the 2023 hearing as 'historical.' 'I'd like to thank these three brave witnesses here. They took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and, dagnammit, they're doing it,' he continued. 'We're not bringing little green men or flying saucers into the hearing sorry to disappoint about half of y'all we're just going to get to the facts. 'We're going to uncover the cover-up, and I hope this is just the beginning of many more hearings and many more people coming forward about this.' Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. One of the busiest shopping days of the year is fast approaching, with Aussie brands and retailers offering major discounts on tens of thousands of popular items. Black Friday officially kicks off on November 29 and will span across the weekend, leading into Cyber Monday, which falls on December 2. Shoppers looking to save, spend or splurge can expect huge discounts on everything they have been eyeing all year - ranging from big ticket items to everyday household essentials, fashion, beauty, tech and more. What is Black Friday? Black Friday is a major sales event that typically marks the start of the Christmas shopping season. It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a US national holiday that's held on the fourth Thursday of every November. What started as a US tradition has now turned into a month-long sales extravaganza in Australia - and it's becoming an increasingly popular time of year to snap up the best bargain buys ahead of the festive season. One of the busiest shopping days of the year is fast approaching, with Aussie brands and retailers offering major discounts on tens of thousands of popular items. The sales often run for several days - or even weeks - leading up to Black Friday itself and typically wrap up on the following Monday, known as 'Cyber Monday' when shoppers can grab last-minute deals online. Where can I find bargains? Major retailers - including Amazon Australia - will be holding Black Friday sales, with discounts varying. The deals are available at physical stores and online. However, some retailers and brands may offer exclusive deals on its website so it pays to keep an eye on bargains. With more and more Australian and international brands taking part in the Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales event than ever before it's worth planning ahead. You can score some major discounts on big ticket items, like snapping up a hugely discounted mattress, home furniture or big tech items for less, or you can take advantage of the sales to get all your Christmas shopping done ahead of time. Mark your diaries - Amazon Australia has announced its massive two-week Black Friday extravaganza, with huge savings on popular items. The epic 14-day deals will run online from midnight on Tuesday, November 19 until 11.59pm on Monday, December 2. Australians will be able to shop from hundreds of thousands of discounted products across all categories including electronics, toys, beauty, fashion, homewares and everyday essentials. Customers doing their festive shop can grab all the essentials for the ultimate feast - including the $10 Amazon Everything Christmas Pudding, a savoury pud created by pastry chef Anna Polyviou. What to avoid on Black Friday and Cyber Monday Aussies should be wary of falling for scams online, with fraudsters setting up phishing websites that impersonate major retail brands. Shoppers who place orders through these websites often find that their purchases never arrive or they receive random, poor-quality items instead. Experts from consumer watchdog group CHOICE shared the warning signs to look out for; unusual URLs for shopping pages claiming to be well-established brands, exceptionally large discounts on almost all advertised items, poor formatting and spelling or missing information. Early Black Friday deals With Christmas just weeks away, Aussies will be able to find the perfect gift - whether for family, friends or anyone in between - no matter the budget. As there are tens of thousands of deals online and in stores, it can be quite overwhelming to find the best bang for your buck. Despite the sales event officially kicking off later this month brands are already getting in on the action with early deals so if there's something specific you want it could be worth purchasing early to avoid disappointment. Here, Daily Mail Australia has compiled a list of some early Black Friday deals. Hubbl Hub - 50% off Hubbl Hub is having a 50 per cent off sale on its compact device that instantly upgrades your smart TV Hubbl Hub is offering a half-price sale on its device, now just $49.50. The compact device instantly upgrades your smart TV, allowing Aussies to enjoy live channels and selected streaming apps via an in-built TV guide - all without the need for an aerial. Shoppers can get the Hubbl Hub for 50 per cent off, normally priced at $99. The sale ends on December 8. Smilie - Up to 60% off storewide Smilie, an Aussie brand behind the popular at-home teeth whitening kits developed by dentists, has launched a massive sale, offering up to 60 per cent off storewide Smilie, an Aussie brand behind the popular at-home teeth whitening kits developed by dentists, has launched a massive sale, offering up to 60 per cent off storewide. Shoppers can snap up great deals for a fraction of the price - including the Black Friday Smilie Whitening Bundle, as well as best-sellers Boost Teeth Whitening Kit, Ultimate Whitening Bundle Pack and Essentials Bundle Pack. The sale runs until Monday, December 2. The Collagen Co has launched its biggest sale of the year, offering shoppers 20 per cent off everything with the discount code: BF20. The brand has gained a huge following thanks to its popular shakes, which include flavours such as Chocolate Milkshake, Iced Coffee and Purple Grape. The Collagen Co has recently released two new flavours: Salted Caramel Milkshake and Cinnamon Churro and fans say that the flavours are reminiscent of their favourite desserts - including salted caramel treats and cinnamon doughnuts. The Glow Shakes are a convenient meal replacement and each serving contains over 29g of protein, meaning customers feel satisfied after drinking the shakes. Fans of the brand have claimed to have lost as much as 10kg after incorporating The Collagen Co's meal preplacement shakes into a balanced diet. Aussie beauty brand Naked Sundays - loved by makeup artists and celebrities including Khloe Kardashian and Suki Waterhouse - has launched a huge 30 per cent off everything and up to 50 per cent off bundles. Fans of the brand can stock up on bestsellers - including SPF50+ Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray, BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint, CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50, and CabanaGlow SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops. There are great bundles with further discounts - including the Platinum Bundle 3.0, The 'Cool Girl' Glowy Skin Bundle with Mini CabanaGlows, BeautyScreen & Mist Bundle and Full Face of SPF BeautyScreen Bundle. Shoppers can score a clear beauty bag for free when they spend more than $100 on their order. For orders over $200, you will get a free LED mask. Shoppers on the hunt for a new wardrobe will be delighted to know that Cotton On has slashed 30 per cent off everything Shoppers on the hunt for a new summer wardrobe will be delighted to know that Cotton On has slashed 30 per cent off everything. The retailer is offering great deals across its fashion for women, men and kids, Cotton On Body, as well as accessories. The Cotton On Group has launched a huge 30 per cent off its popular brands - including Supre, Factorie, and stationery retailer Typo. Pillow Talk - Up to 40% off online and in-store Pillow Talk is offering up to 40 per cent off its new summer range - just in time to update the home with stunning homeware pieces. The retailer is running a slew of price slashes across bedroom, bathroom, living, kitchen and dining, as well as children's selected items in-store and online. Whether you're hosting epic lunches and dinners this summer or looking to give your bedroom a complete makeover, there are plenty of deals to choose from. Bescher Beauty - 30% off sitewide & special competition There's no doubt that the Black Friday sales event offers the perfect opportunity to snap up skincare with big discounts. Bescher Beauty, the brand known for including hero ingredient sea cucumber collagen, is leading the charge with big discounts on its popular range. You can nab 30 per cent off everything and customers can get a free sample pack on orders of $200 or nab a free gel cleanser when you spend $250. There is also an opportunity to win a year's worth of skincare for a year valued at $2,000 with a special competition. Esmi Skin Minerals - Up to 30% off sitewide Esmi Skin Minerals is offering beauty fans up to 30 per cent off sitewide with the discount code: BEAUTY30 Esmi Skin Minerals is offering beauty fans up to 30 per cent off sitewide with the discount code: BEAUTY30. Fans of the brand can stock up on their favourite buys - including best-sellers Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, 24K Gold Nourishing Oil, Ageless Hyaluronic Serum, The Uncomplicated Cleanser and Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser. Lion Wild - 20-30% off storewide Aussie jewellery brand Lion Wild, known for its sell-out best friend necklaces and bracelets, is offering 20-30 per cent off storewide Shoppers looking for the ultimate gift for her - whether it's for a bestie, mum, daughter, sister, girlfriend, wife or bridesmaid - can find sentimental pieces of jewellery from Lion Wild at discounted prices. The Aussie jewellery brand, known for its sell-out best friend necklaces, is running a 20-30 per cent off storewide sale. Some of the best-sellers are the best friend necklaces, which comes in different designs, shapes and styles - including Best Friend, Sunflower and Soul Sister. There are plenty of popular pieces on sale - including the popular Sister Necklaces, Best Friend Bracelets, Sun Temple Earrings, and Oasis Found Studs. With free express shipping on all orders, you can purchase all of your gifts in one place and ensure they will make a lasting impression on the lucky recipient. The Black Friday sale will run for a limited time only. Sleep Republic - Up to 20% off sitewide Sleep Republic is offering up to 20 per cent off everything, including best-selling mattress Sleep Republic is offering up to 20 per cent off everything, including their best-selling mattress, which was voted the best mattress in a box three years in a row. Shoppers looking for a good night sleep can invest in the High Definition Pocket Spring Mattress, which has more than 1,700 rave reviews - boasting an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. The mattress is so popular that experts from CHOICE have recommended it for four years in a row. There are plenty of Black Friday deals on offer - including bundles, children's mattresses, pillows, mattress protectors, and more. BodyBlendz - up to 50% off sitewide Australian skincare brand BodyBlendz, known for its popular Pink Clay Mask, has launched a huge sale - with up to 50 per cent off sitewide Australian skincare brand BodyBlendz has launched a huge sale - with up to 50 per cent off sitewide and a free gift for orders over $75. Fans of the brand can snap up some of the best-selling beauty products - including the Pink Clay Mask, Firming Exfoliant Wash and Lash and Brow Oil. Other deals include popular items from the haircare range such as the Hair Treatment Mask and Scalp & Hair Scrub Shampoo. Ecosa - up to 35% off everything Ecosa has launched a huge sale - with 30 per cent off its popular mattresses and sofa beds Ecosa has launched a huge sale - with 30 per cent off everything - including its popular mattresses, bedding, sofa beds, pillows, bedframes and bases. If you're in the market for a bedroom makeover, you can get the brand's best-selling items at bargain prices - including the Ecosa Mattress and memory foam pillow. Kotia skincare - up to 50% off storewide Kotia, the world's first skincare made with 100 per cent pure New Zealand deer milk, is offering up to 50 per cent off storewide Kotia, the world's first skincare made with 100 per cent pure New Zealand deer milk, is offering up to 50 per cent off storewide. Shoppers can stock up on their favourite buys - including best-sellers such as Hydrating Day Cream SPF15, Regenerating Night Cream, Brightening Eye Cream and even bundles for half price. The sale will run between Friday, November 8 until midnight Monday, December 2. Ergoflex - Up to 30% off sitewide Ergoflex has launched a massive sale - with up to 30 per cent off mattresses, bedframes, pillows, protectors and bedsheets. Shoppers looking to upgrade their bedroom can snap up bargains using the discount code BLACK. skelp! 20% off sitewide Shoppers looking to transform their dry, flaky and itchy scalp can now stock up on their favourite haircare items from skelp! Shoppers looking to transform their dry, flaky and itchy scalp can now stock up on their favourite haircare items from skelp! The dermatologically tested Australian haircare brand has launched a 20 per cent off sale on everything - including it's best-selling Head First Pre-Cleanser, Clean Sweep Shampoo and Protector Conditioner. Go-To Skincare x Alemais - advent calendar Go-To Skincare has teamed up with Australian luxury fashion brand Alemais to bring back their best-selling 12 Days of Go-To advent calendar Go-To Skincare has teamed up with Australian luxury fashion brand Alemais to bring back their best-selling 12 Days of Go-To advent calendar. Behind each door are the beauty brand's favourite must-haves in fun-size minis - including Face Hero, Very Luxe Face Cream, Glow Exfoliator and the limited edition Cherry Lips! Balm. The gift set is perfect for family, friends or even for yourself. The Iconic - 30-40% off The Iconic has launched a massive 30-40 per cent off sale on selected women's, men's and children's clothing, accessories and more. Fashionistas looking to update their wardrobe can snap up bargains - including designer labels for a fraction of the price. When Henry VIII transformed Leeds Castle into a Tudor palace, little could he have imagined that it would become an attraction with half a million annual visitors and a cafe serving high teas with smoked salmon sandwiches and prosecco. But it has. Tourists flock to see the love nest Henry renovated in 1519 for his first wife Catherine of Aragon, below, on the site of a Norman stronghold. Prior to his rule, the fortress had been mainly known as a home (willingly or otherwise) to a succession of queens. The first, Eleanor of Castile from 1278, installed a medieval writing room for copying manuscripts. Laura Sharman visits Leeds Castle, the love nest Henry VIII renovated in 1519 for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon Leeds Castle has become an attraction with half a million annual visitors Prior to Henry's rule, the fortress had been mainly known as a home (willingly or otherwise) to a succession of queens Meanwhile, Queen Joan of Navarre was imprisoned there for witchcraft in 1419. Its last female owner in the 1920s, Lady Baillie, was renowned for throwing lavish parties for politicians, socialites and Hollywood stars, with it called the perfect place in which to spend a weekend. Almost a century later, much the same can be said. Entering the dining room to the sound of swing music, its easy to imagine Charlie Chaplin, one of Lady Baillies guests, standing by a tower of champagne glasses just like the one in the window today that aims to capture the essence of that heady period. The castle, set in rolling Kentish countryside (the M20 cutting through not too far away), is flanked by two pleasant villages listed in the Domesday Book. The closest is tiny Broomfield, home to two fine Tudor houses, while the highlight of delightful Hollingbourne just to the north is All Saints Church, dating from the 14th Century. This contains a superb 17th Century embroidery depicting fruit trees and cherubs. For lunch, look no further than the Black Horse Inn in the village of Thurnham, just to the north of Hollingbourne. Laura stays at a lakeside lodge within the grounds of Leeds Castle Enjoying the view from an outdoor bath at her lodge, pictured, Laura wonders 'what Henry VIII would make of it all' Queen Joan of Navarre was imprisoned at Leeds Castle for witchcraft in 1419. Above is the castle's maze Laura recommends stopping for lunch at the Black Horse Inn, pictured, in nearby Thurnham village This atmospheric 18th century pub, which also has rooms, serves first-rate lamb roasts on Sundays. The countryside is criss-crossed with excellent hiking trails, one of which follows the Pilgrims Way through the North Downs. We choose a 90-minute loop past oast houses and a vineyard. Back at our lakeside lodge, within the grounds of Leeds Castle, we enjoy views of the lake from our outdoor bath - and keep wondering what Henry VIII would make of it all. Elephants, it turns out, absolutely love tomatoes. They just cant get enough of them. Unfortunately, this means they can sometimes come into violent conflict with tomato farmers, who are understandably very keen indeed not to have their livelihoods eaten. Hungry elephants can make short work of an entire field of tomatoes theyre capable of demolishing one in a matter of hours. And so an acute dilemma arises how to protect one of the most adored, important animals on the planet from angry farmers and vice versa. This emotional predicament is explored in a new documentary Tolstoy the Tomato Thief - which tells the true story of notorious elephant tomato thief Tolstoy, a super tusker who ends up being speared in the leg by an angry tomato farmer and seemingly realising that he needs help from the very species that so badly hurt him. The creator is American Kire Godal, an Explorers Club member and award-winning wildlife filmmaker who tells MailOnline Travel how her film is 'the most amazing story', a tale of 'fear and love, despair and hope', and one that includes elephant behaviour never seen or recorded before. The protagonist is a bull elephant who stands 13 feet at the shoulders (3.7m) with the most impressive pair of impossibly straight ivory tusks that reach the ground. He is a magnificent example of a super tusker, by definition an elephant with ivory that weighs over 45 kilos or 100lbs per side. A new documentary Tolstoy the Tomato Thief - tells the true story of notorious elephant tomato raider Tolstoy (above), a super tusker who ends up being speared in the leg by an angry tomato farmer Here Tolstoy is caught in the act. The documentary is directed by Explorers Club member and award-winning wildlife filmmaker Kire Godal, who tells MailOnline that she 'fell in love' with Tolstoy during the seven-year period of developing and filming his story He roams the postcard-perfect Kimana Sanctuary in the famous Amboseli ecosystem at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro in Kenya and has a gang of bulls' that go on regular tomato raids. Kire tells MailOnline: It was hard not to be charmed and to fall deeply in love with Tolstoy during the seven-year period of developing and filming his story between 2017 and 2023. I often relate Tolstoy to the elephant version of Butch Cassidy and his wild bunch gang of train robbers during the American Wild West, or to the gentlemen highwaymen outlaws of the UKs past - unique and glamorous robber legends of their own times. Tolstoy grew up in his own paradise in and around Kimana Sanctuary roaming between grasslands, wetlands and forests. His life was perfect, until the Maasai began settling down. Suddenly roads, fences, vehicles, people and farms were popping up everywhere blocking his path and getting in his way. However, confused though he was, there was one new thing he did like - tantalising, tangy, delicious red tomatoes! Once hed tasted the forbidden fruit, there was no going back. He quickly became the most notorious tomato thief in the ecosystem. Every farmer knew him and his antics. They all dreaded a nighttime raid where he routinely demolished their entire livelihoods in a few hours. The Big Life conflict rangers were constantly on his tracks trying to intervene, but Tolstoy had become a master of evasion as he led his gang of bulls, outsmarting everyone in his way. How did Kire meet Tolstoy? She says: I first met Tolstoy in 2017 in a tomato field while filming an elephant night raid with Richard Bonham, co-founder and chairman of conservation charity Big Life Foundation, and Save the Elephants researchers as they were protecting the raiding elephants from angry farmers, and farmers from hungry elephants. Tolstoy and his best friend Tim were silhouetted against the night sky lit up by Big Life rangers torch lights. Both super tuskers had tomato plants dangling from their mouths. Two naughty fully grown elephant bulls caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I just could not get this endearing image out of my mind. Kire pictured with Maasai farm boy Kibaki and two of his friends, Saruni and Korroet. The documentary charts Kibaki's changing relationship with Tolstoy, who at first he sees as the 'proverbial monster under the bed' Kire, above with Tolstoy, reveals how elephants play a positive role in the ecosystem, by creating waterholes and paths in brush and forests that help connect habitats and species Above - a drone shot of a tomato farm. Kire says: 'To me, what could be more charming than a super tusker elephant in love with tomatoes? Can you blame him? Tomatoes are finally growing on the plains below Mt Kilimanjaro. Why wouldnt Tolstoy love them just as much as we do?' Tolstoy quickly became the most notorious tomato thief in the Amboseli ecosystem Kire decided that she needed to document the real-time drama of the war between farmers and elephants. She continues: To me, what could be more charming than a super tusker elephant in love with tomatoes? Can you blame him? Tomatoes are finally growing on the plains below Mt Kilimanjaro. Why wouldnt Tolstoy love them just as much as we do? But what could be more disturbing than the new war between farmers and elephants with casualties on both sides? Elephants and people are being killed in confrontations over crops. Human wildlife conflict had overtaken poaching as the leading cause of elephant mortality in Kenya, and Tolstoy the super tusker was right in the middle of a high-pitched human wildlife drama escalating before our eyes. And who knew but the people directly involved? Kire explains that the nub of the problem is that tomato farms cant simply be moved around and put out of reach for elephants. She says: There are new farms popping up everywhere under Mt Kilimanjaro. These world-renowned plains belong to the Maasai people, who until recently were semi-nomadic pastoralists who shared their unfenced grasslands with elephants and all wildlife. But today, theyve settled and the once tolerant Maasai find themselves in a life-and-death struggle with elephants over space and food. In the past, the Maasai could herd their cattle to avoid direct conflict with elephants, but tomato farms cannot be moved out of the way, and now their fledgling farms in the middle of the bush must be guarded night and day from crop raiders. Once a raid starts the farmers have little chance against raiders without Big Life rangers. The documentary is 'narrated' by Tolstoy himself, with the dialogue informed by years of observation and factual information gathered from elephant behaviour. Big Life ranger Johnson Salash introduces local boys to Tolstoy Tolstoy the super tusker and his gang of bulls Tolstoy the Tomato Thief is shot in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro Tolstoy 'guides the viewer through his story, which also features Kibaki, a ten-year-old Maasai farm boy who believes Tolstoy is the proverbial monster under his bed. Kire explains: Hes been chased by elephants while herding his family cattle, he is terrified of running into Tolstoy as he walks to school, and hes gone hungry due to the elephant raids and is worried that his father cannot pay his school fees. The threat of Tolstoy ruining his life does not leave his mind. Elephants are protected by law in Kenya and they play a very positive role in the ecosystem, by creating waterholes and paths and openings in brush and forests that help connect habitats and species. But none of that mattered to the unknown (and still at-large) farmer who threw a spear at Tolstoy during one of his raids, severely wounding one of his legs. Richard Bonham - co-founder of Big Life - looks for Tolstoy from the air Elephant tomato raiders on the run. The documentary is due to air in 2025 Kibaki (with the hat) and his friends Saruni and Korroet watch Tolstoy with ranger Johnson Salash Rangers Johnson Salash and Job Lekanayia. The rangers help protect the farmers from the elephants - and vice versa Kire explains: Tolstoy hobbled back to safety inside Kimana Sanctuary in his fever tree forest. Here he has no other choice than to accept help from humans and try to heal. Big Life rangers and Kenya Wildlife Service vets looked after him on a daily basis. From a wary, difficult bull with an attitude, he softened before their eyes and seemed to welcome their attention. During this time Tolstoy displays elephant behaviour never seen or filmed before. She adds: The hunt for the person responsible for spearing Tolstoy led ten-year-old Kibaki to learn that his monster has been injured. Curiosity and circumstance finally brought Kibaki and his two best friends to their wounded Tolstoy. From here the story takes on a new twist as feelings of fear and hate turn to empathy and compassion and an unforgettable and very important journey unfolds. Hate and fear dissolve into love, and despair into renewal and hope. Tolstoy the Tomato thief is currently in post-production and will be aired in 2025. Visit www.tolstoythetomatothief.com and www.kiregodal.com for more information. Follow Kire on Instagram here - www.instagram.com/kiregodal_filmmaker_in_africa. Thank you to Brian Henderson from Red Digital Cameras for the introduction to Kire. For more on Red Cameras visit www.instagram.com/reddigitalcinema. Teresa Giudice will have a brutal face-off on Thursday night's episode of House of Villains. The 52-year-old reality television personality who recently dissolved her lip fillers gets into a heated confrontation with co-star Tiffany 'New York' Pollard, leading Pollard to take a swipe at Giudice's marriage. It came after the former Flavor of Love contestant, 42, became aware of the Real Housewives of New Jersey star's intention to sabotage her by putting her up on the show's Hit List. A sneak peek clip shows Tiffany dragging Teresa's husband Luis Ruelas into the fray, suggesting that he's been unfaithful after he had dozens of roses delivered to the house. 'You know why Luis really sent those roses? Because hes guilty, b*tch! Hes been f***ing around and each one of those roses represents how many times he cheated on your a** since you've been in here,' she said spitefully. The dig prompted Teresa to hit back, 'You're disgusting!' Teresa Giudice will have a brutal face-off on Thursday night's episode of House of Villains, prompting her to call one of her castmates 'disgusting'; pictured November 4 Viewers will soon see the 52-year-old reality television personality get into a heated confrontation with co-star Tiffany 'New York' Pollard, leading Pollard to take a swipe at Giudice's marriage; Teresa pictured with husband Luis Ruelas in July A source has revealed to People about the accusation, 'Tiffany was just trying to get under Teresa's skin to gain an advantage in the competition. 'Louie never cheated and she knew that, she actually apologized to Louie at the premier party.' The person close to Giudice added, 'Louie actually sent Teresa 333 roses, which is symbolic for her because she correlates [that number] to her late mother.' It was added: 'Louie knew that amount of roses would move her and it did and he wanted to comfort her because she was away and was homesick.' Pollard previously told the publication that going up against Teresa felt 'amazing.' 'If I'm going to go against any other community, it's going to be Jersey,' she said to the magazine in early October. The reality TV professional continued, 'I mean, New York meets New Jersey. Jersey, meet New York.' 'She's a veteran,' Pollard said about her castmate. 'She's been in the business a very long time. And it was fun clashing with her.' The confrontation came after the former Flavor of Love contestant, 42, became aware of the Real Housewives of New Jersey star's intention to sabotage her by putting her up on the show's Hit List 'You know why Luis really sent those roses? Because hes guilty, b*itch! Hes been f***ing around and each one of those roses represents how many times he cheated on your a** since you've been in here,' Tiffany spewed spitefully Victoria Larsen was the one to give Tiffany the tip about Teresa's plan House of Villains is in its second season, and E! unveiled the cast of its reality competition series this past March. The network dropped the first trailer three months after Tanisha Thomas won season one. Pollard is the only returning season one contestant, after coming in ninth place behind Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor. The participants are competing for a $200,000 cash prize and the title 'America's Ultimate Supervillain.' November 8, 2024: The Russian invasion and the methods Ukraine developed and used to deal with it had some interesting side effects. For example, Ukraine received a lot of useful advice from Israel or just by watching the Israeli military in action. The lessons learned from the Israelis were visible when Ukrainian forces made their incursion into Russia on August 2nd. This was not just a surprise to the Russian, but also a deception. Ukrainian forces had moved to the border several times before the attack and then withdrawn. This is called repetition deception and, unless the enemy is familiar with this technique and on the lookout for it, they fall for it. In 1973 the Egyptians used it against Israeli forces and were able to carry out a surprise attack that was costly for the Israelis. For the August 2nd operation, the Ukrainian deception caused Russia to withdraw 20 battalions worth of troops from eastern Ukraine to meet the phony Ukrainian threat in Kursk province. This snarled Russian rail traffic and delivery of supplies for six weeks over an area extending from Kherson south to the Black Sea coast, then east to Rostov and finally north to Kursk. Another factor in remembering these tactics and how to implement this is that there has long been a lot of family and cultural connections between Ukraine and Israel. Currently there are about 40,000 Jews living in Ukraine and twice as many in Russia. Both Ukrainian and Russian Jews are moving to Israel as quickly as they can. This is not due to the war in Ukraine, but because the economic situation in Ukraine and Russia is less attractive than in Israel. There is still lingering antisemitism in Russia and to a lesser extent in Ukraine. Since 2022, the war in Ukraine has put military age Jewish men in both countries at risk of getting involved in the war. There are military risks in Israel, but the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) is much more adept at handling them. This is where military aid to Ukraine comes in. Israel has not provided Ukraine with weapons. Instead Israel has sent a lot of aid for Ukrainian civilians and useful military advice. This is often delivered by Ukrainian Jews with family or other connections with Israel. Since its founding in 1948, about a third of the foreign Jews moving to Israel were from the former Soviet Union. Most of those Jews came from the current Russian Federation and Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 there were about 40,000 Jews in Ukraine and 300,000 or more Ukrainians who had Jewish ancestors but no longer identified as Jews. There are over 30,000 Ukrainian Jews living in Israel and more are arriving each year from Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainians admire the achievements of Israelis against their many enemies. Israeli and Ukrainian Jews are bringing details of Israeli military strategy and tactics to Ukraine. Many of the Israeli techniques involve how to deceive an enemy, especially a larger and, on paper, more powerful enemy. Jessel Taank did not go easy on Jenna Lyons when asked about her Real Housewives of New York City co-star on Watch What Happens Live this week. Jessel, a 45-year-old fashion publicist, participated in a game segment called Basic Ins-Taank in which she had to describe what makes each of her RHONY castmates 'basic.' When it came to the former J. Crew president, 56, Jessel called her a 'denim-wearing cat lady.' At another point in Tuesday night's episode, the mom-of-two was tasked with describing what each of her co-stars smells like. Adding insult to injury, she answered that the fashion industry icon 'smells bad' and noted, 'She wears natural deodorant.' Jessel Taank did not go easy on Jenna Lyons when asked about her Real Housewives of New York City co-star on Watch What Happens Live this week Jessel, a 45-year-old fashion publicist, participated in a game segment called Basic Ins-Taank in which she had to describe what makes each of her RHONY castmates 'basic.' She called Jenna a 'denim-wearing cat lady' The playful subjects of being 'basic' and body odor were references to the latest episode of the Bravo TV series, which aired on Tuesday night. During Erin Lichy's mezcal bash, Jessel accused the beverage founder of smelling bad as she commented, 'Something smells. Is it you? Are you wearing no deodorant again?' Someone then pointed out an onion-heavy food dish at the table as the culprit. Later in the episode, model Ubah Hassan brands Jessel a 'basic b***h' after she criticized the Somali beauty for drinking water directly from the pitcher on their table. When it came to Erin during the Basic Ins-Taank exercise, Jessel called out her love of cardigans. Brynn Whitfield's appreciation for bottomless brunch came up, while Sai De Silva was oddly highlighted for her homemade vegan burgers. And designer Rebecca Minkoff, who now appears recurrently on the show, was shaded for 'only wearing black.' Brynn Whitfield's appreciation for bottomless brunch came up on the WWHL episode And designer Rebecca Minkoff, who now appears recurrently on the show, was shaded for 'only wearing black' L-R Ubah Hassan, Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Brynn Whitfield, Jessel and Jenna in July 2023 Newcomer Racquel Chevremont, an artist and curator, was spared as Jessel described her as a 'walking MoMA.' Ubah was also given grace by Jessel. 'There's nothing basic about this girl,' Taank said, although she noted she wished she could think of something to 'get revenge' for the model's initial 'basic b***h' slight. The latest episode of the RHONY reboot, which is in its second season, saw Jessel and husband Pavit struggle to see eye-to-eye on whether or not to have a third baby. The spouses are already parents to three-year-old twin boys, Kai and Rio. A legendary BBC show has been confirmed to be making its way back to screens next year - but with one major change. It was revealed on Friday that the Great British Menu is set to return for season 20 in 2025, however the show will see a new line-up of judges as Scottish chef Lorna McNee joins Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble on the panel. Former Great British Menu Champion Lorna will replace Nisha Katona, who confirmed she's stepping down from the role after three years as a judge. In a statement, Nisha gushed how she 'loved' her time on the show and will miss her co-stars 'terribly. She shared: 'I absolutely loved the time I was lucky enough to spend on Great British Menu. A legendary BBC show has been confirmed to be making its way back to screens next year - but with one major change It was revealed on Friday that the Great British Menu is set to return for season 20 in 2025, however the show will see a new line-up of judges as Scottish chef Lorna McNee [centre] joins Tom Kerridge [R] and Ed Gamble [L] on the panel 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I pass on this most delicious of batons. I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly. I loved every moment I was fortunate enough to spend with them.' Meanwhile Lorna, who is a renowned chef at Glasgow's Cail Bruich restaurant, revealed her excitement for her new job and told of her 'surprise' to have been asked. She shared: 'Winning Great British Menu back in 2018 made a huge difference to my career as a chef and was partly behind me becoming Chef Director at Cail Bruich, so I know just how much the competition means to Britains chefs. 'Being invited to join the judges this year was a total surprise but a delight and Im loving the chance to help choose this years banquet finalists. 'Tom, Ed and Andi have made me feel very welcome, and Im also meeting some amazing guest judges every week each of whom has been invited to help us choose the dishes representing their areas to go with this years theme of UK Heroes.' The Great British Menu will once again be fronted by host Andi Oliver, who will guide the way through this year's theme of UK Heroes/Great Britons. The theme will see the contestants honouring iconic dishes, both ancient and modern, which draws inspiration from notable people hailing from their distinct regions. Each episode will feature a guest judge with strong connections to the certain region in question, who will help decide the winning chef of that week. Former Great British Menu Champion Lorna will replace Nisha Katona [pictured], who confirmed she's stepping down from the role after three years as a judge 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I pass on this most delicious of batons. I will miss my wonderful brother judges and the fantastic crew terribly' [Nisha with Tom and Ed last year] Meanwhile Lorna, who is a renowned chef at Glasgow's Cail Bruich restaurant, revealed her excitement for her new job and told of her 'surprise' to have been asked Discussing the upcoming series and the new judge, Andi said: 'It is an honour and continues to be a huge privilege to mentor Britains top chefs through the process of competing on Great British Menu, and it's incredible to think the series is now in its 20th year. 'The competition strives to provide a platform for new chef talent from all over Britain, and we hope to do so for many years to come. In fact, this year, its great to see a former winner of our competition, Scotlands formidable Lorna McNee, join us as a judge. Audiences are in for a treat! 'The chefs have come up with incredible ideas on this years theme. Its so exciting to see how many of them have come up with unsung local heroes for us to celebrate.' Meanwhile, Michelin starred chef and head judge Tom Kerridge also expressed his delight at working alongside Lorna. The Great British Menu will once again be fronted by host Andi Oliver, who will guide the way through this year's theme of UK Heroes/Great Britons Meanwhile, Michelin starred chef and head judge Tom Kerridge also expressed his delight at working alongside Lorna He enthused: 'As a fellow chef, I am very pleased to see a recent champion of champions and leading Great British Menu chef mentor join myself and Ed in the judging chamber. x 'Her experience and wealth of knowledge will bring huge gravitas to judging day, and no doubt give the competing chefs another butterfly in their stomach.' Great British Menu series 20 will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in early 2025. Not sure what to watch this weekend? The Mail's TV experts have sifted through hundreds of shows to bring you the 20 hottest things to watch on demand right now The Day Of The Jackal (2024 series) Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch star in a ten-part take on Frederick Forsyth's hitman novel Year: 2024 Certificate: 15 Watch now on NOW Watch now on Sky Eddie Redmayne takes the lead in Sky's expansion of Frederick Forsyth's novel about an expert hitman evading the authorities. The Jackal we meet at the start feels familiar from the 1973 film - cool, controlled and all business, any sign of emotions scrubbed from his face. There wouldn't be much point in spending ten episodes looking at that though, however good Redmayne is at doing it, and this show also explores the hitman's home life, showing us why he spends all that time doing what he does for an awful lot of money. We also get a similar level of depth on the other side of the law, with Lashana Lynch (No Time To Die) as an MI6 agent on the Jackal's trail. She has a home life, too, and we learn early on that she's pretty ruthless in her pursuit of her objective. Who will win in the end, though? Ten episodes does feel like a big space to put this story in, but Redmayne in particular is a very compelling screen presence, particularly when he's switching between emotional modes, and all the disguises and action sequences are a lot of fun, too. (Ten episodes) Until I Kill You Shocking and compelling drama, based on a true story Year: 2024 Certificate: 15 Watch now on ITVX In London in the early 1990s, Delia Balmer survived an abusive relationship with John Sweeney - but the true story does not end there. It only gets more intense, bizarre and, for Balmer, infuriating. This four-part drama stars Anna Maxwell Martin (in another knockout performance) as Balmer, with Shaun Evans as the charismatic yet sadistic Sweeney. If you're expecting another woman cowed and grateful to have survived a close encounter with a killer, you're in for a surprise. Writer Nick Stevens (The Pembrokeshire Murders) has gone to pains to show us the real Balmer, and how surviving was just the start of her ordeal. The drama itself puts you deep inside Balmer's experience, as a victim of a crime and a witness on the stand, an instrument in bringing Sweeney to justice - not just for his crimes against her, but for his other victims, too. She is defiant in her refusal to be swept up passively inside a justice system which seems intent on making her suffering continue. As Delia herself reflects, in the companion documentary Until I Kill You: The Real Story, 'I'm a perfectionist, but my life is the opposite of perfect.' (Four episodes) Junior Taskmaster Cult comedy challenge show gets junior spin-off Year: 2024 Certificate: pg Watch now on Channel 4 Was it Picasso who said that the best creatives are children? Well, this youngster Taskmaster spin-off seems to prove it. Ever-ingenious solutions to tasks as daunting as they are silly are on display here, taken up by the competitors ranging from age nine to 11. The usual host Greg Davies is dethroned. In his place are Taskmistress Rose Matafeo and her moustachioed wingman Mike Wozniak - with a lot less swearing. One task, for example, challenges the kids to place various objects into a topless top hat worn by a man sitting on a rotating disk. The catch: they are not allowed to walk in the surrounding zone. Some create makeshift bridges out of bricks. Others pull the hat towards them with a litter picker and get the objects in that way. Genius! So do not be fooled. This is no watered-down version of the parent show, though it may be wet behind the ears. The spin-off brings something fresh to the format and the youngsters are every bit as entertaining as the professional comics - and an awful lot more endearing too. (Eight episodes) The Holdovers Alexander Payne's feelgood movie about a grumpy teacher and his misfit students Year: 2023 Certificate: 15 Watch now on NOW Watch now on Sky This feelgood movie looks and sounds just like something that was made in the 1970s, and that's very deliberate. It reunites director Alexander Payne with Paul Giamatti, whom he directed in Sideways almost 20 years earlier. Giamatti plays a grumpy boarding school teacher who's drawn the short straw - he's been left to look after the children who have nowhere to go at Christmas (the 'holdovers' of the title). Might there be something he can learn from them, and them from him? That story makes The Holdovers sounds cheesy, but it really isn't. The script from David Hemingson (Whiskey Cavalier) is based on his own school experience and has a rich, bittersweet core that moves rather than manipulates you. It's a film about broken people fixing each other, but in a way you don't necessarily see coming. It could well carve out a place for itself as a festive favourite in the coming years. (133 minutes) Lucan (2024 documentary) Murdered nanny Sandra Rivett's son investigates Lord Lucan's disappearance Year: 2024 Certificate: 12 Watch now on BBC iPlayer 'The brown envelope has set me on a world of mystery, intrigue, corruption, sadness, depression...'. When Neil Berriman, a builder from Hampshire, opened an envelope after his adoptive mother's death, he had no idea how his life would change. This three-part docuseries follows Neil from that fateful moment when he learned he was the son of Sandra Rivett, the nanny believed to have been brutally murdered by Lord Lucan in 1974, and on through years of investigating, with reporter Glen Campbell at his side. Neil makes for an unlikely sleuth. He's an ordinary guy, and one with deep, emotional ties to the case. It's written on his face just how deeply the whole thing has affected him. Tellingly, we also hear from Neil's partner, Kim, who has her own perspective on Neil's obsession. 'It's never-ending,' she says. 'I try to bring him back to normality... but the conversation always comes back to Lucan.' Watching this, you admire Neil, but do also feel quite sad for him. (Three episodes) Citadel: Honey Bunny Indian spin-off from Amazon's spy series with flashes of Ocean's Eleven Year: 2024 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Prime Video Amazon's spy series Citadel was a big, expensive and visually exciting show, but it was also a bloated mess. In contrast, the international spin-offs, first Italy's Citadel: Diana and now India's Citadel: Honey Bunny, are proving to be much more focused and interesting affairs. Diana was a stripped down, slick affair with a strong star in Matilda De Angelis, and Honey Bunny is cut from a similar but more glamorous and humorous cloth, with touches of Ocean's Eleven to its style and very physical action scenes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays struggling actress Honey and Varun Dhawan is Bunny, a stuntman who earns cash on the side through shady espionage adventures. When Honey torpedoes her own career by kicking a lecherous director where the sun doesn't shine, Bunny brings her in on his side hustle, and the show goes from there, flipping back and forth between time periods as it explores the consequences of their choices for both. It's available in both subtitled and dubbed forms and, at least to a British ear, the dubbed version is actually pretty good - unlike many others of its kind. (Six episodes) Gunpowder Siege The dramatic story of three conspirators behind the Gunpowder Plot Year: 2024 Certificate: 18 Watch now on NOW Watch now on Sky Sky History have ploughed an unconventional furrow with their bigger-budget delves into the past, from the eye-popping investigation series Royal Autopsy to the starry, drama-like Royal Kill List, about Charles II's hunt for his father's killers. Gunpowder Siege is more like the latter - it's basically a drama, telling the story of the Gunpowder Plot through the lives of the conspirators who weren't Guy Fawkes. Robert Catesby (Game Of Thrones' Chuku Modu), his cousin Thomas Wintour (Luke Hobson) and their enforcer Thomas Percy (Luke Roberts) are the focus of a three-parter that takes us from the plotting to the aftermath, and is narrated by the wealthy Catholic woman Anne Vaux (Fortitude's Charlotte Pyke). The series flips between interviews with the three men and scenes following their story. It's refreshing to see history told like this, with the actors essentially doing the job of the talking head historians, providing context in character on their own scenes. And, on another level, it's just entertaining and atmospheric TV. (Three episodes) My Old Ass A teen 'meets' her older self in this coming-of-age comedy Year: 2024 Certificate: 18 Watch now on Prime Video 'If we weren't the same person, do you think you'd even like me?' When Elliott (Maisy Stella) decides to mark her 18th birthday by experimenting with magic mushrooms, she 'meets' her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza), who comes with warnings about her future - particularly a boy called Chad. Elliott thinks it's all a hallucination until Chad actually comes into her life - what should she do? An uncommonly witty and good-hearted coming-of-age comedy is the result, one with a tone that belies its crass title and features a lot of enjoyably spiky banter between the two Elliotts. There are a lot of good jokes, one of which being that the two actresses don't look anything at all alike, so can't possibly be the same person - it's to the film's credit that it can do things like that, actually make a joke of it and still feel emotionally true. There's a poignancy to the overall effect of the film, one that is never oversold - it's the second feature to come from writer-director Megan Park, and it'll be interesting to see what she turns her eye to next. (89 minutes) Firebrand Alicia Vikander and Jude Law star in the story of Henry VIII's last wife Year: 2023 Certificate: 18 Watch now on Prime Video Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded and... what? That's the question that faces the bright and accomplished Catherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) when she reluctantly agrees to become the sixth wife of the now elderly Henry VIII (Jude Law). Can she carve out a legacy for herself or will she suffer one of the same ignominious fates as her predecessors? Brazilian director Karim Ainouz crafts a tense and fascinating look at the story of Henry's least-known wife, a woman who became regent when the king went off to war and flirted with dangerous religious ideas that outraged Henry's power-hungry courtiers. Vikander makes a smart and opinionated Catherine, but it's Law's bulky and bitter Henry, all querulous rage and fierce insecurity, that powers this occasionally impressive film. (121 minutes) World's Most Dangerous Roads Celebrities take an entertaining journey from hell Year: 2011- Certificate: 12 Watch now on U (UKTV) Celebrity road trips are nothing new, but throw in a bit of danger and it gets much more interesting. This series pairs up celebs and sends them around the world for a bumpy ride through rough but breathtaking terrain. It's a bit like the old Top Gear Grand Tours, but less ego, more intimacy - and an awful lot of mud. Belt up for trips with the likes of Ben Fogle and Hugh Dennis in Peru, Angus Deayton and Mariella Frostrup in Madagascar and Rhod Gilbert and Greg Davies in Nepal. The sixth series pairs Lucy Beaumont with Johnny Vegas and long-standing comedy pals Babatunde Aleshe & Kae Kurd, as well as wheeling out a best-of compilation narrated by Rhod Gilbert. (Six series) Outer Banks Exciting treasure-hunting adventure drama aimed at teens Year: 2020- Certificate: 15 Watch now on Netflix Pitched somewhere between The OC and a grown-up version of The Goonies, this adventurous drama show follows a gang of down-at-heel local teens in the Outer Banks coastal area of North Carolina. Permanently at odds with the rich folk who swan in and out of the nearby posh beachfront properties, the poor kids long for something better... and just might have found the route to it when one of them learns of his missing father's connection to a long-lost treasure. Full of mysteries, surprises, a smattering of romance and a good deal of aquatic action, it spectacularly wrapped up its original storyline at the end of series three. Which means that this series four sees the gang embark on a new treasure hunt after a mysterious stranger tempts them with a hunt for the sunken treasure of the pirate Blackbeard. There will be a fifth and final series to round the story off. (Four series) The Law According To Lidia Poet Well-dressed courtroom drama about Italy's first female lawyer Year: 2023 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Netflix In late 19th-century Turin, women are not allowed to be lawyers. But Lidia Poet isn't going to let a little thing like that stop her from achieving her dream. Working at her brother's firm, she sets out to overturn the ruling stopping her from practising law... while also turning her hand and her forward-thinking brain to solving a few of the crimes that plague the city. Loosely based on the true story of Italy's first female lawyer, the result is a beautifully costumed mix of period courtroom drama and mystery thriller, with a vibrant and appealing central performance from Matilda De Angelis as the irrepressible Lidia. You may recognise De Angelis from The Undoing, the HBO thriller in which she was the third point on a love triangle with Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman. (Two series) The Old Man (Series 2) Jeff Bridges returns as the retired secret agent in a second thriller series Year: 2024 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Disney+ Morally ambiguous, packed with action and giving Jeff Bridges the chance to remind people that OAPs can still dish out serious GBH, the first series of The Old Man ended on a nail-gnawing cliffhanger. Series two picks up moments later as uncompromising off-the-grid former undercover operative Dan (Bridges) teams up with his old CIA boss Harold (John Lithgow) and sets off to rescue his daughter from the clutches of one of the world's most dangerous terrorists. Ranging from the wilds of Afghanistan to the equally dangerous streets of the US of A, it's a satisfyingly twisty, secret-packed and exciting eight-part thriller follow-up with great performances from Lithgow, Amy Brenneman, Joel Grey, Alia Shawkat and of course Bridges, whose deadpan and deadly lead performance is a masterclass in concentrated charisma. (Eight episodes) James May & The Dull Men James May beavers away in his shed to solve the dull problems of Britain Year: 2024 Certificate: u Watch now on Discovery+ The Dull Men's Club is an underground community, where the brave men of Britain toil together to discuss and advise each other on the vital questions connected to their mundane hobbies and interests. In a change of pace from his high-octane stunts on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, James May explores this world and celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary. Basically, it's a good excuse for May to potter around in his shed with some like-minded individuals, and it's a lot of fun. For example, there are a lot phone boxes up and down the country that aren't used much anymore - some have been turned into little libraries, miniature night clubs or ice cream parlours, but James is determined to put his own uniquely dull spin on the idea. Other inventive projects include an easy pothole fixer made from old tires and glue made from nails. It's reminiscent of his old series Man Lab, and will appeal to anyone who enjoys a bit of time in the shed. (Eight episodes) Shetland Moody detective series set on the windswept Scottish isle Year: 2013- Certificate: 15 Watch now on BBC iPlayer Over seven series Douglas Henshall's DI Jimmy Perez not only caught criminals but quite often wrestled with some murky moral dilemmas of his own. On Shetland, crime wasn't just black and white, but as grey as those wide, yearning skies. Perez was the centre of it all and Henshall's performance - as a man of few words and subtle expressions - was an absolute standout. The location was a big part of the show's character, too, not just the stunning landscape, but the sense of a tight-knit, isolated community that bred not only close friendships but unhealthy obsessions. In the eighth series, Perez moved on. Taking his place on Shetland was Ashley Jensen's new DI, native Shetlander Ruth Calder, returning to the Isles after 20 years away to work alongside series regular DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell). Jensen was perhaps previously better known as a comedy actress, from shows such as Extras, so this change of direction, with an all-female lead detecting team, was exciting to see - and their supportive double act continues in merry fashion in the latest ninth series, too. (Nine series) Wolf Hall (Series 1) Faultless adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novels about Thomas Cromwell Year: 2015 Certificate: 15 Watch now on BBC iPlayer This is a stupendous adaptation of the novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel, who sadly died in 2022. Over six stunning episodes we witness the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) during the reign of Henry VIII. The son of a blacksmith, Cromwell rose to become the king's most trusted adviser. How he achieved this has been subject to speculation, but Mantel opts for a kinder portrayal of Cromwell than most. The star-studded cast also includes Damian Lewis as Henry VIII and Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn and the series looks, feels and sounds convincingly authentic throughout, with plain, natural dialogue and none of the romantic cliches that tend to bedevil any drama involving the Tudors. Highly recommended viewing, and especially before the arrival of the new, second series - on BBC1 on Sunday 10 November. (Six episodes) Back From The Dead: Who Kidnapped Me? Extraordinary true-crime story from America, told by the survivor Year: 2024 Certificate: 12 Watch now on U (UKTV) It sounds like the plot of a film - and this crazy true-crime story has been made into a ripped-from-the-headlines TV movie starring Scrubs' Judy Reyes - but the 'truth is always better than fiction'. In Philadelphia 1997, Luzaida (Luz) and her husband Pedro had a beautiful baby girl, Delimar. Ten days later, their house was consumed by fire and so was their infant daughter. Flash forward six years and a case worker investigates reports that Delimar is alive and well. Mystery enough in itself, until you also learn that the report comes from Luz, who saw a six-year-old at a party and was convinced it was her little girl. This three-parter gives us the facts, hearing from all those involved in the investigation - as well as Delimar herself - although it does take a while to settle down and find its rhythm. (Three episodes) The First Lady Gillian Anderson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Viola Davis play the wives of US presidents Year: 2022 Certificate: 15 Watch now on U (UKTV) 'A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.' A super-starry cast dramatising the stories of three of America's First Ladies, this ten-part series is a slice of history as well as a drama. Focusing on Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer), Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson) and Michelle Obama (Viola Davis) shows the parallels in their circumstances - however different their husbands' politics may have been - and also what separates them. Understandably, their men, the presidents, are more in the background here, though still have big names attached. Kiefer Sutherland is a slightly cartoonish FDR, English actor O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid's Tale) is a rather good mimic of Barack Obama and Aaron Eckhart is a decent Gerald Ford. All three of the first ladies struggle with the contradictory nature of being one of the most powerful women in the world while expected to be mainly publicly silent about the things they care about. It's Pfeiffer's Betty whose story has the most nuance and colour, worthy of its own dedicated series. (Ten episodes) Hollywoodgate Documentary with unprecedented access to the Taliban after the US left Afghanistan Year: 2023 Certificate: 12 Watch now on BBC iPlayer Don't miss this eye-opening documentary, which has unprecedented access to one of the most secretive cabals in the world, the Taliban. This extraordinary film begins on the day after the last US soldier left Afghanistan in 2021, and follows a group of Talib leaders in their first year back in power. The director Ibrahim Nash'at literally risked his own life to gather his film - one of his Taliban guards warns him if he misbehaves, he will promptly be taken outside and killed. Nash'at was allowed, under strict, hostile guard, to follow and film two of the Taliban men now operating out of Kabul airbase: an ambitious lieutenant and his superior, the head of Afghanistan's air force. What we do see is a huge treasure trove of weapons, helicopters and planes, part of an estimated 5.5 billion worth of military equipment that American troops left behind, being repaired and repainted in preparation for a military parade. Just as the gaze of the world is slowly turning away from Afghanistan, this is a timely reminder of the dangers that still lie there. (88 minutes) Upper Middle Bogan Aussie sitcom about families colliding across the social divide Year: 2013-2016 Certificate: 15 Watch now on ITVX Watch now on Prime Video Watch now on Netflix If you're not from Australia, you might need that title translated. A 'bogan' is slang for an uncouth Australian, a bit like a chav, and the show follows hypochondriac suburban doctor Bess, a mum of twins, who discovers that her snooty upper-middle-class mum is not her biological mother and that her parents are in fact bogans Julie and Wayne, a cash-strapped family who run a drag car racing team. The class comedy the show plays on isn't that different to our own - the contrast of snobbery and boorishness familiar from Keeping Up Appearances and many more British sitcoms - but another touchpoint is Kath & Kim, and fans of that show will find a lot to like here, not least Glenn Robbins who stars as Wayne and played Kath's boyfriend Kel in the earlier show. Fans of Colin From Accounts will also recognise Annie Maynard and Patrick Brammall, who play Bess and her architect husband Danny. (Three series) Yellowstone cast members haven't heard from their former costar Kevin Costner since his divisive exit from the popular western show. John Dutton star Kevin, 69, shocked fans across the globe in June when he announced that he would not be returning for the back half of the fifth and final season of the Paramount juggernaut to instead focus on his film, Horizon. While the upcoming last episodes will deal with the patriarch's exit, it appears the man behind the no-nonsense ranch owner has somewhat distanced himself from his ex-colleagues. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com at the final premiere at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Thursday night, Yellowstone stars Ian Bohen and John Emmet Tracy revealed they've had zero contact with Kevin. Ian, 48, who plays ranch hand Ryan, said: 'I haven't [heard from Kevin Costner]. We haven't corresponded in some time. Yellowstone cast members haven't heard from their former costar Kevin Costner since his exit The John Dutton star announced in June that he would not be returning for the back half of the fifth and final season 'He's been tremendously busy with his film, so I wish him the best and I hope he's doing well.' Ellis Steele star John, 55, also shared that he has not had any communication with Kevin, but nevertheless heaped praise on the actor for making Yellowstone 'so legendary'. 'No, no, I haven't heard anything from him,' he told DailyMail.com. 'I don't know if the others have, [but] I will say though that he's an amazing man to work with and he's a legend and I think he has contributed so much to making Yellowstone so legendary.' Kevin announced his exit from Yellowstone in a video uploaded to his social media account. In the short clip, he said: 'I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that's required, and thinking about Yellowstone that beloved series that I love, that I know you love I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future.' 'It was something that really changed me,' he continued. 'I loved it, and I know you loved it. 'I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning.' Speaking to DailyMail.com at the Yellowstone season five premiere, Ian Bohen said he and Kevin haven't 'corresponded in some time' John Emmet Tracy heaped praise on Kevin for his contribution to Yellowstone and making it 'so legendary' Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Kelsey Asbille, Cole Hauser, Gil Birmingham at the Yellowstone season 5 New York Premiere It was a star-studded night at the Yellowstone premiere with cast members out in full force to celebrate the end of the road. Luke Grimes, who plays Kevin's onscreen son Kacey Dutton, posed alongside his onscreen wife Kelsey Asbille (Monica), along with a few single poses. Also on hand for the event and screening were co-stars Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and her series partner Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), as well as Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), and Gil Birmingham (Chief Thomas Rainwater). Recurring cast members Wendy Moniz (Governor Lynelle Perry) and Piper Perabo (Summer Higgins) were also in attendance. Meanwhile, Kevin attended an awards ceremony in Germany where he received the BAMBI Award in the Actor International category for his acting excellence, visionary creativity, and outstanding contributions to the film industry. Yellowstone premiered on the Paramount Network in June 2018 Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana, commonly known as The Yellowstone. The plot revolves around family drama at the ranch, as well as the conflicts along the ranch's shared border with the Broken Rock Indian reservation, Yellowstone National Park, and land developers. The series, which stars Kevin as family patriarch John Dutton III, premiered on the Paramount Network in June 2018, and has been a huge hit for the network since its inception. The final episodes are slated to unfold on the Paramount Network starting November 10, 2024 at 8PM. Martha Stewart's ex-husband Andy Stewart and his wife Shyla Nelson Stewart have accused the lifestyle guru of using her new Netflix documentary as a vehicle for 'stalking' him. Andy, 86, has informed people in his circle that he believes Martha, 83, used the documentary - titled Martha - to dredge up their painful past, an insider told Page Six Thursday. Andy thinks Martha needs to 'move on,' 'find a man' and get remarried following their messy 1990 divorce. A teaser for the Netflix special began airing October 10 ahead of its October 30 release. Two days after the preview debuted, Andy and his current wife Shyla Nelson Stewart, 56, took to Facebook with a joint post in which they said they will be addressing the issue for the only time. Martha Stewart's ex-husband Andy Stewart, 86, and his wife Shyla Nelson Stewart, 56, have accused the lifestyle guru, 83, of using her Netflix documentary as a vehicle for 'stalking' him The couple (pictured) took to Facebook condemning Martha for continuing 'to publicly relitigate the marriage' with her documentary, released on the streaming service last month The couple said they were in a marriage 'infused with true love' establishing 'a life of beauty, meaning, productivity, and purpose.' They said, 'Prior to this happy chapter of his life, Andy had some dark ones, including a painful and abusive marriage to Martha (as in, Martha Stewart), which ended almost 40 years ago. 'While Andy quietly moved on and forward with his life, it appears that Martha continues to publicly relitigate the marriage, including comments in a sensationalized trailer for an upcoming documentary on Netflix.' The couple said that it's a 'striking' juxtaposition comparing Andy's earlier years 'with the joy-filled, purpose-led, loving marriage' they're in now. Martha and Andy wed in 1961, separated in 1987 and divorced in 1990; they are parents to daughter Alexis Stewart, 59. Martha in the doc pointedly spoke about Andy's alleged marital infidelities, claiming he had 'quite a few' different girlfriends during the span of their marriage. 'If you're married and you think you're happily married, and your husband starts to cheat on you, he's a piece of s*** - look at him as a piece of s*** and get out of it, get out of that marriage,' Martha said. 'But I couldn't do that, couldn't walk away.' Martha subsequently admitted to a ''very brief' extramarital 'affair with a very attractive Irish man.' Martha in the doc pointedly spoke about Andy's alleged marital infidelities , claiming he had 'quite a few' different girlfriends during the span of their marriage Martha and Andy haven't had any contact for two decades, according to Page Six According to Page Six, Martha and Andy haven't had any contact for two decades. Andy's sister and Martha's ex-sister-in-law Diane Stewart Love, 83, told the publication she was the person who introduced them to one another, and that she feels Martha 'hasn't let go' of her feelings for Andy despite the years since their split. 'Some people never forget,' Diane told the outlet. 'Some people move on, some don't Martha has always cared deeply for my brother. She just hasn't let go of that.' Dailymail.com has reached out to Stewart's reps for comment on this story. Cate Blanchett exuded style as she joined the likes of Taika Waititi and Benedict Cumberbatch at the star-studded Letters Live fundraiser in London. The event - which took place in Camden on Thursday in aid of The KOKO Foundation - was attended by a host of celebrities, including the Australian Academy Award-winner. Cate, 55, kept her ensemble low-key for the evening as she sported a black and navy denim jacket with matching jeans. She finished off her look with black sparkly chunky shoes and donned a pair of silver spectacles. Among the stars in attendance alongside Cate, Taika and Benedict were Minni Driver, FKA Twigs, Marisa Abela, Richard Gadd and Damian Lewis. Cate Blanchett (left), Minnie Driver (centre) and Marisa Alba (right) the star-studded Letters Live fundraiser in London on Thursday evening The event - which took place in Camden on Thursday in aid of The KOKO Foundation - was attended by a host of celebrities, including the Australian Academy Award-winner Back To Black star Marisa, 27, looked effortlessly chic for the evening as she donned an oversized dark brown suit complete with shoulder pads. Marisa's dark locks were swept behind her shoulders and tucked behind her ears, exposing a pair of dainty gold hoop earrings. Meanwhile Ella Enchanted star Minnie, 54, oozed sophistication in a racer-neck navy midi-dress, which she paired with a braided brown belt. Minnie's dark tresses were swept into a sleek bun and she paired the dress with nude-coloured leather platform shoes. FKA Twigs meanwhile showed off her incredible figure in a daring sheer brown bodysuit. The blouse was paired with a fitted high-waisted midi skirt and a pair of black pointed boots, with her hair styled in braids. Putting on a dapper display was New Zealand director and filmmaker Taika, 49, who sported a tailored teal suit paired with a white t-shirt. Taika finished off his ensemble with a chain necklace and black brogue shoes for the evening. Cate, 55, kept her ensemble low-key for the evening as she sported a black and navy denim jacket with matching jeans The actress donned a pair of silver spectacles Cate finished off her look with black sparkly chunky shoes and Marisa's dark locks were swept behind her shoulders and tucked behind her ears, exposing a pair of dainty gold hoop earrings Marisa's suit was complete with shoulder pads Meanwhile Ella Enchanted star Minnie, 54, oozed sophistication in a racer-neck navy midi-dress, which she paired with a braided brown belt Minnie's dark tresses were swept into a sleek bun and she paired the dress with nude-coloured leather platform shoes FKA Twigs meanwhile showed off her incredible figure in a daring sheer brown bodysuit Putting on a dapper display was New Zealand director and filmmaker Taika, 49, who sported a tailored teal suit paired with a white t-shirt Taika finished off his ensemble with a chain necklace and black brogue shoes for the evening Sherlock Holmes star Benedict, 48, sported a similarly stylish suit as he opted for a khaki-coloured number. Benedict paired the suit with an open-necked white shirt and black shoes as he posed alongside The KOKO Foundation CEO Sophia Pasetti. Also in attendance was Baby Reindeer writer and star Richard, 35, who kept it casual in a textured blue Ben Sherman shirt with rolled up arms. Homeland star Damian, 53, also stepped out as he looked suave in a dark grey blazer and houndstooth trousers. Meanwhile Riz Ahmed looked stylish in a red dogtooth overshirt paired with a turtleneck top. The evening was introduced by he KOKO Foundation CEO Sophia, who said: 'Tonight is the culmination of over two years' work, when KOKO Foundation was created to be a unique force for good, contributing to the community that KOKO is a part of. 'Collaborating with our new environmental Ambassador Benedict Cumberbatch, the Letters Live team and all these amazing performers will help us create impactful activity and programmes with a focus on the environment, young people and the next generation of artists.' Speaking about his role as the KOKO Foundation, Benedict said: 'I have been so inspired to watch the amazing impact that Foundation has quietly had over the past few years, making real and lasting change in Camden. Sherlock Holmes star Benedict, 48, sported a similarly stylish suit as he opted for a khaki-coloured number Benedict paired the suit with an open-necked white shirt and black shoes as he posed alongside The KOKO Foundation CEO Sophia Pasetti Also in attendance was Baby Reindeer writer and star Richard, 35 Richard kept it casual in a textured blue Ben Sherman shirt with rolled up arms Homeland star Damian, 53, also stepped out as he looked suave in a dark grey blazer and houndstooth trousers Pictured are Marisa, Damian, Taika, Sophia, Benedict, Olly Bengough and Minnie Meanwhile Riz Ahmed looked stylish in a red dogtooth overshirt paired with a turtleneck top The actor finished off his look with a beanie hat and grey trousers Idris Elba looked handsome in a white knitted sweat and baggy black trousers, sporting sunglasses inside 'This evening is a fraction of what the Foundation can do, when we all come together to champion important causes, and I am excited and committed to growing the special work being done and scale the foundations work around the country, and the world.' Letters Live is a unique performance concept, which sees famous figures read out historical or personal letters, bringing them to life through live performance. Given his new role as KOKO Foundation global ambassador for environmental advocacy, Benedict read a letter from 1986 from American novelist and environmentalist Edward Abbey in which he protested the fact of being asked for suggestions for four-wheel-drive trips. Minnie meanwhile performed a letter by BAFTA award winning writer Sharon Horgan, sent to the Men she's known and loved, written in 2016. Richard read a letter from Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh to the film's producer Andrew McDonald written in 1995. FKA Twigs performed a letter written by Cuban diarist Anais Nin, entitled Sex does not thrive on monotony, sent to American novelist Henry MIller in the 1940's. Cate read a letter by American author Helen Keller, who wrote compassionately in 1924 to the New York Symphony Orchestra to thank them for their impressive performance of Beethoven's 'Ninth Symphony'. Speaking about his role as the KOKO Foundation, Benedict said: 'I have been so inspired to watch the amazing impact that Foundation has quietly had over the past few years, making real and lasting change in Camden' Minnie meanwhile performed a letter by BAFTA award winning writer Sharon Horgan, sent to the Men she's known and loved, written in 2016 Richard read a letter from Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh to the film's producer Andrew McDonald written in 1995 FKA Twigs performed a letter written by Cuban diarist Anais Nin, entitled Sex does not thrive on monotony, sent to American novelist Henry MIller in the 1940's Idris Elba was also in attendance and read a letter by American saxophonist and bandleader John Coltrane, while Damian read a letter by crime novelist John le Carre to his wife, and Ghetts performed a beautiful spoken word performance of his song Double Standards. The Cavemen and Celeste each gave musical performances, with Wyclef Jean closing the show with a 10 minute medley of some of his most famous songs. KOKO launched its Foundation with a vision and commitment to make Camden greener, alongside creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people through artistic workshops and music bursaries. Through environmental projects launched to date, its efforts have contributed to an estimated 40% of newly planted trees in Camden and created a sustainable funding and employment model through a network of 'KOKO Foresters' - young people living in the community who are trained and paid to run and maintain the Foundation launched initiatives, year round. The Foundation has already worked with a number of estates in Camden with an inspiring rewilding campaign which has planted over 100 trees on 11 estates and 26 local schools, in the last year. Marisa was animated as she read one of the fundraising letters Idris Elba was also in attendance and read a letter by American saxophonist and bandleader John Coltrane Christina Hall was pictured filming her upcoming show, The Flip Off, with her second ex-husband Ant Anstead on Thursday in Los Angeles. The British automotive expert, 45 with whom she shares 5-year-old son Hudson was seen flashing a bright smile at Christina, 41, as they chatted together, in photos obtained by People. Other images showed Ant who's currently dating Renee Zellweger, 55 arriving to set and then meeting with Christina and the rest of the crew members. Although the former couple, who called it quits in 2020, had a messy divorce and custody battle over their son, any bad blood between them seems to have dissolved. 'Even when cameras weren't rolling, they seemed very chummy,' a source told E! News of their on set interactions. 'It appeared they had really good rapport with one another.' Christina Hall, 41, was pictured filming her upcoming show The Flip Off with her second ex-husband Ant Anstead, 45, on Thursday in Los Angeles; the two seen in 2019 It comes four months after she filed for divorce from her third husband, Josh Hall, 43, who was set to appear on the series alongside her; the two seen in an Instagram photo Ant and the reality TV star were spotted on set of the HGTV series just four months after Christina split from her third husband, Josh Hall, 43, who was set to appear on the show alongside her. Christina previously joked that Ant could replace Josh on the show, though she later seemed to backtrack on the statement. She said that it would be 'genius' to replace Josh with her second ex-husband, but then clarified that she 'can't work with anymore exes' as she's already starring alongside ex Tarek El Moussa. An insider also told E! News that Christina and Ant had several 'light-hearted' conversations together. Christina looked business chic for the occasion, wearing a black blazer black jeans, and leather high-heel boots with gold heels. Her long blonde tresses were styled in gentle waves and cascaded down her back. The star shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses. Meanwhile Ant kept comfortable in a dark t-shirt, black jeans and white sneakers. Earlier in the day it was reported Ant would be appearing on the show. 'Ant is going to appear on the show, but he won't be Christina's partner,' a source told People. 'Even when cameras weren't rolling, they seemed very chummy,' a source told E! News of their on set interactions. 'It appeared they had really good rapport with one another'; seen in 2019 Although the former couple, who called it quits in 2020, had a messy divorce and custody battle over their son Hudson, five, any bad blood between them seems to have dissolved; Ant seen with Hudson Christina previously joked that Ant could replace Josh on the show. However a source told People: 'Ant is going to appear on the show, but he won't be Christina's partner'; seen in 2022 Ant has been dating Renee Zellweger, 55, since June 2021 The Flip Off will star Christina as well as her first husband Tarek and Tarek's current wife Heather Rae El Moussa. Her estranged husband Josh was also supposed to be a part of the show, which was going to follow the two couples facing off in a house-flipping competition. However, Christina and Josh split in July. It's unclear if Josh will still have a role in the series. The series was first announced in May 2024 and is set to premiere in early 2025. Christina and Anstead dated for a year prior to exchanging vows in December of 2018 at their home in Newport Beach, California in winter-themed nuptials. The former couple welcomed their son on September 6, 2019. In November 2020, Christina filed to end their short-lived marriage. Their divorce was finalized in June 2021, around the same time he began seeing Zellweger. In August she told Backgrid that Hudson 'deserves to have us get along', and the exes have since re-followed each other on Instagram. Christina also shares daughter Taylor, 14, and son Brayden, 9, with Tarek. Meanwhile Ant has two older children from his first marriage: Amelie, 21, and Archie, 17. The Flip Off will star Christina as well as her first husband Tarek El Moussa and Tarek's current wife Heather Rae El Moussa. It's set to premiere in early 2025; the two seen in October Christina's contentious divorce from Josh is still ongoing. Josh filed for divorce on July 15, after nearly three years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences' Christina's divorce from Josh is still ongoing. Josh filed for divorce on July 15, after nearly three years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences' and requesting spousal support from Christina. Recently they have been battling over Christina bid to sell their former Tennessee marital home for $4.5million, with Josh filing a temporary emergency order to stop the sale. Their split has been very contentious and public with Christina often calling him out on social media. Sky's long-awaited new thriller The Day Of The Jackal finally hit screens on Thursday, but viewers have already pointed out one glaring problem with the show. The series, which is based on the Frederick Forsyth novel of the same name, stars Eddie Redmayne as the assassin being targeted by an intelligence officer, played by Lashana Lynch. As the series kicked off on Sky Atlantic and NOW, viewers were quick to complain about one 'annoying' element with the programme. Taking to X, fans complained that in the middle of breaks for the show, rather than being shown trailers for other Sky content, a trailer for The Day Of The Jackal was played instead. Posts to X included: 'Why do Sky show trailers for The Day of The Jackal during ad breaks for The Day of The Jackal? WE ARE ALREADY WATCHING IT FFS. #thedayofthejackal Sky's long-awaited new thriller The Day Of The Jackal finally hit screens on Thursday, but viewers have already pointed out one glaring problem with the show 'Hey NOW TV - Should there be a trailer for Day Of The Jackal on before..Day Of The Jackal? Ive decided to watch it so theres no need!' 'The Day of The Jackal trailer says he never looks the same twice, then proceeds to show several versions of clearly the same distinctive spam-faced weasel man in a succession of wigs;' 'Sky is making me watch an unskippable 30-second trailer for Day of The Jackal, before I can watch Day of The Jackal. Come on guys;' The series has received mixed reviews from critics, with some hailing the Eddie Redmayne reboot 'truly compelling' while others branded it 'dull and pointless'. Eddie stars as Jackal the elusive assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But he soon meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence offer who tracks him down in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. The Telegraph claimed the 21st-century reboot was 'truly compelling' as they assessed Eddie's character. Jasper Rees rated the series a star rating of four out of five and wrote: 'The main event of the chase is prone to misfire and mid-story sag. Still, the otherness of Redmayne compels.' While the Irish Independent claimed The Day Of The Jackal is 'long and baggy' and has too many 'uninteresting characters'. The series stars Eddie Redmayne as the assassin being targeted by an intelligence officer, played by Lashana Lynch (pictured) Viewers were quick to complain about one 'annoying' element with the show, revealing that in the middle of breaks for the show, a trailer for The Day Of The Jackal itself was being played Pat Stacey wrote: 'This Day of the Jackal is... well, not. Its long and its baggy, with too many uninteresting characters, too many tedious domestic scenes, and the usual overblown and unbelievable shootouts and car chases.' Meanwhile, Rebecca Cook from Digital Spy said The Day Of The Jackal is a 'compulsive but conventional watch'. The reviews from critics come after Eddie recently revealed that he 'barely' saw his co-star Lashana on set, despite the pair taking centre stage in their thrilling new series. The actor and actress joined host Nick Grimshaw, 40, on BBC Radio 1 last month. However, Eddie revealed that promoting the series has been the most 'fun' part as the pair finally get to 'hang out and spend time together'. Revealing that they barely saw each other during filming, Eddie said: 'Even though Lashana and I are in it (the series) we barely got to see each other while we were making it.' 'Because it was kind of a cat and mouse story and we're kept apart for a huge amount of it.' He confessed: 'So, the promoting (side) has been the fun bit because we got to hang out and spend time together.' The series has received mixed reviews from critics, with some hailing the Eddie Redmayne reboot 'truly compelling' while others branded it 'dull and pointless' Lashana agreed with Eddie's statement by saying: 'It really is, being producers on the show as well, weve had a year of chatting about every nook and cranny of the show,' 'Weve seen everything, every edit and every juncture of this process, and its just been really lovely getting to know each other in that way.' Eddie also revealed to the radio host why he decided to take part in the new series which is a modern version of the original movie and book. Revealing he was hesitant to star in it at first, Eddie said: 'I kind of loved the original movie and the book growing up,' 'So, when the scripts arrived in my inbox there was a massive amount of trepidation because you dont want to butcher something that you love.' Confessing that he changed his mind once he saw the script, he added: '(The script) had basically been updated to now, and the scripts were just so propulsive and it felt completely fresh and new.' 'But it retained the DNA of what was so wonderful in the original, this kind of cat and mouse quality, and the fact that Jackal is basically a chameleon who shapeshifts, you never quite (know) what youre gonna get.' Per an IMDB synopsis, the show charts 'a manhunt taking place for a dangerous elusive assassin known only as the Jackal'. Eddie plays the deadly Jackal, with Lashana's character leading the search to discover his identity. Triple M Melbourne has announced its new breakfast show lineup for 2025. Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) revealed that a panel of four 'all-stars' will co-host the breakfast radio slot next year. Mick Molloy will be headline the program alongside Nick Riewoldt, Titus O'Reily and returning host Rosie Walton with the show named Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie. The new lineup are set to make their debut on Monday, January 20, as this year's co-hosts Wil Anderson and Dale 'Daisy' Thomas depart. 'I'm excited to be back behind the mic in my hometown, talking about all things Melbourne, with some of my favourite people every morning,' Molloy said in a statement. 'There's a fair chance that the Tigers may come up from time to time; what could possibly go wrong?' Riewoldt added: 'After two rewarding years in Houston, Texas with Cath's family, I'm excited to be returning home to Melbourne joining Mick and the Triple M Breakfast team back where it all started for me on radio. 'Triple M is a vibrant part of Melbourne's heartbeat, celebrating the city's spirit, its music, and its people. To be bringing the sounds and stories of Melbourne to life every day through our listeners is a privilege I don't take for granted.' Triple M Melbourne has announced its new breakfast show lineup for 2025: Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie Meanwhile, SCA revealed an announcement regarding Triple M Sydney Breakfast will be made soon. The new group of co-hosts is set to shake up the currently radio market in Melbourne as the Kyle & Jackie O show's ratings continue their slow burn. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson's move to Melbourne is still struggling to crack the top slot, unlike their stellar ratings in Sydney. The radio duo hold just 5.2 per cent share while attracting 420,000 listeners each week in the Victorian capital, according to the last GfK Radio Ratings from October. The new group of co-hosts is set to shake up the currently radio market in Melbourne as the Kyle & Jackie O show's ratings continue to make a slow burn. Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson Triple M Breakfast with Rosie, Wil and Daisy narrowly beat the Kyle & Jackie O show in October by 0.2 per cent, after previously slipping behind the shock jocks. In Melbourne, 3AW continues to dominate the at 14.9 per cent overall while Smoothfm is second at 11 per cent, followed by Gold at 10 per cent, while Nova dropped a massive 1.2 per cent down to a 7.4 per cent market share overall. However, Nova's Jase and Lauren breakfast show is still massively ahead of Kyle and Jackie O in Melbourne with a 9.6 per cent market share. But Fox FM's Fifi, Fev and Nick emerged on top this survey, coming in as the number one FM Breakfast show at 10 per cent. On April 29, Kyle and Jackie O took their breakfast radio show to Melbourne in a huge multimillion-dollar expansion deal. The move triggered the axing of Jason 'Jase' Hawkins and Lauren Phillips' breakfast show, prompting their move to Nova. Mariska Hargitay left fans shocked after deactivating her Instagram account after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. On Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after the election results were finalized, social media users noticed that the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star, 60, no longer appeared to be on the platform. For those going to check out Hargitay's Instagram account, they are redirected to an error message that reads: 'Sorry, this page isn't available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed.' 'I will miss Mariska Hargitay on Instagram. I hope she comes back next year. I dont blame her, but f yall for making her do this,' one wrote. Another tweeted: 'Whoever made Americans sweetheart Mariska Hargitay deactivate her Instagram, I wish you nothing but the worst disrespectfully.' Mariska Hargitay left fans shocked after deactivating her Instagram account after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race; seen in 2024 'Oh MY GOD!!! Was Mariskas account closed by Instagram or did Mariska close the account with her own request?' a third X user asked. Others described Hargitay deleting her Instagram as a return to 'the dark ages.' Hargitay has not released a statement about why she seemingly deactivated her account. According to Reddit, she was receiving threats from lots of Trump supporters' following her endorsement for Harris, and again, following his win. 'Her most recent post were full of MAGA trolling her,' one claimed. Another speculated: 'Her team probably told her to take space and restart as MAGA peeps were flooding her account.' In October, she shared a political ad endorsing Harris' bid for the Presidency of the United States. She began the video by stating: 'Hi, I'm Mariska, and if you know me, and you know that I've spent my life fighting for girls and for women, both on screen and off.' On Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after the election results were finalized, social media users noticed that the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star, 60, no longer appeared to be on the platform (Trump seen on November 04, 2024) For those going to check out Hargitay's Instagram account, they are redirected to an error message that reads: 'Sorry, this page isn't available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed' 'I will miss Mariska Hargitay on Instagram. I hope she comes back next year. I dont blame her, but f yall for making her do this,' one wrote Another tweeted: 'Whoever made Americans sweetheart Mariska Hargitay deactivate her Instagram, I wish you nothing but the worst disrespectfully' Others described Hargitay deleting her Instagram as a return to 'the dark ages' 'You might not be surprised to hear that I like strong leaders who will prioritize safety, accountability, and justice,' she shared in the video. 'That's why I'm voting for Kamala Harris. With so much on the line, I trust Kamala to uphold the law and defend our freedoms on November 5, Kamala has my vote.' The ad was paid for through the One for All Committee, which says on its website its aim is persuading 'moderate women to vote for an America that works for everyone.' Mariska captioned the post: 'You all know me. Ive spent my life fighting for girls and women. I want a strong leader who will uphold the law and protect our freedoms. 'With so much on the line this election, my choice for President is clear: KAMALA HARRIS. In addition to solving cases on TV as her beloved character, Captain Olivia Benson, she has stepped in to help crack more than 11,000 sex assault cases and track down 22 serial rapists. It was recently revealed that the actress helped investigators in Michigan identify 22 'serial rapists' by funding prosecutor Kym Worthy's mission to process 11,000 untested rape kits that had been sitting in a police evidence room, according to The Today Show reported. Hargitay has not released a statement about why she seemingly deactivated her account According to Reddit, she was receiving threats from lots of Trump supporters' following her endorsement for Harris When Hargitay learned of the staggering backlog of untested rape kits in Wayne County, she 'made it her mission to get all of them tested.' Through her Joyful Heart Foundation which Hargitay founded in 2004 to support the healing of survivors and alter society's response to sexual assault she launched the End the Backlog program. The program aims to end 'injustice' by working to 'identify jurisdictions with rape kit backlogs' and assist with 'developing and implementing survivor-centered reforms.' The charity helped Wayne County raise enough money to test 11,000 kits, which journalist Andrea Canning says has had a 'ripple effect across the country.' Kamala Harris seen here on October 18, 2024 'It's making changes everywhere for police departments, for prosecutors' offices,' Canning told the Today Show. 'So hats off to Kym Worthy. She deserves the biggest pat on the back for this. Thousands of cases were solved. They found 22 serial rapists among these kits.' November 8, 2024: American attempts to adopt the new drone tactics and technology developed, and still developing, in Ukraine have encountered problems. First, the U.S. is not at war and the military bureaucracy has a peacetime attitude towards any new technology. This includes the use of drones in Ukraine and the flood of practical experience and solutions passed by Ukraine. Current U.S. Army drones, when used in Ukraine, often encounter problems the Ukrainian drones dont. In a wartime situation, Ukrainians have been quick to make changes until they get the results they need. The American military may want to implement the lessons of drone use in Ukraine, but American defense contractors and manufacturers feel compelled to modify and improve what the Ukrainians have done while they adapt Ukrainian drone tech to something new which United States forces can use and Congress will pay for. This process tends to lower the effectiveness of what the Ukrainians have created, while delaying the product and enriching the contractors and manufacturers. The lesser effectiveness is usually revealed the first time American troops use the U.S. version of Ukrainian drone tech. Something is lost in the tech translation. This is nothing new. Its been happening for over a century. The U.S. is currently adapting and adopting Ukrainian drone technology. There will be modifications and upgrades for as long as the fighting in Ukraine lasts. These changes come quickly in wartime, and always have. In Ukraine, drone designs can be changed in less than a week. This is usually because the Russians have gained an edge with one of their recent tweaks. While Ukraine has been in the forefront of developing and upgrading drone technology, the Russians have kept up. In war time you either keep up or become an inept underdog that falls farther and farther behind. The Russians have kept most of the time and when they fail to keep up, they suffer heavy losses. The peacetime American military has no such wartime feedback loop. If someone in the defense procurement establishment says the current American drone tech is good, it is officially adequate. Sending U.S. drone adaptations to Ukraine for testing is done, but often over the objections of some U.S. manufacturers. When tested in combat, some of the U.S. drones fail to deliver. When the Ukraine war ends, there will be no way to adequately test American drones. There may be other wars where American troops are involved and able to test the new drones. But it wont be in the intensely competitive atmosphere the Ukrainians and Russians have created. Ukraine has been writing the book on drone technology since 2023, with Russia contributing edits in real time. When that atmosphere is not present, the speed of developing new tech or maintaining current drones slows down a lot. This process is at work now as the U.S. Army orders drones based on Ukrainian designs. The American military procurement bureaucracy is infamously slow in adopting and manufacturing new weapons. It is feared that the Ukrainian drone revolution will be equally slow in actually reaching Americans soldiers and marines. Many military and Defense Department civilians are aware of this problem and see the drone development and procurement program as an opportunity to show that the United States can do it right and quickly. In early 2024 Ukraine created a new branch of their military, the USF (Unmanned Systems Force). This is in addition to the Ukrainian Air Force that consists of manned aircraft. The USF does not control the drones Ukrainian forces use regularly but contributes to developing new drone models and organizing mass production for those new models that are successful. The U.S. military took note of this but acting on it takes a lot longer for a peacetime military. Drones were an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraine's current war are fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable. Modifications and upgrades could be implemented quickly and cheaply. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces were soon using cheap, under a thousand dollars, quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a few kilometers distant using FPV (First Person Viewing) goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the drone can see. Adding night vision is available when needed, at a higher cost per drone. Most of these drones carry half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. Some drones carry more explosives depending on what is needed to deal with a target. These drones are awesome and debilitating weapons when used in large numbers. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the drones can supply, one of the drone operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Larger, fixed wing drones are used for long range, often over a thousand kilometers, operations against targets deep inside Russia. A major limitation to the expansion of drone operations was the need for trained drone operators. These operators need over a hundred hours of training before they are able to operate these drones at peak effectiveness. As operators spend more hours operating drones in combat, the number of new lessons learned and applied increases. The small drones are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a drone with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these drones are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the drone to be reused. All these drones are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides commit enough drones to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Russia initially produced its own drones now after briefly using imported Iranian Shahed-136 drones that cost over $100,000 each. Ukraine demonstrated that you could design and build drones with similar capabilities at less than a tenth of that. The Iranian drone was more complex than it needed to be and even the Russians soon realized this and turned from the Shahed-136 for more capable drones they copied from Ukrainian designs or ones Russians designed. Ukrainian drone proliferation began when many individual Ukrainians or small teams designed and built drones. The drones served as potential candidates for widespread use and mass production. This proliferation of designers and manufacturers led to rapid evolution of drone capabilities and uses. Those who could not keep up were less successful in combat and suffered higher losses. Military leaders in other nations have noted this and are scrambling to equip their own forces with the most effective drones. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These drones are still evolving in terms of design and use and are becoming more effective and essential. One countermeasure that can work for a while is electronic jamming of the drones control signal. Drone guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most drones have flight control software that sends drones with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land for later use. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by drones programmed to home in on the jamming signal. Countermeasures can be overcome and the side that can do this more quickly and completely has an advantage. That advantage is usually temporary because both sides are putting a lot of effort into keeping their combat drones effective on the battlefield. The emergence of drones as a new, novel, and decisive form of air power is the most recent of similar events that took place during the last century. During the last century the U.S. Air Force has advocated military victory achieved mainly with air power. This attitude took root after the 1914-19 World War I when the Army Air Corps, predecessor of the USAF, got rid of most of its numerous reconnaissance aircraft and concentrated on bombers and fighters. Then came the popular belief that larger bomber aircraft would dominate future wars. This never came to pass and, every time there was a war, the air force had to scramble to expand its meager peacetime reconnaissance force to meet the realities of war. This was not so bad during World War II because the air force was still part of the army but, after World War II, the Army Air Force became the independent U.S. Air Force and sought to control everything that flew over land. That meant army attempts to retain small reconnaissance aircraft and cargo aircraft were constantly opposed by the air force. The army valued prolific and prompt aerial reconnaissance more than the air force and this led to a dispute that was not settled until quite recently. Since the late 1990s, the army was again flying armed aircraft in the form of large armed drones, in addition to the armed helicopters it has always had, the air force began to notice. The army argument was that these larger drones work better for them if they are under the direct control of army combat brigades. The air force saw that as inefficient and preferred to have one large pool of larger drones which are deployed as needed. This difference of opinion reflects basic differences in how the army and air force deploy and use their combat forces. The army has found that a critical factor in battlefield success is teamwork among members of a unit, and subordinate units in a brigade. While the air force accepts this as a critical performance issue for their aircraft squadrons, they deem it irrelevant for army use of drones. One thing the army acquisition of thousands of reconnaissance drones did not change was the air force loss of interest in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance after each war. Air force reluctance to develop, build and maintain a large strategic reconnaissance force led the CIA to use its considerable clout and budget developing strategic reconnaissance aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 manned aircraft and surveillance satellites. The CIA also pioneered the use of larger drones like the 1.1-ton Predator and armed them. This helped the army win permission from the Department of Defense to expand its force of armed aircraft beyond helicopter gunships. Air force attitudes have hurt the army in several ways. When it comes to influencing the war on the ground the air force is much less dominant. This is despite air force efforts to maintain its ability to bomb targets in direct support of ground operations. The air force blind spot when it comes to air reconnaissance has hurt its overall effectiveness. Blame this on a bad attitude towards BDA (Bomb Damage Assessment). This is the business of figuring out what to bomb, and what the impact on the enemy is after you bomb. The problem of the air force leaders being deceived by the people on the ground being bombed began during World War II. This was when air forces used large scale aerial bombing for the first time. Right after that conflict, the U.S. did a thorough survey of the impact of strategic bombing on Germany and Japan. It was discovered that the impact was far different from what air force BDA during the war had indicated. The air force vowed to do better next time. But as experience in Korea (1950-3), Vietnam (1965-72), Kuwait (1991) and Kosovo (1999), Iraq (2003), the war on terror and in Ukraine demonstrated, the enemy on the ground continued to have an edge when it came to deceiving the most energetic BDA efforts. The only proven technique for beating the BDA problem was to have people on the ground, up close, checking on targets, while the fighting was going on. Those with powerful air forces do not want to do this because of the risk of some of their commandos getting killed or captured, and because the intel and air force people were sure that they knew what enemy was up to down there. The people on the ground have consistently demonstrated an ability to deceive aerial surveillance. Even during the early 21st century, when the U.S. developed persistent drone surveillance, the irregular forces they were facing proved capable of reducing the effectiveness of the drone effort. This spotlights another useful fact; airpower can be useful on the ground but that happens over time and not quickly. The army and air force have a different outlook on planning and risk. The air force sees warfare as a much tidier, and predictable, affair than the army experiences regularly. In this respect, the air force and navy are closely aligned. Both are technical services, who are used to exercising more control over their forces than do army generals. The army sees warfare as more unpredictable and has adapted to that unpredictability. The army generals are usually skeptical of the air force's ability to take down foes from the air and the army was usually right. Despite being a successful high-tech operation, American air forces, especially the Navy and USAF, frequently have trouble adjusting to changes they do not agree with. When the Cold War ended in 1991 the air force was still largely thinking about continuing to operate as they had done in the Cold War, but the technology and tactics of warfare were changing. The post-Cold War enemy no longer consisted of large, organized forces spread over huge areas. The enemy was increasingly irregulars who were harder to spot from the air. The air force reluctantly adapted, in part because the army and CIA adopted new reconnaissance and surveillance techniques like drones and persistent surveillance. This pattern is returning as the air force reorganizes after the decade of heavy combat and big budgets the war on terror produced. Now the air force is turning its attention to a near-peer opponent in the form of a rapidly expanding and modernizing China's military. Unexpectedly the Ukraine War emerged first with Russia and Ukraine fighting each other. Ukrainians had the advantage of material and intellectual support from NATO countries. In the end the winner of any stage of the war was the side that was the most resourceful and innovative. This process has been present in warfare for centuries but during the last century the changes and innovations came so quickly that the process was visible. This disrupted the long-established missions each of the military services had established. For example, as successful as these new air reconnaissance tools were, they did not seem like a suitable long-term job for the air force. The other services disagreed, and it took the better part of a decade after 2001 to get the air force to come around. In 2005 the air force deployed its first Predator drone unit and in 2009 it put its first Reapers to work. They were following the CIA in this area, which caused some misgivings among senior air force leadership. But the army and Congress were calling for more of what the CIA was doing with armed drones for surveillance and attack and the air force joined in. What the CIA pioneered was persistent surveillance with armed drones. The 24/7 observation by the drones enabled CIA and air force intel analysts to compile information about the target and order one or more missiles fired as soon as the key target was identified and located. This led to an ever-growing list of terrorist leaders and their key subordinates killed in this way. At the same time, this use of surveillance and precision weapons led to lower collateral, as in nearby civilian casualties, which plummeted to historical, and remarkable, lows. Air force traditionalists warned that in a conventional war this sort of thing would not work. Where the enemy had modern air defense systems and jet fighters the Predator and Reaper drones would be impractical because they would be quickly shot down. But that was not the type of war being waged thirty years ago and it was pointed out to the air force that the military has to deal with what they are faced with, not just with what they prefer. Moreover, even in a conventional war there is still work for these new tactics and the tech that makes it possible. The air force still disagreed but did not have a persuasive alternative. The air force still wanted more money for their stealthy F-35 fighter and a new stealth bomber. This is despite the fact that other nations were developing more and more sensors that could nullify stealth. The air force has been in this position before. This was seen during the 1960s when the air force and navy aviation suffered unexpectedly high aircraft losses over Vietnam because their aircraft and pilots were not prepared for the lower-tech Russian aircraft used against them by the Vietnamese. This led aircraft to be again equipped with cannon because the new air-to-air missiles were not yet reliable enough to replace the old fashioned cannon. Then came the concept of using your own aircraft for aggressor, or dissimilar tactics, training. This began in 1969 when the U.S. Navy established the original Top Gun fighter pilot school. This was done in response to the poor performance of its pilots against North Vietnamese pilots flying Russian fighters. What made the Top Gun operation different was that the training emphasized how the enemy aircraft and pilots operated. This was called dissimilar training. In the past, American pilots practiced against American pilots, with everyone flying American aircraft and using American tactics. It worked in World War II because the enemy pilots were not getting a lot of practice and were using similar aircraft and tactics anyway. Most importantly, there was a lot of aerial combat going on, providing ample opportunity for on-the-job training. Not so in Vietnam, where the quite different Russian-trained North Vietnamese were giving U.S. aviators a difficult time. The four week Top Gun program solved the problem. The air force followed shortly with its similar Red Flag school. In the early 1980s, the Russians established a dissimilar air combat school, and the Chinese followed in 1987. There will be a need for a drone-based Top Gun when the Ukraine war is over. Drone developers and operators are always eager to test their tech and skills against similar opponents. Yet, after a century of trying, the ground forces and non-aviation naval forces still cannot get the people up there to come down and get a much needed reality check on what is happening down below where battles and wars are still decided. That changed in Ukraine when the proliferation of surveillance and armed drones often replaced conventional air forces, at least for operations close to the ground and requiring more urgency to find and attack targets. This was the ultimate solution to obtaining constant close surveillance of the combat zone. With drones you not only know what goes on in the combat zone, but can quickly, often within minutes, bring in an armed drone to attack the newly discovered target. Combat drones operated by an FPV controller have offered many new opportunities on the battlefield. This includes dealing with individual enemy soldiers and persuading them to surrender to nearby Ukrainian soldiers or else. How one of these events played out was captured on video and the video was released to the media. Five years after the last Star Wars movie hit the big screen, Disney and LucasFilm are ready to return to that beloved galaxy far, far away. Disney has set writer and producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men, Deadpool) to write and produce a new Star Wars trilogy, according to Deadline. That report featured sources claiming that this trilogy will comprise Episodes 10-12 of the flagship Skywalker Saga that dates back to the original 1977 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. However others have disputed that, insisting it will begin a new saga of Star Wars lore, though LucasFilm and Disney would not comment. Kinberg confirmed the news by sharing a photo of the Deadline article with the caption, 'A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away, I was a little kid who wanted to tell stories because I saw a movie called Star Wars..' Five years after the last Star Wars movie hit the big screen, Disney and LucasFilm are ready to return to that beloved galaxy far, far away However others have disputed that, insisting it will begin a new saga of Star Wars lore, though LucasFilm and Disney would not comment While Disney has been active in producing Star Wars content for its Disney Plus streaming service, there hasn't been a big screen film since 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker While Disney has been active in producing Star Wars content for its Disney Plus streaming service, there hasn't been a big screen film since 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. The studio had set a brand new film trilogy from Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi writer and producer Rian Johnson, though there has been little known about that project since it was announced in 2017. LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in April 2023 the project was still in active development, though that may no longer be the case. Many believe that it is no longer in development, especially with the news that Johnson and his producing partner Ram Bergman signed a two-picture deal with Warner Bros. back in March. The next Star Wars movie to hit the big screen will be The Mandalorian & Grogu, slated for release on May 22, 2026, which continues The Mandalorian TV series starring Pedro Pascal as the title character. Disney and LucasFilm are also developing three more untitled films, which are set in different eras of the franchise, which were all announced in April 2023. The first is from writer-director James Mangold and co-writer Beau Willimon that is set during, 'the dawn of the Jedi.' The second hails from The Mandalorian and Star Wars Rebels creator Dave Filoni, set between the original and sequel trilogies during the New Republic era. While Disney has been active in producing Star Wars content for its Disney Plus streaming service, there hasn't been a big screen film since 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker Kinberg started his career as a writer with a pair of 2005 films, XXX: State of the Union and the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie action-thriller Mr. and Mrs. Smith He jumped into the comic book world with 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, along with 2008's Jumper and 2009's Sherlock Holmes The third is from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, following a new Jedi order set 15 years after the sequel trilogy. Kinberg started his career as a writer with a pair of 2005 films, XXX: State of the Union and the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie action-thriller Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He jumped into the comic book world with 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, along with 2008's Jumper and 2009's Sherlock Holmes. He also wrote and produced 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, 2015's Fantastic Four reboot, while producing (and not writing) the Deadpool movies. He also received a creative consultant and a 'thanks' credit on 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens plus a 'thanks' credit on 2016's Rogue One. Advertisement Piper Perabo led the cast arrivals at Thursday night's big premiere for the long-awaited final chapter of Yellowstone in New York City. The first episode of season five's highly-anticipated second half will air Sunday, November 10 on Paramount +. Plot details have been kept tightly under-wraps in wake of Kevin Costner's, who played Dutton family patriarch John Dutton, abrupt exit from the show this year. For the NYC celebration, Perabo joined her Yellowstone co-stars on the red carpet ahead of a screening of the premiere episode. The Coyote Ugly star, 48, stunned by going braless under a sheer black button-up blouse. Piper Perabo led the cast arrivals at Thursday night's big premiere for the long-awaited final chapter of Yellowstone in New York City Kelly Reilly (left)and Kelsey Asibille (right) looked glam as they held hands at the gala event She styled the see-through top with classic black slacks and heels. Perabo's dirty blonde hair was swept up in a messy bun and she accessorized with gold earrings. She joined the series in season four as environmental activist Summer Higgins, who eventually becomes John Dutton's love interest. Next, Kelly Reilly who plays John Dutton's troubled daughter, Beth Dutton put on a sizzling display as she made her way on to the red carpet in a black strapless dress. The sexy frock featured a mesh bodic and a daring front slit that showed off her toned legs. The British star, 47, wore her flaming red hair in a sexy updo and made her blue eyes pop with smudged black eyeliner. To complete her photo-ready look, Reilly decked herself out with silver rings and a moody maroon manicure. She cozied up to her onscreen husband Cole Hauser, who plays fan-favorite Rip Wheeler on the Paramount+ hit. The actor, 49, smoldered for shutterbugs in a black suit and dress shirt that he kept slightly unbuttoned. For the NYC celebration, Perabo joined her Yellowstone co-stars on the red carpet ahead of a screening of the premiere episode. The Coyote Ugly star, 48, stunned by going braless under a sheer black button-up blouse Next, Kelly Reilly who plays John Dutton's troubled daughter, Beth Dutton put on a sizzling display as she made her way on to the red carpet in a black strapless dress She cozied up to her onscreen husband Cole Hauser, who plays fan-favorite Rip Wheeler on the Paramount+ hit Kelly's sexy frock featured a daring front slit that showed off her toned legs and a mesh bodice. The British star, 47, wore her flaming red hair in a sexy updo and made her blue eyes pop with smudged black eyeliner To complete her photo-ready look, Reilly decked herself out with silver rings and a moody maroon manicure Cole Hauser, 49, smoldered for shutterbugs in a black suit and dress shirt that he kept slightly unbuttoned Luke Grimes who plays the youngest Dutton sibling, Kayce looked like a rugged heartthrob as he posed up in a faded black suede blazer and white T-shirt The Fifty Shades Of Grey actor, 40, put on a cozy display on the red carpet with co-star Kelsey Asbille, who plays his Kayce's wife Monica Grimes kept one arm wrapped around his co-stars waist as they smiled for shutterbugs Kelsey Asbille, 33, looked radiant in a low-cut black silk frock with sheer white lace on the neckline Her cropped raven hair was tucked behind her ears and she opted for minimal makeup, letting her natural beauty shine Luke Grimes who plays the youngest Dutton sibling, Kayce Dutton looked like a rugged heartthrob as he posed up in a faded black suede blazer and white T-shirt. The Fifty Shades Of Grey actor, 40, completed his outfit with black skinny jeans and shiny black boots. Grimes who recently welcomed his first child put on a cozy display on the red carpet with co-star Kelsey Asbille, who plays Kayce's Native American wife Monica. Asbille, 33, looked radiant in a low-cut black silk frock with sheer white lace on the neckline. She paraded around in black sandals and her cropped raven hair was tucked behind her ears. Though she doesn't star in the hit series, Brooke Shields looked thrilled to be celebrating Yellowstone's final chapter in New York City. The actress/model, 59, showed off her killer figure in a fitted rust-toned frock. It had a plunging neckline and a modest cutout that flashed her toned tummy. Though she doesn't star in the hit series, Brooke Shields looked thrilled to be celebrating Yellowstone's final chapter in New York City The actress/model, 59, showed off her killer figure in a fitted rust-toned frock It had a plunging neckline and a modest cutout that flashed her toned tummy The Blue Lagoon star's silky brunette hair tumbled down her chest in curls and she rocked retro eyeglasses As for jewelry, Shields opted for a glittering gold necklace, hoop earrings and a stack of bangle bracelets She completed her premiere outfit with tan leather boots The Blue Lagoon star's silky brunette hair tumbled down her chest in curls and she rocked retro eyeglasses. As for jewelry, Shields opted for a glittering gold necklace, hoop earrings and a stack of bangle bracelets. Unlikely Yellowstone fan Bethenny Frankel was also on hand for the finale festivities. The RHONY alum, 54, looked phenomenal in a tight black turtleneck dress with a ruffled skirt. She gave her petite frame a boost by slipping on a pair of sky-high black heels. Frankel's waist-length brunette hair looked sleek and shiny for the event. The Skinny Girl founder rocked full glam makeup that featured fierce yet smokey winged eyeliner. Her cheeks were dusted with a luminous pink blush that matched the tone of her lipstick. Unlikely Yellowstone fan Bethenny Frankel was also on hand for the finale festivities The RHONY alum, 54, looked phenomenal in a tight black turtleneck dress with a ruffled skirt She gave her petite frame a boost by slipping on a pair of sky-high black heels Frankel's waist-length brunette hair looked sleek and shiny for the event. The Skinny Girl founder rocked full glam makeup that featured fierce yet smokey winged eyeliner Hassie Harrison who plays stunning ranch hand Laramie dazzled in a strapless foiled gold gown She rocked glamorous Old Hollywood era curls Missing from her side was Yellowston costar-turned-husband Ryan Bingham, who she wed in 2023 Wes Bentley who plays John Dutton's eldest son and attorney, Jamie Dutton looked sharp as he posed up in a stylish gray tweed suit. The American Beauty star, 46, completed the outfit with a long-sleeve black shirt and black dress shoes. Gil Birmingham who plays Tribal Chairman Thomas Rainwater looked suave in a navy blue paid suit and black button-up shirt. Ian Bohen who plays Ryan, one of several ranch hands working at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch flashed a smile while rocking an eye-catching white pinstripe blazer. Brandi Cyrus, 37, put on a leggy display in a brown blazer dress styled with Western boots and a cowhide harness. The second half of Yellowstone's fifth season comes two years after the first part aired from November 2022 through January 2023. The premiere episode the first of six will air exclusively on Paramount+ on Sunday, November 10, as fans hope to get some answers about the fate of the Dutton family and their legacy in Montana. It marks the first chapter of the series without lead star Kevin Costner, who confirmed in June that he would not be returning to Yellowstone. It was reportedly due to scheduling conflicts around his box office bomb Horizon, rumored pay disputes and a 'feud' with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Wes Bentley who plays John Dutton's eldest son and attorney, Jamie Dutton looked sharp as he posed up in a stylish gray tweed suit The American Beauty star, 46, completed the outfit with a long-sleeve black shirt and black dress shoes Gil Birmingham who plays Tribal Chairman Thomas Rainwater looked suave in a navy blue paid suit and black button-up shirt Ian Bohen who plays Ryan, one of several ranch hands working at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch flashed a smile while rocking an eye-catching white pinstripe blazer Brandi Cyrus, 37, put on a leggy display in a brown blazer dress styled with Western boots and a cowhide harness Yvonne Boudreaux who is the production designer for Yellowstone looked radiant in an elegant one-shoulder dress Rob Kirkland who plays Yellowstone sheriff Bill Ramsey looked ultra stylish beside his stunning plus one Meka Brown The first episode of season five's highly-anticipated second half will air Sunday, November 10 on Paramount + At the time, Kevin uploaded a clip to social media and expressed to fans, 'I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon...' 'And doing all the things that's required, and thinking about Yellowstone - that beloved series that I love, that I know you love - I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future.' In regards to the show, the star added, 'It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning.' Kevin also opened up about announcing his exit from the show during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 'It wasn't tough.' 'It was a necessary decision to say, 'Hey, OK, I don't want to really talk about this anymore. It's time to move on.' 'I gave this thing five seasons. I was really happy to do it. And I don't need drama. So, let's just take that drama away, let's take the guessing [away].' 'The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them,' Kevin further told the outlet. Little is known about the plot for Yellowstone's final chapter, with Christina Voros who directed four out of the six episodes for season five recently revealing the extreme lengths production took to ensure the details remained under lock and key. Speaking with THR, Voros revealed they used closed sets - the types employed during nude scenes where only a minimal amount of people are involved - to keep the story guarded. Plot details have been kept tightly under-wraps in wake of Kevin Costner 's, who played Dutton family patriarch John Dutton, abrupt exit from the show this year Costner was noticeably missing from the premiere as he attended the Bambi Awards 2024 in Germany, where he received a special honor on Thursday 'We had very, very closed sets. We treated every scene really as if it was a closed set, so you had the same protocols as if you had nudity on set, where it was only key personnel at the monitors,' she explained. 'When we would do blocking rehearsals, typically the cast runs the lines and the ACs put down marks. In these blocking rehearsals, we wouldn't actually run the dialogue. The actors would move around the space, landing on their marks. But they wouldn't actually say the dialogue, and only the people in the closed set would actually see the scenes. So, it was rather cloak and dagger.' 'It did add work for every department each department head had to become the gatekeeper for their own team. A real challenge, and a layer in the beginning, was making it fun. We started to have fun with it at the end. We joked that we should have been filming the blocking rehearsals, because the cast got into it and there was a lot of laughter. But it was all in service of protecting the story for the audience.' To keep the story a secret, Voros even served as script coordinator, and actors only received scripts for the scenes they were in specifically. 'We didn't have a script coordinator; I took over that role and did the redactions for every cast member. Most of the cast only got the scenes they were in. So for a large portion of the cast, even for some of our seven-year veterans, they will be learning what happens when the show premieres,' she said. Not only were actors kept in the dark, but so were the behind-the-scenes crew. 'Typically, the department gets the scripts and they share them with everyone in their team, everything from people doing clearances to people picking paint colors,' she explained. 'So this strategy extended to not just getting scripts for actors, but also what needed to be shared within key crew and personnel to allow them to do their jobs without having to bear the weight of keeping secrets.' When filming in front of a large amount of extras, they even changed around the dialogue to avoid letting the many actors truly know what was going on. 'There were scenes where we had a lot of extras where we shot a different version of the scene,' she said. 'We're so lucky to have so many great background artists come through the show and really make the world real for us but you don't want 150 people in an arena to go home and tell their families what they did that day. 'There were some places where cast learned variations of what their dialogue was to protect and divert from what people might think was happening.' Overall, the only people who were truly aware of the plot were Voros, creator Taylor Sheridan, department heads, and those playing the Dutton family. Little is known about the plot for Yellowstone's final chapter, with Christina Voros who directed four out of the six episodes for season five recently revealing the extreme lengths production took to ensure the details remained under lock and key Voros also admitted Costner's departure was part of the reason they were especially protective over the scripts Voros also admitted Costner's departure was part of the reason they were especially protective over the scripts. THR asked: 'Taylor Sheridan always keeps his scripts secretive. But was this heightened level of security around the scripts because of Kevin Costners exit? Was it because these were billed as the final episodes of Yellowstone? Was it because the show has become the No. 1 show on TV and thats raised the stakes?' 'Yes. All of that. All of the things. It was a perfect storm, really. Theres so much anticipation,' Voros replied. 'There was so much in the press about Kevin. And when you make a show that has such a beloved following, everyone is going to have their ideas about how it should end. 'I think Taylor has written something that is beautiful and surprising and unexpected and riveting. The cast this year, after seven years of shooting this show, has grown into these roles so deeply that the performances are really next level. 'You are dealing with a cast of actors who know their characters as well as Taylor does, and who have this entire lifetime of work that they have put into building these roles. The performances this year are just exceptional.' Saoirse Ronan proved she was a style icon when she flaunted too effortlessly chic outfits while out and about in New York City on Thursday. The 30-year-old Irish actress who recently went viral for a tense exchange with Paul Mescal about violence against women first opted for a striking black-and-white outfit, before changing into a sleek gold-and-brown dress that gleamed at magic hour. Her first look featured a slim, semi-sheer black mock turtleneck that she wore over a white short-sleeve blouse. She brightened up the dark top with her flowing white culottes, which resembled a skirt thanks to extra layers of draped fabric. The Little Women star contrasted her billowing pants with black square-toed heels, and she wore a set of glamorous black sunglasses that were framed by dangling strands of hair. Saoirse Ronan proved she was a style icon when she flaunted too effortlessly chic outfits while out and about in New York City on Thursday. The actress, 30, first opted for a striking black-and-white look, before changing into a gleaming gold-and-brown dress at magic hour Later in the day, Saoirse emerged again in New York City, this time in a stunning dress for an evening on the town. The sleeveless item showcased her toned arms, and it featured a knee-length skirt with a high slit running down the middle. The collared dress shimmered in the light thanks to thousands of delicate brown and gold beads that were arranged to create lovely floral designs. Saorise changed up her hairstyle for the evening, tying her blond locks back into a bun to put the spotlight on her round diamond-encrusted earrings. The Lady Bird star completed her look with a pair of gold open-toe heels that added to her stature. She has been busy lately making the rounds to promote her two newest films, both of which are currently in limited release in the US. In The Outrun, directed by Nora Fingscheidt and based on the 2016 memoir of the same name by Amy Liptrot, Saoirse plays a woman struggling with alcoholism who has just gotten out of rehab and moved back to her family's homes in Scotland's Orkney Islands. While there, she leans on her parents for support and tries to create a new life that doesn't involve drinking, but she struggles to have a meaningful social life. Saoirse can also be seen in Steve McQueen's latest film, Blitz, which is currently playing in limited release, before it begins streaming on Apple TV+ on November 22. She stars as Rita, who frantically searches for her son George (Elliott Heffernan) after he runs away in the midst of Nazi Germany's devastating bombing runs over London. Both films have performed well with critics, further cementing the American-born Irish actress' status as one of the best actresses of her generation. Saorise recently found herself in headlines for a different reason after she spoke up during a segment on The Graham Norton Show featuring Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington. The buzziest moment came after Paul made a joke about having to learn how to fight using a phone as a deadly weapon. Her first look featured a slim, semi-sheer black mock turtleneck that she wore over a white short-sleeve blouse. She brightened up the dark top with her flowing white culottes The Little Women star contrasted her billowing pants with black square-toed heels, and she wore a set of glamorous black sunglasses that were framed by dangling strands of hair Later, she emerged in a sleeveless dress showcasing her toned arms and featuring a knee-length skirt with a high slit running down the middle The collared dress shimmered in the light thanks to thousands of delicate brown and gold beads that were arranged to create lovely floral designs Saorise changed up her hairstyle for the evening, tying her blond locks back into a bun to put the spotlight on her round diamond-encrusted earrings. The Lady Bird star completed her look with a pair of gold open-toe heels that added to her stature 'Who is actually going to think about that? If someone actually attacked me, I'm not going to go "phone,"' he joked while speaking about his Peacock series The Day Of The Jackal. But Saoirse shot back that those concerns are what 'girls have to think about all the time.' Paul also earned the ire of some viewers for poking fun at Saorise's appearance and costume in her 2011 action thriller Hanna after, and it didn't help matters when she warned him to stop talking over her. However, Atonement actress made it clear that she and Paul whom she starred with in the 2023 film Foe were friends. Chuck D mads his feelings clear on the state of society amid this week's presidential race in the wake of the release of a music video for his collaboration with Consequence, What Has America Done. The track from the Public Enemy rapper, 64, and Consequence, 47, focuses on the challenges Black people pace in America, coming at a turbulent time in which President-elect Donald Trump was elected to a second term. Chuck D spoke to TMZ Thursday, two days after Vice President Kamala Harris fell short in her bid to become the first female Black president. The Fight the Power rapper said that Harris' campaign was sabotaged by bad cyber actors during the election cycle. 'Avatars like they're the new Klan hoodies - the more things change, the more they stay the SAME!!!' the musical artist, whose full name is Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, told TMZ Hip Hop Thursday. Chuck D, 64, makes his feelings clear on this week's presidential race in a music video for his recent new collaboration with Consequence, 47, titled What Has America Done The Fight the Power rapper said that Harris' campaign was sabotaged by bad cyber actors during the election cycle He added: 'Like it or not, especially if you're African American, we must continue to pursue our equality and make sure we do everything in our power to level the playing field as best we possibly can.' The Bring the Noise performer, who drew promotional art for the single, said that 'in doing so, we can forget where we've been and what it took to get where we are.' Lyrics in the track include: 'So what has America done for me?/Push the goal line further?/Accuse me of murder?/Fed me French fries and burgers?' The track is featured on Consequence's album Nice Doing Business With You, and also includes vocals from Tony Williams of The Wrldfms, TMZ reported. The socially-conscious video from the artists - which depicts scenes of racial discrimination, homelessness and police activity - is among the early returns focused on the changing times amid Trump's second win. Since President-elect Trump clinched his return to the White House, Margaret Atwood's dystopian classic The Handmaid's Tale - about a country in which women are brutally repressed - has been high on the Amazon.com best seller list. The Handmaid's Tale was popular throughout Trump's first term, along with such dark futuristic narratives as George Orwell's 1984 and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, both of which were in the Amazon top 40 as of Thursday afternoon. Another best-seller from Trump's previous time in office, Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, was in the top 10. The track from the Public Enemy rapper, 64, and Consequence, 47, focuses on the challenges Black people pace in America, coming at a turbulent time in which President-elect Donald Trump was elected to a second term The track is featured on Consequence's album Nice Doing Business With You, and also includes vocals from Tony Williams of The Wrldfms The Bring the Noise performer drew promotional art for the single, making reference to Project 2025 Another sketch from Chuck D appeared to depict Trump tearing apart an American flag Pro-Trump books also were selling well. Former first lady Melania Trump's memoir, Melania, was No. 1 on the Amazon list, and Vice President-elect JD Vance's Hillbilly Elegy was in the top 10. Donald Trump's photo book Save America was in the top 30. At Barnes & Noble, 'Fiction and non-fiction books that feature fascism, feminism, dystopian worlds and both right-and-left leaning politics rocketed up our sales charts with the election results,' according to Shannon DeVito, the chain's director of books. She cited Melania On Tyranny and Bob Woodward's latest, War, which covers the responses of Trump and President Joe Biden to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. DeVito also cited 'a massive bump in dystopian fiction,' notably for The Handmaid's Tale and 1984. Abbie Chatfield has urged women to stop giving men who support Donald Trump 'the perks of a relationship'. In a lengthy Instagram post, the reality star, 29, told women they should refuse to date or have sex which anyone who supports his victory. Alongside a series of posts from her story, she wrote: 'IF THEY WANT TO TAKE AWAY REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOMS THEN DO NOT LET THEM ENTER YOUR BODY.' 'I'm done with the idea that men who support Trump (or Andrew Tate) are just "lost" and we should have empathy for them. They are gleefully posting threats of violence.' 'They are happy that women's rights are going to be stripped. They are laughing at our tears. They already have a SLOGAN in "your body my choice".' Abbie then told women to not let men with these views 'near you' because they are 'dangerous'. 'Ask them about their views! They are dangerous and they don't deserve your presence, emotional or domestic labour. If your partner was in support of Trump OR EVEN APATHETIC, STOP DOING ANYTHING FOR THEM THAT PATRIARCHY EXPECTS OF YOU!! They are NOT entitled to your body or time. 'If they see you as a human they wouldn't need this explained to them. DUMP. THEM.' Abbie Chatfield has urged women to stop giving men who support Donal Trump 'the perks of a relationship' She also claimed Trump's presidency 'will bring more violence towards women as men do not care about us'. 'So stop giving them the perks of a relationship with you. It isn't your job. Be with a man who can take care of himself, who won't expect sex and who actually sees you as a human being.' Donald Trump was re-elected President of the United States on Wednesday (AEST), defeating opponent Kamala Harris in a dramatic and hard-fought race. Following the news, Abbie shared a short clip that showed her staring blankly into the camera while a 'tweet' was superimposed over the image which read: 'I saw a tweet that said the only thing an American hates more than a rapist is a woman.' Captioning the clip, Abbie revealed that the news of Trump again ascending to the White House was enough to walk away from all internet-related media - albeit for a short period of time. 'This is why it hurts (and much more),' Abbie wrote. 'Anyway I will not be on the internet the next 2 days or so.' In a lengthy Instagram post, the reality star, 29, told women they should refuse to date or have sex which anyone who supports the Republican candidate's victory Abbie's post was met with a flurry of support from fans with many telling the media personality they sympathised. 'Sending hugs and wise move to take a break. This is going to be wild. I'm so so so devastated and I don't even know how to console people,' one fan wrote. 'I'm sorry to anyone who now lives in a country where a convicted felon was voted into the top job,' the post began. 'I'm sorry to anyone who now lives in a country where needing an abortion could cost them their livelihoods (or literal lives). Continuing, Abbie also singled out podcaster Joe Rogan and X owner Elon Musk, who both gave Trump their endorsement. 'I'm sorry to anyone who lives in a country where young men don't seem to have any proper role models...on the left and are instead left with the likes of Joe Rogan and Elon Musk to teach them what masculinity looks like,' the expansive post continued. Alongside a series of posts from her story, she wrote: 'IF THEY WANT TO TAKE AWAY REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOMS THEN DO NOT LET THEM ENTER YOUR BODY' Finishing, Abbie also found some time to lay some blame at the Democrats feet, arguing Kamala Harris' team did not change tactics that had 'failed them' in the past. 'I'm sorry to anyone who worked tirelessly to campaign against Trump, using the same playbook that has failed the Democratic Party in the past, yet still continued to operate with hope,' she concluded. Abbie also recently slammed Trump in a foul-mouthed rant on her podcast. Taking to Instagram in September, Abbie shared a very profane clip from the latest episode of It's A Lot. Donald Trump was re-elected President of the United States on Wednesday (AEST), defeating opponent Kamala Harris in a dramatic and hard-fought race The Bachelor star, who studied property economics at university, took issue with Trump's foreign import tariff policy. 'He thinks he is charging China a tariff! But tariffs go towards the f***ing wholesaler who's importing the goods,' Abbie raged. That isn't how a tariff works!' Later, the podcaster went on to call Trump a 'serial liar'. 'I'm not saying you're stupid for not knowing this, but as a Presidential candidate, he repeatedly lies. And then people say "Trump's economic policy is the one thing I agree with" and I go "the c**t doesn't know what tariffs are!"' she said in the clip. Channel Seven billionaire owner Kerry Stokes hosted a lavish lunch at his Darling Point home in Sydney on Friday for the top stars amid ongoing struggles at the embattled TV network. Several prominent reporters and executives from 7News arrived at the 84-year-old's multi-million dollar waterfront mansion to enjoy a long lunch featuring delicious dishes prepared by renowned celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi. Among the attendees were 7News weekend anchors Michael Usher and Angie Asimus. Usher, 54, looked sharp in a navy two-piece suit paired with a white button-up shirt, while Asimus, 39, exuded sophistication in a royal blue short-sleeved maxi dress with a pleated skirt. Chatting with Asimus was Gemma Acton, who looked chic in a dark blue mid-length dress. Spotlight star Liam Bartlett, 63, and executive producer Gemma Williams, 25, also made an appearance, while Chris Reason, 59, and newly-appointed Director of News and Current Affairs, Anthony De Ceglie, seemed to be in good spirits at the gathering. Mark Ferguson, 58, arrived dressed in a collared shirt, khaki trousers and brown boots. His 7News weekday co-host, Angela Cox, stepped out in a navy scoop-neck frock and paired the dress with beige closed-toe sandals. Channel Seven billionaire owner Kerry Stokes hosted a lavish lunch at his Darling Point home in Sydney on Friday for his top stars amid ongoing struggles at the embattled TV network Several prominent reporters and executives from 7News arrived at the 84-year-old's multi-million dollar waterfront mansion to enjoy a long lunch Several other stars from Channel Seven were absent from the soiree, including Sunrise co-hosts Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr. Barr is currently flying back to Australia from Washington DC where she was covering the US election week. Her co-host Shirvington has been reporting from the Sydney studio alongside Monique Wright. Wright, along with Sunrise sport presenter Mark Beretta and weatherman Sam Mac, who flew to South Africa this morning, also appeared to miss Stokes' function. Additionally, The Morning Show co-hosts Larry Emdur, who won this year's coveted Gold Logie, and Kylie Gillies didn't appear to be present at the private lunch. Michael Usher and Gemma Acton are pictured outside Stokes' property ahead of the luncheon Usher, 54, looked sharp in a navy two-piece suit paired with a white button-up shirt Spotlight star Liam Bartlett, 63, and newly-appointed Director of News and Current Affairs, Anthony De Ceglie, seemed to be in good spirits at the gathering Stokes' meeting with the Seven team comes during a major reshuffle of roles and titles amid a ratings bloodbath. Last month, Usher and Asimus were appointed co-anchors of the 6pm bulletin from Friday to Sunday. Long-time Seven journalist Asimus will continue presenting the weather for Sydney's weekly news with Ferguson and Cox at the desk. It comes after Sharyn Ghidella's replacement was been announced earlier this month after the beloved anchor made a controversial exit from Seven. Angie Asimus (left) wore a royal blue dress that featured a pleated skirt, while new Spotlight executive producer Gemma Williams (back centre) was seen chatting with other guests Delicious dishes were prepared by renowned celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi (pictured) He was seen unloading items and ingredients at the Eastern Suburbs property Sarah Greenhalgh will step in as co-anchor of 7News Brisbane's flagship 6pm bulletin, it was revealed in October. Recently, several employees were laid off as part of Seven's cost-cutting strategy. Seven West Media slashed 150 editorial staff in a round of redundancies which claimed big names, including Sharyn Ghidella and Queensland veteran weatherman Paul Burt. Mark Ferguson, 58, arrived dressed in a collared shirt, khaki trousers and brown boots Seven Network's recently appointed news and current affairs boss De Ceglie has been replacing sections leaders across the country with younger managers. He has also introduced a Friday night comedy spot and astrology to the news. Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide all have fresh news directors, and new executive producers have been put in charge of Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise and Spotlight. The network has also axed veterans Robert Ovadia, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud, who is known among friends as the 'Harvester of Sorrow' due to his grim news beat. On the Sydney front, Ovadia - perhaps the most high profile of all the figures axed up until Ghidella's - has announced he will take Seven to the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal. Aubrey Plaza sizzled on the red carpet of the gala Dead Funny: An All-Star Tribute To Joan Rivers in New York City this Thursday. Thrown at the legendary Apollo's Historic Theater in Harlem, the fete was thrown to benefit Joan's favorite charity God's Love We Deliver, which she worked tirelessly for during the last decades of her life. Aubrey, who was friendly with the late comedy icon, brought a splash of showbiz dazzle to the proceedings in a sparkling see-through gown. The 40-year-old White Lotus actress flaunted her sensational figure in the saucy ensemble, which featured lace accents. Wearing her luxuriously wavy hair down, the Parks And Recreation alumna accentuated her luminous complexion with makeup. Aubrey Plaza sizzled on the red carpet of the gala Dead Funny: An All-Star Tribute To Joan Rivers in New York City this Thursday Joan was associated with God's Love We Deliver from its early years in 1980s New York, when the charity brought meals to people dying of AIDS. She was one of the earliest stars to throw her weight behind AIDS research as a cause, before it became famously associated with Elizabeth Taylor. As the years went on, God's Love We Deliver expanded its remit beyond HIV/AIDS and now provided meals to thousands of people who are homebound from illness. Joan spent part of every Thanksgiving personally delivering food to the sick for the charity, as seen in the 2010 documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work. She died just over a decade ago, on September 4, 2014, after suffering complications from a routine endoscopy. Names galore attended the gala, including former Real Housewives Of New York City star Luann De Lesseps, flashing her abs in a flesh-flashing PVC cocktail dress. Luann enjoyed a warm moment with influencer Randy Rainbow, who in recent years has become known for comedy songs with a left-leaning political bent. A number of famous comedians made their presence felt on the red carpet, where Tiffany Haddish could be glimpsed mingling with Nikki Glaser. The fete was thrown to benefit Joan's favorite charity God's Love We Deliver, which she worked tirelessly for over several decades during her life; Joan pictured in 2009 Aubrey, who was friendly with the late comedy icon, brought a splash of showbiz dazzle to the proceedings in a sparkling see-through gown Names galore attended the gala, including former Real Housewives Of New York City star Luann De Lesseps, flashing her abs in a flesh-flashing PVC cocktail dress A number of famous comedians made their presence felt on the red carpet, where Tiffany Haddish could be glimpsed mingling with Nikki Glaser Chelsea Handler, who feuded bitterly with Joan Rivers during her life, was nevertheless on hand in a busty wine-colored gown for the gala in her memory Luann enjoyed a warm moment with influencer Randy Rainbow, who in recent years has become known for comedy songs with a left-leaning political bent Sandra Bernhard teamed her muted black jacket and blouse with a set of sequined trousers, bringing back an air of the 1980s, when she first became a star comic Rachel Brosnahan, whose star-making show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was inspired by the pioneering women comics of the 1950s and 1960s like Joan, attended as well Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson brought a touch of Malibu chic to the proceedings in a shimmery chrome and silver gown dripping with fringe Comedian Michelle Buteau (left) modeled a glimmering, poufy blue frock while model Alexa Goodrow (right) wore an off-white lace jumpsuit Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers (left) posed with Caroline Hirsch (right), founder of the landmark New York comedy club Carolines On Broadway, which closed in 2022 Chelsea Handler, who feuded bitterly with Joan Rivers during her life, was nevertheless on hand in a busty wine-colored gown for the gala in her memory. Sandra Bernhard teamed her muted black jacket and blouse with a set of sequined trousers, bringing back an air of the 1980s, when she first became a star comic. Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson brought a touch of Malibu chic to the proceedings in a shimmery chrome and silver gown dripping with fringe. Rachel Brosnahan, whose star-making show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was inspired by the pioneering women comics of the 1950s and 1960s like Joan and Phyllis Diller, was also part of the star-studded guest list that evening. Comedian Michelle Buteau modeled a glimmering, poufy blue frock while model Alexa Goodrow wore an off-white lace jumpsuit. Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers posed with Caroline Hirsch, founder of the landmark New York comedy club Carolines On Broadway, which closed in 2022. Armie Hammer revealed he had a falling out with his mother, Dru Hammer, over religion after the cannibalism accusations. On Monday's episode of his new Armie HammerTime Podcast, the actor, 38, candidly opened up about his relationship with his mother. While chatting with his mother Dru, he said that he has 'very clear boundaries' and does not want her to 'talk to me about God all the time.' Addressing his mom, Hammer explained that his 'understanding is that you feel this is such a big part of who you are and what you are and your purpose, that that's just what you do, all the time. This comes shortly after he returned with a new podcast, admitted he 'likes the cannibal stuff now' and is reviving his movie making career three years after the infamous scandal. Armie Hammer revealed he had a falling out with his mother, Dru Hammer, over religion after the cannibalism accusations. On Monday's episode of his new Armie HammerTime podcast, the actor, 38, candidly opened up about his relationship with his mother In just his second podcast episode, he explained there was a time when he was estranged from his mother. 'We actually had a period in our lives when we didn't talk at all because I said, "I don't need a pastor, I need a mom. And if you're unable to be a mom and only able to be a pastor, then I don't need that relationship in my life. I don't need another pastor",' he recalled. 'And we didn't talk for a while, because you were just like, "This is who I am." And that's fine. Everybody is allowed to react however they want when boundaries are presented,' he continued. Hammer also told his mom that he has 'no problem' with her relationship with religion as he believes 'everyone is entitled to their own spirituality.' 'I think we are all spiritual beings, and I have a thriving spiritual practice,' he said. 'I start every morning with meditation and a prayer and a gratitude practice all of those things that I've learned in my recovery,' he shared. 'The place where you and I get into trouble is when it feels like to me that my spirituality does not look exactly like your spirituality, so you try to proselytize or convert or bring me half a dozen bibles or whatever so that you want my spirituality to look exactly like yours. And I think that's where we get into the weeds with it. At least, that's how it feels to me.' Then, his mother began sharing stories about the origins of his gifted bibles and spoke about being 'radically healed' through religion. Hammer interrupted her to get back to his point. 'I'm really trying to be respectful of your time and your talking but we have not gotten back to the point that I brought up, which is our personal relationship,' he told her. While chatting with his mother Dru, he said that he has 'very clear boundaries' and does not want her to 'talk to me about God all the time.' Addressing his mom, Hammer explained that his 'understanding is that you feel this is such a big part of who you are and what you are and your purpose, that that's just what you do, all the time; pictured February 2019 in Santa Monica In just his second podcast episode, he explained there was a time when he was estranged from his mother. Hammer also told his mom that he has 'no problem' with her relationship with religion as he believes 'everyone is entitled to their own spirituality' 'I brought up what I feel about our personal relationship and you then went to talk about Christ. That is what I feel causes division in our relationship, where I feel like you and I do not connect very well on a personal level because it feels like to me, everything that comes up is an opportunity for you to talk about Christ which is great, [but] the fact that it feels like an impediment for us having a personal relationship is the reason I feel like we did not speak for a long time.' In response, his mother told him: 'To be fair, what I was saying is I believe as a Christian, that is what we are called to do. So you come from that perspective, and all I was doing was explaining why I do what I do. Because you're called to be an actor. I'm called to be an evangelist.' His latest podcast episode comes shortly after he revealed he has returned to making movies, three years after his cannibalism scandal imploded his career. The actor fell from grace when he was at the peak of his fame after multiple woman accused him of violent abuse and harboring cannibalism fantasies. Hammer has vehemently denied the claims and did not face any charges, but his career and personal life did suffer a setback. Following the series of disturbing allegations and his quiet hiatus, the Call Me By Your Name actor announced his return late last month with photos from his new project, a Western film called Frontier Crucible. Then, his mother began sharing stories about the origins of his gifted bibles and spoke about being 'radically healed' through religion Hammer interrupted her to get back to his point. 'I'm really trying to be respectful of your time and your talking but we have not gotten back to the point that I brought up, which is our personal relationship,' he told her 'Back in the saddle,' he captioned the post. Deadline reports the film will begin shooting in November in Monument Valley and Prescott, Arizona. The film, which also stars Thomas Jane and is being directed by Travis Mills, is an adaptation of Harry Whittington's 1961 western book Desert Stake-Out. According to the outlet, it was pitched by producer Dallas Sonnier as Reservoir Dogs meets Bone Tomahawk. The movie will take place in the 1870s in the Arizona Territory and centers around a former soldier with a tragic past who forges a tenuous alliance with three outlaws, a beautiful woman, and her injured husband. Together, they all try and survive the western frontier. Olivia Rodrigo is going viral after having one of her hit songs removed from a TikTok posted by Donald Trump's team after his election win. The video in question, which was posted to the Team Trump TikTok on Wednesday, celebrated Republican Trump, 78, gaining the presidency for a second time despite his naysayers. Photos of the president-elect appeared on screen as Rodrigo's 2021 song Deja Vu soundtracked the clip that's since racked up over 11.6million views. The drama kicked off when an X (formerly Twitter) account posted a screenshot of a comment allegedly left by Rodrigo on Team Trump's post that read: 'ew don't use my sound ever again ty' While the comment ended up being a fake, Rodrigo a devout Liberal and pro-choice advocate did have TikTok remove her song from the video. Olivia Rodrigo is going viral after having one of her hit songs removed from a TikTok posted by Donald Trump's team after his election win. The video in question, which was posted to the Team Trump TikTok on Wednesday, celebrated Trump's, 78, victory with photos set to the tune of Rodrigo's 2021 song Deja Vu The drama kicked off when an X (formerly Twitter) account posted a screenshot of a comment allegedly left by Rodrigo on Team Trump's post that read: 'ew don't use my sound ever again ty' It now displays a 'this sound isn't available' message when a viewer clicks the volume button on Team Trump's post. However, Deja Vu is still available to use by others on the popular app. Fans of Rodrigo flooded X and TikTok, praising the Disney Channel alum for making her political 'stance clear.' Many of the comments were left on the original Team Trump video. Trump beat Democrat nominee Kamala Harris in a landslide victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, making him the 47th president of the United States. The former president beat Vice President Harris in popular and electoral votes. Trump previously served as president from 2016 to 2020 after beating Hilary Clinton, 77. The 2024 election was Rodrigo's first as a voting age citizen and she publicly endorsed Harris back in July. While the comment ended up being a fake, Rodrigo a devout Liberal and pro-choice advocate did have TikTok remove her song from the video; Rodrigo seen in April It now displays a 'this sound isn't available' message when a viewer clicks the volume button on Team Trump's post Fans of Rodrigo flooded X and TikTok, praising the Disney Channel alum for making her political 'stance clear' She did so be reposting a clip of Harris vowing to protect 'reproductive freedom' by stopping 'Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans.' Rodrigo revealed to THR last month that she completed a mail-in ballot and stressed how 'important' the election was. 'It is my first presidential election. I missed the last one. It's very exciting. I cast my vote yesterday,' she revealed at the time. 'I did a mail-in ballot, and I went and I dropped it off at the polling station. It was very exciting. 'And I wore my sticker very proudly all day. It's a super, super important election, so I'm hoping that everyone, especially people my age, get out there and vote,' she said. 'It couldn't be more important.' She has also used her platform on several occasions to encourage her fans to register to vote. In September, she tweeted out a direct link to headcount.org on Nation Voter Registration Day along with the message: 'it's so important to make your voice heard this november!' Rodrigo has yet to publicly comment on the dramatic outcome of the 2024 election. The 2024 election was Rodrigo's first as a voting age citizen and she endorsed Harris back in July; seen in February Rodrigo revealed to THR last month that she completed a mail-in ballot and stressed how 'important' the election was; seen in February The musician was last spotted in the U.K. with her boyfriend Louis Partridge just a few days before the polls opened. The couple - who began dating in October 2023 - attended the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea. Rodrigo's new romance comes a year after her split from Zack Bia and several months of casual dating. She is enjoying some much needed downtime after nearly wrapping the entirety of her GUTS world tour in October. The impressive 97-date tour is in support of her sophomore album of the same name, which earned her six Grammy Award nominations at the 2024 ceremony. Rodrigo will perform two final shows at Co-op Live in Manchester next summer. Kim Kardashian is facing some heat after unveiling a new holiday campaign for her brand SKIMS in wake of the tense United States presidential election. The ad features actress Kate Hudson and her entire family including mom Goldie Hawn and brother Oliver Hudson. It was shared by Kim herself to Instagram on Thursday with the caption: 'Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson & Family for SKIMS' Filmed inside a lavish mansion, the video shows the Hudson-Hawn clan rocking SKIMS pajamas as they destroy a decadent holiday meal served to them by a butler. At one point, Kate is seen waving around a cooked lobster before Goldie randomly dumps a plate of red jello on to the home's carpet. Kim Kardashian is facing some heat after unveiling a new holiday campaign for her brand SKIMS in wake of the tense United States presidential election; Kim seen on November 2 The video ad features actress Kate Hudson and her entire family including mom Goldie Hawn and brother Oliver Hudson 'Girl please. Completely out of touch,' one of Kim's followers remarked on the post. Another added: 'This is incredibly insensitive considering the election' Many urged the 44-year-old reality TV star to 'read the room' Others described the ad as 'disturbing' and 'cringe.' It kicks offs with footage of Kate, 45, trying to wrangle her family as several butlers laid out impressive desserts on a wooden dining room table. Kate's three kids Ryder Robinson, 20, Bingham, 12, and Rani, five are all featured as well as her fiance Danny Fujikawa, 38. Kate's older brother Oliver, 48, also included his three kids Wilder, 17, Bodhi, 14, and Rio, 11 and wife Erinn Bartlett, 51. Missing from the action was family matriarch Goldie's, 78, longtime partner and fellow A-list star, Kurt Russell, 73, their son, Wyatt Russell, 38, his wife, Meredith Hagner, and their two young sons. Once the desserts are laid out, the family begins to pick them up off the table and dance. It was shared by Kim herself to Instagram on Thursday with the caption: 'Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson & Family for SKIMS' Filmed inside a lavish mansion, the ad shows the Hudson-Hawn clan rocking SKIMS pajamas as they destroy a decadent holiday meal served to them by a butler At one point, Kate is seen waving around a cooked lobster before Goldie randomly dumps a plate of red jello onto the home's carpet The ad kicks offs with footage of Kate, 45, trying to wrangle her family as several butlers laid out impressive desserts on a wooden dining room table 'Girl please. Completely out of touch,' one of Kim's followers remarked on the post Kate's daughter Rani stands up on a dining table with her cousin Rio as they hold up plates of dessert. The kids receive e-bikes and e-scooters as gifts, which they proceed to ride around the mansion. They're also seen playing with other expensive gifts inside of the home's personal library. Next, the family heads to the kitchen where they pick apart a decadent seafood dinner complete with lobsters, oysters and other shellfish. Goldie picks up the largest lobster and shows it off to the camera while Kate grabs another one and waves it around. The clip concludes with Kate's son Bingham riding over the jello that Goldie had spilt on the mansion floor before the family gathers together to say to the camera: 'Everybody's wearing SKIMS!' Kate left a red heart-emoji on Kim's Instagram post but neither of them have reacted to the criticism the campaign is receiving online. Along with Thursday's video ad, Kim also posted the stunning still image of the Hudson-Hawn family to her Instagram. In the images, the happy family wore various sets of matching pajamas and could be seen posing up a storm, indulging in different desserts and getting into a little mischief. The love between everyone in the photos was palpable as they could be seen with their arms around each other and laughing in nearly every picture. Kate's three kids Ryder Robinson, 20, Bingham, 12, and Rani, five are all featured as well as her fiance Danny Fujikawa, 38 Next, the family heads to the kitchen where they pick apart a decadent seafood dinner complete with lobsters, oysters and other shellfish The campaign was unveiled just two days after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States defeating celeb-favorite Kamala Harris in a landslide victory. Kim has remained noticeably silent about the 2024 election and she did not endorse a candidate for president unlike many of her A-list peers. Kim happens to be close friends with Trump's daughter Ivanka, 43, and she made sure to wish her a happy 43rd birthday on Wednesday, October 30. She took to her Instagram Story to send well wishes to Ivanka and share throwback photos of them together over the years. 'No one sweeter than you,' she wrote alongside three white heart emojis in a birthday tribute to Trump. 'Happy birthday.' Trump acknowledged Kardashian's well wishes and subsequently reposted the snaps to her own Instagram Story. Kardashian and Trump's friendship dates back to nearly a decade ago and strengthened after they began working on prison reforms together at the White House. The pair reportedly bonded over motherhood and becoming new moms at the Met Gala in 2014. In 2023, a source told Us Weekly: 'Kim and Ivanka have been friends for years and have hung out on a number of occasions.' The insider added that they 'initially bonded ... over motherhood and being new moms. But they continued to connect numerous times over the years.' The kids receive expensive gifts that they play with inside of the mansion's personal library 'Everybody's wearing SKIMS!' the family exclaims at the ad's end Over the years, they have been seen together on a number of occasions and their friendship deepened. In 2018, the pair was seen posing side by side at the White House, where Kim was petitioning Trump's father, then-President Trump, to commute the life sentence of drug offender Alice Marie Johnson. By 2020, Kardashian was gushing about her pal's father online. 'President Trump commuted the sentences of three really deserving women. I didn't hear much about it in the news, so I wanted to share with you their stories. 'I have the pleasure of spending the day with these women today along with Alice Marie Johnson, who helped to pick these women,' she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time. An M1A2 SEP v2 Abrams assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, fires at a target during a zero range at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 5, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. David Poleski) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases X Help Keep Us From Drying Up We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways: Romance rumors are swirling as Euphoria star Eric Dane was spotted on a cozy date with 27-year-old aspiring actress Priya Jane on Thursday night. The 51-year-old Greys Anatomy alum, who split from his wife Rebecca Gayheart in 2018, appeared in good spirits as he dined with Priya at a West Hollywood sushi spot. Sporting a casual gray Celine hoodie, Dane gently placed his hand on Priyas shoulder as they walked to the restaurant. Priya, a stunning brunette who will soon appear alongside Josh Duhamel in Not Without, looked effortlessly chic in a white dress with a high slit, paired with a black leather jacket. While neither has commented on their relationship status, the two seemed to enjoy each others company, sharing laughs and smiles outside the restaurant. Romance rumors are swirling as Euphoria star Eric Dane was spotted on a cozy date with 27-year-old aspiring actress Priya Jane on Thursday night The 51-year-old Greys Anatomy alum, who split from his wife Rebecca Gayheart in 2018 , appeared in good spirits as he dined with Priya at a West Hollywood sushi spot Eric shares his two daughters Bille, 14, and Georgia, 13, with ex-wife Rebecca, who he married back in 2004. Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018 yet the split was never finalized. She has kept his last name on her Instagram account. However, Eric and Rebecca have fans holding out hope for the pair to get back together after being spotted together on multiple occasions. The exes were seen holding hands during a trip to Cabo with their children in January, almost five years after filing for divorce following 14 years of marriage. They first raised eyebrows over the summer when they fueled reconciliation rumors by posting snaps from their family trip to France. Back in June, Eric who played Dr. Mark Sloan (aka McSteamy) on ABCs Greys Anatomy, revealed why he believes he was 'let go' from the show in Season 9. 'f you take the whole eight years on Greys Anatomy, I was f***ed up longer than I was sober. And thats when things started going sideways for me,' Dane revealed on Dax Shepards Armchair Podcast. 'I think I was let go,' he explained. Eric and Rebecca Gayheart (pictured in 2018) were seen holding hands during a trip to Cabo with their children in January, almost five years after filing for divorce following 14 years of marriage. Eric shares his two daughters Bille, 14, and Georgia, 13, with ex-wife Rebecca, who he married back in 2004; (pictured 2017) Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018 yet the split was never finalized; (pictured 2016) Though his struggles with addiction may have influenced the network's decision not to bring him back, Dane suggests that financial considerations might have also played a role. 'I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time Dane is currently taking on the role of Cal Jacobs, father to Jacob Elordis character, in HBOs hit series Euphoria. His latest film appearance was in Bad Boy: Ride or Die, where he joined Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Rozalia Russian has revealed how she had her Melbourne Cup Carnival experience ruined after contracting a painful viral infection shortly before the big race. The glamorous influencer, 36, who is married to Melbourne businessman Nick Russian, 45, shared a lengthy Instagram post detailing her health woes. She revealed the trouble started after a big night out partying at the Don Julio Derby Day afterparty at her husband's venue Bar Bambi. 'It's amazing what a couple of hours can do. So a couple of hours ago I was at the races in the most beautiful dress, full glam, great hair and now look at me,' she said. Rozalia then showed a nasty rash around her eye and told how she was dealing with a painful headache, but at first ignored the symptoms and 'powered on' at the races. 'I have just come home from the doctor because this has been happening to me all week,' she explained. 'It started off on Monday I woke up with the tiniest rash on my face and just a really bad earache and headache. 'I just thought big night Derby night am i still hungover? Is my skin just breaking out from drinking too much?' Rozalia Russian had her Melbourne Cup Carnival experience ruined after contracting a painful viral infection before the big race. Rozalia is pictured at the 2024 Melbourne Cup The influencer, 36, who is married to businessman Nick Russian, 45, shared a lengthy Instagram post detailing her health woes and showing off her nasty eye rash (pictured) Despite her pain, she still headed back to Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday to soak up the atmosphere at the Melbourne Cup - one of the top events in the Aussie social calendar. 'I had some Panadol and Zyrtec to ignore the fact that the side of my face felt like there was a knife stabbing into it,' she shared. With her symptoms worsening, Rozalia then went for a facial and, when that didn't work, conceded and sought out medical attention. Rozalia said she was 'floored' when the doctor told her she had shingles. 'I was floored. I was like are you serious? Here I am thinking maybe it's a flea bite. No wonder Ive been feeling so crap,' she said. Shingles is a skin rash characterised by pain and blistering that usually appears on one side of the face or body. After suffering with painful symptoms all week at the races, Rozalia (pictured with Nick) said she was 'floored' when the doctor told her she had shingles The virus responsible for shingles can be spread to a person who has not had chickenpox disease or vaccinations when they come into contact - directly or indirectly - with the fluid contained in the rash blisters. Rozalia explained: '[The doctor] said if you didn't have chickenpox when you were younger, it can stay dormant in your system and then just come out if you're stressed, if you're tired, maybe if your out dancing at Bambi until three, who knows? We're not here to judge.' Rozalia said she is at least relieved that the virus isn't contagious as she feared making her husband Nick and children Willow, 10, and Kingston, eight, unwell. Emmerdale star James Moore has hinted that he secretly married his girlfriend two years after they got engaged. James - who plays Charity Dingle's son Ryan Stocks on the ITV soap - proposed to Sophie Edwards in May 2022. The 32-year-old announced their engagement on Instagram, sharing several sweet selfies of the couple. The duo beamed as they posed with their cat and Sophie showed off her ornate ring. James captioned the post: 'We got engaged!!!! (ft our cat).' Emmerdale star James Moore hinted that he has secretly married girlfriend Sophie Edwards two years after they got engaged He plays Charity Dingle's son Ryan Stocks on the ITV soap James changed his Instagram bio to 'husband to Sophie Edwards' The soap star has since hinted that they have tied the knot by changing his Instagram bio to 'Husband to Sophie Edwards.' He also updated his relationship status on Facebook, according to OK! The actor changed his bio from 'in a relationship' to 'married' and tagged Sophie in the post. Sophie has changed her surname to Moore. Back in September, James - who joined Emmerdale in 2018 - revealed they would be getting married in two months. He posted a snap of them posing with their wedding rings on Instagram after getting them made. James wrote: 'Cant believe that its less than two months until me and Soph get married!! 'Time has only flown so quickly, but I like to think that we are well prepared. We made our wedding rings last week and it felt so special and unique and was another reminder that I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with my favourite person.' Last June, the TV star celebrated their four-year anniversary with a heartfelt social media post. The 32-year-old revealed in September that they would be getting married in two months He proposed to Sophie in May 2022 He shared several smiling selfies of the couple and penned: '4 years today with my favourite person, my partner, my best friend and now my fiancee too!! 'Im so lucky and grateful for everything that you do, looking out for me and always being there for everything!! 'I love you so much and I cant wait to marry you next year.' James has ataxic cerebral palsy, the same disability his character Ryan has. He made history in 2019 when he became the first disabled winner of a National Television Award, picking up the Best Newcomer gong. He told the Daily Mirror days after his win that he had been about to quit acting when he landed the Emmerdale gig as he was told there were no roles for him. The actor joined Emmerdale in 2018 He made history in 2019 when he became the first disabled winner of a National Television Award He said: 'You have to have belief and confidence in yourself and not rely on the acceptance of others. 'I'm loving what I am doing. I'm getting great feedback from people, I've won this wonderful award - and I am living my best life.' James revealed he'd dreamed of becoming an actor since a young age and even studied drama at school, but was told repeatedly there would be no parts for him. After giving up on his dream - and studying photography at university - it was an episode of Breaking Bad, which featured Walter White's son played RJ Mitte who also has cerebral palsy, that convinced him to give acting another try. 'I thought ''Oh my God there is hope,''' he recalled. Just two weeks after signing an agent, James landed the role of Ryan Stocks and immediately took centre stage as the long-lost son of Charity Dingle. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley channeled her sexy inner businesswoman with her latest sartorial venture. The supermodel nailed office chic in a 1,600 micro blazer dress from her clothing line with Wardrobe.NYC. The 37-year-old looked incredible in the double-breasted garment, which featured '80s-style shoulder pads and a thin leather belt. She accessorized with fishnet tights, towering black stilettos, and a pair of black glasses. The English beauty posed with her legs crossed while lounging on a wooden seat in one snap and leaned against a stark white brick wall in another. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley channeled her inner businesswoman with a black blazer dress and glasses The 37-year-old showed off her supermodel legs with a pair of fishnet tights and stilettos The English beauty posed on a wooden bench in the sultry shoot Rosie shared the sultry shots on Instagram on Wednesday, captioning them: 'Office Day.' While the model opted for business attire for that shoot, she is no stranger to turning up the glamour at red-carpet events. In October, the brunette beauty stunned in a plunging gold halterneck gown while attending the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Rosie has carved out an impressive career in modelling, starring in numerous campaigns and runway shows, as well as becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel. However, she recently revealed the road to success wasn't easy as she was considered 'too full-figured' at the start of her career. The Plymouth-born star recalled being dismissed from a photoshoot for not being the right size during a period of endless castings. She told NET-A-PORTER's digital title PORTER: 'I feel fortunate that Ive seen the full breadth of the industry. 'When I started, I was on the tube [Londons subway], portfolio and heels in my bag, doing castings with 200 girls, getting out in the middle of nowhere and middle of the night, getting into cars with strange drivers, being sent home from shoots because I was too "wholesome looking" or "too full-figured."' The lingerie designer looked glamorous at the Academy Museum Gala last month She shared several sizzling snaps on Instagram from the event Rosie's modelling career kicked off aged 16 when landed her first gig in a Levi jeans advert. She got her big break when she was picked to be the face of Burberry, five years after being turned away from that fateful casting. After years of modelling, she surprised many by stepping by launching her own lingerie collection with high street retailer M&S. The catwalk star said she chose to create her own brand for fear she'd be dropped by designers for getting 'older'. Rosie shares two children with her long-term partner, actor Jason Statham (pictured in 2023) She said: 'I recognized that at any point they could say, "Rosie is out." 'Id seen that with so many girls they literally worked with them for 15 years and then one day it was, "Shes too old and shes getting some weight." Thats the way this industry works. I was like, thats not going to happen to me.' The star has also branched out into acting with roles in Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Mad Max: Fury Road. Rosie is in a long-term relationship with film star Jason Statham, 57. The couple met in 2009 and got engaged in 2016. They share two children, Jack, six, and two-year-old Isabella. Line of Duty fans have been given an early Christmas present, as they were treated with an unexpected cast reunion in the latest Waitrose advert. Vicky McClure and Martin Compston joined forces once again to catch a mysterious culprit in the supermarket's new Christmas campaign. The two actors fronted the popular BBC police drama as hard-hitting anti-corruption officers DC Kate Fleming and DS Steve Arnott in all six series, from 2012 to 2021. And they slipped straight back into their investigative ways in the festive 'whodunnit' inspired advert, surrounding the case of the missing dessert. Waitrose launched their first Christmas advert earlier this week, starring Succession's Matthew Macfadyen as a detective, alongside of host of stars including comedian Joe Wilkinson, Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar and Fleabag star Sian Clifford. Line of Duty fans have been given an early Christmas present, as they were treated with an unexpected cast reunion in the latest Waitrose advert, as Vicky McClure and Martin Compston joined forces once again to catch a mysterious culprit (pictured) The two actors fronted the popular BBC police drama as hard-hitting anti-corruption officers DC Kate Fleming and DS Steve Arnott in all six series, from 2012 to 2021 (seen on show in 2019) And they slipped straight back into their investigative ways in the festive 'whodunnit' inspired advert, surrounding the case of the missing dessert The mystery sees a family getting everything ready for Christmas Day, only to discover their special pudding as disappeared, leaving Matthew to try and figure out who is the thief. While the second advert follows Vicky and Martin enjoying a cup of tea together, decked out in their festive jumpers, as Vicky says: 'This is nice mate' and Martin admits: 'It has been too long.' But the clip takes a sharp turn, as Martin catches sight of the Waitrose advert on the TV and utters famous Line of Duty lines as he instructs Vicky to 'run that back' and 'pause'. Firmly back in their detective roles, Vicky declares: 'We've got ourselves a case' and the duo immediately start compiling a list of suspects. Martin zeroes in on the two children, as he accuses: 'I'm telling you, they look like a couple of kids who have been caught robbing the fridge.' But in a wink nudge moment for fans, Vicky replied: 'Well if you are going to go down that line of inquiry you are going to be left holding a herring.' Martin then turns his suspicions to family's pet cat, causing Vicky to scoff, before spotting the grandmother making 'a face like thunder'. Martin announces it's 'time to kick this investigation into gear' as Vicky grabs an evidence file and uses a famous line from fan-favourite character Superintendent Ted Hastings: 'Now we're cooking with gas.' Waitrose launched their first Christmas advert earlier this week, starring Succession's Matthew Macfadyen as a detective (pictured), alongside of host of stars including comedian Joe Wilkinson, Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar and Fleabag star Sian Clifford The mystery sees a family getting everything ready for Christmas Day, only to discover their special pudding as disappeared, leaving Matthew to try and figure out who is the thief With the co-stars sharing a fist-bump, the advert closes out with the words: 'To be continued...' as Waitrose teased viewers that more would be coming. And fans were delighted by advert, taking to the brand's Instagram comments to praise the 'masterpiece' campaign and demand an appearance for Adrian Dunbar's Ted Hastings to complete the iconic trio. They wrote: 'Waitrose you just won Christmas; Jesus Mary Joseph and the wee donkey!!!! This is brilliant!!! Cant wait for more!' 'This is so iconic. Serving all the drama with the best detectives; If it's not Ted Hastings who ate it I'm going to be disappointed!' 'WHERE IS TED HASTINGS; This whole campaign is a masterpiece; SHUT UP! This has gone next level I am buzzing!!!!!' 'Genius! Im hooked; *commenting from the crypt as I died with joy; If we dont get a reference to Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey Im cancelling Christmas'. 'Awww I miss these guys together on line of duty; Oh, you two will crack the case alright. Its just a matter of time.' Waitrose's mystery will unravel over the next few weeks in the lead up to Christmas, before eventually revealing the pudding thief. While the second advert follows Vicky and Martin enjoying a cup of tea together, decked out in their festive jumpers, as Vicky says: 'This is nice mate' and Martin admits: 'It has been too long' But the clip takes a sharp turn, as Martin catches sight of the Waitrose advert on the TV and utters famous Line of Duty lines as he instructs Vicky to 'run that back' and 'pause' Firmly back in their detective roles, Vicky declares: 'We've got ourselves a case' and the duo immediately start compiling a list of suspects Martin announces it's 'time to kick this investigation into gear' as Vicky grabs an evidence file and uses a famous line from fan-favourite character Superintendent Ted Hastings: 'Now we're cooking with gas' (pictured on show with Adrian as Ted) Speaking about the campaign, Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, said: 'For the first time, we're keeping Waitrose customers guessing with a 'whodunnit festive crime drama featuring a stellar cast for this year's Christmas ad. 'Our Christmas Campaign is all about how Waitrose (Christmas) food is so good, you can't wait to get your hands on it, so we've showcased the very best of our delicious range while also adding a touch of festive fun and sparkle. Was it Uncle Phil? Was it Fig the cat? You'll have to wait and see!' It marks the second unexpected Line of Duty reunion in recent weeks, after Vicky Martin and co-star Adrian filmed themselves taking a chaotic rickshaw ride around London at the end of October. Sharing the hilarious clip to their Instagram accounts, it was captioned: 'AC12 oot and aboot'. In the video, the stars cruised around the capital in a neon pink rickshaw, with music including Shackles (Praise You) by Mary Mary and I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor blasting loudly on a speaker. They couldn't keep it together and erupted into fits of laughter as Martin pulled out his phone to film the hysterical scenes, shouting: 'We're back!' Vicky, who was passionately singing and dancing along to the music, told the camera: 'Hi everyone, we just needed a ride to a restaurant.' 'I mean I'm trying to keep it together,' added Adrian as the BBC stars asked viewers if they had any requests. And fans were delighted by advert, taking to the brand's Instagram comments to praise the 'masterpiece' campaign and demand an appearance for Adrian Dunbar 's Ted Hastings to complete the iconic trio It marks the second unexpected Line of Duty reunion in recent weeks, after Vicky Martin and co-star Adrian filmed themselves taking a chaotic rickshaw ride around London at the end of October The stars cruised around the capital in a neon pink rickshaw with music blasting loudly on a speaker while erupting into fits of laughter as Martin declared: 'We're back!' Martin went on to point out every police car they drove past, in reference to their iconic characters, as he shouted: 'Oh the police!' While the latest Line of Duty reunion comes just days after it was reported that Vicky, Martin and Adrian had joined the show's creator Jed Mercurio last month for dinner, to thrash out details for a potential new series. It has been reported that the group had previously struggled to commit to a new series because of their conflicting schedules. According to The Sun the quartet often met up for dinner after the hit show's underwhelming finale in 2021, but this is the first time they discussed reuniting for another season. A source told the publication: 'Jed is close with Vicky, Martin and Adrian and they often meet for dinner this time it was different. 'A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens. The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026.' The exciting news for fans comes after Adrian previously revealed the entire cast would be up for another series if they were given the opportunity. The actor, starred in the police drama for almost a decade until the show's finale, which left fans disappointed with the revelation that hapless DCI Ian Buckells was the elusive criminal mastermind, H. While the latest Line of Duty reunion comes just days after it was reported that Vicky, Martin and Adrian had joined the show's creator Jed Mercurio (pictured 2019) last month for dinner, to thrash out details for a potential new series According to The Sun the quartet often met up for dinner after the hit show's underwhelming finale in 2021, but this is the first time they discussed reuniting for another season (Adrian, Martin and Vicky pictured on show in 2012) In May, Adrian told The Times: 'We all want it to come back. Its apposite that today should be [Vicky and Martin's shared] birthdays because I really dont want them getting any older. 'I dont want to get any older either because we dont want to be coming back when were in a wheelchair. Ted Hastings with a Zimmer frame.' The same month Vicky awkwardly dodged questioning about the possibility of another Line Of Duty series being made as she appeared on This Morning. Hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were quick to probe her about the speculation, with Ben asking: 'There's always going to be rumours and expectations, have you all agreed that you'd be ready and up for it when Jed gets himself together?' But Vicky refused to confirm anything: 'There will always be rumours. I mean look. We have all said we love the show and would love to go again obviously but there's nothing to talk about so it's disappointing in terms of there is no news!' Cat then quipped: 'Well is no news good news? Because it's definitely not a no...'. Vicky then started smiling and picked up a cushion to cover herself as she added: 'I'm just going to put this over my face...', as Ben and Cat burst into laughter. Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Georges Berthonneau were pictured together for the first time on Wednesday as they head to the gym together in Essex. The Love Islander, 30, and the Married At First Sight UK star, 31, who have been dating privately for months, attempted to keep a low profile and enter the gym separately, but drove there together in Georges' car. Ekin-Su cut a typically stylish figure in a pair of figure-hugging leggings and cropped blue cardigan, while Georges followed in a navy hoodie and coordinating shorts. It comes after MailOnline revealed Ekin-Su has been dating Georges for months. The reality couple took their romance to the next level in August when Ekin, 30, stayed at Georges' family home in the South of France , giving them the chance to grow close away from prying eyes. Former Love Island winner Ekin reached out to Georges after he confessed to having a crush on her during a podcast interview, letting him know of her mutual interest. Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Georges Berthonneau were pictured together for the first time on Wednesday as they head to the gym together in Essex The Love Islander, 30, and the Married At First Sight UK star, 31, who have been dating privately for months, attempted to keep a low profile and enter the gym separately, but drove there together in Georges' car They started dating in secret shortly after Ekin abruptly ended her fling with TOWIE 's James Argent , 36, which followed her controversial appearance on Celebrity Big Brother . Ekin has attempted to play down her relationship with Georges, who according to sources has 'treated her like a princess', so she can negotiate a spot on the new series of Love Island: All Stars. A source told MailOnline: 'Ekin and Georges have been trying to keep their relationship under wraps for some time. 'Ekin's team were adamant that they didn't want this to come out, but Georges has been a little loose lipped, and their hooks up have been whispered about for months. 'Georges had grown tired of being Ekin's dirty little secret, and he started to tell friends that he wanted more commitment going forward. 'He's not stopped grinning ear to ear since they have been dating, he's like the cat that got the cream, and has been gushing to mates about how loved up he is. Ekin-Su cut a typically stylish figure in a pair of figure-hugging leggings and cropped blue cardigan Georges followed in a navy hoodie and coordinating shorts It comes after MailOnline revealed Ekin-Su has been dating Georges for months 'Ekin's team are scrambling to keep it under wraps for fear that it will impact her chances of Love Island: All Stars, of which she is top of the list, but it seems neither of them could keep away from each other.' The new series of Love Island: All Stars begins in January next year with names like Gemma Owen already linked to the programme. Last year saw Molly Smith win alongside boyfriend Tom Clare, with whom she now shares a property, and her appearance on the show led to lucrative money deals with boohoo, Abbott Lyon, and L'Oreal Paris. As one of the show's former winners, Ekin has been lined up by the casting team to appear but only if she's single. She has been enjoying dating following her high profile split from Love Island co-star Davide Sanclimenti. Ekin has attempted to play down her romance with Georges, who according to sources has 'treated her like a princess', so she can negotiate a spot on Love Island: All Stars Former Love Island winner Ekin reached out to Georges after he confessed to having a crush on her during a podcast interview, letting him know of her mutual interest The couple ended their 18-month relationship for good in January amid speculation Davide had been unfaithful, which Ekin admitted had left her in a vulnerable state. She was accused by Celebrity Big Brother viewers and her housemates alike of not being genuine during her time on the ITV2 series, later confessing to feeling 'angry', 'hurt' and 'bitter' over her recent split. She said: 'I went into the show thinking that I could rebuild myself after everything that happened with Davide, but I came off worse. My guard was up. 'I blame myself for making a poor choice in my career. People could see that I wasn't myself, and I can understand why they thought I was being fake. 'I never wanted to believe the allegations against Davide but people would tell me I was being cheated on all the time. I was so scared of being alone, and I didn't know who the hell Ekin-Su was meant to be without him.' She has been enjoying dating following her high profile split from Love Island co-star Davide Sanclimenti (pictured November 2023) Viewers grew fond of Georges after he attempted to make his relationship with Peggy Lawrence work despite her parents disapproving of their romance Georges found fame on last season's Married at First Sight UK where he committed to Peggy Lawrence after meeting her for the first time at the altar. Viewers grew fond of Georges after he attempted to make his relationship with Peggy work despite her parents disapproving of their romance. The couple split on Valentine's Day with Georges saying he was 'blindsided' by Peggy's Instagram statement confirming their separation. He branded Peggy a 'calculated manipulator' during an interview with MailOnline and claimed she refused to pay for anything throughout the pair's time together. Jonathan Bailey didn't shy away from indulging in some Sydney traditions during his whirlwind trip to Australia for the Wicked press tour. The Bridgerton actor, 36, joined his Wicked co-stars including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Down Under to promote their movie, based on the popular stage show. But Jonathan made sure to take some time out of his busy work schedule to enjoy some of the iconic sightseeing spots in Sydney. He took to Instagram to share a carousel of photographs from his trip, including one of him climbing the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The picture was also shared by the Bridge Climb's official Instagram page, and Jonathan appeared in his element as he posed at the top of the bridge. Jonathan - who stars as Elphaba's love interest Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked - didn't appear fazed by the height as he flashed a huge grin and struck a playful pose. He did not appear to have been joined by any of his Wicked co-stars on the climb as he posed solo after reaching the summit. A pun-filled caption underneath the Bridge Climb's post lightheartedly referenced his world-famous role as Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. Jonathan Bailey didn't shy away from indulging in some Sydney traditions during his whirlwind trip to Australia for the Wicked press tour He took to Instagram to share a carousel of photographs from his trip, including one of him climbing the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge (pictured) In the style of the series' gossip writer Lady Whistledown, it read: 'Dearest gentle readers, it seems our dear Lord Bridgerton has traded his lofty terrace in the 'Ton for an even grander Summit the Sydney Harbour Bridge! 'Word has it that Jonathan Bailey took on this dazzling Sydney experience, while having a truly 'Wicked' time here in Oz. We can only imagine the tales he'll bring back across the Bridge-erton!' Jonathan and his Wicked co-stars celebrated the movie's Australian premiere in Sydney on Sunday and have been busy promoting the release over the past week. The movie is about an unlikely friendship that emerges between Elphaba (Cynthia) and Glinda (Ariana), two clashing witches in the magical land of Oz. Elphaba is wrongfully cast as a wicked witch as she seeks to expose the fraudulent, corrupt Wizard who rules the land. Wicked is the origin story of 'a green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West', serving as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The story delves into the former friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda many years before Dorothy's arrival. During his time in Australia, Jonathan made sure to take some time out of his busy work schedule to enjoy some of the iconic sightseeing spots in Sydney The Bridgerton actor, 36, joined his Wicked co-stars including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Down Under to promote their movie, based on the popular stage show The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Peter Dinklage, among many others. Ariana has been credited in the film under her birth name Ariana Grande-Butera, and recently revealed she chose to use her full moniker to 'honour' her younger self. 'Technically, it's my little girl name. It's little Ari's name. This experience was such a homecoming for me,' Ariana began. 'I feel like I came home to myself in a lot of ways in what I learned from [Wicked characters] Glinda, from Elphaba. 'That was my name when I was 10 years old and it felt like a really lovely way of honouring that. It felt really full circle and something I wanted to do.' Wicked: Part One hits cinemas in November 22, and the sequel, Wicked: Part Two, will follow the next year and is slated to premiere on November 21, 2025. He pleaded guilty to several offences last month Disgraced former Channel 7 star Andrew O'Keefe was spotted in Sydney for the first time since his October court appearance, where he was told 'the next step is jail' should he find himself back before a judge. O'Keefe was seen outside his home in Vaucluse in the city's eastern suburbs on Friday afternoon getting out of a black Mercedes sedan. The former Deal or No Deal host was wearing a light coloured shirt and white pants with a man-bag strapped over his shoulder. At one point, the 52-year-old former Weekend Sunrise presenter, once one of the highest paid stars on Aussie television, donned a pair of green gloves as he carted a spare tyre inside. In October, O'Keefe pleaded guilty to trespassing, breaching an AVO and possessing a prohibited drug. He had confronted a man at a property in Point Piper where he was not lawfully allowed to be due to an AVO on July 28, before he was arrested by police after a traffic stop. O'Keefe was released on bail but placed under arrest again at Rose Bay Police Station on September 16 when police said they found crystal meth in his car during a search. A day earlier he had overdosed on heroin at a party and needed to be revived by paramedics. O'Keefe (pictured) was seen outside his home in Vaucluse in the eastern suburbs getting out of a black Mercedes sedan on Friday afternoon His latest sighting (pictured) comes after he pleaded guilty in October to trespassing, breaching an AVO and possessing a prohibited drug During his sentencing, magistrate Jacqueline Milledge 'assured' the former TV personality he faced possible prison time if he reoffended. Magistrate Milledge had earlier ordered him to engage with rehabilitation as a condition of his sentence. 'You have been given lots of opportunities to do something about your use of drugs,' she told O'Keefe. 'I can assure you the next step is jail. I'm not just saying that, I absolutely mean it. 'It's got to the state where the court would believe you just can't be rehabilitated.' His lawyer Jahan Kalantar earlier entered pleas on his behalf to the charges. The court was told a charge of intimidation related to the Point Piper incident has been withdrawn. 'This, your honour, is what we say is the final crossroads,' Mr Kalantar told the court. He said there was 'no more serious' lesson than his client almost dying from a drug overdose and asked the court to impose a non-custodial sentence. Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge told O'Keefe frankly that his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it. 'I know domestic violence is a factor in your offending and that is awful, truly awful,' she said. 'You got into the grip of something awful and the wheels fell off.' The magistrate said she remembered telling O'Keefe 'god help you' during a previous court appearance. 'I am personally disappointed that you're where you are and you haven't managed to get yourself back on your feet,' she said. The former Deal or No Deal host (presenter) was wearing a light coloured shirt and white pants with crossbody bag strapped over his shoulder At one point, the 52-year-old former Weekend Sunrise presenter was seen wearing a pair of green gloves as he took a spare tyre inside (pictured) 'I just wish you'd get yourself back to a position where you can do something for the community again.' It comes just weeks after O'Keefe was told by the same magistrate he was 'lucky to be alive' after emergency services rushed to his home in Vaucluse following a heroin overdose. He has waged a public battle against drug addiction and has been in and out of rehabilitation centres for the past three years. The former Channel 7 host was previously convicted of domestic violence offences after a 'degrading' attack on a woman. His bid to overturn the convictions was knocked back last month. Eamonn Holmes attended his first showbiz event with new girlfriend Katie Alexander on Thursday, but avoided the red carpet. The TV star, 64, has been dating counsellor Katie Alexander, 43, since his split from Ruth Langsford and has been open about his new partner. And they made their first appearance as a couple at The Irish Post Awards, but the former GMB presenter requested that photographers not take pictures of them together at the bash. A source told the publication: 'While Eamonn waited for the ceremony to begin, he enjoyed his dinner in the company of his new girlfriend Katie. The pair seemed relaxed and were inseparable.' The event held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London was also attended by presenter Laura Whitmore and Irish dancer Michael Flatley. Eamonn Holmes attended his first showbiz event with new girlfriend Katie Alexander on Thursday, but avoided the red carpet (pictured with Laura Whitmore at the event) The TV star, 64, has been dating counsellor Katie Alexander, 43, since his split from Ruth Langsford and has been open about his new partner (Katie is pictured back right, with TV star Laura Hamilton pictured back left) Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth, also 64, announced their plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together. Now, Katie, who enjoyed a romantic cruise with the TV star earlier this year, has told friends she is in for 'the long haul' with Eamonn. She has been helping Eamonn through the split from Ruth, but her friends say she is at pains to point out that their friendship has only grown close once the marriage was over in May. Eamonn proved he was very much enjoying his new romance after the pair jetted off for a luxury holiday together over the summer. The GB News presenter was seen cheekily grabbing his new lover Katie's bottom in Ibiza last month The getaway reportedly left Eamonn's estranged wife Ruth shocked, with the holiday occurring just four months after the former golden couple announced they were divorcing. The Northern Irish presenter has been open about his new relationship with the pair pictured enjoying two holidays together over the summer. In May it emerged Eamonn and Ruth had split after 14 years of marriage and would divorce . Cracks had started to appear in their relationship and they had not been photographed together for two years. They made their first appearance as a couple at The Irish Post Awards, but a ccording to The Mirror, the former GMB presenter requested that photographers not take pictures of them together at the bash A source told the publication: 'While Eamonn waited for the ceremony to begin, he enjoyed his dinner in the company of his new girlfriend Katie. The pair seemed relaxed and were inseparable' (pictured with Lisa McHugh) Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth, also 64, announced their plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together And it has now been revealed that Eamonn and his new girlfriend first messaged each other 12 years ago. The pair first exchanged flirty messages on social media in 2012 according The Sun. The TV host and and relationship therapist were both married at the time and the messages initially included her then husband George. Back in 2012, Katie's former partner joked that he believed his wife was 'flirting' with Eamonn, but with both men sharing a love for Manchester United, quipped: 'Good job we're both Red.' Reports then emerged she'd been left 'devastated' when she discovered 'messages from another woman' on his laptop. A source has now told the The Sun: 'We knew Eamonn and Katie got together via social media, but no one knew how far back they went. 'Ruth will be shocked they were in contact 12 years ago. I don't think she would have known.' 'Eamonn gets a buzz out of replying to messages from fans. He and Katie had a real connection, and it blossomed into something more.' Katie, who enjoyed a romantic cruise with the TV star earlier this year , has told friends she is in for 'the long haul' with Eamonn It comes after Ruth spoke candidly about heartbreak amid her divorce with Woman & Home in which she revealed heartbreak was her biggest fear, but not for her, instead fearing her son Jack, 22, would have his heart broken. When asked what she 'wants most in life', Ruth confessed: 'Happiness. Happiness for my son, Jack. 'When you have children, you look at them starting out in life and just want everything to be good for them, for them to be happy and to not have their hearts broken. You can't guarantee any of that, but that's what I want most for Jack.' Ruth shares Jack with Eamonn and she is also stepmother to his children Declan, 35, Rebecca, 32, and Niall, 30, from his first marriage to ex-wife Gabrielle. Bruce Willis was spotted on a rare outing with a close pal as they enjoyed a drive in Santa Monica, California on Thursday. The Die Hard actor, 69 - who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier last year in February - could be seen sitting in the passenger seat of a sleek, black vehicle as the pair headed to their destination. Willis kept it casual during the daytime excursion by donning a short-sleeved, white shirt as well as a black cap on top of his head. Bruce and his friend also stopped to grab a coffee as they stepped out in the cooler, California weather. In 2022, his family also revealed that the Hollywood star would be 'stepping away' from his successful acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia. Bruce Willis, 69, was spotted on a rare outing with a close pal as they enjoyed a relaxing drive in Santa Monica on Thursday Willis has since received a flood of love and support from loved ones and family members amid his health struggles. Last month in October, his wife Emma Heming opened up about his dementia battle and expressed that she doesn't 'shield' her daughters from the diagnosis. Bruce tied the knot with Heming in 2009 - and the pair share two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. He is also father to Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30 - whom he welcomed with ex-wife Demi Moore. During an interview with Town & Country Magazine, Heming explained, 'This disease is misdiagnosed, it's missed, it's misunderstood.' 'So finally getting to a diagnosis was key so that I could learn what frontotemporal dementia is and I could educate our children.' Emma added, 'I've never tried to sugarcoat anything for them. They've grown up with Bruce declining over the years. I'm not trying to shield them from it.' 'What I learned from our therapist was that if children ask questions, they're ready to know the answer. If we could see that Bruce was struggling, I would address it with the kids so they could understand, but this disease is chronic, progressive and terminal.' The Die Hard actor - who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier last year in February - could be seen sitting in the passenger seat of a sleek, black vehicle as the pair headed to their destination Last month in October, his wife Emma Heming opened up about his dementia battle and expressed that she doesn't 'shield' her daughters from the diagnosis Heming told the outlet that their children don't tend 'to speak about the terminal side of this with them, nor have they asked.' However, she expressed that Mabel and Evelyn 'know that Daddy's not going to get better.' Emma said that she was not going to let 'FTD to take our whole family down. Bruce wouldn't want that,' while adding that she hopes to help the 'next family out there.' While talking to the publication, she also revealed that the return of Bruce's childhood stutter initially masked his cognitive decline before being diagnosed with dementia. 'As his language started changing, it [seemed like it] was just a part of a stutter, it was just Bruce.' She then admitted, 'Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young.' Amid his health battle, his loved ones have continuously given his fans updates - including Demi Moore. Last month, The Substance actress expressed that his condition was 'stable' while attending the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival in New York. 'You know, I've said this before. The disease is what the disease is. And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is. But for where he's at, he is stable,' she stated during a panel, per People. Heming told the outlet that their children don't tend 'to speak about the terminal side of this with them, nor have they asked' 'What I always encourage is to just meet them where they're at. When you're holding on to what was, I think it's a losing game.' Moore added, 'But when you show up to meet them where they're at, there is great beauty and sweetness.' And amid his aphasia and dementia battle, his daughter Tallulah expressed on Today in September that the retired actor is surrounded by 'so much love.' 'He's doing stable, which in this situation is good. And it's hard; there's painful days but there's so much love.' She continued, 'And it really shown me to not take any moment for granted and I really do think that we'd be best friends. I really do think that he is very proud of me.' In February, Bruce's family issued a statement on Instagram to reveal his FTD diagnosis. Last month, The Substance actress expressed that his condition was 'stable' while attending the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival in New York In February, Bruce's family issued a statement on Instagram to reveal his FTD diagnosis but explained there are currently 'no treatments for the disease' At the time, they explained that it is the 'most common form of dementia' but added there are currently 'no treatments for the disease.' 'As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.' 'Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,' they added. 'We know in our hearts that - if he could today - he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.' by Austin Bay November 7, 2024 The first Trump administration gave the world the Nobel Prize-worthy Abraham Accords, an extraordinarily inventive and initially productive diplomatic framework for normalizing relations between Israel and key Arab states. Can the second Trump administration (Trump-Vance) revive it? The Biden-Harris administration's Middle East policy destroyed the Abraham Accords promise and its genuine initial progress. In a column written in 2021, I characterized the Biden-Harris administration's Middle East diplomacy as structurally incoherent and plagued by mixed messaging. As the Biden-Harris administration fades into the Trump administration 2, that column had unfortunate prescience. The Afghanistan withdrawal was operationally and tactically incoherent. The White House's gauzy yet diffident declarations didn't jibe with the disaster we witnessed. Biden-Harris Iranian diplomacy was incoherent and repeated the worst of the Obama administration's Iran blunders: promoting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The JCPOA was the ostentatious name the Obama administration slapped on its Iran nuclear deal. Biden operatives Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan logged a lot of time and miles trying to sweet talk Iran's corrupt and violent ayatollah regime. Yet Bidenite efforts to reshape the Middle East by paying off Iran failed as miserably as the Obama administration's (which they modeled). Iran has never halted its nuclear weapons development program. When implementing his JCPOA, Barack Obama gave Tehran's robed dictatorship billions of dollars. Biden and his retainers relaxed economic and political sanctions, which put petrodollar billions in Tehran's coffers. In 2015 and after 2021, Iran's brutal regime used the cash to finance terror attacks and wage proxy wars. In Trump Era One, sanctions starved Tehran. In 2023, Iran's cash hoard financed Hamas' Oct. 7 atrocious assault on Israel -- the deadliest murder of Jewish people since Adolf Hitler's Nazi Holocaust. That war threatens global peace. Israel fights three proxy armies and Iran itself. This year, Iran and Israel traded strategic attacks. Thankfully, the missiles and bombers delivered conventional munitions, not nukes -- at least not yet. During the presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris called Trump a fascist. She should be ashamed of that slur. This should shame her as well: Biden-Harris policies gave Iran a cash flow that seeded the Iran-Hamas attempted genocide of Israelis. In 2023, U.S. security services determined that Biden's special Iran envoy Robert Malley had "helped to fund, support, and direct an Iranian intelligence operation designed to influence the United States and allied governments" (Tablet, Oct. 1, 2023). In October 2024, secret Israeli military operational documents were leaked by a U.S. government source. Whodunnit? Likely an Iranian sympathizer in the Biden-Harris administration. Biden-Harris political and diplomatic incoherence -- and potential deceit-- has left the U.S. with minimal leverage over Israel. The Bidenites conceded the Abraham Accords were a decent idea -- but the ugly fact is they were not pursued because they were Trump's idea. The behavior was arrogant, self-righteous and small. In real-world policy terms, it was stupid, destructive and ultimately deadly. Yet the idea continued to interest Israelis and Arabs. In mid-2023, Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman publicly acknowledged someday he might be interested in Abraham Accord discussions. (See his interview with Fox News' Bret Baier.) Then Hamas' evil attack ended diplomacy. I saw the attack as, in part, an Iranian operation to stop the Israeli-Saudi rapprochement. Jews claim descent from the patriarch Abraham and his wife Sarah. Arabs claim descent from Abraham through Ishmael, son of Abraham's concubine Hagar. The biblical connection helped reframe Arab-Israeli relations as something more than 20th- and 21st-century conflicts. They share blood and cultural connections. The name (a diplomatic stroke of genius), the calculated negotiations supported by U.S. engagement, the Trump-type economic payoffs -- the entire Accords process truly deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. Pray Trump 2 can revive the initiative. Hayley Atwell stepped out with her baby for the first time after months of pregnancy rumours as the pair enjoyed a trip to a London park on Tuesday. The Mission Impossible actress, 42, first sparked speculation after she was seen cradling her tummy during a trip to Venice with fiance Ned Wolfgang Kelly in April, 12-months after accepting his marriage proposal in the floating city. Hayley was every inch the doting mother on her latest outing as she lovingly carried the little one, who was wrapped up in a green padded snowsuit. The Marvel star also kept warm in an oversized woollen jacket and maroon hoodie, which she wore with quirky leggings and chunky boots. Make-up free Hayley appeared totally at ease in her new role and skilfully popped the tot securely in their pram before carrying on their way. Hayley Atwell , 42, stepped out with her baby for the first time after months of pregnancy rumours as the pair enjoyed a trip to a London park on Tuesday The Mission Impossible star was every inch the doting mother on her latest outing as she lovingly carried the little one, who was wrapped up in a green padded snowsuit Hayley first sparked speculation after she was seen cradling her tummy during trip a to Venice with fiance Ned Wolfgang Kelly in April (pictured) In September the actress showcased her gorgeous postpartum figure as she slipped into a denim jumpsuit to join Oprah Winfrey at the afterparty of Coriolanus at the National Theatre in London Hayley looked stunning in the long-sleeve number which she teamed with elegant red stilettos and a matching large clutch bag. Confirming their engagement last year Ned told Instagram followers: 'Lucky me. Arrived in Venice at 10am, around midday the love of my life and I got engaged in the kitchen of this strange apartment surrounded by ducks, with a bloke outside the window murdering "My Way" on the accordion. 'A perfect start to the rest of our lives together. I'd never had any interest in getting married... until I met this extraordinary woman. Happy as a clam.' Hayley and Ned have kept their relationship away from the public eye and are rarely pictured together. According to the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential, Hayley said: 'My fiance was in his pants in the kitchen, and there was an accordion playing outside our window which was timed perfectly but not planned. 'We had rented this Airbnb that had lots of shelves with porcelain ducks on them, so it was quite a surreal set-up. 'I said to him, "Venice was my first most precious destination", and I've always had a weird connection with it. So, he took me there, and it happened there.' The Marvel star also kept warm in an oversized woollen jacket and maroon hoodie, which she wore with quirky leggings and chunky boots Make-up free Hayley appeared totally at ease in her new role and skilfully popped the tot securely in their pram In September the actress showcased her gorgeous postpartum figure as she slipped into a denim jumpsuit to join Oprah Winfrey at the afterparty of Coriolanus in London (pictured) Hayley and Ned have kept their relationship away from the public eye and are rarely pictured together (pictured 2022) The London-based artist's Instagram bio reads that he 'doesn't eat animals' and that he has been 'alcohol & drug free for over a decade'. Ned's website says he has produced commercial music for big brands such as Bud Light, Headspace and Samsung. He has also scored films, worked on the design side of various projects, and written articles. Speaking to The Sun shortly after the relationship was announced, an insider said: 'Hayley's happiness is written on her face right now. They get on like a house on fire and make a very handsome couple.' Hayley was said to have split from her Mission: Impossible co-star Tom for the second time in 2022. A source said: 'Unfortunately it hasnt worked out for them. They have now decided they are better as friends.' The insider also revealed that the fanfare around the couple after going public was too much to handle. 'They get on really well, and have fantastic chemistry, which is why they decided to quietly give the relationship another try earlier this year. Russell Brand has whisked his family away on a lavish escape to Disney World in Florida as the Crown Prosecution Service considers charging him over historic sexual abuse allegations. The controversial comic is facing a number of accusations about his behaviour towards woman with Met detectives last Saturday confirming they had handed a file of evidence to prosecutors. Less than 48 hours later he travelled from London's Heathrow Airport from his Oxfordshire home to board a flight to Florida on Monday morning, where he is currently staying at one of Walt Disney World's most luxurious hotels with his wife and children. A source said: 'Obviously Russell was all over the news last weekend because of the police investigation into him, and two days later he's left the country. 'He obviously wants to get away from all the noise around him and spend some time with the family he's treated his wife Laura and their three kids to an amazing holiday, the full Disney experience, but we don't know how long he plans to stay there. Russell Brand has whisked his family away on a lavish escape to Disney World in Florida as the Crown Prosecution Service considers charging him over historic sexual abuse allegations The controversial comic is facing a number of accusations about his behaviour towards woman with Met detectives last Saturday confirming they had handed a file of evidence to prosecutors (Disney World Florida pictured) 'He's staying at one of the top places out there absolutely five star it'll be costing a fortune but obviously he's loaded so he can probably afford to stay for quite a while if he wants to. 'I can imagine it suits him to stay well out of the way for the time being in the hope this all goes away before he comes back.' After years of rumours about his behaviour, spurred on by comments by comedian Katherine Ryan who anonymously spoke out about a prolific 'sexual predator' working in British TV without explicitly naming him, Brand was publicly hit with the allegations by a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary in September 2023. The accusations including rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse relate to a series of incidents between 2006 and 2013, when he held high profile roles at BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. He has previously denied the allegations, calling them 'very, very hurtful'. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Saturday it had received a number of reports of sexual offences from women following the original Channel 4 and Sunday Times investigation. A spokesman said: 'A man in his 40s had been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions. 'A file of evidence has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration.' Less than 48 hours later he travelled from London's Heathrow Airport from his Oxfordshire home to board a flight to Florida on Monday morning, where he is currently staying at one of Walt Disney World's most luxurious hotels with his wife Laura (pictured) and children A source said: 'Obviously Russell was all over the news last weekend because of the police investigation into him, and two days later he's left the country The CPS confirmed it has been handed a file by police, so it can consider charges in relation to allegations of historical sex offences by a 49-year-old man. The allegations against Brand come from a seven-year period when he was at the height of his fame - hosting national television and radio programmes and starring in Hollywood films. The BBC has previously said it received five complaints about the comedian's behaviour while he hosted radio shows at the corporation. Earlier this year Channel 4 apologised for missing a complaint made against Brand in 2009. Production company Banijay UK also apologised, saying concerns raised about the presenter while he hosted Big Brother spin-off programmes were 'not properly escalated or adequately addressed'. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: 'We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward. 'We are committed to investigating sexual offences, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place.' Martha Stewart looked youthful as she was spotted in New York City following an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Wednesday. The lifestyle maven, 83, appeared like a woman half her age as she wore a pair of black leather slacks tucked in black knee high boots. She added long-sleeve black turtleneck sweater beneath a cropped black wool jacket with elbow-length puffy sleeves and a subtle plaid. Her long blonde bob was parted on the side and styled in loose straight layers as she had on pink lip gloss. This comes after the lifestyle specialist fumed that the director of her Martha documentary, R.J. Cutler, made her look like 'an old lady.' Martha Stewart looked hip as she was spotted in New York City following an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show Wednesday, November 6. The lifestyle maven , 83, looked like a woman half her age, wearing a pair of black leather pants tucked in black knee high boots Stewart, who was accompanied by members of her team, accessorized with small gold earrings. Her segment on current trends was scheduled to be shown at a later date on The Drew Barrymore Show. Stewart has been getting a lot of attention for the new documentary, Martha on Netflix about her life and career. After it was released on October 30, the Martha Knows Best star, complained that director R.J. Cutler made some decisions on the final cut, with which she was unhappy, charging the Emmy winner used unflattering camera angles and left various anecdotes on the cutting room floor. During the film, the influencer revealed some interesting tidbits about her private life, including what it was like losing her virginity at age 19 to Andrew 'Andy' Stewart, who would later become her husband. She confessed to having a secret affair, and a friend claimed Andy also cheated on her with a staff member at their Connecticut home. However, at an earlier stage in the film, Martha looked back on the early days of her and Andy's romance at the dawn of the 1960s. Swept off her feet by the 'exciting' and 'sophisticated young man,' Martha went to bed with him, and has now shared: 'He was very aggressive and I liked it.' Stewart wore a long sleeve black turtleneck sweater beneath a cropped black wool jacket with with elbow-length puffy sleeves and a subtle plaid. Her long blonde bob was parted on the side and styled in loose straight layers The influencer is the focus of a new documentary, Martha, on Netflix. In the film she included some interesting information about her personal life, revealing she lost losing her virginity at age 19 to Andrew 'Andy' Stewart, who later became her husband Of her former husband, Stewart said she was swept off her feet by the 'exciting' and 'sophisticated young man.' Of their sex life, she shared: 'He was very aggressive and I liked it' (pictured at the wedding in 1961) Martha met Andy through his sister, who was a classmate of hers at Barnard College and arrived at the university everyday in a Rolls-Royce. Andy, who was then a student at Yale Law School, captured Martha's imagination and won her affection on their very first date. 'He picked me up in his little yellow Mercedes sedan. I had never been in a Mercedes before,' she recalled in the documentary. 'We went out to dinner. He was very polite and handsome and he had travelled a lot. It was exciting to meet a sophisticated young man, and he had an American Express card, which was a very big deal in those days. And he was just intriguing, playful and nice. By the end of dinner, I was madly in love,' she dished. 'Andy was so nice, not at all like my father,' said Martha, who previously recalled her father Edward Kostyra drinking red wine and coffee in the mornings before work. She remembered that Andy 'would send me money for a train ticket, and I would visit him every single weekend up at Yale. I had never slept with anybody before this. He was very aggressive and I liked it.' Once Andy 'proposed,' Martha felt that it 'seemed such a natural thing to do, fall in love and get married. But I went home and told my dad, and my dad slapped me, and he slapped me hard on my on my face and said: No, youre not marrying him. Hes a Jew. I remember getting that slap.' She added: 'I was not at all surprised, because he was a bigot and he was impulsive but I said: Im gonna get married no matter what you think.' Swept off her feet by the 'exciting' and 'sophisticated young man,' Martha went to bed with him, and has now shared: 'He was very aggressive and I liked it' While the television personality recently opened up about having a secret affair during the marriage herself, the film revealed she was left devastated after finding out Andy had cheated with a staff member who was living at Turkey Hill Farm, the former couple's Westport, Connecticut home. Martha Stewart spiraled after learning that her ex-husband, Andy Stewart, had cheated on her The unfaithfulness lead to their separation in 1987 Martha's friend Kathy Tatlock recalled that Andy's unfaithfulness left the stalwart 'frantic' and that she harmed herself - and that she took out her frustrations on her other employees. Kathy recalled: 'There were rumors floating around that Andy had some sort of involvement with the girl who was doing the flower arrangements at Turkey Hill Farm. 'Martha was picking up on everything and getting more and more upset. 'She would be frantic, migraines and sleeplessness. At one point, she showed me where she tore her hair out of her own head. 'She was mean to her staff. She had lost control of Andy, so she was making everybody pay.' Speaking of her ex-husband's mistress, Martha said that the employee needed a place to stay, so she invited her to move into an apartment in a barn on their property. 'When I was traveling, Andy started up with her,' she said. 'It was like I put out a snack for Andy.' Martha claimed that she confronted the woman. She continued: 'I kicked her out immediately. You know, "What the hell are you doing?"' Reflecting on the heartbreak, Martha added: 'Andy betrayed me, right on our property. Not nice.' The couple share daughter Alexis, whom they welcomed in 1965. Giving further insight into the marriage, Kathy said Martha and Andy seemed 'more like colleagues than partners in life.' She said: 'Andy was extremely busy in his publishing business and when he was around, it was always strained. 'She was critical of him, in terms of what he'd be wearing or how he said something. 'Andy handled her business arrangements over the years. They were much more like colleagues than partners in life. 'They were in different universes and when Martha wanted Andy to be present in her universe, he wasn't able to be there.' Martha's friend Kathy Tatlock recalled that Andy's unfaithfulness left Martha 'frantic' In the trailer for the documentary, Martha made the bombshell confession that she also cheated on Andy during their marriage. She began: 'Young women, listen to my advice, if you're married and your husband starts to cheat on you, he's a piece of s**t. Get out of that marriage. But a producer quickly called her out for also being unfaithful. 'Didn't you have an affair early on?' they quipped, to which Martha replied, 'Yeah, but I don't think Andy ever knew about that.' Bhad Bhabie's mother, Barbara Ann Bregoli, has confirmed that her daughter is battling cancer. Her post comes after the rapper and OnlyFans model, 21, left her fans fearing for her health after she revealed that she was taking 'cancer medicine' on Thursday. In an expletive-ridden video uploaded to her Instagram on Friday morning, Barbara said she was feeling 'pretty heated right now at Maria, AKA Perez Hilton for going on YouTube and talking about my daughter releasing on her Instagram Story about her having cancer and saying he wouldn't pass it by her that she was making it up.' 'How dare you,' you little vile piece of s**t say my daughter would lie about something like that. Okay? You're a dad!' the star's mom stated. She went on to suggest the American blogger (born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr.), 46, needs to focus on his two children Mario Armando Lavandeira III, 11, and Mia Alma Lavandeira, seven, who were both born via surrogate, and not hers. 'Go find another way to make some money beside talking s**t about other people,' she fired. 'How dare you. And, I pray to God that none of your children never get cancer, okay? I've had it twice. How dare you say my daughter is faking this.' Bhad Bhabie's mother, Barbara Ann Bregoli, has confirmed that her daughter is battling cancer According to Barbara's Instagram bio, she has personally survived breast cancer twice. Her post was in response to Perez's YouTube video, titled 'SHOCKING News! Bhad Bhabie Reveals Cancer Diagnosis. BUT.' In the video, he asked his fans if they believed she was lying for attention. 'I'm going to say it there is also a possibility that she might have pulled a Lil Tay. I don't know if she's lying, I'm not claiming she's lying, I'm just knowing these types of people operate I wouldn't put it past her to do something like this for attention,' he said. Bhabie continued: 'I hope that's the case cuz it would suck if she had or still has cancer at such a young age.' At this time, it is unknown what cancer Bhabie has or what treatments she has undergone. On Thursday, Bhabie addressed concerns over her weight following her recent weight loss, which she said was the result of her ' cancer medicine.' Despite mentioning the cancer medicine, she didn't confirm if she has cancer, and she so far has not shared any more details about her health. In an expletive-ridden video uploaded to her Instagram on Friday morning, Barbara said she was feeling 'pretty heated right now at Maria, AKA Perez Hilton for going on YouTube and talking about my daughter releasing on her Instagram Story about her having cancer and saying he wouldn't pass it by her that she was making it up' 'How dare you,' you little vile piece of s**t say my daughter would lie about something like that. Okay? You're a dad!' the star's mom stated 'Go find another way to make some money beside talking s**t about other people,' she fired. 'How dare you. And, I pray to God that none of your children never get cancer, okay? I've had it twice. How dare you say my daughter is faking this' DailyMail.com has reached out to Bregoli to request comment. Bhabie shared her shocking news after recently reposting a photo of herself posing with her ex-boyfriend Le Vaughn, despite accusing him of domestic violence earlier this year. She welcomed her first child, a baby daughter she shared with Le Vaughn, in March. Bregoli seemed to launch her Instagram Stories post in response to concerned comments fans have made about her significantly slimmed-down figure. 'I'm Sorry my cancer medicine made me loose weight. Im slowly gaining it back,' she wrote. 'So stop running w the worst narratives [sic].' According to Barbara's Instagram bio, she has personally survived breast cancer twice Her post was in response to Perez's YouTube video, titled 'SHOCKING News! Bhad Bhabie Reveals Cancer Diagnosis. BUT.', in which he asked his fans if they believed she was lying for attention Bhabie and her mom pictured together in a sweet collage posted to her mother's Instagram last month As she shared the post on her Stories, fans couldn't respond to the news. But over on X (formerly Twitter), users shared their support for her and hoped for a positive outcome. 'Bhad Bhabies strength shines through as she shares her diagnosis. Wishing her resilience and support on this journey,' wrote one person. 'Wtffff omg doesn't she have an infant child? Praying for Bhad Bhabie, may she fully recover,' another person wrote. Another person added 'Hope Bhad Bhabie can conquer cancer,' despite her not sharing more about her condition. One fan was even more blunt, writing 'F*** cancer' in a post, before adding, 'We Are On Make Me Pray For You.' On Thursday, Bhabie addressed concerns over her weight following her recent weight loss, which she said was the result of her ' cancer medicine' 'I'm Sorry my cancer medicine made me loose weight. Im slowly gaining it back,' she wrote. 'So stop running w the worst narratives [sic]' Bhad Bhabie (real name: Danielle Bregoli) has appeared particularly gaunt in recent photos posted to her Instagram, leading fans to share their concerns in the comments Earlier on Thursday, Bhad Bhabie reposted a photo from her ex Le Vaughn's account showing the two posing on a cliff while he wrapped an arm around her, after they had seemingly reunited. Le Vaughn also shared a sweet video of their daughter Kali smiling for the camera. A woman with heavily tattooed arms sat just next to her, and though her face wasn't shown, it appeared to be Bregoli, as she has similar butterfly tattoos on her arms and wrists. Earlier in the year, she had accused Le Vaughn of physically assaulting her, and she later posted video from June 30 of herself being assaulted in her home's driveway. On X (formerly Twitter), users shared their support for her and hoped for a positive outcome Some people noted that she shares a young daughter with her ex-boyfriend, Le Vaughn Multiple people noted that Bregoli was only 21 One fan was even more blunt, writing 'F*** cancer' in a post, before adding, 'We Are On Make Me Pray For You' Bhad Bhabie shared surveillance camera footage that appeared to show Le Vaughn beating her and dragging her across her drive way. She followed the video up with photos of herself sporting a nasty black eye and bruising all across her face The footage appeared to show her boyfriend throwing her to the ground, before hitting her and dragging her across the concrete. She followed the video up with photos of herself sporting a nasty black eye and bruising all across her face as she accused her daughter's father of abusing her. Le Vaughn was subsequently kicked out of her home, only for it to be robbed less than two weeks later. Masked assailants managed to clear out her luxury handbags and jewelry while she vacationed with her mother in Florida, but despite being captured on security camera footage, they have so far not been caught. Paul Mescal is starring in one of the worlds biggest movies, but he has his eye on a much more intimate role. MailOnline can reveal the Irish actor, whose film Gladiator II comes out next week, is set to reprise his acclaimed performance as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway in 2025. It will be the Oscar-nominated star's debut on an American stage. When he played the role in London's West End last year he won a prestigious Olivier Award for best actor. Critics praised his portrayal for bringing a fresh 'swagger' to the character, managing to step out of the 'towering shadow' of Marlon Brando, who first made famous the role on stage and screen. According to industry sources, the 28-year-old, who rose to fame as Connel Waldron in the BBC's lockdown smash hit Normal People, is eager to return to the stage in New York. Paul Mescal is starring in one of the worlds biggest movies, but he has his eye on a much more intimate role MailOnline can reveal the Irish actor, whose film Gladiator II comes out next week, is set to reprise his acclaimed performance as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway in 2025 According to industry sources, Mescal is eager to return to the stage in New York. 'Paul loves the art of theatre,' one source told MailOnline. 'Despite his fame, hes actually quite shy, with a close-knit group of friends. He feels more at home on stage than in front of the camera, which is why Broadway really appeals to him' 'Paul loves the art of theatre,' one source told MailOnline. 'Despite his fame, hes actually quite shy, with a close-knit group of friends. He feels more at home on stage than in front of the camera, which is why Broadway really appeals to him. 'Streetcar has a special place in his heart. He really can't wait to show American audiences what he's got.' It has not been confirmed if his previous co-star, Patsy Ferran, will reprise her role as Blanche. Meanwhile, Mescals father, Paul Senior, made his acting debut in August as Seamie McDaid, a disgruntled bar owner, in the new play Are Ya Dancin'? - A Showband Story. The All Of Us Strangers performer has previously shared his comfort with theatre work: 'I feel at ease with my masculinity on stage.' He hinted in an interview with The Times this week that he might pursue 'arthouse' theatre work if the fame from Gladiator II feels overwhelming. It comes as Mescal said he transformed his body so thoroughly for his Gladiator II role, that he felt he could 'could inflict real damage'. He told The Sun: 'It changes the way you move and operate. And that's a fun kind of place to live when it's make-believe.' It will be the Oscar-nominated actor's debut on an American stage. When he played the role in London's West End last year he won a prestigious Olivier Award for best actor The All Of Us Strangers performer has previously shared his comfort with stage work: 'I feel at ease with my masculinity on stage' In the new Ridley Scott movie, the actor plays the son of Russell Crowe's legendary Maximus. Although the character is long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Paul) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal). Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first instalment, and features Lucius (the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa. Despite being sent to Numidia as a child, the film follows Lucius' return to Rome to reunite with his motherand coming into conflict as he does so. The film, 20 years in the making, has had critics and fans praising Paul's performance. But the star revealed on The Graham Norton Show that there was a lot of work to make him ready to play such an iconic role. Of the regime that turned him into a Roman hunk, Paul told Graham: 'I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things. I was working with a trainer who circled me like a shark and said "There is a canvas to work with''. 'He went to town, and I saw him every day. It was fun'. MailOnline has reached out to Paul Mescal for comment. Jennifer Lawrence looked chic as she showcased her growing baby bump in Los Angeles Thursday night. The pregnant Oscar winner, 34, who was spotted catching up with Dakota Johnson recently, played off the warm tones in her complexion, donning a brown midi dress with a V-neck and matching sweater while enjoying dinner with a friend. She paired the frock with a black leather jacket and wore black ballet flats. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back and styled in a braid which cascaded down her back. The Joy star accessorized with white dangling earrings and wore natural looking makeup. Jennifer Lawrence looked chic as she showcased her growing baby bump in Los Angeles after enjoying dinner with a friend on Thursday night It was revealed on October 20 via a post on via the Vogue magazine Instagram Stories that the Hunger Games star was expecting her second child with husband Cooke Maroney. The couple are already parents to son Cy, two. They have been married since 2019. In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Lawrence opened up about the joy of becoming a first-time mother, sharing that the birth of her son 'felt like my whole life had started over.' 'I just stared. I was just so in love. I also fell in love with all babies everywhere. Newborns are just so amazing,' she explained. It appears the crew of Die My Love were able to hide Lawrence's tummy when filming for the movie began in August. The thriller co-starring Robert Pattinson, Oscar winner Sissy Spacek, and LaKeith Stanfield focuses on a new mother struggling to maintain her sanity as she battles with psychosis while living in a remote area. The movie is based on the 2019 novel of the same name from Argentinian author Ariana Harwicz. The book was a finalist for the Man Booker International Prize in 2018. The Oscar winner played off the warm tones in her complexion, donning a brown midi dress with a V-neck and matching sweater. She paired the frock with a black leather jacket and wore black ballet flats. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back and styled in a braid Lawrence and husband Cooke Maroney are expecting their second child. They couple, who married in 2019, are parents to two-year-old son Cy (Pictured in New York City in March 2023) The soon-to-be mother-of-two is preparing for the November 22 release of the documentary Bread & Roses, which she executive produced. The Sahra Mani-directed film is centered on several Afghan women dealing with the rise of the Taliban in Kabul. The film was also produced by the actress' business partner, Justine Ciarrocchi, as well as Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. The documentary premiered during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. The film has received a 100-percent rating from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Britain's Got Talent is reportedly making a big change to its audition process. Show bosses are said to have pulled the plug on hosting the auditions in the London Palladium and they will now all be held in Blackpool instead. According to The Sun, bosses decided to change the location because they found the atmosphere in the seaside town to be so enthusiastic for the show. A source said: 'BGT is a show that hangs on the audience and how they react and basically the crowd in Blackpool are absolutely brilliant. 'The Palladium is such an iconic venue but if you compare the shows in Blackpool to the ones they have filmed in London, the audience is way more up for it there. Show bosses are said to have pulled the plug on hosting the auditions in the London Palladium and they will now all be held in Blackpool instead A source said: 'Boss Simon Cowell has given the green light to the move and just wants the show to be the best it can be' 'Boss Simon Cowell has given the green light to the move and just wants the show to be the best it can be.' The insider added judge Amanda Holden may not be happy with the change, as she works five days a week in London and will have to commute. The rest of the auditions are due to be filmed in the New Year. MailOnline has contacted ITV and Britain's Got Talent for comment. It comes after Britain's Got Talent first day of Blackpool auditions in October sparked backlash, as footage appeared to show one of the performances being re-filmed. Amanda appeared in an excited video from the first day of filming in the city, after pressing her Golden Buzzer. In the clip, shared on BGT's Instagram account, she gushed: 'It's for something that you will not expect me to press it for!' However, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that in the background of the clip, a member of the crew could be heard telling the audience that a moment was going to be 're-created'. Show bosses are said to have pulled the plug on hosting the auditions in the London Palladium and they will now all be held in Blackpool instead Bosses decided to change the location because they found the atmosphere in the seaside town to be so enthusiastic for the show They said: 'We're going to bring back Oliver back to the stage and we're going to re-create that moment once again, just to get another...' before the video cut off. Some fans were quick to share their thoughts on X, with posts including: 'It actually never used to be normal. Only a few years ago they started doing unnecessary pick-ups at auditions, they used to be more authentic. 'Firstly it's not that deep but secondly it's just hilarious they tell the audience *not* to film only to let this slip online themselves.' 'TV has been fake since forever lol - TV is there to entertain and sometimes reality is boring and needs a boost; 'I attended an audition back in 2011 and I havent been able to watch it since. Fake doesnt even cut it. The entire show is scripted.' On Tuesday, Amanda revealed a first-look sneak peek at 2024 judging panel after KSI temporarily replaced Bruno Tonioli. The veteran show judge posed for a cheeky behind-the-scenes selfie with her fellow judges. It comes after Britain's Got Talent first day of Blackpool auditions in October sparked backlash, as footage appeared to show one of the performances being re-filmed In a clip of Amanda gushing about pressing her Golden Buzzer, fans noticed a member of the crew could be heard saying to the audience they were going to 'recreate' a moment KSI will star on the talent show judge panel for just three of the five first round audition days, due to judge Bruno Tonioli's filming commitments in the US Taking to her Instagram story with the snap, she wrote in her caption: 'What a line up. Sending [love] to @brunotonioliofficial.' KSI will star on the talent show judge panel for just three of the five first round audition days. A source told the Sun: 'Bosses were keen for KSI to appear much like a full-time judge would, given he's due to stand in for a number of days. 'It means there will be one more Golden Buzzer act this year, with the remaining judges and hosts Ant and Dec also given an opportunity to press it. 'It will no doubt make the finals more exciting, to see which judge is best at picking a winner.' It is believed that the musician and amateur boxer was brought in by Simon to attract younger audiences while Bruno Tonioli was working in the US. Bruno later returned to film the remainder of the earlier auditions. The Cure announced in September that they would be releasing their new album Songs Of A Lost World on November 1, their first in 16 years. And this week, the rock band celebrated a huge win as they scored first number one album in 32 years, the Official Charts confirmed. The rock legends, whose current line-up comprises of Robert Smith, 65, Simon Gallup, 64, Roger ODonnell, 69, Perry Bamonte, 64, Jason Cooper, 57, and Reeves Gabrels, 68, last topped the Official Albums Chart with their 1992 record Wish. 16 years in the making, Songs Of A Lost World outsold the rest of the top five combined to reach the summit and earned the group a 23rd Top 40 album overall. Upon hearing the exciting news, The Cure's frontman Robert told the Official Charts that he is grateful to everyone who has bought the album and supported them over the years. The Cure have landed their first number one album in 32 years with Songs Of A Lost World, the Official Charts confirmed on Friday The rock legends announced in September that they would be releasing their new album Songs Of A Lost World on November 1 He said: 'It is enormously uplifting, genuinely heartwarming to experience such a wonderful reaction to the release of the new Cure album.' 'To everyone who has bought it, listened to it, loved it, believed in us over the years - THANK YOU!' Songs Of A Lost World also tops the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, the weeks biggest seller on wax, and the Official Record Store Chart, proving the most popular LP of the past seven days in independent UK record shops. In September, the band announced that they would be releasing a new album, their first in 16 years, and revealed to fans at the time that the opening track of the new LP was available to stream. The band - whose last album was 2008's 4:13 Dream - have been performing their new song 'Alone' during their 90-date world tour. Taking to X at the time, the rock band announced the exciting news to fans by saying: 'The new album arriving Nov 1st Pre-order now & listen to 'Alone'. Fans then flocked to the comment section to express their excitement over the latest single and the prospect of a new album. One fan wrote: 'It's so beautiful, I'm already speechless and there's still the rest to come'; 'I've been listening to Alone on a loop & thank you!'; Upon hearing the exciting news, The Cure's frontman Robert said that he is grateful to everyone who has supported them over the years (Robert and Simon Gallup pictured 2023) 'Alone is amazing, thank you very much. My bank account, on the other hand, does not thank you.' Reflecting on the song, frontman Robert Smith said in a statement: 'It's the track that unlocked the record.' 'As soon as we had that piece of music recorded I knew it was the opening song, and I felt the whole album come into focus.' He admitted he had been finding it difficult to settle on 'the right opening line' for the first song of the album, and in the end, it was Dregs by poet Ernest Dowson which helped everything fall into place. He added: 'I had been struggling to find the right opening line for the right opening song for a while,' 'Working with the simple idea of 'being alone', always in the back of my mind this nagging feeling that I already knew what the opening line should be ' 'As soon as we finished recording I remembered the poem Dregs by the English poet Ernest Dowson.' In September, the band announced that they would be releasing a new album, their first in 16 years, and revealed to fans that the opening track of the new LP was available to stream Fans then flocked to the comment section to express their excitement over the latest single and the prospect of a new album He added: 'And that was the moment when I knew the song - and the album - were real.' The cover art for the new album features Bagatelle, a 1975 sculpture by Janez Pirnat, while Cure's longtime collaborator Andy Vella handled the artwork and design. The tracks were recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, and as well as a single LP and CD, the new album will also be available as a Miles Showell Abbey Road half-speed master 2LP. While a marble-coloured LP, double cassette, and a deluxe CD package with a Blu-ray including an instrumental version of the collection will be available too. Initially formed in 1978, The Cure has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and has headlined Glastonbury Festival four times. They were also inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and are considered to be one of the most influential bands to ever come out of the UK. Johnny Depp 'fired shotgun blanks' at a terrified assistant in a wild prank, Don Johnson has claimed. Johnson, 74, recalled the dangerous incident as he appeared on Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, detailing how he had been journalist Hunter S. Thompson's neighbor in Woody Creek, Colorado. A young Depp sparked up a friendship with the writer in 1994 and would play him in the 1998 film adaptation of his 1972 novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Johnson said: 'I called over to Hunters to see if had any weed and, of course, he had. Like a ton out back. 'So I said, "Listen, Im going to come over and get some weed cause I got a little group of people here. Johnny Depp 'fired shotgun blanks' at a terrified assistant in a wild prank with Hunter S. Thompson, Don Johnson has claimed - pictured on Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live! A young Depp sparked up a friendship with the writer in 1994 and would play him in the 1998 film adaptation of his 1972 novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - pictured 1998 with Benicio Del Toro Johnson sent his assistant to pick up the weed, with the star saying: '[He] drives up Hunters driveway and Johnny Depp and Hunter were hiding behind Hunters car with shotguns loaded with blanks and my assistant got out of the car and they both jumped out and said, "Die, mother!' before shooting the blanks. Johnson said the assistant had 'peed his pants' from fear and added: 'God bless him.' Johnson and Thompson were best friends for three decades before the journalist's death by suicide in 2005 aged 67. Johnson previously told People of Thompson: 'I loved him. I learned so much from him. 'We met back in, believe it or not, in the Andy Warhol days when I was shooting my first movie in New York. We met because he was the crazy m****rf****r that came in with a pocket full of drugs, and our movie was about drugs. So I got to know him pretty well. 'Lo and behold, he became my neighbor, literally my neighbor, like a quarter of a mile away at my ranch in Colorado. 'And for the next 25 years, if I was away and I had a sick animal or something like that, he'd come over and sleep in the stall with my animal and nurse them back to health.' Depp also played Thompson's creation in the 2011 movie adaptation of his book The Rum Diary. Johnson, 74, detailed how he had been journalist Thompson's neighbor in Woody Creek, Colorado Johnson sent his assistant to pick up the weed, with the star saying: ' [He] drives up Hunters driveway and Johnny Depp and Hunter were hiding behind Hunters car with shotguns loaded with blanks' - Depp pictured last month Depp also played Thompson's creation in the 2011 movie adaptation of his book The Rum Diary - pictured 1997 The Rum Diary is inspired by Thompson's adventures after he moved to the Caribbean to write for the San Juan Star newspaper. Thompson fatally shot himself in his office at his Colorado home on February 20 2005 at the age of 67. His family said they believed he had thought out his suicide as a result of his chronic medical conditions. In August that year, Depp contributed financially to assist Thompson's family help the author realise his dying wish - to have his ashes fired out of a cannon. Depp said: ' We had talked a couple of times about his last wishes to be shot out of a cannon of his own design. 'All I'm doing is trying to make sure his last wish comes true. I just want to send my pal out the way he wants to go out.' Thompson is known as one of the pioneers of 'gonzo journalism', which features the writer as an important part of the story. He often portrayed himself as drunk or manic while reporting on political figures. Nike shares sunk 3 percent yesterday after Donald Trump's victory - over fears his tariffs will cause prices of imported sneakers and sportswear to soar. While Trump, a self-proclaimed 'believer in tariffs,' sees them as necessary, experts warn they could backfire on companies like Nike. Tariffs are government taxes on imported goods, and typically lead to higher store prices unless companies cut profit margins. 'The tariff proposals represent a serious threat to a lot of businesses and brands,' Neil Saunders of Global Data told DailyMail.com. 'If they were enacted at the levels President Trump has spoken about then they would cause some financial damage to Nike, which still makes most of its products overseas.' During his recent campaign, Trump proposed imposing tariffs of 60 percent or more on Chinese imports, stating in a Fox News interview: 'We have to do it.' Nike's shares sunk 3 percent yesterday following Donald Trump's victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election Companies are beginning to fear prices for Chinese imports will raise after Trump's win Much of Nike's products come from China. The Oregon-based sportswear giant has already faced multiple stock dips this year, grappling with weak sales and challenges in the Chinese market. Saunders added that Trump's threats might be a negotiating position for the President-elect. 'Trump has a tactic of making threats as a negotiating position, so there is no guarantee tariffs will come into being at such a high level. 'That said, there will likely be some tariffs in some shape or form, and Nike will need to adapt its supply chains or pricing in response.' This 60 percent tax on Chinese imports, along with a 20 percent worldwide tariff, could also raise average US household costs by $3,000 in 2025, according to an October analysis by the Tax Policy Center. One of Nike's notable stock plummets this year was its 20 percent price drop on June 28 after the company announced it expected sales to decline. This drop was the worst day in its 44-year history as a publicly traded company, according to Forbes. UBS analysts led by Jay Sole wrote to clients that Nike's 'fundamental trends are much worse than we realized' and 'there will be no quick rebound for Nike's earnings.' Nike's stock sank again by more than 6 percent on October 2 after its third-quarter $11.59 billion revenue fell short of analysts' $11.65 billion revenue estimate. 'A comeback at this scale takes time, and while there are some early wins, we have yet to turn the corner,' Nike CFO Matthew Friend told Yahoo Finance last month. 'Nike has really been warning us since late last year that the sportswear market was not very strong and that its innovation cycle was not looking particularly good for the beginning of the fiscal year 2025 either,' Morningstar equity analyst David Swartz told Yahoo Finance. 'Right now, Nike is in a situation where it doesn't have a lot of new products coming out, and it is pulling back on some other products.' Nike's stocks rose by 10 percent later that month after the company announced Elliot Hill would be replacing John Donahoe as CEO on October 14. As of 2024, only 16 percent of Nike apparel and 18 percent of its footwear are made from factories in China, according to Oregon Live. Only 16 percent of Nike footwear was made in China this year Trump proposed that there be at least a 60 percent tariff on Chinese imports One of Nike's notable stock plummets was its 20 percent price drop on June 28, 2024 - the worst day in its 44-year history as a publicly traded company Nike's stocks rose by 10 percent in October 2024 after the company announced Elliot Hill would be their new CEO 'Nike has reduced its exposure to China over recent years, which is positive as this is one of the main countries being potentially targeted by Trump,' Saunders told DailyMail.com. 'All of this spooks investors, but it is important to understand that, at present, these are only words and not firm policy proposals.' If these tariff proposals go through, this would also affect product prices from companies like Columbia Sportswear. Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle explained that he expects prices to increase if the tariff is raised to The Washington Post in October 2024. 'We're buying stuff today for delivery next fall,' Boyle said. 'So we're just going to deal with it and we'll just raise the prices. It's going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable for Americans.' Sinologists from China, Balkan nations gather to explore cultural connections, boost mutual understanding Xinhua) 13:08, November 08, 2024 SOFIA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Delegates from China, Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Serbia gathered Thursday here for the Second Sino-Balkanica conference, talking through a variety of topics aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of China and its ties with the Balkan nations. The participants will present some 40 reports at the three-day event, organized by the World Sinology Center of Beijing Language and Culture University, Bulgarian Association of Sinologists, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", and the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria. Key discussions at the conference, themed "Sino-Balkan Cultural Dialogue: Challenges and Perspectives in a Global Context," include historical and contemporary interactions between China and the Balkans, strategies for promoting the development of Balkan sinology in secondary and higher education, and problems and perspectives of Balkan sinology. At the opening ceremony, Wang Min, political counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, said that by in-depth study of Chinese language, culture, history and philosophy, sinologists can help the world better understand China's development path and pattern, promote exchange and communication across cultures, and provide fresh perspectives and solutions to global challenges. According to Wang, the conference provided a platform for experts to communicate, engage in discussions, share their research results and experience, and explore new directions and approaches in Chinese studies, contributing their wisdom and strength for the development of sinology. Highlighting that development of modern society needed a deep understanding of Chinese culture, history and traditions, Prof. Xu Baofeng, director of the World Sinology Center, said that participants at the conference were not only sinologists and researchers, but also ambassadors of great civilizations. Xu also underscored the value of firsthand experiences in understanding China, saying that the sinologists participating in the conference would have the opportunity to visit China in person. China certainly cannot be fully comprehended through theory alone, it had to be felt, seen and experienced personally, Xu added. Associate Prof. Iskra Mandova, chair of the Bulgarian Association of Sinologists, also said that dialogue and mutual understanding between China and the Balkans have never been more significant. "Our conference represents a unique opportunity to explore the profound connections that bind our cultures, economies, and societies. The world is interconnected, and it is through initiatives like this that we can foster mutual respect and shared knowledge," Mandova noted. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) MBABANE The police are urging members of the public, who may have been victims of housebreakings, particularly around Mbabane stretching to Buhleni, to visit the Mbabane Police Station to identify a range of recovered stolen items. These items, valued at approximately E100 000, include electronic gadgets such as power banks and a PlayStation 3 console, to everyday household items, like blankets and camp chairs. Other possessions found include watches and a travelling case, among a number of valuables items. Two men were arrested in connection with the break-ins. The Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent, Phindile Vilakati said the suspects are withholding information about the break-in locations and public assistance is crucial. We are urging anyone who may have had their property stolen, especially those living in areas from Mbabane to Buhleni, to come forward. By visiting the police station, they may be able to identify their belongings among the items we have recovered, Vilakati said. According to Vilakati, the arrested individuals had a well-practised method, primarily targetting homes during weekday mornings, when occupants left for work, usually between the hours of 8am and 11am. Victims of the break-ins are requested to visit the Mbabane Police Station or contact Hhohho Regional Crime Branch Officer, Derrick Makhanya, on 7608 9712 or Mbabane Desk Officer, Inspector Akhona Dludlu, at 7626 0105 or investigating officer, Constable Teevee Nkambule, at 7643 5858. In the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Performance Report on recurrent and capital expenditure and other allied administration and operational activities for the period between July and September 2024, it was reported that housebreaking with intent to steal and theft (H/B) occurrs in both business and residential areas, when the residence is unoccupied and the occupants only discover the burglary on their return. The report stated that the targeted areas are mainly urban and peri-urban, where quick escape routes are easily accessed by the offenders. Foodies can now enjoy two fan-favorite pastrami sandwiches at Jersey Mike's. This week, the sandwich chain introduced two new options to its US menu: the Classic Pastrami and the Chipotle Pastrami. These are the only hot sub options on the menu featuring pastrami. Prices for both sandwiches range from $10.95 to nearly $15, depending on location and taxes. Jersey Mike's - with 2,700 locations, the second biggest sandwich chain behind Subway - has not yet announced how long these pastrami subs will be available. The Classic Pastrami comes with sliced meat, grilled onions, pickles, Swiss cheese, and spicy brown mustard The Chipotle Pastrami comes with sliced meat, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and Chipotle mayo Jersey Mike's Classic Pastrami includes layers of sliced Brisket cut pastrami on a white sandwich sub roll. It also comes with melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and spicy brown mustard. The sandwich chain's Chipotle Pastrami has almost all the same ingredients as the Classic. The only differences between the two pastrami sandwiches are the sauces and pickles. Unlike the Classic, the Chipotle Pastrami is finished off with Chipotle mayo. The Chipotle sub also doesn't have pickles. Food critic Bailey Fink tried out both sandwiches, and was 'happily surprised' to eat pastrami that 'wasn't a salt-bomb. 'The meat itself has a delicious flavor and when you get the pickles, mustard, and pastrami all in one mouthful, it's the perfect bite,' she wrote this week for Allreceipes. She also enjoyed the 'cheese-to-meat' ratio in the Chipotle Pastrami, but wished the sub came with pickles. 'The pastrami sandwiches did leave me wanting a little bit more - especially because you can't add any additional toppings,' Fink wrote. 'However, for what they are, they're great, and, if you were someone who's been craving Jersey Mike's pastrami since it left the menu years ago, then you'll be in sandwich heaven.' Fink added that Jersey Mike's customers looking to try one of the pastrami subs should do it soon since 'there's no telling' how long the sandwich chain will offer them. A food critic was impressed with both pastrami-filled sandwiches, and was happily surprised the pastrami 'wasn't a salt-bomb' Various Reddit and Instagram users were excited to find out about the two pastrami sandwiches return to Jersey Mike's Jersey Mike's has been promoting the fan-favorite pastrami sandwiches all week, and Instagram users appreciated the 'closer look' of the new menu items in a video. Various Instagram users enjoyed the 'yummy' and 'delicious' sandwiches, while one person had a tough time deciding which one to buy. 'Looks like my lunch decision has been made for tomorrow lol,' a commenter wrote. At least two Jersey Mike's fans suggested other ingredients customers should ask for on the sandwiches, including barbecue sauce. At least three Reddit users also claimed they bought their sandwiches with other ingredients, and one person selected provolone instead of Swiss cheese on their Chipotle Pastrami. 'I need to try it again without the pickles. That flavor combo cost it a whole fork for me,' a Reddit user wrote. Fast food chains are increasingly coming up with new menu items such as Jersey Mike's new subs, as well as rolling out deals, to lure back Americans who have been cutting back on eating out. For example, McDonald's created the Chicken Big Mac, and brought back the Double Big Mac and breakfast bagels in four varieties. Meanwhile, Sonic Drive-In revamped its $1.99 menu, and Arby's added burgers to its permanent menu earlier this year. But one sit-down dining chain, Texas Roadhouse, has seen customers rise just by sticking to the basics, and fighting to keep its low meal prices. Chevrolet has urgently recalled more than a hundred electric vehicles due to a fire risk. General Motors announced it is recalling 107 Chevy Bolt EV and EUV vehicles from model years 2020-2022 due to a potential fire hazard. This recall follows more extensive action three years ago, when around 142,000 Bolt EVs were recalled over several recalls. The vehicle maker is urging owners to not park cars inside garages, but rather on the street, limit charging the battery to 90 percent and do not let the battery drop below 70 miles of range. The company also says the Bolts should not be charged overnight, and should be parked outside immediately after they are charged. 107 Chevy Bolt EV and EUV vehicles have been recalled over fire safety concerns The issue stems from faulty diagnostic software that could cause a fire when the battery is fully or nearly fully charged, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM is contacting affected owners to schedule a software and battery update at their local Chevy dealership. The company said in a statement will replace the lithium-ion battery modules in these vehicles out of caution. All affected owners should receive letters by December 16. For those with unrepaired Chevy Bolts, GM advises limiting charge levels to 90 percent, avoiding charging the car indoors overnight, and not letting the battery range fall below 70 miles. A spokesperson for the company said that they were not yet aware of any Bolt vehicles having actually caught fire because of the problem. This is not the first time the company has been forced to recall its cars over fire safety concerns. In 2021 the automaker recalled 142,000 Bolt vehicles because of battery defects that posed a fire risk. It comes just weeks after Honda was also forced to recall thousands of its hybrid vehicles over fears they could burst in to flames. General Motors said the Chevy owners would be contacted if their vehicles were affected The car giant said 720,800 vehicles were affected by the recall because their high-pressure fuel pumps may crack and leak fuel - potentially causing them to burst into flames. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday. That marks Honda's second major recall this month, following the identification of potential steering issues in 1.7 million vehicles earlier in October. The 'FICCI HEAL 2024' conference wrapped up after two days of impactful discussions focusing on transforming India's healthcare sector under the theme 'Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat'. Attendees included healthcare leaders, policymakers, and innovators, all aiming to enhance the nation's health systems.One of the Sessions highlighted primary healthcare, cancer care for women, and cross-disciplinary healthcare education. A plenary session by (Hony) Brig Dr. Arvind Lal, Chair of FICCI's Swasth Bharat Task Force, emphasised scaling primary healthcare and digitisation, showcasing a 300 per cent increase in testing capacity at the Sarojini Nagar CHC hub lab since 2021. Key speakers, such as former Health Secretary Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, addressed infrastructure gaps, while Mr. Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Health, discussed advances in rural healthcare. NITI Aayog Senior Adviser Mr. Rajib Kumar Sen emphasized quality in healthcare, advocating for private sector collaboration and innovations like AI and telemedicine. The conference spotlighted medical education reforms led by Dr. Vijay Oza of the National Medical Commission and digital health solutions, with Dr. Suchita Markan from ICMR underscoring partnerships for accessible healthcare. Supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, FICCI HEAL reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable healthcare reforms, continuing its legacy as India's premier healthcare forum. Achieving Viksit Bharat will demand a collective effort to foster religious harmony, address environmental threats and navigate global tensions India awaits 2047 as it aspires to become one of the developed nations, and obviously, that would mean striving, sincerely and collectively for the welfare of each of its citizens. Hopefully, in the Viksit Bharat, none would need a free ration, and freebies doled out as allurements for votes would become history. It would also unhindered availability of potable water, clean air, an all-weather roof over their heads, and freedom from a no-work-to-do situation. Hunger, ill health and malnutrition would become history! India would have a system of education that would ensure equality of access and success at the same level for the children of the Lutyens zone and those in the Jhabua Village! Education shall no longer remain a necessary utopia! Moving in this direction necessitates getting rid of communal disharmony and socio-cultural exclusion of every kind. We expect a nation that no longer suffers the minority-majority concerns! Having seriously studied various aspects of social cohesion and religious amity or social and religious cohesion and amity in India, there is no escape from acknowledging that it is a very complex conundrum of communal curvatures that are resistant to various well-intentioned initiatives to smoothen it out. There are human values that are common to every religion, and these could become the ground for cementing comradery without in any way interfering with the ways of faith and religious practices. The global rise of fundamentalism, terrorism, and fanaticism, and the consequent expansion of distrust, oppression and seclusion are certainly not conducive to a better life for the people, no matter how many more gadgets are made available in their homes. Sadly enough, it was very clear at the turn of the millennium that in days ahead, things would get tougher for leadership to handle, and the very survival of the human race would be at stake. In the third decade of the 21st century, humanity and the planet Earth confront the challenges posed by climate change, a sharp deterioration of man-nature relationships, and ever-increasing violence in various forms and formats. The futility of the peace-making efforts by those whose economic interests require greater production of lethal weapons, and their sale and consumption is no longer a hidden secret. The tensions, turmoil and anxiety that all of this creates are now being experienced everywhere, particularly in the West, which accepted the refugees and intruders with open arms, many of them are now repenting their policies of the past! The rise of distrust and apprehension constitutes greater danger than sporadic violence the instances of which are increasing in European nations. These examples give some indications of the world before the young of today, and those who would wield power tomorrow! India is a major Asian nation that suffers from a huge influx of illegal migrants, and most of them get support from several political parties. It is clear that this support is based purely on communal considerations, and is certainly not in the national interest. It adds to the fragile relationship that has existed all along, was fuelled during the freedom struggle and led to the partition of India, the possibility of achieving social cohesion and religious amity remained elusive. The two-nation theory was elaborated in an oft-quoted speech of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in his Meerut speech delivered in March 1888, his view of the scenario that may emerge after the British leave: Is it possible that under these circumstances two nations - the Mohammadans and the Hindus could sit on the same throne and remain equal in power? Most certainly not. Sir Syed was one of the most respected and admired of the leaders of the Muslim community who had opened the doors of modern education for them, and hence, the enlightened Muslim youth adored him. The essence of the above represented the prevailing sentiments of the Muslim community, and these were perpetuated by others, particularly by those who opposed the views of Sir Syed on modern education, They, however, grabbed the idea of two nations! Subsequently, in the same lecture, Sir Syed elaborates his views further: the principle of a representative government is that it is government by a nation, and that the nation in question rules over its own people and own land. It is as simple as that: there could be no possibility of any representative government elected by Hindus and Muslims together ever ruling over India consisting not only of the nations of Hindus and Muslims but others who should also constitute nations of their own. Indian democracy establishes that communal harmony is possible, and the two communities are equally enlightened to work together. While Sir Syed deserves and gets praise for his futuristic outlook on modern education and its dire need to uplift the Muslims, it would certainly remain a matter of serious debate whether his definition of two nations did create a lasting impact on the psyche of the community that persists even today. The doctrine of the two-nation theory finally got buried with the formation of Bangladesh, and emerging multi-religious societies in Europe. If there is one nation that could present a functional model of religious unity it is India, the Hindus and the Muslims of India. Nowhere else, the equality of all religions is so deep-rooted in thought and deed as in the ancient Indian culture. It could be revived by the hereditary dialogical tradition which has excelled historically. (Professor Rajput works in education, social cohesion and religious amity. He is an Atal Fellow in the PMML, New Delhi; views are personal) Trumps return could offer India a pivotal role in global tech and manufacturing The third time is a charm, as the saying goes and we are not talking about PM Modi coming back to power for three consecutive terms, but his close friend, the 47th President of the US, Donald Trump. Having successfully dodged a couple of bullets (quite literally), impeachments, and felony charges, President Trump, triumphed over the collective choice of the most powerful economy in the world the United States of America. While the right-wingers across the globe, including in India celebrated his victory, as a literal victory for the RIGHT and what they saw as the tyranny of the so-called left liberals, President Trump 2.0 is most likely to be more nuanced than his version one. What it means for India is a mixed box of chocolates which can be bitter or boldly sweet depending on the pick. President-elect Trump is known to be a hard negotiator, particularly on trade topics and he has famously described India as one of the highest offenders on this front. He is a businessman with decades of experience and has a transactional approach to trade, something not alien to Indian politicians particularly, from the Western regions. Trumps presidency 1.0 and the humungous growth in India-US bilateral commercial relations, plus a business-oriented Indian government at the centre, for now over a decade, has also served as a training ground for several tough negotiators to emerge from the bureaucratic class in India. Therefore, while officials in the government are aware of the tough negotiations ahead with the US on trade-related matters or import tariffs or say restrictions, they are hopeful, of finding a middle path given their familiarity with the Presidents style of functioning. The dragon in the room would be cagey, as President-elect Trump in the run-up to the elections has vowed to impose stiff tariffs on imports from China. This may be great news for India, especially with the current governments focus being on making Bharat the manufacturing hub for electronics hardware, at least for the region. Indian bureaucrats pushing the manufacturing envelope are deeply aware, that developing India into a hub, is a long-term game that may outlive the current regimes in DC and Delhi. They are also acutely aware that, by allowing friendshoring to India, by large US companies in the China plus one model, Trump will have an advantage. He could negotiate this card by pressuring India to buy perhaps more hydrocarbons or defence technology from the US. While the technology partnership was not primarily the centrepiece of India US bilateral relationship under Trump 1.0, his successor Joe Biden created a delectable topping with cooperation on critical and emerging technologies as an important element of the partnership. Initiatives such as iCET ( initiative for critical and emerging technologies) which are directly monitored by the heads of both countries have put an unwavering sanctity to the tech partnership between the two democracies. President Trump could either encourage US tech to keep fulfilling Indias avowed target of being the next global electronics manufacturing hub while holding it as a bargaining chip, or, he may find a creative solution to persuade some of these companies to shift back some of their factories to domestic shores. The latter possibility seems unlikely as Donald Trump has, traditionally been a huge supporter of creating more jobs for Americans in the old manufacturing sectors. Much of President Trumps technology policy is likely to be curated by his biggest donor and tech czar Elon Musk. Elon Musk has business interests in China where he has some of his largest Tesla factories, besides, he has been trying to enter the Indian automobile market with little success. His other business interests including satellite-based telecommunication services, have struggled to start beaming in India. Many of these factors would determine the crucial next four years of the Modi-Trump era. (The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal) India faced 93 percent days of extreme weather from January to September this year. Of the 255 days out of 274, India experienced extreme weather events marked by heat and cold waves, cyclones, lightning, heavy rain, floods and landslides, almost every day in the first nine months of this year which claimed to 3,200 lives, affected 3.2 million hectare (mha) of crops, destroyed 235,862 houses and buildings, and killed approximately 9,457 livestock. The report titled Climate India 2024: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) , based on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data has come days ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijans Baku from November 11 to 22. Compared to this, the first nine months of 2023 recorded extreme weather on 235 of 273 days, with 2,923 deaths, 1.84 mha of crops affected, 80,293 houses damaged, and 92,519 animal deaths. The year 2024 also set several climate records. January was Indias ninth driest since 1901. In February, the country recorded its second-highest minimum temperature in 123 years. May saw the fourth-highest mean temperature on record, and July, August and September all registered their highest minimum temperatures since 1901. In the Northwest, January was the second driest, and July recorded the regions second-highest minimum temperature. The Southern Peninsula saw its hottest February ever, followed by exceptionally hot and dry March and April, but with a 36.5 percent surplus in July rainfall and the second-highest minimum temperature in August. According to the report, between January and February, extreme weather events spanned 50 days, a sharp rise from 38 days in 2022 and 28 in 2023. Cold days and cold waves dominated, occurring on 38 days-a 17-day increase from the previous year. Additionally, lightning and storms were recorded on 17 days, up from 5 days last year. Between pre-Monsoon March and May, extreme weather events were recorded on 83 days, slightly lower than 2022 (85 days) and the same as 2023. Heatwaves occurred on 54 days in 2024, nearly double the 28 days in 2023. This increase contributed to a surge in fatalities, with 507 lives lost, compared to 321 the previous year. And between June and September, extreme weather persisted across all 122 Monsoon days, as in 2023. However, deaths increased to 2,716, up from 2,594 in 2023 and 2,431 in 2022. In terms of event types, the past nine months have seen everything from lightning and storms, spanning 32 states and resulting in 1,021 deaths, to relentless monsoon rains, which led to flooding across various regions. In Assam alone, heavy rains, floods and landslides were recorded in 122 days, leaving large parts of the state submerged and communities devastated. Nationwide, 1,376 lives were lost due to floods. The report says that Madhya Pradesh experienced extreme weather for 176 days, the most in the country. Kerala recorded the highest fatalities at 550, followed by Madhya Pradesh (353) and Assam (256). Andhra Pradesh had the most houses damaged (85,806), while Maharashtra, which saw extreme events on 142 days, accounted for over 60 per cent of the affected crop area nation-wide, followed by Madhya Pradesh (25,170 ha). Regionally, Central India faced the highest frequency of extreme events with 218 days, followed closely by the Northwest at 213 days. In terms of lives lost, the Central region had the most deaths (1,001), followed by the Southern Peninsula (762 deaths), East and Northeast (741 deaths) and Northwest (734 deaths). The report said the impact on agriculture has been severe, with extreme weather affecting at least 3.2 million hectares of cropped land in 2024, a 74 per cent increase from the 1.84 million hectares damaged in 2022. However, this number likely underestimates the true damage, as data from major agricultural states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana was unavailable. The report also emphasises the need for climate reparations from high-emission countries responsible for much of the damage. Climate models are clear: extreme weather events are set to become more frequent and severe. Rajit Sengupta, who co-authored the report, said heatwaves claimed 210 lives but the data does not reflect the extended health impacts of prolonged high temperatures on the well-being of people in North India, including farmers and labourers, who endured intense heat with little means of relief. Similarly, the toll of severe cold snaps and frost on crop losses is not captured, highlighting the need for robust compensation systems for weather-induced losses. Sengupta underlined without this support, farmers are pushed into debt, exacerbating their marginalisation and poverty. Speaking at the launch of the report, CSE director general and Down To Earth editor Sunita Narain said: These record-breaking statistics reflect climate changes impact, where events that used to occur once every century are now happening every five years or even less. This frequency is overwhelming the most vulnerable populations, who lack the resources to adapt to this relentless cycle of loss and damage. The report also emphasises the need for climate reparations from high-emission countries responsible for much of the damage. Climate models are clear: extreme weather events are set to become more frequent and severe. Rajit Sengupta, who co-authored the report, said heatwaves claimed 210 lives but the data does not reflect the extended health impacts of prolonged high temperatures on the well-being of people in North India, including farmers and labourers, who endured intense heat with little means of relief. Similarly, the toll of severe cold snaps and frost on crop losses is not captured, highlighting the need for robust compensation systems for weather-induced losses. Sengupta underlined that without this support, farmers are pushed into debt, exacerbating their marginalisation and poverty. Speaking at the launch of the report, CSE director general and Down To Earth editor Sunita Narain said: These record-breaking statistics reflect climate changes impact, where events that used to occur once every century are now happening every five years or even less. This frequency is overwhelming the most vulnerable populations, who lack the resources to adapt to this relentless cycle of loss and damage. Seeking to drive a wedge among the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents over their ideological differences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dared the MVA leaders to get Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speak in praise of the contributions made to the country by Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb Thackeray. Kick-starting his campaign for the State Assembly polls from north Maharashtra where he addressed election rallies at Nashik and Dhuke, PM Modi played the "Maharashtra self-respect and pride card", when he slammed the Congress leaders for denigrating Savarkar and the Shiv Sena (UBT) which considered Savarkar as its icon for allying with the grand-old party. Taking pot shots at both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), the PM said: "In Maharashtra, Savarkar is a source of inspiration They [Congress leaders] never allowed Marathi language to get the classical language status. But they abuse Savarkar regularly. In view of the elections, a senior MVA leader asked the Congress 'yuvraj' to stop disrespecting Savarkar. Ironically, those who consider Savarkar as an icon are with the Congress". In an unmistakable reference to Sena Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, PM Modi said, "I want to challenge the MVA leaders to make the Congress' yuvraj speak for 15 minutes in praise of Savarkar and his sacrifices for the country. Similarly, the yuvraj should also be asked to speak in praise of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Today is November 8... and I will wait for their response". PM Modi's dare to the Shiv Sena (UBT) should be seen in context of the manner in which Rahul Gandhi's criticism of late Savarkar during his initial phase of his "Bharat Jodo Yatra". It may be recalled that on November 18, 2022, the then united Shiv Sena's MP Sanjay Raut had said that Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Veer Savarkar were "unwarranted" and that his party did not agree with the latter's stand. However, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh clarified the matter saying that Rahul did not target Savarkar but had only stated a "historical fact". On his part, Rahul himself refrained from talking about the Hindutva ideologue. Terming the Congress as a Modi as a "parjivi" which was dependent on other parties to survive, the Prime Minister said that the grand old party wanted to weaken and divide the OBCs, because as a united community would ensure that it would not return to power again. "The Congress is no longer an All-India party It is parjivi (parasite) which is alive on crutches In most of the states, the Congress can fight elections only with the help of other parties, and therefore to save itself, it has resorted to weakening the unity of the SC, ST and OBC in the country. Be it Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Jharkhand and in most states, Congress is in a position to contest elections only with the support of other parties," PM Modi said. "The Congress is unable to digest that Narendra Modi, who is from the OBC, has become the Prime Minister for the third time after 60 years The Congress can't come to terms with this truth. The truth is that Congress hates OBCs. The Congress has lost its sleep. Its leaders are venting their anger on the OBCs," the PM said. Heaping praise on the BJP-led MahaYuti government in Maharashtra, the PM said: "under the Mahayuti government , Maharashtra is setting new records of development. We are a government which works for the poor..When the poor people prosper, the country also prospers. During the last 10 years, the Modi government at the Centre has brought 25 crore people above the poverty line 50 lakh women have benefited because of the Ujjwala scheme and free LPG More than a crore households have got tap water. As many as 7 crore people would be given free ration every month. Similarly poor people have benefitted due to the PM Awaas yojana" The PM exhorted the people to bring MahaYuti to power as it would provide a "double engine government" which would ensure speedy development and people-friendly schemes. "If the MahaYuti is voted back to power, the benefit to farmers under the Krishi Samman Yojana for farmers will increase from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000," he said. Ridiculing the promises made by the rival MVA, the PM said: "The people of Maharashtra know the reality. On one side there is the manifesto of MahaYuti, while on the other side there is the 'scam letter' of MVA. Wherever Congress and its allies are in power, there will be scams. These people announce such schemes in which maximum corruption can take place." Alleging that the Congress had opened a "'jhoot ki dukan' (shop of falsehood)" in Maharashtra on the lines of Karnataka and Telangana, Modi said that the people have seen in the other two states, where the Congress had failed to fulfil its promises after the polls. Averring that in the Congress-ruled states, the governments have no money even to pay the salaries of their employees, the PM said that if the Congress and its allies were voted to power, they would put brakes on the state's growth. He said that the MVA would scrap welfare and development schemes brought out by the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government in the state. "Be aware of the Congress and its allies which are against development and bent on putting brakes on the state's growth," said the PM. "I appeal to you to vote for the Mahayuti so that it will take the progress of Maharashtra to new heights in the next five years. Only the Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi vehicle has neither wheels nor brakes and there is a fight even for sitting on the driver's seat. The Mahayuti government, which has taken several decisions to speed up development, will continue to boost the state's growth and also promote the development of various sections," he said. Slamming the Congress for its pro-Pakistan agenda, the Prime Minister ruled out the possibility of restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. "No force in the world can restore Article 370let me assure only Babasaheb's Constitution would be followed everywhere in India," PM Modi said addressing a rally in Dhule district. A farmer in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, uncovered a surprising find while plowing his field - a hidden cache of historical weapons believed to date back to the 1857 Indian Rebellion. District authorities have secured the weapons, which are now stored in a safe repository, and have reached out to the Archaeological Department for further examination. District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh shared the details on Friday, Babu Ram, a farmer from Dakhia Parvezpur in Nigohi police station area, was plowing his field recently when he discovered an iron sword-like object beneath the soil. As he continued digging, he uncovered several more weapons buried underground. According to Singh, as the excavation continued, more weapons emerged from the soil. In total, the field yielded 23 swords, remnants of 12 matchlock rifles, one spear, and a dagger. The rifles discovered are heavily deteriorated, with only the barrels and some metal fragments intact, suggesting that termites may have consumed the wooden parts over time. Given the style of the gun barrels, experts believe they are indeed matchlock rifles. Upon learning of the discovery, district authorities dispatched a team led by the sub-divisional magistrate to the site. The recovered weapons have since been moved to the Nigohi police station for safekeeping. Dr. Vikas Khurana, Head of the History Department at Swami Shukdevanand College in Shahjahanpur, suggested that the weapons may be linked to the 1857 Indian Rebellion. These weapons appear to have characteristics of Rohilla culture. It is possible that when the British forces advanced after defeating the rebels in 1857, the freedom fighters retreated to the forest and may have buried their weapons to avoid capture, Dr. Khurana explained. Victorious armies typically do not hide their weapons, so it is likely these were hidden by the revolutionaries who were in retreat. Experts believe this discovery could provide valuable insights into the local history of the 1857 rebellion. Dr. Khurana further said:, If confirmed, these weapons could serve as a crucial link to the areas involvement in the first war of Indian independence. They offer a tangible connection to the courage and struggle of those who fought in the 1857 revolt. The district administration has written to the Archaeological Department to initiate a detailed analysis of the artifacts, which could confirm their historical significance and possibly shed light on the events of the 1857 rebellion in the region. MANZINI Primary school pupils in Eswatini have reportedly been targeted by online predators who have added them to a WhatsApp group sharing explicit and harmful content. The group, which has members from around the world, is believed to be administered by individuals using UK-registered mobile numbers. Sources indicate that over eight local private schools may have had students added to the group, named Add everyone in your contacts (except parents) also (no asking for admin).According to sources, the number of local private schools whose pupils have at some point been registered in the group exceeds eight. A number of school head teachers in some of the private schools whose learners are reportedly in the WhatsApp group said they were made aware of the existence of the group on Wednesday afternoon. The WhatsApp group has members from across the globe based on the mobile numbers of participants listed. Enjabulweni Independent School head teacher, Mathew Kamota, said after establishing that there was such a group, they conducted an investigation where they discovered that learners from as low as grade IV were added to the group. He said they discovered that the children were added for the purposes of pornography, extortion, bullying, paedophilia and racism.Kamota said their investigation uncovered that there were over 30 pupils from their schools primary, who at some point were unknowingly added into the group, without their consent. He said following this discovery, they interviewed a number of learners who confirmed being added into the group; but exiting it as they did not know who had added them. Weve engaged the pupils and advised them that it was not their fault that they were added into the group which shared such material. We are already offering therapy to them for the trauma they might have suffered, Kamota said. He said the biggest challenge was that the pupils did not bring their phones to schools; but used them at their respective homes. The head teacher said it was for this reason that it had been difficult to unearth this illicit act by the administrators of the group. Kamota applauded the learners for being open and sharing information about what was happening in the group. He said they had discovered various pornographic material and deep fake material in the group.Furthermore, he said racial slurs were used to instil fear to the minors. Kamota said the school had communicated the discovery with guardians and parents of their learners. He said they had implored the guardians to ensure that their minors are safe from being abused online. The head teacher said they were already sharing material with parents on how they can ensure that their children are safe. We are also looking into what First World countries are doing, such as the Safer Schools in UK (United Kingdom) where minors are not encouraged to have smartphones until the age of 17. For basic communication, they are given phones which only receive messages and place calls, he said. Kamota further reiterated appreciation to the pupils by saying, We applaud our children who reported this matter to us, for their moral courage. It shows that the learners understand the mission and vision of Enjabulweni School. He said the school had already contacted experts in cybercrime and shall also be teaching the learners about cyber security today. On the other hand, Jabez School Head Teacher Linda Singani also confirmed that the school had been alerted of this group. She said they are still engaging in preliminary investigations while also alerting all relevant stakeholders.Singani said: We can neither deny nor confirm that learners from the school are in the group; however, weve been alerted about its existence. She said they would heavily rely on guardians in dealing with the issue along with the law enforcers and entities dealing with cybercrime.Meanwhile, a statement was sent to guardians of pupils from Usuthu Forest School International (UFSI). The management of UFSI urged all parents of their learners to be vigilant with what their children are being exposed to.We believe that children are being added without their consent, and when children leave the group, they start receiving threatening messages privately. Some children are afraid (or embarrassed) to inform adults about this group since group administrators are apparently generating deep fake content using the facial images of the children, it reads in part. The statement further shared the name and profile of the group while informing them that it was likely to change at any given moment. The UFSI statement further relayed that there were over 1 000 members already on this group and they advised the parents to take the following steps immediately: 1. Check your childs phone and their social media platforms for any irregular activity. 2. If your child is on a group which you do not approve, please remove them. 3. Report any suspicious activities to the authorities: Police: dial 999 Eswatini Communications Authority dial: 24067000 Eswatini Child Helpline: dial 116 4. Bolster security settings on Whatsapp by clicking on: Settings -> Privacy -> Groups -> Who can add me to groups: My contacts except ->Exclude everyone. 5. Do not allow your childs profile picture to be visible to all. Make it private if you wish to use a picture. 6. Talk to your child about the dangers of online groups. Furthermore, the school communicated that its counsellor was available to offer counselling for any child who might be suffering from being exposed to online extortion of this kind.Please message one of the school principals if you feel your child will need assistance. Thank you for continuing to ensure your child remains safe and vigilant while using online platforms, reads the statement. This form of exploitation of children is not unique to Eswatini as the British Broadcasting Services (BBC), in its website on October 30, 2024 reported that Clacton County High School in Essex had advised parents to ensure their children do not join Add Everyone, or to block and report it if they have. In a widely shared post on its Facebook page, the school says the WhatsApp group could put young people into dangerous and vulnerable situations. The school has told the BBC that "as far as we are aware, no students have joined this group" and it was merely raising awareness, reads the article in part. Also, Mybroadband, which is a tech news online publication, quoted South Africas Be in Touch founder Kate Farina, who called for phone-free schools and no social media before the age of 16 in June 2024. She also said children should be banned from using smartphones until they reach high school age. Citing Jonathan Haidts The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness; she said parents and schools should do more to protect children online.She added that too much was being done to shelter children in the offline world, but many were given free rein when it came to online activities. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has confirmed that it is investigating reports of a WhatsApp group where primary school children were added without their consent and exposed to explicit content.Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, stated that the cyberbullying, exploitation, and addition of pupils to the group had been reported to the police and investigations are underway. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018 (CMCA) addresses such offenses. While the Act does not explicitly mention 'exposing minors to pornographic material,' it criminalises the possession, distribution, and production of child pornography. The specific penalties for these offenses are: Possession of Child Pornography:A person found in possession of child pornography can face imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding E500 000, or both. Distribution of Child Pornography: A person found guilty of distributing child pornography can face imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding E1.5 million, or both. Production of Child Pornography: A person found guilty of producing child pornography can face imprisonment for a period not exceeding 25 years or a fine not exceeding E1.5 million, or both. Meanwhile, the CMCA addresses cyber bullying under the offense of cyber harassment. Cyber harassment is defined as the use of a computer system to harass another person, including by sending threatening or abusive messages. The penalties for cyber harassment are: Imprisonment: A person found guilty of cyber harassment can face imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years. Fine: A person found guilty of cyber harassment can be fined an amount not exceeding E250 000. With Delhi transforming into a gas chamber due to the ongoing decline in air quality, with several regions recording Severe levels on Friday. Residents in Delhi and neighbouring areas woke up to another day of smog, marking the eight consecutive days of air pollution in a very poor category. Visibility was also reduced due to swallow fog in several areas. PM2.5 concentration stood at 31.7 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 7 am, the peak AQI in the city reached 441, whereas the average AQI noted was 380 at 4 pm. Several areas of Delhi including Bawana (440), Mundka (428), New Moti Bagh (427), Rohini (439), Punjabi Bagh (406), and RK Puram (406) witnessed an AQI of over 400, as per data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). For comparison, the AQI was 366 on Thursday morning, increasing to 377 by 4 PM. On Wednesday at the same hour, it was 352. The persistent air pollution coincided with chhath puja celebrations. At present, the major contributors to PM2.5 pollution are local and regional sources. The transport sector is the most significant contributor at 11.049 percent, as per the Decision Support System data by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). While the residential sector contribution is 2. 872 percent, industries contributed 2.637 percent, construction 1. 492 percent, energy sector 1. 376 percent, waste burning 1.053 percent, and road dust 0.82 percent. Local pollution sources in Delhi account for 30.34 percent of the citys air pollution (50.1 percent of which is contributed through transportation), while 34.97 percent originates from neighbouring NCR districts and 27.94 percent from other areas. According to Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, mainly smog condition with predominant surface wind from variable directions with wind speed reaching 0406 kmph prevailed during daytime and calm winds during night. Predicted maximum mixing depth is likely to be 1900 m on November 8. The maximum mixing depth of wind was recorded 1750 m on Friday. The ventilation index lower than 6000 m2/s with average wind speed less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. Meteorological conditions are likely to be extremely unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, it said. To curb rising air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government on Friday conducted a testing of 'drone-based mist spraying' at Anand Vihar, one of the city's pollution hotspots. During the demonstration, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that pollution levels in the hotspots are higher than the average AQI in the capital. "Today's demonstration in Anand Vihar -- a known pollution hotspot -- aims to address this issue," Rai said. Currently, more than 200 anti-smog guns are deployed across Delhi, spraying water along the roads to reduce airborne dust, he added. "However, areas with narrow roadsides or congested spots where trucks cannot reach pose unique challenges. This is where drones can be particularly effective," he said. The minister added that if the trial proves successful, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) may consider acquiring more drones for widespread deployment. "If we get promising results of today's testing, we will move forward with formal tenders for procuring additional drones," Rai said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's disapproval of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's 'batenge to katenge' remark shows there was no unity in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Referring to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Sindhudurg district a few months back, he accused the Eknath Shinde-led government of being the "most corrupt" in the history of Maharashtra. Addressing a poll rally in Buldhana, Thackeray said, "Ajit Pawar's disapproval of Yogi's remark shows there is no unity in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. In this scenario, Maharashtra does not need to learn any lesson from the UP chief minister." Adityanath has been raising 'batenge to katenge' slogan at his election rallies in Maharashtra. Talking about it, BJP ally and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the people of the state do not appreciate such remarks, and that the people of the state have always strived to maintain communal harmony. The ruling Mahayuti alliance comprises the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Thackeray took a dig at the BJP stating that it has to bring leaders from outside the state to campaign ahead of the polls. "The Maharashtra assembly election is a contest between those who love Maharashtra and those who betray it," he said, dubbing the Mahayuti allies as betrayers of the state. "The Mahayuti government is the most corrupt in Maharashtra's history. They indulged in corruption in building the statue (of Shivaji Maharaj). Work done with inauspicious hands does not see any success and the statue collapsed," Thackeray said. The statue of Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thackeray also announced that if the MVA is voted to power in the state, its government will build the temples of Shivaji Maharaj in every district. "The temples will highlight the teachings of Shivaji Maharaj on how to govern and respect women," the former chief minister said, adding that he will also build the Maratha warrior king's temple at Surat in Gujarat. "Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cannot tolerate 'Shivaji Maharaj ki jai' slogan. He (Fadnavis) said you build a temple in Mumbra (a Muslim dominated locality in Thane) first. Do you find it difficult to build Chhatrapati Shivaji's temple in the home district of CM (Shinde)? They think Shivaji Maharaj is a vote-getting machine," Thackeray alleged. The former Maharashtra chief minister asked how Ajit Pawar sits next to Fadnavis, whose party had arrested NCP leader Nawab Malik and linked him to terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. Malik was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2022 in a money laundering case. He was later released on bail. He is also the NCP candidate from Mankhurd Shivajinagar. He also accused the BJP of launching an attack on his party with the help of "dacoits", apparently referring to the MLAs who rebelled against his party and sided with Eknath Shinde. "The Shiv Sena stood with the BJP in its tough times. Had Shiv Sena not been there, Modi would not have been the prime minister and Fadnavis would not have been the CM," he said. Vidarbha gave maximum MPs to the BJP from 2014 and 2019. But how many people from Vidarbha got jobs in the last 10 years, Thackeray asked. He claimed that the wind was blowing in favour of the MVA in Maharashtra. SCBA president and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Friday said that outgoing Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud allowed people to criticise judges and transformed the judicial landscape by allowing online access to court proceedings and addressing complexities that previous chief justices had not tackled. Sibal was speaking at the farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) where he said that Justice Chandrachud expanded equality and that he will be remembered for his judgements, manner, simplicity, affability, and patience, "all attributes of one of the greatest judges of this country". He said that Justice Chandrachud had to match up to the quality and the achievement of his father, who was a Chief Justice of India for seven years and 14 days, and claimed that he "truly outpaced" him. "You've given access to millions of people to watch how judges are doing, how they are delivering justice. One day there's going to be a forensic audit. You allowed people to criticise you. What can be braver than that... You've been a pioneer, a torchbearer and a ground-breaking innovator... You'll be remembered for being one of the patient judges," he said. He said that Chandrachud's tenure was "deeply rich, generative, bringing with it the development of a vast landscape of the law, thereby impacting the future course of the justice delivery system." "Through your judgments, you demonstrated a willingness to chart unknown waters and to reflect that this Chandrachud has perhaps exceeded the legacy of his father, who was the longest-standing CJI of India," Sibal said. He said that Justice Chandrachud will be remembered on the yardstick of how often he has moved towards perfection, to defend life and liberty, and to serve the cause of equality. "Ultimately the legacy of any judge is measured as to how he has sought to safeguard the citizen's right, and in that regard, it is beyond any doubt that Chief Justice Chandrachud has rendered some phenomenal judgments," he said. He noted that in the privacy judgment, Justice Chandrachud tried to grapple with the complexities of today, which are far greater than those of the past. "Now how do you build a society when the march of technology is so oppressive that it will destroy the very dignity of the individual and the independence of a human being? "These are the challenges we are going to meet, and to the extent to those challenges, you have already tried to grapple with in the judgements you've delivered, take for example the privacy judgment," he said. Sibal said that Chandrachud was willing to deal with complex issues. "I dare say that the past CJIs would not allow themselves to deal with those decisions for years -- whether it was Article 370 judgement or same-sex marriage judgment or electoral bonds, or any of those very large issues that actually changed the contours of our being. "You were willing to take it forward. You were willing to address, and you addressed them with great clarity. We must thank you for all that you have done, and salute you for the fact that were willing, ready to deal with those complexities," Sibal added. Chandrachud expanded equality by embracing diversity, Sibal said, adding, "You're a trailblazer in this regard, for the kind of protection you granted to disability rights. You were a staunch votary of nothing about us is without us." A Canadian soldier by the name of Owen B. Jones was setting up a machine-gun position in a trench in France in late 1915 when a half-buried object peeking out of the mud caught his eye. Jones, clad in a gas mask that morning due to a threat of attack by the Germans, grabbed a shovel and cleared away the dirt. What he revealed was an issue of the Dalhousie Gazette dated Nov. 15, 1915, published just a few weeks prior far from the frenzied frontlines in France. The discovery felt like an odd coincidence for Jones, an alum of the Halifax-based school. "Where it came from, or by whom it was owned, I know not," Jones later wrote in a note to Archibald MacMechen, Munro Professor of English at Dal, to whom he sent the muck-stained issue for posterity's sake. Though the paper's voyage to the trench wasn't clear, the headline emblazoned across the front page was: George William Stairs: The First Dalhousian to Fall for Empire Click the image above to examine a digital copy of the issue, housed in the Dalhousie Archives The article that followed obscured in a few places by dusty brown splotches chronicled Stairs's connections to the university as an alum and how he came to sacrifice his life in the fight against Germany and its allies. George was one of several members of the Stairs clan with close ties to Dal. His uncle John F. Stairs, a local merchant in Halifax, is described in the article as a "true friend" of Dal who gave generous gifts to the university and served as chair of its Board of Governors. And Georges cousin, Gilbert, was the universitys first Rhodes Scholar. George was no slouch when it came to academics either. He attended Dal from 1904-1908, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Great Distinction for setting a new academic record with his marks. Shown left: George Stairs. Seven Stairs men in all attended Dalhousie and all served in the war effort, too. Four of them died overseas in active service, George having the unhappy distinction of being the first. "War came upon the world like a deluge. Canada flew to arms instinctively. In the first mobilization, George Stairs was among the very first," writes the author of the Gazette article, who is unnamed but may be then-editor-in-chief, Neil M. Rattee. "With no wild, blind enthusiasm, but quietly, deliberately, without fuss or useless talk, he made his choice. He was free, he had no one dependent on him. He was, as he said himself, one of those who ought to go." George had corresponded by letter with the author from Salisbury Plains shortly before his death, asking about Dalhousie and making the case that Canada had 'done pretty well' with its contributions to the war effort. He argued this performance would enhance the country's independence from Britain a country on which it was still fairly dependent at the time. "Canada has 'done pretty well,'" wrote the author, "and George Stairs was one of the thousands of our very finest manhood who have had their part in that great doing." And through that hell, our Dalhousian fought until death came, in a flash. Shortly thereafter, George was on the move with his regiment. "From Salisbury Plain to that great April day in Flanders when the Canadians by their steadiness and devotion saved the doubtful battle, as their Commander-in-Chief, and their comrades testified. They did all men could do. They stood like rocks, or charged like mountain torrents, as the need arose; and they fought without water, without food, without relief through four long days and nights." It was there that the Dal alum met his end. "They jeopardized their lives to the death in the high places of the field. The losses of the glorious First Division in those great days were more than one man in every three. And through that hell, our Dalhousian fought until death came, in a flash." View the archival issue of the Dalhousie Gazette found in the trench and a subsequent article A Travelled Gazette on page one of the Feb.1, 1916 that details its discovery by Owen B. Jones. Canadians across the globe will gather on Nov. 11 to remember those lost to war in defence of the country. Among those honoured will be the hundreds of Dalhousians who have stepped up to serve over the years. People have been marking a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers for more than 100 years now, first as Armistice Day in recognition of the end of the First World War and later as Remembrance Day to encompass the toll of later conflicts. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is set to host several commemorative marches and ceremonies across the country on Monday, with some Dalhousie students who serve right here in Halifax set to participate in local activities. To Asha Meyer, a third-year commerce major at Dal and port inspection diver with the CAF, Nov. 11 means more than just a day of reflection. Remembrance Day reminds me of why I am proud to be a Canadian and a member of the military reserves," says Meyer. "It also reminds me of how appreciative I am of those who have served our country and fought for our freedom." Sailor third class Jake Goyette, a physics student, praises Dalhousies acceptance of his role within the Navy. I appreciate the support that Dal gives to CAF members and have full respect for the members of the past that put their academic careers aside in order to support Canada in very harsh times, says Goyette. Echoing this sentiment, Meyer says it is really crazy to think about how Dalhousie students were in the same position as me and my peers as they enlisted during previous wars. Read about Dal alum George Stairs, the first Dalhousian killed in the First World War Dalhousies role in wartime Canada A total of 585 Dalhousie students and faculty members enlisted during the First World War. With medical aid in high demand, Dr. John Stewart of Dalhousies Faculty of Medicine organized a field hospital located in northern France. Staffed by Dalhousie community members, the facility aided wounded soldiers in Europe during the latter half of the war. As the call for troops swept the Canadian public with the sense of sacrifice, Dalhousie became training grounds for students wanting to prepare. They were known as The Dalhousie Canadian Officers Training Corps. Many of the students who enlisted in the past found themselves unable to complete their degrees, instead dedicating their lives to the defence of their country. The Veterans' Rehabilitation Act provided financial support for veterans to attend university and other training opportunities. Nearly half of all Dalhousie students during the 1950s were veterans of the CAF. To honour the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of war, the public is invited to gather at the cenotaph in front of Halifaxs City Hall on the morning Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. and a moment of silence at 11 a.m. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A special council meeting to discuss recent attacks on women in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area has taken place. Councillors were presented with what Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue described as a blueprint aimed at addressing the issue. Produced collaboratively by Foyle Womens Information Network, the document contained input from Waterside Womens Centre; Derry Well Womens Centre; Derry Womens Centre; and Strathfoyle Womens Activity Group. It contained 10 strategic actions to end violence against women and girls in the Derry and Strabane District. Council was asked to endorse and mobilise a Reclaim the Night March and promote it through Council channels. Speaking to the document, Catherine Cooke, co-ordinator of Foyle Womens Information Network, asked council to mobilise community networks to encourage participation during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This unified show of solidarity will amplify your commitment to ending violence against women and girls, raising awareness and inspiring community unity, said Ms Cooke, who also spoke about the need for Council to initiate educational digital campaigns around respect and consent. Council should develop a Womens Safety Awareness campaign with guidance on staying safe and accessing resources, said Ms Cooke. It could collaborate with local organisations and the PSNI to ensure impactful delivery and community engagement. This would drive cultural change, educating young people about respect and equipping women with essential safety knowledge and resources. Council could also schedule a town hall meeting during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence through the Mayors Office and invite everyone from the community to engage in open, constructive conversations. Discussions aimed at collective strategies to end violence against women and girls could be facilitated. Facilitating direct community dialogue will foster collaboration, understanding, and actionable solutions, strengthening the communitys resolve. In addition, Council could work with the Department for Infrastructure and PSNI to ensure all streetlights are functioning. It could also Identify and address gaps in CCTV coverage, focusing on high-risk areas and conduct regular audits and maintenance to maintain effective lighting and surveillance, said Ms Cooke, who said there was also a need to identify other obstacles to visibility e.g. tree coverage, city-centre construction work. Improved lighting and CCTV coverage will reduce feelings of vulnerability, deter threats, and provide evidence when needed, enhancing public safety, added McCooke, who also referred to the Ask for Angela initiative to be introduced across all licensed premises in the area, to foster a culture of safety in nightlife venues. Ms Cooke highlighted the need to conduct proactive checks on rogue taxis and the urgency of working with Translink to improve public transport safety. Council also needs to engage with mens mental health groups for community Campaigns and to develop awareness campaigns focused on healthy masculinity and violence prevention, she added. She also spoke of the need for Derry City and Strabane District Council to reinstate the position of Womens officer within Council, to ensure a sustained and strategic approach to addressing womens issues, empowering the community and influencing positive change. Finally, Council was asked to endorse and mobilise an International Womens Day Event each March, in line with the 2025 theme #AccelerateAction. Celebrating women and connecting them with resources will strengthen community bonds, raise awareness, and inspire action toward gender equality and safety, said Ms Cooke. The meeting also received presentations from Marie Brown, director of Foyle Womens Aid; Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC; and Yvonne Mc Manus, PSNI, chief inspector, engagement and vulnerability, Derry City and Strabane; and Gillian Kearney. A Rally for Womens Safety is also taking place in Guildhall Square at 6.15pm this evening. People have been asked to assemble at St Marys Church in Creggan to make their way to Free Derry Corner before going on to The Guildhall for the rally. HIGHLIGHTS Apples iPhone 15 has topped the global smartphone charts as the best-selling device in Q3 2024. The iPhone 15 was followed closely by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro. It was Samsung that took up five positions in the top 10 list, holding the largest share. Apples iPhone 15 has topped the global smartphone charts as the best-selling device in Q3 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 15 was followed closely by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro, which secured the second and third spots, respectively. This strong performance helped Apple dominate the top three positions on the best-selling list, showcasing the brands continued appeal to consumers. The latest data from Counterpoints Global Handset Model Sales Tracker shows that Apple has a solid presence in the global smartphone market. However, it was Samsung that took up five positions in the top 10 list, holding the largest share. Xiaomi also made its mark, securing one spot with the Redmi 13C 4G. Also read: Apple to start early manufacturing of iPhone 17 in India, stepping away from China Heres a look at the top 10 best-selling smartphones globally in Q3 2024: Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone 15 Pro Samsung Galaxy A15 4G Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Samsung Galaxy A05 Apple iPhone 14 Xiaomi Redmi 13C 4G Samsung Galaxy S24 Also read: Apple Intelligence finally rolls out: List of supported iPhones, AI features and more Despite a slight drop in Apples share in the top 10, Samsungs stronger showing has helped maintain the combined market contribution of the top 10 smartphones at around 19 percent. This shift in the rankings reflects the steady consumer demand for a variety of smartphones, from premium models to budget-friendly options. One notable trend is the growing consumer interest in premium smartphones, particularly the Pro versions of iPhones. For the first time in a third quarter, Pro models accounted for half of Apples total iPhone sales. The report suggests that this is partly due to attractive financing schemes and trade-in offers, which have made the latest iPhones more accessible to a wider range of consumers, particularly in emerging markets. Additionally, Samsungs Galaxy S24 has continued to impress, remaining in the top 10 for the third consecutive quarter. The phones popularity can be attributed to its marketing focus on advanced GenAI capabilities. Samsungs Galaxy A series also made a strong impact, with four of its models securing spots in the top 10, driven by competitive pricing and long software support. Wafer Works launches 12-inch semiconductor fab in Taiwan to power global AI and EV growth Wafer Works is building a 12-inch wafer fab in Erlin, Changhua County, with a monthly capacity of 200,000 units to meet global demand. The topping-out ceremony is scheduled for December 5, 2024, according to president H.Y. Chang. To complement its Taiwan operations and meet demand from Chinese customers, Wafer Works' second-phase facility in Zhengzhou, Henan, managed by its Shanghai subsidiary, will provide complementary support. With a capacity comparable to the Erlin facility in Taiwan, the two sites are poised to significantly boost Wafer Works' overall supply capability. Wafer Works' strategy is guided by three core factorsgeopolitics, market development, and customer demandaccording to Chang in an interview with the Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA). The company positions Taiwan to align with international standards and directs its Shanghai operations to serve the Chinese market. It is prioritizing 12-inch silicon wafers while transitioning smaller-sized products to improve operational efficiency. Wafer Works serves major clients like TSMC, UMC, Infineon, and Onsemi. In early February, its Shanghai division completed an A-share listing, using the raised funds for capacity expansion initiatives. Presently, 8-inch wafers comprise approximately 75% of Wafer Works' total revenue, with epitaxy contributing 51%. The company anticipates that 12-inch wafers will become an increasingly significant revenue driver. Wafer Works is expanding beyond silicon-based semiconductors into advanced wide-bandgap materials, particularly in GaN epitaxy for both GaN on silicon and GaN on silicon carbide. Through strategic partnerships, the company is developing GaN applications and specialized SiC substrate technologies to seize opportunities in next-gen semiconductor materials. Wafer Works has also invested in SweGaN, a Swedish firm specializing in GaN-on-SiC epi-wafers, to focus on high-frequency, high-voltage applications in electric vehicle inverters and power management chips. From 2024 to 2026, Wafer Works will focus on GaN-on-Si for applications like AI data centers. The company will then shift to GaN-on-SiC between 2026 and 2028, targeting electric vehicles, solar (PV) inverters, and 6G technology. After 2028, it plans to develop gallium oxide (GaO) for high-current, high-voltage applications in sectors like transportation, wind energy, and power markets. With the significant power demands of AI servers, enhancing power supply efficiency is a priority. GaN technology can increase power density, enabling miniaturization and optimizing energy efficiency. Through years of investment, Wafer Works has developed expertise in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer technology, applying it primarily in MEMS sensors, power semiconductors, and silicon photonics. SOI serves as a platform for silicon photonics (SiPh), facilitating the integration of optical transceivers and enabling on-chip optical transmission. This technology provides benefits like higher efficiency, lower latency, reduced size, energy savings, and cost efficiency. Smiths Interconnect's DaVinci 112 high-speed test socket wins best test measurement award at the 2024 Global Electronics Achievement Awards Smiths Interconnect is thrilled to announce that its DaVinci 112 high-speed test socket received the prestigious Best Test Measurement Award of the Year at the Global Electronics Achievement Awards (GEAA) ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Shenzhen. This annual event honors industry leaders and companies making significant contributions to global electronics innovation. Organized by ASPENCORE, the Global Electronics Achievement Awards recognizes the industry's elite, including companies, managers, and products that have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership. The award review committee, comprising senior ASPENCORE industry analysts and user groups from Asia, the United States, and Europe, selected the DaVinci 112 test socket for its outstanding commercial performance and technical innovation. Representing Smiths Interconnect at the ceremony were Frank Zhou, Global R&D Director, and Eason Xu, Sales Director of China Semiconductor Testing Division. Together with industry peers, they celebrated the achievements of the year and the bright future of semiconductor technology. Photo: Smiths Interconnect Global R&D Director Frank Zhou came to the stage to receive the award. Credit: Smiths Interconnect The DaVinci 112 high-speed test socket is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of chip testing. It supports large-size chips up to 130x130mm with more than 30,000 input/outputs and a coplanarity tolerance of up to 0.65mm, effectively preventing connection issues due to poor coplanarity and ensuring superior signal integrity. Credit: Smiths Interconnect Smiths Interconnect's R&D team developed an innovative mechanical structure to prevent socket warping, a common challenge in high-pin-count and high-power testing applications. This design enhancement guarantees reliable ground contact, delivering improved power transmission and signal isolation. Additionally, the DaVinci 112's use of advanced IM conductive materials offers robust mechanical stability, making it an ideal choice for high-speed, high-power chip testing in sectors such as high-performance computing, data centers, and mobile devices. Frank Zhou, Global R&D Director of Smiths Interconnect Semiconductor Test Division, shared his pride in the DaVinci 112's recognition, stating, "We are honored by the positive feedback from both customers and the market. Smiths Interconnect remains committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, embracing innovation, and prioritizing customer needs as we look forward to introducing the next game-changing products in our DaVinci series." It was a day of celebration on Friday at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park as individuals from across Ireland were honoured at the National Bravery Awards for risking their own lives to help others in peril. At the ceremony, 23 National Bravery Awards were bestowed upon men and women from Waterford, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Clare, Westmeath and Wexford who were commended for their selfless acts of bravery. The Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail TD, presented the ceremony in the Phoenix Park wherein seven certificates, eleven bronze medals, four silver medals and one gold medal were awarded to recipients. The annual awards are granted by Comhairle na Mire Gaile the Deeds of Bravery Council founded in 1947 to enable State recognition of exceptional Acts of Bravery. The Council is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils, and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross. READ NEXT: Met Eireann predicts dramatic change on the way in weekend weather forecast 15-year-old David Akar from Tougher, County Cork was one of the youngest ever recipients of the National Bravery Awards. On Friday, the teenager was awarded a Gold Medal and Certificate of Bravery in recognition of his attempts to save his friend who died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Passage West in Cork last year. In August 2023, several of David's young friends got into difficulty while swimming and the brave teenager jumped to action to help his friends. David managed to save one his friends, but unfortunately due to the strength of the current 14-year-old Jack O'Sullivan died. David was only 13-years-old at the time and had previous training as a lifeguard. Speaking on Morning Ireland on Friday, Daniel said: "I feel very honoured (to receive this award) and I'm just remembering Jack the whole way through the process." Speaking to the guests at the joyous ceremony today, the Ceann Comhairle said: "This November day in Farmleigh is a day when we celebrate people who have made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and whose actions speak to the very best and noblest of impulses. "This singular day marks moments where self-preservation was cast aside by our brave recipients as they risked their lives to help someone else." He added: "These moments matter, because in many cases, lives were saved that would have been lost. They matter because even when people were lost, in some of the awful tragedies we remember today, those people were not alone. "They would have known and their families know, that someone was with them, someone was bravely and desperately trying to save them, to bring them home." The Green Party has officially selected dedicated local Councillor Marianne Butler as their candidate for Louth in the upcoming general election. A long-serving advocate for Dundalk South since her election in 2009, Butler brings over 15 years of experience in Louth County Council to her campaign. This election marks her debut run for Dail Eireann. Speaking after her selection, Councillor Marianne spoke about her motivation to run. Im running for the Dail because I want to try and tackle the root cause of the issues facing my constituents. I am confronted on a daily basis by the challenges people face in housing, healthcare, education, childcare and a host of other areas. As a councillor, I can only do so much. As their TD, I could do a whole lot more. Rooted in her community, Butler grew up on the Quay in Dundalk and currently lives on Avenue Road with her husband and two young sons. She has held pivotal roles in local governance, including former Chair of Dundalk Town Council and Vice Chair of Louth County Council. Her service extends into education and community development as a former member of the governing body of DKIT, the Louth Meath Education & Training Board, and the board of Creative Spark. Reflecting on the Green Party's record in government, Butler expressed optimism but also caution about leaving the main parties in power without a junior partner to push them hard. We have shown change is possible if politicians are focussed on results and pursue them with a sense of urgency. It has allowed us to reduce Irelands carbon emissions to their lowest levels in 30 years, double investment in public transport, slash the cost of childcare by 50%, and massively increase support for the arts and sporting organisations. In the next Dail we need to take the same approach to other areas where our coalition partners have not made as much progress. With a clear vision for Louth, Butler aims to champion positive change for her community and beyond: "Louth is a vibrant county, home to two of Irelands largest towns, thriving businesses, stunning natural amenities, and continuously improving infrastructure. "But we need a local TD who is thinking about whats next: enhancing local public transport, ensuring children have access to safe green spaces, building new schools for our growing communities, supporting DKIT in its journey toward university status, and strengthening local businesses. For me, politics is about public service and delivering real results for the community. Im fiercely proud of Louth, and I want to be a TD that Louth can be proud of. Louth based Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, that 101 animal welfare charities nationwide are in line for funding of 6 million. In Louth, Drogheda Animal Rescue is in line for 51,563, Dundalk Dog Rescue for 29,950 and Louth SPCA for 50,350. Senator McGreehan said: I am delighted to see this funding awarded, it maintains the highest ever allocation from last year in recognition that 2024 has been a challenging year for charities involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. My party colleague in government Minister McConalogue has championed these grants and underlines our commitment to supporting these organisations in the vital work they do across the country, protecting, rescuing and taking care of animals, and providing education and guidance so as to prevent welfare problems from arising in the future. I would like to thank animal charity staff and volunteers for their hard work and inspiring dedication. Minister McConalogue said: Id like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness and improving animal welfare. "Responsible pet ownership campaigns can help to reduce the number of dogs abandoned or surrendered, and therefore can reduce the pressure on dog shelters and charities. For this reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to promote responsible pet ownership. In advance of the Christmas season, the Minister also reminded the public that pet ownership is a long time commitment with financial and lifestyle commitments that need to be considered. Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, launched a new support service at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre in Dundalk on Wednesday. This service will provide free, professional counselling to individuals who are self-harming, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or grieving the loss of someone to suicide. This expansion of services by Pieta in Louth is a critical step in their mission to provide accessible, in-person support to those in crisis in Dundalk and the surrounding area. In 2023, Pieta offered the region 478 hours of phone counselling for individuals self-harming or experiencing suicidal thoughts, along with an additional 202 hours dedicated to suicide bereavement support. Pieta is also actively engaged with over 4,500 students in Louth through their Resilience Academy and Amber Flag initiative, helping students build resilience and encouraging positive mental health practices in the community. Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, attended the opening and said: "Im delighted to be here to help open this essential service in Dundalk. Pieta does such important work, and this expansion will provide much-needed support to people in crisis in Dundalk and the wider Louth area. Suicide prevention and mental health care are so important, and having free, professional counselling available locally makes a real difference. This new service is a reflection of Pietas incredible commitment to helping people, and I want to thank the staff and everyone involved for their dedication to supporting mental health in our communities." Damien McKenna, Community Services Manager from the Redeemer Centre said they are very proud to have Pietas new in-person service here in Dundalk. Their presence, along with other important services and support groups at the Centre, makes it easier for everyone in our community to access help, he continued. Its great to work with Pieta and our local community to ensure that those struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm have a safe and supportive place to turn to." Pieta is dedicated to preventing suicide and self-harm and believes these issues must be a national priority. The new service in Dundalk expands the support Pieta has provided in the area for years, underscoring its commitment to addressing the ongoing needs of individuals in crisis across the country. Suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for 15-34 year olds in Ireland, and almost 500 people die by suicide each year. Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive Officer of Pieta said of the opening: "Were so pleased to be opening this new service in Dundalk, expanding our supports to reach even more people in Louth. Over the years, weve already been able to make a considerable difference here, but the need for suicide and self-harm prevention services is still very high. This new service will allow us to provide vital support to even more people who need it. Making suicide and self-harm prevention a priority in every community across Ireland is so important, as everyone deserves access to help when theyre struggling. "I also want to thank Minister Mary Butler TD and the Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Councillor Sean Kelly, for being here at the opening. Id like to express our gratitude to the Redeemer Centre for giving us a home and offer my heartfelt thanks to all of Pietas amazing Darkness Into Light volunteers and the wider Louth community. Your incredible efforts make all of this possible, and as a charity that relies on your support, we simply couldnt do it without you." The success of Pietas services relies on the generosity of the public, with over 80% of the organisations funding coming from community donations and fundraising events like Darkness Into Light. The support from the people of Dundalk and the wider community is vital in keeping these services free and accessible. Pietas new service at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre will offer free, face-to-face therapy to individuals experiencing suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. To discuss an appointment people can call Pieta on 0818 111 126 or visit Pieta.ie for more information. Five killed in anti-terror operation in SE Iran Tehran, Nov 8 (UNI) Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) killed four "terrorists" in an operation in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan on Friday, the official news agency IRNA reported. The operation was part of an ongoing counter-terrorism drill, dubbed "Martyrs of Security," which has been jointly carried out by the provincial forces and operational units of the IRGC's Quds Base since Nov. 1, IRNA quoted Ahmad Shafaei, spokesman for the drill, as saying. Shafaei regretted that during the Friday operation in Rask County, one IRGC member was killed and three civilians in a car, one man and two women, were wounded as "the terrorists fired on the main road." Connections Arts Centre, a social enterprise supporting the disability community in Ireland, has announced the open call for its Connecting Artists 2025 Programme, inviting applications from adult artists in Louth and across Ireland who identify as neurodivergent or are living with an intellectual disability. This national programme is designed to support artists who face barriers in accessing traditional art education and resources, helping them advance their creative practice, exhibit, and sell their work. The Connecting Artists Programme selects ten artists from across the island of Ireland each year to participate in a transformative 10-week online programme. The programme provides a nurturing, professional, and inclusive environment, culminating in a prestigious exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Participants will receive mentorship, attend online workshops, engage in demonstrations, and collaborate in peer discussionsall tailored to boost their artistic skills and professional confidence. The programme is focused on artists working in 2D mediums such as painting, drawing, and collage. Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre and creator of the programme, says, Our mission through the Connecting Artists Programme is to support adult artists who face challenges in accessing formal and informal art education. Since its inception three years ago, the programme has supported 30 artists with paid opportunities, including workshops, talks, and sales of their artwork. Individual art sales have reached a value of 14,130, a testament to the programmes impact and reach. Interested artists are encouraged to visit www.connectionsartscentre.ie to review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria. The programme is open to artists from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Key Dates Application Deadline: Friday, 31st January 2025 Programme Start Date: March 2025 (exact date TBD) For more information, visit Connections Arts Centres website or follow @connectionsartscentre on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for updates. #ConnectingArtists2025 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. Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule out entering into coalition with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, as Sinn Fein kicked off its election campaign. Ms McDonald said the best outcome of the election would be a government without those two parties but stopped short of entering into a partnership with her long-term rivals. She said: I will talk to anybody I have made no secret about that. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government. The main opposition party goes into the election on the back of a difficult few weeks, after intense criticism over its handling of several controversies related to allegations against members. In the last 12 months the party has also seen its ratings dip significantly, dropping from frontrunner to leave it trailing behind Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in a series of recent polls. Speaking to the media on Friday alongside members of her frontbench, Ms McDonald acknowledged the controversies but said her party would enter the election with determination. In advance of polling day on November 29, she said the party had selected 71 candidates so far its biggest field of candidates in a century. Asked if she could guarantee there were no allegations or complaints against them, Ms McDonald said: There are no complaints. The Sinn Fein leader said the party was running enough candidates to enter into government without Fine Gael or Fianna Fail even though 71 would not be enough for a majority. However, she also recalled other parties holding the position that they would not enter into coalition with Sinn Fein after 2020. Ms McDonald said: People were turning up their noses and saying they wouldnt speak to us apparently, we werent good enough. She added: Im not going to insult the citizens and voters by taking a position like that. I will talk to people, but our preferred outcome, to be absolutely clear, is a new government without Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. For that to happen, people need to come out and vote for Sinn Fein to change the government. Thats the winning formula. For his part, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin emphasised he would not countenance any coalition with Sinn Fein as the election campaign formally got under way on Friday. Ms McDonald told reporters in Dublin that the election offered voters a choice to elect a government that would move heaven and earth to make housing and childcare affordable, reform the health services and prepare for unification on the island. She added: After a century of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, it is now time to make that change, to give Sinn Fein the chance to lead and the chance to deliver. The media opportunity did not initially go to plan, as party press officers attempted to corral reporters on to the main roadway outside Government Buildings, which holds offices for several key departments. The party had wanted to frame a rented mobile advertisement, emblazoned with the slogan Time to Change the Government, outside the Department of An Taoiseach. The plan was scuppered under protests from a garda stationed at the department, who raised traffic management concerns. Ms McDonald also told reporters that the party had made mistakes, following the worse-than-expected results in the local and European elections earlier this year. She pointed to the partys support of the Governments unsuccessful referendums as an example, but has previously said Sinn Fein needed to offer more clarity on its immigration platform. New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) India on Thursday called out the hypocrisy of the Justin Trudeau government in Canada for blocking the social media handles of an Australian news website after it carried a report on the press conference of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Australian FM Penny Wong as well as articles on his Canberra visit. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering queries on the issue at his weekly media briefing, said that Canada had blocked the social media handles of Australia Today, a prominent Indian diaspora platform. We understand the social media handles have been blocked and are not available for users in Canada, after it carried the press conference of EAM with Penny Wong, and it had several articles on the visit of EAM Srinagar, Nov 8 (UNI) J&K Police on Friday said that the recent grenade attack at a busy Sunday market in Srinagar, which injured 12 civilians, has been solved and three accused associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba have been arrested in the case. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdhi said the Srinagar police worked very hard on this case and arrested three terrorists and their associates. He said on November 3, at around 2.15 PM, a grenade was lobbed in the middle of the Sunday market in Srinagar and 12 civilians were injured in the attack. Two of the civilians-- a 39-year-old lady and 50- 50-year-old lone bread earner, were severely injured in the attack. The Srinagar police worked very hard on this case and in no time solved the case. Police assigned tasks to their teams and arrested the terrorists and their associates involved in this brutal act, IGP said during a press conference in Srinagar. He identified the three as Osama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh, all three of them are residents of Ikhraj Pora Srinagar, who were linked with LeT. Birdhi said they lobbed this grenade to disturb peace here on the directions from handlers in Pakistan. A police officer said following the grenade incident, an FIR was registered at Kothibagh Police Station under sections 16 UAPA, 209, 115 BNS, and 3/4 of the Explosive Substances Act. He said a comprehensive investigation was promptly initiated and dedicated police teams conducted continuous, exhaustive efforts over several days, which led to the identification and apprehension of those responsible for this act of terrorism. Multiple suspects were questioned. The painstaking investigation finally led to the arrest of three terrorists, the officer said. The officer said the three terror associates, now in police custody, were found to be active participants in the criminal conspiracy. It was established that Usama Sheikh, who is already listed as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) with a history of involvement in terrorism-related activities, executed the grenade attack, while the other two provided planning and logistical support, including reconnaissance, the officer said. Police said Usama Sheikh had been previously arrested in 2018 in a case at Nowhatta Police Station regarding terror activities and was lodged at Central Jail Srinagar for several months before being released on bail. UNI MJR BD With Taoiseach Simon Harris expected to be granted a dissolution of the 33rd Dail today by President Michael D Higgins, it could be argued that this is not the first general election caused by Mr Harris, given that he starred in the drama which led to the last one as well. On January 9, 2020, Michael Collins, Independent TD for Cork South West, called for a motion of no confidence in Mr Harris, the then health minister, over what Mr Collins called the unprecedented crisis in the health service. The day before, the headline on The Echo had been Hospitals in meltdown: Record number of patients on trolleys as surgeries cancelled. Mr Harris had, a year earlier, survived a confidence vote over his handling of the rising cost of the National Childrens Hospital, which had by then spiralled to a projected price tag of at least 1.7bn, up from the original 650m estimate. The day before the vote, Mr Harris told Newstalk that the only scandal in relation to this would have been the decision to cancel the project. (Five years on, the Government in February of this year confirmed that the cost of the hospital had risen to 2.24bn, saying this would now be the maximum allocation.) Fine Gael had led a minority government since the 2016 election, supported by Independent TDs and relying on a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fail. No-confidence vote With a second no-confidence vote against Mr Harris looming in the first week of February 2020, taoiseach Leo Varadkar decided instead to call a snap election, seeking a dissolution of the 32nd Dail on January 14, with the general election held on February 8, 2020, the first election held on a Saturday since 1918. Nominations for candidates closed on Wednesday, January 22, with a record number of women nominated, 162 of the 531 candidates, making it the first Irish general election in which there was a female candidate running in every constituency. Contesting a general election for the first time were Aontu, the Irish Freedom Party, the National Party, and, as part of Solidarity-People Before Profit, RISE. As the Dail gained two seats, going up to 160, 81 seats would now be needed for a majority. A leaders debate scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, was initially restricted to Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin until Sinn Fein threatened legal action if Mary Lou McDonald was excluded. The day before the debate, RTE announced that it had, in part in recognition of Sinn Feins standing in opinion polls, invited Ms McDonald to participate. During a bad-tempered debate, Ms McDonald would deploy the phrase Tweedledum and Tweedledee, a characterisation she will almost certainly use again in the coming weeks. During the campaign, both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ruled out going into coalition with Sinn Fein, although some in Fianna Fail let it be known they would prefer Sinn Fein to their old Civil War enemies. Priorities On Friday, February 7, our main headline read: It boils down to this, as we listed the top five priorities for voters in the next days election: 1: The housing crisis; 2: Health service in crisis; 3: Serious crime on the rise; 4: Climate emergency heats up; and 5: Economy. Above it was a smaller story entitled CUH coronavirus result negative but alert continues. On Monday, February 10, The Echo headline was Sinn Fein: They cant ignore us now under the banner Thomas Gould declared Taoiseach of the Northside. The next day, we ran with Burke finally gets his seat as Fine Gaels Colm Burke and Solidarity-People Before Profits Mick Barry took the final two seats in Cork North Central. Fine Gaels Colm Burke and Solidarity-People Before Profits Mick Barry took the final two seats in Cork North Central in 2020. 'A visibly emotional Mr Burke has been intermittently contesting Dail elections since he first ran in 1982, and in a by-election in the constituency in 1994,' wrote Sarah ODwyer. A visibly emotional Mr Burke has been intermittently contesting Dail elections since he first ran in 1982, and in a by-election in the constituency in 1994, wrote Sarah ODwyer. In the final result, Fianna Fail dropped six seats, leaving it with 38 seats, Sinn Fein got the highest percentage of the vote and gained 14, finishing on 37 seats, and Fine Gael lost 15 seats, leaving the party with 35 seats. The Greens got 12 seats, the partys best-ever result. The Social Democrats won six seats, while Labour still unforgiven for its time in the austerity government with Fine Gael dropped one seat to six. Solidarity-People Before Profit got five seats, and Aontu got one. Government formation talks soon began, with Mr Varadkar continuing to rule out coalition with Sinn Fein, while Mr Martin softened in his opposition to the same proposal. For a time, opposition seemed to beckon for Fine Gael, with Mr Varadkar urging Sinn Fein to fulfil its mandate and build a coalition. Sinn Fein did speak of a broad left coalition, but the numbers didnt add up. Independents Even if they could wrangle Labour, the Social Democrats, the Greens, Solidarity-People Before Profit, and others into a room, they would still need the support of a dozen or more Independents, including the likes of Michael Lowry and the Healy-Raes, hard-working representatives rarely accused of being of the broad left. On February 20, Mr Varadkar, having failed to be re-elected taoiseach, resigned, as he was constitutionally required to do, but he remained as acting taoiseach. Second case of virus is confirmed was our headline on Wednesday, March 4. Two days later, we led with Deadly virus is here as a case of covid-19 was confirmed in CUH. A week later: First covid virus death in Ireland. On March 12, Mr Varadkar, visiting US president Donald Trump in Washington, came down the steps of Blair House, the official guesthouse for visiting dignitaries, across the road from the White House, and announced that Ireland was to go into its first, partial lockdown. More people will get sick, and unfortunately, we must face the tragic reality that some people will die, Mr Varadkar warned. However, he said, there was hope. Acting together, as one nation, we can save many lives. Ireland is a great nation. And we are great people. We have experienced hardship and struggle before. We have overcome many trials in the past with our determination and our spirit. We will prevail. Lockdown On March 28, our headline read: Ireland is in full lockdown: Help us face greatest challenge of our lives. Government formation talks would eventually rumble on for five months, well into June, when a draft programme for government was agreed between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Green Party on June 20. The office of taoiseach would rotate between Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar, with the Cork man serving as taoiseach for the first half of the term. On June 16, we ran the headline Following in Jacks footsteps: Fianna Fail leader Martin on brink of becoming next taoiseach. The next day, we led with Cork Central to Cabinet: Martins constituency to become political powerhouse, with Mr Martin refusing to be drawn on whether his Cork South Central rivals Simon Coveney and Michael McGrath would serve in the next Government. On June 26, Fine Gael voted 80%, Fianna Fail voted 74%, and the Green Party voted 76% in favour of the programme. The following day, our headline was Martin said to be second Cork taoiseach, a prediction which was proven correct: A Government was formed, and Mr Martin was elected taoiseach, to serve until December 2022. Taoiseach The Echos front page featured a smiling Mr Martin with his wife Mary under the headline Welcome home Taoiseach, and the Ballinlough resident was quoted as saying: Without my family and community, I could have achieved nothing. Mr Martin added: I was blessed to be born into the home my late parents created for me and my brothers and sisters in the heart of close-knit, working-class community which I have the enormous privilege of serving in Dail Eireann. On December 17, 2022, he would resign as taoiseach, and Mr Varadkar would be re-elected to the office. He would remain in the role until April 9, 2024, when Simon Harris would be elected Taoiseach. In three weeks time, we will decide the shape of the 34th Dail. Government formation talks, as we have seen, may take a little longer. Taoiseach Simon Harris touched down in Leeside last Saturday afternoon to congratulate the volunteers of Ballincollig Tidy Towns (BTT) on their victory the day before. They won Irelands Tidiest Town in the 2024 Tidy Towns Awards, and Tidiest Large Urban Centre. The town also received its 12th gold medal in a row. The Fine Gael leaders visit to Ballincollig was welcomed by all three of the partys general election candidates in Cork North Central. Garret Kelleher, who is both a committee member and a volunteer with BTT, said it was great that Mr Harris had acknowledged the contribution the volunteers had made to Ballincollig. Honour It was a great honour to welcome the Taoiseach to Ballincollig, and it was important that he recognised all that Ballincollig Tidy Towns volunteers have done for the community, Mr Kelleher said. I was also delighted, as a Ballincollig resident, in the confidence that the Taoiseach has shown in me, in asking me to contest the forthcoming general election for Fine Gael. Its an acknowledgement of the importance of Ballincolligs addition to Cork North Central, and I will do my utmost to deliver a seat. Imelda Daly, who is also contesting the election for the party, said it was wonderful that Mr Harris had met the BTT volunteers and congratulated them on their victory in the national competition. This is an immense achievement, and one all of Ballincollig should be proud of." Minister of state Colm Burke, the partys only sitting TD in the constituency, said Ballincolligs win had been well deserved, and was a credit to BTT chairman Tom Butler and his fellow volunteers. There is a real sense of community in Ballincollig and everyone plays a part: The city council, all of the various voluntary organisations, but particularly all the Ballincollig Tidy Towns volunteers, Mr Burke said. They really, really have improved Ballincollig dramatically and it has helped business as well. Training delivered by University College Cork (UCC) is providing farmers with the skills to drive sustainable dairy farming. The Kerry Dairy Irelands Sustainable Dairy Training Programme was run as a pilot in 2023 and has been developed into an accredited, Level-7 certificate. The programme is open to Kerry agribusiness milk suppliers and is run in partnership with IRD Duhallow Skillnet and co-funded by Government and the European Union. The programme is a key part of Evolve, Kerrys sustainable dairy initiative, which was established in 2022. The aim of Evolve is to reward milk suppliers for sustainable farming practices, and to incentivise them to undertake additional sustainability measures. The programme ran online over nine weeks in 2023, with one interactive in-person training day at the UCC campus. Demand Demand was such that a second programme was required, and feedback led to the programme being further developed into a 12-week, fully accredited Level-7 certificate. General manager of Kerry Agribusiness, James OConnell, said that partnering with IRD Duhallow Skillnet and UCC has been instrumental in providing farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable dairy farming forward. We are delighted to see the Evolve Sustainable Dairy Development Training Programme transformed into a fully accredited, Level-7 certificate, he said. The high level of interest from our milk suppliers in this initiative underscores the interest farmers have in environmental stewardship and in furthering their knowledge across a broad range of sustainability-related areas. Development officer at IRD Duhallow, Monica Gilmore, said that the newly accredited programme brings a new opportunity for farmers to upskill, gain practical knowledge, and to bring more sustainable practices into their business. We are delighted to have funded the development of this programme and to co-fund the programme for current students in conjunction with Kerry agribusiness, she said. A Cork TD has called for clarity on the future of dozens of jobs after a fire destroyed a commercial premises on the northside of the city over the weekend. Crews from Cork City Fire Brigade were alerted in the early hours of Sunday morning to the blaze at commercial laundry company CWS Workwear at the Boland Industrial Estate on Fitzs Boreen, just off the Commons Road in Blackpool. Eight units, comprising of a total of 28 personnel, responded to the fire which was very advanced when they arrived at the scene. Nobody was injured in the fire, but the premises was completely destroyed, and a neighbouring office building remains closed due to structural concerns. A spokesperson for Cork City Fire Brigade said crews worked on the fire until 5.30pm on Monday evening. There was substantial damage caused by the fire, and the building was completely gutted, with all of the machinery within destroyed. A significant amount of demolition was necessary to the building to allow machinery access to a portion of the site which was still smouldering. Fire damage at the CWS premises located off Fitz's Boreen, between The Commons Road and the Old Mallow Road. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Fire service personnel worked with a specialist response company to help clean up chemical residue and blocked off the drains to prevent run-off of toxins. Investigating It is understood that up to 70 people are directly employed at CWS Workwear, with a further 30 jobs reliant upon the commercial laundry company. A statement issued by CWS Workwear on Tuesday confirmed that a severe fire had occurred at its Cork facility and that the company was cooperating with authorities investigating the cause of the incident. The laundry facility was entirely destroyed, and operations there are currently suspended, the company said. Our priority is to support our team in Ireland and to maintain service for our local customers. The company added that it had assembled a task force that is actively working on contingency plans, exploring both internal solutions and collaboration with external partners to continue meeting customer needs. Clarity needed People Before Profit TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry said clarity was needed on the future of the jobs at CWS Workwear. The most important thing now is that the jobs are maintained, he said. There are a lot of households relying on the wages from CWS, and CWS should make a clear statement on their intentions in this regard. The spokesperson for Cork Fire Brigade said that staff at Anderlift Safety, which occupies a premises on the Boland Industrial Estate, had made their building available to CWS staff and the Fire Service throughout efforts to extinguish the blaze. It was extremely decent and supportive of Anderlift to do that, and it was very much appreciated, the spokesperson said. Erna Jonasdottir and Hrefna Jonasdottir, twins from Iceland, are in Cork for the first time to perform in Cork City Ballets The Sleeping Beauty, which opened in the Opera House last night. The girls play several different roles in the beloved fairytale story, directed by Corks Alan Foley, including group dances and a trio dance together with another ballerina. Cork City Ballet dancing toTchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty at the Opera House, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon Erna told The Echo: Except for the main roles, its common to play lots of different parts as part of a corps de ballet theres four different costumes for this performance which is quite fun, when we are offstage were busy switching costumes and helping others to switch. This is their first time in Ireland, said Erna, adding: Its way warmer than I expected, compared to Iceland, I brought so many jumpers and coats but its been quite nice! I usually live in England so Im used to the greyish weather, but the air is way nicer in Cork crisper, more like Iceland without being too cold. Hrefna explained that they arrived in Cork two weeks ago and have had just one full day off. We are staying in Kinsale, so we had a walk around there. It was lovely being by the sea and I got such good fish and chips, but apart from that weve been in rehearsal 10-6 every day, she said. Stunning They rehearsed in the Firkin Crane, and headed to the Opera House on Wednesday evening for the first time. Hrefna said: It looks stunning Ive seen pictures, and friends have worked there. Cork City Ballet dancing toTchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty at the Opera House, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon Everyone in Cork City Ballet is so lovely, the staff are very warm and welcoming, its a really good atmosphere and every day has been so positive. Putting up a ballet in two weeks is really, really difficult but they make it so easy! she said. I actually havent been on stage performing since last January, and you miss it quite a lot, Erna said, while Hrefna added that though she had done solos from Sleeping Beauty before, it was their first time doing a full-length performance of it. Erna explained that she and Hrefna dont always perform in the same shows, but it does happen often. We dont try to but we often apply for the same things, and when people hear we are twins they like to use that. Side to side, were the exact same height so there is a look of unison, so we often end up doing the same jobs, but if we are both auditioning for something and there is only one contract, then only one of us will go for it. Mother Their mother is coming from Iceland to visit them, and it will be her first time in Ireland too. Cork City Ballet dancing toTchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty at the Opera House, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon After the performance, both girls will be going to the Maldives for more ballet work over the winter months. Hrefna said: its really nice to work together its like a built-in best friend that you can share life with. We dont feel that we have to do everything together but when an opportunity like this arises that both of us can do its great we can help each other out with corrections. The Sleeping Beauty runs at Cork Opera House until tomorrow, with shows at 8pm and a matinee tomorrow at 2.30pm. Tickets cost 27-45 and can be booked at https://www.corkoperahouse.ie or by calling 021 4270022. The Gift of Life Charity Ball, organised by three Cork women in memory of their friend, Isabel Terry Byrne, who passed away in October last year, will be held on November 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Little Island. The three friends are also organ recipients: kidney transplants for Sally Nagle, from Myrtleville, and Annie Foley, from Newmarket, and a liver transplant for Lynda OMahony, from Blackrock. Isabel underwent a heart and double-lung transplant in 2017, after 14 years of being on the waiting list. The four friends bonded at the inaugural 2018 Gift of Life Ball, which was organised that year by Sally. Isabel was invited to be a guest speaker and shared her inspiring health journey. Before Isabels passing, she often asked Sally when the next Gift of Life Ball would take place, hoping to see its return, but, due to Covid-19 and her declining health, she didnt live to witness it. Sally, who received her kidney transplant in November 2020, said: Isabels spirit and strength touched everyone. We knew we had to bring this ball back in her honour, to celebrate her life and continue the work she cared so deeply about. This years event is not only a celebration of life, but also a tribute to Isabels legacy and her passion for raising awareness about organ donation. At the Radisson, 350 guests will gather for an evening of celebration and reflection while raising funds for the Irish Kidney Associations new Munster Kidney Support Centre on Wilton Avenue. The centre, which was opened in June 2024 by Michael McGrath, serves kidney patients and their families from throughout Munster and is conveniently located just 200 metres from Cork University Hospital. Tickets cost 80 (75 each for a table of 10). Those who wish to purchase a ticket can email giftoflifeball@gmail.com or find The Gift of Life Ball on Facebook and Instagram. All funds raised from the evening will directly support the upkeep and operation of the IKA Munster Kidney Support Centre. Coffee morning at CUH A coffee morning in aid of the Cork University Hospital (CUH) Diabetes Team and Diabetes Ireland was recently held at the hospital. Evie Kingston, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes one year ago, and her family chose to mark the anniversary with a coffee morning to raise funds for those who helped her on her journey. We were joined by the wonderful Kingston family, who held a coffee morning, which turned into an all-day event to celebrate Evie and to support those who have helped her on her journey CUH Diabetes Team and Diabetes Ireland. It was an amazing day and an incredible way to mark the occasion, CUH Charity posted on social media. Evie and her family raised 2,075 for both charities which will help fund some life-changing services. Mum confers daughter at MTU Munster Technological University (MTU) president Maggie Cusack recently conferred her daughter Hilary Cusack with her masters degree. The heartwarming moment took place during autumn conferrings at the Bishopstown campus. Conferring ceremonies are always very special as we celebrate the hard work and success of our graduates. Today is an exceptionally special day for me as my daughter is conferred with her masters degree from MTU, Ms Cusack said. Its not every mum who gets to hand her daughter her degree. Hilary said: I am looking forward to using the skills that Ive acquired during my degree as I start my marketing career. She completed the one-year masters in Digital Marketing Strategy programme and said she enjoyed putting her undergraduate and postgraduate knowledge and skills into practice working throughout the year with a range of organisations including charities, SMEs, and large retailers. Three MTU graduates research celebrated The Department of Applied Social Studies at Munster Technological University (MTU) recently celebrated the achievements of three graduates whose pioneering research is contributing to societal change. Kate Cooley, Marie Singleton, and Kate Dolan Crowley were conferred with masters degrees (by research) during autumn conferrings at the MTU Arena, Bishopstown last Friday. Graduates of the MTU Department of Applied Social Studies masters degree were Marie Singleton, Kate Cooley, and Kate Dolan-Crowley. Picture: Joleen Cronin Head of MTUs School of Humanities, Professor Margaret Linehan, said: Research is an essential part of third-level education, as it drives innovation, deepens our understanding, and helps shape policies that improve lives. Today, we honour and celebrate three exceptional students from the Department of Applied Social Studies. Each of their projects is unique and represents pioneering work, with the potential to influence future policy. Kate Cooley, from Ladysbridge, conducted research on care-experienced individuals transitioning to adulthood. Her Level-9 study, supervised by Prof Linehan and Dr Judith Butler, highlights the importance of supported transitions and the crucial role of relationships during this pivotal life stage. Her work has already been recognised by TUSLA. Marie Singleton, from Whitechurch, conducted her research on MTU becoming a trauma-sensitive university, and identified the steps, policies, and staff training, and funding required. Kate Dolan Crowley, from Glanmire, completed her MA on the attitudes of students in MTU towards menstruation and period products, with a focus on reusable products. Kate approached the often-taboo subject in a practical and sensitive manner and her research found that half of the students who do not use reusable products were willing to try. Collection for Cork City Missing Persons St Josephs Church, in Wilton, has announced that its November charity collection will raise funds for Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery (CCMPSAR). Last month, the church raised 2,100 for the Serve Flip Flop appeal. A parishioner suggested Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery for this months charity collection, as the non-profit voluntary charity relies solely on donations. They conduct land, river, and sea searches, responding to callouts from An Garda Siochana, Irish Coast Guard, and the families of missing people. All 14 Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery volunteers are trained to conduct searches. St Josephs has collected 1,255 and thanked people for the positive response to the collection. Water works in Bishopstown Uisce Eireann is advising customers in Bishopstown that new connection works may cause supply disruptions later this month. Disruptions may occur at Bishopstown Park, Merton, Model Farm Road, and surrounding areas on November 20 and November 21. The works, which are part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, will take place from 10.30pm to 2.30am each night. Have Bishopstown news to share? Contact breda.graham@theecho.ie A day of action against anti-social behaviour saw gardai conducting proactive patrols of Cork trains but there are no plans for a similar initiative on buses. Gardai, in partnership with Iarnrod Eireann, Luas operators, and the National Transport Authority (NTA) conducted a day of action as part of Operation Twin Tracks, which aims to prevent and detect antisocial behaviour on board public transport services. Gardai conducted high- visibility, proactive patrols of Luas and Dart services in Dublin yesterday as well as intercity train services across Ireland, including several in Cork. A spokesperson for Iarnrod Eireann said the Cork City, North and West Divisions saw garda activity at Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet, and Rathmore stations as well as Cork city, Glounthane, Cobh, and Midleton stations. Highlighted The Echo has previously highlighted issues with antisocial behaviour on Cork trains, with complaints about drinking, drug-taking and selling, smoking, men exposing themselves, as well as individuals shouting at passengers and people throwing things, revealed through the Freedom of Information Act. Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones, of Garda National Community Engagement, said: This day of engagement allows An Garda Siochana to maintain a visible presence on board these services while preventing and detecting antisocial behaviour. It also allows for positive engagement between An Garda Siochana, customers and public transport providers. Anne Graham, chief executive of the NTA, said: NTA and the transport operators work in close co-operation with An Garda Siochana on an ongoing basis to ensure that our customers feel safe and secure while using public transport. I welcome the rollout of Operation Twin Tracks as part of that effort, and look forward to our continued involvement. Local crime prevention officers and community policing gardai were also present at Dublins Pearse Street, Connolly, and Heuston stations, and a number of regional stations, to engage with commuters and provide guidance on crime prevention. Buses Last month, The Echo highlighted issues of antisocial behaviour on Cork city buses. Drivers and union representatives told The Echo stories of being urinated on, shot at with air rifles, yelled at, and threatened. A garda spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana Cork currently has no formal initiative in place with Bus Eireann in Cork. However, as part of our ongoing commitment to community safety and public order, gardai on routine patrols are encouraged to board Bus Eireann services in Cork city. This practice aims to assist in the prevention and detection of antisocial behaviour, while also strengthening our engagement with the community. Gardai detected 689 drivers speeding in the 24 hours of National Slow Down Day, while a further 268 vehicles were detected speeding by GoSafe speeding cameras. An initiative of An Garda Siochana, the day ran from 7am on Thursday until 7am today, and a total of 957 vehicles were detected speeding. Examples of the high speeds detected by gardai include: 112km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the Main Street, Charleville, Co Cork. 151km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N4 Clongawny, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. 94km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N4 Drishoge, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Roscommon. 110km/h in a 80km/h zone on the N4 Doddsborough, Lucan, Dublin. 126km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N7 Castlewarden South, Kill, Co Kildare. 84km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N25 Lemybrien, Co Waterford. 112km/h in a 80km/h zone on the R430 Drumagh, Crettyyard, Co Laois Some of the high speeds recorded by GoSafe cameras include: 113km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the R245 Cashelshanaghan Letterkenny, Co Donegal. 69km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the R708 Ballytruckle Green, Co Waterford. 124km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N22 Gortatlea, Tralee, Co Kerry. 70km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N25 Grahormack Tagoat, Co Wexford. Chief Superintendent Jane Humphreys of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said the initiative had been a worthwhile exercise. Across all our speed detection systems in place around the county, we are beginning to see some positive indications that drivers are becoming more mindful of the critical need to slow down. That said, the number of those who were detected during this National Slow Down Day do show that there are some people still intent on driving at dangerously excessive and inappropriate speed, she said. These are the people that gardai are most focused on detecting in order to prevent fatal and serious road traffic collisions. They Chief Supt Humphreys added that people who speed endanger not only themselves but will also potentially kill others while driving at high speed. Research strongly demonstrates that choosing to drive 10Km/h over the speed limit, thinking that it will get you to your destination in quicker time, is a fallacy. If anything, it can only save seconds from your journey so it really is not worth quite possibly losing your life over, she said. TCS signs multi-year deal with Air France-KLM to modernize the airline group data Hyderabad, Nov 7 (UNI) Tata Consultancy Services ( TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, on Thursday said it has signed a multi-year deal to help Air France-KLM, a Europe-based global aviation leader in passenger transport, cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance, become the most data-centric airline group in the world. Over the next three years, TCS will modernize the airline group's data by moving it to cloud, promoting the next generation of data-driven aviation. This shift will help Air France-KLM exit data centers and harness the strength of the cloud, supporting a sustainable and adaptive aviation industry. The new data architecture will enable the use of data to enhance operations, drive decisions, improve functionality, and gain efficiency, the IT giant said in a release. TCS has partnered with Air France-KLM for 30 years to enhance reliability, social media, customer service, and e-commerce. TCS will now assist Air France-KLM in migrating its critical systems and core business data to the cloud, encompassing key areas such as flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance, the airlines e-commerce platforms and much more. This migration will enhance operational efficiency across all business lines, ensuring seamless and secure data management as well as modernize the technology landscape enabling new possibilities. Pierre-Olivier Bandet, EVP & Group CIO, Air France-KLM Group said: We are pleased to open a new and exciting chapter with our long-time partner, TCS, to make the most out of our data and new technologies to become even more data-centric and agile to meet and exceed our customers expectations. Data can help airlines improve their efficiency, streamline their operations and foster innovation, leading to faster and more personalized flying experience for customers. Today, extracting actionable insights and value from enterprise and ecosystem data is a key challenge for many enterprises. The challenge is compounded for the large and complex organization of Air France-KLM which operates multiple airline brands with a fleet of 551 aircrafts flying across 320 destinations in 100 countries, said Olivier. Krishnan Ramanujam, President, Consumer Business Group, TCS, said, We are eager to help Air France-KLM become the most data-driven airline group in the world and continue to reach new heights in air transport and customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainability for decades to come. With this significant transformation project, TCS is poised to redefine industry standards in the travel, transport and hospitality sectors. A standout feature of this project is that data accessibility on the new cloud will be achieved within the first year. The endeavor will be led by a dedicated team of 100+ professionals across TCS delivery centers in France, Netherlands and India. The close collaboration with the Air France-KLM Data teams based in Toulouse will be pivotal in ensuring the success of this large-scale transformation, he added. Sapthagiri Chapalapalli, Head of Europe at TCS, said, The partnership with Air France-KLM is one of TCS longest relationships in Europe. While using technology to set the standards for customer experience in airline travel year after year, we managed to strengthen and deepen our partnership at the same time. This new deal is a compliment to both Air France-KLM and TCS teams for their mutual trust, commitment, and perseverance to build long lasting and successful partnerships that drive sustainable growth. TCS operations in France have seen a significant growth over the years since its beginnings in 1992. Today over 1,600 employees in the country work for 80 of Frances leading businesses. The newly opened TCS Aviation Digital Centre in Portugal is home to its industry expertise, latest tech and tailored digital offerings, made available at the doorstep of European transportation customers. UNI KNR CS1853 Cork TDs have looked back over the last four years as they spent their final day of business in the Dail on Thursday ahead of the general election, acknowledging progress that has been made and more work that needs to be done. Speaking to The Echo Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said that, over the last four years, there has been no delivery on major roads and infrastructure here in West Cork. "Im very disappointed that weve had no progress on the north and south relief road in Bandon, and not a thing spent on the Innishannon and Bantry bypasses. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said ''over the last four years, there has been no delivery on major roads and infrastructure here in West Cork Major promises were made, and over the last more than 15 years, not a shovel has been laid on any one of them, he said, adding that Cork motorists are also crying out for passing bays, as they can be stuck behind tractors and lorries causing a lot of anxiety and a lot of accidents. Mr Collins said wastewater treatment facilities in Shannonvale, Rosscarberry, Goleen, Ballydehob and Dunmanway have received no funding whatsoever either. If we look at health, the home help sector has been let down badly. You cant get home help for elderly people in West Cork, they cut back on cataract reimbursement its a continuous attack on our elderly. "Weve a lot of money in the country, but theres no accountability about where its being spent. Change Cork North Central People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Mick Barry, said, water, the buses and a better deal for children with autism have been big issues of late." Looking back over the whole Dail.... everyone in Cork will remember the Debenhams Strike and the way that those workers got shafted right at the start of covid. That inspired me to put forward a 'Debenhams Bill', which would improve the rights of workers in a liquidation situation. Cork North Central People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said he recalled verbal clashes with two Ministers for Education that helped win a fairer deal for Leaving Cert students during covid. The Dail passed it but then it got buried in an Oireachtas Committee and was never passed into law. I'd like to see a change in the makeup of the Dail that would allow that get through next time. He recalled pushing against the Government on their plans to proceed with a traditional Leaving Certificate when students had missed months of school due to the pandemic. I also remember the verbal clashes with two separate Ministers for Education which helped to win a fairer deal for Leaving Cert students in the covid times. Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said: The last four or nearly five years, I have done my best to deliver as best as possible from opposition. I was glad to be able to resolve the rent increase loophole affecting residents in Carrigaline, as well as forcing Government to move on back to school costs. I have also sought push the Government on delivering in terms of garda numbers, Housing, and childcare. Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said Government had 'failed to deliver' on some key issues. Unfortunately, in several key areas this Government hasn't delivered. Garda numbers in some stations such as Mahon have fallen considerably in recent years, housing costs are up, and childcare provision is inadequate." Mr O Laoghaire said "we also have seen important local projects not making headway, such as the Events centre. Snail's pace "The Cork Luas is proceeding at a snails pace, and the people of Lehenaghmore are still waiting almost 15 years on for footpaths. The next Government must do more than announce plans for Cork - it has to deliver for Cork." Tanaiste and Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central, Micheal Martin, told The Echo: "Theres been major investment in Cork over the last four years. The Government has allocated 400 million through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). Cork got the highest grant in the country and that money will see a dramatic transformation through the regeneration of the Docklands and Grand Parade Quarter. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the elective hospital will be a 'major for Cork, and its well on its way." The investment in housing has been strong, he said, praising Cork City and County council for their quick response to projects such as Housing For All, adding that one of the first Cost Rental Schemes in the country was in Cork. The council have been innovative, wanting to try new things, engaging with Approved Housing Bodies and Land Development Agency projects. Theres a lot happening with housing in Cork, a lot more needs to happen but at least the councils are willing to engage. Mr Martin continued: "In education, the emergence of MTU is a major milestone. Cork is now a city of two universities, weve invested significantly into things like the National Maritime College and it goes to show the range of programs MTU now provides which will help with inward investment and job creation into the future. MTU has become one of the major centres for cybersecurity globally, thats the kind of niche development we need to keep promoting a number of companies in the private sector have come in from US and Irish companies have been formed. Mr Martin said that Cork is a major city for infrastructure, home to great pharmaeceutical and technology companies. "An ambition of mine is that in the future wed create a new industrial landbank similar to Ringaskiddy. In healthcare, the community nursing unit in Gurranabraher, Ballincollig Primary Care Centre and new Ophthalmology unit in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital are transformative projects, as well as substantial investment in CUH and the Mercy, he said, adding the elective hospital will be major for Cork, and it is well on its way. Trump "We cant take our economy for granted the election of Donald Trump could create challenges, but we have to always keep the economy as number one, it provides jobs for people and resources to invest in health and education, such as the free school books now available for all students, which has been one of the great innovations over the last four years." Cork North Central Fine Gael TD and Junior Minister, Colm Burke, said that he has dedicated the last four years to work on the Public Accounts and Health Committees, recalling the issues with RTE funding as a big learning experience for us all. Ive been involved in healthcare committees since 2011, which prepared me for when I was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. Cork North Central Fine Gael TD and Junior Minister, Colm Burkehe hopes to push a day centre for the homeless in Cork, saying he has been meeting with Cork City Council, the Department of Housing and the HSE on this. He told The Echo that he spent his last day in the Seanad where a bill he drafted in relation to raising the age for the sale of tobacco to 21 was passed, saying its now going to go to the President to be signed, and the new rules will come in on February 1 2028 well be the first country in the EU to have raised the age of sale for tobacco products. Mr Burke said that over the last six months, he has been focusing on alcohol and drug addiction services. "We now have 422 different treatment centres around the country, Ive visited a lot particularly in Cork. Homeless Mr Burke added that he hopes to push a day centre for the homeless in Cork, saying he has been meeting with Cork City Council, the Department of Housing and the HSE on this. "People are using night services for accommodation but they have no place to go during the day so theyre out on the streets. The cost will be about 4 million, so I am working to see how we can source that funding at the moment, its about bringing people into stable accommodation so we can work on rehabilitation. Overall, he said, there are still challenges we need to address, but Ive been working hard with the Department and the HSE and other state agencies to deliver solutions. His party colleague, Cork South Central TD and former Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, said: I think theres been enormous investment in Cork in the last four years in roads, infrastructure and education. Cork is earmarked to be the fastest growing urban centre in the country in the next 10 years, and we want to invest accordingly. It's not a coincidence that close to 50,000 people are employed in Cork now by multinationals, they see a city thats ambitious, expanding. Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney said: 'Cork is earmarked to be the fastest growing urban centre in the country, and we have invested accordingly.' Over the last 13 years, Fine Gael have managed to build an economy that can pay for everything we need in Ireland. For the first time in Irish history, we have surpluses every year, and were putting money towards a fund for the future so if another international crisis hits, we have the resources to help businesses and families. More work to do Im not saying theres not more work to do, because of course there is in health, disability, and housing, which is the biggest challenge in Cork. Weve got to keep driving up delivery of all tenures of housing, adding that the government is investing over 5bn a year in different housing responses. Theres a recognition that theres a lot more to do in housing as well as health and disability, we need to move ahead with a motorway between Cork and Limerick the Government has made progress but wants to do more. Theres more to be done on policing too, we have got to make the city safer, but we need to make sure we have an economy that can pay for it. He added that Fine Gael promise solid, predictable policy." I know only too well that weve got to deliver 50-60,000 houses a year, but if we go for radical, alternative policies, it will put the brakes on a lot of the growth weve seen not too long ago less than 10,000 homes were built a year, now were up to 35,000. A simple and kind gesture of an 18-year-old agreeing to give a man a cigarette resulted in him sexually assaulting her and her friend several times that night in Mallow despite them begging him to leave them alone. Garda Ben McNamara outlined the background to this incident at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where the 29-year-old man pleaded guilty to a total of eight counts of sexual assault on the night of June 27, 2022. Judge Dermot Sheehan said he would adjourn sentencing in the case so that the defendant could gather compensation to make some recompense to the victims. The judge also directed a probation report before sentencing on February 21, 2025. The defendant first encountered the young woman and her friend in the smoking area of a pub and she agreed to give him a cigarette. She said in her victim impact statement she is now left wondering how this gesture could result in her being sexually assaulted. Even after begging him to leave us alone he wouldnt. I am still on high alert with men because of the actions of this one man, she said. Her friend who was also sexually assaulted by the same man that night said, I dont want to go out at night I would appreciate if he would keep his distance and not approach me or intimidate me in the future. Garda McNarmara said the first sexual assault consisted of grabbing the young woman by the hips on the street and rubbing his penis against her bottom, fully clothed. Other sexual assaults included kissing her, putting his hands on her breasts and down her pants on to her bottom. He also touched her breasts inside her clothing. There were similar sexual assaults on the second young woman. Garda McNarama said that when the 29-year-old defendant was identified and questioned he cooperated fully and said, He may have taken it too far. He suffers from alcohol addiction. Defence senior counsel Donal OSullivan suggested that the defendant encountered them again after the pub but Garda McNamara said the man followed them from the premises. Irelands auto-enrolment pension scheme is set to bring major changes to how employees and employers manage retirement savings. Launching on September 30, 2025,it will automatically enrole about 800,000 workers aged 23-60 who earn over 20,000 annually, and dont currently have a workplace pension. While the initiative promises to provide more financial security for employees, it also introduces new responsibilities and obligations for businesses. Heres what both employers and employees need to know to get ready. What is auto-enrolment and how does it work? Auto-enrolment is a government initiative aimed at increasing retirement savings. Eligible employees will automatically contribute a portion of their salary to a pension, which will be matched by their employer and supplemented by a government top-up. This will provide workers with a much-needed additional source of income, alongside the State pension, to support them when they retire. The State pension is currently 277 per week and begins at 66. For many, this is not enough to maintain a comfortable standard of living in retirement, and auto-enrolment aims to bridge that gap. The key details of the scheme are as follows: Employee contributions Employee contributions will start at 1.5% of gross pay In year four they will increase to 3% In year seven they will increase to 4.5% In year 10 they will increase to the maximum rate of 6% Employer contributions Employers will also start by contributing 1.5% of the employees salary, rising to 6% over time. Government top-up The government will add 1 for every 3 contributed by the employee, starting with a 0.5% contribution and increasing to 2%. Contribution cap Contributions will be capped at 80,000 of gross annual salary, meaning those earning above this will not contribute beyond it. What are the employers responsibilities? One of the most significant aspects of auto-enrolment is that it is mandatory for employers. From September, 2025, businesses must enrol their eligible employees in a pension plan and contribute to it. It is a substantial shift for many businesses that do not currently offer pension schemes, and there are several steps that employers need to take to prepare: Review existing pension schemes: If you already offer a pension plan, make sure it is competitive with the new scheme and meets regulatory requirements. Update payroll and HR systems: Employers need to ensure their systems can handle the new auto-enrolment process and manage contributions effectively. Communicate with your employees: Start informing employees now about what the auto-enrolment scheme entails and what their options are. Clear communication will prevent confusion closer to the deadline. Seek professional advice: Talk to a financial adviser to help you navigate the complexities of auto enrolment, helping you to ensure compliance and that the scheme is beneficial for both your company and your employees. Benefits for Employees For employees, the introduction of auto-enrolment is largely positive. Many, particularly those on lower incomes, might not have made significant contributions to a pension, relying instead on the State pension. Auto-enrolment changes that by ensuring employees are saving for their retirement automatically. While employees can opt out of the scheme after six months, they will be re-enrolled every two years, with the option to opt out again. However, there are limits to the scheme. unlike traditional pensions, auto-enrolment follows a more rigid structure, and employees cannOt contribute beyond the 80,000 salary cap, so higher earners will have fewer options for increasing their pension savings. Also, the auto-enrolment scheme does not offer flexibility in selecting specific funds for example, based on ethical or sustainable criteria. What if your business already has a pension scheme? If your business already offers a workplace pension scheme, youre in a good position. Employees who contribute to an existing scheme will not need to be automatically enrolled in the new system. This simplifies compliance for employers and demonstrates they are already supporting their employees financial wellbeing. However, it is important for businesses to review current pension schemes to ensure they remain competitive and compliant with the new regulations. Employers may also consider making new employees eligible for their group scheme from the start date of their employment, to allow for a smooth transition when the scheme is introduced. By ensuring that existing pension schemes meet or exceed the benefits offered by auto-enrolment, businesses can avoid complications and continue to attract and retain top talent. Taxation and Retirement Currently, the government has indicated 25% of the pension fund can be drawn down tax-free, with the remaining 75% subject to taxation. While taxation details are still being finalised, the scheme will align with existing pension tax rules as closely as possible. The government has also suggested that additional retirement options, such as annuities, could be developed in the future, offering more flexibility for how employees access their pension savings. While the scheme promises long-term financial benefits for employees, it introduces new responsibilities for employers. By preparing now, businesses can ensure they are compliant when the deadline arrives, and employees can look forward to a more secure financial future. Proper planning and understanding of the changes ahead will help both employers and employees make the most of auto-enrolment. Going out or staying in? Your weekend guide Here's a round up of gigs and events running in Cork this weekend (November 8 to 10). Or if you decide to stay in, here's what's on the box... When Jean Kenny was a medical student in 2008 and won Miss Cork, she was described as beautiful and personable. That is a really good memory, says Jean, from Clonakilty, who is married to well-known personal trainer Karl Henry, of Operation Transformation fame. Being Miss Cork was a great time in my life, she says. It was a great experience when I met people from all walks of life and I gained confidence. Now GP Jean Kenny a mother of two, is joining a dynamic duo, nurse Olive OSullivan and skin specialist Sherna Malone, at their clinic in Rossa Road, Clonakilty, becoming a dynamic trio. Ill be offering anti-wrinkle injections to clients, says Jean. What did this new business idea stem from? I was always interested in the aesthetic industry, says Jean, who works full-time as a GP. When I saw the RTE programme Prime Time Investigates that exposed individuals providing anti-wrinkle injections that werent properly trained or qualified to do so, it gave me the idea to explore the area of aesthetics. When Karl and I were moving from Dublin to Clonakilty, there was a lot going on. Now the time feels right. Was the beautiful and personable former Miss Cork ever tempted to get Botox? I certainly was! says Jean. Id really love to have it done. I have frown lines or, as they are sometimes called, elevens. Between work, child-minding, and managing a busy household: I never found the time, adds the Harley Street trained aesthetic practitioner. The intense course I did in London was very intensive. The most intensive ever. It was phenomenal! Apart from treating frown lines and wrinkles, Jean will also be treating jaw pain, teeth clenching, and hyperhidrosis, which is excess sweating and often proves debilitating for people. Does Jean feel that people are getting anti-wrinkle treatments too young? I am very conservative in my approach, she says. I wont treat anyone who doesnt need it. And I wont over-treat anyone, but I can advise an alternative treatment they might consider. What age group are getting anti-injection treatments and fillers? Typically, people begin to think about aesthetic treatments in their late 20s onwards, says Jean. She is well-versed in all things medical. As a doctor, I can understand the different mind-sets people have and understand what limitations should be employed. My goal is to enhance natural beauty. I think there is a need in West Cork for this kind of service as most people have to travel to Cork for aesthetic reasons. I have had huge support and response since announcing that I am joining Olives clinic. I have great respect for Olive and for Sherna. Whatever about Botox, surely Jean doesnt need much help keeping healthy and in shape being married to Karl Henry? Wrong! says Jean laughing. From the get-go, Karl insisted hed never train any family members! Not even his wife? Not even me! Jean can still avail of her husbands healthy lifestyle and his healthy outlook. Our household is a healthy one, she says. The fridge is always organised, and our food is always planned and prepped so that there is no waste. We have good eating habits because of what Karl does. Recently, he swam from Baltimore to Fastnet, which was a huge deal for him. Karl is very active. Jean is very pro-active. Ill be opening my anti-wrinkle clinic very soon, she says. Everybody is anxious to have their anti-wrinkle injections done before Christmas. Clients are encouraged to come back to the clinic a few weeks after treatment for evaluation or further tweaks if needed. Jean is brimming with enthusiasm for her new venture, adding: Im really excited about it. Olive OSullivan is excited about Jean joining the team, forming three separate businesses that compliment each other. Jean is an out-and-out professional, says Olive. I know that she will be a huge asset to our clinic in Rossa Street. Olive carries out micro-blading and semi-permanent tattoo techniques for her clients who may be cancer sufferers or cancer survivors. Often, people going through a cancer journey feel isolated and confused, says Olive. They want to get away from the maze of medical experts and the mass of sick people to feel a little better about themselves. It is a chance for them to become themselves again. They dont look like that person with cancer, says Olive. Skin specialist Sherna Malone is looking forward to working with Jean and Olive. What we do is all skin health- related, says Sherna, who is the daughter of the late businesswoman Bronwyn Conroy, who set up the first beauty therapy training school in 1972. Mum was dedicated and determined, says Sherna, the mother of twin girls. She founded the Society of Applied Cosmetology in Ireland with the aim to improve the standing of beauty therapy in the country. Sherna has her mothers traits. I knew Olive was sub-letting her premises. I was determined to get somewhere bigger so I could practice my skin care clinic for more people to avail of essential skin care advice. What advice can Sherna offer? There is no point getting injectables if you are not looking after yourself from the inside out, she says. You are wasting your money. Things like quality sleep, good stress management, good diet, healthy lifestyle, all play a part in the condition of our skin and how we can age better. Hydration is very important, as is using the correct products for your skin type. Sherna uses her expertise in psychology at her practice to ascertain valid reasons for improving ones looks and ones skin. Building trust and building rapport with clients is very important. Olive, Jean and I complement each other, says Sherna. We are all on the same page encouraging wellness, good skin care, good practices to suit the individual aesthetically-wise, and striving to improve and encourage a healthy outlook for our clients. Former Miss Cork GP Jean Kenny is a valuable asset to the clinic. I cant wait to get going! she said. Browtique Ireland Ltd is located at 16, Rossa Street, Clonakilty, P85 EW66. Phone: 021-4193011. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. In Brazils Amazon region, more than 1,700 schools and 760 health centers have been shuttered or become inaccessible due to drought. A scene from Tabatinga, Amazonan State, Brazil in October 2024. UNICEF / UNI671256 / Diogenes A drought in much of South America impacts more than 420,000 children living in the Amazon basin, according to new estimates from UNICEF. The record-breaking drought ongoing since last year has left rivers in the region at an all-time low, a press release from UNICEF said. The lack of rain has affected river transportation and water supplies for Indigenous children and their communities in Colombia, Brazil and Peru. Families use the rivers to access and transport water, food, fuel and medical supplies. The children also use them to travel to school. For centuries the Amazon has been home to precious natural resources. We are witnessing the devastation of an essential ecosystem that families rely on, leaving many children without access to adequate food, water, health care and schools, said Executive Director of UNICEF Catherine Russell in the press release. Food insecurity caused by the drought has increased malnutrition risk in the regions children, while restricted access to drinking water could lead to an increase in infectious diseases, UNICEF said, as AFP reported. Food insecurity caused by drought increases the risk of malnutrition, stunting and wasting, and death in children, the press release said. Research has also found that pregnant women who experience droughts are likely to have children with lower birth weights. In the Brazilian Amazon, more than 760 medical clinics and over 1,700 schools have become inaccessible or were forced to close due to low river levels. In addition to essential health, child protection and education services being drastically disrupted in the region, fishing and agricultural livelihoods have also been interrupted, putting lives at risk. In the Colombian Amazon, river water levels have dropped by up to 80 per cent, restricting access to drinking water and food supplies, and leading to the suspension of in-person classes for children at more than 130 schools. In turn, this has increased childrens risk of recruitment, use and exploitation by non-state armed groups, and has also led to increased respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and acute malnutrition among children under age 5, UNICEF said. According to the latest field assessment by UNICEF, half of families across 14 communities in Brazils Southern Amazon said their children are not currently in school because of the drought. Loreto in Northeastern Peru is the most drought-affected region in the country, putting remote, mostly Indigenous communities that are already vulnerable at risk. The drought has caused over 50 healthcare centers there to become inaccessible. Wildfires in Peru, often started by humans but made worse by the past two months of drought, have brought unprecedented biodiversity loss and devastation in 22 of Perus 26 regions, as well as increased air pollution regionally and locally. The Amazon is the planets largest and most diverse tropical rainforest. UNICEF estimates it will take $10 million in the coming months to address drought-affected communities most urgent needs in Colombia, Peru and Brazil. This will include distributing water and additional essential supplies, strengthening the resilience of local public services and community-based systems in affected Indigenous communities and the mobilization of health brigades. We must mitigate the effects of extreme climate crises to protect children today and future generations. The health of the Amazon affects the health of us all, Russell said. Ahead of the COP29 United Nations Climate Change Conference next week, UNICEF is asking leaders to carry out four critical actions for young people and children, including ensuring that the COP29 Cover Decision addresses the disproportionate and unique impact climate change has on children; securing a dramatic increase in funding for adaptation, loss and damage and climate financing for children; guaranteeing that all Nationally Determined Contributions are sensitive to children and respond to the disproportionate impact climate change has on them; and empowering young people and children to meaningfully participate and be present in decision-making on climate at all levels. In all parts of the world, children face devastating consequences of climate crises, Russell emphasized. We are at a critical juncture. Children must be at the center of our climate negotiations. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. A woman cools herself with a fan as she rides on the Underground during a heat wave in London, England on July 19, 2022. Carl Court / Getty Images The UK government set out plans this week for one the countrys largest heat networks, which is slated to provide low-carbon heat to about 1,000 buildings in central London. The network is part of a 1 billion ($1.29 billion) initiative to provide low-carbon heating throughout Westminster, a city and governmental hub within Greater London. The heat network was established by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Westminster Council. As The Guardian reported, the plan will be developed by Hemiko and Vital Energi as part of the South Westminster Area Network partnership, which will invest 1 billion over the next 6 years into developing this network. As explained by the UK Department for Business, Energy, & Industrial Strategy, a heat network is a form of centralized heating ideal for high-density areas that eliminates the need for boilers and electric heaters in individual buildings. According to the department, heat networks are one of the most affordable options for reducing heating-related emissions. The savings are passed on to consumers, with about a 30% savings when swapping an individual electric heater to join a heat network. The scheme could save about 75,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, The Guardian reported. The project is able to supply low-carbon heating by drawing otherwise wasted heat from the London Underground transportation system, the sewers and the River Thames. The waste heat will be pulled through a network of pipes and dispensed to buildings in Westminster for central heating and water heaters. Rather than electric heaters or boilers, buildings will have a heat exchanger to dispense heat supplied by the network. Taking waste heat from the River Thames and London Underground to heat such iconic places as the Houses of Parliament and the National Portrait Gallery is a really exciting example of what lies ahead on our journey to low-cost, low-carbon heating, said Miatta Fahnbulleh, minister for energy consumers at DESNZ, as reported by the BBC. This project will help support hundreds of jobs and make bold new strides towards boosting our energy security. Currently, only around 3% of the UK sources heat through heat networks, but these networks are expected to be an important part of reducing fossil fuel reliance and reaching the countrys goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By then, heat networks could meet 19% or more of heat demand in the country. The first heat from the network is expected to be supplied in 2026, according to a press release from infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, which is involved with the project. The full network is expected to be complete by 2050. Heat networks are crucial to the UKs energy transition, said Channa Karunaratne, head of heat networks at AECOM. We need to move away from fossil fuels, work towards energy independence and enable growth in our buildings and places, and heat networks are a vital part of the solution. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. The campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) echoed with patriotism Thursday night as the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Band took the stage at the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium for a musical tribute to Americas military. The concert, part of ECSUs Community Connections series, brought together students, veterans, military families and the Elizabeth City community to honor those who serve. Under the theme, Salute to Those Who Serve, the event drew a crowd eager to celebrate and support the armed forces. The TRADOC Band delivered the concert with pieces ranging from lively military anthems to powerful renditions of classic patriotic songs. The audience met each piece with applause for the courage and sacrifice of Americas service members. This is a treat that has been offered to us here at ECSU, said Nichole Lewis, associate vice chancellor of student affairs and dean of students, in her introduction. According to the U. S. Army TRADOC Band, the band supports strategic outreach initiatives by connecting southeastern Virginia communities, fostering national pride among service members, and reinforcing positive relationships with U.S. allies and partner nations. Their vision is to provide music for military and civic ceremonies, and events that build political and social bonds between U.S. forces and people of other nations. The event was free and open to the public and received praise from attendees, many of whom called for more military-focused gatherings in the future. But the concert didnt end without a collaboration between the TRADOC Band and the ECSU Jazz Ensemble. In a soul-stirring performance, the two bands joined forces for a rendition of Alfred Ellis The Chicken, a mixture of gospel chorale interrupted by a spunky bass line. With a standing ovation for the TRADOC band, the Salute to Those Who Serve concert left a lasting impression and furthered ECSUs mission to honor and support the communitys veterans and service members. (Screenshot from TV footage of Trump using the Bible as a prop.) The Vatican has wished Donald Trump "much wisdom" after he was elected to be the 47th president of the United States, while one evangelical leaders claimed his win was ordained by God, offering "a divine mandate" in his second term. "We wish him much wisdom," Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, according to America the Jesuit Magazine. "At the beginning of his mandate, we wish him much wisdom because that is the principal virtue of those who govern, according to the Bible," the cardinal said on Nov. 7. He has been secretary of state in the Vatican since August 2013, a position equivalent to that of prime minister, and has met three U.S. presidents: Barack Obama, Trump, and Joseph Biden. Trump will take up his second presidential term on Jan. 20, 2025. Vatican Media reported Cardinal Parolin's conversation with journalists. It took place on the sideline of a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University on "The impact of AI on International Humanitarian Law," commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. SERVING WHOLE COUNTRY "I believe [President-elect Trump] will have to work above all to be the president of the whole country in order to overcome the polarization that is present and that is felt in a very, very clear way at this time," he said. Asked about Trump's statement during the campaign and after his victory that "I'm not going to start wars, I'm going to stop wars," Cardinal Parolin responded, "Let us hope, we hope, we hope!" But, he added, "I don't think that even he has a magic wand." He emphasized that to end war, "there is a need for much humility, much willingness and the need to seek the interests of humanity as a whole, rather than focusing on particular interests." "I hope for that," he said. When asked about the fears of Ukrainians and Palestinians that President-elect Trump would make peace "at their expense," the cardinal responded carefully. "Let's see," he said. "It's difficult to say something on these aspects. Let's see what proposals he will make because many things [he said] remain uncertain. For example, that famous phrase, 'I will end the war the day after [taking office]': but how [will he do it]? No one has been able to say this, and not even he has given concrete indications of how [he will] do it." Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, congratulated Trump for his win, the National Catholic Reporter said. CAMPAIGNING TO GOVERNING Broglio and stressed that now the task is to "move from campaigning to governing" and to "transition peacefully from one government to the next." He said the Catholic Church is "not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops' conference. No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church's teachings remain unchanged, and we bishops look forward to working with the people's elected representatives to advance the common good of all." He also said Christians and Americans "have the duty to treat each other with charity, respect, and civility, even if we may disagree on how to carry out matters of public policy." He asked for Mary's intercession to guide leaders to "uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants." Meanwhile, NBC reported that after having repeatedly depicted the presidential election as a spiritual clash between good and evil, leading figures in the movement to remake America as an explicitly Christian nation celebrated rump's victory "as a fulfillment of God's divine will." Lance Wallnau, a celebrity evangelist who has spent decades calling on conservative Christians to occupy positions of power and influence over society, told followers on an election night livestream that Trump's victory had been prophesied years ago a key step in God's plan to usher in a new era of Christian dominion around the world. "There's a different dialogue about spirituality happening in America," said Wallnau, who had worked to mobilize Trump voters in swing states. "There's a different dialogue about spirituality happening in America," said Wallnau, who had worked to mobilize Trump voters in swing states. "And with Donald Trump," he continued, God has "given permission to take it right to the White House." NBC noted that white evangelical support for Trump has not wavered since he pledged in early 2016 while running for the GOP presidential nomination that if he were elected, "Christianity will have power." "If I'm there, you're going to have plenty of power, you don't need anybody else," Trump continued. "You're going to have somebody representing you very, very well. Remember that." TRUMP PROMISES CHRISTIANS Trump renewed that vow in the 2024 campaign, telling Christians they would be granted "power at a level that you've never used before." He promised to crack down on the acceptance of transgender people in schools and in society. And his campaign said it would create a task force focused on "investigating all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution against Christians in America." While Trump, married three times and found liable for sexual abuse, might not seem an obvious fit to lead a religious movement, Wallnau and other evangelicals championed him as a flawed leader who had been anointed by God to save America from the demonic influence of Democrats, according to the NBC report. That belief took on new fervor in July after Trump survived the first of two assassination attempts. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said, according to Crosswalk. "I thank God that @realDonaldTrump won this election! This win is historic in many ways. Millions and millions of people were praying, and I believe God heard their prayers. It's a win for the family. It's a win for the economy. It's a win for millions of unborn children. "It's a win for freedom of speech. It's a win for religious liberty. It's a win for law and order. It's a win for American manufacturing. It's a win for coal miners. It's a win for farmers. It's a win for the oil and gas industry. It's a win for national security. It's a win against bureaucracy and government regulators. It's a win for freedom-loving people everywhere, not just here in America, but around the world." Higher education comes with costs that can be difficult for families to manage, but planning how to earn extra cash will benefit upcoming college students this school year. Now pursuing a degree doesn't mean paying for a one-time cost since other expenses like textbooks, food, and accommodation for dorms, can also be counted. Financial barriers can make this harder to afford, and without enough funding, students could struggle in debt, drop out of class, or forego their college education at last. College does not stop at tuition alone, so here are 5 quick tips on how you can earn extra cash to fund your college expenses. How to Earn Extra Cash for College Expenses Not everyone can access work opportunities right away or have college savings ready at their disposal. At the same time, most part-time college work can even take away a student's full focus on their studies. Prior to your first freshman day, here's how you can earn extra cash to fund college expenses. Read more: Arizona State Students Face Tuition Hike as University Grapples State Budget Cuts 1. Apply to FAFSA According to US News, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can secure federal, institutional, or state aid. The due date is always June 30 of the academic year, although some states have earlier deadlines. If you missed out, don't worry, late applicants can still qualify for these benefits if funding is available. 2. Fill Out As Many Scholarship Forms There are a lot of scholarships in the states, most come with deadlines, but some can still allow late applicants. These scholarship types vary and may benefit those with parents in specific industries or communities and if they belong to a particular group of people entitled to state aid. 3. Summer Job One of the quickest ways on how you can earn extra cash to fund your college expenses is through a summer job. Unlike others, it guarantees that you will get paid at the end of your job, US News shared that students can now find part-time and full-time roles, especially in retail and food service. Some companies can even offer tuition assistance programs so you can continue working while they cover all educational costs. 4. Freelance Hustle The job market can be unstable, but you can avoid the excruciating requirements associated with most jobs by looking for side hustles. You can lend your dog walking services, babysit a neighbor's child, do freelance writing for senior college students, or even sell some of your artwork and any handmade items. Start-up costs are usually non-existent, making it college freshman-friendly. 5. Budgeting So maybe you have some savings sitting in your bank, CNBC stated that you can start budgeting them before the academic year starts. This way, you can track income and expenses to cover essential college costs. It's a great practice as well to gain more control of your finances once you start your first job out of college. From 2029, all new cars and light commercial vehicles in the USA must be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB). Paul Dentel, Staff Product Manager, Radar Systems at Ambarella, is convinced that this will pose problems for OEMs, but that there is already a solution to these problems. Markt & Technik: NHTSA is making advanced emergency braking mandatory in the USA... Paul Dentel: Yes, in my view it's a bold move by the regulatory authorities in Washington to protect the public - but it makes perfect sense. I live in Texas, where everyone drives a heavy pickup truck. I used to be an avid cyclist and was once hit by a car. And I'm really glad it was a small SUV as I rolled across the hood and off the roof of the vehicle. If this was a big pickup, I wouldnt be alive as I would have gotten run over. I think NHTSA understands that Americans like to buy bigger vehicles. The only problem with this is that it ultimately leads to more deaths because the hoods are getting higher every year. Accordingly, the NHTSA requirement is the right thing to do, but it is also a major challenge for car manufacturers. There are certainly OEMs in America who claim that it is not possible to fulfil these requirements. I, on the other hand, am convinced that it is possible; but the OEMs must invest in the development of technologies. What does that mean? I think that OEMs need to invest in more powerful perception to ensure that their AEB systems work in a wide range of tests. This means that it will no longer work if an OEM simply buys the cheapest, most cost-effective sensor on the market. In Europe, there is the NCAP star rating, which means that if an OEM wants to do well there, it must implement appropriate driver assistance systems in its vehicle. But this is not a must - and that is a big difference. With the new NHTSA legislation, all vehicles in the USA that come onto the road as new cars from September 2029 must have an enhanced AEB system, and that AEB system must also include a collision warning system. The new standard stipulates that all vehicles must be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, and that the systems must recognize pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. In addition, this standard requires the system to brake automatically, up to a speed of 90 miles per hour, if a collision with a vehicle in front is imminent; and up to 45 miles per hour if a pedestrian is detected. In the EU, too, an AEB system has been required for the registration of new cars and light commercial vehicles since July 2024, but the requirements are not as high as in the USA, because here we are talking about a collision warning system. But the technologies you mentioned are not new, so what's the problem? The regulation applies to every vehicle, which makes the costs a problem, especially for more cost-focused vehicles. Let's look at it from the perspective of an OEM. They have several options for realizing an AEB system. In my opinion, the easiest way to solve the problem is with a high-performance radar sensor, whose data is processed centrally, and a monocular camera system. NHTSA has estimated the costs for OEMs to fulfil the AEB requirements. What is strange is that only the software costs were taken into account for 95% of vehicles. Of course, you can put new software on a system, but at the end of the day, it's the combination of software and hardware working together that determines performance. A 1990 computer will only ever perform like a 1990 computer. I think these calculations are based on companies like Tesla, who have a very, very large central processing unit in their vehicles, which is usually capable of processing a lot of data. That means it's not currently possible for other manufacturers with smaller processors in their vehicles to do that. Paul Dentel, Ambarella: The AEB requirements are not a problem for premium vehicles because the costs are not so crucial there. With Ambarella, however, it is also possible to realize the NHTSA requirements so cost-effectively that they can also be implemented in small vehicles. Modern vehicles from other OEMs should also have the computing power to process large amounts of data... Yes, but that's not the point, because the implementation of the regulation is both a hardware and a software issue. If the perception data processing were to take place exclusively in the center of the vehicle, a software-only approach would be possible. But in 99.9 percent of the radar systems on the market today, processing takes place at the edge. All these radar systems process their data in the bumper of the vehicle. These systems are extremely cost-effective, but they are also inefficient. In my opinion, it is absolutely impossible to upgrade these systems so that they can fulfil the NHTSA requirements in the future; especially for the more challenging scenarios specified in the regulation. The challenging scenarios are the problem. Can a basic radar do AEB at 90MPH? Yes. Can a basic radar do AEB at 45MPH when a pedestrian is changing their left tire next to 2 guardrails? No. Let's say we're driving on the freeway and the vehicle needs to be able to detect obstacles far in the distance. A typical L2+ vehicle has five radar sensors and a mono camera. On the freeway, the two front corner radars are underutilized because the focus is on the forward-facing radar and blind spot monitoring to ensure you can change lanes safely. Why not utilize the processing capacities of the two front-corner radar sensors, so that the forward-facing radar can be used to sense farther away? And one thing is clear: it's heading in that direction, especially in the Asian markets. And who takes care of this redistribution of resources? The OEMs themselves have to decide this; they have to decide which software they want to controlespecially when it comes to route planning, vehicle dynamics and triggering the AEB system. Because, clearly, a driver of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle expects a different experience than a driver of a small car. In Germany and Europe there has even been discussion about the underlying operating systems, I would say that many OEMs are having a hard time deciding which software is really crucial... But I would say that more and more OEMs have realized that the issue is not as simple as they first thought and are starting to rethink. Of course, the question of which software is really decisive; for your own branding, this is an important issue. That's why we're taking a grey box approach, which means we're open to OEMs using our technology to create a customized experience for their customers. But to be very clear: if a radar is used by one supplier, a camera by another supplier and the software by a third supplier, and it all has to be integrated into a low-latency system, it becomes really difficult. In my view, the regulatory requirements in the US are forcing OEMs to rethink things, because they have to implement an advanced AEB system not just in their high-end vehicles, but in all vehicles, which means they have to realize these requirements in a cost-effective way. And it's not that easy; I would say it's impossible with the software and hardware equipped on cost-focused vehicles today. Take a look at 3D radar systems as forward-facing radars, which most vehicles are equipped with today. You get information about azimuth, range and the speed of the target. But these radar systems lack the sensitivity and elevation information to detect what is happening in the environment to fulfill this regulation. Just one example: according to the NHTSA regulation, a radar system should be able to classify a pedestrian with high confidence. A 3D radar cannot do this. Now you could say: sensor fusion helps, so the installed monocular cameras can be used to classify this pedestrian. The problem is that this system also has to work at night. An infrared camera could help here... Yes, of course. However, as far as I know, there are only a few OEM/Tier-Ones that use infrared cameras, because nobody wants to pay for them. All additional costs are undesirable. It is much easier to use a sensor that is already in the vehicle, for greater functionality, than to put a new sensor in the vehicle. As I said before, I think the best solution currently on the market is to combine a forward-facing satellite radar sensor with a monocular camera and feed the data to a central processing unit, ideally the CV3-AD SoCs from Ambarella. This means that a low-cost radar sensor can also be used, as it does not have to perform any calculations. The fusion of the sensor data then takes place in the central unit. I also believe that a thermal camera can be utilized in combination with a satellite radar to address the regulation in the same manner. Why should an OEM choose Ambarella? Ambarella offers clear advantages. Our centralized radar architecture requires far fewer antennas, thanks to our Oculii AI radar algorithms, which have the unique ability to adapt radar waveforms to the environment. On the one hand, this generates significantly less data, while at the same time providing superior angular resolution and the sensitivity of the radar system. And, thanks to that smaller amount of data, the bandwidth required for centralized processing of the raw data is also reduced. If more antennas are used, the generated data cannot be transported through the vehicle. I, therefore, believe that our approach will also make it possible to equip small vehicles, which are cost-sensitive, with an extended AEB system in the future. Ambarella offers software and hardware. Is the software optimized for Ambarella's hardware, or can a developer use Ambarella chips with their own software, for example? Ambarella's radar software provides the information the OEM needs. Some OEMs want objects; others may want a point cloud, similar to a LiDAR system. We can provide both. But for this regulation, I would recommend considering the point cloud as it is very detailed and contains more information than any other solution on the market. From there, we help the OEM to realize this system architecture in their vehicles. And that's just for the radar system. We also have the Ambarella software stack for autonomous driving, which incorporates our advanced computer vision technology, along with our Oculii radar technology and sensor fusion. OEMs can use this software or develop their own. Our flexible approach makes it easier for the OEM to use the parts they need. So, we are open to everything and don't force any customer in a certain direction. However, we would recommend using a combination of hardware and optimized software for the best overall perception solution. This allows optimized, more energy-efficient and more powerful systems to be implemented. I think it would be very difficult for OEMs to replicate this centralized radar system without an Ambarella CV3-AD SoC and the associated software. Can Ambarella provide data to prove that the combination is better than other approaches on the market? We take a different approach: We typically invite interested customers to our Parma automotive R&D facility in Italy. There, we put them in one of our autonomous R&D vehicles and demonstrate the performance of our approach. After a drive, we show the utilization of our chips and how we use the technology to detect a pedestrian 200 meters away, for example. We believe that our approach is very different from others on the market who only refer to specifications from data sheets. We prefer to talk about automotive perception use cases. The interview was conducted by Iris Stroh Lesen Sie mehr zum Thema OpenAI is facing multiple lawsuits over its use of several publications' and books' content to train its large language models without explicit permission or proper compensation. A judge has just dismissed one of them. New York federal judge Colleen McMahon has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Raw Story and AlterNet, which accused the company of using their materials for AI training without consent. As VentureBeat notes, though, their complaint didn't argue that OpenAI infringed on their copyright like other publications' lawsuits do. Instead, it focused on the DMCA provision that protects "copyright management information." The publications argued that OpenAI removed the author names, titles and other metadata identifying their copyright from the articles it used to train its LLMs. McMahon explained that the plaintiffs failed to show that they suffered "a cognizable injury" from those actions and that the harm they had cited was "not the type of harm that has been elevated" to warrant a lawsuit. The judge also said that "the likelihood that ChatGPT would output plagiarized content from one of [their] articles seems remote." She added that the plaintiffs are truly seeking redress for the use of their articles "to develop ChatGPT without compensation" and not for the removal of their copyright management information. Raw Story and AlterNet don't intend to back down, based on what their lawyer told Reuters. Matt Topic, their attorney, said they're "certain [they] can address the concerns the court identified through an amended complaint." Black people throughout the country, in more than 20 states, have been getting racist text messages that order them to report to a plantation for slave labor, according to reporting by CNN and numerous other outlets. The texts reference slave catchers and picking cotton, in addition to warning the recipients that they will be searched upon arrival. Following the 2024 election, people in Virginia, Georgia, and more reported receiving racist text messages claiming they were selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. pic.twitter.com/XUYTyaI1Su Complex (@Complex) November 8, 2024 These hate-filled messages have been received by both kids and adults. The texts appear to be targeting Black and Brown individuals, including students, New Yorks attorney general Letitia James said. Various AG offices from other states have also issued statements. The texts all come from unknown phone numbers and began ramping after the election on Tuesday. NAACP president Derrick Johnson said that these messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesdays election results. I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us. I urge anyone who received pic.twitter.com/akz37kYbXq Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) November 7, 2024 The mother of a University of Alabama student who received one of the messages said that its eerie that its the day after the election. Its eerie that it came to my daughters personal phone. Its eerie that its only going to Black students. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A spokesperson for Donald Trumps presidential campaign wrote in a statement that it has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages. The FBI has addressed the situation in a statement, noting that its been in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. FBI Statement on Offensive and Racist Text Messageshttps://t.co/vpQYAO6LT7 pic.twitter.com/iDtN36WhX4 FBI (@FBI) November 7, 2024 It remains unclear who sent the texts and how they did it. The messages targeted people of color, suggesting that the senders had biographical information on the recipients. Many of the messages were sent through TextNow, a free app that provides phone numbers, texting and calling services. TextNow told CNN that it believes this is a widespread, coordinated attack. The service lets people sign up anonymously and sends texts via randomly-generated phone numbers. It says it has been busy rapidly disabling the related accounts. The company is also working alongside our industry partners to uncover more details and continue to monitor patterns to actively block any new accounts attempting to send these messages. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has suspended the production of advanced AI chips for Chinese companies, according to the Financial Times. The Taiwanese semiconductor chip manufacturer has reportedly notified its clients from China that it will stop producing AI chips for them, particularly models 7 nanometers and smaller, starting this Monday. If a Chinese company orders products that fall within that category, they'll have to go through an approval process that'll likely involve the US government. The manufacturer's new policy could be a direct result of its discovery that Huawei had used its chips in AI accelerators without its knowledge. A Canadian research firm called TechInsights was the one that notified the company that it discovered the presence of TSMC-manufactured products in Huawei's hardware. It was a violation of the trade sanctions the US Commerce Department had imposed against Huawei way back in 2020 that prevented it from acquiring chips made by foreign firms. More recently, it revoked its licenses that allowed Intel and Qualcomm to manufacture chips for its devices. TSMC reported TechInsights' findings to the US Commerce Department, which is now investigating how it had happened. The company denied any working relationship with Huawei and also stopped selling its chips to the client it believes had been illegally forwarding them to the Chinese brand. The Times' sources said that TSMC made the decision to suspend the production of AI chips for Chinese clients altogether, because it wants to show the US government that it's "not acting against US interests." Its new policy could have a big impact on the AI efforts of its Chinese clients. Baidu, for instance, had plans to build hardware for its AI business powered by a series of chips made by TSMC. Senior CPC official pledges to strengthen China-South Africa ties Xinhua) 13:24, November 08, 2024 CAPE TOWN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Li Xi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa from Tuesday to Thursday, during which he pledged to promote bilateral relations and jointly push for the modernization of the Global South. At the invitation of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC), Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, held talks with South African President and ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. He also met with Speaker of the National Assembly and ANC National Executive Committee member Thokozile Didiza, as well as ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, in Pretoria. In his meeting with Ramaphosa, Li said China and South Africa have forged deep-rooted friendship, and their relations have entered a "golden era" in recent years under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ramaphosa. Li expressed China's readiness to work closely with South Africa to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen the foundation of political mutual trust, align development strategies, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing, and promote Belt and Road cooperation, so as to lift the bilateral relationship to a new height. China will fully support South Africa's presidency of the Group of 20 in 2025, deepen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues with South Africa to play a leading role in the modernization of the Global South and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Underlining the special and close relationship between South Africa and China, Ramaphosa said the two heads of state have recently elevated bilateral relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, a move that is bound to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. South Africa applauds China's openness to South Africa and Africa, viewing it as an important opportunity, he said, noting that South Africa's Government of National Unity will maintain continuity in its policy toward China, strengthen friendly cooperation and enhance coordination and cooperation with China through multilateral international mechanisms. During talks with Didiza, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, China-South Africa relations have made enormous strides and set a model of solidarity and cooperation for developing countries. China is ready to deepen exchanges between the legislative bodies of both nations, provide firm support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, create a conducive environment for cooperation across various sectors, and make global governance more just and equitable, he said. Didiza thanked China for its valuable support during South Africa's struggle for national independence and in its nation-building process. She expressed readiness to utilize the regular exchange mechanism between the two countries' legislative bodies to enhance exchanges at all levels, strengthen ties between the two peoples, and foster cooperation in various fields to jointly uphold the interests of developing countries. In his talks with Mbalula, Li said that the ANC is a major African political party with a fine tradition and extensive influence, and the relationship between the CPC and the ANC is a vital cornerstone of China-South Africa relations. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with the ANC, deepen exchanges on governance, enhance governance capacity, and promote pragmatic cooperation through inter-party channels, Li said. Mbalula said the ANC and the CPC have forged profound friendship through their long-term exchanges. He applauded the achievements of the CPC as a century-old party that has been pursuing reform and innovation and leading China's development. He said that the ANC is willing to learn from the CPC's experiences in economic development, full and rigorous Party self-governance and anti-corruption efforts to better address internal and external challenges and foster new developments in South-South cooperation and China-South Africa relations. During the three-day visit, Li also expounded on China's anti-corruption achievements since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. He said that the overwhelming victory and comprehensive consolidation of China's anti-corruption campaign lie fundamentally in the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core and the adherence to the people-centered development philosophy. This victory, he explained, was also achieved through China's sustained high-pressure approach to fighting corruption, reinforced discipline and conduct, and coordinated measures that tackle corruption at all levels. China is ready to enhance anti-corruption exchanges and cooperation with South Africa to jointly promote integrity building in Belt and Road cooperation, Li added. The South African side commended China's progress in anti-corruption efforts and expressed a keen interest in learning from China's experience and deepening cooperation in this field. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The new movie Queer starring Daniel Craig won't be playing at this year's Mubi Fest in Istanbul, and indeed the entire 2024 film festival organized by the arthouse streaming platform has been canceled outright, all over censorship concerns from the local government that have reportedly prevented the LGBTQ+ themed film's screening from proceeding there. The movie was due to open the planned four-day film festival this week. But only hours before the event was set to begin in the Kadkoy region of the city on Thursday (Nov. 7), Mubi -- the parent company operates its namesake multi-location film festival that started in 2023 and showcases new films from across cinematic genres -- announced that the festival had been canceled. So what exactly happened and why won't Queer be playing at Mubi Fest? In fact, why did the whole entire film festival get canceled? Mubi has provided us with some answers, but they perhaps raise just as many questions about the city's censorship laws and why the movie can't be shown there. "Hours before the start of Mubi Fest Istanbul 2024," Mubi Turkey explained in a statement posted in Turkish on its Instagram page Thursday, "which took months to prepare and was sold out days ago, we regretted to learn that the screening of Queer, which was part of the festival program and which was also the opening film, has been banned." (as translated by Deadline Hollywood) The statement explained, "The decision states that the movie is banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of the society and that the ban would be implemented for security reasons." Mubi added in the message, "We believe this ban is an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression... This ban takes not just one movie away but also the meaning and purpose of the entire festival. Mubi wants to take the stance that our audience expects from us and we regret to inform you that we have taken the decision to cancel the entire Mubi Fest Istanbul." Queer, based on the 1985 novella of the same name by countercultural icon William S. Burroughs, follows Craig as the main character of Burroughs's protagonist, Lee, after he flees a drug bust and lands in New Orleans only to become infatuated with a discharged Navy sailor named Allerton, portrayed by Drew Starkey. The y Luca Guadagnino-directed film also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Henry Zagam and Drew Droege. Chris Evans has debuted a studious new look at recent press events related to Red One, the upcoming Holiday-themed movie that arrives next week (Nov. 15) starring the Captain America: The First Avenger superhero alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Lucy Liu. In what's quite the change from his normal appearance, the bespectacled, scholarly-looking Evans has people talking all about it on social media. What do you think of Evans' new look? See several photos below. At the Red One events, Evans has sported circular, wire-rimmed glasses along with a full beard, longer hair, and buttoned-up outfits that look like they could come straight from the closet of a college professor. Sure, Evans has worn glasses before, but this look is put together from a whole other cloth than what the actor has worn before. The subsequent social media responses to Evans' new look run the gamut. "Chris Evans' new look scares me ngl," one person on X (Twitter) said on Thursday (Nov. 7). Another person said, "Can we talk about how good Chris Evans has been looking lately??" Someone else added, "Chris Evans, I know you have always been handsome, but this your new look?" See more photos below, followed by several responses to Evan's new look. According to a film synopsis for Red One, the movie has the following plot: "When a villain kidnaps Santa Claus from the North Pole, an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative joins forces with the world's most accomplished tracker to find him and save Christmas." chris evans' new look scares me ngl (@existentmisery) November 7, 2024 Can we talk about how good Chris Evans has been looking lately?? Marriage looks good on him. Man, Alba is a lucky woman. pic.twitter.com/Znz2iY1AUd Nancy (@girlfrombama_xo) November 7, 2024 Chris Evans, I know you have always been handsome, but this your new look? OMG. Marriage is good oooh pic.twitter.com/cNSXxwKjxR Dede (@Efya_Jen) November 7, 2024 With a pair of thin-framed spectacles and a Thom Sweeney blazer, Chris Evans is now the hot professor that a thousand Renaissance Studies students would crush over: https://t.co/8ruUrXoURq pic.twitter.com/kNGXXspfqE British GQ (@BritishGQ) November 7, 2024 just look at how excited he gets to meet fans pic.twitter.com/EUUs2fYkjA chris evans updates (@updatingcevans) November 6, 2024 Brad Pitt and his girlfriend Ines de Ramon are spending some time apart this week. De Ramon, 31, stepped out on Wednesday to enjoy some alone time. She was spotted grabbing dinner at E Baldi, a celebrity hot spot in Beverly Hills. The vice president of Anita Ko Jewelry sported a chic look comprising a black suit with a scoop neck vest, an oversized blazer, and matching slacks, as seen in photos published by the Daily Mail. Ines appeared to be in good spirits as she was smiling a lot during the outing. She also noticeably parted her hair in the middle and let her locks down in gentle waves. The New Jersey native reportedly flew solo in Beverly Hills because Brad was still busy filming his new movie "F1." Earlier in the week, the Hollywood actor was spotted shooting some scenes for the action-packed film in Mexico. Then on Thursday, The Tribune reported that Pitt continued to film the project at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in California. Around 20 production vehicles were spotted in the off-roading area, including trailers, camera crane vehicles, and trucks. "F1," which will chronicle the story of fictional Formula One driver Sonny Hayes, is scheduled to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. British supermodel Georgina Cooper, a prominent figure of the 1990s "Cool Britannia" era and close friend of Kate Moss, has reportedly died. She was 46. Cooper died on the Greek island of Kos, where she had been vacationing with her husband, Nigel, just months after their wedding. Tributes have poured in from notable figures in the fashion world. Jade Parfitt, Erin O'Connor, Jodie Kidd, and Helena Christensen have all expressed their shock and sadness. Christensen described Cooper as a "ray of light" whose contributions to the industry were monumental. Her former agent, Dean Goodman, revealed, "She loved Greece and told me that she was going back with her new husband - but she has tragically died there a fortnight ago. Georgina had been unwell during Covid and had developed some health problems... Everybody is devastated. She was a genuine superstar." Cooper began modeling at the age of 13 and gained prominence after appearing in a Bon Jovi music video at 15. She became known as London's "original gap-toothed girl" and graced the covers of prestigious magazines like 'US Vogue' and 'The Face.' A muse for iconic photographer Corinne Day, Cooper also walked for top fashion houses including Alexander McQueen, Armani, and Versace. Parfitt shared her devastation, describing Cooper as "riotous fun" who was "always laughing and being naughty in all the best ways." She added: "Her achievements in the industry were huge." Cooper's dedication to her son, Sonny, led her to step back from modeling. She later said, "I just couldn't bear to leave him alone and I wanted to be there for him." Cooper's recent years were marked by charity work, particularly for liver and lung illnesses. Erin O'Connor also shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, "You were an incredibly kind and funny human-being, Georgina... You will never be forgotten. Phenomenal woman, wife, daughter, mum, and friend." Her loss is a significant blow to the fashion world and her loved ones, as Cooper is remembered for her spirit, talent, and the warmth she brought to those around her. It seems additional footage has surfaced related to Young Thug's YSL RICO trial, although the rapper is now a free man. A new piece of video evidence was showed during YSL court proceedings as the trial continues with other co-defendants. YFN Lucci who was stabbed by an alleged member of YSL back in 2022, Jayden Myrick (also known as YSL Tripp) could be free soon as well, per 'HotNewHipHop.' The footage was shared by prosecutors on November 5 during the ongoing YSL RICO trial which sits as the longest trial to ever take place in Georgia state history. The viewing of the footage took place during the testimony of Aaron Wolford, retired head of Fulton County Jail's security, per the hip hop outlet. The former officer hails from the same prison where Lucci was stabbed. Prosecutors are making the argument that the video footage could back the claim that YSL members allegedly committed criminal acts on behalf of the group's collective. There's also speculation that the stabbing was the result of retaliation for the murder of Shymel Drinks, according to journalist Meghann Cuniff, who's been covering the ongoing case against Young Thug and YSL in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. All eyes were on rapper Young Thug real name Jeffery Lamar Williams who was indicted in 2022 on charges related to committing illegal and violent acts, including murder, armed robbery, drug dealing and carjacking. The musician has been jailed since his arrest in May 2022 before walking free at 7 p.m. on October 31, 2024, with 15 years probation. According to ongoing developments, Williams' request is for time served plus three years on house arrest. He also agreed to do a yearly charity concert and give $100,000 a year for three years to Fulton County for illegal gun buybacks, per 'ENSTARZ.' "I know you're talented, and if you choose to continue to rap, you need to try to use your influence to let kids know that is not the way to go," said Judge Paige Reese Whitaker. Shannon Stilwell and Deamonte Kendrick popularly known as Yak Gotti are the remaining defendants in the high-profile trial, per 'Fox 5.' The YSL RICO trial is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2025. by Eric Feigenbaum Professor Paul Heyne practiced what he preached. I had the good fortune of having Professor Heynes Microeconomics class in my very first quarter at the University of Washington. He may have been tenured faculty whose own textbook we used, but he was a natural instructor who engaged students effortlessly. Which is no small feat when speaking to 400 mostly freshmen students in the universitys largest lecture hall. Professor Heyne understood the sage on the stage model of education came with challenges at best. Still, thats what the university demanded, and it was his job to make it work. So, he followed his own beliefs and teachings and offered students incentives for valuable participation in the form of muffins and cookies. Before every class, Professor Heyne picked up a dozen baked items from the cafe in the next building. He had Teaching Assistants running around the lecture hall with wireless microphones, getting them to students with raised hands. When someone offered a correct answer or insightful comment, they might hear, Give that woman [or man] a cookie! And he or she was rewarded like a dog getting a Milk Bone. Everyone knew there was a limited supply of treats so they were not only coveted, but reserved for high quality participation. Moreover, in true Pavlovian fashion, the opportunity to get a treat had most of what could easily have been a large, passive audience perked up and participating at 9:30 am. Professor Heyne had an amazing way of teaching Microeconomics in a narrative, easy to understand way. He most consistently pointed out we are all making economic decisions every day, all the time because economics isnt about money, its about trade-offs, resources and maximizing our utility which could just as easily be sunshine and water as dollars and labor. Unsurprisingly, his book was called The Economic Way of Thinking. One of Professor Heynes favorite topics was using economic incentives to create policy both public and private. Professor Heyne argued Seattles SR-520 bridge needed a toll and increased bus coverage. The toll would incentivize carpooling and public transportation usage thereby reducing traffic and having the side benefit of increased tax revenues that could be invested into better transportation infrastructure. Two decades later, well after Professor Heyne lost his ongoing battle with cancer, politicians finally agreed with him and the 520 Bridge became tolled. Im sure Professor Heyne and Singapores early leaders would have gotten along famously. While Professor Hayne earned his degrees in economics at Washington University and the University Chicago and several of Singapores leaders including founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew studied at The London School of Economics they clearly shared an economic way of thinking. Singapore makes extensive use of economic levers to create social policy. For example, much like Professor Heyne and the 520 Bridge, Singapore sought to reduce pollution and traffic by limiting vehicles on its roads. Cities around the world address these issues by building good public transportation which beginning in the 1970s, Singapore did as well. It has an amazing network of efficient, clean and highly affordable metro-rail trains and buses. Only giving people an affordable alternative to private vehicle transport alone often doesnt get the results that truly open up roads and bring down smog levels. Singapore used economic incentives and deterrents to stack the deck: nearly 100 percent tariffs on new motor vehicles, a ten-year-maximum in how long a vehicle can operate on Singaporean roads, a dynamically surging toll zone around the city center, highly taxed gasoline, vehicle registration costs of roughly $37,000 USD and a cap of roughly 600,000 license plates for the entire city-state of roughly 5.6 million people. That means aspiring vehicle owners may face a wait-list just to be able to register a vehicle for $37,000. Alternatively, anyone could take the ultra-clean, modern trains with Wi-Fi and subterranean cell service for as little as 90 cents USD. Or one of Singapores approximately 82,000 licensed taxis and ride shares for a few dollars. Big shopping trip? No problem go to the mall via MRT and haul everything home by taxi for a total cost of maybe $7.50 USD. Its a lot cheaper than $50,000 USD for a new car and $37,000 to register it. Of course, the choice remains yours. If you have the resources and really want it, you CAN have a car. You just have to value it highly. Singapore doesnt take away its citizens options it just forces their hands. I have to imagine Professor Heyne would be suitably impressed. Similar mechanisms and policies exist with respect to smoking, drinking, prostitution, healthcare, home buying, and even family planning for which Singapores Baby Bonus Cash Gift program issues roughly $10,000 USD to Singaporeans bearing a third child and an additional $3785 in a Child Development Account for use later toward other care expenses. While Singapore wants the birth rate increasing, it also doesnt want women exiting the workplace. Accordingly, under the Working Mothers Child Relief program gives USD $6.000 annual relief for her first child, $7,500 for her second child, and $9,000 each for her third and subsequent children. Naturally there are single, unmarried, childless, apartment-renting, car-driving drinkers and smokers. They not only pay a lot for their status including excessive taxes but forgo substantial government funds and tax credits. It is their right to make their choices. Singapore is addressing most of the same issues as other developed nations most of them Western: falling birth rates, transportation infrastructure, air quality, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, healthcare accessibility and housing costs. In fact, it fundamentally agrees with its Western counterparts on goals and social policy prescriptions taxing cigarettes heavily, regulating where they can be smoked and targeting smoking as a public health problem, for example. However, as evidenced in its aforementioned set of economic incentives and deterrents on private vehicle ownership, Singapore at times is willing to go much further. Interestingly, other than perhaps limiting the total number of license plates available, most of Singapores methods to address traffic, emissions and fuel dependency are shared by numerous other developed nations just not in such a comprehensive combination. Singapore takes the bold step of targeting a shift in both the supply AND demand curves around driving. Critics often label Singapore as Paternalistic which by definition may be true. But such is the case with almost any social policy legislation in any country. The question is whether to view Singapores methods as heavy-handed, or effective. I can only say that when I drive swiftly over Seattles 520 bridge or when I sit in gridlock on Los Angeles 405 Freeway its hard not to think Singapore makes a good point. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in two months, causing concern about their "stiff" body language. The Sussexes stood unified side-by-side in a video sent to a United Nations conference in Colombia in an effort to promote online safety for children. In the clip, published by 'The Independent' on Friday, November 8, the pair stood still while speaking directly to the camera. "We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident," Harry, 40, began in the video. "While the necessity has always been apparent, it's now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action." Markle chimed in, saying how they "recognize that today's reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives; at which, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age." "At the Archewell Foundation, we engage with young people, families and experts worldwide, learning about how every aspect of a child's life from their livelihood to their physical and mental well-being now operates within an online economy that has both the power to shape and misshape our connections," the mom of two added. The video marks the duo's first public sighting since their widely-covered tour of Colombia in August. The 43-year-old and her husband has ventured on solo engagements over the past couple months. The announcement, shared at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, came days after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, besting Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has openly criticized the royal couple in months past. According to 'The Independent,' Trump previously addressed Harry's US visa application, and in February during a political conference, slammed the Biden administration for being "too gracious" to Harry after he moved to California in 2020 with Markle. "I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the queen," Trump told 'Express,' per 'The Daily Beast.' "That's unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me." 1 Mas de un centenar de personas atendidas tras una mascleta en la Plaza del Ayuntamiento con asistencia masiva Hey there, my entrepreneurial friend! Welcome back to Stark Raving Entrepreneurs! Im Terry Brock, your enthusiastic host, and today weve got a real treat for you. Joining me is none other than Chuck Gallagher, the video-producing marketing genius who knows whats working right now with video. Were diving into the buzzing world of video content as we wrap up 2024. Chuck is sharing some seriously intriguing insights on how you can harness the power of video to skyrocket your marketing game. Trust me, youre gonna love what hes got to say about the magic of consistent content creation, the strategic use of YouTube channels, and tons more. Whether youre a pro speaker or just looking to up your online presence, this chat is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom. Chucks even got some brilliant real-world examples that will show you exactly how to turn your content into cash. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and lets have some fun while learning how to make videos work for you. Lets dive in! Recommended AI tools for business growth. http://AItools4biz.com Heres a link to the video: https://youtu.be/a4zqwMJI2aY Listen to this & other episodes on our podcast https://bit.ly/sre_podcast Timestamps Here are seven key points highlighted with time stamps from the episode: here are seven key timestamps from this episode of Stark Raving Entrepreneurs: [00:00:00 00:00:34] Introduction: Terry Brock introduces the importance of video marketing, particularly for professional speakers, and sets up the discussion with Chuck Gallagher. [00:01:27 00:02:24] Importance of Having a YouTube Channel: Chuck discusses the surprising number of professional leadership speakers who dont have YouTube channels and highlights the necessity of being present on the platform. [00:03:17 00:04:05] Correlation Between High Fees and YouTube Presence: Chuck explains how the highest-paid speakers all have a substantial YouTube presence, with numerous videos and high subscriber counts. [00:04:46 00:05:43] Consistency and Content Creation: Chuck talks about his own experience of producing a video a day in 2023 and its impact on growing his subscribers to over 112,000. [00:06:01 00:06:24] Differentiation in a Crowded Market: Terry and Chuck discuss how to stand out by consistently posting quality content, even amid the massive volume of videos on YouTube. [00:07:02 00:07:25] Market for Experienced Content Creators: Chuck emphasizes that there is a significant market for experienced professionals who can provide consistent, high-quality content. [00:08:35 00:09:32] Repurposing Content: Chuck shares a case study with Jane Jeachen Furlong, demonstrating how repurposing existing content effectively can improve search visibility and reach. For your convenience, heres a Spanish language summary: En este episodio, Terry Brock y Chuck Gallagher discuten la importancia del video en el marketing, especialmente para los oradores profesionales. Chuck comparte sus experiencias y revela que tanto la cantidad como la calidad del contenido de video son cruciales. A traves de un analisis de canales de YouTube de oradores de liderazgo, Chuck descubre que aquellos con mayores tarifas de honorarios no solo tienen canales de YouTube, sino que ademas poseen cientos de videos y un gran numero de suscriptores. Chuck enfatiza que la consistencia en la produccion de contenido es fundamental y comparte su propio exito al incrementar significativamente sus suscriptores al publicar un video diario durante un ano. Tambien destaca la importancia de optimizar y reutilizar contenido existente mediante el etiquetado adecuado y la segmentacion del contenido en videos mas cortos. Para cerrar, Chuck ofrece sus servicios de produccion y estrategia de video a los oyentes interesados en mejorar su presencia en linea y aumentar sus ingresos. Terry concluye recordando a la audiencia la importancia de convertir su contenido en efectivo. Espero que este resumen te sea util. For your convenience, heres a transcript of this episode: Terry Brock [00:00:00]: Hey. You know that video is really hot. Right now, it is one of the popular ways, and really one of the most popular and most beneficial ways that you can market yourself as a professional speaker, or if youre in other areas as well. We know its important. But whats working and what isnt working, and what do you need to do right now as were looking at it? Here, were in the 4th quarter of 2024 as were reporting this. So we wanna see what is working and what isnt, and to find out, hey. Were here in the hotel, having to hop over here in Orlando to see the one and only Chuck Gallagher join us. Chuck, thanks for being with us today, Larry. Chuck Gallagher [00:00:34]: Its awesome to be with you. I mean, Im in this Im in Brazil too. Right? Terry Brock [00:00:39]: This is a you know, were all out here. So I wanna make it were not gonna let you get away from you. Youll find out what is working in video today because you work with hundreds of people, regular people as well as professional speakers. Youre showing them, heres what we need to do. Heres how to put you good video. Matter of fact, you just put one together for me that I got last night at the final day. Really good. You folks need to look into it. Terry Brock [00:01:01]: I mean, really nice. Ive been doing one for a while. Chuck and his team did a superb job on that. Okay. He made it Chuck Gallagher [00:01:07]: easy. Yeah. Lets just be honest. Okay? You did make it easy. Terry Brock [00:01:11]: Well, Bradley, but I thought, okay. Like, Chucks here. Hes doing the presentation, and invited us to come out just to say hello. We had a little red chair. I thought, let me bring my camera. Let me get some video on this. Happened with this genius brain of his. So, Chuck, you see a lot of people working with video today. Terry Brock [00:01:27]: What is working today that maybe didnt work as well before? Its something that we need to make sure that were doing if were using video for marketing our services. Okay. So, Terry, probably AI Speaker Male [00:01:38]: the thing that strikes me most is quantity of video. Now dont misinterpret this. Quality is important. But let let me give you just a quick story. Terry Brock [00:01:46]: Yeah. Please. Thank you. So I AI Speaker Male [00:01:48]: went to espeakers, and I said, I wanna search so pick the topic leadership speakers. Mhmm. Lots of Terry Brock [00:01:54]: Oh, there was actually 2 or 3 of those that do that. Right? No. No. 2 or 300 brilliant, I think. AI Speaker Male [00:01:59]: But weve been leadership speakers. And then so so I took the first 25 that came up in the in the search. Uh-huh. And I said, okay. Im curious. How many of them had a YouTube channel? How many of them had how many videos did they have? And how many subscribers did they have? Okay. Now heres what was weird. Out of 25, 9 didnt even have a channel. Terry Brock [00:02:24]: They didnt even have a channel? Channel. Woah. Okay. No channel. AI Speaker Male [00:02:27]: So its like, okay. How do you expect it to be found as a speaker if you dont have a YouTube channel? Hello? Okay. But that meant 16 did. Alright. So then of the 16 that did I have a chance at home. On average, they had 78 subscribers, and they had less than a 100 videos. It was like, okay. Let let me redo the search. AI Speaker Male [00:02:51]: So I went back to espeakers, and I said, okay. Lets do leadership speakers, but I want to I wanna search different criteria. I want it from highest feed to lowest. K? So I did that, and then I took the first 25 highest fee to lowest and did the same question. How many have a YouTube channel? How many videos? How many subscribers? Not surprising. Every one of them had a YouTube channel. Mhmm. 100%. Terry Brock [00:03:17]: Not surprising. Not surprising. Yep. AI Speaker Male [00:03:19]: They had an average of over 456 videos on their channels. Some had well over that. The surprising thing was, 25, all of them had over a 1000000 subscribers. Im not suggesting because youre dealing with folks like Tony Robbins. Okay? So I get it. You you know, people that are very high fees. But the issue became, if youre the highest paid fee speaker and you look down that list and theres a 100% of them have a channel, they have hundreds of videos, and they have lots of subscribers, the way to be found in your niche is to take advantage of whats free and whats out there. Its content. Terry Brock [00:04:05]: Content. We keep talking about that, about content to cash, and then start creating entrepreneurs. You mentioned that. Doing more content all the time. So how much content do you need? What would you say? How well is woah. AI Speaker Male [00:04:17]: You know? So so let let me put it this way. In 2022, I had a little over 2,000 subscribers on my channel. Yeah. Nothing dramatic. K? And I sat back and I thought to myself, well, this is dumb. Ive got a video production company. I mean, its not like I cant produce video. Do you know how to produce video and how to produce video? Its not rocket science at this point. AI Speaker Male [00:04:37]: Got a iPhone, Android, you can produce video. So I decided in 2023, I was going to produce a video a day. Some of them were short. Terry Brock [00:04:46]: So Okay. Some of them were longer videos, but a video AI Speaker Male [00:04:49]: a day. So I did that. What I ended up with at this point is now a little over a 112,000 subscribers and a lot of videos on my video chat. Terry Brock [00:04:59]: Mhmm. Now do you think theres a right correlation to the number of videos you created that were quality, good, and AI Speaker Male [00:05:04]: the number of subscribers you got? Absolutely. Okay. Because what ended up happening was Im creating enough content that the people that subscribe found interest or more importantly, I think for you and me is YouTube says, oh, look. This person is consistently producing content. They must be important. Well start promoting their content in our algorithm. Well, the more your contents promoted, the more subscribers youre naturally gonna have, the more subscribers you have, typically, the easier it is to be found. And I and I say this respectfully, but I got invited to speak to in Poland at a cybersecurity conference. AI Speaker Male [00:05:43]: Good. I was not soliciting that. I didnt know it existed. They sound me. How do Terry Brock [00:05:49]: they find you? YouTube. YouTube. Only 2. There it is a good chance. Bluetooth. People are watching that thing. And if you got content, which we should have, put it out. And if you dont have content, put it out there. Terry Brock [00:06:01]: Thats important, but its gotta be quality because we also do not lack job for a video to watch. Its not like people are sitting around going, gee. I got I AI Speaker Male [00:06:08]: wish there was a video Terry Brock [00:06:09]: I could watch. Well, no. We we got it. So how do we differentiate ourselves in a mass of a 100 bazillion, I think thats the exact number I like that. Video. A 100 bazillion videos released every nanosecond, I think. Its something like it. Well, you know, Terry, you AI Speaker Male [00:06:24]: you look at what you and Gina do. Terry Brock [00:06:25]: Okay? You have a you have a AI Speaker Male [00:06:28]: clear following. Youve got a clear niche. You know what youre talking about. Youre always bringing content, quality content and new ideas to the forefront. So people that know you and people are looking for the type of material you provide are going to be there. So, you you know, lets put it this way. You and I, either one, could go out and we could create plenty of content, and there are lots of young people younger than us. Right? K? But lots of young people that just pump out lots and lots of content. AI Speaker Male [00:07:02]: But there is a marketplace for someone that has age and experience and background and skill speaking to bring content as well. So its not that its theres only one place in that market for something. If youre good at what you do, consistently provide content because thats how youre going to be found. Terry Brock [00:07:25]: I like it. Thats Brandon. Persist with more than what you can do and consistently providing good quality content. Because if you do that, youre solving a problem. Youre helping people. Youre finding that niche. My niche is not, automotive repair of 1957 Chevrolets, but theres probably a niche for that that there is. They could do that. Terry Brock [00:07:44]: Thats serious. You gotta find your niche, what it is thats working for you. So, Chuck, we can do these things. I know you help a lot of people, not only with viewing the videos. You do a great job, but also kicking ideas around. What can work? How they can take video and blend it in to start making, more money, do better in their business? How does someone get reach out and get AI Speaker Male [00:08:01]: in touch with you? Well, thats easy enough. Chuck@chuckallager.com. Please spell that. Mhmm. Chuck, c Terry Brock [00:08:08]: h u c k Right. AI Speaker Male [00:08:09]: Chuck Gallagher, g a l l a g h e r, or Chuck at Primo Productions. Primo is primeamproductions.com. And, you know, a lot of times, what we do is we just strategize on the marketing, on the concept of what needs to be done. Let me give you a quick example. Yeah, please. Jane Jeachen Furlong Mhmm. Were doing these Saturday interviews. They were about an hour in length. AI Speaker Male [00:08:35]: And, yeah, if you searched on YouTube for southern female humorist, which is what Jane is Mhmm. Yep. She just didnt show up. Yeah. And it went from miss South Carolina. From miss South Carolina. Great, Great stories. And it was like, Jane, youve got content. AI Speaker Male [00:08:52]: You Im making this easy for me, but youve interviewed Chuck Gallagher, and you had 9 questions. So why dont we take the hour video, cut it into 9 videos so each video, each question is its own video, and make sure that were tagging the southern female humors, southern female humors. But now if you search YouTube and say southern female humors, Janes gonna show up because we took existing content, repurposed the existing content, made sure it was content rich with keywords so that when you search, shes going to be found, which didnt mean she had to create a lot of new content. She just had to use the content she had in a more effective and productive way. Terry Brock [00:09:32]: I like it. Well, Chuck, words of wisdom. We really appreciate that. Not only you gotta get to know this guy. And Will does a great job with he and his team putting together a video. I just experienced that myself. And, also, ideas that you can use, concepts of whats working in video today to build your business. And then even above all of that, just one swell guy. Terry Brock [00:09:52]: Great guy. Chuck, what do you mean for being with us today? AI Speaker Male [00:09:54]: You so much. Terry Brock [00:09:54]: Appreciate that. And for those of you that are watching this, wondering how do we implement this, this is an example of what you can do. We talk about this as start leading entrepreneurs. Gina Carr and I talk about how you can take what youve got and turn your content into cash. Im Terry Maher. Thanks for joining me today. Were excited to hear it from you. Our old friend Merriam Webster or some guy named Google, depending upon your age defines the term as the unrelieved weight of an inert mass, such as a heavy load that does not contribute to the performance or function of a system. While our first impression may be that of a particular co-worker or family member, I believe that Ive discovered the actual origin of the phrase: whitetail deer. These animals are the most abundant and most popular big game animal in North America. They are also the most widespread and frequently harvested member of the Cervidae family. Yes, in this case, harvested is a somewhat gentler descriptive term for killed. Despite wording preferences, what you end up with is dead weight. During my earliest days as a game protector, now termed a wildlife officer, there were far fewer deer roaming Ohios wilds. Back in 1973, the entire states population was guesstimated at less than 50,000 animals, and it wasnt until 1979 that deer were even allowed to be gun-hunted in every county. The animal was popular with hunters and wildlife watchers alike, and the Division of Wildlifes biologists were working on a controlled increase of the population. Poachers had also taken a shine or should I say shining to deer, causing even road-hit deer to sometimes become suspicious. It was this idea that had the divisions officers competing with local vultures to inspect the carcass. This chore included ensuring the animal was hit by a vehicle, certificating the carcass to the unlucky driver or loading up the animal onto our own vehicles for disposal. Hoisting dead deer solo into a pick-up truck or onto a board extending from the Reese hitch taught me the science of the term dead weight, the value of Doans Pills and new descriptive adjectives best muttered quietly under my breath. The science The increasing number of successful hunters taking these deer were also learning about the animals dead weight and the algebraic formula to ascertain its true measurement. That methodology goes like this: MOD X DTV X RFp48 X AoT X DwDR + (2X) HaS X HtL (0.5) FH X HtFL = (SWAG). These calculations are sometimes erroneously referred to as dead reckoning. In true analytical form, each value is: MOD = mass of deer; DTV = distance to vehicle; RFp48 = rainfall in past 48 hours; AoT = angle of terrain; DwDR = distance to retrieve forgotten drag rope; HaS = hours after sunset; FH = friends help; HtFL = height of final lift for loading. Figure all this out and you have the (SWAG) = a scientific wild a guess. This explains the many guesstimated 450-pound bucks and 350-pound antlerless deer killed each year that somehow shrink between the loading point and the butchers block. It also results in many dead tired hunters also being described as dead weight once they find the sofa. Heavyweights But really, how big are whitetails? Lets take a look at three of the real heavyweights. The bulkiest whitetail on record was killed in Minnesota by Carl Lenader in 1926. It weighed 511 pounds and dressed out at a whopping 402 pounds. The next big buck, according to Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine, was bagged in 1977. It was taken by John Arnett in Ontario, Canada. It allegedly field dressed at 431 pounds as weighed on a government scale and was guessed to have a live weight of 540 pounds. It appears that the buck was butchered before official examination (refer to above formula). Then there is the Hinkley Buck of Maine taken in 1955, one of the largest deer ever taken. It also happens to be the most well-documented whitetail giant (documentation is known to supersede the described equation). Hunter Horace Hinkleys historical hunting story was published in the Northwoods Sporting Journal, Once this great buck was hoisted up in front of several witnesses, including state sealer of weights, Forrest Brown, the giant deer pulled the scales to a whopping 355 pounds. It was calculated that Hinckleys buck had an approximate live weight of 488 pounds. Several measurements were then taken which included: neck girth, 28 inches; body girth behind forelegs, 47 inches; greatest girth, 56 inches and a total length from antler tip to rear hoof of 9 1/2 feet. In game wardens technical terms, thats a honker of a deer. My guess is that Horace and his friends calculations following the animals retrieval were in the neighborhood of a monstrous 1,200 pound (SWAG) a number that shriveled considerably when those computations were tested at the scale, but its still a honker of a deer. Measuring tape method. Is there a way to measure deer without resorting to that debatable algebra prior to arriving at a de-lying scale? Yes, there is. The only thing youll need is a seamstresss measuring tape. This information was collected by the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to solve the age-old question of how much does my deer weigh? To accomplish the task, lay the deer on its side and measure the girth just behind the front legs. See the chart for a sampling of their calculations; Ill skip the tiny ones because nobody brags about those anyway. A quick check online found, not surprisingly, dedicated measuring devices just for whitetail deer. One such item available at Farm and Ranch Depot (farmandranchdepot.com) is called Uncle Jacks Trophy Deer Weight Estimation Tape. It estimates live and dressed weight as well as the amount of edible meat to expect, handling live weights up to 380 pounds. I still like to call these best guesstimates. If you want to know a deers weight with certainty or think you have a new heavyweight champion, youre going to need a certified scale and reliable witnesses. Thats where your professional butcher comes in handy. Whats noteworthy in Pennsylvanias calculations is their edible meat estimations. It averages approximately 40 to 45%. Experience tells me that seems a little heavy. Gun and arrow wounds can damage a lot of meat and inexperienced or haphazard butchering can also cost the final poundage. Ive always felt that the tally of meat in the freezer will be closer to a third of the deers live weight. All bets are off if you start smoking cuts or processing jerky (two of my very favorite types of venison). So, next time youre dragging that dead weight of uncut venison from the back 40, remember to give thanks. Thanks for your health, the opportunity to be able to choose to hunt, for entering a world where you become part of an ancient history of hunting and gathering, for the satisfaction and the solace and especially for that buddy with a four-wheeler. Accuracy is twin brother to honesty, and inaccuracy to dishonesty. Nathaniel Hawthorne Measuring your whitetail deer Measuring-tape method for determining the weight of a whitetail deer as presented by the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Girth: 30 LW 90 DW 70 EM 39 Grith: 33 LW 110 DW 87 EM 50 Girth: 35 LW 126 DW 99 EM 57 Girth: 38 LW 157 DW 126 EM 71 Girth: 39 LW 169 DW 135 EM 74 Girth: 40 LW 182 DW 144 EM 80 Girth: 41 LW 195 DW 156 EM 88 Girth: 42 LW 210 DW 170 EM 94 Girth: 43 LW 228 DW 182 EM 103 Grith: 44 LW 244 DW 198 EM 110 Girth: 45 LW 267 DW 214 EM 120 Girth: 46 LW 290 DW 233 EM 130 Girth: 47 LW 310 DW 251 EM 139 Grith: 48 LW 340 DW 272 EM 153 * Key: LW = Live Weight DW = Dressed Weight EM = Edible Meat COLUMBUS The School of Environment and Natural Resources at Ohio State Universitys College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will host an Environmental Professionals Network breakfast event from 7:15-10 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive. The event will mark the importance of soil health during the inaugural Ohio Soil Health Week. Ohio Soil Health Week is a weeklong event that includes outreach and educational opportunities aimed at raising awareness of Ohios most valuable natural resource: soil. The breakfast will feature a welcome from SENR professor Jim Ippolito and Sakthi Kumaran Subburayalu, associate professor at Central State University. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Ohio soil health advocates and innovative producers in a panel discussion moderated by Amalie Lipstreu, agriculture conservation regional hub director at the California Climate & Agriculture Network. Cost to attend is $25 for non-students, $5 for students and free for virtual participants. Visit epn.osu.edu to learn more and to register. ROME, Ohio With grain entrapments being the leading cause of confined space-related injury and death on farms, Ohios first responders are intensifying their efforts to confront one of agricultures deadliest traps head-on. Recently, more than 50 first responders from local Ohio fire departments convened at the Rome Fire Department in Ashtabula County ahead of one such incident they want to be ready for: a grain bin rescue. The National Education Center for Agriculture Safety conducted the session Oct. 22, led by Brian Freese, a firefighter and instructor with extensive experience in agriculture-based rescue. The training session emphasized the high stakes, immediate response strategies and specialized equipment needed to save lives in confined, hazardous farming environments. The reason we do this is because agriculture is and probably always will be statistically the most dangerous occupation in America, Freese said. That simple Freese has provided various training to first responders in seven states since April this year, including one on manure pit safety and rescue and another on the dangers of a combine harvesters augers. His rotation across the country highlights the urgent demand for the rescue training NECAS offers, particularly as statistics reveal a rise in farm accidents related to confined spaces and grain entrapment. While tractor rollovers remain the primary cause of death on farms, statistics from a 2023 Purdue University study revealed grain entrapment is the leading cause of agricultural confined space-related injuries and fatalities. New findings reported no fewer than 55 cases involving agricultural confined spaces last year, with more than half of them fatal. The study found a nearly 34% decrease over the 83 cases documented in 2022, but Freese said he believes that number will climb back up. He illustrated the specific difficulties involved in rescuing a person trapped in a grain bin, demonstrating with rescue tubes, augers and hands-on techniques designed to give firefighters the best chance to save lives in situations where every second counts. Someones going to get trapped in grain. Its as simple as, they go in the bin while the auger is running, or the auger gets turned on while theyre in there. That simple, he said. Most people get trapped when the grain gets just above their knees. In that scenario, the training made it clear that first responders have more than simply grain and gravity to be concerned about. Over in Iowa 15, 16 years ago, I think, Freese said, a father and son entered their grain bin and they didnt come back out. They werent trapped by grain. What killed them? A few attendees responded: Gas. Gas, Freese said. They had a fire in the bin. And the fire put itself out when it ran out of A few more voices joined in. Oxygen. Oxygen, Freese continued. So, they never called the fire department. They went in the next day to check the damage and they didnt come back out. When the fire department got there to retrieve the bodies, at that point, there was 1% oxygen in that grain bin, 500 parts per million of carbon monoxide. They were dead pretty quick. Many dangers The training aimed to strengthen first responders existing skills. Regrouping outside, similar to the protocol in structure fires, allows responders to reassess a situation before heading back into a potentially hazardous area. Having a charged hose line is worth the time and trouble. Get families safely out of the way and explain to them that rescue takes time and is a process, Freese said, and keep them up-to-date. Make sure everyone on the team understands their responsibilities and is looking out for one another. If youve ever heard the phrase, Dont make this emergency your emergency, thats what were talking about. You dont do anybody any good if you get hurt or killed. So just use what you got, (and) be smart about it, he said. Freese said most fire departments woefully underestimate what a rapid intervention team will need. During an entrapment scenario, first responders must have the proper equipment, such as a high-quality 4-gas monitor. At no time in the class was the use of tripods, winches or other pulley systems discussed for rescuing farmers from grain bins, since they wont do much good, Freese said. When trapped, pulling someone out of a grain bin manually is nearly impossible due to the force of the grain. So if I hook onto that guy with a winch and start cranking, what am I going to do? Freese asked. Rip them in half, someone answered. And well get that part for you, Freese said. Grain entrapment is especially dangerous because of how quickly a person can be immobilized and pulled down in seconds. Freese later demonstrated how grain can sink someone to their waist in less than 15 seconds and completely bury them in 30. He also covered aspects of emergency medical care specific to grain rescues. Grain can exert immense pressure on a trapped persons body, restricting blood flow. Prolonged entrapment can lead to crush syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that requires advanced medical support. The average extrication time in America is three and a half hours from the time you get on scene. Travel not included, Freese said. These tend to be long events, and they are labor and manpower intensive These incidents happen much much quicker than most farmers realize, and most people realize. The demonstration A local farm provided 110 bushels of grain for the exercises. At the end of the session, the grain was returned. Ed Koziol, Rome fire chief, emphasized the importance of being prepared. We hope we never have to use it, but you cant put a price on it. To go in there without something like this (training), youre putting further risk to the victim and certainly higher risk to the rescuer, Koziol said. The methods that first responders use to rescue those trapped in grain bins have improved with the addition of grain rescue tubes. At the Rome session, first responders got to see them in action. The grain tube gets built in panels to create a cofferdam around the victim. Meanwhile, a powerful auger, operated with a brushless drill to avoid casting sparks and causing potential explosions, vacuums the grain out of the tube surrounding the victim, removing two and a half bushels a minute. Its a process that takes teamwork, communication and precision all of which are part of a firefighters normal repertoire, but which came into focus repeatedly during the session. Dan Neenan, NECAS director, explained the importance of giving firefighters the resources to be successful. When we deliver those tubes, you never know whos going to be the one to call you (later) and say, Hey, youll never guess what, he said. Correcting misconceptions is another goal of the grain bin rescue training. A lot of times, when we go to a bigger city, (first responders will) come up, and theyll pick up the corn, and theyll bounce it up and down in their hand. And theyll say, Theres no way this is going to trap me, Neenan said. We make believers out of them in a real quick hurry. A lifeline Across the country, the NECAS grain bin training program has distributed over 300 rescue tubes to local fire departments and has been credited with saving 42 lives. Now the Rome fire department has their own. As interest in agricultural safety grows, NECAS continues expanding its offerings, including additional training on other farm hazards. According to Neenan, NECASs role in educating firefighters on confined-space rescue protocols is vital as new challenges emerge. Were finally starting to see the number of tractor roll over fatalities go down, but were starting to see the ATV, UTV fatalities go up, he said. For rural firefighters, many of whom grew up on or around farms, NECAS training sessions are more than just classroom lessons. I worked on farms as a kid through school, and its dangerous, Koziol said. I mean, you know, quite honestly, we were lucky. There was always a certain amount of safety, but its stressed far more now. The grain bin rescue training is more than a practical exercise its a lifeline. As Neenan and Freese both stressed, a few hours of preparation could be the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic accident. It is a rescue until proven otherwise, Freese said. This problem is getting worse, not better. Farmers can nominate their fire department to receive their own rescue tube and training starting on Jan. 1 here. NFU Scotland has questioned NatureScots impartiality in its forthcoming role as reporter to the Scottish government on the proposed Galloway National Park. The union highlighted that NatureScots position in favour of a new national park 'calls into question its ability to conduct a public consultation in an impartial manner'. The comments were made by NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy in a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon. NatureScot, acting as reporter for the Scottish government on this matter, opened a formal consultation on whether a new national park should be established in Galloway and parts of South and East Ayrshire. But in the letter to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Kennedy wrote: NatureScot committed to conducting its investigation in an open, transparent and inclusive way, but unfortunately, its clear bias is preventing this from happening. Our members in the Galloway and Ayrshire regions feel that their views are not represented, their voices are not heard, and their opinions do not matter. "They feel the matter on whether Galloway should become a new national park has already been decided by a small minority. The region was chosen from a five-strong shortlist after a lengthy review of criteria, despite concern from rural and farming groups. If given the official designation, Galloway will be the first national park in the UK in about 15 years. But NFU Scotland and other industry groups have maintained strong opposition since the early stages of its bid. In a public survey undertaken by the union, the majority (73%) of 2,000 respondents said they were against the proposal. Throughout the consultation process, the union has emphasised to Scottish government and NatureScot how it fears the park will impact rural communities and future food production. On 30 October, the union's regional manager for Dumfries and Galloway gave oral evidence to the Scottish parliament, underlining how disappointed farmers were with the process of handling the proposal. Mhairi Dawson highlighted that the agriculture, climate and biodiversity aims of a new national park would already be delivered by the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act, therefore negating the need for a national park. She said: "We have clear concerns that NatureScot has already intimated that it is not neutral in this matter. "NatureScot is a proponent of a national park and that brings its impartiality as a reporter into question. Northern Ireland's farm leaders have held a crisis meeting to address the 'threat' facing farming from both UK and NI government policies. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) met with the region's leading food businesses and organisations to warn about the industry's 'long term threats'. Discussions centred on the UK government's changes to agricultural property relief (APR), as well as local environmental regulatory issues such as ammonia restrictions. UFU president William Irvine said the APR changes were 'outrageous and out of touch', as family farms in Northern Ireland would face a 'massive blow' if they went ahead. He said: "Our message to both local and national politicians is simple you must understand the value and contribution of agriculture. We need your backing, not more barriers. The crisis meeting of industry leaders, which took place on Thursday (7 November), also stressed the challenges posed by ever-tightening regulations. The meeting heard that restrictions due to ammonia emissions was stalling progress, preventing farmers from modernising, improving animal welfare and investing in more sustainable systems. Mr Irvine said: "Farmers are committed to reducing emissions, but these blunt policies are pushing us backwards, stalling essential planning applications and blocking vital investment in farm infrastructure. "The entire agri-food industry will be impacted if we dont get sensible, practical solutions, he warned. The UFU said that without new policies, farms would struggle to compete against imports, leaving local food production under threat. This won't just affect farms, it would hit the entire agri-economy, rural communities, and consumers who relied on high-quality, locally produced food. Fewer planning permissions mean less opportunities to upgrade, innovate, and assist in reducing emissions," said Mr Irvine. "If we continue down this road, NIs agricultural landscape will face reduced investment, inefficiency, and an inability to remain competitive." At the meeting, agri-industry leaders also raised the issue of bovine TB, which had a 'severe impact' not only on the livestock industry, but on the well-being of farmers. Mr Irvine said: "Farmers are at their wits end. TB is a constant battle, and its ripping through our rural communities, bringing the livestock industry to its knees." It comes as farmers across the UK are set to descend on central London as part of a rally against the government's recent autumn budget. Organised by the NFU, the 'mass lobby of MPs' will take place at the Church House conference centre in Westminster, on 19 November. Yesterday, the NFU issued an update on the rally, saying it was now at 'full capacity', with unregistered farmers told not to travel to the capital. Farmers in Scotland have also organised a rally which will take place outside the Scottish parliament, to send a message of the importance of the industry. The protest will take place outside the Scottish parliament on 28 November, ahead of the Scottish governments own budget which is due to take place on 4 December. Concluding the meeting in Northern Ireland, Mr Irvine said: "Were committed the industry is ready and willing to act but we need real support from government. "Were not just asking for change, were demanding it. Agriculture is too important to be ignored by politicians." Police are hunting for 43 monkeys who have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina. Macaque monkeys are on the loose in South Carolina The rhesus macaque monkeys fled on Wednesday (06.11.24) after a keeper left their pen open at Alpha Genesis - a company that breeds primates for medical testing and research. Residents in the Lowcountry area of the US state have been told to keep their doors and windows firmly shut and to report any sightings of the female monkeys immediately. Police said: "Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances." Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard described the monkey escape as "frustrating". He told CBS News: "It's really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go. "It was a group of 50, and seven stayed behind and 43 bolted out of the door. "There are some little things to eat in the woods but no apples which are what they really like, so we are hoping that will draw them in the next day or two." Cillian Murphy finds rewatching 'Peaky Blinders' "heartbreaking". Cillian Murphy says rewatching Peaky Blinders is 'heartbreaking' The 48-year-old actor is to reprising his role as Tommy Shelby in an upcoming movie, 'The Immortal Man', so has been watching old episodes of the drama - which ran for six series between 2013 and 2022 - as part of his preparations and though he found the storylines enjoyable when he was able to detach himself, it wasn't an easy watch because of the scenes involving his late co-star Helen McCrory, who died of cancer in 2021. When asked about rewatching the show, he told Britain's GQ magazine: "Since I started producing I was a producer on 'Peaky' you kind of have to. It kind of takes the curse off of it. It was very nice watching it, because it was actually quite a good show. When asked if he can distance himself from the show, he added: "A little bit. "It was also quite heartbreaking, you know, because I was watching Helen McCrory, and we lost her. "But you can distance yourself from it, and look at and say, 'Right, that's the atmosphere we want. That's the look we need, that's the silhouette, and that's the energy we need from it.' We need to turn it up for the movie, obviously." Despite playing Tommy for so many years, the Oscar-winning star insisted it isn't "easy" to get back into character but after a few weeks, it is like a "second skin". He said: "You have to figure it out again. It's not easy. You can't just switch him on and off. It takes a moment. It takes more than a moment, it takes a few weeks to get back to it. I have to watch some of it to remember what it's all about. But then when you get into it, it does become like a second skin because I've been playing him for like 12 years or something." READ NEXT: Man Utd analysis: Three players United should sign to thrive under Ruben Amorim Quincy Jones daughter has hailed him as a giant. Quincy Jones daughter has hailed him as a giant The music producer titan best known as the producer of the late Michael Jackson's Thriller album for working with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles died aged of 91 on Sunday (03.11.24) surrounded by his family. Father-of-seven Quincys daughter Rashida Jones, 48, ha snow said in an emotional Instagram post alongside a snap of her with him when she was a baby: My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life," she wrote alongside a photo of her with him as a baby. He kept jazz hours starting in high school and never looked back. When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music.) He would never send me back to bed. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work...there was no safer place in the world for me. He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius. All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. Thats his legacy. I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. Ill miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Rashida signed off her tribute: Daddy, it is an honour to be your daughter. Your love lives forever. As well as Thriller, Quincy produced Off the Wall and Bad for Michael Jackson, as well as records for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, George Benson and Dizzy Gillespie. He married three times, to high-school girlfriend Jeri Caldwell for nine years until 1966, then Ulla Andersson from 1967 to 1974 and Peggy Lipton, who he wed the same year as his second divorce before they split in 1989. He had daughter Jolie with Jeri, a son, Quincy Jr, and daughter Martina, with Ulla and two daughters, Rashida and Kidada with Peggy. The musician also had daughter Rachel from a brief relationship with Carol Reynolds and Kenya with Nastassja Kinski. Catherine, Princess of Wales will attend Remembrance events in London over the weekend. Catherine, Princess of Wales will attend Remembrance events The 42-year-old royal has slowly been returning to public duties after undergoing abdominal surgery and subsequent preventative chemotherapy treatment, and Buckingham Palace have now confirmed she will be present for the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday (09.11.24) evening and the service at the Cenotaph on Sunday (10.11.24). Queen Camilla's attendance has yet to be confirmed as she withdrew from engagements this week after contracting a chest infection and she will take medical advice nearer the time. The confirmation of Catherine's attendance comes after her husband Prince William admitted 2024 has been "brutal" as both his wife and father King Charles underwent cancer treatment. Asked on his trip to South Africa how his year has been, he replied: Honestly? Its been dreadful. Its probably been the hardest year in my life. Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal. Catherine revealed in a video message in March she was undergoing cancer treatment, then in September issued another video saying she had finished her chemotherapy and was taking each day as it comes. William gave another rare update on his wifes health amid his four-day visit to South Africa for his Earthshot Prize ceremony. He said of his wife: Shes doing really well thanks. And I hopefully she is watching tonight. Cheering me on. Shes been amazing this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success. Prince William has had the most brutal year of his life. Prince William has had the most brutal year of his life The future king, 42, was left reeling when his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, started to undergo preventative cancer treatment after she went into hospital for abdominal surgery in January, and he has now opened up about the torment hes gone through in the wake of her health fight. Asked on his trip to South Africa how his year has been, he replied: Honestly? Its been dreadful. Its probably been the hardest year in my life. He told of his trauma in an interview with UK print media in Cape Town, while in South Africa for the presentation earlier this week of his environmental Earthshot Prize. William added: Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal. Catherine revealed in a video message in March she was undergoing cancer treatment, then in September issued another video saying she had finished her chemotherapy and was taking each day as it comes. Catherine is now expected to attend Remembrance Sunday memorials as she slowly makes a return to public life. The Mail Online said she is set to attend Remembrance Sunday events this weekend after her husband Prince William said she was doing really well. It added Caterine has spoken with aides about staging her annual Christmas carol service in December. The outlet said she had held a meeting about the event with her team at Windsor Castle in September. William gave the rare update on his wifes health amid his four-day visit to South Africa for his environmental efforts almost two months after she declared she was cancer-free on September 9, after completing chemotherapy treatment. He said of his wife: Shes doing really well thanks. And I hopefully she is watching tonight. Cheering me on. Shes been amazing this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success. Garment exports from Sri Lanka reached $3,479.0 million during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 4.0 per cent increase compared to the $3,345.5 million exported during the same period in the previous year, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. From January to September 2024, textile exports from Sri Lanka saw a year-on-year decline of 15.9 per cent, totalling $224.3 million. In the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles rose by 5.9 per cent, amounting to $80.9 million, as reported in the Central Bank's publication titled External Sector Performance September 2024. Sri Lanka's garment exports reached $3,479 million in Jan-Sept 2024, a 4.0 per cent increase from the previous year. However, textile exports declined by 15.9 per cent, totalling $224.3 million. Imports of textiles and clothing rose significantly, with textiles up by 18.2 per cent. In 2023, garment exports dropped by 19 per cent to $4,440.6 million, and textile imports fell by 22.6 per cent. The combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for 50.84 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during this period. Total textile product exports amounted to $3,784.1 million between January and September 2024, while Sri Lanka's overall industrial exports were valued at $7,442.2 million for the same period. In September 2024, textile and garment exports rose by 15.5 per cent year-on-year, reaching $419.3 million. By category, garment exports saw a substantial increase of 19.6 per cent, totalling $389.0 million, while textile exports dropped by 24.1 per cent to $22.2 million. Exports of other manufactured textile articles decreased by 4.8 per cent, reaching $8.2 million. On the import side, textiles and textile articles saw an 18.2 per cent rise, totalling $2,080.6 million, while imports of clothing and accessories increased by 26.1 per cent, amounting to $156.4 million between January and September 2024. In September 2024 alone, imports of textiles and textile articles rose by 36.6 per cent to $241.3 million, while imports of clothing and accessories surged by 21.5 per cent year-on-year, reaching $18.7 million. In 2023, Sri Lanka's garment exports were valued at $4,440.6 million, a 19 per cent decrease from the $5,483.1 million exported in 2022. Meanwhile, imports of textiles and textile articles dropped by 22.6 per cent to $2,371.2 million, and imports of clothing and accessories declined by 21.1 per cent, totalling $170 million in 2023. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and exports expanding by 4.6 per cent year on year (YoY) in yuan terms compared to a 0.7-per cent YoY increase recorded in September, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). The country's foreign goods trade in yuan terms rose by 5.2 per cent YoY to 36.02 trillion yuan (~$5 trillion) in the first 10 months this year, with exports up by 6.7 per cent to 20.8 trillion yuan and imports up by 3.2 per cent to 15.22 trillion yuan, a GAC release said. In terms of US dollars, the total value of Chinas import and export in the first 10 months this year was $5.07 trillionan increase of 3.7 per cent YoY. Exports were worth $2.93 trillionan increase of 5.1 per cent YoY; imports were worth $2.14 trillionan increase of 1.7 per cent. The trade surplus during the period was $785.27 billionan increase of 15.8 per cent. China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and exports expanding by 4.6 per cent YoY in yuan terms compared to a 0.7-per cent YoY increase recorded in September. The country's foreign goods trade rose by 5.2 per cent YoY to 36.02 trillion yuan (~$5 trillion) in the first 10 months this year, with exports up by 6.7 per cent and imports up by 3.2 per cent. During the same period, exports of labour-intensive products from China were worth 3.48 trillion yuan, up by 3.2 per cent YoY, and accounting for 16.7 per cent of the countrys total foreign trade volume. Among these, exports of clothing and clothing accessories were worth 932.75 billion yuanup by 0.7 per cent YoY, and those of textiles were worth 829.52 billion yuanup by 5.8 per cent. In the first 10 months, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc was Chinas largest trading partner. The total trade volume between China and ASEAN was 5.67 trillion yuan during the periodan increase of 8.8 per cent YoY, accounting for 15.7 per cent of the countrys total foreign trade volume. Exports during the period to ASEAN were worth 3.36 trillion yuana YoY increase of 12.5 per cent; imports from ASEAN were worth 2.31 trillion yuana YoY rise of 3.8 per cent. The trade surplus with ASEAN was 1.05 trillion yuana YoY increase of 38.2 per cent. The European Union (EU) was Chinas second largest trading partner. The total trade volume between the two sides during the period was worth 4.64 trillion yuanan increase of 1.2 per cent YoY, accounting for 12.9 per cent of the countrys total foreign trade volume. Exports to the EU during the period were worth 3.04 trillion yuanan increase of 3.5 per cent YoY; imports from the EU were worth 1.6 trillion yuana YoY decrease of 2.9 per cent. The trade surplus with the bloc was 1.44 trillion yuanan increase of 11.6 per cent YoY. The United States was the third largest trading partner. The total trade volume between both sides was worth 4.01 trillion yuanan increase of 4.4 per cent YoY, and accounting for 11.1 per cent the total foreign trade volume. Exports were worth 3.04 trillion yuanup by 4.9 per cent YoY; imports were worth 969.48 billion yuanup by 2.9 per cent YoY. The trade surplus with the United States was 2.07 trillion yuanup by 5.8 per cent. South Korea was Chinas fourth largest trading partner during the ten-month period. The total trade value between both sides was worth 1.91 trillion yuanup by 6.7 per cent YoY, and accounting for 5.3 per cent. Exports were worth 855.67 billion yuandown by 0.8 per cent YoY; imports were worth 1.05 trillion yuanup by 13.8 per cent YoY. The trade deficit with South Korea was 198.74 billion yuanup by 2.1 times. During the same period, Chinas total imports and exports with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative amounted to 16.94 trillion yuanup by 6.2 per cent YoY. Exports to these countries amounted to 9.48 trillion yuanup by 8 per cent YoY; imports from such countries were worth 7.46 trillion yuanup by 3.9 per cent YoY. Director of GAC's department of statistics and analysis Lyu Daliang said the country is capable of achieving its full-year foreign trade target of improved quality and stable volume. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Yes, now like when I look back, I did not think of doing anything else. My father wanted me to become a CA, which I did not. I started auditioning for ads and one thing led to the other. Were you the studious type then? I mean, I was not bad. I got 85 per cent. From City Lights to IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has anything changed the way you approach your characters now? Of course, a lot has changed because you also grow as a human being. Life happens. You learn so much from life. There's a stark difference. The girl that started at 24 years old and the woman that I am now, there is a stark difference. Acting is so personal, because you derive so much out of your personal life, your experiences, and your ups and your downs. I mean, I was not bad. I got 85 per cent.Of course, a lot has changed because you also grow as a human being. Life happens. You learn so much from life. There's a stark difference. The girl that started at 24 years old and the woman that I am now, there is a stark difference. Acting is so personal, because you derive so much out of your personal life, your experiences, and your ups and your downs. Are there any characters that you've played that are most like Patralekhaa in real life? All are like me. Its a trick question, but I feel like so much of me is in them and so much of them becomes a part of me once I am done shooting for those shows or films. Are there any movies like that you regret rejecting? No, I don't regret my decisions. It felt right or wrong at that moment, but I am really happy for the makers that it worked for them. Coming to IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, how did that happen for you? I knew that Anubhav Sinha sir was writing the script and I pestered him for six months. He was not really sure. He told me there wasnt much but I really wanted to work with him. Like I said when you asked me, working with a good director is non-negotiable. Anubhav sir is a master in his craft and it was in my bucket list to work with him. When you work with really good directors, they somehow bring out the best in you, like Hansal (Mehta) sir and Anubhav sir. I feel like that's a non-negotiable, going back to your question. I kind of pestered him and I was really harrowing him to take me. Eventually, he wrote something for me. Your character suffers a lot in the series Of course. Yeah. But that's how you derive from your real life, right? Did the intricacies of the character get to you? Initially, no. Because it took some time for me to really understand the character. It usually takes me two to three days, no matter if I prepare or not. It has also got to do a lot with your co-actors, director, and the space that you are shooting in. It also depends on the costumes that you're wearing. Initially, the intricacies did not matter. Go on But we were shooting in a big plane parked in between the mountains of Jordan. I was really overwhelmed by the place. Also, when we went inside, it felt quite claustrophobic. I'm sure everybody must have taken a flight. There's really close proximity. You can't do too much movement there. We had 100 juniors, four to five cameras, along with the crew and the main cast. So, it did get to me. But we were shooting in a big plane parked in between the mountains of Jordan. I was really overwhelmed by the place. Also, when we went inside, it felt quite claustrophobic. I'm sure everybody must have taken a flight. There's really close proximity. You can't do too much movement there. We had 100 juniors, four to five cameras, along with the crew and the main cast. So, it did get to me. Did you get to unwind after the shoot? No, I actually left that night for London. I was shooting something there. You know, it really got to me. I didn't realise it till I reached there. I felt so tired. I felt so drained. It took me some time to unwind. But I had started shooting for another film. I think that helped me a bit. Imagine coming out of a plane that has been hijacked and getting into another plane. It was quite a flight, really. The series had such stalwarts like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and more I didn't shoot anything with them. But it was really encouraging to be on the same set with them. I only have gratitude. I didn't realise that the show was going to reach such heights. How was it working with Vijay Varma for the second time? I have known Vijay for a really long time. I met him for the first time when we were auditioning for a movie. We did two to three scenes together but had a really good time. Vijay is a really good actor. I knew this boy was going to break in sooner or later. Are you two good friends in real life? We are good friends. But it's not like we hang out every day. But every time I see a really good performance of his, I call him. I am cheering for him. Whenever we meet, I can feel a good bond. What was Rajkummar Raos initial reaction when he saw you in full character? When the reviews for the series started coming in, I could see he was happier than me. Raj has always been very supportive. He has always been my biggest cheerleader. He feels happier when I get a part. If I need to audition for something, he's the one taking my audition. So, I know he's always been cheering for me. Do you prepare your scenes together if you have to prepare something at home? Not really. We talk about our scenes but we don't prepare. The moment you start prepping for a scene, it becomes so ingrained that you don't do something new when you are on the set. But we do chat about it. If I feel I'm stuck somewhere or it's an important scene, I do ask him. I really look up to him as an artist and as an actor. But no, we don't rehearse. Honestly, I don't believe in rehearsing. Yes, prepping, yes, but not rehearsing. So, do you believe in spontaneity as an actor? Yeah, at that moment. Not really. We talk about our scenes but we don't prepare. The moment you start prepping for a scene, it becomes so ingrained that you don't do something new when you are on the set. But we do chat about it. If I feel I'm stuck somewhere or it's an important scene, I do ask him. I really look up to him as an artist and as an actor. But no, we don't rehearse. Honestly, I don't believe in rehearsing. Yes, prepping, yes, but not rehearsing. So, do you believe in spontaneity as an actor? Yeah, at that moment. As a Bengali, I really admired your wedding veil, which had the sentence, Amar poraan bhora bhalobasha ami tomay shomorpon korilaam (I surrender my love-filled heart to you)... That was Sabya sir's (Sabyasachi Mukherjee) vision. He asked me about my preference. I told him I wanted something on my dad's handwriting but he did not think that would be possible. I asked him about his vision. We jammed and exchanged our thoughts. We finally figured that this would be our text piece. Are you looking forward to working with Rajkummar in the future? I'm sure we will work together. But something really good has to come up. Patralekhaa recently chatted with Filmfare about her latest project, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, marriage with Rajkummar Rao and more. She also spoke about her fondness critical roles, her admiration for Vijay Varma's acting skills, and her method of choosing projects. Excerpts... Critic's rating 3.0 /5 Produced by the Russo brothers and directed by Raj and DK, Citadel: Honey Bunny expands the scope of the Citadel spy universe, taking us to India in a prequel that tells the story of a young Nadias parents. We follow Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu), an aspiring actress, and Bunny (Varun Dhawan), a film stuntman, as they navigate a world of secrets and betrayals. As their violent past catches up with them, they must do everything they can to protect their daughter. Honey Bunny is more of a love story than a series about spycraft. It could also be described as a series about parenting. Honey does a wonderful job of raising her daughter single-handedly. Nadia is fearless, just like her namesakethe famous Fearless Nadia of '30s stunt films. Shes fluent in three languages, well-versed in karate, and calm and controlled in situations that would give an adult a headache. Kashvi Majumdar, portraying Nadia, adds a layer of credibility to the series. Unlike many child actors who can seem unconvincing when asked to play characters beyond their years, Kashvi brings a maturity and charm to Nadia that feels entirely natural. Her portrayal of the characters confidence, especially as she gradually learns about the complex world her parents inhabit, is effortlessly convincing. Her scenes with Samantha Ruth Prabhu are a joy to watch, and we wish there were more moments of Kashvi and Varun Dhawan togethersadly, these occur only in the sixth and final episode of season one. As mentioned earlier, it's a love story framed within the ever-shifting dynamics of the spy world. The romance between Honey and Bunny, which should have served as the emotional anchor for the series, is, unfortunately, underdeveloped. The lack of depth in their relationship makes it difficult to care about their struggles on a deeper level. Baba (Kay Kay Menon) plays mentor to both Bunny and KD (Saqib Saleem) as well as other orphaned children. He runs a semi-military organisation with a global reachthough it is unclear who is funding him or what his motivations are. Until a certain point in the series, we arent sure of its morals. Then theres another organisation, run by Zooni (Simran), which supposedly counters their moves. However, the mystery soon fizzles out due to an over-reliance on tired spy tropes, making everything feel achingly predictable. Much better writing was expected from Raj, DK, and their team, who were so successful with The Family Mana similar product where an agent tries to live a normal life when not hunting criminals. And whats with the low lighting, which neither does justice to the proceedings nor to the good-looking cast? Thankfully, the action is top-class. It might be better to watch it at 2x speed and then slow it down to normal during the action scenes. The sequence where Bunny and a colleague decimate an entire army unit is slick as hell, Honeys one-on-one fights are choreographed well, and the climax, where Honey and Bunny face off against wave after wave of enemy soldiers, is the real highlight of the series. While the plot fails to inject anything particularly fresh or exciting into the spy genre, the actors succeed in making the story watchable. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan deliver compelling performances, displaying great chemistry that helps carry the show through its more uninspired moments. Samantha, in particular, brings both vulnerability and strength to her role as Honey, while Varun navigates the character of Bunny with an emotional undercurrent. Kay Kay Menon delivers a standout performance as the antagonist. Known for his ability to bring nuance to complex characters, his portrayal here is no different. His performance is one of the few aspects of the series that feels carefully crafted. Saqib Saleem comes into his own in the last episode, while Sikander Kher makes his presence felt as the good soldier. Simran, unfortunately, is vastly underutilised. Ultimately, Citadel: Honey Bunny feels like a missed opportunity. Despite the potential for an exciting and original addition to the Citadel franchise, the series gets bogged down by tired spy tropes and a lack of an innovative narrative. The cast does its best to elevate the material, but its hard to overcome a script that never quite rises to the occasion. The nonlinear storytelling doesnt help either. Watch it for its creatively shot action sequences and for the chemistry between Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, as well as the performances from Kashvi and Kay Kay. The series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. TRAILER : Citadel: Honey Bunny Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2024) - Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX) ("Alpha or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held on November 6, 2024 (the "Meeting"). All matters presented for approval at the Meeting have been fully authorized and approved. A total of 49,958,116.26 ordinary shares ("Shares"), representing 55.10% of the Shares issued and outstanding, were represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting. A brief description of the matters voted upon and the outcome of the votes is set forth below. Fixing Number of Directors The ordinary resolution to approve fixing the number of directors to be elected at the Meeting at five (5) was approved at the Meeting by the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting, as follows: Votes For % Votes Against % 49,958,116.26 100% 0 0% Election of Directors All of the nominees proposed as directors of the Corporation were duly elected as directors of the Corporation with votes cast by the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, as follows: Outcome of the Vote Votes For % Withheld % Michael Hopley Elected 49,939,115.26 100% 0 0% John Clarke Elected 49,939,115.26 100% 0 0% Christopher van der Westhuyzen Elected 49,439,115.26 98.999% 500,000 1.001% Timothy Livesey Elected 49,939,115.26 100% 0 0% Anna Nydegger Elected 49,439,115.26 98.999% 500,000 1.001% Appointment of Auditor An ordinary resolution to approve the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditors of the Corporation, was approved at the Meeting by the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting, as follows: Votes For % Withheld % 49,958,116.26 100% 0 0% Stock Option Plan The stock option plan of the Corporation, as described in the management information circular of the Corporation dated October 7, 2024 (the "Circular") was approved with votes cast by the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, as follows: Votes For % Withheld % 49,939,115.26 100% 0 0% The Corporation also wishes to provide a clarification to the Circular; where the Circular stated that Alpha Discovery Holdings Ltd. holds 29,315,784.2 Shares, being 32.336% of the Shares of the Corporation, the Circular should state that Alpha Discovery Holdings Ltd. holds 50,532,153 Shares, representing 55.74% of the Shares of the Corporation. TERMINATION OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT Further to the Corporation's previous announcement on July 16, 2024 of a $6.0 million private placement offering of Shares (the "Private Placement"), due to market conditions the Corporation announces that it did not close the Private Placement within the 45-day offering period prescribed by Section 5A.4(2) of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. As the Private Placement did not close within the prescribed offering period, the Private Placement has been terminated. The Corporation continues to consider certain other financing options available to it at this time, and will announce any such options it decides to pursue in future press releases in accordance with applicable securities laws. ABOUT ALPHA EXPLORATION LTD. Alpha (TSXV: ALEX) is an exploration company that is rapidly advancing a number of important gold and base metal discoveries across its 100% owned, large (771 km2 ) Kerkasha Project in Eritrea. The Company has also advanced the Aburna Gold Prospect, the Anagulu Gold-Copper Porphyry, the Tolegimja VMS Copper-Zinc-Gold Prospect and over 17 other gold prospects since listing in 2021. The Company is managed by a group of highly experienced and successful professionals with long track records of establishing, building and successfully exiting a number of world class gold and base metals discoveries in Eritrea and across the wider Arabian Nubian Shield. For further information go to the Alpha webpage at www.alpha-exploration.com or contact: Cautionary Notes Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release. This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Forward Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the Corporation's advancement of exploration work on the Kerkasha Project and any future financing efforts of the Corporation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Alpha has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions and the price of gold and other minerals. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of Alpha believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to Alpha's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Alpha given its limited operating history; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions). Alpha does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229236 SOURCE: Alpha Exploration Ltd. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. ("NXT" or the "Company") (TSX:SFD)(OTCQB:NSFDF) today announced the Company's financial and operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. All dollar amounts herein are in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise identified. Financial and Operating Highlights Key financial and operational highlights during the third quarter of 2024 are summarized below: On September 24, 2024 the Company announced that it entered into a contract with its Strategic Alliance Partner, Synergy E&P Technologies Limited to provide a repeat SFD survey in Africa for an oil and gas exploration company; On August 21, 2024 the Company entered into a contract to provide a geothermal SFD survey to Alberta Geothermal Resource Recovery Inc; NXT received an advance payment of US$175,000 for its upcoming Southeast Asia SFD survey; cash and short-term investments at September 30, 2024 was approximately $0.94 million; net working capital was approximately ($2.94) million at September 30, 2024 versus approximately ($1.85) million at December 31, 2023; the Company recorded SFD-related revenues of approximately $0.60 million YTD 2024, $nil for Q3-24; a net loss of $1.48 million was recorded for Q3-24, including stock-based compensation expense ("SBCE"), amortization expense and remeasurement gain, all totaling approximately $0.04 million; a net loss of $6.28 million was recorded for YTD 2024, including SBCE, amortization expense and remeasurement loss, all totaling approximately $2.06 million; net loss per common share for Q3-24 was $0.02 per share (basic) and $0.02 per share (diluted); net loss per common share for YTD 2024 was $0.08 per share (basic) and $0.08 per share (diluted); cash flow used in operating activities was approximately $1.32 million during Q3-24, compared to $0.95 million used in Q3-23; cash flow used in operating activities was approximately $2.58 million during YTD 2024, compared to $3.36 million used in YTD 2023; general and administrative ("G&A") expenses increased by approximately $0.16 million (19%) in Q3-24 as compared to Q3-23; and G&A expenses increased by approximately $0.34 million (13%) in YTD 2024 as compared to YTD 2023. Key financial and operational highlights occurring subsequent to Q3-24 are summarized below: NXT was awarded an SFD survey by AL-Haj Enterprises Private Limited in the Northern Suleiman Fold Belt, to commence in Q2-25; NXT's SFD awarded Best Exploration Technology at the 2024 Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards; and On November 1, 2024 the Company announced it will receive US$900,000 (approximately CDN$1,252,080) for convertible debentures from Ataraxia under the same terms as the subscription agreement signed between Ataraxia and NXT in 2023, at a conversion price of US$0.24 per common share. As of the date of this MD&A, the Company has received US$500,000 (approximately CDN$695,600). Summary highlights of NXT's third quarter 2024 financial statements (with comparative figures to 2023) are noted below. All selected and referenced financial information noted below should be read in conjunction with the Company's September 30, 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, the related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). (All in Canadian $) Q3-24 Q3-23 2024 YTD 2023 YTD Operating results: SFD-related revenues $ - $ - $ 602,072 $ - SFD-related costs, net 338,786 348,169 1,322,886 968,199 General & administrative expenses 1,003,871 841,200 2,987,220 2,644,261 Amortization 482,157 439,868 1,404,855 1,319,604 Interest, remeasurement loss (gain), and other expenses (347,414 ) 74,719 1,164,324 93,348 Net loss (1,477,400 ) (1,703,956 ) (6,277,213 ) (5,025,412 ) Loss per common share: Basic & diluted $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.07 ) Common shares outstanding as at end of the period 78,389,422 77,958,928 78,389,422 77,958,928 Weighted average of common shares outstanding: Basic & Diluted 78,341,847 77,735,682 78,209,964 77,283,442 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ (1,320,888 ) $ (953,051 ) $ (2,580,785 ) $ (3,363,362 ) Financing activities (156,678 ) 253,114 3,159,687 3,469,891 Investing activities - - (95,446 ) - Effect of foreign rate changes on cash (12,905 ) 18,921 (10,198 ) (558 ) Net cash inflow (1,490,471 ) (681,016 ) 473,258 105,971 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 2,365,442 1,050,424 401,713 263,437 Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 874,971 369,408 874,971 369,408 Total cash and short-term investments 942,515 369,408 942,515 369,408 Net working capital balance (2,935,727 ) (3,468,900 ) (2,935,727 ) (3,468,900 ) NXT's third quarter 2024 financial and operating results have been filed in Canada on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and will soon be available in the USA on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar, as well as on NXT's website at www.nxtenergy.com. About NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. is a Calgary-based technology company whose proprietary airborne SFD survey system, applied in numerous basins around the world, uses the principles of quantum mechanics to infer stress anomalies of exploration interest. The method can be used both onshore and offshore to remotely identify areas conducive to fluid entrapment in order to recommend areas with commercial hydrocarbon and/or geothermal potential. The SFD survey system enables our clients to focus their exploration decisions concerning land commitments, data acquisition expenditures and prospect prioritization on areas with the greatest potential. SFD is environmentally friendly and unaffected by ground security issues or difficult terrain and is the registered trademark of NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. provides its clients with an effective and reliable method to reduce time, costs, and risks related to exploration. Contact Information For investor and media inquiries please contact: Michael Baker Investor Relations 302, 3320 - 17th AVE SW Calgary, AB, T3E 0B4 +1 403 264 7020 nxt_info@nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain information provided in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "will", "expect", "plan", "schedule", "intend", "propose" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, information regarding: the timing of the African and Southeast Asia SFD surveys. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Additional risk factors facing the Company are described in its most recent Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, which have been filed electronically by means of the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+") located at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-GAAP Measures This news release contains disclosure respecting non-GAAP performance measures including net working capital which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. This measure is included to enhance the overall understanding of NXT's ability to assess liquidity at a point in time. Readers are urged to review the section entitled "Non-GAAP Measures" in NXT's MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 which is available under NXT's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for a further discussion of such non-GAAP measures. The financial information accompanying this news release was prepared in accordance with US GAAP, unless otherwise noted. The MD&A and the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, are available in the Investor Relations section of www.nxtenergy.com, or under NXT's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: NXT Energy Solutions, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Suess MicroTec, a leading semiconductor equipment supplier, reported remarkable progress in the third quarter of 2023 despite a dip in incoming orders. The company's revenue soared by nearly 50% to 102.5 million, while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) skyrocketed from 1.3 million to 17.3 million. This impressive performance resulted in an EBIT margin of 16.9%, marking the strongest quarter of the year. However, the order intake fell by 18.4% to 84 million, causing some investor concern and a subsequent stock price decline. Optimistic Outlook and Strategic Expansion Despite the order weakness, Suess MicroTec remains optimistic for the full year, expecting to achieve results at the upper end of its forecasted ranges. The company now anticipates annual revenue between 380 and 410 million, with an operating margin of 14% to 16%. To support its growth trajectory, Suess MicroTec plans to open a new, larger production facility in Taiwan, nearly doubling its clean room manufacturing capacity. This strategic move aims to strengthen the company's market position and secure potential follow-up orders in the coming months, particularly as demand normalizes in the Chinese market while showing significant growth in other regions. Ad Fresh Suess MicroTec information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Suess MicroTec analysis... Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2024) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all resolutions were passed at its Annual General Meeting of shareholders ("AGM") held in Vancouver on October 24, 2024. Following the AGM, the Company will convert convertible debentures ("Debentures") in the amount of $2,904,036 into common shares, resulting in the Company having no outstanding debentures or debt instruments. At the AGM, all the nominees for election as directors of the Company listed in the Company's information circular dated September 16, 2024, being John Proust, Takashi Kuriyama, Murray Flanigan, Ian Burney, Michael Carrick, Tanneke Heersche, and Dr. Keiko Hattori were re-elected as directors of the Company for the ensuing year. Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, were re-appointed as auditor for the Company, and shareholders approved the continuation of the Company's 2023 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Additionally, disinterested shareholders approved Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC ("Equinox") becoming a new "Control Person" of the Company upon conversion of outstanding Debentures. Following receipt of this shareholder approval, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company will convert the Debentures issued to Equinox in April 2024, totaling US$2,000,000 (C$2,769,000) in principal, plus accrued interest, into 22,338,738 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.13 per share. Prior to the conversion of the Debentures, Equinox holds 50,612,280 shares, representing approximately 19.73% of the common shares of the Company. Following the conversion, Equinox will hold 72,951,018 shares, representing approximately 26.16% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Equinox is subject to the alternative monthly reporting scheme under Part 4 of National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, and a report of Equinox under that instrument will be made available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile in due course. As Equinox is an insider of the Company, the conversion of the Debentures constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation and requirement under section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities issued to the related party do not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Following the AGM, the Board of Directors appointed the following officers of the Company: John Proust as Chairman and CEO; Fraser MacCorquodale as President and Discovery Lead; Takashi Kuriyama as Chief Operating Officer; Vince Boon as Chief Financial Officer; Eileen Au as Corporate Secretary, Alexia Helgason as Vice President Corporate Communications; and Andrew Rowe as Exploration Manager, Barrick Alliance. Following shareholder approval of the continuation of the Plan, the Company has authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 9,700,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to directors and officers. The RSUs will vest over two years from the grant date. The Company has also approved the cancellation of 5,420,000 stock options held by non-insiders. Subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company intends to issue an aggregate of 2,400,000 RSUs to non-insiders who are relinquishing their stock options. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on gold exploration across Japan. The Company holds a significant portfolio of tenements covering areas with known gold occurrences, history of mining and prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. The Japan Gold leadership and operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors have extensive experience exploring and operating in Japan and have a track record of discoveries world-wide. Japan Gold has an alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects with the potential to host Tier 1 or Tier 2 gold ore bodies in Japan. On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp. John Proust Chairman & CEO Cautionary Note Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the conversion of convertible debentures held by Equinox Partners Investment Management Inc., issuance of RSUs and cancellation of certain stock options, expected or anticipated future events, and anticipated results related to the Company's gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance for the debenture conversion, TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the RSU grants to non-insiders, the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to convert prospecting rights into digging rights within the timeframe prescribed by the Mining Act; general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans,; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229254 SOURCE: Japan Gold Corp. Donald Trump's victory has put the focus back on fossil fuels. The Republican is well known for his lack of enthusiasm for "climate change" and even for Greentech. At the same time, he wants to strengthen the industrial potential of the United States once again and reduce energy prices by 50%. This political course should support companies focusing on a cost-effective energy supply for North America. Canadian oil and gas producer Saturn Oil is sprinting from production record to production record, as it did in the last quarter. Incidentally, Canada is one of the countries that will close the German gas gap with future LNG deliveries since Russia's withdrawal. Saturn Oil has reached a market capitalization of CAD 1.2 billion in recent months and is now in a different league. The Q3 update also promises further growth. 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. Global IT firm FPT, through its subsidiary FPT Software, has been recognized as a Disruptor in HFS Research Horizons report: IoT Service Providers, 2024. This marks the inaugural inclusion of FPT in this prestigious industry assessment, demonstrating its Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107263712/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) The report examines the IoT service capabilities of 23 service providers in the evolving IoT landscape in the age of the Generative Enterprise. It focuses on the supply side, detailing the service providers' strengths and growth opportunities. FPT's IoT capabilities encompass a comprehensive range of services designed to address diverse industry needs, from smart homes and healthcare to logistics and manufacturing. With over 3,000 IoT engineers and a portfolio of more than 500 projects, FPT delivers end-to-end IoT solutions, including hardware design, firmware engineering, mobile app development, and cloud migration. Its IoT solutions enable clients to integrate advanced technologies like AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance, advanced asset tracking, and real-time analytics, ensuring a streamlined and data-driven approach to decision-making. "FPT has been at the forefront of pioneering emerging technologies like AI, Cloud, machine learning, and disruptive wireless connectivities. With thousands of talented engineers and industry experts, as well as an extensive partner network, we are confident in our ability to deliver transformative IoT solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate customer experiences, and foster sustainable growth for our clients worldwide," said Dao Duy Cuong, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Technology Officer of FPT Software, FPT Corporation. FPT has established partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Skywise, OutSystems, Siemens, SAP, Oracle, and IBM, to deliver customized, high-impact IoT solutions that address the unique needs of its clients across various industries. In 2023, the company further strengthened its product engineering capabilities in North America by acquiring the US-based company Cardinal Peak. About FPT 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 Vietnam's 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 about global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107263712/en/ Contacts: Media Mai Duong (Ms.) FPT Software PR Manager MCP.PR@fpt.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen strengthened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday.The yen rose to nearly a 2-week high of 164.50 against the euro and a 4-day high of 174.80 against the Swiss franc, from yesterday's closing quotes of 165.23 and 175.26, respectively.Against the pound, the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, the yen advanced to 2-day highs of 197.83, 152.55 and 109.91 from Thursday's closing quotes of 198.59, 152.93 and 110.32, respectively.Against the Australia and the New Zealand dollars, the yen edged up to 101.46 and 91.62 from yesterday's closing quotes of 102.13 and 92.13, respectively.If the yen extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 160.00 against the euro, 171.00 against the franc, 191.00 against the pound, 145.00 against the greenback, 105.00 against the loonie, 98.00 against the aussie and 90.00 against the kiwi.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. TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corp. (SON.L, SNE) reported Friday higher profit and sales in its second quarter. The company further maintained fiscal year earnings forecast, and updated sales outlook.For the second quarter, net income attributable to the stockholders was 338.50 billion yen or 55.74 yen per share, compared to 200.11 billion yen or 32.35 yen per share last year.Operating income grew to 455.08 billion yen from last year's 263.01 billion yen.Total sales and financial services revenue for the quarter grew to 2.91 trillion yen from 2.83 trillion yen a year ago.Looking ahead for fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Sony continues to expect attributable profit of 980 billion yen, up 1 percent from last year, and operating income at 1.31 trillion yen, a growth of 8.4 percent year-over-year.The company now expects sales to decline 2.4 percent to 12.71 trillion yen, compared to previous estimate of a decline 3.2 percent to 12.61 trillion yen.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.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. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - AstraZeneca PLC (AZN.L) Friday said the Phase III WAYPOINT study of AstraZeneca and Amgen's Tezspire in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps met its both co-primary endpoints.In the study, patients treated with Tezspire showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful decrease in the size of nasal polyps and reduced nasal congestion compared to placebo. Further, the safety profile and tolerability of Tezspire were consistent with the known profile of the drug.Tezspire is currently approved for the treatment of severe asthma in about 60 countries around the world including U.S., EU, and Japan.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 regional accolade recognizes commitment to global expansion and customer support LANSDALE, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Greene Tweed, a global leader in advanced materials and high-performance solutions, has been honored as the Nottinghamshire "Excellence in International Trade" recipient of the 2024 East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, which celebrate the achievement and resilience of companies throughout the region. The East Midlands Chamber plays a vital role in connecting, supporting, and championing businesses and communities across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom. The Nottinghamshire Business Awards recently celebrated outstanding achievements in the local business community, where winners across 13 categories were announced. The "Excellence in International Trade" award specifically recognizes local businesses that excel in overseas trade. As one of five finalists in the category, Greene Tweed was selected for its robust growth strategy focused on international expansion, along with steady sales growth in recent years. Judges praised the company's clear passion for supporting its customer base, as demonstrated in its strong corporate culture and deep analytical insights. "We truly appreciate this recognition by the East Midlands Chamber," said Tony Baldassarra, Greene Tweed Nottingham, UK Site Operations Leader. "The 'Excellence in International Trade' award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to global trade compliance, and it reflects the team's dedication to collaboration with international partners to uphold high standards. Together, we can continue to drive excellence in our industry." Recently, Greene Tweed's Nottingham facility received the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification from BSI, a significant milestone in the company's global Sustainability Vision. As the first Greene Tweed location to obtain certification to this internationally recognized standard developed by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Nottingham has set the stage for the company's long-term goal to achieve ISO 14001 certification at plants worldwide. Greene Tweed is also investing in its global manufacturing network to meet future industry needs, including a newly opened facility in Korea that increases capacity to deliver high-quality Chemraz products at scale. As the company expands its global footprint, the Nottingham facility - which employs more than 150 members - will continue to play a key role in supporting sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. ### About Greene Tweed Greene Tweed is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastics, composites, seals, and engineered components. For 160 years, we have served clients in semiconductor, oil and gas, aerospace, defense, chemical and pharmaceutical processing, and other industries where failure is not an option. Greene Tweed products are sold and distributed worldwide. For additional information, call +1.215.256.9521, or visit our website at http://www.gtweed.com. Contact Information Sofia Doss PR & Communications sdoss@gtweed.com SOURCE: Greene Tweed View the original press release on newswire.com. 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. Daimler Truck's stock soared by over 6% on Thursday, reaching a five-month high of 40.48, despite reporting a decline in revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2024. This surprising upturn followed the release of quarterly figures that surpassed analyst expectations. While the European market showed weakness, robust North American sales bolstered the company's balance sheet. The stock's performance caught analysts off guard, who had anticipated more significant losses. The unexpected positive reaction from investors was attributed to a more resilient operating margin than forecast, overshadowing the 5% revenue drop to 13.1 billion and the 12% decrease in adjusted EBIT to 1.19 billion. Regional Disparities and Future Outlook The company faced contrasting regional dynamics, with European demand, particularly in Germany, faltering as the Mercedes-Benz segment witnessed an order decline of nearly 25%. Conversely, North America demonstrated slight growth. In response to these challenges, management announced plans for a new cost-saving and performance enhancement program for the Mercedes-Benz division, with details expected in the first quarter of 2025. Analysts maintain an optimistic outlook, setting an average price target of 52.88, suggesting significant upside potential. The next quarterly results, anticipated on March 20, 2025, may provide further momentum for the stock. Ad Fresh Daimler Truck information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Daimler Truck analysis... Infinitopes' lead vaccine candidate ITOP1 is a novel, precision targeted, immunologically durable, "off-the-shelf" cancer vaccine, designed to save lives by preventing disease recurrence in first-line patients with surgically resectable cancers Infinitopes' proprietary vector delivery system reliably triggers durable T-cell protection, which halted or delayed tumour progression in industry standard preclinical mouse models, without checkpoint inhibitor co-treatment The Company's approach utilises its AI/ML Precision Immunomics TM antigen discovery platform, capable of identifying best-in-class pools of hundreds of novel cancer-specific antigens, to empower collaborator's T-cell & TCR therapies, in addition to Infinitopes' own vaccine pipeline Infinitopes has begun discussions with potential commercial collaboration partners seeking best in class vectors and targets that enable next generation cancer therapies, and will soon begin reaching out to new investors for its Series A round OXFORD, England, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinitopes, an integrated cancer biotech combining world leading platforms in precision antigen discovery with vaccine vectors capable of durably stimulating protective immune responses, today announces that it will be presenting three posters on its pioneering cancer vaccine discovery and development, including one that has been recognised as a 'top 100' poster presentation, at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2024, held in Houston, US, from 6-10th November. A spinout from Oxford University, supported by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Infinitopes announced its oversubscribed 12.8 million seed financing in April 2024, to advance its AI/ML Precision ImmunomicsTM antigen discovery platform. The Company exploits this technology to accurately design 'best-in-class' therapeutics for multiple cancer indications. Led by an exceptional Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and world-class team of clinicians, scientists, and regulatory leaders, Infinitopes is poised to commence its lead vaccine candidate ITOP1 in a highly anticipated, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase I/IIa clinical trial, starting H1'25 at four UK NHS university cancer centres, to treat patients with oesophageal cancer (OC). Jonathan Kwok, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Infinitopes, said: "Using our integrated 'right targets, right vectors, right patients, right time' approach, we aim to address the unmet clinical need for durably effective, accessible therapies, to save lives by preventing or significantly delaying disease recurrence for cancer patients. We combine our deep knowledge of the field of immunology with our uniquely sensitive AI/ML Precision ImmunomicsTM platform to identify and select optimal synergistic tumour targets, alongside engineering safe and effective proprietary vector delivery systems, designed to reliably stimulate lasting T-cell protection. With our expert capabilities and highly experienced team, our strategy to win an Innovation & Licensing Access Pathway (ILAP) innovation passport from the UK's Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has unlocked rapid entry into an ambitious clinical development programme for our lead vaccine candidate, ITOP1. The VISTA study, commencing H1'25, will open to oesophageal cancer patients most likely to positively respond, at the moment of their cancer journey where long-term protection is anticipated to be most likely." Abstract One, number 635 is titled 'A randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase I/IIa study evaluating the safety and clinical activity of a novel viral vector cancer vaccine (ITOP1) in patients with resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma (VISTA study)'. It details the overall design and purpose of the Oxford University-led VISTA study, to test Infinitopes' ITOP1 vaccine in HLA-matched patients undergoing surgery to remove their oesophageal cancers (OC). ITOP1 is an "off-the-shelf" vaccine administered as a prime-boost regimen before and after surgery, to prevent recurrence for patients with OC. OC is the 12th most common type of cancer in the UK, with about 10,000 cases a year. Due to its poor prognosis OC is the UK's sixth most common cause of cancer deaths, claiming around 8,500 lives annually. Surgical resection plus neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy is the current best standard of care. Nearly half of those patients undergoing this 'curative' surgery suffer recurrence even after best standard of care; with a median disease-free survival of 11 months. Abstract Two, number 1039 recognised as a 'top 100' SITC poster, is titled 'Vaccination with a single dose of a novel delivery platform confers durable >8 month immune responses, with lasting protection against tumour and metastases in preclinical models'. It details how Infinitopes has developed a foundational, proprietary vector delivery system and confirmed the success of this approach in industry-standard preclinical models. Immunisation with a single priming dose reliably generated durable, antigen-specific immune T-cell protection, capable of halting or significantly delaying tumour progression, without checkpoint inhibitor co-treatment. Up to 80% of mice survived tumour challenge, versus control animals dying within three weeks. Metastases were completely suppressed in multiple models. Abstract Three, number 1427 is titled 'Precision ImmunomicsTM: Identification of hundreds of novel cancer antigens using a sensitive immunopeptidomics-led platform'. It details how Infinitopes has used its unique AI/ML Precision ImmunomicsTM antigen discovery platform to identify hundreds of novel cancer-specific antigens from primary tumour samples. The abstract explains how this best-in-class pool of therapeutic combination targets could be used to accurately treat tumours, forming the basis for a suite of "off-the-shelf" therapies for many different cancer types. Infinitopes has begun discussions with potential Big Pharma collaboration partners to licence these for use in T-cell, TCR and other modalities, and is excited to progress its own vaccine programme. Prof. David Curiel, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Director of the Biologic Therapeutic Centre at Washington University St Louis., commented: "Infinitopes' systematic approach to cancer vaccine development is making rapid and substantive progress. This week's findings support acceleration towards clinical development. Infinitopes' lead candidate ITOP1 represents a significant milestone for the Company, and is a potential treatment paradigm change for the early and effective treatment of future patients with cancerous tumours, beginning with oesophageal cancer." Details of the poster presentations are as follows: Poster Title: A randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre Phase I/IIa study evaluating the safety and clinical activity of a novel viral vector cancer vaccine (ITOP1) in patients with resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma (VISTA study) Abstract Number: 635 Primary Category: Clinical Trials in Progress Presenting Author: Michael Grant, Executive Medical Director at Infinitopes Date & Time: Friday 8 November 2024, 9am - 7pm CDT Abstract Authors: Michael Grant, Jonathan Kwok, Paul Smith, Lian Ni Lee, Senthil Chinnakannan, Orion Tong, David Thompson, Paul Klenerman, Nicola Ternette and Mark Middleton Infinitopes, Oxford, UK, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Poster Title: Vaccination with a single dose of a novel delivery platform confers durable >8 month immune responses, with lasting protection against tumour and metastases in preclinical models Abstract Number: 1039 Primary Category: Immune-Stimulants and Immune Modulators Presenting Author: Lian Lee, VP Preclinical & Co-Founder at Infinitopes Date & Time: Friday 8 November 2024, 9am - 7pm CDT Abstract Authors: Lian Ni Lee1, Jonathan Kwok1, Anna Maria Theresa Kroon2, Senthil Chinnakannan1, Spyridoula Marinou1, Annemieke Kok1, Callum Beach1, Steve John1, Tim Davies1, Andrew Highton2, Catherine de Lara2, Claire Hutchings2, Robert Parker1, Silvia Salatino2, Orion Tong1, Nicola Ternette2, Uzi Gileadi2, Paul Klenerman2 Infinitopes, Oxford, UK, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Poster Title: Precision ImmunomicsTM: Identification of hundreds of novel cancer antigens using a sensitive immunopeptidomics-led platform Abstract Number: 1427 Primary Category: Antigen Presentation Presenting Author: Georges Bedran, Senior Scientist & Computational Immunomics Lead at Infinitopes Date & Time: Friday 8 November 2024, 9am - 7pm CDT Abstract Authors: Yuxin Sun, Nil Adell Mill, Tiffany Ma, Yves du Toit, Ava Van Ess, Chloe Hyun-Jung Lee, Spyridoula Marinou, Annemieke ten Bokum, May Ke, Oliver Turnbull, Luke Heirene, Lian Ni Lee, Alexey I. Nesvizhskii, Pouya Faridi, Paul Klenerman4, Jonathan Kwok, Orion Tong, Robert Parker and Georges Bedran Infinitopes, Oxford, UK, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 4 University of Oxford, Oxford, UK About Infinitopes Infinitopes Ltd is a soon to be clinical stage, integrated cancer biotechnology company supported by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the University of Oxford. The Company combines two world leading platforms, in precision antigen discovery and in high efficiency, vector delivery systems, to develop immunologically durable vaccines for use against multiple solid tumour indications. The lead vaccine candidate is expected to begin Phase I/IIa trials in H1' 25. Infinitopes has gathered together and cultivated in-house talent across antigen discovery, immunology, vaccinology, oncology, biomanufacturing, clinical trials and regulation, winning an 'Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway' (ILAP) innovation passport from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2022. Infinitopes has also won two prestigious, maximum size nondilutive awards from Innovate UK, a Cancer Therapeutics Award (in 2022) and a Future Economy Investor Partnership (in 2023). Since incorporation, the Infinitopes team has raised nearly $20m from sector expert investors including Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research Institute, Kindred Capital, Manta Ray Ventures, Martlet, Meltwind, Octopus Ventures, Saras Capital, Wilbe and the Fundacion CRIS Contra el Cancer, funding its rapid growth from three academic co-founders to 28 full time equivalents. It is now the largest tenant of Oxford University's BioEscalator innovation accelerator. For more information, visit www.infinitopes.com About SITC SITC 2024 provides a multidisciplinary educational and interactive environment focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients by incorporating strategies based on basic and applied cancer immunotherapy. The Annual Meeting consists of cutting-edge research presentations by experts in the field, oral and poster abstract presentations and ample opportunity for structured and informal discussions, including important networking opportunities. SITC 2024 also includes updates on major national and international initiatives from academia, government and industry, as well as important society projects. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infinitopes-to-showcase-breakthroughs-on-cancer-vaccine-development-at-sitc-2024-insight-into-a-double-blind-phase-iiia-clinical-trial-302299002.html New financial forces born out of economic crisis Against the backdrop of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, rising unemployment rates and intensified employment difficulties, SEOKORE TECHNOLOGY INC. independently developed an AI automated trading intelligent system in 2021 under the leadership of its founder and set about establishing a team. SEOKORE was finally born in New York, USA in August 2024, bringing new hope to the financial services sector. Founder Maxim Kalmykov created the SEOKORE intelligent trading platform with his keen insight, combined with strategies and advanced AI technology. This innovative move not only uses AI automated trading and the Marketing 4.0 model to open up new sources of income for people, but also injects strong momentum into economic recovery. The Marketing 4.0 model is cleverly embedded in the financial services industry. Users can participate in platform promotion after registration, becoming both customers and promoters, achieving a win-win situation. Company Introduction After its official establishment, SEOKORE aspires to become one of the world's leading financial service providers. The company has advanced financial concepts and helps users achieve efficient investment and returns in the financial market through AI super-intelligent trading tools. Its concept is to promote economic recovery through AI full-dimensional perception intelligent trading tools combined with the marketing 4.0 model; SEOKORE is determined to become the world's leading financial service platform, leading the new era of global financial inclusion, and bringing hope and opportunities to every user; through intelligent trading technology, it helps users achieve more efficient investment management and wealth appreciation in the global financial market. Leading the development of the financial industry and promoting global economic recovery has always been SEOKORE's unchanging mission! Diversified business, leading the new trend of investment 1. New forces in stock market investment Through its unique intelligent analysis engine, it integrates global stock market data resources and deeply mines potential value information. Using cutting-edge clustering algorithms, it classifies and analyzes the financial data, operating models, market competitiveness and other factors of a large number of listed companies, and screens out high-quality corporate targets with high growth potential and stable profit models. It is worth mentioning that in the Asian financial market, Japan is an important financial force, and some characteristics and trends of its stock market also provide references for SEOKORE's analysis. For example, the technological innovation and stable operating model of Japanese companies in certain specific industries provide SEOKORE with a new perspective when screening global high-quality stock targets. SEOKORE also carefully creates personalized stock investment portfolios for investors. Based on the risk parity model, combined with the correlation, volatility and changes in the macroeconomic environment between various stock assets, the weight allocation of stocks in different sectors in the portfolio is dynamically adjusted. At the same time, with the help of big data simulation technology, the performance of the investment portfolio under different market scenarios is stress tested, and response strategies are formulated in advance to ensure that the portfolio can move forward steadily under various market conditions. 2. A Stable Choice - ESG and Target Date Funds SEOKORE's ESG funds focus on environmental, social and corporate governance factors, invest in sustainable companies, and are stable and supported by policies in the current trend of increasing attention to corporate social responsibility in society. Target date funds are designed for specific goals such as retirement planning, and asset allocation becomes more conservative over time, providing a safe choice for long-term investors. 3. Product portfolio that takes both flexibility and stability into account Bond ETFs combine the stability of bonds with the flexibility of ETFs, providing investors with a new way to balance risk and return. REITs allow investors to indirectly invest in real estate through stocks to obtain rental and appreciation income, opening up new investment channels in the real estate sector. Short-term fixed income products have become a cash substitute in a low-interest environment, meeting investors' needs for liquidity and stability. The Japanese financial market also has rich experience and innovative initiatives in the fields of bond and real estate investment. SEOKORE draws inspiration from this and continuously optimizes its product portfolio to provide investors with more competitive investment options. 4. Fintech empowers investment Smart investment advisors automatically configure and manage portfolios based on algorithms, which is suitable for novice investors and reduces investment thresholds and management costs. Asset-backed securities have enriched fixed-income investment options and are gradually accepted by more investors as financial innovations emerge. Index funds track market indices, diversify risks, and attract many investors with their low costs and long-term stable returns. Green bonds raise funds for environmental protection projects, have low risks and are supported by policies, which is in line with the current concept of sustainable development. Sustainable investment achieves both social and economic benefits and has become an emerging investment trend. Cutting-edge technology drives financial innovation 1. AI full-dimensional perception strategy The company's core technology has been upgraded from intelligent trading strategy to AI full-dimensional perception strategy, which is a major breakthrough for SEOKORE in the field of financial technology. Deep integration with the SEOKORE platform has opened up unprecedented diversified and innovative development prospects for the financial trading market. It breaks the limitations of traditional financial analysis, and has a comprehensive, multi-level and intelligent perspective to understand the market, providing investors with more accurate, efficient and safe investment decision-making support. It also lays a solid technical foundation for the rise of SEOKORE in the global financial field, leading financial transactions to a new era full of infinite possibilities. "Full-dimensional" means that the strategy perceives market information from multiple dimensions, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, market sentiment, etc. At the technical analysis level, through deep learning algorithms to analyze massive historical data, it can accurately identify price trend patterns and predict short-term fluctuations and long-term trends. In fundamental analysis, with the help of big data mining technology, macroeconomic, industry dynamics and company financial information are widely collected to screen high-quality investment targets. Market sentiment analysis uses natural language processing technology to analyze text data such as social media and news, quantify market sentiment, and provide a basis for investment decisions. The high sensitivity and intelligent response ability emphasized by "perception" are reflected in the immediate response to market changes. The system uses machine learning technology to continuously self-learn and optimize. With the continuous accumulation of market data, it can quickly adapt to new market environments and changing trends. When major events occur in the market, such as geopolitical conflicts and major policy adjustments, the system can make risk assessments and adjust investment portfolios at the first time. 2. Intelligent risk control technology SEOKORE has built a complete intelligent risk control system. Using real-time data monitoring technology, the investment portfolio is monitored 24 hours a day. When market fluctuations exceed the preset threshold, the risk warning mechanism is automatically triggered, and the system can quickly adjust asset allocation or take other measures to reduce potential losses. In the wave of intelligent finance, SEOKORE has set sail with the sail of innovation. With the iteration of technology and the expansion of business, it will attract the attention of more investors around the world and work together to create a new future of wealth. Media contact Company Name: SEOKORE TECHNOLOGY INC. Contact Name: JOHN KING Email: seokore@seosms.com Country: New York, USA Website: https://seosms.com/ SOURCE: SEOKORE TECHNOLOGY INC. View the original press release on accesswire.com EQS Newswire / 08/11/2024 / 09:44 CET/CEST PARIS, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - This year, OPPO once again shone at Paris Photo 2024. As the event's global partner, the company celebrated global talents in mobile photography through the award ceremony of its imagine IF Photography Awards 2024. By exhibiting a retrospective of the best artworks from the competition, OPPO also showcased its humanistic vision with an elaborately designed exhibition titled "Dear Life." Paris Photo 2024 Exhibition "It is a great honor to participate in Paris Photo for two consecutive years and to showcase the exceptional global talents in mobile photography on this prestigious stage. The stunning photos captured with OPPO smartphones from around the world are a testament to OPPO's dedication to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation." said Olivella Liu, OPPO Global Brand Director. "Moreover, with the notion we bring to Paris this year, 'A perfect day is made of nothing but every extraordinary moment that makes you want to take a shot,' we also hope to further elaborate on OPPO's understanding of photography, and more importantly, present the beauty of life and cultural diversity." imagine IF Photography Awards: Shining the Spotlight on the Global Stage With over 1 million entries submitted from 81 countries and regions, the Imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 have brought together a vibrant showcase of global creativity and diversity. Following an extensive judging process, OPPO brought 56 award-winning works to Paris Photo and held an award ceremony, celebrating the creativity and cultural richness captured through mobile photography. imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 OPPO also invited Norwegian Art photographer and Hasselblad Master Tina Signesdottir Hult, a judge for the competition, along with award representatives, to share insights into their photographic journeys and the stories behind their works, providing the audience with a unique opportunity for in-depth engagement and exchange. Behind this shining event and the awarded entries, it is OPPO's unremitting endeavor to enable users to "Capture the Beauty of Life with Ease," to explore the humanistic significance of images by letting life itself become the protagonist, and to tell diversified stories from people across the globe. Art photographer, Hasselblad Master Tina Signesdottir Hult, and a judge for the imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 shares her experience "Dear Life" Exhibition: Harnessing the Power of Visual Storytelling Themed around "Dear Life," OPPO organized an exhibition at Paris Photo to showcase the winning entries from the imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 alongside the company's official sample photos. The exhibition invites visitors on a deeply personal journey through four zones-Dear World, Dear Time, Dear Friend, and Dear Me-each capturing the beauty of life's fleeting moments. Through these immersive sections, visitors embark on a heartfelt journey celebrating life, friendship, time, and self-reflection, with all images captured on OPPO smartphones. Additionally, to tie these evocative stories together, OPPO presented its annual photography film Dear Life , a visual journey which evokes echoes in minds with the grandeur of nature, fleeting moments of life, the warmth of friendship, as well as inner exploration. "Beyond the Image, Beyond Imagination." The images presented by OPPO at Paris Photo 2024 go beyond an exhibition; they are snapshots of people's lives, embodying emotional resonance and human traces left in the universe. By encouraging its users worldwide to unlock the potential of mobile photography and inviting them to capture the most delightful moments of their "Dear Life," OPPO strives to inspire people everywhere to see the world through a new lens-one that values creativity, diversity, and the beauty of everyday life. For more information, please visit OPPO Paris Photo 2024 Online Exhibition . Hashtag: OPPO The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. News Source: OPPO 08/11/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Craft Irish Whiskey, a global leader in premium Irish whiskey is announcing its exclusive partnership with Soho Whisky Club. Located within The Vintage House in London, the iconic private club will debut a fresh new look offering an enhanced tasting experience, complemented by a modern, opulent cigar terrace. The revitalised club promises to deliver an unparalleled experience, combining the best of Irish and World whiskies within a vibrant, stylish space for London's whiskey lovers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241108438217/en/ The Donn The Donn is a contemporary masterpiece, embodying our pioneering approach. It's not about the age or the label it's about the experience. This photo is The Donn at different maturation stages. (Photo: Business Wire) Craft Irish Whiskey is an award-winning spirits brand responsible for the world's rarest and most exclusive expressions of Irish Whiskey. In 2022, the company took home the top prize at the World Whiskies Awards for its inaugural release of The Devil's Keep single malt. Since then, it has compiled industry accolades, more rapidly than any other brand in the industry. Now it has partnered with the UK's oldest private whisky club, famed for being Ardbeg Embassy number 1, to support the revitalisation of London's whiskey community and drive continued innovation in the whiskey world. Available on pour at the new space will be the full range of Craft Irish Whiskey's portfolio for the first time, as well as exclusive, unreleased whiskies not available anywhere else. This will include two of its most popular offerings: The Taoscan and The Donn, which in just two years since launch has already become the most widely served Irish whiskies across Michelin restaurants in the UK and Ireland. The Taoscan is the world's first Port Chestnut finished single malt whiskey. Its full body, rich with dark fruit and toasted nuts, includes an assemblage of well-matured stock drawn from both American and Spanish barrels. The Donn is a meticulously crafted marriage of liquids coloured by casks of ex-Bourbon, Tawny Port, Hungarian Oak and PX sherry. It was named the World's Best Irish Whiskey at the 2023 Global Spirits Masters. "The relaunch of Soho Whisky Club is more than just an interior refresh, it's a refresh of whiskey culture in Soho and beyond," says Jay Bradley, Founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey "We are so proud to be at the centre of this, we want to bring our passion for whiskey to a world-class venue that shares our commitment to, and encouragement of, connoisseurship and community. The world's finest whiskies should be enjoyed in a setting that feels properly suited to the quality of what's in the glass. And that's what we're doing here at Soho Whisky Club-marrying that echelon of liquid with the exceptionality of experience." Tony McGeever, Custodian of Soho Whisky Club adds: "As we continue to evolve at Soho Whisky Club, it's essential that we align ourselves with partners who share our passion for craftmanship and community. We found that with Craft Irish Whiskey, our partnership is an embodiment of everything we stand for innovation, tradition and a relentless drive to pursue perfection. "This partnership is centred around creating a legacy that celebrates craftmanship and making sure that the future of whiskey is as exciting as its past." About Craft Irish Whiskey Craft Irish Whiskey is on a mission to restore Ireland's reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, elevating its potential as a luxury product. Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, Craft Irish Whiskey was born from a desire to return premium Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. Currently holding the record for the world's most expensive Inaugural release whiskey, the most expensive whiskey sold at auction and having been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd across 97% of the awards they have entered, the company has quickly become a global leader in the whiskey industry. Partnerships evolved with both The Michelin Guide, through which Craft Irish Whiskey shone a spotlight on truly remarkable mixology, with the 2023 Exceptional Cocktail Award, and World's 50 Best Restaurants, partnering with the prestigious awards as its Official Whiskey of the World Partner. Do visit Craft Irish Whiskey website or Instagram account for more information. About Soho Whisky Club For over 13 years, the Soho Whisky Club has established itself as a global industry hotspot, built on the legacy of The Vintage House a designated Ardbeg Embassy -which has been serving the Soho community since the 1940s. Notes to the Editor Available for interview: Jay Bradley, Founder and Master Blender, Craft Irish Whiskey Tony McGeever, Custodian, Soho Whisky Club Key Points about The Vintage House and Soho Whisky Club: Historic Legacy: Established in 1940, The Vintage House is one of the world's oldest surviving whisky establishments and a cornerstone of the whisky industry Industry Recognition: In 2012, it was awarded the prestigious title of Whisky Retail Icon, underscoring its respected position within the industry Unmatched Whisky Selection: With a collection valued at over 5 million, The Soho Whisky Club The Vintage House offers one of the world's most extensive ranges, including a rare 1940 Glenlivet-one of the oldest available whiskies to drink by the dram and The Glenfarclas Family Cask Range of which only two places in the world have the collection to sample, the other venue being the distillery itself. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241108438217/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact Rosie Dawson, Director of Premium Brands at rosie@craftirishwhiskey.com or Lewis Oakley, Client Director at lewis@milkandhoneypr.com Acquisition consolidates NFP's financial planning and employee benefits capabilities, while expanding NFP's presence into western Ireland DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NFP, an Aon company and a leading international insurance brokerage and consulting firm, today announced its acquisition of HC Financial, a financial planning and corporate employee benefits advisory business based in Galway, Ireland. The HC Financial team will join NFP, with Founder and Director, Gerry Cuddy, moving into a consultant role reporting to Colm Power, managing director, Benefits and Wealth. "Gerry and his team have built a fantastic, highly regarded advisory business with an extremely loyal client base, and we're excited they will be part of our future growth," said Power. "This significant acquisition will help us meet the growing demand for benefits and wealth planning expertise and expand NFP's physical footprint outside the Dublin market." Since 1988, HC Financial has provided clients in western Ireland with investment, pension and savings propositions and established itself as one of the largest advisory firms in Ireland. They've built an outstanding reputation with their dedication to clients and continuing investment in employees and technology. "We're excited to join NFP, a company that shares our core values of honesty, integrity, transparency and expertise," said Cuddy. "Today is a great day for our customers and employees and the future of NFP in Ireland as we expand the solutions and expertise available to our clients." About NFP NFP, an Aon company, is an organisation of consultative advisors and problem solvers helping companies and individuals address their most significant risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement challenges. We are more than 7,700 colleagues in the UK, Ireland, US, Puerto Rico and Canada serving a diversity of clients, industries and communities. Our global capabilities, specialised expertise and customised solutions span commercial business insurance, employee benefits, people consultancy, health and safety, and individual financial planning. Together, we put people first, prioritise partnerships and continuously advance a culture we're proud of. Visit NFP.co.uk to learn more. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/945522/nfp_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nfp-acquires-hc-financial-a-wealth-and-corporate-benefits-advisory-business-302299572.html EQS Newswire / 08/11/2024 / 10:15 CET/CEST SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - Singapore is strengthening its position as a global hub for supply chain management (SCM), providing international businesses with a reliable and efficient base to manage their regional and global supply chains. With top-notch infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, and forward-looking policies, Singapore invites businesses worldwide to establish or expand their operations in the city-state. Employees in the Tuas port operations room Singapore Supply Chain Connect 2024 - Showcasing Supply Chain Innovation From 3 October 2024 to 4 October 2024, the inaugural Singapore Supply Chain Connect 2024 brought together around 400 senior supply chain and business leaders to discuss the ongoing shifts in global supply chains. Organised by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with key industry and government partners, this landmark event highlighted Singapore's growing role in global supply chain management . Industry leaders shared best practices on how companies are leveraging Southeast Asia (SEA) and Singapore to drive growth and diversify their supply chains within the region. The discussions emphasised Singapore's strategic role in helping businesses build resilience and capitalise on new opportunities in the evolving global landscape. A Strong Talent Pool and Cutting-Edge Innovation Singapore's SCM hubs draw on a robust talent pool of over 70,000 supply chain professionals, supported by 3,600 annual graduates with the necessary skills to drive innovation and efficiency. In addition to its talent advantage, Singapore provides businesses access to a thriving innovation ecosystem backed by government initiatives such as the Economic Development Board's (EDB) support schemes . Companies can leverage these resources to establish innovation teams or Centres of Excellence (COEs) to adopt advanced technologies for digital and sustainable supply chains. A Logistics Powerhouse with World-Class Connectivity Singapore's top ranking in the World Bank's 2023 Logistics Performance Index reinforces its role as a global logistics management hub. The country's customs dwell time of under 10 minutes highlights its operational efficiency, making it a trusted hub for companies seeking to streamline their supply chain operations. The logistics industry in Singapore is further bolstered by the presence of 22 of the top 25 globally leading third-party logistics providers (3PLs), many of whom are setting up Best-In-Class Regional Distribution Centres (BIC RDCs). Companies such as DB Schenker, DSV, and Maersk are investing in cutting-edge facilities in Singapore, with new regional distribution centres expected to be operational by 2025. Long-Term Investments in Connectivity and Infrastructure Singapore's commitment to enhancing its connectivity is evident in its ongoing investments in air and sea logistics infrastructure, which have established the nation as a trusted air and sea connectivity hub. The Changi Air Cargo Hub is expanding its capacity from 3 million to 5.4 million tonnes annually, supported by the remodelled Changi Airfreight Centre, the Changi East Industrial Zone, and the Airport Logistics Park Singapore (ALPS). ALPS, operational since 2003, provides third-party logistics (3PL) services, enabling seamless regional air cargo flows. To further augment capacity, a second Airport Logistics Park (ALPS2) will launch from the 2030s, offering new space for logistics companies and serving as a Free Trade Zone. On the maritime side, Singapore remains the world's busiest container transshipment hub, handling 39.01 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2023. The upcoming Tuas Mega Port, set to be the world's largest fully automated port by the 2040s, will have a capacity of 65 million TEUs annually. This advanced port infrastructure will reduce vessel turnaround times and cement Singapore's position as a key global maritime hub. Hashtag: EDB SingaporeEconomicDevelopmentBoard Singapore The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Singapore Economic Development Board The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore's position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. News Source: Singapore Economic Development Board 08/11/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com HOOK (dpa-AFX) - Serco Group said the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has informed Serco that it has been unsuccessful in rebidding the contract for the provision of onshore immigration detention facilities and detainee services. The end date of contract is 10 December 2024, after which there is a transition out period of up to 180 days. Serco noted that it will now proceed with a change programme during the transition period. The programme will reduce the cost base.The Group anticipates one-off end of contract cash costs of around 20 million pounds. Guidance for 2024 remains unchanged. Serco provided immigration services as a partner to the Australian Government since October 2009.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. NAIROBI, Kenya and LONDON, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialist agricultural investor AgDevCo is pleased to announce its latest investment in Kenya, into Agventure, a farmer-owned business that is leading the way in regenerative agricultural practices for non-irrigated cereal-based systems. Agventure was established in 2010 with the mission of enabling Kenyan farmers to develop more sustainable farming practices. Agventure consists of a collective of farmers, researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs working to model, promote, and share regenerative production methods throughout the food system. Today the group supplies over 45,000 tonnes of food crops into the local market, across a range of crops including wheat, barley, maize, canola, sunflower, green peas, chickpeas, lupins, fava beans and others. Through its Centre of Excellence, the company reaches and trains over 700 small and medium sized farmers across the country, encouraging them to introduce rotational crops including canola, into their farming system to help promote soil health. Agventure then provides a guaranteed offtake for the canola seed, which it processes and sells to the Kenyan market. AgDevCo's mezzanine loan of $9.5 million will enable the company to continue to develop its canola oil production capabilities - it sells oil under the Pure Mountain brand in Kenya - allowing the company to increase its volumes purchased from outgrower farmers. It will also help to build Agventure Seed's platform to supply high quality certified seed to farmers. AgDevCo's Managing Director for East Africa, Rebecca Sankar, said, "We are excited to be supporting Agventure in its journey to add more value commodity crops, which increases the availability of high quality, locally produced food for the domestic market and reduces reliance on imports." Agventure's CEO, Don White, said, "Agventure is looking forward to working with AgDevCo to expand and strengthen our business and in doing so expand availability of regenerative agriculture solutions to many more farmers." AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture, growing sustainable and impactful agribusiness, with USD 280m under management. Its vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector, which benefits both people and planet by investing in and supporting agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, produce, and process food and link farmers to markets. AgDevCo supports its partners to work towards climate sustainability, and where possible, regenerative solutions. AgDevCo has made more than 65 investments to date. More information can be found at www.agdevco.com Sam Hayley, Senior Investment Manager info@agdevco.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5aea4cf-23b6-4586-9fb1-cb3afcd63202 New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Leading cryptocurrency exchange BTC-Alpha has announced a major rebranding and platform upgrade, introducing a suite of advanced trading tools and enhanced security measures designed to support traders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The revamped platform offers a seamless user experience with a focus on accessibility, security, and offering the necessary tools for traders to thrive in the dynamic cryptocurrency market. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9721/228018_caaff2b674fd6903_001full.jpg As traders progress from novice to expert, their needs evolve. A successful trading journey requires a platform that adapts, providing the appropriate tools and resources at each stage of development. Established in 2016, BTC-Alpha has grown into a trusted cryptocurrency exchange, known for supporting traders at every stage of their journey and taking security very seriously. With a recent rebranding, BTC-Alpha has enhanced its user interface to make navigation easier while ensuring that traders, whether beginners or seasoned pros, can access the features they need to grow. A Scalable Experience for Traders The needs of a trader change as they gain experience. Initially, simplicity is key: clear tools, easy navigation, and straightforward guidance. As traders become more proficient, they require advanced features to refine their strategies and maximize their potential. Many trading platforms struggle to cater to both novice and experienced traders. Some lack the advanced tools needed for sophisticated strategies, while others overwhelm users with complex interfaces. BTC-Alpha addresses this challenge by providing a scalable experience that adapts to the user's growing expertise, offering the necessary features without unnecessary complexity. Disclaimer: Trading cryptocurrencies involves significant risks, including the possibility of financial loss. Leveraged trading, in particular, can lead to rapid losses due to market volatility. Please carefully consider your financial circumstances and risk tolerance before engaging in any trading activities. Advanced Trading Tools for Enhanced Performance Margin and Futures Trading For traders looking to expand their strategies beyond standard trades, BTC-Alpha offers both margin trading and futures trading. Margin trading enables traders to amplify their buying power by borrowing funds, allowing them to open positions larger than their own capital would allow. enables traders to amplify their buying power by borrowing funds, allowing them to open positions larger than their own capital would allow. Futures trading allows traders to speculate on the future price movements of assets. This can be a valuable tool for those seeking to capitalize on anticipated market trends or hedge against potential risks. Advanced Charting and Analytics Successful trading often depends on having the right insights at the right time. Traders can utilize BTC-Alpha's charting and analytics tools to gain insights into market trends. The platform offers customizable options and real-time data. Tailor chart setups to reflect unique trading style, focusing on key indicators and metrics that matter most. to reflect unique trading style, focusing on key indicators and metrics that matter most. The real-time analytics feature ensures that traders are never left out of the loop. Access to up-to-the-minute data empowers traders to act quickly when opportunities arise, without getting bogged down by overly complex analysis. Variety of Order Types A trader's ability to execute orders with precision can make all the difference in volatile markets. BTC-Alpha offers a wide range of order types, giving traders the control and flexibility to match their strategies to changing market conditions. Limit orders allow traders to set specific entry or exit prices, ensuring traders only trade when conditions are favorable. allow traders to set specific entry or exit prices, ensuring traders only trade when conditions are favorable. Market orders execute trades immediately, ideal for when timing is critical. execute trades immediately, ideal for when timing is critical. Stop-loss orders protect traders positions by automatically closing trades if the market moves against traders. Smart Asset Diversification Risk management is a fundamental part of any successful trading strategy, and diversification plays a crucial role in managing that risk. BTC-Alpha offers smart diversification tools to help traders spread their investments across various assets, creating a balanced portfolio. By diversifying trades, traders can reduce the risk of being overly exposed to a single asset class or market. This means that if one part of the market performs poorly, traders' other investments can help mitigate the impact. traders can reduce the risk of being overly exposed to a single asset class or market. This means that if one part of the market performs poorly, traders' other investments can help mitigate the impact. BTC-Alpha's tools make it easy to manage traders' portfolios. With a focus on spreading risk while still pursuing profits, these tools are great for giving traders peace of mind as they navigate more complex trading strategies. BTC-Alpha's User-Friendly Platform Attracts New Generation of Traders Designed for Traders at Every Stage BTC-Alpha is built to meet the needs of traders at every experience level. Whether a trader is just starting with cryptocurrency or already refining advanced strategies, the platform offers the flexibility to grow with traders: User-Friendly for Beginners: BTC-Alpha's intuitive interface makes it easy for new traders to get started. With straightforward tools and a clean design, traders can focus on learning without getting overwhelmed. Educational Resources: For those looking to deepen their knowledge, BTC-Alpha's blog is packed with insights, trading tips, and more to help traders sharpen their skills and stay informed about the latest trends. Security and Flexibility As a trader's portfolio expands, keeping their assets safe is essential. BTC-Alpha uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), cold storage for most assets, and continuous monitoring to spot any suspicious activity. To further protect users, BTC-Alpha offers features like IP and wallet whitelisting, anti-phishing codes, and thorough withdrawal checks to prevent unauthorized access. With a focus on financial crime prevention and encryption protocols, BTC-Alpha works hard to keep traders assets secure, while keeping the platform easy to use. Extra Features to Enhance Experience Mobile Trading With BTC-Alpha's mobile apps, traders can stay connected to the market no matter where they are. They can manage their portfolios on the go with real-time alerts and price notifications that keep them updated on market movements. Competitions Beyond its trading tools, BTC-Alpha keeps users engaged with a variety of community-driven incentives, including competitions. Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks, including the potential loss of traders' entire investment. Leveraged trading may lead to losses greater than trader's initial deposit. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and past performance does not guarantee future results. BTC-Alpha does not offer investment advice or recommendations. Always consult with a financial professional and consider trader's financial situation and risk tolerance before engaging in trading. Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses, promotions, and referral programs. Participants must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Please review these carefully on the BTC-Alpha's website. About BTC-Alpha BTC-Alpha is designed to support traders of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. The platform offers the tools, security, and flexibility to meet their evolving needs, with features ranging from user-friendly mobile apps to advanced trading options. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228018 SOURCE: United Press ISTANBUL, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has hosted its annual 5G Summit & User Congress 2024 in Istanbul, Turkiye. The two-day event, organized under the theme "Flourish Through Intelligent Innovation", gathered professionals from industry organizations, standardization bodies, carriers, think tanks, industry partners, and analysts, and other global ecosystem players. Discussions focused on the latest developments in 5G, 5G-A, AI, and next-generation networks, offering valuable insights into emerging trends and sharing practical case studies to drive the future of digital transformation. As the core of the event, ZTE showcased its innovative products, solutions, and best practices, embodying the transformative potential of intelligent innovation. The company's advancements in wireless technology were segmented into three development stages: In the 5G-ready Area, ZTE introduced the UniSite simplest site solution, covering UBR Pioneer, FMM Pioneer, and Green Pioneer, to help operators build an efficient and future-oriented 4G/5G network. The 5G Area highlighted innovative 5G solutions tailored to ToC, ToB, and ToH markets, focusing on 5G Monetization, Intelligent Wireless Solutions, Private 5G Networks, and FWA. The 5G-A Area unlocked the practice of 5G-A commercialization through solutions such as 5G-A 10Gbps Experience, Integrated Sensing and Communication, RedCap, and also discusses how AI empowers network O&M. In the realm of core networks, ZTE unveiled its latest Smart Core solution, enhanced by AI and 5G-A technologies, featuring service intelligence, network intelligence, and O&M intelligence to reshape the mobile AI era and unlock new business value with global operators. In the Server & Storage Product field, ZTE brought together upstream and downstream partners from the server industry chain, including chip manufacturers, cloud platform service providers, production manufacturers, system integration service providers, and global industry clients, to explore new opportunities for computing power infrastructure in the AI era. Additionally, ZTE had released its G6 series of servers for the first time in overseas markets. In the wired field, ZTE, centering on the all - optical theme, presented the tri-mode 50G PON Combo solution along with the progress of global cooperation, the high-performance-price-ratio FTTR-B all-optical campus network, the cutting-edge Tbit OTN, the cost-effective 800GE IP network and the all - format LinkPro series Wi-Fi 7 products. The aim was to provide global customers with high-speed, reliable and economical all-optical connections. ZTE underscored its "AI for All" strategy by showcasing cutting-edge AI-powered 5G innovations. Highlights included the debut of the industry's first AI-powered FWA solution, the ZTE Nebula AI FWA Solution, the first AI + 5G FWA G5 series, and a full range of FWA & MBB products tailored for personal, home, industry, and vehicle use, alongside stylish smartphones such as the nubia Focus 5G series, nubia Music, and nubia Neo 2 5G. Within its Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem 3.0, ZTE further expanded its AI offerings to IoT devices and health wearables, aiming to enable everyone to benefit from AI and the latest technologies. Innovation depends not only on individual breakthroughs but also on close collaboration and symbiotic growth across industries. ZTE collaborates with global partners to explore digital transformation across various sectors, driving progress in the digital economy. For more information, please visit: https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/exhibition/5g_summit_2024.html ABOUT ZTE: ZTE helps to connect the world with continuous innovation for a better future. The company provides innovative technologies and integrated solutions, its portfolio spans all series of wireless, wireline, devices and professional telecommunications services. Serving over a quarter of the global population, ZTE is dedicated to creating a digital and intelligent ecosystem, and enabling connectivity and trust everywhere. ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. www.zte.com.cn/global FOLLOW US: Facebook www.facebook.com/ZTECorp X www.x.com/ZTEPress LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/zte YouTube www.youtube.com/@ZTECorporation MEDIA INQUIRIES: ZTE Corporation Communications Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zte-hosts-5g-summit--user-congress-2024-in-turkiye-showcasing-the-digital-future-under-the-theme-flourish-through-intelligent-innovation-302299836.html Hannover Rueck, one of the world's leading reinsurers, is poised for a significant leadership transition that could reshape its market position. The current CEO is set to depart next year, with the present Chief Financial Officer stepping into the top role. This unexpected change has already influenced the company's stock performance, as investors weigh the potential impact on Hannover Rueck's future trajectory. The incoming CEO brings a wealth of financial expertise, which could herald a new era of strategic development for the firm. Meanwhile, an external candidate will assume the CFO position, potentially introducing fresh perspectives to the company's financial strategy. Financial Strategy Realignment Anticipated Industry experts foresee a possible shift in Hannover Rueck's financial approach with the new leadership team at the helm. The incoming CFO is expected to inject new ideas and potentially optimize the cost structure, which could enhance the company's competitiveness and, by extension, its stock value. Analysts suggest that these changes might lead to improved operational efficiency and strengthen Hannover Rueck's market standing. Investors are likely to closely monitor the initial moves of the new executive team, as these actions could provide valuable insights into the reinsurer's future direction and financial health. Ad Fresh Hannover Rueck information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Hannover Rueck analysis... Omio's NowNext '24 Report reveals the latest trends and decision drivers for travel bookings LONDON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global travel booking platform, Omio, has today released its inaugural NowNext annual Report, revealing the trends defining travel in 2024 and beyond. Omio commissioned the renowned research house, Ripple Effect, to conduct an omnibus survey of thousands of European and US travellers. The findings, complemented by user data, highlight the rise of traveller traffic, with new drivers inspiring booking decisions. "At Omio, we are always looking for new ways to simplify and enrich our customers' travel experiences," commented Veronica Diquattro, Omio President B2C Europe. "We've created this report to get a deeper understanding of what is driving booking decisions, now and into 2025. From the rise of men's solo travel to the return of city breaks, we're seeing a dynamic mix of emerging new trends with the renaissance of holiday rituals. We're also witnessing the continued rise of the digital traveller, whose increasing reliance on AI, social media and apps, provides an insight into how the industry must evolve to meet changing consumer needs." The NowNext '24 Report themes are: Travel with a Capital C: Remote, niche locations have grown in popularity over the last years, but city escapes are on the rise again with 60% of travellers planning to visit major cities in 2025. Culture-rich capitals win top spot as the most in-demand locations on the Omio platform in 2024 but it isn't only iconic landmarks persuading travellers to go urban, with food, concerts, and sporting events increasingly amongst the main reasons travellers are flocking to major metropolises. Boy Wander: From self-discovery to mental empowerment, independence to building confidence, there are lots of benefits to travelling alone. Over the last few years, the trend has been heavily led by women, but we're soon to see a surge in lone male voyagers with 30% of men compared to 23% of women planning a solo trip in 2025. Not only are men planning to increase solo travel, but they also plan to do it in style with 28% of men planning to spend over 2,000 on their international trip. Lost in Translation: Travelling broadens our horizons and gives us a fresh perspective of foreign cultures, but it also comes with challenges. Travellers cite language barriers and navigating unfamiliar transport networks as the biggest sources of stress with almost a third (29%) of respondents struggling with foreign transport. In 2025, travellers will increasingly lean on technology to navigate the complexities of international travel with 44% saying they would use AI to plan and book travel in 2025, compared to 27% in 2024. Summer Suntrap: While 'shoulder-season' can provide cheaper, quieter, and more temperate conditions, travellers just can't resist peak summer travel. In 2024, 74% of travellers believed June, July, and August were the best times to get away. In 2025, it is set to be a similar story, with 76% preferring the full tourist experience of peak season compared to off-peak options. The New Travel AI-gents: Booking a holiday destination isn't always straightforward. With so many options to choose from, we are under a lot of pressure to ensure that we select the right location to suit what we want from our trip. It's no surprise then that savvy travellers are increasingly using AI and social media with 45% of travellers getting their travel inspiration from social media in 2024. TLC (Travel Loving Care): Conscious travel continues to rapidly grow in importance for travellers as they try to minimise the negative impacts of their journey and help the communities and places they visit. Over half of travellers (58%) are more likely to travel to places that incentivise sustainable travel and 44% say supporting local businesses and restaurants is a key part of their travel plans. An Exciting 2025 Lies Ahead Veronica Diquattro, continues, "From our NowNext '24 Report, it's clear that travellers' needs continue to change. At Omio, it's our mission to offer a powerful and easy-to-use platform that allows travellers, from all corners of the globe, to navigate the complexities of the travel landscape with consummate ease. It's our goal to support all types of travellers, catering to individual needs, personal preferences and decision drivers in 2025 and beyond. We believe it's time to shake things up. Travel is changing, and Omio is leading the way. " Access the NowNext '24 Report: www.omio.com/c/travel-trends-report-2024/ About Omio Since its foundation in 2013, the Omio Group has been helping its customers discover new ways of travelling. Thanks to its two interconnected platforms, Omio and Rome2Rio, Omio is the world's leading travel platform for searching, comparing, and booking. Omio B2B Partnership is servicing OTA's and mobility providers with tailored business solutions. Omio supports its customers in their desire to explore Europe, the United States, and Canada by train, bus, flight, and ferry. Omio collaborates with over 1,000 transportation providers; customers can book in 21 languages and pay in 26 foreign currencies. Omio sells more than 80,000 tickets daily, employs over 400 staff from more than 50 countries and maintains offices in Berlin, Prague, Melbourne, and London. The Omio Group offers its customers journeys that move them. Contact Sebastian Ries omio@opnrs.com +49 1578 058 8488 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482408/5013204/OMIO_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solo-males-on-the-move-quintessential-capital-city-breaks-and-tech-travel-companions-302299859.html JINAN, China, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Shandong University hosted its inaugural global alumni celebrations at the university's central campus in celebration of its 123rd anniversary. Over 5,000 alumni from various industries and regions across the globe gathered to mark this significant occasion. Chinese scientist Xue Qikun, an alumnus of Shandong University and academician of Chinese Academy of Science, shared his fond memories of studying at the university, highlighting its legacy of educational excellence and dedication to national service through research. He emphasized that his achievements in scientific research and talent development are strongly connected to the education and inspiration he received at Shandong University. "Alumni are the most valuable asset of Shandong University and a trusted source of support. The university's success is closely linked to the success of its alumni," stated Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University. He concluded that the university would leverage the global alumni conference to uphold its mission of nurturing talent for the nation, drive innovation, and collaborate with alumni to promote the university's spirit, share its story, and contribute to social development. Shandong University President Li Shucai stated that the alumni of Shandong University are at the forefront of global scientific advancements, making significant contributions to the high-quality development of the national and regional economy and society. The university will create a comprehensive cooperation platform for alumni and strengthen alumni cultural development, continuously supporting them in enhancing high-level scientific independence and contributing to the quality development of the regional economy and society. The alumni associations of six industries, namely the Social Work, Media, Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Equipment, Smart Energy, Integrated Circuit, Transportation, were officially inaugurated. The associations will serve as vital links to connect alumni and bridges to convey the care of Shandong University, gathering alumni resources in the same industry. Shandong University has launched a lifelong learning platform for its alumni. This platform will facilitate the sharing of academic resources and focus on science, technology, and social and economic development, leveraging the university's high-quality disciplines and research strength. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shandong-university-hosts-first-global-alumni-celebrations-302299866.html ISTANBUL, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation, a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, announced that its CEO, Xu Ziyang, attended the 5G Summit & User Conference 2024, where he delivered a keynote speech titled "Digital Bridge of Civilization, Link Across Carbon & Silicon". The conference, held under the theme "Flourish Through Intelligent Innovation", gathered industry leaders to discuss the transformative impact of intelligent solutions. In his speech, Xu Ziyang highlighted ZTE's remarkable achievements in promoting technological innovation and industrial integration in the digital and intelligent era. In his address, he emphasized four key types of connections that are reshaping industries: Data Link builds a digital Silk Road, connecting the world seamlessly. builds a digital Silk Road, connecting the world seamlessly. Wisdom Link redefines computing power and intelligence, transforming productivity across industries. redefines computing power and intelligence, transforming productivity across industries. Symbiotic Link builds ecosystem collaboration, where technology and the environment evolve together. builds ecosystem collaboration, where technology and the environment evolve together. Civilization Link connects carbon-based life and silicon-based intelligence, opening endless possibilities for collaboration between humans and AI. Data Link ZTE drives network technology innovation and upgrades. With four key capabilities including UBR, FDD Massive MIMO, RAN Computing, and Green Network, it creates efficient, lightweight 5G networks. It's committed to sustainability, achieving comprehensive energy savings. OTN technology upgrades to 800G and can evolve to 1.6T. In home broadband, FTTR and CPE shipments are significant. It bridges the digital divide globally, and its networks cover various areas, including new frontiers like low-altitude, high-altitude, and space. Wisdom Link ZTE leads in general and intelligent computing in the Chinese telecom market. In accelerated computing, it has relevant proposals for better performance and efficiency. It offers customized servers for intelligent computing scenarios, like the G6 series with new CPUs and DPUs. ZTE provides efficient computing power through high-bandwidth connections. Its advanced liquid cooling technology increases CDU cooling efficiency by 30%. ZTE's self-developed "Nebula LLM" has improved internal R&D efficiency. For telcos, the Nebula Telecom Model reduces operators' manual maintenance workload. It also has industry-specific models for digital transformation. Symbiotic Link ZTE drives innovation through individual breakthroughs and cross-industry collaboration, partnering globally to explore digital transformation. In Thailand, ZTE developed a 5G-enabled digital food factory, and in Turkey, it's automating agriculture using 5G networks, drones, and autonomous vehicles. In Malaysia, ZTE enabled 5G ultra-HD broadcasting for the 2024 Sukma Games using millimeter-wave wireless technology. Green transition is essential to digital transformation. ZTE has reduced carbon emissions by 10% annually, achieved an "A" CDP rating, and plans to reach scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050 with SBTi. ZTE collaborates globally toward an intelligent and sustainable future. Investment in underlying - technology R&D drives technological evolution ZTE's sustained commitment to foundational R&D has led to significant advancements in core chip technology and efficient power amplification. With a unified architecture that enhances deployment and flexibility, alongside strong software platforms like the TECS Cloud Platform and Nebula LLM, ZTE empowers telecom operators to maintain a competitive edge. Its end-to-end solutions drive digital transformation, fostering lasting competitiveness across industries. Civilization Link The flow of bits, like the unceasing waters of the Bosphorus Strait, connects the physical and digital worlds. The evolution of connections propels civilization's progress, and continuous innovation enriches collective knowledge. ZTE aims to bridge the world via connectivity, generate new opportunities with digital intelligence, and inaugurate a new era of human civilization. MEDIA INQUIRIES: ZTE Corporation Communications Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zte-ceo-xu-ziyang-at-5g-summit--user-congress-2024-digital-bridge-of-civilization-link-across-carbon--silicon-302299872.html LONDON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On 29 October 2024, the Board of Directors of Tetragon declared a dividend of U.S.$ 0.11 (11.00 cents) per share in respect of the third quarter of 2024. The ex-dividend date is 1 November 2024. The record date is 4 November 2024. Payment of the dividend will take place from 27 November 2024. Tetragon's website (www.tetragoninv.com) includes information on Tetragon's Optional Stock Dividend Plan for those shareholders electing to receive dividends in the form of Tetragon shares. Shareholders may elect to receive dividends in the form of Tetragon shares by making a dividend share election up to 14 November 2024. If no election is made, the dividend will be paid in cash from 27 November 2024. Cash dividends may be received in Sterling by those shareholders making a dividend currency election up to 14 November 2024. If no election is made, the dividend will be paid in U.S. dollars from 27 November 2024. The reference price for shares delivered in lieu of cash is U.S. $12.65, resulting in a conversion ratio of one newly issued share for every 115.00 dividend rights held. The reference price is based on the volume-weighted average of the trading prices of a non-voting share on Euronext Amsterdam N.V. for the five-day trading period (treated as a single period) from 1 November to 7 November 2024. For further information on the Optional Stock Dividend Plan, please refer to the brochure on Tetragon's website. About Tetragon: Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com . Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors. Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information. Tetragon Investor Relations: Yuko Thomas ir@tetragoninv.com Press Inquiries: Prosek Partners pro-tetragon@prosek.com U.K. +44 20 3890 9193 U.S. +1 212 279 3115 This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended). This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tetragon-financial-group-limited-dividend-information-in-respect-of-q3-2024-302299882.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - As Donald Trump is on course to win Nevada, his projected electoral college votes tally crossed 300.With six electoral college votes there, the Republican candidate is projected to win a total of 301, reports say.Kamala Harris is trailing behind with 226 electoral votes, leaving Arizona the only remaining state to be called in the 2024 presidential election.With this, Trump has swept all but one of the seven battleground states.Only three quarters of the votes have reportedly been counted so far in Arizona, the last of the swing states.After taking back control of the Senate, the Republican Party is just six seats short of majority in the House Of Representatives.As counting continues in several seats, GOP has 212 seats in the 435-member Lower House.The Democrats have so far won 200 seats.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. MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine caused by the ongoing Russian invasion, the head of the UN atomic energy agency has said that safety at the country's largest nuclear power plant 'remains a deep source of concern'.Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which is also Europe's biggest nuclear energy facility, has been under Russian control since shortly after it launched a full-scale military campaign in February 2022.In recent days, an IAEA expert team crossed the frontline to replace colleagues at the Zaporizhzhya plant who have been monitoring nuclear safety and security since September 2022. The presence of the 'IAEA Support and Assistance Mission' at ZNPP and four other nuclear facilities is meant 'to help prevent a radiological accident during the military conflict', IAEA said in a statement.'We will stay at these sites for as long as it is needed to help avert the threat of a nuclear accident that could have serious consequences for human health and the environment in Ukraine and beyond,' said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. 'As the nuclear safety and security situation remains highly challenging, our experts are continuing to play a crucial stabilizing role at all these facilities.'Media reports indicated ongoing fighting and drone attacks in the vicinity of the Zaporizhyzhya plant in southeastern Ukraine.The agency's teams reported that the safety and security at Ukraine's four other nuclear plants - Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl - are 'being maintained despite the effects of the ongoing conflict, including air raid alarms for several days over the past week'.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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Lamar Advertising Company (LAMR) reported third quarter funds from operations, or FFO, of $214.0 million versus $210.0 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of 1.9%. Adjusted funds from operations, or AFFO, was $220.7 million compared to $208.8 million, an increase of 5.7%. AFFO per share increased 5.4% to $2.15 from $2.04.Net income was $147.8 million for the third quarter compared to $140.4 million for the same period in 2023. Net income per share was $1.44 compared to $1.37.On average, four analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $1.45, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.Net revenues were $564.1 million for the third quarter versus $542.6 million for the third quarter of 2023, a 4.0% increase. Acquisition-adjusted net revenue for the third quarter of 2024 increased 3.6%. Analysts on average had estimated $593.83 million in revenue.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.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. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Bedford Park Capital Corporation is proud to announce that the Bedford Park Opportunities Fund was awarded first place for Best 1 Year Return at the 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards in the Equity-Focused category. The Bedford Park Opportunities Fund returned 73.6%(1) for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2024. "Investors rely on us to help them achieve attractive rates of return on their capital, and we consider it an honour and a privilege to manage that capital every day," said Jordan Zinberg, President and CEO at Bedford Park Capital and the portfolio manager of the Bedford Park Opportunities Fund. "The Canadian Hedge Fund Awards are the highest honour in Canada's hedge fund industry, and we are thrilled to have achieved first place in our category." About Bedford Park Capital Corporation Bedford Park Capital Corporation is a Toronto-based investment firm that was founded in 2018, and strives to generate exceptional investment performance for a diverse group of investors. Bedford Park Capital Corporation is the investment manager of the Bedford Park Opportunities Fund, a highly specialized investment strategy focused primarily on small- and mid-cap Canadian growth stocks. For further information, visit bedfordparkcapital.com. About the Canadian Hedge Fund Awards The Canadian Hedge Fund Awards help investors identify the most exceptional hedge funds, recognizing winners in 6 categories as well as the Overall Best 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund. A total of 273 Canadian Hedge Funds were included in the 2024 CHFA program. The awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, with Fundata Canada managing the collection and tabulation of the data to determine the winners. There is no nomination process or subjective assessment in identifying the winning hedge funds. (1) Based on time weighted rates of return for Class A, Series 1 units, net of all fees and expenses. Past performance Is not necessarily indicative of future results. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229245 SOURCE: Bedford Park Capital VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Corporation") provides the following corporate and operations update. Corporate update Aton announces that Mr Robert Parr has resigned from his role as Chief Operating Officer at Aton Resources, for personal reasons. Mr Parr has also resigned from his position on the Board of Directors of Abu Marawat Gold Mines Ltd ("AMGM"), the 50/50 joint venture company established in Egypt with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority ("EMRA"), which acts as the operator of the Abu Marawat Exploitation Lease. "I would like to express my thanks to Rob for the work and the efforts that he has put in this year at Aton, and for setting us on the path to the development of the next gold mine in Egypt at Hamama West" said Tonno Vahk, CEO. "We are pleased to announce that Mr Paul Angus, Aton's Exploration Manager in Egypt, will join the Board of AMGM, while the search for a suitable replacement for Rob is underway. We continue to move steadily ahead in Egypt with the appointment of Wardell Armstrong to undertake a PFS on the Hamama West deposit, and the imminent commencement of fieldwork programmes, while we continue to build our working relationship with our partners at EMRA and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. Meanwhile the ongoing diamond drilling programme at Abu Marawat, which has been designed with the objective of upgrading the resource there to the indicated category, is going well, and we plan to release the next tranche of results as soon as they become available. We will also be starting new RC drill programmes within the next month, as work on both the Abu Marawat exploitation lease and the retained exploration areas continues with the specific long term objective of developing multiple mines at the Abu Marawat Concession". Operations update Aton has appointed Wardell Armstrong International Ltd (Cornwall, UK) to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") on the Hamama West deposit. Cube Consulting (Perth, Western Australia) will continue to take the lead on the estimation of all mineral resources across the entire Abu Marawat Concession, including at the Hamama area, the Rodruin deposit, and also at the Abu Marawat and Semna deposits. The Energold diamond drilling programme at the Abu Marawat deposit is ongoing, with the first results having now been released (see news release dated November 7, 2024), including near surface high grade polymetallic intersections of 8.98 g/t Au, 185 g/t Ag, 0.43% Cu and 6.12% Zn over a 3.90m interval (hole AMD-110) and 9.57 g/t Au, 92.9 g/t Ag, 0.52% Cu and 0.29% Zn also over a 3.90m interval (hole AMD-107). This programme has been extended and will now continue into 2025. Aton has executed a new driling contract with Capital Drilling Egypt Ltd ("Capital") to undertake a minimum of 5,000m of RC drilling on the retained exploration areas at the Abu Marawat Concession. Drilling is planned at the Abu Marawat deposit and the Semna gold mine project, as well as other to date undrilled high priority targets on the Concession, including Sir Bakis and Bohlog. Aton, through its 50% owned JV company AMGM, is also in the final stages of negotiating a separate contract for a programme of groundwater exploration and infrastructure sterilisation RC drilling in the Hamama area, as part of the planned PFS work. This drilling is planned to start within the next month. Other geotechnical, metallurgical and resource extension drill programmes are currently being designed for the Hamama area. The various Energold diamond drilling and Capital RC drilling programmes on both the exploitation lease at Hamama, and on the retained exploration areas of the Abu Marawat Concession will run concurrently through H1-2025. About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the Rodruin deposit in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Semna and Sir Bakis. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. The Abu Marawat exploitation lease is 57.66 km 2 in size, covering the Hamama West and Rodruin mineral deposits, and was established In January 2024 and is valid for an initial period of 20 years. The Concession also includes an additional 255.0 km 2 of exploration areas at Abu Marawat, retained for a further period of 4 years from January 2024. Abu Marawat is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Javier Orduna BSc (hons), MSc, MCSM, DIC, MAIG, SEG(M), Chief Geologist of Aton Resources Inc. Mr. Orduna is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 604 318 0390 Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Aton Resources, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) ("Astra Exploration" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 33,333,161 units (each, a "Unit") for gross proceeds of CAD $1,999,989.66. Under the Offering, the Company issued 33,333,161 Units priced at $0.06 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share for $0.10 for a period of twelve months from the Offering closing date. In addition to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, the shares issued in the Offering will be subject to a twelve-month hold period, and shares obtained through the exercise of the related Warrants will also be subject to a twelve-month hold from the date of the Offering closing, expiring November 7, 2025. Insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 8,333,332 Units for gross proceeds of $499,999.92 under the Offering. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Offering constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the common shares of the Company are listed on the TSX-V. The issuance of securities is also exempt from the minority approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value was less than $2,500,000. To accommodate strong insider demand and stay within TSX Venture Exchange regulatory guidelines on insider participation, Michael Gentile graciously reduced his subscription from the previously announced $495,000, to $445,000 or 7,416,666 units. Following this financing, Mr. Gentile owns 14,216,666 shares, equivalent to 16.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares, and a total of 4,708,333 warrants, representing a 21.3% ownership on a partially diluted basis. The Company is also pleased to report that Mason Resources Inc. (TSXV: LLG), and a number of its co-investors and affiliates have subscribed to the Offering. Mason Resources Inc., is a Canadian investment corporation focused on the natural resource sector seeking to make strategic investments primarily in battery-related metals, precious and base metals, and green technologies. Brian Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Astra Exploration, commented: "This financing will fund drilling at the Manchuria Project at the beginning of next year. A minimum of 2,500 metres is planned to follow up the high-grade gold and silver historic drill results completed by Barrick Gold and Patagonia Gold. With nearly 80% of Astra's issued and outstanding shares now held by a select group of long-term investors, positive drill results which prove our growth thesis has the potential to lead to a significant re-rating of the share price." The proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund a drill program on the Manchuria Project (see press releases dated July 9 and October 25, 2024) and for general working capital. About the Company Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America. The Manchuria LSE gold-silver project over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest, is located in the prolific Deseado Massif of Santa Cruz, Argentina which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro. Astra's 100% owned Pampa Paciencia low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold-silver project is located in the Paleocene mineral province of northern Chile in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda, and shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, and exploration and development of the Company's projects. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. wire services. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229183 SOURCE: Astra Exploration Inc. SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegoo, a rapidly developing brand in global smart manufacturing, has updated its plans for Formnext 2024, offering a sneak peek at exciting new products and initiatives. From November 19-22, 2024, in Frankfurt, Germany, Elegoo will showcase solutions designed for an intuitive ecosystem, while engaging the growing number of women and children in 3D printing and fostering community connections between influencers and consumers. Latest Innovations at a Glance At Formnext, Elegoo will introduce four major products designed to enhance the 3D printing experience. These include its first all-in-one LCD slicing software, which streamlines the printing process. The upgraded Saturn 4 Ultra 16K features a 16K screen for vivid colors and fine detail, faster printing speeds, built-in Wi-Fi, and a tank heating feature for optimal results in cooler temperatures. The Centauri Carbon, Elegoo's first Core-XY 3D printer, combines precision, speed, and reliability, offering a competitive alternative to the Bambu Lab X1C. Additionally, the Mercury Plus 3.0 wash and cure machine offers mess-free cleaning and accommodates larger prints with ease. Where Fashion Meets 3D Printing Elegoo is thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Dutch FashionTech designer Anouk Wipprecht, who will debut a stunning 3D printed dress at the Elegoo booth at 16:00 on November 19. The high-tech creation features multiple mechanical parts, all made using Elegoo's state-of-the-art 3D printers, showcasing the potential of 3D printing in fashion design. Influencer Talks: Exploring the Future of 3D Printing Formnext visitors will have the opportunity to attend insightful talks by industry influencers at the Elegoo booth, covering a variety of exciting topics. During the female roundtable session, Elegoo will launch its inaugural Female Empowerment Program, designed to encourage more women and children to embrace 3D printing technology, in response to the growing interest from these groups. Date Local Time Influencers Topic Nov 19 11:30-12:00 Tade Leye Resin Printed Jewellery: My Experience So Far 15:00-15:30 FauxHammer How Resin Printing is Changing the World of Miniatures 16:00-18:00 Anouk Wipprecht Brigitte Kock Tade Leye Female Roundtable Nov 20 11:00-11:30 Geek Detour Future Crafts: 3D Printing Will Become What Woodworking Was in the 60s 15:00-15:30 Tade Leye Resin Printing for Sustainable Fashion Futures Nov 21 11:00-11:30 Brigitte Kock Design for Disassembly: 3D Printing Modular Connections in Fashion 15:00-15:30 Geek Detour Selling 3D Printed Products: consumers are ready. Are we? Nov 22 12:00-12:30 Fauxhammer The Future of Resin Printing Here We Goo: Frankfurt Fan Gathering & Model Sharing Elegoo will host a special fan gathering event in Frankfurt on November 20, providing a unique opportunity for fans to meet, share 3D models, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The event will take place from 14:30 to 17:00, offering an exciting afternoon of community engagement and exclusive previews. Sign up here to join the fun! To strengthen its connection with the local community, Elegoo also launched a dedicated German-language Facebook group in October, which has quickly grown to nearly 1,000 members. Those who join the group before November 22 will have a chance to win a Saturn 4 Ultra or 3D printing materials. Join the group here. For more information or to schedule a discussion with the Elegoo team, please contact marketing@Elegoo.com. You may also visit Elegoo official website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Discord and Reddit. Date:November 19-22, 2024 Venue: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Center Booth: Hall 12.1-F01 About Elegoo Founded in 2015, Elegoo is a rapidly developing brand in the global smart manufacturing industry, specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of consumer-grade 3D printers, laser engravers, STEM kits, and other smart technology products. Located in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, the company has sold millions of products to nearly 90 countries and regions. In 2023, the company's total sales revenue reached approximately 200 million USD, with close to 700 employees and nearly 30,000 square meters of office and manufacturing area. With a focus on programming and 3D printing technology, Elegoo provides unique and smart creation spaces for diverse consumers to enhance personalized experiences. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552673/Elegoo_host_a_female_roundtable_Formnext_November_19_featuring_leading.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461229/5015349/ELEGOO__1_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elegoo-updates-formnext-2024-plans-with-new-releases-fashiontech-influencer-talks-and-fan-events-302299942.html Lord Agnew, chairman of the Trade Facilitation Commission (TFC): "For the UK to thrive, we must streamline and digitise our trade processes, eliminating barriers to growth and strengthening our position as a global trading nation." LONDON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At an event held in the House of Lords on 5th November, The Trade Facilitation Commission released their detailed report and announced a series of proposals aimed at boosting the UK's economic growth by modernising and simplifying customs and border processes. As the government places economic growth at the forefront of its agenda, the TFC urges immediate action on trade facilitation to support UK businesses and increase GDP per capita. Reflecting on the urgency of these reforms, Shanker Singham, trade expert and co vice Chair of the TFC, noted, "Trade facilitation could unlock an increase of up to 3,500 in GDP per capita per UK household, bringing greater prosperity through more efficient border processes and reduced friction for businesses." He further emphasised that enhancing the UK's trade openness could fuel economic growth at a time when the country faces a pressing growth crisis. Prime Minister's Economic Growth Mission During a recent visit to Italy, the Prime Minister underscored the government's dedication to fostering economic growth by removing impediments to progress and evaluating every decision by its potential to promote growth. This commitment is part of the government's broader set of objectives, which include strengthening the economy, making Britain a clean energy superpower, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. The TFC identified four reasons why trade facilitation is urgently needed: Economic Growth Crisis: The UK, along with other G7 countries, faces an ongoing economic growth challenge since the Global Financial Crisis. Declining EU Trade: Trade with the EU has decreased due to new trade processes, impacting UK businesses. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: COVID-19 disruptions exposed weaknesses in the UK's understanding of its supply chains. Increasing Complexity: With new regulations emerging, particularly from the EU, a more streamlined and manageable trade system is critical to future resilience. Robert Hardy, a leading expert in customs and co vice Chair of the TFC, stressed the importance of simplifying customs processes to help traders navigate this evolving environment: "Customs simplifications, including streamlined declaration procedures, are essential. Reducing administrative burdens and leveraging real-time supply chain data will allow traders to focus on growth instead of red tape." Trusted trader programs, which pre-qualify businesses that meet compliance standards for quicker border processing, are pivotal to the TFC's vision for trade facilitation. Lars Karlsson, a trusted trader authority and TFC Commissioner, commented, "We need to rethink trusted trader schemes in the UK, expanding them to ensure secure, streamlined processes across all government agencies. This will empower compliant traders and allow for faster, smoother border transactions, promoting both economic growth and security." The TFC recommends that the UK move toward implementing smart borders and digital trade corridors. This technology-driven approach would allow for automated monitoring, real-time container tracking, and pre-arrival data exchanges, thus minimising border delays and enhancing security. Lord Agnew concluded, "Trade facilitation is not a luxury-it's an essential driver of growth. By embracing digital tools, simplifying customs, and empowering trusted traders, we can transform the UK's trade landscape and secure a prosperous future for businesses and people alike." For media inquiries, please contact: contact@facilitation.trade To access a digital version of the full report: www.facilitation.trade/unlocking-uk-trade-potential Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551892/TFC_report.jpg PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551753/Trade_Facilitation_Commission.pdf Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551754/Trade_Facilitation_Commission_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-trade-facilitation-commission-release-their-report-entitled-ensuring-economic-growth-302299152.html BASEL, Nov. 8, 2024 - ARTIDIS , a clinical-stage health technology company developing the first clinically integrated nanomechanical platform for tissue analytics, today announced a peer-reviewed publication entitled "Enhanced Tumor Control and Survival in Preclinical Models with Adoptive Cell Therapy Preceded by Low-Dose Radiotherapy", published in Frontiers in Oncology. The study is conducted as part of an ongoing strategic collaboration with researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, led by Dr. James Welsh. The findings highlight the ARTIDIS Nanomechanical Signature as a biomarker of an enhanced response to low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) followed by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in a gastric cancer mouse model. This publication follows the 2023 SITC press release on collaborative efforts to develop ARTIDIS' predictive biomarker for immunotherapy and radiotherapy responses in solid tumors. The study - led by Dr. James Welsh, M.D., professor of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson, in collaboration with the ARTIDIS team - explored the effects of LDRT on nanomechanical remodulation, thus enhancing intratumoral CAR T-cell infiltration. This study demonstrates that LDRT, as captured by distinctive ARTIDIS Nanomechanical Signature, can restore the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in gastric cancers by promoting immune infiltration and activation. Tumors treated with the combined therapy exhibited a distinctive nanomechanical profile characterized by increased plasticity and heterogeneous stiffness, setting them apart from mechanically homogenous profiles seen in tumors treated with either LDRT or CAR-T cell therapy alone. The ARTIDIS Nanomechanical Signature showed 92% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 95% accuracy in differentiating between the treatment groups, underscoring its potential as a reliable biomarker for assessing CAR-T cell therapy efficacy in solid tumors, particularly when combined with LDRT. This work represents a pivotal step toward developing nanomechanical-based predictive biomarkers for combination immunotherapy. Dr. Welsh will present the first clinical data from this collaboration at the 39th annual Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) meeting. Collaboration with Dr. Welsh is a part of a broader program to develop predictive and clinically actionable biomarkers using ARTIDIS technology. "These findings have strengthened our commitment to advancing personalizing immunotherapy response," says ARTIDIS CEO Dr. Marija Plodinec. "We are excited to continue this work to advance our patients towards effective and personalized treatment." In an ongoing clinical program, the ARTIDIS Nanomechanical Signature is being deployed to assess primary and metastatic tumor samples at different time points following radiation treatment, thus expanding the clinically actionable use of ARTIDIS technology in metastatic solid tumors. The ARTIDIS team will also participate in the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) annual meeting in Houston, TX, where their U.S. headquarters are based, to continue exploring new advancements in the immunotherapy field. For more information, visit the ARTIDIS booth at SITC from November 8-10, 2024. About ARTIDIS ARTIDIS AG is a clinical-stage health technology company, pioneering rapid tissue analysis for tissue diagnostics and therapy optimization. Through its nanotechnology platform and holistic data solution, ARTIDIS accelerates drug discovery, tissue engineering, and personalized treatment. The company focuses its research and development efforts on enhancing patient responses to chemo, immuno, radio, and cell therapies - shaping the future of cancer care and diagnostics. For further information please contact: ARTIDIS AG Dr. Marija Plodinec, CEO Phone: +41 61 633 29 95 marija.plodinec@artidis.com HONG KONG, Nov 8, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - - Optical Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 94 countries and regions- Buyers enjoyed convenient procurement through three new thematic labels and 12 product zones- Winner of the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition announcedThe 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), came to a successful conclusion today, attracting some 13,000 buyers from 94 countries and regions.Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director said: "We have been delighted to welcome international buyers to source new products at the Fair. Among them, buyers from ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand; and buyers from Australia, Japan and Taiwan recorded an increase. This reinforces Hong Kong's advantage in internalisation and the Fair's continuing role as a premier sourcing platform for the industry."Three New Thematic Labels Enhance ProcurementThis year's Optical Fair featured 12 product zones showcasing a diverse variety of eyewear products, and added three thematic labels - Green Solutions Suppliers, Smart Eyewear and Smart Ageing Products. Through this classification, buyers could effortlessly locate products that reflect the latest industry trends and keep pace with consumer demand.The adoption of environmentally friendly, sustainable and recycled materials is a long-term trend in the industry. Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International provides biodegradable and bio-based eyewear and its founder and creative director Kevin Ching said that the Green Solutions Supplier label helped them to attract European buyers looking for eco-friendly products. He related that the number of buyers visiting their booth increased by 10% compared to last year and a new buyer from Malaysia had placed an onsite order. Moreover, he expected that the company can form partnerships with 8-10 new distributors after the fair and that sales generated by this year's fair will grow by 50% over last year's fair.With the rapid development of science and technology, eyewear integrated with smart and innovative features is becoming part of everyday life. Kenny Cheung, General Manager of Solos Technology from Hong Kong, said: "We are showcasing AirGo" Vision, a smart eyewear featuring ChatGPT-4o functionality. This innovative product has drawn significant interest from international buyers, and we anticipate partnerships with over 10 buyers from Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Malaysia, and the UK. AirGo Vision appeals not only to young users but also to elderly and visually impaired individuals, opening up new business opportunities in the silver market."Arikan Saat, a large wholesaler and distributor from Turkiye is a regular fair attendee and the company's owner, Mahmut Arikan, said: "This year, we discovered many new designs. We have already placed onsite orders totalling US$200,000 with 13 existing suppliers and seven new suppliers for optical frames, sunglasses, and clip-ons. After the fair, we plan to purchase an additional US$1 million worth of new products from other suppliers."ONE ZERO ONE Trading is a distributor of branded eyewear and also markets its own brand in Vietnam. The company's president, Cuong Timothy Tran, said that they confirmed orders with eight suppliers totalling US$195,000, primarily for acetate and titanium optical frames, eyewear cases, and cleaning cloths. He said the Click2Match platform facilitated efficient onsite deal-making and pre-event research. Additionally, he utilised the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to initiate conversations with over 10 exhibitors via the messaging feature."Be Bold" Design CompetitionTo elevate Hong Kong's design capability, foster innovation, and promote local designers to international buyers, the HKTDC and HKOMA organised the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme of Be Bold and announced the results during the Fair.The winner in the Open Group was the Ceramic Eyewear range by Lin Dianqun, designer at Arts Optical. Inspired by classic Chinese ceramic art, the design combines the elegance of blue-and-white porcelain with the warm and simple light green hue characteristic of Northern Song dynasty ceramic ware. It also won the Creativity Award and the Made-to-Sell Award. In the Student Group, Zhu Junbin from the Hong Kong Design Institute, won with ECHOL LIGHT, an eyewear product specially designed for the visually impaired. The eyewear features three ultrasonic-emitting devices, which use echolocation to detect obstacles and transmit information through bone conduction headphones. Users can adjust the intensity of ultrasound waves in different environments.Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the HKTDC Click2Match smart business matching platform until 15 November. Buyers can also scan exhibitor QR codes in the HKTDC Marketplace App to engage with exhibitors after the fair to continue their sourcing journey.Photo download: http://bit.ly/3AvqtRsThe 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 94 countries and regionsThe Brand Name Gallery showcased a curated selection of over 200 renowned brands from all corners of the globeThe exhibition included multiple pavilions representing Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the Visionaries of Style, and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association. This event provided valuable networking opportunities for buyers and suppliersUnder the theme "Myopia - From Control to Prevention, Where Are We Now?", the 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium invited experts from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, Germany to share the latest research. Dr Simon TANG, Director of Cluster Services, Hospital Authority delivered opening remarksThe 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition award ceremony was held to recognise outstanding designThe Fair introduced the "Green Booth Design Award" to commend exhibitors for reducing the environmental footprint of their exhibition booth. This year's winners are: (Above) United Creation Optical (Gold), Obe (HK) (Silver) and Arts Optical (Bronze)Apart from numerous seminars and eyewear parades, the Asia Pacific Eye Health Summit (Hong Kong) and the Greater Bay Area Optometric Practice Development Forum were held for the first time to explore the latest trends and opportunities in eye health within the Greater Bay AreaWebsites:The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/enResult of the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition: https://tinyurl.com/354ezmjbThe 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://tinyurl.com/38vskpkmThe HKTDC's Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgSharon HaTel: (852) 2584 4575sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. The "Europe Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors Market: Focus on Application, Product, and Country Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market is projected to reach $7.07 billion by 2033 from $1.20 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 19.39% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The market for supercapacitors and ultracapacitors in Europe is expanding quickly due to their crucial role in power management and energy storage in industries like consumer electronics, renewable energy, and automobiles. These gadgets are prized for their extended lifespans, high power density, and rapid energy bursts, which make them perfect for applications that need repeated cycles of charging and discharging. Technological developments are increasing usability, decreasing costs, and improving energy density. Supercapacitors provide a viable and effective answer to energy storage issues as Europe strives for electrification and renewable energy. The market for supercapacitors and ultracapacitors in Europe is expanding significantly due to the rising need for energy storage solutions in a variety of sectors, such as consumer electronics, renewable energy, and the automobile industry. Because of their long operating lifespans, high power density, and capacity to produce quick energy bursts, supercapacitors and ultracapacitors are becoming more and more popular. These features make them perfect for uses like grid energy storage, backup power systems, and electric vehicles (EVs) that demand quick and frequent cycles of charging and discharging. Supercapacitors are being more widely used in the area as a result of technological developments that also increase their energy density and cost effectiveness. The demand for supercapacitors in industries making the switch to electrification and renewable energy has increased due to Europe's strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, which is fueled by policies and programs meant to lower carbon emissions. Continuous research and development efforts are opening up new possibilities for supercapacitors, enhancing their performance and broadening their use in next-generation technologies. This robust market growth is expected to continue as industries across Europe increasingly adopt sustainable energy storage solutions. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy: This report presents an extensive product/innovation strategy tailored for the Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market, outlining avenues for market penetration, technology integration, and sustainable expansion. It furnishes actionable insights to empower enterprises to leverage supercapacitors/ultracapacitors to comply with evolving industry standards, attain a competitive advantage, and capitalize on the surging demand for immersive digital experiences across diverse sectors. By identifying emerging trends, innovative applications, and strategic partnerships, this report equips businesses with the tools to navigate the dynamic supercapacitors/ultracapacitors landscape effectively, fostering growth, innovation, and in the Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market leadership. Growth/Marketing Strategy: This report outlines a comprehensive growth and marketing strategy tailored for the Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market. It offers a targeted approach to segmenting markets, establishing competitive advantages, and executing creative marketing initiatives. By implementing these recommendations, businesses can enhance their market presence, capture emerging opportunities, and drive revenue growth effectively. This strategic approach enables organizations to navigate the dynamic landscape, strengthen their market position, and capitalize on the growing demand, fostering sustainable business growth. Competitive Strategy: This report formulates a robust competitive strategy customized for the Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market. It assesses competitors, recommends differentiation tactics, and provides guidance for securing a competitive advantage. By adhering to these strategic recommendations, companies can effectively position themselves amidst market rivals, ensuring ongoing success and profitability in the Europe supercapacitors/ultracapacitors market. Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis Skeleton Technologies Yunasko Eaton Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 76 Forecast Period 2023 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $7.07 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 19.3% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: 1 Markets 1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.1.1.1 Growing Emphasis on Transport Electrification 1.1.1.2 Increasing Deployment of Renewable Energy and Growing Demand for Energy Storage 1.2 Supply Chain Overview 1.2.1 Market Map 1.3 Research and Development Review 1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend (by Country and Company) 1.4 Regulatory Landscape 1.5 Stakeholder Analysis 1.6 Market Dynamics: Overview 1.6.1 Market Drivers 1.6.1.1 Rising Adoption of Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors in Energy Storage and Wind Power Systems 1.6.1.2 Expanding Utilization of Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Sector 1.6.1.3 Increasing Demand for Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors in Portable and Wearable Electronics 1.6.2 Market Restraints 1.6.2.1 Challenges of Implementing Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors: High Costs and System Redesign 1.6.2.2 Limited Adoption of Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors for Long-Term Energy Storage 1.6.3 Market Opportunities 1.6.3.1 Expanding Applications of Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors in the Aviation Sector 1.6.3.2 Increasing Adoption of Supercapacitors/Ultracapacitors as Alternatives to Conventional Batteries 1.7 Startup Landscape 1.7.1 Key Startups and their Differentiating Factors 1.7.1.1 New Technology Developments 1.8 Comparison of Supercapacitor and Chemical Batteries 1.8.1 Performance 1.8.1.1 Cost 1.8.1.2 Application Compatibility 2 Regions 2.1 Regional Summary 2.2 Europe 2.2.1 Regional Overview 2.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth 2.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market 2.2.3.1 Application 2.2.3.2 Product 2.2.4 Germany 2.2.4.1 Application 2.2.4.2 Product 2.2.5 France 2.2.5.1 Application 2.2.5.2 Product 2.2.6 Italy 2.2.6.1 Application 2.2.6.2 Product 2.2.7 Spain 2.2.7.1 Application 2.2.7.2 Product 2.2.8 U.K. 2.2.8.1 Application 2.2.8.2 Product 2.2.9 Rest-of-Europe 2.2.9.1 Application 2.2.9.2 Product 3 Markets Competitive Benchmarking Company Profiles 3.1 Next Frontiers 3.2 Geographic Assessment 3.2.1 Skeleton Technologies 3.2.1.1 Overview 3.2.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio 3.2.1.3 Top Competitors 3.2.1.4 Target Customers 3.2.1.5 Key Personnel 3.2.1.6 Analyst View 3.2.1.7 Market Share, 2022 3.2.2 Yunasko 3.2.2.1 Overview 3.2.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio 3.2.2.3 Top Competitors 3.2.2.4 Target Customers 3.2.2.5 Key Personnel 3.2.2.6 Analyst View 3.2.3 Eaton 3.2.3.1 Overview 3.2.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio 3.2.3.3 Top Competitors 3.2.3.4 Target Customers 3.2.3.5 Key Personnel 3.2.3.6 Analyst View 3.2.3.7 Market Share, 2022 3.3 Growth Opportunities and Recommendations 4 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3588og About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241108968872/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSXV:NOAL) ("NOA" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the first tranche of the $2.7 million non-brokered private placement ("Private Placement") for the sale of 5,368,217 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.17 per Unit for gross proceeds of $912,596. All amounts are expressed herein in Canadian dollars. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.221 for a period of 30 months from the date of issuance. NOA's Chief Executive Officer, Gabriel Rubacha, states: "This initial commitment demonstrates the high potential for the Company and particularly for our flagship project Rio Grande. Additionally, with nearly $900,000 invested by management in this financing, it demonstrates our continued confidence and commitment in the Company. This private placement together with Clean Elements investment, which is expected to close in December 2024, will allow NOA to continue its exploration and development of Rio Grande with the target of achieving a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) during the second half of 2025. We are confident the results of this study will confirm the high potential of our asset for the economic production of lithium." The Company plans to use the proceeds of the Private Placement primarily to continue exploration of its properties with a focus on its Rio Grande project. The Private Placement is subject to a statutory 4-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance. The Company has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the Private Placement and will apply to receive final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities regulatory authorities. Gabriel Rubacha, Hernan Zaballa and Estanislao Zaballa, directors and officers of the Company (the "Insiders"), subscribed for an aggregate of 5,278,217 Common Shares in the Private Placement. The subscription by each of the Insiders are considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing date of the Private Placement as the details of the Private Placement and the participation therein by the Insiders were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Private Placement, and the Company wished to close the Private Placement on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements available under MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the Company is not listed or quoted on a specified market. Additionally, the Company is exempt from minority shareholder approval requirement in section 5.6 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the Insiders, is not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About NOA Lithium Brines Inc. NOA is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire and develop assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by industry leaders. NOA has rapidly consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in this region that is not owned by a producing company, with key positions on three prospective salars (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) and a total portfolio of approximately 100,000 hectares. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Gabriel Rubacha Chief Executive Officer and Director For Further Information Website: www.noalithium.com Email: info@noalithium.com Telephone: +54-9-11-5060-4709 Alternative Telephone: +1-403-571-8013 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the completion of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the operations of the Company, approval by the TSXV and any other regulatory bodies and shareholder approval. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. While the Company considers these statements to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include market risks and the demand for securities of the Company, risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, and regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated, and does not undertake, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: NOA Lithium Brines Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Torrent Capital Ltd., (TSXV: TORR), ("Torrent") is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Sheppard as President and Chief Operating Officer ("COO"). As President and COO, Mr. Sheppard will lead Torrent's long-term, high-level strategy for business development, collaborating closely with Torrent's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Wade Dawe to oversee operations and seek out new investment opportunities. Mr. Sheppard will also focus on expanding Torrent's strategic business consulting services, fostering joint ventures, and identifying alliances and partnerships that align with Torrent's growth objectives. A key part of Mr. Sheppard's role will be to support the expansion of Argentia Capital Inc. ("ACI"), where he serves as Interim CEO. ACI, a joint venture between Torrent and the Port of Argentia Inc., was launched in September 2022, focusing on the construction of port infrastructure, the provision of services and developments at the Port of Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Sheppard brings extensive experience to this new role. He has served as a senior advisor and strategist to many of Canada's leading resource organizations and has been involved in numerous initiatives and business planning projects. Mr. Sheppard has also held officer and board positions across private and public sectors, equipping him with a deep understanding of advancing large-scale projects within complex environments. Wade Dawe, CEO of Torrent Capital, comments, "I have a high level of confidence in Mr. Sheppard's proven leadership and extensive expertise in strategic business development, investment, and economic analysis." About Torrent Capital Ltd. Torrent Capital Ltd. is a publicly traded investment issuer that invests in private and publicly traded companies. The Company invests in companies that are due to experience accelerated growth or are trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. Torrent offers investors the potential to earn above market returns while providing transparency, daily liquidity and a modest fee profile compared to competing investment products. Currently, the Company is actively researching investment opportunities in the clean technology sector. For further information, please contact: Contacts: Wade Dawe Chief Executive Officer Phone: 1 902 536 1976 Carl Sheppard President and Chief Operating Officer Phone: 1 709 746 8453 Email: info@torrentcapital.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Torrent disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The reader is referred the Company's annual financial reporting for a discussion of risks and uncertainties. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229277 SOURCE: Torrent Capital Ltd. KARLSRUHE, Germany, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PTV Logistics, a global leader in innovative transportation and logistics solutions, was awarded the prestigious Eco Performance Award for its EV Truck Route Planner at the Zero Emission Summit hosted by ETM Verlag. Held on November 5, this event brings together leaders in sustainable transport to recognize advancements driving a low-carbon future for logistics and transportation. The EV Truck Route Planner, celebrated as a strategic planning tool for fleet electrification, addresses the unique requirements of route planning for electric trucks and vans. It operates with specific vehicle models (>400) and realistic routes, considering varying loads, weather conditions, and route profiles. Charging scenarios can also be simulated within the tool to assess route feasibility. For logistics operators aiming to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity, the EV Truck Route Planner is an essential resource. This award underscores PTV Logistics' commitment to sustainability and the application of logistics technology that supports both economic and environmental goals. "We are incredibly honored to receive the Eco Performance Award," said Michael Hubschneider, Senior Product Manager at PTV Logistics. "Our EV Truck Route Planner helps establish fleet electrification on a data-driven foundation, advancing the sustainable, efficient, and technology-focused future of logistics. This award reinforces our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions across the industry and supporting logistics professionals in making the transition to electric transport solutions smoother." The Eco Performance Award, presented at the Zero Emission Summit, honors companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility, economic efficiency, and social impact. The EV Truck Route Planner by PTV Logistics sets new standards in sustainable route optimization by using an extensive database of EV models to simulate scenarios for feasibility and cost. As the only tool of its kind currently available, it can be used across manufacturers without prior training and can calculate routes for entire fleet operations with a single click, distinguishing itself with its accuracy and user-friendliness. Beyond the EV Truck Route Planner, PTV offers many solutions to support electromobility: developers can calculate routes with the same vehicle models, a new version of the leading route planner Map&Guide also supports all electric vehicle models, and in the highest category of route optimization, OptiFlow sets new standards for mixed fleets with electric vehicles. With the demand for sustainable solutions continuing to grow, PTV Logistics remains committed to supporting clients in their transition to CO2-neutral operations, achieving significant cost savings and emissions reductions along the way. For more information about PTV Logistics and the Eco Performance Award-winning EV Truck Route Planner, please visit PTV Logistics website: https://www.ptvlogistics.com/en/solutions/ptv-ev-truck-route-planner LONDON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Geekplus, the global leader in mobile robot and smart logistics solutions, is honoured to announce its first win at the prestigious Robotics & Automation Awards, held in London. This year, Geekplus, alongside Dr. Max, one of the leadings companies in the pharmacy management in Europe and Italy, brought home The Best Use of Robotics or Automation in Retail Award. This recognition celebrates their joint efforts in advancing warehouse operations with cutting-edge automation solutions. Geekplus and Dr. Max were honoured to be shortlisted for two categories: The Best Use of Robotics or Automation in Retail Award and The Innovation in the Warehouse Award. The Best Use of Robotics or Automation in Retail Award recognizes Geekplus and Dr. Max's many years' working face-to-face for optimizing order fulfilment solutions at Dr. Max's Telgate (Italy) warehouse. Geekplus consistently demonstrated a customer-first approach while working together with Dr.Max team, ensuring seamless project implementations and exceptional ongoing service. This award reflects that this long-term partnership drives real value for the retail industry, sets new standards and achieves client-centred excellence in logistics. Wayne Tai, Head of Channel Partner at Geekplus, expressed his gratitude, stating: "Winning this award for the first time is a great honour. Being the technology provider of Dr. Max, we are proud to say that this is a testament to our team's relentless pursuit of best practice, and to the strength of our partnerships. At Geekplus, we are committed to shaping the future of logistics with intelligent, flexible, sustainable solutions and lighthouse projects to keep shining in the logistics industry." "This award is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Geekplus and our shared vision for innovation in retail and pharma operations," said Stefano Verna, Supply Chain Director of Italy at Dr. Max. "Our project with Geekplus is redefining operational efficiency, and we're proud to keep optimizing our customer experience. We look forward to continuing to set new standards in supply chain excellence with Geekplus." Contact: Andres Espuelas, +49 162 6230180, andres.espuelas@geekplus.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552653/Geekplus_Award.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/geekplus-and-dr-max-italia-win-robotics--automation-awards-for-the-first-time-302299980.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Valkea Resources Corp. (TSXV: OZ) (formerly Outback Goldfields Corp.) (the "Company" or "Valkea") reports that it will retain 100% ownership of the Palvanen Project (the "Project') in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, Finland. Kinross Gold Corp. ("Kinross") has elected not to proceed with Stage Two commitments of the Earn-In agreement ("Agreement") signed between S2 Resources Ltd. and Kinross in June, 2021. "Since 2021, Kinross invested over CAD $5 million on exploration across the Palvanen Project, which is strategically located just south of and contiguous to Agnico Eagle's Kittila Mine and B2Gold's projects," commented Chris Donaldson, CEO of Valkea. "Importantly, the conclusion of the agreement also ends Kinross' Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on Valkea's flagship Paana Project and the Aarnivalkea discovery. As a result, Valkea retains full control and ownership of both the Palvanen and Paana projects, providing greater flexibility for the Company's exploration and development strategies going forward." Palvanen Project Since signing the agreement with S2 Resources Ltd. in 2021, Kinross funded approximately CAD $5.4 million on exploration across the Project. Exploration activities included the acquisition of project-wide, high-resolution geophysical data which focused the collection of over 4,900 base of till samples. These data generated 15 target areas considered prospective for gold mineralization, resulting in over 8,000 metres of diamond drilling (Figure 2). The top-ranked Piekka target is centered approximately 5 km southwest of Agnico Eagle's Kittila Mine (Figure 2). Valkea is now compiling and assessing all of Kinross' exploration data to determine whether to explore the Palvanen project independently or to seek a new partner to fund additional and warranted targeted drill programs. Valkea's goal is to maximize the project's potential while aligning with its broader exploration and development objectives in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (Figure 1). Figure 1. Map of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt highlighting Valkea's landholdings as well as neighboring companies and associated exploration, development and mining projects. See References below for sources of data. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7621/229249_80045c3554f61be8_001full.jpg Figure 2. Map of the Palvanen Project showing underlying geology, target areas and the location of work completed by Kinross. Abbreviations: BOT = Base of Till samples, DD = Diamond Drill holes. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7621/229249_80045c3554f61be8_002full.jpg For Kinross to have earned 70% interest in the project, it was required to spend an additional ~CAD $4 million on exploration in Stage Two. Kinross notified the Company that it will not proceed to Stage Two. Valkea therefore retains 100% control and ownership of the Palvanen Project. Furthermore, title ownership in two adjacent tenements to Palvanen (Kehravarsi and Kevuvuoma), currently owned by Kinross gold, will be transferred to Valkea's wholly owned subsidiary, Sakumpo Oy. Kinross' ROFR over the company's flagship Paana Project with the Aarnivalkea discovery will be also terminated. About Valkea Resources Corp. Valkea is at the forefront of gold exploration in Finland's highly prospective Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. With an extensive portfolio of high-potential projects, including the flagship Paana project, Valkea Resources is committed to discovering and advancing significant gold deposits in one of the world's emerging gold districts. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. References 1. Agnico Eagle website (agnicoeagle.com), Dec. 31, 2023 Reserve & Resource statement 2. Agnico Eagle website (agnicoeagle.com), 2009-2023 annual results reports. *total endowment, sum of proven and probable mineral reserves, measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources and historical production 3. Thomas, B., Larouche, I. and Digges La Touche, G. (2023), NI 43-101 Technical Report Rupert Resources Lt. Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ikkari Project - Finland, Effective Date December 12, 2023, Rupert Resources website (rupertresources.com) +indicated mineral resource 4. Aurion Gold website (aurion.com), May 2nd, 2022 NR and June 13th, 2022 NR 5. Aurion Gold website (aurion.com), March 19th, 2024 NR Qualified Person The disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Christopher Leslie, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby projects is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Valkea's projects. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to commencement of trading on the TSXV. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the benefits of the Acquisition and the Offering; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of required approvals; the price of metals; the integration of assets acquired by the Company; and the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to: the Company's early stage of development; the fluctuation of the price of metals; the availability of additional funding as and when required; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the timing and ability to maintain and, where necessary, obtain necessary permits and licenses; the uncertainty in geologic, hydrological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks, including access to water and power; environmental risks and hazards; risks associated with negative operating cash flow; and risks associated with dilution. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see the Company's other public disclosure documents. Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229249 SOURCE: Valkea Resources Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FRA: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to announce that planning is underway for a proposed 2025 exploration program at the Company's Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project near Duncan, BC (the "Property"). Nova Pacific is currently soliciting and reviewing drill bids with a start date for the program anticipated following the receipt of all required permits. In preparation for the program, a permit application for a proposed 40-hole infill drill program was submitted to the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation as part of the Company's Notice of Work in late June 2024. Following the Ministry's acknowledgement and acceptance of the application, Nova Pacific recently paid a reclamation bond of $11,000 at the Ministry's request. Engagement with First Nation communities are progressing favourably. The purpose of the program is to confirm historical drill results and tighten up the drill spacing in order to support the preparation of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) on the Property. The Company has retained Mineit Consulting Inc. of Vancouver BC, under the supervision of Shervin Teymouri, B.A.Sc., M.Eng., P.Eng., CEO & Principal Mining Engineer, to design the layout of the drill program which will provide sufficient new information to support a MRE that meets the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and can be included in an updated technical report on the Property. The proposed layout for the drill program is presented in Figure 1. Figure 1: Lara Property Proposed Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_001full.jpg The Property is approximately 75 kilometres (km) north of Victoria, 15 km northwest of Duncan, and 12 km west of the village of Chemainus and is accessible via a network of logging and forestry roads. The Property was explored by geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling between 1981 and 1999. In 2008, a MRE was completed for the Coronation Zone and five other zones. The Property has been tested by approximately 470 drill holes, most of which were drilled between 1984 and 1990 (Figure 2). Numerous occurrences of mineralization were discovered, the most significant of which are the Coronation Zone and the nearby Coronation Extension and Hanging wall Zones. In 1988, the Coronation Zone was explored by 700 metres (m) of underground development. Of the 470 holes drilled, 180 tested the Coronation and adjacent zones (Figure 3). Figure 2: Lara Property Historical Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_002full.jpg Several key aspects of the program will be to carry out internal engineering studies (e.g., trade-off and scoping studies) to determine the recovery and mining methods, and economic potentials for the project. Results from the recovery and mining methods, and economic potentials of the project may also be included into an updated technical report depending on the outcome of the scoping studies. Figure 3: Lara Property Coronation Zone Historical Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_003full.jpg Mr. J. Malcolm Bell, CEO of Nova Pacific, commented: "As we wait for approval to commence the 2025 drill program we are actively planning for success and being proactive in our preparations for all aspects of the 2025 program. These activities will include contracting a highly competent drill contractor, carrying out an update to the Preliminary Environmental Baseline Study completed in 2015, and finalizing the engagement of Sacre-Davey Engineering Inc., which will undertake an in-depth mechanical ore sorting study utilizing selected drill core segments generated from initial drill holes. In addition, our plan is to commission a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) once infill and confirmation drilling has been completed on the project. Our team is highly motivated, and we are eager to achieve the results we know are possible from this exciting opportunity." Additional Matters Further to Nova Pacific's news release dated October 29, 2024, the Company would like to confirm that certain insiders subscribed for $103,750 worth of the private placement referenced in the news release, or 415,000 units. Each of these transactions constituted a "related party transaction" as that term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements under MI 61-101 for those transactions, and in particular, Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the transactions was not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Further to Nova Pacific's news release dated October 31, 2024, the Company would like to confirm that it has engaged both Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") and Alphai News Corp. ("Alphai News") to conduct Promotional Activity (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) on the Company's behalf. Native Ads can be reached at 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N-249, New York NY 10001, telephone: 1.866.773.3540, email: jon@nativeads.com, while Alphai News can be reached at 21475 102B Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC telephone: 778.988.5503, email: admin@alphainews.com. Qualified Person Statement The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jeremy Hanson a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI43-101"). About Nova Pacific Metals Corp. Nova Pacific Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on high-potential mineral projects. Our key asset is the Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This brownfields development boasts a significant polymetallic deposit exhibiting good grades in gold, silver, copper, and zinc, situated in a prime location with excellent infrastructure. Led by industry veterans with a track record of significant discoveries, Nova Pacific is well-positioned for growth. Nova Pacific's team, including J. Malcolm Bell and Dal Brynelsen, brings extensive experience in mineral exploration and mine development. With a clear pathway to production, including planned infill drilling and a feasibility study, the Company is committed to creating value while maintaining environmental responsibility and strong community relationships. For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com. Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement Nova Pacific recognizes the Rights of all Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The Company is committed to consultation and accommodation with the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group communities on whose Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory the Lara Property is located. The Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group is a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Stz'uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan. On behalf of the Board of Directors J. Malcolm Bell Chief Executive Officer, Director The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229250 SOURCE: Nova Pacific Metals Corp. The winners of the 2024 TRT World Citizen "Humanitarian Film Festival," organized by Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), have been announced. In its sixth year, the festival addressed important topics such as war, conflict, human rights, and the climate crisis. Throughout the day, attendees participated in film screenings, panels, and workshops. The event concluded with an award ceremony, where the top three films received their accolades. Istanbul, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - With the aim of providing a significant platform for filmmakers to address humanitarian issues from unique perspectives, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) hosted its TRT World Citizen "Humanitarian Film Festival" for the sixth time this year. Participants had the opportunity to watch award-winning films and engage in discussions with prominent figures from around the world. The award ceremony, held at the Ataturk Cultural Center, was hosted by Director General of TRT, Mehmet Zahid Sobaci and attended by Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, along with numerous guests from the cinema and arts community. TRT World Citizen "Humanitarian Film Festival" Announces 2024 Award Winners To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/229276_282933c6b4d968a6_003full.jpg Head of Communications Altun: "We support this festival for bringing together producers and directors who serve humanity with their works." Speaking at the award ceremony, Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, stated, "This festival underscores the significance of safeguarding human rights, social justice, peace, and addressing the effects of environmental problems on human life. It serves as a reminder of the significance of human life and its pivotal nature as truth." He expressed pride in TRT's commitment to representing Turkiye's dedication to global peace and stability through its work. "The TRT World Citizen Humanitarian Film Festival serves as an institutional manifestation of Turkiye's sensitivities regarding this matter. We strongly support this festival, which has now become a tradition, to bring together valuable producers and directors who also serve humanity with their works," he added. The top three films received their accolades To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/229276_282933c6b4d968a6_004full.jpg Director General of TRT Sobaci: "The world is perhaps in more need than ever of the profound narratives of cinema." Director General of TRT, Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, speaking at the award ceremony, emphasized that the Humanitarian Film Festival aims to draw attention to global humanitarian issues and inspire positive change around the world. He stated that each year, the festival honors filmmakers who focus their lenses on regions and issues where justice is imbalanced. Sobaci highlighted that the films competing in the festival address numerous global problems using the visual and auditory power of cinema. He added that filmmakers can present complex issues, which might otherwise be endlessly debated, in the most comprehensible way through their work. Sobaci continued, "As Turkiye's public broadcaster, TRT bears the responsibility of being the voice of the overlooked and making the invisible visible, in all our broadcasts, productions, and activities, including cinema. The Humanitarian Film Festival is a significant reflection of this duty. Through this festival, we strive to bring the struggles of the marginalized and disregarded to the forefront of humanity's consciousness, opening a door of understanding from Turkiye to the world and channeling the power of cinema toward global humanitarian issues." Panels and workshops with industry experts The festival featured screenings of the ten finalist films and several panels and workshops with leading figures in the industry. These included the "Humanitarian Filmmaking Panel," featuring jury president Aida Begic and jury members Abdulhamid Guler, Faysal Soysal, and Darin J. Sallam; the "Film Analysis Masterclass" with Busra Bulbul and Sina Salimi; and an "Acting Masterclass" with actor Olgun Simek. The second prize was awarded to Ali Sohail Jaura from Pakistan for "Murder Tongue" To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/229276_282933c6b4d968a6_005full.jpg This year, the "Best Film" award went to Roberto Valencia from Ecuador for "The Strange Case of the Human Cannonball". The second prize was awarded to Ali Sohail Jaura from Pakistan for "Murder Tongue", and the third prize went to Jimmy Ming Shum from Japan for "Talk to Me". To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229276 SOURCE: B2Press BV BRASILIA (dpa-AFX) - The White House has announced that President Joe Biden will travel to Peru and Brazil next week.Biden will travel to Peruvian capital Lima from November 14-16, where he will meet with President Dina Boluarte to reinforce the strong U.S.-Peru bilateral relationship, the White House said.While in Lima he will also participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he will highlight U.S. economic leadership and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.Biden will then travel to Manaus and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from November 17-19.While in Manaus, President Biden will visit the Amazon rainforest to engage with local, indigenous, and other leaders working to preserve and protect this critical ecosystem, the first such visit of a sitting U.S. President.In Rio de Janeiro, Biden will meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the margins of the G20 and reinforce U.S. leadership on workers' rights and clean economic growth.'During the G20, President Biden will demonstrate the strong value proposition of the United States to developing countries and lead the G20 to work together to address shared global challenges like hunger and poverty, climate change, health threats, and developing country debt burdens,' the White House said in a press release.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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) ("NOP" or the "Company), a B.C. based company engaged in the exploration, in Nevada, for organic, sedimentary raw rock phosphate, is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated October 11, 2024, it has amended the terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement. The Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 12,500,000 units (each, "Unit") at a price of $0.04 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.08 per Warrant Share for a period of sixty months following the date of issuance (the "Date of Issue"). Each Warrant will be subject to an acceleration provision providing that, if the volume weighted average price for the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE", or such other exchange on which the common shares may be traded at such time) is equal to or greater than $0.12 for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days at any time after the Date of Issue, the Company can accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by disseminating a news release advising the holders of the acceleration and, in such case, the Warrants will expire on the thirtieth day after the date of such notice. The aggregate proceeds of the Offering are anticipated to be used for the advancement of the Company's Murdock Property, payment of its reclamation bond, and for general working capital. The Company may pay a finder's fee on a portion of the gross proceeds of the Offering. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the Date of Issue, as set out in National Instrument 45-102 - Resale of Securities. The Offering remains subject to regulatory approval and the approval of the CSE. Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. NOP is a junior exploration company with a sedimentary rock phosphate property (the "Murdock Property") hosting a nearly flat lying sedimentary bed of known phosphate mineralization in NE Nevada. The increasing interest in organic and sustainable agriculture practices has contributed to the demand for organic fertilizers, including those derived from rock phosphate. Organic rock phosphate is often marketed as a fertilizer that not only provides phosphorus but also contributes to overall soil health. The Issuer aims to be one of the only certified organic rock phosphate producers with large scale potential in North America. The Murdock Property is situated adjacent to a main highway and the rail head to California. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services providers have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information ("FLSI") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. FLSI may include expectations, anticipations, beliefs, opinions, plans, intentions, estimates, forecasts, projections, guidance or other similar statements and information that are not historical facts. All statements which are not historical statements are considered FLSI. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering. All FLSI is based on assumptions, which may prove inaccurate, and subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's public securities filings, which may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in FLSI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance or value on FLSI. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any FLSI in this news release are reasonable at the present time, it can give no assurance that such FLSI will prove to be correct. Any FLSI in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any FLSI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Any FLSI in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229251 SOURCE: Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. Spryker is positioned as the furthest on the "Completeness of Vision" axis BERLIN and NEW YORK, Nov. 08, 2024, the leading global composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B Commerce, Enterprise Marketplaces, and IoT Commerce, has been recognized by Gartner as a Leader in the 2024 Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce. This marks Spryker's fifth consecutive inclusion in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company's overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for digital commerce. In my opinion, being positioned as the furthest on the 'Completeness of Vision' axis affirms the mission we've had from the beginning-to develop a truly composable, extendable, and future-proof platform for global enterprises," said Boris Lokschin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Spryker. "In today's volatile market, agility is key, and we believe that the ability to quickly adapt will help enterprises transform uncertainty into opportunities for differentiation. Since day one, we've built our platform with complex business models in mind, even at the code level, and I believe this recognition underscores our commitment to empowering businesses to stay ahead of change." Marketplaces have become a critical driver of growth and operational efficiency for companies across sectors. Research from Boston Consulting Group shows that B2B buyers believe this model is superior, stating that when shopping online eight of their 10 most important "needs" are fulfilled better through marketplaces than traditional e-commerce sites. Spryker's Enterprise Marketplace capability enables businesses building or expanding their marketplaces to launch and scale quickly, capturing more profitable growth. Recently, Spryker announced product updates to optimize its Enterprise Marketplace capability for the merchant experience, a critical relationship to ensure marketplace success, as well as a first-of-its-kind marketplace payment solution, built on Stripe Connect. "We believe Gartner recognized Spryker as a Leader due to our unwavering commitment to helping enterprises innovate and scale rapidly - since day one. For businesses building or evolving their digital commerce strategy, enterprise marketplaces are key to unlocking new growth opportunities," said Elena Leonova, Chief Product Officer at Spryker. "By streamlining operations and automating key processes, Spryker's platform makes it easier for businesses to connect their merchants and buyers, ensuring a more efficient, engaging marketplace experience for all stakeholders." Spryker continues to invest in innovative solutions that deliver greater speed, scale, and efficiency for its customers, including new AI-powered tools for business users and developers. Announced at Spryker EXCITE 2024, Spryker's new generative AI (genAI) tools for developers-Spryker DevQA Assistant, Cypress E2E Assistant, and K6 Performance Assistant-are designed to streamline development processes, automate quality assurance, and improve performance testing. By providing the tools and capabilities businesses need to grow and innovate, Spryker ensures that companies across industries are equipped to succeed in a volatile and competitive market. Mark Wever, Global Chief Digital Officer at STAUFF, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic and fluid power port-to-port components and solutions and a Spryker customer, said, "With Spryker we have chosen the right technology which not only serves our customers' needs today, but also future-proofs our digital strategies." Spryker continues its global expansion, particularly in North America, with a number of recent leadership appointments and project launches in the region. The company has newly announced key product innovations to enable efficient scaling for global enterprises including updates to its marketplace capabilities and AI features. Additionally, Spryker continues to bolster its global partner ecosystem to ensure faster time to market and increased operational efficiency for its customers. Objectivity Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. References: *Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce, Mike Lowndes, Sandy Shen, Jason Daigler, Aditya Vasudevan, 6 November 2024. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Momentum Builds for BrandPilot AI with Diverse Client Wins and Expanded Access for U.S. and Global Investors Company to host investor webinar on November 28, 2024 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - BrandPilot AI Inc., (CSE: BPAI) (OTCQB: BPAIF) ("BPAI" or the "Company"), a leading ad tech AI platform, is pleased to announce significant corporate developments following its initial listing in July. These achievements underscore BPAI's momentum in expanding its client base, enhancing investor accessibility, and progressing towards strategic initiatives and product improvements to accelerate growth. New Client Acquisitions Across Diverse Sectors Since its listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange, BPAI has successfully onboarded six new clients onto its influencer platform, Spectrum IQ, marking substantial growth across a variety of industries and showcasing BPAI's ability to attract high-value partnerships from well-established enterprises in regulated industries. The newly signed agreements cover multiple sectors, including mining, financial services, banking, ecommerce, medical devices, and technology. Among these clients is a $2 billion Californian banking institution, a Canadian medical device company looking to BPAI to strengthen its market entry in the US, and a technology company looking to increase traction for app downloads. In particular, the growing client roster shows BPAI's strength in strictly regulated sectors, such as finance and healthcare. Brandon Mina, BPAI's CEO, commented, "This strong commercial momentum is a reflection of the measurable ROI our platform delivers. For instance, we did an analysis for one of our capital markets clients, who are running an ongoing influencer program with us that delivered an ROI in excess of 2,400%". Advancement in Product Offering Following the launch of AdAi, Google Search Ad Optimization Technology, as announced on October 9, 2024, the Company is announcing a Free Google Search Ad Audit service that will allow brands to safely audit their existing Google Search campaigns for competition on their keywords and forecast the potential reclaimed budget BPAI's AdAi could deliver to brands. John Beresford, BPAI's Chief Revenue Officer, stated, "The audit serves to provide clients with an indication of what we can do. We follow this up with a month long free trial to validate our claims on recovery and reduce adoption hurdles. We are advancing discussions with a rapidly growing pipeline of companies where we have identified the potential to recover a significant portion of their SEM budget. This is a true win-win strategy, made more effective as the cost for our services is subsidized by the funds recovered, and all the while having the potential to improve the ROI on these SEM activities significantly." Update on DTC Eligibility BPAI is in the final stages of receiving DTC eligibility for its U.S. listing (OTCQB: BPAIF), a process initiated on September 30, 2024. Achieving DTC eligibility will enhance the accessibility and liquidity of BPAI's shares, allowing both retail and institutional investors in the U.S. market to participate more easily in BPAI's growth. Investor Webinar Announcement To provide shareholders and potential investors with a comprehensive overview of the Company's progress, plans and vision, BPAI will host an investor webinar on November 28, 2024 at 12:00PM EST. The event will be led by CEO Brandon Mina and CRO John Beresford, who will discuss recent developments, BPAI's strategic direction, and provide a live demonstration of the Company's platform and capabilities. This webinar will offer investors with a unique opportunity to engage directly with BPAI's leadership and gain insight into the Company's strategic initiatives. Register Here Investor Relations Agreements BPAI is also pleased to announce that it has entered into investor relations and marketing services agreements with each of Dr. Reuter Investor Relations ("RIR") and Blossom Social ("Blossom"). RIR may be contacted at: Friedrich Ebert Anlage 35-37, Tower 185, 60327 Frankfurt; Email: e.reuter@dr-reuter.eu; Phone: +49-69-1532-5857. Blossom may be contacted at: 1103-2388 Madison Ave Burnaby, BC, V5C 0K8 Canada; Email: maxwell@blossomsocial.ca Pursuant to the terms of the investor relations and public relations agreement with RIR (the "RIR Agreement"), BPAI will pay a fixed monthly fee of 4,500 (approximately $6,762 CAD) (the "Monthly Fee"). RIR is entirely arm's length to BPAI, and its services will be provided through various mediums as determined between RIR and BPAI from time to time, including, amongst other things, editorial and campaign articles, social media campaigns, and journalist targeting. The services provided by RIR are to commence as of November 8, 2024, and continue for an initial term of three-months (resulting in an aggregate Monthly Fee of 13,500, approximately $20,284 CAD). Following this initial term, BPAI will engage RIR on a month-to-month as needed basis. RIR will target the European market by engaging with investors through various digital marketing and social media platforms, to facilitate greater investor awareness and widespread dissemination of BPAI's news. "We are excited to kick off our global investor relations campaign in Germany with the support of Dr. Reuter Investor Relations," said CEO Brandon Mina. "Our expansion into the European market is a key strategic move to connect with new investor communities and showcase BPAI's growth and innovation on a global scale. By partnering with established investor relations firms, we're enhancing our visibility and reaching investors in markets that are crucial to our long-term strategy. This international approach, alongside BPAI's commitment to transparency and engagement, underscores its commitment to broadening investor access and deepening market awareness." Pursuant to the terms of BPAI's media contract with Blossom (the "Blossom Agreement"), BPAI will pay a fee of $10,000 (plus taxes) in exchange for use of marketing services on the Blossom platform. Like RIR, Blossom is entirely arm's-length to BPAI. The services provided by Blossom are to commence as of November 8, 2024, and continue on a month-to-month basis until leads have been fulfilled. Blossom's marketing services include the preparation and hosting of learn and earn lessons and connecting BPAI with a minimum of 1,000 customer leads (including names and email addresses). BPAI will at all times review and control the content released on the Blossom platform. About BrandPilot AI Inc. BPAI is an adtech platform that leverages artificial intelligence to optimize brand engagement and performance for enterprise clients in regulated markets. The Company's flagship product, Spectrum IQ, enables marketers to harness the power of micro-influencers and unlock sky-high ROI across digital campaigns. The Company provides software solutions to brands and agencies that are looking to enhance their search engine marketing, influencer marketing and social media marketing campaigns. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of BPAI. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the possibility of BPAI's growth following new client acquisitions, the possibility of finalizing new strategic partnerships, receiving DTC eligibility, the benefits of hosting an investor webinar, the stated objectives of the RIR Agreement and the Blossom Agreement, BPAI's strategic plans, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur, are all considered forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. BPAI assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the financial markets generally, the possibility of BPAI's growth following new client acquisitions and finalizing new strategic partnerships, the possibility of increased liquidity and accessibility to of BPAI's shares following DTC eligibility, the benefits of hosting an investor webinar, the stated objectives of the RIR Agreement and the Blossom Agreement, , and the ability of the Company to achieve its proposed business objectives. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229283 SOURCE: BrandPilot AI Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - SOL Global Investments Corp. (CSE: SOL) (OTC Pink: SOLCF) (FSE: 9SB) ("SOL" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the following updates on its debt facilities. Accommodation Agreement with Senior Secured Lender SOL (the "SOL Accommodation Agreement") and House of Lithium Ltd. ("HOL"), in which SOL Global holds approximately 66% of the outstanding equity interests (the "HOL Accommodation Agreement", and together with the SOL Accommodation Agreement, the "Accommodation Agreements"), have entered into accommodation agreements with their senior secured creditor, Braebeacon Holdings Inc. ("BHI"), pursuant to which BHI has agreed to amend the loan agreements (the "Loan Agreements") between BHI and each of SOL Global and HOL. The Accommodation Agreements have granted SOL an extension until September 30, 2025, provided the Company continues to remain in good standing. The current indebtedness of SOL Global to BHI is $13,244,445 and of HOL to BHI is $15,380,471. Pursuant to the SOL Accommodation Agreement, the Company will also pay to BHI a fee of $1,200,000, which fee will be satisfied in full by the issuance of 8,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") at a deemed price of $0.15 per Common Share. Pursuant to the HOL Accommodation Agreement, HOL will also pay to BHI a fee of $1,500,000, which fee will be paid in cash, added as principal to the indebtedness of HOL under its respective Loan Agreement with BHI. "While we continue to emphasize on de-leveraging our balance sheet, this agreement allows us to maximize value from our investments and execution related to our new Solana focused portfolio," stated SOL's Interim CEO and CFO Paul Kania. Debt Conversion SOL is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with a number of arms-length creditors (the "Creditors") of the Company to settle (the "Settlement") outstanding indebtedness totaling $5,530,890 through the issuance of 36,872,601 Common Shares (the "Settlement Shares") at a deemed price of $0.15 per Settlement Share, a premium to the market price. The Settlement Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four-months-and-one-day in accordance with applicable securities laws. "We are pleased that our new initiative has given enough confidence to convert a substantial amount of debt to stock," stated SOL's Interim CEO and CFO Paul Kania. "This allows us to put more dollars into our investment objectives." The Settlement transaction involving PLK Accounting & Finance Inc. ("PLK") will be a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as Paul Kania, SOL's Interim CEO and CFO, is the principal shareholder of PLK. PLK is a Creditor entitled to receive an aggregate of 6,666,667 Settlement Shares in settlement of indebtedness of approximately $1,000,000. However, the issuance of such Settlement Shares is exempt from (i) the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.5(b), as the Settlement Shares are not listed on a market specified in MI 61-101, and (ii) the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of such Settlement Shares does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The participation by PLK in the Settlement transaction has been approved by directors of the Company who are independent in connection with such transaction. No special committee was established in connection with the Settlement, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. Further details will be included in a material change report that will be filed by the Company in connection with the completion of the Settlement. The Company anticipates that the material change report will be filed less than 21 days before the closing date of the Settlement but believes that this shorter period is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances as the Company wishes to improve its financial position by reducing its accrued liabilities as soon as possible. About SOL Global Investments Corp. SOL Global is a diversified international investment and private equity holding company. The Company is in the process of divesting its current investment partnerships and minority holdings. SOL Global recently announced the transition of investments to focus exclusively on digital asset technology, primarily on Solana and Solana based technologies. Cautionary Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: statements relating to the successful closing of the Settlement and anticipated timing thereof and the intended use of proceeds. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward- looking information, except as required by applicable law. SOL Global confirms that there is no undisclosed material information of SOL Global at this time. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229285 SOURCE: SOL Global Investments Corp. Mastercard "In 10 years, I see myself with a bigger company that can help more people. I want to have more employees, more people who become part of my family." NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Rosa Rodrigues is the owner of Renacer, a stamping and branding firm in Bogota, Colombia, one of the millions of micro, small and medium-size businesses that power the country's economy. While these enterprises comprise more than 99% of the country's businesses and generate nearly 80% of Colombia's jobs, they still struggle with income volatility and are underpowered when it comes to accessing the digital solutions they need to build resilience and grow. To help entrepreneurs like Rodrigues make their mark, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth last month launched Mastercard Strive Colombia, part of its global initiative to help digitally transform small businesses. Programs like Strive played a critical role in helping Mastercard fulfill its commitment to bring 50 million small businesses into the digital economy through card acceptance by 2025, a goal it recently met. Through partnerships with Fundacion Capital, Common Cents Lab, the Center for Economic Studies-ANIF and the Financial Access Initiative of New York University, the program seeks to support more than 80,000 micro and small businesses in Colombia, helping them access new markets, develop sales channels, expand their businesses and implement digital marketing strategies. Tailored solutions will help them improve their liquidity management and the high volatility their businesses face. To learn more about Mastercard Strive, watch the video above. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. www.mastercard.com Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere. Originally published by Mastercard View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mastercard on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mastercard Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mastercard View the original press release on accesswire.com By: Jenny Schiavone, Vice President Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel, and Nette Compton, CEO and President of Mill River Park Collaborative NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Henkel Henkel Researchers' World is a global educational initiative with the goal to spark interest in science among elementary-school-aged-children. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is crucial as it equips students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills necessary to succeed. It not only sparks an interest in career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but it also nurtures a curiosity and love of learning critical for anyone to thrive into adulthood. STEM education prepares students to be future leaders and changemakers in the modern workforce and as members of our society. Yet, despite its importance, today, there is a waning interest in STEM among youth, and many schools are struggling to keep these vital programs alive. Schools today face enormous resource constraints that are making it difficult to provide support for STEM education, ultimately impacting student readiness and learning. Recent data shows that only 20% of high school graduates are ready for college-level coursework in STEM majors. Another study shows that due to systemic barriers to higher education, like grade requirements and standardized testing benchmarks, many high school students who are interested in STEM may choose not to enroll in high-level courses to preserve their GPA, resulting in these programs being discontinued or deprioritized. These setbacks speak to a competency gap that can be supplemented through innovative approaches to programming. This STEM Day, we recognize the value of partnership and collaboration to deliver dynamic programs that can complement school curriculum and inspire a lifelong passion in STEM learning for curious young minds. Creative Solutions for Overcoming Limits in STEM Education According to a recent study, early and diversified exposure to STEM helps students understand its importance and may encourage them to pursue higher education or careers in the field. That means designing creative ways and multiple avenues for children to develop a connection to STEM. This can look like utilizing digital tools and platforms, field trips, after school programs, online learning, clubs, and extracurricular community activities. Quality community programs are integral to supporting classroom education. Corporations and organizations can play a pivotal role in re-framing and investing in STEM education within their communities. Putting resources toward STEM programs and initiatives not only positively impacts the community by addressing educational disparities and opening new avenues for learning, but it is also a way to invest in building a future pipeline of talented STEM workers. Taking Advantage of Community-Driven Learning Programs Programs that extend learning beyond the classroom are proven to drive continued engagement in STEM. Research suggests that extracurricular STEM education improves students' attitudes toward STEM, which has a direct association with achievement. A 2023 study found that participation in STEM extracurricular activities had a direct numerical correlation with a student's interest in pursuing a STEM-related career. Qualitative data in the same study demonstrated that these students found STEM education outside of the classroom even more valuable than their classroom experience, citing more positive interactions with their instructors. They also build essential skills such as perseverance and critical thinking. Community-driven learning has benefits that extend beyond building upon what students experience in the classroom. These programs help alleviate ongoing resource constraints schools are facing by providing access to opportunities that complement lesson plans. Informal learning also inspires youth, especially girls and youth of color, to gain confidence in their ability to understand and pursue STEM. In Connecticut, a Community-Driven STEM Program Grows and Flourishes There is a robust opportunity within communities to supplement STEM education demands. The Mill River Park Collaborative in Stamford, CT, and its partnership with Henkel Researchers' World is an example of how corporations and community organizations can collaborate on programming to promote STEM education year-round. Henkel Researchers' World is a global educational initiative with the goal to spark interest in science among elementary-school-aged-children by putting them in the shoes of the researcher. First launched at Henkel's headquarters in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 2011, it has since reached over 100,000 children worldwide. Experiments introduce students to scientific methods, and thematic workshops that teach them about important scientific topics like green energy and climate change. In 2021, Henkel Researchers' World launched in North America. In Stamford, Henkel and local nonprofit organization Mill River Park Collaborative opened a dedicated classroom in their Whittingham Discovery Center, equipped with modern lab equipment and workstations. Trained teen docents operate a mobile 'discovery cart,' that travels throughout the park and offers 20-minute pop-up lessons to visitors. The unique partnership between Henkel and Mill River Park Collaborative has had a tremendous impact on the community. Since its 2021 launch, 5,000 children have participated in the Henkel Researchers' World program in Stamford CT. The in-person program at Mill River Park Collaborative has been adopted by a local school district as it not only meets next generation science standards, but also meets the curriculum requirements for 4th grade classes district-wide. This reflects how developing programs that support STEM education outside the classroom can be an invaluable asset. The impact of the program has also extended beyond the students participating. Mila Prakapenka, a former docent operating one of the 'discovery carts' last summer, is now a sophomore at Duke University studying electrical engineering and computer science. She shared how getting involved with Henkel Researchers' World helped fuel her own passion for STEM and solar energy, which she is now pursuing as a career. This reflects the value of introducing STEM to students outside of the traditional classroom and early on in their education. "I was familiar with solar energy before being a docent and teaching solar lessons, but I feel like I learned the most by teaching people and having them ask questions. Through the Henkel Researchers' World lessons, I grew my interest in the field while helping young students see themselves as scientists." Community Partnerships Fuel STEM Education The collaboration exemplifies how community partnerships can significantly enhance STEM education beyond the traditional classroom setting. This community-focused approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of STEM but also engages students by allowing them to learn in a dynamic and pressure-free environment. "Our partnership with Henkel and Henkel Researchers' World is about enriching the community and inspiring kids to explore science and nature in and out of the classroom. We are tailoring our curriculum to the needs of future generations, exposing more young minds to STEM, and bridging the gap in education for as many students as possible," said Kristia Janowski, Director of Education and Sustainability at Mill River Park Collaborative. To ensure STEM education can thrive it's critical for community leaders, educators, and corporations, to continue working together to find new and innovative approaches to learning. Investing in programs that go beyond the classroom is part of supporting the education system and can have a lasting impact on student success and the community at large. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Henkel on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Henkel Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/henkel Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Henkel View the original press release on accesswire.com EQS Newswire / 08/11/2024 / 16:15 CET/CEST BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 November 2024 - Since its inception more than three decades ago, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has become a dynamic engine of economic growth and one of Asia Pacific's most important regional forums. Its 21 member economies represent approximately 62 percent of the world GDP and nearly half of world trade. As the 2024 APEC gathering will commence soon in Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the invitation of Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima and pay a state visit to Peru from November 13 to 17. China has been actively involved in APEC cooperation in various fields. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China's foreign trade with other APEC economies amounted to $3.74 trillion in 2022, representing 59.7 percent of the country's total import and export value. "President Xi attending the meeting is an important head-of-state diplomatic event carried out by China towards the Asia-Pacific, which demonstrates the great importance China attaches to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, at a regular press conference. The First Hunan (Huaihua) RCEP Economic and Trade Expo opens in Huaihua City, central China's Hunan Province, May 5, 2023. /CFP Closer APEC cooperation Among China's top 10 trading partners, eight of them are APEC economies. China is the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. A total of 15 APEC economies have signed free trade agreements with China. For decades, China, as a firm supporter and active promoter of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation, has promoted the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement to come into force and advanced high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In 2023, China's total imports and exports to the other 14 RCEP members reached 12.6 trillion yuan (about $1.8 trillion), an increase of 5.3 percent compared with 2021 before the RCEP came into effect, according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has pooled strength for the common development of Asia-Pacific countries. Scheduled to be inaugurated in November, the Chancay Port, an important infrastructure project in Latin America under the BRI, will transform Peru into a major trade hub in the region, and is expected to produce a broad economic impact, helping open new trade routes and enhance the competitiveness of Latin America as a whole. "China is ready to work with all parties to inject new impetus into pushing regional economic integration and advancing economic growth in the Asia-Pacific and the world, and work together to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future," Mao said. Detailing Xi's state visit to Peru, she said the visit is seen to further deepen practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries and promote China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve more positive results. A view of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong Province, November 5, 2024. /CFP Building Asia-Pacific community This year marks the 10th anniversary of the proposal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, which consists of 10 principles, including building a community of shared future for mankind to safeguard world peace and promote common development, pursuing peaceful development on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and steering reform of the global governance system. Responding to urgent global needs, Xi has also put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to call on all parties to work together to address global challenges and promote global common development. Calling for building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, Xi has called on all parties to cultivate, nurture, and foster the blossoming flower of common development of the Asia-Pacific. Over the past 30 years, the Asia-Pacific has cut its average tariff rate from 17 percent to 5 percent and contributed 70 percent of global economic growth. Per capita income in the region has more than quadrupled, and one billion people have been lifted out of poverty, an important contribution to human progress and global sustainable development. At the forthcoming APEC meeting, President Xi will elaborate on China's policies and proposals on promoting Asia-Pacific cooperation, and work with all parties to promote comprehensive and balanced implementation of the Putrajaya Vision 2040, said Mao. Hashtag: CGTN The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. News Source: CGTN 08/11/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global image sensor market is expected to be valued at USD 20.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 29.62 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024-2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Additions to existing applications in various industries and technological advancements in image sensor product offerings are key factors driving the expansion of the image sensor market. Restraints such as High Manufacturing costs hinder market growth. However, factors such as Integration with other technologies provide lucrative opportunities for market players in the coming years. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=601 Browse in-depth TOC on "Image Sensors Market" 120 - Tables 40 - Figures 260 - Pages Image Sensors Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 20.66 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $ 29.62 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By type, processing technique, spectrum, imaging type, array type, resolution, and end user and region. Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Optical and performance constraints of pixel miniaturization Key Market Opportunities Integration with other technologies Key Market Drivers Adoption of ADAS in Automotive Area Scan image sensors by array type to hold the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Area scan image sensors will have the highest CAGR in the image sensor market for years due to versatile applications in numerous industries. Since it captures images in a two-dimensional format, area scan image sensors find broad application in machine vision in manufacturing, quality assurance, and automated inspection systems. Growing demand for automation of processes in industries is an imperative factor driving this growth. Area scan sensors make high-speed image acquisition possible with good measurement accuracy, which are essential factors for maintaining product quality as well as operational efficiency. Improvements in the form of better resolution and sensitivity along with AI integration are also improving the performance of area scan image sensors. Their high-speed, real-time image processing capacity supports applications in the automotive, healthcare, and logistics sectors, where swift decision-making is important. The rise of smart factories and Industry 4.0 projects has increased the demand for area scan sensors, which are essential for automation and data analytics functions. With more and more industries embracing high-performance imaging solutions, the best position of area scan image sensors will be leading in growth rates and innovation in the market. More than 16 MP by resolution to exhibit highest market share during the forecast period Over the next few years, image sensors with more than 16 MP resolution will likely rule the market because they can fulfill the fast-growing demands of high-quality imaging in various applications. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating higher-resolution sensors into smartphones, digital cameras, and professional equipment due to increasing consumer demands for superior image quality. These further fuels the demand for visually beautiful images and videos because of the proliferation of social media and digital content creation. Other areas include the automotive, healthcare, and security fields. For example, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in automobiles would require detailed imaging of the lane and pedestrians; these pixels need to be greater, hence the requirement of such sensors. Medical imaging devices need high-resolution imaging for the accurate diagnostics that are provided. Thus, the increased low-light sensitivity and higher readout speed will make the high-resolution sensor more attractive. As such, the image sensors market greater than 16 MP will significantly increase as it goes well with the industry trend. Industrial sector to hold the highest CAGR during the forecast period Industrial, the largest application segment for image sensors, is anticipated to have the highest CAGR in the image sensor market during the next couple of years due to the growing application of automation, robotics, and machine vision systems. Rising efficiency and precision needs among industries in the manufacturing process also create an enormous demand for advanced imaging technologies. Therefore, image sensors play a very important role in quality control; real-time inspection and monitoring products are possible to ensure compliance with stringent quality standards. The establishment of Industry 4.0, which involves a convergence of IoT devices and smart technologies in the manufacturing process, is another reason behind the demand for high-performance image sensors. The sensors are more capable of collecting more data, which are analyzed for predictive purposes to minimize downtime. Furthermore, developing more applications in the autonomous vehicles, logistics, and warehousing area significantly contributes to the increase in the requirement for advanced imaging solutions. Industrial applications will transform with the use oftransform using sensor technologies like 3D imaging and AI-enhanced vision systems. The system could offer clearer operational efficiency. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=601 Asia Pacific in the image sensor industry to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period This will be where the highest CAGR in image sensors over the next years will emerge, spurred by various strong drivers in the region. The area is also where leading electronic manufacturing bases reside, among other factors that include some strong economies globally, like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Some investment in this area for their development in researching and making discoveries is accelerating image sensor innovation in these markets. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for consumer electronics, including good-quality camera smartphones and tablets, as consumers want better imaging. Asia Pacific also grows due to fast industrialization and urbanization; image sensors are adopted in many industries, including automotive, healthcare, and surveillance. The automotive segment is especially booming for ADAS, which uses highly quality image sensors that include safety features. Furthermore, government projects like smart city projects help encourage surveillance and monitoring solutions; consequently, the demand also rises in the image sensor market. Collectively, these factors position the Asia Pacific region for robust growth, making it a key player in the global image sensor landscape. Key Players The image sensor companies includes major Tier I and II players like Sony Corporation (Japan), Samsung. (South Korea), Omnivision (US), Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC (US) and STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan), Canon Inc. (Japan), HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK. (Japan), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. (US), SK HYNIX INC. (South Korea), Himax Technologies Inc. (Taiwan) and others. These players have a strong market presence in advanced packaging across various countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=601 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: 3D Sensor Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Growth Analysis Report by Type (Image Sensor, Position Sensor, Acoustic Sensor, Magnetometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope), Technology (Time-of-flight, Structured Light, Stereo Vision, Ultrasound), Method (Time-Delay, Triangulation) - Global Forecast to 2029 Automotive Sensors Market by Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarket), Type (Temperature, Pressure, Oxygen, Position, Speed, Inertial, Image, Level, Chemical Sensors), Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, LCV, HCV), Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/Image-Sensor-Semiconductor-Market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/image-sensor.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/image-sensors-market-worth-29-62-billion-by-2029---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302299721.html SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Silicon Valley, a multinational tech epicenter, are just a few of the names given to San Francisco, whose thriving tech ecosystem is the birthplace of many revolutionary tech inventions. The USA's solid focus on innovation, blended with a large pool of skilled developers and engineers, has garnered several software development companies and startups. In 2024, just like the previous decade, San Francisco continues to drive monumental growth in the software development industry. According to recent reports, the U.S. software development market is valued at a whopping $300 billion in 2024, with SF contributing over 25% in bespoke software and digital transformation solutions. Businesses across the United States are prioritizing custom software to cater to the diverse needs in scalability, security, and automation while setting the stage for swift growth and glorifying demand for reliable development partners. Since the United States already has a large population that is tech-savvy, it is an obvious target market for worldwide software development businesses. These companies assist brands in developing a strong digital presence and experience in software development areas such as design, development, testing, and deployment. Major corporations are increasingly turning to bespoke software development businesses to create scalable, user-friendly, and secure mobile and web applications in order to maintain market leadership and foster client loyalty. Hyperlink InfoSystem, one of the top software development companies in San Francisco 2024, is catching up with this breakthrough turnaround time. As a pioneering leader in bespoke software development and other evolving technology services, they have proven themselves a reliably trusted partner for organizations looking for personalized solutions to meet their operational requirements. Hyperlink InfoSystem recognized as a leading custom software development company, providing an extensive selection of services to fulfill the different demands of enterprises to start-up level businesses. From enterprise-grade apps to mobile app development, the firm leverages its expertise along with cutting-edge technology to provide customized software solutions that drive business profitability. Hyperlink InfoSystem's talented developers and engineers comprise some of the industry's top iOS, Android, and cross-platform developers, UI/UX designers, and backend developers, as well as exceptional Quality Assurance (QA) engineers. Hyperlink InfoSystem additionally curates all of its bespoke applications using the latest tech stacks that are popular in the US app industry. They have helped numerous organizations develop strong and scalable apps in a variety of sectors by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Swift, Objective-C, Java, Kotlin, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Appium, Espresso, XCTest, and many more. They use industry-standard technologies and procedures to ensure that their projects are both high-quality and efficient. Mr. Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, expressed his delight with the company's accomplishments and future objectives during a recent conversation. "In today's dynamic digital environment and the thriving US market, Hyperlink InfoSystem is completely dedicated to embracing innovation." Our team includes the best developers and strategists from around the world that meticulously construct applications that digitally transform their organizations and ensure robust competition in the competitive software market." When asked what new fields they're willing to explore, he replied, "The worldwide software industry in 2024 is overflowing with billions of internet users, so the focus is now on creating something unique using AI/ML and goal-oriented programs that also generate exciting possibilities for customers and users alike." Hyperlink InfoSystem, established in 2011, has over 2700 pleased clients and a portfolio of over 4500 applications, 2300 websites, 120 AI & IoT solutions, 140 games, 120 Salesforce solutions, 25 blockchain solutions, 60 data science projects, and 1200 dedicated developers. Whether it's a complicated online application, a feature-loaded mobile app, or a cloud-based solution, Hyperlink InfoSystem can deliver best-in-class software solutions that match the particular needs of enterprises. Apart from custom software development, the company also offers a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions, including software development, AI, IoT, blockchain, web development, AR/VR, and Salesforce development. To inquire more about custom mobile app development services, call +1(309) 791-4105 or email info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com. About Hyperlink InfoSystem Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals. Contact Details: Hyperlink InfoSystem Harnil Oza +1-309-791-4105 info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com New York Address: One World Trade Center 285 Fulton Street suite 8500, New York, NY 10007, United States Ahmedabad Address: C-308, Ganesh Meridian, Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway, Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061 India London Address: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB Canada Address: 151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7, Canada Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429933/5015424/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperlink-infosystem-gains-foothold-in-san-francisco-302299998.html DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding's pioneering real estate arm Dubai Holding Real Estate, has marked significant progress in the development of Palm Jebel Ali in 2024, with the project progressing at pace to meet 2025 milestones. The development masterplan was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2023, who said at the time; "Palm Jebel Ali will further strengthen our urban infrastructure and consolidate the city's emergence as one of the world's leading metropolises. This new groundbreaking project reflects our strategic development plan centred on raising the quality of life and happiness of residents." The Palm Jebel Ali area received further recognition this year when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the master plan for the 6.6 kilometre development of Jebel Ali Beach. The project includes a five-kilometre sandy beach, to be developed by Nakheel, as well as a 1.6-kilometre-long Mangrove Beach, to be developed by Dubai Municipality. Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said; "At Nakheel we believe in developing dreams, inspired by the vision of our leaders and the hopes of our people. The rapid progress we are currently witnessing on ground at Palm Jebel Ali is testimony to the grand success of our key partnerships and our joint endeavours to ensure we deliver on our commitments." Several key contracts for the project were awarded throughout 2024, including the construction of a new 6-kilometre road, the contracts for the island's marine works, dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement, directly supporting the construction of villas. The first eight fronds of the project are expected to be site-ready for villa infrastructure and civil works by the first quarter of 2025. Crucially, the contract for the construction of exclusive ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of the project has also been awarded and are scheduled for completion by late 2026. Nakheel recently announced their partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for the development of two substations on Palm Jebel Ali. Video: Palm Jebel Ali Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552884/Nakheel_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552885/Nakheel_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552886/Nakheel_3.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/palm-jebel-ali-project-surges-ahead-in-2024-milestones-achieved-in-record-time-for-dubais-most-anticipated-development-302300134.html Chinese vice president meets Turkish minister of treasury, finance Xinhua) 14:34, November 08, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, and Turkish Chairman of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism in Beijing on Friday. Han congratulated the second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism held on Thursday on achieving positive results. China is ready to work with Turkiye to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, support each other in safeguarding their core interests, continuously enhance political mutual trust, tap the potential of practical cooperation, safeguard international fairness and justice, and push China-Turkiye strategic cooperative relations to a new level, Han said. Simsek said Turkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, abides by the one-China principle and opposes interference in China's internal affairs. Turkiye is willing to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields through mechanisms such as the inter-governmental cooperation committee and to advocate for the greater development of bilateral relations, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) LONDON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management today announced enhancement to its equity organization in leveraging expertise across its Asia and Emerging Markets teams to improve investment experience for its clients. Charlie Dutton, an equity investment leader with substantial experience in Asia, is named to the newly created role of Chief Investment Officer, Global Emerging Market Equities. In this new role, Charlie will oversee and align our Asia ex-Japan and emerging market equity capabilities, ensuring we leverage local resources and insights across the organization. Manulife Investment Management has operated in emerging markets for more than a century. Today, it has one of the largest equity teams based in Asia with over 90 investment professionals located across 10 markets in the region. By combining local insight with deep investment expertise, Manulife Investment Management will be able to leverage deeper information advantage over other asset managers based outside of Asia. The combined Emerging Market Equities organization manages over US$25 billion in AUM across Asia and emerging markets equity strategies. "Collaboration and engagement have always been at the heart of our investment culture, and our emerging markets and Asia equity teams have participated in a variety of forums to exchange ideas and insights. The closer alignment of the Asia equity team with the global Emerging Markets equity organization formalizes the longstanding sharing of ideas and insights between our Asia and our emerging markets equity teams. We believe this alignment will translate into improved research sharing and investment decision making, and will enhance our ability to create custom-tailored solutions to meet client needs," said Colin Purdie, Global Chief Investment Officer, Public Markets, Manulife Investment Management. Charlie will be spending a considerable amount of time in Asia with the extensive investment teams across the region in the coming months. He will continue to be based in London, affording him the opportunity to work and communicate with the investment teams in London and across Asia effectively, ensuring connections between each. Charlie brings more than 27 years of investment experience to this role, including over 25 years of Asia equity investment experience with seven years in Hong Kong as well as South Africa and London. Prior to joining Manulife Investment Management's Emerging Markets Equity team earlier this year, Charlie was a fund manager at Ninety One as part of the Global Quality Capability team that managed assets across five strategies. Before Ninety One, Charlie was a founding partner at Coupland Cardiff, an Asian investment firm, where he spent 10 years managing Asian focused equity funds. Prior to that, he was based in Hong Kong and served as director of Asia-Pacific research at JPMorgan and as a Hong Kong/China consumer analyst at JF Securities. Charlie started his career at HSBC based in Hong Kong as a HK/China Analyst. "We are confident Charlie's deep investment experience, including over 25 years investing in Asia equity, makes him ideally suited to take on the role of CIO, Emerging Markets Equities. We look forward to his leadership, combined with the support of our Asia investment teams, in building upon our strong foundation in the region, and leading our Asia business into the future," said Steve Medina, Chief Investment Officer, Global Equities, Manulife Investment Management. At the same time, Manulife Investment Management announced that Kathryn Langridge, Senior Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Head of Emerging Markets Equity team, has shared her intention to retire effective October 31, 2025, after an impressive investment career spanning over 40 years. Meanwhile, Ronald Chan, CIO, Asia ex-Japan Equity, is departing Manulife Investment Management. "The alignment of the Asia and the Emerging Markets equity teams is a testament to the critical role Asia plays in today's equity markets, and further draws attention to the deep pool of talent in Manulife's investment organization," said Charlie Dutton, Chief Investment Officer, Global Emerging Market Equities. "By globalizing and strengthening this capability, Manulife Investment Management is better positioned to deliver for its clients while expanding the pipeline of research and insight the Emerging Markets equity team can deliver for other capabilities at the firm on a global basis." About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering people today to invest for a better tomorrow. As a committed partner to our clients and as a responsible steward of investor capital, we offer a heritage of risk management, deep expertise across public and private markets, and comprehensive retirement plan services. We seek to provide better investment and impact outcomes and to help people confidently save and invest for a more secure financial future. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com. Media contacts: Carl Wong, Manulife Investment Management Asia, +852 2510 3180, carl_kk_wong@manulifeam.com; Elizabeth Bartlett, Head of Wealth & Asset Management Public Relations, North America & Europe, Manulife Investment Management, +1 857 210 2286, elizabeth_bartlett@manulife.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manulife-investment-management-aligns-capabilities-across-regions-under-the-newly-created-role-of-global-emerging-market-equities-cio-302300146.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) announced the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs)/Prix d'excellence en gouvernance, at its 11th annual awards ceremony on November 7th at the Carlu in Toronto. To learn more about the EGAs: http://www.gpcanada.org/EGA To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8226/229304_8df27f09c4b038de_001full.jpg This prestigious annual gala brings together the governance community to celebrate exemplary governance practices across various sectors and industries in Canada. The EGAs recognize the trailblazers who are making significant strides in Canadian corporate governance, for their innovative approaches and their capacity to create a lasting impact. GPC congratulates the 2024 EGA winners, organized by category, as presented below: 1. Engagement BC Lottery Corporation 2. Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)/ Purpose TransAlta Corporation 3. Board/Director Effectiveness Stabilization Central Credit Union of B.C. 4. Strategy / Risk Management Algoma Steel Inc. 5. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Royal Roads University 6. Organizational Governance ATB Financial 7.Governance Professional of the Year John Bieker, Chief Governance Officer, Metis Nation British Columbia 8. Peter Dey Governance Achievement Award Helle Bank Jorgensen, CEO & Founder, Competent Boards Each year, GPC receives nominations that range in both breadth and diversity from Canadian organizations large and small, across all sectors and industries. The award recipients are chosen by two judging panels of seasoned and well-respected governance experts. GPC would like to thank the EGA Judges for their time, dedication, and contribution in making the annual awards possible. For more on the panel: https://gpcanada.org/Public/Public/EG-Awards/Judging_Process.aspx?hkey=d4cb699b-08e8-4cdc-8823-e2d9e9a539b0. In the photo: EGA 2024 winners with sponsors, partners, Lynn Beauregard, President, and Christine Thomas, Chair of the Board, Governance Professionals of Canada To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8226/229304_8df27f09c4b038de_002full.jpg Lynn Beauregard, President, Governance Professionals of Canada said, "As we celebrate the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Governance Awards, we give recognition to the dedication and innovation that these outstanding organizations and individuals have contributed to the Canadian corporate governance community. I would like to congratulate all the winners for their commitment to excellence that sets a benchmark for others to follow and that shape the future of governance in Canada." Sign up to GPC's official mailing list to be the first to receive details on the call for nominations for the 2025 EGAs, which will open in early 2025, and the latest information on upcoming and relevant governance events: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001nkQbX5l1Qs-av832mqzme4Hj1V9z4sLY-rqyRupbR2uKrntokmIne5F4p-VB47RcLy0j47BzMOeiIsjDz6B0GcL1ux0ITlnBdOnxEQij_djKF8HheR9eYSjM-0RHX1yXPrvPgMmafuugfOnpJs6_UoEVx915OmCy. 2024 EGA JUDGES REPORT The 2024 EGA Report of the Judges is intended to provide insight into some of the accomplishments that have set the winners apart, and to impart the judges' rationale behind selecting this year's winning organizations. Read the report here! To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229304 SOURCE: Governance Professionals of Canada Regulatory News: Press release 8 November 2024 On this day, the shareholders of Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) have held their Annual Shareholders' Meeting chaired by Mr Alexandre Ricard, Chairman CEO, in order to approve, in particular, the consolidated and parent company financial statements of Pernod Ricard SA for the year ended 30 June 2024. All the resolutions have been adopted, in particular: Annual dividend: 4.70 per share: an interim dividend payment of 2.35 per share having been paid on July 19, 2024, the balance, i.e . 2.35 per share, will be detached on November 25, 2024 (with a record date of November 26, 2024) and paid on November 27, 2024; 4.70 per share: an interim dividend payment of 2.35 per share having been paid on July 19, 2024, the balance, . 2.35 per share, will be detached on November 25, 2024 (with a record date of November 26, 2024) and paid on November 27, 2024; Renewal of the directorships of Ms Virginie Fauvel, Mr Alexandre Ricard and Mr Cesar Giron for a four-year term (their respective biographies are attached to this press release); (their respective biographies are attached to this press release); Appointment of Virginie Fauvel as member of the Strategic Committee, appointment of Cesar Giron as member of the Nominations and Governance Committee, and appointment of Alexandre Ricard as Chair of the Strategic Committee Approval, on the one hand, of the components of the compensation paid or granted to Mr Alexandre Ricard, Chairman CEO, for the FY2023/24 and, on the other hand, of the compensation policy items applicable to him for the FY2024/25; Appointment of Deloitte Associes and KPMG S.A. as Statutory Auditors in charge of certifying sustainability information for a term of three years. A summary table of the Board Committees, as composed after today's General Meeting, is attached hereto. Biographies Virginie Fauvel Virginie Fauvel is a graduate of engineering from the Ecole des Mines de Nancy. She started her career in 1997 working for Cetelem as Group CRM and Risks analytics Director prior to becoming Group Digital Officer in 2004 and then heading up the e-business France BU. She joined BNP Paribas' French retail bank in 2009 to manage and develop online banking, before becoming head of BNP Paribas' Online Banking Europe BU in 2012. In this role, in 2013, she launched "HelloBank!", the first 100% mobile European bank, in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. In July 2013, she joined Allianz France as a member of the French Executive Committee in charge of Digital Transformation, Big Data, Communication and Market Management. She largely contributed to the company's transformation by placing digital innovation at the heart of its strategy. In January 2018, she then became a member of the Management Board of Allianz Trade (formerly known as Euler Hermes), in charge of the Americas region and of the group's transformation. In September 2020, she became Chief Executive Officer of Harvest SAS, a software publisher specialising in financial and wealth management consulting. She has co-chaired the MEDEF's Digital and Innovation Commission since 2023. Virginie Fauvel has been a Director of Pernod Ricard since 2020. Alexandre Ricard Alexandre Ricard is a graduate of ESCP Europe, the Wharton School of Business (MBA majoring in finance and entrepreneurship) and the University of Pennsylvania (MA in International Studies). After working for seven years for Accenture (strategy consulting) and Morgan Stanley (mergers and acquisitions consulting), he joined the Pernod Ricard Group in 2003 in the Headquarters Audit and Development Department. At the end of 2004, he became the Chief Financial and Administration Officer of Irish Distillers Group, and then Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard Asia Duty Free in September 2006. In July 2008, he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers Group and became a member of Pernod Ricard's Executive Committee. In September 2011, he joined the Group General Management team as Managing Director, in charge of the Distribution Network and became a member of the Executive Board. Alexandre Ricard was the permanent representative of Societe Paul Ricard (a Director of Pernod Ricard) from 2 November 2009 until 29 August 2012, when he was co-opted as a Director of Pernod Ricard himself and appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. On 11 February 2015, he was appointed Chairman CEO of the Group by the Board of Directors. Alexandre Ricard is a grandson of Paul Ricard, the founder of Societe Ricard. Cesar Giron After graduating from the Emlyon Business School (formerly called Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Lyon), Cesar Giron joined the Pernod Ricard Group in 1987, where he has spent his entire career. In 2000, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard Swiss SA before becoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wyborowa SA in Poland in December 2003. From July 2009, Cesar Giron acted as Chairman CEO of Pernod until his appointment, on 1 July 2015, as Chairman and CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouet. Cesar Giron is Chairman of the Management Board of Societe Paul Ricard. Cesar Giron is a grandson of Paul Ricard, the founder of Societe Ricard. Cesar Giron has been a Director of Pernod Ricard since 2008. The Annual Shareholders' Meeting was broadcasted live and can now be viewed in both French and English on the http://pernod-ricard.com website. Next Meeting: FY24 half-year results Thursday 16 February 2025 About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand-building, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term development of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard's consolidated sales amounted to 11,598million in fiscal year FY24. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code:FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices. Appendix Composition of the Board Committees as of 8 November 2024 Names Function Independence Audit Committee Philippe PETITCOLIN Chair Independent Kory SORENSON Member Independent Max KOEUNE Member Independent Independence: 100 % Compensation Committee Kory SORENSON Chair Independent Patricia BARBIZET Member Independent Ian GALLIENNE Member Non-Independent Brice THOMMEN Member (Employee Director) N/A Independence: 67 % Nominations and Governance Committee Patricia BARBIZET Chair Independent Cesar GIRON Member Non-Independent Anne LANGE Member Independent Independence: 67 % Strategic Committee Alexandre RICARD Chair Non-Independent Virginie FAUVEL Member Independent Ian GALLIENNE Member Non-Independent Anne LANGE Member Independent Philippe PETITCOLIN Member Independent SA Paul Ricard Member Non-Independent Independence: 50 % CSR Committee Patricia BARBIZET Chair Independent Namita SHAH Member Independent Veronica VARGAS Member Non-Independent Independence: 67 % View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241108512064/en/ Contacts: Florence Tresarrieu Global SVP Investor Relations and Treasury +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03 Edward Mayle Investor Relations Director +33 (0) 6 76 85 00 45 Ines Lo Franco Investor Relations Manager +33 (0) 6 49 10 33 54 Emmanuel Vouin Head of External Engagement +33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34 Groundbreaking Battery Innovator High Performance Battery (HPB) to Debut on National Platforms and Engage Investors in Exclusive NYC Event NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / AccreditedEvents.com is thrilled to announce an exclusive showcase of High Performance Battery (HPB) on New to The Street, filmed from the iconic New York Stock Exchange on November 11th. Following the filming, an investor event will take place at 6 PM in Hudson Yards, NYC, offering attendees a firsthand opportunity to connect with the HPB team and explore their revolutionary advances in sustainable battery technology. The feature on HPB, a pioneer in solid-state battery technology, will air as sponsored programming on Bloomberg Television and Fox Business. The interview will also be shared across New to The Street's expansive YouTube channel, with over 1.8 million subscribers, and will reach a wide audience through earned media placements on ABC, NBC, and CBS local affiliates. Broadcast dates and times are to be announced. "We are thrilled to spotlight High Performance Battery at the NYSE and bring their groundbreaking technology to our extensive audience. HPB's commitment to sustainability and innovation in battery technology aligns with the forward-thinking companies we showcase at New to The Street," said Vince Caruso, Managing Partner at AccreditedEvents.com and CEO of New to The Street. "The event at Hudson Yards will provide investors with a unique opportunity to connect directly with HPB's team and gain insights into the future of sustainable energy solutions." About High Performance Battery (HPB): High Performance Battery Technology GmbH is a forward-looking company specializing in the development of next-generation solid-state batteries characterized by non-flammability, extreme durability, and enhanced environmental benefits. HPB's innovative production process ensures the product is ready for series production, with collaborations with leading European engineering firms furthering their commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, HPB is a wholly owned subsidiary of High Performance Battery Holding AG, based in Teufen, Switzerland. For more information, visit www.highperformancebattery.ch. About New to The Street: New to The Street is a top-tier business TV brand dedicated to introducing innovative public and private companies to national and global audiences through sponsored programming on Bloomberg Television, Fox Business, and its influential YouTube channel. With over 1.8 million subscribers, New to The Street has become a trusted platform for financial insights for over 15 years, featuring in-depth interviews, earned media placements, and prime billboard locations like Times Square. The show's signature Opportunities To Consider segment presents high-growth companies and emerging trends, establishing it as a powerful platform for brand visibility and investor interest. Learn more at www.newtothestreet.com. About AccreditedEvents.com: AccreditedEvents.com is an elite event platform that connects forward-thinking companies with accredited investors through exclusive in-person and virtual events. Serving a growing community of over 300 accredited investors, AccreditedEvents.com provides a platform for direct engagement with industry-leading companies, presenting unique investment opportunities. The platform is committed to building connections that empower investors with insights into market-defining innovations. Learn more at www.accreditedevents.com. All AccreditedEvents.com events sponsored and in cooperation with ART New York and PetVivo $PETV SPRYNG https://youtu.be/E3Je85PKvgc?si=IXDwRnc5Q1Hycmtk Media Contact: Monica Brennan New to The Street Email: Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com Related Images SOURCE: New to The Street View the original press release on accesswire.com Leading Real Estate Consulting and Managed Services Firm Welcomes Global Industry Veteran RealFoundations, the world's foremost provider of consulting and managed services for the real estate industry, today announced the appointment of Andy Rothery to the firm's leadership team as an Enterprise Managing Consultant. Rothery brings over 30 years of real estate experience, along with extensive global operational expertise and industry relationships. With over three decades of experience in the real estate industry and a deep understanding of global real estate operations, Rothery will be instrumental to advancing brand awareness and generating new business opportunities within the UK and across Europe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107053856/en/ Andy Rothery, Enterprise Managing Consultant at RealFoundations (Photo: Business Wire) "We are delighted to welcome Andy to our team, which will strengthen our advisory services within the UK and position us for growth across Europe," said Phillip McCorkle, Chief Executive Officer of Management Consulting at RealFoundations. "Andy's distinguished record of leadership and real estate advisory will play a critical role in expanding our presence and elevating RealFoundations' mission to make real estate run better on a global scale." Rothery, a seasoned real estate executive, has held executive leadership roles at some of the world's most well-recognized professional services firms. His prior leadership roles include Equity Partner positions at both Arthur Andersen and Deloitte, where he was the global industry chair and founding managing partner of Deloitte Real Estate. Following his departure from Deloitte, Rothery engaged in various advisory roles and contributed to various charitable and educational initiatives. Most recently, he served as Co-head of Affordable Housing at QSix, a specialized residential investment manager, and as an advisor at Pinnacle Investments, where he supported the development of an institutional key worker housing investment vehicle. "I am very excited to be joining RealFoundations, who have a unique position as the world's largest real estate focused operational consulting and managed services firm. I believe the winners in the next cycle will be those organizations that have the most efficient and effective operating platform. Those able to adapt quickly and at scale to growth challenges across markets, integrate ESG reporting, adopt AI tools, address cyber risk, and provide timely and accurate data to increasingly diverse and demanding stakeholder groups will be positioned for success. RealFoundations is uniquely positioned to help clients with all these challenges in Europe given its experience in the United States," said Andy Rothery. To learn more about RealFoundations' experience serving global leaders in the real estate market, visit www.realfoundations.net. About RealFoundations RealFoundations (RF) is the world's foremost professional services firm focused solely on the real estate industry. Through our delivery of Management Consulting and Managed Services, we help companies that develop, own, operate, service or invest in real estate make better, more profitable decisions. We are proud partners to over 500 real estate companies around the globe, providing accelerated solutions that solve some of real estate's most complex challenges. We Make Real Estate Run Better. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107053856/en/ Contacts: Media Caliber Corporate Advisers realfoundations@calibercorporate.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - In anticipation of a landmark event at the Rogers Centre this November, the SoHo Hotel Toronto is thrilled to introduce special guest packages tailored for Swifties. With Toronto set to host thousands of excited visitors, the SoHo Hotel is preparing unique accommodations to enhance the experience for fans during their stay in the city. View of CN Tower from SoHo Hotel Toronto To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8456/229325_4a3f0d8284bd89d9_001full.jpg Swiftie-Inspired Guest Packages at The SoHo Hotel Toronto Recognizing the demand from fans visiting for this major event, SoHo Hotel Toronto has curated select packages with Swiftie-inspired features, including: Premium accommodations with exclusive Toronto-themed keepsakes. Personalized welcome amenities, including special souvenirs for fans. The "Swiftie Package," featuring tailored touches to celebrate the Toronto experience with a fan-focused theme. Boosting Toronto's Economy and Hospitality Sector The anticipated wave of fans, affectionately known as Swifties, is expected to generate significant economic engagement in Toronto's hospitality and tourism sectors. The SoHo Hotel, conveniently located near the Rogers Centre, is joining local businesses in welcoming these visitors, supporting a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere in the city. For more information on booking and availability of the limited Swiftie-inspired packages, guests can visit www.sohohoteltoronto.com or reach out directly to the hotel's reservations team. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229325 SOURCE: Prestige Perfections Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Lion Copper and Gold Corp. (CSE: LEO) (OTCQB: LCGMF) ("Lion CG", or the "Company") has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 25,155,554 units at a price of US$0.045 per unit for gross proceeds of US$1,132,000. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of US$0.06 until November 8, 2029. The Company intends to use the proceeds for general working capital purposes and repayment of convertible debentures. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction. All securities issued in connection with the private placement are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") the Company advises that certain directors and officers of the Company participated in the private placement. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1) (a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and the fair market value of the insider participation in the private placement does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. Early Warning Report Tony Alford, a director of the Company, acquired 14,000,000 units in the private placement at a price ofUS$0.045 per unit totaling US$ 630,000. Before the private placement, Mr. Alford held 113,176,891 common shares, representing approximately 29.33% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares (undiluted). After completion of the private placement, Mr. Alford's shareholdings increased to 127,176,891 common shares, or 30.94%, an increase of 1.61% (undiluted). In addition, before the private placement, Mr. Alford held 46,601,573 common share purchase warrants, 10,552,713 stock options, and 833,333 convertible debentures. Exercising all of his warrants and options and converting all of his debentures would bring his total to 171,164,510 common shares or 38.56% (partially diluted). After completion of the private placement, Mr. Alford holds 60,601,573 common share purchase warrants, 10,552,713 stock options, and 833,333 convertible debentures, which, if exercised or converted, would result in Mr. Alford holding a total of 199,164,510 common shares, or 41.23%, an increase of 2.67% (partially diluted). Mr. Alford acquired the securities for investment purposes. Mr. Alford may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease his beneficial ownership of the Company's securities, whether in the open market, by privately negotiated agreements or otherwise, subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and other available investment and business opportunities. The disclosure respecting Mr. Alford's shareholdings of the Company contained in this press release is made pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and a report respecting the above acquisition will be filed with the applicable securities commissions using the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval + (SEDAR+) and will be available for viewing at www.sedarplus.com. About Lion CG Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based company advancing its flagship copper projects at Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture. Further information can be found at www.lioncg.com. This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, any information contained in this news release may be a forward-looking statement that reflects the Company's current views about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words "may," "might," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "objective," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "target," "seek," "contemplate," "continue" and "ongoing," or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. The Company cannot assure that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229364 SOURCE: Lion Copper and Gold Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) ("Volt" or the "Company") with reference to its news release dated October 1, 2024, is pleased to announce that it has closed the Shares for Debt Transaction after receiving the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction, the Company has issued an aggregate of 17,392,145 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a deemed price of $0.02 per Common Share, to settle outstanding debts in the aggregate amount of $347,842.91 (the "Debt"). $200,000 of the Debt is owed to one (1) arm's length creditor and $147,842.91 of the Debt represents accrued liabilities for management fees owing to a former director and officer of the Company and the current President and Chief Executive Officer. The debt settlement with the current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, V-Bond Lee, being the exchange of 5,000,000 Common Shares for $100,000.00 of debt, is a "related party transaction" under Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The debt settlement with V-Bond Lee is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the debt, nor the fair market value of the shares to be issued in settlement of the debt, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. A material change report has not been filed at least 21 days before the closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Company considers this shorter period to be reasonable and necessary in the circumstances to allow the Company to close the Shares for Debt Transaction as soon as possible for sound business reasons, including the Company's need to settle the Debt in an expeditious manner and preserve cash for ongoing operations. No new control person or insider will be created pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction are subject to a four (4) month and one (1) day hold period. About Volt Carbon Volt carbon is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation and green re-creation, with holdings in graphite mining claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Volt Carbon's properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.voltcarbontech.com On behalf of the Board of Directors Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. V-Bond Lee, P. Eng. CEO, President, Chairman of the Board and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Volt's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects' or 'does not expect', "intends" 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', "forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates' or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Volt Carbon assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229343 SOURCE: Volt Carbon Technologies BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / IEH Corporation (OTC PINK:IEHC) today filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, IEH had revenues of $7,341,124 as compared to $4,810,988 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, reflecting a 53% increase; an operating profit of $173,196 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to an operating loss of $1,120,435 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024; a net profit of $246,443 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to a net loss of $1,100,603 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024; and a basic earnings per share of $.10 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to a basic loss per share of $.46 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024. Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "IEH's notable improvements in our top and bottom lines continue apace. Similar to the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, IEH has experienced significant growth in this quarter compared to the same quarter of last year. Revenue, gross margins and operating income all increased considerably, our cash has grown 40% since the beginning of this fiscal year, and our selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs, which ballooned over the prior two fiscal years, has fallen 50% as a percentage of revenue, compared to the same quarter of last fiscal year. While our revenue and net income still do not approach our pre-COVID highs, it is nonetheless noteworthy when considering the difficulties of the last few years and the continued industry challenges. Growth may still be uneven from one quarter to the next while the commercial aircraft industry continues to produce below their target levels, but our long-term forecasts for that sector, along with strong growth projections in defense, commercial space launch and other markets we serve, bode well for IEH in the years ahead. On behalf of the management team and staff of IEH, we again wish to express our sincere gratitude for the support of our valued shareholders. We look forward to sharing more positive news in the coming months and quarters." About IEH Corporation For over 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, medical, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings and Notice of Hearing pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 14, 2024, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business. Contact: Dave Offerman IEH Corporation dave@iehcorp.com 718-492-4448 SOURCE: IEH Corporation View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) ("StrikePoint" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Financing"). The Company has issued 8,263,000 units (each, a "Unit"), at a price of CAD $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,652,600 (all dollar figures are denominated in Canadian dollars). For further information on this previously announced private placement, please refer to the Company's October 1, 2024 news release. On October 18, 2024, the Company completed a consolidation (the "Consolidation") of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of ten (10) existing common shares for one (1) post-consolidation common share. Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of twenty-four (24) months from closing. The Warrants will be subject to an acceleration clause stipulating that should the Shares close on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") at, or above, $0.40 for ten consecutive trading days, they will be called for exercise within 30 days of the Company providing notice by way of regular press release, or will expire. Under the first tranche of the Financing, the Company paid $76,762 in finder's fees in consideration for introducing subscribers to the Financing. Finder's fees and commissions are paid in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. None of the proceeds raised will be used to pay "Non-Arm's Length Parties" (as defined in the policies of the TSXV). Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day. Closing remains subject to several prescribed conditions, including, without limitation, final approval of the TSXV. The Company anticipates closing a second tranche of the financing in mid-November 2024. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Financing for exploration activities at its two Nevada-based projects, the Cuprite Gold Project and the newly-acquired Hercules Gold Project and for general working capital purposes. To date, certain insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement and acquired an aggregate of 150,000 Units. The purchase constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuances are exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as they are distributions of securities for cash and the fair market value of the Units issued to, and the consideration paid by, the insiders did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. No new insiders were created, nor any change of control occurred, as a result of the first tranche of the Financing closing. Completion of the second tranche of the Financing remains subject to approval from the TSXV. Securities issued under any subsequent tranche(s) will be subject to a four month and one day hold period calculated from their date of closing. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States or to U.S. Persons (as that term is defined in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S), nor shall this press release be construed to constitute such an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC. "Michael G. Allen" Michael G. Allen President, Chief Executive Officer & Director Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "speculates", "could" or "would". These forward looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the completion of the Private Placement; the intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement; and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the completion of the Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will complete the Private Placement on the terms as anticipated by management, and that the Company will receive all necessary approvals for the completion of the Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the failure to complete the Private Placement in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to the Company not receiving all necessary approvals for the completion of the Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229383 SOURCE: StrikePoint Gold Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") announces that it has completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in the strategic ZigZag Lithium property (the "ZigZag Project") contiguous to its Falcon West Lithium Project in northwestern Ontario. The 2,710-hectare ZigZag Project hosts the high-grade Dempster East Lithium showing, which returned values up to 3.67% Li2O, along with high grade Tantalum and Gallium, and has excellent potential to host lithium, cesium, tantalum, gallium and niobium mineralization. Additional details on the ZigZag Project are provided in the Company's press release dated November 7, 2024, which is available on the Company's website at www.voltametals.ca or under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company paid $350,000 to acquire the ZigZag Project and agreed to release all claims against Integral with respect to litigation regarding Integral's acquisition of the ZigZag Project (see the Company's news release dated March 22, 2024, for details on the claims against Integral). Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD. Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in northwestern Ontario, considered one of the world's most prolific, emerging hard-rock lithium districts. To learn more about Volta and its flagship Falcon West Lithium Project, please visit www.voltametals.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to, statements with respect to the ZigZag Project and its potential and prospective nature. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in the certain of its properties are options only and there is no guarantee that such interest if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other Indigenous peoples, and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229381 SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd. Murchison Minerals Ltd. ("Murchison" or the "Company") (TSXV:MUR) is pleased to announce that, subject to all regulatory approvals, it intends to raise up to $737,500 in a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), with the proceeds directed towards the Company's 2025 exploration activities at its 100%-owned BMK Zn-Cu-Ag project in Saskatchewan and 100%-owned HPM nickel-copper-cobalt property in Eastern Quebec as well as working capital. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company will issue up to 12,500,000 Hard Dollar units ("HD Units") at a price of $0.015 per HD Unit, 5,000,000 Quebec flow-through units ("QFT Units") at a price of $0.02 per QFT Unit and 22,500,000 National flow-through units ("NFT Units") at a price of $0.02 per NFT Unit, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of up to $737,500. Each HD Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of a common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant") and each QFT Unit and NFT Unit will be comprised of one flow-through common share of the Company (a "FT Common Share") and one-half of a Warrant. Each whole Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the Offering. A finder's fee may apply to a portion of the proceeds raised under the Offering in the amount of 7% cash and 7% finders' warrants. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issue. It is anticipated that Donald K. Johnson, a director and control person of the Company will acquire a certain number of Units under the Offering to maintain his current ownership at around 31%. Any such participation will be considered a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). It is anticipated that the transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 based on a determination that the securities of the Company are listed on the TSXV and that the fair market value of the Offering, insofar as it involves interested parties, will not exceed $2,500,000 or 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Offering was approved by all independent directors of the Company. About Murchison Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:MUR) Murchison is a Canadian-based exploration Company focused on the exploration and development of the 100% - owned Brabant Lake zinc-copper-silver project in north-central Saskatchewan and on nickel-copper-cobalt exploration at the 100% - owned HPM Project in Quebec. Murchison currently has 260.8 million shares issued and outstanding. Additional information about Murchison and its exploration projects can be found on the Company's website at www.murchisonminerals.ca. For further information, please contact: Troy Boisjoli, President and CEO or Erik H Martin, CFO Justin Lafosse, Director Corporate Development Tel: (416) 350-3776 info@murchisonminerals.com Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and dependence upon regulatory approvals. FLI herein includes, but is not limited to: future drill results; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used with respect to the assay results; the prospects, if any, of the deposits; future prospects at the deposits; and the significance of exploration activities and results. FLI is designed to help you understand management's current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI or information contained herein. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI. Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to obtain the assay results; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and nongovernmental actions; and any impacts of COVID-19 on the deposits, the Company's financial position, the Company's ability to secure required funding, or operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Murchison Minerals Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com In a landmark episode now streaming on YouTube, Billy Carson explores the convergence of science and spirituality, heralding a new era focused on intuitive wisdom and consciousness. MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / In a must-watch episode of Cannon's Class, Nick Cannon welcomes Billy Carson, the visionary behind the 4biddenknowledge movement, for a captivating conversation now available on YouTube. Together, they embark on an enlightening journey that delves into the intersection of science, spirituality, and the pursuit of self-taught wisdom, offering powerful insights for anyone eager to challenge conventional thinking and expand their understanding of reality. Billy Carson and Nick Cannon Billy Carson and Nick Cannon interview on Cannon's Class Billy Carson, an acclaimed author, entrepreneur, and global thought leader, joins Cannon to discuss the transition from the "Age of Information" to the "Age of Intuition." Carson, known for his groundbreaking work in merging ancient knowledge with modern science, highlights how society is shifting from information overload to a renewed focus on intuition, inner wisdom, and consciousness. The episode effortlessly blends concepts from science and spirituality, showing how these two fields, often perceived as opposing forces, can harmoniously work together to foster personal transformation. Carson shares thought-provoking insights on quantum physics, meditation, manifestation, and the synergy of scientific principles and spiritual practices for achieving higher consciousness. Together, he and Cannon explore why understanding the balance between external information and inner knowledge is more crucial than ever in this evolving Age of Intuition. Carson's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of self-education and personal determination. He opens up about his upbringing, sharing candid stories of being raised in the ghetto, where he faced numerous obstacles. From a young age, Carson had to find ways to support himself, becoming an entrepreneur out of necessity. Despite these hardships, Carson turned to self-education as a means of empowerment. His early fascination with ancient texts and scientific discoveries ignited a lifelong passion for learning, leading him to explore a wide array of subjects on his own. From his humble beginnings as a self-taught scholar to becoming a leading figure in the consciousness movement, Carson's story is a testament to breaking free from societal limitations and embracing one's own journey of discovery. "The Age of Intuition is upon us," Carson declares. "We must shift from merely accumulating information to deeply understanding and experiencing our inner power. Science and spirituality are not adversaries-they are two sides of the same coin that can unlock our full potential." Cannon's Class serves as the perfect platform for this transformative discussion, challenging viewers to expand their perspectives and rethink their place in the universe. Whether you're drawn to ancient wisdom, intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impact. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfSl-VpchoI and immerse yourself in Billy Carson's profound wisdom that redefines the boundaries of what is possible. Billy Carson is excited to announce a special book bundle deal. For a limited time, you can get four of his best-selling books for just $99. For more information on Billy Carson and 4biddenknowledge movement, visit 4biddenknowledge.com. Contact Information: Nikki Sheppard Assistant Copywriter nikki@4biddenknowledge.com SOURCE: 4biddenknowledge Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. BigTime Software, a Chicago, IL-based provider of time tracking, project management, resource management, invoicing, and payment solutions for professional services businesses, acquired WorkRails, a Huntington, NY-based company providing a configure, price, quote (CPQ) and workflow automation platform built specifically for professional services organizations. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The acquisition is part of BigTimes broader strategy of providing innovative, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of mid-market professional services organizations. The integration of WorkRails CPQ functionality with BigTimes platform will offer professional services businesses a unified solution that spans project planning, resource management, financial forecasting, and sales automation. The terms of the deal, including pricing and structure, remain confidential. However, WorkRails leadership team will continue with the company in strategic roles, contributing to the integration of the two businesses and further developing the combined solution. Led by CEO Steven Schneider, WorkRails provides professional services firms with a platform to simplify complex service configurations, streamline pricing, and accelerate the sales cycle. Used by top firms, the solution empowers teams to generate accurate quotes faster, automate key workflows, and drive business growth. Led by CEO and Founder Brian Saunders, BigTime Software empowers professional services organizations with tools that eliminate the guesswork in resource utilization, capacity planning, and project profitability. Its professional services automation software supports project planning, budgeting, time and expense tracking, resource management, invoicing, and reporting, allowing firms to manage their most critical asset: time. The company, which serves accountants, architects, engineers, IT services firms, and consultants, had raised $100M growth investment in January 2022 and acquired ProjectorPSA in 2022 and Primetric in 2023. FinSMEs 08/11/2024 A caller directly connected to the control room of the traffic police and issued a directed threat against the Tiger 3 star taking Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnois name read more Amid ongoing threats of Lawrence Bishnoi, Salman Khan has received another threat sparking renewed security concerns. A caller directly connected to the control room of the traffic police and issued a directed threat against the Tiger 3 star taking Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnois name. The threat hinted at a song with names of Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi. It says that the songwriter will face the repercussions of this. The songwriters condition will be such that he will no longer be able to write songs. If Salman Khan has the courage, he should save them, the threat message read Advertisement in a village in Rajasthan in 1998 while filming Sooraj Barjatyas Hum Saath-Saath Hain with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Sonali Bendre. In 2009, Salman Khan spoke about the incident and said he only fed the blackbuck. I think this is where it has come from. One day after pack-up, we would driving by, all of us, there was Saif, there was Tabu, there was Neelam, there was Amrita, there was Sonali, and we saw a deer fawn stuck in a bush, Salman told NDTV. The whole herd was there, so I stopped the car and he was like petrified. We took him out from there and gave him some water. He was like scared. After a while, he ate mast biscuit-wiscuit khaya, and he want away. We packed up early that day. We all were going together. I think from there, this whole thing came, the Tiger 3 star added. While Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam Kothari were acquitted, Salman Khan was punished. In this legal case of 26 years, Salman was arrested, released on bail, acquitted, convicted and released on bail again. Recently, veteran writer and actors father Salim Khan defended his son and said that Salman had not killed the animal and he was not even present during the poaching incident. Advertisement Germany split into East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and (West Germany) the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. The Berlin Wall, which went up in 1961, divided the two states and was a symbol of their differences. Now, a day ahead of the 35th anniversary of its fall on November 9, 1989, lets take a look at what happened that historic day and how it paved the way for German reunification less than a year later read more West Berlin citizens atop the Berlin Wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate, November 10, 1989. Reuters On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. Like the murder of John F Kennedy or a man stepping foot on the Moon, it was one of those where were you when it happened moment. Tomorrow, Saturday (November 9), is the 35th anniversary of the fall. But how did it happen? And how did it leave Germany forever changed in its wake? Lets take a closer look: The Berlin Wall Germany had split into East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and (West Germany) the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. Advertisement The Berlin Wall which divided the two independent states became a symbol of the differences between the two. As per The Atlantic, it was communist East Germany, backed by the Soviets, that began putting up the wall in 1961. East Germanys leadership had already sealed off the countrys main frontier with West Germany, snaking from the Baltic Sea to Czechoslovakia, in 1952. This was the final gap in the border between east and west. On August 13, 1961, East Germany shut down its border with West Germany. As per Library of Congress, around 1 am, the boundary between the two halves of Berlin and the checkpoints between West Berlin and Brandenburg were shuttered. Rolls of barbed wire soon went up with the East German soldiers and police supervising. Soon, two-meter barbed-wire fences were constructed. East Germany then expanded the Wall into an increasingly elaborate fortification snaking through the city and around the capitalist enclave of West Berlin. The idea behind the wall was to stop people from East Germany, which had close ties to the Soviets, defecting to West Germany (which was backed by the West). As per IWM.org, the Berlin Wall actually comprised two separate walls. It was 155 kilometres long and 13 feet tall. The wall itself saw an immense transformation over the decades. Advertisement Initially made out of wood, it turned into a massive concrete structure with buffer zones called death strips, as per The Atlantic. As per the Library of Congress, the wall had moats, security perimeters, lighting and alarm systems, watchtowers, and even dog runs. Protected by a special unit of the East German army, it was officially called an anti-fascist protective barrier. By 1989, it had 302 watch towers, as per IWM.org. However, in most cases, the main East-West German border outside Berlin consisted of heavily fortified fences rather than walls. There were a few exceptions, however: most famously in the village of Moedlareuth, divided between Bavaria and the eastern region of Thuringia, which earned the nickname Little Berlin. Advertisement The wall was immensely successful at its main objective. After it went up, just 5,000 people manage to cross from east to west. Over 100 people were killed while trying to do so a majority of them by East German border guards, as per The Atlantic. How did it fall? As per The Atlantic, protests in East Berlin and massive defections through Hungary and Czechoslovakia led up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1989, around 200,000 East Germans had fled through neighbouring Czechoslovakia 50,000 of those in just a matter of days. East Germany was in turmoil. The previous month, Erich Honecker, the leader of East Germany since 1971, had resigned. Advertisement It had been witnessing daily street protests for weeks with 40,000 people attending one event in Neubrandenburg alone calling for free and fair elections. The regime was on the brink as the people called for reforms on the lines of those implemented by Soviet leader Mikhail S Gorbachev. Egon Krenz, who had just assumed power weeks, purged much of the old guard from the Communist Partys ruling Politburo reducing its 21-member body was reduced to 11. Krenz replaced aging hard-liners with reformers in a desperate move to counter daily public unrest and the mass flight of tens of thousands of East Germans to the West. Advertisement Krenz and Politburo spokesperson Gunter Schabowski both then called for free and democratic elections which the main demand of a widening opposition movement. On that day in 1989, the Bornholmer Strasse crossing in Berlin was the first to give way. East German border guards, who hadnt received orders to let anyone pass, buckled under pressure from a large crowd demanding to be let through after an off-handed announcement of new regulations by Schabowski. Schabowski, who at the time was also a member of the ruling Politburo, had said East Germany it was opening its borders to the rest of the world and that its citizens could travel or emigrate anywhere, including through the 28-year-old Berlin Wall. Private travel outside the country can now be applied for without prerequisites, was quoted as saying by BBC. However, Schabowski had added that those who want to visit other countries and then return would still need a visa, but that the visa requests would be handled without delay. As far as I know, it takes effect immediately, without delay, he said as per Time Magazine. Anchorman Hanns Joachim Friedrichs proclaimed, This 9 November is a historic day. The GDR has announced that, starting immediately, its borders are open to everyone. The gates in the Wall stand open wide. Harald Jager, the commander of the border crossing, in 2009 told Der Spiegel in 2009 he took in the press conference in confusion. Then, a massive crowd arrived and demanded to be let through. Hundreds of East Berlin border guards stand atop the Berlin Wall at the Brandeburg Gate faced by thousands of West Berliners on November 11, 1989./File Photo Jager reached out to his bosses, but was given no concrete instructions. As per Time Magazine, no one wanted to take the responsibility of have given the order to use lethal force. Around 11 pm, Jager gave his people the order to let the crowds through. People could have been injured or killed even without shots being fired, in scuffles, or if there had been panic among the thousands gathered at the border crossing, he told Der Spiegel in 2009_._ Thats why I gave my people the order: Open the barrier! After the East Germans broke through, many of them openly celebrating and weeping with relief, West German citizens attacked the wall with hammers and tools while chanting Tor auf! which means open the gate. The images, which were widely shown by the media around the world, became instantly iconic. The event way to mass celebrations. Over two million people from East Berlin visited West Berlin over that weekend alone, as per Time Magazine. How did it change Germany? The fall of the Berlin Wall paved the way for the reunification of Germany. The East German government, which was already teetering, was left fatally weakened. On October 3, 1990, Germany was reunified. It had been 11 months since the border opened and the wall fell. According to CFR, though the reunification was an expensive proposition beset by political problems, it laid the foundation for Germany to become the economic powerhouse of Europe. A big section of the Berlin Wall is lifted by a crane as East Germany has started to dismantle the wall near the Brandenburg Gate in East Berlin, February 20, 1990. Reuters However, as per Library of Congress, some ill-feelings remain. Some Germans still refer to a Mauer in den Kopfen a wall in peoples minds. Decades later, many east Germans still consider themselves second-class citizens. Today, the Wall has largely disappeared. Much of the former death strip between the exterior wall that faced West Berlin and an interior wall that faced east has been built over. Among the exceptions is a strip of the former border at the Bernauer Strasse memorial site in downtown Berlin, and there are fragments dotted around elsewhere in the city and on its edges. Part of Moedlareuths border can still be seen today. With inputs from agencies The seven-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has overruled its 1967 judgment stating that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) cannot be considered a minority institution. But what does that mean? What do we know about the long, tangled history of AMUs minority status? read more The Supreme Court on Friday overruled its 1967 verdict stating that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) cannot be considered a minority institution. The seven-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, also said the question of whether the AMU is a minority institution would be referred to a separate bench. CJI Chandrachud, on his last working day, said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI wrote the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra. He said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. Advertisement But what do we know about the case and the verdict? Lets take a closer look: First, lets take a brief look at the AMU. As per the AMU website, the university has its roots in the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College which was established in Uttar Pradeshs Aligarh on 24 May, 1875, by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Khan wanted to emulate the universities he had seen on a trip to London Oxford and Cambridge. The idea behind this university was to set up a college up to the standards of the British education system. The case As per Indian Express, in 1967, the Supreme Court ruled on a petition contesting two amendments to the universitys founding Act. The plea argued that the amendments passed in 1951 and 1965 denied Muslims the right to run the university under Article 30 of the Constitution. As per New Indian Express, Article 30, adopted on December 8, 1948, states, All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The first amendment let non-Muslims serve on the University Court its then governing body. It also substituted the Lord Rector of the university with the Visitor the President of India. The second amendment elevated the role of AMUs Executive Council and thereby displaced the University Court as the supreme governing body. Advertisement The five-judge Constitution bench in 1967 in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case ruled that the AMU cannot be considered a minority institution. The court held that the AMU was neither founded nor administered by a Muslim minority. Instead, the court said that the AMU had been established by a Central Act the Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920, as per Indian Express. But that wasnt the end of it. That decision led to the ruling Centre getting much blowback from the Muslim community. The government responded by passing the AMU (Amendment) Act in Parliament in 1981. This Act stated that the AMU was established by the Muslim community to promote the cultural and educational advancement of Muslims in India, as per Indian Express. Advertisement However, there was still another twist in the tale. In January 2006, the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which AMU was accorded minority status. As per NDTV, the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre and the AMU both appealed the verdict. The matter was then taken up by the Supreme Court. The BJP-led NDA government informed the Supreme Court in 2016 that it would withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA dispensation. It had cited the apex courts 1967 judgment in the Basha case to claim that AMU was not a minority institution since it was a central university funded by the government. Advertisement As per New Indian Express, a three-judge bench of the apex court in 2019 sent the matter to a seven-judge bench. The verdict As per New Indian Express, the AMU was represented by Dr Rajeev Dhavan, Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid, and Shadan Farasat. The Centre was represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Guru Krishna Kumar, Vinay Navare, and Yatinder Singh as well as Additional Solicitor Generals Vikramjit Banerjee and KM Nataraj. As per Bar and Bench, the key issue of reference under consideration by the Supreme Court was: What are the indicia for treating an educational institution as a minority educational institution? Would an institution be regarded as a minority educational institution because it was established by a person(s) belonging to a religious or linguistic minority or its being administered by a person(s) belonging to a religious or linguistic minority?" Advertisement The bench was led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. PTI As per Live Law, the apex court considered four key facets of the case Whether the university, established and governed by the 1920 Act could lay claim to minority status Whether the 1967 judgment of the Supreme Court in S Azeez Basha vs. Union Of India was correct Whether the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act passed by Parliament was correct Whether the Allahabad High Court, which relied on the 1967 decision to determine the 2006 case was correct The court, overruling the 1967 verdict, stated, the view taken in Azeez Basha that an educational institution is not established by a minority if it derives its legal character through a statute is overruled. Chandrachud, pronouncing the majority verdict, laid down tests for considering the issue of minority status of AMU. It is not necessary that the purpose of the minority can be implemented only if persons from the minority community administer the institution, CJI Chandrachud said, as per New Indian Express. The question of whether AMU is a minority educational institution must be decided based on the principles laid down in this judgement, the CJI added. The apex court by a 4:3 majority said the judicial records of the case should be placed before the CJI to sett up a fresh bench to decide the validity of a 2006 Allahabad High Court verdict. As per Bar and Bench, the apex court in its majority verdict held that it who established the AMU, and who was the brains behind it, must be determined. It said the relevant test for the AMU seeking minority tag under Article 30 is who established it and not who is administering it. If the investigation finds that a minority community did so, then the AMU can claim the minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution, as per Bar and Bench. The dissent In a dissenting opinion, Justice Surya Kant said the reference of the matter to a seven-judge bench by a division bench of the apex court was not correct whereas Justice Dipankar Datta echoed a similar sentiment opining it might set a dangerous precedent. A two-judge bench tomorrow may say I doubt the basic structure (Kesavananda Bharati verdict). I refer it to a 15-judge bench. This is what exactly would happen if we accept the majority opinion. Can it be done? asked Justice Datta. Justice Datta in the concluding part of his verdict wrote, In terms of clause 5 of Article 145, it is my firm opinion that not only do the references do not require an answer, it is also declared that AMU is not a minority educational institution and that the appeals seeking minority status for it should fail. Pronouncing a separate opinion on the matter, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma agreed with the two other dissenting judges on the point of reference. The establishment of an institution by the minority is necessary for the said minority to claim right of administration under Article 30 (of the Constitution), he opined. I would like to make it very clear that my judgement is neither an assenting nor a dissenting judgement. It is my personal opinion based upon the law, the judgements cited and the arguments and the facts on the subject, clarified Justice Sharma. The apex court has now referred the matter to a regular bench. The court reserved its verdict on February 1. This after it heard eight days of arguments from January 23. With inputs from agencies At 15, Arseny Turbin is Russias youngest political prisoner. He was arrested in the summer of 2023 and was sentenced to five years in prison for terrorism in June. Russian authorities accused him of joining the Freedom of Russia Legion, a paramilitary group made up of Russian volunteers who defend Ukraine from the Russian army. On Thursday (November 7), he lost an appeal to overturn his sentence read more Arseny Turbin, a 15-year-old schoolboy, hails from the small town of Livny in Russias western Oryol region, which is about 450 kilometres south of Moscow. Image Courtesy: @OvdInfo/X At 15, Arseny Turbin is Russias youngest political prisoner. He was arrested in the summer of 2023 and was sentenced to five years in prison for terrorism in June. On Thursday (November 7), he lost an appeal to overturn his sentence; however, the term was only reduced by 24 days. Heres all we know about him. About Arseny Turbin Arseny Turbin, a 15-year-old schoolboy, hails from the small town of Livny in Russias western Oryol region, which is about 450 kilometres south of Moscow. He was born in Dubai to a Russian mother and a UAE citizen father, according to independent news outlet Mediazona. His mother, Irina Turbina, who works as a senior contract manager at the Livny Construction College, soon separated and returned to Russia and raised her son alone. Advertisement He attended the Livny Lyceum, one of the top schools in the Oryol region, but later quit due to bullying due to his skin colour. Turbin was charged by authorities with joining the Freedom of Russia Legion, a paramilitary group made up of Russian volunteers who defend Ukraine from the Russian army. Russia has classified the group as a terrorist organisation. The Oryol region Investigative Committee handled the criminal case against Arseny because he is a minor. Turbin was given a five-year sentence in a juvenile colony following his arrest. Turbin has been identified as a political prisoner by Memorial, a human rights organisation that won the Nobel Peace Prize. Turbins criminal case violates his rights to freedom of speech, expression and dissemination of information, the group said. On Thursday, the court of appeals reduced his five-year term, but only by 24 days. Irina told Mediazona that the court had recognised that her sons initial sentence had not taken into account the time he had spent undergoing medical examination as an inpatient, even though the original verdict remained in force. According to the Russian human rights group OVD-Info, Turbin is one of nine minors who have been charged with crimes motivated by political motives since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and the ensuing assault on civil liberties. A Putin critic Turbin was brought to the notice of authorities for posting opposition videos and critical remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin on his Free Russia Telegram channel. There were just five subscribers, and the channel has already been deleted. Turbin allegedly distributed anti-Russian writing on behalf of the legion, according to investigators. He acknowledged handing out leaflets, but he denied doing as anyone told him. Advertisement At school, Turbin publicly criticised Putin and Russias invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, he was politically active on social media, producing his own political content on occasion and reposting content from Russian opposition figures. One such video shows him holding a lone picket in favour of the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed he became carried away by politics and the ideology of liberalism. They said Turbin formed the opinion that there is no freedom of speech and independent media in the Russian Federation. Notably, similar views have been shared by opposition groups and Western ambassadors in the capital. Advertisement However, in late August 2023, Arsenys electronic gadgets were seized after a search of his residence by FSB agents. He was accused of joining the Freedom of Russia Legion and called in for questioning the following day. Investigators interviewed some of his classmates, who claimed that Arseny frequently criticised Putin and Russias activities in Ukraine. However, none of them said he was associated with the Freedom of Russia Legion in their statements, as per BBC. Didnt commit any crime Turbin denies all the charges against him. He says he researched the legion but that he never applied and has committed no crime. He is innocent, according to his mother as well. I just dont understand the judge who handed down the sentence, she told the BBC, adding that he was acting of his own accord and not on the instructions of the Freedom of Russia Legion. I was hysterical, I was shaking, crying. Arseny told me: Mum, calm down, I didnt commit any crime, they will work it out." Advertisement Novaya Europe revealed last month that Turbin had complained of being beaten by his cellmate, Azizbek, and had lost a significant amount of weight while imprisoned. Turbins mother informed Mediazona that following a fight in his cell, Turbin was also kept in solitary confinement for a week in September. With inputs from agencies Today (November 8) was the last working day of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who will demit office on Sunday. After retirement, he can occupy other posts but there are also restrictions. His perks include domestic help and a chauffeur for a lifetime read more Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud bid an emotional farewell to the Supreme Court on his last working day as the head of the Indian judiciary on Friday (November 8). Expressing a deep sense of fulfilment, he said there was no greater feeling than serving those in need or people he never knew or met. The outgoing CJI will demit office on Sunday (November 10), with his successor Justice Sanjiv Khanna taking over the post on Monday. Advertisement Once the CJI retires, what can he do and what is restricted? What perks will he get? We will explain. What CJI cannot do A retired judge of the Supreme Court is not allowed to practice law in any court of the country. According to Article 124(7) of the Constitution, No person who has held office as a Judge of the Supreme Court shall plead or act in any court or before any authority within the territory of India. This restriction aims to preserve the sanctity and impartiality of the judiciary, as per a Law Trend article. Such a provision helps in avoiding a conflict of interest and allegations of bias that may crop up if a retired judge appears as an advocate for a case they previously adjudicated. If a Supreme Court judge is allowed to practice law after retirement, it could undermine the dignity of their previous post, the article noted. The provision also stops any potential misuse of sensitive information in a legal case that they are privy to, reported Law Trend. What can judges do after retirement? While the retired Supreme Court judges cannot practice law, they can take up other roles. Some choose to enter public service and get appointments as governors or members of governmental committees, noted Law Trend. Retired judges could also become arbitrators or mediators in disputes. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 says a person, who has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court or, Chief Justice of a High Court or, a Judge of a High Court can be a member of the Arbitration Council of India. They can also serve as the head or join commissions and tribunals, such as the National Human Rights Commission or the National Green Tribunal. Another option for retired judges is to become a part of academia by teaching in law schools, conducting lectures, or writing on legal issues. Debate over the issue Retired Supreme Court judges accepting jobs in government bodies has become a hot topic of debate. While some frown upon the practice, others do not find any issue with it. Those who are against it argue that it could impact the judiciarys independence by fanning a culture of sycophancy. Advertisement Former CJI Ranjan Gogois nomination to the Rajya Sabha within six months of demitting office had created a widespread debate about post-retirement appointments. As per a Bar and Bench report published last June, of the 28 judges who retired in the last five years, six judges got constitutional or statutory posts. Outgoing CJI Chandrachud has expressed his views on the issue, talking about a cooling-off period for retired High Court and Supreme Court judges before taking the political plunge. Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra at the four-judge ceremonial bench, assembled to bid him farewell, in New Delhi, November 8, 2024. PTI In an interview with Dainik Bhaskar in August, he said, After retiring as a judge, one should take some time before joining politics. Even if one decides to join politics, there should be a sufficient gap. Advertisement He said judges are viewed as impartial and should maintain their dignity even after retirement. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. If a judge retires today and joins a political party tomorrow, it could raise questions among the public, the outgoing CJI said. Perks post-retirement Retired CJIs and Supreme Court judges are entitled to several perks, including domestic help and a chauffeur for a lifetime. In addition, retired CJIs also get lifetime secretarial assistants. As per the latest notification released in 2022, retired CJIs will get round-the-clock security cover at their residence five years after retirement. This is in addition to 24/7 personal security guard for the same term. For retired judges of the apex court, the security cover and personal guard are for three years. Advertisement A retired CJI also gets rent-free Type VII accommodation in New Delhi for six months after retirement. Moreover, former CJIs and retired Supreme Court judges are entitled to get their monthly mobile phone and Internet bills reimbursed to the extent of Rs 4,200. With inputs from agencies Germanys Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday, leading to the collapse of the ruling three-party coalition. Scholz has now replaced his finance minister with the current state secretary in the chancellery, Joerg Kukies. The former investment banker has long been one of the German chancellors closest advisers read more Joerg Kukies, a top official in the German chancellery and deputy finance minister, is the next German finance minister after Christian Lindner was fired. Reuters Germanys centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday, signalling the collapse of the ruling three-party coalition. The move comes after weeks of disputes among the coalition partners over ways to boost the countrys ailing economy. Scholz has now replaced his finance minister with the current state secretary in the chancellery, Joerg Kukies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a media briefing at the Chancellery after sacking Finance Minister Christian Lindner following a meeting with the heads of the so-called Traffic Light Coalition in Berlin, Germany, November 6, 2024. Reuters Heres all we know about him. Who is Joerg Kukies? Germanys new Finance Minister, Joerg Kukies, is a former investment banker who has long been one of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs closest advisers. The 56-year-old entered politics in 2018 when Scholz was finance minister under Angela Merkel. Within his centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the move had created a great deal of distress. The Handelsblatt Business Daily described his surprise switch from banking to politics as a real bombshell. Advertisement Despite the significant wage drop, he kept his job and, when Scholz was appointed chancellor, changed to economic adviser. He concentrated on European, financial, and economic issues while serving as state secretary at the Federal Chancellery. At the G20 and G7 summits, he has also represented Scholz. In the early 1990s, he also briefly served as the leader of the partys youth wing in Rhineland-Palatinate. He left his position to study economics, eventually earning a Masters degree at Harvard University and a Doctorate in Chicago. Before entering politics, Kukies had been associated with the investment bank for over 17 years. In 2014, he became a joint CEO of Goldman Sachs AG and managing director of the Frankfurt branch, overseeing the banks business in Germany and Austria. Kukies was primarily responsible for securities trading and derivative financial product solutions, he told the magazine Wirtschaftswoche at the time. Kukies oversaw the Economic Stabilisation Fund during the COVID-19 epidemic, which provided federal guarantees on loans and recapitalisation steps to keep businesses feasible. Additionally, he served as the chief negotiator for the German airline Lufthansas brief nationalisation. However, his reputation was damaged during the Wirecard scandal, Germanys most notorious accounting fraud case. After Wirecard collapsed into insolvency in 2020, it emerged that the companys disgraced CEO Markus Braun had met Kukies at the finance ministry in November 2019 leading to calls for his resignation. The broader case prompted an overhaul of Germanys finance watchdog BaFin, heavily criticised for ignoring early warnings about Wirecard. Advertisement What are his new responsibilities? With Lindners FDP party out of government, Scholz is hoping to hold on to power until next year as the head of a minority coalition consisting of his SPD and the Greens. Analysts predict that the governments lack of a majority will limit Kukies options as finance minister. The 2025 budget, the focus of months of contentious discussions before to the coalitions dissolution, is unlikely to be passed by a minority administration. Regular funding will continue, though, and there will not be any form of government shutdown as a result. Opposition parties may also be able to support less contentious policies and urgent spending choices, like increasing funding for Ukraine. The first person to protest Kukies selection on Thursday was Sahra Wagenknecht, a far-left opposition lawmaker from Germany. She claimed that it spoke a lot about the state of the SPD that the Social Democrats of all parties had assigned a former Goldman Sachs banker to draft the federal budget. Advertisement Why was the previous FM fired? Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner after weeks of disputes among the coalition partners over ways to boost the countrys ailing economy. Christian Lindner makes a press statement following his dismissal by the Federal Chancellor in Berlin, Wednesday Nov. 6, 2024. AP He said he would seek a vote of confidence in January that he said might lead to early elections that otherwise would be due next September. I feel compelled to take this step to prevent damage to our country. We need an effective government that has the strength to make the necessary decisions for our country, Scholz said. Lindner, from the pro-business Free Democrats, had rejected tax increases or changes to Germanys strict self-imposed limits on running up debt. Scholzs Social Democrats and the environmental Greens, who are also part of the coalition, wanted to see massive state investment and rejected the Free Democrats proposals to cut welfare programmes. Advertisement Lindner responded to his dismissal by accusing Scholz of failing to recognise the need for a new economic awakening in our country. He has played down the economic concerns of the citizens. He said the chancellors proposals to reenergize the economy were dull, unambitious and make no contribution to overcoming the fundamental weakness of our countrys growth. Scholz said about Lindner that he has broken my trust too often. He even unilaterally cancelled the agreement on the budget. After we had already agreed on it in long negotiations. There is no basis of trust for further cooperation. Serious government work is not possible like this. Advertisement Snap election pressure? Following the latest developments, Scholz said he would seek the vote of confidence in Germanys Bundestag or parliament on January 15, which opens the door for an early federal election by the end of March next year. An electoral vote was originally scheduled to be held in the fall of 2025. He says this would allow the members of the Bundestag to decide whether to clear the way for early elections. The election could then take place by the end of March at the latest, in compliance with the deadlines set out in constitution. Germanys economy is expected to shrink in 2024 for the second year in a row, or at best stagnate, battered by external shocks and home-grown problems including red tape and a shortage of skilled labour. Scholzs centre-left Social Democrats, Vice Chancellor Robert Habecks environmentalist, left-leaning Greens and Lindners pro-business Free Democrats a party that in recent decades has mostly allied with conservatives set out in 2021 to form an ambitious, progressive coalition straddling ideological divisions that would modernise Germany. The government can point to achievements: preventing an energy crunch after Russia cut off its gas supplies to Germany, initiating the modernization of the military and a series of social reforms. But the impression it has left with many Germans is of deepening dysfunction. Ahead of the vote of confidence in January, Scholz said he would reach out to opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the center-right Christian Democrats to confer on possible ways of strengthening the economy and defense. With inputs from agencies Mozambique is in the midst of civil unrest. Since last months presidential elections, people have taken to the streets, clashing with police forces, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Whats exactly going on? read more Mozambique is burning. Protesters in the African nation are facing off with security forces after the latter fired tear gas and rubber bullets. But why are they protesting? The clashes are a response to the result of last months election for president. According to the results, the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique candidate won another five years leading to the party staying in power for more than a half-century. Thursdays (November 7) protest is considered to be the biggest one since the results came out, rejected by the opposition parties and many citizens. Protests spread like wildfire in the national capital Maputo and other cities that were met by heavy police clashes. Advertisement A police officer aims his weapon at protesters in Maputo. AP At least 20 people have been killed by police forces in clashes that began nearly a month ago, some international rights groups suggest while locals claim that more than 50 people have lost their lives since the unrest, reported AP. According to Human Rights Watch, internet restrictions have been in place since the beginning of the protests and social media sites have also been blocked by authorities. Authorities threaten to deploy the army as protesters set fires on the streets and burn ruling party offices while neighbouring South Africa has shut its border post with Mozambique and heightened security around it. Let us take a look at what is happening in Mozambique. What was the outcome of the presidential election? On October 24, the results of the presidential election were declared naming Daniel Chapo as the winner. He belongs to the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique, which has governed Mozambique since independence from Portugal in 1975. Even before the results were announced, opposition parties claimed fraud, accusing the ruling party, known as Frelimo, of ballot stuffing, manipulating voter lists and staffing polling stations with officials loyal to it. Frelimo has long been accused of rigging elections in the country of around 34 million. The European Unions observer team said there were irregularities in the election, including the altering of some results. Mozambican media has reported that the Constitutional Council, the supreme body for election law, has asked the commission that ran the election to explain discrepancies. What happened to opposition leaders? After the results were announced, opposition candidates especially independent Venancio Mondlane (who was second behind Chapo in the official results) asked people to stay at home after the election as a mark of protest against the alleged vote tampering. But things took a turn for the worst after two senior opposition figures were killed in their car in a late-night shooting by unidentified gunmen on October 18. The men who were killed were the lawyer for Mondlane and the official spokesperson for the political party that supported Mondlane in the election. Mondlane said they were assassinated and he and opposition supporters gathered near the site of the killings the day after to protest. Police fired tear gas canisters at Mondlane, his aides and journalists who were interviewing him, forcing them to flee. Advertisement How have matters worsened since then? Law and order went for a toss since the incident with protests erupting in every corner of Mozambique. The statue of the current president Filipe Nyusi has been toppled by protesters and its head chopped off to portray frustration. Mondlane said on social media that he had gone into exile in fear for his life after the killing of his lawyer. His whereabouts are unknown, but he has called on social media for more protests so that we can then be freed from these shackles that have held us up for 50 years. Authorities have said little other than the protests have been violent and needed to be quelled. They have not given information on the number of people killed or injured in the protests. Protesters fill the streets as police deploy in Maputo. AP Rights groups accused the police of shooting at peaceful protests in the days after the election and said children were among the victims. Anger among opposition supporters has swelled. The presidential palace is under heavy guard. Advertisement How Mozambique has had history of violence? Mozambique is still in the shadow of a bloody 15-year civil war the leftist Frelimo fought against the rebel group Renamo after independence. The country only held its first elections in 1994 and this was the first vote where there were no armed groups connected to political parties after a process to disarm militias. Also Read: The country, which has rich natural resources including large, newly discovered natural gas fields, was already struggling with a yearslong insurgency by an Islamic State-affiliated group in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Mondlane, who broke away from Renamo, has support among Mozambiques disaffected youth and he and the new Podesa party that is backing him have become the biggest challenge to Frelimos long rule. With inputs from AP Now, Salman Rushdies famous novel The Satanic Verses may soon be available in India, 36 years after it was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government. But what made this book so hated, led to the author being the subject of a fatwa and even attacked years later? read more Author Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses could soon be available in India, 36 years after it was banned. File image/Reuters Over 36 years ago, India banned Salman Rushdies The Satanic Verses book, citing it to be blasphemous. Now, after so many years, it seems that the ban is being lifted owing to a technicality. On hearing a petition challenging the 1988 ban on the book, the Delhi High Court noted that the government was unable to produce an original notification document that banned the import of the book and hence, it had to be presumed that it does not exist. Advertisement We have no other option except to presume that no such notification exists, the Delhi High Court said in the order, adding that the petitioner is now entitled to take all actions in respect of the said book as available in law, which could pave the way for bringing the controversial book back to India. As the book claims headlines again in the country, we take a look at why the novel, which was published three decades ago, is perhaps one of the most controversial books in India as well as the world. Rushdies The Satanic Verses In 1988, Salman Rushdie, who was born in India and later grew up in England, published his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses. The book deals with Muslim religious beliefs, with Rushdie in dream sequences challenging some of the religions most sensitive tenets. One of the main characters, Gibreel Farishta, has a series of dreams in which he becomes his namesake, the angel Gibreel. In these dreams, Gibreel encounters another central character, which is reminiscent of Islams account of the angels encounters with Prophet Muhammad. Author Salman Rushdie poses with his 1988 book The Satanic Verses. File image/Reuters In the Satanic Verses, however, he names the other character, who is reminiscent of the Prophet, as Mahound. This name was used in medieval Christian plays to represent satanic figures, and some Muslims concluded that Rushdie was implying that Muhammad was a false prophet. The backlash begins Soon after the books publication, it received immediate and violent backlash from Muslims, who alleged that Rushdies writing was insulting to Islam. Bookstores carrying The Satanic Verses were vandalised across the world. The New York offices of Viking Penguin, the publisher of the book, received seven bomb threats, and several bookstores across the UK were bombed. The outrage against Rushdie over his book reached a climax on February 12, 1989, when as many as 10,000 people gathered against Rushdie and stormed the American Cultural Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. Six protesters died in the attack. Advertisement Muslims demonstrate outside the New York headquarters of Viking/Penguin, publisher of The Satanic Verses, and calling for the execution of the author Salman Rushdie. File image/AFP Two days later, the then Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa against Rushdie and the publishers of the book, calling for the authors death. I call on all valiant Muslims wherever they may be in the world to kill them without delay, so that no one will dare insult the sacred beliefs of Muslims henceforth, Khomeini was quoted as telling Tehran Radio. An Iranian religious foundation even offered a $1 million bounty, $3 million if an Iranian carried out the killing. Meanwhile, the British Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher gave Rushdie police protection. But this also led to Iran breaking ties with the Western country. Advertisement Seeing the outrage and anger, many countries banned The Satanic Verses. India, under the Rajiv Gandhi government, banned it for law-and-order reasons. Indian Muslims burn an effigy of author Salman Rushdie during a protest outside the main Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi. Following the outrage, the book was banned in India. File image/Reuters Threats to Rushdie collaborators Unable to reach Rushdie himself, who had gone into hiding, extremists began attacking his literary collaborators. On July 3, 1991, Rushdies Italian translator Ettore Capriolo was seriously injured in a knife attack at his home in Milan. Ten days after the attack on Capriolo, Hitoshi Igarashi, Rushdies Japanese translator, was found stabbed to death in his office at the University of Tsukuba. Two years later, the novels Norwegian publisher, William Nygaard, was shot and seriously injured. In a separate incident, a mob set fire to the Madimak Hotel in Turkey, where Rushdies Turkish translator Aziz Nesin was attending the Pir Sultan Abdal festival. A total of 37 people were killed in the attack known as the Sivas massacre. Nesin managed to escape death. Advertisement Attack on Rushdie In August 2022, 34 years after the publication of The Satanic Verses, one would assume the dust had settled on the publication of the book. However, that was not the case. When Rushdie stood up to give a lecture in Chautauqua, western New York, an unidentified man rushed onto the stage and stabbed him in the face, neck, arm and abdomen. Rushdie fell to the floor where he lay with a spectacular quantity of blood all around him. He was taken to a hospital by helicopter and spent six weeks recovering there. The trauma surgeons who treated Rushdies injuries have said they initially didnt think he would survive. The 76-year-old author suffered 14 stab wounds and lost his right eye. His assailant, later identified as New Jersey man Hadi Matar, was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder and assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial. Advertisement Two years after the incident, Rushdie released a book, titled Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, in which he recounts the 2022 stabbing. He said he didnt want to write about the incident for a long time, but it became something he had to do because he couldnt really focus on anything else. Author Salman Rushdie attends a photocall to present his book Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder at the Deutsches Theatre in Berlin, Germany. The book recounts the stabbing incident of 2022 during which he lost his eye. File image/Reuters In defence of Rushdie Since Rushdie released The Satanic Verses and it created such a furore, some scholars have argued that his irreverent mockery is intended to explore whether it is possible to separate fact from fiction. Rushdie, himself, has argued that religious texts should be open to challenge. Why cant we debate Islam? Rushdie said in a 2015 interview. It is possible to respect individuals, to protect them from intolerance, while being sceptical about their ideas, even criticising them ferociously. But it seems that the debate continues with no resolution in sight. As The Guardian once wrote, The unresolved debate about The Satanic Verses poses complex and ever-pressing questions about free speech, and whether limits should be imposed upon it. With inputs from agencies Jiang Ping, a fashion design student from a rural town in China, was celebrated as a genius for her outstanding score in a maths competition. The teenager has now been accused of cheating by the competition organisers. What happened? read more Jiang Ping is a 17-year-old girl from a poor village in Jiangsu province in eastern China. Image courtesy: X/@InsightGL(L), X/@aseprivva (R) She was celebrated as a genius for her score in a national maths competition. Now, this 17-year-old girl from China is accused of cheating. Jiang Ping, who gained attention for her stellar performance had cheated, competition organisers revealed, putting an end to months of speculation over her results. Introduced in 2018 by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, this free online competition is available to maths enthusiasts worldwide, although Chinese maths majors generally claim the top ranks. This year, the leading 85 participants will receive prizes from $2,000 to $30,000. Advertisement ALSO READ | All work, no play: Why fewer Chinese students are taking sport, music lessons Who is the 17-year-old girl? Jiang Ping, a 17-year-old girl from a poor village in Jiangsu province in eastern China, ranked 12th out of 802 shortlisted contestants in the first round of the Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition. This achievement, announced on June 13 by DAMO Academy, the competitions organiser, set her apart, as most top scorers came from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and MIT. Jiang became the first finalist in the competitions history to come from a lowly vocational school. Image courtesy: X/@SianChay1901 Jiang became the first finalist in the competitions history, which began in 2018, to come from a lowly vocational school, according to Chinese media. Most of the 800 finalists are usually from elite universities, making her success an exception. Her high ranking made her an overnight sensation, with media and social platforms calling her a prodigy. In Chinas famously competitive education system, academic excellence is highly praised, and Jiangs success inspired many who saw it as evidence that students from vocational schools can also achieve academic distinction. However, scepticism about her maths abilities emerged online. The rise of a maths genius The annual mathematics competition, organised by DAMO Academy, is open to contestants from institutions around the globe. This year, Jiang, a student at Jiangsu Lianshui Secondary Vocational School, surpassed other finalists from some of the worlds most renowned institutions. Notably, she chose the vocational school due to her interest in fashion design and because her sister and friends were enrolled there, according to local media. Advertisement Jiangs impressive performance and unique educational background quickly captured nationwide attention. Her story was featured in a video by DAMO Academy, and she was interviewed by news outlets across China. Learning maths is bumpy, but every time I solve the problems, I feel quite happy, she told the state-run Peoples Daily. No matter what the future holds, I will keep learning. Jiangs teacher, Wang Runqiu, also gained attention, celebrated as an educator who recognised and nurtured her passion for maths. He described her as a focused student who had taught herself advanced mathematics. He said, I have encountered many setbacks in the process of learning maths. Advertisement So, I want to do everything I can to help my students and let them know that there are other possibilities in the future. The annual mathematics competition is open to contestants from institutions around the globe. Image courtesy: Freepik/Representational Alongside praise for Jiang and her teacher, her story sparked debate about whether Chinas education system sufficiently supports gifted students in less traditional academic tracks - especially those whose potential might otherwise go unrecognised. ALSO READ | Meet 13-yr-old Chinese Bharatnatyam dancer who has done what no one did in China So, what happened? Last Sunday, competition organisers revealed that Jiang had broken competition rules in the preliminary round by taking help from her teacher, who was also participating as a contestant, South China Morning Post reported. This has exposed issues such as inadequacies in the competition format and a lack of rigour in supervision. We sincerely apologise, the organisers said in a statement. When the final results were announced on Sunday, neither Jiang nor her teacher was among the 86 winners. Advertisement In a joint letter to the organising committee, 39 other finalists claimed that Jiang made several apparent writing mistakes while solving a problem on a blackboard in a DAMO Academy documentary video, according to the report. She seemed unfamiliar with these mathematical expressions and symbols, the contestants alleged, suggesting that her teacher had helped her. While the preliminary round allowed contestants to use programming software, the final round was a closed-book exam. Initially due in August, the final results were postponed for several months, finally being released on Sunday, with Jiang absent from the list of winners. Jiangs school also confirmed on Sunday that her teacher Wang had indeed assisted her. Wang was issued a warning and disqualified from teachers awards for the year. The school also requested leniency for Jiang and called for the need for support, BBC reported. Advertisement Following the revelations, Jiang and her teacher faced strong criticism, yet many social media users defended her, arguing that the primary responsibility lay with her school and teacher. Jiang Ping is not innocent, thats without question. But who are the worst parties in this? a Weibo post read. The adults brought this child along to do a bad deed, and let her suffer all the consequences. Even if the whole thing was faked, Jiang Ping was not the mastermind behind it, another user wrote. She should not be burned at the stake. The Himachal Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has allegedly launched an investigation into a samosa mix-up case. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was to be served the snack but they were served to his staff instead. The simple goof-up has snowballed into a controversy, with enquiries against the involved personnel. Whats going on? read more Samosa which was intended for Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his visit to the CID office, was instead served to his security staff. IImage courtesy: PTI, Pixabay The Himachal Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has found itself launching a probe into something unusuala case of missing samosas. The snack which was intended for Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his visit to the CID office, was instead served to his security staff. While this may look like a simple goof-up, the mishap escalated into a significant controversy, ultimately leading to a CID probe. As per PTI, an official described the slip-up as an anti-government act, alleging that it was orchestrated with a set agenda in mind. Advertisement What exactly happened? And how has this samosa mishap snowballed into a debate? Heres a closer look. A recipe for controversy: How it all started? The brouhaha began on October 21, when three boxes of refreshments were brought from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to the chief minister who was on a visit to the CID headquarters to inaugurate the cyber wing station. According to an enquiry report by Deputy SP Vikram Chauhan, a senior officer of IG rank had instructed a sub-inspector (SI) to arrange some snacks from the hotel for the CMs visit. The SI, in turn, assigned the task to an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable, who collected the three sealed boxes of refreshments from the hotel and informed the SI upon their return. In their statements, the police officers claimed they had asked the tourism department staff, on duty to serve the snacks, whether the contents of the boxes were meant for the chief minister. They were informed that the items werent listed on the CMs official menu. a senior officer of IG rank had instructed a sub-inspector (SI) to arrange some snacks from the hotel for the CMs visit. The SI, in turn, assigned the task to an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable, who collected the three sealed boxes of refreshments from the hotel and informed the SI upon their return. Image for Representation. Pixabay Only the SI, who had directed the ASI and head constable to collect the snacks, was reportedly aware that the refreshments were specifically intended for Sukhu. A lady inspector, who was handed the food boxes, did not consult a senior officer and instead sent the boxes to the Mechanical Transport (MT) section, where refreshments for staff are typically managed. As a result, the snacks ended up with the CMs security staff rather than the CM himself. Statements from the officers in charge indicated that the snacks were served along with tea to around 10-12 individuals in the IGs room, following his instructions. Advertisement Ironically, sources close to the chief minister later informed the media that Sukhu does not eat samosas or fried foods due to a recent illness, reported Money Control. An anti-government act Terming the consumption of the three boxes of refreshments, including samosas and a cake, an anti-government act, a highly placed official in the CID department wrote in his note mishap was potentially intentional. He said, the five police personnel involved in the goof-up acted according to their own agenda, and deprived VIPs of the refreshments. Further, the official slapped show-cause notices against police personnel named in the enquiry report and accused them of acting in an anti-CID manner. Political potshots Criticising the Sukhu-led Congress government over the incident, the Opposition party BJP remarked that ordering a CID probe only reveals that the Congress is more concerned about the Chief Ministers samosa than the states development. The government is not concerned about the development of the state, and its only concern seems to be the Chief Ministers samosa, stated BJP chief spokesperson Randhir Sharma in a statement on Thursday. Advertisement This incident has become a topic of discussion in the political circles of Himachal Pradesh. In fact, the government machinery is embarrassed due to such coordination problems in a programme related to a VVIP like the Chief Minister, Sharma added. In response, Congress denied the claims, clarifying that the investigation agency is handling the matter independently. The government did not order any such investigation, and it has nothing to do with this matter. The CID is investigating the matter at its own level. After all, who was given the refreshments served to the Chief Minister? said Naresh Chauhan, the chief media advisor to Sukhu. Advertisement Chauhan also fired back at the BJP, suggesting they are exaggerating the issue. Because the BJP does not have any issues, hence false propaganda is being done against the Congress government through this issue, he added. With input from agencies Goa, a long cherished holiday destination among foreign tourists visiting India, has seen a steep decline in international arrrivals. According to a local daily OHeraldo, foreign arrivals in the beach state have dropped by a staggering 60 per cent in recent years, leaving once-bustling shores noticeably quieter and local businesses worried about the future read more International arrivals in the beach state have dropped by a staggering 60 per cent, leaving the once-bustling shores noticeably quieter and local businesses worried about the future. File image/AFP For decades, Goa has been one of the must-visit holiday destinations in India. From the idyllic beaches to the unique cultural blend, this Indian beach paradise drew visitors from around the world year after year. But today, international arrivals in the beach state have dropped by a staggering 60 per cent, leaving the once-bustling shores noticeably quieter and local businesses worried about the future. As per the local daily OHeraldo, in 2019, Goa welcomed nearly 9.4 lakh foreign tourists, but by 2023, this figure shrank to just 4.03 lakh by November. Advertisement The decline has left the tourism sector the crucial part of the states economy and one thats heavily reliant on international visitors with profound challenges. Foreign tourists have abandoned the state already. Russians and Brits who used to visit annually have opted for Sri Lanka instead, Ramanuj Mukherjee, an entrepreneur, wrote on X flagging the alarming drop in foreign tourists. His post has garnered more than 2 million views. Tourism in Goa is down in dumps Foreign tourists have abandoned the state already. Look at 2019 v 2023 numbers. Russians and Brits who used to visit annually have opted for Sri Lanka instead. Indian tourists still visiting, but soon likely to ditch it as word spreads about pic.twitter.com/RF2TLC2Zvi Ramanuj Mukherjee (@law_ninja) November 5, 2024 But why are foreign tourists drifting away from Goa? Heres a closer look. Notorious rise of taxi mafias' Goas tourism industry is facing an unexpected challenge from what locals call the taxi mafiaa powerful group that dominates the states taxi services, often at the expense of both tourists and residents. These taxi operators have gained a reputation for their inflated fares, lack of metered services, and disregard for government regulations. For many tourists, particularly foreigners, this results in unpleasant encounters, leaving them feeling overcharged and taken advantage of. Advertisement Goa is doomed all thanks to the alliance of local taxi mafia and administration, an X user expressed, reflecting growing frustrations among visitors. Some tourists have even reported feeling threatened when negotiating fares or attempting to secure a fair price, with taxi drivers sometimes refusing service altogether if their high demands arent met. In one instance, an X user shared how he faced hostility from over 10 taxi drivers when he tried to pick up a German friend from a popular beach. Goas taxi mafia is responsible for it, he wrote, revealing that a German tourist had to pay Rs 1,800 for a 37-kilometre ride. Advertisement Goas taxi mafia is responsible for it. 100% I went to pick up a friend (from Germany) from Benaulim Beach and I was accompanied by another friend (a local Goan). A taxi guy (in Benaulim) saw us, he stopped us and in no time there were 10+ taxi drivers ready to beat us up. The https://t.co/V43IsQXBm9 Madhur (@ThePlacardGuy) November 5, 2024 Fitness influencer Chirag Barjatya also recounted a similar encounter: Once in Goa, we gave a lift to a foreign tourist in our car. Some taxi guy stopped us and asked us to get him down, or they would break the car. Goa tourism is ruined majorly by how taxi mafia behaved, he wrote. Advertisement This situation is further exacerbated by the absence of online ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber, which operate in most major tourist cities in India. When Ola attempted to launch in Goa in 2014, taxi unions went on strike, pressuring the government to block the apps. With limited transport options, tourists in Goa often have no choice but to accept the steep rates, leading to negative reviews, frustration and dissatisfaction. The geopolitical factor The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the unrest between Israel and Palestine have significantly reduced the number of tourists from these regions, according to O Heraldo. Previously, Goa welcomed around five charter flights daily from Russia, but now only a few flights arrive weekly, reported The Goan Everyday. Similarly, Israeli tourists, who once visited Goa frequently, are now staying away as political instability in West Asia continues, causing charter flights from Israel to be suspended. Israeli tourists, who once visited Goa frequently, are now staying away as political instability in West Asia continues, causing charter flights from Israel to be suspended. Only a few flights are available, but the tickets have become very expensive. I arrived here on a one-month visa, which will soon expire. We came here with a group of five people. Three of them have already returned to volunteer in the Army, an Israeli national told The Indian Express. I have cancelled plans to travel to other cities. In the midst of this violence, I feel guilty if I go to the beach So, we come here for solidarity and to pray for our loved ones, she added. Advertisement The reduced number of foreign tourists is impacting businesses too. Cruz Cardozo, President of Shack Welfare Owners Society (SWOS) told OHeralado in April, The quality of the number of foreign tourists has come down drastically. In fact, even Indian tourists are less at shacks. The situation is such that some shacks are running empty as they cannot manage their daily expenses." Beyond these geopolitical challenges, Indias delays in e-visa processing for UK nationals have further complicated the situation, reducing the number of European tourists and affecting Goas steady stream of international visitors. Thailand is better Ramanuj Mukherjee recently observed that although Indian tourists continue to visit Goa, many might reconsider due to the states high prices and declining infrastructure compared to other South Asian destinations. People believe Goa suffers from over-tourism. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia and coastal Spain welcome far more visitors at a lower cost, with better transportation, higher living standards, and well-preserved environments. Were failing Goa, commented an X user, voicing growing discontent. although Indian tourists continue to visit Goa, many might reconsider due to the states high prices and declining infrastructure compared to other South Asian destinations. Image for Representation. Pixabay Another user remarked that Goa has lost its appeal as a budget-friendly option, stating, Goa has the worst infrastructure of any international beach destination Ive visited, and noted that Thailands Phuket offers better amenities at a fraction of Goas costs. Also read: Globe-trotters: Why more Indians are travelling the world Vijay Mehta, a fund manager had earlier highlighted in a Business Today report that rising costs in Goa are eroding its competitive edge. Its cheaper to go to Hanoi than Goa, he noted, adding, Vietnam is the new Thailand with mass affordable tours, direct flights, and good value for money." Many tourists might reconsider their destinations due to Goas high prices and declining infrastructure compared to other South Asian destinations. Image for Representation. AFP Responding to these social media concerns, Goa Tourism issued a statement seeking to provide an accurate perspective. Like any other destination, Goa is subject to market forces. At times, high travel and accommodation costs can make it seem expensive, leading some to explore alternatives. However, Goa has consistently risen to such challenges and will remain a premier destination for diverse travellers. As the peak season from November to March unfolds, all eyes are on Goa to see how it addresses these challenges and retains its appeal to visitors. With input from agencies In a 4:3 judgement, the Supreme Court has overturned its ruling in the 1967 Azeez Basha v Union of India case, essentially paving way for the restoration of Aligarh Muslim Universitys (AMU) minority institution status read more A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court has overturned its ruling in the Azeez Basha v Union of India (1967) case, essentially paving way for the restoration of Aligarh Muslim Universitys (AMU) minority institution status under Article 30 of the Constitution. In a 4:3 judgement, the bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud did not restore AMUs minority status but instead laid down the criteria for determining whether an institution is a minority institution. Advertisement Whether AMU is a minority institution or not will have to be decided separately based on the criteria laid down in the present ruling, said the verdict, as per The Times of India. In the Azeez Basha case, the Supreme Court had ruled that AMU did not have minority institution status. Then, in 1981, the then-Union government passed an amendment to the AMU Act to restore the status, which was then struck down by the Allahabad High Court in 2005. In 2014, the new government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew the appeal against the HCs ruling. Of the seven judges, CJI Chandrachud and Justices Sanjeev Khanna, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra were in the majority and Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and SC Sharma dissented. Chandrachud wrote the majority verdict while three opinions were written by three dissenting judges. In the 1967 judgement, the SC had revoked AMUs minority institution status based on the argument that as AMU was neither set up nor administered by the Muslim community, but by the British rulers of the time, it could not be considered a minority institution. In the present judgement, the SC has overturned this rationale. Advertisement In the present judgement, Chandrachud said that it is not necessary to prove that administration rests with the minority to prove the institution to be a minority institution, as per Live Law. The SC also said that is it the intent behind the establishment of an institution that matters and not who managed it in deciding the minority institution. A thorough reading of the statute of the institution should be done to understand its intent of establishment and valid proof of ideation of minority community to establish the institution can be done from letters of communication and other materials, said Chandrachud, as per Live Law. Advertisement As the dust settles on Trumps victory, one thing is clear: the world is divided in its reactions read more As the political world braces for Donald Trumps return to the White House, leaders around the globe are watching closely, anticipating how his second term will reshape international relations. While tensions surrounding his comeback are palpable in many capitals, reactions vary widelyfrom hopeful optimism in some corners to concern and skepticism in others. Russia: A New Beginning? In Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed cautious optimism about Trumps return. During a public address on November 7, Putin praised Trumps courage in the face of personal adversity, referencing the two assassination attempts on the former presidents life. A person shows himself in extraordinary circumstances, Putin remarked. He showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a man. Advertisement Putins remarks were followed by a diplomatic nod to the future, as he congratulated Trump on his electoral victory, reaffirming Russias openness to reset relations with the United States. We will work with any head of state that the American people have given them the mandate, Putin said, signalling Russias readiness for cooperation, but the ball is now in Trumps court. Venezuela: A Chance for Reconciliation Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had a turbulent relationship with Trump during his first term, also expressed hopes for a new chapter. Speaking from Caracas on November 6, Maduro acknowledged the difficulties under Trumps first administration, especially the USs efforts to pressure Venezuela. However, he extended an olive branch, offering his support in light of the attempted attacks on Trumps life and wishing him good health and a long life. Despite their fraught history, Maduro is looking for a fresh start with Trump. It is a new beginning for us to bet on winningwinning and for the United States and Venezuela to do well, he said, echoing the tone of a leader who sees potential for cooperation moving forward. Argentina: A Close Ally Celebrates For some world leaders, Trumps victory is a cause for celebration. Argentinas newly elected President Javier Milei, a staunch supporter of Trump, wasted no time in expressing his delight. On November 6, Milei congratulated the US president-elect in a passionate speech, emphasising shared goals between Argentina and the US. You can count on Argentina to make the United States great again, and we know that we can count on you to make Argentina great again, he said, offering well-wishes. Advertisement Milei is so eager to deepen ties that he is set to fly to the US next week to meet with Trump in person at Mar-a-Lago, along with mutual friend Elon Musk. The trio hopes to cement a partnership that could bring about significant economic and political benefits for both nations. Hungary: A Populist Allys Joy Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another long-time supporter of Trump, was similarly effusive in his reaction. On November 7, Orban hosted a European summit in Brussels, but his enthusiasm for Trumps win was clear. Speaking in Budapest, Orban jokingly noted that he had promised to celebrate with champagne but was instead toasting with vodka in Kyrgyzstan when the victory was confirmed. Advertisement Orbans alignment with Trump has often put him at odds with the European Union, particularly over issues like the war in Ukraine and the USs role in European security. However, with Trump back at the helm, Orban sees an opportunity to strengthen Hungarys influence within the EU and beyond, especially as Trumps stance on Ukraine diverges sharply from that of many European leaders. Europe: A Continent on Edge While Orban celebrates, most of Europe is preparing for a turbulent future. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to the press on November 7, emphasised that the priority for the European Union is not to second-guess the US election result, but to ensure that Europe is prepared to defend its interests. Macrons comments underscored the unease many EU leaders feel about Trumps approach to global diplomacyparticularly his stance on Ukraine, which threatens to complicate Europes security strategy. Advertisement Trumps promise to end the war in Ukraine, without fully committing to continued US support for Kyiv, has left European capitals deeply concerned about the future of NATO and the security of the continent. European leaders are bracing for less American support, and many are already considering how they might need to go it alone in facing Russias aggression. The World Waits As the dust settles on Trumps victory, one thing is clear: the world is divided in its reactions. Old adversaries like Russia and Venezuela are hoping for a reset in relations, eager to seize the opportunity for closer ties with the US. Meanwhile, traditional American allies in Europe are preparing for the possibility of a more isolationist US policy, one that could leave them to navigate an increasingly volatile world without the same level of American support. Advertisement For some, the return of Donald Trump represents a new dawnone filled with potential for stronger alliances and economic growth. For others, it marks the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter in international relations. As the world waits for Trump to assume office again, its clear that nothing can be taken for granted anymore. What happens next is anyones guess. While Donald Trumps seemingly isolationist foreign policies provide some space for China to fill in Asia and beyond, it is unlikely to be a breather for Beijing given the structural intent behind Trumps policy of Making America Great Again read more With emerging disruptions in the US and China, the impact on the rest of the world is going to be phenomenal and at times destructive. Representational image. Reuters With the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, China is one of the most concerned countries in the world. The stakes are high between the two largest economies of the world, besides the deteriorating bilateral relations that began during Trumps first term. The news of Trumps election, avidly watched and commented on in Chinas social networking sites, resulted in slight fluctuations in Chinas currency and stocks, but the country is already preparing for the transition with the nations parliament discussing a stimulus package to resurrect an ailing economy that has been down since the pandemic. President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message immediately after the results came in, with a caveat to follow right path, unlike for Biden last time when China delayed its message till late January 2021. Advertisement While in the short term, both are expected to conduct bilateral relations relatively smoothly, it is in the medium to long term that both are concerned. The crux of the matter is that leaders of these two countries have initiated disruptive policies that have long-term consequences for Asia and beyond. Xi took over in 2012 and began with the slogan, Core interests are more important than developmental interests. This led to severe consequences for Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and India-China borders. Xis May 2014 slogan of Asian security by Asia was intended to remove the US from Asia. Xis 19th Communist Party Congress resolution in 2017 to occupy the centre stage unleashed unprecedented pressures not only on the neighbours but also on the US and its allies. Chinas disruptions are matched by Trumps policies on multilateralism, climate change, trade, and security issues in his first term that are likely to influence Trump 2.0. At the bilateral level, this is expected to impact a number of issues, including the security of Taiwan, trade and investments, de-dollarisation, climate change, hi-tech transfers, and others, even though the US increasingly came under the dependence of China on counter-terrorism, North Korea, fentanyl drugs, and others. China wishes to replicate its deal with Trump on Huawei and ZTE of 2019 and overcome the semi-conductor ban imposed by the Biden Administration. However, Trump realised that the $250 billion of trade deals that China promised during his trip to Beijing in November 2017 hardly materialised. The US subsequently followed small yard, high fence policies of restricting sensitive technology flows to China, in addition to terming China as a pacing challenger. Advertisement One of the major problems facing China is that Trumps unpredictability is a key disruptive phenomenon given Chinas focus on stability and its traditional allergy towards tianluan (chaos under heaven). At a more structural level, Trumps Project 2025 conflicts with Made in China 2025. The American conservative Project 2025 is intended not only to make America great again (MAGA) but also to intensify the decoupling process underway between the US and China. Successive American leadership since Clinton helped Chinas rise in economy, technology, and even in regional security architecture. Obama even suggested a G-2 condominium with China to rule the rest of the world. Trump 2.0 is likely to disrupt this trend given Chinas coercive policies. Advertisement On the other hand, China has begun Made in China 2025 since 2015 with a focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution products like automation, nanotechnology, 5G telecom, electric vehicles, Artifical Intelligence, and others. The US slipping away from leadership position in some of these areas, is troubling Trump and his followers. In the election campaign, it is no wonder Trump stated that he will impose 60 per cent tariffs on all Chinese imports. Trump is aware that his July 6, 2018 tariffs on Chinese products were retaliated stiffly by China and that the January 2020 trade deal was not honoured by China. Advertisement A pragmatic China may still make a fresh deal with Trump 2.0 by going back to Deng Xiaopings dictum of hide your strength, bide for time. In fact, Xi made amends to Biden at last years Filoli meeting in San Francisco on global leadership and Taiwan issues. However, Trump is unlikely to budge this time around given the sharpening of challenges domestically and externally. On the other hand, any decline in US power in Trump 2.0 will be utilised extensively by China to prop itself up in the global and regional orders, as it did during previous American presidencies. Trump 2.0 is thus more a challenge but also, in a limited way, an opportunity for China. Chinas recent disruptions are likely to be systematically opposed by the US in Trump 2.0. While Trumps seemingly isolationist foreign policies provide some space for China to fill in Asia and beyond, it is unlikely to be a breather for Beijing given the structural intent behind MAGA. Advertisement With these two emerging disruptions in the US and China, the impact on the rest of the world is going to be phenomenal and at times destructive. For its part, India needs to brace for the emerging challenges, avoid getting into the crossfire, and follow a Buddhist middle-path approach while focusing on economic growth. The author is Dean of School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The landmark agreement to resolve the military standoff in Ladakh got the seal of approval when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping endorsed it during their bilateral meeting in Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia on October 23, 2024. The new pact set into motion the process of disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, ending the prolonged crisis. It is expected to pave the way for the resumption of the politico-diplomatic process between the two neighbours. Advertisement The Communist leadership is known to make concessions in the wake of major political events. The Depsang face-off in March-April 2013 was resolved days before Chinese PM Li Keqiangs visit to India. The Doklam imbroglio in 2017 was sorted out just before the 9th BRICS Summit, held in China. Likewise, a recent border pact was inked on the eve of the Modi-Xi bilateral meeting, coming after a gap of almost five years. While the current agreement is confined to Depsang and Demchok areas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, while speaking on the sidelines at an event, explained that normal management of the LAC would be achieved in a phased manner, including restoring the April 2020 status quo, de-scalation, and restarting patrolling. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also clarified that it does not mean issues between the two countries have been resolved with the recent pact. Given Chinas opaque system, unpredictable actions, and poor track record of walking the talk, engaging with Communist leadership is known to be an exasperating exercise. Building trust is a foremost challenge, as the Chinese have repeatedly belied it. Even in May 2020, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) blatantly violated key agreements on maintaining peace and tranquillity on the borders and disregarded even the strategic guidance mechanism evolved during Modi-Xi earlier meetings. Further, Chinese are known for misinterpretations and selective approaches in honouring agreements. With regard to the current pact too, there was no joint statement, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Li Jian referred to it as important progress that has been reached on issues concerning the border area. With previous five key agreements on border management in a state of limbo, the recent agreement could well be fait accompli. In China, defence diplomacy is driven by the military, known to be hard negotiators. Post-Doklam pullback, the PLA doubled down on creating military infrastructure in the area. Disengagement in the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra-Hot Spring, and Galwan Valley came about with new protocols by way of buffer zones. It resulted in the disruption of patrolling activity, wherein of the 65 patrolling points (PPs), 26 were rendered inaccessible. In the Depsang plains, the Chinese troops blocked access to PPs 10 to 13, including Y Junction, and in Demchok, they had positioned themselves on the Charding Nullah. PLA even refused to discuss these two locations, asserting the issues to be dated, pre-2020. Advertisement Going by the official reports, as a sequel to the new agreement, the disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok has been completed, and joint patrolling has commenced. The next step of de-escalation is expected to be complex and arduous due to the terrain configuration, which favours the Chinese. Additionally, de-escalation involves the air forces as well, wherein both sides have located the fighter jets and other assets in the forward bases. Suffice to say, restoring peace and stability along the LAC is a politico-military process. We need to move with caution and strictly adhere to the Chinese dictum of seeing is believing (Yan Jian Wei Shi). Advertisement During his visit to Lhasa in July 2021, Xi Jinping directed that Tibet be turned into a formidable shield. The manner in which PLA has gone about building military infrastructure across the entire length of the Line of Actual Control, including roads, tunnels, airfields, heliports, and logistics installations, particularly opposite Arunachal Pradesh, indicates Chinas aggressive posture. Border Defence Law passed in 2022 entails marking the border with a view to consolidate control over the occupied areas. Alongside, as part of the model villages (Xiaokang) project, over 720 clusters have been constructed, around a third in the close proximity of the LAC to act as the first line of defence. Advertisement Regaining claimed lands is central to Chinas sovereignty. Chinese maps routinely depict Aksai Chin and Arunachal (Zangnan) as its territories. Giving Mandarin names to places in these areas is part of Chinas Three Warfare Strategy to legitimise its assertion. Keeping the border disputes unresolved enables China to keep India under pressure. It also serves the Communist leadership well to garner support at home as well as draw the attention of the international community. The border talks steered by Special Representatives have made no progress over the last decade. Xis China Dream is largely dependent on the state of the nations economy, which is definitely showing signs of slowing down. India is an important market for China, with current bilateral trade amounting to $ 115 billion, a surplus of $83 billion in Chinese favour. Additionally, in Chinas quest to emerge as a global power, a hostile India could impede the process. Hence, by making tactical concessions coupled with carrot and stick policy, Xi hopes to restrain Delhi from joining hands with anti-China Western alliances and draw it into the fold of Beijing-led groups like BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Due to the vast differential in the comprehensive national power, China does not consider India an equal. Advertisement Given the divergent national interests and overlapping strategic objectives, rivalry between India and China is inherent. Currently, ensuring territorial integrity through effective border management ought to be accorded highest priority. The thaw in Ladakh signals signs of rapprochement, will facilitate easing of tension and provide the Indian Army an opportunity to build military infrastructure to offset Chinese advantage. Capacity building is an imperative to correct the prevailing state of asymmetry vis-a-vis China. One China policy ought to be linked with One India policy. Above all, India needs a sound strategy to contend with Dragons design. The writer is a Bangladesh war veteran, currently Professor of Strategic and International Relations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Unlocking Siris full potential might cost users a monthly fee. Priced at $20 or around Rs 1,950, a ChatGPT Plus subscription may be essential to access the most advanced features of Apple Intelligence read more While Apple Intelligence wont officially arrive in India until April 2024, eager users can try out some features now by simply switching their device language from English (India) to English (US). Image Credit: Pexels Apple is gearing up to deliver a more intelligent experience to iPhone users with the upcoming iOS 18.2 update, dropping on December 2, according to Bloomberg. The biggest highlight? A ChatGPT-powered Siri that promises to be a game-changer in the world of virtual assistants. However, theres a catch: unlocking Siris full potential might cost users a monthly fee. Priced at $20 or around Rs 1,950, a ChatGPT Plus subscription may be essential to access the most advanced features of Apple Intelligence. Without this subscription, Siri will function with limited capabilities, which somewhat dampens the excitement around the feature-packed update. Advertisement Reports from 9to5Mac indicate that iPhone users will be able to sign up for ChatGPT Plus directly through their settings. The path to subscription is simple: head to Settings, tap on Apple Intelligence & Siri, then navigate to ChatGPT and select Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus. Although this method adds convenience, there wont be any exclusive discounts for subscribing through the iPhones settings app. In fact, users seeking the best deal may still want to sign up via a web browser. Even without a subscription, ChatGPT-powered Siri will have some useful features. Tools like Writing Tools and Image Playground will be accessible for free, but expect significant limitations. Advanced functionalities, such as using the latest GPT models, generating images, analysing documents, and browsing the web, will be restricted. Those who pay for ChatGPT Plus will get to experience a transformed, more capable Siri, making the subscription feel almost necessary for power users. This Rs 2,000 monthly fee also applies to users who wish to enjoy these features on Apple Intelligence-enabled iPads and Macs. Fortunately, anyone with an existing ChatGPT Plus subscription can sign in and use it to access the enhanced Siri experience across all eligible Apple devices. While Apple Intelligence wont officially arrive in India until April 2024, eager users can try out some features now by simply switching their device language from English (India) to English (US). Its a small workaround for those who want a taste of whats to come, but the full suite of features will only be available once the service launches officially. Advertisement In essence, Apple is pushing forward with a subscription-driven approach for its revamped Siri, making sure the best features are paywalled. Whether users will embrace this remains to be seen, but the promise of an AI-powered virtual assistant certainly adds a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming update. The hack, carried out by the Chinese group Salt Typhoon, allegedly compromised American telecom networks and could have given the hackers a way in. An FBI investigation is underway to uncover the details read more These backdoors had been used for years by US authorities to monitor criminal activity, but Salt Typhoons unauthorised access to these portals stretched on for months. File Image Chinese hackers may have gained unauthorised access to the iPhones of two of Trumps presidential campaign officials, and evidence suggests this could be connected to a major telecom breach from earlier in the year. The hack, carried out by the Chinese group Salt Typhoon, allegedly compromised American telecom networks and could have given the hackers a way in. An FBI investigation is now underway to uncover the details. The security firm iVerify raised the alarm after spotting unusual activity on two iPhones belonging to senior officials of a US presidential candidate. According to reports, settings on these devices were altered in ways that arent typical for healthy iPhones. Advertisement This suspicious behaviour pointed to potential tampering, though specifics about what information might have been accessed or even which officials were targeted remain under wraps. The alleged hack ties back to a bigger incident in October, when Salt Typhoon reportedly breached AT&T and Verizon networks. The hackers exploited wiretap portals originally meant for lawful surveillance to snoop around. These backdoors had been used for years by US authorities to monitor criminal activity, but Salt Typhoons unauthorised access to these portals stretched on for months. Exactly how they used this entry point is still a mystery, but the possibility of a link to the campaign officials iPhones has raised serious questions. One of the biggest puzzles in this saga is how the telecom breach might have escalated to compromising the security of the iPhones. If someone was able to manipulate settings remotely, it suggests a far deeper level of access than simple eavesdropping. Its also concerning that at least one of the individuals targeted in the potential iPhone hack had already been in Salt Typhoons crosshairs for some time. The backdoors in telecom systems were first established as a security measure in the 1990s, meant to assist law enforcement. Now, with this breach, questions are being raised about whether these security loopholes have become too tempting for hackers to resist. As the FBI digs deeper, concerns about digital safety and the vulnerability of even the most guarded systems are sure to grow. Advertisement The investigation continues, and everyone is left wondering whether such breaches are just a consequence of building backdoors meant only for the good guys. The Cambridge Analytica breach saw the personal data of over 30 million users used without permission, allegedly to sway voters during Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign read more The Cambridge Analytica scandal has already cost Facebook dearly. The company settled a $100 million claim with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019 and paid a massive $5 billion penalty to the Federal Trade Commission. Image Credit: Reuters The US Supreme Court on Wednesday tackled Facebooks latest attempt to dodge a federal securities fraud lawsuit, a legal headache stemming from the notorious Cambridge Analytica scandal. The case, brought by investors, claims the social media giant misled them about data misuse. Meta, Facebooks parent company, asked the Court to throw out the class-action suit, led by Amalgamated Bank, which accuses the platform of downplaying the fallout from the 2015 data breach. This breach, involving British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, saw the personal data of over 30 million users used without permission, allegedly to sway voters during Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. Advertisement Investors say Facebooks lack of transparency led to significant losses, and they want monetary compensation for the drop in the companys stock value. The legal argument centres on whether Facebooks risk disclosures misled investors by failing to acknowledge that the very risks it warned about had already become reality. The Supreme Court justices seemed split on the issue. Facebooks lawyer argued that the companys warnings were forward-looking statements and didnt require disclosure of past breaches. He insisted that a reasonable investor wouldnt expect those warnings to include events that had already occurred. Chief Justice John Roberts, however, offered a hypothetical to challenge this view, suggesting that such warnings could imply past events had indeed happened. Justice Clarence Thomas also expressed doubt, pointing out that a reasonable person could misinterpret the statements as indicating the data misuse had never happened. Despite these pointed questions, Facebooks defence remained firm, asserting that the disclosures were not misleading. The case has broader implications, too, as a ruling could reshape how companies disclose risks and defend against securities fraud claims. This month is critical, as another case, involving Nvidia and securities fraud allegations, is also being considered. The outcomes could either tighten or loosen the rules for investor lawsuits. The Cambridge Analytica scandal has already cost Facebook dearly. The company settled a $100 million claim with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019 and paid a massive $5 billion penalty to the Federal Trade Commission. Advertisement But the investor lawsuits fate now rests with a Supreme Court that has a 6-3 conservative majority, whose eventual ruling could redefine corporate accountability in the world of data privacy and securities law. A decision is expected by the end of June. Ali appeared among debris in the shovel of the bulldozer, after we all thought he had died, the toddlers great uncle said. Alis entire family, including his sister, mother, and two grandmothers, perished in the attack read more Two-year-old Ali Khalifeh, the sole survivor of his family, lies amputated, bandaged and hooked to a respirator in a bed at the Alaa Addin hospital in the southern Lebanese town of Sarafand, on November 5, 2024. AFP Fourteen hours had passed after an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon. The attack had killed an entire family, barring one member: two-year-old Ali Khalifeh. The toddler was found by alive by responders and pulled out from the rubble in a miracle rescue. Ali, who was found severely injured, lies in a Sidon hospital bed far too big for his tiny frame, wrapped in bandages, with an amputated limb, and hooked to a respirator. Advertisement The strike on September 29, just days after Israel intensified its assault on Hezbollah positions, flattened an apartment complex in Sarafand, roughly nine miles south of Sidon. The attack killed 15 people, including Alis parents, sister and two grandmothers. Ali is the only survivor of his family, said Hussein Khalifeh, Alis great uncle. Rescue workers had almost lost hope of finding anyone alive under the rubble, said Hussein, 45, who stayed at the hospital in Sidon where Ali was receiving care. But then Ali appeared among debris in the shovel of the bulldozer, after we all thought he had died, he said. He emerged from the rubble, barely breathing, after 14 hours. Israels intensifying onslaught in Lebanon The latest escalation follows nearly a year of sporadic cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Since late September, Israel has expanded its air campaign, resulting in more than 2,600 deaths across Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The intensified conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement. On September 23, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 500 people and injured over 1,500 in a single day, marking one of the deadliest days in Lebanon in years. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, urging all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians. Advertisement Humanitarian organisations report that essential services have been severely disrupted, and there is an urgent need for medical supplies and support for the displaced populations. With inputs from AFP In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Afghan human rights activist Mahbouba Seraj narrates how the Talibans new ban has taken the country by surprise read more On October 26, the women in Afghanistan faced another brunt from the Taliban regime after they were barred from technically hearing each other. The Talibans Minister of Vice and Virtue, Khalid Hanafi, issued a new ban on womens rights forbidding adult women to allow their voices to be heard while praying by other adult women. While this left the Afghan women dismayed, the bizarre ban stirred headlines all around the world. Advertisement In an audio statement, Hanafi emphasised that adult women must refrain from performing Takbir, which means Islamic prayer or reciting the Quran aloud in the presence of other women. Now women in Afghanistan were already barred from speaking in public and the new sets of draconian regulations make many wonder how a significant chunk of Afghanistans population lives without a voice. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Afghan womens rights activist Mahbouba Seraj shared her take on the latest ban and questioned the international actors forging ties with the Taliban. The last time Firstpost spoke to the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist, Seraj expressed hopes for having talks with the regime. But as she presents a grim image of what is happening in the country, she wonders if there is a way out of the mayhem. A Taliban fighter stands guard as women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 23, 2023. AP I have to go back and restart the Quran because this is new to me When asked to elaborate on the new ban, Seraj expressed her surprise over where the Taliban are coming up with such restrictions. She questioned the regimes interpretation of the Quran and insisted that she had to go back and re-read the sacred text to find a bizarre rule like this. We did not know that we were not supposed to be a part of everything Allah said to the Muslims, because we are women. I thought that the Quran and Allah said that men and women are equal, the only difference between them is the level of their taqwa and the level of their prayers, and being a good human being to Allah and being a good Muslim, the 76-year-old activist told Firstpost. Mahbouba Seraj is reflected in a mirror while giving an interview in Kabul in February 2023. Source: File Image / AFP Now I have to go and restart the Quran from the beginning to the end, and I would like to find out where all of this is written, and how come during these 1,400 years of Islam, we didnt know anything about it. How come suddenly the Taliban came up and found out about this she questioned. Advertisement Seraj expressed her frustration on how the voices of the Afghan women are being considered haram in their own country. According to the Taliban right now, our voices are haram, we cannot breathe in a loud voice, to other women, the Quran, nor the hadith, nor anything, because its all haram. These are the things that the Taliban are coming up with. I have no idea what the meaning of this is and where they are coming up with all of this. We are stuck. Difference between the Taliban of today and the Taliban in past While Seraj mentioned that the core ideology of the Taliban hasnt changed, there still remains a difference between the Taliban that came to power in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, and the regime that took over in 2021. The Taliban from one point of view, havent changed because thats the ideology. Ideologies usually dont change easily like this. The ideologies usually stay the same and the Taliban is also like that, Seraj explained. But what has changed is really even amongst the Taliban right now, they are actually teaching the younger Taliban about these new edicts. They are teaching them about things that are apparently new to them too. Now, where they have come up with all of this, how it is allowed by the Islamic world to come up with things like this and say that the Quran said so, this is what is a question to me, she said. Advertisement Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban-appointed deputy prime minister for economic affairs, center, inspects the honor guards during a military parade to mark the third anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops from Afghanistan, in Bagram Air Base in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. AP Why was it not given as a direction to the Islamic world, to the men and women of the Islamic world? Why is it something that has come up now? And what is the meaning of it? And if it is not true, how come its allowed? Because the words of the Quran cannot be changed, she remarked, insisting that one has to dive deep into the matter. How Women in Afghanistan are surviving the horror As Seraj walked us through what the daily lives of Afghan women look like, she mentioned that the Taliban usually implement their policies in peripheral provinces and the restrictions later reach Kabul. When asked how a woman with no man in the family goes by the day on a regular basis, with all the restrictions, the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist said that the brunt of these restrictions is majorly felt in the provinces. These things are being felt very strongly in the provinces of Afghanistan like Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, etc. Taliban dont implement these laws in the capital right away. They are implementing in other parts of Afghanistan first and then they come to the capital, she said. Advertisement Seraj pointed out how the Taliban regime has banned living beings from being shown on television. Our televisions are all shutting down and they are going to make the programmes into radio. So now this is going to come and go into effect in Kabul very soon, she explained. Afghan burqa-clad women walk through a market in Kandahar on August 24, 2024. AFP File It is being implemented in provinces, it hasnt come to Kabul yet. And when it enters Kabul, thats when the trouble starts. So we dont know what we are going to do, she said. Seraj also spoke about the struggles women doctors are facing in the country. Theyre not talking to male counterparts, there are no males around them. So the only ones that women have around them are female doctors. There are women doctors, women nurses, she told Firstpost. Advertisement If they are not there, were all going to die anyway, because there is nobody to look after us. Thats another way of taking care of this problem, she lamented. The surge in suicide rates and cases of depression The stringent restrictions imposed by the draconian regime are driving many into depression and suicidal thoughts. There has been a sharp spike in cases of suicide in the country not only among women but also among men. I just heard that two days ago that there was a young girl that killed herself, 20 years old in Kabul, it is unbelievable, Seraj recalled. It is becoming a lot more common among young men and women. There is no money, there is no work, there is no hope, there is no possibilities. I mean, how do we go about living? I dont understand that. Image Source: AFP The psychological profile of Afghan women all over is so bad. They are so depressed, it is becoming hard to live, she added. Voice of the voiceless Things are getting worse in Afghanistan as the day goes by. While the Taliban is mulling to ban recording visual images of any living being, they are refusing to cooperate with the UN mission that is operating in the country. In this situation what is the way ahead and how to navigate the regime which refuses to be more open? Seraj insisted that neither she nor the UN has the answer to this dilemma. I dont think the UN knows it. I dont think I know it. I dont think we know it, she said. I dont think there is any direction or theres any plan or anything like that. Its just that we are we are stuck when we are, she lamented. However, Seraj, who has been advocating for Afghan rights for decades has not let go of the hope for change. We cannot, we cannot start fighting each other with a gun and accept or expect, sorry, expect that the result is going to be peace and were going to understand each other. Its not going to happen that way. We have to talk to each other because thats what God has given us, you know, intelligence, has given us a tongue, which is the, what we can use our intelligence with and convey our messages, she told Firstpost. Taliban, which returned to power in 2021, has barred girls from attending secondary school - terming it against Sharia Law. Reuters File Well, the only thing Im putting back on you as a young reporter, please report the things that you hear and what we tell you because I dont know for how much longer my voice is going to be heard. I honestly dont. And to tell you the honest truth, my voice happens to be one of the voices in Afghanistan. There are not that many like me as a woman that can tell you the truth of what is exactly happening here. So spread it, spread it around with all the courage in the world to the people who dont know exactly what is happening in my land. I want the world to know. And Im just praying for some kind of an answer for something that I dont have any answer for anymore, she concluded. While the Taliban rubs shoulders with dignitaries around the world, women in Afghanistan are still looking for people around the world who raise voices for the voiceless. This is the first of the two-part interview with the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Afghan activist Mahbouba Seraj. The second part will dive into the Talibans growing ties with several international actors, especially China. Watch out. When an older elephant, Mary, learned to use a hose for showering and began getting extra bath time, younger tusker Anchali sabotaged her efforts to use the hose to take a bath read more An elderly elephant, Mary, figured how to use a hose to shower herself a feat that attracted the envy of a younger tusker, Anchali. Image courtesy: Snapshot from Current Biology An interesting animal feud has been reported from the Berlin Zoo. The cast of characters included an elderly elephant, a younger jealous tusker, and a hose! It began with an elderly elephant named Mary garnering attention by mastering the art of using a hose as her own personal shower. While most elephants satisfy their cooling needs by slurping water into their trunks and spraying it over their bodies, Mary, a 54-year-old Asian elephant, has taken this bathing ritual to a whole new level. Advertisement She picks up a hose with her trunk, holds it over her head, and gives herself a luxurious shower just like a person would. This senior pachyderms skills go beyond simply hosing down; shes developed a whole system. Mary changes her grip on the hose to reach different parts of her body and swings it like a lasso to cover hard-to-reach areas, truly proving herself a showering aficionado. The researchers at Humboldt University, led by neuroscientist Michael Brecht, were impressed not just with Marys technique but with her ingenuity especially since they havent seen this level of tool use in other elephants, according to an article in Science. Mary started to get some extra hose time so scientists could record and study her behaviours. But as it turns out, not every elephant at the zoo was a fan of Mary getting this VIP access to the hose. Marys cool showers began to heat up when a younger elephant, 12-year-old Anchali, started to grow green with envy. Known for her love of hoses, Anchali initially watched Marys routine with a mixture of fascination and frustration. Then, she came up with a plan: sabotage. Anchalis strategy was as clever as it was mischievous. The young elephant began kinking the hose while Mary was mid-soak, causing the water flow to cut off abruptly. Advertisement At first, researchers doubted that Anchali could be crafty enough to pull off such an act of calculated mischief. But soon enough, it became clear that this young tusker was a mastermind in the making. Not only was she learning how to kink the hose with increasing precision, but she was also practicingstanding on the hose, twisting her trunk in just the right way, and seemingly reveling in Marys spluttering surprise. The researchers, amused and surprised, noticed Anchalis sabotage attempts only grew bolder, the report in Science suggested. She started timing her hose-cutting sabotage for moments when Mary had given her a little too forceful of a trunk-slap or stomp. There was no mistaking it: Anchali was holding a grudge and wasnt shy about letting Mary know. Advertisement Image source: Current Biology Lucy Bates, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Portsmouth, who wasnt involved in the study, said that what makes this behaviour so remarkable is that it shows insight, not just trial and error. Bates and other experts think Anchalis actions could suggest problem-solving and even a sense of insight. After all, kinked hoses and intentional hose-stopping are no small feat for an elephant. Anchalis sabotage is rare even in the animal kingdom, where instances of deliberate rivalry behaviour are few and far between. Was Anchalis motivation pure, lighthearted teasingor was she out for a little elephant-style revenge? Researchers cant say for sure, but they do know one thing: Mary and Anchalis water-war antics are a reminder of just how complex and clever these animals are. Advertisement Her associates are plotting to undermine the movement. We must be very careful, Tarique Rahman, BNPs exiled vice-chairman said. BNP was a political opponent of Hasinas party read more Allies of ousted Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina were working to undermine the interim government that replaced her regime, two of her leading opponents warned Friday at a huge rally in the capital Dhaka. Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India in August as a student-led uprising saw protesters flood streets of the capital Dhaka, bringing a dramatic end to her iron-fisted tenure. Since then a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge, tasked with implementing far-reaching democratic reforms and staging fresh elections. Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of people attended Fridays demonstration, one of the biggest since Hasinas toppling, which was organised by her longtime opponents of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). We have gathered here to protect the voting rights of the people and to prevent the re-emergence of fascists, Tarique Rahman, the BNPs exiled vice-chairman, told attendees via a videolink from his home in London. We must be cautious. Though the autocrats are gone, ill forces are still active. We cannot afford for the interim government to fail. The BNP was subjected to repeated crackdowns under Hasinas government, which rights groups say was behind the extrajudicial killing of hundreds of political opponents and the unlawful abduction and disappearance of hundreds more. Sheikh Hasina has fled, but the conspiracy continues, BNP general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told the rally. Her associates are plotting to undermine the movement. We must be very careful. Rahman, the son of two-time Bangladeshi premier and Hasinas chief rival Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 and was convicted in absentia of graft charges during Hasinas government. Advertisement Thousands of BNP members were arrested in the months before January elections that returned Hasina to power, staged in the absence of credible opposition parties. The party has reasserted itself in the wake of Hasinas ouster, and several members of Yunus interim government have served under prior BNP governments. Israeli warplanes struck military sites in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for a large Iranian missile attack on Israel at the start of the month read more Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd while attending a ceremony marking 30th death anniversary of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, shown in the poster at rear, at his mausoleum just outside Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 4, 2019. (Photo: AP) An adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned against launching an instinctive response to Israeli air strikes on the Islamic Republic last month. Israel, Irans sworn enemy, is engaged in conflicts with the Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli warplanes struck military sites in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for a large Iranian missile attack on Israel at the start of the month. Israel aims to bring the conflict to Iran. We must act wisely to avoid its trap and not react instinctively, the adviser, Ali Larijani, told state television late Thursday. Advertisement Iran said it fired 200 missiles at Israel on October 1 in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was in Tehran. After Israel hit back, it warned Iran against any counterattack, but the Islamic Republic has vowed to respond. Our actions and reactions are strategically defined, so we must avoid instinctive or emotional responses and remain entirely rational, Larijani added. The former parliament speaker also praised Nasrallah for accepting a ceasefire during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war rather than making an emotional decision. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a potential ceasefire between Tehrans allies and Israel could affect Irans response to the Israeli strikes. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia organized the rally as it has been pushing the interim government, headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, to bring about quick reforms and to hold the next national election. read more Tens of thousands of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists gathered in Dhaka on Friday, calling for fresh elections and urgent reforms under the leadership of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias party. This rally comes at a pivotal moment, as Bangladesh navigates political uncertainty with an interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas departure in August. Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus leads the interim government. Zia, who is ailing, could not attend, leaving her son, Tarique Rahman, to represent the party. The rally, which culminated at the national parliament building, symbolized the BNPs desire to lead the next government. Advertisement The Yunus-led government hasnt declared any timeframe for the next election. The BNP had initially demanded election in three months after Yunus took over three days after Hasina fled the country to India on Aug. 5 amid a student-led mass uprising, ending her 15-year rule. The BNP leaders had earlier said the Yuns-led government should move forward to hold the election, rather than staying in power for long, but the party wants to give the government a reasonable amount of time to bring some reforms. On Friday, Rahman said by videoconference from London that the interim government mustnt be allowed to fail under any situation as the government has been facing serious challenges to bring order in the country. Hasinas Awami League party and its allies are also facing challenges to navigate through the new political scenario. Avoiding any direct reference about next election, Rahman said that the government must take effective steps to meet the expectations of the people. BNP leaders have recently indicated that the party would go ahead with plans for street protests in two to three months if the interim government doesnt roll out a road map for the next election. Rahman told his cheering supporters to remain vigilant as he said that the accomplices of the former government of Hasina were still active. The accomplices of the exiled autocrats are still present at home and abroad, in governance and administration, actively working to unsettle the interim government. This interim government must not be allowed to fail under any circumstances, said Rahman, also his partys acting chairman. Advertisement (But) the interim government must take effective steps to meet the expectations of the people. This is what the public desires today, he said. Fridays political show came as Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity for hundreds of deaths involving the July-August uprising in the country. The government said that it would seek her repatriation from India once a court decision comes. With inputs from agencies. Prominent news outlet, Australia Today, which has been banned by Canada for airing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars press conference, said it will continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, free press and the right to tell impactful stories read more Canada stooped further low after it banned prominent news outlet Australia Today for airing Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars press conference. Hours after being banned, the news provider, on Friday, said it remains undeterred by these obstacles and will be committed to transparency and free press. We remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles, Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, Managing Editor of Australia Today said in a statement. Advertisement Bharadwaj further said, The overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of the importance of free press, and we will continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and the right to tell stories that matter. Canada on Thursday banned Australia Today within hours after it aired Jaishankars press conference in Canberra, where he spoke about the India-Canada diplomatic standoff and also specifically criticised the Trudeau government for allowing Khalistani extremist forces to operate freely in Canada. Statement from The Australia Today: We at @TheAusToday would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every #news outlet, #journalist, and #supporter who stood by us during a challenging time. The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister pic.twitter.com/53UTd5Le19 The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) November 7, 2024 Australia Today focuses on news and analytical pieces related to the Indian community residing in Australia and across the world. Trudeau govts hypocrisy towards freedom of speech India strongly reacted saying that it was surprised by Canadas move to ban Australia Today and highlighted Trudeau-led governments hypocrisy towards freedom of speech. We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, has been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. This happened just an hour or few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of EAM Dr S Jaishankar with Penny Wong We were surprised. It looks strange to us," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday. Advertisement But nonetheless, what I will say that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech, Jaiswal added. Also Read: We were surprised: India calls out Trudeau govts hypocrisy after it bans Australian outlet over Jaishankar interview What Jaishankar said in press conference in Canada? Jaishankar condemned the recent attack on Hindu Sabha Temple in Canadas Brampton by some pro-Khalistanis and said it was deeply concerning. He further said that Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations against India without providing any proof. Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics, Jaishankar said after the conclusion of the 15th India-Australia Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue. Jaishankar also hinted that India-Canada diplomatic ties touched a new low dur to violent separatist activities. The political space today, which is being given to extremists forces, he emphasised. Advertisement The EAM also said that it was unacceptable that Indian diplomats had been placed under surveillance by Canada. Also Read: Jaishankar slams Canada for giving political space to extremists, says Trudeau govt levels charges without proof When we look at Canada, for us, the fact that they are putting diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable, Jaishankar said. Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson on Thursday said: You would have seen that the External Affairs Minister, in his media engagements, spoke about three things. One was Canada making allegations and a pattern had developed without any specific evidence. The second thing he highlighted was surveillance of Indian diplomats happening in Canada, which he termed as unacceptable. Advertisement The third thing which he highlighted was the political space which has been given in Canada to anti-India elements. So you can draw your conclusions from that, why Australia Today channel was blocked by Canada, he further said. Ban difficult for those who value free & open journalism Meanwhile, Australia Today, said in a statement: The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Wong on social media, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open journalism. It also acknowledged the unwavering support it received after the ban and said, Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us. Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about Press Freedom, or simply offering encouragement, every action made a difference. Over the recent days, there have been a lot of incidents which have been adding to the already historically low bilateral relations between India and Canada. It all started when Trudeau last year alleged New Delhis involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. The Biden administration has bought back 59 million barrels after the 2022 sale at an average price of less than $76 a barrel, far lower than the $95 a barrel it sold oil in 2022. That resulted in a profit of about $3.5 billion, the DOE said. read more The Biden administration said on Friday it has bought its last batch of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after selling a record amount from the facility in 2022 to counter fuel prices that had risen after Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Department of Energy said it had bought 2.4 million barrels of oil for the reserve for delivery from April through May to the SPRs Bryan Mound, Texas site. The purchase depleted the departments fund to buy back more oil for the reserve, it said. The 2022 sale of 180 million barrels of crude had raised nearly $17 billion in emergency revenue for buybacks, but Congress had rescinded about $2.05 billion to help offset the national deficit. Advertisement The Biden administration has bought back 59 million barrels after the 2022 sale at an average price of less than $76 a barrel, far lower than the $95 a barrel it sold oil in 2022. That resulted in a profit of about $3.5 billion, the DOE said. US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said the effort cements the administrations commitment of putting the economic and energy security of the American people first with actions that steadied prices at the pump, provided certainty to industry, and maintained the SPR as the worlds largest supply of emergency crude oil. The Biden administration also worked with Congress to cancel congressionally-mandated sales of 140 million barrels of SPR oil through 2027 that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers had voted for. President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, will have to work with Congress to replenish the departments purchasing fund. Trump has said he would put oil into the SPR. The 2022 sale of 180 million barrels over six months was the biggest sale ever from the SPR. It helped to counter US gasoline prices that spiked to record prices of more than $5 a gallon in June, 2022. It also sank SPR levels to the lowest in 40 years of under 350 million barrels, sparking criticism from some lawmakers who said it cut into the U.S. energy security buffer. The SPR currently has nearly 390 million barrels. The most oil it ever held was nearly 727 million barrels in 2009. Advertisement The US, however, is now the worlds largest oil and gas producer, thanks to techniques such as fracking and horizontal drilling. It is more energy secure than in the mid-1970s, when Washington created the SPR, the worlds largest emergency oil stash, after supply shocks including the Arab oil embargo. The EU must focus on setting its own house in order, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday, citing tariffs, competitiveness and defence as the most pressing issues the bloc faces as it comes to terms with Donald Trumps election win read more The EU must focus on setting its own house in order, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday, citing tariffs, competitiveness and defence as the most pressing issues the bloc faces as it comes to terms with Donald Trumps election win. Trumps return to power poses a major challenge for the European Union as its leaders meet in Budapest amid uncertainty in a continent that is struggling to find unity, with two of its biggest powers, Germany and France, politically weakened. Advertisement Meloni is seen as a potentially strong partner for Trump given her conservative credentials and the overall stability of the right-wing coalition she headed in Italy since 2022. Dont ask what the US can do for you, ask what Europe should do for itself, she told reporters ahead of the EU leaders meeting in the Hungarian capital. Europe must find a balance Im thinking of the issues of competitiveness, tariffs, she added. Meloni also said she considered Tesla CEO and Trump-backer Elon Musk a person with added value and a good interlocutor. She held a phone conversation with Musk following Trumps victory in Tuesdays US presidential election. The EU summit will include a debate on competitiveness, which Meloni called particularly important, and a presentation on the issue by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi. We know what we have to do, the big question we have to answer now is whether we really want to give member states the tools to meet the objectives, she said. On Thursday, Italian ministers called on the EU to support members in their effort to meet a NATO spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in defence. Advertisement During his first term, Trump insisted NATO members should achieve the goal but Rome remains far from it, as it grapples with high public debt which severely limits its spending options. Meloni said that EU fiscal rules should allow more leeway for defence investment. New resources must be found for choices that are strategic, which I agree with, (but) we must also say how we can help member states to find those resources. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot cancels his visit to the Paris-administered Eleona domain in Jerusalem after Israeli police stormed into the holy site and briefly arrested two French security officials stationed at the church read more Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot cancelled his visit to a holy site in Jerusalem after armed Israeli police barged into a Paris-owned church in the city and briefly arrested two French gendarmes. Shortly after the arrests, France summoned its Israeli ambassador to get a briefing on the whole ordeal. The arrests were the latest of several controversies surrounding the Eleona sanctuary on the Mount of Olives, which along with three other sites make up the French national domain in the Holy Land. Both France and Israel are currently embroiled in a diplomatic row due to their disagreements over the Gaza war. Advertisement The holy French site has been the focus of several diplomatic incidents in the past. It is pertinent to note that the four sites which comprise the French national domain were attributed to the European nation before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The holy sites are now private property which is administered by the French consulate in Jerusalem. Dont touch me says French gendarme after Israeli polices no-cause arrest According to AFP, the Israeli police stormed into the French holy site and surrounded the two French gendarmes before pushing one of them to the ground. One of the French officials identified himself and shouted Dont touch me several times. Both gendarmes were escorted to police cars parked outside before being released. The Jewish nation has yet to give a reason for the arrests or why Israeli police entered the French-administered site. I will not enter the Eleona domain today, because Israeli security forces entered with weapons, without prior French authorisation, without agreeing to leave today, the French foreign minister said at the scene on Friday, calling the situation unacceptable. This violation of the integrity of a domain placed in the care of France is liable to weaken the ties that I came here to cultivate with Israel, at a time when all of us need to help the region advance on the path towards peace, he added. The French diplomat emphasised that Eleona belonged to France for more than 150 years, and the European nation was responsible for its security and maintenance. Advertisement The integrity of the four sites that France is responsible for here in Jerusalem must be respected, he exclaimed. The Eleona, which houses a Benedictine monastery, is situated on the Mount of Olives in occupied East Jerusalem. It is known to be associated with the so-called Pater cave, where Christ was said to have taught his disciples the Lords Prayer. In January 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron reprimanded an Israeli police officer in front of the Sainte-Anne basilica while he was getting mobbed. I dont like what you did in front of me," he was heard screaming. Back in 1996, then-French President Jacques Chirac told Israeli soldiers surrounding him: Do you want me to go back to my plane? demanding that the soldiers leave the Sainte-Anne site. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Katz expressed gratitude for US assistance in securing hostages and countering threats from Iran and also invited Austin to visit Israel, according to a report read more Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz waits to receive France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on October 7, 2024. AFP File Newly appointed Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday spoke to his American counterpart US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and thanked him for wartime support. According to The Times of Israel report, citing a readout from Katzs office, the defence minister thanked Austin for the USs support of Israel from the first day of the war, for the commitment to return all the hostages, and to preserve the strategic ties between the countries in the face of threats from Iran and its proxies. Advertisement Katz also invited Austin to visit Israel, the report added. Katz was sworn in as the new defence minister on Thursday, following the sudden dismissal of his predecessor Yoav Gallant by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over trust issues during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu removed Gallant on Tuesday after a series of disagreements over Israels military strategy in response to Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Katz, who previously served as foreign minister, stepped into Gallants role, while Gideon Saar was appointed as the new foreign minister. Meanwhile, Katz also thanked Austin for condemning the difficult events in Amsterdam and for his offer to help if necessary. Clashes erupted overnight in Amsterdam after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, leaving five people hospitalised and 62 arrested, the Dutch police said on Friday Authorities said Israeli fans were systematically targeted by attackers. While the exact cause of the violence remains unclear, both Dutch and Israeli leaders condemned the incidents as antisemitic. Videos also showed Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans during the unrest. With inputs from agencies The warning emphasised that individuals at all levels could be targeted, noting that spies often pose as diplomats, journalists, lobbyists, scientists, or PhD students read more Spying from Chinese and Russian entities has long been a concern in the EU. File image The European Commission has issued an internal memo alerting its staff to the pervasive threat of espionage in Brussels, identifying the city as a major hub for intelligence activities. In the memo distributed Thursday, officials were cautioned that the espionage threat is real, with numerous intelligence officers actively seeking to obtain the EU executives confidential information. The warning emphasised that individuals at all levels could be targeted, noting that spies often pose as diplomats, journalists, lobbyists, scientists, or PhD students, Politico reported. Advertisement Belgian security authorities estimate that in certain embassies, between 10-20 per cent of diplomats are intelligence operatives. Additionally, up to one in five Chinese journalists in Brussels are suspected of being intelligence officers. This alert follows a 2019 caution from the EUs diplomatic service regarding Russian and Chinese espionage activities in the Belgian capital. At that time, staff were warned about spies from Beijing and Moscow frequenting areas near the Commissions headquarters to eavesdrop on conversations. In response to escalating concerns, a comprehensive review of the EUs preparedness for conflict and crises recommended the establishment of a dedicated intelligence agency. This proposal aims to enhance member states capabilities to counteract threats from saboteurs and foreign agents, Politico reported. The recommendation aligns with warnings from Western intelligence agencies and European spy chiefs about the increasing threat of Russian espionage since the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Brussels, hosting numerous international institutions and diplomatic missions, has long been recognized as a focal point for espionage activities. The European Commissions recent memo underscores the necessity for heightened vigilance among its personnel to safeguard sensitive information. The proposed EU intelligence agency would aim to centralize intelligence efforts, facilitating more effective responses to espionage threats and enhancing the security of EU institutions. Advertisement However, the establishment of such an agency would require consensus among member states and careful consideration of national sovereignty concerns. As espionage tactics become increasingly sophisticated, the European Commissions warning serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for robust security measures and awareness among those working within EU institutions. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the southwestern city of Kunming Min Aung Hlaing and said that the military was ready for peace if armed groups would engage read more Chinese Premier Li Qiang (right) and Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing meet in Kunming on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Source: Xinhua. On his first visit to China since seizing power in a 2021 coup, Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing discussed with Premier Li Qiang about the civil war in his country. In his meeting with Li in the southwestern city of Kunming Min Aung Hlaing said that the military was ready for peace if armed groups would engage. The door of peace is always open if they genuinely want peace, a report by the GNLM quoted Min Aung Hlaing as saying. Advertisement The armed insurgents should do what needs to be done instead of giving priority to their needs and wishes, the Myanmars junta chief said. Myanmars junta has been reeling under a major rebel offensive since last year after the latter seized a large area of territory, much of it near the border with China. Since 2021, Myanmar has been racked by conflict between the military and various armed groups opposed to its rule since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyis elected government. Meanwhile, China, which has been a major arms supplier to the junta and provided Myanmar with political backing, is concerned about the chaos unfolding on its doorstep. Chinas state news agency Xinhua said Li had stressed the need to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects in Myanmar. As per Xinhua report, Li did not explicitly back the juntas approach to the civil war. Instead he told Min Aung Hlaing that China supported Myanmar in advancing the political reconciliation and transformation. A report by AFP quoted analysts as saying that China is concerned about the possibility the junta could fall and is suspicious about Western influence among some of the pro-democracy armed groups battling the military. Myanmar is a vital part of Beijings trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative, with railways and pipelines to link Chinas landlocked southwest to the Indian Ocean. Advertisement With inputs from AFP. The woman, named Ahoo Daryaei on social media, has been declared mentally unfit and a troubled individual by the Iranian government after a video of her walking around half-naked at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran became viral read more The female university student who stripped to her underwear in defiance is reportedly admitted to a psychiatric unit in Iran and human rights groups fear that she might be withstanding torture at the facility. The woman, named Ahoo Daryaei on social media, has been declared mentally unfit and a troubled individual by the Iranian government after a video of her walking around half-naked at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran became viral. Advertisement The woman was detained by security guards at the university. A university spokesperson, Amir Mahjob, said on X on Saturday At the police station, it was found that she was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder. Tortured at mental institution Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said that Daryaei had been transferred to a treatment centre after her detention, sparing details of the facilitys location. Amnesty International on Friday said that it has evidence to prove that prisoners are subjected to electric shocks, torture, beatings and chemical substances when they are arrested under the pretext of mental instability. The female student, who has not been formally identified yet, was reportedly protesting after she was physically assaulted by campus security guards at the university for not complying with its dress codes. Terming her transfer to an unknown mental institution kidnapping, the Center for Human Rights in Iran, said, Iranian authorities systematically use involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation as a tool to suppress dissent, branding protesters as mentally unstable to undermine their credibility. We dont view it under a security lens Mohajerani said that the Iranian government is not viewing this issue under a security lens, we are rather looking at it with a social lens and seek to solve the problems of this student as a troubled individual. It is yet too soon to speak of this students return to university. According to a video published by her husband, she needs treatment and that needs to be completed before taking the next steps, Mohajerani added on the governments website. With inputs from agencies Ireland, which has a population of 5.2 million, has faced many of the same challenges of other countries since its last election: the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruptions due to the war in Ukraine and a surge of migrants from overseas. read more Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris makes a statement outside Government Buildings ahead of the Dail being formally dissolved for the General Election scheduled for next Nov. 29, in Dublin Friday Nov. 8, 2024. Image- AP Irelands President Michael Higgins has dissolved Parliament, paving the way for a crucial general election on November 29. This move comes after Prime Minister Simon Harris announced the election date earlier this week, well ahead of the March deadline. The upcoming election will determine the fate of the historic coalition government, led by Harris center-right Fine Gael party and its center-left counterpart Fianna Fail. Since the closely contested 2020 election, this unlikely alliance has held power. Now, the Irish people will head to the polls to decide who will steer the country forward. Advertisement Ireland, with its 5.2 million population, has been grappling with challenges similar to those faced by other nations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic fallout from the Ukraine war, and a significant influx of migrants. We did not agree on every issue but we did always work hard and together for the good of the Irish people, Harris said. The time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, which arose from opposing sides of Irelands 1920s civil war, shared a broadly centrist outlook and had alternated holding power to govern Ireland over the decades. The two set aside their differences in 2020 to work together, bringing the Green Party along as a junior partner. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin served as premier for the first half of the term and was replaced by Fine Gaels Leo Varadkar in December 2022. Harris took over when Varadkar stepped down earlier this year. The left-wing nationalist Sinn Fein party had won the largest share of votes in the election but was shut out of government because it couldnt assemble enough support to govern. Sinn Fein has been shunned by centrist parties because of its historic links to the nationalist militants of the Irish Republican Army and decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Advertisement Sinn Fein said it was fielding more candidates in its effort to lead the government. After a century of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, it is time to make that change, to give Sinn Fein the chance to lead and the chance to deliver, said party President Mary-Lou McDonald. In Sinn Fein you will get a government that will move heaven and earth to make housing affordable, to bring home ownership back into the reach of working people and to restore hope for a generation. Martin said the next five years would be challenging for the Irish economy, noting the impact from global conflicts and a potential change in U.S. trade policy change. Advertisement The greatest threat to the Irish economy is external, and we need experience and we need leadership that has already demonstrated its capacity to weather significant events and shocks to lead us through the next challenging five years, Martin said. Harris said the coalition had protected people during coronavirus, supported Ukraine in its war and weathered the cost-of-living crisis. Housing, immigration and childcare are some of the main issues for voters, he said. He said he was pleased the government had set aside money to weather any future trade shocks. We used to be ridiculed for this, Harris said. This is exactly why we have the buffer that is there, is a trans-Atlantic shock or indeed any other shock to our economy, my children will never have to experience the austerity that our generation did. Advertisement Ireland in 2010 faced national bankruptcy over the cost of saving its failing banks. It adopted an austerity program as one of the conditions for an international bailout but rebounded strongly after exiting the bailout in 2013. With inputs from agencies. While Israel has made progress on ramping up the supply of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, much more remains to be done, said US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin read more Israel has made some progress in getting more humanitarian assistance into Gaza Strip, but much more needs to be done, said US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The comment comes weeks after Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to Israel on October 13 to warn that US support to Israel will be affected if Israel does not allow sufficient humanitarian assistance into Gaza. They have made some progress but more needs to be made, said Austin, as per Reuters. Advertisement In their letter to Israel, Austin and Blinken outlined specific steps, such as allowing at least 350 trucks to enter Gaza a day, implementing pauses in fighting to allow aid delivery, and suspending evacuation orders in areas where no operations are taking place. In recent weeks, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has come under severe criticism and even partners who had not been vocal about it, such as the United States and Italy, have warned of consequences if steps are not taken to improve the situation in Gaza. The concerns arise as Israel has continued with bombings and ground operations in Gaza in a manner that appears to be implementing, at least in part, a controversial plan called Generals Plan. While Major General (Retired) Giora Eiland, who led the group that came up with the plan, maintains it is the only way to win, observers have said it is a recipe to worsen the humanitarian disaster in Gaza to catastrophic levels and would most likely amount to war crimes. The Generals Plan rests on the idea of surrender or starve where everyone in a targeted area, which can be a city or multiple cities in Gaza, would be ordered to leave and then all food and water supplies would be cut off. Then, everyone remaining would be considered a combatant and a legitimate target. The idea is that once food and water have been cut off, the remaining terrorists would either starve or surrender or come out of hiding to make the last stand. Observers have said that civilians would not leave as they have nowhere to go as most of Gaza has already been bombed, including the so-called safe zones. Italy is heavily reliant on foreign trade such as luxury products that have a large market in China. It is also a member of NATO, which China has blamed for provoking the Russia-Ukraine conflict. read more Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella shake hands at a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.- AP Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday amid tensions between NATO allies and Beijings support for Moscow in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two leaders exchanged greetings at a ceremony with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People. Xi acknowledged the 700th anniversary of Marco Polos journey to China, which helped establish cultural, economic, and religious ties between Europe and East Asia. Italy, a NATO member, is heavily dependent on foreign trade, including luxury goods, with a significant market in China. Advertisement Despite political differences over the Russia-Ukraine war, the leaders signed multiple agreements covering culture, technology, and trade without addressing contentious political issues publicly. Italy has withdrawn from Xis signature global Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to deepen Chinas relations with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East through infrastructure investments. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni had declined to renew the agreement, but nevertheless visited China in July. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement party-led government promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. But neither appeared, and investments in Italian ports that were trumpeted in newspaper headlines were never achieved. With inputs from agencies. On the second leg of his two-nation tour, EAM Jaishankar arrived in Singapore on Friday where he met Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward contemporary bilateral partnership read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Singapores Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward contemporary bilateral partnership, with a focus on areas like industrial parks, innovation and semiconductors. Jaishankar is in Singapore on the second leg of his two-nation tour which also took him to Australia. Started my visit to Singapore by meeting DPM & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. Discussed taking forward contemporary partnership, with a focus on industrial parks, green energy, skilling, innovation and semiconductors, Jaishankar posted on X. Advertisement Started my visit to Singapore by meeting DPM & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. Discussed taking forward contemporary partnership, with a focus on industrial parks, green energy, skilling, innovation and semiconductors. pic.twitter.com/QBKw0BGwPH Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 8, 2024 During his day-long visit in Singapore, Jaishankar will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN India Network of Think Tanks. He will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. Moscow summoned a Canadian diplomat to dismiss accusations from Western nations that Russian intelligence services were behind a campaign to mail explosive packages to NATO countries, including Canada. read more Moscow on Friday summoned a Canadian diplomat to reject Western allegations that Russias secret services had orchestrated a campaign to mail explosive packages to addresses in NATO countries, including Canada. In a statement issued on Friday, Russias foreign ministry said that the deputy head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned and handed an official note in connection with the false accusations of alleged planned Russian sabotage against NATO countries. Advertisement Earlier this week, Canadian media said that Ottawa had expressed its concern to Russian officials after Poland and Lithuania announced several arrests as a result of a probe into attempts to send parcels packaged with explosives on cargo flights to the United States and Canada. The deputy head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned and handed an official note in connection with the false accusations of alleged planned Russian sabotage against NATO countries, Russias foreign ministry said. Moscow said the Canadian diplomat was told that these speculations were being spread in a coordinated manner, in the context of the hybrid war being waged against Russia by the West. Russia blasted the allegations as false, unacceptable and part of a provocation being led by the United States. The alleged plot, involving civilian airlines, comes amid growing concern in the West at what it sees as Russias increasingly reckless espionage and sabotage operations inside NATO countries. Russian intelligence services have gone a bit feral, frankly, Richard Moore, head of Britains MI6 secret intelligence service said in September in rare public remarks. With inputs from agencies. The country of 34 million people in southern Africa is on edge, with the presidential palace under heavy guard and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people are locking themselves in their homes. read more A barricade burns Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Mozambique's capital, Maputo,Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in protests that have engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the results of the country's polls which saw the Frelimo party extend its 58-year rule. Photo- AP Following weeks of protests against the ruling party, which has been accused of rigging last months election to extend its 49 years in power, Mozambique has deployed soldiers on the streets to maintain law and order. Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday in the biggest demonstration since the Oct. 9 election. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets. The country, with a population of 34 million remains tense with the presidential palace heavily guarded and security forces patrolling the streets as many residents stay indoors. Advertisement Armed forces spokesperson Gen. Omar Saranga announced the move during a late-night press conference on Thursday, stating that the army would assist police in ensuring public safety. Soldiers had already been stationed in various areas at the time of the announcement. In moments like this, with demonstrations taking place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace, Saranga said. The ruling Frelimo partys candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the leftist partys dominance of Mozambican politics since independence from Portugal in 1975. Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of stuffing ballot boxes and other election fraud, while international observers said there were problems with the vote and it was not free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of rigging national and local elections to keep power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the results of the election, which it must do for them to be recognized. Current President Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo is stepping down after serving the two terms allowed under the constitution. Protests erupted immediately after Mozambiques election, leading to a police crackdown accused of using live bullets against peaceful demonstrators. International human rights groups report at least 20 deaths, though Mozambican rights organizations claim the toll is much higher. Advertisement Tensions escalated further after two senior opposition figuresa lawyer and party spokespersonwere killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen who fired at least 25 rounds at their car. In response, the Southern African Development Community has scheduled a special summit later this month, with Mozambiques situation expected to be a central topic. Meanwhile, neighboring South Africa has closed its primary border crossing with Mozambique and increased security on its side. With inputs from agencies. Leiter, a US native with a doctorate from Haifa University, has held various key positions, including deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief of staff to former finance minister Netanyahu, and interim chairman of the Ports Authority read more Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump appears on a congratulatory billboard for the 2024 U.S Presidential Election, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 6, 2024. REUTERS Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced Yechiel Leiter to be the new Israeli ambassador to the US. The current ambassador, Michael Herzog, has been asked to extend his tenure by a few days until the new president-elect of US Donald Trump assumes office in January. Yechiel Leiter is a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and has a deep understanding of American culture and politics, Netanyahu said in a statement. He added, I am convinced that Yechiel will represent Israel in the best possible way, and I wish him success in his role. Advertisement Leiter, a US native with a doctorate from Haifa University, has held various key positions, including deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief of staff to former finance minister Netanyahu, and interim chairman of the Ports Authority. Earlier this week, the Israeli prime minister in a swiping move fired Yoav Gallant as the defence minister saying that significant gaps in handling the battle in Gaza had prompted the move. Israel Katz, formerly Israels foreign minister, has been appointed defence minister of the country. Netanyahu and his supporters celebrated Donald Trumps election as president, hailing what a leader of the Israeli settler movement called an ally who would support them unconditionally Congratulating Republican Trump, Netanyahu said the former president had made historys greatest comeback. Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America, he said in a statement, which was echoed by the leaders of the hard-right nationalist religious parties in his coalition. With inputs from agencies Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday signed two new laws that reaffirm the countrys maritime territories and its right to access resources, including in the South China Sea. The move angered Beijing, prompting Chinas foreign ministry to summon the Philippine ambassador to China and issue a stern protest read more Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday signed two new laws that reaffirm the countrys maritime territories and its right to access resources, including in the South China Sea. These laws directly challenge Beijings broad territorial claims in the region. The move angered Beijing, prompting Chinas foreign ministry to summon the Philippine ambassador to China and issue a stern protest. The Maritime Zones law illegally includes most of Chinas Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands and related maritime areas in the Philippines maritime zones, Reuters quoted Beijings foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying, using the Chinese names for Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands respectively. Advertisement China has consistently rejected a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which declared its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea to be without legal foundation. The case was brought by the Philippines, and the United States, a close ally of Manila, supports the courts decision. Tensions between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces in the disputed waters of the South China Sea have sharply escalated since last year, raising concerns that the United States Manilas long-time treaty ally could be drawn into a larger conflict. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, signed by President Marcos during a nationally televised ceremony attended by top military and security officials, solidify Manilas rejection of Chinas sweeping claims over nearly the entire sea passage. The new laws impose harsh penalties, including prison sentences and heavy fines, for violators. These signal our resolve to protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity and ensure that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos, The Associated Press quoted Marcos as saying. In a new national map it released last year the Chinese government demarcated its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea with vague dash lines that drew protests and rejections from rival coastal states and government, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The maritime zones act demarcates key parts of the Philippine archipelagos territory and outlying waters where it has full sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippine officials said. Advertisement Those zones include the countrys Exclusive Economic Zone, a 200-nautical-mile (370-kilometer) stretch of water, where a coastal state like the Philippines has exclusive rights to tap energy and other resources. Foreign ships and aircraft have an internationally recognised right known as innocent passage to pass through such a zone, as long as the coastal states security would not come under threat. The archipelagic sea lanes act allows the Philippines to designate sea lanes and air routes in the archipelago where foreign ships and aircraft could transit under its regulation and in compliance with international law. These legal instruments solidify our territory and enhances our ability to protect our country against any infringement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said. Advertisement Marcos said the laws comply with international law and the UNCLOS, but many of their provisions stand in stark contrast to Beijings claims in the South China Sea and would likely be rejected and defied by China. Its unclear how the Philippines could enforce the laws, which take effect 15 days after their publication in the governments official gazette or in a newspaper, given Chinas increasingly aggressive actions to push its claims. Copies of the laws signed by Marcos were not immediately available but a final version of the maritime zones bill stated that all artificial islands constructed within the Philippine EEZ belong to the Philippine government. Advertisement China has transformed seven disputed reefs into what are now missile-protected island bases, including the Mischief Reef, which lies within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone. The law based the Philippines maritime rights on UNCLOS, Philippine laws and a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas extensive territorial claims based on historical grounds. China refused to participate in that arbitration, rejected the ruling and continues to defy it. Its massive coast guard, navy, air force and suspected militia fleets have used water cannons, military grade lasers and dangerous sea and air maneuvers to intimidate rival forces it accuses of straying into what Beijing calls its territory. Advertisement Washington has repeatedly warned that its obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, aircraft or ships come under an armed attack in the disputed waters. With inputs from agencies Unlike many other world leaders who have had telephone conversations with Trump in the wake of his victory, Putin is yet to hold that phone call read more Russia's President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan June 28, 2019. Reuters file After days of speculation about whether he would wish the new president-elect of US, Russian President Vladimir Putin finally came around and congratulated Donald Trump on his win in the US elections. The Russian president, however, did not just stop at a simple congratulatory message. To everyones surprise, Putin called Trump manly for surviving his recent assassination attempt and even said that he was ready to talk to him. Unlike many other world leaders who have had telephone conversations with Trump in the wake of his victory, Putin is yet to hold that phone call. Advertisement I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America, the Russian president said on Thursday. Ill talk but While Putin has furthered the prospect of having a conversation with Trump, he has set a condition for it. The Russian leader said that he would only talk if Trump rang him. When asked the reason why he did not want to take the initiative to call, Putin said, The leaders of Western countries were calling me almost every week at some point, and then suddenly they stopped. If any of them wants to resume contact, I have always said and I want to say again: we have nothing against it. Are Putin and Trump at odds? The late congratulatory message might point towards a hint of discord but Putin and Trump are known to have shared a cordial relationship. Throughout his campaign too, Trump thought highly of the Russian President and in turn, Putin has also taken the Republicans word to end the conflict in Ukraine. In fact, since leaving office in 2020, Trump has spoken to Putin at least seven times. However, there also have been points of contention between the two leaders. Earlier this year, Putin complained that when Trump was in office, there were so many restrictions and sanctions against Russia like no other president has ever introduced before him. Also, relations between Russia and the US have been at an all-time low since the end of the Cold War, with Moscow angered by Western support to Ukraine. With inputs from agencies Russian missiles, bombs and drones battered three regions of Ukraine in targeted nighttime attacks, officials said Friday, as Russia mounts an intensified aerial campaign that Ukrainian officials say they need more Western help to counter even as doubts deepen over what Kyiv can expect from a new US administration. read more This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on November 7, 2024, shows damaged cars in the courtyard of a residential building following a drone attack in Odesa. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE / AFP) At least one person was killed and over three dozen injured after Russian forces intensified their bombing campaign on Ukrainian cities overnight, authorities said on Friday. Throughout the evening and night, terrorists attacked our cities and communities. Missiles, drones and glide bombs were used against the Odesa, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media. It is important to act together and decisively at the international level every time Russia tries to destroy our lives, he said, appealing to allies for more military aid. Advertisement Ukraines air force reported that Russia launched an extensive overnight assault, firing five missiles, 92 drones, and glide bombs across multiple regions. The air force intercepted four missiles and 62 drones, while another 26 drones were jammed electronically. However, the glide bombs, which Ukraine currently has no effective defense against, struck targets with devastating impact. In Odesa, a Russian drone attack killed one person and injured nine, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. In Kyiv, debris from intercepted missiles wounded four, regional governor Ruslan Kravchenko reported. The attacks left widespread damage, underscoring the escalating intensity of Russias aerial campaign. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country needs more help to fight back against Russias military might, even as uncertainty deepens about what Western aid Ukraine can expect after Donald Trump was elected this week as the next US president. It is important to act together and decisively at the international level every time Russia tries to destroy our lives, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. This is the only way to achieve a just peace and stop the deaths of our people. Russia launched about 2,000 drones at Ukraine in October, about one-third more than the previous month, making it the third month in a row that there was a significant rise, the U.K. Defense Ministry said Friday. Russian fire rates have climbed since the middle of the year, it said, adding that the latest high monthly numbers will likely become the norm. Advertisement Fears over US aid Four people were wounded near Kyiv, which had been targeted almost daily over the last month and where AFP journalists heard air raid sirens and at least one explosion echo out over the capital. In the historic Black Sea city of Odesa, one person was killed and nine others were wounded in an attack that damaged residential buildings, authorities said. Later, authorities in the southern region of Kherson, which is also partly occupied, said a 74-year-old man had been killed by Russian shelling. The latest night of deadly strikes comes at a critical moment of the war launched by the Kremlin nearly three years ago. Advertisement Ukrainian forces are losing ground in the east of the country and concerns are mounting in Kyiv over the future of foreign military aid after the victory of Donald Trump in the United States presidential election. Zaporizhzhia city, where authorities said more than 40 people had been wounded in Thursdays strike, has also come under increasing Russian aerial bombardments in recent weeks. Six people were killed in a strike on an industrial sector of the city earlier this week. In late 2022, the Kremlin claimed to have annexed the wider Zaporizhzhia region, alongside the Donetsk region where Russian forces are advancing rapidly, despite not having full military control over them. Advertisement Russian officials in occupied Ukrainian territory in Donetsk meanwhile said that Ukrainian drones had killed two employees of a utilities company. With inputs from agencies. Earlier, Scholz offered to hold them in January so lawmakers have enough time to decide whether to call early elections by March read more German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said that he is ready to discuss the prospect of an early election amid a political crisis. Speaking in Budapest, as his rivals in Berlin called for a vote in January, he urged a calm debate first on what laws can pass parliament this year under his minority government. This could help answer the question of when the right time is for a confidence vote leading to an early election, he said, speaking on the sidelines of an EU summit. Advertisement It would be good if an agreement could now be reached among the democratic groupings in the Bundestag on which laws can be passed this year, the chancellor said. The election date is not a purely political decision, he said, adding that the timing must also allow sufficient time for the organisation of a fair and democratic election. Earlier, Scholz offered to hold them in January so lawmakers have enough time to decide whether to call early elections by March. While the Opposition is demanding early elections, trust in Scholz has hit a new low that has now prompted voters in the country to demand snap polls, according to a recent poll. Signs of discontent began to appear in the coalition after Scholz fired his finance minister Christian Lindner over differences in economic plans. Scholz has already tapped Joerg Kukies, a member of his SPD and a close ally, to be his new finance minister. The political turmoil adds to the troubles Germany is already facing both at home and outside. Economic woes, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House, all are reasons for concern for the German leadership. With inputs from agencies The secret recording reveals Elnur Soltanov, the CEO of Azerbaijans COP29 team, discussing investment opportunities with an individual posing as a prospective investor in the countrys state-run oil and gas sector, according to a report read more Recording of Elnur Soltanov has amplified calls for fossil fuel industry and lobbyists to be banned from future COP talks. AFP The CEO of COP29 has been filmed seemingly agreeing to facilitate fossil fuel deals at the climate summit, intensifying calls from campaigners to ban the fossil fuel industry and its lobbyists from future COP talks. According to a BBC report, a secret recording reveals Elnur Soltanov, the CEO of Azerbaijans COP29 team, discussing investment opportunities with an individual posing as a prospective investor in the countrys state-run oil and gas sector. We have a lot of gas fields that are to be developed, BBC quoted Soltanov as saying. Speaking to the BBC, a former head of the UN body overseeing climate talks called Soltanovs actions completely unacceptable and a betrayal of the COP process. Advertisement Soltanov, who serves as both CEO of Azerbaijans COP29 team and deputy energy minister, is also on the board of the state oil company, Socar. Azerbaijans COP29 team has not commented on the allegations, the report added. Oil and gas make up about half of Azerbaijans economy and over 90% of its exports, according to the report, citing US figures. COP29, the 29th annual UN climate summit, will open in Baku on Monday, where world leaders will discuss climate action. However, this is the second consecutive year the BBC has uncovered potential misconduct by the host government. The BBC obtained documents and secret recordings from the human rights group Global Witness. A representative of the group posed as the head of a fictitious Hong Kong energy investment firm, seeking to sponsor COP29 in exchange for discussions on investment opportunities in Socar. In a recorded online meeting, Soltanov framed the summits goal as addressing the climate crisis and transitioning away from fossil fuels. But he also emphasised that anyone, including oil and gas companies, was welcome to bring solutionsand expressed openness to talks about potential deals, including in oil and gas, reported BBC. Advertisement Initially, Soltanov suggested the potential sponsor might be interested in investing in green transitioning projects with Socar, but quickly moved to opportunities linked to Azerbaijans plans to boost gas production and new pipeline infrastructure. There are a lot of joint ventures that could be established, Soltanov says in the recording. Socar is trading oil and gas all over the world, including in Asia, he added. He also called natural gas a transitional fuel, adding, We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever. According to BBC, while the UNs climate science body acknowledges a role for oil and gas through 2050, it has stressed that developing new oil and gas fields is incompatible with limiting warming to 1.5C. This contradicts global commitments made at the last climate summit to transition away from fossil fuels, the report added. Advertisement Soltanov appeared eager to facilitate the deal, telling the potential sponsor, I would be happy to create a contact between your team and their team (Socar) so that they can start discussions. A couple of weeks later, the fake Hong Kong investment firm received an email from Socar to follow up on the lead. Attempting to broker business deals during COP is a serious breach of conduct expected of COP officials. These events are meant to focus on reducing fossil fuel usenot expanding it. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets strict standards for COP officials, requiring impartiality and fairness. Its code of conduct states that officials must act without bias, prejudice, favouritism, caprice, self-interest, preference or deference. Advertisement Christiana Figueres, who led the 2015 Paris Agreement, told the BBC that she was shocked by Soltanovs actions, calling them contrary and egregious to COPs mission and a treason to the process. With inputs from agencies I believe that it would be irrational for them (North Korea) to decide to wage a nuclear attack against the Republic of Korea and should they do so the nuclear-based ROK-US alliance will immediately strike North Korea with the US nuclear weapon, said South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol read more South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed his countrys steadfast defence posture against the unpredictable North Korean regime, saying that despite Pyongyangs ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapons, South Korea, in close alliance with the US, is fully prepared to retaliate if North Korea were to launch a nuclear attack. In an interview to Newsweek, Yoon also said South Korea could rely on US nuclear weapons to defend the country and did not need its own. Advertisement It is a well-known fact across the globe that the North Korean regime is irrational and unpredictable, but we have been consistent in strengthening our defence posture against the threat from North Korea since the Korean War, and I believe that their conventional capability is much inferior to that of the Korean military. That is why they are sticking to their nuclear programs and advancing their nuclear capabilities, Newsweek quoted Yoon as saying. Yoon said based on South Koreas strong combined extended deterrence, Seoul is prepared for any threats from North Korea and reassured the global community that there was no need to worry about them. If North Korea intends to deliver its nuclear warheads, a fighter jet is not an option, a bomber is not an option because we have a much better air force. Their only option would be ballistic missiles. However, we have our capabilities and we are improving our capability to strike the launching point and to intercept their missiles and to strike their command and control centers, Yoon was quoted as saying. I believe that it would be irrational for them to decide to wage a nuclear attack against the Republic of Korea and should they do so the nuclear-based ROK-US alliance will immediately strike North Korea with the US nuclear weapon, he added. When asked that North Korea accuses the South of provocation, Yoon said, The reason that we are maintaining our defence posture and our readiness against North Korean provocation is to maintain peace. Since the birth of the Republic of Korea, my country has never intended to invade North Korea. Their accusation does not make sense. Advertisement On October 31, North Korea demonstrated its military strength by testing a massive new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19, amid accusations from Washington and Seoul that Pyongyang has deployed troops to support Russia in Ukraine. President Yoon, a conservative, has adopted a tougher stance on North Korea than his recent predecessors, as the regime continues to advance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Seoul is focused on strengthening its alliance with Washington, building on the 70-year security partnership that has gained renewed attention following the re-election of former US President Donald Trump. The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Advertisement With inputs from agencies This incident is one of the deadliest attacks since fighting erupted between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces in April, escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region. read more Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said Friday that more than 60 civilians were killed and hundreds wounded in an army air strike on a displacement camp in North Darfur. The heinous assault destroyed Al-Farouq Primary School, which was sheltering over 35 displaced families in the town of Al-Kuma, a spokesman said on the RSFs official Telegram channel. Hundreds were wounded as a result of the strike, which involved more than seven missiles and bombs. Advertisement As China appears set to miss the 5% annual growth target amid continuing economic woes, the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) has approved a $1.4 trillion (10 trillion Yuan) package to refinance the unsustainable debt of local governments read more In the latest step to revive the sluggish economy, China on Friday announced a $1.4 trillion (10 trillion Yuan) package. The package was announced at a time when China is struggling to boost economic growth. In the last quarter, the Chinese economy grew by 4.6 per cent, which was the lowest since March 2023. This year, China is expected to miss the target of 5% annual growth. The bailout package, announced by Finance Minister Lan Foan and approved by Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC), is aimed at addressing the unsustainable debt of local governments and refinance it. This is the latest in the series of steps China has taken to tackle the slowing economy. Advertisement In recent months, China has cut lending rates, eased cash reserve requirements at banks to spurt lending, and announced multiple rounds of stimulus packages. Beside announcing the $1.4 trillion (10 trillion Yuan) package, the NPC also raised local government debt ceiling to 35.52 trillion yuan, allowing them to issue 6 trillion Yuan in additional special bonds over three years to swap hidden debt, with the option of tapping into another 4 trillion Yuan fund in new special local bond quota over five years, according to Bloomberg. This is the first time since 2015 that China has raised the debt ceiling of local governments in the middle of the year, as per the outlet. Finance Minister Lan said the decision was a major policy decision taking into consideration international and domestic development environments, the need to ensure the stable economic and fiscal operation, and the actual development situation of local governments, as per the ouetlet. Lan estimates the decision can save around 600 billion Yuan in interest payments over five years, making space for resources to boost investment and consumption. In recent years, the Chinese economy has been struck by the collapse of its real estate sector and ballooning debt of local governments. While the debt was already very high before the Covid-19 pandemic on the back of debt-driven growth, it increased further during the pandemic. The bailout package also comes days after Donald Trump won the US presidential election. While China and the United States have been locked in a trade conflict for years, Trump is expected to ramp it up. While President Joe Biden also imposed severe tariffs and trade barriers, Trump has said he could impose blanket tariff of 60 per cent or higher on all Chinese goods. Advertisement Experts have said that the $1.4 trillion package would not be enough and more funding could be announced in December when the Central Economic Work Conference is held, according to The New York Times. Billionaire Elon Musk predicts Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus defeat in the upcoming federal election. His comment follows criticism of Trudeaus policies by Canadian politicians and strained ties between India and Canada due to concerns over extremism and anti-India activities read more Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk, who played a pivotal role in the thumping win of Donald Trump in the 2024 US Presidential election, has now predicted the downfall of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the upcoming general polls in Canada. The Canadian federal election is expected to take place on or before October 20 next year. Trudeau will be gone On Thursday, a user on his social media platform - X - told Musk, we need your help in Canada getting rid of Trudeau. Responding to the post, Musk said, He will be gone in the upcoming election. Advertisement They were reacting to a post that said Germanys socialist government had collapsed and there are now talks about a snap election. Source: Screengrab | X | @elonmusk. Trouble time for Trudeau Trudeau, who has been leading the Liberal Party since 2013, is running a minority government in Canada, with his party currently holding 153 of the 338 seats in Parliament. In the upcoming election, the Canadian PM will primarily face a three-way contest from the Conservative Party (led by Pierre Poilievre) and the New Democratic Party (led by Jagmeet Singh). The election will be a significant test for Trudeau, who has been leading the Liberal Party since 2013. Musks comment likely stems from Trudeaus current minority government status, which makes him more vulnerable to losing power. Pressure on Trudeau continues to mount, especially with his opponents projected to win the upcoming election. Trudeau, who is trailing the Conservatives in polls, has been facing increasing pressure from within his party. Last month, at least 24 lawmakers had set a deadline for Trudeau to resign by October 28 this year. They cited dissatisfaction with his leadership and the partys poor polling result. However, despite the internal turmoil, Trudeau has vowed to stay the course. Aiming for a fourth term, Trudeau confirmed his intent to lead the Liberals in the next election. If he wins, he would be the first Canadian prime minister in over 100 years to secure a fourth consecutive term. The Trudeau-led administration has also been blamed for the souring diplomatic ties with India. New Delhi has repeatedly expressed deep concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has also asked authorities in Ottawa to take action against these activities. Advertisement The ties between India and Canada nosedived after Trudeau made allegations without providing evidence regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau has also come under fire from Peoples Party of Canada Chief Maxime Bernier who took a swipe at him for his continued support of unchecked immigration. With inputs from agencies. The call showed Musks newfound influence when it comes to shaping US-Ukraine relations under a potential Trump administration read more President-elect Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation that also included Elon Musk. File-Reuters President-elect Donald Trump reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of continued support from United States in a phone call Wednesday (November 7). Tech billionaire Elon Musk was a part of the conversation, too. The discussion offered Kyiv some comfort amid questions over Trumps approach to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Zelenskyy, who congratulated Trump on his election win, emerged from the call feeling cautiously optimistic, Axios reported sources as saying. While Trump did not delve into specific policy details or his stated plan to end the war quickly, he signalled a willingness to support Ukraine and maintain communication. Trumps swift outreach to Zelenskyy was seen as a positive signal by the Ukrainian leader, particularly as Russian President Vladimir Putin waits to take Trumps call. Advertisement The call also showed Musks newfound influence when it comes to shaping US-Ukraine relations under a potential Trump administration. Musk affirmed that his company, SpaceX, would continue providing Starlink satellite services to Ukraine, a lifeline for the countrys military communications. Although Musk previously criticised Zelenskyys calls for US aid and proposed a controversial peace plan in 2022, his reassurance on Starlink signals continued support for Ukraines defences. The Biden administration, meanwhile, is pushing to expedite military assistance to Ukraine before Trumps inauguration on January 20, fearing a shift in US policy. Throughout his campaign, Trump pledged to prioritise diplomacy and hinted at ending US military support for Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv and European capitals. Nothing of what Zelensky and his aides heard from Trump and his team in private has been alarming or made us feel that Ukraine is going to be the one who pays the price sources close to Zelenskyys advisers were quoted as saying. The two leaders are expected to continue talks once Trump finalises his foreign policy team, which may include Richard Grenell, former US ambassador to Germany, as a key figure in any Ukraine diplomacy. Despite Trumps reassurances, Zelenskys camp remains vigilant as Kyiv and its Western allies await clarity on the new administrations policy direction. Speaking in Budapest on Thursday (November 8), Zelenskyy said he remains unsure of Trumps exact intentions. If its just fast, it means losses for Ukraine, he warned, reiterating that Kyiv seeks a just peace with long-term security guarantees. Advertisement When Trump first came to power in 2017, thousands of asylum-seekers crossed into Canada between formal border crossings to file refugee claims overwhelmingly at Roxham Road, near the Quebec-New York border read more FILE PHOTO: A young person waits with their families belongings after getting off a bus and waiting for a taxi to cross into Canada at Roxham Road, an unofficial crossing point from New York State to Quebec, in Plattsburgh, New York. Reuters Canadian police and migrant aid groups are bracing for an influx of asylum-seekers fleeing President-elect Donald Trumps United States at the same time Canada deals with record numbers of refugee claimants and is trying to bring in fewer immigrants. The former and now future US president swept to power this week in part on a promise to enact the largest deportation in American history. Canadian police have been preparing for months, said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Charles Poirier on Thursday. Advertisement We knew a few months ago that we had to start prepping a contingency plan because if he comes into power, which now he will in a few months, it could drive illegal migration and irregular migration into (the province of) Quebec and into Canada, he told Reuters. Worst-case scenario would be people crossing in large numbers everywhere on the territory. Lets say we had 100 people per day entering across the border, then its going to be hard because our officers will basically have to cover huge distances in order to arrest everyone. When Trump first came to power in 2017, thousands of asylum-seekers crossed into Canada between formal border crossings to file refugee claims overwhelmingly at Roxham Road, near the Quebec-New York border. Roxham Road is no longer an option: Canada and the US expanded a bilateral agreement so that now asylum-seekers trying to cross anywhere along the 4,000-mile border, instead of only at formal crossings, are turned back unless they meet a narrow exemption. This means people crossing from the US to file claims must sneak across undetected and hide out for two weeks before seeking asylum a potentially dangerous prospect, immigrant advocates say. But they add people are already doing it. When you dont create legitimate pathways, or when you only create pathways where people have to do the impossible to receive safety, you know, unfortunately, people are going to try to do the impossible, said Abdulla Daoud, director of The Refugee Centre in Montreal, which provides services. Advertisement And those numbers are expected to increase. Police are on high alert, Poirier said, prepared to deploy additional resources to patrol the border. Depending what happens that could mean hundreds more officers. It could also mean more cruisers, chartering buses, building trailers and renting land. All eyes are on the border right now. We were on high alert, I can tell you, a few days before the election, and well probably remain on alert for the next coming weeks. Record claims Canada is already dealing with record numbers of refugee claimants: In July, almost 20,000 people filed refugee claims, according to Immigration and Refugee Board data the highest monthly total on record and driven by global displacement, advocates and experts told Reuters. The number has since dipped, to about 16,400 in September, but remains historically high. There are more than 250,000 claims pending, according to the board. Advertisement Canadas government has slashed the number of permanent and temporary immigrants but has less control over how many people claim asylum. Torontos FCJ Refugee Centre already serves dozens of new asylum-seekers a week, its founder Loly Rico told Reuters. Trumps election is going to impact Canada, she said. We will start seeing more people crossing the border, appearing in cities and looking for support. She worries about what will happen in the winter. In 2022, a family of four froze to death trying to cross the border near Emerson, Manitoba. Its going to be a challenge for any refugee in the United States to feel that they belong, and thats why they will start looking what other countries can start giving them protection. Advertisement Canadas attempts to tighten its borders have been a boon to smugglers: People used to pay for help getting to the United States and make their way to Canada on their own, Rico said; now they pay extra to come to Canada overland or by air. Daoud added that ahead of a likely influx, now is the time for Canada to invest in its asylum infrastructure to better support and process people who make refugee claims there. Unfortunately, until the government policy shifts in how they look at this particular issue, theres going to be more of the same. Were not going to be prepared, and its going to be politicized all over again. Advertisement Immigration Minister Marc Miller has said his government has a plan for an asylum-seeker influx but would not give details. Canadas immigration department will continue to prepare and anticipate all possible scenarios, any approach taken will be first and foremost in the best interest of Canada and all those who live here, Millers office wrote in a statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine should stay neutral and not align with Europe or the United States for there to be any peace read more Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Ukraine needs to stay neutral for there to be any peace. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to occupy around a fifth of the country. Putin has justified the invasion by claiming that Ukraine had embraced the West and an invasion was necessitated as it was fast becoming a Western outpost against Russias doorstep. Earlier in 2014, Russia had invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine and annexed it. Advertisement Continuing the yearslong historical revisionism, Putin on Thursday said that Russias recognition of Ukraines borders in 1992 was based on certain conditions that he said Ukraine later violated. If there is no neutrality, it is difficult to imagine the existence of any good-neighborly relations between Russia and Ukraine, said Putin, as per Reuters. Putin said that Ukraine has not been neutral despite the expectation that was behind the recognition of its borders. Instead, Putin said that Ukraine has been constantly used as a tool in the wrong hands and to the detriment of the interests of the Russian Federation. Even though Ukraine is currently neither a member of the European Union (EU) nor NATO, it has said it would eventually join these blocs. Both the blocs have also said that Ukraine would eventually become a member. For there to be peace, Putin said that Ukraine would not just need to drop ambitions to join NATO but would also need to withdraw troops from Ukrainian territories claimed by Russia. In 2022, Russia annexed four regions of eastern and southern Ukraine where both sides continue to fight today. Putin said that Ukraine should not be an instrument of the West and its borders should be decided by Russians living there. Advertisement We are determined to create conditions for a long-term settlement so that Ukraine is an independent, sovereign state, and not an instrument in the hands of third countries, and not used in their interestsThe borders of Ukraine should be in accordance with the sovereign decisions of people who live in certain territories and which we call our historical territories, said Putin. In any sham elections or referendum that Russia holds in Ukrainian territories it controls, the results are bound to reflect Putins intended result. Fierce seasonal winds were casting embers up to three miles (five kilometers) from the seat of the fire around Camarillo, with new spots burning on hillsides, farmland and in residential areas read more Inhabitants on dirt bikes look at the Mountain Fires plume and fire helicopters as it scorches acres, the wildfire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, in Santa Paula, California, on November 7, 2024. AFP Thousands of people were urged to flee an out-of-control wildfire burning around communities near Los Angeles on Thursday, with dozens of homes already lost to the fast-moving flames. Fierce seasonal winds were casting embers up to three miles (five kilometers) from the seat of the fire around Camarillo, with new spots burning on hillsides, farmland and in residential areas. The Mountain Fire grew rapidly from a standing start early Wednesday, and by the following day had consumed 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares), with towering flames leaping unpredictably and sending residents scrambling. Advertisement Weve been up all night watching this. I havent slept, Erica Preciado told one local broadcaster as she drove her family out of the danger zone. Were just trying to get a safe place. I didnt even know what to take. I just have everything in my car, she said, gesturing tearfully to her packed vehicle. A number of houses have been destroyed, some consumed by flames in minutes. One man told broadcaster KTLA he and his family had fled their home of 27 years, finding out later that it had been destroyed. Its all gone, he said, his voice catching. Its all gone. Dawn Deleon described how she had only moments to flee with her six dogs. We watched the neighbors houses burning and figured it was time to get out of there, she said. We left and were just gone for five minutes and went back to get my phone, and the house was already on fire and gone. Ventura County Fire Department officials said they were throwing resources at the blaze in an area that is home to 30,000 people. That included crews on the ground defending homes with hose lines working alongside bulldozers that were trying to remove fuels. Advertisement Helicopter pilots worked throughout the night dropping water, said Ventura County fire captain Trevor Johnson, predicting that the fight would continue for some time. Were going to have an active presence in there for days to come, he told reporters. Hoses ran dry for crews battling the flames at one point late Wednesday, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. He said hundreds of fire trucks had been pumping water all night, putting a strain on resources. We have been fighting fire actively now for 26 hours, and we found all of those fire trucks hooked up to all of those hydrants, and we drained water systems down, he told reporters. Advertisement That affected supplies higher up hillsides, and forced crews to shuttle water up to the blazes. He said while it was not a common problem, it is known to happen in major incidents. Its normal enough that we plan for it, so its impactful, but it will be mitigated, he said. Diminish Damage assessment teams were making their way through areas that had burned in a bid to understand how many properties had been affected. Emergency managers said they did not know how many homes had been lost, but news crews on the ground found dozens in flames or utterly destroyed, with some estimates as high as 100. Advertisement The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but meteorologists had raised a Red Flag Warning in the area, indicating dangerous fire conditions. They said two years of above-average rainfall had sparked abundant growth of vegetation, which was now all bone-dry after a long, hot summer. Seasonal Santa Ana winds from Californias desert interior had brought gusts at one point as high as 80 miles (130 kilometers) an hour, making firefighting conditions exceedingly difficult. Rich Thompson of the National Weather Service said those winds had eased slightly on Thursday, and were expected to drop considerably by the evening. We expect Santa Ana winds gusting from the northeast at about 25 to 35 miles per hour through the afternoon hours, along with humidity dropping down to around 10 to 15 percent, he said. Advertisement Fortunately, by mid-late afternoon, we expect those Santa Ana winds to diminish in strength. Electricity companies had cut power to tens of thousands of customers in the area a common strategy in California during high winds in a bid to reduce the risk of new fires from toppled power lines. In sharp deviation from outgoing US President Joe Biden, a lifelong internationalist, President-elect Donald Trump is a brutal transanctionalist who largely sees the world from the point of view of trade and tariffs read more Even in such polarised times, both the Democrats and Republicans agree that China is an adversary and India is a key partner. However, the approaches they take regarding India and China are quite different. While outgoing President Joe Biden is a lifelong internationalist and believer in American exceptionalism, President-elect Donald Trump is a brutal transactionalist who puts trade and tariffs at the centre of his dealings. With Trump, even as barely anything is certain considering his erratic personality-driven style of governance, there are some certainties that even he cannot change, such as the adversarial relationship with China that cannot be reset to the 2017-level when he first entered White House. He is likely to build on Bidens hawkish China policy with his own tweaks, just like Biden revised Trumps trade-centred policy into a coherent all-round policy. Advertisement Both the Democrats and Republicans acknowledge that the friendship gravy train has long left the station and they firmly have anti-China positions, which are not going to change anytime soon, says Anushka Saxena, a scholar of China at the Takshashila Institution. From Bidens internationalism to Trumps transactionalism Biden took office at a time when the world had been torn apart by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the cover of the pandemic, China was fast firming up an anti-US bloc with fellow authoritarian regimes in Russia, Iran, and North Korea. China had also ramped up aggression everywhere, from subjugating Hong Kong to naked militarism in the Indo-Pacific and fighting India in the Himalayas. Biden set out to not just counter China but to prove that democracies can win collectively over authoritarians. While he ramped up competition with China bilaterally, he also wove new alliances and revitalised older partnerships, such as propping AUKUS, reinvesting in NATO, revitalising Quad, and engaging with Indo-Pacific nations along with like-minded countries like India to counter Chinas hegemonic designs. In sharp contrast, unlike Biden whose foreign policy has been driven by geopolitics and conflict with authoritarians, Trump focuses almost completely on trade. While Bidens solutions have been varied, such as targeted tariffs and interventions when allies and partners are attacked, Trump pitches tariffs as the only solution for everything. While Biden has sought to work with allies and partners as a believer in multilateral frameworks like NATO and Quad, Trump prefers bilateral dealings as he sees himself as a master dealmaker hubris underpinned by him being a dynast businessman. Trump cannot replicate his first terms isolationism now as he would inherit a world in 2025 that is vastly different from the one he had while in office, says Swasti Rao, a Delhi-based scholar of international relations. When Trump first came to power, the competition with China was largely economic. Now, China has taken the gloves off and Trump cannot be a complete isolationist because China and Russia would fill the vacuum that any isolationist approach would create. What wed likely see is a middle ground where the United States would still help partners, but in a transactional manner where Trump would help but only when he sees tangible benefits and not because it is an alliances obligation or it is the right thing to do, says Rao. Advertisement What would Trump 2.0 mean for China? For Trump, trade imbalance is the root of all problems between the United States and China and tariffs are the solution. While there is bipartisan consensus on reducing the trade imbalance, which resulted in implementation of trade barriers during both the Trump and Biden administrations, Trump is set to turn Bidens targeted approach into a blanket approach, says Anushka Saxena, the China researcher at Takshashila Institution. Trump has said that he would put blanket tariffs of 60 per cent or higher on all Chinese goods. He has also said he would bring a reciprocal tariff law. While little can be said conclusively about how Trump would rule considering how erratic he is, we believe he would likely double down on protectionism and economic nationalism. Moreover, he may go after China over the theft of American technology and jobs. This may include a return of initiatives like the China Initiative where he sought to uproot Russian spies in the American research and development fraternity, says Saxena, a Staff Research Analyst at Takshashila. Advertisement The idea is to not get into a spiralling trade war, but to force China to come to the negotiating table where the United States will have a position of strength. Trumps previous trade war resulted in talks that led to a trade deal in 2020 known as Phase One Economic Agreement under which China was to buy additional $200 billion-worth US goods and services over the next two years. This would have served as a stepping-stone for phase two of the trade deal. By 2022, the Phase One Agreement was dead. An analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) found that China did not buy anything it had committed to. Advertisement In the end, China bought only 58 per cent of the US exports it had committed to purchase under the agreement, not even enough to reach its import levels from before the trade war. Put differently, China bought none of the additional $200 billion of exports Trumps deal had promised, noted Chad P Bown, the then-Reginald Jones Senior Fellow at PIEE. However, now as China is facing economic woes, it remains to be seen how Trumps tariffs may affect or how forthcoming China may be in any trade talks that the Trump administration might get into. China could lose as much as 2.5 per cent of GDP if the United States imposes 60 per cent tariffs on all Chinese goods, according to an analysis by investment and financial services firm UBS. Advertisement While countering China is expected to remain a priority under Trump as well, it remains to be seen whether Quad or AUKUS take centre-stage or whether Trump would follow a bilateral tariff-centric approach. Trumps mixed signals on Taiwan & Indo-Pacific Just like Trump has blasted Ukraine for stealing Americans money, Trump has also been critical of assistance to Taiwan, but he has also said that he could impose tariffs on China to the tune of 150-200 per cent if China were to invade Taiwan. Trump presents a paradox on Taiwan as while he has so far indicated that he would not foot the bill for Taiwans defence, it was during his term that Taiwan received most US weapons, says Saxena, the China researcher at the Takshashila Institution. Trump appears to be turning US guarantees into an insurance scheme where Taiwan would need to pay for US security. Beyond such rhetoric, however, lies the fact that when it comes to Taiwans defence, Trump has done more than Biden and Obama combined, says Saxena. There are signs that policy may not actually match the rhetoric. Saxena highlights that senior Republican strategists expected to be part of Trumps incoming administration, such as Elbridge Colby, have argued continually that China is the primary challenger and Taiwan is a major bargaining chip the United States cannot give up on. If the strategic thought dominating Trumps second term is this, then the US support to Taiwan is unlikely to go anywhere, says Saxena. Even as the likes of Colby, who is seen as a probable National Security Advisor (NSA) in Trumps second term, have said the US foreign policy would focus on pivoting to Asia and wrapping conflicts in Europe, international relations scholar Swasti Rao tells Firstpost that it would not be possible for Trump, or anyone for that matter, to focus on just one theatre as the competition is now global. The China-Russia-Iran-North Korea bloc is challenging the United States everywhere. In every theatre, one of these countries have taken up lead and others support it if possible, such as Russia in Europe, Iran in the Middle East, and China in the Indo-Pacific. So, even if Trump would want to withdraw from Europe to focus on the Indo-Pacific, it would not be realistic as he would not be in a position to focus primarily on a single theatre, says Rao. Trumps penchant for bilateral engagement and disdain for multilateralism would put Asean in a tough spot just like the last time. In his first term, Trump put Asean very low on his priority list. If he skips the region again, it would mean that Asean countries would find it difficult to balance between China and the United States, which is exactly what China wants as countries would then drift towards it, says Saxena. How will Trumps transactionalism play out with India? The India-US relationship is so institutional and well-rooted that a change of guard in either country is not going to derail it. In Trumps case, he would bring some immediate short-term relief, which is the reason behind much of the social media frenzy in India around Trumps victory.He is expected to ditch the Democrats rhetoric around human rights. However, the Democrats flagging of human rights concerns are such a minor issue in the bilateral relationship that it is almost inconsequential, says Rao, the Delhi-based international relations scholar. Rao tells Firstpost that Trump would institutionalise quid pro quo as the basis of the bilateral relationship. Trump will be focussed more on what India gives to the United States than what it receives. Just like his first term, tariffs are expected on Indian goods and he is unlikely to overlook the trade deficit for the sake of broader ties and Indias place in countering China. If engagement with India can create jobs in the United States or lead to US exports, then Trump would be glad, but if that does not happen, he may not hold India very dear, says Rao. Trumps dealings with other countries will also affect India. In the first term, Trumps decision on many occasions adversely affected allies and partners as he pursued objectives bilaterally instead of taking partners along like Biden. For one, Trumps failed maximum pressure strategy against Iran bulldozed Indias trade ties with Iran. Moreover, even as much of the attention of social media commentators has lately been on Western criticism on Indias purchase of Russian oil, India never got sanction waivers regarding Russia during the Trump administration. Rao tells Firstpost, Trumps term will test the extent of the India-US relationship and its institutional strength. He is transactional. Unlike Democrats or traditional Republicans like George W Bush, he is not going to overlook trade imbalance for the bigger goals of countering China together or building long-term relations. For him, short-term deliverables matter. But the India-US relationship is so institutional that it would continue to grow anyway. How it grows depends on the extent of strategic convergence that Trump finds with India. Even as the rapport between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been hailed lately, there is no guarantee that India would be able to extract concessions, says Saxena of Takshashila Institution. Neither is there a guarantee that people-to-people ties will flourish, given Trumps hard rhetoric on immigration and on granting H1B visas to non-immigrants for working with US firms, says Saxena. Despite the rhetoric around the bonhomie between Modi and Trump, the India-US ties are headed towards uncertain times under Trump, who can call India a big abuser of free trade and Modi fantastic in the same breath. The India-US relationship is set to grow, owing the institutional strength and bipartisan consensus but whether it grows within the framework of Modis sab ka saath, sab ka vikas (with support of everyone, development of everyone) where both sides prosper or within Trumps extractive America First framework where he extracts maximally from India under his signature transactionalism remains to be seen. In the thursday ruling, the court found that Bidens program violated the US immigration law. The matter was heard in the court after Texas and other states filed a lawsuit questioning the validity of the policy read more In a major blow to US President Joe Bidens administration, a federal judge on Thursday struck down the governments policy to allow unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens to get legal status and a streamlined path to US citizenship. US District Judge J. Campbell Barker called the policy illegal. Interestingly, Barker was appointed to the office by President-elect Donald Trump during his first tenure. In the Thursday ruling, the court found that Bidens program violated the US immigration law, CBS News reported. The matter was heard in court after Texas and other states filed a lawsuit questioning the validity of the policy. Advertisement The ruling came just days after the Democratic party saw a major defeat in the 2024 electoral race between Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris. The Biden administration argued that the policy called Keeping Families Together promoted family unity among mixed-status households. White House stated that roughly half a million undocumented immigrants were likely eligible for the program. What lies ahead Now the US Department of Justice can appeal against the ruling. However, the policy will now be at the crosshairs with the incoming Trump administration. The President-elect has made it clear that he is planning to introduce the countys largest deportation program soon after he assumes office. The Republican firebrand has also separately promised to seal and militarize the US-Mexico border and dismantle Bidens immigration policies. Meanwhile, representatives from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security are yet to deliver a response to the ruling. What the policy was about The Keeping Families Together initiative was introduced by the POTUS in June this year. However, the policy was introduced just weeks after the POTUS took a different executive action to sharply limit asylum along the US-Mexico border. The initiative aimed to give work permits and deportation protections to undocumented immigrants who are married to American citizens and have lived in the US for at least 10 years without committing serious crimes. The policy would have also allowed immigrants to apply for permanent residency, also known as a green card. Three years after holding the green card, if a person is married to a US citizen, they can apply for citizenship. It is pertinent to note that Immigrants who marry US citizens were already eligible for a green card on paper. However, the American immigration law maintained that those who entered the US illegally to leave the country and re-enter legally to be eligible for a green card. But this could trigger a 3 or 10-year exile. Advertisement The Biden administrations initiative was aimed at avoiding this hassle. The program would allow eligible immigrants to apply for a green card without having to leave the country by granting them an immigration benefit known as parole, which effectively cancels out their illegal entry. During the Thursday ruling, Campbell maintained that the Biden administration did not have the legal authority to grant parole to unauthorized immigrants who are already in the US. With inputs from agencies. A day after a devastating defeat, US Vice President Kamala Harris conceded to President-elect Donald Trump with a pledge to keep fighting. The sombre speech was reminiscent of the one delivered by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016, who accepted her loss to the same candidate read more During a sombre event at Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the 2024 US presidential election to the new President-elect Donald Trump. While urging her supporters to not despair, Harris vowed to keep on fighting for the issues she was campaigning for. However, many had a deja vu moment to the time when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a similar concession speech after she lost to the same political rival, the 45th President of the United States of America. Harris thanked her supporters, telling them, My heart is full today as she made the final speech of her campaign. Advertisement Eight years ago, while addressing her supporters at a hotel in New York, Clinton, the then-presidential nominee, said that she feels pride and gratitude despite losing the Electoral College 232-306 to Trump. Heres a look at how the speeches of both the female presidential candidates felt similar. Harris and Clinton urged women and youngsters to keep fighting One of the key issues the Harris campaign focused on this year was womens reproductive rights. I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions and aspirations. Where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body and not have their government telling them what to do, she said. The vice president also reassured young people that things will be okay. To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know its going to be okay. On the campaign, I would often say, When we fight, We win. But heres the thing, sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesnt mean we wont win, Harris averred. The important thing is dont ever give up. Dont ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power. And dont you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before, she added. Clinton in 2016 gave the same kind of reassurance to women and youngsters To the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I havespent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. Ive had successes, and Ive had setbacks. Sometimes, really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too, she said. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for whats right is worth it. Advertisement We need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives. And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion, the former first lady added. How both approached Trumps victory While at the heart of both the speeches was the pledge to keep fighting, both Harris and Clinton approached Trumps victory differently. On the one hand, Clinton offered to work with Trump, Harris focused more on the peoples verdict in the November 5 polls. During the Wednesday address, the 60-year-old Vice President said that she spoke with Trump earlier in the day and congratulated him on his win. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power, Harris said. Advertisement In 2016, Clinton said that he congratulated Trump as well and went beyond saying that she offered to work with him on behalf of our country. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we dont just respect that, we cherish it, Clinton said. One thing common between the two addresses is the fact that both the candidates emphasised the importance of having loyalty to the US constitution rather than having loyalty to one president. In our nation, we owe loyalty, not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution of the United States. And loyalty to our conscience and to our God. My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say, while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign. The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people, Harris said. Advertisement The 2024 US presidential elections showcased that both Clinton and Harris had the same fate. Both were highly qualified women, both were chosen by the Democratic party and both lost the chance to create history to Donald Trump. This begs the question, why is America not ready for a woman to lead the country. US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as the first-ever woman White House chief of staff. Known for her low-profile yet powerful presence, Wiles has guided major Republican victories, including Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Will her disciplined approach and ice maiden reputation bring the stability and cohesion Trumps administration needs? read more Susie Wiles, senior advisor of Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump, attends a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, US, November 3, 2024. File Image/Reuters United States President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to assume this high-ranking position in US history. Known for her political expertise and formidable influence in Republican circles, Wiles appointment marks a significant milestone for women in American politics and points out Trumps continued reliance on her tactical insight. Wiles, a seasoned strategist who has been crucial in Trumps 2016, 2020, and now 2024 campaigns, steps into a role that has seen only male appointees since its creation in the 20th century. Advertisement Susie Wiles journey to the White House Wiles, 67, has built a career that spans over four decades in Republican politics, with an emphasis on Floridas political landscape. Known as a tough, smart, innovative operator, Wiles first gained national attention as a key player in Ronald Reagans 1980 campaign, and she went on to orchestrate victories for high-profile figures, including Florida Governor Rick Scott and former ally, Governor Ron DeSantis. Her deep understanding of Floridas electorate and strategic prowess led her to work on Trumps 2016 campaign, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for their successful partnership. Trump praised her dedication in a statement: Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns. She is, he added, universally admired and respected. Wiles career ascent from state politics to the national stage illustrates her capacity to navigate complex political dynamics, an essential skill as she prepares to assume her new role. Why the role of Chief of Staff is important The position of White House chief of staff is widely regarded as one of the most powerful in Washington, wielding substantial influence due to daily interactions with the president. Traditionally, the chief of staff oversees the Executive Office, manages the flow of information to and from the Oval Office, directs policy development, and serves as a gatekeeper, controlling access to the president. Author Chris Whipple, in The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency, stated the significance of the role, noting that chiefs of staff are often responsible for grunt work just a whole lot of blocking and tackling as they implement the presidents agenda. Advertisement Also Watch: With Trump going through four chiefs of staff during his first term Reince Priebus, John Kelly, Mick Mulvaney, and Mark Meadows the turnover highlighted the challenges of managing an unconventional and often unpredictable president. Wiles now steps into this demanding role with a clear mandate to bring stability and discipline to the White House, qualities her peers have frequently cited as her strengths. Why Susie Wiles is unique Despite her accomplishments, Wiles is known for avoiding the limelight. When Trump invited her to the podium during his victory speech, she chose to remain in the background. Trump acknowledged this during his speech, calling her the ice maiden. As he put it, Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you. Her reluctance to be front and center is matched by her reputation as a highly respected but intensely private figure. Susie is a tremendous advocate for DJT and a great boss, CBS quoted one Trump adviser, adding, She knows how to bring people together. Advertisement Susie Wiles reacts as Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump speaks, following early results from the 2024 US presidential election in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, November 6, 2024. File Image/Reuters Republican strategist Ford OConnell echoed similar sentiments, calling Wiles a strong woman and a true leader with a proven track record of getting things done. Wiles aversion to publicity contrasts with her high-profile accomplishments, including helping Governor DeSantis secure his position in Florida a relationship that later soured, leading her to join Trumps camp. As her allies note, Wiles ability to bring people together could prove instrumental as she mediates among the personalities and egos within Trumps administration. What challenges lay ahead for Susie Wiles Her appointment is not without challenges. The White House chief of staff role is known for its intense workload, requiring relentless oversight of staff, policy direction, and legislative negotiations. Wiles responsibilities will include managing senior staff, designing the White House staff system, and directing the presidents policy agenda. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again, Trump said in his statement, expressing his belief that she will excel in this demanding position. Advertisement Also Read | Trumps second term dream team: Whos set to shape his next Cabinet? As part of his second administration, Trump is expected to select familiar faces for top positions, with Wiles taking on a key role in shaping the next chapter of Trumps legacy. Alongside Wiles, Chris LaCivita another respected Republican strategist was instrumental in executing Trumps disciplined 2024 campaign, proving that a cohesive approach could help Trump maintain focus as he reenters the White House. In addition to her leadership role, Wiles will work closely with an anticipated slate of veteran Trump allies, including potential appointees like former US Ambassador Richard Grenell and New York Representative Elise Stefanik. Both figures have been mentioned as candidates for senior positions, such as secretary of state and UN ambassador, respectively. Advertisement Not the top glass ceiling, but Susie Wiles still joins the history books Wiles appointment is historic not only for her own career but for American women in politics. As the daughter of renowned sportscaster Pat Summerall, she grew up watching a different generation of Republicans shape the party. Wiles herself described this transformation, noting in a recent profile by Politico, In my early career things like manners mattered, and there was an expected level of decorum. She acknowledged that the Republican Party has evolved, remarking, There are changes we must live with in order to get done the things were trying to do. Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump shakes hands with his senior advisor Susie Wiles as he speaks, following early results from the 2024 US presidential election in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, November 6, 2024. File Image/Reuters In addition to being a role model, her position symbolises the strides women have made within the GOP, opening the door for future generations. As the first female chief of staff, Wiles role will be scrutinised, celebrated, and may well inspire future political operatives who seek to navigate politics in Washington. With inputs from agencies President-elect Donald Trump appointed Susie Wiles, his 2024 campaign manager, as White House Chief of Staff. The 67-year-old Republican kingmaker will be the first woman to hold the post read more Just two days after winning the 2024 US presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump appointed campaign manager Susie Wiles as the new White House chief of staff on Thursday. With the announcement, Wiles will become the first woman to serve the post. Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns, Trump said in a statement. The Florida native is Trumps first key White House appointment as the Republican firebrand gears up to assemble his team. Advertisement Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected," he added. The 67-year-old was at the helm of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign and is touted as the most respectable operative in Republican politics. Susie Wiles: GOPs unsung king maker Before joining Trumps campaign, Wiles worked as his state director in Florida during his 2016 and 2020 bids for the office. In the past, Wiles has also helped Florida Senator Rick Scott to win the state governor race in 2020. While the Trump administration was struggling during the midterms, Wiles was brought in to help save the 2018 campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who won that race after initially floundering. After Trumps thunderous victory over US Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 polls, Wiles was considered to be the frontrunner to be the White House chief of staff. If she wants it, its hers, a Trump adviser told NBC News just hours before Trump made the announcement. Her standing with Trump and what she just pulled off [winning by a huge margin], makes it an easy choice if she wants it," the adviser furthered. Wiles started her career in Republican politics back in the 1970s. She was assistant to Jack Kemp in the House in 1979, and served as a personal secretary to former Labor Secretary Raymond Donovan during the Reagan administration. She has also served as a top staffer to Republican mayors John Delaney and John Peyton. Advertisement I dont curse. Im polite: The woman behind Trumps rise to glory Wiles entered the orbit of the president-elect ahead of the 2016 US presidential election when Trump was looking for someone to help him navigate through Florida, which was a purple state at that time. Im told you know something about Florida, Trump told Wiles when they first spoke on the phone, NBC News. Interestingly, Wiles has also worked in the private sector for the lobbying firm Ballard Partners, and Mercury, a public affairs firm. She remained with Mercury throughout the 2024 presidential contest. While Wiles is yet to respond to her appointment, she is known to be a polite operative. Advertisement In a rare interview with Politico, published in April, Wiles explained how she came from a very traditional background. In my early career things like manners mattered and there was an expected level of decorum. And so I get it that the GOP of today is different," she recalled. There are changes we must live with in order to get done the things were trying to do. I havent, and likely wont, fully adapt. I dont curse. Im polite. Its not who I am. But people either know that Im a solid person, and I hope many do, or they dont and judge me by my work for President Trump, she added. Advertisement She took offence when she was asked what she would say to someone who likened her role as a senior aide to Donald Trump to one of historys most notorious aiders and abettors. I would turn my back and walk away. I wouldnt answer it. Because its vile. It doesnt deserve a response. They dont know the inner workings of Trump world. They dont know. And so they dont have a right to judge in that way, in my opinion, and Im not going to dignify it. Im not," she averred. With inputs from agencies. The Justice Department on Friday announced federal charges against three individuals involved in foiled Iranian plots to assassinate Donald Trump and Iranian-origin US citizen before the presidential election, according to a report read more The Justice Department on Friday announced federal charges against three individuals involved in foiled Iranian plots to assassinate Donald Trump and Iranian-origin US citizen before the presidential election. According to a CNN report, citing the Justice Department, court documents show that in September, Iranian officials instructed one of the suspects, Farhad Shakeri, to surveil and ultimately kill Trump. Shakeri remains at large in Iran, added the report. This is a newly revealed plot and adds to the growing list of alleged assassination attempts on Trump by the Iranian regime Advertisement According to the report, prosecutors allege that Shakeri, who was involved in recorded conversations with law enforcement, was initially assigned by Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out assassinations of US and Israeli citizens within the US. However, on October 7, IRGC officials directed him to focus solely on Trump, giving him seven days to devise a plan, reported CNN, citing the court documents. Shakeri told investigators that if he failed to come up with a plan in time, the IRGC would delay the operation, assuming Trump would lose the election. The two other individuals charged, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathon Loadholt, both US citizens, were arrested in New York for aiding the Iranian government in surveilling a separate US citizen of Iranian origin. They appeared in court Thursday and are being held pending trial. In statements, Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the ongoing threats from the Iranian government against individuals in the US. There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, CNN quoted Garland as saying. Advertisement The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Irans assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump, Garland added. With inputs from agencies Donald Trumps win over Kamala Harris has had an unexpected result: Women in the US are turning to South Korean feminism a fringe 4B movement. This activism boycotts men completely no dating, no mating and no marriage. Heres how its growing in America read more Women protest against Donald Trump in Los Angeles. The return of Trump has made many women wary, with some choosing to be part of the 4B movement. File image/AFP When Kamala Harris took the podium at Howard University to concede defeat to Donald Trump at the United States presidential polls, many women in the crowds could be seen weeping; weeping that their supported candidate lost, weeping that the US elected Donald Trump, again, and weeping that their wait for America to break its ultimate glass ceiling would have to be longer. But it isnt just women in the crowds who are dejected and disappointed. Many women in the US are also saddened by the results of Election Day. However, they arent sitting on their disappointment; some women are now resorting to a unique form of protest they are exploring an idea called 4B, a protest movement in South Korea that calls for women to boycott men. Advertisement But what does the movement stand for and why are people talking about it after Trumps election win? What is the 4B movement? The 4B movement, a radical feminist programme, began in South Korea in 2017 and 2018 in line with the countrys MeToo movement. It also finds roots in the earlier Escape the Corset movement, which called for participants to cut their hair short or shave their heads, give up makeup, and abandon overtly feminine clothes. The 4B stands for four Korean words beginning with bi or no in English: bihon means no heterosexual marriage; bichulsan means no childbirth; biyeonae means no dating; and bisekseu means no heterosexual sexual relationships. Simply put, followers of the movement dont date, marry, have sex or have children with men, effectively boycotting a system they feel perpetuates gender inequity. South Korean women stage a protest against secretly-filmed spycam pornography in Seoul. File image/AFP But why did such a movement arise in South Korea? There are multiple reasons. Firstly, South Korea society is known to have strict gender norms and stringent beauty standards. Then came the spycam epidemic in which perpetrators filmed targets most of whom were women during sex or while urinating in public bathrooms without their knowledge or consent. These videos were sold and exchanged by men on Discord, and women didnt know how many men had taken part, and if any of the men in their lives had, Min Joo Lee, an assistant professor of Asian studies at Occidental College told The Guardian. There was a general sense of, Who can I trust? And before I regain my trust in men, I need to refrain from contact with them. Another driving force for the 4B movement was the arrest of a woman in 2018 when she photographed a nude male model in her art class after he declined to cover his genitalia during a class break, sharing the pictures on the internet to shame him. She was tried and sentenced to 10 months in prison. Advertisement This angered many women in the country, who alleged that this was the epitome of double standards. Men who committed crimes against women were ignored or given a slap on the wrist, while women who committed those same crimes against men got the book thrown at them. What is the impact of 4B in South Korea? The full impact of the 4B movement in South Korea remains unknown largely, but many believe that it could be one of the reasons why South Korea is struggling with the lowest fertility rate in the world. In fact, in 2021, President Yoon Suk-yeol said that feminist movements were blocking healthy relationships between men and women in the nation. South Korean women having their heads shaved during a protest as part of the 4B movement. File image/AFP Activists in the 4B movement also said that it encourages women to find solidarity with each other. Haein Shim, a South Korean activist and current undergraduate researcher at Stanford Universitys Clayman Institute for Gender Research, was quoted as telling The Guardian, Its a new lifestyle focused on building safe communities, both online and in-person, and valuing our existence in this crazy world. What we want is not to be labelled simply as some mans wife or girlfriend, but to have the independence to be free from the societal expectations that often limit womens potential to be fully acknowledged as human beings. Advertisement How has 4B come to the US? Shortly after Trumps win in the US presidential election, Google searches for the 4B movement rose steadily across the US there was a 450 per cent spike for the term, with most interest being recorded from Washington DC, Colorado, Vermont and Minnesota. Some American women also took to social media platforms to post about it. The 4B movement is gaining momentum in the US, women are declaring a sex strike nationwide. We also encourage you all to ghost MAGA men and encourage those around you to cease direct communication with them. Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) November 7, 2024 Ladies, we need to start considering the 4B movement like the women in South Korea and give America a severely sharp birth rate decline, an X user said in a message that has been viewed more than eight million times as of Wednesday evening. The user added, We need to bite back. The women in South Korea are doing it, another X user wrote in message thats been viewed more than a million times. Its time we join them. Men will NOT be rewarded, nor have access to our bodies. American women are posting similar messages on TikTok too. One such user wrote, Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my Republican boyfriend last night & officially joining the 4b movement this morning. Advertisement In another video, a woman exercises on a stair climber machine. Building my dream body that no man will touch for the next four years, reads the caption. The top comment on her post: In the club, we all celibate. Daria Yazmiene, a freelance writer, in a Popsugar report explained why she would be joining the 4B movement. She wrote, I was looking forward to going out more and meeting someone the old-fashioned way, but now Im on high alert knowing that most men who voted, voted for Trump. It just feels irresponsible and unsafe to have a partner right now Trumps election has proven that misogyny and misogynoir are deeply woven into the fabric of our society. A supporter of Kamala Harris weeps as she concedes the 2024 US presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump, at Howard University in Washington. Reuters Why are US women opting for 4B in the US? Calls in favour of the 4B movement among American women have grown owing to the disillusionment and concern that many women have after Trumps victory. They express concern that with Trumps win their reproductive rights will dwindle. Trump has flip-flopped on his stance on a nationwide abortion ban, previously supporting legislative efforts to institute one and also saying that the issue should be determined by the states. As Michaela Thomas, a 21-year-old artist who lives in Georgia, explained to the Washington Post that 4B is simply a way to show people that actions have consequences. Young men expect sex, but they also want us to not be able to have access to abortion. They cant have both, she said, referring to many Republican leaders antiabortion stance. Young women dont want to be intimate with men who dont fight for womens rights; its showing they dont respect us, she added. Some women also said that their interest in the movement can also be attributed to Trumps misogynistic view of women. Who can forget that infamous video of Trump discussing women, saying that he could grab em by the pussy in a leaked Access Hollywood interview with Billy Bush in 2005. Theres also his supporters, many of them being far-right in their thinking. For instance, theres Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist who has praised Hitler, who wrote on X after Trumps win, Id just like to take the opportunity to thank men for saving this country from stupid b****es who wanted to destroy the world to keep abortion, and, Your body, my choice. Forever. If these are the views that men currently hold in the US, its no wonder that women are seeing value in movements like 4B and want to steer clear of dating. With inputs from agencies Beyond the primary players in South Asia, Trumps previous administration exhibited limited engagement with countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives read more On his first day back on the diplomatic front, former US President Donald Trump reached out to several world leaders setting a distinct tone by speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This initial outreach highlights Trumps nontraditional approach to diplomacy, diverging from the conventional order of contacting traditional Western allies firsta sequence his successor Joe Biden adhered to in 2020, prioritising calls with leaders from Canada, the UK, France and Germany. Advertisement This unconventional choice of partners points to Trumps apparent pivot toward Asia, emphasising his interest in strengthening ties with nations beyond the Western sphere. By reaching out to India and Saudi Arabia right away, Trump signalled his intent to prioritise strategic partnerships in Asia, potentially reshaping Americas foreign policy focus. Trumps bond with India and Modi In his conversation with Modi, Trump showered India and the prime minister with praise, calling India a magnificent country and Modi a magnificent man. He expressed a desire to work together for global peace, highlighting his vision of a robust India-US India alliance. This rhetoric aligns with Trumps past statements but should be examined critically, given his inclination for grand gestures that dont always translate into substantive policy shifts. How Trumps return could shape Pakistan relations Trumps return to the White House could signal a stark shift for US-Pakistan relations. During his previous term, he took a hard line against Pakistan, publicly accusing it of harbouring terrorist groups, including the Taliban. In a particularly direct statement, Trump remarked, We can no longer be silent about Pakistans safe havens for terrorist organisations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond." In 2018, Trump cut off significant military aid to Pakistan, stating aid would only resume if Pakistan demonstrated a commitment to combatting terrorism. This move sparked outrage in Pakistan, where effigies of Trump were burned in protest. The situation has evolved under President Biden, who resumed some military assistance to Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling a warming of ties. Trumps comeback may disrupt this progress, as hes unlikely to overlook what he perceives as Pakistans double game on terrorism. Advertisement We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting but that will have to change and that will change immediately, President-elect Trump said. Bangladesh on the radar Trumps attention has also turned toward Bangladesh, where he recently criticised the interim regime for its handling of minority rights, calling out the chaos and the attacks on Hindus and other minorities. This contrasts sharply with Bidens approach, as the current administration has cultivated a warm relationship with prominent Bangladeshi figures, including Nobel laureate and microfinance pioneer Mohammed Yunus. Yunus, a favourite of US Democrats, was honoured by former President Barack Obama and has close ties with the Clinton family, reflecting a friendly rapport between the current US administration and Dhaka. Advertisement Under Trump, however, this relationship could face challenges. Yunus has already reached out to congratulate Trump on his return, expressing a desire for stronger ties. Yet the change in administration may bring uncertainty, particularly as Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshs embattled former prime minister, recently issued a congratulatory note to Trump, despite her precarious political standing. Will the Taliban see a second chance? Another surprising actor hoping for a revived relationship under Trump is the Taliban. After Trump negotiated the historic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2020, the Taliban are now cautiously optimistic about Trumps return, suggesting they expect realistic policies moving forward. While Trumps 2020 deal with the Taliban garnered global attention, it also underscored his willingness to negotiate with unconventional leaders. His approach to diplomacyeven with adversariesdemonstrates an openness to dialogue, a pattern also seen in his meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Advertisement Other South Asian nations: A limited focus Beyond the primary players in South Asia, Trumps previous administration exhibited limited engagement with countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives. Biden, by contrast, had been investing diplomatic capital in these nations, hosting key figures like the Maldivian foreign minister to strengthen bilateral ties. However, it remains uncertain if Trump will continue such engagements. Historically, his administrations South Asia focus was largely limited to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Expecting the unexpected: The Trumpisms factor A return to the Trump era may also mean more off-the-cuff comments and unconventional diplomatic moves. His previous offers to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan along with jabs at Indias development efforts in Afghanistan, exemplify his unique style of diplomacy. Such unpredictability may shape his approach to South Asia in unexpected ways, reinforcing his reputation for few filters and fewer red lines. Advertisement As Trump steps back into the global diplomatic arena, his priorities and alliances remain in flux, promising a presidency that will likely be as unfiltered and unpredictable as the last. With his second term secured, President Donald Trump is gearing up to tackle the pressing issues that defined his campaign. From revitalising the economy through increased domestic energy production to implementing aggressive immigration policies, his administrations opening agenda promises a dramatic shift from the previous administrations priorities. Heres a look at what Trumps first 100 days in office might bring, starting with a bold day one action plan. Day One: Drill, Baby, Drill Advertisement Energy independence was one of Trumps key pledges and he plans to hit the ground running by aggressively expanding domestic oil production. His commitment to Drill, baby, drill means cutting bureaucratic red tape around drilling permits and fast-tracking pending pipeline projects. Hes vowed to increase offshore drilling rights, pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Accord to signal a pivot away from green policies. Were gonna, first day, first hour, we can do many things in the first, but first, were going to drill, baby, drill, said President-elect Trump. This energy-first approach is a stark contrast to Joe Bidens climate-centric policies, indicating a return to traditional energy practices. Trumps promise to kick-start oil and gas production on day one marks a revival of fossil fuel exploitation, with the aim of reducing energy costs and reviving drilling jobs. Day One: Tackling illegal immigration with a two-pronged approach Illegal immigration has long been a pillar of Trumps platform. On his first day, he intends to launch the largest deportation program in American history. His goal is to remove undocumented migrants across the US, a daunting task that would leverage the Alien Enemies Act of 1798an antiquated law Trumps team believes could enable sweeping deportation measures. Ill invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Did you know that I had to go back that far? We couldnt find anything because modern day politicians, even sort of old. Nobody had the courage of these original people, he said. The second part of his immigration plan involves enlisting Mexicos cooperation. Trump plans to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait across the border while their applications are processed. To pressure Mexico into compliance, hes promised to impose a 25 per cdent tariff on Mexican imports if they dont curb the flow of migrants and drugs across the border. Trump is banking on this tough stance to deter future immigration attempts. Advertisement But now we have a new president in Mexico. I suppose a very, very nice woman. They say I havent met her. And Im going to inform her on day one or sooner that if they dont stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, Im going to immediately impose a 25 per cent tariff on everything they send in to the United States of America, the US President-elect said. Preparing executive orders for immediate action Trumps team has been preparing for this transition, drafting executive orders to execute his agenda without delay. With his allies at work behind the scenes, these executive orders would allow Trump to fast-track his energy and immigration plans, while also setting the stage for new tax cuts aimed at stimulating economic growth. Advertisement Potential Congressional support A Republican-controlled Congress would offer Trump a favourable environment to advance his agenda through legislative means. Having regained control of the Senate and possibly retaining the House, Trumps administration could achieve a legislative trifecta, paving the way for swift policy changes. High on the agenda are tax cuts, a move expected within days of taking office, as Republican leaders have already signaled their intent to prioritise economic policies that would include reduced taxes for both corporations and individuals. Beyond day one: Focussed goals for the first 100 days While energy, immigration and tax reforms are expected to dominate Trumps first days, other issues will also come into play. Trump has signaled an intent to realign foreign policy, addressing issues like border security with renewed vigour. These first 100 days are set to showcase Trumps readiness to implement his promises with a robust lineup of executive actions and potential legislative support. Advertisement With preparations in motion, the Trump administrations initial goals are clear: boost domestic energy production, implement aggressive immigration control and offer tax relief. For his supporters, these actions align with his core promises, setting the tone for a second term that looks to fundamentally reshape US policies across key areas. Donald Trump is president-elect. His term will begin at noon on January 20 after he takes oath to the office. But before that several formalities need to be completed read more Donald Trump attends his campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, US, November 5, 2024. Reuters/File Photo Donald Trump is set to make a remarkable return to power following his victory in the US presidential election on Tuesday over Kamala Harris, though his inauguration is still over two months away. The 78-year-old won after a heated campaign marked by two assassination attempts and Kamala Harriss late entry, following US President Joe Bidens surprise withdrawal from the race. Before Trump formally takes office, several steps remain, including the congressional certification of election results - a process that Trump supporters previously sought to disrupt by storming the US Capitol nearly four years ago after his loss in the 2020 election. Advertisement ALSO READ | Whats next for Donald Trump as he prepares to enter the White House? President-elect Trump will be inaugurated on January 20, as the Constitutions 20th Amendment mandates. Following the swearing-in, the president-elect officially assumes the presidency and moves into the White House after the ceremony. Heres a look at the process American democracy follows between Election Day and the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025: A visit to the White House The date remains unconfirmed. While the final vote tally is pending, Trump has secured the necessary Electoral College votes for the presidency, and Harris has conceded. Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, November 6, 2024. Reuters The present US President, Joe Biden, has already invited his successor to the White House. Trumps team has stated that the visit will take place shortly. After Trumps victory over Harris, the White House released a statement stating that Biden has committed to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasised the importance of working to unite the country. The statement also mentioned that Biden has spoken with Harris. The meeting is likely to be awkward. Trump, in 2020, neither invited Biden to the White House nor conceded defeat. After months of sharp jibes at each other, including Trumps frequent criticism of Biden as the worst president in US history, the two will soon appear together before the cameras at the White House. ALSO READ | Why Donald Trumps return to power could make living in America costlier The transition process The transition process is underway. Staffing such a large administration is a gradual task, but preparations have begun. Although the new administration will experience a complete revamp, Trump has a clear vision for what he wants to achieve. After building an administration in his first term, he now has concrete plans for what he would change this time around. Advertisement Team Trump has named Linda McMahon, his former small business administrator, and businessman Howard Lutnick as transition co-chairs, and they have said the president-elect will start announcing personnel in the days and weeks ahead. Discussions are already ongoing around two potentially controversial appointments in the new administration. Trump has suggested he may appoint tech entrepreneur Elon Musk as an advisor on government efficiency, and anti-vaccine Robert F Kennedy Jr to oversee health and food policy. Key cabinet positions, including secretary of state, will require Senate confirmation, where Republicans hold a majority. However, the transition is not just about filling jobs. During this period, presidents-elect typically start receiving intelligence briefings. Advertisement State certification December 17. This step has previously faced scrutiny by Trump and his supporters, particularly during the 2020 election. Each of the 50 states, along with Washington, conducts a thorough review of ballot counting and aggregation to address any irregularities or controversies before the safe harbour deadline on December 11. Technically, voters do not directly cast ballots for a presidential candidate but for electors, who represent the Electoral College. After the election, these electors meet to vote for president and vice president. Once each state verifies a complete and accurate record of its election, the electors are required to meet - in this case, on December 17 - to cast their votes and certify the election results for their state. Advertisement Four years ago, Trumps allies tried to cast doubt on this process, pressuring local officials to refuse certification. Ultimately, these efforts were unsuccessful. Congressional certification January 6. At this point, the process shifts to Washington, where the ballots are formally delivered to the US Capitol. A joint session of Congress then counts the electoral votes. As president of the Senate, the US vice president is responsible for certifying the final outcome of the election. This may lead to another awkward moment, with Harris tasked with certifying the victory of the Republican who defeated her. The last certification on January 6, 2021, was a dark day for the country, as thousands of rioters stormed the Capitol to stop the certification amid Trumps repeated claims of election fraud. Advertisement Lawmakers were forced to take shelter, but the process was ultimately completed, with Trumps Vice President Mike Pence certifying Bidens 2020 victory. ALSO READ | Can Donald Trump run for president again in 2028? Inauguration January 20. Donald Trump takes the oath of office with his wife Melania, and children Barron, Donald Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany at his side, during his inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, January 20, 2017. Reuters/File Photo According to the US Constitution, the presidents term begins that day at noon when they take the oath of office. When Trump raises his right hand, he will become the 47th president. In 2021, Trump broke with modern tradition by not attending Bidens inauguration. However, Biden is unlikely to do the same. The inauguration ceremony is traditionally held outdoors, and since 1981, it has taken place on the west front of the US Capitol. With inputs from AFP Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musks estranged transgender daughter voiced her discontent following Donald Trumps presidential election victory. The 20-year-old announced her intention to leave the US, declaring she no longer sees a future in the country. Wilsons statement is in stark contrast to her father, a vocal Trump supporter who donated millions to his campaigns read more The father-daughter relationship has deteriorated, particularly after Wilson, legally changed her name and distanced herself from Musk in 2022. Image courtesy: X, Reuters Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musks estranged transgender daughter, recently voiced her discontent following Donald Trumps presidential election victory. Disturbed by Trumps potential impact on LGBTQ+ rights, Wilson announced her intention to leave the US, declaring she no longer sees a future in the country. In a candid post on Threads, she wrote, Ive thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me. I dont see my future being in the United States. Even if hes only in office for 4 years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically dont happen, the people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon. Advertisement Wilsons statement underscores her stark ideological rift with her father, Elon Musk, a vocal Trump supporter who donated millions to Trumps campaign. The father-daughter relationship has deteriorated, particularly after Wilson, legally changed her name and distanced herself from Musk in 2022. So, what went wrong? Heres a closer look. Musk a uncaring, narcissistic father The 20-year-old Vivian Jenna Wilson is one of the six children that the billionaire has had with his first wife, Canadian author Justine Musk. The couple got divorced in 2008, and Wilson said her parents shared their custody. In 2022, Wilson came out as transgender and filed a petition in California court to change her birth name, Xavier. She also broke ties with Musk, stating in documents that she doesnt wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form. Wilson further said Musk was cold to her. She told In an interview with NBC News earlier this year, Wilson said Musk was never a supportive father and was absent throughout her childhood. She said even though he had half custody of her, he was there for just 10 per cent of the time and that was a generous assessment. I was in fourth grade. We went on this road trip that I didnt know was actually just an advertisement for one of the carsI dont remember which oneand he was constantly yelling at me viciously because my voice was too high, Wilson recounted in the interview. It was cruel. Wilson further said Musk was cold to her. She told NBC that he left her and her siblings with either their mother or nannies and berated her when he was there. Advertisement He was cold. Hes very quick to anger. He is uncaring and narcissistic, she said. Wilson then accused her father of giving her a hard time as a child for being queer and feminine. Also read: Elon Musks trans daughter took puberty blockers: What are they? Killed by the woke mind virus In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk said that she lost his son. Referring to Wilson by her gender assigned at birth and her former name, he said his son was dead, killed by the woke mind virus. Musk further claimed that he was tricked into approving the gender-affirming treatment for Wilson. I was tricked into doing this. It wasnt explained to me that puberty blockers are actually just sterilisation drugs. I lost my son, essentially. They call it deadnaming for a reason. The reason they call it deadnaming is because your son is dead, so my son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus. Advertisement Gender-affirming tests are legal in the United States and people under the age of 18 do require parental consent. Wilson shot back soon, dismissing her fathers claims of being tricked. She said Musk studied the consent forms at least twice. Elon Musks estranged daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson is having fun on TikTok. pic.twitter.com/XGPxEdKYEl Miss Jilianne (@MissJilianne) August 8, 2024 She said that he studied the forms once in her presence and once more by himself before signing them. He was not by any means tricked. He knew the full side effects, she told NBC. In 2020, at age 16, Wilson sought treatment for severe gender dysphoria, requiring the consent of both parents under California law. While her mother was supportive, Musk initially resisted. Wilson recalled that it took several months of texting Musk before he insisted on a face-to-face discussion. She noted that their relationship had already become tense by that point, describing a very distinct disdain for each other. Musk said the experience made him an ardent opponent of gender-affirming care and fueled his quest to destroy the woke mind virus. Elon Musk speaks as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump looks on during a rally at the site of the July assassination attempt against Trump, in Pennsylvania, US, October 5, 2024. File Image/Reuters Also read: Why Elon Musk could be the biggest winner of Donald Trumps second term In recent years, Musk has taken a hard-right turn into conservative politics, and often criticises supportive transgender policies. In 2020, he posted on X, stating, I absolutely support trans, but all these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare. Advertisement After acquiring X in 2022, Musk removed protections for trans users, including bans against deadnaming. He also relocated his businesses out of California, partly protesting a law that limits schools from disclosing students transgender status to parents without consent. With input from agencies Voters without college degrees backed Trump by a 14-point margin, an increase from a two-point margin in 2020, while Harris maintained her 13-point lead among college-educated voters, which remained nearly the same as in 2020 read more (File) US President-elect Donald Trump attends his campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, US, on November 5, 2024. Reuters Donald Trumps victory was aided by the votes of non-degree holders while college graduates favoured Kamala Harris. According to a report by Axios, voting preferences in America are split on the basis of educational qualifications. While people holding degrees overwhelmingly support Democrats, those without them back the Republican Party. The electorate consisted of a whopping 43 per cent of college graduates, and exit polls showed that 55 per cent of them cast their ballots for Harris. Meanwhile, 55 per cent of ungraduated voters showed their support for the president-elect. Advertisement Voters without college degrees backed Trump by a 14-point margin, an increase from a two-point margin in 2020, while Harris maintained her 13-point lead among college-educated voters, which remained nearly the same as in 2020. However, the fact that Harris margin of victory among college graduates dropped to 33 points may have contributed to her loss. Meanwhile, Trump won the support of young voters, according to Forbes, a seismic shift of sorts as the youth of America usually bleed blue. At the same time, he lost edge among senior voters. Harris secured an 11-point lead among voters aged 18 to 29, marking a significant decline from Bidens 24-point advantage and Clintons 19-point lead. Meanwhile, Trumps victory has not been received well by many in the US. Some are even thinking of moving out of the country. Google searches for move to Canada surged 1,270 per cent in the 24 hours after U.S. East Coast polls closed on Tuesday, company data shows. Similar searches about moving to New Zealand climbed nearly 2,000% while those for Australia jumped 820 per cent. Late Wednesday evening on the U.S. East Coast, Google searches about emigrating were hitting all-time highs for all three countries, according to a Google official. Advertisement Some immigration lawyers are also being inundated with queries. Every half hour there is a new email enquiry, said Evan Green, managing partner at Canadas oldest immigration law firm, Green and Spiegel. With inputs from agencies US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington approved a request from Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting the criminal case, to set aside the deadlines, according to a court order, while they weigh its future. read more A US judge has paused all pending deadlines in President-elect Donald Trumps 2020 election subversion case due to his impending return to the White House. This decision was made by US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, who approved a request from Special Counsel Jack Smith to put the case on hold . The reason behind this pause is to give the government time to assess the situation and determine the best course of action, considering the unprecedented circumstance of a sitting president facing criminal prosecution. Advertisement According to the Department of Justice policy, which has been in place since the 1970s, a sitting president cannot be subject to criminal prosecution. The Justice Department was discussing how to wind down the case as Trump prepares to again assume the presidency, Reuters quoted sources as saying on Wednesday. Trump pleaded not guilty last year to four criminal charges accusing the Republican of conspiring to obstruct the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. The effort by Trump and his allies to reverse Bidens victory culminated in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol following a fiery speech by the then-president near the White house. In Tuesdays election, Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, a victory all but certain to end two federal cases against him. Trumps lawyers had been due to respond by Nov. 21 to Smiths argument that the case can proceed after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling giving former presidents broad immunity from prosecution over official actions taken while in office. Smith said prosecutors would inform the judge by Dec. 2 how they propose to move forward. With inputs from agencies. While the West presses for accountability from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, it continues supplying arms to Israel despite evidence of violations of international law in the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. This obvious double-standard is being weaponised by Beijing and Moscow read more Palestinians inspect the damage after an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip. Source: AFP | FILE. Western nations supplying weapons to Israel are empowering belligerents committing war crimes elsewhere, the head of Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Friday (November 8). Tirana Hassan, HRWs Executive Director, said that countries like the United States, Germany, and Britain are supplying weapons to Israel despite evidence of violations of international law in its conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Palestinian authorities say that more than 43,500 people have been killed in Gaza in the 13-month war. A report released by the UN rights office on Friday said that nearly 70 per cent of verified fatalities were women and children. Advertisement The attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that triggered the Gaza war had resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 people, with around 250 being taken hostage. Problematic messaging by the West As a result of Western nations continuing to provide arms to Israel despite evidence of violations of international law, Hassan told Reuters, there is a problematic message resonating across the globe a message that is empowering belligerents elsewhere, including in Russia and China. It sends a message that these rules apply differently to us [the West] and our allies as they do to others, and that has really serious consequences, Hassan said. She communicated that governments supplying Israel with weapons were undermining their own credibility as defenders of international law and human rights as well as the credibility of the international system. Russia, Chinas belligerence emboldened This contradiction, especially in the context of Western countries demanding accountability for Russias invasion of Ukraine, was being exploited by Moscow and Beijing, Hassan said. They [Russia and China] are very quick to point out double standards from the West and are trying to use that to undermine the system. Advertisement Hassan said that when states which abused rights saw there were no consequences, they felt emboldened to continue. With inputs from Reuters Chinas Airshow 2024, set to take place in Zhuhai from November 12-17, is more than just an exhibition of cutting-edge military technologyits a bold display of Chinas growing power raising alarms across the Asia-Pacific region India included. The airshow will showcase advanced military equipment including the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system, the J-35A stealth fighter jet and the J-15T carrier-based fighter. These powerful technologies represent Chinas expanding military capabilities, which could impact the security and stability of the region. Advertisement HQ-19 missile system One of the standout features at Airshow China 2024 is the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system. This advanced weapon is designed to intercept ballistic missiles marking a major boost in Chinas regional defence. With technology that can target hypersonic vehicles and various ballistic missile threats, the HQ-19 strengthens the Chinese Air Forces ability to handle high-speed attacks. The HQ-19 missile system has a long range and can be launched straight up, which allows it to intercept missiles from far away, even beyond Chinas borders. This gives China an advantage because it can create a large missile shield that might stop other countries from launching missiles. For countries like India, which rely on ballistic missiles for defence, the HQ-19 could change how they plan their missile defence. Since the HQ-19 can stop advanced missile threats, it might challenge Indias current missile defence systems, like the Russian-made S-400. J-35A stealth fighter jet The J-35A stealth fighter jet, making its first appearance at Airshow China 2024, is raising concerns among Chinas neighbours. As Chinas second stealth fighter after the J-20, the J-35A is a highly adaptable aircraft built for various missions from dominating the skies to attacking ground targets with the additional capability of taking off from aircraft carriers. With its advanced stealth design and ability to detect threats, the J-35A gives China more power in the air boosting both its attack and defence options. Chinas J-35A fighter jet, designed as a next-generation aircraft, could challenge advanced jets like Indias Rafale and Americas F-35. This potential shift may upset the air power balance in Asia. For India, this development is concerning because the Indian Air Force is already facing a decline in its fighter squadron strength with only 31 squadrons in operationsignificantly below the recommended 42. To make matters worse, many older jets like the MiG-21 and Jaguars are set to retire soon with the MiG-21 phased out by 2025. Advertisement While India is bringing in new jets like the Rafale and Tejas Mk-1A, these additions are slowed by production and delivery delays, meaning they wont fully compensate for the retiring aircraft right away. India has plans for future indigenous jets such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, then countrys fifth-generation fighter multirole fighter jet and the Tejas Mk-2, but these programmes are years away from mass production. This combination of Chinas growing air power and Indias fighter shortages could create a defence gap for India in the near future reiterating the urgent need for swift modernisation of its air fleet to maintain regional security. Advertisement If China deploys the J-35A on its navy carriers, it can project air power far beyond its shores especially in contested areas like the South China Sea. This development makes it harder for nearby countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, to plan their defences as Chinas aerial reach grows stronger. J-15T and Chinas evolving naval aviation Chinas J-15T, an upgraded version of its carrier-based fighter jet, could shift the military balance in the region. The J-15T uses electromagnetic catapults, similar to the US Navys advanced systems, enabling it to carry heavier weapon loads and fly greater distances. This gives Chinas navy more flexibility and operational reach strengthening its position in the Asia-Pacific region. Advertisement India faces significant challenges in developing its own carrier-based aircraft capabilities, particularly when compared to China. One major hurdle is limited funding, which has slowed the growth of Indias naval fleet. China has a clear advantage, with more aircraft carriers in the offing soon and ambitious plans, such as the advanced Fujian, set to bolster its naval power further. In the South China Sea, where there are ongoing territorial disputes, the introduction of the J-15T shows Chinas commitment to defending its maritime claims. Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, which also have claims in this area, may find it harder to keep up as Chinas naval air power continues to grow. Advertisement Implications for regional stability Chinas rapid military advancements highlight its ambition to increase its influence across the Asia-Pacific region, potentially challenging the current security setup. Chinas progress in advanced air and missile technology is putting the resilience of security alliances, such as the Quad (the US, India, Japan, and Australia), under scrutiny as they work to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. With Chinas military footprint expanding, nearby countries may be pressured to rethink their defence strategies, potentially sparking an arms race to keep pace with Chinas growing influence. For India, these changes pose a multifaceted threat. With China strengthening both its air and naval forces, India faces growing pressure on its Himalayan border as well as in the Indian Ocean Region, where Chinas expanding naval presence challenges Indias historical dominance. Additionally, Chinas increasing military influence in countries near India via infrastructure projects like those under the Belt and Road Initiative could lead to India being encircled by Chinese military power. As Airshow China 2024 unveils these formidable weapons, China is not just showcasing its military prowessits sending a clear message to the world that it intends to shape the future of global power dynamics, one missile and jet at a time. While Scholz does not disagree with the prospect of snap elections, he has offered to hold them in January so lawmakers have enough time to decide whether to call early elections by March read more Germans want elections and they want them as soon as possible. Trust in Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hit a new low prompting the Opposition and now, according to a recent poll, voters in the country demanding snap polls. Europes biggest economy was hurled into political turmoil when Scholzs three-party alliance imploded after months of infighting earlier this week. While Scholz does not disagree with the prospect of snap elections, he has offered to hold them in January so lawmakers have enough time to decide whether to call early elections by March. Advertisement But the conservative opposition CDU and all other major parties have demanded Scholz immediately pave the way for new elections a position shared by a majority of the electorate, according to a poll published Friday. What did the survey find? A survey published for public broadcaster ARD found that 65 per cent of Germans favour prompt elections while 33 per cent support Scholzs timeline. Around 59 percent of respondents to the poll said they were happy about the end of the so-called traffic light coalition, named for the colours of the three parties. The popular Bild daily on Friday called for Scholz to clear the way for a new government. You, Mr Scholz, have tried and failed, Bild editor Marion Horn wrote. Let us voters reassign the mandate of power as quickly as possible. Whats happening in Germany? Signs of discontent began to appear in the coalition after Scholz fired his finance minister Christian Lindner over differences in economic plans. Scholz has already tapped Joerg Kukies, a member of his SPD and a close ally, to be his new finance minister. The political turmoil adds to the troubles Germany is already facing both at home and outside. Economic woes, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House, all are reasons for concern for the German leadership. With inputs from agencies Microsoft has announced the rollout of new AI-powered features in Paint and Notepad for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. These updates introduce enhanced tools aimed at boosting creativity and productivity, with a particular focus on generative AI capabilities. Paint (version 11.2410.28.0) Generative Fill Paint now features a generative fill tool that allows users to add or modify content in images using simple text prompts. This AI tool helps maintain the original art style while providing intuitive, easy-to-use editing options. Users can describe what they want to add, and the tool generates images that match the selected area. If the result isnt satisfactory, users can modify the text prompt or regenerate the image until they are happy with the outcome. Generative Erase The new generative erase tool removes unwanted objects from images and fills in the space left behind. Users can select an area using the eraser tool to remove content, and the AI will intelligently fill the gap, making it appear as though the object was never there. Cocreator Update Microsoft has enhanced the Cocreator tool, improving its speed and reliability. It now includes built-in moderation for a safer creative experience. Cocreator is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Image Creator Update Following its preview launch last year, Microsoft is expanding Image Creator to more regions. This feature allows users to create AI-generated images in Paint, further expanding creative possibilities. Notepad (version 11.2410.15.0) Notepad now includes a generative AI-powered rewrite tool to help users rephrase, shorten, lengthen, or adjust the tone of text. By selecting text and choosing the Rewrite option, users can generate multiple variations of their content. The tool also offers the ability to adjust tone, length, and format. Previous versions of the text are preserved, so users can revert to earlier drafts if necessary. Additionally, Notepads startup performance has been improved, with app launch times improving by up to 55% for some users. Availability These updates are being rolled out gradually to Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. Generative Fill: Available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, requiring a Microsoft account. Initially, it is available to Windows Insiders in supported markets, with regional availability varying. Generative Erase: Available to all Windows 11 users. Image Creator: In preview for all Windows 11 users in the United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand can also use Image Creator with AI credits. Rewrite in Notepad: Available in preview for users in the United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, with additional support for Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Copilot Pro users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Microsoft plans to monitor feedback before making these features widely available. Sony started selling the PlayStation 5 Pro in several countries yesterday. However, a regulatory hurdle has cast a shadow over its release in India and several other countries. The PS5 Pro utilizes the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be) for lightning-fast download speeds and seamless online gaming experiences. This new standard operates in the 6GHz wireless band, which offers wider channels and less interference compared to previous bands. However, India, along with certain other regions, has yet to approve the use of this 6GHz band. This regulatory roadblock means the PS5 Pro cannot be officially launched in India until the government gives the green light to Wi-Fi 7. For Indian gamers eagerly awaiting the console, this delay is a source of significant disappointment. In an official statement, Sony India said: PS5 Pro will not be available in some countries (which presently includes India) where 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) has not yet been allowed. We have seen smartphones that have Wi-Fi 7 support launching in India, but only Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 work on them, so it is not clear why the Sony cant do this and enable Wi-Fi 7 later when its approved. Sony has not yet announced if we can expect the PS5 Pro in India in the future, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for the necessary regulatory approvals to be granted. Vi has launched its 4G network in Lakshadweep, marking a significant step in improving connectivity for residents, businesses, and tourists. The company has deployed its GIGAnet network in Agatti and Kavaratti, the most populated and visited islands in Lakshadweep, using the efficient 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz spectrum bands. This initiative aims to connect the over 20,000 residents and numerous visitors to the islands. Vis nationwide network expansion and enhancement efforts include the launch of Vi GIGAnet in Lakshadweep. Following a successful FPO in April, Vi is extending its reach into new areas, building capacity on existing sites, and upgrading its network infrastructure to elevate the customer experience. R S Shantaram, Cluster Business Head, Kerala & Tamil Nadu, Vodafone Idea, said: The launch of Vi GIGAnet in Lakshadweep is an important step in enhancing 4G coverage in the remote areas of India. The relationship between Lakshadweep & Kerala is characterized by geographical closeness, as Kerala is the nearest and most accessible mainland in addition to cultural similarities, economic interdependence, and administrative ties. Being Keralas No. 1 Mobile network, the launch of Vi GIGAnet in Lakshadweep will not only enhance communication but also open up new opportunities for education, business, and growth. Invest in China: New Zealand healthcare firm finds China an energizing market Xinhua) 14:58, November 08, 2024 SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Preparing for an exhibition, meeting with local partners and attending conferences, New Zealander Mahara Inglis's recent visit to China was a busy yet very rewarding experience. As the CEO of New Zealand cellular health brand MitoQ, Inglis traveled to China to participate for the second time in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which was held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10. "My itinerary is broken up by the minute, as you have to calculate the exact time from one location to another in the vast exhibition center," said Inglis. "Thankfully I've got long legs." MitoQ began its entry into the Chinese market in 2018 and has participated in the CIIE for six times. Inglis called CIIE "an important event on the calendar," as it's an opportunity to showcase the brand and deepen relationships in the Chinese market and beyond. He attended a conference on longevity this week to catch up on the latest trends and research in this field. This experience has instilled in him a sense of optimism about the huge potential of China's silver economy, driven by an aging society. "Aging is a real issue globally. As people get older, they face additional health concerns and more people are becoming aware of that, and they want to look for solutions to look better, stay healthy and live longer," Inglis said. During the CIIE, the company inked a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese cross-border e-commerce platform Tmall International, and launched a global debut of its first high-purity EPA compound fish oil product via the platform. "The cross-border e-commerce has really been fantastic for us," Inglis said. "It offers a fast track for us to enter and thrive in China." In addition to traditional e-commerce platforms, the company has developed an "ecosystem" centered on its online presence, which includes using popular short-video and social media apps to promote the concept of cellular health and drive sales. "There is huge amount of potential in China, which is truly amazing," Inglis said, adding that he always leaves China feeling very energized. The Chinese market makes up the largest portion of MitoQ's business. The company has maintained double-digit sales expansion annually in China for six years. "We are committed to continuing to grow and build our team and our partnerships within China as we aim for the future," Inglis said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 'Clash of Clans' Creator Supercell Starts London Office With Acquisition of 'Beatstar' Dev Space Ape Games Supercell has opened a new London office after the Clash of Clans creator fully acquired Beatstar developer Space Ape Games. The Finnish mobile game development company said that the move would effectively establish a new office for Supercell in central London. The studio already has several other branches in Helsinki, Shanghai, San Francisco, and Seoul. Supercell Fully Acquires Space Ape Games Supercell also noted that the full acquisition of Space Ape Games would let it have access to London-based talent. This comes as the city is currently home to more than 600 game companies. CEO Ilkka Paananen said that they believe the best teams are the ones that can create the best games for the community. This is why Supercell was excited to find its place within London's "incredibly talented games ecosystem" by partnering with Space Ape Games. Paananen added that the latest decision would allow them to bring in amazing new colleagues and make their games teams much stronger. He said that having access to the best talent worldwide lets them move faster with their mission, according to Pocket Gamer. Read Also: 'Clash Royale': Supercell Plans To Add New Game Mode, 3 New Cards Released Date Delayed Space Ape Games CEO John Earner noted that they enjoyed working closely together with Supercell for several years now. The acquisition marks the start of the next stage of that partnership between the two companies. Earner said that he was proud of the contribution that Space Ape Games has made to the gaming industry as a whole in the past 12 years. He is also looking forward to moving forward as part of the Supercell team. Bring More Games to More People Prior to Supercell's full acquisition of Space Ape Games, it acquired 62% of the Beatstar developer in 2017 for a whopping $55.8 million. In 2022, the Clash of Clans creator increased its investment by $37 million more, Venture Beat said. Space Ape Games is popular among gamers for bringing various music-based titles such as Beatstar and Country Star. The studio is also responsible for games like Chrome Valley Customs and TRANSFORMERS: Earth Wars. The new partnership between Supercell and Space Ape Games aims to let the latter deliver better gaming experiences for players. This is particularly true for mobile devices which has been the main focus of the Finnish-based company, according to GamingOnPhone. All Space Ape Games titles have been played by more than 180 million people worldwide and have generated more than $500 million in revenue. The studio also ranks 20th on Pocket Gamer's Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2024. Related Article: Squad Busters: Everything We Know So Far About Supercell's New Multiplayer Game 'Life is Strange' Developers Plan Strike Ahead of Impending Layoffs Don't Nod developers who worked on the original Life is Strange game are going on strike on Nov. 8, 2024, ahead of impending layoffs at the studio. The development comes following news last month where the studio announced its redundancy plan for its structure. The planned strike was revealed by Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses de Jeu Video (STJV), a video games workers union. Planned Developers' Strike The union last week called for a strike following the 69 jobs at the studio that were reportedly at risk of being made redundant. The CEO of Don't Nod, Oskar Guilbert, explained that a new initiative was designed for a "reorganization project." This was supposed to make sure that the company continues to succeed in the video games industry in the long term. The strategy was also designed to address the studio's "deteriorating" financial results. Guilbert said that the company's half-year results for this year reflect the economic underperformance of the studio's latest game releases. This came despite positive ratings on Metacritic, according to Game Spot. Read Also: 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure' Preview Showcases a Harrowing, Emotional Journey The picket line for the upcoming strike is set to be held next to Don't Nod's headquarters located in Paris, France. STJV also pointed out workers' demands and countered the studio's statement about the reason that staff members were joining the picket line and how it could be canceled. The statement noted that the workers' demand is that the management of Don't Nod should immediately give up its irresponsible and unfair plan to lay off employees. They also said that the workers should have an actual say in decision-making within the company. Failures by Leadership Another major demand that the union has for Don't Nod is that CEO Guilbert should be physically present at the negotiations. The studio's employees are calling out for the studio to justify the recently revealed redundancy plan, Games Industry said. The open letter said that as workers in the company, they know that the failures of the studio were due to a "succession of negligent acts and bad decisions from leadership." It added that they had already warned the higher-ups about the failures for years now but no one listened. The workers said that they are now the ones paying the price for failures that were not their own. They also accused Don't Nod leadership of "short-term thinking" and saying that they had "delusions of grandeur." These allegedly led to them being influenced to over-invest in various projects that did not return their funding. The workers said that they want to save the studio but not at the price of unjustified redundancies or a deteriorated working environment, according to Eurogamer. Related Article: Life is Strange Forces Original Devs To Delay Launch of Own Game Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel Friday Night Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low near 35F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG | OTCQB: PAANF | FRA: SS60) ("Pan American or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a consolidation (the Consolidation) of the common shares of the Company (Common Shares) on a ten-to-one basis. The Company currently has 105,979,236 Common Shares outstanding, and, if completed, the proposed Consolidation would reduce the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares to approximately 10,597,923. The Company will issue a subsequent news release following its filing of all necessary documentation with the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) in respect of the proposed Consolidation, announcing the effective date of the proposed Consolidation, the new CUSIP and ISIN for the consolidated Common Shares, and any other relevant details regarding the proposed Consolidation. No fractional Common Shares will be issued as a result of the proposed Consolidation. Any fractional Common Shares resulting from the proposed Consolidation will be rounded up in the case of a fractional interest that is one-half (1/2) of a Common Share or greater, or rounded down in the case of a fractional interest that is less than one-half (1/2) of a Common Share, to the nearest whole number of Common Shares, and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Common Shares rounded down to the nearest whole Common Share. About Pan American Energy Corp. Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTCQB: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America. The Company has executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources pursuant to which it has acquired a 75% interest in the Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company can earn an additional 15% interest in Big Mack, for a total of 90% interest. To register for investor updates, please visit https://panam-energy.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Paul Gorman CEO Contact Phone : (587) 885-5970 Email: info@panam-energy.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the proposed Consolidation, including the proposed consolidation ratio and the anticipated effect of the Consolidation on trading in the Common Shares. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, the assumption that the Canadian Securities Exchange will not object to the proposed Consolidation and that the Consolidation will be completed as currently anticipated and, on the timeline, currently anticipated. Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, that the Canadian Securities Exchange may object to the proposed Consolidation and use its discretion to prohibit the proposed Consolidation; that the Consolidation may not be completed by the Company on the timeline anticipated, or at all; and that the board of directors of the Company retains discretion over the terms and implementation of the Consolidation. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. NEW YORK, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW) between February 6, 2024 and July 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important December 13, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Edwards securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Edwards class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29704 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 13, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Edwards expected revenue for the fiscal year 2024, particularly as it related to the growth of Edwards core product, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Defendants statements included, among other things, strong commitment to the TAVR platform, confidence in Edwards ability to capitalize on a subset of untreated patients through scaling of its various patient activation activities, and continued claims of significant demand in allegedly lower-penetrated markets. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Edwards class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29704 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com GRANTSVILLE, Utah, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Savage Tooele Railroad (STR) held a groundbreaking event today marking the start of construction on Utahs first new railroad in decades. The new short-line railroad will serve tenants of the Lakeview Business Park. In April, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board granted approval for STR to construct, rehabilitate and operate approximately 11 miles of rail line in Tooele County, Utah. This significant milestone paves the way for enhanced logistical efficiency and connectivity to Lakeview Business Park, a 1,700-acre master-planned logistics hub in Grantsville, UT, making it the ideal industrial center for companies looking to thrive in Utah and gain access to global markets. Providing a rail alternative to truck transportation will also lower emissions and reduce fuel consumption and wear-and-tear on roads. Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox emphasized the STR project's significance: "This is a historic project, and one that will have an enormous positive impact on the Utah economy. This new rail line will be a tremendous advantage for Utahns and Utah businesses for generations to come." Today's groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone for Tooele County and all of Utah, said U.S. Senator-elect John Curtis. Connecting Lakeview Business Park with new rail infrastructure will boost economic growth, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance opportunities for local businesses and residents. I'm pleased to support projects like this that strengthen our community and drive development. Were excited to start the construction of the STR rail line, and to safely and responsibly build and operate this new short-line railroad in Tooele County, said Savage CEO Kirk Aubry. Its not often that we get to witness or participate in the birth of a new railroad, in Utah or anywhere. We appreciate the support of federal, state and local officials, our Customers and Partners, and everyone involved with this project. In linking STR with Lakeview Business Park, development partners Prologis and The Romney Group continue to advance their strategic vision for the center. "The STR will significantly improve Lakeview Business Parks connectivity and accessibility, strengthening its ability to support companies supply chain operations, said Gus Gradinger, Vice President, Customer Led Development, Prologis. With the park fully entitled, modern logistics and manufacturing facilities can be developed and delivered fast for a wide range of businesses." Jason Ray, President of Savage's Infrastructure Sector, also highlighted the significance of this achievement: "This is an important milestone in our work to bring rail service to Lakeview Business Park tenants, connecting them with the country's expansive rail network and improving their access to domestic and global markets." Tom Freeman, Vice Chair at Colliers, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and development. "Lakeview Business Park exemplifies the power of collaboration and strategic planning in creating vibrant, sustainable communities. We are excited about the opportunities in store for companies that elect to do business within this visionary project and look forward to growing this market-leading development." Recent project announcements in Tooele County signal a surge in economic growth and business investment. Lineage Logistics is expanding in Grantsville, adding a 220,000-square-foot facility and up to 96 new high-paying jobs over the next five years. Leitner-Poma is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Tooele, investing over $27 million and creating up to 120 jobs. Additionally, Minova plans to open a new manufacturing facility, projecting to add 58 new high-paying jobs and invest $24.5 million in Utah. These developments showcase the region's attractiveness for businesses seeking growth opportunities and technical expertise. Construction of the rail line aligns with a broader vision for economic development within the greater Tooele County region. Mayor Neil Critchlow of Grantsville City remarked, "We are very pleased with the progress toward reactivating the Warner Spur between the Union Pacific Railroad mainline near I-80 and Lakeview Business Park. We expect that positive economic development within Grantsville City and the greater Tooele County area will be accelerated, enhancing the opportunity for our residents to find employment close to home." State Route 179, or the Midvalley Highway, is a significant infrastructure development revolutionizing access to Tooele County and Lakeview Business Park. Extending from SR-36 south of Tooele to an interchange at Interstate 80, the project strategically enhances highway transportation routes, reducing commute times and expanding the labor pool accessible to the park. Linking key thoroughfares such as SR-112, the Midvalley Highway is poised to stimulate economic growth and fortify regional connectivity. Mayor Critchlow continued, The reduced truck traffic that this project will afford and the lower emission from residents no longer commuting to Salt Lake City for employment will ultimately enhance our quality of life and reduce the negative environmental impacts that increased truck and automobile traffic would otherwise cause." Lakeview Business Parks flexibility offers businesses adaptable build-to-suit or self-development solutions. The park includes direct truck connections to major arteries I-80 and I-15, complemented by an interchange with Union Pacific Railroad, ensuring efficient logistics for all carrier needs. A dedicated heavy-haul corridor within the facility streamlines shipping, conveniently positioned a mere 20 minutes from Union Pacifics Salt Lake City intermodal terminal and the Salt Lake City International Airport. Further enhancing its appeal, the railway features a robust 286,000-pound capacity with five days per week service to industries. Union Pacific is excited about our partnership with Savage and the opportunity to provide rail service to the Lakeview Business Park. Our 32,000-mile network, with its nine international gateways to Canada and Mexico, will provide new opportunities for market growth and expansion for those that choose to develop new warehouses, facilities and other businesses in the park. Congratulations to everyone working to make this project a success, said Dan McLaughlin, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific Railroad. About Colliers Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 68 countries, our 22,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 29 years, our experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of more than $4.4 billion and $96 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of our clients, our investors and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, X @Colliers or LinkedIn. About Savage Established in 1946, Savage is a privately held, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions, with more than 4,000 Team Members in about 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. We strive to always Do the Right Thing, Find a Better Way and Make a Difference. Our Customers and Partners count on us to safely and sustainably move and manage what is essential to their business so they can Feed the World, Power Our Lives, and Sustain the Planet. www.savageco.com Attachments MONTREAL, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV, TSXV: ODV) ("Osisko Development" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Mines Act permit for its 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project ("Cariboo" or the "Project") located in central British Columbia ("BC"), Canada has been referred for decision to the statutory decision maker in the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. The review of the Environmental Management Act permits has been completed, as well, and the Company is awaiting referral thereof to the statutory decision maker in the immediate future. The Company anticipates receiving final decisions in Q4 2024. The Company is committed to advancing collaborative partnerships with Indigenous nations related to the Project as evidenced by years of extensive consultation and the signing and ongoing implementation of the participation agreements with each of the Lhtako Dene Nation in 2020 and the Williams Lake First Nation in 2022. The Company has yet to reach an agreement with the Xatsull First Nation, but it will continue to engage and consult with Xatsull First Nation, including after any decision on the Mines Act and other permits. "We have made good faith and reasonable efforts in the past two years to reach agreement with Xatsull First Nation, including reasonable offers for financial and other benefits along substantially similar frameworks as those offered to, and agreed by, other Indigenous communities," commented Sean Roosen, Chairman and CEO. "Our efforts have focused on providing meaningful benefits to all Indigenous nations, whilst ensuring the project remains viable." The Company is dedicated to developing a modern, safe and sustainable operation at the Cariboo Gold Project, and remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue to ensure all stakeholders benefit from the development of the Project. "We must ensure the integrity of the permitting process is respected, because we believe the consultation on this Project has been robust. We stand by our record to date in meeting our obligations and expect the provincial government will act within its authority," continued Sean Roosen. "Our commitment to engaging with Xatsull First Nation will continue including after the permit decision is made. We genuinely want to find a meaningful, sustainable and realistic way to share the socio-economic benefits from this Project". Over the last four years, the Company has engaged in constructive and extensive discussions with all provincial regulators, Indigenous nation partners and host communities. This culminated in the receipt of the Environmental Assessment Certificate ("EA Certificate") on October 10, 2023. Through its EA review process the Company received and successfully addressed over 1,700 comments, which underpinned receipt of the positive EA Certificate. More recently, as part of the permit application process, through four rounds of review from the Mine Review Committee, which included Lhtako Dene Nation, Williams Lake First Nation, and Xatsull First Nation, the Company responded to, addressed, and closed over 1,800 comments. The Company has commitments through permitting, management plans and positive relationships to continue engaging with all Indigenous nations and stakeholders. ABOUT OSISKO DEVELOPMENT CORP. Osisko Development Corp. is a North American gold development company focused on past-producing mining camps located in mining friendly jurisdictions with district scale potential. The Company's objective is to become an intermediate gold producer by advancing its 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project, located in central B.C., Canada, the Tintic Project in the historic East Tintic mining district in Utah, U.S.A., and the San Antonio Gold Project in Sonora, Mexico. In addition to considerable brownfield exploration potential of these properties, that benefit from significant historical mining data, existing infrastructure and access to skilled labour, the Company's project pipeline is complemented by other prospective exploration properties. The Company's strategy is to develop attractive, long-life, socially and environmentally sustainable mining assets, while minimizing exposure to development risk and growing mineral resources. For further information, visit our website at www.osiskodev.com or contact: Sean Roosen Philip Rabenok Chairman and CEO Director, Investor Relations Email: sroosen@osiskodev.com Email: prabenok@osiskodev.com Tel: +1 (514) 940-0685 Tel: +1 (437) 423-3644 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this news release may be deemed "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 applicable Canadian securities legislation (together, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require Osisko Development to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including the assumptions, qualifications and limitations relating to the potential for unknown mineralized structures to extend existing zones of mineralization; category conversion; the timing and status of permitting, including receiving a final decision (if any); future consultation efforts between Osisko Development and Xatsull First Nation; the future development and operations at the Cariboo Gold Project; the ability of the Company to execute its planned activities; management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments; the ability and timing for Cariboo to reach commercial production (if at all); the Company being a well-positioned gold development company in Canada, USA and Mexico; sustainability and environmental impacts of operations at the Company's properties; as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances, and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking information". Material assumptions also include, management's perceptions of historical trends, management's understanding of the permitting process and status thereof, the ability of exploration (including drilling and chip sampling assays, and face sampling) to accurately predict mineralization current conditions and expected future developments, regulatory framework remaining defined and understood, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Osisko Development considers its assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, but cautions the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Osisko Development, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect Osisko Development and its business. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks relating to third-party approvals, including the issuance of permits by the government; regulatory framework and presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; the ability of exploration activities (including drill results and chip sampling, and face sampling results) to accurately predict mineralization; errors in management's geological modelling the timing and ability of the Company to obtain required approvals and permits; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to exploration, development and mining activities; the global economic climate; metal and commodity prices; environmental risks; and community, non-governmental and governmental actions and the impact of stakeholder actions. Readers are urged to consult the disclosure provided under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 as well as the financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023, which have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Development's issuer profile and on the SEC's EDGAR website (www.sec.gov), for further information regarding the risks and other factors facing the Company, its business and operations. Although the Company's believes the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available as of the date hereof, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. NEW YORK, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Xerox Holdings Corporation (Xerox or the Company) (NYSE:XRX) on behalf of Xerox stockholders. Our investigation concerns whether Xerox has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices. Click here to participate in the action. On October 29, 2024, Xerox issued a press release announcing the Company's financial results for the third quarter of 2024. Among other items, Xerox issued non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.25, missing consensus estimates by $0.26, and revenue of $1.53 billion, representing a decline of 7.3% year-over-year and missing consensus estimates by $100 million. Xerox advised that "[t]his quarter includes an after-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1.0 billion, or $8.16 per share and a charge to tax expense related to the establishment of a valuation allowance of $161 million, or $1.29 per share." On this news, Xerox's stock price fell $1.79 per share, or 17.41%, to close at $8.49 per share on October 29, 2024. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Xerox shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Information: MUMBAI, India, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, will host its third-annual One Duck Creek-India Inclusion Summit in Mumbai. This two-day event focuses on creating a workplace where inclusion, belonging, and well-being actively thrive as part of Duck Creeks dedication to fostering a diverse, resilient workforce. The summit features immersive panels, networking opportunities, and hands-on cultural celebrations, including a Diwali event, aligning with Duck Creeks mission to develop an environment where every individual feels supported, valued, and engaged both personally and professionally. The One Duck Creek-India Inclusion Summit embodies our commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. As we gather in Mumbai, were reminded of the strength that comes from uniting diverse voices, experiences, and talents. This summit not only reinforces our dedication to creating an inclusive culture but also serves as a catalyst for deeper collaboration and innovation across our organization and within the technology community in India, said Gowri Sivaprasad, Vice President of Engineering at Duck Creek Technologies. Building on the success of last years event, this years Inclusion Summit delves into meaningful discussions led by Duck Creeks DEI Advisory Board, Employee Experience Council, Employee Resource Groups and other key One Duck Creek programs within the company. Duck Creeks Executive Leadership Team will host a town hall, sharing company updates and encouraging open dialogue across the organization. The Duck Creek Gives Back Event invites attendees to support the Life Lab Foundation, whose mission is to combine learning with play, and inspire a new generation of learners. "Were thrilled to reunite our Ducks in Mumbai to celebrate the companys ongoing efforts to create a dynamic, inclusive global culture," said Amy Bayer, Global Director of DE&I, Engagement & Culture at Duck Creek Technologies. "The One Duck Creek Summit reflects our deep commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and supportive work environment. This event strengthens our teams connections and reinforces our mission to build an industry-leading workplace in the P&C and general insurance sectors." About Duck Creek Technologies Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information LinkedIn and X. Media Contacts Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred duckcreek@threeringsinc.com SAN DIEGO, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW) securities between February 6, 2024 and July 24, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period), have until Friday, December 13, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit. Captioned Patel v. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, No. 24-cv-02221 (C.D. Cal.), the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit charges Edwards Lifesciences as well as certain of Edwards Lifesciences executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-edwards-lifesciences-corporation-class-action-lawsuit-ew.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com. CASE ALLEGATIONS: Edwards Lifesciences provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. One of Edward Lifesciences core products is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). The Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Edwards Lifesciences projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth while also minimizing risk from seasonality and macroeconomic fluctuations; (ii) TAVRs growth was at risk of decelerating; (iii) Edwards Lifesciences optimistic reports of TAVRs growth and anticipated ramp in second quarter 2024 and further ramp throughout fiscal year 2024 fell short of reality as defendants patient activation activities failed to reach the perceived low-treatment-rate population TAVRs growth relied upon obtaining; and (iv) defendants relied far too heavily or otherwise overstated hospital desire to continue to utilize Edwards Lifesciences TAVR procedures over newer, innovative structural heart therapies. The Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit further alleges that on July 24, 2024, Edwards Lifesciences disclosed second quarter 2024 TAVR results below expectations and lowered fiscal year 2024 projections for TAVR. On this news, the price of Edwards Lifesciences stock fell more than 31%, according to the complaint. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Edwards Lifesciences securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Edwards Lifesciences class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com SINGAPORE, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are honored to announce that PUNCH (One Punch Cat) will soon be listed on XT Exchange. The PUNCH/USDT trading pair has been available in the Innovation Zone (MEMEs). About PUNCH (One Punch Cat) One Punch Cat is a community-driven meme coin launched on the Solana blockchain. Inspired by the viral culture of internet memes and the legendary strength of the cat superhero archetype, One Punch Cat combines humor, community spirit, and blockchain technology into a single, engaging project. The token appeals to meme enthusiasts and crypto users who enjoy playful, creative tokens that foster strong community engagement and a shared sense of fun. Designed for those who want to participate in the lighthearted side of the crypto world, One Punch Cat builds its identity around the concept of an unstoppable superhero cat. The project aims to grow a community that is not only united by humor but also by a shared interest in supporting meme culture in the blockchain space. This listing on XT represents a key milestone for One Punch Cat, allowing the project to expand its reach and engage a larger audience within the crypto market. The listing on XT offers One Punch Cat increased visibility and an opportunity to strengthen its community. Albin Warin, CEO of XT Exchange, shared his thoughts on the listing: One Punch Cat " is a fun, community-driven token representing the vibrant meme culture spirit within the blockchain. Were excited to bring PUNCH to XT Exchange and look forward to seeing how its community grows within our platform. Website: https://punchonsolana.com/ Blockchain Explorer: https://solscan.io/token/of28WzrGVqVKCC35zjkQBrndCCDzErtzg7cj2mypump Whitepaper: https://punchonsolana.com/whitepaper.html About XT Founded in 2018, XT serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits. Website: xt.com X: twitter.com/XTexchange Telegram: t.me/XTsupport_EN XT Exchange Bella Wei Listing@xt.com PUNCH (One Punch Cat) Punch@punchonsolana.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by XT exchange. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider.The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/02a5e5bc-46e0-47c2-aac4-a44e738157f3 Dublin, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Germany Big Data Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Germany Big Data Market was valued at USD 4.51 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 7.58 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 8.88%. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of data-driven strategies, the Big Data market is driven by the growing volume and variety of data generated, advancements in technology, and the need for real-time analytics. This dynamic market continues to evolve with emerging technologies and methodologies that improve data processing capabilities and offer new insights, making it a critical component of modern business intelligence and strategic planning. Key Market Drivers: Increased Data Generation and Consumption Advancements in Big Data Technologies Supportive Government Policies and Initiatives Key Market Challenges: Data Privacy and Security Concerns Integration and Management of Diverse Data Sources Key Market Trends: Increased Adoption of Cloud-Based Big Data Solutions Emergence of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Data Analytics Regional Insights South-West Germany held the largest market share in 2023. South-West Germany is a significant industrial and technological hub, home to major multinational corporations and numerous high-tech enterprises. This region boasts a strong presence of leading automotive companies, engineering firms, and manufacturing industries, which generate vast amounts of data. Companies such as Daimler, Porsche, and Bosch are heavily invested in leveraging Big Data for optimizing their operations, enhancing product development, and improving supply chain management. The region benefits from a robust innovation ecosystem supported by leading research institutions and universities. Institutions such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the University of Stuttgart drive advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. These institutions collaborate with industry leaders to develop cutting-edge Big Data solutions and technologies, fostering a vibrant environment for innovation and application. South-West Germany has a well-developed IT infrastructure, including data centers, cloud services, and connectivity solutions. The region's infrastructure supports the efficient storage, processing, and analysis of large datasets, making it an attractive location for Big Data initiatives. The presence of established IT service providers and technology firms further enhances the region's capability to support and advance Big Data technologies. Regional and national government initiatives that promote digitalization and technological advancement also contribute to South-West Germany's dominance. Programs and funding aimed at supporting digital transformation, research and development, and innovation create a favorable environment for the growth of the Big Data market. Key Big Data Market Players in Germany: IBM Corporation Microsoft Corporation Amazon Web Services, Inc. Oracle Corporation SAP SE Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Cloudera, Inc. Teradata Corporation Splunk Inc. Snowflake Inc. Report Scope In this report, the Germany Big Data Market has been segmented into the following categories: By Component: Hardware Software Service By Technology: Predictive Analytics Machines Learning Hadoop By Organization Size: Large Enterprise Small & Medium Enterprise By Development: On-Premise Cloud By End User: BFSI Manufacturing IT Government Others By Region: North-West Germany North-East Germany South-West Germany South-East Germany Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 87 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $4.51 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $7.58 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.8% Regions Covered Germany For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/khqb9y About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Atlanta, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Porsche Cars North America. Inc. (PCNA) is proud to recognize the 40th anniversary of astronaut and chemist Anna Lee Fishers flight to space the Mission STS-51A on November 8, 1984. Fisher, the first mother to travel to space, was the proud owner of a Porsche 930 Turbo when she arrived to train as a mission specialist at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. LINK TO VIDEO Recently, PCNA spoke with Fisher. She reminisced on her days in the space program, her four-decade career as an astronaut and her passion for Porsche. Ive always loved Porsche from the time I was little, Fisher recently reminisced from behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Turbo, My mom and my grandmother are from Germany, and one of my uncles had a Porsche and used to take me on rides all the time. Rides in her uncles Porsche cemented her love of adventure. After listening at age 12 to a radio broadcast of Alan Shepard becoming the first American in space, Fisher dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a profession held then by mostly men. She started her career as a medical doctor, which she credits helped best prepare her for astronaut training, then she was accepted into NASAs astronaut training program in 1979. Her first daughter as born in 1983, followed by a second daughter six years later. Fisher retired from NASA in 2017, but her love for space exploration and the Porsche brand remains unchanged. To learn more about Anna Lee Fishers journey, visit our newsroom. Attachments Indianapolis, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHAT: National higher education nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) will release a new white paper, "Complete College, America: Harnessing the Power of Higher Education to Renew American Democracy." The publication calls on U.S. colleges and universities to prioritize civic and democratic engagement amid growing polarization, offering actionable steps to prepare students for active participation in democracy. WHY: In light of declining public trust and recent election-related polarization, Complete College Americas new publication provides a framework for higher education institutions to reinforce participation in the civic and democratic process democratic through curriculum, programming, and community engagement. The report highlights the role of higher education in preparing informed citizens equipped with skills in bridge-building, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning to contribute to a healthy democracy. WHEN: The white paper will be released at 12:01 AM on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and will be available at CompleteCollege.org/CompleteCollegeAmerica-RenewDemocracy. WHO: Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva, President of Complete College America, and Charles Ansell, Vice President for Research, Policy, and Advocacy, will be available for media interviews to discuss the publication and how colleges can restore public trust in higher education and strengthen the civic and democratic process on campus. Key Findings: Emphasizes the role of colleges in fostering an environment for civil discourse and debate. Outlines steps for integrating civic learning across curricula and co-curricular activities. Draws from insights provided by the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Coalition, including leaders from national higher education organizations. For media inquiries, to schedule an interview, or to request an embargoed copy of the report, contact cca@whiteboardadvisors.com. ALEXANDRIA, La., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pearson Medical Technologies announces the international release of m:Print Bar Code Labeling Software Version 4, a powerful new upgrade of its industry-leading pharmacy barcode label printing software. m:Print v4 empowers pharmacies and other medication repackagers to utilize all the data contained in the new 2D Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) barcode by applying its 1-Click Print technology with multiple rules-based logical algorithms to enable a safer and faster pharmacy repackaging and labeling process. With its 1-Click Print technology, any DSCSA-compliant barcode label or any other label can easily be configured and printed on any printer with a single mouse click. The new m:Print v4 automatically extracts all data contained in the DSCSA barcode, such as the drugs unique identifier (GTIN, UPC, and NDC), the DSCSA package serial number, manufacturers expiration date, and lot number. This DSCSA data, combined with m:Prints proprietary algorithms and 1-Click Print technology enables enhanced pharmacy workflow efficiency in packaging operations while increasing overall safety. m:Print v4 is the result of years of research, intensive software development efforts, and hands-on experience. Quite simply, this completely re-engineered software is the safest and smartest pharmacy barcode labeling solution available today, says Brent Pearson, CEO of Pearson Medical Technologies. By integrating DSCSA compliance with advanced technology and our proven platforms like the iPack Rx Unit Dose Packager, this new version of m:Print is a significant innovation for hospital pharmacies and medication repackagers -- improving operations and enhancing patient safety. m:Print is a versatile pharmacy barcode labeling software that operates as either a stand-alone or networked system and also as the User Interface for Pearson Medicals iPack Rx Unit Dose Packager, allowing users to create customized barcode labels for any medication, including unit dose packages, blister lidding, vials, pouches, boxes, ampoules, syringes, IV bags, or other packaging on any printer with any label media. About Pearson Medical With over 50 years of experience as a pioneer in pharmacy automation, Pearson Medical Technologies creates safe, smart and efficient medication delivery solutions for pharmacies, including bar coded unit dose and multi-dose medication packaging systems and labeling software. For more information, please visit https://pearsonmedical.com For More Information on Pearson products, please contact: Opal Andrus. VP, Marketing & Sales at oandrus@pearsonmedical.com or (866) 640-3603. TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internal Healthcare Group, a newly founded senior referral service, is excited to announce its virtual launch, introducing a unique approach to connecting seniors and families with quality care providers. Available across the United States and Australia, Internal Healthcare Group specializes in helping seniors access home health agencies, assisted living facilities, independent living communities, and senior day centers tailored to their specific needs and budget. With the senior population rapidly growing, finding trusted, personalized care options has become increasingly challenging for families. Internal Healthcare Group addresses this gap with a dedicated team and a streamlined digital platform, enabling families to easily find and connect with the right care providers. Unlike traditional agencies, Internal Healthcare Group is not a home health provider; instead, it serves as a referral service focused on simplifying the care selection process. At Internal Healthcare Group, were committed to making senior care accessible, affordable, and individualized, said Jennifer Osas, Founder and CEO of Internal Healthcare Group. We understand the difficulties families face when trying to find reliable senior care. Our mission is to take the stress out of this process by offering an affordable referral service that matches each family with the care options that best suit their needs. Key Features of Internal Healthcare Group Include: Free Access for Seniors & Families: Internal Healthcare Group provides families with complimentary access to a comprehensive range of senior care services, ensuring they can explore various options at no cost to find the right fit for their loved ones. Comprehensive Care Options: Connections to home health agencies, assisted living, independent living, and senior day centers, allowing families to explore multiple care options in one place. Nationwide and International Availability: Services extend across the U.S. and Australia, ensuring families can find trusted care wherever they are. Families seeking senior care can explore Internal Healthcare Groups website at www.internalhealthcare.com for more information or to request services. For media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Osas Founder & CEO Internal Healthcare Group Email: support@internalhealthcare.com Phone: 850-961-2701 About Internal Healthcare Group Founded in 2023, Internal Healthcare Group is a senior referral service that connects families to trusted care providers. Operating across the United States and Australia, the company offers a streamlined, affordable platform to support families in finding quality care for their loved ones. A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8860695a-ecf4-4aed-a9c6-c5886eb99343 NEW YORK, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the M&A Class Action Firm), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. (NYSE American: VINE), relating to its proposed merger with Adifex Holdings, LLC. Under the terms of the proposal, Fresh Vine and Adifex intend to enter into a definitive agreement under which Fresh Vine will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Adifex, via a share exchange transaction. Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/fresh-vine-wine-inc-vine/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much? About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summer learning is top of mind as the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the opportunity gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning experiences is pleased to announce the 2024 honorees of their prestigious New York Life Foundations Excellence in Summer Learning Awards. Celebrating over 30 years of impact, NSLA has identified and highlighted the summer programs that support childrens learning experiences and their social-emotional learning and well-being since 2005. Award winners will be honored when hundreds of summer learning professionals gather in Washington, D.C. November 11-13 for NSLAs National Summer Learning Summit with special guests Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). As students today face significant academic, social, and emotional challenges, we are pleased to continue our partnership with NSLA and recognize these summer learning programs that provide much-needed support. These programs have a proven track record of helping students academically and preparing them for future success, said Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation. The 2024 winners are: Portland Public Schools, Summer Acceleration Academy, (Portland, OR) Newark Board of Education, Summer Achieve, Summer Quest, and High School Enrichment (Newark, NJ) The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Partnership of Summer School Education (POSSE) Summer Learning Program, Durant, OK St. Louis Public Library, Summer Camps (St. Louis, MO) NSLA is honored to once again join the New York Life Foundation in recognizing this years class of 2024 Excellence in Summer Learning Award Winners, said Aaron Philip Dworkin, CEO, National Summer Learning Association. In a time when student need and parent demand for high quality summer learning programs is higher than ever, we are looking to highlight program models around the country we can learn from and replicate. We look forward to celebrating the hard work and achievements of this years winners at our Summer Learning Summit in Washington, DC this November. Each award-winning program will receive the following: A grant, supported by the New York Life Foundation; National recognition at NSLAs National Summer Learning Summit (Nov. 11-13); Connection to a network of award-winning leaders in the field and NSLAs professional development opportunities; and Visibility through national and local promotions and acknowledgment from their elected officials. New York Life Foundations Excellence in Summer Learning Awards Honoree Descriptions: Summer Acceleration Academy Portland Public Schools (Portland, OR) Summer Acceleration Academy is a supplemental academic summer program for current Kindergarten through Fifth-grade students. The program is focused on providing support for unfinished learning for students and has three big goals: Foster joyful learning, Support unfinished skill development, and Create an on-ramp to the next grade and the fall. Summer Achieve, Summer Quest, and High School Enrichment Newark Board of Education (Newark, NJ) Newark Board of Education operates summer programs for K-12 students every summer. Summer Achieve involves daily, grade-appropriate Math and ELA instruction, weekly SEL instruction, and hands-on learning via extended classroom experiences and enrichment activities. The afternoon program, Summer Quest, offers enrichment and recreation during which time district teachers in collaboration with selected partner organizations engage youth with visual/performing arts, sports, and other high interest activities and experiences. The High school enrichment program provides recreation, enrichment, and acceleration opportunities. Activities can include mindfulness to bolster social and emotional learning, sports, cosmetology, STEM, culinary, music production, etc. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Partnership of Summer School Education (POSSE) Summer Learning Program, Durant, OK The POSSE Summer Learning Program is a partnership between the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the public schools within its reservation. POSSE uses an engaging, student - centered environment to deliver an intensive summer reading and math intervention to K-3 students, along with STEAM and other hands - on enrichment experiences over the 23-day program. Students also have the opportunity to learn more about the Choctaw culture and language throughout the program while building their skills mastery. Summer Camps St. Louis Public Library (St. Louis, MO) St. Louis Public Library offers weeklong Summer Camps for kids and teens over the summer months. Every week, there are 10 camps running for 1 to 3 hours a day at various library locations. These camps are offered to provide fun and enriching experiences for the library community on a wide range of engaging topics like learning how to play the ukulele, building a rocket, riding a bike, coding a video game, or cooking a new recipe. The camps also make use of the library setting; campers can easily sign up for a library card and are offered library books for checkout that relate to each camps content. The call for Summer Learning Award Submissions for 2025 opens October 14, 2024-January 31, 2025. For more information about the Summer Learning Awards, visit https://www.summerlearning.org/summer-learning-awards/. About the National Summer Learning Association The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the opportunity gaps by increasing access to high-quality summer learning opportunities. NSLA recognizes and disseminates what works in summer learning, develops and delivers community capacity-building offerings and convenes and empowers key actors to embrace summer learning as a solution for equity and excellence in education. For more information, visit www.summerlearning.org. SPRING, Texas, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Io Therapeutics, Inc., presented results from studies done in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer models with the companys newest anti-cancer compound IRX5010, an agonist of the retinoic acid nuclear receptor gamma, which was discovered in the companys oncology drug program. The presentation titled RAR Gamma Agonist Compounds Inhibit Tumor Growth, Promote Effector Memory Tumor Infiltrating T-cells, and Inhibit Tumor Infiltrating Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in Multiple Cancer Models was delivered at The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 39th Annual Meeting, being held in Houston, TX. The poster presentation was authored by Vidyasagar Vuligonda, Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer of the company and inventor of the compound; and Martin E. Sanders, M.D., the companys Chief Executive Officer. The presented studies showed that oral treatment with IRX5010 resulted in suppression of growth in mouse models of each of four studied types of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in humans, i.e. triple negative breast, Her-2 positive breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. In all four models, treatment with IRX5010 induced increased numbers of tumor infiltrating total and effector memory phenotype T-lymphocytes (TIL) associated with reduction in tumor growth. In the colorectal and prostate cancer models, IRX5010 also suppressed numbers of tumor infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Treatment with IRX5010 did not directly impact growth of cancers cells in tissue cultures. The data support that IRX5010 has immune mediated mechanisms of action, including promotion of TIL and inhibition of MDSC, rather than direct toxic effects on the cancer cells. New compounds with induction of TIL and inhibition of MDSC as mechanisms of action, are being widely sought in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Vuligonda stated, These results disclose a new approach to potentially improving patient outcomes of treatment of multiple types of serious cancers using IRX5010 as monotherapy, or potentially in combination with other agents such as checkpoint inhibitors, which also induce TIL and are inhibited by MDSC. We are currently conducting combination studies with IRX5010 and checkpoint inhibitors for presentation at a future conference. We anticipate that inhibition of MDSC by IRX5010 may augment anti-tumor responses of checkpoint inhibitor therapies. We look forward to advancing IRX5010 as monotherapy and in combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors into clinical trials in multiple cancers. Dr. Sanders stated, IRX5010 is a second generation RAR gamma agonist compound discovered at Io Therapeutics. It has potential to be a new effective treatment for many currently inadequately treated human cancers, including the most common types of mortal cancers by augmenting anti-cancer tumor infiltrating T-cell responses, and inhibiting tumor infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells, an activity anticipated to improve cancer treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. We have previously reported that a first generation RAR gamma agonist developed at Io Therapeutics demonstrated growth inhibition and promotion of tumor infiltrating T-cells in lung cancer models, as monotherapy and in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor. We believe that because of its novel mechanisms of action, IRX5010 has potential for being an effective addition to the treatment armamentarium for multiple types of the most prevalent human cancers, i.e. lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate, as well as potentially other cancers. In addition to the effects in cancers of IRX5010 reported today, Io Therapeutics has reported development of multiple families of compounds binding to various retinoic acid nuclear receptor targets, which it is developing as potential treatments for cancers, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. About Io Therapeutics: Io Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Spring, Texas. More information on Io Therapeutics and its product development programs is available on the companys web site: www.io-therapeutics.com Forward Looking Statements: This new release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. info@io-therapeutics.com Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 8 November 2024 at 22:30 EET Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 08.11.2024 Espoo, Finland On 8 November 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows: Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR* XHEL 1,244,405 4.21 CEUX 300,000 4.21 BATE - - AQEU - - TQEX - - Total 1,544,405 4.21 * Rounded to two decimals On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokias Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024. Total cost of transactions executed on 8 November 2024 was EUR 6,503,953. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 189,588,006 treasury shares. Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement. On behalf of Nokia Corporation BofA Securities Europe SA About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 40 803 4080 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com Attachment BOSTON HEIGHTS, Ohio, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arhaus, a leader in artisan-crafted furniture and home decor, announces the opening of its new showroom in Corte Madera at Town Center Corte Madera. Located in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Arhaus promises an inspiring destination for high quality furniture and home decor alongside the centers mix of upscale retail and dining options. This showroom marks the brands fourteenth location in California, with locations nearby including Arhaus Walnut Creek showroom and Burlingame Studio. At 27,800 square feet, the Corte Madera showroom will be Arhaus largest in the state. The Corte Madera location offers complimentary design services to clients, extending a helping hand on home projects of any scale. Whether reviving a single space or furnishing an entire home, Arhaus' team of seasoned design consultants is ready to provide guidance both in-store and online. For further details or to connect with a local designer, please visit Arhaus.com/DesignServices. In celebration of the showroom opening at Town Center Corte Madera, Arhaus will make a $10,000 contribution to American Forests, the country's oldest nonprofit conservation organization, dedicated to nurturing healthy and resilient forests from coast to coast. Rooted in sustainable principles and as part of its ongoing Green Initiative, Arhaus takes pride in its continued support for American Forests and its mission. To learn more about American Forests, visit AmericanForests.org. The Arhaus Corte Madera showroom opens today, Friday, November 8, at Town Center Corte Madera located at 313 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, CA 94925. For more information and store locations, visit the Arhaus Store Directory at Arhaus.com/Stores . To learn more about Arhaus values and commitments, visit Arhaus.com/About. To learn more about Arhaus Trade, an exclusive program for industry professionals, visit Arhaus.com/Trade. About Arhaus Founded in 1986, Arhaus is a rapidly growing lifestyle brand and omni-channel retailer of premium home furnishings. Through a differentiated proprietary model that directly designs and sources products from leading manufacturers and artisans around the world, Arhaus offers an exclusive assortment of heirloom quality products that are sustainably sourced, lovingly made, and built to last. With more than 100 showroom and design studio locations across the United States, a team of interior designers providing complimentary in-home design services, and robust online and ecommerce capabilities, Arhaus is known for innovative design, responsible sourcing, and client-first service. For more information, please visit www.arhaus.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce6d6472-546f-44c6-91b2-db99e14e851b AUM: $1.34 billion at September 30, 2024 Book Value per share ended the quarter at $42.02 Returned $45.9 million to shareholders through dividends declared and share repurchases in the third quarter Approved $0.20 per share shareholder designated charitable contribution for registered shareholders, bringing total to $42 million since our spin-off in 2015 GREENWICH, Conn., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associated Capital Group, Inc. (AC or the Company), a diversified financial services company, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024. Financial Highlights ($ in 000's except AUM and per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 AUM - end of period (in millions) $ 1,340 $ 1,588 $ 1,340 $ 1,588 AUM - average (in millions) 1,349 1,580 1,450 1,686 Revenues 2,415 2,200 8,021 7,047 Operating loss before management fee (Non-GAAP) (3,604 ) (3,533 ) (9,824 ) (9,050 ) Investment and other non-operating income/(loss), net 37,239 3,794 67,116 37,140 Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests 30,323 273 51,556 25,015 Net income/(loss) 23,242 (16 ) 40,048 21,109 Net income/(loss) per share - basic and diluted 1.09 0.00 1.87 0.97 Class A shares outstanding (000's) 2,297 2,672 2,297 2,672 Class B " " 18,951 18,951 18,951 18,951 Total " " 21,248 21,623 21,248 21,623 Book value per share $ 42.02 $ 41.43 $ 42.02 $ 41.43 Giving Back to Society - (Y)our "S" in ESG AC seeks to be a good corporate citizen by supporting our community through sponsoring local organizations. On August 7, 2024, the Board of Directors approved up to a $4.3 million, or $0.20 per share, shareholder designated charitable contribution (SDCC) for registered shareholders as of October 18, 2024. Based on the program created by Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, our corporate charitable giving is unique in that the recipients of AC's charitable contributions are chosen directly by our shareholders, rather than by our corporate officers. Since our spin off as a public company, the shareholders of AC have donated approximately $42 million, including the most recent SDCC, to over 190 501(c)(3) organizations across the United States. Third Quarter Financial Data Assets under management ended the quarter at $1.34 billion versus $1.59 billion at September 30, 2023. Book value was $42.02 per share (ex- $2 per share dividend) compared to $41.43 per share at September 30, 2023. Third Quarter Results Total revenues in the third quarter of 2024 were $2.4 million compared to $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Revenues generated by the GAMCO International SICAV GAMCO Merger Arbitrage (the SICAV) were $1.1 million versus $0.8 million in the prior year period. All other revenues were $1.3 million compared to $1.4 million in the year ago quarter. Starting in December 2023, the Company recognized 100% of the merger arbitrage SICAV revenues received by Gabelli Funds, LLC. In turn, AC pays the marketing expenses of the SICAV previously paid by Gabelli Funds, and remits an administrative fee to Gabelli Funds for administrative services provided. This change better aligns the financial arrangements with the services rendered by each party. The net effect of this change had no material impact on our operating results. Total operating expenses, excluding management fee, were $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $5.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase is primarily attributed to the $0.5 million of marketing expenses on the merger arbitrage SICAV, offset partially by lower variable based compensation expenses. Net investment and other non-operating income was $37.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. The primary drivers of this quarter's results included gains from our merger arbitrage partnerships, a $2 per share special dividend declared on our holdings of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and interest income. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the management fee was $3.3 million versus none in the year ago quarter. The effective tax rate applied to our pre-tax income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 22.9%. In the year ago quarter, the effective tax rate was 60.8% due to the deferred tax expense from a foreign investment. Assets Under Management (AUM) Assets under management at September 30, 2024 were $1.34 billion, $251 million lower than year-end 2023, the result of net outflows of $288 million and the impact of currency fluctuations in non-US dollar denominated classes of investment funds of $4 million, offset partially by market appreciation of $41 million. September 30, December 31, September 30, 2024 2023 2023 ($ in millions) Merger Arbitrage(a) $ 1,095 $ 1,312 $ 1,322 Long/Short Value(b) 208 244 233 Other 37 35 33 Total AUM $ 1,340 $ 1,591 $ 1,588 (a) Includes $431, $621, and $613 of sub-advisory AUM related to GAMCO International SICAV - GAMCO Merger Arbitrage, and $68, $69, and $67 of sub-advisory AUM related to Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust Plc at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively. (b) Includes $201, $237 and $226 for which Associated Capital receives only performance fees, less expenses of $25, $25, and $24 at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Alternative Investment Management The alternative investment strategy offerings center around our merger arbitrage strategy, which has an absolute return focus of generating returns independent of the broad equity and fixed income markets. We also offer strategies utilizing fundamental, active, event-driven and special situations investments. Merger Arbitrage For the third quarter of 2024, the longest continuously offered fund in the merger arbitrage strategy generated gross returns of 4.88% (3.80% net of fees). A summary of the performance is as follows: Full Year Performance%(a) 3Q '24 3Q '23 YTD '24 YTD '23 2023 2022 2021 2020 5 Year(b) Since 1985(b)(c) Merger Arb Gross 4.88 2.88 4.82 2.23 5.49 4.47 10.81 9.45 7.66 10.01 Net 3.80 2.33 3.23 1.17 3.56 2.75 7.78 6.70 5.28 7.08 (a) Net performance is net of fees and expenses, unless otherwise noted. Performance shown for an actual fund in this strategy. The performance of other funds in this strategy may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. (b) Represents annualized returns through September 30, 2024 (c) Inception Date: February 1985 Global M&A activity totaled $2.3 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2023. The U.S. continued to lead in dealmaking, accounting for $1.1 trillion, or 48% of global activity, the largest percentage for U.S. dealmaking since 2019. Private Equity-backed buyouts represented 24% of M&A activity, with a total value of $548 billion, marking a 40% increase over 2023 levels and the strongest first nine months for private equity dealmaking since 1980. The Technology sector led in activity with a total volume of $375 billion, accounting for 16% of overall value, followed by Energy & Power at $374 billion or 16% and Financials at $308 billion or 12%. The Merger Arbitrage strategy is offered by mandate and client type through partnerships and offshore corporations serving accredited as well as institutional investors. The strategy is also offered in separately managed accounts, a Luxembourg UCITS (an entity organized as an Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferrable Securities) and a London Stock Exchange listed investment company, Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust Plc (GMP-LN). Acquisitions Associated Capital Group's plan is to accelerate the use of its capital. We intend to leverage our research and investment capabilities by pursuing acquisitions and alliances that will broaden our product offerings and add new sources of distribution. In addition, we may make direct investments in operating businesses using a variety of techniques and structures to accomplish our objectives. Gabelli Private Equity Partners was created to launch a private equity business, somewhat akin to the success our predecessor PE firm had in the 1980s. We will continue our outreach initiatives with business owners, corporate management, and various financial sponsors. We are activating our program of buying privately owned, family started businesses, controlled and operated by the founding family. Shareholder Compensation On September 19, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share, payable on November 4, 2024 to shareholders of record on October 21, 2024. In addition to this special dividend, on November 8, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.10 per share which is payable on December 19, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 5, 2024. During the third quarter, AC repurchased 107,218 Class A shares, totaling $3.4 million, at an average price of $31.80 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, AC repurchased 290,041 Class A shares, totaling $9.6 million, at an average price of $33.01 per share. Shares may be purchased from time to time in the future, however share repurchase amounts and prices may vary after considering a variety of factors, including the Company's financial position, earnings, other alternative uses of cash, macroeconomic issues, and market conditions. Since our inception in 2015, AC has returned $181.9 million to shareholders through share repurchases and exchange offers, in addition to dividends of $81.1 million. At September 30, 2024, there were 21.248 million shares outstanding, consisting of 2.297 million Class A shares and 18.951 million Class B shares outstanding. About Associated Capital Group, Inc. Associated Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:AC), based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a diversified global financial services company that provides alternative investment management through Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (GCIA). We have also earmarked proprietary capital for our direct investment business that invests in new and existing businesses. The direct investment business is developing along several core pillars, including Gabelli Private Equity Partners, LLC (GPEP), which was formed in August 2017 with $150 million of authorized capital as a fund-less sponsor and Gabelli Principal Strategies Group, LLC (GPS), which was formed in December 2015 to pursue strategic operating initiatives. Operating Loss Before Management Fee Operating loss before management fee expense represents a non-GAAP financial measure used by management to evaluate its business operations. We believe this measure is useful in illustrating the operating results of the Company as management fee expense is based on pre-tax income before management fee expense, which includes non-operating items including investment gains and losses from the Companys proprietary investment portfolio and interest expense. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, ($ in 000's) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Operating loss - GAAP $ (6,916 ) $ (3,521 ) $ (15,560 ) $ (12,125 ) Add: management fee expense (1) 3,312 (12 ) 5,736 3,075 Operating loss before management fee - Non-GAAP $ (3,604 ) $ (3,533 ) $ (9,824 ) $ (9,050 ) (1) Management fee expense is incentive-based and is equal to 10% of Income before management fee and income taxes and excludes the impact of consolidating entities. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Income before management fee, income taxes and excluding consolidated entities was $33,120; as a result $3,312 was accrued for the 10% management fee expense. There was no such accrual in the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Income before management fee, income taxes and excluding consolidated entities was $57,363 and $30,747, respectively; as a result, $5,736 and $3,075 was accrued for the 10% management fee expense in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Table I ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Amounts in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, 2024 2023 2023 ASSETS Cash, cash equivalents and US Treasury Bills $ 376,697 $ 406,642 $ 384,214 Investments in securities and partnerships 472,528 420,706 433,480 Investment in GAMCO stock 56,401 45,602 48,031 Receivable from brokers 26,985 30,268 29,354 Income taxes receivable, including deferred tax assets, net 2,588 8,474 7,804 Other receivables 6,402 5,587 1,616 Other assets 35,552 26,518 21,883 Total assets $ 977,153 $ 943,797 $ 926,382 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY Payable to brokers $ 7,865 $ 4,459 $ 5,618 Income taxes payable, including deferred tax liabilities, net 989 - - Compensation payable 17,488 15,169 10,915 Securities sold short, not yet purchased 7,376 5,918 5,090 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 2,288 5,173 1,957 Dividend payable 42,494 - - Total liabilities $ 78,500 $ 30,719 $ 23,580 Redeemable noncontrolling interests 5,836 6,103 7,133 Total equity 892,817 906,975 895,669 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 977,153 $ 943,797 $ 926,382 (1) Certain captions include amounts related to a consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE") and voting interest entity ("VOE"); refer to footnote 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 10-Q report to be filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 for more details on the impact of consolidating these entities. (2) Investment in GAMCO stock: 2,303,023, 2,386,295 and 2,397,974 shares, respectively. Table II ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Investment advisory and incentive fees $ 2,310 $ 2,098 $ 7,706 $ 6,789 Other revenues 105 102 315 258 Total revenues 2,415 2,200 8,021 7,047 Compensation 4,215 4,078 11,977 11,437 Other operating expenses 1,804 1,655 5,868 4,660 Total expenses 6,019 5,733 17,845 16,097 Operating loss before management fee (3,604 ) (3,533 ) (9,824 ) (9,050 ) Investment gain/(loss) 26,173 (2,173 ) 42,808 21,635 Interest and dividend income from GAMCO 4,700 96 5,362 288 Interest and dividend income, net 6,366 6,106 19,395 16,821 Shareholder-designated contribution - (235 ) (449 ) (1,604 ) Investment and other non-operating income, net 37,239 3,794 67,116 37,140 Income before management fee and income taxes 33,635 261 57,292 28,090 Management fee 3,312 (12 ) 5,736 3,075 Income before income taxes 30,323 273 51,556 25,015 Income tax expense 6,933 166 11,415 3,586 Income before noncontrolling interests 23,390 107 40,141 21,429 Income attributable to noncontrolling interests 148 123 93 320 Net income/(loss) attributable to Associated Capital Group $ 23,242 $ (16 ) $ 40,048 $ 21,109 Net income per share attributable to Associated Capital Group Basic $ 1.09 $ 0.00 $ 1.87 $ 0.97 Diluted $ 1.09 $ 0.00 $ 1.87 $ 0.97 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 21,275 21,672 21,389 21,836 Diluted 21,275 21,672 21,389 21,836 Actual shares outstanding - end of period 21,248 21,623 21,248 21,623 SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The financial results set forth in this press release are preliminary. Our disclosure and analysis in this press release, which do not present historical information, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, project, intend, plan, believe, and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results. Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, the economy and other conditions, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Therefore, you should proceed with caution in relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include a decline in the securities markets that adversely affect our assets under management, negative performance of our products, the failure to perform as required under our investment management agreements, and a general downturn in the economy that negatively impacts our operations. We also direct your attention to the more specific discussions of these and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors contained in our Form 10 and other public filings. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Contact: Ian J. McAdams Chief Financial Officer (914) 921-5078 Associated-Capital-Group.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00f9af12-0742-4809-9ba5-ad5c4b21cd9d Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Koryx Copper Inc. (Koryx or the "Company") (TSX-V: KRY) is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche (the "Second Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the Offering) (see press releases dated September 25, 2024 and October 15, 2024) raising $5,200,892.40 for the sale of 4,728,084 common shares of the Company (the Shares) at a price of $1.10 per Share. As announced on October 15, 2024, the first tranche of the Offering consisted of gross proceeds of $9,668,463.20 for the sale of 8,789,512 Shares Shares at a price of $1.10 per Share. Accordingly, upon completion of the Second Tranche, the Company has raised a combined aggregate total gross proceeds of $14,869,355.60 for the sale of a combined 13,517,596 Shares at $1.10 per Share. All of the Shares issued under the Offering are subject to a four month hold from the date of issuance. No finders fees were paid in connection with the Second Tranche. No new insider or control person was created as a result of the Offering. A significant participation in the Offering includes management and associates as the biggest subscribers as well as a list of well known resource specialist investors such as Ross Beaty and Resource Capital Funds. Heye Daun, Koryx Executive Chairman commented: We are very pleased with the outcome of this non-brokered equity financing which had strong demand and was well oversubscribed. We appreciate the continued support from our new and previous shareholders, most of whom elected to significantly increase their subscription. We are particularly pleased that many of our early stage supporters in Osino (our prior Namibian success) such as Ross Beaty and Resource Capital Funds and many other institutional and retail investors have elected to come in again in order to support us in advancing our assets and creating value for stakeholders. We have already initiated a substantial ramp-up in drilling and technical activities with the aim of delivering an updated PEA around the middle of 2025. We will very soon update the market with further details regarding our technical activities geared towards fast-tracking the development of our flagship Haib Copper Project in Namibia whilst continuing to build and enhance our project portfolio in Zambia. Officers and directors of the Company participated as insiders (the "Insiders") of the Company in the Private Placement and purchased an aggregate of 166,200 Shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $182,820. As a result, the Offering is a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Offering is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsection 5.5(b) of MI-61-101 because the Shares are not listed on a specified market and is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsection 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 because neither the fair market value of the Shares to be issued to the Insiders nor the consideration to be paid by the Insiders pursuant to the Offering will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. There is no formal valuation of the Company. As a result of the Insider Participation, the Insider's shareholdings in the Company will increase from 100,000 Shares (0.17% non-diluted / 1.66% partially-diluted after taking into account convertible securities held by the Insiders) to 266,200 Shares (0.41% non-diluted / 1.72% partially-diluted after taking into account the convertible securities). The Offering was unanimously approved by the directors of the Company, with the directors participating disclosing their respective interests and abstaining from voting to the extent of their interest in the transaction. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Offering but did not do so more than 21 days before the expected date of the closing as the insider participation was not determined at that time. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance the Haib Copper Project in Namibia, the Luanshya West Project in Zambia, and for general working capital purposes. The securities of the Company have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. These securities have been sold and this press release appears as matter of record only. Resales of any Shares or Warrants that may be placed within the United States will be restricted in accordance with applicable laws. Qualified Person Mr. Dean Richards Pr.Sci.Nat., MGSSA BSc. (Hons) Geology is the Qualified Person for the Haib Copper Project and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No. 400190/08) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. About Koryx Copper Inc. Koryx Copper Inc. is a TSX-V-listed copper development Company focused on advancing the large-scale, 100% owned, Haib Copper Project in Namibia whilst also building a portfolio of copper exploration licenses in Zambia. Haib is a large and advanced (PEA-stage) copper/molybdenum porphyry deposit in southern Namibia with a long history of exploration and project development by multiple operators. More than 70,000m of drilling has been conducted at Haib since the 1970s with significant exploration programs led by companies including Falconbridge (1964), Rio Tinto (1975) and Teck (2014). Teck remains a strategic and supportive shareholder. Haib has a current mineral resource of 414Mt @ 0.35% Cu for 1,459kt of contained copper in the Indicated category and 345mt @ 0.33% Cu for 1,136kt of contained copper in the Inferred category (0.25% Cu cut-off). Mineralization at Haib is typical of a porphyry copper deposit and the deposit remains intact. Porphyry copper deposits are a major global source of copper with the best-known examples being concentrated around the Pacific Rim, North America and South America. Haib is one of a few examples of a Paleoproterozoic porphyry copper deposit in the world and one of only two in southern Africa (both in Namibia). Due to its age, the deposit has been subjected to multiple metamorphic and deformation events, but still retains many of the classic mineralization and alteration features typical of these deposits. The mineralization is dominantly chalcopyrite with minor bornite and chalcocite present and only minor secondary copper minerals at surface due to the arid environment. In addition to extensive drilling and metallurgical testwork various technical studies have been completed at Haib to date. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://koryxcopper.com and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. More information is available by contacting the Company: Julia Becker Corporate Communications jbecker@koryxcopper.com +1-604-785-0850 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Washington, D.C., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana granted the New Civil Liberties Alliances request for further jurisdictional discovery in the landmark Missouri v. Biden lawsuit against government-induced social media censorship. In June, the Supreme Court vacated the preliminary injunction in the case (called Murthy v. Missouri at that stage) that barred officials from the White House, CDC, FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Surgeon Generals office from coercing and significantly encouraging social media platforms to censor constitutionally protected speech. NCLAs clients, two of whom are top epidemiologists, have been blacklisted, shadow-banned, de-boosted, throttled, and suspended on social media as part of a censorship campaign orchestrated by the White House and others in a whole of government effort. The Supreme Court wrongly found NCLA clients Drs. Jayanta Bhattacharya, Martin Kulldorff, and Aaron Kheriaty, and Ms. Jill Hines lacked standing to support the injunction. However, with limited discovery at the preliminary injunction stage, we uncovered a vast operation censorship emanating from the highest levels of government, across at least a dozen agencies, and featuring well over a hundred government actorsand potentially many more that are currently unknown. Agencies and the White House directed social media companies to censor viewpoints that conflicted with federal government messaging on topics ranging from Covid-19 to elections. The nature and significance of the Biden Administrations illicit conduct probably would not have come to light in the absence of this lawsuit. Although the Supreme Court majority did not reach the merits of the case, Justices Alito, Thomas and Gorsuch addressed the substance of Plaintiffs claims and concluded that the governments conduct violated the First Amendment. Now, NCLAs clients will receive the discovery they need to establish standing under the Supreme Courts standard, so they are likely to prevail on the merits of their claims. NCLA released the following statement: Thankfully, the District Court isnt allowing the government to get away with its unlawful censorship enterprise by carrying it out in secret. We welcome the opportunity to show that the government was and continues to be responsible for censorship of our clients. Jenin Younes, Litigation Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the case page here or watch the case video here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euro Sun Mining Inc., (TSX: ESM) (Euro Sun or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (the First Tranche) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing of units of the Company (the Offering). Pursuant to the closing of the First Tranche, the Company issued 9,390,038 units of the Company (each a Unit and collectively, the Units) at a price of C$0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$469,501.90. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a Common Share) and one common share purchase warrant (each a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.05 per Common Share until November 8, 2026. In connection with closing of the First Tranche, the Company paid an aggregate amount of $1,400 in cash commissions and 28,000 broker warrants (the Broker Warrants) to a finder. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of the closing of the First Tranche. A director of the Company purchased 1,000,000 Units under the Offering. The placement to such person constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning Multilateral Instrument 61101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61101). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Companys market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). Further details will be included in a material change report to be filed by the Company. The material change report will not be filed more than 21 days prior to closing of the placement due to the timing of the announcement of the private placement and closing of the Offering. Euro Sun intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for the advancement of its Rovina Valley Project and for general corporate purposes. The securities issued under the First Tranche are subject to a hold period that expires on March 9, 2025. About Euro Sun Mining Inc. Euro Sun Mining is a publicly listed development-stage mining company focused on unlocking value through the responsible development of the Rovina Valley Project, one of Europes largest copper gold projects. Further information: For further information about Euro Sun Mining, or the contents of this press release, please contact Investor Relations at info@eurosunmining.com Caution regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the closing of the First Tranche, closing of further tranches under the Offering and use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks inherent in the mining industry and risks described in the public disclosure of the Company which is available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.eurosunmining.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. Lery Seafood Group ASA will present its results for Q3 2024 on 14 November 2024 at Continental Hotel, Stortingsgaten 24/26, Oslo at 08:00 CET. The presentation will be held in Norwegian followed by a Q&A session. Delicious seafood will be served from 07:45 CET. You may alternatively follow the Norwegian presentation and submit questions through a live broadcast available on https://www.leroyseafood.com/no/investor/ . The quarterly report and presentation will be published at 06:30 CET. A recording of the presentation in English will be available from 12:00 CET on http://www.leroyseafood.com/en/investor . This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Vancouver, Nov. 7, 2024 - Bolt Metals Corp. ("Bolt" or the "Company") (CSE: BOLT) (FRANKFURT: A3D8AK) (OTCQB: PCRCF) is pleased to provide an update on the Company's proposed stock split announced on November 4, 2024, whereby the Company's common shares will be split on the basis of two (2) new shares for each one (1) old share (the "Subdivison"). Each shareholder of record of the Company as of the close of business on the record date, November 13, 2024 (the "Record Date"), will receive one additional share for each share held on such date. The Company currently has 15,690,706 issued and outstanding common shares. Upon completion of the Subdivision, there will be approximately 31,381,412 shares issued and outstanding. The Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") will publish a bulletin confirming the Subdivision for the Company in due course. The Company's common shares will begin trading on a post-Subdivision basis on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Shareholders do not need to take any action with respect to the Subdivision. As per CSE policy, the Subdivision is being conducted on a "push-out" basis and therefore the Company's CUSIP number will remain the same. The Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, will send holders of common shares as of the Record Date a DRS advice letter in lieu of a share certificate, which will represent the additional shares resulting from the Subdivision. Bolt Metals Corp. Branden Haynes - Director and CEO (604) 817-1595 info@boltmetals.com Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward?looking information". The words "may", "potential", "should", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward?looking statements. Such statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the Subdivision and the timing thereof. Investors are cautioned that any such forward?looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward?looking statements. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved this news release. up to $300,000 by way of a unit private placement at a price of $0.04 per unit, with each unit to consist of one common share and one share purchase warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.06 for a period of 42 months from closing; and up to $240,000 by way of a flow-through share private placement at a price of $0.06 per flow-through share. Vancouver, November 7, 2024 - Cariboo Rose Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CRB) ("Cariboo Rose" or the "Company ") announces that it intends to raise up to $540,000 by way of the following non-brokered private placements (the "Placement"): The Placement will be non-brokered; however, the Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The Placement is subject to the completion of formal documentation and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including TSX-V acceptance. Certain insiders of the Company may participate, with full particulars of such participation to be included in the news release announcing the closing of the Placement. The securities issued pursuant to this Placement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The proceeds will be used by the Company to conduct an exploration program at its Lightning Strike exploration project in British Columbia and for general working capital. Lightning Strike Project The Lightning Strike Project is a 100% owned, 4,073-hectare, shale hosted gold-silver project modelled on the Spanish Mountain Gold Project located in similar rocks 95 kilometers to the northwest. Shale hosted orogenic gold deposits are one of the most attractive models for large gold deposits in the world. Over $550,000 has been spent on the property since 2019. Notable drill hole intercepts include: 3.42 g/t gold and 228.1 g/t silver over 5.0 meters 0.62 g/t gold and 7.2 g/t silver over 38.0 meters 0.77 g/t gold over 20.0 meters, and 19.30 g/t gold over 1.5 meters. An exploration permit to drill, valid until April 28, 2029, was granted in 2024. In addition to the Lightning Strike Project, the Company currently owns five additional Gold-Copper-Silver projects, all of which are located in British Columbia and possess large deposit attributes with large acreage tenures. Additional information on all properties is available in a September 18, 2024 news release and at the Company website http://www.cariboorose.com This news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. J.W. Morton, P. Geo., who is the Qualified Person within the context of NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for it. For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.cariboorose.com. J.W Morton President and CEO Contact: (604) 681-7913 or Toll Free: 888-656-6611 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Vancouver, November 8, 2024 - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FRA: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to announce that planning is underway for a proposed 2025 exploration program at the Company's Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project near Duncan, BC (the "Property"). Nova Pacific is currently soliciting and reviewing drill bids with a start date for the program anticipated following the receipt of all required permits. In preparation for the program, a permit application for a proposed 40-hole infill drill program was submitted to the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation as part of the Company's Notice of Work in late June 2024. Following the Ministry's acknowledgement and acceptance of the application, Nova Pacific recently paid a reclamation bond of $11,000 at the Ministry's request. Engagement with First Nation communities are progressing favourably. The purpose of the program is to confirm historical drill results and tighten up the drill spacing in order to support the preparation of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) on the Property. The Company has retained Mineit Consulting Inc. of Vancouver BC, under the supervision of Shervin Teymouri, B.A.Sc., M.Eng., P.Eng., CEO & Principal Mining Engineer, to design the layout of the drill program which will provide sufficient new information to support a MRE that meets the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and can be included in an updated technical report on the Property. The proposed layout for the drill program is presented in Figure 1. Figure 1: Lara Property Proposed Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_001full.jpg The Property is approximately 75 kilometres (km) north of Victoria, 15 km northwest of Duncan, and 12 km west of the village of Chemainus and is accessible via a network of logging and forestry roads. The Property was explored by geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling between 1981 and 1999. In 2008, a MRE was completed for the Coronation Zone and five other zones. The Property has been tested by approximately 470 drill holes, most of which were drilled between 1984 and 1990 (Figure 2). Numerous occurrences of mineralization were discovered, the most significant of which are the Coronation Zone and the nearby Coronation Extension and Hanging wall Zones. In 1988, the Coronation Zone was explored by 700 metres (m) of underground development. Of the 470 holes drilled, 180 tested the Coronation and adjacent zones (Figure 3). Figure 2: Lara Property Historical Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_002full.jpg Several key aspects of the program will be to carry out internal engineering studies (e.g., trade-off and scoping studies) to determine the recovery and mining methods, and economic potentials for the project. Results from the recovery and mining methods, and economic potentials of the project may also be included into an updated technical report depending on the outcome of the scoping studies. Figure 3: Lara Property Coronation Zone Historical Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/229250_f154f2e354203b7d_003full.jpg Mr. J. Malcolm Bell, CEO of Nova Pacific, commented: "As we wait for approval to commence the 2025 drill program we are actively planning for success and being proactive in our preparations for all aspects of the 2025 program. These activities will include contracting a highly competent drill contractor, carrying out an update to the Preliminary Environmental Baseline Study completed in 2015, and finalizing the engagement of Sacre-Davey Engineering Inc., which will undertake an in-depth mechanical ore sorting study utilizing selected drill core segments generated from initial drill holes. In addition, our plan is to commission a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) once infill and confirmation drilling has been completed on the project. Our team is highly motivated, and we are eager to achieve the results we know are possible from this exciting opportunity." Additional Matters Further to Nova Pacific's news release dated October 29, 2024, the Company would like to confirm that certain insiders subscribed for $103,750 worth of the private placement referenced in the news release, or 415,000 units. Each of these transactions constituted a "related party transaction" as that term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements under MI 61-101 for those transactions, and in particular, Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the transactions was not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Further to Nova Pacific's news release dated October 31, 2024, the Company would like to confirm that it has engaged both Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") and Alphai News Corp. ("Alphai News") to conduct Promotional Activity (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) on the Company's behalf. Native Ads can be reached at 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N-249, New York NY 10001, telephone: 1.866.773.3540, email: jon@nativeads.com, while Alphai News can be reached at 21475 102B Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC telephone: 778.988.5503, email: admin@alphainews.com. Qualified Person Statement The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jeremy Hanson a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI43-101"). About Nova Pacific Metals Corp. Nova Pacific Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on high-potential mineral projects. Our key asset is the Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This brownfields development boasts a significant polymetallic deposit exhibiting good grades in gold, silver, copper, and zinc, situated in a prime location with excellent infrastructure. Led by industry veterans with a track record of significant discoveries, Nova Pacific is well-positioned for growth. Nova Pacific's team, including J. Malcolm Bell and Dal Brynelsen, brings extensive experience in mineral exploration and mine development. With a clear pathway to production, including planned infill drilling and a feasibility study, the Company is committed to creating value while maintaining environmental responsibility and strong community relationships. For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com. Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement Nova Pacific recognizes the Rights of all Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The Company is committed to consultation and accommodation with the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group communities on whose Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory the Lara Property is located. The Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group is a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Stz'uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan. On behalf of the Board of Directors J. Malcolm Bell Chief Executive Officer, Director The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229250 Muskoka, November 8th, 2024 - Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. (CSE: SCM) ("Steadright" or the "Company") announces that it will sell, through a definitive agreement, to Argyle Resources Corp. (CSE: ARGL) 23 high grade Silica Claims, known as the Saint Gabriel silica claims located in Saint Gabriel de Rimouski, Sainte Jeanne d'Arc and Sainte Angele de Merici Municipalities, La Mitis Regional County Municipality, Bas-Saint-Laurent Region of Quebec. The Saint Gabriel Silica Project consists of twenty-three contiguous mining claims totalling 1,312.90 ha. and has a recent 2024 National Instrument 43-101 completed. The terms of the mineral claim sale are as follows: $65,000 in cash and 300,000 common shares of the Argyle Resources Corp. The Consideration Shares will be subject to escrow restrictions under which 100,000 of the Consideration Shares will be released 4 months and 1 day following closing of the Acquisition (the "Closing"), 100,000 Consideration Shares will be released 6 months following Closing, and the remaining 100,000 Consideration Shares will be released 12 months following Closing and that the Claims are subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty (the "Royalty"), one-half of which may be re-purchased by payment of $1,500,000. Chairman and Director of Steadright, Mr. John Theobald states," The Board of Directors of Steadright Critical Minerals has approved the Saint Gabriel Claims sale and are excited to have Argyle Resources team of professionals continue the exploration work on the Silica claims." ABOUT STREADRIGHT CRITICAL MINERALS INC. Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company established in 2019. Steadright currently holds an option on its RAM property near Port Cartier, Quebec within the Cote-Nord Region, which is accessible by route 138. The RAM project is comprised of over 13,000 acres and located on an Anorthositic complex that is in a highly prospective geological unit and historically been under explored for Ni, Cu, Co and precious metals. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS For further information, please contact: John Theobald Chairman & Director Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. Email: info@steadright.ca Web: www.steadright.ca Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or ?achievements of Steadright to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-?looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: there is no certainty that the ongoing programs will result in significant or successful ?exploration and ?development of Steadright's properties; uncertainty as to the actual results of exploration and development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing on ?acceptable terms; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; ?general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks ?inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation or income tax legislation, affecting Steadright; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United ?States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and ?may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States SLAM Exploration Ltd. ("SLAM" or the "Company") (TSXV-SXL) is pleased to announce preliminary results from holes GW24-10, GW24-11, and GW24-12 drilled on the Granges zone at its wholly owned Goodwin Project located 35 kilometers south of the Caribou mine and mill complex in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. Hole GW24-10 was drilled from a site 20 meters southeast of GW24-02 and intersected 2 mineral zones over 0.94 meters and 2.18 meters respectively. GW24-11 stepped a further 20 meters southeast and intersected an 18.00 meter zone of mineralization. GW24-12 was drilled behind GW24-02 and intersected an 8.65 meter zone with massive sulphide lenses up to 1.5m thick. These holes were designed to test the extent of copper nickel mineralization in hole GW24-02 that intersected 31.20 meters grading 1.32% copper, 1.11% nickel and 0.09% cobalt. Approximately 89 samples from these 3 holes are being sawn and shipped for analysis. The summary logs are tabled below: Hole Number From-To Meters Interval Meters Description Mineralization GW24-10 0.00-6.00 6.00 Casing GW24-10 6.00-32.22 26.22 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-10 32.22-33.16 0.94 Mineral Zone 50% Sulphides GW24-10 33.16-38.92 5.76 Gabbro 1% Sulphides GW24-10 38.92-41.10 2.18 Mineral Zone 15% to 20% Sulphides GW24-10 41.10-101.00 59.90 Gabbro 1% Sulphides GW24-10 101.00 End Of Hole GW24-11 0.00-3.00 3.00 Casing GW24-11 3.00-89.00 86.00 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-11 89.00-107.00 18.00 Mineral Zone 5 to 8% Sulphides GW24-11 107.00-131.00 24.00 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-11 131.00 End Of Hole GW24-12 0.00-4.50 4.50 Casing GW24-12 4.50-59.50 54.00 Volcanic Tuff 0.5% Sulphides GW24-12 59.50-68.15 8.65 Mineral Zone Massive Sulphide Seams GW24-12 68.00-98.00 30.00 Gabbro 0% Sulphides GW24-12 131.00 End Of Hole Figure 1 shows the copper-bearing mineral zone from 59.5 meters to 72 meters in diamond drill hole GW24-12. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1 Diamond Drill Hole GW24-12 After hole GW24-12, the drill was moved 500 meters north to drill hole GW24-13 from a site 50 meters ahead of hole GW24-09 on the Logan zone. This was followed by hole GW24-14 at a site located 60 meters behind hole GW24-09. Logging and sampling are in progress on these 2 holes. Figure 2 shows all holes drilled by Slam to date all 3 zones. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2 Goodwin Diamond Drill Hole Sites, Airborne Conductivity Click SLAM_NAI500_YouTube to view SLAM President & CEO Mike Taylor discussing the Goodwin copper nickel project in a recent interview with Gilbert Chan of NAI 500. QA-QC Procedures: The core was delivered to a secure facility in Bathurst New Brunswick for detailed logging and sampling. The core descriptions and the summary log for holes GW24-10 to GW24-12 are based on visual observations of the core. The results for holes GW24-01 to GW24-03 were previously reported in news releases by SLAM from July 30, 2024 to August 12, 2024. The historic results from previous workers are derived from New Brunswick assessment files that predate NI43-101 regulations. They can only be validated by additional drilling. About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a public resource company with a substantial portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The Company recently completed three diamond drill holes on the Goodwin copper-nickel project in the BMC of New Brunswick. Highlights include: A 60.60-meter core interval grading 1.17% copper equivalent in hole GW24-03 A 64.90-meter core interval grading 2.14% copper equivalent in hole GW24-02 SLAM has discovered multiple gold veins on its wholly owned Menneval gold project. The Company has reported gold-bearing core intervals, including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 meters and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 meters (news releases dated December 13, 2021, and November 22, 2022). Additionally, the Company reported quartz float grading up to 39.2 g/t gold on its Jake Lee project, located near the Clarence Stream gold deposit, where Galway Metals Inc. is working on a 2.3-million-ounce gold deposit in southern New Brunswick. SLAM also owns the Mine Road copper-zinc-silver project, adjacent to the former producing Heath Steele Mines property in the BMC. Previous workers have reported successful diamond drill holes at Mine Road, including IL2014-003, which intersected a 9-meter core interval grading 14.51% zinc, 5.86% lead, 0.67% copper, and 139.9 g/t silver in the volcanogenic massive sulphide Railroad Zone (Doe Run Canadian Exploration ULC; 2015, New Brunswick Assessment Files, Report of Work 477877). The Railroad Zone is located 7,000 meters east of the 20-million-tonne former producing Heath Steele B Zone. The Company is a project generator and has received significant cash and share payments over the past year. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects additional cash and share payments from the Wedge copper-zinc project and the Ramsay, Reserve Creek, and Opikeigen gold projects. To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold. Qualifying Statements: Mike Taylor P.Geo, President and CEO of SLAM Exploration Ltd., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the contents of this news release. Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements regarding mineral resources and the Company's plans with respect to the exploration and development of its properties. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. There are a number of risk factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those described herein. Information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACT INFORMATION: Mike Taylor, President & CEO Contact: 506-623-8960 mike@slamexploration.com Eugene Beukman, CFO Contact: 604-687-2038 ebeukman@pendergroup.ca SEDAR+: 00012459 Vancouver, November 8, 2024 - Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ) (OTCQB: FTZFF) ("Fitzroy Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the filing of an independent technical report (the "Technical Report") for the Buen Retiro Copper Project in Atacama Region III, Copiapo Province and Copiapo Comuna, Chile on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Technical Report titled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Buen Retiro Copper Project" with an effective date of August 15, 2024 and an issuing date of October 23, 2024 was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The author and qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) for the Technical Report is Scott Jobin-Bevans, P.Geo., PhD, PMP. A copy of the Technical Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's website at www.fitzroyminerals.com. Correction to Press Release dated October 30, 2024 The Company's press release issued on October 30, 2024 in respect of the acquisition of Ptolemy Mining Limited included incorrect dates for the Buen Retiro Option Agreement and the Sierra Fritis Option Agreement. The Buen Retiro Option Agreement was signed on June 30, 2023 and the Sierra Fritis Option Agreement was signed on October 6, 2023. The investment to date on the Buen Retiro Option is also US$1,608,000 and not US$1,540,000 as previously disclosed. About Fitzroy Minerals Fitzroy Minerals is focused on exploring and developing mineral assets with substantial upside potential in the Americas. The Company's current property portfolio includes the Caballos Copper and Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver projects located in Valparaiso, Chile and the Taquetren Gold project located in Rio Negro, Argentina, as well as the Cariboo project in British Columbia, Canada. Fitzroy Minerals' shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FTZ and on the OTCQB under the symbol FTZFF. On behalf of Fitzroy Minerals Inc. Merlin Marr-Johnson President and CEO For further information, please contact: Merlin Marr-Johnson mmj@fitzroyminerals.com +1 604-505-4554 For more information on Fitzroy Minerals, please visit the Company's website: www.fitzroyminerals.com Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to exploration plans of the Company. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including, environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities, climate change and climate change regulations, fluctuations in exchange rates, the availability of obtaining necessary financing to complete the business objectives of the Company, and such further risks as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required by law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Religious factors have shown their significance in the recently called 2024 U.S. elections. Support from the Evangelical Christians have proven critical to Trumps reelection. Dr. Fenggang Yang (), professor of Sociology of Religion at Purdue University, pointed this out in a recent discussion amongst Chinese pastors. On November 6, after the election winner was announced, Dr. Yang presented the latest exit poll data in an online program hosted by Rev. Boli Zhang () on his YouTube channel, which was streamed live at 9PM. The session also brought in Rev. Stephen Chen () and Rev. Zhiyong Wang () to discuss post-election pastoral care for Chinese Churches. Yang first pointed out that the pre-election polls were far off from the actual results. Pre-election polls showed a razor thin race, especially in the swing states, but the actual votes showed surprisingly great discrepancy. He also pointed out that there have been major problems with the pre-election polls the past eight years. While pre-election polls have various issues, the post-election exit polls provide more insightful data. Yang used this opportunity to say that social sciences must reflect on themselves and use more effective methods to understand society as a whole. Data Analysis of Exit-Poll Data Interestingly enough, BBC was the first to publish data from U.S. election exit-polls. Within the data, the importance of religious factors in voter choice stood out significantly. According to the survey, which was conducted jointly by a number of media outlets, the data showed that 54% of male voters and 44% of female voters voted for Trump. Racially, 55% of Whites, 12% of Blacks, 45% of Latinos, and 38% of Asians voted for Trump. Among the different age groups, 42% of voters under 30 voted for Trump, along with 46% among those 30-44, 53% among those 45-64, and 49% of those over 65. Additionally, 41% of college-educated voters supported Trump. Among the religious demographic, 62% of Christians supported Trump, alongside 56% of Catholics and 21% of Jews. Yang noted that while Jews have traditionally supported the Democratic Party, many Catholics and Christians switched to the Republican Party this election. A particularly noteworthy statistic comes from evangelical Christians. 81% of white evangelical Christians voted for Trump this year, a large component of what won him the election. This data suggests that religious factors, particularly the support of evangelical Christians, were crucial to Trumps victory. Yang also compared this years data from the last election. He points out that more Catholics voted Republican this year while most backed Biden last time. Yang believes that, although Biden himself is a practicing Catholic, regularly joining Mass, his stance on homosexuality and abortion have made him unpopular amongst the clergy. He cited the incident where a priest had refused to give Biden communion. Changes in Religion and Politics Yang points out that starting 2000, Catholics have gradually sided more with the Republican Party, a trend verified this election. Other factors influencing voter outcome this year include race, class, and gender. Yang mentioned that Latino voters and young first-time voters made unexpected choices, most of them supporting Republicans. A considerable number of female voters also voted republican, despite the Democrats high-profile emphasis on womens rights protection in the Harris-Waltz campaign. Yang concluded that the election showed that the importance of the religious factor was once again validated and that the influence of evangelical Christians cannot be ignored. A new phenomenon seen in this years election season is the rising amount of evangelical pastors speaking out and calling their congregation to vote. Pastor Gary Hamricks sermon earlier this season explicating the social responsibility American Christians carry to their country in their votes have amassed millions of views on Youtube. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, has also publicly voiced support for Trump. Rev. Boli Zhang has also spoken extensively on the election to Chinese American audiences. Additionally in the past month, he has held 17 global online fasting and prayer meetings for the election, all streamed on his YouTube channel. Exit Poll Report from the Washington Post: The exit poll results published by the Washington Post reveals this also. 2024 Election 2024 Election Previous Next Early exit polls show that Trump garnered significant support from Catholic voters, leading Harris by nearly 20 pointsa shift from 2020 when Catholics favored Biden, Americas second Catholic president, by five points. Catholics accounted for over 20% of voters in both elections. Meanwhile, Protestant voters, who made up around 40% of the electorate, showed similar patterns to 2020, with roughly 60% backing Trump. About a quarter of voters reported no religious affiliation, favoring Harris by a nearly 3-to-1 margin, surpassing Bidens 2020 support. Trumps strongest backing came from White born-again Christians, who constituted around 20% of voters, with 80% supporting himan increase from his 76% support in 2020. In a recent online discussion, some Chinese pastors and scholars revealed the silence of the Chinese churches in North America on social issues and shared the reasons behind this phenomenon. They also pointed out that a number of young theology students and pastors have started speaking out on public affairs, although those voices are still insufficient. They called on Chinese churches and believers to learn from black churches and take an active and courageous stand on social issues. On November 6, Rev. Boli Zhang () hosted an online program on his YouTube channel, which was streamed live. The session also brought together Rev. Stephen Chen (), Rev. Zhiyong Wang (), and Dr. Fenggang Yang () to discuss various aspects of post-election pastoral care for Chinese churches. Observations from Rev. Stephen Chen Chen first shared the general attitude of Chinese churches in North America towards social and political issues, particularly the tendency of the churches to be silent on these issues in recent years. He pointed out that although some prominent pastors in the early days, such as Rev. Thomas Wang () and Rev. Stephen Tong (), had dared to publicly state their political stance and criticize social injustice, this tradition does not seem to have carried over to the new generation of church leaders. Chen recalled the examples of Rev. Wang and Rev. Tong. Rev. Wang clearly supported conservative values, opposed abortion, and harshly criticized mainland China's suppression of the church; their courageous voices have not only attracted widespread attention within the religious community but have also had a far-reaching impact on society. However, Chen pointed out that with the passing away of older pastors like Rev. Wang, the new generation of pastors appeared to be more cautious or even chose to remain silent in the face of similar issues. Sharing his personal experience in the church, Chen revealed specific manifestations of this phenomenon of silence. He mentioned that he once brought up elections and civic responsibility in a sermon, and found that very few people raised their hands. Only one-third of the church members indicated that they had the right to vote. According to Chen, this situation reflects the inadequacy of the Chinese churches in North America in political participation. It also shows that many believers lack sufficient awareness and action on social responsibility. Further analyzing the situation, Chen pointed out that the leadership of many North American Chinese churches often make neutral statements before and after elections. They claim that churches should not be biased toward any political position, but should only focus on advancing the Kingdom/evangelism. According to Chen, these statements appear neutral on the surface, but in reality, they are an evasion of society and reality. He emphasized that churches and believers should actively express their Christian stance rather than choosing to remain silent in the face of moral and social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. Chen also recounted some specific cases that revealed the attitudes within the church on political and social issues. He mentioned that some elders and pastors whom he had endorsed into their positions are now rejecting him because of their differing views. This phenomenon, in his opinion, is a confusing and frustrating change and reflects the internal divisions and contradictions in the church when facing social issues. In light of these instances, Chen expressed his concern for the future development of the Chinese church in North America. He believes that the church's silence not only affects the believers' sense of responsibility in society but also weakens the church's influence in matters of social justice and morality. Chen urged that leaders of the church should recognize their responsibilities in society and actively participate and speak out to contribute to social justice and moral responsibility. Analysis from Dr. Fenggang Yang Yang, a professor of Sociology of Religion at Purdue University, analyzed the political attitudes of the Chinese churches in North America from the perspective of academic research. He recalled his research on the Chinese Church in North America in the 1990s, pointing out that the church at that time consisted mainly of members from Taiwan and Hong Kong, with relatively few believers from mainland backgrounds. During that period, the Chinese churches were generally apolitical and did not participate in politics. In recent years, this situation has changed as more Christians of mainland backgrounds have joined the church. These believers are relatively more concerned about political matters, but there is also a divide. Some believers identify more with the position of the mainland Chinese government, while others tend to support the Taiwanese viewpoint. Nonetheless, many believers are still hesitant to get involved in American politics and sometimes even use the excuse that God is in charge of everything to avoid political responsibility. Yang mentioned that in recent years, some young theology students and pastors have begun to speak out on public affairs, and he recognized this, believing that as long as one participates in public discussions, no matter what one's viewpoints are, it is worth encouraging. He pointed out that there should be a plurality of voices within the church, including liberals, conservatives, and centrists, which is a healthy church ecology. In particular, he emphasized that the church should learn from the black churches in the United States, especially Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the leader of the civil rights movement. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not only fully dissatisfied with social injustice and racial inequality, but also took positive action to lead believers to engage in civil disobedience and fight for social justice. Such actions were not only highly influential at the time but also set an example for subsequent social reform. Another important black leader, Jesse Jackson, who ran in the party primaries for the Democratic presidential nomination several times was brought up in discussion. Although people may not fully agree with Jackson's views, his active participation and activism in public affairs are worthwhile for the Chinese churches to study and learn from. Yang pointed out that some liberals who criticize the stance of conservative public theology should act more and engage in social resistance instead of just arguing internally. He called on these individuals to bravely face injustice, actively speak out and take action, and work to ameliorate racial, class, and ethnic inequalities in society. He emphasized that churches and believers should not just argue internally, but should courageously engage in broader social reform. On November 6, Pastor Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), publicly congratulated President-elect Donald J. Trump on winning the presidential election in a Facebook post, stating, I pray that you look to God every day for His guidance and wisdom. November 7, 2024, was also the birthday of Billy Graham, Franklin Grahams father. On this day, Franklin shared a photo of Trump with his late father, commenting: Donald J. Trump congratulating my father Billy Graham on his 95th birthday! My fathers earthly birthday is November 7. He would have been 106 today! His greatest passion was proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christhis faith became sight in 2018 when he went home to heaven. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). Graham has closely followed the election this year, describing it as a spiritual battle, saying it is "the most important election in the history of our nation. America is under attack by an immoral, anti-God agenda that would like to change our country foundationally forever. The choice is clear, and you are responsible for how you vote." Graham appears to have consistently supported Trump this election season. At a rally in Concord, North Carolina, on October 21, he expressed admiration for Trumps energy in rallying supporters, although he cautioned that rallies and positive polling alone werent enough to win. "Rallies and positive polling data cannot win this election; it requires God." "Theres a spiritual element at work here," he warned. "Dark forces are working against this man. Theyve tried to imprison him, and there have been two assassination attempts. He faces daily attacks in the media, and the only hope for Donald J. Trump and our nation is God." Graham revealed that he personally encouraged President Trump to ask for Gods help each morning, saying, "If he does so, God will hear and answer his prayers." He also cited Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Graham then led the rally attendees in a brief, communal prayer, encouraging them to pray for Trump in their hearts, asking God to grant him wisdom, protection, and guidance, and to bless the nation once again. Praying aloud, Graham humbly acknowledged the nations sins and asked for forgiveness. He prayed for Trump and his family, adding, "Father, we pray for our country, and if it is Your will, may President Trump win this election. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen." Previously, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, Trump had expressed respect for Franklin Graham, recalling how his late father, Fred, had taken him to a Billy Graham Crusade as a child. Trump described Franklin Graham as an "outstanding mana great gentlemanI have a lot of respect for him." Previous article: Nigel Gaisie: I will do everything within my power as a man of God for NPP to lose 2024 election Kumawood actor Oteeles sickness, the story so far Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 11:20 2 minutes read After surviving a death scare in 2019, it appears all may not be too well with the health of Kumawood actor, Stephen Yaw Mawunyo, popularly known as Oteele again following reports this week that the popular comedian has taken ill. In 2019, the actor and his followers were in high spirits and full of gratitude to God or sparing his life during a health complications that almost took his life. However, in a distressing turn of events, Oteele is facing health challenges once more, just years after overcoming a life-threatening condition in 2019 that left fans and followers rejoicing at his miraculous recovery. Unfortunately, Oteele's health has taken a dire turn. A video circulating on social media shows the actor confined to his bed, struggling to speak. A blogger narrates his ordeal, painting a stark picture of his current condition. Advertisement According to him, Oteeles woes began when he realised a small boil developing under his scrotum. Even though he initially ignored it, he started uncomfortable due to the pains from the boil. Subsequently, he went to the hospital for medical care but was surprised to be booked for emergency. The blogger with the permission of the Oteele appealed to the public to support him. Graphic Showbiz cant confirm when the video was recorded. However, earlier this week, the children of Oteele had publicly sought for public prayers and assistance for their sick father. Overwhelmed with worry, the young children held onto their father's pictures, their innocent faces etched with concern. With tender voices, they offered heartfelt prayers for his speedy recovery, yearning to spend more precious moments with him. Condition improving A recent video update by the eldest son of Oteele, on Tiktok, has brought relief and joy to fans and well-wishers of Kumawood actor Oteele, who has been battling a severe illness. The footage reveals a noticeable improvement in his health, with the veteran actor appearing in high spirits despite his challenges. In the accompanying caption, Oteele's son expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their unwavering support and prayers. He shared the encouraging news that his father's condition has progressed, and he is now feeling better. MUSIGA@50 celebration launched in Accra Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 20:14 3 minutes read The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has launched its Golden Jubilee celebration with a call on Ghanaian musicians to rally behind the union to build their capacities and offer professional guidance and support for the growth of the industry. Speaking at the media launch held at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) in Accra yesterday, November 7, the President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons noted that there was no musician without MUSIGA. Hence, musicians must support MUSIGA to promote and preserve Ghanaian culture through education, equipping Ghanaian musicians to be self-reliant, creative, and industrious. By supporting MUSIGA, musicians will benefit from various initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and promoting the growth of the music industry, he stated. Advertisement MUSIGA was founded on December 9, 1975 to advocate for musicians' rights, advance the music industry, and preserve Ghana's musical history. Next year, 2025, will mark 50 years since the formation of the group and a number of activities have been outlined to celebrate the milestone. There will be a series of concerts featuring local and international artistes, lectures, symposiums, dinner gala, among others. Apart from these, there is also going to be an all-women festival which, according to Bessa Simons, will be the biggest part of the celebration. "One big thing is going to happen, and that is we are going to have all-women festival," he said. Bessa used the occasion to invite female musicians across the globe to take part in this festival. "So we are inviting female musicians from all over the world, and it is self-sponsored if you are coming from outside. All the embassies will publish it, so we are expecting women to come to Ghana and then they will mount the stage. There will be outdoors, there will be in-doors, there will be church programmes, and we're thinking about bringing Cece Winans and co here, to collaborate with our artistes, so that at the end of next year, there will be harmony between us and artistes from all over the world," Bessa Simons added. The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong is the Chairman of the Golden Jubilee celebration. He commended the Bessa Simons and the leadership of MUSIGA for manning well affairs of the union and also congratulated them on the Golden Jubilee milestone. The current MUSIGA executives In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, disclosed that in line with the first Creative Arts Hall of Fame opened in Sekondi in September, the government intends to reciprocate the initiative in other regions last year. There were solidarity messages from Ghana Culture Forum, Ghana Actors Guild and Copyright offices at the launch. The official logo for MUSIGA@50 was unveiled as well. Nigel Gaisie: I will do everything within my power as a man of God for NPP to lose 2024 election Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 12:22 2 minutes read Prophet Nigel Gaisie, leader of the Prophetic Hill Church, has made it clear that he's using his influence to prevent the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from retaining power in the upcoming December 7 election. Speaking on Hitz FM, Prophet Gaisie expressed his dissatisfaction with the NPP's treatment of Ghanaians, stating that they deserve to be voted out of office. "I'm praying against the NPP government to lose. Yes, I am praying. I have their flag. Every day I am dealing with it. They have hurt the church, they have hurt the nation, and they have to go. Ghanaians must punish them," he told the Daybreak Hitz host. Declaring his support for the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama, Nigel said he is hopeful the former president will win the election. Advertisement Meanwhile, he has also intimated that he doesnt always get his prophecies right because he is human. "I sometimes get my prophecies wrong. That makes me a human being. Every prophet that gets it 100% is fake. (Related article: My prophecies arent 100% accurate, Nigel Gaisie reveals) Sometimes God will twist your mouth, and your lips to make a mistake so that you the vessel will know that you are a human being. Sometimes I get it wrong. That is why you have to always be sharp spiritually. That is why in the space of a prophet, we don't like disturbances. My emotions are very important to me because I can see red and misinterpret it. And so sometimes we get it wrong," he said. Watch video: Source: Joy Entertainment Next article: Trump announces Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff Baltasar Ebang Engonga: Equatorial Guinea official fired over viral sex tape scandal GraphicOnline International News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 07:50 2 minutes read A high-ranking Equatorial Guinean official, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been dismissed following the release of explicit videos showing him in intimate encounters with multiple women, including spouses of prominent government figures. The videos, some reportedly filmed within his finance ministry office, went viral online, sparking a public outcry and igniting debate across social media. Ebang Engonga, head of the National Financial Investigation Agency and a relative of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has since been removed from his position via presidential decree. The explicit footage surfaced while he was detained in Malabo's notorious Black Beach prison, where he faced separate charges related to alleged misappropriation of public funds. Advertisement The recordings quickly gained traction, with #BaltasarEbangEngonga trending alongside major global news topics. Efforts by Equatorial Guineas telecommunications authorities to contain the spread of the videos reportedly involved instructions to internet providers and social media platforms to limit access to the content. Despite these measures, the scandal has inspired parodies, musical tributes, and even discussions in foreign parliaments, including Kenyas. One of Engongas partners, speaking anonymously on state broadcaster TVGE, expressed shock, stating she had consented to the filming but believed the footage had been immediately erased. She questioned why such videos were retained and ultimately leaked, saying the incident had left her feeling humiliated. Nicknamed Bello for his looks, Ebang Engonga comes from a distinguished family linehis father, Baltasar Engonga Edjo, serves as head of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community Commission. The incident has cast a spotlight on the countrys political elite, stirring widespread debate and condemnation. Chief prosecutor Anatolio Nzang Nguema indicated that Ebang Engonga may face additional charges. Medical examinations are reportedly underway to determine if he poses a risk to public health through the transmission of any sexually transmitted infections, which could lead to further legal action. The fallout from this scandal marks a significant moment in Equatorial Guinea, where President Obiang, in power since 1979, has maintained strict control over public officials and their conduct. This unprecedented incident has now shifted global attention to the small African nation, putting its political class under intense scrutiny. Ghana enters top 10 list for non-UK-born mothers in England and Wales, surpassing Germany GraphicOnline International News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 12:04 2 minutes read Ghana has made a significant entrance into the top 10 most common countries of birth for non-UK-born mothers in England and Wales, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for 2023. This marks Ghanas first appearance on the list, taking ninth place, while Germany, a fixture in the top 10 since ONS began recording this measure in 2003, has dropped out. The report shows that nearly a third of live births in England and Wales last year (31.8 percent) were to mothers born outside the UK, up slightly from 30.3 percent in 2022. This continues a long-term trend observed since 2010, when the proportion of births to non-UK-born mothers passed the quarter mark. India and Pakistan continue to hold the top two positions on the list. Advertisement With Ghana now in the ninth position, accounting for 0.6 percent of births, the countrys growing presence in the UK is further highlighted. This shift underscores Ghanas increasing influence within the British Ghanaian community and its contribution to the countrys diversity. Greg Ceely, head of population health monitoring at ONS, noted that while the data illustrates the rising proportion of non-UK-born mothers, it does not capture families ethnicity or full migration history. "Almost a third of babies born in 2023 in England and Wales were to non-UK-born women, a slight increase on the percentage in 2022," he stated. He added that not all women born outside the UK will be recent immigrants, reminding that the data focuses on birth countries rather than personal migration histories. Further, the ONS data reflects similar trends in non-UK-born fathers, with India and Pakistan at the top. For the first time, Nigeria has risen to third place among non-UK-born fathers, up from sixth position in 2020, signifying the impact of West African communities within the UK. London continues to have the highest proportion of live births to at least one non-UK-born parent, at 67.4 percent, while the lowest rates were recorded in Wales and the North East of England, at 17.5 percent and 20.5 percent, respectively. Israeli parliament passes law to deport relatives of terrorists Reuters.com International News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 11:55 4 minutes read The Israeli parliament has given its final approval to controversial legislation that allows the government to deport the family members of so-called terrorists, including its own citizens, to the Gaza Strip and other locations. As the bill cleared the two required final plenum readings on Thursday, lawmakers in the Knesset approved the law which would apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel as well by 61 votes in favour to 41 against. Sponsored by Hanoch Milwidsky, a politician with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party, the legislation gives the interior minister power to deport a first-degree relative of alleged attackers. The parents, siblings or spouses of a so-called terrorist can be sent away from Israel in case they are deemed to have expressed support or identification or have failed to report information about an act of terrorism or a terrorist organisation. Advertisement Reporting from Amman, Jordan, Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh said, All Palestinian factions are labelled as terrorist organisations by Israel, adding that any expression of sympathy with the victims of the war in Gaza has been labelled as an expression of support for terror, especially in the past year. The law would also apply to residents of occupied East Jerusalem, but it was still unclear if it would apply in the occupied West Bank. Israeli citizens could be deported as well, but would retain their citizenship even after being expelled from the country. Suspects will have the right to present a defence at hearings convened by the interior minister, who will have 14 days to make a decision and sign a deportation order. The expelled people would be sent to Gaza or other destinations for between 7-15 years for citizens and 10-20 years for legal residents. The law is likely to be challenged in court. Eran Shamir-Borer, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former international law expert for the Israeli military, said that if the legislation reaches the Supreme Court, it is likely to be struck down based on previous Israeli cases regarding deportation. The bottom line is this is completely non-constitutional and a clear conflict to Israels core values, Shamir-Borer told The Associated Press news agency. In addition, a five-year temporary order was approved by a 53-41 vote allowing for prison sentences for minors under the age of 14 who were convicted of murder as part of an act of terrorism or as part of the activities of a terrorist organisation. There were disagreements over the measure, with some lawmakers and Israeli legal authorities like the Attorney Generals office advocating for limiting the scope. But proponents, chief among them far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed the legislation while including all immediate family members. The parliament has also given its final approval to a law granting the Ministry of Education the authority to fire, without notice, teachers who have identified with a terrorist act. This was aimed at Palestinian schools in occupied East Jerusalem, as well as schools inside Israel run by Palestinian citizens of Israel, according to Al Jazeeras Odeh, who said that any expression of Palestinian identity, or support for Palestinian aspirations, any use of national symbols would be deemed in a very sweeping, very elastic notion of terrorism, those teachers would be sacked without prior notice. The Ministry of Education could also defund the schools, she added. The Knesset is adopting an increasingly hardline approach, with the latest legislation coming days after lawmakers approved another law that banned the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Israel cut ties with the main agency delivering life-saving aid to millions of Palestinians across the region based on unsubstantiated claims that it harbours terrorists and works with Hamas and other groups against Israel. Israel already arrests Palestinians under a quasi-judicial process known as administrative detention, under which they are initially jailed for six months and their detention can be repeatedly extended for an indefinite period without charge or trial. Israeli military attacks since October 7, 2023, in Gaza have killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, with hundreds more killed in the occupied West Bank and more than 3,000 killed in Lebanon. Next article: It's been the hardest year of my life, says Prince William Previous article: Elon Musk bet big on Trump. Heres what he stands to gain and lose from his win Russia President Putin hails 'courageous' Trump after election win bbc.com International News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 11:24 3 minutes read Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, calling him a "courageous man". Speaking at an event in the Russian city of Sochi, the Russian president said that Trump was "hounded from all sides" during his first term in the White House. Putin also said that Trump's claim that he can help end the war in Ukraine "deserves attention at least". During his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly said he could end the war in a day but has never elaborated on how that could happen. Advertisement During Putin's address, which lasted several hours and covered a wide range of topics, he also spoke of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July, saying it "made an impression" on him. After being shot, Trump punched his fist into the air and mouthed the words "fight, fight, fight", before being hauled away by Secret Service agents. "He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a man," Putin said. Asked if he was ready to have discussions with Donald Trump, Putin replied: "We're ready, we're ready." Trump had already said on Thursday that he was prepared to speak with Putin, telling NBC News: "I think we'll speak". The Kremlin was widely accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential election to boost Donald Trump's campaign against Hilary Clinton, claims rejected by Moscow. US Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated allegations of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia in 2016, but said in a report three years later that had found no evidence of conspiracy. Elsewhere on Thursday, leaders gathering for the European Political Community in Budapest discussed Trump's return to the White House. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "very warm" and "productive conversation" with the president-elect. "But we have to do everything to ensure that the results of our interaction between Ukraine and America, the whole of Europe and America, are productive and positive," he added. Many in Ukraine and Europe are worried that Trump might slow, if not halt, the flow of American military aid to Kyiv upon taking power in January. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assured Zelensky at the summit that the UK's support for Ukraine in its war with Russia remains "iron-clad". Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who previously said he celebrated Trump's win by "tapping into the vodka supply happily" - said the US and Europe now face tough talks on trade. Orban, who is a close ally of Trump, told a press conference that "the trade issue with the US will come up and it will not be easy". Before winning the election, Trump said he would impose tariffs of 10% on all imports. There was an agreement that Europe should assume greater responsibility for its own peace and security in the future. To put it even more bluntly, we cannot expect Americans to be the only ones to take care of us," Orban said. North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of US politics in his twice weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. Picturesque autumn scenery of Keluke Lake, NW China's Qinghai People's Daily Online) 15:51, November 08, 2024 Photo shows the picturesque autumn scenery of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Standing on the shores of Keluke Lake, more than 40 kilometers from Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, tourists and visitors can enjoy a stunning autumn scene. Thick beds of reeds ripple with the blowing autumn wind. Sky and water merge at the horizon, stretching endlessly as a whole. "Keluke" means grassy land of lush vegetation and lucid water in Mongolian. Keluke Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Qaidam Basin, which is at an altitude of about 2,800 meters above sea level. It is a paradise for birds and fishes. Every year in early spring, when the ice on the surface of Keluke Lake begins to melt, flocks of black-necked cranes, geese, gulls, ducks and other rare birds fly from distant Southeast Asian islands to Keluke Lake where they build nests and breed offspring. "Each place has its own way of supporting its people," and the waters of Keluke Lake stand as a testament to that. Nowadays, the lake has developed into a scenic spot with docks, yachts, motorboats, tent restaurants and other reception facilities lining its shores. It has gradually become a popular resort for tourists every summer. The lake area is artificially stocked with carps, black carps, crucian carps, blunt snout bream, crabs and shrimp. The great yield of aquatic products also supports the area's rural revitalization. Flocks of birds fly over Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the picturesque autumn scenery of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the rippling weeds on the shores of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the tranquil scene of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Tourists feed waterbirds at Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the picturesque autumn scenery of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the waterbirds inhabiting at Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Tourists stroll leisurely alongside Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Photo shows the picturesque autumn scenery of Keluke Lake, Delingha city, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Mingju) Intern Li Jingyan contributed to this story. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Previous article: Susie Wiles appointed - who else could be in Trump's new administration? US Elections: Liberal women going on sex strike over Trump win Telegraph.co.uk International News Nov - 08 - 2024 , 12:13 4 minutes read Liberal women have sworn to go on sex strike over Donald Trumps election win. Mr Trump swept to victory in Tuesdays presidential race that Democrats cast as a referendum on abortion rights and protections for women. Some women are now threatening to punish men for voting for Trump, taking inspiration from a Korean feminist movement that vows to withhold sex from men in order to redefine the gender power balance. Interest in the 4B movement spiked since Kamala Harriss defeat, with women sharing videos of themselves on social media pledging to commit to its four nos no sex, no dating or marriage and no having children with men for the next four years. Advertisement In one video shared on TikTok, a young woman pledges to go celibate and encourages others to delete dating apps in order to exercise sovereignty over their bodies. As a woman, my bodily autonomy matters and this is my way to exercise sovereignty over that, she says. So I highly encourage any other women who are single and still care about progressing womens rights and still fighting for our bodily autonomy to do the same. Delete your dating apps. The woman also encourages others to seek out their female friends for comfort if you need somebody to cuddle and describes the 4B movement, which originated in South Korea, as a point of inspiration. The US election revealed a gender divide in the electorate, with 55 per cent of men turning out for Mr Trump and 53 per cent of women voting for Ms Harris. The president-elect touted his role in overturning Roe v Wade, a ruling that ended the nationwide right to abortion, throughout his election campaign and has been repeatedly accused of making offensive comments about women. In response, some have blamed sexism for Americas decision to return Mr Trump to the White House. Men will always be against women, read the caption in one TikTok video of a young woman crying in a car, encouraging women to join the 4B movement. Women are just as capable to be presidents as a man. In another video, a woman says that for the next four years I am going to abstain from sex with men. A separate video was captioned: I think its time for American women to participate in our own 4B movement. Many of the videos addressed concerns over abortion, which was on the ballot in 10 states and was central to the Harris campaign. If men wont respect our bodies, they dont get access to our bodies, one woman said. All I have to say is, good luck getting laid. Especially in Florida, because me and my girlies are participating in the 4B movement. In a further video, one woman said: I personally think if all these men are voting to take our rights away, they dont deserve to touch a woman for the next four years. So, hope you thought that through you guys. An obscure, largely online branch of Korean feminism, the 4B Movement started in the mid 2010s, around the same time as the #MeToo movement in the US, in response to a wave of reports about violence towards women, and gender equality issues. It stands for four Korean words that begin with bi or no in English. Bihon means no heterosexual marriage, bichulsan means no childbirth, biyeonae means no dating, and bisekseu signifies no heterosexual sexual relationships. It is unclear how widespread the movement is in Korea, but it has met with a backlash from some disgruntled men, who have coined the term kimchinyeo, or kimchee women, to characterise college-educated women as selfish, vain, and exploitative of their partners. Anas and Gabriel Bourdon-Fattal commended for creating safe haven for threatened journalists, whistleblowers in Africa Graphic.com.gh Nov - 07 - 2024 , 22:38 3 minutes read The 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently celebrated the work of Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Gabriel Bourdon-Fattal for their pivotal role in establishing a secure sanctuary for journalists and whistleblowers facing threats in Africa. At the three-day event, investigative journalists and representatives of international organisations highlighted the positive impact of the Whistleblowers and Journalists Safety International Centre (WAJSIC) and the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) in providing refuge and legal support for those at risk. Over recent years, both WAJSIC and PPLAAF have become lifelines for journalists and whistleblowers across Africa, especially in volatile regions like the Sahel. Funded by the European Union and the German development agency GIZ, WAJSIC serves as a sanctuary for those who face persecution for exposing corruption, injustice, and abuse of power. Advertisement Meanwhile, PPLAAF offers essential support for whistleblowers, including strategic litigation and advocacy, enabling them to disclose vital information in the public interest under even the most challenging circumstances. During a session focused on whistleblowers role in investigative journalism, Anas reflected on the vital and often perilous connection between journalists and whistleblowers. Few people are brave enough to stand as whistleblowers, facing ostracization and real dangers, he noted. He underscored the responsibility journalists have in safeguarding their sources identities, as whistleblowers often endure double the risks journalists face. They come to us as their last hope, he said, stressing the need to handle their disclosures with care and caution. Gabriel Bourdon-Fattal and PPLAAFs Regional Project Officer, Gemma-Mae Hartley, highlighted the serious consequences that whistleblowers frequently endure for revealing opaque acts of corruption, abuse of power, or public health threats. These include job loss, blacklisting, death threats, exile, and even assassination. They urged journalists to recognise the complex legal protections available to whistleblowers and to use secure communication methods when interacting with sources. The importance of WAJSIC and PPLAAFs work resonated deeply with attendees, including Namibian student journalist Bella Shilongo, who expressed a renewed sense of safety and purpose: Knowing there is protection not just for me but for my sources and whistleblowers encourages me to pursue journalism wholeheartedly. Jennifer Ambolley from The Ghanaian Chronicle shared a similar sentiment, feeling newly empowered to pursue previously withheld stories. Philip Paye of Liberia acknowledged the impact of these organisations but voiced concerns over their sustainability, hoping they wouldnt become a 9-day wonder. A Malian journalist, who withheld his identity for security reasons, praised WAJSIC and PPLAAFs initiatives, citing the severe repression journalists face in Mali. In Mali, where many journalists endure threats from Russian trolls and government propagandists, having a refuge like WAJSIC could mean the difference between survival and silence, he said. Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Bourdon-Fattals work has set a remarkable precedent for media freedom and whistleblower protection across Africa. With the support of international partners and advocates, WAJSIC and PPLAAF are proving instrumental in upholding the rights of those who risk everything to reveal the truth and protect public interest. Next article: Electrochem Ghana Limited to employ 3,200 local workers in Ada for salt harvesting season Previous article: Use Chinese module to deal with corruption - Chinese University Don to African govts CAMFED supports over 738,000 young girls in Ghana with bursaries Mohammed Fugu Nov - 08 - 2024 , 11:14 2 minutes read The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED Ghana) has achieved a major milestone as it has supported 738,312 young girls with bursaries since its inception in the country in 2003. The bursaries provided covered tuition, school uniforms, textbooks, and other essential learning materials, enabling girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend school and complete their education. This support formed part of efforts towards addressing gender disparities in education and empowering young women. The Executive Director of CAMFED Ghana, Fairuza Abdul-Rashid Safian who disclosed this, added that a total of 36,364 enterprises have also been supported to expand their operations so far. Advertisement AGM She was speaking at the opening of the 2024 National Annual General meeting in Tamale, on the theme "Advancing the CAMFED Guide Programme; Progress review,key learnings and strategic next steps". The meeting brought together CAMFED association members, champions, partners and various stakeholders to discuss the Guide Programme and identify the collective and specific strategic next steps for successful implementation. It also provided a platform for them to take stock of their activities, share experiences and formulate a work plan for the ensuing year. Support system In her remarks, Mrs Safian said over the next six years, CAMFED intends to implement a comprehensive support system targeted at the most marginalized girls and enable young women to transition to secure livelihoods. "Level two of our new strategy is our post-school and transition programmes. To enable this, happen, we are implementing a Guide Programme comprising the Leaner Guide, Transition Guide, Business Guide, and Agriculture Guide" she said. Additionally, she said CAMFED would continue to support its association to develop a foundation of support for young women and a Pan-African movement of young women leading advocacy to break down barriers for girls and women at community, national a international levels. While urging all stakeholders to continue to support CAMFED Ghana to empower young girls, Mrs Sufian reiterated her outfit's commitment to complementing the efforts of government to expand access to quality education for all Ghanaian children. Personal growth For her part, the Chief Executive Officer of CAMFED International, Angline Murimirwa, said the organieation works closely with local communities, schools, and partners to identify the most vulnerable girls who would otherwise be unable to afford education. She said CAMFEDs impact goes beyond just providing financial support, but it also focuses on mentorship, leadership development and creating a network of alumni who continue to support the next generation of students. For his part, the District Director of Education for Wa West, Ametus D Tug-uu lauded CAMFED Ghana for initiating interventions which were transforming the lives of vulnerable people in the country. Such interventions, he said, were complementing the efforts of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the provision of quality educational for all. Writer's email:mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh Cocoa farmers children to enjoy scholarships at tertiary level - Bawumia Graphic.com.gh Nov - 08 - 2024 , 15:31 2 minutes read The government, through the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), is converting the Cocobod Scholarships Scheme, which operated at the senior high school level, into scholarships at the tertiary level. The decision comes in the wake of the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School programme, which caters for the tuition, feeding, accommodation, books and uniforms - some of which were covered by the scholarship. Thus, children of cocoa farmers, who previously enjoyed from the Cocoa Scholarship Scheme, will now enjoy scholarships at the tertiary level, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has announced. Dr Bawumia, who is the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Election 2024 made the disclosure on Friday [Nov 8, 2024] while speaking at Jacobu in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region during the celebration of this year's Farmers Day. Advertisement The Vice President enumerated the many interventions and heavy investment made into the agriculture and fisheries sector over the past 8 years, which has seen Ghana become a country with the third highest food security in Africa. "Our commitment to the growth of the agriculture sector has been unwavering, with many visible results. For instance, we have implemented the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which has positively impacted our food security through its multi-faceted approach. 80 Warehouses have been constructed under One District One Warehouse. 400 dams have been constructed under One Village One Dam. 70% of the 169 factories under the One District One Factory programme are for agro-processing. "This government has raised the price of a bag of cocoa from Ghs475 in 2016 to Ghs3,000, unprecedented in our history. The Cocoa Rehabilitation programme, which saw the cutting down of diseased trees and the replanting of new crops and improved varieties has been very successful. As you know, plantain suckers were also planted for free to provide a livelihood and income to the farmers while the Cocoa grows," he added. Dr Bawumia commended Ghana's farmers and fishers for their commitment to feeding the nation and providing jobs, saying "without you, we would not be here today. "I am highly appreciative of all the work you continue to do and under my Government, I will set up District Agric Mechanization Centres to provide the knowledge and equipment to help you do even more for mother Ghana", he pledged. Next article: Use Chinese module to deal with corruption - Chinese University Don to African govts Ghana, Ivory Coast partner to patrol territorial waters Maclean Kwofi Nov - 08 - 2024 , 12:10 3 minutes read Ghana and Ivory Coast have reached an agreement to conduct a regular joint inspection along the two countries' international maritime boundaries in compliance with the ruling of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The move is aimed to ensure that firms exploring oil on the high seas from the two countries are kept at bay and also to prevent future territorial disputes and safeguard their respective marine resources and economic interests. Consequently, a joint naval operation from both countries would be conducted along the respective territories from next year to protect their sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime areas. The exercise is expected to be facilitated by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) and Ivory Coast's boundary commission. Advertisement This was contained in a joint communique issued in Accra after a two-day technical committee meeting between Ghana and Ivory Coast. Collaboration The Director General of Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, in an interview with Graphic Online at the close of deliberations in Accra, stated that a joint regular inspection was part of measures designed to implement the ITLOS ruling. We will conduct a joint regular inspection along the international maritime boundary, currently Ghana does the inspection alone but our counterparts from Cote dIvoire have agreed to join us. And so, the two navies will collaborate through a facilitation from the two national boundary commissions, he said. He said the two parties have agreed that there should be a continuation of the reaffirmation exercise on Ghana and Cote dIvoire land boundary by reaffirming additional 300 kilometres next year. Reaffirming 300 kilometres will bring the total exercise to about 450 kilometres with 150 kilometres remaining. Once we have validated this framework agreement which will be signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it means that the way has been cleared for us to collaborate at a strategic operational level as far as land and boundary borders are concerned, he said. The communique The parties, in the communique, agreed on finalisation of the phase one of the reaffirmation exercise to be jointly undertaken between January and March 2025. While phase two of the reaffirmation exercise shall be undertaken between September 2025 and October 2025. It said dates for the commencement of phase three of the reaffirmation exercise would be decided at the next joint plenary meeting of the boundary commissions. The parties agreed that heads of the two boundary commissions shall lead respective delegations to submit the maps based on the ITLOS ruling on the international maritime boundary line to the United Nations (UN) Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) on April 27, 2025. Commitment The Executive Secretary of Ivory Coast's boundary commission, Konate Diakalidia, stated that Ivory Coast was committed to partner with Ghana to safeguard respective territories. The primary objective of this meeting, which was to expedite the reaffirmation exercise of boundaries, has been successfully accomplished. It has also helped us to develop strategies to fully implement the ITLOS ruling, he added. The meeting The meeting was by the Ghana Boundary Commission and Ivory Coast's boundary commission with support from German Development Agency (GIZ), African Union Border Programme (AUBP), and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). With about 36 participants selected from Ghana and Ivory Coast, the meeting created a platform to formulate an action plan for the implementation of the ruling on international boundary dispute between the two countries. The key topics included the creation of a joint border patrol to ensure the boundaries are intact at all times, and develop strategies to complete the boundary reaffirmation exercise between the two countries in 2025. Previous article: Faith must serve as a catalyst for social and moral transformation - Bishop Asamoah-Gyady Ghana marks Lausanne@50, celebrating decades of global evangelical leadership Mohammed Ali Nov - 08 - 2024 , 10:47 2 minutes read The Lausanne Movement, a global evangelical initiative founded in 1974, marked its 50th anniversary at the Legon Interdenominational Church in Accra on Wednesday 6th November 2024. Under the theme Let the Church in Ghana Declare & Display Christ Together, the event celebrated Ghanas ongoing role in the Lausanne Movement, which aims to unite Christians worldwide in the mission of evangelism. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration among churches to advance the gospel through disciple-making, leadership development, and joint mission work. Chairman of the occasion, Most Rev. Prof. J. Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, emphasised that living out Christs teachings must come before preaching them. Advertisement Lives must be transformed before words can effectively convey the gospel, he stated, calling for a life that reflects Christ to communicate the gospel authentically. He urged attendees to keep Christ central and avoid distractions, noting that the true power of the gospel lies in the disciplined focus on its core message. Rev. Dr. Doug Birdsall, former Executive Chairman of the Lausanne Movement, reflected on the movements role in global evangelical collaboration. Lausanne has always championed the gospel for every person, he said. He also emphasised how crucial it is to remain committed to building Christ-like leaders and fostering a worldwide impact on Gods kingdom. Looking back on Ghanas contribution to the Lausanne Movement since 1974, Apostle Jude Hama outlined the growth of evangelical leadership in the country. Apostle Hama traced Ghanas involvement from the first Lausanne Congress, highlighting the work of early delegates like Rev. Gottfried Osei-Mensah. He credited initiatives such as the Ghana Evangelism Committees New Life For All programme, which mobilised churches nationwide to prioritise evangelism and discipleship, to Lausannes influence. Apostle Hama also underscored the importance of foundational documents like the Lausanne Covenant, the Manila Manifesto, and the Cape Town Commitment, which have shaped evangelical mission in Ghana and beyond. He discussed the recent Seoul Statement from the 4th Lausanne Congress, describing it as a vital guide for Ghanaian churches in addressing theological and practical needs in their mission. He also introduced a ten-year initiative by the Ghana Lausanne Interim Planning Committee, designed to strengthen local church networks and expand outreach and discipleship programmes across the country. The event also honoured Rev. Gottfried Osei-Mensah for his pioneering work in the movement. As the first Executive Secretary of the Lausanne Movement, Osei-Mensah played a key role in promoting unity within the global evangelical community. His legacy was celebrated as a testament to Ghanas leadership and dedication to the Lausanne vision of collaborative mission work. Be peace ambassadors - Zongo youth urged Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 08 - 2024 , 05:38 2 minutes read Youth in Zongo communities have been advised to act as peace ambassadors by desisting from acts that could tarnish the reputation of their communities in the upcoming general election slated for December 7 this year. That, the Chairman of Zongo Youth Chiefs, Alhaji Salisu Maude, said would help consolidate the gains of the countrys democracy. Lets stay away from acts that can tarnish the image of the communities. Ghana has held many successful and incident-free elections therefore this year's elections should not be different, Alhaji Maude, who doubles as the Chief of Greater Accra Hausa Youth, said. He gave the advice on the margins of dialogue-led activities lined up for implementation in Zongo communities ahead of the elections. Advertisement To achieve this objective, he said plans, including outreach programmes, had been outlined to help promote peace, before, during and after the general election. The programmes, he explained, were to educate the youth on the role the youth could play to ensure peace in the general election. He revealed that the youth in the various Zongo communities had been urged to be ambassadors of peace ahead of the election, while the leadership will engage the masses through radio and television programmes as well as on social media handles. These, among others, he said were measures put in place to ensure peace in Ghana and safeguard the country's democracy. Alhaji Maude was of the view that it was necessary to roll out measures that would educate the Zongo youth to encourage them to say no to any political party or politician that may come to them to foment trouble during the upcoming elections. He said his leadership had over the years campaigned for peace but it was time for all the youth chiefs to come together and engage the youth to rise against any mayhem and any act that would bring not only the name of Zongo but Ghana into disrepute. The youth, he said needed to act as agents of peace and nation-builders. Sarki Salisu Maude further stated that peace was one of the essential tools that everyone would love to have adding that it would be prudent for the Zongo youth to take centre stage to protect it with all that they had. Speaking on the Maamobi violence between the opposition National Democratic Congress and the ruling New Patriotic Party which resulted in a shooting, the youth chief commended the Ghana Police Service for their swift intervention in bringing tensions down and the arrest of the perpetrators. Dr Ofosu-Asare launches book on cocoa industry Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 08 - 2024 , 07:54 4 minutes read A book that attempts to examine the countrys cocoa industry through the lens of state support to the sector has been launched in Accra. Titled, Ghanas Cocoa Industry: The Role of the State, the 242-page book relies on primary data sources, mainly interviews from more than 800 cocoa-growing towns, villages and hamlets to make a case for farmers. Beyond that, the author, Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, whose parents were cocoa farmers, points readers to the history of cocoa discovery in the world while highlighting the resilience of smallholder farmers amid challenges in the sector and how the state can better support the sectors expansion. Other areas covered in the book include the role of marketing boards in the industry, characteristics of the countrys cocoa farmers and sizes, the role of the state in ensuring higher cocoa prices, some intervention measures by successive governments such as the introduction of the HI-TECH initiative by former President John Agyekum Kufuor to enhance cocoa production, the role of COCOBOD, Ghanas efforts to embrace globalisation among other interesting themes. Advertisement Launch The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, launched the book on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a ceremony in Accra last Wednesday. The first two copies of the book were sold for GH100,000 each at the occasion which was chaired by the Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Kofi Koduah Sarpong. Mr Ussif highlighted the enormous contribution of cocoa to the economy. As such, he said the state had an important role to play in ensuring the survival and growth of the cocoa industry, adding that the book comes in handy to support the governments efforts in the sector. Considering the calibre of Dr Ofosu-Asare, I am very confident that this book will provide key insights and recommendations to the state to guide our efforts in enhancing the development of our cocoa industry, he said. Inspiration On what inspired him to write the book, Dr Ofosu-Asare, who is also the Executive Chairman of the 13th African Game, explained that his experiences in the cocoa farm as a young boy kept ringing in his ears, hence the decision to write about cocoa. He disclosed that data gathered from over 80 farmers indicated that more than 60 per cent of the farmers were above 60 years old, a situation which could affect the industry negatively if efforts were not made to woo the youth into the sector. He mentioned poor social amenities in the cocoa-growing areas as some of the factors discouraging cocoa farmers from expanding their production. The author added that a major finding of his book was that cocoa farmers did not see the annual increment in cocoa prices as a motivating factor. Instead, he said initiatives such as the supply of seedlings, mass spraying, a surplus of fertiliser, payment of bonuses, and provision of hybrid seedlings all combined with the annual increase to send a motivating factor. To the cocoa farmer, you havent done anything if you increase cocoa price. Because cocoa farmers think that they have been cheated over the years and they are not getting the right amount of money from sell the cocoa on the global market. The key finding was that the cocoa farmer will feel motivated when you increase the price and put in intervening measures such as mass spraying, and give them hybrid seedlings to plant, among others, he said. Dr Ofosu-Asare said Tetteh Quarshie, the agriculturalist credited by history as the man directly responsible for introducing cocoa to the crops of the country had not been celebrated. The Head of the University of Ghana School of Agriculture, Professor Daniel Bruce Sarpong, who reviewed the book, described it as the first to take on the role of the government in the cocoa industry. Govt expresses appreciation to Algeria for scholarship grants Mary Mensah & Augustina Tawiah Nov - 08 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read Ghana has expressed gratitude to the Algerian government for its consistent support in building the human resource capacity of Ghanaians through the grant of scholarships for students, the military and other security personnel. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said currently, about 100 Ghanaian students were beneficiaries of the joint Ghana-Algeria government scholarships where the students are studying various disciplines, including medicine, architecture, petroleum, economics and Islamic religious studies, in Algeria. He said the offer of the scholarships was in line with Ghanas quest to ensure students were given the best of training to contribute towards the economic growth, innovation and social development of the country to become globally competitive. This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the President by the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, at a programme organised by the Algerian Embassy in Ghana, to celebrate the 70th National Day of Algeria. Advertisement On November 1, 1954, after more than a century under French colonial rule, Algeria gained its independence and freedom. In attendance at the event in Accra were members of the diplomatic corps, Algerian nationals in Ghana, daughter of former President Nkrumah, Samia Nkrumah, and Sena Oklu, who in the 1950s contributed his first salary to help in the Algerian revolution. Commendation The President also commended the Algerian government, as non-parliamentary member of the United Nations Council, for the instrumental role it played in the resolution of humanitarian crisis in the Sahel, through a $1 billion grant it offered through the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation for Humanitarian and Global Interconnection. We count on the government of Algeria to continue to streamline the African voice within the United Nations Security Council by reflecting our continent's views and concerns of threats from armed conflicts and the resolution of crisis through the use of African solutions, as well as projecting our aspirations to a United Africa as a tool to foster global unity, inclusivity and development. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Algeria's independence today, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity and solidarity, he said. The President further acknowledged the courage and determination of the Algerian people, who fought for their right to self-determination, defying overwhelming odds and enduring unimaginable hardships for their independence in 1962, with the signing of the Alien Accords in March,1962. He also congratulated the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on his re-election this year. Appreciation The Algerian Ambassador to Ghana, Mourad Louhaidia, said his country has had a committed relationship with Ghana over the years, and expressed appreciation to the country, particularly Osaegyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who, he said, played a pivotal role in Algerias struggle for freedom. In line with that, he said Ghana was the first country in the region to welcome an envoy of the Algerian revolution at that time. Dr Nkrumah welcomed, 66 years ago, in 1958, the famous writer and freedom fighter, Frantz Fanon, who was the first ambassador of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic to Ghana during the national liberation war, the ambassador said. Currently, Mr Louhaidia said relations between Ghana and Algeria covered cooperation on the political, security, economic, cultural and technical levels. He said the governments of the two countries were also working together to promote and diversify economic cooperation, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area, which Ghana was hosting. The ambassador added that there was the potential to expand the bilateral cooperation to other sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, start-ups and agriculture. Mr Louhaidia further congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Lets use non-violent means to resolve conflicts Peace Council Albert K. Salia Nov - 07 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, has urged political parties, institutions and citizens to use non-violent means to resolve conflicts. Disagreements are inevitable in any democracy, but how we choose to address them will determine whether we build a peaceful and prosperous nation or one divided by violence and mistrust. We have a choice to make in the upcoming elections; a choice between peace and violence. I implore you all to choose peace, for now is the time to safeguard our democracy and work together to build a peaceful nation for generations to come, he said. The chairman was speaking at a stakeholders forum on the theme: Building trust among stakeholders for a peaceful 2024 general election in Ghana. Advertisement It was organised by the NPC, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS). Rev. Adu-Gyamfi said the theme was based on shared responsibility to ensure that the upcoming election was conducted peacefully to strengthen the nations democracy and prevailing unity, rather than a mere political exercise. He expressed regret that elections, which ought to be a peaceful means for people to select their leaders, had turned into hotspots for violence leading to the loss of life and property. The chairman said that the country was also confronted with unresolved chieftaincy disputes, communal conflicts, and other social tensions that had the potential to undermine peace and stability. Mandate Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi further said that the council remained committed to fulfilling its mandate of facilitating and developing mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution. He said they hoped to create an environment where all citizens would feel safe and secure during and after the elections. Whether we are engaging in political discussions on social media, conversing with friends and family or participating in campaign activities, we must conduct ourselves with the utmost respect for one another. Our words and actions have the power to either promote peace or incite conflict. Let us choose peace, the chairman added.He admonished the people to cherish the values of tolerance, love for neighbours, transparency and accountability, saying they were essential in building trust for a prosperous nation. A former Special Representative of UNOWAS, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambers, stressed the need for the citizenry to remain vigilant during electioneering, while entreating the judiciary to ensure speedy adjudication and impartial delivery of justice. He said the maintenance of peace was a shared responsibility and, therefore, called on stakeholders to play their respective part well so that the country would remain peaceful and united after the elections. The chairman of the Coalition for Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO), Albert Arhin, called on the police to take immediate action to punish electoral offenders to serve as a deterrent to others. The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, urged political parties to use constitutional processes to resolve election disputes. myCreditScore unveiled as 3rd credit reference bureau Chris Nunoo Nov - 08 - 2024 , 06:30 4 minutes read A platform (app) designed to transform credit referencing in the country has been unveiled at a ceremony in Accra. Known as myCreditScore, the initiative, which has been piloted for over two years, was expected to redefine credit referencing in the country. Having met the licensing requirements under the Credit Reporting Act, 2007 (Act 726), myCreditScore has been licensed by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to operate as the third service credit bureau in the country. Described as the gateway to financial opportunities, patrons are expected to start from the borrowers portal by inputting www.mycreditscore.com.gh to access the platform. Advertisement The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who launched it, said the credit score was much like a financial report card which quantified loan payment history, debt levels and credit behaviour into a single number, making it easier for banks and other lenders to access ones financial reliability. To young individuals, he said, myCreditScore would contribute to a more resilient and inclusive financial system, lower rate, non-performing loans (NPLs) while banks and financial institutions would gain confidence in lending, thereby forcing a cycle of growth and trust. Furthermore, he said as Ghanaians embraced financial responsibility, we move towards a society where fair access to credit becomes a norm, empowering individuals, families and businesses. Dr Bawumia said with such a system that was open, reliable and fair, the country was setting a system where financial empowerment was within everyones reach. Significant milestone He described the initiative as a significant milestone in the journey of Ghana towards a financially inclusive and empowered society, saying when I was pushing for the implementation of these projects many people said I have abandoned economics to pursue digitalisation. They did not understand that I was using digitalisation to solve economic problems. Dr Bawumia, who was visibly excited about the achievement, said since 2020, the accelerated digitalisation of government services had transformed how citizens secured and efficiently interacted with public institutions, coupled with the widespread issuance of the Ghana Card, the integration of national databases and the remarkable expansion of financial inclusion, the country was now fully prepared to implement a comprehensive credit scoring system. He said the credit score system, a Ghanaian full-blown private sector initiative, would enhance access to credit, strengthen trust in the financial system and serve as a critical tool that would transform Ghanaian access to credit and financing. The initiative comes at a crucial time in Ghanas financial sector. Ghanas non-performing loan (NPL) rate stands about 24.3 per cent which is quite high. Such high NPL levels reflect the challenges within our financial ecosystem where the lack of standardised transparent credit scoring system has contributed to elevated risks for lenders and limited financial inclusion, he stated. Notably, Dr Bawumia said results from the myCreditScore pilot demonstrated an improvement, with an end year ratio of less than four per cent which was a remarkable contrast to the national average. By enabling a fairer and more consistent evaluation of credit worthiness, he said, myCreditScore was expected to reduce loss significantly, bringing confidence among financial institutions and expanding access to credit to individuals and businesses alike. BoG The Head of Banking Supervision of BoG, Osei Gyasi, said the central bank believed there was the need for banks to effectively manage credit risks and it was for that reason that credit bureaux had been licensed to support their risk management function. He stated that a credible credit information system was indispensable in the development of a modern credit market and, therefore, the BoG remained committed to efforts geared towards establishing credit bureaux. He said the addition of credit scoring helped to enhance the risk management framework that banks and foreign direct investments (FDIs) leveraged to minimise NPLs and credit losses. Mr Gyasi, therefore, encouraged credit reference bureaux to be innovative to deploy solutions to facilitate data solution. He gave an assurance that the BoG would continue to create the atmosphere to support all credit reference bureaux in developing the credit market in the country. NPLs The Board Chairman of MyCreditScore, Augustine Agyei, said looking at the credit landscape in the country, it was impossible to completely ignore the issue of NPLs. He described the system as the future of financial empowerment and digital transformation in the country. Mr Agyei said they were optimistic about the system in the country as the pilot programme had witnessed encouraging results. Today, we are seeing about 40,700 credits extended, totalling GH637,799 to well over 4,000 borrowers. Our default rate stands at 2.51 per cent, he said. Parliament adjourns again - Govt business still hangs Nana Konadu Agyeman Nov - 08 - 2024 , 08:12 5 minutes read The extraordinary meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament started Thursday but was short-lived as the House adjourned indefinitely again within minutes of the sitting. The adjournment, the second in three weeks, followed the absence of the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in the chamber when the House reconvened. The decision to stay away, members of the NPP caucus later explained, was because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus, who are supposed to be the Minority, had occupied the right side of the Speaker reserved for the Majority prior to the commencement of proceedings at 10.55 a.m. The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Efutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said at a news conference that their decision to keep a distance from the House was to avoid a possible stand-off over who had the right to occupy the Majority side. Advertisement He said he expected the Speaker to settle the matter of which side should occupy the Majority side in the wake of the stay of execution of a ruling he made in Parliament on the seats of four members of the House. The House was recalled to consider and approve a $250 million loan facility from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank for the Ghana Financial Stability Fund, tax waivers for various Ghanaian-owned companies operating under the One-District, One-Factory policy, and various bills, including the Free Senior High School Bill, 2024. The House was also due to consider the budget on account to cater for the salaries of public sector workers for the first three months of 2025, as well as Constitutional Instruments which had already been laid and were to become laws after 21 days. No business to transact However, when the House began sitting, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said even though the House had a quorum, there was no business before it to transact. In view of the failure of the Business Committee to sit as a result of the refusal of those who requested a recall to show up, we are compelled to once again adjourn the sitting of the House indefinitely. Knowing the challenges that we are facing, it is not advisable to be adjourning from day to day, and so I will proceed once more to adjourn the meeting indefinitely; and this extraordinary meeting is accordingly adjourned, he declared. Requests for recall The Speaker told the House occupied only by the members of the NDC that the current meeting was in response to two recalls requested by the NPP members of the House. He said the first recall was dated October 22, 2024 and second dated October 24, 2024, both pursuant to Article 112 (3) of the Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament. The requests, the Speaker said, exceeded the constitutionally required signatories of 15 per cent of all Members of Parliament. Mr Bagbin said the first request entreated the House to deliberate on and transact few urgent government businesses while the second request added many more items for the consideration of the House. From the initial request for us to consider five items, this second added 17 more items, and these requests came from the NPP Members of Parliament, but it was signed on their behalf by the Second Deputy Majority Whip, Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, he said. Absence The Speaker, however, said under the dictates of the provisions of the Constitution, he had to issue the summons for the members to be in the House yesterday. Complying duly with the constitutional provisions, Mr Bagbin said he got the administration of Parliament to get the summons published to the notice of all members. Unfortunately, the signatories who made the requests have not shown up, and, therefore, matters that they wanted us to handle, which I admitted for the consideration of the Business Committee, are not on the Order Paper. And, in fact, there is no Order Paper for today because the Business Committee could not meet due to the absence of the people who requested the recall, and you can see (that) one side of the House is completely empty, he said. In view of that, the Speaker said while the House had a quorum to sit, there was no business before us to transact. This is because the Business Committee, as we know, they prepare a report, and this report is adopted by the House as business agreed by the House to transact during the course of the week. In the absence of that, there is no other authority that can put business before you, which you have not adopted to transact, he said. In view of the failure of the Business Committee to sit as a result of the refusal of those who requested a recall to show up, we are compelled to once again adjourn the sitting of the House indefinitely, Mr Bagbin added. Financial loss Speaking to the press soon after the adjournment, the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said his side was disappointed in the NPP Caucus for failing to show up in the chamber after requesting a recall. What we are seeing is an abuse of the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament. The NPP caucus have caused financial loss to the state. We call on the people of Ghana to see the behaviour of the NPP and punish them accordingly (at the December 7 polls), he said. Earlier adjournment The government business in Parliament took a hit on October 22, 2024 when the Speaker adjourned Parliament indefinitely. That followed the Speakers acknowledgement of the legal proceedings surrounding the composition of the House and the attendant public interest over the declaration of the seats of four MPs vacant. With the Supreme Court order appearing to restrain his hands on the matter that had evoked drama in the nations political space in the preceding week, the Speaker adjourned proceedings less than 15 minutes after he had assumed his chair in the chamber. In view of the current circumstances, the fact that there is a question on the composition and constitution of Parliament and having regard to the public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in Parliament, I will proceed to, in accordance with Standing Orders 59(1), adjourn the House indefinitely, i.e. sine die, he said in the brief address to the members. Writers email: nana.agyeman@graphic.com.gh High Court restrains CLOGSAG from continuing with strike for 10 days Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Nov - 08 - 2024 , 19:14 4 minutes read The Industrial and Labour Division of the Accra High Court has placed an injunction on the nationwide strike declared by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG). In an order for interim injunction, the court, presided over by Justice Frank Abodwe Rockson, on Friday (November 8, 2024) ordered CLOGSAG to call off the strike for 10 days and return to the negotiation table, as directed by the National Labour Commission. The order by the court followed an ex parte application by the NLC. After the expiration of the 10 days, the NLC has the option of applying for a further injunction from the court, but it could only do so by serving notice to CLOGSAG. Advertisement In the order, the court restrained CLOGSAG, its executives, members or any one acting on its behalf from further continuing with the strike for the next 10 days. It is hereby further ordered that the respondent by itself, its executives, officers, members, agents, servants, employees and other persons are to comply with the directives of the National Labour Commission dated November 6, 2024 and call of the industrial action, the court ordered Strike Last Monday, November 4, CLOGSAG declared a nationwide industrial action to drum home its demand for the finalisation of a new salary structure for staff of the civil service and local government service. A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo, said the new salary structure was expected to be finalised by October 31, this year, for onward implementation from January 1, next year. However, the statement said the government was dragging its feet, making the deadline for the implementation unrealistic to achieve. To date the understanding that by October 31, 2024, both parties would finalise a new salary structure for staff of the civil service and the local government service to be implemented from January 1, continued to be a mirage, the statement said. The labour union further accused the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and its Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Arthur of acting in bad faith throughout the process. As a result of the long delay in the completion of the salary structure and other conditions of service for the staff of civil service and local government service, CLOGSAG has no other option than to ask our members to stay at home from Thursday, November 7, the statement added. Fair Wages response However, in its response, the FWSC, urged CLOGSAG to cancel the industrial action and return to the negotiation table. In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit, the FWSC said the demand by CLOGSAG for a new salary structure and other conditions of service was initially submitted to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor for consideration and approval. It said the Senior Presidential Advisor constituted a technical committee comprised of representatives from the government and CLOGSAG to discuss the proposal. It must be noted that in a communique dated July 12,2024, issued by CLOGSAG,the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG indicated that The Parties (i.e.Government Team and CLOGSAG) showed commitment towards the resolution of pertinent issues relating to the salary structure for the staff of the Civil Service and the Local Government Service. The release said the government had been exploring alternative ways of addressing the demand for a new salary structure by CLOGSAG without injuring the existing pay policy. It is instructive to note that in a meeting held on October 30,2024, the Government Team made an alternative proposal aimed at addressing the concerns of CLOGSAG which they requested the team to put into writing, the commission averred. The FWSC said being committed to the process,the government team confirmed the alternative proposal in writing as demanded by CLOGSAG on the same day. CLOGSAG is yet to respond to the governments proposal. It is, therefore, surprising to see a notice issued by CLOGSAG to embark on strike when discussions have not reached a deadlock, the commission stated. The commission further accused CLOGSAG of being aware of the FWSCs mandate but deliberately decided to undermine it by channelling its demands through the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor for approval, contrary to Section 2 of the FWSC Act 2007 (Act 737). A case in point is when CLOGSAG decided to opt out of the Single Spine Pay Policy by going to court in 2011 (in the case indicated above) but lost the case, the statement added. Writers email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh Next article: Ghana Immigration Service recruitment: Applicants to report for body selection, document assessment and medical screening President Akufo-Addo welcomes new Qatari Ambassador to Ghana GraphicOnline Nov - 08 - 2024 , 14:21 1 minute read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has formally received the credentials of Khalid bin Jabr Al Musallam, who assumes his role as Qatars Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ghana. The ceremony took place today at the Jubilee House in Accra. During the event, Ambassador Al Musallam extended greetings from the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, conveying His Highnesss well wishes for President Akufo-Addos health and happiness, as well as the prosperity of Ghanas government and its people. President Akufo-Addo reciprocated by expressing his own greetings to the Amir, wishing him good health and continued progress for Qatar. The President also acknowledged the longstanding friendly relations between Ghana and Qatar, underscoring Ghanas commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf nation. Advertisement The presentation of credentials marks a continuation of strong diplomatic ties, with both nations focusing on fostering collaboration across various sectors for mutual benefit. Akufo-Addo approves upgrades for 15 districts, municipalities across Ghana GraphicOnline Nov - 08 - 2024 , 08:37 1 minute read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted executive approval for the elevation of 15 districts and municipalities. The decision was taken under Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936), following a request from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD). In a statement released by the sector minister, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, on November 7, the government announced that two Municipal Assemblies, namely Kpone Katamanso and Techiman, have been promoted to Metropolitan status. Additionally, Gomoa East District Assembly has also been upgraded to a metropolis. Twelve other District Assemblies have been elevated to Municipal Assemblies. These are: Advertisement - Bole District Assembly - Afigya Kwabre South District Assembly - Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly - Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly - Obuasi East District Assembly - Sekyere South District Assembly - Ningo Prampram District Assembly - Anloga District Assembly - South Tongu District Assembly - Shama District Assembly - Techiman North District Assembly - Pru East District Assembly According to the statement, the upgrades will become fully effective upon the completion of all legal and administrative requirements. Further to this restructuring, the Ministry noted that requests for the elevation of Ho Municipality to Metropolitan status, as well as proposals to upgrade Offinso North and Birim North districts to municipalities, are currently under review. Additionally, various petitions for the creation of new districts are being considered. The elevation of these assemblies aims to improve local governance and strengthen administrative capacity, aligning with the governments commitment to decentralisation and development across Ghana. Demonstrate true statesmanship - Afenyo-Markin tells Speaker Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Nov - 08 - 2024 , 10:50 5 minutes read The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to demonstrate true statesmanship and respect the rule of law. He said the Speaker must refrain from putting up non-reconciliatory postures and stop supervising the chaos and lawlessness that was currently unfolding in Parliament. The failure of the Speaker to direct the Minority members to go back to their seat on his left side during proceedings yesterday amounted to supervising chaos and bringing the image of democracy into disrepute. The Speaker is setting the country on fire as he keeps showing a non-reconciliatory posture, he said. Advertisement Reaction Addressing the press on the happenings in Parliament, which was adjourned indefinitely yesterday, Mr Afenyo-Markin said: Indeed, we the Majority Caucus call on the Speaker one more time to demonstrate true statesmanship. We want Mr Speaker to know that although we were not happy on the day he was elected, some of our colleagues, perhaps, had seen some good in him; it was not the NDC that put him there to do the bidding of the NDC, he said. Mr Afenyo-Markin was joined by 45 Majority members, including the MP for Agona West, Cynthia Morrison. Show the way Throwing light on the current development in Parliament, the Leader of Government Business recalled that the Speaker made a pronouncement on the floor of the House which resulted in the NDC Minority Caucus proclaiming themselves as the new Majority. He said the Speaker subsequently, at a pre-sitting meeting after the Supreme Court had stayed his ruling, told us as leadership that he has not declared the NDC as the Majority and neither has he expressed a constitutional opinion on those four individuals. Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Speaker said what he did amounted to an opinion that he expressed on the statement by the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. The Majority Leader said at the pre-sitting meeting, he, on behalf of the Majority, enquired from the Speaker whether the Minority MPs who were seated to his right would be allowed by him to sit there since it was not their rightful place in view of his own admission that he had not declared them as such. He said the Speaker responded that sitting arrangement of Parliament was the responsibility of the Clerk-to-Parliament. Mr Afenyo-Markin said he went further to enquire from the Clerk whether he allowed the NDC Minority to sit on our seats. But the Clerk said the name tags of the Majority members were already at their seats. So, obviously one was expecting Mr Speaker to tell the NDC to do the right thing but he refused, the Majority Leader said. External interventions He said subsequently, the Council of State held a meeting with Mr Speaker and he, as the Majority Leader and the Leader of the House, had the opportunity to meet with the members. The understanding I had from the meeting as a sequel to the meeting they already held with Mr Speaker was to the effect that Mr Speaker would direct the NDC Minority to sit at their right place, he said. Mr Afenyo-Markin explained that he subsequently had a call from the Peace Council that informed him that they had engaged with the Speaker on the issue before Parliament. He said the Speaker told the Council that he had neither ruled nor proclaimed the NDC Majority and that should Parliament resume, the NDC Minority would go back to their seats. The Majority Leader said several other prominent Ghanaians who had also engaged the Speaker on the matter had reached out to us the Majority Caucus and assured us that Mr Speakers engagement with them resulted in he admitting that indeed there was no such ruling to proclaim the NDC as the Majority. Formal communication or ruling? The MP for Effutu also recalled that the Speaker himself at the Speakers press briefing on Wednesday in Parliament claimed that he had not made a ruling. So, if he claims that what he did was a formal communication in response to a statement from the Minority Leader, then why is he supervising chaos in the House, he asked. Disputing the claims by the NDC Minority that the Majority members did not attend the Business Committee meeting as a strong reason to adjourn the House, he said that was never true since he was the chairman of that committee. When the Clerk-to-Parliament asked for the Business Committee meeting, I was very explicit that the subject matter of the recall was approved by Mr Speaker and it is the very matter for consideration. So, there is no need to have another Business Committee; this committee is to decide business of this House, he said, indicating that he asked that all the items approved by the Speaker be printed on the Order Paper. Non-reconciliatory posture Buttressing his argument, Mr Afenyo-Markin said fortunately, the Speaker himself read the two letters by the Majority requesting a recall of the House to consider urgent government business. Clearly, the NDC is on a warpath and they want confusion and lawlessness in this country, and all this is being supervised by Mr Speaker, he said. Disagreeing with the ruling of the Speaker, which he claimed to be an opinion now, he said the Majority members withdrew from the Chamber to pursue the Speakers ruling at the Supreme Court for interpretation. Mahama accuses NPP of pushing Ghanaians into debt and economic hardship Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Nov - 08 - 2024 , 13:14 2 minutes read The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama says the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pushed many Ghanaians into poverty through reckless borrowing and economic mismanagement. Speaking at a rally at Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Constituency of the Central Region on Friday, Mr Mahama said a recent complaint by the CEO of Mikado, Dr Michael Agyekum Addo [KAMA] who said he was struggling financially due to the government's debt exchange programme and his eventual death last week was one of the examples that the government has pushed many into debt. Mr Mahama emphasised that the debt exchange programme, necessitated by the government's $11.5 billion overborrowing, had devastating effects on many citizens, including the CEO of Mikado, who lost his life savings and eventually passed away. Mr Mahama told the crowd that the heartbreaking incident underscores the broader struggle faced by numerous Ghanaians under the current administration. Advertisement Before then, the man had come out to speak about the debt exchange programme which only became necessary due to the governments reckless borrowing. The man said his life savings had been affected by the exchange and the man was crying on TV that he was going through hardship and just last week he died, Mr Mahama said. Mr Mahama contrasted the current economic woes with the gradual development achieved during his tenure. Citing Kasoa as an example, he noted the construction of interchanges, schools, and lorry stations, which transformed the town and created opportunities. "In 2016, I wouldn't say all was rosy, but it was better than now," he stated. He assured the crowd of better days under an NDC government, stating that the NDC aims to revitalise the economy through investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative economy, as outlined in their 2024 manifesto. Mr Mahama said the next NDC administration was bent implementing a 24-hour economy for business development, growth, and job creation. During their previous term, he said the NDC focused on building infrastructure, including roads, power generation, ports, hospitals, schools, and tertiary education institutions. This foundation, Mr Mahama argues, will support Ghana's economic resurgence. He said throughout his interactions with citizens across the country, he had been told of the urgent need for economic reform and responsible governance to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians. Previous article: First Lady calls on electorate to vote massively for NPP Salaries could delay if NDC continues stalling budget approval Afenyo-Markin Mohammed Ali Politics Nov - 07 - 2024 , 23:15 2 minutes read The leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin says there could be salary delays if members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament continue stalling the business of the House. Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of intentionally delaying the approval of the budget for the first quarter of 2025, which he says is putting public sector workers salaries at risk. At a press briefing on Thursday [Nov 7] moments after the Speaker adjourned Parliamentary meetings indefinitely for the second time in a few weeks but this time on the grounds that there was no business to conduct, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns that the ongoing political deadlock, largely caused by the NDC, would prevent the government from securing the necessary approval to pay salaries for public servants. The NDC is creating chaos. They want to disrupt the system so Ghanaians cannot receive their pay, all in an effort to create the impression of lawlessness, he stated. Advertisement He explained that a delay in passing the budget, which requires Parliaments approval, would prevent the government from accessing funds needed to pay essential workers. Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the government relies on Parliaments approval of the budget to release funds for public sector wages. Without this approval, he warned, public workers could face delays in receiving their salaries. He also pointed out the wider implications of this disruption, particularly on the economy and public morale, as the country grapples with ongoing economic challenges. The NDCs actions are sending the wrong message both locally and internationally about the stability of Ghanas democracy and its ability to function effectively, he warned. He claimed that the NDCs obstruction was part of a broader effort to block key government policies, such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme. He accused the NDC of working with the Speaker of Parliament to delay legislation vital to future educational reforms. As the standoff continues, Afenyo-Markin vowed that the NPP caucus would not allow the NDC to frustrate the governments agenda to succeed. He assured the public that the government would use all legal and constitutional measures to resolve the issue. Next article: Generative AI is taking over how Ghanaian businesses can harness the power of AI now! Canada bans TikTok from operating in the country Reuters Technology Nov - 08 - 2024 , 17:18 3 minutes read Canada on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned TikTok's business in the country to be dissolved, citing national-security risks, but added the government was not blocking Canadians' access to the short-video app or their ability to create content. "The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd's operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc," Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement. Champagne said it is important for Canadians to adopt good cybersecurity practices, including protecting their personal information. He said the dissolution order was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada's national security. He said the decision was based on information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and other government partners. Advertisement A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of local jobs. "We will challenge this order in court," the spokesperson said. "The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive." TikTok is wildly popular with young people, but its Chinese ownership has raised fears that Beijing could use it to collect data on Western users or push pro-China narratives and misinformation. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2020. TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy. It comes as China and the West are locked in a wider tug of war over technology ranging from spy balloons to computer chips. Canada previously banned TikTok from all government-issued mobile devices. TikTok has two offices in Canada, one in Toronto and one in Vancouver. Michael Geist, Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa, said in a blog post that "banning the company rather than the app may actually make matters worse since the risks associated with the app will remain but the ability to hold the company accountable will be weakened." Canada's move comes a day after the election in the United States of Donald Trump. In June, Trump joined TikTok, a platform he once tried to ban while in the White House. It has about 170 million users in the U.S. Trump tried to ban TikTok through an executive order that said "the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned" by Chinese companies was a national security threat. The courts blocked the action after TikTok sued. Both the U.S. FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance could share user data such as browsing history, location and biometric identifiers with China's government. TikTok said it has never done that and would not, if asked. Trump said earlier this year that he still believes TikTok posed a national security risk, but was opposed to banning it. U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation in April that would force ByteDance to sell the app to a U.S. company within a year or face a national ban. It's not clear whether that law will survive a legal challenge filed by TikTok or that ByteDance would agree to sell. While many in Sweetwater County have expressed support for an off-road trail system connecting communities in Southwest Wyoming, the City of Green River still has work to do if it's going to be part of that system. Mark Tesoro, president and founder of Southwest Wyoming Off-road Trails (SWOT) and Wyoming Office of Tourism Board member, gave a presentation to the Green River City Council Tuesday night. Tesoro explained that the purpose of SWOT is to connect communities and their resources with off-road vehicle drivers and clubs, giving them access to designated trail systems, dining options, fu... 1/28/1951 - 10/29/24 Our beloved, Maria Carmen DeBernardi, 73, passed away Tuesday October 29, 2024 at her home in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was born January 28, 1951 in Stein, Austria; the daughter of Frieda Boschetto, and proudly immigrated to Rock Springs over 60 years ago. Carmen attended schools in Wyoming and was a 1970 graduate of Rock Springs High School; she later attended Western Wyoming Community College where she earned an Associate of Art Degree. She married the love of her life, Robert DeBernardi, on March 23, 1973 and they enjoyed 50 wonderful years together. Throughout her life, Carmen was unwavering in her dedication to her family. A loving wife, mother, and nana, she cherished every moment spent with loved ones, ensuring that her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and endless support. Her generous heart knew no bounds and extended to her beloved pets who she treated as cherished members of the family. Carmen was a master communicator, fluent in Italian, German and English. She was always available to lend an ear and evoke the perfect piece of advice at just the right time. For those of us who were lucky enough to hear it, her guidance will be forever and profoundly missed. One of Carmen's favorite pastimes was visiting her second home in Las Vegas. Her love of the bright lights and bustling casinos was well known among her family and friends. The backdrop of Las Vegas paled in comparison to the countless memories of dinners out, fun events, lively concerts, and lucky spins. She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) DeBernardi, her two children Rob (Shanon) DeBernardi and Gina (James) Peters, her three grandchildren Robert (Bobby) DeBernardi, Jackson Peters and Savannah Peters, and her uncle Karl Kob. Carmen was preceded in death by her mother, Frieda Boschetto and uncle, Bruno Kob. Private Family Funeral Services will be conducted. The family respectfully requests donations in Carmen's memory be made to Red Dessert Humane Society, 310 Yellowstone Road, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. The 34th annual Harley Davidson Toy Run is set to kick off this weekend. However, the origins of the Toy Run tradition date back even earlier than the first official ride. In the fall of 1988, a local group of motorcycle enthusiasts included Green River citizens Shelly and Dave Nihart, Lawrence Ortega, and Burl Coleman, who were known for being a little too loud and a little too fast. This group was looking for a way to show the community their authentic selves. According to Burl Coleman, who played Santa for the first Toy Run and for several subsequent runs, the Nihart family got the idea up and running. "Shelly Nihart and her family got everyone together and asked if anyone wanted to do a Toy Run," he explalined. "They asked me if I would wear the Santa suit and I was happy to, because I could wear warm clothes under it because it was so cold outside that year." Coleman reflected fondly on that first run, recalling how it became a family event for him. "When I was 'Santa' for our first toy run in Green River, my daughter Dusty played an elf and rode on the back of my 1936 Harley Davidson 'Knucklehead,'" he recalled. The birth of video cameras for consumers, also in 1988, meant that the event could also be captured in a digital format. "Shelly filmed from the back of her brother's truck," Coleman said. "We took a ride through the tunnels and then went up Uinta to the old City Market where Family Dollar is now. It was a new thing to be recorded." Coleman said with the first event being a success, other local organizations got involved the following year, where he was honored once again to play Santa. "The next year the Vietnam Vets cosponsored the run with Flaming Gorge Davidson of Green River," he explained. "A veteran named Dutch, the president of the Vietnam Vets, asked me if I would play Santa again, and I did that for a few years after that and was happy to do it." According to Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson Owner and General Manager Dennis Laughlin, around 1990 Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson became the sole sponsor of the event. He noted that in his many years of doing the run, he has seen up to 200 motorcycles participate, although he added that turnout is dependent on weather, and sometimes vehicles have been used instead of motorcycles. "I have no idea how many children we have helped, but it is a lot," Laughlin said. "There have been times where we filled a dozen tables at the fire station to the max and stacked toys under them." Laughlin also noted that other riding groups in the area do their own toy drives, but often bring toys to help out with the Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson ride as well. The American Legion Riders out of Rock Springs have been especially helpful, he said. Other individuals have also helped with the event over time, such as Green River Resident Shawna Dockter. Dockter often makes a Harley quilt that she raffles off and donates the proceeds to the Toy Run, which she is doing again this year. Raffle tickets can be bought at the shop up until the minute the parade ride leaves, according to Laughlin. Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson would also like to thank the Green River Police and Fire Departments, The Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Rock Springs Police and Fire Departments and the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office for creating a safe riding environment during the event. The 34th annual Toy Run is this Sunday, November 10. The timing of the Toy Run is always the Sunday before Veterans Day. Riders are asked to meet at Flaming Gorge Harley at noon. The entry fee is a new toy. The public is also welcome to drop off toys inside the store prior to the run. So, you're looking for a solid Samsung phone but don't want to break the bank? We get it; a Galaxy phone has plenty of appeal, but pricing can get crazy for the Galaxy S family. Luckily, the Korean giant has a pretty full lineup with offers at every price point. Today, we are exploring the best option for a "budget flagship" or "upper midranger", depending on your personal definition. It is worth pointing out that there is a pretty substantial price difference between the two phones. At the time of writing, a base 128GB/8GB Galaxy A55 will set you back around 350, while a base 128GB/8GB Galaxy S24 FE retails for around 550. It's a serious price difference. There is no doubt that the Galaxy S24 FE is the better device out of the two. The real question is whether it is twice as good as the Galaxy A55. While that will undoubtedly be a personal decision to make, we can at least go through the key points of comparison quickly and concisely, pointing out the differences for you. Table of Contents: For starters, you can compare the complete specs sheets or directly continue with our editor's assessment in the following video or in the following text. Size comparison Samsung Galaxy A55 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) 213 g Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 162.0 x 77.3 x 8.0 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.31 in) 213 g The Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S24 FE are pretty similar size-wise. Both are fairly big devices, even by modern standards and in fact, a bit on the heavy side, tipping the scale at 213 grams. The two devices have the same footprint despite the fact that the Galaxy A55 has a slightly shorter 6.6-inch screen diagonal, compared to 6.7 inches on the S24 FE. The Galaxy A55 has slightly thicker display bezels. The S24 FE also has a few design touches that make it look a bit more modern - specifically, the raised island for the side buttons. Both phones are very well constructed. The S24 FE has better IP68 ingress protection than the Galaxy A55 and its IP67. The difference isn't huge in practice, but it is there. The S24 FE should be able to survive in slightly deeper water. The two phones are also very similar regarding materials. They have sturdy aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front. The S24 FE has a slightly tougher Gorilla Glass Victus+ back side compared to the basic Gorilla Glass on the Galaxy A55. Both phones have the same set of controls and overall control layout. This includes an under-display optical fingerprint reader. Both phones use virtual proximity sensors rather than hardware ones. Other than that, both phones are chock full of sensors. Both devices have Sub-6 SA and NSA 5G connectivity. eSIM connectivity is also available on both. Both phones basically support the same positioning and have Bluetooth 5.3 with LE support, as well as NFC, though that can be market-dependent. Speaking of market-dependent features, the S24 FE has tri-band Wi-Fi in some places. The Galaxy A55 only has a basic USB 2.0 port. While it supports Host/OTG, it lacks advanced features like the DP video output available on the S24 FE. Only the S24 FE has Samsung DeX support. Display comparison Samsung Galaxy A55 AMOLED 120Hz 1080x2340 pixels 390 ppi 6.6" Samsung Galaxy S24 FE AMOLED 120Hz 1080x2340 pixels 385 ppi 6.7" The Galaxy S24 FE has an ever-so-slightly-larger 6.7-inch display, compared to the 6.6 inches on the Galaxy A55. Both phones naturally use Samsung-made OLED panels, and both actually have a 120Hz refresh rate and pretty similar refresh rate management. Both displays are also certified for HDR10+. They also both have a FullHD+ resolution and very similar display density. The only real difference between the display of the two phones is brightness. Both phones have a pretty modest manual maximum brightness of below 500 nits. When you switch to Auto mode, however, the Galaxy A55 can reach 1,010 nits maximum, while the S24 FE can reach 1,372 nits. Battery life The Galaxy A55 has a slightly larger battery at 5,000 mAh, compared to 4,700 mAh on the Galaxy S24 FE. The difference in capacity isn't huge, but combined with other hardware differences like display and chipset, things compound into a noticeably better Active Use Score on the Galaxy A55. Both phones have solid endurance, but the Galaxy A55 has the edge in this category. Charging speed Samsung Galaxy A55 5000 mAh 15min 29% 30min 55% Full 63min 25W Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 4700 mAh 15min 30% 30min 56% Full 70min 25W Both phones support up to 25W wired charging through Samsung's Fast Charge standard, which is just USB Power Delivery + PPS, so any third-party charger with this spec will do. The S24 FE also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, neither of which is a feature on the Galaxy A55. In typical Samsung fashion, charging either phone takes over an hour. The two phones have similar but still slightly different charging curves. With its slightly smaller battery, the S24 FE slows down in the final stretch of its charging cycle, staying in trickle charge for longer. Technically, the Galaxy A55 charges a bit faster than the Galaxy S24 FE, though there is a marginal difference. Speaker test Both phones have a hybrid stereo setup with a dedicated bottom-firing speaker and an amplified earpiece as the second channel. The earpiece is quieter and focuses mostly on high and mid-tones, while the bottom full-blown speaker has bass and good vocals. The balance is good, though. Both phones managed a Very Good loudness score in our testing. Both phones are also tuned quite similarly. Their sound quality is good - there is some bass, and the vocals are solid. The S24 FE has a slight edge in the speaker department regarding loudness and output clarity, especially in the higher ranges. Performance Samsung Galaxy A55 Exynos 1480 4nm 128GB 6GB RAM base config Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Exynos 2400e 4nm 128GB 8GB RAM base config The Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy A55 use pretty different chipsets. Both are modern Samsung-made parts manufactured on a 4nm process. However, the Exynos 2400e inside the S24 FE is definitely on a different level than the Exynos 1480 inside the Galaxy A55. Before we go on to some actual benchmark figures, it is worth pointing out that the Galaxy A55 has 6GB of RAM in its base variant, with 8GB and even an elusive 12GB option also available. The S24 FE has 8GB of RAM across the board. In terms of storage, you can get the A55 with 128GB or 256GB. It is worth noting that both of these are expandable since the Galaxy A55 has a microSD card slot. The S24 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants, but the S24, once again, lacks a microSD card slot. While both phones currently run Android 14 and One UI 6.1 with similar features, Samsung has promised up to four major OS upgrades on the Galaxy A55. The Galaxy S24 FE gets Samsung's new, incredibly generous treatment, with the promise of up to seven major OS upgrades. AI is also a potentially important factor to consider. The Galaxy S24 FE gets the full set of Galaxy AI features. These are unfortunately not available on the Galaxy A55. At least not yet. There has been some talk of Galaxy AI potentially coming to the A series as well at some point. Benchmark performance Samsung Galaxy A55 AnTuTu 10 726,158 Geekbench 6 3,350 3D Mark 3,831 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE AnTuTu 10 1,548,896 Geekbench 6 6,299 3D Mark 13,257 One quick glimpse at the benchmark scores of the two phones makes it instantly apparent that the Galaxy S24 FE is roughly twice as powerful in the CPU department and four times as powerful in the GPU department. AnTuTu and its compound benchmarks show that the S24 FE has roughly more than twice the performance of the Galaxy A55. In practical terms, despite the benchmark performance disparity, the Galaxy A55 is perfectly capable, offering plenty of performance to chew through daily tasks and demanding games. That said, better performance now definitely equates to better performance in the future, down the line, when a few years have gone by and a few software upgrades have hit. So, a better phone now is sort of an investment into futureproofing. Camera comparison At first glance, the Galaxy A55 and S24 FE have similar camera setups. Each phone's main and ultrawide cameras have sensors with similar size and resolution. However, the S24 FE's main cam has more advanced autofocus and can capture 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps video. The S24 FE also gets an extra 3x optical zoom camera, which is way more versatile than the 5MP macro camera on the Galaxy A55. The Galaxy A55's selfie cam uses a 32MP Quad-Bayer sensor, whereas the S24 FE has a 10MP ISOCELL 3J1 unit. We'll see if that makes any difference. Image quality When there is plenty of light, the main cameras of the two phones take quite similar photos. You get comparable contrast, dynamic range, resolved detail and noise. Neither phone has a particularly impressive ultrawide. However, the S24 FE has a clear advantage in the detail department. It also has much better contrast and a wider dynamic range. Samsung Galaxy A55: ultrawide main 2x digital zoom Portrait mode main cam Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: ultrawide main 3x optical zoom Portrait mode main cam The Galaxy A55 lacks a dedicated telephoto. We decided to compare its digital crop 2x zoom shots from the main camera with the 3x telephoto shots from the dedicated camera on the S24 FE. Expectedly, it is hardly a fair fight. The telephoto on the S24 FE is just superior in every possible way. It has much more detail, better contrast and dynamic range and much less noise. In a rather interesting plot twist, looking at the low-light photos from the main cameras on both phones, we definitely like the Galaxy A55's better. Its photos are cleaner, with much less noise and better-developed shadows and highlights. The ultrawide cameras on the two phones capture pretty different low-light photos, especially in terms of color rendition. We kind of like the warmer approach of the A55 a bit better. That aside, neither ultrawide is particularly impressive. The photos are decidedly soft and noisy. Regarding zoomed photos, the dedicated telephoto on the S24 FE still has the edge. However, the difference between it and the 2x digital zoom on the A55 in low-light conditions is not major. Both shots are likable enough. Samsung Galaxy A55: ultrawide main 2x digital zoom Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: ultrawide main 3x optical zoom Both selfie cameras take nice photos. Skin tones are rendered very competently, and the dynamic range is nice. Samsung Galaxy A55: selfies Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: selfies Video quality The Galaxy S24 FE technically has the better capture capabilities of the two phones. Not that we particularly care about 8K on a mobile phone, but having 4K@60 and 4K@120fps is a nice addition. Still, the Galaxy A55 can more than happily do 4K@30fps on all but its macro camera, which is what most users will care about anyway. The two phones' main cameras capture comparable 4K video footage. Perhaps the S24 FE has a slight edge in detail and clarity. 4K video capture from the ultrawide cameras on both phones is fine but not impressive in any way. Below, we have a few frame grabs from the videos taken by the two phones at each focal length so it's easier to compare to one another. Samsung Galaxy A55: ultrawide main low-light Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: ultrawide main telephoto low-light At night, the main camera on the S24 FE seems to have a slight advantage in video quality with better dynamic range. The difference isn't huge, though. Verdict The Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S24 FE are excellent and well-rounded devices. The S24 FE is objectively the better phone out of the two. It is much closer to flagship territory in its feature set. Some highlights compared to the A55 include better ingress protection and tougher back glass, a faster USB port with DP output and DeX support, tri-band Wi-Fi in some markets, better beak display brightness, wireless and reverse wireless charging, louder and cleaner speakers, up to seven major OS upgrades, much better overall performance and a more versatile camera setup. All the while, the Galaxy A55 holds its own pretty well in every department. Plus, it has a few alluring advantages over the S24 FE of its own, including better Active Use Score and expandable storage. Its biggest advantage, however, is its lower price but that gap is gradually closing as the S24 FE is going down in price. Get the Samsung Galaxy A55 for: The much lower price. The better battery life. The expandable storage. The largely identical user experience and camera quality. A bill to help fill a more than $4 million shortfall in the University of Guams budget is being fast-tracked through the lame-duck 37th Guam Legislature. Bill 372-37 was introduced just last week by Sen. Amanda Shelton, and underwent a public hearing Friday led by Appropriations Chairman Sen. Joe S. San Agustin, who celebrated his birthday that day and also just recently returned from off-island. Shelton introduced the measure on Oct. 29, the same day that a group of UOG students appeared on the steps of the Guam Congress Building to protest the removal of the funding. The measure would appropriate $4,000,000 from fiscal year 2025 revenue collected over adopted levels, and $195,822 from revenue collected in excess of the revenue adopted in the supplemental budget bill signed into law this week by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. The funding would go toward critical repairs, maintenance and capital improvements at UOG, the bill states. Students fear there is a legitimate growing concern that if this funding is not restored UOG may be forced to raise tuition by 10% and the increase would drive up the cost of education putting an even greater burden on students and families, Shelton said. Keana Ardiente, UOG Student Government Association vice president, testified at the hearing that students deserve to focus on their studies, not wonder if the ceiling will collapse or if the AC works in their classrooms. The shortfall in UOGs budget means that students educational experiences will be directly impacted as the university looks to reduce academic offerings, scaling down student support services and a potential raising of tuition and fees all to keep basic operations in float, said another student, Nicole Guerrero. Bill 372-37 would restore a $4 million appropriation that was cut in the final version of the supplemental budget bill passed by senators on Oct. 24. The funding was included in an initial version of the supplemental budget, but was removed from a substitute version of the bill that senators ultimately voted on. UOG got about $10.7 million less than it asked for in fiscal 2025, and its administration is expected to defer maintenance and capital improvement plans to keep operations running. San Agustin said he was surprised the funding was deleted, everything in the supplemental could be covered ... were at a point where if its not entertained by December, I can promise you something, it will be the first bill I introduce in the next term in January. Im not gonna be in the majority but Im gonna introduce it, then you can see what the commitment was for the folks that won, he added. San Agustin is one of 6 Democrats to win reelection on Nov. 5, but they will become the minority in the upcoming 38th Guam Legislature as Republicans won 9 seats to regain the legislative majority after 16 years. The Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the University of Guam Cooperative Extension and Outreach, will host an Enrollment Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9 to connect Guams agricultural community with conservation funding opportunities. The workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with sign-in and refreshments to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Guam Agriculture and Life Sciences Building, Room 127, according to a release. This workshop will provide farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and agricultural professionals with practical insights into the USDAs Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs offer financial and technical support to help local producers enhance land productivity and resilience. Workshop highlights include: Step-by-step application guidance to simplify the EQIP and CSP enrollment process On-the-spot enrollment support with USDA NRCS representatives Local producer insights on successfully using EQIP and CSP for sustainable practices Additional funding resources through the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach Taking care of the land is what keeps us farming for generations, said Glenn Takai, farmer and director of the Southern Guam SWCD in a statement. This workshop is here to help folks get the resources and know-how to keep their land productive. Its about supporting Guams agricultural community in keeping our farms healthy and thriving. This free event, part of the Southern Guam SWCDs Conservation Coffee Series, provides farmers, ranchers, and landowners with valuable access to information that supports the future of Guams agricultural landscape. Registration is encouraged. Participants may register by contacting the Southern Guam SWCD office at (671) 735-2014 or via email southernguamswcd@gmail.com. A circulation southeast of Chuuk, Invest 94W, could bring heavy rain and winds to Guam on Sunday or Monday, according to the National Weather Service. NWS Weather Forecast Office Guam is monitoring the circulation, which is expected to become better organized as it heads northwestward this weekend. Its one of two disturbances NWS Guam is tracking, the other Invest 93W, is in the northern Marshall Islands. Latest model guidance shows 94W passing near or southwest of Guam Sunday or Monday, which is Veterans Day. Invest 94Ws passage is expected to bring winds of 20-25 mph with gusts around 35 mph, locally heavy rainfall and potentially hazardous seas for small craft. Both systems are slowly moving west-northwest and showing signs of organization, NWS said. Its unclear how Invest 93W will impact the Marianas and NWS will continue to monitor and watch the trends. According to NWS, Invest 94W is a broad circulation, currently with winds 15-20 mph and patches of stronger winds just southwest of Pohnpei of 20-25 mph with gusts approaching 35 mph. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center currently has 94W rated as a low for development, meaning the formation into a tropical depression is unlikely within 24 hours. 94W will move towards the Marianas the next couple of days, passing near Chuuk Lagoon Saturday or Saturday night, as it slowly becomes better organized. Latest models continue to point to an eventual passage near or just southwest of Guam sometime between Sunday and Monday, NWS said. For the Marianas, between Sunday and Monday, 94Ws passage is expected to bring increasing showers some locally heavy at times, increasing winds of 20-30 mph with gusts 30-40 mph, and choppy seas approaching 10 ft and surf. 94W could pass near the Marianas as a tropical depression, NWS said. NWS said by Saturday there should be more information on timing and potential impacts for the Marianas. Invest 93W Invest 93W is a smaller system, but becoming better organized, and passed to the northwest of Kwajalein Atoll as of Friday afternoon. Winds are generally 15-20 mph with gusts ranging 30-35 mph within some heavier showers. The JTWC has rated 93W as a medium for development, meaning a tropical depression is likely, but expected beyond 24 hours perhaps sometime Saturday or Saturday night, NWS said. It is currently moving through the far northwestern atolls of the Marshall Islands bringing heavy showers and a few thunderstorms that will continue into late Saturday before pushing to the northwest of Bikini and Enewetak Atolls. As 93W heads into the warm open waters northwest of Enewetak, we do anticipate 93W continuing to develop, NWS said. Model guidance currently pushes 93W westward and around Wednesday to Thursday, uncertainty increases both in the motion whether it continues westward or a northerly turn and intensity, NWS said. For now, we monitor and watch the trends, the Weather Service said. The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense remind residents to continue to monitor official channels for updates. Visit the following links for the latest information: NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/ NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/ GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/ GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD Guams broadband challenge process officially launched at midnight on Nov. 6, and the challenge portal is now open at register.challenge.guam.gov. The Challenge Portal allows participants to review a broadband coverage map and verify or contest the accuracy of reported broadband service availability, according to the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development, OIPD, under the Office of the Governor. This collaborative effort is crucial for the fair and effective distribution of critical federal funds under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment programan initiative dedicated to bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to every community in the U.S., including states and territories, OIPD said. This challenge process represents a significant step forward in our commitment to bridging the digital divide in Guam, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement. By working together, we can ensure that every resident has access to the essential connectivity needed for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. We encourage everyone to participate and help shape our islands more connected and equitable future. The BEAD program offers unprecedented funding to address the digital divide, focusing on unserved and underserved communities and community anchor institutions. Public participation in the challenge process is encouraged and essential to ensure that Guams broadband funding is targeted precisely where its needed most, maximizing its impact, and achieving equitable access for all. This isnt just about correcting data; its about building a stronger, more connected Guam for everyone, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio added. We invite our residents and service providers to join us in this collaborative effort, working to ensure that every person on this island benefits from our digital transformation. The user-friendly Challenge Portal provides a couple of ways to participate: 1. To submit a challenge for your residence, go to the Challenge Portal website at register.challenge.guam.gov. Scroll down to find and click the Submit a Public Challenge button. Youll be prompted to locate your address on the map. Once you find and click on your location, youll see if its marked as Served, Unserved, or Underserved. A red or blue dot means your area is classified as Unserved or Underserved, while a gray dot indicates its classified as Served. If you believe this classification is incorrect, click Next to proceed. Afterward, select the type of challenge youd like to submit. Youll then have the option to upload evidence to support your claim, along with a description or any additional statements about your internet service. When youre ready, click Next, and check the box to consent to share your submission for action. Following these steps will help the government ensure accurate broadband service classifications for your area. 2. Challenge your speed by clicking Take the Test. You will have to answer several questions about your service prior to conducting a speed test. The page will provide further instructions. Served, unserved, or underserved? Under BEAD, unserved is receiving broadband access through unlicensed fixed wireless service, DSL or copper cable service only, which are technologies no longer considered viable for broadband. Unserved also means speeds below 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload which is too slow to be considered broadband under this program. Underserved means speeds greater than 25Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload but below 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload which is too slow to be considered enough to fully participate in the digital economy. Served means licensed fixed wireless or fiber service that meets or exceeds 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, which means it meets BEADs standard for minimally accepted broadband speeds. The map is limited to areas that the BEAD program can improve. Areas not on the mapparticularly in southern Guamhave internet development funded by other federal programs. To participate and explore the new broadband map in the portal, visit register.challenge.guam. Technical email support is available through the helpdesk at guhelpdesk@ready.net. For more information about the Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development and the BEAD initiative, visit broadband.guam.gov, or email broadband@guam.gov with any questions. Following Donald Trumps election victory, which saw significant support from a right-leaning young male demographic, a number of American women are turning to a unique form of protest known as the 4B movement. Originating in South Korea in 2019, proponents of 4B refuse to date, get married or have sex with men. For women who feel that their bodies have been commodified, celibacy serves as a form of boycott. the women in South Korea are doing it. its time we join them. men will NOT be rewarded, nor have access to our bodies, one user wrote. Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my republican boyfriend last night & officially joining the 4b movement this morning, another wrote on TikTok. Trumps campaign, marked by instances of misogyny, starkly underscored the regressive stance on womens rights in America. Throughout his reelection, the former president who has been found liable of sexual assault repeatedly celebrated the Supreme Courts 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, vice president-elect J.D. Vance, who called some women childless cat ladies, tried to bury previous statements in which he said he certainly would like abortion to be illegal nationally. On the night of the election, white supremacist and right-wing provocateur Nick Fuentes celebrated with a gleeful anti-woman livestream: Hey bitch, we control your bodies, he said. Guess what? Guys win again, men win again, and yes, we control your bodies. As headlines continue to emerge of women dying from lack of health care in Republican-led states, some say pregnancy and sex with men at all is no longer an option. Where did the 4B movement start? The 4B movement originated in South Korea, calling on women to denounce four things: childbirth (bichulsan), marriage (bihon), romance (biyeonae), and sex (bisekseu). In 2019, the country faced a #MeToo-style reckoning, as women protested widespread domestic violence, gender wage gaps and revenge porn. Despite government incentives, South Korea now has the lowest birth rate of any country due in part to the 4B movement, according to the New York Times. For some American women, the movement aims to regain agency in a system they feel has become increasingly hostile. ladies, Im being so (for real) when I say this, its time to close off your wombs to males. this election proves now more than ever that they hate us & hate us proudly, one Twitter user wrote. The Stockholm, Sweden-based telecommunications operator revealed that it has decided to shed around 500 positions in the country, accounting for one-eighth of its headcount of 4,000, but also begin a recruitment effort to fill 45 new positions. TELIA on Tuesday announced it has completed the consultative negotiations it initiated in Finland in September. The company initiated the negotiations as part of a plan to revamp its organisational structure and rationalise its cost structure. Changes of this magnitude are very difficult for all parties especially when the changes affect the responsibilities of so many colleagues. The reforms are nevertheless necessary for us to create a faster, simpler and more effective Telia, Heli Partanen, the CEO of Telia Finland, commented in a press release on Tuesday. The reforms, she added, are an attempt to improve customer satisfaction, guarantee profitable growth and safeguard the ability to make investments in Finland. The changes are to be implemented starting in early December. Aleksi Teivainen HT Young people are entering working life after studying during the coronavirus pandemic. Theyll face the challenging working life from a completely different perspective than we older generations did, he reminded on YLE TV1 on Monday. INTRODUCING young age groups into work communities is one of the most prominent working-life challenges in Finland, views Antti Koivula , the director general of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Public debate about remote work has increased in recent months as employers have begun restricting the possibilities of employees from home, turning the limelight also on the negative aspects of remote work. Koivula estimated to the public broadcaster that about half of remote workers are performing well and the other half poorly. Companies and work communities, by contrast, have suffered as a result of the absence of employees at the workplace. The sense of community and ability to innovate arent at the desired level. He added that overall expectations about working life and life in general have also changed dramatically, as evidenced by the fact that discussions about workplaces today broach on issues that were outright unimaginable five years ago. Its indicative of the major change were seeing in our working life. The coronavirus was a sort of watershed in that regard, he said. He also called attention to the diversity of companies and individual circumstances, urging companies to examine their situation in order to determine the optimal approach and commit to developing it in the long term. Everyone should find its own path, Koivula said to YLE. Koivula described the shift as a revolution in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat on Monday. Bosses, he said, are no longer able to decide whether employees work from home or the office, and especially experts have ended up working remotely in large numbers without any decisions based on thorough analysis and consideration. Whether you work remotely or not has become the individuals own choice a kind of achieved perk, he said. This should not be the case, he stressed. The question is so important that each organisation should make its own decision on it after carefully weighing up all the relevant information. Survey: Employees, employers disagree on right amount of remote work JLL, a global property management consultancy, on Monday reported that a gulf has emerged between employer and employee views on the appropriate amount of remote work. Its international survey found that 41 per cent of corporate executives hope that employees work in person three or four days a week and 44 per cent that employees work the full five days a week. Only five per cent of them contrastively viewed that there should be no requirement for in-person work and nine per cent that in-person work is only necessary on one or two days a week. Finnish executives were slightly more tolerant toward remote work than the global average, nearly half of them hoping that employees spend three to four days a week at the workplace. A third of them voiced their support for a week with five in-person workdays and less than a fifth for a week with no more than two in-person workdays. Executives from 57 companies responded to the survey in Finland. The results stand in contrast with those of a survey published in March by JLL. One-third of the 1,000 white-collar workers who responded to the survey said they would prefer not to work in person even once a week. The second most popular choice, however, was a complete return to in-person work, with one-fifth of respondents advocating. Each of the remaining options one two three or four in-person workdays a week received the support of roughly 12 per cent of respondents. On average, the employees expressed their support for 1.7 in-person workdays a week, roughly two fewer than employers. The majority of corporate decision makers hope that attendance at offices increases, whereas staff place an emphasis on flexibility. Especially in Finland, there is a clear contrast between the views of executives and staff, Sofia Jakas, a director at JLL, commented in a press release on Monday, 4 November. The contrast has become increasingly pronounced due to a shift in employer views, as two years ago the majority of executives regarded hybrid work as a key pull factors for employees. Jakas viewed that the shift stems not only from frustration about unused office space, but also from the realisation that employee attendance fosters encounters, productivity, exchange of information and joint innovation. She encouraged employers to utilise the carrot rather than the stick to bring employees back to the workplace. You should not mandate that employees have to be at the office because it erodes the workplace climate, she said. Aleksi Teivainen HT (JNS) - RISHON LEZION, Israel - When the young American social media consultant volunteering in Israel saw a handsome IDF soldier recuperating in the hospital rehabilitation ward, she offered him a Fruit Roll-Up. Miami-born Danielle Yablonka, 23, was tired of standing and listening to the older women on her solidarity mission talking, and, eyeing a soldier sitting nearby, was sure he would welcome the snack. "Israelis are supposed to like everything American," she told JNS. But Daniel Kopylov, 21, politely declined. Undeterred, she then asked him if she could sit down. "Of course," the soldier... A seniors age, incontinence becomes an all-too-common (but all-too-often ignored) issue. The first step toward dealing with incontinence is understanding exactly what is causing it, and its not as straightforward as you might imagine. Incontinence comes in various forms: 1. Stress Incontinence: Urine loss occurs during activities like lifting heavy objects, laughing, coughing, or exercising. 2. Overflow Incontinence: The bladder doesnt empty completely, leading to frequent urination or continuous leakage. 3. Urge Incontinence: Difficulty in reaching the bathroom in time, often resulting in... (JNS) A Muslim political strategist from the United Arab Emirates and a Jewish entrepreneur based in Dubai are promoting the landmark Abraham Accords during a joint tour of Australia this week, seeking to combat antisemitism and spread Jewish-Arab coexistence. The unusual 10-day mission to Australia comes as Israels war against Hamas in Gaza enters its second year, with Jewish communities facing a sharp rise in antisemitism around the globe. We are standing shoulder to shoulder and sending a message of Arab-Jewish solidarity, Eitan Neishlos, a Dubai-based Jewish businessman, told JNS on T... (JNS) American Airlines has announced that it is suspending service to and from Tel Aviv through the end of next summer. The move, which was reported by Israeli travel agencies on Sunday, means AAs daily non-stop service from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport to Tel Aviv will not resume until September 2025 at the earliest. To provide customers with certainty when planning travel to Tel Aviv, we are expanding our travel alert to allow customers whose travel plans are impacted to rebook their itinerary for travel involving a partner airline or cancel for a refund, the airlin... (JNS) Israel is pursuing a long-term strategy focused on neutralizing Irans nuclear program and proxies, despite claims to the contrary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. Speaking at the opening of the Knessets winter session, Netanyahu pushed back against recent claims that Israels war effort lacked focus. After each of our achievements, I hear the former officials in the television studios say: Well, we understand the immediate war goals, but whats the strategy? he said. So if its not clear by now, I will lay it out in simple terms: Our long-term strateg... (JNS) Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government on Monday over a decision to place portable bomb shelters, known in Hebrew as miguniot, in Judea and Samaria towns that have not been formally recognized by Jerusalem. According to Baharav-Miara, the governments decision to provide Israeli citizens in unrecognized outposts throughout Judea and Samaria with shelters was illegal, as it was made by members of the Cabinet without requesting professional advice from the security establishment. A determination regarding shelters should be a... When Jacquelyn Berger, Ph.D., along with her son Jeffrey and his family and daughter Marni Stahlman and her family, expressed a desire to acquire a Torah with a history of Jewish survival for Chabad of Greater Orlando, little did they dream their search would uncover a Torah buried by a rabbi to prevent its inevitable destruction by Nazis in the darkest days of the Holocaust. Dr. Berger feels that donating this Torah is a means to give a legacy of inspiration and joy to her family and way of showing the many ways that Rabbi Sholom Dubov and Chabad has brought joy and peace into her life. "As a... (JNS) A former U.N. soldier in Southern Lebanon told the Danish tabloid B.T. on Sunday that during his service there 10 years ago, we were totally subject to Hezbollah. The Danish citizen, who the article named Michael, was deployed as part of UNTSO (U.N. Truce Supervision Organization), which works closely with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL. UNTSO is tasked with observing and reporting violations of U.N. Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon War in the summer of 2006 and calls on the Iranian terror proxy to disarm and not venture south of the Litani River, which... (JNS) Former Hamas captive Erez Kalderon celebrated his bar mitzvah in Kiryat Gat, southeast of Ashkelon, on Thursday, after marking his 12th birthday in the Gaza Strip. Hamas terrorists kidnapped Kalderon, along with his father, Ofer, and 16-year-old sister, Sahar, from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Erez and Sahar were among 105 hostages released last November as part of a weeklong ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Ofer, now 53, remains a captive in Gaza. It was very difficult. For probably the first time in the last year, w... (JNS) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday accused Israel of seeking to carry out ethnic cleansing in Gaza, while hailing the refusal by Arab nations to accept Palestinian war refugees. The intention might be for the Palestinians to leave Gaza, for others to occupy it, Guterres told The Guardian, speaking on the sidelines of the COP16 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia. But there has beenand I pay tribute to the courage and the resilience of the Palestinian people and to the determination of the Arab world[an effort] to avoid the ethnic... (JNS) President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday the award of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor to eight Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from around the world, in recognition of their long-standing contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Against the background of the ongoing war, the president chose these leaders for their unwavering commitment to Israel and their exceptional support of the Jewish people over decades of endeavors, particularly since the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded by the president to those who through... (JNS) Orthodox Jewish parents of children with disabilities have attempted for decades to send their children to Jewish day schools in California. They were denied because while federal funding is available for private schools to provide critical support services, California lawmakers have banned money available for kids with special needs from being used at religious private schools, including Jewish ones. In a 3-0 ruling on Monday, a federal appeals court effectively declared that California is violating federal law. We easily conclude that the nonsectarian requirement fails the neutralit... (JTA) Iran has executed a 20-year-old Jewish man who killed a man in a 2022 fight after the victims family refused to negotiate an alternative punishment. Arvin Ghahremani, 20, had been scheduled to be executed in May but received a stay after Jewish and human rights groups around the world called attention to his case. Ghahremani was arrested more than two years ago on charges that he had killed a man with whom he had a financial dispute. In a report published Monday in Mizan Online, an Iranian news agency, the prosecutor for the city of Kermanshah, where Ghahremani lived, offered details... (JNS) Irans supreme leader has instructed the countrys Supreme National Security Council to prepare for another assault on Israel, The New York Times reported on Thursday. The report, which cited three Iranian officials with knowledge of the matter, said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the decision on Monday after reviewing a report from senior military commanders on the extent of damage to Irans missile production capabilities and air defense systems around Tehran, critical energy infrastructure and a main port in the south. Khamenei was said to have told his associates that the scope of Isr... (JNS) Israels parliament, the Knesset, on Monday passed by a large majority two laws that prohibit UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory and make it illegal for state officials to be in contact with representatives of that controversial U.N. aid agency for Palestinians. The Knesset passed the laws, which followed exposures about UNRWA staffs complicity in the Hamas massacres of Oct. 7, 2023, despite pressure by the United States and other countries to desist for fear that it would complicate humanitarian projects in Gaza and beyond. Axios quoted an unnamed U.S. State Department officia... (JNS) Ayelet Samerano, whose 21-year-old son Yonatan Samerano was shot by Hamas terrorists and abducted by a UNRWA social worker on Oct. 7, 2023, is relieved that her desperate calls for action are finally being answered. Today were seeing the results of our hard work, she told JNS, after the Knesset passed two laws on Monday that make it illegal for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to operate on Israeli soil, and for Israeli officials to work with the U.N. agency. Samerano talked with JNS on Monday night after she spoke at an Oct. 7 memorial ceremony at Park East Synagogue, a M... (JNS) In his first speech since being appointed Hezbollah leader earlier this week, Naim Qassem on Wednesday vowed to continue the path of his slain predecessor Hassan Nasrallah. What is my plan? A continuation of my predecessors. We will carry on with the war program as it has been outlined so far, Qassem said in the televised speech, according to a translation by Lebanons LOrient Le Jour daily. Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Sept. 27 after heading the Iranian-backed terrorist group for more than 30 years, remains the symbol of the resistance and the beloved of resi... (JNS) A new poll reveals deep partisan divisions among American voters regarding responsibility for the escalation of the Middle East conflict, with a majority of Democrats blaming Israel. The survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, conducted from Oct. 11-14, found that about 60 percent of voters attribute a lot of responsibility for the wars escalation to Hamas, Irans government and Hezbollah. Partisan differences emerge regarding Israels role, with approximately 60 percent of Democrats saying the Israeli government bears a lot of responsibility, compa... Two fighter jets nearly collide at Israeli airbase By Lilach Shoval (Israel Hayom via JNS) A near miss at an Israeli airbase: Drama unfolded at the Ramat David Airbase when an F-16 fighter pilot received clearance from the control tower to take off. While accelerating to 250 km/h, the pilot spotted another fighter jet directly in front of him. At the last possible moment, the pilot shut off his engine and managed to steer the jet away. In a video of the incident revealed on Monday, the surprised fighter pilot is heard asking the control tower: Did you see that jet on the Runway? This is ver... (JNS) White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that Iran should not respond to Israels Oct. 26 retaliatory strikes. Should it choose to do so, she added, The United States will be standing by to assist Israel in its defense. Her remarks echoed those of U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who said on Wednesday that Washington believes the Islamic Republic should not respond. Im not going to talk about communications between our two governments, real or imagined. But as we have made clear publicly, and I can tell you that Iran knows this messag... (JNS) In recent years, the American evangelical communitylong considered a bastion of conservative valueshas been undergoing a significant shift. The younger generation of evangelicals, millennials and Generation Z is embracing a more progressive outlook, especially on issues like climate change, racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights. Many see this as a potential threat to evangelical support for Israel, which has been historically unwavering and tied to conservative politics. For decades, evangelical support for Israel has been a cornerstone of the communitys political engagement. Often frame... (JNS) Young Israeli soldiers on patrol in Gaza two weeks ago encountered and eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas commander who plotted and implemented the invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 and the brutal massacre that followed. This long-anticipated milestone was a significant battle won in a war that will not soon end. To understand why, you need to understand who Sinwar was and the cause for which he fought. His goal was not to force Israel to end the occupation of Gaza because, as a matter of incontestable fact, all Israelis departed Gaza in 2005. Instead, his goal was to destroy Israel from... (JNS) Under clear pressure from the United States, Israel refrained from targeting Irans nuclear development sites in last weeks retaliatory strikes against Irans military assets. But that merely delays Israels dilemma of what to do about this existential danger. By all Western intelligence estimates, Iran is at most months and possibly just weeks away from having deployable nuclear weapons. Hence, both the United States and Israel face an inescapable choice: Either massively bomb Irans nuclear development sites now to stop and disable its drive to nuclear weapons capacity or forgo such... (JNS) Steven Erlanger has been writing about Israel for The New York Times for nearly 30 years. How can it be that he still doesnt know what the Oslo Accords say? Even before he was hired by the Times, Erlanger was writing about the Middle East for The Boston Globe in the 1980s. In early 1996a little more than two years after the signing of Oslo I on the White House lawnhe became the Times chief diplomatic correspondent in Washington and wrote plenty about Americas Middle East policy. He even served as the Times Jerusalem bureau chief from 2004 to 2008. How, then, can one explain this... (JNS) Believe it or not, the hero of this weeks Torah portion, Noah, needed a not-so-gentle push to get him into the Ark that he himself had built! And Noah, his sons, his wife and his sons wives went into the ark because of the flood waters, (Genesis 7:7). Interpreting this verse, the great commentator Rashi says that Noah only went into the ark because the floodwaters pushed him inside. He himself wasnt quite sure this flood thing was really going to happen, but eventually, when he was getting rather wet, he decided to seek refuge in the ark. Theres a very serious and sobering messag... China's trade with US sees steady growth of 4.4% in Jan-Oct period 16:05, November 08, 2024 By Ma Tong ( Global Times Trade between China and the US, China's third-largest trading partner, reached 4.01 trillion yuan ($561 billion) in the first ten months of this year, up by 4.4 percent year-on-year. This growth rate is also higher than the 4.2 percent level recorded for the first three quarters, according to data released by China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Thursday. In the first ten months, China's exports to the US totaled 3.04 trillion yuan, a 4.9 percent rise, while imports from the US amounted to 969.48 billion yuan, up by 2.9 percent, according to the data. Experts said that the steady growth in trade between the world's two largest economies signifies the long-term resilience of bilateral economic and trade cooperation and the potential for mutually beneficial outcomes, even in the face of rising trade friction. The trade figures are part of broader data showing China's robust foreign trade performance. For the first ten months of the year, the country's total goods trade amounted to 36.02 trillion yuan, up by 5.2 percent year-on-year, the GAC revealed on Thursday, saying this underscores a trend of stable trade growth for China and continuous optimization of trade structures. The uptick in China-US trade volume can be partially attributed to the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, which have increased demand for Chinese products in Western markets, Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday. "The sustained growth is rooted in the highly complementary nature of the two countries' industrial structures, showing resilience in the countries' industrial cooperation," Gao noted. The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is being held in Shanghai from Tuesday to Sunday, features a section dedicated to US food and agriculture companies. The section first opened last year, and is intended to help the companies explore the Chinese market, according to Xinhua. This year, the section attracted 14 participants. Within the first hour after opening, the total turnover hit $600 million, Xinhua reported, citing data from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai). China is willing to strengthen communication, expand cooperation, and resolve differences with the US for sound and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations, a spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Thursday, Xinhua reported. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Rwanda's minister of trade: Challenge is increasing production capacity to meet Chinese market demands 11:27, November 08, 2024 By Kwizela Aristide Basebya ( People's Daily Online Photo shows Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi (L2) with People's Daily Online journalists at the Rwanda booth after an exclusive interview. (Photo courtesy of Rwanda's Communications Team) Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi expressed that the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a special event given how it attracts imports and acts as a platform for China to open its market to the outside world, giving opportunities for companies to showcase their products and services. Sebahizi made the remarks on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online at the Rwanda booth of the ongoing 7th CIIE in east China's Shanghai, where Rwanda is one of the African countries participating in the expo. "This CIIE is special in its own (way). First, it is an expo that attracts imports, which makes it very interesting. It is China's way of opening its own market to the outside world," said Sebahizi, adding that China's opening of its market is not only demonstrated through CIIE, but also by the fact that China has also removed tariffs on goods from least developed countries (LDCs) which enter its market. Sebahizi added that the expo provides an opportunity for Rwandan and African companies to network, giving them a chance to learn and share experiences. It also helps Chinese companies see opportunities that they can invest in when they go to Africa. "So there are business deals, there is sharing of experiences, there is learning from each other, and also access to markets in all participating parties," he said. Photo shows Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi in an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online. (Photo courtesy of Rwanda's Communications Team) Sebahizi noted that, at this year's expo, Rwanda has five companies displaying various products, including coffee, processed honey, cooking oil, chili, and traditional handicrafts. The promotion of investments and the "Visit Rwanda" brand, as well as the presence of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), shows various opportunities available in Rwanda. The minister explained that since Rwanda began initiatives to enter the Chinese e-commerce market through live streaming campaigns, the country has been witnessing an increase in demand for its products such as chili, coffee and honey to the extent that the major challenge now is building up Rwanda's production capacity to meet the Chinese market demands. "We have witnessed the number of demands increasing over time. For instance, the demand for chili has been steadily going up over the years to the extent that the challenge we have now in Rwanda is to increase the production capacity," he said. Photo shows Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi with People's Daily Online journalists at the Rwanda booth after an exclusive interview. (Photo courtesy of Rwanda's Communications Team) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) US President-elect Donald Trump can seize untrammeled power in Washington should his Republicans gain full control of Congress, a feat his party may well achieve as it leads the race for the House of Representatives. Pulling such a trifecta -- winning the White House and Senate, which Republicans have already done, and maintaining their control of the House -- would end the party's four years in the minority and propel them into dominating every branch of government in the United States. A comprehensive congressional victory would mean Trump gets enormous support to enact his domestic legislative agenda and appoint justices to the powerful US Supreme Court. "As more results come in it is clear that, as we have predicted all along, Republicans are poised to have unified government in the White House, Senate, and House," Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said early Wednesday in a statement. "The latest data and trends indicate that when all the votes are tabulated, Republicans will have held our majority." Democrats need to flip only four House seats to climb out of the minority, but Cook Political Report, which closely follows congressional races, concurred with Johnson. "At this point, the most likely outcome is a GOP trifecta, including a continued narrow Republican House majority," the publication posted Wednesday on X. The US Capitol is divided into the House of Representatives -- where all 435 seats are up for grabs -- and a 100-member Senate, which had 34 seats at stake this year. Congressional elections run alongside the presidential race. While decisions on several House races are headed to overtime, Politico reported Wednesday that Republicans have secured 198 seats so far in their quest for the magic majority of 218, compared to the Democrats' 180. On the Senate side, Jim Justice, the sitting Republican governor of West Virginia, delighted Republicans early in the night when he emerged as an easy victor in the race to replace retiring moderate Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat who later became an independent. Ohio then moved into the Republican column after longstanding Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown was defeated by Bernie Moreno, a Trump-endorsed businessman and son of a one-time high-ranking Colombian government official. Fox News and ABC called the race for control of the upper chamber after Republican Senator Deb Fischer fended off an unexpectedly robust challenge from an independent in Nebraska. "I look forward to working with President Trump and our new conservative majority to make America great again by making the Senate work again," Senator John Cornyn of Texas, a contender to lead the Republican majority from January, said in a statement. The Justice and Moreno victories reversed the Democrats' 51-49 Senate advantage, and Republicans soon extended their lead with a flip in Montana. Other potential pick-ups include Senate seats in Nevada and Pennsylvania. Democrats were looking to mitigate Senate losses with gains in Texas and Florida, but conceded both as the incumbent Republicans notched easy wins. If Republicans win all of the toss-up races, they'll end the election with 55 of the 100 seats, giving them huge power to usher through Trump's domestic agenda and judicial appointments. In a first, two Black women will serve at the same time in the US Senate, following victories from Democrats Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester in Maryland and Delaware respectively. Of the 2,000-plus Americans who have served in the upper chamber, only three so far have been Black women -- including Harris. Alsobrooks and Rochester will become the fourth and fifth. Sarah McBride will be the first openly transgender politician elected to Congress after beating Republican John Whalen III to take a House seat representing Delaware. Donald Trump's election victory spells immediate doubt for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, with President Joe Biden's administration expected to sprint in its final days to ensure -- insofar as possible -- long-term US support. Trump, who won an overwhelming victory in Tuesday's election, has in the past voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and scoffed at the $175 billion in US assistance committed for Ukraine since Moscow's 2022 invasion. The 78-year-old tycoon has repeatedly boasted that he can end the war in 24 hours, without explaining how. His aides have mused about conditioning aid to Kyiv to force concessions, with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance once bluntly saying he did not care what happened to Ukraine, seeing the country as strategically insignificant compared with the global US rivalry with China. With 10 weeks to go until Trump takes over, the Biden administration is looking to push out the more than $9 billion of remaining funding appropriated by Congress for weapons and other security assistance to Ukraine, officials said. The Biden team is also looking for structural ways to put European allies in greater charge of assistance to Ukraine before Trump returns, diplomats said. In a pre-emptive "Trump-proofing" measure, NATO -- the transatlantic alliance that has been criticized by the president-elect -- has already agreed to take over from the United States in coordinating aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also moved quickly with Trump in hopes of preserving ties with Kyiv's top backer. Zelensky called him Wednesday, offering flattery on his "tremendous victory" and voicing hope for "strong and unwavering US leadership" to bring a "just peace." Brian Taylor, a Russia expert at Syracuse University, said that if Trump seeks a direct role in Ukraine-Russia talks, he will "quickly find out that the details and the nuances are not so simple as simply telling everyone to stop shooting at each other." Even a deal to freeze the grinding conflict raises questions on where to draw battle-lines, with Ukraine's military fighting in regions which Russia says it has annexed. At the same time, Taylor doubted that Europe could immediately replace US military assistance. "I'm not sure Europe has the stomach or the institutional capacity to just step up and fill that role instantly, although maybe it will develop that capacity over time," he said. Olga Khakova, of the Atlantic Council, said that Biden could lift restrictions on use of Western weapons on Russian soil, a long-running demand of Kyiv, and boost Ukraine's air defenses to protect its energy infrastructure. Boosting Ukraine could also appeal to Trump by giving him a stronger negotiating hand, she said. "Much is still unknown, but this offers a unique opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength and decisiveness and boldness," Khakova said. Leon Aron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said Trump could ultimately be disappointed by Putin's refusal to budge on demands, resulting in a deal politically unpalatable even in Trump's Washington. For now, Trump's victory mostly means uncertainty, said Brian Finucane, a former State Department official now at the International Crisis Group. "Further substantial US military aid seems doubtful, but Trump himself has been vague about how specifically he would deal with the conflict," Finucane said. Representative Michael Waltz, a Republican army veteran seen as a contender for a national security position, said in a pre-election interview that Trump could find ways to press Putin, including by tightening enforcement of sanctions on Russian energy exports. "I think that will get Putin to the table. We have leverage, like taking the handcuffs off of the long-range weapons we provided Ukraine as well," Waltz told National Public Radio. Trump, he said, is "very focused on ending the war rather than perpetuating it." With Donald Trump's presidential election win and Republicans' victory in the Senate, concerns are growing that millions of Americans could lose their health insurance as subsidies that have helped many afford coverage are set to expire at the end of 2025. Thus, the renewal of the subsidies introduced under the 2021 American Rescue Plan falls to the new Congress and president to decide. According to an NBC News report, the president-elect and Republican leaders have hinted that they are not in support of extending the program. "If Republicans end up winning the House, in addition to the Senate and White House, having a GOP sweep, I think the odds are less than 5% they get extended," Chris Meekins, who was a senior HHS official in Trump's first term, told NBC, adding that even if Democrats take control of the House, that too would not likely save the subsidies. As of early Friday, House Republicans had won 211 seats, just seven short of the majority, according to an NBC News Tracker. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in 2024, over 20 million people obtained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Without continued financial support, estimates suggest nearly 4 million people could reportedly lose their coverage in 2026. Cynthia Cox, the director of the program on the Affordable Care Act at KFF, a nonpartisan health care policy research group, said that it is "much less likely" after the election results that the subsidies would be extended. "And what we're looking at is significant increases in what people pay for their premiums. It's going to average more than 75% increase. For some people, it will be more than double," Cox added, according to NBC. With Trump and Republicans in Congress planning "massive" changes in the health care law, Lawrence Gostin, director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, said that these could be quite significant. The current uninsured rate, around 8%, could increase. "President Trump will likely cut funding for outreach for ACA plans," Gostin reportedly said. "This means fewer people will know their rights under the law and many will not sign up for ACA health care plans. Trump is also likely to cut Medicaid funding and support states that refuse to expand Medicaid coverage." Gostin also added that "challenges to the ACA's preventive services mandate are under way in the courts." In February, KFF cited polls indicating growing public support for the ACA, particularly for provisions that protect those with preexisting conditions and allow young adults to stay on family health plans until age 26. Supporters of Trump and former administration officials say the former president aims to improve the ACA by implementing changes to reduce costs. They highlight his previous efforts to drive down high healthcare prices, citing his administration's push for price transparency in medical billing as an example of his commitment. Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, today announces its partnership to expand the iconic Claridges brand with the signing of a management contract for the landmark hotel 'The Claridges, New Delhi', commencing April 2025. The Claridges, an epitome of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury, has graced the heart of Delhi for over six decades. Established in 1955, this iconic hotel seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication with 119 tastefully appointed rooms and suites. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences, from the all-day dining at Pickwick, authentic Chinese - Cantonese at Jade, and Punjabi flavors at Dhaba, to Thai-inspired dishes at Erawaan and Mediterranean classics at Sevilla. For artisanal cocktails in stylish settings, guests can explore the Elephant Bar and Aura. The Claridges remains a destination for luxury stays and exceptional dining. Hotel website COMO Hotels and Resorts has appointed Peter Nilsson as Managing Director for the Maldives, where he will oversee COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi. Nilsson brings an extensive background and a commitment to excellence, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational cohesion across the Group's properties in Maldives. Nilsson, a Swedish hotelier with an affable view on life, is no stranger to Maldives. With over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, he had managed luxury hotels and resorts across Asia, Indian Ocean and the Pacific with notable brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Soneva, Six Senses, Conrad and Anantara. Prior to joining COMO, Nilsson served as Chief Executive Officer at Banwa Private Island, an exclusive estate in Palawan, Philippines. Located on two secluded islands in the Maldives, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi each offer guests immersive experiences, anchored by COMO Shambhala's award-winning holistic wellness offerings. COMO Cocoa Island in South Malei Atoll is an intimate island with 33 overwater villas and a deep respect for its natural surroundings. COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in Thaa Atoll, with 59 overwater and beach accommodations, along with a vibrant range of experiences, such as diving, surfing and fly fishing. With his wealth of expertise, Nilsson is tasked with driving operational excellence, strategic growth, resource optimization, and team engagement, while ensuring an exceptional guest experience and enhancing operational cohesion. LONDON Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, celebrated the finalists and winners of the 2024 Cvent Excellence Awards at the companys annual customer and industry conference, Cvent CONNECT Europe. The annual awards programme highlights event, hospitality and marketing leaders using Cvent technology to improve efficiency, increase event value, enhance MICE sales and marketing strategies, and deliver greater results for their hotels and organisations. Winners were honoured in front of hundreds of their industry peers during a gala event hosted both in-person at the Hilton London Metropole and online. Winners will also have their achievements showcased and promoted throughout the year in Cvent case studies, webinars and other thought leadership content. Hundreds of nominations were submitted across multiple award categories, and finalists and winners were evaluated based on a robust set of criteria, including the effective use of Cvent technology and Venue Directory sourcing tools to facilitate collaboration, programme efficiency, and overall organisational impact. Its an honour to recognise our customers with this annual awards event. Each year, were inspired by the innovative ways industry professionals use Cvent technology to maximise attendee and guest satisfaction and boost ROI. Showcasing their achievements on the main stage at Cvent CONNECT Europe serves as a beacon of inspiration for others striving for similar success. This year, were particularly excited about new award categories for our hospitality customers, including Portfolio Powerhouse and Venue Directory Champion of the Year. The addition of these awards underscores the importance of technology for Convention and Visitors Bureaus, destination marketing organisations and management companies in driving brand awareness and MICE demand. Andreas Heckmann, Chief Customer Officer at Cvent The 2024 winners are: Event Industry Best In-Person Experience: Sesame Bankhall Group Sesame Bankhall Group Best Hybrid Experience: Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance Meaningful Impact | Best use of technology and events to foster positive societal impact: NetHope Best use of technology and events to foster positive societal impact: NetHope Cvent Advocate of the Year: Emily England, Lemon Lane Emily England, Lemon Lane Cvent Newcomer of the Year: AUGIS - Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland AUGIS - Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland Cvent Partner of the Year: Reed & Mackay Events Reed & Mackay Events Outstanding Total Event Programme: Economist Impact - Events Hospitality Industry The MICE Game Changer |Best Group Sales and Marketing Strategy: Andaz London Liverpool Street |Best Group Sales and Marketing Strategy: Andaz London Liverpool Street Planners Best Partner | Seamless Collaboration with Event Diagramming & Room Block Management: InterContinental Vienna | Seamless Collaboration with Event Diagramming & Room Block Management: InterContinental Vienna The Portfolio Powerhouse | Exceptional Portfolio Management: Postillion Hotels | Exceptional Portfolio Management: Postillion Hotels Corporate Travel Business Champion of the Year: HotelREZ HotelREZ Venue Directory Champion of the Year: Leonardo Hotels Leonardo Hotels Cvent Hospitality Advocate of the Year: Alexandre Pellerin, Accor About The Cvent Excellence Awards Each year, Cvent celebrates their customers through this prestigious awards programme at their annual customer and industry conference, Cvent CONNECT Europe. The organisations, event planning teams, marketers, and hoteliers recognised have established themselves as thought-leaders within the meetings, events, and hospitality space. Winners are recognised in front of thousands of industry professionals each year during Cvent CONNECT Europe, and their work is highlighted throughout the year through case studies and thought leadership content. To learn more, please visit www.cvent.com/uk/excellence-awards. About Cvent Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,000+ employees and 24,000+ customers worldwide as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Cvent is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., and has additional offices around the world to support its growing global customer base. The comprehensive Cvent event marketing and management platform offers software solutions to event organisers and marketers for online event registration, venue selection, event marketing and management, virtual and onsite solutions, and attendee engagement. Cvent's suite of products automates and simplifies the event management lifecycle and maximises the impact of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Hotels and venues use Cvent's supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent's sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimise the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit cvent.com/uk. Sharon Coleshill +44 208 334 4005 Airbnb welcomed its 1 billionth guest arrival in October, 202114 years after being founded. Now, just three short years later, weve hit a new extraordinary milestonesurpassing 2 billion guest arrivals on Airbnba feat were incredibly proud of and one we have intentionally built towards in the last three years. In May 2021, Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky set in motion a cadence of bi-annual product releases that has resulted in over 535 upgrades to the platform for our hosts and guests. This is something we believe has helped accelerate the wider use of our platform and app and, ultimately, driven us to surpass 2 billion guest arrivals. So, who was the guest? We wondered, too. So, we looked at the data and found the guest and their trip and are sharing their story with their permission. Tim and his wife Theresa, a retired couple in their 60s from Eagle River, Wisconsin, were the guests whose trip crossed the 2 billion guest arrival rubicon on Airbnb.We connected with the couple to learn about their trip and what using Airbnb means to them. The trip that marked 2 billion In October, Tim and Theresa took a multigenerational trip to Sandy, Utah, with their kids and grandchildren, and stayed at this Guest Favorite listing, among the most-loved homes on Airbnb. All 12 of them, eight adults and four grandchildren could stay in a listing thats in the top 5 percent of all Airbnbs, globally. Tim and Theresa told us they booked the listing because of the great reviews and its proximity to beautiful scenery and activities nearby. They attended Oktoberfest at Snowbird, floated in the Homestead Crater, learned about the history of Salt Lake City on a trolley tour, toured This is the Place Heritage Park, Olympic Park, and Park City, and hiked on many of the area trails. Multigenerational family travel grew by more than 35% on Airbnb during the first half of this year, where older adults, which could be family members or grandparents, booked stays with kids or grandchildren.2 Why they choose Airbnb Tim and Theresa told us theyve stayed in more than 20 Airbnb listings in the last couple of years and specifically chose the platform as an alternative to hotels because of the personalized experience, the unique spaces and hosts, and the ability to cook in outfitted kitchens. With nearly 90 percent of Airbnb listings having a kitchen, Tim said listings often feel like a home away from home, as opposed to a hotel where youre often living out of a suitcase. A couple of years ago, they took a two month trip to Australia, where they stayed in 11 Airbnb listings spanning the south of the country, up the east coast, and eventually ending in the northeast. While planning the trip, Tim and Theresa sought to stay with Airbnb hosts in Rooms listings. They told us that staying with hosts made them feel more comfortable because they could bounce activity recommendations off of their hosts and get first-hand tips on where to go and what to do while in the community. Tim told us that each of the 11 listings and respective hosts were wonderful, but one stood out: A Room listing in Camden Park, Australia, hosted by Peter and Arron, provided an experience theyll never forget. Beyond the listing itself, Tim told us that Peter and Arron went above and beyond to make them feel welcome, calling it an outstanding experience. Tim said they still keep in touch with Peter and Arron and check in to see how theyre doing. Theresa also mentioned that she appreciates how easy it is to navigate the Airbnb app and feels comfortable searching for and booking stays on the app. Nights booked on our app during Q2 2024 increased 19% year-over-year and now comprises 55% of total nights booked.3 Where to next? Tim and Theresa told us that they have a bucket list and intend to travel more and explore in the next 10 years. The list includes fully experiencing the northeast of the US, Norway and Africa. These will be in addition to staying out of the deep cold that comes to Eagle River, WI, on an annual basis, and they intend to use Airbnb for each upcoming adventure. Were proud to have Tim and Theresa as our loyal guests and will continue to innovate and build our platform in a way that puts our users first. Were also proud of how we got to 2 billion guest arrivals. What began as a way to share a spare room has blossomed into a global community that allows families and friends to connect with hosts around the world, creating memories in spaces that feel like home. From city apartments to mountaintop cabins, each listing offers a unique experienceand for many travelers, its the difference between a manufactured experience and an unforgettable adventure. Source: Airbnb 1. Based on internal Airbnb booking data, approximating the guest arrival that crossed the 2 billion mark. 2. Increase in nights booked by older adults (age 60+) with one or more baby/child in January 1 June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 3. Airbnbs Q2 Shareholder Letter About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way. About Airbnb.org Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis around the world. Airbnb.org operates independently and leverages Airbnb, Inc.'s technology, services, and other resources at no charge to carry out Airbnb.org's charitable purpose. The inspiration for Airbnb.org began in 2012 with a single host named Shell who opened up her home to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This sparked a movement and marked the beginning of a program that allows hosts on Airbnb to provide stays for people in times of need. Since then, the program has evolved to focus on emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19. Since then, hosts have offered to open up their homes and helped provide accommodations to 100,000 people in times of need. Airbnb.org is a separate and independent entity from Airbnb, Inc. Airbnb, Inc. does not charge service fees for Airbnb.org supported stays on its platform. Airbnb Press Airbnb Press Office Airbnb View source As the hospitality sector particularly in Europe seeks to enhance its social impact and reach the SDGs, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the gastronomic industry worldwide. Particularly, hotels can develop innovative business models that benefit their operations and contribute positively to their communities by working on product sourcing, collaborations, and measuring impact. 1. Focus on sourcing locally and sustainably The gastronomic industry has increasingly prioritized local sourcing, emphasizing the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting local farmers and suppliers. This is a behavior that goes from Europe, to Latin America, and North America. For example, Noma, a world-renowned restaurant in Denmark, showcases how local and sustainable practices enhance the dining experience while contributing to environmental and community impact. Noma sources ingredients from local farms and foragers, reducing carbon footprints and fostering community ties. Gustu in Bolivia revives local and ancient ingredients to develop a model of fine-dining while also educating local communities for a new generation of chefs. In the United States, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is part of a broader agricultural initiative that not only emphasizes local sourcing but also educates visitors about sustainable farming practices. They collaborate closely with local farmers, ensuring that their menu reflects seasonal availability while supporting the local economy. But what can hotels learn from this? Hotels can adopt local sourcing strategies, especially in their food and beverage offerings. By collaborating with nearby farms and producers, hotels can provide guests with authentic local cuisine while minimizing transportation emissions. This practice has been shown to increase guest satisfaction and loyalty, as travelers increasingly seek sustainable and authentic experiences. Additionally, hotels could consider using local materials in their furnishings, bed linen, decorations, and construction materials, among others. 2. Collaboration with Local Nonprofits Collaboration is another hallmark of the gastronomic industry, where many restaurants partner with local nonprofits to address pressing social issues, such as food insecurity and homelessness. Comida Para Todos in Chile illustrates how food initiatives can provide meals while creating job opportunities, benefiting both the community and the participating businesses. In UK, The Real Junk Food Project, is a notable initiative where restaurants and cafes collaborate to combat food waste by preparing meals from surplus food donations. This initiative not only addresses food insecurity but also raises awareness about food waste in the community. The hotel industry can embrace similar partnerships by collaborating with local organizations to implement programs that support vulnerable populations. For instance, The Hoxton Hotel in London partners with local charities to provide job training and employment opportunities to those experiencing homelessness. They also made part of the Stay the Night initiative whereby hotels offer unused rooms to homeless people during off-peak periods. 3. Measuring Impact One of the challenges of adopting sustainability practices is to precisely measure their impact. In this regard, the gastronomic sector offers relevant insights hotels can learn from. For example, culinary programs that focus on training marginalized communities often measure success through job placements or skill acquisition. The World Central Kitchen offers an insightful example in this direction. Founded by chef Jose Andres, the World Central Kitchen measures its impact by evaluating the number of meals served and the communities reached during disaster relief efforts. They use this data to continuously improve their programs and extend their reach. Hotels can adopt similar frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of their social programs. By implementing robust metrics to assess their contributions to community well-being, hotels can ensure their initiatives align with both corporate goals and societal needs. Additionally, hotel brands wishing to connect their guests to their local communities through social projects can also measure impact by looking at people participating in the program, time spent with the community, and donations. For instance, Accor has established specific metrics to measure the success of its social impact initiatives such as job creation for local communities, number of beneficiaries served through community programs, number of partnerships with local communities, among others. Conclusion The hotel industry stands to gain significantly by learning from the innovative business models employed by the gastronomic sector to create social impact. By focusing on local sourcing and sustainability, collaborating with local nonprofits, and measuring their impact, hotels can develop effective strategies that create lasting social impact. As travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, embracing these lessons will not only enrich the guest experience but also strengthen community ties and drive positive change. Original article EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source Accor to Open 350-room Cluster Hotel in 2028 in Tirupati, India - Image Credit Accor Accor announced the signing of Novotel Tirupati and ibis Styles Tirupati, a new cluster hotel in Indias pilgrimage destination, Tirupati. The expansive 350-key multi-brand hotel complex is set to transform the hospitality landscape of Tirupati, a city that draws millions of devotees to the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple each year. As Tirupati evolves into a hub for education and business, bolstered by expanding infrastructure and modern amenities, this venture will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for quality accommodations. This milestone signing underscores Accors commitment to expanding its presence in key destinations across India. Developed by Shravanthi Hotels & Resorts Private Limited, the new cluster of hotels will feature 180 guest rooms at Novotel Tirupati and 170 guest rooms at ibis Styles Tirupati, ensuring a diverse range of options to accommodate all types of travelers. Located in the heart of Tirupati, the two hotels will offer a wide array of amenities, including two all-day dining options, a specialty restaurant, two bars, and a shared lobby bar and cafe. Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and over 1,000 square meters of flexible banquet and meeting spaces, ideal for events of any size and scale. With a strategic location on Tirupatis main road, easy access to the airport, and major spiritual and tourist attractions, Novotel Tirupati and Ibis Styles Tirupati are poised to become symbols of hospitality excellence in the region. Their proximity to iconic sites enhances their appeal to visitors seeking a comprehensive travel experience. Aniruddh Kumar, Vice President of Development, India & South Asia at Accor, expressed his enthusiasm about the venture, stating, We are ecstatic to expand our footprint in Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Novotel Tirupati and ibis Styles Tirupati. This development underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and further solidifies our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region. Mr. Santosh Balakrishna, Executive Director, Shravanthi Hotels & Resorts Private Limited, added, We are glad partner with the Accor team to bring a unique dual hotel development to this region, serving both the midscale market with Novotel Tirupati and the economy market with ibis Styles Tirupati. At Shravanthi Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, we are well equipped to execute this project, and the hotels location near the Tirumala Temple , along with good airport connectivity, positions them ideally for visitors. Both hotels are slated to open in the first quarter of 2027. Wendy Kallergis, CEO of Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, Set to Retire Wendy Kallergis, the leader of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA), has announced her retirement from the position of President and CEO. Serving the organization for nearly two decades, Kallergis will step down from her role on December 31, 2024. Throughout her tenure, Kallergis has significantly contributed to the growth and reputation of GMBHA, making it the largest hotel lodging group in Miami-Dade County. Her efforts have fostered unity and collaboration among the travel, tourism, hospitality professionals, and government and business leaders at local, national, and international levels. During her leadership, Kallergis launched the Sustainable Hospitality Council to promote eco-friendly practices in the industry. She also played a crucial role in navigating the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and the Zika virus outbreak. Kallergis is widely credited for transforming Miami into a top-tier destination for major events and cultural tourism, enhancing its global reputation. In collaboration with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), she attracted significant events to Miami-Dade, including the Super Bowl and the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Before joining GMBHA, Kallergis served as the President and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for over a decade. Under her leadership, the Chamber became a vital force in the community, promoting economic growth and advocating for business-friendly policies. Born into a restaurant family, Kallergis earned her B.A. in French Language from George Washington University and attended the University of Paris, the Cordon Bleu L'Ecole de Cuisine, and the Modern Gourmet Cooking School in Annecy, France. She then continued her work in the culinary arts in Washington, D.C., before establishing her career in Miami. As Kallergis prepares to retire, the GMBHA has begun the search for a successor. Curtis Crider, the former Chairman of Jungle Island Resort, will serve as Co-CEO to assist with the leadership transition. Throughout her career, Kallergis has received numerous accolades, including the South Florida Business Journal's Influential Business Women Award, the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Women in Lodging Connect Leader of the Year Award, and HSMAI South Florida Chapter's 2020 Hospitality Legend of the Year. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an influential period of leadership for the GMBHA. Significant Drought Conditions in Berkshire County BOSTON With precipitation at an unprecedented low over the last two months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions to be a Level 2- Significant Drought and elevated the Central and Northeast Regions to a Level 3- Significant Drought. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, Level 2 and 3 Droughts require detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities. The Drought Task Force will meet biweekly in the coming months to ensure responsive oversight of the drought. "After more than a month of nearly no rain and devastating wildfires, Massachusetts is clearly experiencing significant drought conditions," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "This autumn has felt different for all of us. Climate change is bringing drier weather to our state at times and extreme precipitation at others. It is critical that we all practice water conservation methods, especially indoors, and adhere to local requirements to decrease the stress on our water systems and ensure essential needs, such as drinking water, habitats and fire suppression, are being met." In the month of October, rainfall across the state mostly fell between 0.25 inch to 1.5 inches with a few areas a little higher. Overall, rainfall is trending well below average for the month of October, with many locations recording their lowest rainfall ever. The Northeast, Central, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions are the most affected by the lack of precipitation. Additionally, since August, when dry conditions began, all regions, excluding the Cape and the Islands, have seen a rainfall deficit of 7 to 9 inches. Streamflow has also dropped significantly, resulting in dry brooks and streambeds, increased ponding, exposed beaches and sediments, and limited fish passage. Furthermore, groundwater levels are declining in all regions, with the Connecticut River Valley and Northeast regions showing levels well below normal. Due to fire conditions, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban of all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties. Small portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted. Fire activity has increased across the state because of drought conditions, leading to wildfires that are burning deeper into the soil. This situation can make it harder to control fires and may prolong fire incidents. Residents are also encouraged to check for local fire bans in their area. Currently, there are approximately 47 active wildfires across the state. This year's fire season has lasted longer because of dry conditions. Since the start of the fire season, there have been over 854 wildfires, burning approximately 1,365 acres of land. As firefighting efforts demand significant water resources, it's crucial for residents to practice aggressive indoor water conservation to maintain sufficient supply and pressure in public water systems. Everyone is also urged to exercise caution with grills and open flames, ensuring that all fires are properly extinguished. It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. Private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas are being impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation. Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 Critical Drought. For Regions in Level 3 Critical Drought Residents and Businesses: Minimize overall water use Follow local water use restrictions Fix any toilet or faucet leaks immediately Aggressively reduce indoor water use by taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only on a full load Immediate Steps for Communities: Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses taking advantage of the state's library of outreach materials Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties Strongly discourage or prohibit washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users, identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities: Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication, taking advantage of the state's library of outreach materials Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA's drought and water conservation pages. Business and government leaders Thursday participate in a walking tour of Williamstown's Village Business District. Williamstown Business Owner Calls for Action on Economic Development Amy Jeschawitz leads a walking tour on Spring Street on Thursday. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. A Spring Street business owner and former town official is sounding the alarm about the economic health of the Village Business District. Amy Jeschawitz, who owns Nature's Closet and formerly served on the Planning Board, went to the Finance Committee last week to raise concerns about what she characterized as the lack of an "overall plan" for economic development in the town. "Economic development, housing, new growth and business all go hand in hand," Jeschawitz said, alluding to the topic that dominated the Fin Comm's meeting before she addressed the body. "I know what a struggle it is for housing in this town." Jeschawitz sent a letter to both the Fin Comm and the Select Board in which she called on town officials to take action. "As a community we can no longer sit and pretend we are insulated because we live in Williamstown and have Williams College," Jeschawitz wrote. "We need growth, we need new homes, we need jobs, we need better transportation options and we need to start filling the needs of the tourism industry who come here from NYC and the Boston area. "We do not need to form a committee to study this we have done that repeatedly over the years to no action. Reports sitting on shelves. We need you, the Select Board and Finance Committee to start taking actions." Jeschawitz appearance before the Finance Committee on Oct. 29 was followed by a "Williamstown Business District Walking Tour" on Thursday afternoon that was posted as a public meeting for the Select Board to have what the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce billed as "a constructive conversation to discuss ways to improve the economic development of Williamstown." Three Select Board members, two members of the Finance Committee, business owners from Spring Street and Water Street, the town manager and a representative of Williams College participated. Jeschawitz, who has owned her Spring Street business for five years, painted a bleak picture at the Fin Comm meeting a week earlier. "If you talk to a lot of downtown business owners, business is down in town," Jeschawitz said. "Foot traffic is down in town. We're getting by, but I feel, as a community, there are things we can start doing better." She said that Spring Street does not need more places to eat but rather stores where locals and visitors can shop to draw them downtown. Jeschawitz implied that Williamstown should be recruiting such businesses. She told the committee that in the past year alone, she has been contacted by people doing economic development in Albany, N.Y., and the South County town of Lee encouraging her to open a branch location in those communities. "Are we doing those things here?" Jeschawitz asked. "Are we curating our street?" "We hear, as a business owner, from the people who come to the community every day. We have lost a lot of shopping in our main district. That's what I hear. Is there anywhere else to shop? And I don't have an answer. I can send them to Roam and Provisions on Water Street that have opened. We've been talking about developing Water Street ever since I moved her, and that is 17 years ago. "There are things that are still empty in this town from when I moved here 17 years ago." She offered a couple of specific examples of where she thinks the town could both maintain and better utilize its land. She told the Fin Comm that Spring Street was "filthy." "We had Family Weekend at Williams College last weekend," Jeschawitz said. "The street sweeper didn't even come down and clean up the leaves that are on it. It's trashy." She suggested that the former town garage site on Water Street also could be cleaned up and used as a new home for the Williamstown Farmers Market. The move would put an underutilized asset to work and free up parking spaces in the Spring Street lot on Saturdays in the summer when visitors might be inclined to come downtown. A private lot on Spring Street also could be put to better use, she said. The town could pursue a grant to create outdoor recreation space on the vacant property owned by her landlord, Mark Paresky, Jeschawitz said. Jeschawitz said the town could devote resources to promoting its assets, like the Appalachian Trail and the Clark Art Institute, suggesting the town should have a travel and tourism office. In answer to a question from Fin Comm Chair Fred Puddester, Jeschawitz said such promotion should be a public-private partnership between the town and the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Executive Director Susan Briggs told the Fin Comm her group struggles with the question of how to do more economic development given its modest revenue stream. "It is time for a change," Briggs said. "What that looks like. I don't think any of us has an idea. I think we're all ready to talk about that idea." Town taxpayers do support the Williamstown Chamber's work through an annual appropriation at town meeting. In the current fiscal year, that outlay is $55,000. The money supports one part-time employee, Briggs, two annual townwide promotional events, December's Holiday Walk and the Independence Day parade and related activities, the calendar website Destinationwilliamstown.com and brochures that are distributed throughout the region. Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the Finance Committee that, despite the difficult fiscal climate he laid out earlier in the Oct. 29 meeting, the town may need to spend money to make money. "What's important to recognize is that everything that has been brought up today is very much on the consciousness of everybody," Menicocci said. "One of the key challenges of all these pieces is it takes money to do some of this. "One of the things I didn't mention in terms of [fiscal year 2026 budget] possibilities is a grant writer. There's funding out there, but it's hard to get your hands on, and you have to have a strong skill set to win those grants. "If the town can find means to invest in some of the work, we can help kick off some of those efforts." South County Road Construction Operations LEE, Mass. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing lane closures on I-90 eastbound and westbound for drainage work, bridge repairs, guardrail installation, and tree trimming. The work will take place from Tuesday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 15, during the following scheduled hours. Otis/Blandford Drainage work will be conducted on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 24.0 to 27.0, Tuesday night, Nov.12, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., concluding by Wednesday morning, Nov.13. Drainage work will be conducted on I-90 westbound from mile marker 24.0 to 27.0, Wednesday night, Nov.13, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., concluding by Thursday morning, Nov.14. Drainage work will be conducted on I-90 westbound from mile marker 21.0 to 24.0, Thursday night, Nov.14, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., concluding by Friday morning, Nov.15. Bridge repair work will be conducted on I-90 eastbound and westbound at mile marker 22.5, Tuesday night, Nov.12, through Thursday night, Nov.14, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night, concluding by Friday morning, Nov.15. Becket Bridge painting will occur on I-90 westbound at mile marker 18.4, Tuesday night, Nov.12, through Thursday night, Nov.14, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night, concluding by Friday morning, Nov.15. Stockbridge Guardrail installation will take place on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 6.0 to 7.8, Tuesday night, Nov.12, through Thursday night, Nov.14, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night, concluding by Friday morning, Nov.15. West Stockbridge Bridge repair work will occur on I-90 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 1.0 to 3.0, Tuesday night, Nov.12, through Thursday night, Nov.14, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night, concluding by Friday morning, Nov.15. Lee Tree trimming will be conducted on I-90 westbound from mile marker 7.0 to 7.3, Tuesday, Nov.12, through Thursday, Nov.14, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Drivers traveling through these areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. Signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work areas. All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Daniel Craig has given a hilariously brutal response to speculation about his James Bond replacement. The 56-year-old had the longest continuous reign as the lead in the movie franchise based on the novels first released by Ian Fleming in 1953. The story was adapted for the big screen in 1962, with Sean Connery being the first to star as the protagonist in Dr No. Craig starred in five films, starting with Casino Royale in 2006. He then played the famous spy in Quantum of Solace in 2008, Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and announced he would be retiring after appearing in No Time To Die in 2021. Since then, a number of actors have been rumoured to replace him in the iconic role, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and the rumoured favourite to replace him, Aaron-Taylor Johnson. Craig was asked, If you were to pass the James Bond torch, who would you love to see play him?, in an interview with Variety. He responded, I dont care. Taylor-Johnson, 33, was first rumoured for the role in January 2023 after it was reported that producer Barbara Broccoli had been left impressed by a screen test with the actor, whose credits include Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Nowhere Boy. Craig is the longest-reigning actor to star in the movie franchise which has been ongoing since 1962 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Former Bond stars including James Pryce, Pierce Brosnan, and George Lazenby have all offered their support for the Nowhere Boy actor, saying they believe he could be the right candidate. The actor is currently promoting his new movie Queer, from Challengers and Call Me By Your Name director, Luca Guadagnino. The movie, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, reportedly features some of the most explicit gay sex scenes ever, according to critics. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Craig, who has filmed sex scenes with Sienna Miller, Lea Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, Eva Green and his real-life wife Rachel Weisz, adds that hes been in movies with terrible love scenes. It doesnt work. You need a director who has a sensitivity, a director who understands to put it crassly how to make it real. Thats ones job on the day: to make it as real as possible. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Streaming service Mubi cancelled their international film festival in Istanbul to protest the local governments decision to ban the opening film, a gay romance drama starring Daniel Craig. The MUBI Fest was scheduled to open on Thursday evening with a screening of Queer, Luca Guadagninos drama starring Daniel Craig, Omar Apollo, and Drew Starkey. The film, which is an adaptation of William S Burroughs second novel of the same name, sees Craig play William Lee, an expat living in Mexico City, who gets by on part-time jobs and army benefits. He soon becomes obsessed with a young man, played by Starkey, who he decides to pursue. Mubi said they received a notification from the District Governorship of Istanbuls Kadkoy municipality who were concerned that its provocative content would endanger the peace of society. Hours before the start we were told by the Kadikoy district authorities that the screening of Queer, the opening film, was banned, they said in a post on their Turkish-language Instagram. The decision states that the movie is banned because it contains provocative content that would endanger the peace of the society and that the ban decision would be implemented for security reasons. We believe this ban is an intervention that restricts art and freedom of expression. Festivals are breathtaking spaces where art and cultural diversity are celebrated, bringing people together. This ban takes not just one movie away from the meaning and purpose of the entire festival. The organisers said they were cancelling the festival, which was to run till 10 November, entirely. We would like to thank all artists, viewers and supporters who were planning to attend the festival and who we believe are as saddened by this situation as we are, for their understanding and solidarity. We will continue to maintain our stance on this issue in order to protect freedom of expression and artistic expression. Critics were full of praise for Queer after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The Independents Geoffrey McNab wrote: Craigs portrayal of the dapper, sardonic, self-destructive author ranks with his boldest work. Whatever sexual or drug-induced misadventures befall him, Craigs queer author never loses his composure. Awards voters are likely to be shaken and stirred both by his poise and his daring. While homosexuality was decriminalised in 1858 in Turkey, the government does not recognise gay marriage and the countrys attitude towards homosexuality is not welcoming. Turkeys president Tayyip Erdogan has referred to the queer community as deviants and perverts and stated that neither he nor his AK Party recognize LGBT. Whoever recognises LGBT can go and march with them. We are members of a structure that holds the institution of family solid, that strongly embraces the family institution. We will dry the roots of sneaky acts aiming to destroy our family institution by supporting perverse political, social and individual trends, Erdogan said in 2023. Earlier this year in June, Turkish police detained at least 15 after over a hundred people participated in an LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in Istanbul, which had been banned by the governor of Istanbul with no specific reason provided. The annual Pride march in Istanbul has been met with a ban almost every year since 2015 on security grounds, and hundreds are arrested almost every year at parades held in protest. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Beatles 2023 single Now and Then has been nominated in the Record of the Year category for the 2025 Grammys, setting a new record for the longest span between nominations. The nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards were announced on Friday (November 8). Among the nominees included the Liverpudlian four-piece, who received a nod 60 years after first picking up a Grammy nomination for I Want To Hold Your Hand in 1965. The previous record holder was Tony Bennett, who had a 59-year span between winning a Grammy for I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1963 and being nominated alongside Lady Gaga for I Get a Kick Out of You in 2022. Official rules state that although the majority of Now and Then qualifies as newly recorded, the archive elements featuring John Lennon, who died in 1980, and George Harrison, who died in 2001, do not meet the definition and are therefore not Grammy-eligible. In a five-star review of Now and Then, The Independents Mark Beaumont wrote that the song provides the rocknroll era cultural closure. The Beatles are nominated for a Grammy 60 years after their first nod ( Apple Corps Ltd ) While the song was critically acclaimed, The Independent writer Michael Hann argued that the song should be the very final release from the highly influential group and said that its time to agree weve reached the end of the long and winding road. On Friday, Beyonce shattered a record to become the most nominated artist of all time, with a total of 99 nominations throughout her career. She was previously tied with her husband Jay-Z at 88, but moved ahead after leading the 2025 nominations with 11 nods, including Album of the Year for her country-influenced Cowboy Carter. Taylor Swift received yet another Album of the Year nomination for her 2024 hit album, The Tortured Poets Department. The recognition pulls her out of a tie with Barbra Streisand, placing her as the woman with the most nominations in the category. Other artists who will be vying for Album of the Year include breakout star Chappell Roan with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and Sabrina Carpenter with her sixth record, Short n Sweet. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up British star Charli XCX is also up for her critically adored and trend-setting album Brat, while RAYE received a nod for Best New Artist. Hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar was nominated for both Record and Song of the Year for his diss track Not Like Us, which ties him with Jay-Z for the most nods in those categories by a rapper. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones has paid tribute to her father, music industry titan Quincy Jones, days after his death. Jones, the legendary record producer who worked with the likes of Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Celine Dion, died on November 3 at the age of 91. On Thursday (November 7), Rashida best known for her portrayal of Ann Perkins on the hit NBC mockumentary honored her father in an Instagram post. My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life. He kept jazz hours starting in high school and never looked back. When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him, she wrote, alongside a throwback picture of herself as a baby with her father. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music). He would never send me back to bed. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work... there was no safer place in the world for me, she added. Rashida Jones paid tribute to her late father Quincy Jones, calling him a giant and an icon ( Getty Images ) He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius, she continued. All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. Thats his legacy. I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. Ill miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever, she concluded. The Office alum, 48, is one of Joness seven children. The TV producer welcomed Rashida and her older sister, Kadida Jones, with his third wife, the late actor and model Peggy Lipton. Jones was first married to his high school girlfriend Jeri Caldwell, with whom he shares his first child, Jolie. He then welcomed his second child, Rachel, with dancer Carol Reynolds. He later remarried to Ulla Andersson, with whom he had two more children: Martina and Quincy. Following his divorce from Lipton, he welcomed his youngest child, Kenya Kinski-Jones, with his then-girlfriend Nastassja Kinski. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Over the course of his career, which spanned more than seven decades, Jones won a total of 28 Grammy Awards. Joness passing was announced by his family, who said in a statement: Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Joness 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. Delia Balmer is lying on her bed, in a small, sparsely furnished apartment. Shes now in her seventies, but the camera shows her re-enacting a painful memory from almost 40 years ago. He tied my ankles, she says, leaning back over the covers into a star shape. He grabbed my hands; he tied that one first, to the top she points to her left arm And then the other to the top. At first, I struggled, but I found out its best not to struggle because he fixed it so that the rope would get tighter and tighter. The bed she is lying on is the very same one that John Patrick Sweeney made for her, the same they shared while living together after beginning a relationship years earlier. Its the same bed that, in 1994, Sweeney bound her to before holding her hostage and repeatedly raping her for a week. In that bed was where she learnt who her boyfriend really was: a serial killer who preyed on women. He threatened to cut my tongue out if I screamed, says Delia. She lay silent, and naked, as he made a chilling confession that he had killed his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Halstead, before cutting her up and dumping her body in a canal in Amsterdam. For the last week, ITV viewers have been watching the retelling of Delias harrowing ordeal in the astonishing four-part drama Until I Kill You, in which Anna Maxwell Martin plays the role of Delia to extraordinary effect. Her critically acclaimed portrayal of Delia reveals an independent and socially awkward woman whose lifes purpose seems to be the pursuit of freedom, but who then becomes a prisoner of extreme male violence. The powerful performance of Maxwell Martin, coupled with the astonishing incompetence of the police involved in her case, has left audiences in shock, curious as to what happened to the real Delia. A follow-up documentary on ITV Until I Kill You: The Real Story goes some way to answering that question. In The 45-minute programme, Delia, who is still living in London, talks candidly to the camera, explaining her side of what really happened and how her life has been since. Shes an astonishing person, says the shows producer Iwan Roberts, who spent a year making the film. They would go to the pub in Camden for a pint, he says, where she would tell fantastic anecdotes about travelling the world, he explains, adding: Shes a delight to talk to. open image in gallery Delia Balmer, now in her seventies, still bears the physical and mental scars of Sweeneys attack ( ITV ) Maxwell Martin plays Delia as a difficult and often cantankerous loner, as well as showing flashes of her vulnerability. Her character brings to life the complexities that can surround victimhood especially when it comes to male violence. I think shes a very different person to many people, Roberts continues. In a scene that will shock some viewers, Delia shows the filmmakers the massage table Sweeney constructed, pointing to his signature in black marker pen underneath. One of the reasons she keeps all the furniture that Sweeney made her is because she doesnt see objects like us. She wants to spend her money on travelling, so it doesnt bother her. She says that she wished she had died after Sweeney attacked her, says Roberts. Today, Delia says that she died that night, despite the fact that she wasnt killed but Roberts adds: I would imagine she might not say this, but she still has a huge passion for life. Delias story began after she settled in London to work as an agency nurse, though her childhood was spent mostly in Canada. She met Sweeney by chance in a bar. He was a carpenter by trade; tall, broad and dark, with long-ish hair. Like Delia, he valued freedom and exploration. The pair formed a relationship, which for a while was happy. The abuse began quietly comments about a short skirt she was wearing, about whether men had been looking at her. Delia knew she had to leave, as she explains in the film. As in many cases of domestic violence, and as highlighted by The Independents ongoing campaign with Refuge, this proved to be the most dangerous point. Delia asked Sweeney to leave, but he returned, threatening her with a gun and knife, and a week-long ordeal of imprisonment began. Astoundingly, she did manage to convince him to let her go, spending the next few months terrified that he would return or seek revenge if she told the police. She found chilling drawings Sweeney had kept in a portfolio: women with their heads and hands missing, miniature carpenters hacking at a female body. When an advice centre she eventually went to for help called the police, she showed them to investigators as proof he was a killer. They dismissed her claims and Sweeney was nowhere to be found. open image in gallery Anna Maxwell Martins performance as Delia is both harrowing and powerful ( ITV ) Sweeney inevitably returned and attacked Delia again at her flat. A friend of hers called the police, feeling that something was wrong after Delia didnt turn up at the pub. Finally, Sweeney was arrested but, shockingly, was released on bail for Christmas. On 22 December, Sweeney attacked Delia outside her home as she returned from work. He was armed with an axe and a knife. He brings the axe out, he bashes me on the side of the head, Delia explains matter-of-factly to the camera, sitting on the very steps that she was attacked on all those years ago. She explains how she raised her arm to protect herself, and it was fractured by another blow. Finally, Sweeney dropped the axe and lifted up the knife, stabbing her in the thigh before driving it through her chest. Sweeney was interrupted by a concerned neighbour, a simple act that saved Delias life, but decades on she insists that, in her view, he killed her that day. She spent months recovering in hospital, and during the course of the documentary, she refers to this body, saying that even today she cannot recognise herself in the mirror. She still deals with depression and anxiety. Telling her story was crucial, she says. She needed to be heard. And now, her incredible stoicism and strength in the face of horror are aired for all to see It took police almost 10 years to bring Sweeney, who had gone on the run, to justice and Delia was repeatedly let down by the law in almost every instance. Scenes where male police officers dont take her seriously, or that show her shouting in court when first giving evidence at Sweeneys trial, are difficult to watch. Its a visceral indictment of how women and their bodies are routinely and casually dismissed by violent men and often, by the systems that are meant to protect them. Years on, that anger remains. She doesnt let people see her vulnerability, Roberts says of Delia. Shes a very proud person and she doesn't want to show that emotion, or all that she carries. Sometimes she can be prickly, or appear grumpy. But, he says, this is the result of a life beleaguered and defined by an ordeal that she will not accept happened to her. Sweeney was eventually convicted for the attempted murder of Delia and, much later still, for the murder of two other women Melissa Halstead and Paula Fields and became known as the scalp hunter. In the documentary, Delias brother Stewart describes an eerie encounter with Sweeney that preceded this moniker. I asked him, have you ever killed anyone? I dont know why I asked it, he just had these vibes about him, Stewart says. He wouldnt answer yes or no. He said, The white men taught the Indians how to scalp. Really strange. open image in gallery Maxwell Martin alongside Shaun Evans, who stars as John Sweeney ( ITV ) After the law failed Delia again by offering Sweeney the option of parole after serving just nine years, his later convictions meant that his sentence was increased to a whole life order. He was convicted in 2011, while serving a life sentence for the attempted murder of Delia in Gartree Prison, Leicestershire, and will never be released. Today, Delia is getting on with her life as best she can. She likes to dance Ballet is really important to her, Roberts explains, and she still loves to travel to India and Africa. She also visits her brother, Stewart, in America once a year. She now works as a therapeutic masseur, after gaining a degree from the University of Westminster in the early 2000s. In 2017, she wrote a book Living with a Serial Killer about her experiences, and this formed the basis of the drama, which she wanted to be made, Roberts says. Telling her story was crucial. She needed to be heard. And now, her incredible stoicism and strength in the face of horror are aired for all to see. Still, she bears the scars of Sweeneys brutal attack. But Delia, along with the makers of the ITV drama, hopes that her bravery in telling her life story will give us all a deeper understanding of survivors suffering and highlight a system that fails women like Delia time and time again. Until I Kill You: The Real Story is on ITV1 at 9pm tonight (7 November) and is available to watch on ITVX Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent and charity Refuge, to help raise 300,000 to build a safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse, rebuild their lives and make a new future. Text BRICK to 70560 to donate 15 The National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated mens advice line on 0808 8010 327 Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Howard Stern has revealed he had concerns going into the recent US presidential election that the country would not vote for Kamala Harris to become the first female president because of how men talk behind closed doors. The influential radio host, 70, was speaking on his SiriusXM show on Wednesday (November 6), the day after the election. I think Kamala was a fine candidate, said Stern. Shes a fine woman. The problem I had is that I thought [President] Biden was doing a really good job, actually. But I understand why people said they had to switch. He added that he shared widespread concerns that the Democratic party did not spend enough time choosing a successor to President Biden, saying: If I could go back in time and turn the time machine on, I think what would have been a better process would have been if Joe Biden said, Hey, I did a good job and Im ready to hand over the baton. And then let people in the Democratic Party nominate someone through the process of voting, through the primaries that wouldve been ideal. Instead, Bidens decision to drop out in July, relatively late in the race, meant that Harris became the de-facto candidate. Howard Stern and President-elect Donald Trump ( Getty ) At the time when Kamala was chosen by Joe Biden, I said, sadly I hate to say this, because I was a big Hillary Clinton supporter I dont think America can vote for a woman, Stern told co-host Robin Quivers. I say this because I know men. I know how men talk behind closed doors, Stern continued, adding: I dont even want to say what I heard when she was selected. He went on to say that he hoped to cheer up listeners saddened by Trumps victory, explaining: Im not someone who believes in sour grapes. I love America. I hope America can thrive. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free During a phone call with someone identifying as a Trump voter, Stern said, I hope Donald Trump is successful. He is now going to be my next president. Harris had been a guest on Sterns show in October, and had mocked Trump as a sore loser during her appearances. Stern blasted Trumps delusional framing of the then-upcoming election, saying: If I win, its a fair election. If I lose, Kamala Harris and her buddies fixed it. Thats delusional. In America, we call that a sore loser, Harris replied. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jimmy Kimmel has fired back at Elon Musk after he called the late-night host an insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet. On Thursday (November 7) nights episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host, 56, shared that he had heard from a lot of people about the results of the 2024 presidential election. But none more prominent than the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, who this morning, tweeted Kimmel is an insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet, the comedian read aloud. At least my children like me, you know, Kimmel retorted, referencing Musks estranged 20-year-old transgender daughter Vivian, who spoke out against her father in July, calling him an absent father. The guy who paid people a million dollars a day to vote for Donald Trump is calling me a propaganda puppet, he said incredulously. Listen, Kermit: You bought Twitter, you bought a social media platform, that is literally a propaganda machine. Let me tell you something, he continued, if I spent two weeks trying to come up with a four-word description of Elon Musk, I dont think I could do better than insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet. Kimmel went on to share a slew of tweets in which Musk accused several major news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Associated Press, of pushing propaganda. Everything is propaganda to Elon Musk, he added. Musk, who has donated $75m to the President-elects campaign, is expected to join Trumps administration. Listen, Kermit: You bought Twitter, you bought a social media platform, that is literally a propaganda machine, Jimmy Kimmel said of Elon Musk on the latest episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! ( Getty Images ) During an October appearance on Fox News, Trump teased a potential role for the Tesla CEO. Hes a great business guy, and hes a great cost-cutter, the Republican said during a Sunday Morning Futures interview. And he [Musk] said, I could cut costs without affecting anybody. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Trump clarified that Musk has said he doesnt want to be in the Cabinet. He just wants to be in charge of cost-cutting. Well have a new position: Secretary of Cost-Cutting. Elon wants to do that, and we have incredible people. Hes running a big business. He cant just say, I think Ill go into the Cabinet. Other people can. He cant, but Elons a little bit different in that sense, he said. Following his 2024 presidential win, Trump gave a special shoutout to Musk in his victory speech. Hes a character, hes a special guy, hes a super genius, Trump praised of the X Corp owner, before saying: We have to protect our geniuses, we dont have that many of them. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jon Stewart called his studio audience a beautiful distraction and thanked them for their dedication after his US election show went off the air on Tuesday following Donald Trumps shock victory. The host of The Daily Show had one of the strongest reactions to Trumps win, which saw the Republican sweep many of the swing states, handing him a stunning return to the White House. Lashing out at pollsters, Stewart told them You dont know s*** about s***, and I dont care for you. My point is this: F***!, yelled Stewart. But this isnt the end. I promise you, this is not the end. And we have to regroup, and we have to continue to fight, and continue to work day in and day out to create the better society for our children, for this world. Variety has since reported what Stewart told his studio audience after the show went off the air. Can I tell you what a joy you were, how happy I am to have spent the evening with you and not sitting at home throwing shit at my television screen, the comedian said. You have helped us all have a beautiful distraction, and youre gonna leave here, and youre gonna look at your phone, and youre gonna go home, and youre gonna have that weird feeling where your knees feel wobbly, and youre like, Do I have hypoglycemia? But you dont! You just have a temporary anxiety and paralysis that comes with disappointment and just a soupcon of despair. The 60-year-old added: It will pass. And we will be back, digging ditches for democracy once again in the way that we have always had to do, and I thank you guys for your dedication, and I thank you for being here. Get home safe. open image in gallery Jon Stewart on The Daily Show ( The Daily Show/ Paramount ) Stewart was among the many late-night TV hosts in the United States who gave despondent messages to their audiences about the election results. As supporters of Harris, each presenter, ranging from Jimmy Kimmel to Stephen Colbert, shared anti-Trump sentiments, with Kimmel struggling to hold back tears on Wednesday night (6 November). Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Kimmel, acknowledging the fact that Trump was convicted of a crime earlier this year, said of the result: We chose the criminal. Seth Meyers promised to bring viewers joy amid times of uncertainty in the wake of the election result. Were not gonna let anything take that joy away, even when were not talking about things that are particularly joyful, he said, adding: For example, heres something: I dont think Donald Trumps a good person. Id even go so far as to say hes a bad person. open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida ( AFP via Getty Images ) Stephen Colbert was more frank in his approach, calling Trump a monstrous child surrounded by cowards and grifters He said it was hard to see a bright side, and joked that he was wearing his fundamentally questioning my belief in humanity: sticker. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The end is nigh for the Duttons. Yellowstone has become a culture-dominating, ratings smash hit since it first arrived on our screens back in June 2018, but now the final season is almost here. The first half of the fifth and final season of the Taylor Sheridan-produced show about ranchers in Montana aired in November 2022, with the premiere episode bringing in a staggering 12.1 million viewers. We already know that Dutton family patriarch, John Dutton III, played by Kevin Costner, wont be present in the new episodes. But that doesnt necessarily mean he wont have an impact on proceedings. Heres everything you need to know about Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2: When does the new season of Yellowstone come out? Paramount have confirmed that the second part of Season 5 will premiere for viewers in the United States on Sunday, November 10 at 8pm ET/PT. For international viewers, the show will premiere on Paramount+ in Canada on November 10 before arriving in the UK on November 11. open image in gallery Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly in Yellowstone ( Paramount ) Air dates for Latin America, Brazil and France have not yet been announced. How can you watch Yellowstone when it airs? In the United States, the episodes will initially be broadcast on the Paramount network at 8pm ET/PT. CBS will then rebroadcast it at 10pm ET/PT. New episodes will be available to stream on Peacock after theyve aired on Paramount. They will not be available on Paramount+ in the US, although this is the home of spin-off shows such as 1883 and 1923. International viewers will be able to access new episodes through Paramount+. How many episodes are left? There are six episodes in the second part of Season 5, meaning that the series finale will air on Sunday, December 15. open image in gallery Kevin Costner in Yellowstone ( Paramount ) Why wont Kevin Costner be in the final episodes of Yellowstone? In February this year, Yellowstone was left shaken by reports that behind-the-scenes drama between Sheridan and Costner had led to the actors departure. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free However, it wasnt until June that Costner ruled out ever returning to Yellowstone, telling fans he couldnt continue with the show. In a video post shared to his Instagram, which he captioned, An update for you guys. Ill see you at the movies, the actor, who had just released his own Western saga, Horizon, at the Cannes Film Festival, explained his decision. I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things thats required, and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realised that Im not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future, he said. It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I wont be returning and I love the relationship weve been able to develop and Ill see you at the movies. Whats next for Yellowstone? While Yellowstone will be coming to an end, Sheridan isnt done with Montana. He recently announced that Michelle Pfeiffer is set to lead the forthcoming Yellowstone sequel series, The Madison. The new series will follow a family of New Yorkers who relocate to the Madison River valley in central Montana. It is set to deal with themes of grief and human connection. A release date for The Madison has not yet been announced. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol has apologised for controversies surrounding his wife, Kim Keon-hee, which included allegations of her accepting a luxury Dior handbag and involvement in stock manipulation. Mr Yoon acknowledged his wifes actions could have been better but argued that her portrayal was overly demonised and that some claims were exaggerated. Addressing the allegations involving himself and his wife, the South Korean president publicly stated on Thursday that its all my fault. However, he voiced his opposition to the opposition parties push for a special counsel to investigate the various allegations against the first lady, saying, thats not a legal procedure, but political propaganda. He told reporters following a televised address on Thursday that his opposition to the special counsel bill is absolutely not motivated by love for my wife or a desire to defend her, adding that a special counsel is an attempt to play politics under the guise of the law. He said that the past investigations with hundreds of investigators yielded no indictments and that the very act of appointing a special counsel to which the president and the ruling party are opposed suggests you can make laws to do anything at all, an idea thats fundamentally contrary to the constitution. He added: The idea of setting up a big investigative team [under a special counsel] yet again [for a case that has already been investigated] is problematic as well. Prior to making these comments, he also addressed the nation from his presidential office in Yongsan in which he apologised to the Korean people over allegations surrounding him and his wife. I would like to say Im sorry and offer a heartfelt apology to the Korean people, he said. From the perspective of the Korean people, Im sure I have many shortcomings. But Ive always sincerely sought to stand with the people, Mr Yoon said. Despite my efforts, I have given people cause to worry, the president acknowledged. open image in gallery Queen Camilla (L) and First Lady of South Korea, Kim Keon-hee (R) ride in a state carriage to Buckingham Palace following a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on 21 November 2023 in London, England ( Getty Images ) The initiatives I have launched for the livelihood of the nation, and for the future of the Republic of Korea, have sometimes caused inconveniences for the people of Korea. The behaviour of people close to me has also aroused concern, he said. I dont think this is an occasion for me, as president, to make excuses. This is all my fault I alone am to blame. Mr Yoon issued a public apology after his approval rating dropped below 20 per cent, following a series of scandals involving his wife and the release of phone call recordings suggesting he interfered in the ruling partys nomination process. In July this year, South Koreas first lady was questioned for the first time by prosecutors for around 12 hours over allegations that she accepted a luxury Dior handbag, which exceeded the legal gift value limit for government officials. A 2022 spy camera video showed her receiving the bag from a pastor, fueling political controversy and causing Mr Yoons approval rating to plummet below 30 per cent. open image in gallery South Koreas First Lady Kim Keon-hee (C) and Britains Queen Camilla (L) arrive at Buckingham Palace following a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on 21 November 2023 in London, England ( Getty Images ) Earlier this year in February, in an interview with broadcaster KBS, the president addressed the controversy for the first time. The video [was made public] at a time when the general election is drawing near, a year after the issue happened, so we can see this as a political manoeuvre, he said. The fact that she was unable to cold-heartedly reject him was the problem, if one can call it a problem, and it is a little regrettable. However, its not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not. Whats important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future. It is very difficult for the president or the presidents wife to treat anyone harshly, he was quoted as saying by Korea JoongAng Daily. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A fishing boat capsized and sank off the coast of South Koreas Jeju Island on Friday, leaving at least two people dead and a dozen missing. The boat, carrying 27 crew members, was on a mackerel fishing trip when it sank 24km northwest of Jeju, coast guard official Kim Han-na said. Nearby fishing vessels rescued 15 crew members but two were confirmed dead after being brought ashore, she said. The 13 survivors did not suffer serious injuries. The crew members included 16 South Koreans and 11 foreigners. The coast guard received a distress call at around 4.33am local time reporting that the vessel was sinking off Jejus Biyang coast. A rescue operation, involving some 27 vessels and nine aircraft, was underway to locate and get back the missing crew members. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol urged state agencies to mobilise all resources for the search and rescue operation. The rescued crew members said the boat unexpectedly capsized and sank as it was transferring its catch to another vessel. Additional reporting by agencies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have been subjected to hostile criticism on social media over their choice of name for their baby daughter. Padukone gave birth to a daughter in September and the couple shared a picture of her online on the festival of Diwali, considered an auspicious day by the Hindus. The post on Instagram featured just the babys feet. The caption read: Dua Padukone Singh. Dua: meaning a Prayer. Because She is the Answer to our Prayers. Our hearts are filled with Love & Gratitude. The word dua comes from Arabic and means prayer or supplication. In Islam, dua refers to a prayer of invocation to seek help from God and is treated as a form of worship. Shortly after the post went online, the couple were inundated with criticism of the name, with many questioning the use of a word associated with Islam as opposed to one associated with Hinduism. Why not prarthana and why duaa??? Why not hindi but urdu?? commented one user. Another said: Just for your information (Prathna Means "Prayer") I hope you might know these words also, as you are a Sanatani. By name, but as personal you are ???? Sanatani is a follower of Sanatana Dharma, an alternative term used by some Hindus to refer to the Hindu religion. The word prathna or prarthana comes from the Sanskrit language and also means prayer or request. In the Hindu religion, prarthana is part of the overall process of worship. Padukone and Singh are Hindu. Singh said in a past interview that his paternal grandfather was Sikh. The couple had a traditional Hindu ceremony as well as a Sikh ceremony called Anand Karaj when they got married as a nod to their roots. Several commentators, though, questioned the absurd reaction to the naming of their child. Why are you pressed over a childs name that isnt yours??? one asked. Earlier this year, data from US-based research group India Hate Lab showed that India experienced an average of two instances of anti-Muslim hate speech every day in 2023. The report also showed that there had been a rapid growth of new Hindu nationalist groups and actors engaging in hate speech in the country. In 2023, India Hate Lab documented 668 hate speech events targeting Muslims. It recorded 255 of these events in the first half of 2023 and 413 in the second half, marking a 62 per cent increase. The group said it used the UN definition of hate speech prejudiced or discriminatory language towards an individual or group based on attributes including religion, ethnicity, nationality, race or gender. Out of the 668 hate speech events, 498, or 75 per cent, took place in states and federal territories ruled by prime minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, the group said. Reports by Amnesty International showed that Indian authorities targeted the homes, businesses and places of worship of Muslims using bulldozers, adding that this came at a time when the Modi administration stood accused of trampling over the human rights of minorities and weaponising religious discrimination. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A minor miscommunication over the phone set off a chain of extraordinary events for a railway employee in India, sparking a 12-year saga of legal and personal consequences that ultimately led to a divorce. The station masters troubles began when, during a shift in the city of Visakhapatnam in southern Andhra Pradesh state, he engaged in a phone conversation with his wife, reported the Times of India (TOI), without identifying the individual by his name. Ending the call in frustration, he said, Well talk at home, OK? But, with his work microphone inadvertently left on, the phrase was overheard by a colleague, who mistook it as clearance to dispatch a freight train down a restricted track into an insurgency-affected territory. This error, though resulting in no physical accident, breached night-time restrictions and caused substantial financial damage to Indian Railways, reportedly amounting to Rs 30m (270,000). Facing suspension for the oversight, the station master saw his already strained marriage further unravel. According to TOI, the marriage had been troubled for years, partly due to his wifes lingering emotional connection to an ex-partner, which frequently strained relations at home. Despite attempts to mend their differences, the suspension proved to be a breaking point, prompting him to file for divorce. In response, his wife filed a counter-complaint under Indian laws, accusing him and his family of cruelty and harassment. She also moved the Supreme Court, requesting that the divorce case be transferred from Visakhapatnam to Durg in the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh, where her family resided. Over the next several years, the case went through multiple courts, with her accusations and allegations of infidelity and dowry demands creating a prolonged legal entanglement. The case reached the Chhattisgarh High Court, which reviewed evidence and deemed the wifes claims of harassment unfounded. The division bench of Justice Rajani Dubey and Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal highlighted that her ongoing communication with an ex-lover and the argument that led to the costly OK incident amounted to mental cruelty towards her husband, reported TOI. After a thorough review, the High Court overturned an earlier family court ruling, finally granting the station master a divorce. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The South Korean 4B movement has seen a spike in interest amid the results from the 2024 US presidential election. On Wednesday (November 6) morning, Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout his 2024 reelection campaign, the former president has celebrated the Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v Wade, a ruling that ended a nationwide right to abortion. It was also reproductive rights that propelled many women to the polls on Election Day as Missouri became the first state to undo a restrictive abortion ban. However, after Trump declared victory over Democratic nominee Harris, some Americans couldnt help but say they felt reaffirmed in their belief that most of the United States would rather anyone else as president than a woman. Perhaps thats why interest in South Koreas 4B movement a movement against patriarchy has spiked in the US just hours after Trumps win. American women, looks like its time to get influenced by Koreas 4B movement, one woman wrote on X/Twitter. American women, its time to learn from the Koreans and adopt the 4B movement, another user echoed, while a third person said: The women in South Korea are doing it. Its time we join them. Men will NOT be rewarded, nor have access to our bodies. The 4B movement, which reportedly originated in 2019, stands for four Korean words beginning with bi or no in English: bihon means no heterosexual marriage; bichulsan, no childbirth; biyeonae, no dating; and bisekseu, no heterosexual sexual relationships. Supporters of the women-led movement refuse to date, marry, have sex or have children with men effectively boycotting a system they feel perpetuates gender inequity. Members of the 4B movement view marriage as an existential threat to women, and their concerns are well-founded. Much like in the US, South Korean women are also subjected to a gender pay gap. While American women typically earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, South Korean women earn 31 percent less than men the highest gender pay gap in democratic countries. A 2018 report revealed that in the past nine years, at least 824 women had been killed and 602 more put at risk of death due to intimate partner violence (IPV). A 2021 study further found that one in three Korean women have experienced domestic violence, with intimate partners responsible for 46 percent of these cases. Republican nominee Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election ( AP Photo/Evan Vucci ) In response, women within the 4B movement have chosen to disengage from traditional relationships altogether, asserting that practicing bihon is the only path to autonomy. Practicing bihon means youre eliminating the risks that come from heterosexual marriage or dating, Busan native Yeowon explained to The Cut. Its unclear how widespread the 4B movement is given its largely anonymous and offline nature, and its origins are just as nebulous. However, scholars credit its rise with the growing education gap between men and women in South Korea. Similar to the gender education gap in the US, in which women make up 59.5 percent of all college students, Korean women surpassed men in college enrollment rates as of 2013. Today, nearly three-fourths of Korean women pursue higher education, compared with less than two-thirds of men. This shift fueled growing tension between men and women, with disgruntled groups of men coining the term kimchinyeo, or kimchee women, to stereotype college-educated women as selfish, vain, and exploitative of their partners, feminist scholar Euisol Jeong explained in her research on troll feminism. These cultural attitudes echo trends in the US, where men are grappling with shifting gender roles. Feeling the pressure of fewer blue-collar jobs and diminishing educational advantages, many men are drawn to vote for conservative candidates like Trump, who promise a return to traditional values that, for some, prioritize mens interests at the expense of womens autonomy. Masculinity is in flux, anthropologist Treena Orchard recently told The Independent in an interview about the gender political gap. Men are feeling constrained, and its like they might feel like they have fewer options in terms of how to do manhood, how to think about their place in the world, and they feel devalued. For many women in South Korea, the 4B movement isnt merely symbolic its a social stance aimed at reclaiming control over their lives, bodies, and futures in response to a system they feel is becoming increasingly hostile. In the wake of the election which has seen womens rights, such as reproductive autonomy, under threat bringing the 4B movement to the US could be a radical response. However, the surge of American interest in the 4B movement underscores a shared frustration over what many see as a rollback of womens rights and freedoms, especially as conservative values gain ground among male voters. With the movement gaining momentum online, one question looms: Will American women rally around it, or perhaps create their own version, as a form of protest against Trumps second presidential term in the White House? Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Comedian Al Murray has had his iconic Pub Landlord costume stolen. The 56-year-old rose to fame for his satirical alter-ego, which he has previously described as a know-all, know-nothing blowhard who knows the answer to every question even though he hasnt been asked any of them. First debuting the character at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1994, Murray went on to make his first television appearance on Harry Hill in 1997. A theatre show based on the Pub Landlord won an Olivier Award in 2002. He continued as the Landlord, hosting a number of television shows as the politically incorrect persona, and has ghostwritten four books in his name. Murray is currently on tour across the UK and Ireland for his stand-up show The Pub Landlord: Guv Island, with dates spanning from November this year, all the way to May 2025. On Friday morning (8 November), the comedian shared a picture of the boot of his car with the rear windscreen smashed in. Congratulations to the thief who will soon be dressing up as the Pub Landlord, he captioned the picture on X/Twitter, while tagging the Met Police. The Pub Landlord outfit features a burgundy blazer, along with a blue striped tie, white shirt, and various gold signet rings and gold chain bracelet. As fans expressed concern, Murray was able to reassure them. Murrays iconic costume has been stolen ( PA ) Do you have spares? asked one person alongside a gif of Batman taking a mask and boots from a row of the same costumes. Many, many, many, spares, replied the comic. A Tesco bag could be seen through the smashed window, which the thieves had left in the boot of the Mercedes car. He updated followers as he wrote: In fact theyve taken the shirts so we are looking at a whole gang of Landlord scrotes. Shouldnt the Pub Landlord be driving a Rover? asked former Top Gear host James May, as several comments about the stars choice of German vehicle came in. Congratulations to the thief who will soon be dressing up as the Pub Landlord. @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/EEgJc5rHi0 Al Murray - DKMS.ORG.UK (@almurray) November 8, 2024 James, you think I drive myself? He has a cut and shut Jag/Daimler hybrid up on a bricks in a lock up hes forgotten the location of, Murray quipped back. Others said, 24 Plate... someones doing well. Its a hire car, Jim, Murray responded. Another joked, Have you checked Wetherspoons? The Independent has contacted representatives for Al Murray, and the Metropolitan Police for comment. The comedian, who is an Oxford history graduate, also presented Why Do the Brits Win Every War? alongside star guests including First Dates host Fred Sirieix. The show, which first aired in 2021, investigates whether Britains much-vaunted wartime record is as stunning as wed like to think it is. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy American Airlines is changing its requirements for removing passengers from their flights. Back in May 2024, the airline received a federal lawsuit after eight Black male passengers were removed from a flight going from Phoenix to New York City due to a complaint about their body odor. The airline has now announced a change to their Inflight Manual that details under which circumstances flight attendants are allowed to remove passengers. According to images of the Inflight Manual shown on the View from the Wing, blog flight attendants are only allowed to remove a passenger if there is a safety or security concern. If there is a non-safety or non-security related concern, it needs to be brought up by a passenger first and not the flight attendant. Two flight attendants must then attempt to address the issue themselves without removing the passenger from the flight. If the flight attendants cannot resolve the issue, the captain should then contact the Complaint Resolution Official or CRO. Crew members also have the ability to fill out a Customer Event non-safety/non-security (CERS) form within 24 hours of the incident. Should there be an incident regarding safety or security the planes captain has the final say regarding whether the passenger should be removed and only after a "thorough assessment. The policy change was sparked following a lawsuit from three Black men removed from a flight after a body odor complaint ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent has contacted American Airlines for comment. This manual adjustment isnt the first time American Airlines has changed one of its procedures. Last month the airline announced that they were testing a new piece of boarding technology. Now, when a ticket is scanned during the boarding process a staff member can detect what zone the person is supposed to be in and they will be notified if a passenger is boarding too early. That way, when someone attempts to board the plane alongside the first-class and priority-boarding passengers, they will be directed to the back of the line. Staff will be able to clear the notification and allow passengers to board early if there is a valid reason. According to View From the Wing, the airline has been testing the technology in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tuscon, Arizona. It will soon be tested at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process, American Airlines told The Independent in a statement at the time. The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team. The boarding process will be split into ten groups, ranging from ConciergeKey members to basic economy. The airline will usually start boarding one group at a time in the 30 to 50 minutes before a flights scheduled departure using a priority lane and a general boarding line, which will now have the new scanning technology. ConciergeKey members are an elite membership status for top-tier frequent American Airlines flyers. After they board, the next group will be first-class passengers, active duty US military with military ID, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum travelers. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia is introducing laws to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media. The prime minister said on Thursday that the proposed laws, which will be tabled in parliament next week, are meant to reduce the harm that social media causes Australias children. Social media is doing harm to our kids and Im calling time on it, Anthony Albanese said at a press conference on Thursday, adding that he has spoken to thousands of parents and other adults on the subject. This one is for the mums and dads, he added. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back. I want parents to be able to say, Sorry, mate, thats against the law. He said there will be no exemptions to the age limit even if children already have accounts or have permission from their parents to access social media. Mr Albanese also said that it will be up to social media companies to enforce the age limit. The platforms will have to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access for young people. The onus wont be on parents or young people, he said. The law is expected to come into force 12 months after it is passed and will be subject to a review once in place. A national cabinet meeting of all premiers and chief ministers has been called on Friday to discuss the proposed legislation. This is world-leading legislation and we want to make sure weve got it right, Mr Albanese said. We think there will be some, of course, exclusions and exemptions as well for this, to make sure that there arent unintended consequences but we think this is absolutely the right thing. Communications minister Michelle Rowland said penalties will be imposed on social media platforms if they are found to be flouting the laws. The eSafety commissioner will have responsibility for enforcement and there needs to be enhanced penalties to ensure compliance, she said. open image in gallery Anthony Albanese has said it would be up to social media platforms to enforce the age limit ( AP ) Ms Rowland said platforms that will be impacted by the legislation include Metas Instagram and Facebook, Bytedances TikTok, and Elon Musks X. Alphabets YouTube will also likely fall within the scope of the legislation. Social media platforms already have an age limit of 13 in place, but it is not easy to enforce. Australias eSafety commissioner has recommended a double-blind tokenised approach to ensure enforcement: information will be provided to a third party that will verify the users age to social media platforms without revealing other details, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Details of the plan are still being worked on via a trial of potential age-verification technologies. Opposition communications spokesman David Coleman said social media use by children is one of the defining issues of our era. We want to make sure that the legislation is strong and that there arent loopholes, he said. We dont think that TikTok can be made safe for children, we do not think that Snapchat can ever be made safe for children, and we dont think that Instagram can be safe for children. These platforms are inherently unsafe for younger children, and the idea that they can be made safe is absurd. The government shouldnt be negotiating with the platforms. Meta has said it will comply with the legislation but expressed concern about the age verification technology. The idea that somehow you can sort of force the industry to be in a technological place that it isnt, is probably a bit misunderstood in terms of where the industry is, Metas global head of safety, Antigone Davis, said on Thursday, according to The Guardian. The current state of age assurance technology... requires a level of personally identified information to be shared, she said. Its usually in the form of an ID or document ID, documentation or biometric type data, facial feature data for young people, and if its parental consent, the data that will be involved there to verify the parent is just another additional layer of data to establish. open image in gallery Several European countries are introducing bans on smartphones in schools in an effort to reduce screen addiction and tackle cyberbullying ( PA Wire ) The UK is trialling a similar scheme but it remains in its infancy and only applies to adult sites, not social media. It calls on companies to verify the ages of users using bank account, phone provider or credit card checks, or facial ID technology. In October, Norway announced plans to increase the age limit for social media use to 15 in an effort to protect children from the power of algorithms. The move comes as several European countries are introducing bans on smartphones in schools in an effort to reduce screen addiction and tackle cyberbullying. In September, 200 schools in France began testing a digital break that prevents students from using phones during school hours. If successful, the trial will be rolled out to all schools in January. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musks estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has spoken out following the 2024 US presidential election results. On Wednesday (November 6), Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed victory over Vice President Kamala Harris resulting in many women and members of the LGBT+ community expressing fear over regressive policies. One of these people was Musks 20-year-old transgender daughter who is an outspoken champion of transgender rights. Musk has shown his support for the now-president-elect on multiple occasions throughout his campaign with rumors that he could play a role in Trumps administration. Taking to Metas Threads platform after the election results came in, Wilson wrote: Ive thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me. I dont see my future being in the United States. Even if hes only in office for 4 years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically dont happen, the people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon. In 2022, Wilson filed a petition in California to change her name, stating in court documents that she doesnt wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form. Wilson legally changed her name in 2022 in an attempt to distance herself from Musk ( Vivian Jenna Wilson/TikTok; Getty Images ) She recently spoke out against Musk in July, calling him an absent father and claiming he was cruel to her when she was young because of her queerness. Speaking to NBC News, Wilson called out her estranged father for claiming he was tricked into approving her to undergo gender-affirming medical care. He was not by any means tricked, Wilson said, saying her father read over medical documents multiple times. They save lives. Lets not get that twisted. They definitely allowed me to thrive. Wilson was active on Threads throughout the election cycle, during which Musk made multiple media appearances to endorse Trump. Im sorry, everyone. The future doesnt seem to be turning out how I hoped, one of her posts read as Trump began winning key swing states needed to secure the election, such as Pennsylvania. Blame this demographic, blame that demographic No. Blame the f***ing politicians and oligarchs who caused this to happen. Direct your anger towards them, one of her follow-up posts read. Im not saying to not be mad at trump supporters/voters btw, by all means, go ahead, you have the clear from me. If any of yall are trump supporters you can go ahead right now and get the f*** off my page. Throughout his time on the campaign trail, Trump consistently addressed the issue of transgender healthcare as he has claimed that children are receiving brutal gender operations at schools. Kamala supports states being able to take minor children and perform sex change operations, take them away from their parents, perform sex change operations, and send them back home, he said at one of his rallies in Mosinee, Wisconsin. Can you imagine youre a parent and your son leaves the house and you say, Jimmy, I love you so much. Go have a good day in school and your son comes back with a brutal operation, he added. Can you even imagine this? What the hell is wrong with our country? In the states where gender-affirming care is legal, people under the age of 18 do require parental consent. There is no evidence of children receiving surgeries within schools. However, Trump has continued to double down on this claim as he also mentioned it to the conservative group Moms for Liberty. The transgender thing is incredible. Think of it. Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation. The school decides whats going to happen with your child, he falsely claimed at the time. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British supermodel Georgina Cooper has died at the age of 46, months after she got married. Coopers former agent, Dean Goodman, announced her death in a statement on Friday (November 8). She died on the island of Kos in Greece after she married her husband, Nigel, this past summer. She loved Greece and told me that she was going back with her new husband but she has tragically died there a fortnight ago, Goodman said in a statement to MailOnline. Georgina had been unwell during Covid and had developed some health problems and had been in and out of hospital, he added, before noting that she still had plans for the future. She had just married and was looking forward to her life. Everybody is devastated. She was a genuine superstar, he said. However, he did not reveal the cause of her death. Cooper rose to fame in the 1990s, after appearing in Bon Jovis music video when she was 15. She went on to be featured in runway shows throughout London and on iconic magazine covers, including US Vogue and The Face. She was also dubbed the original gap-toothed girl throughout her career. Georgina Cooper has died at age 46 ( Penske Media via Getty Images ) She stepped out of the spotlight before welcoming her child, Sonny. Back in 2018, she opened up about her career in hospitality and how she was focused on her family. I work in the hospitality industry, and I love it because Im a people person. After I had my son I just couldnt bear to leave him alone and I wanted to be there for him. I tried to continue modeling but it broke my heart when I had to leave him for work, she told The Culture Omnivore at the time. I focused on modeling assignments in London but my life was at a crossroads and I decided that Sonny came first. In June, she walked down the aisle with her husband, Nigel. The pair had an intimate ceremony at her home in Kent, before hosting their reception at a local pub. They later took their honeymoon in Kos. Fellow models have since shared emotional tributes to Cooper, including Jada Parfitt, who said Coopers friends and family are absolutely devastated by her death. Georgina was a ray of light, a very popular model who was riotous fun, always laughing and being naughty in all the best ways. We all wanted to hang out with George backstage. Her achievements in the industry were huge, Parfitt told MailOnline. Goodman also took to Instagram to issue a lengthy tribute, alongside a series of photos of Cooper from her modeling days. After acknowledging how devestated he was about her passing, he reflected on how much he enjoyed being her agent in the early 2000s. Traveled lots together, to New York and Milan and always had fun together, he wrote in the caption. Im in total shock, and talked to her not long ago to meet up after she just got married. She was the original gap toothed girl! I will miss her immensely, RIP in peace, Georgie girl, I will never forget you and always love you, see you on the other side. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Martha Stewarts ex-husband Andrew and his wife have addressed the claims made by the TV host in her new Netflix documentary, Martha. Andrews wife, Shyla, made the remarks in a Facebook post shared last month, leading up to the release of the new film. Her post came after the release of the documentarys trailer, where Martha claims Andrew cheated on her during their 29 years of marriage. Shyla started off her message by addressing her family on Facebook, noting this would be her only public comment about her partners previous marriage and Marthas documentary. Andy had some dark ones, including a painful and abusive marriage to Martha (as in, Martha Stewart), which ended almost 40 years ago, she wrote. While Andy quietly moved on and forward with his life, it appears that Martha continues to publicly relitigate the marriage, including comments in a sensationalized trailer for an upcoming documentary on Netflix. She further explained how happy she and Andrew are, before sending a message to people online and Martha. The juxtaposition of Andys early life with the joy-filled, purpose-led, loving marriage we live today is striking. Every day, we openly express our gratitude for our love and for our life together, Shyla continued. We both wish everyone, including Martha herself, the experience of loving and being loved deeply and fully, and the peace that comes from such a love. Martha Stewart at her wedding to Andrew ( Martha Stewart/Courtesy of Netflix ) Earlier in the post, she also gushed about the relationship she had with Andrew, calling him one of the gentlest, most soft-spoken, kind-hearted men shed ever met. The Independent has contacted Marthas representatives for comment. In her Netflix documentary, which came out on October 25, Martha first opened up about her relationship with Andrew, who she shares one adult daughter, Alexis, with. Young women, listen to my advice, if youre married and your husband starts to cheat on you, hes a piece of s***, she said. Get out of that marriage. However, a producer then chimed in to contradict her by pointing out that she cheated on her ex-husband. Didnt you have an affair early on? he asked her from behind the camera. Yeah, but I dont think Andy ever knew about that, Stewart quipped back. At another point in the documentary, she also shared that she kissed a stranger at a cathedral while she and Andrew were on their honeymoon, which was a five-month-long trip through Europe. On the day before Easter, the two of them were in Florence, Italy, and she wanted to see the Duomo Florence Cathedral while her husband stayed behind in their hotel. It was a very romantic place, crowded with tourists, and I met this very handsome guy, the lifestyle entrepreneur recalled. I was this waif of a girl hanging out in the cathedral on Easter Eve. He was emotional. I was emotional. Its just because it was an emotional place. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. An expansive dome. So beautiful and paintings all around you. However, Stewart didnt see this incident as something naughty or as a type of infidelity. It was neither naughty nor unfaithful. It was just emotional of the moment. Thats how I looked at it. And it was exciting because, I mean, it was a very emotional place. I wish we could all experience such an evening, she explained. Andrew and Martha were married for 29 years after their 1961 ceremony. They welcomed their only child, Alexis, in 1965 and filed for divorce in 1990. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Paul Mescal lookalike contest in Dublin has delivered some hilariously disappointing results. On Thursday (November 7), dozens of young men dressed in the Normal People stars ONeills short-shorts, gold chains, and wired headphones flocked to Smithfield Square. Hours later, Mescal himself would arrive at the square for the Gladiator II premiere. The prize for the contests winner was three pints, 20, and all the bragging rights a Mescal doppelganger could hope for. Several contestants told the Irish Independent they were inspired by the buzz of New Yorks recent Timothee Chalamet lookalike competition held on October 27. The Irish event was hyped by TikTok account @paulmescallookalike, with a post featuring the competition flyer racking up nearly 300,000 views. Unfortunately, many felt the entries resemblance to the Oscar nominee was a bit of a reach. Jack Wall OReilly wins the Paul Mescal lookalike contest in Dublin on November 7 ( Twitter/X ) The Paul Mescal lookalike contest is sadly an indictment of every Irish lad Ive met who claims that Paul Mescal looks like every lad in Ireland, one person noted on X. Do you think he went by the Paul Mescal lookalike contest, saw how much none of those men in short-shorts looked like him, and left, another user remarked. None of them even look like him, one user wrote. Im dead. They tried at least, another added. But it was local Jack Wall OReilly who clinched the win, rocking a curly brunette mullet and Mescals go-to shorts-and-hoodie combo. The winning moment came when he delivered Connells classic Normal People line, You look really well a pitch-perfect imitation that drew a collective aww from the crowd. The crowd unanimously crowned him the champ, awarding him the grand prize a giant 20 check emblazoned with the Lidl logo, the supermarket giant behind the event. Im very proud, its been a good buzz, OReill told the Irish Independent. I think its good to have events like these as people are having a rough time. I dont think anyone would have given the Timothee Chalamet one air time if we werent all a bit miserable. Mescal sadly did not make an appearance at the event as Chalamet did for his own lookalike contest despite being in the city for the Gladiator sequels Irish premiere. The Chalamet lookalike contest seems to have kicked off a trend, with a slew of celebrity doppelganger events popping up around the world. Just one day after the Chalamet showdown, New Yorkers spotted flyers for a Jeremy Allen White contest promising the most convincing lookalike two packs of cigarettes and a seven-day subway MetroCard. Later that day, a Zayn Malik contest will go down at Brooklyns Maria Hernandez Park, organized by Instagram user @qhio.anon. The grand prize? A free tattoo from artist @hel.heart, with a whopping 342 fans already RSVPd on Partiful. Out west, San Francisco is throwing a Dev Patel lookalike bash on 10 November. According to NBC Los Angeles, organizers were inspired by the Chalamet craze and are planning a tribute to the citys diversity, with a $50 prize and a Monkey Man statue for the winner. Meanwhile, British journalist Katrina Mirpuri from the Evening Standard is hosting a Harry Styles lookalike contest in Soho Square, London, offering prizes for the three best Harrys and a cheeky reward for the least convincing entry. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Italian navy ship docked Friday at the Albanian port of Shengjin with eight migrants who will be processed there after they were intercepted in international waters, a month after another group was turned away for failing the vetting process. It is only the second transfer of migrants since two migrant processing centers started operating in October. The same ship transferred to Albania the first 16 migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt. Four were taken to Italy the same day because they were minors or had health issues. Twelve others were brought back to Italy three days later, following a ruling by Rome judges who rejected their detention because their countries of origin Bangladesh and Egypt were not safe enough for them to be sent back. The naval ship Libra, which can carry 200 people besides crew, left Italys southernmost island of Lampedusa on Wednesday with eight men on board, according to the Italian media. Italian Interior Ministry spokesperson Francesco Kamel had confirmed the Libra was heading to Albania, but declined to give out any further information until the operation was complete. He didn't say when it would arrive, nor how many people were on board. The Italian media reported that, out of 1,200 migrant arrivals on Lampedusa over the past two days, just eight male adults traveling without families met Albania's screening criteria, including that they come from countries deemed safe for repatriation. The number of people reaching Italy along the central Mediterranean migration route mainly from Bangladesh, Syria, Tunisia and Egypt has fallen by 60% in 2024 compared to 2023. As of Nov. 7, according to the Italian Interior Ministry, 57,767 migrants have arrived by sea in 2024. A court ruling out of Rome had shortened the list of countries considered safe by law, meaning that Rome can repatriate migrants from those countries who didnt win asylum using a fast-track procedure. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni slammed the Rome court ruling, and said that deeming countries such as Bangladesh and Egypt unsafe means that virtually all migrants would be barred from the Albania program, making it unworkable. On Oct. 21, Italys far-right government approved a new decree aimed at overcoming those judicial hurdles that risked derailing a controversial five-year migration deal with Albania, signed in 2023 by Meloni and her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama. Under the deal, up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by the Italian coast guard in international waters each month will be sheltered in Albania, and vetted for possible asylum in Italy or be sent back to their countries. Italy has agreed to welcome those migrants who are granted asylum, while those whose applications are rejected face deportation directly from Albania. The agreement to outsource the housing of asylum-seekers to a non-European Union member country, defended by Meloni as a new model to handle illegal migration, has been hailed by some countries that, like Italy, are experiencing a high level of migrant arrivals. Visiting Albania in October, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen refused to give her opinion of the agreement, saying only that it was being closely monitored. Human rights groups and non-governmental organizations that are active in the Mediterranean have slammed the agreement as a dangerous precedent that conflicts with international laws. ___ Semini reported from Tirana; Colleen Barry contributed from Milan. ___ Follow Llazar Semini at: https://x.com/lsemini Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two people were detained Thursday in an investigation of shootings into eight vehicles and several houses that left one person injured in the Raleigh area this week, the city's police chief said. Several people reported gunfire on a stretch of Interstate 40 in Raleigh and Cary around 5 a.m. during morning rush hour on Wednesday, according to Raleigh police. In total, there have been 12 reported shootings in southwest Wake County since Monday that authorities believe are connected, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said at a news conference on Thursday. Authorities said eight vehicles were struck two on Monday, four on Wednesday and two on Thursday. A police news release also said the four other shootings struck residences Wednesday. Patterson didn't discuss possible charges, nor did she name the people detained. Police officials said one of them was considered a person of interest and the other was associated with the house where the person of interest was found. We are going to continue follow that lead and any other leads we have," Patterson said. WRAL-TV reported that two dozen law enforcement officers with guns drawn approached a house in Raleigh and led two people out in handcuffs. There has been one reported injury out of the 12 reported shootings, she said. Early Monday morning, a woman was shot in the leg while traveling on I-40, police said. Police say they don't believe the shootings were road rage. The shooter is suspected of using a handgun, authorities said. Details of whether the suspect was on foot or in a vehicle while shooting are under investigation. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Roman archaeological site of Pompeii will limit the number of daily visitors to the site after a steep rise in visitors. The Pompeii archaeological park plans to limit visitor numbers to 20,000 a day and introduce personalised tickets starting next week. It comes after a record high 36,000 tourists visited the site on the first Sunday of October, when entry was free, according to local media. The ancient Roman city in southern Italy was buried under ash and rock following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Nearly four million people visited the main Pompeii site in 2023, a third more than the previous year, according to authorities. open image in gallery The site is one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere in the world ( Parco Archeologico di Pompei/Handout via REUTERS ) Visitor counts had been climbing in the run up to the 2020 pandemic and in 2023 were above pre-Covid levels. In October 2024, there were more than 480,000 visitors, putting the average at about 15,500 a day. The busiest month so far this year was May, when about 517,000 people visited, or some 16,700 a day. We are working on a series of projects to lift the human pressure on the site, which could pose risks both for visitors and the heritage that is so unique and fragile, the parks director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said. The parks management is also trying to attract more tourists to visit other ancient sites connected to Pompeii by a free shuttle bus under the Greater Pompeii project, including Stabia, Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale sites. The measures to manage flows and safety and the personalisation of the visits are part of this strategy, Mr Zuchtriegel said. open image in gallery In October 2024, there were more than 480,000 visitors, putting the average at about 15,500 a day ( Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images ) We are aiming for slow, sustainable, pleasant and non-mass tourism and above all widespread throughout the territory around the Unesco site, which is full of cultural jewels to discover, he added. Post-pandemic, the influx of millions of visitors to tourist-strewn towns has, in some cases, risen to levels above those seen in 2019. Too much tourism threatens to disrupt residents and natural ecosystems, and contribute to transport pollution. The city was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which preserved swathes of it almost intact under a layer of ash for over 1,000 years. About a third of the site has yet to be excavated. It continues to be of huge interest to archaeologists, providing the most complete picture of daily Roman life anywhere in the world. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former first lady Michelle Obama's brother and his wife have settled a lawsuit they filed in 2022 alleging a private school in Milwaukee refused to reenroll their children after the couple raised concerns about racism and inappropriate conduct at the school. Craig and Kelly Robinson alleged in the lawsuit that the University School of Milwaukee terminated their then 9- and 11-year-old sons' re-enrollment contracts for the 2021-2022 school year after the couple complained that teachers treated students of color and socioeconomically underrepresented students unfairly. The couple said that when the boys were learning virtually at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they became aware of racial and ethnic stereotypes appearing in assignments. School officials said at the time that the enrollment decision had nothing to do with their complaints. But USM Head of School Steve Hancock told the couple in a termination letter and an email that they had repeatedly engaged in disrespectful communications with teachers and administrators. He issued a statement when the lawsuit was filed that the enrollment decisions had nothing to do with complaints about inequity or discrimination. But Hancock said the school would not tolerate persistently disrespectful, bullying, or harassing behavior directed at teachers and administrators. Online court records indicate Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Thomas McAdams dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday. The Robinsons and the school issued a joint statement saying that they have resolved the dispute and both sides regret that the disagreement resulted in the Robinson children no longer being enrolled. The statement called the Robinson children model students. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The Robinsons were seeking unspecified monetary damages. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Asian elephant has been not-so-secretly filmed showering with a water hose at a zoo in Germany, in what scientists described as a sophisticated behaviour that shows remarkable skill. Mary was captured on camera at Berlin Zoo methodically washing her body with the hose, using her limbs and trunk to guide it. As an unexpected bonus, the team also observed another elephant, named Anchali, attempting to sabotage Marys shower time by trying to cut off the water supply using her trunk. Anchali was seen kinking and clamping the hose as well as putting pressure on the pipe to try to stop the water flow. Researchers at the Humbolt University of Berlin said both animals showed goal-directed behaviour using tools, a skill once thought to be unique to humans but which has recently been observed in other species such as chimpanzees, crows and dolphins. Lena Kaufmann, of Humbolt University, who filmed Mary, said: Elephants spray themselves with water, mud or dust all the time, and its been shown before that over 80% of observed tool-use behaviours in elephants are actually body care-related. But she said Mary using a water hose is special because it is an exceptionally complex tool that has flexibility, can extend in length, and has water flowing through it. Ms Kaufman said: Marys very skilful in behaviour with this water hose made us think that maybe elephants have somewhat (an) intuitive understanding of hoses, potentially due to the similarities with their own trunks. The surprise was certainly Anchali's kink-and-clamp behaviour. Nobody had thought that she'd be smart enough to pull off such a trick Professor Michael Brecht The researchers said both elephants were interacting aggressively during showering time, with Anchali pulling the hose towards herself and twisting it. Michael Brecht, a professor at Humboldt University, said: The surprise was certainly Anchalis kink-and-clamp behaviour. Nobody had thought that shed be smart enough to pull off such a trick. He said elephants are trained not to step on hoses which meant Anchali performing a trunkstand where she places her trunk on the hose and then lowers her massive body on to it is likely to be an attempt to disrupt Marys shower. Prof Brecht said: When Anchali came up with a second behaviour that disrupted water flow to Mary, I became pretty convinced that she is trying to sabotage Mary. Mary was observed meticulously washing her body with the hose, swinging it like a lasso to reach her back. She also grasped the hose behind its tip to use it like a stiff shower head and preferred using it on her right side. The researchers also found Mary was able to adapt her technique based on the type of hose. Prof Brecht said: Elephants are amazing with hoses. As it is often the case with elephants, hose tool use behaviours come out very differently from animal to animal; elephant Mary is the queen of showering. The researchers said their findings, published in the journal Current Biology, also raises questions about whether elephants behave similarly in the wild. Prof Brecht said: Do elephants play tricks on each other in the wild? When I saw Anchalis kink and clamp for the first time, I broke out in laughter. So I wonder, does Anchali also think this is funny, or is she just being mean? For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tens of thousands of activists of a leading political party in Bangladesh rallied in the nations capital on Friday, calling for a new election and quick reforms. The country is under an interim government after the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled in August. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia organized the rally as it has been pushing the interim government, headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, to bring about quick reforms and to hold the next national election. Hasina and Zia are the main political rivals in a dynastic political framework. Zia is ailing and was unable to lead the rally in person, and her elder son, Tarique Rahman, is the heir apparent and has been living in exile since 2008. On Friday, BNP activists took to the streets of Dhaka and marched through major thoroughfares before reaching the countrys national parliament building to symbolize that they were eager for their party to form the next government. The Yunus-led government hasn't declared any timeframe for the next election. The BNP had initially demanded election in three months after Yunus took over three days after Hasina fled the country to India on Aug. 5 amid a student-led mass uprising, ending her 15-year rule. The BNP leaders had earlier said the Yuns-led government should move forward to hold the election, rather than staying in power for long, but the party wants to give the government a reasonable amount of time to bring some reforms. On Friday, Rahman said by videoconference from London that the interim government mustn't be allowed to fail under any situation as the government has been facing serious challenges to bring order in the country. Hasina's Awami League party and its allies are also facing challenges to navigate through the new political scenario. Avoiding any direct reference about next election, Rahman said that the government must take effective steps to meet the expectations of the people. BNP leaders have recently indicated that the party would go ahead with plans for street protests in two to three months if the interim government doesn't roll out a road map for the next election. Rahman told his cheering supporters to remain vigilant as he said that the accomplices of the former government of Hasina were still active. The accomplices of the exiled autocrats are still present at home and abroad, in governance and administration, actively working to unsettle the interim government. This interim government must not be allowed to fail under any circumstances, said Rahman, also his partys acting chairman. (But) the interim government must take effective steps to meet the expectations of the people. This is what the public desires today, he said. Friday's political show came as Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity for hundreds of deaths involving the July-August uprising in the country. The government said that it would seek her repatriation from India once a court decision comes. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A father and son who hired a hijab-wearing female assassin to carry out a gun attack have been jailed after their assassination plot was bungled. Mohammed Aslam, 58, and Mohammed Nabil Nazir, 30, from Derby, orchestrated the attack on a rival family in September 2019. The suspected would-be killer, a US woman identified during the trial as Aimee Betro, threatened Sikander Ali with a gun and tried to shoot him at a range of six to seven yards but the pistol jammed, allowing him to flee the scene in Measham Grove, Birmingham. open image in gallery Extradition proceedings are under way over Aimee Betro ( Supplied ) The trial was told Betro travelled from the US to the UK to carry out the revenge attack, for which she allegedly wore a hijab as a disguise. Betro is yet to face criminal proceedings in the UK as extradition proceedings continue. It is thought the actual target of the attack was Mr Alis father, Aslat Mahumad, who lived close by, and whose home was shot at three times in the upstairs windows later the same night, although it was empty at the time. Before his home was shot at, an attempt was made to lure Mr Mahumad to meet the group on the pretence of their being interested in buying a car from him, but he did not go. Birmingham Crown Court heard there had been history of antagonism and resentment between the families of the defendants and Mr Mahumad, including a violent confrontation at the latters clothing boutique in Alum Rock Road in July 2018, which left both Aslam and Nazir with serious head injuries. The defendants address in Elms Avenue, Derby, was subsequently attacked and the windows smashed. Bent on revenge, they became part of a plan to kill Mr Mahumad or target one of his family. open image in gallery Mohammed Nazir ( West Midlands Police ) Judge Simon Drew KC said it was only by sheer chance that no one was killed in the attack as he jailed Nazir for 32 years and Aslam for 10 years for their part in the complex, well-planned conspiracy. He said he was quite satisfied that the violent incident in 2018 was the motivation for the revenge attack the next year, which would have amounted to an execution had the gun not malfunctioned. Judge Drew said Aslams role was largely to drive his son around as he had been disqualified from driving, but said he must have met Betro face-to-face at least once. There was no reaction from either father or son in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court as they were sentenced, but as they were sent down to the cells, Aslam waved and did a thumbs-up to his family in the public gallery. open image in gallery Mohammed Aslam ( West Midlands Police ) Both men were convicted in June of conspiracy to murder, while Nazir was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, perverting the course of justice and illegally importing firearms as part of a plan to bring guns into the country and frame a former friend he was feuding with. Judge Drew said: Mr Nazir, you had a leading role. Mr Aslam, your role was much less intrinsic to what was taking place and I accept that your primary role was to act as a driver, but also to support your son and you knew what you were supporting him for. This was not a spontaneous reaction to events, but a planned revenge attack on Mr Mahumad and his family. In order to conduct that revenge, you, Mohammed Nazir, recruited Aimee Betro. It would be overstating the case to call what took place as a contract killing, but evidence suggests Betro was rewarded for taking part in this. There is evidence of a loose relationship between you. The two of you (Nazir and Aslam) had done everything you could to encourage and enable her to kill Mr Mahumad or one of his family members. Nazir and Betro are believed to have been in contact while she was in the UK and Nazir also flew out to the US four days after Betro left the UK. The judge ordered that Nazirs other sentences six years for possessing a firearm; five years for perverting the course of justice and two years for illegally importing firearms should run concurrently. The father and son must serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before they can be released on licence. Hannah Sidaway of the Crown Prosecution Service said it was a methodical and well-planned attack in which Nazir and Aslam tried to cover their tracks by using an accomplice. She said: In the plan to discharge a loaded firearm, their intention to kill was clear. This was a complex investigation involving collaboration between West Midlands and Derbyshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the US authorities. It involved obtaining evidential material from the US including forensic samples to link the offenders with evidence from the crime scenes. These convictions and sentences serve as a reminder of the consequences of using deadly weapons on our streets. We will continue to work with our criminal justice partners to bring such perpetrators to justice. Additional reporting by PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Metropolitan Police commissioner has hit out at dangerous narratives over the police shooting of Chris Kaba by a firearms officer who was cleared of murder, revealing that Kabas gang has been linked to 11 shootings in the past year. Sir Mark Rowley said online commentary, often largely focussed on Kabas ethnicity, risked undermining justice in the wake of the shooting as he urged commentators to be more aware of the weight of their words. From the outset, over the last two years, the majority of the conversation online focused entirely on Chris Kabas ethnicity, he said while addressing an event in London on Tuesday. Rumour and innuendo fuelled quite dangerous narratives about supposed facts that were detached from the evidence presented to court and the verdict delivered by 12 Londoners recently. I go as far as to say that some people with huge influence risked undermining the British justice system, and those people should know better. Sergeant Martyn Blake was last month unanimously acquitted of murder over the September 2022 shooting of Kaba as he tried to ram his way out of a police stop in Streatham, south London. open image in gallery Metropolitan Police commissioner Mark Rowley said the 67 gang had about 95 key offenders at its core ( PA Wire ) The case fuelled fierce debate, with Kabas family holding protests after the verdict was delivered, while the government unveiled plans to give firearms officers anonymity in court up until conviction in an overhaul of police accountability. After the trial, a gagging order was lifted allowing it to be reported that Kaba was a member of the Lambeth 67 gang and would have probably stood trial for attempted murder over a nightclub shooting five days earlier if he had not been killed. Sir Mark told the event, hosted by Crimestoppers, that the gang was one of the top 10 most active in London and was involved in the exploitation of children, the distribution of drugs and indiscriminate use of firearms and had been linked to 11 shootings in the past year. We only have got about 95 key offenders at the centre of the gang, he said. Theyve got many more associates on the fringes. Sir Mark called for an honest conversation about the challenges facing Black communities in London, noting young Black men are 13 times more likely to be murdered than white men. He said gangs like the 67 are a critical part of that disproportionality. He also warned there is a fundamental problem with police accountability that was leaving officers more concerned about legal jeopardy than physical jeopardy. open image in gallery The identity of firearms officers will be kept secret if they are prosecuted unless they are convicted, the home secretary Yvette Cooper announced ( PA Wire ) Policing needed more accountability and more transparency, he said. I would never, ever dispute that, but I think the sense that officers are now withdrawing from using some of their more sensitive and contentious powers is evidence that... the prospect of legal jeopardy is dominating the officers decision-making. Last month, home secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans for firearms officers facing criminal proceedings over police shootings to be granted a presumption of anonymity up until the point of a conviction. It followed reports that Sgt Blake had been forced into hiding after a 10,000 bounty was offered to anyone prepared to kill him. However, Inquest, which supports Kabas family and other victims of state-related deaths, hit out at the plans, insisting the principles of open justice must apply equally to police and civilians. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scotland Yard has referred itself to a police watchdog after two women complained about how their cases against Mohamed Al Fayed were handled. According to the Metropolitan Police, the two women raised concerns about the quality of police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, how details came to be disclosed publicly. Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Mets Specialist Crime team, said: We are actively reviewing 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan Police prior to Mohamed Al Fayeds passing, as well as the related police investigations, to determine if any additional investigative steps are available or there are things we could have done better. This process remains active, and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, pursuing justice where possible and transparently addressing any failings. In recent weeks, two victims-survivors have come forward with concerns about how their allegations were handled when first reported, and it is only appropriate that the IOPC assess these complaints. open image in gallery Samantha Jay-Ramsay worked at Harrods at the age of 17 in 1995 ( PA Wire ) Although we cannot change the past, we are resolute in our goal to offer every individual who contacts us the highest standard of service and support. I encourage anyone with relevant information, whether you were personally affected or have knowledge about others who may have facilitated Al Fayeds actions to contact us. Our priority remains to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice. It came after it emerged a woman first reported allegations she was sexually assaulted by Fayed to the Metropolitan Police a decade earlier than the force initially acknowledged. As Harrods new owners process more than 250 claims of sexual misconduct by the department stores late boss, Samantha Jay-Ramsays family told the BBC that she first reported him to Scotland Yard in 1995, after he allegedly harassed and sexually assaulted her while working at Harrods aged 17. The Met has previously said the first allegations they were made aware of were in 2005, and said that Samanthas case may not have been transferred onto a police record because some reports were paper-based at the time. In an account chiming with those that have emerged this year, Samantha told the News Of The World newspaper in 1998 that Fayed said she would need to have a medical and told her: I like you to be clean. I hope you use Dettol, its the best. She then alleged he gripped her face, kissed her and touched her inappropriately before handing her 200. Samantha said one of Fayeds personal assistants berated her for making a complaint, before the ex-Harrods owner allegedly shouted at her and fired her. She told the now-defunct paper that she had reported Fayed to the Met, who told her she was not the first and they had files inches high about Fayed. Her mother then went to police in Gosport, Hampshire, who passed the complaint on to the Met but the family said nothing came of it. On the latest complaints, a spokesperson for the the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it contacted the Met Police in September to find out if the force had received any complaints about investigations into the Fayed allegations. They said: We contacted the Met Police in September to find out whether it had received any relevant complaints or identified any conduct issues that would require a referral to us relating to sexual offence allegations made against Mohammed Al-Fayed. We have remained in regular contact with the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards on this matter and, on November 8, we received two complaint referrals relating to the Met Polices original handling of allegations made by two complainants about Mr Al-Fayed. We will assess the information provided before deciding what further action may be required from us. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A coroner has called on the government to examine the prevalence of cancel culture on university campuses, after ruling that a 20-year-old Oxford student took his own life after being ostracised by his peers. Alexander Rogers, a third-year studying materials science at Corpus Christi College, died in January. His body was recovered from the River Thames, and he was found to have suffered a head trauma. Following an inquest into his death, a coroner has now ruled that in the preceding days Alexander had been ostracised and his distress at this led him to form an intention to take his own life, while noting that suicide arises often from a complex interplay of factors. Mr Rogers, from Salisbury, had been isolated by his peers and friends after a former partner expressed discomfort over a sexual encounter on 11 January, the ruling states. He had written to friends expressing remorse for his actions and a belief that they were unintentional but unforgivable, the coroner said. He was reported missing to police on 15 January by a concerned peer, and his body was recovered by fire and police crews that afternoon. Mr Rogerss family said in a statement that, for him, the rational became the irrational, and he ended what could have been a beautiful life. Dr Dominique Thompson, an independent consultant tasked by Oxford with investigating Mr Rogerss death, reportedly described a pervasive cancel culture as she said the allegations against Mr Rogers caused a pile on effect of students agreeing with others because of an unwritten moral imperative to do the right thing. Dr Thompson said: It was shocking to hear that students were treating each other in this way, but I was not surprised by this pattern of behaviour. Oxford University said the wellbeing of our students remains our absolute priority ( Getty ) Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Graham said, however, that he had not been able to establish whether any element of a culture at Corpus Christi had either caused or contributed to Mr Rogerss distress. Mr Graham concluded: Of course, it is certainly possible that such a culture influenced the actions of Alexanders peers in forming the judgements that they did; it is also possible that Alexander felt that because of this culture there was no way of getting back into the social group that obviously meant so much to him, once he had been excluded. What I cannot say is that this was probable. Nor, on the balance of probabilities, that this culture materially contributed to Alexanders distress and his fateful decision on the morning of the 15 January. However, the coroner said that Dr Thompsons findings highlighted the potentially harmful effects of social ostracism, which evidence suggests is an issue for the higher education sector as a whole. Rightly [Mr Rogerss] family are concerned that this culture ought to be addressed, said Mr Graham, adding that he would write in his capacity as coroner to ask the Department for Education to reflect on the concerns that have arisen in this case and to take those concerns forward. Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Graham said: I would like to express my condolences to the family. While what we are dealing with here is in the interest of the public the family additionally has to carry the unique burden of grief, which is a heavy one. From what we have heard Alexander was an extremely able and popular young man and his passing is sad indeed. On a fundraising page for suicide prevention charity Papyrus, friends of Mr Rogers said: Alex was undeniably caring; he would fill up a room with his laughs and smiles and brought so much joy to us all. A man that lived life to the full, who gave us our favourite stories and memories and whom we miss deeply. A spokesperson said: Oxford University and Corpus Christi College extend our deepest sympathies to Alexanders family and everyone in our community who has been saddened by his tragic death. The college commissioned an independent review to identify all learning in this case with the aim of minimising the chance of such a tragic loss happening again. A college working group has been set up to take forward all the recommendations, a number of which have already been implemented. The university is also working on recommendations made by the review as part of its ongoing work on student welfare. We note that the coroner will be writing to the Department for Education about wider issues arising from todays inquest, and we will respond to any further guidance for the higher education sector. The wellbeing of our students remains our absolute priority and we are committed to maintaining the safety of all those within our university and college community. Our thoughts remain with Alexanders family and his friends. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy During what was perhaps the lowest point in her reign, the late Queen delivered a sobering speech famously labelling 1992 her annus horribilis. Public opinion had turned sharply on the royals that year with the then Prince and Princess of Wales at war, the Duke and Duchess of York separated and Princess Anne divorced. To make matters worse, the Queens home, Windsor Castle, had gone up in flames. Elizabeth did not refer directly to her familys problems as she made the stark evaluation, but the meaning was clear - it had been a terrible year and everyone could see it. In what should have been a joyous speech marking her 40th anniversary on the throne, the late Queen instead said: 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an Annus Horribilis. I suspect that I am not alone in thinking it so. open image in gallery Queen Elizabeth II described 1992 as an annus horribilis, or year of misfortune ( AFP via Getty Images ) Now - over 30 years later - her grandson has had what he believes to be his own annus horribilis. William has spoken candidly about the royal familys major health scares, saying 2024 has probably been the hardest year in my life and a dreadful experience. Both his father, King Charles and his wife, Kate, were diagnosed with cancer this year - putting considerable strain on the royals both mentally and physically. News of the Kings cancer came in February, after it was discovered while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate in January. open image in gallery Now - over 30 years later - William has had what he believes to be his own annus horribilis. ( Getty Images ) Charles cancelled all face-to-face public duties, and the Prince of Wales, who was caring for Kate after she had major abdominal surgery in January, returned to work, with Camilla and Anne also holding the fort. In what appeared to be a particularly distressing part of the year for the family, online conspiracy theories began to escalate about Kates health. Following immense pressure from the public, the princess had to deliver a bombshell video message to the nation in March, revealing she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests showed she also had cancer. open image in gallery Both Williams father, King Charles and his wife, Kate, were diagnosed with cancer this year ( PA Wire ) There was a further health blow for the royal family in late June when the Princess Royal, 74, suffered a concussion and mild head injuries after being struck by a horse while out walking on her estate. She was rushed to hospital where she spent five nights. Sarah, Duchess of York meanwhile was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer, just months after facing breast cancer. She later said her treatment had been successful. As he attended the awards ceremony for his Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, William was asked to reflect on the year as it comes to a close by reporters, in which he said: Honestly? Its been dreadful. Its probably been the hardest year in my life. He added: So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal. open image in gallery News of the Kings cancer came in February, after it was discovered while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate in January. The princes comments were made in an interview with British media covering his four-day visit to South Africa, which ended on Thursday. William staged his Earthshot Prize ceremony in an eco-dome on Wednesday night and in a speech to guests dubbed his environmental awards as a movement for change, and called on the world to join. The event saw five category winners awarded 1 million each to develop their ideas to repair the planet. It appears his work recognising environmental entrepreneurs with the Earthshot Prize or trying to find solutions to end homelessness have provided an antidote to his tough year. Its more a case of just crack on and youve got to keep going, he said. I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself, and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The final entry in the late Queens diary, written just two days before her death, has been unearthed. During her lengthy reign, Queen Elizabeth II regularly kept a private diary to take note of the events of the day and record her activities. Unlike the colourful and detailed entries her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, famously wrote, Elizabeth kept hers to the point - a habit kept until her last entry just two days before her death. According to royal biographer Robert Hardman, who discovered the diary during research, she recorded that her private secretary Edward Young had come to see her and made notes about swearing in new Privy Council members. The final entry was made at Balmoral, where she died on September 8, two days after meeting and swearing in the new prime minister Liz Truss. It transpires that she was still writing it at Balmoral two days before her death, Hardman writes. Her last entry was as factual and practical as ever. It could have been describing another normal working day starting in the usual way Edward came to see me as she noted the arrangements which her private secretary, Sir Edward Young, had made for the swearing-in of the new ministers of the Truss administration. open image in gallery The late Queen died at Balmoral just over two years ago (Jane Barlow/PA) ( PA Wire ) Elizabeth is not the only monarch who kept a diary during their time on the throne. Queen Victoria famously wrote over 60 million words in her diaries she kept for nearly 70 years, from age 13 until shortly before her death in 1901. Unlike Elizabeth, Victoria wrote colourful descriptions of key events throughout her life including her coronation, wedding and Diamond Jubilee. Elizabeth once compared her style of diary writing to Victoria as she told the Bishop of Chelmsford: I keep a diary, but not like Queen Victorias. Its quite small. open image in gallery During her lengthy reign, the late Queen Elizabeth regularly kept a private diary to take note of the events of her days. ( PA Archive ) She once explained to diarist Kenneth Rose why she wrote in such a way: I have no time to record conversations, only events. Elizabeths father, King George V also kept a diary with the inclusion of some personal details. On the day of his coronation on June 22 1911, George described the weather in some detail, writing: It was overcast & cloudy with some showers & a strongish cool breeze, but better for the people than great heat. Describing the event he added: The Service in the Abbey was most beautiful, but it was a terrible ordeal. It was grand, yet simple & most dignified and went without a hitch. I nearly broke down when dear David came to do homage to me, as it reminded me so much when I did the same thing to beloved Papa, he did it so well. Darling May looked lovely & it was indeed a comfort to me to have her by my side. We left Westminster Abbey at 2.15 with our Crowns on and sceptres in our hands. open image in gallery ueen Victoria famously wrote over 60 million words in her diaries she kept for nearly 70 years, from age 13 until shortly before her death in 1901. ( Public Domain ) It seems King Charles is also following in the footsteps of those who came before him and reportedly keeps his own practical diaries since he ascended to the throne. A senior courtier told The Telegraph that while he doesnt write great narrative diaries like he used to, he does scribbles down his recollections and reflections on the day. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An ex-television producer has been ordered to pay two survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing 45,000 in damages after claiming it was staged by the government, in a civil ruling one of the victors said would send a message to conspiracy theorists. High Court judge Karen Steyn awarded Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve 22,500 each on Friday after last month winning a harrassent case against Richard Hill, who claimed the pair were crisis actors in a state-orchestrated hoax. Both survivors suffered life-changing injuries at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives, killing 22 people and injuring many others, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert facing severe brain damage. Mr Hall published several videos and a book containing allegations that the attack was staged, and that people who had died were living overseas or were already dead before the attack. The father and daughter sued Mr Hall over his conduct, which included filming Eve Hibbert outside her home. But Mr Hall claimed his actions were in the public interest and told a High Court trial that millions of people have bought a lie about the attack. open image in gallery Richard Hall claimed his actions were in the public interest ( PA Wire ) He told the London court in a three-and-a-half-day trial in July: The primary evidence shows there was no bomb in that room that exploded. But Jonathan Price, for the Hibberts, said during the trial the pair were some of the closest to terrorist Salman Abedi when he detonated the bomb and that the attack changed Mr Hibberts life in every conceivable way. They have both suffered life-changing injuries from which they will never recover, the barrister said. In finding for the father and daughter on October 23, Justice Steyn described Mr Halls behaviour as a negligent, indeed reckless, abuse of media freedom. During Fridays hearing she described the father and daughter as both vulnerable. In calling for the court to award 75,000 to the pair, Mr Price said Mr Halls behaviour was towards the more oppressive end of the spectrum of harassing conduct. Paul Oakley, for Mr Hall, argued that 7,500 each was appropriate. In awarding the pair 45,000 Justice Steyn ruled out awarding aggravated damages after hearing some of Mr Halls theories about the bombing during the trial. The defendants narrative is preposterous but I accept, having heard his evidence, he has convinced himself it is true, she said. Mr Hall was also ordered to pay 90 per cent of the Hibberts legal costs, with a final figure yet to be determined. Martin Hibbert and his daughter were also granted an injunction preventing further harassment. Mr Hibbert said outside court on Friday he was pleased with the ruling. It sends out a message to conspiracy theorists that you cannot ignore all acceptable evidence and harass innocent people, he said. I want this case to open up the door for change, and for it to protect others from what we have been put through. He later said there will be tears but that he was very proud and looking forward to hugging his daughter. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has been warned that he must prioritise attempts to reset Britains relationship with the EU and unpick the trade barriers created by leaving if he wants to offset the impact of the tariffs Donald Trump has threatened to impose. With Mr Trump re-elected to the White House and intending to impose protectionist tariffs to protect sectors of the US economy, there are fears that not only will the policy wipeout the UKs hopes for economic growth but could see the economy shrinking. Foreign secretary David Lammy, who has attempted to dismiss any ill feeling he may have created between the Labour government and Trump White House with his historic tweets calling the president-elect a neo Nazi, has also warned against US trade tariffs. Mr Lammy told the BBCs Newscast: We will seek to ensure and to get across to the United States and I believe that they would understand this that hurting your closest allies cannot be in your medium or long-term interests, whatever the pursuit of public policy in relation to some of the problems posed by China. open image in gallery Trump could impose tariffs (Niall Carson/PA) ( PA Archive ) But leading trade expert David Henig, director of the UK Trade Policy Project, told The Independent that it means that Sir Keir will need to urgently press ahead with his renegotiation of Boris Johnsons flawed Brexit deal. The talks on the UK-EU reset, led by European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, have already begun but there are fears that the Starmer government lacks ambition. Mr Henig told The Independent: At basic level, if Trump does anything like he says on tariffs it will damage the world economy, including the UK, and anything we can do to offset that like reducing barriers with the EU would be a good thing. He is sceptical of those who claim that the solution is to strike a trade deal with Trump, which he had promised in his first stint in the White House. Mr Henig said: I'm expecting Trump's administration to be more targeted in what they actually do [with tariffs], so not be in the firing line would be a good idea, and we certainly shouldn't be talking up the possibility of a UK/US trade deal without being very sure that this would be positive. His warning comes as the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has projected that the UK economy could shrink if Trump imooses trade tariffs with the US the UKs biggest trade partner. open image in gallery Starmers government is making efforts to smooth over tensions with the incoming president after senior figures including David Lammy criticised him during his first term (Leon Neal/PA) ( PA Wire ) It estimates that after the Budget UK growth would be 1.2 per cent in 2025, 1.4 per cent in 2026 and 1.1 per cent in 2027. But this changes to potentially -0.8 per cent in 2025, -1.4 per cent in 2026 and -0.5 per cent in 2027. This is based on tariffs of 10 per cent. NIESRs principal economist Ahmet Kaya: said: Tariffs work like a tax on consumption. They hit lower-income households the hardest because they spend more of their income on basic goods and services. Trump's proposed tariffs would be yet another shock to the UK economy. People in the UK would face higher prices for the products that they buy, and would have less money to spend on other goods and services. As our findings show, tariffs are often the worst solution to an economic problem, creating a lose-lose situation. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy David Lammy has moved to dampen down speculation of a rift with Donald Trump after his comments branding the president-elect a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser resurfaced. In an article in 2018 the now foreign secretary wrote about Mr Trumps first official visit to the UK and described him as a tyrant and a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath. However, in his first interview since the president-elects victory he told the BBC Newcast podcast that Mr Trumps campaign was very well run, adding: I felt in my bones that there could be a Trump presidency. David Lammy had called Donald Trump a tyrant in a toupee ( REUTERS ) Mr Lammy was further challenged in the interview about comments he made about Mr Trump before becoming foreign secretary. In the same article in 2018, the Tottenham MP said that he would be protesting against the then-governments capitulation to this tyrant in a toupee. A year earlier Mr Lammy also tweeted: Yes, if Trump comes to the UK I will be out protesting on the streets. He is a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser. Asked if he had changed his views on BBC Newscast on Thursday, Mr Lammy said his comments were old news and many politicians had said some pretty ripe things about Trump in the past. He said: I think that what you say as a backbencher and what you do wearing the real duty of public office are two different things. And I am foreign secretary. There are things I know now that I didnt know back then. Pressed whether Mr Trump had brought up the insults when the pair met in New York, Mr Lammy said: Not even vaguely. I know this is a talking point today, but in a world where theres war in Europe, where theres a tremendous loss of life in the Middle East, where the US and the UK genuinely have a special relationship, where we got someone whos about to become again, the US president, who has experience of doing the job last time round, we will forge common interests. We will agree and align on much and where we disagree, well have those conversations as well, most often in private. Mr Lammy has sought to build links with Mr Trumps regime since becoming foreign secretary, but the election result has shone a new spotlight on his comments, prompting questions about his ability to work with the next US president. Earlier this year Mr Lammy defended calling Mr Trump a neo-Nazi sociopath, saying all politicians had something to say about him back in the day. He also said he had met Mr Trumps vice-president JD Vance and that the two men had common ground. Were both from poor backgrounds, both suffered from addiction issues in our family which weve written about... both of us [are] Christians. And now Ive met him on a few occasions, and we have been able to find common ground and get on, he said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kemi Badenoch has cut into Sir Keir Starmers poll lead in her first week as Conservative Party leader, closing the gap by two points. The Techne UK weekly tracker poll for The Independent has revealed in the week since she took over from Rishi Sunak, Ms Badenoch has increased the Conservative support by one point to 25 per cent while Labour has fallen a point to 29 per cent reducing the gap from six points to four. It comes in a difficult week for Sir Keirs government with continued anger over the 40bn tax rises in the Budget particularly the farm inheritance tax raid and the increase in employer contributions to national insurance. open image in gallery Badenoch made a strong start at PMQs ( UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty ) But the reduction in Labours lead will be seen as an early personal boost for Ms Badenoch, who was praised for having a strong first showing at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, skewering Sir Keir on his ministers past attacks on Donald Trump as the world digested his election victory in America. She has not had a perfect start with questions over a social media rape joke she made before she was an MP which remained on her Facebook page. Added to that the US election has overshadowed her first week in charge. The poll offered less good news for Nigel Farage who received no extra bounce from his friend and ally in the US taking back the White House. Reform UK remained stuck at 18 per cent, although still a long way higher than their election showing of 14 per cent. Sir Ed Daveys attack on Mr Trump failed to impress voters enough to see support for the Lib Dems hold firm with their share dropping a point to 13 per cent. The Greens remained unchanged at 7 per cent. open image in gallery The prime minister is losing support ( PA ) Despite the poll boost, data in the polling of 1,632 voters over Wednesday and Thursday this week suggested that Ms Badenoch has a long way to go to turn her partys fortunes around. Labour still leads in every age category under 45 while the Conservative lead among older voters remains at four points with 55 to 64-year-olds. Where the Tories have made huge gains is among pensioners after chancellor Rachel Reeves cancelled winter fuel payments with Ms Badenoch holding a 12-point lead in this category. Support for both Labour and Tories appears to not be holding firm from the election with around a quarter of their supporters in July abandoning both parties. But one sign of hope for Ms Badenoch is that confidence in the government continues to fall dropping a point to 31 per cent this week. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Andy Burnham has hit out at Donald Trump as Labours divisions over his return to the White House become increasingly public. Sir Keir Starmer has already been warned not to roll out the red carpet for Mr Trump in the UK, as the government attempts to build bridges with the president-elect. Sir Keir sent his hearty congratulations on Wednesday, in a move seen as designed to smooth tensions after the Trump campaign accused Labour of interfering in the election in a row over activists campaigning for the Democrats. The foreign secretary David Lammy was also forced to try to dampen speculation of a rift with Mr Trump, after his comments branding the president-elect a racist KKK and Nazi sympathiser resurfaced. Asked about the result, Mr Burnham spoke of his concerns and said his city wont compromise our principles. Labour mayor Andy Burnham struck a different tone to Keir Starmer ( Sky News ) His comments appeared to echo those of London mayor Sadiq Khan, who refused to congratulate the Republican on his election win and instead issued a statement saying the result showed progress is not inevitable. Mr Burnham told the Manchester Evening News he has concerns about Mr Trumps election. He said: "I dont think its the case that we put those concerns to another side. You have to stick to what you believe to be right and thats where I think people in Greater Manchester would want me to be. "Youve got to respect the vote over there and the way people voted. But that shouldnt mean you dont open your eyes to what could be really challenging and difficult issues and things that could polarise people further - we dont want to see that. "Obviously, youve got to work with people and we will continue what were doing. Weve got lots of relationships in the US, well be in Austin in the new year, well obviously work with people, but we wont compromise our principles either." A Labour minister also struggled to name any benefits of his return to the White House in an awkward Question Time grilling. Minister for industry Sarah Jones was asked about the Republicans historic win repeatedly by host Fiona Bruce when she appeared on the show on Thursday evening. At one point the BBC host presenter asked her: Can you not think of any benefits? Earlier Mr Lammy has branded his comments about Mr Trump old news and said many politicians had said some pretty ripe things about Trump in the past. In his first interview since the president-elects victory, he told the BBC Newscast podcast that Mr Trumps campaign was very well run, adding: I felt in my bones that there could be a Trump presidency. Sir Keir has thrown his weight behind Mr Lammy amid the controversy over his past comments. Mr Lammy will remain in his post until the next election, Downing Street said on Wednesday just hours after Mr Trumps victory was secured. The vote of confidence came after the prime minister sidestepped calls to apologise for his frontbenchers attack, in an article written when he was a backbench MP in 2018. After some months of speculation, the prime minister has appointed Jonathan Powell, veteran adviser to Tony Blair, as his national security adviser. Powell, formerly a professional diplomat, spent more than a decade as Blairs chief of staff, both in opposition and in government. Famously, he was the British governments chief negotiator in the talks that led up to the historic Good Friday Agreement, and deserves a good deal of the credit for that. He was intimately involved in much of what New Labour did, and, since he left full-time official duties, has worked in consultancy and conflict resolution. Keir Starmer welcomed him because he is uniquely qualified to advise the government on tackling the challenges ahead and [to] engage with counterparts across the globe to protect and advance UK interests. It is said that, before she left her role at Starmers side, Sue Gray advised him to bring more people with governmental experience into his inner circle... In his new role, Powell will certainly fill that brief. What does the national security adviser do? The role was created in 2010 by David Cameron, ironically enough as a result of the way in which intelligence matters had been handled before the 2003 allied invasion of Iraq events that Powell had been involved with in his time with Blair. The role is, indeed, to advise the prime minister and cabinet on the various security risks to the UK, at home and abroad; and to make recommendations as appropriate to the PM. In that capacity, Powell will attend the National Security Council, which coordinates intelligence and activities across Whitehall, including the intelligence agencies, Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence and so on. The national security adviser will also, therefore, be involved in overseeing international intelligence sharing through alliances such as the Five Eyes network with America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the present context, Powell will thus be closely concerned with the defence review, domestic extremism, and the new Border Security Command in its role combating irregular migration smashing the gangs. In short: Powell will warn Starmer about whats kicking off, and what can be done about it. Is Powell a political appointment? Yes. Powell will be a special adviser, just as he was under Blair, but an unusually senior and powerful one. How will he get along with Trump? He wont have to, and the present ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce who is universally lauded, and does get on with Trump will continue in place for a while longer. Powell himself reportedly didnt fancy the role of ambassador in Washington as it was too public-facing. That said, Powell might end up as a kind of global personal envoy for Starmer, something that might conflict with David Lammys role as foreign secretary (though Powell would be the last to generate friction). What do his friends say? His old No 10 colleague Alastair Campbell said on X/Twitter: Jonathan is one of the most impressive, dedicated, hardworking and clever public service professionals I have ever worked with. It shows [Keir Starmer] is serious about the scale of foreign policy challenge ... He is also a total grown up who will take no part or interest in the personality and power games that sometimes get played in government circles. Amid all the bad news around at the moment this is good news indeed. And the foes? They actually resent his role in the Northern Ireland peace process, seeing it as surrender to the IRA, and view his more recent work in settling the dispute with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands military base as a similar betrayal of Britain. Dominic Cummings, a different breed of special adviser, was sarcastically scathing: All credit to Starmer, finally an appointment that makes sense if the goal is *give away British territory because your human rights lawyer mates say theres no alternative*, then makes sense to hire the expert on surrendering to the IRA ... *The system is working as intended* and the logical thing for the system to do is put Powell in as NSA, institutionalise *surrender to international lawyers* & bring clarity across the deep state. Any other baggage? Blairs decisions in relation to the Iraq war and the material in the dodgy dossier remain controversial. Powell actually queried the dossier, pre-publication, pointing out that it contained nothing to demonstrate a threat, let alone an imminent threat from Saddam. Last year, Powell also wrote an article in which he advocated dealing with terrorists as part of a British drive to resolve long-running conflicts. He doesnt name any specific groups, but they might include the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Taliban, and maybe even Isis: We dont have to try to be Switzerland or Norway, but we do have real-world experience in resolving our own conflicts, such as in Northern Ireland, as well as trying to prevent them elsewhere. We could unilaterally adopt a more relaxed attitude to engaging with non-state armed groups (which others call terrorists) and bring warring sides together here in the UK without having to worry about visas or clearing their travel plans with other states. And we could play a role in resolving those conflicts where the US is not focused, including in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Israel-Palestine and, above all, the tragedy of the Sahel from Mali to Niger. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmers new national security adviser wrote an article a year ago in which he recommended a more relaxed attitude to engaging with terrorist groups. Jonathan Powell, who was Tony Blairs chief of staff during the last Labour government, was appointed to the crucial role by Sir Keir after the prime minister ditched Rishi Sunaks choice, vice-chief of the defence staff General Gwyn Jenkins. Mr Powell comes to the role from negotiating the controversial handover of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, but also brings a great deal of experience to the job. As Mr Blairs chief of staff, he played a critical role in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland and ending the Troubles there. open image in gallery Jonathan Powell, who served in Tony Blairs New Labour government, brings a great deal of experience to the role ( PA Archive ) He would later be brought back into government by Tory prime minister David Cameron to help resolve the problems in Libya in 2014. He was asked to lead the Chagos talks by former Tory prime minister Liz Truss and her then foreigjn secretary James Cleverly. But in a piece for The New Statesman in October 2023, Mr Powell also laid out his vision for the diplomatic role of the UK in matters of global security. This included a suggestion that Britain could unilaterally adopt a more relaxed attitude to engaging with non-state armed groups (which others call terrorists) and bring warring sides together here in the UK without having to worry about visas or clearing their travel plans with other states. Drawing on his own experience, he wrote: We dont have to try to be Switzerland or Norway, but we do have real-world experience in resolving our own conflicts, such as in Northern Ireland, as well as trying to prevent them elsewhere. We could play a role in resolving those conflicts where the US is not focused, including in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Israel/Palestine and, above all, the tragedy of the Sahel from Mali to Niger." His suggestion appears to support engaging more readily with militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, whose status as terrorist groups has been a matter of controversy in some quarters. The appointment has been criticised by the Tories, who are angry that Mr Sunaks choice was rejected. A Conservative Party spokesperson said: Its disappointing the government have appointed another Labour apparatchik to a senior role, sidelining an experienced general. Mr Powells previous comments about the unimportance of British overseas territories are extremely concerning, and many will be worried that there is more to come. However, Sir Keir insisted that Mr Powell is uniquely qualified for the job, in which he will replace Tim Barrow. He said: Jonathan has devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country, having served for 17 years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office and 10 years as chief of staff in No 10, and I am delighted to appoint him to this important role. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has been warned a trade deal with Donald Trump risks selling out farmers already infuriated by his tractor tax. When he was last in office the new president enthusiastically embraced the idea of a post-Brexit free trade deal with the UK, but US sources have always made clear it would have to include agriculture - a key sticking point given controversial US farming methods including washing chicken in chlorine. Former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls said that to clinch the deal, Sir Keir would have to be willing to say to British farmers youre gonna have to pay a price at a time when they are already furious with the government. On Wednesday Rachel Reeves rejected an alternative proposal to her inheritance tax raid on family farms, which farmers have dubbed cruel and warned will spell the end of their industry. Prime minister Keir Starmer (L) and Donald Trump after assassination attempt (R) ( WPA Pool/Getty Images & Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ) Mr Balls said free trade deal negotiations "comes down to: are we willing to make concessions in the areas where the US will absolutely want us to do so for a meaningful trade deal? ... Two fundamental things you have to be willing to concede on: One is on agriculture, on American beef, on hormone-injected beef. You have to be willing to say to British farmers: Were really sorry, but in order to deliver lower American beef imports, youre gonna have to pay a price. He added: I would be very surprised indeed if, especially with the row the governments currently in with farmers in the NFU (National Farmers Union), that youre going to see a British government wanting to get into that space. The second issue would be healthcare, he said. He predicted the Labour government would have to be willing to say that US healthcare giants can have much greater access to the UK healthcare market and be able to provide services which NHS providers provide. Last year the then prime minister Rishi Sunak vowed that chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef would never be part of future trade deals. Both practices are associated with factory farms in the US. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars broadcasts could end next week as he faces a court-ordered auction of his company's assets to help pay the more than $1 billion defamation judgment he owes families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Or maybe not. Both opponents and supporters of the bombastic internet show and radio host have expressed interest in bidding on the Infowars properties he has built over the past 25 years. They include Roger Stone, an ally of Jones and Donald Trump, and anti-Jones progressive media groups. If Jones supporters buy the assets, he could end up staying on Infowars. Up for sale are everything from Jones' studio desk to Infowars' name, video archive, social media accounts and product trademarks. Buyers can even purchase an armored truck and video cameras. For now, Jones' personal social media, including his account on X, formerly known as Twitter, with 3 million followers, are not up for sale, but court proceedings on whether they should be auctioned are pending. The auctions resulted from Jones personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after the Sandy Hook families were awarded nearly $1.5 billion in damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas over his claims that the school shooting was a hoax. Many of Jones personal assets also are being liquidated to help pay the judgment. The deadline to submit bids and nondisclosure agreements on the Infowars assets is Friday afternoon. After the bids are reviewed, prospective buyers deemed qualified will be invited to a live auction that could see multiple bidding rounds next Wednesday. Any items not sold will be put up at another auction on Dec. 10. Jones has expressed confidence that supporters whom he did not name will buy the assets of Infowars and its parent company, Free Speech Systems, allowing him to continue using its platforms. He also appears to be preparing for losing the brand because he has set up new websites and social media accounts and has been directing his audience to them. Theres a lot of buyers, people that are patriots that want it and will come in, Jones said on his show in August. If not ... we'll work with somebody else, fire something up. And itll be a little bit of a hiccup for the crew, and things. But that will just make us bigger. Email messages to Infowars and Jones' bankruptcy lawyer were not returned. Its not clear how much money the auctions might bring in. In court documents, Free Speech Systems listed the total value of its properties and holdings at $18 million. Proceeds from the sales will go to creditors including the Sandy Hook families, who have not yet received any money from Jones and his company. Confidentiality agreements and sealed bids generally are used in auctions to maximize bid amounts while preventing bidders from talking to each other and driving down the offers. The trustee in Jones' bankruptcy case said in court documents that the procedures for the Infowars auction were designed to attract the highest possible bids. Christopher Mattei, a Connecticut lawyer representing the Sandy Hook families, called the auctions an important milestone in their yearslong fight to hold Jones accountable. He also said the families will be seeking a portion of all Jones' future income. From the beginning, the Connecticut families have sought to hold Jones fully accountable for his lies and to protect other families from him, Mattei said. Stripping Jones of the corrupt business he used to attack the families while poisoning the minds of his listeners is an important measure of justice. The families sued Jones and his company for defamation and emotional distress for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut, was a hoax staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified that they were traumatized by Jones hoax conspiracies and threats by his followers. Jones, who has since acknowledged that the shooting did happen, is appealing the judgments. Jones has made millions of dollars from his internet and radio shows, primarily through sales of nutritional supplements, survival gear, clothing and other merchandise. Stone, the Jones and Trump ally and a conservative commentator, said on his X account and on Jones' show that he would like to put together a group of investors to buy Infowars. He did not return email and social media messages on Thursday. I understand the importance of Infowars as a beacon of the truth, as a beacon of truthful information. And therefore, I would like to do whatever I possibly can to ensure, if possible, that Infowars survives," Stone said on Jones' show in September. People on social media also have urged billionaire Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and X, to buy Infowars, an idea Jones has backed but Musk has not publicly responded to. On the other side, Jones' detractors have shown interest in buying Infowars, kicking Jones out and turning it into something else, such as a news site that debunks conspiracy theories or even a parody site. They include officials at two progressive media sites, The Barbed Wire and Media Matters for America. An opinion piece by The Barbed Wire in September by publisher Jeff Rotkoff had a headline that read, "Lets Buy Infowars. Alex Jones used these exact materials to exploit his viewers, peddle conspiracy theories, and damage the lives of grieving parents. We want revenge. Rotkoff urged readers to donate money to help put in bids, but he said Thursday that The Barbed Wire, based in Jones' home state of Texas, was now unlikely to make any offers. But we have talked to a number of similarly ideologically aligned bidders and we are certain we will be outbid, Rotkoff said in an email. Were thrilled that there appear to be multiple well-resourced bidders who share our interest in undoing much of the damage to our country done by Alex Jones. Well be rooting for those folks to be successful. He declined to say who the other potential bidders were. Who exactly has submitted bids so far has not been disclosed. Jeff Tanenbaum, president of ThreeSixty Asset Advisors, which is helping to run the auction along with Tranzon Asset Advisors, would only say there have been a large number of inquiries. If detractors buy up Infowars' properties and Jones gets the boot, he should be able to build new platforms fairly quickly, said Melissa Zimdars, an associate professor of communication and media at Merrimack College in Massachusetts. As long as there is an audience hungry for his content and there is hell be able to utilize X and various fringe social media platforms," she said in an email. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Minnesota man has been found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend, who he once threatened would end up like Gabby Petito, a young woman who was murdered by her abusive boyfriend. On Thursday, a jury convicted Adam Fravel, 30, on four charges related to the murder of 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury on March 31, 2023. The jury deliberated for ten hours before reaching their verdict. Witnesses had told the jury that Fravel physically abused Kingsbury. One friend of Kingsburys testified that Favel once told the 26-year-old that, if she didnt listen to him, she would end up like Petito, a 22-year-old who was killed by Brian Laundrie during a cross-country roadtrip they took in 2021. Fravel will be sentenced on December 17. First degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Minnesota does not have the death penalty. open image in gallery Madeline Kingsbury, pictured, vanished in March 2023 ( Megan Kingsbury/Facebook ) Kingsburys father, David, said Fravel cant be punished enough. As for the verdict today, of course were glad of it [but] its a bit of a Pyrrhic victory, he said, according to NBC News. Were not going to get Madeline back. Kingsburys family now plans to create a foundation to help victims of domestic violence. "Her name is going to carry on for a very very long time," her mother Krista Hulthgren said, per NBC News. Kingsbury disappeared last year after dropping off her and Fravels two children at daycare. Police launched massive efforts with thousands of volunteers helping authorities comb through more than 120,000 acres to find the 26-year-old. Fravel was arrested after her body was found in a nearby wooded area on June 7, 2023. Kingsburys brother, also named David, said he always knew Fravel was guilty, NBC News reports. At the end of the day, youve just got to trust the process and that the truth rises to the top and is evident, it always comes out, " he said. Meanwhile, Fravels attorney called the verdict a disappointing finish. "The family was emotional, obviously Mr. Fravel was emotional, Zachary Bauer said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The husband of Suzanne Simpson, a Texas mom presumed dead after disappearing a month ago, has been charged with her murder. The 51-year-old has been missing since October 6, after a neighbor reportedly heard her screams during a late evening altercation with her husband in Olmos Park. Brad Simpson, 53, was arrested three days after her disappearance on initial charges of assault causing bodily injury-family violence, and unlawful restraint. He is now being held on a $5 million bond on charges of murder, prohibited weapons, evidence tampering, unlawful restraint, and bodily injury to a family member, said KSAT. The couples daughter has also taken to social media to accuse her father of killing her mother claiming she was the victim of domestic violence. open image in gallery The Texas mom was last seen on CCTV footage (pictured) leaving the private members club, The Argyle, in Alamo Heights, San Antonio ( Olmos Park Police Department ) On the night she vanished, the couple had returned from a party. A neighbor later said they witnessed Simpson trying to flee from her husband after an argument that grew physical outside their $1.5m mansion, as per an affidavit seen by KSAT . Despite searches across Bexar County, including landfill, she has still not been found. James Vallee Cotter, 65 and a business associate of Brad Simpson, is accused of helping him hide an AK-47 rifle that may be linked to his wifes disappearance, according to an affidavit seen by San Antonio Express-News. Cotter was arrested at his home on 21 October on charges of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. open image in gallery James Valle Cotter, 65, a business associate of Brad Simpson, (pictured) was charged with the third-degree felony of tampering or fabricating physical evidence in October ( Bexar County Jail ) The couples daughter Chandler Simpson made accusations about her father on Wednesday on social media, The San Antonio Express reported. "My mom was a victim of abuse from my father, the 20 year-old claimed on Instagram. My father took my mothers life in a state of rage and control, she further alleged. Addressing "the community of Alamo Heights," she vowed to speak out on behalf of her mother until the 51-year-old was found. With every breath, I will make sure you remember her name, she added. open image in gallery Suzanne Clark Simpson, pictured with Brad. Her family have taken to social media to express their despair at the mothers disappearance ( Facebook ) Chelsea Simpson, Suzannes other daughter took to Instagram to post a heartfelt tribute to her missing mom, stating: I will never forget all the sacrifices she made for us (although they went unnoticed in my early teen years) I know she did everything in her power to provide us with the most happy-go-lucky and enjoyable life possible, and she did just that + more. I miss her silly attitude and bubbly voice more and more every day, I would give up anything and everything to give her one last hug, or call or at the very least a goodbye. Simpson is scheduled to appear in court on November 13, according to the San Antonio Express. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Attorneys for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger are fighting to strike the death penalty in his high-profile case, arguing that the state has no real means of executing a convicted prisoner and that the so-called methods which include an inhumane firing squad as an alternative are arbitrary and unconstitutional. Kohberger, 29, a former Washington State University criminology student who is accused of slaughtering four University of Idaho students at their off-campus home in November 2022, could be sentenced to death if convicted of the murders at his trial next summer. The case of the shocking slayings that rattled the small town of Moscow was recently moved to Boise after the defense successfully argued that Kohberger would not have an impartial jury in the tight-knit community because of the extensive media coverage potentially tainting the jury pool. Dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt and tie, Kohberger appeared in Ada County courtroom on Thursday with his defense team, who argued that their client could face death by firing squad if convicted under Idaho law, due to the shortage of lethal injection drugs across the country. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, is in court as his attorneys argue to take the death penalty off the table if hes convicted ( Idaho Fourth District Court ) I dont believe our constitution allows for us to move forward and make him sit on death row for years and years and years if the way Idaho is doing it right now isnt really working, Kohbergers public defender Ann Taylor told the judge. Its not a realistic option, I think, to have him sit on death row and say Idahos going to figure out how to kill you at some point in the future in a way that isnt cruel and unusual and a violation of rights, she added. Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler, who was recently assigned to the case, asked Taylor, So youre saying the anxiety of not knowing is a constitutional violation? It is anxiety. It is fear, she responded. Its the not knowing. She argued that Idaho is currently not capable of executing inmates on death row so that to keep a person on death row without a way to execute them is dehumanizing. Latah County prosecutors responded to the defenses argument, pointing out that Idahos current method of execution is lethal injection and that it is actually available. open image in gallery Kohberger, 29, is pictured in a new mugshot that was taken when his trial was moved to Boise ( Ada County Sheriffs Office ) "You dont know decades from now what an alternative might be, maybe theyll have a better argument decades from now on the method of execution because maybe there will be another method," Deputy Attorney General Jeffery Nye said, arguing that methods of execution should not take the death sentence off the table. "You dont get to, at the beginning, short circuit the whole thing and say death is off the table because the current method is unconstitutional," Nye said, adding thats not to say decades from now theres not going to be a method to put him to death. Idaho, which is one of 27 US states that allow capital punishment, currently permits death by lethal injection and, as of last year, firing squad. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Judge Hippler said he would take the matter under advisement and issue a written ruling at a later date. Judge Hippler also ruled on an earlier motion, allowing Kohberger to wear traditional courtroom attire, as opposed to a jail jumpsuit, in pre-trial hearings. open image in gallery Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed in November 2022 at their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho ( Instagram ) Kohbergers attorney filed the motion last month, citing a Supreme Court decision from 1976 stating that forcing a defendant to wear a jail uniform to court could negatively impact whether a jury saw them as guilty of alleged crimes. The former criminology Ph.D. student has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, whose bodies were found at their off-campus house in November 2022. Kohberger was arrested around six weeks later and charged with the murders. His trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and is expected to last until November 2025. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jurors heard confessions from the Delphi murder suspect as the prosecution made one last effort during closing arguments on Thursday to convince the panel that Richard Allen is Bridge guy who allegedly killed two teenage girls in 2017. After three weeks of testimony in the long-awaited double murder trial, Allens fate is now in the hands of the jury. He could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison if convicted of all the charges. Allen, 52, faces two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping in the killings of Abigail Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty Libby German, 14, who disappeared on February 13, 2017, after going for a walk on Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. Their bodies were discovered with both of their throats cut near the trail the next day. It would take five years for Allen to be arrested in October 2022. A grainy image of bridge guy was one of the few pieces released by investigators looking for the suspect. open image in gallery Richard Allen, 52, faces two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping in the deaths of Abigail Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty Libby German, 14. ( AP ) During closing arguments on Thursday, Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland insisted that Allen was the Bridge Guy seen in a snapchat video that Libby recorded on her cell phone just before they were killed. McLeland said Allen had confessed repeatedly to the killings in recorded phone calls, which were played for the jury, including one in which Allen could be heard telling his wife, I did it. I killed Abby and Libby. He also argued that some of Allens incriminating statements contained information that only the killer could have known. Now all the pieces are clear, McLeland said. All the pieces are put together. But defense attorney Bradley Rozzi argued that Allens confessions are unreliable because he suffered a severe mental health crisis while under the stress of being locked up in isolation. A psychiatrist who testified at the trial supported the argument, testifying that months in solitary confinement could cause a person to become delirious and psychotic. Rozzi also slammed the prosecutions timeline and told jurors that Allen was not the killer, as he highlighted four points which included the states broken murder timeline, the bungled ballistics, false confessions and digital forensics. Time and time and time again, we had to do their job, Rozzi said of investigators on the case. open image in gallery Officers escort Allen out of the Carroll County courthouse following a hearing, Nov. 22, 2022. It took five years to arrest him after the killings ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He said the states timeline does not match the evidence, arguing that one or numerous people must have kidnapped the teens and returned them early the next day to the spot where they were found, Fox 59 reported. Rozzi also zeroed in on witness Brad Weber, who made contradictory statements in previous police interviews about whether he went straight home after work on the day of the murders. He claimed that at 2:30 p.m. on February 13, 2017, he drove his white van by the stretch of Deer Creek where the girls bodies were discovered. The timeline appears to line up with the case laid out by the prosecution that claims that the killer led the girls down the hill at 2:31 p.m., according to pings from Libbys phone. The phones last ping was at 2:32 p.m. Last week, the court heard from psychologist Dr. Monica Wala, who told jurors how Allen confessed to the crimes in detail to her while he was at the Westville Correctional Facility. She claimed that Allen told her that his intention was to rape the girls but said he was spooked by a white van. He then forced them into the woods and slashed their throats before covering the girls with sticks, a detail which matched the crime scene. open image in gallery German and Williams were killed in February 2017. They disappeared on February 13, 2017, after going for a walk on Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana ( Delphi Police ) Perhaps the defenses biggest revelation in court was a digital forensics expert who said headphones or an auxiliary cable were plugged into Libbys cellphone for nearly five hours after she and Abby disappeared. Her testimony called into question the investigators belief that the girls were killed and left in the woods around 2:32 p.m. During the trial, prosecutors showed the court a grainy cell phone video, which they said shows Allen walking behind Abby as they crossed the Monon High Bridge. McLeland said a state trooper who had listened to more than 700 phone calls placed by Allen had identified Allens voice on the video telling the teens to go down the hill. An unspent bullet found between the girls bodies at the crime scene came from Allens Sig Sauer, a .40-caliber handgun, prosecutors said. Prosecutors have said the bullet had been cycled through Allens gun, while a firearms expert called by the defense during the trial questioned the state police analysis of that unspent round. The defense wrapped up its closing as it referred to the magic bullet as the tragic bullet and said the totality of the evidence make it impossible that Richard Allen is the killer, Fox 59 reported. No one identified Allen as Bridge Guy, Rozzi told the jury, adding that there is no DNA or digital evidence linking him to the crime scene and no link between Allen and the girls. open image in gallery German posted a Snapchat as the girls walked along the trail in the minutes before they were killed ( Snapchat ) He ended his closing with with a photo of a medieval torture device and showed photos of Allens jail cell that included some of him lying down naked in a hood. Allen was held in conditions no man or woman should endure, Rozzi said. Weve asked you to set Richard Allen free and find him not guilty, he added. Before the trial began, Allens attorneys had sought to argue that the girls were killed in a ritual sacrifice by members of a white nationalist group known as the Odinists who follow a pagan Norse religion, but the judge ruled against that, saying the defense failed to produce admissible evidence of such a connection. The bizarre case that has drawn attention from true crime enthusiasts and has also been shrouded in mystery and plagued by delays, shifting narratives, controversies, chaotic developments and evidence leaks is now in the hands of the jury. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A man has been charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing his girlfriend after he became enraged over her new haircut. Benjamin Gual, 49, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has been accused of plunging a kitchen knife into the torso of mom Carmen Martinez-Silva, 50, then stabbing her brother, Luis, and attempting to attack two more witnesses, according to court documents. When police arrived in the front yard of Luis mobile home in East Hempfield Township on Sunday afternoon, Martinez-Silva was unresponsive. A couple of hours later, she was pronounced dead. Authorities transported Martinez-Silvas brother to Lancaster General Hospital after he sustained lacerations to the head, torso and arm, according to a statement from East Hempfield Township Police Department hours after the incident. Gual now faces charges of murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held at the Lancaster County Prison without bail and a preliminary hearing is yet to be scheduled. open image in gallery Carmen Martinez-Silva was brutally stabbed to death one Sunday, November 3, after her lover allegedly disliker her haircut ( GoFundMe/Jarline Rivera ) Authorities said Gual became angry after the victims daughter, Yamaris Knight, revealed that her mother had changed her hairstyle. Yamaris stated that Carmen cut her hair, which angered Benjamin, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Law & Crime. Carmen relayed to Yamaris that Benjamin told her that he was going to stab her over her haircut. The morning after staying at her daughters home on Saturday evening, Martinez-Silva visited her brother to ask if he would tell Benjamin that their relationship was over, per the complaint. Gual arrived at Luis residence brandishing a knife, as he attempted to stab the brother before turning the blade towards Martinez-Silva and impaling her multiple times throughout her body, authorities said. After taking swipes at two other witnesses, Gual hid out in a Toyota Corolla with his knife until authorities arrived at the scene, the complaint says. The victims heart-broken family spoke out about the devastating tragedy. My beautiful mother is no longer with us. Im sorry to those I havent responded to, I have no words at this time. The family is devastated by this loss we wouldve never imagined a tragedy like this would happened to our beloved Carmen, the Martinez-Silva family wrote on the victims GoFundMe page. The Independent has contacted East Hempfield Township Police Department and the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office for more information. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fifty years after the murder case of a 24-year-old woman went cold, authorities say they identified her killer. Mary K Schlais was stabbed to death on February 15, 1974 when she was believed to be hitchhiking from Minneapolis to Chicago for an art show. Now, five decades later, the Dunn County Sheriffs Office arrested Jon Keith Miller, 84, for her homicide. Investigators found Miller from genetic evidence a hair found on a hat left at the crime scene, according to the criminal complaint seen by CBS News . The hat belonged to Miller, he told investigators. After tracking him down at his apartment in Owatonna, Minnesota, police interviewed Miller, who confirmed his involvement with Marys homicide in 1974, the sheriff said. open image in gallery A man was arrested for the murder of Mary K Schlais, who was killed in 1974 while hitchhiking ( Dunn County Sheriffs Office ) Miller confessed that he had picked up the young hitchhiker and asked for sexual contact, the complaint says. She refused his advances, prompting him to grab a knife in the car and fatally stab her in the back. Schlais was found dead with multiple stab wounds. But the murder weapon has not yet been recovered, Sheriff Kevin Bygd said at a press conference. He faces one first-degree murder charge, records show. The 84-year-old is being held in custody in Steele County, Minnesota and is awaiting extradition to Dunn County later on Friday. In 1974 it wasnt that unusual for somebody to hitchhike their way from Minneapolis to Chicago. But its stories like this that is the reason we dont let our kids do it anymore, Bygd said. This was a very bright young lady who had a very bright future ahead of her, and her life was taken away from her way too young. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The wife of an Illinois judge was arrested after he was found fatally shot to death outside the couples home. Officials say that County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine, 41, was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds at the property in Edwards County. Police say that the victims body was found lying outside the home in Albion, Illinois. His wife, Megan Valentine, 44, was arrested and charged with his murder. Court records state that she has been charged with three counts of murder, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery. The judge was in the second year of a six-year term as a judge. On behalf of all of the judges of the Second Judicial Circuit, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Edwards County Resident Judge Michael J. Valentine, said the office of the Chief Judge of the Illinois Second Judicial Circuit. open image in gallery Illinois judge Michael Valentine found shot to death at home ( Village of Orland Park, Illinois ) Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. The suspect was booked into Edwards County Jail and made her first court appearance on Thursday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Florida woman has been accused of murdering her roommate who went missing on Christmas Day almost two years ago. Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez, 42, was charged with second degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and grand theft, following the disappearance of Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, also 42. Her body has still not been found. According to the Orlando Police Department, Medina-Pachecho was reported missing on December 27, 2022. open image in gallery Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, 42, was reported missing on Christmas Day 2022 ( Orlando Police Department ) At the time Victoria-Gonzalez, who had been the one to contact OPD, stated she had not seen her roommate since Christmas Day. However, as the investigation continued, detectives discovered numerous inconsistencies in the version of events as described by Victoria-Gonzalez. A search warrant was executed at their residence, where significant evidence was recovered, indicating a violent incident had occurred. Following a comprehensive investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, detectives determined that Victoria-Gonzalez was residing in Hartford, Connecticut. open image in gallery Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez has been arrested and charged with murder following the disappearance of her roommate, Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, on Christmas Day 2022 ( Orlando Police Department ) After traveling to Hartford and conducting an additional interview with her, investigators developed probable cause to charge Victoria-Gonzalez. Footage of the arrest showed Victoria-Gonzalez wearing a red dress, being led down a corridor by officers. No further details as to the circumstances of Medina-Pachechos disappearance were given. In a press release OPD said: We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Hartford Police Department for their support in this investigation. The force urges anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Orlando Police Department Homicide Unit or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three elementary school teachers have been accused of abusing children after allegedly feeding one hot sauce and spicy Takis chips despite knowing they had digestive issues. Marrisa Johnson, 26, Makayla Lomax, 31, and Morgan Donahue, 21, all face charges of endangering the welfare of a child at Smyrna Elementary School in Delaware. An investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice found an alleged pattern of disturbing behavior operating in a special needs elementary classroom by multiple members of staff. The three women who worked at the school would throw objects at the students, yell at them, and call them names, according to the report. Lomax is accused of striking a child in the face and spraying them with water to discipline them, police said. In another incident outside of the classroom in the fall of 2022, Johnson and Donahue allegedly fed hot sauce and hot Takis to a special needs student who had a known digestive disability. Lomax is accused of child abuse in the third degree, offensive touching, and nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She is being held under a $12,500 unsecured bond with no contact orders. Johnson is charged with 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and is held on a $10,000 unsecured bond while Donahue is facing one count of endangering the welfare of a child with a $500 bond. According to a statement from the Smyrna School District, staff officials reported the alleged wrongdoing to the Division of Family Services and the Smyrna Police Department in February. We have worked diligently with our law enforcement partners throughout the investigation, a spokesperson said. The community and school system have been patiently waiting the conclusion of those extraordinary efforts. We appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of law enforcement in bringing closure to this troubling matter. The relevant employees have not been in the presence of our students since the district was made aware of the alleged wrongdoing. Most individuals alleged to be involved no longer work for the District. Student safety is of paramount importance to the Smyrna School District, the statement continued. We will continue to evaluate and improve all aspects of school safety. We will also continue to support our school community through this difficult time. It is not clear from the statement who else was investigated, or for what specific allegations, The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Wyoming officials will proceed with selling a pristine piece of state property within Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for $100 million and end decades of threats to sell it to the highest-bidding private developer. The 3-2 vote by the state Board of Land Commissioners made up of Gov. Mark Gordon and the other top four state elected officials, all Republicans puts the square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) parcel with an unobstructed view of the Teton Range a step closer to becoming part of the park. The land that has been a bone of contention between Wyoming and federal officials for decades may now finally be on track to sell by the end of this year. "There's clearly a right decision to be made. This is a very rare opportunity for you to do the right thing for education in Wyoming," Wyoming Senate President Ogden Driskill, a Republican, urged the board before the vote. Conservation and sportsmen's groups have made similar appeals to keep the property out of private hands even though selling to developers could net the state the highest dollar return. The state land surrounded by national parkland on all sides has belonged to Wyoming since statehood. However, leasing it for grazing has brought in only a few thousand dollars a year, far below what the state could get from a modest return on investing the proceeds of a sale. As in other states particularly in the West, revenue from state lands funds public education. The two officials voting no said they hoped to strike a better deal under President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration, possibly involving a swap for fossil-fuel-rich federal lands elsewhere in the state. One was state Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, who said she wanted to protect the land but get the best deal possible. "This is the most valuable piece of property Wyoming has ever had," Degenfelder said before the vote. "To me, we can't sell Wyoming short. I don't believe that voting it down today or tabling it today, as I prefer, is closing doors." open image in gallery The square-mile piece of land has sold for a huge amount of money ( Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. ) For decades, Wyoming governors have threatened to sell the land within Grand Teton to the highest bidder if the federal government wouldn't buy it. The threats led to on-and-off negotiations and three previous sales of other state land within the park to the federal government totaling $62 million. The Wyoming Legislature approved the $100 million purchase in the state budget last winter. Under the deal, a federal fund will provide the land's appraised value of $62 million and privately raised money the rest. Lawmakers stipulated that the governor could walk away from the deal if a plan by President Joe Biden's administration to limit oil and gas drilling and other development in a vast area of southwestern Wyoming moves ahead. The plan irks many in Wyoming, which relies on fossil fuels for jobs and revenue. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management appears set to meet legislators' requirements by approving a not-so-restrictive plan by the end of this month, state Treasurer Curt Meier said. "This is the time for us to go forward," Meier said before voting to approve the sale. Grand Teton Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in an emailed statement he appreciated Wyoming's support for protecting the land and looked forward to completing the transaction. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Texas woman who vanished without vital medication on Monday morning has been found safe, police confirmed. Melonie Ballenger, 46, went to bed with her husband, Daniel, at their home in Wylie, Texas on Sunday evening. However, in the early hours on Monday morning, the family woke to find she had finished without her cash, credit card, wallet, ID, her husband of 22-years explained. open image in gallery Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said ( Wylie Police Department ) An extensive search was launched including K9 units, a helicopter and flyering, yielding no results. Local residents were even asked to review outdoor camera footage between 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Monday to help cops search for clues, while on Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue Alert, which helps authorities find missing, kidnapped, or abducted adults aged 18 to 64, who are in immediate danger of injury or death. However, good news finally arrived on Friday afternoon when Wylie Police Department confirmed that she had been found just over a mile from her home. At approximately 5:15 pm, Melonie was located near Abby Ln and Tyler Trail by a resident. She was found to be severely dehydrated but otherwise in good health, a statement from the force read. Melonie is currently being reunited with her family and taken to a hospital for treatment. We want to thank everyone who worked day and night trying to find her. Please respect the privacy of the family as they reunite with their loved one. Again, Melonie has been located and is safe. The fears over Melonies whereabouts grew as the mom-of-two is due to undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks and also left medication critical to her health at her home. The fears were felt across the community, with neighbors packing the Gateway Community Church offering prayers for Ballengers safe return at a vigil on Tuesday night after the country cast its ballots in the presidential election. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Women have been told not to panic as the website of the leading mail-order abortion pill provider in the US has crashed in the hours after Donald Trumps election victory as Americans rushed to stock up on medication. Dr Rebecca Gomperts, founder of Aid Access, told The Independent the platform received 10,000 requests for medication for terminations in the 24 hours after Trumps win almost 15 times more than the 600 or so requests they tend to get per day. The leading abortion rights activist said soaring demand caused their website to crash for two hours last night, but it is now back up and running again. Americans are fearful that Mr Trump could implement a national abortion ban after he is sworn into office for a second time in January. The president-elect suggested he would support a national ban on terminations at around 15 weeks of pregnancy in March, but also said he believed states should decide their own abortion policies, during the end of his recent campaign. Dr Gomperts said: People are stockpiling abortion pills. They are wanting to have the pills at hand in case anything happens and they are taken off the market. The website crashed because it couldnt keep up. The requests are coming in. I can see when people are submitting an application. People are really anxious. The doctor explained she had been in Paris with her American physicians and support staff when the presidential results came in on Wednesday - saying that they put a resilience plan in place and went through various different scenarios that could emerge. There are enough abortion pills to provide for anyone who wants but people are very anxious and afraid that they wont be available anymore Dr Rebecca Gomperts Her organisation already has a system in place whereby doctors in states where abortion is legal prescribe and post abortion pills to patients living in states where terminations are illegal. We said we will continue working, we will do what we do, nothing will stop us, Dr Gomperts said. Abortion is the most important form of healthcare for women. Data from the Guttmacher Institute shows medical abortions in the formal US healthcare system have surged from 53 per cent of all abortions in 2020 to 63 per cent of all terminations last year. open image in gallery Rebecca Gomperts ( Women on Waves / Vessel Documentary ) It is important that people dont panic, Dr Gomperts said. There are enough abortion pills to provide for anyone who wants but people are very anxious and afraid that they wont be available anymore. Dr Gomperts, who is based in Amsterdam, said even if the Trump administration were to enact a national abortion ban, people would still be able to get abortion pills through Aid Access and other organisations. Used by millions of people for over 30 years, decades of research and experience has shown abortion pills are safe and effective. Sarah Shaw I understand there are millions and millions of abortion pills being made every year in India and China, she added. It is going to continue no matter what. It is the revolution of the pills. Millions of women in America lost their legal right to terminate a pregnancy after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade - the landmark decision that legalised abortion nationwide in 1973 - in June 2022. Mr Trumps arrival into the White House in January 2017 emboldened anti-abortion activists - with the former US president previously appointing the Supreme Court justices who went on to reverse Roe vs Wade. His recent win has sparked fears that abortion and wider reproductive rights could be at further risk once Mr Trump re-enters the White House in January. Sarah Shaw, associate director of advocacy for leading global abortion and contraception provider, MSI Reproductive Choices, said: "Used by millions of people for over 30 years, decades of research and experience has shown abortion pills are safe and effective. But legal restrictions can limit access, particularly for adolescents and those living in poverty, remote communities and crisis settings. Our teams working in countries with restricted abortion laws see the horrific lengths women go to when they are denied access to safe care. Following the overturning of Roe v Wade, which struck down the constitutional right to abortion, American women are already having to cross state boundaries and even across the border to our clinics in Cancun and Mexico City where our teams stand ready to support. Removing this lifeline would be catastrophic." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A fugitive Iranian government operative is accused of hiring a pair of New Yorkers he met in prison to carry out an assassination plot against a critic of the regime, and allegedly admitted to FBI agents that hed also been tasked with finding a hit squad to kill President-elect Donald Trump. Farhad Shakeri, 51, claimed he was asked in September by regime officials to put aside his other efforts... and focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court. Shakeri countered that this would cost a huge amount of money, to which his regime contact replied, [W]e have already spent a lot of money .. . [s]o the moneys not an issue. Shakeri said he was given a deadline of mid-October. The complaint also reveals that, in a separate assassination plot, Shakeri was told by his Iranian government contacts to locate a hitman capable of surveilling, then murdering, an unnamed journalist in the U.S. It says Shakeri, an Afghani national and former New York resident, offered $100,000 to two men, Carlisle Pop Rivera, 49, and Jonathan Loadholt, 36, while serving a 14-year sentence for robbery. Rivera and Loadholt were arrested Thursday in Brooklyn and Staten Island, and remain detained pending trial on charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. Shakeri, who is believed to be in Iran and out of US law enforcements reach, faces the same charges as Rivera and Loadholt, plus conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the Government of Iran. The Iranian government engages in these activities to silence dissidents, and, in the case of political enemies, to seek revenge and sow discord, the complaint states. It also says the regime was out to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike during the Trump administration. open image in gallery The Iranian government is out to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike during the Trump administration. ( AFP via Getty Images ) According to the complaint, Shakeri who spoke with the FBI five times by phone between September 30 and November 7, from Iran told federal agents he worked in the oil and gas business and had been recruited by a senior member of the the regimes feared Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After learning that Shakeri had previously lived in New York City, the IRGC officer, who told Shakeri his name was Majid Soleimani, asked him about investigating a reporter in Brooklyn, identified in the complaint as Victim-1. The journalist, who identified herself on social media as Masih Alinejad, has been targeted by Tehran for years. Shakeri told the FBI that he had met with Soleimani about a dozen times at restaurants around Tehran, and that Soleimani demanded he leave his phone outside when they got together, the complaint states. He said Soleimani set up the meetings through intermediaries, so there would be no record of any communication between them, according to the complaint. Soleimani, who already seemed to have a plethora of information about Victim-1s whereabouts, told Shakeri hed pay $1.5 million to have her killed, nighttime, daytime, anywhere. (Shakeri told the FBI he agreed to speak with them in an attempt to help get a sentence reduction for an associate jailed in the US.) In December 2023, Shakeri contacted Rivera and Loadholt, who overlapped with Shakeri behind bars while they served time for manslaughter and murder, about the job. They put the reporter under surveillance, but things broke down last August over Shakeris financial promises which had not yet materialized. "Yo wtf, Loadholt wrote to Rivera after yet another payment didnt come through, according to the complaint. "... Im screaming my head off ryt now[.] "Me too," Rivera replied. Im so frustrated son Im like ready to jump out the window," Loadholt texted back. In his talks with the FBI, Shakeri said Soleimani had also asked him to surveil two Jewish businesspeople in New York City, who are not identified in court records, and to engage a death squad to carry out a mass shooting of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. On October 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas deadly cross-border attack on Israeli civilians, Shakeri was told to provide an operational plan to kill Donald Trump within seven days, the complaint states. If he couldnt do it within that timeframe, according to Shakeri, his IRGC handlers told him to wait until after the election. If Trump lost, as many expected, it would be easier to assassinate [him], Shakeri said, according to the complaint. During the interview, Shakeri claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC, it says. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organization has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply wont be tolerated. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. Were committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans. Editors Note: The headline on this article was updated to clarify that only one person was implicated in the alleged plot against Trump. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, social media users began pushing two conflicting narratives to suggest election fraud. One revived false claims by Trump that the 2020 vote was stolen from him and the other questioned how Vice President Kamala Harris could have received so many fewer votes in 2024 than President Joe Biden in 2020. Both narratives hinge on a supposed 20 million vote gap between Harris and Biden. open image in gallery Many democrats have been despondant after the loss to Donald Trump ( EPA ) Heres a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: President Joe Biden won approximately 20 million more votes in the 2020 election than Vice President Kamala Harris earned in the 2024 race, proving either that Trump has cheated his way to a second term or that there was widespread fraud four years ago. THE FACTS: The claims are unfounded. Votes from Tuesdays presidential election are still being counted, so any comparison with previous races would not be accurate. In addition, election officials and agencies monitoring the vote have reported no significant issues with Tuesdays election. Claims of widespread fraud in 2020 have been debunked countless times. As we have said repeatedly, our election infrastructure has never been more secure and the election community never better prepared to deliver safe, secure, free, and fair elections for the American people, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly said in a statement. This is what we saw [on Tuesday] in the peaceful and secure exercise of democracy. Importantly, we have no evidence of any malicious activity that had a material impact on the security or integrity of our election infrastructure. open image in gallery Kamala Harris urged people to accept the results of the election ( REUTERS ) Multiple Pennsylvania officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, said that they had not seen any signs of cheating and called the election secure after Trump said in a Truth Social post Tuesday that there was a lot of talking about massive CHEATING in Philadelphia. And yet, posts circulated online claiming otherwise, receiving hundreds of thousands of likes and shares. 20 MILLION VOTES WERENT COUNTED, reads one X post. I KNEW IT TRUMP CHEATED. Another X post, which shared a bar graph of presidential election results from 2012-2024, states: If these numbers are accurate, this is indicative of a stolen 2020 election. 20 million votes just disappeared. In other words there were potentially 20 million fraudulent votes last cycle. Thats an insane number. The Democratic candidates in 2012 and 2016 both won nearly 66 million votes, a bit less than Harris current count. Harris had won about 67 million votes as of Wednesday afternoon, compared to the approximately 81 million Biden garnered in 2020 a difference of about 14 million. But that gap is decreasing as the vote count continues. No state has counted 100% of its ballots yet. open image in gallery (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics ) Trump is so far lagging behind his 2020 total by approximately 2 million votes, but this gap is also decreasing as more votes are counted. Despite persistent claims that Trump won the 2020 election, including from Trump himself, there is no evidence that this is true. Biden won the Electoral College with 306 votes to Trumps 232, and the popular vote by more than 7 million ballots. Many battleground states conducted recounts or thorough reviews of their results, all of which confirmed Bidens victory. An exhaustive Associated Press investigation in 2021 found fewer than 475 instances of confirmed voter fraud across six battleground states nowhere near the magnitude required to sway the outcome of the presidential election. Trump was repeatedly advised by members of his own administration that there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Numerous legal challenges alleging voter fraud pursued by the Trump campaign and its backers were heard and roundly rejected by dozens of courts at the state and federal level, including by judges whom Trump appointed. The allegations now spreading about fraud in the 2024 race echo many baseless claims that emerged four years ago. Vice President Kamala Harris called Trump on Wednesday afternoon to concede the race and congratulate him. We must respect the results of this election, she said in her concession speech. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Todd Blanche, an attorney who represented Donald Trump in his hush money trial, was reportedly one of the individuals whose phones were targeted by Chinesehackers. The FBI informed Blanche of the breach last week, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The hackers were able to obtain voice recordings and text messages from the device phone, none of the information was related to the president-elect, one of the sources said. The Bureau also reported that communications with Blanches family had also been accessed from the phone, CNNsaid. Blanche has reportedly been using a different number since the incident. Blanche was part of the defense team for Trump in his Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, in Florida, and also the high-profile hush money case. Trump subsequently became the first former president, and now president-elect, to have been convicted of criminal charges. The attorney is allegedly being considered for assistant attorney general, White House counsel or FBI director. Todd Blanche, the attorney who represented Donald Trump in his hush money trial, was reportedly one of the individuals whose phones were targeted by Chinese hackers ( via REUTERS ) Blanche is the second of two Trump attorneys believed to be targeted by foreign hackers, further details of which emerged last month. CNNreported in August that attorney Lindsey Halligan was targeted as part of a separate Iranian hacking effort, though the timing of that attempt and the extent of any breach of her devices or accounts remains unclear. Last month The New York Times reported that multiple people in Trumps inner-circle, including JD Vance and the president-elect himself, may also have been the target of Chinese hackers. Investigators from national security agencies including the FBI informed the Trump campaign that phone numbers had been targeted through the infiltration of Verizon phone systems. Data that may have been accessed by the hackers includes who those targeted have called and texted, how often they communicated with certain people, and how long they talked to those people. Such information could be highly valuable to countries such as China. Even without the content of messages, the data could be used to identify those close to Trump and Vance, including people such as Blanche. The Independent has contacted Blanche for comment on the alleged data breach. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former senior adviser to Barack Obama has criticized the Democratic Party for snobbery, and disillusionment among working-class voters following its US election rout. In an excoriating takedown of his own party, David Axelrod highlighted the Democrat failure to reach blue collar voters and large parts of the electorate who hadnt gone to college. In an interview with CNN on Thursday night, Axelrod said the Democrats had become an increasingly smarty-pants, suburban, college-educated party, suggesting that they failed to appeal to people from lower-class and non-college educated backgrounds. The only group that Democrats gained within the election on Tuesday was White college graduates, and among working-class voters, there was a significant decline, he added. The former chief strategist to the Obama administration said the blue vote was only won by people who make more than a hundred thousand dollars a year and that the party failed to have commonality with a broad spectrum of classes in the US. Adding: You cant win national elections that way, and it certainly shouldnt be that way for a party that fashions itself as the party of working people. Axelrod among Obama staff in 2009 ( Getty Images ) As the news broke of Donald Trumps projected defeat on Wednesday morning, the veteran strategist appeared on CNN to spell out to viewers that racism and sexism had severely impacted the result and urged analysts to remain clear-eyed about the reality of that bias. He told the broadcaster: Lets be honest about this. Lets be absolutely blunt about it: There were appeals to racism in this campaign, and there is racial bias in this country, and there is sexism in this country. Anyone who did not believe that prejudice played a part in the outcome was simply wrong, he stated. Donald Trump became the first criminally convicted US leader after he was elected by the American people to be the 47th president of the United States. His extraordinary victory was an improvement on his 2016 win, and 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The final votes are still being counted in the presidential election, but its official that Republican Donald Trump cinched a victory against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Exit polls have given us some insight into how different groups voted and there have been some drastic shifts since 2020. At first glance, the expected gender divide between men and women was less drastic, but strong splits emerged among Black and Latino voters. Latino men leaned Republican overall for the first time, and 1 in 5 Black men voted for Trump. Democrats may no longer be able to rely on young voters to boost numbers, as Harris appears on track to have the lowest support among voters aged 18-29 in this century. Read here for the Independents analysis of voter demographics in the 2024 election: Diving into the Latino shift for Trump One of the biggest shifts in this election came among Latino voters, among whom Trump made gains of +12 points from 2020, ending up with 45 percent of the vote compared to 53 percent for Harris. The main movement was comprised of Latino men, who supported Trump more than Harris in this election. Our DC Bureau Chief Eric Garcia reports that the signs were there for the Democrats losing Latino voters, and that the economy was the biggest motivator in voting for Trump. In many key Hispanic counties, Trump saw huge gains in his favor. Momentum was building for Trump among Latinos in rural areas, and he has snatched up two predominantly Hispanic counties in Texas (Willacy County and Starr County). In other rural Hispanic counties, such as San Miguel in New Mexico and Santa Cruz in Arizona, Harris maintained the Democratic lead but lost up to 17 percent of the vote. open image in gallery Participants pray for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, during a roundtable with Latino leaders in Florida. ( AP ) But Trumps success wasnt only concentrated in rural areas. In urban areas with predominantly Hispanic populations, Trump also succeeded in consolidating his support. In Florida, Trump has flipped Miami-Dade County in his favor, which has around a 69 percent Hispanic population. Trump also won Orlando-neighbouring Osceola County by 2 percent. Biden won the county in 2020, which has a 54 percent Hispanic makeup, by 14 points. Meanwhile in El Paso, Texas (83 percent Hispanic), Trump swung 20 percent of the vote his way; although Harris still won out overall. The Black vote There has been significant speculation over the Democrats losing the Black vote. Overall, the number of Black voters choosing Trump remained similar to NBCs 2020 exit poll: increasing by 1 point to 13 percent. Yet the focus has shifted to the widening gender divide between Black women and Black men. In 2020, just 9 percent of Black women voted for Trump in 2020, and 19 percent of Black men, according to NBCs exit poll. This year, the proportion of Black men voting Trump increased to 21 percent, and among Black women, support decreased to just 7 percent. Harris is a Black woman. Will Pierce, former adviser to Bernie Sanders and current Republican strategist who focuses on the Black electorate, says that Black men were not prioritized in this election. The lack of focus on Black mens issues is starting to have a visible impact. When people dont feel appreciated, they may seek representation elsewhere. This could mark a turning point in how both parties engage with Black voters, he told the Independent. What is most apparent is the increased gap of 14 percent between Black men and women. Out of all demographic groups, Black women were Harriss strongest supporters (91 percent), second only to Black voters aged 65+. open image in gallery Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech at her alma mater, Howard University, a historically black college that she attended ( Getty Images ) Some commentators argue that Black men are naturally shifting to the right, since they tend to be both more culturally conservative and more economically liberal than the current version of the Democratic Party. Pierce points to Sanders statement on the Democrats abandoning the working class, as also being applicable to Black voters. It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right, Sanders wrote in a statement on X. Former President Barack Obama also seemingly addressed the cold feet around Harris last month, attributing it to hesitation around a female president. Part of it makes me think and Im speaking to men directly part of it makes me think that, well, you just arent feeling the idea of having a woman as president, he said in October. The gender divide shrank Another major concern for both parties in this election was the apparent divide between male and female voting patterns. Yet despite warnings of a colossal gender gap, the exit poll picture is not so clear. On the one hand, women were more evenly split than in 2020, with an 8 percent lead for Harris compared to a 15 percent lead for Biden among women voters. Among men, though, Trump improved his bastion of support from an 8-point margin to a 13-point margin, according to the exit polls. Though there is clearly a gender-based trend, the final numbers are far smaller than the 23-point lead predicted in the weeks before the election. A gender divide appears in every racial group; most strongly among Latino men and women, the former of whom are 17 percent more likely to support Trump. The young vote cant be taken for granted The youngest generations (age 18 to 29) have been considered a reliable source of Democratic support in the 20th century. In 2020, NBCs exit polls showed Biden winning 60 percent of the young vote and Trump just 36 percent. But this year, Trump closed the gap by 7 percent among people aged 18-29 in the 2024 election. The exit polls show 54 percent voted for Harris and 43 percent for Trump; only a 12-point margin. open image in gallery Logan Paul was one among many podcasters who broadcasted Trump to their young male fanbases. ( Impaulsive/X ) In particular, young men were 12 percent more likely to vote Trump than young women; and this was no accident. According to reports, the Trump campaign was instructed to consult 18-year-old Barron on his dads appearances with podcasters popular with young men, like those with Logan Paul and Theo Von. An estimated 3 percent of young people voted for a third party; part of which may have been linked to dissatisfaction among certain groups over the Democrats stance on Gaza. Across all ages, Jill Stein received over 644,000 votes so far, and Chase Oliver received 578,000; even RFK Jr, who dropped out of the race, received at least 619,000 votes. Among other age groups, the results were roughly similar to 2020. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As Donald Trump secured his second term as US president, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have had cause for concern about their new life in Montecito. Trump took to the stage in Florida in the early hours of Wednesday morning to address the nation, celebrating his unprecedented and powerful mandate after sweeping through key swing states, including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. His victory coincides with a precarious visa battle for the Sussexes, which may be complicated by their strained relationship with the president. The Republican has previously weighed in on Prince Harrys US visa application, which has come under scrutiny after Harry admitted in his memoir Spare to using cocaine, smoking marijuana, and experimenting with magic mushrooms as a teenager. Speaking at a political conference in February, Trump claimed the Biden administration had been too gracious to Harry since his 2020 move to California with Meghan open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) Mr Trump told the Express: I wouldnt protect him. He betrayed the Queen. Thats unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me. Shortly after Harry admitted to the drug use, a conservative think tank in Washington DC called The Heritage Foundation questioned why he was allowed into the country in 2020. Harry has expressed his wish to become a US citizen but this year, a judge ruled that his visa application should remain private as the public does not have a strong interest in disclosure of the dukes immigration records. I do think theres a strong possibility that this could happen. Its the presidents prerogative, Nile Gardiner, Director Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom said. Also the new Homeland Security Secretary could order a review of Harrys immigration application. There are multiple things that could happen but it would be in the best interests of the American people if the Trump administration releases Prince Harrys records for public scrutiny and Harry should be held to account. The question of his right to stay in the States was spoken about by Trumps son just one week before the election. Eric Trump also lashed out at the duke and duchess, claiming the only reason Prince Harrys US Visa is safe is because no one cares about him. open image in gallery Eric Trump lashed out at the duke and duchess, claiming the only reason Prince Harrys US Visa is safe is because no one cares about him. ( Getty Images ) He told the Daily Mail how much his father loved the late Queen Elizabeth II and how much damage Harry caused to the royal family after he and Meghan decided to leave their positions. Truthfully I dont give a damn about Prince Harry and I dont think this country does either, he said, suggesting Harry had gone off the deep end and its sad to watch. Despite the arguments regarding Harrys visa, he said he did not think it should be revoked. I dont give a damn if he did drugs. It means nothing, he said. Trump and the Sussexes have been embroiled in a long-running feud following the couples vocal criticism of the president. Meghan first made her views on Trump known shortly before he became US president in 2016. Speaking on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, Meghan called Trump divisive and misogynistic. Trump didnt respond to Meghans comments until three years later when, ahead of his UK state visit, Trump said: I didnt know she was nasty. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Trump backtracked on his comment about Meghan, saying he thought she was very nice. open image in gallery President previously called Duchess of Sussex 'nasty' In 2020, Trump said the Sussexes must pay for their security costs, after it was revealed the Sussexes had relocated from Canada to Los Angeles and in the same year, he said he was not a fan of Meghan after she encouraged Americans to vote for Biden. Trump said: Im not a fan of hers. I wish a lot of luck to Harry, hes going to need it. In 2021 and 2022, Trump continued his attacks on the couple, telling Nigel Farage that he thought Harry had been used horribly and that his marriage ruined his relationship with his family. Later, speaking to Piers Morgan in 2022, Trump said Harry is whipped like no person I think Ive ever seen and that Meghan will likely leave him when she decides that she likes some other guy better. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Joe Rogan elevated an election integrity conspiracy theory while celebrating Donald Trumps presidential win, suggesting if the former president had not won the election, it may have been rigged. So, turns out voting works. Its real, Rogan said with delight on Thursdays episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. His comment came hours after the Associated Press called the 2024 presidential election for Trump, who had been lagging narrowly behind Vice President Kamala Harris in most national polls. open image in gallery Podcast host Joe Rogan celebrated Donald Trumps win on his podcast after endorsing the former president ( PowerfulJRE / YouTube ) Media outlets, election pollsters and others predicted Harris would win the election but that it would be very close and difficult to determine the outcome for several days. The actual results showed the opposite, Trump won by a comfortable margin less than a day after polls closed. As much as we f***ing thought they had it rigged, as much as we thought there was shenanigans and bulls*** and its just a puppet show and theres now way anybody can buck the system turns out, voting is still real, Rogan said. He added, Clearly he was too big to rig repeating a slogan Trump has adopted at rallies in encouraging supporters to turn out for him. Rogans claim that voting is still real insinuates that at one point, voting was not real. That claim can be tied to the widespread false claims of voter fraud that the former president espoused after the 2020 election when he lost to President Joe Biden. There was no evidence of mass voter fraud or that the 2020 election was rigged by Democrats. X users were quick to point this out when sharing the Rogan clip. Despite that, the former president continues to assert he lost 2020 unfairly. He began to tee up similar claims before the 2024 results, seemingly preparing to make similar claims had the election not swung in his favor. Rogan accused the media of gaslighting the public into believing Harris would win the election with preliminary polling numbers and accusations that Trump is dangerous. Later on in the podcast, Rogan theorized that something was skeptical about the 2020 election because it seemingly had higher voter turnout, specifically in favor of Biden, than previous elections including 2024. open image in gallery Donald Trump appearing for an interview with Joe Rogan during his campaign ( Joe Rogan Experience/YouTube ) Votes are still being counted in the 2024 presidential election so there is no way to currently tell if election turnout is higher than it was in 2020. Additionally, voter turnout was exceptionally high four years ago because the pandemic made voting more accessible with mail-in ballots. Voter turnout, and voter party demographics, change every four years and while millions of voters rallied behind Biden in 2020 those same voters may have voted for a different candidate, or not voted at all, in this election. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Far-right Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has insisted that Donald Trumps victory proves that shes not a fringe extremist but instead part of mainstream America. Elected to the House in 2020, Greene has made a name for herself as a conspiracy theorist backing the QAnon movement and farcically claiming that wildfires in California were caused by a Jewish space laser. More recently, she has been lambasted for tweeting Yes, they can control the weather ... Anyone who says they dont, or makes fun of this, is lying to you. open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene said on Real Americas Voice that shes part of the mainstream after Trumps win ( Getty Images ) With Trumps return to the national stage after he left in disgrace in 2021 after the Capitol riot, Greenes influence within the Republican Party has only grown. She has now been mentioned as a possible cabinet member in the second Trump administration. Appearing on the conservative outlet Real Americas Voice, Greene argued that shes now part of the mainstream and no longer a fringe politician. Heres one thing I would like to point out. Theyve attacked me continuously, called me radical, fringe extremists, Greene said. You know what they found out today? President Trump will have over five million of the popular vote ahead of Kamala Harris. He will, by the time this is done, likely have 312 electoral college votes. The message that was shot across the bow is, guess what? The American people, the voters that voted for Trump overwhelmingly, they are MTG, she added, referring to herself in the third person. MTG is not radical or extreme. Shes mainstream America. And I am very much looking forward to working in an administration that is on that level. And we have to get it done. We made a lot of big promises on the campaign trail, and now we have to deliver. open image in gallery MTG has been a very vocal supporter of Trump ( EPA ) As Hurricane Helene battered parts of the country last month, Greene returned to the Covid-19 conspiracy theories she pushed during and after the pandemic. She once had to backtrack after comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust. Climate change is the new Covid. Ask your government if the weather is manipulated or controlled. Did you ever give permission to them to do it? Are you paying for it? Of course you are, she wrote on X on October 7. During her appearance on Real Americas Voice, Greene argued that MAGA loyalists should first be considered for cabinet positions in Trumps new administration over people like independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, billionaire Elon Musk, and entrepreneur and Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Those are brand-new people, Greene said. RFK, Vivek, they both tried to beat [Trump] in the presidential race this year. She added: So Im glad that theyre supporting President Trump, I want them on the team for their strengths, but I also dont think that we put them in charge of everything. Its important to realize who stood with President Trump from the beginning, never backed down, never stabbed him in the back, never tried to beat him, Greene argued. And there [are] those of us that have been very loyal. We understand his policies, we support them through and through. And Id like to see people like us that have done that very much involved. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, but admitted he had no idea what a second term would look like. His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man, Putin said at an event in Sochi, one day after Trumps landslide victory. The Russian president also remarked on Trumps courage when gunfire rang out at his July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, during which the former president was struck in the ear, one spectator died and others were injured. He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man, Putin said. On what to expect from a second Trump term, he added: I dont know what will happen now. I have no idea. The Russian president also alluded to Trumps plan to end the two-and-a-half-year war between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours. Trump has claimed to end Russias war in Ukraine within 24 hours ( AFP via Getty Images ) Putin said that Trumps comments about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, deserves attention at least. A Kremlin spokesperson said they wouldnt rule out the possibility that Trump and Putin talk before the president-elect takes office in January, the Associated Press reported. Trump also told NBC News on Thursday that he thought he and Putin would get in touch soon. The former president did, however, already speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. It was a productive conversation, a good conversation, Zelensky said, describing the call. Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that America will become stronger. A book released last month detailed that Trump had spoken to Putin at least seven times after he left office in 2021. But Trumps campaign aides pushed back on this claim, with his spokesperson previously telling The Independent: None of these made-up stories by Bob Woodward are true and are the work of a truly demented and deranged man who suffers from a debilitating case of Trump derangement syndrome. The book also claimed that Trump had secretly sent the Russian president some Covid test machines for his personal use at the height of the pandemic. A Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that Trump had sent Putin the testing equipment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hours before Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech, two Christian protestors caused disruption on a Texas university campus with signs that branded women property and used homophobic slurs. The incident at Texas State University at San Marcos united students on both sides of the political aisle in anger as the men paraded around for an hour before being escorted off the property. Eva De Arment, a 19-year-old sophomore, was in the universitys English building waiting for class to start when she saw Snapchat images of the signs, including one that listed women and slaves alongside cars as property. Horrified, she rushed to the buildings office, asked for a sharpie, grabbed a flyer on the table and wrote: There is still love in the world! LOVE THY NEIGHBORS. I kind of ran out there and just kind of stood in front of those dudes and started talking, De Arment told The Independent in a phone call on Wednesday. Trying to distract from the men behind her, she held up her sign and told her peers: We cant stand divided like this. We cant let this hate get to us. open image in gallery Eva De Arment, a 19-year-old sophomore at Texas State University at San Marcos, counterprotests in front of members of the Official Street Preachers ( Cole Ramirez ) Scholars say sexism, racism and misogyny helped Trump score a historic second term. The Independent has emailed the Trump campaign for comment. De Arment is now worried shell be exposed to more of the sexist rhetoric she heard on campus this week. I do believe that there is a nuance that the election made them comfortable enough to come onto a campus with signs like that, she said. I am afraid. In a written statement, Texas State University said the two protesters who appeared on campus confirmed to be affiliated with the Official Street Preachers, an organization that covers global and local events from a Christian perspective, according to the organizations website were not tied to the university. The institution supports the First Amendment and is required by state law to uphold freedom of speech in public areas on our campuses, even if such speech may understandably offend some members of our campus community. The school has established policies and protocols that allow people to engage in expressive activity on campus, the statement concluded. Evelyn Lopez, 21, arrived at the universitys radio station around 10 a.m. and met up with other students. We were kind of just, like, collectively bummed, she said, reflecting on the results of the election. She got a text from her boyfriend warning her about going into the quad because of the placards. She decided to walk outside and check out the scene for herself. The gigantic signs were just not the best thing to see the day after an election, said Lopez. Of course, they feel so much comfortable to do this when someone that just got elected and is a convicted felon and has said hateful things towards women. Lopez, who is from Houston and majoring in psychology, said the election results made her fearful for her constitutional rights. Her boyfriend, Cole Ramirez, 22, said hes never seen anything this hateful on campus. He was at the university working on a video assignment about how his peers were feeling after the election. He began walking toward the quad when he heard the commotion and noticed a crowd of hundreds started to form. Me and my roommate were absolutely appalled. We really had no words. As students continued gathering around the protesters, Ramirez started taking photos that have since gone viral, including one of De Arment counterprotesting with her flyer. I knew somebody had to see this, he said. Somebody had to document it. When De Arment looked out into the crowd, she saw peers wearing MAGA hats and what she called liberal apparel. The students momentarily put their political differences aside and began chanting in unison love wins and love over hate. Those people came on campus to try to sow division, and instead, they kind of brought us together, she said. David Gibson, the owner of Dino Jiu Jitsu, a local jiu-jitsu studio, was promoting his business on campus when he heard the noise from a distance. He and his business partners 16-year-old daughter decided to hurry over with a couple of their yard signs to physically block the messages. I wouldnt want my daughter or my wife treated that way, and I wouldnt want my son to come up either doing that same thing, he said. Chaos ensued thereafter, De Arment explained, saying people began throwing drinks at the men with the signs. She offered the men a towel but said they refused. open image in gallery David Gibson, far left, returned to the university a day later with signs promoting a different message ( David Gibson ) The men left minutes later, once the students had taken their signs and discarded them. University police could not forcibly remove the men in violation of free speech. The school is exploring potential legal responses, Kelly Damphousse, the universitys president wrote in a letter to students, faculty and staff on Thursday, adding that education officials saw similar scenes at other universities earlier in the day. A media coordinator for Official Street Preachers, Rich Penkoski, told The Independent the students threw coffee on his members, kicked and spat on them. His group intends to return to the campus with more members, he said, noting that the protest had nothing to do with the presidential election. On Thursday, Gibson, whose jiu-jitsu studio offers free self-defense classes to women on Fridays, returned to the university with a group of friends trying to spread a different message. Their signs read: Women are prosperity and protect her independence. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history, deploying federal, state and local law enforcement to arrest, jail and deport potentially millions of people living in the country without legal permission. A militarized operation would depend on detention camps to hold people marked for removal, and would invoke a centuries-old law previously used to detain Japanese Americans during the Second World War. President-elect Trump told NBC News on Thursday, two days after defeating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, that he has no choice but to implement large-scale deportations when he takes office in January. Its not a question of a price tag, he said. Its not really, we have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now theyre going to go back to those countries because theyre not staying here. There is no price tag. He told NBC News that he wants to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to at the same time, we want people to come into our country. And you know, Im not somebody that says, No, you cant come in. We want people to come in, he said. Donald Trump speaks to supporters in front of a poster reading Deport Illegals Now on October 25 ( REUTERS ) Using the full force of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify, detain and deport millions of people living in the US without legal permission could cost more than $967 billion over 10 years, according to the American Immigration Council. That is nearly the same amount that undocumented immigrants pay in federal, state and local taxes within a 10-year period, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Undocumented immigrants paid federal, state, and local taxes of $8,889 per person in 2022, the group found. For every 1 million undocumented immigrants, public services receive $8.9 billion in tax revenue. Those immigrants, despite paying into government services like healthcare and Social Security, are not eligible for them. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy said Trumps plans would eliminate 22 percent of American farmworkers, 15 percent of construction workers, eight percent of service workers, eight percent of manufacturing workers and six percent of transportation workers. The idea that deportation helps US citizens has always been an illusion. Its never worked before and it wouldnt work this time, the group wrote. Immigrants rights groups across the country are preparing to launch legal battles to stop Trumps plans, once in motion. Trump has promised to be a dictator on Day One of his administration, when it comes to the US-Mexico border and oil production. Among his first priorities in office is to immediately reinstate immigration policy from his first administration that was reversed under President Joe Biden, Trump adviser Jason Miller told CNN. Stephen Miller, an architect of Trumps anti-immigration agenda from Trumps first term, is also expected to play a significant role in shaping the president-elects policy. Trumps allies have pushed for a mass deportation operation beyond the scope of undocumented immigrants who are accused of committing crimes, who will initially be targeted for removal under the president-elects early agenda. The president-elect has signalled rescinding programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival and ending legal status protections for tens of thousands of immigrants who fled violence and crises in their home countries, historically bipartisan policies steadily eroded by Republicans. Miller has even said that the previous Trump administration launched a denaturalization project in his term. In 2025, expect it to be turbocharged, he wrote last year. Tom Homan, Trumps former Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief, is also expected to join the new administration. Trump suggested he would be returning during a campaign rally earlier this year. One day earlier, Homan promised to run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen. They aint seen s*** yet, he said in July. Wait until 2025. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pentagon officials are anxious and fear major upheaval as they prepare for Donald Trumps return to the White House in 2025, according to reports. During the election campaign, the president-elect threatened to use military force if necessary to handle his political opponents, who he labeled the enemy from within. Officials are nervous for a second Trump administration with one Defense Department official telling the Washington Post that some Pentagon staff and military personnel feel afraid because of their experiences during Trumps first term, citing fears of chaotic decision-making and abrupt leadership changes. People around here are used to transitions but a lot of them were around for the Trump administration, the official told the newspaper on the condition of anonymity. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to personnel staff after the race was called for Trump on Wednesday to calm the waters and steady nerves. Austin, a retired general, said the Pentagon will carry out a calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration. He stressed that US service members will continue to stand apart from the political arena. open image in gallery Donald Trump in the Oval Office during his previous term as president ( PA Archive ) Our fellow citizens have elected the next President of the United States, the memo said. As it always has, the U.S. military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief, and to obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh would not elaborate on why Austin specified lawful orders, according to The Post, and said she would not engage in hypotheticals. Others have weighed in with criticism that Trump lacks an understanding of a nonpartisan military. Richard Kohn, a professor and military historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told The Post that the great danger the military faces in a second Trump administration is a rapid erosion of its professionalism, which would undermine its status and respect from the American people. Mr. Trump does not have a real understanding of civil-military relations, or the importance of a nonpartisan, nonpolitical military, Kohn added. open image in gallery Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to all personnel after Trump was named the victor ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Another senior official with knowledge of discussions in the Pentagon told The Post there is concern that Biden-appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr, wont make it through his full term once Trump moves into the White House. Earlier this year Brown responded to Trumps suggestion that he would allow Russia to whatever the hell they want to NATO members if they came under attack but did not contribute enough to the alliance. Trump later doubled down on the comment. We have a responsibility to uphold those alliances. US credibility is at stake with each of our alliances, and US leadership is still needed, wanted and watched, Brown said. Brown, who Trump selected as Air Force chief of staff in 2020, was questioned by Republicans of the Senate Armed Services Committee about policies surrounding China, Ukraine and the Pentagon that they deemed as woke. In response to The Posts report, Trump campaign national spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that the American public had given him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver. open image in gallery The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia ( AFP via Getty Images ) Scores of top officials from Trumps first administration have since come out against him following the political turmoil of his first term. Trumps former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, was accused of treason by Trump with the Republican even suggesting he should be executed. After a book reported Milley had secret phone calls with China regarding concerns about Trump following the January 6 riots, Trump posted on Truth Social: This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treasonous act. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper was fired by the president-elect and said in 2022 that he believed Trump was a threat to democracy, alleging that his actions led to the events of Jauary 6. I think that, given the events of 6 January, given how he has undermined the election results, he incited people to come to DC, stirred them up that morning, and failed to call them off. To me, that threatens our democracy, he said. And Trumps former National Security adviser, John Bolton, left the White House on acrimonious terms after several disagreements with him on foreign policy matters regarding North Korea, Iran and Afghanistan. Since then, he has denounced Trump and claimed he is not fit to be president. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Democrat who was partly responsible for kickstarting Donald Trumps first impeachment, has won a congressional seat in Virginia against a Republican candidate accused of parading a fake family. Yevgeny Eugene Vindman defeated Derrick Anderson on Tuesday to win the competitive seat in Central and Northern Virginia, according to The Associated Press. His victory kept the seventh district, which is one of the states most purple, in Democratic hands, and put him in line to succeed Abigail Spanberger a former intelligence officer who vacated the seat to run for governor. Vindman, 49, is a native of Ukraine and moved with his family to the United States in 1979. He joined the Army, and it was his military service that led him and his twin brother, Alexander Vindman, to working with the White House National Security Council during the Trump administration in 2020. The brothers were ultimately drawn into the first Trump impeachment saga after they filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that Trump had pushed Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a phone call to open an embarrassing criminal investigation into Joe Biden during the election year in return for continued US military aid. open image in gallery A still from a campaign video for Virginia congressional candidate Derrick Anderson shows him posing for a photograph and speaking at a kitchen table with a woman and three young girls who are the wife and children of a family friend ( Derrick Anderson for VA ) The complaint led to Trumps first impeachment by the House of Representatives, though he was acquitted in a Senate trial. Vindmans opponent, Anderson was recently criticized for campaign photos and videos featuring that appeared to show him sitting around a dining table with his wife and three daughters but who turned out to be a female friend and her three daughters. open image in gallery Eugene Vindman appears at a campaign event in June 2024 as he campaigns for the Democratic nomination in VA-07 ( Facebook: Eugene Vindman ) Democrats, including Vindman, accused Anderson of trying to peddle a fake family to voters and said he could not be trusted. Anderson, who is unmarried and has no children, said he had never claimed that those pictured were his family members. He has separately announced that he is engaged, and has filmed himself with his fiancee. The Republican lives with his dog, according to his campaign website. open image in gallery The Vindman brothers were drawn into the first Trump impeachment saga after they filed a whistleblower complaint ( Getty Images ) Vindman initially entered the race for the congressional seat with powerful national allies, including the anti-Trump conservative Lincoln Project as well as California Representive Adam Schiff, who was this week elected to be a US Senator for California and is a regular target of the incoming presidents wrath. Schiff, a prominent House Democrat, served as impeachment manager against Trump and later as a member of the bipartisan January 6 investigation. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Canadas foreign ministry has clarified that the Australian diaspora outlet, The Australia Today, was never banned in Canada, refuting claims that the news outlets content was restricted due to government orders. Last week, the outlet claimed Canadian authorities had blocked its social media pages for airing a press conference where Indias foreign minister criticised the North American countrys handling of the Khalistan issue. Earlier, Indias foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the alleged blocking of The Australia Today and noted that its social media was restricted soon after the outlet aired a joint press conference of S Jaishankar with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong. We understand that the social media handles and pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. This happened just an hour, or a few hours, after this particular handle carried the press conference of S Jaishankar along with Penny Wong. The outlet also had several articles on the visit of the external affairs minister, as also an interview of him. We were surprised. It looks strange to us, Mr Jaiswal was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. But, nonetheless, what I will say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech. A government spokesperson has now clarified that Metas policy, implemented in 2023 under Canadas Online News Act, restricted all news content on its platforms within Canada. Although The Australia Today voiced concerns over the timing of the restriction, which followed Indian Mr Jaishankars interview, Canadas foreign ministry stated that the access issues were due to Metas policy alone, dismissing suggestions of selective enforcement. Mr Jaishankar concluded an official visit to Australia on 7 November. In September last year, Reuters reported that Meta planned to continue blocking news on Facebook and Instagram. Canada had published a draft of the Online News Act, which requires tech giants to pay news publishers, and Meta said it did not address the companys concerns and that it would stick to blocking news. The legislation had come after the Canadian media sector sought stricter regulation of tech giants to address their dominance in the online ad market and ensure fairer competition for news outlets. The Online News Act, part of a global trend to make tech giants pay for news, became law in June and was expected to come into effect in December after the rules were finalised. Today, we are confirming that news availability will be ended on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada prior to Online News Act taking effect, Facebook said in a blog post in June last year. In order to comply with the new law, the company said, content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will no longer be available to people accessing our platforms in Canada. The Independent has contacted The Australia Today to understand whether the company was aware of the Meta rules in Canada. Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, managing editor of The Australia Today, claimed that the restriction on the outlets social media after it aired an interview with Mr Jaishankar and his press conference with Ms Wong came under orders from the Canadian government. The restriction has been difficult for our team and those who value free and open journalism, he added. The Independent has also contacted Canadas Office of the Information Commissioner for comment. Canada and India have seen bilateral relations nosedive since Ottawa accused New Delhi of orchestrating last years assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijar in Surrey, British Columbia. The two sides have even expelled each others diplomats. Mr Jaishankar had earlier responded to Canadas allegation of the Indian governments involvement in Nijjars assassination saying Ottawa was making claims without concrete evidence. He had also condemned Canadas surveillance of Indian diplomats, calling it unacceptable. Let me make three comments. One, Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. Secondly, when we look at Canada, for us the fact that they are putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable, he said at a press conference in Canberra, before referring to an attack on a Hindu temple in the North American country, Third, the incidents, and do look at the videos. I think they will tell you in a way political space today has been given to extremist forces there. The Independent has reached out to the Indian foreign ministry for comment about The Australia Today claims. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A lone and lost emperor penguin turned up in a western Australian town, nearly 2,100 miles (3300km) away from its home in Antarctica. The male penguin arrived in Denmark town on Friday. It was the farthest north the bird had ever been seen. Aaron Fowler, 37, was one of the first people to spot the bird. He was at the local beach with his friend when he saw something coming out of the water. "It was massive, it was way bigger than a sea bird and we are like, what is that thing coming out of the water? And it kind of had a tail sticking out like a duck," he was reported as saying by ABC News. "It stood up in the waves and just waddled straight up to us, an emperor penguin, he was probably about a metre high, and he was not shy at all. Australias Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said the penguin appeared malnourished, but remained in the care of a trained and registered local wildlife carer. Belinda Cannell, a research fellow at the University of Western Australia, said this was the first time an emperor penguin had been so far north. It likely followed a current to Australia. "What they tend to do is follow certain currents where they are going to find lots of different types of food, Ms Cannelll explained. So maybe those currents have just tended to be a little bit further north towards Australia than they normally would. Mr Fowler said the bird looked absolutely flawless. He had always seen wildlife in the water but was stunned to see a penguin, he said. "He tried to do like a slide on his belly, thinking it was snow I guess and just face planted in the sand and stood up and shook all the sand off, Mr Fowler said of the visitor. The loss of sea ice in the Antarctic has caused unprecedented breeding failure among emperor penguins, researchers said. The frozen continent has seen four years with the lowest sea ice extent since 2016. In the past, emperor penguins responded to the loss of sea ice by moving to more stable sites the next year. They usually stayed close to their old homes, however. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former foreign minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this week. Israel has been rocked by Gallants dismissal, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his removal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza. Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Also Friday, the Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a U.S. deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. But the body did not say when the crossing will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the UN and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire. The United Nations humanitarian office says Israel's monthlong offensive in northern Gaza is preventing the estimated 75,000 to 95,000 Palestinians in the north from receiving essential items for their survival. On Thursday, the Israeli military says it will allow 300 truckloads of humanitarian aid supplied by the United Arab Emirates to enter the Gaza Strip in the coming days. Thats less than the 350 trucks per day that the United States said it wants to see enter the war-ravaged territory. The Israel-Hamas war began after militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Israels military response 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. Hezbollah began firing into Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Since the conflict erupted, more than 3,100 people have been killed and some 13,800 wounded in Lebanon, the health ministry reported. ___ Heres the latest: UNIFIL says Israeli forces destroyed some of its property along border with Lebanon UNITED NATIONS The U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says Israeli forces deliberately destroyed some of its property in violation of international law. The force, known as UNIFIL, is in southern Lebanon to monitor the border between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFL said in a statement Friday that the Israeli military used two excavators and a bulldozer to destroy part of a fence and a concrete structure at the peacekeeping missions position in Ras Naqoura on Thursday. UNIFL said that in response to its urgent protest," the Israeli Defense Forces denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. UNIFIL also said the Israeli military this week destroyed and removed two blue barrels that mark the border. The statement was accompanied by a photo of one blue barrel on its side and a short video of an excavator working in an area where a U.N. flag was flying. Since Israel launched a ground war in Lebanon in September, UNIFIL has accused its military of shooting and wounding peacekeepers and attacking UNIFIL positions. The Israeli military has repeatedly demanded that peacekeepers leave their positions for their safety. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Yesterdays incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF, the UNIFIL statement said. 15 people killed in Lebanon in past day, health ministry says BEIRUT Lebanons health ministry said Friday that 15 people were killed and 69 wounded Thursday, raising the total toll over the past year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to 3,117 killed and 13,888 wounded. One-quarter of them are women and children. The health ministry said that over the past year, 2,242 men, 617 women and 192 children were killed. In the health care sector, the ministry said that 180 health workers have been killed, 306 wounded and 244 medical vehicles damaged since Oct. 8, 2023. Additionally, 87 medical and ambulatory centers have been affected, along with 65 hospitals. UN analysis finds 70% of Gaza deaths were women and children GENEVA The U.N. human rights office released a report Friday that found that 70% of verified war deaths in the Gaza Strip were women and children. The agency examined 8,119 Palestinian deaths between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 2, 2024, including 2,036 women and 3,588 children. Most died in attacks that killed five or more people and about 80% were in residential buildings, the report said. It blamed the Israeli militarys use of weapons with wide area effects in densely-populated areas, though some of the deaths may also have been caused by rockets fired by Palestinian militant groups in Gaza that fell short. The youngest death was a 1-year-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman. Most of the children were 5 to 9 years old. According to Gaza's health ministry, the overall death toll is over 43,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said. Israels diplomatic mission in Geneva said it categorically rejects the report and accused the U.N. human rights office of disregarding the impact of activities of the militant group Hamas on civilians in Gaza. The mission also accused the agency of relying on unverified information. The report comes as two world courts examine charges of war crimes against Israel. It also says Hamas and other militant groups committed serious violations of international law when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Netanyahu appoints aide as new Israeli ambassador to the US JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he was appointing Yechiel Leiter as Israels new ambassador to the U.S. U.S.-born Leiter will replace ambassador Michael Herzog, according to a statement from Netanyahus office. Leiter has been a close aide to Netanyahu and was formerly the deputy director general of Israels education ministry and chief of staff to the minister of finance. His son was killed while fighting in Gaza in November. Netanyahu said Leiter was a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, with a deep understanding of American culture and politics. Leiter has been a senior fellow at the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative Jerusalem think tank. He lives in the settlement of Eli in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel prepares to open new aid crossing into Gaza JERUSALEM Israel says it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a U.S. deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. The Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it has built inspection facilities and paved roads around the Kissufim crossing, located near the center of the Gaza. It says food, aid, and fuel will soon be able to be delivered through the crossing, but did not say when it will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the UN and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire. Since Israeli forces unleashed a fierce offensive on north Gaza in early October, no aid has made it to the northernmost reaches of the territory, where the UN says roughly 70,000 Palestinians still remain. The opening of the crossing likely reflects an Israeli desire to ramp up aid ahead of a US-imposed deadline. In an Oct. 13 letter sent to Israeli officials, US officials said Israel had 30 days to increase the daily number of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip to 350 or risk the US reconsidering arms shipments to Israel -- which have been key to Israels war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Israel has so far fallen far short of this benchmark, with COGAT figures showing an average of 57 trucks a day entering Gaza. In the first seven days of November, the average has been 81. Israeli defense minister officially steps down JERUSALEM Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former Foreign Minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Gallant earlier this week. Israel has been rocked by Gallants firing, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his dismissal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas militants. Gallant thanked the military and warned that the wars mission is not yet complete; we must meet our moral and traditional obligation, and the wars objective is to bring home the remaining 101 hostages who havent yet seen their families and homes. Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Katz thanked Gallant and said the wars objectives were to stop Iranian aggression and deny its capabilities, continue dismantling Hamas as a governing and military force, and defeat Hezbollah. He added that returning the hostages was a top moral priority. Yoav, we were friends and will remain friends because we believe in the same things that will secure Israels security and future, the Jewish state, he said. I promise that the entire State of Israel will emerge from this war and from the pain to much higher places. Turkey's Erdogan hopes Trump will fulfil promises to end Middle East conflicts ANKARA, Turkey - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he hopes US President-Elect Donald Trump will fulfil promises to end the conflict in the Middle East and tell Israel to stop its aggression. Speaking to a group of journalists on a return flight from Hungary, Erdogan also said that cutting off U.S. arms support to Israel would be a good start toward ending the conflict in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. We want that promise to be fulfilled and for Israel to be told to stop, Hurriyet newspaper and other media quoted Erdogan as saying on Friday. Erdogan also called on Trump to abandon what he said were the Biden administrations erroneous policies. We expect my dear friend Trump to abandon the erroneous policies of the former administration during his second term as president, Erdogan said in a televised address. We sincerely believed that the president will do his part to end the wars. Turkey has become one of Israels most vocal critics, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza and strongly criticizing Western nations for backing Israel. ___ For more Middle East news: https://apnews.com/hub/middle-east For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived Friday in Athens for meetings with his Greek counterpart as part of efforts to ease tension between the two neighbors and regional rivals. Both NATO members, Greece and Turkey have been at loggerheads for decades over a long series of issues, including volatile maritime boundary disputes that have twice led them to the brink of war. The two have renewed a diplomatic push for over a year to improve ties. Step by step, we have achieved a level of trust so that we can discuss issues with sincerity and prevent crises, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in an interview with Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper published Thursday. The meeting between the two foreign ministers follows a series of high-profile talks between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a relation-mending initiative launched in 2023. Officials in Athens are expected to raise concerns about rising illegal migration, as Greece has seen an uptick in arrivals. And, despite deep disagreements on Israel and fighting in the Middle East, both foreign ministers are also expected to explore ways to improve regional stability. The talks will help set the stage for a Greece-Turkey high-level cooperation council planned for early 2025 in Ankara, Turkey. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday on an official visit to China that came as Russias full-on invasion of Ukraine pitted Rome's NATO allies against Beijing's support for Moscow. The two exchanged greetings following a ceremony with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. In his opening remarks, Xi referred to the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer and trader Marco Polo's journey to China that encouraged cultural, economic and religious links between Europe and East Asia. Italy is heavily reliant on foreign trade such as luxury products that have a large market in China. It is also a member of NATO, which China has blamed for provoking the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Beijing has provided Moscow with assistance by purchasing its energy exports while selling it technology that can be used in drones and other armaments. Any differences on political issues were not raised in front of the media and the two leaders later oversaw the signing of a series of agreements on matters from culture to technology and trade. Italy has withdrawn from Xi's signature global Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to deepen China's relations with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East through infrastructure investments. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni had declined to renew the agreement, but nevertheless visited China in July. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement party-led government promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. But neither appeared, and investments in Italian ports that were trumpeted in newspaper headlines were never achieved. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fresh flash flooding has hit Spains northeast, washing away dozens of vehicles, after more than 200 people were killed last week in one of the worst floods in Europe this century. Catalonias fire service has shared imagery of the 30-car pile-up against a bridge in the coastal town of Cadaques, in the region of Girona, after a torrent of water washed the vehicles down the street following heavy rain, The service added in a statement on X (Twitter) that while some infrastructure and properties were affected, no one was found in the cars, nor injured. Catalonia weather agency Meteocat also shared footage of the surging floodwaters online this morning, following what it called a period of intense and continuous rain where more than 100mm had been exceeded. One resident posted on X: The situation is very serious in Cadaques, dozens of cars have been swept away by the Cadaques stream, blocking the bridge. Something like this has not happened in Cadaques for many, many years. Local media has reported that the intensity of the downpour has eased, however the dramatic incident comes as communities in Valencia continue mopping up after at least 219 people died in flash flooding in the worst event of its kind in decades. Nearly a years worth of rain close to half a metre fell in just eight hours in some areas, leaving residents trapped like rats in homes and cars, as described by one desperate local mayor recalling the chaos. According the Spains weather service, the town of Chiva, west of Valencia province, recorded 491mm of rain more than it has seen over the past 20 months. The historic floods caused 219 deaths, 211 of them in the Valencia region alone. Another seven people died in neighboring Castilla-La Mancha and one more in southern Andalusia. Spains Mediterranean coast is used to autumn storms that can cause flooding, but this was the most powerful flash flood event in recent memory. Scientists are linking it to the climate crisis, which is also behind increasingly high temperatures and droughts in Spain and the heating up of the Mediterranean. Spains King Felipe and Queen Letizia were pelted with mud by crowds during their visit to the region last week, as anger fermented among communities who said they felt abandoned by authorities in the wake of the natural disaster, with troops and police deployed to assist communities in affected areas. Earlier this week Barcelona was also hit by heavy rain, flooding parts of its airport and prompting the cancellation of dozens of flights. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Gaza looks like Stalingrad thanks to being besiged by Israeli forces, top aid officials have warned, as the United Nations reports that almost no UN assistance has been allowed into the area over the past month. Four weeks into a devastating Israeli push on Hamas positions in the north, Israeli tanks advanced further into the town of Beit Lahiya on Friday, forcing another wave of families to flee fearing they of never being able to return. The UNs aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that approximately 100,000 people have been displaced during this renewed offensive, though as many as 95,000 remain in the area as of Monday. On Thursday, Stephanie Tremblay, a Spokesperon for the UN Secretary-General, warned that no UN aid was being allowed in, apart from supplies to hospitals during medical evacuation missions. This, she said, was preventing Palestinians from accessing essentials for their survival, including water. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told The Independent as he was leaving the Strip, that the devastation in North Gaza was so extreme that the area resembled a documentary on Stalingrad. I cannot recall such a densely populated area subjected to such intense and indiscriminate bombardment for this long, with no escape, he said, adding that NRC staffers were among those forcibly displaced. The [Israeli military] is not hiding its intent to depopulate all of northern Gaza because there are armed men shooting at them. But you cannot besiege an entire population as they are doing. That is exactly what Assad was doing in besieged areas of Syria, he continued, referring to the Syrian presidents encirclements of areas like Eastern Ghouta and Eastern Aleppo, which shocked the world just under a decade ago. The Israeli military denies that it is forcibly transferring civilians or blocking aid and refutes recent reports in Israeli media that the militarys plan is to prevent displaced civilians from returning home to the north. The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries now providing arms for this destruction were outraged by what Assad did, Mr Egeland said. There is no difference in what Israel is doing. This is a suffocation or strangulation technique. Even Assad allowed convoys into besieged areas of SyriaI know because I led that work, he added. In a statement to The Independent, the military said it was forced to clear the northern town of Jabalia and begin clearing nearby Beit Lahiya to combat Hamas militants who it claims have regrouped there. To prevent harm to civilians, a structured evacuation of civilians from these areas is being conducted, it stated. The [Israeli military] is facilitating and easing the entry of humanitarian aid into the northern Gaza Strip, both through the Erez Crossing and by enabling aid convoys from the south to the north, it said, adding the that included aid supplies, food boxes, and fuel. A staff member from the global medical NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), who was forced to flee the north after the hospital they were sheltering in was bombed, described in a voice note shared with The Independent that they saw people being targeted as they fled, with blood and remains of young bodies littering the streets. Israel has unleashed its most devastating bombardment of Gaza to date in retaliation for Hamass October 7 attack on southern Israel, during which militants killed over 1,000 people and took more than 250 people hostage. Since then, Palestinian health officials report that Israels strikes have killed more than 43,500 people and injured 102,000 more, the vast majority being women and children. The soaring death toll has prompted accusations that Israel is committing war crimes and genocide, allegations that Israel vehmently denies. On Thursday, Irelands Dail parliament passed a non-binding motion agreeing that genocide is being perpetrated before our eyes by Israel in Gaza. Michael Martin, the Irish deputy premier, added that Ireland intends to intervene in South Africas case against Israel for alleged genocide by the end of the year. On Friday, the United Nations human rights office reported that nearly 70 per cent of the fatalities they have verified in Gaza were women and children and condemned what it called a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) The 8,119 victims the UN has verified, using three sources per death, represent a much lower count than the over 43,000 reported by Palestinian health authorities for the 13-month-old war. However, the UN breakdown of victims age and gender supports the Palestinian assertion that women and children form a large portion of those killed in the conflict. The youngest victim verified by UN monitors was a one-day-old boy, and the oldest was a 97-year-old woman, according to the report. Concerns over North Gaza are deepening. Dr Muhamad Abuafash, director of Medical Relief Centres in North Gaza, who remains in the north , told The Independent that medics cannot perform surgeries due to a lack of tools and medications, and festering wounds are now becoming infested with maggots. There has been no health, food, or water supply to the besieged northern Gaza area for about 33 days. Because of the shortages of supplies, weve noticed the appearance of worms and infections that may lead to limb amputation, he said. We have a large number of martyrs and wounded in hospitals since this started on October 6. Many remain under the rubble. Transporting the injured is challenging because all ambulances operating in northern Gaza have been targeted. There are no ambulances or civil defense teams to save the wounded, he added. There are no ambulances or civil defense teams to save the wounded Dr. Muhamad Abuafash, director of Medical Relief Centres in North Gaza, MSF, whose own staffers were recently trapped in Jabalia, reported that the three remaining hospitals in North Gaza governorate have been targeted, with some staff arrested by Israeli forces. Between October 1 and 21, Israel only facilitated six percent of coordinated aid movements between southern and northern Gaza, according to MSF. One MSF staff member shared in a voice note with The Independent that they initially sought shelter in the Yemeni hospital in the north but were forced to flee when it was attacked by Israeli forces. There were strikes that hit the hospital... Quadcopters bombed the houses around us, they said. While we were fleeing, we witnessed people being targeted on the street. There was blood on the street and the remains of young bodies. Meanwhile, in Israel, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with former Foreign Minister Israel Katz after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this week. Gallants dismissal has rocked Israel, sparking mass protests across the country. Many view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government and interpret his removal as a sign that the Netanyahu administration has lost interest in negotiating the return of hostages held in Gaza. Katz, his replacement, is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Women and children account for nearly 70 per cent of all Palestinian deaths in Gaza verified by the UN human rights office (OHCHR), which has accused Israel of failing to comply with the fundamental principles of humanitarian law. The UN rights office has so far verified the deaths of 8,119 Palestinians in Gaza, including 2,036 women and 3,588 children over the first seven months of the war, triggered after Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took a further 250 hostage in its cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October. The 8,119 victims verified is a lower number than the toll of more than 43,000 provided by Palestinian health authorities for the 13-month war. But the UN breakdown of the victims age and gender backs the Palestinian assertion that women and children represent a large portion of those killed in the war. Around 80 per cent of deaths verified by UN monitors using three different sources, such as neighbours, family members, and hospital records occurred in residential buildings or similar housing, with children aged zero to 14 years old accounting for the age group most frequently killed, the UN office said in a new report. The youngest victim was a one-day-old boy, and the oldest a 97-year-old woman. open image in gallery Palestinians search through the rubble following Israeli strikes in Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP via Getty ) In 88 per cent of cases, five or more people were killed in a single attack. This was principally due to Israels use of powerful weapons in densely populated areas, although some may be the result of misfired missiles fired by Palestinian militants dropping short, the report said. The continuation of these attacks, killing evenly across the population, demonstrates an apparent indifference to the death of civilians and the impact of the means and methods of warfare selected, it states. Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing, and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law namely the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack, said UN rights chief Volker Turk. Tragically, these documented patterns of violations continue unabated, over one year after the start of the war. This finding indicates a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality, the OHCHR said in a statement accompanying the 32-page report. open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive aid distributed by UNRWA ( AP ) Israel has repeatedly said it targets Hamas and takes steps to mitigate risk to civilians by using precise munitions. Israels diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva said it categorically rejected the report. Once again, OHCHR fails to accurately reflect the realities on the ground, and disregards the extensive role of Hamas and other terrorist organisations in deliberately causing civilian harm in Gaza, it said. The rules of war, in force now for 160 years, were designed to limit and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict, said Mr Turk. Their wanton disregard has led to the current extremes of human suffering which we continue to see today. It seems inconceivable that the parties to the conflict refuse to apply universally accepted and binding norms developed to preserve the very bare minimum of humanity. He added: It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved. Additional reporting by Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Israels parliament passed a law early Thursday that would allow it to deport family members of Palestinian attackers, including the countrys own citizens, to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip or other locations. The law, which was championed by members of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and his far-right allies, passed with a 61-41 vote but is likely to be challenged in court. It would apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of annexed east Jerusalem who knew about their family members' attacks beforehand or who express support or identification with the act of terrorism. They would be deported, either to the Gaza Strip or another location, for a period of 7 to 20 years. The Israel-Hamas war is still raging in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and most of the population has been internally displaced, often multiple times. It was unclear if it would apply in the occupied West Bank, where Israel already has a longstanding policy of demolishing the family homes of attackers. Palestinians have carried out scores of stabbing, shooting and car-ramming attacks against Israelis in recent years. Dr Eran Shamir-Borer, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former international law expert for the Israeli military, said that if the law comes before the Supreme Court, it is likely to be struck down based on previous Israeli cases regarding deportation. The bottom line is this is completely non-constitutional and a clear conflict to Israels core values, said Dr Shamir-Borer. Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, territories the Palestinians want for their future state. It withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 but has reoccupied parts of the territory since Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack triggered the war. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the international community. Palestinians there have permanent residency and are allowed to apply for citizenship, but most choose not to, and those who do face a series of obstacles. Palestinians living in Israel make up around 20 per cent of the country's population. They have citizenship and the right to vote but face widespread discrimination. Many also have close family ties to those in the territories and many sympathise with the Palestinian cause. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Chinas Zhurong Mars rover has found evidence of an ancient coastline on the red planet. The coastline in the southern Utopia region, detailed in the journal Scientific Reports, was likely left by a sea that briefly existed in the planets early history over 3.5 billion years ago. The Zhurong rover, which landed on Mars in May 2021, has been analysing deposits in Vastitas Borealis, a low plain in the planets northern hemisphere. This region in the planets northern lowlands has long been hypothesised to have contained an ocean once. open image in gallery Red cross denotes the Zhurong landing site on a geologic map of Mars ( Bo Wu et al, Scientific Reports ) The fine grains of minerals like hydrated silica found here are more consistent with a coastline origin than from volcanic activity. Researchers analysed data from the Zhurong rover and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launched in 2005 to estimate surface ages and compositions of minerals found in the southern Utopia Planitia. The analysis shows distinct geological features like troughs and sediment channels in this part of the planet, consistent with an ancient nearshore zone. Googly Eye In The Martian Sky! Mars Rover Captures Incredible Video Of Phobos Eclipse The analysis led researchers to suspect the deposits were formed by a possible flooding event about 3.68 billion years ago. The coastline may have been formed by a short-lived ocean with the sea surface likely freezing and disappearing around 3.42 billion years ago. We conducted a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the landing area using remote sensing data, supplemented by in situ observations, and unveiled features consistent with the existence of a nearshore zone in southern Utopia, the researchers say. open image in gallery Image taken by Chinas Zhurong rover on Mars ( CNSA ) The scientists caution that these measurements from the Zhurong rover do not provide direct evidence for the existence of an ancient ocean on Mars. But the analysis heightens the possibility that the southern Utopia Planitia region may have hosted a significant body of water, adding to our understanding of Mars evolution. The researchers hope the findings can help inform decisions about potential landing sites for future missions to investigate the likely existence of ancient water reservoirs on Mars and their role in shaping the planets geology. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Qantas Airways flight made an emergency landing in Sydney after it suffered an engine failure shortly after take-off, causing a grassfire at a runway. Emergency services rushed to the runway shortly after the Qantas flight safely landed at Sydney Airport and authorities reported a grassfire. It was initially not confirmed if the grassfire was linked to the emergency landing but Airspace safety body Airservices Australia confirmed that the fire incident was directly caused by the flights engine failure. Passengers on the QF520 flight bound for Brisbane heard a large bang, an ABC reporter who was on board said on Friday. A spokesperson at the airport confirmed the flight from Sydney to Brisbane landed safely just after 1pm. The plane left the Sydney airport at about 12.35pm but just four minutes after take off it changed its direction and halted its ascent. It circled in the sky before returning safely to the airport, making an emergency landing. open image in gallery A truck sprays water where a grass fire occurred near a runway at Sydney International Airpor ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mark Willacy, the reporter who was onboard the flight said a bang jolted flight QF520 and its passengers and my eyes flashed open. It wasnt the bang or the shudder that made my blood run cold. It was the planes urgent struggle to get altitude, he wrote on ABC. We knew immediately something was wrong, but what was more disturbing, I think, was the plane really laboured after that, he said. He said it was about 10-15 minutes into the journey the pilots said thered been a major problem with the right engine, that everything was under control at that point. open image in gallery Smoke rises during an incident where a Qantas Airways flight suffered an engine failure after take-off before returning safely to Sydney Airport ( Daniel via REUTERS ) The grassfire delayed operations at the airport and airport travelers to check their flights status with the airline. Airservices Australia said: An engine failure on departure from Runway 34R caused a grass area adjacent to the runway to catch fire. ARFF crews quickly attended the grassfire and extinguished it, a spokesperson said, referring to Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFF). The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said an investigation has been launched to look into the engine failure incident of the flight. The incident adds to the travel woes of some passengers in the country after a technical outage crippled all of Australias major airports, leading to long queues at international terminals. It happened after the disruption of automated kiosks for identity and facial recognition, authorities said. The issue was resolved by midday, according to the Australian Border Force. Foreign secretary David Lammy has dismissed his past criticism of Donald Trump in his first interview since the Republicans election victory. Mr Lammy previously described the president-elect as a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath. In his first interview since Trump's victory, he appeared on BBCs Newscast podcast to discuss the future of the UKs relationship with the US. Lammy said he sees Trump as someone that we can build a relationship with in our national interest. The foreign secretary also praised Trumps election campaign as very well run. Undercover police officers in London tackled a mobile phone snatcher to the ground as he was mid-theft near Oxford Circus in August, newly-released footage shows. In the video, Sofian Hadar, 23, of Cricklewood Broadway, follows an unsuspecting tourist and tries to remove a mobile phone from his pocket. Two Metropolitan Police officers, who were proactively looking for thieves, then apprehend him. The victim, a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt, had his phone returned to him. Hadar pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to 11 months in prison on Thursday, 7 November. A Qantas flight bound for Brisbane made an emergency landing at Sydney Airport on Friday (8 November) after passengers heard a loud bang from one of its engines shortly after takeoff. At the same time, a grass fire broke out along one side of a runway, Sydney Airport said in a statement. The fire has been brought under control, but flight delays are expected. No injuries were reported. Sydney Airport said its main runway was still in service, but delays are expected and travellers are advised to check their flights status with the airline. Tim Walz poked fun at JD Vance in his first speech since Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election on Friday, 8 November. The Minnesota governor returned to his home state after his running mate, Kamala Harris, conceded the results. In his speech on Friday (8 November), Mr Walz referenced the president-elects VP picks awkward visit to a donut shop while on the campaign trail in Valdosta, Georgia, in August, when he struggled to make small talk while buying baked goods. I can order donuts people, Mr Walz quipped. Tim Walz offered an olive branch to Donald Trump supporters in his first comments since the Republicans 2024 presidential election victory. Speaking in his home state, the governor addressed the 1.5 million of our fellow Minnesotans [who] voted for the other side in this election. Kamala Harriss running mate declared that he would swallow his pride and look a little harder to find common ground with our neighbors who didnt vote like we did. Maybe when we get a little break from this campaign that were in, well be able to look at each other and see not enemies but neighbors. A Labour minister struggled to name any benefits of Donald Trump returning to the White House in an awkward Question Time grilling. The Minister for Industry, Sara Jones was asked about the Republicans historic win repeatedly by host Fiona Bruce when she appeared on the show on Thursday evening (7 November). Discussing trade between the UK and the US, the BBC host stepped in to tell her: None of that is specific to Trump? Ms Bruce added: Can you not think of any benefits? A BRAND review of the state investment agency IDA Ireland found it was often mis-quoted and confused for other organisations including the Irish Dental Association, Enterprise Ireland or the Department of Enterprise. It also detailed how it was vulnerable to bizarre fluctuations in internet traffic around events like the catastrophic Hurricane Ida when visitors to their site leapt from 1,000 impressions to 15,000 in a single week. An internal presentation said IDA Ireland had suffered from brand drift where senior managers and marketing teams had become fatigued with the existing look and feel of the organisation. The paper was prepared ahead of a 428,000 rebranding intended to stand for a contemporary Ireland for the digital age. The presentation was critical of how their identity had evolved including a mission statement around winning foreign direct investment. Its honest, direct and explains exactly what IDA are doing. However, it falls a bit flat how are we going to be number 1? said one slide. The strategy document said brand guidelines were lacking in terms of direction and were not being adhered to in any case. It said the guidelines had missing sections around tone of voice, advice on use of photographs and many areas need improvement. Effective brands are consistent and recognisable to the client [and] audience at every touchpoint. Materials should be cohesive, said the paper. It said colours were being used in a free for all and that bright colours introduced after the recession actually jar with the older brand. The presentation raised concerns over confusion and misrepresentation where the IDA would get mistaken for other organisations. It said search engine optimisation was a particular problem and a simple search for IDA online was not always successful. When prospects (in the US, in this case) search Google for IDA Ireland the click-through rate (CTR) is 42 percent, said one slide. That is indicative that a large number find what theyre looking for, which is our website. When they look up IDA the click-through rate is only 4 percent. It said much better results were found when people looked using searches like Invest in Ireland or IDA strategy. The paper said there had been extensive brand drift with new things being added to their identity in a haphazard way. One slide said: This often happens because senior managers and marketing teams become fatigued with brand assets or enticed by visual elements that other brands are adopting. The more you drift from your brand style the more peoples awareness of your brand drifts. Adopting visual trends that conflict [with] your own aesthetic actually do more damage than good. It concluded by saying the IDA had a fragmented brand and that a specialist agency be hired to develop a new identity. The 428,000 project resulted in a new logo which included a trinity of dots that is designed with a nod to Irelands iconic shamrock. The development agency said the vibrant green colour and the bespoke typeface were created to exude confidence with a nod to Irish personality. Asked about the discussions, a spokesman said the IDA continually monitored the effectiveness of their brand in driving awareness of Ireland as a place to invest. He said: Our rebrand is a build on earlier successes, capturing our heritage while reflecting our current strategic focus of digitisation and sustainability. It is an investment that will support our efforts for the coming decade in securing FDI [foreign direct investment] projects across the country. Numbers employed by the firm this year rose from 266 to 277. Photo: Getty Pre-tax profits at the Irish arm of express delivery firm FedEx this year declined by 15pc to 4.1m. New accounts filed by FedEx Express Ireland Ltd show the profits at the firm declined after revenues decreased by 8pc from 70.9m to 65.05m in the 12 months to the end of May this year. In the accounts the directors stated that turnover decreased by 8pc due to decreased yield during the year. Numbers employed by the firm this year increased from 266 to 277 as staff costs increased by 3m to 17.19m. That included share-based payments of 386,488. The company operates a Global Data Centre in Dublin for the FedEx Group. The firms profits took account of non-cash depreciation costs of 12m and operating lease expenses of 3m. At the end of May, the company had shareholder funds of 82m. Separately, accounts for competitors United Parcel Service of Ireland Ltd show it made pre-tax profits last year of 1.74m, which was a 73pc fall on the pre-tax profits of 6.4m recorded in 2022. The chief factor behind the decrease was 2.5m in dividends received from unlisted investments in 2023 compared to 8m under that heading in 2022. Revenues at that firm declined by 5pc from 123.4m to 117.15m. In the accounts the directors stated that UPS Ireland improved its gross margin by 2.49pc in comparison to 2022 by revenue mapping lower margin customers while identifying additional opportunities to make cost efficiencies. Company expects to continue to grow and recover its operating margin in the near future They added that the company reported an improvement in its operating margin by 0.51pc achieved by effective management of expenditure in the year. The directors stated that the company expects to continue to grow and recover its operating margin in the near future. A breakdown of the companys revenues shows that 31.26m was generated in Ireland, 47.9m in Europe and 37.97m in the rest of world. The profit last year took account of non-cash depreciation costs of 906,888 and operating lease costs of 1.03m. Numbers employed at the firm last year fell from 374 to 319. Wages costs declined from 16.1m to 15.55m. Shareholder funds increased from 37.38m to 38.79m. That included accumulated profits of 5.26m. A new report by watchdog ComReg showed that aggregate 2023 revenues for the seven main parcel delivery service providers, including UPS and FedEx, totalled 867.4m, a dip of 1pc on 2022. The volatility in the oil markets will continue into next year Photo: Getty Volatility in oil markets is expected to extend into next year, the CEO of Italian energy company Eni said on Monday. Speaking at an industry event in Abu Dhabi, Claudio Descalzi said the volatility could hamper investments in new oil and gas production. Eight members of OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus Russia and other allies, agreed on Sunday to delay a planned December oil output increase by one month due to weak demand in China and rising supplies. As soon as (OPEC) say were going to release some production, the price went down immediately. Now they say we postpone until the end of the year, and that has made a big impact on the market... the volatile situation is not good, Descalzi said. Everybody says we need energy, but with this kind of volatile situation, and this volatility is not really helping investment in new oil and gas production, he said. BP CEO Murray Auchincloss as well as Shell CEO Wael Sawan told the panel that tensions in the Middle East topped the risks facing energy markets. Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran since last October have stoked concerns over supply disruptions in the Gulf, which produces and exports around 20% of the worlds oil and gas, pushing oil prices higher. Turning to the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, Auchincloss said that the biggest challenge the United States faces is regulatory reform to allow permits for new investments in energy, particularly renewables and low-carbon projects. Auchincloss also said that the world would require a lot of new investment in oil and gas in order to maintain supplies, regardless of a possible settling of demand in the coming years. Meanwhile, oil prices slipped on Thursday after big gains a day earlier linked to post-election movements in the US dollar. Global benchmark Brent fell toward $74 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate traded near $71 While conflict in the Middle East means there is a continued risk to supply, demand remains subdued thanks to sluggish global growth. The Trump re-election also looks like a trigger for a boost to supply in the US, where hes expected to relax environmental and regulatory curbs, which would put downward pressure on prices. (Reuters) In Ohio, Republican car dealer and blockchain entrepreneur Bernie Moreno (pictured, right, alongside vice-presidential nominee JD Vance) beat Democratic incumbent and Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown for a senate seat. Photo: Getty Bitcoin jumped to a record high, part of a wave of trades across global markets in response to Donald Trump emerging victorious over Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the US presidential election. The largest digital asset rose as much as 9pc to $75,372 (70,391) as early results showed Mr Trump barrelling towards a win. It traded at just below $74,000 as of 10:40am yesterday morning as networks declared Mr Trump had won the race, setting him up for a second term in the White House. The last peak was in March, when investors were cheered by inflows into US bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Bitcoin is viewed by many as a so-called Trump trade because the former president embraced digital assets during his campaign after a major push by the industry. Crypto muscled onto the high table of politics by deploying a giant campaign-finance war chest to further its agenda. Mr Trump vowed to make the US the crypto capital of the planet, create a strategic bitcoin stockpile and appoint regulators who love digital assets. Ms Harris adopted a more measured approach, pledging to support a regulatory framework for the industry. In contrast, the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Biden administration pursued a crackdown via a flurry of enforcement actions. Donald Trump holds hands with former first lady Melania Trump after speaking to supporters in West Palm Beach (Lynne Sladky/AP) "The crypto industry feels like it's been operating with one hand tied behind its back for years, and it senses that might be coming to an end," said Matthew Hougan, chief investment officer of Bitwise Asset Management. "People are starting to position for the next few years in crypto." In Ohio, Republican car dealer and blockchain entrepreneur Bernie Moreno beat Democratic incumbent and Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown for a senate seat. Crypto titans spent some $40m to defeat Mr Brown a long-time sceptic of the industry underlining the influence of their political outlays. The crypto industry feels like it's been operating with one hand tied behind its back for years The prospect of friendlier US crypto rules led to gains across the digital-asset market. Second-ranked token Ether added about 8pc. Dogecoin, a meme-crowd favourite promoted by Trump supporter Elon Musk, rallied 31pc at one point. Digital-asset companies often complained that officials under President Joe Biden failed to create a clear new legal framework for the nascent market. SEC Chair Gary Gensler said existing rules apply and repeatedly labelled the sector as rife with fraud and misconduct. The agency cracked down on crypto following a 2022 market rout that triggered a litany of collapses, notably the bankruptcy of Sam Bankman-Fried's fraudulent FTX exchange. "The first test of [Trumps] credibility to watch out for is whether he will deliver on his promise to fire Gensler on his first day in office," said Le Shi, Hong Kong managing director at market making firm Auros. Bitcoin has now advanced 75pc in 2024, topping assets such as stocks and gold. US spot-bitcoin ETFs, from issuers such as Blackrock and Fidelity Investments, have attracted $23.5bn of net inflows following their launch at the start of the year among the most successful new ETFs in history. Waystone Fund Management (IE) Limited (WFM) has been fined 393,512 by the Central Bank of Ireland for regulatory breaches. The case relates to management of a 17.7m investment in illiquid, hard to value private assets (loan notes) between 2018 and 2019. Waystone, which has its European headquarters in Dublin, provides a variety of services to the asset management industry. These include advice around institutional governance, risk and compliance. The firm says it supports businesses with more than $2tn in assets under management. The fine, issued by the Central Bank here, was for breaching requirements of the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers) Regulations 2013 (the AIFM regulations) between May 2018 and August 2020. These regulations require alternative investment fund managers to meet key requirements aimed at safeguarding investors. The breaches at WFW arose from failings in relation to due diligence, conflicts of interest, delegate oversight, risk management, valuation procedures, treating investors fairly and acting in their best interests, the regulator said. WFM was the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) of a fund, which launched in October 2018. WFM appointed an investment manager and delegated the investment management of the fund to the investment manager. Between October 2018 and February 2019, the Investment manager invested 17.7m on behalf of the fund in the illiquid private assets. In November 2019, during the annual audit of the fund, serious concerns were identified by the auditor in relation to the investment in the loan notes and the reliability of the valuation of the loan notes. In order to address these concerns, WFM took steps to seek the return of the money. Despite numerous attempts between December 2019 and July 2020 to recover the funds, the fund was suspended in August 2020 with 10.2m of the funds assets still outstanding, resulting in a loss to the investors, the Central Bank said. WFM was later party to a settlement reached with the funds investors relating to the loss of their investment. The investors recovered their initial investment in the loan notes. The Central Bank said it was notified of the funds suspension and subsequently commenced an investigation. Officials identified eight breaches of the AIFM regulations. WFM has admitted the contraventions and has agreed to the undisputed facts as set out in the settlement notice. As part of the settlement agreement reached between the Central Bank and WFM, the Central Bank has determined that sanctions comprising a reprimand and monetary penalty in the amount of 562,160 were warranted. The application of a 30pc settlement scheme discount brings the amount to 393,512. The sanctions have been accepted by WFM but remain subject to confirmation by the High Court. Seana Cunningham, the Central Banks Director of Enforcement and Anti-Money Laundering, said the case had shown investors were left exposed to a potential loss as a result of WFMs failure to abide by its requirements. "WFMs failure to conduct adequate due diligence, identify conflicts of interest and put in place adequate risk management structures and appropriate fund valuation procedures exposed the fund and its investors to significant risks, which in this case crystallised in a loss to the fund. French gaming regulator examining crypto prediction platform over bets on Donald Trump victory One trader made 44m profit in wagers on victory for Republican politician Donald Trump has been elected as the next US president. Photo: AP Benoit Berthelot and Emily Nicolle Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Frances gambling regulator is examining the operations of cryptocurrency-based prediction markets platform Polymarket to see if it complies with local rules following a surge in user demand around the US presidential election. A fire which broke out on the patio of US actor Mark Wahlbergs new restaurant, ahead of its ribbon-cutting ceremony, was caused by a dislodged fire pit. Firefighters arrived at the Las Vegas eatery on Wednesday evening to find sprinklers had been activated and the restaurant evacuated, before confirming the fire had not extended to the interior of the restaurant, the Clark County Fire Department (CCFD) said. Randy Sharpe, one of the restaurants business partners, told the PA news agency that the fire had not affected the restaurant, which re-opened on Thursday. It was a little minor fire in a fire pit on the patio, he said. It was outside. Never inside. It was one fire pit. It was just a fire pit hose or something that got dislodged, but it didnt even affect the inside of the restaurant at all. It occurred the night before Ted actor Wahlberg was expected to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony after the restaurant named Flecha Cantina opened in September. The fire was determined to be confined to a single propane fire table, a statement from the CCFD said. Mark Wahlberg (Ian West/PA) CCFD personnel were able to achieve knock down the fire so that the propane tanks could be shut off. Crews were able to achieve full knock down on the fire, confirmed that there was no extension into the building, and requested to shut down the sprinkler system as well as the alarms. CCFD personnel met with the owner of the restaurant and advised him that the sprinklers were shut down and that he could not open the kitchen until the sprinkler company came out to replace the heads and to recharge the system. The business owner was also able to provide surveillance video showing that the fire started in some of the internal components of the fire table. Videos of the fire, which appeared to engulf the outside area of the restaurant, were shared on social media by passers-by. Flavour, Fire, Flecha. Re-experience Modern Mexican cuisine through the eyes of Mark Wahlberg and his team of chefs and restauranteurs, the restaurants website said. The result of a ballot of thousands of nurses and healthcare staff on industrial action is set to be revealed just days before the election. Lunchtime protests by workers at hospitals around the country will also be ramped up in the coming weeks in a row over staffing levels. The INMO and Forsa are due to start counting ballots that are under way on November 26. Any potential industrial action could not happen for another three weeks to allow for contingency planning under the terms of an agreement with the HSE. But this could mean the new government may face a major dispute during its first weeks in office. Ashley Connolly, Forsa national secretary, said the group of health unions involved in the dispute want a renegotiation of the HSEs pay and numbers strategy. She said they also want talks on posts that vanished last year due to a ban on hiring. There will be protests during the election period, she said. Next week, there will be one in the west, which is still under discussion. There is a high level of anger now, and a level of frustration. You cannot just wipe positions off the system. Members are also concerned about what will happen at the end of 2025 if posts are not filled. The simple fact is there was no engagement in advance of the publication of the numbers strategy and this led to the situation we find ourselves in. Our members went through Covid, a cyber attack and were then hit with moratoriums and restrictions on recruitment and are very concerned about the excessive spend on private consultations. When we attend these protests, we are met with members saying its about time. Forsa, the INMO, Connect, Unite and Siptu are involved in the dispute, but Siptu has not yet balloted its members. Last month, Forsa warned the HSEs staffing strategy means thousands of health posts that were vacant last year have been suppressed. Ms Connolly told the Oireachtas Health Committee the strategy is likely to be the cause of an industrial dispute in the health sector. She said pressure on health services will get worse as demand rises during the winter months. Forsa represents clerical and administrative grades in the HSE as well as health and social care professionals. Fr Tim Hazelwood says priests are entitled to know what is in their personal file The Association of Catholic Priests said it is unhappy about the way data on priests is being processed. Photo: Getty The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has said it is unhappy about the way Irish priests personal data is being processed by church authorities and has told clergy they should demand to see the files bishops hold on them. At its AGM in Athlone, members of the priests group heard Fr Tim Hazelwood explain their rights and protections under data protection legislation, one of which is that they are entitled to a copy of their own personal file. You have the right to be informed about any personal data that is held on you and the purpose for which it is used, he said. The Co Cork parish priest said the ACP was concerned because priests are not being told about the retention of files in diocesan offices and religious orders, nor are they aware of their right to access that data. He also highlighted how, Any Tom, Dick or Harry can write to the bishop or religious superior and make any accusation against a priest. Yet the priest is not allowed to know who their accuser is under GDPR. Priests are entitled to their good name. They are entitled to know what is in their personal file and they have a right to correct it if it is inaccurate, he said. Fr Tim Hazelwood says priests are entitled to know what is in their personal file In years to come, researchers may access these files and take the information at face value, so it is important that the data is correct. There are priests here today who didnt even realise that data was being kept on them. We want to inform them. He also warned that storage limitations may not be adhered to and recounted how data subject to a time limit had been found on a parish priest who is dead almost a decade. We are concerned about the rights of priests. We want to see if this issue can be done better, he said. We have questions around the way the data is being processed. Why are priests not being told about the files on them? Another issue highlighted at the Athlone meeting was the toll on priests called to the scene of a suicide. The ACP has been approached by the Social Research Ethics Committee of UCC and the National Suicide Prevention Group to take part in a survey of first responders about dealing with suicide. According to Fr Hazelwood, priests tend to suffer in silence in the aftermath of what can be a very harrowing experience. Over the lifetime of a priest there would be multiple times a priest would be called to the scene of a suicide. It is a traumatic experience. I was in a parish where there was 14 suicides in a period of six or seven years. We feel that counselling and training are vital because there is no training in the seminary for this. Priests have to process it themselves and it can be very difficult. A Jordanian businessman has said he is offended by the suggestion that he would not be able to pay legal costs in a High Court action he has initiated against the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce. How rent row led to three court cases and 38,500 in awards for widow who was illegally evicted At least half of the four Cork East seats will be filled by new representatives after this election, as two long-standing TDs have opted not to stand this time around. Current TDs (four seats) Pat Buckley (SF), Sean Sherlock (Lab), David Stanton (FG) and James OConnor (FF), although David Stanton and Sean Sherlock, who have held their respective seats since 1997 and 2007, are not running for the next Dail. Sinn Feins Pat Buckley is attempting to secure his third term as a TD for Cork East after his poll-topping performance in 2020 while Fianna Fails James OConnor, aged just 27, will be hoping to retain his seat for the first time. In trying to retain its seat in the constituency, Fine Gael is running Mark Stanton, son of David, before the people for the first time as well as four-term Fermoy councillor Noel McCarthy, whose political roots may appeal to certain voters in the absence of a Labour candidate on the ballot. Fianna Fail are also running Fermoy councillor Deirdre OBrien, whose father Ned OKeeffe served as a Cork East TD for 29 years, in a General Election for the first time while non-party candidates and those from smaller parties including the Greens, Social Democrats, Aontu and Independent Ireland are also contesting the constituency. Who could make gains here? With two of the constituencys seats not held by incumbents, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will both be hoping to get two representatives elected. Without a Labour candidate, there may be an opportunity for the Social Democrats or the Green Party to garner enough votes to pose an unlikely challenge to the big boys. Independent candidates and those from parties offering an alternative perspective to the coalition partners will each believe they are in with a good shout of winning a seat. Any boundary changes to note? The constituency has lost land in the north, with the population centre of Mallow moved into Cork North-Central and the rural districts of Ballyclogh, Buttevant, Caherduggan, Doneraile and Caherduggan annexed into Cork North-West. These boundary changes splintered the prime territory of Sean Sherlock - leading him to opt out of standing for election again - and opened up a seat in the constituency for candidates to compete for. What are the issues under the spotlight? Health and housing will be two of the major issues on the minds of Cork East voters. Difficulty accessing GP and out-of-hours services in the constituency has been highlighted while there is demand for affordable housing. Dereliction is also an issue in urban and rural areas. Flooding prevention measures and supports are also very important to voters in the south of the constituency. Transport, water services and agricultural supports are also key issues. Candidates Kathryn Bermingham, Independent Ireland Pat Buckley, Sinn Fein* Ross Cannon, Independent Mary Linehan-Foley, Independent Catherine Lynch, Independent Ireland Noel McCarthy, Fine Gael Asch Ni Fhinn, People Before Profit-Solidarity Deirdre OBrien, Fianna Fail James OConnor, Fianna Fail* Cliona OHalloran, Green Party John OLeary, Independent William OLeary, Independent James Peter OSullivan, The Irish People Mehdi Ozcnar, Sinn Fein Liam Quaide, Social Democrats Frank Roche, Independent Mark Stanton, Fine Gael Mona Stromsoe, Aontu *indicates sitting TD Geography will prove critical in Cork North Central as the constituency returns to being a five seater thanks to the addition of large chunks of former Cork East and Cork North West territory. The large town of Mallow - formerly one of the hubs of Cork East - has been added to Cork North Central, along with a substantial part of its rural hinterland. Similarly, rapidly expanding Ballincollig - previously in Cork South Central and then Cork North West - will now form part of Cork North Central. That is now expected to prove critical in determining the destination of the fourth and fifth seats, particularly given that long-serving Mallow-based Cork East TD Sean Sherlock (Lab) had indicated he will retire from national politics and will not follow his political base to Cork North Central. Current TDs (four seats) Thomas Gould (SF), Padraig O'Sullivan (FF), Colm Burke (FG) and Mick Barry (SP). The northward expansion of Cork North Central is expected to open the door for smaller parties and independents to challenge strongly for a seat in the 34th Dail. In 2020, the constituency split evenly with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and Socialist Party each taking a Dail seat. Padraig O'Sullivan, a teacher, was elected at a 2019 by-election for Fianna Fail as former Minister Billy Kelleher left local politics after winning a European Parliament seat. Successfully re-elected at the 2020 General Election, he will now attempt to make it a hat-trick of successful elections. He has vowed to campaign to win two seats for FF with the selection of his running mate or mates now key. Traditionally, Jack Lynch's old constituency split three-two between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, with regular interruptions by Labour and Progressive Democrat challengers. Fine Gael has selected Colm Burke, a solicitor and former Lord Mayor of Cork who ended years of Dail disappointment by finally winning a seat in 2020. Sinn Fein have nominated Thomas Gould who delivered a whopping 13,811 first preference votes in 2020, over three times the total of the Socialist Party's Mick Barry who ultimately took the fourth and final seat. His running mate will be Councillor Joe Lynch who is based in Ballincollig and, in a strategic move, will aim to attract votes for Sinn Fein from the newly added areas to Cork North Central, particularly Ballincollig. Mr Gould won the seat vacated by Jonathan O'Brien who in 2011 became the first Sinn Fein TD elected in Cork since before the Civil War. Mick Barry broke the Labour hegemony in the constituency in 2016, largely helped by his campaigning on social issues and the water charges controversy. He has campaigned strongly over recent years on matters ranging from affordable housing to spiralling rents and evictions. Who is set to gain? Strong challenges are now expected from Labour, Greens, Social Democrats and independents for the fourth and fifth seats. Far right parties are also set to run candidates in Cork North Central. Kenneth O'Flynn, the son of former Fianna Fail TD Noel O'Flynn, missed out on the fourth and final seat in 2020 despite a strong electoral performance as an independent. He was re-elected to Cork City Council last June with the largest single first preference vote in Cork (3,134) and will be hoping that will give him a platform to win a Dail seat. The Green Party have selected Oliver Moran, a member of Cork City Council since 2019, to contest a seat. In contrast, Labour have opted for a two candidate strategy, hoping to harness as much of the old Sherlock vote as possible. Mallow-based Councillor Eoghan Kenny is on the ticket alongside Cork City Council's Councillor John Maher. Councillor Maher last June delivered one of Labour's best results in the Local Government elections with 2,005 first preference votes in the North East ward which saw him elected on the first count. The party has a proud tradition in the constituency with Gerry O'Sullivan and Kathleen Lynch both holding Dail berths over the past 30 years. Another key factor will be the performance of far right candidates. Ireland First President Derek Blighe, who has been an ardent anti-immigration campaigner, will run in Cork North Central despite being based in Cork East. He ran in the Local Government and European Parliament elections last June and failed to get elected in either. However, he did secure 25,071 first preference votes in Ireland South in the European Parliament election. Any boundary changes? The constituency regained its fifth seat in recognition of the fact it gained major voter bases from both Cork North West and Cork East. Major population centres including Ballincollig and Mallow have been transferred into Cork North Central. A smaller part of Cork city was taken from Cork North Central and allocated to Cork South Central, most notably parts of Bishopstown. What are the issues under the spotlight? Housing is the dominant issue across Cork's northside together with concerns over hospital waiting lists, social disadvantage and transport challenges. Waiting time for service access is also a major issue. As in Cork South Central, reduced frequency on some bus routes has emerged as a major issue at grassroots level. The ongoing flooding threat and the lack of progress on Cork's flood defence scheme is another touchstone. Candidates: Thomas Gould (SF) * Joe Lynch (SF) Padraig O'Sullivan (FF)* Mick Barry (Socialist) * Ken O'Flynn (Independent Ireland) Colm Burke (FG)* John Maher (Lab) Eoghan Kenny (Lab) Derek Blighe (Ireland First) Oliver Moran (Green) Susan Doyle (Social Democrats) Ciaran McCarthy (Social Democrats) Finian Toomey (Aontu) Tony Fitzgerald (FF) Sandra Murphy-Kelleher (FF) Garret Kelleher (FG) Imelda Daly (FG) Rachel Hurley-Roche (Ind/WP) John Donohue (Ind) *indicates sitting TDs This article originally listed Ken OFlynn in the candidate section as (Ind) but his associated party should read (Independent Ireland) A traditional constituency that has only ever elected Fianna Fail and Fine Gael representatives, but a boundary change could hurt the votes for one Cork North-West incumbent and provide an opportunity for the other parties to make a breakthrough. Current TDs (three seats) Current TDs: Michael Creed (FG), Michael Moynihan (FF) and Aindrias Moynihan (FF). Cork North-West may be one of the most traditional constituencies in Ireland, with the electorate having returned only Fianna Fail and Fine Gael representatives for 43 years. The civil war parties have shared the three seats of the constituency (created in 1980) since the 1981 election and every time voters have gone to the polls they have returned a man with the surname Creed, of Fine Gael ilk, or Moynihan, loyal to Fianna Fail. In eight out of the 12 elections that the constituency has seen, including the last four, voters have sent a Creed as well as at least one Moynihan to the Dail and this trend may well be continued in 2024. Though Michael Creed is not running for election again, his namesake, who is his cousin and a long-time Macroom councillor, will be seeking to continue the Creed claim on the constituency on his first attempt at securing a Dail seat. Kanturk councillor John Paul OShea is also contesting the election for Fine Gael. He won more than 7,000 first-preference votes in the constituency in the 2020 General Election and will be force to be reckoned with at the polls. Also running are candidates seeking to challenge the status quo of Cork North-West, including Becky Kealy of Aontu and Colette Finn of the Green Party, who both earned respectable votes in 2020, as well as first-time candidate Nicole Ryan of Sinn Fein. While these candidates will provide outlets for voters seeking alternative representation, they will certainly be up against it in a constituency which has been so unfriendly to those who do not have the backing of the two major parties. Who could make gains here? Given the voting history of Cork North-West, Aindrias Moynihan (who won 9,628 first-preferences in 2020) and Michael Moynihan (who won 8,651) are likely to retain their seats. Fine Gaels duo of challengers may have to battle it out between themselves for the seat currently occupied by Michael Creed. Kanturk-based Becky Kealy could stand the best chance of election out of the other runners. She won close to 4,000 first-preferences in 2020 but may still have to double this tally if she is to be in with a shout this time around. Any boundary changes to note? Boundary changes have seen electoral districts from Cork East (Ballyclogh, Buttevant, Doneraile and Kilmaclenine), and Cork North-Central (Dripsey and Gowlane) moved into the constituency. However, the change which could prove most crucial for the election in Cork North-West is the transfer of Ballincollig to Cork North-Central. There is speculation that his could hurt Aindrias Moynihan, who has built a support base in Ballincollig. What are the issues under the spotlight? Like in many constituencies across the country, health and housing will be two of the major issues on the minds of voters. SouthDoc facilities have effectively closed in the towns of Kanturk and Macroom while dereliction is an issue in many towns and villages in the constituency. There is also a big demand for affordable housing. Water services, roads and agricultural supports will also key issues for voters. Candidates Ellen Barry, Independent Ireland Michael Creed, Fine Gael Colette Finn, Green Party Becky Kealy, Aontu Joe Moore, People Before Profit-Solidarity Aindrias Moynihan, Fianna Fail* Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fail* John OLeary, Independent John Paul OShea, Fine Gael Nicole Ryan, Sinn Fein Walter Ryan-Purcell, Independent *indicates sitting TD In the Cork South Central jungle, only one political 'big beast' will contest a seat in the 34th Dail. Current TDs (four seats) Micheal Martin (FF), Michael McGrath (FF), Simon Coveney (FG) and Donnchadh O'Laoghaire (SF). Fianna Fail leader and former Taoiseach Micheal Martin will contest his ninth general election - all of which he has won since 1989 - as his two major constituency colleagues/rivals, Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney, depart the local political scene. Mr Coveney, a former Tanaiste and Fine Gael leadership challenger, is retiring from national politics while Michael McGrath, a Dail deputy since 2007 and former Finance Minister, is Ireland's new EU Commissioner. If the departure of both 'big beasts' from the constituency wasn't drama enough, Cork South Central will revert back to being a five seat constituency having had four Dail berths since 2016. Both developments open the door for new political careers - and potentially smaller political parties. Apart from Mr Martin, the only TD defending his seat in the constituency is Sinn Fein's Donnchadh O'Laoghaire. First elected in 2016, he boasts a strong local organisation and should easily defy the difficulties Sinn Fein has found itself mired in to secure a place in the 34th Dail. The party are running a two-candidate ticket with Michelle Cowhey Shahid, a Sinn Fein regional secretary, contesting her first Dail election. For Fianna Fail, Michael McGrath's brother, Councillor Seamus McGrath, will attempt to retain the party's second seat in a three-candidate ticket alongside Margaret Kenneally, a Bishopstown-based businesswoman and first time election candidate. The McGraths operate a formidable political machine in the Cork harbour area and, in the 2016 General Election, Michael McGrath even managed to out-poll his party leader by 449 votes. For Fine Gael, the retirement of Mr Coveney heralds the birth of new political careers - or the renaissance of older campaigners. Councillor Shane O'Callaghan and Councillor Una McCarthy will attempt to retain a Cork South Central Dail berth that has variously been held over the years by such party heavyweights as Peter Barry, Hugh Coveney, Deirdre Clune and Simon Coveney. Senator Jerry Buttimer - who came second in voting at the local FG selection convention - was subsequently added to the ticket to form a three-candidate strategy for FG. The fact that Bishopstown, his traditional base, has been returned to the constituency is a key asset to Sen Buttimer who lost his Dail berth at the 2016 General Election. In last June's Local Government Election, Councillor O'Callaghan's 1,870 first preferences in Cork City Council's South Central ward was not only the best by his party in Cork but one of their major bright spots nationally. A strong challenge is expected from Independents with former Lord Mayor Mick Finn tipped to poll well. Where are the potential gains? The key question arising is who will benefit from the extra Dail seat as the constituency returns to a five seater thanks to the addition of territory from Cork North Central? Traditionally, the constituency provided a three-two split between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael before Labour, the Progressive Democrats, Greens and finally Sinn Fein made breakthroughs. Fine Gael lost their second seat in 2016. Now, parties outside the 'Big Three' will be hoping to make a breakthrough or reclaim a Dail berth they once held. Labour, Greens, Social Democrats, Socialist/People Before Profit, Aontu and even independents will be targeting the extra fifth seat. Labour held a seat here until 2016 and will be hoping Councillor Laura Harmon mirrors the strong performance she delivered in the Local Government elections when she garnered 1,240 first preference votes. The Green Party - who also enjoyed a breakthrough here thanks to current Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Boyle in 2002 - will run Dr Monica Oikeh, a GP in the Carrigaline and Douglas area. Social Democrats enjoyed unexpected gains in Cork last June and will see Padraig Rice contest Cork South Central. For the various independent challengers, there is hope of a repeat of Kathy Sinnott's stunning performance at the 2002 General Election when she narrowly missed out on a seat, after several recounts, by just six votes to Fianna Fail's John Dennehy. Any boundary changes? The constituency reverts back to a five-seater for the first time since 2016 after gaining portions of former Cork North Central territory and to recognise local population growth. The territorial gains are primarily in the Bishopstown area. What are the issues under the spotlight? Amongst the local issues are housing, transport (including both the new Ringaskiddy motorway and Cork's promised light rail network) as well as crime and Cork's ongoing flooding threat. Cutbacks to local bus services has emerged as a thorny local problem. Access to healthcare is also emerging as a major issue with Cork University Hospital now having one of Ireland's busiest emergency departments. Candidates: Michael Martin (FF)* Seamus McGrath (FF) Margaret Kenneally (FF) Shane O'Callaghan (FG) Una McCarthy (FG) Jerry Buttimer (FG) Donnchadh O'Laoghaire (SF)* Michelle Cowhey Shahid (SF) Mick Finn (Ind) Padraig Rice (SD) Monica Oikeh (Green) Laura Harmon (Labour) Anna Daly (Aontu) Shane Laird (PBP) Lorna Bogue (Rabharta) Veronica Houlihan (Independent Ireland) Ted Neville (National Party) Graham de Barra (Inependent) Paudie Dineen (Independent) Tony Field (Independent) John OLeary (Independent) Valerie Ward (Independent Ireland) *Indicates sitting TDs While Independent Ireland party leader Michael Collins is expected to be re-elected, which two Cork South-West candidates will join him in the Dail is far less certain. Fine Gael are making a big push to secure a seat while Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns could end up in a dogfight to hold on to hers. An ability to attract transfers will prove crucial in deciding who takes the third seat. Current TDs (three seats) Holly Cairns (Social Democrats), Michael Collins (Independent Ireland) and Christopher OSullivan (Fianna Fail) Fine Gael failed to win a seat in Cork South-West for the first time in more than 60 years in the 2020 general election and have placed a heavy emphasis on winning back a seat in the most southerly constituency. They are running two strong candidates in Cllr Noel ODonovan and Senator Tim Lombard and they are determined to win a seat. The leader of the Independent Ireland party, Michael Collins, retained his seat in the last election, getting elected on the first count with 26.42% first preference votes. Renowned for his hard work throughout the constituency and his common sense approach to rural life, Deputy Collins is heavily tipped to retain his seat. Christopher OSullivan won a seat for the first time on the eighth count at the last election. He has maintained a strong profile in the constituency since, showing particular passion for environmental and disability issues. Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns was dramatically elected in the 2020 general election. She received 3,023 transfers from the Sinn Fein candidate Paul Hayes to pip Tim Lombard for the final seat. Ms Cairns, who was elected leader of her party 2023, has been very vocal in debates on the proposed redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes, housing, and disability services. Who could make gains here? It is widely expected that Independent Ireland party leader Michael Collins will top the poll and retain his seat for the third successive time. The race for the two remaining seats is set to be a battle royal with a few candidates expected to be in the running. It is generally expected that Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns faces a real battle to get re-elected. She will be hoping for a substantial increase to her first preference vote. On the plus side it is envisaged that Deputy Cairns will be transfer friendly and she will gain from all the left candidates. Determined to win back a seat in the constituency, Fine Gael have selected two strong candidates in Senator Tim Lombard and Cllr Noel ODonovan. Senator Lombard is located in the east of the constituency while Cllr ODonovan is located in the centre. If Fine Gael get their tactical voting right, it could prove pivotal in winning a seat. Sitting TD Christopher OSullivan is also expected to poll very strongly again. Fianna Fail has deliberately decided to run one candidate and they will be expecting Deputy OSullivan to retain his seat. The party ran two candidates in the 2020 general election when sitting TD Margaret Murphy OMahony was defeated. Sinn Fein has selected two candidates to contest the election. They have selected Clare OCallaghan and Donnchadh O Seaghdha. Ms OCallaghan ran in the recent local elections and was disappointed with her overall vote. It is not anticipated that Ms OCallaghan or Mr O Seaghdha will be in contention for a seat. Long serving Independent councillor Alan Coleman will contest another election and he generally receives a strong vote. The transfers from Mr Coleman, who is based in Belgooly, could ultimately prove decisive in the destination of the final seat. The Labour Party has selected Evie Nevin who also unsuccessfully ran in the recent local elections. Mary Ryder will run for the Green Party and Zoe Laplaud has been selected by People Before Profit. Mairead Ruane, who also contested the 2020 election for Aontu, will run again, while Deborah ODriscoll has been selected by The Irish People. What are the issues under the spotlight? The housing crisis is a big issue in Cork South-West. Constituents are particularly concerned about planning regulations and one-off housing. Securing extra funding for roads, establishing a special school in West Cork and improved public transport options are other key priorities. Agriculture, fishing, and tourism are also very important issues in the constituency. Candidates Holly Cairns, Social Democrats* Alan Coleman, Independent Michael Collins, Independent Ireland* Zoe Laplaud, People Before Profit-Solidarity Tim Lombard, Fine Gael Evie Nevin, The Labour Party Donnchadh O Seaghdha, Sinn Fein Clare OCallaghan, Sinn Fein Noel ODonovan, Fine Gael Deborah ODriscoll, The Irish People John OLeary, Independent Christopher OSullivan, Fianna Fail* Mairead Ruane, Aontu Mary Ryder, Green Party *Denotes a sitting TD 'I love campaigning' - Tanaiste says he has 'no worries' over upcoming TV debates Fianna Fail leader Tanaiste Micheal Martin has no worries at all about upcoming television debates and going head-to-head with Taoiseach Simon Harris. He said he is looking forward to debates because his party will put forward its policies and priorities. I love campaigning, I have been about the length and breadth of the country and I will continue to do that, he said. He said Fianna Fail will campaign to reduce prices, on the cost of living on families and households, on housing as well as health. We have been the agent of change in housing over the last number of years, weve engineered change and new departures in housing policy. He said Health Minister Stephen Donnellys radical interventions on womens health have been a game changer. We want safer cities and safer urban areas," Mr Martin said. The Foreign Affairs Minister said Fianna Fail has a historic mission on making free schoolbooks for students. Our campaign is about the future of Ireland, the future of our society and were determined to invest in public services and to create a tax environment which will encourage and nurture enterprise and make us resilient against international turmoil," he said. He said Fianna Fail has ruled out government with Sinn Fein. Were very clear they dont get the economic model, they dont get the enterprise model, they dont believe in free trade, he said. The party kicked off its campaigning this morning at Merrion Square, where the Tanaiste was joined with TD Jim OCallaghan as well as general election candidates Mary Fitzpatrick and Catherine Ardagh. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael politicians have already said they will canvass the Ireland v Australia game at the Aviva Stadium tonight. Gabija Gataveckaite Online safety advice has been issued to general election candidates in a joint effort by gardai and the media and online safety regulator. An information pack published today provides advice on the role of gardai and Coimisiun na Mean and guidance for election candidates on what to do when faced with harmful or illegal content or behaviour online. It is important everyone feels free to participate in the electoral process, whether they are engaging in real life or online, garda deputy commissioner in policing operations Shawna Coxon said. That is why An Garda Siochana and Coimisiun na Mean are working together to support our democracy by keeping people safe online during this election. The information pack includes information on scenarios candidates might face during the campaign and the steps they can take. It also highlights their rights under Coimisiun na Means new Online Safety Framework and the channels for reporting suspected illegal content on the various social media platforms. It comes as a growing number of people involved in politics speak out about abuse and harmful behaviour. Fine Gael TD for Galway East Ciaran Cannon, one of 18 deputies in his party who will not contest this election, cited a toxicity in politics that did not exist 20 years ago as a reason for stepping down. A UCD study published in May found 73pc of Oireachtas members frequently suffer abuse on social media. In September, Taoiseach Simon Harris and a number of senior Ministers were briefed on the new Online Safety Framework by gardai and Coimisiun na Mean. It is important that people are empowered to run as candidates in any election without being discouraged by illegal abuse or behaviour online, said Coimisiun na Mean digital services commissioner John Evans. "We want our media landscape to support democracy and electoral integrity, and we hope that this information pack will help candidates understand their rights online and where to turn to for help, if needed. "Were also engaging with online platforms on their preparations for the election and we expect them to play their part in ensuring that people can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote. Earlier this week a man pleaded guilty to assaulting Green Party leader Roderic OGorman while he was canvassing in Blanchardstown last Saturday. "On Saturday, while out canvassing in Dublin West, what was otherwise a positive canvass was marred by an alarming incident with one individual. I am grateful to the Garda protection officer assigned to me who was forced to intervene, and I have given a statement to the gardai on the matter, Mr OGorman said in a statement. With three sitting TDs opting not to stand for elections, its all to play for in the Louth constituency. The two incumbent candidates will certainly fancy their chances but with former mayors and some well-known faces adding their names to the ballot, its anyones guess who will win the race for Louths five seats. Current TDs (five seats) Current TDs: Fergus ODowd (FG), Imelda Munster (SF) and Peter Fitzpatrick (Ind), Ruairi O Murchu (SF) and Ged Nash (Lab). The race for the Dail in Louth is one of the most open contests in years. Three of the sitting TDs are stepping down at this election with Fergus ODowd (FG), Imelda Munster (SF) and Peter Fitzpatrick (Ind), all withdrawing from the political fray. That leaves Ruairi O Murchu (SF) and Ged Nash (Lab) as the only incumbents in the race with O Murchu based in Dundalk and Nash in Drogheda. There are a number of high-profile challengers in the race, some running for the Dail for the first time, like journalist and broadcaster, Alison Comyn (FF) and former Mayor of Drogheda, Kevin Callan (Ind) Who could make gains here? The departure of three sitting TDs leaves the race very difficult to predict in Louth. The two incumbent candidates will fancy their chances of regaining their seats but who takes the next three seats is wide open. Sinn Fein would have had two safe seats in this constituency if both sitting TDs were running again but with the departure of Imelda Munster, it will be for Cllr Joanna Byrne to retain the seat at the Drogheda end of the constituency. The addition of Antoin Watters to the ticket means that Sinn Fein will run a three candidate strategy, with the hope it will help at least two get over the line. It will be interesting to see where the votes of Fine Gaels long-standing TD, Fergus ODowd, will go this election. His base is in Drogheda and Cllr Paula Butterly will be on the Drogheda side of the Fine Gael ticket, this time around. The party is running two candidates, but the base of Senator John McGahon - who contested the 2020 General Election - is in the north of the county so will the two-candidate strategy be successful in retaining a seat here for Fine Gael? Dundalk is a less congested field than Drogheda so McGahons higher profile should see him ahead of Paula Butterly and in amongst the top five, particularly given Fine Gaels showing in national opinion polls. With Independent candidate, Peter Fitzpatrick, stepping down, there could be an independent vote to be won in Louth and the former Mayor of Drogheda, Kevin Callan will be hoping he can capitalise on that. Currently Louth County Council Chairperson, he has formed an effective alliance with other independent councillors and has campaigned heavily long before the summer local elections. Alison Comyn brings a big local profile in Drogheda to the Fianna Fail ticket and she will be hoping to buck a trend that has seen South Louth prove something of a wasteland for Fianna Fail candidates for decades now. However, Comyn is not alone on the Louth Fianna Fail ticket. Fianna Fail are covering the northern half of the constituency with Senator Erin McGreehan who will have her own claim on the seat, having built up a good profile in her time in the Seanad. North Louth was once a party stronghold, remarkably at one time delivering three out of four seats on just over 40pc share of the vote. Those days are gone, but the party returned Dermot Ahern and Seamus Kirk for many elections and had a good showing in the June local elections. Aontus candidate, Michael ODowd, a brother of retiring Deputy Fergus ODowd, is another former Mayor of Drogheda and is likely to prove popular in the rural parts of the constituency too. Late to reveal their hand in the race for a Dail seat in Louth were the Social Democrats and the Green Party. Both have now selected candidates. Marianne Butler will run for the Greens from her base in Dundalk and representing Mid-Louth for the Social Democrats will be Niall McCreanor. Both are likely to face an uphill battle in securing a seat in Louth. Add to that, some more independents and candidates from People Before Profit and two anti-immigration candidates and what results is a race that only the most courageous would bet on. Any boundary changes to note? Most of what was the East Meath part of the constituency has been lopped off for this election cycle. South Droghedas Meath residents will remain in the constituency, but areas like Julianstown, Bettystown and Laytown have all been removed and that is likely to have the greatest impact on Drogheda-based candidates who would have been active in those areas, in the past. You are likely to see a lot of Drogheda-based candidates looking to mid-Louth and further north to make up the votes lost to the south, in the boundary change. What are the issues under the spotlight? As in much of the country, the housing crisis is a huge issue in Louth. The wee county has not been immune from the housing and homelessness crisis. Louth County Council has social housing waiting list of over 2,000 and people can wait more than a decade for social housing. In the private market, rents and house prices have risen over the lifetime of the outgoing government. Health is another national issue that is impacting locally, particularly in the countys biggest hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, which has seen recent protests by staff complaining of back door recruitment freeze at the hospital that is placing an enormous burden on existing staff and impacting patient care. The hospital also faces long waiting lists and one of the busiest emergency departments in the region. Dereliction is dominating a lot of the conversation among Drogheda candidates who are debating how to tackle vacancy and dereliction in the town centre and assessing how the town might be best governed into the future, to ensure a revitalisation of the town centre. The cost of living is also likely to come up on the doorsteps across the county, as locals struggle with everything from the cost of groceries, to the daily commute and childcare. Candidates David Bradley, Independent David Brennan, Independent Marianne Butler, Green Party Paula Butterly, Fine Gael Albert Byrne, Independent Joanna Byrne, Sinn Fein Kevin Callan, Independent David Carroll, Independent Thomas Clare, Independent Alison Comyn, Fianna Fail Alan Fagan, Independent Hermann Kelly, Irish Freedom Party Niall McCreanor, Social Democrats Derek McElearney, The Irish People John McGahon, Fine Gael Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fail Ryan McKeown, Independent Ireland Ged Nash, Labour* Peter James Nugent, Independent Michael ODowd, Aontu Tracey OHanlon, Independent Ruairi O Murchu, Sinn Fein* James Renaghan, People Before Profit Antoin Watters, Sinn Fein *indicates sitting TDs MEP Clare Daly said she will run in the general election Hundreds of election posters for Dublin Central candidate and former MEP Clare Daly have gone up across the area, despite her criticism of other parties using them during the recent Local and European elections. Now that the date for the general election, November 29, is now officially set, candidate across the country will begin the race to the poles, to secure the best spot for their posters. Posters for Clare Daly, with the slogan keeping Dublin Centrals Independent voice have popped up across the constituency. A number of posters for Clare Daly have gone up across Drumcondra and Phibsboro Ahead of the election, Ms Daly posted a video in May of a speech she gave in the European Parliament, outlining her objection to the use of the plastic posters, describing them as eyesores. In the next month you are going to see 600,000 plastic posters going up the length and breadth of the country for the European and Local elections, Ms Daly said at the time. None of the are going to be made from recycled plastic. Even worse they are going to be exposed to the elements. These eyesores leaking millions of microplastic particles directly into the environment, Ms Daly said. The former MEP added that she would not engage in the use of these posters and said the issue must be tackled. The big parties with large numbers with every candidate on every lamppost. So while the people of Ireland have constantly rejected and argued for this nonsense to be scrapped, it still goes on. I for one, wont be participating in it, and I really think this issue must be tackled, Ms Daly said. Ms Daly was first elected to the Dail in 2011 in the Dublin North constituency and was re-elected in 2016 in the Dublin Fingal area. In 2019, she ran in the European elections where she secured a seat in the Dublin constituency but lost her MEP seat in the recent European elections. Ms Daly, who is part of Independents 4 Change, is now running in Dublin Central, where Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Minister Paschal Donohoe will also contest. I was contacted by some really outstanding Independent representatives and activists in Dublin Central and they asked me would I consider running there to kind of keep the really strong Independent tradition, the likes of Tony Gregory and Maureen OSullivan had represented, Ms Daly said on running in the area. After a lot of talk, I said: Why not throw the hat into the ring? Ms Daly has been contacted for comment. Its all to play for in this brand new constituency, with three seats up for grabs. Arklow has never had a TD and some hope that this will the the towns opportunity to change that, although there have been fears that the higher population of north Wexford could turn the tables in the Model Countys favour. New constituency with no current TDs (three seats) Seven candidates have thrown their hat in the ring with the hopes of nabbing a seat in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency. The new south Wicklow-north Wexford three-seat constituency was formed following the Electoral Commission Review Report of 2023. The Commissions review in 2023 resulted in both Wicklow and Wexford constituencies moving to four-seat constituencies and the creation of a new Wicklow-Wexford three-seat constituency. These changes are designed to bring the Dail in line with the constitutional requirement to have one TD for every 30,000 people. With a population of over 85,000, this new constituency currently has no sitting TDs and the upcoming election will allow voters to elect representatives from the area. Who could make gains here? Overtly aware that communities across south Wicklow have been crying out for a representative in the Dail, Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Kennedy and Independent Councillor Peir Leonard will hope their election can help expedite long-desired and sorely needed infrastructure improvements in the region. Further incentivised by the prospect of becoming Arklows first TD, Councillors Kennedy and Leonard will compete for the lions share of the Wicklow vote, with the former holding greater sway in Rathdrum, Aughrim and rural areas, and the latter boasting a loyal voter base in her hometown of Arklow. Despite being the outstanding candidates in the Arklow Electoral Area at this years local elections, neither councillor has a strong presence in Wexford, while Fianna Fail candidate Senator Malcolm Byrne and Fine Gaels Brian Brennan have connections on both sides of the border. Arklow with a population of over 14,000 has never returned a Dail Deputy while Gorey hasnt had a TD since both Michael D'Arcy of Fine Gael and Malcolm Byrne of Fianna Fail were knocked out during the final two counts of the General Election in 2020. Fianna Fails decision to select Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllr Pat Kennedy for this General Election, has added pressure to both candidates and they are seeking to maximise their number one vote in their respective areas. Gorey Councillor Fionntain O Suilleabhain who has served on the Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council for the last 10 years was selected by Sinn Fein to contest the election. Any boundary changes to note? The brand new constituency has resulted from the 2023 Electoral Commissions proposal for Wexford and Wicklow to both lose a TD (reducing from five to four) and the creation of the new three-seater Wicklow-Wexford constituency. This new constituency takes in 31 electoral districts in south Wicklow with a population of 35,708 along with 41 electoral districts from north Wexford and 59,743 voters. The constituency runs from just south of Wicklow town to just south of Kilmuckridge, and includes Rathdrum, Aughrim and Tinahely in Co Wicklow, along with Bunclody, Courtown and most of Co Wexford north of Enniscorthy, although Enniscorthy town remains in the Wexford constituency. For the first time, the count centre for south Wicklow and north Wexford will take up residence in Kilanerin Community Centre. What are the issues under the spotlight? Along with big-ticket items like the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway and Aughrim Wastewater Treatment Plant, the completion of Arklows Wastewater Treatment Plant will trigger a wave of residential development, adding increased stress on already overburdened transport, healthcare, education and childcare services Gorey is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland which gives rise to challenges in the provision of school places and healthcare as well as the increased demand for housing. Candidates Sinead Boland, Aontu Brian Brennan, Fine Gael Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail Pat Kennedy, Fianna Fail Frances Lawlor, Independent Ireland Peir Leonard, Independent Ilse-Maria Nolan, Independent Aislinn OKeeffe, People Before Profit-Solidarity Fionntain O Suilleabhain, Sinn Fein Ann Walsh, Green Party Former Sinn Fein press officer Michael McMonagle is due to be sentenced at Derry Crown Court on Friday. McMonagle (42) from Limewood Street, Derry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He had originally faced 15 charges, including attempting to incite two children to engage in sexual activity. He was also accused of 13 counts of attempted sexual communication with a child. The offences relate to various dates between May 2020 and August 2021. At his first court appearance last year he was charged with three offences but 12 more were added later. McMonagle pleaded guilty to all charges on 23 September and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register. He was first arrested in August 2021. Sinn Fein has said it suspended him as soon as it became aware of the police investigation. His term of employment with Sinn Fein at the Assembly formally ended in July 2022. McMonagle then went on to get a job with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which did not know he was under investigation for child sex offences. It later emerged that two former party press officers for Sinn Fein provided references for McMonagle in 2022 for the BHF job. McMonagle began his BHF job in September 2022 and carried on until July 2023 when the charity heard of the criminal charges he faced. Taoiseach Simon Harris has led tributes to former senator and successful businessman Billy Lawless, who has died aged 73. Mr Lawless was originally from Galway but moved to Chicago in the 1990s, where he became a successful publican before being nominated to the Seanad in 2016. He was made a Freeman of Galway in 2015 in recognition of his work for Irish emigrants and the undocumented Irish in the United States. Taoiseach Simon Harris described Mr Lawless as a gentleman to his core and a successful businessman who was extremely kind and dedicated to his work. He said it was with the utmost sadness that he learned of the death of Mr Lawless. Billy Lawless was a gentleman to his core, he was a businessman at the top of his game, and he was a person who accepted a challenge from former Taoiseach Enda Kenny - to travel from Chicago to Leinster House to represent the Irish diaspora, he said. He did his work with diligence and great pride; he was great company, and he was an extremely kind man. To his family and large circle of friends and colleagues, I am truly sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Senators Victor Boyhan and Michael McDowell have paid tribute to Mr Lawless as a tireless advocate for the Irish diaspora and undocumented in the United States, describing their friend as a political force and family man who will be missed on both sides the Atlantic. In a statement, they said: "It is with great sadness that we learned earlier today of the death of our dear friend former Senator Billy Lawless. "Billy was a member of our Seanad Independent Group from 2016 to 2020 where he served with distinction as part of our ten strong group of Independent members in Seanad Eireann. They added: Billy was a tireless advocate for the diaspora and the undocumented Irish in the United States. He was a political force who made a difference in Irish and American politics over many decades, but above all, a husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed in Chicago, Galway and further afield. Former Senator Lawless greatly helped the cause of Irish immigrants and was made Freeman of Galway for these efforts. He was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by University of Galway. On behalf of the current and former Seanad Independent Group we remember Billy today. Former broadcaster Keith Finnegan told Galway Bay FM that Mr Lawless never rested and was totally dedicated to his work and his family, leaving a lasting legacy in the work he did for Irish immigrants. "Billy worked for people and his one passion in life was people and if someone was feeling down and the undocumented in the States would have been something very close to Billys heart altogether, he said. Mr Lawless did extreme work in the Seanad and spent a lot of time lobbying in Capitol Hill for the undocumented people who are looking over their shoulder every day, he said. The son of murdered prison guard Brian Stack will run for Fianna Fail in the General Election. Austin Stack, who also worked as a prison officer, will join Fianna Fail minister Sean Fleming on the partys ticket in the Laois constituency. Brian stack was shot and murdered by the provisional IRA when he was working in Portlaoise Prison in 1984. His son has campaigned tirelessly seeking justice for his fathers murder in the hope of bringing his murderers to justice. Austin stack served as an assistant governor in the Irish Prison Service and since retiring has launched a new health and safety consultancy business in Portlaoise. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the new candidate is a very passionate advocate, as shown both by his campaigning for justice for his father, who was tragically murdered by the IRA, and locally, helping people in Portlaoise. "I am delighted he has been added to the ticket. He has a proven track record of working with residents associations locally and is deeply rooted in his community. Austin Stack. Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 8th "We have a well-balanced ticket in Laois with Austin and Sean and I believe we are in strong contention for two seats." Mr Stack said he is honoured to have been added to the ticket in Laois for the General Election. "I am hugely passionate about advocating for the people of Laois. Over the past decades, I have shown that I am not afraid of being a strong voice for people here and standing up for them. "I am proud of my work on the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee, engaging residents associations and will continue this hard work on behalf of the people of Laois in the weeks ahead. "I will always fight for justice and for fairness. If elected to Dail Eireann I will continue this and be a relentlessly strong voice for our community at a national level, he said. Hotel review: With a Hoxton coming to Dublin, we check into Vienna to see what could lie in store This new Hoxton in Austria offered excellent service but felt a little impersonal soon the chain will be opening its doors in Dublin A lobby with flair at the Hoxton in Vienna. Photo: Julius Hirtzberger Nicola Brady Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Its been almost 20 years since the first Hoxton hotel opened in London, and the chains signature style has been emulated in properties all over the world, from its compact rooms to the handy breakfast bags hanging on the room doors. The epiphany came to me later than Id care to admit. I had to return home to France, travel back to Ireland and settle back into old habits to realise it. Allow me to backtrack. On a damp October day, I stumbled upon Saint-Malo Street in Brittany, France. Id almost missed the 350-metre-long alcove of peace and quiet as I was focused on trekking through the damp streets of Brest to my next meeting. The author of the book was motivated to ensure that the everyday people who helped rid the country of British rule are remembered 'Land War to Civil War 1900-1924 : Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond' was released earlier this year. Gerard O'Rourke, author of 'Land War to Civil War 1900-1924: Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond', photographed with Cork writer Alice Taylor. A Donoughmore woman named Mary Healy who became involved in the Manchester IRA and brushed shoulders with senior figures like Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera, who stayed in her house after she contributed to his infamous escape from Lincoln prison, is just one of the characters covered in a new book. Land War to Civil War 1900-1924: Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond, written by former correspondent of The Corkman Gerard ORourke, sheds light on the many ordinary people who risked their lives during the revolutionary period to further the cause of Irish freedom. The book paints the authors parish of Donoughmore as an epicentre of republican activity in the early 20th century. It tells of how the area was where the IRA executed Mary Lindsay, who provided information to British forces which led to volunteers being ambushed at Dripsey in March 1921, and how it provided the backdrop to British General Compton Smiths execution the next month. The mid Cork village was also where the Wallace sisters, who owned a shop in the city that also functioned as the unofficial HQ of the IRAs Cork No 1 Brigade, also hailed from and it was also where the IRA brought stockpiled ammunition seized from the British warship Upnor. The story of William Healy, the last person to be executed by firing squad in Cork County Gaol, is another character highlighted in the book, which also delves into stories that played out in Cork City and across the county during the 24-year period it covers. The north Cork areas of Kanturk, where Irish nationalist politician DD Sheehan originated, Mallow, where the IRA carried out a daring attack on the local barracks, as well as Bweeng and Mourneabbey also feature in histories recalled in the book. Author Gerard told The Corkman that much of his motivation for writing the book came from feeling obligated to ensure that the ordinary people from his locality, Cork and all over Ireland who contributed to the country gaining independence are remembered. It gives a greater understanding of what exactly happened on the ground at parish level and local level, Gerard said. There was a time in Ireland when you couldnt go past your gate without being searched or couldnt go to the local shop without people spying on you. You had to be very careful with who you associated with, so it was very restricted in that time. The writer said he was also inspired by his late wife, who passed away in August of last year, to write the book, which is the third historical work he has published. She was the inspiration for all my books. She was fully behind me, he said. Gerard said he struggled to write after his wifes death but was inspired to finish it in her memory. He plans to donate 15 from every book sold to cancer care services in Cork. The book is being sold at locations all over Cork including Kanturk Bookshop, the James OKeeffe Institute in Newmarket and Philips Bookstore and Danos Supervalu in Mallow. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee admits there is more aggression in Dublin More than 12,000 people have been arrested in Dublin city centre since January, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has revealed. Minister McEntee and Minister of State for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Emer Higgins, met with members of the Department of Enterprises Retail Forum in Dublin this week. What weve seen is a particular challenge, particularly post-Covid, around thefts, Ms McEntee told NewsTalk radio after the meeting. There may be many different reasons why we have less cash in our shops, and there has been an increase in the theft of particular goods Weve also seen a change in peoples behaviours, and, again, I would say post-Covid, people would recognise theres more aggression out there. There are changed and challenging behaviours we hadnt seen before. Ms McEntee added there has been a shift within urban centres, with more people working from home creating a different dynamic in our cities. She went on to say that gardai had listened to retailers concerns and implemented a specific garda operation to address the issue. Its working on the basis that 40pc of this retail crime is committed by about 8-9pc of people, McEntee said. So, if you target and identify those individuals, youre almost halving the crimes in our shops. Minister McEntee highlighted a 20pc increase in prosecutions over the past year and said 12,100 individuals have been arrested in Dublin city centre since January, with 20m worth of drugs seized. Im getting really positive reports from gardai about changed behaviour, about aggression de-escalating when they see cameras being put on, she said. People being convicted because we now have, for the first time, very clear evidence of crimes that have been committed. Dublin Winter Lights is returning to the city at the end of this month, with new locations and landmarks joining the list of illuminations for this year. The annual festival sees iconic buildings, monuments, bridges and statues lit up with vibrant projections and colourful displays. This years event includes new locations including the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Newcomen Bank, the James Joyce Bridge, and the Liffey Boardwalk. They will join regular landmarks such as the GPO, Millennium Bridge, Samuel Beckett Bridge, and the Custom House, with lights set to sparkle until the end of December. Now in its fourth year, Merrion Square Park will once again be transformed from November 29 to Christmas Eve as part of Dublin Winter Lights. This year, it will feature an impressive 8-metre snow globe hologram. Tickets will be available from November 8, with a 2 booking fee per adult. A relaxed viewing timeslot will be offered at Merrion Square Park from 5pm to 5.30pm on Thursday through Sunday evenings, catering to neurodiverse visitors. The annual Dublin Winter Lights Festival is a wintertime favourite for both locals and visitors, said Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan. This year promises to be even better, with new locations and artists. Im really looking forward to the full programme and seeing the city in all its sparkling glory. The council noted the events low energy consumption, using comparable power to household appliances, with six kettles powering the GPO lights and the Custom House display consuming about the same as an electric shower. Artists worldwide were invited to submit designs for projections on the GPO and a new immersive 360-degree experience at Collins Barracks, with winners to be announced early next month. Additionally, Newcomen Bank will feature projections by NCAD students who participated in a Video Mapping Competition with support from the French Embassy in Ireland. A primary school childrens art competition will see winning entries displayed at Barnardo Square, with prizes awarded by the Lord Mayor, and the artwork featured on his Christmas cards. At Georges Dock, Constellations, a 16-minute installation by Studio Lemercier, will use projected light on water particles to form shapes in the air. Clarke Square at Collins Barracks will also host an immersive visual and soundscape event, designed by eight international digital artists. Tickets for this event will be available from November 8, with a 2 charge per adult. Education Minister Norma Foley dismisses Sinn Fein claim she was intensely lobbied by makers of phone pouches for schools A war of words has erupted between Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty, and Minister for Education, Norma Foley, regarding the sourcing and future costing of mobile phone pouches for schools. The controversial 9 million cost for the pouches was introduced under Budget 2025 in October. However, Deputy Doherty claims he received Freedom of Information (FOI) correspondence revealing that a cost of 2m per year is expected for replacement pouches. He also stated that Minister Foley was intensely lobbied by the company, Yondr, the make the pouches a claim denied by Minister Foley who issued a social media response to Deputy Doherty on X on Thursday night. Deputy Doherty said Minister Foley met with an executive from Yondr at a conference two years ago, where she was given one of the pouches. A couple of weeks ago, when I questioned you in the Dail on the phone pouches, you stood there and said, this is a once-off expenditure. But that isnt true, Deputy Doherty told the Taoiseach in the Dail. The documents I received under Freedom of Information show its not true, and they raise a lot of questions surrounding the story you spun to the public. The Government was at pains to stress that this was a one-off spend, he added. Minister Norma Foley even wrote an article where the headline was once-off investment. And you did that too, Tanaiste, a couple of weeks ago when I questioned you here and you said it was a once-off expenditure. Now we know that wasnt true, Deputy Doherty said. Tell me, why did you not tell the public that Minister Foley was lobbied by an executive from Yondr, the company who makes these phone pouches?, he asked. "And please explain to me why Minister Foley in a parliamentary answer on the record of this Dail when I asked did she have any meeting with an executive from any of the pouch companies she said no? Deputy Doherty said. But Minister Foley hit back saying she has written to the Ceann Comhairle to request that Deputy Doherty correct the record on erroneous assertions. She stated that she has never held a meeting with Yondr or any other mobile phone pouch providers. The Minister explained that while attending a National Association of Principals conference in Galwey in 2022, she passed the education stalls set up in the hotel on her way to deliver her speech. She briefly stopped to say hello to staff at the stalls, including a Yondr representative, an encounter that lasted under a minute, according to Minister Foley. In the course of my work as a government minister, and a TD, I regularly have these types of meet-and-greet encountersThese are completely different to formal meetings on department policy, she said on X. Minister for Education Norma Foley (Niall Carson/PA). Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 8th She added that FOI correspondence shows that Yondr repeatedly requested such a meeting with the Minister before and after the Galway conference. As I have made clear, I have held no such meeting or discussion with Yondr, nor have any departmental officials, Minster Foley said. She also showed screenshots of letters on social media that were sent to Yondr on behalf of the Minister stating that it is not the policy of the Department of Education to promote or endorse any individual or commercial products. All this information was released under the FOI to Deputy Doherty, whose party is in government in the Northern Ireland Executive a government which is spending 250,000 on a pilot scheme for mobile phone pouches, she said. Minister Foley did not address the claims of an additional cost of 2 million per year for replacing the phone pouches in her reply on social media. New 4 million facility offers vital medical support for children with serious illnesses attending Barretstowns camps Barretstown camper Jonathan Lennon, Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn and The Edge at the opening of Barretstowns Med Shed, a new state-of- the-art 4 million medical facility at the charitys headquarters in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare. Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Barretstown has teamed up with U2 guitarist The Edge to open a new state-of-the-art 4 million medical facility at the charitys headquarters in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare, to support children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. The Edge, along with Barretstown Patron, Sabina Higgins, chair of the Barretstown Board, Anne Heraty and CEO Dee Ahearn, were on hand to officially open the new Med Shed which will provide 24/7 medical care to seriously ill children who attend Barretstowns residential camps. Barretstown is the largest and most established provider in Ireland of therapeutic camps and programmes, which provides for the unmet psychosocial needs of children and teenagers impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. It is projected to support over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of the decade. The new 450 sqm building, financed entirely through fund-raising efforts, boasts three fully equipped treatment rooms, facilitating the provision of critical treatments across 14 different illness groups. The facility also includes a pharmacy, bedrooms, reception and communal areas. Staffed by a full-time medical team, supported by volunteer doctors and nurses, the new upgraded and expanded facility will ensure that children and teenagers can enjoy the full benefits of Barretstowns residential camps, whilst not compromising their medical care. The services provided to all the children and families who come to Barretstown are entirely free of charge. Barretstown receives just 4pc government funding. Barretstown patron, Sabina Higgins, The Edge and Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn at the opening of Barretstowns Med Shed. Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Speaking at the launch, The Edge said: I am delighted to officially open the Med Shed at Barretstown. The new medical facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend Barretstowns residential camps. I first had the opportunity to visit Barretstown and spend some time with Paul Newman back in 2004 around the tenth anniversary. His legacy can be felt here to this day, it is a truly remarkable place that does extraordinary work in supporting children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. It is incredible to believe that 125,000 campers have been served in the 30 years since this magical place was established. What a milestone. Its a privilege to be part of the celebrations. Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown said: The development of the new medical facility is an important milestone for Barretstown as we project to serve over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of this decade. The facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend our residential camps, ensuring that each childs specific medical needs are provided for, whilst not compromising their camp experience. Its an essential part of the service delivery at Barretstown and provides parents and guardians with important peace of mind that medical care and facilities are on-hand if needed. The opening of this new facility demonstrates both our commitment to reach as many seriously ill children as possible and ensure that they have the very best quality of care and experience. This latest development follows on from several milestones this year, during which we celebrated 30 years of service. During this time, we have served over 125,000 children and families, while an independent report estimated the social value of our services at over 1.9 billion over the past 30 years. Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible support that Barretstown has received over the past 30 years from donors, supporters, volunteers and friends. The Edge, with siblings Cara, Barretstown camper Jonathan and Rebekah Lennon, siblings Sean, Chloe and Barretstown camper Jamie Finn, at the opening of Barretstowns Med Shed, a new state-of- the-art 4 million medical facility at the charitys headquarters in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare. Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Professor Owen Smith, UCD Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at CHI Crumlin, and medical patron, Barretstown said: The opening of the new Med Shed marks another important juncture for Barretstown providing it with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of an enhanced level of medical care to all the children who attend its residential camps. Barretstown camper Jonathan Lennon, Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn and The Edge at the opening of Barretstowns Med Shed, a new state-of- the-art 4 million medical facility at the charitys headquarters in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare. Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland We know that children and teenagers who experience serious illness benefit enormously from attending Barretstown and that its services play a crucial role in providing for the unmet psychosocial needs of children/teenagers who experience a serious illness. Central to Barretstown, is the provision of state-of-the-art facilities, which can cater for individual needs. The opening of the new Med Shed, which will provide medical care for 14 different illness groups, demonstrates Barretstowns commitment to ensuring a best-in-class experience for all children and teenagers who come to camp. Marion Neary who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Writing and Literature pictured with her cousin and Dragons Den star, Gavin Duffy with Orlaith Carmody. Pic: James Connolly. Atlantic Technological University (ATU) commenced its annual conferring ceremonies recently, celebrating the achievements of over 2,800 graduates across a wide range of disciplines, from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees, including 12 PhDs. Graduates from diverse fields were recognised, spanning from science and engineering to health, business, and the arts, marking another significant achievement for the university and its graduates. Over the next few weeks, further ceremonies will take place across the region with approximately 5,000 graduates being conferred this year. (L-R), Mary Carty, Aoibhe Carty and Damien Carty at the ATU Conferrals at the Knocknarea Arena. The first of the ceremonies took place on ATUs Letterkenny campus in Donegal, where graduates gathered with families and friends in An Danlann to celebrate their accomplishments. Among them were the first-ever graduates of ATUs pioneering Bachelor of Engineering in Electric Vehicle Engineering programme. Rose Mukiri, Bsc Forensic Investigatin and Analysis with her brothers Zech and Issac Mukiri at the ATU Conferrals at the Knocknarea Arena. Following the Donegal ceremonies, ATUs Knocknarea Arena in Sligo hosted another two days of conferring, where over 1,600 students celebrated the culmination of their academic journeys. Included in this group were the first graduates of ATUs newly accredited Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture programme. On Friday, ATU St Angelas students were also conferred at the Knocknarea Arena. President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, extended her congratulations to the graduates, Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation its a day for you to look back on the challenges you've overcome, the growth you've experienced, and the memories youve made. As our new graduates, you are not just equipped with degrees, but with the power to be a positive influence in society. Whatever your field, remember that your education is a tool for positive change. (L-R), Zena Walshe, Alan Walshe, Master of Science in Project Management and Aoife Byrne at the ATU conferrals at the Koocknarea Arena. During her address at the conferring ceremonies, Dr Flynn also called for the lifting of current constraints on ATU and the technological university (TU) sector. Dr Flynn added that removal of these barriers is essential for ATU to fully serve the needs of the West and Northwest region of Ireland, To fully deliver on our promise to the region, we need to be given the full set of tools used by other universities in Ireland and across Europe. We need to be able to appoint Professors. We need to be able to access funds to deliver essential facilities for our students and staff, and we need to be able to develop affordable student accommodation. (L-R), Una, Cara and Andrias Panfilous at the ATU Conferrals at the Knocknarea Arena. Highlighting recent achievements such as the introduction of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy programmes, as examples of delivering on the potential of ATU, Dr Flynn added, In our two and a half years of existence, ATU has been especially focused on the needs of the people of our region. The recent announcements that we will be providing programmes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy are evidence of this commitment. My thanks to all involved in this outstanding work even though there is a lot more work to do in the months ahead. Maryann McCann and Amy Donohoe at the ATU Conferrals at the Knocknarea Arena. In closing, Dr Flynn appealed to policymakers and government leaders: I am calling on those who hold the keys to use them, to enable us to unlock our full potential and, in turn, the potential of the region. (L-R), James McCollum, Thomas Flynn, John Creevy and Paul Jordan, BSc Construction Project Management. ATUs conferring ceremonies will continue on the 19 & 20 November in Galway, 21 November in Mayo and 22 November in Connemara. An honorary Doctorate will be bestowed on former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson at a special ceremony in Mayo on the 2nd of December. Layout of plans submitted by Lastshire Ltd for planning permission to construct a new two-storey extension in north Wexford. A Dublin-based company has applied for planning permission to construct a new two-storey extension in north Wexford. Lastshire Limited are a registered company and the three directors, are the owners of the Mill Retail Park. Set up in February, 2022, Lastshire Limiteds current partial address is St Stephens Lane in Dublin 2. The company is seeking permission to develop a new two-storey extension beside Unit 5 of the existing commercial buildings, comprising of retail use at ground floor level and office/commercial use at first floor level. The site area which is located beside Unit 5, Mill Retail Park in Gorey, is 0.024 hectare and bordered by a housing estate. Mill Retail park is the home of Maxi Zoo and Mr Price. Mill Lands is located to the south of the site, there are detached houses to the east and a service station to the north. For water supply, foul water and surface water, there are existing connections on site which the application proposes to connect into existing services. The application also notes that the current drainage system is acceptable. The site is not identified as being subject to flooding in the Flood Extent maps which were produced for the Gorey Development plan. Furthermore, the main entrance will remain as it is with entry and exit lanes and pedestrian access points on both flanks of the entrance. There are currently 178 car parking spaces including disabled car parking spaces. The previous county development plan details car parking requirements for retail developments at 1 per 20sqm and 1 per 25sqm for office/commercial use. The existing buildings on site have a net retail sales area of 3139sqm requiring a maximum of 156 parking spaces. There are also seven existing disabled car parking spaces in close proximity to the proposed unit. The proposed units requirement is 18 car parking space and it is proposed to extinguish eight car parking spaces. Overall, the proposed total is now 165 car parking spaces which complies with the development plan standards. James Traynor Assistant CEO, Denise Kearney and Kim McNeill the winning Rose at the gala night of the St Aidan's Rose competition on Saturday, October 26. Rose Dawn Mordaunt with her brother Keith and mother Liz at the final of the St Aidan's Rose competition recently. Photographer: Joe Dixon Denise Kearney with the winning Rose Kim McNeill at the gala night of the St Aidan's Rose competition on Saturday, October 26. The Judges; Billy Byrne, Linda Keogh and Noreen Medaly Foley at the St. Aidan's Rose Competition in the Amber Springs Hotel on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench The roses and their escorts at the St. Aidan's Rose Competition in the Amber Springs Hotel on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench The roses and their escorts at the St. Aidan's Rose Competition in the Amber Springs Hotel on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench The 23 Roses that took part in this years St Aidans Rose Competition put in the hard yards ahead of the final on Saturday, October 26, after hosting countless fundraisers ranging from karaoke and bingo to waxing and bag-packing. Fortunately, their hard work paid off, as up to 600 people attended the event at the Amber Springs Hotel on Saturday and by the end of the night 95,000 was raised. Each Rose represented a different business or organisation around north Wexford. The contribution made by the people of Gorey and the surrounding areas to this organisation is astonishing, said Diarmuid Devereux, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee. At the start there were hopes of raising 30,000 - 40,000, but the people of north Wexford, showed how much this organisation means to them, by raising over 95,000. It really is staggering. We are humbled by their efforts and deeply grateful for this contribution. Denise Kearney with the winning Rose Kim McNeill at the gala night of the St Aidan's Rose competition on Saturday, October 26. Frank Norris who was one of the organisers of the competition, said it was an absolutely fantastic evening and the biggest fundraiser theyve ever done. "I still cant believe the turnout. Some people said it should have been on the actual TV. The girls were excellent and very comfortable on stage and the fashion on the night was out of this world, said Frank. At the end of the night, the Bistro Rose Kim McNeill was announced as the overall winner, while the Schooner Bar Rose Rebecca Connor was runner-up and the Loch Garman Arms Rose Alannah Murphy came third. The escorts on the night were also dressed to the nines in their tuxes, many of whom avail of Saint Aidans supports, while others were family members or boyfriends. David Redmond took on the role of MC and Billy Byrne, Linda Keogh and Noreen Medaly Foley were the three judges. The talent displayed on the night impressed everyone, from Irish dancing, traditional music, singing, poems or recitations. The performances really enhanced the night, with the crowd joining in several times. There was an electric buzz at the event all night long. All the Roses were interviewed by the three judges, over the past couple of weeks, with the final decision made on the night. It was a very difficult decision as all of the Roses put their heart and souls into the entire event. The funds raised will go a long way in helping St Aidans Services, which is only partly funded by the HSE, to buy necessities such as dishwashers, kettles and hoovers for their residential homes. "We do need a big fundraiser to keep the head above the water, said Frank. Frank also credited Denise Kearney who works in Human Resources at St Aidans Service for doing a lot of administration work behind the scenes to organise the event. Helenas Flowers in Gorey provided the flowers, Up Up and Away Balloons by Gillian provided the balloons and other local businesses were also very generous with their donations in the run up to the competition. Frank paid special compliments to the Roses for the way they all supported each other through-out the fundraising events. At the end of the night, all the Roses came back on stage and the Chairman of Saint Aidans Services, Hugh Kane, thanked everyone involved. He paid tribute to the Roses, their sponsoring businesses, their families and the local community for their on-going support, as well as thanking the event co-ordinators and the staff of Saint Aidans who helped on the night. Then the judges handed him the envelope containing the winners. A Clonard woman who has dedicated her life to providing full-time care to her son, as well as being a source of help and inspiration for other carers in the community, has been named Wexfords carer of the year. Bernie Tyrell, from Clonard in Wexford town, was crowned Netwatch Wexford Family Carer of the Year at a ceremony this week organised by Family Carers Ireland. Bernie is a devoted carer to her son Darragh who has muscular dystrophy and requires full-time care. Since his diagnosis at age five, Bernie has dedicated her life to ensuring Darraghs needs are met with love and compassion. Her family describe her as "one in a million and say they want her to know how just much they appreciate and love her for all that she does. Beyond her role at home, Bernie also supports other carers in her community as an active member of Family Carers Ireland in Wexford town, providing guidance and comfort to families facing similar challenges. Known for her kindness, Bernie has been an incredible source of strength for friends who have lost loved ones to muscular dystrophy, offering empathy and support during difficult times. Now in their 17th year, the awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, respite and vital therapies for their loved ones. There are over 500,000 family carers in Ireland caring for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction. Family carers play a critical role in our society and each week provide 19 million hours in unpaid work. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing 20 billion annually. Jason Carroll, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition: Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised. As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home. Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey emphasised the importance of recognising this work: Ive seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement. Whether it's a mother caring for a child with additional needs or a young carer supporting a parent, the commitment and love they show is truly inspiring. These awards offer us all a chance to give something back and to let these carers know we see their struggles and their strength. Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, or addiction. It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its Carer Support Centres nationwide and through its National Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24. See www.familycarers.ie for more information. One of two sculpted pieces of wood gifted to retiring Glenart College (Arklow) teacher, Richard Fleming. One of two sculpted pieces of wood gifted to retiring Glenart College (Arklow) teacher, Richard Fleming. Glenart College in Arklow marked a major milestone in their school community before the mid-term break with the retirement of Richard Fleming after 33 years of impeccable service to the school. Taking up a post at the school in 1991, when it was known as Arklow Community College, Mr Fleming taught wood technology, graphics and construction studies. In that time, he was heavily involved in many aspects of school life, from accompanying students on trips abroad and holding various posts of responsibilities as a member of the schools middle-leadership team and a state examinations aide, to his in-school community outreach work with Sunbeam House, to name but a few of the many diverse areas of involvement. Students and faculty came together recently to pay tribute to the much-loved and deeply respected member of the school community, with Mr Fleming gifted two sculpted pieces of wood, which were made in secret in the weeks leading up to his retirement by Wood Technology students and colleagues, William Kavanagh and David Healy. Both pieces incorporated the symbol of the tree, the Glenart College crest, the 19 Arches Bridge and Avoca River, his family and his native Kilkenny. When news of Mr Flemings retirement was posted on the schools social media, a huge amount of tributes were paid, with one former student commenting that he was an absolutely amazing teacher and role model for all students, while another former student remarked that Mr Fleming was one of those teachers that you knew was a legend just by reputation alone. Glenart College principal Damien Cloney, spoke of Mr Flemings unwavering commitment and dedication to the school, as well as his enormous generosity of spirit. Richard was not only a highly valued friend, colleague and teacher here in the school but was also deeply respected in the wider community of Arklow, Mr Cloney said. He taught generations of Arklow people in that time and there has been an enormous outpouring of gratitude from the wider community towards Richard since his retirement became public knowledge. He has seen massive changes in the school over the course of the last 33 years and will be sorely missed by staff and students alike. We wish him only the very best for a healthy and happy next chapter in his life. Fine Gaels Wicklow-Wexford general election candidate, Brian Brennan, has expressed his deep frustration with Education Minister Norma Foley for the ongoing delays in the construction of the new Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir campus in Arklow. Discussion between the school (and Gaelcholaiste na Mara), the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), Wicklow County Council and the Department of Education began in 2017, with funding secured, a co-sharing campus site earmarked in Kilbride. Granted in August 2022, the approved plans for Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir which was established in 1998 and operates, for the most part, out of a series of prefabs comprise a two-storey, 16-classroom primary school building, with two special needs rooms and ancillary spaces capable of accommodating more than 480 pupils. In a recent update, The Department of Education said that work on the new school campus for Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir and Gaelcholaiste na Mara is currently in the architectural design process. Noting that, despite receiving planning permission in August 2022, the project has stalled, leaving 279 students in inadequate prefabricated classrooms, Mr Brennan has called for immediate action and plans to seek the direct involvement of the Taoiseach to ensure this vital project is prioritised. Criticising Minister Foley for allowing a situation where essential school building projects are put on hold due to funding pressures, impacting the future of children in the community, Brennan added: The Ministers lack of urgency in addressing the needs of our schools is disappointing and unacceptable. Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir has been waiting for too long for the construction of a modern facility that is crucial for our childrens education. Instead of taking decisive action, the Minister has chosen to hit the pause button on this project, along with many others, leaving families and educators in limbo. The new Gaelscoil is designed to accommodate over 480 pupils, featuring 16 classrooms, special education facilities, and essential ancillary spaces. With Arklows population continuing to grow, the urgency for a dedicated school building has never been greater. Arklow is one of the fastest-growing towns on the east coast, and our educational infrastructure must keep pace, Brennan continued. The provision of a new Gaelscoil is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about investing in our childrens future and ensuring they have access to the educational resources they need to thrive. A Wicklow academic is one of only two Ireland-based recipients to be awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant. Veterinary pathologist and infectious disease expert Dr Nicola Fletcher, from Roundwood, will receive over 6m in funding for her groundbreaking project NanoX, which aims to understand the pathophysiology of hepatitis E infections using soft x-ray microscopy. Dr Fletcher hopes the project will deliver new ways to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. For the project, she will work with Dr Venera Weinhardt at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and Professor Maria Harkiolaki at the UKs national synchrotron light source science facility, Diamond Light Source Limited. Soft x-ray microscopy is a new imaging technique allowing the visualisation of cells in great detail, but it has not yet been applied to imaging whole tissues. According to UCD, NanoX will develop new techniques that can image tissue micro-biopsies, providing new ways to characterise, diagnose, and treat a range of diseases in any species at a level of detail. Dr Fletcher, an Ad Astra fellow at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine and a fellow of UCD Conway Institute, said that this project fits perfectly within One Health, an approach to health that unifies the health of people, animals and the environment, adding that it will benefit all species. I am confident that this project will deliver new ways to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases in humans and animals, she said. The UCD Conway Institute is home to the worlds first commercially available laboratory scale soft x-ray microscope, built and designed by SiriusXT Ltd, she added. Together with her collaborators, she said we have the state-of-the-art facilities we need to develop new ways to image tissue biopsies in exquisite detail. This will allow us to characterise diseases at the cellular level. Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact congratulated Dr Fletcher on winning what is the fourth ERC Synergy Grant for UCD. Her achievement exemplifies the excellence of our researchers who are building strong international collaborations to drive innovation and address global challenges, she said. The first acts in the 2025 edition of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival have been announced (Glasgow International Comedy Festival/PA) Susie McCabe, Russell Kane and podcast Here Comes The Guillotine are among the acts set to headline next years Glasgow International Comedy Festival. The 2025 edition of Scotlands biggest dedicated comedy festival will also feature rising stars Connor Burns and Joe Kent-Walter, while crime writer Val McDermid and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon will banter about their favourite books. With more than 175 shows confirmed, 21 venues registered and 10,000 tickets sold, organisers said the 2025 festival, which runs from March 12 to March 30, is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever. Festival director Krista MacDonald said: Following 2024s record-breaking year, Glasgow International Comedy Festival is set to once again host comedys biggest and best, alongside the industrys rising stars, for a jam-packed 19 days of wall-to-wall comedy featuring stand-up, live podcasts, family shows, improv and more. Were looking forward to celebrating Glasgow as the funniest city in the world, as hundreds of comedians and performers set out to entertain audiences in venues all across the city. If youve always wanted to perform at GICF then now is the time dont miss out. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon will discuss books with Val McDermid in the show Books And Banter (PA) The festival includes the first hometown live show of hit podcast Here Comes The Guillotine, hosted by Glasgow comics Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd. Each week the trio tackle everything from politics and the state of the world to celebrities, and their show will give audiences at the SEC Armadillo the opportunity to experience their unbridled style of rebellious comedy first-hand. McCabe, who won the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award this year, said: The three of us are really looking forward to sharing a stage together in our home town, and doing something a bit different from our established stand up. McDermid and Ms Sturgeon will aim to cater for both book lovers and comedy fans with their show Books And Banter, which will see the friends discussing books they have loved, loathed and laughed at. The pair will be joined on stage by comedy guests who will share the books that have left an indelible mark on them. They said: Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship. Now we want to share the love (at) the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, where well be joined by two top names from the comedy world. Frankie Boyle, centre, Susie McCabe and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd star in Here Comes The Guillotine (Glasgow International Comedy Festival/PA) Well be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading. Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers. Bailie Annette Christie, chairwoman of charity Glasgow Life, the festivals main funder, described the event as a beloved gem in our vibrant cultural calendar. She added: It showcases some of the UKs most celebrated, award-winning comedians, billed alongside a wealth of local talent, each set to make Glasgow laugh. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the quality of talent has seen it flourish, becoming Scotlands largest dedicated comedy festival, with a stellar reputation for its incredible line-up. This year looks set to raise the bar higher still. As we get ready for GICF 2025, its wonderful to announce the first acts that promise to entertain a wide range of audiences. We are already excited to welcome everyone this March for a spectacular celebration of laughter and joy. Venues currently registered to host events include the Kings Theatre, Oran Mor, the Stand Comedy Club, the SEC Armadillo, Blackfriars, Platform, and The Old Hairdressers. Acts and venues can register to be included in GICFs printed festival guide by November 22 at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com. Festival tickets are on sale at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com, with the full festival launch in early January. Council officials said there had been a rise in the sale of fake merchandise ahead of the release of Paddington In Peru (Ian West/PA) Fake Paddington Bear goods worth more than 15,000 have been seized in London following a crackdown on counterfeit merchandise. Nearly 2,000 counterfeit items have been confiscated from shops across Notting Hill where scenes from the Paddington Bear film franchise were filmed. A trading standards raid in Portobello Road recovered 1,500 fakes, including tote bags that were being sold for 10 each. A further 400 rip-offs were seized from five shops in Earls Court Road on Wednesday, including 174 magnets, 138 tote bags, 69 shot glasses, 19 packs of playing cards, 11 thimbles and nine spoon rests. Actor Hugh Bonneville attending the world premiere of Paddington In Peru in Leicester Square on Sunday (Ben Whitely/PA) Officials from Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea said there has been a sharp rise in illegal sales of counterfeit merchandise ahead of the release of Paddington In Peru on Friday, the third film in the franchise. Councillor Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea said: Portobello Road is known for its markets, shops and vibrant atmosphere and our trading standards team are bearing down and taking swift action against sellers who are undermining legitimate businesses in our borough. Partnership working with trade mark representatives has resulted in an operation seizing nearly 2,000 fake goods and sends out a clear message to unscrupulous businesses that we will come after you. The councils trading standards team worked together with trade mark representatives from Surelock, who previously identified shops selling fakes and joined the council on the raids. The confiscated fakes will be destroyed and the business owners will face formal action, the council said. Paddington In Peru stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and the voice of Ben Whishaw. South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol said Seoul would not rule out sending weapons to Ukraine. Photo: Reuters The alleged deployment of North Korean soldiers to aid Russias war effort in Ukraine has prompted South Korea to warn that it could send military monitors as well as weapons to Kyiv. South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae-yul said earlier this week that all options were on the table, but experts noted that Seoul was more likely to send a variety of military support short of soldiers. German chancellor Olaf Scholz leaves the Bellevue Palace after he sacked Christian Lindner following a meeting with the heads of the coalition, in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Reuters German opposition parties and business groups yesterday urged chancellor Olaf Scholz to trigger a new election quickly to minimise political uncertainty after his rocky three-way coalition collapsed. The coalition fell apart on Wednesday when years of tensions culminated in a row over how to plug a multi-billion-euro hole in the budget and revive Europes largest economy, headed for its second year of contraction. Giving in to concessions would embolden Moscow, president says Russian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, but admitted he had no idea what a second term would look like. His behaviuor at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man, Putin said at an event in Sochi, one day after Trumps landslide victory. Israel orders more evacuations in Gaza as bombing campaign is ramped up Palestinians fear they will return as regime accused of ethnic cleansing Palestinians gather after a school sheltering displaced people was hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza. Photo: Reuters Nidal al-Mughrabi Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Israeli forces stepped up bombardment across the Gaza Strip yesterday and ordered more evacuations, creating a fresh wave of displacement from northern Gaza, to which Palestinians fear they will not be able to return. The South Korean 4B movement has seen a spike in interest amid the results from the 2024 US presidential election. Throughout his 2024 reelection campaign, the former president has celebrated the Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v Wade, a ruling that ended a nationwide right to abortion. It was also reproductive rights that propelled many women to the polls on Election Day as Missouri became the first state to undo a restrictive abortion ban. Over 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate communities northwest of Los Angeles as fierce seasonal winds drove a wildfire down tinder-dry hillsides into ranches and homes, authorities said. Firefighters and police cleared residents from neighbourhoods near Camarillo before homes were set ablaze by embers blown 3.2km from the fire front, Ventura County fire department Captain Tony McHale said by phone from near the out-of-control blaze. Police are on the hunt for 40 monkeys that escaped a research facility in South Carolina, warning local residents to keep their windows and doors shut. The fugitives are sought by police in Yemassee, South Carolina. Officers said the monkey escaped from a business called Alpha Genesis, which provides nonhuman primate products and bio-research services, according to its website. Representational image by RDNE Stock Project on Pexels Mumbai/IBNS: Indias significant rise in patent filings helped propel global patenting activity to an all-time high in 2023, with the country entering the top ten for the first time. According to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India saw a 15.7 percent increase in patent filings, reaching 64,480 applications in 2023. This growth was "primarily driven by a strong increase in resident filings supported by Indias fast-growing economy," the report stated. Global patent applications surpassed 3.5 million for the first time, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. The report revealed a 2.7 percent increase in global patents, up from 3.46 million applications in 2022. China led the world with 1.64 million applications, followed by the United States with 518,364, and Japan with 414,413. South Korea ranked fourth with 287,954 applications, while Germany secured fifth place with 133,053 filings, according to WIPOs annual World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report. For the first time, India joined the top ten countries in all three major intellectual property (IP) rights covered in the WIPI. Between 2018 and 2023, both patent and industrial design applications more than doubled, while trademark applications rose by 60 percent. WIPO Director General Daren Tang commented, "Demand for IP rights is growing even in the face of an uncertain economic environment. In addition, this demand is increasingly indigenous." "For example, the growth in patent filings has been driven by residents inside the countries themselves rather than from foreign innovators. With volume growing, the challenge still remains quality and the ability to translate IP filings into actual products and services," Tang added. 2024 has seen record-breaking heatwaves. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash/Ishan @seefromthesk The world is experiencing unprecedented warming with 2024 poised to become the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record in 2023, according to new data released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Humanitys torching the planet and paying the price, warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responding to WMOs latest global temperature analysis covering January to September 2024. Youth-led momentum for change In a powerful video message to 19th Climate Change Conference of Youth, Guterres emphasized their critical role in driving climate action. As young people, never underestimate your power. In your communities, on social media, in schools, and on the streets youre not only calling for change, but youre also making change happen. The Secretary-Generals support for youth advocacy aligns with mounting evidence of climate crisis impacts, as heat-related hazards have become the leading cause of weather-related deaths globally. Escalating climate crisis WMOs analysis, based on six international datasets, reveals a concerning trajectory of rising temperatures. While the report highlights some success stories from countries like the Seychelles, Mauritius, Laos and Ireland in developing effective climate services, evidence reveals that the climate crisis is escalating globally. October 2024 marked the second warmest October on record following October last year, according to the ERA5 dataset from Copernicus Climate Change Service. This alarming trend coincides with increasing-related disasters. Between 2020 and mid-2024, heat-related hazards emerged as the deadliest weather threat, accounting for 57 percent of reported weather, climate, and water-related deaths globally. Services and investment In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges, the development, delivery and use of climate information to enable climate action has never been more crucial, emphasized WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo. The State of Climate Services report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in delivering critical climate information. While one-third of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) now provide essential climate services, significant funding gaps remain. Of the $63 billion allocated to climate adaptation, only about $4 to $5billion explicitly supports climate services and early warning activities. We need to make necessary investments for a sustainable future, The cost of no action is several times higher than the cost of action, Saulo stressed, highlighting the critical need to support NMHSs in developing early warning systems and delivering climate services. Ambitious targets for COP29 Leaders arriving in Baku for COP29 face pressures to deliver on multiple fronts. Leaders must arrive in Baku with ambitions that match the urgency and scale of the challenge, Guterres stressed calling for new national climate action plans aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. Together, lets push leaders to deliver, concluded Guterres, Lets keep fighting together for the future you deserve and the planet humanity needs. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang carries an anger against Salman Khan over the 1998 blackbuck poaching case | Photo courtesy: Salman Khan Facebook page Mumbai/IBNS: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has received yet another threat from an anonymous person over a song that had referred to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose group claimed responsibility for gunning down Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique last month and also targeted the 58-year-old actor. The song reportedly names both Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi. The Mumbai traffic control room received the threat on Thursday midnight. "The songwriter's condition will be such that he will no longer be able to write songs. If Salman Khan has the courage, he should save them," the threat message has been quoted by NDTV. Earlier, Salman Khan had received multiple death threats after Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique was shot dead by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. On October 29, the police received a message targeting actor Salman Khan, demanding Rs 2 crore and threatening him. In that case, a man from Bandra was taken into custody. The second threat message warned that Salman Khan would face a fate worse than Siddiques if he did not pay Rs 5 crore. Salman, whose security has already been heightened, had received threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang which has an anger against the actor for allegedly killing two blackbucks in 1998. The Bishnoi community worships blackbuck as a reincarnation of their spiritual guru, Jambheshwar. In 2006, the Allahabad High Court had stripped the Aligarh Muslim University of its minority status | Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/AMU website New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court on Friday overruled its own 1967 judgement in ruling that the Aligarh Muslim University or AMU is entitled to the minority status as per Article 30 of the Constitution, media reports said. The judgement was passed by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in 4-3 majority. The court has overturned its own 1967 judgement which became the basis of granting minority status to AMU. The top court said a separate three-judge bench will decide the minority status of AMU afresh. The Centre had maintained that AMU, like the Banaras Hindu University, is an institution of national character, adding that no such university can be a minority institution. "Owing to the secular ethos and nature of the nation and the Constitution, because AMU is an institution of educational national character, it cannot be considered to be a minority institution irrespective of the question whether it was established and administered by the minority at the time of inception or not," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said in written submissions, adding that no other institution declared to be of national importance by Parliament is a minority institution. "AMU is not and cannot be a university of any particular religion or religious denomination as any other university, which is declared by the Constitution of India to be of national importance," he had added. The Supreme Court bench has to resolve the issue of whether an educational institution has minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution and whether a centrally-funded university established by parliamentary statute can be designated as a minority institution. The bench was hearing a reference arising from the 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which held that AMU was not a minority institution. After the university was stripped of the minority status, the then Congress-led coalition government at the Centre and AMU had moved an appeal against the high court order. In 2016, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was already in power for two years, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it was withdrawing the appeal filed by the previous regime. One issue that arises in the case is whether a university, established and governed by a statute (AMU Act 1920), can claim minority status. The correctness of the 1967 judgment of the Supreme Court in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India (5-judge bench) which rejected the minority status of AMU and the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, which accorded minority status to the university. In its 1967 Basha order, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court directed AMU was not entitled to the minority status as it "was neither established nor administered by the Muslim minority". In 1981, the minority status of the university was restored through an amendment to the AMU Act. Representative image | Photo courtesy: Wallpaper Cave Srinagar/IBNS: Two village guards were kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday evening, media reports said. Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the killing of the two Village Defence Guards (VDGs). The terror group also shared pictures of the two victims - Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar - blindfolded. Police have launched a massive search operation to recover the bodies of the two victims, who were the residents of Ohli Kuntwara village. As per reports, Nazir and Kuldeep went to graze their cattle in the forest from where they were kidnapped. Reacting to the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, "Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local village defence committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. "I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families. At the same time I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely." Hindu community members attacked in Chittagong. Photo Courtesy: X page video grab Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said the recent attack on Hindu community members in Bangladesh can trigger further tensions in the community. In his media briefing, Jaiswal said: "We have observed that there have been recent attacks on Hindu community in Chittagong. Their properties have been looted. Their business establishments have been looted." "These happened following incendiary post on social media targeting Hindu religious organization. It is understood that there are extremist elements who are behind such posts and such illegal criminal activities," Jaiswal said. Bangladesh: Islamists attacked Hindus in Hazari, Chittagong, marking another instance of violence against the Hindu community in the country. Attacks on Hindus have sadly become a routine affair there. pic.twitter.com/Zngzz4Z34m Nishant Azad/ (@azad_nishant) November 5, 2024 "This is bound to create further tensions in the community. We yet again, urge the government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," he said. Chittagong city witnessed violence when Hindu community members and law enforcement forces clashed over a Facebook post targeting ISKCON. According to local media reports and social media posts, several Hindu houses, temples and properties were vandalised by radicals after the fall of former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government in August. Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar X page Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met top leaders of Singapore, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, during his visit to the country. During his meeting with Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Jaishankar discussed global political and economic scenario with him. After his meeting with the President, the Indian minister posted on X: "Discussed the global political and economic scenario, and its implications for India and Singapore." Called on President @Tharman_S of Singapore. Discussed the global political and economic scenario, and its implications for India and Singapore. pic.twitter.com/0IvyFobokN Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 8, 2024 Jaishankar also delivered the keynote address at the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think - Tanks in Singapore. Sharing details about the issues he shared while addressing the event, Jaishankar said, "Spoke about the world in transition, and opportunities for a stronger India - ASEAN partnership." Delivered keynote address at the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think - Tanks in Singapore today. Spoke about the world in transition, and opportunities for a stronger India - ASEAN partnership. Highlighted : The imperative of resilient supply chains, trusted pic.twitter.com/KNEus6V56U Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 8, 2024 After meeting Foreign Minister Vivian Bala, Jaishankar said: "Always a pleasure meeting my good friend FM @VivianBala . Appreciated the progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Shared perspectives on regional and global developments." Jaishankar arrived in Singapore after completing his visit to Australia. Karnataka yoga teacher escapes death, outsmarts kidnappers using breathing control skill. Photo courtesy: Representative image from Pixabay Dibburahali/IBNS: A 34-year-old yoga teacher evaded the clutches of her kidnappers based on her mastery over breathing control skills after she was abducted from near Devanahalli in Karnataka, taken to a forest about 30km away, stripped, molested, and strangled by the miscreants, media reports said. The incident occurred on October 23. When the woman pretended to be dead, her abductors dug a pit and dumped her in it before running away by spreading a thin layer of earth on it, according to a Times Of India report. They escaped with whatever jewellery the woman had on her. The woman then managed to wriggle out of the pit, borrowed clothes and got herself admitted at a hospital a day later. Four men, a woman and a juvenile have been arrested in the case. According to reports, the abduction was done on request of the arrested woman, Bindu, 27. She reportedly suspected her husband Santosh Kumar of having an affair with the victim woman and asked her friend Satish Reddy, who ran a detective agency in Bengaluru, to run a check on her. Satish allegedly befriended the yoga teacher to take lessons from her. On Oct 23, he went to her house at 10:30 AM and asked her to accompany him to a rifle-shooting session near her house. While she was in his car, three more men and a boy got into the car. All of them then drove straight to a forested area where the men disrobed and molested her before strangling the woman with a cable. The woman later told the police that her ability to hold breath as a part of her yoga techniques saved her life as her kidnappers assumed she was dead when she collapsed to the ground. Besides Bindu, police have arrested Satish Reddy (40), Raman (34), Nagendra Reddy (35), Ravichandra (27), and the minor boy. Satish, Ramana, and Nagendra hail from Andhra Pradesh, while the juvenile and Ravichandra are from Raichur district. The police arrested the accused from different locations in Karnataka. Nitin Chauhaan was the winner of Dadagiri Season 2 | Photo courtesy: Nitin Chauhaan Instagram handle He was 35. Nitin passed away on Thursday, sending shockwaves to the Mumbai TV industry. A friend of the actor told The Times of India, "We came to know today morning when his father and sister called us revealing that Nitin had passed away and they mentioned that the cause of death was suicide." Apart from Splitsvilla 5, Nitin is known for working in Zindagi Dot Com, Crime Patrol, Gumrah: End of Innocence, Savdhaan India. He was the winner of reality show Dadagiri Season 2. Mourning his demise, his co-actor Ssudeep Sahir wrote in an Instagram story, "Rest in peace buddy." Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab Nitin's another co-star Vibhhuti Thakur wrote, "Rest in peace my dear... really shocked and sad.. wish u had the strength to face all the troubles... wish u were mentally strong like ur body." Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab The man accused of threatening Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and demanding Rs 5 crore ransom has made some shocking confessions during his interrogation. Identified as Bhika Ram Bishnoi, the accused said that has no regrets about going to jail for his actions. Here are five shocking things he told the Police about the motives behind his threats. 5 shocking confessions of man who threatened Salman Khan 1. No regrets about going to jail COPS TRACE KARNATAK MAN WHO SENT THREAT TO SALMAN KHAN pic.twitter.com/Aw7AOG6Be5 The Wake Up Telangana Daily (@wt_englishdaily) November 6, 2024 Bhika Ram Bishnoi, who called himself a member of the Bishnoi gang, told the Police that he had no regrets about going to jail for his actions. On the contrary, he said that he feels proud about his actions believing that he did it in service of the Bishnoi community. 2. Lawrence Bishnoi is my idol Furthermore, the accused called himself a fan of Lawrence Bishnoi. He used to watch his videos regularly and was proud of him for what he was doing for the Bishnoi community even while he was in jail. 3. Plans for Rs 5 crore demand He also shared that the Rs 5 crore rupees he demanded from Salman Khan were going to be utilised in the construction of a temple dedicated to the Bishnoi community. 4. Disappointment over Salman Khan's lack of apology He also revealed his disappointment and frustration over Salman Khan who, he said, never apologised for allegedly killing two blackbucks in 1998. He also said that he didn't even apologise for the hit-and-run case against him. 5. What Lawrence Bishnoi is doing is right Furthermore, the man said that he stood by Lawrence Bishnoi's actions, calling them "right" and claiming they aligned with the interests of the Bishnoi community. Salman Khan gets a fresh threat Meanwhile, Salman Khan got a fresh death threat on Nov 8 from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang over a song linking him with the notorious gangster. This comes a day after Shah Rukh Khan received a death threat. Just like SRK, this message was also sent to Mumbai's traffic control room. The message stated that Salman Khan "will no longer be able to write songs" and that "if Salman Khan has the courage, he should save them." For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. It was exactly eight years ago on this very day in 2016 that Narendra Modi announced his decision to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes and emphasised on the need to combat the menace of black money. The move sent shockwaves through the country and evoked sharp reactions from corners. Over the years, filmmakers haven't shied away from addressing the issue through their works. Here is a look at some films that touched upon demonetisation. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai (Hindi, 2020) Anurag Kashyap, widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's most revolutionary filmmakers, dealt with the effects of demonetisation in his 2020 drama Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai . The film centered on a cashier, played by Saiyami Kher, who finds a stash of money in her kitchen. She then decides to use it to secure a better future. Her plans, however, go for a toss after demonetisation and this forces her to return to her harsh reality. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai created a buzz prior to its release but eventually failed to meet the expectations and received mixed reviews. Shunyota (Bengali, 2016) Suvendu Ghosh's Shunyota holds the distinction of being the first film to deal with demonetisation.. The Bengali drama revolved around a mother and daughter who face several hardships after demonetisation. In an interview with The Hindustan Times, the director said that Shunyota doesn't have a political message and its objective is to merely highlight the challenges faced by the common man. Thatrom Thookrom (Tamil, 2020) Thatrom Thookrom, a low-profile Tamil drama, revolved around three youngsters who try to survive in a world controlled by the rich. The film landed in controversy because of Simbu's Demonetisation Anthem, which criticised the move. S Arul, the film's director, later explained that the song merely highlighted a character's rant against demonetisation. He further clarified that Thatrom Thookrom did not explore the issue in depth. The film featured Teejay Arunasalam, best known for his work in Asuran, in the lead and received favourable reviews. 1888 (Kannada, 2023) Directed by debutant filmmaker Sourabh Shukla, this independent Kannada thriller examined several real-life incidents that took place following demonetisation. The Neethu Shetty-led film was shot inside a car on a micro-budget. The makers faced several challenges while shooting the film as they usually worked on the project without taking permission from the authorities. Their efforts eventually paid off as 1888 received rave reviews at film festivals. Puthan Panam (Malayalam, 2017) Mammootty played a don in this Ranjith-helmed thriller that explored the impact of demonetisation on various sections of society. The film received positive reviews with critics praising the performances and the engaging presentation. Most of them, however, felt that Puthan Panam didn't delve into the intricacies of demonetisation in depth. They added, this essentially reduced the burning issue to a mere subplot. Despite this, Puthan Panam collected nearly Rs 8 crore in Kerala to emerge as a commercial success. It was dubbed in Tamil as Cash Back. Amid the ongoing tensions between Sikhs and Hindus in the Canadian city of Brampton, the Hindu Sabha has announced that a temple priest, who was earlier suspended for his alleged violent rhetoric, has been reinstated. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, the priest, Rajender Prasad, was reinstated after he was cleared of any wrongdoing. CREDIT: ANI Hindu priest reinstated In a statement, the Hindu Sabha said that Prasad was not authorised or permitted by the organisation for his recent activities, due to which he was suspended. "However, following a thorough review, Prasad has been reinstated to his duties and responsibilities at Hindu Sabha," the statement said. Rajender Prasad has been reinstated as the temple priest, cleared of any wrongdoing. The current situation reveals an ecosystem seemingly designed to defame Hindu Canadians and the Hindu community.@patrickbrownont Your role in this matter appears questionable, as you have https://t.co/f2O8Yetwy7 pic.twitter.com/kJQLaIksUy Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) (@officialHinduCF) November 8, 2024 'Mayor tarnished Hindu priest's reputation' While making the announcement, the Hindu Canadian Foundation also accused Brampton's Mayor, Patrick Brown, of tarnishing the priest's reputation by posting about him on official accounts without evidence or proper inquiry. What happened at the Hindu Sabha temple In a video that had gone viral on social media in the wake of the protests that erupted in Brampton after pro-Khalistani groups disrupted an event organised by the Indian Consulate at the Hindu Sabha temple last week, the priest was allegedly seen making 'violent threats'. Hate speech, open threats and mob gatherings. Temple priest is saying this while addressing mob in Canada Temple. This is all familiar to Sikhs. Nothing changed in 40 years. Terrorist always promote terror no matter where he goes. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/AaOaVR17ck Harpreet (@harpreet4567) November 4, 2024 What Hindu Forum said However, according to the Hindu Forum for Canada, the priest was interrupted and other people started to speak, which was then misinterpreted as hateful rhetoric attributed to the priest himself. "Multiple video recordings from various angles confirm that Hindus were gathered peacefully within their place of worshipa right protected under Canadian lawand were simply exercising their freedom to assemble," it said. CREDIT: ANI The tensions between Sikhs and Hindus in Canada come at a time when India and Canada are involved in an unprecedented stand-off over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada has accused agents of the Indian government of killing Nijjar, who was shot dead in June 2023, in British Columbia. India, which has rejected the allegations, has accused Canada of harbouring Khalistani terrorists in the country. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. With Donald Trump all set to return to the White House as the 47th US President in January 2025, speculation is rife regarding possible names to be part of his new cabinet. This includes the names of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy. Will Kash Patel be the next CIA chief? Another name that has been circulating for a major role under Trump is Kashyap Pramod Patel, who could be the next Chief of the CIA. Also known as Kash Patel, the 44-year-old is a lawyer by qualification and has served as a U.S. National Security Council official. CREDIT: AP Who is Kash Patel? He was also a senior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence, and Chief of Staff to the acting United States Secretary of Defense during Trump's first term in office. Though Patel was appointed to deal with counter-terrorism issues, Trump had described him as "one of his top Ukraine policy specialists." Kash Patel is a Trump loyalist Patel, who was born to Indian-origin parents who immigrated to the US from East Africa, is known to be a fierce Trump loyalist. In a 2023 interview with Steve Bannon, Patel had promised to "come after" politicians and journalists perceived to be enemies of Trump. CREDIT: AP He is also a director and board member of Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns the social media platform Truth Social. Also read: Who is Susie Wiles, the first appointment of US President-elect as White House Chief of Staff? Was considered for a CIA or FBI role in the past This is not the first time Patel's name has been suggested for the post of CIA Chief. During his first term, it was reported that Trump had considered promoting Patel to the FBI or the CIA. CREDIT: REUTERS After the 2020 U.S. presidential election, which Trump lost, it was reported that Patel blocked some Department of Defense officials from helping the incoming Biden administration during the transition. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Chhath Puja fever has officially made its way across the globe, with Indian-Americans in Virginia gathering in large numbers to celebrate this deeply revered festival. Originally rooted in the heartlands of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is now a global event as communities continue to honour its rituals and spread its magic far and wide. This year, hundreds joined the celebration along Virginia's riverbanks, marking each day of the festival with enthusiasm and reverence. Chhath Ghat scenes at New Jersey, USA. (Part - 1) pic.twitter.com/UvpXYL85fd Bihar Foundation (@biharfoundation) November 11, 2021 VIDEO | Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) celebrated Chhath with over 1,000 devotees offering prayers at Papaianni Park in Edison, #NewJersey, US.#chhathpuja2024 #ChhathFestival (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tjjgPPLuWv Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 8, 2024 Chhath Puja in the US In Virginia, the celebrations took on a special charm. Local Indian-American families came together, having worked with park and county authorities to secure a scenic spot by the river for their rituals. The gathering has come a long way from its modest beginnings; only 7-8 families participated in the first event, but now, over 700 people flock to the riverbank to celebrate, showcasing the growing popularity and hype surrounding Chhath in the diaspora. For many, Chhath Puja is an emotional bridge to their roots. When we first arrived here, we worried about how to celebrate such an important festival in a new country," one resident told PTI. "Finding a riverbank was a challenge. But we managed, and now it's something people look forward to every year! 'Vrati' Manoj Singh, a Buxar native, observes Chhath Puja with family and friends in Cary, North Carolina, USA. Proving that distance can't diminish the spirit of this sacred festival.#GlobalChhath #BiharFoundation #ChhathPuja2024 pic.twitter.com/V8t1keizFM Bihar Foundation (@biharfoundation) November 8, 2024 Visuals of Chhath Puja celebrations from California, US.#chhathpuja2023 pic.twitter.com/eyaMmrFday Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 19, 2023 Curiosity among locals The best part? The festival has sparked curiosity among locals, who eagerly accept offerings of the traditional Thekua, a sweet fritter associated with the festival. Americans now ask for prasad! It's amazing to see them enjoy Thekua, another resident shared with a laugh. The celebration has grown beyond just a gathering; it's a cherished moment of unity, cultural pride, and shared joy that's only getting stronger each year. Not only Virginia, people also celebrated the festival in California, New Jersey, Texas and Massachusetts, and other places. @x Chhath Puja 2024 The four-day Chhath festival, which started on November 6 and concluded today, November 8, is more than just a religious observanceit's a tribute to nature and a prayer for health and happiness. Devotees kick things off with a day of Nahay Khay, where they cleanse their homes and bodies, symbolising purification before the big event. Next comes "Kharna," where they observe a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining even from water, before breaking it with offerings prepared with utmost devotion. The third and fourth days are packed with the main Chhath rituals, where participants flock to riverbanks and ponds at dawn and dusk to offer arghya (prayers) to the setting and rising sun. Chhath Puja continues to thrive as a reminder of tradition and family. The festival's blessings and spiritual depth make it cherished not just back home but wherever its devoted followers may be. Bharat Matrimony, a well-known matrimonial platform in India, recently found itself under scrutiny after a woman named Swati Mukund accused the company of using her face in a fake profile. The profile also misleadingly suggested that she had found her partner through the site, which was not true. After Swati called attention to the platform's inadequate profile screening, Bharat Matrimony has now issued a response about how it really happened. BharatMatrimony CEO Murugavel Janakiraman explained, in a statement to NDTV, that the controversial profile was mistakenly thought to have been created on EliteMatrimony, their exclusive matchmaking service. In reality, it was created on another platform within the BharatMatrimony network. Janakiraman further clarified that BharatMatrimony allows third partiessuch as parents or relativesto set up profiles on behalf of others, which accounts for around 25% of their users. While this feature is meant to support families in the matchmaking process, it can sometimes lead to misuse, such as the use of public images in fake profiles. He acknowledged that this is a common problem across the entire industry, adding, "There isn't a foolproof way to completely prevent it." Also read: Indian woman exposes Bharat Matrimony scam, says her photos were used in fake 'elite' profile What happened in the BharatMatrimony fake profile incident? In a video shared on Instagram on October 30, Swati Mukund accused Bharat Matrimony of using her photos on a profile she never created and for falsely claiming that she had met her husband through the app. The profile belonged to someone named Nithya Raja Sekar from Chennai. Mukund pointed out that this profile was part of Bharat Matrimony's premium subscription service, which promises better screening and higher authenticity for paying users. She ended by warning user to stay vigilant when using such platforms. Bharat Matrimony had already issued a response to the post: "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We have suspended this profile and conducting a thorough investigation on how it got published." To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. As India marks the 8th anniversary of demonetisation, let's revisit the man who suggested this idea note ban to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His name is Anil Bokil. Here's everything about Anil Bokil and his idea that changed the money game in India: Who is Anil Bokil? Anil Bokil is a mechanical engineer and also the founder of Pune-based think tank Arthakranti. Born and brought up in India's Maharashtra, Anil's career had little to do with politics or even finance. Though he started his career in engineering, he later got shifted into his economic vision for his country. Over years, Anil got a strong belief in the importance of cashless transactions and the need to change black money in India. All about his Arthakranti: Anil is the founder of ArthaKranti, which is a think tank that focuses on reshaping the country's economic policies. The think tank basically believes in radical financial reforms that, according to Anil, would reduce tax evasion and battle corruption. Anil Bokil's role in Demonetisation As per media reports, Anil managed to meet Narendra Modi years ago when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. During the meeting, Anil and his team proposed their ideas to reform the country's economic policies, which also included demonetisation. Modi was impressed with the idea of demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes, which was later implemented in 2016 when he started his tenure as Prime Minister of India. As we revisit demonetisation after eight years, Anil Bokil continues to work with his think tank, backing economic reforms aimed at reducing corruption in the country. Stefanos Kasselakis, former leader of Syriza, is facing serious allegations of submitting false asset declarations, a development that could jeopardize his bid for the partys presidency. Syriza official Pavlos Polakis presented the accusations to the partys Political Secretariat, asserting that Kasselakis failed to disclose all of his wealth, including holdings in offshore companies. Mr. Polakis argued that such omissions make Kasselakis unfit to run for the leadership of the party. Following the session, Mr. Polakis stated: My position towards Mr. Kasselakis has changed. A false asset declaration is grounds for disqualification from the leadership race. Mr. Polakis added that Syrizas transparency team had verified that the information Kasselakis submitted in his required financial disclosures appeared incomplete or misleading. After reviewing Mr. Polakiss findings, Syrizas Political Secretariat released a statement noting severe accusations, backed by specific and clear evidence, indicating that Mr. Kasselakis may have misrepresented his financial holdings in disclosures to both the Greek Parliament and Syriza. Syriza will uphold transparency and defend the public interest, with zero tolerance for illegal activities, regardless of party affiliation, the statement read. The party emphasized that it cannot directly verify the accuracy of asset declarations; this responsibility rests with the Greek Parliaments oversight bodies, which are tasked with examining Kasselakiss filings from his time as Syrizas leader. The call to investigate the allegations won broad support within the Political Secretariat, including from prominent Kasselakis allies such as Rena Dourou and Nikos Skorinis, though Mr. Skorinis expressed some reservations regarding the legal grounds. Olympia Teligioridou abstained from the vote, while Theodora Tzakri declined to vote. Mr. Polakis stated he had only recently obtained the pertinent documentation and immediately shared it with the party. Mr. Polakis detailed his findings, explaining that Syrizas transparency team discovered significant discrepancies between Kasselakiss asset declaration and his public statements about his financial and business interests. This situation is a disgrace for a leader of a leftist party, he declared, adding that he believes the party should take action to hold Mr. Kasselakis accountable. Kasselakiss 2023 asset declaration, published on Syriza's website, reportedly omitted a significant portion of his financial holdings, particularly in offshore entities. The statement, filed in June and publicized in October during the partys presidential election campaign, has raised questions about Mr. Kasselakiss involvement in multiple businesses. Mr. Polakis and Syriza officials allege that these omissions point to a deliberate withholding of key financial information. Specifically, Mr. Kasselakis is accused of failing to disclose his involvement in several U.S.-based and offshore subsidiaries of Tiptree Marine, a company where he serves as CEO. While Mr. Kasselakis listed his role in Tiptree Marine and his 0.4% stake in OSIOS LLC, he did not declare other assets and directorships tied to Tiptree Marine and its subsidiaries. Mr. Kasselakis has publicly acknowledged receiving dividends from these undeclared entities, further fueling concerns over his compliance with Greek asset declaration laws. As Syrizas leadership faces this scandal, the controversy over Kasselakiss asset declarations has stirred broader questions of accountability within the party. Though Mr. Kasselakis has yet to respond publicly, his standing within Syriza appears increasingly uncertain, especially as prominent figures within the party push for clarity and transparency. With Syrizas Political Secretariat now examining potential next steps, the unfolding case against Mr. Kasselakis is a stark reminder of the rigorous scrutiny surrounding financial disclosures in Greek public life. Its outcome could shape both the future of Mr. Kasselakiss career and the leadership standards within Syriza. iefimerida.gr "Our position on Cyprus is clear we will continue to support Turkiye's EU accession process," said Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. "A historic opportunity to maintain the positive atmosphere," said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan - The next round of talks will take place in Athens on December 2nd and 3rd Three suspected oil thieves were detained by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, FOB, Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State while they were in possession of a boat loaded with crude oil valued at N32 million. Captain Uche Aneke, the Bases Commanding Officer, said this on Thursday while turning over the suspects and seized items to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Akwa Ibom Command, in Ibaka. Aneke stated that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, at 09:05 a.m., following an intelligence report on the activities of suspected criminals involved in crude oil theft within the Navys area of operations. Advertisement The necessary support of FOB Ibaka, the Tantita team intercepted and arrested the suspected criminals with a wooden boat discovered to be laden with about 60,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil. Other items recovered from the suspects included outboard engines and a pumping machine. Notably, at the time of arrest, the wooden boat had a total of three crew members (all Nigerians). The vessel was discovered to have 11 Geepee tanks which were loaded with about 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, the product was overloaded from offshore Ibeno in Akwa Ibom, Aneke said. READ MORE: Two Teenage Robbery Suspects Apprehended In Adamawa He cautioned anyone or groups seeking to engage in any type of criminal activity in Nigerian waters, including smuggling illicit consignments into or out of Nigerian waters, to stop immediately. Aneke emphasised the Navys commitment to combating maritime crimes in the state under the command of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff. Operatives of Amotekun Corps in Osun State have arrested a man, identified as Olalekan Hassan for allegedly engaging in armed robbery in some areas of the state. The suspect, who is a resident of Ilesa, was apprehended in Ila-Orangun and transferred to the State Headquarters for further investigation. In a statement by Isaac Omoyele, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun, disclosed that the 27 years old and his gang were suspected of being behind a series of robberies and burglaries in Ila-Orangun, Iree, and Ilesa towns. Advertisement The statement reads: The felon was apprehended following a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence. READ MORE: Osun Police Detain Man Accused Of Killing Father In Farm The suspects arrest has brought to light a series of criminal activities in which he has been implicated, alongside three other accomplices named Segun, Wale and Adebayo. The gang, which was heavily armed, allegedly used firearms to terrorize residents, loot properties, and steal valuable items. The group was reportedly armed with three pistols and a barrel gun, which they used to threaten and overpower their victims during their criminal operations. The group operated under the cover of darkness, avoiding detection as they moved from one location to another. This arrest is a major breakthrough in our efforts to clamp down on criminal elements within Osun State. We are committed to ensuring that those who engage in such activities face the full force of the law. Investigators are now working to track down the remaining members of the criminal gang, who are still at large. Additionally, efforts are being made to recover stolen items from the various robbery incidents. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Thursday, declared nine suspected members of the Lakurawas terrorist group wanted. DHQ named them as Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed), Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Waa, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse. According to Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the terrorist group emerged from Niger Republic following a coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. Advertisement The coup, he said, created gaps in cooperation, allowing the terrorists to exploit difficult terrains and infiltrate northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from Niger Republic and Mali. READ ALSO: DHQ Arrests Several Suspects Over Killing Of Abia Soldiers The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited the difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology, Buba stated. He noted that initially, locals welcomed the group, believing they had good intentions, and failed to inform security agencies of the terrorists movements. Buba assured Nigerians that troops have sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts to weaken the terrorists. The troops are actively locating the terrorists to neutralize their threats, he added. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 21 suspected internet fraudsters in various locations across Benin City, Edo State. The anti-graft agency, in a statement on Thursday, said that its agents from the Benin Zonal Directorate, arrested the suspects on November 5. The statement said that the EFCCs actionable intelligence, which indicated the suspects involvement in online fraud, led to their arrest. Advertisement READ MORE: Chef, Security Guard Apprehended For Alleged N5.5m Theft In Lagos Ten exotic cars, laptops, and phones were among the items recovered. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, the commission said. Nigerias Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, says that cesarean sections (C-sections) will now be provided free of charge to poor and vulnerable women across the country. This initiative, Pate said, is part of the governments efforts to tackle Nigerias alarmingly high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which are among the highest globally. At the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) in Abuja on Thursday, Pate emphasized that the new policy aims to improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns, focusing on primary health services and community involvement. Advertisement The free C-sections will be available to women who meet eligibility criteria, covering services provided through both public and private facilities empaneled by the National Health Insurance Authority. A pivotal feature of this initiative is the provision of free cesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women. By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost, Pate said. The Minister also disclosed plans to engage an additional 120,000 health workers to support primary care across the country. READ ALSO: Police Rescue 10 Pregnant Women, Arrest Baby Factory Operator In Akwa Ibom Community health workers will play a crucial role in generating demand for maternal care services, educating families on the importance of antenatal care, and ensuring mothers are informed about available services. Walter Mulombo, World Health Organisation country representative in Nigeria, welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of effective implementation. If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. Were here to support every step of the way, he noted. Pate urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable for providing improved quality healthcare services and basic services. He added: For our citizens, in line with the Presidents overall direction, we want you to hold us, as well as your state and local governments, accountable. Information Nigeria reports that Nigerias maternal mortality rate, stands at approximately 800 deaths per 100,000 live births. The country also accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with a womans lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum/post-abortion being. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphasized that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is the primary source of funding for projects in the nations capital. During a Thursday inspection of ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike stated that the FCT Administration relies heavily on IGR and prudent resource management to finance numerous projects in both the city center and area councils. The FCT Administration has been able to fund these projects through IGR and careful utilization of available resources. Advertisement Its crucial for residents to pay their taxes, as this is the only way we can sustain our development efforts, Wike said. Wike highlighted the importance of tax payment, noting that Nigerians are more likely to pay taxes when they see tangible results. READ ALSO: Insecurity: Well Start Picking Up Beggars In FCT From Monday Wike Declares When people see that their taxes are being utilized, they reciprocate by paying their taxes. However, they are reluctant to pay when they dont see any progress, he explained. The Minister also inspected the 11km FCT Highway 105 and the 5-kilometer Kuje township road, both of which will be constructed with streetlights. These projects, he said, aim to transform the areas topography and provide essential infrastructure in line with the Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda. According to Wike, the FCT Administration prioritizes prudent management of resources, restricting the number of projects to ensure completion and availability of funding. We dont have unlimited resources, but were committed to using what we have for the benefit of our people, he said. This approach aligns with the National Bureau of Statistics report on Internally Generated Revenue at the state level, which highlights the significance of IGR in funding state projects. Improved land administration in States like Lagos and Kano has also been identified as a key factor in growing IGR. Nigerias Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the immediate replacement of outdated equipment to address the frequent collapse of the national grid. Adelabu assured that the replacement will be achieved within six months. The Ministers order follows the submission of an inter-agency committees report, which identified poor maintenance culture, inadequate, and aged equipment as primary causes of grid collapses. Advertisement The recommendations of the committee are far-reaching and will proffer lasting solutionsin the immediate and long term, Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister quoted him as saying on Thursday. READ ALSO: Tackle Power Crisis Peter Obi Tells FG Over Frequent National Grid Collapse Short-term objectives, highlighted by the Committee, include reviewing relaying philosophy, capacity development for maintenance staff, and testing existing equipment. Mid-term goals focus on strengthening relay coordination, replacing aged equipment, and enhancing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition tools. Long-term recommendations include modernizing grid infrastructure, promoting decentralized grid management, and integrating renewable energy resources. Social media activist VeryDarkMan, has condemned the recent developments involving Bolt Driver, Stephen Abuwatseya and House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/South of Abia State. It should be noted that on October 28, 2024, Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had come to deliver a package to him. A viral video of the altercation at Ikwecheghs residence in Maitama, Abuja, showed the politician repeatedly slapping and abusing Abuwatseya, who had asked Ikwechegh to come outside to pick up a package of snails for delivery. Advertisement Nigerians strongly criticised the incident and demanded for an investigation. Following an interrogation at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Ikwechegh was granted 500,000 bail by the Kuje Magistrates Court. He was charged with three counts: abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. A hearing in the lawsuit was scheduled for November 8, 2024. Verydarkman was actively involved in making sure Stephen Abuwatseya was given justice and fair compensation after learning about the incident. However in a new turn of events, Abuwatseya apologised to Ikwechegh in a video that was made public on Thursday, November 7, 2024, saying that he was sorry for provoking the lawmaker and requesting forgiveness from Nigerians. Verydarkman responded to the development in a new video on Friday, recounting how he and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, attempted to hold Alex Ikwechegh accountable for his alleged misconduct. VDM stated that Ikwechegh and his associates contacted them to assure reimbursement for the driver after the issue gained attention online. READ MORE: VeryDarkMan Slams Northerners Over Viral Campaign Song For Trump VeryDarkMan requested that the cab driver be compensated with N20 million and a car, whereas the lawmaker proposed a lower amount of N5 million and a car, which was subsequently agreed upon. The driver allegedly developed a covert relationship with the politician behind their backs, according to the activist. He expressed his disgust with the cabbies apologies, which he considered was compelled. He underlined Stephen Abuwatseyas decision to turn against people who backed him during the crisis. The drivers counsel, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has withdrew their legal representation following the apologies. Captioning the post on his Instagram page, he wrote, Can you imagine this?the bolt driver that was a$$vlT3d by the house of reps member hon ALEX MASCOT IKWECHEGH has come out to apologize to his oppr3$ $Or, maybe i should just tell everyone what we went through for this mumu to get justice, since he has chose to r!d:cl3 his generation Watch him speak below The Federal Road Safety Commission has called on travellers to report reckless driving in order to reduce accidents during the 2024 Ember months. The commission made the call on Friday, as it concluded a series of activities for its nationwide ember month sensitisation campaigns in Plateau State. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, in Jos, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Maxwell Plateau, stressed the need for behavioral change among drivers. Advertisement READ MORE: FRSC Recovers N8.6m, Rescues Victims At Kaduna Accident Scene He stated that passengers have the right to a safe drive and encouraged them to caution drivers who violate road rules He said: We must appreciate the selfless services the transport subsector in the country ensures that the movement of people, goods, and services get to their destinations safely. However, we must be deliberate in playing our role to maximize safety. As such, FRSC will, at this critical moment, intensify, increase visibility, provide prompt response to rescue, and add more gravity to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure our safety. However, passengers also have their own roles to play. By reporting reckless driving and adhering to road safety guidelines, travellers can contribute to a safer ember month period. Remember, safe arrival is everyones responsibility. A 46-year-old Pennsauken man and the police officer who fatally shot him during a confrontation over the weekend were identified Friday by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. Keith Edelin, who was armed with a knife, was shot and killed by Haddon Township Police Officer Luke Falkenberg early Sunday, the Attorney Generals Office, which is investigating the incident, said in a statement. Advertisement Shortly before 1:10 a.m., Haddon Township officers responded to a 911 call about an attempted burglary at an apartment complex on West Crystal Lake Avenue in the townships Westmont section. Falkenberg and his partner encountered Edelin, armed with a knife, in a stairwell, prosecutors said. During an interaction in the stairwell, Falkenberg fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Edelin, prosecutors said. The officers rendered first aid to Edelin, who was then transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he died about an hour later, prosecutors said. The knife was recovered at the scene, prosecutors said. The officers were not injured. The investigation of the shooting is ongoing, prosecutors said. Police and first responders found a woman's body near Pennypack Trail at Verree Road and Tustin Avenue on Thursday. Read more The body of a 29-year-old woman was found buried in a shallow grave in the woods of Fox Chase on Thursday, one week after investigators believe her ex-boyfriend abducted her, police said. Police recovered the remains of Melody Rivera, covered with twigs and leaves, Thursday afternoon on the 900 block of Tustin Avenue, near Pennypack Park, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore. Advertisement Riveras family had been posting online and searching the Northeast area for days, holding out hope they might find her unharmed. But their worst fears were confirmed as soon as they learned of the body recovered, said Martha Fred, Riveras sister. Its her, she said solemnly Friday morning. Rivera was last seen by her family on Halloween in the Summerdale section of the city, police said. According to posts from relatives on Facebook, the woman called her mother to say she was being held against her will by a man known as G. Police believe that man to be 29-year-old Geovanni Otero, Riveras ex-boyfriend, said a law enforcement source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Vanore said investigators are looking to speak with him about the case. He said Riveras family told police Otero had been harassing and threatening the woman in recent weeks. According to the source, Rivera was driving with her girlfriend when Otero attacked them, threw the girlfriend out of the car, and drove off with Rivera. Police found the car abandoned days later, said the source, but did not find Rivera. Investigators believe she was likely killed on Nov. 1, said the source, and that her body has been in the woods since then. Her cause of death was not immediately clear, the source said. Otero, of Hunting Park, has served time in jail on drug and gun charges since 2015. In 2018, he was convicted of illegal gun possession and sentenced to 3 to eight years in jail, court records show. At the time of Riveras disappearance, he was out on parole and wearing a GPS ankle monitor, said the source. That ankle monitor ultimately led detectives to the woods and to Riveras body the source said, after Oteros GPS location pinged twice in that area. Two security guards walk through the parking lot of the Home Depot in northeast Philadelphia where a shooting occurred. A 38-year-old man was hospitalized in stable condition after he was shot by a security guard at a Home Depot in the city's Crescentville section Thursday afternoon, police said, November 7, 2024. Read more A 38-year-old man was hospitalized in stable condition after he was shot by a security guard at a Home Depot store in the citys Crescentville section Thursday afternoon, police said. Officers responded to a call about a person with a gun just after 3:10 p.m. on the 4600 block of Roosevelt Boulevard and found that the security guard had shot the man in one shoulder in the parking lot, police said. The man was transported by police to Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, where he was also being held as a prisoner, police said. The security guard was also taken to Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia, where he was treated before being released, police said. Police said they recovered a gun and pepper spray at the scene but did not disclose any details about what happened that led to the shooting. Joseph S. Clark Jr. (left) and Richardson Dilworth on Nov. 7, 1951, after Clark was elected mayor and Dilworth district attorney. Read more For nearly a century, Republicans ruled Philadelphia. Power was controlled by the pay-to-play GOP political machine in the years after the Civil War. The partys grip can be traced back to 1884, when Republican William B. Smith took the mayoral oath of office, and symbolically kicked off the citys new and fraught political and economic era. Advertisement Between the 1880s and the early 1950s, the donkeys party served as a mere appendage to the elephants organization. The kings of the Republican machine took turns picking mayors, and election tickets were ceremonial at best. Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal arrived in the 1930s amid the Great Depression, and as the citys Republican leaders were unwilling to accept aid from a Democratic White House. And its when the machine would start leaking oil. READ MORE: This week in Philly history: Philly police officer killed during election day attack on political candidate The New Deal Democrats and their zeal for national reform helped fan the local flames of political revolution, and spurred a movement to bring about profound changes to the framework of Philadelphias ineffective government. The movement was spearheaded by two lawyers: University of Pennsylvania-educated Joseph S. Clark Jr., from Germantown, and Yale-educated Richardson Dilworth, from Pittsburgh. The duo helped craft a modern Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, a constitution-like document that established new ground rules for how the city should operate and be led. Among the changes: It put more power in the hands of the mayor, and required civil service exams for patronage jobs. Voters approved the charter in April 1951. Seven months later, on Nov. 6, 1951, Democratic candidates Clark and Dilworth were elected as mayor and district attorney, respectively. These victories represented the first true Democratic wins in the city in 67 years. The Inquirer ran an editorial on the front page the next day with the headline, The People Win! The people had made up their minds to get rid of the unsavory gang of grafters and incompetents that had controlled the local government for so many years, the editorial said, and they have done just that in unmistakable fashion. Seventy-two years later: The charter, despite a few amendments and calls for overhaul, is still in use today. Meanwhile, Democrats outnumber Republicans in the city, 7-1. And since that 1951 election, no Republican since has taken the mayoral oath. Ellen Greenberg's death on Jan. 26, 2011, was ruled a homicide then switched to suicide by Philadelphia authorities. The Chester County District Attorney's Office was asked to review the case in 2022 on a conflict-of-interest referral from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. Read more More than two years after the Chester County District Attorneys Office was charged with reinvestigating the case of Ellen Greenberg whose death by 20 stab wounds in 2011 was ruled homicide then switched to suicide by Philadelphia authorities it announced Friday that based on the current state of evidence it cant prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime was committed. Because we cannot meet our burden of proof with the information and evidence presently available, we placed this investigation in an inactive status, an emailed news release said. There is no statute of limitations for criminal homicide in Pennsylvania, and because investigations can take new directions, we are not closing the case. Advertisement Joseph Podraza Jr., the lawyer for Greenbergs parents, Joshua and Sandra Greenberg of Harrisburg, said in an emailed statement they remain steadfast in their belief Ellen Greenberg was murdered and called the Chester County DAs investigation extremely limited and constrained. The Office told us that they did not investigate the core issues which we have raised which establish Ellen was murdered, and that evidence remains unchallenged, Podraza said. These unfortunate limitations and constraints notwithstanding, we do appreciate the District Attorneys professional courtesy of speaking with the family and candidly acknowledging all these limitations and constraints. A civil suit filed by Greenbergs parents about whether they have the right to challenge the suicide ruling on their daughters death certificate was taken up on appeal this year by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and remains ongoing. The Greenbergs also have a second ongoing civil suit seeking monetary damages from the city and several people involved in the investigation into their daughters death. In its news release, the Chester County DAs Office, which is led by District Attorney Christopher DeBarrena-Sarobe, noted that the standard of proof for a criminal investigation beyond a reasonable doubt is different than other legal cases or issues that surround Ms. Greenbergs death. Greenberg, then 27, a first-grade teacher, was discovered by her fiance, Samuel Goldberg, in the kitchen of their locked Manayunk apartment with 20 stab wounds to her body and a 10-inch knife lodged in her chest on Jan. 26, 2011. Investigators on the scene treated her death as a suicide because the apartment door which Goldberg said he broke down was locked from the inside, there were no signs of an intruder, and Greenberg had no defensive wounds, police have said. But the next morning, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office discovered a total of 20 stab wounds to Greenbergs body including 10 to the back of her neck along with 11 bruises in various stages of healing, and ruled her death a homicide. Police publicly disputed the findings and the MEs Office later changed the ruling to suicide, with no explanation to Greenbergs parents. In the years since, the Greenbergs have retained experts whove raised questions about the suicide ruling and the investigation into the case, as first detailed in a 2019 Inquirer report. When the Greenbergs former attorney, Larry Krasner, became the district attorney of Philadelphia in 2018, they reached back out to see if hed reopen the investigation into their daughters death. Given his conflict of interest, Krasners office referred the case to the state Attorney Generals Office, which was then helmed by now-Governor Josh Shapiro. After more than a year, the AGs Office said it found the evidence supported suicide and closed its investigation. In 2019, the Greenbergs sued the Philadelphia MEs Office and the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, seeking to have the manner of their daughters death changed back to homicide or undetermined, given the new information and forensic experts they obtained. As a result of that civil suit, additional details and records about the case and the unusual investigation into it came to light. In 2021, Podraza gave that information to the AGs Office, which was still run by Shapiro, but the office stood by the suicide ruling. The following year, theories started to swirl online about possible connections Shapiro had with family members of Greenbergs fiance. While the AGs Office said no conflict existed, it referred the case back to the Philadelphia DAs Office due the appearance of a conflict. Unable to take the case due to Krasners own conflict of interest, the Philadelphia DAs Office then referred it to the Chester County DAs Office, where it has remained since August 2022. According to the offices news release, detectives pursued additional investigative steps, including but not limited to, conducting new interviews and consulting with an independent forensic expert. In his statement, Podraza said the expert the office consulted has an undergrad degree in entomology (the study of insects) and a masters in criminal justice, but no medical or forensic pathology training. The Chester County DAs Office said its detectives also conducted a review of the previous investigations by the Philadelphia Police Department and AGs Office. But the validity of the police departments investigation has already been called into question by the Commonwealth Court, which called it deeply flawed in a 2023 ruling. That court heard the case on appeal after the city challenged the Greenbergs first civil suit in 2019. The city argued the Greenbergs did not have standing to seek a change in their daughters death certificate. In its 2-1 ruling last year, the Commonwealth Court said it had no choice under the law but to grant the citys appeal to prevent a civil suit from going to trial. But the Greenbergs and Podraza appealed the Commonwealth Court ruling and in July, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania the states highest court agreed to hear the case. The court will not rule on the manner of Greenbergs death, but will consider the issue of whether her parents have standing to challenge the listed manner of death. A date for arguments in the Supreme Court case has not yet been set, but they are expected to be held next year. A second civil suit the Greenbergs filed against members of the MEs Office, the Police Department, and the DAs Office seeking monetary damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress remains ongoing in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. We now look forward to an upcoming trial where a full and forthright examination of the core issues surrounding Ellens murder may be publicly conducted before an independent Judge and jury of our peers, Podraza said. New Jersey Forest Fire Service District Warden C6t uses water to manage turfing as he works an edge of the forest fire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County, New Jersey on Friday, November 8, 2024. Read more The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Philadelphia region, and most of N.J., as a continued extreme drought, combined with high winds and lack of moisture, has pushed fire conditions from bad to critical. The weather service issued its statement Friday as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was already battling at least three sizable wildfires in South Jersey, though crews were making progress. The red flag warning included all or parts of Delaware, Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties until 6 p.m. when it expired. The agency warned against lighting any outdoor fires, which could escape and spread quickly. Advertisement A red flag warning means that weather conditions have combined to enhance the danger of wildfires. READ MORE: N.J. Forest Fire service battle multiple wildfires, one near popular preserve, another near gun range as state enters extreme drought Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain, the weather service said. New Jersey officials banned open fires in October, but wildfires have continued to break out. Although the causes of most are yet undetermined, 99% of wildfires are started by humans. The red flag warning was in effect for much of South Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, counties, as well as counties farther north, until 6 p.m. The weather service cited a relative humidity as low as 25% and wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph as a key factor. But the weather service was warning of an increased risk of fire Saturday because of the possibility of more gusty winds. Although there have been hundreds of fires since October, crews are continuing to battle three active blazes in Southern New Jersey. Officials say residents can expect to smell or see smoke for several days. There is some possible relief: rain is forecast for Sunday night with one-quarter to a half-inch possible. While that could provide enough moisture to quell fires, it is unlikely to refill drained waterways. Some counties are suffering from 10-inch rain deficits the past 90 days. The active fires, all under investigation, are: The sun returns over the SS United States after a storm passed through South Philadelphia headed to New Jersey in 2019. The retired ocean liner has been docked at Pier 82 on the Delaware River, across from the Ikea store, since 1996. Read more Overture, curtain lights, and maybe some slight traffic delays the SS United States is scheduled to leave its longtime South Philadelphia berth Nov. 15 in a yearlong journey to the Florida Panhandle where it will be made an artificial reef and turned into an underwater tourist attraction. The former Queen of the Seas, a nod to a time before air travel became the norm, has adorned the areas panoramic landscape of big box stores and fast food spots for almost 30 years. During high tide Nov. 14 tugboats will move the ship from Pier 82 to nearby Pier 80 as it gets ready to head to Mobile, Ala. Advertisement READ MORE: The SS United States stewards bid farewell to the Philly ship destined for Florida: Bon voyage, you grand lady The real move down the Delaware River begins during low tide early Friday morning. The complicated logistical feat is a coordinated effort between the vessels new owners in Okaloosa County, Fla., and local, state, and federal agencies, including the Delaware River Port Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard. To make its way to the Atlantic Ocean, the SS United States will have to go under the Walt Whitman Bridge, Commodore Barry Bridge, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, according to Okaloosa County. DRPA spokesperson Mike Williams said traffic will likely have to be temporarily halted on the Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry so the vessel could pass safely underneath. This measure will be taken as a safety precaution and to minimize driver distraction, said Williams. As of Thursday, plans had not been finalized with DRPAs engineering and operations teams, so the exact timing and duration of traffic disruptions remained unclear. Williams said the agency aimed to give motorists ample time to plan their travel accordingly. The move to Alabama is expected to take about two weeks. Once there, the ship will undergo remediation for hazardous materials, including fuel, so as to not damage its future ecosystem in Florida. According to the ships new owners, the ship will also need to undergo modification so it can sink upright when its set in its final resting place in Florida. The entire process is expected to take about a year. The SS United States eventual sinking is not the outcome some of its fiercest advocates wanted, but the one they had to settle for after a yearslong rent dispute and judicial intervention forced the hands of the ships stewards. The ship couldnt stay at its current berth because that relationship soured and pier operators wanted to evict the almost 1,000-foot ship. No piers could take in such a large tenant on short notice. Though the ship was gutted long ago, preservationists had hoped a developer could reimagine the vessel and give it new life by turning it into a hotel, but the financing never panned out. The SS United States Conservancy, which held ownership of the ship until October, has said that sinking the ship was not their first choice, but it beats sending the ship to the scrap yard. Okaloosa County officials said theyre committed to preserving the ships history and are working with the conservancy to build a museum. People will be able to track the ships journey online through an Okaloosa County website. Of all the overseas leaders avidly watching the U.S. election results, the two happiest were probably Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. As we peer into a murky domestic and foreign policy future under a 47th president who yearns to rule as a strongman, its important to understand what this means. Putin and Orban clearly top Donald Trumps best foreign friends list, and they know it. The GOPs election victor leaves no doubts, with his constant praise for and pursuit of the Russian dictator and the anti-democratic Hungarian. Advertisement It is these two, not the British, French, or German allies, whose modus operandi fascinates our next president. Putin is admired for his macho and brutal toughness, but Orban is the domestic role model. Trumps choice of best foreign friends offers a stark preview of how he aims to govern for the next four years. Of course, the president-elects long-standing attraction to Putin is endlessly documented. And it continues, despite the Russian dictators open disdain for the United States and desire to undermine our country. But that attraction will be even more dangerous to U.S. national security in a second Trump term. In their side-by-side news conference in Helsinki in 2018, Trump infamously said he trusted the Russian leader more than U.S. intelligence agencies. That means come January, we will have an enormous security threat sitting in the Oval Office an ill-informed president inclined to believe a murderous Russian dictator and ignore U.S. intel warnings about Putins intentions. In his first term, Trump was surrounded by a foreign policy team of grown-ups, including Defense Secretary James Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who could restrain his pro-Russian leanings. But those grown-ups are gone, and the president-elect looks likely to appoint sycophants and conspiracy theorists to top foreign policy positions. Chances are high that he will purge the FBI and CIA of those he believes are disloyal to him (which no doubt includes those who appreciate the Russian danger). READ MORE: Trump says only he can prevent World War III, but his embrace of autocrats endangers the USA. | Trudy Rubin Even worse, Trump believes that peace through strength means he alone can make foreign policy via his friendships with dictators. That approach was a loser with North Korea and Iran, who bulked up their arsenal of nuclear materiel, bombs and long-range missiles after Trumps failed first-term efforts at personal diplomacy. Trumps buddy Putin is now helping both countries develop their weapons systems further. Trump has reportedly had as many as seven private phone calls with the Russian leader since stepping down in 2020. No doubt they were discussing Trumps pledge to resolve the Ukraine conflict in 24 hours before even being sworn in. Yet, there is no way I repeat, no way Trump can do such a deal without surrendering to Putins terms, which will mean ending Ukraines independence and delivering it to Russian domination. Moreover, Putin is fully aware of Trumps susceptibility to flattery, which the former KGB colonel will freely exploit. Trump shows no signs he realizes the weakness that surrendering Ukraine to Putin will signal globally. Rather than build respect for Trumps strength, this betrayal would convince Beijing that the president is prepared to surrender Taiwan. Meantime, NATO would be wounded, perhaps fatally, by a Trump capitulation to a major adversary, which, in turn, would encourage China, Iran and North Korea to do their worst. Many observers believe the only explanation for Trumps affinity for Putin must be that Russian security services have compromising material on him. To the contrary, I believe that affinity has grown out of Trumps admiration for the Russian dictators macho persona and ability to rule without being pestered by legislators, the press, demonstrations, or any curbs on his power. Never mind if Putin has his opponents poisoned or sent to Siberia (questioned on this, Trump once said, Weve got a lot of killers, too). Add to the gift bag for Putin the admiration of MAGA conservatives and Trump acolytes, such as Steve Bannon, for the Russian leaders supposed traditional values. Of course, Putins version of such values means overt hostility to gays, womens rights, and dark-skinned Russians. It also means hypocritically promoting Russian Orthodox Christianity while massacring Ukrainian Christians and persecuting minority sects at home. Yet, nothing exemplifies Trumps fascination with autocrats more clearly than his bromance with Orban, who has transformed Hungarian democracy into one-man rule. While Trump spars with democratic French, German, and British leaders, he embraces the pro-Putin Orban. The Hungarian leader, whose countrys population totals under 10 million, has become Trumps closest political ally in Europe, invited to the White House in 2019 and to Mar-a-Lago in July. I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Orban once again when I take the oath of office, Trump said earlier this year, calling the Hungarian leader a great man. This despite Orbans unsavory reputation inside the European Union due to his antidemocratic behavior and hostility toward Ukraine. So why the Trump fondness for Orban? Imitation hopes? The Hungarian has transformed his countrys democratic system by changing electoral laws to ensure only his party can win elections. Meantime, he has managed, legally, to take political control of the courts. As for the press, he had government-friendly oligarchs (think Elon Musk or Trump-cowed Jeff Bezos) buy up 80% of mass media outlets, turning them into Orbans propaganda mills. Most Hungarians now hear only what the leader wants them to hear. Meantime, due to his supposed defense of family values, Orban has also become the darling of Bannon and CPAC, the prominent Conservative Political Action Conference, a hard right GOP organization that has held three of its annual meetings in Budapest. Uber-conservative U.S. think tanks work with counterpart think tanks in Hungary. Orbans government has targeted asylum-seekers, Muslim invaders, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), LGBTQ people, the remaining independent press, and the independent Central European University, which was forced to exit Hungary. One of Orbans main targets is the Hungarian-born U.S. pro-democracy philanthropist George Soros, whom he has attacked endlessly and falsely, in gross antisemitic fashion, as the financial mastermind behind all of Hungarys ills. (MAGA loyalists hate Soros human rights work as well). Orban (and Bannon) want to cement an alliance with all of Europes most far-right, nationalistic political parties. and Trumps support will greatly advance this effort. READ MORE: Ukraine-Russia peace talks can't work unless Kyiv is invited to join NATO | Trudy Rubin Instead of pushing back against the authoritarian axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea that is challenging the United States globally, Trump deludes himself that he is a strongman who can win over their rulers via personal diplomacy or punishing tariffs. Trumps pursuit of Putin and Orban leaves no doubt of the kind of ruler he wants to become. Indeed, he declared days before his election that in many cases, our allies are worse than our so-called enemies. Is this really what a majority of Americans voted for? Perhaps in two years, we will see buyers remorse when some Americans who chose Trump for economic reasons realize that promised tariffs leave them poorer. Perhaps they will also realize that Trumps slogan of peace through strength is more likely to lead to new wars. Yet, according to a February study by the Pew Research Center, 32% of Americans believe a military regime or an authoritarian leader would be a better way of governing the country. Perhaps they, and many more U.S. voters, are ready to junk the Constitution and hand it all over to a strongman. Perhaps not. How much Trump sucks up to Putin and imitates Orban early in his tenure and whether anyone in government or civil society can stop him will signal to those who still value democracy how much we have to fear. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey has not conceded his reelection bid, citing more than 100,000 ballots left to be counted in the state even as the Associated Press has called the race for Republican Dave McCormick. Casey and his Democratic allies have persistently said they want all ballots to be counted and have signaled they believe what remains to count could still shift the balance of the race, which is currently separated by just over than 35,000 votes, around half a percent of the total vote. Advertisement Regardless of the AP call, county election offices still have lots of work to do tabulating results up and down the ballot. Officials are down to the final ballots that need extra work to determine if theyll count and military and overseas ballots which are granted extra time to come back. This work takes place in every election, and is not impacted by media calls or candidate concessions, it will just be subject to extra attention this year as the U.S. Senate race remains tight. How many ballots remain? In a statement Thursday, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt said that more than 100,000 ballots still need to be adjudicated in the state. However, some of those remaining ballots will ultimately be rejected. Review of provisional ballots in the state begins on Friday. What types of ballots still need to be counted? Remaining ballots generally fall in four categories: provisional ballots, overseas ballots, outstanding Election Day ballots, and outstanding mail ballots. Both parties are likely to fight intensely in court, and via challenges to election officials, over the fate of these remaining ballots. Provisional ballots: Provisional ballots are ballots often cast in person by voters who encounter some issue with their mail ballot or at the polling place. Those reasons can included voters who submit a mail ballot but believe it may not be counted because of an error, voters who requested a mail ballot but chose not cast it, and voters who are not in their polling places poll book. Election officials must review provisional ballots individually to determine if they are valid. The counting or rejection of provisional ballots can be challenged and those challenges will be adjudicated in public hearings. Overseas and military ballots: Under federal law military and overseas voters have until Nov. 12 to return their absentee ballots. Thousands of these ballots have not yet been returned to and counted in election offices, though it is unclear how many will arrive by the deadline. Outstanding Election Day ballots: While the vast majority of election day ballots have been counted. But there is a large set of outstanding votes in deep-red Cambria County where issues with polling place scanners resulted in the hand counting of several ballots. As of Friday morning Cambria county had about 10% of ballots left to count, according to the New York Times. Outstanding mail ballots: According to state data, as of 2:45 p.m. on Thursday 1.28% of mail ballots had not been counted. Uncounted mail ballots at this stage are primarily ballots that have been set aside for one reason or another. These include ballots where the county has not received verification of the voters ID. Those voters have until Nov. 12 to prove their identity. It also includes ballots without a secrecy envelope or a signature or without a date or an incorrect date. Without litigation to change it, state law requires that election officials reject these ballots, though election boards need to formally vote to take that step. Where do counties stand? While it is difficult to get a statewide sense of outstanding ballots this is what we know from the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas: In Philadelphia, there are roughly 20,000 provisional ballots remaining, City Commissioner Seth Bluestein said. In Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, officials posted to X on Thursday that staff had 12,680 provisional ballots to review and that 4,309 ballots had been sent to military and overseas voters. Bucks County has roughly 5,200 provisional ballots remaining, 2,500 uncounted mail ballots and up to 3,000 military ballots according to a county spokesperson. Chester County has more than 3,500 provisional ballots and more than 1,800 military and overseas ballots, a county spokesperson said. Neil Makhija, the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, posted to X on Thursday that his county has 6,500 provisional ballots and approximately 2,500 overseas and other ballots. How do AP calls work? The Associated Press has a long track record of accurately declaring winners, even in close elections. These calls have no legal weight, but theyre used by The Inquirer and other outlets to determine winners as was the case with President Joe Bidens victory in 2020, for example. The Associated Press only declares a winner when its clear a candidate has won. That decision involved careful analysis of voting data and trends. The APs race calls are not predictions and are not based on speculation. They are declarations based on an analysis of vote results and other election data that one candidate has emerged as the winner and that no other candidate in the race will be able to overtake the winner once all the votes have been counted, the AP wrote in a guide to its race calls. In an article explaining the rationale for calling McCormicks victory, the AP explained that there were not enough outstanding votes in areas supportive of Casey and noted that Casey won by significantly smaller margins this year in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties compared to his previous wins. At the time the AP said it estimated 91,000 outstanding votes. Even when a race is within the margin for a recount, as the Senate race is, the AP will call it if it is clear that a recount wouldnt change the outcome. Will there be a recount? Maybe. Casey currently trails McCormick by around half a percent. If the candidates are separated by half a percent or less the Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Al Schmidt, must call a recount by the end of the day Thursday. The candidate with fewer votes, at this point Casey, will have until noon on Wednesday to ask Schmidt not to call a recount. Schmidt must provide candidates with a 24 hour notice before calling a recount so we will know by 5 p.m. Wednesday if it is occurring. However, if McCormick manages to grow his lead beyond a half percent by Thursday a recount will no longer be in order. When would a recount occur? State law requires that a recount begin by the third Wednesday after Election Day in this case Nov. 20. It must be finished by noon the following Tuesday, which would be Nov. 26. How does the recount work? Counties can either recount ballots by hand or run ballots through a machine of a different type. Most counties opt for machine recounts because hand counting is a long and tedious process. Counties must hand recount ballots that the machines are unable to process because of issues with how voters marked them like stray marks on the page or marking in the circle of more than one candidate in a single race. The recount should run faster than counting on Election Day because counties do not have to perform the process of opening and flatting mail ballots. Will a recount change the results? Recounts rarely change the results of an election, but the vote totals will change by small amounts. Any changes come largely as a result of how machines read over-votes and under-votes, ballots where machines may read stray marks differently. For instance, if a voter began to fill out a ballot for one candidate, and then sought to x out their original vote and filled in for another. While one machine may flag that vote for human review, another may miss the markings and count the original vote. While hand counting those votes election workers are directed to determine the voters intent. Is Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate race over? It depends on whom you ask. And for Republican Dave McCormick, declared the winner by The Associated Press on Thursday, the answer appears to be both yes and no. Advertisement At a news conference Friday in Pittsburgh, McCormick declared victory and vowed to work with officials from both parties to secure the border and improve the economy. I dont care who voted for me and didnt vote for me, McCormick said. Today, I turn the page. I am focused on serving every single Pennsylvanian. But just hours earlier, he was selling a slightly different story in a Philadelphia court. McCormick, in a pair of petitions filed late Thursday, signaled his intent to potentially challenge tens of thousands of provisional ballots cast in the city, saying that counting those votes and others like them could impact the outcome of the election. Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has not conceded, despite the APs call. And with the races margins down to roughly 37,000 votes separating the candidates as of Friday evening, he remained hopeful there was still a chance those ballots could help him regain an edge. The number of provisional ballots expected from areas that favor Senator Casey, like Philadelphia and its suburbs, is further proof that this race is too close to be called, Casey spokesperson Maddy McDaniel said Friday. As the McCormick campaign admitted in their own lawsuit this morning, the counting of these ballots could have an impact on the outcome of the election. READ MORE: Casey hasnt conceded the Senate race. What ballots are left and will there be a recount? Even if provisional votes dont help Casey make up the difference, they could be enough to trigger automatic recount provisions under Pennsylvania law in races decided by 0.5% or less. As of Friday, that margin hovered around 0.54%, just outside that range. Whether a recount will happen likely wont be announced until Wednesday. Still, Casey faces an uphill battle to keep the seat he has held since 2007. Recounts typically result in small changes to each candidates vote total. But because those changes can happen in either direction, they rarely alter the outcome of an election unless it was virtually tied heading into the recount. Casey would need to dominate the remaining ballots to be counted between now and Wednesday to make it close headed into the recount. As of Friday morning, county officials indicated there are roughly 45,000 ballots that still need to be tallied in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties. In Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, officials reported 16,989 ballots yet to be counted. However, some of those ballots may ultimately be rejected for procedural flaws. That number also includes an unknown number of military and overseas ballots that have not yet been returned but will still count if they arrive by Nov. 12. Tens of thousands of voters cast provisional ballots each election for a number of reasons, ranging from confusion over whether they are registered to vote to instances in which someone may have submitted a flawed mail ballot that was rejected but later showed up to vote at the polls. County election workers typically hold off on reviewing such ballots until they can verify voters eligibility and determine whether their ballots should count. Philadelphias City Commissioners began that process Friday morning, reviewing provisional ballots and determining which of the roughly 20,000 cast by city voters should count and which should be rejected. In court filings Thursday, McCormick asked a judge to mandate additional Republican access to the canvassing of those provisional ballots in Philadelphia a request Common Pleas Court Judge Jessica Brown denied Friday morning. Separately, the McCormick campaign sought an order allowing it to challenge provisional ballots in broad categories instead of fighting them one-by-one in front of the citys election board. Campaign attorneys have also asked to sequester an unspecified number of provisional ballots that were cast at the polls by voters whod previously submitted mail ballots that were rejected for procedural defects such as missing dates or secrecy envelopes. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last month that those provisional ballots should count, rebuffing a Republican push for their exclusion under the argument that those voters had already voted by submitting a ballot even a rejected one by mail. The GOP appealed that order to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to take up the case for now. But three of the courts conservative justices Samuel A. Alito Jr., Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch signaled a potential willingness to reconsider the issue after the election, calling it a matter of considerable importance. Whether the tight Pennsylvania Senate race could be the vehicle for taking that issue back to the nations highest court remains to be seen. But in his filing Thursday, McCormick signaled he was prepared to make it one, if necessary. Such a matter is ripe for appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, he wrote. Read the petition: President Joe Biden said his administration would work with President-elect Donald Trump to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power following the 2024 election. Thats what the American people deserve, Biden said in an address from the White House Thursday. Advertisement Biden celebrated election workers and the transparency of the results, hoping it would lay to rest questions about the integrity of the American electoral system It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted, win or lose, Biden said. Biden also offered praise for Vice President Kamala Harris for running an inspiring campaign, but said the will of the people always prevails. He also acknowledged the pain many of his supporters were feeling following Trumps victory. Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable, Biden said. Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up. Bidens speech came exactly four years after he was declared the winner of the 2020 election, when it took several days to count votes amid the COVID pandemic. After debating Trump in June, Biden was pushed to drop out of the race by Democrats worried about his performance and concerned over his age. While Biden is the oldest serving president in American history at age 81, Trump will be the oldest president ever inaugurated at age 78. The only other U.S. president inaugurated in their 70s was Ronald Reagan, who was 73 during his second inauguration in 1985. Harris conceded to Trump by phone Wednesday and later spoke to supporters at Howard University, urging them not to despair over the election results. I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now I get it, Harris said. But we must accept the results of this election. Temperatures in the apartment building at 2121 Market St. have been uncomfortably high, according to tenants, due to unseasonably warm weather and the building's switch from air-conditioning to heat in October. Read more When Tasha Kuronen returned to her apartment Nov. 3 after five days away, she walked into a wall of heat. The temperature in her second-floor apartment at 2121 Market St. was 85 degrees, which would be uncomfortable even if it were seasonably cooler outside. Advertisement Instead, in the midst of a historically long dry spell, with temperatures reaching a record of 80 degrees Wednesday, the environment in her building is suffocating. I walked in and was flooded by this wave of heat, said Kuronen. 2121 Market is owned by PMC Property Group, which did not respond to a request for comment. The building also houses a Trader Joes. Building managers told Kuronen that nothing could be done. They said its standard procedure under city law, that on Oct. 1 they turn on the heat and that means they turn the cooling systems off. Kuronen posted notes in the elevators and hallways asking whether other tenants were having similar experiences. Answers came in a tidal wave of texts, calls, and emails over 40 in all. Tenants couldnt sleep or cook, and some families were having to take their uncomfortable kids elsewhere. It was a little eerie because after I posted my notes, I would come into the hallways and find other fliers that were like chicken scratched with pen saying, Please help me. The heat is killing me, said Kuronen. The situation shows the challenges that climate change is presenting to the apartment rental market, and the laws that regulate it. Philadelphias code requires that between Oct. 1 and April 30, operators of multifamily dwellings like apartment buildings must provide heating capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees. The requirement extends to September and May if temperatures fall below 60 degrees in those months. The provision is waived if each unit has its own separate climate control system. There is a caveat that while the heat must be capable of being turned on in those months, it does not have to be activated unless the outdoor temperature hits 68 degrees or less. Tenants at 2121 Market St. say the heat is stifling on days like this Halloween, when temperatures hit 82 degrees, but even some evenings when weather is more seasonally appropriate. They tell me they are going off this ordinance, but I think its a gross misinterpretation of the ordinance, Kuronen said. They have to provide equipment that allows a space to be heated to a minimum of 68 degrees. Nobodys requiring that theyre blasting it so that its 85 degrees. Other tenants say that the problem is simply that the air-conditioning, which in the warmer months they can control in their rooms, is off despite soaring autumn temperatures. Many tenants in the building have been dragging their mattresses out of the windowless bedrooms to sleep. The situation has been especially hard on older residents, families with small children, and pet owners. For the last maybe two or three weeks, Ive been sleeping in my living room because our apartments dont have windows in the bedroom, said Malique Killing, who has lived at 2121 Market for five years. I sleep in my living room on the couch, with my windows open. PMC offered window units to tenants, but Kuronen fears that will spike utility prices and the solution wouldnt help those who cant open their windows or who cant sleep in their living rooms. Maybe its a broken or outdated system, but I told management that as global warming is changing the temperatures, its their responsibility to make changes to the building, policies, or equipment, Kuronen said. As the reality of climate change is increasingly felt, other cities have contemplated changing state and local laws that govern heating in residential buildings. In Chicago in 2022, three elderly women died during a May heat wave because the heating in their building was still on. In Massachusetts, there has been debate over changing the state law that requires that heat be available in residential buildings between Sept. 15 and June 15. Landlord organizations have argued that the heat availability standard in Massachusetts should be rolled back to the end of May and that air-conditioning should be required for more of the year. Given the impacts of global warming and climate change, its important to reassess existing regulations to ensure they effectively protect all Philadelphians, said Steve Chintaman, vice president of government affairs at the Pennsylvania Apartment Association. The rise in temperatures in recent years is more evident than ever before. PAA is committed to collaborating with local government to review these measures. Unsatisfied with PMCs response so far, Kuronen is seeking outside help. Shes called the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Better Business Bureau, and an HVAC specialist to see if they can diagnose a particular problem with the buildings heating. Kuronen would also like to see City Council address building regulations to set a maximum temperature, similar to Massachusetts where building owners are supposed to ensure that temperatures do not exceed 78 degrees. Theres no maximum to what they can do, and I just feel like thats gross negligence on all parts, said Kuronen. We already know insurers are already less likely to find in favour of an insured via an IDR process, she said. I feel if AFCA was to step back and put its hands up with a not our problem, sort it out yourself approach, they will only dig their heels in further and customers and brokers alike are going to struggle to resolve disputes. I am pleased to welcome Dominic and Phillip to HFW. Their appointments follow a series of hires we have made in Australia in the last 18 months as we continue to invest in our business and implement our growth plan, he said. The launch of Auros is the third reciprocal exchange that was sponsored by SageSure, following the introduction of SureChoice Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (SURE) and Elevate in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Earlier this year, Auros received its certificate of authority in Mississippi and has $25 million in initial policyholder surplus. It has also received a Financial Stability Rating of A (Exceptional) from Demotech, Inc. We are working hard to deliver joy and hope to over 10 million children this year, and with the generous support of Freeway, we will be able to fulfill holiday dreams for thousands of less-fortunate children who might otherwise have been forgotten. Meanwhile, insurance revenue for Q3 rose to 15.49 billion, up from 14.46 billion in Q3 2023, due to organic growth in all segments. Munich's solvency ratio was at 292%, which is above the optimum range of 175% to 220%, while its return on equity (RoE) was 11.7% in Q3, with 20.1% for Q1 to Q3. As a deadly storm bore down on Valencia on Oct. 29, the regional president was attending a ceremony to recognize his work on sustainable tourism. Three hours earlier, Spains national climate agency had issued a red alert about the rains that were coming. But rather than activating emergency protocols and triggering wider alerts, Carlos Mazon went off to the next meeting on his schedule. The towns around the coastal city have been living with the consequences of that decision ever since. The ensuing floods killed more than 200 people, destroyed billions in infrastructure, and unleashed a wave of anger towards political leaders. Valencia Asks for 31 Billion Rescue Package After Deadly Floods in Spain The disaster, which has already become Spains Hurricane Katrina moment, is a cautionary tale of climate change and political failure. But it is also a story of how decades of regulatory neglect and underinvestment in critical infrastructure created the ideal conditions for a preventable disaster. By mid-afternoon, some local governments and cities in the Valencia region were taking their own precautions. Workers were being sent home, schools and universities were closing early, and the armys emergency unit was preparing to deploy troops to Utiel, a city roughly 37 miles west of the regions capital, in case help was needed. By 5 p.m., Valencias local government assembled its emergency crisis committee. Mazon, the committees leader, wasnt there. When he finally arrived at the meeting it was around 7 p.m., according to multiple reports. A little more than an hour later, the local government sent out a region-wide text message telling people to seek shelter. But by then, it was too late. Shaky Foundations The delayed alerts were not the only reason why the floods in Valencia were so deadly. The decentralized structure of Spanish politics, which demands coordination between regional and national authorities, slowed the response to the unfolding crisis. Political infighting dragged on relief efforts. The regions aging infrastructure and years of overconstruction did not prepare it to withstand the waters. Facing a storm turbocharged by climate change, Valencia was particularly vulnerable. Unlike in the Franco era, when the government used large infrastructure projects to modernize the economy, public works took a backseat in the first decades of this century. In Valencia, the advent of mass tourism and an epic real estate boom translated into runaway construction, but mostly of homes and hotels. The projects were frequently undertaken without much planning or oversight. Given the regions history of natural disasters, this was especially dangerous. In 1957, flooding in the Turia river killed as many as 100 people in the regional capital. To ensure that such a catastrophe wouldnt happen again, the Franco regime built an artificial canal and rerouted the river around Valencia city. The memory of that flood, however, faded with time. In the mid-2000, an engineer named Federico Bonet was working on a project to prevent flooding in the Poyo river, which snakes through the towns and cities just south of Valencia. But after the financial crisis hit in 2008, the former dean of the citys College of Civil Engineers said in an interview, those plans were abandoned. What happens is that when no disaster happens, which is most of the time, it seems ridiculous to spend 200 million euros on hydraulic works, he said. The Poyo became the main artery for the Oct. 29 floods. While the Turias rerouting meant that downtown Valencia was largely unaffected by the rains, cities in flood zones less than seven miles away were among the worst hit. Finger Pointing After Mazon left the ceremony on the day of the storm, he went off the grid for several hours, reportedly to attend a private lunch. During that time, one of his advisors contacted the national government and asked that troops be sent to Utiel. Such communication breakdowns were happening at various levels of government. In Spain, regional crisis committees rely on national agencies tasked with monitoring weather and river flow volumes to make decisions, but these agencies dont always communicate with each other. Moreover, unless theres a state of emergency the central government cant interfere with a regions decision-making or take matters into its own hands. Coordination between Valencias regional government and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs administration had been complicated since Mazon took office in mid-2023. In addition to his being a member of the Peoples Party the main opposition to Sanchezs Socialists Mazons victory was made possible thanks to an agreement with the far-right Vox party, the first such arrangement of its kind in Spain. As part of the deal, Mazon handed environmental policy over to his coalition partners, who promptly named a climate change denialist to oversee the portfolio. Mazons early initiatives also included a cost-cutting spree that targeted programs backed by his Socialist predecessor. Among the programs he deemed too ideological was an emergency coordination unit. After Vox left the coalition in May, Mazon gave environmental oversight to a close collaborator with no climate expertise. In the days after the disaster, Mazon and Sanchez restrained from criticizing each other. Then, people close to them started swapping barbs. Late on Nov. 1, after Mazon asked the central government to send 500 soldiers to Valencia, Defense Minister Margarita Robles expressed amazement that the number was so low. The next day, following another request from Mazon, Sanchez announced that 5,000 more troops would be sent to Valencia. Counting the forces already in place, it represented Spains largest-ever peacetime deployment. For the thousands of people still bailing out their homes and struggling to make sense of the tragedy, however, these measures fell far short. On Nov. 3, an enraged crowd threw mud and sticks at Sanchez, Mazon and King Felipe VI during a visit to one of the towns most damaged by the floods. Protesters chased Sanchezs car as he fled the scene. The next day, in his first media appearances since the storm, Mazon went on the offense. In radio and TV interviews, he blamed the central government and hydrographic agency, which monitors river levels, for failing to notify him properly and act in time. He was swiftly rebutted by the agency, which said it never issues alerts, and by the army, which said it had been prepared to deploy troops hours earlier on Oct. 29 but needed Mazons permission to do so. The regional president is increasingly being singled out as the person most responsible for the scale of the disaster. Most damningly, the leader of Mazons own party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, called on the prime minister to push Mazon aside and take control of the situation. Sanchez responded with the first of what he said will be several financial relief packages. Climate change kills, and we are seeing it, sadly, Sanchez said when announcing the package, which could be as large as 10.6 billion. Global warming, he stressed, was a central part of the problem. Rising Risk The storm that hit Valencia was exceptional in that it saw the confluence of very extreme meteorological factors, said Samira Khodayar Pardo, the director of climate and meteorology at the Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM). While the most intense rainfall normally takes place at the coast, this time it rained a lot inland, right at the headwaters of the rivers, she pointed out. However, she continued, the storm and the scale of the disaster cant be distilled down into any single cause. There has to be a perfect cocktail, she said. That includes not only meterological considerations, but also urban planning, infrastructure, alarm systems and even the perception of risk and education of society. As extreme weather events likely to become more and more common, she added, there are many issues that must be considered. Top photograph: Vehicles damaged by flash flooding in Alfafar, Spain. Photo credit: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane Hannover Re announced that Chief Executive Officer Jean-Jacques Henchoz (60) is stepping down and will be replaced by the current chief financial officer, Clemens Jungsthofel (54). Henchoz has decided not to extend his expiring contract at his own request and will leave the companys Executive Board on March 31, 2025. Jungsthofel will take over as CEO on April 1, 2025. Christian Hermelingmeier (43), currently CFO of HDI Global SE, will succeed Jungsthofel as CFO on the same date. My time leading Hannover Re has been very fulfilling, both professionally and personally, said Henchoz. Together with a great team, we have succeeded in further developing Hannover Re and increasing its profitability. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success for their great commitment. My thanks also go to the Supervisory Board for their trusting cooperation, he added. The aim of my next professional chapter is to contribute with my experience in non-executive and advisory roles. Until the end of March, I will continue to dedicate myself fully to my duties as chief executive officer of Hannover Re and ensure an orderly handover to Clemens Jungsthofel, whom I see as the perfect choice for my succession. I wish Clemens all the best for his new role. We very much regret Jean-Jacques Henchoz decision, said Torsten Leue, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Hannover Re. He has made important transformational changes and strategic decisions with extraordinary commitment and great foresight that have strengthened the companys long-term position. Henchoz led the company very successfully since 2019 through a turbulent market environment, the reinsurer said, noting that Hannover Res market capitalization has almost doubled to about 29 billion during these years and its return on equity has averaged 14.7% over the past six years. Jungsthofel has proven his exceptional expertise in recent years as CFO of Hannover Re and the corporate and specialty insurer HDI Global as well as a partner at auditing and consulting firm KPMG, where he exclusively advised primary insurance and reinsurance companies. In a challenging market environment, he made a significant contribution to the strategic direction of Hannover Re, its strong financials and earnings as well as its resilience. He is an auditor, tax consultant and qualified insurance agent. His successor, Hermelingmeier, has been CFO at corporate and specialty insurer HDI Global since September 2020. He is also chairman of the Board of Directors of HDI Reinsurance Ireland SE. Hermelingmeier made a significant contribution to the profitable growth of HDI Global and its strategic international orientation, Hannover Re said. During his time as CFO at HDI Global, the international share of the corporate and specialty insurers business rose from 50% to 75% of premiums. Hermelingmeier was previously head of Controlling for Talanx Groups Private and Corporate Insurance Germany division. He holds a doctorate in business mathematics and is also a trained actuary. Source: Hannover Re Norfolk Southern sparked renewed concerns about flaws being missed during railcar inspections when it told employees this week they should spend no more than a minute looking at each car. But the railroad said the rule simply reflects the current industry standard, and there are no plans for disciplining employees for missing that one-minute target. Rail unions have been raising the alarm for several years now about inspections being rushed across the industry in the wake of the railroads eliminating one-third of all the jobs as they adopted the current lean operating model that has become the standard. The Federal Railroad Administrations Chief Safety Officer Karl Alexy said the agency was already tracking inspection times closely across the industry before the new announcement from Norfolk Southern, and the agency will be watching how the railroad implements it. If they really are going to be held to that, Im very concerned about defects not being found, I think that is pretty quick, Alexy said. Railroad safety concerns became widespread last year after a Norfolk Southern train derailed, spilled hazardous chemicals and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, in February. The railroad and the entire industry promised reforms after that disastrous wreck. But Alexy said there hasnt been much significant improvement in railroads overall safety record in recent years. The concerns about rushed railcar inspections are part of rail labors broader concerns about whether the lean Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) model railroads are using is more dangerous. Alexy said that one of the key challenges for the industry right now is that so many experienced workers were lost because of all the job cuts in recent years both because of the new operating model and the sharp downturn in business during the pandemic that the railroads are relying on a large number of newer employees who are still learning all the risks of the job. There are implications from PSR where they they cut too deep their personnel. And Covid happened and they lost more people, and then they had a hard time bringing them back, Alexy said. So I think that there have been some long-term negative impacts of PSR and of course Covid as well. Norfolk Southern executives said last year that the railroad would back away from rushing inspections because of safety concerns. But the new directive about minute-long inspections issued not long after Mark George was promoted to be the railroads new CEO this fall appears to reverse that stance. Norfolk Southern is not alone in pushing for inspections to be done quickly to keep trains moving. The Federal Railroad Administration found earlier this year that at all the major freight railroads, carmen spent an average of 1 minute and 38 seconds looking over each car while a federal inspector was watching. But documents showed that when an inspector isnt there, inspections were being done in about 44 seconds per car. The Transportation Communications Union that represents the carmen tasked with inspecting railcars maintains it simply isnt possible to check the more than 90 points per side they are supposed to check on each railcar within such a short period of time, so clearly things are being missed. The unions National Legislative Director David Arouca said carmen on Norfolk Southern went absolutely ballistic when they saw the new one-minute rule after they have been raising concerns about the perils of rushed inspections for years. You cant place your eyeballs on 90 points of inspection in 30 seconds (per side) and do that repeatedly for 50-100 cars in a row and not miss things, Arouca said. That is especially true when carmen are inspecting cars that might have been in use for decades while rolling past them on an ATV, which is common. The idea that this is a comprehensive inspection according to the federal regulations is a joke, he said. The Federal Railroad Administration found during its checks that between 13% and 15% of all the cars still had defects after they were inspected by the railroads. But most of the problems federal inspectors found then werent the kind of thing that would cause a derailment. The most common issues the railroads missed were things like bent hand rails workers use when climbing on cars. Alexy said it seems like whatever is missed is not resulting in a huge impact to safety across the country. And Alexy said even if carmen had significantly more time to inspect cars, it is difficult to find the kind of flaws that cause derailments like failing bearings sealed inside an axle or cracked wheels. The East Palestine derailment was caused by a bad bearing that overheated but wasnt caught in time by trackside detectors that are designed to spot temperature increases like that. Norfolk Southern said this new standard will help them gauge whether they have enough carmen in every location to handle the required inspections because if it is taking longer than one minute they might need more people or the railroad may need to follow up with the shipper that owns the railcar to ensure needed maintenance is being done. By no means are employees expected to ignore or disregard safety issues. If a problem is spotted, employees are required to address it, either by correcting the issue on site or by pulling the car for further maintenance, Norfolk Southern spokeswoman Heather Garcia said. Alexy said if that is truly how this rule is used, it might not be a problem. But he said that if the new one-minute standard is taken to an extreme, it could be a step backwards in safety at Norfolk Southern, which has been stressing safety ever since the East Palestine derailment. The test will be how the rule is implemented by railroad managers in the field across the eastern United States where Norfolk Southerns trains operate. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A U.S. federal appeals court on Thursday revived a defamation lawsuit accusing CNN of defaming Project Veritas in its explanation of why the conservative group, which is often accused of using deceptive tactics, was suspended from Twitter in 2021. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta said Project Veritas could sue over CNN journalist Ana Cabreras on-air statement that it was suspended for promoting disinformation, rather than for publishing private information, or doxxing. Without ruling on the merits, the three-judge panel also said Project Veritas plausibly alleged that CNN acted with actual malice, meaning it knew Cabreras statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for their truth. CNN, part of Warner Bros Discovery, and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Libby Locke and Joe Oliveri, who represent Project Veritas, said in a joint statement the case will proceed toward a possible jury trial. Todays decision sends a strong message to the media: The truth matters, they said. Based in Mamaroneck, New York, Project Veritas is known for using covert recordings against opponents, and once obtained the diary of Democratic President Joe Bidens daughter Ashley. Cabrera now works for MSNBC and is not a defendant. Twitter is now known as X and owned by Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla. The decision came after the federal appeals court in Manhattan in August granted former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin a new trial against the New York Times over an editorial she said was defamatory. Some conservatives want to make it easier for courts to hold media liable for defamation. Two Supreme Court justices have urged reconsideration of the actual malice standard. DIFFERENT GIST Cabrera told CNN viewers on Feb. 15, 2021 that Project Veritas Twitter suspension four days earlier was part of a broader crackdown against misinformation. Her colleague Brian Stelter appeared to agree, saying the group got swept up in a Twitter policy by violating multiple rules. After CNN refused a retraction, Project Veritas sued, citing Cabreras Feb. 11, 2021 tweet stating the correct reason for the suspension. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones dismissed the case in March 2022, saying Cabreras statements were substantially true under applicable New York law. But in Thursdays decision, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Branch, appointed to the bench by Republican President-elect Donald Trump, said viewers might view disseminating misinformation as more serious. The relevant question is whether the gist or substance of being suspended for promoting misinformation is the same as being suspended for publishing private information of another without their consent,' Branch wrote. It is not. Branch also said Project Veritas sufficiently pleaded that CNN had serious doubts about Cabreras statements. The appeals court returned the case to Jones. Circuit Judge Ed Carnes, an appointee of Republican President George H.W. Bush, concurred in the decision. If you stay on the bench long enough, you see a lot of things, he wrote. I never thought Id see a major news organization downplaying the importance of telling the truth in its broadcasts. But that is what CNN has done in this case. The case is Project Veritas v Cable News Network Inc, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 22-11270. Topics Lawsuits Legislation The U.S. Supreme Court is set on Wednesday to consider a bid by Metas Facebook to scuttle a federal securities fraud lawsuit brought by shareholders who accused the social media platform of misleading them about the misuse of its user data. The justices will hear arguments in Facebooks appeal of a lower courts decision allowing the 2018 class action led by Amalgamated Bank to proceed. It is one of two cases coming before them this month the other one involving artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia that could lead to rulings making it harder for private litigants to hold companies to account for alleged securities fraud. The plaintiffs accused Facebook of misleading investors in violation of the Securities Exchange Act, a 1934 federal law that requires publicly traded companies to disclose their business risks. They claimed the company unlawfully withheld information from investors about a 2015 data breach involving British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica that affected more than 30 million Facebook users. Facebooks stock fell following 2018 media reports that Cambridge Analytica had used improperly harvested Facebook user data in connection with Donald Trumps successful U.S. presidential campaign in 2016. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages in part to recoup the lost value of the Facebook stock held by the investors. At issue is whether Facebook broke the law when it failed to detail the prior data breach in subsequent business-risk disclosures, and instead portrayed the risk of such incidents as purely hypothetical. Facebook argued in a Supreme Court brief that it was not required to reveal that its warned-of risk had already materialized because a reasonable investor would understand risk disclosures to be forward-looking statements. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila dismissed the lawsuit in 2021 but the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 ruling revived it in 2023. The problem is that Facebook represented the risk of improper access to or disclosure of Facebook user data as purely hypothetical when that exact risk had already transpired, Judge Margaret McKeown wrote in the 9th Circuit decision. A ruling by the Supreme Court is expected by the end of June. The Cambridge Analytica data breach prompted U.S. government investigations into Facebooks privacy practices, various lawsuits and a U.S. congressional hearing at which Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was grilled by lawmakers. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019 brought an enforcement action against Facebook over the matter, which the company settled for $100 million. Facebook paid a separate $5 billion penalty to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over the Cambridge Analytica issue. The Supreme Court on Nov. 13 is due to hear arguments in Nvidias similar appeal to avoid a securities class action accusing it of misleading investors about how much of its sales went to the volatile cryptocurrency industry. The Supreme Court in prior rulings has limited the authority of the SEC, the federal agency that polices securities fraud. Its rulings in the Facebook and Nvidia cases now could make it more difficult for private litigants to hold companies liable for such conduct. Topics Lawsuits USA Fraud President-elect Donald Trump will likely move to dismantle ESG-related regulations in the US when he takes office in January. That would mean blocking Securities and Exchange Commission rules for corporate and fund disclosures, and Labor Department requirements on pension funds, according to Rob Du Boff, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. The new administration also is expected to put limits on ESG-related shareholder proposals filed during proxy season, he said. The bottom line is the Trump administration is anxious to undermine these ESG-related initiatives, Du Boff said. The SEC, under Chair Gary Gensler, already was under pressure from Republican politicians and corporate lobbying groups to water down the agencys rulemaking around environmental, social and governance initiatives. For example, the SEC voted earlier this year to impose climate-disclosure requirements that are significantly softer than those it proposed in March 2022. The change occurred after the agency received thousands of comment letters and numerous litigation threats over the plan. The climate-related plan still hasnt been implemented because of legal challenges. And Du Boff said he expects the pause on the climate-disclosure rule to be extended indefinitely. At the same time, Californias climate-disclosure plan remains in play after a judge declined to strike the rule on First Amendment concerns, he said. Read more: California Emissions Disclosure Law Survives First Legal Hurdle Then theres the SEC move to crack down on misleading ESG labels for investment funds. The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. The draft rules for ESG fund labels arent likely to be finalized under the specter of the Congressional Review Act, Du Boff said. Still, he expects a Republican-led SEC to continue to hit ESG funds that step out of line. Trump also will likely move to overhaul the shareholder-proposal process, which has been at the center of recent anti-ESG efforts by the GOP, Du Boff said. The number of proposals is up 47% this year from the 2021 proxy season, largely due to more lenient SEC staff guidance under the Biden administration. Trump-appointed SEC leadership will clamp down on the types of ESG-related resolutions that can be put forward for shareholder votes, Du Boff said. There will almost certainly be new, more restrictive guidance about the kinds of proposals that are permissible, he said. Its also likely that Trump will move quickly to block the Labor Departments fiduciary rule that allows pension funds to consider ESG factors when making investment decisions, the BI analyst said. This is something Trump did during his first presidency, but the Biden administration then moved to throw out the rule. Photo: A turbine from the Roth Rock wind farm spins on the spine of Backbone Mountain behind the Mettiki Coal processing plant in Oakland, Maryland. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Politics Section 349(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act details a U.S. citizens right to renounce their citizenship by voluntarily making a formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State, and by signing an oath of renunciation. The government maintains a federal register of individuals who have renounced their citizenship. In the report issued in October 2023, the list of names spanned 12 pages. The report published in October 2024 has since more than doubled, spanning 30 pages. Why would someone renounce their U.S. citizenship? Key Takeaways Renouncing U.S. citizenship means forfeiting rights like voting, government protection abroad, and citizenship for children born overseas. The renunciation process is lengthy and extensive, involving paperwork, interviews, and fees, and it is typically irreversible. Many U.S. citizens renounce their citizenship due to tax laws, such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which requires reporting foreign-held assets and paying taxes both in the U.S. and abroad. Some individuals renounce for personal or political reasons, such as opposition to wars or specific government policies. U.S. law allows citizenship termination in cases like becoming a foreign citizen, serving in a foreign military against the U.S., or attempting to overthrow the U.S. government. The Process and Impact of Expatriation Abandoning citizenship has serious consequences. You give up various rights, including: The right to vote in U.S. elections Government protection Assistance while traveling overseas Citizenship for children born abroad Access to federal jobs Unrestricted travel into and out of the U.S. Renunciation is a lengthy legal process that involves paperwork, interviews, and money. Because of the increase in the number of U.S. citizens seeking renunciation, the U.S. Department of State raised the fee for renunciation from $450 to $2,350, around five times more than the average cost in other high-income countries like the United Kingdom. In addition, some high-income citizens may owe a type of capital gains tax called an exit tax (officially called an expatriation tax). Importantly, renouncing U.S. citizenship is almost always irreversible. Once you renounce, you cannot easily regain your citizenship. Despite these (and other) consequences, more and more people are choosing to renounce their U.S. citizenship. Heres why. To offset the decline in people renouncing their citizenship, the U.S. government boosted the fee from $450 to $2,350, making it more than 20 times the average cost of other wealthy nations. This information is up to date as of the Fall of 2024. Why So Many Renunciations? While the reasons for abandoning citizenship vary person to person, the recent spike in numbers is mainly due to newer tax laws, including the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) of 2010. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), FATCA is an important development in U.S. efforts to combat tax evasion by U.S. persons holding accounts and other financial assets offshore. FATCA requires reports on the following: U.S. taxpayers about their foreign financial accounts and offshore assets Foreign financial institutions regarding financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers Foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest Under FATCA, certain U.S. taxpayers with financial assets outside the U.S. that total more than the reporting threshold must report their assets to the IRS using Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets (the threshold varies based on your filing status and whether you live in the U.S. or abroad). The IRS warns there are serious penalties for not reporting these financial assets. It should be noted that the FATCA requirements are in addition to Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), which is the long-standing requirement for reporting foreign financial accounts. The penalties for failing to comply are significant and sometimes involve criminal liability. The U.S. Tax System and Its Global Impact Unlike most countries, the U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide incomemeaning U.S. citizens are taxed on their earnings no matter where in the world they live. While foreign tax credits can mitigate this burden, they do not eliminate double taxation, especially for higher earners who find themselves filing and paying taxes in both the U.S. and their country of residence. The complexity and cost of complying with these tax laws can be overwhelming, prompting some Americans to renounce their citizenship to escape these obligations. Additionally, FATCA has made it more difficult for U.S. citizens living abroad to access banking services. Many foreign banks now refuse to open accounts for Americans due to the reporting requirements, causing frustration for those living overseas. The Federal Register reports are slightly delayed in timing. For example, the report released on Oct. 29, 2024, contained the names of renounced individuals who lost citizenship for the period ending Sept. 30, 2024. Rise of Nomadic Lifestyles The global pandemic accelerated the trend of digital nomadismthe lifestyle of working remotely while constantly traveling and residing in different countries. According to MBO Partners, the population of digital nomads in the U.S. increased by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2020. This lifestyle can make navigating the bureaucratic and legal complexities of holding U.S. citizenship more difficult. Some digital nomads renounce their citizenship as a way to avoid residency requirements in certain countries, which might otherwise force them to choose one nationality over another. Though these statistics do not indicate those leaving the U.S. for this type of lifestyle, it does support the notion that nomadic lifestyle adoption has been on the rise and could perpetuate U.S. citizenship renouncement. Dual Citizenship Dual citizenship can create conflicts, such as when two countries' legal systems require conflicting legal obligations. This could arise due to military service obligations, taxes, or legal policies. For some people, renouncing U.S. citizenship is a practical way to resolve these conflicting loyalties and simplify their lives. In 2023, the U.S. naturalized 878,500 new citizens. Many of these individuals could have maintained dual citizenship with their home countries. Over time, some may choose to renounce one nationality in favor of the other, particularly if they find the U.S. tax system or navigating bureaucratic complexities too burdensome. Other Reasons for Renunciation While tax laws and dual citizenship are the primary drivers behind U.S. citizenship renunciations, there are other, more personal reasons. Historically, some Americans have renounced their citizenship due to opposition to U.S. government policies, such as during the Vietnam War. Certain acts can also cause an individual to lose U.S. citizenship without formally renouncing it. Under the Internal Revenue Code and the Immigration and Nationality Act (found in Title 8 of the United States Code), citizenship can be terminated (and therefore relinquished, not renounced) for several reasons, including: Applying for and becoming a naturalized citizen of another country (except Dual Nationality) Taking an oath of allegiance to another country Joining the armed services of another country engaged in a war against the U.S. or joining the armed services of another country as an officer Working for a foreign government while simultaneously being a citizen of that county Accepting employment by a foreign government in a job where an oath of allegiance, affirmation, or other formal declaration of allegiance is required Renouncing U.S. citizenship in a time of war, with the U.S. Attorney Generals approval Committing an act of treason or an attempt to overthrow the U.S. government by force (and being convicted by court-martial or a civil court) How Do Tax Policies Influence the Decision to Renounce U.S. Citizenship? Taxation policies are a significant factor in the decision to renounce U.S. citizenship. The U.S. tax system, which taxes citizens on worldwide income, can be burdensome for individuals living abroad. Some may choose to renounce their citizenship to escape these tax obligations and take advantage of more favorable tax laws in other countries. How Do Security and Privacy Concerns Contribute to the Decision to Relinquish U.S. Citizenship? Some individuals renounce their U.S. citizenship due to privacy and security concerns. In an era of pervasive surveillance and growing concerns over data privacy, some may seek to distance themselves from U.S. legal and technological frameworks that they view as intrusive. How Does Human Rights Activism Relate to Individuals Renouncing Their U.S. Citizenship? For some, renouncing U.S. citizenship is a political statement. Human rights activists, for example, may relinquish their U.S. citizenship as a protest against perceived human rights violations by the U.S. government. This act can also be a way to align with countries that they feel better uphold human rights. The Bottom Line Today, tax laws are resulting in record numbers of people renouncing their U.S. citizenship each year. However, its not as easy as putting your passport through the shredder. Because the law states that those wishing to renounce their U.S. citizenship must do so in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer while in a foreign country, U.S. citizens cannot renounce their citizenship by mail, through a third party, or while in the United States. Renunciation has significant consequences. Aside from giving up the benefits granted to U.S. citizens, the U.S. Department of State advises that anyone considering renunciation of their U.S. citizenship should understand that the act is irrevocable in almost all cases. Renouncing one's citizenship is one of the most solemn decisions anyone can make. Carefully weigh the pros and cons for yourself and your family. It is also recommended that you consult with an experienced tax professional to understand the tax consequences of renunciation. Ireland's consumer watchdog, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is scrutinising retail giant Temu for potential breaches of consumer protection law. Along with Belgian and German consumer authorities, the ongoing investigation, which is being carried out through the European Commissions Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, has identified practices which may mislead consumers or unduly influence their purchasing decisions. Known for selling heavily discounted products manufactured in China, Temu has its European base in Dublin. Temu now has one month to propose commitments on how they will address the identified consumer law issues. Several problematic practices have already been identified. These include: Fake discounts : Giving consumers the false impression that products are discounted when they are not. : Giving consumers the false impression that products are discounted when they are not. Fake pressure : Putting consumers under pressure to complete purchases using tactics like false claims about limited supplies of products or false purchase deadlines. : Putting consumers under pressure to complete purchases using tactics like false claims about limited supplies of products or false purchase deadlines. Missing and misleading information : Displaying incomplete and incorrect information about consumers legal rights to return goods and receive refunds. Failing to inform consumers in advance that their order needs to reach a certain minimum value before they can complete their purchase. : Displaying incomplete and incorrect information about consumers legal rights to return goods and receive refunds. Failing to inform consumers in advance that their order needs to reach a certain minimum value before they can complete their purchase. Fake reviews : Giving inadequate information about how Temu ensures that reviews published on its website are genuine. Authorities identified reviews that they suspect to be fake. : Giving inadequate information about how Temu ensures that reviews published on its website are genuine. Authorities identified reviews that they suspect to be fake. Hidden informatio n: Forcing consumers to play a spin the fortune wheel game to access the online marketplace, while hiding essential information about the conditions of use that apply to the rewards of the game. Information has been requested from Temu to assess if it is following EU consumer laws on discount calculation, product ranking, review and rating authenticity, trader identification, and environmental claims. Temu said it will co-operate fully with regulators. We will cooperate fully with regulators to support our shared goal of a safe, trusted marketplace for consumers, the company said. Kevin OBrien, Member of the CCPC said the investigation has found potentially misleading practices including fake discounts, fake countdown timers, and missing or misleading information about products, sellers and consumer rights. "All of these could interfere with the consumers right to make an informed decision about how and where they spend their money," he said. "Large online marketplaces have obligations under consumer law; we look forward to engaging constructively with Temu during this investigation." The most recent accounts filed by Temu's Irish subsidiary Whaleco Ltd show the company employs three administrative workers and recorded revenues of $758m (693.2m) from July 2022 to the end of 2023 with a profit of $10.8m (9.9m) paying corporation tax of just under 6m. The Day of the Jackal (Sky Atlantic and NOW) isnt good for the planet. But its a winner for the viewer. This assassin-chase caper is an old story, based on a Frederick Forsyth book and 1973 film that zig-zagged across the best bits of Europe, glamorising assassination for an entire generation. Thats possibly why I love the 2024 version. Its odd to get Hollywood royalty Eddie Redmayne as your lead man (Jackal) and only give him about three lines in the first episode. But it works here, because we get to watch him at work. I found it weirdly soothing to watch him adjust the sights on his rifle in Munich, before dispatching a politician three kilometres away. I liked the way he more or less turned his rifle into a suitcase before fleeing Munich for a trip across Europe that took in Nuremberg, Paris, and rural Cadiz. All good city-break eye candy as the winter draws in on us. Meanwhile, back in London, MI6 weapons expert Bianca (played by Lashana Lynch) has noticed something from the CCTV footage of Jackal fleeing Munich. She concludes he must have used a bespoke rifle and that could only have been made by one man, a former Loyalist paramilitary in Belfast. This second leg of the story is more banal and domestic. Instead of swanning around Instagram-friendly parts of Europe in expensive Audis, Bianca hops on a flight to Belfast and misses her daughters parent-teacher meeting. The result is an emotional depth to go alongside the Jason Bourne-style adrenaline scenes. But even theyre riveting. Eddie Redmayne is intriguing, all bony-faced and intense, like Cillian Murphy on an angry day. Its good were not told a lot about him up front, leaving us to wonder how he ended up as a bloodless killer. It could be for the money. In the first episode, he meets someone in a remote Swedish bird-sanctuary (lot of air-miles for Jackal again) and quotes them 100m to kill the owner of a revolutionary new tech company. But we also get a glimpse of a private life in Cadiz, so there is probably more to come from that as well. They gave Redmayne 1m an episode for this, and its money well spent. Eddie can carry two minutes of tense silence as he gauges the wind speed in a skyscraper in Bavaria. Lynch is convincing as an ambitious cop with a human side. The action rarely relents and Europe has never looked better. Give it a watch. Bird (15A) stars Barry Keoghan as Bug, a heavily tattooed, squat-dwelling chancer whose latest get-rich-quick scheme involves importing a drug toad that will fund his upcoming wedding to Kayleigh (Frankie Box), the announcement of which throws his 12-year-old daughter Bailey (Nykiya Adams) into a tail-spin. And thats before she meets Bird (Franz Rogowski), a strange, mild-mannered, skirt-wearing Pied Piper of a man whom Bailey befriends against her better instincts. Written and directed by Andrea Arnold, Bird is a strange melange of a film, blending gritty social drama with hints of magic realism (were given to understand that there is something supernatural, and perhaps even angelic, about Bird); for every dark and menacing scene (Bailey is friends with a gang of teen vigilantes who beat up suspected paedophiles) there is a raucous celebration of thug life, as Bug and his tripping pals wig out to oh, yes! Murder on the Dancefloor. Fun, challenging and bleak, Bird is wholly engrossing, largely due to the excellent chemistry between Barry Keoghan as the unreconstructed man-child Bug and Nykiya Adams as his long-suffering daughter. Blitz In cinemas Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few, declared Winston Churchill in 1940, paying tribute to the RAF and its battle with the Luftwaffe in the skies over Britain. Steve McQueen, the writer-director of Blitz (12A), begs to differ on the few: this London-set Second World War drama explores the contribution made by individuals across the kaleidoscope of classes, races, and creeds that constituted Londons wartime population. The story revolves around young George (Elliott Heffernan), who is belatedly evacuated from Stepney to the countryside by his broken-hearted mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) as the German bombs continue to rain down. But George hates the idea of abandoning his mother and his beloved grandfather, Gerald (Paul Weller), and quickly escapes the train bearing him away from danger. Elliott Heffernan and Steve McQueen star in Blitz, premiering in theaters on November 1 and globally on Apple TV+ on November 22 From that point on, George functions like a mini-Odysseus as he embarks on an epic journey back to his East End Ithaca, encountering a number of adults who consciously or otherwise all have a lesson to teach George about race, Empire, and the Blitz spirit. It almost feels like two films spliced together, with Georges tale a Boys Own adventure of pluck and courage in overcoming insurmountable odds; meanwhile, Rita, who is already doing her bit by working in a munitions factory (where she makes something of a splash by singing on a BBC broadcast designed to lift morale), volunteers to work evenings at an underground bomb shelter where everyone who seeks refuge is treated equally. The message is clear (indeed, it occasionally veers into the didactic): Second World War London was a racially diverse city where humanity and basic decency provided the bedrock on which the resistance to Hitler was built. Young Elliott Heffernan is a suitably wide-eyed naif as he pinballs from strong role models like air warden Ife (Benjamin Clementine) and the scheming Cockney wideboy Albert (Stephen Graham), but unsurprisingly Saoirse Ronan is the films heartbeat as a young woman slowly unravelling even as she does her patriotic best to keep calm and carry on in the face of every mothers worst nightmare. Paddington in Peru In cinemas Paddington in Peru (G) finds our duffle-coated hero Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) jetting off from his London home to the jungles of Peru to find his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears run by the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), and quickly finds himself mixed up in a quest for El Dorado. Paddington in Peru Despite a couple of comic turns from Colman as a happy-clappy, guitar-strumming nun and Antonio Banderas as a sinister riverboat captain, the third outing for Paddington lacks the subversive comedy of its predecessors. The marmalade-chomping bear is as cute as ever, though, and he even gets his very own Buster Keaton gag. Dublins Smithfield Square was buzzing for the premiere of Gladiator II, staring Irish actor Paul Mescal. The long-awaited sequel finally comes to cinemas next week, starring Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal alongside the Kildare man. Mescal was met with chants of 'Ole, ole, ole' as he pulled up to the Lighthouse Cinema on Thursday ahead of the film screening. Waiting for him on the red carpet were his parents, Dearbhla and Paul, and his sister, Nell. Mescal was beaming once he spotted them and gave each a hug. Paul Mescal was greeted by fans at the Irish premiere of Gladiator II in Dublin's Light House Cinema on Thursday. Gladiator II opens in cinemas on November 15. Picture: Brian McEvoy Fans had gathered outside the cinema for hours before in a bid to see the man himself, though only some could nab an all-important selfie before he headed inside. A number of fans brought signs and things for Mescal to autograph, while others had Sally Rooney books, as a nod to his breakout role as Connell in the TV adaption of her novel, Normal People. Ellen McSweeney, a film student from Kerry, told The Irish Examiner it was a last minute plan to come down. She said: I only heard today he would be here so I was like Lets rock down. When asked why they liked him, Alaina from Washington DC, who is spending a semester in Trinity College Dublin, said: He is very charming. He dated Phoebe Bridgers and I love her. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the Ridley Scott film, 24 years after the original movie was released. Paul Mescal hugging his mother Dearbhla on the red carpet ahead of the Irish premiere of Gladiator II in the Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy Cassie Collier, who is originally from London but lives in Dublin, said: I love Pauls stuff. I live around the corner so I just came here on the way from work. "I love Gladiator as well. I didnt think a sequel was going to happen. The film has received positive reviews since its premiere in Los Angeles in October and fans are hoping it will live up to the hype. Niamh Curtis from Monaghan said: Im scared it will be a let-down but everyone says its actually meant to really be good, like the first one. Paul Mescal lookalike contest Earlier on Thursday, a Paul Mescal lookalike competition was held in Smithfield. The crowd voted for the best Mescal lookalike from a line-up of hopefuls kitted out in hoodies, ONeills GAA shorts and wire headphones. Jack Wall O'Reilly from Ennis, who was deemed to be the winner of the Paul Mescal lookalike competition at Smithfield Square, Dublin, on Thursday. Picture: Gareth Chaney Munster man Jack Wall OReilly, who brought a packet of Denny sausages as an ode to Mescals famous Ballyhaunis television advert, was crowned overall winner and took home the prestigious prize of "20, or three pints". The real Mescal didnt make an appearance at the competition, though fans were hoping hed stop by. 'Late Late Show' appearance The actor was actually in Trinity College, with a large crowd of students gathering to see him. A video on the official Gladiator Instagram showed Mescal looking quite shocked at the turnout. Irish actor Paul Mescal in a scene from Gladiator II which hits cinema screens on November 15. Picture: IMDB This is mad. This is fucking bananas, he told the fans, before joking that they should get back to class. Mescal has been confirmed for next weeks Late Late Show, with fans encouraged to apply for tickets for the RTE show by emailing latelaterte@rte.ie with 'Paul Mescal' in the subject line. More than 80% of financial abuse is committed by people known to the victim, new figures show. Keeping change after doing a grandparents shopping, stealing cash from someones house or using bank cards without permission are examples of the type financial abuse people suffer. The HSE is launching a new helpline to help victims in Cork and Kerry. The helpline is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and gives people direct access to a HSE team at 1800 225 500. It is a freephone number which Miriam Tobin, principal social worker, said means people do not need credit on their phone. "Sometimes the person committing the abuse may have financial difficulties or may have a gambling, or addiction problem, she said. There are others who genuinely believe they have the older person's best interests at heart. For example, collecting Grandad's pension for him and giving him spending money, so it's not frittered away. "That's wrong, that's financial abuse, people have a right to choose to spend their money how they want. Working with the HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Safeguarding and Protection team, she urged people to use the number. HSE National Safeguarding Office general manager Tim Hanly advised: "If there is a serious and immediate danger, call the gardai at 999 or 112." The new research shows 30% of adults in Ireland have experienced financial abuse, or know someone who has been abused. Some 11% had personal experience and 20% knew someone who had suffered, RED C research for Safeguarding Ireland found. The abusers included family members, carers and neighbours, as well as social welfare agents or workers. In 85% of cases where someone had money taken, they knew the abuser. In 78% of cases where someone witnessed financial abuse, the abuser was also known. The level was 81% combining both cohorts, it said. Stealing cash from a house was the most common abuse, at 60% of cases, followed by change not given back at 57%, and misuse of a bank card at 54%. Property or other possessions were used without agreement or knowledge in 49% of cases, while online scams or frauds were involved in 48%. In 40% of cases online banking was mis-used or social welfare payments misused. Pressure to change will In 29% of cases, people were put under pressure to change a property deed, enduring power of attorney, or will. Safeguarding Ireland chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke said frail older people are particularly at risk, as are people with a disability, acquired brain injury or other mental challenges. We know that it often involves coercion of a vulnerable person. It can happen when someone is dependent on another person for help, and that person subtly misuses their money, she said. This can start small and escalate into serious crime, but all financial abuse at any level is wrongdoing and must be called out. Marking Adult Safeguarding Day on Friday, she encouraged people to control their own money. If help is needed with day-to-day spending, choose carefully a highly trusted person and limit their access, she said. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Two Cork special schools are among 10 nationally to join a pilot project to have desperately-needed therapists introduced from January 1. Munsters largest special school, St Killians in Mayfield, along with the East Cork Community Special School in Carrigtwohill, are to join the second in-school therapies pilot project from January, Minister Colm Burke told the Irish Examiner on Thursday night. St Killians Special School principal Sue Lenihan has told how students have been distressed since therapists were removed from schools in 2019. Therapy in these schools is essential," Ms Lenihan said. Although St Killians school had no official notice of the move to join the pilot, Mr Burke, Minister of State for Public Health announced the decision on social media on Thursday evening. He wrote: Delighted to be informed that St Killian's Special School is to be included in the second phase of Special Schools enhanced in-school therapy supports pilot. The focus of the pilot is to provide the effective delivery of enhanced in-school therapy supports to children in selected special schools. It will provide full-time therapist for the school. He thanked his Fine Gael colleague Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, for her work on securing this vital support". His announcement came hours before Taoiseach Simon Harris is to dissolve the Dail on Friday, kicking off a three-week election campaign to polling day on November 29. Last month, interim funding of 40,000 was announced to cover the cost of private therapists at St Killian's Special School until December, following a year-long protest campaign by the school and parents. But St Killians principal Sue Linehan said there is a process they must follow before they can draw down that money which has been more difficult than they anticipated. On Thursday night, Ms Lenihan said: Were still working on accessing the 40,000. The HSE did say they would try to fast-track the funding which was very positive. I havent heard anything yet about the pilot but we would welcome it as very good news. She said that getting the pilot scheme up and running had been a problem in other Cork schools already admitted to the first tranche of the in-schools therapies pilot programme. So we dont know what it looks like yet. "We want to know the staffing levels, the allocation, who will be making decisions. It needs a whole process, not just pay for therapists'. "Well have to triage the most complex cases first, and check that process. Theres a lot involved." Although Ms Lenihan heard of some issues implementing the pilot programme in Cork, she said that it has been working well in schools in other counties. Mick Barry, Solidarity and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, accused the government of "making grand announcements" on the eve of the election but "not delivering the goods." St Killian's was promised 40K to hire therapists - but hasn't received any money yet," Mr Barry wrote. "Now being told they will be included in 2nd tranche of a therapists in-schools pilot - when 1st tranche isn't up and running yet." St Killians Special School has 104 pupils. It needs a psychologist, a social worker, an occupational therapist (OT), a speech and language therapist (SLT), and a play therapist, Ms Lenihan said. Under the current funding scheme it will only be entitled to an OT and an SLT with possible access to play therapy and behavioural therapy. But Ms Lenihan said that any steps to return therapists to the school would be very welcome and are necessary. Anne Rabbitte, the minister of state for disability, previously told the Dail that 10 schools will be selected in an extension of the in-schools therapies pilot project. The civil trial of Conor McGregor has heard mother of one Nikita Ni Laimhin giving evidence in the High Court that alleges that the Mixed Martial arts star once the highest-earning sportsperson in the world "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel. Ms Ni Laimhin is seeking damages from Mr McGregor and James Lawrence, of Rafter's Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, arising from the events of December 9, 2018, at the penthouse suite of the Beacon hotel in Dublin where she alleges she was raped. Both Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence deny the allegations. Ms Ni Laimhin's then boyfriend On Friday at the High Court, Ms Ni Laimhin told Remy Farrell SC, for Mr McGregor, that she was "too scared" to tell her boyfriend of the events of December 9, 2018, and said that Mr McGregor warned that she would be "killed" if she disclosed his identity to anyone in relation to the alleged rape. Ms Ni Laimhin told Mr Farrell that she had told her then boyfriend that she believed she was in the Morgan Hotel in Dublin City because the bath and the decor looked alike. Ms Ni Laimhin also said she did not want her boyfriend to know the truth of what had happened because she claimed she did not want to "hit reality" when she returned home to her boyfriend at around 2am on December 10, 2018. Mr Farrell put it to Ms Ni Laimhin that she lied to her boyfriend because she did not want him to know that, contrary to what she told her then boyfriend, that she was in a penthouse suite in the Beacon hotel with her female friend and two men, a statement with which the plaintiff agreed. Ms Ni Laimhin had texted her boyfriend that she had been out with a number of work colleagues at a different bar when she was in fact going to the hotel with Mr McGregor, Mr Lawrence, her female friend but has told the court that she thought she was going to a party to meet people. Ms Ni Laimhin said she had lied to her boyfriend because she was "after being raped and battered" by Mr McGregor and that she "didn't care about anything just about my body, I was so sore and upset and knew I had to go to hospital," at the time. James Lawrence John Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, said that his client was "here not because of what you [Ms Ni Laimhin] said but because of what he said to the guards in January 2019. He brought himself into this case". When Ms Ni Laimhin went to gardai in January 2018 alleging that she had been raped by Mr McGregor, Mr Lawrence had to give a witness statement in which he claimed that he twice had consensual sex with Ms Ni Laimhin after Mr McGregor left the Beacon at around 6.20pm. Ms Ni Laimhin said that Mr Lawrence's claim of consensual sex was "lies" but that she could not remember large portions of the night of December 9, 2018. Mr Fitzgerald said that in her complaint to gardai and in her interview to the sexual assault treatment unit in the Rotunda Hospital that she referred "throughout" to a single male attacker, whom she alleges is Mr McGregor. Mr Fitzgerald put it to Ms Ni Laimhin that she also told her friends that there was a sole attacker and a single allegation of rape. Ms Ni Laimhin went to gardai in January 2019 but the court has heard she was completely devastated when she was told the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided not prosecute Mr McGregor or Mr Lawrence because there was no reasonable prospect of convictions. Ms Ni Laimhin said she remembered being in the bedroom with Mr McGregor but she was not going into the room to have sex and that she was raped. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Ms Ni Laimhin told Mr Fitzgerald that she had no memory of the night after she woke up around 6pm in the hotel next to Mr McGregor and that while gardai showed her stills of CCTV footage from the hotel she had no memory of it. Ms Ni Laimhin told Mr Fitzgerald that she was "shocked" by Mr Lawrence's statement claiming they had consensual sex because after she told him about "what Conor does to women" he was calming her down, got her a drink and food and was trying to reassure her. "Do you not believe him?" asked Mr Fitzgerald. "Absolutely [not]," said Ms Ni Laimhin. Mr Fitzgerald put it to Ms Ni Laimhin that she had not fallen asleep after the alleged rape and that in fact "a lot went on, involving yourself" with James Lawrence, Conor McGregor and her female friend. Ms Ni Laimhin said she remembered being in the bedroom with Mr McGregor but she was not going into the room to have sex and that she was raped. 'Another made up story' Mr Fitzgerald said that the door to the room was open and that "you could be heard clearly making moaning noises" and that she was sitting on top of Mr McGregor having "pleasurable sex", which the plaintiff denied. Mr Fitzgerald put it to Ms Ni Laimhin that her friend remarked to her that Ms Ni Laimhin had bought a house with her then boyfriend and that she was going "to regret this". Ms Ni Laimhin denied the accusation of consensual sex and could not recall the suggestion of the comment by counsel regarding the female friend. "I think this is just another made up story," said Ms Ni Laimhin. Mr Fitzgerald said that his client was having sex with Ms Ni Laimhin's friend but went to the bathroom at one point and saw Ms Ni Laimhin naked on top of Mr McGregor, to which Ms Ni Laimhin again replied "lies". "You were fast asleep all of this time? And all of this is made up?" said Mr Fitzgerald to the plaintiff, who said it was. Mr Fitzgerald put it to Ms Ni Laimhin that she said, after the alleged rape, to Mr Lawrence "you all put blind eyes to what Conor does to women" and repeated that phrase to gardai when giving her statement on January 5, 2019. "You had a very clear memory of the actual text of what you told James Lawrence," said Mr Fitzgerald. "There seems to be periods of gloom when you remember nothing and then the clouds momentarily part and you remember what you said to James Lawrence," said counsel. Jury Meanwhile, the jury has notified the judge that they saw somebody pointing a mobile phone at them on Thursday from the upstairs public gallery and were worried that any photos or filming would be "circulated". Recording and photography is prohibited in the court area, said Mr Justice Alexander Owens who then sent a garda to the gallery. "It is a contempt of court to take photos of the jury, it is totally unacceptable, and there will be steps taken in the event that anyone is suspected of that," said Mr Justice Owens, who is hearing the fourth day of evidence in the trial. The trial before Mr Justice Owens and a jury of eight women and four men continues at the High Court and is expected to last two weeks. A West Cork cocaine dealer got a suspended jail term and a warning from the judge: The court has given you a chance dont waste it, but five months later he was caught dealing the same drug again. Sean McCaffrey is now facing into a three-year jail term as a result of his repeated drug-dealing. Judge Dermot Sheehan revoked the suspension on the two years at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the older case and imposed a consecutive 18 months for the latest crime with the last six months suspended. Detective Garda Colin OMahony said the defendant was caught with 4,500 worth of cocaine at his address at 28 OMahony Avenue, Bandon, County Cork, on October 29, 2023. That premises was searched under warrant and 65 grammes of cocaine were found in a bag concealed in a coal bunker. Det. Garda OMahony said that throughout the house various drug paraphernalia were found including baggies, phones and weighing scales. The defendant told gardai that day that he had gone back dealing drugs four weeks earlier. He was floating around pubs in the Bandon area three times a day. He would start conversations with random people and sell them cocaine. He had small bags in the house which were testers for his customers. He would have an enduring involvement in the drugs business in West Cork, Det. Garda OMahony said. He had nine previous convictions for drug possession and three for dealing. Defence barrister Elaine Audley asked the detective: If he broke contact with the people he was associating with, would that help? Det. Garda OMahony agreed that it would. Ms Audley said: In his own words he says if he does not change his life around he is going to die. Back in May 2023 five months before this cocaine dealing was detected Sean McCaffrey was before the same court in front of Judge Catherine Staines. Detective Garda Grainne Duggan testified about the drugs seizure at a house in Millstreet in April 2021 where the combined value of the drugs seized amounted to 6,800. Judge Catherine Staines said on that occasion that apart from the aggravating factor of the amount of cocaine involved there were several mitigating factors and she imposed a sentence of two years which she suspended. Turning to the accused man that day, the judge said: The court has given you a chance dont waste it. A 35-year-old man who was bullied in school and was somewhat reclusive was sentenced at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for downloading child abuse images more than four years ago. Detective Garda Alan Johnston testified that images and videos totalling 191 were found on a laptop belonging to John Nagle at his home at Churchfield Green, Churchfield, Cork, on March 24, 2020. Sixty-six of the images and 63 of the videos were all in the most serious category of children involved in or witnessing sexual acts. His explanation was that he was curious about it. He understood what he was doing was illegal. He is 35. His interest is online gaming. He never had a job and spends most of his time at home, Det. Garda Johnston said. Paula McCarthy defence barrister said: He made admissions. He understood that the material he was looking at was illegal. He would lead quite a reclusive life. Ms McCarthy said the defendant had attended for counselling with a leading expert in this area, and he has not come to adverse attention since this offence was detected in March four years ago. She said the defendant struggled after he left school where he was bullied. And he was also subjected to an assault which adversely affected him. Judge Dermot Sheehan noted that the defendant who had difficulties in his life was fully co-operative with the investigation and had kept himself free of criminality since it was detected. In all the circumstances the judge imposed a fully suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence. Applications for licences to operate an 8.9m salmon farm in Bantry Bay, Co Cork, must be reconsidered, the High Court has ruled. The court found deficiencies in the assessment of the projects potential effects on the environment. Mr Justice David Holland, in a ruling published this week, determined that he had jurisdiction to make the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board and the minister for the marine reconsider the original applications that Irelands largest producer of farmed salmon, MOWI Ireland, first submitted in 2011. He said it would be quite wrong to make MOWI go unnecessarily back to the drawing board by putting together new applications to rectify the appeals boards errors in considering its original. He said the justice of the case merited remittal over new applications, considering MOWIs applications were not assessed with the speed required by law. The judge previously determined the two salmon farm licences granted by the appeals board and the minister should be quashed due to an inadequate screening of the potential risks proposed seal-scarer noise devices posed to seals in a protected conservation area. In a judgment given last July, he said MOWI intends to deploy the noise deterrents because common seals are known to prey on salmon in salmon farms and can tear cages in doing so, creating a risk of salmon escaping. The judge found other screening deficiencies, including failings in assessing the risks of salmon escapes. Cases against appeals board and minister His decisions came in three High Court cases brought separately by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Salmon Watch Ireland, and experienced environmental litigant Peter Sweetman. Their cases were against the appeals board over its grant of an aquaculture licence for cultivating Atlantic salmon in 18 cages over some 42 hectares, and the minister, over his foreshore licence, as well as other State parties. Two firms trading as MOWI Ireland participated as an affected party. The interdependent 10-year licences permitted MOW to cultivate Atlantic salmon in 18 cages over some 42 hectares at a site in outer Bantry Bay, south of Shot Head. The IFI is a statutory body tasked with the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource of the State. Mr Justice Holland rejected its claim of objective bias against the appeals board, a fellow State agency. The judge said the IFI failed to prove its very serious allegation of the board improperly bending over backwards to grant the licence. He agreed with the IFI on certain other points related to failings in assessments of the projects potential environmental impact and that the appeals board unreasonably delayed in the process of making its decision. Salmon Watch Ireland and Mr Sweetman shared broadly similar fears about the risk the proposed farm could negatively affect the environment, said the judge. Contentions disputed by MOWI MOWI disputed their contentions, asserting its production of some 3,500 tonnes of salmon would be highly sustainable. The salmon would be kept in the netted pens for about two years while growing to a suitable size. Mr Justice Holland held that the appeals board did not sufficiently screen the project for some environmental risks. The licences should be nullified, he held. There followed a row over whether the applications should be returned to the decision-makers for fresh consideration. The IFI, Salmon Watch Ireland, and Mr Sweetman contended MOWIs original licence applications could not go back to the appeals board and the Minister due to legal impediments. The appeals board, minister and other State parties involved argued the original applications should be reconsidered. Mr Justice Holland held that he had jurisdiction to remit the applications. A teenager who bravely entered the water to try to save a friend and two gardai who rescued a man from a burning building are just some of the Cork heroes to be honoured at a special ceremony in Dublin on Friday. In all, 23 National Bravery Awards will be issued to people around the country who risked their lives to aid others in peril. The annual honours are awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile, the Deeds of Bravery Council, which was founded in 1947 to allow for State recognition for exceptional acts of bravery. This years recipients are from Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford. David Akar They include 15-year-old David Akar, from Cork. On August 24 last year, a group of young people were swimming at the mooring pontoons at Mariners Quay in Passage West when some got caught in a very strong current. David attempted to help his friends and pushed one boy back to the safety of the pontoons before trying to assist another friend who was struggling badly. Despite the strength of the current, David swam back to his other friend and tried to drag, push and pull him back to safety, but as the other young boy grew tired and began to panic, they both went under, and David lost his grip. Although David had done some lifeguard training, he was just shy of his 14th birthday and was unable to pull his friend against the strong current. Nevertheless, he managed to get hold of him again and began to pull him towards a small boat, but once again the current took hold and David lost his grip on his friend. David swam to the boat and climbed in, crying out to his other friends to get help. When David couldnt see his friend in the water, he dived under repeatedly trying to locate him, but tragically he was unable to do so. Despite Davids tireless efforts, the young boy, also aged just 14, lost his life. For his actions that day, he is being awarded a gold medal and a certificate of bravery. Aaron OCallaghan and Carlos Amaya When a riptide took hold of a father and his two teenage children on March 17, 2024, Aaron OCallaghan and Carlos Amaya came to their rescue. Aaron had been surfing at Garretstown Beach on a day with good swells and big waves when he heard screaming from the edge of the beach. Out in the water, caught in a severe riptide were a man and his two children, barely keeping afloat. As Aaron paddled towards them Carlos had just finished giving a surf lesson but heard the shouting and plunged into the water with his board. When Aaron got through the current, he managed to get hold of the group and keep them afloat with his board. As they were tired and cold they were struggling desperately by the time Carlos got to the scene. Aaron then took the father on his surfboard and Carlos took the children on his. Both Carlos and Aaron then swam alongside, pushing the family safely to shore through the rough seas. Reporting gardai noted that if the two men had not reacted the way they did, there could have been an unthinkable tragedy. Walter Murphy, Oleg Corociuc, Veaceslav Coronciuc Around 11.30am on the morning of Wednesday, January 3, the driver of a car on the busy South Ring Road in Cork, suffered a cardiac arrest. With the man unconscious in his seat, the car began to swerve along the road. His passenger Walter Murphy attempted to take control of the car, but the driver's foot remained on the accelerator and the car kept going. Several cars passed including a car driven by brothers Oleg and Veaceslav Coronciuc who noticed the driver slumped over the wheel and decided to intervene. Recognising the danger, they pulled their car in front of the out-of-control vehicle and began to slow down, allowing the other car to bump into their own as they slowly braked. In the out-of-control car Walter Murphy attempted to steer to prevent pushing the Coronciuc brothers car off the edge of the road or into more traffic. With a large volume of traffic passing the risk of a catastrophic collision was prevented as together the three men forced the car to slow and finally come to a stop. Tragically, the driver was later pronounced dead, but it was noted by gardai that the actions of the three men undoubtedly prevented a serious road traffic incident on this busy road. Garda Joseph OReilly and Garda Denis Cronin These gardai were on patrol in the early hours of April 14, 2021, when they noticed a fire in the derelict part of a semi-detached house in Knocknaheeny in Cork. They alerted the fire brigade and began evacuating nearby residents. It became apparent that the adjoining part of the house was occupied by an elderly man and with the roof ablaze and the fire spreading, the two officers made the decision to try and force the door. Together they forced the door and gained entry to the building, which was now filling with smoke. They managed to get to the bedroom of the elderly man who had woken with the sound of the door breaking. As the fire raged in the adjoining property it spread across the roof and was burning the shared wall between the two buildings, which was in danger of collapse. Despite the smoke and heat from the fire, Joseph and Denis safely evacuated the man from the building and took him to safety, before several units of the fire-brigade arrived to bring the blaze under control. These moments matter The awards are to be presented by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail at an event in Farmleigh House later on Friday. This November day in Farmleigh is a day when we celebrate people who have made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and whose actions speak to the very best and noblest of impulses, he said. This singular day marks moments where self-preservation was cast aside by our brave recipients as they risked their lives to help someone else. These moments matter, because in many cases, lives were saved that would have been lost. They matter because even when people were lost, in some of the awful tragedies we remember today, those people were not alone. They would have known and their families know, that someone was with them, someone was bravely and desperately trying to save them, to bring them home. Taoiseach Simon Harris is about to officially begin a 22-day general election campaign to decide the 174 seats in the next Dail, with flashpoints already emerging between the coalition parties. Mr Harris will return from a meeting of European political leaders in Hungary on Friday afternoon and travel to Aras an Uachtarain to ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dail ahead of a November 29 polling date. Battle lines within Coalition The first battle lines have been drawn, with Fine Gael considering the abolition of the Department of Higher Education, to be replaced by a Department of Infrastructure within the next government. Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has outlined that a standalone infrastructure department, an early pledge from Mr Harris after he became Taoiseach, would be separate from the existing Department of Public Expenditure. Fianna Fail has cast doubt on the viability of such a department. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has repeatedly said he does not favour such a move. Mr Martin is understood to be very resistant to any plans to abolish the Department of Higher Education, which was seen as a big success for Fianna Fail at the last government formation talks in 2020. A senior Fianna Fail source indicated that the party would instead push for reforms within the Department of Public Expenditure to allow major projects, such as motorways, to move forward with less bureaucracy. Asked directly about the issue on Thursday, Mr Donohoe refused to rule out dissolving higher education into the general education role to make way for the new department. Sinn Fein say they are 'in it to win it' As campaigning officially gets under way later today, Friday, Sinn Fein feels it has found its magic number of candidates, with the party insisting it is in it to win it. With more than 70 candidates on the slate compared to 42 at the last general election, party leader Mary Lou McDonald said, for her, victory would mean the opportunity for Sinn Fein to lead in government without Fine Gael or Fianna Fail, whom she referred to as Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Housing will be the biggest issue for the public, with childcare also a big ticket item, said Ms McDonald. Labour to launch housing policy Ahead of Mr Harriss trip to Phoenix Park, the Labour Party will launch the housing section of its manifesto today, Friday, setting out a comprehensive plan to phase out measures that have increased house prices and continued to expand private rental schemes. That means abolishing the 180m-a-year Help to Buy scheme which it says has led to house price inflation, is not targeted, and disproportionately benefits high- income households. The party aims to phase out Help to Buy by 2029 and will look to develop a more income-targeted Save to Buy scheme for the purchase of new homes. Labour also pledges to scale down the use of rent supplements and end the use of any new long-term social leasing contracts. Greens claim they had outsize impact Green Party leader Roderic OGorman launched his election campaign on Thursday, pitching his party as having had an outsized impact on Government policy over four years. We may have been the smallest party in this Government, but weve had the largest impact in terms of policy, said Mr OGorman, highlighting cuts to childcare and public transport costs as key wins. Among the key pledges by Mr OGorman is a new migration agency to deal with increased immigration into Ireland. He said it would be responsible for both processing and accommodation provision. It comes as one of the final acts of the Coalition will be to sign a contract to allow for chartered flights to return refugees back to their country of origin. After months of speculation, it's finally here. Simon Harris has called a general election and the Dail has been dissolved. The election will take place on November 29. With the Dail dissolved, it brings an end to the four-and-a-half-year lifespan of the historic Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition government. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Irelands Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power. The Green Party joined the administration as a junior partner. Here's how the day played out. 3.41pm: Housing Minister Darragh OBrien has now moved the writ for the 2024 general election, firmly setting Friday, November 29 as polling day. Nominations for the general election will close at midday on Saturday 16 November, with candidates able to withdraw these up until 12 noon on Monday, November 18. For individuals looking to register to vote in the election, all completed applications must be with the relevant local authority by Tuesday, 12 November. If a person is eligible for a postal vote, including those with illnesses or a disability, the deadline to register for this must be received by local authorities by Sunday, 10 November, or two days time. The election itself is to elect a total of 173 members of the Dail, excluding Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, who is automatically returned. Read More ieExplains: Today is the deadline to register to vote in the general election 2.25pm: Simon Harris has left the residence of President Michael D Higgins after fulfilling the constitutional formalities required to dissolve the Dail. Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina accompanied Mr Harris to the front door of Aras an Uachtarain before they waved him farewell. The Taoiseach waved to waiting media before being driven out of the Phoenix Park residence to begin election campaigning in earnest. 2.07pm: President Michael D Higgins has formally dissolved the 33rd Dail to mark the beginning of the general election campaign. The dissolution triggers the start of what will be a relatively short three-week campaign ahead of polling day on Friday, November 29. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris sign the documents that dissolve the Dail. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire 1.55pm: Simon Harris has now arrived at Aras an Uachtarain, where he will ask the President to dissolve the Dail. Mr Harris was greeted by Secretary General to the President Orla OHanrahan as he exited his car at the front of Aras an Uachtarain in Dublins Phoenix Park. Inside he will pass the Warrant of Advice to President Higgins requesting that he dissolve the parliament. Mr Higgins will then sign the Proclamation of Dissolution before passing it to Mr Harris for counter signature. At that point the Dail will be formally dissolved and the general election campaign will be officially under way. 1.40pm: Taoiseach calls the general election. Simon Harris has confirmed he will today ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dail ahead of an election on November 29. In a statement outside Government Buildings, the Taoiseach said: "The time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate". Speaking to reporters before leaving for Phoenix Park, Mr Harris said he believed his government made real progress for the country as he thanked his coalition partners, Fianna Fail and the Greens, who worked with his Fine Gael party. We did not agree on every issue but we did always work hard and together for the good of the Irish people, he said. He said they delivered five progressive budgets which protected the people during the coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis. Our coalition is delivering new homes across our country and it has built up the finances and the plans to deliver the homes that our people need in the future, he said. 1.30pm: The Taoiseach is expected to make an announcement outside Government Buildings, where it is expected he will call the general election. 1pm: The Labour Party has also been out talking to the media today. At a housing policy launch, the party is calling for the rollback of several existing government schemes including Help to Buy and the First Homes Scheme. Party leader Ivana Bacik says this would be done on a phased basis, with the party seeking to replace Help to Buy with a new scheme called Save to Buy. This new scheme would contain income limits, after saying that the existing scheme disproportionately benefits high-income households. Ms Bacik says that the scheme itself will operate in the same vein as the SSIA scheme from the early 2000s, with no single lump sum payments being made. The party is also proposing a new Rent to Buy scheme, which would apply to people living in cost-rental. If individuals live in the property for more than three years and fully pay their rent, they will have a proportion of this rent put towards a deposit for purchasing their home. 12.30pm: Micheal Martin has been hitting the campaign trail today. The Tanaiste says he has no fears about debating Taoiseach Simon Harris during the campaign but has ruled out government with Sinn Fein. Mr Martin will face off with Mr Harris in a number of debates in the coming three weeks, but Mr Martin says that he will be putting forward the Fianna Fail position. He did not say, however, how he plans to debate Mr Harris without being openly critical of Fine Gael policy. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin kicking off the party's campaign. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie "Debate is the lifeblood of democracy and elections. I look forward to the debates because Fianna Fail will be putting forward its priorities, its policies, as we did in the last election. We spent a lot of time last time negotiating a programme for government. I'm looking forward to the debates," he said. Asked about the prospect of a coalition with Sinn Fein, Mr Martin rejected the idea, but also did not accept that the choice facing the public was now a return of the current coalition or a government led by Sinn Fein. "We've ruled out government with Sinn Fein. Sinn Fein has ruled out government with Fianna Fail. They don't get the economic model. They don't get the enterprise model. They don't believe in free trade. "They fail to support the ratification of the Canadian European Union trade deal, which is illustrative of their attitude to the economy, which is one of disconnect, I would argue strongly. But we have a multi-party system, a proportional representation system, which gives us good diversity, but also leads to multiplicity of parties. "So I'm not going to predict anything. The dynamic of the campaign will take over. I would be wary, and suggest that everybody should be wary, of predictions. The campaigns will take on a dynamic all of their own. Fianna Fail is focusing on maximising its vote, maximising the number of seats. I'm not concentrating on others. I'm concentrating on Fianna Fail, getting the message out and getting as many of our candidates elected as we possibly can." 11.58am: Unsure of whether you are eligible to vote or if you are on the electoral register? Political reporter Michelle McGlynn has covered all you need to know to make sure that you are registered and ready to cast your ballot. Read More ieExplains: Today is the deadline to register to vote in the general election 11.53am: People Before Profit-Solidarity has kick-started the party's election campaign by hanging a banner across Dublin's Ha'Penny Bridge, calling for an end to "100 years of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael". Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie 11.30am: Simon Harris has been speaking to the media in Budapest after attending the European Political Community summit. Mr Harris said he will approach the election campaign with determination, humility and a real hope that it doesnt descend into tit for tat. Emphasising that as Fine Gael leader he takes nothing for granted, Mr Harris described his team of candidates, which includes a large number of new faces, as offering a mix of experience and energy. He described housing, immigration and childcare as among the issues that really matter to the Irish people but also urged a broadening of the political debate given world events. Up until now, 90% of the debate in Ireland has been about how youre going to spend the money available to the government today dependent on being able to spend that money is being able to generate it, is being able to keep jobs, keep investment, work at an EU level and be prepared for what could be a transatlantic trade shock, he said. Thats why Im pleased going into this campaign that we have set aside money. We used to be ridiculed for this well this is exactly why we have the buffer that is there, is a transatlantic shock or indeed any other shock to our economy, my children will never have to experience the austerity that our generation did. 11.15am: There are a lot of questions to be answered about the election. Irish Examiner political editor Elaine Loughlin spoke to The Mick Clifford Podcast to take a look at the runners and riders, who is going to win, who is going to lose and who will surprise us all. Read More The Mick Clifford Podcast: Off to the races as general election campaign begins 10.45am: Simon Harris will return from a meeting of European political leaders in Hungary on Friday afternoon and travel to Aras an Uachtarain to ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dail ahead of a November 29 polling date. Flashpoints are already emerging between the coalition parties, with Fine Gael considering the abolition of the Department of Higher Education, to be replaced by a Department of Infrastructure within the next government 10.30am: Want to know what happens next? Our politics team runs the rule over what happens in the days once the election has been called. The world is still underestimating the risk of catastrophic climate breakdown and ecosystem collapse, the UN secretary general has warned in the run-up to Cop29, acknowledging that the rise in global heating is on course to soar past 1.5C (2.7F) over pre-industrial levels in the coming years. Humanity is approaching potentially irreversible tipping points such as the collapse of the Amazon rainforest and the Greenland ice sheet as global temperatures rise, Antonio Guterres has said, warning that governments are not making the deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions needed to limit warming to safe levels. The UN secretary general said that a second US departure from the Paris climate agreement under a new Donald Trump presidency would risk crippling the process but said the accord would survive. With wildfires, drought and extreme weather already ravaging parts of the planet, new research raises concerns about the stability of natural carbon sinks that underpin decarbonisation efforts. Forests, plants and soil as a net category absorbed almost no carbon in 2023 during the hottest year on record. While the collapse of land carbon sinks may be temporary, scientists have warned that cracks in the resilience of the Earths systems are beginning to show. Guterres urged greater co-ordination on the interlinked environmental crises of the 21st century, warning that it was impossible to take action on global heating without action on biodiversity loss to protects forests and other natural carbon stores and sinks. The risk of these tipping points accelerating climate change is something that must be taken very seriously. Just to give two examples, some people say that we might come to a situation where the Amazon forest will become a savanna irreversibly, or that the Greenland [ice sheet] and west Antarctica will melt. Even if it happens over a huge period, it will melt irreversibly. So we are coming close to dramatic gamechangers in relation to the impacts of climate change in the life of the planet, Guterres said. The world is still underestimating climate risks. I have no doubt that we are risking reach[ing] a number of tipping points that will dramatically accelerate the impacts of climate change. It is absolutely essential to act now. Its absolutely essential to reduce emissions drastically now, he said. Humanity is approaching potentially irreversible tipping points such as the collapse of the Amazon rainforest. For the next two weeks, governments will gather by the Caspian Sea in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss how to increase financing for climate adaptation and mitigation. Tense talks are expected over a new financial target to replace the $100bn (93bn) commitment that expires next year. Negotiators will debate which countries will help provide the trillions of dollars needed to decarbonise the world economy, with pressure to contribute on petrostates such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Many states in the global north believe that China should no longer be classified as a developing country in the UN climate process due to its economic power and should also be expected to contribute to funding. Guterres would not comment on how he thought the donor base to the climate process should change, instead urging governments to take decisive action on phasing out fossil fuels entirely. Until 2030, we should be reducing by 9% every year. Unfortunately, last year, there was still a growth of 1.3% which means that either we fully assume the sense of urgency at the level of governments, corporations and the other key generators of climate change, or we risk not only to go above the 1.5 degrees, but eventually to go above two degrees, he said. He added: Lets not forget that we are on course for 3.1C at the present moment. This year, a survey of hundreds of the worlds leading climate scientists found that most of them expect global heating to exceed 1.5C, reaching at least 2.5C above pre-industrial levels this century and prompting warnings of large-scale societal destruction. Guterres said that he thought limiting global warming to 1.5C was still possible but acknowledged that the world would overshoot in the coming years. I believe [1.5C] is still possible. I believe there will be overshoots, but I hope that there will be the conscience to act swiftly in order for those overshoots to be short-lived. Technological evolution, what happens with renewable energy and other innovations demonstrate that if there is political will, the 1.5 degrees is reachable. So the question is not whether the 1.5 degrees is possible or not. The question is whether there will be, or not, political will for that. Lets be honest, until now, that political will has not been there. So either the political will emerges in order to make it possible, or it will be lost, he said. When asked whether the US leaving the Paris agreement for a second time would be fatal, Guterres said it would survive but warned that it could leave the process crippled. The Paris agreement can survive, but people sometimes can lose important organs or lose the legs and survive. But we dont want a crippled Paris agreement we want a real Paris agreement, the UN secretary general said. Its very important that the United States remain in the Paris agreement. Guterres said in June that fossil fuel companies should be banned from advertising, calling them the godfathers of climate chaos. When asked if he thought they should be excluded from climate Cop summits, he said there should be greater focus instead on governments that did not stand up to pressure from the industry. What worries me is not that there are people lobbying for fossil fuels; what worries me is that governments might not resist that lobby. Let me be very clear, there is no way to preserve 1.5 degrees or avoid a catastrophic development in relation to climate change if we dont accept the principle that there must be a phase-out of fossil fuels, he said. Until now, there has been some ambiguity sometimes in the texts and the problem with ambiguity is that those who misbehave will have a justification to do so. United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres: 'Technological evolution, what happens with renewable energy and other innovations demonstrate that if there is political will, the 1.5 degrees is reachable.' Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe Questioned on whether Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China should contribute to climate finance, Guterres said the countries were in different positions. You cannot compare Saudi Arabia with China. The GDP per capita in Saudi Arabia is much higher, and Saudi Arabia basically has built its wealth on oil and gas, he said. I dont think we need to go on with the exploitation of new sources, because Im totally convinced that we will not be able to use the reserve that exists in the world until the end of history, he said. Read More Trump win worries international partners ahead of Cop29 climate summit Guardian A jewel in the East Cork landscape, Midleton Distillery Experience invites visitors to rekindle the magic of Christmas at the heart and soul of Irish whiskey, promising a mix of tradition, celebration, and luxury this festive season. The recently revamped visitor experience is now bigger, brighter and offers much more choice; with exciting new bars, retail, cafe, and dedicated tasting rooms. Midleton is home to seven iconic Irish whiskey brands including Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Powers, Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness, Knappogue Castle. Find the perfect gift for a loved one (or just treat yourself!) in the new-look Distillery Shop. The Christmas season will officially kick off in Midleton town with the much-anticipated lights ceremony on Sunday, November 17th. In advance, visitors are invited to gather from 2pm to 6pm at Midleton Distillery Experience for an afternoon of festive fun, with cocktails, carols, live Cooper demonstrations and a series of competitions with exciting prizes to be won. Special offers will be available in the gift shop throughout the day, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up on Christmas essentials. The new-look Distillery Shop features the entire Midleton Distillery Collection whiskey portfolio and has no shortage of present ideas for under the tree. From distillery exclusive bottles, to branded clothing, hipflasks, glassware, whiskey-inspired advent calendars and cocktail kits. Theres something for everyone, with some convenient bundle offers to choose from including a Redbreast miniature pack, featuring Redbreast 12-year-old, Redbreast Lustau, and Redbreast 15-year-old along with a Redbreast hipflask. Also, for the Redbreast lovers, pick up a bottle of Redbreast 10-Year-Old Distillery Edition, with a Redbreast hipflask. For Jameson fans, enjoy a miniature trio pack featuring Jameson Original, Black Barrel, and Stout Edition, coupled with a Jameson hipflask. The Whiskey Vault provides the opportunity to purchase very rare and limited-edition releases. For that extra special present, The Whiskey Vault provides the opportunity to purchase very rare and limited-edition releases. A distillery gift card allows loved ones to purchase any of the whiskey portfolio or merchandise available in-store. In addition, a range of experiences at Midleton Distillery and/or Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin can be chosen. Free personalisation offers will run in-store during the month of December on a selection of bottles and items. With help picking out the perfect gift for a loved one, visitors can take advantage of a personal shopper service, where youre guided through the whiskey and merchandise ranges. Simply email personalshopper@midletondistilleryexperience.com and a booking can be scheduled. Gift wrapping is also available in store. Throughout December, be in with a chance to win an overnight stay for two at the nearby 5-star Castlemartyr Resort along with a pair of Behind The Scenes tour tickets at Midleton, when you spend 100 or more in the Distillery Shop.* Explore your creative side this Christmas with a cocktail making masterclass under the tutelage of an expert mixologist. Pulling up a stool at the Distillery Bar, guests can enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails, hot toddies, berry hot punches, Jameson Orange hot chocolates, and the freshest Irish coffees. There are delicious non-alcohol versions available too. The Malthouse Cafe, with its warm, inviting atmosphere, provides the perfect spot for a festive lunch or a quick treat in between shopping. Midleton Distillery also hosts a variety of fun, interactive and immersive fully guided distillery tours, premium whiskey tastings, cask opening experiences, and extended duration tours where you will go behind-the-scenes across the historic 15-acre site. Come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, visit the micro-distillery, stroll through a live maturation warehouse, and sample some of the worlds most awarded Irish whiskeys. Enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails, Gingerbread Sours, Jameson Orange hot chocolates, hot toddies, and the freshest Irish coffees at the Distillery Bar. For the ultimate family or friends Christmas gathering, shake and stir up your visit on the new cocktail making masterclass. Privately hosted in the upper floors within the original distillery buildings, and under the tutelage of an expert mixologist, learn the art and enjoy the craic of creating specially curated cocktails using locally sourced ingredients. A complimentary cocktail recipe book is gifted to take away as a keepsake. For the whiskey connoisseur, deep dive into the grain-to-glass production process on one of the Irish Whiskey Academy experiences, hosted at a state-of-the-art training facility located between the Old and New Midleton Distilleries. Sample some of the worlds most awarded Irish whiskeys at Midleton Distillery Experience. No ticket or admission fees apply for the Cafe, Retail, and Bar spaces. Pre-booking for all whiskey experiences is recommended. You are invited to sip, shop and gather at Midleton Distillery Experience this Christmas. Visit the Midleton Distillery Experience website for more information and bookings. *Terms and conditions apply. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Jameson Whiskey Busy professional and personal lives mean that time is often at a premium for high-net-worth individuals. However, taking a step back from day-to-day concerns to take an in-depth and holistic view of finance and personal wealth with the help of an expert qualified financial adviser, is time well spent. It is also among the best investments that you can make in yourself and your future. Thats the experience of clients who turn to Unio Wealth Management, experts in this field. Unio exists to meet the needs of people in Ireland who have accumulated wealth, yet they are time poor and are currently under-advised. It represents an amalgamation of some of Irelands leading wealth management and employee benefits companies with the backing of Great-West Lifeco. In Ireland, Unio has more than 300 employees and oversees 14 billion of assets on behalf of personal and corporate clients. We invested a lot in our people and the technology platform to support the integration of these companies and build our wealth capability for the future, explains chief executive, Ian Brady. We are fortunate in what we acquired as we gained significant capability and top talent from each of the businesses. While personal wealth has grown significantly in Ireland in recent years, with the number of people with net assets of over 1 million having doubled in the last decade, Ireland is underserved in terms of wealth management advice. We make financial lives better through expert advice aligning our clients life goals with our years of experience in wealth planning and investments. This gives our clients immense peace of mind, maximises their wealth and unlocks their confidence in the future. Thats why we believe that time spent with us is truly time well spent, Brady notes. Many people are so busy working, they neglect getting advice around their full financial life, he says, and operate piecemeal in terms of investment products that they may have bought through the years. There is a reluctance on the part of many people to look at the full financial picture, resulting in missed opportunity. One clear and simple manifestation of this is the very high level of assets held in deposit accounts. About 47 per cent of Irish wealth, or approximately 150bn, is kept on deposit compared to 30 per cent in Netherland and Denmark, with around 90 per cent of this in the form of overnight deposits, attracting virtually no interest. This is holding individuals, households and us as a country back. The leveraged effect if people in Ireland sought expert wealth management advice and deployed their savings to further their financial lives would be immense. We believe we have a role to play to help arrest this situation, Brady notes. Maximising potential is a cornerstone of the Unio Way, and as chief commercial officer Aine McGroarty says, the process of helping people build their financial wealth starts with a dialogue in which clients sit down with Unio to discuss their circumstances and what is important to them, and this varies hugely depending on the person. Our clients tell us that wealth means more to them than money or assets, it is about quality of life for the future and often about making big life decisions, we understand this, and this is what makes Unio different, she says. Aine McGroarty, chief commercial officer, Unio Wealth Management. We provide clients with a full bespoke financial life plan. We have a team of expert advisers and financial planners who help with that plan and clients get access to a dedicated financial adviser on their terms who can advise on their unique situation, where they want to get to in their financial lives and the best way to get there, she says. McGroarty likes to draw an analogy with a doctors visit for a full medical review. Clients get an expert opinion on their financial health and how to improve it and if required, can be referred for specialist tax or legal advice. Having established the needs and aspirations of clients, Unio works to develop a wealth plan, often involving a broad spectrum of investments and assets classes and taking relevant time horizons into account. The need for diversification and appropriate risk management strategies are key tenets of these plans. While every client is different, the common denominator is that everyone has life goals and triggers such as saving for children or their retirement, and Unios mission is to use its professional expertise to help clients realise these, she says. The goal as their trusted adviser, is to move clients from passive wealth holders to active wealth builders. The whole life and whole person approach taken by Unio involves taking a single view of a clients holistic assets and how they can be managed for maximum benefit in a process that involves guiding, guarding and growing wealth. This moves the experience into a different realm from one where clients are simply sold products on a piecemeal basis. It puts them back in control of their lives. Traditionally the industry has been product-led and this has put people off engaging and seeking quality advice. People maybe have had disparate advice in terms of quality and engagement. Huge swathes of wealthy Ireland are under-advised in terms of the bigger picture, and this is where Unio can best serve clients, Brady says. He notes the research from the European Household Study on Finance shows that Ireland is one of the top countries in income per capita but is significantly lower in terms of financial literacy and very low on investment fund adoption. In many cases, professionals are accumulating wealth at a relatively young age and have strong future earnings power yet most often their wealth is concentrated on single stock options, he observes. Weve grown up as a country and become wealthy very quickly in Ireland, but we have not adapted from an investment capability point of view. The opportunity cost of not performing well in this area is enormous. We understand that, in their day to day lives, clients dont always have to time to think about their long-term financial journey. People may be time-poor but clients that invest time in the process with their Unio Wealth Management Adviser are making the greatest investment in their future and our experience is that those who invest in advice are twice as likely to feel positively about their future. If you would like to speak to a Unio Wealth Management Adviser, visit unio.ie. Unio Financial Services Ltd trading as Unio, Unio Wealth Management and Unio Employee Benefits is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The US Justice Department has charged a man in connection with an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump. The man said he had been tasked by a government official before the presidential election with assassinating the Republican president-elect. Investigators learned of the plot to kill Mr Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery. Authorities say he maintains a web of criminal associates who participate in Tehrans assassination plots. Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset, claimed that Iranian officials asked him to compose a plan to watch and kill Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) Shakeri told investigators that in September, a contact in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him to put together a plan within seven days to watch and ultimately kill Mr Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. Shakeri claimed the Iranian official said that we have already spent a lot of money and that moneys not an issue. He told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed that Mr Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men who were allegedly recruited to participate in other assassinations, including of a prominent Iranian American journalist, were arrested on Friday. US attorney general Merrick Garland said: There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as Iran. Donald Trump beat US vice president Kamala Harris in the US presidential election (Alex Brandon/AP) The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Mr Trumps victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target US government officials, including Mr Trump, on US soil. Last summer, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Mr Trumps re-election, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Mr Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Mr Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 81F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Cloudy early then partly cloudy and windy later in the day. High 82F. W winds at 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Israels newly appointed defense minister, Israel Katz, was officially sworn in before parliament following the unexpected dismissal of his predecessor by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to a loss of trust amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Mr. Netanyahu removed Yoav Gallant from his position on Tuesday after ongoing disagreements regarding Israels military response to Hamas, which escalated after the deadly assault on Israel by the Palestinian militant group on October 7 of last year. Prior to stepping in for Mr. Gallant, Mr. Katz, who has pledged to overcome Israels enemies, served as the foreign minister, with Gideon Saar now taking over that role. Mr. Katzs final day as foreign minister was overshadowed by a diplomatic incident involving France, where Israeli police entered a French-owned church compound in Jerusalem and temporarily detained two gendarmes. While speaking alongside Mr. Katz, Mr. Barrot stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, but highlighted colonisation, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the continuation of air strikes in north Gaza as factors that could jeopardize Israels security. Opposition leaders from various political factions in Israel criticized Mr. Netanyahus decision to dismiss the defense minister during wartime, and thousands of Israelis took to the streets in protest. Mr. Gallant and Mr. Netanyahu had significant disagreements concerning military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. The dismissed minister had been a strong proponent for calling up ultra-Orthodox Jews for military service, whereas Mr. Netanyahu preferred to maintain their exemptions, concerned that conscription could destabilize his far-right coalition government. Oakland, Ca. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) It was no coincidence that Israeli PM Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu chose the US Election Day to fire his Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, when Washington was too distracted to respond. With Bibi, everything is calculated for his benefit, even if it inflicts maximum damage on Israel and its allies. Donald Trumps return to the presidency the same day was an occasion for rejoicing in Netanyahus government. No one is happier about this development than Bibi and his henchmen, far-right extremists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezelal Smotrich. This is because Trump will not interfere with Israels expansionist campaigns in other countries, and will be a partner in any war with Iran and other gratuitous military campaigns. On October 7, Gallant was just as hawkish as Bibi on Gaza, and delivered himself of some genocidal remarks about cutting off food and other necessities to civilians. He may become a defendant at The Hague for his involvement in that total war. Israels right to defend itself, under the UN Charter, does not authorize a disproportionate response that has killed over 40,000 people in Gaza, the bulk of them civilians. But as time has passed, Gallant at least began to plan for a future for Gaza without a permanent Israeli occupation. That strategy conflicts with the goals of Bibi and his Israeli Proud Boys cabinet ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. They want to resettle Gaza, and develop it with Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and the author of the disastrous Abraham Accords. Gallant was Washingtons only real liaison in Bibis Likud Party ship of fools. By eliminating Gallant, Bibi has given the US no choice but to deal only with him. Esther Solomon, the Editor-in Chief of the left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz [the Land], characterized Gallant as the last gate-keeping adult left in a senior position in the government. She went on to say that the sole raison detre of Israels government today to uphold, safeguard, and secure the political ambitions of the prime minister. She observes that Israel is under the control of an autocrat with overweening ambition and an annexationist ideology who promotes the idea of complete triumph, and points out that the comparison to Trump is obvious. Aside from Gaza, another pressing issue roiled the relations of the prime minister with his defense minister. All Israeli citizens are required to serve in the military, except the rigidly observant ultra-Orthodox sects of the Haredim and likeminded Jews. The exemption was a necessary element when Israel was founded, to rebuild the traditions of Jewish scholarship and rabbinic training destroyed during the Holocaust. They were a protected class. But the reasons for those exemptions have long since passed, since Israel has very healthy religious institutions for training rabbis and scholars, and a shortage of young people eligible for military service. In June, Israels highest court struck down the military exemption for these fundamentalists. Gallant said, My firm stance is that every military-age person must be enlisted. They must serve in the Israel Defense Forces and defend the State of Israel. This is no longer just a social issue. It is a paramount issue for our existence and future. Haaretz columnist Yossi Verter often has a good reading on the progressive pulse of Israel, and cogently summarizes the complex political dynamics. Verter said of Netanyahus election-day firing of Gallant that the defense minister was dismissed to appease the draft-exempt ultra-Orthodox, aiming to preserve Netanyahus administration. He maintained that this move directly compromised national security in a deeply unsettling manner, unlike anything Israelis had experienced before. Gallant, he wrote, was in the way because he had obstructed Netanyahus effort to permit ultra-Orthodox men to avoid military service. He identified Netanyahus primary objective as maintaining his coalition, with its messianic and ethnocentric elements, until October 2026, the latest possible date for elections. Verter insists that Netanyahus intention is to reach this point after orchestrating further judicial changes to ensure his path to reelection. Bibis colleagues in the far right, ethnonationalist Likud party quickly closed ranks to voice their support for Trump in the election. The see him as a true friend of Israel, in that he wont impede Israels military agenda in Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Also, the Israeli far right remains grateful for the disastrous Abraham Accords, which sidelined the Palestinians and so de facto legitimized some of their imperial holdings. Bibis consolidation coupled with Trumps return to the White House makes this a very dark time for democracy and western civilization. Bibi and Trump have fueled and supported one anothers cruelties and escape from accountability, as well as one anothers campaign to remain in office to avoid criminal consequences. Hugs, Digital, Dream / Cartoon v3, 2024. The public reaction to Gallants firing has been a series of massive street demonstrations, not seen in Israel since before October 7. One of the protesters said, We, the protesters, believe that Gallant is actually the only normal person in the government, and condemned Bibi for opening new fronts in uncalled-for wars. Gallant attributed his dismissal to the orthodox conscription issue, Bibis disinterest in a hostage deal, and his resistance to a full investigation of the October 7 military and intelligence failures. Of course, Bibi wants to obstruct any investigation because it will be a damning revelation of his personal failures as Prime Minister. Gallant had been publicly dismissive of Bibis rhetoric of total victory over Hamas, and argued that Israels military success thus far had already created favorable conditions for a diplomatic hostage deal. As with Trump in the US, Bibi has made efforts to remove government boundaries and standards to suit his autocratic agenda. This includes meddling in judicial appointments through the Judicial Appointments Committees so that Likud politicians will control the panel. Other aspects of this legislative overreach include: a political takeover of the judicial ombudsmans office; transferring the power to open incitement investigations, sensitive because of their chilling effect on freedom of speech, to the police, thereby eliminating the prosecutorial oversight that exists today; granting the government (specifically the communications minister) the power to shut down websites; suffocating the public broadcasting corporation Kans (Israeli Public Broadcasting Corp.) funding; shifting responsibility for measuring television ratings to the government; changes to the election laws. The Likud government has made it a habit to unlawfully ignore the Attorney Generals directives when it suits Bibis convenience and career goals. By firing Gallant, Bibi has consolidated his hold over his coalition by removing his only real internal critic, whom he perceived as a Trojan horse. But the Biden administration saw Mr. Gallant as a trusted ally and reliable negotiating partner. Bibi urgently campaigned to restore Trump to the White House to give him a more malleable partner in his own war to remain in office. This may be Bibis most brazen signal yet that his personal political life is more important than the return of the hostages or Israeli security. ( Tomdispatch.com ) As the dust settles over election day, its worth reflecting that its not only the election results that have been at stake, but the future of the presidency and its powers. Over the course of the first quarter of this century, the American presidency has accumulated ever more power, rendering the office increasingly less constrained by either Congress or the courts. With Donald Trumps reelection, the slide toward a dangerously empowered president has reached a moment of reckoning, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and warfare. Presidential Powers Throughout American history, presidents have repeatedly sought to increase their powers, nowhere more so than in the context of war. As historian James Patterson has pointed out, War and the threat of war were major sources of presidential power from the beginning. Whether it was George Washingtons insistence that he was the one to formulate foreign policy when it came to diplomacy, treaties, and more; Thomas Jeffersons assertion of complete control over whether or not to attack the Barbary Pirates; James Polks decision to take actions which risked war with Mexico; or Abraham Lincolns sweeping assertions of authority in the Civil War era, executive claims to authority when it comes to matters of foreign relations and warfare have been a persistent feature of American history. The twentieth century saw a continued rise in the powers of the presidency. As historian Jeremi Suri noted in his book The Impossible Presidency, the four terms of Franklin D. Roosevelt were a transformative moment, essentially multiplying the responsibilities of the president with the ultimate goal of mak[ing] the national executive the dominant actor in all parts of American life. The presidents who followed Roosevelt continued to display such enhanced powers, especially when it came to foreign affairs. As legal scholar Matt Waxman has reminded us, FDRs successor, Harry Truman, went to war in Korea without congressional authorization. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who did consult with Congress over the need to protect U.S.-allied Pacific coastal islands from possible Chinese aggression and, in his farewell address, warned against the military-industrial complex, still believed that the president had broad powers to engage in covert warfare without specific congressional approval. In fact, his successor, John F. Kennedy, exercised those powers in a major way in the Bay of Pigs incident. Richard Nixon unilaterally and secretly launched the invasion of Cambodia in 1970, and Ronald Reagan created a secret Central American foreign policy, while arranging the unauthorized transfer of funds and weaponry to the Nicaraguan rebels, the Contras, from the sale of U.S. arms to Iran, despite the fact that such funding was prohibited by an act of Congress, the Boland Amendment. The Twenty-First Century Even within the context of repeated presidential acts taken without congressional assent (or often even knowledge) and in defiance of the constitutional checks on the powers of the presidency, the twenty-first century witnessed a major uptick in claims of executive power. In the name of war, this century has seen an astonishing erosion of constraints on that very power, as Yale law professor Harold Hongju Koh details in his illuminating new book, The National Security Constitution in the Twenty-First Century. At the dawn of this century, the attacks of September 11, 2001, led to an instant escalation of presidential power and executive unilateralism. In the name of national security, President George W. Bush issued an order that authorized the indefinite detention of prisoners in what quickly came to be known as the Global War on Terror. He also set up an offshore prison of injustice at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and authorized military commissions instead of federal court trials for terrorism suspects captured abroad. Meanwhile, Congress and the courts consistently deferred to the will of the president when it came to actions taken in the name of that war on terror. One week after the attacks of 9/11, Congress passed the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which undermined its own power in Article I of the Constitution to declare war and weakened its powers of restraint on presidential actions carefully articulated in the 1973 War Powers Resolution (WPR), passed to guard against the very kind of secretive engagement in war that Nixon had unilaterally authorized in the Vietnam era. Now, turning their backs on the power given them by the Constitution and the WPR, Congress, with that AUMF, acceded to the expansion of presidential powers and opened the door to the disastrous wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere early in this century. The president, it stated, was authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations, or persons. In October 2001, Congress also passed the USA Patriot Act. It included an expansion of presidential power at home in the name of protecting the nation in the war on terror, including authorizing greatly expanded surveillance policies that would come to include, among other things, secret surveillance and searches that took place without evidence of wrongdoing, notably in Muslim communities in this country that were considered inherently suspect in the name of the war on terror. As a result, when, in January 2009, Barack Obama entered the White House, his administration found itself with a strikingly expanded definition of the powers of the presidency on the table. Obamas Presidency A former constitutional law professor, Barack Obama pledged to overturn some of the Bush administrations most egregious, extralegal breaches, including the very existence of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility and the use of torture (or what the Bush administration had politely termed enhanced interrogation techniques) authorized by executive unilateralism as part of the war on terror. In what became known as trust me government, Obama also pledged to reform the excessive surveillance policies implemented in the war on terror. In 2013, David Cole, a civil rights attorney and currently the National Legal Director of the ACLU, credited Obama with making substantial shifts toward restraint by formally declaring an end to many of the Bush administrations most aggressive assertions of executive power. But while Obama did indeed trim some of the most striking excesses of the Bush era, his record of presidential reform fell significantly short. Jameel Jaffer, the founding director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, for instance, disputed Coles claims, citing the Obama administrations continued reliance on illegal and extralegal policies that Bushs aggressive actions had already put in play among them, warrantless wiretapping, indefinite detention, and the military commissions to try prisoners at Guantanamo. In addition, as Jaffer pointed out, the Obama administration frequently relied on the powers granted the presidency in that 2001 AUMF to authorize targeted lethal drone strikes globally, as in the case of the drone-killing of U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, without further congressional authorization, by expanding the definition of imminence in order to appear to be complying with the international rule of law. When it came to such targeted killings a military tactic introduced under President Bush but greatly expanded during the Obama years for strikes in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen the president reserved for himself the right to have the final say in authorizing such strikes. As the New York Times reported at the time, Nothing else in Mr. Obamas first term has baffled liberal supporters and confounded conservative critics alike as his aggressive counterterrorism record. His actions have often remained inscrutable, obscured by awkward secrecy rules, polarized political commentary, and the presidents own deep reserve. Although he served as legal adviser to the Department of State in the Obama administration, in his warnings about the perils posed by the slide towards unilateral presidential powers, Harold Hongju Kou concedes that the president could have done more to curtail the Bush era enhancement of the powers of the president. [T]he cautious Obama administration, he writes, succeeded in swinging the national security pendulum only part of the way back to restraint on executive power via the courts and Congress. While the cascade of illegality that defined the Bush eras war on terror was indeed somewhat addressed by Obama, it remained, Koh reminds us, undercorrected including not seeking stronger accountability for past acts of CIA torture, and the stubborn continuation of a Guantanamo detention policy. While President Obama adhered more closely to restraints on presidential power than his predecessor, his administration did not make the kinds of structural and procedural changes necessary to deter future presidents from following in the footsteps of the Bush administration, as we were soon to learn, since, as Koh points out, enhanced unilateral presidential and executive powers would be sharply re-intensified under Donald Trump. The Trump Years Indeed, the first Trump presidency vastly accelerated the claims of expanded presidential power. Jack Goldsmith and Bob Bauer, lawyers who worked in the Bush and Obama administrations, respectively, served, as they put it, very different presidents and hold different political outlooks. Yet they agree that the Trump administration took unchecked presidential authority to a new level. In their 2020 book, After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency, they contended that Donald Trump operated the presidency in ways that reveal its vulnerability to dangerous excesses of authority and dangerous weaknesses in accountability. And as they make all too clear, the stakes were (and remain) high. The often-feckless Trump, they wrote, also revealed deeper fissures in the structure of the presidency that, we worry, a future president might choose to exploit in a fashion similar to Trump but much more skillfully, and to even greater effect. And with the Supreme Courts recent decision upholding the immunity of Donald Trump for acts taken while in the Oval Office, the shackles that once tied presidential acts in wartime to Congressional authorization are arguably now fully off the table, should a president be determined to act on his or her own say-so. (As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent, the ruling will have disastrous consequences for the presidency and for our democracy, arguing that it will, in essence, let the President violate the law, let him exploit the trappings of his office for personal gain, let him use his official power for evil ends.) The Biden Years When it comes to recognizing limits on presidential powers, President Biden has had a distinctly mixed record. He immediately withdrew Trumps executive order known as the Muslim ban, set out to close Guantanamo (but has not yet succeeded in doing so), rejoined the Paris climate accord, and revived international ties around the world that had been disrupted by Trump. And yet, that quintessential institutionalist, who prided himself on his ability to work with Congress, nonetheless veered in the direction of presidential unilateralism in the conduct of foreign affairs. As Professor Koh put it: In foreign affairs, even the longtime senator Joe Biden who widely proclaims his love of the Senate now operates almost entirely by executive fiat, including a reliance on classified policy memoranda, with minimal congressional oversight. Overall, in fact, Biden issued more executive orders than any president since Richard Nixon. Though Biden wisely relied upon an interagency group of lawyers to advise him on national security decisions, following their advice, he issued nonbinding political agreements, memoranda of understanding, joint communiques, and occasionally executive agreements plus, just as Obama had done on the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal, relying on preexisting legislative frameworks rather than new Congressional authorizations. When it came to the war in Ukraine, Biden leaned heavily on the coordinated use of sanctions, enhanced almost weekly post-invasion. Most of those sanctions were set, as Koh also points out, by executive orders and regulatory decrees, rather than in consultation with Congress. Our Future A second Trump presidency will undoubtedly take unilateral presidential powers to a new level. After all, he already indicated that he might withdraw the U.S. from NATO and end support for Ukraine. Nor is Trump likely to be deterred by Congress. Reporting on Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations nearly 1,000-page prescription for a second Trump presidency, written primarily by former office holders in the first Trump administration, New York Times reporters Jonathan Swan, Charlie Savage, and Maggie Haberman reported that Trump and his associates plan to increase the presidents authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House. In particular, Project 2025s stance on nuclear weapons is a reminder of just how dangerous a president who refused to be restrained by law or precedent will be. After all, in his first term in office, Trump unilaterally pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on that country, leading its leaders to increase its nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, the march toward nuclear confrontation has accelerated worldwide. In response, Project 2025 argues for ramping up Americas nuclear arsenal yet more. [T]he United States manifestly needs to modernize, adapt, and expand its nuclear arsenal, the treatise declared, in order to deter Russia and China simultaneously, adding that the U.S. needs to develop a nuclear arsenal with the size, sophistication, and tailoring including new capabilities at the theater level to ensure that there is no circumstance in which America is exposed to serious nuclear coercion. Consider all of that a frightening vision of our now all-too-imminent future: a president freed from the restraints of the constitution, unchecked by Congress or the courts or by his cabinet advisors. In the words of MSNBCs Ali Velshi, Project 2025 has set the stage for Donald Trump to be the very opposite of what this countrys founders intended, a king, surrounded not by groups of qualified experts but by unblinking yes-men. (Dis)Trust in the Presidency The growing power of the presidency has been taking place in plain view, as unilateral powers have accumulated decade after decade in the Oval Office, while the recent choice of president has also become a grim choice about the nature and powers of the presidency itself. Notably, the rise in executive powers has coincided with a creeping distrust of government in this country. Since the early 1960s, when nearly 80% of Americans said they trusted government most of the time, the publics faith in this countrys federal government hovers at just over 20%, according to the Pew Research Center. And no wonder. When the office of the president refuses to accept the checks and balances that underlie the democratic system, the countrys trust in negotiated, reasonable, and restrained outcomes understandably falls away. Sadly, in this era, the benefits of restoring the very notion of checks and balances that birthed the nation have come to seem ever more like a quaint dream. Copyright 2024 Karen J. Greenberg via Tomdispatch.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2024) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) ("Astra Exploration" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 33,333,161 units (each, a "Unit") for gross proceeds of CAD $1,999,989.66. Under the Offering, the Company issued 33,333,161 Units priced at $0.06 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share for $0.10 for a period of twelve months from the Offering closing date. In addition to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, the shares issued in the Offering will be subject to a twelve-month hold period, and shares obtained through the exercise of the related Warrants will also be subject to a twelve-month hold from the date of the Offering closing, expiring November 7, 2025. Insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 8,333,332 Units for gross proceeds of $499,999.92 under the Offering. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Offering constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the common shares of the Company are listed on the TSX-V. The issuance of securities is also exempt from the minority approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value was less than $2,500,000. To accommodate strong insider demand and stay within TSX Venture Exchange regulatory guidelines on insider participation, Michael Gentile graciously reduced his subscription from the previously announced $495,000, to $445,000 or 7,416,666 units. Following this financing, Mr. Gentile owns 14,216,666 shares, equivalent to 16.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares, and a total of 4,708,333 warrants, representing a 21.3% ownership on a partially diluted basis. The Company is also pleased to report that Mason Resources Inc. (TSXV: LLG), and a number of its co-investors and affiliates have subscribed to the Offering. Mason Resources Inc., is a Canadian investment corporation focused on the natural resource sector seeking to make strategic investments primarily in battery-related metals, precious and base metals, and green technologies. Brian Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Astra Exploration, commented: "This financing will fund drilling at the Manchuria Project at the beginning of next year. A minimum of 2,500 metres is planned to follow up the high-grade gold and silver historic drill results completed by Barrick Gold and Patagonia Gold. With nearly 80% of Astra's issued and outstanding shares now held by a select group of long-term investors, positive drill results which prove our growth thesis has the potential to lead to a significant re-rating of the share price." The proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund a drill program on the Manchuria Project (see press releases dated July 9 and October 25, 2024) and for general working capital. About the Company Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America. The Manchuria LSE gold-silver project over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest, is located in the prolific Deseado Massif of Santa Cruz, Argentina which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro. Astra's 100% owned Pampa Paciencia low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold-silver project is located in the Paleocene mineral province of northern Chile in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda, and shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, and exploration and development of the Company's projects. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. wire services. TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ - Allied Gold Corporation (TSX: AAUC) (OTCQX: AAUCF) ("Allied" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a series of changes and developments meant to improve operational oversight, improve mining operations, advance the Kurmuk project towards operations and improve corporate governance. These include management and board appointments, awarding the mining contract for Kurmuk to a reputable international contractor, as well as consolidating mining activities in Mali and Cote d'Ivoire operations under the same well experienced and well capitalized contractor. These changes are all positive steps towards securing the long-term success of the Company. Management and Board Changes The Company has appointed Johannes Stoltz as Chief Operating Officer, leveraging his 28 years of mining experience and deep knowledge of Allied's operations. Johannes' transition into the role has been occurring since the beginning of 2024, and he has been primarily responsible for optimizations and improvements initiated to improve operations from early this year, making strong progress toward achieving sustainable and predictable production goals starting in the third quarter. This appointment is part of an organized succession plan that had begun at the beginning of the year as his predecessor was nearing retirement, and the company having determined that for its optimizations plan, and having improved its plant functions, a focus on mining was critical and its head of operations should be a qualified mining engineer. Allied has strengthened its Board of Directors by adding a new Board Member, Oumar Toguyeni. Mr. Toguyeni is a highly experienced global mining executive, with over 35 years of mining expertise. His career has included senior leadership positions at major international mining companies such as BHP, Alcoa Inc., IAMGOLD Corporation, and he has also recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Hummingbird Resources. He very recently joined the board of that company in connection with the restructuring and recapitalization of the company initiated, and financially supported, by its largest shareholder. Beginning his career as an exploration geologist, Mr. Toguyeni has gained extensive experience in Europe, North and South America, the Caribbean, and particularly in West Africa, where he is based. His executive career includes senior operational and sustainability positions with direct oversight of West Africa including Mali the result of which, together with his in country relationships, will assist in management of and board oversight over the Company's in country efforts. Fluent in English and French, he brings a wealth of international experience and insight to the Board. He is a geologist and also holds a Master of Business Administration degree. The Company is further consolidating its management into its head office in Toronto, rationalizing legacy offices throughout the organization. This includes consolidating positions and centralizing technical processes including resource modelling, strategic planning, and others in the head office. Mining Contract Awards for Kurmuk and West Africa After conducting an exhaustive and competitive process, the Company is pleased to announce its decision to award the Kurmuk mining contract to Mota-Engil Group ("Mota-Engil"), with preparations underway for mining operations to begin by mid-2025. Mota-Engil, a multinational engineering and construction leader with nearly 80 years of expertise across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, brings significant experience to Kurmuk, supporting pre-production activities leading to achieve the Company's goals of first production by mid-2026. This award aligns with Allied's decision to advance pioneering activities and mining earthworks at an early stage, allowing sufficient time for mobilization of equipment and establishment of operations well ahead of the timeframe when mining begins, which will also allow for the early establishment of mining infrastructure, support facilities and training of personnel. The appointment of the contractor for the mining services agreement marks a significant milestone for the Kurmuk Gold Project, which alongside the previously announced power purchase agreement, help cement and secure Kurmuk's objectives of achieving production expected to average 290,000 oz annually over the first five years, and sustaining over 240,000 oz annually over a 10-year mine life at an average AISC(1) below $950 per oz. As part of its operational improvement strategy, the Company has been evaluating critical activities and services in its value chain across its producing assets, such as contract mining. Based on this analysis and the learnings from the competitive tendering process at Kurmuk, the Company has decided to also award the contract for mining operations in Mali and Cote d'Ivoire to Mota-Engil, effectively consolidating mining operations for all operating mines and the Kurmuk project under one high quality mining contractor, as they successfully demonstrated the best competency, pricing, logistics and financial capacity. In the context of this award, the Company also proceeded to facilitate Mota-Engil's purchase of the mining equipment, inventory, spares, and other materials from the mine contractor operating Allied Gold's West Africa operations and concurrently entered into new mine contractor agreements which better align key performance measures with the objectives of the Company and ensures better planning, management and operational oversight. About Allied Gold Corporation Allied Gold is a Canadian-based gold producer with a significant growth profile and mineral endowment which operates a portfolio of three producing assets and development projects located in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Ethiopia. Led by a team of mining executives with operational and development experience and proven success in creating value, Allied Gold is progressing through exploration, construction and operational enhancements to become a mid-tier next generation gold producer in Africa and ultimately a leading senior global gold producer. Qualified Persons Except as otherwise disclosed, all scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Sebastien Bernier, P.Geo (Vice President, Technical Services). Mr. Bernier is an employee of Allied and a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, any information as to the Company's strategy, objectives, plans or future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements are characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "budget", "target", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words or negative versions thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "should", "would" or "could" occur. In particular, forward-looking information included in this press release includes, without limitation, statements with respect to information concerning the Stream Transaction, conditions precedent and the closing thereof, expectations to be fully financed, expected production, exploration, development and expansion plans discussed herein being met. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and is inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. These factors include the Company's dependence on products produced from its key mining assets; fluctuating price of gold; risks relating to the exploration, development and operation of mineral properties, including but not limited to adverse environmental and climatic conditions, unusual and unexpected geologic conditions and equipment failures; risks relating to operating in emerging markets, particularly Africa, including risk of government expropriation or nationalization of mining operations; health, safety and environmental risks and hazards to which the Company's operations are subject; the Company's ability to maintain or increase present level of gold production; the Company's ability to execute on its expansion and optimization plans; nature and climatic condition risks; counterparty, credit, liquidity and interest rate risks and access to financing; the Company's success in executing non-dilutive financing alternatives; cost and availability of commodities; increases in costs of production, such as fuel, steel, power, labour and other consumables; risks associated with infectious diseases; uncertainty in the estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; the Company's ability to replace and expand Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, as applicable, at its mines; factors that may affect the Company's future production estimates, including but not limited to the quality of ore, production costs, infrastructure and availability of workforce and equipment; risks relating to partial ownerships and/or joint ventures at the Company's operations; reliance on the Company's existing infrastructure and supply chains at the Company's operating mines; risks relating to the acquisition, holding and renewal of title to mining rights and permits, and changes to the mining legislative and regulatory regimes in the Company's operating jurisdictions; limitations on insurance coverage; risks relating to illegal and artisanal mining; the Company's compliance with anti-corruption laws; risks relating to the development, construction and start-up of new mines, including but not limited to the availability and performance of contractors and suppliers, the receipt of required governmental approvals and permits, and cost overruns; risks relating to acquisitions and divestures; title disputes or claims; risks relating to the termination of mining rights; risks relating to security and human rights; risks associated with processing and metallurgical recoveries; risks related to enforcing legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; competition in the precious metals mining industry; risks related to the Company's ability to service its debt obligations; fluctuating currency exchange rates (including the US Dollar, Euro, West African CFA Franc and Ethiopian Birr exchange rates); risks related to the Company's investments and use of derivatives; taxation risks; scrutiny from non-governmental organizations; labour and employment relations; risks related to third-party contractor arrangements; repatriation of funds from foreign subsidiaries; community relations; risks related to relying on local advisors and consultants in foreign jurisdictions; the impact of global financial, economic and political conditions, global liquidity, interest rates, inflation and other factors on the Company's results of operations and market price of common shares; risks associated with financial projections; force majeure events; transactions that may result in dilution to common shares; future sales of common shares by existing shareholders; the Company's dependence on key management personnel and executives; vulnerability of information systems including cyber attacks; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates, assumptions or opinions should change, except as required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Summary Logs from the Granges Copper Nickel Cobalt Zone November 8th, 2024 TheNewswire - Miramichi, New Brunswick SLAM Exploration Ltd. (SLAM or the Company) (TSXV-SXL) is pleased to announce preliminary results from holes GW24-10, GW24-11, and GW24-12 drilled on the Granges zone at its wholly owned Goodwin Project located 35 kilometers south of the Caribou mine and mill complex in the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick. Hole GW24-10 was drilled from a site 20 meters southeast of GW24-02 and intersected 2 mineral zones over 0.94 meters and 2.18 meters respectively. GW24-11 stepped a further 20 meters southeast and intersected an 18.00 meter zone of mineralization. GW24-12 was drilled behind GW24-02 and intersected an 8.65 meter zone with massive sulphide lenses up to 1.5m thick. These holes were designed to test the extent of copper nickel mineralization in hole GW24-02 that intersected 31.20 meters grading 1.32% copper, 1.11% nickel and 0.09% cobalt. Approximately 89 samples from these 3 holes are being sawn and shipped for analysis. The summary logs are tabled below: Hole Number From-To Meters Interval Meters Description Mineralization GW24-10 0.006.00 6.00 Casing GW24-10 6.00-32.22 26.22 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-10 32.22-33.16 0.94 Mineral Zone 50% Sulphides GW24-10 33.16-38.92 5.76 Gabbro 1% Sulphides GW24-10 38.92-41.10 2.18 Mineral Zone 15% to 20% Sulphides GW24-10 41.10-101.00 59.90 Gabbro 1% Sulphides GW24-10 101.00 End Of Hole GW24-11 0.003.00 3.00 Casing GW24-11 3.00-89.00 86.00 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-11 89.00-107.00 18.00 Mineral Zone 5 to 8% Sulphides GW24-11 107.00-131.00 24.00 Mafic Volcanic 0.5% Sulphides GW24-11 131.00 End Of Hole GW24-12 0.004.50 4.50 Casing GW24-12 4.50-59.50 54.00 Volcanic Tuff 0.5% Sulphides GW24-12 59.50-68.15 8.65 Mineral Zone Massive Sulphide Seams GW24-12 68.00-98.00 30.00 Gabbro 0% Sulphides GW24-12 131.00 End Of Hole Figure 1 shows the copper-bearing mineral zone from 59.5 meters to 72 meters in diamond drill hole GW24-12. Figure 1 Diamond Drill Hole GW24-12 After hole GW24-12, the drill was moved 500 meters north to drill hole GW24-13 from a site 50 meters ahead of hole GW24-09 on the Logan zone. This was followed by hole GW24-14 at a site located 60 meters behind hole GW24-09. Logging and sampling are in progress on these 2 holes. Figure 2 shows all holes drilled by Slam to date all 3 zones. Figure 2 Goodwin Diamond Drill Hole Sites, Airborne Conductivity Click to view SLAM President & CEO Mike Taylor discussing the Goodwin copper nickel project in a recent interview with Gilbert Chan of NAI 500. QA-QC Procedures: The core was delivered to a secure facility in Bathurst New Brunswick for detailed logging and sampling. The core descriptions and the summary log for holes GW24-10 to GW24-12 are based on visual observations of the core. The results for holes GW24-01 to GW24-03 were previously reported in news releases by SLAM from July 30, 2024 to August 12, 2024. The historic results from previous workers are derived from New Brunswick assessment files that predate NI43-101 regulations. They can only be validated by additional drilling. About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a public resource company with a substantial portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The Company recently completed three diamond drill holes on the Goodwin copper-nickel project in the BMC of New Brunswick. Highlights include: A 60.60-meter core interval grading 1.17% copper equivalent in hole GW24-03 A 64.90-meter core interval grading 2.14% copper equivalent in hole GW24-02 SLAM has discovered multiple gold veins on its wholly owned Menneval gold project. The Company has reported gold-bearing core intervals, including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 meters and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 meters (news releases dated December 13, 2021, and November 22, 2022). Additionally, the Company reported quartz float grading up to 39.2 g/t gold on its Jake Lee project, located near the Clarence Stream gold deposit, where Galway Metals Inc. is working on a 2.3-million-ounce gold deposit in southern New Brunswick. SLAM also owns the Mine Road copper-zinc-silver project, adjacent to the former producing Heath Steele Mines property in the BMC. Previous workers have reported successful diamond drill holes at Mine Road, including IL2014-003, which intersected a 9-meter core interval grading 14.51% zinc, 5.86% lead, 0.67% copper, and 139.9 g/t silver in the volcanogenic massive sulphide Railroad Zone (Doe Run Canadian Exploration ULC; 2015, New Brunswick Assessment Files, Report of Work 477877). The Railroad Zone is located 7,000 meters east of the 20-million-tonne former producing Heath Steele B Zone. The Company is a project generator and has received significant cash and share payments over the past year. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects additional cash and share payments from the Wedge copper-zinc project and the Ramsay, Reserve Creek, and Opikeigen gold projects. To view SLAMs corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAMs website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold. Qualifying Statements: Mike Taylor P.Geo, President and CEO of SLAM Exploration Ltd., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the contents of this news release. Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements regarding mineral resources and the Companys plans with respect to the exploration and development of its properties. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. There are a number of risk factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those described herein. Information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACT INFORMATION: Mike Taylor, President & CEO Contact: 506-623-8960 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Eugene Beukman, CFO Contact: 604-687-2038 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. SEDAR+: 00012459 The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) opens on 11 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the theme of Investing in a livable planet for all. A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, say the organisers, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to (...) protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change. The COP29 climate conference will also be a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans. In order to comply with the framework of the Paris agreement signed at COP21 in 2015, these greenhouse gas emission reduction trajectories must make it possible to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. More and more countries are being condemned To what extent are governments bound by the law? Since the first successful case of the Dutch NGO Urgenda against the Netherlands climate inaction in 2015, there has been a flurry of national court rulings forcing governments to speed up the reduction of their greenhouse gas emissions, mainly in the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. In Europe, the following judgements have been handed down, resulting in sanctions against the governments concerned: Friends of the Irish Environment v. Ireland (Supreme Court, 2020), Notre Affaire a Tous v. France (first instance, 2021), Neubauer v. Germany (first instance, 2021), VZW Klimatzaak v. Belgium (Court of Appeal, 2023)... In the United States, where there are thousands of climate actions, there have been some rare legal victories at state level, notably that of young plaintiffs who obtained a downward revision of fossil fuel extraction projects in Montana (Held v. State, 2023). Very recently, the Supreme Court of South Korea, seized by some sixty minor plaintiffs supported by their parents, ordered the State to amend the law by creating annual targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 (Do-Hyun Kim v. South Korea, August 2024). Similar rulings have also been handed down in countries in the South: Leghari v. Pakistan (2015), DeJusticia v. Colombia (2018). Nearly 250,000 additional deaths per year In each case, the judges put forward two main arguments: the fundamental rights of the plaintiffs, guaranteed by their national constitutions or by continental charters of human rights, are endangered by the consequences of climate change, in particular their right to life and to live in a healthy environment; and the states are bound by international agreements that they are obliged to respect. A year ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) pointed out that climate change results in tens of thousands of deaths every year, with conservative estimates of nearly 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. The cost of direct damage to health is estimated at between 2 and 4 billion US dollars per year by 2030, according to the WHO. This underlines the effective link between climate change and the challenge to the human right to life, and echoes the question of how to finance the necessary adaptation to climate change raised by COP29 - particularly in the poorest and most affected countries of the South, while the countries of the North remain the most responsible because of their historical greenhouse gas emissions. This imbalance in responsibilities remains at the heart of the negotiations. International courts at the climates bedside When the plaintiffs in a climate appeal are unsuccessful at national level, they can turn to supranational courts. This is what the Swiss NGO, Ainees pour le climat suisse, has done, with a landmark ruling (KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland, 2024). In April 2024, it obtained before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) what the Swiss justice system had refused three times between 2017 and 2020: the recognition that national emissions' reduction targets should be quantified more ambitiously and more precisely, including national limits, and a carbon budget. For the first time, the ECHR has condemned a state, Switzerland, for failing to take action against climate change. And this ruling is legally binding: it is being followed up by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which can require Switzerland to apply it rigorously before closing the case. Above all, beyond Switzerland alone, it should set a precedent for the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, which means almost a quarter of the participants at COP29. Other international courts are also taking an interest in climate change. On 21 May, ruling on a case reffered by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (mainly located in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea), the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea issued an opinion recognising greenhouse gas emissions as massive pollution of marine environments. According to this opinion, states have an obligation to reduce their emissions in order to control their impact on these environments. It underlines the obligation of the states most responsible for climate change to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries, in order to protect and restore marine ecosystems. The opinion of the Court of the Sea, which remains advisory, concerns the 170 States party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which means the vast majority of states party to the United Nations, with the notable exception of the United States, the worlds leading maritime power. Other international jurisdictions are ruling on climate-related actions: in particular the International Court of Justice, which was asked in March 2023 by the UN General Assembly to give an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change; and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which was asked in January 2023 by Chile and Colombia to give an advisory opinion on climate emergency and human rights. Impact and knock-on effect on the COP Could these actions and legal rulings have an impact on the negotiations wich are beginning at COP29? The ECHRs ruling in the case of Ainees pour le climat suisse is a political decision, says a European diplomat who follows the rulings of the Strasbourg-based institution. Because politicians are bound by international economic competition, they cannot take the radical decisions that would be needed to fight effectively against climate change: the consequences of those decisions would be too unpopular. Judges therefore assist politicians in this fight, which has become imperative, and the judges at the ECHR have done so astutely, he adds. By condemning Switzerland, which has a relatively good record both in terms of climate change and respect for the law, they knew that their decision would be respected by that country, with a knock-on effect on the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. The ECHR ruling is so important because it is binding, unlike the advisory opinions that are pending before international courts. The opinions will nevertheless be important because they will inform national courts on the nature of states' climate obligations, including under human rights law, adds Sarah Mead, co-director of the Climate Litigation Network, the main network of NGOs involved in legal climate actions. If the European states want to implement the ECHR ruling in the case of Ainees pour le climat suisse, they can do so by presenting ambitious and costed national action plans at COP29." The UNs annual climate conference, which ends on 22 November, is due to end with a new target of financial aid to developing countries, which will replace the 100 billion a year target set in 2009 and reached in 2022... While the issue of North-South funding prevented the COP16 negotiators on biodiversity from reaching an agreement in November, the COP29 negotiators will have to deal with a new factor: the election of Donald Trump, a long-time climate skeptic, as the president of the United States, the worlds second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. Friday, November 8, 2024 - City car dealer Khalif Kairo is facing accusations of defrauding his business partners, even as he displays opulence on social media. On early Friday morning, a disgruntled supplier blocked the entrance of Khalif Kairos car yard along Kiambu Road with a recovery truck, bringing business to a standstill. The supplier lamented that Kairo owes him over Ksh 1 Million for a Mazda delivered to him and demanded his dues. Reports indicate that Kairo is struggling financially and living a fake life on social media. He has not paid his staff, owing to huge debts. See posts. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, November 8, 2024 - A notorious city scammer, who is among the 31 suspects arrested in connection with a multi-million gold scam targeting foreigners, is a friend to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The suspected fraudster was pictured sharing a light moment with Sakaja in his office. He was arrested in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi together with other scammers after defrauding two Dubai-based businessmen of over USD 39,900 in a fake gold scam. Masquerading as genuine dealers in the precious metal, the scammers had on diverse dates in September 2024 paraded coated off-base metals to hoodwink and lure the two foreigners into a business deal, thereafter holing up with thousands of dollars. After making several trips to the country and into the opulent offices in which the scammers operated, the victims grew suspicious of the excuses made on why the 35kg of gold they had bought was not being exported to Dubai as agreed, thereby reporting the suspected fraud at DCI. The suspects were arrested in a coordinated crackdown by DCI. Below are photos of the suspect, who is Sakajas friend. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, November 8, 2024 American actress and movie director, America Ferrera is reportedly fleeing the US in search of the 'best opportunities' for her children in the UK following Donald Trump's election victory over Kamala Harris. It was reported earlier this week that the Ugly Betty alum, 40, was planning to relocate across the pond with her husband, Ryan Piers Williams, and their son Sebastian, six, and daughter Lucia, four. Ferrera, who is said to be 'sick' that Trump was re-elected, will join a growing number of celebrities who have recently moved to the UK, amid growing tensions in the US. America is sick that Donald Trump is President again,' an insider told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'She is devastated that Kamala lost. She thought the country she lived in was better than that.' They said the move does not mean that she is leaving Hollywood for good, as she wants to keep a 'presence' in the US for work and Latinas and women. 'She is going to continue to have a presence in the US for work purposes and to fight for Latinas and women, but she will be overseas for family and to benefit her kids' education,' they said. 'She wants them to have the best opportunities possible and to her, being overseas for that is what is important. 'She's not abandoning the US, she is prioritizing her life and focusing on the importance for her kids.' Hello! Magazine reported on Tuesday that the Barbie actress had been spotted looking at a private school in South West London. 'It looks like she's planning to move to South West London,' a source told the publication. 'She has been checking out the local private school for her children. She was seen [at a private school in Barnes] at the open day and appeared very happy with what she saw. 'It's a school with a lot of celebrity children at it so her kids would fit in very well.' Friday, November 8, 2024 A California court has upheld Eric Ronald Holder's first-degree murder conviction for shooting rapper Nipsey Hussle outside the musician's South Los Angeles clothing store. Holder Jr., now 34, is serving a 60-years-to-life state prison sentence for the March 31, 2019, killing of the 33-year-old rapper, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom. In its 25-page ruling, the three-justice panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected the defense's challenge to Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke's decision to sustain the prosecution's objection to a portion of the closing argument by Holder's trial attorney that purported to describe what the defendant was thinking and feeling before the shooting. "Appellant did not testify, and no other evidence about what appellant was thinking or feeling prior to the shooting was presented to the jury," Presiding Justice Elwood Lui wrote on behalf of the panel. "Thus, the inferences about appellant's specific thoughts and feelings that defense counsel purported to draw were not based on the evidence, and the trial court did not abuse its discretion in limiting that portion of counsel's argument." The panel also turned down the defense's claim that the judge abused his discretion when he declined to dismiss a gun enhancement that added 25 years to life to Holder's sentence, finding that "the record here affirmatively shows the trial court fully understood and properly exercised its discretion when it declined to dismiss the firearm enhancement." "The court emphasized its responsibility to consider and evaluate the mitigation evidence presented by the defense, particularly the evidence of appellant's history of mental illness, and it indicated that the sentence it was about to pronounce balanced appellant's mitigating evidence with the devastation appellant had caused to the victims and their families," Lui wrote, with Associate Justices Judith Ashmann-Gerst and Brian Hoffstadt concurring in the ruling. Along with the first-degree murder charge, Holder was found guilty in July 2022 of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm involving two other men who were injured in the shooting and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Jurors also found true allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun and that he personally inflicted great bodily injury on one of the two surviving victims. The judge refused in December 2022 to reduce Holder's conviction to second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter, with the 60-years-to-life sentence subsequently being handed down in February 2023. Deputy District Attorney John McKinney noted in his sentencing memorandum that Holder "used two handguns during the commission of his crimes" and "inflicted 11 gunshot wounds with no less than 10 separately fired shots into the body of Asghedom from close range" and that he "kicked Asghedom in the head while he lay dying on the ground." Defense attorney Aaron Jansen said at the sentencing that his client was already the subject of death threats and that "his life in prison is going to be hell for as long as it lasts." Friday, November 8, 2024 The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations within Canada, directing the social media platform to close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Despite the office closures, Canadian users will continue to have access to the app itself. The decision was announced following a national security review led by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne stated that TikToks activities posed a threat to national security, though he declined to provide specific details. "We came to the conclusion that these activities... would be injurious to national security," Champagne told CBC News, underscoring the seriousness of the government's actions. TikTok has voiced strong opposition to the order, vowing to challenge it in court. A spokesperson for TikTok argued that the closure will lead to significant job losses and stated, "Shutting down TikToks Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyones best interest. The move follows Canadas previous restrictions on TikTok, including a ban from government-issued devices in 2023 due to privacy and security concerns. TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has faced similar scrutiny from the U.S. government, which has also considered further restrictions over national security concerns. TikTok maintains that it will continue to serve Canadian users on its platform, allowing creators to connect and businesses to operate. However, the dispute between TikTok and Canadian authorities signals ongoing tensions between governments and the apps China-based parent company. Friday, November 8, 2024 - Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested another suspect in connection with the murder of Wells Fargo HR Manager Willis Ayieko. Duncan Onyango, alias Otuch, was arrested at his hideout in Bondo sub-county. The Detectives investigating the case conducted a scene reenactment exercise with one of the previously arrested suspects, who identified the house of Duncan Onyango as the location where the victim was tortured and murdered. The body of the deceased was recovered less than 400 meters from the suspect's house which is located in Luanda Doho, Kisa East, Kakamega County. The suspect is undergoing processing for arraignment in court. It has also emerged that Willis Ayieko was abducted just outside the residence where he had been attending a funeral vigil. Reports indicate that his abductors were allegedly tipped off by someone inside the compound. They abducted him as soon as the gate was closed. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, November 8, 2024 Equatorial Guinea First Lady, Constancia Mangue Obiang, has expressed outrage over the s3x scandal involving the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) Baltasar Ebang Engonga. Engonga was dismissed after widely circulating s3x videos involving him and numerous women surfaced online. The First Lady expressed her indignation during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, who oversees administrative coordination. Mrs Constancia Mangue Obiang also sought to know the strategy that the Government proposes to mitigate the situation, which according to her, does nothing but distort and denigrate the image of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman In a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the First Lady Press Office (Ofiprensa Primera Dama) announced that Mrs Obiang called for immediate government intervention to uphold the dignity of Equatoguinean women and protect their privacy in the digital age. She stressed that while the government has advanced gender equality, proactive measures are essentialnot only to respond to incidents like these but also to prevent themto ensure a safe and respectful environment for all women. Prime Minister Osa Nsue also acknowledged the situations impact and emphasised the importance of measures safeguarding individual privacy and the nations public image. He further noted that the government is contemplating stricter privacy laws as it grapples with the scandals impact on the nations public image and gender equality initiatives. Recognising the issue, he mentioned that his office actively seeks ways to control it and draw lessons from these mistakes to prevent similar incidents from affecting society. "The Government of Equatorial Guinea, aware of the impact of social media and the growing presence of private content on digital platforms, is also considering strengthening laws related to privacy and personal data protection to prevent further violations of citizens rights," Mr Osa Nsue said. "The case of Baltasar Ebang Engonga has sparked a broader discussion on the boundaries of privacy in the digital age and the role of institutions in protecting individuals fundamental rights. "In this regard, the government emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach combining legislation, education, and social awareness to curb the proliferation of inappropriate online content." The First Lady and the Prime Minister ended the meeting with a shared commitment to collaboratively implement measures to restore public trust in institutions and safeguard the reputation of Equatoguinean women from similar incidents in the future. They explored potential strategies to prevent such situations from reoccurring. Friday, November 8, 2024 President William Rutos Economic Adviser David Ndii has advised him to stop taking more loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Ndii, the government of Kenya would stop relying on the IMF for loans to aid in development projects, saying the countrys economy is on the mend. We would like to get out of an IMF program. Weve turned the corner, the global financial shocks are receding, and we are beginning to grapple with our fiscal shocks, Ndii stated. Ndii explained that taking on additional loans would increase uncertainty and add heavier costs, further harming the country's economy. Weve reached that fork of the road where we have to decide whether we get stuck in concessional financing, or whether we should go where middle-income countries are, which is the market. "Were a frontier market. Should we be looking to go to an emerging market and be subject to market discipline? Ndii's remarks come barely a week after the seventh and eighth reviews by the IMF ended and the global financier opened the door for Kenya to acquire a loan of approximately Ksh78 billion to be disbursed in two consignments. In the final report after months spent evaluating and reviewing Kenyas economy to assess if it is capable of repaying the $606 (Ksh78 billion) loan, the IMF reported that the Kenyan economy had remained resilient, recording a growth above the regional average. If Kenya steps out of IMFs aid, it could mean even more taxation on Kenyans who have already strongly opposed most of the taxes proposed by the government that culminated in anti-government protests in June. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 The government of Equatorial Guinea has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) after widely circulating s3x videos involving him and numerous women surfaced online. The government earlier suspended Mr Engonga following the leak of over 400 alleged s3x tapes of him in intimate situations with multiple women, some linked to high-profile figures in the country. Real Equatorial Guinea reported that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ordered the dismissal of Mr Engonga, the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The newspaper added that according to Decree No. 118/2024, dated 4 November, the dismissal cites Mr Engongas alleged misconduct in office, alongside family and social behaviour deemed incompatible with public office. A state television station in the country, TVGE, reported Mr Engongas sex tapes were leaked when he was remanded in custody at Malabos infamous Black Beach prison over an embezzlement of public funds. Meanwhile, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue directed the countrys telecommunications ministry, regulator, and telecommunications companies to curb the distribution of pornographic videos. He emphasised that the government cannot continue to allow families to be harmed by the viral circulation of the 54-year-old economists video. Equatorial Guineas chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, has assured the people that if medical tests confirmed the economist had a sexually transmitted disease, he would face prosecution for endangering public health'. Friday, November 8, 2024 Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo has unveiled a statue of himself at the Western Region of Ghana. The golden statue was unveiled on Wednesday, November 6, at the entrance of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi during his tour of the Western Region It was gathered that the Chief, Elders, and people of the Western Region pulled a surprise on President Akufo-Addo when they ushered him to unveil a statue of himself at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi. The statue was said to recognise his administrations contributions to the regions development. The Regional Minister, Kwabena Darko-Mensah, who led the unveiling ceremony, praised the president for several major projects initiated under his administration, including the start of a petroleum hub project in Western Nzema. The unveiling of the statue comes just a few months before Akufo-Addo will step down from office after two terms as president. Friday, November 8, 2024 - Nominated Member of Parliament, Sabina Chege, has asked Mt Kenya residents to support the newly sworn-in Deputy President, Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki During her visit to Murang'a County, Chege urged the people of Mt. Kenya to support Kindiki, stating that, like Gachagua, he is also a son of the mountain. The former Muranga county woman representative urged the people of the region to pray for Kindiki so he could complete the remaining three years of the Kenya Kwanza regime before the next general election. "We had two sons of the mountain, one has served for two years and the other hopefully he is going to serve for the next three years. Let us encourage each other, let us pray for him and support him," Chege said. The MP emphasised that the region cannot afford to be in the opposition, urging them to work with the Kenya Kwanza regime to benefit from government projects. "We are talking about health care; we are talking about education and our security. Where can we get things if we are not in the government?"Chege said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 President William Ruto has won big in his efforts to provide food security in the country. This is after the High Court gave him the green light to start planting and feeding Kenyans with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) foods. The High Court dismissed all the cases lodged before it challenging Rutos order to lift the ban on Genetically Modified Crops and Foods in Kenya. Justice Lawrence Mugambi, during a sitting at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, threw out the petitions that had been filed challenging the lifting of the ban on genetically modified food whose lifting had been a controversial development. Mugambi ruled that the issue had been fairly dealt with at the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi in 2023 as part of a suit filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). In the ruling by the Environment Court, Justice Oscar Angote ruled that LSK could not prove in its petition that the GMOs would be a health risk. He ruled that no Kenyan would be predisposed to any health-associated risks from the cultivation and consumption of GMOs, thereby dismissing LSK's case. With all these institutions, save for NEMA which has not issued an Environmental Impact Assessment Licence, we should be confident that our health and environment are in good hands, it cannot be true that they have all conspired to expose the rest of the population to the calamities alluded to in the petition, at least not from the evidence on record, Angote ruled. Ruto, in early October 2022, signed an executive order lifting a ten-year ban that had been slapped on the growth and cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops and Foods (GMOs). The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka is impressed by the U.S. election body which conducted a credible election that saw Donald Trump make a huge comeback after beating Vice President Kamala Harris. In a post on his X handle, Kalonzo urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take inspiration from the recently concluded U.S. elections. He told IEBC to learn a lesson from the U.S. on how to conduct a free, fair, and credible election come 2027 to enable him to beat the incumbent President William Ruto. Over 150 million Americans voted in the historic November 5 election, and their votes were counted, tallied, and announced in less than 24 hours. "I believe Kenya, and in particular the IEBC can learn from the United States about how to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, Kalonzo intimated. The former Vice President also took the opportunity to congratulate Donald Trump who looks set to ascend to the U.S. presidency, taking over from incumbent Joe Biden. I extend my congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump on your election as 47th President of the United States of America, he stated. Americans have placed their trust in your ideas and leadership, as evidenced by the outcome of the electoral college and popular vote, Kalonzo added. In Kenyas history, IEBC has been responsible for the three General Elections 2013, 2017, and 2022 held under the new Kenyan Constitution of 2010. In all the elections, the IEBC has come under fire and been criticized over its conduct of elections by political leaders. Notably, the Presidential elections have attracted the most criticism. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has condemned the rising cases of abductions and femicide in the country. Addressing the press on Thursday, Kindiki who is the immediate former Interior Cabinet Secretary, acknowledged that reports of mysterious disappearances and femicide were worrying. Kindiki said he has handed over the report on abductions and killings to his successor. "I'm exiting at a time when there are reports of cases of mysterious disappearances, abductions, and femicide. "I have handed over the responsibility of cracking down on those emerging reports of crime to my successor and I wish him well and I know he will succeed the same way I've been able to handle those other national security challenges," Kindiki said Kindiki disclosed that the Ministry of Interior had already laid down a strategy for dealing with criminal elements involved in femicide. He also revealed that there were plans on how to deal with rogue police officers involved in the kidnapping of innocent Kenyans. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 Deputy President Kithure Kindiki now faces the risk of losing his seat after a petition was filed seeking his removal from office. An activist by the name of Joseph Enoch Aura filed a 215-page petition in the Milimani High Court seeking to quash the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President of Kenya. He argued that Kindikis appointment and subsequent ascension into the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya was unconstitutional. The activist, through lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, challenged the legality of Kindikis appointment on multiple fronts. At the core of the petition is the claim that Kindiki is still serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary since no official gazette notice was issued to announce he had vacated the position. Harrison argued that Kindikis appointment contravened Article 137(2)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution which stipulates qualifications and disqualifications for nomination as president or deputy president. The lawyer further claimed that the subsequent appointment of Musalia Mudavadi as acting Interior CS was unconstitutional, noting that his appointment through an executive order by President Ruto went against the law. Consequently, Harrison reiterated that the public holiday issued by Mudavadi for Kindikis swearing-in ceremony in his acting capacity as Interior CS could not hold. The lawyer said that the gazette notice issued by Mudavadi notifying Kenyans of the holiday was against Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act. In addition, the activist contended that the process behind Kindikis appointment lacked transparency since it did not have the required public engagement and did not go through the required legal procedures. He noted that the events leading up to Kindikis ascension to the DP position were conducted secretly, and violated principles of transparency enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution. The case will be heard on December 16, 2024. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8,2024 - Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi is set to lead a high-profile delegation to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the unveiling of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's African Union Chairmanship candidature. Mudavadi will lead the Kenyan delegation in promoting Raila's vision for a unified and transformative Africa at an unveiling event expected to gather key diplomatic figures from across the continent. Mudavadi, who leaves the country tonight, will preside over a reception hosted by Kenya to mobilize support for Odingas candidature for the position of the AUC chairperson to all heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the African Union, said the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. The event, organized by the Ministry under the leadership of Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, along with Raila Odingas Secretariat, headed by Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, is anticipated to be a significant step forward in rallying support for Odingas Pan-African priorities. During the event, Raila will share his vision and strategic priorities, aimed at driving Africas socio-economic transformation. Raila is the frontrunner in the race to succeed Chadian Mousa Faki in February next year but faces strong competition from Djiboutis candidate, Mohamed Ali Youssouf. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - Former United States President, Barack Obama, has congratulated President-elect Donald Trump after he emerged victorious in the just concluded U.S. presidential election. Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, who conceded the race and assured him of a smooth transition. In a statement, Obama congratulated Trump and his Vice President-elect, JD Vance, for their outright victory in the poll. "Now the results are in and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator JD Vance on their victory. "This is not the outcome we had hoped for. But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won't always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power," he said. Obama further highlighted the nations ongoing challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemics impact and economic strain from rising prices, as pressing issues that demand bipartisan cooperation. "We won't always see eye-to-eye in everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace even to people with whom we deeply disagree. "That is how we've come this far and how we will keep building a country that is more fair, just, equal, and free," Obama said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - President William Ruto has expressed Kenyas willingness to join the Russia and Chinese-led BRICS organizations. In a meeting held on Tuesday, President Ruto directly requested support from Li Xi, a high-ranking official in Chinas Communist Party to back Kenya in joining BRICS. President Ruto also requested Chinas support for Kenyas bid to join BRICS and for the election of Kenyas candidate to the position of African Union Commission chairperson, read a statement from State House. President Ruto also pledged to uphold the One-China policy and noted that Kenya is committed to promoting the partnership across Africa. Kenya, I want to assure you is committed to promoting this partnership across Africa and also upholding the One-China Policy, said President Ruto. The push for BRICS membership marks Kenyas attempt to align itself with countries that are challenging the dominance of Western political and economic influence. Kenyas BRICS aspirations come as the group, originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China and later expanded to include South Africa in 2010, now includes new members such as Egypt and Ethiopia. Other member states include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga didnt want NARC Kenya Leader Martha Karua as his running mate in the 2022 General Election. This was revealed by Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, who stated that Baba wanted him to take up the role in order to guarantee him victory over President William Ruto. Speaking during an interview, Kangata, however, said he turned down Railas offer to be his deputy in the run-up to the 2022 General Election. According to Kangata, the officials from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party approached him but he turned down the offer due to personal reasons he could not disclose. "I was approached by senior ODM officials to take the deputy president position but I refused," Kang'ata revealed. "I wouldn't want to dig deep into it because it's a personal matter but I gave thanks for the consideration," the governor continued during the interview. The governor revealed that some leaders, including an MCA from Murang'a County, had warned him against accepting the offer. "Some warned me not to take the seat and I had many reasons and I told them I would think about it. I have always been on the opposite side of Raila," the governor further expounded. During the campaign period before the 2022 General Election, the then-Senate Majority Whip attracted attention after he wrote a letter to then-President Uhuru Kenyatta rejecting the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). In the letter, Kang'ata informed Uhuru Kenyatta that the Building Bridges Initiative process was unpopular in Mt Kenya. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - Members of Parliament allied to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have praised the Supreme Courts decision to reinstate the annulled Finance Bill 2023, while also clarifying the framework for public participation. In a notable shift from previous criticisms of judicial overreach, MPs led by Leader of Minority in Parliament, Junet Mohamed, commended the Court for setting a solid foundation for Parliament to establish comprehensive public participation laws. Junet remarked that the Court's ruling has provided essential guidance for Parliament to advance with legislation that meets constitutional requirements. He highlighted that, since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, numerous laws passed by Parliament and assented to by the President have been challenged and invalidated in court due to issues with public participation, hindering effective legislative progress. For the past decade, any legislation we pass has faced a high risk of being struck down by the courts, noted Junet, who also serves as MP for Suna East. Often, entire Acts of Parliament have been declared unconstitutional rather than just the specific clauses in question, which disrupts Parliaments work. Reflecting on the Supreme Courts judgment, Junet shared his optimism. I read the judgment last night, and it filled me with hope. The Supreme Court made it clear that Parliaments role is not to convince the public of every detail of legislation but simply to keep them informed. Our mandate is to legislate on behalf of Kenyans, exercising sovereign power delegated to us, he said. The Court wisely emphasized that while public participation is necessary, it does not require public agreement on every legislative decision. Legislation is crafted on the floor of the House, not through public consensus. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 Cape Town police have arrested seven suspects in connection with the brutal vigilante-style execution of three men whose bodies were discovered at a dam on a farm in Wallacedene, near Kraaifontein. Authorities had previously appealed to the public for assistance in tracing those involved, describing the men's injuries as reminiscent of an act of vigilantism. In a coordinated effort, detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes unit, members of the provincial command center, and the provincial tracking team tracked the suspects to their hideouts and detained them. The suspects, aged between 24 and 49, now face charges of murder. Police spokesperson Col. Andre Traut confirmed the arrests, adding that the suspects will soon appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court to face charges related to the killings. Friday, November 8, 2024 - It is now emerging that slain Wells Fargo Human Resource Manager Willis Ayieko was abducted just outside the residence where he had been attending a funeral vigil. Reports indicate that his abductors were allegedly tipped off by someone inside the compound. They abducted him as soon as the gate was closed. So far, police have arrested three suspects in connection to the murder and killed two during a shootout. The latest suspect, Fredrick Omondi, a motorcycle rider, is believed to have played a role, allegedly providing transport for Victor Okoth, who is also in custody and linked to the murder alongside his deceased brother, Robert Okoth. Earlier in the week, detectives identified the prime suspect, revealing that the man wanted for Ayieko's murder and numerous robberies in the region was not named George Okoth, but Robert Wakolo. Wakolos father identified his body at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral morgue, clarifying that his son had used aliases, including "George Oduor Okoth" and "Kim". Wakolo, aged 34, was linked to a series of violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of M-Pesa attendant Grace Odero on January 27, 2024, at Kibuye market in Lolwe. He was also wanted by Kondele Police for robbery with violence and possession of ammunition. Police ambushed Wakolo at a guest house opposite Kisumu Polytechnic, where he reportedly held on to his Smith and Wesson pistol, prepared for a confrontation. However, police acted swiftly and shot him dead. Ayiekos family believes that someone powerful hired the killers to abduct and kill their son. We are still seeking to know the powerful individual who ordered my brothers death. "We applaud the DCI for their efforts. We are humbled as a family. Willis did not deserve to die in such a manner; he was an innocent man who never offended anyone, Ayiekos elder brother, Aggrey Onyango said. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, November 8, 2024 The UK government announced new sanctions on Thursday, November 7, targeting three private mercenary groups linked to the Kremlin, including Africa Corps, a successor to the notorious Wagner group. The sanctions are aimed at disrupting Russian influence and illicit activities across Africa, specifically in Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic (CAR), according to an official government statement. These sanctions will bear down on Russian malign activity... exposing and combatting Russias illicit activity in Africa, the statement read. Notably, these measures mark the first direct sanctions against Africa Corps by a G7 nation. As part of its renewed focus on Africa, Russia has increasingly deployed mercenaries and advisors to support governments on the continent, bolstering its influence, a strategy reminiscent of Soviet-era geopolitics. British officials believe that Africa Corps, alongside other mercenary groups like Espanola and Bears Brigade, are advancing Moscow's agenda in Africa, often through force and intimidation. The sanctions announcement comes ahead of a summit in Sochi, where Russia is set to host African foreign ministers. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the sanctions aim to counter the Kremlins destabilizing activities across Africa and curtail resources aiding Russias ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. This sanctions package is the UKs largest against Russia since May 2023 and also targets suppliers believed to be bolstering Russia's military capabilities, as well as a Russian intelligence operative implicated in the 2018 chemical attack in Salisbury. The UK remains one of Ukraine's strongest allies in the conflict, pledging 3 billion in annual military support.' "Putin is nearly 1,000 days into a war he thought would only take a few," said Lammy. "He will fail, and I will continue to bear down on the Kremlin and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom." Friday, November 8,2024 - U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has responded after millions of Kenyans urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to recall her, criticizing her silence on the killing of 61 Gen Z protesters during anti-government demonstrations in June and July. Many Kenyans accused Whitman of going to bed with Rutos regime during its oppression of citizens and have now urged Trump to recall her following his victory in Tuesday's presidential election. But in a statement on Thursday, Ambassador Whitman said she is serving at the request of the president and noted that she will continue to serve in this capacity until Trumps inauguration in January 2025. Like all US ambassadors, I serve at the request of the President. "The American people have spoken, and a new President will be inaugurated in January. "Meanwhile, my team and I continue to work on advancing our nations shared goals of increased prosperity, security, and respect for democratic values, Whitman said. She added that the Kenya-US relationship had evolved over the past 60 years and enjoyed massive support in both Kenya and the United States. The relationship between the United States and Kenya has matured over the past 60 years and has enjoyed the support of a wide spectrum of political leaders in both Washington and Nairobi. "Our relations have never been stronger and I am confident this trajectory will continue, Whitman added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 8, 2024 - A long-distance driver acted fast to avert a fatal accident after the bus brakes failed along a major highway. The driver was ferrying passengers from Juba to Kampala when the bus developed a mechanical problem that led to the brake failure, prompting him to use his skills to save lives. He managed to reverse the bus to avoid a head-on collision with oncoming vehicles and landed it on a thicket. If he did not utilize his skills, the accident would have been fatal. Watch the video. See How This Bus Driver Enroute to Kampala Managed To Prevent A Fatal Accident Along A Busy Highway After Brakes Failed pic.twitter.com/ZKf7bCGO3H DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) November 8, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, November 8, 2024 Some anti-monarchy protesters ambushed Prince William on his final day in South Africa. The Prince of Wales, 42, was visiting Kalk Bay in Cape Town this morning, Nov. 7, when he was met by the pair yelling "go home now". One held a sign that said: "William, you have no sovereignty in our country." It's the only sign of unrest during the Prince's four day trip for the 2024 Earthshot Awards. The award ceremony was held last night, Nov. 6, as William took to the green carpet. On Thursday morning, Nov. 7, while chants were made against the prince, who carried on with the engagement unphased, plenty of supporters tried to drown out the opposition. Cheers of "William we love you, we love you William" could be heard from supporters of the future King who attempted to drown out the lone protestors. The protestors joined the crowd of well wishers just over an hour into the prince's visit to meet local fishermen to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Finalist Abalobi. While most of the protest was aimed at William, one protestor shouted that the future King should hand back what your grandmother stole from us. Local fisherman were also angry that they hadnt been asked to meet the prince today as they claimed only Abalobi was invited to take part in todays engagement. Rifiek Isaacs deputy chair of a small-scale fishing corporate said he was angry that Abalobi had been chosen as they dont represent the local fishermen. He said: We would have loved to meet the Prince, its not about him. We dont like that company using our Harbour. We fish here. Watch the video below. Friday, November 8, 2024 - National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has strongly defended President William Rutos government's measures to widen the tax base by introducing taxes on religious organizations. In an interview, Mbadi stated that all organizations and individuals engaged in business must pay taxes to ensure equity in taxation, emphasizing that those providing taxable services should not be exempt. If youre doing business, then you must pay tax. Taxes are paid by people who can afford it, he said, emphasizing that the education system run by religious institutions should also be subjected to taxes. He noted that under his watch he will not support any taxation of the faith-based organizations in any way as long as they are not engaged in any business. However, he noted that religious organizations doing business will not be exempted from paying taxes like other business entities. We must be aware of certain factors, presently, charitable factors are not subjected to taxation, including education institutions, he said, underscoring the need for everyone doing business to pay taxes. CS Mbadi decried some of the said institutions charging Ksh1 million per term on students while the government doesnt tax them, yet at the same time mama mboga who is selling sukuma wiki in Gikomba is taxed. "We tax the low-income earners much more than we tax high-income earners because of unfair tax practices," CS Mbadi lamented. It is unfair for such religious organizations to fail to pay taxes if you are doing business please pay taxes. If it is purely religious activities then there is no need to pay taxes to those who are involved in business, he added. Churches in Kenya do not pay taxes on their income derived from offerings and donations as long as such income does not come from business operations. The Kenyan DAILY POST High Court Reporters Applications for licences to operate an 8.9 million salmon farm in Bantry Bay, Co Cork, must be reconsidered, the High Court has ruled. The court found deficiencies in the assessment of the projects potential effects on the environment. Mr Justice David Holland in a ruling published this week determined that he had jurisdiction to make the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board and the Minister for the Marine reconsider the original applications that Irelands largest producer of farmed salmon, MOWI Ireland, first submitted in 2011. He said it would be quite wrong to make MOWI go unnecessarily back to the drawing board by putting together new applications to rectify the appeals boards errors in considering its original. He said the justice of the case merited remittal over new applications, considering MOWIs applications were not assessed with the speed required by law. The judge previously determined the two salmon farm licences granted by the appeals board and the minister should be quashed due to an inadequate screening of the potential risks proposed seal-scarer noise devices posed to seals in a protected conservation area. In a judgment given last July, he said MOWI intends to deploy the noise deterrents because common seals are known to prey on salmon in salmon farms and can tear cages in doing so, creating a risk of salmon escaping. The judge found other screening deficiencies, including failings in assessing the risks of salmon escapes. His decisions came in three High Court cases brought separately by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Salmon Watch Ireland, and experienced environmental litigant Peter Sweetman. Their cases were against the appeals board, over its grant of an aquaculture licence for cultivating Atlantic salmon in 18 cages over some 42 hectares, and the minister, over his foreshore licence, as well as other State parties. Two firms trading as MOWI Ireland participated as an affected party. The interdependent 10-year licences permitted MOW to cultivate Atlantic salmon in 18 cages over some 42 hectares at a site in outer Bantry Bay, south of Shot Head. The IFI is a statutory body tasked with the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource of the State. Mr Justice Holland rejected its claim of objective bias against the appeals board, a fellow State agency. The judge said the IFI failed to prove its very serious allegation of the board improperly bending over backwards to grant the licence. He agreed with the IFI on certain other points related to failings in assessments of the projects potential environmental impact and that the appeals board unreasonably delayed in the process of making its decision. Salmon Watch Ireland and Mr Sweetman shared broadly similar fears about the risk the proposed farm could negatively affect the environment, said the judge. MOWI disputed their contentions, asserting its production of some 3,500 tonnes of salmon would be highly sustainable. The salmon would be kept in the netted pens for about two years while growing to a suitable size. Mr Justice Holland held that the appeals board did not sufficiently screen the project for some environmental risks. The licences should be nullified, he held. There followed a row over whether the applications should be returned to the decision makers for fresh consideration. The IFI, Salmon Watch Ireland and Mr Sweetman contended MOWIs original licence applications could not go back to the appeals board and the minister due to legal impediments. The appeals board, minister and other State parties involved argued the original applications should be reconsidered. Mr Justice Holland held that he had jurisdiction to remit the applications. Fianna Fails top figures have rallied in Kildare North to support cllr Naoise O Cearuils campaign for Dail Eireann, including Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, and MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, joined Naoise in a show of solidarity across the constituency, meeting residents, business owners, and community leaders. Their united presence a push behind cllr O Cearuils bid to represent Kildare North in the national arena. MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu joined cllr O Cearuil on a constituency tour through Maynooth, Celbridge, and Clane, engaging with local people and businesses. She discussed supports available from the European Union, emphasising the partys commitment to harnessing EU resources to uplift Irish communities. "Naoise has the vision and dedication needed to secure real benefits for Kildare North, Ni Mhurchu said. It was inspiring to see his connection with the community, and I know he will bring that same energy to represent his constituents on a national level. On Halloween night, Minister Charlie McConalogue joined cllr O Cearuil for a canvass in Kilcock and went door-to-door in Newtown.. Rounding off this series of high-profile endorsements, Tanaiste Micheal Martin stood with Naoise at the Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown, an annual event with deep historical resonance. The Tanaiste commended cllr O Cearuils leadership and dedication to Kildare North. He said: Naoise is a dynamic and proven candidate. His years of service to Kildare speak volumes about his capability, and I have every confidence he will bring a strong and determined voice to Dail Eireann. The IFA Poultry Committee, led by Chair Nigel Sweetnam, is urgently calling on poultry farmers and the wider sector to strengthen biosecurity measures following the first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N5 in a commercial free-range laying flock in Yorkshire, England. In light of this confirmed case and the spell of very mild weather, it is critical that everyone involved in the poultry sector takes immediate action to ensure strict biosecurity is upheld across all operations, in particular for outdoor flocks and backyard flocks. Heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures are essential to minimise the risk to flocks here, he said. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK confirmed the incident on Tuesday. In response, a three km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the affected premises. While no cases of avian influenza have been detected in Irish poultry or wild birds this season, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has advised that the risk level is rising due to the ongoing migratory season, during which birds could carry the virus across borders. The current migratory period raises the potential for the virus to spread, so farmers and others in the sector must take every possible precaution. We strongly urge all poultry producers to maintain strict biosecurity; closely monitor flock health; and promptly report any signs of illness to their Regional Veterinary Office." Special caution is advised for free-range flocks, where additional safeguards are particularly vital. Farmers should consult DAFM's specific guidance for these operations. DAFM also asks the public for their co-operation. Members of the public who encounter sick or dead wild birds are advised not to touch them and to report sightings through the AvianCheck app or by contacting their Regional Veterinary Office. Kilkenny Parent Hub, a new website that features valuable information as an advice point for parents and families in Kilkenny City and county, was launched last week at an event at McDonagh Junction. A services directory for Kilkenny, parenting resources, a news section, a countywide events listing and a contacts section are just some of the content to be found on Kilkenny Parents Hub. The initiative was funded and delivered by Tusla-Child and Family Agencys Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Service (PPFS), Kilkenny Children and Young Peoples Service Committee (CYPSC) and Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network (CFSN). Kilkenny Parent hub coordinator Helena Cody is based at Newpark Close Family Resource Centre (FRC). Similar Parent Hub websites have been developed for Tipperary and Carlow. Sandra Collins, who is senior Tusla PPFS manager for Kilkenny commented, If you are seeking advice on parenting, looking for support, or information on local events, Kilkenny Parent Hub offers a one-stop support for parents, families and caregivers on current news and events in the area. It makes perfect sense to provide families across the county with vital information in one location. I thank our partner, Newpark Family Resource Centre, who worked with us on this initiative. Several of the service providers supporting Kilkenny Parent Hub were at the launch in McDonagh Junction, which was a Halloween-themed family fun event, where they offered information and advice to visitors. They included: Newpark Close FRC; Kilkenny Childcare Committee; Family Carers Ireland; Community Connect; Kilkenny Community Early Years Project; An Garda Siochana; Foroige; Kilkenny Leader Partnership; Amber Womens Refuge; Tusla Fostering; Fr McGrath Family Resource Centre; Ossory Youth; CYPSC and Droichead Family Resource Centre. www.kilkennyparenthub.ie Energy Supply Dependent on Imports Wolf Fichtner, Professor for Energy Economics at KIT`s Institute for Industrial Production (IIP), explains that despite an increase in renewable energies making Germany less dependent, imports from other countries would still be necessary. In 2023, for the first time in many years, we imported more electricity than we exported. This could also be the case in the coming years, with electricity being imported from other European countries. For economic reasons alone, we will also import some hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. Germany alone will not provide the amount of energy we need within national borders, says Fichtner. For Fichtner, a geopolitically secure energy supply does not mean complete independence. He considers it more important to diversify the sources of supply, i.e. to have a broader base in order to avoid making the same mistakes as in the past. We relied heavily on Russian pipeline gas because the economic benefits were apparently valued higher than the security of supply. He believes it is now important to focus on several suppliers and regions. Fichtner advises better balancing the different factors that play a role in shaping future energy supply. In energy economics, we speak of the energy industry quadrangle with the corners of economy, ecology, security of supply, and social acceptance. We have to take these dimensions into account when making decisions and deal with the conflicting goals that arise. Power-to-X for Energy Storage and Imports From a technological perspective, large Power-to-X plants in other countries for the production of energy sources such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen could play an important role for Germany in the future. For example, in regions where electricity from wind energy is particularly cheap, such as Patagonia in Chile. From there, the energy sources could also be transported to us, Dittmeyer explains. He also coordinates research at KITs PtX Lab, which is part of the Energy Lab, Europe's largest research infrastructure for renewable energy generation and storage methods. In Germany, in addition to grid expansion, the storage of electricity is a crucial point for the nationwide availability of renewable energies. In order to further increase the proportion of electricity from renewable sources from the current average of around 50 percent, we need practical solutions to compensate for fluctuations in wind and solar energy, says Dittmeyer. High-performance battery and Power-to-X technologies are in demand. The latter can store renewable energy over longer periods of time, even during seasons. However, this requires flexible power plants that can convert these stored energy sources back into electricity when needed. Gas-fired Power Plants As Back-up Fichtner believes that additional back-up facilities, in the short term probably in the form of gas-fired power plants, are indispensable due to the planned phase-out of coal. Our analyses show that it is necessary to establish corresponding capacities by 2030 to ensure a stable and secure supply. In his opinion, the problem is refinancing the plants, as they may only be in operation for a few hours. One possible solution: A so-called capacity market, which would provide operators with income not only for the amount of electricity fed into the grid, but also for the capacity they keep available. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is currently working on corresponding concepts. Other important pillars of a stable and more sustainable energy system, according to Fichtner, are significantly higher energy efficiency and energy savings in all sectors: Energy that we do not consume does not have to be produced or imported and does not cause emissions. This is often somewhat neglected in the discussion. The Energy Transition Only Works in a Cooperative Way The energy economics expert considers it the duty of politicians to create reliable framework conditions, such as effective emissions trading. This transformation can only succeed with international cooperation. We cannot achieve it on our own at a national level. And we need to involve society as a whole, be open to technology, and diversify the way we procure and supply energy. This issue concerns us all, says Dittmeyer. We have to acknowledge that climate change is a fact and that it is much cheaper in the medium and long term to restructure the energy system now because of the consequential costs to be feared - even if the costs will be higher than in the past. Christoph Karcher, November 8, 2024 Translated by: Dipl.-Ubers. Veronika Zsofia Lazar By Yi Whan-woo Korea seems to have a growing need to rapidly reduce its trade dependence on China, especially in light of Donald Trump's return to the presidency. Trump wants to impose a 10 percent or 20 percent tariff on all imports and a specifically higher rate of 60 percent to 100 percent on goods brought in from China. These tariff plans come as Seoul pushes to decouple from Beijing in terms of trade, despite China accounting for about a quarter of Korea's total exports during the peak of their economic partnership. According to the Korea International Trade Association, 78.4 percent of Korea's exports to China were intermediary goods in 2023. Intermediary goods are goods that are used to make finished products that are sold abroad, including the U.S. "Under the circumstances, a high U.S. tariff on Chinese products may affect Korea's sales of intermediary goods to China one way or another," a Korea Economic Research Institute economist said on condition of anonymity, noting insufficient data to back up his assertion. Hanyang University economics professor Ha Joong-kyung said that an accelerated decoupling from China will be crucial as the U.S.-China trade war is likely to intensify under a second Trump presidency. The professor noted that Washington's push to secure technological dominance with its allies has been posing a challenge for Korea as its supply chain network is closely linked with China. "Korea may be pressed further to choose a side between the U.S. and China as Trump begins his term next year, and taking an ambiguous and obscure stance may jeopardize Korea's position," the professor explained. On condition of anonymity, a Kyung Hee University economics professor said, "gradually keeping distance with China on trade makes sense" as Beijing's weaponization of trade can occur again. He pointed out that Korea's trade was negatively affected by the deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in the 2010s. "The U.S-China clash is likely to spread across trade, diplomacy and other areas, and you don't want to risk your trade as China's way of retaliating," the professor said. The professor deemed a direct investment in the U.S. may be a smart option to grapple with Trump's high tariff plans. "The plan will incentivize international companies to build manufacturing plants in the country," he said. While outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden drew massive foreign investment into the U.S., the professor believes Trump will attract even more, considering corporate taxes are going to be lower under the Trump administration. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mentioned the possibility of Russia and North Korea holding joint military exercises, TASS reported, amid growing concerns about deepening military cooperation between the two countries. Putin made the remarks, citing the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty that he signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his trip to Pyongyang in June. The treaty includes a mutual defense clause in what is seen as a revival of the two countries' Cold War-era military alliance. "Why not? We'll see," Putin was quoted by TASS as saying during a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think tank, in Sochi, as he responded to a question on the issue. On the treaty with the North, Putin said it does not contain anything new, but the two countries have returned to a similar document of the Soviet era, according to TASS. "The treaty we signed with North Korea was the one we've signed with other countries. It was with the Soviet Union, then of course it ceased to exist, and we actually returned to it. That's all," he said. "There is nothing new there." Following the signing of the treaty, the two countries' military partnership has risen to new heights. If realized, joint military drills between the North and Russia would mark further deepening of the two countries' partnership. The United States has confirmed that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia's western front-line Kursk region with the possibility of engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces. (Yonhap) Next US president expected to push for more transactional approach in diplomacy By Kwak Yeon-soo South Korea needs to move away from relying too much on its alliance with the U.S. and rethink its foreign and security policy as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pursue a more aggressive version of his "America First" policy following a decisive victory, experts said. Some say that Trump has completely changed the course of U.S. politics over the last decade, making South Korea wonder if its alliance with the U.S. will be resilient enough to withstand another four years of the "America First" approach. "The days when South Korea could rely solely on its alliance with the U.S. are over. Trump may push for a more 'transactional' approach in his second term. He will also likely infuse economic nationalism into his administration," Lee Hea-jeong, professor of political science at Chung-Ang University, said at a seminar at the National Assembly on Thursday, a day after Trump won the U.S. presidential election. "Under such circumstances, South Korea needs to do some soul-searching, seek common ground with the U.S. and establish itself as a significant actor on the Korean Peninsula." Experts participating in the seminar said that Trump is likely to call for the renegotiation of a recently agreed-upon defense cost-sharing deal between Seoul and Washington. During his campaign, Trump called South Korea a "money machine" in an attempt to put pressure on Seoul to raise its share of defense spending for the stationing of U.S. Forces Korea. He had even threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea unless Seoul increased its contribution. "Trump is not the type of president who has a grand strategy. His foreign policy approach is mainly about slapping steep tariffs and demanding a raise in allies' defense cost-sharing. Trump mentioned withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea, but that is to leverage its negotiating position on defense cost-sharing," Seo Jung-kun, professor of political science at Kyung Hee University, said. Seo called on the Assembly to speed up the ratification procedure to gain an upper hand in potential renegotiation. In October, South Korea and the U.S. finalized the 12th Special Measures Agreement outlining Seoul's financial obligations for hosting 28,500 American troops. Under this agreement, South Korea will contribute 1.52 trillion won ($1.1 billion) in 2026, marking an 8.3 percent increase from 2025. "Our parliament must hurry up and ratify the defense cost-sharing agreement between Seoul and Washington. We need to take a more structural approach in building diplomatic relationships with Trump's aides who can help moderate him," Seo said. Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, said the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan will undergo changes. "The Trump administration would probably pressure South Korea to increase defense spending, scale back joint military exercises and reduce deployment of its strategic assets," Yang said. "Trump might want to realign the trilateral cooperation as it is the Joe Biden administration's achievement, but may leave it as it is if he thinks it's effective in countering China." Potential summit with NK leader Experts agreed that Trump would revive direct diplomacy with North Korea to shape his own legacy. "Trump might want to hold another summit with Kim Jong-un sometime between the U.S. midterm election in 2026 and the next U.S. presidential election in 2028. He would still want to be at the center of attention. However, the North Korean leader should consider how much he can gain from a president with a four-year term," Seo said. Yang echoed this view, saying, "Trump is expected to revive personal diplomacy with Kim Jong-un and pursue a top-down style first holding a leader-to-leader summit and then organizing working-level talks. North Korea might focus on pressuring the U.S. to accept it as a nuclear state and asking for sanctions relief in return." However, experts were divided on whether North Korea is in the U.S.' top foreign policy priorities. "I don't think the U.S. is shifting its focus away from North Korea. The U.S. doesn't have a solution to the North Korean issue, that's all. I think traditional media and social media's roles are important in shaping public perception of North Korea. It is not covered in the U.S. media as much as the Ukraine war or Israel-Hamas war," Seo said. On the other hand, Yang said, "North Korea may remain lower on the list of U.S. foreign policy priorities considering the two wars (in Ukraine and the Middle East) and competition with China." By KTimes The Supreme Court upheld an eight-year prison sentence for the mother involved in the Suwon refrigerator infant case, where she killed her two newborn children shortly after birth and hid their bodies in a freezer at her home. The Supreme Court confirmed the lower court's eight-year sentence on Friday for the woman who was convicted of murder and concealment of corpses. The court said that the lower court had made no error in its judgment regarding the charges of murder and corpse concealment. She gave birth to a daughter in November 2018 and a son in November 2019. She strangled each child the day after giving birth, either at her home in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, or nearby, and concealed their bodies in black plastic bags in the freezer compartment of her kitchen refrigerator. The horrific crime was uncovered during an audit of unregistered children. In May of last year, the Board of Audit and Inspection discovered 2,123 cases of children with birth records but no official registration between 2015 and 2022, and reported them to health authorities. When Suwon city officials attempted to investigate the woman's refusal to cooperate, police launched an investigation. She confessed to the crimes but argued in court that the charges should be reduced to infanticide, a lesser offense since she killed her children a day after their birth. However, the court rejected this argument, pointing out that she had entrusted her other three children to the care of her family, indicating that she was not suffering from a disturbed state of mind linked to childbirth. The trial court noted that while alternatives were available, her difficult situation likely influenced her actions. Following this case, health authorities began a full investigation into unregistered children. Of the 2,123 identified, it was confirmed that 249 children, or 12 percent, had died due to natural causes or fell victim to criminal acts. The infanticide law, criticized for its leniency, was abolished in August last year, and a "protected childbirth system" now allows mothers in crisis to give birth anonymously. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. South Korea will hold a commemorative event next week honoring fallen soldiers who fought under the United Nations flag during the 1950-53 Korean War, the veterans ministry said Friday. The annual "Turn Toward Busan" event will take place at the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Monday, with about 800 people, including war veterans and their families from 20 nations, in attendance, according to the ministry. The memorial park is the only U.N. cemetery in the world, home to 2,320 fallen veterans of the Korean War from 11 countries. Some 1.98 million personnel from 22 countries were dispatched to help South Korea under a U.N. mandate during the war, which ended in a cease-fire, not a peace treaty. During the ceremony, a burial service for an unidentified U.N. soldier, believed to be a European male aged between 17 and 25, will take place in the first post-armistice burial of an unidentified U.N. soldier at the U.N. Memorial Cemetery. Mary McIntosh, daughter of the late U.S. Marine veteran Melvin Menard who took part in the Incheon Landing Operation and was awarded the Purple Heart twice, will read a letter of gratitude for her father, to be followed by a singing performance by her family, the ministry said. "Our government and citizens will never forget that the seeds of freedom planted by U.N. veterans over 70 years ago have blossomed into today's peace and prosperity," Veterans Minister Kang Jung-ai said. (Yonhap) Somali visits girl statue, apologizes for not understanding its significance By KTimes Johnny Somali, a 24-year-old American YouTuber who stirred controversy in Korea by kissing a girl statue symbolizing Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery, has apologized. However, despite his apology, viewers are skeptical, noting that Somali has left various controversial photos and videos on his social media accounts. On Thursday, the YouTube channel Jcompany posted a video of Somali visiting the girl statue at Changdong History and Culture Park in Dobong District, Seoul, where he apologized to the Korean public. In the video, Somali said, "I want to apologize to Koreans. I didn't understand the significance of the statue." He explained that his actions were meant to entertain his American viewers. Standing next to the statue, he bowed and added in Korean, "I'm truly sorry for being disrespectful." Somali also expressed an interest in learning more about the history of Japan's wartime sex slavery, or euphemistically, the "comfort women," who survived these atrocities. He said that he was willing to meet the survivors in person, interview them, and learn about their history. However, viewers questioned Somali's sincerity, noting that he has yet to delete various photos and videos of his controversial actions in Korea from his social media accounts. Somali recently posted a picture holding a photo of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, captioning it, "I defeated Koreans for you, Shinzo Abe." As of Friday, the YouTube post has been deleted, but the Instagram photo remains, with the caption changed to "RIP Shinzo Abe!" Other contentious content includes a video of Somali lying down and dancing in a subway car, which has not been removed. While Somali deleted videos of himself disrespecting the girl statue and causing a disturbance in a convenience store incidents that led to police investigations some content remains. The Seoul Mapo Police said on Oct. 31 that Somali was being investigated for obstruction of business due to his behavior in the convenience store. In addition to a police inquiry into alleged assault and drug use, Somali is currently under an "exit ban" preventing him from leaving the country. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed power broker at the center of a growing political scandal, appeared before prosecutors Friday for questioning over allegations of receiving illicit funds from a former ruling party lawmaker in exchange for his assistance with her candidacy in the 2022 parliamentary by-elections in violation of political funding laws. Myung, who runs a public polling agency, arrived at the Changwon District Prosecutors Office in the city about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul at 9:40 a.m., saying he feels "embarrassed, ashamed and sorry" to the people for his "reckless" actions and words in the past. Myung said he has not received a single penny in connection with the 2022 by-elections. He was then asked by reporters about allegations of President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee being involved in the candidate nominations for the by-elections but only said he will tell the truth to the prosecutors. Myung is suspected of receiving approximately 90 million won ($65,054) from Kim Young-sun, a former lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), on several occasions between August 2022 and December last year in exchange for his help in getting her nominated on the PPP ticket ahead of the 2022 by-elections. Myung allegedly won the nomination for Kim in exchange for conducting customized polls in favor of then PPP presidential candidate Yoon for free. First lady Kim has also been suspected of involvement in the nomination process. He has grabbed strong media attention since late last month, when the main opposition Democratic Party disclosed a recording of a controversial phone conversation between Yoon and Myung. Kim, the former PPP lawmaker, appeared twice before prosecutors this week as a suspect in the case but reportedly denied the allegations against her. (Yonhap) First lady Kim Keon Hee will not accompany President Yoon Suk Yeol on his overseas trip later this month, a senior presidential official said Friday, in line with a promise Yoon made to honor the people's wishes amid suspicions of corruption and influence peddling involving the first lady. The decision came a day after Yoon held a press conference and apologized for causing concerns to the people while vowing to revamp state affairs. The presidential office said an office overseeing the first lady's affairs has been set up for the first time under the Yoon administration. Whether or not Kim will attend any trips in the future will be determined after consultations with the president and his aides, according to the office. The first lady is expected to attend only those events considered essential by diplomatic protocol, including those involving her counterpart, and will also likely refrain from any domestic public activities until the end of the year. Kim has faced criticism over a string of allegations, including her acceptance of a luxury handbag, her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and her alleged meddling in government affairs. The first lady and Yoon are also accused of meddling in the ruling People Power Party's nomination of a candidate for the parliamentary by-elections in 2022, which emerged through the disclosure of a recorded phone call between Yoon and a suspected power broker named Myung Tae-kyun. During Thursday's press conference, Yoon said Kim would refrain from public activities unless deemed necessary for diplomacy and national interests. The conference was held at a time when Yoon's approval ratings have dipped below the 20 percent mark for the first time since his inauguration in May 2022. (Yonhap) By Anna J. Park Self-proclaimed political power broker Myung Tae-kyun, the central figure in election meddling allegations surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee, was summoned for questioning over the scandal, Friday. He arrived at the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office in the southeastern city in South Gyeongsang Province, walking with a cane and accompanied by his attorney. It was his first public appearance since the allegations first emerged in early September. "I am ashamed, embarrassed and deeply sorry for my thoughtless words and actions," Myung told reporters awaiting for his arrival. "I will faithfully cooperate with the prosecution's investigation." While not answering reporters' questions, he said he has only one thing to say to the media. "I believe this case will soon be resolved only if the flow of money is investigated. I have never received even a single won related to this matter," Myung said before entering the building. His attorney said Myung denies all allegations. While Myung suddenly uploaded a posting on social media the previous day and apologized to people who were hurt by his disclosure of phone conversation recordings, the attorney said, "Regardless of the causes, his recordings were made public and defamed some politicians. He apologized for this." Myung is accused of receiving about 90 million won ($65,000) from former ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Kim Young-sun as she sent him part of her parliamentary salary over dozens of instances between August 2022 and December 2023, after she won a by-election for a constituency in Changwon in June 2022. It is suspected that a polling agency, of which Myung is a de facto owner, conducted 81 opinion polls for Yoon ahead of the May 2022 presidential election. In exchange, Myung, by using his ties to the president and the first lady, allegedly asked them to help Kim Young-sun secure the nomination as candidate for the constituency. After she was nominated and elected, she allegedly offered the money to Myung in return. The prosecution also recently summoned and questioned Kim Young-sun and her former accountant. The allegations grew after the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) disclosed a recorded phone conversation between Yoon and Myung. The conversation suggested that Yoon attempted to affect the PPP's candidate selection process in favor of Kim Young-sun. A day before Myung's questioning, Yoon apologized to the public over causing concerns surrounding him and the first lady in a series of controversies related to Myung. But the president firmly denied such accusations, emphasizing that there is "nothing inappropriate or to hide" about his and the first lady's communications with Myung. President Yoon Suk Yeol said a nuclear-based alliance between South Korea and the United States will immediately strike if North Korea attempts a nuclear attack against the South, according to an interview published Friday. Yoon made the remark during an interview with U.S. magazine Newsweek to address growing concerns over North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats. "I believe that it would be irrational for them to decide to wage a nuclear attack against the Republic of Korea and should they do so the nuclear-based ROK-U.S. alliance will immediately strike North Korea with the U.S. nuclear weapon," Yoon said, referring to South Korea's official name. Yoon highlighted South Korea's advanced defense and attack capabilities against the North's potential nuclear attacks. "We have our capabilities and we are improving our capability to strike the launching point and to intercept their missiles and to strike their command and control centers," he said. Yoon reiterated South Korea's stance against developing its own nuclear weapons, cautioning such a move could prompt neighboring countries like Japan and Taiwan to pursue nuclear arms and escalate regional tensions. He said Seoul remains committed to countering Pyongyang's nuclear threats through the Nuclear Consultative Group, established as part of the Washington Declaration agreed upon during his summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in April 2023. (Yonhap) Market share will remain low: govt By Ko Dong-hwan French beef, which Korea has recently begun importing, is unlikely to stir the countrys beef market as the import volume will be much lower than major imports from other countries and will occupy only a minuscule market share, according to the government and industry officials, Friday. While the Korean government and the National Assembly have approved the French imports, domestic beef providers have criticized the trade, saying the authorities should instead introduce other measures to better protect Korean cattle ranchers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Rural Affairs said French beef imports will remain low in volume and far below the imports from the United States and Australia which currently take up the majority of beef imports in Korea. While imports occupy 60 percent of the domestic beef market, American and Australian beef together account for a whopping 92 percent of that portion. French beef is rather enjoyed more domestically in France than for export. Only a small volume gets exported to Asia, a livestock management division official under the ministrys livestock policy bureau said. Frances beef export to Japan in 2022 was only 30 tons throughout the whole year. The French Embassy in Seoul held a press conference on Nov. 4 to promote Frances beef export to Korea. It said the French government has begun promoting the meat to Korean retail networks including department stores and major discount store chains. The French authoritys move came after the Korean government stopped importing European beef in 2000 because some samples were found to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a fatal brain disease. The Korean National Assembly in late 2023 approved imports of French and Irish beef and, in June, Korean authorities approved local slaughterhouses in both countries. The French Embassy said six slaughterhouses in France have been certified by Korea's agriculture ministry and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. France is the European Union's largest beef producer. Around 129,000 livestock farms manage 10 million beef cattle and 7 million dairy cattle, across 22 different breeds. Charolais cattle account for the largest volume among French breeds and will be exported to Korea. European beefs current market share in Korea, however, remains between 0.1 and 0.2 percent. The main reasons are their expensive base prices and low popularity among consumers. According to the ministry, the base import price for Dutch beef is $21.80 per kilogram and $12.20 for Irish beef. Compared to them, American ($7.90) and Australian ($5.70) are much cheaper. Due to its low market demand in Korea, European beefs market share has been diminishing in recent years. It accounted for 0.2 percent with 1,135 tons in 2022. It decreased to 507 tons and 447 tons in subsequent years, with its market share reduced to 0.1 percent. So far, there hasnt been a single Korean company showing interest in importing French beef, the official said. The country's three largest supermarket chains E-Mart, Lotte Mart and Homeplus said they have no immediate plans to import French beef. Its doubtful French beef will stir the Korean beef market. Korean beef industry experts, while acknowledging the legitimacy in the Korean governments import of French beef based on the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement that came into force in 2015, criticized the governments lack of policies to protect Korean cattle farmers. An official from Hanwoo Association, a nongovernmental organization advocating for Korean cattle farmers, said that Korean beef will have to fight with imported beef for market shares in a few years when tariffs on major imports reach zero percent and their prices become cheaper. He added that U.S. beef will no longer be levied tariffs starting in 2026, and Australian beef will follow suit in 2028 and Canadian beef in 2029. When Korea imported 100,000 tons of American beef with zero tariffs a few years ago, Korean beef took a serious market blow, the official said. He was referring to 2022 when the agriculture ministry invested over 165 billion won ($119 million) to cover tariffs for U.S. imports for five months and provide them for affordable prices to domestic consumers. The same thing will happen in 2026, he added. The association has demanded the government strengthen its grip on livestock farming costs for Korean cattle farmers. Since we cannot raise the prices for our own beef, we urge the government to at least lower the costs for us, especially that of cattle feed which take up the most of the costs," the association said. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, feed prices went up by over 30 percent and were struggling to manage the cost. The authority should subsidize the farmers for the soaring feed price. NATO chief Mark Rutte said Thursday that North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine posed a direct threat to the United States, in a first effort to convince Donald Trump to keep backing Kyiv. Trump's thumping victory to return to the U.S. presidency has set nerves jangling in Europe that he could pull the plug on vital Washington military aid for Ukraine. NATO allies say keeping Kyiv in the fight against Moscow is key to both European and American security, and Rutte sought to join the dots for Trump between the conflict and Washington's major foes elsewhere. "What we see more and more is that North Korea, Iran, China and of course Russia are working together, working together against Ukraine," Rutte told reporters at a European leaders' meeting in Budapest. "At the same time, Russia has to pay for this, and one of the things they are doing is delivering technology to North Korea, which is now threatening in future the mainland of the U.S., continental Europe," he warned. "I look forward to sit down with Donald Trump to discuss how we can face these threats collectively," Rutte said. North Korea has become one of the strongest backers of Russia's war on Ukraine, and has been accused of recently sending troops to fight alongside Moscow's forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in Budapest that 11,000 North Korean troops were in Russia's western Kursk region and had already sustained "losses." "North Korea is now, in effect, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are attempting to kill our people on European soil," Zelenskyy said. Iran meanwhile is accused of supplying Russia with missiles and drones, and China has been deemed a key backer for keeping technology heading to Russia that Moscow needs to maintain its fight. Trump has rattled U.S. allies by casting doubt on the tens of billions of dollars in military aid Washington has pumped into Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion. The volatile former reality TV star has sparked fears that he could force Kyiv to accept a peace deal on Moscow's terms after insisting he could end the war "in 24 hours." Keeping Ukraine's single biggest donor on board is seen by most as essential for ensuring Kyiv stays afloat, especially at a time of political uncertainty in major European powers Germany and France. On the battlefield Ukraine's fatigued troops are struggling to stave off Russia's advances as they approach three years of full-scale combat. Europe together has spent around $125 billion on supporting Ukraine, while the United States alone has coughed up more than $90 billion, according to a tracker from the Kiel Institute. Washington has the deepest weapons reserves and has supplied many of the most effective weapons used in the war. "Any narrative that can help Trump look more favourably on Ukraine is good and worth trying," said one senior NATO diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive topics. Many EU leaders meeting at the summit in Budapest sought to downplay the threat of Washington ending its support for Ukraine and insisted Europe would keep going regardless. "Ukraine deserves our support, no matter if we are the United States or Europe, because they were attacked, brutally attacked by the aggressor country," Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda said. "This is not only about Ukraine. This is about rules-based international order, and we have to preserve it." Outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that if the United States "would decide to change, that does not mean that we need to change." "That the support for Ukraine stands or collapses with the United States is not true European countries play a very determining role in that," he said. (AFP) By Jane Han SEATTLE After one of the most unpredictable elections in the U.S. came to an end Tuesday (local time), Koreans across the country woke up to news that Donald Trump has clinched a stunning comeback to become U.S. president once again. As news sinks in of the returning president, disappointment and fear are met with optimism and a sense of relief for many Koreans living in America. I wasnt a Trump supporter and I'm still not, said Koo Min-hee, 42, who lives in Washington, one of the most democratic and liberal states. But being fed up with failed Democratic policies pushed me to vote for the Republican Party this time. This is a common sentiment shared by many people who opted to vote for Trump in this election. Still-high grocery prices and excessive emphasis on LGBTQ rights and transgender health care policies, among other reasons, have driven Korean Democrat supporters to the other side. The Democratic Party had four years, said Park Min-kyu, 53, who runs a small business in California, another Democratic stronghold They didn't do anything to make our everyday lives better. I have to worry more about robbers breaking into my store day and night because the crime rate has gone up all around here. Despite the optimism some manage to find in Trump's return to the White House, many are largely worried and anxious that racism will be fueled again in all areas of society. I don't understand how minorities can vote for Trump after they've been through four years of Trump's presidency. Have they forgotten what he's done? said Chloe Kim, 28, a graduate student in New Jersey. Not long after the first string of COVID-19 cases surfaced in 2020, Trump has repeatedly called the disease the China virus, which triggered a rise of anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. Trump voters only seem to care about money. They don't seem to care at all that he is a convicted felon. It's truly shocking and disappointing, Kim added. Paul Choi, 33, another New Jersey resident, agreed. You know what's more shocking? The fact that people voted for Trump even after knowing exactly what he did and what he's going to do. We've been through him, yet people still voted for him. I've lost hope in people. Leaders of various Korean American organizations spoke up in reaction to the election results. We have two and a half months left before a new administration and Congress take power, said Sookyung Oh, executive director of Hamkae Center, a grassroots organization advocating for Asian Americans in Virginia. Our job now is to prepare and organize. Together with our community members, we will protect our Asian American and immigrant communities, stop Trump, make progress in our communities and gather strength for the years ahead, she stressed. The challenges ahead will only be overcome if we come together as one. Kim Jung-woo, co-director of National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), a national advocacy group, said, Together, we'll fight against policies and inflammatory rhetoric that violate our human rights, and we will protect and support our communities. Jane Han writes as a freelance correspondent for The Korea Times. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. Morning high of 61F with temps falling sharply to near 35. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 25F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Angola, IN (46703) Today Rain ending this morning. Remaining cloudy. Morning high of 56F with temps falling sharply to near 35. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 24F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. Morning high of 56F with temps falling to near 35. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 25F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The friendship between TWICE Tzuyu, Elkie, and (G)I-DLE Shuhua often delights fans. However, this time, some raised their brows after they kissed on the lips, accusing them of queerbaiting. On November 7, former CLC Elkie took to SNS to share that she celebrated her 26th birthday with her close friends Tzuyu and Shuhua. In one photo, her fellow Chinese K-pop idols garnered attention for kissing Elkie on the cheeks, but what really captured fans' attention was when the Hong Kong-born idol also unveiled a clip where the three of them kissed on the lips, then laughing among themselves afterward. TZUYU KISSING SHUHUA AND ELKIE ON THE LIPS??? pic.twitter.com/EkhgTP1LPH minaron (@godmitzu) November 7, 2024 When this clip circulated online, their three fandoms were sent into a frenzy, celebrating the friendship of these women. In addition to this, some allies of the gender minorities rejoiced, seeing how same-sex K-pop idols are now slowly showing intimacy, which can open opportunities for other idols to show their true sexualities once the general public becomes more accepting of it. Still, some raised their brows against the three, particularly Tzuyu, as some accused TWICE members of "queerbaiting," a term that describes straight idols appealing to the LQBTQ+ community without explicitly depicting it. when they giggle like that you know it's straight https://t.co/3Cr3PK4xSp ki (@yumyerim) November 7, 2024 gotta do what u gotta do when the music aint selling https://t.co/ckKfEjLPN2 pic.twitter.com/lSib6mIVve t (@chcbvby) November 7, 2024 READ ALSO: TWICE Nayeon & Sana Kiss on the Lips And Momo's Reaction Truly Represents ONCEs Just recently, Nayeon and Sana also kissed while on stage, setting the K-pop scene abuzz. Since then, there have been fans who are looking forward to this kind of fanservice. Others are doubting if it is still just fanservice or queerbaiting now, due to its frequency. With these allegations, ONCEs (TWICE fandom) are quick to defend the group and insist that the members are just really affectionate with each other and even to friends that they are close with. Also, they are still real human, who can kiss whoever they want, thus, the accusation is forced hate. not queer baiting if theyre real people also its j a bit of fun gay girls kiss their friends and straight girls kiss their friends u dont have friends. https://t.co/AnsCfOwnGp BLU (@pinkponyclubbng) November 7, 2024 yall calling this queerbaiting. THESE ARE HUMAN BEINGS??? not cartoons in a fcking show. they can kiss whoever they want. they can kiss each other DAILY if they damn well pls and they dont owe you an explanation as to why or an explanation on their sexuality. leave them alone https://t.co/Ze49hLkgGt (@pharitaville) November 7, 2024 Some day we're gonna have an honest conversation about how weird people treat women who are femme presenting sexuality and how y'all's concept of being sapphic revolves around stereotypes because the qrts are annoying asf man. https://t.co/yaE4ykZrbl I | (@Check_Later0) November 7, 2024 people taking this as fanservice and queerbaiting but if this was their faves would be already twitching their feet like stop acting like this isnt a normal thing some ppl do with their friends and stop being annoying not everything has to be serious. https://t.co/R5gQRCaDYM achimiwa (@haosinterpol) November 7, 2024 RELATED ARTICLE: These Idols Openly Support The LGBTQ+ Community For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dela Cruz ABBEYLEIX Bog Project was honoured at the prestigious IPB Pride of Place community awards on Saturday 2 November at a gala ceremony in Monaghan. The project won the Climate Action and Biodiversity category. The judging panel said: In the opinion of the judges, this admirable venture demonstrates the benefits of innovation, dedication and broad appeal. An area has been rejuvenated and there is buy-in from a range of stakeholders, volunteers and the wider community. In spite of existential threats and initial struggles, the group has persevered and what stands now is a rich biodiversity hub a beacon of hope and a testament to successful conservation. The judging panel visited Abbeyleix Bog in July. They said that they were deeply impressed by the quality of the presentation, the immersive bog tour and the extraordinary spirit of volunteerism evident throughout Abbeyleix. The project's core objectives of restoration, education and recreation are aligned with climate and sustainability goals. The judges particularly commended the significant restoration achievement, with active raised bog increasing from 1% to 13.5%, a milestone that has transformative implications for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. An Abbeyleix Bog Project spokesperson said: We are delighted to accept the Pride of Place award on behalf of all our volunteers. This recognition honours our climate action efforts and the dedication of our community. We had fantastic support on the judging day from our group and the wider Abbeyleix community. Special thanks to Laois County Council for their support, and we also remember the pioneers who defended the bog from development back in July 2000. Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council cllr Padraig Fleming said: The volunteers at Abbeyleix Bog Project are incredibly deserving of this award. Their work sets a benchmark for climate action and biodiversity, inspiring other communities across Ireland. This award acknowledges their vital contribution to environmental stewardship. Interim chief executive of Laois County Council Simon Walton said: Laois County Council wholeheartedly congratulates the Abbeyleix Bog Project on their remarkable success. The council remains committed to supporting this complex-yet-invaluable project, which balances ecological preservation with community recreation. The dedication and attention to detail of the project team have clearly resonated with the judges, making this recognition well-deserved. Climate action co-ordinator with Laois County Council Suzanne Dempsey said: Abbeyleix Bog is a model of what bog restoration can achieve for climate and biodiversity. Healthy peat bogs are crucial carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide, and this restoration work is a gamechanger for Irelands carbon sequestration efforts, contributing meaningfully to climate mitigation. The Abbeyleix Bog Project is a community-led conservation initiative dedicated to the restoration, education and recreation of Abbeyleix Bog. Supported by volunteers, government agencies and local businesses, the project aims to preserve this critical habitat while promoting environmental education and sustainable practices. FIANNA Fail has added Austin Stack to its election ticket in Laois and joins Minister of State Sean Fleming in the three seat constituency. Mr Stack previously served as Assistant Governor in the Irish Prison Service where he developed a strong reputation as a Health and Safety expert. He has a MSc in Environmental Health and Safety and recently launched a new Health and Safety consultancy business in Portlaoise. His father, Portlaoise Chief Prison Officer Brian Stack, was shot by the IRA in 1983 and died in hospital in 1984. Mr Stack has campaigned relentlessly over the years since for justice for his murder. Endorsing the Portlaoise native to contest the election in Laois Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said: Austin is a very passionate advocate, as shown both by his campaigning for justice for his father, who was tragically murdered by the IRA, and locally, helping people in Portlaoise. I am delighted he has been added to the ticket. He has a proven track record of working with residents associations locally and is deeply rooted in his community. We have a well-balanced ticket in Laois with Austin and Sean and I believe we are in strong contention for two seats. Mr Stack said: I am honoured to have been added to the ticket in Laois for the General Election. I am hugely passionate about advocating for the people of Laois. Over the past decades, I have shown that I am not afraid of being a strong voice for people here and standing up for them. I am proud of my work on the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee, engaging residents associations and will continue this hard work on behalf of the people of Laois in the weeks ahead. I will always fight for justice and for fairness. If elected to Dail Eireann I will continue this and be a relentlessly strong voice for our community at a national level, said Mr Stack. There are now 10 candidates who have announced their intention to contest the election on 29 December in the Laois constituency. Along with the two Fianna Fail candidates there are Elaine Mullally (Independent), Rosie Palmer (Green Party), Willie Aird (Fine Gael), Mary Hand (Aontu), Ken Mooney (People Before Profit), Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein), Aisling Moran (Independent) and Brian Stanley (Independent Republican). AN AMAZING exhibition of creative street photography, landscapes and portraits by a local photographer is currently on display in the art gallery of Mountmellick Library. This is the first exhibition by Laszlo Vig, who is originally from Hungary and has lived in Laois for more than 20 years. Laszlo is a perfectionist and insists on using only the best materials in his photography. He said that as a hobby photographer he can obtain the specific creative images that he wants to freeze in time as opposed to being a professional snapper, who may be given instructions of what images to capture, for example at weddings or other events. Laszlo uses top-quality cameras and lenses to obtain his desired effects and uses a technique called panning. This technique combines a slow shutter speed with camera motion to create the sense of speed around a moving object giving a sharper shot of the subject. It is a way to keep the subject, such as a moving car or a cyclist on a bike, in focus while blurring what might be an unappealing background. Laszlo prints his own limited edition snaps on a superior quality paper, which can last for well over 100 years. He also frames each piece in hardwood frames. On the day of hanging his exhibition with the help of his partner Leighanne Phelan, Laszlo told the ***Laois Nationalist*** that he got his first camera about 22 years ago but only got serious about his photography around 2014. Explaining his technique, Laszlo said: For me it is my hobby and passion. I really care about what I do and how I do it. The equipment has to be top class. If I do something, it has to be either very good or not at all. I have a Leica MP, which I purchased two years ago. It is the most beautiful camera ever made. I also do black and white photography on film, which I develop myself and use the digital camera with the stand to scan the image in. If Im walking along the street and if I like something or someone, I try to capture the images through panning shots. Olivia Murray from Mountmellick Library said the library is delighted to welcome Laszlos exhibition. She said: We are very happy to host Laszlo Vigs street photography exhibition. It is a very eclectic collection of photographs from various locations around the world. We would encourage people to drop in to view the exhibition during library opening hours during the month of November. The artist can be contacted through his website, Laszlo.vig@me,com or by phoning 085 2838217. Actor Ananya Panday, who walked the ramp for Rohit Bal's last fashion show, paid tribute to the late designer by wearing a suit that he designed for her mother 21 years ago. One of India's most celebrated fashion designers, Bal died on November 2 at a South Delhi hospital following a heart attack weeks after showcasing his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale with Panday as his showstopper. He was 63. Chand Mera Dil: Ananya Panday and Lakshya Lalwani Star in Upcoming Romantic Drama Directed by Vivek Soni (View Posters). Panday shared pictures from her cousin's wedding festivities where she wore a sea blue salwar suit which originally belonged to her mother Bhavana Pandey. "BRIDEEEEEE @deeyashroff Obsessed with my sister getting married but also not ready to let go of her yet but also very excited to have a brother now !! @mihirmadhvani. Also wearing my moms @rohitbalofficial from 21 years ago! (sic)" she captioned her photos. View Ananya Panday's Post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya (@ananyapanday) "Gudda forever," she added, referring to Bal's nickname. Bhavana Pandey, the star of "Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives", commented on Panday's post, saying "It looks great on you !!!!!" Previously, the CTRL actor posted a picture from the fashion show on social media and said, "Gudda, On Shanti." Ananya Panday Has the Most Epic Reaction After Finding Her Picture on a Fuljhadi Packet, Says Thats My Dream (Watch Video). Last December, Bal was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Gurugram for cardiac issues. The Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale marked his runway comeback, and also his last showing, 10 months after the health scare. New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Terming a reference by a two-judge bench to a larger one over the minority status issue of Aligarh Muslim University as "bad in law", Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant said it undermined the authority of the chief justice of India as the master of the roster. A two-judge bench of the top court in 1981 questioned the correctness of the 1967 verdict holding Aligarh Muslim University not to be a minority institution since it was created by a central law and referred the issue to a larger bench for decision. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Adjourned Sine Die After Witnessing Chaotic Scenes for 3 Days Over Resolution for Restoration of Article 370. A five-judge Constitution bench had delivered the 1967 verdict in the S Azeez Basha v. Union of India case. Justice Kant said the 1981 reference to a seven-judge bench for the reconsideration of the decision in Azeez Basha case was "bad in law and ought to be set aside". Also Read | Fake Currency Racket Busted in Sonbhadra: 2 Men Print INR 500 Notes on INR 10 Stamp Papers Using YouTube Videos in Uttar Pradesh, Arrested. While referring to the dictum of another Constitution bench, he said "a two-judge bench has no authority whatsoever to doubt or disagree with a judgement of the larger bench" and directly refer it to a bench with numerically greater strength. "The reference by the two-judge bench in Anjuman (in 1981) is nothing but a challenge to the authority of the chief justice of India being the master of the roster and in derogation of the special powers enjoyed upon under Article 145 of the Constitution...," Justice Kant said, adding the reference was not maintainable. Justice Kant was part of a seven-judge Constitution bench, which by a 4:3 majority verdict, overruled the 1967 judgment. The majority verdict, authored by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, said a regular bench will adjudicate the issue concerning AMU's minority status. In his 102-page separate opinion, Justice Kant said the two-judge bench in 1981 had specifically stated that the larger bench reviewing the Azeez Basha verdict should comprise seven judges. "Such a reference, to our mind, is not consistent with the established norms of judicial propriety," he said. Justice Kant, therefore, was of the opinion that the chief justice of India alone, as the custodian of the authority, determine the composition of benches and place a matter before any bench he deemed appropriate, albeit sans a reference. He said the two-judge bench had not only referred the matter but also specified the numerical strength of the bench it would be referred to, further directing the matter to be placed before the chief justice for just notifying the composition of the seven-judge bench. "With utmost respect at our command, we do not appreciate as to how a two-judge bench could dictate its viewpoint to the chief justice of India. This, to our mind, effectively impaired the chief justice's authority as the master of the roster," Justice Kant said. He said allowing such a practice would enable benches of lesser strength, such as a two-judge bench, to undermine the decisions of larger benches. "This would also place the chief justice in an untenable position, who would be bound by a judicial order while acting in an administrative role, leading to procedural complications and embarrassment," he noted. He said there was no substantial difference between 'doubting' or 'disagreeing' with a judgement. "That being so, the reference by a two-judge bench in Anjuman doubting the correctness of the five-judge bench in Azeez Basha and referring it to a seven-judge bench suffers from multiple illegalities, including judicial impropriety," Justice Kant said. He said the minority institutions established in the pre-Constitution era were also entitled to protection conferred by Article 30 of the Constitution. Article 30 deals with the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. "In order to seek protection under Article 30 of our Constitution, the minority institution must satisfy the conjunctive test, namely that it was established by a minority community and has been/is being administered by such a community," said Justice Kant. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amaravati, Nov 8 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will launch a seaplane demonstration flight operation on November 9, from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district. This initiative, according to a release, aims to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India's water-based aviation sector. Also Read | DY Chandrachud Retirement: 'I Am Probably the Most Trolled Judges Across System' Says Outgoing CJI During Farewell Function, Responds to Trolls With Urdu Poet Bashir Badr's Sayari. The chief minister, along with Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and other dignitaries, will board the flight to Srisailam. According to the state government, seaplane operations hold significant potential for the southern state, which boasts beautiful waterfronts and India's second-longest coastline. Also Read | 'Akhilesh Yadav's Thinking and Working Style Is Like Monkeys' Says Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Claims 'SP Chief Too Scared of the Animal'. Eight locations have already been identified in Andhra Pradesh for seaplane services to boost tourism: Prakasam Barrage (Vijayawada), Araku, Lambasingi, Rushikonda, Kakinada, Konaseema, Srisailam, and Tirupati. The demonstration flight is expected to provide momentum for the development of water aerodromesdesignated areas for seaplane operations. "Water aerodromes can be developed with fewer resources and in a shorter timeframe than traditional airports. They are essential for enhancing air connectivity in areas lacking runway-based airports," the statement added. By enabling seaplane operations, the state government aims to enhance local tourism, create jobs, and improve accessibility to picturesque destinations like Vijayawada and Srisailam. The government is also exploring additional locations for water aerodromes to extend connectivity to remote areas and further boost tourism. The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd (APADCL) believes that the introduction of seaplanes will add a new dimension to the state's aviation landscape. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Nov 8 (PTI) Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Friday lauded the initiative at bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines through the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII), a collaborative effort by IIT-Guwahati and the state government for building an ecosystem for indigenous healthcare technologies. He was speaking at a symposium aimed at advancing healthcare innovation in the Northeast, the IIT-Guwahati said in a statement. Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal Sounds Poll Bugle in Delhi, Calls on AAP Workers To Give Their Best To Bring Party Back To Power in First Video Message After Stepping out of Jail. The meeting brought together doctors and scientists to explore cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Organised by the AAHII and hosted by IIT-Guwahati, the symposium marked a pivotal moment in fostering indigenous healthcare solutions, the statement said. Speaking at the inaugural session, Kota said, "By bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines, IIT-Guwahati and the Assam government are pioneering a model that unites academia, government and healthcare professionals." Also Read | Karnataka: Bengaluru Yoga Teacher Kidnapped, Assaulted, and Buried Alive; Escapes by Faking Death in Chikkaballapur. The initiative leverages Assam's resources and vision to address healthcare challenges and lay a foundation for indigenous innovation, he said. "The growth of institutions like IIT Guwahati and AIIMS is transformative, signalling a powerful partnership with the state government that will drive regional development and healthcare resilience," he added. To reduce import dependency in healthcare, the Assam government and IIT-Guwahati are collaborating on a state-of-the-art AAHII campus. This upcoming facility will have a 400-bed super-speciality teaching hospital, advanced research labs and residential facilities. Director of IIT-Guwahati Devendra Jalihal underscored the significance of early-stage involvement from healthcare professionals in research. "By establishing a super-speciality hospital and advanced research facilities, we aim to reduce dependency on imports, lower diagnostic and treatment costs, and make quality healthcare more accessible. With the Government of Assam's strong support, this project aligns with our vision for a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem that addresses the nation's most pressing health challenges," he said. The upcoming AAHII campus will house six centres of excellence dedicated to stem cell research, digital health, therapeutics, precision medicine, robotics and affordable diagnostics. The super-speciality hospital on the AAHII campus is designed to address the healthcare needs of Assam and the Northeast, offering advanced treatments such as robotic surgery, transplant procedures, gene therapy, trauma care, neonatology, neurosurgery and complex cardiac care. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai, Nov 8 (PTI) Intensified and coordinated efforts in controlling the dengue virus helped to substantially reduce the mortality and spread of the vector borne disease in the state, the Tamil Nadu Health Department said on Friday. Amid the ongoing North East Monsoon, Tamil Nadu has been reporting sporadic cases of fever and dengue across the state. Following this, the Health and Family Welfare Department has intensified monitoring and surveillance efforts to contain the spread of dengue. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Market Opens Flat After US Fed Rate Cut. "From January till November 5, 20,138 dengue cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu, with affected individuals recovering successfully. Unfortunately, 8 people lost their lives due to delay in seeking appropriate medical care," a release here said. Among the deceased was a six-year-old girl from Chengalpattu district. Strict interventions were in place to prevent dengue outbreaks and further reduce dengue-related fatalities, the release said. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, November 8 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. The intensified efforts have led to a reduction in cases over the previous years, the health department said in its latest update. The number of dengue cases reported in Tamil Nadu declined to 20,138 this year from 29,401 in 2023 and 30,425 cases during 2022, the release said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday reserved its judgement in anti-sikh riots case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar. The court listed the case for judgement on November 29. This case is related to the killings of one Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984. Also Read | Fake Currency Racket Busted in Sonbhadra: 2 Men Print INR 500 Notes on INR 10 Stamp Papers Using YouTube Videos in Uttar Pradesh, Arrested. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja reserved the judgement after hearing submissions of advocate Anil Sharma on behalf of Sajjan Kumar and additional public prosecutor Manish Rawat. The court has directed Advocate Kamna Vohra, counsel for complainant to file written submissions within two days. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Heaps Praises on PM Narendra Modi, Says 'High Time India Is Included Among Great Powers of the World'. Advocate Anil Sharma, along with Advocate S A Hashmi and Anuj Sharma, appeared for Sajjan Kumar. He submitted that Sajjan Kumar's name was not there from the very beginning; the law of foreign land is not applicable in this case and there was a delay of 16 years in naming Sajjan Kumar by the witness. It was also submitted that a case in which Sajjan Kumar was convicted by the Delhi High Court is pending appeal before the Supreme Court. Advocate Anil Sharma also referred to the case cited by the senior advocate HS Phoolka. He submitted that the law of the land will prevail even in extraordinary situations and not international law. Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat in rebuttal submitted that the accused was not known to the victim. When she became aware of who is Sajjan Kumar, she named him in her statement. On the last date, senior advocate HS Phoolka appeared for riot victims and argued that the police investigations were manipulated in the Sikh riots cases. The police investigation was tardy and to save the accused. It was argued that during riots the situation was extraordinary. Therefore, these cases have to be dealt with in this context. During the arguments, senior advocate HS Phoolka referred to the judgement of the Delhi High Court and submitted that it was not an isolated case, it was a part of a bigger massacre, and it is a part of genocide. It was further argued that, as per official figures, 2700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi in 1984. It was an ordinary situation. Senior Advocate Phoolka had referred to the Delhi High Court judgement in the 1984 Delhi Cantt case, wherein the court called the riots a crime against humanity. It was also said that the objective of genocide is always targeting minorities. However, there was a delay. The Supreme Court took it seriously that there was a delay and a SIT was constituted, he argued. The senior advocate had also referred to the judgement delivered by foreign courts in the cases of genocide and crime against humanity. He also referred to the Geneva Convention. It was also submitted that a charge sheet was prepared against Sajjan Kumar in 1992 but was not filed in the court. It shows that the police were trying to save Sajjan Kumar. On November 1, 2023, the court had recorded the statement of Sajjan Kumar. He had denied all the charges levelled against him. Initially, an FIR was registered at the Punjabi Bagh police station. Later on, this case was investigated by the Special Investigation Team constituted on the recommendation of Justice GP Mathur's committee and filed a charge sheet. The committee had recommended the reopening of 114 cases. This case was one of them. On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against the accused, Sajjan Kumar for the commission of the offences punishable under Section 147/148/149 IPC as well as the offences punishable under Section 302/308/323/395/397/427/436/440 read with Section 149 IPC. It has been alleged by the SIT that the accused was leading the said mob and upon his instigation and abetment, the mob had burnt alive the above two persons and had also damaged, destroyed and looted their household articles and other property, burnt their house and inflicted severe injuries on the persons of their family members and relatives residing in their house. It is claimed that during the course of the investigation, material witnesses of the case were traced out, and examined and their statements were recorded under Section 161 Cr.P.C. The statements of the complainant under the above provision were recorded on November 23, 2016, during the course of this further investigation, in which she again narrated the above incident of looting, arson and murder of her husband and son by the mob armed with deadly weapons and she is also claimed to have deposed therein about the injuries suffered by her and the other victims of the case, including her sister in law who is stated to have subsequently expired. She had also clarified, inter alia, in that statement that the photograph of the accused was seen by her in a magazine after around one and a half months. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 8 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday criticised the JMM-Congress government in Jharkhand, calling on the people to rise up against what he described as a "dishonest" administration. Addressing a rally, Chouhan pledged to safeguard the rights and security of the people, promising to end injustice and fear if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were elected to power in Jharkhand. Also Read | Ajit Pawar's NCP Faction Expels 8 Rebel Leaders Who Entered Electoral Fray Against MahaYuti Allies Nominees Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. He stated, "Our sisters and daughters are standing against this dishonest JMM-Congress government. This is to eradicate injustice and terror. We must protect our 'roti, beti, and maati.' This support is crucial to forming a BJP government here and expelling Bangladeshi infiltrators." In another rally in East Singhbhum, Chouhan promised financial support and employment opportunities for graduates if the BJP came to power. "Once the BJP government is formed, Rs 2,000 per month will be deposited in the accounts of graduates for two years to help them secure employment. Moreover, all recruitment processes will commence in the first cabinet meeting. We will fill 2,87,000 vacant posts," he declared. Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Urges AAP Workers To Buckle Up To Thwart BJP's Plan in Polls, Launches #PhirLayengeKejriwal Campaign. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for challenging the BJP to directly engage in the upcoming elections. Chouhan asserted that the public had already decided that Soren would not win. "What should we confront? He (Soren) himself was recently released from jail for his misdeeds. What more could be expected? The public has decided he won't win the election," CM Chouhan told ANI. In a post on X, Soren had challenged the BJP to confront him directly in the elections, rather than "attacking from behind like the cowardly British." He claimed substantial resources were being used to damage his reputation, referring to investigations by agencies like the ED and CBI. "Sometimes it's the ED, sometimes the CBI, sometimes another agency. Now billions have been spent to tarnish my image. The situation is bizarre," Soren wrote. Soren also criticised the BJP's "double-engine" government, highlighting issues such as closed schools, cancelled ration cards, and unmet recruitment promises despite BJP power at both the Centre and state levels. "The BJP has been in power at the Centre for 11 years and in the state for five years, yet it calls itself a double-engine government. Why were 13,000 schools closed? Why were 11 lakh ration cards cancelled?" The Chief Minister continued, "Why wasn't even one JPSC exam conducted in those five years? Why was the old age/widow pension neither increased nor distributed adequately? Why did hundreds die of hunger in the state? Why were youth advised to make bicycles and sell bananas?" He pledged that if re-elected, his government would continue working for the welfare of every Jharkhand resident. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will go to the polls in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Baramulla, November 8: The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla on Thursday after observing terrorists' suspicious activity, the army said. The Army said that on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, adding that the operation is in progress. "On 07 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence regarding presence of terrorists, a joint Operation launched by the #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in Panipura, Sopore, #Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted on X. Baramulla: Grenade Blast Accidentally at Malkhana Court Complex, 1 Police Personnel Injured; Authorities Confirm Situation Under Control. Army, Police launch a joint operation in Baramulla #WATCH | Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police carry out anti-terror operation in Panipura of Sopore, in Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir Visuals deferred by unspecified time pic.twitter.com/wtl2w20vGw ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024 There has been a spike in terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir with the security forces engaging encounters with them. An Encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the general area Margi, Lolab, Kupwara, an official said on Wednesday morning. In another development, security forces eliminated one terrorist in Bandipora on Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the general area of Chuntawadi Kaitsan, Bandipora after an encounter broke out between Security Forces and terrorists. Baramulla Encounter: Police, Indian Army Joint Anti-Infiltration Operation Against Terrorist Underway Along LOC in Jammu and Kashmir. In another development on Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir police along with 22RR and 92 BN of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) apprehended one terrorist associate identified as Ashiq Hussain Wani who is a resident of Tujar Shareef in J-K's Sopore, said police. On November 3, twelve people, including one woman, were injured in a grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and weekly market in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Sunday, police said. On November 2, two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The encounter broke out after security forces initiated an anti-terrorist operation in the Halkan Gali area. On October 29, the security forces neutralised three terrorists in a high-stakes encounter in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, following an attack on an Army convoy. On October 20, a doctor and six construction workers were killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in the Ganderbal district. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 8 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested terrorists and their associates in connection with the grenade attack in Srinagar's weekly market on November 3. Police officials said the terror attack was carried out by the terrorists and their associaties on instructions of their handlers in Pakistan and two civilians including a woman were seriously injured. Also Read | Rajasthan: Twins Born in Bikaners Nokha Town With Plastic-Like Skin, Suffer From Genetic Disorder Called Harlequin-Type Ichthyosis. On November 3 Srinagar grenade attack, Kashmir IGP VK Birdi says, "...12 civilians got injured in this attack. We have arrested the terrorists and their associates who carried out this shameful incident. Three people have been detained in this case - Osama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh," Kashmir Inspector-General of Police VK Birdi said at a press conference here on Friday. "They threw the grenade with the intention of disrupting peace and normal activities here. They did this on the instructions of their handlers sitting in Pakistan," he added. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Adjourned Sine Die After Witnessing Chaotic Scenes for 3 Days Over Resolution for Restoration of Article 370. The police official said that the woman seriously injured in the incident had very young children. Twelve people, including a woman, were injured in the grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and weekly market in the Jammu and Kashmir's capital on Sunday. The terrorists and their associates have been booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had condemned the attack, saying there can be "no justification for targeting innocent civilians." "The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Today's news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the 'Sunday market' in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians," the Chief Minister had said in a post on X on November 4. "The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," he had added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jamshedpur, Nov 8 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday criticised the BJP and dismissed their claims about 'Roti, Beti and Mati' as empty rhetoric. He asserted that his government has implemented various welfare schemes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of women, particularly daughters. Also Read | Trump Juniors To Visit India in Early 2025: Tribeca Developers Founder Kalpesh Mehta Says 'Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump Will Tour India, Launch Iconic Trump Tower Projects'. "We have launched schemes like the Savitribai Phule Jhano Yojana for the safety of our daughters, with 12 lakh students linked to it," Soren said while addressing a public meeting at Gandhnia Hat Maidan in Ghatsila in support of his cabinet colleague-cum-JMM MLA Ramdas Soren. In an indirect reference to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Soren accused him of making hollow claims about the safety of tribals in Madhya Pradesh. Also Read | DY Chandrachud Retirement: SCBA President Kapil Sibal Hails Outgoing CJI for Tackling Complex Issues Like Article 370, Same-Sex Marriage During His Tenure. He also accused the BJP of making false claims about protecting "Roti, Beti, and Mati," pointing to the central government's inaction in the face of ongoing atrocities against women in Manipur. Soren said the JMM-led coalition would return to power with a majority. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday slammed the BJP over its leader Devendra Fadnavis' remarks on Rahul Gandhi showing a 'red-covered' copy of the Constitution, and said the people of Maharashtra and the country will give a befitting reply to the "anti-Constitution and anti-reservation" BJP. His remarks came after Fadnavis asked what message Rahul Gandhi wanted to give by showing a red-covered copy of the Constitution of India. Fadnavis also accused the Congress leader of building a coalition of anarchists. Also Read | Centre To Unveil Drone Technology for Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi. In a post on Hindi on X, Kharge asked why has the BJP started "hating" the Constitution of India so much. "We are asking this question not only to the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Chief Minister of Assam, but also to Modi Ji, who had to bow down to the Constitution in Parliament after the Lok Sabha elections," Kharge said. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Market Opens Flat After US Fed Rate Cut. By repeatedly linking the Constitution with Naxalism, do the BJP/RSS leaders want to bring their defeated agenda of implementing Manusmriti in the country, he asked. The BJP/RSS leaders are not able to tolerate that the Constitution gives equal rights to everyone and empowers Dalits, tribals, backward, minority and poor classes, Kharge alleged. He cited a paragraph from an editorial in what he said was "RSS mouthpiece Organiser" in its November 30, 1949 issue which stated that the worst thing about this new Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian in it. The RSS was clearly standing against the main architect of the Indian Constitution i.e. BR Ambedkar and in support of Manusmriti, the Congress chief claimed. "The whole country knows how the Sangh Parivar burnt copies of the Constitution and burnt effigies of Pandit Nehru and Babasaheb Ambedkar ji at that time!" Kharge said. "The people of Maharashtra and the country will give a befitting reply to the anti-Constitution and anti-reservation BJP," he said. Targeting Fadnavis, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday had said in a post on X in Hindi that according to the former chief minister of Maharashtra, showing Babasaheb's Constitution and raising voice for caste census is a "Naxalite idea". "This thinking of the BJP is an insult to the Constitution-maker, Maharashtra's son Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar," he had said. "During the Lok Sabha elections, the people of Maharashtra fought for the Constitution and gave a big victory to the Maha Vikas Aghadi. "The people of Maharashtra will not tolerate any insult to Babasaheb by the BJP, and together with the Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi, they will defend our Constitution by responding with full force to every attack on it," he had said. Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday campaigned for the Congress-NCP(SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance of the Opposition in the state where assembly elections will be held on November 20. He carried a copy of the Constitution with a predominantly red cover at the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan convention in Nagpur. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dhule (Maharashtra) [India], November 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the esteemed Jain saint, Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, on Friday in Dhule, Maharashtra, where he also addressed a public rally ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi praised the Jain saint's contributions to social service and spirituality. Also Read | Karnataka: Bengaluru Yoga Teacher Kidnapped, Assaulted, and Buried Alive; Escapes by Faking Death in Chikkaballapur. "In Dhule, I met Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb. His dedication to social service and spirituality is commendable. He is also respected for his extensive writings," PM Modi stated. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1854828028804972687?s=46&t=L8tLF4dNfP3ME82Pj8IKlQ Also Read | 'Men Shouldn't Tailor Women's Clothes or Cut Their Hair': Uttar Pradesh Women's Body Presents Proposal To Protect Women From 'Bad Touch'. Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb is a revered Jain saint and prolific author who has written extensively to promote the socio-cultural development of individuals and society. He has completed 55 years of Sayyam Jeevan (Diksha) and is blessed with the rare grace of goddess Saraswati. To date, he has written approximately 425 books in Gujarati and was awarded the Padma Bhushan by then-President Pranab Mukherjee in 2017. Meanwhile, addressing the rally in Dhule, PM Modi criticised the Congress-NC alliance after it passed a resolution in Jammu and Kashmir's newly elected assembly by voice vote, opposing the revocation of Article 370 and advocating for the restoration of the region's special status. PM Modi described the move as a "conspiracy against Kashmir." "As soon as Congress and the INDI alliance had the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, they began conspiring against Kashmir... Two days ago, they passed a resolution in the J&K legislative assembly to restore Article 370," he said. He further ridiculed the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comparing it to a vehicle lacking wheels or brakes, and accused them of "misgovernance" and "exploiting" the people of Maharashtra. "MVA's 'gaadi' has neither wheels nor brakes, and they argue over who will sit in the driver's seat. Their only purpose in politics is to exploit the people. When groups like the MVA form a government, they obstruct every government policy and development initiative," he asserted. The Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nashik, November 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Congress in his election rally here, saying Congress wants to create rift among OBCs and asked if the opposition party, which is constituent of the MVA, will praise late Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray "whose contribution to the politics of the country and Maharashtra is incomparable." He said the people of Maharashtra are seeing the manifesto of 'Mahayuti' and the 'ghotala patra' of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The MVA includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). "Balasaheb Thackeray's contribution to the politics of the country and Maharashtra is incomparable. But not a single word comes out from the mouth of Congress leaders in praise of Balasaheb Thackeray. I challenge my friends in the MVA, they should get the Congress leaders to praise Balasaheb Thackeray and his ideology...Today is 8th November, I will count the number of days and wait for a reply from MVA people," PM Modi said. He also targeted Congress over its view of VD Savarkar and said party leader Rahul Gandhi has apparently been told by his allies here not to air his views about the freedom fighter. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Vote for Mahayuti for Fast Development, Oppose MVA Which Will Put Brakes, Says PM Narendra Modi in Dhule (Watch Video). He also referred to BJP-led government approving classical Language status to Marathi along with Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. "We gave Marathi the recognition, which this great language deserves. We talked about the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. BJP proudly says that Veer Savarkar is our source of inspiration. Veer Savarkar is the pride of Maharashtra and the nation. But on the other hand, Congress and the people of MVA never let Marathi language get the status of elite language. Congress people abuse Veer Savarkar...I have heard that the people of MVA sat with the 'Yuvraj' of Congress and told him to stop abusing Veer Savarkar if you want to win elections in Maharashtra," PM Modi said. He alleged that Congress wants OBC castes to fight among themselves. "Congress's clear opinion is that only when OBCs are weakened, the path to power will open for Congress, so Congress wants to create rifts among OBCs. Here in Nashik, there are so many OBC castes...Congress wants all these castes to fight among themselves...Congress has entered the field to destroy you. It is most troubled by your unity and strength. That is why it wants OBCs to lose their unity and open the way to power for Congress," PM Modi said. PM Modi said the Congress cannot tolerate a person from OBC community having become the Prime Minister of the country. 'They Cannot See Women Getting Empowered': PM Narendra Modi Attacks Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra's Dhule, Says 'Opposition Is Trying Everything To Stop the Majhi Ladki Bahan Yojana' (Watch Video). "A person from the OBC has become the Prime Minister of the country for the third time, Congress can't come to terms with this truth. Congress has lost its sleep. They are venting their anger on the OBC...MVA is against the Ladki Bahan Yojana, they went to the Court to stop this scheme," he said. He alleged that people have rejected Congress in different parts of the country and now it is "parasitic" party dependent on its allies for electoral success. "The people of Maharashtra are seeing the manifesto of 'Mahayuti' and the 'ghotala patra' of MVA...The whole country has completely rejected the Congress due to its actions. Congress is no longer the All India Congress. Congress has now become a parasitic Congress. This Congress party is now surviving only on crutches. Be it Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Jharkhand, in most states, Congress is in a position to contest elections only with the support of other parties...Congress wants to divide SCs, STs and OBCs. OBCs were never able to unite during the Congress rule," he said. PM Modi said Congress has not been able to come to power on its own since the ninetees when OBCs (other backward communities) united. "OBCs got reservation only when the Congress government was removed. During Nehru's time, Congress kept OBCs divided into different castes, then Indira Gandhi also had the same attitude and the same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi. These people never allowed OBCs to unite and as soon as OBCs united in the 90s and became powerful, the Congress stopped forming governments with full majority," he said. He also referred to ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly over the resolution for restoration of "special status and constitutional guarantees" and said Congress and its allies want to again implement Article 370. "You must have seen it on TV. 2-3 days ago, Congress and its allies created a ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to re-implement Article 370. These people again want the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar to be removed from Jammu and Kashmir. These people again want that the reservation that Dalits, Valmiki community to be snatched away. Against the Constitution, against Dalits, backward classes, tribals, Congress is as much a part of this conspiracy as their other allies in the MVA. The Congress and the Aghadi people leave no opportunity to push the country backwards and weaken it," he said. "What did these people not do to push the country backwards in defence manufacturing...They spread falsehoods about HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), stirred up controversies, and incited employees. However, HAL has now emerged as a company with record profits. When policies are clear and intentions are good, you get good results. Congress and its allies neither care about Baba Saheb Ambedkar's constitution, nor about the court, nor about the sentiments of the country. They carry the constitution book in their pockets just for show. These Congress people are the ones who did not allow Baba Saheb's Constitution to be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir for 75 years. BJP and NDA removed Article 370 and implemented one country, one constitution," he added. He talked of the developement initiatives under the ruling Mahayuti government and said Maharashtra is far ahead in modern infrastructure projects. "Highways and expressways are being built here. Investments are being made here in the areas of modern technology. If any government stops this work, will Maharashtra be able to move forward, will the youth of Maharashtra get employment opportunities? If this work stops, Maharashtra will be left far behind. This is what the Congress and its allies want, this is their agenda. Whenever any big work is done in Maharashtra, these people come to oppose it," he alleged. The Prime Minister also spoke of steps taken for the welfare of farmers and women. "In a double-engine government, the speed of development doubles. Along with that, the benefits of the schemes also double. The farmers of Maharashtra are experiencing this today. Here, the farmers are getting the benefit of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Along with that, they are also getting Namo Shetkari Maha Samman Nidhi. That is financial help of Rs 12,000 annually. I want to tell my farmer friends that when our government is formed again in Maharashtra, this help of Rs 12,000 will increase to Rs 15,000. Lakhs of farmer families of Maharashtra will get a huge benefit from this," he said. "Today, in Maharashtra more than 50 lakh women have been given free gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 1.25 crore households in the state have started getting tap water facility. Today, about 7 crore people of Maharashtra are getting free ration every month," he said. "More than 26 lakh poor people of the state have benefited from the PM Awas Yojana, they have been given concrete houses. To ensure that such work for the poor continues, it is necessary to form a Mahayuti government again in Maharashtra," he added. PM Modi said his 11-day ritual, before pran prathistha of Ram Temple idol in Ayodhya, started from Nashik. the Prime Minister will address a series of rallies in the state sover the next few days. "Today, on the first day of the Maharashtra Assembly election campaign, I have had the privilege of coming to the holy land of Nashik. When the 500-year wait for the Ram temple in Ayodhya ended and Lord Shri Ram returned once again, my 11-day fasting ritual before the Pran Pratishtha also started from Nashik," PM Modi said. "Today, once again, I have come to Nashik for a developed Maharashtra, for a developed India, to seek the blessings of Nashik...Our country is making new records because today there is a government in the country that cares for the poor. When the poor progress, only then the does country progress. For so many decades, Congress and its allies gave the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao', yet the poor remained dependent on food, clothing and shelter. Now, within just 10 years, 25 crore people of the country have come out of poverty," he added. Maharashtra will go for assembly polls on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) A day after a row erupted over a CID probe into 'samosas' delivered to his staff instead of him, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the probe was not into samosas which the media has turned it into, but it was to ascertain "misbehavior" of officials. Sukhu also termed as "childish" the BJP's attack on him over the issue, saying the BJP has been running a smear campaign against the Congress government in the state ever since it won 40 seats in the last assembly elections. Also Read | Srinagar Grenade Attack: 3 Terrorists, Who Hurled Bomb at Busy 'Sunday Market' in Jammu and Kashmir, Arrested. "The probe was about misbehaviour of officials but the media has turned the CID probe into samosas. The DGP has already given a clarification in this regard," he told reporters here. Sukhu also accused the BJP of running a campaign to run down his government since 'Operation Lotus' to dislodge his government failed. Also Read | Manipur: 8 Houses Set Ablaze, Hmar Tribal Village Attacked in Jiribam District by Armed Militants; Situation Now Under Control (Watch Video). "The BJP's behaviour in raking up this issue is childish and laughable," he said, adding that the BJP has been trying to tarnish his government's image ever since it failed in the assembly polls and subsequently also did not succeed in running it down. Samosas and cakes meant for Sukhu were served to his security staff instead, the goof-up snowballing into controversy and necessitating a CID probe that termed it an "anti-government" act. Those responsible acted according to their own agenda, a highly placed official in the CID said in his note on the October 21 incident when the chief minister was visiting the CID headquarters. Attacking the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, the opposition BJP said the Sukhu dispensation is not concerned about the development of the state but its only concern seems to be the "Chief Minister's Samosa". The brouhaha started when three boxes of the refreshments were brought from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to the chief minister who had gone to the CID headquarters to attend a function. However, the eatables were served to the CM security staff, according to the enquiry report conducted by a deputy SP rank officer. The report stated that an officer of IG rank had asked a sub-inspector (SI) of police to get some eatables from the hotel for the CM's visit. The SI in turn directed an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable to bring the refreshments. The ASI and the head constable fetched the refreshments from the hotel in three sealed boxes and informed the SI. The police officers in their statement said when they asked the tourism department staff on duty whether the snacks in the three boxes were to be served to the chief minister, they said they were not included in the menu. The enquiry report said only the said SI, who deputed the ASI and the head constable with the task of getting the snacks from the hotel, was aware of the fact that the three boxes were for Sukhu. The lady inspector, to whom the food items were handed over, did not ask any senior officer and sent the refreshments to the mechanical transport (MT) section which deals with refreshments. The three boxes of refreshments exchanged several hands in the process. A highly placed official in the CID department wrote in his noting that all persons named in the enquiry report have acted in "anti-CID" and "anti-government" manner due to which the items could not be served to the VVIPs. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Nov 8 (PTI) The first phase of home voting for the by-elections to seven assembly seats in Rajasthan concluded on Friday, officials said. Of the total 3,193 voters eligible for home voting, 3,085 have used the to facility to exercise their franchise, a senior official said. Also Read | DY Chandrachud Retirement: 'I Am Probably the Most Trolled Judges Across System' Says Outgoing CJI During Farewell Function, Responds to Trolls With Urdu Poet Bashir Badr's Sayari. So far, the highest number of home votes has been recorded in the Salumbar Assembly constituency, where 661 eligible voters have cast their ballots, Chief Electoral Officer Naveen Mahajan said. In the first phase of home voting, 3,085 eligible voters comprising senior citizens aged above 85 and differently-abled persons have exercised their franchise, Mahajan said. Also Read | 'Akhilesh Yadav's Thinking and Working Style Is Like Monkeys' Says Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Claims 'SP Chief Too Scared of the Animal'. Of the total targeted voters in the first phase from Monday to Friday, 71 voters could not cast votes as they were not found at their homes at the scheduled time, he said. In the second phase of home voting, the polling team will visit the houses of the remaining voters on November 9-10 to conduct voting, the CEO added. The voting for the by-elections to seven assembly seats of the state - Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chaurasi, Salumbar and Ramgarh will be held on November 13 and the results will be declared on November 23. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to Centre on a plea of Jharkhand government against an interim order of the High Court to constitute a fact-finding committee, which includes Central government officers, to look into allegations of illegal immigration into the state from Bangladesh. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah sought response from Centre and petitioner before the High Court on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on December 3. Also Read | DY Chandrachud Retirement: 'I Am Probably the Most Trolled Judges Across System' Says Outgoing CJI During Farewell Function, Responds to Trolls With Urdu Poet Bashir Badr's Sayari. It has also given liberty to the state to not nominate its members to the Committee till then. The Jharkhand government has filed an appeal against the High Court's September 20 order constituting a fact-finding committee comprising of officers of the Central government for determining illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Also Read | 'Akhilesh Yadav's Thinking and Working Style Is Like Monkeys' Says Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Claims 'SP Chief Too Scared of the Animal'. The state government said that the fact-finding committee was appointed despite the fact that a report was submitted by the Deputy Commissioners of 6 Districts (Godda, Jamtara, Pakur, Dumka, Sahibganj, and Deoghar), wherein no such illegal migration was found except in two cases in District Sahibganj, which were being dealt with by the state Authorities. The High Court addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) in which the petitioner expressed concern about certain tribal communities in the districts of Sahebganj, Pakur, Godda, Dumka, Jamtara, and Deoghar. These tribes, recognized as the indigenous people of the region, have been experiencing a decrease in their population due to what the petitioner described as forceful conversions initiated by Bangladeshi Muslims. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Imphal, Nov 8 (PTI) At least six houses were torched and residents of a tribal village were attacked by a group of armed militants in ethnic strife-torn Manipur's Jiribam district, police said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Zairon Hmar village after the group of militants set the houses on fire, a senior officer said. Also Read | Centre To Unveil Drone Technology for Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi. "Preliminary reports suggested that several villagers managed to flee during the attack and took shelter in nearby forest. At least six houses were severely damaged due to the arson. An investigation is underway," he said. Kuki-Zo organisations claimed that a woman, a resident of the village, was killed during the attack but the report of death has not been confirmed by the district police. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty Fall in Early Trade Amid Foreign Fund Exodus and Weak Trends in Blue-Chip Stocks. Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year and over 200 people were killed. The violence erupted on May 3 after a Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Vijayapura (Karnataka) [India], November 8 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fact-finding committee on the alleged Waqf land-grab issue in Vijayapura in Karnataka has submitted their report to Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman, Jagdambika Pal. The committee, led by BJP MP Govind M Karjol claims that there were several instances of land records being altered without any prior notice to the people. Also Read | Shah Rukh Khan Death Threat Case: Accused Lawyer Faizan Khan Claims His Phone Was 'Stolen', Reveals He Had Filed Earlier Police Complaint Against SRK Over Dialogue in 'Anjaam'. "The Committee uncovered several instances where land records were altered without any prior notice, citing outdated Waqf Board orders and verbal directives from Deputy Commissioners," said party's Karnataka president, Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Thursday in a post on X. https://x.com/BYVijayendra/status/1854506285854552239 Also Read | Chhath Puja 2024: Devotees Gather To Offer Arghya to Rising Sun on Last Day of Festival (Watch Videos). The party has alleged that Waqf designations were added to land records for 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district without proper notification, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he has instructed officials to stop issuing notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. Jagdambika Pal also visited the area of Vijayapura, on the request of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, and attended a protest organised by farmers, MLAs and former MPs. Pal addressing the protesters and said he listened to their problems. "Today in Vijayapura, Karnataka, a joint protest is being organized by farmers and MLAs, former MPs, saints and people from the monastery against the Waqf Board, where I addressed them through a meeting and listened to their problems," read a post by Pal. "Farmers met us and gave a memorandum and said that they used to do farming on the land for centuries and they had land deeds for it but now we are getting notice from the board. So will we be submitting the memorandum before the JPC," said Jagdambika Pal while speaking with media on Thursday. The JPC Chairman visited Vijayapura upon a request by JPC member and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, to understand the concerns of farmers on their agricultural land being claimed by the Waqf Board. Surya also met with the JPC chairman while he visited various districts where there were allegations of Waqf land grab. According to Karnataka BJP, the JPC chairman met more than 80 farmer organisations and 5 thousand farmers in Hubballi and Vijayapura districts. BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil earlier on Thursday demanded that Waqf properties be nationalized and declared national property too. After Pal visited Karnataka, Patil said that 10 to 15 thousand farmers and public representatives told them about the manner in which lakhs of acres of land were grabbed by Siddaramaiah. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 8 (ANI): Chairman of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Jagdambika Pal and committee member, Brij Lal visited Guwahati, Assam on Friday, to take in the views of different stakeholders. The committee would meet with Assam government representatives, Waqf boards across the North-East and other minority institutions to prepare a comprehensive report on the Waqf amendment. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Strangulates Girlfriends Father to Death, Disposes His Body in Shahpur Garhi for Opposing Their Relationship; Arrested After Confessing Crime. The JPC Chairman said that they will submit the report in the upcoming winter session of the Parliament. Speaking to ANI, Jagdambika Pal said, "We are here in Guwahati for a study visit. Here, we will meet different stakeholders, along with state government representatives, then minority commission and Waqf board. We hope that we can talk to as many people as possible. The Waqf boards in all the states of North-East, minoritiy commissions, High Court lawyers and other groups who have said they want to appear before the JPC." Also Read | Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot Flags-Off Buses on New Route 828 LTD, Check Route Details. "We are in exercise now, and definitely we will prepare our report also and the JPC would likely submit it in the first week or last week of parliament winter session," he added. Jagdambika Pal is on a study visit across the country. He visited Karnataka on Thursday. Later the JPC members are planning to go to Kolkata in West Bengal; Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh; and Patna in Bihar too. The JPC Chairman further that he wishes to make a comprehensive and transparent report so the original intention of the Waqf amendment bill is fulfilled, and the minorities are able to get its benefits. "What we want to do is prepare a good report, take in all the point of views, which is transparent, so that the reason for bringing this amendment in the first place so that it (Waqf board) becomes transparent and the benefits for Waqf is availed by the common minority, to Pasmanda muslims, women and children too. Also the three original purpose of the board is fulfilled too," Pal said. Another JPC member, Brij Lal said they have met many people across the country for making the report. "I have seen Assam a lot, I came here in 1984 too, I like coming back here, our chairman and here. We travelled a lot, went to South India, to Bombay too, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and talked to the stakeholders, now we have come to Guwahati too. Later, Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow, and after listening to all we will make a report," Lal told ANI. Earlier on Thursday, JPC Chairman Pal visited Vijayapura in Karnataka, on the request of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, and attended a protest organised by farmers, MLAs and former MPs. Pal addressed the protesters and said he listened to their problems. "Today in Vijayapura, Karnataka, a joint protest is being organized by farmers and MLAs, former MPs, saints and people from the monastery against the Waqf Board, where I addressed them through a meeting and listened to their problems," read a post by Pal. "Farmers met us and gave a memorandum and said that they used to do farming on the land for centuries and they had land deeds for it but now we are getting notice from the board. So will we be submitting the memorandum before the JPC," said Jagdambika Pal while speaking with media on Thursday. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Dixon Technologies, a leading electronic manufacturing services company, has commenced manufacturing fixed broadband devices in India in collaboration with Finnish telecom giant Nokia. This will tap the demand for fixed broadband services in India, which has surged in recent years, led by the rapid adoption of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, said a joint statement. Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: NICL Invites Applications for 500 Assistant Posts, Apply Online at nationalinsurance.nic.co.in; Know Eligibility Criteria and Recruitment Process. A manufacturing setup by Dixon Electro, a step-down unit of Dixon Technologies, will produce up to 10 million devices annually at its facility in Noida, it added. "This collaboration will produce GPON, 5G FWA, and Mesh Wi-Fi devices capable of delivering up to one gigabit per second per home," it said. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, November 8 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. Nokia's Chennai-based R&D Centre will spearhead the design and development of the devices, with Dixon Electro handling large-scale manufacturing. Besides, this will also create around 3,000 new jobs and contribute to the local economy. Nokia is a market leader in broadband infrastructure equipment with a significant proportion of Indian homes connected to Nokia Fiber broadband equipment. It currently supports over half of India's FTTH infrastructure. "Now, Nokia adds 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and Wi-Fi beacons for a complete in-home broadband toolkit for Indian operators," it said. "Together, Nokia and Dixon are committed to enhancing connectivity, accelerating India's digital transformation, and delivering next-generation broadband solutions to Indian homes." Dixon Technologies Vice Chairman and Managing Director Atul B Lall said: "Our partnership with Nokia represents a milestone in India's manufacturing sector, supporting the vision of a self-reliant India. As we begin local production of these advanced broadband devices, Dixon reaffirms its commitment to expanding India's electronics ecosystem". Sandy Motley, VP, Fixed Networks, Nokia said: "Through this partnership, we aim to support India's transition to a digitally connected future, leveraging Nokia's expertise in FTTH and FWA technologies". Dixon Technologies recorded a revenue of Rs 6,411 crore in FY24. It operates in 23 facilities nationwide and serves over 100 clients. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Fortis Healthcare on Friday said its consolidated net profit increased by 5 per cent year on year to Rs 193 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2024, aided by strong performance by the hospital segment. The healthcare provider had reported a net profit of Rs 184 crore in the July-September quarter of last fiscal. Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: NICL Invites Applications for 500 Assistant Posts, Apply Online at nationalinsurance.nic.co.in; Know Eligibility Criteria and Recruitment Process. Revenue increased to Rs 1,988 crore for the September quarter as against Rs 1,770 crore in the year-ago period, Fortis Healthcare said in a regulatory filing. "We have continued our positive momentum in Q2 with the hospital business contributing approximately 82 per cent to our consolidated EBITDA," Fortis Healthcare MD and CEO Ashutosh Raghuvanshi stated. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, November 8 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. The healthcare provider is making good progress in its plans to add nearly 700 beds this fiscal year across key facilities, including Faridabad, Anandpur, Shalimar Bagh, and Noida, he added. "Commensurate with our expansion plans, our 350-bed Manesar facility which we acquired in FY24 was commissioned recently. Leveraging our robust balance sheet, we would actively pursue further inorganic growth opportunities in our focus geographic clusters," Raghuvanshi said. In July-September period, the company said its hospital business revenues grew 14 per cent to Rs 1,655 crore as compared with Rs 1,453 crore in the year-ago period. Shares of the company on Friday ended 0.42 per cent down at Rs 620.90 apiece on BSE. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) India needs to carefully navigate the US sanctions imposed on certain Indian entities to protect their business interests and can engage diplomatically with America and other international bodies to seek remedies, think tank GTRI said on Friday. To prevent future sanctions, India may plan to tighten export controls, offer clearer business guidelines, and ensure stricter compliance, it said. Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: NICL Invites Applications for 500 Assistant Posts, Apply Online at nationalinsurance.nic.co.in; Know Eligibility Criteria and Recruitment Process. On October 30, the US State Department and the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals, including 19 Indian companies and two individuals, for allegedly supporting Russia's military activities in Ukraine. Then, on November 1, the US Department of Commerce added five Indian companies to its entity list for acquiring and redirecting US-made goods to Russia's defence sector, it said. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, November 8 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. "While unilateral sanctions imposed by the US are controversial under international law, the practical reality is that countries like India must navigate these sanctions carefully to protect their business interests," Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in its report. It also said that India could bring the issue to the World Trade Organization (WTO) if the sanctions violate international trade rules or harm Indian businesses. The recent US sanctions highlight the importance for Indian businesses to follow both local and international trade regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive or dual-use goods. "Companies must stay vigilant to avoid inadvertently supporting sanctioned entities or countries," the think tank said. In India, the GTRI report said, the sanctioned companies were involved in exporting dual-use items products with both civilian and military applications. Some of these companies exported not only US-origin goods but also locally produced items that were later sent to Russian military sectors. U.S. sanctions also apply to companies diverting US-made items, increasing scrutiny on Indian exporters, it added. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said that India does not support unilateral sanctions outside of United Nations mandates, and its sanctions policy is focused on trade restrictions with specific countries, like Iran and North Korea. "India's response reflects its commitment to sovereignty while honouring international non-proliferation agreements, such as the UNSC Resolution 1540, enforced through its WMD (weapons of mass destruction) Act," he said. He added that it is crucial for businesses to have strong compliance programs and regularly check export control lists like India's SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) list and US BIS regulations. "Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences, including trade restrictions, frozen assets, and lost market access," he said adding that Indian companies should also monitor their supply chains, particularly in high-risk areas. Regularly reviewing the SCOMET list helps identify products that may face export restrictions. "Non-compliance could isolate businesses commercially, as US sanctions not only block transactions with US companies but can also discourage global partners that have ties to the US," the think tank said. It added that as India focuses on becoming a net exporter, particularly in defence exports, it is imperative that the businesses adopt the mantra of 'Knowledge, Training and Compliance' as the cost of non-compliance is "way too high" for businesses to ignore compliance. The report was jointly prepared by Srivastava and Ameeta Verma Duggal, Partner, DGS Associates. It said that the US sanctions include blocking access to its financial systems, freezing assets, visa restrictions, and denying trade opportunities Companies in violation may face commercial isolation, even if their business dealings with the US are limited. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) EAM Jaishankar speaking at the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think - Tanks in Singapore (Photo/X@DrSJaishankar) Singapore City [Singapore], November 8 (ANI): Highlighting the ongoing transition in the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, stressed the need for having resilient supply chains, trusted partners and diversified production. During his speech, Jaishankar spoke about the opportunities for a stronger India-ASEAN partnership. He further stressed that "ASEAN Centrality" will be India's guiding principle of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Also Read | Canada Passes Motion Rejecting China's Sovereignty Claim Over Taiwan Amid Growing Relations. During his state visit to Singapore, Jaishankar delivered the keynote address at the 8th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of think-tanks. The theme of the event was, 'Navigating a world in transition: Agenda for the ASEAN India partnership'. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854721763805999200 Also Read | Dean Shurka Kidnapped in Canada and Held for Ransom, CEO of Cryptocurrency Firm WonderFi Released After Paying CAD 1 Million: Report. Speaking about the emerging knowledge economy and advancement of AI, he brought to attention how this necessitates greater human and enterprise mobility within our region. The Foreign Minister also shared the key highlights of his speech on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854778874141589542 Jaishankar put forward India's commitment towards collaborative connectivity through various initiatives in multiple sectors such as the digital public infrastructure, energy sector and transportation. The EAM also brought to attention India's leading initiatives for this include the India Middle East Economic Corridor, INSTC and the trilateral highway to the east. He spoke about utilising two prominent areas namely skilling and education to open up new avenues for deeper partnership with ASEAN. "India and ASEAN are major demographies whose emerging demands can not only support each other but become larger productive forces in the international economy. Our collaboration can also be crucial in addressing contemporary challenges," the Foreign Minister added. Touching upon the energy sector, he said, "In visualising the areas of cooperation, we are also targeting new domains and technologies that hold potential, India and ASEAN are today more focused on realising the value of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. We are preparing for an era of electric mobility, green shipping and green steel" for a more sustainable region." Jaishankar further expressed great confidence in the India-ASEAN ties and highlighted the deep cultural and civilisation connect between the two regions has resulted in fruitful cooperation and a strong foundation for a deeper partnership benefitting our people. "As India's engagement with Indo-Pacific and Quad deepens, ASEAN centrality and cohesion will continue to be a guiding principle," the EAM concluded. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Berlin, Nov 8 (AP) Like many other young women living in communist East Germany, Solveig Leo thought nothing about juggling work and motherhood. The mother of two was able to preside over a large state-owned farm in the northeastern village of Banzkow because childcare was widely available. Contrast that with Claudia Huth, a mother of five, who grew up in capitalist West Germany. Huth quit her job as a bank clerk when she was pregnant with her first child and led a life as a traditional housewife in the village of Egelsbach in Hesse, raising the kids and tending to her husband, who worked as a chemist. Also Read | Bill Gates Congratulates Donald Trump and VP-Elect JD Vance, Microsoft Co-Founder Supported Kamala Harris Campaign by Reportedly Donating USD 50 Million. Both Leo and Huth fulfilled roles that in many ways were typical for women in the vastly different political systems that governed Germany durings its decades of division following the country's defeat in World War II in 1945. As Germany celebrates the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989 and the country's reunification less than a year later on Oct. 3, 1990 many in Germany are reflecting on how women's lives that have diverged so starkly under communism and capitalism have become much more similar again though some differences remain even today. Also Read | Who Is Susie Wiles? Meet the First Woman White House Chief of Staff as US President-Elect Donald Trump Makes Historic Choice. In West Germany, women not all, but many had to fight for their right to have a career, said Clara Marz, the curator of an exhibition about women in divided Germany for the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Germany. Women in East Germany, meanwhile, often had jobs though that was something that they had been ordered from above to do, she added. Built in 1961, the Wall stood for 28 years at the front line of the Cold War between the Americans and the Soviets. It was built by the communist regime to cut off East Germans from the supposed ideological contamination of the West and to stem the tide of people fleeing East Germany. Today only a few stretches of the 156.4-kilometer (97.2-mile) barrier around the capitalist exclave of West Berlin remain, mostly as a tourist attraction. All the heavy industry was in the west, there was nothing here, Leo, who is now 81 years old, said during a recent interview looking back at her life as a woman under communism. East Germany had to pay war reparations to the Soviet Union. Women needed to work our own way out of that misery. By contrast, Leo said, women in the West didn't need to work because they were spoiled by the Marshall Plan the United States' generous reconstruction plan that poured billions of dollars into West Germany and other European countries after the war. In capitalist West Germany, the economy recovered so quickly after the total devastation of WWII that people soon started talking of a Wirtschaftswunder, or economic miracle, that brought them affluence and stability less than 10 years after the war. That economic success, however, indirectly hampered women's quest for equal rights. Most West German women stayed at home and were expected to take care of their household while their husbands worked. Religion, too, played a much bigger role than in atheist East Germany, confining women to traditional roles as caregivers of the family. Mothers who tried to break out of these conventions and took on jobs were infamously decried as Rabenmutter, or uncaring moms who put work over family. Not all West German women perceived their traditional roles as restrictive. I always had this idea to be with my children, because I loved being with them," said Huth, now 69. It never really occurred to me to go to work. More than three decades after Germany's unification, a new generation of women is barely aware of the different lives their mothers and grandmothers led depending on which part of the country they lived in. For most, combining work and motherhood has also become the normal way of life. Hannah Fiedler, an 18-year-old high school graduate from Berlin, said the fact that her family lived in East Germany during the decades of the country's division has no impact on her life today. East or West it's not even a topic in our family anymore, she said, as she sat on a bench in the capital's Mitte neighborhood, which marks the former course of the Berlin Wall in the then-divided city. She also said that growing up, she had not experienced any disadvantages because she's female. I'm white and privileged for good or worse I don't expect any problems when I enter the working world in the future, she said. Some small differences between the formerly divided parts of Germany linger on. In the former East, 74% of women are working, compared to 71.5% in the West, according to a 2023 study by the Hans-Bockler-Stiftung foundation. Childcare is also still more available in the former East than in the West. In 2018, 57% of children under the age of 3 were looked after in a childcare facility in the eastern state of Saxony. That compares with 27% in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia and 44% in Hamburg and Bremen, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office. Germany as a whole trails behind some other European countries when it comes to gender equality. Only 31.4% lawmakers in Germany's national parliament are female, compared to 41% in Belgium's parliament, 43.6% in Denmark, 45% in Norway and 45.6% in Sweden. Nonetheless, Leo, the 81-year-old farmer from former East Germany, is optimistic that eventually women all over the country will have the same opportunities. I can't imagine that there are any women who don't like to be independent, she said. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Singapore, Nov 8 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward contemporary bilateral partnership, with a focus on areas like industrial parks, innovation and semiconductors. Jaishankar is here on the second leg of his two-nation tour which also took him to Australia. Also Read | US President-Elect Donald Trump Appoints Campaign Manager Susan Wiles As White House Chief of Staff, First Woman To Hold Position. "Started my visit to Singapore by meeting DPM & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. Discussed taking forward contemporary partnership, with a focus on industrial parks, green energy, skilling, innovation and semiconductors," Jaishankar posted on X. During his day-long visit here, Jaishankar will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN India Network of Think Tanks. Also Read | Joe Biden's First Speech After Donald Trump's Victory: Outgoing US President Assures Peaceful Transfer of Power in His Address, Consoles Democrats, Reminds Republicans Polls Are Fair (Watch Videos). He will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. PTI (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Athens, Nov 8 (AP) Recent efforts to smooth the frequently volatile ties between neighbours and regional rivals Greece and Turkiye are bearing fruit, their foreign ministers said Friday, although significant differences remain between the two countries as they seek ways to prevent spats from escalating dangerously. Despite both being members of NATO, Greece and Turkiye have been at loggerheads for decades over a long series of issues, including complex maritime boundary disputes that led them to the brink of war in 1987 and in 1996. In 2020, tension over drilling rights led to Greek and Turkish warships shadowing each other in the eastern Mediterranean. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Heaps Praises on PM Narendra Modi, Says 'High Time India Is Included Among Great Powers of the World'. Over the past 16 months, the two sides have made concerted efforts to reduce tensions, with the Greek and Turkish leaders meeting six times. Last December, the two countries signed more than a dozen cooperation deals during a meeting in Athens between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. I am not claiming that through the dialogue we have developed, all the problems in the two countries' relations have been magically resolved, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in statements to the media after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Athens. The ministers didn't take any questions. Also Read | What Is 4B Movement? Why Is It Going Viral in US After Donald Trumps Win? All About the 4 Nos Including No Sex With Men Rule As American Women Engage in South Korean-Inspired Trend. There were indeed difficult moments during the past year, Gerapetritis said. But in all cases, there was an immediate and honest channel that prevented escalation. With two brutal conflicts raging in the wider region, in Ukraine and in the Middle East, mending ties and preventing flare-ups in tension between the two neighbours has become all the more essential. "We are working to understand each other better on critical issues. The region we are in has many problems," Fidan said. "Turkiye and Greece need to be able to act with mutual trust in this difficult geography. Through a win-win approach, we can contribute to the prosperity and peace of our people. Despite the positive climate, the two sides remain far apart on some of the thornier issues, notably on territorial rights in the Aegean Sea. The two disagree on the delineation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, which determines exploitation rights for resources, as well as on the extent of territorial waters. Turkiye has said that any move by Greece to extend its territorial waters around its islands in the Aegean Sea from six nautical miles to 12 nautical miles, which Greece insists it has the right to do at any time, would be a cause for war. Turkiye also doesn't recognise that Greek islands off its borders have a continental shelf, while Greece insists that position is in contravention of international law. Athens insists the issue of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone is the only dispute it has with Turkiye and is willing to bring it to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Friday's talks included the evaluation of the conditions for the start of a fundamental discussion for the delineation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, Gerapetritis said. It is an initial, honest approach of a difficult but also crucial issue. Fidan stressed that all areas of disagreement connected to the Aegean, the sea that lies between the two countries, must be tackled. There are many problems that are interconnected in the Aegean. These disputes cannot be reduced to the issues of the continent shelf and exclusive economic zones," Fidan said. "We must address all issues that have the potential to create tensions and crises on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation. As Turkiye, we continue to defend the principle of equitable sharing in the eastern Mediterranean, he added. Migration has been a source of tension between the two countries for years. Tens of thousands of people make their way each year from Turkiye to nearby Greek islands, using European Union-member Greece as a gateway to more prosperous countries in the 27-nation bloc. While thousands of migrants continue to arrive in Greece, risking sometimes fatal sea crossings, the two ministers stressed the need to crack down on illegal migration and smuggling networks. The two emphasised the importance of acting together to combat irregular migration, Fidan said. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Singapore City [Singapore], November 8 (ANI): On the second leg of his two-state visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who landed in Singapore on Friday met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward contemporary bilateral partnership, with a focus on areas like industrial parks, innovation and semiconductors. Sharing the details on the social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, "Started my visit to Singapore by meeting DPM & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong". Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Congratulates Donald Trump on Election Victory; Says Moscow Ready for Dialogue With US President-Elect. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854709079345971575 He shared that the two leaders, "Discussed taking forward contemporary partnership, with a focus on industrial parks, green energy, skilling, innovation and semiconductors". Also Read | Fed Rate Cut: US Federal Reserve Slashes Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points Amid Cooling Inflation and Weakening Labour Market. Jaishankar is also set will also address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think Tanks. The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. India has a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN which is expressed through the Act East Policy. The EAM will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. India and Singapore have a close bilateral relationship. Singapore has played an important role in reconnecting India to the countries of Southeast Asia since the inception of the Look East Policy in the early 1990s. The Indian community has a significant presence in Singapore and constitutes about 9.2 per cent of the total population of the country. The visit by Jaishankar comes on the heels of the three day state visit of Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Minister of Defence, to India. During his visit, he had co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi, with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.Singapore has been an integral partner of India's Act East Policy. Expressing confidence in the relationship shared between the two countries, Singapore's Defence Minister Hen had remarked, "From Singapore's perspective, India has always been part of the East. Whether you choose to act or look, we consider you part of the area." Jaishankar is on a two-state visit, namely to Australia and Singapore. The Australian interactions lasted from November 3 to November 7 and saw the External Affairs Minister holding meetings with various groups of the Australian society to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Jaishankar's visit to the two countries is set to boost the warm and friendly ties India shares with them. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moscow, Nov 8 (AP) Russian authorities are seeking a six-year prison term for a pediatrician accused of criticising the war in Ukraine in front of one of her patients and his mother, Russian independent news site Mediazona reported on Friday. The case against Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, is one of hundreds launched against Russians after Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and unleashed an unprecedented crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and ordinary people. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Heaps Praises on PM Narendra Modi, Says 'High Time India Is Included Among Great Powers of the World'. Buyanova was arrested in February. The mother of one of her patients reported her to the authorities, alleging that the pediatrician told her son that his father, a Russian soldier killed in Ukraine, was a legitimate target for Kyiv's troops, and blamed Russia for the war. The pediatrician was charged with spreading false information about the army, a criminal offense under a law that was adopted shortly after the invasion and widely used to target critics and protesters. She has rejected the charges and insisted that she never said those things. Also Read | What Is 4B Movement? Why Is It Going Viral in US After Donald Trumps Win? All About the 4 Nos Including No Sex With Men Rule As American Women Engage in South Korean-Inspired Trend. Buyanova's defence argued that the prosecution failed to present evidence that the purported conversation took place and alleged that the woman who reported the doctor, who was born in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, fabricated the story out of animosity towards Ukrainians, according to Mediazona. In her closing statement to the court, Buyanova said that it was painful to read the accusations in the indictment, and broke into tears. According to OVD-Info, one of Russia's leading rights groups that tracks political arrests, more than 1,000 people have been implicated in criminal cases on charges related to speaking or acting out against the war in Ukraine. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Simdega, November 8: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of trying to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest, land) from tribal people. He termed the Jharkhand polls as a fight of ideology between the INDIA bloc and the BJP-RSS combine. The Congress leader alleged that the RSS-BJP's mission was to "destroy" the Constitution of the country, while the INDIA bloc "wanted to protect" it. "PM (Narendra) Modi calls you 'vanvasi' as the BJP believes that land, forest and water belong to the saffron party, RSS and capitalists. The BJP believes in grabbing tribal land under its newly coined word development. It wants to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest, land) from tribals," Gandhi alleged while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Simdega. Hazaribagh Seat Witnesses Thrilling Contest As BJPs Internal Rebellion Turns Contest Triangular in This Constituency Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024. He also claimed that the Constitution was under "constant attack" and the INDIA bloc was making "all efforts to protect it". The Congress, if voted to power, will ensure caste census and removal of the 50 per cent cap on the reservation, Gandhi claimed. "The Constitution is under constant attack and it needs to be protected. We will remove the cap of 50 per cent reservation at any cost. If we are voted to power in Jharkhand, we will raise reservation of STs to 28 per cent from the present 26 per cent, SCs to 12 per cent from the current 10 per cent and OBCs to 27 per cent from the existing 14 per cent," he claimed. Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Address 2 Rallies in Poll-Bound State on November 4. He also asserted that a caste census is "a must to identify the participation of tribals, Dalits and OBCs" in various institutions and wealth of the country. "When I raised the issue in Parliament, PM Modi was silent and later said that Rahul Gandhi wants to divide the country," the Congress leader claimed. This was Gandhi's second visit to Jharkhand after the assembly poll schedule was announced. The polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23. Today, November 8, the Supreme Courts seven-judge bench assembled to give a verdict on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). During the hearing of the AMU Minority Status case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, heading the seven-judge bench, said there are four judgements in the case. It is learned that four judges gave a majority verdict, while three judges passed a dissenting judgment. The Supreme Court, by a 4:3 majority, overruled its 1967 decision, which held that Aligarh Muslim University can't claim minority status as it was created by a statute. With this verdict, the issue of Aligarh Muslim University's minority status is now left to be decided by a regular bench for the factual determination of whether it was "established" by a minority. It is also learned that CJI DY Chandrachud wrote the majority judgment, while Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma dissented. RG Kar Rape and Murder Probe: Supreme Court Declines To Transfer Trial Outside West Bengal, Heres What We Know So Far. CJI DY Chandrachud Wrote the Majority Judgment #BREAKING In the AMU Minority case, the Supreme Court by 4:3 majority overrules its 1967 decision which held that Aligarh Muslim University can't claim minority status as it was created by a statute. The issue of AMU minority status is now left to be decided by a regular bench Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) November 8, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Pope and Assyrian Patriarch Mark 30th Anniversary of Common Declaration File photo of Catholicos Mar Awa III meeting Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2022 . ( Vatican Media) It was 11 November 1994, when Pope St. John Paul II and the then-Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, signed the Common Christological Declaration, which marked, as the text states, "a basic step on the way towards the full communion" between the Catholic Church and the Church of the East. The Ceremony Thirty years after that event, on Saturday, November 9, Pope Francis and the Assyrian Catholicos His Holiness Mar Awa III will be together at the Vatican for the anniversary celebrations, which are also tied to another milestone -- the 40th anniversary of the first visit of an Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV to Rome to meet Pope St John Paul II in 1984, inaugurating the work if the Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. Some members of the joint commission will accompany Patriarch Mar Awa III's visit with Pope Francis, as stated in a note from the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, which highlights that the commission has "recently begun a new phase of dialogue on liturgy in the life of the Church." The 1994 Declaration "Whatever our Christological divergences have been," reads a passage from the 1994 Declaration, "we experience ourselves united today in the confession of the same faith in the Son of God who became man so that we might become children of God by his grace." The text concludes, "The faith and the mutual trust already existing between our Churches entitle us from now on to consider witnessing together to the Gospel message and cooperating in particular pastoral situations, including especially the areas of catechesis and the formation of future priests." BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Thursday to the inaugural World Conference of Classics, which is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. Xi noted that the conference, co-organized by China and Greece, along with the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens, has created a new platform for civilizational exchange and mutual learning for China, Greece and other nations in the world. Xi said that the ancient civilizations of China and Greece flourished on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent more than two millennia ago, laying the foundation for the development of human civilization. He emphasized China's commitment to the preservation and development of civilizations and added that China is dedicated to enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and fostering global dialogues among civilizations. The Chinese president said China stands ready to work with other nations in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, addressing shared challenges facing humanity, and promoting the advancement of human civilization. Xi also expressed hope that experts and scholars will embrace the responsibility of advancing classical studies, contributing to the preservation and development of civilizations, and enhancing their exchange and mutual learning. The theme of the conference is "Classical Civilizations and the Modern World." An opening ceremony was held in Beijing on Thursday. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and read out Xi's congratulatory letter. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou's congratulatory letter was also read out at the ceremony. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay sent a written address on this occasion. The conference has drawn over 600 participants, including those from related departments and institutions of China and Greece, and experts, scholars, cultural figures, youth representatives and media professionals from around the world. Moscow, November 8: Russia on Friday summoned the deputy head of Canada's embassy in Moscow in connection with "false accusations" of allegedly planned "Russian sabotage" against NATO countries. "On November 8, the Deputy Head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was handed an official note in connection with false accusations of allegedly planned 'Russian sabotage' against NATO countries with the mailing, including to addressees in Canada, of explosives in postal correspondence," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin Heaps Praises on PM Narendra Modi, Says High Time India Is Included Among Great Powers of the World. Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in "malicious cyber activity" and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending "camouflaged incendiary devices" aboard cargo planes. "The (Canadian) diplomat was told that the said speculations, disseminated at the instigation of the United States and its satellites in the context of the hybrid war unleashed against Russia and the pumping up of the regime in Kyiv with modern weapons, as well as the participation of mercenaries from Canada in military actions on the side of the Kyiv regime with the blessing of the government of Justin Trudeau, indicate the probable preparation of a gross anti-Russian provocation," the Russian Foreign Ministry statement added. Russian President Vladimir Putin Congratulates Donald Trump on Election Victory; Says Moscow Ready for Dialogue With US President-Elect. Moscow warned that the responsibility for any escalation "under a false flag" will fall entirely on countries, including Canada, that are making "unacceptable accusations" against Russia. "The Canadian side has been told that any hostile actions will not go unanswered as they have not gone unanswered so far. The Canadian authorities must exercise prudence and refrain from harmful steps that deepen the confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry made it clear. Russia-Canada relations have nosedived over the last few years with Moscow accusing the Justin Trudeau-led government of following a Russophobic course. Last year, Russia gave a demarche to the Deputy Head of the Canadian Diplomatic Mission in Moscow after Canada's move to confiscate the An-124 cargo airliner, owned by the Volga-Dnepr company that was "illegally held" at the Toronto airport since February 2022. In September 2023, the Canadian Parliament's recognition of a Ukrainian veteran who served in a Nazi military unit during the Second World War drew massive flak from several countries, including Russia which termed Trudeau's standing ovation as "outrageous". "The hostile actions of the Canadian government, which has been trying to surpass the United States in its anti-Russia sanction rage by constantly extending the Russian stop list with more names of politicians, cultural figures and their family members, as well as entire education institutions, will certainly not be left without a response. "We will not tolerate the fact that Canadian liberals are playing with Nazism and will take the necessary steps in the context of the Russia-Canada relations that are going through a crisis on an epochal scale through the official Ottawas fault," read a Russian Foreign Ministry statement in September 2023 after the Canadian Parliament honoured 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskys visit to the country. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2024 11:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). In Spanish The anticipation among 'Stranger Things' fans is even more intense than the fear of the Demogorgon. Netflix has begun setting the stage for the second part of the final season. The story, which starts with the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, will now unfold in the fall of 1987. The hit series, has been an international phenomenon since its premiere in 2016. Keeping viewers on edge, Netflix confirmed that the premiere is set for next year, likely between summer and fall, following the series' previous release patterns. 'Stranger Things 5' Will Have Eight Episodes The streaming platform revealed the eight episode titles, heightening fans' curiosity: 'The Crawl' 'The Vanishing Of...' 'The Turnbow Trap' 'Sorcerer' 'Shock Jock' 'Escape from Camazotz' 'The Bridge' 'The Rightside Up' 'Stranger Things'' Success In 2020, 'Stranger Things' was the most-watched streaming series in the world, clocking 52 million minutes of viewership. Season 4 topped the charts in its first four weeks. Since its debut, this sci-fi show has consistently ranked in Netflix's top 10 and earned Emmy nominations, including three for Outstanding Drama Series. 'Stranger Things' opens with a young boy's disappearance, revealing dark secrets, supernatural forces, and a mysterious girl. Its success lies in the blend of suspense, sci-fi, nostalgia, and themes that resonate with both young and older viewers. Set in the 1980s, the series evokes memories of the decade through its music and film references as well as its synth soundtrack and aesthetic. Each successive season takes place the year after the previous season, with season 1 set in 1983, season 2 in 1984, and so on. This allows for audiences to watch the child actors grow up in front of their eyes, adding a new level of attachment to the characters. Season 5 promises to close this cultural phenomenon on a high note. With millions of viewers worldwide, 'Stranger Things' has redefined streaming, winning awards from the Emmys to the SAG Awards, and stands as one of Netflix's most beloved productions. With its nostalgic charm, unforgettable characters, and surprising twists, the show has made a lasting mark on pop culture, creating a devoted fan base eagerly awaiting the epic conclusion in Hawkins and the Upside Down. Pilots with Allegiant Airlines voted Thursday to authorize a strike. They say they were asked to make unfair concessions in exchange for raises, according to a news release from Teamsters Local 2118. Were fed up and this strike authorization vote shows that, said pilot David Mercado in the release. The airline and the union confirmed they are in mediation talks with the National Mediation Board. The union cant strike unless the mediation board agrees theres been an impasse, releases both parties from mediation, allows for a 30-day cooling off period and then determines all bargaining procedures have been exhausted, according to a statement from Allegiant spokeswoman Sonya Padgett. A strike authorization vote does not mean a strike is imminent or that one will occur at all, she said. Allegiant has 10 nonstop destinations from Lehigh Valley International Airport, the most of any airline from the airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. The pilots say theyre among the most overworked and underpaid in the airline industry, according to the news release from the union. They seek industry-standard compensation and improvements to scheduling. They claim the airline has tried to extract concessions in exchange for pay raises. The airline has offered an immediate average increase in hourly wages of 50% with an average 70% increase over five years, Padgett said. Theyve also offered a significant increase in retirement benefits, long term disability, and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements, she said. We look forward to completing this process to ensure our pilots receive an agreement they can be proud of, Padgett said. The contract affects 1,300 pilots, according to the union. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Hundreds of firefighters working around the clock for seven days have finally fully contained a raging wildfire on the Blue Mountain at Lehigh Gap. Bob Kurilla, a spokesman for the bureau thats part of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, told lehighvalleylive.com Friday morning flames are now completely under control. The team plans to transition the wildfire back to the local William Penn Forest District at 4 p.m. Friday. Crews will continue to patrol the area throughout the weekend, Kurilla said. There will still be smoldering in places until we get soaking rain, but nothing that will escape our control lines, he said. Nearly 600 acres have been scorched since flames ignited at 3:38 p.m. Saturday. It began east of the gap and eroded into the Blue Mountains Kittatinny Ridge, near the Lehigh River in Lehigh Township. Firefighters working with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks and Pennsylvania Game Commission, along with local fire departments, all took part in battling the blaze throughout the week. By Thursday morning, they were able to get the flames contained at 65%. The team faced hurdles with the extreme dry conditions and no rainfall this week. Drought conditions declared in half of Pennsylvanias 67 counties have already led to a fire ban on State Game Lands. Crews still dont expect to see any rainfall until Sunday evening into Monday. Thats when the National Weather Service says the chance of precipitation is 80% in the evening for the region, with new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. At least one firefighter earlier this week was treated at an area hospital for dehydration and released, Kurilla had said. No other injuries were reported. Crews were able to keep flames from spreading to any structures despite eight being listed as threatened by the blaze. Work included days in a mop up phase, which meant keeping the flames from advancing past containment. Officials used bulldozers to dig organic matter that was highly flammable around the perimeter of the flames to prevent any advancement. Helicopters daily dumped hundreds of gallons of water from the Lehigh River along the fires edge, Kurilla said. Additionally, crews worked in felling snags, which are dead trees that can potentially send burning embers over control lines, Kurilla said. The cause and origin of the wildfire continues to be investigated by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry. However, Wesley Robinson, press secretary for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said a cause likely wouldnt be determined until the wildfire is fully suppressed. Human activity causes 99% of wildfires in Pennsylvania, leading to the destruction of thousands of acres of state and private woodlands each year, according to the DCNR. A firefighter Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, cuts down fuel before it can be consumed by a wildfire ravaging the Blue Mountain in Lehigh Township, Northampton County.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Please subscribe now and support the local news you rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Attorneys for a man with Lehigh Valley ties charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students asked a judge to take the death penalty off the table Thursday, arguing that international, federal and state law all make it inappropriate for the case. Bryan Kohberger is accused of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. He grew up in Monroe County, attended Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township and earned bachelors and masters degrees from DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township. Investigators said they were able to link Kohberger then a graduate student at nearby Washington State University to the crime from DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data. When asked to enter a plea last year, Kohberger stood silent, prompting a judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted. During a pre-trial motion hearing, Kohbergers defense team made a broad range of arguments against the death penalty, saying in part that it does not fit todays standards of decency, that it is cruel to make condemned inmates sit for decades on death row awaiting execution and that it violates an international treaty prohibiting the torture of prisoners. But 4th District Judge Stephen Hippler questioned many of those claims, saying that the international treaty they referenced was focused on ensuring that prisoners are given due process so they are not convicted and executed without a fair trial. Prosecutors noted that the Idaho Supreme Court has already considered many of those arguments in other capital cases and allowed the the death penalty to stand. Still, by bringing up the issues during the motion hearing, Kohbergers defense team took the first step toward preserving their legal arguments in the court record, potentially allowing them to raise them again on appeal. The judge said he would issue a written ruling on the motions later. Kohberger was named a suspect and arrested at his parents home in Albrightsville in Monroe County. He had just driven cross-country with his father to be home for the holidays. Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, attended the hearing. Afterward they said the details of the case show the death penalty is merited. Youve got four victims, all in one house thats more than enough, Steve Goncalves said. Kristi Goncalves said she talked to the coroner and knows what happened to her daughter. If he did anything like he did to our daughter to the others, then he deserves to die, she said. Kohbergers attorneys have said he was out for a drive the night of the killings, something he often did to look at the sky. His trial is scheduled to begin next August and is expected to last up to three months. The Goncalves family said they have rented a home in Boise so they can attend. By REBECCA BOONE Associated Press Whether Phillipsburgs Police Chief will retire at the end of the year remains unclear. Chief of Police Robert Stettner told a reporter on Thursday that he hadnt yet made a decision about his future. This is a deeply personal matter, he said, When the time comes, I will make my decision with careful consideration for my family, the department, and the town[and] I will continue to support both the department and the town just as I have for the past 24 and a half years. Mayor Randy Piazza called rumors circulating on Facebook that Stettner was given an ultimatum by the town to exit his position baseless. I am not aware of anything like that, Piazza said. The mayor would not discuss whether he and the chief had discussed the possibility of Stettners retirement. The Phillipsburg Police Department shared a post to its Facebook page on Nov. 2, that has since been removed, according to a community blog, which unequivocally denied the allegations the police chief was given an ultimatum. The post referred all inquiries to the Warren County Prosecutors Office. The Warren County Prosecutors Office did not return a request for comment. I cant comment on personnel issues, Piazza said. If he is considering retiring we have plenty of qualified candidates who can also fill the role. Stettner was named acting chief of police in 2016, and appointed to the role later by former Mayor Stephen Ellis, following the retirement for former Police Chief James Faulborn. A 2023 statute now requires the chief of police and the Phillipsburg Police Department to report directly to the mayor. Personnel records regarding retirement and resignation are not available via the Open Public Records Act. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today. Finna Fail HQ has had a change of view of their chance of making a General Election gain in Laois at the expense of former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley. The party has lined up former prison officer Austin Stack to contest the November 29 poll along with incumbent TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming. Minister Fleming confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that party HQ had confirmed to him that Mr Stack, a former prison officer, would be added to the General Election ticket in the new three-seat constituency. "It's a volatile political situation in Laois and I always say the Fianna Fail should be ambitious. I am hoping that we secure a seat and I think we need to be in the fight for the last seat," he said. Minister Fleming said the news was confirmed to him on November 7, but he added that HQ had recently added candidates to constituency tickets around the country. He said he was unaware if the party had carried out opinion polls or other research that encouraged them to run additional candidates in Laois. Mr Stack offered himself as a candidate in a letter to Laois Fianna Fail at a meeting in October. Local members felt that a one-candidate strategy was the best option but nevertheless noted his offer and forwarded it to the party's HQ. Mr Stack told the Leinster Express / Laois Live at the time that he had offered himself as a candidate but would not go forward if the party was able to select a female candidate. Contacted by the Leinster Express/ Laois Live about the addition to the ticket, Mr Stack said that he was out of the country but expected the party to make an announcement on Friday, November 8 the day the General Election is to be called. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Sheila Stack wife of the late Chief Officer Brian Stack with the bronze bust after being unveiled at the Prison Service College, Portlaoise by Minister for Justice Equality and Defence Alan Shatter TD. The College was also named in Brian Stack's honour in 2013. Included in picture are Austin, Oliver and Kieran Stack. Picture: Alf Harvey/hrphoto.ie Mr Stack rose to public prominence nationally in relation in 2013 after he and his brother Oliver met with the then Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and a former IRA commander to discuss the death of his father Brian Stack. Brian Stack was a chief prison officer in Portlaoise Prison when he the IRA shot him in the back of the neck on 25 March, 1983. Mr Stack was left paralysed and brain-damaged from the shooting and suffered for a further 18 months before dying from his injuries at the age of 47. Gerry Adams said he accompanied the two brothers to a meeting with a former IRA commander, where the shooting was admitted to. While Mr Adams expressed regret about the killing, Austin Stack has continued his fight for justice as nobody was every prosecuted for his fathers death. Mr Adams was confronted by Austin Stack at a press conference in 2016 where he accused Mr Adams of lying about his knowledge of the murder of his father and urged him to go to gardai with the information he has. The Garda Commissioner wrote to the family in 2023 to apologise for the shortcomings and handling of the case by the Gardai. A file was sent to the Gardai in 2019. Mr Stack was part of big campaign in 2017 to prevent the downgrade of Portlaoise hospital. He has also taken a public interest in the Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. Mr Stack, who recently retired from the Irish Prison Service, launched a new health and safety consultancy business in 2024. He spent many years in a senior managerial role in the IPS specialising in health and safety. He has a MSc in Environmental Health and Safety and successfully led a team in the Midlands Prison to achieve ISO 18001 accreditation. Mr Stack joins a crowded election field where it's expected that just one seat is really up for grabs - the one held by Brian Stanley due to his problems with Sinn Fein. Dep Fleming is expected to win a seat for Fianna Fail while Cllr Wille Aird is also favoured to take a seat for Fine Gael on the retirement of Charlie Flanagan. Apart from Brian Stanley, others in the race include Cllr Aisling Moran, Ind, Maria McCormack, SF, Rosie Palmer, Greens, Mary Hand, Aontu, Elaine Mullally, Ind. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has thrown his weight behind Portlaoise man and former prison officer Austin Stack to win two seats for his party in Laois with the party targeting embattled former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley to make the gain. The party confirm a report by the Leinster Express / Laois Live that Austin Stack had been added to the partys ticket in the Laois constituency in the General Election on the day Taoiseach Simon Harris called the election. Mr Stack will join outgoing Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming on the ticket that faces the electorate on November 29. Fianna Fail said Mr Stack, a Portlaoise native, previously served as Assistant Governor in the Irish Prison Service where he developed a reputation as a health and safety expert. They said he has a MSc in Environmental Health and Safety and recently launched a new health and safety consultancy business in Portlaoise. The statement said his father, Portlaoise Chief Prison Officer Brian Stack, was shot by the IRA in 1983 and died in hospital in 1984. It added that his son Austin has campaigned relentlessly over the years since for justice for his murder. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said of the surprise decision to put Mr Stack, who has never run for political office, on the ticket. "Austin is a very passionate advocate, as shown both by his campaigning for justice for his father, who was tragically murdered by the IRA, and locally, helping people in Portlaoise. "I am delighted he has been added to the ticket. He has a proven track record of working with residents associations locally and is deeply rooted in his community. "We have a well-balanced ticket in Laois with Austin and Sean and I believe we are in strong contention for two seats," he said. Mr Stack reflecting on his addition to the ticket. MORE BELOW PICTURE. The late Brian Stack, Brian Stack House in Portlaoise and Brian's son Austin Stack. I am honoured to have been added to the ticket in Laois for the General Election. I am hugely passionate about advocating for the people of Laois. Over the past decades, I have shown that I am not afraid of being a strong voice for people here and standing up for them. "I am proud of my work on the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee, engaging residents associations and will continue this hard work on behalf of the people of Laois in the weeks ahead. "I will always fight for justice and for fairness. If elected to Dail Eireann I will continue this and be a relentlessly strong voice for our community at a national level," he said. Mr Stack's addition has blindsided some Fianna Fail members locally but they were aware of his interest as he he submitted his name for nomination to Laois FF soon after Brian Stanley resigned from Sinn Fein. They did not expect that HQ would deviate from the one-candidate strategy. Mr Stack enters a crowded field. Dep Fleming is expected to win a seat for Fianna Fail while Cllr Wille Aird is also favoured to take a seat for Fine Gael on the retirement of Charlie Flanagan. Apart from Brian Stanley, others in the race include Cllr Aisling Moran, Ind, Maria McCormack, SF, Rosie Palmer, Greens, Mary Hand, Aontu, Elaine Mullally, Ind, Ken Mooney, People Before Profit. All entrants to the Laois race are first time General Election candidates apart from Minister Fleming and Dep Stanley. Cllr Aisling Moran's father ran for Fine Gael in 2011. There were just six candidates in Laois when it was first a three-seat Dail constituency in 2016. Population growth led the Electoral Commission to split it from Offaly to create two three-seat constituencies. The Rowan family of Reliable House Furnishers celebrate 55 successful years in business. Billy Rowan first opened the doors of Reliable House Furnishers on Station road on November 1 1969. Originally ran by Billy and his brothers Harry and Douglas, the family business is now overseen by Billy, his daughter Pamela, and his brother Harry. In the early 1960's, the shop was originally a dance hall before the brothers took over. Pictured: The Rowan Family; Pamela, Billy, Nicola, Harry and Serena. "Crowds used to flock here back in the day, many a man found his other half here," said Harry Rowan. "When we first opened we only sold second hand furniture, it was all the rage at the time." Originally travelling to Dublin once a week to find high quality furniture, Billy Rowan started out as a young and ambitious entrepreneur. When you're young, you enjoy it, Mr Rowan explained. I had worked in Shaws for twelve years and started a business venture growing mushrooms in Carlow. It has always been in me to do business, he said. Pictured: Billy, his daughter Pamela, and Harry. The three Rowans run the business together. Following 55 years of success, we asked the family what their secret was. I wouldn't advise anyone to go into business nowadays. it's a very tough time for businesses at the minute," Billy said. "We have lasted so long because we sell good quality furniture, we don't import poor quality pieces that don't last long," he said. "We sell everything you could need for your house- bed frames, mattresses, arm chairs and even door mats," he said. They're good quality and solid, and we try to keep our prices down," Harry said. Billy's daughters fondly explained their memories of the shop growing up. "I remember we used to play with the mats and rugs," Billy's daughter Pamela explained, who currently works in the shop. "The face of the shop was our uncle Douglas. He would've been well known in the locality as being part and parcel of the business, he was always here and went above and beyond. he would be out delivering 'til 9 o'clock at night," she said. Pictured: Reliable House Furnishers celebrate 55 years in business. Douglas sadly passed away several years ago, and is still synonymous with the business. "One of my strong memories would be of him always here with a joke or a laugh, they would come in for a chat as much as their pieces," Billy's daughter Serena said. "Tommy O'Brien and Fintan Keegan would come in to share a tale and a laugh. I remember a lot of people didn't have the money to pay for their furniture, so dad would give them credit. on a Friday evening, Daddy would go around collecting the money from the estates, I would go around helping him. A lot of people wouldn't have been able to furnish their houses without it," Serena explained. Pictured: Billy Rowan, founder of Reliable House Furnishers. "They would be my memories. St Patrick's day parades, doing up floats for that. It was a big deal for a few years. the modern homes exhibition used to come and it was a big promotional activity for years," she said. The Rowan family will celebrate 55 years in business with a sale through the month of November. After 55 years, the business still maintain the same motto: 'If we don't have it, we'll get it in for you.' Life is full of surprises, but managing your affairs doesnt have to be one of them. The Journey folder, crafted by award-winning Irish solicitor Jacquelyn Dunne, is more than a place to store important informationits a thoughtful guide and helpful resource for your loved ones, offering clarity and comfort during lifes most challenging moments. Designed to streamline both end of life planning and the probate process, The Journey folder ensures no detail is overlooked. Use this beautifully crafted guided planner to gather all those vital details from bank account numbers, property details, pensions and life policies numbers to personal touches like your favourite songs or funeral wishes. This guided planner brings everything together in one place. Simply enter your information where guided to do so bringing you peace of mind in the knowledge that this will assist your executor in managing your estate and provide clear instructions to your loved ones and carers in the event of mental incapacity. Jacquelyns experience as a solicitor inspired the creation of The Journey folder after she encountered numerous heartbreaking situations where key details were overlooked. I was made aware of a lady who was not buried where she had expressed her wish to be buried. She had informed her solicitor of those wishes when making her Will rather than her family and executor. Unfortunately, her wishes were only discovered after her burial Jacquelyns decision to create a solution for her clients was further solidified when she learned about the Dormant Account Fund: In Ireland, if a bank account is not touched for 15 years or more, the banks are obliged to remit that money to the Dormant Account fund of the NTMA which is a state body. Years after a deceased gentlemans estate was settled and beneficiaries were given their inheritance, another bank account was accidently discovered. It had just over 40,000 in it. The bank had placed this money in a dormant account and in a few years time, that 40,000 would have been remitted to the NTMA. It was only by chance that the family members discovered a rogue bank statement when cleaning out their late fathers house. These stories motivated me to create something that would ensure my clients wishes were properly carried out. After years of careful development, Jacquelyn created The Journey folder, a solution that is as practical as it is thoughtful. Whats Inside The Journey Folder? Part I End-of-Life and Estate Settlement: A comprehensive guide for your executor, including your funeral wishes and specific instructions, making estate management more straightforward. Part II Planning for Incapacity: A section that ensures your care and affairs are handled according to your wishes if you become mentally incapacitated. Part III Personal, Financial, and Sentimental Details: From important financial details to sentimental heirlooms, direct debits to be cancelled, details of pets and lots more, this section makes sure nothing important is forgotten. Why Choose The Journey Folder? Unlike a Will, The Journey folder captures day-to-day details often overlooked but crucial to those managing your affairs. Its an act of kindness, offering your loved ones a clear path to follow, reducing stress and uncertainty during an already difficult time. "The Journey Folder is more than just a planner," says Jacquelyn. "Its about providing peace of mind and ensuring that your wishes are respected. Its a lasting gift to those you care about." Why the Orange Folder? The bright orange colour was chosen for simplicity. When the time comes, your loved ones can just say: Look for the orange folder. This elegant, faux leather-bound planner is customisable, user-friendly, and designed to be a pleasure to use. Paired with a beautiful pen, it transforms what can feel like an overwhelming task into something simple and manageable, giving you the peace of mind that your affairs are in order. About Jacquelyn Dunne: Jacquelyn has almost two decades of experience in the legal profession and is the founder of Dunne Solicitors in Cork. Drawing from her wealth of knowledge, she developed The Journey folder to fill a gap in the marketa functional and elegant tool to help families navigate lifes toughest transitions with ease. The Journey is now available for purchase online. For more information or to order, visit www.thejourney.ie or contact Jacquelyn by phone at 086 161 7418 or by email at hello@thejourney.ie Barretstown has teamed up with U2 guitarist The Edge to officially open a new state-of-the-art 4 million medical facility at the charitys headquarters in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare to support children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. The Edge, along with Barretstown Patron, Sabina Higgins, Chair of the Barretstown Board, Anne Heraty and CEO Dee Ahearn, were on hand to officially open the new Med Shed which will provide 24/7 medical care to seriously ill children who attend Barretstowns residential camps. Barretstown is the largest and most established provider in Ireland of therapeutic camps and programmes, which provides for the unmet psychosocial needs of children and teenagers impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. It is projected to support over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of the decade. The new 450 metre square building, financed entirely through fund-raising efforts, boasts three fully equipped treatment rooms, facilitating the provision of critical treatments across 14 different illness groups. The facility also includes a pharmacy, bedrooms, reception and communal areas. Staffed by a full-time medical team, supported by volunteer doctors and nurses, the new upgraded and expanded facility will ensure that children and teenagers can enjoy the full benefits of Barretstowns residential camps, whilst not compromising their medical care. The services provided to all the children and families who come to Barretstown are entirely free of charge. Barretstown receives just 4% government funding. Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown said: The development of the new medical facility is an important milestone for Barretstown as we project to serve over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of this decade. The facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend our residential camps, ensuring that each childs specific medical needs are provided for, whilst not compromising their camp experience. Its an essential part of the service delivery at Barretstown and provides parents and guardians with important peace of mind that medical care and facilities are on-hand if needed. The opening of this new facility demonstrates both our commitment to reach as many seriously ill children as possible and ensure that they have the very best quality of care and experience. This latest development follows on from several milestones this year, during which we celebrated 30 years of service. During this time, we have served over 125,000 children and families, while an independent report estimated the social value of our services at over 1.9 billion over the past 30 years. Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible support that Barretstown has received over the past 30 years from donors, supporters, volunteers and friends. Speaking at the launch, The Edge said: I am delighted to officially open the Med Shed at Barretstown today. The new medical facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend Barretstowns residential camps. I first had the opportunity to visit Barretstown and spend some time with Paul Newman back in 2004 around the 10th anniversary. His legacy can be felt here to this day, it is a truly remarkable place that does extraordinary work in supporting children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. It is incredible to believe that 125,000 campers have been served in the 30 years since this magical place was established. What a milestone! Its a privilege to be part of the celebrations. Professor Owen Smith, UCD Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at CHI@Crumlin, and Medical Patron, Barretstown said: The opening of the new Med Shed marks another important juncture for Barretstown providing it with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of an enhanced level of medical care to all the children who attend its residential camps. We know that children and teenagers who experience serious illness benefit enormously from attending Barretstown and that its services play a crucial role in providing for the unmet psychosocial needs of children/teenagers who experience a serious illness. Central to Barretstown, is the provision of state-of-the-art facilities, which can cater for individual needs. The opening of the new Med Shed, which will provide medical care for 14 different illness groups, demonstrates Barretstowns commitment to ensuring a best-in-class experience for all children and teenagers who come to camp. A woman who has accused Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her thought the 36-year-old was going to kill her, and said he wasnt taking no for an answer, a court in Dublin has heard. Nikita Ni Laimhin, who is also known as Nikita Hand, is claiming civil damages against Mr McGregor and another man, alleging she was sexually assaulted in December 2018. Ms Ni Laimhin has accused Mr McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel in Dublin. The mother-of-one was left with extensive bruises and abrasions over her body, including purple and blue bruising along her hands and wrists, a bloodied scratch to her breast and tenderness to her neck after she was placed in a choke-hold by Mr McGregor, the court was told. In her evidence to the High Court in Dublin, Ms Ni Laimhin said that Mr McGregor kept telling her to relax babe, as she told him she did not feel comfortable. The court heard on Tuesday that lawyers for Mr McGregor will say that the act between him and Ms Ni Laimhin who has no automatic right to anonymity was consensual. The fighter, nicknamed Notorious, was in court to hear Justice Alexander Owens tell the jury it is alleged Ms Ni Laimhin was sexually assaulted by Mr McGregor and James Lawrence on December 9. The judge said that it is alleged that the pair had in effect raped her. The court was told Mr McGregor collected Ms Ni Laimhin, a Dublin hairdresser, and her friend following a Christmas party on December 8. John Gordon SC for Ms Ni Laimhin said that the pair were known to each other as they were in the same age group, from the same area and had mutual friends and had been in contact at various times through social media. At the time she lived in the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh with her partner and seven-year-old daughter. She and had been out with friends on the night of the alleged incident. Mr Gordon said that Mr McGregor was enormously famous and was considered a hero around Drimnagh. He said that his client was no angel and doesnt pretend to be an angel. On the night, she had been drinking and had taken some cocaine. The court also heard that she suffered from depression and had been on anti-depressants. The court was told that later on in the night, Ms Ni Laimhin and two of her friends returned to her salon where they continued to party and at some point, she contacted Mr McGregor. In her evidence to the court, Ms Ni Laimhin said that Mr McGregor collected her and a friend from the salon and understood they were to be taken to another party. He sat in the backseat with the two women, while his driver took them around housing estates and beeped the horn. They later went to the home of Mr Lawrence, who joined them in the car. The court was told that Mr McGregor had a bag of cocaine, which was shared between the plaintiff and her friend. The group, which included the complainant, Mr McGregor as well as his security team, then went to a penthouse suite in the Beacon Hotel in Dublin. She told the court that they were all drinking and laughing and that the mood was fine. She told the court that shortly after they arrived, Mr McGregor was on the toilet and told Ms Ni Laimhin to suck on that. I remember then being in the bedroom and there was a security guard over by the window and another security guard closed the door between the two rooms. I remember thinking, why is there three men in the room and Im the only one here, she added. Ms Ni Laimhin was then left alone in the bedroom with Mr McGregor when he attempted to come on to me, and tried to kiss her and rub her face. I knew what he was looking for. I said I dont feel comfortable Conor. I said I know Dee (Mr McGregors partner) and I know her family. I tried to talk him around, that I didnt want to have sex and wasnt there for anything like that. He just wasnt taking no for an answer. He pinned me to the bed and told me to relax babe. I remember putting my arms up to keep him away from me. He kept pushing his weight down on top of me. It is alleged later by defence that she went on to have sex with Mr Lawrence, but Mr Gordon said she has no recollection of such an event ever happening. The court also heard from Dr Daniel Kane, who works as a gynaecologist as well as a forensic examiner in sexual assault cases. He told the court he was working at the emergency department at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin when Ms Ni Laimhin was brought in by ambulance on December 10. Dr Keane said she was very upset, and was shaking and crying. He told the court how they had to get a blanket for her to sit on because of the pain she was in. In his report, Ms Ni Laimhin had told him that morning that the alleged attacker had her by the neck and that he had stopped her from breathing. He told the court that she also claimed she did not fight him anymore and thought he was going to kill her. Dr Keane detailed extensive bruising across Ms Ni Laimhins body, including her face, arms, fingers, forearms, knuckles, legs, lower back and buttocks. She also had a 9cm scratch on her left breast. Her also stated that Ms Ni Laimhin was worried about a tampon she had been wearing on the night she was allegedly assaulted. Dr Keane explained how he had to use forceps to remove the tampon which had been wedged inside. He told the court how he has carried out hundreds of examinations on women, and said the extent of bruising on Ms Ni Laimhin was quite unusual. Mr Gordon told the court: In the face of this, Mr McGregor will tell you that this was a consensual encounter, that they were just having fun and a bit of rough sex. Thats his answer. What did I say about common sense? Dont be fooled into leaving it behind in this (court) room. What he is saying is that she gave him a licence to carry out what has to have been a brutal assault on her body. The defence claimed in the evidence booklet that Ms Ni Laimhin had several opportunities to complain to people about how she was treated but did not. It will also claim that Ms Ni Laimhin is engaged in an attempt at extortion, the court heard. Mr Gordon said that his client is being called a gold digger and a fraud, adding: Brave. But where is the bravery in this? Bravery ultimately sits with my client. Because she pursued her mission for vindication and compensation to which she is entitled. And for these defendants to breezily and cheekily dispose of her claim is something you will consider in due course. Earlier the jury was sworn in at the High Court and told that they are judges of fact as to what happened and will have to draw a conclusion and it will be based on their decision. The action is expected to last around two weeks. A man with 108 previous convictions was before Naas District Court for stealing alcohol. Jamie McCormack, 34, whose address was given as 35 Cloonlara Road, Finglas, Dublin, was prosecuted for taking 300 worth of alcohol. Sgt Mary Meade told the court that the incident took place on August 16 last at the Londis convenience store at Main Street, Maynooth. She said the alcohol was placed in a bag and though the defendant was stopped by staff, he left with the alcohol. The sergeant added that the gardai were at the scene and the defendant was shouting. The court heard he had 108 previous convictions including four for theft. He had 54 convictions in the UK, including 13 for theft. Read more Kildare news The defendant told the court that it's all down to drink adding Ive changed my ways. Defending barrister Donncha Craddock said the defendant had made a grave error. He also said the mans partner is expecting a child. This guy is busy, commented Judge Desmond Zaidan. He told the defendant he has not changed his ways and he should be sending him to prison because of his previous convictions. He imposed a fine of 500. An Coimisiun Toghchain, Irelands independent electoral commission is urgently calling on people to check the register to ensure theyre registered to vote in the upcoming General Election, and that their details are correct. Following confirmation from the Taoiseach that polling day will be Friday, November 29, statutory cut-off deadlines will apply for people who want to vote in the General Election once the election is called. Simon Harris has stated he will call on President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the 33rd Dail and call a General Election this Friday, November 8. The window to register for postal and special voting is short at only 2 days once the election is called, so those who are eligible need to act fast before the likely deadline of Sunday November 10. Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law. Read Also: 'What a surprise' - People react to confirmation of General Election dates These include members of An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces; Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/partners; those who are unable to vote in person at their local polling station because of an illness or disability; electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person on polling day; full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State; anonymous Electors or members of the household of the person whose safety would be at risk if their name and address were published on the register of electors; and prisoners. The relevant forms to apply for a postal vote are available from Check the Register or your Local Authority. "The election campaign is the time to have conversations with your family and friends about the election," Mr Art OLeary, Chief Executive of the An Coimisiun Toghchain, stated. "Whether its at the breakfast table with family, over a drink with friends, or in your group chats to decide your vote, but if youre not registered by Tuesday 12 November you will miss your chance to have your say," he said. Last Wednesday, with the sounds of protest outside, Leitrim Cllr Eddie Mitchell met with Roderic OGorman, leader of the green party and Minister of Equality to ask him to do what he can to reverse a policy that will bring fracked gas imports into Ireland. On the same day as the meeting Cllr Mitchell helped organise a protest outside the Green party offices in Dublin. At the meeting, Cllr Mitchell was joined in the meeting by other anti-fracking activists from Future generations Kerry, and Lamp in Fermanagh. We met with Roderic OGorman. Very difficult meeting now, never had such a difficult meeting with a minister. There were no photographs at the end of it, said Mitchell. The policy they oppose is Action 17 in the Energy security package which Eamonn Ryan, minister for the Environment, introduced in 2023, which allows for a LNG terminal to be built in Ireland to facilitate emergency reservoirs of gas. Concerns amongst activists about the possibility of an LNG Terminal being built in Ireland was deepened last month as the Dail passed a vote on the Planning and development bill which includes an amendment which outlines LNG terminals as strategic infrastructure. We wanted to know whether Roderic OGorman supported that position as the leader of the Green Party, or whether he was with us in our campaign, or whether he was actually gaslighting us and pretending that he was supporting us when he was actually working to bring in an LNG terminal. A 2023 report from CEPA, the Communities and Environment protection agency, outlined that The development of an LNG terminal in Ireland would likely result in the direct importation of fracked gas to Ireland. Cllr Mitchell says that he brought up his belief that adding fracked gas to the Irish energy supply would lead to active fracking activities in the country to Mr OGorman, which he claims Mr OGorman agreed with. Edel Hackett, a spokesperson for Mr OGorman has said that the green party has no intention of using fracked gas in a LNG terminal, and that Mr OGorman never acknowledged this in the meeting. The Greens dont want commercial LNG. We dont want fracked gas. We dont want fossil fuel lock-in, she said. She highlighted that the green party has explored an LNG terminal in Ireland as an emergency measure on a temporary basis, which they may not use at all, according to her. In the long-term, they would look towards energy sources like electricity for Ireland's fuel needs. Though, this was not the message that Cllr Mitchell picked up from the meeting and he worries about the affect if fracked gas is brought into the Irish energy supply. We know in Leitrim that if frack gas gets into the energy mix, that we'll be next It's important for Leitrim people to keep frack gas out of the energy mix because our future is at stake here. There are trillions of cubic feet of gas under us. We don't want it to destroy us. In their campaign manifesto in 2020 the Green party promised that they would impose policy that would keep fracked gas exports out of Ireland. We're in a situation where Eamonn Ryan has broken his promise to the environmental movement What we're explaining to Roderick OGorman is that he has a problem, that he is leader of a party that is bringing frack gas imports into Ireland, says Mitchell. The environmental movement will be asking Fianna Fail and Fianna Gael and a number of independents, or whoever end up in power, to remove something that an environmental minister or what's supposed to be an environmental campaigner put there. That's just a ridiculous situation for us to end up in. So we need him. So we need Roderigo Gorman to fix that. An Bord Pleanala is currently reviewing an application from new fortress energy, an American oil and gas company, to build a LNG terminal in Kerry. The application was first submitted in 2007 but was denied on the basis that a review of Ireland's Energy security did not support the development. But the company brought it to the high court which ruled that the government's policy was too vague and needed clarification so the application is being reviewed again. With the next election likely to be called this week, there is little time for policy to be changed, and the decision will likely need to come from Minister Ryan himself. Eamonn Ryan's gone off to work for the International, as the Vice Chair of the International Energy Agency, onto the world stage. So he's flown, he's away. But Roderic OGorman has to stay and face the public He's going to walk away. And then expect us to get Fianna Fail and Fianna Gael to change it after he put it there. It's very difficult for us. Only the Greens could do that. It's the ultimate betrayal of the environmental movement. Cllr Mitchell also highlighted his belief that if this policy is not reversed, the green party will have lost its legitimacy, and constitute a crisis for them heading into the next election. It means that the Green Party needs to be replaced. It means that the environmental movement... If this happens, we will have to rebuild it. We'll have to take down the environmental movement and rebuild it. If this is not revoked then we will need to mount a campaign to get the next government to change the policy before an bord pleanala makes their decision we are going to have a mountain to climb, and if we fail, it could actually affect everything we care about here in Leitrim. Minister Eamon Ryans office was contacted for comment though they have not responded to the request. READ MORE: Ash dieback looms in Leitrim as councillors seek national action Leitrim Animal Welfare (LAW) Barraghmore, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim is set to receive 39,400 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced funding of 6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide. Speaking on the receipt of this funding, LAW Manager Megan Gaffney said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant of 39,400 from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine. This funding will greatly support the essential work we do at Leitrim Animal Welfare." READ MORE: Adaptation Grants of up to 40,000 available in Leitrim She continued: "The grant will be vital in covering the costs of veterinary care, food, shelter improvements, and the continuation of our services. "With the demand for our support growing, this funding will allow us to expand our reach and continue making a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals across the region." Megan explained the importance of LAW's role in animal welfare in Ireland which dates back to the founding of the organisation twenty seven years ago. She said: "Our organisation was founded in 1997 by a remarkable woman named Christine Coulson, who was a trailblazer in advocating for stronger animal welfare laws in Ireland. Her dedication paved the way for significant changes, and we continue to honour her legacy in our ongoing work." In 2003, after a successful trial period, LAW took over the operations of the dog pound in Leitrim and were the first in Ireland to implement a no-kill policy, ensuring that no healthy dog is ever put to sleep. Megan stated that this policy remains central to LAW's mission, and the funding will help them uphold this commitment. READ MORE: Leitrim Councilor asks Roderic O'Gorman to stop fracked gas imports in meeting Minister McConalogue said: These grants will support the organisations in the vital work they do across the country, protecting, rescuing and taking care of animals, and providing education and guidance so as to prevent welfare problems from arising in the future. I recognise that again this year, animal welfare charities have had additional pressures to deal with, and I would like to thank their staff and volunteer for their dedication. Highlighting the important work done by animal welfare charities in Ireland, the Minister said: Id like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness and improving animal welfare." Megan said: "Beyond rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, we also run educational programs for both primary and secondary schools, teaching children the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. In addition, we manage a Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) scheme for feral cats, helping to control the population in a humane and effective way. Minister McConalogue also said: "Responsible pet ownership campaigns can help to reduce the number of dogs abandoned or surrendered, and therefore can reduce the pressure on dog shelters and charities. For this reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to promote responsible pet ownership. Megan concluded: "We would also like to express our gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support, whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting animals in need. Their kindness is what enables us to keep doing this important work." In advance of the Christmas season, the Minister is reminding the public that pet ownership is a long-time commitment with financial and lifestyle commitments that need to be considered. Survey Shows Automotive Service Technicians Want More Data-Driven Tools Anyline's AI-powered mobile data capture technology helps address industry challenges and technician needs VIENNA, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anyline , a global leader in AI-powered mobile data capture and insights, is highlighting the increasingly critical role of technology in addressing key challenges facing the tire and automotive service industry. The company released the results of a recent survey of automotive service technicians at a press conference held today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. The survey sheds fresh light on technicians' perceptions of advanced technology, and how it can be used to streamline operations and improve the overall customer service experience. According to the Anyline survey, 70% of technicians today say at least half of their daily tasks depend on some level of technology, and a large majority (68%) feel comfortable using advanced digital diagnostic tools. When asked about using a smartphone to instantly measure tire tread depth, a new technology platform from Anyline, 60% of techs expressed interest in incorporating this tool into their daily workflow. Furthermore, 87% of those surveyed say digital data and analytics build customer trust and improve satisfaction. "Our survey confirms a growing enthusiasm among technicians for technology's role in shaping the future of automotive service," said Chris Garcia, head of U.S. automotive at Anyline. "Anyline is excited to contribute to this technology revolution with our mobile data capture platforms that increase operational efficiency and eliminate manual data-entry errors. Digitized data empower techs to service more vehicles every day, reducing customer wait times and improving the overall service experience." Anyline's Technology Addresses Industry Challenges & Technician's Needs The increasing integration of tech-focused solutions comes amid looming concerns over a recognized shortage of skilled labor in the industry. Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) cite a technician shortage as the biggest challenge they will face over the next decade. In response, future-forward automotive service shops are leveraging digital vehicle diagnostic platforms to enhance operational efficiency and enable the technicians they have on staff to service more vehicles per day. "Anyline's vehicle and tire scanning technology helps address the industry's labor challenges and technicians' needs head-on," added Garcia. "Shops that deploy digital tire and vehicle inspection platforms are better positioned to recruit and retain highly sought after technicians. These tools eliminate manual data entry and streamline operations so technicians can spend more time under the hood doing the parts of the job they enjoy most." Over half of techs today (57%) still manually log tire information into point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and almost three-fourths of those surveyed (72%) say manual data entry is time consuming for automotive service technicians. The tire sidewall and tread depth scanner from Anyline is an AI-powered platform that integrates with existing digital vehicle inspection and point-of-sale systems. It instantly transforms captured data into actionable insights, optimizing automotive service operations and reducing human error. The Anyline platform can also measure tire tread depth from any smartphone or mobile device, helping technicians quickly and easily detect dangerous wear and enhance driver safety. For more information about the Anyline mobile data capture platform, click here. About Anyline Founded in Vienna in 2013, Anyline has established itself as a global leader in mobile data capture and data insights. Using the latest, most innovative artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches, Anyline gives businesses the power to read, measure and interpret visual information with any mobile device. Anyline is used by leading automotive and tire manufacturers and retailers to quickly and accurately scan tire sidewall, tread depth and vehicle data, including tire DOT codes, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), license plates and barcodes, using any standard mobile device or camera-enabled automotive diagnostic devices. Anyline helps businesses to move away from costly, tedious manual processes and instead, make them easy, fast and convenient for everyone, from the end user to the front-line worker. Anyline is trusted by household brands such as NAPA, Discount Tire, Continental, Michelin and Shopmonkey. For more information, visit www.anyline.com . Contacts? Anyline Jon Stotts, [email protected] Sr. PR and Communications Manager Tiny Mighty Communications Jordan Moore, [email protected] Sydney Goggans, [email protected] SOURCE Anyline 7 november 2024 at 17:00 News published onand distributed by: ECN Capital Reports US $0.05 in Adjusted Net Income per Common Share in Q3-2024 Strong Q3 2024 Results TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ - ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) ("ECN Capital" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, ECN Capital reported Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders from continuing operations of $13.1 million or $0.05 per share (basic) versus $8.2 million or $.03 per share (basic) for the previous three-month period and $0.5 million or nil per share (basic) for the same period last year. "Q3 was a strong quarter with Adjusted EPS of $0.05 in line with our guidance of $0.04 to $0.06", said Steven Hudson, CEO of ECN Capital Corp. "We remain on track for the year. Our management teams' have streamlined our business and made significant improvements that have positioned us for continued growth. We are providing 2025 guidance of $0.19 to $0.25." Originations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 were $625.7 million, versus $622.5 million in the previous three-month period and $571.5 million for the same period last year. Originations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 include $351.3 million of originations from our Manufactured Housing Finance segment and $274.4 million of originations from our Recreational Vehicle and Marine Finance segment. Managed Assets as at September 30, 2024 were $6.7 billion versus $5.3 billion as at June 30, 2024 and $4.8 billion as at September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 was $36.1 million versus $31.5 million for the previous three-month period and $24.1 million for the same period last year. Operating Expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 were $30.3 million versus $26.5 million for the previous three-month period and $26.3 million for the same period last year. Net Income (Loss) attributable to common shareholders for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 was $6.8 million versus $5.6 million for the previous three-month period and ($6.0) million for the same period last year. Dividends Declared The Company's Board of Directors has authorized and declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.01 per outstanding common share to be paid on December 31, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 13, 2024. These dividends are designated to be eligible dividends for purposes of section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company's Board of Directors has authorized and declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.4960625 per outstanding Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Preferred Share, Series C (TSX: ECN.PR.C) to be paid on December 31, 2024 to shareholders of record on the close of business on December 13, 2024. These dividends are designated to be eligible dividends for purposes of section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company's Board of Directors has authorized and declared a semi-annual dividend of C$0.0611 per outstanding Mandatory Convertible Preferred Share, Series E to be paid on December 31, 2024 to shareholders of record on the close of business on December 13, 2024. These dividends are designated to be eligible dividends for purposes of section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Webcast The Company will host an analyst briefing to discuss these results commencing at 5:30 PM (ET) on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The call can be accessed as follows: Webcast https://app.webinar.net/ZxokqGQVOvm Toll-free dial in North America International 1-888-304-1803 1-848-488-9277 Presentation slides http://ecncapitalcorp.com/investors/presentations A telephone replay of the conference call may also be accessed until December 7, 2024, by dialing 1-800-645-7964 and entering the passcode 5036#. Non-IFRS Measures The Company's interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the accounting policies we adopted in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that certain Non-IFRS Measures can be useful to investors because they provide a means by which investors can evaluate the Company's underlying key drivers and operating performance of the business, exclusive of certain adjustments and activities that investors may consider to be unrelated to the underlying economic performance of the business of a given period. Throughout this Press Release, management used a number of terms and ratios which do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other organizations. A full description of these measures can be found in the Management Discussion & Analysis that accompanies the financial statements for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024. ECN Capital's Management Discussion and Analysis for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 has been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and is available under the investor section of the Company's website (www.ecncapitalcorp.com). About ECN Capital Corp. With managed assets of US$6.7 billion, ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) is a leading provider of business services to North American based banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, pension funds and institutional investors (collectively our "Partners"). ECN Capital originates, manages and advises on credit assets on behalf of its Partners, specifically consumer (manufactured housing and recreational vehicle and marine) loans and commercial (inventory finance and rental) loans. Our Partners are seeking high quality assets to match with their deposits, term insurance or other liabilities. These services are offered through two operating segments: (i) Manufactured Housing Finance, and (ii) Recreational Vehicles and Marine Finance. Forward-looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding ECN Capital and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of ECN Capital's management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include those relating to the future financial and operating performance of ECN Capital, the strategic advantages, business plans and future opportunities of ECN Capital and the ability of ECN Capital to access adequate funding sources, identify and execute on acquisition opportunities and transition to an asset management business. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting ECN Capital, including risks regarding the equipment finance industry, economic factors, and many other factors beyond the control of ECN Capital. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. A discussion of the material risks and assumptions associated with this outlook can be found in ECN Capital's September 30, 2024 MD&A and 2023 AIF Disclosure Document dated March 28, 2024 which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and ECN Capital does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE ECN Capital Corp. 7 november 2024 at 17:07 News published onand distributed by: Denison Reports Financial and Operational Results for Q3'2024, Including Positive Progress on Phoenix Engineering and Regulatory Review TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ('Denison' or the 'Company') (TSX: DML) (NYSE American: DNN) today filed its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis ('MD&A') for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Both documents will be available on the Company's website at www.denisonmines.com, SEDAR+ (at www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). The highlights provided below are derived from these documents and should be read in conjunction with them. All amounts in this release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. View PDF version David Cates, President and CEO of Denison commented, "Our third quarter report includes an update on the positive progress of our engineering and regulatory approval efforts for our planned Phoenix In-Situ Recovery ('ISR') uranium mining operation. We continue to rapidly advance detailed design engineering efforts and achieved completion of 45% of total engineering by the end of the third quarter. Long-lead procurement efforts continued to ramp up. Currently, $21 million in milestone payments or commitments have been made for items included in our estimates of initial project capex, with several additional procurement packages in progress. On the regulatory side, we are pleased to report that substantially all outstanding information requests ('IRs') from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's ('CNSC') review of the Wheeler River draft Environmental Impact Statement ('EIS') have been resolved, and the Federal review process is nearing completion. Given this positive progress with the Federal review, we have opted to submit a final Provincial EIS to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment to advance the process of obtaining formal approval from the Province. Beyond Wheeler River, we are pleased with the progress of the SABRE program at the McClean North deposit, which remains on track for production in 2025. Our team is also active on our portfolio of other development and exploration projects, with study work advancing on both the Midwest project and the Tthe Heldeth Tue ('THT') deposit, with the potential to result in updated or new technical studies in the coming months. Also notable is our recent transaction with Foremost Clean Energy, which involves Denison optioning up to 70% of its interests in a portfolio of 10 exploration properties. The transaction was designed to amplify our exposure to future discovery by encouraging exploration on ? and retaining significant ownership of - properties that would otherwise have received little attention from Denison with our current focus on development and mining-stage projects." Q3 2024 MD&A Highlights Signing of Wheeler River Benefit Agreements with Kineepik Metis Local #9 and the Village of Pinehouse Lake In July 2024, Denison announced the signing of a Mutual Benefits Agreement ('MBA') with Kineepik Metis Local #9 ('KML'), and a Community Benefit Agreement ('CBA') with the northern Village of Pinehouse Lake ('Pinehouse'), in support of the development and operation of Denison's 95% owned Wheeler River Project. The MBA acknowledges that the project is located within KML's Land and Occupancy Area in northern Saskatchewan and provides KML's consent and support to advance the project. Additionally, the MBA recognizes that the development and operation of the project can support KML in advancing its social and economic development aspirations while mitigating the impacts on the local environment and KML members. The MBA provides KML and its Metis members an important role in environmental monitoring and commits to the sharing of benefits from the successful operation of the project ? including benefits from community investment, business opportunities, employment and training opportunities, and financial compensation. The CBA acknowledges that Pinehouse is the closest residential community to the project by road, which relies on much of the same regional infrastructure that Denison will rely on as it advances the project. Pinehouse has provided its consent and support for the project, while Denison, on behalf of the Wheeler River Joint Venture, is committed to helping Pinehouse develop its own capacity to take advantage of economic and other development opportunities in connection with the advancement and operation of the project. Continued Advancement of Phoenix Engineering and Federal Regulatory Review of the Draft EIS During the third quarter, the Company continued to focus its efforts on the advancement of the Phoenix project towards a final investment decision in support of its objective to achieve first production by 2027 / 2028, including: Phoenix engineering activities are advancing within expected timelines to support a financial investment decision ('FID') by mid-2025. Total engineering completion at end of the third quarter was 45%, supported by finalization of process design, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's), hazard and operability studies ('HAZOPs'), as well as the selection of major process equipment and electrical distribution infrastructure. The review of the draft EIS continues to advance and Denison has been in regular contact with CNSC staff to support the conclusion of any remaining IRs. In September 2024 , Denison received confirmation that the majority of outstanding IRs have been resolved, which suggests that the Federal review process is nearing completion. Option of Non-Core Exploration Projects to Foremost Clean Energy Ltd. In September 2024, Denison executed an option agreement with Foremost Clean Energy Ltd ('Foremost'), which grants Foremost an option to acquire up to 70% of Denison's interests in 10 non-core uranium exploration properties (collectively, the 'Foremost Transaction'). Pursuant to the Foremost Transaction, Foremost would acquire such total interests upon completion of a combination of direct payments to Denison and funding of exploration expenditures with an aggregate value of up to approximately $30 million. The Foremost Transaction provides the following benefits to Denison: Collaboration with Foremost is expected to increase exploration activity on a portfolio of non-core Denison properties with the potential to increase the probability of discovery within Denison's vast Athabasca Basin exploration portfolio. In October 2024 , Denison received an upfront payment in Foremost common shares (representing a ~19.95% ownership interest in Foremost). If Foremost completes the remaining two phases of the Foremost Transaction Denison will receive further cash and/or common share milestone payments of $4.5 million and Foremost will fund $20 million in project exploration expenditures. In addition to becoming Foremost's largest shareholder, Denison retains direct interests in the optioned exploration properties and also secures certain strategic pre-emptive rights to participate in future exploration success from the optioned properties. About Denison Denison Mines Corp. was formed under the laws of Ontario and is a reporting issuer in all Canadian provinces and territories. Denison's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the 'TSX') under the symbol 'DML' and on the NYSE American exchange under the symbol 'DNN'. Denison is a uranium mining, exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has an effective 95% interest in its flagship Wheeler River Uranium Project, which is the largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. In mid-2023, the Phoenix FS was completed for the Phoenix deposit as an ISR mining operation, and an update to the previously prepared 2018 Pre-Feasibility Study ('PFS') was completed for Wheeler River's Gryphon deposit as a conventional underground mining operation. Based on the respective studies, both deposits have the potential to be competitive with the lowest cost uranium mining operations in the world. Permitting efforts for the planned Phoenix ISR operation commenced in 2019 and have advanced significantly, with licensing in progress and a draft Environmental Impact Study ('EIS') submitted for regulatory and public review in October 2022. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake Joint Venture ('MLJV'), which includes unmined uranium deposits (planned for extraction via the MLJV's SABRE mining method starting in 2025) and the McClean Lake uranium mill (currently utilizing a portion of its licensed capacity to process the ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement), plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest Joint Venture ('MWJV')'s Midwest Main and Midwest A deposits, and a 69.44% interest in the Tthe Heldeth Tue ('THT') and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake Property ('Waterbury'). The Midwest Main, Midwest A, THT and Huskie deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Taken together, the Company has direct ownership interests in properties covering ~384,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region. Additionally, through its 50% ownership of JCU (Canada) Exploration Company, Limited ('JCU'), Denison holds interests in various uranium project joint ventures in Canada, including the Millennium project (JCU, 30.099%), the Kiggavik project (JCU, 33.8118%) and Christie Lake (JCU, 34.4508%). Technical Disclosure and Qualified Person The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Chad Sorba, P.Geo., Denison's Vice President Technical Services & Project Evaluation, and Andy Yackulic, P.Geo., Denison's Vice President Exploration, who are both Qualified Persons in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain information contained in this press release constitutes 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of the applicable United States and Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur', 'be achieved' or 'has the potential to'. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: projections with respect to exploration, development and expansion plans and objectives, including the scope, objectives and interpretations of FS, PFS and the Wheeler River technical de-risking process for the proposed ISR operation for the Phoenix deposit; expectations with respect to the EA, EIS and licensing and permitting for proposed operations at Wheeler River; anticipated benefits of the transaction with Foremost; expectations regarding the restart of mining operations at McClean Lake; expectations regarding the assessment of the amenability of ISR for THT and advancement of technical studies for the Midwest deposit; expectations regarding the performance of the uranium market and global sentiment regarding nuclear energy; expectations regarding Denison's joint venture ownership interests; and expectations regarding the objectives and continuity of its agreements with third parties. Statements relating to 'mineral reserves' or 'mineral resources' are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, the results and underlying assumptions and interpretations of the FS and PFS may not be maintained after further testing or be representative of actual conditions within the applicable deposits. In addition, Denison may decide or otherwise be required to discontinue testing, evaluation, engineering, and development work if it is unable to maintain or otherwise secure the necessary approvals or resources (such as testing facilities, capital funding, etc.). Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and results may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2024 under the heading 'Risk Factors'. These factors are not, and should not be, construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. SOURCE Denison Mines Corp. 7 november 2024 at 17:53 News published onand distributed by: Canoe Financial LP Announces Portfolio Management Changes CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canoe Financial LP ("Canoe Financial") announced today that PineStone Asset Management Inc. ("PineStone") will replace Fiera Capital Corporation ("Fiera") as sub-advisor for the following funds: Canoe Defensive Global Equity Fund Canoe Defensive International Equity Fund Canoe Defensive U.S. Equity Portfolio Class Canoe Global Equity Fund PineStone, which currently acts as a sub-advisor to Fiera for the funds, will assume direct sub-advisory responsibilities as a result of this change. Canoe Financial also announced that it will appoint Nalmont Capital Inc. ("Nalmont") as a sub-advisor, replacing Fiera, to provide risk management advisory for the following funds: Canoe Defensive Global Balanced Fund Canoe Defensive Global Equity Fund Canoe Defensive International Equity Fund Canoe Defensive U.S. Equity Portfolio Class These changes are anticipated to take effect no later than January 10, 2025. About Canoe Financial Canoe Financial is one of Canada's fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing approximately $18 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Contact Investor Relations 1?877?434?2796 [email protected] Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. 7 november 2024 at 19:00 News published onand distributed by: Nansha Shines at CIIE: Converging at the Bay, Connecting to the World SHANGHAI, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news release from Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone Commerce Bureau, Guangzhou: From November 5 to 10, 2024, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held as scheduled at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Amidst this grand international trade event, the Nansha exhibition area, with its rich and diverse displays, has captivated the attention of visitors. 1. A Radiant Gem of the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative For the fourth consecutive year, Nansha is participating in the CIIE, showcasing a comprehensive exhibit in the "City Reception Center" section. Drawing design inspiration from container ships and industrial scenes, the exhibit vividly highlights the prosperity and vitality of this port city. The booth's overall design features a blue color scheme, symbolizing the vastness and depth of the ocean, while also representing Nansha's open stance and embrace of the world. At the heart of the Nansha exhibition area is the "NAN SHA" container ship, loaded with a variety of imported goods, which immediately caught the eyes of visitors. The prominent slogan, "Converging at the Bay, Connecting to the World," signifies Nansha's role as a rapidly advancing vessel, carrying the mission of becoming an international logistics hub and a critical center for the allocation of bulk commodity resources. 2. Global Resources Converge in Nansha, Premium Products Abound As a national demonstration zone for creative promotion of the import trade, Nansha has long been committed to facilitating and diversifying import trade. This year's Nansha exhibition area brings together high-quality products from around the world, spanning sectors such as fine wines and gourmet foods, artworks, advanced technology, biomedicine, and new materials. In the food and beverage section, containers on the ship are neatly filled with delicacies from across the globe, offering visitors a gastronomic world tour. These products, passing through Nansha's port, benefit from rapid customs clearance and convenient distribution. Nansha's cold-chain logistics center, known for its efficient customs processes and comprehensive service system, has become a key hub for cold-chain products. 3. Nansha Enterprises Stand Out, Showcasing Global Competitiveness This year, the Nansha exhibition area features 20 enterprises. Beyond the fine wines and foods on the container ship, the surrounding area highlights six major sectors: port terminals, artworks, high-tech innovations, biomedicine, new materials, and digital trade, making it a vibrant and eye-catching feature of the event. The Nansha Port Fresh Market has also made its return this year, showcasing a wide array of global delicacies, such as Golden Pillow durians and coconuts from Thailand, Zespri kiwifruit and Dazzle apples from New Zealand, premium bird's nest from Indonesia, grape juice from Spain, and wine from France, all drawing the attention of numerous visitors. In the high-tech zone, Nansha's leadership in information technology and advanced manufacturing is on full display, featuring innovative products such as 3D holographic fans, multimedia interactive touchscreens, and state-of-the-art charging stations for both stationary and mobile use. Particularly noteworthy is the artwork section, which showcases the unique characteristics of key 19th-century maritime Silk Road ports like Macao and Guangzhou, reflecting Guangzhou's rich history as a "Millennium Commercial City." As a major port, Nansha bears witness to the prosperity and vibrancy of the ancient maritime Silk Road. Additionally, several prominent Nansha companies, such as Lee's Pharmaceutical, Top Ideal, and DSTP, have also showcased their products and services in the exhibit. These companies not only demonstrate Nansha's developmental strengths but also vividly illustrate the city's charm as a hub of "technological innovation and global trade." 4. A Promising Future for Nansha: Collaborating for a Better Tomorrow The Nansha exhibition area not only highlights the district's past and present but also looks toward its promising future. Moving forward, Nansha's import demonstration zone will focus on enhancing resource imports, serving industries, and boosting consumption, while fostering specialized platforms for imports and elevating the scale and sophistication of import trade. As a key platform for comprehensive cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, Nansha will continue to implement the "Master Plan of Guangzhou Nansha on Deepening Comprehensive Cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao with Global Perspective" as a guiding framework. This includes deepening the "Five Ports Integration" strategy and leveraging the "Five-fold Openness" strategy to continuously optimize the business environment. By positioning itself as an inclusive, cooperative, and mutually beneficial gateway for opening up to the world, Nansha is set to work hand in hand with all sectors of society to "Share the Future in a New Era." SOURCE Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone Commerce Bureau, Guangzhou 8 november 2024 at 04:55 News published onand distributed by: ZKH Group Limited to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Friday, November 22, 2024 SHANGHAI, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZKH Group Limited ("ZKH" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZKH), a leading maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO") procurement service platform in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024, on Friday, November 22, 2024, before the open of the U.S. markets. The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: United States (toll free): +1-888-317-6003 International: +1-412-317-6061 Mainland China (toll free): 400-120-6115 Hong Kong (toll free): 800-963-976 Hong Kong: +852-5808-1995 Access Code: 9045994 A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until November 29, 2024: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 9322507 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.zkh.com. About ZKH Group Limited ZKH Group Limited (NYSE: ZKH) is a leading MRO procurement service platform in China, dedicated to propelling the MRO industry's digital transformation to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvement industry-wide. Leveraging its outstanding product selection and recommendation capabilities, ZKH provides digitalized, one-stop MRO procurement solutions that enable its customers to transparently and efficiently access a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices. The Company also facilitates timely and reliable product delivery with professional fulfillment services. By catering specifically to the needs of MRO suppliers and customers through its unmatched digital infrastructure, the Company empowers all participants in the value chain to achieve more. For more information, please visit https://ir.zkh.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: ZKH Group Limited IR Department E-mail: [email protected] Piacente Financial Communications Hui Fan Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE ZKH Group Limited 8 november 2024 at 05:00 News published onand distributed by: Belgium RegTech Business Report 2024-2029: $649.72 Million Market Influenced by Proactive Compliance Solutions, Integration of AI and Machine Learning, and Focus on Data Privacy and Security - ResearchAndMarkets.com The "Belgium RegTech Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 50+ KPIs on RegTech Market Size, By Industry, By Technology, By Type of Product, By Deployment, By Product Offering, Market Share - Q3 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The regtech industry in Belgium is expected to grow by 24.8% on annual basis to reach US$301.54 million in 2024. The regtech industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 16.6% during 2024-2029. The regtech in the country will increase from US$241.59 million in 2023 to reach US$649.72 million by 2029. This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of regtech industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of regtech market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics. The RegTech landscape in Belgium is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing regulatory pressures. As organizations seek to enhance their compliance capabilities, the demand for innovative RegTech solutions will continue to grow. While regulatory complexity and market fragmentation persist, opportunities for collaboration and growth abound. By embracing advanced technologies and fostering partnerships, the Belgian RegTech sector is well-positioned to become a global leader in regulatory innovation, benefiting organizations, regulators, and consumers. Trends in RegTech Recent Regulatory Technology (RegTech) trends in Belgium indicate a growing emphasis on automation and advanced technologies to enhance compliance in various sectors. Key trends include: Proactive Compliance Solutions: Companies increasingly shift from reactive compliance strategies to proactive approaches. This involves using RegTech to anticipate regulatory changes and potential risks, allowing organizations to implement measures before issues arise. Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Belgian firms are adopting AI and machine learning to automate transaction monitoring and risk assessment compliance processes. These technologies help organizations analyse data in real-time, improving the accuracy and efficiency of compliance efforts. Focus on Data Privacy and Security: With stringent data protection regulations like GDPR, RegTech solutions are being developed to ensure compliance with data privacy laws. This includes tools for monitoring data usage and managing consent. Recent Launches Greenomy's Non-Financial Reporting Solutions - In 2023, Greenomy, a Brussels-based RegTech company, expanded its operations to Luxembourg, enhancing its suite of non-financial reporting solutions. This platform assists businesses, investors, and banks in navigating the complexities of sustainability reporting, which has become increasingly important due to evolving regulations. Greenomy's portal calculates the green asset ratio for bank loans, enabling financial institutions to assess the sustainability of their portfolios effectively. The company is committed to helping clients adapt to changing regulations by providing resources such as the Greenomy Academy and an informative blog. This expansion strengthens Greenomy's position in the EU market and highlights the growing demand for innovative solutions that simplify compliance with non-financial reporting requirements. Partnerships and Collaborations FinTech Belgium and RegTech Startups - In 2023, FinTech Belgium, a prominent digital finance community association, launched an initiative to foster partnerships between RegTech startups and established financial institutions. This initiative aims to enhance the adoption of innovative compliance solutions and facilitate collaboration within the Belgian financial ecosystem. One notable collaboration involved a partnership between a leading Belgian bank and several RegTech startups focused on improving Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. By leveraging the innovative technologies developed by these startups, the bank aims to enhance its compliance operations and reduce the costs associated with regulatory adherence. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in driving the growth of the RegTech sector in Belgium and highlights the potential for mutual benefit among industry stakeholders. Key Attributes: Jordan Belkin Named Healthcare Executive of the Year by WorkHealthyNY NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jordan Belkin, Global Vice President of Operations for Prime Staffing (www.primestaffingnyc.com), has been honored as Healthcare Executive of the Year by WorkHealthyNY (www.workhealthNY.com), the largest municipal occupational medical organization in New York State. The prestigious award recognizes Belkin's outstanding leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to advancing the health and safety of workers across various industries. Belkin, a seasoned healthcare and operations leader, has been instrumental in shaping Prime Staffing's operational strategy and elevating the company's healthcare services to new heights. In his role, Belkin has consistently driven innovations that enhance workplace wellness, streamline medical staffing processes, and improve patient outcomes, particularly in high-stakes industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and public services. Belkin's impressive career began in clinical roles at two of New York City's most prestigious hospitals?Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital. His hands-on experience in patient care and clinical operations gave him invaluable insight into the healthcare industry and laid the foundation for his future leadership roles. This experience has been critical in his ability to understand both the clinical and operational needs of healthcare providers, a perspective that has shaped his approach to managing healthcare staffing and improving operational efficiency. "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from WorkHealthyNY," said Belkin. "This award is a reflection of the collective effort of the talented team at Prime Staffing and the dedicated healthcare professionals we work with every day. Together, we strive to create healthier and safer environments for workers across the state, and this award motivates me to continue to push for excellence in everything we do." Belkin holds a degree from George Washington University, where he honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of healthcare systems and business management. His ability to integrate both clinical insights and strategic operations has made him an invaluable asset to Prime Staffing and a respected figure in the broader healthcare community. "Jordan Belkin is a true visionary in healthcare operations," said Barbara Roberts, Executive Director of WorkHealthyNY. "His leadership has had a profound impact not only on Prime Staffing but on the broader healthcare industry as a whole. His commitment to creating healthier, more efficient work environments serves as an example to others in the field." A Bright Future for Healthcare Operations Looking ahead, Belkin remains committed to driving change in the healthcare and staffing industries. He is focused on leveraging new technologies, expanding healthcare access, and refining operational strategies to keep pace with the evolving demands of the workforce. His work continues to raise the bar for healthcare staffing, particularly in ensuring that organizations are equipped with the right professionals to provide exceptional care. The Healthcare Executive of the Year award from WorkHealthyNY is a testament to Belkin's exemplary leadership, expertise, and ongoing commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and operational excellence. About Prime Staffing Prime Staffing is a leading provider of healthcare staffing solutions, offering a wide range of services to healthcare facilities, businesses, and organizations across the United States. With a focus on quality, reliability, and innovation, Prime Staffing is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the skilled professionals they need to deliver exceptional care. SOURCE Prime Staffing 8 november 2024 at 14:11 News published onand distributed by: P2 Gold Announces Debt Settlement VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2024 /CNW/ - P2 Gold Inc. ("P2" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGLD) and (OTCQB: PGLDF) reports that it has amended its agreements with certain insiders of P2 to settle $572,500 in shareholder loans previously provided for working capital for 5,725,000 shares of the Company (the "Loan Shares") at a deemed price of $0.10/share (the "Loan Settlement"). The Loan Shares to be issued in respect of the Loan Settlement are subject to a hold period of four months expiring on March 8, 2025. The Loan Settlement with such insiders will be a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ? Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Loan Settlement with each of these individuals is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the debt, nor the fair market value of the shares to be issued in settlement of the debt, exceeds 25% of P2's market capitalization. About P2 Gold Inc. P2 Gold is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its gold-copper Gabbs Project on the Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. A positive preliminary economic assessment has outlined a long-life, mid-size mine at Gabbs with annual average production of 104,000 ounces gold and 13,500 tonnes copper over a 14.2-year mine life. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, information with respect to the Company's expectations, strategies and plans for exploration properties including the Company's planned expenditures and exploration activities, the Loan Settlement and issuance of the Loan Shares. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made, including without limitation, that the Exchange will accept the Offering, the issuance of securities under the Offering will be approved, required fundraising will be completed, as well as the other assumptions disclosed in this news release. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including without limitation, failure to obtain Exchange acceptance of the Offering and/or the issuance of securities pursuant to the Offering, failure to raise sufficient funds on the proposed terms or at all, and risks associated with mineral exploration, including the risk that actual results and timing of exploration and development will be different from those expected by management. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, dated March 21, 2024 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. SOURCE P2 Gold Inc. 8 november 2024 at 17:00 News published onand distributed by: Local forest guards with carpet they seized from artisanal miners in the Salayea Community Forest, Lofa County. File picture Literary connoisseurs will step back in time and immerse themselves in the world of Kate OBrien, one of Limericks most celebrated authors, as they honour the 50th anniversary of her passing. An Afternoon with Kate OBrien is an exclusive event which aims to blend literature, history, music and delightful culinary treats in a setting that captures the spirit of Ms OBriens life and legacy, marking 50 years since her death. Hosted by renowned Limerick writer and event organiser, Rose Servitova, the afternoon tea event will take place in No.1 Pery Square this Sunday, November 10 at 2pm. As a trailblazing literary figure and outspoken advocate for social issues, Ms OBriens work continues to inspire readers and writers alike. READ MORE: Lecture to put history of Limerick's historic Newtown Pery in the picture With an award named after the late author, who was born in 1897 and passed in 1974, Kate OBrien is remembered as one of the most important writers of the 20th century. A pioneer in Irish fiction, Ms OBrien was born in Limerick on December 3, 1897 to horse-dealer Thomas O'Brien and his wife, Catherine Thornhill OBrien. One of ten children, Ms OBrien was just five-years-old when her mother Catherine died of cancer in 1903. After becoming the youngest boarder at Laurel Hill, Ms OBrien went on to receive a county council scholarship to read French and English in University College Dublin (UCD) the same year that her father passed away, in 1916. Ms OBrien graduated from UCD with a BA degree in 1919, moving to England where she worked as a freelance journalist, before travelling the world and getting married, briefly, to a Dutchman, Gustaff Renier. Spanning nearly 50 years, Ms OBriens literary career commenced in 1926 with a play entitled Distinguished Villa. It was performed at the Aldwych Theatre in London on May 2, 1926, and was met with wide acclaim. During the annual Limerick Literary Festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in March this year and was formerly known as The Kate OBrien Weekend, an award under Ms OBriens name is presented to a chosen author with a cash prize of 2,000. This year, Aoife Fitzpatrick won the ninth annual Kate OBrien Award for her novel The Red Bird Sings. The Limerick Literary Festival began in 1984, marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Ms OBrien and every year, the festival attracts prominent participants from home and abroad. In June 2022, as part of the Limerick Literary Festival that year, Ms OBriens most famous novel was re-published after being out of print for almost 70 years. Of her nine novels, Pray for the Wanderer is described as her rarest, and was revived and circulated two years ago thanks to Arlen House, a literary press company based in Limerick. They were instrumental in the revival of interest in Ms OBriens work. The novel, Pray for the Wanderer, is Ms OBriens love letter to Limerick and explores the emotional pain of an Irish writer genuinely torn between the artistic freedom of abroad and the beauty and security of home. Fast forward to this weekend, An Afternoon with Kate OBrien will see intimate discussions into the authors life works and achievements and will celebrate her Limerick heritage. The event will feature a special musical tribute by award-winning soprano Sarah-Ellen Murphy, accompanied by pianist Irina Dernova, performing a song by Fiona Linnane, composed in honour of the late Limerick author. Attendees will also enjoy a unique historical insight from Limerick historian Sharon Slater, with an engaging talk entitled From Evicted Tenants to Limerick Bourgeoisie The Changing Fortunes of the OBrien Family. Afternoon tea will be served as the musical duo performs a stirring rendition of Thomas Moores In the Midst Hour of Night, a piece often sung by Kate OBrien and her siblings at family gatherings. The menu, inspired by historical links to Limerick and the OBrien family, will be introduced by Patricia Roberts of No.1 Pery Square. The literary aspect of the day will continue with Eileen OConnor, a committee member of the Limerick Literary Festival, who will explore Ms OBriens literary career in her talk called In the Embrace of Love The Ups and Downs of Kate OBriens Writing Journey. Adding a dramatic flair to the event, renowned actor Myles Breen will perform excerpts from Ms OBriens novels and memoir, reflecting the writers elegant writing style and focus on themes of love and freedom. To conclude the afternoon, Sarah-Ellen Murphy and Irina Dernova will once again perform a beautiful composition by Fiona Linnane, inspired by the authors works. Each guest will receive a specially-themed keepsake to commemorate the unique event. Tickets are limited, so early booking is advised and can be done here. RESEARCH has shown that some 13.6% of Limerick households are deeply committed to global issues, such as extreme poverty. A new report commissioned by Dochas, the Irish Network of Humanitarian and Development Organisations, has revealed that 10,388 individuals in Limerick have contributed to overseas development projects. Almost 350,000 individual donors across Ireland contributed to 27 of Dochass 56 members in 2023, representing one in five households. Of the 10,388 contributing donors in Limerick, that represents 13.6% of households and 5% of the population of those involved with Dochas. As well as this, there are 106 groups and organisations in the county supporting the cause, which is made up of 18 schools, 43 faith and community groups and 45 businesses. These findings show that people in Limerick continue to value and support overseas development across the country. READ MORE: Limerick city cinema 'brought back to life' for One Night Only film shoot This information is said to be timely now ahead of the newly announced general election, as the data highlights that a significant proportion of the Irish and Limerick population remains deeply committed to global causes. Commenting on the Electoral Snapshots project, Jane-Ann McKenna, CEO of Dochas said: This report is a powerful reminder that while public debates can sometimes appear divisive, the reality on the ground is different. Our message to policymakers is clear - while local issues are undeniably important, this data shows that Irish voters also care deeply about global issues. There is a real opportunity for Ireland to continue playing a leadership role in overseas development. The report is set to be used by the organisation in efforts to bring overseas development to the fore in the forthcoming general election race. Nationally, the report shows 528 schools contributed financially to overseas development organisations, representing 13.2% of all schools. 1,609 businesses, 894 churches and faith groups and 115 community groups across the country made financial contributions. It comes as Dochas releases its manifesto for the upcoming General Election. The network is calling for Ireland to realise its commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on Overseas Development Assistance by 2030, and to publish a clear spending pathway to achieve this by 2030. Dochas is the network of international development and humanitarian organisations working collectively to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development. THE NEW French Ambassador to Ireland chose Limerick city for her first official trip to the west of the country. Her Excellency Ms Celine Place began her day-long visit to Limerick with a meeting with the Irish Aid division of the Department of Foreign Affairs on Henry Street. This was followed by a visit to Alliance Francaise Limerick, the oldest branch of Alliance Francaise in Ireland. This organisation promotes the French language and culture and offers courses for people to learn the language. At this meeting with Alliance Francaise Limerick on Tuesday, November 5, Ambassador Place met with the directors, teachers and students of the not-for-profit organisation, which was founded in Limerick in 1944. The Ambassador also met with les Enfants francophones, an association providing French classes and other activities to French-speaking children in Limerick and Ennis. READ MORE: Public invited to sneak peek of Opera Square project in Limerick city The Hospitality Campus of the Limerick-Clare Education and Training Board (ETB) was also a stop on her tour of Limerick, with an annual lunch prepared and served by the campus students to mark the end of their two-year training. I was really impressed by the skills displayed by all the trainees and the dedication of their teachers. The 8-course menu was top-class and both the cooking and waiting students showed a savoir-faire that augurs really well of their future careers, Ambassador Place said. After a meeting with Michelle Gallagher, the new CEO of the Limerick Chamber and some of chamber's board members who provided her with an overview of Limerick's economic assets, Ambassador Place headed to the City Hall where she was welcomed by Mayor John Moran and his team. The Mayor and the Ambassador discussed the many links, past and present, between Limerick and France as well as forthcoming projects, including the 60m project of French company, Neoen, who are building a solar farm in Ballinknockane, Co. Limerick. The day ended with a special reception in Istabraq Hall, attended by members of the French community during which Dr Liam Chambers or Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Dr Michael Kelly of University of Limerick (UL) and Ms Eileen O'Connor, former president of Alliance Francaise Limerick. They were presented with the insignia of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes academiques, a French government award honouring exceptional achievements in the field of education, by Ambassador Place. A TIKTOK showing a hidden feature of a historical Limerick building has gone viral, with over 2.6million views and 48.1 thousand likes in less than a week. The TikTok video, created by Dr Paul O'Brien, shows a secret sliding sash window shutter in Limerick's Fernbank House that has been "hidden for over 100 years", according to the local historian. The house was built circa 1860, he explained on his X page, adding: "It was home to Mrs Cleeve in 1920 when it was sold to the Salesians". READ MORE: Some 13.6% of Limerick households support overseas development projectsx In the caption of his post on X, he also said: "Even though the interior of Fernbank is in perfect condition, Limerick 2030 are proposing to demolish it as part of their plan". Speaking to Newsweek, Dr O'Brien spoke of his exploration of the building and the discovery of the hidden shutter: "The nun beside us said she'd lived in the house for over 50 years and never spotted the hidden shutters before". The nun who accompanied him on his tour of the historical residence theorised that the last person to open the shutters would likely have been a servant of Lady Cleeve in 1920. Taoiseach Simon Harris will formally request that President Michael D Higgins dissolve the Dail this Friday afternoon, officially triggering a General Election. Mr Harris, who is in Budapest since Thursday, November 7, at the European Political Community Summit, will travel to Aras an Uachtarain upon his retun and set in motion a General Election campaign for the 34th Dail. He's expected to make a statement at Government Buildings around mid-afternoon, before his visit to President Higgins to request the current Dail be dissolved. The soon-to-be outgoing Taoiseach is expected to immediately hit the campaign trail in Dublin, as the November 29 date already set for voting leaves only a three week window for canvassing. Read Also: ALERT: Deadline to register for postal voting confirmed for General Election 2024 However pro-Palestinian campaigners are asking President Higgins not to dissolve the Dail until the Occupied Territories Bill is passed by Oireachtas. A letter sent to the President signed by groups including Mothers Against Genocide, Irish Lawyers for Palestine and South Kerry Friends of Palestine, identified the Occupied Territories Bill as "the single most important and effective action that Ireland can take at this time". "We hope dear President Higgins that you can be the final contributor to getting the Occupied Territories Bill enacted now," the letter concluded. An increase in inward migration to Ireland in recent years has resulted in a rise in the spread of conspiracy theories and extremist language about migrants and refugees. These conspiracies occasionally focus on Government TDs and Ministers, who extremists believe are not fulfilling their electoral mandate because they claim that elected representatives are prioritising the rights of non-Irish citizens and refugees over those who are born here and who are of Irish ethnicity. One anti-migrant narrative suggests that politicians are using foreign nationals and refugees to manipulate elections by allowing them to vote. The claim seeks to undermine the integrity of Irelands electoral process and the current Government, but ignores the fact that foreign nationals are only allowed to vote in some elections. In reality, the practice has been allowed for decades and is not unique to recent trends in migration or asylum seeking, and it is also permitted in other European Union countries. What are the facts? Irish citizens are allowed to vote in local, general and European elections, but things are more complicated for those who are not citizens. Regardless of the election, all eligible voters must be on the electoral register in order to cast a vote, and must be over 18 years old and reside in Ireland. General elections are held every five years at most in Ireland (though they are held more often than that if the Government of the day falls or if it calls an early election). Only Irish citizens and British citizens who live in Ireland can vote in General Elections. The same rules apply for by elections, which occur when a TD resigns from the Dail, or if they die or otherwise have to be replaced (for example if they become a Member of the European Parliament). The Ninth Amendment to the Constitution allows non-Irish citizens to vote in General Elections, but only British citizens are granted this by law because the United Kingdom has a similar law for Irish citizens. Similar arrangements exist in various countries around the world, for example: Portuguese people living in Brazil may vote in Brazilian elections and vice versa, and many Commonwealth countries allow resident citizens from other Commonwealth countries to vote in national elections. Other countries, such as Chile, Malawi, and New Zealand take these laws even further and permit anyone who is resident to vote in national elections (though some require that people have been living in the country for a set period of time). However, this is not the case for general elections in Ireland. Separately, there are different rules for local elections, which allow people to vote for city and county councillors on local authorities. These elections are also held every five years. Councillors create policies for local authorities, which are in charge of services such as roads, planning, housing, parks, community development, environment, and things like libraries and fire services. Local elections are enshrined in the Irish Constitution, following the Twentieth Amendment, which was approved by referendum in 1999 and which says that foreign nationals can vote. Asylum seekers have been eligible to vote in local elections since 2004, when Temporary Registration Certificates were explicitly allowed as identity documents for voting. Other foreign nationals resident in the State have been able to vote in local elections since before that change. Irelands situation is not unusual. Many other countries also allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, including many in the European Union, such as Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. Other countries do so on the basis of bi-lateral arrangements with other nations, as is the case between Ireland and the UK. Local elections cant determine who gets to stay or get into national government, meaning that non-citizen votes cannot keep or remove a sitting government from power (despite what conspiracy theories may suggest). European elections are also held every five years, usually at the same time as local elections. These see Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) decided upon, where representatives are voted to become politicians in the main law-making body of the European Union. The parliament elects the President of the European Commission, the EUs main executive body which manages EU policy, and appoints Commissioners, as well as setting the EUs budget. The European Parliament is in many ways the EUs counterpart to the Dail, whereas the Commission could be compared to a national government involving different ministers. Like many EU laws, individual countries are given leeway in how they manage European elections. For example, some countries dont divide their territory into constituencies or allow people younger than 18 to vote, or use a list system rather than a single transferable vote (the latter system being favoured in Ireland). However, all EU countries must allow resident EU citizens to vote and stand for election (though some countries require that voters must reside in the area for a minimum period). To vote in European elections in Ireland, voters must be an EU citizen, over 18, and listed on the Register of Electors, which requires that a person is ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland. Similarly, Irish people living in other EU countries may be entitled to vote there; however, an individual cannot vote in European elections in more than one country (e.g. by voting in person where they live as well as sending a postal vote to their second home country). The principles guiding these election procedures have been in place since the founding treaties of the European Union; however, these were further enshrined as a right of EU citizens in the Lisbon Treaty, whose force in Irish law was approved by referendum in 2009. The Journals FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Networks Code of Principles. You can read it here. For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out FactChecks readers guide here. You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here. Elon Musk has backed Indias recent decision to allocate spectrum for satellite broadband instead of auctioning it. This approach, outlined by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, follows global norms. Musk reacted with a one-word response, Promising, to a post on X (formerly Twitter) discussing the announcement. The post by user Alex read, NEWS: @Starlink Indias Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said today in an interview with the Press Trust of India that spectrum for satellite broadband will be allocated, not auctioned as sought by telco tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal. Musk's response suggests he supports Indias move, which could ease entry for Starlink and other satellite providers into the Indian market. Also Read | Advantage Musk, Starlink as Trump prepares for second tenure Indias choice aligns with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards, which discourage spectrum auctions for satellite services. Scindia highlighted that the country has listed satellite spectrum under Schedule 1 of its new Telecom Act, mandating government assignment. A blow to Indian telecom giants? This policy shift is a blow to Indian telecom giants Jio and Airtel, led by Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal, who have pushed for auctions similar to those in terrestrial networks. They argue that auctions foster fair competition, especially as they have invested heavily in the terrestrial spectrum. Both Jio and Airtel consider satellite broadband crucial for India's digital expansion. However, the governments allocation strategy may provide an easier path for international players like Starlink, which is seeking an operating license in India. Bengaluru: Pantomaths Bharat Value Fund (BVF) has invested 235 crore in Kolkata-based snack brand Haldiram Bhujiawala for a minority stake, the companies said in a statement on Friday. Haldiram, which retails its products under the brand Prabhuji, plans to use the proceeds to expand its manufacturing units and markets outside of eastern and northeastern India. The company currently operates in markets, including West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern regions, and has three manufacturing units with a combined capacity of 6,035 metric tonnes per annum. Haldiram, which was founded more than six decades ago, offers a broad product portfolio with more than 100 SKUs in eastern and north-eastern Indian markets, besides running quick service restaurants in West Bengal and north-eastern states. Manush Agarwal currently serves as the managing director of the snacks and savory brand which has a blend of retail and distribution business. Haldirams distribution network comprises about 2,000 distributors servicing more than 200,000 retailers across the country. The company operates 19 retail outlets and 60 franchise stores to establish direct access to its consumers. The snacking market is estimated to be worth 42,600 crore in FY24 and is expected to reach about 95,500 crore over the next eight years at a CAGR of 11%. The organized players are expected to be key contributors through their focus on product diversification, quality and convenience that will further boost their expansion. Meanwhile, BVF is one of the prominent funds in the mid-market sector that focuses on profitable growth-stage companies. The latest transaction in Haldiram marks its sixth overall investment in the company and its third in the consumer space in a span of three months. With over six decades of market insight since its founding as a proprietorship in 1958, the company has a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. The new generations sharp focus on the modern brand, Prabhuji, is particularly noteworthy, Madhu Lunawat, CIO of BVF, said in the statement. We are highly optimistic about the food, FMCG, and consumer goods sectors, and Haldiram is well-positioned to achieve substantial growth in the years ahead. (Bloomberg) -- Invesco Advisers Inc. will pay a $17.5 million fine to settle US Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that it misled clients about the share of company-wide assets under management that integrated environmental, social and governance factors into investment decisions. From 2020 to 2022, the firm told clients that between 70% and 94% of parent company Invesco Ltd.s AUM were ESG integrated, the agency said in a news release Friday. In a 2020 presentation to a large wealth management firm, Invesco Advisers touted Our Commitment to ESG and called itself a Trusted Partner in Responsible Investment, according to the SECs order. But the regulator alleged that a substantial amount of assets were held in passive exchange-traded funds that didnt consider ESG factors. In addition, the SEC claimed Invesco Advisers lacked any written policy on what ESG integration meant. Companies should be straightforward with their clients and investors rather than seeking to capitalize on investing trends and buzzwords, Sanjay Wadhwa, acting director of the SECs Division of Enforcement, said in a statement. Invesco Advisers didnt admit to or deny the SECs allegations. Invesco Advisers Inc. cooperated fully with the investigation and will continue to take a client-led approach of offering investment strategies tailored to the specific investment objectives of its clients, Andrea Raphael, a spokeswoman for Invesco, said in a statement. Raphael said the agencys order makes no allegations or findings related to disclosures about specific funds or investment strategies. The SECs order against Invesco is the agencys latest crackdown on so-called greenwashing. In October, WisdomTree Asset Management Inc. agreed to pay $4 million settle SEC allegations that it failed to deliver on its promise to create exchange-traded funds that eschewed investments in fossil fuels or tobacco. --With assistance from Silla Brush. (Updates with order details, background starting in second paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com By Jonathan Stempel Nov 8 (Reuters) - A federal judge said Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not personally liable in 25 lawsuits accusing his company of addicting children to social media. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California rejected accusations on Thursday that Zuckerberg directed Meta's efforts to conceal from children the serious mental health risks of using Facebook and Instagram. The plaintiffs called Meta's billionaire co-founder the "guiding spirit" behind alleged concealment efforts, saying he ignored repeated internal warnings about the risks and publicly downplayed them. But the judge found a lack of specifics about what Zuckerberg did wrong, and said "control of corporate activity alone is insufficient" to establish liability. Her decision does not affect related claims against Meta itself. The plaintiffs brought claims under the laws of 13 U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Previn Warren, a partner at Motley Rice representing the plaintiffs, said on Friday his clients will continue gathering evidence "to uncover the truth about how Big Tech has knowingly prioritized profits over the safety of our children." The 25 lawsuits are among several hundred by children, their families and school districts seeking damages from Meta, Alphabet's Google, ByteDance's TikTok and Snap's Snapchat over social media addiction. Dozens of U.S. state attorneys general are pursuing similar cases against Meta, linking its social media platforms to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and interference with education and daily life. Nissan Motor Co. has announced sweeping cuts to its workforce, production levels, and financial forecasts as the company grapples with intensifying industry challenges and internal weaknesses. The automaker will cut 9,000 jobs and reduce manufacturing capacity by 20% after seeing a steep 94% drop in net income for the first half of the fiscal year. In addition, Nissan plans to sell off part of its stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corp. after burning through 448.3 billion ($2.9 billion) in cash over six months, Bloomberg reported. The company's shares tumbled nearly 10% in early Friday trading in Tokyo, reaching their lowest point since October 2020, according to the report. These financial woes come with personal costs for Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, who will forfeit half of his compensation, as per the Bloomberg report. Uchida acknowledged the dual challenges of external market pressures and internal missteps, including ambitious sales targets set by Nissan amid surging competition from Chinese automakers, as per Bloomberg report. Meeting our sales goals will be a challenge, Uchida said. We need to rebuild our strength so that we can pivot toward a more positive direction, the Bloomberg report quoted him as saying. Nissan has revised its operating income projection down to 150 billion for the fiscal year ending in March, a 70% reduction from earlier forecasts. Revenue expectations have also been slashed by 9%, signalling minimal growth ahead, Bloomberg reported. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 5 shares to buy today Uchida, who took the helm in 2019 following the departure of former chairman Carlos Ghosn, has struggled to stabilize Nissan while facing competition from Tesla and Chinas BYD. Nissan is the weakest one, said James Hong, an analyst with Macquarie Securities Korea. The only way for the company to improve sales is through price cuts," Hong said as per Bloomberg. Ratings Concerns Mount Nissans financial ratings could be at risk following these grim results, with Bloomberg Intelligences Joel Levington noting that the companys situation appears extremely tough". To cut costs, Nissan will reduce its stake in Mitsubishi Motors, selling about a third of its holdings, equivalent to roughly 10% of its total shareholding, worth around 68.6 billion, the Bloomberg report added. Uchida has been pursuing a three-year turnaround plan aimed at revitalising the business, but setbacks have mounted. In July, Nissan cut its profit forecast from 600 billion to 500 billion, following weak sales in key markets like China, Japan, and North America, as per the Bloomberg report. In the most recent quarter, Nissans profit of 32 billion fell far below analyst estimates of 65 billion and even further behind the 208 billion reported a year prior. The decline in second-quarter profit wasnt a surprise, but the figure itself was even lower than expected, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida. The main problem is the gap between what the company wanted to achieve and what was realistically possible," he said. Future Plans Amid Declining Demand for EVs Uchidas vision includes expanding Nissans electric vehicle lineup and forming new partnerships, with a goal of selling an additional 1 million cars annually by 2027. But analysts argue that Nissan lacks enough hybrid models to meet current consumer demand, which is shifting away from EVs. The demand for hybrids is whats allowing Toyota and Honda to enjoy strong profitability, noted Hong. That strategy also needs to be revisited," as quoted by Bloomberg. Nissan, like other legacy automakers, is struggling to capture market share in China. In June, it halted production at its Changzhou plant in response to sluggish sales. For the current fiscal year, Nissan expects to produce around 3.2 million vehicles, down 7% from last year, and has reduced its retail sales outlook to 3.4 million vehicles, with forecast cuts across major markets including North America, China, Japan, and Europe. Mumbai: State-run Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has decided not to go ahead with the 20,000-crore loan proposal to Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP), PFC Chairman Parminder Chopra said on a call with analysts on Friday. The board declined to give its nod nearly 10 months after discussions started, potentially derailing the SP groups debt repayment plans. In the call with analysts, Chopra clarified that the board was not keen on PFC taking a higher exposure to a new sector. Also read | Indias Shapoorji Group Seeks Up to $2.4 Billion From Lenders We have done detailed due diligence. The board has decided that since its a new sector we may not take a high exposure. We have therefore decided not to go ahead with the sanction of loan, he said. A spokesperson for the SP Group, in response to Mint's queries, said, We understand that the Board of PFC would not like to proceed with the proposal in its current form. We acknowledge that such structured credit proposals, which global investors are very familiar with, would have been pathbreaking for PFC. In this context, we can appreciate the concerns expressed by the Board of PFC in being the sole financier for such a large amount. Alternatives being explored The spokesperson added that the group has started exploring alternative deal structures, taking into account PFC's feedback, including onboarding additional consortium lenders to take ahead this deal or alternatively consummate a similar deal with other pools of global capital. In a media statement in August, the SP Group had said that it had received a formal sanction letter from PFC on 14 June. People aware of the matter had told Mint at the time that the sanction letter came with conditions and clarifications were sought. SP Group added in the statement that the cash flows from the real estate franchise would ensure full repayment of the loan over the tenor and that the proposal had been validated by reputed third party consultants. Also read | PFC independent directors raise concerns over 20,000-cr loan plan for SP Group Mint had reported in August that all three independent directors had raised concerns regarding PFCs ability to underwrite the loan to SP group, which had large exposure to real estate construction and infrastructure. The directors had also questioned the rationale behind giving the loan to the groups main investment vehicle, Sterling Investment Corporation Pvt Ltd (SICPL), against the pledged shares in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, to refinance the debt taken three years ago at a coupon of 19-22%. This when Tata Sons had clarified to The Economic Times in an interview that the pledged shares cannot be transferred by SP Group in the event of a default. Funds raised via NCDs To be sure, SICPL had raised 18,000 crore via non-convertible debentures (NCDs) after pledging its 9.18% stake in Tata Sons shares in 2021. With PFC declining to lend, SP Group will now have to find other ways to repay the debt of high yielding bond investors like Ares SSG, Farallon Capital, David Kemper and other domestic HNIs, who had bought the bonds. Also read | PFC loan backed by 6x loan value: SP Group PFCs clarification comes a day after SP Groups investment arm Goswami Infratech Pvt Ltd (GIPL) repaid nearly 35% of the bond on Thursday, by using the proceeds from its stake sale in Gopalpur Port. The conglomerate had sold its 56% stake in Gopalpur Port to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEC) last month. AHMEDABAD, IndiaGautam Adani, the billionaire founder of one of Indias biggest business conglomerates, lies at the intersection of the countrys clean energy challenge to China. Adani Group, which built its energy empire on coal, is setting up an entire solar supply chain starting with indigenous manufacturing of ingots, wafers, cells and panels, and soon polysilicon. It is also constructing a solar farm in Khavda, western India, that will cover an area over five times the size of Paris. The groups goal reflects Indias twin aims of aggressively chasing renewable-energy targets while reducing dependence on Chinese imports, goals that are often in conflict with each other. India wants to install 500 gigawatts of renewable-energy capacity by 2030, but it is only two-fifths of the way there. Solar makes up nearly half of the countrys renewable mix. Although India has managed to start building solar panels within its borders, the raw materials are mainly imported from China. At the same time, India is forcing domestic solar-power developers to buy panels from approved Indian manufacturers that sell at almost twice the price of Chinese panels and are often of inferior quality. That tension offers opportunities for firms with deep pockets, such as the $200 billion Adani Group, that can afford to take on enormous investments throughout the supply chain. We are playing the entire energy game," said Sagar Adani, who oversees the groups renewable-energy businesses and is Gautam Adanis nephew. India has long had a strained relationship with its neighbor. Ties between the countries hit a nadir in 2020 after clashes between Indian and Chinese troops along the Himalayan border turned deadly. Since then, India has intensified its efforts to build out local production in new technology sectors. In 2022, India imposed tariffs of 40% on solar panels and 25% on solar cells to discourage imports from China. In April, the country dictated that Indian solar-power producers must purchase from an approved list of domestic solar-panel makersAdanis Mundra facility among them. Similar rules for solar cells could come in 2026. India has offered subsidies of close to $3 billion to the solar manufacturing industry, but putting a dent into Chinas dominance is a formidable challenge. Chinas share in all the manufacturing stages of solar panels exceeds 80% globally, according to the International Energy Agency, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization. Wood Mackenzie estimates China invested $130 billion in the solar industry last year. Adani Enterprises, the groups flagship firm, started manufacturing the wafers and ingots used for making solar-power cells and panels earlier this year, making it Indias first company to do so. The facility in Mundra, a small port town on Indias west coast, is capable of producing ingots and wafers to feed about half of its current panel production of 4 gigawatts. Chinas wafer capacity is over 300 times that of Indias. By the end of the year, it will firm up a timeline for investing in the manufacture of polysilicon, the high-purity silicon that is the building block for solar panels. India doesnt produce that material now. But safeguarding the energy supply chain from China is depriving Indias solar-power developers of cheap, technologically advanced panels and other raw materials that are slowing its renewable-energy build-out. Analysts say India is likely to miss its target of having 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030 by a wide margin, and many assign a significant share of the blame to the countrys insistence on localizing its supply chain. Wood Mackenzie estimates India may succeed in installing only 375 gigawatts by the deadline. The intent of the government is to make everything in India," said Nikhil Nigania, an analyst at Bernstein, who tracks Adani Green Energy and ReNew Power, another renewable-energy firm in India. At this point in time, it makes sense to allow imports to come. The public is paying more because you are not importing, you are using expensive domestic modules." The most commonly available India-made panels are priced around 18 cents a watt, or roughly double the prices of Chinese-made panels, according to August data from BloombergNEF. Panels account for about 40% of the cost of developing a solar farm. Beyond panels, other parts of the supply chain will be more difficult and expensive to replicate in India. JMK Research & Analytics and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis estimate the cost of developing polysilicon for 1 gigawatt of solar power in India would be about $130 million, or more than twice the cost in China, in large part because of higher industrial power prices. Sagar Adani acknowledges that using Indian components can make projects more expensive and that Adani doesnt use them when it doesnt make business sense. Thats why we buy from outside," he said. Because they are much cheaper than what we make here today." Adani Green Energy continues to buy panels from China and Southeast Asia, as well as Adani Enterprises, depending on what the rules allow. The mandate to source locally doesnt apply to private projects, and import contracts for projects with the government that predate the new rule are exempt. Meanwhile, the bulk of Adanis panel production is sold to the U.S. Indias harder stance on China has at times tripped up firms trying to help India compete with its neighborincluding Adani. The companys facility in Mundra has hundreds of workers clad in blue protection gear manufacturing missile-shaped ingots that are the building blocks of solar panels. It relies largely on Chinese equipment to make these. A projected increase in power demand across India adds another challenge to the countrys effort to add renewables while weaning itself off Chinese imports. Indias per capita electricity consumption is a third of the global average, according to government estimates, but is expected to surge to power its economic engine. If we add that much capacity of thermal coal-based power, whatever decarbonization efforts are going on in the world will all be neutralized or negative just because of India," said Sagar Adani. View Full Image Tycoon Drives Indias Push Against Chinas Solar-Energy Dominance View Full Image Tycoon Drives Indias Push Against Chinas Solar-Energy Dominance View Full Image Tycoon Drives Indias Push Against Chinas Solar-Energy Dominance Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu voiced strong criticism after Freshworks announced layoffs of 660 employees, warning that naked greed from corporate America is seeping into India. This behaviour, sadly, has become all too common in the US corporate world, and we are importing it in India, Vembu wrote on social media. Vembus comments come amid recent layoffs at Freshworks, a Chennai-based competitor, which reported a 22 per cent revenue increase but cut 13 per cent of its workforce. Though not directly naming Freshworks, Vembu slammed companies laying off workers while maintaining strong profits and cash reserves. A company that has $1 billion cash and is actually still growing at a decent 20% rate laying off 12-13% of its workforce should not expect any loyalty from its employees ever, he said. Freshworks also announced a $400 million stock buyback, a decision Vembu criticized as short-sighted. Dont you have the vision to invest $400 million in another line of business where you can deploy those people you hired? he asked, adding, Are you so lacking in curiosity, vision, and empathy? The layoffs follow Freshworks report of a 22 per cent rise in third-quarter revenue to $186.6 million. The company cited the need to streamline operations as roles are cut across the U.S., India, and other regions. Vembu argued that companies with ample cash should pause hiring or pursue new projects rather than lay off employees. Vembu highlights Zoho's commitment to employees Vembu highlighted Zohos commitment to its employees and customers, saying, We put our customers and employees first. Shareholders should come last. He noted that Zohos private status helps it avoid shareholder pressure, describing the harm shareholder first priorities inflict on employee morale. This private equity and Wall Street-led shareholder first world does not work and wont even work out well for shareholders, he added. Venture capital firm Aavishkaar Capital plans to increasingly back more startups that provide livelihood to people in tier 2 and 3 cities and towns as it looks to raise its seventh and largest ever fund with a corpus size of about 1,500 crore next year. The startups Aavishkaar wants to back are typically those that hire skilled workers in small cities and towns while selling their products in the big cities. This generates a double bottom line, creating social impact by providing steady employment opportunities in underserved areas while also ensuring profits. In such investments, the gross margin is higher, so it becomes an attractive proposition from a purely commercial point. Our thought process is to connect through an impact and make the impact profitable at the same time," Aavishkaar Groups founder Vineet Rai told Mint in an interview. Indias rural economy has changed dramatically so we also must shift our investing philosophy. We call it systematic impact as it directly influences what is happening on the ground," he added. Rais belief in Indias rural economy is validated by recent data that show a revival in rural consumption as a main factor in Indias private consumption outpacing the countrys economic growth. Aavishkaar Capital has raised about 4,000 crore across six India-focused funds over 17 years. Its sixth fund, which was raised about 2.5 years ago, was 1,200 crore in size. So far, the impact investment firm has fully returned money made from its first three funds to its investors, and partially from its subsequent funds. Aavishkaar Capital, which also has operations in other parts of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, typically invests in three main categoriesfood and agriculture, essential services, and financial inclusion. With typical investment sizes of $5-25 million, each fund targets 12-18 companies across early to series A/B stagesthe initial rounds of institutional funding for a startup. We also keep some amount of money for zero-revenue companies," Rai said, referring to investments in startups while factoring in the risk that they may not survive. Also read | Bigger than food delivery? Investors rush to bless faith-tech startups A rural opportunity Last month, Aavishkaar Capital led a $10 million funding round in direct-to-consumer luggage brand Zouk. The startup employs semi-skilled workers from tier 2 and 3 areas to manufacture its products, which are then sold in metro cities. Aavishkaar has also backed Go Desi, AgroStar, and Milk Mantra. You will see more assortment in our portfolio as Indias capability to participate in local ideas has significantly gone up over the years. This has given us an opportunity to step back and evaluate the new ideas that are bubbling up," Rai said. We are looking at business ideas that have the potential to scale and deliver commercial returns in a short span of time to balance our overall portfolio, which also invests in high-risk companies." Outside of its equity financing business, Aavishkaar also does on-ground work in several parts of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal through its foundation, which is funded through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. The aim is to create jobs and provide livelihood to the rural economy without displacing them to the metros. Today, there is a significant desire among people to go back to their towns because the cost of operation is low, which is a critical determination of success and failure," Rai said. Rai, a strong proponent of reverse migration, expects to create more local jobs for people in tier 2 and 3 cities to grow and build the rural economy over moving to metros and tier 1 cities. He anticipates tier 2 and 3 cities to play a significant role in Indias next phase of growth. Also read | Venture cautiousness: Why Blume, other VCs are treading safe despite IPO wave Creating quality jobs When top talent migrates to suburban and rural areas, capital will also shift beyond the metros, Rai explained, adding that the bulk of the demand will come from these areas going forward and may see more participation from other mainstream investors. However, there may also be challenges in building businesses in tier 2 areas and beyond owing to factors such as lack of exposure to the affluent class and limited access to capital, which could delay the time taken to monetize a startup. The governments latest Periodic Labour Force Survey showed that while availability of jobs had improved the quality of employment hadnt. Indias rural labour market is still dominated by agriculture, whereas rural youth overwhelmingly hope for a salaried job, the survey found. Through various initiatives, Aavishkaars foundation has educated children in several low-income districts on how to build a business sustainably and come up with ideas that solve a problem locally. Rai also noted the importance of technology and tools like artificial intelligence that have democratized access. AI has taken intelligence down to every average common person, which means even a person sitting in a village with some level of understanding can instruct an AI program," he concluded. Also read | End of FOMO: Venture capital firms turn cautious over AI startup hype BENGALURU : Bengaluru-based startup Even Healthcare, backed by Alpha Wave Ventures and Khosla Ventures, is set to launch two to three hospitals in the city next year. Fresh from a $30 million funding round with investors including Lachy Groom and Founders Fund, the startup aims to fill gaps in secondary care and general surgeries. Read this | Apollo to Aster, Manipal to Max, hospital chains ready for a big-bang expansion Already operating five clinics in Bengaluru, Even Healthcare will spend up to $7.5 million to set up these hospitals, which will handle routine surgeries and treatments for ailments like kidney stones and appendicitis, co-founder Matilde Giglio told Mint. We will focus on secondary care. Basically any surgery that lasts 2-3 days. This will include general surgeries for kidney stones and appendicitis as well as maternity care. Everything except oncology, neurology, and emergency services," Giglio said. The company also envisions expanding its hospital network to other major cities in the coming years, aiming to create a seamless healthcare journey for patients by integrating diagnosis, treatment, and insurance claims within its network. This setup seeks to reduce the common friction often seen between hospitals and insurers. Targeting Indias growing healthcare market Founded in 2020 by Giglio, Mayank Banerjee, and Alessandro Ialongo, Even Healthcare has positioned itself as a comprehensive healthcare provider, bundling insurance, consultations, diagnostics, and nutrition guidance in its plans. To date, the company has raised a total of $50 million and reached an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $28 million, with a user retention rate of over 90%. This expansion into hospital ownership puts Even Healthcare in competition with larger players like Apollo and Max Healthcare. However, Giglio believes their model will benefit Evens existing members, who can start their journey at the companys clinics for consultations and lab tests before transitioning to their own hospitals for surgeries. There is a massive opportunity in this segment, as no single secondary care hospital in India has achieved strong recognition. We want to build the best secondary care facilities in Bengaluru first, followed by other major cities, with a focus on superior customer service," Giglio told Mint. Indias hospital market is expected to double to $200 billion by 2032, driven by population growth and a booming health insurance market, according to health ministry's estimates. Private investors are taking note of this growing opportunity, having invested upwards of $5.5 billion in 2023 alone, according to a report by consulting firm Bain. Read this | Blackstone breaks into Indian healthcare; bites into Kims Health, Care Hospitals Evens foray into hospital ownership mirrors the strategy of Policybazaars parent company, PB Fintech, which recently committed $100 million to acquire minority stakes in hospitals across the country. We believe if claims were a quicker and smoother experience it would increase the number of people buying health insurance. It would be much better if interests were aligned between insurers and hospitals to give customers amazing claims experience and we believe that would grow insurance penetration," the company had said in a filing to the stock exchanges in September. However, PB Fintechs stock took a hit after the announcement, falling more than 10% during the day, underscoring investor concerns around the capital-intensive nature of the hospital business. "A lot of capital is needed to scale a hospitals business. They will need to buy equipment, hire doctors and medical staff. It's a long game," said Hari Radhakrishnan, regional director of First Policy Insurance Broker. The convergence between healthcare providers and insurers is evident. In July, Bengaluru-based Narayana Health launched Aditi," an insurance product covering essential procedures like laparotomies and caesarean deliveries, indicating a trend of hospitals entering the insurance space. More here | Is Narayana Health Insurance model a gamechanger for Indias healthcare system? Indias health insurance market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%, from 1.3 trillion ($15.1 billion) in 2024 to 2 trillion ($23.8 billion) by 2028, according to GlobalData, highlighting the potential for companies bridging the healthcare-insurance divide. Bridging the trust gap The relationship between hospitals and insurance providers often presents challenges. Hospitals aim to boost revenue through extended stays and additional tests, while insurers seek to reduce claim costs to preserve margins. When hospitals and insurance companies arent aligned, conflicts of interest escalate. Thats why its advantageous for any insurance provider to have its own hospital network to streamline claims," Radhakrishnan said. For Even Healthcare, owning a network of hospitals helps them control the full patient journeyfrom lab tests and diagnosis to surgeries and insurance claimsaccording to Radhakrishnan. "OPD services are rarely covered in insurance covers in India mainly because theres a massive misalignment of incentives between healthcare facilities and insurance providers," Giglio explained. We have changed the paradigm by saying that we will cover everything from A to Z if you buy our membership, but first you need to speak to our doctor and do everything within our system." This approach allows Even Healthcare to expand its margins, which Giglio notes will ultimately make their products more affordable for customers, with membership plans driving most of their revenue. Having our own set of hospitals and clinics will help us reduce our own costs and make pricing more competitive for our customers," Giglio added. With her experience as a venture capitalist in the UK, Giglio recognizes the complexities of building a preventative healthcare model in India but sees vast potential. Also read | Asters Alisha Moopen on why global investors are flocking to Indias healthcare There is a market for preventative health in India but people just dont know enough about it. We know we can be successful because we are providing almost everything in a single plan," she concluded. Chinas top legislative body gave its green light for local governments to swap some of their mounting off-balance-sheet debts but stopped short of new fiscal stimulus measures to revive the struggling economy. After a five-day meeting, the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on Friday approved the issuance of 6 trillion Chinese yuan worth of local government special-purpose bonds, equivalent to about $837 billion, to replace off-the-books debt that had piled up over the years to levels that have worried many economists. The newly-approved debt, to be issued over the course of three years, will bring the upper limit of outstanding local-government special-purpose bonds to 35.52 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, Xu Hongcai, a deputy director of the NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, said during a briefing on Friday. Separately, Chinese Finance Minister Lan Foan said at Fridays briefing that, over the next five years, local governments will be able to tap an additional 4 trillion yuan worth of special-purpose bondsoriginally mainly issued for infrastructure projectsto replace off-the-book debts. Collectively, officials say that the measures would replace 10 trillion yuan worth of so-called hidden debt" at the local government level, which Lan said stood at 14.3 trillion yuan at the end of 2023though many private economists put the real figure at somewhere between the equivalent of 50 trillion yuan and 79 trillion yuan. The debt was raised over many years by Chinas local governments, primarily through affiliated financing vehicles, to fund infrastructure spending. Fridays measures would put some of these hidden debts explicitly onto government balance sheets. The long-awaited press conference was conspicuously silent, however, on expected measures to issue special treasury bonds to replenish capital levels at Chinese banks, as well as special-purpose bonds to support the countrys struggling property sector. Investors and economists had been expecting such measures in the weekslong run-up to Fridays press conference. Since late September, various Chinese officials have telegraphed plans to stimulate the worlds second largest economy, which has suffered a sharp downturn amid a continuing property-sector slump and declining consumer confidence. Previous announcements by different government bodies had raised hopes for a large-scale intervention by Beijing, but officials have so far stopped short of offering any concrete numbers on the extent of their efforts. Investors have sent equity prices soaring on hopes of extensive stimulus, selling off stocks each time officials have held off on specifics. Fridays announcement came after Asian stock markets had closed for the week. Mumbai: Indian upskilling startups are reshaping the online education landscape, shifting from standalone courses to co-branded degrees with prestigious domestic and global institutions. These online degrees are designed in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science, and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. They also offer bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like commerce and arts. Upskilling edtech firms like PhysicsWallah and Simplilearn have either launched a pilot into the segment or are planning to do so in the coming fiscal while existing players are strengthening their offerings. Physics Wallah Pvt. Ltd's PW Skills, which initially introduced PW Institute of Innovation (PW IOI), a four-year residential programme in computer science, has now started rolling out programmes in partnership with colleges such as IIM Sirmaur and IIT Patna, and other universities such as Lovely Professional University, Jain University, and Manipal University. While the company's official website shows that these courses are open for admission, PhysicsWallah declined to comment on the subject. Simplilearn, on the other hand, has built a team to start forging new relationships with universities in India and abroad to offer long-term online degrees. The company, which only offers certification programmes and short-term courses, plans to start offering online degrees in 2025, focusing on the Indian market. "In our country, we don't have enough universities to cater to our entire population. In most countries, including the US, there are hundreds of online universities that do not have a physical campus. In the long haul, it makes sense, and we see the market going in that direction," Krishna Kumar, founder and chief executive, Simplilearn, told Mint. They are not alone. Growth highway UpGrad, founded in 2015, pioneered some of Indias first co-branded blended programmes in 2020 through partnerships with OP Jindal Global University and Jamia Hamdard. This came right after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allowed India's top 100 universities to offer fully online degree programmes to ensure continued education during the lockdown. According to Mayank Kumar, co-founder of upskilling unicorn upGrad, such co-branded degrees now make up for nearly half of the company's student enrolments. He added that the degrees product line is growing faster than the certifications business that the company initially started with. We enrol about 150,000 students annually, with 60,000 to 70,000 of those being online degree enrolments, and that segment is growing rapidlyaround 30-50% year-on-year, even at this scale," Kumar told Mint. Upskilling slowdown Globally, upskilling demand tends to be counter-cyclical, with more employees pursuing it during economic downturns. In India, however, this pattern has reversed. There is a slowdown in upskilling growth in India amid weak hiring trends, limited high-paying job opportunities and the widespread industry approach to cut marketing expenditure to prioritize profitability. Employment growth in the corporate sector slowed to 1.5% in 2023-24, down from 5.7% in 2022-23, according to an August report by Bank of Baroda. The report said only 90,840 new jobs were created in the fiscal, a significant drop from 333,000 in the previous fiscal. Also read: Recruiters hunt for jobs as hiring boom fizzles In an interview last week, Great Learning founder Mohan Lakhamraju told Mint that the company expects flatlined demand from professional learning courses in India in 2024-25. Lakhamrajus Great Learning, which offers online degrees in association with Deakin University and Northernwestern School of Professional Studies, is also doubling down on its partnerships with other reputed institutions like Johns Hopkins, Duke University, and IIT Bombay to explore programmes and degrees going forward. He added that the biggest challenge in offering degrees in association with reputable colleges is that they can be expensive. The fees for co-branded degrees offered by PhysicsWallah, upGrad, and Eruditus vary significantly, depending on the course type, duration, and partnering institutions. According to their websites, PhysicsWallah charges between 40,000 and 1.5 lakh, Eruditus fees can go up to 9 lakh, while upGrad's fees can reach as high as 25 lakh. PhysicsWallah's M.Sc. in Data Science with Chandigarh University offers 24 months of live classes and campus immersion for 90,000. Meanwhile, upGrad's Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, is a 36-month programme costing 25,00,000. All these companies provide flexible payment options like equated monthly instalments to learners. Affordability levels in India are not that high, which is a huge constraint. However, there is tremendous interest if you can offer programs at an affordable price. Where I spend most of my time is figuring out how to bring the price down, Lakhamraju said. Great Learning is also attempting to link online degrees at international universities with foreign programmes to make such courses more appealing for learners. Of course, we have to ensure that it works for the universities as well," he added. Edtech meets academia Universities in India are often cash-strapped, looking for additional revenue streams, and are slow to adopt new technologies, while edtech platforms focus on industry-aligned skills. Meanwhile, students seek job-relevant skills but still demand formal degrees, Suchindra Kumar, partner and sector expert for education at PwC told Mint. Online degrees create a symbiotic relationship, with universities partnering with edtech platforms to offer industry-aligned content alongside formal degrees, boosting revenue for both, he added. According to Narayanan Ramaswamy, partner and head of the Education and Skill Development Practice at KPMG in India, partnering with existing universities provides these e-learning providers with a certain standing in the formal education sector. "I also expect that these e-learning providers will have alliances and, in some cases, even acquisitions. They also have to ensure that the students can have a larger play and continue with their higher studies beyond the immediate online course," he added. Job guarantee takes a backseat The sluggish employment market has impacted the growing demand for job-guaranteeing upskilling programmes, triggered by the initial allure of high-paying roles in 2021. UpGrad's Kumar believes that companies centred exclusively on job placement will eventually need to expand into offering degrees, as scaling purely through job opportunities is difficult without direct control over employment. In June, Mint reported that Simplilearn, which previously offered job guarantee programmes, discontinued the initiative after enrolling 900 learners but managed to place only 271 due to a weakening job market. In April, India Quotient-backed pay-after-placement startup Masai School clocked in cash positivity after adding IIT courses. News reports said that the company aimed to increase the pie of revenue from this segment to nearly half in the next few years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance during a rally in Maharashtra's Nasik. PM Modi said that the Congress is no longer the All India Congress but has now become a "parasitic Congress" as it lives off other parties in different states. "This Congress party is now surviving only on crutches," he said. Also Read | Maharashtra Elections: Mumbai employees to be granted paid leave on November 20 Addressing the rally in Nasik, PM Modi said, "The people of the country have rejected the Congress because of its poor track record. The Congress is no longer All India Congress. It's a parasitic Congress living off other parties." "Be it Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Jharkhand...in most of the states, it can fight elections only with the help of other parties, and therefore, to save itself, the party has resorted to weakening the unity of the SC, ST and OBC in the country," PM Modi said. PM Modi's challenge The prime minister also challenged the Congress leaders to praise Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, claiming that they had never praised Balasaheb. "Balasaheb Thackeray's contribution to the politics of the country and Maharashtra is incomparable. But not a single word comes out from the mouth of Congress leaders in praise of Balasaheb Thackeray," PM Modi said. "I challenge my Congress friends in the Mahagathbandhan... they should get the Congress leaders to praise Bala Saheb Thackeray and his ideology," PM Modi said. Maharashtra Election: Top quotes of PM Modi in Nashik 1. "The Congress never allowed Marathi language to get the status of an elite language. Congress people abuse Veer Savarkar. They come to Maharashtra and insult Veer Savarkar." 2. The truth is that the Congress despise the OBC. A person from the OBC has become the PM of the country for the third time, and the Congress can't come to terms with this truth. The Congress has lost its sleep. They are venting their anger on the OBC. 3. "OBCs were never able to unite so much during the Congress rule. OBCs got reservations only when the Congress government was ousted. During Nehru's time, the Congress kept OBCs divided into different castes, then Indira Gandhi also had the same attitude and the same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi. These people never allowed OBCs to unite and as soon as OBCs united in the 90s and became powerful, the Congress stopped forming governments with full majority." 4. "The Congress and its allies neither care about Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution, nor about the court, nor about the sentiments of the country. They carry the book of the Constitution in their pockets just for show. These Congress people are the ones who did not allow Baba Saheb's Constitution to be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir for 75 years." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) co-incharge for Jharkhand assembly elections, on November 8 hit out at Congress leaders Alamgir Alam and Irfan Ansari, stating that the saffron party would drive them away for allegedly plundering Jharkhand, just like it ousted Babar from Ayodhya. Speaking to the media in Jharkhand's Kharsawan, Sarma said, as quoted by news agency ANI, ...The conspiracy of Rahul Gandhi to divide the Hindu society, even the British did not do this. Rahul Gandhi, the enemy of our society, wants to divide the society. Hemant Soren works for infiltrators. He does not work for the welfare of the tribal society. He does not work for the welfare of Jharkhand. That is why we people say stay united, stay safe. Sarma later addressed an election rally in Kharsawan and promised that the BJP would catch and send to jail those who leaked the exam papers and played with the future of the youth. The Assam CM said, The BJP has promised to increase the pension to 2,500 and along with this, we will also deposit 2,100 in the bank accounts of women... We will catch and send to jail those who leaked the exam papers and played with the future of the youth. We will not spare those people, no matter how big they are... Sarma also reiterated the BJP slogan in Jharkhand, while hitting out at the Congress, Congress wants to divide Hindus, ek rahoge to safe rahoge (stand united to be safe). Jharkhand may turn into 'mini-Bangladesh': A week ago, Sarma lashed out at the Jharkhand government over infiltration, alleging that it could turn the state into "mini-Bangladesh." He had claimed that the infiltrators were disrupting Jharkhand's culture and 'Adivasi asmita' and stressed the BJP's promise of implementing NRC in the state if it returns to power. Sarma had said, The infiltrators are causing a huge disturbance in Jharkhand's culture and 'Adivasi asmita'. If this continues, Jharkhand will see a demographic change and become a mini-Bangladesh. Santhal Pargana is in line to become mini-Bangladesh. The Assam chief minister attacked Congress' Jamtara candidate and Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari, saying he will be 'jailed' for his derogatory remarks against BJP's Sita Soren. He further said, "We see people like Irfan Ansari and Alamgir Alam influencing the Santhal Pargana region. They are the wealthiest. The government is protecting people like Irfan Ansari. He (Irfan Ansari) will have to go to jail for the foul language he has used against Sita Soren." The assembly elections are going to be held on 81 seats of the Jharkhand assembly in two phases on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23. India's quick commerce revolution that swept up groceries to gadgets and posed a stiff challenge to retail chains and kirana shops in barely three years is now lapping at a new frontier: Medicine delivery. Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, and Apollo 24/7 are piloting ultra-fast medicine delivery services, according to key executives at these firms. Leveraging partnerships and advanced logistics, these companies aim to offer prescriptions as quickly as groceries or gadgetspotentially reshaping healthcare accessibility. Tata Digital-owned 1mg is teaming up with BigBasket to test quick medicine delivery in select cities by December. We will pilot in a couple of cities by end December-early January and roll out to all cities by end January," Hari Menon, co-founder and CEO of BigBasket, told Mint in an emailed response. Tata 1mg currently offers prescription and over-the-counter medicines, along with doctor consults and lab tests. A senior executive from Tata 1mg said that the platform currently delivers medicines in 30-60 minutes from its retail stores in Gurugram. Additionally, quick lab tests for fever panels are available in select cities. For fever panels, consumers need to know the soonest to determine the course of treatment, so quicker service does help them. Consequently, we are seeing a significant uptake of such services," the executive said. Apollo 24/7, too, has introduced a faster delivery pilot in major markets, including Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. We have launched a new proposition of 19 minutes delivery of medicines across select pin codes spread across five cities," Madhivanan Balakrishnan, CEO of Apollo HealthCo, which runs the Apollo 24/7 app, told Mint in a written response. The platform has seen a significant rise in demand in the locations where the pilot was launched in June this year, Balakrishnan said. Swiggy is piloting a partnership with PharmEasy to deliver medicines in under 10 minutes in Bengaluru, using Instamarts dark stores. However, it is unclear whether Tata 1mgs partnership with BigBasket will use 1mgs existing infrastructure or rely on BigBaskets dark stores. A top executive indicated they plan to leverage the combined strengths of both the companies1mgs expertise in pharmaceutical delivery and BigBaskets quick commerce. Hurdles on the way But for ultra-fast medicine delivery to take off fully, critical issues around inventory management, medicine storage, and regulatory compliance need careful attention. Companies will need to address challenges like ensuring that medicines are stored under the right conditions and that rapid delivery times dont compromise safety standards as they scale. These operational hurdles are particularly crucial as regulators and consumers alike will expect that safety isnt sacrificed for speed. Addressing these challenges requires advanced technology and strong operational strategies," Balakrishnan said. Apollo 24/7, for example, is focused on real-time stock visibility and efficient route coordination to support fast delivery times. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has raised concerns about the quick delivery model, especially around prescription verification, warning of potential risks if safety measures are bypassed. In a letter to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), AIOCD cited the recent Swiggy-PharmEasy partnership as an example of these risks. A regulatory framework for e-pharmacies is still in the works, though a June ruling from the Madras High Court in favour of online platforms could pave the way for more formalized guidelines. The demand for speed Quick delivery platforms have outpaced the broader market in growth, which could bode well for time-sensitive items like pharmaceuticals. If you take that as a predictor, for pharma, which can be time sensitiveparticularly over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and pediatric applicationsthere will be a very good demand," Sujay Shetty, PwC Global Health Industries advisory leader and India Health Industries leader, PwC India, told Mint. Shetty noted that partnerships between quick delivery platforms and e-pharmacies could help tackle regulatory and logistical hurdles. While e-pharmacies have existing logistics and regulatory permissions in place, faster delivery times require sophisticated demand forecasting and planningalready being refined within quick commerce. This drive for faster service is translating into financial growth. Tata 1mgs operating revenue rose 21% to 1,968 crore in FY24, driven by online medicine sales, while net loss narrowed to 313 crore in FY24. Apollo HealthCos revenue grew 17% year-on-year in Q2FY25, partly driven by Apollo 24/7. The platforms gross merchandise value (GMV) rose 2% on-year to 757 crore. The firm said it had been able to bring down Ebitda loss from 169 crore to 100 crore in the online business in the September quarter. The online pharma industry in India is still nascent, with e-pharmacies accounting for only 2-3% of the countrys total pharmacy sales in 2023, according to a report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). However, the e-pharmacy market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44%, reaching $4.5 billion by 2025. This potential has spurred investor interest: in April, private equity firm Advent International invested 2,475 crore in Apollo HealthCo, which includes Apollo 24/7 and its pharma distribution arm. Traditional pharmacies Much like the local kiranas, or neighbourhood stores, traditional pharmacies may also feel the impact of quick commerce as they compete with the speed and convenience of online delivery. According to a recent report, over 200,000 small retailers have shuttered amid the rise of e-commerce, according to the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation. While e-pharmacies currently account for just a fraction of pharmacy sales, that share is expected to grow rapidly as the sector draws increasing investment. More here | Despair in kiranas as quick commerce roars ahead But not everyone is ready to embrace these changes. Many consumers still prefer their neighbourhood pharmacies for the speed and personal connection they offer. Bengaluru-based Sameera Kamulkar, 52, orders medication for her father in Mumbai via the Tata 1mg app but says, 'When its for us, I usually get it from my chemist in 15-20 minutesI just WhatsApp him." She added that she might consider switching to online platforms if they began offering faster deliveries. Quick commerce platforms are rapidly scaling up to include more offerings and increase average order values (AOVs) as demand rises. According to an October report by financial services firm Nomura, the gross order value (GOV) in the quick commerce space is projected to grow by around 120% year-on-year in FY26. Zomatos CEO Deepinder Goyal said in March that their quick commerce business, Blinkit, is expected to outsize their food delivery operations by 2025. For now, brick-and-mortar pharmacies remain resilient. Brick-and-mortar pharmacies are still very much there...there will be some impact, but its too soon to say," Shetty noted, highlighting the uncertain impact of these changes on traditional pharmacy businesses. Scaling quick healthcare services It's not just pharmacies adopting a quick delivery model; rapid healthcare services may also see a rise in the near future. Also read | The rise of quick commerce has left us with a bagful of questions Hyderabad-based Red.Health, Indias leading ambulance service startup, is expanding into quick emergency healthcare services. Red.Health already offers ambulances in under 15 minutes across over 20 cities, and theyre now piloting services for emergency checkups within eight minutes in Hyderabad, scheduled to launch in mid-November. Theres a lot of interest from investors too around this," said Prabhdeep Singh, CEO of Red.Health. Shoppers arent imagining it: Luxury goods cost a lot more these days, with no improvement in quality to make up for it. Weak sales look like a more deep-seated problem than some brands will admit. A basic cotton T-shirt with a Christian Dior logo will now set you back $1,000. Guccis plainest black horsebit loafers ring in at $990. How about a Brunello Cucinelli cardigan for $8,995? Shoppers pay up for luxury goods precisely because they set them apart as people who can afford to spend large amounts of money on them. But brands can only push so far before cracks start to appear. Psychologists who study consumer behavior point out that people buy designer goods for emotional reasons. The main one is to separate themselves from the crowd and signal where they sit in the social pecking order. Luxury brands spend billions of dollars a year on advertising to make sure that their products become totems of wealth and success in consumers minds. Some luxury shoppers like to telegraph their riches more than others. People who want to make a statement gravitate toward labels with bigger logos to send an obvious signal. The ultrarich, on the other hand, dont tend to shout about their wealth as much. They buy the costliest, but most discreet, luxury brands such as Hermes. One study found that for every $5,000 increase in the price of luxury goods, the brands logo shrinks by a centimeter. In other words, the guy wearing head-to-toe logos is unlikely to be one of luxurys biggest spenders. Because consumers value luxury goods as status symbols, they are willing to pay a huge premium for them. Luxury brands routinely charge a markup of eight to 12 times on the production cost of their goods, according to Bernstein estimates. This makes the business of selling luxury very profitable. Top luxury labels can generate operating margins north of 30%, compared with around 7% for mass-market fashion brands such as Gap or H&M. Luxury brands are so-called Veblen goods: a category of consumer products that inverts the usual laws of economics. Instead of crimping demand when prices rise, luxury goods can become more sought-after if shoppers interpret higher prices as a sign that the goods are precious and scarce. Except that isnt what is happening today. The average luxury product is 60% more expensive today than it was back in 2019, HSBC analysis shows. But the industry is going through one of its rockiest patches in years. Sales of the eight luxury brands that have so far reported their third-quarter results are down 4% on average from a year earlier. There is huge divergence between labels: Brands known for quality and creativity such as Hermes and Miu Miu are still selling well. Most others are suffering. Gucci has been the sectors worst performer, with sales plunging 25% in the quarter. The slowdown might prove temporary. Chinese consumers, who generated more than half of the luxury industrys growth in recent years, are staying on the sidelines as the value of their homes falls. But consumers are also questioning whether luxury brands are worth the prices they charge today. Gross margins have risen across the luxury sector since the end of 2019a period when brands were raising prices at the fastest clip in decades. Louis Vuitton owner LVMH boosted its gross margin more than 2 percentage points over that time; Cartier owner Richemont gained 7 percentage points. This can partly be explained by Chinese consumers increased spending during the pandemic in mainland China, where prices for luxury goods are higher. But beefier gross margins are also a sign that luxury companies have raised prices faster than they have invested in the quality of their raw materials. Prices were used as a way to cope with an avalanche of demand for luxury brands during the pandemic," says Luca Solca, luxury analyst at Bernstein. But if customers have to pay higher prices, you have to give them something new and surprising." One way to find out whether price hikes have hurt their appeal is to look at how brands are being discussed online. Based on an analysis by social-media data company Brandwatch, there was an increase in negative comments about luxury brands on online platforms late this summer, which coincided with controversies about the industrys supply chain. An Italian investigation found that Christian Dior handbags that cost around $2,800 to buy are assembled for as little as $58. Consumers moved on quickly, though, and the negative chatter has subsided. But online conversations specifically about prices are still very negative. Based on an analysis of the dominant mood of social-media posts in discussions about luxury brands prices from January through October this year, the main emotion of more than 60% of the posts was anger, disgust or sadness, according to Brandwatch. To be sure, luxury brands might be using higher prices to manage a growing tension in their business. For the last two decades, they have increased sales by democratizing" access to luxury. By pushing into cheaper categories such as cosmetics, sunglasses and small handbags, they have intentionally drawn in millions of new middle-class consumers. Targeting this wider base of shoppers has more than tripled the value of the industrys global sales since 2000, and created some of the largest fortunes in Europe. Bernard Arnault, the founder of LVMH, is currently the third-richest person in the world. For a time, his company was the most valuable stock in Europethen it was overtaken by Ozempic drugmaker Novo Nordisk last year. But social media is making it harder for luxury brands to maintain exclusivity. Social media makes it easier to see what others are wearing, but when part of what you are selling is scarcity, that can be challenging," says Jonah Berger, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania. Things can feel less scarce, and smart companies are trying to think about how to manage this." One way to lower the risk of overexposure is to sell fewer items at much higher prices. The problem is, brands shift toward democratization has made them much more reliant on comfortable, if not rich, consumers for a huge chunk of revenue. More than half of the luxury-goods industrys sales are from shoppers who spend less than $3,000 a year on designer products. Alienate them with price hikes and sales will inevitably suffer. If the real art of selling luxury goods is to make shoppers feel privileged to shell out thousands of dollars on goods that are priced far above their functional value, some brands are losing their touch. Write to Carol Ryan at carol.ryan@wsj.com United States president-elect Donald Trumps pro-business, soft regulatory stance may benefit Big Tech companies such as Alphabet, Apple, Meta and Microsoft, which have faced scrutiny for their alleged anti-competitive practices under the outgoing Joe Biden administration. Lawyers and policymakers believe that Trump's stance could have a spillover effect in India as well, whose tech regulations, which greatly mirror the European Unions restrictive rules against Big Tech, could become less stringent, making it easier for the American tech titans to operate, they said. Tech industry veterans that Mint spoke with all agreed that the backing of Trumps presidential campaign by technology chiefs such as Tesla's Elon Musk and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg is a sign that going forward, Big Tech would look to bargain for less-intense calls for stringent anti-competitive measures by leveraging their ties with the 47th president of the United States. Big Tech, under Biden, has not had just a difficult four years in terms of being scrutinized on their own home turftheyve also felt partially betrayed and left open to the constant firing from the European Union (EU)s regulators on privacy, market dominance and competition. By siding with Trump, theyve flipped most of their own stances that they had taken during his previous tumultuous tenurewhich reflects that theyd now be hoping to get a more favourable regulatory and policy approach from the incoming government," a senior adviser to tech firms on global policy told Mint, requesting anonymity. Rahul Rai, partner and co-founder at law firm Axiom5, agreed: Historically, with changes in government, the chair of the US Federal Trade Commission also changes, and the intensity of antitrust enforcement often aligns with the politico-economic ambitions of the government. Under the previous administration, the FTC faced significant pushback to its aggressive stance on tech and competition laws. With Trumps more market-friendly, less interventionist approach, we are likely to see a shift in the USs legal stance towards the tech industry." Global impact: Indias tech regulations, US influence This, in turn, may reflect in India as well, stakeholders believe. Mathew Chacko, founding partner at law firm Spice Route Legal, said, From a global perspective, there could be more pressure to not over-regulate technology and technology companies in strategic geographiesthat is, to not enact policies that are overly restrictive in spirit. Alternatively, the US government may push for promoting 'globalism' within technologysuch an approach may benefit both India and the US." Chacko added that the incoming Trump administration could put pressure on countries to temper their regulations that they may enact in their own national security interest. This isnt a bad demandwhile there are regulatory and security issues, there is a strong argument that India has more to gain with closer ties with the (US) West Coast (where several Big Tech firms are based)," he said. Indias wait-and-watch approach to regulation At the moment, Indias regulatory stance on technology is taking a slow step aheadas it waits to see the overall approach that key jurisdictions concurrently take. A senior official close to the government's policy approach said that while India has not gone slow, were definitely not in a rush to add strictures on Big Techtheres a lot to mutually gain." Supratim Chakraborty, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, echoed this approach, stating, Most policymakers are taking a wait-and-watch approach, to see where other jurisdictions land up before working on a concrete direction for regulation to proceed in. This slow pace is likely to continue." This wait-and-watch approach, policy advisers said, could be to see Trumps tech policy to take shape, before firming up their own stance. Kazim Rizvi, founding director of policy think-tank The Dialogue, said, While Trump may take a pro-business approach, he has also strongly said that companies must shift supply chains to the US, and could accelerate export controls on hardware, software and AI for national security purposes. Some of the moves could have an impact on Indias access to technologies from the US, but its unlikely that all of these moves would have an imminent impact on Indias tech regulations." This could further complicate India's policymaking. Indias technology regulations so far, including the notified Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the upcoming Digital Competition Bill, are modelled after the EUs regulatory stance. Indias tech laws are closely aligned with EU regulations, and over the past decade, Indias enforcement of these laws has mirrored the EUs approach more than the USs. The key difference, however, is that the US has traditionally taken the view that as long as competition benefits consumers, a company is considered in the clear. In contrast, both India and the EU have emphasized a more balanced approach, ensuring that both consumers and businesses are not harmed by anti-competitive practices," Rai said. Thus, Rai underlined that Indias tech regulatory stance may not entirely altereven though policymakers in India may proceed with a softer touch and slower pace in order to understand how best to leverage bilateral relations. Swiggy IPO: Bengaluru-based Swiggy began public subscription within a price band of 371 to 390 on Wednesday, November 6. The initial public offering (IPO) will close today (Friday, November 8). The food delivery powerhouse has garnered considerable interest from institutional investors, raising 5,085.02 crore through the anchor book introduced on November 5. Swiggy's IPO has allocated 75% of the shares in the public offering for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), with 15% set aside for non-institutional investors (NII), and 10% reserved for retail investors. There are 750,000 equity shares earmarked for employees. A discount of 25 per share is available for eligible employees. Founded in 2014, Swiggy provides users with an easy-to-use platform available via a single application to explore, choose, order, and pay for meals (Food Delivery), as well as groceries and household products (Instamart), with prompt delivery enabled by its network of partners. The sole listed peer of the company is Zomato Ltd, which has a price-to-earnings ratio of 634.50. Swiggy Limited's revenue climbed by 34% between March 2023 and March 2024. Meanwhile, its loss narrowed from 4,179.31 crore to 2,350.24 crore in the same period. Mohit Gulati, the CIO and managing partner of ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, emphasised that Swiggy is the modern day Facebook for old people while the competitors are the young audience focused TikToks & Instagrams. Further, Mohit believes Swiggy to be a classic story of the Hare and tortoise where from being a leapfrogging hare it become complacent & is now loosing market share in its home territory. I think the company has lost its mojo on innovation where Zomato and Zepto have benefited. On a valuation basis it deserves to trade lower than Zomato owing to these reasons. Risk reward on this one is more in favour of subscribing to Zomatos FPO, added Gulati. Swiggy IPO Subscription Status Swiggy IPO subscription status was 3.59 times on the third day of subscription, at 17:06 IST, as per BSE data. The initial share sale received bid for 57,53,15,972 shares against 16,01,09,703 shares on offer, according to BSE. The segment allocated for retail investors saw a subscription rate of 1.14 times, whereas the non-institutional investors' share was subscribed at 41%. The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) achieved a 6.02 times subscription. Meanwhile, the employee allocation has been subscribed 1.65 times. Swiggy IPO subscription status was 35% on the second day of subscription, as per BSE data. At the end of the first day of bidding, Swiggy IPO was subscribed 12%. The IPO received bids for 1,89,80,620 shares as against 16,01,09,703 shares on offer. Swiggy IPO Review Indsec Securities According to the brokerage, with an upper price limit of 390 per share, the IPO is valued at an EV/sales ratio of 7.8x compared to a listed industry counterpart that stands at 17.6x based on FY24 revenue. Between FY22 and FY24, the company has experienced a revenue growth rate of 40.4% CAGR, while Zomato achieved a growth rate of 70%. The majority of the fresh capital raised will be directed towards expanding the network of dark stores to foster growth in quick commerce, as well as on marketing and advertising initiatives. The management has indicated that the business will continue to incur losses in order to fulfill its goal of achieving substantial scale amid increasing competition in the quick commerce sector. Consequently, the brokerage advises a Subscribe for long-term rating for the IPO. SBICAP Securities Ltd As per the brokerage, Swiggy, priced at the upper band of 390.0, is assessed at Price/Sales, EV/Sales, and P/BV ratios of 7.8x/7.3x/7.1x respectively based on its FY24 financials after the issue capital. When compared with Zomato, the offering appears to be appropriately priced across all these metrics. The brokerage has advised investors to subscribe to the issue with a long-term investment perspective. Swiggy IPO details Swiggy's IPO includes a new offering worth 4,499 crore, along with an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 175,087,863 equity shares from the company's selling shareholders. In the OFS, the stakeholders offloading their shares consist of Accel India IV (Mauritius) Ltd, Apoletto Asia Ltd, Alpha Wave Ventures, LP, Coatue PE Asia XI LLC, DST EuroAsia V B.V, Elevation Capital V Ltd, Inspired Elite Investments Ltd, MIH India Food Holdings B.V, Norwest Venture Partners VIIA-Mauritius, and Tencent Cloud Europe B.V. The firm intends to use the net proceeds to invest in its primary subsidiary, Scootsy, manage its debt responsibilities, expand its network of dark stores within the quick commerce industry, and address lease or licensing fees associated with those dark stores. Additionally, the company plans to invest in technology and cloud-based systems. The firm also mentioned that it will set aside funds for brand marketing and related promotional activities. Furthermore, it aims to allocate resources to facilitate inorganic growth through unspecified future acquisitions, as well as for general corporate purposes. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, Avendus Capital Pvt Ltd, J.P. Morgan India Private Ltd, Bofa Securities India Ltd, and ICICI Securities Ltd are the main lead managers for the Swiggy IPO, with Link Intime India Private Ltd acting as the registrar for the offering. Swiggy IPO details Swiggy IPO GMP today Swiggy IPO GMP today is +2. This indicates Swiggy share price was trading at a premium of 2 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com. Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of Swiggy share price is indicated at 392 apiece, which is 0.51% higher than the IPO price of 390. Analysing the grey market trends from the past 15 sessions, the current GMP of 2 indicates a downward trend. The lowest recorded GMP is 0, whereas the highest recorded GMP is 25, as stated by experts from investorgain.com. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. The IPO of ACME Solar Holdings, which opened for bidding on November 6, was fully subscribed on the last day of the bidding process on Friday, November 8. Overall, the issue garnered 2.75 times bids. The retail portion of the IPO was oversubscribed 3.10 times, while the Non-Institutional Buyers (NIB) segment was subscribed 0.97 times, and the Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) segment 3.54 times. The price band for the offer is set at 275-289 per equity share, with a face value of 2 each. The company's shares are trading at a nil premium in the grey market on the final day, suggesting that the shares may list on the exchanges at the IPO price. The IPO is a book-built issue of 2,900 crore, which is a combination of a fresh issue of 8.29 crore shares aggregating to 2,395 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 1.75 crore shares aggregating to 505 crore. Nuvama Wealth Management Limited, ICICI Securities Limited, JM Financial Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited are the book-running lead managers of ACME Solar Holdings IPO, while Kfin Technologies Limited is the registrar for the issue. The allotment for the ACME Solar Holdings IPO is anticipated to be finalised on Monday, November 11, 2024. The IPO is scheduled to list on both NSE and BSE platforms, with the tentative listing date set for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds towards funding for the repayment/prepayment, in full or in part, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the subsidiaries and general corporate purposes. Should you apply for ACME Solar IPO? Many domestic brokerage firms have given a 'Subscribe' rating to ACME Solar Holdings IPO, citing the company's strong position in the industry and its diversified portfolio. Bajaj Capital recommends subscribing with a long-term perspective, while BP Equities (BP Wealth) has also assigned a 'Subscribe' rating, highlighting the IPOs attractive valuation relative to peers. "The current issue is priced at a P/E ratio of 23.03x on the upper price band based on FY24 earnings, which is relatively lower than its peers. Therefore, we recommend a subscribe rating with a medium- to long-term investment perspective for this issue," said BP Equities. Marwadi Shares and Finance also rated the IPO as 'Subscribe,' emphasising that ACME Solar Holdings, as a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, is well-positioned to capitalise on industry tailwinds in the independent power producer (IPP) space. The brokerage noted that the IPO is attractively valued compared to its peers. Considering the TTM-June 24 EPS of 10.19 on a post-issue basis, the company is set to list at a P/E of approximately 28x with a market cap of 17,486 crore, whereas its peer, Adani Green Energy Limited, is trading at a P/E ratio of approximately 201x, said Marwadi Shares and Finance. In addition, SBICAP Securities and Ventura Securities have also assigned a 'Subscribe' rating for the issue. About ACME Solar Holdings The company is a leading renewable energy company in India, boasting a diverse portfolio that includes solar, wind, hybrid, and firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects. It is one of the largest independent power producers (IPPs) of renewable energy in India and ranks among the top 10 in terms of operational capacity as of June 30, 2024. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio from solely solar power projects to become a comprehensive renewable energy company. It develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains large-scale renewable energy projects through its in-house engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) division and operations and maintenance (O&M) team. The company generates revenue by selling electricity to various customers, including entities backed by the central and state governments. Its operational project capacity includes 1,340 MW (1,826 MWp) of solar power projects. It has an under-construction contracted project capacity of 3,250 MW, comprising 1,500 MW (2,192 MWp) of solar power projects, 150 MW of wind power projects, 1,030 MW of hybrid projects, and 570 MW of FDRE projects, as per the company's DRHP report. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stocks are capturing significant attention in global markets, underscoring the technology's rising importance across diverse industries. With capabilities ranging from creating professional headshots to generating engaging content, AI's potential appears limitless. Unlike many trends that may fade, AI is positioned to remain a transformative force in the market. As the appetite for AI technology continues to grow, top Indian AI stocks are beginning to gain traction. Despite a recent pullback in the market, investors have reaped considerable rewards over the past year. Domestic equity fund managers, leveraging insights from previous market cycles, are adopting a more cautious approach. They are fine-tuning their strategies and implementing various risk management techniques to build robust portfolios anticipating more challenging market conditions. In this article, we will examine three AI stocks that have consistently been favoured by mutual fund managers. These stocks have witnessed a steady rise in mutual fund holdings over the last four consecutive quarters since September 2023. #1 Mastek India Mastek provides comprehensive services to modernize data, automate processes, and implement AI-powered solutions. The company focuses on decomplexifying data, simplifying architectures, and maximizing data-driven decision-making capabilities. Data from the exchanges reveals that mutual funds have shown a bullish stance on Mastek since the March 2023 quarter, steadily increasing their stake from 0.95% in March 2023 to 5.1% by September 2024. View Full Image ... Notably, in September 2024, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund acquired approximately 5 lakh shares in Mastek, totalling 1375.5 million (m) at an average price of 2,751 per share. As of September 2024, ICICI Prudentials Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan holds a 2.8% stake, while Tata Retirement Savings Fund holds 2%, making them the top mutual fund holders in the stock. This robust buying interest could be attributed to Masteks ambitious growth plans. The company has set a target to achieve US$ 1 billion (bn) in annual revenue by 2026 or early 2027, driven by a strategic approach that combines organic growth and targeted acquisitions. Mastek aims to simplify complex digital solutions, deepen industry-specific expertise, expand its digital and cloud services, invest in skilled talent, and explore innovative platform opportunities. A key pillar of its growth strategy is acquisitions, particularly in the US market, to strengthen its presence and offerings. Over the years, Mastek has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. The companys revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.2% over the past five years, while its profits have surged by 25.1% over the same period. Looking forward, Mastek is optimistic about a turnaround in its performance in the second half of FY24, anticipating a favorable demand environment. The company is positioning itself as a provider of differentiated business solutions, particularly in the UK public sector. Additionally, Mastek's cloud-native platform, icxPro, has recently partnered with NVIDIA AI Enterprise to enhance customer experience (CX) management across various sectors. icxPro is designed to support scalable AI applications, enabling the development of domain-specific AI solutions through NVIDIA's advanced computing platform. This strategic partnership with NVIDIA is expected to play a substantial role in driving Masteks growth trajectory forward. #2 Mphasis Mphasis is actively involved in the AI space, offering a range of services and solutions to help businesses leverage the power of artificial intelligence. The company focuses on using AI to improve user experiences, optimise processes, and drive business growth. Mphasis offers solutions like Optimize.AI for user journey analysis, cognitive analytics for data-driven insights, and machine learning for building intelligent systems. Recently, Mphasis partnered with AWS to launch the Mphasis Gen AI Foundry, an initiative aimed at transforming the financial services industry through generative AI. Through this and other AI-focused initiatives, along with partnerships with prominent technology providers, Mphasis is well-positioned to guide organizations through the complexities of AI and enable them to meet their business goals. Mutual fund interest in Mphasis has remained strong since the September 2023 quarter. View Full Image ... In September 2024, Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund Growth acquired 600,000 shares in the company. Below is a list of the top five mutual fund holders in Mphasis. View Full Image .. This interest is likely driven by Mphasis position in a recovering market for discretionary spending. Although deal wins have been somewhat limited due to longer decision-making cycles and increased scrutiny by clients, a faster conversion of total contract value (TCV) to revenue suggests that discretionary spending, short-cycle deals, and project expansions are making a comeback. The companys high unexecuted TCV provides further confidence moving forward, with stability across key verticals and regions. Mphasis also reports promising growth across its client portfolio, noting recovery in discretionary spending in the BFS sector and anticipates further momentum as monetary policies ease. Additionally, Mphasis has seen an uptick in recovery among its top clients and in the US mortgage market. The company has consistently achieved proactive deal wins, with a broad base of wins spanning multiple verticals and tiers within its client base. Over the past five years, Mphasiss financials have shown steady growth, with revenue increasing by 11.4% and net profit rising by 7.7%. Mphasis is also gradually shifting its focus from cost-cutting deals to transformation and modernization projects, with generative AI deals now accounting for 35% of its current pipeline. This strategic pivot positions the company well to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced AI-driven solutions. #3 Cyient Cyient is actively leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and enhance its service offerings across various industries. Cyient is investing heavily in the AI space, actively constructing AI platforms, and integrating them in its products and services. For instance, it's working towards cloud-enabled, AI-driven analytics to detect and predict anomalies. The company has also been actively exploring and integrating AI into its internal business operations and services. By leveraging AI, Cyient aims to enhance its software solutions and provide more intelligent and efficient services to clients across various sectors. Cyient is also integrating AI into its semiconductor offerings. Its clients in this space are in the aerospace, defence, healthcare, and energy sectors. Its services here will be driven by miniaturisation, next-gen chips, advanced packaging systems, and increased usage of AI in chip design. In recent quarters, Cyient has experienced steady buying interest from mutual funds. View Full Image ... Mutual fund stakes in the company increased from 19.8% in September 2023 to 24.25% by September 2024, reflecting growing confidence in Cyient's prospects. Following are the top five funds holding Cyient. View Full Image ... This strong interest can be attributed to Cyient's resilience and progress despite a challenging market environment. In the September quarter, Cyient recorded five significant deal wins, signalling stable order intake. The management is optimistic about improving margins in the medium term, driven by growth leverage and operational efficiencies. The company's strategic focus on emerging growth areas, particularly in the semiconductor business, has been promising. This segment appears to be at an inflection point, with Cyient making consistent progress in unlocking its potential. To support this growth, Cyient has established a subsidiary to handle turnkey projects in the semiconductor space, which is expected to serve as a significant growth engine. Over the past five years, Cyients revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%, while its net profit has risen by 8.1%. Recently, Cyient announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to develop a new product called 'Engeener,' further demonstrating its commitment to driving growth through AI and strategic partnerships. Conclusion Considering AI stocks that mutual funds are consistently buying could be a strategic move. Mutual funds, managed by experienced professionals, tend to focus on companies with strong growth potential and innovative capabilities. As AI becomes integral to various industries, mutual fund managers are investing in companies that leverage AI to improve operational efficiency, gain competitive advantages, and drive long-term growth. The AI sector in India is projected to expand substantially, with investments rising from around $665 million (m) in 2018 to a forecasted $11.78 billion by 2025, and potentially nearing $17 billion by 2027. This growth reflects a broader trend in which AI is transforming industries ranging from IT and finance to manufacturing and healthcare. Additionally, the IT sectors high AI adoption rate (60-65% compared to the national average of 48%) demonstrates the importance of this technology for achieving business efficiencies and innovation. Investing in AI stocks could offer significant returns as the sector expands. However, its essential to consider each companys specific strengths, growth strategies, and adaptability within the fast-evolving AI landscape. While promising, investing in AI stocks is not without risks. These stocks are often more volatile, subject to significant price fluctuations that can result in substantial losses. Additionally, companies heavily invested in AI, particularly smaller firms, may face challenges such as limited financial resources, making them more vulnerable to market downturns and operational setbacks. Therefore, while the potential for high returns in the AI sector is substantial, it is crucial for investors to carefully balance these opportunities with the associated risks. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Multibagger Stock: The Board of Directors of Sudarshan Pharma Industries, in a meeting held on Thursday, set November 18 (Monday) as the record date for its proposed stock split. On October 1, the board approved the sub-division of equity shares in a 1:10 ratio. "The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the record date as November 18, for the purpose of subdividing or split of 1 (one) equity share of the company having a face value of Rs. 10/- each into 10 (ten) equity shares of the company having a face value of Rs. 1 each," the company said in Thursday's exchange filing. A stock split is a corporate action initiated by a company to increase the liquidity of its stock in the secondary market. This process involves dividing existing shares into multiple shares, thereby reducing the nominal value of each share. Investors holding the stock until the "record date" receive the newly split shares in their demat accounts. The stock price is then adjusted proportionally based on the predetermined split ratio, maintaining the overall market capitalisation of the company. Sudarshan Pharma Industries operates in the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals sectors, having a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. Its products are exported to various countries, including the UK, Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Taiwan, and the MENA region. In addition to these core businesses, the company is engaged in contract manufacturing and the outsourcing of generic pharmaceutical formulations and medicines to healthcare institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and hospitals. It has developed its own distribution network and salesforce dedicated to the ethical marketing of pharmaceutical formulations and products in both domestic and international markets, as per the company's website. In August, the company established a subsidiary, Sudarshan Maven Pharma, focusing on the development and manufacturing of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and intermediates. The company also acquired a 100% stake in Ratna Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, which will facilitate Sudarshan Pharmas entry into the oncology business. Additionally, the company is in the process of acquiring adjacent land in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area to expand its overall plant capacity. This land acquisition is expected to significantly boost Ratna Lifesciences' annual turnover, increasing it by approximately ten times from its current capacity, as per the company's recent exchange filings. Stock up over 530% in 6 months The companys shares have experienced a significant upward trend over the past six months, including November, rising from 64.25 to the current level of 408, which translates to an impressive gain of 535%. Notably, in September alone, the shares surged 123%, building on a 20% increase in August and a 90% rise in July. Stock Market today: Small-cap stock below 100 Brahmaputra Infrastructure Ltd sahre pricegained 14% during the intraday trades on Friday. Brahmaputra Infrastructure announced receiving a LOA ( Letter of Acceptance) from Telcommunication Consultants India Limited for project execution. Brahmaputra Infrastructure share price opened at 65.99 on the BSE on Tuesday, more than 2 % higher than the previous close of 64.51. The Brahmaputra Infrastructure share price thereafter gained further to scale intraday highs of 73.50, marking gains of close to 14%. Also Read | Indian Hotels share price rises 6% to 1 year high post Q2 results The Brahmaputra Infrastructure share price though may still be down 3-4% during past one month with pressure on the small cap stocks, however Brahmaputra Infrastructure share price still has given 10-11 % returns to the investors. The 52 week or one year high for Brahmaputra Infrastructure share price stands at 114.40, the stock had scaled in the month of June 2024, while 52 week or 1 year low for the share price stands to be at 64.80, that Brahmaputra Infrastructure hit almost a year back on 9 November 2024. Brahmaputra Infrastructure Limited announced on the exchanges having received a LOA ( Letter of Acceptance) from Telcommunication Consultants India Limited ( A Govt of India Enterprise) in the name of Joint Venture Brahmaputra PKV JV of an total amount Rs. 91.50 Crores. Also Read | Tata Motors Q2 results today: Here is what analysts expect Indias benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, traded slightly lower on Friday due to selling pressure in sectors including banking, automotive, real estate, and oil & gas. Broader markets also saw declines, with the midcap and smallcap indices trading over half a percent down. Despite positive global cues following a 25 basis points rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and the recent election victory of Republican Donald Trump in the US elections 2024, which boosted Wall Street indices, sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in the Indian equity markets has driven a sharp correction in domestic indices. StoxBox has come out with its top picks in the Indian stock market, spotlighting promising stocks with growth potential despite current economic challenges. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 5 shares to buy today These four stocks to buy include Maruti Suzuki India, Godrej Agrovet, GHCL and Chalet Hotels. This selection highlights companies across various sectors that demonstrate resilience and strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering future performance, StoxBox said. Here are top four stocks to buy: Maruti Suzuki India | Buy | Target Price: 11,666 - 12,000 StoxBox recommends buying Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL) at current market price, with a target price of 11,666 to 12,000. The company reported a mixed Q2FY25 performance, with a 0.2% YoY revenue growth to 35,589.1 crore but missed market expectations. Domestic sales fell 3.9% YoY, while exports grew 12.1%. PAT declined 17.4% YoY due to higher discounts and commodity costs. However, Maruti Suzuki is optimistic about festive sales, with a 14% YoY growth in retail sales, and is focusing on expanding its EV and CNG offerings, including exports to Japan, StoxBox said. Also Read | Rajesh Palviya of Axis Securities suggests 3 stocks to buy today Godrej Agrovet | Buy | Target Price: 750 Godrej Agrovets Q2FY25 results show steady performance, with revenue at 2,448.8 crore, down 4.8% YoY and EBITDA up 10.9% YoY to 223.4 crore due to margin gains. Despite a 7.8% YoY drop in net profit to 95.8 crore, the Animal Feed and Oil Palm segments saw margin improvements, while the Dairy segment grew 3% YoY on value-added products. A stronger H2 FY25 is anticipated, supporting a cautiously optimistic outlook, said the brokerage firm. GHCL | Buy | Target Price: 660 - 680 StoxBox picks GHCL with the current market price and a target price of 610 in the near term (2 days), with potential upside to 660-680 in the coming months. GHCL demonstrates strong investment potential, with a 51 bps QoQ improvement in EBITDA margin (26.6%) and an 8.4% YoY increase in net profit to 154.8 crore. Despite challenges in the global soda ash market, domestic demand, particularly driven by solar glass production, remains positive. Additionally, GHCLs 200-250 crore investment in greenfield projects is expected to contribute to earnings from FY26, StoxBox said. Chalet Hotels | Buy | Target Price: 905 Chalet Hotels delivered a strong Q2FY25 performance, according to StoxBox. It has a target price of 905 apiece for Chalet Hotels shares. Key highlights include a 20% year-over-year (YoY) growth in total income to 377 crore and an 18% increase in hospitality revenue to 335.2 crore, driven by a steady occupancy rate of 74% and improved revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 7,756. Tata Motors Q2 Results: Automaker Tata Motors on Friday, November 8, reported its second quarter results for the financial year 2025, wherein it witnessed a decline in both revenue and profits. The company's management highlighted near-term challenges while it remains hopeful of a turnaround in the second half of the financial year. Here are key takeaways from Tata Motor's Q2 earnings: PAT, revenue, margins dip The Tata group company reported an 11 per cent year-on-year (YoY) fall in consolidated net profit to 3,343 crore for the quarter ended September 2024 (Q2 FY25). The figure stood at 3,764 crore in the same period last year. Meanwhile, the revenue declined by 3.74 per cent to 100,534 crore in Q2 FY25 from 104,444 crore in the year-ago period. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) declined by 16% to 11,567 crore from 13,767 crore YoY. Meanwhile, amid a challenging external environment, the EBITDA declined by 230 bps YoY to 11.4%. Outlook: Near-term challenges persist Tata Motors said it remains cautious about near-term domestic demand but sees a turnaround helped by the festive season and substantial investments in infrastructure. JLR wholesales are expected to improve sharply, as supply challenges ease, it said. "Overall, we expect an all-round improvement in performance in H2 FY25 and the business to become net debt free by this year, said the company in a press release. PB Balaji, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tata Motors added, Growth in the quarter was impacted due to significant external challenges as highlighted earlier. Overall, the business fundamentals remain strong, and we remain focused on our agenda of driving growth, competitiveness and free cash flows. As the supply challenges ease and demand picks up, we are confident of steady improvement in our performance and delivering a strong H2. JLR revenue drops 6% Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) revenue for the quarter was 6.5 billion, down 5.6% versus Q2 FY24, impacted by temporary supply constraints. EBIT margin dropped 220 bps in the said quarter to 5.1%. The company said its profitability was impacted on account of temporary aluminum supply constraint and a hold placed on 6,029 vehicles for additional quality control checks. It expects production and wholesale volumes to recover strongly in H2. Both production and wholesale volumes are expected to pick up strongly in the second half as the aluminum supply situation normalizes. We will continue our diligent management of costs. We maintain our full-year guidance, targeting revenue of approximately 30 billion, an EBIT margin of 8.5%, and a positive net cash position, Tata Motors said in a press release. CV sales, revenue fall In Q2 FY25, domestic wholesale commercial vehicle (CV) volumes totalled 79.8K units, posting a 19.6% YoY decline. This was primarily driven by a slowdown in infrastructure project execution, reduced mining activity, and a general drop in fleet utilisation due to heavy rains, said the firm. Exports stood at 4.4K units, down 11.1% YoY. Revenues decreased by 13.9% YoY to 17,300 crore. However, EBITDA margins improved to 10.8%, up 40 basis points YoY, supported by savings in commodity costs. As we move forward, with the rains easing, increased infrastructure spending, and the arrival of the festive season boosting consumption, we anticipate demand to pick up gradually in Q3. This is expected to be led by the ILMCV and Buses segments, followed by the M&HCV and SCVPU segments, the company said. PV Business Update Passenger vehicle (PV) volumes stood at 130.5K units, a 6.1% year-on-year (YoY) decline, driven by slow consumer demand and seasonal factors. Revenues for Q2 FY25 were 11,700 crore, down 3.9% YoY. EBITDA margins remained stable at 6.2%, down 30 basis points YoY, despite weak industry demand, due to material cost savings and an improved product mix. In Q2 FY25, the PV (ICE) business delivered consistent EBITDA margins of 8.5%, while the EV business reported an EBITDA margin of -5%. However, excluding product development expenses, the EV business saw positive EBITDA margins of 1.7%. We expect industry wholesale volumes to be lower in the near term to facilitate channel inventory reduction ahead of the new calendar year, the company said. The September quarter (Q2FY25) earnings of Tata Steel Ltd had its share of positives even as European operations remain a drag. Consolidated Ebitda of 5,522 crore adjusted for forex translation, rose 33% year-on-year. Profitability improved despite a drop in realization. It was aided by a sharp decline in raw material prices as well as higher volumes. Ebitda is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. On a standalone basis (domestic operations), Ebitda fell 4.3% year-on-year to 6,734 crore, primarily impacted by lower steel realizations. Realization during the quarter was lower because of a significant increase in exports from China. Even so, its domestic operations are on relatively decent footing, while losses in the UK remain a niggling worry for investors. In Q2FY25, UK business remained in the red with Ebitda loss of 1,589 crore, increasing from 1,367 crore in the same quarter last year. The companys UK business is going through a structural shift necessitated by a high-cost operating structure and stringent environment regulations. The last blast furnace at the facility was shut down during the quarter and the process of building an electric arc furnace-based steel making has been started. The company has signed the final agreement with the UK government which would provide 500 million out of the total project cost of 1,250 million. It is also in the process of bringing down its headcount, made redundant with the closure, involving a separation cost of about 150 million. The company would be saving about 100 per tonne from lower labour cost and other overheads after the process is completed by June, the management said. Overall, the management anticipates Ebitda losses from the UK operations to start reducing from Q3FY25 onward. This, along with capacity ramp-up in the Netherlands and favorable market conditions, should boost the overall Ebitda performance of its European operations. Also Read: Govt policy, aid must to clean Indias dirty steel industry: Tata Steel MD Tata Steel Netherlands reported an Ebitda of 243 crore in Q2FY25 from a loss of Rs1,145 crore. While the Netherlands operations remain profitable, the profitability has been affected by higher carbon tax. Tata Steel has submitted a proposal to the Netherlands government for support similar to the one agreed upon with the UK government. The positives On the bright side, domestic demand is expected to improve in second half of FY25, with rising government spending and construction activities. Plus, domestic expansion projects remain on track. It commissioned its blast furnace at Kalinganagar and expects it to reach full capacity by Q4. The company expects to produce an additional 1.1 million tonnes from the facility during FY25, going up to 3.5-4mtpa in FY26 and 5mtpa by FY27. Mtpa is million tonnes per annum. The blast furnace along with a series of downstream facilities, the last one to be commissioned by June, would significantly enhance the share of value-added grades in its portfolio. The management indicated that the cost of production from this location would be lower by about 3,000-4,000 per tonne because of lower power consumption and reduced overheads. However, the mood is downbeat currently. In this financial year so far, the Tata Steel stock has fallen 8%, underperforming thebenchmark index Nifty50. Investors sentiment is weighed down by the losses incurred in the UK, while a revival is awaited. Expectations of a breakeven in UK operations in Q3FY25 have been delayed to Q1FY26 now. Furthermore, an earnings recovery at the Netherlands operation too has been pushed to FY26. In India, lower steel prices in Q3FY25 shall further affect Ebitda/tonne," cautioned Nuvama Research in a report on 7 November. The brokerage has reduced its FY25 and FY26 EBITDA estimates by 30% and 7%, respectively, to factor in lower steel prices and higher losses in Europe. Also Read: India plans new steel standards to protect domestic industry from Chinese dumping Birati Samuho Performance Collective, a queer and women-led theatre collective from Kolkata, is known for its powerful performances. This week, the set of performers will be in Bengaluru for the first time with two productions, Atho Hidimba Kotha and Bhasaili Re. Though Titas D has directed the former, she feels that the performance has emerged from a collective devising process. And the concept of Bhasaili Re came from one of the founding members of Samuho, Sudakshina, during a workshop on personal history and performance. Reclaiming narratives Both their productions question the righteousness of majoritarian views. As the title suggests, the story of Atho Hidimba is centred on Hidimba, labelled as a demoness in Mahabharata, who has been overshadowed in the epic by the dominant narratives. The performance reclaims the narrative of Hidimba as a symbol of resistance and agency. Bhasaili Re revolves around Behula from the Bengali medieval saga, Manasa Mangal Kabya, who is traditionally portrayed as an ideal wife, subjugated by patriarchy. An aged Behula reexamines her life through a feminist lens and challenges these narratives. The seed for Atho Hidimba emerged from a moment of epiphany that Titas had at Ghatkopar station in Mumbai. I had returned to Mumbai from Germany after completing my studies. I realised that my body was ungendered due to the training I took, but when I was standing at Ghatkopar Station, I felt my spine shrinking. There was a certain negligence towards me in the mass movement of people that made me feel insignificant, and thus I decided to create Atho Hidimba as a movement work, she says. Subho, a member of Samuho, feels that the performance is not meant to draw the audiences pity towards the character: Rather, we disarm the audience with humour and then make them question, thus intercepting their stimulus and holding themselves accountable for the play's situation. Different forms of expression While both plays represent the voices of the marginalised and question patriarchy, there are some differences. "While Atho Hidimba is a chorus performance, Bhasaili Re follows the life of one protagonist. Also, while Hidimba revolves around identity politics and Marxist understanding of social development, Bhasaili Re is more feminine in its expression," elaborates Titas. The collective is inspired by the different storytelling techniques of traditional theatre, such as katha gayan, jatra, kirtan, tamasha, nautanki, kattaikkuttu, yakshagana, and many such forms. We shamelessly borrow their forms and techniques if they bring the required impact on our audiences. In Atho Hidimba, we have diversified musically, seeking inspiration from powada geet, bhajan, jhumur, adds Titas. Bhasaili Re borrowed from the qualities and rituals of reciting the Manasa Mangal Kabya. The audience is an integral part of their performances. The collective engages with the viewers not just sensorially but also intellectually. "Inclusivity is complex. We do not believe in propaganda as it goes towards absolutism. We open up our vulnerabilities with our stories, says Titas. The ethos of Samuho is to put the marginalised at the centre of not only their performances but also their audience. 'Atho Hidimba Kotha' "Vendors outside auditoriums see theatre artists and audiences engage with these spaces, but the working class do not get access to such spaces. We bring our performances to them," explains Titas. "In our country, it is not possible to speak about gender marginalisation without talking about caste and class. It is this intersectionality that we address in our plays. Atho Hidimba has been performed in North and South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Murshidabad, in theatre festivals in Kolkata, as well as in Kalighat's red light area. "To make it convenient for female audiences in rural areas, we sometimes perform in the daytime also. We did the same in Kalighat as evenings are working hours for our audiences there. And we mostly follow the 'pay-as-you-can' model to ensure maximum participation from all audiences" she adds. Barsha, a member of Samuho, feels a certain sense of satisfaction when performing for rural audiences. For instance, one audience member in Kalighat spoke about her life journey and how she connected to the performance. With urban audiences they have hardly had such spontaneous and poignant responses The team speaks of instances of misogyny and judgement. "We were once thrown out of a rehearsal space because our shrill female voices were too 'loud'," says Titas. A non-hierarchical theatre process The collectives theatre practice follows the same principles as their plays: the process is non-hierarchical and fosters creative collaboration across different communities. They work to enhance cultural accessibility and advocate for safe workspaces for marginalised gender identities. We didnt have a blueprint of what a non-hierarchical process looks like. During the course of our work, we have realised it is not black-and-white. We come from different gender identities and backgrounds, and even if we, as a collective, understand our processes, we are still part of mainstream society, not apart from it. So, we are constantly negotiating with the process. The ultimate goal is to be non-hierarchical, says Adrij. Subho concurs, and says that this kind of process also offers an unlearning of experiences. Atho Hidimba Kotha will be performed at The Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival, Bengaluru on 8 November, 7.30 pm. Bhasaili Re will be performed on 9 November, 7 pm, at Beru Art Space, Ramamurthy Nagar. The Indian tea story is dominated by the colonial creation of the plantation industry and the birth of the commodity tea industry that puts India in the top 2 of global tea producers. The more interesting stories, however, are of the lesser-known teas and tea cultures with no colonial ties at all. Much of this is in the North-East and it makes sense when you consider the lay of the land and the proximity to Yunnan in China, the birthplace of tea. Parag Hatibarua, tea taster, educator and consultant, has been working to discover, protect and preserve the indigenous tea cultures of the North-East. In 2011, he created a tea sommelier course for the International Tea Masters Association. As students began to arrive at Guwahati (where he lives) from across the world to learn about tea, he saw it as an opportunity to keep up his own education. It made me dive deeper and study more," he says about how it set him off on his journey as a tea hunter". It took him to Arunachal Pradesh, where he worked with Omak Apang of Donyi Polo tea estate to set up their speciality production (email dpteoyan789@gmail.com to place an order). And to Manipur, where he worked with Boi Gangte and Forest Pick (Forestpick.com) to produce extraordinary wild-grown teas . Since then, he continues to explore the North-East regularly and as reward, comes to experience traditional and indigenous tea customs and tea styles, such as one in Mizoram, where he came upon tea rolled by feet. Also read: Malted beer ice cream and Lombardy cheese at a new restaurant in Bengaluru Darzo village in Mizoram is hard to reach, taking 6 hours by road from Aizawl. Its tea connections are unusual. In the 1970s, says Hatibarua, Tea Board India planted tea but the project was soon abandoned because of lack of infrastructure and unavailability of people to work in tea cultivation. Whatever was planted, propagated. Additionally, tea was already growing as it was in Assam and these parts. While there was no commercial cultivation, the villagers chose to harvest the leaves for their own use. With no electricity and no machinery, they devised their own processing stylerolling the leaves with their feet, chopping it with a four-pronged mallet and sun-drying the tea. Interestingly, there is another community where tea is rolled by foot, and thats in Indonesias Cigedug village where the last of the artisans making this style have been recorded. Hatibarua calls it the kejek tea. Two villages, countries apartits not so strange to find these connections among places that come within the sphere of Yunnans influence. Darzos tea is not (yet) easy to source as commercial production hasnt taken off. Hatibarua likens its appearance to Turkish tea, dark coloured but not as strong, brewed with water and enjoyed plain, and with an earthy taste. I do hope we are able to draw these teas out and celebrate their uniqueness, far removed from tea as we know it. And thats precisely what makes it exciting, a tea made without much fuss but yet so rich in heritage. Tea Nanny is a fortnightly series on the world of tea. Aravinda Anantharaman is a Bengaluru-based tea blogger and writer who reports on the tea industry. She posts @AravindaAnanth1. That Ratan Tatas long-awaited biography, austerely titled Ratan Tata: A Life and penned by retired bureaucrat Thomas Mathew, appeared within days of his death, could have been fortuitous. The death sent people across the world scurrying to find out more about, arguably, one of the most recognised Indians. But theres a cloud hanging over the book: Tata had not approved the manuscript of what was to be an authorised biography" and it was consequently published as an independent work" by HarperCollins though Mathew had wide and unparalleled access to Tatas papers and correspondence. From what we know of him, it would most likely have been the reverential, hagiographical tone that offended him. Thats not so much the authors fault as of the environment in this country where powerful businessmen can never be criticised or questioned. Rare is the tycoon who will allow a critical assessment of his legacy. Hagiographies, rather than honest biographies, then are the order of the day. Also read: Why Rata Tata's biography didn't have his final sanction Ratan Tata wasnt one of those tycoons. He needs no defence unlike say, an Elon Musk, whose biography by Walter Issacson provoked reviewer Gary Shteyngart in The Guardian to question Who or what is to blame for Elon Musk". Instances abound of Tatas refusal to take credit, his innate generosity and his deep sense of empathy for others, none more so than his behaviour during and after the 26/11 attacks on the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. Indeed, if there is one line in the book hardly anyone will contest, though many would phrase it better, it is this: Within the country, perhaps, no business leader has been as popular and adulated as him." But Tata actively shunned canonisation. Which makes the job of a biographer, particularly one who had the privilege of spending dozens of hours with the man, more difficult. How to temper the fanboy within after such a meeting? The dilemma shows. Mathews book is at its best in the sections related to Tatas early life, little of which is in the public domain. That includes the divorce of his parents when he was a child, an event that may have left permanent scars on all four siblingsRatan, his brother Jimmy and his two half-sisters Deanna and Shireen, none of whom married. We learn of his daredevilry at college in Cornell where he would take friends on a spin in his Piper Tri-Pacer aircraft, and kill the engines mid-flight letting the plane drop sharply for a bit before pulling up. Also teased out, quite lovingly, is his relationship with Carolyn Emmons, the first of the four loves of his life who he nearly married. India's travel and tourism industry has been doing well in recent years. Regular family vacations have become a common financial goal for many individuals. These include leisure vacations, religious tourism, medical tourism, combining work travel with taking some time off with family, etc. Seeing the demand for travel and tourism, some banks have launched travel-centric credit cards. The Axis Atlas Credit Card is one of them. The card has features like accelerated reward points for travel-related spending like flight and hotel bookings, airport lounge access, transfer of reward points to frequent flyer programs (FFPs) and hotel loyalty programs, etc. Let us look at the card features and benefits, reward points earning and redemption, eligibility criteria, fees, etc. Features and benefits The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card provides 2 EdgeMiles or EMs (loyalty currency of the card) for every Rs. 100 spent. For travel related spends, the card offers accelerated rewards of 5 EdgeMiles (EMs) for every Rs. 100 spent. The travel-related spends include booking flights, hotel accommodation, and transactions on the Axis Bank Travel Edge portal. The accelerated reward points are applicable for flights booked directly on the airline-owned websites, airline counters, airline helpline numbers, etc. The merchant category codes (MCC) include 3,000 to 3,350 and 4,511. Similarly, for hotel spends, the accelerated reward points are applicable for direct purchases made at hotel-owned websites and hotel counters. The MCC codes include 3,501 to 3,838 and 7,011. Also Read | How to maximise rewards from travel credit cards? Welcome benefit The card offers a welcome benefit of 2,500 EMs on payment of the Rs. 5,000 + taxes joining fee. The EMs are awarded on doing the first transaction within 37 days from card issuance. You will be able to see the EMs in your miles account within 7 days from the transaction date. Tiers and their benefits Cardholders get certain benefits based on their tier. All cardholders start as silver members. Based on the amount spent in a card anniversary year, they can get upgraded to gold or platinum tier. On spending Rs. 7.5 lakhs in a card anniversary year, the cardholder gets upgraded from silver tier to gold tier. When the annual spends cross Rs. 15 lakhs, the cardholder gets upgraded from gold to platinum tier. A members tier will be evaluated at the start of every anniversary year based on the previous years spends. Based on their tier, the cardholder gets the following benefits. Tier Annual benefit on payment of Rs. 5,000 annual fees Domestic airport lounge access International airport lounge access Silver 0 8 4 Gold 2,500 Edge Miles 12 6 Platinum 5,000 Edge Miles 18 12 Milestone benefit Apart from the regular spend-based EMs, the card offers additional EMs based on achieving certain spend-based milestones in a card anniversary year as follows. Tier Annual spends milestone Number of Edge Miles Silver Rs. 3,00,000 2,500 Gold Rs. 7,50,000 Additional 2,500 Platinum Rs. 15,00,000 Additional 5,000 Thus, a cardholder can get up to 10,000 Edge Miles by spending up to Rs. 15 lakhs in a card anniversary year. Exclusions The cardholders will not earn any regular or accelerated Edge Miles for spends in the following categories. Category description Merchant Category Codes (MCC) Gold/jewellery 5094, 5944 Rent 6513 Insurance 6300, 6381, 5960, 6012, 6051 Government institutions 9222, 9311, 9399, 9402 Utilities 4814, 4816, 4899, 4900 Fuel 5541, 5542, 5983 Wallet loads 6540 The spends done on the above categories will be excluded for the cardholders tier evaluation. Reward points redemption The value of one EdgeMile (EM) is Rs. 1. However, the EMs cannot be encashed. Axis Bank has tied up with various domestic and international loyalty program partners across airlines and hotels. Atlas credit cardholders can transfer the Edge Miles to these various partners. The transfer ratio is 1 Edge Mile = 2 Partner Points (except for Marriott Bonvoy, where 2 Edge Miles = 1 Partner Point). A cardholder can transfer a total of 1,50,000 Edge Miles per customer ID to various miles transfer partners in a calendar year. The miles transfer partners are divided into two groups as follows. Two groups A cardholder can transfer a maximum of 30,000 Edge Miles per customer ID cumulatively to partners in Group A in a calendar year. Similarly, a cardholder can transfer a maximum of 1,20,000 Edge Miles per customer ID cumulatively to partners in Group B in a calendar year. Thus, with Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card, customers have several options to transfer their Edge Miles to various airline and hotel partners. Also, the transfer ratio of 1 Edge Mile = 2 Partner Points (except for Marriott Bonvoy) offers good value for each Edge Mile. Eligibility criteria and fees A salaried person should have a net annual income of Rs. 12 lakhs and above to be eligible for the Atlas Credit Card. A self-employed person should have a net annual income of Rs. 15 lakhs and above. The joining fee is Rs. 5,000 + GST, and the annual fee is Rs. 5,000 + GST. Also Read | Credit Card Etiquette: 4 essential rules for smart usage Should you go for the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card? The cardholder can transfer the Edge Miles to a partner of choice and book flight tickets and/or hotel accommodation for their family vacation. Some other travel-centric credit cards include the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card, etc. Your choice of credit card in the travel segment will depend on the eligibility criteria, annual fees, card acceptance, opportunities to earn and redeem reward points, the value per point, etc. The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card ticks in most of the above boxes. It is one of the best travel-centric credit cards. If you are a travel freak, you may consider applying for the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card. The IIMA-Aura Art Indian Art Index (IAIAI) has hit an all time high of 4,377 as investors take a fancy to artworks after a huge bull run in equity markets. The index, launched in November 2022 by the Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad in collaboration with Mumbai-based Aura Art, seeks to measure the demand for Indian artworks and adjusts for factors such as a single piece fetching a huge sum, the medium (water- or oil-based paints), and the size of the painting. Also read: Investing in art? Check out this IIM Ahmedabad index Asked why this was happening now, Rishiraj Sethi, director, Aura Art Development Pvt Ltd, said, Art prices always lag equity markets by a few months or years. Equity typically goes up on expected earnings and wealth generated from this feeds demand for art." Professor Prashant Das of IIMA said, I am yet to run an empirical analysis on what caused the surge in the index." View Full Image Graphic: Pranay Bhardwaj What maimed the art market? Whatever the reason, theres no denying that investor interest in Indias art market is growing again after years of stagnation. After hitting an all-time high in 2006 (based on historical data), the index languished for years and took about 16 years to get back to that level. Also read: Is the Indian art market on an upward curve? Sethi from Aura Art said this was because several art funds were launched around the same time in 2006, and collectively poured more than 250 crore into the still-nascent market, worth about 1,000 crore at a time, thus inflating prices. The global financial crisis of 2008 also took a huge toll on these funds, which eventually had to be wound down as they were not registered with markets regulator Sebi as a collective investment scheme. Currently, there are no funds in India that invest in Indian art. These funds were not structured to suit the requirements of art as an asset. They had high distribution, impact and holding costs, and should have had much longer durations than five to six years as long-term returns from art could have helped them absorb these costs better," said Sethi. Will history repeat itself? While the art index stagnated from 2006 to 2022, Indian equities grew nearly four-fold over the same period. Despite this, the IAIAI delivered 17% compounded annualised returns between 1 April 2001 and 30 June 2022, while the Nifty 50 delivered 13% over the same period. On whether art investments were in for another period of stagnation, with the index at a new all-time high, Sethi said this was unlikely and that he believed the index would hold its ground and rise further going forward. Asked why, he said, The creation of a secondary market for art in India in 2000 led to a surge in excitement which, coupled with the global liquidity-driven bull run from 2003 to 2008, catapulted most assets to heady valuations. Fast forward to 2024 and the Indian art market has consolidated quite well over the past decade. It has become much more broad-based, with increasing wealth and growth in luxury real estate. Add to this India's growing soft power on the global stage and it looks like the art market has plenty of room to grow this time around." Also read: Indian art market growing. Collectibles worth $183 million were sold in 2023 (Bloomberg) -- Abortions carry catastrophic costs for more than two-in-five Americans who get them, and its significantly worse for those who must travel out-of-state for access, according to a new study. The total cost of an abortion for residents of California, Illinois and New Mexico who didnt need to travel to get one was $411, and rose to $1,367 for those coming from out-of-state, according to the report in JAMA Network Open. The figures included the price of the procedure and related costs like travel, accommodation and lost wages. The study, conducted before the US Supreme Court ended federal abortion protections in 2022, shows the procedure carries both financial and psychological burdens that may be under recognized. High out-of-pocket costs contributed to mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression, the researchers from New York University and the University of California, San Francisco, found. They considered the price to be catastrophic when out-of-pocket costs were so high that the household couldnt afford other basic needs. That was the situation for 32% of those seeking a local abortion and 65% of those who traveled for access, based on surveys done in 2019 with 675 people, the researchers said. The Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned the constitutional right to abortion has exacerbated the financial stress. Currently, around 25 million women ages 15 to 44 live in states where there are more restrictions on abortion than before the ruling. The financial and psychological burdens of abortion seeking have likely worsened after the Dobbs decision, as more people need to cross state lines to reach abortion care, the researchers wrote. This increase is found particularly in states bordering those with abortion bans, such as Illinois and New Mexico two states where our data were collected. The number of people traveling for abortions is already on the rise. In the first half of 2023, it more than doubled to 92,100 from three years earlier, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The election of Donald Trump as US president could have a further impact. While he previously took credit for overturning Roe v. Wade, he changed his approach in recent months and said he would veto a federal abortion ban. Leaving the decision to states would allow the discrepancy in access to abortion across the country to continue. The researchers said the burdens can be devastating for households, triggering high levels of financial insecurity, debt, worsened health outcomes and increased impoverishment. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on November 8 gave a heart wrenching message at his farewell function. DY Chandrachud recalled an incident from his earlier life about his father. He recounted his father's wisdom about integrity and personal space on the occasion. The CJI will retire on November 10 but today was his last official working day. He (my father) bought this small flat in Pune. I asked him, why on earth are you buying a flat in Pune? "When are we going to go and stay there? He said, I know I'm never going to stay there. He said I'm not sure how long I will be with you, ANI quoted DY Chandrachud as saying. CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna will take oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11. While addressing the event, Justice DY Chandrachud said, But do one thing, keep this flat until the last day of your tenure as a judge. I said, why is that? He said, if you feel that your moral integrity or your intellectual integrity is ever compromised, I want you to know that you have a roof over your head. He further advised that one should not permit themselves to be compromised either as a lawyer or as a judge "because you have no place of your own." Acknowledging that sunlight is the best disinfectant, he said, I know in so many ways I've exposed my own personal life to public knowledge. Referring to vulnerability of personal life due to public exposure, he said, When you expose your own life to public knowledge, you expose yourself to criticism, particularly in today's age of social media. On the occasion, Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal hailed praises on the outgoing CJI. He said, CJI Chandrachud was willing to deal with the complex issues which past chief justices would not allow themselves to deal with those issues for years like Article 370, same-sex marriage or electoral bonds, reported ANI. In a major development regarding the murder of former minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, police has shared new details about the roles of those arrested in connection with the crime. According to a senior police officer, Ramphoolchand Kanojia (43), who was arrested in October, had promised substantial rewards to the four accused involved in the killing: Rupesh Mohol (22), Shivam Kohad (20), Karan Salve (19), and Gaurav Apune (23). The Times of India reported on Friday that the officer stated the accused revealed Kanojia offered each of them a trip to Dubai, 25 lakh in cash, a car, and a flat in return for their involvement in the murder. The officer further said, as per the report, that Kanojia was expected to receive funds from a wanted accomplice, Zeeshan Akhtar (23), to finance the crime. "We are verifying the details," the officer was quoted as saying to the publication. Zeeshan Akhtar, originally from Jalandhar, Punjab, is accused of managing nearly 10 bank accounts and transferring over 4 lakh to the arrested individuals to facilitate the murder. In a separate development, two additional suspects, Aditya Gulankar (22) and Rafique Shaikh (22), both from Karve Nagar in Pune, were arrested on Wednesday. The two were presented before the Esplanade Court and remanded to police custody until November 13. A police source, cited in the report, stated that the suspects come from poor families, and their involvement came to light during Mohol's interrogation. The report also revealed that Gulankar had undergone firearm training near Khadakwasla, Pune. Initially, the plan was to recruit more shooters for the job, but the mastermind later decided to scale back the operation to three shooters, prompting the procurement of more weapons by the accused. Gulankar and Shaikh were reportedly in contact with previously arrested individuals Pravin Lonkar and Mohol. Police disclosed that Lonkar and Mohol had handed over a 9mm pistol and ammunition to Gulankar and Shaikh for the murder. The 9mm pistol, which had been sent back to Pune from Mumbai, passed through several hands before being delivered to Gulankar and Shaikh. It was later recovered from Kohad's residence. Additionally, police confiscated a country-made pistol from Kanojias Panvel residence. The fifth weapon was received by Kanojia, but he returned it before the murder, the officer said was quoted as saying. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that India's decision to buy oil from Russia amid global uncertainties helped prevent a potential spike in global oil prices. In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi, Union minister Puri explained that if the Indian government hadn't bought Russian oil, global oil price would have gone up to 200 dollars for everyone. Oil will remain a key part of the world's energy supply for years to come, he said. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Donald Trump on Presidency He further told CNN, Earlier I said I hope there will be a reduction in oil price. Today I'm more confident that there will be. "By 2026, when more energy is available in the market, As a student of the situation, I think that the likelihood of prices remaining stable and coming down are higher", Puri said. On being asked why India reduced oil imports from Russia in October by around 10 per cent, Puri explained that happened because of competitive oil rates in the market. There are other people willing to supply at the same competitive rate because the OPEC position is they don't deal with price. There's healthy competition going on. If you don't get it from one, you get it from someone else, he said. On being questioned whether the reduction in Russian oil imports was a strategic decision, the minister said, "These are oil decisions taken in the marketplace. When we face February 22 there was 13 million barrels of Russian oil on the market suddenly if that oil had gone off the market and India had decided to shift its 5 million barrels to say suppliers in the Gulf, price of oil would have gone up to 200 a barrel. So I think we did everybody a favour". Puri also took to his X account to share details. India did the entire world a favour by buying Russian oil because if we had not done so, the global oil prices would have skyrocketed to USD 200/barrel. Russian oil was never under any sanctions and there was only a price cap, which Indian entities also followed. Let us not forget that while some ill informed commentators talked about putting restrictions on India, many other European and Asian nations bought much more crude oil, diesel, LNG, rare earth minerals worth billions of dollars from Russia, he wrote. The union minister also noted in his X post, "We need to ensure steady availability, affordability and sustainability of energy for our 7 crore citizens who visit a petrol pump everyday. That's our top priority. Meanwhile, India is world's third largest oil-consuming and importing nation, in July bought $ 2.8 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released in August. According to the report, imports from Russia, which were less than one per cent of the total oil imported in the pre-Ukraine war period, now make up for almost 40 per cent of India's total oil purchases. Samosa Scandal in Himachal Pradesh: A seemingly innocent mistake involving samosas has turned into a full-blown political controversy in Himachal Pradesh, drawing attention from both state officials and opposition parties. The incident, which took place on October 21, occurred when refreshments meant for CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were mistakenly served to his security staff instead. What followed was a CID investigation, accusations of an anti-government act, and a political firestorm that has dominated discussions across the state. The Samosa Mix-Up: A Snack That Sparked Chaos The drama began when three boxes of snacks, including samosas, were ordered from the Radisson Blue Hotel in Lakkar Bazaar for the CMs visit to the CID headquarters. However, in a series of blunders, the snacks never made it to CM Sukhu. According to the inquiry report conducted by a Deputy SP, the items were served to the Chief Minister's security staff instead. The report detailed the chain of events: A senior officer instructed a sub-inspector (SI) to fetch refreshments for the CM. The SI passed the task on to an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable, who fetched the items in three sealed boxes. When they arrived at the CID office, confusion ensued. The tourism department staff tasked with handling the refreshments were uncertain whether the snacks were meant for the CM. In the end, the items ended up in the mechanical transport (MT) section, which handles logistics, rather than with the chief minister. A Political Firestorm Over a Samosa What seemed like a simple mistake has spiralled into a political saga, with the ruling Congress party facing criticism from the opposition BJP. BJP spokesperson Randhir Sharma didnt mince words in his statement: The state government is not concerned about the development of the state. Their only concern seems to be the Chief Ministers Samosa. The government machinery is embarrassed due to such coordination problems in a programme related to a VVIP like the chief minister said Sharma. CID Probe Deems Incident 'Anti-Government' The CID launched its own investigation into the samosa saga, concluding that the actions of those involved were anti-CID and anti-government. A highly placed CID official remarked that the individuals involved appeared to be working according to their own agenda, resulting in the unfortunate mishap that prevented the CM from getting his refreshments. The investigation further revealed that only the SI who initiated the order was aware that the three boxes of snacks were specifically intended for CM Sukhu. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh to legalise controlled cannabis cultivation amid fiscal woes A Samosa with Political Flavour The case has become an emblematic example of how seemingly trivial issues can snowball into larger political debates. The BJP has seized upon the incident to attack the Congress-led government. Despite the serious undertones of the controversy, it has provided ample fodder for political commentators and social media users, who are having a field day with the now-infamous Chief Ministers Samosa. The bodies of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) who were abducted and killed in a terrorist attack in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, have been recovered, police confirmed on Friday. The bodies of the victims, identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, were found in the forested areas of Ohli Kuntwara. After locating the bodies, the Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out a meticulous operation to recover them, officials said. The bodies are now being transported to the homes of the deceased in the district. A large-scale cordon-and-search operation is ongoing in Kishtwar as authorities work to capture the terrorists behind the killings. The recovery followed an intensive joint search operation carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Army. On Thursday, terrorists attacked the two VDG members while they were grazing their cattle in the forest. The incident has sent shockwaves, with authorities and politicians alike condemning the act of violence. Condemnation from J&K CM and L-G Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow and concern over the killings. In a statement posted on X, Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly" act that claimed the lives of two innocent men. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged security forces to take swift action to prevent such attacks in the future. "Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local village defence committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families. At the same time, I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely," Abdullah wrote on X. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha also condemned the heinous attack. In a post on X, Sinha expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and reiterated the government's determination to combat terrorism in the region. "No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members in Kishtwar. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits & avenge this barbaric act," said Sinha. The attack on the VDG members comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, as authorities continue to battle insurgent activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces are on high alert, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this latest attack. JK Congress criticizes BJP's handling of rising terrorism Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of terror incidents in the region, accusing the BJP-led central government of failing to address the security challenges. Speaking to reporters, Sharma claimed that under the current Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir, the central government had not made significant strides in curbing terrorism. Indias External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, identified several key consequences following the results of the US presidential elections, viewing them as opportunities for deepening US-India ties. The US Presidential Elections saw republican nominee Donald Trump win for a second non-consecutive term. Notably, this will also be the first time a convicted felon become the President of the United States. Speaking to business leaders and CEOs in Sydney, Jaishankar outlined four crucial areas of impact, including supply chain reordering, geopolitical hedging, digitisation, and talent mobility. Also Read | Trump picks Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff- first woman to hold the title Supply Chain Shifts: India Ready for Disruption Jaishankar pointed out that the ongoing reordering of global supply chains, accelerated by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, is likely to intensify following the US election. "There was already a re-ordering of the supply chains taking place. It is very likely that in view of the election results, this would accelerate. Some of it will be disruptive, but we in India see it as an opportunity," Jaishankar said. As businesses pivot to more regional supply chains to avoid disruptions in global networks, India stands poised to benefit from this shift, which could lead to greater economic integration. Also Read | Supply chain woes carry high risks, big rewards for some companies Geopolitical Hedging and Digitisation Jaishankar also noted that US-India relations are expected to see more geopolitical hedging, especially as nations seek to navigate the complexities of global politics. On the digital front, Jaishankar highlighted the growing importance of digitalisation in the bilateral relationship, which he believes will drive further collaboration between the two nations in the tech sector. Talent Mobility: A Key Focus Area Jaishankar also spoke on the issue of talent mobility, pointing out that even with trends towards de-globalisation, the demand for skilled workers will persist. "Even if there is re-globalisation, the demographic unevenness is beginning to bite us. The global workplace doesnt mean that talent alone has to move. Businesses can move as well... The US under Trump will make a distinction in immigration and mobility, Jaishankar said, suggesting that skilled workers from India could continue to find opportunities in the US, despite Trump's tighter immigration policies. Also Read | MEA addresses H-1B concerns as Donald Trump returns to White House Indias Growth: A Decade of Transformation In addition to discussing the shifting global landscape, Jaishankar highlighted Indias significant progress over the last decade. He noted that Indias educational institutions have expanded rapidly, with capacity having doubled since 2014. "The educational institutions of India have doubled in capacity in the last 10 years... roughly 2 to 2.5 times from where they stood in 2014. That means creating two new colleges a day," Jaishankar explained. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 5 shares to buy today Infrastructure and Digitalisation Boom in India Jaishankar also pointed to the countrys infrastructure growth, including the construction of 27-28 kilometres of highways and 12-14 kilometres of railway tracks daily. In aviation, India has added 75 new airports in the last decade, with plans for many more. The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Friday, November 8, that two terrorists were killed in a gunfight in Sopore township of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Earlier, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation in the area on November 7, following the detection of suspicious activities linked to terrorists. In a post on X, Kashmir Police Zone wrote, Two terrorists have been neutralised in Sopore encounter. Identification & affiliation is being ascertained. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition recovered. Further details shall follow. Earlier Chinar Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X, On 07 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence regarding presence of terrorists, a joint Operation launched by the #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in Panipura, Sopore, #Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress. The information was also shared by Kashmir Police on their official social media handle. Acting on a specific input regarding the presence of #terrorists in Panipora #Sopore area of #Baramulla, a joint anti-terrorist #operation was launched by Police and security forces. During the search operation, an exchange of fire took place. Further details shall follow. Recently, there has been an increase in terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir, with security forces engaging in several encounters. On Wednesday morning, an encounter took place between security forces and terrorists in the Margi area of Lolab, Kupwara. The same day, one terrorist was killed by security forces in Bandipora. List of terrorist activities in a week November 5: A joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the general area of Chuntawadi Kaitsan, Bandipora after an encounter broke out between Security Forces and terrorists. November 5: In another development, Jammu and Kashmir police, along with 22RR and 92 BN of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), apprehended one terrorist associate identified as Ashiq Hussain Wani, who is a resident of Tujar Shareef in J-K's Sopore, said police. November 3: 12 people, including a woman, were injured in a grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre and a weekly market in Srinagar. The day before, on November 2, security forces killed two terrorists during an encounter in Anantnag district after launching an anti-terror operation in the Halkan Gali area. November 2: Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The encounter broke out after security forces initiated an anti-terrorist operation in the Halkan Gali area. October 29: Three terrorists were neutralized in a high-intensity encounter in Akhnoor, following an attack on an Army convoy Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud marked his final day in office on Friday as the 50th head of the Indian judiciary with a special message from the ceremonial bench. He sought forgiveness for any harm caused during his tenure, paid tribute to former judges, and welcomed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor. Quoting the Jain phrase Michhami Dukkadam, he said, If I have ever hurt anyone in the court, please forgive me for that. The phrase means, May all my misdeeds be forgiven. Reflecting on his tenure departure as the top judge of the country, he said, I won't be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content, reported NDTV. The Chief Justice assumed office on November 9, 2022, and will be replaced by CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna, currently the first puisne judge at the Supreme Court. Justice Sanjiv Khanna will take oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11. Sharing a light-hearted moment that he had with his registrar last evening, DY Chandrachud said, When my registrar judicial asked me what time the ceremonial should begin, I said 2 pm, thinking it would allow us to wrap up a lot of pending items. But I wondered to myself-will anyone actually be here at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon? Or will I just be left looking at myself on the screen? Justice DY Chandrachud noted, "The work we do can make or break cases," reported NDTV. Furthermore, he likened the role of judges to that of pilgrims, arriving at court each day with a commitment to serve. As he paid tribute to the "great judges who have graced this court and passed on the baton," he expressed confidence in leaving the bench in the hands of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he praised as a capable leader. Also Read | Is Aligarh Muslim University a minority institution? SC to rule today Meanwhile, lawyers and members of the bar who gathered to honour the outgoing Chief Justice described Justice DY Chandrachud as "a rock star" of the judiciary. Justice D Y Chandrachud stepped into the shoes of his illustrious father, Y V Chandrachud, who served as the longest CJI between 1978 and 1985. Appointed on November 9, 2022, Justice Chandrachud will officially demit office on Sunday, November 10. On the occasion, Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal hailed the outgoing CJI. He said, CJI Chandrachud was willing to deal with the complex issues which past chief justices would not allow themselves to deal with for years like Article 370, same-sex marriage or electoral bonds, reported ANI. Reports emerged on Friday claiming that Himachal Pradesh's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched an investigation to determine how samosas and cake intended for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were mistakenly served to his security staff. The goof-up snowballed into a controversy. What's the controversy about? The incident happened at the CID headquarters on October 21. According to news agency PTI, three boxes of samosas and cakes were brought from a hotel in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to the chief minister who had gone to the CID headquarters for a function on October 21. However, the samosas and cakes were served to the CM's security staff, according to the enquiry report conducted by a deputy SP rank officer. Lack of coordination was cited as a reason. How did the 'goof-up' happen? The report stated that an officer of Inspector General rank had asked a sub-inspector (SI) of police to get some snacks from the hotel for the CM's visit. The SI, in turn, directed an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable to bring the refreshments. The ASI and the head constable fetched the refreshments from the hotel in three sealed boxes and informed the SI. The police officers reportedly said when they asked the tourism department staff on duty whether the snacks in the three boxes were to be served to the chief minister, they said they were not included in the menu. The enquiry report mentioned that only the said SI, who deputed the ASI and the head constable with the task of getting the snacks from the hotel, was aware of the fact that the three boxes were for CM Sukhu. The woman inspector, to whom the food items were handed over, did not ask any senior officer and sent the refreshments to the mechanical transport (MT) section which deals with refreshments. 'Anti-government' act A highly placed official in the CID department wrote in his note that all persons named in the enquiry report have acted in anti-CID and anti-government manner due to which the items could not be served to the VVIPs, PTI reported. "They acted according to their own agenda," the note added. 'Opposition hasn't eaten samosas, how is it anti-government' Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Jai Ram Thakur said in a video statement on Friday, "The opposition has not eaten those samosas, those who were served those samosas were a part of the government, so how could the act be anti-government?" He said the state government and the chief minister must have found the matter serious and thus, an inquiry was conducted into the samosa episode. Probe ordered The alleged incident, which took place during a programme at the CID headquarters, led to a full inquiry to understand which officers and staff members were responsible for the oversight, ANI reported. DGP Atul Verma was quoted as saying that the CID is investigating the matter, not the police headquarters. The media advisor to the chief minister, Naresh Chauhan, claimed the state government did not order any inquiry and it could be an internal matter of the CID. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh to legalise controlled cannabis cultivation amid fiscal woes Probe not into samosas but to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday, "The probe was about misbehaviour of officials but the media has turned the CID probe into samosas. The DGP has already given a clarification in this regard." In a recent interview to ANI, Sukhu said, "There is no such thing... It (CID) got involved on the issue of misbehavior, but you [the media] are running news about 'samosa'." Sukhu also accused the BJP of running a campaign to run down his government since 'Operation Lotus' to dislodge his government failed. 'I don't eat samosas': CM Sukhu bursts into laughter Amid the "samosa controversy", Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told India Today that this issue is very childish and said he doesn't eat samosa because of health issues. He burst into laughter while reacting to the controversy. Further, Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha, Deputy General CID. said that it was an internal matter of the CID and should not be politicised. "This is completely an internal matter of the CID. It should not be politicised. The CM does not eat samosas... We have not given notice to anyone," Ojha said. He added that the government has nothing to do with this. "We will find out how this information was leaked," Ojha said. Congress govt a 'laughing stock' Former Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Satpal Satti claimed the Congress government has become a "laughing stock" for ordering an "inquiry into samosas". "The police should focus on the many scandals, from the CMs office to the secretariat, instead of wasting their time on petty matters," Satti was quoyed by PTI as saying. A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict today on whether or not the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a minority institution under Article 30 of the Constitution. The Article 30 empowers religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions in India. The bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will pronounce the verdict on Friday, his last day in office. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma, had reserved its verdict on the question on February 1 after hearing arguments for eight days. On February 1, SC reserved its verdict on the issue saying that the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, which effectively accorded it a minority status, only did a "half-hearted job" and not restore to the institution the position it had prior to 1951. While the AMU Act, 1920, speaks about incorporating a teaching and residential Muslim university in Aligarh, the 1951 amendment does away with compulsory religious instructions for the Muslim students at the university. Without a minority status, AMU will have to implement reservation policies for both teachers and students in a similar manner as other public universities do. If the status is granted, the university can provide up to 50 per cent reservation for Muslim students. AMU has internal reservation At present, AMU doesn't follow any reservation policies of the state. But has an internal reservation policy, where 50 per cent of seats are reserved for students who have studied in its affiliated schools and colleges. The question has repeatedly tested Parliament's legislative acumen and judiciary's prowess in interpreting complex laws involving the institution founded in 1875 as Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College by prominent Muslim community members led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Years later, in 1920, it transformed into a university under the British Raj. "One thing which is worrying us is that the 1981 amendment does not restore the position as it stood prior to 1951. In other words, the 1981 amendment does a half-hearted job," Justice Chandrachud had said while proceeding to close the arguments. This issue was decided once before by the Supreme Court. In 1967, in the case of S.Azeez Basha V Union of India, a five-judge Constitution Bench held that AMU was not a minority institution. It had referred to the AMU Act, 1920, which established the university and held that it was neither established nor administered by the Muslim community a requirement for minority educational institutions under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution. Earlier, the PM Narendra Modi-led NDA government refused to accept the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act and insisted that the court should go by the five-judge constitution bench verdict of 1967. The Constitution bench then held that since the AMU was a central university, it could not be considered a minority institution. The top court had said it needed to examine the 1981 amendment and whether it restored the institution to the status it enjoyed before 1951. Allahabad HC verdict The Allahabad High Court had struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which the university was accorded minority status. Appeals were filed in the apex court, including by the AMU, against the high court verdict. The row over the AMU's minority status has been a legal maze for the last several decades. The top court had on February 12, 2019, referred to a seven-judge bench the contentious issue. A similar reference was also made in 1981. Also Read | SC revives tax notices for 23,000 crore against major firms The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre moved in appeal against the 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court that quashed the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act. The university also filed a separate petition against it. The NDA government led by the BJP told the Supreme Court in 2016 that it will withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA dispensation. One thing which is worrying us is that the 1981 amendment does not restore the position as it stood prior to 1951. In other words, the 1981 amendment does a half-hearted job. It cited the apex court's 1967 judgement in the Basha case to claim that AMU was not a minority institution since it was a central university funded by the government. The Supreme Court on Friday overruled by 4:3 majority the 1967 judgement which held that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) can't claim minority status as it was created by a statute. The Court, however, said that in order to determine whether or not an institution is a minority institution should be on the basis of who (community) established it. A final decision is this regard will be taken up by a regular bench, not yet constituted, based on this view of the majority, the court ruled. Until then, the university's minority status continues. Also Read | Is Aligarh Muslim University a minority institution? SC to rule today The case was heard by a seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on his last day in office. The matter pertained to whether or not AMU is a minority institution under Article 30 of the Constitution. The Azeez Basha Case Article 30 empowers religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions in India. The decision in Azeez Basha is overruled, the question on deciding the minority status of AMU must be done on the basis of the tests laid down in the present case, papers to be placed before the CJI for constituting a bench to decide the issue and correctness of 2006 Allahabad HC judgement, the CJI said according to legal news website Bar and Bench. In 1967, in the case of S Azeez Basha V Union of India, a 5-judge Constitution Bench of the SC held that AMU was not a minority institution. It referred to the AMU Act, 1920, which established the university and held that it was neither established nor administered by the Muslim community a requirement for minority educational institutions under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution. Allahabad High Court Verdict In 2006, a verdict of the Allahabad High Court held that AMU - a central university - established through an imperial legislation in 1920, was not a minority institution. CJI DY Chandrachud wrote the majority judgment. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma dissented. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma, had reserved its verdict on the question on February 1 after hearing arguments for eight days. Established as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College by prominent members of the Muslim community led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1875, the institution was converted to a university under the British Raj in 1920. While the AMU Act, 1920, speaks about incorporating a teaching and residential Muslim university in Aligarh, the 1951 amendment does away with compulsory religious instructions for the Muslim students at the university. Tamil actor Dhanush has announced the release date for his next movie, Idli Kadai, which marks his third venture as a director. He shared a new poster on his social media, revealing that the film will hit theatres on April 10, 2025, just in time for Tamil New Year. The poster, which he posted on X (formerly Twitter), shows Dhanush entering a small idli shop called Sivanesan. With blue skies and birds in the background, the setting hints that the story may unfold in a rural setting. Dhanush has entertained Bollywood fans in Hindi films like Raanjhanaa, Shamitabh and Atrangi Re. In Idli Kadai, Dhanush is directing and playing the lead role, adding to the excitement for his fans. Known for his versatility and emotional depth, Dhanush has taken a unique approach to storytelling, and this film is expected to carry his signature style. The release of Idli Kadai is generating considerable interest, as Dhanushs combination of directing and acting has previously resulted in successful films. With an engaging cast and a village setting, fans look forward to seeing what this new film brings. The film reunites Dhanush with Nithya Menen, his co-star from the 2022 hit Thiruchitrambalam, where they played best friends who eventually fell in love. Their performances were widely appreciated, with Nithya Menen receiving a National Film Award for Best Actress. This collaboration has raised fans expectations as they eagerly anticipate seeing the duo together again on screen. Dhanushs post goes viral Dhanushs social media post announcing the Idli Kadai release date has gone viral. Within a couple of hours, it garnered nearly 2 lakh views. Fans also seemed pleased with the timing, with many commenting that the release date around Tamil New Year would be ideal for long holidays. Also Read | Viral Video: Rajpal Yadav gets angry on camera Best release date... Long holidays, wrote one fans while another commented, Another Feel good movie loading. Cant wait for this world, wonderful, remarked one fan while another posted, Waiting for 200cr. A Kerala court issued an order to the Kollam district jail to prevent a prisoner's haircut after he filed a petition to dodge the mandatory condition in jail, reported News18 citing Kaumudi Online on Thursday. According to the report, the accused, who was in prison in a sexual assault case, was unwilling to get his hair cut because he wanted to qualify for a role in a Tamil film. Also Read | 4 sanitary workers killed after being hit by Kerala Express near Palakkad The 38-year-old RS Jyothi, who used to work in Tamil movies, was remanded 13 days ago and was in judicial custody. He was reportedly growing his hair for a movie role. However, he was arrested by Kollam Railway Police based on a woman's complaint alleging sexual assault during a train journey, reported News18. During the judicial custody, Kollam jail authorities asked him to cut his hair because of mandatory protocol for prisoners. He tried his best to prevent his haircut, but jail authorities were adamant. Later, he took the help of his wife to opt for a legal battle to save his hair. His wife hired a lawyer who filed a petition to the Kerala High Court on his behalf in the matter. The accused person's case was presented by advocate Venu J Pillai, Vysakh V Nair and S Sreejith. What did the court say? The petition against the prisoner's haircut was heard by Kollam Chief Judicial Magistrate KV Naina. After hearing the petition, Magistrate KV Naina agreed to Jyothi's request and issued an order directing Kollam jail authorities not to cut his hair. OTT release this week: From action-packed movies to nail-biting thrillers, this week saw several OTT movie releases, making for a perfect binge-watch list for movie buffs from November 8 to November 10. The Buckingham Murders, Citadel Honey Bunny, Vettiyan, Devara, and many other movies and web series were launched this week. OTT release this week Here is the list of the top picks from OTT releases for weekend binge-watch. Citadel Honey Bunny An interesting extension of Priyanka Chopra's Citadel, Citadel: Honey Bunny, was released on OTT platforms on November 7. The series is receiving positive responses on social media and also from criticism. A section of social media users has already declared the movie to be a hit and better than the American TV series Citadel. The TV series is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The OTT action thriller features Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in lead roles and shows the story of Nadia Sinh's childhood. The web series has been directed by duo Raj & DK, also stars Kay Kay Menon, Sikandar Kher and Saqib Saleem. The Buckingham Murders Kareena Kapoor's thriller will release on Netflix on November 8. The movie based on a story established in the UK features Kareena Kapoor as an investigation officer who is handling the case of a missing kid. 'The Buckingham Murders' was released in theatres on September 13. After its theatrical release, the movie is ready to be streamed online on OTT platforms. Netflix gave an update on The Buckingham Murders OTT on Instagram. Vettiyan OTT release The Tamil superstar Rajinikanth movie featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and seasoned actors like Rana Duggubati and Fahadh Faasil was released on Amazon Prime Video this week. The action movie featuring the Indian cinema industry's superstars is the best pick for the weekend binge-watch list. There is growing speculation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may consider reconnecting with the British Royal Family. The couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020, recently appeared together in a video for the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, addressing concerns about childrens safety online. Their formal appearance and choice of attire, both wearing suits, more in line with royal style, hinted at a shift toward a more conservative, royal-friendly image. This video came shortly after Harry and Meghans trip to Colombia in August 2024 with their charity, the Archewell Foundation. Their recent focus on social issues and the prominence of their public appearances suggest they may be easing away from their former distance from the Royal Family. During the conference video, they wore red pins for Remembrance Day, a British holiday honouring war veterans, which could have further implied their interest in reconnecting with British traditions and values. Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan are also involved in independent ventures while they continue to work on joint charity projects. Royal expert Phil Dampier commented on this development, suggesting that Meghan has been focused on projects for Netflix while Harry has maintained connections with several charities. "I think Meghan is genuinely doing a lot of work in the background for this Netflix project and American Riviera Orchard. As for Harry, obviously, he's been back and forth with a few charities," Dampier said This mix of joint and solo work could also reflect a desire for a positive image both within the Royal Family and among the public. Protect children online In the video, Harry highlighted the urgent need to protect children online while Meghan discussed the Archewell Foundation's work in helping families navigate digital threats to childrens well-being. Kalpesh Mehta, founder of Tribeca Developers and real estate partner of the Trump Organization in India, announced that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are scheduled to visit India early next year to launch a series of new Trump Tower projects. The launches, expected between March and June, will bring six additional Trump Towers to India, expanding the luxury real estate brand's footprint in the country. Currently, India boasts four high-rise Trump properties in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, and Kolkata. The upcoming projects will add one tower each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida. Once completed, India will surpass the United States with the highest number of Trump Towers worldwide. Mehta recounted his connection to the Trump family, tracing it back to his days as a student at the Wharton School of Finance, where a shared mentor introduced him to Donald Trump Jr. The friendship eventually led to a business partnership, when the Trump Organization entered the Indian real estate market. Tribeca will act as the co-developer for the upcoming projects, partnering with local developers for each tower. According to Mehta, "Land will be of the partner, while Tribeca will manage the design, product specifications, and customer handling." In the Gurugram Trump Tower project, Mehta noted that prices per square foot have doubled over the past three years, from approximately 15,500-16,000 to 33,000. Full-unit prices have similarly appreciated, ranging from 6-11 crore initially to 11-24 crore now, reflecting strong demand in Indias luxury real estate sector. The luxury real estate market is booming in India, and the demand has been robust," Mehta said, attributing the growth to the high demand for premium properties. Outside India, Mehta hinted at potential expansion into a neighboring island nation, where discussions are underway with the local government for a Trump-branded hotel project. However, he did not disclose specific details regarding the location. When exit polls began pointing to Republican candidate Donald Trump's decisive victory in the US presidential elections, several dejected Americans started looking for another kind of exit: moving abroad, reported NDTV on November 8. Data showed that after the US East Coast polls closed on Tuesday, Google searches for 'move to Canada' surged 1,270 per cent in the 24 hours. Other searches, like moving to New Zealand, climbed nearly 2,000 per cent, while those for Australia jumped 820 per cent. According to a Google official, the searches for emigration were hitting all-time highs for all these three countries on Wednesday evening on the US East Coast. Though Google didn't provide absolute figures, data from the Immigration New Zealand website showed the site logged some 25,000 new US users on November 7, in comparison to 1,500 for the same day in 2023. Also, a few immigration lawyers are also being inundated with queries. New email enquiry Evan Green, managing partner at Canada's oldest immigration law firm, Green and Spiegel, said, as quoted by NDTV, Every half hour, there is a new email enquiry. This enthusiasm for emigration echoes the interest in moving abroad witnessed after Donald Trump's victory in 2016. According to Edison Research exit polls, this time Trump's re-election has followed a particularly divisive campaign where nearly three-quarters of US voters said they felt American democracy was under threat. Apart from this, several Americans are also worried that his presidency could drive a bigger wedge between Democrats and Republicans on issues such as race, gender, reproductive rights and more. "Trump is obviously the impetus, but it's also societal. The majority of Americans voted for him and some people don't necessarily feel comfortable living in that kind of society anymore. People are afraid they are going to lose freedoms," said Green. Hundreds of people shared their suggestions in a Reddit group dedicated to those leaving the US, called "r/AmerExit". They spoke about ideal destinations and tips for getting visas and jobs. At the same time, others feared for their country, their safety, or both following Trump's election. Not only post-elections but even before that, fears were increasingly cited by Americans looking to emigrate to Canada, according to Heather Bell, an immigration consultant at Vancouver law firm Bell Alliance. Donald trump 2.0 Cabinet: President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Susie Wiles, the Florida political strategist who has been a central figure in his campaign operations for US Elections 2024, will become his White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, who has run Donald Trump's political operation for nearly four years, will make history as the first woman ever to hold this prestigious position in the United States government. In a statement confirming the appointment, Trump expressed his admiration for Wiles and her instrumental role in his political victories. Also Read | US Election Results 2024 LIVE: Trump picks Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff "Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history," Trump remarked. "It is a well-deserved honour to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud." A Trusted Insider: Why Trump Chose Wiles In selecting Susie Wiles, Trump turned to a trusted adviser who has been at the heart of his political operations since his 2016 campaign. Unlike his first White House Chief of Staff pick in 2016, Reince Priebus, with whom he had limited prior experience, Wiles has a long-standing relationship with the president-elect, is familiar with his political style, and has established strong connections within his inner circle. Wiles has been a key figure in managing not only Trump's campaign efforts but also in handling the complex legal challenges Trump faces. She has worked closely with the president's legal team on various criminal and civil cases, earning a reputation for her toughness, intelligence, and loyalty. Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected, Trump stated in his announcement. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud. Wiles strong organisational skills and her deep understanding of Trump's political operation make her an ideal fit for the position at this pivotal moment in the president-elect's journey. Breaking from Tradition: A Woman Chief of Staff Donald Trumps choice of Susie Wiles marks a significant departure from his 2016 decision to appoint Reince Priebus, a figure he knew relatively little about at the time. Priebus, who was the Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) at the time, had a more moderate and establishment-friendly reputation, which created tensions within Trumps more hard-line political base. In contrast, Susie Wiles is seen as part of the presidents close-knit team, with deep loyalty to Donald Trumps family and an understanding of his unique political vision. She has also earned the support of Trumps current advisers, many of whom had pushed for her appointment to the role. Brooke Rollins: A Rival Candidate Another figure who was reportedly in the fray to be in the running for the role of Chief of Staff was Brooke Rollins, who heads the policy institute that backs Trump and previously worked in his administration. However, Rollins more moderate policy positions, particularly on certain issues favoured by Trump's hard-line supporters, may have weighed against her selection. Furthermore, Rollins is known to have close ties to Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a relationship that has not endeared her to many in Trumps current inner circle. Also Read | Trump policy stance may look to make India favourable for Big Tech Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory and expressed Russia's willingness to restore relations with the US. The Russian President also added that hes ready to hold discussions with the new American leader. In his first public comments after Trump's victory, Putin praised Trump, saying he showed true courage during an assassination attempt on him while speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July. "He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man," Putin said at the Valdai discussion club in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. "I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election." Also Read | Jaishankar highlights opportunities for US-India ties post US elections What was Putin's response on Ukraine crisis? During his address, Putin also noted that Trump's comments during the election campaign about Ukraine and the desire to restore relations with Russia were worth considering. "What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion this deserves attention at least," he said as quoted by Reuters. Trump said during campaigning that he could bring peace in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, but has given few details on how he would seek to end the biggest land war in Europe since World War Two. Also Read | Trump policy stance may look to make India favourable for Big Tech Putin on restoring relations with US Russia, Putin said, was ready to restore relations with the United States but the ball was in Washington's court. When asked what he would do if Trump suggested a meeting, Putin replied that he was willing to resume contact and engage in discussions if the Trump administration expressed interest. Both Russia and Trump have repeatedly rejected claims from Western media suggesting that Trump was a Russian agent of influence, calling these allegations nonsense. Russian officials have also pointed out that during his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump was tough on Russia, as reported by Reuters report. US Elections 2024: A Donald Trump-nominated judge Thursday struck down Joe Biden's Keeping Families Together policy, intended to help undocumented spouses of US citizens obtain legal status. This move is a major blow to an estimated half a million people eligible under the programme. Judge J Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas ruled that federal agencies lack statutory authority for the programme, reported AFP. The verdict comes merely days after Donald Trump swept to victory in the US presidential Elections, with cracking down on illegal immigration and launching massive deportations at the top of his list of promises. Also Read | Biden Rushing Study That Threatens to Slow Trumps LNG Plans Mint explains what this means for the people concerned. 'Keeping Families Together' policy struck down: What changes? Under current laws, non-citizen spouses are eligible for legal status but often must apply from their home countries. In some cases, they may face a ban of up to 10 years before being allowed to return to the US. Joe Biden's policy would have offered temporary protection from deportation to undocumented spouses and stepchildren of US citizens through a process called parole in place. This would have allowed them to apply for legal status without the need to leave the country, as stated on the US Immigration Department's website. Also Read | Trump picks Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff- first woman to hold the title It is currently unclear what will happen to those who have already submitted their paperwork or if the fees will be refunded to the applicants, stated US media reports. Shattered hopes Ashley DeAzevedo, president of American Families United, said the move has shattered the hopes of hundreds of thousands of families. ABC News quoted Ashley as saying, The Biden-Harris program would have allowed noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to stay in the country after they've contributed to our communities, helped grow our economy, and built lives with their loved ones. Keeping Families Together: Story behind President Joe Biden announced the "Keeping Families Together" policy in June at the height of his reelection bid. However, a coalition of 16 Republican-led statesled by Texas and Stephen Miller's America First Legalquickly filed a lawsuit after applications were made available in August. Consequently, Judge Barker temporarily halted the programme in August and again after an appeals court lifted the stay. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Donald Trump on Presidency As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a return to the White House, his second term promises to bring sweeping changes to many critical aspects of American life, with significant implications not just for the U.S., but for global affairs as well. From reproductive rights to immigration policy, LGBTQ+ protections, environmental standards, and gun laws, the direction of the country stands to be reshaped dramatically under his leadership. Abortion rights under threat One of the most significant issues at stake is abortion access. With the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, several states have already passed near-total abortion bans. Under a second Trump administration, there are concerns that federal restrictions could be imposed nationwide. While Trumps position on a national abortion ban remains unclear, his administration could use existing laws to enforce a de facto national ban. Additionally, Trump could push for weakening key laws like the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which currently protects emergency abortion access. Mass deportations and immigration crackdown Trump has promised to restore and expand his controversial immigration policies, with a focus on mass deportations. The GOPs Project 2025 outlines plans to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. This could include the use of U.S. troops for border enforcement and invoking wartime powers for immigration control. While details remain unclear, it is feared that these policies could lead to widespread family separations and other hardships for immigrants. Rollback of LGBTQ+ rights Trumps first term saw the ban of transgender individuals from serving in the military, and a second term is expected to bring even more aggressive actions against the LGBTQ+ community. His administration could push for the end of gender-affirming care and federal non-discrimination policies protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. There could be proposals to limit the legal recognition of trans people and promote "heterosexual, intact marriage" as a policy stance. Marriage equality, which Trump previously questioned, could be under threat if he gains the power to appoint more conservative justices to the Supreme Court. Environmental setbacks Trumps stance on climate change remains a major concern for environmental advocates. In his first term, he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accords, and he is expected to undermine further efforts to address the climate crisis in a second term. With plans to expand fossil fuel industries and roll back regulations aimed at reducing emissions, Trumps environmental policies could stall progress in the fight against climate change. Continued emissions growth may accelerate global warming, particularly as Trump has dismissed climate change as a hoax and promoted drill, baby, drill policies. Also Read | Jaishankar highlights opportunities for US-India ties post US elections Gun control laws threatened There could be a rollback of the progress made under President Joe Biden, particularly the first major federal gun-safety law in nearly three decades. Trump's second term could undo several of Biden's efforts, including expanding background checks and other protections designed to curb gun violence. This could lead to a new wave of unchecked gun violence across the nation. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars broadcasts could end next week as he faces a court-ordered auction of his company's assets to help pay the more than $1 billion defamation judgment he owes families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Or maybe not. Both opponents and supporters of the bombastic internet show and radio host have expressed interest in bidding on the Infowars properties he has built over the past 25 years. They include Roger Stone, an ally of Jones and Donald Trump, and anti-Jones progressive media groups. If Jones supporters buy the assets, he could end up staying on Infowars. Up for sale are everything from Jones' studio desk to Infowars' name, video archive, social media accounts and product trademarks. Buyers can even purchase an armored truck and video cameras. For now, Jones' personal social media, including his account on X, formerly known as Twitter, with 3 million followers, are not up for sale, but court proceedings on whether they should be auctioned are pending. The auctions resulted from Jones personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after the Sandy Hook families were awarded nearly $1.5 billion in damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas over his claims that the school shooting was a hoax. Many of Jones personal assets also are being liquidated to help pay the judgment. The deadline to submit bids and nondisclosure agreements on the Infowars assets is Friday afternoon. After the bids are reviewed, prospective buyers deemed qualified will be invited to a live auction that could see multiple bidding rounds next Wednesday. Any items not sold will be put up at another auction on Dec. 10. Jones has expressed confidence that supporters whom he did not name will buy the assets of Infowars and its parent company, Free Speech Systems, allowing him to continue using its platforms. He also appears to be preparing for losing the brand because he has set up new websites and social media accounts and has been directing his audience to them. Theres a lot of buyers, people that are patriots that want it and will come in, Jones said on his show in August. If not ... we'll work with somebody else, fire something up. And itll be a little bit of a hiccup for the crew, and things. But that will just make us bigger. Email messages to Infowars and Jones' bankruptcy lawyer were not returned. Its not clear how much money the auctions might bring in. In court documents, Free Speech Systems listed the total value of its properties and holdings at $18 million. Proceeds from the sales will go to creditors including the Sandy Hook families, who have not yet received any money from Jones and his company. Confidentiality agreements and sealed bids generally are used in auctions to maximize bid amounts while preventing bidders from talking to each other and driving down the offers. The trustee in Jones' bankruptcy case said in court documents that the procedures for the Infowars auction were designed to attract the highest possible bids. Christopher Mattei, a Connecticut lawyer representing the Sandy Hook families, called the auctions an important milestone in their yearslong fight to hold Jones accountable. He also said the families will be seeking a portion of all Jones' future income. From the beginning, the Connecticut families have sought to hold Jones fully accountable for his lies and to protect other families from him, Mattei said. Stripping Jones of the corrupt business he used to attack the families while poisoning the minds of his listeners is an important measure of justice. The families sued Jones and his company for defamation and emotional distress for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut, was a hoax staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified that they were traumatized by Jones hoax conspiracies and threats by his followers. Jones, who has since acknowledged that the shooting did happen, is appealing the judgments. Jones has made millions of dollars from his internet and radio shows, primarily through sales of nutritional supplements, survival gear, clothing and other merchandise. Jones and other right-wing commentators once on the fringe have catapulted in popularity as many people have moved away from traditional news sources. Trump elevated them further during his 2024 campaign by repeating some of their conspiracy theories and appearing on several of their podcasts and shows. On Thursday, Jones, a long-time Trump supporter, even accepted proposals, some perhaps tongue-in-cheek, by Donald Trump Jr. and other conservatives to be the president-elect's press secretary. Stone, the Jones and Trump ally and a conservative commentator, said on his X account and on Jones' show that he would like to put together a group of investors to buy Infowars. He did not return email and social media messages on Thursday. I understand the importance of Infowars as a beacon of the truth, as a beacon of truthful information. And therefore, I would like to do whatever I possibly can to ensure, if possible, that Infowars survives," Stone said on Jones' show in September. People on social media also have urged billionaire Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and X, to buy Infowars, an idea Jones has backed but Musk has not publicly responded to. On the other side, Jones' detractors have shown interest in buying Infowars, kicking Jones out and turning it into something else, such as a news site that debunks conspiracy theories or even a parody site. They include officials at two progressive media sites, The Barbed Wire and Media Matters for America. An opinion piece by The Barbed Wire in September by publisher Jeff Rotkoff had a headline that read, "Lets Buy Infowars. Alex Jones used these exact materials to exploit his viewers, peddle conspiracy theories, and damage the lives of grieving parents. We want revenge. Rotkoff urged readers to donate money to help put in bids, but he said Thursday that The Barbed Wire, based in Jones' home state of Texas, was now unlikely to make any offers. But we have talked to a number of similarly ideologically aligned bidders and we are certain we will be outbid, Rotkoff said in an email. Were thrilled that there appear to be multiple well-resourced bidders who share our interest in undoing much of the damage to our country done by Alex Jones. Well be rooting for those folks to be successful. He declined to say who the other potential bidders were. Who exactly has submitted bids so far has not been disclosed. Jeff Tanenbaum, president of ThreeSixty Asset Advisors, which is helping to run the auction along with Tranzon Asset Advisors, would only say there have been a large number of inquiries. If detractors buy up Infowars' properties and Jones gets the boot, he should be able to build new platforms fairly quickly, said Melissa Zimdars, an associate professor of communication and media at Merrimack College in Massachusetts. Wall Street would be helped by a less-stringent version of crucial banking regulation thats expected once US President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Citigroup Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser said. The banking chief expects tighter capital regulations known as Basel III Endgame to be significantly eased, if theyre enacted at all, she said Friday in a CNBC interview. Any increase in capital requirements for US banks is likely to be lower than the roughly 9% hike previously planned, she said. I would expect a lighter version of the proposal, Fraser said. Trumps election has pushed banking stocks strongly up this week, indicating broad-based confidence that his administration will bring less-onerous rules to a sector thats fought what it claims are overreaching and unnecessary regulations that threaten to make it less competitive. Citigroups shares rose 1.2% at 11:28 a.m. in New York. They are up more than 8% since the close of trading Tuesday, when Americans voted. Fraser added that shes confident about the outlook for the US economy and labor market, comparing it with Europes relative stagnation and uncertainty over whether Chinas economic stimulus can drive growth. A quick, decisive result in the US presidential election has also given confidence to the market for mergers and acquisitions, she said, claiming its game on for M&A, driven in particular by private equity sponsors. I think we can declare the sponsors will be back, she said, adding that theres a particularly positive outlook for technology, media and telecommunications as well as across North America more broadly. Japans financial regulator is urging Nomura Holdings Inc. to examine the cause of an alleged robbery and attempted murder committed by a former employee, and to formulate measures to prevent similar incidents, according to people familiar with the matter. The Financial Services Agency wants the countrys largest brokerage to thoroughly review the alleged incident and analyze its root cause and background, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The regulator will follow up with Nomura on its progress in implementing these steps, the people added. Through measures announced on Nov. 6, Nomura will intensify efforts to enforce strict adherence to the Code of Conduct by every employee and strive to restore the trust of our stakeholders, the Tokyo-based company said. An FSA representative declined to comment. The development is the latest example of Nomura entering the regulators cross hairs. The agency fined the firm last month for having manipulated Japans government bond futures market in 2021, a scandal thats prompted some clients to shift bond trading and underwriting business to rivals. The latest edict follows reports that a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of having drugged an elderly customer and his spouse in Hiroshima, stealing about 26 million in cash from their home and setting it on fire. The suspect has been accused of robbery, arson and attempted murder. While the couple in their 80s escaped safely, the news has rocked Japans financial industry in part because the suspect was a Nomura employee at the time of the alleged incident in July, before he was dismissed. The company is tightening rules governing employee visits to clients homes, which is a common practice in Japan. The firm said its co-operating fully with the police investigation, according to a statement Wednesday. The FSA wants Nomura to come up with both short- and longer-term solutions, the people said. Brokerages in Japan are increasingly competing to manage a larger slice of the nations more than 2 quadrillion in household financial assets. People aged 70 and older own nearly 40% of those assets, according to a government report in August. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former foreign minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this week. Israel has been rocked by Gallants dismissal, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his removal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza. Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Also Friday, the Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a U.S. deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. But the body did not say when the crossing will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the UN and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire. The United Nations humanitarian office says Israel's monthlong offensive in northern Gaza is preventing the estimated 75,000 to 95,000 Palestinians in the north from receiving essential items for their survival. On Thursday, the Israeli military says it will allow 300 truckloads of humanitarian aid supplied by the United Arab Emirates to enter the Gaza Strip in the coming days. Thats less than the 350 trucks per day that the United States said it wants to see enter the war-ravaged territory. The Israel-Hamas war began after militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Israels military response 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. Hezbollah began firing into Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Since the conflict erupted, more than 3,100 people have been killed and some 13,800 wounded in Lebanon, the health ministry reported. Heres the latest: Famine likely imminent in parts of northern Gaza, hunger experts say UNITED NATIONS Hunger experts say there is a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in parts of northern Gaza where Israeli forces are conducting a major offensive. An alert issued Friday by the experts calls the humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating. The Famine Review Committee said all actors in the war in Gaza must take immediate action within days not weeks to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation. It stressed that this includes not only combatants but those who have influence on them. The alert follows an Oct. 17 report from the committee that said Palestinians in the entire territory face acute food insecurity. That's the emergency level, Phase 4, on the five-level classification system for hunger. Phase 5 is Catastrophe-Famine. Fridays alert pointed to recent significant developments, including the impact of Israels designation of northern Gaza as a combat zone and orders for the entire population to evacuate,;a lower level of aid shipments than at any time since October 2023; and food access reaching "critical levels and deteriorating. The committee is part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which comprises 15 U.N. and other organizations that monitor global hunger and food security. UNIFIL says Israeli forces destroyed some of its property along border with Lebanon UNITED NATIONS The U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says Israeli forces deliberately destroyed some of its property in violation of international law. The force, known as UNIFIL, is in southern Lebanon to monitor the border between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFL said in a statement Friday that the Israeli military used two excavators and a bulldozer to destroy part of a fence and a concrete structure at the peacekeeping missions position in Ras Naqoura on Thursday. UNIFL said that in response to its urgent protest," the Israeli Defense Forces denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. UNIFIL also said the Israeli military this week destroyed and removed two blue barrels that mark the border. The statement was accompanied by a photo of one blue barrel on its side and a short video of an excavator working in an area where a U.N. flag was flying. Since Israel launched a ground war in Lebanon in September, UNIFIL has accused its military of shooting and wounding peacekeepers and attacking UNIFIL positions. The Israeli military has repeatedly demanded that peacekeepers leave their positions for their safety. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Yesterdays incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF, the UNIFIL statement said. 15 people killed in Lebanon in past day, health ministry says BEIRUT Lebanons health ministry said Friday that 15 people were killed and 69 wounded Thursday, raising the total toll over the past year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to 3,117 killed and 13,888 wounded. One-quarter of them are women and children. The health ministry said that over the past year, 2,242 men, 617 women and 192 children were killed. In the health care sector, the ministry said that 180 health workers have been killed, 306 wounded and 244 medical vehicles damaged since Oct. 8, 2023. Additionally, 87 medical and ambulatory centers have been affected, along with 65 hospitals. UN analysis finds 70% of Gaza deaths were women and children GENEVA The U.N. human rights office released a report Friday that found that 70% of verified war deaths in the Gaza Strip were women and children. The agency examined 8,119 Palestinian deaths between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 2, 2024, including 2,036 women and 3,588 children. Most died in attacks that killed five or more people and about 80% were in residential buildings, the report said. It blamed the Israeli militarys use of weapons with wide area effects in densely-populated areas, though some of the deaths may also have been caused by rockets fired by Palestinian militant groups in Gaza that fell short. The youngest death was a 1-year-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman. Most of the children were 5 to 9 years old. According to Gaza's health ministry, the overall death toll is over 43,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said. Israels diplomatic mission in Geneva said it categorically rejects the report and accused the U.N. human rights office of disregarding the impact of activities of the militant group Hamas on civilians in Gaza. The mission also accused the agency of relying on unverified information. The report comes as two world courts examine charges of war crimes against Israel. It also says Hamas and other militant groups committed serious violations of international law when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Netanyahu appoints aide as new Israeli ambassador to the US JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he was appointing Yechiel Leiter as Israels new ambassador to the U.S. U.S.-born Leiter will replace ambassador Michael Herzog, according to a statement from Netanyahus office. Leiter has been a close aide to Netanyahu and was formerly the deputy director general of Israels education ministry and chief of staff to the minister of finance. His son was killed while fighting in Gaza in November. Netanyahu said Leiter was a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, with a deep understanding of American culture and politics. Leiter has been a senior fellow at the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative Jerusalem think tank. He lives in the settlement of Eli in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel prepares to open new aid crossing into Gaza JERUSALEM Israel says it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a U.S. deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. The Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it has built inspection facilities and paved roads around the Kissufim crossing, located near the center of the Gaza. It says food, aid, and fuel will soon be able to be delivered through the crossing, but did not say when it will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the UN and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire. Since Israeli forces unleashed a fierce offensive on north Gaza in early October, no aid has made it to the northernmost reaches of the territory, where the UN says roughly 70,000 Palestinians still remain. The opening of the crossing likely reflects an Israeli desire to ramp up aid ahead of a US-imposed deadline. In an Oct. 13 letter sent to Israeli officials, US officials said Israel had 30 days to increase the daily number of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip to 350 or risk the US reconsidering arms shipments to Israel which have been key to Israels war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Israel has so far fallen far short of this benchmark, with COGAT figures showing an average of 57 trucks a day entering Gaza. In the first seven days of November, the average has been 81. Israeli defense minister officially steps down JERUSALEM Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former Foreign Minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Gallant earlier this week. Israel has been rocked by Gallants firing, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his dismissal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas militants. Gallant thanked the military and warned that the wars mission is not yet complete; we must meet our moral and traditional obligation, and the wars objective is to bring home the remaining 101 hostages who havent yet seen their families and homes. Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Katz thanked Gallant and said the wars objectives were to stop Iranian aggression and deny its capabilities, continue dismantling Hamas as a governing and military force, and defeat Hezbollah. He added that returning the hostages was a top moral priority. Yoav, we were friends and will remain friends because we believe in the same things that will secure Israels security and future, the Jewish state, he said. I promise that the entire State of Israel will emerge from this war and from the pain to much higher places. Turkey's Erdogan hopes Trump will fulfil promises to end Middle East conflicts ANKARA, Turkey - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he hopes US President-Elect Donald Trump will fulfil promises to end the conflict in the Middle East and tell Israel to stop its aggression. Speaking to a group of journalists on a return flight from Hungary, Erdogan also said that cutting off U.S. arms support to Israel would be a good start toward ending the conflict in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. We want that promise to be fulfilled and for Israel to be told to stop, Hurriyet newspaper and other media quoted Erdogan as saying on Friday. Erdogan also called on Trump to abandon what he said were the Biden administrations erroneous policies. We expect my dear friend Trump to abandon the erroneous policies of the former administration during his second term as president, Erdogan said in a televised address. We sincerely believed that the president will do his part to end the wars. Turkey has become one of Israels most vocal critics, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza and strongly criticizing Western nations for backing Israel. For more Middle East news: /hub/middle-east BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Maia Sandu on her reelection as president of Moldova. Noting that China and Moldova are traditional friendly partners, Xi said that in recent years, bilateral relations have maintained steady development and the Belt and Road cooperation has made smooth progress. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Moldova relations, and stands ready to work with Sandu to steer bilateral relations toward steady and long-term growth. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman called Donald Trump in the early hours of Wednesday to express his joy at the Republicans return to power, according to two people with knowledge of the exchange. Trump strengthened US ties with Saudi Arabia during his previous term. The bi-lateral relationship during the administration of President Joe Biden was initially soured by Bidens criticism of the kingdom over the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabias 39-year old de facto ruler placed the call shortly after Trump delivered his victory speech in Palm Beach, Florida, said the two individuals, who did not wish to be identified because they were discussing a private matter. A spokesperson for Trump didnt respond to a request for comment. Trump told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya news channel last month that one of his priorities would be to expand the Abraham Accords to include normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Accords were signed in 2020 during Trumps first term and saw diplomatic ties established between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Trump told Al Arabiya that Saudi Arabias relations with the US could never be great with a guy like Biden. With me it will be great and I have great respect for Saudi Arabia, he said. Trump and the Crown Prince have frequently praised one another in public, and Saudi Arabia was the first country Trump visited when he became president in 2017. After a frosty start under Biden, relations between the two countries began to improve as the two countries started talks over a defense treaty and technological and nuclear cooperation tied to Riyadhs recognition of Israel. Riyadh has hardened its position on normalizing relations since the Israel-Hamas war and the spread of the conflict to Lebanon. The kingdom says future relations with Israel depend on the establishment of a Palestinian state. With assistance from Nancy Cook. The Australia Today, a prominent media outlet for the Indian diaspora in Australia, has raised concerns after its social media pages and accounts were blocked in Canada. The restrictions followed the airing of a press conference featuring India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, which sparked tensions between Canada and India. The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong on #socialmedia, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open #journalism., the post read on X. 'The Australia Today' Slams Social Media Blockade by Canada Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, Managing Editor of The Australia Today, issued a statement expressing gratitude to those who supported the outlet amid the media blackout. Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us. Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about #PressFreedom, or simply offering encouragement, every action made a difference. the statement read. Bharadwaj acknowledged the difficulties caused by the Canadian government's actions but pledged to continue advocating for open and free media. Despite the social media blockade by Canada , the publication has vowed to remain resilient. "We remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles," Bharadwaj continued. MEA Condemns Canada's Actions as 'Hypocrisy Towards Freedom of Speech' India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly condemned Canada's actions, accusing the government of "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech." During the press conference, Jaishankar had condemned Canada's unsubstantiated allegations against India and criticised the "surveillance of Indian diplomats" as "unacceptable." The Indian Minister also expressed concern about the political space that Canada has provided to anti-India elements. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada." Outrage Over Media Censorship The blocking of The Australia Today's social media presence in Canada has sparked outrage among those who view it as an attack on press freedom. The incident has raised questions about the limits of free speech and media censorship, especially when it involves politically sensitive topics. On a typical day in Gaza, the U.N. agency that looks after Palestinian refugees provides food to around 2,000 families and healthcare to thousands more. In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, the agency runs schools for nearly 50,000 children. Hundreds of thousands of other Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank live in communities administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or Unrwa, which delivers municipal services from trash collection to social services and provides aid and small-business loans. Israel last week passed laws aimed at halting those operations. There is no plan B. We are really in uncharted territory," said Roland Friedrich, director of Unrwa affairs in the West Bank. He said the U.N. had never had a member state take such strong legal steps to effectively ban the work of one of its major agencies. The laws are the culmination of a battle that has been brewing since the months after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in which Israel accused about a dozen Unrwa employees of taking part. The U.N. fired several employees and investigated others, but its efforts havent satisfied Israeli concerns about militants presence in Unrwas ranks, made up mostly of Palestinians. The legislation, which the U.N. says violates international law, bars Unrwa from working in Israel and East Jerusalem and forbids Israeli officials from having contact with it. That could effectively block Unrwa activity in the Palestinian territories as well because the agency would be unable to obtain visas, use Israeli-held crossing points and ensure diplomatic protections for its staff, U.N. officials say. They say that if the laws are implemented at the end of a 90-day transition period, some 380 schools and 65 healthcare facilities will stop functioning and humanitarian aid and municipal services will cease. Vital logistical support to other U.N. agencies and international groups providing humanitarian support in Gaza will also grind to a halt. Aid groups say Unrwas wide-ranging responsibilities make it irreplaceable, and trying to fill the gap would be more costly. We will never be able to pick that up, so the additional strain it puts on the system in terms of people in need, children in need and our ability to compensate for that is completely magical thinking," said Janti Soeripto, president and CEO of Save the Children US, which has about 100 staff in Gaza. The U.N. doesnt have a contingency plan for Unrwas incapacitation or means of preventing the Israeli laws from taking effect. Norway said it would ask the General Assembly, which comprises all 193 member states, to seek a ruling from the International Court of Justice on whether the legislation violates international law. That could lead to a temporary injunction, though Israel has ignored previous orders. This is not something that can stand and we have to do everything that we can to fight against this," said Norways deputy foreign minister, Andreas Kravik, adding that only the U.S. can realistically get Israel to rethink the legislation. The Biden administration has said it opposes the laws, but hasnt indicated willingness to take action against Israel, a close ally, to stop them. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last week that the U.S. would engage with Israel and monitor the impact of any legal challenges. The new laws have overwhelming Israeli support. Two-thirds of the legislators in the fractious Knesset backed them, though some Israeli diplomats and defense officials expressed concerns about neutering Unrwa without alternative plans. The fight is part of a long-running conflict between the U.N. and Israel. Israel has accused many of the U.N.s bodies of unfairly scrutinizing it or of displaying other bias against the state throughout the years. The U.N. has alleged that Israel flouts international law. In the case of Unrwa, some Israeli politicians have said that teaching materials used in Unrwa schools contribute to a bias against Israel among Palestinians. More broadly, some say the welfare network it provides creates a disincentive for Palestinians to leave refugee camps and keeps alive dreams of returning to where their families were exiled from, in what is now the state of Israel. The U.N. created Unrwa to protect Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 war as the state of Israel was established. A separate U.N. decision said refugees should be allowed to return to their homes. Unrwa began as a small agency providing tents, food and other relief. Its staff has grown to 30,000, nearly all Palestinians, with operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria that serve about six million Palestinian refugees and their descendants. Western nations pay for most of its $1.3 billion budget. Israeli concerns about Unrwa intensified after the Oct. 7 attacks. The Unrwa bills were introduced in February. Israels allegations against Unrwa employees prompted 16 countries, including the U.S., to suspend funding to the organization. All of them, except the U.S., have since restored it. Unrwa is totally infiltrated with Hamas," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in January, adding that the agency should be scrapped and replaced by other U.N. or aid agencies that would operate in a neutral fashion. Israeli intelligence estimates that 10% of the agencys 12,000 staff in Gaza are affiliated or have membership in Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad and half the employees have a close relative with an active membership in the militant groups. Since Hamas has both a military and political wing, affiliation doesnt mean membership in the armed group. The U.N. has denied that there are a large number of militants in Unrwas ranks, saying Israel has brought it information about a fraction of its employees. A U.S. intelligence assessment earlier this year found that it was likely that some Unrwa employees took part in the Oct. 7 attack but it couldnt confirm Israels allegations that a large number of Unrwa staff have links to militants. The U.S. said Israel hadnt shared the raw intelligence behind its assessment. In July, Israel sent a letter to Unrwa Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini with a list of more than 100 names and ID numbers of what Israel said were Hamas militants employed by Unrwa, asking for their termination, an Israeli Foreign Ministry official said. Lazzarini responded that Unrwa needed specific evidence to take action, according to his letter which was seen by The Wall Street Journal. Israel hasnt shared the underlying intelligence with Unrwa, deeming it a security concern. Asked about the letter from the Israelis, Unrwa spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said: We asked the government of Israel for more information to enable us to pursue and did not get anything." The U.N. says Israeli attacks are aimed at discrediting it and warns that the Israeli laws undermine its work around the world by allowing a member state to ban a U.N. agency from operating. The impact of the Israeli legislation would be felt first in Gaza, where nearly the entire population is displaced and faces extreme hunger and disease. The international humanitarian response would likely collapse because most other humanitarian actors rely on Unrwas infrastructure for key supplies including fuel, said Alrifai. Its the trucks, its the warehouses, its the shelters where the services are provided, its the staff," she said. Its also the information that we have, the access we have into the community." In the West Bank, Unrwas municipal services would be difficult for local authorities to absorb. The nominal government, the Palestinian Authority, is already in a financial crisis and struggling to meet peoples basic needs, with the World Bank predicting a nearly $2 billion budget deficit this year. I dont know how Israel believes this will play out when the Palestinian Authority is under immense pressure, hardly able to survive and has no money, and as the West Banks unemployment stands at over 30% with unemployment in some of the camps over 65%," said Friedrich. If you pull out Unrwa, how can this lead to more stability?" Friedrich said various armed Palestinian political groups could seek to exploit the increased poverty and lack of governance structure that will result from Unrwas forced absence. Anyone seeking to replace Unrwa would also face a dilemma about whether to retain the agencys experienced Palestinian staff, which Israel alleges is rife with Hamas connections, or replace them with foreigners, which would cost more and present additional risk. The U.N. also has yet to bolster vetting to combat militant infiltration beyond sharing staff identities with Israel, which Unrwa says it has done for years. If the Israelis have a problem with the Unrwa teachers, where are we going to get those hundreds of teachers?" said one U.N. official. If another entity rehires former Unrwa teachers and rebrands them, does that mean that all [Israels] criticism towards Unrwa staff is moot?" Omar Abdel-Baqui contributed to this article. Write to Stephen Kalin at stephen.kalin@wsj.com Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong concerns about proposal for a quick end in the Russia-Ukraine war from US President-elect Donald Trump, reiterating that such a move would harm Ukraines sovereignty and independence. Zelenskyy speaking at a press conference in Budapest, said, I believe that President Trump really wants a quick decision to end Russias war against Ukraine. It doesnt mean that it will happen this way. Zelenskyy acknowledged that Trump wants to end the war, but stressed that a fair and lasting resolution must be prioritized over a hasty peace that could benefit Russia. I believe that Trump really wants a quick decision, Zelenskyy said. He wants this war to be finished, but a rapid solution could mean a loss for Ukraine. Speaking at the press conference, Zelenskyy also responded to calls from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who earlier advocated for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Orbans remarks echoed suggestions for a rapid end to the conflict, but Zelenskyy was firm in his opposition. Zelenskyy emphasized that previous ceasefire attempts, particularly in 2014, had led to significant losses for Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. He pointed out that the lack of enforcement mechanisms for such ceasefire agreements left Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian aggression. A ceasefire without proper guarantees is not peace; its the preparation for ruin, Zelenskyy added. I heard that its better to implement a cease-fire and then, well see, Zelenskyy said, referring to Orbans comments. [A] cease-fire was tried back in 2014. We tried to reach this cease-fire and we lost Crimea and then we had the full-scale invasion. He also warned against proposals from foreign leaders who have not experienced war firsthand and may not fully grasp the risks involved. He specifically referred to proposals from countries like Brazil, China, and Russia, which have called for a ceasefire but failed to offer any credible plan for Ukraines security. Zelenskyys comments come amid ongoing discussions about how best to bring an end to the conflict, which has now entered its second year. As part of his broader diplomatic efforts, the Ukrainian President has also sought stronger support from NATO and Western allies to confront new threats, including the involvement of North Korean troops in Russias military operations against Ukraine. In a separate development, Zelenskyy raised the issue of North Korean involvement in the war, revealing that over 7,000 North Korean soldiers had been deployed by Russia to assist in the fighting. These troops, he said, were armed with advanced weaponry, including mortars, sniper rifles, and RPGs, and were receiving training at military bases in Russias far east. Zelenskyy pointed to the increasing militarization of the conflict, noting that North Korean forces, along with Russian troops, were now operating near Ukraines border. Zelenskyy called for a stronger response from NATO to address the growing threat posed by North Koreas involvement. He also reiterated Ukraines need for authorization to use long-range weapons against military targets in Russia, especially as North Korean troops are stationed close to the frontline. However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine could not take such action without approval from Western allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom. We know where the North Korean forces are, Zelenskyy said. But we cannot strike them without the necessary weapons and approval from our allies. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his promise to push for a quick resolution to the war, claiming he could end the conflict within 24 hours of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. Trumps position on the war has evolved over time. In an October 17 interview, he criticized Zelenskyy for allowing the war to escalate, placing some blame on the Ukrainian leader for not preventing the conflict. However, Trump has expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian people and reiterated that he seeks to help them despite his criticisms of Zelenskyys actions. Also Read | Zelensky says preparing plan to end war with Russia Trump, who was reelected as President this week, announced plans to contact both Zelenskyy and Putin on the night of November 5, should he win the election. He emphasized that his goal would be to initiate peace talks aimed at ending the war as quickly as possible. Ill work on this from the moment we win, Trump said. I will call Putin. I will call Zelenskyy. Ill say, Weve got to stop it. In 1872, Victoria Clafflin Woodhull became the first woman to stand as a candidate in an American presidential election (for the Equal Rights Party). The spirited spiritualist chose the radical abolitionist Frederick Douglass as her running mate, albeit without seeking his consent or informing him. Also the first female broker on Wall Street, Woodhull was a suffragist. They cannot roll back the rising tide of reform," she said, according to popular accounts. The world moves." It couldve been a historic year for US democracy, with a woman president and an African-American veep. As it happened, she was prevented from voting herself, received no electoral-college vote and an unknown number of popular votes. In any case, she couldnt have voted in a world of unequal civil rights. One woman who tried to do so that November, Susan B. Anthony, was arrested. In August 2020, Donald Trump pardoned herbut his executive grant of clemency drew outrage from American women, who argued Anthony had committed no crime and needed no pardon. After all, she had not paid a penny of her $100 fine for a reason. Gender courses through the lifeblood of US democracy. The latest White House election that handed Trump a clear mandate to rule for the next four years was another flashpoint in the history of a long struggle. A full 152 years after Woodhulls abortive bid, 2024 could have given America its first female presidentand indeed, the first of colourin Kamala Harris. In the event, it was Trump who created history by becoming only the second person in 132 years to be re-elected president after a break. Dashed hopes raise the question: Is America still unprepared for a woman president? The answer is more nuanced than what a gender lens alone may lead us to. Still, this is the third election where women have played a strong role and yet bitten the dust. Both the previous occasions featured Hillary Clinton. The first time around, in 2008, she was defeated in the primaries by Barack Obama. Appointed Secretary of State by Obama, she then lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election, despite winning nearly 3 million more votes across the US. In both 2016 and 2024, the electoral-college victor, Trump, was accused of making misogynistic statements about his rival. So much so that millions participated in a worldwide womens march in 2017 to protest Trump. Also read: The miscalculations that sent Kamala Harris to a devastating loss The US capital Washington led, with about half-a-million marchers, the biggest one-day gathering in America until then. And yet, this years election seemed like a replay of the one in 2016. Once again, crude remarks were hurled at women, even as Harris made abortion rights a cornerstone of her campaign. With exit-poll data out, the bald facts stare at us. Fewer women voted for Harris in 2024 than for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020; Trump got the disproportionate support of men in general and Latino males in particular; and Harris won fewer votes from young voters and far fewer from the middle-aged. Harris did very well, though, with African-American women. Sure, American voters were motivated by a range of concerns. Even so, its hard to overlook or gloss over the role played by a mix of class, ethnicity and gender, and a long history of patriarchy, in dashing hopes of a woman leading the worlds most powerful nation. Race and gender are notoriously difficult to unpack in US politics. And it would be no surprise to learn that both biases conspired to keep Harris out of the White House. Also read: Donald Trump returns to White House with an unexpected win The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has long been associated with delays and financial creditors taking significant losses in high-profile corporate insolvencies. In the recent past, various stakeholders including the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das and Indias G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant have flagged concerns over delays and asked for a recovery boost. Fortunately, after eight years, as Indias insolvency regime matures, a shift is emerging, with a few recent cases challenging the narrative of poor recoveries. Some large-ticket resolutions, both early on and more recently, show that creditors can recover far more than anticipatedsometimes even more than their admitted claims. When the IBC first came into force in 2016, cases like Monnet Ispat (2018) and Alok Industries (2019) made headlines, although not for reasons that creditors were celebrating. These cases involved significant haircuts, with creditors losing 70-90% of their admitted claims. This painted a picture of the IBC as a system where creditors bore the brunt of insolvency, often walking away with a fraction of what was owed them. This led to cries for reform in the design of the system. On the positive side, there were successful cases such as Binani Cement (2018) and Essar Steel (2019) that provided the best possible outcome for all stakeholders, proving that large recoveries were possible in valuable companies. Lenders of Essar Steel, for instance, recovered nearly 90% of their admitted claims. UltraTech Cements resolution of Binani Cement yielded more than 100% recovery for creditors, including an important precedent of allowing interest to accrue during the resolution process. While earlier examples set the stage, recent cases like SKS Power are reinforcing this shift. In 2024, the resolution of SKS Power, acquired by Sarda Energy, saw 100% recovery for creditors. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed challenges from competing bidders and upheld the resolution plan of Sarda Energy, ensuring full recovery for financial creditors. One of the key developments that has gone relatively unnoticed is the willingness of courts to let creditors receive more than their admitted claims. Traditionally, the focus of insolvency resolutions has been on settling admitted claims, but some cases have shown that creditors can recover beyond this, if contractual terms are respected. In the Binani Cement case, for example, the resolution plan provided for 10% interest to financial creditors during the entire resolution period. Similarly, in the more recent case of Sripriya Kumar (2023), financial creditors received more than the admitted 34.27 crore thanks to a penal interest clause, ultimately recovering 46 crore. The NCLATs ruling in the Sripriya Kumar case that interest payments were not waived by the moratorium may just have highlighted a new path for creditors, reinforcing the sanctity of contracts. These cases show that the courts are supportive of creditors receiving additional payments where contractual obligations exist, underscoring that financial creditors are not always left with just the bare minimum. A driving force behind this trend is the IBCs respect for the Committee of Creditors (CoC) commercial wisdom. Since financial creditors bear the greatest risk, courts have deferred to their decisions, whether its a deep haircut or full recovery. The Supreme Courts ruling in K. Sashidhar has solidified this principle, and courts continue to follow this approach, showing that they will not second-guess the CoC unless theres a significant breach of law. While haircuts remain a reality in many cases, the ability of creditors to recover more than their admitted claims, or at the very least avoid significant losses, signals a promising new direction for the IBC. The combination of courts honouring contractual terms and respecting the CoCs commercial decisions and the strategic interests of resolution applicants has created space for hope in what was once seen as a harsh landscape for financial creditors. Under a regime once characterized by huge delays and steep financial losses, these cases highlight the IBCs potential to deliver favourable outcomes, reshaping the expectations of creditors. As emphasized by chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, sustained improvement in the operational efficiency of the debt resolution process under the IBC, with faster resolutions, is critical for achieving 7-8% economic growth. He also emphasized the need for innovative resolution routes like pre-pack arrangements for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to keep legal costs low, the importance of enhanced capacity in terms of resolution professionals and the need to minimize delays in decision-making. When enacted in 2016, Indias IBC law was considered a major milestone for reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Eight years on, it is time to review its functioning for further improvements. Dhanendra Kumar is chairman of Competition Advisory Services India LLP and former chairman of the Competition Commission of India. Revival hopes for Jet Airways received a mortal blow on Thursday as the Supreme Court ordered its liquidation. Since the non-operational airlines acquisition bid-winner Jalan Kalrock Consortium had failed to infuse 350 crore as an initial tranche and meet other obligations under a resolution plan, the apex court said it was left with no choice but to send Jet Airways into liquidation". It overturned a decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal to uphold an order for its ownership transfer to the consortium and held it at fault for letting a 150 crore performance bank guarantee be adjusted against the 350 crore infusion. The airline, grounded since 2019, has witnessed twists and turns over its status. The consortium alleged that its lenders who took charge after pushing it into insolvency were not turning its ownership over, while the banks said the acquirer needed to infuse funds as required by the plan. Meanwhile, those whose dues had to be paid were kept waiting. That confusion prevailed for so long reflects poorly on Indias bankruptcy process. Quick rescues were a key aim of the new code enacted in 2016. This case has been a high-profile let-down. TEL AVIVIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies celebrated Donald Trumps win, assuming the former presidents return to the White House will bring it with the kind of support for Netanyahus policies that characterized Trumps first term in office. But this time around, things are different. Israel is now embroiled in wars on multiple fronts that have increasingly relied on U.S. support, including defensive help from American forces in thwarting Iranian missiles. The Middle East is teetering on the edge of a broader war that threatens to pull in world powers like the U.S., Russia and China. Trumps next administration likely wont have the same cast of characters as his first. Jared Kushner, who was responsible for his Middle East policy during Trumps first term, has so far said he doesnt plan to play a role in his father-in-laws administration. And behind Trumps support lies a healthy dose of isolationist fervor, raising questions about to what extent a second Trump administration will want to put U.S. assets on the line for even its closest foreign allies. Add to that residual anger from the president-elect toward Netanyahu for being the first foreign leader to congratulate President Biden on his 2020 win, and it becomes far less clear what the administrations posture will be toward the prime minister and Israeli interests. This wont be a repeat of 2016," said Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jerusalem-based Jewish People Policy Institute. He might be willing to let Israel unleash its full power on its enemies in the short term. In the long term, hes a more isolationist candidate and president." Trump has called himself the most pro-Israel president in history. Many Israelis are inclined to agree. He moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that American presidents had long promised but never delivered on. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which most of the world still considers to be occupied Syrian territory. His crowning foreign-policy achievement was the Abraham Accords, which broke decades of precedent that said peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors could never be achieved without a Palestinian state. But none of these accomplishments required the U.S. to give up much. This time, Israel has been relying on a steady stream of U.S. weapons and defensive forces in the region to help protect the country from Iranian missile attacks, and the Saudis have raised the cost of normalization with Israel to now include a U.S. defense treaty and a Palestinian state. Trump did many things that were supportive of Israel and that the Israeli government wanted but they didnt require a huge degree of American commitment," said Michael Koplow, chief policy officer for the New York-based Israel Policy Forum, a pro-Israel think tank that advocates for a two-state solution. This time around, the Israelis now for over a year have been getting huge amounts of U.S. support and the longer the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon continues, the more that is going to have to continue. That gets blown up exponentially if there is increasing conflict between Israel and Iran." Trumps plans for Iran are perhaps the murkiest part of his Middle East agenda, at one moment appearing to encourage Netanyahu to strike Irans nuclear facilities, something that could certainly trigger a broader war, while simultaneously saying he wants to avoid a war and cut a deal with Tehran. His first term took a decidedly hawkish posture on Iran. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear pact, which imposed strict but temporary restrictions on Irans nuclear work. He imposed crippling sanctions on Tehran that killed off Irans trade with Europe and many other countries, causing an economic crisis. His decision to order the strike that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani led to pledges of revenge in Tehran, which continued after he left office. Earlier this year, U.S. intelligence officials briefed Trump on alleged threats by Iran to assassinate him. Simultaneously, Trump has said he doesnt want conflict with Iran and that he isnt seeking regime change but wants to ensure Tehran doesnt develop a nuclear weapon. That has come wrapped in a broader promise to American voters that his administration will end wars, not start them. The confused posture could reflect the personalities within Trumps orbit who are vying to shape his foreign policy. His circle includes traditional Republicans who want a tough approach against American enemies, as well as those who view China as the biggest threat to U.S. power and influence. Then there is the wing of isolationists who want the U.S. to stay entirely out of foreign affairs. Who will win will play a central role in how Trumps Middle East policy plays out. The administration will be a tug of war between the security hawks, the China-firsters and the true isolationists who dont believe we have any role in the world," said Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Washington-based Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a think tank that is pushing for a hawkish policy toward Iran. Still, there are many reasons for Netanyahu to expect a Trump administration to give him more latitude as he fights Hamas and Hezbollah, especially when it comes to keeping weapons steadily flowing. The Biden administration, by contrast, has at times slowed weapons shipments to Israel. More recently, the State Department has been pressuring Israel to do more to relieve suffering in Gaza by providing more humanitarian aid, and has been threatening military funding if it doesnt improve. One former Trump administration official said it is hard to believe the president-elect would ever use the threat of throttling weapons shipments or military funding to try to pressure Israel, both because of his record and because of the pushback he would receive from key pro-Israel elements of his base and congressional Republicans. Pressuring Israel in these ways, like the Biden administration did, are toxic," the former official said. Those who stand to win the most from Trumps return are Israeli settlers in the West Bank and their supporters, who want to see Israel annex at least parts of the occupied territory. The Biden administrations policies of sanctioning violent Israeli settlers are unlikely to continue under Trump. Israel Ganz, who heads a council representing all Israeli settlements in the West Bank, said he has spoken with former Trump administration officials who could play a role in his second term and believes they are likely to give broad license for Israel to carry out its own policies in the West Bank. I think that if the government of Israel wants to apply sovereignty and expand settlements and improve infrastructure, the Trump administration will support this in a wide-ranging and significant way," said Ganz. But Trump could also be harder for Netanyahu to manage than Biden. Netanyahu has shown a willingness to defy Biden, confident that U.S. support for Israel will continue no matter how unwilling he is to bow to American pressure. But Trumps unpredictability could force Netanyahu to walk a much finer line. Trump has said he wants to see the wars in Gaza and Lebanon end. Netanyahu has been reluctant thus far to accept a cease-fire deal in either arena. With Trump, he doesnt have that same maneuverability," said Yaakov Katz, another senior fellow with JPPI. He does have to really be more aligned with Trump and not push back as much because of the uncertainty of where is Trump going to be on these issues." Carrie Keller-Lynn, Dov Lieber and Laurence Norman contributed to this article. Write to Shayndi Raice at Shayndi.Raice@wsj.com Look at the state of European politics today and a collage of pandemonium emerges. France has been stuck with a caretaker government for two months following legislative elections which no party won decisively. In Germany the hard right came top in one set of state elections on September 1st; its federal chancellor, Olaf Scholz, seems destined for defeat in a nationwide ballot this time next year. The less said about Hungary and its strongman prime minister, Viktor Orban, the better. Coalitions formed by parties with little in common keep governments with tenuous majorities in power, from Spain to the Netherlands. And then there is Belgium, a country where politicians ritually haggle for a year or more before forming a government (current count: 88 days). Part of the charm of democracy is that it is messy, but Europe has elevated the chaos to high art. Even amid the voter-induced tumult, in a rainy corner of northern Europe a bit of the continents government machine keeps churning. A new roster of 27 European commissioners is currently being assembled in Brussels, with new assignments expected to be doled out in coming days. From migration policy to trade, regulating big tech, bolstering European defence, monitoring national finances, devising green rules and much more besides, few facets of life in the bloc are beyond the scope of the European Unions executive behemoth. The technocratic approach it favours skirts questions around democratic accountability. But it has been so effective that the leave-it-to-the-experts method of governing has caught on beyond Brussels. When politicians fail to form national governments, outside experts" are sometimes called upon instead. The temptations of technocracy are like a siren call for those who just want to get things done, voters be damned. The march of the European technocrats is in large part down to the drift of competences"to use a bit of Brussels patoisfrom its 27 member states towards the EU. Once a coal-and-steel trading club, it has morphed into a government in all but name. Often that is no bad thing: it would be absurd for two dozen midsized neighbouring countries to each have their own decarbonisation targets, for example. As Europe has battled a slew of crises, from covid-19 to the war in Ukraine, the mandarins of Brussels have amassed more influence. A growing swathe of the EU budget is doled out to countries that meet conditions set out by Eurocrats, whether it be reforming courts or labour laws. In theory, if not in practice, the blocs rules constrain national governments natural desire to run bottomless budget deficits, for example. Another hefty dose of nagging is in the works. On September 9th Mario Draghi, a former boss of the European Central Bank, is expected to unveil a report on how to revive the blocs sclerotic economy. Rumoured to come in at 400 pages, it is already being treated as an oracular blueprint for what governments must do to remain in the EUs good graces. No doubt Mr Draghis reportwhose edicts will be inserted into the working briefs of incoming commissionerswill be full of good sense. But who decides if that is so? Politicians need to worry about how their policies will play at the ballot box. As the EUs latest technocrat-in-chief, that is of no concern to Mr Draghi. Tough luck for any voters who think he is misguided on the future of industrial policy, say. The timing of the report, prepared largely before but released just after European elections in which its recommendations did not feature, is unfortunate. It will lend credence to claims that the EU is unaccountable to voters. This point is often exaggerated. A 720-strong European Parliament keeps tabs on commissioners, and will audition each aspirant to the post in coming weeks (Ursula von der Leyen, who has headed the commission since 2019, was approved by the parliament for a second term in July). National governments have plenty of say in how the EU institutions use their powers, not least deciding who leads them. But those who claim Brussels is a fountain of red tape beyond scrutiny also have a point. Often the regulations affecting Europeans are the work of a 32,000-strong bureaucracy that need not fret over what public opinion makes of their latest initiative. And technocracy has gained a foothold at national level, too. European politics has become messier. Gone are the days of two big parties duking out elections with one clear winner. Now there are up to a dozen including greens, liberals and nationalists as well. The compromise required to form alliances is all the more elusive, even more so if parties of the hard right are seen as beyond the pale when it comes to forming coalitions, as they often are. In the ensuing deadlock, settling for an uncontentious expert is often the only obvious solution after months of stasis. Mr Draghi was roped in as Italian prime minister in 2021, the fourth technocrat in the job since the 1990s. The newish Dutch prime minister was until recently a civil servant in its justice ministry, elevated to the top job when squabbling politicians failed to find a figurehead leader acceptable to all. Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, was in recent days said to be considering an unknown mutual-insurance administrator to serve as prime minister. Qui? The expert will see you now A little technocratic interlude while politicians get their act together may be no bad thing. But the point of politics is to make decisions. In practice that means someone balancing the advice of experts with electoral realities. As Jean-Claude Juncker, a former commission boss, memorably put it, politicians the world over know what needs to be done, just not how to get re-elected having done it. Democracies stay vibrant by kicking out the current lot, leaving space for new blood who might listen to a different type of expert. Technocrats will always have their place in well-functioning polities, but it should be in the background. To stay on top of the biggest European stories, sign up to Cafe Europa, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Jammu & Kashmir: At least 15 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, including Langate MLA Sheikh Khurshid, were on Friday marshalled out of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly as they attempted to protest in the well of the House. Soon after the speaker evicted the leaders, 11 other BJP MLAs walked out of the House in protest. The House has been witnessing uproar for the last two days as BJP MLAs have been protesting vociferously after the resolution to restore the special status passed by an overwhelming vote on Wednesday, November 6. Remove them away The BJP members had jumped into the well, grabbed the papers, and tore them into pieces, causing the speaker to marshall them out. Remove them away, J&K Assembly's newly elected speaker Abdul Rahim Rather could be heard repeating, ordering for the BJP leaders to be rushed out, according to the visuals released by ANI. When the House met for the day in the morning, the BJP MLAs raised slogans like Pakistani agenda nahi chalega. Amid the chaos, the speaker adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes. Following the adjournment, the MLAs continued to protest, even after Rahim Rather requested them to take their seats. J&K Assembly ruckus: The story behind After the resolution seeking the restoration of the erstwhile state's constitutional special status was passed on Wednesday, the Assembly urged the Centre to begin discussions with elected representatives from the region to restore Jammu and Kashmir's special status and constitutional guarantees and establish the necessary constitutional mechanisms for this purpose. This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal, PTI quoted Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary as saying. J&K Assembly Today's episode marks the third day that the Assembly has witnessed chaos and bedlam, paralysing the proceedings. The National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) images act as a window to the world of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. They often keep us updated about what is happening in our universe and space. Here are the top ten NASA images for the astrophile to help us better understand the Earth and the universe. 10 NASA images of the Sun, Moon and other planets NASA image of strong solar flares captured on November 6 US Space agency, NASA, keeps a constant observation of the Sun's surface and keeps a track of whatever happens there. In a recent image of the Sun's surface, NASA captured a set of strong solar flares erupting during a solar storm on the Sun's surface.The image was captured by the NASA on November 6. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. NASA image of Jupiter, captured on October 25 The US Space Agency recently shared a new set of fresh pictures capturing Jupiter's surface. NASA Image of Jupiter The NASA image captured different phases of the planet and shed light upon its striking features including active volcanoes, lava on the moon, etc. These images were captured by NASA's Juno Spacecraft on October 27, 2024. NASA Image of Jupiter The spacecraft was sent in space to unravel mysteries surrounding the gas giant related to its origin and evolution, its moon, and the solar system and beyond. The spacecraft is scheduled to continue surveying the planet until September 2025. Image of Earths city lights streak captured by a NASA scientist on October 24, 2024 Unlike the other NASA images mentioned earlier, this one captures a rare sight of the Earth from space. The long-exposure photo captures the Earth's city lights streak. The image was captured by NASA astronaut Don Pettit on Oct. 24, 2024. The green glow of Earths atmosphere is also visible on the horizon. NASA image of Earth The image is one of the thousand similar photographs captured by NASA astronauts through Crew Earth Observations. Their photographs capture how the planet changes over time due to human activity and natural events. NASA image of Callisto, third-largest moon in the solar system. Image was shared on social media in October. The third-largest moon in the solar systemalmost as big as the planet MercuryCallisto was first spotted orbiting Jupiter in 1610 by the astronomer Galileo Galilei. Callisto has been pummeled by comets and asteroids for 4 billion years, shaping its rocky, icy surface. Scientists think that, like fellow moon Europa, Callisto could hold a massive ocean underneath. NASA image of a nebula The NASA image was captured by Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE. The eerie green object is nothing but a nebula in space. THe stark resemblance of the nebula with that of a witch earned it the name Witch Hat. This nebulas billowy clouds are a star nursery. NASA image of Earth's only satellite, moon. The colourful round astronomical object is nothing but our Moon! The composite photo was formed by NASA from images captured by Galileo spacecraft. The image of Earth's Moon is a riot of reds, oranges, and blue. Different colours of the Earth's satellite highlight different features on Moon including lunar highlands, volcanic lava, lunar sea, etc. NASA image of Westerlund star cluster. Lets face it, youre online right now, looking for updates and analysis. If youre scrolling anyway, maybe try fixing something in your lifein 15 minutes or less. Heres our latest suggestion: Next time youre feeling stressed, try giving some money away. Generosity is a powerful drug even in small doses. Donations to a worthy cause or acts of kindness to friends give your mind and body a boost. Yes, the side effects of a charitable act may include a better mood, lower blood pressure and a longer life, according to studies from brain scientists and economists. You might experience a spike in serotonin and dopamine, hormones associated with happiness, and a drop in cortisol, researchers say. (You also get some tax benefits.) Before you start using your checkbook as a prescription pad, there is one caveat. How you give money and time matters more than how much, says Sara Konrath, a social psychologist leading a research lab at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Heres the formula to getting the best return on giving: 1. Give a damn Generosity works best when you mean it. You wont feel the same high if you were guilted into giving by your Aunt Linda. Youll feel 10% more satisfied giving a voluntary donation than when it is an obligation, a 2007 study from the University of Oregon found. When youre genuinely excited about the gift, the good feelings linger. A study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that the joy of making a $5 gift lasted five days, while the effect of the more self-serving retail therapy" faded much faster. People experience a kind of givers high that lasts longer than the fleeting pleasure of personal spending," says Lara Aknin, a psychologist studying well-being and social relationships. 2. Follow the money Acts of charity are more rewarding when we can see the impact of our gifts. You will feel a deeper connection if you watch how your donation is used. Charities that send regular impact updates see more engaged, generous donors. When the local food bank shares how your $100 donation helped provide lunches for 20 children, youre more likely to give again. The more obvious it is that your gift has directly helped, the better youll feel," Aknin says. 3. Unsubscribe Charities are pushing the Netflix model: They ask you to sign up for recurring donations. Such subscriptions may be good for fundraising, but they reduce your direct connection with the gift. Donors might miss the emotional reward, says Susan Gilmartin, chief marketing officer of Momentive Software, which provides software to thousands of nonprofits. So give actively, not automatically. And save recurring payments for obligations like your rent or phone bill. 4. Give time While cash donations have clear benefits, volunteering your time can do even more for your health, well-being and relationships than money. Two hours of weekly volunteer work is enough to lower your stress, a study led by the sociology department at Georgia State University found. It is also enough to provide a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can build resilience, helping people feel more in control and less reactive to daily stresses," says Aknin. When it comes to giving, if it is from the heart, youll feel the difference. Write to Dalvin Brown at dalvin.brown@wsj.com With all of Apple's major launches for the year done, the Cupertino-based tech giant is now reportedly gearing up to provide a much-needed revamp to the iPhone SE series. The latest generation, dubbed iPhone SE 4, is said to make its way in early 2025 and could be the cheapest device to support Apple Intelligence (Apple's AI features). Apart from the new AI features, the iPhone SE 4 is also said to mark a number of firsts for an SE device. Without further ado, let's dive into all the rumors and leaks about the upcoming iPhone SE device. iPhone SE 4 leaks: 1) OLED display: According to a leak by tipster Jukanlosreve (via PhoneArena), the iPhone SE 4 will come with a 6.06-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The phone will feature a notch that houses the Face ID and front-facing camera system. 2) Processor and RAM upgrade: The iPhone SE 4 is said to be powered by Apple's latest A18 chipset, much like the base iPhone 16 variants. Furthermore, the leak suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, a significant upgrade over the 4GB of RAM found in its predecessor. Notably, Apple also provided a major RAM upgrade with the iPhone 16 models to support Apple Intelligence features. 3) Bigger battery: iPhone SE 4 will reportedly come with a 3,279mAh battery, up from the 2,018mAh battery found in its predecessor. The increase in battery size is unsurprising, given the increased screen size. Meanwhile, the charging speed on the SE 4 is expected to remain the same at 20W, but there could also be support for MagSafe charging. 4) iPhone SE4 Price: As per peaks, the iPhone SE 4 will launch somewhere in March. It is said to be priced at either $499 or $549, a major increase from the $429 price tag of the iPhone SE 3 model. In India, the phone could take hints from its predecessor and continue to be priced under 50,000. (CNN) Donald Trump has been reelected to the White House as a convicted felon who is await UPDATE: The Chattanooga Zoo says that a vervet monkey that was shot in Soddy-Daisy after attacking a woman has been euthanized due to its injuries. "The animal certainly needed to be euthanized. It was the most humane thing to do given the severity of the animal's injuries," said Chattanooga Zoo Director of Marketing and Communications, Jake Cash. Soddy-Daisy police officers brought the injured primate to the zoo, where they were able to examine the monkey. The primate weighed 13 pounds. They evaluated the animal's severe wounds and consulted with the Humane Educational Society. They also administered gave pain medication and X-rayed the monkey before finally deciding the best course of action was humane euthanasia for the animal. Cash says the Chattanooga Zoo staff does not always condone owning exotic pets. "We just really encourage anyone who thinks they might want to undertake something like that. Like owning any sort of exotic pet to really research, really understand the risk," said Cash. PREVIOUS STORY: Soddy-Daisy police were dispatched to a Thrasher Pike home Thursday after a woman shot a monkey that attacked her. The woman told police that she was feeding her cats when the monkey approached and tried to attack her. Monkey mayhem in South Carolina after 43 primates escape research facility (CNN) Residents in a small South Carolina town are finding themselves in the middle of a r She retreated to her home where she had a shotgun inside the door, which she used to defend herself. The woman was also recovering from a recent hip surgery. When they arrived, Soddy-Daisy police officers found the injured monkey in the driveway at the home and took the animal to the Chattanooga Zoo. The monkey's c ondition is not yet known. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has also been notified. A Longford author has been praised by the Vatican for his passion writing the first book in history on the children of priests and invited to be part of a global study into the 'phenomenon'. Vincent Doyle (41) who hails from Longford town is the son of Fr JJ Doyle who served in Ardagh and Edgeworthstown throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Fr Doyle died from lung cancer in 1995. Also Read: Garda search for missing 15-year-old girl stood down following update But it was not until 2011 that Vincent was shocked to discover that Fr Doyle, a priest he knew very well, was his dad. He realised there was no mechanisms in place to support people in similar situations and in 2012 he established a website - copinginternational.com. The website was subsequently funded by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. In 2017, the psychotherapist was behind new guidelines entitled 'Principles of Responsibility regarding priests who father children while in ministry' that were established by the Catholic Church in relation to supporting children whose fathers were priests. Also Read: Simon Harris message to Donald Trump after US election win sparks big reaction In 2014, when he was working on the guidelines Mr Doyle met Pope Francis in Rome and discussed his work. Vincent's first book 'Our Fathers, A Phenomenon of Children of Catholic Priests and Religious', which was published in 2022. "The Vatican got a hold of it and they said it was the first of its kind in history, which was a huge honour," he said. "There has never been a study, it has never ever been done so I was very pleased with that." Also Read: Staff at Longford's St Christopher's 'always available' for talks to resolve ongoing pay row Vincent explained that he initially had a contract and a publishing deal with a leading publisher who asked him to write a 70,000 word book on the topic in about six months. Also Read: Huge concern as Longford and Midlands farmers income has fallen dramatically He completed the book within the tight timeframe, however, due to editorial differences shortly before the book was due to be published they parted ways. "I think they wanted to sensationalise it and to make it more tacky, the title I wanted was 'Our Fathers' but they wanted 'Our Fathers Who Art in Hiding," he says. "I did not agree to it because I wanted it to be an academic book." Vincent subsequently got two more publication deals but they could not agree terms. Also Read: 'It's unbelievable' - Kyle Hayes assault victim's mother slams All-Star award as 'disgusting' "I thought about binning it and it was my wife who said, 'No self publish it', he recalls. "So I ended up self publishing. It's done reasonably well, but I think it would be done better if I had a publishing company behind it." Vincent stated the Vatican has officially taken the book on board and praised his work and two weeks ago he was invited to be part of a global study into the phenomenon of children of priests. The secretary of the Pontifican Commission for the Protection of Minors at the Vatican, Luis Manuel Ali Herrera wrote to Vincent and invited him to be part of the global study and thanked him for his passion regarding the issue of children of priests. "The Commission, with the Vulnerability Study Group, has started to outline the necessary theological, spiritual and anthropological context in which vulnerability may arise, and to get a deeper understanding of vulnerability as a concept and the myriad considerations that apply to it in the life of the church," the letter stated. Ali Herrera also asked Vincent in the correspondence if he would also be able to contribute to their study by providing studies, research projects or publications he is aware of. Also Read: Seventeen candidates in Longford / Westmeath set to battle it out for five Dail seats "It would be helpful for the Commission and the Study Group to map out future research if you could share your thoughts on how vulnerability -broadly defined as the abuse of power and exploitation of relationships -affects (or might affect) the lives and experiences of children of priests and their mothers, particularly regarding their identity and human dignity," the Vatican secretary added. Vincent, who attended St Mel's College, has a long history of penning poetry and creative writing in Longford, insists the stance the Vatican is now taking is a significant step. "What the Vatican declared in March and there is a letter stating it is that the children of priests are now considered vulnerable children or vulnerable adults and they are not to be excluded from the cohort of people considered clerical abuse victims," he said. "They are in the remit of clerical abuse victims and that is a monumental step forward." Vincent believes the label attached to abuse and whether a person believes they are a victim is very much down to the individual. Also Read: Muhammad Jamshaid recognised as Longford Family Carer of the Year "Abuse is ad hoc, it's a case by case but you can be conceived in a stable, loving relationship and then go on to endure colossal amounts of stigma because of the nature of your conception because this secrecy that you should bring with you," he added. Vincent has strong family connections to the church. His uncle Rev. Michael Doyle formerly of Rossduff, Aughnacliffe, county Longford, spent six decades in the US before he died two years ago. Grace and Erin Ross, otherwise known as The Ross Sisters, recently launched their brand new songbook, The Ross Sisters Sing, which features a whopping 39 songs. Upon purchase, an exclusive QR code will be available along with the book, giving exclusive access to their brand-new album. We sat down with one-half of this dynamic duo, Grace Ross to talk about the inception of The Ross Sisters Sing It was Pauline Flood who gave us the idea to do it, explains Grace, Initially it was just meant to be a book but then she said, You should do an album and she got on to Paul Gurney who helped us with the album. Erin did most of the work for it, she recalls, In terms of getting songs ready and the recording because I was in Dublin most of the time and she was at home. The official launch was in Edgeworthstown community library on Thursday (October 24), it was more of a serious one so I was so nervous but once Erin started singing with me I was grand. Also Read: Staff at Longford's St Christopher's 'always available' for talks to resolve ongoing pay row The songs on the album and in the book are a mix, they are traditional but not the kind youd be used to hearing. They're all old Irish songs about leaving Ireland and Sean nos songs and ballads, she explains, So if youre leaving Ireland and youre missing home, theyre the kind of songs that would make you miss home more. Theres a song called Erin Gra mo Chroi that Erin sings and always makes me cry, Another song featured on the album is Emigrants Eye, the theme of emigration features strongly within many of the pieces in the book and album. Also Read: Huge concern as Longford and Midlands farmers income has fallen dramatically Now that its out its a relief because a lot of work was put into it and a lot of time and energy, I was worried people wouldn't think much of it, she admitted. Thankfully her fears were proven wrong, and the reactions to The Ross Sisters' release have been nothing but stellar. If anyone is interested in purchasing the book, message the girls on The Ross Sisters' Facebook to arrange it. Also Read: Job Alert: Well established legal practice in Longford is now hiring A husband and wife in Cork have been ordered to pay over 20,000 in fines and costs, after over 70 dogs were rescued from a "filthy" puppy farm they operated. William and Eleanor Sheehy, with an address at Grange More, Timoleague, county Cork appeared before Judge Monika Leech at Bandon District Court this Thursday, November 7, for sentencing. At a hearing earlier this week, they had each pleaded guilty to six charges brought against them under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Giving evidence during that hearing, ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector Caroline Faherty told the court how she visited the Sheehys property on two occasions in March of last year and discovered large numbers of dogs living in horrendous conditions. She described a strong smell of ammonia, with faeces everywhere, some of which had mould on it indicating that it had been there for some time. All of the dogs water bowls were filthy dirty and some were empty. 50 dogs and more than 20 puppies were living in the appalling conditions. Many of the dogs were malnourished and also suffering from other health issues including conjunctivitis, alopecia, ear infections, and matted coats. Inspector Faherty described one female Newfoundland dog whose coat was so matted that it was hard like cement. When the coat was removed the dog was found to be virtually skeletal. Other dog breeds on the premises included Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Jack Russell Terriers, Collies and Poodles. Insp. Faherty told how dogs were housed in an old piggery which was wet and cold, with no insulation or heating. Some areas were enclosed, but without adequate ventilation. Plastic fish boxes were used as beds, with some of them chewed. And many of these dogs were small breeds for which the living areas were totally unsuitable. She described the premises as not not fit for purpose. When Insp. Faherty returned to the property two days later with the local Dog Warden and a Cork County Council Veterinary Inspector, the decision was made to remove some of the dogs in the worst condition on welfare grounds. Thankfully, the dogs and puppies made full recoveries in ISPCA care and have been rehabilitated and placed in loving, caring homes. Read Also: ALERT: Deadline to register for postal voting confirmed for General Election 2024 Describing the suffering that dogs endured at the hands of the Sheehys as intolerable and extreme, Judge Leech imposed five-month suspended custodial sentences on both defendants, fined each of the accused a total of 6,000 and ordered that they pay almost 13,000 in ISPCA costs. In addition, Judge Leech disqualified both parties from owning or breeding dogs for life. She ordered that any remaining dogs on their property be surrendered to the ISPCA immediately for rehoming and that the Sheehys must cover the rehoming costs. Judge Leech remarked that a victim impact statement couldnt be obtained from the dogs but that they were defenceless and vulnerable and had been subjected to a life of misery. Insp. Faherty called the case "a stark reminder for anybody thinking about buying a puppy to consider where puppies are coming from and where their Mums spend their lives". "They are often crammed together in cold dark living conditions, denied basic animal care, natural sunlight, bedding, and exercise. The ISPCA is reminding potential buyers to beware of the pitfalls of responding to online advertisements for puppies and other pets, especially in the lead up to Chiristmas. People should ensure that they ask the right questions to avoid falling victim to puppy rogue breeders, who put profits before animal welfare, the organisation said. "There is no thought for the welfare of these vulnerable dogs used for breeding, to produce money-making litters of puppies for sale, so dont fuel the demand and become a victim," a spokesperson for the ISPCA said. President Michael D. Higgins has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump after his victory in the US election earlier this week. In a statement by the President, he says: "Ireland has a long and deep connection with the United States and its people. "I have conveyed my best wishes to President Elect Donald Trump, wishing him and the American people every good fortune for his term in office." In the letter written to President-elect Trump, President Higgins emphasised the "valued relationship" between the US and Ireland, saying: "We will continue to build our relationship on the solid and mutually beneficial ground that our people have nurtured for the last hundred years." READ NEXT: Risk of 'transatlantic trade shock' increased due to election of Trump says Taoiseach He went on to say that the US has a significant connection to Ireland with the role the country played in securing peace in Northern Ireland. President Higgins wrote: "These valued relationships are manifested both in the breadth and depth of our connections on so many levels, as well as in our extensive economic and cultural partnerships. "In the political sphere, the enduring, bipartisan commitment of the United States to peace on the island of Ireland played a key role in delivering the Good Friday Agreement." He did, however, highlight some "global concerns" that needed to addressed such as climate change, food insecurity and international conflict, saying: "I believe that achieving peace, ending global hunger, and having an effective multilateralism are al central challenges of our time, the solutions for which are so vital now and to which Ireland is committed." This follows Taoiseach Simon Harris' expression of congratulations to Trump earlier in the week. Crime By Long Island Published: November 08 2024 Police arrested two men involved in a street takeover in Islip, where an officer was assaulted and dragged by a fleeing vehicle. Suffolk County Police have arrested two people in connection with a street takeover during which an officer was assaulted and dragged by a vehicle in Islip on November 3. While responding to multiple 911 calls regarding vehicles blocking traffic, a Third Precinct officer was involved in a motor vehicle crash, striking a pole while attempting to avoid a person in the roadway, on westbound Sunrise Service Road, near Commack Road, in Islip at approximately 1 a.m. on November 3. The officer exited his vehicle and walked to the front of the crowd when he observed a black Ford Mustang driving recklessly. The officer was able to get the driver to stop. Several people came up behind the officer and started punching him. While the officer was holding on to the door of the Ford Mustang, the driver fled, dragging the officer. The Ford Mustang was then involved in a motor vehicle crash with another vehicle at Commack Road and Wallace Street. The driver of the Ford fled the scene on foot. Following an investigation by Third Squad detectives, the driver of the Ford Mustang, Dennis Kaprov, 21, of Brooklyn, was arrested today and charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree, Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Unlawful Speed Contests, Sideshows & Races. He will be held overnight at the Third Precinct and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on November 8. Following an investigation by Third Precinct Crime Section, officers identified an additional participant of the street takeover after his abandoned vehicle, a Chrysler 300M with a Hellcat emblem, was located. Jordy Yanzaguano, 20, of Westbury, was arrested on November 6 and charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree and Unlawful Speed Contests, Sideshows & Races for preforming maneuvers, known as donuts, in the middle of an intersection with spectators nearby during the November 3 takeover. Yanzaguano was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and will be arraigned at a later date. The officer who was assaulted and dragged was treated at and released from a local hospital. Third Squad detectives have received assistance from the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, U.S. Marshals Task Force, Third Precinct Crime Section, Suffolk County Police Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Crime Analysis Center analysts. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: November 08 2024 Kane Moore allegedly shot 39-year-old Maurice Sinclair Thomas in a Hempstead parking lot following a verbal argument. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hempstead man was arraigned for the murder of a man after the two had a verbal argument in September. Kane Moore, 30, was arraigned Friday before Judge Caryn Fink on charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony), and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony). He pleaded not guilty and was remanded. He is due back in court on November 22, 2024. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 40 years to life in prison. A simple gathering among friends turned deadly when this defendant allegedly pulled a gun during a card game and ended Maurice Sinclair Thomas life, said DA Donnelly. This senseless crime highlights the devastating impact of illegal guns in our communities. We are committed to holding defendants accountable for their wanton violence. DA Donnelly said that on September 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Moore, Maurice Sinclair Thomas, and a group of friends were playing cards in the rear parking lot of 134 Yale Street in Hempstead. An argument ensued between Moore and Thomas, and Moore allegedly pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and shot Thomas once in the left side. Thomas was taken to NYU Langone Long Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:37 a.m. The defendant fled the scene. He was arrested on October 21, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, by members of the Detroit Police Department and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He was extradited to Nassau County on October 31, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Stefanie Palma of the Homicide Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jared Rosenblatt and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. The defendant is represented by Mindy Plotkin, Esq. Naim Qassem during his second speech as secretary-general of Hezbollah. Naim Qassems second speech as secretary-general of Hezbollah, delivered on November 6, was as predictable in content as timing. It came, as is the groups custom, to commemorate 40 days since the passing of a senior figurein this case, the assassination of former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. In themes and content, Qassem repeated and summarized his four prior speeches since becoming Hezbollahs official voice after Nasrallahs death. A raspier Qassemflanked again to the left by the Lebanese and Hezbollah flags and to the right with Nasrallahs portraitbegan by eulogizing his predecessor at length. Nasrallahs death, Qassem explained to his audience, was Gods will and one of two equally desirable blessingsvictory or martyrdomthat the Almighty could grant His faithful followers. He then proceeded to heap praise upon Nasrallah and his accomplishments, including building a party that brings together all of societys factions, for several minutes. Qassem sought to demonstrate continuity and derive continued legitimacy for the party under his new leadership from Nasrallahs legacy. He, thus, emphasized that Nasrallah, like all martyrs, is alive, but you do not sense it. He will continue with us, and we will continue with him. The Resistance will remain and grow grander. As Qassem did in his previous speechesand as Nasrallah always did with his addresseshe then turned to fitting current events into Hezbollahs metanarratives: its narrative regarding the current war and its broader narrative on the course of history. Israels war on Lebanon and its significance Hezbollah, Qassem said, was now confronting an Israeli war of aggression on Lebanon that began a month and 10 days ago. This framing, constant in Hezbollahs narrative, seeks to present all of Israels campaigns in Lebanon, including the current one, as gratuitous and with far-reaching, nefarious ambitions. The corollary idea is that Hezbollah, rather than provoking the Israelis, is always acting in self-defense on behalf of Lebanon to repel this unprovoked aggression. Qassem suggested Hezbollah was separating this fight from the support front war the group had launched on October 8, 2023, in support of its allies in the Gaza Strip, whom he said, will be victorious, God willing. What started the war and its justifications, he said, were unimportant. Whats important is that we are facing an Israeli aggression. The goals of this war, Qassem falsely claimed, were a grand project aiming to change the face of the Middle East. He made this claim despite admitting in the past that Israels far less ambitious goals were to restore displaced Israelis to their homes in northern Israel and vowing Hezbollah would foil those objectives. Israels very grand project, Qassem alleged, extend beyond Gaza, Palestine and [even] Lebanon, [spanning] the entire Middle East. Israels war on Lebanon, he claimed, was merely one preparatory step that would proceed in three stages, the first of which is Hezbollahs destruction. The Israelis meeting that goal would pave the way for the second stage, Israels occupation of Lebanon [] that would make Lebanon like the West Bank. Here, Qassem hedged due to the falsehood of his claims, saying this could occur even from a distance, and so would be an invisible occupation. From there, the third stage of Israels apparent plan, reworking the map of the Middle East, would proceed. Qassem was thus trying to reframe the current conflict along the lines of Hezbollahs propaganda on the causes of the Syrian Civil War and the oppositions intended outcomes. Syria was not the organic uprising of abused Syrians against brutal dictator Bashar al-Assad to attain a better life, Hezbollah argues. Rather, it was a Western-orchestrated war against the central pivot of the noble Resistance Axis aimed at breaking that alliance and, through doing so, paving the road to subjugating the region. Qassem was reframing Israels current war along similar, diabolical lines of cosmic significance. These are the stages that Netanyahu wanted, and he began them with his war on Lebanon to achieve the first step, Qassem stressed. Hezbollah in the breach Hezbollah anticipated that this war would occur one day and has been thoroughly preparing for it for 18 years, Qassem claimed. Now, he said, Hezbollah was in a defensive posture to confront this aggression and its desired expansionist goals. Qassem claimed Israel had sought to end Hezbollah with its telecommunications device attacks on September 17 and 18, and its subsequent assassinations of Hezbollahs military and political leadership to facilitate its invasion of Lebanon. But Israel, he said, in its ignorance and hubris, did not know they were facing a party and resistance that possessed three basic components of strength ensuring the failure of Israels plans. First, the resistance fighters and the party adhere to a solid/rigid [salba], entrenched Islamic doctrine that makes them unyielding in their commitments, Qassem argued. Second, he said, the resistance fighters have surrendered their minds [literally, skulls] to God, so they do not seek worldly pleasures, and resistance is their sole path to reward in this life and the next. All of our resistance fighters, said Qassem, are martyrdom-seekers, explaining that this did not mean they were suicidal. No, the martyrdom-seeker is the one who does not fear death, but, nevertheless, is not one who actively desires it. On the battlefront, do you see the frontline fighters exposing themselves to be killed by the Israelis so they may meet God Almighty? No, they kill and fight and endure and ensure to cause [Israeli] casualties while remaining alive, he explained. What makes them martyrdom-seekers was their lack of fear and their desirelike the Vikings of oldthat their end, if it should come, should come on the battlefield, while they are in battle. The third component of Hezbollahs strength, Qassem said, was the groups military preparations, including weapons and training. Qassem then turned to discuss the foundations of Israels strength, blending this part of his speech with Hezbollahs metanarrative about Israels inherently evil nature. He argued that Israels strength rested on these equally diabolical natural foundations. They have three factors of strength, Qassem told his audience. The first is extermination/genocide [ibada], killing civilians, oppression, occupation, and monstrous behavior. Were seeing this in Gaza and Lebanon, he said. Qassem argued that the second component of Israels strength, less inherently malicious, was its air superiority. He explained that this air dominance depended on several factors, but especially the unlimited support of America, the Great Satan. Qassem said that the United States gave Israel tens of billions in military aid, alongside direct involvement in the current conflict by deploying its ships and planes and advisers, alongside everything America gives for Israel. Qassems purpose in raising this point was two-fold. The first was to exaggerate the odds that Hezbollah was facingnot just a war with Israel, but a war by proxy with the United States. This, too, is part of Hezbollahs larger historical metanarrative: that every Israeli war launched against Lebanon was actually an American proxy war. The second reason Qassem tied the conflict explicitly to America was to feed into the enmity towards the United States that the group seeks to inculcate in its followers. Israels third strength factor, Qassem explained, was deploying five IDF divisions on the ground. Regardless, he claimed Israels only true advantage was in its airpower, whereas the army and the killing and murder components are entirely disadvantageous, he said. Murder and extermination have negative repercussions for the Israeli entitys future, he explained, while the army, we see itits standing on the border and cant advance, he claimed, raising another constant Hezbollah argument: that the Israeli armys soldiers are incompetent cowards, and Hezbollahs fighters are brave warriors. The level of confrontation Hezbollahs fighters have put up, claimed Qassem, foiled Israels true plans of quickly reaching the Litani River, forcing the Israelis to lie publicly and minimize their objectives. Israel fears direct clashes, and so far, has sufficed with fighting on the frontline. They now declare they have no additional goals because they faced stiff resistance, Qassem said. This was meant to emphasize Hezbollahs strength and ability to deliver on its promise of defending Lebanon. Hezbollah will bring the war to an end Qassem then turned to explaining how the war would end by extending the theme of Israeli aggressionthat Israels campaign can only stop, and will only be stopped, by Hezbollahs military actions. We will not beg for an end to the aggression, Qassem said. We will force the [Israeli] enemy themselves to seek to request an end to [their] aggression. [] We believe only one thing will end this aggressive warthe battlefield, Qassem stressed, saying Hezbollah was not even betting on the outcomes of the US elections to change matters. The group, he said, would make it clear to Israel on the battlefield that it is defeated, preventing it from achieving its goals. Hezbollahs victory, Qassem claimed, would only come from two things. The first was Hezbollahs stiff resistance on the border, which he claimed the group could reinforce with tens of thousands of trained resistance fighter mujahidin and a sufficient supply of war materiel that can last us for a very long period, God willing. The second source of victory would be the pain Hezbollah was allegedly inflicting upon the Israeli home front with rockets and loitering munitions, forcing it to pay a true price and understand Israel will not be successful in this war, he said. Qassem argued these attacks would lead Israel to scream, since Hezbollahs projectiles can reach everywhere in the country, and he promised more and more escalation as the war progresses. For the second speech in a row, Qassem sought to rebut detractors who claimed the losses Israel inflicted upon Hezbollah demonstrated the group was too weak to defend itself or Lebanon. He returned to this claim because it cuts to the heart of Hezbollahs purported utility as a resistance organization. The groups strength, he argued, should not be judged by the blows inflicted upon it because the purpose of resistance was neither to be invincible nor to achieve conventional parity with Israel. No resistance in history ever matched the capabilities of a State, or an enemy, or an entity, or the oppressor or colonizer. [] The strength of a resistance is [measured by] its ability to endure despite the difference in military capabilities, he stressed, as part of Hezbollahs longstanding redefinition of victory to mean mere survival. In the meantime, Qassem said Hezbollah was hurting them [the Israelis] the same way they are hurting us, somewhat illogically noting that the surplus pain on the Lebanese side of the ledger owed to the resistance building a future, with sovereignty and independence, during this confrontation. He then turned to a common rhetorical trick employed by Hezbollahs spokesmen of exaggerating Israels losses over a thousand officers and soldiers killed and wounded in 40 days, though they wont admit the true number and more than 45 Merkava tanks have been hitand Hezbollahs successes. He boasted that Hezbollah had likely displaced more than 60,000 Israelis from the north and was able to send millions into bomb shelters with one missile. Qassem also claimed Hezbollah was foiling all of Israels objectives, including attempting to turn the Lebanese public against the group through forced displacement. [Israel] failed because these people love the Resistance, Qassem claimed. Lebanese citizens receiving Hezbollahs displaced supporters were not giving into Israels alleged desires, he said, because they realize Israel poses a collective danger to them all. Hezbollah is victorious Hezbollah will inevitably win, Qassem insisted, because its fighting cadres were comprised of men who bowed to God and cannot bow to another and martyrdom-seekers entirely devoted to God. Meanwhile, the price being paid in blood and lives was necessary to achieve victory. In any case, he stressed, that price paled in comparison to surrender and submission. Qassem claimed that all of Hezbollahs base had long internalized this idea, including the children. Go watch the interviews they have with children, little kids, boys and girlslisten to their logic, he said, adding, I swear by God, these are the ones who terrify the Israelis. He continued, Is it possible that a six- or seven-year-old boy or five or 10-year-old girl speaks of resistance and strength and [military] preparation and endurance and emerging victorious over Israel? His statements revealed the depths of indoctrination to which Hezbollah has subjected the children of its support base. We cannot be defeated, Qassem continued, because we are in the right, the land is ours, and God is with us. On the other hand, its impossible for Netanyahu to be victorious, he claimed, because the Israeli prime minister is ostensibly betting on murder and extermination, which cannot create victory. In any case, Qassem continued, we will walk according to Gods teachings, and we are therefore certain of victoryand he [Netanyahu] is walking according to the Devils teachings, and we are certain he will be defeated despite him saying he will win. He again framed this war in Manichean terms as Hezbollah does with all its conflicts. Moving forward, Qassem said, Indirect negotiationsthrough the Lebanese state and [Parliament] Speaker [Nabih] Berri, who carries the political banner of the Resistance can start once the enemy decides to end the aggression. These negotiations, he insisted, will be built upon two matters: first, ending the aggression, and second, the ceiling of negotiations will completely protect Lebanese sovereignty, undiminished. Here, Qassem was likely implicitly rejecting the recently leaked draft ceasefire deals, which would guarantee Israeli freedom of action in Lebanon if the Lebanese state does not diminish Hezbollahs armed strength. Here, Qassem was insisting on undiminished Lebanese sovereignty, knowing that, absent external pressure, Lebanon and the Lebanese government will never act against the group. Qassem ended his speech by saying that if the Israelis had bet on extending the war to bleed Hezbollah through attrition, then the group was prepared for a long fight. Take your time. If you want a war of attrition, we are ready, he stressed. No matter how much time passes, we will remain steadfastconfronting you. Qassem promised that Israel will not win, no matter how much time goes by because, he reasoned, descending into somewhat mystical absurdities, a nation that produced sayyed Hassan [Nasrallah] can only be victorious [and] a nation that backed [Imam] Hussain will defeat its enemies. He concluded by quoting Nasrallah, saying, This is the era of victories; the era of defeats is gone. David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. An Israeli soldier operating in southern Lebanon. (IDF photo) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on November 8 that Israeli troops uncovered a Hezbollah training center located approximately 200 meters from a UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] base. The discovery of the site took place during a week in which Hezbollah continued to target Israel with around 100 rocket and drone attacks per day. Hezbollah also launched long-range rockets at central Israel on November 6 and November 8. The Israeli military has been operating in southern Lebanon for five weeks. During this time, four IDF divisions have taken control of a number of villages close to the border and sought Hezbollah weapons and other sites used by the Iranian-backed terrorist group. The IDF continues to describe its operation in southern Lebanon as limited, located, targeted ground raids. It is in this context that the IDFs 9th Infantry (Oded) Brigade uncovered a Hezbollah training center near the UNIFIL base. The brigade has been operating in an unnamed area of southern Lebanon. The IDF frequently does not name areas where units operate due to operational security constraints. The 9th Brigade is usually under Israels 210th Division, which protects the Golan border with Syria. In September 2024, the 9th Brigade previously trained with Israels Golani Brigade for possible operations against Hezbollah or other enemies on the border. The compound Israeli troops uncovered near the UNIFIL base was used by terrorists for training, studying, and storing large quantities of weapons, according to the IDF. The facility contained launchers prepared for firing at Israeli communities. The training site provides some insight into Hezbollahs preparations for fighting Israel. It included maps of Israel, explanations of IDF equipment, as well as tunnel shafts and additional weapons, stated the IDF. Several other IDF brigades also continued operations in neighboring sectors along the border. The 646th Brigade, part of the 146th Division, uncovered an underground bunker that stretched for some 70 meters underground. During searches along the tunnel route, a room, weapons and supplies for prolonged stay were located, the IDF stated. A second underground site included living quarters for Hezbollah members. Two brigades from the IDFs 91st Division also continued operations in southern Lebanon. The 8th Brigade found weapons in homes, including Kornet anti-tank missiles. They also conducted a raid on Hezbollahs regional command and control center used to direct attacks and rocket fire against Israeli communities, the IDF said, without providing details on which region this command center covered. The 228th Brigade eliminated dozens of terrorists during the last several weeks, the IDF said. The IDFs ground operations are designed to enable around 60,000 Israelis who were evacuated last year to be able to return to their homes in border communities. On November 7, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said that this goal was a focus of his recent meetings with IDF officers and local municipality officials in northern Israel. Nothing symbolizes victory more than the safe return of residents, and we will make this journey together, he said. Israel is now weighing how to ensure that the situation along the border does not return to how it was before Israels ground offensive. This means not letting Hezbollah return, as it did after the 2006 war, and rebuild its arsenal near the border. We have the right to defend ourselves, and in any diplomatic agreement that might be, if there are violations, the IDF will enforce them with fire, Halevi said. Israel has wanted this freedom to continue strikes in Lebanon in the future. However, it is unclear how it would work in practice if there is a ceasefire. Along with the ground operations, Israel continues to use airstrikes against Hezbollah throughout Lebanon. The IDF said it hit 110 targets between November 6 and 7. Some of these strikes took place in Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, where Israel estimates it killed 60 Hezbollah members. These strikes, where Israel called on civilians to evacuate, have led to concerns for the archaeological sites in the city that could be damaged. On November 8, Hezbollah claimed via Iranian media that it recently targeted Israeli Navy sites in Haifa and an IDF base in the southern Galilee. Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets at the Haifa area and an area near Yokneam at 7:46 am on November 8, likely the attacks the group was referring to. Following the sirens that sounded between 07:44 and 07:46 in the Haifa Bay, HaAmakim, Central Galilee, and Upper Galilee areas, approximately 10 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon. Some of the projectiles were intercepted and fallen projectiles were identified in open areas, the IDF said. No one was injured. The rocket attacks near Haifa and throughout the Galilee were some of the 400 rocket and drone attacks recorded between November 5 and November 8. The highest number happened on November 6, the day after the US election. These attacks included a rocket barrage targeting areas in central Israel near Ben-Gurion International Airport. At least one rocket impacted near the airport. Hezbollah claimed it had launched an attack that reached around 90 miles inside Israel, which is about the distance from the Lebanese city of Tyre to Tel Aviv. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). A Russian column attacks toward a village southwest of Kurakhove. (Via Telegram) Russian forces are currently attempting to encircle Kurakhove, a small city in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. Their rate of advance, while still relatively modest, has accelerated in recent weeks, reflecting Ukraines shortage of manpower and reserves. Over the summer, Russia concentrated on pushing toward the city of Pokrovsk, an important logistics hub in the western part of Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces took the nearby town of Novohrodivka in August and are currently less than 7 kilometers from Pokrovsk. Ukraine rushed in reinforcements to try to stall Russias advance. They included forces from various National Guard units and the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, pulled from other areas. In the months since the initial Pokrovsk offensive, Moscow has shifted its focus to the southern part of Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have made steady gains toward Kurakhove from the north. In recent weeks, they captured the towns of Hirnyk and Kurakhivka, along with some nearby settlements, gaining high ground advantageous for Russian artillery and drone crews targeting Ukrainian forces in and around Kurakhove. Hirnyk and Kurakhivka fell relatively quickly, suggesting Ukrainian troops may have withdrawn due to a risk of encirclement inside a pocket that Russia had formed around the towns. In late October, Russia also captured the small city of Selydove. This advance could facilitate a renewed push toward Pokrovsk sometime down the line. The Russians could also continue pushing westward from Selydove. East of Kurakhove, Russia has inched its way to the citys outskirts. Whereas Russian forces north of Kurakhove and near Pokrovsk have relied primarily on small-unit actions with few or no armored vehicles, Russia has been conducting slightly larger-scale attacks east of Kurakhove, at times using one or two companies worth of vehicles. These attacks have resulted in significant Russian losses, including a brigade commander. Russia will likely seek to maintain pressure here to fix Ukrainian forces. The Russians are also advancing south and southwest of Kurakhove. In early autumn, Russia took Vuhledar, a small city often called a fortress because it is located on high ground and contains numerous high-rise buildings that offer advantageous defensive positions. The city fell, mainly because Ukraine lacked sufficient manpower and reserves to replace losses and reinforce the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, exhausted after two years of defending Vuhledar without rotation. Ukraine attempted to plug the gap using poorly manned, trained, and equipped territorial defense forces pulled from another area, but to no avail. Elements of the 72nd Brigade reportedly rotated out after the city fell. In late October, Russia suddenly began advancing northwest of Vuhledar in columns of tanks and other armored vehicles. Ukrainian sources estimate that these attacks involved a total of 40 to 50 vehicles over multiple days. Russia has taken a handful of villages in that area, advancing around 11 kilometers at the deepest point. Thus, the Russians breached Ukraines line of prepared strongpoints between Vuhledar and Kurakhove. A map of Russian and Ukrainian forward lines of troops (pink and blue), Russian axes of attack (red), and Ukrainian fortified defensive positions (green) and anti-tank obstacles (black). The information is sourced from geolocated footage, the Ukrainian analytical project DeepState, and other open sources. Fortifications were observed using Sentinel low-resolution satellite imagery and open-source drone footage. Some fortifications, particularly smaller positions obscured by tree lines, are not shown. (Google My Maps image annotated by LWJ) At present, Russian forces are attempting to reach the village of Uspenivka, southwest of Kurakhove. Achieving this aim would block the main supply route for Ukrainian troops defending the villages of Antonivka and Yelyzavetivka to the southeast. Taking this area would, in turn, enable Russia to attack Kurakhove from the south. More ambitiously, Russia likely hopes to encircle Kurakhove by severing the N15 highway into the city. This would spare Russia a costly battle for Kurakhove, whose multistory buildings and large factories would provide Ukrainian troops with formidable defensive positions. Taking villages west and southwest of Kurakhove could also cut a supply line into Velyka Novosilka to the southwest, putting Russia in a good position for a potential effort to take that city. Russian forces south of Kurakhove are currently around 10 kilometers from N15. To the north, Russian troops are attempting to take Sontsivka, whose capture would put them roughly 6 kilometers from the highway. Complicating matters for Russia, its offensive toward Kurakhove encompasses three different army groups. The Tsentr group is responsible for the area north of Kurakhove; part of the Yug group is operating east and southeast of the city; and the Vostok group is fighting to the southeast. This arrangement, which likely resulted more by coincidence than design, may impede coordination. For Kyiv, the chief challenge is a shortage of manpower. Many units are desperately short on infantry, and Ukraines mobilization rate has reportedly fallen after initially surging following the introduction of a new mobilization law back in the spring. Meanwhile, Kyivs operation in Russias Kursk region has tied up Ukrainian units that could otherwise be used to plug gaps in Donetsk Oblast. Recent Ukrainian redeployments of marine, assault, and drone units from other areas to the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions may have helped to a degree. Still, Ukraine has proven unable to stabilize the situation so far. Notably, Ukraine lacks strong prepared defensive lines in the area behind Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. The fortifications it has built there are oriented toward countering an advance from the south, not the east. If Kurakhove falls and Moscow retains sufficient manpower and resources to continue offensive operations, Ukraine may have an even harder time slowing Russias advance. John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. Boston officials blamed a miscalculation for multiple polling locations running out of ballots Tuesday, an issue that prompted Massachusetts' top elections official to consider a temporary state takeover of the citys elections division. At voting sites in multiple Boston neighborhoods, ballots ran short and election workers were unable to reach City Hall to request more, officials said. As voters waited, Secretary of State William Galvins office instructed city officials to have police rush additional ballots to the polls with their blue lights flashing and sirens blaring. An initial city review suggested there was a miscalculation in the formulas used to organize ballot deliveries to voting precincts, a spokesperson for Mayor Michelle Wu said. She also told the Boston Globe that the city bases turnout predictions on past elections, with implications for how many ballots are delivered to each polling location. Wu said some polls also ran out of ballots in 2006 and 2008 amid elevated turnout, but that there should be a more seamless mechanism to be able to replenish them before they fully run out in any location. Galvin described the issues as egregious and a self-inflicted wound. William Galvin, the states elections overseer, gives a pre-primary update to reporters in the State Library on Aug. 29. (SAM DORAN / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service He ordered an investigation and said he would likely appoint a receiver a temporary leader intended to correct issues in an organization to oversee the Boston Elections Commission. Galvin took similar action after the 2006 election, he said Wednesday. That year, more than three dozen Boston polling locations ran out of ballots, leaving police to make similar deliveries to Tuesday, according to the Globe. In one instance Tuesday, poll workers at the Hyde Park Municipal Building tried to phone City Hall when they had just 100 ballots left. They called unsuccessfully for a couple of hours, a top member of Galvins staff wrote in an email to city elections officials. Ballots eventually reached the locations in need, but voters faced unreasonable and unnecessary delays, Galvin wrote in a letter to Boston Elections Commissioner Eneida Tavares. Thats just not the way we run elections in Massachusetts, Galvin added at a press conference Wednesday. It is completely unacceptable for voters to experience undue delay at the polls, as any barriers in the voting process can lead to disenfranchisement, Tavares said in a statement to MassLive on Thursday. A Boston Police cruiser parked next to City Hall on Election Night, Nov. 5, 2024. (Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive).Sebastian Restrepo She said the city had begun a full audit into the ballot shortages and would support Galvins investigation so that the findings can deliver needed improvements to our voting system. Debra OMalley, a spokesperson for Galvin, said the issues primarily occurred in Hyde Park, Roslindale, West Roxbury and one precinct in Dorchester. Yet the secretarys office could also identify additional failures during its investigation, she said. These investigations arent common, OMalley said, but they will go for as long as necessary until all information is gathered. The secretarys office described reports from Boston residents who couldnt vote Tuesday morning when tabulation machines broke and were stymied again when they returned hours later to find the machines still down. One West Roxbury woman reached by MassLive, who asked that her name not be used, said there were no ballots available when she and her son went to vote at the Spring Street Apartments around 5 p.m. When she returned two hours later, a poll worker told her the ballots were replenished around 6:15 p.m. I wonder how many people they lost, she said. What about parents who had one chance to vote because they had to get home? West Roxbury, she noted, is a densely populated area that should have no issue restocking ballots. Lawyers for Civil Rights, a Boston-based nonprofit and advocacy organization, said the issues represented a colossal planning failure and cast blame toward Galvin. The buck stops with Secretary Galvin, who has historically taken credit for smooth election operations, Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, the groups executive director, wrote on social media. Ultimately, from stem to stern, all responsible parties should be held accountable for the colossal election day failures in Boston, he wrote. Galvins office printed and delivered more than 766,000 ballots to the city, including early or absentee ballots, he said in his letter to Tavares, the citys election commissioner. Nearly 250,000 Bostonians ultimately cast votes Tuesday, 187,000 of them for Vice President Kamala Harris, and 49,000 for former President Donald Trump, according to unofficial results. As issues emerged Tuesday, the city mobilized the Boston Police Department to deliver ballots as quickly as possible to polling locations, the spokesperson for Mayor Wu said. Ballots reached polling sites in time for everyone who was in line by 8 p.m. to vote, they said. SPRINGFIELD A bankruptcy judge froze Thursday more money from 4Run3 Racing held now by the St. Patricks Parade Committee of Holyoke, money claimed by other philanthropies never paid the proceeds of their charity runs. Now the court will continue a search for 4Run3s remaining assets. The St. Patricks Parade road race drawing about 6,000 runners each March repeatedly demanded in April and May that failing 4Run3 pay it $176,924 collected in race registrations and donations collected through a website. 4Run3 paid, court records say, relying on two loans to raise the cash. But lawyers working pro bono for smaller charities are in bankruptcy court saying it was wrong to pay St. Patricks first because the other philanthropies were also owed money and they should all share in whatever money is available according to what they are owed, not according to who pressured 4Run3 and its former owners, husband-and-wife Timothy D. Murphy and Jill M. Murphy, the hardest. Following a hearing at the U.S. Courthouse, Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth D. Katz gave a bankruptcy trustee the ability to attach a new total of $117,585 in the St. Patricks Parade Committee of Holyoke Inc.s account. But only to the extent to that much money in the account. That includes addition to $31,000 Katz froze Oct. 23, said Jonathan R. Goldsmith, one of the attorneys representing the smaller charities. The St. Patricks Committees attorney has argued that its a hardship to have tied up because the parade needs to meet expenses year-around. But Goldsmith says all the charities are out money that they expected to have in their coffers to fulfill their missions. In their petition to the bankruptcy court, the charities said that 4Run3 owners Timothy and Jill Murphy set up registration pages through a New Jersey technology company called runsignup. That company collected race fees and donations and sent the proceeds to accounts controlled by 4Run3 that were not accessible to the charities The Murphys have left the region and closed their running shop in East Longmeadow. The remaining stock was sold at auction in August. The Murphys didnt file for bankruptcy either for themselves or for their businesses. They were forced into bankruptcy by the charities. 4Run3 owes more than $52,000 to 16 philanthropies. Those groups represent charities and causes ranging from outdoor education and animal welfare to the Junior League, Holyoke Pride and the Knights of Columbus. Police identified a Boston man who was shot to death on Tuesday night. Jashaun Smith, 45, was killed on Nov. 5 around 8:03 p.m. at 15. Michigan Ave. in Dorchester, the Boston Police Department said. He was shot several times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating this incident, they said. A piece of a floating dock being lifted by a crane in East Boston fell Thursday when the rigging suddenly snapped, falling on a boat and damaging other equipment, officials say. The dock fell on a boat moored at Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina on Marginal Street in East Boston, but no injuries were reported. Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke told WBZ-TV the dock was secured in four locations as it was lifted into the water around 11 a.m., but one of the straps let go suddenly. In images and video from the scene, a small motorized boat could be seen beneath one end of the dock, which was still half on land. The wooden pier and crane were damaged when it fell and the boat was crushed and submerged underneath it. Divers were brought in as a precaution to make sure nobody was in the water, WBZ reported, and a second crane was brought in to secure the floating dock. Crews were also working to clean up spilled fuel from the boat. WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges Friday in a thwarted Iranian plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump before this weeks presidential election. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan alleges that an unnamed official in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed a contact this past September to put together a plan to surveil and ultimately kill Trump. If the man, identified as Farjad Shakeri, was unable to create a plan by then, the complaint said, the official told him Iran would pause its plan until after the presidential election because the official believed Trump would lose and it would be easier to assassinate him then, the complaint said. Shakeri told the FBI he didnt plan to propose a plan to murder Trump within the seven days the official had requested, according to the complaint. The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Trumps defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil. A former Stoneham police officer and his brother, who owned an electrical contracting company, pleaded guilty to a bribery and kickback scheme that got them millions of dollars in contracts, federal authorities said. Joseph Ponzo, 51, of Stoneham, and Christopher Ponzo, 50, of North Reading, both pleaded guilty to several charges related to running a scheme where they paid tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks to an associate in exchange for millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said. State law requires utility companies to surcharge all Massachusetts customers on their energy use, Levy said. The extra money, which amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars each year, is supposed to be divided among the utility companies to fund energy efficiency projects. Mass Save is a partnership between the state and utility companies that helps people fund these projects, Levy said. Under Mass Save, the utility companies choose a vendor, like Company A, to choose a contractor to work on these energy efficiency projects for free or for a reduced cost, Levy said. Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $1,000 in cash weekly from 2013 to 2017, Levy said. Sometimes hed pay the associate $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, telling them the extra money was from Joseph Ponzo for his part in the scheme. In return for the payments, Associate 1, helped Joseph Ponzo set up a shell company called Air Tight, where hed do insulation work and get approved as a Company A contractor under the Mass Save program, Levy said. Joseph Ponzo put his spouses name on Air Tight paperwork related to the shell company to hide his involvement in the scheme, Levy said. He collected over $7 million under the Mass Save program. Christopher Ponzo and Joseph Ponzo recruited Associate 2 into the scheme after Associate 1 left Company A in 2017, Levy said. Associate 2 worked with the men from around 2018 to 2022, he was paid thousands of dollars. Joseph Ponzo helped file fake tax returns from 2016 to 2019 by claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars in false business deductions, Levy said. To disguise personal expenses as business deductions, Joseph Ponzo used his company credit card to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchases at The Home Depot, Lowes, and Staples, claiming to his tax preparers that charges at those establishments were business-related, Levy said. But Joseph Ponzo used the company credit card at those stores to buy gift cards that he and his spouse would use to buy personal items, Levy said. Joseph Ponzo and Christopher falsely denied making bribe payments to Company A employees to federal agents in April 2022, Levy said. In a statement, Stoneham Police Chief James OConnor said, These crimes committed by former Officer Ponzo were related to his outside business interests and were not connected to his work as a Stoneham Police Officer. Joseph Ponzo hasnt worked for the Stoneham Police Department since 2022, OConnor added. In a flurry of motions on Friday, Karen Reads defense asked for court orders allowing them to see transcripts of sidebar conversations during her first criminal trial and to review any emails or texts sent by Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey regarding the case. Reads attorneys are asking Judge Beverly Cannone to overturn her previous order impounding all transcripts of sidebar conversations during Reads murder trial earlier this year. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify Indigenous leaders in Massachusetts who are making a difference across the state. President George H. W. Bush approved a resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990. Proclamations under similar names have been issued each year since 1994. The people below were identified for their inspirational leadership in their communities and organizations, and are being recognized for their accomplishments and commitment to inspire change. If you know of an Indigenous leader in Massachusetts you believe deserves to be recognized in the future, please fill out this form. Katia Regina DaCunha (Courtesy image)Courtesy image Katia Regina Da Cunha Age: 54 Community: Cape Cod Her story: When immigrant families and individuals arrive on Cape Cod, Katia Regina Da Cunhas organization is there to make their adjustment as seamless as possible. Since its founding five years ago, Latinx in Action has offered English classes from its locations in Hyannis, Yarmouth, Provincetown and Falmouth. It also offers advocacy for those in need, referrals to social services and legal aid organizations, meals and support groups. Born in Brazil and of Native Brazilian heritage, Regina Da Cunha said she has been socially active from a young age. Since arriving in the United States in 2003, she and her husband have assisted immigrants in various ways. For 10 years, she has been a counselor and advocate for domestic violence victims at the Barnstable-based organization Independence House. Latinx In Action, which she founded and runs, is a space where we seek to welcome all people regardless of country of origin, religion, color or race. A majority of the immigrants the organization serves come from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Jamaica and Guatemala, Regina Da Cunha said. The organization recognizes that many immigrants are survivors of trauma, whether the trauma they fled, the trauma they experienced on their journey here, or the trauma they experienced after they arrived, she said. The groups full body of work operates through that understanding. On her desk, Regina Da Cunha keeps a quote from Audre Lorde, the writer and activist, that has guided her through troubled times: I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. In her words: Everything does have a purpose. So, if you have power in your hands to do something good for another human being do it, please. It is our obligation; it is our duty to. Will Katcher Darlene Flores with her family. (Courtesy photo)Darlene Flores Darlene Flores Age: 47 Community: Newton Her story: Dr. Darlene Flores is a traditional healer, chiropractic physician and educator on the culture and history of the Taino people, the native people of the Caribbean. Flores was raised in Newton, where she currently lives and is raising her three children. She was introduced to chiropractic medicine while serving in the Army and after her last deployment, and she obtained a doctorate degree from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California. Flores previously practiced in Puerto Rico, but after Hurricane Maria in 2019, she opened Karaya Wellness Clinic in Brookline. In addition to her chiropractic practice, Flores is an Adahiabo, or medicine hand, a traditional medicine keeper for the Taino Higuayagua Caribbean tribe, following the legacy of her grandmother Irene, a traditional curandera. Flores is an advocate for holistic medicine and the preservation of Indigenous culture, especially that of her own tribe. She is one of the founding members of Newtons Indigenous Peoples Day, and helped to organize the fourth annual ceremonial celebration in October. The free event celebrates native music, dance, poetry and visual art. The theme for the 2024 event was Honoring our Mothers, honoring both matriarchs and Mother Earth, and featured more than 70 indigenous vendors. Flores also helps coordinate intertribal youth events, including an annual Intertribal Youth Ski Day trip that began in March 2023. The event gives youth from the Mashpee Wampanoag, Narraganset, Nipmuc and Taino communities an opportunity to take a bus to Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, New Hampshire, for a free ski or snowboarding lesson, equipment rental and lift ticket. It also featured an opening and closing ceremony led by the youth participants. In her words: Look at the youth, guide them gently and be their biggest advocates. Promote respect, authenticity, tradition, family and self-love. ... Be a warrior while elegantly walking the walk. Trea Lavery Jason Montgomery, founder of 50 Arrow Gallery, fixes the artwork during the Easthampton Art Walk Thursday evening, Mar. 9, 2023. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) Jason Montgomery Age: 46 Community: Holyoke His story: Jason Montgomery began his work as a writer, painter and playwright when he recognized the lack of representation and voice for Black, Indigenous and people of color especially Hispanic and Latino communities in the arts. A Chicano and Indigenous Californian artist, Montgomery emphasizes community and cultural pride in their work and explores themes of cultural identity, social justice and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Topics include immigration, identity and resilience. Montgomery said the themes help foster a deeper understanding of the Hispanic and Latino experience and empower community members through visibility and inclusion. In 2016, he cofounded Attack Bear Press in 2016 with Alexandra Woolner, and later, 50 Arrow Gallery in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Each space promotes social equity and inclusion, showcasing the work of underrepresented artists, he said. Montgomery said their work is a reflection of his commitment to exploring and expressing the complexities of identity, social justice and the lived experiences of marginalized communities. In their words: Dont be afraid to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. Art has the power to provoke thought and inspire action, so use your platform to address issues that matter to you and your community. Remember, the work you do is not just about creating art; its about fostering understanding, inclusion and social equity. Juliet Schulman-Hall Cody Rooney is a disability rights activist. (Contributed photo)Contributed photo Cody Rooney Age: 25 Community: Amherst His story: Cody Rooneys passion for disability and youth rights began before the pandemic. But witnessing social injustice during the pandemic ignited his hardcore passion for what I do today, he said. Rooney is focused on creating an equal and inclusive society with accessibility as a key component, he said. He was re-elected as the vice-chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council in September and has worked with Partners for Youth with Disabilities as a fellow and peer leader for the Youth Leadership Forum, among other work, according to the committee website. He credits his Native American culture for giving him the encouragement to work in activism. If it wasnt for all the good words and the good feelings, I dont believe I would be where I would be today, he said. In his words: Make sure your heart is in the right place. Because if its not, its really easy for people to tell. Juliet Schulman-Hall Shawn Stevens (Courtesy photo)Courtesy photo Shawn Stevens Age: 54 Community: Works in the Berkshires, lives in Bowler, Wisconsin. His story: For 20 years, Shawn Stevens has worked to reconnect with his peoples ancestral lands in Massachusetts. Enrolled with the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, based in Wisconsin, Stevens visits the Berkshires throughout the year to build relationships between the Mohican people and local residents, fostering greater understanding of the regions Indigenous history, he said. Stevens hosted the first powwow in Pittsfield after leading a Mohican drum group from their reservation in his hometown of Bowler, Wisconsin, in 2006. Pittsfields then-mayor, James Ruberto, presented the group with a key to the city. For Stevens, this moment sparked his dream to bring more Mohican people back to their ancestral lands in the Berkshires, he said. He is also a co-director of Alliance for a Viable Future, based in the Berkshires, along with fellow co-director Lev Natan. Since 2020, hes helped organize Great Barringtons annual Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Walk. This efforts goal has been to bring Mohican people and local residents together to build solidarity between communities, he said. This walk is about coming together in a spirit of healing, both for the land and for all people, he said. Its a reminder that we are all connected and that our actions today will shape the world for future generations. Stevens has worked with people in the community, including spiritual centers and churches to build alliances with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. Part of his mission has been environmental conservation, addressing climate change and pollution, he said. He also speaks at public and private schools and colleges throughout the Berkshires to give an accurate account of his peoples history. Education is a powerful tool for healing, he said. By sharing our stories, we can build bridges of understanding and respect. Among the tribes leadership, he served as Chairperson of the Tribes Language and Culture Board for 20 years. He also served as Vice Chair of the Tribes Repatriation Committee, working to return sacred items and ancestral remains to their rightful places, he said. My diverse experiences and deep commitment to my culture reflect my lifelong dedication to the preservation, education and well-being of my people, Stevens said. In his words: Patience and persistence are essential. Whether youre working on language revitalization, repatriation, or leading community initiatives, the journey can be long and challenging. Change doesnt happen overnight, and you might face obstacles from both inside and outside your community. Stay committed, remembering that each small victory be it the return of an ancestral artifact or one child learning a traditional song matters. These efforts add up over time to create a lasting impact." David Two Arrows Vanderhoop is the founder of Sassafras Earth Education, a nonprofit that seeks to connect people with the earth and restore Indigenous ways of life.Courtesy of David Two Arrows Vanderhoop David Two Arrows Vanderhoop Age: 69 Community: Aquinnah Wopanaak (on Marthas Vineyard) His story: David Two Arrows Vanderhoop was born in Gay Head (Aquinnah) in 1955, a then-small Wopanaak community. We were raised living off the land and had to help with hunting, fishing, gathering during each different season, he said. Learning traditionalist skills and always being outside gave me many gifts and strengths that most youths today are missing. Vanderhoop founded the nonprofit Sassafras Earth Education in 2003 with his wife because they wanted to give children these opportunities, he said. Sassafras Earth Education is on Aquinnah on the island of Noepe. The organizations mission is to reconnect people with the Earth and restore Indigenous ways of life, cultivating responsibility, leadership, and truth, he said. Vanderhoop started to speak more about the genocide of the Wopanaak tribe, he said. His organization also created pathways for social justice, truth and building cultural competency. The organization now offers training for Indigenous adults and the general public, he said. At Sassafras Earth Education there are two key initiatives. One of them is the Return to the Land and the LandCulture Project. This project is a decolonized educational program. The LandCulture Project focuses on restoring ecosystems using traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices before colonization. In his words: A vitally important practice that I have for many years now, and that keeps me sane, is to sit on the land first thing in the morning. I greet grandfather sun, the birds, and all my relatives around. As a community leader, it is so important to keep our spirit healthy and strong and as people we often fall short in our own or in others eyes. Mother Earth always gives us love and encouragement unconditionally. Alvin Buyinza Rose Webster-SmithSebastian Restrepo Rose Webster-Smith Age: 47 Community: Springfield & Western Massachusetts Her Story: After her home was foreclosed on by Freddie Mac, Rose Webster-Smith took action to begin the process of fighting the foreclosure in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Webster-Smith joined the organization Springfield No One Leaves (SNOL) as a member in 2011. I came on staff as an independent contractor to organize three actions with the Fannie/Freddie Fighters in Springfield, New York City and Washington, D.C., Webster-Smith said. Webster-Smith was then elevated to the role of a junior organizer in 2015, and eventually took over the organization in 2016. She added she won back her home a year later in 2017 with help from the non-profit financier and lender BlueHub Capital. As the director for the grassroots group, Webster-Smith said SNOL focuses on economic injustices and the housing crisis, especially for those facing eviction and foreclosure. The work we do is important because housing should be a human right and not a commodity to profit off of, Webster-Smith said, adding [P]eople who help to build their communities should not be priced out of the communities that they helped to build. Earlier this year, state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, nominated Webster-Smith as a 2024 Commonwealth Heroine, dedicating the nomination to her years of selfless work helping constituents with the housing court system and teaching them about their rights and how to navigate a difficult system. In late 2023, The Republican newspaper profiled an example of SNOLs efforts to keep a mother and her two children in her home of 17 years when faced with eviction after falling on hard times. In her words: Housing is hard and complicated and any organization taking on this work needs very strong infrastructure in place to do this work and do it well. Chris McLaughlin Kelly Engebretson was excited to get fitted for a prosthetic after having part of his leg amputated. But he wasnt sure how hed get to the appointment. Nah Thu Thu Wins twin sons needed vaccinations before starting kindergarten. But she speaks little English, and the boys lacked health insurance. William Arce and Wanda Serrano were recovering from recent surgeries. But the couple needed help sorting out their insurance and understanding their bills. Engebretson, Win, Arce and Serrano were fortunate to have someone to help. Theyre all paired with community health workers in Huron, South Dakota, a city of 14,000 people known for being home to the state fair and whats billed as the worlds largest pheasant sculpture. Three workers, employed by the Huron Regional Medical Center, help patients navigate the health system and address barriers, like poverty or unstable housing, that could keep them from getting care. Community health workers can also provide basic education on managing chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Community health worker programs are spreading across the U.S., including in rural areas and small cities as health providers and state and federal governments increasingly invest in them. These initiatives gained attention during the coronavirus pandemic and have been found to improve peoples health and access to preventive care while reducing expensive hospital visits. Community health worker programs can address common barriers in rural areas, where people face higher rates of poverty and certain health problems, said Gabriela Boscan Fauquier, who oversees community health worker initiatives at the National Rural Health Association. The workers are an extension of the health care system and serve as a link between the formality of this health care system and the community, she said. The programs are often based at hospital systems or community health centers. The workers have a median pay of $23 an hour, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Patients are typically referred to programs by clinicians who notice personal struggles or frequent visits to hospital emergency departments. South Dakota is among the states that have recently funded community health worker programs, developed training requirements for the workers, and approved Medicaid reimbursement for their services. The states certification program requires 200 hours of coursework and 40 hours of job shadowing. Huron Regional Medical Center launched its initiative in fall 2022, after receiving a $228,000 federal grant. The program is now funded by the nonprofit hospital and Medicaid reimbursements. Huron, a small city surrounded by rural areas, is mostly populated by white people. But thousands of Karen people an ethnic minority from the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar began arriving in 2006. Many are refugees. The city also has a significant Hispanic population from the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Mickie Scheibe, one of Hurons community health workers, recently stopped by the house of client Kelly Engebretson. The 61-year-old hadnt been able to work since he had part of his leg amputated, due to diabetes complications. Scheibe helps with the hoops youve got to jump through, such as applying for Medicaid, Engebretson said. He told Scheibe that he didnt know how he was going to get to his prosthetic fitting in Sioux Falls a two-hour drive from home. Scheibe, 54, said she would help find him a safe ride. She also invited Engebretson to a diabetes education program. Put me down as a definitely absolutely, he replied, adding that hed invite his mother to tag along. The same day, Scheibes co-worker Sau-Mei Ramos visited the apartment where William Arce and Wanda Serrano live. Arce was recovering from heart surgery, while Serrano was healing from knee and shoulder operations. The couple, both 61, moved three years ago from Puerto Rico to be near their children in Huron. Ramos, whos also from Puerto Rico, coordinated their appointments, answered their billing questions, and helped Arce find a walker and supplemental insurance. Ramos, 29, handed Arce a pamphlet about heart health and asked him to read the section on angina, the pain that results when not enough blood flows to the heart. Que entiende? she said, asking Arce what he understood about his condition. Arce, speaking in Spanish, responded that he knew what angina was and what symptoms to watch for. Later that day, Paw Wah Sa, the third community health worker in town, met with client Nah Thu Thu Win, who moved to Huron in February from Myanmar with her husband and twin 6-year-olds. The Win family, like Sa, are part of the local Karen community, whose people have been persecuted under the military rulers of Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma. Win, 29, had assumed the kids would qualify for Medicaid. But unlike most other states, South Dakota does not immediately offer coverage to children who legally immigrated into the U.S. The boys father hopes to eventually add them to his work-sponsored insurance. Sa didnt want the kids to have to wait for health care. The 24-year-old previously took the twins to a free mobile dental clinic in Huron. It turned out they needed more advanced dental work, which they could get free only in Sioux Falls. Sa helped make the arrangements. Many Karen residents and people from rural parts of Latin America had little access to health care before moving to the U.S., Sa and Ramos said. They said a major part of their job is explaining what kind of care is available, and when its important to seek help. The three community health workers sometimes take clients grocery shopping, to teach them how to understand labels and identify healthful food. Boscan Fauquier, with the National Rural Health Association, said that because community health workers are familiar with the cultures they serve, they can suggest affordable food that clients are familiar with. Rural Americas overall population is shrinking, but the 2020 census showed it has become more diverse as people representing ethnic minorities are drawn to jobs in industries such as farming, meatpacking, and mining. Others are attracted by rural areas lower crime rates and cheaper housing. Boscan Fauquier said many rural community health worker programs serve people from minority groups, who are more likely than white people to face barriers to health care. She pointed to programs serving Native American reservations, the Black Belt region of the South, and Spanish-speaking communities, where the workers are called promotoras. But community health workers also serve rural white communities, such as those in Appalachia impacted by the opioid crisis. Medicare, the federal health program for adults 65 or older, has been reimbursing community health worker services since January. Boscan Fauquier said advocates hope more state Medicaid programs and private insurers will allow reimbursement too. Engebretson said hes happy to see community health workers across South Dakota, not just in big cities. The more they can branch out to the people, the better it would be, he said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. This story also ran on States Newsroom. It can be republished for free. HOLYOKE Anthony Lee, an apprentice iron worker and veteran, can see the cranes at work on the new Veterans Home in Holyoke from his house. Lees favorite part of the day is his drive to the jobsite, which he calls the office, with clouds resting in the valley, the sun rising above the building, surrounded by mountain views. On Thursday, he was among those who witnessed a crane hoist the last beam up into the air and place it at the top of the building. Lee likens watching the crews work together at the site to a symphony. Its a massive project and very visible. There are about 400 tradespeople ... working on this project. It is not just our union. Its going to be a local monument by the time were done, he said. Lee, a veteran of the Massachusetts Air National Guard from 2009 to 2015 who served as a geospatial intelligence analyst, is now a member of the Ironworkers Local 7 based in Boston. Lee aims to raise awareness about the project, highlighting the importance of union work and the meticulous care being taken to build this facility for veterans. There are about seven veterans, that Lee knows of, with the union on the project. On Thursday, Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, and other officials joined the Ironworkers Local 7 union for a topping off ceremony at the site. It is my first one, Lee said. Construction workers watch the proceedings from an upper floor during the "topping off" ceremony for the new Veterans Home at Holyoke. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 11/7/2024The Republican The ceremony is an iron working tradition where the highest and final beam is placed in the new facility, marking the completion of the buildings structure. Lee, a first-year apprentice, has been on the job since June. A lot of apprentices when theyre working on their first structural jobs might not be there long enough to see the topping off of their own building they worked on, he said. Lee said when people ask him about it, he is proud to say the building is straight because of him. It feels better because I know I put like 80,000 screws in that building. I helped make sure all the beams were straight for like 240 veterans who are going to be taken care of in this facility. Something of that magnitude is the thing that always gets me, he said. Once completed, the Veterans Home at Holyoke will feature community spaces and will provide veterans with long-term care beds and critical nursing support. Constructed and designed to meet the changing medical needs and demographics of our veteran population, this new facility will bring new meaning to the Veterans Home in Holyokes mission of providing care with honor and dignity, said state Sen. John C. Velis. The senator helps chair the legislatures Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Two, seven-foot beams painted red, white and blue were displayed in the lobby of the current home for about one week, offering veterans a chance to sign the beam, said Derek Reid, steel director with the union and U.S. Army Reserves veteran. Another 30-foot-long beam was also painted and signed by those working on the job. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signs the final beam during the "topping off" ceremony for the new Veterans Home at Holyoke. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 11/7/2024The Republican At the ceremony, the crew attached the 30-foot beam topped with a Christmas tree on one side and an American flag on the other to a crane and hoisted it to the top of the structure. The small evergreen will stay on top of the building until project completion. The topping off ceremony is a Scandinavian tradition where a tree is placed on top of a new building to appease spirits and symbolize the safe completion of the job, according to Reid. Iron is like the bones or skeleton of the building, he said. Everything we do affects everyone who comes behind us, said Reid, who has been on the site for two years. To realize everything that has happened during the COVID-19 pandemic and the journey it took to get to the topping off ceremony made this project more special, he said. During the early days of the pandemic, officials at the home made several missteps in managing the spread of COVID-19 including combining two dementia units, 40 veterans in all, into a space intended for 25 patients. As a result, 76 veterans in the facility died from the disease. The state paid out a $56 million settlement to their families and the incident spurred a push to create a new facility. Many veterans will come here one day to live out their lives, and it reminds me daily what I am doing is important, Reid said. The final beam starts it's journey skyward during the "topping off" ceremony for the new Veterans Home at Holyoke. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 11/7/2024The Republican Neal said as he was driving down Interstate 91 Thursday, he witnessed a phoenix rising from the ashes. We promised to deliver change with a home that our veteran community deserved. Today, we take a significant step forward in making that promise reality, Neal added. Healey said the project not only met but surpassed state goals for contracting and hiring workers including workers of color, women and veterans. Healey said the occasion commemorates the generations of families from this area who have stepped forward to serve the country. This is a new chapter today; it is a world-class facility protecting and serving veterans the way they protected and served this country, Healey said. In the last 18 months, Executive Director Michael Lazo said the home has also improved its quality of care. 100-year old Navy veteran Miriam Silverman joins other veterans during the "topping off" ceremony for the new Veterans Home at Holyoke where she currently lives. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 11/7/2024The Republican The home has recently achieved full accreditation from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, received its first-ever license from the Board of Public Health, and introduced a new emergency medical response system as of September. Santiago said the state has also historically invested in veteran services and is engaging more veterans than ever before. That is a testament to the Healey administrations leadership and vision, he said. We knew coming into this we would have a whole host of issues to address not just what has transpired during the pandemic but just in veterans services across the board, he said. Santiago said the staff, families and advocates of the home have been the heartbeat of the turnaround. Santiago, paraphrasing a quote attributed to George Washington, said you are able to recruit, retain support your military only if and when they see that their veterans are taken care of. That is the point of today. We have invested in buildings and resource capital making sure that these veterans get the care they deserve and need, Santiago said. Construction on the new building is on schedule; it is expected to be complete in late 2026, with full site restoration anticipated by summer 2028. CHICOPEE Caolo & Bieniek Architects, a local architecture firm, was selected to do design work for the multi-million dollar project to refurbish or replace the Anna E. Barry School. At a meeting earlier this week, the Massachusetts School Building Authority selected the Chicopee architectural firm over TSKP Studio, which has locations in Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. We are thrilled to be chosen for this community project to help with the design of the school, said Bert Gardner, vice president of the firm, Friday. Gardner said the firm hopes to sign a contract with the city by December so that it can move forward with the project. Altogether, the project is slated to take five years and cost between $48-$64 million. The states School Building Authority will conduct an approximately year-long study that will determine whether the school will be redesigned or rebuilt altogether. The Barry School, an elementary school serving 340 students between kindergarten and fifth grade, was built in 1963. It is known for having asbestos issues and not being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We dont come with any predisposed ideas about what were going to do, said Gardner. We hold listening sessions and put together ideas based on what the stakeholders are looking for. Gardner also explained that flexibility is crucial in a project like this. To ensure longevity, we need to choose the right materials as technology evolves, and we need to make sure there can be multiple functions for common areas, he said. Thursday, Mayor John Vieau said he was pleased that a local architecture firm was chosen for the project. Theyre from right here in Chicopee, he said, explaining that Caolo & Bieniek has worked on several educational buildings, including the citys 1st Sgt. Kevin Dupont Memorial Middle School. The firm also has experience working on libraries and historical buildings. SPRINGFIELD Camaraderie among city firefighters broke down on Oct. 27, when a fight erupted at the Mason Square firehouse on Eastern Avenue, according to police records. While the incident remains under investigation, according to a fire department spokesman, it appears the fisticuffs were sparked by a prank that involved one party stealing anothers boots. Police were called to the station just after 8 p.m. on that Sunday night for a report of a disturbance, records show. A MAYO native has been selected to run for the Social Democrats in the Galway West constituency in the upcoming General Election. Cllr Eibhlin Seoighthe, a native of Polranny, Achill, was selected by the Social Democrats to run in Galway West in the General Election which is to take place on November 29. In a statement, the Social Democrats said: Ebhlin shares the partys values of equality and inclusion, and we believe she would be a refreshing new voice in national politics for the people of Galway West if elected to the Dail. Cllr Seoighthe was elected to Galway City Council for the first time in June's Local Elections taking a seat in the Galway City Central constituency. She had not been anticipated to contest the General Election but was added to the Social Democrats ticket when the party's other Galway city councillor Alan Curran, ruled himself out, citing his teaching obligations in Colaiste Einde in Salthill. Among her top priorities are faster delivery of affordable and social houses in Galway, as well as improved healthcare and local services. Her late grandfather, Padraig Seoighthe, who died in 1987, was a national school principal in Derreens NS on Achill Island for many years and a founding member of Achill GAA. He was also a social campaigner for the Gaeltacht community and helped establish an agricultural co-op on the grounds of the old Franciscan Monastery in the early 70s. He was also a valued contributor to The Mayo News for a number of years. She is expected to be the only Social Democrats nominee in Galway, with no-one earmarked to contest Galway East or the Roscommon/Galway constituencies. A MAYO Tidy Towns committee has asked General Election candidates to refrain from erecting election posters on poles during the election campaign. Castlebar Town Council posted a message on its Facebook page this afternoon calling on all candidates to respect requests not to put up posters in the county town. In solidarity with towns and villages across our county and country, Castlebar Tidy Towns respectfully requests that all candidates in the upcoming General Election refrain from placing election pole posters within Castlebar's 50km limit. Castlebar has worked hard over the years to remain pole poster-free, and we hope to maintain this tradition for the upcoming election, the post read before wishing all the candidates in the election the best of luck. Erecting posters of election candidates on poles and lampposts has been a mainstay of electioneering in Ireland for decades but in recent years there has been calls for them to be scrapped. Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere who is also a member of Castlebar Tidy Towns made a similar request to candidates ahead of the local elections in June. He said that not only are the posters unsightly but they are also a health and safety hazard and in the age of social media he believes there is no advantage in having them to get elected. Election posters have not been seen in Westport town for a number of years after local candidates agreed to end the practice. Last May there was anger among the Westport public when election posters belonging to European election candidates including Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh and Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers were erected on poles around the town. The Lough Carra Catchment Association will hold its next public meeting at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, November 19 at the Belcarra Community Centre. The association is very pleased to welcome guest speaker Donal Sheehan, a dairy farmer from the Bride Valley in East Cork. Mr Sheehan played a pivotal role in establishing the BRIDE EIP Project, funded by the Department of Agriculture and the European Union. His journey from an intensive dairy farmer to a biodiversity champion offers an inspiring perspective on sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. Mr Sheehan l manages a herd of 70 cows at Blossom Farm near Castlelyons. In the 1990s, he followed the typical practice of intensive farming, but his outlook shifted when he began keeping bees. This experience opened his eyes to the vital role of nature on his farm. Since then, he has transformed his approach, actively working to lower nutrient inputs, reduce chemical sprays, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity. Mr Sheehan now endeavours to push the boat out all the time trying to make farming more sustainable, farming with nature rather than against it. He describes this as a more rewarding way to farm and has dedicated a proportion of his farm to biodiversity including ponds, pollinator strips and wild bird cover for overwintering birds. Irelands dairy expansion is an impressive economic success story, but it has brought significant environmental challenges. The BRIDE Project (Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment), which ran from 2018 to 2023 tackled these issues head-on. The core concept of the BRIDE Project is that every farm and every farmer is different, and the Project took an innovative, farm-specific approach, focusing on the unique habitats of individual farms. Farms were mapped to estimate their Space for Nature, and a Farmland Biodiversity Index was created to reflect the quantity and quality of biodiversity on each farm. At the start of the project, Mr Sheehan noted that shifting farmers' mindsets has been the biggest challenge. He explained that, in the past, farmers were often encouraged to cultivate every available inch of land, and said that every farmer is connected with nature, but that connection was broken when we got intensive, we need to find a middle ground, leave room for nature. The scheme has since been a huge success, operated at full capacity, and demonstrated that intensive farming and biodiversity can go hand in hand. Additionally, Mr Sheehan has submitted a petition to the Houses of the Oireachtas, drawing attention to the urgent challenges facing the dairy farming sector. He points to the mounting pressure on farmers to increase production, often amid diminishing financial returns, and cautions that this relentless more for less approach is placing a serious strain on the environment. In his petition, he calls for an overhaul of the current low-cost production model, which he argues is largely driven by processors and retailers, compromising both farmers' autonomy and ecological sustainability. You can hear more of his inspiring story at the upcoming Lough Carra Catchment Association meeting this November. Everyone is warmly invited to attend. A Castlebar school currently operating from three different buildings have taken their search for a new school building to the gates of Leinster House. Castlebar Educate Together demonstrated outside the Dail to highlight the need for a dedicated school building. Minister Alan Dillon, TD renewed his commitment the acquiring the former hat factory site in Castlebar for a new school building. The factory, located near Marsh House in the centre of Castlebar, which is currently being used by Castlebar Educate Together, has been vacant for several years. Despite delays and limited engagement from the Department of Education, along with a need for stronger support from Educate Together patrons, I remain determined and focused on moving this project forward, Minister Dillon stated. The non-denomenational primary school were joined at the protest by various other politcians, including Mayo senators Lisa Chambers and Paddy Burke and Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Fine Gael TD Michael Ring. Minister Norma Foley committed to delivering a new school building for Castlebar Educate Together back in 2022. Castlebar Educate Together principal Sarah Calvey described their protest as a great opportunity to have in person conversations with the CEO of Educate Together, Emer Nowlan, and Oireachtas members from all parties. I had frank discussions with our patron and elected members. No one had the opportunity to blame the other, instead the pupils brought it all back to it being everyones responsibility to raise these issues further with the Department of Education, she said. by Fern Siegel , November 8, 2024 BBH USA has expanded its creative team. The agency appointed Jane Cronk and Ricardo Franco as executive creative directors. Based in New York, the duo report to chief creative officer Erica Roberts. The will work on the agency's client roster, including PayPal, Samsung, Milk-Bone and Jif. Cronk joins from Anomaly, where she served as group creative director. While working at 72andSunny and Young & Rubicam, she handled brands such as LG, Sonos, Google and New York Life, earning her first Cannes Lions. Originating from Brazil, Franco previously served as group creative director at David Madrid. Over his career, he has been ranked fifth in both The World Creative Rankings as the most-awarded copywriter worldwide and as the most-awarded creative director globally by the Cannes Lions Creativity Report. On the internal front, creative partners Peter Defries and Alan Wilson will be upped to executive creative directors. Since joining BBH USA in 2023, Defries and Wilson have overseen creative for PSOne, Publicis Groupes Power of One solution for The J.M. Smucker Co. They have earned more than 30 awards for the J.M. Smucker Co. portfolio, including a Cannes Gold Lion. advertisement advertisement Inspiring and prolific ECDs who are willing to roll up their sleeves, elevate the work, and champion other ambitious creatives are a rare breed, said Erica Roberts, chief creative officer, BBH USA. Im beyond excited to welcome four of the best to our flock ... further accelerating our incredible creative momentum. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 7, 2024 Verizon this week asked a federal appellate court to nix the $47 million fine imposed by the Federal Communications Commission for sharing customers' location data. The agency ignored the limits of its authority in these multiple ways, in an effort to show force against a large company that did nothing wrong, Verizon argues in a written brief filed this week with the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. The telecom's new legal papers come in response to the Federal Communications Commission's April order, issued by a 3-2 vote, fining Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for selling access to customers geolocation data to aggregators that resold the information to outside companies. (The FCC fined AT&T $57 million and T-Mobile $92 million; those companies are also challenging the fines.) The FCC had initially proposed the fines in 2020 -- around two years after news broke that a Missouri sheriff used geolocation data provided by Securus Technology to track other law enforcement officers, without court orders. Securus obtained the location data from the phone carriers. Around one year later, Vice Media's Motherboard detailed how a journalist was able to pay a bounty hunter $300 to track a phone's location to a neighborhood in Queens. advertisement advertisement The major U.S. carriers say they no longer sell location data. Verizon is now asking the appeals court to vacate the fine for several reasons. Among other arguments, Verizon says the FCC is only empowered to enforce privacy standards for customer proprietary network information-- which Verizon argues is limited to data directly relating to voice calls. Verizon says the location data it provided to aggregators came from its location-based service program, which obtains geo-location data from cell towers, and then provides that data to companies like Life Alert or AAA. That cell-tower data, according to Verizon, is not customer proprietary network information because it's obtained whenever devices are turned on, regardless of whether customers are making phone calls at the time. Verizon also says it took took numerous measures to protect its subscribers information and to ensure that a service provider obtained affirmative consent to share device location information before requesting that information. For instance, the company says it vetted participants in the location-based services program, and also reviewed whether they obtained consumers' consent to location-sharing. The company adds that the FCC shouldn't have imposed a fine without proving its case in court. The Constitution guarantees Verizon a jury trial ... before it faces an order compelling it to pay a forfeiture, the company writes. The 2nd Circuit hasn't yet said when it will hear arguments in the matter. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 7, 2024 Google on Wednesday asked a federal judge to throw out an antitrust lawsuit by web users who claim the company's monopoly in search allowed it to return lower quality results, and also give short shrift to privacy concerns. In papers filed Wednesday with U.S. District Court Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco, Google argues that the plaintiffs didn't offer any specifics that would support their claims regarding poor search results or privacy protections. Nowhere do plaintiffs point to any facet of search quality that has been rendered 'inferior' from Google's alleged misconduct, Google writes. What specific innovations would have occurred but did not? the company asks. What quality improvements would have materialized? Google continues. The [complaint] fails to say. The company also says the complaint fails to furnish factual allegations to support its vague and conclusory assertions regarding the better user-privacy protections that plaintiffs have been supposedly missing out on. advertisement advertisement The new papers come in a lawsuit brought in April 2022 by Mary Katherine Arcell and around two dozen other search engine users. They claimed that Google monopolized search by arranging to serve as the default search engine for Apple's Safari and on Android devices. The suit came almost 18 months after the U.S. Department of Justice brought similar antitrust claims against Google in Washington, D.C. U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila in California dismissed the search users' complaint last year, ruling that the plaintiffs hadn't shown how they may have been harmed by the alleged antitrust violations. Arcell and the others subsequently filed a revised complaint that included additional allegations about Google's search engine -- including claims regarding Google's use of data. Earlier this year, Lin -- who took over the case from Davila -- again dismissed the complaint, writing that the revised allegations were conclusory and speculative. But she said at the time that U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta's ruling against Google in the lawsuit brought by the government might give the plaintiffs more fodder to once again revise their complaint. Lin noted that Mehta flagged DuckDuckGo as a privacy-protective search engine that couldn't compete effectively due to Google's search distribution deals, and a lack of access to data. Arcell and the others then again amended their allegations by incorporating some of Mehta's findings -- including that Google's monopoly in search hindered competitors with more privacy protections, like DuckDuckGo. Google counters in its newest papers that the plaintiffs haven't been injured because Duck Duck Go operates today, and can be used by Arcell and the others. The company is asking Lin to now dismiss the complaint with prejudice, which would prevent the users from again attempting to revise their allegations. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on December 10. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 8, 2024 In its latest move to gain market share for its search engine Bing to compete against Google and other new AI-based engines, Microsoft announced a $1 million prize for its most loyal user. Microsoft's marketing and advertising push gives users 20 chances to win, and new ways are released each week. The promotion also supports two nonprofits. Each entry can add up to $500,000 in donations. Microsoft said it will donate $5 toward UNICEF and World Wildlife Fund for each Rewards member with more than 50 entries. Those who give the search engine a try can earn up to 200 entries by performing Bing-related activities such as setting Bing as the default search engine, adding the Microsoft Rewards extension, doing searches on the engine, installing Microsoft Edge or the Bing app, setting up Windows backup, and using Bing for everyday tasks. advertisement advertisement Rewards also can be earned by inviting friends to join, making purchases in the Microsoft Store, or achieving a "Bing daily streak" by conducting three searches a day for a full week. In addition to one user receiving $1 million, 10 more winners will receive $10,000. The program is open to users living in the U.S., the U.K., Puerto Rico, Canada, France and Germany and will end in late December. Browsers and search engines are two markets where Microsoft has been trying to excel at gaining users. The company has designed laptops and tablets to take that share with its Windows browser and Bing CoPilot, which are integrated into the machines. Microsofts gift sounds very much like Elon Musk's giveaway, but is not as generous. Musk, the owner of social media site X, gave away $1 million per day to those who registered to vote in swing states. The random awards were provided through his super PAC until election day. A study shows that 19% of young men are at risk of developing muscle dysmorphia, driven by social media's focus on likes and appearance-based feedback. Trusted Source Social media likes and comments linked to young men's obsession with perfect pecs and a six-pack Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? The number of social media users worldwide has swelled to a record 4.9 billion people globally. The average person spends about 145 minutes on social media every day. #medindia #socialmedia #globalstatistics The number of social media users worldwide has swelled to a record 4.9 billion people globally. The average person spends about 145 minutes on social media every day. #medindia #socialmedia #globalstatistics Advertisement Link Between Social Media Engagement and Muscle Dysmorphia Advertisement Addressing Body Image Concerns in Men Advertisement Social Media as a Source of Social Validation The Psychological Risks of Social Media Potential Solutions Social media likes and comments linked to young mens obsession with perfect pecs and a six-pack - (https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/social-media-likes-and-comments-linked-to--young-mens-obsession-with-perfect-pecs-and-a-six-pack/) A recent Australian study suggests that social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are contributing to unrealistic and unhealthy obsessions with having a lean, muscular body among many young men ().Men who place greater value on receiving likes and positive feedback on their posts are significantly more prone to experiencing symptoms of "muscle dysmorphia" (MD) a condition in which they perceive their bodies as small and weak, despite having a well-developed physique.In an online survey of almost 100 men, aged between 18-34, all admitted to viewing celebrity, fashion, and fitness content on social media sites, but the link with MD was only significant when it came to the interactive feedback men received on these platforms.University of South Australia Psychology (Honours) graduate Luigi Donnarumma, who led the study published in, says the findings link appearance-based feedback on social media to body image concerns among men.Previous research has largely focused on women, but were now seeing that men are also vulnerable to the pressures of online body ideals, Donnarumma says.Muscle dysmorphia is an emerging issue, and our study shows that social media isnt just a platform for sharing content; its a powerful source of social validation that can significantly impact how young men perceive their bodies.The research found thatof the survey participants scored above the threshold for MD, suggesting that these young men were at significant risk of holding unrealistic ideals about their bodies.Co-author UniSA lecturer Dr. John Mingoia says the study highlights the need for more awareness of the psychological risks associated with social media use.Men are often exposed to hyper-muscular ideals online, particularly through fitness and celebrity content, Dr. Mingoia says. When these posts attract a high volume of likes and positive comments, they reinforce the message that this is the body standard that men should strive for. Over time, this can lead to harmful behaviors such as excessive exercising, restricted eating, and even steroid use.The researchers suggest thatmay be one way to combat muscle dysmorphia, along withto address body issues in men.Source-Eurekalert CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) A Southern California wildfire has destroyed 132 structures, mostly homes, in less than two days, fire officials said Thursday as raging winds were forecast to ease. The fire started Wednesday morning in Ventura County and has grown to about 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) at 5% containment. Its cause has not been determined. Email newsletter signup Newsletter sign up WIDGET Ten people have been injured in the course of the fire, Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff said. Most of them suffered from smoke inhalation or other non-life-threatening injuries. Fire officials said 88 other structures were damaged but did not specify whether they had been burned or affected by water or smoke damage. Some 10,000 people remained under evacuation orders Thursday as the Mountain Fire continued to threaten some 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo in Ventura County. County fire officials said crews working in steep terrain with support from water-dropping helicopters were focusing on protecting homes on hillsides along the fires northeast edge near the city of Santa Paula, home to more than 30,000 people. Kelly Barton watched as firefighters sifted through the charred rubble of her parents ranch home of 20 years in the hills of Camarillo with a view of the Pacific Ocean. The crews uncovered two safes and her parents collection of vintage door knockers undamaged among the devastation. This was their forever retirement home, Barton said Thursday. Now in their 70s, they have to start over. Her father returned to the house an hour after evacuating Wednesday to find it already destroyed. He was able to move four of their vintage cars to safety but two including a Chevy Nova hed had since he was 18 burned to toast, Barton said. Officials in several Southern California counties urged residents to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees during the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. Santa Anas are dry, warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore, moving in the opposite direction of the normal onshore flow that carries moist air from the Pacific. They typically occur during the fall months and continue through winter and into early spring. Ariel Cohen, the National Weather Services meteorologist in charge in Oxnard, said Santa Ana winds were subsiding in the lower elevations but remained gusty across the higher elevations Thursday evening. The red flag warnings, indicating conditions for high fire danger, expired in the area except for in the Santa Susana Mountains, Cohen said. The warnings will expire by 11 a.m. Friday in the mountains. The Santa Ana winds are expected to return early-to-midweek next week, Cohen added. The Mountain Fire was burning in a region that has seen some of Californias most destructive fires over the years. The fire swiftly grew from less than half a square mile (about 1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) in little more than five hours on Wednesday. By Thursday evening it was mapped at about 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) and Gov. Gavin Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency in the county. Marcus Eriksen, who has a farm in Santa Paula, said firefighters kept embers from spreading to his home, his vehicles and other structures even as piles of compost and wood chips were engulfed. The flames were up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall and moving quickly, Eriksen said Thursday. Their speed and ferocity overwhelmed him, but the firefighters kept battling to save as much as they could on his property. Thanks to their work, we dodged a bullet, big time, he said. Sharon Boggie said the fire came within 200 feet (60 meters) of her house in Santa Paula. We thought we were going to lose it at 7:00 this morning, Boggie said Thursday as white smoke billowed through the neighborhood. She initially fled with her two dogs while her sister and nephew stayed behind. Hours later the situation seemed better, she said. The Ventura County Office of Education announced that more than a dozen school districts and campuses in the county were closed Thursday, and a few were expected to be closed Friday. Utilities in California began powering down equipment during high winds and extreme fire danger after a series of massive and deadly wildfires in recent years were sparked by electrical lines and other infrastructure. Power was shut off to nearly 70,000 customers in five counties over the heightened risk, Southern California Edison said Thursday. Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for Edison, could not immediately answer whether power had been shut off in the area where the Mountain Fire was sparked. The wildfires burned in the same areas of other recent destructive infernos, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes near Los Angeles, and the 2017 Thomas Fire, which burned more than a thousand homes and other structures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Southern California Edison has paid tens of millions of dollars to settle claims after its equipment was blamed for both blazes. Weber reported from Los Angeles. Jaimie Ding and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles; Ethan Swope in Camarillo; Eugene Garcia in Santa Paula; Amy Taxin in Orange County; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; and Sarah Brumfield in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. The Kolin mega hub is the largest Toyota facility of its kind in Europe Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has inaugurated its first vehicle logistics mega hub in the Czech Republic following a multi-million euro investment. The Kolin mega hub is the largest Toyota facility of its kind in Europe, with the capacity to process up to 350,000 vehicles each year. Through the mega hub operations, TME expects to improve quality, as well as a reduction in vehicle delivery time. Dr Robert Kiml, President Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic said: "Our 17-million-euro investment in the Kolin mega hub demonstrates Toyota's unwavering commitment to doing business in the Czech Republic. "This strategic move not only strengthens our presence in Central Europe but also reflects our confidence in the region's potential. "We are dedicated to fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability through this significant investment, ensuring that we deliver exceptional value to our customers and contribute positively to the local economy." It will also increase opportunities for customisation by increasing Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), currently done at retailers, enabling Toyota dealers to meet the unique needs of their customers more efficiently. Jean-Christophe Deville, Vice President Supply Chain at Toyota Motor Europe said: "The inauguration of our mega hub in Kolin marks a significant milestone in our logistics strategy. "This facility sets a new benchmark in vehicle logistics by ensuring best-in-class operations that deliver on time, in time & every time. "Our commitment to shorter lead times, reduced costs, and maintaining the exceptional quality that Toyota is known for, underlines our dedication to meeting and exceeding the rising customer expectations across Central Europe." The Kolin mega hub also supports TMEs ambitions of decarbonising the supply chain and vehicle logistics. Built within the grounds of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ), it can take advantage of the extensive rail networks that currently connects several Toyotas European car manufacturing plants. Toyota is moving its vehicle logistics from road to rail. Existing rail connections between TMUK, TMMF & TMMCZ have already resulted in 4,237 tonnes per year of avoided carbon emissions since its inception in 2022. When John Dill died on Nov. 4, 1944, it shook the upper echelons of the United States military, right up through Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall. His memorial at Washington National Cathedral was attended by hundreds, and thousands of U.S. troops lined the route of his funeral procession to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was interred. Today, his is one of only two equestrian statues erected at Arlington, the other being Union Gen. Philip Kearny. It was a posthumous honor befitting any important or high-ranking U.S. military officer. Except Dill wasnt a U.S. military officer: He was a British field marshal. Sir John Dill was a highly decorated veteran of World War I and chief of the British Staff Mission in Washington, a personal representative of Prime Minister Winston Churchill -- and, according to Arlington, he is one of only 75 foreign nationals to earn a final resting place in the U.S. militarys most hallowed burial ground. There was only one problem: Dill and Churchill couldn't stand each other. (George C. Marshall Foundation) Field Marshal Dill was probably a surprising choice for such an important post as Churchills personal representative, but only to anyone outside the British War Office. He had been in the British Army since 1901 and was an experienced combat officer, having served with distinction in the Boer War in South Africa, in World War I and the Arab Revolt in Palestine. There was just one problem: Churchill couldnt stand him -- and the feeling was mutual. Dill had been appointed chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS) within weeks of Churchills rise to prime minister, but the two butted heads almost immediately. Dill didnt care for how much the PM interfered in the War Offices affairs while Churchill regarded his CIGS as slow, defeatist and lacking imagination. But Churchill couldnt just fire a man with a resume like Dills from the Army entirely, so he promoted Dill instead. In late 1941, Dill was set to be sent to India as governor when the course of the entire war suddenly changed. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Adolf Hitler also declared war on the United States. With the Americans in the war, Britain suddenly had a powerful new ally. Dill was presented with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and sent to Washington, D.C., to become the chief of the British Joint Staff Mission. While in this new, more diplomatic posting, Dill endeared himself to the Americans, especially to Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall. Their close friendship was critically important to the Allied war effort, because of a shared trust, mutual respect and frank communications. Marshall, who was sometimes left out of President Franklin D. Roosevelts conversations with Churchill, could now get that inside information after Churchill shared those communiques with the British General Staff. Without telling Churchill, Dill voluntarily provided Marshall with his telegrams from London, providing the chief of staff with critical insight to the presidents thinking. It was a calculated act that could have destroyed Dills career, but proved to be invaluable for Marshall. Dill died from aplastic anemia on Nov. 4, 1944, a year after his diagnosis and the blood transfusions that kept him alive. Because Dill was so beloved by his American counterparts, Marshall used his influence as Army chief of staff to get Congress to pass a joint resolution allowing Dill to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. President Roosevelt signed the resolution and awarded Dill the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Sir John Dill's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. (Department of Defense) Dill wasnt the first foreigner buried at Arlington. Italian Navy Lt. Luigi Bartolucci-Dundas was serving as assistant naval attache to the Embassy of Italy in Washington when he died in 1920, for example. Army regulations allow for certain exceptions in exceptional circumstances: In time of national emergency, the remains of officers and enlisted men of the armed forces of other countries who die within the continental limits of the United States while serving as instructors or students with the armed forces of the United States may be buried in any post cemetery or post section of any national cemetery without expense to the United States other than for opening, closing, and marking of the grave." The list of 75 foreigners buried at Arlington include German and Italian prisoners of war during World War II and a Chinese Kuomintang officer during the Chinese Civil War. A number of other foreign nationals remains are also interred there, as part of remains gathered from crash sites, whose identities could not be determined, many from South Vietnam. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Hello from the France Pavilion at the 7th China International Import Expo! Follow Xinhua correspondent to explore the romance and culture of France through its iconic brands and displays. Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor underwent a pair of offseason surgeries, the team announced Friday. Taylor had an umbilical hernia repair performed back on Oct. 30 and just yesterday underwent a procedure to remove a loose body in his right elbow. Typical recovery for each surgery is about two months, per the team. Assuming Taylors rehab follows a similar timetable, hed be ready in time for spring training. Taylor, 30, is headed into his second season with the Mets, who acquired him from the Brewers alongside Adrian Houser in a trade that sent pitching prospect Coleman Crow back to Milwaukee. While Housers lone year in Queens didnt prove fruitful, Taylor wound up playing a notable role as an oft-used backup who slotted into 130 games and took 345 turns at the plate. He hit .248/.299/.401 with seven homers, 11 steals and strong defense across all three outfield spots. Taylor was particularly productive from June onward, slashing .258/.323/.440 (115 wRC+) in that stretch. The Mets can control Taylor for another two seasons. Hes eligible for arbitration this winter and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn an affordable $2.9MM salary. As things stand, hes in line for an increased role next year, with Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte representing the only other experienced outfielders on the Mets 40-man roster. Of course, the Mets are widely expected to be in the outfield market this winter. Owner Steve Cohen is meeting with Juan Soto and agent Scott Boras next week, and even if the Mets cant lure Soto to Queens, theyll have plenty of other options to choose from in free agency. With Nimmo capable of handling center, the Mets can look into free agents and trade targets of both the corner-outfield and center field variety. Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Tyler ONeill and Jurickson Profar are among the free agents this winter. The White Sox have signed right-hander Justin Dunn to a minor league deal, per the team. The CAA client will be in spring training as a non-roster invitee. Now 29 years old, Dunn was a first-round pick by the Mets in 2016. He ranked among the organizations top prospect when he was traded to Seattle alongside Jarred Kelenic in the Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz blockbuster. The Ms gave Dunn a look in parts of three seasons and got decent results along the way, though Dunn also battled multiple shoulder injuries in his Mariners tenure. Eventually, he was packaged with Brandon Williamson and Jake Fraley in the trade bringing Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker to Seattle. With the Reds, Dunn only pitched a total of 65 2/3 innings between the minors and big leagues combined. His shoulder was ailing at the time of the trade, but Cincinnati made the swap anyhow. Dunns first season in Cincinnati was delayed by that shoulder; the team announced late in spring training that Dunn would miss months with a shoulder issue. He wound up pitching 31 innings in the minors and another 31 in the majors that year, logging an identical 6.10 ERA in both settings. Dunns 2023 season was again delayed by shoulder woes, and he eventually underwent surgery to repair the anterior shoulder in his right capsule late in 2023. He hasnt pitched since. Just a couple weeks ago, Dunns camp hosted a showcase for big league clubs. It was always unlikely that hed land a guaranteed roster spot after such a lengthy layoff, but Dunn will head to a White Sox organization that should have ample opportunity for him next season. Hell bring a career 4.44 ERA, 19.3% strikeout rate and ugly 14.7% walk rate in 133 2/3 innings to Chicago. When healthy, Dunn has averaged 93.7 mph on his heater and paired that offering with an 84 mph slider and 80 mph curveball. Because of all the time Dunn has spent on a major league injured list, he has four full seasons of service time already. If he makes the White Sox roster at any point, hed get to five years with another 152 days in the majors. At the very least, Dunn has a full slate of minor league options and two seasons of club control remaining. If hes brought up midseason when there are fewer than 152 days on the calendar, hed technically be controllable another three years, at minimum. All of that is putting the proverbial cart before the horse, however. First and foremost, Dunn will need to show that his shoulder injury is behind him and make some strides with his longstanding command issues. Theres plenty of former prospect pedigree, but its been close to a decade since Dunn was a first-rounder and about five years since he was last considered a top prospect. As temperatures drop with the leaves this fall in Michigan, natural gas rates for DTE Energy customers will climb for the first time in three years. Michigan regulators OKd a nearly $114-million rate hike for the utilitys 1.3 million customers on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7. GULL ROCK, LAKE SUPERIOR - When people talk in awed tones about the White Hurricane storm of 1913 that exploded over the Great Lakes like a four-day meteorological bomb, their words are laced with death. They tell of the giant waves that rolled huge ships before sucking them underwater, sinking at least a dozen. They describe the snow squalls whipped up by cyclone-force winds that pushed other ships right out of the lakes, leaving them stranded on rocky beaches. They talk of the more than 250 sailors and crew believed lost in our inland seas while this storm raged. The famous White Hurricane that happened 111 years ago this week would go down in the books as the worst natural disaster in Great Lakes history. But perhaps what stands apart is a nail-biting drama that played out just off the tip of Michigans northernmost peninsula. Its the story of a shipwrecked crew who refused to die - and the stubborn determination of men from two U.S. Life Saving stations in the Upper Peninsula who overcame nearly impossible odds to save them. When you look at the Waldo rescue, that crew was stuck on that ship for over 90 hours, not knowing whether they were going to be rescued or not, Mark Rowe, a trustee and maritime chairman of the Keweenaw County Historical Society, told MLive in an earlier interview. Hes done several historical presentations on this dramatic event. I think a lot of people were amazed that they were rescued, and what the rescuers went through. This photo shows stacks of life belts outside an undertaker's building in Ontario after the 1913 storm. Some bear the names of ships like the Wexford and James Carruthers. AN INSANE WIND SCREAMING MURDER IN THE DARKNESS The story of the freighter L.C. Waldo made international headlines this week in 1913. The Waldos crew had started out the trip with some unseasonably warm temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. At that time, the Great Lakes were busy with big freighters and a mix of smaller boats making late-season shipping runs. The Waldo, a 470-foot steamer, was loaded with iron ore. It had left Minnesota on Lake Superiors western end with plans to cross the lake, downbound for Ohio. It had 22 crew on board, two women and the ships dog. The Waldo was on the initial leg of that journey on Nov. 7, 1913 when the first of two colliding storm fronts struck the big lake. Gale and storm warning flags were hoisted in harbor towns. A nasty cold front turned violent. Big waves began to roil Lake Superior. The squalls came mixed with snow and icy spray. At that point, Captain J. W. Duddleson was just trying to find someplace the Waldo could get a break from the winds, estimated to be howling at 60 mph. In his book Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals, author William Ratigan gives a dramatic account of the scant hours the Waldo had left to remain afloat. And lest you think this sounds a bit too dramatic, remember this was about the time that the Great Lakes began swallowing a dozen other ships. Conditions were becoming more hurricane-like by the minute - a chaos that would last for the next four days. Huge waves broke over the Waldos bow and raked her decks with spray that froze and encased her with tons of ice. At nine oclock that night, Captain John Duddleson, a real blue-water sailor, born at the Soo, stood in the pilothouse whose windows were blind with frost. It was like being in the solitary cell of a madhouse, with an insane wind screaming murder in the darkness. At visibility zero, he steered by compass alone and prayed for his guardian angel to keep a sharp lookout. At midnight Captain Duddleson bent over his chart, laying a compass course for Manitou Island, off the Indian arrow-point of Keweenaw Peninsula, hoping to gain the islands shelter before the wind blew the Waldo off the map. Gull Rock, next to Manitou Island, off Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.Google Maps Early in this maritime battle, the Waldo had suffered a crippling blow. As the steamer approached Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula, a monster wave had broken over the stern and smashed down on the full length of the ship, reportedly damaging the pilot house. The ships navigational equipment also was lost. Supposedly there was some type of compass in a lifeboat, Rowe said. A mate went to get the compass, crossed the icy deck, and set that compass on a stool. With a lantern light, thats what they were steering by. Now the Waldo was headed for Manitou Island, a 1,000-acre expanse off the tip of the Keweenaw. But before it could reach that windbreak, it smashed into Gull Rock, a tiny islet just west of the island. Some have described it as the tip of an underwater mountain peak, jutting up from the lakes surface and likely invisible overnight in a furious storm. The Waldo wrecked on the rocks in the wee hours of Saturday, Nov. 8. That started the clock ticking on a life-or-death struggle for the sailors - and for the rescuers who were duty-bound to try and save them. Recorded wave heights from the White Hurricane in 1913. There were reports of fast-moving wave "trains," and waves that topped 30 feet.National Weather Service A CLEVER ENGINEER, A BATHTUB AND A FROZEN TOMB When they ran aground, they kept the engines running. The only safe place to shelter was the very front of the ship, below the pilot house level, Rowe explained. While they were up there, the ship broke in two and it flooded out the engines, so they had no heat. The ships engineer had an ingenious solution for a temporary stove. He came up with the bright idea of taking the captains bathtub, Rowe said. They ripped it out of the captains quarters and brought it into this room. Huddled together in a small space in the bow of the ship, the survivors turned the tub upside down, kicked the bottoms out of some metal fire buckets, stacking them together to make a stovepipe out of one of the portholes. Then they lit a fire. The captain directed them to start burning the wood off the ships walls and door casings. He had part of the crew tearing out the wood, and the others doing exercises to keep warm, Rowe said. This tiny space was all the survivors had. As each wave battered the broken ship, the Waldo became encased in ice. The crew could not risk going to other parts of the ship to search for supplies. The food they had with them was nearly non-existent. Someone had managed to grab a one-gallon container of either peaches or tomatoes, depending on the account you read. They were left to wait in these hellish conditions, wondering if anyone even knew they were missing - or how to find them. The boathouse at the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Eagle Harbor, which replaced the original Life-Saving station. Photo provided by the Michigan Tech Archives.Michigan Tech Archives THOSE BOYS ARE NEVER COMING BACK It was late Saturday by the time the Waldos rescuers got word that the steamer was in trouble. Its unclear if the first details reached the Keweenaw Peninsulas U.S. Life Saving stations via the crew from a ship that had passed the wreck site, or from locals who spotted the wreck. Surfmen from the Eagle Harbor and Portage stations both were alerted to the ships plight. The Eagle Harbor station, which had opened the year before because of the number of calls for help near the tip of the peninsula, was the closest to the Waldo. Their surfmen got underway early Sunday, taking their smaller 26-foot motorized boat because their larger one was being repaired. They pushed off into the storm, propelled by the U.S. Life Saving motto: You have to go out, but you dont have to come back. By now the storm had ramped into a fury, the wind and blizzard-like conditions even worse than when it had dashed the Waldo against the rocks. Watching them leave, local resident Dave Kingston of Agate Harbor made a grim prediction: You better wire Washington. Those boys are never coming back. On this first try, the Eagle Harbor rescuers made it only eight miles out into the storm. Ice began to encrust the small boat. The storm was coming out of the northwest, with winds topping 70 mph at their stern. The rescue boats captain decided to turn around, fearing for the safety of his crew. They went back to get the 34-foot boat, which was being repaired for them. When they arrived back at Eagle Harbor, they had frozen to their seats and had to be freed with small axes, according to reports. At the Portage Life Saving Station on the other side of the Keweenaw, that crew tried to set out on the north side of the peninsula, also to be turned back by the gale. Instead, they used the inland waterway that cuts across the peninsula to reach the south side. The Portage crew traveled over 80 miles to reach the wreck site, while the Eagle Harbor crews trip was just over 30 miles. Within hours of each other, both Life Saving crews eventually made it to where the Waldo lay wrecked, Rowe said. By then it was Tuesday, and the ships survivors had been on the edge of disaster for days. A TRICKY RESCUE, THE SHIP GETS A NEW NAME Once rescuers arrived, there was no safe way to tie their smaller boat to the Waldo. The Portage crew feared their rescue boat had already scraped bottom and might be taking on water. Eagle Harbors crew was able to maneuver their boat next to the Waldo, and a surfman named John Beck took off his boots and prepared to climb aboard the wreck in his wool socks. He knew hed have a better chance of sticking to the icy deck in his socks, Rowe said. Once the surfmen located the Waldos survivors, they had to free them from their White Hurricane tomb in the ships small windlass room. With the waves and spray, it encased (that part of the ship) in ice, Rowe explained. When the rescuers got there, they had to chop from the outside and the crew was chopping from the inside, so they could get off the ship. The Portage station rescue boat ended up taking about 10 of the people, with the rest going with the Eagle Harbor crew. Not one life was lost in this incredible rescue. Their heroics became part of Great Lakes lore. The Life Saving stations even got some national recognition. Both the Eagle Harbor and Portage crews were awarded Gold Medals, the services highest honor, for their work saving those aboard the Waldo. And what of the steamers fate? It stayed hung up on Gull Rock until the next spring, when a May 1914 blurb in the Detroit Free Press mentioned it had been towed into the peninsulas Portage Lake area. But that wasnt the end of the Waldo. Even though insurance underwriters later listed the $300,000 ship a total loss, records show it was salvaged and rebuilt by American Ship Building in Ohio and sold in 1915 to a Canadian company that renamed it the Riverton. In 1943, the ship reportedly wrecked on Lottie Wolf Shoal off Hope Island in the Georgian Bay and again was listed on insurance forms as a total loss. Refloated and resold the next year, it was renamed the Mohawk Deer. In 1967, it was finally sold for scrap and was to be towed to Europe. On Nov. 5, nearly 54 years to the day it ran aground on Gull Rock as the Waldo, the Mohawk Deer broke loose from its Yugoslavian tugboat escort. It grounded on the rocks off Portofino, Italy in the Gulf of Genoa just short of her destination, according to a profile of the ship on BoatNerd.com. She broke up during the night of November 6-7. Parts of her were salvaged and was taken to La Spezia on December 31, 1967. She eventually slipped off and sank with the bow in 80 feet of water and the stern deeper at 170. The wreck has become a popular dive site in the Portofino Marine Park. Want to know more about the wreck of the Waldo and the heroic efforts of the two Life Saving crews? Plan a summer trip to visit the Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station, part of the Keweenaw County Historical Society. Youll find a display and artifacts that have been shared by the surfmens families. WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT GREAT LAKES MARITIME HISTORY? Here are some stories you might like: Mystery surrounds old Lake Michigan shipwreck, woman left tied to the mast. Epic salvage effort saved 230 new Chryslers from U.P. shipwreck Lighthouse mystery: Air Force pilot crashes, leaves heartbreaking note before vanishing (c) 2024 , The Washington Post Maxine Joselow On the morning after Election Day, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan convened several of his top officials for a somber meeting. Most officials had woken up Wednesday to the news that Donald Trump, who once vowed to eliminate the EPA in almost every form, would return to the White House in January. Many staffers still remembered his efforts to force out, mute and sideline federal scientists, especially those working on climate change. Regan sought to reassure employees that their achievements under President Joe Biden would stand the test of time, EPA spokesman Nick Conger said. The EPA chief also encouraged staffers to run through the tape and continue making progress during the 76-day lame-duck period between Election Day and Inauguration Day, Conger added. Across the federal government, Trumps election has set off a scramble among political appointees and career bureaucrats alike to lock in Bidens landmark environmental initiatives. Some staffers say they learned a lesson in 2017, when Trump swiftly dismantled some of President Barack Obamas signature environmental achievements. At the Energy Department, experts are racing to finalize a study justifying the Biden administrations pause on approvals of new liquefied natural gas exports - a pause that Trump has promised to end on his very first day back. At the Interior Department, officials just moved to limit oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - even as Trump sums up his energy policy as drill, baby, drill. And on Friday, Interior officials moved to save an imperiled bird by limiting drilling, mining and livestock grazing across parts of the American West. The plan for protecting the greater sage grouse - known for its elaborate mating dance - restricts some of these activities across nearly 65 million acres of the birds habitat in 10 Western states. The oil and gas industry, a frequent foe of the Biden administration, is preparing to scrutinize all of these actions - and potentially challenge them in court. Its no secret that weve had our share of disagreement with the Biden administration on energy policy over the last three-and-a-half years, and some of these policies that could be proposed in the next couple of months could be concerning, said Dustin Meyer, senior vice president of policy, economics and regulatory affairs at the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group. We really wont know much until we actually see the policies, but we always keep our options open. Perhaps no agency embodies the Biden administrations lame-duck environmental strategy better than the EPA, which has emerged as an epicenter of the presidents ambitious climate agenda. Environmentalists said they expect the agency to take several major actions in the coming weeks touching everything from electric vehicles to toxic chemicals. At the top of the list: Trump-proofing Californias transition to EVs. Under the Clean Air Act, California can receive a waiver from the EPA to set tougher vehicle emissions rules than those of the federal government. More than a dozen other states follow Californias stricter rules, collectively accounting for about 40 percent of the U.S. auto market. Before Trump takes office, the EPA plans to grant California a waiver to enforce its rule aimed at banning sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2035, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plans are not yet public. This is by far the most significant rule in the United States setting the pace for vehicle electrification, said Craig Segall, senior vice president at the advocacy group Evergreen Action and former assistant chief counsel at the California Air Resources Board. It helps lock in the progress of the American automobile industry. Asked for comment on the waiver, Conger said in an email that the EPA follows a prescribed process under the Clean Air Act to review such requests and holds a public comment period, after which the administrator determines whether the requirements for obtaining a waiver have been met. Environmentalists said they also expect the agency to finalize three rules restricting the release of toxic chemicals. One rule will ban most uses of perchloroethylene, a solvent widely used in dry cleaning that can damage the central nervous system. Another will limit the use of trichloroethylene, a chemical linked to kidney cancer that is used to make refrigerants and some household cleaning products. The EPAs enforcement office, for its part, is pressing to impose penalties and reach settlements with companies accused of violating the nations bedrock environmental laws. But some companies are stalling in the hopes of negotiating with more lenient Trump officials instead, according to an EPA enforcement employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The regulated community is dragging their feet, the staffer said. They want to see if they can get a better deal from the next administration. At the Energy Department, meanwhile, experts are working to finish a study on whether continued U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are consistent with the public interest, as required by the Natural Gas Act. A draft of the study will be released before the end of the year, an administration official confirmed. Tyson Slocum, director of the energy program at the advocacy group Public Citizen, said he expects the draft to say these exports are not in the public interest because of their climate consequences, as well as their harm to public health in disadvantaged communities along the Gulf Coast. That finding could help environmentalists challenge the Trump administrations approvals of LNG projects in court - and potentially block billions of dollars worth of LNG infrastructure that could increase U.S. greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come. Bidens decision on LNG is the most consequential thing he can do on climate and fossil fuels before Trump takes office, Cassidy DiPaola, a spokeswoman for Fossil Free Media, a group that opposes fossil fuels, said in a statement. The administration also moved this week to restrict fossil fuel exploration on Alaskas North Slope, by narrowing the scope of an oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge scheduled for December. On Wednesday, hours after Trumps election, the Interior Department issued a plan for the auction, which was mandated by a 2017 tax bill under Trump. Asked about the departments plans for the coming months, an Interior spokeswoman referred all questions to the White House, which declined to comment. With the exception of a plan to accelerate solar energy development on public lands, Interior has largely accomplished what it set out to achieve in Bidens first term, said Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the Center for Western Priorities, a conservation group. From what we can tell, theyve done a very good job lining this stuff up, so theres not a whole lot at risk of getting punted into the next administration, he said. I think everyone learned that lesson in 2016. KENT COUNTY, MI A Caledonia man accused of providing alcohol and vape pens to teens for sex and nude images or videos has been indicted on seven federal charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Scott Michael Elam, 42, was arrested on state charges in July. The federal indictment, unsealed Thursday, Nov. 7, alleged that Elam twice used a Blink security camera to record himself having sex with a teen girl. He allegedly saved the recordings to his cellphone. Three other girls allegedly recorded themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sent images or videos to Elam via social media, the indictment said. The charges carry penalties of at least 15 years in prison, and up to 30, upon conviction. We are committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and holding offenders accountable, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Berens on Thursday ordered Elam held pending a detention hearing Friday afternoon in federal court in Grand Rapids. Kent County sheriffs detectives used search warrants on Elams residence and cellphone, as well as internet-based companies, including Yahoo, Google and Amazon and cash applications. Police reports from the sheriffs investigation are listed as evidence in the federal case. The incidents allegedly occurred between March and June. Elam communicated with girls in West Michigan, including Byron Center, Caledonia, Forest Hills and Lowell, police said. Records showed that most of the alleged crimes occurred in Kent County but Allegan and Barry counties were listed, too. During the same period of time charged in the indictment, Defendant convinced other minors (not associated with the charged counts) to produce and send him explicit pictures and videos in exchange for alcohol and other items, Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Kay Ghiselli wrote in court documents. Kent County court records showed that sheriffs detectives talked to a 17-year-old girl who had sex with Elam multiple times. Elam allegedly told her he recorded their encounters and sent her some of the recordings. Scott used a Blink camera that was located in his bedroom to record the sexual acts and even admitted to (the teen) that he has many other videos of having sex with high-school aged girls saved on his phone in a separate folder, a sheriffs deputy wrote in a probable-cause affidavit. The 17-year-old told police that Elam sells to everyone at the high schools in the area and that Scott would give discounts to females if they sent him nude photos or videos, the affidavit said. The alleged sexual exploitation of four minors by Mr. Elam is appalling ... , said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. James Fisher, an assistant federal public defender assigned the case, declined to comment. JACKSON COUNTY, MI Voters across Jackson County took to the polls this week to decide not only who would lead the country, but also many local municipality and judicial offices. Here is that headline and some more you might have missed this week. Results for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election in Jackson County Jackson County residents are currently casting their votes in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election, deciding who will be the next U.S. President, as well as winners in state and local races. Operating millages are on the ballot for the Jackson County Jail, Jackson District Library and Jackson College. Voters will also decide between contested races for township, city council and school board seats, as well as who should represent Michigan in Congress and the U.S. House and Senate. Whites Restaurant temporarily closed due to kitchen fire A staple restaurant in the Jackson community is temporarily closed due to kitchen fire that broke out Sunday afternoon. Fire crews were called at about 3 p.m. Nov. 3 to Whites Restaurant and Catering, 845 N. West Ave., for a report of a fire with flames seen coming through the roof, Jackson Fire Department Lt. Joseph Carpenter said. Crews arrived and found an active fire in the restaurants kitchen area and were able to extinguish it quickly, Carpenter said. 3-year-old boy found firearm and shot, injured himself in Jackson County A 3-year-old boy was taken to the hospital early Sunday morning after he shot himself with a firearm. The child was home with his parents around 1 a.m. Nov. 3 in the 4200 bock of Lansing Avenue in Blackman Township when he found a firearm in the residence, according to a release from the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety. The gun discharged and struck the child, police said. Republican trying to keep Jackson state House seat raises over $1.5M A Republican candidate has raised over $1 million to keep her seat in a key state House district in Jackson County while her Democratic challenger secured nearly $760,000, state campaign finance records show. In Michigans 46th State House District, Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, trying to ward off a challenge from Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney, received $179,777 in cash contributions through Oct. 20 this year. In addition, Schmaltz received in-kind contributions totaling $701,634 from the House Republican Campaign Committee. These helped fund advertisements and other campaign efforts. Jacksons downtown social district expands its hours Jacksons downtown social district is expanding its hours. In its Oct. 22 meeting, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved a request from the Jackson Downtown Development Authority to expand the social district hours. The action will provide additional benefits and freedom to businesses, Jackson DDA Director Beth Kuiper said. The social district launched in March 2023, and allows patrons to legally purchase alcohol and consume it in designated outdoor spaces. It has operated noon to midnight Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Lawsuit dismissed against jail that allegedly failed to provide Ramadan meals A lawsuit accusing Jackson County sheriff and jail staff of failing to accommodate Muslim inmates during Ramadan has ended in dismissal. United States District Judge Gershwin Drain signed an order Oct. 10, dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice after agreeing with the sheriffs office that the claims in the lawsuit were insufficient to warrant allowing the case to move forward. In being dismissed with prejudice, the lawsuit claim is over and cannot be filed again. See the unprecedented record number of early ballots submitted in Jackson County An unprecedented number of people showed up to their local polling place before election day in Jackson County, city and county officials said. Between the City of Jackson and the wider Jackson County area, 19,136 ballots were cast through early voting services ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. A total of 16,585 voters in Jackson County townships utilized in-person early voting, said Cierra Sowle, Jackson County clerk and register of deeds. Feds charge Jackson man for alleged threats to political action committee A Jackson man faces federal charges amid accusations he made threats to a political action committee, or PAC, that was soliciting funds for the Nov. 5 election. Christopher Clay Pierce, 46, of Jackson, was arrested and charged Nov. 5 in U.S. District Court Eastern District Michigan on one count of making a threatening interstate communication after he allegedly made threats to injure or kill individuals associated with the PAC, according to a U.S. Department of Justice release. This is what Jackson voters have to say about the 2024 presidential election As polls begin to close across the country, Jackson voters showed up in droves to have their voices heard. Unsurprisingly, the heated presidential race between current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has provoked a wide range of opinions. The Jackson Citizen Patriot interviewed several people coming and going from the ballot box about their stance on the contentious election. Read on to see what Jacksonians had to say. Tim Walberg wins reelection to U.S. House seat representing Jackson County U.S. Rep Tim Walberg was elected to serve another term in Congress, covering Jackson County, in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election. The Associated Press declared Walberg, R-Tipton, the winner in the 5th District, defeating Democratic candidate Libbi Urban of Buchanan and Green Party candidate James Bronke of Cassopolis. So far, Walberg has received about 70% of the votes, with Urban receiving 28.6% and Bronke receiving 1.6%. About 30% of votes had been counted, according to the Associated Press. Voters select Kathy Schmaltz for second term in Jackson County state House district Voters decided to keep a Republican candidate as their representative in a key state House district in Jackson County. In the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election, Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson, was elected to another two-year term in the House of Representatives 46th District, which covers the city of Jackson and parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties, including Chelsea. She defeated Daniel Mahoney, D-Jackson, who mayor of Jackson. Schmaltz received 52.1% of the votes, while Mahoney received 47.9%, according to the Associated Press, which called the race for Schmaltz shortly after 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. About 98% of votes are counted. Newcomer will fill Ward 5 Jackson City Council seat A new councilmember will fill the Ward 5 seat on Jackson City Council following the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election. Ward residents have elected candidate Christy Davis. She defeated her opponent Todd Moore, receiving 749 votes, while Moore received 470, according to unofficial Jackson County election results. Jackson County Jail operation millage fails for third time, by 973 votes Police services for Jackson County are in budgetary peril after a third attempt to pass a millage, just enough to keep operations going at the jail and sheriffs office, failed again. It was a tight race. The millage failed by 973 votes with 36,978 saying yes and 37,951 saying no, according to unofficial election results yet to be certified. The county was asking voters to approve a tax of 0.25 mills to be levied on properties for 10 years to fund public safety services, including county jail and other sheriffs operations. It was called a jail services millage. Newcomers take over several Jackson County school board seats Several Jackson County school boards will seat new members next year as a number of newcomers challenged and beat incumbents in the Nov. 5 election. The boards of the Columbia School District, Springport Public Schools and Grass Lake Community Schools will all have at least one new member at the start of 2025. Voters select Cierra Sowle to remain Jackson Countys top election official Jackson Countys current appointed clerk will stay right where she is after securing victory Tuesday night. Voters took to the polls Nov. 5, and selected Cierra Sowle as Jackson County clerk, meaning she will retain the position she was appointed to after the previous clerks retirement. Sowle, Republican, defeated Democrat Sabrina Brownlow 49,322 votes to 28,053 securing 63% of the total votes, according to the unofficial election results yet to be certified. Jackson County selects new probate judge in tight race In a tight race, Jackson County has selected its newest probate judge. Jennifer M. Kelly defeated her opponent Bill Rappleye in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 5. She will take over the judicial position being vacated by retiring judge Diane Rappleye, Bill Rappleyes ex-wife. Winning with 54% of the vote, Kelly won the election by 5,055 votes, or 31,400 votes to 26,334, according to unofficial county election results. See the results of contested county commissioner races in Jackson County Incumbents came out on top in each of the four contested races for Jackson County Board of Commissioner seats on the Nov. 5 ballot. Each winning candidate is now set to represent their districts for a four-year term. Jackson College millage fails with voters for 17th straight time Jackson Colleges most recent attempt at a millage restoration has failed with voters, marking the 17th unsuccessful proposal since 1964. The proposal on the Nov. 5 election ballot failed with 40,439 no votes to 33,464 yes votes. The proposal sought to restore the colleges original authorized charter millage rate of 1.33 mills, entailing a 0.1973-mill increase on the current millage of 1.1327 mills. Meet the 3 new board members for Jackson Public Schools A trio of newcomers each earned a spot on the Jackson Public School Board in the Nov. 5 election. In a hotly contested race that fielded 10 candidates vying for three soon-to-be-vacant board seats, Subba Reddy, Alaina Sharp and Cheryl Simonetti each garnered enough voter support to be named future board members. If the race for Brooklyn village president remains tied, how do you pick a winner? The final selection determining who is village president in Brooklyn might come down to who has more luck on their side. Out of a total 638 votes cast in the Nov. 5 general election, current Village of Brooklyn President Terry Mahr and challenger Estella Roberts each won 319 votes, ending the election in an even tie, according to the unofficial election results yet to be certified. To break a tie, state law dictates a drawing, and whoever blindly selects the elected paper wins. Challenger defeats longtime incumbent for Jackson College trustee seat A longtime staple of the Jackson College Board of Trustees lost his seat in the Nov. 5 general election, marking the end of an 18-year stint on the board. Current board chairperson John Crist came up third in the race for two six-year terms on the board in Tuesdays election. Donna Lake, a 12-year incumbent received 29,678 votes, followed by newcomer Danielle Mackey with 28,975 votes and Crist with 27,108 votes. 4 of 6 ballot proposals pass with Jackson County voters Polls have closed, the votes have been counted, and results are in for a handful of proposals on the Jackson County ballot. Here is a round-up of what voters decided to pass and reject out of the six proposals Jackson County voters considered. 5 great places to go for a drink near Jackson after Election Day Regardless of how your candidate fared at the ballot box, everybody is going to need a chance to relax after this years election cycle, and the Jackson area has plenty of establishments that offer a chance to do that. Here are five great Jackson-area drinking spots to visit if youre looking to - responsibly - detox from politics with a little intox. Fatal shootout that injured a Jackson officer began with man wanted for shooting brother Police have released details on a shootout that left a suspect accused of shooting his brother dead and a Jackson police officer shot. At 5:09 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Lenawee County Sheriffs Office contacted Jackson County Central Dispatch that a shooting suspect they were tracking with GPS was in the Jackson County area, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. Jackson residents warned to watch for possible pipe bombs thrown as man fled police A shooting suspect who was killed in a shootout with police had several pipe bombs, which investigators believe he may had thrown from his car during his pursuit. Investigators are asking residents to be on the lookout for suspicious looking pipe objects in the streets as they could be one of several bombs tossed as the man fled police after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. There were reports of explosions heard as well as gunshots during the chase, according to the Michigan State Police. Text message from state rep telling people to vote after Election Day is being investigated The Michigan Secretary of State is investigating a complaint regarding a text message informing people to vote on Wednesday, Nov. 6. State House Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson, and her campaign sent the message on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The text stated the polls would open tomorrow, the day after Election Day, according to a screenshot of the message. Angela Benander, chief communications officer for the Michigan Department of State, confirmed in an email that the department received a complaint about the text message, and it is under investigation. 19 dead animals found in cages in home of self-proclaimed animal rescuer A self-proclaimed animal rescuer is in court on felony and misdemeanor animal abuse charges after more than a dozen dead animals were found locked up in her Jackson home. Makayla Mylin Stefaniuk, 20, waived her right to a preliminary examination Friday, Nov. 1, sending her case to Jackson County Circuit Court. She faces one felony count of animal abuse for abandoning 10 or more animals and six misdemeanor counts of improper burial of an animal, court records show. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. BANGOR TWP, MI Bangor Township Schools Superintendent Matthew Schmidt was surprised with an announcement at the districts Wednesday, Nov. 6, board of education meeting: he had been selected as the winner of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA) Michigan Superintendent of the Year. Schmidt earned the award, according to a MASA news release, due to his commitment to student-centered education, dedication to fostering school community and leadership within the district as well as in a broader educational landscape. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has already saved Mitch E. Gander and Dolly Pardon" from the Thanksgiving dinner table, and now the naming contest has started for the turkey shell pardon this year. Michigan residents can submit their naming suggestions at this link . There is no limit on the number of suggestions residents can submit. The contest is open through Tuesday, Nov. 12. Thanksgiving is a time to spend quality time with your loved ones, and the annual turkey pardon is a tradition I always look forward to, Whitmer said. I look forward to reviewing all the fun, creative names that Michiganders come up with this year. Submit your name ideas and find out if you picked the winner to be pardoned next week! Related: With Whitmers pardon, turkey Dolly Pardon will live for another 9 to 5 Whitmer began her annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon in 2022, mirroring the presidential tradition that started annually with President George H.W. Bush. Turkey pardoning by the president has roots as far back as President Abraham Lincoln, according to White House historians . Last year, President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys: Liberty and Bell. Last years pardoned bird in Michigan was named Dolly Pardon. Former president Donald Trump delivers remarks at Van Andel Arena during his final campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Mich. in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com CALHOUN COUNTY, MI Days after the Tuesday, Nov. 5, election, thousands of votes were found to be reported incorrectly in one Michigan county, with the possibility of altering the outcome of a race. Calhoun County posted its vote tallies online following the election, however untallied votes were later discovered, according to an attorney. The countys unofficial results are showing Democrat Rep. Jim Haadsma with 17,852 votes and Republican challenger Steve Frisbie with 19,233 votes in the race for the 44th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Haadsmas attorney, Chris Trebilcock, said 12 precincts from Battle Creek involving about 4,000 votes were incorrectly reported in the countys unofficial results due to a software error. The county clerks office told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette about 2,800 ballots in the City of Battle Creek were overridden and not initially counted. Election officials from Calhoun County Clerks Office with assistance from the Michigan Bureau of Elections immediately began addressing this matter in a transparent and bipartisan way. This is why our election system has checks and balances, Trebilcock told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette on Friday. These inadvertent errors are designed to be corrected by the county canvass. We are closely monitoring to ensure the process is done correctly and in accordance with law. The issue could also impact the results of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners race, Gongwer reported. The 44th District includes Battle Creek, Springfield, Bedford Township, Pennfield Township, Convis Township, Lee Township, Clarence Township, Sheridan Township and Albion. Haadsma, who has served in the House for six years, could not be reached for comment. He posted online that he phoned Frisbie to congratulate him on the win, offering to help in the transition. Frisbie posted a celebratory message about the race on Nov. 6. We did it, he said. The House flipped to Republican control during the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election 58 Republicans and 52 Democrats were elected. A Michigan Secretary of State Office spokesperson told the Detroit News and confirmed to MLive that the reporting problem centered around absentee ballots submitted in Battle Creek. The city used two high-speed absentee ballot tabulators, but the countys system wasnt programmed to combine the drives from the two tabulators, SOS spokesperson Angela Benander said. After reading the first set of numbers, the system replaced the first results with the second set instead of adding them together, Benander said. The error is in the process of being corrected, she said. It is typical for the canvassing process to identify these kinds of issues and correct them, Benander told MLive. Thats why we emphasize that these are unofficial results until the canvass is complete and results are certified. Required statutory safeguards are being followed to ensure the integrity of the election, the Calhoun County Clerks Office said. Im confident in the integrity of our election process despite this temporary issue, and ultimately we will be able to 100% certify the results within our county as required by law and expected by our voters, Calhoun County Clerk Kimberly Hinkley said. The Calhoun County website will continue to be updated until results are finalized, the clerk said. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Smokers are being warned to dispose of butts appropriately and not to tempt fate, as bushfire conditions sweep across large parts of the country. A Melbourne driver was caught on camera flicking a partially lit cigarette butt from their car, an act that can result in significant penalties. Source: Reddit Australians are being reminded of the hefty fines in place if they're caught dropping a lit cigarette on the ground, particularly as bushfire conditions sweep the nation, after a viral social media video caught one east coast driver in the act. The Victorian motorist was spotted this week flicking a partially lit cigarette onto a packed road in Melbourne, which people online said was "so vile", especially given "there's bins every five metres" across the city. What started a single post attracted an onslaught of responses, with people criticising the potential fire hazard, as well pointing out the impact littering has on wildlife and the environment. "Lit ciggie out the window expect a letter from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)," the original poster wrote beside the footage, which shows a holden driver discarding the cigarette while stopped at a red light. When it comes to littering, the EPA in Victoria has tough penalties in place, including fines to the tune of almost $800 for smokers caught dumping their cigarette butts. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the EPA warned that it's strictly forbidden to litter from a car or vehicle, with drivers also responsible for the behaviour of their passengers. ADVERTISEMENT "The video appears to show someone littering, and we encourage the person who witnessed it to officially report it to EPA," a spokesperson told Yahoo. "Smoking can be expensive, but littering can be worse. EPA issues around 10,000 litter fines a year, many of them for cigarette butts. "Cigarette butts are the most common type of litter. They often find their way through drains and waterways to the bay, and lit cigarettes can cause bushfires if they land among grass or bush." Existing fines in the state for littering range from $395 up to almost $4000. An individual can be slapped with a $395 fine for "a small item of litter such as a cigarette butt or food packaging" or $790 for a lit cigarette or other "dangerous" goods. Similarly, for a corporation fines of $1,976 are in place for small items. Fines for businesses extend to $3952 for a lit cigarette or other dangerous litter. Aussie's blast 'grubby' act on busy Melbourne road Online, Australians criticised what was described as "grubby" behaviour from the Melbourne driver. "As a smoker, this kind of behaviour sh*ts me," one person commented. "You literally have a portable bin with you (your smoke packet). It's not hard to flick an ember off, kill it, then put your butt back in the box." ADVERTISEMENT "Imagine if this was peak summer, 40C, and out in the regional towns where it's absolutely dry and overgrown as sh*t a lit/discarded cig is all it takes for it to go up in flames," said another. Firefighters say there have been multiple instances of bush and grassfires starting this way in recent years. Back in November last year, Yahoo reported on one example of what could have become a "potential disaster", before a quick-thinking Aussie man sprung into action. Heatwave conditions sizzle across Australia This week across the country, several jurisdictions were warned over heatwave conditions, which saw residents in large parts of the country's north and northeast swelter for days on end. The warning has been renewed on Friday, with scorching temperatures expected over the weekend. ADVERTISEMENT Swathes of outback Queensland, from the Gulf Country to northern NSW, are being warned by the Bureau of Meteorology to expect severe heatwave conditions across this coming weekend. Areas of the Queenslands Central and Gulf Country regions are forecast to be the worst affected, with Mount Isa tipped to reach a blistering 43 degrees, staying above 40 well into next week. Further south, Longreach is forecast to hit a sweltering 44 on Saturday. A warning for severe heatwave conditions is also in place over the weekend in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, from the Kimberley, across Darwin and to the border. It comes as many of the state capitals are tipped to swelter through a balmy weekend, with Sydney forecast to hit 30 degrees on Friday 5 degrees hotter than this time last year before cooling off for Saturday. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Cassowaries are described as the world's most dangerous bird, with a single swipe of their three-taloned feet being enough to potentially kill a person. A cassowary wandered into the tent of an unsuspecting camper at Mission Beach in Queensland, prompting a reminder from officials not to feed the giant birds. Source: Facebook Tourists are being reminded never to feed or interact with wild cassowaries at campsites in parts of the country's northeast, months after an initial warning largely failed to deter people from the act. It comes after a woman posted online this week showing one of the enormous and dangerous birds actually inside her tent in Queensland. In August, Queensland's Department of Environment warned locals and travellers to practise caution at the Murray Falls Campground in the Girramay National Park, northwest of Cardwell in the state's north, as the cassowary population in the area had become accustomed to being fed. The area's been dubbed "prime habitat" for the impressive birds, particularly in the vicinity of the national park, but cassowaries are known to frequent Mission Beach about an hour's drive from Murray Falls as one stunned camper recently found out. "Visitor just walked in with chicks, we moved out really quickly," the woman wrote on social media. Responding to the picture, a spokesperson for Queensland's Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation told Yahoo News the snap likely reflects the fact people aren't getting the message and are continuing to feed the gargantuan birds known as the world's most dangerous. Visitors to the Murray Falls campsite have been warned to never feed the resident cassowaries. Source: Queensland DESI 'Disappointing' photo sparks renewed warning to campers The spokesperson encouraged Australians and those visiting the country to heed the advice for their own safety. "It is disappointing to see a cassowary in such close proximity to a camper, as seen in the [Mission Beach] photo, as this indicates it has been habituated to receiving food from humans," the spokesperson told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT "Allowing cassowaries to associate humans with food is dangerous to both campers and the birds and it is of particular concern for cassowaries with chicks, which are prone to becoming aggressive to protect their babies." Feeding young cassowaries can also teach the chicks to become reliant on humans for food which can have dire future consequences, the spokesperson added. A single swipe from a cassowary's dagger-like talons on their feet could kill a person, and while deaths are rare, injuries do occur. Source: Queensland DESI "Cassowaries are large birds with dagger-like talons on their feet, and they may get aggressive if they cant access food or feel threatened, which is just another reason its so important they never learn to associate people with their next meal," they said. "We ask campers to ensure all food, scraps and rubbish is secured and not accessible to cassowaries, and encourage people to report dangerous or concerning cassowary behaviour to the department." The animals, which are the second heaviest bird in the world after the ostrich and the third tallest, can grow up to two metres in height and weigh up to an incredible 80 kilograms. ADVERTISEMENT Still sharing many distinct characteristics inherited from their dinosaur ancestors, including their three-taloned feet, cassowaries are the largest native vertebrate in Australian rainforests and an attack can easily prove deadly for humans. Though fatalities are very rare (the only recorded Australian fatality was in 1926), serious injuries are more common, and largely come from people trying to feed them, as noted at Murray Falls. Southern cassowary behaviour is unpredictable and they are listed as endangered, with an estimated 4,400 cassowaries left in the wild. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Lacking infrastructure and extreme growth has meant that Gold Coast residents have no choice but to break the parking rules A driver was left stunned after receiving a $201 council fine for parking the same way she has done for the past seven years highlighting an ongoing problem for residents in newbuild areas. Gold Coast resident Bec had parked across the entry to her driveway on her street because as she puts it the roads are too narrow for drivers to park on both sides of the street. Despite this, the City of Gold Coast council snapped an image of her car parked across the driveway entrance and sent a fine in the mail. Fuming Bec told Yahoo she has parked in the same way for seven years and "never had a problem". "I parked across my driveway so no one [else's] driveway or street was obstructed as [there were lots of cars parked in the street," she told Yahoo News Australia. "My house is just off a corner so pulled it back to prevent any accidents as the way they make these garages, [they] are too small to fit both of our cars in it." ADVERTISEMENT Bec and her family are not the only residents to park their cars across driveways and on nature strips and said she'd heard of other neighbours being fined. "They are just out fining heaps of people," she said. The driver chose to park across the entry to their own driveway to avoid congestion for other neighbours. Source: Supplied Roads too narrow for street parking While Bec admitted they could park further up the street to avoid fines, the last time they did that one of their vehicles got "severely smashed" and was out of action for over three months. After posting her ordeal to a local community group, others urged Bec to fight the fine. "A lot of people are saying they park on their lawns but the roads are too narrow to park on the street," she said. She admitted that while she would like to fight the fine, she "doesn't know where to start." "Cost of living is already too high and $200 for parking in front of my own driveway seems a stretch," she said. "I knew parking adjacent to somebody else's driveway was illegal but not my own one," she said. ADVERTISEMENT The suburb of Pimpana, on the outskirts of the Gold Coast has experienced the highest rate of growth of any suburb outside of capital cities in Australia according to ABS data. However, Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce secretary Gary Mays previously told the ABC that infrastructure was not keeping up with the rapid population increase with residents of the suburb being let down by roads and public transport. City of Gold Coast council defends parking fine A spokesperson for the City of Gold Coast told Yahoo that Queensland road rules state that a vehicle cannot stop on, or across access, to adjacent land. ADVERTISEMENT "The City acts on complaints in these matters and infringements can be issued to vehicles that obstruct a driveway on public land. This includes vehicles parking across a driveway entrance," the spokesperson said. "While Council cannot comment on specific instances parking across a driveway obstructing public land can create safety hazards such blocking emergency services access to a property. The fine for obstructing a driveway on public land is $201." Yahoo understands that there is no way for City officers to ascertain who the owner of a vehicle is and whether or not they live at the property the vehicle is parked across. Illegal parking 'increasingly frustrating' problem Australian residents are growing "increasingly frustrated" with illegal parking according to Danny Gorog, CEO & Founder of council reporting app Snap Send Solve. ADVERTISEMENT "Parking on driveways and across footpaths endangers pedestrians, significantly impacts the safety of people using wheelchairs or prams and obstructs essential foot traffic pathways," he said. "Aussie residents are becoming increasingly frustrated with this issue and are encouraged to report hazards." The platform has recorded a "shape increase" over the past 12 months with New South Wales alone seeing over 4,000 reports of illegal parking, an increase of 37.9 per cent. It's a similar scenario across the country. "We encourage residents to download our app and Snap any issues of illegally parked cars to notify the relevant local authorities to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Bonnie Blue has reportedly had her Australian visa cancelled after making an X-rated offer to young Aussie teens. OnlyFans creator Bonnie Blue had her Australian visa denied and announcing she planned to work in the Gold Coast. Source: TikTok/Instagram Controversial sex worker Bonnie Blue has reportedly had her Australian visa denied after publicly announcing her plans to travel to the Gold Coast and "pleasure 18-year-olds" at schoolies to produce OnlyFans content. Last month, the British woman announced on social media she would be returning to Australia for a second consecutive year to "take virginities" while creating content for her X-rated account. However her plans appear to be dashed after the Department of Home Affairs reportedly revoked her 12-month visitor visa because any work carried out in the country would be in breach of her visa conditions. Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke said anyone who intends to break the rules of the Australian visa system shouldn't bother applying for one. "The Australian visa system has rules. If you dont intend to obey those rules, dont apply," the minister told the Daily Mail, with the publication reporting on Friday that the visa for the social media personality has been cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo News has reached out to the Department of Home Affairs for further comment. OnlyFans creator sparks huge backlash with schoolies plan There has been a public outcry after Blue announced her intentions last week, with the Gold Coast mayor publicly urging schoolies not to risk their reputation or future careers by engaging in any X-rated content while on their trip often seen as a rite of passage to adulthood after high schoolers complete their HSC exams. More than 20,000 people also signed a Change.org petition calling for her visa to be denied. Bonnie Blue and Annie Knight intended to work at schoolies together. Source: Instagram Another famous Aussie OnlyFans creator, Annie Knight, also announced she had the intention of joining Blue at schoolies to create similar content. ADVERTISEMENT The pair insist there is a rigorous vetting process for those who participate in their content, with every individual giving their consent and going through an identification process to ensure they are of legal age. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. As life evolved on Earth, across the solar system the large Martian ocean was vanishing. Evidence of an ancient coastline (left) has been found at the Zhurong rover landing site (right). Source: China National Space Administration/Scientific Reports Remnants of what appears to be an ancient ocean have been documented on the surface of Mars. Mineral deposits in rocks indicate a coastline along the planets Utopia region existed around 3.68 billion years ago around the same time early life was forming on Earth. Unfortunately, the water appears to have frozen and then disappeared around 260 million years later. The scientists formed their theory after analysing data collected by Chinas Zhurong Mars rover which landed in 2021 and surveyed the surface for around a year, and satellite images. Analysis by Hong Kong Polytechnic University found features consistent with a large body of water, including troughs and sediment channels. Research published in 2022 found hints that the surface of the landing site was shaped by water. The new study is more comprehensive and focuses on modelling the probable path of the coastline around the rovers landing area. The red box shows the study area around the rover landing site. The thick black line indicates where the coastline likely occurred. Source: Scientific Reports Is there life on Mars? Images published in the journal Scientific Reports show the path of probable coastline. Its here that the rover found evidence of hydrated silica, a mineral that indicates a reaction between water and rock. The mineral is also found on Earth where it's commonly used as an ingredient in toothpaste. ADVERTISEMENT There is no conclusive evidence that liquid water exists on or close to the surface of Mars today, however there are likely small amounts in the atmosphere. And 2018 research points to a large reservoir existing under the ground. In October scientists hypothesised melting beneath sheets of ice combined with light filtering through the surface could create suitable habitat for basic lifeforms like cyanobacteria. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. It's not the first time passengers have been grossed out by other travellers' behaviour? The Qantas passenger was spotted in first class with their bare feet stretched out resting against the seat in front of them. Source: Getty/Reddit Excitement quickly turned to bewilderment for one Qantas passenger this week after an unexpected upgrade to first class landed them with an unsettling view. The traveller was flying from Sydney to London and was lucky enough to be bumped up from Economy Premium to First due to a schedule change. However, while strapping themselves in for the 14-hour flight to the UK, they spotted a cabin mate making themselves more than comfortable, stretching their legs out and resting their bare feet complete with a bandaid wrapped around one toe against the chair in front of them. "This was my view after onboarding up until the flight was in the air," the passenger said. "Some people think they own the plane... I felt sorry for the Qantas crew who were not able to say much, but I could feel they were a little frustrated at the entitlement of the passenger." The passenger in question was allegedly in a party of four travelling on the Qantas flight. ADVERTISEMENT Aussies share their own 'gross' plane stories The traveller who caught the sight questioned whether it was "too much to expect some decorum from other passengers" and called the whole thing "wrong". "Felt worse than [wearing] thongs into a Qantas lounge," the traveller said. After the photo was shared online, there was an outpouring of stories from Aussies who detailed their "gross" experiences on a plane with the consensus being that many passengers aren't considerate of others when they're travelling. "First class? What about no class!" one person said. Many passengers have made themselves comfortable taking off their socks and shoes on a plane. Source: JamPress/TikTok "People do disgusting things in these seats. Fingers in mouth then touching the monitor? Sure. Using feet to pause your movie? Yep... and people will still look at me quizzically when I pull out a packet of wipes," one wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Another person said the couple they were sitting next to in the row were "popping back zits" and it made them feel "violated". It's not the first time a passenger has removed both their socks and shoes while in close proximity to other travellers. In July, passenger Ashwini snapped a picture of a bare foot centimetres away from her leg after the person beside her decided to cross their legs up towards her. Other passengers have spotted feet poking out from the seat behind them onto their armrest and people have even been known to put their bare feet up on the table tray. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Evidence suggests the site's famous plaster casts had been 'considerably manipulated' and incorrect assumptions were made about who the victims were. It had been speculated these victims from the House of the Cryptoporticus were sisters. DNA revealed they are a male (right) and female (left). Source: Parque Arqueologico de Pompeya DNA analysis of bodies preserved under the ash at Pompeii has debunked modern-day assumptions about who the victims were. The Roman city was destroyed after the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79AD and was rediscovered in the 1700s. The forms of the victims were preserved as cavities in the ash after their bodies decayed, which archeologists used to create plaster casts. Eighty-six of the casts are undergoing restoration and this provided researchers with the opportunity to examine 14 of them. By analysing traces of genetic material from fragments of skeletal remains attached to the plaster, researchers from Harvard University and the Universita di Firenze were able to verify the relationships, sex, and ancestry of victims. It had been thought the victims on the right were a mother and child. DNA evidence suggests they were unrelated, and the adult is a man. Source: Parque Arqueologico de Pompeya Pompeii body casts 'considerably manipulated' Casting began in 1870, and conclusions about the victims were drawn from the positions they died in and their physical appearance. They found metal rods inserted in the casts, and evidence that bones had been removed. In one instance, what was thought to be the belly of a pregnant woman was actually more likely a pile of bunched-up garments. ADVERTISEMENT The casts had been considerably manipulated and likely creatively restored in the past, with stylistic variations between casts in part reflecting aesthetic preferences of the periods in which they were made, the research, published in the journal Cell Press concluded. Popular interpretations of the identity of the victims in Pompeii, therefore, are influenced not only by the archaeologists first describing them but also by the restorers who chose to enhance or alter some features of the bodies shapes. Study co-author, Dr David Caramelli from the Universita di Firenze, warned This study illustrates how unreliable narratives based on limited evidence can be, often reflecting the world view of the researchers at the time. DNA testing confirmed this body unearthed at the Villa of the Mysteries was male. Source: Cell Press Who were the victims of Pompeii? Caramelli's research partner, Harvard geneticist Dr David Reich, revealed how the DNA results had reshaped our understanding of the victims. ADVERTISEMENT For instance, one notable example is the discovery that an adult wearing a golden bracelet and holding a child, traditionally interpreted as a mother and child, were an unrelated adult male and child, he said. Similarly, a pair of individuals thought to be sisters, or mother and daughter, were found to include at least one genetic male. These findings challenge traditional gender and familial assumptions. DNA from the site indicates the ancient city was multicultural, but most were immigrants from the eastern Mediterranean. As a port city, it's believed Pompeii had a diverse and mobile population. This study also underscores the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of Pompeiis population, reflecting broader patterns of mobility and cultural exchange in the Roman Empire, Caramelli said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Louise Howard had just started a meeting with her boss and external stakeholders when she heard a loud voice outside. Montana Lowrey-Palmer was 'cracking up' while her friend tried to deliver an important meeting with a Balinese performer metres away. Source: TikTok With more workers being able to 'work from home' thanks to the internet and a post-pandemic shift, some are taking the opportunity to travel while they make a living. However, it doesn't always go smoothly. Louise Howard had been preparing for an important meeting for weeks and had set herself up in a Balinese hotel room to conduct the meeting over 12,000 kilometres away from "big execs" listening in from London. It didn't quite go to plan. "The moment she jumped on the call with all the big execs there was a crazy, loud sound that started from next door... we didn't realise they had a traditional Balinese dance performance happening that night," her Aussie friend Montana Lowrey-Palmer told Yahoo News. For over an hour, Louise conducted the meeting while vibrant music and "wooing and clapping" could be heard mere metres from her laptop. Montana admitted she was impressed by her friend's ability to "zone out and just keep going". ADVERTISEMENT "She's such a gun... I was losing it because there's no way I could handle myself like that... she still delivered the best presentation, she's so good at her job," she said. Patrons were 'wooing and clapping' through the one-hour performance. Source: TikTok Employer 'didn't say anything' while meeting continued Louise believes her boss and the external stakeholders in the meeting somehow couldn't hear the music or at least they "didn't say anything" and let her continue. "It was very funny but she handled it like it was nothing, as if she was in a boardroom and there were people sitting in front of her and not just a screen," Montana said. "Afterwards we both just cracked up, it was hilarious... she just couldn't believe it." Friends defend work-from-home format despite Bali work fail There has been a push from major Aussie companies in recent months to get workers back in the office after the Covid pandemic forced workers to work from home. However, despite the Bali incident, the friends believe this shouldn't be held as an example of why remote working should become a thing of the past. ADVERTISEMENT "We have a different landscape today. We can work from anywhere because we have the technology to manage that style of working and when these things happen... it's definitely not a reason to say working from anywhere is a bad thing "She's happy and she's able to do other things rather than just sit at a desk all day, so I feel like it produces a high quality of work," Montana said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. URUMQI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A vast cotton field in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has broken the country's large-scale mechanical harvest cotton yield record. The new record of 11,154 kilograms per hectare was set in a 7.1-hectare cotton field in the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bortala. Harvesting and output data were monitored and evaluated by the Xinjiang regional department of agriculture and rural affairs, alongside experts from the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Shihezi University. Wang Daguang, an agro-tech extension and services researcher in Bortala's Jinghe County, said that the average local cotton yield was just 4,500 kilograms per hectare in the 1990s. The new record will encourage cotton growers to introduce more science and technology to their agricultural development. This year, Bortala has 92,667 hectares of cotton fields, making it one of Xinjiang's leading cotton-producing areas. Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Here are the international mutual funds that are open for subscription Dhuraivel Gunasekaran USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ashok Leyland expects to record one of the best years in exports this fiscal: Hinduja 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 132 rooms, over 200 years old: The story of world's most famous address White House Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Beijing (Gasgoo)- In October 2024, China's retail sales of passenger vehicles reached 2.261 million units, reflecting an 11.3% increase over the previous year and a 7.2% rise from September, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. In the first ten months of this year, China's passenger vehicle retail sales totaled 17.835 million units, achieving a 3.2% growth over the year-ago period. Specifically, Chinas conventional oil-fueled vehicle retail sales were 1.066 million units in the past month, marking a 16.1% decline compared to last year but an 8.1% month-on-month increase. From January to October this year, the countrys retail sales of conventional oil-fueled vehicles hit 9.508 million units, down 16% year-on-year. China's retail penetration rate of new energy passenger vehicles (NEPVs) in October stood at 52.9%. For clarity, the passenger vehicles hereby refer to cars, MPVs, and SUVs locally produced on the Chinese Mainland. Currently, all provinces in China have implemented vehicle trade-in subsidies and various strong measures to boost car purchases. These policies, offering substantial per-unit subsidies, have spurred a new wave of market growth. With the national vehicle scrappage policy and local trade-in incentives driving demand in October, along with the National Day holiday boost, the market saw strong growth, reinforcing the "Silver September, Golden October" sales effect. The national scrappage subsidy offers differentiated incentives: NEPV buyers receive a 20,000-yuan subsidy, while those purchasing fuel vehicles with engine displacements of up to 2.0 liters receive 15,000 yuan. With an additional 5,000-yuan advantage for NEPVs in the scrappage policy and generally higher subsidies for NEPVs in local trade-in schemes, many scrappage and trade-in customers are opting for new energy vehicles, notably boosting the entry-level battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) markets. China's wholly-owned passenger vehicle brands sold 1.48 million vehicles in October, representing a 32% surge over last year and an 11% rise over the previous month. The domestic retail market share for these brands was 65.7% in the past month, up 10.1 percentage points from the previous year. In the meantime, wholesale market share for China's self-owned vehicle brands hit 69.9%, indicating an increase of 10 percentage points from the prior year. Mainstream joint-venture brands saw retail sales of 570,000 passenger vehicles in October, down 17% compared to the same month last year but up 8% month-on-month. German brands nabbed 15.8% of the retail market, down 2.3 percentage points from a year ago, while Japanese brands held a 12.9% share, down 4.8 percentage points year-on-year. American brands' retail market share was 4% in the past month, indicating a 2.1 percentage-point year-on-year decline. Luxury passenger vehicle retail sales in October totaled 210,000 units, down 7% from a year earlier and 15% from September, with a market share of 9.2%, which dipped 4 percentage points year over year. In October, automakers in China wholesaled 2.732 million units of passenger cars, posting an 11.5% growth compared to last year and a 9.1% increase month-on-month, setting a new monthly record. Cumulative wholesale volumes reached 21.176 million vehicles in the first ten months of this year, representing a 4.4% year-on-year increase. In October, Chinas self-owned brands led with 1.91 million vehicles wholesaled, which jumped 30% from a year earlier and 13% from the previous month. Mainstream joint-venture brands wholesale volume reached 570,000 vehicles, down 20% year-on-year but up 7% month-on-month. Luxury passenger vehicle wholesale volume reached 250,000 units in the past month, down 5% compared to last year and 11% from September. Monthly performance among major auto manufacturers was mixed, with strong showings from BYD, Chery, Geely, Volkswagen, and Changan brands. Eight automakers achieved monthly passenger car wholesales of over 100,000 units (up from five in September and seven in the same period last year), accounting for 60% of the total market. Overall, China's auto exports continued robust growth this year. CPCA's data indicates a monthly passenger vehicle export volume (including CKD) totaling 441,000 units in October 2024, representing a 13% year-on-year increase and 2% month-on-month growth. Year-to-date passenger vehicle exports reached 3.991 million units, reflecting a 30% jump over last year. NEPVs comprised 27.1% of the country's total exports in October. Akhilesh Yadav's 'thinking and working style is like monkeys': UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept 'Cannot be left unpunished': Delhi HC jails lawyer over 'derogatory' remarks against judges 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Ek Hain to Safe Hain: PM Modi turns tables on Congress on quota issue in Maharashtra Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 8, the first NIO battery swap station invested by Guangdong Power Grid Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd. ("Guangdong Power Grid EV") officially went online in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. Photo credit: NIO This marks the inaugural project by Guangdong Power Grid EV after joining the NIO Power Up project as one of the first partners. The Zhaoqing comprehensive energy replenishment station, integrating solar power, V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, and a battery swap station, is the fourth NIO battery swap station in Zhaoqing city, and the third of NIO's fourth-generation battery swap stations in the area. This installation aims to expand the electric vehicle service network in the region. Through this partnership, Guangdong Power Grid EV and NIO will collaborate to create a "solar-storage-charge-battery swap" energy network across Guangdong, with the goal of accelerating the province's power infrastructure development. The new station leverages energy storage capabilities to support grid load management, experimenting with vehicle-to-grid integration, virtual power plants, and enhanced grid flexibility. As of November 8, NIO operates 334 battery swap stations and 3,239 charging piles in Guangdong, including 94 battery swap stations along highways, achieving full coverage with an average of one battery swap station approximately every 128 kilometers along the province's highways. Jammu & Kashmir attack: Two village defence guards kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Kishtwar 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Justice Chandrachud delivers final speech as CJI: 'If I ever hurt anyone ...' Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Morning Scan: All the big stories to get you started for the day Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Neither Rahul Gandhi nor his descendants will be able to restore Article 370: Amit Shah 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept People from outside: Ajit Pawars veiled attack at Yogi Adityanath over batenge to katenge slogan Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Have you ever dreamed of a future in which your car can drive you around, then launch a flying vehicle for a quick aerial commute? Thanks to Xpeng Aeroht's new electric car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, that future might be closer than you think. This six-wheeled electric vehicle promises to revolutionize personal transportation while maintaining impressive eco-friendly credentials. The car combines an electric powertrain with a range extender, delivering 621 miles of range while producing significantly less pollution than traditional vehicles, according to MotorTrend. This vehicle's ability to carry and launch a two-person electric drone while comfortably seating four passengers makes it special. Think of it as a mobile landing pad that could help emergency responders reach people faster or give commuters new options for beating traffic. It does all this while running primarily on clean electricity. Advertisement Advertisement The Land Aircraft Carrier's 800-volt battery system powers the vehicle and can charge the flying module up to six times. Even when charged on today's electrical grid, this system produces significantly less lifetime pollution than conventional vehicles. While some might worry about the environmental impact of manufacturing EV batteries, the math is clear: Even including battery production, electric vehicles are cleaner than gas-powered alternatives. The clean energy transition will require mining about 30 million tons of minerals annually, while we currently extract 16.5 billion tons of dirty fuels each year. That's 550 times more extraction for traditional fuel sources. For everyday drivers interested in being part of this transportation revolution, Xpeng plans to begin trial production in 2025, with full production starting in 2026. While the $280,000 price tag might seem steep, it represents a significant step toward making flying cars accessible to consumers. The Land Aircraft Carrier will debut at the China Airshow and Guangzhou International Auto Show later in November, when visitors can see firsthand how electric vehicles are transforming into sophisticated mobility platforms. Presales begin before the end of the year. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. 'Why is Canada targeting us': Australia Today reacts after Toronto's ban for broadcasting Jaishankar's press meet Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump 2.0 may pressurise India on its positioning in the Quad C Uday Bhaskar is Director, Society for Policy Studies, New Delhi. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Rajan Mahan is a journalist who headed NDTV and Star News in Rajasthan. He was also a Professor of Journalism at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chinese man had wife, 4 girlfriends, 2 children living in same complex unaware of each other. He conned them of Rs 47 lakh Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept US man kills 50-year-old girlfriend because he did not like her new haircut Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept COP29: Shadow of Trump presidency looms as climate diplomats head to Azerbaijan for UN summit Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Elon Musk's estranged daughter reacts to Trump victory: 'Don't see my future in US ...' Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept By Yang Xiufeng, Han Lu SHANGHAI, Nov.7th (China Economic Net)-As one of the largest upstream oil and gas exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips, an American firm, expressed its confidence in China's increasingly open business environment during an interview at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). "The Chinese government is relentlessly pushing forward to create a more open and internationalized business environment, and the CIIE is a vivid example," said Markel Hubinette, Global Vice President and President of ConocoPhillips China. "We believe this open environment will not only enhance collaborations between foreign companies like ConocoPhillips and our long-standing Chinese stakeholders, but will also drive prosperity for the industry both in China and globally." ConocoPhillips sees managing climate-related risks and exploring energy transition opportunities as key to sustaining long-term business in China. Given that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a cleaner-burning fuel with lower greenhouse gas emissions, the company believes LNG plays a crucial role in helping China achieve its dual carbon goals. "Our LNG business in China continues to expand, and we are eager to explore further opportunities to meet China's growing energy demands while supporting the country's energy transition objectives," Hubinette added. Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturer KOKUSAI ELECTRIC, attending CIIE for the first time, has seen rapid growth in its Chinese operations. Xu Ruosong, Global Vice President, Chairman, and General Manager of KOKUSAI ELECTRIC China expressed strong confidence in China's semiconductor market. "We believe the Chinese market will present long-term growth opportunities for the semiconductor industry," Xu said. "China will become an increasingly important player in the global semiconductor supply chain." KE plans to continue boosting its investments in China to meet local market demands. At the Michelin booth, Serge Godefroid, Michelin China Research & Development Director, highlighted the dual purpose of CIIE. "It's not only a platform to showcase our innovations but also an excellent opportunity to engage the Chinese ecosystem and observe its dynamics," he said. "CIIE provides a space to exchange ideas with partners, consumers, and government officials." On Michelin's view of the Chinese market, Godefroid remarked: "What stands out is not just growth in numbers, but a shift towards quality. More and more customers are valuing purpose-driven, high-quality products. This means we need to demonstrate our innovation through the performance of our products. Chinese consumers are increasingly focused on quality and innovation, making this an ideal platform for us." This year's CIIE saw the participation of 3,496 exhibitors, including 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. Among them, 186 companies and institutions having participated in all seven editions of the expo. CYBERSPACEClip Page, a marketplace for custom adult content, has unveiled its new referral program that enables creators to earn up to 10 percent on sales and lifetime revenue by introducing new creators to the platform. Creators earn 10 percent of referred creators sales for the first 30 days, five percent for the following 12 months, and 2.5 percent thereafter for life. Clip Page covers all referral earnings, ensuring referred creators keep 100 percent of their revenue. The new referral program also makes it easy for creators to share personalized referral links and track earnings directly on the platform. This feature, designed to build community and foster growth among creators, is available immediately. We believe that building a strong community should come with real rewards, said Dan Cooper, founder of Clip Page. With our referral program, creators can earn lifetime revenuestarting with a market-leading ten percent on sales. No other platform offers this kind of earning potential and support for its community. For more details on the Clip Page referral program, visit the website. Follow Clip Page on X @ClipPageHQ. 'He'll be gone ...': What Elon Musk predicted about Justin Trudeau's political future Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kamala Harris ran an inspiring campaign, we accept country's choice: Joe Biden on Donald Trump's victory Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Trump whale' Theo raked in over $50 million on Polymarket after commissioning his own poll Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Naina Sood USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 10 best countries to work and travel abroad in 2025 Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo credit: ABC After seeing Jimmy Kimmel respond to Donald Trumps election by crying on his late-night show, Stephen A. Smith admits he would have done it differently. Kimmel became emotional while hosting his first show after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election to Trump. ABCs late-night host assessed Trumps victory as being a terrible thing for all Americans, including those who voted for the president-elect. And as he rattled off a long list of things that will be negatively impacted by Trump over the next four years, Kimmel teared up. Thursday afternoon, Smith joined The Will Cain Show and the Fox News host asked about Kimmels emotional reaction, questioning how he would have handled the situation. How would @stephenasmith handled a Late Night show following @realDonaldTrumps election win? I acknowledged we got a new president. He romped herThis country has said we went too far Left. Stephen A. On The @WillCain Show pic.twitter.com/HOGqF8ncvQ The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow_) November 7, 2024 That would not have been me, Smith quickly interrupted, noting he would have done what he did on his podcast and acknowledged America has a new president who won the election decisively. I would have tried, because obviously its late night, I would have tried to be a bit funny and humorous with it and let everybody know its not gloom and doom. Weve dealt with a lot in our society and we are going to deal with a lot more in years to come long after Donald Trump is gone, no matter what you think. But in the end, it is always good when the American people stand up and theyre as unified as they came across this past election, Smith continued to Cain. It would not been a postmortem, it certainly would not have been me crying. Im not crying over the fact that Donald Trump is the president. Smith didnt outright condemn Kimmel for showing emotion on his late-night show, but he certainly didnt appear to approve of his Disney colleagues tearful monologue. While Smith has a large platform through his podcast and First Take, he previously teased wanting Kimmels audience. The First Take host hasnt been shy about his desire to succeed Kimmel in late-night, telling Sean Hannity last year, I would love to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Kimmel. I believe I could do it. I would throw everybody for a loop, my politics would throw people off. That, however, was before Smiths podcast started to gain traction, before he was staring at a potential $20 million payday from ESPN, and before his latest declaration of being willing to consider a run for president. [The Will Cain Show] Donald Trump is elected the 47th president of the United States. How the China-U.S. relationship will evolve under Trump has been a topic of heated discussion. No matter who is in the Oval Office, China and the U.S. have one of the world's most important bilateral relationships, bearing on the well-being of not only the two peoples but also the rest of the world. In this context, cooperation is not an option but an imperative. Economically, China and the U.S. stand as two of the world's top economic powerhouses, with their combined economic output surpassing one-third of the world's total. Despite "China collapse" theories by certain anti-China hawks, American companies, by constantly expanding their investments in the Chinese market, have demonstrated their stance on cooperation. Apple, for instance, launched a new store in China's Shanghai this March the second-largest flagship store worldwide. Over 70,000 American firms have invested and operated in China, with nearly 90 percent of their operations profitable. These companies reported improved financial performance in 2023 with increased gains, according to the 2024 China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China. Confrontation, in contrast, is hurting everyone. The trade war, for instance, has caused tremendous pain in the American economy without solving its underlying concerns that the tariff fight was meant to resolve. "U.S. economic growth slowed, business investment froze, and companies didn't hire as many people. Across the nation, a lot of farmers went bankrupt, and the manufacturing and freight transportation sectors have hit lows not seen since the last recession," as Heather Long describes the pains of America's anti-China tariff fight in the Washington Post. The U.S. has already suffered a lot from the trade war since it was launched in 2018. In this context, a pragmatic approach expanding trade ties with China is a much wiser option than small-yard-high-fence protectionist tactics for the president-elect if he is sincere in Making America Great Again. Diplomatically, the Beijing-Washington partnership is essential in conflict mediation. Trump, on several occasions, urged for a quick end to the Gaza conflict. "You are going to have peace in the Middle East," Trump vowed to voters as he visited a Lebanese restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan last week. Cooperating with China a major peacemaker in the Middle East would make it easier for Trump to reach his peace goal. Under China's mediation, senior representatives from 14 Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity in their reconciliation talks in Beijing in July. Last year, China impressed the world with its role as a peace broker in the Iran-Saudi Arabia reconciliation and restoration of diplomatic relations. In this context, a China-U.S. partnership is vital to wind down conflicts in the Middle East. In addition, cooperation between China and the U.S. the world's top emitters of greenhouse gases is vital in sealing major climate deals. In January this year, the two countries launched their Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s. Beijing-Washington in-depth communications on areas including energy transition, methane, circular economy, and low-carbon provinces, states and cities are significant in global response to climate change. Trump, known as a pragmatist politician, should be clear that cooperation is in the best interests of both countries, and a zero-sum game will only lead to a multi-loss scenario. Admittedly, the two countries differ in many respects, but this does not hinder them from seeking a modus vivendi for coexistence. Beijing has reiterated that it has no intention to challenge or replace Washington in the global arena. With both ups and downs in the past few years, Beijing-Washington ties are on the whole moving forward. China is sincere in cooperating with the United States, and the world is waiting for the president-elect's words and acts. (Source: CGTN) 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 Sacramento, CA Republican David Tangipa is preparing to represent the Mother Lode as the Assemblymember for District 8. After coming in second place in the March Primary to fellow Republican George Radanovich, Tangipa leaped over Radanovich in the General Election. This past March, Radanovich had 36%, Tangipa 31% and Democrat Caleb Heisel had 29%. With only two candidates on the General Election ballot, Tangipa seemingly attracted more of the votes that went to Heisel. Tangipa currently has 85,408 votes (52.5%) compared to Radanovichs 77,273 (47.5%). After more ballots were counted following Election Night, and a limited number remaining, his team is confident in declaring victory. Tangipa says, It is the greatest honor to serve the people of Assembly District 8. To my incredible team, family, friends, mentors, and every supporter, thank you from the depths of my heart. This journey has been challenging, yet every step was worth it for you. Today, we begin the work that will shape Californias future, and with your strength and support, theres no limit to what we can achieve together. The District 8 seat is currently held by Jim Patterson of Fresno, who is terming out of office. Radanovich has not released a statement following the election. To view local election results, click here. Senator Marie Alvarado Gil View Photo Sacramento, CA Mother Lode District Four Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, who recently switched from the Democratic to Republican Party, is criticizing plans for a special legislative session in response to the election of President-Elect Donald Trump. We reported yesterday that Governor Gavin Newsom requested the session to focus on things like civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families. Alvarado-Gil says, This is another example of how disconnected the governor and progressives are from everyday Californians. Rising costs, surging crime, the need for better economic opportunities, and a chance for families to thrive these are the issues that people care about. She continues, Californians know that the supermajoritys agenda has abandoned them, and leaves behind the most vulnerable it claims to protect. The people have had enough, and they made that crystal clear by passing Proposition 36a crucial step toward making our communities safer. Proposition 36 increases penalties for several felony crimes. The special session is planned for December 2. For the last one and half months, the nation has been eagerly waiting for a breakthrough regarding the worlds biggest cash heist in the last 10 years that took place in Bulawayo when 6 armed robbers raided a SafeGuard security cash-in-transit vehicle at Ecobank Parkade branch in Zimbabwes second largest city and fled with over US$4.4 million without any trace so far. While nothing has materialised so far in that high-stakes robbery case, however, a 23-year-old man, Kelvin Chisandako, is behind bars following his arrest in connection with another daring cash-in-transit robbery that occurred on October 16th. The heist took place just two weeks after the the much publicised Ecobank Bulawayo one and it saw US$20,000 vanish from a Fawcett Security van en route from Beitbridge to Mutare. Police are happy to announce a breakthrough in this case thanks to a tip-off from the public The robbery unfolded during a seemingly routine cash transfer. Fawcett Security guards, transporting the substantial sum of money, offered a lift to two unidentified individuals in the Lutumba and Machiloni areas. These passengers disembarked at Rutenga and Ngundu, seemingly unremarkable stops until a critical discovery was made. It was only at Ngundu that the guards realised a locked cash box containing US$20,000 was missing. Immediately, they contacted the police to report the theft, initiating a formal investigation into the audacious crime. The subsequent investigation proved challenging, with the perpetrators initially evading capture. However, a significant development occurred on November 3rd when police received a tip-off concerning Chisandako. Information suggested he had been seen with large amounts of cash and had recently engaged in a significant spending spree. This raised immediate suspicions, prompting a swift police response. Chisandakos arrest in Mwenezi marked a turning point in the case. The police, acting on the credible tip-off, apprehended him and subsequently launched a thorough investigation into his recent activities. The evidence gathered pointed strongly towards his involvement in the cash-in-transit robbery. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police national spokesman, released a statement detailing the arrest and its aftermath. He stated: The suspect revealed to the police that he stole the money from the cash-in-transit van which he boarded at Lutumba Business Centre. The arrest led to the recovery of US$600 as well as R3,320 cash, an empty cash box and a Toyota Aqua vehicle which he bought for US$9,800. The statement further highlighted the extent of Chisandakos spending spree, financed by the stolen funds. Nyathi detailed the suspects purchases: Investigations by the police established that the suspect used part of the money to buy 30 x 12-feet roofing sheets, 35 x 50kg bags of cement, seven window frames, two French doors, 15,000 bricks, a mobile phone and three mens suits. The sheer volume of building materials suggests a significant construction project underway, financed by illicit means. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares A wave of grief has swept across Manicaland following a series of devastating road accidents last week, claiming the lives of four people, including a 10-year-old boy, and leaving dozens injured. The accidents, spread across different locations in the province, highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures and driver responsibility. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, attributed the tragic incidents to a combination of speeding and negligence. He detailed one particularly harrowing incident: On November 3, Andrew Upenyu Nyaota was driving a truck along Rusape-Hwedza Road with no passengers on board, and upon approaching the 191km peg, he ran over Takudzwa Chingadza (10) from Chenga Village, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka explained. He noted that Nyaota stopped only 15 metres past the point of impact. The young boy, Takudzwa, suffered critical injuries, including severe head trauma and a deep cut below his right eye. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at Rusape General Hospital. The details underscore the devastating consequences of even seemingly minor collisions at high speed. Another accident, involving a hired Gold Class bus carrying Chipinge Junior Primary School learners and teachers, resulted in further tragedy. The bus, travelling along the Mutare-Harare Highway near Rusape, was involved in a serious accident at Crofton Farm. The impact was severe, resulting in the death of a teacher who was thrown from the bus and trapped beneath the wreckage. Twenty-five learners were also injured in the incident, three sustaining serious head injuries requiring specialist care. These learners were transferred to Harare Hospital for advanced medical attention, while the remaining injured were treated at Rusape General Hospital. The sheer number of casualties highlights the scale of the disaster. National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, provided further details on the bus accident, attributing the cause to an overtaking manoeuvre gone wrong. On approaching the 165km peg along the Mutare-Harare Highway, the driver tried to overtake a haulage truck, but due to speeding, he lost control of the bus. The bus veered off the road to the right side, overturned and landed on its left side, facing the northern direction. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has established that one female adult died on the spot. Twenty-five learners and six adults were injured. They have been taken to Rusape General Hospital, Commissioner Nyathi stated. The bus, carrying a total of 53 learners, six teachers, and a School Development Committee (SDC) member, was returning from a school trip in Harare when the accident occurred. Makoni District Schools Inspector (DSI), Mr George Chidwakwa, who was present at the scene, confirmed these details. The Makoni District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Tendai Nyafesa, also confirmed that the injured were receiving treatment at Rusape General Hospital. A third accident, occurring at the Sakubva Bus terminus, added to the grim toll. This incident involved a Pungwe Breweries delivery truck driven by Fungai Madenyanga (52). The truck, intended for a beer delivery at a nearby bottle store, suffered brake failure. The driver lost control, causing the truck to crash into the boom gate of the terminus. The impact resulted in six vendors being struck. Sadly, two of these vendors, Mirriam Chinambwa Sithole and Emma Zvitei Mbamba, died at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. Three others Marvis Madomgore (53), Priscila Mapanda (17), and Rumbidzai Sithole (45) sustained head and back injuries. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Donald Trumps surprise victory in the 2024 US presidential election has cast a long shadow over South Africa, leaving President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government in a precarious position. The already strained relationship between the two nations, further complicated by South Africas recent submission of a memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza a nation Trump staunchly supports now faces a period of significant uncertainty. Trumps declared victory, achieving 295 electoral votes against Vice-President Kamala Harriss 226, came swiftly on Wednesday afternoon. Within minutes, President Ramaphosa took to social media to offer his congratulations: Congratulations to United States President-Elect -@realDonaldTrump- on your return to the presidency. I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our co-operation. In the global arena, we look forward to our presidency of the G20 in 2025, where we will work closely with the US who will succeed us in the G20 presidency in 2026, he wrote. However, beneath the surface of diplomatic cordiality, a wave of apprehension ripples through South African political circles. Political analysts have expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of Trumps return for South Africas domestic and international standing. Sipho Tshabalala, an independent political analyst and writer, suggests that Trumps victory could significantly weaken Ramaphosas grip on power. Tshabalala points to Ramaphosas cultivation of close ties with wealthy American elites, particularly the Menell and Oppenheimer families, during Joe Bidens presidency. He argues that this carefully constructed network of support is now vulnerable under Trumps leadership. The GNU, far from being a co-operative initiative, has allowed the DA to pull the strings on crucial government decisions, from foreign policy to key ministerial appointments, Tshabalala asserts. He further suggests that Ramaphosas reliance on these powerful families leaves him exposed to both domestic and international threats. Tendai Mbanje, from the University of Pretorias Centre for Human Rights, echoed these concerns in a national television interview. He described South Africas situation as uncertain, particularly given the existing tensions with the Trump administration. Its going to make it harder for SA to make arguments with Trump at the helm. Especially with the GNU. So the government is between a rock and a hard place because Trump is a transactionalist that could be the key to end the war in Gaza However, we must remember he has no soft spot for Hamas, Mbanje observed. Dr Gideon Chitanga, a respected international relations expert, added a layer of concern regarding US-Africa relations. He warned that Trumps America First policies will likely overshadow African interests. Chitanga noted the shift towards re-engagement under Biden, including a planned visit to Angola, but fears Trumps return could reverse this progress. The immediate aftermath will be uncertain, until a clear picture of the new Trump Africa policy can emerge, Chitanga stated. However, not all analysts share this pessimistic view. Sandile Swana, for instance, believes South Africas decision to take Israel to court was justified and that Trumps business acumen could potentially facilitate a resolution to the Gaza conflict. Trump being the deal maker that he is, he has to find a way for Israel and Palestine out of the mess In as much as his support base, the evangelical Christian supports the biblical claim that is that land of Israel. Trump is a businessman and would want a deal done that is less costly than what is going on for the US at the moment. Ramaphosa is correct in sending congratulation messages to Trump Trump is going to make it possible for a settlement between the Ukraine and Russia and SA has been working towards that objective, Swana argued. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Gaborone In a move that has generated considerable discussion, Botswanas newly elected President, Duma Boko, has announced plans to legalise the status of undocumented Zimbabweans residing in the country. Speaking to the BBC Africa Daily podcast ahead of his historic inauguration on Friday, Boko revealed his intention to grant temporary work and residence permits to these individuals. This decision, while potentially controversial within Botswana, forms a key part of his broader economic revitalisation strategy. Botswana hosts a substantial Zimbabwean population, the second largest globally, many fleeing economic hardship in their home country. This significant presence has, however, often been met with tension, resulting in regular deportations. President Boko acknowledged this challenging reality, stating, They come in and are undocumented. Then their access to amenities is limited, if it is available at all, and what they then do is they live outside the law and they commit crimes and this brings resentment. He highlighted the crucial role played by Zimbabwean workers in Botswanas economy, noting, A lot of these workers from Zimbabwe perform tasks that the citizen finds unattractive they do jobs that would otherwise not get done and so theres no conflict there. This pragmatic approach recognises the contribution of Zimbabwean labour to sectors often overlooked by Batswana workers. The presidents proposal is not without precedent. Statistics reveal that Zimbabweans constitute a staggering 98% of what are classified as irregular migrants in Botswana. Government figures from 2021 to 2023 indicate that out of 13,489 recorded irregular migrants, a significant 13,189 were Zimbabwean nationals. Daily deportations of Zimbabweans lacking proper documentation or facing criminal charges are a common occurrence, highlighting the precarious situation many find themselves in. These individuals often fill roles in low-wage sectors such as domestic work and farm labour. Bokos initiative, however, goes beyond simply addressing the legal status of undocumented Zimbabweans. He envisions a mutually beneficial arrangement that fosters skills transfer and economic growth. He explained, In any and every construction site in Botswana the majority of people with those skills are from Zimbabwe, so we need to do a twin programme of allowing them to come in and we utilise the skills that they have and in the process of utilising these skills we also engage in some sort of skills transfer. This plan directly addresses a skills gap in Botswana, particularly in areas such as welding and plumbing, where Zimbabwean expertise is widely recognised. By formalising the presence of these skilled workers, Boko aims to leverage their capabilities while simultaneously upskilling the Batswana workforce. He emphasised the necessity of this approach: We cant stop people with skills from coming in when we dont have the skills ourselves we need to develop these skills and it takes time, so in the interregnum we need to have them come in properly, come in legally and be rewarded appropriately for the skills that they bring. This proposal follows a previous attempt by the previous government to allow the use of identity cards instead of passports for travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe, a move that was met with considerable public opposition due to concerns about increased Zimbabwean immigration. President Bokos approach, however, seeks to address these concerns by focusing on regulated immigration and skills development. Bokos commitment to economic improvement is central to his platform and a key factor in his electoral victory. He plans to prioritise securing a new deal with De Beers, a global diamond giant, believing that the previous administrations handling of diamond sales negotiations jeopardised this crucial agreement. He is confident that securing diamond revenues will boost investor confidence, attracting much-needed capital into the country. This, in turn, will help him achieve his ambitious goal of creating 100,000 jobs annually over the next five years. Addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, which currently affects nearly 30% of Botswanas 2.4 million population, Boko stated, We are facing a crisis of unemployment for a population thats 2.4 million when you have almost 30% of those people unemployed, it is a crisis. Its a ticking time bomb. He intends to tackle this challenge through job creation and by encouraging entrepreneurship amongst young Batswana, providing them with access to finance and markets. What they need from government is access to affordable finance and access to markets, and government should facilitate these, he affirmed. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Lebraity Makuni, a 28-year-old pastor at the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Praise and Worship Centre Assembly, finds himself in the dock after being arrested for allegedly fabricating a home invasion and armed robbery. The pastor reported losing US$7,500 and other valuables in a violent incident at his Chitungwiza home, a claim now under intense police scrutiny. Pastor Makunis account to police detailed a dramatic late-night intrusion. He claimed that three armed robbers, wielding an iron bar, forced their way into his home through the kitchen door around midnight. He alleged that he was awakened by the noise, confronted by the assailants, and subsequently assaulted. According to his statement, the robbers bound his hands with a computer cable, stuffed cotton wool into his mouth, and repeatedly beat him while demanding cash. The pastor further claimed the robbers ransacked his house, eventually discovering and stealing US$3,000 hidden under his mattress, along with a Tecno mobile phone. He reported being left bound and injured after the alleged robbers fled the scene. This detailed narrative, however, has been challenged by investigators. The truth behind Pastor Makunis story appears to be far less dramatic. Investigations revealed that the pastors alleged robbery was a fabrication designed to cover up a financial transaction gone wrong. It is believed he received US$3,000 and a Tecno cellphone from a congregant in exchange for a promise to deliver maize a promise he seemingly failed to keep. The congregant, involved in the poultry business, had entrusted the pastor with the money and phone in anticipation of receiving the maize. The failure to deliver the promised goods, coupled with the apparent deception, led to the subsequent investigation and the uncovering of the fabricated robbery report. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed Pastor Makunis arrest and subsequent court appearance. Police arrested a church pastor for supplying false information. He has since appeared in court, Inspector Chakanza stated. The pastor was granted US$100 bail with conditions requiring him to report to Chitungwiza CID every Friday between 6 am and 6 pm. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Northern Mockingbird, 350 South Madison Avenue, Pasadena, Los Angeles, California, United States. * * * In Case You Might Miss * * * Politics So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles * * * Biden Administration We did it, Joe: Biden oversaw the single biggest removal of social benefits in American history, which resulted in the single biggest increase in poverty in American history. He called this "Bidenomics." Then Kamala said she'd do nothing differently while campaigning in a $62,000 gold necklace. pic.twitter.com/uhEzzH5SGG Holding Dems Accountable (From the Left!) (@PushBidenLeft) November 8, 2024 Trump Transition: Energy in the executive: Donald Trumps plan to dismantle the Deep State. 1. Immediately reissue my 2020 executive order, restoring the President's authority to remove rogue bureaucrats. 2. Clean out all of the corrupt actors in our national security and intelligence apparatus. 3. Totally reform pic.twitter.com/Xhg297uWCe Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024 I ran this in Links this morning, but want to make a few additional comments: #10 Push a constitutional amendment to oppose term limits on members of Congress. I think oppose is a typo for pro impose. In any case, term limits are a terrible idea, because they mean that the Legislative Branch can end up with no institutional memory. When we were fighting the landfill in Maine, we discovered that the only people who could interpret the relevant legislation were the bent lawyers from Portland who wrote it, at the behest of the landfill operator. #5 Launch a major crackdown on government leakers who collude with the fake news to deliberately we false narratives and to subvert our government and our democracy. I wonder what Snowden or Assange would think about that. Or Ellsberg. I see the qualifiers deliberately and false but they dont give me confidence. (In fact, if Trump supported whistleblowers, in general, whether for government or industry, he would be giving RFK a lot of help in his dealings with Big Pharma and Big Ag, #6 #9 Might as well give it a shot (though CDC seems to have made its very own cesspit in Atlanta, so Im not sure how much good #8 would do. #2 Clean out all of the corrupt actors in our national security and intelligence apparatus. This would be wonderful to see (though does it applly to torturers?). When I wrote Project 2025: 920 Pages of Irritable Mental Gestures, or a Blueprint for Fascism?, I had a litmus test to see if Project 2025 recommendations for CIA, ODNI, and CISA would be taken seriously: Firings. Perhaps they will. Amazing, in a good way, to see an elected (albeit not inaugurated) President propose such things. I wonder who put it together? (I really, really dont like the doomy soundtrack to the video, though.) 2024 Post Mortem Deploy the Blame Cannons! A Red-District Conqueror Wants Fellow Democrats to Look in the Mirror [New York Times]. Ive had one interaction with Harris, at her Naval Observatory Christmas party. Im not super comfortable at that kind of thing. Id had a couple of beers, and I noticed that almost all of the garlands were plastic. My district grows a hell of a lot of Christmas trees. I was strong-armed into taking a picture. I said, Madam Vice President, we grow those where I live. She just walked away from me. There was kind of an eye roll, maybe. My thinking was, it does matter to people where I live. Its the respect, the cultural regard for farmers. I didnt feel like she understood what I was trying to say. Harris was an objectively terrible candidate. They dont understand my life: what the Democrats misread about America [Financial Times]. The Democratic brand is pretty bad, said Matt Bennett, co-founder of Third Way, a centrist Democratic think-tank. The country has shifted pretty far to the right, and we were not aware of how deep the problem ran. The voters that we lost . . . looked at Democrats and said: They dont understand my life. I dont want them representing me.' Centrist dipshits like Third Way built the Democrat brand ffs. Stop with the Who me? already. But theyre still at it: The only way to defeat rightwing populism is through the centre, Bennett said. Shrum agreed that having a moderately liberal, centre-left Democratic party is the only way forward if progressives actually want to win.' [bangs head on desk]. The Shattering of the Democratic Coalition [Ruy Teixeira, The Liberal Patriot]. Yet Democrats cannot decisively beat their opponents as this election has shown once again. The party is uncompetitive among white working-class voters and among voters in exurban, small town, and rural America. This puts them at a massive structural disadvantage given an American electoral system that gives disproportionate weight to these voters, especially in Senate and presidential elections. To add to the problem, Democrats are now hemorrhaging nonwhite working-class voters across the country. The facts must be faced. The Democratic coalition today is not fit for purpose. Meme: Never was (though to be fair, if the purpose was gutting the genuine left, they did great). More: Among all working-class voters, Trump dramatically widened his advantage, tripling his margin from 4 points in 2020 to 12 points in this election. That included moving from 25 to 29 points among white working-class voters and radically compressing his deficit among nonwhite working-class voters from 48 points in 2020 to 33 points this election. Compare that margin to what Obama had in 2012: according to Catalist, he carried the nonwhite working class by 67 points in that election. That indicates that Democrats have had their margin among this core constituency more than cut in half over the last 12 years. Ouch. So much for the rising American electorate. And its time to face the fact that the GOP has become the party of Americas working class. Democrats hate to admit that and mutter that they represent the interests of the working class. But the numerical pattern is now too powerful to be denied. Instead of denying the obviousor, worse, blaming the dumb workers for not knowing their own interestsDemocrats would be well-advised to accept this new reality and seek to change it. Unless theyre content to be primarily the party of Americas well-off. Harris lost voters under $50,000 in household income as well as voters from $50,000 to $100,000 in income. But she did carry voters with over $100,000 in household by 8 points, one place where Harris did improve over Biden in 2020. This is not, as they say, your fathers Democratic Party. Not even close. * * * If only we had our own Joe Rogan! Undersold part of the bro exit from the Dem party is the way that his male supporters were aggressively smeared as toxic sexist Bernie bros. https://t.co/mQb5ZDP1Sq Krystal Ball (@krystalball) November 7, 2024 Why Democrats wont build their own Joe Rogan [Taylor Lorenz, User Mag]. While the right has spent years fostering a symbiotic relationship with alternative media, the left has failed replicate anything like it. There are simply no progressive content creators with Rogans cultural impact and online following, and a quick look at the podcast charts or trending channels on YouTube shows the disparity between conservative vs progressive creators reach online. Without a network of culturally relevant influential content creators boosting and translating their messaging, the Democratic Party is rapidly losing credibility among younger, predominantly male audiences who have become ardent supporters of influencers that promote a distinctly conservative worldview. They used to have one, back in the day: It was called the blogosphere. More: Leftist channels do not receive widespread financial backing from billionaires or large institutional donors, primarily because leftist content creators support policies that are completely at odds with what billionaires want. Left leaning influencers argue for things like higher taxes on the rich, regulations on corporations, and policies that curb the power of elites. Wealthy mega donors arent going to start pouring money into a media ecosystem that directly contradicts their own financial interests. And so, progressive creators are left to rely on meager crowdfunding efforts to make a living. How Trump Won the First Influencer Election [Taylor Lorenz, Hollywood Reporter]. For the past two decades, the media landscape has been transforming. By nearly every metric, legacy media is in decline: average monthly unique visitors to websites for the countrys top 50 newspapers declined 20 percent to under 9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to Comscore data, and the amount of time people are spending consuming legacy media content is getting shorter. The content creator industry, meanwhile, is ascendent. The influencer economy is set to surpass half a trillion dollars by 2027, according to a recent Goldman Sachs report, and 30 percent of consumers trust content creators more than they did six months ago, according to a 2023 report by Sprout Social, an analytics firm. And: But while both campaigns worked overtime to court influencers, their strategies were divergent. The Harris campaign prioritized shortform clips, investing in quick videos and viral remixes on TikTok and Instagram. The Trump campaign went deep and long, investing heavily in longform YouTube podcasts and building partnerships with livestreamers. Ultimately, the latter proved wildly more successful. Long form videos. Now thats interesting. * * * Iowa pollster makes bombshell claim about controversial poll that showed Kamala winning deep red state after Trumps triumphant victory [Daily Mail]. Without fear or favor, we used the same method as the final poll this year to show a healthy Trump lead in both 2020 and 2016. Those turned out to capture the mood of the electorate reasonably well, though both took fire from Iowans who doubted the findings could be true. She continued an attempt to defend her methodology, which came as a complete shock to voters the weekend prior to the election. The poll findings we produced for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom did not match what the Iowa electorate ultimately decided in the voting booth today, she said. Ill be reviewing data from multiple sources with hopes of learning why that happened, and I welcome what that process might teach me. Selzers poll for the Register and Mediacom days before the election predicted Harris would win by +3 percentage points. But Donald Trump went on to trounce the vice president by over +13 points in the Hawkeye State.. However, the state has not always been reliably red, and swung for Barack Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 elections by +9 percent and +6 percent, respectively. Selzer who was mercilessly mocked after Iowa went to Trump had accurately predicted each of these outcomes going back to 2008, giving her a Nostradamus-like reputation that drew eyeballs to her incorrect Harris poll last week. * * * Trump and Harris Make Nice After Brutal Campaign Battle [RealClearPolitics]. So was all that Fascist! and Hitler! stuff complete bullshit? * * * Campaign Finance How Elon Musk helped will Trump back to the White House [Washington Examiner]. Musks influence in 2024 shows two things, Ludwig said. One, money is not everything, considering Harris enjoyed far more of it this cycle thanks to ultra-wealthy backers on the Left. But two, wealthy Republicans such as Musk are in a position not only to support candidates financially, but also work in strategic and creative ways to motivate voters. Hmm. More: For now, Musk has landed a valuable spot in Trumps inner circle. The two have discussed creating a government efficiency board that seeks to reduce federal spending with Musk at the helm. Its a prospect that, according to some left-leaning watchdogs, could lead to conflicts of interest since Musks companies also receive large federal contracts. Im gonna have to invent a new word for left; its irretrievably polluted, since everybody thinks it means liberal, which it doesnt. Republican Funhouse The Most Feared and Least Known Political Operative in America [Politico]. From April. [Susie] Wiles is not just one of Trumps senior advisers. Shes his most important adviser. Shes his de facto campaign manager. She has been in essence his chief of staff for the last more than three years. Shes one of the reasons Trump is the GOPs presumptive nominee and Ron DeSantis is not. Shes one of the reasons Trumps current operation has been getting credit for being more professional than its fractious, seat-of-the-pants antecedents. And shes a leading reason Trump has every chance to get elected again even after his loss of 2020, the insurrection of 2021, his partys defeats in the midterms of 2022, the criminal indictments of 2023 and the trial (or trials) of 2024. The former president is potentially a future president. And thats because of him. But its also because of her. Trump, of course, is Trump he can be irritable, he can be impulsive and this campaign is facing unprecedented stressors and snags. Its a long six-plus months till Election Day. For now, though, nobody around him is so influential, and nobody around him has been so influential for so long. There is nobody, I think, that has the wealth of information that she does. Nobody in our orbit. Nobody, top Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio told me. She touches everything. Certainly, said former Florida Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo, shes one of the most consequential people in American politics right now. And nobody, said veteran Florida lobbyist Ronnie Book, even knows who she is.' I had thought Republicans hate women. * * * I Study Guys Like Trump. Theres a Reason They Keep Winning [New York Times]. Yet now Mr. Trump has decisively won back the presidency. I would never claim to have all the answers about what went wrong, but I do worry that Democrats walked into the trap of defending the very institutions the establishment that most Americans distrust. As a party interested in competent technocracy, we lost touch with the anger people feel at government. As a party that prizes data, we seized on indicators of growth and job creation as proof that the economy was booming, even though people felt crushed by rising costs. As a party motivated by social justice, we let revulsion at white Christian nationalism bait us into identity politics on their terms whether it was debates about transgender athletes, the busing of migrants to cities, or shaming racist MAGA personalities who cant be shamed. As a party committed to American leadership of a rules-based international order, we defended a national security enterprise that has failed repeatedly in the 21st century, and made ourselves hypocrites through unconditional military support for Israels bombardment of civilians in Gaza. And: Many voters have come to associate democracy with globalization, corruption, financial capitalism, migration, forever wars and elites (like me) who talk about it as an end in itself rather than a means to redressing inequality, reining in capitalist systems that are rigged, responding to global conflict and fostering a sense of shared national identity. As Ive been saying, Democrats say our democracy for a reason. And if you look at how candidates are chosen, the Republican Party is far more democratic and the Democrat Party. Why cant we have a Democrat candidate who can express these ideas so clearly: A fundamental problem in the Democratic Party is that it now has vanishingly few politicians who can articulate this kind of point as cogently as the Republican VP candidate did here. pic.twitter.com/V0NBrW581Z David Sirota (@davidsirota) November 8, 2024 (Perhaps all those long-form YouTubes have prepared the conservative voter for a cogent and connected series of arguments, instead of brat summer or whatever. Syndemics I am in earnest I will not equivocate I will not excuse I will not retreat a single inch AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison * * * Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot ; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city). Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you! Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (wastewater); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ). Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada). Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater). Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, KidDoc, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3). Stay safe out there! Airborne Transmission: Covid Parallel technologies: Mushroom cultivation requires a lot of lab based work you're working in (supposedly) sterile conditions, eg when doing agar work. Laminar flow hoods are required when doing this, otherwise contaminants will kill your efforts (mould will outcompete the mycelium, basically) Matt Tutt (@MattTutt1) November 8, 2024 Michael Pollan, in The Botany of Desire, urges that plants adapt us to their requirements for seed spread and growth by evolving tastes, nutriition, scents, and bright colors. Here we have mushrooms inducing us to breathe clean air, much to our benefit! Anecdotal but interesting: A year ago we installed Far UVC in the dining area of a nursing home. Since then outbreaks have decreased by 85% and overall resident and staff well being has increased. This nursing home chose to use all possible tools to ensure their occupants stay safe from viruses. pic.twitter.com/pn5ZsuK2cG BioAbundance (@BioAbundancellc) November 7, 2024 Of course, I mistrust any firm with the word abundance in its name, especially [checks profile] a Californian one. Transmission: Covid A Flexible Framework for Local-Level Estimation of the Effective Reproductive Number in Geographic Regions with Sparse Data (preprint) [medRxiv]. From the Abstract: Our research focuses on local level estimation of the effective reproductive number, which describes the transmissibility of an infectious disease and represents the average number of individuals one infectious person infects at a given time. The ability to accurately estimate the infectious disease reproductive number in geographically granular regions is critical for disaster planning and resource allocation. However, not all regions have sufficient infectious disease outcome data for estimation. Cant make head or tail of the rest, but it might be useful to any epidemiologists in the readership. Transmission: H5N1 Serologic Evidence of Recent Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Among Dairy Workers Michigan and Colorado, JuneAugust 2024 [Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC]. Health officials conducted surveys and serologic testing to identify recent HPAI A(H5) infections among dairy workers in two states. Serologic testing indicated that 7% of participating dairy workers had evidence of recent infection with HPAI A(H5) virus . Do the math: * * * TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts Lambert here: There are many starred items today, besides yesterday, because a lot of CDC data is released on Friday. Also, New York hospitalization started up again, which is nice. Yves here. While this post usefully marks how Presidential mission creep, by Presidential design and Congressional neglect, accelerated starting in the W era, IMHO it goes light on some of the early Executive power grabs, in part by focusing solely on foreign policy matters. I am old enough to remember at the time that Nixon was called an imperial President, and a quick web search confirms that view: Over the course of the 20th century, the presidency gradually supplanted Congress as the center of federal power. Presidential authority increased, presidential staffs grew in size, and the executive branch gradually acquired a dominant relationship over Congress. No president went further than Richard Nixon in concentrating powers in the presidency. He refused to spend funds that Congress had appropriated; he claimed executive privilege against disclosure of information on administration decisions; he refused to allow key decision makers to be questioned before congressional committees; he reorganized the executive branch and broadened the authority of new cabinet positions without congressional approval; and during the Vietnam War, he ordered harbors mined and bombing raids launched without consulting Congress. Watergate brought a halt to the imperial presidency and the growth of presidential power. Over the presidents veto, Congress enacted the War Powers Act (1973), which required future presidents to obtain authorization from Congress to engage U.S. forces in foreign combat for more than 90 days. Under the law, a president who orders troops into action abroad must report the reason for this action to Congress within 48 hours. In the wake of the Watergate scandal, Congress passed a series of laws designed to reform the political process Some of the post-Watergate reforms have not been as effective as reformers anticipated. The War Powers Act has never been invoked. Campaign financing reform has not curbed the ability of special interests to curry favor with politicians or the capacity of the very rich to outspend opponents. Similarly, the post is far too kind to Obama. It tries to gloss over his reversal of habeas corpus, a bedrock protection. It also ignores that he had promised to reverse the expansion of the surveillance state and then allowed its reach to continue to grow. That failure was what prompted Edward Snowden to engage in his famed exposure of the extent of US hoovering of its citizens data. Sadly, after a brief uproar, nothing changed. The post does point out that even though Trump, due to his bull in the china shop tendencies, which most often attempted via executive order (many of which amounted to PR noise, since they had no legal effect), Biden went much further on that front. As for Trump, he is sure to try to push the envelope of his authority. As Lambert sometimes pointed out, if Trump really were the reincarnation of Hitler, why were the Democrats so keen to hand more authority to Biden and/or be complacent about overreach (the vaccine mandate comes to mind) if there really was a clear and present danger in the 2024 election? By Karen J. Greenberg. Originally published at TomDispatch As the dust settles over election day, its worth reflecting that its not only the election results that have been at stake, but the future of the presidency and its powers. Over the course of the first quarter of this century, the American presidency has accumulated ever more power, rendering the office increasingly less constrained by either Congress or the courts. With Donald Trumps reelection, the slide toward a dangerously empowered president has reached a moment of reckoning, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and warfare. Presidential Powers Throughout American history, presidents have repeatedly sought to increase their powers, nowhere more so than in the context of war. As historian James Patterson has pointed out, War and the threat of war were major sources of presidential power from the beginning. Whether it was George Washingtons insistence that he was the one to formulate foreign policy when it came to diplomacy, treaties, and more; Thomas Jeffersons assertion of complete control over whether or not to attack the Barbary Pirates; James Polks decision to take actions which risked war with Mexico; or Abraham Lincolns sweeping assertions of authority in the Civil War era, executive claims to authority when it comes to matters of foreign relations and warfare have been a persistent feature of American history. The twentieth century saw a continued rise in the powers of the presidency. As historian Jeremi Suri noted in his book The Impossible Presidency, the four terms of Franklin D. Roosevelt were a transformative moment, essentially multiplying the responsibilities of the president with the ultimate goal of mak[ing] the national executive the dominant actor in all parts of American life. The presidents who followed Roosevelt continued to display such enhanced powers, especially when it came to foreign affairs. As legal scholar Matt Waxman has reminded us, FDRs successor, Harry Truman, went to war in Korea without congressional authorization. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who did consult with Congress over the need to protect U.S.-allied Pacific coastal islands from possible Chinese aggression and, in his farewell address, warned against the military-industrial complex, still believed that the president had broad powers to engage in covert warfare without specific congressional approval. In fact, his successor, John F. Kennedy, exercised those powers in a major way in the Bay of Pigs incident. Richard Nixon unilaterally and secretly launched the invasion of Cambodia in 1970, and Ronald Reagan created a secret Central American foreign policy, while arranging the unauthorized transfer of funds and weaponry to the Nicaraguan rebels, the Contras, from the sale of U.S. arms to Iran, despite the fact that such funding was prohibited by an act of Congress, the Boland Amendment. The Twenty-First Century Even within the context of repeated presidential acts taken without congressional assent (or often even knowledge) and in defiance of the constitutional checks on the powers of the presidency, the twenty-first century witnessed a major uptick in claims of executive power. In the name of war, this century has seen an astonishing erosion of constraints on that very power, as Yale law professor Harold Hongju Koh details in his illuminating new book, The National Security Constitution in the Twenty-First Century. At the dawn of this century, the attacks of September 11, 2001, led to an instant escalation of presidential power and executive unilateralism. In the name of national security, President George W. Bush issued an order that authorized the indefinite detention of prisoners in what quickly came to be known as the Global War on Terror. He also set up an offshore prison of injustice at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and authorized military commissions instead of federal court trials for terrorism suspects captured abroad. Meanwhile, Congress and the courts consistently deferred to the will of the president when it came to actions taken in the name of that war on terror. One week after the attacks of 9/11, Congress passed the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which undermined its own power in Article I of the Constitution to declare war and weakened its powers of restraint on presidential actions carefully articulated in the 1973 War Powers Resolution (WPR), passed to guard against the very kind of secretive engagement in war that Nixon had unilaterally authorized in the Vietnam era. Now, turning their backs on the power given them by the Constitution and the WPR, Congress, with that AUMF, acceded to the expansion of presidential powers and opened the door to the disastrous wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere early in this century. The president, it stated, was authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations, or persons. In October 2001, Congress also passed the USA Patriot Act. It included an expansion of presidential power at home in the name of protecting the nation in the war on terror, including authorizing greatly expanded surveillance policies that would come to include, among other things, secret surveillance and searches that took place without evidence of wrongdoing, notably in Muslim communities in this country that were considered inherently suspect in the name of the war on terror. As a result, when, in January 2009, Barack Obama entered the White House, his administration found itself with a strikingly expanded definition of the powers of the presidency on the table. Obamas Presidency A former constitutional law professor, Barack Obama pledged to overturn some of the Bush administrations most egregious, extralegal breaches, including the very existence of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility and the use of torture (or what the Bush administration had politely termed enhanced interrogation techniques) authorized by executive unilateralism as part of the war on terror. In what became known as trust me government, Obama also pledged to reform the excessive surveillance policies implemented in the war on terror. In 2013, David Cole, a civil rights attorney and currently the National Legal Director of the ACLU, credited Obama with making substantial shifts toward restraint by formally declaring an end to many of the Bush administrations most aggressive assertions of executive power. But while Obama did indeed trim some of the most striking excesses of the Bush era, his record of presidential reform fell significantly short. Jameel Jaffer, the founding director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, for instance, disputed Coles claims, citing the Obama administrations continued reliance on illegal and extralegal policies that Bushs aggressive actions had already put in play among them, warrantless wiretapping, indefinite detention, and the military commissions to try prisoners at Guantanamo. In addition, as Jaffer pointed out, the Obama administration frequently relied on the powers granted the presidency in that 2001 AUMF to authorize targeted lethal drone strikes globally, as in the case of the drone-killing of U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, without further congressional authorization, by expanding the definition of imminence in order to appear to be complying with the international rule of law. When it came to such targeted killings a military tactic introduced under President Bush but greatly expanded during the Obama years for strikes in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen the president reserved for himself the right to have the final say in authorizing such strikes. As the New York Times reported at the time, Nothing else in Mr. Obamas first term has baffled liberal supporters and confounded conservative critics alike as his aggressive counterterrorism record. His actions have often remained inscrutable, obscured by awkward secrecy rules, polarized political commentary, and the presidents own deep reserve. Although he served as legal adviser to the Department of State in the Obama administration, in his warnings about the perils posed by the slide towards unilateral presidential powers, Harold Hongju Kou concedes that the president could have done more to curtail the Bush era enhancement of the powers of the president. [T]he cautious Obama administration, he writes, succeeded in swinging the national security pendulum only part of the way back to restraint on executive power via the courts and Congress. While the cascade of illegality that defined the Bush eras war on terror was indeed somewhat addressed by Obama, it remained, Koh reminds us, undercorrected including not seeking stronger accountability for past acts of CIA torture, and the stubborn continuation of a Guantanamo detention policy. While President Obama adhered more closely to restraints on presidential power than his predecessor, his administration did not make the kinds of structural and procedural changes necessary to deter future presidents from following in the footsteps of the Bush administration, as we were soon to learn, since, as Koh points out, enhanced unilateral presidential and executive powers would be sharply re-intensified under Donald Trump. The Trump Years Indeed, the first Trump presidency vastly accelerated the claims of expanded presidential power. Jack Goldsmith and Bob Bauer, lawyers who worked in the Bush and Obama administrations, respectively, served, as they put it, very different presidents and hold different political outlooks. Yet they agree that the Trump administration took unchecked presidential authority to a new level. In their 2020 book, After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency, they contended that Donald Trump operated the presidency in ways that reveal its vulnerability to dangerous excesses of authority and dangerous weaknesses in accountability. And as they make all too clear, the stakes were (and remain) high. The often-feckless Trump, they wrote, also revealed deeper fissures in the structure of the presidency that, we worry, a future president might choose to exploit in a fashion similar to Trump but much more skillfully, and to even greater effect. And with the Supreme Courts recent decision upholding the immunity of Donald Trump for acts taken while in the Oval Office, the shackles that once tied presidential acts in wartime to Congressional authorization are arguably now fully off the table, should a president be determined to act on his or her own say-so. (As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent, the ruling will have disastrous consequences for the presidency and for our democracy, arguing that it will, in essence, let the President violate the law, let him exploit the trappings of his office for personal gain, let him use his official power for evil ends.) The Biden Years When it comes to recognizing limits on presidential powers, President Biden has had a distinctly mixed record. He immediately withdrew Trumps executive order known as the Muslim ban, set out to close Guantanamo (but has not yet succeeded in doing so), rejoined the Paris climate accord, and revived international ties around the world that had been disrupted by Trump. And yet, that quintessential institutionalist, who prided himself on his ability to work with Congress, nonetheless veered in the direction of presidential unilateralism in the conduct of foreign affairs. As Professor Koh put it: In foreign affairs, even the longtime senator Joe Biden who widely proclaims his love of the Senate now operates almost entirely by executive fiat, including a reliance on classified policy memoranda, with minimal congressional oversight. Overall, in fact, Biden issued more executive orders than any president since Richard Nixon. Though Biden wisely relied upon an interagency group of lawyers to advise him on national security decisions, following their advice, he issued nonbinding political agreements, memoranda of understanding, joint communiques, and occasionally executive agreements plus, just as Obama had done on the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal, relying on preexisting legislative frameworks rather than new Congressional authorizations. When it came to the war in Ukraine, Biden leaned heavily on the coordinated use of sanctions, enhanced almost weekly post-invasion. Most of those sanctions were set, as Koh also points out, by executive orders and regulatory decrees, rather than in consultation with Congress. Our Future A second Trump presidency will undoubtedly take unilateral presidential powers to a new level. After all, he already indicated that he might withdraw the U.S. from NATO and end support for Ukraine. Nor is Trump likely to be deterred by Congress. Reporting on Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations nearly 1,000-page prescription for a second Trump presidency, written primarily by former office holders in the first Trump administration, New York Times reporters Jonathan Swan, Charlie Savage, and Maggie Haberman reported that Trump and his associates plan to increase the presidents authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House. In particular, Project 2025s stance on nuclear weapons is a reminder of just how dangerous a president who refused to be restrained by law or precedent will be. After all, in his first term in office, Trump unilaterally pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on that country, leading its leaders to increase its nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, the march toward nuclear confrontation has accelerated worldwide. In response, Project 2025 argues for ramping up Americas nuclear arsenal yet more. [T]he United States manifestly needs to modernize, adapt, and expand its nuclear arsenal, the treatise declared, in order to deter Russia and China simultaneously, adding that the U.S. needs to develop a nuclear arsenal with the size, sophistication, and tailoring including new capabilities at the theater level to ensure that there is no circumstance in which America is exposed to serious nuclear coercion. Consider all of that a frightening vision of our now all-too-imminent future: a president freed from the restraints of the constitution, unchecked by Congress or the courts or by his cabinet advisors. In the words of MSNBCs Ali Velshi, Project 2025 has set the stage for Donald Trump to be the very opposite of what this countrys founders intended, a king, surrounded not by groups of qualified experts but by unblinking yes-men. (Dis)Trust in the Presidency The growing power of the presidency has been taking place in plain view, as unilateral powers have accumulated decade after decade in the Oval Office, while the recent choice of president has also become a grim choice about the nature and powers of the presidency itself. Notably, the rise in executive powers has coincided with a creeping distrust of government in this country. Since the early 1960s, when nearly 80% of Americans said they trusted government most of the time, the publics faith in this countrys federal government hovers at just over 20%, according to the Pew Research Center. And no wonder. When the office of the president refuses to accept the checks and balances that underlie the democratic system, the countrys trust in negotiated, reasonable, and restrained outcomes understandably falls away. Sadly, in this era, the benefits of restoring the very notion of checks and balances that birthed the nation have come to seem ever more like a quaint dream. Yves here. Its easy to get whiplash trying to keep ones eye on the many fallout fronts after Trumps decisive victory on Tuesday. One evolving spectacle is the much-needed Democratic party recriminations and hopefully the purging of the too many who hitched their fates to elites and failed even to credibly pretend that they cared about ordinary people. Indeed, as I have had some members of the PMC tell me before the election, they were repelled by the mainstream Democrat hostility towards whole swathes of Americans and the offensive insistence that they were superior and therefore solely entitled to rule. If the party is to sufficiently reform itself, it needs to expel its architects of failure, starting with the DNC. Naturally, the guilty are instead loudly trying to shift blame. The latest, revealing spectacle comes in Common Dreams. It features the head of the DNC getting ugly over Sanders correct and long-standing critique that the party has abandoned its roots (he of all people should know, given how badly he was treated). In an interesting bit of synchronicity, the Hill has just published a story that indicates that many party operatives understand what a disaster the election was and that a big course correction is necessary. But will enough of the old guard close ranks to keep them largely on their current bad course? The Hills Trump win leaves Democrats talking about how to start over suggests that at least some insiders have reached the 12-step bottom-hitting phase: Democrats say they need a fresh start after President-elect Trumps decisive victory over Vice President Harris, which saw him sweep the swing states, narrow Democratic margins in various blue states and win over key parts of the electorate. We have to burn the house down and begin anew, said one prominent Democratic strategist who has worked on recent presidential campaigns. We had a warning in 2016 that this wasnt working, we had another chance in 2020 to realize Trump wasnt going away and was only growing his base, and we ignored it and pretended this was a midterm election. As Democrats perform the autopsy of Harriss campaign and piecing together what went wrong, they are quickly concluding that their party apparatus and strategies are dated or nonfunctional. Democrats in recent years have lost their way, the strategist added, appealing to New York Times elites while snubbing working-class voters who traditionally supported Democrats. Contrast this perspective with the DNC blather below, which repeats blatantly bogus defenses, like Biden was the best labor president evah when most unions members thought otherwise. Nevertheless, despite the breath of fresh air from the Hill account, at least in my media ganders, I see way too much desperate clutching at the story lines that led to the Democrat loss (and divert attention from voter concerns about their standard of living and immigration) such as Trump is a fascist and his voters are misogynists. By Julia Conley. Originally published at Common Dreams After U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders offered his perspective on why Vice President Kamala Harris lost both the popular vote and Electoral College to President-elect Donald Trump in Tuesdays electionrepeating his consistent warning that the Democratic Party must center economic justicetop official Jaime Harrison signaled once again that the party is unlikely to hear Sanders call. Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee and a former lobbyist for clients including Bank of Americaand BP, called Sanders statement straight up BS and touted pro-worker policies embraced by the Biden-Harris administration, suggesting that the party has sufficiently worked for economic justiceand appearing to ignore all evidence that working-class voters gravitated toward Trump and the Republican Party. [President Joe] Biden was the most-pro worker president of my lifetimesaved union pensions, created millions of good-paying jobs, and even marched in a picket line, said Harrison. This is straight up BS Biden was the most-pro worker President of my life time- saved Union pensions, created millions of good paying jobs and even marched in a picket line and some of MVPs plans would have fundamentally transformed the quality of life and closed the racial https://t.co/6s4iR5Xtdq Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) November 7, 2024 Biden has been praised by progressives and labor unions for establishing pro-worker rules on overtime pay and noncompete agreements, urging Amazon workers in Alabama to unionize, presiding over a National Labor Relations Board that investigated numerous unfair labor practices by large corporations and sided with workers, and becoming the first U.S. president to walk on a picket line with striking workers. He also worked closely with Sanders on one of his signature pieces of legislation, the Build Back Better Act, which would have invested in expanded child tax credits, public education, and free community college, among other provisionsbut the bill was torpedoed by right-wing U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), then a Democrat, and the Republican Party. In his statement on Thursday, Sanders said it should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working-class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. He asked whether the well-paid consultants who control the Democratic Party would learn any real lessons from this disastrous campaign? Probably not, he added. While Harris included in her platform plans to end price-gouging in the food industry, expand the child tax credit, and extend Medicare coverage to home healthcare, dental, and vision care, she alarmed progressive advocates by proposinga smaller capital gains tax for wealthy Americans. As Common Dreamsreported on Thursday, Biden advisers have also posited this week that Harris muddied her early message that Trump was a stooge of corporate interests by elevating billionaire businessman Mark Cuban as one of her top surrogates. Whether Democratic leaders including Harrison will listen to those concerns from Bidens inner circle remains to be seen, but he expressed hostility when the message came from Sanders. There are a lot of post-election takes and this one aint a good one, said Harrison. Journalist Mitchell Northam noted that the Democratic Party has studiously ignored and expressed hostility toward Sanders call for centering economic justice and cutting ties with Wall Street since the 2016 election, when the senator ran for president as a Democrat. Bernie had a pulse on where all of this was heading back in 2015/16. He had a coalition. He was speaking to voters. And the Democratic party shoved him out of the way. Also, as chair of the DNC, this result has to land on Jaime Harrison's shoulders too. Just take your L, man. https://t.co/ZMv4hdnuZt Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) November 7, 2024 Sanders message this week got an unlikely boost from conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks, who in 2020 dismissed the veteran, consistently popular senator as useless and marginal. I like it when Democratic candidates run to the center, wrote Brooks. But I have to confess that Harris did that pretty effectively and it didnt work. Maybe the Democrats have to embrace a Bernie Sanders-style disruptionsomething that will make people like me feel uncomfortable. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch applauded Brooks striking moment of self-awareness. Progressive Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid expressed hope that Democratic leaders such as Harrison will do the same. Typically, after a major electoral defeat, he said, party leaders step aside to create opportunities for fresh perspectives and voices that havent yet had a chance to lead. Teeny tardigrades can survive space and lethal radiation. Scientists may finally know how Space.com Salamanders are surprisingly abundant in US northeastern forests, research finds Phys.org What Chickens Know: On Bonding with Birds and the Language of Hens Literary Hub Climate Syndemics MMWR: Serologic Evidence of Recent Infection with HPAI A(H5) Virus Among Dairy Workers Avian Flu Diary China? The English Paradox: Four Decades of Life and Language in Japan TokyoDev Myanmar The Koreas India Colonies of former colonies Aeon Africa Oil discoveries fuel battle for strategic island off West Africa S&P Global Syraqistan European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border Trump Transition 2024 Post Mortem Biden Administration Digital Watch Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Marek Szczepanek): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. AIPAC boasts of influence over Congress, ousting eleven anti-Israel candidates The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is once again openly bragging about the success of their foreign influence operation paying off our representatives to advance the interests of Israel. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) The lobbying group released a video on Wednesday boasting about how they "endorsed 362 candidates and won in every primary we had a candidate on the ballot!" "We helped our friends win and defeated 11 anti-Israel candidates," they added. AIPAC endorsed 362 candidates and won in every primary we had a candidate on the ballot! We helped our friends win and defeated 11 anti-Israel candidates. Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics! ???? pic.twitter.com/XEHPYWN3L2 AIPAC ?????? (@AIPAC) November 6, 2024 "I'm a firm believer that no candidate wins an election on their own," Rep. Sarah K. Elfreth, who received $4.2 million from AIPAC for her campaign in Maryland's 3rd District, says in the video. "I just want to extend my sincere gratitude to this community for helping me get to Congress and ensure everybody that you're going to have a long-term friend." "[When] AIPAC comes in, it's like someone threw you a life raft," AIPAC-funded Rep. John McGuire of Virginia's 5th District says. As Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie noted earlier this year, virtually every member of Congress has an "AIPAC babysitter" who guides them on how to vote in the interests of Israel. "It's the only country that does this," Massie said. Congressman Thomas Massie reveals to Tucker Carlson that his Republican colleagues have an AIPAC babysitter to ensure they vote in the interests of Israel at all times. Its the only country that does this, Massie adds. Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/zNOA35t32u AF Post (@AFpost) June 7, 2024 Massie said last year that AIPAC should have to register as under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. "I actually won't accept the premise that AIPAC has the right to interfere in an American election on behalf of a foreign country," Massie said.foreign agents WATCH: GOP Rep. Thomas Massie says AIPAC should have to register as foreign agents under FARA. "I actually won't accept the premise that AIPAC has the right to interfere in an American election on behalf of a foreign country." pic.twitter.com/G3Rn8uPk1J Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) December 6, 2023 AIPAC spent over $300,000 on attack ads against Massie this election but he won reelection anyways. Read more at: InformationLiberation.com Bnai Brith Canada introduces Seven-Point Plan to Combat Antisemitism that proposes suspension, firing or PRISON TIME for violators A Jewish congregation based in Canada is calling for more to be done to stop people from engaging in acts of "antisemitism," including through speech. B'nai Brith Canada (BB) says its "Seven-Point Plan to Combat Antisemitism" should be spread far and wide, including to politicians and police officers, so the state can learn how to crack down on public displays of "antisemitism." Davide Mastracci from The Maple warns that the new proposal from B'nai Brith "should disturb anyone who cares about stopping Israel's genocide in Gaza." "If that sounds like you, then there's a good chance BB and the broader Israel lobby wants you suspended from your school, fired from your place of employment, cut off from any funding you enjoy or even imprisoned," Mastracci writes. "This sounds dramatic, but a close review of the plan reveals that it's true, and worse, that much of what the group wants to happen is already in motion." (Related: Have you checked out our report about the ugly, horrifying history of Israel's military, often called the "most moral army in the world?") Enforcing new "antisemitism" speech laws While BB is not necessarily or even primarily responsible for the pro-Israel actions that government leaders in Canada, the United States and elsewhere are taking, it and other groups behind the push, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) are usually the first, at least in Canada, to make these kinds of demands. What usually happens is that the political lobby follows the lead of these groups rather than the other way around. This is due to the Israel lobby's vast resources, which are used to wine and dine members of parliament (MPs) into supporting Israel. "With this in mind, BB's plan shouldn't be written off or ignored," Mastracci writes. "To make things worse, the next party likely to be in charge federally, with a strong majority the Pierre Poilievre-led Conservatives, boasting Canada's most unhinged Zionist MP as its deputy leader is promising to do even more for Israel." BB's seven-step plan includes implementing the following: 1) An "all of government approach to the implementation and application of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) Definition of Antisemitism" that calls on all levels of government, including public institutions, to comply. 2) A "national monitoring system" to ensure the IHRA definition for "antisemitism," as well as all violations of it, are being policed and enforced throughout society. 3) "Ban Al-Quds day rallies and rallies that support terror entities and sanctioned regimes," meaning no more pro-Palestine protests. 4) Create a "comprehensive listing of terror organizations" that included Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Samidoun, an international prisoner solidarity network. 5) "Combat the importation and exportation of hate and terror" by calling for "stricter immigration controls [...] with respect to extremism and radicalization," "enhanced monitoring of foreign influence," "deportation of extremists," and stricter laws and penalties to simplify the "deportation or long-term imprisonment" of violators. 6) "Proactively confront antisemitism on campuses" by making governments force colleges and universities to create new strategies for silencing pro-Palestine speech, which includes "proactively confront[ing] antisemitism within the education sector" at large. 7) "Amend[ing] the criminal code to better assist in the combating of hate," meaning the Israel lobby wants all those arrests of and charges against campus protesters to lead to actual convictions. "And so, the seventh step on BB's plan is a clear indicator that they aren't content with merely encouraging legal harassment," Mastracci says. "Instead, they want to ensure those targeted are actually locked up. To do so, they want to alter the Criminal Code and other laws directly." Bans on "antisemitic" speech are still censorship. Learn more at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: ReadTheMaple.com NaturalNews.com Californians vote to make crime illegal again California voters may not fully appreciate yet that they voted to toss marriage into the wood chipper on Election Day, but at least they were sentient enough to vote against crime. Baby steps. (Article by Victoria Taft republished from PJMedia.com) Crime has been bad in the Golden State since those same voters passed Proposition 47. Voters were told that retributive justice meted out against criminals for doing drugs and stealing stuff was simply too harsh. Have a heart, the Democrats said. So in 2014, voters took the word of then-San Francisco DA George Gascon and California Attorney General Kamala Harris and passed Prop 47. What voters didn't know was that Kamala, George, and all their Soros-inspired chaos agents had their fingers crossed behind their backs. George Soros's Open Society Foundation and the Ford Foundation had suckered voters again. Prop 47 magically redefined felonies, making them misdemeanors. And instead of spending money on prisons for the state's ever-increasing number of criminals, the state reckoned it would save money by not building prisons and fast-tracking criminals back into polite society. Crime spiked, but the researchers, in on the joke, told the increasing number of crime victims to settle down, the crime rate was going down. Entire chains of stores have left San Francisco because the law allows people to walk in and steal $950 worth of goods without punishment. Organized gangs of thieves walk into stores and steal thousands of dollars worth of goods because they know no one will stop them. This set of laws unleashed a flood of retail theft gangs, knockouts on the streets of Chinatown in San Francisco, and luxury store lootings, and the laws transformed stores into museums of food. Don't smudge the glass. NEW: The Walgreens at 16th/Geary in San Francisco has chained up the freezer section ?? Workers said normally shoplifters clean out all the pizza and ice cream every night. Theyre usually hit 20x a day. The whole store is virtually locked up. @KPIXtv h/t @greenbergnationpic.twitter.com/lfFWmkLWdo Betty Yu (@bett_yu) July 18, 2023 Now it's ten years later. It has taken millions of dollars and thousands of man-hours in multiple attempts to exterminate this ridiculous set of laws. Through those years, choruses of "something must be done!" echoed from city council chambers in every major city. Chaos peaked during the "Criminals' Lives Matter but Yours Don't" movement in California. On Tuesday, voters took a decisive step towards sanity by passing Proposition 36. Under this change, crime will start being illegal again. Acts of theft will be combined to reach the threshold requiring punishment, and addicts will be "incentivized" at drug court to go into treatment. It's a start. Los Angeles voters also made a big move on Tuesday. After George Gascon left the San Francisco DA's office, the woke grifter brought his act to LA and voters there made him their district attorney. But on Tuesday, voters took out the trash. Gascon was voted out by 61% of the voters. And Kamala lost her race, too. Yes, it was a very good day Tuesday. Read more at: PJMedia.com Forced vaccination: 5-year-old develops autism after receiving 18 vaccines in one day Embattled father David Ihben is currently dealing with a custody battle over his five-year-old son who developed autism after being forced to receive 18 vaccines in one day In 2016, Ihben moved his family from Chicago to rural Jamestown, Tennessee, seeking a quieter, simpler life. However, by December 2019, a bitter divorce and custody battle led to a devastating legal decision that would change their lives forever: the forced vaccination of his children, resulting in severe consequences for his youngest son, Isaac. (Related: Courts set precedent for mass FORCED VACCINATION of all children.) David and his ex-wife, who had grown apart, were working through a parenting plan in family court when, in 2019, Fentress County, Tennessee General Sessions Court Judge Michael Todd Burnett intervened. After discovering that their children were unvaccinated, the judge, who David described as a pro-vaccine advocate, insisted that the children be vaccinated. Burnett even went so far as to tell the parents that not vaccinating their children was tantamount to "child abuse" and offered custody to the parent who agreed to vaccinate the children immediately. David, who had always opposed vaccinations for personal and religious reasons, was shocked when his ex-wife agreed to have the children vaccinated that day. The court granted them joint custody, with the mother as the primary guardian. The children were vaccinated that same day Isaac, just five years old, received 18 vaccines in a single visit. Isaac's health deteriorates after receiving 18 vaccines in a day Isaac's reaction to receiving 18 vaccines in a single day was catastrophic. While his older siblings, Hannah and Joseph, came out of the ordeal with mild sild effects, Isaac's health quickly deteriorated. He was hospitalized with a high fever and spent 12 days in the ICU. He emerged from the experience with severe regressive autism, losing his ability to speak and requiring round-the-clock care. "He doesn't talk. He wears a diaper. He eats out of a baby bottle 20 to 30 times a day," David explained. Isaac's condition has been life-altering for the whole family. David has not had a full night's sleep in years and struggles daily with Isaac's complex needs. The aftermath of the vaccinations was tragic. Isaac's mother soon abandoned the family, leaving David to raise the children alone, despite still being required to pay child support. "She hasn't been involved for almost five years, but I still pay child support," David said. He has sought full custody of the children, but the court has refused to grant it, citing that the mother must be present to change custody. "Nobody knows where she is," David said. Adding to his challenges, David faced difficulties in securing healthcare and financial assistance for Isaac. Tennessee's rules prevent families from receiving home healthcare if there are other children in the household under 18, and David has struggled with a lack of support for disabled children in his local school district, which even has restraint chairs for autistic students. David's struggles escalated further when, in December 2023, his home was raided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) under mysterious circumstances. David, who still doesn't know the reason for the raid, suffered a heart attack that night. "I'm still under treatment," he said, noting that the emotional toll of the incident has been significant. Through it all, David has worked to raise awareness about his family's plight, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. Despite the hardships, Isaac has shown some improvement with therapy, and David remains hopeful. "I hope Isaac will be the last," David said, stressing the importance of sharing his story. "I just want people to know what happened to my family and the dangers of forced medical treatment." David's ordeal has not only been an emotional and physical burden but also a chance for his children, especially his oldest, Hannah and Joseph, to learn about government, medical rights and personal freedoms. As a family, they continue to teach others in their community, hoping Isaac's story will prevent further harm. "Our lives have changed forever," David said. "But if we can help one family, it will be worth it." DangerousMedicine.com has more stories about vaccine injuries. Watch this video showing a forced vaccination taking place in a hospital. This video is from the Hamilton-Moore Effect channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Forced vaccination is REAL: Courts are now enforcing SEDATION to assault people with COVID-19 vaccines in the U.K. Tennessee judge orders unvaccinated 5-year-old boy to take 18 shots, causing an ICU admission and irreversible autism. People shouldn't be FORCED to take vaccines, Elon Musk tells Tucker Carlson. 23-year-old Florida woman develops blindness, autoimmune red blood cell wasting disease after doctors forced her to get three vaccine injections. New Zealand's new PANDEMIC PLAN will bring martial law, forced vaccinations. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com NationalDailyNG.com Brighteon.com Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries ARRESTED on sex trafficking and prostitution charges Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, 80, helped the company skyrocket to fame with hypersexualized marketing and shirtless male models to create buzz for their stores. He has now been arrested on allegations of prostitution and sex trafficking. Prosecutors have accused Jeffries of using his authority over the company to force many aspiring models into having sex with him and his romantic partner, along with other people attending their "sex parties." Jeffries was arrested on Oct. 22 and charged with operating an international sex trafficking ring while he was Abercrombies chief executive. The federal indictment against him listed 15 unnamed trafficking victims. According to the indictment, Jeffries allegedly coerced models into attending "sex parties" in different locations around the world from 2008 to 2015. The former CEO reportedly paid the male models who attended and he also gave them "muscle relaxants, Viagra, lubricants and sex toys." Prosecutors from the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn claimed that Jeffries misled some of his victims into thinking that they were only attending modeling shoots instead of sex parties. Prosecutors added that Jeffries even included Abercrombie products in the sex parties. According to the indictment, some of his victims felt pressured to participate to avoid jeopardizing their modeling careers at the time. Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace warned that people who think they can abuse others using the "casting-couch system" should take the case against Jeffries as a stark warning. Peace added that anyone who abuses their authority in the same way should be prepared to go to federal prison. Meanwhile, Matthew Smith, Jeffries longtime romantic partner, and James Jacobson, an employee of the couple, were also arrested and charged with 16 criminal counts. The charges include interstate prostitution and sex trafficking. Jacobson was allegedly responsible for recruiting, interviewing and hiring men for the parties, said the prosecutors. The indictment said that Jacobson would hold "tryouts" with recruits, but he would then require the models to first have sex with him. The shocking arrests follow a BBC investigation in 2023 and a civil lawsuit where several male models claimed that Jeffries used promises of a job at Abercrombie to lure young men to locations across the globe and force them to have sex with him and others. (Related: P. Diddy sex trafficking ring allegedly involves the hotel, banking, pharmaceutical industries.) According to federal prosecutors, Jeffries reportedly used a network of employees, contractors and security personnel to operate the sex trafficking ring and keep the prostitution business under wraps. The sex parties took place in Jeffries' New York residences, as well as at different luxury hotels in England, France, Italy and Morocco. Prosecutors said that Jeffries, Smith and Jacobson all used burner phones to communicate. The three defendants also allegedly required the models to sign nondisclosure agreements and employed a security company to monitor and intimidate the witnesses who threatened to expose their crimes, added the prosecutors. A defense attorney entered a plea of not guilty on Oct. 25 on behalf of Jeffries. Jeffries' wife and son were present in the courtroom and signed the $10 million bond secured by the defendant's home in New York. The former CEO must remain in home confinement, undergo constant electronic monitoring and maintain no contact with his co-defendants, witnesses or victims. The next court appearance for the defendants is Dec. 12. However, there is still no date for Smith's arraignment. 2023 Civil lawsuit revealed Jeffries used a "network of co-conspirators" to victimize A&F models In a civil lawsuit brought in 2023 by David Bradberry, he claimed that Jeffries abused victims with the assistance of a group of co-conspirators within Abercrombie and Smith, who attended company events and meetings. The suit alleged that there could have been at least dozens, possibly more than one hundred, young model victims. Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing Jeffries accusers, explained that, as they said in the lawsuit, the charges of sex trafficking is "of the most heinous kind." He added that the arrests of the defendants "are a huge step toward justice for the many victims." Jeffries and Smith were both arrested in Florida and Jacobson was arrested in Wisconsin. While Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, Smith was ordered detained. Meanwhile, Jacobson was also released on a $500,000 bond. Jeffries began working at Abercrombie in 1992 when the company was part of Leslie Wexner's retail empire. Wexner hired Jeffries, then a retail veteran, to transform the money-losing brand that he had purchased in 1988. Under Jeffries' management, Abercrombie created a "Look Book" of rules for stores and hired college students to staff them. The company then released sexually themed ads and hired shirtless male greeters in their stores to create a cult following with loyal teen-aged consumers, who bought the store's logo-emblazoned clothing. The business was successful for several years, even hitting annual sales of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2013, up from less than $1 billion before 2000. Jeffries then stepped down as CEO in December 2014 after a string of poor results. Visit Trafficking.news for more stories like this. Watch the video below to learn more about the sex trafficking charges against former Abercrombie CEO Jeffries. This video is from the Children Are NOT Sex Toys! channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sexual abuse accusations from HUNDREDS of victims with reports of VIDEO EVIDENCE of the rapper's perverse sex crimes. 122 Individuals arrested, 2 minors rescued in Sacramento County anti-sex trafficking sting operation. Why are Michelle and Barack Obama so closely linked to rapists and sex traffickers? Trump says Kamala is "facilitating the largest wave of child sex trafficking in history." Investigative journalist: Over 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children trafficked into the U.S. have been KIDNAPPED. Sources include: WSJ.com ABCNews.go.com Brighteon.com Police consultancy group wants U.S. law enforcement to set up misinformation censorship units A private consultancy group that works closely with law enforcement agencies across the country to help them come up with new policing techniques is pushing for police departments everywhere to establish special "misinformation" and "disinformation" units to tackle free speech. Lexipol, as the group is called, published a rallying cry at Police1.com that rhetorically asks all law enforcement units across America whether or not they are "prepared (for) the battle against mis / disinformation." Boasting contracts with more than 8,100 law enforcement agencies in 35 states, Lexipol uses "privatized police policymaking" techniques to transform public-serving peace officers into bootlicking private interest-serving tyrants. In this case, the company aims to turn ordinary police officers into politically correct speech enforcers. Lexipol wants its "subscribers" in the law enforcement community to "collaborate with tech companies and civil society organizations to develop early-warning systems and identify harmful content in real time." "This can be read as brazen defiance of the ongoing efforts, including in the US Congress, to put an end to just such 'collaboration' between private and government (here, law enforcement) entities investigated in one instance as government-Big Tech collusion," writes Didi Rankovic for Reclaim the Net. "But Lexipol's write-up plays on fears that it is 'disinformation' that might increase public hostility toward police officers and put them at greater risk." (Related: Speaking of misinformation, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, who now owns The Washington Post, says his media outlet's fake news agenda has failed, and now it is time to lead the media outlet in a new direction.) Turning the police into snitches In usual form, Lexipol really plays up the scaremongering about Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, describing these nations as "soft targets" that spread misinformation and disinformation. The only way to keep America "protected" from these countries is for police departments to develop "proactive strategies" against free speech. What Lexipol is proposing differs very little from what the White House has been asking of social media companies like Facebook ever since Donald Trump took the political stage around 2016. The only difference is that police departments would be the ones to establish entire units "charged with identifying false information, fact-checking claims, and creating counter-narratives." Lexipol is also concerned about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it might facilitate the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which it says "can significantly disrupt policing." "When police officers, just like any other community members, are exposed to false information, and when they unknowingly share it, they contribute to spreading the mistrust," Lexipol says. "This in turn could undermine the officers' ability to make impartial decisions, particularly in politically charged situations." The Jan. 6, 2021, "insurrection" was fueled, according to Lexipol, by "disinformation and misinformation about election fraud, leading to unprecedented violence and overwhelming police operations at the Capitol." "Some officers were even perceived as sympathetic to the rioters, further eroding public confidence in law enforcement's impartiality," Lexipol claims. "The incident not only highlighted how misinformation and disinformation can lead to large-scale violence, but how it can lead to the underestimation of the threat, thus complicating the appropriate planning and allocation of police resources. To prevent similar occurrences, police leaders must establish systems that counter disinformation and ensure officers remain both neutral and effective." Public trust in government is already at an all-time low, and what Lexipol is proposing will only further erode what little trust remains. If We the People are forced to watch our police officers become free speech snitches in order to protect the evil empire, that trust could disappear entirely. The latest news about the deep state assault on free speech can be found at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org Police1.com NaturalNews.com Zelensky blasts Wests zero reaction to claim of North Koreas deployment of troops in Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lambasted his Western backers for their "zero response" to reports that North Korean troops were being sent to Russia For Zelensky, the lack of reaction would only encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring even more North Korean soldiers to the frontlines. "Putin is checking the reaction of the West And I believe that after all these reactions, Putin will decide and increase the contingent The reaction that is there today is nothing, it is zero," Zelensky said in an interview with South Korea's KBS television channel. He added that he believes Putin was already trying to agree for Pyongyang to also send engineering troops and a "large number of civilians" to work at Russian military plants. Zelensky publicly warned about the North Korean involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war as early as Oct. 13. According to the West, the deployment was a major escalation, but have not announced retaliatory measures. The administration of outgoing United States President Joe Biden has confirmed that there are about 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia near the Ukrainian border. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the U.S. has "not yet seen these troops deploy into combat against Ukrainian forces, but we would expect that to happen in the coming days." In connection to this, South Korea offered intelligence assistance and wider cooperation on the matter and said it is considering sending a team of military monitors to Ukraine. During a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, Ukraine's delegation named three North Korean generals who are accompanying thousands of Korean People's Army troops deployed to Russia. When asked about the issue, the Kremlin cited the military agreement Moscow and Pyongyang signed earlier this year that included a mutual defense clause. (Related: Russia has invoked Article 4 of its mutual defense treaty with North Korea, Putin confirms.) Meanwhile, Russia's envoy to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said North Korea had the right to help Russia in its war since the West is supporting Ukraine. "Even if everything that's being said about the cooperation between Russia and North Korea by our Western colleagues is true, why is it that the United States and allies are trying to impose on everyone the flawed logic that they have the right to help the Zelensky regime and Russian allies have no right to do a similar thing," he said. North Korean troops being disguised as Russian troops in the frontlines According to Ukraine's top officials, their troops have encountered North Korean soldiers "disguised" as Russian fighters from Siberia for the first time. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that a "small group" of North Korean soldiers were attacked. "We have identified contact with North Korean forces, but we expect more engagements in the coming weeks, and we will analyze and review accordingly," Umerov added. He also said there had been "small-scale clashes" so far between Ukrainian and North Korean troops, but that Ukraine could not yet verify how many casualties North Korea had sustained or how many soldiers had become prisoners of war. The New York Times reported that an unnamed Ukrainian official said that the engagements involving North Korean troops were limited, probably intended to test Ukraine's lines for weak points. Zelensky said these "first battles with North Korea open a new chapter of instability in the world." The Ukrainian leader called on his nation "together with the world... [to do] everything to make this Russian step toward expanding the war a failure. Both for them, and for North Korea." Check out UkraineWitness.com for updates on the current situation in Ukraine. Watch the video below that talks about Kyiv "fighting the ghost of the North Korean Army." This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukrainian intelligence claims that 12,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia a desperate ploy to escalate U.S. involvement? South Korea could send arms to Ukraine after North Korea deploys troops to aid Russia. Biden urges Ukraine to hit North Korean troops that its military encounters on the battlefield. South Korea claims North Korean troops will fight for Russia in Ukraine starting on November 1. Sources include: News.AntiWar.com Newsweek.com Brighteon.com Florida ballot measures to legalize recreational weed and expand abortion rights FAIL Ballot initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana and expand so-called "abortion rights" in Florida have failed Florida's Amendment Three and Amendment Four both failed to pass by narrow margins on Election Day. Constitutional amendments in Florida require approval from 60 percent of voters for them to pass. Amendment Three only received 5.8 million "yes" votes amounting to 55.7 percent, while Amendment Four received 5.92 million "yes" votes amounting to 57 percent. Had it passed, Amendment Three would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older and decriminalized possession of up to three ounces (about 85 grams) of marijuana. Existing medical marijuana treatment centers would be authorized under Amendment Three to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. (Related: Florida medical marijuana dispensary operations 'green lighted.') Meanwhile, had Amendment Four passed, it would have enshrined the right to abortion before fetal viability in the Florida Constitution. "Except as provided in Article X, Section 22, no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider," the proposed language states. The initiative wouldn't have hindered the Florida Legislature's authority to enact a law requiring the parents of a minor to be notified if their child is seeking an abortion, with exceptions that can be attained through a judicial waiver. "With polls now closed in Florida, Amendment Three has failed, Amendment Four has failed," Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X. According to the Associated Press (AP), the defeat of Amendment Four was "a political win" for DeSantis. His moves against the pro-abortion initiative paid off, to the delight of pro-life pundits. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser lauded the defeat of Amendment Four, describing the result as "a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country," and praised DeSantis for leading the charge against the initiative. Recreational weed still illegal in the Sunshine State Meanwhile, NBC News reported on Wednesday, Nov. 6, that Amendment Three's failure came amid high-profile endorsements. Some of the initiative's major backers include the Florida Democratic Party and even President-elect Donald Trump, who earlier announced his plans to vote for the measure. But given the outcome of Tuesday's election, recreational marijuana in the Sunshine State "will remain illegal for the foreseeable future." Just like AP, NBC News described the defeat of Amendment Three as a "success" for DeSantis. The outlet pointed out how the governor was "a vocal opponent of the measure," warning voters against it in press conferences and media interviews. In one Fox News appearance in May, DeSantis cautioned Floridians against supporting the pro-recreational marijuana initiative. He told the network's Sean Hannity at the time that legalization would come with a high potential for public nuisance. "It would be everywhere. The state would smell like it," DeSantis remarked. "We don't need that in Florida." In contrast, Trump a Florida voter openly supported Amendment Three despite DeSantis' opposition. During Tuesday's election, the real estate mogul won the support of Floridians over outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. "As a Floridian, I will be voting yes on Amendment Three this November," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. However, he added the caveat that the recreational marijuana industry must have "smart regulations." Head over to DeSantisObserver.com for more stories about the governor of the Sunshine State. Watch Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver explaining the now-defeated Amendment Four that would have enshrined abortion rights in Florida. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pro-life organizations in Florida are mobilizing to defeat ballot initiative that seeks to legalize unrestricted abortion in the state. Constitution Party presidential candidate launches ads to steer votes away from infanticidal Kamala Harris. Arkansas pro-lifers mobilize to defeat radical pro-abortion constitutional amendment. Trump says he'll VOTE NO on Floridas pro-abortion amendment. Sources include: InformationLiberation.com Axios.com APNews.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.com Kyiv plans to recruit 160K soldiers amid mounting cases of DESERTION in Ukrainian military The Ukrainian government is planning to recruit over a hundred thousand soldiers as desertion cases in the country's military mount. People's Deputy Anna Szkorohod, a member of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's unicameral parliament), admitted in an interview with the Novosztyi Live YouTube channel that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) has a serious manpower problem. She added that the situation is worsening as many people are leaving the AFU without any authorization. "I would not give an exact number, but I would say more than 100,000," Szkorohod responded when asked how many soldiers have abandoned their posts. Other sources have given higher estimates, according to Remix News. Pundits such as military lawyer Roman Likhachev and Supreme Court of Ukraine President Stanislav Kravchenko have put the number as high as 170,000. Likhachev recently spoke about such levels of desertion, while Kravchenko pointed out that the number of desertion attempts has increased tremendously. Meanwhile, Ukrainian National Security Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko told the Verkhovna Rada that the AFU needs 160,000 soldiers in three months. His request came as Russia continued to make progress at the front. Russian forces in recent weeks have advanced across Donbas and other areas, forcing Ukrainians to retreat as they successfully occupy villages and settlements. Related to this development, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Moscow had captured the mining town of Selydove in the Donetsk People's Republic. While Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed that the city is in Russian hands, Selydove's capture is bad news for Kyiv because the mining town is located only a few kilometers away from Pokrovsk, an important logistics hub. Military expert and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst Emil Kastehelmi remarked that the mining town is "basically lost," according to the Kyiv Independent. "That's the biggest city to fall after Avdiivka in the winter and it fell in a couple of weeks or so," said Kastehelmi, an OSINT analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group. "So it was a quick, quick move." Tens of thousands deserted in the first nine months of 2024 alone Indeed, desertion remains a serious problem among the AFU's ranks. Last month, Kyle Anzalone of the Libertarian Institute reported that the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OHP) has opened 51,000 cases of desertion through the first nine months of 2024. He also acknowledged the varying numbers of desertion cases reported by various outlets. The Times of London also confirmed that 51,000 criminal cases were opened "for desertion and abandonment of a military unit between January and September of this year." Spanish newspaper El Pais previously put the number of prosecutions at 45,000 in August, while Qatar's Al Jazeera reported that the number is at least 30,000. Anzalone remarked that Kyiv began the year with a headcount of between 500,000 and 800,000 active-duty soldiers and an additional 300,000 reservists. But that number has dwindled since then, as the AFU sustained casualties while defending Ukraine from Russian advances. Casualties incurred during its incursion of the Kursk region also contributed to the loss of manpower. Since then, the AFU has struggled to replenish its ranks. Kyiv has even dropped its conscription age from 27 to 25. Penal conscription has also been explored, with prisoners given the chance to earn their freedom if they join the AFU. (Related: Warmonger Lindsey Graham urges Ukraine to expand its CONSCRIPTION efforts.) According to Anzalone, the number of Ukrainians prosecuted for desertion has significantly increased throughout the Russia-Ukraine war. Only 9,000 Ukrainians were prosecuted in 2022, but it had more than doubled to 24,000 last year. But one deserter who was jailed defended his abandonment, saying that time behind bars was a better option than time on the battlefield. "At least in prison, you know when you will be able to leave," he told the Times of London. Head over to UkraineWitness.com for more stories about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Listen to Col. Douglas MacGregor discussing the mass desertion problem among the AFU's ranks in this clip. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine launches 51,000 court cases over DESERTION in the first 9 months of 2024 amid troops' waning morale. Ukrainian Armed Forces have been drafting 30,000 troops each month since May, reports reveal. Ukraine so desperate for new troops that Zelensky is now drafting PRISONERS to fight his war. Draft official tells Spanish newspaper El Pais: Ukrainians are rejecting the army. Bad news for Kyiv: Elite Ukrainian troops SURRENDER to Russians in Kursk. Sources include: RMX.news LibertarianInstitute.org Brighteon.com The left remains in total shambles over Trumps win You knew this was going to be a multi-part story: liberal America is in absolute meltdown mode over Donald Trumps remarkable comeback on Election Day. He wonhes the 47president of the United States. Hes the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms; thats how badly Biden-Harris wrecked the country. (Article by Matt Vespa republished from Townhall.com) The View was their usual illiberal mess of itself, with calls to censor social media because they did something this show seldom does: tell the truth about Kamala and the Democrats. Yet, one of the mainstays in the day after the election is progressives taking to TikTok to scream and bash America. One of the funniest narratives these clowns peddle is how democracy is threatened because Trump won even though we just had an election. It makes the democracy line look a bit stupid. On The View and MSNBC, you have Sunny Hostin and former Univision anchors denigrate and chastise Latino voters for not voting Democratic. There was a massive shift to the GOP among this voter bloc. Theyre too stupid or something because right after losing an election, its best to insult the people who dont vote for you. Maybe thats part of the problem, ladies. The best are the Never Trump/Neocon buffoons who know their time is up in any relevant political circles. The liberal media will whore them out to bash Trump, but thats all theyre good for, and everyone knows it. This election was their shot to creep back into the discussion if Trump lost, but he didnt. Cope and seethe with the libs who also hate you. Claire McCaskill breaking down on live television, AOC warning how fascism is upon us all, Keith Olbermann going insane again, and the ACLU urging leftists to take to the streetsthis whole week is going to be delicious: The Best Media MELTDOWNS of Trump's 2024 Election Win pic.twitter.com/rxcZlay9KM Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) November 6, 2024 You guys worked hard for this. As a reward here is Liberal Tears; a 2024 Compilation. You are welcome. pic.twitter.com/mCdHeIBxcx Dissident Media (@DissidentMedia) November 6, 2024 Claire McCaskill is LITERALLY sobbing on MSNBC right now. pic.twitter.com/phV08yhuf7 Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 6, 2024 CNNs Dana Bash: So, Harris lost because shes a woman, right? pic.twitter.com/ytE0wZ9Gv9 Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 6, 2024 The leftist tiktokers are not coping well pic.twitter.com/p96lcdvhsr Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 6, 2024 AOC: "We are about to enter a period of fascism and authoritarianism" pic.twitter.com/VDkyeB99zz End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 7, 2024 NEW: The Views Sunny Hostin wonders why uneducated white women and latino men arent smart enough to vote in their own best interests: Black women tried to save this country again last night." "What we did not have is white women who voted about 52%. Right? For Donald pic.twitter.com/sv671YcPw1 Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) November 6, 2024 The attention seeking meltdown videos from unhinged liberal women are amazing ? pic.twitter.com/nDZl8gnDJV Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 6, 2024 ACLU Deputy Director says we need you in the streets to block Trumps agenda. pic.twitter.com/VWR6GdCpdR Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) November 7, 2024 New excuse just dropped: Trump beat Harris because of ...WWE? "They did this!" pic.twitter.com/kfG8yeQRZ6 Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 6, 2024 Keith Olbermann claims Russia stole the election *again* pic.twitter.com/yfgZVseokl Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 6, 2024 Another liberal meltdown I did not know our country was full of racist b*stardspic.twitter.com/0pZo0JH6hK Defiant Ls (@DefiantLs) November 6, 2024 Harris wouldve won if we could regulate social media.pic.twitter.com/Xfm9537W1F Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 6, 2024 It was so much worse than you remember pic.twitter.com/mtVNOw9wlZ Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) November 5, 2024 Former Univision anchor Maria Elena Salinas was rather despondent at how well Donald Trump did with Latinos. It's a long meltdown, but worth it: I am a little bit surprised. You know, Latino voters still support Vice President Harris and Democrats in general in higher numbers pic.twitter.com/ABPFIX1et1 Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) November 6, 2024 Ladies and gentlemen, the editor-in-chief of Scientific American pic.twitter.com/bBTTDtjA6s Kevin Bass PhD MS (@kevinnbass) November 6, 2024 This woman shaved her head to protest Trumps win and to fight the patriarchy This might be the best meltdown yet ? pic.twitter.com/9DCw0uHCRc Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 6, 2024 Joy Reid: "We did this...It's the young people we've now condemned to mass deportation." pic.twitter.com/D8foYh0qGi Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 6, 2024 Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Trumpism is now the GOP permanently. There is no battle for the future of that party. It believes different things now and doesnt think character mattersand Americans appear to have plenty of appetite for it. It has no incentive to change. Heath Mayo (@HeathMayo) November 6, 2024 The justice system failed us. Ally Sammarco (@Ally_Sammarco) November 6, 2024 Donald Trump has won the presidency. Enough of the country has chosen to re-elect a convicted felon who denied our elections and denigrated entire swaths of our people. We cant erase what weve embraced as a nation today. I pray for our country and the world. Heath Mayo (@HeathMayo) November 6, 2024 Big win for post-liberal politics and economics. Also for measles, mumps, polio, and tooth decay. David Frum (@davidfrum) November 6, 2024 I tuned in to Allan Lichtman's livestream and immediately heard him say, "I don't get it." pic.twitter.com/HlCL86f0CO Jose Pagliery (@Jose_Pagliery) November 6, 2024 Its late. I cant sleep. Im sitting here thinking about the Capitol police officers who were beaten, tased and sprayed with chemicals defending the very building where the madman who unleashed a violent mob upon them, will be sworn into the office he was then trying to steal. Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) November 7, 2024 The thought of watching another powerful female public servant concede to that racist, sexist, traitorous, melon-hued motherfucking moron, is making me sick. Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) November 6, 2024 Read more at: Townhall.com Pesticide giants ramp up state-level political contributions to seek total legal immunity from lawsuits Pesticide companies have significantly increased their political contributions at the state level as they grapple with rising legal liabilities linked to Roundup and other products. Political action committees (PACs) associated with major pesticide manufacturers like Bayer and Corteva have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into state politics in recent years. This marks a stark contrast to 2016, when these companies contributed less than five percent of their total political donations to state-level candidates. In this election cycle, about 30 percent of their political contributions were directed to state candidates, reflecting a growing focus on influencing state legislatures. (Related: Taxpayer money being used to fund clandestine campaign to SMEAR chemical pesticide activists.) Key states benefiting from this surge in PAC donations from Big Ag companies include California, New Jersey, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Hawaii, North Carolina and Texas. These contributions often go to individual candidates receiving small sums, such as $500 or $1,000. However, experts say that even small donations can shape relationships and political priorities. Bob Stern, former general counsel of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, noted that donations help establish personal connections, making politicians more likely to listen to those interests. Bayer and Corteva have been relatively quiet about the specific goals of their state-level contributions but have emphasized that the PACs allow employees to support legislators aligned with their interests, particularly in states considering key pesticide-related legislation. One of their primary concerns is limiting the financial impact of lawsuits involving pesticides, especially cases where consumers, farmers and groundskeepers claim harm from chemical products. Other issues include efforts to ban neonicotinoid pesticides and proposals to prevent states from imposing stricter pesticide labeling laws than those required by the federal government. Big Ag using nonprofits or shell companies to fund their PACs The contributions have been strategically targeted at influential lawmakers, particularly those leading agriculture and environment committees in state legislatures. In some states, these donations have gone to rising political stars who hold significant sway over pesticide-related legislation. For instance, Bayer's PAC increased its donations from less than $25,000 in the 2016 and 2018 election cycles to between $70,000 and $144,000 in the 2020, 2022 and 2024 cycles. Similarly, Corteva's PAC, which gave nothing in 2016 and 2018, has contributed between $9,800 and $48,000 per election cycle since. These financial contributions are just one part of the pesticide industry's broader political strategy. Alongside campaign donations, companies engage in lobbying efforts and often use "dark money" groups nonprofits or shell companies that funnel money to super PACs without disclosing the original donors. As such, direct donations to candidates represent only a portion of the industry's influence. Bayer's PAC explained that it participates in the political process to support its business interests and customers, while Syngenta's PAC expressed similar sentiments, saying it helps legislators who back agricultural policies. This rhetoric emphasizes the companies' focus on protecting their interests amid increasing legal challenges over products like Roundup, a widely used herbicide linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While Bayer maintains that glyphosate Roundup's active ingredient is safe when used as directed, the company has faced thousands of lawsuits, and the financial toll is steep Bayer set aside $6.3 billion for glyphosate litigation in 2023. Pesticide companies are pushing for laws that would limit damages in pesticide-related injury cases. Bayer has backed the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, a federal bill that seeks to standardize pesticide labeling and prevent states from enacting stricter requirements. In Iowa, legislation to shield pesticide manufacturers from liability has been introduced, though it failed to pass. Nonetheless, industry insiders expect such bills to return in future sessions. In states like California and Hawaii, pesticide safety and regulation continue to be hot-button issues. California recently passed laws addressing pesticide use in schools and expanding safety reviews of neonicotinoids, while Hawaii has pushed for increased disclosure of restricted-use pesticides and better safety measures for workers. Despite strong advocacy from environmental groups, such bills often face resistance from industry-backed lawmakers. Critics argue that the pesticide industry's increasing political influence bolstered by significant PAC donations and lobbying efforts undermines efforts to protect public health and the environment. As Bayer and other companies work to limit their financial exposure to pesticide injury lawsuits, they are shifting more of their focus to statehouses, where they can shape the legislative landscape and reduce the legal risks associated with their products. For lawmakers in agricultural states, these contributions create a complex challenge in balancing corporate influence with the needs of their constituents, particularly those concerned with pesticide safety and accountability. Watch this discussion regarding the dangers of Roundup and other herbicides. This video is from the channel OneNinetyFiveNationsRising on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Study finds pesticide exposure leads to 41% higher risk of miscarriage. Dumbing them down: Toxic heavy metals and pesticides found in childrens school lunches. Sermon 15: Mike Adams discusses how the use of toxic pesticides DEFILES the land God has given to humanity. Common pesticides CANNOT be washed off your fruit these chemicals penetrate through the skin and into the pulp. Living near pesticide-spraying farms is equally carcinogenic as SMOKING. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org USRTK.org Brighteon.com Trumps impressive political comeback against all odds makes headlines around the world The odds were stacked against Donald Trump in his latest bid for the presidency, with two failed assassination attempts, multiple attempts to use lawfare to keep him out of office, and no shortage of heavy media bias portraying him in the most negative light possible. Yet somehow, he has managed to overcome all of this and win the election in a move that some are calling the greatest comeback of all time. In 130 years, not a single president has won a second term following a re-election loss. The last one who did manage such a feat was Grover Cleveland, who also saw his first loss as a result of vote fraud. However, compared to 2020, Trump has made significant gains among black and Latino voters as people become increasingly disillusioned with the Biden-Harris administration and frustrated by how much worse off they are now, under their leadership. Not long after being projected the winner of the election, admiration for Trump's comeback started pouring in. One of the first world leaders to congratulate him was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who knows a thing or two about political comebacks as well. And while hes probably hoping that Trump will support his war in Gaza, his characterization of Trumps victory as historys greatest comeback was a common sentiment in the hours after the election, even among those who dont depend on his support for their survival. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on X: "The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!" His utter refusal to be bent or broken by his enemies and his critics and his determination to redeem himself by recapturing the office he lost has no parallel that I can think of not in American history, anyway. And he did it fair and square, columnist John Podhoretz wrote of the victory in the New York Post. Even liberal media outlets had to acknowledge Trumps feat, with a Washington Post headline announcing Trumps win is his greatest resurrection in a career of comebacks and a BBC article entitled How Trump pulled off an incredible comeback although the content of these pieces was predictably full of jabs. Fed-up Americans voted for change While Trumps comeback may indeed be impressive, its really not that surprising when you consider how poorly Democrats have been running the country. Liberal-run cities are overrun with violent crime, while open border policies have resulted in an influx of immigrants that have caused multiple problems for our nations security, economy, and the safety of citizens. Those are just some of the issues voters will have considered when they went to the polls. Let's not forget the Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to spy on Americans and censor our speech, especially when it goes against the preferred government narrative. The Biden-Harris administration has also been botching international relations, and World War III now seems more likely than ever as a result. But while its not surprising that Americans favor Trump for the presidency, it is surprising that Democrats have not managed to successfully manipulate the vote in a way that would have made Harris the clear winner. The next few days, weeks and months will certainly bring some contention and insinuations, however. Although Trump wasnt a perfect president the first time around, he is much better positioned than Biden to help turn the country around. One of his first actions will likely be to secure our borders, which will undoubtedly earn him accusations of being racist. He wont be able to fix everything, but with the Senate now under Republican control and the House potentially headed in that direction as well, many Americans will be hoping our country will start heading down the right path soon. Sources for this article include: AllNewsPipeline.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com U.S. pledges another $425 million military aid package for Ukraine The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden is set to expedite the delivery of another $425 million military aid package for Ukraine following calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for increased Western support. In September, Zelensky presented his "victory plan" to Biden during his visit to the White House. The "victory plan," which seeks to enhance the position of Ukraine in the ongoing war, is intended to expand Western security guarantees for Ukraine, increase military aid and secure financial support. (Related: U.K. to send another $2.93B to Ukraine using stolen Russian assets.) This, in turn, prompted the Biden administration to allocate substantial resources for Ukraine, including a new multi-million military aid package on Nov. 1. The $425 million military aid package, provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, allows for the immediate transfer of weapons and equipment directly from U.S. military reserves to support Ukraine. Included in the new aid package are munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, Stinger missiles, counter-unmanned aerial systems technology, air-to-ground munitions and additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. The package also includes 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, Stryker armored personnel carriers, small arms and ammunition, medical equipment and demolitions equipment and munitions. Additionally, the package will provide necessary spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training and transportation to ensure Ukrainian forces can operate and maintain the equipment provided to them. Total cost of U.S. taxpayer support for Ukraine has reached at least $186 billion Aside from this military aid package, the Biden administration also pledged a $375 million aid package for Ukraine in September when Zelensky visited the United States. Zelensky attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he urged world leaders to stand against Russia's "colonial war" and defend the sovereignty of Ukraine. He also visited Washington D.C. and met with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to unveil the then-confidential "victory plan." As a response to the request, Biden and other international leaders signed the "Joint Declaration of Support for Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine." The declaration promises long-term support by committing to aid Ukraine in both war and peace. In line with this, the Biden administration pledged a $375 million aid package for Ukraine. The military aid package, which is nearly double the size of recent shipments, includes artillery ammunition, air defense, anti-tank missiles and more of the critical weapons and equipment. These military aid packages contribute to the multi-billion dollar value of security assistance the U.S. has already sent to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. According to a fact sheet released by the Biden administration on Nov. 1, the U.S. has already committed $60.4 billion in weapons to support Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022. However, when accounting for additional forms of assistance, including the $95 billion foreign military aid bill Biden signed in April, the total cost of U.S. taxpayer support for Ukraine has reached at least $186 billion. Head over to UkraineWitness.com for more stories about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Watch this video of Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region fleeing back to Ukraine to avoid encirclement by Russian forces. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine launches 51,000 court cases over DESERTION in the first 9 months of 2024 amid troops waning morale. Biden urges Ukraine to hit North Korean troops that its military encounters on the battlefield. South Korea could send arms to Ukraine after North Korea deploys troops to aid Russia. U.S. says North Korea has deployed troops to support Russia in war against Ukraine South Korea claims North Korean troops will fight for Russia in Ukraine starting on November 1. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.Substack.com NYTimes.com News.Antiwar.com CNN.com Brighteon.com Virginia public schools quietly remove a perverse LGBTQ book from their libraries to avoid scrutiny Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia quietly removed an LGBTQ book from school libraries recently following months of criticism from some parents regarding its sexually explicit content. In 2023, Stacy Langton, a mother of two high school students at FCPS, saw "Queer: A Graphic History" by Meg-John Barker displayed in a library section encouraging students to try and read an LGBT-themed book at Fairfax High School. Since then, Langton has repeatedly raised concerns over the graphic content of the book. The mother argued that the book contains illustrations of explicit sexual acts inappropriate for school-aged readers. Langton also recorded a video of herself discussing the explicit content of the book and submitted it to the Fairfax County School Board. But the school district refused to present her video in the school board meeting on Oct. 24. (Related: Tennessee city to BAN all LGBT books from county libraries.) School Board Clerk Christina Setlow sent Langton an email, saying that her remarks about the book were "indecent and profane." Setlow also confirmed the removal of the book and noted it was "not a part of the FCPS curriculum at any grade level and is not maintained in any FCPS library." "Please be advised that the video you have submitted will not be broadcast during the School Board meeting this evening because it contains indecent and profane content," Setlow wrote in the email sent to Langton on Oct. 24. "That content relates to a graphic description of sexual activity you assert is depicted in a book (Queer: A Graphic History). That book is not part of the FCPS curriculum at any grade level and is not maintained in any FCPS library. This contrasts with your previous Board comments over the years, in which you have spoken about books maintained in FCPS libraries." When the video was declined, Langton addressed the board in person. The board told her that the book had been removed from school libraries. "I'm surprised they did this quietly, without notifying me, the public or the LGBTQ community," Langton said. She suggested that FCPS tried to avoid public scrutiny by using a less formal "weeding" process to remove the book, sidestepping the transparency associated with the standard challenge procedure. FCPS official confirms removal of LGBT book Noel Klimenko, an assistant superintendent of the school district's Instructional Services Department, later confirmed the removal of "Queer: A Graphic History" either at the end of the 2022-2023 school year or early in the 2023-2024 school year in a separate email to Langton. "As I shared previously, there was no formal challenge filed for this book and therefore no division process was employed. The weeding process is done at the school level, so there is not a date I can centrally name. The process can take place at any time, but primary happens at the end of each school year as books are being returned and librarians are reviewing their collections to make new purchases," Klimenko wrote. "Since you saw the book at Fairfax HS in May of 2023, I would assume it was part of the 2023 or 2024 spring weeding process. We do not require librarians to document specifics about weeding decisions, so I do not have the information about the terminology." In another email, Klimenko explained that librarians opted to "weed out" the book due to "outdated terminology that is no longer used in the LGBTQ+ community." "They determined that there are other books in their collections that provide accurate, up-to-date information on LGBTQ+ history that were superior sources of information on this topic," Klimenko wrote. But Langton believes there's another reason. "I assume it's because it has become such a politically charged issue, that they did not want to hand me what looks like a victory," she said. Watch this clip of Muslim families in Maryland's Montgomery County protesting against LGBT books used in the MCPS. This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Appeals court REJECTS request by Maryland parents to allow kids to opt out of reading LGBT BOOKS. Obama denounces "profoundly misguided" bans on sexually explicit and pro-LGBT books from public school libraries. Mississippi mayor refuses to distribute funds to libraries that display LGBT books for kids. Biden-appointed judge rules parents can't opt children out of school lessons promoting LGBT ideology. Michigan school board meeting turns chaotic as Muslim parents push back against LGBT materials. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com DailySignal.com Brighteon.com Leaders around the world welcome news of Trumps re-election Leaders around the world are joining the majority of Americans in celebrating Trumps impending return to the White House following his incredible victory in Tuesdays election. With the world on edge and wars in hotspots like the Middle East and Ukraine escalating, many are hoping that a stronger and more assertive America will be able to keep things from descending into chaos. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on Instagram about the strong connection between her country and the U.S., with shared values as well as a strategic alliance that she expects to grow with Trump running the show. On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, she wrote. French President Emmanuel Macrons response referred to the successful relationship between France and the U.S. during Trumps previous term, writing in his congratulatory post on X: Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity. Macron has already spoken to Trump since his victory, and his office said they had a very good 25-minute exchange about trying to restore peace amid a number of major international conflicts going on right now. Perhaps some of the strongest support in Europe came from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is known for his outspoken conservative views. He called Trumps win the biggest comeback in U.S. political history and said it was a much needed victory for the world! UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he was looking forward to working with Trump in the years ahead, adding that the two nations special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic. Congratulations on Trump's "comeback" pouring in from around the world Argentine President Javier Milei celebrated Trumps incredible comeback, writing Congratulations on your formidable electoral victory. Now, Make America Great Again. You know that You can count on Argentina to carry out your task. Success and blessings." The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, offered more congratulations, calling for Trumps leadership to be blessed. Elsewhere in South America, the former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, shared his admiration for the former president and the election's significance for the world. He wrote a long post full of praise for Trump, calling him a true warrior and congratulating him on his epic victory. His post read, in part: Against all opposition from globalists and the deep state, @realDonaldTrump will return to the Presidency of the United States of America to complete his mission: restore the greatness of his nation, protect the interests of his people, and work toward a world that is freer, more peaceful, and more secure. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his heartiest congratulations to Trump, reaffirming the partnership between India and the U.S. He wrote on X: Together, lets work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability, and prosperity. Not surprisingly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who depends on Americas support for his war in Gaza and is facing political pressure domestically, was quick to congratulate Trump and what he termed historys greatest comeback. The world leaders have had a mostly positive relationship in the past, and he is clearly hoping the victory will help Israel boost its security. Another leader in the middle of a war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offered praise for Trumps impressive election victory and his peace through strength approach. He mentioned their September meeting in which they discussed the relationship between the two countries and added that Ukraine is looking forward to seeing a strong United States of America under President Trumps decisive leadership. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com BBC.com The We're in This Together, Mutual Sharing of Cultures activity brought four international content creators (with a combined total of five million followers on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) to visit China's only tropical island province. One of the special guests, Italian photographer Fabio Nodari used his unique perspective to capture Hainans natural beauty and cultural atmosphere. His photos and aerial videos quickly sparked widespread reactions upon release, with numerous netizens expressing their keen interest and longing for Hainan. Fabio Nodari, who boasts a large following on social media, specializes in natural landscapes and cultural scenes and has previously photographed a wide variety of locations across multiple Chinese provinces. In this project, Fabio delved into different regions of Hainan: experiencing the coastal culture of Danzhous fishing villages, exploring the historical Yinggehai Salt Field in Ledong, strolling through the Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, and discovering rare wildlife in the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. During his trip, Fabios aerial videos of Hainan on Instagram attracted over 200,000 views. He also created a dedicated Hainan page with dozens of behind-the-scenes photos that captured many fun moments beyond his official shotslike dressing up in camouflage to explore the rainforest, meeting a local dog while biking on Sanyas Xidao Island, and savoring Hainans signature dish, coconut chicken. Under his posts, followers left comments such as, Making Wanning look like another planet! Others shared memories of their own experiences in Hainan: I visited the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center before and Ive been here before, beautiful place. Fabios storytelling through his photography resonated with fans, with comments like, Wonderful photos and fantastic story! Fabio also shared his thoughts on Hainan: Its truly a special place, with nature and culture that keep you coming back. I hope everyone gets the chance to visit and fall in love with Hainan as I have. The We're inThis Together, Mutual Sharing of Cultures activity is still underway, with more international influencers joining the journey to use different perspectives in the exploration and sharing of Hainans beauty. Imphal, Nov 7 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that no one can touch India and Manipur's integrity, adding that anyone challenging it will get a befitting reply. Biren Singh said this while reacting to reports of his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma proposing unification of Kuki-Zo under a single leadership. According to reports, the Mizoram Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a Kuki diaspora gathering in the US on September 4. Lalduhoma, President of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), reportedly announced his support for uniting Kuki and similar ethnic groups under a single leadership and nationhood, even if it meant transcending the existing border between India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Manipur Chief Minister said: "I don't want to make any comment on his (Lalduhoma) observation. However, as a proud Indian, as Chief Minister of Manipur and as a nationalist, I can say that no one can touch India's integrity. No one can touch Manipur's integrity. India is not a small but a big country. We should be proud of being Indian. "We would stand for India, and we would stand for the unity and integrity of Bharat. It is our duty to keep Bharat strong and united. Anyone challenging this would be given a befitting reply." Notably, Mizoram has provided shelter to over 30,000 Myanmarese nationals, and they are currently living in different camps, government buildings and rented houses in all 11 districts of Mizoram. The state, which shares a 510-km-long border with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh, also provided shelter to over 2,000 tribals from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. Mizoram also sheltered around 7,800 refugees belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, who fled to the state from neighbouring Manipur after the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May last year. The Myanmarese nationals took shelter in Mizoram in phases after the military takeover in the conflict-ridden country in February 2021, while Bangladeshi tribals also took shelter in Mizoram from November 2022 after they fled from their villages in CHT following ethnic troubles in the neighbouring country. The refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Manipur belong to the Kuki-Zo-Chin-Hmar-Bawm tribal community who also share ethnic, traditional, cultural and linguistic ties with the Mizos of Mizoram. Mizoram's ruling ZPM and opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) have been expressing solidarity with the violence-hit Kuki-Zo people of Manipur. The previous Mizoram government led by MNF had strongly opposed the Centre's advice not to provide shelter to the Myanmar refugees. Following the ethnic clashes in Manipur and ahead of assembly polls in Mizoram, Zo unification has become an important electoral issue in last year's November 7 assembly election in Mizoram. Zo unification means bringing all ethnic communities -- Mizos of Mizoram, Kuki-Zos of Manipur, Chin tribe of Myanmar and Bangladesh - under one administrative umbrella. A vast hill area of Manipur, adjoining Mizoram, is inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community. Ten tribal Manipur MLAs, seven of them belonging to the ruling BJP, have been demanding a separate administration or a Union Territory in Manipur for the tribals. The ethnic violence between the non-tribals Meiteis and tribal Kuki-Zo broke out in the northeastern state on May 3 last year after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Moscow, Nov 8 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US election, saying that he was ready to speak with the "courageous" incoming US President. In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine. Putin made the remarks during a policy forum in Sochi, Russia. Answering questions at the end of a lengthy speech, Putin said he wanted to "take this opportunity to congratulate (Trump) on his election as President of the United States". When asked if he was ready for discussions with Trump, Putin responded: "We are ready." Putin said he "didn't know" what would come of Trump's promise to negotiate a quick end to the war in Ukraine, but he suggested the US President-elect's proposals are worth studying. The Kremlin leader also said he was impressed by how Trump handled himself during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this year. "He turned out to be a courageous person," Putin said. "People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances. This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man," he added. In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine. After being pulled to the ground by US Secret Service agents when a gunman opened fire as he was speaking at an outdoor rally, Trump stood up and, pumping his fist in the air, yelled, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" It became a rallying cry at his rallies in his successful campaign to return to the presidency. Trump has criticised the scale of US aid to Ukraine -- which has surpassed $100 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 -- feeding fears in Kyiv and the European Union that Trump intends to impose peace largely on Moscow's terms. Putin also cautioned that political forces in Washington had blocked Trump from his pledges to improve relations with Moscow during his previous term. Canberra, Nov 8 : Australia's National Cabinet on Friday agreed to the government's proposed social media legislation - the first of its kind in the world - that sets a minimum age of 16 to access social media in the country. "Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians and I am calling time on it. The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority and my government will do all that we can to protect our young Australians, but also to provide support for parents and teachers who are dealing with these issues. I want Australian parents to know that we have your back," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters after the virtual cabinet meeting. The move builds on Albanese government's work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content. "This legislation follows extensive consultation with states and territories over a considerable period of time, with parents and teachers, with young people. The work that went into the social media summits that were called in Sydney and Adelaide in recent weeks. Academics, child development experts, industry and civil organisations, First Nations organisations have all been consulted over a period of time because this is a difficult issue and we want to get it right," said Albanese. The Australian government believes that setting the minimum age at 16 will protect youngsters from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe besides also assisting in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation. "One of the discussions that we had with Premiers and Chief Ministers today was an analogy drawn between the banning of phones in classrooms and the feedback from that, controversial to some when it was introduced, is just overwhelmingly positive in the impact in making sure that students are concentrating on what's going on in their class and making sure as well that social interaction is improving. Kids are playing with each other at lunchtime instead of playing on their phones - that's a good thing," the Australian PM remarked. The Albanese Government will introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary sitting fortnight with it coming into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent. It puts the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place. "We want to say upfront that this won't solve all of the problems, but what this will do is send a social message about what society thinks is appropriate going forward and that will provide that assistance and support for this to be delivered. We will introduce legislation into the Parliament in the next sitting week, which is in just a fortnight's time, and we are hopeful of getting support for that legislation across the House of Representatives and the Senate," stated the Australian PM. Interestingly, Albanese revealed that Tasmania "would have preferred the age of 14", but they didn't want to stand in the way of national uniformity and regarded getting a uniform national decision and process was most important. "We were examining an age range of between 14 and 16. And I guess one of the starting points is where 13 is a notional entry point for a lot of these platforms, how much would 14 lift the dial? How much would 15 actually change the dial when it comes to those harms? There was a body of evidence presented from the UK about particular children's mental development around that time. So all this actually helped to inform the position that we arrived on and I'm pleased that National Cabinet sees the same," Australia's Communications Minister Michelle Rowland detailed. Moscow, Nov 8 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again showered praise on India's rapid rise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting it is high time that Russia's "natural partner and ally for decades" is included among the "great powers" of the world. "India should certainly be included among the great powers: one and a half billion people, the highest rates of economic growth among large economies, an ancient culture, and so on. And the prospects, very good prospects for growth," Putin said in the plenary session of the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club held in the southern Russian city of Sochi, on Thursday. The Russian President, who has emphasised in the past that the process of forming a multipolar world is underway, went on to say that he has great respect for PM Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. "India is a great country, the largest in population now - 1.5 billion people, plus 10 million annually. It is developing rapidly. It is the leader in economic growth among large economies. How much is it? I think 7.4 percent GDP growth per year... "And India is one of those countries whose development rates will be faster than even the successfully developing economies of today. Therefore, our vision of what, how and where, in what areas and at what rates our relations should develop is based on the realities of today. And the realities are such that the volume of our cooperation increases many times over," he stated. Citing the steady trend from the first nine months of 2024, Putin highlighted that Russia's trade turnover with India is increasing annually. "We are developing relations with India in all areas... This also concerns the economy - it is developing at a good pace, and also in different areas. There's energy. By the way, we are ready: in addition to oil supplies, supplies to the Indian market have increased many times over, this concerns the possibility of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) supplies. We are actively working in the field of nuclear energy and are building nuclear power plants in India. We have great respect for the idea of Prime Minister Modi 'Make in India', for his call 'Make in India' and are ready to invest," he mentioned. "In the same energy sector, one of the largest foreign investments - 20 billion dollars - is a Russian investment. And we are ready to further develop this in the same vein. Now, of course, we must think about new technologies. We are thinking about this and will move in this direction. At the last meeting, Mr. Prime Minister (PM Modi) drew attention to the fact that Indian agricultural producers have an urgent need to increase the quantity and volume of fertilizer supplies. We have done this and are ready to increase it, keeping in mind the needs of Indian agriculture. There are other areas, too, many of them," Putin added. The Russian President thanked Prime Minister Modi, expressing "great respect and gratitude" for his ideas on resolving the Ukraine conflict. "We are, without a doubt, not only grateful to the Prime Minister (Modi) for his attention to these problems, but also for his proposals, and for what and how he does in this regard. But in general, I think that relations with India have been developing at a high rate, and we have every reason to believe that, based on what has been achieved so far, we will move even faster than today," he said. Putin then detailed the annual gathering about Russia's growing cooperation with India in the defence and security sphere. "Look at how much Russian equipment is in service with the Indian army. We are developing here, indeed, with a certain level, a high level of trust together. We do not simply sell our weapons to India, but we are engaged in development together. The BrahMos system is well known. We have made it practically usable in three areas: in the air, 'marinized' and on land. And these developments in the interests of ensuring India's security continue. This is well known to everyone, does not cause any questions or irritation in anyone, but testifies to the high level of our trust and cooperation". He also hailed the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia relationship. "I think everyone knows very well what role the Soviet Union and Russia played in India gaining its independence, how we supported the Indian people for decades. During this time, we have developed unique relations with the Indian people in terms of their quality and level of trust, I will say this frankly in this context. As far as we understand, as far as we feel, and on the part of our Indian friends, such a national consensus exists regarding the development of relations with Russia, with our country," Putin remarked. Blindsided has been a common way to describe how some of the 1,550 workers who lost their jobs Thursday at Sumitomo Rubber USA felt about the announcement of the Tonawanda facilitys closing. Complete coverage: News and updates on closing of Sumitomo Rubber USA in Tonawanda Follow here for news and updates about the closing of the Sumitomo Rubber USA plant in Tonawanda. Some employees started getting messages from co-workers about reports of the plants closure, while others didnt find out about the loss of their job until they drove to the site or through news reports. Japan-based corporation Sumitomo defended how employees of the tiremaking operation were notified of the closure, saying in a Thursday night news release that communication with affected employees began first thing that morning. The company said it held a 9 a.m. meeting with union leadership, where they were provided an information booklet, handouts and website link for sharing the news with hourly employees, while phone correspondence began with salaried workers. At the same time, required notices about the plant closing and mass layoffs were sent by mail to hourly and salaried employees and to appropriate government agencies via e-mail and fax. In a news release, the company said it was in compliance with terms of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, saying it had sent WARN notice letters to all hourly and salaried employees via U.S. Mail on Thursday. The state Labor Department confirmed Thursday afternoon that it had received notification of the plant closing, required under state law as an early warning before layoffs can be made, and the agency is reviewing the submission. One-on-one and departmental conversations also occurred, the company said, and an all-employee text message was sent midday. A morning media release was issued as well. Jay Withey, a mechanic at the plant for the last year and a half, said he didnt get an official company communication until 12:16 p.m., via a text that said, in part: This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the significant impact it has on each of you, your families and our entire community. They kind of just blindsided us with this, Withey said. Anthony Vick, a five-year employee, said he learned the news when he drove up to the plant Thursday morning. He felt that to find out about the loss of his job through news reports and not through the company was particularly insulting. This is peoples livelihoods, just how you take care of your families, Vick said. So I think it could have been communicated a little better. But, you know, business is business, I guess. The plant was one of Buffalo Niagaras largest manufacturers and a major source of tax revenue and its closing wipes out hundreds of good-paying jobs that are difficult to replace. Lawmakers expressed frustration that Sumitomo was unwilling to consider alternatives to closing. Officials also said they were baffled that the company would shutter the plant just two years after spending $141 million to modernize its operations, an investment meant to preserve its workforce and supported with local tax breaks. According to Sumitomo, those investments were not sufficient to save the operations. While the company did implement cost-control measures, efficiency enhancements, capital investments and other improvements over the last several years, these changes have not offset mounting financial losses at the facility, the company said. Steelworkers District 4 Director David Wasiura said the closing decision was devastating on a lot of levels. He said he felt the Steelworkers have been a good partner to Sumitomo and hes disappointed that union leaders werent told that the plant was in danger of closing its doors. Peter De Jesus Jr., president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, called the decision a brutal betrayal of these workers and their families, who dedicated themselves to this company, our region, and creating world-class American union-made products. Our Federation will not stand idly by as this corporate abandonment disrupts lives and devastates our local economy, he said. Together, we will ensure that no worker is left behind. In their rush to cut ties, they have failed to meet even the most basic standards of human decency. Sumitomo has been responding to inbound employee inquiries and that will continue given the size of the workforce, the company said. All hourly and salaried employees are receiving regular pay through Monday, and then will be eligible for 60 days of compensation, required by federal and state law, paid in a lump sum format, according to Sumitomo. The company says the official termination dates for salaried employees are either Nov. 15 or Feb. 15, depending on required work service as part of shutdown activities. Following bargaining with the United Steel Workers Local 135L, additional severance and benefits will be communicated to all workers, and employees will also receive health care coverage for another 12 months at no cost, life insurance benefits and career transition support services, the company said. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Adipo Therapeutics LLC, a late-stage, preclinical biopharmaceutical company developing a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders, presented data from two studies at the annual meeting of The Obesity Society in San Antonio. The studies were designed to evaluate the impact of Adipo's active ingredient ADPO-002 on key browning markers for mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial activation and adipocyte browning in human fat cells and fat tissues. The increases in PGC1, PRDM16 and Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) in these studies support ADPO-002's mechanism of action for mitochondrial biogenesis, activation and browning of human white adipose tissue, and the potential for the translation of Adipo's treatment to humans. Why brown adipose tissue matters Obesity is a significant public health crisis. According to the National Institutes of Health, by 2030 nearly half of U.S. adults will be obese. People who are overweight or are affected by obesity are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions including Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and gallbladder diseases, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, breathing disorders, osteoarthritis, mental illness, and some cancers. Excess energy-storing white adipose tissue is associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease whereas energy-burning brown adipose tissue plays a beneficial role in overall metabolic health. Brown adipose tissue has a high number of mitochondria, increases energy expenditure, and is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased risks for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a 2021 published article in Nature Medicine titled "Brown adipose tissue is associated with cardiometabolic health." Adipo's lead product ADPO-002NP has a unique mechanism of action that has the potential to be a stand-alone treatment or a complementary product to existing weight loss and diabetes drugs given its ability to increase energy expenditure and improve insulin resistance by browning white adipose tissue. While weight loss can be achieved through decreasing calorie intake and/or increasing energy expenditure, the newer therapies on the market are focused primarily on appetite suppression to reduce a person's daily caloric intake. There is a need for new weight-loss products that work by increasing energy expenditure without requiring calorie restriction. Adipo's treatment has the potential to increase energy expenditure by creating healthier, energy-burning, metabolically beneficial subcutaneous fat." Karen Wurster, CEO, Adipo Therapeutics LLC Results of the studies The first study examined the effect of ADPO-002 and ADPO-002NP on differentiated human white adipocytes obtained from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in collaboration with Shihuan Kuang, who was previously a professor and researcher at Purdue. The study demonstrated a significant increase in PGC1 and inhibition of Notch target gene Hes1. The second study examined the effect of ADPO-002 on subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue explants obtained from bariatric surgery patients who provided consent. The human adipose tissue explants study was conducted by Adipo Therapeutics in collaboration with Robert Considine, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Carmel. It demonstrated a significant increase in critical browning marker genes PGC1 and PRDM16 following seven days of treatment. It also showed an upregulation of UCP1, a key regulator of thermogenesis in both subcutaneous and omental tissue following treatment. The changes observed in these studies support Adipo's mechanism of action for mitochondrial biogenesis and browning of human white adipose tissue. "Inhibition of Notch signaling has been shown to promote adipocyte browning in our previous animal studies. Our findings from these studies with human adipocytes and adipose tissue explants provide important encouraging evidence for the translational potential of this novel mechanism of action," said Adipo founder Meng Deng, associate professor in Purdue University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and School of Materials Engineering. Deng disclosed his research to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which applied for patents to protect the intellectual property. It licensed the technology to Adipo for development and commercialization. Adipo is currently raising $8 million in additional funding to move this breakthrough product to first-in-human Phase I clinical trials, which are designed to demonstrate safety and clinical proof of concept in people. The capital will enable the team to continue its efficient execution to advance ADPO-002NP including good manufacturing practices, preclinical toxicology studies and regulatory approval to begin the Phase I clinical development. Xiaoguang Dong, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is leading a team of researchers that has developed a system of artificial cilia capable of monitoring mucus conditions in human airways to better detect infection, airway obstruction, or the severity of diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and lung cancer. The research was published in the November 4 issue of PNAS in the article, "Sensory Artificial Cilia for In Situ Monitoring of Airway Physiological Properties." In their paper, the researchers noted that continuously monitoring human airway conditions is crucial for timely interventions, especially when airway stents are implanted to alleviate central airway obstruction in lung cancer and other diseases. In particular, mucus conditions offer important biomarkers for indicating inflammation and stent patency but remain challenging to monitor. Current methods - reliant on computational tomography imaging and bronchoscope inspection - pose risks due to radiation and lack the ability to provide continuous real-time feedback outside of hospitals. Mimicking the sensing ability of biological cilia, Dong and his team developed novel technology for detecting mucus conditions, including viscosity and layer thickness, which are crucial biomarkers for disease severity. "The sensing mechanism for mucus viscosity leverages external magnetic fields to actuate a magnetic artificial cilium and sense its shape using a flexible strain-gauge," the researchers wrote. "Additionally, we report an artificial cilium with capacitance sensing for mucus layer thickness, offering unique self-calibration, adjustable sensitivity, and range, all enabled by external magnetic fields generated by a wearable magnetic actuation system." The researchers tested the method by deploying the sensors independently or in conjunction with an airway stent within an artificial trachea and sheep trachea. Sensing signals are transferred wirelessly to a smart phone or the cloud for further data analysis and disease diagnosis. "The proposed sensing mechanisms and devices pave the way for real-time monitoring of mucus conditions, facilitating early disease detection and providing stent patency alerts, thereby allowing timely interventions and personalized care," according to the study. This work was done in collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty members Fabien Maldonado, professor of medicine and thoracic surgery; Caitlin Demarest, assistant professor Thoracic Surgery; and Caglar Oskay, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering. Yusheng Wang, the study's first author, is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Earlier this year, Dong was awarded an R21 Trailblazer Award by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to pursue a project about "Wirelessly Actuated Ciliary Stent for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Cilia Dysfunction." The Trailblazer R21 Award supports new and early-stage investigators pursuing research programs that are of high interest to NIBIB, at the interface of life sciences with engineering and the physical sciences. More than 100 governments today made historic commitments to end childhood violence, including nine pledging to ban corporal punishment an issue that affects 3 out of every 5 children regularly in their homes. These commitments were made at a landmark event in Bogota, Colombia, where government delegations are set to agree on a new global declaration aimed at protecting children from all kinds of violence, exploitation and abuse. Also at the event, which is hosted by the Governments of Colombia and Sweden together with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, several countries committed to improve services for childhood violence survivors or tackle bullying, while others said they would invest in critical parenting support one of the most effective interventions for reducing violence risks in the home. Despite being highly preventable, violence remains a horrific day to day reality for millions of children around the world leaving scars that span generations. Today countries made critical pledges that, once enacted, could finally turn the tide on childhood violence. From establishing lifechanging support for families to making schools safer places or tackling online abuse, these actions will be fundamental to protecting children from lasting harm and ill health." Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General Over half of all children globally some 1 billion are estimated to suffer some form of violence, such as child maltreatment (including corporal punishment, the most prevalent form of childhood violence), bullying, physical or emotional abuse, as well as sexual violence. Violence against children is often hidden, mostly occurs behind closed doors, and is vastly underreported. WHO estimates that fewer than half of affected children tell anyone they experienced violence and under 10% receive any help. Such violence not only constitutes a grave violation of children's rights but also increases the risk of immediate and long-term health issues. For some children, violence results in death or serious injury. Every 13 minutes, a child or adolescent dies as a result of homicide equating to around 40 000 preventable deaths each year. For others, experiencing violence has devastating and life-long consequences. These include anxiety and depression, risky behaviours like unsafe sex, smoking and substance abuse, and reduced academic achievement. Evidence shows that violence against children is preventable, with the health sector having a critical role to play. Proven solutions include parenting support to help caregivers avoid violent discipline and build positive relationships with their children; school-based interventions to strengthen life and social skills for children and adolescents, and prevent bullying; child-friendly social and health services for children that experience violence; laws that prohibit violence against children and reduce underlying risk factors such as access to alcohol and guns, and efforts to ensure safer internet use for children. Research has shown that when countries effectively implement such strategies, they can reduce violence against children by as much as 20-50%. In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the first global targets for ending violence against children were established in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Progress in reducing overall prevalence of childhood violence has however been slow, despite gains in some individual countries. Around 9 in 10 children still live in countries where prevalent forms of childhood violence such as corporal punishment, or even sexual abuse and exploitation, are not yet prohibited by law. Over 1000 people are attending this first-ever Ministerial Conference on Violence against Children, including high-level government delegations, children, young people, survivor and civil society allies. Specific pledges at the event include among others, commitments to end physical punishment, to introduce new digital safety initiatives, increase the legally permitted age of marriage and to invest in parenting education and child protection. WHO provides significant support for efforts to end childhood violence, through technical guidance, guiding effective strategies for prevention and response, and conducting new research and data, including its global status reports. Key statistics Over half of all children aged 2-17 more than 1 billion experience some form of violence each year. Around 3 in 5 children are regularly punished by physical means in their homes. 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience sexual violence. Between 25% and 50% children are estimated to have experienced bullying. For adolescent males, violence often involving firearms or other weapons - is now the leading cause of death. Notable pledges Although travel restrictions and social measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic global drop in seasonal influenza cases, certain influenza lineages in specific regions kept the virus circulating and evolving, according to a new study. This was true in tropical areas with fewer travel restrictions, for example, including South and West Asia. The spread of seasonal influenza is closely tied to social behavior, particularly air travel, and to the periodic evolution of new virus strains that evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations. In 2020, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to combat COVID-19 such as lockdown policies, mandated social distancing, masking, and travel bans dramatically impacted influenza virus transmission and evolution. Due to these interventions, cases of seasonal influenza caused by A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, as well as influenza B subtypes Victoria and Yamagata, declined sharply across the globe. Here, Zhiyuan Chen and colleagues investigated how these changes affected the spread, distribution, and evolutionary dynamics of seasonal influenza lineages. Using a phylodynamic approach, Chen et al. combined epidemiological, genetic, and international travel data from before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and found that the onset of the pandemic led to a shift in the intensity and structure of international influenza transmission. Although influenza cases significantly dropped globally during the pandemic's peak, in South Asia and West Asia, regions that had relatively fewer pandemic restrictions, the circulation of influenza A and influenza B/Victoria lineages, respectively, continued. That circulation served as important evolutionary sources, or "phylogenetic trunk locations," of influenza viruses during the pandemic period. By March 2023, as global air traffic resumed, the circulation of influenza lineages returned to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the virus' resilience to long-term disruption and its reliance on global air travel patterns to spread. Notably, however, the findings also show that the influenza B/Yamagata lineage appears to have disappeared since the start of the pandemic, suggesting that the lineage may have since gone extinct. "The study by Chen et al. further reinforces that nonpharmaceutical interventions can be incredibly effective in disrupting viral transmission, pathogen diversity, and antigenic evolution, and are arguably more effective than vaccine efforts alone," write Pejman Rohani and Justin Bahl in a related Perspective. Seasonal influenza epidemics impose substantial burdens on healthcare systems and cause >5 million hospitalizations of adults each year. The current approach to influenza vaccine development requires comprehensive surveillance of circulating strains, which are constantly moving from continent to continent. The reduction in global human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to evaluate how seasonal influenza is impacted during pandemics. In this new study, an international team of researchers, including from the University of Oxford, Fudan University, and KU Leuven, combined data on the spread of seasonal influenza, its genetic makeup, and international travel patterns to study how seasonal flu viruses moved and evolved. This approach helped to estimate how long the viruses remained in certain regions during periods of high and low volumes of international travel and how their genetic diversity changed before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza levels dropped worldwide due to COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions on population movement and mixing. However, the subsequent rapid bounce back of influenza once air travel returned to pre-pandemic levels showed that the virus was in most cases maintained during the pandemic with continued viral movements and accumulation of genetic diversity. It was remarkable how quickly seasonal flu re-established to a pre-pandemic equilibrium just a few years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic." Zhiyuan Chen, lead author of the study, University of Oxford and Fudan University Tropical climates, like those found across South and East Asia, allow for continued flu transmission year-round, thereby creating a broader range of flu strains and increasing overall viral diversity. The increased capacity for virus genomic surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided more detail on the role of other regions, such as Africa and West Asia, in the global circulation of influenza. These regions also showed evidence of sustained transmission and during the pandemic had relatively less restrictions on movement, in part due to lower levels of COVID-19 transmission. Co-author Professor Moritz Kraemer (Department of Biology and Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford) says: "Increased genomic surveillance capacity established during the COVID-19 pandemic means that we are finally getting a deeper insight into the global distribution patterns of seasonal flu and other respiratory viruses. These novel and large openly accessible datasets provide an opportunity to learn about the intricate relationships of climate, co-circulating viruses, and human behaviour." Further, with this increased global capacity for surveillance of viruses it might be possible to better monitor seasonal influenza to reduce the risk of vaccine mismatches, help inform more effective interventions, and reduce the burden of seasonal influenza on our healthcare systems. This is especially relevant as more regions become suitable for year-round circulation of influenza with changes in climatic conditions. Co-author Professor Hongjie Yu from Fudan University says: "Further efforts should still focus on the continuing surveillance of seasonal influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens, particularly resource-limited regions. The established surveillance systems for seasonal respiratory pathogens could also play an extremely vital role when the next pandemic emerges in the future." A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has found evidence that targeting CD47, a protein that is part of the innate immune system, could be a key step in fighting colorectal cancer. It is one of the first indications that targeting part of the innate immune system, combined with traditional immunotherapy drugs which work on the adaptive immune system, could be more effective in fighting colorectal cancer. The findings were just published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. Traditional immunotherapies, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed cancer care by helping the body's immune system fight cancer like it does other diseases. They do this by blocking immune checkpoints proteins that act like brakes for the immune system to keep it from attacking healthy cells. Cancer cells exploit these proteins to evade detection by immune cells, but immune checkpoint inhibitors prevent that. Until recently, immunotherapies only targeted the body's learned immune response, once cancer cells had already slipped by the body's first line of defense against disease, known as the innate immune system. Up until now, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the adaptive immune system have been the mainstream in immunotherapy. But in our current study, we focused on CD47, a checkpoint molecule in the innate immune system." Hiroyuki Arai, MD, PhD, first author, former postdoctoral researcher at the cancer center, part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC The researchers knew colorectal cancer cells use the immune checkpoint CD47 to dodge macrophages, innate immune cells that would otherwise target and destroy them. But how exactly do cancer cells manipulate CD47, and what could this mean when it comes to treating colon cancer? In the present study, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, researchers analyzed DNA and RNA from 14,287 colorectal cancer tumors to answer those questions. They compared tumors with higher levels of CD47 expression to those with lower levels, finding that higher levels were linked to more aggressive tumors, more activated cancer pathways and more immune cells inside the tumor. Those findings suggest that developing an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug that can block the activity of CD47 could improve outcomes for colon cancer patients, many of whom are not well served by existing immunotherapy drugs. "The most important takeaway is this data suggests that CD47 is a very attractive target for drug development," said senior author Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD, deputy director for research programs and co-director for the Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Center for Cancer Drug Development at the USC Norris cancer center. Combining immunotherapies To delve into the details of CD47's role in colon cancer, researchers sequenced the DNA and RNA from 14,287 colorectal tumor samples stored within the Caris Life Sciences database. The researchers divided cases into two groups: those with high CD47 expression (above the median level) and those with low CD47 expression (below the median level). They then compared the two groups, looking for differences in immune signaling and other biological processes. Higher expression of CD47 within a tumor was associated with higher oncogenic signaling, which means that tumors are growing and may be spreading. Higher CD47 expression was also linked to changes in several key immune pathways, including suppressing the signal used to activate macrophages, which would otherwise eliminate the cancer cells. The researchers also found that higher levels of CD47 were associated with the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. In cancer research, angiogenesis is a red flag because it is typically a sign that tumors are growing larger. Taken together, these findings point to CD47 as a top target for new colorectal cancer drugs. It could be used alongside one of more of the currently available therapies, including chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors and adaptive immune checkpoint inhibitors, said Arai, who is now an assistant professor of clinical oncology at the St. Marianna University School of Medicine in Kawasaki, Japan. "The key is to develop an antibody or an engineered immune cell that can inhibit CD47 signaling, but it has to be used in combination with other drugs. The right combination is not clear yet, so more research is needed," said Lenz, who is also a professor of medicine and preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine. Lenz, Arai and their team are also studying other methods of shrinking colorectal cancer tumors, including with compounds that stimulate macrophages to attack cancer cells. About this research In addition to Lenz and Arai, the study's other authors are Francesca Battaglin, Jingyuan Wang, Sandra Algaze, Priya Jayachandran, Shivani Soni, Wu Zhang, Yan Yang, Joshua Millstein and Jae Ho Lo from the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California; Nishant Gandhi, Joanne Xiu and Micharl W. Korn from Caris Life Sciences Inc.; Davendra Sohal from University of Cincinnati Medicine; Richard Goldberg from the West Virginia University Cancer Institute; Michael J. Hall from Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Aaron James Scott from the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Department of Medicine; Jimmy J. Hwang from GI Medical Oncology Levine Cancer Institute; Emil Lou from the University of Minnesota; Benjamin Weinberg from Georgetown University Medical Center; John Marshall from Georgetown University; and Sanjay Goel from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health [P30CA014089]; the Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation; the Dhont Family Foundation; the Victoria and Philip Wilson Research Fund; the San Pedro Peninsula Cancer Guild; Ming Hsieh Research and the Daniel Butler Research Fund. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Cancer Act, launching a nationwide effort to combat the disease. Eighty-seven years later, despite significant progress, cancer treatment often falls short, with 50 to 80 percent of patients not responding to treatment and more than 600,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States. What if clinicians could predict the success of any cancer treatment, ensuring each patient receives the most effective care? The challenge lies in the diverse nature of the disease. There are hundreds of different types of cancers, characterized by the specific type of cell from which they originate. Even patients with the same cancer type require personalized treatments due to unique factors like genetic predisposition, lifestyle and immune response. The therapeutic outcomes - from complete remission to resistance to treatment - are unpredictable because cancer cells can develop resistance to drugs through genetic mutations, rendering therapy ineffective. To tackle this complexity, a research team at the University of Alabama at Birmingham led by Anindya Dutta, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UAB Department of Genetics, sought to identify patterns within this apparent randomness. Leveraging established cancer cell databases - including the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer, or GDSC, the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal, or CTRP, and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancers, or COSMIC - the team investigated "whether gene expression levels correlate with drug response" across various cancer cell lines. GDSC and CTRP provide information on how sensitive different cell lines are to various anti-cancer drugs, whereas COSMIC catalogs their gene expression. Divya Sahu in Dutta's lab studied 777 cancer cell lines that were present in both databases and found 36 genes linked with anti-cancer drug resistance. One of these genes, FAM129B, was found to be particularly important in drug resistance by cancer cells. This finding aligns with previous experimental studies on FAM129B, validating the efficacy of the analytical approach employed in this UAB study. The research group developed a combined score, named UAB36, using the 36 genes most linked to drug resistance. They found that the polygenic score UAB36 showed superior correlation with relative resistance to various anti-cancer drugs compared to existing polygenic scores. The researchers applied UAB36 to predict the expression of genes linked with the resistance of breast cancer against tamoxifen, a drug widely used for breast cancer treatment. UAB36 consistently showed a higher efficacy compared to a single gene approach. UAB36 also outperformed established gene signatures like ENDORSE and PAM50 in its correlation with tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. The study crossed from the cell-line studies to application as a prognostic tool when the researchers used the UAB36 score to predict patient outcome in three different cohorts of actual breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. They found that patients with high UAB36 scores showed poorer survival independent of patient's age and tumor stage, consistent with the expectation that this score predicts higher resistance to tamoxifen. The tumors with high UAB36 showed enrichment of gene sets associated with multiple drug resistance. This establishes UAB36 as a promising biomarker for predicting anti-cancer drug resistance and poor survival. UAB36 has potential as a tool for personalized medicine, helping identify patients at higher risk of tamoxifen resistance and poor survival, suggesting that these patients will benefit from alternative treatment strategies. The study provides a map to help doctors choose the best cancer treatment and predict outcomes for each patient, though this has to be validated by a prospective clinical trial. This approach should provide promising polygenic biomarkers for resistance in many cancer types against specific drugs and can be improved further by incorporating machine-learning methods in the analysis." Anindya Dutta, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UAB Department of Genetics Besides Dutta, authors of the study, "Development of a polygenic score predicting drug resistance and patient outcome in breast cancer," published in NPJ Precision Oncology, are Sahu and Isaac Andres Segura Rueda, UAB Department of Genetics. Additional co-authors are Jeffrey Shi and Ajay Chatrath, former members of Dutta's lab at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Support came from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, a Cancer Genomics Cloud Collaborative Support grant and the National Institutes of Health grant CA060499. At UAB, Genetics and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics are departments in the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for an end to reliance on fossil fuels and advocates for people-centred adaptation and resilience. Launching the COP29 special report on climate and health and a technical guidance on Healthy Nationally Determined Contributions, WHO urges world leaders at COP29 to abandon the siloed approach to addressing climate change and health. It stresses the importance of positioning health at the core of all climate negotiations, strategies, policies and action plans, to save lives and secure healthier futures for present and future generations. "The climate crisis is a health crisis, which makes prioritizing health and well-being in climate action not only a moral and legal imperative, but a strategic opportunity to unlock transformative health benefits for a more just and equitable future," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "COP29 is a crucial opportunity for global leaders to integrate health considerations into strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change. WHO is supporting this work with practical guidelines and support for countries." Bold health argument for climate action Developed by WHO in collaboration with over 100 organizations and 300 experts, the COP29 special report on climate change and health identifies critical policies across three integrated dimensions people, place and planet. The report outlines key actions aiming to protect all people, particularly the estimated 3.6 billion people who live in areas which are most susceptible to climate change. The report underlines the importance of the governance that integrates health in climate policy-making and climate in health policy-making being essential for progress. The report's top recommendations include: make human health and well-being the top measure of climate success to catalyse progress and ensure people-centred adaptation and resilience; end fossil fuel subsidies and reliance by realigning economic and financial systems to protect both people's health and the environment, through investment in clean, sustainable alternatives that reduce pollution-related diseases and cut carbon emissions; mobilize financing for climate-health initiatives, particularly to strengthen responsive health systems and support the health workforce, creating resilient, climate-proof health systems to protect health and save lives; invest in proven solutions; just 5 interventions from heat-health warning systems, to clean household energy, to efficient pricing of fossil fuels would save almost 2 million lives a year, and bring US$ 4 in benefits for each dollar invested; build greater focus on the role of cities in health outcomes, through more sustainable urban design, clean energy, resilient housing, and improved sanitation; and increase protections for and restoration of nature and biodiversity, recognizing the synergistic health benefits of clean air, water and food security. Health is the lived experience of climate change. By prioritizing health in every aspect of climate action, we can unlock significant benefits for public health, climate resilience, security, and economic stability. Health is the argument we need to catalyze urgent and large-scale action in this critical moment." Dr. Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO Enhanced WHO action on health and climate Climate NDCs or Nationally Determined Contributions are national plans and commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement. While health is identified as a priority in 91% of the NDCs, few outline specific actions to leverage the health benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation or to protect health from climate-related risks. To support countries to better integrate health into their climate policies, WHO has released today WHO quality criteria for integrating health into Nationally Determined Contributions: Healthy NDCs. The guidance outlines practical actions for ministries of health, ministries of environment, and other health-determining sectors (e.g. transport, energy, urban planning, water and sanitation) to incorporate health considerations within their adaptation and mitigation policies and actions. This technical guidance serves as a concrete framework to implement the recommendations included in the WHO's COP29 special report, addressing key areas such as leadership and enabling environment; national circumstances and policy priorities; mitigation; adaptation; loss and damage; finance; and implementation. Integrating health within climate plans will support: addressing health impacts: tackling the diverse health effects of climate change; tackling the diverse health effects of climate change; strengthening health systems: enhancing climate resilience and decarbonization in health systems; and enhancing climate resilience and decarbonization in health systems; and promoting co-benefits: focusing on key sectors that have a strong influence both on health and climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as transportation and energy. In addition to its own initiatives, WHO convenes 90 countries and 75 partners through the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). This platform was established to advance the commitments made at COP26 for building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems. ATACH promotes the integration of climate change and health nexus into respective national, regional, and global plans using the collective power of WHO Member States and other stakeholders to drive this agenda forward with urgency and scale. Quotes of support Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: "The climate crisis is also a health crisis. Human health and planetary health are intertwined. Countries must take meaningful action to protect their people, boost resources, cut emissions, phase out fossil fuels, and make peace with nature. COP29 must drive progress towards those vital goals for the planet's health and for people's health." Dr Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation: "The impact of climate change has to be measured in more than degrees: we have to account for lives saved, lost, and improved. The Rockefeller Foundation is working closely with the World Health Organization and many other partners to center health considerations in all climate action, including efforts to enable just energy transitions and to increase economic opportunities for people living in frontline communities." Dr Vanessa Kerry, WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change Health: "This report exposes how the accelerating climate and health crisis impacts more than just our health it undermines economies, deepens inequities, and fuels political instability. As leaders gather for COP29, we urge them to fast-track a just transition and increase funding for health systems and frontline health workers to protect the most vulnerable. Health must be central in climate discussions, metrics, and Nationally Determined Contributions. To safeguard people, economies, and global security, health must be at the heart of climate action. We can't afford to wait." Dr Alan Dangour, Director of Climate & Health at Wellcome: "In every single country, climate change is costing lives, causing pain and suffering. It is a common crisis that must unite us to act, and act quickly. At COP29, countries must grasp the opportunity to commit to ambitious cross-government climate actions that both protect the planet and improves health for all. By working together, we can still change our current course and save lives." Dr Micaela Serafini, President, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Switzerland: "Today, we are in an unacceptable situation where the world's most vulnerable people are paying the highest price for a problem they did not cause. Solutions to safeguard their health must be prioritized, with the well-being of people placed at the heart of climate action. Failing to do so will take a toll on the very vitals of humanity." Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): "From the impacts of extreme heat to the spread of illnesses through floodwaters, from malnutrition as crops fail to mosquito-borne diseases where they haven't been seen before, the climate crisis is the ultimate health crisis. This report is vital highlighting how climate change makes us sick and what we need to do about it." If India Hadn't Bought Russian Oil, Global Crude Price Would Have Touched $200: Hardeep Puri Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:47 IST Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India's decision to purchase oil from Russia amid global challenges helped avert a potential spike in global crude prices. Hardeep Singh Puri projects a more stable pricing environment by 2026, attributing this to increased energy availability. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said Indias decision to purchase oil from Russia amid global challenges helped avert a potential spike in global oil prices. Speaking with CNNs Becky Anderson at the ADIPEC energy conference in Abu Dhabi, Puri added that if India had not procured Russian oil, prices could have surged to $200 per barrel worldwide. Puri said oil would continue to play a central role in the global energy mix for the foreseeable future. He expressed optimism about the stability of oil prices, saying, Earlier, I said I hope there will be a reduction in oil price. Today Im more confident that there will be." related stories The Union minister projected a more stable pricing environment by 2026, attributing this to increased energy availability. As a student of the situation, I think that the likelihood of prices remaining stable and coming down are higher," he said. Asked about Indias recent reduction of Russian oil imports by approximately 10% in October, Puri explained that this was driven by competitive rates available from other suppliers. There are other people willing to supply at the same competitive rate because the OPEC position is they dont deal with price. Theres healthy competition going on. If you dont get it from one, you get it from someone else," he stated. Responding to questions on whether this reduction was strategically motivated, Puri clarified that these are oil decisions taken in the marketplace." He elaborated that if India had shifted its demand away from Russian oil during the initial stages of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022, oil prices could have reached $200 per barrel. So I think we did everybody a favour," he remarked. Puri also highlighted the significance of technological advancements, including green hydrogen, that could alter global oil demand within the next five years. In a post on his X account, Puri reiterated, India did the entire world a favour by buying Russian oil because if we had not done so, the global oil prices would have skyrocketed to USD 200/barrel." He pointed out that Russian oil was not sanctioned, though a price cap was in place, which Indian entities respected. Addressing criticisms, he noted that while some ill-informed commentators" proposed restrictions on India, many European and Asian countries made substantial energy purchases from Russia. Let us not forget that while some ill-informed commentators talked about putting restrictions on India, many other European and Asian nations bought much more crude oil, diesel, LNG, rare earth minerals worth billions of dollars from Russia. We will continue to buy energy from whoever offers the best rates to our oil companies," he wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Emphasizing Indias energy priorities, Puri noted, We need to ensure steady availability, affordability and sustainability of energy for our 7 crore citizens who visit a petrol pump every day. Thats our top priority." He highlighted that India is unique among major consumers, as it has seen fuel prices decrease significantly over the past three years, despite global price hikes. As the worlds third-largest oil consumer, Indias decisions in the energy market remain impactful, as per the International Energy Agencys estimates. First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:40 IST Stocks To Watch: SBI, Tata Motors, Ola Electric, Vedanta, Wipro, Adani Ent, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 08:46 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Tata Steel, Hindalco, Power Grid, Waaree, Wipro, RVNL, and others will be in focus on Friday's trade Stocks To Watch The markets traded under pressure, losing over a percent, as they resumed their corrective trend after two days of gains. In todays trade, shares of SBI, Tata Motors, Ola Electric, Vedanta, Indian Hotels among others will be in focus due to various news developments and second quarter results. Results today related stories Several prominent companies are set to announce their Q2 results for the current fiscal on Friday, with key firms including Aarti Industries, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Cholamandalam Financial, ESAB India, and Fortis Healthcare. Other notable companies in focus are India Cements, MRF, Motherson Sumi, Info Edge, State Bank of India, Tata Motors, and Welspun Corp. These results are expected to attract considerable investor attention given the market significance of these firms across various sectors. Cochin Shipyard: Cochin Shipyard reported a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 193 crore, which is slightly lower than Rs 200 crore in the same period last year and Rs 180 crore from the previous quarter. Revenue for the quarter rose to Rs 1,097 crore from Rs 954 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. The companys Ebitda was Rs 196 crore, showing a slight increase from Rs 195 crore in the previous year. However, the Ebitda margin declined to 17.87 per cent, compared to 20.43 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. The company declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per equity share. Lupin: Lupins Q2FY25 net profit grew to Rs 850 crore, up from Rs 490 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter reached Rs 5,670 crore, compared to Rs 5,040 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. The companys Ebitda grew to Rs 1,340 crore, up from Rs 920 crore in the previous year, with the Ebitda margin improving to 23.63 per cent from 18.21 per cent Y-o-Y. Brigade Enterprises: Brigade Enterprises has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop 1 million square feet of residential apartments in West Chennai. The project is estimated to have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of about Rs 800 crore. Astral: Astral reported a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 110 crore, slightly lower than Rs 131 crore in the same period last year, but higher than Rs 120 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue increased marginally to Rs 1,370 crore from Rs 1,363 crore Y-o-Y. The companys Ebitda for the quarter was Rs 210 crore, down from Rs 220 crore in the previous year, while the Ebitda margin declined to 15.33 per cent from 16.15 per cent Y-o-Y. Astral also declared an interim dividend of Rs 1.50 per share. Emami: Emami posted a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 210 crore, an increase from Rs 180 crore in the same period last year and Rs 150 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue for the quarter was Rs 890 crore, slightly up from Rs 865 crore Y-o-Y. Ebitda grew to Rs 250 crore from Rs 230 crore, with an Ebitda margin of 28.12 per cent, up from 27.02 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. The company declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per equity share. RVNL: RVNL reported a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 290 crore, down from Rs 394 crore in the same period last year but up from Rs 220 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue decreased slightly to Rs 4,850 crore from Rs 4,914 crore Y-o-Y. Ebitda fell to Rs 270 crore from Rs 300 crore, with the Ebitda margin declining to 5.59 per cent from 6.07 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys (IMFA): Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys reported a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 125 crore, up from Rs 89.2 crore in the same period last year and Rs 113 crore in the previous quarter. The companys revenue remained flat at Rs 690 crore, compared to the same period last year. Ebitda increased to Rs 170 crore from Rs 150 crore Y-o-Y, with the Ebitda margin rising to 24.63 per cent, up from 21.69 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. Mahanagar Gas: Mahanagar Gas has entered into a partnership for cell manufacturing with International Battery Co., India Pvt Ltd. As part of this deal, Mahanagar Gas will hold at least 40 per cent of IBC India, with an investment of Rs 230 crore in the venture. Cummins India: Cummins India delivered a solid Q2FY25 performance with a net profit of Rs 450 crore, up from Rs 330 crore in the same period last year and Rs 420 crore in the previous quarter. The companys revenue increased to Rs 2,450 crore, compared to Rs 1,870 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. The Ebitda rose to Rs 480 crore from Rs 339 crore last year, and the Ebitda margin improved to 19.65 per cent, up from 18.12 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. Wipro: Wipro launched the Google Gemini Experience Zone in Bengaluru to drive AI innovation for enterprises. This zone will offer businesses a chance to leverage Googles cutting-edge AI technologies to improve their operations. Adani Enterprises: Adani Enterprises announced that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Ahmedabad has sanctioned the merger of its subsidiary Stratatech Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd (SMRPL) with Mahan Energen Ltd (MEL), marking an important restructuring step in the companys operations. NHPC: NHPCs Q2FY25 net profit declined to Rs 91 crore, from Rs 154.6 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. Revenue increased slightly to Rs 305 crore from Rs 293 crore in the same period last year. Ebitda grew to Rs 180 crore, up from Rs 177 crore, though the Ebitda margin slipped to 58.95 per cent from 60.32 per cent Y-o-Y. Uniparts India: Uniparts India reported a decline in Q2FY25 net profit to Rs 21.1 crore, compared to Rs 33 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. Revenue also decreased to Rs 240 crore from Rs 294 crore Y-o-Y. Ebitda dropped to Rs 36.58 crore from Rs 53.6 crore last year, and the Ebitda margin contracted to 15.15 per cent, down from 18.26 per cent in Q2FY25 FY23. Emcure Pharma: Emcure Pharma posted a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 190 crore, up from Rs 140 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter grew to Rs 2,000 crore, compared to Rs 1,660 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. Ebitda rose to Rs 380 crore from Rs 330 crore Y-o-Y while the Ebitda margin decreased slightly to 19.02 per cent from 19.79 per cent in the previous year. VA Tech Wabag: VA Tech Wabags Q2FY25 net profit stood at Rs 70.6 crore, compared to Rs 60.2 crore in Q2FY25 FY23. Revenue for the quarter was Rs 70 crore, up from Rs 66.5 crore Y-o-Y. Ebitda increased to Rs 98.9 crore from Rs 86.4 crore last year, with an Ebitda margin of 14.12 per cent, compared to 12.99 per cent Y-o-Y. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NCC: NCC reported a Q2FY25 net profit of Rs 163 crore, up from Rs 77.3 crore in the same period last year. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. First Published: November 08, 2024, 08:46 IST Trent Shares Fall 10% In Two Days Post Q2 Results; What Should Investors Do Now? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:12 IST Trent hits 3-month low post Q2 results, share price down 25% in 1 month; Should you buy? Trent shares fall 10% in two days after Q2 results Shares of Tata Groups Trent Ltd. are down another 3.5 per cent on Friday, November 8, carrying on from Thursdays fall of 6.5 per cent. With Fridays fall, the stock has declined 10 per cent in the last two trading sessions. The stock price of Trent is trading at its lowest level since August 9, 2024. In one week, the stock has declined 12 per cent as compared to nearly 1 per cent rise in the BSE Sensex. The market price of Trent has corrected 25 per cent from its record high level of Rs 8,345.85 that it touched on October 14, 2024. related stories Despite the recent fall, Trent share price has outperformed the market thus far in the calendar year 2024, by zooming 110 per cent as against 10 per cent gain in the benchmark index. In Q2 FY25, fashion and lifestyle retailer Trents profit before tax (PBT) jumped 49 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) at Rs 467 crore during the quarter. In Q1 FY25, the companys PBT had more-than-doubled, rising 136 per cent, to Rs 501 crore. Its revenue from operations rose 39.4 per cent to Rs 4,156.67 crore in Q2 FY25 over the same period last year as both its retail chains Westside and Zudio registered double-digit like-for-like growth despite business seasonality. On a standalone basis, Trents revenue and PBT grew by 39 per cent and 48 per cent over the year ago quarter. In the previous quarter, the company had posted 56 per cent growth in revenue and 133 per cent jump in PBT. The management said that the consumer sentiment has remained relatively muted. This, coupled with seasonality, has meant that retail businesses faced headwinds. In the forgoing context, the team has delivered strong results across brands, concepts, categories and channels in Q2. Trent is part of the Tata Group and operates a portfolio of retail concepts. The primary customer propositions of Trent include Westside, one of Indias leading chains of fashion retail stores; Zudio, a one-stop destination for great fashion at great value; and Star, which operates in the competitive food, grocery and daily needs segment. In Q2 FY25, Trent delivered strong results despite muted consumer sentiment and seasonality challenges, which impacted the retail sector. This performance was driven by successful expansion plans and a focus on offering fashionable products at affordable prices, said Akriti Mehrotra, research analyst at StoxBox. Key milestones during the quarter included the launch of the first international Zudio store in the UAE and the introduction of Zudio Beauty in India, reflecting the companys commitment to expanding its brand footprint and exploring new growth opportunities. The Star business, leveraging Trents proven strategy, has seen strong customer traction, with the success of its own-branded products supporting growth, the brokerage firm said. Management is confident that the Star business can continue to accelerate and deliver significant value to both customers and shareholders. Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about the potential of its direct-to-consumer business, especially with its expanding store network. Key focus areas include demand trends across metros and Tier 2/3 towns, as well as the progress of store expansions, which are crucial for future growth, analysts said. According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Trents industry-leading growth, driven by healthy SSSG, store productivity, and robust footprint additions, along with the scale-up of Zudio and newer categories (Beauty, Lab-grown diamonds), offer a huge runway for growth over the next few years. Brokerage firm Jefferies maintained its hold" rating on Trent with a price target of Rs 5,900. Jefferies price target implies a further 9.3 per cent downside from Thursdays closing levels on Trent. Jefferies said that Trent missed elevated growth estimates even while growth remained strong during the quarter. The company also closed stores in both the key fashion formats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The management though, remains confident of the growth opportunity, Jefferies said. Shares of Trent are trading 3.1 per cent lower on Friday at Rs 6,306. The stock has now corrected 25 per cent from its recent record high of Rs 8,345. First Published: November 08, 2024, 13:12 IST NEET PG Counselling 2024 Round 1 Choice Filling Process Begins, Check Schedule Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:24 IST NEET PG Counselling 2024: The process will conclude on November 17. The seat allotment list for round 1 will be out on November 20. The NEET PG counselling is held in four rounds including mop-up and stray vacancy rounds. (Representational/ PTI Photo) The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024 round 1 choice filling and locking process has begun today, November 8. Candidates who cleared the exam can fill in their choices through the official website of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) at mcc.nic.in. The process will conclude on November 17. The seat allotment list for round 1 will be out on November 20. Selected candidates will have to report to the colleges between November 21 and 27. MCC conducts four rounds of All India Quota (AIQ) counselling for NEET PG candidates. The rounds include Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up round, and Stray vacancy round. The committee will conduct the counselling for 50 per cent of AIQ PG seats of colleges under Employee State Insurance Corporation (wards of ESIC insured persons) and All PG seats of Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions. related stories NEET PG Counselling 2024: How To Fill Choices? Step 1: Visit the official website of the MCC mcc.nic.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the NEET PG 2024 counselling link Step 3: Enter your registration number and other required details Step 4: Submit your choice of colleges and other preferences Step 5: Submit. Save and download the page for further use. NEET PG Counselling 2024: Documents Required for Admission Allotment Letter issued by MCC Admit Card issued by NBE. Result/Rank Letter issued by NBE. Mark Sheets of MBBS/BDS 1st, 2nd and 3rd Professional Examinations. MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate/Provisional Certificate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NEET PG counselling is being conducted for 50 per cent All India Quota seats and 100 per cent deemed, central universities, AFMS, PG DNB seats. NEET PG 2024 counselling round 2 registration will commence on December 4. Candidates will be able to fill out the application form by December 9, 2024. Candidates who secure seats in round 2 will be required to report to the allotted colleges on December 12, 2024. Through the NEET PG counselling, as many as 26,168 Doctor of Medicine (MD), 922 PG diploma, 13,649 Master of Surgery (MS), 1,338 DNB CET and 1,326 Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) seats are on offer this year. First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:03 IST NSDC To Host Mega Job Fair On November 19. Details Inside Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:35 IST The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is set to host a Mega Job Fair in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Candidates can register on nsdcjobx.com. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is set to host the Mega Job Fair Kaushal Mahotsav in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, on November 19. Organised under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the event aims to bridge the gap between young job seekers and companies offering employment opportunities. In addition to job connections, attendees will receive essential training and development in soft skills tailored to industry needs. This initiative represents a key step toward fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a self-reliant and skill-driven India, empowering youth with the tools and confidence to succeed in a competitive workforce. Candidates interested in participating in this mega job fair can register on NSDC Jobex website: nsdcjobx.com by November 14. The Kaushal Mahotsav will bring over 11,000 job opportunities, offering a remarkable chance for the youth of Bharatpur and nearby regions to secure employment. NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari emphasised that ensuring job security for young people across India has been a top government priority. Events like this play a crucial role in preparing them for a brighter and more secure future. With Bharatpur at the heart of this program, local youth have the opportunity to showcase their talents, gain access to meaningful employment, and leverage their skills for professional growth. related stories Training procedures: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fair will feature companies from a range of sectors, including IT, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, automotive, and logistics, providing young attendees with the opportunity to connect directly with industry representatives. A key aspect of the event is its focus on enhancing employability through a comprehensive 40-hour training program. These sessions, held across 15 designated centres, will be led by expert trainers who will equip participants with essential soft skills. Training topics will cover effective communication, interview techniques, problem-solving strategies, and time management, all aimed at preparing the youth for successful careers across various industries. The fair will also include in-depth sessions focused on essential skills like CV writing, interview preparation, and other valuable tools to help participants make the most of the numerous opportunities from companies across various sectors. Bharatpur, known for its 554 mustard oil mills and over 10,000 micro and small enterprises, will have the chance to meet its growing demand for skilled workers through this initiative. The Kaushal Mahotsav aims to connect local industries with qualified talent, providing a workforce boost that will, in turn, help drive regional economic growth. NSDC functions through a public-private partnership under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. Its primary goal is to enhance the employability of youth while also supporting the skill development initiatives of the private sector. As part of the Skill India Mission, NSDC is advancing skill development across the nation by offering training programs, financial support, and strategic collaborations. The Kaushal Mahotsav initiative will not only open new employment avenues for the youth of Bharatpur but will also equip them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to build a strong and successful future. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:35 IST Ajit Pawars 'Image Maligned' in Viral MVA Advertisement, NCP Demands Action Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:06 IST The NCP claims that the ad features a character resembling Pawar in an unflattering light. The ad also includes phrases such as False promises and Misleading statements, intended to criticise Pawars policies. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (Image: PTI) As Maharashtras election campaign heats up, a controversial advertisement from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has sparked outrage within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The ad, which has gone viral on social media, is accused of defaming Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP claims that the ad features a character resembling Pawar in an unflattering light. In the video, the character, dressed in a pink jacket and eating dhokla, engages in a conversation with a woman who sarcastically criticises the financial assistance provided by the government. The woman, shown in the ad, questions the sufficiency of the Rs 1,500 monthly payment that Pawar allegedly promised, stating that it is inadequate to cover rising living costs. The ad also includes phrases such as False promises" and Misleading statements," intended to criticise Pawars policies. related stories , , ! pic.twitter.com/tLMutvz8J3 Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (@NCPspeaks) November 4, 2024 In response, the NCP has lodged an official complaint with the Mumbai Police, calling for action against what it deems as a deliberate attempt to malign" Ajit Pawars reputation. Suraj Chavan, head of the NCP Youth Wing, submitted a letter to the Police Commissioner, asserting that the ad misrepresents Pawars actions and is part of a false narrative designed to deceive voters. Chavan contended that the ads intention is to damage Pawars public image and undermine his credibility, particularly in the context of the governments welfare initiatives. Sharad Pawar faction has got a fair idea that they cant matchup to the work done by Ajit Pawar in the state. Hence, they have stooped to this so low. Doing work for people is what makes us different from them. We have already submitted our complaint to authorities against their pathetic ad which is maligning image our our leader," Suraj Chavan said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NCP further argued that the ad, though presented as satire, spreads misinformation about Pawars role and the assistance he has extended to the public. By employing a lookalike actor and scripting misleading dialogues, the MVA, according to the NCP, aims to portray Pawar in a negative light for political gain. Chavan emphasised that such tactics undermine political discourse and damage the integrity of the election process. The NCP is demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for creating and circulating the ad. As the election season intensifies, this controversy highlights the growing use of media and advertisements in political campaigns, where the line between satire and defamation often becomes blurred. This incident underscores the fiercely competitive and sometimes personal nature of the electoral battle in Maharashtra. First Published: November 08, 2024, 13:06 IST BJP Burnt Manipur, Attempted To Divide People On Religion: Rahul Gandhi Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:47 IST Rahul Gandhi alleged that the saffron party deprived 90 per cent of the nations population of their due rights and benefits. oP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting ahead of Jharkhand Assembly elections. (PTI) Lohardaga: In a no-holds-barred attack on the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the saffron party of burning Manipur and making attempts to divide people across the country on religious lines. He also alleged that the saffron party deprived 90 per cent of the nations population of their due rights and benefits. related stories "The BJP burnt Manipur and attempted to divide people on religious lines. It incited Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs against each other. In recently held Haryana elections, the BJP incited Jats against non-JatsIt is the character of the BJP," Gandhi alleged while addressing an election rally in Lohardaga. The Congress leader also claimed that he undertook a 4,000-km padyatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to "spread the message of love and to open nafrat ke bazar me Mohabbat ki dukan (to open shops of love in the market of hatred)". "When I raise my voice for tribals and Dalits, the BJP accuses me of dividing India. I am here to unite and strengthen India. If I am wrong for raising the voice for 90 per cent of Indias population, which constitutes tribals, Dalits and OBCs, for their participation in governance, I will continue to do so," Gandhi claimed. He alleged that the BJP waived loans of 25 capitalists worth Rs 16 lakh crore but blamed the Congress for easing farmers debts to the tune of Rs 72,000 crore during the UPA regime. "Did the BJP government waive any loan of Jharkhand farmers?No because you are tribals, Dalits and OBCs. The BJP will never waive your debts because it waives debts of capitalists," he alleged. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This was Gandhis second visit to Jharkhand after the announcement of the assembly polls. The elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, and the counting of votes will take place on November 23. Location : Lohardaga, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:47 IST BJP Wont Make Eknath Shinde CM, Its Banners Only Show Devendra Fadnavis: Nana Patole To News18 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 06:00 IST During the exclusive interview, the Maharashtra Congress chief challenged Fadnavis to an open debate on the issue of reservations and the Constitution, and said the deputy CM's own seat 'is tight' Patole claimed that the BJP is worried and scared about losing power in Maharashtra. Pic/News18 The Bharatiya Janata Party wont make Shiv Senas Eknath Shinde the chief minister if the ruling Mahayuti wins this months Maharashtra assembly polls and the incumbent CM is virtually absent from the BJPs posters and banners, state Congress president Nana Patole has told News18. In the interview in Nagpur, Patole said it was clear that deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was the BJPs face. The BJP is now saying Eknath Shinde will be the CM. They are only saying we are fighting in his (Shindes) leadership, what happens later is not knownAmit Shah has said humne de diya mauka (we gave a chance). BJP ke dikhane ke daant aur khane ke daant alag hain (BJP will say something today, but do something else tomorrow). They are not declaring any face," Patole said. related stories He pointed out how BJP banners and posters were only showcasing Fadnavis. So, Fadnavis is BJPs face it seems, like you say I am Congresss face. On BJPs banners, you cannot see Eknath Shindes face; so, people know the tactics of the BJP," Patole told News18. He quickly added that even Fadnaviss win from the Nagpur South-West seat was uncertain. The BJP leader has won from the seat five consecutive times, but Patole claimed it is a tight fight now. On the question of the CM face in the Maha Vikas Aghadi camp, Patole said he, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar have the single aim of first defeating the BJP. About the CM, our high command will decide, we all will accept, and we will form a government accordingly. In Maharashtra, the Congress is there in the entire state while our allies have zones of influence, so we are fighting on more seats," Patole added. BJP Made Maharashtra Its ATM The state Congress chief also challenged Fadnavis to an open debate on the issue of reservations and guarantees. He said the five promises that the MVA had made to the people in the form of guarantees were based on a study of the states finances". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has advised his party to not make extravagant promises during elections and to stick to the realities of the states budget. What our party president said was correct. We did a study as to how to put the Maharashtra budget to best public use, and will fulfil our guarantees," Patole told News18. Patole said the MVA has promised Rs 3,000 per month to women and Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youth, as part of the five guarantees. You go to women now who are getting Rs 1,500 from the Mahayuti government and you will see positive feedback about our promise," Patole said. BJP should talk about its corruption and how it emptied the exchequer. We will finish corruption and give peoples money to the people. Maharashtra has a lot of resources, but BJP has made it its ATM." Patole also told News18 that the Congress had fulfilled guarantees in other states, and they were not jumlas (empty promises) like that of the BJP". He pointed out how the MVA government earlier waived off Rs 19,000 crore worth of farm loans on coming to power, without any such promise during polls. Caste Census Important top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Patole claimed that the BJP is worried and scared about losing power in Maharashtra. They are most scared of Rahul Gandhi because he speaks of a caste census, protecting the Constitution, and increasing reservation," he said. BJP leaders have been saying that the Congress campaign during the Lok Sabha elections of the Constitution being in danger" will not work anymore. It is the BJP which has made the Constitution hollow by filling up posts with RSS people. While the Congress protects the Constitution, the BJP has damaged it. I challenge Fadnavis to have a debate with me on how they, the BJP, have damaged the Constitution, and on the issue of reservation," said Patole. Location : Nagpur, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 06:00 IST Chhagan Bhujbal Denies Joining BJP Alliance Due To ED Cases Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 23:46 IST Chhagan Bhujbal was arrested in an alleged money laundering case related to the construction of Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal (Photo: PTI file) Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday denied that he joined the BJP-led ruling alliance in the state to avoid investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, and also said he had never made any such admission. The case against him had been closed when he was part of the previous government and he and his colleagues sided with the BJP to ensure speedy development in their constituencies, he said. related stories Bhujbal was responding to a claim in a book by journalist Rajdeep Sardesai that he admitted that the ED case was a factor in his decision to part ways with the Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar and support Ajit Pawar who split the party in July 2023. "I have not read the book. I think it is a deliberate attempt to divert attention. We are in the middle of assembly elections. After the elections, I will consult my lawyers and take action if anything wrong has been attributed to me," he told reporters here. "My case was closed when I was in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. I deny what is being attributed to me in the media, Bhujbal added. Bhujbal was arrested in an alleged money laundering case related to the construction of Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. He was granted bail in 2018. Earlier in the day, MP Supriya Sule of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) cited excerpts from the book as published by a newspaper, and said they validate her allegations. "I have spoken in Parliament on numerous occasions about the misuse of central agencies. Rival parties are being broken up by an invisible power in an unconstitutional way," she told reporters in Pune. As many as 95 per cent of the cases registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) were against opposition leaders, she said, adding, "BJP forms governments by putting them in a washing machine." Even women members of the family were not spared, Sule said. "Not one day, two days but for five days, the I-T conducted raids on Rajni Indulkar, Nita Patil and Vijaya Patil at the behest of the invisible power," she claimed. "I have seen what the families of Bhujbal, Anil Deshmukh, Nawab Malik and Sanjay Raut had to go through. Devendra Fadnavis and the invisible power should give answer to this," she said. Sules estranged cousin and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar claimed the published book excerpts was an attempt to create a "new narrative". Bhujbal has clarified that he never gave any such interview, he said. "What is happening right now is, as the poll date is nearing, a new kind of narrative is being attempted," he told reporters. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, on the other hand, alleged that he too had been warned that if he did not quit the Sena and join the BJP, he would face action by central agencies. His party colleague Anil Parab, NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh and other key leaders of opposition parties too faced this pressure, he claimed. "I had written a letter to then Vice President Venkaiah Naidu which is on record," said the Rajya Sabha member. The EDs pressure was the main reason for the split in the Shiv Sena and NCP, Raut claimed. In his book "2024 The Election That Surprised India", Sardesai has reportedly cited his conversation with Bhujbal around May 2023. Bhujbal, who had spent two-and-a-half years in jail, appeared worried about a fresh ED notice served to him and said he had no option but to join hands with the BJP, the book, as per the excerpts, claims. In July 2023, Ajit Pawar and MLAs loyal to him broke away from the NCP and joined hands with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to become part of the Mahayuti government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said it was appalling to see senior leaders confessing to have joined the ruling party to evade investigation. "Such admissions only reinforce the belief that the BJP operates as a washing machine where corrupt leaders enter and emerge spotless," he said. Location : Nashik, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 23:46 IST 'I'm Pro-Business': MVA Jitters Ahead Of Polls Prompt Rahul Gandhi's Climbdown Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 09:25 IST Top sources have told News18 that many of the MVA allies like the NCP (SP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are unhappy with Rahul Gandhi's column as it sent out a message that they were against the corporate sector. The clarification from Rahul Gandhi came in not because he tried to reach out to the BJP, but more because many among his own allies, were uncomfortable, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi members in Maharashtra. (Getty File) Almost 24 hours after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote an Op-ed in a national daily where he criticised the corporate culture and the fact that there was a monopoly and he spoke about the East India Company, a clarification came from the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. I am pro-Jobs, pro-Business, pro-Innovation, pro-Competition. I am anti-Monopoly. Our economy will thrive when there is free and fair space for all businesses," Gandhi said after facing criticism over his column. As many from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially those from royal families, like Diya Kumari and Jyotiraditya Scindia objected to Rahul Gandhis attack on the royalty, the BJP also mounted criticism. The clarification from Rahul Gandhi came in not because he tried to reach out to the BJP, but more because many among his own allies were uncomfortable, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi members in Maharashtra. related stories Colonial Mindset: Royal Scions Hit Out At Rahul Gandhi Over Plaint Maharajas Remark Maharashtra is set to go to polls on 20 November. The state is also called the financial hub of the country. Most of the biggest corporates in the country are seated in the state and the BJP said Rahul Gandhi is against the private sector, something which could hurt the Congress and the MVA as well. Top sources have told News18 that many of the MVA allies like the NCP (SP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are unhappy with Rahul Gandhis column as it sent out a message that they were against the corporate sector. Despite Rahul Gandhis clarification, the message which was sent out to the top brass of the Congress was that this is a perception which could end up hurting the alliance on multiple grounds. Sources have said that questions have been raised like how Rahuls column would be taken after the Congress and MVA have attacked the Modi government for shifting industries from Maharashtra to Gujarat. Secondly, parties like the NCP and Shiv Sena dont have a problem with the private sector. They know that in a state like Maharashtra, it is very important that the private sector also is taken along and, therefore, they cannot afford to alienate this important as well as influential vote bank, sources added. There was also uneasiness among the governments in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, which are looking at more investments by the private sector. The whole perception of Rahul Gandhi and the core team running NGO-style politics has ended up hurting the Congress party very often in the past. Leaders like Kamal Nath and Captain Amarinder Singh (former Congress leader) have been known to have good equations with private sector leaders, and such comments in the past too have made it difficult for them to convince the private sector that they must keep on investing in Congress-ruled states. In fact, the genesis of the G 23 and one of the problem areas with many leaders in the Congress with Rahul Gandhis strategies for both 2019 and 2024, was that his constant attacks on the private sector and calling out the Prime Minister is something which boomeranged on the Congress. In fact, Congress leader Anand Sharma and his letter to the top Congress leaders, at one point in time, made it clear that this as a political strategy and campaign had just not clicked. Many corporate-friendly leaders within the Congress and the MVA feel that Rahul Gandhi should have gone slow and that the timing was wrong. The perception which has been built after the column is also something which will end up harming the MVA. One criticism which Rahul Gandhi and his team have often faced is that unlike Sonia Gandhi, he believes in running a Left-oriented NGO style of politics in a country like India where a large number of private sectors employ a large number of people. This perception only ends up hurting the Congress. Many INDIA bloc allies feel that the Congress is ruining the private sector. They know that development and infrastructure facilities in states can only come if there is more private sector investment. Attacking the private sector and raising questions against them is something which could hurt the prospects of the INDIA bloc. It can least afford to send out a message at this point in time that it is not going to be corporate-friendly as India looks at being self-reliant with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a strong pitch for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Many in the MVA feel that this kind of article was badly timed and will only help the BJP build a perception that Congress and MVA are against all-round development. What Rahul Gandhi Said In an opinion piece in The Indian Express, Gandhi said India was silenced by the East India Company and it was silenced not by its business prowess, but by its chokehold. The Company choked India by partnering with, bribing, and threatening more pliant maharajas and nawabs," he pointed out. It controlled our banking, bureaucratic, and information networks. We didnt lose our freedom to another nation; we lost it to a monopolistic corporation that ran a coercive apparatus," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The original East India Company wound up over 150 years ago, but the raw fear it then generated is back," he claimed. A new breed of monopolists has taken its place, amassing colossal wealth, even as India has become far more unequal and unfair for everybody else," Gandhi said. Our institutions no longer belong to our people, they do the bidding of monopolists. Lakhs of businesses have been decimated and India is unable to generate jobs for her youth," the Congress MP said. First Published: November 08, 2024, 09:13 IST 'Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai': PM Modi Accuses Congress Of Dividing People On Caste Lines Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:32 IST PM Modi cautioned the people against Congress' caste politics at a poll rally as the Maharashtra Assembly Elections inch closer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Image: YouTube/ Narendra Modi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged Congress caste politics and cautioned the nation against it, while also accusing the grand old party of playing a dangerous game of pitting one caste against another" for political gains. Referring to Rahul Gandhis tune regarding the caste census, the Prime Minister said that the Congress is working on a sole agenda" of disrupting the unity of the SC, and ST communities. related stories A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress. This game is being played because Congress can never see the Dalits, backward classes, and tribals progressing. This is the history of Congress," he said at a rally in Maharashtras Dhule. Congress always wanted that SC-ST should remain weak. The Yuvraj of the fourth generation of this family (Gandhi family) is working with this dangerous intention. Congress has a sole agenda to break the unity of SC-ST and OBC communities. They want the communities to be divided into different castes so that their unity is weakened," the Prime Minister warned. He asked the people to stay united stating that they are safe as long as they remain united. His remark was similar to the one by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had said, Ek Rahenge Toh Nek Rahenge. Congress agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country When Congress tried this conspiracy with religious groups, it led to the partition of the country. Now Congress is inciting SC, ST, and OBC categories against each other. There can be no bigger conspiracy for India You will stay strong as long as you stay united Ek hai toh safe hai," PM Modi said. #WATCH | Dhule, Maharashtra: Addressing a public rally, PM Narendra Modi says, Congress agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country When Congress tried this conspiracy with religious groups, it led to the partition of the country. Now pic.twitter.com/c4bcyKWVO5 ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024 PM Modi slams Arvind Sawants imported remark PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) while making a veiled reference to Shiv Sena UBT leader Arvind Sawants imported remark on BJPs Shaina NC, and said that the Opposition has resorted to insulting women". The MVA is insulting women. Every woman should be cautious of the INDIA bloc," PM Modi said without mentioning the name of Arvind Sawant who had described Shaina as an imported maal. She stayed all her life in the BJP and now look at her Humare yahan imported maal nahi chalta (Imported material does not work here). Only original maal works here. We have the original material," the Uddhav Sena leader had said earlier. He later apologised for his remarks after the BJP leader filed a police complaint. PM Modi flags MVA infighting Raising the issue of chief ministerial face in the MVA and the infighting in the alliance over it, the Prime Minister said that the alliance partners are fighting for the chief ministers chair. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The next 5 years will take the progress of Maharashtra to new heights. Only the Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. On the other hand, the Maha Aghadi vehicle has neither wheels nor brakes and there is a fight even to sit in the drivers seat," PM Modi said. As Maharashtra Assembly Elections remain just over a week away, political parties are intensifying their campaigning. Maharashtra will go to Assembly polls in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23. First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:43 IST 'No Power Can Restore Article 370': PM Modi Brings Up J&K Resolution In Maharashtra Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:29 IST The Congress is in alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir where the Legislative assembly has passed a resolution to bring back Article 370 in the UT. PM Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Maharashtra's Dhule (Image: X) The issue of the resolution moved on restoring Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has entered Maharashtra election fray with Prime Minister Narendra Modi warning voters in the poll-bound state about the conspiracies" of the Congress party in the Union Territory. This could cost the Congress in Maharashtra, say BJP leaders. The Congress is in alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir where the Legislative assembly has passed a resolution to bring back Article 370 in the UT. Maharashtra should understand Congress conspiracies in J&K the country wont accept this resolution on Article 370. Till Modi is there, Congress wont be able to do anything in Kashmir. Only Bhim Rao Ambedkars Constitution will run there. No power can bring back 370," Modi said at his first rally in Maharashtra this election season in Dhule. related stories Modi also cautioned the Congress to not forward Pakistan agenda here, and dont speak the language of separatists for Kashmir". He said BJP MLAs who opposed the resolution in the J&K Assembly were thrown out of the House. Significantly, the Congress fought the election in J&K in an alliance with National Conference, but it had not promised restoration of Article 370, trying to steer away from the contentious issue. Congress also did not join the NC government in J&K, perhaps anticipating that such an association would cost it in Maharashtra elections as NC had vowed to bring back Article 370 in its manifesto. But the Prime Minister has brought this issue to the centre-stage in the Maharashtra elections, saying the restoration of Article 370 will again deprive the SCs, STs and OBCs of reservation benefits in J&K and, hence, the Congress stands against reservation. Modi also raised the slogan of Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain (we are safe if we are one) to stress on Hindu unity and said the Congress was doing the biggest conspiracy against the country by trying to divide people on the basis of caste. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The unity of OBC, SCs and STs is important Yuvraaj (Rahul Gandhi) is playing a dangerous game of making one caste fight the other. He wants to divide their collective strength. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi all did not want reservation," Modi said. He also said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi car was one without brakes and wheels, and there was fight over who will be in the drivers seat. Modi also said the Congress wants to shut the popular women-centric scheme of the Mahayuti in which Rs 1,500 per month is being given to women in the state. Every woman should be cautious of them. They cant tolerate our popular scheme," Modi said. First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:29 IST Sharad Pawar Owner Of Fake Narrative Factory: Fadnavis At Maharashtra Poll Rally Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:43 IST Devendra Fadnavis criticised NCP SP leader Supriya Sule for managing a fake narrative factory centred around alleged job losses According to Fadnavis, the states industrial and IT sectors remain robust despite challenges. (PTI file) Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at a campaign rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad, levelled sharp criticism at Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, calling him the owner of a fake narrative factory". Speaking in support of Mahayuti candidate Shankar Jagtap, Fadnavis responded to the oppositions allegations that companies were moving out of Maharashtra. Our government has made Maharashtra a preferred choice for investors." He argued that the narrative of Maharashtra losing industries was largely fabricated, intended to mislead the public and shift voter perception ahead of the elections. related stories Fadnavis argued that contrary to the oppositions claims, Maharashtra continues to be a top destination for investment, recently drawing 52% of Indias foreign direct investment (FDI). He asserted that the oppositions portrayal of industries moving to Gujarat was misleading and designed to harm Maharashtras image for political gain. Fadnavis directed specific criticism at NCP SP leader Supriya Sule, whom he accused of managing a fake narrative factory" centred around employment losses and the supposed relocation of IT firms from Hinjewadi, Punes major IT hub. According to Fadnavis, the states industrial and IT sectors remain robust despite challenges, and he attributed most industrial slowdowns to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi governments tenure. He alleged that any challenges faced by the sector were being exaggerated to portray the current administration as ineffective, calling Sules claims misleading and part of a coordinated attempt to undermine Maharashtras growth story. The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed Uddhav Thackerays recent criticism of the Ladki Bahin scheme, a BJP initiative aimed at supporting young women and girls financially. Fadnavis argued that Thackerays opposition to the programme showed a disconnect from the aspirations of ordinary citizens, suggesting that his remarks reflected a lack of understanding about the social benefits intended for the youth. He reassured voters that the scheme, which will provide monthly support to thousands of girls, is designed to enhance welfare and educational opportunities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Fadnavis emphasised that the BJP-led government is committed to creating employment opportunities and promoting youth empowerment. He announced the governments plan to generate employment for 10 lakh youth in Maharashtra and reiterated the states strong economic position as a growth leader. Positioning the BJP as focused on development, he portrayed the opposition as motivated by political gain over state welfare. Fadnavis invited voters to see through what he described as fabricated narratives" from the opposition. First Published: November 08, 2024, 13:43 IST CJI Chandrachud's Term Ends: What Chief Justices Cannot Do After Retirement? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:39 IST The Chief Justice and other Supreme Court judges are prohibited from practising law in any Indian court, after their term ends, according to Article 124(7) of the Constitution CJI DY Chandrachud | Image/File It was the last working day of DY Chandrachud as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 10. Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st CJI at a ceremony presided by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday. Justice Chandrachud acknowledged on Friday that he would no longer serve as the countrys top judge, and said, I wont be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content". In his final address in the court, Justice Chandrachud sought forgiveness in case he ever hurt anyone". related stories So, what will Justice Chandrachud do after his term ends? Can former judges hold constitutional or statutory posts after retirement? Let us look at what former CJIs and Supreme Court judges can do after their tenure ends. What Former SC Judges Cannot Do? The Chief Justice and other Supreme Court judges are prohibited from practising law in any Indian court, after their term ends, according to the Article 124(7) of the Constitution. No person who has held office as a Judge of the Supreme Court shall plead or act in any court or before any authority within the territory of India". The rationale behind this restriction is to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Allowing a former CJI or any Supreme Court judge to practice law could create situations where their previous judgments could be perceived as having an undue impact on the judicial process, as per Law Trend. Why The Restriction? Avoiding Conflict of Interest: The ban prevents any conflict of interest that might arise if a former judge were to appear as an advocate in cases involving matters they previously adjudicated. It helps maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, ensuring that there is no perception of bias or favouritism. Upholding Judicial Integrity: A judge, especially at the level of the Supreme Court, holds a position of immense respect and authority. Starting an active legal practice post retirement could mean undermining this dignity. The ban helps preserve the decorum and ethical standards. Ethical Considerations: The prohibition on practising law also has ethical implications. The judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy, and its credibility depends heavily on the perceived and actual impartiality of its members. Preventing Undue Influence: Since the CJIs have access to sensitive and crucial information, allowing them to practice law after retirement could lead to misuse of information or at least give the perception that it could be. What Are The Alternative Roles After Retirement? While the former SC judges are barred from practising law after retirement, they are not prohibited from taking up other roles. Some of these include: Arbitration and Mediation: Retired judges often take up roles as arbitrators or mediators in various disputes. This is because of their legal expertise and understanding of complex legal matters. The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, allows retired judges to be appointed as arbitrators, providing them a platform to continue contributing to the legal field. Chairpersons or Members of Commissions: Retired judges frequently serve as chairpersons or members of various commissions and tribunals, such as the Law Commission of India, the National Human Rights Commission, or the National Green Tribunal. Their experience and expertise are invaluable in these roles. Academia and Legal Education: Many retired judges contribute to the field of legal education by teaching in law schools, delivering lectures, or writing on legal issues. This allows them to impart their vast knowledge and experience to the next generation of legal professionals. Public Service: Some retired judges are appointed to constitutional and statutory positions such as the Governor of a state or as heads of various governmental committees and commissions. It should be noted that while retired judges can take up roles in various quasi-judicial and administrative bodies, such positions should not compromise their previous judicial conduct, as per Law Trend. Controversies Around Post-Retirement Roles According to critics, the post-retirement appointments of judges to various commissions and tribunals could be seen as a reward" for favourable judgments delivered during their term. This perception could be pernicious to the image of judiciary. For instance, when former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was nominated to the Rajya Sabha shortly after his retirement, there was a widespread debate on the propriety and ethics of such appointments. Critics have argued that such appointments could potentially undermine public confidence in the judiciarys independence. Post-Retirement Benefits For Former CJIs And SC Judges As per the latest changes in the rules, a retired Chief Justice of India will be entitled to a security cover round-the-clock at their residence in addition to a 24X7 personal security guard for a period of five years from the date of retirement. A retired CJI will be entitled to a rent-free Type-VII accommodation in Delhi (other than the designated official residence) for a period of six months from the date of retirement. Type VII accommodation is usually provided to sitting MPs who have been former Union ministers. The accommodation facility was extended to retired CJIs earlier this month. A retired judge of the Supreme Court will get a domestic help and a chauffeur for lifetime from the day of retirement. The ceremonial lounge facility at airports extended to retired CJI and retired Supreme Court judges announced earlier this month would also continue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A retired CJI or a retired Supreme Court judge will be entitled to a residential telephone free of cost" and reimbursement of telephone call charges of residential telephone or mobile phone or broadband or mobile data or data card not exceeding Rs 4,200 per month, plus taxes. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: November 08, 2024, 17:14 IST What Is Donald Trumps Agenda 47? How Is It Different From Project 2025? | Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 11:11 IST Although Trump has distanced himself from 'Project 2025', which first produced policy plans for future Republican administrations in 1981, his Agenda 47 more or less invokes a conservative approach on economy, border and immigration, education, bureaucracy and foreign policy Donald Trumps key policies on immigration include prohibiting undocumented immigrants from accessing public benefits, reinstating a travel ban for some countries, ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. (Getty Images) Now that Donald Trump is the President of the United States, there was a policy agenda crafted, which was invoked by Democrats Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and others throughout the election campaign, to overhaul the federal government. Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from the 900-page document drafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation after a backlash over some of its more radical reforms. While Trump has sought to deny a connection, there is plenty of overlap between Project 2025 and his agenda. It proposes mass deportations of millions of undocumented immigrants. So does Trump. related stories Let us look at Project 25 in detail, Trumps Agenda 47 and how will all this shape the United States in the coming days. What is Project 25? It is a blueprint for presidential transition that is composed of four aspects: a policy guide for the next presidential administration; a LinkedIn-style database of personnel who could serve in the next administration; training for that pool of candidates dubbed the Presidential Administration Academy; and a playbook of actions to be taken within the first 180 days in office. It first produced policy plans for future Republican administrations in 1981, when Ronald Reagan was about to take office. Project 2025 was led by two of former Trumps administration officials Paul Dans, who was the chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management and serves as the director of the project, and Spencer Chretien, former special assistant to Trump and now the projects associate director. Dans announced on July 30 that he would be stepping down from his role as head of Project 2025 and departing Heritage in August. What Are The Key Proposals In Project 25? Bureaucracy: It proposes that the entire federal bureaucracy, including independent agencies such as the Department of Justice, be placed under direct presidential control. The idea behind this to streamline decision-making and allowing president to directly implement policies. It seeks drastic overhauls of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and several other agencies. The platform pledges to slash regulation and government spending, and explicitly calls for closing the Department of Education an idea Trump has endorsed. Government Employees: It also calls for elimination of job protections for thousands of government employees, and replacing them by political appointees. It includes a proposal to declassify government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees. Abortion: The word has been mentioned some 200 times in the documents. Although the project does not outrightly calls for a ban on abortion, but it proposes withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market. It proposes data collection on abortion and suggests that the health department should maintain a biblically based, social science-reinforced definition of marriage and family". It also says abortion laws should be left to individual states and that late-term abortions (which it does not define) should be banned. Immigration: The project proposes increasing funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border one of Trumps 2016 proposals. It also suggests dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and combining it with other immigration enforcement units in other agencies for a more powerful border policing operation. Other plans include removing visa categories for crime and human trafficking victims, increasing fees on immigrants and allowing fast-tracked applications for migrants who pay a premium. Trump has also promised to implement the largest deportation programme in American history". Economy: The document proposes to cut the funding for research and investment in renewable energy, and calls for the next president to stop the war on oil and natural gas". It also proposes visions on tariffs whether the next president should encourage free trade or raise restrictions on imports. Trump has strongly advocated raising tariffs on imported goods. What is the Opposition to Project 2025? The Project 2025 report was unveiled in April 2023, but it went largely unnoticed outside of policy circles until earlier this year, when Democratic opposition to the document ramped up. The Democrats launched a Stop Project 2025 Task Force and even set up a tip line to collect insider information on Heritages activities, claiming there is a secret" part of the agenda pushing a list of executive orders that Trump could implement. Trump had disavowed Project 2025 several times, and posted on Truth Social, I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal." Vice-President-elect JD Vance told CBS News in July, Its a 900-page document. I guarantee there are things that Trump likes and dislikes about that 900-page document. But he is the person who will determine the agenda of the next administration." He had earlier cast the project as merely the product of a think tank that puts forth ideas. How Different Is Trumps Agenda 47? Trumps agenda consists of proposals his campaign issued on its website during the primary election in December 2023, and is separate to the Project 2025 plans. Education: Trumps proposals include having parents elect school principals, cutting federal funding to any school teaching critical race theory," ending teacher tenure, creating a new credentialing body to only certify teachers who embrace patriotic values," encouraging prayer in schools, making it easier to kick out-of-control troublemakers" out of school, supporting school districts that allow teachers to carry concealed firearms and pushing school choice" policies. At the university level, he proposes a sweeping overhaul of the college accreditation system, proposing new standards aligned with his partys principles. He calls for a free, online American Academy that offers tuition-free degrees to students, leveraging funds obtained by fining colleges and universities accused of discrimination. Climate: Trump has pledged to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement and dismiss restrictions imposed by Joe Bidens administration, ending electric vehicle incentives, and massively scaling up oil and gas production. Justice Department: Trump has plans to appoint 100 US attorneys who would be aligned with his policies and investigate left-leaning local district attorneys, establishing a Department Of Justice task force on protecting the right to self-defense" and fight purported anti-conservative bias at law schools and law firms. Crime And Immigration: He aims to crack down on drug dealers, gangs, and human traffickers, advocating the use of federal troops to restore law and order" where local law enforcement refuses to act." Trumps key policies on immigration include prohibiting undocumented immigrants from accessing public benefits, reinstating a travel ban for certain countries, ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, and implementing a nationwide catch-and-release" ban. He also plans to deploy strict extreme vetting" procedures and suspend refugee admissions. Economy: In order to boost American manufacturing, Trump has proposed baseline tariffs on imported goods, with higher rates for countries with unfair trade practices." He also plans to cut corporate taxes to 15% from 21%, along with tax cuts specifically targeting the working class by exempting tips and overtime wages. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Healthcare: Trump wants federal agencies to prioritise purchasing American-made medicines and equipment, as well as mandating that pharmaceutical companies sell medications to the US at the best price" offered to foreign buyers. Foreign Policy: Trump wants Europe to pay back the US for depleting its military stockpiles sending weapons to Ukraine; he has also taken a hardline stance on China, calling for new restrictions on Chinese-owned infrastructure in the US, and wants to build a missile defense shield. First Published: November 08, 2024, 11:11 IST Whats The 1967 Verdict In Aligarh Muslim University Minority Status Case? Legal Dispute Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 12:51 IST The dispute began in 1967 when the Supreme Court reviewed the 1951 and 1965 amendments in the Aligarh Muslim University Act, which argued that they deprived the Muslims community, which had established the university, of the right to administer it. The SC bench upheld the... Read More The Centre has argued that 'a large national institute like AMU ought to maintain its secular origins and serve the larger interest of the nation first'. The Supreme Court on Friday overruled the 1967 judgment that became the basis for denying minority status to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The seven-judge Constitution bench of Supreme Court, headed by outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, left the decision to a three-judge bench to determine whether to grant the status to AMU based on the principles evolved in this judgment. related stories The CJI said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts, in the AMU case. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, whereas Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. Let us understand the dispute over the 1967 judgment, and Article 30 of the Constitution that establishes rights of minorities to establish educational institutions. What is the Background of the Case? Muslim reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College) at Aligarh to address Muslim educational backwardness while protecting Islamic values. When the Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920 (AMU Act) was passed, the MAO college and the Muslim University Association was incorporated into AMU. In 1951, the AMU Act was amended, removing compulsory religious education for Muslims and the exclusive Muslim representation mandate in the University Court. The Act was further amended in 1965, and the powers of the Court were redistributed among other bodies including the executive, with the President of India nominating members to the governing body. Then Comes The 1967 Judgment The dispute began in 1967 when the top court in S. Azeez Basha vs Union of India (UOI) reviewed the 1951 and 1965 amendments in the AMU Act, which argued that they deprived the Muslim community, which has established the university, of the right to administer it. However, the five-judge SC bench upheld the amendments, and said the AMU was neither established nor administered by the Muslim minority, stressing the AMU Acts enactment through Central legislation. The 1951 amendment to the Act allowed non-Muslims to be the members of the University Court, which was the supreme governing body at that time. It replaced the universitys Lord Rector with the Visitor, who was the President of India. The 1965 amendment gave more powers to the AMUs Executive Council, which meant that the University Court would no longer be the supreme governing body. After witnessing nationwide protests over the ruling, the government amended the AMU Act in 1981, affirming the universitys minority status. The AMU in 2005 for the first time provided 50% reservation for Muslims in post-graduate medical programmes. The Allahabad High Court struck down the reservation policy holding the 1981 amendment ultra vires. Consequently, the University and the Union of India appealed to the SC in 2006. But in 2016, the Union government withdrew from the appeal, refusing to acknowledge the Universitys minority status. What Does Minority Status Mean For AMU? The top court is dealing with two aspects of the case: first, to determine minority status of an educational institution, and second, whether an institution established under a statute can enjoy such a status. Under Article 15(5), introduced in the Constitution in 2006, minority educational institutions are exempt from reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Since AMUs minority status is sub judice, and the SC directed in 2006 that status quo be maintained, the university does not have SC/ST quotas. Although the petitioners argue that AMU is entitled to the minority status, the Union government is now endorsing the S. Azeez Basha verdict. The Centre argued before the Supreme Court this year that if AMU is declared a minority institution, it will continue not to provide for reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs/EWS, [in jobs and seats, but] it will provide for reservation for Muslims which can be up to 50% or even more". The Centre also argued that a large national institute like AMU ought to maintain its secular origins and serve the larger interest of the nation first". Submission submitted on behalf of AMU stated that it was fallacious" for the Centre to hold that AMUs minority status would be contrary to public interest as it would exempt them from reserving seats for other disadvantaged groups", since this negates the Constitutional provision that shields special rights of minorities. On reservation not being applicable to AMU, Sibal stated that Article 30 is itself a recognition of rights of communities that also require special protection". Therefore, the exemption for minority educational institutions provided by Article 15(5) is not an exception to equality but simply a different facet of it, which seeks to balance the needs of different sections of society whether on the basis of religion, or caste and class". What Is Article 30 Of the Constitution? Article 30 of the Indian constitution consists of provisions that safeguard various rights of the minority community in the country keeping in mind the principle of equality as well. Article 30(1) in Part III of the Constitution empowers all religious and linguistic minorities with a fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. Article 30(1A) deals with the fixation of the amount for acquisition of property of any educational institution established by minority groups. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Article 30(2) states that the government should not discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language, while giving aid. While Article 30 and Article 29 of the Constitution do not specify minorities in India, it is classified into religious minorities and linguistic minorities. Section 2, clause (c) of the National Commission of Minorities Act, declares six communities as minority communities. They are: Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parsis). First Published: November 08, 2024, 12:49 IST F1 Drivers Blast FIA Chief's 'Tone And Language' In Swearing Row Published By : AFP Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:28 IST Several drivers, including three-time world champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Monaco's Charles Leclerc, were recently sanctioned by the FIA for swearing at a press conference. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, center, who qualified for pole position, speaks with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem after qualification ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) Formula One drivers on Thursday blasted the tone and language" used by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem amid a row over swearing at press conferences. In an open letter, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) also demanded that competitors be treated like adults. related stories Several drivers, including three-time world champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Monacos Charles Leclerc, were recently sanctioned by the FIA for swearing at a press conference. And Ben Sulayem has spoken out in favour of measures to ensure drivers no longer use foul language. On Thursday, the GPDA hit back with a letter posted on social media regarding Driver Misconduct. There is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as an F1 car, or a driving situation," the letter read. We urge the FIA president to consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery or underpants." Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has clashed with FIA bosses for wearing jewellery at races, with the governing body also reminding drivers of the need to wear flame-resistant underwear. The GPDA also stressed its opposition to financial sanctions against drivers and called on Ben Sulayem to clarify how they are imposed and how their proceeds are used. Relations between Ben Sulayem, team bosses and drivers have deteriorated in recent months. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The FIA president was accused at the start of the year of trying to derail the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix and influence the results of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the same year. In both cases, the Emirati was cleared by the FIA Ethics Committee. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:28 IST Supreme Court Junks 1967 Ruling, Entrusts 3-Judge Bench To Decide On AMU's Minority Tag Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 12:00 IST The Supreme Court, in a 4:3 majority ruling, overturned the 1967 Azeez Basha verdict on AMU's minority status under Article 30. The matter is now referred to a regular bench for a factual determination. A file photo of the Aligarh Muslim University (AP) The Supreme Court on Friday overruled a 1967 verdict holding that since the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The issue of whether the Aligarh Muslim University is a minority institution is now left to be decided by a regular bench based on this view of the majority. A seven-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, delivered four separate judgements on a vexed legal question of whether the Aligarh Muslim University enjoyed a minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution which empowers the religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. related stories CJI Chandrachud, on his last working day, pronounced the judgment on behalf of the majority (comprising himself, Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra). Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma dissented. The bench, by a majority of 4:3, ruled that the Aligarh Muslim University is entitled to a minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution of India. The four main aspects for consideration before the bench were whether a university, established and governed by a statute (AMU Act 1920), can claim minority status the correctness of the 1967 judgment of the Supreme Court in S Azeez Basha vs Union Of India (five-judge bench) which rejected the minority status of AMU the nature and correctness of the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, which accorded minority status to the University after the decision in Basha whether reliance placed on the Basha decision by Allahabad High Court in AMU vs Malay Shukla in 2006 was correct in concluding that AMU being a non-minority institution could not reserve 50 per cent seats for Muslim candidates in postgraduate medical courses. IN A NUTSHELL In Azeez Basha, the court had ruled that the Aligarh Muslim University cannot claim minority status as it was established by a statute. Today, the majority led by CJI DY Chandrachud overruled Azeez Basha and held that an institution will not lose its minority status merely because it was created by a statute. The majority held that the court must examine who established the University and who was the brain" behind it. If that enquiry is pointing towards a minority community, then the institution can claim minority status as per Article 30. For this factual determination, the constitution bench relegated the matter to a regular bench, Live Law reported. AMU CASE IN SUPREME COURT: THE MAJORITY VIEW In its majority view, the court today said Article 30 will stand diluted if it is to apply prospectively only to the institutions which were established after the commencement of the Constitution. The words incorporation and establishment cannot be used interchangeably. Merely because the AMU was incorporated by an imperial legislation would not mean that it was not established by a minority. It cannot be argued that the University was established by the Parliament merely because the statute says it was passed to establish the University. Such a formalistic reading will defeat the objectives of Article 30. Formalism must give way to actuality. To determine who established the institution, the court must trace the genesis of the institution and identify who was the brain" behind it. The proof of ideation must point towards a member of the minority community. It has to be seen who got funds for the land and if the minority community helped. It is not necessary that the institution was established only for the benefit of the minority community. It is not necessary to prove that the administration must vest with the minority. Minority institutions may wish to emphasise secular education and for that minority members are not needed in administration. The decision in Azeez Basha is overruled, the question of deciding the minority status of AMU must be done on the basis of the tests laid down in the present case. The papers are to be placed before the CJI for constituting a bench to decide the issue and correctness of the 2006 Allahabad HC judgement. AMU CASE IN SUPREME COURT: THE BACKGROUND The seven-judge bench had reserved its verdict on the question on February 1 after hearing arguments for eight days. Grappling with the intractable issue of the AMUs minority status, the top court said the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, which effectively accorded it a minority status, only did a half-hearted job" and did not restore the institution the position it had prior to 1951. While the AMU Act, 1920, speaks about incorporating a teaching and residential Muslim university in Aligarh, the 1951 amendment does away with compulsory religious instructions for the Muslim students at the university. The vexed question has repeatedly tested Parliaments legislative acumen and judiciarys prowess in interpreting complex laws involving the institution that was founded in 1875 as Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College by prominent Muslim community members led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Years later in 1920, it transformed into a university under the British Raj. Earlier, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) refused to accept the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act and insisted that the court should go by the five-judge constitution bench verdict in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967. The constitution bench had then held that since the AMU was a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The top court had said it needs to see what the 1981 amendment did and whether it restored to the institution the status it enjoyed before 1951. Those who put forward the view favouring a minority status for the institution, including veteran lawyer Kapil Sibal, contended that the mere fact that only 37 of the 180-member governing council is Muslim does not detract from its credentials as a Muslim minority institution. Others like Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended a university getting enormous funds from the Centre and having been declared an institution of national importance cannot claim to belong to a particular religious denomination. They had also argued that once the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College transformed itself into a university after the 1951 amendment to the AMU Act and began receiving funds from the Central government, the institution surrendered its minority character. A lawyer disfavouring minority status to the AMU had even claimed that it received over Rs 5,000 crore from the Central government between 2019 and 2023, nearly double the University of Delhi, a central university, got. Some of them had even contended that prominent people from the Muslim community who had lobbied with the then British government for establishing the institution as a university wedded to the cause of promoting education among the Muslims did not consider themselves as a religious minority in undivided India and advocated a two-nation theory. Sibal had mounted a spirited counterattack on them, asserting that Article 30 of the Constitution which deals with the right of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions was applicable to the AMU. Notably, the Allahabad High Court had struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which the university was accorded minority status. Appeals were filed in the apex court, including by the AMU, against the high court verdict. The row over AMUs minority status has been caught in a legal maze for the last several decades. The top court had on February 12, 2019, referred to a seven-judge bench the contentious issue. A similar reference was also made in 1981. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre moved in an appeal against the 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court that quashed the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act. The university also filed a separate petition against it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NDA government spearheaded by the BJP told the Supreme Court in 2016 that it would withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA dispensation. It cited the apex courts 1967 judgement in the Basha case to claim that AMU was not a minority institution since it was a central university funded by the government. First Published: November 08, 2024, 11:08 IST Amid Fresh Wave Of Attacks In J&K, Strength Of CRPF's Anti-Terror Squad To Multiply Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 11:50 IST According to a senior CRPF official, around 100 young officials have been shortlisted, and the process of procuring weapons is underway. The CRPFs Valley QAT and CoBRA are the most decorated units among all central armed forces. (PTI) Amid a fresh wave of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Anti-Terrorism wing, Valley Quick Action Team (QAT), will get young crop who will be getting deployed in two key areas around Pulwama and Budgam. These teams will consist entirely of young officials, led by young commanders. According to a senior CRPF official, around 100 young officials have been shortlisted, and the process of procuring weapons is underway. related stories Two young platoons will be formed and deployed around Budgam and Pulwama soon. These platoons will focus on anti-terror operations in Kashmir, equipped with special weapons and equipment. The Valley QAT is already equipped with highly sophisticated weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The process of acquiring additional specialised weapons and equipment has already been initiated," the senior official told News18. A top-level official said that this is the part of big plan where such young platoons will be deployed to deal with terrorists in future. Another CRPF official stated that these young platoons are expected to begin operations next year, provided everything goes according to plan. The CRPF has faced challenges due to an aging command structure and a shortage of young commandos in its elite units. The force has had to repeatedly extend the age limit for commanders, as it has struggled to recruit the desired officials. The CRPFs Valley QAT and CoBRA are the most decorated units among all central armed forces, earning the highest number of gallantry medals each year. Officers and jawans from these units have also been awarded the Shaurya Chakra and Kirti Chakra for their bravery. The Valley QAT was specifically designed to operate effectively based on intelligence and take swift action during any terror-related situation. The team provides additional support to the overall security framework. Jawans in this unit are trained to shoot to kill and are experts in handling anti-terror operations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Thursday also, two Village Defence Guards were killed in a terrorist attack in Kishtwar. Their bodies are yet to be recovered by security forces. The police have launched a massive search operation to locate Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, who went to a nearby forest area to graze their cattle but did not come back. First Published: November 08, 2024, 11:50 IST Anganwadi Workers Scam Leads To 40 Unmarried Girls Being Declared Pregnant in Varanasi Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 08:45 IST As per local reports, the anganwadi worker collected Aadhaar photocopies from the girls, then falsely registered them as pregnant to embezzle nutritional materials intended for mothers The Chief Development Officer has ordered an investigation into the matter. (Local18) An alleged attempt by an anganwadi worker to embezzle public funds led to 40 unmarried girls being labelled pregnant in Varanasi. The girls of Malhiya Village in Gram Panchayat Ramna received the shocking message from the Ministry of Child Development informing them of facilities available under the Poshan Abhiyaan Yojana. related stories Welcome to Poshan Tracker. As a breastfeeding mother, you can avail services like hot cooked meals or ration, counselling, child health monitoring and breastfeeding support through home visits from Anganwadi Centre," the message read, triggering anger and panic in the girls families. When they contacted anganwadi worker Sumanlata, she allegedly became defensive and evasive, prompting the families to raise their concerns with the village head. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per local reports, Sumanlata, under the pretext of linking Aadhaar with their voter IDs, collected Aadhaar photocopies from the girls, then falsely registered them as pregnant to embezzle nutritional materials intended for mothers. Following complaints from the families, Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal ordered an investigation. He said the Block Development Officer is investigating to verify if any materials were distributed in the names of these girls. Further action will be taken following the investigations findings. Location : Varanasi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 08:45 IST News / National by Staff reporter The government has approved plans to construct and rehabilitate several key roads in Matebeleland, with work expected to begin by the end of this year, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga announced yesterday.Speaking at the official opening of the AfriConfex 2024 conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Chiwenga emphasized the critical role infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.The conference, which was held under the theme Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth, brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to discuss solutions for urban development and infrastructure challenges.Chiwenga highlighted the importance of roads in unlocking economic potential, stressing that no area could experience true development without proper accessibility. He revealed that plans for the construction of the Beitbridge-Gwanda-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, as well as the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Karoi-Binga-Victoria Falls roads, had already been finalized and approved by Cabinet."It is our hope that before the end of this year, all that needs to be done is to start the Beitbridge-Gwanda-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. Work plans for the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Karoi-Binga-Victoria Falls road have been done. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has presented its work plans and Cabinet has approved," Chiwenga said.The Vice-President reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that proper and efficient roads are constructed across the country, noting that accessible infrastructure is vital for fostering economic growth."If we have roads, we will see development. No one can develop an area where they cannot get into. We must construct proper and efficient roads," he added.Chiwenga further emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, stating that while building residential areas is important, it must be complemented by the creation of job opportunities and industrial spaces to sustain growth."We cannot continue considering one aspect forgetting that when we built suburbs, where are those people going to get jobs? We must then build factories, spaces for industries," he said.Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, who spoke on behalf of Minister Felix Mhona, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the decline in the quality of the country's infrastructure due to underinvestment, operational constraints, and poor contract management. He highlighted the urgent need to bridge the existing infrastructure gap in Zimbabwe."A lot of work needs to be done in bridging the gap," Sacco said.The planned road projects in Matabeleland are expected to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity across the region, boosting trade, and facilitating economic activities, particularly in the tourism and agricultural sectors.As the government pushes forward with these infrastructural developments, stakeholders are hopeful that the projects will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe's economic recovery and long-term growth, while providing much-needed job opportunities for local communities. Foreign Actors Exploiting Kuki Groups With Religion Card To Divide India's Northeast: Sources | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 16:10 IST The Kuki groups will be used to create a separate state with areas of Manipur, Mizoram, Chin State from Myanmar, and Bangladeshs Chittagong, warned the sources According to some sections within the security forces, the 15-month-long Manipur conflict has been neglected for too long. (Representational image) Kuki groups are being empowered by foreign actors under the guise of religion with the ultimate goal of exploiting them to create a separate state by annexing areas of Manipur, Mizoram, as well as Chin State in Myanmar, along with Chittagong in Bangladesh, top-level security sources told CNN-News18 on Friday. According to them, both China and the United States seek dominance in Asia, and this particular region holds strategic importance for their ambitions. related stories Efforts to appease tribes failing Another pressing concern assessed by central agencies is the handling of the Kuki issue by both the federal and state governments. Despite attempts to appease local tribes like the Thadou, Gangte, Vaiphei, Paite, and Simte, sources said these efforts are proving futile. These tribes feel increasingly threatened and perceive a lack of support from both levels of government. According to the sources, the recent statement made by Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma about three enemies" in a foreign country without prior political clearance is particularly damaging. His remarks align with the narratives propagated by foreign agencies seeking to interfere in the region. This lack of coordination raises serious concerns. China is already exploiting various border disputes to stoke tensions and destabilise India, said the sources. Simultaneously, recent American operations in Bangladesh raise concerns about similar activities being planned within India, they added. According to some sections within the security forces, the 15-month-long Manipur conflict has been neglected for too long. The origins of the sophisticated weaponry possessed by insurgent groups and the advanced military tactics employed by them raise serious questions. Weapon recoveries from Manipur 2022: Security forces recovered 137 weapons, including AK-56 rifles, M16 rifles, and pistols, from various locations in Manipur. 2021: Police recovered 57 weapons, including 9mm pistols and .32 revolvers, from Thoubal and Imphal East districts. 2020: Security forces seized 34 weapons, including AK-47 rifles and M16 rifles, from Ukhrul and Chandel districts. 2019: Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, including 11 AK-56 rifles, two M16 rifles, and 12 pistols, from a militant hideout in Imphal West. 2018: Police seized 25 weapons, including 9mm pistols and .32 revolvers, from a militant leaders residence in Thoubal. These incidents are being categorised as organised and premeditated war crimes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There is speculation that these groups may have received specialised training in Chittagong or Myanmar. The Mizoram CMs statement in the US has provided foreign powers with an opportunity to interfere in Indias domestic affairs, potentially damaging the regional fabric, said the sources. First Published: November 08, 2024, 16:10 IST 'What'll Happen To All Those Who Trolled Me?' CJI Chandrachud In Farewell Speech Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 21:41 IST CJI Chandrachud, who assumed office on November 9, 2022, bid farewell to his position today after his two-year term ended. Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud speaks during a farewell function organised in his honour by Supreme Court Bar Association. (PTI) Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud on Friday took a jibe at many of his trolls saying that he might perhaps be the most trolled judge but that does not deter him and he respects his opponents. Justice Chandrachud, who had often been trolled during his term, did not forget to leave behind a parting shot for those who will be rendered unemployed" from Monday. related stories I am, probably, one of the most trolled judges and on a lighter note, I am wondering what will happen from Monday as all those who trolled me will be rendered unemployed," he said. At the farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, the outgoing CJI responded to the criticism and online trolling he has received in the last few days by quoting a Urdu Shayari by poet Bashir Badr. I hope you know that amount of trolling I have received. I will only say a shayari Mukhalif se meri shaksiyat sanwarti hai Mein dushmano ka bada ehtiram karta hu (Opposition makes better my personality, I respect my enemies very much)," he said as quoted by Bar and Bench. CJI Chandrachud, who assumed office on November 9, 2022, bid farewell to his position today after his two-year term ended. Justice Chandrachud has been criticised by at several occasions for certain public remarks, including the recent one regarding the Ayodhyas Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid judgment when he said that he had appealed to God to help him with a solution to the long-standing dispute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the residence of CJI in September to participate in the Ganpati Puja, sparking a debate over the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. At various occasions, Justice Chandrachud clarified that there was nothing wrong in the visit and underscored the need for a sense of maturity in political sphere" on such issues. Such meetings do not imply that any deal has been made, he had said. In another incident earlier this year, he had said that he was criticised for shifting in his seat, to alleviate pain in his back. He had said he had been subject to vicious abuse trolling (and) the knives were out". While addressing a event in Karnataka, the outgoing CJI had shared his personal experience saying that he was trolled based on the live-streaming of an important hearing. Just four or five days ago when I was hearing a case, I had a little pain in back, so all that I did was I placed my elbows in my armchair in the court and I just shifted my position in the chair," Justice Chandrachud had said. He said there were several comments on the social media which alleged that the Chief Justice of India is so arrogant" that he got up in the midst an important argument in court. Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been nominated as his successor and will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11. Who is DY Chandrachud? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The outgoing CJI Holds a BA with Honors in Economics from St. Stephens College, New Delhi, a LLB degree from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University and an LLM and SJD from Harvard Law School. He was designated as a Senior Advocate and Additional Solicitor General of India in 1998. He was elevated to the Bench of the Bombay High Court in March 2000. He was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in October 2013. He moved to the Supreme Court in May 2016. He was then sworn in as the Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022. First Published: November 08, 2024, 20:29 IST Jailed Accused Pleads To Keep His Hair For Tamil Movie Role, Kerala Court Accepts Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:47 IST Jyothi allegedly grew out his hair for a role in a Tamil film. He was arrested by the Kollam Railway Police following a complaint from a woman accusing him of sexual assault during a train journey The Kollam district jail authorities had reportedly tried to cut Jyotihs neck-level long hair. (Representative/PTI File) In an unusual order, the court has instructed that the hair of an accused individual being held in the district jail should not be cut. Kollam Chief Judicial Magistrate KV Naina issued the order to jail authorities, directing them not to cut the hair of RS Jyothi (38), who works in the film industry. The accused, had filed a petition at the court, objecting to attempts to cut his hair while in judicial custody so that he does not lose his opportunity to act in a film. Jyothi was remanded 13 days ago. related stories Jyothi reportedly grew his hair for a role in a Tamil film. He was arrested by the Kollam Railway Police based on a womans complaint alleging sexual assault during a train journey. According to a report from Kaumudi Online, the Kollam district jail authorities had tried to cut Jyotihs neck-level long hair on Tuesday. Though Jyothi reasoned that he had kept his hair long since he wanted to play the role of a villain in a Tamil film that will soon start shooting, the jail authorities did not budge. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reportedly, when Jyothis wife came to meet him in jail, he asked for legal protection following which he his wife hired a lawyer. While the prosecutor cited the jail manual according to which Jyothis hair should be cut, the court directed that the accused should not miss his acting opportunity. Advocates Venu J Pillai, Vysakh V Nair and S Sreejith appeared for the accused. Location : Kollam, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:47 IST J&K: Two Terrorists Killed In Fresh Encounter With Security Forces In Sopore, Search Ops On Reported By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:36 IST Officials said that after fresh firing in the morning on Friday, police and the security forces resumed the anti-terror operation in Sopore area of Baramulla district. Security Forces(PTI/File) Two hiding terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Sopore area, where security forces had started a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) on Thursday evening. Officials said that after fresh firing in the morning on Friday, police and the security forces resumed the anti-terror operation in Sopore area of Baramulla district. related stories Kashmir Zone Police said, Two terrorists have been neutralised in Sopore encounter. Identification & affiliation is being ascertained. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition recovered. Further details shall follow." Kashmir Zone Police tweets, Two terrorists have been neutralised in Sopore encounter. Identification & affiliation is being ascertained. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition recovered. Further details shall follow." pic.twitter.com/vCrRdhhgVB ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024 The gunfight started on Thursday evening after the security forces started a CASO in Sagipora area of Sopore following specific Intelligence inputs about the presence of some terrorists. The fresh encounter with terrorists comes a day after two Village Defence Group (VDG) members were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district on Thursday. Their bodies are yet to be recovered by security forces. The police launched a massive search operation to locate Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, who went to a nearby forest area to graze their cattle but did not come back. Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have condemned the incident. Crackdown On Terrorists Security forces have increased operations against the terrorists in the recent past following a number of attacks carried out by the terrorists. Two terrorists were killed in the last 48 hours, one in Lolab area of Kupwara district and another in Ketsun forests of Bandipora district by the security forces. Terrorists killed seven people on October 20 when they attacked the workers camp of an infrastructure project company in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district. On October 24, terrorists killed three Army soldiers and two civilian porters when they attacked an Army vehicle in Botapathri area of Gulmarg in Baramulla district. The killings of nine civilians and three Army soldiers in the two attacks of Gagangir and Gulmarg were widely condemned. J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said after these two attacks that those involved would have to pay a huge price. He said every drop of civilian blood shed will be avenged. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sopore area has been the hotbed of separatist sentiment in the past and terrorists of various outfits had been operating there for many years after 1990. As the security forces continued their relentless pursuit against terrorism, Sopore also turned a new page by returning to the mainstream by voting in large numbers during the recently conducted J&K Assembly polls. First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:01 IST Lawrence Bishnoi, Dawood T-Shirts Sold Online: Maharashtra Cyber Cell Files FIR Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:49 IST Maharashtra State Cyber Department, under the Office of the Special Inspector General of Police, has registered an FIR against various e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, AliExpress, TeeShopper, and Etsy. The department stressed that merchandise featuring criminal icons could contribute to normalising violence and crime in society. (Image: X) In a significant move to curb online content that could potentially influence the society negatively, the Maharashtra State Cyber Department, under the Office of the Special Inspector General of Police, has registered an FIR against various e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, AliExpress, TeeShopper, and Etsy. This action came after these platforms were found selling T-shirts that glorify notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Dawood Ibrahim, sending a concerning message that idolises criminal figures. The Cyber Department, as Maharashtras nodal agency for cyber security and cybercrime, actively monitors the digital landscape to detect and address content that could destabilise law and order. In a recent sweep, it identified these objectionable items on popular online marketplaces. According to the department, products like these pose a significant risk by promoting a distorted and dangerous image of criminals, particularly to impressionable young minds. The department stressed that merchandise featuring criminal icons could contribute to normalising violence and crime in society. related stories This is not just a case of fashion, the department stated, but a deliberate glamourisation of criminal lifestyles through seemingly harmless apparel. By showcasing symbols associated with criminals like Bishnoi and Ibrahim, such merchandise risks eroding societal values and trivialising the severity of crimes these individuals are linked to. The department fears that idolising criminal elements in this manner could encourage young people to admire and even emulate unlawful behaviour. In response to these concerns, the Maharashtra Cyber Department registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The cyber department cited sections including 192, 196, 353, and 3 of the BNS, 2023, along with section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, against both the sellers responsible for listing these products and the platforms that hosted them. In its press note, the Cyber Department emphasised that idolising criminal figures through casual merchandise can dangerously glamourise illegal activities, effectively corrupting youth values. They noted that such idolisation not only compromises societal norms but trivialises the severity of crimes committed by these individuals. The department underlined its commitment to fostering a safe and secure digital environment, ensuring that harmful content like this does not proliferate on online platforms accessible to the public. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This action by the Maharashtra State Cyber Department signals a clear message: glorification of crime, whether intentional or incidental, will not be tolerated. By holding e-commerce platforms accountable, Maharashtras law enforcement aims to preserve societal values and prevent any negative influences on the youth. This incident also serves as a reminder for e-commerce platforms to exercise greater responsibility in monitoring the products sold on their sites, ensuring they do not unwittingly contribute to glorifying or popularising unlawful figures. With this FIR, the Maharashtra State Cyber Department has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing digital content that could potentially disrupt public peace, and has sent a stern warning to those who might seek to exploit the online marketplace for promoting harmful ideologies. First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:49 IST 'The Court Keeps Me Going': CJI Chandrachud Signs Off With A 'Thank You' Speech Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:37 IST Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was given a farewell on the last day of his service at the Supreme Court on Friday. Outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud (Photo: YouTube/SC) Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was given a ceremonial farewell in the Supreme Court of India as he retired from judicial service on Friday. In an online streaming of the Ceremonial Bench, the lawyers, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal, addressed the outgoing CJI and remembered his contribution to the judiciary. Justice Chandrachud, in his final address in the court, sought forgiveness in case he ever hurt anyone". related stories Sharing some light moments on the last day of Justice Chandrachud at the office, several lawyers, including Singhvi, expressed their willingness to know the secret of your youthfulness". What did CJI Chandrachud say on his last day? The outgoing Chief Justice of India remembered his initial days in the judiciary and said that those parts of the judiciary come to the court as pilgrims". When I was young I would come to this court, I would observe this Court and these two portraits in the Court," he said. At night I was wondering that at 2 PM, the court would be empty, and Ill looking at myself on the screen, Im humbled by the presence of all of you. We are here as pilgrims, birds for a short passage of time, do our work, and leave.different people with diverse views will continue the institutionI know that the person after me is so stable, so solid- Justice Khanna, a person so dignified, so aware of the court, the historical perspectives," CJI Chandrachud added. In a remark displaying commitment to judiciary and justice, the CJI said that he wanted to hear as many matters as he could before the Ceremonial Bench would be listed, which would mark his farewell from the service. When my court staff asked me yesterday as to what time the Ceremonial Bench shall be listed, I asked him that Ill do as many matters as I canI wouldnt want to miss the opportunity to do justice till the last time possible," he said. The CJI also apologised in case he ever hurt anyone" and said that it is the court that kept him going. He thanked the lawyers for their presence in the Ceremonial Bench. It is this court which keeps me going .we meet the people we possibly dont know. I conclude by thanking all of you and each one of you, I learned so much about life today, and there is no case similar to an earlier case, If I ever hurt anyone in the court, I would like to just please forgive me thank you very much for coming in such large numbers," he said before signing off. What did top lawyers say? Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that it was the last time that he was addressing Justice Chandrachud and hailed his complete impartiality" while imparting justice. We have always felt pleasure appearing before you. Your unmatched scholarship, and complete impartiality in the dispensation of justice, we never felt hesitant," Mehta said. May I take the liberty of saying that DYC would really be missed," the Solicitor General said. Senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal described the CJI as a man of limitless patience". I have never seen a judge with the kind of limitless patience that you have. The ever-smiling Justice Chandrachud," Sibal said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Singhvi lauded the CJIs patience and also jested about the secret behind his youthfulness". Everybody complains that you continue to look the youngest. And unfortunately, your youthful looks make us feel the oldest. So you must tell the secret behind it," he said. First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:09 IST Digital Proof Of Tax Evasion Siezed As IT Dept Surveys Truecaller India Offices: Sources Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:15 IST The Income Tax Department surveyed Truecaller's offices in India over tax evasion charges, also including transfer pricing issues. Income Tax Department surveys Truecaller offices (Photo: PTI) Digital evidence on tax evasion and some other prominent documents were seized after the Income Tax Department on Thursday carried out a survey operation at offices of Swedish caller ID platform Truecaller on charges of tax evasion, sources told CNN-News18 on Friday. According to the details, the surveys were conducted at Truecallers Gurugram and Bengaluru offices. related stories The Stockholm-headquartered company said it was cooperating with the investigators, news agency PTI reported. Tax officials said the survey operation was aimed to gather detailed information and check documents in connection with certain charges of tax evasion including those pertaining to transfer pricing (TP) issues. They had earlier said it was a search action. As part of a survey, the taxman only visits the business premises of an entity under probe whereas as part of a search operation, business as well as residential and linked premises are covered. According to the companys website, Truecaller has offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurugram in India. In a public statement, the company said, On Thursday 7 November 2024, Truecallers India offices were visited by Indian Tax officials." Truecaller are currently assisting the authorities to the full extent at our offices. This came without prior notice and Truecaller are currently awaiting official confirmation and communication from the tax departments," it said. This is not an uncommon practice and Truecaller will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities, the company said. It said being a publicly-listed company, their practices were entirely transparent. It also said the company was not subject to any tax investigation in India outside the routine tax audits." Truecallers group financial statements have always received an unqualified audit opinion. Truecaller has always paid all taxes due in India and all regions where it operates," it said. The company said its transfer pricing policy for its intra-group transactions is consistent with the internationally accepted arms length standard, as has been informed earlier. The purpose is to ensure that Truecaller pays tax in a way that is correct from the perspective of both the Swedish and the Indian tax authorities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The policy is continuously independently reviewed to ensure that it meets the tax law requirements of both countries," the company said. Truecaller said on its website that it has 425 million monthly active users around the world on Android and iOS platforms to identify numbers and block spam. First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:15 IST Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna? All About CJI Chandrachuds Successor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 22:35 IST The 51st CJI would have a tenure of six months before he retires on May 13, 2025 as Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65. Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud with CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna during a farewell function. (PTI) Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) who would be sworn in on Monday, November 11. The senior-most Supreme Court judge, Justice Khannas name was proposed by outgoing CJI Dhanajaya Yeshwant Chandrachud. The 51st CJI would have a tenure of six months before he retires on May 13, 2025 as Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65. related stories At present, he is the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and a member of the governing council of the National Judicial Academy (NJA) in Bhopal. At a farewell event for Justice Chandrachud, organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Justice Khanna, in an emotional speech, said there would be an emptiness" in the Supreme Court with his demitting office. While lauding his predecessor, Justice Khanna said that Justice Chandrachud worked on a mission to improve the apex court and pursued his goal of making it a sanctuary of inclusivity", which was accessible to all. Who is Justice Khanna? Justice Sanjiv Khanna was born on 14 May 1960 to late Justice Dev Raj Khanna, former Judge of Delhi High Court. He completed his schooling at Delhis Modern School, Barakhamba Road. He graduated from the University of Delhi in 1980 and later studied Law from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi. Justice Sanjiv Khanna enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. He began his practice in the District Courts at Tis Hazari in Delhi and later in Delhi High Court. His area of practice was wide and varied from writ petitions in public law matters, direct tax appeals, income tax prosecutions, arbitration cases, commercial suits, environment and pollution laws matters, besides medical negligence cases before consumer forums and company law cases before the Company Law Board. According to Supreme Court website, Justice Khanna was appointed as the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi in 2004. In the high court, he has appeared and argued in a number of criminal cases in the role of an additional public prosecutor and an amicus curiae. In 2005, he was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi HC and made permanent in 2006. As a judge in that high court, he has held the position of chairman/judge-in-charge of the Delhi Judicial Academy, Delhi International Arbitration Centre and the District Court Mediation Centres. Justice Khanna is reportedly among the few judges elevated to the SC even before becoming a Chief Justice of any high court. He has been part of a number of important rulings as a judge of the top court. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Key Judgments Of Justice Sanjiv Khanna During his tenure in the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was a part of the Constitution Bench constituted for many important cases. He was part of the five-judge bench that declared the electoral bond scheme, meant for funding of political parties, as unconstitutional. He was also part of the five-judge bench that upheld the Centres 2019 decision abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. First Published: November 08, 2024, 22:17 IST Planning A US Trip? Dont Miss These 5 National Parks For Adventure And Relaxation Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 11:53 IST Explore the splendour of the best national parks in the US, where nature and adventure coexist in stunning settings. Millions of tourists visit the US each year to take in the unmatched splendour of its national parks. Each year, millions of tourists from around the world visit US National Parks to enjoy and experience outdoor activities like camping, hiking and fishing. If youre someone who loves nature and adventure, there are plenty of parks to explore, as some parks offer unbelievable experiences. If youre planning a trip to the United States with family, friends or solo, adding national parks to your itinerary is a must. From the iconic Yellowstone to the stunning Zion, these destinations are sure to impress and offer unforgettable experiences. Yellowstone related stories Yellowstone was Americas first national park, established in 1872. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, and mountain lions, which attracts millions of visitors each year. But what truly sets Yellowstone apart are its extraordinary geothermal sights, such as Old Faithful and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. The national park is also famous for its beautiful canyons, forests, and rivers. Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to stargaze, as its remote and pollution free location offers clear views of the Milky Way. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay in one of their cosy cabins and enjoy breathtaking views of Arizona sunsets. Adventure travellers can try rafting at the Colorado River or hiking the Bright Angel Trail, while others can enjoy the stunning views from easily accessible points. Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, as one cant get enough of its vibrant wildflowers and majestic sequoia trees. Its iconic mountains, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, attract climbers from around the world. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, aerial tours offer stunning views of the parks lush meadows, waterfalls and various peaks. Zion National Park Zion National Park is a visually stunning park located in Utah, which is renowned for its fiery red rock canyons and gigantic cliffs. The Angels Landing hike, a challenging but rewarding trek, offers breathtaking views of the parks vast landscapes. Despite its compact size, Zion is full of hidden gems waiting to be toured and visitors can explore most of its beauty in a short time. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Acadia National Park Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. Its an excellent spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing, making it perfect for adventure seekers. First Published: November 08, 2024, 11:53 IST Sonakshi Sinhas Printed Lehenga With Kaftan Shrug Is The Ultimate Style Match Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 07:15 IST From sightseeing iconic landmarks to flaunting chic outfits, Sonakshi Sinha offered her fans a glimpse into her Rajasthan diaries. Sonakshi Sinhas fashion choices are never off the track, and her latest Instagram post was no different. (Representative Image) Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha recently embarked on a picturesque journey Iqbal to the vibrant state of Rajasthan. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning palaces, and breathtaking landscapes, Rajasthan proved to be the perfect destination for the actress to unwind, and her vacation photos are a testament to the beautiful experience she had. But what truly captured the attention of her fans was her stunning vacation outfits. From sightseeing iconic landmarks to flaunting chic outfits, the Bollywood beauty offered her fans an enviable glimpse into her Rajasthan travel diaries. The Heeramandi actresss fashion choices are never off the track, and her latest Instagram post was no different. For her trip to Rajasthan, the actress channelled her inner Rajasthani Rajkumari" vibe as she upped her ethnic game. related stories Sharing the pictures of the same in a carousel of pictures on Instagram, Sonakshi left her fans swooning in not one but two gorgeous ensembles. So, without much ado, lets delve into the details of her fashionable ensembles. For her day out in the city, the actress slipped into a lehenga set paired with a kaftan shrug from the house of Rimple & Hart. She turned into a fashionable Rajasthani Rajkumari, with a sweetheart neckline blouse, lehenga, and Georgette kaftan jacket. The multicoloured outfit in hues of pinks, lilacs, and blues featured intricate golden embroidery that elevated the regal allure. Doused in multiple hues, the floor-grazing number had contemporary zigzag crepe prints that were indeed one-of-a-kind. Loved Sonakshis outfit? You can add this ensemble from Rimple & Harpreet which retails for Rs 98,000 on the official website. To elevate her OOTD, the actress wore a stylish choker, matching jhumkas coupled with a bunch of cocktail rings. Her oh-so-ravishing look consisted of bold eyes with dark winged eyeliner, nude eyeshadow, blush pink lipstick, blushed cheeks, and a dab of highlighter. Her hair was styled open in beachy waves that tied the whole look together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) Coming to her second look from the trip, Sonakshi picked a sharara set from the shelves of designer Anita Dongre. The mellow yellow embroidered Zardozi silk set comes with a price tag of Rs 45,000. The not-so-fitted kurta featured billowy sleeves and exquisite embroidery on the front. The pleated silhouette trained down the length while ruffles underneath created a wonderful fusion. She paired the kurta with loose-fitted yellow pants, which elevated the overall look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Adhering to the monochrome colour palette, she chose to carry a yellow potli, a pair of big earrings, a few statement rings, and yellow jutis. Coming to her makeup look, she opted for bronzed beauty strokes, bronzed cheeks that framed her face beautifully, minimal eye makeup and nude lips. Dont miss out on her stone bindi that sealed the deal for her and made her look pretty as ever. Her brunette tresses were left open in soft curls to round off her look. Which look did you like the most? First Published: November 08, 2024, 07:15 IST News / National by Staff reporter In a new and controversial move, Zimbabwe's government has announced that administrators of WhatsApp groups operating within the country's borders must now register and secure a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).The licensing requirement, revealed during a recent POTRAZ breakfast meeting, mandates WhatsApp group administrators to pay a minimum fee of $50, with costs potentially rising up to US$2,500 depending on the type of group being administered. The move is being justified by authorities as a measure to tighten data security and privacy for citizens.Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, confirmed the new policy, stating that administrators of all WhatsApp groups must soon register with POTRAZ and obtain a license to legally operate. In addition to securing a license, administrators will be required to appoint a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), who must be trained and accredited by POTRAZ.The new rules are designed to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe's Data Protection Act, which governs how personal information is handled. According to the law, any data that can be used to identify an individual, including phone numbers stored in WhatsApp groups, is subject to regulation. With administrators having access to such data, the government argues that WhatsApp groups should be treated like any other entity handling personal information.Mavetera emphasized that the policy would affect not only businesses but also community organizations, churches, and other groups that collect and manage personal data. "Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO," he said during the announcement.While the new regulations are aimed at strengthening data protection, the move has drawn sharp criticism. Many see it as an infringement on Zimbabweans' right to free speech and association, especially in light of the growing use of social media to discuss political issues. The country has seen a rise in WhatsApp groups used to organize political debates and activism, particularly amid rising tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.Critics argue that the policy could be used as a tool to stifle political dissent, as it comes at a time when there are increasing concerns over government surveillance and crackdowns on opposition voices. Zimbabwe's political opposition and civil society groups have expressed fears that the new regulation is part of a wider effort to restrict digital spaces and limit freedom of expression.Violations of the new regulations could result in penalties, including fines or jail time, though specific details on enforcement are yet to be clarified.This move places Zimbabwe among a growing number of countries that have introduced or are considering stricter measures to regulate digital spaces, often citing national security or data protection concerns. However, these measures have been criticized as attempts to clamp down on free speech, especially in countries where dissent is increasingly being pushed out of the public sphere.The government's push for WhatsApp group administrators to register and follow strict data protection rules has sparked a national conversation about the balance between privacy, regulation, and freedom of expression in the digital age. World Radiography Day 2024: Theme, History And Significance Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 12:27 IST This significant medical discovery day is a reminder of the pivotal role radiography technology plays in modern healthcare. Radiography is a ground-breaking discovery that revolutionised the field of healthcare and medicine. (Image: Shutterstock) World Radiography Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to mark the discovery of X-rays. This important development in medicine has changed healthcare by making it possible to identify a wide range of health issues. The day also honours the hard work of radiographers and radiologists worldwide for their role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Radiography involves using radiation to create images of the bodys tissues, organs, bones and blood vessels, which are essential for patient diagnosis and treatment. World Radiography Day 2024: Theme related stories This years theme for World Radiography Day is Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen." This theme highlights how radiographers help find hidden health problems. These professionals use imaging equipment to create images that aid in diagnosis and often support patients during stressful procedures. The theme also shows that many health issues may go undetected without radiographic imaging, which is why radiographers are essential for effective medical care. World Radiography Day 2024: History World Radiography Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 at Wuerzburg University in Germany. He accidentally discovered X-rays while working with a cathode-ray tube in his lab. This important discovery was quickly recognised and within a month, doctors in Europe and the United States began using X-rays for medical diagnoses. Just six months later, X-rays were used to help injured soldiers during the war. In 1896, John Hall-Edwards was the first person to use X-rays in surgery. World Radiography Day was first celebrated on November 8, 2007, by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists which coincided with the anniversary of Roentgens discovery of X-rays. World Radiography Day 2024: Who Are Radiographers? Radiographers are skilled professionals who operate radiographic equipment and work closely with patients. They play a vital role in the healthcare system by ensuring the safe and accurate acquisition of diagnostic images. Radiographers must adhere to strict safety protocols to minimise radiation exposure to patients and themselves. World Radiography Day 2024: Significance World Radiography Day is an important occasion to recognise the field of radiography and the essential role of radiographers in healthcare. The day also sheds light on how medical imaging is important in todays healthcare system. It aims to encourage people for regular medical check-ups without giving them a scare. ALSO READ: India Has Just One Radiologist for 100 Scans A Day. Heres How It Can Plug the Shortage World Radiography Day 2024: All You Need To Know What Is An X-Ray? An X-ray is a medical imaging technique that uses radiation to capture images of the inside of the body. While commonly associated with diagnosing broken bones or dental issues, X-rays can also identify various injuries, disorders and diseases. Different Types Of X-Rays Various types of X-rays are used to examine different parts of the body. Common types include abdominal X-rays for the digestive system, bone X-rays for fractures, chest X-rays for lung problems, dental X-rays for teeth, head X-rays for skull issues and spine X-rays for spinal conditions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Do X-Rays Work? X-rays function by directing beams of radiation through the body to an X-ray detector. The radiation is invisible and painless. As it passes through, dense materials like bones absorb more radiation which appears white on the image, while softer tissues can be seen in shades of gray. A radiologist then analyses the image and provides a report to the referred physician. First Published: November 08, 2024, 06:00 IST Aryan Khan Thanks Father Shah Rukh Khan For Teaching Him About Marketing: 'He's One Of The Smartest Marketing Minds' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 19:43 IST Aryan Khan talked about how his father Shah Rukh Khan has helped him learn about marketing and entrepreneurship. Aryan is currently working on his upcoming web show. Aryan Khan owns a luxury collective brand. Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan has decided to not follow in his fathers footsteps. Aryan will not be facing the camera but is rather helming an upcoming web show Stardom. Apart from this, he is already a budding entrepreneur with a luxury collective brand, Dyavol, under his name. In a recent interview, Aryan talked about his father and mentioned how he has imbibed a sense of marketing and business in him. Speaking to LOfficiel Arabia, Aryan Khan talked about his father and the multiple ventures that he backs. He mentioned how he has learned a lot from Shah Rukh Khan about marketing and business. He said, My father is perhaps one of the smartest marketing minds, apart from being deeply connected to audiences, and is himself a global fashion trendsetter." The starkid also mentioned how Shah Rukh is often levelheaded and asks him to look at the bigger picture when he is stuck in the weeds. related stories Aryan also talked about how Shah Rukh has shaped his mindset. He talked about how his father has a primary job in acting but he has diversified into other sectors as well. He continued, Giving a hundred percent to everything you do no matter how big or small, is what my father has imbibed in me. And as an entrepreneur and a fashion innovator, I aspire to be rigorous, meticulous, and extremely detailed about everything." On the work front, Aryans web series Stardom will see actors like Lakshay, Mona Singh, and Bobby Deol. Reports mention that the six-episode show has been written by him and is set against the backdrop of the film industry. Shah Rukh, on the other hand, is gearing up for King. The action flick is all set to go on the floors next year. He is currently preparing for his role. He will share the screen with his daughter, Suhana, in the movie. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 19:43 IST Beyonce Breaks Her Tie With Husband JAY-Z To Become The Most Nominated Artist In Grammy History Published By : Associated Press Last Updated: November 09, 2024, 00:18 IST Previously, music icon Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z were tied for most career nominations, at 88 at the Grammy Awards. Beyonce is the most nominated artist in Grammy history. Welcome to Beyonce country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, Cowboy Carter" rules the nation. She leads the nods with 11, bringing her career total to 99 nominations. That makes her the most nominated artist in Grammy history. Cowboy Carter" is up for album and country album of the year, and Texas Hold Em" is nominated for record, song and country song of the year. She also received nominations in a wide swath of genres, including pop, country, Americana and melodic rap performance categories. related stories This is her first time receiving nominations in the country and Americana categories. Previously, she and her husband Jay-Z were tied for most career nominations, at 88. congratulations to Beyonce on becoming the most grammy nominated artist in history surpassing her own husband! pic.twitter.com/5Z0UxUFUSz (@prayyouucatchme) November 8, 2024 Shotgun Riders Forever! I love you @beyonce Congratulations on all of your deserved nominations! pic.twitter.com/XFs0q111Jd Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 8, 2024 If Beyonce wins the album of the year, shell become the first Black woman to do so in the 21st century. Lauryn Hill last won in 1999 for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," joining Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston as the only Black women to take home the Grammys top prize. Post Malone also received his first ever nominations in the country categories this year, having released his debut country album F-1 Trillion" in August. That one is up for country album and I Had Some Help," his collaboration with Morgan Wallen, is nominated for country song and country duo/group performance. They are Wallens first ever Grammy nominations. Malone is just behind Beyonce, with seven nominations, tied with Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Charli XCX, who earned her first nominations as a solo artist. Lamars ubiquitous diss track released during his feud with Drake, Not Like Us," is nominated for record and song of the year, rap song, music video as well as best rap performance. He has two simultaneous entries in the latter category, a career first: Future & Metro Boomin featuring Lamar, Like That" is up for best rap performance and best rap song. This is his third time receiving two simultaneous nominations for best rap song. Taylor Swift and first-time nominees Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan boast of six nominations each. Last year, women artists dominated the major categories. This year, that continues somewhat, but the main trend seems to be a variance of genre. In the album of the year category, alongside Cowboy Carter" is Andre 3000s new age, alt-jazz New Blue Sun" and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Colliers Djesse Vol. 4." Rising pop stars Carpenter and Roan round it out, with Short n Sweet" and The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" respectively, as well as Swifts The Tortured Poets Department," Eilishs Hit Me Hard and Soft," and Charli XCXs rave-ready BRAT." Eilish is the only artist to have her first three albums become nominated for album of the year. Last year, Swift won album of the year for Midnights," breaking the record for most wins in the category with four. This year, she becomes the first ever woman to seven career nominations in the category. The breadth and the variety of genres represented in the general field feels new and really exciting," says the Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. He credits an active and evolving voting body for its success. Weve been very intentional in how we looked at and tried to rebalance our membership. So not just gender or people of color, different racial makeup, but also genre equity and trying to make sure that all different types of music in different regions and different locations are being represented in every way possible." Only recordings commercially released in the U.S. between Sept. 16, 2023 through Aug. 30, 2024 were eligible for nominations. The final round of Grammy voting, which determines its winners, will take place Dec. 12 through January 3. In the best new artist category, Carpenter and Roan will go head-to-head, alongside Benson Boone, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims. In the song of the year category, Beyonce is joined by Eilish with Birds of a Feather," Swift and Post Malone with Fortnight," Roans Good Luck, Babe!", Carpenters Please Please Please," Lamars Not Like Us," Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Die With A Smile," and Shaboozeys A Bar Song (Tipsy)." Shaboozey is also a first-time nominee. His A Bar Song (Tipsy)" is the biggest song of the year, having spent more weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 than any other it is so popular, a remix of the track is also up for remixed recording. Elsewhere, Shaboozey is nominated in the melodic rap performance category for his feature on Beyonces SPAGHETTII." Linda Martell, the first commercially-successful Black woman musician in country, is also featured on the song, delivering the 83-year-old artist her first Grammy nomination. For record of the year, Texas Hold Em" will compete against Swift and Post Malones Fortnight," Eilishs Birds of a Father," Lamars Not Like Us," Roans Good Luck, Babe!", Carpenters Espresso," Charli XCXs 360," and the Beatles last new song, the AI-assisted Now and Then." Were trying to make sure were keeping up with how music creators and our community are using technology. And in this case, AI enhanced the record and allowed it to be eligible in the categories that it was eligible in," Mason jr explains. Dolly Parton scored her 55th career nomination in the audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category for her Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones," news The Associated Press broke to the country music legend Friday morning. No! What did I get nominated for?" she cheered over the phone. Oh, well, thats cool. I thought it would be for my rock album, Id take it. It feels good. Im always appreciative of everything. I dont work for that, but its always good to say youve done good work, and for somebody to acknowledge that. So, Im always proud of every award I get and every mention I get. That just makes me feel like Im doing the right thing." Shes up against producer Guy Oldfield, George Clinton, Barbra Streisand and Jimmy Carter, who could become the oldest Grammy award winner in history at 100. So, whats missing? Like last year, theres a huge dearth of Latin music the fastest growing streaming genre in the United States across the board, and no representation in the major categories. There are also only four entries in the best Musica Mexicana album category, despite it also being one of the fastest growing genres. And K-pop, too, seems to be absent. There are no nominations for the BTS members whove released solo material this year: RMs Right Place, Wrong Person," J-Hopes Hope on the Street, Vol. 1," and Jimins Muse." As a boy band, BTS has received five nominations across their career. I definitely see room for improvement across many genres and we are continuing to invite people to be a part of the academy," Mason jr. says. Without the right representation we dont get the right results. When I say right, I mean reflective and representative of whats happening in music today. So, the work continues." The 2025 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 2 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 09, 2024, 00:18 IST BTS And BLACKPINK Fans Slam Grammys Over K-Pop Snub: 'Hate For Asian Artists...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 22:47 IST BTS and BLACKPINK fans voice frustration as Grammys overlook K-pop stars again, calling out bias on social media. BTS and BLACKPINK fans call out Grammys. The 67th Grammy Awards nominations have stirred up disappointment among BTS and BLACKPINK fans, who took to social media to voice their anger over the lack of recognition for K-pop stars. Despite years of breaking records and making global waves, no K-pop artists were nominated this year, leaving many fans questioning the Grammys commitment to diversity and fairness. Fans of BTS, known as the ARMY, and BLACKPINK, called BLINKs, are leading the outcry. BTS, comprising members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, had several solo releases this year, including Jung Kooks album Golden and RMs Right Place, Wrong Person. BLACKPINKs Lisa (aka Lalisa Manobal), also made headlines with her chart-topping solo hits Rockstar" and New Woman." Despite their successes, neither group nor their members received Grammy nods, leaving fans feeling that the Recording Academy is out of touch with the popularity and influence of K-pop. related stories On social media, ARMYs expressed frustration, with one fan tweeting, BTS doesnt need the Grammys, the Grammys need BTS!" Another noted, How do Grammy voters pick nominees? It feels like the same artists get recycled each year, ignoring groundbreaking acts like BTS." A third user said, If the Grammys really do have Asian Grammy all Asian artists should just boycott it. Like the Oscars, Asians are only allowed to win or get any kind of recognition when its beneficial to the Academy or those overwhelming, undeniable successes: Ang Lee, Bong Joon-Ho, BTS." BTS DON'T NEED GRAMMY.GRAMMY NEEDS BTD pic.twitter.com/znTntke9Bo lia (@itsli_liaa) November 8, 2024 how does these grammy voters choose who to nominate? they be picking the same artist each year like do they even listen to some presented consideration or just pick the artist they like? pic.twitter.com/gnrRdTko0y for bts | slow (@btsuvrs) November 8, 2024 If the Grammys really do have "Asian Grammy" all Asian artists should just boycott it.Like the Oscars, Asians are only allowed to win or get any kind of recognition when it's beneficial to the Academy or those overwhelming, undeniable successes: Ang Lee, Bong Joon-Ho, BTS. AJ (@alxndrjsphn) November 8, 2024 BLACKPINK fans echoed the sentiment, particularly calling out Lisas absence from the Best New Artist category. Lisa deserved Best New Artist at least. Its clear the Grammys dont prioritise Asian artists," one BLINK wrote. Not surprised!!!!What can we expect when both sides are against us. Granny with their unwavering hate for Asian artists and hybe with their never ending hate for JKLesson learned- Grammy should be the last thing we dream while sitting inside hybe dungeon pic.twitter.com/r1DxHOu3Jb Real Deal JKGOLDEN DAYS WITH JUNGKOOK (@DreamerJeonJK) November 8, 2024 Actually had no expectation for lisa get nomination, like there's no way they nominate an asian specially an asian woman in grammy .. let's get back to streaming RS,NW & MF and save & prepare for upcoming full album #LISA #LALISA #LalisaManoban @wearelloud ExoShinhyeLalisaJisoo (@EXOSSINZ7LISOO) November 8, 2024 This isnt the first time K-pop fans have voiced frustration with the Grammys. BTS, who became the first K-pop group to be nominated in 2021, is yet to secure a Grammy win despite smashing records and achieving worldwide acclaim. Many K-pop supporters believe that the Grammys are reluctant to acknowledge non-Western artists, especially from Asia, despite the genres huge international fanbase. The exclusion feels particularly surprising given the Grammys increased emphasis on inclusivity in recent years. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 08, 2024, 22:47 IST Dhanush, Nithya Menens Idli Kadai Gets A Release Date Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 18:35 IST Idli Kadai, which translates to Idli Shop, marks Dhanushs third directorial venture and features him in the lead role. Dhanush also unveiled a new poster of the film. (Photo Credits Instagram) Tamil star Dhanush recently revealed the release date for his upcoming directorial film, Idli Kadai, a project that has sparked widespread anticipation among his fans. Announced through a social media post on November 8, the film is set for release on April 10, 2025, aligning with the Tamil New Year celebrations. Idli Kadai, which translates to Idli Shop, marks Dhanushs third directorial venture and features him in the lead role. He is joined by actress Nithya Menen. This would be their second collaboration after Thiruchitrambalam. Along with the date, Dhanush also unveiled a new poster of the film. The poster featured a rural backdrop with Dhanush stepping into a hut under a clear blue sky and birds flying overhead. This image hints at a story set in a small town or village. Sharing the poster on X (previously Twitter), Dhanush accompanied the announcement with a simple caption, #idlikadai release announcement." related stories Since Dhanush announced the release date for Idli Kadai, his post has gathered more than 3 lakh views. Excited fans flooded the comment section sharing their enthusiasm for the film and the perfect timing of its release. One user excitedly wrote, Best release date Long holidays." Best release date Long holidays Another user added, Another feel-good movie loading." Another Feel good movie loading Bro casually locked the best release date in his recent filmography," one fan noted. Bro casually locked the best release date in his recent filmography. https://t.co/dzGGn6mssj Yeagerist (@Kanixhkkk) November 8, 2024 Dhanush first introduced his upcoming film Idli Kadai with a graphic poster in September. The initial teaser poster showed an old idli shop under a starlit sky with a young man standing outside. Nithya announced that she would be joining Idli Kadai in October. In an earlier interview with Zoom, Nithya shared that this role is one of the toughest of her career, saying it has pushed her well beyond what she is used to. Comparing her character in Idli Kadai to Shobana in Thiruchitrambalam, Nithya said, If Shobana from Thiruchitrambalam demanded me to step out of my comfort zone, then Idli Kadai demands double of that." She also spoke about her working relationship with Dhanush, stating, Professionally, Dhanush and I share a very complementary relationship. He really values and appreciates what I am able to bring to a character or a film." Alongside Dhanush and Nithya, Idli Kadai will star Shalini Pandey, Prakash Raj, Sathyaraj, Arun Vijay, Ashok Selvan, Raj Kiran and Brigida Saga in key roles. The film is produced by Aakash Baskaran and Dhanush under the banners of Wunderbar Films and Dawn Pictures. The music will be composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar while Kiran Koushik will handle the cinematography. First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:34 IST Salman Khan Receives Another Threat Call Day After Shah Rukh Khan Got Death Threat, Extortion Demand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 12:45 IST Salman Khan has received another threat call. Salman Khan has received a threat call a day after Shah Rukh Khan received one. Actor Salman Khan has reportedly received another threat call, sparking renewed security concerns. The call was made to the control room of the traffic police, where the caller mentioned both Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi." The caller issued a direct threat against Salman, prompting an immediate investigation. Police officials are actively working to trace the source of the call and ensure Khans safety amidst ongoing concerns regarding his security. Mumbai Police, in an official statement said, On the night of 07/11/2024, actor Salman Khan and the lyricist of the song Main Sikandar Hoo received a threat message on the traffic helpline. A case has been registered in this regard at Worli Police Station and we are conducting further investigation." related stories Salman Khan has been facing ongoing threats linked to his 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The actors alleged involvement in the killing of two blackbucks during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain angered the Bishnoi community, for whom the blackbuck is considered sacred. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who leads a criminal group with ties to the community, has repeatedly stated that the actor must apologise publicly, or he and his father, Salim Khan, will face severe consequences. In 2022, Bishnoi confirmed that his community would not forgive Salman Khan unless such an apology is issued. On Thursday, Shah Rukh Khan received a threat call, and a case has reportedly been filed at the Bandra Police Station in Mumbai. According to News18, the call came from Faizan, a resident of Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Sources have confirmed that a team from the Mumbai Police was sent to Raipur for further investigation. It was also revealed that the call demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakh from the actor. The recent death threats targeting both actors come just weeks after the tragic murder of political leader Baba Siddique. An alleged member of Lawrence Bishnois gang claimed responsibility for Siddiques death and issued a threat to Salman Khan in the same statement. Since then, Salman Khan has been on high alert, with the Mumbai Police taking necessary steps to ensure his safety. Mumbai Police have deployed an escort vehicle to follow the actors official car, with the Special Reserve Police Force (SRPF) stationed outside his Bandra and Panvel residences. First Published: November 08, 2024, 08:46 IST Salman Khan Shoots For Sikandar In Hyderabad With 'Four-Tier Security' After Receiving Threats: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 17:39 IST Salman Khan is currently filming for Sikandar in Hyderabad. A report has mentioned that the actor is shooting amidst tight security in a hotel in the city. Notably, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan had earlier received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. (Image: News18/File) Following the death of political leader Baba Siddique, Salman Khan has been receiving fresh threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The police have upped the actors security as he received fresh threats and even extortion demands. Amidst this, he has been shooting for his upcoming movie Sikandar. A recent report has revealed that the actor is filming for the movie with a four-tier security system at the Falaknuma Palace Hotel in Hyderabad. As reported by Mid-Day, Salman Khan is shooting amidst tight security at the Falaknuma Palace Hotel in Hyderabad. The report mentioned that guests will have to undergo separate levels of check-in to book rooms where the shoot is taking place. Additionally, the security team is also restricting the entries. The report mentioned that the staff also has to undergo security checks and no swaps in shifts are being entertained. related stories The report mentioned that the hotel has been transformed into a fortress. It quoted a source close to the development who said, There are three standing sets, of which two are in the city, but the main location is the palace hotel. Even though they are shooting in one portion, the production team has secured access to the entire hotel and grounds, transforming it into a fortress." The report also revealed that the actors team has also hired a private security agency along with the security that was being offered by the government. Salman has a four-tier security system. This includes a private security detail, consisting of ex-paramilitary personnel, that has been hired. Then there is the team hand-picked by Salmans long-time bodyguard Shera, and the cover that has been granted by the Hyderabad police and Mumbai police. In all, the superstar is accompanied by a 50-to-70-member security personnel," said the source. On the work front, the actor was seen in a cameo appearance in Rohit Shettys Singham Again. He is currently filming for this AR Murugadoss directorial which is slated to release in 2025. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 17:38 IST Shah Rukh Khan Death Threat: Who Is Faizan Khan, Lawyer Who Had Issues With Actors 'Deer-Hunting' Dialogue? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:49 IST The investigation into a recent death threat made against Shah Rukh Khan has led Mumbai Police to Chhattisgarh-based lawyer Faizan Khan. Mumbai Police investigate Chhattisgarh lawyer Faizan Khan in Shah Rukh Khan death threat case. Following a recent death threat made against actor Shah Rukh Khan, the investigation has brought attention to a lawyer from Chhattisgarh named Faizan Khan. The Mumbai Police summoned Faizan, uncovering a prior link between him and the actor, though the relationship was reportedly contentious. Who is Faizan Khan? related stories Faizan Khan, also known as Mohammad Faizan Khan, is a lawyer residing within the jurisdiction of the Pandri police station in Raipur. His connection to the case surfaced when investigations revealed that the threatening message to Shah Rukh Khan originated from his phone, as confirmed by Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh to PTI. As part of the probe, Mumbai Police visited Raipur and summoned him for questioning. Upon learning that the threat call was made from a phone number registered in his name, Faizan claimed he had lost his phone the previous week and had filed a police report. Initially, police had identified the individual as Faiyaz Khan. The recent threat against Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats against fellow Bollywood actor Salman Khan, allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, over his suspected involvement in a 1999 blackbuck poaching case. Faizan Khans Previous Dispute with Shah Rukh In discussions with reporters in Raipur, Faizan maintained that his phone was stolen and called the threat call a conspiracy against him. My phone was stolen on November 2, and I lodged a complaint. I told Mumbai police about it. They interrogated me for about two hours," he stated. Faizan further explained that he had previously filed a complaint against Shah Rukh Khan with Mumbai police over a dialogue in the actors 1994 film Anjaam, which he felt referred to deer hunting in a negative light. He believes the individual who stole his phone may be attempting to implicate him by linking his past complaint with the current threats against Salman. I hail from Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community (which is from Rajasthan) is my friend. It is in their religion to protect deer. So, if a Muslim says something like this about deer, it is condemnable. Therefore, I raised an objection," he said. He added, Whoever has made a call from my phone, it seems intentional. I think it is a conspiracy against me." The Death Threat Against Shah Rukh Khan The Mumbai Police have filed an extortion case and have summoned Faizan Khan as part of their investigation into a death threat made against Shah Rukh Khan, demanding 50 lakh. The Bandra police station received a call threatening Shah Rukh Khan and asking for 50 lakh. An offence has been registered. No arrest has been made yet," a senior Mumbai police official said. The Bandra police have registered a case under sections 308(4) (extortion involving threats of death or serious injury) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the threat against Shah Rukh Khan. First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:49 IST Opinion | The Dawn Of A New Era: Trumps Victory And What It Means For India-US Ties Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 19:00 IST This new era requires India to exercise careful diplomacy. Economic optimism must be balanced with caution, especially given Trumps protectionist stance on trade and strict immigration policies Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Trump for his historic election victory to become the 47th President of the United States. (PTI Photo/File) The recent victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 US presidential election has created a global ripple effect, raising anticipation about the potential geopolitical and economic implications of his return to the White House. For India, Trumps win could herald a new chapter in a partnership marked by a longstanding rapport between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi was amongst the first international leaders to wish the President-elect on his win. Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, pic.twitter.com/u5hKPeJ3SY Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2024 related stories This mutual admiration and aligned strategic vision could further consolidate a strong India-US alliance, benefiting Indias position on the global stage. Donald Trumps leadership style, which leans heavily on assertive foreign policy, could benefit Indias quest for global recognition, including its long-sought permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC). With the US backing India more assertively, a tangible step toward restructuring the UNSC could be feasible. However, while Trumps support is an asset, resistance from other permanent members remains a hurdle. The renewed US-India relationship could still empower India to press harder for reform, with the backing of a superpower keen on reshaping global institutions to reflect contemporary dynamics. Additionally, Trumps victory likely signals a continuation of Americas firm stance on China. With India and the US aligned in viewing Chinas growing influence as a strategic threat, India can expect stronger US backing in the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthened cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, and intelligence-sharing will provide India with the tools to counterbalance Chinas economic and military advancements. This shared goal is vital for India, as it allows New Delhi to assertively protect its own territorial and maritime interests. One of the most immediate implications of Trumps victory may be on Indias relationship with Pakistan, particularly concerning Kashmir. Trumps support for India could translate into even greater international pressure on Pakistan, further diminishing its influence and its position on the global stage. Modis administration is poised to benefit from a White House that echoes Indias calls for transparency and accountability from Pakistan, regarding its actions in Kashmir and its ongoing anti-India narratives. Trumps re-election campaign highlighted his focus on revitalising the US economy, which has faced challenges since the pandemic. A strengthened US economy can indirectly benefit India in several ways. Increased American consumption can boost Indias export sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Moreover, with Trumps pro-business policies, American investments in India could see a significant uptick as American firms look for friendly markets with high growth potential. Trumps policies supporting major innovators like Elon Musk signal a potential for further collaboration in technology and space exploration, industries where Indias advancements are significant. Indias space programme has gained considerable recognition in recent years, and with Trumps support for SpaceX and private space ventures, India could partner with US companies in new, high-impact initiatives. The India-US defence partnership, which saw record arms sales during Trumps first term, is likely to continue expanding. In an era of heightened global insecurity, closer defence ties are mutually beneficial. As India diversifies its defence acquisitions, the US remains a favoured partner, supplying advanced technology and bolstering Indias military capabilities. An increase in US-India joint military exercises, enhanced intelligence sharing, and cyber defence collaboration could become key elements of the partnership. In addition to defence, energy security will be an area where both nations stand to gain from strengthened ties. India, with its growing energy demands, could benefit from increased access to the USs liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other resources. A secure energy partnership would offer India a reliable energy source, potentially reducing its reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers and fortifying its energy strategy. While Trumps pro-business stance is favourable for bilateral trade, his protectionist leanings may present challenges. Trumps first term saw an emphasis on America First" policies, with potential trade restrictions and tariffs aimed at boosting American industry. These policies may reappear, necessitating diplomatic engagement from India to ensure that mutual trade remains robust. India must remain vigilant and work to preserve the benefits of its existing trade agreements with the US, while exploring new sectors for partnership. Immigration policies will also demand attention. Trumps emphasis on strict immigration controls could have implications for Indian nationals seeking work or study opportunities in the US. Given Indias vast tech talent, which has historically been welcomed by US firms, Trumps stance on legal immigration will be a critical area for negotiation. As he pushes for more stringent immigration policies, India must work to secure a legal framework that safeguards the mobility of skilled professionals. One of Trumps most contentious legacies involves his approach to the Middle East, particularly Iran. Trumps re-election could mean intensified pressure on Iran, which may resonate with Indias strategic interests. A weakened Iran could diminish the influence of its allied groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, stabilising the region to some extent. With Israel likely to gain more influence, India may find opportunities to strengthen its defence and economic ties with Tel Aviva crucial partner for India in defence technology and agriculture. Trump has signalled a willingness to pursue dialogue with Russia, a stance that may ease tensions in Ukraine. A de-escalation could stabilise global markets, benefitting economies worldwide, including India. A detente between the US and Russia would indirectly benefit India, allowing it to continue its partnership with Russia without the pressures exerted by the US and EU sanctions regimes. However, whether Trumps outreach to Putin results in tangible conflict resolution remains to be seen. Donald Trumps re-election offers India an opportunity to deepen its strategic, economic, and cultural ties with the US. As Prime Minister Modi and President Trump strengthen their rapport, India stands to gain from a mutually beneficial relationship, positioned to advance its regional and global ambitions. However, this new era requires India to exercise careful diplomacy. Economic optimism must be balanced with caution, especially given Trumps protectionist stance on trade and strict immigration policies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The golden age Trump heralds for America could indeed resonate in India, provided both nations navigate their shared goals with clarity and prudence. As India embraces this renewed partnership, the road ahead offers the promise of progress, prosperity, and a formidable alliance on the world stage. The writer is an Indian critic, journalist and cultural writer who takes keen interest in diplomacy and foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:53 IST Opinion | The World Was Bharats Marketplace For Centuries Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 18:27 IST Bharat's location facilitated its role as a global trading hub, connecting East and West, with thriving ports and extensive maritime routes long before modern globalisation A map showcasing the Silk Route and Spice Route. (X/@IndianDiplomacy) Globalisation has often been touted as a mantra for prosperity, though it has also faced significant criticism for its shortcomings over the past decade or so. However, the concept of engaging with the world through commerce and the exchange of ideas in an interconnected world is a timeless one. Naturally, it seems logical that such engagement should be beneficial if conducted under certain conditions. This has often been measured by how open a society is to trading and exchanging ideas with the world. Trade is frequently compared to the openness of a society, as it represents an exchange of ideas as well as goods and services. It also serves as an indicator of the level of a societys engagement with the wider world. We are often told that engagement with the rest of the world began only after the economic reforms of the 1990s. In other words, somehow we were a closed entity throughout our history and our global interactions began almost miraculously after these reforms. But is this really the case? Nothing could be further from the truth, especially when we consider the pre-independence phase of this country. related stories If there is one thing that all the kingdoms in the Common Era (CE) in Bharat shared with the current dispensation, it is the ability to engage with the wider world through trade and commerce. Maritime trade was so significant that the largest discovery of Roman coins outside Europe, dating from the early CE, was found in southern Bharat. Numerous secondary sources, such as the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, Chinese embassy notes, and Greek traveller accounts, indicate that Bharat boasted some of the worlds most vibrant ports for commerce. A plethora of products, including spices, perfumes, wine, gold, ornaments, and rare metals, were traded widely, from as far as Haifa in Israel to China and Southeast Asia, via an extensive maritime network. Most of these goods were produced in Bharat, positioning it as an export hub for the rest of the world. Given that Bharat is geographically situated between the Middle East and the rest of Asia, it naturally served as a vital trading interface and a global connector. No one capitalised on this more than the Cholas. At the height of their reign, from the 8th to nearly the 13th century CE, several Chola kings engaged extensively with the wider world through commerce. Renowned Chola kings such as Rajendra and Rajaraja Chola conquered territories both within and outside Bharat, travelling as far as Southeast Asia, where they fought battles with empires in Java, Kedah, and other regions. Was political conquest the primary motivator for the Cholas ventures? If so, why did they not establish long-term rule over the Southeast Asian territories they conquered? Srenis, or corporate guilds, played a pivotal role in motivating the Cholas to engage in battles with Southeast Asian kingdoms. (For more, read my book Dharmanomics.) Srenis were integral to the financing and governance of CE empires, including the Cholas. They were the backbone of trade during the Chola era, functioning much like the multinational corporations we see today. These guilds operated as global trading entities with branches in various locations. Furthermore, guilds such as the Ainnuruvar (meaning 500" in English) wielded considerable socio-political influence over the economic and political decisions of the Cholas. This influence was not limited to the Cholas but was evident in many CE kingdoms, such as the Pallavas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. These guilds were the torchbearers of commerce, alongside similar organisations, during this period. Their structure mirrored modern corporations, with their own organisational frameworks based on the idea of dharma and its principles. Beyond their role as instruments of trade, these Srenis and kingdoms also played a crucial role in the transfer of knowledge. There have been several instances of evidence of inscriptions which refer to the Arthashastra and its quotations in ancient Cambodia and Vietnam. Cultural soft power was effortlessly transmitted to many of these regions, so much so that during the early Common Era, cities such as Panduranga, Vijaya, and Ayutthaya (akin to Ayodhya) were named after ancient Bharatiya scriptures. This cultural influence also extended to local traditions and rituals. For example, the famed Ashvamedha Yagna was performed by kings before taking oaths of power in some of these countries far from Bharat. As mentioned in my books, there have also been several instances of rulers from these kingdoms exchanging ideas and thoughts with Bharatiya kings to enable knowledge transfer and the assimilation of best practices. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In retrospect, these instances clearly demonstrate that engaging with the world in terms of commerce and ideas was the Bharatiya status quo for centuries. While newer forms of such phenomena have emerged under the guise of globalisation, we were far ahead of our time in engaging with the rest of the world. This was one reason why we were once an economic superpower and why some of our ideas have endured for centuries, even today, in many countries outside Bharat. Sriram Balasubramanian is an economist and best-selling author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:27 IST News / National by Staff reporter The City of Harare launched a major demolition operation in Ridgeview, Belvedere on Thursday, destroying several properties that were built without proper approval. The operation left dozens of families homeless, as graders leveled houses in what officials say will be a citywide crackdown on illegal settlements.Samuel Nyabeza, the director of planning for the City of Harare, confirmed that the demolitions targeted properties built on land with fake documentation. Many of the affected residents claimed that they had been allocated the land by the state. Nyabeza explained that these illegal settlers had been warned in advance about the impending demolition."These settlements were identified last year, and we demolished the structures at that time," Nyabeza said. "However, many of the occupants returned, often at the instigation of land barons who had sold them the land. They rebuilt their homes, which is why we are now taking further action."The city official warned that similar demolitions would continue across Harare as part of the city's efforts to restore order and prevent illegal construction. He also issued a stern warning to land barons who sell illegal plots to unsuspecting buyers, stating that they would face arrest "without fear or favour.""We have to restore order in the city, and we will not tolerate a situation where people just build houses without approvals and permission from the council," Nyabeza said. "A settlement has to be planned with all amenities in place before people start building. You cannot build a house without council-approved plans, and you cannot build where there are no sewer and water facilities."The city has also urged residents to verify the legitimacy of any land they are considering purchasing, warning them to check with the City of Harare before buying property. Nyabeza stressed that every stage of construction should be approved by the council to ensure that infrastructure and services meet the required standards.While the demolitions have drawn criticism from displaced families, who now face uncertainty and homelessness, the city remains firm in its stance on enforcing building regulations. The ongoing operation reflects Harare's commitment to addressing the city's rapid urban expansion and ensuring that future developments meet the necessary legal and infrastructure requirements. Opinion | Why Congress Must Take On AAP In Delhi, Even If It Helps BJP Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 11:58 IST Delhi could be the spark the Congress needs to reignite its national ambitions. AAP's vulnerability and a nostalgic electorate offer a chance for a dramatic comeback The AAP's presence has diluted Congresss vote share, ultimately benefiting the ruling BJP. (PTI) There are clear indications that the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will soon launch Congresss public outreach programme in Delhi. This suggests that the grand old party is considering the option of contesting the assembly polls, scheduled for February 2025, independently. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is already forging ahead with its mass contact programme with full vigour. Congress contested the last Lok Sabha polls in the national capital in alliance with the AAP, but the move yielded no results, as the alliance lost all seven seats. Subsequently, the AAP exited the alliance in Haryana, causing enough damage to allow the BJP to secure victory in the state for a third consecutive term. related stories The AAP will seek a third full term in 2025, having won with decisive mandates in 2020 and 2015. They also governed for 30 days in 2013 with Congresss support. These electoral successes were largely driven by the popularity of their anti-corruption movement and, particularly in 2020 and 2015, the consolidation of minority votes in their favour. However, 2025 may prove different, given the perceived governance shortcomings they have demonstrated in the national capital over the past 10 years. Furthermore, several prominent AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and former Minister Satyender Jain, have spent time behind bars facing a plethora of corruption charges. This suggests that the upcoming polls may not be driven by a mass wave of support but rather by each partys strategies to mobilise their dedicated cadres and secure their vote banks. Since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it has been evident in every Delhi election that when the polls are not a direct referendum on the leadership of Narendra Modi, the BJP struggles to reach the 40 per cent vote share mark. In the 2013 assembly polls, the BJP secured 33 per cent, in 2015 it achieved 37 per cent, and in the 2020 polls, 38 per cent. With the Congresss vote share remaining below double digits in 2015 and 2020, AAP not only won the elections but also secured over 60 seats on both occasions in the 70-member assembly. In the 2013 polls, when the Congress garnered around 15 per cent, AAP won 28 seats, BJP 32, and Congress eight. Meanwhile, in municipal and national polls where the Congress contested hard, AAP has been left to fend for itself. Be it the 2017 or the 2022 Municipal Corporation elections, the Congress managed to rein in the AAPs momentum. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when Congress and AAP contested separately, the Congress came second, and AAP third. The challenge now facing the Congress in Delhi is whether to contest strongly and build its base, though this could risk enabling the BJP to form a government in the city. However, the Congress must recognise that in national politics, the AAPs participation in election after election has fragmented the anti-incumbency vote, weakening Congresss ability to perform strongly. Over the past decade, AAPs involvement in state assembly polls contributed to the BJP retaining power in Manipur, Goa, and most recently, Haryana. The AAPs presence has diluted Congresss vote share, ultimately benefiting the ruling BJP. It even replaced Congress as the main opposition in Gujarat and has taken over as the ruling party in Punjab. The core issue is that AAPs presence has been advantageous for the BJP and detrimental to the Congress. Given this scenario, what prevents the Congress from undermining AAPs interests in Delhi, even if it risks enabling the BJP to come to power? The ruling party in Delhi has already begun to draw away Congress members. Chaudhry Zubair Ahmad, son of former five-time Congress MLA Mateen Ahmed, along with his wife Shagufta Choudhry, a Congress Councillor, recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Zubair had been leading the Congress in the North-East district. The conversations in public transportbe it the jam-packed metros or the ramshackle busesveer around to mourning the demise of Sheila Dikshit and how the present city government has failed to carry forward the legacy of development left behind by the late chief minister. This is true for the cabs and the autos too, where both the passengers and the drivers yearn for the good old times. Who will fulfil this public aspiration? The Congress is currently well-placed to engage in this direction. Nationally, it has positive momentum among its traditional vote banks, despite recent setbacks in Haryana, and locally the groundwork is ready to yield a political harvest in the spring of 2025. So, what is holding it back? The fear of the BJP gaining power in Delhi? The Congress leadership must realise that once AAP is unseated in the national capital, it will be significantly weakened in contesting polls beyond Delhi. After all, the Delhi Excise Scam chargesheet suggests that funds may have been directed towards campaign financing in states like Gujarat, Punjab, and Goa. The Congress high command has shown political prudence in deciding not to contest the Uttar Pradesh bypolls just to lose on the unwinnable seats doled out to them. They should apply similar foresight in Delhi and neutralise the enemy within on its own ground. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, so far, the Congress in Delhi doesnt seem to be capitalising on the goodwill for the late Sheila Dikshit, rekindled in the minds and hearts of the people. If they delay further, they risk losing ground to AAP. If they campaign decisively, who knowsthey might see their government in the Delhi Secretariat. The writer is an author and president, Centre for Reforms, Development & Justice. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 08, 2024, 11:58 IST Opinion | Why I, A Sikh, Will Never Support Khalistan Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:30 IST One of the core reasons why Sikhs oppose the idea of Khalistan is that we belong to India, and India belongs to us. The idea of Khalistan, which seeks division, is antithetical to our principles One reason we oppose Khalistan is because it threatens our unity and shared values with Hindus across the country. (Photo Credits: X) Every day, in thousands of Gurudwaras worldwide, millions of Sikhs pray for the day we can reunite with the lost Gurudwaras of Pakistanthe places where our Gurus once walked and where the history of our faith was written. These Gurudwaras were taken from Sikhs when Pakistan was created in 1947. Yet, the Khalistanis, advocating for a separate Sikh state, seek to see us forever separatednot only from each other but also from our sacred places of worship in India. If, for arguments sake, Khalistan were to become a reality, we would find ourselves unable to freely visit the Gurudwaras in India. Gurudwaras like Sis Ganj Sahib, Bangla Sahib, Patna Sahib, Hazur Sahib, and countless others across India would be forever separated from our community. Sikhs in a hypothetical Khalistan would have to apply for visas to visit our own sacred places in Indiaa scenario unimaginable for a community that reveres its spiritual heritage as a shared national treasure. related stories The rhetoric surrounding Khalistan is pushed by a small but vocal minority. In reality, the majority of Sikhs in India and around the world do not support this idea. Punjab, a land that has seen bloodshed for decades, is now reaping the dividends of peace. This hard-earned peace is a treasure, and no Sikh, in India or abroad, is willing to sacrifice it for a divisive ideology. The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the place where he left this mortal world, and many other historically significant shrines lie outside Punjab. If Khalistan were to become a reality, we would once again be separated from these sacred sites. Applying for visas to visit these holy places would be nothing short of tragic for a community that holds its heritage and history so dear. One of the core reasons why Sikhs oppose the idea of Khalistan is that we belong to India, and India belongs to us. Since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikhs have stood for unity and brotherhood. The first person from the sub-continent to raise his voice against the Mughal invasion of India was Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who, in his Babar Bani (a collection of hymns by Guru Nanak), condemned Baburs forces as paap ki junj," or the procession of sin." In Babar Bani, Guru Nanak Dev Ji uses this phrase to depict the brutality and sinful actions of the invading forces under Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. The term metaphorically describes the invasion as a dark, sinful procession that brought immense suffering, violence, and moral decay. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh master, refused to alter the Gurbani (holy scripture) and was martyred on the orders of the Mughal rulers. His son, Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, was the first to take up arms against the Mughals. The ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, was beheaded in Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb as he laid down his life to ensure that Hindus, especially Kashmiri Pandits, could freely practice their faith. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru and son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, fought against Mughal tyranny from a young age and sacrificed his entire family, including his four sons, to ensure the shackles of slavery were removed from India. Sikh history is replete with sacrifices for this nation. Who can forget the sacrifices made by Sikhs in Indias freedom struggle? Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims fought shoulder-to-shoulder to challenge the British Empire. While Muslims received Pakistan, Sikh leaders chose to remain with their Hindu-majority brethren in India. Hindu-Sikh Brotherhood: A Bond of Blood and Struggle The relationship between Hindus and Sikhs has always been one of shared struggles, sacrifices, and common ideals. From the very beginning, Sikhs have stood beside Hindus in times of oppression. Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, teaches the oneness of humanity, and Sikhs have always answered this call, offering their lives for the protection of all people, regardless of religion. This bond of brotherhood was exemplified during the rule of the Mughals when Sikh Gurus laid down their lives to defend the religious rights of Hindus, particularly the persecuted Kashmiri Pandits. This history of shared struggles has cemented our relationship with Hindusone that transcends political lines and should remain immune to divisions created by external forces. Teachings of the Gurus: Unity and Brotherhood The teachings of the Gurus, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, are a timeless message of unity and peace. In our holy scripture, we find verses that encourage us to see no difference between ourselves and others: Na koi bairi nahin begana, sagal sang ham ko ban aayi." (There is no enemy, nor a stranger. I get along with all.) Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1299 This message resonates deeply within us, urging respect, kindness, and compassion for everyone, irrespective of religion or background. Aaval Allah noor upaya, kudrat ke sab bande, ek noor te sab jag upjaya kaun bhale ko mande." (First, Allah created the Light; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings. From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad?) Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1349 This cornerstone of our faith has allowed Sikhs and Hindus to live together harmoniously for centuries. The Rise of Khalistani Sentiment: A Threat to Sikh Unity While Sikhs remain committed to the values of peace, unity, and equality, a small but vocal minority has been pushing for Khalistan. This ideology, once promoted by separatists, caused immense bloodshed in Punjab in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, today, this rhetoric no longer represents the Sikh majority. Most Sikhs are not interested in a separate state. After decades of violence, Punjab has finally achieved a semblance of peace and stability. We treasure this hard-won peace and refuse to sacrifice it for divisive ideologies. One reason we oppose Khalistan is because it threatens our unity and shared values with Hindus across the country. Sikhism teaches us to consider the entire human race as one family. Khalistan would divide us and create barriers between us. Canada: A Strained Relationship and a Wake-Up Call The recent events in Canada have highlighted a troubling trendthe rising tensions between Sikhs and Hindus, stoked by a section of Khalistani sympathisers. A recent incident, where a prominent Hindu temple was attacked by a Khalistani supporter, has put the spotlight on the growing divide between these two communities abroad. While the actions of a few extremists cannot define the entire Sikh community, this incident has once again raised uncomfortable questions about the growing presence of Khalistani sentiments in the diaspora. As a Sikh, I understand the pain of seeing our communitys name used to justify violence. The real Sikh community, however, remains committed to peace and unity. Most of us are far removed from these divisive ideas and continue to honour the Sikh principles of love, brotherhood, and service to humanity. The events in Canada should serve as a reminder of the importance of inter-community dialogue and understanding. It is essential that we do not allow the actions of a few individuals to poison the relationship between Sikhs and Hindus, both in India and abroad. I was recently in the US on a family vacation, where I visited several Gurudwaras across the country. In the majority of Gurudwaras, there were no posters or portraits of Khalistani supporters. In fact, no Khalistani activist is even allowed to enter these places of worship, let alone speak about Khalistan. The majority of Sikhs in the US are hardworking people who started from scratch and have played an important role in the economy and development of their respective states. PM Modis Efforts for Sikhs: Healing the Wounds of the Past Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, Sikhs in India have witnessed significant strides towards recognition, justice, and inclusion. One of the most notable actions was the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, a direct link between India and Pakistan, allowing Sikhs to visit the holy Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib without a visa. Since Partition, Sikhs had longed for access to this site, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and one of the most important religious sites for the Sikh community worldwide. This gesture was a testament to Modis commitment to religious freedom and spiritual aspirations. The Modi government has also taken steps to address the painful legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. For decades, justice had eluded the victims, but under Modis leadership, several cases have been reopened, and there has been a renewed push for accountability. While the wounds of 1984 havent fully healed, these steps have been welcomed by the Sikh community, giving hope that the government is acknowledging past wrongs. Someone asked me what PM Modi has done for Sikhs in the country, and I responded that the community, once buried under the big tree that fell in 1984," is now being slowly but steadily rescued by Modi from under the rubble. Modi, who openly claims to be a proud Hindu, goes to Gurudwaras across the country and bows his head in front of Guru Granth Sahib. His actions demonstrate his love and respect for Sikh Gurus and Sikh traditions. In the past ten years, Modi has opened the state treasury to celebrate various historic milestones of Sikh history. He has even cooked in the Gurudwara kitchens and served Langar to Sikhs. What Modi has done for the Sikh community, even the Sikh Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not accomplish. Sikhs in India: A Legacy of Leadership India has always celebrated its Sikh citizens. Sikhs have held vital leadership roles across the defence forces, government, and business. The number of Sikh generals in the Indian Army is disproportionately high to our population, reflecting our communitys commitment to service and leadership. Currently, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, the Chief of Air Staff, is a Sikh. Such achievements are possible only in a secular country like India, where Sikhs have been entrusted with leadership roles in the defence forces and key ministries. Where else in the world could one imagine a Sikh, who constitutes less than 2 per cent of the population, becoming Prime Minister for two consecutive terms? Where else can a Sikh aspire to become the President of the country? The Sikh Identity: Pride in Service, Langar, and Unity As a Sikh, I take immense pride in our tradition of selfless service, especially through Langar, which feeds millions daily, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. This practice embodies the principle of sevaselfless service to humanity. Sikhs do not see themselves as separate from others but as part of a larger global community. This is why the idea of Khalistan, which seeks division, is antithetical to our principles. Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Peace As Sikhs in India and worldwide face challenges and misconceptions, its crucial to remember the core values of Sikhism: unity, peace, and respect for all. Khalistani sentiment, driven by a small group, does not reflect the Sikh community as a whole. What we want is peace, justice, and harmony with our Hindu brothers and sisters, as we have for centuries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Canada, as tensions rise, its a reminder that Sikhs and Hindus must work together to overcome divisions created by those who exploit historical wounds for political gain. We, the Sikh community, remain committed to justice and to a peaceful, united future. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 08, 2024, 12:10 IST Priyanka Gandhi Contesting Wayanad Bypoll With Jamaat-e-Islami Support, Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:33 IST Kerala CM hit out at Priyanka Gandhi alleging that Priyanka Gandhi is contesting Wayanad bypoll with Jamaat-e-Islami support. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi (PTI Image) Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Marxist leader Pinarayi Vijayan intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that its general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Vijayan claimed that by-election in Wayanad has exposed the Congress partys secular mask completely." Priyanka Gandhi is running as a candidate there with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. So, what exactly is Congresss stance? Our country is not unfamiliar with Jamaat-e-Islami. Does that organisations ideology align with democratic values?," he asked. related stories Jamaat-e-Islami does not value nation: Vijayan Stating that Jamaat-e-Islami does not value the nation or its democracy and disregards the nations governance structure, Vijayan said the organisation was operating under the guise of political involvement through the Welfare Party, and this facade was evident in Jammu and Kashmir. The chief minister alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had long opposed elections in Jammu and Kashmir, promoting strong sectarian positions. Later, they aligned themselves with the BJP (in Kashmir)," he said. Referring to the recent elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Vijayan claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami planned to contest three or four seats there, ultimately focusing on the seat where CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami was standing. The goal was to defeat Tarigami, and the BJP shared this objective. However, despite this alliance of extremists and the BJP, the people chose Tarigami," the CPI(M) veteran said. He said the Jamaat-e-Islami in Wayanad claims they are different from the Jamaat-e-Islami in Kashmir. However, the ideology remains the sameone that does not accept any form of democratic governance. This time, they feel like supporting the Congress-led UDF," he said. Kerala CM attacks Congress Targeting the Congress, Vijayan asked, Shouldnt those who stand for secularism oppose all forms of sectarianism?" Can the Congress do that? The Congress and allies, including the Muslim League, seem to be making certain sacrifices to maintain their alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. Can the Congress reject Jamaat-e-Islamis votes?" he asked. The CPI(M) Politburo member urged Congress leaders to recall a statement by the late Marxist leader EMS Namboodiripad, highlighting his firm stance against communal alliances. He said in a by-election in Thalassery, EMS had openly stated, We do not want RSS votes." Referring to this example, Vijayan questioned whether Congress could take a similarly principled stand. Vijayan made similar allegations while addressing a by-election meeting in support of the Left candidate in Wayanad, CPIs Sathyan Mokeri. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kozhikode Corporation Councillor Navya Haridas is the BJP candidate in the hill constituency. The Wayanad by-election was triggered after Rahul Gandhi, who won seats in both Wayanad and Raebareli, chose to vacate the Wayanad seat. The by-election will be held on November 13. Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:33 IST 'Who Moved CM Sukhu's Samosa?' As BJP Takes Digs, Himachal CID DG Says 'Don't Politicise' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:22 IST He also said the matter had nothing to do with the state government and was an issue of indiscipline. Ranjan's comments came after reports claimed a CID probe was allegedly ordered to check who took away the samosas that had come for the CM. The state, however, has denied the claims. With the samosa issue heating up politics in Himachal Pradesh, the state CID DG, Sanjeev Ranjan has said it was the investigative agencys internal matter and should not be escalated. Speaking to CNN-News18 on the investigation into who ate away the samosas meant for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Ranjan said, This is CIDs internal matter. Please do not escalate the matter and do not politicise it." He also said the matter had nothing to do with the state government and was an issue of indiscipline. The CM was invited by us and the function went well. Then we came to know that the items brought for the CM went missing," Ranjan said, adding, Its a matter of indiscipline and has nothing to do with the government." related stories Ranjans comments came after reports claimed a CID probe was allegedly ordered to check who took away the samosas" that had come for the CM. The state, however, has denied the claims. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the CID probe ridiculous" and anti-people" and took a dig at the Congress government in the state. Amit Malviya, BJP leader, posted on X: Who moved Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhus samosa? CID will find out" BJP MLA Satpal Singh Satti told ANI, Ever since the Congress government has come to power in Himachal Pradesh, newer things come to light every day. Employees are not getting salaries in a month and sometimes a ban is imposed on jobs in Himachal Pradesh, but no attention is paid to it. But for the Chief Ministers programme, samosas were ordered from a five-star hotel and instead of reaching there, some people ate them on the way. An inquiry was put on them and high-ranking officials were appointed. The officials have done it through them. By calling the incident of eating samosas anti-government and anti-Himachal, an inquiry is being conducted on them. This is a very funny matter. Big scandals are happening in different departments in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister should pay attention to them" BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said: They are not able to give the salary of government employees. They are eating samosa on the toilet seat. This is the real face of the Congress. The Congress government is a complete failure." CM Doesnt Have Samosa top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, Naresh Chauhan, Himachal CMs media advisor, said, Wrong statements are being madeNo inquiry is going on. It might be an internal matter of the CID. Its very sad that such statements are being given on such an issue." The CM does not have samosa and did not order it. The probe is not on missing samosas, but on the misbehaviour of the staff. A wrong narrative is being pushed. We are checking who misbehaved with the DIG," said sources close to the CMs office. First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:22 IST 25-Year-Old YouTuber, Known For Drag Racing, Killed In Car Crash Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 18:36 IST According to reports, Andre Beadle lost control of a 2023 BMW while driving at a high rate of speed. Andre Beadles car collided with a metal pole. (Photo Credit: Instagram) A 25-year-old YouTuber and influencer, famous for his drag-racing videos, died in a car accident on the Nassau Expressway in Queens, New York, on November 6. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said that officers responded to a report of a vehicle crash involving 25-year-old Beadle, also known online as 1Stockf30, on the Nassau Expressway in Queens at approximately 1:12 am. He was driving a 2023 BMW eastbound at a high rate of speed" when he lost control of the vehicle. According to the authorities, Beadles car collided with a metal pole at night after he made a sudden right turn while driving. related stories When emergency services arrived at the scene, Beadle was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Centre, where he was declared dead. The Highway Districts Collision Investigation Squad is continuing its investigation into the accident. According to Beadles brother, Alico Beadle, this was not the YouTubers first accident. Speaking to CBS News, Alico said, He crashed on a track a couple of months ago, and then it was a pretty bad accident, too. But the barriers and all that, he had a helmet and all that, saved him. But this one, just, I dont know." He loved cars. He talked about cars every day. Thats what he does: Cars, cars, cars," the YouTubers mother, Everith McCray, told CBS News. According to Beadles Instagram account, his supporters and admirers are invited to gather at Haffen Park, New York, on November 8 at 4:30 PM for a balloon release in his honour. The post on his account reads, Bring some balloons and come celebrate life with the young legend and trendsetter." According to the tribute, Beadle was fuelled by the thrill" and driven by passion," with the post adding, May you find the ultimate track among the stars." As the tribute gained attention, fans and supporters flooded the comments with messages of love and condolences for his family. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beadle, who had around 2,50,000 followers on Instagram and 59,500 subscribers on YouTube, frequently posted videos featuring street racing and his fast car adventures. Some of his videos, which included collaborations with other well-known street racers, carried warnings urging viewers to follow the road code and drive with care." In a video posted in June, Beadle shared that he had previously crashed his BMW while travelling at 170 mph." Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:36 IST 66-year-old Man's Reason Behind Dancing At Grandson's Funeral Will Leave You In Tears Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 14:15 IST Kevin Gentilin died when a car hit him from behind while he was on his Vespa scooter going to school. Grandfather danced at the funeral to honour his teen grandson. (Representative Image) The funeral of Kevin Gentilin in Castelfranco Veneto, Italy, provoked great interest due to a gesture of the boys grandfather, Gino Gentilin. After the 15-year-old died in a road accident, Gino wished to have a joyful send-off and therefore arranged a rave funeral" where he danced to techno music in front of the young mans coffin. The grandfather has now come forward to defend himself stating that he had asked for permission from Kevins parents to dance. The boy died when a car hit him from behind while he was on his Vespa scooter going to school. The incident had a significant effect on his family and community. Therefore, 66-year-old Gino Gentilin honoured his grandson by giving him a spirited funeral. related stories In my case, it was that dance that saved me. When I finished dancing in front of my grandsons coffin, I clearly heard his voice in my head. He said to me: Thank you, Grandpa. And suddenly I felt empty, as if a lot of that suffering that I carried inside me had come out," he told local media Corriere Del Veneto. At the funeral, Gino danced energetically with loud Italian music playing in the background of bands such as 883 and DJ Matrix. According to him, Kevin and he were very good friends as both of them used to talk about life most of the time and liked going out together. The grandfather added that they communicated each night and the teen shared everything about his projects and passions" with him. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The video about Gino dancing at the funeral went viral on the Internet, garnering mixed reactions from users. Most individuals were inspired by the grand-dads activities as a sign of inspiration while some considered him rude and out of order during a mournful event. To this, Gino apologised for any offence that he might have caused but maintained that the dance was a positive gesture in honouring the memory of Kevin. I apologise if I have offended anyones sensibilities, but believe me that dance, a declaration of love to my grandson, saved me," the grandfather admitted, adding What I didnt know is that they would film the scene with their cell phones and that the video would end up on social media and in the newspapers," he added. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 14:15 IST Dentist Celebrates 'Pollution-Free' Diwali With Gunshots, Faces Charges Under Arms Act Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 16:59 IST The video showed her resting against a Mahindra Thar car, taking five aimless shots in the air, all with a licensed gun. Rudrapur dentists Diwali video is trending. (Photo Credits: X) A dentist from Uttarakhand has come under public scrutiny and legal trouble after she celebrated Diwali with gunshots in the air. Aanchal Dhingra posted a video on social media of herself firing a licensed pistol towards the sky at her farmhouse in Gadarpur, claiming it was her unique way of enjoying a pollution-free" Diwali. The video soon went viral and authorities were quick to respond. Dhingra was booked under the Arms Act, as discharging a firearm in this manner is considered a violation. Dhingra works at Guru Maa Advanced Dental Care in Rudrapur and is married to businessman Abhimanyu Dhingra, as per a report by the Times Of India (TOI). The ill-fated video on Diwali night showed her resting against a Mahindra Thar car, taking five aimless shots in the air, all with a licensed gun. This was not only provocative but also unlawful according to the Indian law and regulation that prohibits discharging firearms in public or in celebration. related stories The police got involved when people complained about the video. After examining the facts, Rudrapurs Station House Officer (SHO), Manoj Raturi confirmed that the dentist had fired her weapon and consequently filed a case against her under sections 27(1) and 30 of the Arms Act, as per TOI. The authorities have reportedly considered cancelling her licence to bear firearms because of this violation. Meanwhile, in Delhis Shahdara area, a Diwali celebration took a violent turn when two men were shot dead on October 31, 2024. The victims, identified as Akash Sharma, 40, and his 16-year-old nephew Rishabh Sharma, were attacked at their family residence. Akashs 10-year-old son, Krish, was also present and narrowly escaped injury during the incident. Farsh Bazaar double murder cctvA man and his cousin shot dead while celebrating Diwali. #delhimurder #DelhiPolice #Delhicrime pic.twitter.com/Z8b4iFkS3f Shehla J (@Shehl) November 1, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police reported that the attackers fired five rounds. CCTV footage helped identify a juvenile suspect, who has since been detained for questioning. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack stemmed from personal enmity, though police continue to probe for further details. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 16:59 IST Food Pharmer Joins Sudha Murty For Research On Food Adulteration: 'WhatsApps Like A Friend' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:22 IST Sudha Murty sought help from Food Pharmer for her research on food adulteration during the Monsoon Session of the Rajya Sabha. He will continue to assist her in the upcoming Winter Session. The 74-year-old Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty contacts Food Pharmer over WhatsApp. (Pic credit: Instagram/@foodpharmer) Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty reached out to content creator Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer, for research on food adulteration for the Rajya Sabha. Food Pharmer assisted her during the Monsoon Session and is set to assist her again during the upcoming Winter Session of the Rajya Sabha. Known for promoting health-conscious living and holding brands accountable for their ingredient choices, Himatsingka described Murty as the most humble person" he has ever met. He also noted that she contacted him directly via WhatsApp like a friend". Read| Sudha Murty Tells Kapil Sharma She Is A Bad Cook: Look At Narayana Murthys Weight related stories My biggest honour in my journey as Food Pharmer is when Sudha Murty Maam contacted me to provide research on food adulteration for Rajya Sabha," wrote Himatsingka while sharing a video on X (formerly known as Twitter). He praised Murty as the most humble person" that he has ever met and contrasted her demeanour with social media influencers. Ive come across influencers with 1 lakh followers with more attitude than her," he added. He continued, Unlike most public figures who usually hide behind managers, she directly WhatsApps almost like a friend." The video opens to show Himatsingka excitedly sharing the news of his collaboration with Murty on addressing food adulteration for the Rajya Sabha. It then transitions to a clip of Murty speaking during the Monsoon session of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. In her speech, Murty says, What kind of food we eat and what kind of disease we get, we should think in the modern era. Cancer cases are arising in our country due to adulteration and many more reasons." She went on to highlight three problematic ingredients often used in the hotel industry synthetic colour, synthetic vinegar, and tasting powder. Also Read| Sudha Murthy Reacts as Narayana Murthy Recalls Her First Visit To His House On Kapil Sharma Show: Tab Jawan The The philanthropist warns, They [ingredients] look nice, it is tasty, but people are not aware that it will become a problem in the future." Towards the end of the video, Himatsingka expresses his excitement for the chance to assist Murty in the upcoming Winter Session of the Rajya Sabha. Excited to assist her with research during the upcoming Winter Session of the Rajya Sabha as well. Imagine, if the worlds most powerful people got together and fought for what is right." Watch the video here: My biggest honour in my journey as Food Pharmer is when Sudha Murthy Maam contacted me to provide research on food adulteration for Rajya Sabha.She is by far the most humble person Ive met and Ive come across influencers with 1 lakh followers with more attitude than her. pic.twitter.com/VfezptSiaU Revant Himatsingka Food Pharmer" (@foodpharmer2) November 6, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sudha Murty, who is an author, philanthropist, and chairperson of The Murty Trust, was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha on March 8 this year for her contribution to social work and education. She is married to NR Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys. The couple have two children Rohan Murty and Akshata Murty. While Rohan is the founder and CTO of an AI-based digital transformation company Soroco, Akshata is a fashion designer and businesswoman. She is married to Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:22 IST Gen Z Employee Requests One-Week Leave To Recover From Breakup, Boss Isn't Amused Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:24 IST Thats a perfect reason to declare leave, said an individual in response to a man's post about his Gen Z employee who took a week off to recover from the breakup. The boss said that the communication was one-sided, leaving him to deal with the consequences of the employees absence. (Representative Pic) An Indian boss recently shared how one of his Gen Z employees sent him a one-line email informing him that he would be on a one-day leave. The employee did not offer any explanation behind his leave request and ended the email with a casual Bye". It started a discussion on social media about how Gen Z tend to be direct and to the point in their communication. One boss joined in on the discussion and shared a similar experience, revealing that one of his employees took off for an entire week to recover from the breakup. He also pointed out that the communication was one-sided, leaving him to deal with the consequences of the employees absence. related stories One of my Gen Z team members suddenly declared one weeks leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge," wrote Krishna Mohan on X. Read| Gen Z Employees Ill Be On Leave Email To Indian Boss Is Viral He added, The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup." Take a look at the post below: One of my Gen z team members suddenly declared 1 week leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup. Krishna Mohan (@KiMoJiRa) November 6, 2024 Heres how the Internet reacted to the bosss viral story: Its better to give them a break than overwhelm them with deadlines when they are already under the weather. The fewer suicidal tendencies the better," said an individual. To this, Mohan replied, Believe me it was one-way communication. I had to deal with the repercussions of the project." Another added, So according to you, mental health is nothing?" Mohan then explained, Mate. No need to assume the worst. The guy is still in my team and has even been promoted for his good work. I was just stating how Gen zs are doing things differently." Also Read| Turkish Boss Rejects Indian Employees Wedding Leave Request, Couple Marries Over Video Call Thats a perfect reason to declare leave," expressed a third. A fourth commented, Unless the world is dying, all deadlines can be extended. Believe me and trust me, start talking, if you have clients, they also understand." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is a boomer fallout issue. Because over the decades people learned even top performers were not treated well so the pendulum has swung the other way with extreme prejudice," said a sixth. A seventh joined, Deja Vu. Exactly the same thing happened to me. The guy did not declare even. He was not available in the office and when his TL called him, he said he was in Uttarakhand trying to get over his ex who broke up on Saturday. Gen Z are reallyI am worried for my children now." First Published: November 08, 2024, 13:24 IST In Delhi, Woman Washes Hair In Yamuna's Toxic Foam; Internet Reminds Her It's 'Not Shampoo' Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:15 IST Videos showing Chhath Puja devotees taking a bath in the toxic foam of the Yamuna River have gone viral. The Delhi High Court has banned devotees from bathing in Yamuna. (Photo Credits: X) Its that time of the year again when Delhis Yamuna River is covered in a thick layer of white froth, containing ammonia and phosphates. While the high levels of pollutants and untreated sewage are believed to be harmful, people still remain unbothered by the frothy, toxic water amid the Chhath Puja celebrations in the national capital. A video of a woman washing her hair with the toxic water in the Yamuna River is going viral. Along with her, other devotees were also spotted taking a dip in the water as a part of Chhath Puja rituals. In the video, the saree-clad woman, standing in knee-deep water, appears to be using the foam as shampoo to wash her hair. A few others around her also continued with their bathing ritual, paying no heed to the toxic foam around them. related stories Im saying it again, Basic education is necessary for everyone.Look at how this Aunty is washing her hairs thinking that foam is shampoo !! Chhath Puja scenes from Yamuna River, Delhi pic.twitter.com/3d4uwZXBZW ZORO (@BroominsKaBaap) November 5, 2024 Im saying it again, Basic education is necessary for everyone. Look at how this Aunty is washing her hair, thinking that foam is shampoo!!" the videos caption read. Similar videos show groups of women washing their hair with the foamy water, leaving the internet shocked. These women washing their hair with thick toxic foam in Yamuna river, I am glad no one started believing this as a miracle of God," a user mockingly wrote. These women washing their hair with thick toxic foam in Yamuna river, I am glad no one started believing this as a miracle of God pic.twitter.com/5Qitbi9BKq MrsG (@Marvellous_MrsG) November 7, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The videos come despite the Delhi High Court banning devotees from performing Chhath Puja rituals on the river bank. It will be very harmful to you. The fact is that the river is so polluted that if you dip into it, there is the likelihood that a person will suffer harm. We cant allow that. The river itself is highly polluted," the bench said. The court even observed the high pollution levels in the river, which could make people fall ill from bathing. Despite the ban and restrictions, devotees in large numbers were spotted along the banks of the Yamuna River to offer prayers and perform the holy bath. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:15 IST News / National by Staff reporter Ghana's outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo is facing a backlash on social media after he unveiled a statue of himself during a tour of the country's Western Region.The monument is intended to honour the development initiatives the president has overseen whilst in office, the region's minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah says.But many Ghanaians have been mocking its installation outside a hospital in the city of Sekondi seeing it as "self glorification"."The people of the Western Region deserve better than these self-serving displays," opposition MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah posted on X.Akufo-Addo, who will be standing down in January after two terms in power, has boasted that he has fulfilled 80% of his promises to Ghanaians.He unveiled the monument, prominently placed in front of Sekondi's Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, on Wednesday during his visit that has been dubbed a "thank-you tour".At the ceremony, Darko-Mensah, who oversees the Western Region, highlighted several key projects initiated under the president.But the statue has sparked a wave of criticism, with some Ghanaians questioning its importance when several key projects remain incomplete."It would be admirable if the president had allowed posterity to recognise and appreciate his work," an X user posted.A section of the public is calling for the statue photos of which have gone viral to be pulled down after the president leaves office.But not everyone is critical, with some seeing it as an acknowledgement of Akufo-Addo's contributions to the development of the country."He is very deserving of this exquisite monument. The greatest president I've ever had. You will be missed by Ghanaians," one person posted, adding that Akufo-Addo was the "founder of Ghana's free education system".During his tour, the 80-year-old president has singled out his policy to scrap fees for secondary schools as his "most significant legacy".His visit has also fed into campaigning nationwide by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Western Region, in the south-west, is one of 16 regions in the country.The president urged people there to vote for his deputy, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, in next month's general election.He will be the NPP's candidate and Akufo-Addo said a vote for him would see the continuation of the party's policies and projects.Bawumia's main challenger will be former President John Dramani Mahama, who is seeking a comeback under the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).The high cost of living is a key campaign issue in Ghana, Africa's leading producer of gold. In Puducherry, This Hotel Hosts Annual Christmas Cake-making Event Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 10:52 IST Both the tourists visiting the hotels restaurant and residents enjoyed the event. This celebration has become a significant tradition for the hotel. Every year, a prominent five-star hotel in Puducherry hosts a Christmas cake-making event during the Christmas season. Following this event, preparations for this years special mixture also commenced. The program was inaugurated by special guests, including chefs and cooking experts. This celebration has become a significant tradition for the hotel, celebrated each year with great enthusiasm during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Participants included the hotels CEO, Venadatesh Pat, Alayan Francis, President Nallam Satish, and tourists staying at the hotel, who all attended the event. The gathering brought together hotel staff and guests, with cooking experts making the process engaging and memorable through their expertise. Both tourists visiting the hotels restaurant and residents enjoyed the event. related stories This years special mixture includes raisins, cherries, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, oranges, and other dried fruits, carefully selected to make it delicious and nutritious. The mixture contains 120 ingredients and ten types of premium spirits, adding to its uniqueness. It will be preserved for 45 days, allowing it to mature and retain its freshness fully. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This mixture will be used to create a grand 500-kilogram Christmas cake. The cake will be impressive not only in size but also in its decoration, providing everyone with a memorable experience. This cake will be presented to guests and staff during the New Year celebration. The hotel administration also announced that a special exhibition will be held to showcase the cake, where all guests can view and taste it. The event filled the hotel guests with new excitement and joy. In the coming years, the hotel plans to celebrate such events on an even larger scale. The hotel management also mentioned that they intend to organise several new and exciting events in the future to provide guests with a good experience. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 10:52 IST Meet Anita Verma-Lallian, Indian-Origin Woman Who Purchased Matthew Perry's LA Home Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 09:10 IST Anita Lallian bought the late actor's LA home for a whopping Rs 72.04 crore in an off-market deal. Perry bought the home in 2020. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Matthew Perrys Los Angeles home, the same place where the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. actor took his last breath, was sold in an off-market deal for $8.5 million (Rs 72.04 crore approx). The property has been purchased by Anita Verma-Lallian, a real estate developer and film producer who looks forward to honouring the positive aspects of the late actors life and his joyful contribution towards society. In an Instagram post, Anita shared pictures from the property, showing glimpses of a puja that she performed at the house. As a real estate developer myself, I believe every property has a history that we may or may not know about, and every home carries the energy that the current owner brings to it. I am Hindu, and its customary to do a blessing and prayer anytime you buy a new home. We were so lucky to have our Panditji from Arizona come to the house to do the blessing. We chose to honor the positive aspects of the previous owners life, his immense talent, and all the joy he brought to so many people. The decision to purchase the home had nothing to do with the previous owner, just our love of the home," a part of her post read. related stories After Perry, lets get to know more about the owner of the luxurious property, which was originally purchased in 2020. Who Is Anita-Verma Lallian? As per a Forbes report, Anita Lallian is the founder of Camelback Productions, which mainly represents South Asians in films. She is also a well-known real estate consultant in Arizona, where she has invested most of her career in helping investors find their ideal space, only to build a portfolio worth over $1 billion. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She began her consulting firm, Arizona Land Consulting, in 2020 after leaving her family business. We have been instrumental in large businesses coming to Arizona and the development of Phoenix, focusing on attracting companies that will positively affect the landscape," she told Canvas Rebel, as quoted by the South China Morning Post. On her personal front, Anitas parents immigrated from India to the US and created Vermaland, a land banking company in Arizona. She earned her MBA at the University of Southern California. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 09:10 IST Meet Gauri Tripathi, The Bihar Teacher Who Drives Her Students To School Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 13:08 IST Gauri Tripathi confidently shares that she feels no embarrassment while driving. Gauri Tripathi stands as a symbol of womens empowerment. Its often said that with enough courage and skill, any challenge can be overcome. This is especially true for Gauri Tripathi, a remarkable young woman from Bihars Bhojpur district. Each day, she drives a passenger vehicle for 10 kilometres, ensuring that school children arrive at school safely and are dropped back home. Beyond this, Gauri also serves other passengers on her route, defying expectations in a field largely led by men. Through her bold efforts, Gauri stands as a symbol of womens empowerment, demonstrating equality and resilience in a role that challenges traditional norms. Gauri Tripathi confidently shares that she feels no embarrassment while driving. Since 2016, she has been running a private school, RR Shiksha Niketan, in Kasap village, located in Bihars Bhojpur district. Her school serves as a place of learning for children from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom travel from distant areas to attend. Initially, Gauri had arranged for a driver to operate a school vehicle, ensuring that the children were picked up and dropped off safely. An incident occurred one day when the driver, under the influence of alcohol, crashed the vehicle into a pole. Thankfully, none of the children were harmed, but the accident was a wake-up call for Gauri. related stories After this experience, she made a firm decision to learn to drive herself, determined to ensure the childrens safety. She began transporting the students personally, and although people would often stare as she took the wheel, Gauri paid no mind to the attention. Over time, her presence behind the wheel became a normal sight in the community, and now she safely brings students to and from school every day with confidence. Gauri also shares an inspiring message for women, emphasising that no job is too small or too large; with commitment and self-belief, any task can be accomplished with ease. Her journey and resilience have become a source of motivation for others, proving that with determination, one can break barriers and make a meaningful impact. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 13:08 IST Pakistan Woman Claims Her Job Application Was Rejected By 'So-called' AI Dectors Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 16:34 IST Sharing her ordeal, she said, After putting my genuine effort into creating original content, it was dismissed due to these 'scammer' AI tools that cant accurately distinguish between real human creativity and AI-generated text." Her post has sparked a discussion on the reliability of AI-based solutions. (Representative Image) Artificial Intelligence is slowly becoming popular throughout the world with several institutions taking the help of technology to get things done. However, the question of accuracy and reliability exists. The same was highlighted by a Pakistani woman who claimed that her original work was dismissed as plagiarised by Scammer AI Tools. The woman revealed that her job application was rejected due to this. Her post raising the question Are we losing talent to flawed technology? has caught the attention of working professionals on social media sparking a discussion on the reliability of AI-based solutions. Got Rejected Because of So-Called" AI Detectors. Yes, you read that right! I was rejected from a job interview simply because my work was flagged by an unreliable AI detector," the user stated in the post. related stories Sharing her ordeal, she said, After putting my genuine effort into creating original content, it was dismissed due to these scammer AI tools that cant accurately distinguish between real human creativity and AI-generated text." Her post sparked a discussion on the platform with many users sharing similar incidents. A user stated, Relying solely on AI detection tools to judge a writers capabilities is highly questionable. Even Quillbot, one of the most widely used AI detection tools, has stated that these tools should not be the basis for hiring decisions or academic assessments. How, then, can crucial decisions be made on the basis of technology that itself admits to its limitations? VERY ALARMING." Another user said, Oh I also found it some time ago I write two paras by myself and run AI detector tools to just test things out but it said my content is 100% AI content and on the other hand I gave it AI-generated content the results said it is 90% AI content." A user highlighted, I noticed that these AI detectors want you to write in very basic English. When you write using the formal register, it automatically becomes AI-detected. Thats the problem we are in today." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all AI detection tools are used to check whether some text has been written by applications such as ChatGPT. According to a survey of more than 450 instructors published in March by the Center for Democracy & Technology, about two-thirds of teachers were using an AI checker regularly. A Bloomberg report further suggested that AI writing detectors are highly accurate, but not foolproof. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 16:34 IST Unusual Snowfall In Saudi Arabia Raises Climate Concerns, Netizens Say Not A Good Sign Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 15:04 IST The sudden snowfall changed the dry desert environment into a winter wonderland. Saudi National Centre for Meteorology warned of continued rainfall. (Photo Credits: X) Unusual weather conditions have become an unpredictable phenomenon in recent years. Most recently, people all around the world were surprised to see Saudi Arabias Al-Jawf region receiving its first recorded snowfall. It changed the dry desert environment into a winter wonderland. This extraordinary phenomenon occurred in the aftermath of severe rain and hail storms that swept across the region. But the incident has left netizens divided. While some could not take their eyes off the miracle, others remained worried about the rapid climate change. The weather conditions not only generated lovely scenery but also revitalised the landscape by forming waterfalls and filled valleys. But online users have reacted in varied ways. related stories Saudi Arabian desert covered in snowThis is the first time in history that the desert has been covered in snow, as temperatures there rarely drop to such levels. A severe hail storm also raged there recently. pic.twitter.com/4wjSaaRMfo Nurlan Mededov (@mededov_nurlan) November 3, 2024 Snow in Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/ZLWHayKztT Yisrael official (@YisraelOfficial) November 5, 2024 One of the users who seemed mesmerised, expressed, Snowfall in Saudi Arabia! Nature never ceases to amaze. Seeing the desert transform into a winter wonderland is breathtaking!" Another person tried to offer an explanation of the weather phenomenon stating, Its not snow, its hail. Big difference." Not a good sign, mother nature is changing its colours (@alfadelta0108) November 8, 2024 I guess the North Pole will shift to the Middle East in a few decades. iamed (@iamjusteddy) November 7, 2024 "Snowfall in Saudi Arabia! Nature never ceases to amaze. Seeing the desert transform into a winter wonderland is breathtaking! #SaudiSnow #WinterMagic #UnexpectedWeather" Sugam Upadhaya (@SugamUpadhaya) November 7, 2024 100% natural, nothing to do with the weather seeding WhiteCloudVapur (@WhiteCloudVapur) November 6, 2024 End of the world nearing. Doxteric (@ABBASKA1969) November 6, 2024 Its not snow, its hail. Big difference. Chris Alder (@Alderc1212) November 4, 2024 Many others raised concerns regarding the changing climate. A person mentioned, Not a good sign, mother nature is changing its colours." while another individual commented, I guess the North Pole will shift to the Middle East in a few decades." Some simply felt that this was a sign of how vulnerable our habitat is to nature. End of the world nearing," said one user. An individual noted, 100% natural, nothing to do with the weather seeding." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has also issued warnings about possible thunderstorms in Al-Jawf in the coming days. Forecasters have predicted continued heavy rain and hail, which may hamper visibility, as well as strong winds. Reportedly, residents in other regions, including Jazan, Asir, and Makkah, have also been warned by the Saudi agency of potential extreme weather conditions. Other regions in the world are also facing unpredictable climates. Last month, an exceptional amount of rainfall in some regions of the Sahara Desert transformed the dry environment. Reportedly, this unusual weather event has provided much-needed rainfall to some of the deserts driest sections. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 15:04 IST US Urban Explorer Discovers Preserved Body Parts Inside Abandoned College Curated By : Local News Desk Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 18:24 IST The man was shocked when he entered and saw animal and human body parts sealed in bottles. The man is named Leland Kent. There must have been a lot of buildings that you have seen that had been abandoned for years. They used to be busy places, but now no one goes there. In America, a man recently went into one of these buildings. Students used to study science in this college that had been closed for years. He was shocked when he entered and saw animal and human body parts sealed in bottles. As per reports, the man is Leland Kent; he is an Urban Explorer, who visits closed locations and seeks out information about them. He recently shared some images on social media and mentioned that he attended an odd college in the Southeast region of the United States that had been shut down for many years. Here, science was once studied. Students used to come here to earn a bachelors degree, and this college has been serving the community for the past 100 years. related stories top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The man noticed hundreds of books in the library as soon as he walked inside. Papers were lying around and offices were empty. The class was also in a state of chaos. He was astounded by what he saw when he entered the science labs. He observed a bottle of chloroform and other pricey science-related items. He observed a rat in a vial with its skin ripped off in a laboratory. In addition, he observed tarantulas, birds, snakes, frogs, and other creatures in other glass jars. The human uterus, however, which was housed in a glass jar, was what shocked him the most. The college faced numerous challenges as a result of bad administration and financial issues, and it was shut down for years. It then approached the point of closure. He said that this is where they used to teach commerce, education, science, etc. In addition to being placed on probation, the school was given several years to make amends. The college had to be locked because of mounting debt, bad management, and a deteriorating reputation over time. Over a decade has passed since the buildings closure. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:24 IST 'Not All Hindus...': Trudeau Counters India, But Admits Canada's Khalistan Problem In The Process Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 18:47 IST Justin Trudeau said that there are supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in Canada but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole Trudeau's remarks came while he was addressing the Indian Canadian diaspora in Ottawa Parliament Hill during Diwali celebrations last week. (AFP File) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that there are supporters of Khalistan in Canada but they do not represent Sikh community as a whole. The Canadian PMs acknowledgement about Khalistan supporters in the country vindicates Indias stand that Trudeau government is sheltering Khalistani separatists. related stories Trudeaus remarks came while he was addressing the Indian Canadian diaspora in Ottawa Parliament Hill during Diwali celebrations last week. He went on to say that there are supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government in Canada but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole. Trudeaus comments came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa following Trudeaus allegations in September last year of a potential" involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing. New Delhi had rejected Trudeaus charges as absurd" and baseless". The ties further strained when Trudeau recently named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a person of interest in an investigation, without naming the case. A person of interest means a suspect who is not arrested. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had strongly rejected the Trudeau governments claims, calling them preposterous imputations". India then expelled six Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave India by or before October 19, 2024, Saturday. New Delhi also recalled its High Commissioner and other diplomats from Ottawa, indicating a significant downgrading of ties with Canada. Trudeau later admitted that he had not provided India with concrete proof regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil while testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in Ottawa, bolstering Indias claims. Brampton Temple Attack Last week, a group of protestors holding banners in support of Khalistan disrupted a consular event attended by Indian officials at Bramptons Hindu Mandir. The protestors allegedly thrashed people with sticks outside the temple. The violence initially broke out at the Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice held a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The incident was condemned, including by Canadian PM and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau emphasised every Canadians right to practice their faith freely and safely. Further, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said that New Delhi remains deeply concerned" about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The MEA further called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to protect the places of worship from such attacks on its soil. Location : Canada First Published: November 08, 2024, 18:07 IST Woke Mind Virus Killed My Son: Elon Musk Reacts To Trans Daughters Criticism of Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 16:47 IST Vivian Jenna Wilson cited concerns over anti-trans regulations and the unwavering support for Trump among voters. Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musks estranged trans daughter plans to leave US. (File) Billionaire Elon Musk reacted to his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilsons post in which she announced that she would leave the United States (US) citing that she doesnt see a future in the country following Donald Trumps victory in 2024 Presidential elections. In a post on Threads, Wilson said, Ive thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me. I dont see my future being in the United States." related stories She cited concerns over anti-trans regulations and the unwavering support for Trump among voters. Even if hes only in office for 4 years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically dont happen, the people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon," she added. After her post, the Tesla CEO weighed in saying, The woke mind killed my son," in a post on X. Wilson responded her fathers reaction with sharp criticism. She took to Threads with a scathing message, So, youre still going with the sob-story about how woe is me, my child was infected by something-or-other and thats totally the only reason why they hate me. Just dont please dont look into it, god forbid Im anything but the victim in every scenario imaginable." The woke mind virus killed my son Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2024 Did anyone ever actually believe this? Its just tired, its overdone. Im just bored honestly, like is this really the best you could come up with?" she added. She further suggested that Musks frustration may stem from his lack of control over her decision to leave. She said, If Im correct, the reason why this particular post is the one that got to you is that youre mad that you finally dont have power over someone." Wilson recognises herself as a transgender and has been estranged from her billionaire father since 2022 after she filed a petition to legally change her name and gender, seeking to distance herself from Musk. In interviews, Musk expressed deep pain over the rift, describing it as worse than the death of his firstborn son, Nevada. He also accused Wilson of adopting extreme ideologies, saying, She went beyond socialism to being a full communist and thinking that anyone rich is evil." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The SpaceX CEO during an interview had said, I lost my son, essentially. My son Xavier is dead, killed by the woke mind virus so I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that." On the other hand, Wilson had described Musk as a cold and narcissistic father, claiming he was an absent parent who did not support her transition. She claimed that the billionaire harassed her as a young child over her effeminate traits. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 08, 2024, 16:37 IST 'Justin Trudeau Will Be': Elon Musk Predicts Canadian PM's Future After Trump's Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 08:56 IST Elon Musk responded to an X user who sought "help" in removing Justin Trudeau from power in Canada. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau (AP Image) Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, who backed Donald Trump and campaigned for him till victory in the US Presidential Poll, has now predicted a downfall of Justin Trudeaus government in Canada in the next years general elections. The Canadian federal election is scheduled to take place on or before October 20, 2025. related stories What did Elon Musk say about Trudeau? Musk responded to a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which said, The German Socialist government has COLLAPSED and there are now talks about a snap election". Olaf ist ein Narr," the Tesla CEO wrote, which translates to Olaf (German Chancellor Olaf Scholz) is a fool". Olaf ist ein Narr https://t.co/Yye3DIeA17 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2024 Elon Musk predicts Justin Trudeaus future To Musks response, a user wrote, we need your help in Canada getting rid of Trudeau". Replying to his comment, Musk said, He will be gone in the upcoming election". He will be gone in the upcoming election Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2024 Next years elections are crucial for Trudeau who has been leading the Liberal Party since 2013 and his government currently has a minority status, triggering chances of his loss in the polls. In 2025, Trudeaus party will be up against other major parties, which include the Conservative Party led by Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, and the New Democratic Party led by Jagmeet Singh. Pressure continues to mount on Trudeau who has been slammed by the opponents for his continued support to the unchecked immigration into Canada. Adding more to it is the projection showing his opponents victory in the 2025 polls. India-Canada ties at all-time low Indias diplomatic relations with Canada have seen a new low in the recent past following Trudeaus allegations on India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had rejected the allegations calling them baseless. India has also time and again expressed concerns over Khalistani extremism and anti-India activities" being allowed to take place under the Trudeau administrations watch, and has asked the local authorities to take action. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A sharp decline in bilateral ties occurred as India recalled its High Commissioner from Canada citing security reasons after Canada alleged that High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, along with other diplomats, is a person of interest" in the Nijjar murder probe. We have no faith in the current Canadian governments commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials," the Indian government had said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 08, 2024, 08:41 IST Hindu Temple Attacks In Canada Were Planned Meticulously, Supported By State: Intelligence Sources Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 07, 2024, 16:04 IST Sources, in fact, said that Indian Missions and consulates had knowledge of such attacks being planned and the same was communicated to authorities, but no police arrangements or warnings were given. Visuals showed a group of men wielding sticks and attacking devotees outside the Hindu temple in Canada | Image/X The Hindu temple attacks in Canada were planned meticulously and the directions possibly came from the top and then a handful were mobilised, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. Sources have said that the motive behind these attacks is owning Gurudwara businesses and keeping the cash flow going. Sources have claimed that the state machinery was supporting the attackers and evidence came from the statement of Hindu Canadian MP Chandan Arya and the suspension of Peel Police Officer Harinder Sohi, who was suspended by authorities after a video of him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton went viral on social media. related stories The attacks on Hindu temples began at a large scale in the last one year, including the firing at the house of Satish Sharma, president of Surreys Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Sources, in fact, said that Indian Missions and consulates had knowledge of such attacks being planned and the same was communicated to authorities, but no police arrangements or warnings were given. Most alarming was warning messages by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun before Diwali when he even issued threats to Indian airlines," sources added, saying lack of cooperation in investigation from UK, US and Canada was an issue. Private Gurudwaras Becoming Places of Gangsters Sources also said that private gurudwaras in Canada were becoming place of gangsters. They said peace-loving Sikh families wanted to visit Gurudwaras where no Khalistani activities take place. Intelligence sources said majority of Sikhs and Hindus were living in peace and harmony but two per cent were mobilised by Khalistani groups who are managing private gurudwaras. According to sources, these private gurudwaras are flourishing because of business propositions and also because they get money, land and enjoy clout in the society. These Gurudwaras know that unless these people are mobilised, it will become difficult for them to sustain because most of the Sikhs have stopped coming to these Khalistani Gurudwaras like Deshmesh Gurudwara in Surrey, Guru Nanak Dev Gurudwara where Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed and other such gurudwaras," sources said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources say that majority of Sikhs staying in Canada dont want a repeat of 1984 and dont want to be seen as being on the other side of the law. Earlier CNN-News18 had reported how 1,000 Hindu and Sikhs came together to pass a resolution against the pro-Khalistani Sikhs. First Published: November 07, 2024, 16:04 IST News / National by Staff reporter Former Harare Town Clerk Tendai Mahachi has been acquitted of charges relating to the alleged prejudice of the Harare City Council of US$80 million after he hired a foreign firm, Augur Investments, to undertake roadworks in the city without following proper tender procedures.Mahachi faced accusations of engaging Augur Investments to carry out construction and upgrades on the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Expressway in Harare in 2008, without going to tender. Prosecutors claimed that Mahachi, together with Michael Mahachi, had corruptly signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the foreign company. The charges were based on the claim that the alleged agreement was made on May 30, 2008, without following the required tendering process.However, after trial, Harare Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti cleared Mahachi of any wrongdoing. The magistrate ruled that the State had failed to sufficiently explain Mahachi's duties as Town Clerk and noted that key state witnesses did not support the charges.In particular, Dr. Mafoti, a member of the council's executive committee, provided testimony that exonerated Mahachi. Dr. Mafoti, who had chaired an executive committee meeting on June 18, 2007, which was crucial to the case, confirmed that the executive committee had made the decision to form a joint venture with Augur Investments. Dr. Mafoti stated that the committee had passed resolutions regarding the construction and upgrading of the Airport Road, a project which involved Augur Investments.Mahachi's defense, led by lawyer Admire Rubaya, argued that the former town clerk was not involved in the decision-making process regarding the engagement of Augur Investments. Rubaya explained that the decision to form a joint venture with the company was made collectively by the City of Harare's executive committee, not Mahachi as an individual. The defense also pointed out that Mahachi was acting under instructions from the higher authorities of the City of Harare at the time and had no voting rights or authority to make such decisions on his own."It is critical to state that the accused person was just an employee of the City of Harare and was not a member of the executive committee, the commission, or the council which would ordinarily make the decisions on whether to engage any service providers," Rubaya argued. "He was simply following instructions from the council's decision-makers and cannot be held criminally liable for signing documents."Rubaya further explained that the City of Harare had delegated authority for the project to the executive committee, which had authorized the joint venture with Augur Investments. Additionally, Rubaya argued that the project became a national initiative, which meant there was no legal requirement to go to tender.The court's decision to acquit Mahachi has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the ruling as a victory for transparency and fairness, while others argue that the case highlights the challenges of holding public officials accountable in complex urban development projects. Despite the acquittal, the issue of corruption and governance in Zimbabwe's local authorities remains a topic of national debate. Putin Says West Not Enemy Of Russia In Big Policy Speech, Calls Trump A Real Man Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 08:32 IST Kremlin dismisses Trump's claim to end Ukraine war in a day as an overexaggeration, but agrees peace efforts are better than prolonging the conflict Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a plenary session as part of the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Nov 07. (Reuters) Congratulating Donald Trump on winning the US election, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised him for his courage during the heated election campaign and added that Moscow does not view Western civilisation as an enemy. In his first public remarks since Trumps win, Putin said Trump had acted like a real man during an assassination attempt on him while he was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July. He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man," Putin said at the Valdai discussion club in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi. related stories Speaking about Moscows soured ties with Washington, Putin said: I have already said that we will work with any head of state whom the US nation will trust. This is indeed what we will do." I do not consider it shameful for me to call him (Trump) myself. I just do not do it, because the leaders of Western countries called me almost every week at some stage, until they stopped all of a sudden," he was quoted as saying by Sky News. Russia does not see Western civilisation as an enemy, President Putin says in a speech on foreign policy. https://t.co/yet5P2BYFj Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/lk6U4zRksL Sky News (@SkyNews) November 7, 2024 Like a real man Putin said remarks Trump had made during the election campaign about Ukraine and restoring relations with Russia deserved attention. What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, this deserves attention at least," said Putin. The Russian presidents remarks came as the US President-elect revealed he was also prepared for some kind of conversation, telling NBC News in an interview that I think well speak" as the topic turned to his contacts with world leaders since his victory was announced. Trump said during campaigning that he could bring peace in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, but has given few details on how he would seek to end the biggest land war in Europe since World War Two. The 72-year-old Kremlin chief gave just one note of caution: I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue." Trumps Russia Ties When pressed by a questioner what he would do if Trump called to suggest a meeting, Putin said he was ready to resume contact if the Trump administration wanted that, and was ready for discussions with Trump. Russia and Trump have repeatedly dismissed as nonsense some claims in Western media that Trump was a sort of Russian agent of influence. The reports about the possible Trump-Putin phone call come as the war in Ukraine is entering what some Russian and Western officials say could be its final phase after Moscows forces advance at their fastest pace since the early weeks of the conflict. A little bit of overexaggeration On Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Trumps claims he could quickly solve the conflict in Ukraine are exaggerated but still better than the continued war. Of course, there was a little bit of overexaggeration that he would be able to do it overnight. Certainly, theres nothing that can heal this problem overnight," Peskov told reporters on Thursday. But at least if the new administration is going to look for peace, not for the continuation of the war, it will be better." When asked about Kamala Harris earlier statement with Trump that Putin would eat you (Trump) for lunch," Peskov replied, Putin doesnt eat people." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (With agency inputs) Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: November 08, 2024, 08:00 IST 'Why Target Us?' Australia Today Editor Reacts To Canada's Ban After Jaishankar Presser Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 09:39 IST Jaiswal said the Canadian action of blocking the social media handles and certain pages of Australia Today smacked of "hypocrisy" towards freedom of speech Jaishankar also met members of the diaspora, MPs and friends of India at New South Wales Parliament in Sydney. Thanked the Indian community for their active contribution in energising India-Australia partnership, Jaishankar said.(Photo: X/S Jaishankar) A day after Canada blocked an Australian media outlet from broadcasting the press conference of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, The Australia Today raised questions on press freedom in the North American country and affirmed that it would continue to report on the issues concerning the broader Indian diaspora." In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, the Editor-in-chief of Australia Today, Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj asked why Canada was targeting the Australian media outlet when the Justin Trudeau-led country had problems with India. related stories We will continue to report on the issues related to the broader Indian diaspora. If Canada has a problem with India, then why are they targeting us?" Bharadwaj asked. He further expressed his willingness to interview Trudeau to seek his views on the Indian diaspora. We are happy to interview the Canadian PM about his views on the Indian diaspora," the Editor-in-chief told CNN-News18. Media outlet issues statement on Canadian action In a statement following the Canadian move, the outlet said, The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Wong on social media, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open #journalism. Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us". Statement from The Australia Today:We at @TheAusToday would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every #news outlet, #journalist, and #supporter who stood by us during a challenging time. The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister pic.twitter.com/53UTd5Le19 The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) November 7, 2024 Smacked of hypocrisy" Earlier on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Canadian action of blocking the social media handles and certain pages of Australia Today smacked of hypocrisy" towards freedom of speech. We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which are important diaspora outlets, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada," Jaiswal said in response to a question at the weekly media briefing. We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said. Spoke about three things Jaiswal said Jaishankar, in his media interactions in the Australian capital Canberra, had spoken about the allegations levelled against India by Canada without sharing any specific evidence. You would have seen that the External Affairs Minister, in his media engagements, spoke about three things. One was Canada making allegations and a pattern has developed without any specific evidence," he said. The spokesperson said the second thing he highlighted was surveillance of Indian diplomats happening in Canada, which he termed as unacceptable. The third thing which he highlighted was the political space which has been given in Canada to anti-India elements. So you can draw your conclusions from that, why the Australia Today channel was blocked by Canada," Jaiswal said. Jaishankar in Australia Jaishankar is visiting Australia from November 3-7 during which he and Wong held a joint press briefing in Canberra, and the Indian external affairs minister also fielded questions on the Brampton temple incident and the overall escalation in diplomatic row between India and Canada. Describing the Hindu temple incident in Brampton as deeply concerning", Jaishankar on Tuesday had said it told in a way the political space" which is being given to extremist forces" in Canada. Responding to a query during his joint press briefing with Wong, he had also accused Ottawa of developing a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Canadas Brampton, protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. Jaiswal, in his comments, recalled the remarks made by Jaishankar in Canberra to reiterate Indias stand on the ongoing diplomatic standoff. (With agency inputs) Location : Australia First Published: November 08, 2024, 09:04 IST Zelensky Says 'Unacceptable' To Offer Russia Concessions To Halt Ukraine War Published By : AFP Last Updated: November 08, 2024, 09:16 IST Ukraine and many in the West fear any settlement that rewards Putin would embolden the Kremlin leader and lead to more aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (AP Image) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said it would be unacceptable" for Europe to offer the Kremlin concessions to halt its invasion of Ukraine, after Moscow demanded the West enter direct talks on ending the war. Kyiv is scrambling to up the pressure on its allies for more support in its fight against Moscow following Donald Trumps victory in this weeks US presidential election, which has raised doubts about future US assistance. related stories Trump has boasted he could end the conflict within hours and repeatedly criticised American aid to Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine cede swathes more territory in its east and south as a precondition to peace talks, while Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out giving up land in exchange for peace. Ukraine and many in the West fear any settlement that rewards Putin would embolden the Kremlin leader and lead to more aggression. Zelensky rejects concessions Speaking to European leaders at a summit in Hungary, Zelensky blasted those who were pressuring him to give in to some of Putins hardline demands. There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions," Zelensky said in an address. Its unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all Europe," he added. Zelensky also dismissed as dangerous" and irresponsible" Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbans call for a ceasefire" on the battlefield. Orban, the EU leader with the warmest relations with the Kremlin, earlier said a truce could provide room and time for the warring parties to have communication and to start to negotiate about peace". Zelensky also accused some European leaders, without specifying which ones, of strongly" pushing Ukraine to compromise. We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugs with Putin wont help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse," said Zelensky. He revealed however that he had discussed military assistance" with French President Emmanuel Macron in Budapest. Russia urges negotiations Russia earlier demanded that Kyivs allies enter into negotiations with Moscow if they want to halt the attacks on Ukrainians. The head of Russias Security Council Sergei Shoigu said the West faced a choice between opening direct talks with Moscow or the continuing destruction" of Ukraines population. Now, when the situation in the theatre of combat is not in Kyivs favour, the West is faced with a choice," Shoigu said at a meeting with defence officials of other former Soviet states. To continue financing (Kyiv) and the destruction of the Ukrainian population or recognise the current realities and start negotiating," the former defence minister said. They were among the first comments from a Russian official since Trump was confirmed to have been elected president of the United States. Russian advances Zelensky urged caution over Trumps claim to be able to end the conflict within a matter of hours. Today I believe that President Trump truly wants a quick solution. But that doesnt mean it will happen," he told reporters in Budapest. The Ukrainian leader said a quick deal could mean losses" for Kyiv. In remarks at the Valdai forum in Sochi meanwhile, Putin repeated that Moscow was open for talks, but said parties to them must recognise the realities of today". Russian officials have repeatedly used such language to refer to Moscows military control of swathes of Ukrainian territory seized throughout the invasion. Putin said any initiative put forward by Trump would warrant attention, as he praised the President-elect as a courageous" man. He congratulated Trump on his election victory and said he was ready" to hold talks with him. Trump said he too was also prepared for some kind of conversation. I think well speak," he told NBC News in an interview. Zaporizhzhia strikes Zelensky has previously said that without US aid, Ukraine would lose the war. His outmanned and outgunned army is already on the back foot in the eastern Donbas region, where Russian forces have been slowly advancing for months. Moscow said on Thursday its forces had seized control of Kreminna Balka, a village that had a pre-war population of fewer than 50 people, in the industrial Donetsk region where Ukrainian defences have been repeatedly pushed back. Russian strikes meanwhile on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, including on a hospital and residential buildings, killed at least four people on Thursday. Another 40 people, including at least four children, were wounded, Ukraines emergency services said. Footage published by officials showed emergency workers pulling victims from the debris, as they held back locals from trying to reach the remnants of one building, reduced to a pile of rubble. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ukrainian media reported that Donetsk region authorities were preparing to announce mandatory evacuations from seven more villages in that region, which the Kremlin claimed in 2022 was part of Russia. Two people were killed in shelling there on Thursday, the local governor reported. Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: November 08, 2024, 09:16 IST News / National by Staff reporter A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a minibus carrying students from Nyangani High School in Nyanga overturned near Selborne in Makoni District, resulting in the death of one student and injuring 15 others. The group was en route to a youth event in Mutasa, called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.According to National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace lost control of the vehicle on the steep slopes of the Mutare-Juliasdale Road at the 62km peg. The minibus overturned, landing on its side, causing the fatality and injuries to several passengers."The body of the victim is at Bonda Mission Hospital, while the injured are being treated at the same hospital as well as Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare," Nyathi confirmed.The students were heading to the Magamba Vocational Youth Training Centre in Mutasa for the "Youth Empowerment Forum," a government-organized event aimed at gathering 10,000 young people from across the country. The event was promoted by the Ministry of Youth, led by Tinoda Machakaire, and was set to provide a platform for engaging young leaders in discussions on new business opportunities. President Mnangagwa had also planned to commission key projects and distribute 53 motorbikes as part of efforts to boost youth outreach.The event, however, has sparked controversy, particularly after reports that some parents were not informed about the trip, leaving them concerned about their children's safety. ZimLive has received complaints from parents who were unaware their children were being sent to the event.The youth were reportedly made to chant Zanu-PF slogans during the event, fueling further criticism about the political nature of the gathering. Many schools had been ordered to send students to the forum, raising questions about the voluntary nature of the participation.The incident has cast a shadow over the government's youth outreach initiatives, with many now questioning the safety protocols and communication strategies in place for such events. As investigations into the accident continue, there are calls for improved coordination and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. News / National by Staff reporter The world needs Russia and there is nothing Washington or Brussels can do about it, President Vladimir Putin told the Valdai Forum on Thursday. America and its allies are simply trying to go against the march of history as they pursue their hegemonistic aspirations, he said."The flow of international politics is..... running counter to the aspirations of the West," Putin said. The world is moving away "from a fading hegemonistic world towards a rising multipolarity."The "old hegemons" that had become accustomed to ruling over the world as they did during colonial times see that they are no longer being listened to, the president said. Putin also warned that the West's beliefs about its own exceptionalism could potentially "lead to a global tragedy."Calls by the US and its allies to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia a nation with one of the biggest nuclear arsenals demonstrate the recklessness of Western politicians that just goes beyond all bounds, the president stated, warning the West against "blind faith in its own impunity."Putin congratulates courageous' TrumpNo one can guarantee that nuclear weapons won't be used if the moral and legal foundations of international relations are destroyed, Putin said. Attempts by the West to keep its "elusive power" through the use of force would only lead to global instability, tensions, casualties and destruction, he warned.The policies of the Western elites cannot bring about the result they are seeking, according to Putin. Instead, this constant race for world dominance and its "liberal globalist messianism" only drain the power of their own nations and "go against the true interests of the people in the US and the European nations."Modern liberalism in the West has degenerated into its very opposite, the Russian president believes. It is now characterized by "extreme intolerance and aggression towards any alternative [views], to any independent thought," he said, adding that its proponents still "justify neo-Nazism, terrorism, and racism, as well as the massive genocide of civilians."The West has also started treating democracy not as the majority rule but minority rule, according to Putin. "Traditional democracy and the popular rule are set against some abstract "freedom" that is apparently worth sacrificing the will of the majority, freedom of speech and media independence," he said.Putin explains reason behind BRICSUnlike its opponents, Russia does not treat Western civilization as an enemy, Putin stated. "We never say: you're either with us, or against us'," the president said. "Our position is an open one," he told the forum, adding that Moscow is not planning to impose its worldview on anyone.Russia acknowledges that the West is one of the key elements of the international political system that has accumulated vast human, intellectual and material resources, the president said. Yet, "any hegemonism is off the table in the new international system," he added. When Washington and its allies finally accept this fact, a true era of constructive cooperation will follow, Putin believes."I hope to God it will happen as soon as possible. It is in everyone's interests, including the interests of the West itself," the president concluded.Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking part in a plenary session at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi this week. The topic of the session is Security for Everyone. Together Into a New World'. This year's event is taking place under the motto 'A Lasting Peace On What Basis? Universal Security and Equal Opportunities for Development in the 21st Century'. A Texas appeals court ordered a new trial Wednesday for a Jewish man on death row because of antisemitic bias by the judge who presided over his case, per the AP . By a vote of 6-3, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ordered that Randy Halprin's conviction be overturned and that he be given a new trial after concluding that former Judge Vickers Cunningham in Dallas used racial slurs and antisemitic language to refer to him and some of his co-defendants. Halprin, 47, was among a group of inmates who escaped from a South Texas prison in December 2000 and committed numerous robberies, including one in which they fatally shot 29-year-old police officer Aubrey Hawkins in Irving. The appeals court found evidence that showed the former judge had voiced antisemitic narratives for years. When Cunningham became a judge, he continued to use derogatory language about Jewish people outside the courtroom "with 'great hatred, (and) disgust' and increasing intensity as the years passed," the court said. It also said that during Halprin's trial, Cunningham made antisemitic remarks outside the courtroom about Halprin in particular and Jews in general. "The uncontradicted evidence supports a finding that Cunningham formed an opinion about Halprin that derived from an extrajudicial factorCunningham's poisonous antisemitism," the appeals court wrote in its ruling. Cunningham stepped down from the bench in 2005 and is now an attorney in private practice in Dallas. His office said he would not be commenting on Halprin's case. Cunningham previously denied allegations of bigotry after telling the Dallas Morning News in 2018 that he has a living trust that rewards his children for marrying straight, white Christians. He had opposed interracial marriages but later told the newspaper that his views evolved. (More antisemitism stories.) News / National by Staff reporter Cracks within the Government of National Unity (GNU) have continued to widen after ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula launched a blistering attack on the DA's federal chairperson Helen Zille, accusing her of peddling lies and trafficking misinformation.Mbalula did not hold back in his attack saying that Zille and her DA would leave the GNU "today or tomorrow", the GNU would continue with other parties to run the government without them.It is not the first time the two have been at loggerheads, threatening the future of the GNU that came into existence after the May 29 elections where the ANC lost its outright majority.Zille reportedly told the SA Chamber of Commerce UK that the business community sent the DA to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP)."We were told to prop up Cyril Ramaphosa and shield him from the EFF and MK," Zille said.Last week, Zille caused an uproar on social media when she responded to an announcement from Deputy President Paul Mashatile that the inaugural National Dialogue would take place on December 16 to address South Africa's pressing socio-political issues and foster unity within the coalition government.Zille took to social media and wrote: "We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election."She further added, "We are hitting back, make no mistake. But if you are expecting the nuclear option, that can only be triggered once. Choose your battles. Choose your time."Mbalula hit back at the ANC's headquarters on Thursday calling Zille a "liar.""The attack on Helen Zille comes from lies trafficking by her, and if we don't respond to that, then it becomes a reality in the mind of the people," Mbalula said.He was referring to Zille's claims that Ramaphosa was indebted to the DA for protecting him from the EFF and the MKP. He dismissed this as a "false narrative.""We negotiated honestly and openly, and informed South Africans that Helen Zille is peddling a false narrative... We chose the option of the GNU, not a pact with the DA," Mbalula emphasised.He also addressed the DA's role in the GNU, stating, "If the DA, through Zille, decide that they want to opt out of the GNU, it will be their decision, and the GNU will continue."They can go "today" or "tomorrow". We won't have sleepless nights because of that," he saidMbalula further accused Zille of waging psychological warfare, stemming from the DA's failure to reconcile its role in the GNU with its desire to weaken the ANC."There is a conflict in Zille's soul. She is seeking to manage by way of dropping snippets," Mbalula said.In a veiled swipe at business interests, Mbalula noted, "We engaged capital over and above Zille, and we told them what we think of them They sponsored political parties in the country, and supported them against the ANC to reduce our majority."We will not be prisoners of the DA... We prioritise SA first, and in doing so, we chose a model that works for everybody," Mbalula said.DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, who was in contact with The Star regarding Mbalula' assertions had not responded by the time of going to print.Mbalula also touched on the ongoing matter of illegal spaza shops allegedly selling contraband goods.He mirrored the stance of the government saying that all illegal foreign nationals should leave the country while the tuck shops should be regulated and be run by South Africans."People who don't have papers must go and these spaza shops must be regularised," he said.The illegal spaza shops sparked widespread outrage after recent cases of poisoning claimed the lives of many children in the country. After what the agency called a thorough review of the data, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed ending the use of an ingredient of many cold and allergy medications because it doesn't work. Oral phenylephrine doesn't ease nasal congestion, the agency said. That's the same conclusion FDA advisers reached last year, NBC News reports. The proposal is not based on safety concerns, the agency said. If it becomes an order, Procter & Gamble, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson spinoff Kenvue, and other drugmakes would have to redo many of their oral cold and allergy products. Certain cold and cough versions of Advil, NyQuil, Sudafed, Robitussin, Tylenol, and Theraflu use the ingredient, per CBS News. The public comment period will run through May 7. "The FDA would provide manufacturers with appropriate time to either reformulate drugs containing oral phenylephrine or remove such drugs from the market," the agency said. The change would be a loss for retailers, as well. CVS said last year after the advisers' decision that it would take products off the shelves whose only active ingredient is oral phenylephrine. An industry trade group said Thursday it's disappointed in the FDA proposal. "PE should remain an available option for consumers, because Americans deserve the option to choose the safe and effective OTC medicines they prefer and rely on," said Scott Melville of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. Pharmacy professors at the University of Florida have lobbied the FDA for years to act. They say recent data shows the ingredient is no more effective than a placebo. "Oral phenylephrine is not a safety risk," one professor stressed last year. "It just doesn't work." (More FDA stories.) Federal health officials issued a call for increased testing of farmworkers following revelations of bird flu exposure among dairy workers. A recent study indicated that some workers had developed antibodies against H5N1 influenza despite no reported symptoms. Dr. Nirav Shah, a director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the need to test and treat these workers proactively to prevent human transmission and viral mutation. The study analyzed 115 farmworkers in Michigan and Colorado, revealing that 7% had been exposed to the virus, which was initially identified in March among dairy cattle. This figure exceeds the previously reported 46 infections in the US. Notably, measures are being adapted from symptom-based testing to include those without symptoms, indicative of evolving risk assessments. Dr. Gregory Gray of the University of Texas pointed out the CDC's shift as evidence of a heightened perceived threat from H5N1 viruses. High viral levels have been detected in the milk of infected cows, posing increased risk. Worker monitoring has faced impediments, notably due to testing reluctance among farm owners. Criticism has been directed at the federal response for being sluggish, with virus expert Angela Rasmussen warning of the risks if the virus continues spreading unchecked. The outbreak has affected 446 cattle herds across 15 states, and the virus was recently detected in an Oregon pig, marking a troubling expansion into new species. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) UPDATE Nov 16, 2024 7:00 AM CST Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss finally have their Mercedes. That's according to a Friday letter from Rudy Giuliani's attorney, announcing the ex-New York mayor had finally turned over his luxury car to the ex-Georgia poll workers who'd won a $148 million judgment against him for defaming them over the 2020 election, per ABC News. Joseph Cammarata's letter to Judge Lewis Liman noted "watches and a ring were delivered via FedEx" to an address in Atlanta on Friday morning, while the Benz was sent "as requested" to a Florida addressthough the lawyer also said the car should be appraised and returned to Giuliani if it's worth less than $5,500. Cammarata's letter also detailed items that Team Giuliani says should be exempt from the judgment, including a fridge, TV, cellphone, furniture, cooking utensils, and clothing, specifically a shirt signed by baseball great Joe DiMaggio, per the AP. Nov 7, 2024 5:10 PM CST A combative Rudy Giuliani said a civil case to take his most prized assets was like "a political persecution" before he entered a New York City courthouse Thursday to explain to a federal judge why he hasn't surrendered his valuables as part of a $148 million defamation judgment. Judge Lewis Liman ordered the former New York City mayor to report to court after lawyers for the two former Georgia election workers who were awarded the massive judgment visited Giuliani's Manhattan apartment last week only to discover it had been cleared out weeks earlier. The judge had set an Oct. 29 deadline for the longtime ally of once-and-future President Trump to surrender many of his possessions to lawyers for Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea "Shaye" Moss. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has unexpectedly pardoned and released 31 political prisoners, according to news from his office on Thursday. Details about the individuals remain undisclosed, but authorities mentioned that among the released are three individuals with disabilities and 17 with chronic health conditions. In Belarus, prison conditions have been criticized for inadequate medical care. The freed individuals had been convicted of "crimes of an extremist nature," a term often used for those involved in the 2020 mass protests against Lukashenko's contested re-election. While Lukashenko's recent actions have led to the release of 115 political prisoners this year, the authoritarian leader has simultaneously continued his political repression. Pavel Sapelka from Viasna, a human rights organization, observed the nuanced political landscape, describing Lukashenko's new gesture as "very contradictory signals." This ambiguous move comes as Belarus approaches its presidential elections in January, casting uncertainty on the motive behind the releases. The continued crackdown presents a tense period in Belarusian politics, with over 1,278 political prisoners still behind bars, according to Viasna. The organization's Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder, Ales Bialiatski, remains imprisoned. Sapelka highlighted an "escalation of fear and increased repression" in the country, expressing that it is "not entirely clear" what signals Minsk intends with these actions as it anticipates upcoming political milestones. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Caroline Ellison, former executive of Sam Bankman-Fried's defunct FTX crypto empire, began serving a two-year sentence on Thursday. Ellison, aged 30, reported to a federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut. She cooperated significantly with authorities by testifying against Bankman-Fried, her ex-boyfriend, aiding his conviction and subsequent 25-year sentence. At her September sentencing in New York, Ellison expressed deep remorse, stating she was "deeply ashamed." Her cooperation with investigators played a key role in reducing her potential decades-long sentence. While serving as CEO of Alameda Research, a crypto hedge fund linked to Bankman-Fried, Ellison was implicated in the fraudulent collapse that cost billions. The FTX exchange was previously renowned for its Super Bowl ad and lobbying efforts in Washington prior to its downfall in 2022. US prosecutors allege Bankman-Fried and his team misappropriated customer funds for high-stakes ventures, illegal political contributions, bribing Chinese officials, and acquiring extravagant real estate in the Caribbean. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) A 17-year-old Chinese girl celebrated as a genius after scoring high in the preliminary round of an international math contest turns out to have cheated. Jiang Ping became an overnight sensation in June after finishing 12th out of 802 shortlisted competitors in the qualifiers of the Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition, per CNN . Most of the other finalists hailed from elite universities, including Harvard, MIT and Oxford, buta la Good Will Hunting Ping was a fashion design student at a vocational school in a rural town in Jiangsu province, per the BBC . Her apparent success was treated as a sign that academic excellence, greatly admired in China, could come anywhere. Jiang's case suggested "even youths as talented as her may be easily buried without good education credentials," according to an op-ed in state-news media outlet Xinhua, per the BBC. Even Jiang's teacher, Wang Runqiu, was thrust into the spotlight, credited with noticing and encouraging the skills of an overlooked student. But all was not as it seemed. Doubts soon surfaced about Jiang's abilities. Dozens of finalists demanded an investigation, citing a video in which they claimed the student "seemed unfamiliar" with mathematical symbols and made "several apparent writing mistakes." The results of the final round of competition were postponed from August. When they were finally released Sunday, neither Jiang nor her teacher were named among the 86 winners. Organizers then announced Jiang had broken contest rules by getting help from Wang, "a three-time finalist in the contest," per CNN. "This has exposed problems like inadequacies in the competition format and the lack of rigor in supervision," organizers said, per the BBC. "We sincerely apologize." The final round was a closed-book exam, while the preliminary round was open book, Channel News Asia reports. Shortly after completing the preliminary round, Jiang had scored 55% on a school math exam, per CNN. (More mathematics stories.) A self-described Nazi became the first person in Australia to be sentenced to prison for performing an outlawed salute when he was ordered by a magistrate on Friday to spend one month behind bars, the AP reports. Jacob Hersant, 25, is also the first person in Victoria state to be convicted of performing the Nazi salute. The gesture has been outlawed nationwide since he committed the offense. He was convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates Court last month of performing the salute before news cameras outside the Victoria County Court on Oct. 27, 2023. Hersant had just avoided a prison sentence on a conviction for causing violent disorder. Performing a Nazi salute had been outlawed by the state parliament days earlier. Hersant had faced a potential maximum sentence of 12 months in prison plus a $16,025 fine. His lawyer, Tim Smartt, said the sentence would be appealed and he would apply for bail in a higher court pending an appeal hearing. Smartt said Hersant should not be jailed for a non-violent act. Hersant's lawyers had argued that his comments and salute were protected by an implied constitutional freedom of political communication. On his way into court on Friday, Hersant maintained he had a right to express his political views. "We're going to argue that the law is constitutionally invalid and it's emotional and it's anti-white," Hersant told reporters. "It's my political view and I think it's a good fight for us to have an argument in court saying these laws are invalid." (More Australia stories.) As NASA continues to work with SpaceX in planning the International Space Station's eventual demise , SpaceX will on Friday aim for a big first in anticipation of that event. A Dragon cargo spacecraft will fire up its engines for 12 1/2 minutes in what's called a reboost, in an attempt to push the ISS to a higher altitude and gather data that will inform the future SpaceX mission that will bring down the space station, reports Space.com . Other spacecraft have performed such boosts before, but never a SpaceX capsule. "The data that we're going to collect ... will be very helpful in forming SpaceX's analysis on how the system performs, and this data is going to lead to future capabilities, namely the US deorbit vehicle," says Jared Metter, director of flight reliability at SpaceX, per FOX. The ISS hovers in low Earth orbit, just 250 miles above the Earth. Over time, the space station gets pulled down toward the planet, necessitating an occasional push to send the ISS back into higher altitudes. SpaceX has been awarded an $843 million contract from NASA to develop the much larger Dragon deorbiting vehicle that will guide the ISS back to Earth no earlier than 2030, where it will mostly burn up upon reentry. Once SpaceX has built the spacecraft, it will hand it off to NASA, which will then run the ISS deorbiting mission. "This is an important flight test objective for this mission as we continue to increase the capabilities of all the vehicles on ISS," Bill Spetch, operations integration manager for the ISS, told reporters earlier this week, per SpacePolicyOnline.com. (More SpaceX stories.) The 20 current Formula 1 drivers are taking a united stand against attempts by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport's governing body, to crack down on swearing. In an open letter posted on Instagram Thursday, the Grand Prix Drivers'Association said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem should treat them like adults, Racer reports. "With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation." In September, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was ordered to carry out public service after describing his car as "f------" during a press conference in Singapore. Last month, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was fined around $10,000 after swearing during a press conference in Mexico. He apologized immediately, saying, "Oh, sorry! Oh, no, oh no! I don't want to join Max," per ESPN. Verstappen described the penalty as "super silly." In the Singapore press conference, he noted that "a lot of people say a lot of bad things when they are full of adrenaline in other sports, it just doesn't get picked up." There have also been clashes between drivers and the FIA over Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton's nose stud and rules on fireproof underwear, reports Reuters. Verstappen's punishment came after Ben Sulayem, an Emirati, said drivers needed to stop swearing. "We're not rappers," he said. "They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that." Hamilton criticized the remark, saying the reference to rappers was "very stereotypical" and "there is a racial element there," the Guardian reports. "We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise," the Thursday statement said. "Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewelery and underpants." (More Formula One stories.) Iran tried to engineer a plot to assassinate Donald Trump before the election, federal prosecutors say. Investigators learned of the alleged plot to kill Trump while interviewing Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan national identified by officials as an Iranian government asset, per the AP . He told investigators that a contact in Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him in September to put together a plan within seven days to surveil and ultimately kill Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in federal court in Manhattan. Shakeri, who is believed to be at large in Iran, told his contact in the Revolutionary Guard that killing Trump would require a vast sum of money, according to the court papers. "We have already spent a lot of money," the contact responded, per the New York Times. "Money's not an issue." However, the court filing says Iran put the plot on hold when Shakeri failed to come up with a workable plan, reports the Washington Post. He allegedly said Trump would likely lose the election and thus would be easier to kill afterward. Two other men who the authorities say were recruited to participate in other assassinations were arrested Friday. The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Trump's defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target US government officials, including Trump, on US soil. Last summer, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot. "There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement. (More Donald Trump 2024 stories.) News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned from Gaborone, Botswana, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Duma Boko, Botswana's newly elected sixth president. The Zimbabwean leader was accompanied by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu and other senior officials.Upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, President Mnangagwa was greeted by Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga and other government representatives.President Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), secured his victory in Botswana's October 30 elections, with his coalition winning 36 parliamentary seats. The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) followed with 15 seats, while the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) garnered five and four seats, respectively.Ahead of his visit, President Mnangagwa congratulated the UDC coalition on its electoral success and praised outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi for his commitment to a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Special counsel Jack Smith suggested for the first time to a court that his election interference case against Donald Trump will come to an end. "The defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025," the filing Friday says. It then asks that upcoming deadlines in the case be postponed "to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course" in light of Justice Department policy, Politico reports. The court granted his request, per the New York Times . Trump is charged with conspiring to overturn Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election and refusing to return classified documents he took to Florida when he left office. The trial judge threw out the documents case, but prosecutors have appealed. Smith has made no similar request in that case. The policy the filing refers to says presidents in office cannot be prosecuted; officials in the Justice Department appear to concede that no trial could begin before Trump takes office. A major pretrial filing was due Nov. 21; Smith's office now says it will inform the court of its next step by Dec. 2. Also on Friday, two Republican House chairmen gave Smith a deadline, per Politico. Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and Administration Oversight subcommittee Chair Barry Loudermilk released a letter indicating they want to investigate Smith's handling of the cases. They told Smith to preserve records and begin turning some of them over by Nov. 22. Trump denounced Smith during his campaign and said he'd fire him within his first minute in office. (More Jack Smith stories.) A father and daughter seriously injured by a suicide bomber who killed 22 people after an Ariana Grande concert in England in 2017 were awarded $58,000 on Friday in a case against a former television producer who claimed the attack was a hoax. Martin Hibbert and his daughter, Eve, won their harassment suit in the High Court in London last month against Richard Hall for videos, a film, and a book he produced that falsely claim the Manchester Arena bombing was staged using actors and that no one was hurt or killed. Hibbert was paralyzed from the waist down in the bombing, the AP reports, and his daughter, who was 14 at the time, suffered severe brain damage. Hall, an independent producer, had claimed "millions of people have bought a lie" about the attack and defended his work, including surreptitiously filming the daughter, as journalism in the public's interest. Justice Karen Steyn called Hall's conduct a "negligent, indeed reckless, abuse of media freedom." She said he used the "flimsiest of analytical techniques" to dismiss "the obvious, tragic reality to which so many ordinary people have attested." The killer blew himself up with a bomb hidden in a knapsack as fans were leaving the concert on May 22, 2017. In addition to those killed, more than 260 people were wounded, and hundreds of others were left with "deep psychological injuries," police said. The Hibberts also won an injunction preventing Hall from further harassment, and Hall will have to pay 90% of their legal costs that are estimated at $335,000. The award is meager compared to many won in similar US lawsuits, per the AP. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was ordered to pay $1.5 billion to parents of children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012 for falsely claiming the shooting was a hoax. Martin Hibbert said that he never expects to see a penny of the award but that the case wasn't about money. "What this was about was bringing him down in public, in front of his own followers," he said outside court. As he left court, Hall said the trial was unfair and again insisted the bombing didn't happen. (More Manchester stories.) TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam praised the vital role of Bahrains national press in supporting parliamentary activities. He acknowledged the media's dedication to covering Bahrains ongoing development under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Strengthening Media Relations The Speakers remarks came during a meeting with representatives from Al Ayam newspaper, aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring a transparent, productive relationship between the Council and the media. Incident Report Addressed The meeting followed a report by Al Ayam describing an incident where one of its journalists encountered difficulty accessing the press room during a parliamentary session. According to the newspaper, the journalist was directed to the Speakers office and asked to wait but was ultimately unable to attend the session. Open Dialogue with Al Ayams Leadership During the meeting, Speaker Al Musallam welcomed Al Ayams Editor-in-Chief, Isa Al Shayji, along with other representatives, in a bid to address the issue and reinforce open channels of communication. News / National by Staff reporter Nyasha Rusike, 38, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on charges of robbery after allegedly stealing gold valued at US$5,000 and other valuables from a gold miner. Rusike, who faces serious accusations related to the gold heist, was advised to apply for bail at the High Court and is expected to return to court on December 3.The victim, Mr. Elias Manenji, a miner based in Mberengwa, reportedly approached Rusike on October 28 seeking potential gold buyers. Rusike claimed he could facilitate the sale, suggesting connections in Harare. Mr. Manenji, along with his associate Mr. Hillary Batisai, traveled from Masvingo to meet Rusike, who was accompanied by a man identified as George. The pair handed over 33 grams of gold, with an agreed price of US$120 per gram. However, the transaction stalled when Rusike and George claimed the buyer required a minimum of 100 grams to proceed. Mr. Manenji and his friend then returned to Masvingo to secure additional gold.On November 4, Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai returned to Harare with an additional 63 grams. The following day, they met Rusike at Hellensview Shopping Centre, where they planned to complete the sale. After some delays, they proceeded to a secluded area where they met with George's driver.There, Mr. Batisai handed over the gold to Rusike, who then passed it to the driver. Shortly after, five men surrounded the vehicle, with one drawing a pistol and demanding the miners' valuables. The group robbed Mr. Manenji and Mr. Batisai of their remaining cash, cellphones, and a gold scale, totaling US$5,649 in losses, before abandoning them at the scene. To date, no stolen items have been recovered. News / National by Staff reporter Chivayo donates 3 buses to his church! pic.twitter.com/b5BN1HHFvj Bulawayo24 News (@Bulawayo24News) November 8, 2024 Business mogul Wicknell Chivayo, renowned for his lavish lifestyle and substantial philanthropic gestures, has donated three brand new 61-seater buses valued at $420,000 to the Johane Masowe Chishanu church. Announcing his donation on X (formerly Twitter), Chivayo described this contribution as part of a broader charitable initiative. Alongside these buses, he pledged an additional seven buses and $1 million for charity, signaling a commitment to giving back to the community.Chivayo emphasized that his focus has shifted from luxury to philanthropy, reinforcing his dedication to meaningful contributions to society.Meanwhile, two businessmen, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, currently facing charges of allegedly misappropriating funds under the government's presidential goat scheme, have raised concerns about receiving a fair trial. They allege political persecution in their case and question why Chivayo, often linked to controversial state tenders, has not been investigated similarly. Chimombe and Mpofu's defense team argues that selective legal targeting raises questions about fairness and transparency in the prosecution of high-profile figures.As Chivayo's charitable efforts draw public attention, the contrasting legal challenges facing other prominent businessmen underscore the ongoing discussions about the balance between philanthropy, business dealings, and the application of justice in Zimbabwe. SpaceX has massively accelerated the development of space. Predicting the speed of space development requires predicting the financial future of SpaceX. This is because if trillions of dollars of profits each year can be used to increase space development then this will be far more than $2 billion/year of the NASA budget that is actually used to develop space and space technology. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019. There were only about 300 one hundred kilogram or heavier satellites in low earth orbit in 2018. There are now over 8000 and this is because of SpaceX launching 7000 Starlink satellites and a few hundreds satellites for other companies SpaceX has launched 90% of all payloads into space in 2024. This is ten times more than the rest of the world combined. The rest of the world meaning all of the other countries like China and Russia. SpaceX is also a profitable company and will become very profitable by offering Starlink services commercially with over $10 billion in revenue now with about 4-5 million customers. SpaceX will also get a lot of military and government contracts. The Pentagon has increased its military satellite internet services budget from $900 million to $13 billion over the next five years. The vast majority of the military launch and military satellite business is going to SpaceX. Starlink with the fully reusable super heavy Starship will launch 42,000 Gen 3 satellites with each having ten times the bandwidth of Starlink Gen 2 mini satellites. This will be able to support 400 million to 1 billion global high speed internet customers and about 6 billion customers for direct to cellphone service. The 42,000 satellite constellation can be deployed in 2026-2027. The full global customers could get sold, dishes deployed and new cellphones deployed by 2028-2029. This will be over $1 trillion per year and the profits margins could be 90%. SpaceX will grow global communications and internet and have other businesses. This will only increase in the 2030s and 2040s. SpaceX will take over transoceanic package delivery from cargo planes. SpaceX will get approvals for even more satellites and launch satellites for more than just communication. How much revenue and profit will this grow to by 2040? 2050? What is beyond communication? There is energy from space based solar. By 2030 there could be a few thousand SpaceX Starships and Super Heavy boosters and a hundred launch towers. By 2040, 40,000 large cargo and passenger planes could be replaced with 20,000 SpaceX Starships for earth based transportation. The SpaceX starships would cost about $6 million each and would be reusable. The boosters could cost $24 million each. The large commercial jets cost $300 million each. The interplanetary fleet could be tens of thousands of Starships. The limitation would not be how many we could affordably build but deploying them for large enough use cases. The world fleet of 40,000 large planes costs $10 trillion over thirty years. 10,000 Starships would cost $60 billion. 10,000 Starships with boosters would cost $300 billion. Ten thousand Super Heavy Starships flying twice per week into orbit could deliver one million payloads per year. Those payloads could be 300 tons with more advanced rocket engines. This would be 300 million tons. This would be about 100,000 times more than the payloads put into space now. This level of payload means it would be trivial to launch massive construction into space to build giant solar sails or to accelerate testing and development of interstellar flight propulsion systems. Terawatts of space based solar would be able to power massive laser pushed sail propulsion. The development of space for the next 25 years will not be at the pace of the last 60 years. We have already increased payloads by ten to twenty times and this will increase 100,000 to 1 million times. Naval Ravikant is an Indian-born American entrepreneur and investor. He is worth about $100 million. He is the co-founder, chairman and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AngelList. He has invested early-stage in Uber, FourSquare, Twitter, Postmates, SnapLogic, and Yammer. Naval describes how Elon Musk is different. Bill Gates had just taken out some huge short on Tesla. It was like a billions of dollar short. And, Elon was like, Why would you do that? Why would you short Tesla? And Bill goes, Well, you know, I talked to my financial advisors and I looked at the math and its say overvalued. And so Im going to make money on the short. And Elon goes, What do you care about making money? I thought you were into electric cars and climate change and saving the world. What are you doing trying to save a few bucks and betting against Tesla?. And he just walked away in disgust. .@naval: There was a story that I read about @elonmusk that really affected me, which was when he was talking to Bill Gates, and Bill Gates had just taken out some huge short on Tesla. It was like a billion dollar short or something. And, Elon was like, Why would you do that? pic.twitter.com/ePM69pyEdU Arjun Khemani (@arjunkhemani) November 8, 2024 Elon doesnt want to go down in history as the electric car guy or even the guy who saved America guy. He wants to go down as a guy who got humanity to the stars. Again, Ill give him more credit than that. I dont even think he wants to go down as the I got humanity to the stars guy. Hes just like, I want to get to the stars, and so I have to make it happen in this lifetime. The only way that I get to experience the science fiction world in my head is if I get to the stars. And so thats so inspirational. I think that drives everything. News / National by Staff reporter Former Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa has praised the democratic transition in Botswana, describing it as a "signal" that change is sweeping through Southern Africa. Chamisa made the remarks on Friday after attending the inauguration of Botswana's new president, Duma Gideon Boko, where he expressed optimism that regional leaders might learn from Botswana's example of peaceful political transition.Speaking to Botswana's State television broadcaster BTV, Chamisa did not shy away from drawing comparisons between Botswana's recent political shift and Zimbabwe's own prolonged leadership under President Emmerson Mnangagwa."We defeated Zanu-PF twice, but they refused to go," Chamisa said, alluding to his previous electoral bids. He added that he hoped Mnangagwa, who was present at the event, would reflect on Botswana's example and realize that "politicians take turns to rule."Chamisa, who sat just two rows behind the Zanu-PF leader at the ceremony, took the opportunity to stress the impermanence of power."Botswana has shown us a smooth transition from one political party to another, marking a new era for Africa one of transformation and effective political transition," he remarked. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which held power for 58 years, passed the baton in a peaceful manner, a move Chamisa described as a "significant" step for the continent.Beyond politics, Chamisa advocated for dignified treatment of former leaders, stating that ex-presidents should be afforded respect and not subjected to harassment over past political actions."Former presidents must be honored and respected," he said, warning against fostering "a cat-and-mouse relationship" with former officeholders. Chamisa stressed that leaders should be able to exit public office without fear of retribution for previous decisions, encouraging a culture of honor for past presidents.The former CCC leader, who resigned from the party last year citing interference from Zanu-PF, expressed his excitement at being invited to Boko's inauguration.Chamisa asserted that he remains committed to "representing the aspirations and hopes of the people of Zimbabwe," regardless of his departure from partisan politics. Reflecting on Boko's inaugural address, Chamisa shared a hopeful message: "Love is everywhere in the world, let's embrace it."Chamisa's remarks have resonated with those in Zimbabwe who see Botswana's peaceful transition as a potential model for a democratic future across the region. A wildfire burning on the border of Burlington and Camden counties has grown much larger since Thursday morning, but fire crews said they have made good progress in containing it. The Bethany Run Wildfire, which is located in the towns of Evesham and Voorhees, had burned through 300 acres as of 8 p.m. but was 50% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday night. While the blaze threatened 104 structures in the area, earlier evacuation orders were lifted at 6:30 p.m., the service said. Sycamore Avenue remains closed, as does Kettle Run Road from Braddock Mill Road to Hopewell Road, fire officials said. The fires cause is still unknown but investigators said it broke out in the Black Run Preserve area in Evesham Township before spreading to the Camden County border. It is one of two wildfires that started Thursday. The other is a 133-acre blaze burning in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County. Persistent dry conditions have sparked fires over the last few months throughout wooded areas of New Jersey with three counties experiencing rare extreme drought conditions. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced this week that it responded to 507 fire incidents in October alone. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A Cumberland County Prosecutors Office detective killed in a home invasion last month was shot execution-style, a prosecutor stated during a Thursday hearing. Four people are charged with murder and related offenses in the Oct . 15 killing of Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley, and a fifth is charged with helping cover up evidence of the crime. During a detention hearing for one of the defendants, the prosecution presented extensive details about the killing, how the defendants allegedly tried to cover their tracks and how DNA evidence on a bullet tied one of the alleged killers to the crime. Authorities have not confirmed if Mosley knew her attackers or if this was a random home invasion. A motive for the killing has not been disclosed. Nyshawn B. Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland, Jarred D. Brown, 31, of Bridgeton, Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City, and Byron L. Thomas, 35, of Paulsboro, are each charged with first-degree counts of murder and murder during the commision of a burglary, second-degree burglary, multiple weapons offenses, hindering and obstruction. Cyndia E. Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, is accused of helping to cover up evidence of the killing and is charged with third-degree hindering an investigation, and fourth-degree counts of obstruction and tampering with evidence. A judge ordered Pimentels pre-trial release during her detention hearing on Thursday, and the hearing for Hawkins Willis was postponed because his attorney is seeking a change of venue for his case. Cyndia E. Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, is charged in connection with the Oct. 15 killing of Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley. Pimentel is accused of trying to cover up evidence of the crime.(NJ Courts) Authorities allege that three people forced their way into Mosleys Bridgeton home and shot her, and that Mosley shot Mutcherson in the chest before dying of her injuries. Cellphone data, automated license plate readers, surveillance videos and witnesses helped piece together what unfolded on the night of the killing, Cape May County First Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia told the court Thursday. Hawkins Willis, who was dating Pimentel, drove her 2012 Chevy Equinox from her residence in Paulsboro around 7 p.m. on the night of the killing and picked up Thomas, Brown and Mutcherson, Carroccia said. At 9:23 p.m., the vehicle was spotted in Bridgeton as it pulled up to a South Avenue residence linked to Brown, and thats where the defendants changed into dark clothing, according to the prosecution. The men allegedly traveled from there to the 600 block of Buckshutem Road, where video surveillance from a trailer park near Mosleys house picked up the Equinox just before 10 p.m., Carroccia said. Shortly after 10 p.m., Mosley was in her bedroom getting ready for bed when three masked men kicked in the front door of the house, the prosecutor stated. Mosley, 51, was able to fire three shots from her service weapon, striking Mutcherson in the chest, according to Carroccia. She was shot in her right knee, then likely fell to the floor and put up her hand to defend herself from the second shot, which struck her left wrist and traveled through her arm, Carroccia said. The third shot was the fatal round. The shooter either was behind her or walked behind her, took out the gun and shot her in the back of the head, Carroccia said. Judge, I dont use this term lightly, but thats called an execution. The prosecutor didnt identify the shooter, but said the murder weapon has not been recovered. As for placing defendants at the scene, a bullet that struck Mutcherson was found in the grass at Mosleys home and it contained the defendants DNA, the prosecutor said. Also, Mosleys blood was found on Mutchersons sneakers, according to Carroccia. A witness reported seeing people fleeing Mosleys home shortly after 10 p.m. and video surveillance from multiple locations shows the SUV leaving the area, stopping at a medical facility in Bridgeton where Mutcherson was dropped off for treatment, and returning to the South Avenue address. Police were alerted about the wounded man arriving at the medical facility and Mutcherson was transferred to Cooper University Hospital for treatment, police previously said. He initially told investigators he was shot in Millville, but authorities soon determined that was a lie, according to court documents. On Oct. 18, Pimentel and Hawkins Willis allegedly drove from Pimentels home in Paulsboro to an address associated with Willis in Gloucester City, Carroccia said Thursday. A search warrant for the Gloucester City property turned up multiple latex gloves and a size-6 boot with blood on it, and two floor mats, pieces of seatbelt and a car part from Pimentels vehicle were found in a driveway dumpster, according to the prosecutor. DNA evaluation of evidence found at that property is pending, he added. Police officers walk in line for the funeral of Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley at Bridgeton High School, in Bridgeton, NJ on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Mosley was killed in a home invasion shooting at her residence on Oct. 15.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Later on Oct. 18, Pimentel allegedly drove her SUV to Philadelphia with Hawkins Willis as a passenger and left it in a parking garage, then got a lift back to New Jersey from someone described by the prosecution as a witness and a friend of Hawkins Willis. While Carroccia acknowledged that Pimentel has no prior criminal record and a court public safety assessment recommended her pre-trial release on her own recognizance, the severity of the case and the potential she could flee should be considered, he said. To prove his point that Pimentel could skip out on future court appearances if released, the prosecutor described an uncorroborated claim that someone may target those involved in the case. Law enforcement has received information from a confidential informant that an individual out of state was contacted to come down and take care of any and all individuals who are involved in connection with this homicide, Carroccia said. The allegations against Pimentel already demonstrate she will try to hinder the ongoing investigation if given a chance, the prosecutor said, arguing that she helped clean the vehicle, remove evidence and hid her SUV. He cited her prior work as a police officer, saying she is someone who should have known better than to obstruct an investigation. Pimentel was employed by the Camden County Police Department from 2013 to 2015, when she resigned. The great lengths that she went through to prevent four convicted felons who have firearm convictions, after their home invasion and murdering Sgt. Mosley, to help them remain out on the street is a danger to every person in every community, in every state, in every country in the world, the prosecutor said. Judge, if you do not detain her, the community is in danger and more obstructive behavior is going to happen. If the prosecutor had any evidence that Pimentel was involved in conspiratorial conduct, she would have been charged with more severe offenses, defense attorney Ronald Thompson argued, saying the state has no evidence she was involved in cleaning out the car or cutting out seatbelts. Apart from knowing Hawkins Willis, she has never met the other defendants, Thompson said, and she had no idea what Hawkins Willis was allegedly doing. There is no suggestion at all that Ms. Pimentel has ever done anything but live a law-abiding life, he said. She is truly a law-abiding citizen who happened to get involved with someone who used her car on a particular day and may have been involved in some criminal activity. Thompson objected to Carroccias repeated use of Mosleys detective sergeant rank, arguing there was no evidence linking her employment to the killing. Its not fair to continually interject her employment status into this case. Its not an element of the offense and theres no suggestion that it has anything to do with her employment, Thompson said. Superior Court Judge Niki Arbittier stated that she would not be influenced by references to the victims employment when it came to making her decision and allowed the prosecution to continue using Mosleys rank. Sgt. Mosley has earned the right to be called a sergeant, Carroccia responded. I will not call her Miss Mosley. I will not call her Mosley. I will not refer to her as the victim. After hearing the arguments, the judge concluded that the state hadnt made its case for holding Pimentel until trial and ordered her release with the requirement that she report to court officials weekly and have no contact with anyone involved in the case. A Thursday detention hearing for Hawkins Willis was postponed until Nov. 15 because his attorney is seeking to move his case to another county. The change of venue was sought because the victim is a Cumberland County law enforcement officer, Public Defender Sophia Waldstein said, citing the connection between law enforcement in this county and the decedent. Court records indicate that Thomas, who is scheduled to appear in court Friday for his detention hearing, is also seeking a change of venue. A Thursday hearing for Brown was moved to Friday over issues with the defense saying it had not received video and data evidence. Cape May County prosecutors are handling the case because the victim worked for the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. 18 1 / 18 Funeral for Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Country music star Zach Bryan has been accused of emotional abuse by his ex-girlfriend Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia while they were in a relationship. LaPaglia, 25, is a co-host of the BFF Podcast with Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards. She made the allegations against Bryan, 28, public on Thursdays latest podcast episode. The last year of my life has been the hardest year of my life dealing with the abuse from this dude, LaPaglia said, referring to Bryan. Im still scared right now because Im scared of him, she continued. My brains rewired, and Im scared to make him mad, and last week, I didnt want to talk about it cause I was scared. LaPaglia alleged that she was offered $12 million and a New York apartment in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) about their relationship, which she said she refused. She went on to also allege other women who were previously in relationships with Bryan were made to sign non-disclosure agreements to keep details a secret. Bryan and LaPaglia started dating in July 2023 after meeting at the Academy of Country Music Awards. They broke up in October, with Bryan posting a statement on Instagram. Born in Oologah, Oklahoma, Bryan has risen from uploading his own songs on YouTube in 2017 to landing No. 1 records and selling over 30 million albums and singles. Bryan has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on his fifth album, The Great American Bar Scene, with the song Sandpaper. Springsteen also appeared on stage with Bryan at his Aug. 7th show in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field. They performed Atlantic City and Sandpaper together. Related coverage: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Rapper Buckshot, known for his music with the hip-hop groups Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik, is speaking out after he was recently attacked in Brooklyn. Buckshot, 49, a Brooklyn native born Kenyatta Blake, was assaulted in Flatbush Oct. 28 and hospitalized for his injuries. The rapper, who grew up in Crown Heights and co-founded the record label Duck Down Music, shared a statement on Instagram after being released from the hospital. Recently, I was the victim of a violent assault involving multiple individuals armed with weapons, including handguns, he said. This attack stems from ongoing disputes over my property, where I am the rightful owner but have faced issues with unauthorized occupants who escalated the situation to violence. As someone whos been an entertainer and part of this community for over 30 years, I am deeply disturbed that such an incident could happen in New York a city I love and call home, Buckshot continued. Violence like this has no place here, and Im calling on everyone to come together to make New York safer and better for all of us. He said hes recovering from his injuries and that the attack is under investigation, with his attorneys involved. We are committed to seeing justice served, and I ask for your patience and support as the legal process unfolds, Buckshot said. He thanked fans for their support and well wishes. Lets put an end to violence and help rebuild a stronger, safer New York. Black Moon, made up of rappers Buckshot and 5ft and producer DJ Evil Dee, released the hit song Who Got da Props? written and performed by Buckshot, in 1992. The single made the Billboard Hot 100. The groups acclaimed debut album, Enta da Stage, came out in 1993, with songs including I Got Cha Opin, which also charted. Boot Camp Clik was founded in 1993 as a Brooklyn hip-hop supergroup. Buckshot joined duos Heltah Skeltah and Smif-N-Wessun and the trio O.G.C. in the group. Buckshot released four albums with Black Moon, the most recent being Rise of Da Moon in 2019, and four with Boot Camp Clik. His solo album, The BDI Thug, debuted in 1999. Hes also released three albums with 9th Wonder (Chemistry, The Formula and The Solution), one with KRS-One (Survival Skills, 2009) and another with P-Money (Backpack Travels, 2014). Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. Days after the death of her father Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones shared a tender memory. Jones, 48, an actor and director, paid tribute to her father, a musical giant whose work defined pop culture, with a story from her childhood. My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life, she said in an Instagram post Thursday that included a photo of herself as a baby with her father. He kept jazz hours starting in high school and never looked back. When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music). He would never send me back to bed. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work...there was no safer place in the world for me. Quincy Jones was 91 when he died Nov. 3. Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation, The Office, Angie Tribeca) is one of Jones seven children. Rashida and her sister, Kidada Jones, were born to Jones and actor Peggy Lipton (Mod Squad, Twin Peaks), who died in 2019. Rashida, who stars in and produces the Apple TV+ series Sunny, won a Grammy for best music film in 2019 for directing the 2018 Netflix documentary Quincy about her father, whose work with Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Lesley Gore and many more artists gave us unforgettable music. Jones won 28 Grammys in his long career, which also included scores for film (The Wiz, The Color Purple, In Cold Blood) and TV (Roots), and many titles on which he also served as producer. He was a giant, Rashida said in her post. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius. All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. Thats his legacy. I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. Ill miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup Starbucks is welcoming winter with its seasonal holiday menu, and theres one new item thats sure to give you the chills. The coffee chain announced their newest creation, the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, which combines sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices. There are also several returning holiday beverages returning to the menu, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte and Chestnut Praline Latte. Starbucks is also introducing new food items to its menu, including the Turkey Sage Danish and Dark Toffee Bundt. The holiday menu also includes old favorites, such as the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Cranberry Bliss Bar. Plus, the coffee chain is releasing its holiday-designed cups. The new designs include four hot cup designs and a holiday-themed cup for cold beverages. The coffee chain is unveiling its new menu just weeks before Red Cup Day is expected to happen, when customers who order a holiday or fall beverage can get a free reusable cup while supplies last. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A man died on Wednesday as a result of serious injuries he suffered during a fight in New Brunswick, officials said. Gonzalo Napoleon Quispez-Parades, 23, of New Brunswick, was found unconscious on a sidewalk on Seaman Street with a large wound to the abdomen area, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a news release. He was pronounced dead on the scene, authorities said. Police responded to the scene when a 911 call at 10:55 p.m. reported that a man was bleeding profusely. An investigation has since found the victim had suffered serious injuries as a result of a physical fight, prosecutors said. No arrests have been made. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with tips in the case to call Detective Stephanie Redline at 732-745-3316. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Opinion / Columnist The recent implementation of the Cyber and Data Protection Licencing regulations (S.I. 155 of 2024) by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has sparked significant concerns among a wide range of stakeholders and the public in general. The Licencing framework, which mandates various fees and regulatory requirements for data controllers and data protection officers, impacts all organisations that process personal data. This includes businesses, schools, churches, and non-profit organisations. However, there appears to have been limited or no consultation with these affected groups before the regulations were enacted. This raises questions about the process followed in introducing these laws and highlights the need for a transparent and inclusive approach to policymaking.The new regulations require data controllers to pay Licencing fees based on their operational tier, ranging from USD 50 to USD 2,500. Additionally, data protection officers must undergo training and certification, with fees reaching USD 1,450 per person for international applicants. For many organisations, especially smaller entities, these fees represent a considerable financial burden. Without prior consultation, stakeholders had little chance to provide feedback or voice their concerns about the potential implications of the regulations on their operations.In Zimbabwe, stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of effective regulatory development, especially when new laws impose obligations that could fundamentally alter how organisations operate. By consulting with businesses, religious institutions and educational organisations, policymakers can better understand the unique challenges faced by each sector and design regulations that are both effective and feasible for compliance. Failure to engage in such consultations risks creating regulations that may be impractical, overly burdensome or detrimental to economic and social activities.The Cyber and Data Protection Licencing framework appears to have been influenced by the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a well-established set of laws governing data protection in Europe. However, one critical aspect of the GDPR's development was extensive public consultation, which allowed stakeholders to provide feedback, ensuring the final regulation was tailored to the needs of all parties involved. In Zimbabwe, stakeholders are calling for a similar approach, emphasising that policies with such wide-reaching implications must be developed collaboratively to address the needs of all affected entities.We call on the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, to clarify whether a meeting or consultation process was held with stakeholders before the introduction of the Cyber and Data Protection Licencing regulations. If consultations were conducted, it would be beneficial for the Ministry to share the feedback received and explain how it shaped the final regulations. Conversely, if consultations were not held, we urge the Ministry to consider suspending the implementation of these regulations until meaningful stakeholder engagement can take place.By pausing the rollout of the Licencing requirements and organising a stakeholder meeting, POTRAZ would have the opportunity to address concerns, gather valuable input, and make necessary adjustments to the regulations. Such an approach would align with international best practices and foster greater trust between regulators and the public. Zimbabwe's businesses, schools, churches, and other institutions deserve to have their voices heard on a matter that directly affects their operations and financial stability.We respectfully urge the Ministry of ICT to ensure that the implementation of the Cyber and Data Protection Licencing regulations follows an inclusive and transparent process. Consulting with stakeholders not only strengthens the regulatory framework but also promotes compliance, goodwill and effective data protection for all Zimbabweans.Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi Two Ocean County residents have been arrested in connection with the illegal possession and distribution of firearms and drugs, authorities said Friday. George Garulle, 55, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, were charged with multiple offenses related to the illegal possession and distribution of firearms and drugs, Stafford Township police said. These include possession of methamphetamine, large capacity magazines, firearms without serial numbers, unlawful possession of rifles and shotguns, possession of a defaced firearm, and distribution of undetectable firearms. An investigation into the actions of Garulle and Restaino prior to their arrest led to the discovery of illegal handguns, drugs, and ammunition, according to a news release. Police also discovered a significant amount of money. Both Garulle and Restaino were taken into custody following the execution of search warrants at two locations on Monday in Toms River and Beachwood, officials said. Garulle faces additional charges as a prohibited person in possession of a weapon, as he is reportedly not legally allowed to possess firearms due to prior convictions. Criminal complaint warrants were issued to both before they were transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they remain pending a scheduled detention hearing. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson Ex-Obama advisor David Axelrod said Thursday that Democrats have become the smarty pants party and have moved away from the working class. President-elect Donald Trump clinched a victory for the White House early Wednesday morning after sweeping key battleground states over Vice President Kamala Harris. In the wake of his win, Democrats have been breaking down what went wrong for the vice president. Axelrod, along with a number of other pundits and lawmakers, blamed the Democrats for not appealing to working class voters. He said that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had a point when he railed against Democrats for forgetting the needs of working voters. Well, youve heard me over the last few days. I do have concerns about the way the Democratic Party has relates to working class voters in this country. The only group that Democrats gained with in the election on Tuesday was white college graduates and among working class voters, there was a, you know, a significant decline, he told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Thursday. The only group ... Democrats won among were people who make more than $100,000 a year. You cant win national elections that way, and it certainly shouldnt be that way for a party that fashions itself as the party of working people. So I think he has a point, he continued. Axelrod went on to explain that Democrats should not be talking to working class voters as missionaries. You cant approach working people like missionaries and say, were here to help you become more like us. Theres a kind of unspoken disdain, unintended disdain in that, he said. I think Biden has done, you know, programmatically some good things for working people, but the party itself has increasingly become a smarty pants, suburban, college educated party. And it lends itself to the kind of backlash that weve seen. Democrats search for answers and blame each other in the wake of the election loss to Trump. @davidaxelrod and @murphymike, co-hosts of the "Hacks on Tap" podcast, tell Anderson what they think is next for the political party. pic.twitter.com/la3RTtlCEY Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) November 8, 2024 The argument that Democrats did not appeal to working class voters has also received some backlash as the party plays the blame game about the results of the 2024 election. Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democrat Party, criticized Sanders for saying that Democrats do not appeal to this group of Americans. This is straight up BS Biden was the most-pro worker President of my life time- saved Union pensions, created millions of good paying jobs and even marched in a picket line and some of MVPs plans would have fundamentally transformed the quality of life and closed the racial wealth gap for working people across this country," Harrison said. This is straight up BS Biden was the most-pro worker President of my life time- saved Union pensions, created millions of good paying jobs and even marched in a picket line and some of MVPs plans would have fundamentally transformed the quality of life and closed the racial https://t.co/6s4iR5Xtdq Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) November 7, 2024 Trump made significant inroads among key demographics that helped deliver him a victory, including younger voters and those without a college degree, according to AP VoteCast. Meanwhile, Harris narrowly carried the suburbs as Trump received more support from rural areas, according to AP VoteCast. A Donald Trump ally who has been floated as a possible pick for attorney general says hes prepared to rain hell on Washington D.C. Mike Davis, the founder of the Article III Project, appeared on The Benny Show podcast with Benny Johnson. Mike Davis, a leading candidate for the Trump administration's AG: We're going to deport a lot of people, 10 million people and growing - anchor babies, their parents, their grandparents. We're gonna put kids in cages. It's gonna be glorious." (2023)pic.twitter.com/YpjjmL2K4V Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 8, 2024 During my three-week reign of terror as Trump acting attorney general, before I get chased out of town with my Trump pardon, I will rain hell on Washington D.C. I have five lists ready to go, and theyre growing. List number one, were going to fire a lot of people in the executive branch in the deep state. Number two, were going to indict. Were going to indict Joe Biden and Hunter Biden and James Biden and every other scumball, sleazeball Biden Number three, were going to deport. Were going to deport a lot of people 10 million people, and growing. Anchor babies, their parents, their grandparents. Were going to put kids in cages. Its going to be glorious. Were going to detain a lot of people in the D.C. gulag and Gitmo. And list number five, Im going to recommend a lot of pardons. Every January 6 defendant is going to get a pardon. Davis also issued a warning to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has described Trump as a con man and carnival barker, and filed lawsuits against him. I dare you to try to continue your lawfare against President Trump in his second term, Davis said. Listen here, sweetheart, he said. Were not messing around this time and we will put your fat ass in prison for conspiracy against rights. I promise you that. Trump's lawyer Mike Davis issues dark warning to NY AG Letitia James: "I dare you to try to continue your lawfare against President Trump... listen here, sweetheart, we're not messing around this time and we will put your fatass in prison for conspiracy against rights." pic.twitter.com/FfGGxzsaq6 Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 7, 2024 New Jerseys attorney general, Matt Platkin, said Davis comments were beyond the pale. Trump cronies already threatening to put AGs in jail for standing up for our constitutional rights. This is beyond the pale. Not to mention disgustingly misogynistic. We wont back down, Platkin posted to X. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) criticized President Joe Bidens late departure from the race in a new interview with The New York Times. Pelosi, 84, told The Times for The Interview podcast that Biden exited the race too late and that she expected there to be an open primary. Biden dropped out of the race July 21 and immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be his replacement after a disastrous debate performance sparked concerns within his own party. Now that Harris has lost the race, Democrats are scrambling to figure out who is to blame for Donald Trumps win. Many have suggested that Biden should have left the race much earlier instead of just about three months before the election. At the time, it was widely reported that Pelosi encouraged Biden to withdraw from the race. Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race, she told Lulu Garcia-Navarro, host of The Interview, according to The Times. The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary. She also suggested that Harris may have performed stronger if there was a primary. While there was some talk of having a quick primary after Biden withdrew from the race, the idea never gained traction. And as I say, Kamala may have, I think she would have done well in that and been stronger going forward. But we dont know that. That didnt happen. We live with what happened. And because the president endorsed Kamala Harris immediately, that really made it almost impossible to have a primary at that time. If it had been much earlier, it would have been different, Pelosi said. Other Democrats have criticized Biden for not leaving the race earlier, according to reports from Politico and The Associated Press. David Plouffe, a former senior Barack Obama staffer, made a jab toward Biden on social media platform X this week before deleting his account. As Democrats try to sort out what went wrong for the vice president, Pelosi pushed back on the argument that the party did not try to appeal more with working class voters. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with the Democrats, ripped the Democratic Party after Election Day for not addressing the needs of the working class, saying it was a disastrous campaign. Bernie Sanders has not won, Pelosi said, according to The Times. With all due respect, and I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I dont respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working-class families. The newspaper reported that the rest of the interview will be published on Saturday. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Opinion / Columnist Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/ In recent weeks, the southern African region has been thrust into yet another political crisis, this time in Mozambique, following a contentious election and violent protests.The country, which has suffered from decades of civil conflict and economic instability, finds itself once again on the edge of a precipice, with violent clashes erupting on the streets in the wake of disputed electoral results.This latest unrest has underscored a long-standing issue: the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) toothlessness when it comes to addressing electoral conflicts and democratic violations across the region.SADC's failure to act decisively in Mozambique, and in other countries such as Zimbabwe, is not only symptomatic of its inherent weaknesses but also of a deeper flaw in its role as a regional peace and stability organization.The ongoing violence in Mozambique comes in the wake of the October 9, 2024 elections, where the ruling FRELIMO party, led by Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner with an overwhelming 70% of the vote.Opposition parties, led by Venancio Mondlane, have categorically rejected these results, alleging widespread electoral fraud.Mondlane's supporters have taken to the streets in protest, demanding that the election results be overturned and a new election be held.The protest was met with heavy police repression, with officers using tear gas and, in some instances, live ammunition to disperse crowds.Tragically, the violence escalated with the killing of Mondlane's lawyer and spokesperson, adding further fuel to the already volatile situation.What is most disturbing, however, is not just the escalating violence in Mozambique, but the regional and international response-or lack thereof.Despite the clear signs of election-related violence and electoral fraud, the SADC election observer mission, which had been deployed to monitor the polls, immediately declared the elections peaceful, free, and fair, an assessment that stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground.This contradictory stance reflects a wider problem within SADC: a failure to take meaningful action against democratic violations within its member states.To directly receive articles from Tendai Ruben Mbofana, please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08The SADC observer mission's declaration that the elections in Mozambique were free and fair, even as opposition supporters were being gunned down by security forces, speaks to the impotence of the organization in addressing electoral malpractices.In a region where electoral fraud, intimidation, and violence against political opponents have become endemic, this toothless stance has become all too common.SADC's inability to hold member states accountable for breaches of its own principles and guidelines concerning democratic elections has left the region vulnerable to political instability and conflict.Mozambique's crisis is not an isolated incident.In Zimbabwe, similar concerns were raised following the August 2023 elections, where the ruling ZANU-PF party was widely accused of flouting electoral laws and using violence to suppress the opposition.Despite these clear violations, SADC's response was tepid, and its election observer mission did little to address the systemic issues that led to the electoral crisis.In an unprecedented move, SADC's own observer mission in Zimbabwe admitted that the elections had fallen short of regional guidelines.Yet, the regional body's heads of state, who have the final say in such matters, failed to take any meaningful action.It was left to the people of Zimbabwe who desisted from protesting which prevented the country from descending into full-blown chaos.While SADC did eventually call for an extraordinary summit on Mozambique's election crisis, only after violence had erupted, this reactive approach highlights the fundamental flaws in the organization's operational philosophy.SADC has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to take preemptive action to prevent such crises from occurring in the first place.By the time SADC responds to electoral violence, it is often too late to prevent the conflict from escalating.The situation in Mozambique is a case in point-only after violence erupted did SADC call for an extraordinary summit to address the matter, which is scheduled for November 16-20, 2024.Given the region's track record of inaction, one can only wonder whether this summit will yield anything of substance, or whether it will be yet another instance of empty rhetoric and fruitless calls for dialogue.The SADC Conundrum: Why It Fails to ActWhy does SADC continue to act reactively rather than proactively when it comes to addressing electoral conflicts in the region?One of the main reasons lies in the very structure and functioning of the regional body.SADC's decision-making process is based on consensus, which often results in deadlock when it comes to dealing with sensitive issues like electoral fraud or political violence.Member states, many of which are led by authoritarian regimes or governments with questionable democratic credentials, are reluctant to take action against one another for fear of setting a precedent that could eventually affect their own rule.Moreover, SADC's commitment to upholding democratic principles is undermined by its reluctance to confront its members about electoral malpractices.In principle, SADC is committed to promoting democracy, peace, and security in the region, as outlined in its 1992 Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.This protocol emphasizes the importance of holding free, fair, and credible elections, as well as the protection of human rights and the rule of law.However, in practice, SADC has consistently failed to hold its members accountable for violating these principles.The result is that leaders like Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi and Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa are able to sidestep international scrutiny, knowing that SADC is unlikely to take any meaningful action against them.The region's failure to take action is also compounded by the political realities of SADC.Many of the heads of state in SADC are former liberation movement leaders who are more concerned with maintaining the political status quo than with promoting genuine democratic reform.As a result, they often protect one another from external criticism, even when it is clear that elections have been rigged or violence has been used to suppress political opposition.A Call for SADC to Have TeethAt its core, SADC's failure to act decisively in the face of election-related conflicts stems from a lack of political will and institutional strength.For the regional body to have any meaningful impact on the political stability of its member states, it must begin to enforce its own principles and guidelines.The time has come for SADC to stop being a mere talk shop and take concrete steps to address electoral malpractices.One possible solution would be for SADC to establish a more robust mechanism for monitoring elections and ensuring compliance with its democratic guidelines.This could involve setting up an independent body tasked with investigating allegations of electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and violence.Such a body should have the authority to recommend sanctions against member states that fail to adhere to SADC's principles.Without such a mechanism, SADC will continue to be seen as a toothless organization that is unable or unwilling to address the root causes of conflict in the region.Furthermore, SADC should adopt a more proactive approach to electoral monitoring.Elections are not just one-day events but rather long processes that unfold over months or even years.Intimidation, violence, and manipulation of the media are tactics often employed well before election day.SADC must recognize this reality and begin to monitor the political environment in member states well in advance of elections.This would involve closer scrutiny of electoral laws, the media landscape, and the political climate leading up to the polls, as well as a greater focus on protecting the rights of political opponents and civil society actors.Conclusion: A Fork in the Road for SADCAs the situation in Mozambique continues to unravel, and with the region's other electoral crises lurking in the background, SADC stands at a crossroads.The regional body can continue on its current path of inaction, providing lip service to democratic principles while doing little to prevent electoral violence and fraud.Alternatively, it can choose to strengthen its institutions, enforce its own guidelines, and hold its members accountable for violating the democratic rights of their citizens.The people of southern Africa deserve better.They deserve a regional body that is committed to the protection of their rights, the integrity of their elections, and the peaceful resolution of political disputes.As long as SADC continues to fail in this regard, the region will remain vulnerable to the kind of post-election conflicts that are now playing out in Mozambique.The time for empty statements and reactive summits has passed.SADC must act, and it must act now.The region's stability and the future of its democracies depend on it. Archbishop Gregory Aymond, at his residence in New Orleans, laid out his views on Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy case, its effect on the local church, the abuse crisis and the role of his predecessors. Opinion / Columnist The thunderous weather, intensified by blinding lightning, instils fear in many of us. Folklore has it that during such storms, bad debtors and adulterers often tremble to the core, fearing that those they've wronged might resort to unorthodox methods of "demanding payment" or settling old scores. I wonder what they do in Equatorial Guinea, where people seem to live with fewer grudges and a more saintly outlook.Recently in Zimbabwe, African bees have been recruited as unlikely debt collectors - with surprisingly effective results. Even nocturnal "affirmative shoppers" (thieves) haven't been spared. There are accounts of burglars returning stolen goods after receiving unexpected visits from swarms of angry, buzzing bees. Social media recently buzzed with videos of a flat-screen TV thief returning the stolen item to its rightful owner, all while covered in a swarm of relentless bees. The incident, reported in Damofalls, resembled a scene straight out of an "inspection-in-loco" by a unique form of "police."Zimbabwe is also notorious for its frequent lightning strikes, especially at the beginning and end of the rainy season. Experts advise staying indoors when thunderstorms hit and avoiding being the tallest object outdoors. As they say, to be forewarned is to be forearmed.Thomas MurisaChinehasha Around 250 women braved the chilly waters of Ilfracombes Tunnels Beaches on Sunday, taking part in a unique charity swim that aimed to raise funds and promote body positivity. The Topless Swim, organised by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (formerly Over and Above), took place at the Victorian tidal pool, which was originally built to offer privacy for female bathers. The event, believed to be the first of its kind in North Devon, exceeded all expectations, raising nearly 50,000 in support of breast cancer care at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH). Alice Hope, community fundraiser for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, expressed her delight at the overwhelming support. We have been absolutely blown away by the support for our first ever Topless Swim and cant thank everyone enough for being part of this very special event, she said. The atmosphere was incredible, with women from across the country coming together to support each other, enjoy a Sunday morning dip, and have lots of fun." The event was filled with so much laughter and inspiring, empowering stories from all the women who took part. We hope everyone made lots of memories that they will cherish forever. The event not only promoted body positivity but also raised substantial funds for cancer services at NDDH. Half of the money raised will go towards breast cancer care at the hospital, with the other half benefiting the Fern Centre, the hospitals cancer wellbeing centre. We want to thank all the wonderful participants, volunteers, and the first aid and water safety teams for making Topless Swim such a huge success, Alice added. The event sold out weeks beforehand, and there was a big waiting list of ladies wanting to take part, so were already starting to put plans in place for another event next year. The Topless Swim was inspired by Louise Butcher, North Devons Topless Runner, who began running topless to promote body positivity following a double mastectomy in 2022. Louise, from Braunton, has been supported by both the NDDH breast care team and the Fern Centre. Reflecting on the event, she described it as a historic moment for women. As I stood, surrounded by history past, present, and in the making I saw positivity, encouragement, kindness, and togetherness, Louise said. In that moment, I was filled with hope that this event could become the beginning of the end of the isolation women feel when they are confronted, alone in the mirror staring at their bodies." We are all better surrounded by people who understand and let us be ourselves. Opinion / Columnist Almost four months have passed since President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced his intention to respect the constitutional two-term limit, refusing a third term, despite ZANU-PF passing a resolution to extend incumbency. However, this gesture toward constitutional integrity has not spurred potential leaders to step forward, leaving a concerning void. This hesitation is a glaring reflection of the political environment created over decades in a nation where few dare to pursue leadership. Zimbabwe must address this leadership vacuum, inspiring a new generation of leaders to rise.For far too long, the political landscape in Zimbabwe has been marked by fear, apathy and disengagement. Leadership has been perceived as a perilous path, where those who speak out or express ambition often face scrutiny, marginalisation or worse. This culture has stifled initiative, leading to a widespread reluctance to consider public office. The result is a society where citizens feel disempowered and wary of expressing their vision for the future. Yet, with Mnangagwa's announcement, Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. The nation must now challenge the notion that leadership is reserved for a select few. Instead, citizens should see this as a call to action, inspiring a movement where leadership becomes a shared and noble pursuit.The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been increasingly vocal about the importance of democratic transitions and respect for constitutional limits. Recent developments in SADC nations, such as Zambia, Malawi most recently Botswana, highlight the power of a peaceful transfer of leadership. In Zambia, the 2021 elections saw the rise of President Hakainde Hichilema after years of opposition. His victory demonstrated the potential for democratic resilience and revitalisation in the region. Similarly, Malawi saw a court-ordered re-run of its 2019 presidential election, which led to the election of President Lazarus Chakwera. These examples have set a powerful precedent within SADC, showing that respect for constitutional norms can foster stability and public trust. Zimbabwe has a chance to align itself with these encouraging shifts in the region, proving that it, too, can uphold democratic values by promoting a peaceful and constitutional transfer of leadership. SADC's recent progress emphasizes that Zimbabwe's transition could inspire a wave of change, setting an example for other African nations.Zimbabwe has no shortage of intelligent, capable and dedicated individuals. Teachers, businesspeople, farmers, and community organisers all possess valuable skills and a love for their country. What is lacking is the encouragement and support to view themselves as potential leaders. Leadership is not merely about holding a high office, it is about serving others, understanding their struggles and working tirelessly for the collective good. Zimbabweans must realise that by stepping forward, they are not just seeking power; they are committing to a legacy of hope and progress.The current silence from potential leaders is a reflection of deep-seated issues within the political system. However, times of great challenge can also be times of great opportunity. Zimbabwe has a rich history of resilience, having endured economic hardship, social strife and political repression. Now, it is time to apply that resilience to building a new leadership culture, one that values courage, inclusivity and forward-thinking ideas. With Mnangagwa signaling his respect for the constitution, the door has opened for a transformative moment. This is the time for courageous individuals, especially the youth, to think boldly and seize the chance to shape Zimbabwe's future.Fostering leadership will require a cultural shift, beginning in schools, communities, and workplaces. Mentorship programs, civic education and open political dialogues can empower Zimbabweans to feel capable and compelled to lead. Civic organizations, churches and other community institutions should actively encourage people to engage in politics, not as a means of self-enrichment but as a service to the nation. Furthermore, established leaders must encourage diversity of thought and allow new voices to be heard. Instead of viewing political office as a personal or familial inheritance, let it be an avenue open to all who are genuinely committed to the nation's development.Zimbabwe's future rests in the hands of its people. The silence surrounding potential leadership candidates should be a wake-up call, urging citizens to take ownership of their country's destiny. By embracing this moment and cultivating a culture of leadership, Zimbabwe can overcome its challenges and forge a brighter, more democratic path. Now, more than ever, Zimbabweans must rise, showing the world and themselves that they are ready to lead, ready to envision a future that serves all, and ready to lay the foundations of a Zimbabwe that is prosperous, just and united.Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi ST. JOHN Bagpipers blared mournful dirges. Boy Scouts solemnly folded the American flag. A high school band roused the crowd with a spirited rendition of "The Army Song." Veterans filed into the gym. They came in Vietnam veteran caps, wheelchairs and VFW jackets. They streamed in and took their seats while receiving a thunderous standing ovation. More than 400 veterans and thousands of students gathered in the Lake Central High School gym Thursday morning to pay tribute to those who served this country. The high school honored veterans, Gold Star families, prisoners of war and those missing in action in anticipation of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. "Monday is Veterans Day, which honors all Americans who fought for us and sacrificed for us and assumed the responsibility to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of future generations," said keynote speaker Pat O'Donnell, a Vietnam veteran who anchors the Veterans Views Radio Show on WJOB. "Some veterans made the ultimate sacrifice. When it was my time to go to war, I went to Vietnam as a soldier and paratrooper in 1967. I still remember the smell of that war zone. Hardships were endured. Sacrifices were made in combat. But if I was told I would have to fight for our freedom I would do it again." Veterans from all of America's wars were treated to a free breakfast at the high school and then honored at a student body assembly in the gym, in which they were suffused in wave after wave of applause. "Men and women made sacrifices we must never forget," Lake Central Principal Erin Novak said. "We must never forget the sacrifices our hometown heroes made for us, our country and our community. The people who are joining us in this room have shown bravery and made sacrifices." Marty Dzieglowicz and Rose Ann Dzieglowicz with American Legion Allied Post 369 in St. John honored POWs and MIAs dating back to World War I. "The American Legion is the largest veterans' organization in the world. We're providing $21 billion to disabled vets who have applied," he said. "We must never forget that the sweetness of enduring peace is always tainted by bitter sacrifice, pain and deprivation. Let's pause to remember the POWs and call attention to that they should occupy a place of dignity and honor. That some of our comrades are MIA is a bitter pill of salt sprinkled onto the plate. The American flag reminds us that many never return and made the supreme sacrifice. " The Lake Central High School Band played patriotic music during the program, including "The Army Goes Rolling Along." O'Donnell delivered a fiery keynote address. "Veterans answered the call of duty and left their families, homes and lives to carry out their mission," he said. "They fought to protect our country and to maintain our way of life. They fought to defeat communism, fascism and imperialism. They did remarkable things with the support and sacrifice of their families. They had long separations from their loved ones who had to handle all the household responsibilities and make difficult choices. We thank all of them. The War on Terrorism made us realize how unique the American way of life is, how extremely special our freedom is. We can speak our opinion without fear and worship any god we choose. Those are incredible gifts we must defend. We must honor all those fighting for our freedoms and defending our way of life here in America." The student body began chanting "USA, USA" during O'Donnell's passionate speech. "When you get to be 18 years old, vote. Speak out against injustices. Ensure every single one of us enjoys the benefits of freedom in the United States. You can do that while volunteering, being active in the community and teaching your children's children's children what it really means to be an American. There is no better tribute you can pay to the freedoms our veterans have won than to express your right to an opinion and your freedom of expression." Some students will go on to serve in different branches of the military, O'Donnell said. He urged all of the students, regardless of career path, to defend the freedoms in their country "until your dying breath." "People ask, why do you charge up the hills," he said. "We love what's behind it. The United States of America is the greatest country in the world." Assistant Principal Joseph Stanisz helped organize the ceremony, which Lake Central has held for the last five years. "I started the committee. Our committee is really the backbone of this whole project," he said. "They've done a phenomenal job of reaching out around the Tri-Town area. We have a lot of stakeholders around the Tri-Town area like the VFW. We're reaching out to more and more people. We had the National Guard with a Humvee outside this year. Everybody has a key part in this. Our custodial crew was in there tearing it down in 10 minutes. They put it up in half an hour. They are phenomenal. Our kitchen staff, our guidance office, the list goes on. This is a great place to be. It's a testament to what you see in here, the people who work together to make this district a good district, to make people feel involved and included. It's a great place." Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. Of these five battleground states all of which he won this year which one did he also win in 2020? A Singapore family court recently issued a partial domestic exclusion order against a woman who had allegedly been forcefully entering her adult brothers room at odd hours of the night to clean. On October 31st, two Singaporean siblings obtained court orders against each other following a bizarre legal dispute that left the judge scratching their head. A woman managed to get a protection order against her brother who had reportedly physically assaulted her, while he got a domestic order banning her from entering his room, which happens to be why he assaulted her in the first place. A third sibling told the court that tensions between the two had been rising for years, particularly because their sister would come into the brothers room in the middle of the night to clean it, infringing on his privacy and preventing him from sleeping. One day, the man just snapped. Photo: Kelly Sikkerma/Unsplash I accept that, ordinarily, a sibling cleaning another siblings room would be harmless and indeed a loving act and most certainly not amount to harassment, the judge said, clarifying that, in certain circumstances, what may be considered harmless for some, can be very distressful for others. According to the brother, for the past eight years, his sister routinely barged into his room at night to clean it, completely disregarding his protests and need for privacy. In the beginning, she came in at around 9 pm, but then she started arriving at 11 pm and sometimes stayed until 4 in the morning cleaning the room. Even if she sometimes left early, she would return in the middle of the night and clean until morning. The mutual sibling confirmed the sisters bizarre cleaning schedule to the judge, adding that his brother would often hurry home to lock the door to his room only to prevent her from coming in. However, she rarely took no for an answer and usually found a way to enter the room to clean it. When asked why she insisted on cleaning her brothers room, the woman simply said she needed to do it. Photo: Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash Because I need to work, my dear, she told the judge. I need work, my own schedule. I got to go according to my own schedule, my free time. I cannot say, you want me to come at 8am, means 8am. Im not their maid, Im not their worker. The woman tried to explain that she was cleaning her brothers room against his will because he would not clean it himself, saying: If the person does housework themselves, clean up their own room themselves, its fine. But they dont even do so at all after 40 years of age. Not even one finger! However, the judge dismissed her explanation, stating that both parties are adults and it was not necessary for the sister to impose her own hygiene standards on her brother. He also acknowledged that the brothers assault on his sister was unacceptable, but suggested that it may have been a reaction to the great distress caused by his sisters conduct. Asked if she would conform with the judges order to stop entering her brothers room without his consent, the Singaporean woman answered No, because this unit belongs to my dad, not him. If hes not comfortable, he can stay out. You ask him to stay out or get his own place. Because, literally, he (doesnt) upkeep his room and hell breed all the (pests). She will need to be careful, though because breaching a court order is a criminal offense punishable by fine, jail, or both. LDPR lands Grand Hotel Fasano, a family-owned hotel on the shores of Italys Lake Garda. The agency will be overseeing all PR programming, including print and digital media relations, influencer and brand partnerships, and media visit programming. The 135-year-old retreat and official National Heritage Site, which has 86 rooms and suites, is part of the Leading Hotels of the World organization. It also offers four distinctive dining venues, including the Michelin-starred Il Pescatore Restaurant. 5WPR adds amp, an at-home AI-powered fitness machine. The agency will oversee media relations, awards and event support for amp, with the aim of elevating its market presence, emphasizing its uniqueness among the competition, and assuring the target audience that it is the top choice among fitness enthusiasts. 5WPR kicked off the partnership by supporting amp's presale launch in October. The smart strength machine utilizes data analytics and AI to deliver an individualized workout experience. We're thrilled to work with 5WPR to bring my vision to life and give more people access to experience the future of fitness, said amp founder Shalom Meckenzie. KM Strategies Group, which specializes in communications strategy, philanthropic advising, nonprofit advocacy and strategic partnerships, forms partnerships with several civil rights and social justice groups. New clients include the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of New Jersey, ACLU of South Carolina, Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Acacia Center for Justice. KMSG announced the new partnerships as part of its resource guide for organizations preparing to respond to a second Trump presidency. Agency founder and managing director Kindred Motes previously led crisis communications and digital strategy campaigns for the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Vera Institute of Justice. Teneo, which is majority-owed by CVC Capital Partners, is looking for investors to fuel international expansion. The self-styled global CEO advisory firm is working with Guggenheim Partners, according to a report in Sky News. Teneo will take the spotlight on Nov. 11 with the opening of the United Nations climate conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The confab runs through Nov. 22. Under a seven-month $4.7M pact with the COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company that kicked off in May, Teneo provides issues management, press relations, content development services and media training services. Teneo has been rotating about a dozen staffers in and out of Baku. It will have a half dozen people on the ground at COP29 for the duration of the session. Geoff Morrell, president of Teneos global strategy & communications practice, is a member of the Azerbaijan team that includes staffers in New York, Washington, London, Brussels and Hong Kong. Hes the former executive VP-communications & advocacy for British Petroleum. Teneo also worked COP28 in Dubai last December. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has enlisted Allison to help it advance its diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives. Allison will serve as CIDOTs agency of record for DE&I expert counsel and multicultural and diverse marketing support in the US and United Kingdom. The aim of the partnership is to position the Cayman Islands as an inclusive vacation destination that celebrates diversity and welcomes travelers from all backgrounds. Collaborating with several global agency partners, Allison will implement tailored strategies intended to align with CIDOTs vision, focusing on authentic messaging, community engagement and strategic outreach to diverse demographics. Audiences targeted include Black, Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ travelers, as well as people with disabilities. In addition, Allison will highlight the diverse culture of the islands in order to attract such market segments as Generation Z tourists. Partnering with Allison allows us to take significant strides in our DE&I and multicultural and diverse marketing efforts, ensuring that every visitor feels seen, welcomed, and valued, said CIDOT director of tourism Rosa Harris. Vladimir Putin Flattery will get Putin everywhere Russian strongman Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump for winning the election, and praised his machoness in the aftermath of the July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances, said Putin during a Nov. 7 event. This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man. Thats music to the ears of a guy like Trump, who thrives on flattery. Savvy Vlad then piled it up. He said Trump, who constantly casts himself as a victim of persecution, was hounded by all sides during the election contest. As Joe Biden might say, Cut the blarney, Putin. The Russian stands ready to go mano a mano with The Don to talk about restoring ties between Russian and the US, and hammering out the handover of Ukraine. You bet he is. After all, Putin had his way with Trump during their tete-a-tete in Helsinki in 2018. Scheduled for 90 minutes, that meeting dragged on for two hours. There were no aides or notetakers, only interpreters. Trump emerged from that session, echoing Putins lie that Russia did not meddle in the 2016 presidential electiondespite FBI evidence to the contrary. Putin cant wait to get into a room with Trump. Ballard Partners cements Trump ties The President-elect has named Susie Wiles his chief of staff. She would be the first woman to hold that post. Her appointment is good news for Ballard Partners, where she worked for ten years, heading the Florida firms flagship Tallahassee office. She left Ballard Partners in 2019. Wiles, 67, ran Trumps Sunshine State campaign in 2016, and then helmed his Save America PAC. She co-managed Trumps 2024 presidential run. Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns, Trump said in a Nov. 7 statement. He called her universally admired and respected. Brian Ballard is a top fundraiser for Trump. A gusher of clients eager to make inroads with the new administration will soon be knocking on the door of Ballard Partners. Bootlicker Bezos Fresh from his decision to kill the Washington Posts endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, Jeff Bezos issued gag-inducing congratulations to Trump for his extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. The WaPo owner and Amazon/Blue Origin founder wished Trump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love, in a post on Elon Musks X. Theres fat chance of the unity, Jeff. More than 250K readers cancelled their subscriptions to WaPo in the aftermath of Bezos decision to withhold the endorsement of Harris. Bezos claimed newspaper endorsements create perceptions of bias. Will his shameful groveling before Trump result in more federal dollars for Blue Origins space and aerospace operations? Time will tell. Turning the page In the eight weeks leading up to Election Day, Trump insulted, attacked or threatened the media at least 108 times, according to an analysis by Reporters Without Borders. While President, he used the term fake news to belittle tough coverage of him more than 2,000 times. During the past two years, Trump called for the FCC to revoke the Federal Communications Commission license of broadcasters at least 15 times. Most recently, he railed against CBS after 60 Minutes edited its interview with Kamala Harris, as if editing is some sort of nefarious process. Its so bad they should lose their license, and they should take 60 Minutes off the air, Trump told podcaster Dan Bongino. Clayton Weimers, executive director of RWB USA, said Trumps second term in office offers an opportunity to revamp his relationship with the press. Attacking the press is really an attack on American citizens right to know, he said in a statement. Trumps new administration can and must change his tune with the media and take concrete steps to protect journalists and develop a climate conducive to a robust and pluralistic news media. Good luck with that, Clayton. In case Trump doesnt change his tune, RWB promises to remain a tireless advocate for press freedom and the safety of journalists. RWB will be very busy during the next four years. The US ranks No. 55 among the 180 counties in RWBs 2024 World Press Freedom Index. One hopes that the US will remain in the Top 100 after the end of the Trump restoration. DEI on the skids in NYC New York City voters rejected a ballot proposition to establish a chief business diversity officer position, as well as promoting opportunities for minority and women-owned business in the movie and TV industries. It was the only one of the five measures to go down in flames, losing by a 52.6 percent to 47.4 percent margin. Revising that old tune: If DEI cant make it in still-blue New York, it wont make it anywhere else. The Councillors gave the go-ahead to a big improvement project in Carrigahorig, during the October monthly meeting of Nenagh Municipal District. The scheme includes pavement improvement works and safety improvement works and has been approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The total funding for the project is 1.6 million. During their previous meeting, back in September, the Councillors were given an update by a Council official on the plans for the proposed upgrade to the village. The Councillors gave it a mixed reaction. One councillor said it was very positive and is the culmination of at least ten years of work and will be a terrific project for Carrigahorig when its completed. Another Councillor questioned removing the central white line on the N65 running through the village. He also questioned the proposal to move the speed limit sign closer to the N65 / Terryglass junction, pointing out that it's already a dangerous junction and moving the sign closer to it will make it even less safe, because cars will now be driving faster towards the junction. Since the September meeting the Councillors and Council officials spent the few weeks discussing the matters in question and reaching for compromises and solutions. They discussed it at length during the October meeting before voting on whether the scheme should go ahead or not. Cllr Michael O'Meara said he was now happy with the proposed scheme because the Council executive had agreed to not move the speed limit sign closer to the dangerous junction. Cllr Joe Hannigan echoed Cllr O'Meara's position. We have been told that we can only change the positioning of the speed limit sign by adding a new by law, therefore I'm happy with the situation now. The sign is staying in its current location." A member of the Council executive ran through the main points raised previously by the Councillors. The points raised at the previous Municipal District meeting, he said, included safety concerns at the R493 / N65 junction (the Carrigahorig to Terryglass route) due to the proposed location of the new 50kph speed limit sign. There were also concerns in relation to the provision of on-line bus stops within the village. The councillors made a request that we look at offline bus stops and if they could be incorporated instead. There were also concerns about the removal of the centreline from the road carriageway through the village. He said the centre line will be removed. We are removing it because it will reduce vehicle speed and the number of accidents. He also pointed out that changing the location of speed limit signs follows a different legislative process to the Part 8 planning process. The legal extent of speed limits cannot be changed under the Part 8 process. To change them requires a change to the by laws. Our recommendation during the next national speed limit review will be for the 50kph limit location to be moved closer to the village; but as part of this current road improvement scheme the speed limit sign will remain where it currently is. Regarding the bus stop locations we had discussions with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Safety Team, who told us that there are no outstanding circumstances that would require the provision of Offline bus stops. The bus stops being provided are in accordance with the National Transport Authority standard for Online bus stops. The Cycle Design Manual states the following 'Out of Lane, offline, bus stops should only be provided in urban areas where there is a compelling safety issue (such as high-speed roads, poor sight lines, etc) or long stopping times'. The required sightline as per the County Development Plan is 49 metres, which is achieved in both directions. The sightline heading northwards through the village is 103 metres. The sightline southbound is 85 metres. Providing Offline bus stops would require purchasing additional private land, removing four mature trees within the park; updating environmental reports and therefore risk having to submit the application to An Bord Pleanala which would further delay the project; and incurring additional design and construction costs which would not be approved by TII. The Council official added that the removal of centreline markings is in accordance with the Department of Transport's Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) which points out that the removal of the centre line markings has been found to reduce vehicle speeds and the number of accidents. With reduced signage drivers must navigate the street environment with full regard to their own behaviour and the behaviour of others around them. The official said that when he discussed the centreline markings removal in Carrigahorig with the TII safety team, they still recommended the removal of the markings. They stated that numerous pieces of research have been done which found that the principle is effective for reducing speeds on narrow urban carriageways. The TII however said they will be happy to review this decision if needs be at a later date. They said that post construction speed monitoring within the extents of the scheme will take place to determine the impact of the design proposals and further road marking amendments etc could be carried out if deemed necessary following the monitoring phase. He said the Online Bus stops were added to the scheme's design following a TFI Local Link request. He added that the junction at the village's bridge will be realigned to make it safer. There will be an upgraded and widened footpath going up the hill; as well as a new footpath to connect a pedestrian crossing to the park. Public lighting will be provided throughout the village. Cllr Michael O'Meara proposed that they go ahead with the scheme and commence construction work. Cllr Seamus Morris seconded. A woman who alleges she was raped by Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel has rejected claims that CCTV footage contradicts her account of what happened. Nikita Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, is claiming civil damages against Mr McGregor and another man, alleging she was sexually assaulted in December 2018. Ms Hand, who has no automatic right to anonymity, has accused Mr McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel bedroom in Dublin. On her third day of giving evidence at Dublins High Court, Ms Hand was cross-examined by Remy Farrell SC, defence barrister for Mr McGregor. The mother-of-one was distressed and shaking while she was questioned by the barrister. CCTV footage of the evening of December 9 2018 was replayed to the court, and shows Ms Hand in a lift with her friend, Mr McGregor and the second defendant James Lawrence. Ms Hand told the court she has no memory of the footage and found it very hard to watch. The court was also told that Ms Hand deleted text messages and asked some of her friends and family to delete text messages following the alleged assault. Ms Hand said she did so because she was afraid for her life. Ms Hand broke down in tears when she was asked to rewatch some of the CCTV footage from the evening of the alleged assault. It was very hard to watch and I dont want to go through that again, she told the court. I cant remember it. Its not me and its not my character. You can see how vulnerable I am. I dont want to have to look at it again. Its me but its not my character. Its very disturbing for me. Mr Farrell put it to Ms Hand that the reason it disturbs her is because everything in that CCTV footage contradicts the story you have told. But Ms Hand told the barrister she did not agree with him. That CCTV footage doesnt take away from what happened to me in that room with Conor. I know what happened. I was brutally raped and battered by Conor and that CCTV doesnt take away from what happened to me, she added. Mr Farrell also claimed that Ms Hand appeared to kiss Mr McGregors arm when they got into the lift to leave the hotel room. Ms Hand said she does not remember what happened in the lift. Mr Farrell also claimed that the CCTV footage shows Ms Hand hug Mr McGregor when they got into the lift, but Ms Hand said she could not see her hugging him. Evidence also shows that a phone call was made from Ms Hands phone to Mr McGregor shortly before 6.30pm, after he had left the hotel. Mr Farrell asked the plaintiff why she wanted to have a chat with Mr McGregor, a man she said brutally raped her. Ms Hand told the court she did not remember ringing him and did not know why. She said there was a lot of waiting around before she returned to the hotel room. The court also heard that she had a confrontation with her then partner, Stephen, when she returned home after the alleged incident. She said she told him what happened but did not tell him who it was. The case continues. Jammu: Two Village Defence Guards were abducted and killed by terrorists on Thursday in the highlands of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, officials told PTI. In response to the killings, Sanatan Dharam Sabha has called for a complete bandh (shutdown) in Kishtwar on Friday to protest the incident. A massive joint search operation has been launched by police and the Army in a dense forest area following the gruesome killings, which were condemned by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders of the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, the Congress and the BJP. As reported, two VDG members, Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar from Ohli Kuntwara, have gone missing in the upper reaches while grazing livestock," a police spokesperson said. Later on, photographs of their bodies began circulating on social media and family members have confirmed their identities, she said. On this, a joint search operation by police and army is underway, she added. The officials said Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had gone to graze their cattle in the Munzla Dhar forest of the Adhwari area in the morning but did not return. ADVERTISEMENT They said police parties fanned out to find them amid reports that they had been abducted and killed by terrorists. We have received information that my brother and Ahmad were abducted and killed by terrorists. They were Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and had gone to graze cattle, Kumar's brother Prithvi told PTI. He said a massive search operation was underway but the bodies were not yet recovered. Prithvi said his father Amar Chand died a week ago and the reports of his brother's killing came as another big shock to the family. The village came to know about the killings when the terrorists used the victims' phones to share pictures of their execution, said a local who wished to remain anonymous. Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, has claimed responsibility for the killings. It also shared pictures of the victims' bodies with their eyes blindfolded. There would be a complete shutdown and no vehicular moment and no business establishment and no office would be allowed to function throughout Kishtwar in protest against the brutal killing of two VDG members at Kuntwara in Kishtwar, Sanatan Dharma Sabha said. The general public of Kishtwar is therefore requested to fully support the bandh call and keep all their business establishments, educational institutions and shops closed, it said. Lieutenant Governor Sinha strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members and reiterated the government's resolve to destroy all terror outfits and avenge the barbaric act. He paid homage to the victims and said, No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits and avenge this barbaric act, Sinha said in a post on X. Chief Minister Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also condemned the killings. In a post on X, the ruling National Conference said the party president and the chief minister had condemned the gruesome killings and asserted that such acts of barbaric violence remain a significant impediment in achieving long lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta, former chief minister and People's Democratic Party supremo Mehbooba Mufti, and Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Ravinder Sharma also condemned the killings. Kishtwar, along with several other districts of the Jammu region, including Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda and Kathua, have witnessed increased terror attacks this year, attributed by security agencies to an attempt by terror handlers across the border to revive militancy in the otherwise peaceful region. Kozhikode: Abdul Rahim, a native of Kodampuzha in Feroke awaiting release in a Saudi Arabian prison, declined an in-person visit with his mother, who had travelled to Riyadh to see him. Instead, his mother, Fathima spoke to him via video call. Rahims mother, brother MP Naseer, and uncle Abbas arrived at Al Iskan prison on Al Kharj Road in Riyadh. Though prison authorities allowed Fathima entry, Rahim refused to meet her. The family later claimed that outside intervention prevented her from meeting Rahim directly. ADVERTISEMENT According to reports, the family went to Saudi Arabia without notifying the legal aid cell, which has been working on Rahim's case for 18 years. With a court hearing scheduled for November 17, Rahim was learned to have previously told his family not to visit him in jail. Frustrated by the prolonged delay in Rahims release, his mother and brother travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 30, hoping to see him in person. After meeting with him, the family planned to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. ADVERTISEMENT The family had expected Rahims release order to come through on October 21. However, the case was postponed for another hearing, with the court clarifying that the same bench that previously overturned Rahims death sentence would issue the final decision on his release. It was also mentioned that the Chief Justice's office would ultimately rule on the matter. The legal aid cell has now been informed that the case will be reviewed on November 17. With legal procedures nearly complete, they hope the release will not face further delays. Rahim had gone to Saudi Arabia in November 2006 as the driver of a Saudi national and was tasked with taking care of the latters disabled son. Only a month into his job, Rahim accidentally hit the tube attached to the boy's throat, rendering the child unconscious. As the boy later died, a court in Riyadh found Rahim guilty of murder and sentenced him to death. The death sentence was revoked in July this year after the boy's family informed the court of their willingness to grant pardon to Rahim by accepting blood money. Keralites from different parts of the country had raised Rs 34 crores as blood money to secure his release from the jail. Excerpt from BBC World, "Gaza's top Islamic scholar issues fatwa criticizing 7 October attack" (by Rushdi Abualouf) followed by a reflection. "The most prominent Islamic scholar in Gaza has issued a rare, powerful fatwa condemning Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the devastating war in the Palestinian territory. Professor Dr Salman al-Dayah, a former dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at the Hamas-affiliated Islamic University of Gaza, is one of the region's most respected religious authorities, so his legal opinion carries significant weight among Gaza's two million population, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim. . . . Dr Dayah points to Quranic verses and the Sunnah that set strict conditions for the conduct of jihad, including the necessity of avoiding actions that provoke an excessive and disproportionate response by an opponent. His fatwa highlights that, according to Islamic law, a military raid should not trigger a response that exceeds the intended benefits of the action. He also stresses that Muslim leaders are obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of non-combatants, including by providing food, medicine, and refuge to those not involved in the fighting. "Human life is more precious to God than Mecca," Dr Dayah states.. . ." The Israeli raid on Batroun, Lebanon, has led to questions and accusations. On November 1, an invading commando force forcibly kidnapped a Lebanese commercial sea captain, who was attending a continuing education course at the Marsati Institute for Marine Sciences in Batroun, about 30 kilometers north of Beirut. Imad Amhaz was described by the Israeli military as a "senior Hezbollah operative". But, Hezbollah stated they have never heard of him until the media reported his kidnapping, and deny any association with him. Mahmoud Qomati, Deputy Chairman of the Political Council of Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance organization, told OTV on Monday that Amhaz "was introduced to [Hezbollah] through the media" and he has no "organizational or military affiliation" with the party. About 25 naval commandos from Shayetet 13, an elite naval squad, made landfall near the Batroun Marina, and told local residents they were Lebanese security forces before breaking down the door of the rented room Amhaz slept in. The kidnapping was captured by video surveillance cameras as the commandos dragged Amhaz through the street. He is now in Israel and being interrogated by Unit 504, an intelligence branch of the Israeli army known for its brutality and methods of torture. Batroun is a Christian village in a highly sectarian country. Experts on Lebanon have assumed that Israel fell for false accusations from their Christian associates in Lebanon. Batroun residents may have noticed Amhaz was renting a room in the Christian enclave, and realizing that he was a Shiite, they jumped to the conclusion he was connected to Hezbollah. With the current Israeli war on Hezbollah, everyone in Lebanon is frightened and ready to accuse each other on the grounds of religious and political affiliations. In the period that Israel occupied the entire south of Lebanon from 1985 to 2000, there were Lebanese Christians of the Maronite sect who were aligned with Israel. They were the South Lebanon Army. "My son has no affiliation with political parties, nor does he engage in politics," said Fadil Amhaz, the father of the kidnap victim Imad Amhaz. Amhaz blamed the German UNIFIL force responsible for monitoring the Lebanese shores for his son's abduction. Amhaz called on the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNIFIL "to intervene with the abductors and return Imad safely to his family." According to the Lebanese government, Amhaz is identified and known to be a civilian in good standing. The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, described Amhaz as a civilian ship captain taking a course at a maritime institute in Batroun. The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, called the Israeli abduction of Amhaz a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, and order his government to file a complaint to the UN Security Council. The Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, defended the role of the Lebanese Army in the incident, and said "Investigations are underway into what happened in Batroun." Mawlawi described the abduction of a Lebanese citizen as a "violation and an act of war", and added, "The Lebanese State will issue direct questions to the command of the UNIFIL." Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Army, briefed Prime Minister Mikati concerning the internal investigation carried out by the Army Command regarding the kidnapping operation. In a revealing text posted on X, Member of the Lebanese Parliament, Ghassan Hasbani, representing the Christian party known as Lebanese Forces, wrote: "The army is the guarantee of all Lebanese. The army was not the one who made the decision to... go to war, and it is not its role to provide protection for members in illegitimate security and military organizations, who chose to wage war from Lebanon. These members are responsible for their actions and the consequences, and this is what they took upon themselves without consulting anyone. The state is not la carte and sovereignty is not selective." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In a replay of 2000 US election, most of the 3.5 million Muslim voters apparently voted for Donald Trump in Tuesday's election. Trump, in his Tuesday night's acceptance speech, acknowledged the role of Arab and Muslim voters when he said: Voters came from all corners: African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Arab American and Muslim American. Last month the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim advocacy group in the US, had said that the 2024 US presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump could be determined by the vote from America's Muslim population. "We estimate there are about three and a half million registered Muslim voters nationwide. We do believe that those Muslim voters who reside in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will have a major role in determining the election," said Hussam Ayloush, CEO of the California chapter of CAIR. In 2000 election, American Muslim Coordination Committee had endorsed Texas Governor George Bush for presidency, however in 2024 election Muslim civil advocacy organizations had not endorsed any presidential candidate. However, there were indications that American Muslims were frustrated with Biden administration's all out support of Israel for its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. [1] Take the case of Michigan which has more than 200,000 Muslim voters, along with 300,000 with Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. Biden won there in 2020 while Trump defeated Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Tellingly, in the Michigan town of Dearborn, the largest majority Arab-American city in U.S., Trump defeated Harris while in 2020 election Biden had won this town. Trump courted Muslim voters during his election campaign. He visited a halal cafe' in Dearborn last month, meeting with Arab Americans and vowing to bring peace of the Middle East. On billboards lining Michigan highways and during visits, the Trump campaign argued that he stands "for peace" in the Middle East, while casting Harris as pro-Israel. CAIR Calls on Democrats to Learn Lessons from Harris' Defeat The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Wednesday called on Democratic elected officials to learn lessons from Vice President Harris' loss of support among Muslims to the Gaza genocide and urged President-Elect Trump to prioritize fulfilling his campaign pledge to pursue peace abroad, including an end to Israel's war on Gaza. In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said: "We commend American Muslim voters for making their voices heard in races across the country, and up and down the ballot, in the 2024 election. "It is important for Democratic and other elected officials to recognize that Vice President Harris' steep drop in support in key states compared to President Biden's 2020 victory resulted, in part, from the deep frustration and disillusionment that many young, Muslim, Arab, black, and other voters feel with the Biden-Harris administration due to its steadfast financial and military support for Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. "The vice president's failure to lay out any plan to end that genocide, such as suspending weapons to Israel, combined with her refusal to let any Palestinian-American speak at the DNC and her embrace of the war criminal enthusiast Liz Cheney, made matters worse. "During the presidential campaign, President-Elect Trump made efforts to connect with Muslim voters in swing states, pledged to end bloodshed in the Gaza, and condemned the Bush/Cheney-era policies that wreaked havoc in the Muslim world. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). King DJ (Image by A 'Cecil' I) Details DMCA Hope Strikes A Pose Eternal by Gideon Upp . Lotta folks are smoked wear a look like they were butt-of-joked and worry that democracy, at least as tweeters knew it might be over, throwing up hands, crying "Screw it!" now that Kamala has seemingly lost at the polls and the Democrats are all Carnival of Souls. . Yet Kamala may still prevail: but we need to get Ol Joe to cut a deal and die. If he dies between now and Jan., she becomes our president. Man! The Supreme Court of our blessed land has blessed the concept of a Royal President. So Kamala can have him shot, if she brave -- do a hi-how-are-ya Hiawatha dance on his grave. If Joe says No, she can contract kill him, and become prez same way, is my limn. . To seal the deal, and stop DJ from taking office on Jan 20, Kamala, as Prez, should order Old Joe's funeral be held then, tell Congress to be there by ten and so, no certified votes, no presidency for Mr. Fix -- a kind of right back atcha move for his shenanigans of Jan 6. . Of course, then Trump may disrupt the funeral, and set the MAGA dogs loose on the Capital -- not a single hydrant in the city will be safe from a feral hound dog's militant strafe! -- and while Dixie's dancing with Trixie, like cougars in a conger at toyboy mixie, the Proud Boys will steal Old Joe's body, take it back to totem and taboo country, godly, out to the Georgia wilderness of restless sleep in the backwoods where still waters run deep, and sing "I'll Make You Proud, Ma, Yet," like some out-there-with-faeries vietnam vet. . And the Deep State will keep its plans alive for owning the honey-potted inter thought-hive and for Pandemic 2 bird flu under Trump and everyone'll haffa drop a mickey lump that makes em dizzy and a meat puppet klan dancing in the private theater of The Man. . And just for spite Deep will take out RFK, Jr. for threatening to finally unseal the records sooner than they want. For threatening to nix any more vaccines, as a Public Health czar under Captain Beans, and no more fluoride either: it makes you mental (this was certainly good news to Big Dental). . Robert DeNiro will be rounded up, rendered to Brazil, made to punch himself repeatedly in the face until he's ill, while repeating the lines, "Are you talkin' to me?" and no one will ever know what they've done with his body. Scorcese will make a movie about Bobby's demise, the first of many on the hit list who'll wake to "Surprise!" And a meme will go round with Melania's coat: Who cares? I don't. Do you care? Scapegoat? . O lawd please make America great again back to when men were men, curfew was ten, back before we rolled Ol God in a back alley like some common alcoholic bum. O rally round the flag boys! O let's make some rally round the flag noise! For all our Jewish friends -- and the goys! A revolutionary liquidity solution for North Carolina homeowners is being released by Cinch Home Buyers, a leader in efficient property procurement. Those seeking to bypass the complexity of the traditional real estate market can use this innovative service as a means to benefit from streamlined and safe transactions. Unlike conventional methods that require extensive property listings, discussions, and multiple viewings, Cinch Home Buyers' approach is simple. It gives homeowners an immediate BRADENTON, FL (November 7, 2024) -- As former President Trump secures another presidential bid with reported support from Elon Musk, a 2020 science fiction novel that imagined these two powerful figures collaborating to save humanity has found striking new relevance. "Jay Horne's O-Zone," penned by Florida author Jay M. Horne, presents a compelling narrative where then-President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk must overcome their differences to address a global crisis. The Oregon Supreme Court this week reversed a circuit judges order that had required an organization supporting domestic violence victims to turn over records to a defendant accused of kidnapping, strangling and assaulting a woman last year. The ruling stems from a Clackamas County case against Arthur Sacco, 33, who faces nearly a dozen domestic violence-related charges. A Beaverton man is facing a new trial for allegedly abusing two girls, then 13 and 14 years old, after previously being convicted by a nonunanimous jury. Marques Goei was found guilty of one count of first-degree sex abuse and two counts of third-degree sex abuse in 2013. He was sentenced to 1 years in state prison and another year in the Washington County Jail, as well as lifetime registration as a sex offender. A man and a woman robbed a bank in Vancouver Thursday afternoon and remain at large, the Clark County Sheriffs Office said. The couple walked into the Umpqua Bank at 2515 NE 134th Street at about 4:40 p.m. wearing hospital masks, officials said. The man had long brown hair cascading to his shoulders. The woman wore a pink pullover top and a gray headband. The man implied he had a gun, and the robbers soon walked out of the bank with cash that employees had handed over. Its not yet known how much money they received, officials said. Police ask anyone who has any information about the robbery or might be able to identify the robbers to contact Det. Tanya Johnson at tanya.johnson@clark.wa.gov. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive; dperry@oregonian.com Portland police have released the names of four people killed in separate traffic crashes across the city over the past few weeks. The driver of a sedan who died Oct. 18 in a crash with a tractor-trailer driver has been identified as 36-year-old Travis Responts. The crash occurred just before 10 p.m. near the intersection of Northeast Columbia Boulevard and Lombard Court. The tractor-trailer driver was unharmed. On Oct. 21, a cyclist who died in the Parkrose neighborhood after crashing with the driver of a car has been identified as 32-year-old Damon M. Cousins of Portland. The collision happened around 9 a.m. at Northeast 105th Avenue and Marx Street. A motor scooter rider, 43-year-old Sean A. Kehr, was killed in a crash in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood on Nov. 1. Officers were dispatched to the crash scene at Southeast 72nd Avenue and Ogden Street shortly after 3 a.m., where they found Kehrs scooter down and Kehr already dead. No other vehicles were reportedly involved in the crash, police said. Later that morning, around 6:30 a.m., police responded to a separate fatal crash in the Overlook neighborhood, in the 5500 block of North Interstate Avenue. The pedestrian killed after being struck by a MAX Yellow Line train has been identified as 45-year-old Dustin E. Pfenning of Beaverton. These deaths bring the total number of traffic fatalities in Portland so far this year to 54, according to data collected by the Portland police, Oregon Department of Transportation and TriMet. In 2023, the city recorded 69 traffic-related deaths, the highest in three decades. As the investigations continue, Portland Police are urging drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high traffic. Tyler Brown is a breaking news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach him at tbrown2@oregonian.com or 503-221-8243. Attorneys representing current and former members of the University of Oregons varsity beach volleyball and club rowing teams, who have filed a federal Title IX lawsuit against the school, filed three replies in opposition to UOs motions seeking to dismiss or limit aspects of their case. In the combined 72 pages of responses, attorneys representing the 32 athletes call UOs motion for judgment on one of the claims meritless, contend similar motions for summary judgment related to a statute of limitations have been rejected by the Ninth Circuit and a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision outlines an even longer standard, and the court undisputedly has subject matter jurisdiction despite the schools motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. Plaintiffs have pleaded far more than necessary to state a Title IX claim for unequal treatment and benefits, attorney Jennifer Middleton of Eugene-based Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton writes in one of the replies. UO simply ignores most of the allegations in plaintiffs Complaint and instead relies on allegations in its own unverified Answer to contradict the Complaints allegations. That is plainly inappropriate in a motion for judgment on the pleadings. BOSTON Who gets to keep an engagement ring if a romance turns sour and the wedding is called off? Thats what the highest court in Massachusetts was asked to decide with a $70,000 ring at the center of the dispute. The court ultimately ruled Friday that an engagement ring must be returned to the person who purchased it, ending a six-decade state rule that required judges to try to identify who was to blame for the end of the relationship. The case involved Bruce Johnson and Caroline Settino, who started dating in the summer of 2016, according to court filings. Over the next year, they traveled together, visiting New York, Bar Harbor, Maine, the Virgin Islands and Italy. Johnson paid for the vacations and also gave Settino jewelry, clothing, shoes and handbags. Eventually, Johnson bought a $70,000 diamond engagement ring and in August 2017 asked Settinos father for permission to marry her. Two months later, he also bought two wedding bands for about $3,700. Johnson said he felt like after that Settino became increasingly critical and unsupportive, including berating him and not accompanying him to treatments when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to court filings. At some point Johnson looked at Settinos cell phone and discovered a message from her to a man he didnt know. My Bruce is going to be in Connecticut for three days. I need some playtime, the message read. He also found messages from the man, including a voicemail in which the man referred to Settino as cupcake and said they didnt see enough of each other. Settino has said the man was just a friend. Johnson ended the engagement. But ownership of the ring remained up in the air. A trial judge initially concluded Settino was entitled to keep the engagement ring, reasoning that Johnson mistakenly thought Settino was cheating on him and called off the engagement. An appeals court found Johnson should get the ring. In September, the case landed before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which ultimately ruled that Johnson should keep the ring. In their ruling the justices said the case raised the question of whether the issue of who is at fault should continue to govern the rights to engagement rings when the wedding doesnt happen. More than six decades ago, the court found that an engagement ring is generally understood to be a conditional gift and determined that the person who gives it can get it back after a failed engagement, but only if that person was without fault. We now join the modern trend adopted by the majority of jurisdictions that have considered the issue and retire the concept of fault in this context, the justices wrote in Fridays ruling. Where, as here, the planned wedding does not ensue and the engagement is ended, the engagement ring must be returned to the donor regardless of fault. Johnsons lawyer, Stephanie Taverna Siden, welcomed the ruling. We are very pleased with the courts decision today. It is a well-reasoned, fair and just decision and moves Massachusetts law in the right direction, Siden said. A lawyer for Settino did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. It all started at the Siletz Valley School in 1985 as a simple way to say thank you to local veterans. On that day, about a dozen veterans showed up for a school assembly, but before long the November gathering became an annual tradition, attracting as many as 100 veterans at its height. Nearly four decades later, it remains an honored tradition that sees the whole community involved, from U.S. flags flying downtown to breakfast at the Siletz Grange and a reception at the school capping the day. Tony Molina, who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and as tribal veteran representative for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has played a role from the start. A couple of teachers knew I was a Vietnam veteran, and they just figured I knew quite a few veterans and if I could get them to the school, the school could do a program and pay tribute, he said. On Thursday, the school continued the tradition, now in its 39th year. Guest speaker Patrick Clarke and school culinary director shared his experiences as a cook in the U.S. Army and how those skills lead him to where he is today. As always, students presented the veterans, numbering about a dozen, with handcrafted gifts including wooden challenge coins, keychains, handkerchiefs and medallions. Over the years, students have put on skits, written poems, hung banners and painted pictures. They carried signs reading We Love Our Veterans, and read letters of appreciation. There was a drumming ceremony and PowWow dance as well as a presentation by the Siletz Honor Guard. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has a proud tradition of service, Molina said. During the Vietnam era, 90% of the tribes eligible members volunteered for duty, he noted. Though the number of Siletz tribal members serving today is lower, Native Americans serve in the United States Armed Forces at five times the national average and at higher rates per capita than any other minority group, according to to the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. The reason is simple, Molina said. Just love for the country. I enlisted in the U.S. Army; so did my dad and all of my uncles. It was just sort of handed over to our age group. It is quite an honor. Each year, students present veterans with handcrafted gifts including wooden challenge coins.Debra Barnes/Siletz Valley Schools A Vietnam veteran, Tony Molina (standing in this 2023 photo) is the founding organizer of Siletz Valley School's annual Veterans Day assembly. Molina was unable to attend the 2024 ceremony. Edmond Ben, 96, (seated) is the last living WWII veteran member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Richard Canales/Siletz Valley Schools/2023 Edmond Ben, 96, enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 17. He is the last living WWII veteran member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.Courtesy of the Ben family In the early years of the schools Veterans Day assembly, Molina recalls working hard to reach World War II veterans. One of those was Edmond Ben, 96, the last living WWII veteran member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Ben, who at age 17 enlisted in the U.S. Navy three months before the war ended, has taken part in nearly every assembly. The Siletz Honor Guard carries the flags in; the young teenagers drum our Native songs for the veterans to come in from the outside and post the flags, Ben said in a phone interview. The entire school shows up and gets in the stands and the kids make gifts. There was one first grade class that always made dentalium shell necklaces for the veterans. Im sitting here in my living room, and I see several on the walls. For many of the WWII veterans, it was an emotional afternoon, Molina said. In the beginning, many, many years ago when there were smaller groups, we would go to certain classrooms and let the students ask any questions they wanted to, Molina said. It was pretty moving. They all had tears in their eyes. One WWII veteran was so moved, he grabbed the mic and spoke to the students and said how much he appreciated them. While the main event of the day is the school assembly, the celebration begins in the morning when Siletz VFW Auxiliary member Debby Fawver raises the flags downtown and the Siletz Grange welcomes veterans with coffee and pastries. Lunch is served at the school, followed by the assembly. The day ends with a cake social to allow veterans the space and opportunity to spend time together, said Debra Barnes, director of academic programs at the Siletz Valley School. Events like this are important, not only to the veteran, but for the students, said Keith Barnes, Lincoln County Veteran Service Officer. They get a chance to learn about what great individuals we have in our community, to connect with those around them and to experience both giving and receiving, gratitude. Its always a good assembly and always good to honor and have a chance for youth to say thank you and recognize the sacrifice our service members have made. Much of the Veterans Day event has remained true to tradition over the years, but some things have changed. Students no longer shake hands with each veteran COVID brought an end to that. And the numbers of veterans attending are a fraction of what they were a decade ago, but the honor and respect, the appreciation, remain the same. Each year, it seems there are fewer and fewer veterans showing up, Keith Barnes said. As veterans are aging, they have less of an ability to get out and take part in these events. It is always heart-warming when you see two veterans who didnt know each other connect and realize they are not alone in the community. Lori Tobias, for The Oregonian/OregonLive First-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has defeated Republican Joe Kent in the race to represent southwest Washington in Congress. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, Washington election officials reported that Gluesenkamp Perez led by 51.3% to 48.3%, a difference of 11,000 votes. That margin has eroded just slightly since election night. It compares to her winning edge of fewer than 5,000 votes in 2022. The fact that Gluesenkamp Perez has a glide path to victory, while Kent lacks a plausible path to winning, is primarily because the largest share by far of untallied ballots are in Clark County, where roughly two thirds of 3rd District voters live. The county still has an estimated 40,000 votes to count, according to state election officials, and so far 56% of Clark Countys votes have gone her way. There are negligible numbers of outstanding ballots in other of the districts counties, according to reports from county election offices. In 2022, Gluesenkamp Perez, who had never held elected office, shocked the political world by beating Kent in a district that had voted for former President Donald Trump by nearly four percentage points two years earlier. Experts expected this years race in Washingtons 3rd Congressional District to again be one of the closest in the country. OREGON ELECTION 2024: Live Results Page | Election Live Updates The race received national attention and drew huge spending, with national groups contributing millions in hopes of helping their party claim a majority in the U.S. House. The balance of power in the U.S. House has yet to be determined. Democrats needed to net four seats to take control of that chamber. As of Thursday night, Republicans needed to win seven more seats for control and Democrats needed 18. Competitive races throughout the country had yet to be called. Kent largely aligned himself with positions embraced by Trump, including supporting the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, and received strong support from the districts most conservative voters. Gluesenkamp Perez, meanwhile, campaigned on her rural roots and commitment to strengthening the working class and advocating for farmers and small businesses. Im deeply grateful for this vote of confidence in the work Ive done to set aside national politics and represent our community in Washington, D.C., Gluesenkamp Perez said in a Thursday statement. Like two years ago, pundits made a fundamental mistake by viewing this race through a partisan lens, she said. Our community has never seen ourselves this way, and its not how we evaluate who merits our vote for Congress. Gluesenkamp Perez lives in rural Skamania County in the southeastern part of the district and prides herself on being a staunch advocate in Congress for rural, working class people. Prior to entering office, Gluesenkamp Perez helped her husband run an auto shop in Portland, which the two opened after she graduated from Reed College in 2012, and still own. Despite attending one of the countrys most liberal colleges, Gluesenkamp Perez has solidified herself as a moderate in Congress, co-chairing the Blue Dog Coalition. And she has made national headlines for her willingness to vote against her party when she thinks it will benefit her district. In a 2023 ranking compiled by The Lugar Center and Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy, Gluesenkamp Perez ranked fourth among Democrats and 12th overall for most bipartisan members of the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives. I think 90% of people in southwest Washington agree on 90% of things, regardless of their political identity, Gluesenkamp Perez said in her statement. We are not the sort of place where we define ourselves and our neighbors by our bumper stickers. She has also brought several powerful federal officials, including Biden senior adviser Mitch Landrieu and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, to the district. Gluesenkamp Perezs focus on her constituents, experts said, is likely the reason she racked up endorsements from labor unions and trade groups. Her long list of supporters included the states largest unions representing police and sheriffs, firefighters, farmers and teachers. Kent served in the U.S. Army for two decades before becoming a field operative for the CIA. He then worked as a foreign policy adviser for the Trump administration. Kents first wife, a Navy cryptologic technician, was killed in a 2019 bombing in Syria. If elected, he promised to cut unnecessary government spending, secure the southern U.S. border and impose large tariffs on foreign imports, all Trump priorities. Along with an endorsement from Trump, he was endorsed by several conservative members of Congress and the county and state Republican party chapters. Gluesenkamp Perez had raised nearly $10.7 million and Kent had raised $2.3 million as of mid-October, according to federal filings. Outside groups dropped nearly $10.3 million to oppose Kent and almost $6.2 million to oppose Gluesenkamp Perez, according to Open Secrets, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics. Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. In the wake of the pandemic, protests and rising turmoil, voters in the reliably deep blue Portland area backed law-and-order centrists in numerous high-profile races, including for a City Council seat and local district attorney. This week, in a notable pivot, Portland voters largely rejected a crop of city and county candidates running on similar platforms including one they had previously embraced. They instead opted for established progressives seeking seats on the Portland City Council and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners and soundly rebuffed the full-throated public safety candidate for Portland mayor. But expert political watchers caution that what could seem a seesaw movement by the areas electorate from true blue to moderate and back to a left-wing orientation is an oversimplification of the political winds. Rather, they say, the weaknesses of particular candidates and voters well-established pattern of heaping hope on fresh leaders, then showing frustration with incumbents, better explains the electoral yin and yang. Theres been a false sense that Portlanders are looking for tough talking white guys, said Christian Gaston, a seasoned Democratic consultant and political operative. They are definitely looking for people who will shut up and actually get the job done. OREGON ELECTION 2024: Live Results Page | Election Live Updates Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez appears headed for a distant third-place finish in the race for Portland mayor, a resounding repudiation only two years after his unwavering stances on crime and homelessness propelled him from political obscurity into a seat on the City Council. In a pair of closely watched Multnomah County board contests, administrative law judge Vadim Mozyrsky and Sam Adams, the former Portland mayor, were each soundly defeated by left-leaning rivals despite the pairs emphatic calls to aggressively curb illegal street camping and public drug use. In polls conducted as recently as October, Portland voters named those as the areas most pressing problems. Vadim Mozyrsky (left) lost to Meghan Moyer (right) in a race for a seat on the Multnomah County Commission. Austin De Dios/The Oregonian And while a new 12-member Portland City Council is poised to see a mix of moderates and progressives elected through its multi-winner ranked-choice voting system, most of the staunchest public safety proponents, including bike cop Eli Arnold, Radio Cab lawyer Noah Ernst and east Portland safety advocate Terrence Hayes, appear uncertain to win seats. By contrast, three members of the Democratic Socialists of America Mitch Green, Sameer Kanal, Tiffany Koyama Lane will make up a portion of the councils substantial left flank that will also include rising progressive stars Candace Avalos and Angelita Morillo. Im kind of shocked, said Joseph Santos-Lyons, who managed former Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardestys reelection campaign in 2022 that ended with Gonzalez defeating her 53% to 47%. Im actually surprised with how many progressives did well. Portlands emerging electoral picture is far different from the one painted even six months ago. In May, a majority of Portland voters helped longtime prosecutor and outspoken law-and-order advocate Nathan Vasquez defeat Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, a criminal justice reform advocate who was unable to shake perceptions that he was soft on crime. It also stands in stark contrast to the nationwide lurch to the right that materialized on election night, as well as the tone and tenor of the local electorate thats been captured in numerous public opinion surveys over the last two years. Homelessness, crime, drug addiction and livability issues have been and remain top concerns among Portland voters, a majority of whom continue to indicate they support harsher measures to tame these problems. A poll commissioned by The Oregonian/OregonLive last month found 72% of city voters support the rollback of Oregon Measure 110, which makes low-level drug possession a misdemeanor crime that can lead to arrest and prosecution. The poll also found 56% of Portland voters surveyed said they strongly or somewhat support the county spending money to step up law enforcement efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness and send to jail anyone caught repeatedly breaking local camping regulations. Two-thirds, meanwhile, said they still have a very negative or somewhat negative impression of downtown Portland, the citys economic, cultural and transportation hub and a potent symbol of the citys battered reputation. Yet the candidates who attempted to speak to those concerns with a tough love approach mostly came up short Tuesday. One of the narratives that I have pushed back against is that weve tried every compassionate approach and that doesnt work and so its now time for a law-and-order approach, Meghan Moyer, who bested Mozyrsky in Multnomah Countys westside commission race, said during an interview Thursday on OPBs Think Out Loud. We havent done everything were supposed to be doing, Moyer, a policy director for Disability Rights Oregon, continued. Its not time to abandon evidence-based, compassionate approaches. Despite his laser focus on restoring Portlands livability and vows to make Oregons most populous city the safest in America, Gonzalez has garnered below 20% of first choice votes tallied in Portlands mayoral contest as of Friday far fewer than what political observers and his own campaign projected. Voters instead overwhelmingly backed businessman and political outsider Keith Wilson, who has won 34% of first choice votes. He led Commissioner Carmen Rubio 59% to 41% in near-final results Saturday after 19 rounds of vote counting and candidate elimination under the citys first election using ranked-choice voting. Wilsons own pitch to tackle homelessness, crime and livability came with the insistence they can be remedied with care and compassion rather than crackdowns and cruelty. Meanwhile, Mozyrsky trailed behind Moyer, who had captured 60% of the vote to his 39%. Adams was barely doing better in North and Northeast Portland, receiving 42% of the vote compared to social worker Shannon Singletons 57%. Its easy to make sweeping statements about the mood of the electorate or what it wants, said Portland pollster John Horvick. Elections are a lot of things, one of them being a choice between candidates. Horvick, for example, noted that both Hardesty and Schmidt made multiple political missteps and were vulnerable first-term incumbents when Gonzalez and Vasquez successfully campaigned against them. Rene Gonzalez didnt just win, he beat a specific person Jo Ann Hardesty in the same way that Nathan Vasquez beat a specific person Mike Schmidt, he said. As Portland leaders have struggled to address an array of problems in the last decade from homelessness to shoddy roads and infrastructure to a spike in property crimes and shootings voters have also shown a willingness to jettison them at the first opportunity, observers say. Steve Novick will return to the Portland City Council next year, representing District 3.Provided by Steve Novick Like Hardesty and Vasquez, Portland Commissioner Steve Novick served only a single term in office before being unseated by Chloe Eudaly in 2016. Eudaly then lost to Mingus Mapps four years later. Mapps, as one of three City Council members running for mayor this year, finished in fourth place. Meanwhile, Novick, out of office for eight years, rose near the top in a field 30 candidates in a successful bid to return to the council to represent Southeast Portland for the next two years. Its unclear exactly why incumbency, classically taught in political science courses as a huge boon to any candidate, hasnt played out that way in recent city elections. Mayor Ted Wheeler appeared to be heading for reelection defeat in 2020 against a leftwing challenger with no prior government experience until the citys business community raised and spent more than $600,000 largely to attack Wheelers opponent. People are frustrated with Portland City Hall and have been for a long time, Gaston, the political consultant, said. Youre going to get change elections until that place finally changes. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh covers Portland city government and politics, with a focus on accountability and watchdog reporting. Reach him at 503-294-7632 Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com Follow on X @shanedkavanaugh Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Four-term Democratic state lawmaker Janelle Bynum won a seat in Congress and will be Oregons first Black representative. Bynum defeated Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the highly contested 5th Congressional District race. Vote tallies made public by Thursday evening showed no viable path for the incumbent to overcome Bynums lead. Bynum leads Chavez-DeRemer 48% to 45% in current tallies. The Oregonian/OregonLive analysis shows Bynum has won the seat because she already has a substantial lead and far more votes remain to be tallied in the places where shes drawn a substantial or overwhelming edge than from the strongholds where Chavez-DeRemer drew a nearly 2-to-1 edge. I am beyond honored, Bynum said in a written statement on Friday. My work has always been a love letter to Oregons children. I ran for office to make their futures brighter and Ill do just that in Washington for their education, for their reproductive freedoms, for their job opportunities and so much more. OREGON ELECTION 2024: Live Results Page | Election Live Updates Bynums win allows Democrats to reclaim the district, which Chavez-DeRemer, the former Happy Valley mayor, flipped to Republican control in 2022 after it was redrawn in the wake of the 2020 Census. The race was considered one of a few dozen tossups by national election watchers, with experts saying its outcome could be influential in deciding which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives. Bynum currently holds an 8,575 vote edge over Chavez-DeRemer across the district, which covers all or portions of six counties. Bynum built her edge by winning far more votes over her Republican rival in Multnomah (14,400 vote edge) and Clackamas (nearly 9,000 votes) counties, as well as in Deschutes County (8,700). Both Clackamas and Multnomah counties still have a lot of ballots yet to tally in District 5 at least 30,000 in Clackamas and 5,000 in Multnomah. Chavez-DeRemer, for her part, built up a substantial edge in her two stronghold counties Marion and Linn. Together, the two gave her more than 23,000 votes more than her Democratic challenger, nearly 17,200 from Linn and 6,350 in Marion, by choosing her about 60% to 32% over Bynum. But those counties dont have many 5th District ballots left to tally. Elections officials in the two jurisdictions said Linn has about 3,500 ballots left to count, while Marion has about 7,500 left to tally in the 5th District race. There is no plausible path for those 11,000 outstanding votes to overcome Bynums current 8,575 vote edge plus the additional votes she will receive from Clackamas and Multnomah counties. Chavez-DeRemer didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Republicans took control of both the presidency and one chamber of Congress this week as former President Donald Trump emerged victorious and Republicans reclaimed control of the Senate. The balance of power in the U.S. House has yet to be determined. Democrats needed to flip four seats to take control of that chamber. As of Friday morning, Republicans needed to win six more seats for control and Democrats needed 16. Competitive races throughout the country had yet to be called. Ben Gaskins, an associate professor of political science at Lewis & Clark College, said Wednesday that Republicans looked narrowly favored to keep control of the House. Its definitely going to come down to the wire, Gaskins said. However, competitive races in Oregon and just north in Southwest Washington have fallen in Democrats favor. In Oregons 4th and 6th congressional districts, incumbent Democratic Reps. Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas held off challengers, despite national Republicans highlighting those candidates and dropping nearly $400,000 to attack Hoyle on behalf of her opponent, Monique DeSpain. And in Washingtons 3rd Congressional District, also seen as key for House Democrats, first-term Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez held onto her seat, despite national groups spending $7.6 million to help Republican challenger Joe Kent. Democratic groups spent $12.4 million to help Gluesenkamp Perez. The Pacific Northwest was kind of anomalous with the rest of the country. Democrats performed pretty well. Their performance is, in a sense, meeting expectation, said Chandler James, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Oregon. For Democrats elsewhere and at the top of the ticket, it was a story of missing expectations by pretty big numbers. Bynum, an engineer, business owner and mother of four, ran on a message of combatting Republican extremism, standing up for womens reproductive rights and building a prosperous economy for future generations of Oregonians. Her bid was bolstered by huge outside support, including a deluge of funds from the national Democratic party, which spent millions on her behalf and helped bolster support for her campaign across the country. Bynum posted an enormous $3.4 million fundraising haul in the last quarter before the election, which her team said set a state record. And her canvassing crew included Democratic voters from other states who traveled to Oregon to help Democrats win the pivotal congressional seat. Washington U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, congratulated Bynum in a statement Friday, calling her the right leader for this moment. The committee works to elect Democrats to the House and devoted staff and millions of dollars to support Bynums bid. As a working mom of four, a businesswoman, and a longtime champion for Oregon families in the state House, Janelle has spent years standing up and fighting for her constituents, DelBene said in a statement. As the first Black member of Congress in Oregons history, Janelle will keep blazing the trail forward and bring home the federal resources her neighbors deserve. It wasnt an easy win. Chavez-DeRemer, who boasts a bipartisan track record in Congress, garnered support from trade unions and law enforcement, and the Republican Party came out swinging on her behalf. The top Republican House leader, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Chavez-DeRemer one of the hardest workers in the party and at least twice visited Oregon to campaign for her. Outside interest groups and national political parties poured more than $25 million into the race, making it one of the most expensive in the House this cycle, according to Open Secrets, which monitors money in politics. The majority of that money went to attack ads, including commercials paid for by the Republican-backing Congressional Leadership Fund that alleged Bynum covered up the sexual assault of a minor. The commercials referred to an unproven complaint that Bynum failed to report that a member of her campaign staff had sexually assaulted a minor campaign worker. The Oregonian/OregonLive has found no evidence to support that claim. Judy Stiegler, a former Oregon Democratic lawmaker and political science professor at Oregon State University, said the attack campaign likely had mixed results. Negative ads can pull in some votes, she said, but can also turn others away. They really tried to pump that up big time, but it didnt seem to have the reaction that I think they were hoping it would have, she said. Gaskins said the composition of the district meant that Bynum was always going to be the favorite. Oregon Democrats drew the states congressional map to give the party an edge in five of the six House districts, with the exception of eastern Oregons District 2, Gaskins said. Chavez-DeRemer managed to win the district in 2022 in a midterm election, when the sitting presidents party typically faces a disadvantage, he said. She beat Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner by 7,300 votes. But in a presidential election year, in a district that Vice President Kamala Harris was expected to carry, Chavez-DeRemer was always going to be at a disadvantage, Gaskins said. Voters dont often split the ticket between the presidential nominee and members of Congress, he said. Its pretty simple, Gaskins said. People vote their party ID, by and large, and that gives a pretty solid advantage to the Democrat in this district. However, James, the University of Oregon professor, said its a disservice to Bynum to suggest Oregons 5th District was in the bag. Both parties poured millions into a district they saw as a real prize and while Democrats underperformed elsewhere in the country, the party had the tools and infrastructure in Oregon to galvanize turnout for Bynum, he said. This was definitely contested and a tough year for Democrats and Bynum was able to pull it out, he said. Steigler, who is a voter in the Bend area, thinks Bynums campaign was more visible in central Oregon. Bynum also had the advantage of taking on a one-term incumbent and a politician shed faced before, Stiegler said. First-term incumbents are always vulnerable, Stiegler said, because they lack a depth of experience in the role and a long history with the district, but have established a record that voters and opponents will hold them accountable for. The 5th District spans more than 5,000 square miles across both urban and rural areas. It starts in the southern outskirts of Portland, stretches south along the I-5 corridor to nearly Eugene and east across rural areas, tacking on a tail that captures urban Redmond and Bend. On the campaign trail, Bynum touted her work in the state Legislature, including success passing the Oregon CHIPS Act, a quarter-million dollar investment in the state semiconductor industry thats predicted to bring thousands of jobs to the state, and allocating $80 million to hire more behavioral health providers of color. In Congress, Bynum says she will fight to establish a national right to abortion, expand infrastructure so America can build more housing and build on her Oregon record of creating job opportunities. If the Republicans hold control of the U.S. House, however, Bynum and the rest of Oregons predominantly Democratic lawmakers will have little power to push their agenda. The majority party gets to control the agenda, while members in the minority are just kind of taking what you can get, said James, who previously worked as a staff assistant to Indiana Republican Todd Young in the U.S. House. James expects Oregons Democrats would work together to try to protect the interests of Oregonians, collaborating with Republicans where that makes sense and trying to stymie their efforts when they run contrary to what Oregonians want. Theyve got to do their job still, he said. Its just that their job is a lot less glamorous when youre in the minority. Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. UPDATE: Janelle Bynum wins race for Congress, flipping U.S. House seat from GOP to Democratic control The outcome of Oregons tightly contested 5th Congressional District race remained too close to call Thursday night as newly counted ballots continue to trickle in from the six counties it spans. Democratic state lawmaker Janelle Bynum held a 8,500 vote lead over first-term incumbent Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer in tallies as of Thursday evening, but tens of thousands of ballots remain uncounted. Bynum has held about 48% of the vote to Chavez-DeRemers 45% since election night. The tight race is being watched across the country because it will help determine the power differential in the U.S. House of Representatives. OREGON ELECTION 2024: Live Results Page | Election Live Updates Republicans took control of both the presidency and one chamber of Congress this week as former President Donald Trump emerged victorious and Republicans reclaimed control of the Senate. Republicans looked narrowly favored to keep control of the House as well, Ben Gaskins, an associate professor of political science at Lewis & Clark College, said Wednesday. As of Thursday night, Republicans needed to win seven more seats for control and Democrats needed 18. Chavez-DeRemer, the former mayor of Happy Valley, flipped the redrawn district to Republican control in 2022, beating Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner by a slim margin of 2 percentage points. The district stretches more than 5,000 square miles from Milwaukie and Lake Oswego along the Interstate 5 corridor south to Albany and east to capture Redmond and Bend. National Democrats prioritized regaining the seat. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries personally encouraged Bynum, a four-term state lawmaker, to challenge Chavez-DeRemer. Bynum would be Oregons first Black representative in Congress. Registered Democrats, who make up about 31% of the districts 540,000 voters, outnumber Republicans, who make up about 27% of voters. However, unaffiliated voters are the largest group, at 34% of registrations. Democrats needed to flip just four seats in the November election to regain a majority in the U.S. House. As both parties angled for control, they homed in on Oregons 5th District. National elections watchers ranked it as one of just a couple dozen tossup races hotly contested between Democrats and Republicans. Both parties poured enormous money and resources into the race. Jeffries stumped for Bynum and House Speaker Mike Johnson twice visited to rally support for Chavez-DeRemer. National analysts expected the race to be one of the most expensive on the House battlefield, primarily based on spending not controlled by the candidates. Bynum raised a whopping $3.4 million in the last quarter before the election, which her team said set a state record for fundraising in a single quarter. The haul helped Bynum overtake Chavez-DeRemers fundraising lead. Bynum had raised $6.4 million as of mid-October to Chavez-DeRemers $5.7 million. Outside spending in the race totaled more than $24 million by late October, according to Open Secrets, which tracks money in politics. Most of that was spent on attacks. Bynum had weathered more than $8.3 million in ads vilifying her by election day and Chavez-DeRemer had been the target of more than $9 million in negative spending. Chavez-DeRemer touted her record as a highly bipartisan member of Congress. She co-sponsored more than 300 bills in just two years in Washington and her team claimed more than 80% of those were bipartisan. The Lugar Center and Georgetown University ranked Chavez-DeRemer as the most bipartisan lawmaker in Oregon and 29th most bipartisan person in the House in 2023. Bynum pointed to her track record of delivering for voters over nearly eight years in Salem. She led the passage of the Oregon CHIPS Act, a bill that allocated a quarter million dollars to boost the states semiconductor industry and was expected to create more than 6,000 new jobs. She pushed for $80 million to recruit and retain more mental health workers and in 2021 helped to pass over a dozen law enforcement accountability bills. Both cast their opponents as partisan extremists. Bynum accused Chavez-DeRemer of being a rubber stamp for the Republicans and an ally of former President Donald Trump. Chavez-DeRemer said shes not afraid to stand up to her party and pointed to her efforts to force a vote on a bipartisan bill to end some benefit limits on Social Security, a move that bucked the wishes of House Republican leaders. In 2022, Chavez-DeRemer posted on social media that she would favor laws that ban abortion after a babys heartbeat is detected early in pregnancy. This election cycle she said abortion is a matter of states rights and she would not support a national ban. Chavez-DeRemer attempted to blame Bynum for Oregons shortcomings, including the ill effects from Measure 110, the voter-approved drug decriminalization law. She also targeted Bynum as soft on crime, casting her as an enemy of law enforcement. Bynum asserted that her police reform bills were backed by Republican members of the Legislature and law enforcement. She was among the Democrats who voted to roll back Measure 110 this spring. Late in the race, Republicans dogged Bynum over an unsubstantiated complaint that she failed to report allegations that a former member of her campaign staff sexually assaulted a minor. The Oregonian/OregonLive found no evidence that Bynum was told about a sexual assault. Bynum says she reported other, less severe concerns about the staffers behavior to his employer when she was made aware of them. If reelected, Chavez-DeRemer says she will work to increase border security and to uphold tax cuts implemented by former President Donald Trump. Bynum says she will push for national access to abortion and to reduce the cost of housing. Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. Stora Enso Divests Sunila Site in Kotka, Finland to AALTO Development In September of 2023, Stora Enso permanently closed pulp production and lignin extraction at the Sunila site in Kotka, Finland. In September of 2023, Stora Enso permanently closed pulp production and lignin extraction at the Sunila site in Kotka, Finland. Nov. 8, 2024 - Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its real estate of the Sunila site in Kotka, Finland, to AALTO Development Oy, a Finnish, privately-owned property development company focusing on high-quality architecture and urban planning. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction price. In September of 2023, Stora Enso permanently closed pulp production and lignin extraction at the Sunila site, which had an annual capacity of 375,000 tonnes of long-fiber pulp and 50,000 tonnes of lignin. Stora Enso noted that it will remain in Sunila as a tenant to AALTO Development and that the Lignode battery material pilot plant will continue its operations at the site. In addition, the Sunila-based demonstration plant engineering study, announced earlier by CarbonScape, is unaffected by the transaction. According to Stora Enso, AALTO Development aims to transform Sunila into a hub for sustainable energy transformation technology, including sizable investments into a hydrogen-based solution by Gen-H Oy. "We're pleased to have found AALTO Development as a committed new owner for Sunila, with a strong vision for developing the site further and a deep appreciation for the unique architectural heritage of Alvar Aalto's design," said Tuomas Hallenberg, Stora Enso's Finland Country Manager and Executive Vice President of Forest Division. "Furthermore, it is essential for us to have a reliable partner at Sunila as we continue our Lignode pilot plant operations." The closing of the transaction is expected during Q4 2024. Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. SOURCE: Stora Enso Police officers found a two-year-old boy naked and locked in a "caged area" in Carrollton, Kentucky. Five people have been arrested in connection to the case. On Monday, officers at the Carrollton Police Department responded to a "prior tip from the community" about a child possibly being held in a confined area at a property on 7th Street. When police arrived at the scene, Detective Dave Roberts found the "unclothed" boy locked behind a caged area that was secured with a padlock. "Upon arrival, Detective Roberts and Sgt. Taylor located a male child, unclothed and under the age of 3 that was locked behind a wooden and metal enclosure that was secured with a padlock," the Carrollton Police Department wrote in a post on Facebook. In addition to being kept in the cage, the boy's room was reportedly covered in urine and feces, according to The Sacramento Bee, citing a criminal complaint. A subsequent investigation led to the removal of two children from the home. No other details were given about the condition or the identity of the children. The police also did not provide details about the two-year-old's health condition. Who Made the Tip? Per PEOPLE, publishing company McClatchy News claimed the tip came from a delivery driver who saw "a young child locked in what appeared to be a cage." The publication noted that the driver had also seen between eight to 10 dogs on the property that were "in poor health." Parent Herald cannot independently confirm the reporting. Who Was Arrested in Connection to the Case? Five people have since been arrested, including 71-year-old Brenda Chilton, 72-year-old William Mahoney, 52-year-old Tammy Simmons, 29-year-old Codey Johnson, and 28-year-old Shelby Turocy. All five were charged with criminal abuse and wanton endangerment. Additionally, police charged Turocy with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, the Facebook post stated. It was not immediately clear whether the two-year-old boy was related to the five people arrested. The suspects are currently being held at the Carroll County Detention Center. The police are still investigating the case. Eight countries have recently pledged to ban corporal punishment against children under the age of 18, marking a "fundamental" shift for kids. The pledges were made as part of commitments to tackle violence against children ahead of the "1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children" event to be held by the United Nations in Bogota, Columbia. Of the eight countries, six pledged a total ban on corporal punishment, including Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Uganda, Burundi, Sri Lanka, and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, both Gambia and Nigeria pledged to ban corporal punishment in schools. "Today countries made critical pledges that, once enacted, could finally turn the tide on childhood violence," Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said in a statement. "These actions will be fundamental to protecting children from lasting harm and ill health." So far, 67 of the world's 193 countries have implemented a total ban on corporal punishment, according to EndCorporalPunishment.org. Sweden was the first country to impose the ban in 1979. In the United States, corporal punishment is only prohibited in some settings. How Does Corporal Punishment Affect Children? Corporal punishment refers to any type of physical or non-physical force used to cause pain or discomfort. This type of violence against children has been associated with increased aggression, antisocial behavior, and mental health problems in kids. It has also been linked to causing increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health issues in children. Furthermore, studies have also linked corporal punishment to slower cognitive development and lower academic performance in children. Corporal punishment can be fatal. In Nigeria, for example, a student died after he was flogged by his teacher. In England, a homeschooled student was found dead in her family home with burn and bite marks. Other Pledges to End Violence Against Children In addition to banning corporal punishment, the UK has pledged to launch a Global Taskforce to oversee ending violence in and through schools. The Solomon Islands also pledged to raise the age of marriage from 15 to 18. If youre like me, a laptop is probably your main (or even only) computer. The convenience is unmatched and it can go with us anywhere. But time catches up with us all, and laptops are especially susceptible. If youre feeling the age of your laptop and wish you could inject more power and life into it so it lasts you a few more years, you might consider upgrading some of its parts. After all, even if your laptop isnt a modular Framework laptop, it can likely still upgrade some of its components. But which laptop parts are worth upgrading? And which ones are you better off ignoring? Keep reading because Im breaking it all down so you (probably) dont have to buy a new laptop just yet. What you cant upgrade in laptops Upgrading laptops can be tricky business. With so many components packed into such tight spaces, laptops are notably more restrictive compared to desktops and those tight confines force manufacturers to make different design decisions. Practically, that often means meant-to-be-permanent builds with minimal DIY upgrade options. In other words, certain laptop parts cant be upgraded, period. A quick Google search might misguide you, though, and Ive even seen Lenovo suggest that almost any component inside your laptop can be upgraded if necessary, even CPUs and GPUs. The sad truth is that CPUs and GPUs are almost never upgradeable in laptops because theyre usually bonded to their motherboards. And on older laptops, displays are effectively impossible to replace because theyre hard to get to and much more involved. Even with embedded DisplayPort, it may not be as straightforward as other upgrades. Ultimately, this means you dont have many options for speeding up your laptop and improving the overall experience, which sucks when it starts to lag, when it cant keep up with the increasing demands of modern apps, when it starts to feel old and outdated. That said, lets dive into the most commonly upgraded laptop parts and which ones to upgrade depending on what issues youre facing. Is it worth upgrading a laptops RAM? Many laptops have upgradeable memory, though even this is becoming less common these days. If your laptop has LPDDR memory, its pretty much guaranteed to be soldered to the motherboard and wont be upgradeable. If you dont see that LP, though, you may be in luck. But sometimes its hard to know what kind of RAM you have because it isnt always explicitly advertised. You may have to check with your laptop manufacturer. Or, if youre feeling adventurous, you might open up your laptops bottom cover to investigate yourself. Upgradeable laptop memory will look like the green circuit board in the picture above. In that same photo, you can see a second (empty) memory slot to the left of the installed memory great news for those looking to upgrade, as they can just stick in a second memory module. A RAM upgrade is one of the best improvements you can make to a laptop. Think of RAM as like your desk and SSD storage as like a file cabinet. The bigger your desk, the more space you have for open files; when you run out of desk space, additional files are kept in the file cabinet. If your desk space is too small, you end up having to move files back and forth from the cabinet to your desk. Thats what happens when you dont have enough RAM in your laptop. As your RAM fills up, additional data spills over into much slower drives, and moving data from drives to RAM can be slow. Without enough RAM, your system will feel sluggish and less responsive, and idle apps might even freeze when you return to them as data is pulled back into RAM. Some apps may even require more RAM than exists on your system, in which case theyll simply fail to run. (Imagine trying to work on a massive poster on a tiny side table. Not enough space to fit the whole thing!) For that, a memory upgrade may be all you need. Note that even with upgradeable memory, you cant just stick any RAM module into your laptop. Youll need a compatible RAM type, and you may have to replace your current memory module if your laptop only has a single slot for RAM. See our full guide to upgrading laptop RAM. Is it worth upgrading a laptops SSD? Laptop storage comes in many shapes and sizes. If you have an older laptop, its possible youre still looking at a spinning hard drive (HDD) inside your system. But most modern laptops have switched to faster solid-state drives (SSD), which can be downright tiny in comparison. Sadly, the growing push to shrink everything down has meant fewer upgrade possibilities. But not always. Gordon Mah Ung / IDG If your laptop still has an HDD, upgrading to an SSD is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make. If you have a 2.5-inch SATA HDD, it can easily replace it with a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. This alone will dramatically speed up your system with shorter boot-up times, faster app launches, and faster file transfers. When your RAM needs to move data back and forth from storage, this faster storage will also help. If your laptop already has an SSD, the value of upgrading comes down to personal judgment according to your needs. If youre mainly gaming or doing creative work, the extra speed of a faster drive can be significant, especially going from SATA to NVMe. If you just want faster file transfers, the SSD likely isnt as much of a bottleneck as the ports on your system. After all, even a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 port lacks the bandwidth to match the speed of many PCIe 4.0 SSDs. If you already have an SSD in your laptop and arent working on bandwidth-intensive projects, your reasons to upgrade are even fewer. Basically, the main reason to upgrade here would be increased storage capacity. Since many laptops come with just 128GB or 256GB, you might think its worthwhile to upgrade to 512GB, 1TB, or more, especially because SSDs lose performance when capacity fills up. If you already have an SSD in your laptop but also have an extra storage slot thats unused, its probably worth getting a second drive. Just bear in mind that any additional components will consume power, so adding a second drive will impact your laptops battery life a bit. When thinking about adding extra storage, also consider what you need the capacity for. If you need it to store games or apps, then it makes sense to go for internal storage. But if youre archiving documents, photos, and videos, think external storage like flash drives and portable SSDs. If you decide to go ahead with this but need some help, check out our full guide to adding or replacing an SSD in your laptop. Is it worth upgrading the network card? Did you know you can upgrade your laptops network card? Did you even know theres such a thing as a network card? Its the thing that provides Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity to your laptop, and its one of the most overlooked upgradeable components. If you have an older laptop with an outdated network card thats stuck on something like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or even Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), then you might want to bump it up to a card with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E (802.11ax), which will bring faster speed and improved stability. On the other hand, if youre experiencing problems with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections and no amount of troubleshooting addresses it, you might just need to replace it. The tricky thing about network card upgrades is that you need to check for compatibility, to ensure your laptop has the right slot and antennas for the new network card and that your system supports any newer tech (e.g., an old OS may not support a new Wi-Fi standard). When an SSD, hard drive, or old notebook is sold, people usually delete their personal files beforehand. However, many users do not realize that the hard drive often still contains information that is of great interest to curious people or criminals, for example: The browser history can allow conclusions to be drawn about surfing behavior and bank details. Stored email traffic reveals details of business transactions and provides information on subscribed streaming services and times when no one is at home. FTP tools such as Filezilla offer to save access data so that the user does not have to enter it again and again, thus opening up access to FTP servers of companies and organizations. Browsers open the way to accounts and services of all kinds via their password managers. Complete erasure of the hard drive is needed Windows and applications hide your personal data in numerous places in the file system and in databases such as the registry, where it is almost impossible to find. It is therefore advisable to completely erase the drive before you hand it over. How you proceed depends on the type of storage medium. In the private sector, practically every computer today contains an SSD. The drives are many times faster than hard disks and they are robust. With SSDs, it is very difficult and often even impossible to recover deleted files. This is easier with mechanical hard drives, but they are almost only found in NAS devices and in company storage systems, where high capacities and lower acquisition costs are more important than speed. USB sticks and external hard drives, on the other hand, obey completely different rules to internal models. Lets start with the internal SSDs first. Be sure to back up your data before deleting storage data! Further reading: The best Windows backup software and the best external drives Deleting data partitions on a solid state drive Right-click on a partition to easily format or completely delete data using Windows Disk Management. Foundry The first step is to delete the data partition(s), if present, i.e. drive D:, E:, F: and the like. This can be easily done by formatting with the disk management: Right-click on the Start icon in the taskbar, go to Disk Management. Alternatively, you can also use diskmgmt in the search field of the taskbar. Right-click on the partition you want to delete and go to Format. In the following dialog window, delete the tick in front of Perform quick format this will actually remove the files from the drive and not just their entries in the Master File Table (MFT). Then start the process by clicking OK. Deleting the system partition with a boot CD or stick Deleting the system partition, i.e. the C: drive, is a little more complicated. As Windows is installed on this drive and cannot delete itself, you need a bootable installation medium from which to carry out the deletion process. If you have a Windows DVD, use it to boot your computer. If you do not have a DVD, you will need a bootable USB stick for the process. Microsoft provides the Media Creation Tool on its website, which you can use to pack the Windows installation files onto a stick. Foundry The easiest way to create such a stick is with the Media Creation Tool, which is available free of charge from Microsoft. After you have agreed to the license terms, click on Next, and specify under Select medium to be used that you would like to create a USB stick. A stick with a capacity of at least 8GB is required. Insert the stick and click on Update drives if necessary. After clicking on Next, the Media Creation Tool deletes the existing files on the stick and populates it with the Windows installation files. The finished stick is bootable. Start your computer with it and click on Next > Install now when the country settings appear. Click on I dont have a product key and select one of the Windows versions offered. Tick the box next to the license agreement, click Next, and select Custom: Install Windows only. Then select the system drive you can recognize it by the name you have given the partition and click on Delete. You can then cancel the installation by closing the window. The SSD is now completely empty, drive C: no longer exists and is listed as unallocated storage space. With an SSD, it is also virtually impossible to restore the data previously saved there. This is primarily due to the Trim function (see next section). Making SSDs and hard disks unusable If youd rather not pass along an SSD or hard drive to another person, you can simply destroy both mechanically. This will ensure that no-one can read the data contained on them. First remove the drive from the computer. This also works with most notebooks. They have a cover secured with a screw on the underside, behind which you will find the SSD. Normally, the data carrier is only plugged in. To make the hard drive or SSD unreadable, either take a drill and drill a hole in it vertically. Or you can hammer a strong nail through the housing. Caution: Risk of injury! One hole is enough to damage the drive to such an extent that it is practically impossible to recover the data. Secure deletion thanks to the Trim command The Trim command ensures that SSDs are written to evenly, thus extending the service life of the drive. The command is now supported by practically all SSD drives for the SATA interface. It has been included in Windows since version 7 and is active by default. Normally, you do not need to do anything else, the Trim function runs automatically in the background. If you delete data from an SSD, Trim informs the drive that these storage areas are no longer being used. The next time the computer switches to idle mode, the drives Active Garbage Collection ensures that all areas marked by Trim as no longer valid are released for deletion. Permanently remove data from hard drives The situation is somewhat different with hard drives. They do not have a Trim command, so the data can still be recovered after deletion and even after formatting with some effort. Here too, however, there are ways and means of making the data permanently unreadable. For data partitions, you can use tools such as Ascomp Secure Eraser. This will not only delete the files the drive contains, but also overwrite it with random data. With Secure Eraser, click on Securely erase hard drive/partition on the start screen, select the drive in the following window, and click on the downward-pointing arrow next to the Start erasure process button. This opens a drop-down menu in which several methods for overwriting with data are available. A single overwrite is sufficient to make the files unreadable, so select the Low or Normal setting. Then click on Start deletion to begin the deletion process. You can use the Secure Eraser tool from Ascomp to reformat data drives and overwrite them with random data. ASCOMP You have to proceed differently with a system partition. As Windows cannot delete itself, you need a live system with which you can boot your computer from a CD/DVD or USB stick. You can then delete the data on C: from there. In contrast to an SSD, it is necessary to overwrite the deleted memory areas with new data afterwards so that the original content can no longer be reconstructed. The freeware Dariks Boot and Nuke, DBAN for short, has proven itself for this purpose. First download the ISO file. Then connect a USB stick to your PC. It does not need to be large; the tool only requires around 16MB of space. Download and install the Rufus freeware and enter the DBAN ISO file in the Startup type field. Then let Rufus create a bootable USB stick and start your PC from this drive. With Dariks Boot and Nuke you can boot your PC from a USB stick and then securely delete and overwrite the existing drives. IDG Dariks Boot and Nuke is based on a stripped-down Linux system without a graphical user interface. After starting, you can use the command autonuke to automatically delete and overwrite all data on your hard drive. Alternatively, you can select the desired options by pressing the Enter key. Further reading: How to extend the life of hard drives Securely erase USB drives Although USB sticks and hard drives are closely related to SSDs, they do not support the Trim command. You should therefore also format the stored files after deleting them. The aforementioned Ascomp Secure Eraser software can only erase and overwrite hard drives and SSDs. The freeware Disk Wipe is suitable for USB drives. Open the program, select the drive, and click on Wipe Disk. In the first window, the wizard will ask you for the desired file system. Normally NTFS is the best choice. After clicking on Next, select how the data should be overwritten. Here, One Pass Zeros or One Pass Random is sufficient. In both settings, Disk Wipe performs an overwrite process for the data. Click on Next, type erase all in the input field, click on Finish, and confirm the erasure process. The program will then first format the drive and then start overwriting the individual memory cells. Further reading: Turn your flash drive into a portable PC survival kit with these apps TL;DR: Get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 for just $29.97 the essential IDE for efficient, collaborative, and cross-platform app development. 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The sale includes the health center, personal care, and cottage components of the community. However, Presbyterian Senior Living will retain management and operation of Westminster Place at Windy Hill Village, affordable apartments for seniors. We are pleased to announce the successful transition of Windy Hill Village to Continuum Healthcare, Inc., Dan Davis, president and CEO of Presbyterian Senior Living, said in a news release. This decision was made with the best interests of the residents we serve and team members in mind. We are confident that Continuum Healthcare, Inc. will continue to provide the exceptional care and services that the Windy Hill Village community has come to expect. Terms of the agreement werent disclosed. The nonprofit, Presbyterian Senior Living is based in Carroll Township, York County, and has been providing residential senior living and care services for more than 97 years. The nonprofit provides services to approximately 6,000 seniors in 27 locations across Maryland, Ohio, Delaware and Pennsylvania including facilities in Cumberland, Dauphin, York and Lancaster counties. Continuum Healthcare is based in New Jersey and provides a full range of services, including in-house rehabilitation, high-acuity care, dementia care, and long-term care. A bartender accused of embezzling nearly $81k from a Dauphin County fire company social club directly pocketed cash from the till, under-reported income during his shifts and stole winning tickets for small games of chance, police wrote in court documents filed Thursday against him. Tamas Topos, 57, of Swatara Township, stole $80,940.65 over the past year from the Friendship Fire Company while he served as a bartender and steward for the social club, according to Swatara Township Police. Police said he came in outside of business hours and did cash counts by himself and falsified records submitted to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement to cover his trail. Swatara Township detectives started looking into the Bressler Fire Companys finances after the fire company was shut down in May following allegations of racial discrimination. In records provided to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Topos indicated the club earned $24k from 34 small games of chance during June and July, according to police documents.Reconstructed financial records, however, showed that 46 games were in circulation during the audited period, which should have earned the club around $34k, police said. Under Topos management, no profits were generated from small games of chance, police said and he didnt keep records of daily transactions, so his own numbers were impossible to verify During an absence by Topos from June 21 to Aug. 12, the club earned $4,934 in profits, a noticeable improvement, according to police. Police also cited video recordings that showed Topos taking tickets from the skill machines without paying, then only redeeming the winning tickets. Under Topos stewardship, $32,224 worth of revenue was also unaccounted for, police said. There was no record of this money being deposited into the clubs accounts. Instead, cash payments for the skill machines was taken by Topos, leaving no documentation or evidence of the income. Police reviewed around 191 video files of Topos entering the club outside of business hours to count cash. In several videos, police said he appears to pocket cash from the clubs daily proceeds and use those stolen club funds to play at the skills machines. Detectives reviewed Topos bank records which showed between Dec. 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024, Topos withdrew $20,540.50 in cash from Friendship Fire Company and other social clubs, which police did not name. Police said the clubs financial troubles correlated with instances where Topos had control over the funds, and his accounts showed a surge in overdrafts and maxed-out credit cards when he lost that control. During an interview with police Oct. 18, police say Topos admitted he took cash from the club and said repaid it most of the time, but that he falsified financial records to submit to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Topos said he had a gambling problem, police said, and they noted he did not implicate anyone else in the thefts. Magisterial District Judge Michael Smith arraigned Topos Thursday on a felony count of theft by unlawful taking and a misdemeanor of tampering with physical evidence. Topos case was filed in the Magisterial District Judge Kenneth A. Lenkers court, and he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Lenker on November 26. Lenkers name appeared on the active membership roster for the Bressler Fire Company on the same page as Tamas Topos at around the same time the company was shut down due to allegations of racial discrimination. Magisterial District Judges can recuse themselves through Dauphin County Court Administration. Lenker was not at his office Thursday afternoon when PennLive called. He was not immediately available through calls to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, which oversees the MDJ offices. Magisterial District Judge Kenneth A. Lenker's name appears alongside Tamas Topos on a list of names provided to Swatara Township by the Bressler Fire Company. Topos has been charged with theft and falsification of records in Lenker's court office, and is scheduled to appear before Lenker Nov. 26.Swatara Township The fire company and social club became under investigation after allegations of racism surfaced, including a March 16, 2024, incident where a Black man entered the Swatara Township departments social club and asked for an application for the fire department. He was sent away empty-handed by Topos, who falsely said they werent taking on new members, according to a township investigation. The investigation by a five-member panel ended May 2, after which the township commissioners voted 3-0 to suspend indefinitely the Friendship Fire Company from service. The social club remained operational. As part of the inquiry, investigators talked to about 30 witnesses and turned over their findings to the AGs office, where they will continue digging into other matters, such as financial discrepancies. As long as the fire company and social club share the same board of directors, exist as one legal entity and receive funding and support from Swatara Township, the panel recommended the fire company remain suspended. Before the suspension, Swatara Township covered all necessary expenses for the fire company to operate utilities cost around $20,000, but insurance, fuel and other expenses inflate that number. The fire company possesses more than $1 million in township assets. The panel cleared 11 firefighters to continue service at other fire departments, but it recommended suspension for five board members responsible for overseeing the fire company and social clubs board. Several firefighters who talked to local investigators attempted to distance the fire company from the social club during the investigation, despite the two being legally connected. Two firefighters said the fire company has tried to legally separate from the social club numerous times, but every time it comes to a vote, the social club stacks the meetings with its members so they can remain together. Tom Connolly, a Swatara Township Supervisor, previously told PennLive the AGs office investigation might look at revoking the clubs liquor license, seizing property, padlocking the club, seeing if the club violated its charter, and more depending on what its investigation turns up. Christopher John Zserai was born in Lebanon County and lived in Hummelstown but grew up in Hendersonville, North Carolina. So when family and friends in that area were recovering from the damage of Hurricane Helene, Zserai didnt hesitate to take unpaid leave from work and go help. He was, for 25 years, a professional tree remover, said his wife, Laynie Zserai. Its very dangerous [work]. But I also feel like part of him was like, if anybodys going to be doing that stuff, it would be him. The novice homeowner, sometimes they think they can do those kinds of things, and its very dangerous. An accident during that cleanup led to Zserais death on Oct. 27, and Laynie said that she is still processing the loss. But jumping to help others was the kind of man he was. Zserai, she said, was an expert on heavy equipment, ready and willing to assist others with projects great and small, from trees to water and sewer lines. But despite his expertise, he always remained humble. He wasnt cocky ever about a tree, she said. He was repelling between trees people would stop to watch because its so fun to see someone [do that work], but with great care. Laynie said that Zserai was very ingratiating and that he never met a stranger he was equally at home joking with her customers at a hair salon as he was working in his garage, restoring an old C-10 Chevy pickup truck. It was literally like Andy Griffith, she said. Hed have the door open, and anybody walking or driving by, he was chatting them up. He was definitely a Southern guy that way. He spoke to everyone. He would lend a hand to anyone. Laynie added that he also had an eye for beauty, bringing her home interesting knots of wood or glass bottles that she treasures. I took him to Worlds End State Park I told him, I always come out here looking for fossils, she said. Didnt that bugger walk right out, pick up a rock, flip it over, and theres a shell on the other side. Laynie also hailed from North Carolina but the couple met in Pennsylvania and had been together just shy of six years. And she remembers him as someone who was joyful and a kid at heart, still. He still liked to cut up and have fun, she said. To live and laugh. And very much a country boy. He was a character. And he is sorely missed. He was a big imprint on my life. Im so grateful for him. Zserai leaves behind a daughter from a previous marriage, for whom a college fund has been established, as well as two step-children. To read the full obituary, visit the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home website here. First things first yes, 43 monkeys really did escape from a lab in South Carolina. But officials have said that theres no need to worry. WPXI reports how the female rhesus macaque primates managed to pull off their jail break from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee on Wednesday. A new employee purportedly didnt properly shut their enclosure, giving them the opportunity to break free. The Yemassee Police Department, in collaboration with Alpha Genesis, have initiated search teams to help locate the primates, the department said via statement published to Facebook. Alpha Genesis currently have eyes on the primates and are working to entice them with food. NPR continues to report that the monkeys have never been used for testing due to their young age. Theyre also too young to carry diseases, the statement adds. The statement urges the public to avoid the area as the monkeys are skittish, and any contact could hinder their safe capture. I couldnt believe it, to be honest with you, Alpha Genesis CEO, Greg Westergaard, admitted to CBS News. It does happen that one can sneak out once in a while. It is very unusual to have a big group like this. If Pennsylvanians are having a bit of deja vu, it may be due to the fact that a similar incident happened in the Keystone State in 2022: PennLive then reported how nearly 100 lab monkeys escaped after surviving an accident near Danville, Montour County. Further information regarding these escapees remains pending as of the publishing of this report. A former public defender was accused of representing a client under the influence of cocaine a couple of years back. He then tried to argue that the drug enhanced his performance. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court disciplinary board didnt buy it. The Erie Times News reports how Nathan Strasser, 45, had been working part-time for the Erie County Public Defenders Office when the incident occurred. The same Erie Times News article explains how Strasser was at a preliminary hearing on Nov. 2, 2022, in Harborcreek Township for a client in a DUI case. He was subsequently fired, and had a disciplinary complaint filed against him. According to ABA Journal, Strasser represented himself during his disciplinary hearing in September 2023. It was then that he argued his cocaine use actually contributed to his cognitive abilities, thus making him a better attorney. Cocaine has a positive effect on ones cognitive in low doses, Strasser said at the time. My mental awareness was at a heightened state, not a lower state. The Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel deemed that argument absurd, and asked the three-member hearing panel to recommend a suspension of at least 366 days, which the panel agreed to. The Supreme Court accepted the boards full report on Wednesday. The disciplinary boards website confirms that Strassers suspension will go into effect on Dec. 6. Strasser has been practicing law since 2007 with no prior discipline. An Oregon cyclist who was struck by an ambulance that made a right turn into him fracturing his nose and leaving him with scrapes and other injuries across his body has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider after workers scooped him up, drove him to the hospital and then billed him for the service, according to the suit. Attorney Travis Mayor says the ambulance provider Columbia River Fire & Rescue sent his client, 71-year-old William Hoesch, a $1,862 bill for the ambulance ride. Thats among about $47,000 in medical expenses that Hoesch has racked up so far and another $50,000 of medical costs he expects in the future, the suit states. Columbia River Fire & Rescue declined to comment. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. didnt respond to a request for comment. The suit claims that Hoeschs uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is obligated to cover any damages that Columbia River Fire & Rescue is unable to. According to the lawsuit, Hoesch was pedaling through the small town of Rainier in Columbia County in October 2022 when he and the ambulance were traveling the same direction on a street thats a mix of homes and businesses. The ambulance attempted to make a right turn onto another street, crashing into Hoesch and destroying his bicycle, according to the suit, which was filed Oct. 24. William Hoesch is pictured here after he and an ambulance collided while he was riding his bicycle in October 2022.Submitted photo The crash happened in front of Columbia River Fire & Rescues Rainier station, as the ambulance was returning from a trip. A Rainier Police Department report included this photo of the crash scene involving William Hoesch and a Columbia River Fire & Rescue ambulance.Rainier Police Department According to police reports, the driver who struck Hoesch and a passenger in the ambulance estimated the ambulance was going between 2 and 10 mph when they heard a thump, stopped and saw Hoesch injured. Hoesch estimated to police that he was going 5 mph to 10 mph and said he didnt think the ambulance was going to turn in front of him. His bicycle was crushed under the ambulance wheel. Hoeschs lawsuit also seeks $900,000 for pain and suffering, stating he suffered decreased range of motion, reduced grip strength and other issues. Aimee Green covers breaking news and the justice system. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or @o_aimee. Police were alerted to an armed domestic disturbance that triggered a standoff Thursday in York County by a child who lived at the home when he revealed what happened to someone at school, according to court records obtained by PennLive Friday. According to those documents, which contain allegations written by police to support criminal charges: The child said Brian W. Price and his girlfriend were arguing Thursday morning when Price pulled out a gun. Price then left the house and was picked up by a white sedan by an unknown friend, according to court documents. Police went to the home, but the girlfriend was not there. The officer got her cell number and called the girlfriend, who confirmed the incident. She told police that Price, 43, pulled out a Glock handgun during an argument and said: I will kill anyone thats not related to me followed by expletives directed at the woman. She then fled the home. She met the police officer at a local park. She said she was too afraid to go home. The woman said eight children in total live at the home in the first block of Eisenhart Mill Road. Three of them remained at the home. What happened next wasnt immediately clear as the information was not included in the court records filed against Price and police did not release details. But Price apparently returned home, and police eventually surrounded the home, drawing a large police presence to the rural area, including two armored police vehicles. Police tried to get Price to come outside. But Price refused to leave the home, which led to an hours-long standoff before he surrendered before 4 p.m. Price was charged with possession of firearm prohibited, simple assault and terrorist threats, according to charging documents filed by Pennsylvania State Police in York County. Police said he had a prior felony that made it illegal for him to possess a gun. Price pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver in 2012, according to court documents. Price on Friday remained in the York County Prison. A magisterial district judge denied him bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22, according to online court documents. A commercial vehicle that overturned and caught fire Thursday night is closing a section of the eastbound lanes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76), according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The crash was listed between the Harrisburg East interchange and the Lebanon-Lancaster interchange, according to PennDOT. Credit: PennDOTPennDOT The closure was listed between the Harrisburg East interchange (exit 247) and the Lebanon-Lancaster interchange (exit 266) around 9 p.m., according to a press release and 511PA.com. The commercial vehicle in question caught fire along the eastbound lanes near mile marker 259.9. The closure will remain in place until the scene is cleared, but the Turnpike Commission did not provide an estimate for when that will be. While the closure is in place the following detour is in effect: Take I-283 north for 2.7 miles, then take US-322 East for 21.1 miles before entering PA-72 for two miles and returning to I-76 at the Lebanon-Lancaster interchange. Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Turnpike personnel will be stationed near affected areas to assist drivers, the release said. It is unclear as of Thursday night what caused the commercial vehicle to overturn and catch fire, how many vehicles were involved or if anyone was injured. Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | November 8, 2024 Norfolk Southern tells employees they shouldnt spend more than a minute inspecting railcars, although the company claims this is simply the industry standard. Delaware ports are trying to expand, and those in Philadelphia arent happy about it. The Department of Military and Veteran Affairs is now accepting grant applications for services and programs that benefit veterans. Lastly, a Good Samaritan wrestled a dirt bike rider who had hit a cop into apprehension. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA. WASHINGTON The Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this weeks election with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Investigators were told of the plan to kill Trump by Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery and who authorities say maintains a network of criminal associates enlisted by Tehran for surveillance and murder-for-hire plots. Shakeri told the FBI that a contact in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him this past September to set aside other work he was doing and assemble a plan within seven days to surveil and ultimately kill Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. The official was quoted by Shakeri as saying that We have already spent a lot of money and that moneys not an issue. Shakeri told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men were arrested on charges that Shakeri recruited them to follow and kill prominent Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, who has endured multiple Iranian murder-for-hire plots foiled by law enforcement. Im very shocked, said Alinejad, speaking by telephone to The Associated Press from Berlin, where she was about to attend a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the tearing down of the wall. This is the third attempt against me and thats shocking. In a post on the social media platform X, she said: I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech I dont want to die. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me, but I urge the U.S. government to protect the national security of America. Lawyers for the two other defendants, identified as Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Irans U.N. Mission declined to comment. Shakeri, an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. as a child but was later deported after spending 14 years in prison for robbery, also told investigators that he was tasked by his Revolutionary Guard contact with plotting the killings of two Jewish-Americans living in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Officials say he overlapped with Rivera while in prison as well as an unidentified co-conspirator. The criminal complaint says Shakeri disclosed some of the details of the alleged plots in a series of recorded telephone interviews with FBI agents while in Iran. The stated reason for his cooperation, he told investigators, was to try to get a reduced prison sentence for an associate behind bars in the U.S. According to the complaint, though officials determined that some of the information he provided was false, his statements regarding a plot to kill Trump and Irans willingness to pay large sums of money were determined to be accurate. The plot, announced by the Justice Department just days after Trumps defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, is part of what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil. Last summer, for instance, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case shows Irans continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election and harm Trumps campaign. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Trumps reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. --Eric Tucker and Larry Neumeister/The Associated Press By Zeke Miller, Michelle L. Price and Jill Colvin, The Associated Press WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, the manager of his victorious campaign, as his White House chief of staff, the first woman to hold the influential role. Wiles is widely credited within and outside Trumps inner circle for running what was, by far, his most disciplined and well-executed campaign, and was seen as the leading contender for the position. She largely avoided the spotlight, even refusing to take the mic to speak as Trump celebrated his victory early Wednesday morning. Wiles' hire is Trumps first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration, as he must quickly build the team that will help run the massive federal government. Wiles doesnt bring government experience to the role, but has a close relationship with the president-elect. She was able to do what few others have been able to: help control Trumps impulses not by chiding him or lecturing, but by earning his respect and showing him that he was better off when he followed her advice than flouting it. Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again, Trump said in a statement. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud. Trump went through four chiefs of staff including one who served in an acting capacity for a year during his first administration, part of a record-setting personnel churn in his administration. Successful chiefs of staff serve as the presidents confidant, help execute a presidents agenda and balance competing political and policy priorities. They also tend to serve as a gatekeeper, helping determine whom the president spends his time with and whom he speaks to an effort Trump chafed under inside the White House. The chief of staff is absolutely critical to an effective White House, said Chris Whipple, whose book The Gatekeepers details how the White House chief of staff role shapes and defines a presidency. At the end of the day the most important thing is telling the president what he doesnt want to hear. On the plus side, shes shown that she can manage Trump, that she works with him and can sometimes tell him hard truths, and thats really important, said Whipple. On the minus side, she really has no White House experience and hasnt really worked in Washington in 40 years. And thats a real disadvantage. Wiles is a longtime Florida-based Republican strategist who ran Trumps campaigns in the state in 2016 and 2020. Before that, she ran Rick Scotts 2010 campaign for Florida governor and briefly served as the manager of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsmans 2012 presidential campaign. Chris LaCivita, who along with Wiles served as a co-manager of the campaign, posted on X, So Happy and proud of one of the fiercest and most loyal warriors Ive ever had the pleasure of working with !!! Trump often referenced Wiles on the campaign trail, publicly praising her leadership of what he said he was often told was his best-run campaign. Shes incredible. Incredible, he said at a Milwaukee rally earlier this month, Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump brings Susie Wiles to the podium at an election night watch party Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP At a rally in Pennsylvania where Trump made one of his last appearances before the election, he launched into a profane and conspiracy-laden speech. Wiles was spotted standing offstage and appearing to glare at him. Later, at a rally in Pittsburgh, Trump seemed to acknowledge his advisers efforts to keep him on message. After complaining that men arent allowed to call a woman beautiful any longer, he asked if he could strike that word from the record. Im allowed to do that, arent I, Susan Wiles? he mused. LANCASTER, Pa. - Less than a month before voters returned Republican former President Donald Trump to the White House, hundreds of his supporters waited for hours outside the Lancaster County convention center for a town hall with their candidate. They wore Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts featuring photos of Trumps defiant, blood-streaked face. Many said theyd be casting their third consecutive vote for Trump. But the name alongside Trumps, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, was new to their ballots. Trump picked Vance, a political newcomer made famous by a best-selling memoir, to be his running mate -- and perhaps to carry the baton for his MAGA movement. Despite polling that shows more Americans view Vance unfavorably than positively, the Trump faithful in the battleground state said they were impressed with Vance and regarded him as a likely heir when Trumps second term ends. Hes open, hes honest, hes accurate and he doesnt back down to the liberals, said Jennie Herman of Ronks, Pennsylvania, who envisions Vance taking over the White House for eight years after the next Trump term is over. I think that what he came from in his background proves to me that hes a gentleman, and hes what we need for America. And hes honest, he has a lot of integrity. Rank-and-file GOP voters arent the only ones who see Vance as Trumps likely successor. Political experts see Vance as the Make America Great Again torchbearer of the future, and Trumps family has touted him as a future president. Shortly after his father selected Vance as his running mate, Donald Trump Jr., told Axios he believes thered be a very high chance of Vance becoming president after Trump. The U.S. Constitutions 22nd Amendment bars anyone from being elected president more than twice. Trump Jr. said Vance speaks to the America First people, and isnt like, sort of, Well be right back to the establishment. Lets go back to the neocon warmongering. He stood alongside Vance at several appearances in the campaigns final stretch. How great is JD? Trump Jr. asked at a Nov. 1 North Carolina rally with Vance. What I love most about JD is, now, for our movement, for America first, isnt it nice to have a bench? Isnt it nice to have people thatll fight for you the way my father has fought for you? Past vice presidents and vice-presidential candidates are often among their partys top contenders for future presidential nominations. Fifteen past vice presidents have become presidents. Eight of them ascended to the office on the death of a president and four of them were later elected. President Joe Biden is the most recent ex-vice president to win the top job. I think a lot of them think that JD Vance is the future of the party, Youngstown State University emeritus political science professor William Binning, a former Mahoning County GOP chairman, says of Republicans. Hes an idea man, and hes articulate. Hes young, hes conservative, hes gonna be the next president, and hes gonna carry us on in the next decade or two. 41 1 / 41 Vice Presidential Nominee Senator JD Vance visits Central Pa. Running on a national ticket with Trump has required Vance to promote Trumps views rather than his own, and subsume his own vision for the country to Trumps. Its also improved Vances nationwide name recognition, helped him meet more political donors, and showcased his speaking abilities. It would stand to reason that the sitting VP would start as the favorite in the 2028 presidential contest, and then it would be a question of how many other prominent Republicans decide to enter the race, says Kyle Kondik, managing editor of the Sabatos Crystal Ball politics newsletter. Kondik cautioned that much could change during Trumps next term but said the vice presidency can be a good launching pad to the presidential nomination. In the recent past, even losing vice-presidential candidates have parlayed their runs into political prominence. Former Wisconsin GOP Congressman Paul Ryan became Speaker of the House after serving as Utah U.S. Sen. Mitt Romneys running mate, and former Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin became a high-profile Tea Partier after running for vice president on a ticket with former Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain. Vance wasnt seen as a safe vice-presidential pick for Trump. He hadnt run for president before like the other top contenders, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. He also had far less experience in public office than the others, with less than two years of service as a U.S. senator. He was viewed as a running mate who could excite turnout among the MAGA faithful rather than someone who could convert doubters. Raised in southwest Ohios Middletown, Vance describes himself as an unlikely success story. Bounced between different financially-strapped households while his mother fought opioid addiction, his life stabilized after he moved in with his foul-mouthed but good-hearted grandmother. From there, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, obtained degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and launched a career in venture capital. Vance first appeared on the national scene following the success of his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which chronicled his personal rise from poverty, family drug addiction and domestic violence. He used the books success to land writing gigs and frequent television bookings, which he used to criticize Trump as a demagogue who appealed to a strain of racism that existed among working-class white voters. By the time he ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Cincinnati Republican Rob Portmans 2023 retirement, Vance had reinvented himself as a public Trump supporter, saying he got the ex-president wrong. An endorsement from Trump helped Vance win a crowded GOP Senate primary and the general election. A connection forged with Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, who contributed millions of dollars to elect Vance, propelled his campaign. He was the first political newcomer elected to one of Ohios U.S. Senate seats in more than 50 years. Vance didnt pass any standalone legislation after joining the U.S. Senate, instead using the institutions bully pulpit to excoriate Democratic President Joe Biden and extoll Trump. During his Tuesday night victory speech, Trump described Vance as a feisty guy who obliterate opponents on television network. Hes turned out to be a good choice, said Trump. I took a little heat at the beginning, but he was, I knew the brain was a good one, about as good as it gets. And we love the family, and were going to have a great four years, and were gonna turn our country around. Make it something very special. In response to Vances relatively skimpy record in public office, Bowling Green State University political scientist Robert Alexander points out that Trump hadnt held public office at all before voters elected him president in 2016. Alexander also noted Trumps ideological views changed relatively quickly to suit the moment over the years, as Vances have. Over time, Trump has shifted his views on abortion, immigration, Tik-Tok and cryptocurrency, among other issues. Vance described himself as a never-Trumper in 2016, privately comparing Trump to Adolph Hitler. He says the success of Trumps presidency transformed his views As he sought to become Trumps vice-presidential running mate, Vance went so far as to say that if he had been vice-president in 2020 instead of Mike Pence, he would have accommodated Trumps request to reject electoral votes from several swing states that Biden won to keep Trump in the White House. Alexander regards Trumps selection of Vance as a way for him to show the heir apparent for the MAGA movement. JD Vance has shown that he is using the same talking points that Donald Trump has, and can articulate Trumpism in a pithy way that sounds very digestible, says Alexander. Republicans heading into Lancasters convention center were sanguine at the prospect of a Vance presidency after Trumps. I love Trump, said Jeanne Becklund, of Maui, Hawaii, who was visiting her daughter in Lancaster. Vance is definitely a guy to lead the Republican party into the future and make a difference. Chris Smith, of Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, said he hopes Vance is the future of the Trump movement because he can articulate his views without some of the misunderstandings that stem from Trumps freewheeling commentary. After four years in office as Trumps deputy, Smith says Vance will have a solid track record to run on. Hes proof that the American Dream is still alive, agreed Jim Cage, of Reinholds, Pennsylvania. Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form YEMASSEE A quest for freedom by a troop of monkeys in the South Carolina Lowcountry unfolded when 43 female primates escaped from their breeding facility. Yemassee Police Department announced that one had been safely recovered unharmed on November 9. The other 42 remained at large. Police asked the public not to fly drones over the free monkeys because drones "spook" the primates. Many of them have been seen and heard, even cooing to each other, said police and a top official with Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. "We have had several monkeys come back to our property, but have yet to secure any," Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said in a text. "They are basically just hanging out in close proximity. We are feeding them and all appear to be in good health." In a post to Facebook, Yemassee police reported that the rhesus macaques were "playfully exploring the perimeter fence of the facility, engaging with those still inside by cooing to them." "We kindly urge the public to stay clear of this area as Alpha Genesis works diligently to safely recover these animals and return them to their habitats unharmed." The monkeys saw their opportunity at 1 p.m. Nov. 6 when a caretaker at Alpha Genesis left two doors to an enclosure unsecured. While the employee cleaned, the monkeys fled, beginning a fugitive search that has captivated South Carolina and the world. Most of the monkeys have stayed near the facility, though some residents reported sightings up to 5 miles away the morning of Nov. 8, said Yemassee Councilman David Paul Murray. NORTH CHARLESTON Police arrested a 29-year-old man Nov. 8 in connection with a nearly month-old slaying that occurred outside a club. Adin Perez-Perez is charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to inmate records. On Oct. 14 around 1:45 a.m., police responded to Caliente Discotheque on Remount Road to find a man dead from a gunshot wound on the street outside the club, according to reporting from The Post and Courier. Two days later, the Charleston County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 39-year-old Francisco Larios Aviles of Florida. Authorities found Perez-Perez in Florida and extradited him back to South Carolina, said North Charleston police spokesperson Harve Jacobs. Perez-Perez is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center, said Jacobs. According to inmate records, Perez-Perez does not have any prior charges filed in Charleston County. Latvian mobile operator LMTs President, Dr Juris Binde (pictured, second from right), has stated that price increases will be inevitable if a merger with fixed broadband provider Tet goes aheada move that has faced strong opposition from rivals concerned about its impact on market competition. Speaking to Developing Telecoms at the 5G Techritory conference in Riga, Binde confirmed that definitely there will be price increases because it will be the dominant operator if the merger materialises. He justified the likely rise in costs, citing the need to manage rising energy expenses and attract top talent to develop new solutions and services for continued growth. Binde also clarified that the integration of LMT and Tet would slow development plans temporarily, explaining, A merger doesnt mean you simply combine two companies and everything carries on smoothly. Its a complex and costly process, which would slow down the economy of both companies, and impact the national economy too. Opposition to the Merger Aruns Mickevics, Director-General of rival operator Bite Latvia, voiced strong criticism of the proposed merger last month, warning it could create a monopolised giant with super dominance in the market, according to Baltic News Network. Should the merger go ahead, Mickevics has called for the new entity to be separate from the state, with critical infrastructure divested from Tet and made accessible to all market players. In response, Binde acknowledged that some reshaping of the market may be necessary to secure approval, addressing Mickevicss suggestion of separating Tets fibre-optic network and data centres from its main business, noting, these are strategic discussions for the state. Another potential option under consideration is for LMT to take on Tets customers in overlapping services, such as connectivity, television, IT, and smart home solutions. Despite these hurdles, Binde remains optimistic, seeing the merger as ultimately beneficial for the Latvian telecoms sector. The future is mobile only. Therefore, LMT is the leading company and must remain the leader, he added. Future Plans Binde stressed that market consolidation is only worthwhile if it supports a growth strategy beyond traditional telecoms, pointing out that declining revenues from core services are a global trend in oversaturated markets. He argued that operators must pursue a broader landscape of services and innovations based on telecom services. In line with this vision, LMT invested 24.4 million over the last nine months - a 22% year-on-year increase - in developing new services and expanding its 5G network. One innovation in progress is Seamless 5G Connectivity (pictured below) in the Baltic Sea, which includes providing 5G to the Port of Riga by installing base stations on ships and deploying aerial and aquatic drones to improve communication between vessels and port staff. Charleston, SC (29532) Today Thunderstorms likely - windy with locally heavy rainfall possible, especially this morning. A few storms may be severe. High 71F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 52F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott wants to become the next chairman of the Senate GOP's campaign arm, a high-profile role where he'd be tasked with defending and expanding the Republican majority in 2026. Scott on Nov. 8 announced his plans to run for chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "Let's do this! I'm running for NRSC Chair because two years of a Republican agenda is good, but four years of success under Donald J. Trump is even better, Scott said in a statement. He added that in the role he'd seek to protect the Senate's Republican majority in 2026 and "create opportunities for all Americans." Scott, R-S.C., also touted the support he already has from two members of current Senate GOP leadership, including Montana Sen. Steve Daines, the senator who Scott hopes to replace as NRSC chair. Already a personal fundraising powerhouse, the announcement offers yet another sign that South Carolina's junior senator is squarely focused on building his political influence in Washington's upper chamber rather than in former President Donald Trump's future administration. Scott first downplayed interest in joining a potential second Trump administration in September when he said he would rather run a major committee if Republicans win back the majority this fall, seeking to increase his influence there. "If Trump wins, I still think that I'm probably better off serving the people of our country as chairman of the Banking Committee as opposed to going into the administration," he said during an interview at a Punchbowl News event in Washington, D.C. Scott has already said this would be his final term in Washington, which would end in 2028. FORT MILL This town's firefighters have hurried on a cold December day to stop a blaze from devastating a historic church. Once, they hustled to the town's nature preserve area to find an overturned train. But they'll be there for the routine traffic crashes or fire alarms, too. And a $4.2 million federal grant will add more to the crews. Fort Mill is hiring 15 new firefighters next year, Fire Chief Chipper Wilkerson said. That will give the Fort Mill Fire Department 57 full-time personnel, plus four part-time staff. And they're needed in one of South Carolina's fastest-growing municipalities. "I remember when I first got here (in 2014), you could go up (S.C. Highway) 160 to Tega Cay and there was very little between the interstate and past Baxter," Wilkerson said. "And now it's developed fairly well. Same thing with the town. There's been a number of annexations and growth opportunities." The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the town a $4.2 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to cover salaries for the next three years, beginning in March. It's been 30 years since Fort Mill began staffing its fire department with paid firefighters. As growth has had an impact both in town limits and the incorporated area, the town has sought FEMA money in the past. It won a SAFER grant in 2015 and hired nine firefighters, Wilkerson said. The fire department is responsible for all calls within town limits, and contracts with York County for eight square miles of unincorporated area, he said. The town's third fire station will be built in the area of the Masons Bend subdivision in the southwest part of Fort Mill. The Town Council is expected to approve building the station, which could be ready by late 2026, Wilkerson said. Unity Presbyterian Church, a congregation that formed in Fort Mill just a few years after the nation's founding, credits the firefighters with saving some of its structures after an electric short caused a fire in December 2018. At the recent Net Zero Festival in London, the role of AI in the transition towards net zero was the subject of a panel discussion that brought together key thinkers in the sector. Adam Elman, Head of Sustainability for EMEA at Google, joined Ian Ellison, Associate Director of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and Izzy Woolgar, Director of External Affairs at the Centre for Net Zero, to discuss how AI is helping enable the switch to more sustainable energy. Elman explained that AI is a transformational technology that has the ability to bring huge benefits to people and to society, but noted that it is not actually new, noting: At Google, we've been integrating AI into products and tools for the last decade - if you were using Google Search five years ago, or Google Translate or Google Maps, youve been using AI. However, he noted that the technology has evolved in ways that will allow it to have an impact on climate action. Acknowledging that there are concerns over how AI is used and how it will affect society, Elman argued that AI represents huge opportunities from both a business and a climate change perspective. Ellison agreed, claiming that AIs role in the net zero transition will be absolutely critical. If you look at Net Zero, the SDGs, were far behind the curve. AI brings the tools to the table that allows us to close some of the gap thoughtfully, carefully and recognizing risks. He noted that AI can provide better access to data and deliver faster education, allowing better dissemination of messaging around sustainability concerns across business. Woolgar noted that AI has a significant track record in delivering innovation in the field of science, which underlines its potential for the net zero transition. AIs optimisation capability is really important. We are transitioning from an energy system that was quite top down and static to one that's very dynamic and decentralised, and that requires optimisation so that we know where the sun's going to be shining or the wind's going to be blowing, and we can compare accordingly on the supply side but also on the demand side. What happens when lots of people adopt electric vehicles or heat pumps? How can we plan accordingly? Keeping that supply and demand in balance is absolutely critical. Acknowledging that AI is putting constraints on energy systems, Woolgar said that a wider perspective is essential, citing the International Energy Agencys recently published World Energy Outlook which details what will happen in terms of electricity demand between now and 2030. This forecasts how much energy the adoption of various technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles - will account for, and she noted that data centres represent a very small share of this. There are constraint issues on a local network basis, such as when data centres are clustered together, which they often are, so grids will need to be built out to facilitate supply, but more importantly, grids and data centres must operate with greater flexibility. She noted that Google aligns its compute loads to periods with an excess of solar or wind, allowing the data centre to soak up the renewable power which would otherwise be wasted by running their systems at a more optimal time. When pressed on the negative effects of AI, Elman conceded that Googles carbon emissions have increased by 20% within five years as a result of AI adoption, and that this must be mitigated to ensure sustainable growth. He noted that Google is committed to a Net Zero target of 2030, and that its emissions growth slowed last year, but agreed that there is still work to do. He argued that Google had long acknowledged that emissions would increase in the short term around AI adoption, but this would be offset by the long-term reductions. He conceded that trusting tech companies on such pledges was a tall order, but argued that the investments Google is making in its infrastructure and solutions will help it to reach its targets. Elman stated that by 2030, Google aims to have achieved a massive 50% reduction in emissions, with the remaining 50% mitigated via high quality carbon removals. Pressed on the increasingly stringent requirements for ESG reporting, Elman agreed that corporate reporting must be traceable, and that while AI could reduce the administrative burden of this, ultimately it would still require a manual effort as AI reporting would not be robust enough. There's a raft of AI solutions and platforms that are being built to help with the macro level reporting, but then there's more granular opportunities. One example is deforestation regulation using cloud and geospatial capabilities, AI can deliver real time, granular location-based information to companies, enabling smoother forest management to help them track and manage their goals and commodities around areas such as sustainable farming. Ultimately, Elman was upbeat about the prospects for the green AI landscape, noting that in addition to mitigation, AI presents huge opportunities for adaption and resiliency in the face of climate change. With the right policies in place, AI will be able to play a huge role in advancing net zero. PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 02:00:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 950 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrepreneurs like Abdulhamid Ahmed stand at the forefront of innovation.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 / In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrepreneurs like Abdulhamid Ahmed stand at the forefront of innovation, driving progress in branding, marketing, and content strategy. With over two decades of marketing leadership experience, Abdulhamid has built a career defined by creativity, strategic vision, and a relentless commitment to excellence. As a seasoned entrepreneur and accomplished executive, he has shaped numerous ventures, disrupted industries, and cultivated transformative approaches to digital marketing and editorial leadership.Abdulhamid's journey began with a strong foundation rooted in philanthropy and entrepreneurship, values passed down from his family in Peoria, Illinois, during his early teens, he quickly absorbed the vibrancy and community-driven spirit. It was here that he began to form his deep appreciation for community impact, a passion that would later influence his professional endeavors.Over the years, Abdulhamid has emerged as a trailblazer in the world of branding and content strategy. His leadership style, often described as collaborative and energetic, is one that thrives on fostering high-value interactions and enabling team collaboration. Through his differentiated positioning strategies, Abdulhamid has proven himself adept at driving business growth while nurturing an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.A Leader in Disruptive Marketing and Digital InnovationOne of Abdulhamid's key strengths lies in his ability to integrate traditional business values with modern marketing strategies. As businesses seek to adapt to new consumer behaviors and a rapidly changing media landscape, Abdulhamid has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of how to effectively blend digital and physical touchpoints.His expertise in editorial leadership and content strategy allows businesses to not only communicate their core values but also build lasting connections with their audiences. In today's digital age, where consumers expect authenticity and engagement, Abdulhamid's approach to branding helps organizations craft narratives that resonate on a profound level. Through thoughtful content development and integrated media strategy, he has enabled brands to tell their stories in compelling and engaging ways.Abdulhamid's comprehensive understanding of the media ecosystem spans across all channels-paid, earned, owned, and shared. By developing omnichannel content roadmaps and leveraging contextual retargeting techniques, he ensures that businesses reach their audiences at the right time, in the right context, with the right message. This focus on creating seamless and personalized customer experiences has made him a sought-after leader in digital media and marketing.Entrepreneurial Expertise and Go-to-Market StrategyBeyond his work in branding and marketing, Abdulhamid has also proven himself as a successful entrepreneur. He has founded several startups, including notable ventures in the travel industry, which have allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the end-to-end consumer lifecycle. His experience navigating the complexities of startup growth has equipped him with key insights into go-to-market strategies, behavioral and data analytics, and content development in digital media.Abdulhamid's entrepreneurial endeavors reflect his ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans that drive tangible results. Whether he's developing a marketing campaign or leading a new venture, his focus remains on delivering value to both the business and the customer. His ability to analyze market dynamics and consumer behavior has enabled him to identify key opportunities for growth and create content that speaks directly to target audiences.His leadership extends beyond just crafting a vision-he is known for his hands-on approach and willingness to roll up his sleeves to ensure successful execution. This entrepreneurial mindset, combined with his expertise in content strategy and marketing, has allowed him to scale his businesses while maintaining a customer-centric focus.Driving Collaboration and Delivering ResultsAbdulhamid's collaborative leadership style is central to his success. He excels at fostering high-value interactions, whether with his internal teams or external stakeholders. His approach to leadership is one that encourages open communication, creativity, and mutual respect-attributes that have contributed to his ability to drive innovation and achieve impactful results.Throughout his career, Abdulhamid has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead diverse teams across global business units. He has worked with stakeholders at all levels, from junior employees to senior executives, and has consistently influenced decision-makers to align with his strategic vision. This ability to inspire and influence others is a testament to his strong leadership skills and his commitment to creating environments where collaboration thrives.Moreover, Abdulhamid's commercial acumen is evident in his track record of managing significant budgets and taking on P&L responsibility. Over the course of his career, he has overseen budgets exceeding $60 million, delivering results that consistently meet or exceed expectations. His superior budget management skills, combined with his strategic thinking, ensure that every dollar spent is aligned with business objectives and contributes to long-term success.Awards and RecognitionAbdulhamid's contributions to the fields of branding, marketing, and digital innovation have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Innovations Excellence Award for Mobile Apps-a testament to his ability to lead disruptive change in a technology-driven world. His innovative work in mobile app development has allowed businesses to engage with customers in new and exciting ways, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in digital marketing.In addition to his industry recognition, Abdulhamid has also earned the prestigious title of Fellow National in the Explorers Club (FN'02). This honor reflects not only his professional achievements but also his commitment to exploration, discovery, and pushing boundaries-qualities that define both his personal and professional life.Commitment to Community and LegacyWhile Abdulhamid has achieved significant success in the business world, his commitment to giving back to the community remains at the core of his values. His family's legacy of philanthropy and entrepreneurship continues to inspire him, and he remains deeply involved in initiatives ai PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 01:31:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 292 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin Resources, Inc.") (NYSE:BEN) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Franklin subsidiary Western Asset Management Company issued a press release on August 21, 2024, announcing that co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech "is on a leave of absence, effective immediately" after "receiv[ing] a Wells Notice from the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission". That same day, Bloomberg reported that "[f]ederal prosecutors in New York are investigating whether a Western Asset Management executive allocated winning trades to favored accounts, as part of a criminal probe into a practice known as cherry-picking.'" Following this news, Franklin's stock price fell over 12% on August 21, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 23:10:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 406 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Expert Consumers, an authoritative source for product reviews, has recognizedGuardian Bikesas a leading kids' bike brand for 2024. This recognition is due to the company's unrelenting pursuit of safety that ensures children can ride bicycles without hurting themselves while parents have peace of mind.Guardian BikesBest Kids BikesGuardian Bikes - a premier brand specializing in children's bicycles, known for its innovative safety features, including the patented SureStop braking system, a diverse product range for young riders, and customizable options that enhance both safety and enjoyment.Guardian Bikes is committed to making biking safer, focusing on preventing accidents through innovative solutions inspired by the founder's grandfather's severe accident due to improper braking. The company's patented SureStop technology, introduced in 2013, ensures safer, controlled stops, especially for children, providing parents with peace of mind through reliable bikes designed to reduce bike-related accidents.Guardian Bikes Named Top Kids Bike BrandExpert Consumers proudly announces Guardian Bikes as a leading choice for children's bicycles, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to safety and innovative design.Featuring the patented SureStop braking system and a diverse range of durable products, Guardian Bikes ensures young riders can enjoy a secure and enjoyable biking experience.The technology revolutionizes children's bicycle safety by engaging both front and rear brakes simultaneously for balanced and controlled stops. This innovative approach significantly reduces head-over-handlebar accidents, particularly for younger riders, and enhances overall safety and ease of use for little ones, giving parents confidence that their children can stop effectively and ride without fear of accidents.In addition to offering a wide range of sizes, Guardian Bikes allows for customization with various color options, ensuring that kids can choose a bike that fits both their size and personal style. Built with high-quality materials, these bikes are designed to deliver durability and top performance, providing long-lasting enjoyment and safety for every rider.With thoughtful accessories and customization options, Guardian Bikes has become a trusted brand for parents seeking the best for their children.Click hereto browse Guardian Bikes' wide selection of kids bikes and accessories. For a close look at the company's products and SureStop technology, please visit theExpert Consumers website .About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.Contact InformationDrew ThomasChief Publishing Officerdrew@ eversomedia.com SOURCE: Expert ConsumersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 10:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1042 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 OLD SAYBROOK, CT and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE:BSKY)(OTCQB:BSKCF)(FWB:QE4 /WKN A401NM) ("BluSky" or the "Company"), an innovative entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector, is pleased to provide the following letter to shareholders and stakeholders from Company CEO Will Hessert.A Case for Climate Tech Optimism in Post-Election AmericaThe 2024 U.S. election results sent shockwaves through the climate and climate tech communities. The incoming Republican administration has promised to double down on fossil fuels, plans to roll back environmental regulations, and threatens to eliminate many of the incentives and funding programs that have benefitted climate action.The climate technology industry must now confront a landscape potentially stripped of safeguards and incentives.In the face of this, I will do something that is almost heretical in climate technology circles right now: I will make the case for optimism.The Long GameWhen we initially founded BluSky Carbon, we created the company with one principal mission in mind: remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to reverse climate change.Our team has prioritized reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to avoid the worst potential effects of climate change. We have dedicated the past few years to developing and advancing technologies towards this aim.While we have an idealistic mission, BluSky has a culture of pragmatism. And pragmatically, we know that the future climate will not always be a top priority.How should governments balance current prosperity with future climate goals? How should nations prioritize the need for energy security versus the need to decarbonize? How should nations choose between fiscal responsibility and properly funding climate action?Different governments at different times will answer these questions differently. Democrats and Republicans have different and ever-shifting perspectives on national priorities.And that's the source of what I believe to be a hard truth that remains true not just for climate technology, but all businesses:If you are building a business that, in order to thrive, requires a certain political party to be in power, you are not building a great business.I believe carbon removal will be a multi-trillion-dollar industry by 2050 regardless of this election's outcome. But the key to owning a major portion of that multi-trillion-dollar pie, and making a global impact, is to be around long enough to earn the gains.And thankfully, in the past year, our mission has evolved from just simply carbon removal. Our new mission is, I believe, largely insulated from political cycles and hopefully provides a pathway for climate technology to thrive in the coming years.EvolutionWe started BluSky Carbon solely focused on removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In the early days, we experimented with crudely built algae bioreactors that we kept in our homes (which, thankfully, our significant others allowed). We went down many carbon dioxide removal (CDR) rabbit holes looking for solutions.As we researched and experimented with different approaches, we realized that biomass pyrolysis - taking organic waste and converting it into stable carbon - was the best approach.We made pyrolysis our foundational technology because:It produces energy while other CDR processes can consume massive amounts of energyIt uses abundant waste streams as a feedstock, which greatly helps the economics and value propositionIt produces a valuable product as its end result: biocharBiochar is the end state of organic waste that runs through biomass pyrolysis. The biochar locks away carbon for thousands of years. And in our tunnel-vision dedication to the mission of carbon removal, that was all we cared about.But what we were missing, and what we subsequently discovered was that biochar has the potential to be the most important agricultural and industrial material of the 21st century.As biochar is utilized, its unique properties help keep land and water clean. Biochar prevents fertilizer from running off into waterways, preventing algal blooms that decimate ecosystems. Biochar particles can trap contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics.On top of that, biochar can be a major industrial feedstock. Biochar can be added to concrete to increase its strength. It can be added to asphalt to improve resilience. It can help reinforce plastics and polymers. It can be used in steelmaking. It can even be upgraded into strategically valuable materials like graphite.The world is shifting to prioritize local agriculture and manufacturing. It's an incredible valuable proposition to provide nations the capability to convert their waste into their own industrial feedstocks and into a tool that can supercharge their agriculture.That is why BluSky's mission has evolved beyond just removing carbon, Our mission is to advance human prosperity by advancing climate technology.And that mission provides us with a framework to navigate in the days ahead.The Path ForwardThe greatest companies are always dreams forged into reality by the fires of capitalism. Microsoft and Apple were started with the dream of democratizing computing. Google was started with the dream of making the world's information universally accessible. SpaceX was started with the dream of making human civilization multi-planetary.Businesses are vehicles to make dreams a reality. But to exist in reality, a business has to be capable of generating returns for shareholders and providing a product or service people truly want.That is, in my opinion, the path forward for climate technology: if you create incredible technologies that have a benefit beyond the climate, your company will thrive regardless of the political or cultural moment you exist in, and you will have a far great chance of fulfilling your climate-oriented mission.Tesla sought to electrify transportation. They did not just simply build electric vehicles. They built and continue to build cars that many consumers find superior to their fossil-powered competition.Patagonia sought to promote sustainable and ethical of apparel. They did not just simply make outdoor apparel. They made high-quality, durable, popular products that outperformed their fast-fashion competition.Likewise, BluSky seeks to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide. But, we seek not simply to remove carbon. We seek to produce incredible products that form the bedrock of a future economy.This vision, I believe, gives us adaptability in the days ahead. In certain political climates, we will use deregulation and pro-business environments to work towards expediting the growth and deployment PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 01:02:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 680 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 / FastSensor, a pioneer in AI-powered analytics for live events, is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Chicago Auto Show, one of the most influential and attended automotive exhibitions in North America. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the trade show industry by bringing cutting-edge visitor engagement insights to exhibitors, enabling them to optimize their strategies and amplify their impact during the event.FastSensor & Chicago Auto Show FastSensor Partners with Chicago Auto Show to elevate exhibitor analytics and engagement Chicago Auto Show 2025The Chicago Auto Show boasts a diverse lineup of exhibitors, attracting some of the most prominent names in the automotive industry and beyond. These include major automotive manufacturers showcasing the latest models, concept vehicles and innovative technology.The show also features aftermarket accessory providers and specialty vendors, offering products and services that appeal to automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike. These exhibitors showcase performance parts, customization options, and other automotive enhancements that cater to the widespread interests of attendees from industry experts to car enthusiasts.This rich mix of exhibitors contributes to the show's reputation as a premier platform for launching new products and connecting with a wide range of stakeholders in the automotive industry.FastSensor's Innovative Analytics for Diverse ExhibitorsFastSensor's state-of-the-art ecosystem utilizes strategically placed sensors to discreetly capture and analyze foot traffic and visitor engagement. By tracking movement patterns and interactions, FastSensor equips exhibitors with comprehensive data on visitor behavior, engagement levels and traffic flow within their booths. These actionable insights are presented through tools such as conversion funnels, connected journey charts and heatmaps, empowering exhibitors to maximize their presence and effectiveness at the show."The Chicago Auto Show is a premier event, and partnering with them allows us to bring valuable, data-rich insights to exhibitors," said Daniel Bichara, CEO of FastSensor. "By offering tools that help exhibitors understand the show's audience and visitor behavior, we empower them to create more impactful and engaging booth experiences." Through FastSensor, exhibitors at the Chicago Auto Show will have access to detailed post-event reports, providing deep insights into visitor patterns, engagement hotspots and peak interaction times. These comprehensive analytics reports allow exhibitors to evaluate their performance and gather actionable takeaways for future event strategies. The ability to measure and assess engagement metrics empowers exhibitors to adjust booth layouts, refine content and improve overall effectiveness, ensuring a higher return on investment.Commitment to Innovation and Strategic Growth"Our collaboration with FastSensor reflects the Chicago Auto Show's dedication to providing exhibitors with innovative solutions that enhance their presence and performance," said Chris Konecki, Director of Operations for the Chicago Auto Show. "Equipping exhibitors with advanced analytics will allow them to connect more meaningfully with attendees, ultimately contributing to a more engaging and successful event for everyone involved." With this strategic partnership, the Chicago Auto Show and FastSensor set a new industry standard for exhibitor success. This collaboration underscores the commitment to harnessing technology to drive innovation, optimize event strategies and create an environment where exhibitors and attendees thrive.Learn MoreDiscover how FastSensor can elevate your exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show by visiting chicagoautoshow.com/fastsensor About FastSensorFounded in 2013 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, FastSensor is an AI-powered ecosystem that measures foot traffic and visitor engagement at events, exhibitions, and experiential spaces. FastSensor delivers actionable analytics to event organizers, venues, brands, and booth operators, enabling them to refine their strategies, enhance their impact, and transform the in-person event experience. To learn more, visit fastsensor.com About the Chicago Auto ShowFirst staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest-running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2025 Chicago Auto Show dates will be Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. To learn more, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com Contact InformationKalon WelchEVP of Business Developmentkalonw@ fastsensor.com 310-663-9321Hayley FeichterCommunications & Marketing Managereichter@ drivechicago.com 630-424-6002SOURCE: FastSensorView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 12:21:35 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 745 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 - VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture Presented by HKFDA- Showcasing the Pinnacle of Fashion ArtistryHONG KONG, Nov 8, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organized by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA) and sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture" will take place on November 25th at The Henderson, a new iconic building in Central.As a cornerstone of the inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest, this ground-breaking couture fashion show aims to connect the fashion circles of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the global community. It presents a rare opportunity to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship of couture designers worldwide while positioning Hong Kong as a pivotal fashion hub and a cultural bridge between East and West, ultimately benefiting the local economy.A Tribute to Couture FashionCouture is an essential aspect of the dynamic fashion industry, embodying the core aspirations of designerscreativity, craftsmanship, and quality. These enduring values will be beautifully showcased at the event, reflecting the cultural backgrounds and artistic expressions of the designers. Chief Executive Mr. John Lee recently noted that "talent is the prime resource and driving force that boosts economic development and competitiveness," a sentiment that resonates deeply within the fashion community, where innovation drives new designs.Through "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture," the HKFDA aims to establish an international fashion exchange platform in Hong Kong. Four renowned international couture designersCharles de Vilmorin from France, Mohamed Benchellal from the Netherlands, Cheney Chan from Mainland China, and Kay Kwok from Hong Kongwill share their insights and experiences within Hong Kongs vibrant fashion landscape. They will highlight how the citys advantages, including its status as a financial center, shipping hub, and innovation hotspot, create unique opportunities for growth and collaboration.With the total number of travelers in Hong Kong increasing by 64% year-on-year to 21 million in the first half of 2024, an anticipated 1.7 million participants are expected to attend the citys mega events, contributing over HK$7.2 billion in spending, according to government data. Hong Kong's domestic clothing exports also experienced a 28% growth in 2023 compared to 2022, says Mr. Yeung. We believe that events like VIRTUOSE are crucial in attracting global buyers and showcasing Hong Kong's unique position and talent on the world fashion stage. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we aim to reaffirm our presence in the industry and reimagine our future through haute couture, highlighting the exceptional talent of our designers and our city's strengths as a hub for creativity and finance. The Intersection of Four Fashion CulturesAs an 'East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange,' Hong Kong plays a vital role in advancing the fashion design industry, notes Mr. Yeung. The city's rich cultural environment allows local designers to draw inspiration from diverse influences, enhancing their creative output.The international designers will embody the cultural diversity that shapes their work, reflecting personal styles and the rich history of fashion. As Hong Kong positions itself as a talent hub, it showcases its appeal within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a mega events capital, and a city known for its favorable tax regime and quality education and healthcare services.The HKFDA is committed to nurturing local talent by providing platforms for exposure and collaboration, empowering designers to thrive in a competitive landscape. "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture" will highlight the essence of fashion design through innovative forms and techniques, focusing on sustainable practices and intricate details. This event will inspire designers, couture clients, media, and industry professionals, fostering appreciation for the rich tapestry of fashion and culture.Couture Trunk ShowsAs part of its mission, the HKFDA actively promotes the uniqueness of Hong Kong fashion on the global stage. Following the fashion show, trunk shows will provide opportunities for deeper engagement between designers and both local and international clients, offering a one-of-a-kind couture ordering experience.The recent establishment of the CCIDA enhances support for local designers, aiding them in exploring opportunities beyond Hong Kong. With the CCIDAs backing to facilitate cultural exchanges and collaborations with global designers, the HKFDAs trunk shows will not only create a platform for exchanging fashion insights but also strengthen the appreciation of diversity in fashion. This initiative is crucial for expanding the reach of Hong Kong's fashion designers and enriching the global fashion landscape with our unique cultural narratives, thereby enhancing the visibility of Hong Kong's vibrant fashion scene.Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/93756/ PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 15:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 453 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The rapidly expanding tech company expands their leadership in anticipation of pivotal contract awards.SANFORD, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 /Hoverfly Technologies, the leader in tethered drone technology, is excited to announce the promotion of Steve Topping to Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his new role, Steve will oversee the company's operational strategy and execution, focusing on continued growth and innovation in the field of tethered drone solutions.Steve Topping, COO Steve brings over 13 years of experience in helping technology and manufacturing companies scale and succeed. Since joining Hoverfly Technologies, Steve has made significant contributions, initially working in supply chain where he was instrumental in building a robust American-based supply chain, resulting in our Green List Certification affirming our NDAA Supply Chain compliance and certification. He has excelled in strategic sourcing and vendor management, negotiating strategic partnerships and competitive vendors in the manufacturing space. His efforts have strengthened Hoverfly's position as a trusted provider of cutting-edge drone technology to the U.S Military and abroad.Steve's ability to work closely with all departments has given him a deep understanding of Hoverfly's internal operations and its strategic needs. He was also responsible for the development and operation of Hoverfly's Missouri facility, which plays a critical role in testing and deliveringSentry- the flagship tethered drone system that positioned Hoverfly as the leader in tethered technology. His leadership and expertise have been key to Hoverfly's operational success, and most recently, he served as the Vice President of Operations.With a B.S. degree in accounting from Maryville University, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both operations and finance, making him an invaluable asset to Hoverfly Technologies as it continues to lead in innovation and expand its global presence."Steve's leadership and operational excellence have been pivotal to Hoverfly's growth," said Steve Walters, CEO of Hoverfly Technologies. "His understanding of the company's needs and his commitment to getting the job done made him a natural choice for COO. Steve is going to continue to drive our mission for continuous improvement to provide unmatched tethered drone solutions to our customers, while also bringing new ideas to the table concerning supply chain, quality assurance, product development, and overall performance." Steve Topping's promotion is just one of the many evolutions that Hoverfly has seen over the past several months. With a strong hiring initiative still underway, the receipt of Green List Certification, and a strong showing at AUSA 2024, Hoverfly Technologies is ecstatic to continue their streak of innovation and success in the coming months.Contact InformationTyler MarpleSenior Manager, Business Developmenttyler.marple@hoverflytech.com 407-985-4500Patrick FarrellCreative Directorpatrick.farrell@hoverflytech.com 407-985-4500SOURCE: Hoverfly TechnologiesView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 22:15:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1006 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / IEH Corporation (OTC PINK:IEHC) today filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024.For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, IEH had revenues of $7,341,124 as compared to $4,810,988 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, reflecting a 53% increase; an operating profit of $173,196 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to an operating loss of $1,120,435 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024; a net profit of $246,443 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to a net loss of $1,100,603 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024; and a basic earnings per share of $.10 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2025 as compared to a basic loss per share of $.46 for 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024.Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "IEH's notable improvements in our top and bottom lines continue apace. Similar to the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, IEH has experienced significant growth in this quarter compared to the same quarter of last year. Revenue, gross margins and operating income all increased considerably, our cash has grown 40% since the beginning of this fiscal year, and our selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs, which ballooned over the prior two fiscal years, has fallen 50% as a percentage of revenue, compared to the same quarter of last fiscal year. While our revenue and net income still do not approach our pre-COVID highs, it is nonetheless noteworthy when considering the difficulties of the last few years and the continued industry challenges. Growth may still be uneven from one quarter to the next while the commercial aircraft industry continues to produce below their target levels, but our long-term forecasts for that sector, along with strong growth projections in defense, commercial space launch and other markets we serve, bode well for IEH in the years ahead.On behalf of the management team and staff of IEH, we again wish to express our sincere gratitude for the support of our valued shareholders. We look forward to sharing more positive news in the coming months and quarters." About IEH CorporationFor over 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, medical, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings and Notice of Hearing pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 14, 2024, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business.Contact:Dave OffermanIEH Corporation dave@ iehcorp.com 718-492-4448SOURCE: IEH Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 16:00:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 955 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New non-dilutive financing solution to accelerate developmentBrand modernization through integration of blockchain technologiesStrengthened international visibility thanks to digital communitiesCommercial expansion and profitability optimization through digitalPARIS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / METAVISIO (Thomson Computing) (FR00140066X4; mnemonic code: ALTHO, bloomberg code: ALTHO:FP, reuters Code: ALTHO.PA) , a French company specializing in the design, production and marketing of portable computers, announces a strategic partnership with Code Craft for the launch of an innovative THOMSON Computing Token. This new digital asset will provide Metavisio with non-dilutive financing leverage.The launch of the THOMSON Computing Token marks a strategic milestone for Metavisio, allowing the brand to position the marketing of its computer ranges in digital finance, by integrating blockchain technologies. This initiative opens up new prospects for financing and customer engagement, with a Token offering holders exclusive benefits such as discounts on products and access to premium services to be developed as part of the sale of THOMSON computers. The Token also attracts a new generation of consumers, while consolidating the loyalty of existing customers.An innovative financing model based on Web3 technologyThe THOMSON Computing Token will be based on the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) model, which uses blockchain to decentralize and manage physical infrastructures. This approach offers a new source of liquidity, optimizes Metavisio's financing, and encourages customer engagement through a tokenized rewards system. Token holders will be able to access exclusive benefits, such as discounts on products and premium services.Non-dilutive financing leverage for global expansionThe THOMSON Computing Token offers a modern financing alternative that preserves shareholders' interests by maintaining the current shareholding structure. Metavisio partners with Code Craft to position itself at the center of blockchain trends, strengthening its international appeal while integrating customer loyalty tools. This strategic partnership enables THOMSON Computing to capture the attention of a new generation of consumers, while respecting investors' expectations.Stephan Francais, CEO of Metavisio, declare:"This non-dilutive financing innovation provides a new source of liquidity for Metavisio, while boosting customer engagement.Thanks to this Token utility, Metavisio can raise funds for its expansion without impacting the shares held by its shareholders. The launch of the THOMSON Computing Token allows us to combine our IT expertise with an innovative approach to digital finance. This Token is designed to attract new investors and consumers while strengthening the loyalty of our existing customers. This new business represents a strategic asset and non-dilutive financing that modernizes our brand and strengthens our presence in new international markets. It represents a decisive step towards digital finance and blockchain.A strategic partnership for Metavisio's growth in Web3.With Code Craft - a group of companies specialized in cryptocurrency - Metavisio benefits from the expertise of Dverse, Inferno Labs, and Community3. These companies, in partnership, provide a six- to twelve-week acceleration program for the secure and seamless integration of Metavisio into the Web3 ecosystem. This partnership has enabled prestigious brands such as Lamborghini (Bloomberg code: LGB:MK) and Ubisoft (FR00054470 - UBI, Reuter: UBIP.PA , Bloomberg: UBI FP) to seize unique investment and innovation opportunities.Key points of the Code Craft partnershipComprehensive Token Launch Strategy: Design, public launch, white paper review, and ongoing support.Public Relations and Communication: Increased visibility through press releases and monthly press release and articles, with support before, during, and after the launch.Community Management: Management of KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and influencers, 24/7 moderation, interactive campaigns, and events on X, Discord, and Telegram to boost engagement.Social network Consulting: Strategy and management to extend brand visibility and attract new audiences.THOMSON Computing brand modernizationSince its creation, THOMSON Computing has been recognized for its reliable and accessible computer products. With the launch of this Token, the brand is modernizing its image by adopting blockchain technologies and exploring new forms of interaction with its users, particularly through Tokenization. By integrating this Token into its financing operations, THOMSON Computing is positioning its technological expertise at part of a broader strategy, where innovation and customer engagement converge to meet the demands of a constantly evolving market.Token Utility: An Innovative Way to Reward and Build LoyaltyA Token utility is a digital token that provides specific benefits within an ecosystem. At Metavisio - THOMSON Computing, the utility token will allow customers to benefit from discounts on products and access exclusive services, enhancing their commitment and loyalty.In the case of Metavisio, the Token utility will enable customers to benefit from discounts on THOMSON Computing products and access exclusive benefits. It does not represent a share in the company so it has no direct investment value.About Code CraftCode Craft brings together the companies Dverse, Inferno Labs, and Community3, three entities that collaborate to offer a Web3 acceleration program. Led by Alexander Rees-Evans, a recognized expert in tokenization and digital transformation, as well as an author of several books and a mentor at Techstars, Code Craft has guided numerous renowned companies in their transition to Web3. With deep expertise in blockchain, Code Craft has helped create liquidity and investment solutions without impacting core equity.About METAVISIO-THOMSON ComputingTHOMSON Computing METAVISIO - THOMSON Computing (FR00140066X4)(Euronext:ALTHO), is a French company specializing in the research, design, and marketing of laptops under the THOMSON Computing brand. Founded in 2013, METAVISIO - THOMSON Computing offers a range of products featuring "the latest technology at the best price." METAVISIO is eligible for the PEA-PME investment plan (a French tax-efficient investment plan for small and medium-sized enterprises) and holds the Innovative Company qualification (FCPI). More information is available at: www.metavisio.eu Contact for Investor and media InquiriesGabriel Rafaty metavisio@ aimpact.net Disclaimer on Securities and Investment InformationThis press release does not constitute an offer to sell o PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 14:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1061 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 /NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSXV:NOAL) ("NOA" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the first tranche of the $2.7 million non-brokered private placement ("Private Placement") for the sale of 5,368,217 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.17 per Unit for gross proceeds of $912,596. All amounts are expressed herein in Canadian dollars. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.221 for a period of 30 months from the date of issuance.NOA's Chief Executive Officer, Gabriel Rubacha, states: "This initial commitment demonstrates the high potential for the Company and particularly for our flagship project Rio Grande. Additionally, with nearly $900,000 invested by management in this financing, it demonstrates our continued confidence and commitment in the Company. This private placement together with Clean Elements investment, which is expected to close in December 2024, will allow NOA to continue its exploration and development of Rio Grande with the target of achieving a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) during the second half of 2025. We are confident the results of this study will confirm the high potential of our asset for the economic production of lithium." The Company plans to use the proceeds of the Private Placement primarily to continue exploration of its properties with a focus on its Rio Grande project. The Private Placement is subject to a statutory 4-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance. The Company has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the Private Placement and will apply to receive final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities regulatory authorities.Gabriel Rubacha, Hernan Zaballa and Estanislao Zaballa, directors and officers of the Company (the "Insiders"), subscribed for an aggregate of 5,278,217 Common Shares in the Private Placement.The subscription by each of the Insiders are considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing date of the Private Placement as the details of the Private Placement and the participation therein by the Insiders were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Private Placement, and the Company wished to close the Private Placement on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements available under MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the Company is not listed or quoted on a specified market. Additionally, the Company is exempt from minority shareholder approval requirement in section 5.6 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the Insiders, is not more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.About NOA Lithium Brines Inc.NOA is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire and develop assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by industry leaders. NOA has rapidly consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in this region that is not owned by a producing company, with key positions on three prospective salars (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) and a total portfolio of approximately 100,000 hectares.On Behalf of the Board of Directors,Gabriel Rubacha Chief Executive Officer and DirectorFor Further InformationWebsite: www.noalithium.com Email: info@ noalithium.com Telephone: +54-9-11-5060-4709Alternative Telephone: +1-403-571-8013Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the completion of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the operations of the Company, approval by the TSXV and any other regulatory bodies and shareholder approval. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.While the Company considers these statements to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include market risks and the demand for securities of the Company, risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to in PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 18:46:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 413 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / OnePoint Patient Care ("OPPC") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of approximately 800,000 customers. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to OPPC.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 8, 2024, OPPC detected suspicious activity on its IT Network. OPPC launched an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the cyber incident. On August 15, 2024, OPPC's investigation confirmed that between August 6 and 8, 2024, an unauthorized third party obtained customers' sensitive personal information.OPPC's investigation discovered that the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been exposed in the data breach: Names, Addresses, Medical record numbers, Diagnosis and prescription information, and Social Security numbers. On October 14, 2024, OPPC posted a notice of incident on its website, and soon after, began sending notice letters to individuals impacted by the data breach. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter fromOPPC,you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 01:11:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 550 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 /Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:QPM)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB:CJCFF) (" QPM " or the " Corporation ") announces that an aggregate of 221,165 common shares will be issued in settlement of services of three current directors of the Corporation in an aggregate amount of $19,462.52, as per the shares for services agreements entered with three current directors (the " Shares for Services Arrangement ") (see press release dated June 21, 2024 ). The services are paid in connection with services rendered by three current directors during the third quarter of the financial year ending January 31, 2025.The Board of Directors and Management of QPM believes that the Shares for Services Arrangement is in the best interests of QPM as it will help the Corporation preserve its cash position.The common shares to be issued pursuant to the Shares for Services Arrangement will be issued at a deemed price of $0.088 per share and will be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable securities regulations and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV ").The Shares for Services Arrangement is considered a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101" ). The Shares for Services Arrangement will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as QPM's securities are not listed on any stock exchange identified in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and neither the fair market value of the common shares to be issued in the Shares for Services Arrangement nor of the services provided in connection with the debts which are the subject of the Shares for Services Arrangement shall exceed 25% of QPM's market capitalization.Deferred shares unitsThe Company announces the issuance of 107,955 deferred stock units (the " DSUs ") to the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to its Deferred Share Unit Plan (the " DSU Plan "). This follows the decision that from May 1, 2022, the CEO's salary compensation will be paid 80% in cash and the other 20% of compensation will be paid in Differed DSUs quarterly. These DSUs represent the portion for the third quarter of 2025. In accordance with the DSU Plan, the DSUs shall vest in accordance with the terms of agreements granting same and one year from the date of such grant, subject to the provisions of TSXV Policy 4.4 and the Company's security based compensation plan, and are payable in common shares of the Company, or in cash at the sole discretion of the Company, upon the holder ceasing to be an employee of the Company.About Quebec Precious Metals CorporationQPM has a large land position in the highly prospective Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. The Corporation focuses on advancing its Sakami gold project and its newly discovered, drill-ready Ninaaskuwin lithium showing on the Elmer East project. In addition, the Corporation holds a 68% interest in the Kipawa rare earths project located near Temiscaming, Quebec.For more information please contact:Normand ChampignyChief Executive OfficerTel.: 514 979-4746 nchampigny@ qpmcorp.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 09:30:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 951 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New financial forces born out of economic crisisNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Against the backdrop of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, rising unemployment rates and intensified employment difficulties, SEOKORE TECHNOLOGY INC. independently developed an AI automated trading intelligent system in 2021 under the leadership of its founder and set about establishing a team. SEOKORE was finally born in New York, USA in August 2024, bringing new hope to the financial services sector.Founder Maxim Kalmykov created the SEOKORE intelligent trading platform with his keen insight, combined with strategies and advanced AI technology. This innovative move not only uses AI automated trading and the Marketing 4.0 model to open up new sources of income for people, but also injects strong momentum into economic recovery. The Marketing 4.0 model is cleverly embedded in the financial services industry. Users can participate in platform promotion after registration, becoming both customers and promoters, achieving a win-win situation.Company IntroductionAfter its official establishment, SEOKORE aspires to become one of the world's leading financial service providers. The company has advanced financial concepts and helps users achieve efficient investment and returns in the financial market through AI super-intelligent trading tools. Its concept is to promote economic recovery through AI full-dimensional perception intelligent trading tools combined with the marketing 4.0 model; SEOKORE is determined to become the world's leading financial service platform, leading the new era of global financial inclusion, and bringing hope and opportunities to every user; through intelligent trading technology, it helps users achieve more efficient investment management and wealth appreciation in the global financial market. Leading the development of the financial industry and promoting global economic recovery has always been SEOKORE's unchanging mission!Diversified business, leading the new trend of investment1. New forces in stock market investmentThrough its unique intelligent analysis engine, it integrates global stock market data resources and deeply mines potential value information. Using cutting-edge clustering algorithms, it classifies and analyzes the financial data, operating models, market competitiveness and other factors of a large number of listed companies, and screens out high-quality corporate targets with high growth potential and stable profit models.It is worth mentioning that in the Asian financial market, Japan is an important financial force, and some characteristics and trends of its stock market also provide references for SEOKORE's analysis. For example, the technological innovation and stable operating model of Japanese companies in certain specific industries provide SEOKORE with a new perspective when screening global high-quality stock targets.SEOKORE also carefully creates personalized stock investment portfolios for investors. Based on the risk parity model, combined with the correlation, volatility and changes in the macroeconomic environment between various stock assets, the weight allocation of stocks in different sectors in the portfolio is dynamically adjusted. At the same time, with the help of big data simulation technology, the performance of the investment portfolio under different market scenarios is stress tested, and response strategies are formulated in advance to ensure that the portfolio can move forward steadily under various market conditions.2. A Stable Choice - ESG and Target Date FundsSEOKORE's ESG funds focus on environmental, social and corporate governance factors, invest in sustainable companies, and are stable and supported by policies in the current trend of increasing attention to corporate social responsibility in society. Target date funds are designed for specific goals such as retirement planning, and asset allocation becomes more conservative over time, providing a safe choice for long-term investors.3. Product portfolio that takes both flexibility and stability into accountBond ETFs combine the stability of bonds with the flexibility of ETFs, providing investors with a new way to balance risk and return. REITs allow investors to indirectly invest in real estate through stocks to obtain rental and appreciation income, opening up new investment channels in the real estate sector. Short-term fixed income products have become a cash substitute in a low-interest environment, meeting investors' needs for liquidity and stability.The Japanese financial market also has rich experience and innovative initiatives in the fields of bond and real estate investment. SEOKORE draws inspiration from this and continuously optimizes its product portfolio to provide investors with more competitive investment options.4. Fintech empowers investmentSmart investment advisors automatically configure and manage portfolios based on algorithms, which is suitable for novice investors and reduces investment thresholds and management costs. Asset-backed securities have enriched fixed-income investment options and are gradually accepted by more investors as financial innovations emerge. Index funds track market indices, diversify risks, and attract many investors with their low costs and long-term stable returns. Green bonds raise funds for environmental protection projects, have low risks and are supported by policies, which is in line with the current concept of sustainable development. Sustainable investment achieves both social and economic benefits and has become an emerging investment trend.Cutting-edge technology drives financial innovation1. AI full-dimensional perception strategyThe company's core technology has been upgraded from intelligent trading strategy to AI full-dimensional perception strategy, which is a major breakthrough for SEOKORE in the field of financial technology. Deep integration with the SEOKORE platform has opened up unprecedented diversified and innovative development prospects for the financial trading market. It breaks the limitations of traditional financial analysis, and has a comprehensive, multi-level and intelligent perspective to understand the market, providing investors with more accurate, efficient and safe investment decision-making support. It also lays a solid technical foundation for the rise of SEOKORE in the global financial field, leading financial transactions to a new era full of infinite possibilities."Full-dimensional" means that the strategy perceives market information from multiple dimensions, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, market sentiment, etc. At the technical analysis level, through deep learning algorithms to analyze massive historical data, it can PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 03:01:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2024 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against The Toronto-Dominion Bank ("TD Bank" or the "Company") (NYSE:TD). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether TD Bank and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 23, 2024, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired TD Bank securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On October 10, 2024, TD Bank disclosed that it had pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $3 billion in penalties to resolve investigations by U.S. authorities into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and money laundering. The resolution of the investigations also included an asset cap preventing TD Bank's U.S. subsidiaries from collectively exceeding $434 billion in assets and subjects TD Bank to more stringent approval processes for its products, services, and market rollouts. In a corresponding press release, the U.S. Department of Justice described TD Bank as "the largest bank in U.S. history to plead guilty to Bank Secrecy Act program failures, and the first US bank in history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering." On this news, TD Bank's stock price fell $4.07 per share, or 6.41%, to close at $59.44 per share on October 10, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 18:06:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 431 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / NEW YORK, November 8, 2024 (ACCESSWIRE) Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Paragon 28, Inc. ("Paragon 28" or the "Company") (NYSE:FNA). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Paragon 28 and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until November 29, 2024, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Paragon 28 securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 30, 2024, Paragon 28 disclosed that its previously reported financial results for 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 were unreliable. The Company admitted to material weaknesses in its internal controls and disclosed significant accounting errors. Specifically, Paragon 28 understated its cost of goods sold by 19%, resulting in an overstated operating loss by 22% and net loss by 20%.On this news, Paragon 28's stock price fell $1.24 per share, or 13.73%, to close at $7.79 per share on July 31, 2024.Then, on August 8, 2024, Paragon 28 reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, the Company said that it now expects full-year revenue between $249 million and $255 million, down from a previous range of $249 million to $259 million. Paragon 28 further disclosed that, in an effort to cut costs and preserve cash, it is implementing an operational efficiency strategy that includes laying off approximately 7% of its workforce, as well as reducing inventory and adjusting executive compensation.Following these announcements, Paragon 28's stock price fell $1.67 per share, or 20.1%, to close at $6.64 per share on August 9, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 18:01:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 809 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VC Manager creates product tailor-made for Family Offices focused on diversified strategyMIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Skypointer Capital, operated by a dedicated management team with decades of experience across the investment and operational lifecycle, is announcing the closing of its first Venture Capital fund, reaching a total of USD $30 million to invest in the global technology sector. Skypointer has created a unique product specifically geared towards Family Offices that grants access to the world of Venture Capital (VC) with an emphasis on a more diversified strategy.Through a combination of investments in funds focusing on early-stage startups and direct investments in companies that have already reached mature phases (series C onwards), investors are invited to diversify their VC portfolio through a single ticket covering multiple geographies (United States, Europe, and Latin America), development stages (from pre-seed to growth) and industry verticals. Featured companies in Skypointer fund's current portfolio include industry leaders such as Scale AI, the artificial intelligence company that recently raised a series F led by Accel along with Nvidia and Amazon; Refurbed, the leading European marketplace for refurbished electronics; and Kushki, a digital payments company in Latin America. These investments exemplify the fund's focus on identifying and supporting companies with high growth and transformative potential in their respective sectors."VC has been one of the best-performing assets in the last decade. However, many Family Offices have been harmed by not approaching the space in the right way, through lack of access or insufficient diversification," said Daniel Sakovics, Partner at Skypointer. "Through Skypointer, many of these investors can now build a risk-adjusted portfolio, but with a greater return potential than a traditional Fund of Funds strategy, and with the added bonus of access to direct investment opportunities." "Large, sophisticated investment institutions such as endowments and sovereign wealth funds have long combined a hybrid funds-direct approach in venture. We saw the opportunity to create a product that offers a tried and tested strategy to a different segment of the market, who otherwise may not have this level of access", added Pablo Ortega, Partner at Skypointer.The Skypointer team is helmed by three partners with extensive experience in Venture Capital asset management and entrepreneurship. Pablo Ortega, head of Alternatives at Proaltus and former investment banker, Daniel Sakovics, an investor at several international technology investment funds such as Banco Sabadell and Target Global; and Manuel Serna, entrepreneur and former investor and entrepreneur. The team has previously invested using similar strategies through several institutions and saw a gap in the market to combine their experience and launch Skypointer.About Skypointer Capital:Skypointer is an investment manager of Skypointer Ventures Fund I, where Proaltus Asset Management USA LLC, a subsidiary of Proaltus Group (>$1bn AUM), acts as General Partner. Skypointer deploys a unique strategy designed to capture the high return of Venture Capital while mitigating risk. Skypointer will provide a high level of diversification across verticals, vintages, and geographies in early-stage companies by balancing investments between backing emerging early-stage VCs and direct investments into Series B, C, and D companies alongside Tier 1 Funds. Skypointer Fund has already invested in 12 funds across the United States, Europe, and Latin America, and it has already constructed a portfolio of over 500 startups.IMPORTANT DISCLOSURESThis material has been prepared by Skypointer Capital LLC ("SKYPOINTER").SKYPOINTER is a subsidiary of PROALTUS USA, INC, a Registered Investment Advisor located in Miami, Florida. The registration above in no way imply that the SEC or any other regulatory agency has endorsed any of the entities, products or services discussed herein.The information in this material is for illustration and discussion purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, investment, tax or legal advice, any recommendation or opinion regarding the appropriateness or suitability of any investment or strategy, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any interest in any security, including any interest in a private fund, pool, investment product, managed account or other investment vehicle advised or managed by the Portfolio Manager.Any descriptions involving investment process, investment examples, statistical analysis, investment strategies or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, may be changed in the discretion of the Portfolio Manager and are not intended to reflect performance.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Distribution of this material may be restricted in certain jurisdictions. This material is not intended for distribution or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.Additional information about Proaltus USA Inc., is also available on the SEC's website atwww.adviserinfo.sec.gov Press Information: Veronica Welchronnie@ vewpr.comVEW MediaSOURCE: Skypointer Capital PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 12:30:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 992 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SOUTH BEND, IN / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN:STRW) (the "Company") reported today its operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS100% of contractual rents collected.On July 12, 2024, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). On August 1, 2024, the SEC declared the Registration Statement effective. In connection with the Registration Statement the Company established an at-the-market equity program (the "ATM Program"). The ATM Program will allow the Company to issue and sell to the public from time to time, at the Company's discretion, newly issued shares of common stock. The ATM Program is expected to provide the Company with additional financing flexibility and intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program to increase stock liquidity and facilitate growth.On August 30, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition for two skilled nursing facilities with 254 licensed beds near San Antonio, TX. The acquisition was for $15.25 million. The Company funded the acquisition utilizing cash from the balance sheet. The facilities are leased to the Tide Health Group, a 3rd party operator. The properties are leased in the Texas Master Lease 2, which includes an annual base rent of $1.5 million dollars with 3% annual rent increases and an initial term of 10 years with two options of 5 year extensions.On September 25, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of a property comprised of an 83-bed skilled nursing facility and 23 bed assisted living facility near Nashville, Tennessee. The acquisition was for $6.7 million and the Company funded the acquisition by assuming $2.8 million of existing debt on the facilities, $3.1 million was paid by the Company issuing common stock to the seller, and another $0.8 million by transferring other assets to the seller. The property was leased to Infinity, a related party operator. The property annual rent is $670 thousand dollars and the property will be added to the Tennessee Master LeaseFor the quarters ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023:FFO was $15.2 million and $12.0 million, respectively.AFFO was $14.3 million and $11.5 million, respectively.Net income was $6.9 million and $4.7 million, respectively.Rental income received was $29.5 million and $25.8 million, respectively.For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023:FFO was $44.6 million and $35.8 million, respectively.AFFO was $41.6 million and $37.9 million, respectively.Net income was $19.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively.Rental income received was $86.6 million and $74.3 million, respectively.Moishe Gubin, the Company's Chairman & CEO, noted: "During the third quarter we were pleased to have completed our Form S-3 Registration Statement and we have begun issuing shares under our ATM program. These shares mark the first time that the Company has issued new shares to the Public Markets and we look forward to the benefits of strengthening our balance sheet and increasing our stocks liquidity.Mr. Gubin continued to say "During the quarter the Company closed on real estate acquisitions in Tennessee and Texas. This marks our 16th facility in Tennessee and 5th facility in Texas and we look forward to continuing to grow our footprint in both these states. We continue to have a robust pipeline and look forward to closing on additional deals as we near year-end." Q3 2024 Quarterly Results of Operations:Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2023:Rental revenues: The increase in rental revenues of $3.7 million or 14.3% is due to higher income from the purchase of additional properties and lease renewals.Depreciation and Amortization: The increase in depreciation and amortization of $1.1 million or 14.4% is primarily due to new properties and lease rights purchased since September 30, 2023 offset by lower depreciation from fully depreciated assets.Interest expense, net: The increase in interest expense of $725 thousand or 9.2% is primarily due to an increase in the additional interest on a new loan from Popular Bank, the Series A Bond issuance and a Series D Bonds issuance that occurred since 3Q 2023.Net Income: The increase in net income from $4.7 million during the third quarter of 2023, to $6.9 million income during the third quarter of 2024 is primarily a result of higher rental income in the third quarter of 2024 offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses, higher interest expense, lower general and administrative expenses, and lower property taxes.Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023:Rental revenues: The increase in rental revenue of $12.2 million or 16.5% is due to renegotiation of certain leases, acquisition of new properties and renewal of leases.Depreciation and Amortization: The increase in depreciation and amortization of $3.4 million or 16.0% is primarily purchases of new properties and lease rights offset by lower depreciation from fully depreciated assets.Loss on real estate investment impairment: In February 2023, one facility under one of our southern Illinois master leases was closed. The closure was made at the request of the tenant and was mainly for efficiency reasons. This facility was leased under a master lease with two other facilities. The closure did not result in any reduction in the aggregate rent payable under the master lease, which was paid without interruption. However, the closure did result in a write off of the remaining book value of the property and an impairment loss on the P&L. On April 30, 2024, the company sold the property to The Village of Smithton, a municipality in Illinois, and paid off the outstanding mortgage. The sale of the property did not result in any material P&L impact.General and administrative: The increase in general and administrative of $1.1 million or 27.4% is primarily a result of higher insurance, higher corporate salaries and other expenses.Interest expense, net: The increase in interest expense of $6.0 million or 33.6% is primarily related to additional interest on a new loan from Popular Bank, a Series A bond issuance and a Series D bond issuance that occurred since the third quarter of 2023Miscellaneous Expense: The decrease in miscellaneous expense of $1.0 million is the result of a fee paid to an investment banking firm in connection with the cancellation of an agreement with respect to a proposed financing transaction.Net Income: The increase in net income to $19.9 mil PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 21:18:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 478 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in TD Bank, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/the-toronto-dominion-bank Investors have until December 23, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in TD Bank securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and is captioned Tiessen v. The Toronto-Dominion Bank., et al., No. 24-cv-08032.What is the Lawsuit About?TD Bank is the 10th largest bank in the United States. The complaint alleges that TD Bank made materially false and misleading statements about the scope of its anti-money laundering program.On October 10, 2024, TD Bank pleaded guilty to criminal money-laundering-related charges and agreed to pay more than $3 billion in fines to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve, the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The Comptroller of the Currency also imposed an "asset cap" that prevents TD Bank from growing any larger than its current size.The news caused a significant decline in the price of TD Bank stock. On October 10, 2024, the price of the company's stock fell 6.4%, from a closing price of $63.51 per share on October 9, 2024, to $59.44 per share on October 10, 2024.Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/the-toronto-dominion-bank What Can You Do?If you invested in TD Bank you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 14:11:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 620 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TD Investors Who Purchased on the NYSE and Suffered Losses Encouraged to Contact the FirmSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / On October 23, 2024, Moody's downgraded the long-term ratings of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) and its U.S. subsidiaries in response to the company's guilty plea earlier in the month to having engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering and agreement to pay a $3 billion fine.The ratings downgrade comes on the heels of a recently filed federal securities class action lawsuit against The Toronto-Dominion Bank and several of its most senior executives and alleges that they misled investors about the extent of the bank's anti-money laundering (AML) program deficiencies.Hagens Berman urges only investors who purchased The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) shares on the New York Stock Exchange and who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 29, 2024 - Oct. 9, 2024Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Dec. 23, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/td Contact the Firm Now: TD@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895The Toronto-Dominion Bank Securities Class Action (TD):The truth about TD's malfeasance emerged on October 10, 2024, when the U.S. Department of Justice announced that TD's U.S. subsidiaries had pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The resolution included a $3.09 billion fine, an asset cap, and increased regulatory oversight.The DOJ found that TD Bank intentionally did not automatically monitor a staggering 92% of transactions, or $18.3 trillion, from January 1, 2018 to April 12, 2024. The DOJ also said that the company's internal audit "repeatedly identified concernsabout its transaction monitoring program, a key element of an appropriate AML program necessary to properly detect and report suspicious activities." Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said "[f]or years, TD Bank starved its compliance program of the resources needed to obey the law." Attorney General Merrick Garland said "[b]y making its services available for criminals, TD Bank became one[,]" adding "[t]oday, TD Bank also became the largest bank in U.S history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering[]" and "TD Bank chose profits over compliance with the law." Following the announcement, TD Bank's stock price plummeted, losing over 10% in the two days after the news broke."TD Bank's alleged misconduct represents a serious breach of trust with its investors. We believe that investors deserve to be compensated for the losses they suffered as a result of the bank's alleged misleading statements," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Toronto-Dominion and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Toronto-Dominion case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Toronto-Dominion should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email TD@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 22:05:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 795 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / Tortoise Capital today announced the estimated capital gain distributions for its open end mutual funds to be paid in the calendar year 2024.To assist our shareholders with year-end planning, we are providing estimates of the per-share capital gain distributions expected to be paid during 2024. These estimates were prepared using capital gain amounts as of October 31, 2024. The estimates are being provided for informational purposes only and may not include all required tax adjustments. The final per-share amounts will be based on the actual number of shares outstanding on the Fund's record date which may differ significantly from the number of shares outstanding at the time these estimates were prepared. Please keep in mind that the following amounts are estimates and subject to change. The final amounts will be reported to you on Form 1099-DIV, which will be mailed in early 2025.Fund nameTickerEstimated short-term capital gainsEstimated long-term capital gainsTortoise Energy Infrastructure Total Return FundTORIX/TORTX/TORCX$0.00$0.00Tortoise Energy Infrastructure and Income FundINFRX/INFFX/INFIX$0.00$0.00About Tortoise CapitalWith approximately $8.6 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 30, 2024, Tortoise Capital's record of investment experience and research dates back more than 20 years. As an early investor in midstream energy, Tortoise Capital believes it is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the global energy evolution that is under way. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is an SEC-registered fund manager that invests primarily in publicly traded companies in the energy and power infrastructure sectors-from production to transportation to distribution. For more information about Tortoise Capital, visit http://www.TortoiseAdvisors.com About Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Total Return FundThe Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Total Return Fund focuses on the large and diverse North American pipeline universe. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of energy infrastructure companies that process, transport, store, and market natural gas or natural gas liquids, refined products and crude oil (i.e., midstream infrastructure) as well as generate, transport and distribute electricity (i.e., power and renewable infrastructure. The fund is designed to provide access to the sizable pipeline network of one of the world's largest consumers of energy, efficient tax flow-through structure, one 1099 (no K-1s), no unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) and IRA and tax-exempt suitability.About Tortoise Energy Infrastructure and Income FundThe Tortoise Energy Infrastructure and Income Fund invests in securities across the capital structure of energy infrastructure companies; including common equity, preferred equity, bonds and MLPs. The fund's goal is to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns, greater liquidity, and lower volatility relative to the Alerian MLP Index over a market cycle.DisclosuresTortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is the adviser to the Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Total Return Fund and Tortoise Energy Infrastructure and Income Fund.Quasar Distributors, LLC, distributor.Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal, or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax advisor or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation.The funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The summary and statutory prospectus contains this and other important information about the funds and may be obtained by calling 855-TCA-FUND (855-822-3863) or visiting www.TortoiseAdvisors.com . Read it carefully before investing.Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.Safe harbor statementThis press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains certain statements that may include "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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Although the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the fund's reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors do not assume a duty to update this forward-looking statement.Media ContactsMargaret Kirch Cohen/Richard ChimbergNewton Park PR+1 847-507-2229+1 617-312-4281 margaret@ newtonparkpr.comrich@newtonparkpr.com SOURCE: Tortoise Capital PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 11:45:23 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 535 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 Redefining Home Security in Malaysia with Advanced AI and Smart TechnologyKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - TRIO Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. (TRIO), a leading distributor of high-quality automotive and security products in Malaysia has officially launched the renowned Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) brand 360 Botslab under 360 Smart Life Group in the Malaysian market.The launch showcased 360 Botslabs latest innovations in smart home security, featuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven technology designed to enhance everyday security and convenience for Malaysian households. The extensive innovative range of smart home products, including indoor and outdoor cameras, dash cams, video doorbells and Kids watches will provide Malaysian consumers with reliable and intuitive security solutions that are easy to integrate into their homes for enhanced safety and convenience.David Yap Chong Huat, Managing Director of TRIO Sales & Services said, Were thrilled to bring 360 Botslabs AI-powered security products to Malaysia. Our mission is to empower households with intelligent, seamless security solutions. With advanced technology and our commitment to quality, were confident these products will bring new convenience and peace of mind. We look forward to seeing Malaysian consumers embrace this new era of smart home security. Mars Ma, Senior Vice President of 360 Botslab, said, Our products have been well received across Asia and were excited about the Malaysian market. Featured today is the C221 indoor camera, a 5MP high-definition device with dual-band WiFi and eight AI-powered functions, including cry detection, face recognition, pet detection, and area intrusion alerts. Priced at RM 329, it offers an accessible security solution for families. For outdoor monitoring, TRIO introduced the W312 outdoor camera, which offers 360-degree rotational capabilities, 4MP resolution, and full-colour night vision, ensuring precise coverage in any lighting condition. With dual-band WiFi connectivity, IP66 water resistance, and noise reduction technology, the W312 is a durable and reliable choice for outdoor security, priced at RM339. Another highlight was the W302 outdoor camera, featuring dual wide-angle lenses for wider coverage, ideal for larger properties and available at RM449.Through this partnership, TRIO aims to redefine home security standards in Malaysia, making advanced smart technology accessible to a wider audience. The launch event not only introduces 360 Botslabs products but also underscores TRIOs commitment to leading the market with innovative solutions that address the evolving consumers evolving needs.Find out more about the TRIO at https://www.facebook.com/TrioAutoMalaysia/?locale=ms_MY Hi-Res Images. Please download hi-res product images from this link.For media information, kindly contact:Triven Marketing Group, for TRIO Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd.Jazzmin WanEmail: j.wan@ swanconsultancy.biz Mandy TanEmail: m.tan@ swanconsultancy.biz ABOUT 360 Botslab360 Botslab, a global AIoT brand under the renowned 360 Smart Life Group, specialises in developing innovative and intelligent security products designed to enhance the safety and convenience of modern homes. Inheriting 360s security DNA, 360 Botslab integrates cutting-edge AI technology into its extensive range of products, including indoor and outdoor cameras, car dash cameras, doorbell cameras, children's smart watches, WiFi routers, and robotic vacuums. With a mission to make advanced security accessible and user-friendly, 360 Botslab has established itself as a trusted choice for millions of households worldwide, empowering users to monitor and protect their homes with ease and confidence. PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 18:01:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 857 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAINT-AGNANT, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / The inauguration of VoltAero's final assembly facility and headquarters at Rochefort Airport today marks a major new step toward certification and production of the company's Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family, ushering in a new era of sustainable regional air transportation.This computer-generated image depicts the buildup of Cassio aircraft in VoltAero's final assembly facility at Rochefort Airport in the Charente-Maritime department of France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.Located at Saint Agnant in the Charente-Maritime department of France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, this purpose-built 2,400-square-meter facility is the primary hub for production and delivery of Cassio-family aircraft, supported by VoltAero's on-site design, engineering, flight test and administrative departments. It is sized for the assembly of 150 Cassio airplanes annually at full rate, to be backed by additional production sites that are to be created in other key geographical markets.During today's inauguration ceremony, VoltAero's realistic approach to the development, certification and production of its Cassio aircraft family was underscored by Jean Botti, the company's CEO & Chief Technology Officer."We are addressing the highly important market requirement to connect thousands of communities and regions around the world with truly sustainable and efficient advanced regional air mobility - while remaining fully compatible with the airport and air traffic control infrastructure," he said. "Additionally, our patented electric-hybrid propulsion system for Cassio provides the dual-source power to fly safely and is based on electric battery technology that is available today." Botti noted that France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region has been at the heart of e-aviation since 2008 - when Botti and members of his team built and flew the pioneering Cri-Cri and E-Fan all electric airplanes while at Airbus. This was followed by VoltAero's development of the company's electric-hybrid propulsion system, which will serve as the functional heart of the Cassio airplane family and has been validated on the Cassio S testbed aircraft.Alain Rousset, the President of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, said VoltAero's Cassio production site and headquarters at Rochefort Airport further reinforces Nouvelle-Aquitaine's position as an innovative leader in decarbonization and sustainability."VoltAero's presence here underscores the capability of Nouvelle-Aquitaine to offer resources for the development of skills and solutions for tomorrow; as well as attracting, guiding and training talent to meet recruitment challenges for the new professions in sustainability," Rousset explained.Aligned with VoltAero's strategy of developing Cassio as a highly eco-efficient aircraft, the company's Rochefort Airport industrial facility has been designed with the emphasis on sustainability. In addition to meeting or exceeding the requirements of France's RT 2005 regulations for energy-efficient buildings, the project management team went further with features that include a mixed concrete/wood structural design and the use of wooden floors where appropriate, integration of skylights for natural lighting, along with rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic panels for electrical power.The facility has direct access to Rochefort Airport's 2,280-meter-long X 45-meter-wide runway, as well as the availability of the region's road, rail and sea transportation links. Its master plan includes the potential for future growth, as well as enabling suppliers and service providers to develop their own presence as they support the Cassio production."With VoltAero's cornerstone presence, we look forward to the future evolution of an industrial ecosystem for sustainable aviation at Rochefort Airport and in the vicinity," stated Gerard Pons, President of the Syndicat Mixte des Aeroports de La Rochelle - Ile de Re et Rochefort - Charente-Maritime.The Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family consists of three versions that seat from five to 12 persons, and which are tailored for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private and business owners/operators, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications.VoltAero's first production aircraft version will be the Cassio 330, with a four/five-seat interior configuration and operating on a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 330 kilowatts. It is to be followed by the six-seat Cassio 480 with a combined electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts, and the Cassio 600 - sized at a 10/12-seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.The VoltAero propulsion concept is unique: the Cassio aircraft will utilize Safran ENGINeUS electric motors for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (if the distance traveled is less than 150 km.), and landing. The hybrid feature - with the internal combustion engine from Kawaskai Motors - comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.By integrating VoltAero's patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the company's purpose-designed airframe, the Cassio aircraft will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition and provide significantly lower operational costs.Watch the video for highlights from the inauguration ceremony >>>About VoltAero ( www.voltaero.aero) VoltAero is taking electric aircraft to an entirely new level. Benefitting from 80-plus years of combined pioneering expertise, VoltAero is developing a truly unique general aviation airplane family, Cassio, for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight in electric and electric-hybrid modes.Contact InformationMarina EvansVoltAeromarina.evans@voltaero.fr +33 (0)1 45 78 89 92SOURCE: VoltAeroView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-08 14:01:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 616 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Strategic investments in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and SingaporeWUPPERTAL, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2024 / The Vorwerk Group, a global leader in direct sales for high-quality household appliances, announces two significant expansions in the Asia-Pacific region. With the acquisition of the world's largest independent Thermomix distributor in Australia and New Zealand, which was previously not part of the Vorwerk Group, and the establishment of new subsidiaries in Malaysia and Singapore, Vorwerk is underlining its growth strategy and the goal of further strengthening the company's global presence.Australia and New Zealand: A Milestone AcquisitionFor over two decades, Australia and New Zealand have been served by the world's biggest independent distributor of Thermomix, The Mix. This independent distributor is a family business, established and managed by Grace Mazur. The Mix is the largest direct sales company in Australia. Recognizing the market's success and growth potential, Vorwerk has acquired The Mix completely - even though Grace Mazur had not originally planned to sell it."Our commitment is in line with our global strategy of investing in markets with high growth potential and strengthening our presence in strategically important regions," says Dr. Thomas Stoffmehl, Speaker of the Executive Board of the Vorwerk Group. "The dedication of Grace, the entire Mazur family and their team to their customers and consultants over the past two decades has been absolutely outstanding," says Dr. Thomas Stoffmehl.Both parties want to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining and building on the strong Thermomix community in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition reflects the strong alignment of values and goals that will benefit employees, consultants and customers alike.Malaysia and Singapore: Establishing a Direct PresenceIn parallel, Vorwerk is also expanding its presence in Southeast Asia by establishing a national subsidiary for the Malaysian and Singaporean markets. This move allows Vorwerk to directly manage business development in these key markets, reinforcing the company's commitment to Southeast Asia."The decision to open a subsidiary in Malaysia and Singapore is part of our long-term strategy to invest in high-potential markets," says Dr. Stoffmehl. "Our new structure will allow us to deepen customer relationships and provide even better support for our advisors, who are at the heart of our business." Vorwerk acknowledges the exceptional contribution of its distributor in Malaysia and Singapore, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Thermomix brand in the region over the past 15 years.ABOUT VORWERKVorwerk is the number one direct sales company in Europe and the world-leading direct seller of high-quality household appliances. Founded in Wuppertal, Germany, in 1883, today Vorwerk is an international family enterprise. Its core business is the production and sale of superior household products (Thermomix kitchen appliance, Kobold cleaning systems). Vorwerk always seeks direct contact with its customers and achieves this primarily through its advisors, who are at the center of the company's sales activities and serve as a central point of contact for the customer. The Vorwerk family also includes the akf group. Vorwerk generates consolidated sales of EUR 3.2 billion (2023) and operates in more than 61 countries.ABOUT THE MIX AUSTRALIAWhen Grace Mazur started The Mix in Australia in 2001, she did so with the unwavering belief that she was sharing something truly incredible - in both the appliance and the business opportunity. Her passion was so genuine and so heartfelt, it was infectious. It's that contagious energy, shared by our field, staff and customers, that has fuelled the business to become the number one ranked direct selling company in Australia by revenue.Contact InformationStefan WatzingerManaging Directors.watzinger@impact.ag +49 (0) 69 955264-23Michael WeberVice President Corporate Communicationspresse@ vorwerk.de +49 (0) 202 564 1247SOURCE: Vorwerk SE & Co. KGView the original press release on newswire.com In todays competitive business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for growth and success. RetainIQ is a dynamic creative tool designed to help businesses fuel their growth through personalized and engaging content. This tool leverages the power of dynamic creatives to drive meaningful engagement and grow conversions, making it an invaluable resource for businesses looking to stand out in the digital space. Feature RetainIQ offers two key features Enhanced Catalog Ads and Personalized Email Widgets. Enhanced Catalog Ads allow businesses to activate their product data to create dynamic ads that resonate deeply with customers. These ads include multiple product shots, reviews, promotions, and more to capture the attention of the target audience. On the other hand, Personalized Email Widgets enable businesses to use customer and product data to create engaging email content. These widgets can include product recommendations, personalized hero images, reviews, and social signals to make emails more interactive and personalized. RetainIQ empowers brands to create contextually relevant creatives at scale through its powerful editor that combines product and user data. The tool also offers creative analytics to help businesses understand what resonates with their audience, as well as effortless integrations with key ecosystems across Meta, Google, and leading email service providers. Both Enhanced Catalog Ads and Personalized Email Widgets offer a range of features to help businesses create engaging and personalized content. From multiple images per product and variant showcase in ads to personalized hero images and social signals in emails, RetainIQ provides businesses with the tools they need to capture their audiences attention and drive conversions. Pricing Available upon request. Visit retainiq.io for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. Dynamic Business brings you the key startup fundraising from this week. Prodigy Finance secures additional $310 mil in funding Prodigy Finance, a global leader in higher education financing, has raised an additional $310 million. This latest funding round, building on a successful previous partnership with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), emphasizes social impact. A minimum of 30% of the funds will support women, and 50% will benefit individuals from low- and lower-middle-income countries. This initiative aligns with Prodigy Finances mission to increase global access to education and empower transformative learning opportunities worldwide. JustFund raises $86 million to accelerate growth JustFund, a social lender that provides flexible lines of credit for family law matters, has raised $86 million in a new funding round. This includes $75 million in senior debt and $11 million in mezzanine funding provided by various family offices. The round also includes notable investments from leading Australian and international fintech investors and debt providers, including Xilium Capital, The Legal Tech Fund (USA), the impact investment firm Tripple, and members of the Australian startup scene such as Dom Pym, founder of UpBank, and Matt Allen of Tractor Ventures. The funds will help JustFund expand its services to meet growing demand from clients in need of financial support for legal expenses. Neara secures AU $45 mil to expand global operations Neara, a provider of AI-powered predictive modelling software for critical infrastructure, has raised AU $45 million in Series C funding. The round was anchored by a consortium led by EQT (a leading global investment organisation), with participation from Partners Group (one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry) and Square Peg Capital (one of the companys earliest investors). Additional support was provided by existing investors Skip Capital and Prosus Ventures. The funding will support Nearas expansion in the U.S., UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific, addressing the increasing need for energy resilience and modernized infrastructure. Crimson Education raises NZ$67 mil in series D Crimson Education has raised NZ$67 million (A$60m) in Series D funding, which has increased the companys valuation to over NZ$1 billion (A$910m). The round was led by NZ investor Movac, with support from existing backers HEAL Partners, Icehouse Ventures, US News, HighSage Ventures, and US fund Five Sigma. Sydney-based private equity fund HEAL previously invested US$10m (A$15m) at a US$460m (A$695m) valuation in September 2022. This investment will support the companys continued growth and expansion in the global education sector. Orkestra secures $2.77 mil to speed up EV charger rollout Orkestra has been awarded $2.77 million in co-funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to accelerate the deployment of commercial electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This $5.5 million project, which is backed by AGL, EnergyAustralia, RACV, RAA, and CBRE, aims to reduce the rollout time of EV chargers by three years, supporting Australias transition to cleaner energy and reducing reliance on government subsidies. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Vietnamese police have dismantled a major arms trafficking ring, arresting 43 suspects and seizing thousands of pieces of firearms and ammunition to be sold online. According to the police, Vu Anh Tu and 42 accomplices are under investigation for purchasing military-grade firearms, modifying components to make them appear new, and selling them on social media. The investigation revealed that in 2023, Tu and other ring members acquired untraceable military-grade firearms and imported additional parts from China, Laos, and Cambodia. They refurbished the guns in Vietnam, marketed them as "imports," and sold them through social media groups. Hundreds of pistols in boxes traded by a ring are seized by police in Ha Tinh Province. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Quang To communicate with buyers, the group used disposable SIM cards and fake accounts, shipping the guns via courier services, ride-hailing drivers, passenger buses, and even trains. Police described the operation as a "sophisticated network led by hardened criminals who regularly carried weapons." The group was linked with transnational criminal networks and was prepared to resist arrest or flee to Laos, Cambodia, or China if discovered. Officers in Ha Tinh Province that borders Laos initiated investigation after discovering that suspects involved in some local assault and property damage cases had obtained firearms from Tu's network. In early November, they coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security and law enforcement officials from different localities including Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh that borders Cambodia to conduct raids that led to the arrest of Tu and his 42 associates. Guns and bullets sold online by a criminal ring. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Quang Authorities confiscated 532 firearms, over 36,000 rounds of ammunition, 211.11 grams of narcotics, and two grenades. Police reported that the ring had sold over 1,000 guns to clients domestically and internationally, generating illegal profits worth billions of dong (VND1 billion = US$39,400). Further investigation is ongoing. HONG KONG, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IPLOOK, a leading 4G/5G/6G core network expert and solution provider, announces its participation in AfricaCom 2024, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa. As a frontrunner in delivering customizable mobile 3G/4G/5G/6G core network solutions, IPLOOK is excited to showcase its expertise and build on its already impressive track record of successful projects in the African continent. At AfricaCom 2024, IPLOOK will be joining the most influential names in the ICT industry, with a focus on expanding its impact in the African market. IPLOOK's MNO solutions, MVNO solutions, and FWA solutions have been specifically designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by businesses in Africa. These solutions offer reliable, high-speed connectivity that is essential for driving growth and promoting socio-economic development. With its participation in AfricaCom 2024, IPLOOK aims to empower more African businesses with the tools and platforms they need to succeed in the global marketplace. As an established player in the African market, IPLOOK seeks to strengthen its connections with local stakeholders and explore new avenues for collaboration. IPLOOK invites all AfricaCom 2024 attendees to visit its booth F72, where they can learn more about the company's turnkey solutions and explore how they can benefit their businesses. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with one of the leading names in core network solutions. Stay tuned for more updates on IPLOOK's participation in AfricaCom 2024, and get ready to experience the future of connectivity in Cape Town! [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2428209/IPLOOK_Logo.jpg HONG KONG, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC 2024), held in Houston, USA, from November 6 - 10, Akeso Biopharma (9926. HK) presented the mechanism of action (MOA) research findings of its innovative bispecific antibody, AK132, targeting both Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) and CD47. AK132 is an asymmetric bispecific antibody with a "1+1" valency, designed to simultaneously target and block CLDN18.2 and CD47. It features a wild-type IgG1 Fc structure and is currently in the clinical research stage. CD47 is overexpressed on a variety of cancer cells, where it interacts with its ligand SIRP on innate immune cells to inhibit tumor phagocytosis. Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), a tight junction protein, is abnormally activated and overexpressed in several primary malignancies. It has been recognized as a key tumor antigen target in gastric and pancreatic cancers. Studies have demonstrated that AK132 binds with high affinity to both human CLDN18.2 and human CD47. On one hand, it competitively blocks the interaction between CD47 and its ligand SIRP, thereby disrupting the CD47-SIRP axis and relieving the inhibition of tumor cell phagocytosis. This enables macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of CLDN18.2+/CD47+ tumor cells, thereby enhancing the antitumor activity of immune cells. On the other hand, AK132 also induces potent tumor cell killing through Fc-mediated effector functions, such as ADCC, ADCP, and CDC, leading to superior antitumor efficacy compared to anti-CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibodies. In subcutaneous tumor xenograft models in mice, AK132 demonstrated significantly stronger antitumor activity than anti-CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibodies. Ak132 Efficiently Binds to CLDN18.2 and CD47, Exerting Antitumor Effects through Multiple Mechanisms Research shows that AK132 binds with high affinity and specificity to human CLDN18.2 and human CD47, competitively blocking the interaction between CD47 and its ligand SIRP. This disruption of the CD47-SIRP interaction releases the inhibition on tumor cell phagocytosis, enhancing immune cell anti-tumor functions. AK132 mediates macrophage phagocytosis of CLDN18.2+/CD47+ tumor cells and effectively inhibits tumor growth in subcutaneous xenograft mouse models. AK132 also efficiently kills tumor cells through Fc-mediated effector functions, such as ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity), ADCP (antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis), and CDC (complement-dependent cytotoxicity). AK132 Shows no RBC Toxicity, Does not Bind to Red Blood Cells or Induce Agglutination, Demonstrating Good Safety Profiles Although CD47 is considered a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, the therapeutic efficacy of CD47 monoclonal antibodies is significantly limited by their considerable toxicity to red blood cells. AK132 features a unique structural design that reduces its affinity for CD47. In vitro studies have shown that AK132 binds minimally to human red blood cells, does not induce ADCP or ADCC activity against red blood cells (thus preventing red blood cell killing), and does not cause red blood cell aggregation, demonstrating an absence of erythrocyte toxicity. Six Globally Leading Bispecific Antibodies Efficiently Propel Cancer Immunotherapy into the 2.0 Era Akeso's investigational New Drug application (IND) application for AK132, aimed at treating advanced malignant solid tumors, has been approved by the China NMPA. Akeso has strategically built a leading, target-rich pipeline of bispecific antibodies, establishing a competitive edge in cancer immunotherapy. Among these, cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific) and ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF bispecific) are already market-approved. Four other bispecific antibodies, including AK129 (PD-1/LAG-3), AK130 (TIGIT/TGF- fusion protein), AK131 (PD-1/CD73), and AK132 (CLDN18.2/CD47), are currently in clinical trials. ### About AK132 Claudin18.2/CD4 bispecific antibody AK132 is a bispecific antibody developed by Akeso, targeting the recombinant humanized Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) splice variant 2 and CD47 for the treatment of various cancers, including gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, ovarian, and lung adenocarcinomas. AK132 binds with high affinity to both human CLDN18.2 and CD47, effectively blocking the interaction between CD47 and its ligand SIRP. In mouse subcutaneous tumor models, it significantly inhibits tumor growth. AK132 shows no ADCC or ADCP activity in human RBC-targeted assays and does not cause RBC aggregation. As a bispecific antibody, it holds potential as a cancer therapy with both efficacy and safety. About Akeso Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world's first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions.With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 22 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 11 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody-drug conjugates). Additionally, 5 new drugs are commercially available, and 5 new drugs across 7 indications are currently under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise. SOURCE Akeso, Inc. NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) has announced the publication of the Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous, a new resource designed to make the Twelve Step recovery program more accessible to individuals who may encounter difficulties comprehending the language of the original text Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939. Commonly known as the "Big Book," the original edition serves as the cornerstone of A.A.'s Twelve Step recovery program from alcoholism. The Plain Language Big Book retains the foundational ideas and spiritual messages of the original but presents them in simpler, more contemporary language. This new edition is designed to assist those who may have reading challenges or lack regular engagement with other A.A. members who can explain the program. The creation of the Plain Language Big Book responds to a need expressed by many in the A.A. community to make the lifesaving message of A.A. more accessible. Developed collaboratively by A.A. members and publishing professionals, this edition serves as a vital tool for individuals seeking understanding of the core tenets of the A.A. program. The Plain Language Big Book has been published with the support of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, as expressed in a vote of A.A.'s 2024 General Service Conference. A.A. encourages individuals to purchase the book from local groups, Intergroups, and Central Offices to support Twelfth Step work. For more information and to place an order, visit the AAWS web store. Publication date: November 1, 2024 ISBN: 978-1-64427-877-2 Suggested List Price: $11 Format: Softcover with flaps; 8-1/2" x 11" Also Available as an e-book, wherever e-books are available. Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is an effective and enduring program of recovery that has changed countless lives and is committed to making its program of recovery available to anyone who reaches out for help with a drinking problem. To find a local A.A. meeting, contact a local A.A. office or visit aa.org/meeting-guide-app to learn about the Meeting Guide app and how to use it. Contact: Public Information Desk [email protected] (212) 870-3119 SOURCE Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Pilots Prepare to Take Action as Airline Drags Its Feet LAS VEGAS, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 have voted overwhelmingly, by 97.4 percent, to authorize a strike if the carrier fails to reach a fair agreement rewarding and protecting 1,300 pilots nationwide. "Thanks to the work of Teamsters pilots, Allegiant provides reliable routes and dependable service to our passengers. When it comes to a fair contract, Allegiant wants concessions," said Captain David Mercado, an Allegiant Teamsters pilot with Local 2118. "We're fed up and this strike authorization vote shows that." The Teamsters are seeking industry-standard compensation and improvements to scheduling. Allegiant pilots are some of the most overworked and underpaid in the airline industry. In negotiations, the carrier has attempted to extract concessions in exchange for long-overdue pay raises. Allegiant raked in a record $2.5 billion in revenue last year. In 2019, Allegiant struck a $25 million-a-year deal for the naming rights to the Las Vegas Raiders' home stadium. On November 12, Teamsters pilots will hold a practice picket outside of Allegiant's corporate headquarters in Las Vegas, one of many direct actions being taken by Allegiant pilots at their airline hubs nationwide. "We refuse to trade quality of life for a subpar pay raise," said Captain Michael Nichols, an Allegiant Teamsters pilot. "This strike vote is about the viability of Allegiant and the communities we serve without an industry-standard contract, we will not be able to attract and retain pilots." Teamsters Local 2118 and Allegiant Air are currently in mediation sessions conducted by the federal National Mediation Board (NMB). Under the Railway Labor Act, the Teamsters can request a release from the NMB, which could lead to a 30-day cooling-off period, followed by a work stoppage without notice. Teamsters Local 2118 represents 1,300 hardworking Allegiant Air pilots nationwide. For more information, go to apa2118.org Contact: Shane McCarthy, (203) 300-2178 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 2118 San Antonio, TX, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BH.A; BH) announces its results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024. Biglari Holdings Inc.'s earnings for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 are summarized below. To become fully apprised of our results, shareholders should carefully study our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.biglariholdings.com. (dollars in thousands) Third Quarter First Nine Months 2024 2023 2024 2023 Pre-tax operating earnings.................................................................................. $ 3,272 $ 20,298 $ 28,673 $ 39,384 Investment gains (losses)................................................................................... 40,054 (94,314) (18,867) (25,231) Income taxes and income attributable to noncontrolling interest............................. (11,201) 17,502 (3,292) (3,845) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Biglari Holdings shareholders............................. $ 32,125 $ (56,514) $ 6,514 $ 10,308 Analysis of Results: Investments affect our reported quarterly earnings based on their carrying value. We do not regard the quarterly or annual fluctuations in our investments to be meaningful. Therefore, our operating businesses are best analyzed before the impact of investment gains. As a consequence, in the preceding table we separate earnings of our operating businesses from our investment gains. About Biglari Holdings Inc. Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. Comment on Regulation G This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Biglari Holdings defines pre-tax operating earnings outside of the investment gains/losses of the Company. Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ markedly from those projected or discussed here. Biglari Holdings cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, for actual results may differ materially from expectations. Biglari Holdings does not update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Further information on the types of factors that could affect Biglari Holdings and its business can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC. SOURCE Biglari Holdings Inc. JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, has declared a quarterly dividend on the Utility's preferred stock. The following dividend is payable Jan. 1, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 2, 2024: $1.125 per share on the $4.50 preferred stock (NYSE: CMS_pb). Additional dividend information, including the tax status of Consumers Energy's dividend distributions, can be obtained through the Tax Information section of CMS Energy's website. CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website. SOURCE CMS Energy Deal Facilitated by Viking Mergers & Acquisitions CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking M&A is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Contemporary Concepts, a respected name in the bereavement care industry, by Paul and Lisa Hulbert III. Viking advisors Robert Aliota and Trevor Crocker represented the seller, Doug Cullen, in this transaction. "Once I had decided to sell my company, I knew that the buyer needed to be someone with the same passion and concern for our employees and customers as I have," expressed Mr. Cullen. "Viking matched the perfect buyer I couldn't be happier with the outcome." Contemporary Concepts has been acquired by Individual Buyers. Founded by Cullen in 1982, Contemporary Concepts has become a trusted partner for community-minded business leaders throughout the U.S. and Canada, providing families, funeral homes, and community sponsors with thoughtful and professional bereavement services. Cullen's top priority in exiting was finding the right buyer to care for his employees and clients, as he did for 40+ years. Paul Hulbert III, a seasoned professional in credit risk management and investment banking, enters entrepreneurship with his wife, Lisa. With abundant experience working with a wide range of personalities and business types, Mr. Hulbert brings an authentic and collaborative management style to Contemporary Concepts. His strong character and integrity are just what Cullen wanted in a new leader for his company. "Sometimes you just know," reflects Viking's Robert Aliota. "Our goal is always to understand our client's business, identify the right profile for a successful new owner, and match the seller's ideals with a qualified buyer. After meeting Paul and Lisa, it was clear they were a perfect fit for Contemporary Concepts. The communication, mutual respect, and alignment of values throughout the process were exceptional." Viking is proud to have facilitated this transaction and looks forward to seeing Contemporary Concepts continue to thrive. About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Viking provides M&A services to small and middle-market business owners. In business since 1996, Viking is one of the largest business brokers in the southeast US. The firm has successfully sold over 850 businesses with an 85% close rate, at an average of 96% of the listing price. Visit https://vikingmergers.com to request a free confidential business valuation or to get more information. SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Planners, the nation's largest home-based travel franchise network, has been awarded the esteemed Department of Defense Patriot Award, recognizing its unwavering commitment to supporting military service members. The Patriot Award, given by the Florida Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), honors individual supervisors and organizations that go above and beyond in their efforts to provide support to National Guard and Reserve service members, as well as their families. Pictured from left to right, front row: COO of Cruise Planners, Theresa Scalzitti, CSO of Cruise Planers, Scott Koepf, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, Michelle Fee, and CIO of Cruise Planners Brian Shultz. Back row: Florida ESGR Broward Area Chair, Rebecca Caspari, Cruise Planners Franchise Owner and US Coast Guard Reservist, Robert Feus, and Florida ESGR Director of Employer Outreach, Peter Caspari. The nomination for this award came from Robert Feus, a Cruise Planners franchise owner who is also a U.S. Coast Guard Reservist. Although franchise owners are not direct employees of Cruise Planners, the unique relationship between the franchise network and its military franchisees was highlighted during the nomination process. Feus emphasized Cruise Planners' distinction as a top franchise opportunity for veterans and the extraordinary opportunity it extends to military service members through a discounted franchise fee, flexible schedules, ability to take time off for deployments, and ongoing business support. "I am incredibly honored to accept the Service Member Patriot Award on behalf of Cruise Planners. Supporting our veterans and active service members has always been a core value at Cruise Planners, and this recognition is a true testament to the commitment we have to those who serve our country," said founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, Michelle Fee. "We are proud to provide our franchisees with the tools and resources they need to not only thrive in their business but also manage the unique challenges that come with military service. This award reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring that our military families are supported in every way possible." In addition to the Patriot Award, the franchise owner also nominated key members of the Cruise Planners Executive TeamMichelle Fee, CEO and Founder, COO Theresa Scalzitti, CSO Scott Koepf, and CIO Brian Shultzfor their personal dedication to supporting those in the National Guard and Reserve. "Cruise Planners' Executive Team has been exceptional in their support of military service members, not only through policy but through their direct engagement and concern for our families and businesses during times of service," said Robert Feus. The support Cruise Planners provides includes seamless business continuity, thanks to cutting-edge technology and a dedicated Home Office team. These tools allow franchisees, like Coast Guard Reservist, Robert Feus, to keep their businesses operational and profitable even during military deployments or drill weekends. "The Cruise Planners team even checks in on my family while I am called to service, ensuring that my business remains stable, and my loved ones are cared for. This level of support is unparalleled," Feus shared. Looking ahead, Cruise Planners has also been nominated for the Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes organizations that exceed ESGR's expectations in supporting military service members and their families. The winner will be announced later this year. This recognition further solidifies Cruise Planners' reputation as a franchise that not only empowers veterans but actively ensures their success both in their business endeavors and in their service to the country. Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as "Best-In-Category" for 2 years. Cruise Planners received a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report from Franchise Business Review for 2024. Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel. Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors . For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ . SOURCE Cruise Planners Franchising, LLC ECPM vice-president and chairwoman of Bundnis C, Karin Heepen, opened the event by welcoming everyone, introducing the speakers and highlighting the importance of the relationship between the European party- ECPM- and its German member- Bundnis C. Marton Gyongyosi, ECPM Director for Political Relations, shared with the participants the role of European political parties and presented ECPMs work, our MEPs, and their position in the current setup of the European Parliament. He also presented the priorities of the new European Commission. First, a free and democratic Europe, which encompasses upholding European values within the EU and living up to these values at a global level. Europe is to be strong and secure in current times when the world order that dominated the world since WWII is challenged by other powers. Secondly, ensuring coherent and influential external action by increasing the strength of European security and defence that can protect the EU citizens. A strong Union must approach migration and border management in a comprehensive way. Finally, a prosperous and competitive Europe. Gyongyosi outlined where ECPM stands in todays Europe highlighting key points from ECPMs political program: a Europe whose Christian roots are valued and acts as a facilitator; belief in the intrinsic value of every human being; ECPMs relational view of the economy that prioritizes well-being for all; belief in healthy families as the basis for thriving societies; the commitment to fight all forms of human trafficking; and the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief. Finally, he underlined the dangers emanating from different political corners who use Christianity opportunistically as means to achieve political goals. Ludwig Grunert, founder of Bundnis C Youth, briefed participants on the latest ECPYouth Summer School in Bucharest which was attended by representatives from 14 countries. Participants reflected on the Christian roots of Europe and the need for people of faith active in politics to stand firm, look for role models and allies in order to become trailblazers themselves and contribute to society. Michael Ragg, writer and reporter, concluded the event with a lecture on the origins of European values. He spoke at length about the Christian roots of Europe and highlighted the fact that the soul of Europe was Christianity. Christianity brought to Europe the idea of human dignity. Throughout history, Christians upheld the dignity of the marginalized in society. He further elaborated on how the concept of human dignity influenced different aspects of societal behaviour. He gave examples of solidarity and helping the fellow man (following the parable of the good Samaritan); giving a special value to children (let the children come to me); equality between women and men; freedom of expression; and a Christian work ethic following the command subdue the earth which opened the way for explorations and technological advancement. Today, our culture is in decline to some extent, Ragg continued. Oswald Spengler, in his book The Fall of the West, written 100 years ago, presents a pessimistic theory. Cultures are like plants they grow and eventually die. Christianity, however, does not follow this pattern. On the other hand, philosopher Arnold Toynbee supported the view that cultures dont perish, they dont collapse, but they self-destruct. When things become critical, when a culture is at a crossroads, disorientation occurs. It is not the masses that decide the direction of a culture but creative minorities. In the Roman Empire, Christians were only 15% of the population but they were determined, connected, and they became a decisive force. Christians should give orientation today to a society that has largely forgotten what defines our culture. We have more to offer to our environment than we believe. Even if we lack the power and numbers, we can inspire others and spark new ideas. NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a leading securities law firm, announces an investigation into Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CUBI) for possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you purchased Customers Bancorp securities, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28067 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On August 8, 2024, during market hours, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors issued an announcement entitled "Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement action with Customers Bancorp, Inc. and Customers Bank." Attached to the announcement was a written agreement between the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Customers Bancorp, Inc., and Customers Bank. The agreement stated "the most recent examinations and inspection of [Customers Bancorp and Customers Bank] conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia [. . .] identified significant deficiencies related to the Bank's risk management practices and compliance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-money laundering ("AML"), including the Bank Secrecy Act [. . .], including the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the U.S. Department of the Treasury [. . .], and the AML requirements of Regulation H of the Board of Governors [of the Federal Reserve System] [. . .]; and the regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury[.]" On this news, Customers Bancorp's common stock fell 13.3% on August 8, 2024. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Day of Radiology, the Carling Adrenal Center spotlights new radiology techniques for adrenal tumor diagnosis and treatment. These novel procedures allow almost all patients with adrenal tumors to have much smaller operations which are curative in the vast majority of patients. With a focus on adrenal vein sampling (AVS), CT, MRI, and PET scans, the center provides critical diagnostic services for conditions like primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), primary hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome), adrenal adenomas, pheochromocytomas, and adrenal cancers. "As the world's highest volume adrenal hospital, our priority is ensuring each patient has access to the most precise and targeted diagnostic options," says Dr. Tobias Carling, founder of the Carling Adrenal Center and one of the most experienced adrenal surgeons globally. "Novel techniques we use for imaging and adrenal vein sampling allow us to tailor treatment to each patient's unique needs, often providing clarity that leads to life-changing decisions." As the world's highest volume adrenal hospital, our priority is ensuring each patient has access to the most precise and targeted diagnostic options. Post this Adrenal Vein Sampling: The Key to Personalized Treatment For patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, AVS is sometimes essential in identifying whether excess aldosterone production originates from one or both adrenal glands. This precision allows doctors to tailor treatment, offering surgery for unilateral cases while recommending medication for bilateral cases. Dr. Karan Patel, a leading specialist in AVS, has made the Carling Adrenal Center one of the highest-volume centers for this procedure worldwide, advancing patient care and treatment precision. "With our extensive experience in AVS, we help ensure that each patient receives the most targeted treatment possible," says Dr. Patel. "For many, AVS is the deciding factor in their care plan." However, AVS may not be necessary for all patients. For instance, younger patients with clear unilateral adrenal masses might proceed with treatment based on imaging alone. By tailoring AVS recommendations to individual cases, the Carling Adrenal Center helps avoid unnecessary procedures and focuses on providing optimal care. The Role of Advanced Imaging in Adrenal Health Beyond AVS, the Carling Adrenal Center utilizes advanced imaging to diagnose and manage adrenal conditions: CT Scans are the initial diagnostic tool, giving insights into the size, density, and shape of adrenal masses. are the initial diagnostic tool, giving insights into the size, density, and shape of adrenal masses. MRI Scans provide enhanced resolution and are ideal for patients with complex cases or contrast allergies. provide enhanced resolution and are ideal for patients with complex cases or contrast allergies. PET Scans identify the metabolic activity of tumors, especially useful for detecting metastases in adrenal cancer and pheochromocytomas. Each of these tools plays a unique role in the diagnostic process, ensuring that patients at the Carling Adrenal Center receive the most accurate assessments and treatment guidance. Adrenal Disorders: From Benign to Life-Threatening The Carling Adrenal Center treats a range of adrenal disorders, from benign adenomas to aggressive cancers and hormone-secreting tumors: Adrenal Adenomas may require no treatment if non-functional but need to be removed if producing cortisol or aldosterone, which can lead to conditions like Cushing's syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism. may require no treatment if non-functional but need to be removed if producing cortisol or aldosterone, which can lead to conditions like Cushing's syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism. Pheochromocytomas are tumors causing hypertension, palpitations, and other symptoms, often identified through MRI and PET scans. are tumors causing hypertension, palpitations, and other symptoms, often identified through MRI and PET scans. Cushing's Syndrome results from excess cortisol production, often due to adrenal tumors. It can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other metabolic issues, making early diagnosis critical. results from excess cortisol production, often due to adrenal tumors. It can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other metabolic issues, making early diagnosis critical. Adrenal Cancer is rare but aggressive, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment, often guided by CT and PET scan imaging. Celebrating National Day of Radiology: The Importance of Imaging in Adrenal Care National Day of Radiology serves as a reminder of the value of imaging in modern medicine. The Carling Adrenal Center is committed to educating patients about these technologies and the diagnostic advancements in adrenal care, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes through precise, expert-led imaging. For more information on adrenal imaging and adrenal vein sampling, visit www.adrenal.com. About the Carling Adrenal Center: Founded by Dr. Tobias Carling, one of the world's leading experts in adrenal gland surgery, the Carling Adrenal Center is a worldwide destination for the surgical treatment of adrenal tumors. Dr. Carling spent nearly 20 years at Yale University, including 7 as the Chief of Endocrine Surgery before leaving in 2020 to open to Carling Adrenal Center, which performs more adrenal operations than any other hospital in the world. www.adrenal.com | (813) 972-0000 About Hospital for Endocrine Surgery The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is a campus of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital focused on compassionate patient care and highly specialized treatment of endocrine tumors. We provide a wide array of services necessary for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Our team includes doctors, surgeons, nurses and technicians who have dedicated their careers to delivering the highest cure rates using the most advanced techniques available. HCA's Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is the nation's highest volume hospital for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal tumors and cancers. www.hospitalforendocrinesurgery.com Media Contact: Julie Canan Director of Marketing, Carling Adrenal Center (941) 468-3002 [email protected] SOURCE Carling Adrenal Center DENVER, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA) today announced that its chief financial officer, Joel Ackerman, and its group vice president of investor relations, Nic Eliason, will participate in a fireside chat with investors at UBS Global Healthcare Conference 2024 on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 12:30 pm PST (3:30 pm EST). To view the live webcast, visit the UBS page here and create a free registration. About DaVita Inc. DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. As a comprehensive kidney care provider, DaVita has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 20 years. DaVita cares for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journeyfrom slowing the progression of kidney disease to helping to support transplantation, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. As of September 30, 2024, DaVita served approximately 265,400 patients at 3,113 outpatient dialysis centers, of which 2,660 centers were located in the United States and 453 centers were located in 13 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About. Contact Information [email protected] SOURCE DaVita BOGOTA, Colombia, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the "Company") informs that, as previously announced, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Company's management will hold a single virtual conference with broadcasts in Spanish and English to discuss its financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2024. Given the change to Standard Time in the United States, the previously announced time for the conference call has changed to the one indicated below: Conference Call 09:00 a.m. Col Time 09:00 a.m. NY Time To access the webcast, the following link will be available: https://xegmenta.co/ecopetrol/conferencia-de-resultados-3t-2024/ Once you receive the invitation, you will find the link for the Spanish webcast and the link for the English webcast, as previously communicated on October 30 through a release. Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets (a) Lina Maria Contreras Mora Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. Achieved record-high quarterly revenue from the 3 core businesses and the tobacco business, including overseas cigarettes SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 'ESSE' Maker KT&G Corporation ("KT&G" or the "Company") (KRX:033780), posted strong Q3 results, with the largest quarterly overseas cigarette sales in its history. KT&G began its full-scale expansion into Europe in April with the launch of its representative Superslim cigarette brand, ESSE, in Romania, followed by expansions into Portugal, Andorra, and Spain. KT&G's consolidated revenue for the third quarter was KRW 1.636 trillion, and operating profit KRW 415.7 billion, up 2.2% year-on-year. In the third quarter, the growth of the main business centered on the tobacco sector continued. In particular, the growth of the overseas cigarette business stood out. In the third quarter, revenue of the overseas cigarette business reached KRW 419.7 billion, up 30.5% year-over-year, setting a new record in revenue for two consecutive quarters, while sales volume and operating profit also increased by 10.1% and 167.2%, respectively, achieving "growth trifecta" in sales volume, revenue, and operating profit. KT&G's global business growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future as the company works to strengthen its global focus and competitiveness. KT&G is focusing on strengthening the global competitiveness of its three core businesses, consisting of NGP(Next Generation Products), health functional food, and overseas cigarette business, to leap to the 'Global Top-tier'. To this end, KT&G is currently focusing on expanding its global business with subsidiaries or offices in 10 countries and regions around the world, including Romania, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan. As of the end of 2023, KT&G sold about 717 brands with 5,184 employees in 143 countries around the world, strengthening its status as a global company. KT&G is South Korea's leading company holding the No. 1 position in each of its NGP, Health Functional Foods, and Combustible Cigarettes (CC) businesses. KT&G is not resting on its laurels, and is preparing for new growth by establishing its status as a "Global Top-tier" company in accordance with the "2027 KT&G Vision," which was newly established in 2023. To achieve its new vision, KT&G is building a localized value chain centered on CICs(Company in Company) in each overseas region, expanding direct management from production to marketing and sales. The fruits of KT&G's global business expansion efforts are already visible in its rising global performance, and the company plans to make further efforts to expand its business in the European market, including Romania. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316472/KT_G_Logo.jpg BOGOTA, Colombia, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the "Company" or "Ecopetrol") informs that Fitch Ratings reported on November 6, 2024, that it has maintained the global credit rating of the Company at BB+ with a stable outlook. Additionally, the agency has downgraded the Standalone Credit Profile ("SCP") from 'bbb' to 'bbb-' and affirmed the national long-term and short-term ratings of Ecopetrol at 'AAA (col)' with a Stable Outlook and 'F1+(col)', respectively. Fitch noted that the global rating of 'BB+' reflects the stable operational condition of the Company as the leading producer of oil and gas in Colombia, as well as its significant energy transmission business in Colombia and other Latin American countries through its subsidiary Interconexion Electrica S.A. E.S.P -ISA. The agency indicated Ecopetrol's strategic importance and ability to maintain a solid financial profile. The evaluation of the aforementioned factors and the other considerations contained in the report support an individual rating that is within Investment Grade and at a level above the Company's overall rating. The assessment of the aforementioned factors and other considerations contained in the report supports an SCP that remains within the Investment Grade range and above the Company's global rating. The complete report issued by the agency on November 6, 2024, can be consulted at the following link: https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-affirms-ecopetrol-foreign-local-currency-idrs-at-bb-outlook-stable-06-11-2024 Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets (a) Lina Maria Contreras Mora Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. As the aviation sector faces heightened regulatory demands and an increasing focus on operational safety, Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) is emerging as a critical solution to enhance flight safety and optimize fleet performance. Verified Market Reports has meticulously analyzed this market to bring actionable intelligence for aviation leaders, aircraft operators, and safety regulators who aim to stay ahead of industry trends. LEWES, Del., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Flight Data Monitoring Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Reports. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 9.2 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 16.6 Billion by the end of the forecast period. The Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) market is influenced by several key drivers and restraints that shape its growth trajectory. On the driver side, the growing emphasis on aviation safety regulations and compliance with standards set by aviation authorities worldwide has significantly boosted the demand for FDM systems. Additionally, advancements in data analytics and real-time monitoring capabilities have enabled airlines and operators to proactively manage aircraft health, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. The increasing adoption of predictive maintenance practices also encourages the use of FDM systems to enhance safety and optimize operational workflows. However, the market faces notable restraints. The high initial costs associated with FDM systems and the complexities of integrating these systems with existing infrastructure can act as barriers, especially for smaller operators with limited budgets. Additionally, concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity risks have emerged as challenges, given the sensitive nature of aviation data. Addressing these restraints requires ongoing advancements in technology and regulatory support to ensure the secure and cost-effective implementation of FDM systems across the aviation industry. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=873252 Browse in-depth TOC on Flight Data Monitoring Market 202 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Scope of The Report REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2021-2030 BASE YEAR 2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2030 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2021-2022 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Curtiss Wright, Teledyne Controls, Safran, Guardian Mobility, Flight Data Services, Scaled Analytics, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, L3 Technologies, Collins Aerospace SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application, By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope Global Flight Data Monitoring Market Overview 1. Increasing Focus on Aviation Safety Regulations As aviation safety regulations become more stringent globally, the demand for Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems has surged. These regulations require airlines and operators to comply with strict safety standards, making FDM tools essential for tracking and analyzing flight data. Real-time monitoring of flight parameters allows operators to identify safety concerns before they escalate, reducing risks and enhancing flight safety. This regulatory pressure has driven the adoption of FDM systems, ensuring compliance with aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA. 2. Advancements in Predictive Maintenance Predictive maintenance is a key factor driving the growth of the FDM market. By analyzing data from aircraft systems, FDM solutions enable early detection of potential failures, reducing unplanned downtime and maintenance costs. This shift from reactive to proactive maintenance is not only cost-effective but also improves the overall reliability of the fleet. Airlines are increasingly using FDM tools to extend the lifespan of aircraft, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize disruptions, which boosts the demand for these monitoring systems. 3. Growing Adoption of Real-time Data Analytics The rise of real-time data analytics has significantly impacted the FDM market by providing actionable insights that improve flight operations. By continuously monitoring critical flight parameters, FDM systems enable operators to make data-driven decisions that optimize fuel consumption, flight performance, and crew efficiency. With the help of advanced data analytics, airlines can streamline operations, improve safety, and achieve cost savings, leading to the widespread adoption of FDM technology in the aviation industry. To Purchase a Comprehensive Report Analysis: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=873252 1. High Initial Costs of Implementation One of the major restraints limiting the growth of the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) market is the high initial cost of implementing these systems. The integration of advanced monitoring technology and software into existing aircraft infrastructure requires substantial capital investment. This can be particularly challenging for smaller operators or airlines with limited budgets. Although the long-term benefits of FDM systems, such as cost savings through predictive maintenance, may outweigh the initial investment, the upfront costs remain a significant barrier to adoption. 2. Integration Challenges with Existing Infrastructure The integration of FDM systems with existing aircraft and operational infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. Airlines must ensure that their current equipment, such as flight data recorders and cockpit systems, is compatible with the new FDM solutions. This can involve extensive upgrades or retrofits, leading to additional costs and potential operational disruptions during the transition. These integration challenges can slow down the adoption rate of FDM systems, particularly in older fleets or in regions with less advanced aviation technology. 3. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns As FDM systems collect and transmit large volumes of sensitive flight data, concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity have emerged as major barriers to market expansion. The potential risks of cyberattacks or data breaches that target sensitive aviation data are a significant concern for airlines, regulators, and manufacturers alike. Ensuring that FDM systems comply with strict data protection laws and implementing robust cybersecurity measures are essential to mitigating these risks. Until these concerns are fully addressed, the market may experience slower growth in certain regions and among risk-averse stakeholders. Geographic Dominance The Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) market demonstrates strong geographic dominance, with North America and Europe leading the charge due to stringent safety regulations and advanced aviation infrastructures. In North America, the U.S. is at the forefront, driven by FAA regulations and technological advancements. Europe follows closely, supported by the EU's regulatory frameworks and the presence of major airlines and manufacturers. The Asia-Pacific region, with rapid aviation growth in countries like China and India, is seeing increased adoption of FDM systems, fueled by expanding fleets and modernization efforts. The Middle East and Africa also contribute to market growth, particularly in nations like the UAE and Qatar, where investments in aviation infrastructure are on the rise. Other emerging regions, while smaller in comparison, are gradually adopting FDM technology as they focus on improving operational efficiency and safety, adding to the global market expansion. Flight Data Monitoring Market Key Players Shaping the Future Major players, including Curtiss Wright, Teledyne Controls, Safran, Guardian Mobility, Flight Data Services, Scaled Analytics, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, L3 Technologies, Collins Aerospace, and Thales Group and more, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Flight Data Monitoring Market. Financial statements, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis provide valuable insights into the industry's key players. Flight Data Monitoring Market Segment Analysis Based on the research, Verified Market Reports has segmented the global Flight Data Monitoring Market into Type, Application and Geography. Flight Data Monitoring Market, By Type On Board On Ground Flight Data Monitoring Market, By Application Fleet Operators Drone operators FDM Service Providers Investigation Agencies Flight Data Monitoring Market, By Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America Browse Related Reports: Global Flight Data Monitoring Systems Market By Type (Hardware, Software), By Application (Fleet Operators, Drone Operators), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Flight Data Monitoring and Analysis (FDMA) Market By Type (Cloud-based, On Premise), By Application (Civil, Military), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Flight Data Recorder Market By Type (Cockpit Voice Recorder, Flight Data Recorder), By Application (Military Application, Civil Application), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Flight Tracking System Market By Type (ADS-B, FANS), By Application (General Aviation, Civil Aviation), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Flight Test Instrumentation Market By Type (Atmospheric Data Test, Pressure Test), By Application (Military, Commercial), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder Market By Type (Flight Data Recorder (FDR), Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)), By Application (Military, Civil), By Geographic Scope And Forecast About Us Verified Market Reports stands at the forefront as a global leader in Research and Consulting, offering unparalleled analytical research solutions that empower organizations with the insights needed for critical business decisions. Celebrating 10+ years of service, Verified Market Reports has been instrumental in providing founders and companies with precise, up-to-date research data. With a team of 500+ Analysts and subject matter experts, Verified Market Reports leverages internationally recognized research methodologies for data collection and analyses, covering over 15,000 high impact and niche markets. This robust team ensures data integrity and offers insights that are both informative and actionable, tailored to the strategic needs of businesses across various industries. Verified Market Reports' domain expertise is recognized across 14 key industries, including Semiconductor & Electronics, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Technology, Automobiles, Defense, Mining, Manufacturing, Retail, and Agriculture & Food. In-depth market analysis cover over 52 countries, with advanced data collection methods and sophisticated research techniques being utilized. 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Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Reports US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2486715/VM_Reports.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Reports HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Fortune's "Change the World 2024" rankings, Viettel Group ranks 3rd among over 50 global companies contributing significantly to sustainable development and positive social impact. "Change the World" is an annual ranking by Fortune, established in 2015, to honor companies making significant contributions to sustainable development and having a positive impact on society. Fortune Names Viettel as a Leading Company for Positive Social Impact (PRNewsfoto/Viettel Group) Leading the "Change the World 2024" list are companies such as Space X, GHG Sat, and Rocket Lab for developing emission-monitoring satellites. Grab Holdings ranks second for its financial support for gig workers and small retailers. Viettel takes third place for its efforts to improve the quality of education in Vietnam and the 10 international markets where it invests through its School Internet Project. Other notable companies in the rankings include Maven Clinic, Cisco, Alibaba, Walmart, eBay, among others. Viettel is the only Vietnamese company in the ranking. Across Asia, eight companies made the list, operating in sectors such as services, retail, e-commerce, energy, and agriculture. Viettel is also the only telecommunications company included in this year's ranking. Over the past 10 years, the list has honored some of the world's biggest tech companies, such as Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Tencent. These companies are recognized for their pioneering roles in addressing major global issues, from climate change and inequality to public health. Fortune evaluates companies based on criteria such as measurable social impact, including the scope, nature, and sustainability of their activities, as well as the level of innovation relative to other companies in the industry. Viettel received high marks for its contributions to education quality one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals through its School Internet initiative. This achievement underscores Viettel's leadership in digital infrastructure, with a creative approach and sustainably positive impact on society. The School Internet Project is a non-profit initiative launched in 2008 to provide internet connectivity to 100% of educational institutions in Vietnam. To date, the program has provided free internet access to more than 46,000 educational institutions across 63 provinces and over 10 countries, especially in rural and remote areas. As of 2024, the program has enabled 25 million students, teachers, and educators to access the internet, helping increase internet penetration in Vietnam from 15% to 85%. With an investment of approximately 2,000 billion VND over 16 years, Viettel has developed digital infrastructure for education, including transmission infrastructure, data processing infrastructure, information security solutions for the education sector, and connectivity devices for schools. This digital infrastructure enables teachers and students to access the internet and online teaching and learning applications. Viettel has also developed digital educational applications such as Viettel Study and K12Online, which support millions of users in online teaching, learning, and accessing educational resources from elementary to high school. Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, said, "With the mission of universal internet access, Viettel provides ultra-broadband fiber optic connections to all schools, enabling a boom in online teaching and learning applications. Viettel also pioneers in researching and developing technologies for the education sector, providing online teaching and learning systems, resource repository and construction of the national education database. Viettel's infrastructure and technology has and will continue to play a key role in education digital transformation." Recently, Brand Finance also recognized Viettel as the most highly-rated Vietnamese company for sustainable development and the strongest telecommunications brand in Asia in 2024. SOURCE Viettel Group GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 136th Canton Fair's industry trends forum, focused on the development trends of overseas markets for kitchenware and tableware products, the "2024 Overseas Market Trend Report on Kitchenware and Tableware Products" was unveiled, offering an extensive analysis of the current and projected trends within the global kitchenware and tableware industry. The report underscores China's leading role in exporting steel, ceramic, and glass kitchenware and tableware. With robust production capabilities and cost-effective manufacturing, China holds a significant competitive edge in these sectors. In 2023, China's global export share for steel, ceramic, and glass kitchenware and tableware reached 67%, 66%, and 49%, respectively. Despite China's dominance, the report highlights a diverse competitive landscape in the global market. European countries such as Germany, France, and Italy continue to exert considerable influence in high-end markets with their exceptional design and quality standards. On the import front, the United States stands as the largest importer of kitchenware and tableware worldwide. In 2023, the U.S. accounted for 26%, 17%, and 11% of global imports in steel, ceramic, and glass kitchenware and tableware, respectively. Additionally, European countries including Spain, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy are significant importers, reflecting a sustained demand for high-quality products. Saudi Arabia also shows notable market demand for ceramic and glass kitchenware and tableware imports. During the forum, Liang Junjiao, Creative Director of Yangjiang Chuan Ye Art Design Co., Ltd., emphasized the importance of design innovation and product viability, asserting that continuous product innovation and R&D are crucial for companies to stand out in the global market. Ma Xiaoyan, General Manager of Guangdong Xiangshun Kitchenware Co., Ltd., discussed transitioning from a foreign trade factory to a brand-focused company. She highlighted the importance of high-quality products, a long-term brand vision, and understanding market trends for international expansion and sustainable growth. The Canton Fair, renowned not only as a platform for international trade but also as a hub for information exchange and idea generation, has been hosting industry forums since 2010. By leveraging its extensive expertise across various sectors, the fair continues to provide important market insights for companies within the industry, helping them better understand market dynamics and the competitive landscape. The 137th Canton Fair will be held from April 15 to May 5, 2025 in Guangzhou. For more information, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US SOURCE Canton Fair MILAN, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- November 5th to 10th, Greenway(SHSE:688345), a global leader in micromobility lithium battery solutions , showcased its innovative battery solutions for electric motorcycles and electric-assisted bicycles at the 2024 EICMA exhibition in Milan, Italy, under the theme "Safety, Sustainability, Smart." Greenway in 2024 EICMA exhibition With 18 years of experience in the micromobility lithium battery sector, Greenway has refined its Cell-Driven "Core" technology. It utilizes 18650 and 21700 small cylindrical cells from major Japanese and Korean companies like LG, Samsung, and Panasonic, as well as its "Gingu Bang" 34145 large cylindrical cells from its subsidiary, K-tech New Energy. These products cater to the diverse battery needs of electric two-wheelers worldwide. Greenway is committed to the electrification of motorcycles, providing high-end customized lithium battery solutions to world-renowned electric motorcycle and bicycle brands. Since 2016, it has partnered with Yadea, supplying batteries for models like the high-end Yadea Z3 electric motorcycle. Safe Travel: Speed and Passion Recognized for its safety efforts, Greenway received China's first CCC certification for electric bicycles on October 23, covering products such as the IMR34145E 12 and IMR34145E 14 large cylindrical cells from the "Gingu Bang" series and the DZ48N-28EM battery pack. Internationally, its electric-assisted bicycle battery achieved the world's first PRODUCT SAFETY MARK certification to the EN50604-1 standard, ensuring compliance with European safety regulations. Green and Environmentally Friendly: Committed to Sustainable Development In line with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, Greenway's products for the EU market now meet the required declarations and carry the CE mark, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company employs eco-friendly design practices, including solder-free connection technology, which simplifies assembly and enhances recyclability. This allows for localized repairs without discarding entire battery packs in the event of malfunction. Smart Travel: Offering You A Better Journey To improve the travel experience, Greenway has developed an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) incorporating IoT smart modules. This system allows real-time communication between the battery and smart devices, enabling users to monitor battery health remotely and utilize intelligent fast-charging capabilities during peak usage. At the Milan exhibition, Greenway is showcasing its comprehensive solutions for electric two-wheelers, from cells to PACKs, and introducing its advanced Non-welding and Wire bonding technology. The company invites industry peers to explore future lithium battery innovations for electric two-wheelers. To learn more, please visit the Greenway official website: https://www.greenway-battery.com. SOURCE Greenway For four full days, politicians, entrepreneurs and members of the civil society gathered in Crikvenica, Croatia to explore peaceful and faith-based solutions to today's polarization, especially in politics. ECPM partnered with Renewing our Minds (ROM) organisation for this event, an organization focused on peace and reconciliation in Central/Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Bojan and Rachel Ruvarac, the CEOs of Renewing our Minds, opened up the event encouraging everyone to be fully present, to keep an open mind, and to be intentional in connecting and networking. On the first day, former prime minister of Slovenia and former MEP Lojze Peterle, together with pastor Carlton Deal talked about fostering unity among people(s) and concluded that investing in and building community is a useful countermeasure to division and segregation. Heather Staff, councilwoman for Islington, a suburb on the Northside of London, approached the separation of Church and State on the second day of the conference. She reviewed the complicated history between these two institutions in the U.K. as well as on the continent, and pointed to both the positive and negative effects of the relationship. She mentioned the Christian figures like William Wilberforce and the Cadbury family, Quakers who fought against the slave trade and child labour, as examples whose politics were informed by their faith and convictions. During the Reformation, Christian leaders and pastors were critical of the mainstream Church becoming corrupt and political, showing bias and using religion as a manipulative tool. A panel discussion led by Rachel Ruvarac described what the juxtaposition of faith and politics looks like in practice; the people on the panel were journalists, entrepreneurs, elected officials and non-profit founders from U.K., Spain, Montenegro, the Netherlands and Kosovo. Some described how religion is inextricably linked to their national identity and questioning or changing your religion/ denomination is tantamount to betraying your country. Others emphasized the strict separation their countries make between religion and politics and about religious diversity being the basis for cohesion of the city or community. On Saturday, Anja Haga, former MEP on behalf of Christian Union (Netherlands) and the ECPM, delivered a lecture on finding consensus on protecting the environment. She provided examples from her work in the European Parliament, when working on the Nature Conservation Law and on the protected status of some animals. Coming to a compromise is extremely difficult in politics, especially at European level, since the parliamentarians each represent very different groups of people and national interests. The former MEP emphasized that creating a scenario where everyone feels heard and that they got something out of the negotiations is paramount, and even then last-minute surprises may appear and undermine the consensus or compromise. She encouraged everyone to hold fast to their core values but to be willing and open to always hear the other side and extend the benefit of the doubt. Later that day, she lead a workshop on living plastic-free and the urgency of eliminating one-use plastics from our daily consumption. Dr. Noemi Mena Montes and Klariska ten Napel led two other workshops focused on the media contributing to the polarisation (Dr. Montes) and on St. Benedict's approach to work and prayer/ meditation as a healthy rhythm of living (Ms. ten Napel). On the last day of the conference, we had the pleasure of hearing from MEP Davor Ivo Stier (EPP, Croatia) who shared about instances in his career when his faith and ethics made a difference and broke through walls and obstacles in negotiation talks. He served as a diplomat in the foreign service of Croatia and advised the Prime Minister who negotiated Croatia's accession to the EU. He stressed the importance of building trust between politicians and counterparts, keeping your word and leading with courage and integrity- these values move people from a confrontational stance to a cooperation one. The last lecture came from Marko Marina, professor of Early Christianity at the University of Zagreb, who provided a historical analysis of Jesus and his context. He acknowledged the existence of various historical sources who make some reference to the existence of Jesus in the first century, but underlined that the most reliable and complete account are the four Gospels. The strongest criteria for this is the contextual credibility, meaning Jesus' teachings and things described in the Gospels fit into what we know about the first century context. The participants had the space and opportunity to reflect on the complex (and complicated) aspects of being a person of faith involved in the political or social aspects of one's own country. The nuances of this overlap and interplay were acknowledged and that it is not always black & white, positive or negative. The speakers offered encouragement and examples which centered on the Christian belief that every person is created by God, with intrinsic worth, and that in the face of polarization and fragmentation we should prioritize the person/ our neighbour, that we should seek the common good over our desire or need to be right. SHANGHAI, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of November 7, at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Henlius (2696.HK) entered into a strategic collaboration with AL-TIRYAQ AL-KHALAWI Medical Company ("SVAX"), a subsidiary entity of Saudi Arabia's prominent family business group in the healthcare sector, the Fakeeh Family. The two parties will establish joint ventures in Saudi Arabia to integrate Henlius' leading capabilities in the research, development, and manufacturing of biologics with SVAX's local expertise in registration, market access, and commercialization. The collaboration seeks to advance the global registration and commercialization of multiple Henlius products and enhance the accessibility of advanced biologics across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENAT) countries, and benefit more patients. The signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Weilai Shen, Director of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Mr. Gang Ling, The Science and Economy Commission of the People's Government of Shanghai Pudong New Area, Mr. Qiyu Chen, Co-CEO of Fosun International, Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of Fosun Pharma, Mr. Wenjie Zhang, Executive President of Fosun Pharma and Chairman of Henlius, Mr. Ammar Fakeeh, Chairman of the Family Business, and Prof. Mazen M. Hassanain, Founder and Managing Director of SVAX. According to the agreement, Henlius and SVAX will establish joint ventures for commercialization and manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and will collaborate on a series of Henlius products in the MENAT region, including HANDAYUAN (adalimumab, HLX03) and HANBEITAI (bevacizumab, HLX04), to conduct local commercial and manufacturing activities. In addition, the two parties will initially focus on jointly investing in the development of Henlius' investigational biosimilar of pembrolizumab, HLX17, to accelerate its global registration and commercialization. Mr. Wenjie Zhang, Executive President of Fosun Pharma and Chairman of Henlius, stated, "Our collaboration with SVAX is a crucial step in Henlius' global blueprint, strengthening our presence in key markets while enhancing our international competitiveness. Through this partnership, we aim to drive innovation and growth for both parties, advance the research and manufacturing of high-quality biologics, and deliver more affordable therapies to patients in MENAT countries, thereby contributing to the global healthcare initiative. " Dr. Jason Zhu, CEO of Henlius, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with SVAX. This partnership not only complements our global strategy but also reaffirms our commitment to 'patient-centered' care. SVAX's dedication to innovation and improving regional healthcare closely aligns with Henlius' mission. Together, by combining SVAX's extensive resources and local expertise in MENAT with Henlius' global outlook and innovative capabilities, we are poised to bring more high-quality, innovative biologics to patients across the region and beyond." Mr. Ammar Fakeeh, Chairman of the Family Business, stated, "We are honored to forge this strategic partnership with Henlius, whose excellence in biopharmaceutical innovation perfectly complements our mission to elevate healthcare in the MENAT region. By joining forces, we are enhancing access to essential, high-quality biologics and strengthening the foundations of a resilient healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond. This collaboration represents an important step forward in delivering advanced therapies to patients, embodying our commitment to health, innovation, and sustainable impact." Prof. Mazen Hassanain, Founder and Managing Director of SVAX, stated, "We at SVAX are delighted to enter this strategic partnership with Henlius, a company known for its commitment to high-quality and innovative biologic medicines. Combining our knowledge and experience in regulatory, marketing, sales, and local manufacturing with Henlius' expertise in biopharmaceutical development and global supply, we aim to bring cutting-edge therapies to the MENAT region and impact patients' lives. This partnership aligns with our dedication to advancing healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond, fostering an ecosystem where life-changing therapies are accessible to those who need them. Together with Henlius, we look forward to driving growth, innovation, and healthcare accessibility across the region." As a global, innovative biopharmaceutical company, Henlius is dedicated to offering high-quality, affordable, and innovative biologic medicines for patients worldwide, focusing on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic diseases. Henlius continuously enhances the development and operational efficiency of its integrated R&D, production, and commercialization platform. Through various measures to improve product accessibility, the company drives the commercial growth of core products and achieves sustained high-quality profitability. Henlius has proactively built a diversified, high-quality product pipeline covering over 50 molecules. Six products have been launched in China, three have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, and 24 indications are approved worldwide, benefiting over 670,000 patients. Specifically, HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name: HERCESSI in the U.S. and Zercepac in Europe) has been approved in 49 countries and regions globally, making it the China-developed mAb biosimilar with the most marketing approvals and benefiting over 215,000 patients with breast and gastric cancer. Henlius collaborates with international partners to promote China's biopharmaceutical innovation and advance global development, with a presence across Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. The MENAT region represents a significant part of the global pharmaceutical market. With growing healthcare needs and supportive government policies, the biopharmaceutical industry in the area is witnessing a rapid transformation. In June 2024, Zercepac successfully shipped to Saudi Arabia, becoming the first China-developed monoclonal antibody (mAb) to enter the Middle Eastern market. The strong tie between Henlius and SVAX will help achieve joint development for the two parties and foster pharmaceutical innovation in emerging markets. Henlius remains committed to enhancing its global competitiveness, meeting global clinical needs, and spurring biopharmaceutical innovation. About SVAX SVAX is a pioneering Saudi company with a mission to localizing biomanufacturing within Saudi Arabia and ensuring a steady, high-quality supply of vaccines and biologics for the region. Established to bolster national health security, SVAX actively supports the region's preparedness for pandemics against infectious diseases. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi National Biotechnology Strategy, the company is at the forefront of nationalizing the biomanufacturing sector by employing highly skilled Saudi scientists and professionals. SVAX is distinguished as a local developer and manufacturer of essential biologics that serves Saudi Arabia and the broader MENAT region. The company operates through three strategic business segments: innovation, manufacturing, and advisory services. Its innovation efforts are focused on advanced R&D in biologics and vaccines, driving forward innovation and collaboration to bring cutting-edge therapies to market. In manufacturing, SVAX is establishing a state-of-the-art technologies and facilities to produce vaccines and biologics that meet global standards. Meanwhile, through its advisory services, SVAX offers expert consulting to support and accelerate the development of a strong biotech industry across the region. Through these initiatives, SVAX is uniquely positioned to drive transformative change in biomanufacturing, ensuring that the region remains resilient, innovative, and prepared for future healthcare challenges. About Henlius Henlius (2696.HK) is a global biopharmaceutical company with the vision to offer high-quality, affordable, and innovative biologic medicines for patients worldwide with a focus on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic diseases. Up to date, 6 products have been launched in China, 3 have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, 24 indications are approved worldwide, and 4 marketing applications have been accepted for review in China, the U.S. and the EU, respectively. Since its inception in 2010, Henlius has built an integrated biopharmaceutical platform with core capabilities of high-efficiency and innovation embedded throughout the whole product life cycle including R&D, manufacturing and commercialization. It has established global innovation centre and Shanghai-based commercial manufacturing facilities certificated by China, the EU and U.S. GMP. Henlius has pro-actively built a diversified and high-quality product pipeline covering over 50 molecules and has continued to explore immuno-oncology combination therapies with proprietary HANSIZHUANG (anti-PD-1 mAb) as backbone. Apart from the launched products HANLIKANG (rituximab), the first China-developed biosimilar, HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name: HERCESSI in the U.S., Zercepac in Europe), a China-developed mAb biosimilar approved in China, Europe and U.S., HANDAYUAN (adalimumab), HANBEITAI (bevacizumab) and HANNAIJIA (neratinib), the innovative product HANSIZHUANG has been approved by the NMPA for the treatment of MSI-H solid tumours, squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), making it the world's first anti-PD-1 mAb for the first-line treatment of SCLC. What's more, Henlius has conducted over 30 clinical studies for 16 products, expanding its presence in major markets as well as emerging markets. SOURCE Henlius HERSHEY, Pa., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced it has acquired Sour Strips, a fast-growing sour candy brand with a powerful social media presence. Sour Strips' "sour candy that doesn't suck" enhances Hershey's presence in the category and expands its reach to new consumers for more snacking occasions. Hershey Acquires Sour Strips Founded in 2019 by social media personality Maxx Chewning, Sour Strips set out to invigorate the sour candy category with a distinctive product that combines shockingly sour flavors with innovative branding to elevate the candy experience. Chewning will continue to lead marketing and innovation efforts for the brand. "The acquisition of Sour Strips expands Hershey's offerings within our growing sweets portfolio with a product that is beloved by consumers," said Mike Del Pozzo, President, U.S. Confection, The Hershey Company. "We're energized to welcome Maxx and the Sour Strips team to Hershey as we relentlessly accelerate our growth in sweets." "Our partnership with The Hershey Company represents a significant step in our mission to innovate and set new standards within the Confection category," said Maxx Chewning, Founder of Sour Strips. "Hershey's exceptional track record making iconic brands worldwide aligns perfectly with our vision for Sour Strips. Together with Hershey, our team is excited to continue delivering extraordinary experiences to candy enthusiasts around the globe." About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to doing the right thing for its people, planet, and communities. Hershey has more than 20,000 employees in the U.S. and worldwide who work daily to deliver delicious, high-quality products. The company has more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries that drive more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers, and salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels. For over 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education. To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com. Follow: http://www.twitter.com/hersheycompany https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hershey-company http://www.facebook.com/hersheycompany http://www.youtube.com/hersheycompany http://www.instagram.com/hersheycompany SOURCE The Hershey Company Nonprofit hosts Comedy Tour to convert Cheer into Humanitarian relief aid MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Humanitarian aid nonprofit, Human Appeal USA, is kicking off their national comedy takeover tour featuring established comedians to raise money in support of Human Appeal's emergency appeals to deliver life-saving food, clean water and medical care to families in crisis around the World. Human Appeal USA charity comedy takeover tour. (PRNewsfoto/Human Appeal) The family friendly Comedy Takeover Tour will make stops in major metro cities, bringing festive cheer for a good cause during the holiday season. Shows will be taking place in Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington DC, New Jersey, New York, Detroit, Ohio and Chicago. The full list of locations and dates can be found below. Among this year's star-studded line-up are Omar Regan, Jeremey Mclellan, Yasmin Elhady, Preacher Moss and Sabeen Saddiq. Omar is a veteran comedian from Detroit, Michigan, who is known for using comedy to promote tolerance, diversity and build bridges across religious, social, and racial divides. He has made appearances at the world-famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, VH1's reality TV series titled "Fight for Fame" and as Chris Tucker's double in the movie Rush Hour 2. Yasmin is a comedian and attorney who has toured nationally and internationally. She's performed at The Kennedy Center and was featured on NBC's True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park in 2022. Jeremy is an internationally touring standup comedian who was recently honored as a New Face of Comedy at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. A staple at interfaith events around the world, he has completed sold-out tours in the US, Canada, UK, and Pakistan. Preacher Moss in an all-star comedian and actor, known for his "End of Racism" comedy and lecture tour. Sabeen is a NYC-based stand-up comedian, actor and model. Tickets are now available at the link here. Early bird tickets are available at just $15 for a limited time only. "This year marks Human Appeal's first nation-wide annual Comedy Takeover Tour in the United States and follows the tour's launch in Canada as well as its success in the UK for the last 10 years, making this the biggest international comedy tour of its kind," said Zaheer Khan, Director of Fundraising at Human Appeal. "We're incredibly proud to host this event and raise funds in support of those in dire need around the world through Human Appeal's emergency work." The dates, times and locations of the 2024 Comedy Takeover Tour can be found below: Friday, November 8 : Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle, WA 98121 : Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, 98121 Saturday, November 9 : Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133 : Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson St, 94133 Sunday, November 10 : Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 : Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St, 92626 Friday, November 15 : Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062 : Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, 75062 Saturday, November 16 : Bayou City Events Center, 9401 Knight Rd, Houston, TX 7704 : Bayou City Events Center, 9401 Knight Rd, 7704 Sunday, November 17 : Atlanta Event Center, 1150 Crescent Ave, Atlanta, GA Atlanta Event Center, 1150 Crescent Ave, Friday, November 22 : Newark Symphony Hall, 1020 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102 Newark Symphony Hall, 1020 Broad St, 07102 Saturday, November 23 : Cooperative Plaza Conference Center, VA 22203 : Cooperative Plaza Conference Center, VA 22203 Sunday, November 24 : Melrose Ballroom, 3608 33rd St, Long Island City, NY 11106 : Melrose Ballroom, 3608 33rd St, 11106 Friday, November 29 : Marygrove Conservancy, 8425 McNichols Rd., Detroit MI 48221 : Marygrove Conservancy, 8425 McNichols Rd., 48221 Saturday, November 30 : Creekside Event Center, 101 Mill St, Suite 300, Gahanna, OH 43230 : Creekside Event Center, 101 Mill St, Suite 300, 43230 Sunday, December 1 : Skokie Banquet & Conference Center, 5300 W Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077 About Human Appeal USA Here for Every Human. Human Appeal is a non-profit organization working across the globe to strengthen humanity's fight against poverty, social injustice and natural disaster. Through the provision of immediate relief and the establishment of self-sustaining development programs, we aim to save and transform lives. For more information please visit: humanappealUSA.org, or contact: [email protected] Human Appeal USA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Tax ID # 87-2410117. Your donations are tax deductible. Human Appeal Inc. 26050 Acero, Suite 415, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA. Tel: 877 225 2251 MEDIA CONTACT: Interdependence [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552968/USA_ComedyTour24.jpg SOURCE Human Appeal VANCOUVER, BC and TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) and Florida Canyon Gold Inc. ("FCGI") (TSXV: FCGV) are pleased to announce that the business combination between Integra and FCGI was completed by way of a court approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "Transaction"). The Transaction was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders of FCGI at a special meeting held on October 25, 2024 (the "Meeting"). Jason Kosec, President, CEO and Director of Integra, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the completion of this transformational Transaction for Integra. I would like to welcome the new team members, board members, and shareholders to Integra. The Florida Canyon Mine will play a crucial role in realizing our long-term vision of becoming a leading mid-tier precious metals producer. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Integra as a Great Basin focused precious metals producer with a built-in growth pipeline, peer leading resource base, bolstered balance sheet, and strong support from our key strategic shareholders, including Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., Beedie Capital, and Alamos Gold Inc." Under the terms of the Transaction, Integra acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of FCGI (each, an "FCGI Share"). Former shareholders of FCGI are entitled to receive 0.467 of a common share of Integra (each whole share, an "Integra Share") for each FCGI Share held immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction. In aggregate, 65,213,010 Integra Shares were issued today for the benefit of former FCGI shareholders as consideration for their FCGI Shares. As a result of the Transaction, FCGI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integra. The FCGI Shares are anticipated to be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") at market close on or about November 12, 2024. Following the delisting, FCGI intends to apply to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws. Board of Directors Integra's Board of Directors (the "Board") will continue to be led by George Salamis, as Executive Chairman, and now includes Janet Yang and Ian Atkinson, former directors of FCGI, as new members. Ms. Yang has over twenty years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, corporate strategy, capital markets and M&A. She currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for Reveam, Inc., a developer and operator of electronic cold-pasteurization treatment systems. Prior to joining Reveam, Ms. Yang held the role of Research Director, Energy and Mining at GMT Capital Corp., and from 2018 to 2023, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of W&T Offshore, Inc., a Texas-based oil and gas exploration and production company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. While at W&T Offshore, Ms. Yang was responsible for US$1.7 billion in financing transactions and played a key role in other strategic initiatives, including a substantial deleveraging of the company and originating the company's partnerships with large, international entities such as Baker Hughes General Electric and Korea National Oil Company. Earlier in her career, Ms. Yang held positions in research and investment analysis at BlackGold Capital Management, investment banking at Raymond James and energy trading at Allegheny Energy. Ms. Yang also serves on the board of directors of Saturn Oil & Gas Inc., and she previously served as a director for FCGI and Argonaut Gold Inc. Ms. Yang holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Rice University. Mr. Atkinson is a Professional Geologist who currently serves as Director of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. and Wolfden Resources Corporation and retired from the Board of Kinross Gold Corp in May 2024. Mr. Atkinson was previously Director, President, and CEO of Centerra Gold Inc. He has more than 50 years of experience in the mining industry with extensive background in exploration, project development, operations, mergers and acquisitions. Prior to his ten-year tenure at Centerra, Mr. Atkinson held various senior positions with Hecla Mining Company, Battle Mountain Gold Inc., Hemlo Gold Mines Inc., and Noranda Inc. During his career, Mr. Atkinson has contributed to the discovery of several major mineral deposits and been involved in a number of large global mining projects. Mr. Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology) from King's College, University of London and a Master's Degree in Geophysics from the Royal School of Mines, University of London. Sara Heston and Stephen de Jong have resigned from the Board. The Company would like to express its gratitude for their years of service. Subscription Receipt Financing In connection with closing of the Transaction, the escrow release conditions in respect of an aggregate of 14,900,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of Integra issued on August 21, 2024 at a price of C$1.35 per Subscription Receipt (the "Subscription Receipt Financing") were satisfied, and the net proceeds of approximately C$19.4 million were released to Integra. The net proceeds are expected to be used to fund mine optimization opportunities at the Florida Canyon Mine, for the continued advancement of the DeLamar Project and the Nevada North Project, and for general corporate purposes. Each Subscription Receipt automatically converted today into one Integra Share for no additional consideration. The Integra Shares issued today upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on December 22, 2024. Credit Facility Draw The Company also announces that it has drawn a second advance under its up to US$20 million convertible facility with Beedie Capital, in the principal amount of US$5 million, with a conversion price equal to C$1.6875 per Integra Share. The number of Integra Shares issuable upon conversion of the principal amount of the second advance is 4,098,360. The proceeds from the subsequent draw are expected to be used to finance the exploration and development of the Company's DeLamar and Nevada North Projects, and for general working capital purposes in respect of each of Integra's projects. Information for Former FCGI Shareholders In order to receive Integra Shares in exchange for FCGI Shares, registered shareholders of FCGI must complete, sign, date and return the letter of transmittal that was mailed to each FCGI shareholder prior to closing. The letter of transmittal is also available under FCGI's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For those shareholders of FCGI whose FCGI Shares are registered in the name of a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company, trust or other intermediary or nominee, such shareholders should contact such nominee for assistance in depositing their FCGI Shares and should follow the instructions of such intermediary or nominee. Further information about the Transaction is set forth in the management information circular (the "Circular") prepared by FCGI in respect of the Meeting which was mailed to shareholders of FCGI and filed under FCGI's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Early Warning Disclosure Prior to the completion of the Transaction, Integra held no FCGI Shares. Following the completion of the Transaction, Integra holds all of the issued and outstanding FCGI Shares. An early warning report will be filed by Integra under FCGI's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact the Corporate Secretary of Integra at 604-416-0576 or [email protected]. Integra's head office is located at 1050 - 400 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3A6. Advisors and Counsel Stifel and Trinity Advisors Corporation acted as financial advisors to Integra. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP acted as legal counsel to Integra in connection with the Transaction. Cormark Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to FCGI. Bennett Jones LLP and HBH Strategic Advisors acted as legal counsel to FCGI in connection with the Transaction. About Integra Resources Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices Forward looking and other cautionary statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the potential benefits to be derived from the Transaction; the use of proceeds from the Subscription Receipt Financing and the second advance under the Company's credit facility; the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Company's mineral properties and project portfolio; the results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of technical reports on mineral properties referenced herein; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the anticipated advancement of the Company' mineral properties and project portfolios; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; underground exploration potential; costs and timing of future exploration; the completion and timing of future development studies; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; exploration prospects of mineral properties; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of mineral properties; future growth potential of mineral properties; and future development plans. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such information is provided. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration programs; the absence of adverse conditions at mineral properties; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forward looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: integration risks; general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and management's ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Form 20- F dated March 28, 2024 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, FCGI's listing application on TSXV Form 2B dated July 12, 2024, and the Circular. There can be no assurance that forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Company's plans, objectives and goals, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Integra Resources Corp. The Phase 1b/2 study FUMANBA-1 demonstrates Equecabtagene Autoleucel led to deep and durable responses in patients with R/RMM The data shows the overall response rateORRwas 96.1%the ORR reached 98.9% among the patients without prior CAR-T therapy Among the 103 patients, only one experienced Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with no Grade 3 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) SHANGHAI and NANJING, China and SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IASO Biotherapeutics ("IASO Bio"), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative cell therapy and antibody products, today announced that the results of the phase 1b/2 clinical study FUMANBA-1 of its fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (trade name: Fucaso), for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM), have been published in the leading medical journal JAMA Oncology. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Equecabtagene Autoleucel in patients with R/RMM who had previously received 3 lines of prior therapies. The results demonstrated that Equecabtagene Autoleucel achieved a high overall response rate and durable remission in patients, with a favorable safety profile. JAMA Oncology published clinical data on 103 patients who received infusion of Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) as of September 9, 2022, with a median follow-up of 13.8 months (range: 0.4-27.2 months). In terms of efficacy, among the 101 evaluable patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 96.0% (97/101), and the stringent complete response/complete response rate (sCR/CR) was 74.3% (75/101). Among the 89 patients without prior CAR-T therapy, the ORR was 98.9% (88/89), and the sCR/CR rate was 78.7% (70/89). In these 101 patients, the median time to response was 16 days (range: 11-179), while the median duration of response (DOR) and median progression-free survival (PFS) had not been reached yet. The 12-month PFS rate was 78.8% (95% CI: 68.6-86.0). Additionally, 95% (96/101) of the patients achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, with a median time to MRD negativity of 15 days (range: 14-186). All patients with sCR/CR achieved MRD negativity, and the median duration of MRD negativity had not been reached. In terms of safety, 93.2% (96/103) of the patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS), most of which were grade 1 or 2, with only one patient experiencing grade 3 or higher CRS. Only 1.9% (2/103) of the patients developed immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), with one case each of grade 1 and grade 2. Notably, updated data from this study, as of December 31, 2022, was presented during the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. The median follow-up had increased to 18.07 months, with an ORR of 96.1% among the 103 evaluable patients. The sCR/CR rate was 77.7%, and all patients who achieved CR or better exhibited 100% MRD negativity. Among the 91 patients without prior CAR-T therapy, the ORR reached 98.9%, with an sCR/CR rate of 82.4% and an MRD negativity rate of 97.8%. Notably, 81.7% of these patients remained MRD-negative at 12 months post-infusion, with a 12-month PFS rate was 85.5%. In addition, Equecabtagene Autoleucel could showed prolonged persistence in the body, at 12 months post-infusion, 50% of patients had a vector copy number (VCN) above the limit of detection, and 40% still had detectable VCN persistence at 24 months. Professor Lu-gui Qiu, from the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, stated: "The results of the FUMANBA-1 study demonstrate the encouraging efficacy and safety of Equecabtagene Autoleucel in treating patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Its groundbreaking fully human scFv design overcomes the high immunogenicity issues commonly associated with animal-derived CAR-T cells while maintaining optimal affinity for BCMA-expressing tumor cells. Its excellent dissociation kinetics facilitates rapid expansion and long-term persistence of Equecabtagene Autoleucel in vivo." Professor Huang He, from The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, stated, "Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) was approved in China in June 2023. Over the past year since its launch, it has brought significant survival benefits to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in China and from overseas. Meanwhile, we have accumulated valuable real-world experience, and we expect this innovative therapy to benefit more patients." Professor Chunrui Li, from Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, stated: "Equecabtagene Autoleucel is the world's first fully human CAR-T therapy to be approved. It's binding to BCMA, utilizing both heavy and light chains with optimal affinity, facilitates dissociation from BCMA antigen after tumor cell killing, thereby reducing CAR-T cell self-exhaustion. Along with lower immunogenicity, this leads to rapid, deep, and sustained remission in patients with multiple myeloma." Dr. Jie Chen, Chief Medical Officer of IASO Bio, stated: "We are delighted that the phase 1b/2 clinical study data of Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the treatment of R/RMM has been published in JAMA Oncology. The results of this study, which targeted patients with R/RMM who had previously received 3 lines of prior therapies are very inspiring. We thank the FUMANBA-1 research team for their rigorous scientific approach and high-standard execution. Currently, IASO Bio is actively conducting and advancing the phase III clinical study (FUMANBA-3) of Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received 1-2 lines of prior therapies. We anticipate this clinical study, based on clinical data from Chinese patients, will yield positive results soon, bringing new treatment option for more patients." About FUMANBA-1 study FUMANBA-1 is a single-arm, open-label phase 1b/2 registrational clinical study conducted in 14 Chinese centers to assess the efficacy and safety of the Equecabtagene Autoleucel in patients with R/RMM who have received 3 lines of prior therapies. The trial enrolled patients with RRMM who had previously received at least three lines of therapy, including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents-based chemotherapy regimens, and had disease progression on their last line of therapy. Patients who had previously received BCMA CAR-T therapy were also eligible for enrollment. About Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) is an innovative fully-human anti- BCMA CAR-T cell therapy which uses lentivirus as a gene vector to transfect autologous T cells. The CAR contains a fully-human scFv, CD8a hinge and transmembrane, and 4-1BB-mediated co-stimulation and CD3 activation domains. Based on rigorous molecular structure screening and comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional evaluations, Fucaso demonstrates rapid and potent efficacy, accompanied by exceptional long-term persistence in vivo, enabling patients to achieve higher and deeper remissions, providing continuous protection and care for those suffering from multiple myeloma. About IASO Bio IASO Bio is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel cell therapies and biologics for oncology and autoimmune diseases. IASO Bio possesses comprehensive capabilities spanning the entire drug development process, from early discovery to clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization. Its pipeline includes a diversified portfolio of over 10 novel products, including Equecabtagene Autoleucel (a fully human BCMA CAR-T injection). Equecabtagene Autoleucel received Biologics License Application (BLA) approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in June 2023and U.S. FDA IND approval for the treatment of R/RMM in December 2022. Leveraging its strong management team, innovative product pipeline, as well as integrated and high quality manufactural and clinical capabilities, IASO aims to deliver transformative, curable, and affordable therapies that fulfil unmet medical needs to patients in China and around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.iasobio.com or www.linkedin.com/company/iasobiotherapeutics. SOURCE IASO Bio TIOHTIA:KE (MONTREAL), QC, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) are pleased to invite all interested groups and individuals to participate in a hybrid Public Forum in Mexico City, Mexico on 4 and 5 December 2024, in person and online. The international community recognizes that we are in a critical decade, with 2030 global targets to limit global warming to 1.5C and curb biodiversity loss rapidly approaching. The CEC initiative Reaching Horizon 2030: An Environmental Outlook for North American Cooperation (H-2030) will help ensure that trilateral North American strategies, programs and partnerships support key climate and biodiversity commitments made by Canada, Mexico and the United States and contribute to global leadership as a model for regional environmental cooperation. This JPAC Public Forum will be dedicated to exploring how North American strategies can enhance efforts within our region to address the triple planetary crisis, benefiting all peoples of the region. The Public Forum will provide a dynamic platform for discussing how trinational actions can be strategically aligned with international goals and help identify concrete actions that can be taken to help address the triple planetary crisis, focusing on three priority areas: Earth Observation Technologies and Other Geographic Information System (GIS) Tools Sustainable Transportation Ecosystem Services / Sustainable Use and Management of Biodiversity while considering four cross-cutting themes: Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Environmental Justice Subnational Governance / Action (including cities / urban dimensions) Private Sector Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility On 4 and 5 December, the "JPAC Public Forum on Reaching Horizon 2030: An Environmental Outlook for North American Cooperation" will combine expert presentations with in-depth discussions among policymakers, experts and key actors on emerging environmental and climate challenges. 4 December 2024 On Day 1, the JPAC Public Forum will explore innovative technologies and regional collaboration strategies to advance North American climate and sustainability goals. Expert panels and roundtables will examine the role of Earth Observation Technologies and GIS Tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation, focusing on how these tools can drive equitable solutions for vulnerable communities. Sustainable Transportation will also take center stage as experts and the public discuss its potential to reduce pollution and foster urban resilience. The day will feature Solution-Making for All, a forward-thinking session addressing the triple planetary crisis with a focus on environmental justice. The day will conclude with Youth Voices on H-2030, a panel where young leaders will share North American youth perspectives gathered during the 2024 Youth Engagement Week workshop. They will outline the youth vision and priorities for a sustainable future, adding an intergenerational perspective to the discussions. 5 December 2024 The day will begin with an Expert Panel on Indigenous Rights and Traditional Ecological Knowledge that will focus on the perspectives, priorities, resilience, leadership, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in the face of the triple planetary crisis. This will be followed by a Roundtable on Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Use and Management of Biodiversity, focusing on actionable strategies to enhance ecosystem services, biodiversity management and water management across key groups in North America. The agenda will then shift to the critical roles of Subnational Governance and Urban Action, Private Sector Engagement, and Corporate Social Responsibility in addressing the global crisis with these two sessions exploring actions and opportunities from subnational entities and the private sector. Before the event concludes, CEC staff, experts and participants will engage in Roundtables of Reflection, where insights and perspectives will be shared. The Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group will also present its contributions. The day will conclude with an Open Dialogue with JPAC Members on actionable takeaways. This event will offer a valuable opportunity for individuals, organizations and communities from North America and globally, to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to actionable solutions. Whether you join us in Mexico City or participate virtually, come ready to share insights, learn from experts and network with leaders driving environmental change across North America. We look forward to your participation in this dialogue for a sustainable future! Click here to register now and learn more. If you would like to know more about CEC initiatives, opportunities and efforts, you can sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. Media Contact Patrick Tonissen Head of Communications +1 (438) 885-8463 SOURCE Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirtland Credit Union (KCU) proudly announces the groundbreaking of its new branch located within the exciting Max Q development, a mixed-use project situated off Gibson Boulevard in partnership with Kirtland Air Force Base through an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL). The ceremony took place on October 18, 2024, marking a significant milestone for both KCU and the local community. Matt Rarden, President and CEO at Kirtland Credit Union, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This development has been in the works for a long time, and we are excited to be part of something that will greatly enhance the economic vitality of our communities. The Gibson corridor is set to become a vibrant hub, featuring commercial business, retail, and other much needed enhancements." The new Kirtland Credit Union branch will occupy a one-level, 2,500 square foot space, replacing the current branch at 6440 Gibson Blvd. Construction is set to begin in late October and is expected to be completed by Summer 2025. This modern, full-service location will offer new accounts, mortgages, consumer loans, and wealth management services, allowing KCU to enhance its footprint and better serve its over 52,000 members. Rarden added, "We're thrilled to be one of the initial retail businesses in the Max Q development. We have a lot of work ahead, and it's exciting to see the project take shape. We want to thank all our staff, members, partners, and community members for your support. Special thanks to Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers (District 6, ABQ's Southeast Heights) for coming out to help us break ground!" Kirtland Credit Union is collaborating with NewGround International, a firm specializing in credit union developments, to lead the branch's design-build process. This move to the Max Q location not only enhances the security and functionality of KCU's operations but also aligns with the credit union's broader expansion strategy across New Mexico. About Kirtland Credit Union Established in 1958, Kirtland Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative dedicated to improving the economic well-being and quality of life for its members. With over one billion in assets, KCU operates eight branch locations across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Los Lunas, NM. The new branch at Max Q will further KCU's mission to provide convenient banking options and expanded access to essential financial services. Thank you for your support as we embark on this exciting new chapter, Live Confident! SOURCE Kirtland Credit Union NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global long-term care (LTC) market size is estimated to grow by USD 394.8 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.21% during the forecast period. Growing demand for long-term care from aging population is driving market growth, with a trend towards expansion and growth of several healthcare domain. However, lack of skilled nursing staff for long-term care poses a challenge.Key market players include Abri Health Care Services LLC, Amedisys Inc., Brookdale Senior Living Inc., CareOne Management LLC, Diversicare Healthcare Services Inc., Extendicare Canada Inc, FCP Live In, Genesis Healthcare Inc., Honor Technology Inc., Illumifin Corp., Kindred Health Holdings LLC, Life Care Centers of America Inc., Revera Inc., SeniorLiving.org, Sonida Senior Living Inc., Sunrise Senior Living LLC, and Wickshire Senior Living. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global long-term care (LTC) market 2024-2028 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Long-Term Care (Ltc) Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.21% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 394.8 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.08 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 33% Key countries US, China, Germany, France, and Japan Key companies profiled Abri Health Care Services LLC, Amedisys Inc., Brookdale Senior Living Inc., CareOne Management LLC, Diversicare Healthcare Services Inc., Extendicare Canada Inc, FCP Live In, Genesis Healthcare Inc., Honor Technology Inc., Illumifin Corp., Kindred Health Holdings LLC, Life Care Centers of America Inc., Revera Inc., SeniorLiving.org, Sonida Senior Living Inc., Sunrise Senior Living LLC, and Wickshire Senior Living Market Driver The Long-Term Care (LTC) market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing chronic diseases prevalence among the geriatric population. Chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and dementia affect a large portion of the older population, leading to a high demand for LTC services. Home healthcare, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult daycare, hospices, and nursing care are popular options for those requiring long-term care. Formal professionals and unpaid family members, partners, friends, and neighbors provide care for the sick, disabled, and chronically ill. The government and commercial insurers are key funding sources for LTC, with the target demographic being the elderly population with multimorbidity. Competent nursing staff, medication management, basic health services, counseling services, and mental health are essential components of quality LTC. Technologies like durable medical devices, walkers, wheelchairs, safety blankets, internet-enabled monitoring, telemedicine, and mobile health apps are transforming healthcare delivery. Stringent regulations ensure quality care, patient safety, and standards in the nursing home sector. Emerging alternatives like palliative care and hospice services cater to unmet needs in LTC. Life expectancy continues to rise, increasing the demand for LTC services, and healthcare systems must adapt to meet the needs of this growing population. The long-term care (LTC) market is experiencing significant growth due to several factors. Healthcare facilities are transitioning into patient-focused service providers, leading to new vendors entering the market and advancements in treatment therapies and techniques. Infrastructure improvements and the availability of skilled professionals are also contributing to market expansion. Increased healthcare spending on diagnostics, hospital treatments, and home-based care services post-treatment are driving the demand for long-term care services. Consequently, vendors are investing in advanced laboratories, patient wards, and medical equipment to cater to this growing need. However, this expansion brings challenges to the global LTC market, particularly in terms of managing the increasing patient pool and ensuring quality care. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Long-Term Care (LTC) market faces significant challenges due to the growing geriatric population and the prevalence of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and dementia. This demographic shift increases the demand for various LTC services, including home healthcare, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult daycare, and hospices. Chronic illnesses and multimorbidity require intensive medication management, personal care, and basic health services. Formal professionals and unpaid family members, partners, friends, and neighbors provide care for the sick, disabled, and elderly. Governments and commercial insurers are essential stakeholders in addressing the unmet needs of the LTC sector. Competent nursing staff, stringent regulations, quality of care, and patient safety are crucial factors in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of LTC services. Emerging technologies, such as healthcare delivery technology, durable medical devices (walkers, wheelchairs, safety blankets), Internet-enabled monitoring, telemedicine, and mobile health apps, offer promising solutions to enhance the delivery of LTC services while addressing the challenges of chronic disease prevalence, hospitalization, and mental stress. Palliative care and counseling services for mental health are essential components of comprehensive LTC, as mental illnesses often co-occur with physical illnesses. The nursing home sector must adapt to these challenges by focusing on patient-centered care, investing in technologies, and complying with evolving standards. The long-term care market faces a significant challenge in securing sufficient providers and healthcare professionals, particularly in geriatrics. A scarcity of primary care physicians and caretakers persists, exacerbated by a shortage of trained nurses. Many nurses opt for management roles, leaving long-term care sites understaffed. Isolation is common in the industry, prioritizing tasks over patient care. Consequently, some facilities have halted new patient admissions or discontinued care for current residents. This trend diminishes the quality of services offered in long-term care facilities. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This long-term care (ltc) market report extensively covers market segmentation by Type 1.1 Government 1.2 Public and private players 1.3 Out of the pocket 1.4 Private insurance Application 2.1 Nursing care and assisted living facilities 2.2 Home healthcare 2.3 Hospice Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Government- The long-term care (LTC) market is significantly influenced by government initiatives. Governments worldwide are focusing on financing long-term care services for their citizens, particularly for those with limited resources. This trend is crucial for families to consider long-term care needs as part of their retirement planning. The Indian government, for instance, has increased healthcare expenditure to 18.3% of GDP in FY22-23, allocating Rs.86,200.65 Cr (USD 11.28 billion) to the Ministry of Health and Family. Such investments underscore the importance of government involvement in the LTC market, driving its growth during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The long-term care (LTC) market caters to the unique needs of the geriatric population, who often suffer from chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Dementia, and heart problems. Chronic illnesses and multimorbidity are prevalent among the elderly population, leading to a high demand for LTC services. These services include home healthcare, nursing homes, nursing care, assisted living facilities, adult daycare, hospices, and formal professional care, as well as the crucial role of informal caregivers. Unmet needs in LTC are significant, with basic health services, medication management, dressing, and mobility assistance being essential requirements. Governments and healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the importance of LTC and are investing in its development. However, the complexities of chronic diseases and the diverse needs of the elderly population necessitate a comprehensive approach to LTC, integrating various services and addressing the interplay between physical and mental illnesses. Market Research Overview The Long-Term Care (LTC) market caters to the unique needs of the geriatric population, who often suffer from chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and dementia. Chronic illnesses and disabilities in older adults lead to multimorbidity, requiring extensive care and medication management. The target demographic includes the sick, disabled, and elderly population, who may require various forms of care, including nursing care, home healthcare, assisted living facilities, adult daycare, hospices, and nursing homes. Formal professionals and competent nursing staff play a crucial role in providing basic health services, while unpaid family members, partners, friends, and neighbors often serve as informal caregivers. Government funding and commercial insurers contribute significantly to the LTC sector. The LTC market encompasses a wide range of services and technologies, including counseling services for mental health, durable medical devices like walkers and wheelchairs, safety blankets, and healthcare delivery technology such as Internet-enabled monitoring, telemedicine, and mobile health apps. Stringent regulations ensure quality of care and patient safety, while emerging alternatives like palliative care and hospice services address unmet needs in the LTC sector. The LTC market is a critical component of healthcare systems, addressing the healthcare needs of an aging population with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Government Public And Private Players Out Of The Pocket Private Insurance Application Nursing Care And Assisted Living Facilities Home Healthcare Hospice Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Study reveals potential of AI-powered tumor microenvironment assessment in predicting treatment outcomes in rare cancer patients receiving pembrolizumab SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ), a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, today announced groundbreaking research findings demonstrating the potential of its AI to predict immunotherapy treatment outcomes in rare tumors. Conducted in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, this study will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2024 Annual Meeting, held November 6-10 in Houston, Texas. Accepted as a Rapid Oral presentation, the study will be presented by Mohamed Derbala, M.D., a research scientist at MD Anderson. It has also been selected as one of the SITC TOP 100 abstracts, underscoring its potential significance and impact in the field of immunotherapy. Lunit and MD Anderson reveal promising AI results at SITC 2024, predicting immunotherapy response in rare cancer patients. (Courtesy of Lunit) Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, has emerged as a revolutionary treatment option for cancer patients. However, not all patients respond equally to this treatment, and predicting who will benefit most has been a significant challenge, especially in rare tumor types where treatment options and research data are limited. Led by principal investigator Dr. Aung Naing, professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, the research utilized Lunit's AI-powered whole-slide image analyzer, Lunit SCOPE IO, to assess tumor microenvironment characteristics in both pre-treatment and on-treatment biopsies from patients with rare tumors receiving pembrolizumab. The study analyzed over 500 slides across more than 10 different rare tumor types. The findings indicate that Lunit SCOPE IO could effectively identify specific patterns in tumor samples that correlate with better treatment outcomes. The research showed that patients whose tumor samples displayed AI-detected changes in both intratumoral immune cell (intratumoral tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte; iTIL) presence and tumor content, were significantly more likely to have better treatment outcomes positively to immunotherapy treatment. Key findings from the study include: In certain tumor types, patients with higher pre-treatment iTIL density showed a 51% lower risk of disease progression or death (improved progression-free survival, PFS; HR: 0.49) Patients who had greater iTIL density increase at on-treatment biopsy showed a 35% lower risk of disease progression or death (HR: 0.65) and a 41% lower risk of death (improved overall survival, OS; HR: 0.59) Patients with greater tumor content decrease at on-treatment biopsy had a 49% lower risk of disease progression or death (HR: 0.51) and a 46% lower risk of death (HR: 0.54) Most notably, patients who experienced both a greater iTIL density increase and tumor content decrease showed dramatically improved outcomes: 68% lower risk of disease progression or death 72% lower risk of death "These findings highlight how our AI technology can provide deep insights into the unique and challenging tumor microenvironment seen in rare cancers, and represent a critical advancement in our understanding of rare tumor biology," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "This study has demonstrated the value of Lunit SCOPE IO in an important clinical setting, showcasing its potential to personalize treatment for patients who have limited therapeutic options. We believe these advancements are a testament to the transformative impact AI can have on oncology and patient outcomes." By expanding the capabilities of Lunit SCOPE IO, Lunit aims to continue partnering with leading cancer research institutions to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions for patients with limited treatment options, ultimately transforming cancer care. For more details about the study and its findings, please visit Lunit's booth #317 at the SITC 2024 Annual Meeting. Abstract #1207, "Artificial Intelligence-powered assessment of tumor microenvironment in pre-treatment and on-treatment biopsies informs treatment outcomes to pembrolizumab in patients with rare tumors." (Nov.9, 1:08 p.m. , George R. Brown Convention Center - Level 3 - Grand Ballroom C) About Lunit Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ) is a medical AI company on a mission to conquer cancer. We harness AI-powered medical image analytics and AI biomarkers to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for each cancer patient. The FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite for cancer screening serves over 4,500 hospitals and medical institutions across 55+ countries. Lunit clinical studies have been published in top journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Lancet Digital Health, and presented at global conferences such as ASCO and RSNA. In 2024, Lunit acquired Volpara Health Technologies, setting the stage for unparalleled synergy and accuracy, particularly in breast health and screening technologies. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with a network of offices worldwide, Lunit leads the global fight against cancer. Discover more at lunit.io . SOURCE Lunit CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MaidCentral, a premier business management solution for the house cleaning industry, has partnered with Maid Brigade, a leading residential cleaning franchise, to become its official software provider. This strategic partnership aims to elevate operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the customer experience across Maid Brigade's extensive network of franchise locations throughout the USA and Canada. "Our partnership with MaidCentral reflects our commitment to equipping Maid Brigade franchises with the most effective tools to optimize their operations," said Raychel Leong-Sullins, President of Maid Brigade. "With MaidCentral, our franchisees will not only have access to state-of-the-art software but also gain insights that enable them to deliver consistent, five-star service." Meeting the Needs of Franchise-Wide Operations As a fully integrated business management solution, MaidCentral provides tailored functionality that empowers each Maid Brigade franchise to automate scheduling, payroll, KPI tracking, and more. Designed for both independent cleaning companies and large-scale franchises, MaidCentral's platform consolidates essential functions to improve the day-to-day workflows and overall performance of Maid Brigade's franchisees. "MaidCentral's software aligns with our strategic goals, allowing Maid Brigade to enhance our customer experience while driving operational efficiency across all locations," added Leong-Sullins. "This partnership is a key part of our growth as we continue to raise the standard for professional residential cleaning services." Key Features for Franchisees and Customers Alike With MaidCentral, Maid Brigade franchisees can manage customer information, scheduling, and employee payroll more seamlessly, helping them focus on what matters mostproviding exceptional service. The platform also allows franchisees to track and improve performance metrics in real-time, ultimately enhancing profitability and growth for each location. Unified Operations: MaidCentral centralizes essential business functions, enabling franchisees to run their operations from a single, intuitive platform. MaidCentral centralizes essential business functions, enabling franchisees to run their operations from a single, intuitive platform. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: By streamlining operational processes, Maid Brigade franchisees can provide faster, more reliable service to customers nationwide. By streamlining operational processes, Maid Brigade franchisees can provide faster, more reliable service to customers nationwide. Performance Tracking: MaidCentral's platform empowers franchisees to access KPI data, track growth metrics, and make data-driven decisions that benefit the entire franchise network. "This partnership allows Maid Brigade to utilize technology to its fullest, ensuring a consistent, top-tier experience for all customers, while supporting each franchisee's growth," said Tom Stewart, CEO of MaidCentral. "We're excited to work together to redefine the business management experience for the house cleaning industry." About MaidCentral MaidCentral is a comprehensive business management software solution designed specifically for residential cleaning companies, from single-location businesses to large franchisors. MaidCentral empowers cleaning businesses to optimize scheduling, payroll, KPI tracking, and more, driving greater efficiency and profitability. About Maid Brigade Maid Brigade is a national franchise company specializing in professional residential cleaning services. Committed to providing high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, Maid Brigade has been a trusted name in the house cleaning industry for decades. Through innovative technology and a customer-focused approach, Maid Brigade continually sets new standards for residential cleaning excellence. For more information, visit: MaidCentral Website | Maid Brigade Website SOURCE MaidCentral President Joe Biden addressed the nation following the November 5 general elections, in which the American people voted to return to office former President Donald Trump, whom Mr. Biden defeated in 2020. For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world and thats not hyperbole; thats a fact where the people the people vote and choose their own leaders and they do it peacefully and where, in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails. President Biden said he had called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory. And I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. Thats what the American people deserve. In the wake of the hard-fought campaign that pitted Vice President Kamala Harris against Mr. Trump, President Biden praised the Vice President and her run for the White House. She has a backbone like a ramrod. She has great character, true character. She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran. To those who voted for Vice President Harris, Mr. Biden challenged them to stay engaged and keep the faith. He underscored that political campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made. Ive said many times you cant love your country only when you win. You cant love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature. I will do my duty as president, said President Biden. I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On January 20 [next year], we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America. MONTREAL, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - MEDFAR, developer of the Integrated Care Platform MYLE and leading Canadian EMR provider, is proud to announce it ranked 47th on the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list in Canada, thanks to 423% revenue growth over the past four years. This achievement marks our second consecutive year of recognition, highlighting our sustained revenue growth, bold innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. "Earning a ranking on Deloitte's Fast 50 program for the second year in a row is a powerful testament to the passion and dedication of our employees who are transforming healthcare every day. MEDFAR has remained steadfast in its enduring commitment to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. This recognition is a shared achievement with everyone who drives our mission forward, from our outstanding team to our invaluable partners," said Elias Farah, co-founder and CEO of MEDFAR. A Commitment to Innovation and Impact Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 program celebrates companies that lead the way with exceptional growth, creativity, and resilience. With our MYLE Integrated Care Platform, MEDFAR is the fastest growing, pure-play electronic medical record provider in Canada. MYLE is reshaping care delivery by connecting healthcare providers and patients on a frictionless platform, improving outcomes for millions of people. Operating from Canada, the United States, India, and Armenia, our team of more than 350 employees shares a passion for transforming healthcare on a global scale. Their tireless dedication to our clients' success ensures that we continue to deliver world-class solutions that enhance care delivery, improve efficiency, and support better health outcomes. Thank You to Our Partners and Team This recognition would not be possible without the support of our partners Walter Capital, Investissement Quebec, BDC and CIBC and the hard work of our talented employees. Their commitment to excellence fuels our momentum and allows us to push boundaries in the healthcare industry. MEDFAR remains focused on its mission to revolutionize healthcare by empowering more providers to deliver better care for millions of people. As we celebrate these back-to-back achievements, we look forward to continuing our journey driving excellence and efficiency in healthcare. About the Deloitte Technology Fast 50TM program The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program is Canada's pre-eminent technology awards program. It recognizes business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in four distinct categories: Technology Fast 50, EnterpriseIndustry Leaders, Clean Technology, and Companies-to-Watch. The program also recognizes thriving technology companies in the United States and Canada in partnership with the North American Technology Fast 500 program. Program sponsors for 2024 include RBCx, Osler, EDC, CCI, TMX, Clarity, and Lafond. For more information, visit www.fast50.ca. About MEDFAR Founded in 2010, MEDFAR provides an efficient and interconnected way of delivering high-quality care through its fast, reliable, and secure SaaS-based MYLE Integrated Care Platform. Its solutions streamline primary care workflows and empower more than 15,000 healthcare professionals to provide better care for more than 25 million patient interactions across North America. MEDFAR pledges to transform quality of care on a global scale with a plan to enable 5 million care providers to deliver high-quality care to 500 million patients across 5 continents by 2030. SOURCE MEDFAR - MT-303 programs immune cells directly in patients; the first time an in vivo CAR has been evaluated clinically in HCC - CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Myeloid Therapeutics, Inc. ("Myeloid"), a clinical-stage immunology company advancing RNA therapeutics to conquer cancer, announced today an oral presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy in Cancer (SITC) 2024 annual meeting, occurring November 6 - 10, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Dr. Matthew Maurer, Myeloid's Chief Medical Officer, will present on Myeloid's discovery and development of MT-303. MT-303 is the Company's second in vivo mRNA CAR program to enter the clinic from its pipeline of in vivo immune cell programming therapies. MT-303 is a first-in-class Glypican-3 (GPC3) targeting CAR encoded from mRNA and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. It is currently in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are limited treatment options to combat HCC. GPC3 is a target of growing therapeutic interest given its overexpression in many cancers, including the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas, coupled with limited expression in normal tissues. GPC3 expression has been linked to aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis. Myeloid's treatment approach focuses on selective in vivo programming of immune cell subsets with innovative off-the-shelf mRNA-encoded CAR technologies. These candidates are administered without the need for preconditioning. MT-303 arms myeloid cells with a proprietary chimeric antigen receptor that expresses specifically within myeloid cells. This approach directs and enables myeloid cells to kill GPC3 expressing cancers while orchestrating a coordinated adaptive immune anti-tumor response marked by expansion of new T cell clones. "Myeloid has rapidly advanced MT-303 into first-in-human testing as our second in vivo CAR clinical program. Dose escalation of MT-303 and MT-302 continues, and we are encouraged by the ongoing biologic indications of proof-of-mechanism, as well as the early observed safety and efficacy experience," said Dr. Matthew Maurer, Chief Medical Officer of Myeloid. "The clinical observations extend the earlier preclinical results, that also demonstrated selective activation of CAR myeloid cells and robust anti-tumor activity in mouse hepatocellular tumor models." Oral presentation details are as follows: Abstract #: 1125 Title: "Preclinical Development of MT-303, a Novel LNP-Formulated GPC3-Specific CAR mRNA, for in vivo Programming of Monocytes to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma" Session Title: Protein and Cellular Engineering Strategies Session Date and Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, 5:10 pm Presenting Author: Matthew Maurer Myeloid Therapeutics For more information, please visit the SITC 2024 website. Myeloid's in vivo programming candidates are designed with proprietary insights to deliver personalized therapy, providing benefits to patients while reducing time and costs through the elimination of ex vivo handling of patient cells and complex neoantigen sequencing. The Myeloid platform integrates validated antibody/antigen binding with novel combinations of myeloid signaling domains, coded within a simple mRNA that can be delivered repeatedly using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The platform's versatility provides a range of signaling domains and immune cell types useful for combination approaches. About Liver Cancer With limited treatment options, and over 850,000 new cases diagnosed globally each year, liver cancer has become the third leading cause of cancer death. After initial treatment success with small molecule therapies, the development of new treatment approaches in the field of liver cancer has been limited. Today, patients with liver cancer who are refractory to first line treatment are left with few treatment options, creating a substantial unmet medical need. Myeloid sees an opportunity to make a significant contribution to address this need, by providing a new CAR for these patients who are living with liver cancer. The CARs are capable of providing a coordinated and durable immune response to counter advanced disease. The CARs are combinable and will expand the treatment options for physicians. About the Phase 1 Study of MT-303 The MT-303 Phase 1 study (NCT06478693) is an open-label dose escalation study to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy of MT-303 in adults with advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma that overexpresses GPC3. This study will also define the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of MT-303. About MT-303 MT-303 represents the first candidate in a new therapeutic modality targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This clinical candidate is a first-in-class, GPC3-FcA-LNP, with a strong preclinical profile supporting its advance into this first-in-human trial. GPC3 is overexpressed in most human hepatocellular carcinomas, with limited expression in corresponding normal tissues. Increased GPC3 expression has been linked to tumor growth. Treatment with MT-303 as a monotherapy demonstrates activity in a GPC3/HCC preclinical model, confirming the tumor-fighting potency of programmed myeloid cells even in the model's absence of T cells. MT-303 has demonstrated strong expression in myeloid cells and a favorable safety profile in rodents and non-human primates. Unlike other therapies, MT-303 brings the potential advantages of eliciting a full immune response by also presenting tumor neoantigen to stimulate T cells. MT-303 represents Myeloid's second in vivo CAR clinical program, building on the company's innovative approach to cancer treatment through immune cell programming. About Myeloid Therapeutics Myeloid Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology company, engineering cutting-edge RNA technology to program immune cells to combat cancer and other deadly diseases. Myeloid is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For additional information, please visit, https://www.myeloidtx.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X/Twitter. For collaborative interests, write to [email protected]. Investor Contact Amy Conrad Juniper Point [email protected] SOURCE Myeloid Therapeutics, Inc. Nexans announces the execution of an agreement to sell AmerCable to Mattr for US$280 million , subject to regulatory clearance. With the proposed transaction Nexans continues to deliver on the implementation of its strategy to refocus as a Pure Electrification Player. PARIS, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexans (NEX.FP), a leader in the global energy transition, announces today the execution of an agreement to sell AmerCable, a leading manufacturer of electrical power, control and instrumentation cables for harsh environments, to Mattr (MATR.TO) for an Enterprise Value of $280 million. Since 1922, AmerCable has been producing power cables designed to operate reliably over long periods of time in extremely harsh operating environments for mining, and oil & gas markets. Based in the United States, Arkansas, with 300 employees. AmerCable reported in 2023 standard sales of 234 million. Christopher Guerin, Nexans CEO: "This agreement aligns with our strategy to refocus on Electrification and simplify the Group. Acquired in 2012, AmerCable has been a key pillar of our Industry & Solutions portfolio. The business went through a significant transformation over the last decade and in the last three years, with the implementation of our SHIFT program, we have brought the business to its full potential and full capacity. It was therefore the appropriate time to look for a new owner that could invest and grow the business further as our cycle was successfully completed. Our AmerCable colleagues will join a company with a great strategic fit and focus on specialty cables in North America." Mike Reeves, Mattr CEO added: "AmerCable is a highly respected North American cabling company with exceptional brand and product development capabilities. We plan to grow the business further and expand its successful operations" The proposed transaction remains subject to the fulfilment of customary conditions for this type of transaction, including regulatory approvals and is expected to close around year end. About Mattr For over 50 years, Mattr has delivered advanced materials technologies and complex manufacturing expertise. Through a portfolio of brands, Mattr offers highly engineered solutions, technology, and products to support infrastructure projects and markets worldwide. From energy, to automotive, to communication, and transportation, Mattr serves a wide breadth of industries and markets. For more information, please visit: https://www.mattr.com/ About Nexans For more than a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in electrifying the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With almost 25,000 staff in 42 countries, the Group is driving the change towards the new world of electrification: a safer, more sustainable, renewable, carbon-free world, accessible to all. In 2021, Nexans generated 6.1 billion in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacture of cable systems and services in five main areas of activity: Energy Production & Transmission, Distribution, Uses, Industry & Solutions and Telecom & Data. Nexans was the first player in its industry to create a Corporate Foundation to support actions that promote access to energy for disadvantaged populations worldwide. The Group is committed to helping achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Nexans. Electrify the future. Nexans is listed on the Euronext Paris stock market, compartment A. For more information, please visit www.nexans.com Contacts: Investor Relations Elodie Robbe-Mouillot Tel.: +33 (0)1 78 15 03 87 [email protected] Communications Emmanuel Guinot [email protected] Maellys Leostic Tel.: +33 (0)7 87 04 96 58 [email protected] SOURCE Nexans CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ORT America welcomed 12 Israeli teenagers to Chicago for a two-week Respite program, "Journey to Renewal: Empowering Emotional and Educational Recovery for Israeli Youth". The program offers transformative healing for "first circle" trauma victims, aimed at providing emotional support and enriching cultural experiences to students dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Oct. 7, 2023 attack, which left many facing loss and displacement. "Our Respite program is designed to be a transformative journey." Allison Weinger, CEO, ORT America Post this Respite students take a Wendella boat tour of downtown Chicago during their recent stay in the city, hosted by ORT America. Credit: ORT America Israeli students take some time to reflect and relax on the shore of Lake Michigan in Highland Park during a recent Respite trip to Chicago, hosted by ORT America. Credit: Jeff Ellis Photography "Our Respite program is designed to be a transformative journey," said Allison Weinger, CEO of ORT America. "ORT's mission is to equip students with the tools and skills they need to create successful futures for themselves, but our impact extends beyond education. The work and progress the children made over these two weeks they'll take that home. Our goal is that they will be able to better process the trauma and speak more openly about their experiences." During their stay Oct. 16 to Oct. 30, the students, aged 15 to 18, participated in an array of activities including a boat tour, Chicago Bulls game, Sukkot celebrations, and a day at Six Flags, organized by ORT America's Chicago Region Director Hannah Wolod and the local Jewish community. They enjoyed visits to a Jewish high school and Hebrew classes, along with restorative engagement in yoga, meditation and hiking. "We are so grateful to our host families for what they did for these brave and resilient kids, and to their dedicated staff," said Wolod. "The trip was beautiful and healing for everyone and that is due in large part to these families and Chicago's North Shore Jewish community. Their flexibility, compassion, and willingness to treat this delegation like members of their own family was incredible and inspiring." Dr. Moshe Leiba, Chief Pedagogical Officer and Deputy Director General of World ORT Kadima Mada, accompanies students on the trips. The journey also served as a crucial step in the healing process for ORT staff, particularly for one member who recently lost her son in Israel. "This gave her an outlet to talk with other people about her son," Dr. Leiba explained. "She really connected with her host, and they cried together. The day we left was very emotional for everyone. When I began planning this trip, this was exactly what I envisioned: bringing together kids, allowing them to be kids, and facilitating healing for both them and the adults. When you're helping one another, you're building your own resilience." Students Maor and Shaked shared their heartfelt experiences from the trip, emphasizing the strong bonds formed with Dr. Leiba and their host families. Maor expressed his sorrow at leaving, even shedding tears on his host's shoulder. Shaked noted both students gained a renewed sense of community and support. ORT America is planning additional Respite trips, including in London and Canada. Past initiatives were in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and New York. For information about ORT America, visit ortamerica.org. Media Contact: Caryn McBride Co-Communications Inc. [email protected] SOURCE ORT America Surprise Sting Yields 18 Arrests and 18 Victim Rescues SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In October 2024, OUR Rescue participated in Operation PRIOR, a multi-agency effort alongside the Spanish Policia Nacional (SNP), the Policia Nacional de Colombia, INTERPOL, and the Spanish Guardia Civil. OUR Rescue was on the ground during the SNP-led operation in Spain, where multiple search and arrest warrants were executed across several locations, leading to the arrest of 18 traffickers and the rescue of 18 survivors from sexual exploitation. The operation successfully dismantled the part of a human trafficking organization operating in Spain. Colombian authorities, who were present for this operation, are continuing to identify and investigate Colombian ties. OUR Rescue CEO Tammy Lee joins Spanish Policia Nacional (SNP), the Policia Nacional de Colombia, INTERPOL, and the Spanish Guardia Civil to arrest international sex traffickers in Spain. As part of the operation, law enforcement seized cash and illegal narcotics, further disrupting the criminal network. The traffickers had recruited women from impoverished regions, luring them with false promises of a better life and the ability to support their families. Upon arrival in Spain, the women's passports were confiscated, and they were immediately transported to clubs where they were coerced into commercial sexual exploitation. The women were forced to work around the clock and were punished if they did not comply. At the request of the SNP and INTERPOL, OUR Rescue provided essential logistical support for Operation PRIOR. Working in close partnership with a local Spain-based NGO, OUR Rescue assisted the survivors, providing emergency transportation, lodging, and other immediate needs. "Thanks to the technology, tools, and collaborative support from OUR Rescue, we're able to take not just one step forward, but another and another to reach more survivors," said David Diego Monserrat, SNP Director of the Central Sector for Trafficking in Human Beings. "While our resources are limited, we push forward as far as we can to extend help to those who need it most." "OUR Rescue is proud to partner with law enforcement for this multi-agency operation in Spain to bring these sexual predators to justice," said Tammy Lee, CEO of OUR Rescue. "This operation is the model for how we help fund and bring together the real heroes in this fight, our law enforcement partners. It is also a great example of how we work with other trusted international NGOs to provide immediate support for survivors and ensure they have the longer-term care and resources needed to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families." OUR Rescue has a strong collaboration with the SNP and previously donated technical equipment to assist with their investigations, some of which was instrumental in furthering the Operation PRIOR investigation. This success highlights the critical need for continued joint efforts in the global fight against sex trafficking. Lee concluded, "This mission was only possible because of the support of our generous donors." For more information about OUR Rescue and its global efforts, visit www.ourrescue.org. About OUR Rescue Headquartered in Salt Lake City, with Centers of Excellence in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Dallas-Fort Worth, OUR Rescue is a nonprofit organization on a mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation by empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journey. Founded in 2013, the organization's work spans the globe, providing comprehensive survivor care services, assisting law enforcement, and funding equipment and training to help develop and prosecute cases. SOURCE OUR Rescue LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of PACS Group, Inc. ("PACS Group" or "the Company") (NYSE: PACS) for violations of the securities laws. According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. PACS Group is the subject of a report issued by Hindenburg Research on November 4, 2024, titled: "PACS Group: How to Become A Billionaire In The Skilled Nursing Industry By Systematically Scamming Taxpayers." The report alleges that, "PACS abused a COVID-era waiver, inappropriately accessing skilled care Medicare benefits for thousands of patients across its national portfolio of facilities." Hindenburg further alleges that "the scheme drove more than 100% of PACS' operating and net income from 2020 - 2023, enabling PACS to IPO in early 2024 with the illusion of legitimate growth and profitability." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding's pioneering real estate arm Dubai Holding Real Estate, has marked significant progress in the development of Palm Jebel Ali in 2024, with the project progressing at pace to meet 2025 milestones. Palm Jebel Ali Aerial Render (PRNewsfoto/Nakheel) Palm Jebel Ali three major contracts signing ceremony (PRNewsfoto/Nakheel) Groundbreaking ceremony of marine works on Palm Jebel Ali with Jan De Nul Dredging LTD (PRNewsfoto/Nakheel) The development masterplan was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2023, who said at the time; "Palm Jebel Ali will further strengthen our urban infrastructure and consolidate the city's emergence as one of the world's leading metropolises. This new groundbreaking project reflects our strategic development plan centred on raising the quality of life and happiness of residents." The Palm Jebel Ali area received further recognition this year when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the master plan for the 6.6 kilometre development of Jebel Ali Beach. The project includes a five-kilometre sandy beach, to be developed by Nakheel, as well as a 1.6-kilometre-long Mangrove Beach, to be developed by Dubai Municipality. Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said; "At Nakheel we believe in developing dreams, inspired by the vision of our leaders and the hopes of our people. The rapid progress we are currently witnessing on ground at Palm Jebel Ali is testimony to the grand success of our key partnerships and our joint endeavours to ensure we deliver on our commitments." Several key contracts for the project were awarded throughout 2024, including the construction of a new 6-kilometre road, the contracts for the island's marine works, dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement, directly supporting the construction of villas. The first eight fronds of the project are expected to be site-ready for villa infrastructure and civil works by the first quarter of 2025. Crucially, the contract for the construction of exclusive ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of the project has also been awarded and are scheduled for completion by late 2026. Nakheel recently announced their partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for the development of two substations on Palm Jebel Ali. Video: Palm Jebel Ali Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552884/Nakheel_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552885/Nakheel_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552886/Nakheel_3.jpg SOURCE Nakheel NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global palm oil market size is estimated to grow by USD 57 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.07% during the forecast period. Increasing consumer awareness regarding health benefits of palm oil is driving market growth, with a trend towards new growth avenue for palm oil in biodiesel. However, concerns about deforestation and plant diversity losses poses a challenge.Key market players include Agarwal Industries P Ltd., Alami Commodities Sdn Bhd, Alfa Laval AB, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Asian Agri, Best Industry Group, Cargill Inc., Charleston Holdings Pte Ltd., Crowe LLP, Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd., IOI Corp. Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Musim Mas Group, Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., Oil Palm India Ltd., Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Sinar Mas, and Univanich Palm Oil Public Co. Ltd.. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global palm oil market 2024-2028 Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Palm Oil Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.07% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 57 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.99 Regional analysis APAC, Middle East and Africa, Europe, North America, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 71% Key countries Indonesia, India, China, Pakistan, and Malaysia Key companies profiled Agarwal Industries P Ltd., Alami Commodities Sdn Bhd, Alfa Laval AB, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Asian Agri, Best Industry Group, Cargill Inc., Charleston Holdings Pte Ltd., Crowe LLP, Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd., IOI Corp. Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Musim Mas Group, Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., Oil Palm India Ltd., Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Sinar Mas, and Univanich Palm Oil Public Co. Ltd. Market Driver Palm oil is a significant contributor to the biodiesel market, accounting for approximately 10% of global production. This vegetable oil, derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree, is an efficient and cost-effective first-generation feedstock. Compared to other oilseeds, oil palm yields more oil per hectare annually, making it an attractive choice for biodiesel production. With around 70 million tons of palm oil produced annually, its adoption in the biodiesel industry is on the rise. As the world shifts towards more sustainable and cleaner fuel options, the demand for biodiesel is increasing. Palm oil's high yield and cost-effectiveness position it well to meet this demand, driving growth in the palm oil market during the forecast period. Palm oil, derived from palm fruits, is a popular vegetable oil used in various industries. It's a key ingredient in instant noodles, cereals, candles, shampoos, and detergents. Crude palm oil and RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) palm oil are the main types, with palm kernel oil used for biofuel production. Sustainable and organic production methods are trending to address concerns over agrochemicals, pesticides, and deforestation. Palm oil's saturated fat content and potential link to heart disease have raised health concerns. Biofuels, such as biodiesel, are growing segments. Unrefined palm oil and fractionated palm oil have their uses, with the latter in edible oil and biofuels. Imports of palm oil, including from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, are significant. The market includes both conventional and organic segments. Agrochemicals, pesticides, insecticides, and surfactants are used in palm oil production. Mesocarp, the edible part of the fruit, is extracted for oil. Sustainable farming practices and the use of feedstock like soybean oil are important for reducing the environmental impact. Mineral oil and transfats are alternatives, but their production and use have drawbacks. Rapeseed oil is a competitor, but palm oil's versatility gives it a competitive edge. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The palm oil market faces significant challenges, including deforestation and loss of plant diversity, scarcity of natural resources, and climate change. These issues pose threats to the global food production system. In response, Indonesia and Malaysia , which account for 85% of the world's palm oil production, have prioritized sustainable and organic farming methods. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect endangered species, such as the Orangutan and Sumatran Rhino, from palm oil tree plantations. Regulations like the Forest Policy of 1988 and Forest Conservation Act of 1980 restrict cultivation and marketing in certain areas, limiting palm oil market expansion. and , which account for 85% of the world's palm oil production, have prioritized sustainable and organic farming methods. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect endangered species, such as the Orangutan and Sumatran Rhino, from palm oil tree plantations. Regulations like the Forest Policy of 1988 and Forest Conservation Act of 1980 restrict cultivation and marketing in certain areas, limiting palm oil market expansion. The palm oil market faces several challenges in both the conventional and organic segments. In conventional production, the use of agrochemicals, pesticides, and insecticides raises concerns over sustainability and health issues like saturated fat and cholesterol levels. In the organic segment, the focus is on sustainable farming practices, but challenges include higher production costs and smaller yields. Biodiesel and diesel industries utilize palm oil as feedstock, but competition from other sources like soybean and rapeseed oil, as well as biofuels like bioethanol, can impact market share. The health concerns surrounding saturated and trans fats in palm oil also impact the edible oil market. Deforestation is a significant challenge due to the conversion of tropical forests into palm oil plantations. Consumer goods and industries using palm oil as an ingredient or feedstock face reputational risks due to these sustainability concerns. The organic farming movement offers a solution, but requires significant investment and adherence to strict regulations. Fractionated palm oil, unrefined palm oil, and palm kernel oil are key products, with applications in surfactants, lubricants, and biofuels. The market for unrefined palm oil is growing due to its health benefits, but its higher price compared to refined palm oil is a challenge. White palm oil and mineral oil are also used in various industries. In summary, the palm oil market faces challenges from health concerns, competition from other oils, sustainability issues, and reputational risks. Organic farming and sustainable practices offer solutions, but require significant investment and regulatory compliance. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This palm oil market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 Edible oil 1.2 Surfactants 1.3 Bio-diesel 1.4 Others Type 2.1 Conventional 2.2 Organic Geography 3.1 APAC 3.2 Middle East and Africa and 3.3 Europe 3.4 North America 3.5 South America 1.1 Edible oil- Palm oil is a widely used edible oil, particularly in Asian markets. Two primary forms exist: palm fruit oil and palm kernel oil. Palm fruit oil is primarily used for cooking, while packaging foods often includes palm oil. Compared to hydrogenated oils, palm oil is considered healthier. Its affordability compared to other vegetable oils also boosts its market share. With fewer harmful trans fats, food processors benefit from using it. The global demand for palm oil is increasing in various regions, driving growth in this sector during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Palm oil, derived from the fruits of the palm tree, is a versatile vegetable oil widely used in food, cosmetics, and industrial sectors. It is rich in nutrients and employed in the production of instant noodles, cereals, candles, shampoos, detergents, and biofuels. Crude palm oil and RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) palm oil are the primary forms, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the seeds. Sustainable and organic production methods are increasingly adopted to mitigate concerns over deforestation and agrochemical use in tropical forests. Unrefined palm oil, palm seed oil, and mineral oil are alternative options. However, high trans-fat content and links to heart disease remain concerns. Mesocarp, the edible part of the fruit, is used in cooking, while rapeseed oil is a common alternative. Agrochemicals are used in palm oil production, but efforts are made to minimize their impact on the environment. Palm oil feedstock is a significant commodity in the global market. Market Research Overview Palm oil is derived from the fruits of the palm tree, which is native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is a versatile vegetable oil that is widely used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Palm oil is rich in saturated fats and is commonly used in the production of instant noodles, cereals, candles, shampoos, detergents, and biodiesel. The demand for palm oil is high due to its affordability and versatility. However, the production of palm oil has been linked to deforestation, particularly in tropical regions where palm plantations are expanding. Sustainable and organic production methods are being adopted to address these concerns. The global palm oil market can be segmented into crude palm oil, refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) palm oil, palm kernel oil, fractionated palm oil, and biofuels. Palm oil is used as a feedstock in the production of surfactants, lubricants, and other industrial products. The conventional segment and organic segment of the palm oil market are growing at different rates due to increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and healthier alternatives. The use of palm oil in the biofuel industry is also increasing due to its high energy density and low carbon footprint compared to mineral oil. However, the high saturated fat and trans fat content in palm oil has been linked to heart disease and other health concerns. The palm oil market is expected to continue growing due to its wide range of applications and the increasing demand for affordable vegetable oils. Imports of palm oil and its derivatives are significant in many countries, particularly in Europe and North America. The palm oil market is a complex and dynamic industry that involves various stakeholders, including producers, processors, traders, consumers, and governments. The use of agrochemicals, including pesticides and insecticides, in palm oil production is a concern for environmental and health advocates. The palm oil industry is also facing competition from other edible oils, such as rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and kernel oil. The future of the palm oil industry depends on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements while ensuring sustainable and ethical production practices. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Edible Oil Surfactants Bio-diesel Others Type Conventional Organic Geography APAC Middle East And Africa Europe North America South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio The funding round is announced alongside a partnership with ZAN to jointly explore hardware acceleration, infrastructure technologies, and more ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharos , a full-stack, parallel layer-1 blockchain network, today announced the completion of an $8 million seed round investment co-led by Lightspeed Faction ("Faction") and Hack VC, with additional participation from strategic anchor investor SNZ Capital and other investors including Reforge, Dispersion Capital, Hash Global, Generative Ventures, Legend Star, MH Ventures, Zion, and Chorus One Ventures. The company plans to utilize the funding to accelerate the development of the Pharos protocol and drive the growth of the ecosystem and community. The company will maintain its vision of driving mass adoption through efficient blockchain technology implementation into the verticals of decentralized finance, real world assets, and more. In tandem with the funding round, Pharos has announced a strategic partnership with ZAN, the Web3 brand of Ant Digital Technologies, to jointly explore and develop web3 infrastructure, focusing on node service, security and hardware acceleration. "We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support from our investors," said Alex Zhang, CEO of Pharos. "This is just the beginning of an exciting journey. At Pharos, we are driven by our belief to bridge existing FinTech services with trustless Web3 innovations to onboard billions of new users and real-world assets into the Web3 ecosystem. This seed round propels us closer to realizing that vision." With hyper-parallelism across consensus, execution, storage, and heterogeneous hardware, Pharos delivers unparalleled scalability and performance, enabling a decentralized real-time payment network for global access. Pharos envisions a real-time payment network that not only delivers unparalleled scalability and performance but also connects existing FinTech services with trustless Web3 innovations to onboard billions of new users and real-world assets into the Web3 ecosystem. Investor Quotes: Clara Boh, Deal Partner at Faction : "Pharos' unique approach to parallelism and high-performance architecture positions it as a game-changer for bringing real-world assets and decentralized finance together. We are thrilled to be a part of Pharos' seed funding round as it advances its vision of a truly interconnected, scalable blockchain network." Alex Pack, Managing Partner at Hack VC : For blockchains to go mainstream and get true mass adoption they must become orders-of-magnitude more scalable and performant. The Pharos team has been working on this problem for years, at the highest level, and we're excited to support them now in solving these problems with the Pharos protocol. About Pharos: Pharos is a full-stack parallel blockchain, pushing the boundaries of decentralized innovation. With hyper-parallelism across consensus, execution, storage, and heterogeneous hardware, Pharos delivers unparalleled scalability and performance, enabling a decentralized real-time payment network for global access. Pharos is committed to bridging existing FinTech services with trustless Web3 innovations, to onboard billions of new users and real-world assets into the Web3 ecosystem. About Lightspeed Faction: Lightspeed Faction ("Faction") is the leading blockchain-native venture capital firm that merges Silicon Valley VC experience with deep blockchain expertise. Faction typically invests in early-stage startups across the blockchain ecosystem that are in their Seed or Series A funding rounds. Faction is firmly committed to the growth of the crypto space, investing in projects with the potential to meaningfully contribute to and advance the industry and society at large. For more information, please visit: https://www.faction.vc About Faction's Relationship with Lightspeed Faction Ventures, LLC ("Faction") and Lightspeed Management Company, L.L.C. ("Lightspeed") are separate businesses that operate independently of each other. Faction is a registered investment adviser under the United States Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Faction advises its own fund(s) and does not advise any Lightspeed clients, and Lightspeed does not advise Faction or any of its clients. About Hack VC: Hack VC is a Web3 venture capital firm that partners on- and off-chain with hackers building the future of the Internet at the earliest stages. The firm invests in infrastructure, such as AI, blockchain protocols, and financial technology, with investments across 100+ companies and protocols. Hack VC runs hack.labs(), an in-house tech platform for institutional grade network participation, through which its team of blockchain engineers and quant researchers provide liquidity, stake, make open-source contributions, and more. In addition, Hack VC created and hosts hack.summit(), a global developer community and one of the world's largest blockchain programmer events, with 130K+ attendees from 150+ countries across events to date. About SNZ Capital: SNZ is a crypto-native, research-driven investment company based in HK, Singapore and US, with 200+ portfolios. Active since 2014, beyond investment, the SNZ team has been dedicated to community building and incubation, notably as one of the earliest backers of Ethereum in Asia, and the strategic partner for western projects to expand in Asia. SNZ is an engaging and proactive investor that grows with portfolios. In addition, SNZ has deep industry know-how and great network with Web 2.0 and trafi ecosystems, committed to connecting different stakeholders to empower the development of Web 3.0. About ZAN: ZAN is the technology brand of Ant Digital Technologies for Web3 products and services. Powered by AntChain Open Labs' TrustBase open-source technical stack, ZAN provides rich and reliable services for business innovations and a development platform for Web3 endeavors. The ZAN product family includes ZAN eKYC, ZAN KYT, ZAN Smart Contract Review, ZAN Node Service, with more products being on the way. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Pharos Company increases branch investment by $500 million with plans to build new locations in 12 cities PITTSBURGH, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PNC Bank announced today it is increasing its branch investment by $500 million to open more than 100 additional new branches and renovate 200 more existing locations across the country. These plans expand upon the 100 new locations and 1,200 branch renovations the company announced in February. Today's announcement brings the bank's total investment to approximately $1.5 billion to open more than 200 new branch locations in 12 cities across the U.S. over the next five years, while completing the renovations of 1,400 existing branches during the same time period. In addition to building new branches as previously announced in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, and San Antonio, PNC will now significantly expand its branch network throughout Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh and Tampa. The bank also announced plans to meaningfully expand the number of new branches it will build in Miami. These new locations will all be staffed with highly-skilled bankers that are available to address clients' unique financial needs and provide solutions that help them achieve their financial goals. "We fully understand that our branches play a crucial role in how we provide solutions and financial advice to the millions of clients that walk through our doors each month," said Alex Overstrom, head of Retail Banking, PNC Bank. "Building on the scale of our current platform, today's announcement further underscores our commitment to continuously invest in our branch network and empower our clients with convenient, in-person access to local financial experts." PNC Bank has the fourth largest branch network in the United States with more than 2,200 branches across the country. In addition, the bank serves clients through more than 60,000 PNC and partner ATMs nationwide as well as through online and mobile banking platforms and its customer care center. The company also has 22 mobile branches that partner with community organizations to expand banking access to low-and-moderate-income communities and provide services to areas devastated by natural disasters. "While we offer our clients a variety of different ways to interact with us, our branches continue to be the heartbeat of our Retail franchise," said Overstrom. "We're beyond excited about this plan to create greater access to PNC in these important markets and ultimately to play a role in improving the financial health of our clients in the communities where our team members live and work." PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. CONTACT: Connor Peoples (412) 645-6234 [email protected] SOURCE PNC Bank Sudan's conflict is increasingly spilling over into neighboring South Sudan and the contested Abyei region, according to the United Nations. Both Sudan and South Sudan claim the Abyei area, which is rich in oil resources. There has also been a proliferation of weapons during this conflict, with the Rapid Support Forces entering Abyei. Moreover, an influx of refugees has left already stretched resources in South Sudan under greater strain. The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, or UNISFA, is attempting to manage communal tensions and deliver essential aid but faces limitations due to stalled negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan, noted Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations. In Sudan, conflict jeopardizes the work of UNISFA and impedes the missions ability to carry out its mandated tasks, including protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian efforts, supporting a peaceful settlement of the final status of Abyei and its border issues, and the establishment of the Abyei Police Service. Ambassador Wood reiterated his regret that no progress has been made on determining the final status of Abyei, among other outstanding issues. In this environment, intercommunal violence continues to pose major risks to civilians in southern Abyei, said Ambassador Wood. The United States is gravely concerned for the millions of civilians in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance in Sudan and condemns any attacks on humanitarian workers there, said Ambassador Wood: The United States reiterates our call to all parties to respect the safety and security of all UN staff, facilities, and humanitarian and medical personnel. We strongly urge the parties to ensure UNISFA and humanitarian partners have immediate, full, safe, and unhindered access throughout Abyei to carry out their life-saving work and to Sudan and South Sudan to facilitate freedom of movement for the [Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mission] to accomplish its mandate. We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their desire for democracy, said Ambassador Wood, and call for the [Sudanese Armed Forces] and [Rapid Support Forces] to implement and uphold a permanent nationwide ceasefire. Company will trade on the NYSE under the symbol "PRMB" on November 11, 2024 Declares Quarterly Dividend TAMPA, Fla. and STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) ("Primo Brands" or the "Company") today announced the successful completion of the merger (the "Transaction") of Primo Water Corporation ("Primo Water") and an affiliate of BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton"), creating Primo Brands, a leading branded beverage company in North America with a focus on healthy hydration. Primo Brands "I am honored to lead our combined company and our team of world-class associates," said Robbert Rietbroek, Chief Executive Officer of Primo Brands. "Together, we are forming a differentiated leader in branded beverages. With a highly competitive portfolio of brands, a variety of formats and offerings across price points, and a vertically integrated, coast-to-coast manufacturing and distribution network across North America, we believe Primo Brands is strategically positioned to accelerate growth, deliver superior products and services for our customers and consumers, and be a best-in-class U.S. beverage company." "Primo Brands has an iconic brand portfolio, including billion-dollar, widely recognized brands such as Poland Spring and Pure Life, high-growth premium brands like Saratoga and Mountain Valley, and other valuable brands with significant growth potential," continued Mr. Rietbroek. "Our goal is to drive sustainable, long-term shareholder value creation as we capture transformative operational efficiencies, achieve our synergy goals and deliver strong financial results. I want to thank our talented teams for their dedication and hard work in building our strong momentum." "I believe Primo Brands is positioned to be a leader in the healthy hydration beverage category, thanks to the strength of its iconic, sustainably-sourced brands, its robust operations and extensive North American network, and its responsible operation of numerous springs across the country," said Dean Metropoulos, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Primo Brands. "We have a clear strategy to accelerate growth driven by the strong demand for branded beverages and healthy hydration that continues to expand across all high-growth channels, including retail, clubs, restaurants, hospitality, convenience stores, hospitals, schools, offices and more. Importantly, we also continue to strengthen Primo Brands' commitment to sustainability, including through our increasingly environmentally friendly delivery fleet, circular packaging efforts and water stewardship." "Primo Brands has an exciting future with premium, trusted brands that have a rich American heritage, six of which are more than 100 years old and four that date back to the 1800s, diverse assets and operations, a strong commitment to protecting our environment and communities, and highly engaged associates focused on execution," continued Mr. Metropoulos. "Driving Primo and its differentiated advantages is a highly entrepreneurial and motivated executive team and Board of Directors that foster a positive and rewarding work environment for all of the Company's associates and operate with a highly efficient performance culture. We believe the continued and consistent, multi-year growth across the combined company's portfolio, together with attractive margins, will continue to drive Primo Brands' value into the future." Shares of Class A common stock of Primo Brands are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, November 11, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PRMB"'. MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE As previously announced, Robbert Rietbroek will serve as Chief Executive Officer, David Hass will serve as Chief Financial Officer and Robert Austin will serve as Chief Operating Officer of Primo Brands. Primo Brands' Board of Directors is comprised of the following 14 directors: Dean Metropoulos (Non-Executive Chairman of the Board), Kurtis Barker, Britta Bomhard, Susan Cates, Michael Cramer, Eric Foss, Jerry Fowden, Tony Lee, Billy Prim, Kimberly Reed, Robbert Rietbroek, Joseph Rosenberg, Allison Spector and Steven Stanbrook. Primo Brands will maintain dual headquarters in Tampa, FL and Stamford, CT. QUARTERLY DIVIDEND The Board of Directors of Primo Brands today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share on the outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock of the Company. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 22, 2024, and will be paid on December 5, 2024. ABOUT PRIMO BRANDS Primo Brands is a leading North American branded beverage company with a focus on healthy hydration, delivering sustainably and domestically sourced diversified offerings across products, formats, channels, price points and consumer occasions, distributed in every state and Canada. Primo Brands has an extensive portfolio of highly recognizable, sustainably sourced and conveniently packaged branded beverages distributed across more than 150,000 retail outlets, including established billion-dollar brands, Poland Spring and Pure Life, premium brands like Saratoga and Mountain Valley, regional leaders such as Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, and Zephyrhills, purified brands including Primo Water and Sparkletts, and flavored and enhanced brands like Splash and AC+ION. These brands are sold directly across retail channels, including mass food, convenience, natural, drug, wholesale, distributors and home improvement, as well as food service accounts in North America. The Company also has extensive direct-to-consumer offerings with its industry-leading line-up of innovative water dispensers, which create consumer connectivity through recurring water purchases across its Water Direct, Water Exchange and Water Refill businesses. Through its Water Direct business, Primo Brands delivers sustainable hydration solutions direct to home and business consumers. Through its Water Exchange business, consumers can visit approximately 26,500 retail locations and purchase a pre-filled, multi-use bottle of water that can be exchanged after use for a discount on the next purchase. Through its Water Refill business, consumers have the option to refill empty multi-use bottles at approximately 23,500 self-service refill stations. Primo Brands also offers water filtration units for home and business consumers across North America. Primo Brands is a leader in reusable packaging, helping to reduce waste through its reusable, multi-serve bottles and innovative brand packaging portfolio, which includes recycled plastic, aluminum and glass. Primo Brands sources from numerous springs and manages water resources for long-term sustainability, helping to protect more than 27,000 acres of watershed and wetlands area owned by the Company for preservation and to help assure a steady supply of clean, safe drinking water. The Company is proud to partner with the International Bottled Water Association ("IBWA") in North America, which supports strict adherence to safety, quality, sanitation and regulatory standards for the benefit of consumer protection. We believe in fostering a respectful culture that values our associates and key stakeholders, and we are deeply invested in quality hydration, our communities and the sustainability of our packaging and water sources for generations to come. Primo Brands will continue Primo Water and BlueTriton's strong support for American communities during natural disasters, in dealing with local and regional hydration quality issues and in connection with many other local community challenges. Primo Brands employs more than 11,000 associates with dual headquarters in Tampa, FL, and Stamford, CT, and has more than 50 production facilities and more than 200 depots for efficient delivery to customers and consumers across North America. For more information, visit www.primobrands.com. Early Warning Reporting As a result of the Transaction, Primo Water and Triton Water Intermediate, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlueTriton, became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. In connection with the Transaction, the Company has filed an early warning report in respect of Primo Water under Primo Water's profile on SEDAR+. A copy of the early warning report can also be obtained by contacting Jon Kathol at [email protected]. The address of the Company is 1150 Assembly Drive, Suite 800 Tampa, Florida 33607 and the address of Primo Water is 1150 Assembly Drive, Suite 800 Tampa, Florida 33607. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, conveying management's expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time of such statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such forward-looking statement. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "will," "would," "should," "could," "expect," "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "predict," "project," "seek," "potential," "opportunities," and other similar expressions and the negatives of such expressions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the estimated or anticipated future results of the Company following the Transaction, the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, the listing and trading of Primo Brands on the NYSE, the payment of the Company's quarterly dividend, and other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements are based on Primo Brands' current expectations, plans and estimates. Primo Brands believes these assumptions to be reasonable, but there is no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in this press release include, among others: (i) risks relating to the integration of Primo Water and BlueTriton's operations, products and employees into Primo Brands and the possibility that the estimated synergies and other benefits of the Transaction will not be realized or that they will not be realized within the expected timeframe, (ii) risks relating to the combined business of Primo Brands and the industries in which it operates following the Transaction, (iii) the risk of any litigation relating to the Transaction, (iv) the risk that the Transaction could have an adverse effect on the ability of Primo Brands to retain and hire key personnel, and (v) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the Transaction. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the management information circular and proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed by Primo Water on October 7, 2024 and other documents filed by Primo Brands from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Primo Brands does not undertake to update or revise any of these statements considering new information or future events, except as expressly required by applicable law. Website: www.primobrands.com SOURCE Primo Water Corporation The company adds new ISO certification for compliance management and certified to updated standards for information and cloud security Certifications recognize Samsung Biologics' commitment to operational excellence and demonstrates the company's reliability and integrity as a trusted CDMO partner INCHEON, South Korea , Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) today announced it has achieved ISO 37301:2021 certification for the first time. The company also renewed certifications for upgraded ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 27017:2015 standards. The certifications were presented by the British Standards Institution (BSI) during a ceremony held at Samsung Biologics' headquarters. The ISO 37301:2021, the leading standard for Compliance Management System, reflects the company's commitment to enhance organizational governance and to comply with laws and regulations. Samsung Biologics operates a Compliance Program that promotes a culture of integrity and effectively address challenges in a rapidly evolving business environment as a reliable CDMO partner. The company also recertified to upgraded ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 27017:2015 (Information Security for Cloud Services), displaying continued efforts to maintain the highest standards of information and cloud security as well as data protection for clients and stakeholders. ISO 27000 family is the most recognized global set of standards for managing information security and privacy management. Samsung Biologics has been implementing best practices and principles in accordance with the international standard to enhance client satisfaction and build further trust. "We're pleased to obtain certification for compliance as it's a recognition of our unwavering focus to meeting the highest standards to build deeper trust with our clients and strengthen business competitiveness," said John Rim, CEO and President of Samsung Biologics. "Along with existing ISO certifications, we will continue to take the extra mile to strengthen ethical management while maintaining the highest security and privacy standards." Samsung Biologics continues to be certified across other areas, including anti-bribery management, quality management, and business continuity management. About Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd. Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) is a fully integrated, end-to-end CDMO service provider, offering seamless development and manufacturing solutions from cell line development to final aseptic fill/finish as well as laboratory testing support for the biopharmaceutical products we manufacture. Our state-of-the-art facilities are CGMP compliant with bioreactors ranging from small to large scales to serve varying client needs. To maximize our operational efficiency and expand our capabilities in response to growing biomanufacturing demand, Samsung Biologics completed Bio Campus I with Plant 4, offering a combined 604 kL total capacity, and launched Bio Campus II with the construction of Plant 5, which will be operational in April 2025, adding 180 kL biomanufacturing capacity. Additionally, Samsung Biologics America enables the company to work in closer proximity to clients based in the U.S. and Europe. We continue to upgrade our capabilities to accommodate our clients by investing in technologies such as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) facility, a dedicated mRNA manufacturing facility, and additional aseptic filling capacity. As a sustainable CDMO partner of choice, we are committed to on-time, in-full delivery of the products we manufacture with our flexible manufacturing solutions, operational excellence, and proven expertise. Samsung Biologics Media Contact Claire Kim, Head of Global Marketing Communications [email protected] SOURCE Samsung Biologics 'Celebrate Life's Moments' Themed Art Exhibitions at Sheraton Unveil the Beauty of Chinese Heritage Crafts BEIJING, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, recently launched the 'Gatherings by Sheraton' brand program in Greater China. The Gatherings by Sheraton program launch in Greater China kicks off with a captivating collaboration with The 'Genius Mom', a public welfare project by the China Women's Development Foundation. Under the theme of 'Celebrate Life's Moments at Sheraton', nearly 400 pieces of intangible cultural heritage-inspired crafts will be displayed in nearly 100 Sheraton hotel lobbies across the country, inviting guests and visitors to gather the curated and stunning displays of Chinese culture. Launch ceremony for Gatherings by Sheraton and Themed Art Exhibition in collaboration with The Genius Mom Project at Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng, showcasing Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Crafts In 2023, Sheraton Hotels' debuted its Gatherings by Sheraton program in the United States with the goal of helping guests and locals feel inspired by the stories and cultures of communities around the world, and ultimately getting more out of their travels. Since then, Sheraton hotels around the world have hosted a variety of weekly experiences that provide moments of enrichment, renewal and local stories. Now, with the launch of 'Celebrate Life's Moments' in Greater China, Sheraton Hotels continues to strengthen its narrative of becoming 'The World's Gathering Place.' "As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio, Sheraton Hotels has set out to become 'The World's Gathering Place,' a vision that inspires each property to create unparalleled spaces where guests from all corners of the globe can converge and forge meaningful connections," said Betty Tian, Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Premium & Select Brands, Greater China. "We are delighted to collaborate with The 'Genius Mom' project to transform the lobbies of Sheraton hotels across Greater China to showcases Chinese culture, connect guests through craftsmanship and forge deeper connections with each destination." Under the theme of 'Celebrate Life's Moments at Sheraton', the collaboration with The 'Genius Mom' project brings together cultural artworks from four major regions across China, all inspired by a common element of traditional symbols of blessings. With their origins in the art of the northern nomadic tribes of Hebei Province , Cloth Paste Paintings are a uniquely modern interpretation of Manchu patchwork techniques, where skilled artisans utilize fabrics, sponges and needlework to convey joy and auspicious wishes through colorful, exquisite and intricate works. , Cloth Paste Paintings are a uniquely modern interpretation of Manchu patchwork techniques, where skilled artisans utilize fabrics, sponges and needlework to convey joy and auspicious wishes through colorful, exquisite and intricate works. In Guizhou Province , Feng Xiang Dyeing is a treasured art form of the Bouyei ethnic group. This dyeing technique is part of a broader tradition of Bouyei textile craftsmanship, and features simple yet dignified color schemes with classical and elegant patterns which serve as a medium to convey good wishes and fond emotions to relatives and close friends. , Feng Xiang Dyeing is a treasured art form of the Bouyei ethnic group. This dyeing technique is part of a broader tradition of Bouyei textile craftsmanship, and features simple yet dignified color schemes with classical and elegant patterns which serve as a medium to convey good wishes and fond emotions to relatives and close friends. Guangxi Zhuang Embroidery, featuring vivid natural totems and exquisite craftsmanship, depicts dancing butterflies and auspicious lions. Hubei Xilan Kapu, a colorful brocade art from the Tujia ethnic group, weaves happiness and good wishes with ancient techniques. "We are very happy to collaborate with Sheraton Hotels for The 'Genius Mom' project, which supports local craftswomen in showcasing a priceless cultural heritage through their skills and wisdom," said Nan Jing, Assistant Secretary-General, China Women's Development Foundation. "This partnership, which reflects Sheraton's brand positioning of being deeply connected with local communities, will not only provide us with a platform to showcase the beauty of Chinese heritage handicrafts, but will also enrich travelers' journeys while empowering and promoting the creativity and potential of local craftswomen." With the launch of 'Celebrate Life's Moments' and themed Art Exhibitions in collaboration with The 'Genius Mom' , unveil the Beauty of Chinese Heritage Crafts is on display at lobbies in nearly 100 Sheraton hotels in the country until 31st March, 2025. Guests can get up close to see the charm and stories behind captivating artworks and participate in on-site interactive experiences to appreciate local intangible cultural heritage crafts. ABOUT SHERATON HOTELS & RESORTS Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at nearly 430 hotels and resorts in 70 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. For more information, please visit www.sheraton.com, and stay connected on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on X and Instagram. Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. ABOUT THE 'GENIUS MOM' The 'Genius Mom' is a public welfare project launched by the China Women's Development Foundation in 2019 to support the "Rural Revitalization" strategy. it focuses on preserving intangible cultural heritage and helping women in this field with home-based employment. Through standardized workshops, training, and product innovation, the project promotes the sustainable development of women and their craftsmanship. SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. Winners received prestigious award in recognition of latest innovations in advancement in life sciences NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Galien Foundation, the premier global institution dedicated to honoring innovators in life sciences, celebrated excellence and innovation in life sciences during the Prix Galien USA Forum and 18th annual Prix Galien Awards Gala last night at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The USA Committees, composed of 20 committee members, 12 subcommittee members and 20 advisory board members, represented the renowned leaders from the biomedical industry and academia. With three Nobel Laureates, these groups honored this year's award winners in the following categories: "Best Biotechnology Product," "Best Pharmaceutical Product," "Best Product for Rare/Orphan Diseases" "Best Medical Technology," "Best Digital Health Solution," "Incubators, Accelerators and Equity" and "Best Startup." (PRNewsfoto/The Galien Foundation) "On behalf of the Prix Galien USA Awards Committee, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all nominees and winners for their exceptional efforts in addressing the critical challenges in human health," said Kenneth Frazier, Prix Galien Committee Chair (categories: Medical Technology, Digital Health, Incubator/Accelerator/Equity, and Startup), former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Merck & Co., Inc., Chairman, Health Assurance Initiatives, General Catalyst. "We are inspired by the remarkable achievements and standards set by the Prix Galien Awards nominees and encourage the winners to embrace this moment, honor their accomplishments and continue to exceed their own expectations in the years ahead." The 2024 Prix Galien USA Award Winners Best Biotechnology Product Daiichi Sankyo & AstraZeneca ENHERTU Best Pharmaceutical Product Pfizer Inc. PAXLOVID Best Product for Rare/Orphan Diseases Immunocore KIMMTRAK Best Medical Technology Butterfly Network Butterfly iQ3 Handheld Ultrasound System Best Digital Health Solution Viz.ai Viz HCM Incubators, Accelerators and Equity TMC Innovation Texas Medical Center Innovation Best Startup Pentavere CervoMed Inc. "The Awards Committee is honored to witness the exceptional dedication and creativity of our nominees as they turn visionary ideas into transformative solutions for patients worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to advancing patient care is truly commendable, and we are honored to celebrate their outstanding contributions to global health," said Michael Rosenblatt, MD, Chair of the Prix Galien USA Awards Committee, Former Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine, and former Chief Medical Officer of Merck & Co. Inc. The Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for Global Health Equity was presented to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, scientific innovation, and humanitarian efforts on a global scale. His efforts to address critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean life research, and sustainable development, following the establishment of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006, continue to have a profoundly positive impact on the well-being of people worldwide. "We are excited to continue the Prix Galien legacy by honoring another extraordinary group of winners who exemplify the skill, dedication and innovation that is essential to the life sciences industry," said Bruno Cohen, Chairman of The Galien Foundation. "Our Awards Committee, Prix Galien Alumni, and all members of The Galien Foundation express our sincere appreciation to all winners and nominees, and we eagerly anticipate the significant contributions they will make to the future of global healthcare ." The Prix Galien Awards were created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology, to recognize outstanding innovation and scientific advancement. With chapters in 14 countries and Africa, with the recent addition of Prix Galien India, Prix Galien is regarded worldwide as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for the life science industry. Prix Galien Awards Committee 2024 Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Rare/Orphan Diseases: Michael ROSENBLATT M.D., Former Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine, and former Chief Medical Officer of Merck & Co. Inc. Prix Galien Committee Chair Linda BUCK Ph.D., Nobel Laureate, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center member; Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington Sue DESMOND-HELLMANN M.D., M.P.H., Former Chief Executive Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Laurie GLIMCHER M.D., President and CEO, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Mary-Claire KING Ph.D., American Cancer Society Professor of Genome Sciences and Medical Genetics, University of Washington Robert S. LANGER M.D., David H. Koch Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cato T. LAURENCIN M.D., Ph.D. University Professor, University of Connecticut Steven J. LESTER M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Mayo Clinic-ASU MedTech Accelerator Stanley B. PRUSINIER M.D., Nobel Laureate, Professor of Neurology, Director, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco Philipp A. SHARP Ph.D., Nobel Laureate, Professor of Biology and member of the Koch Institute, Chair of the advisory board of the MIT Jameel Clinic Marc TESSIER-LAVIGNE Ph.D., President, Stanford University Elie WIESEL Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Boston University, Honorary Founding President, In Memoriam Medical Technology, Digital Health, Incubators, Accelerators and Equity, and Startup: Kenneth C. FRAZIER Committee Chair, Former Chairman & CEO Merck Roch DOLIVEUX Honorary CEO, UCB Mikael DOLSTEN Global R&D President, Pfizer Alex GORSKY Former CEO & Executive Chairman, Johnson & Johnson Penny HEATON Global Therapeutic Area Head, Vaccines, Janssen Sheri McCOY Board of Directors, AstraZeneca, Former CEO, Avon Francois MAISONROUGE Senior Managing Director, Evercore Partners Joel S. MARCUS Executive Chairman & Founder, Alexandria Elias ZERHOUNI Former Head of Global R&D, Sanofi Prix Galien Medical Technology Sub-Committee: Robert S. LANGER David H. Koch Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cato T. LAURENCIN M.D., Ph.D., University Professor, University of Connecticut Steven LESTER M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Mayo Clinic-ASU MedTech Accelerator Bernard POUSSOT Director, Roche Holding, Former Chairman & CEO, Wyeth, Chairman Prix Galien, In Memoriam Prix Galien Incubators, Accelerators, and Equity Category Sub Committee: Gil BASHE Managing Partner, Chair Global Health and Purpose, FINN Partners Ron COHEN M.D., Founder, President & CEO, Acorda Therapeutics Jamey EDWARDS Former CEO, Emergent Medical Associates Amir KALALI M.D., Chairman & Chief Curator CNS Summit/Co-Chair Decentralized Trial Research Alliance Michelle LONGMIRE M.D., Co-Founder & CEO, Medable Inc. James PRUTOW J.D., MBA, Advisory Partner Life Sciences, Molecular Diagnostics, Global Healthcare, PwC Consulting Julien de SALABERRY CEO & Founder, Galen Growth Prix Galien Startup Advisory Board: Elaine BRENNAN Executive Director, Global Strategic Partnerships, Northwell Health Rodolphe KATRA Ph.D.,Sr. Research Director & Technical Fellow, Medtronic Michael LANGER Founder and Managing Partner at T.Rx Capital Jonathan MARCHADO Managing Director, Samsung Next Detlev MENNERICH Corporate SVP, Global Head of Business Development &Licensing (BD&L), Boehringer Ingelheim Leighanne OH MS, Life Sciences Investor, Novo Holding Denis PATRIC Ph.D., Emerging Science & Innovation, Partnering Pfizer Dennis PURCELL Founder, Aisling Capital Prix Galien Digital Health Advisory Board: Junaid BAJWA Chief Medical Scientist, Microsoft Research, Microsoft Ariel KATZ CEO and Co-foudner, H1 Sachin NANAVATI Head, Industry, Healthcare, Google Jay RAJDA M.D., Clinical Leader, Healthcare, Amazon MaryAnne RIZK Ph.D., Managing Partner, Rizk Management Advisors, Adjunct Professor, Stevens Institute of Technology Steven ROSENBERG Chief Executive Officer, uMotif Daniel VIAL Former Advisor of Sanofi CEO, Healthcare Consultant About the Galien Foundation The Galien Foundation fosters, recognizes and rewards excellence in scientific innovation to improve the state of human health. Our vision is to be the catalyst for the development of the next generation of innovative treatments and technologies that will impact the state of medical practice and save lives. The Foundation oversees and directs activities in the US for the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development, with chapters in 14 countries and Africa. The Prix Galien was created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology. Worldwide, the Prix Galien is regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in biopharmaceutical research. For more information, visit https://www.galienfoundation.org/ . Follow the Foundation on social media: https://www.facebook.com/GalienFoundation/ https://twitter.com/GalienFdn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-galien-foundation/ Media Contact: Kara Bradley Finn Partners [email protected] 646-213-7243 SOURCE The Galien Foundation The best coffees of the 2023/2024 harvest will be evaluated by illy Chef Ambassadors Massimo Bottura, Viki Geunes, and Felipe Rodrigues alongside institutional representatives such as ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira and expert journalists from leading international publications. TRIESTE, Italy, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- illycaffe has announced the jury that will select the winner of the "Best of the Best" award at the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024. This prestigious recognition, named in honor of Ernesto Illy - son of the company's founder- celebrates over 30 years of virtuous collaboration with coffee producers. Producers from nine countries - Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, and Rwanda - have earned spots in the final, with three producers representing each country. The international jury will gather in New York on November 12 to taste and evaluate the coffees, which were selected by illycaffe's quality laboratories based on rigorous quality and sustainability criteria throughout the 2023/2024 harvest. The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024 jury includes Massimo Bottura, Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana and Casa Maria Luigia and founder of Food for Soul, a non-profit organization combatting food waste and social isolation. In recognition of his humanitarian and environmental efforts, Bottura was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme in 2020 and most recently as SDG Advocate. In 2020 Osteria Francescana was awarded the prestigious Michelin Green Star for sustainability; Viki Geunes, chef and owner of restaurant Zilte in Antwerp, holder of three Michelin stars, known for his creative and visually stunning dishes; Felipe Rodrigues, Head Chef of the Rosewood Complex in Sao Paulo and one of South America's leading chefs, with experience working under top European and Peruvian chefs. Three professional tasters, Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and daughter of coffee producer, with extensive experience in quality coffee markets; Felipe Isaza, Arabica Q Grader and member of the Board of Directors of the Coffee Quality Institute, who has served as an international juror at numerous tastings; Dessalegn Oljirra Gemeda, Ethiopian coffee consultant and Q Grader, with a background working for the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority, Ethiopian Coffee Exchange, and Oxfam. And three expert journalists, Vanessa Zocchetti, editor-in-chief of the lifestyle section of Madame Figaro, who writes on gastronomy and design; Sebastian Spath, editor-in-chief of Germanys leading food and lifestyle magazine Falstaff, with a great expertise in art, cuisine, fashion, and design; Josh Condon, editor-in-chief of Robb Report, a leading luxury magazine. This multidisciplinary jury combines culinary, technical, and journalistic expertise to assess the complex nuances of the world's finest coffees and choose the "Best of the Best." In addition, consumers will have the chance to participate by tasting the 9 finalist coffees and voting for their favorite in a series of blind tastings held at illy flagship stores worldwide. The coffee with the most votes will receive the "Coffee Lovers' Choice" award. illycaffe illycaffe is an Italian family-owned company, founded in Trieste in 1933 which has always set itself the mission of offering the best coffee to the world. It produces a unique 100% Arabica blend composed of 9 different ingredients. The company selects only 1% of the best Arabica beans. Every day more than 8 million cups of illy coffee are served in over 140 countries around the globe, in the cafes, restaurants and hotels, in single-brand cafes and shops, at home and in the office, in which the company is present through subsidiaries and distributors. Since its foundation, illycaffe has oriented its strategies towards a sustainable business model, commitment that it strengthened in 2019 by adopting the status of Benefit Company and in 2021 becoming the first Italian coffee company to obtain the international B Corp certification. Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, up to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 130 international artists, or coffee machines designed by internationally renowned designers. With the aim of spreading the culture of quality to growers, baristas and coffee lovers, the company has developed its Universita del Caffe which today holds courses in 23 countries around the world. In 2023, the company had a turnover of 595,1 million. The illy single-brand network has 159 points of sale in 30 countries. SOURCE illycaffe COVINA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Center for Employee Ownership ("NCEO"), a nonprofit organization that has been supporting the employee ownership community since 1981, is pleased to announce its 2024 Employee Ownership 100 list. The list includes the largest broad-based employee-owned companies in the US that the NCEO could verify using governmental or other credible third-party sources. Most are ESOP-owned, and one is a cooperative. To be on the list, companies must be at least 50% employee-owned; most on the list are 100%. Collectively, these broad-based plans cover over 655,000 people. The NCEO compiled this list through a comprehensive analysis of all ESOP filings and its own original research to determine ownership percentages. Since percent employee-owned is not required to be reported, the NCEO has been conducting a project to compile that data, including viewing all ESOP company websites. The Employee Ownership 100 list reflects that ongoing work. At the top of the list are some of the largest and most popular grocery stores and supermarkets. Beyond that, there is a real mix of industries represented, including health care and home care services, resorts and hospitality, a military housing business, a car dealership, and others. ESOPs of all industries and sizes have a long history of showing tangible benefits to both companies and employees while creating a viable model for business succession. The latest data from the Department of Labor shows total contributions to ESOP accounts were more than $107 billion. "We take great pride in being the community's source for reliable and comprehensive data on ESOPs across the nation." said Nancy Wiefek, research director at the NCEO. "At its core, our organization exists to help employee ownership thrive. Recognizing employee-owned companies year after year on the Employee Ownership 100 list not only amplifies these companies' names and achievements but also the power of employee ownership itself." To see the full 2024 Employee Ownership 100 list, visit www.nceo.org/articles/employee-ownership-100 . About the NCEO The National Center for Employee Ownership ("NCEO") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been supporting the employee ownership community since 1981. Its mission is to help employee ownership thrive. The NCEO helps its thousands of members make smart decisions about employee ownership with everything from reliable information on technical issues to inspiration to help companies reach the full potential of employee ownership. In addition, the NCEO generates original research, facilitates the exchange of best practices at its live and online events, features the best and most current writing by experts in its publications, and helps employee ownership companies build ownership cultures where employees think and act like owners. For more information, visit www.nceo.org . Media Contact Madelyn Hammack, Marketing Manager The National Center for Employee Ownership [email protected] SOURCE The National Center For Employee Ownership Raley's President and Chief Executive Officer Recognized with Award from Veterans of Foreign Wars WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This Veteran's Day and throughout the year The Raley's Companies, honors veterans for their service, bravery, and commitment to the country. To honor America's veterans, The Raley's Companies offer a range of programs, including special discounts, support of veterans' organizations, and ongoing financial contributions made possible by generous shoppers. This Veteran's Day, The Raley's Companies, honors veterans for their service, bravery, and commitment to the country. Post this Keith Knopf, President & Chief Executive Officer for The Raleys Companies (third from left) receives the Patriotic Citizen Award from the VFW organization at a ceremony on Nov. 7 at the companys West Sacramento headquarters. Knopf is surrounded by current Raleys team member and Commander of Oroville VFW, Robert Fager, (fourth from left) who nominated him for the honor. The Raley's Companies CEO Recognized by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Based on its multi-faceted commitment to military service members, a current Raley's team member and Commander of Oroville VFW, Robert Fager, nominated Keith Knopf, President & Chief Executive Officer for The Raley's Companies to receive the Patriotic Citizen Award from the VFW organization. "It was my pleasure to nominate Keith for this honor for all that Raley's does to support and honor veterans each day," said Robert Fager, Commander. "Everything from veterans' special discounts to support of veterans' causes to simple, but meaningful gestures like U.S. flags in every store, Raley's talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to saluting and supporting veterans." The VFW award recognizes individuals who offer unsolicited, inspirational patriotic service to the community. The Oroville VFW honored Keith at a ceremony at The Raley's Company headquarters in West Sacramento on Nov. 7, 2024. "I am deeply honored and humbly accept this award on behalf of our several hundred Veterans who work across our organization," said Keith Knopf, President & CEO, The Raley's Companies. "We are humbled by the dedication of our nation's military and proud to honor these brave and patriotic individuals through our discount program, hiring practices, community contributions and American flags proudly displayed in all of our stores." The Raley's Companies Advances Multiple Veteran-Support Initiatives As part of its recently announced 10% discount program for retired and active-duty military, The Raley's Companies is pleased to offer discount days on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and the first Tuesday of every month for in-store and on-line purchases. Additionally, Raley's is offering an opportunity for its customers to temporarily re-allocate their Food for Families contributions to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation from November 4-11. Tunnel to Towers is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating veteran homelessness and providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first-responder families with young children. The organization also builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. "We are truly grateful for the contributions and support of The Raley's Companies and their generous shoppers," said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO, Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "Our dedicated service men and women do so much for our country to help ensure the freedoms we enjoy. It is wonderful that organizations, such as Raley's, create opportunities to give back and to recognize their service in real and meaningful ways." As part of The Raley's Companies, Bashas' Family of Stores also advances support for veterans. This year, the Arizona-based grocery retailer, will collaborate with vendor partners to donate 425 Thanksgiving meal boxes for active military families. Additionally, every year, Bashas' Charity of the Month program supports Military & Veteran Service organizations during the full month of May. This year, Bashas' raised $127,764 for four non-profit partners, including the American Service Animal Society, Military Assistance Mission, Military Support Foundation and Save the Family: Valor on 8th. Growing from a single store opening in 1935, The Raley's Companies now includes brick and mortar locations under Raley's and Bashas' family of brands, including: Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill, Raley's ONE Market, Bashas,' Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, and Bashas' Dine Markets. The new veterans discount program is available at all brand stores. In addition to the military support efforts, The Raley's Companies are deeply committed to giving back by addressing local hunger needs, advocating for good, and focusing on child welfare, the environment and sustainability, food access, food system education, and total wellness. Between 2022 and 2023, the organization donated more than $3 million to local and regional non-profits. About The Raley's Companies The Raley's Companies is a private, family-owned and purpose-driven retail company headquartered in West Sacramento, CA. Since our founding in 1935, our store operations have grown to include more than 235 locations across eight states and four Tribal Nations under 10 well-known banners: Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley's O-N-E Market, Bashas', Bashas' Dine, Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Full Circle, and Farm Fresh To You. In addition, The Raley's Companies bridges the divide between the physical and digital retail experiences through the operation of Apium Logistics, Fieldera and fieldTRUE. Built on a higher purpose, the organization and our more than 21,000 employees are committed to quality offerings, exceptional service and doing right by our team members, communities, and planet. To learn more, visit theraleyscompanies.com. SOURCE The Raley's Companies Winner to receive up to $50,000 award from CareSource Foundation CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thompson, a leading provider of critical early childhood, family stability, and mental health services, has been selected as a finalist for the CareSource Foundation Support Challenge. The public voting stage is already underway and supporters can vote once a day for the organization they believe is making the biggest impact on public health in our community. The voting period will end on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Thompson's President & CEO Will Jones expressed excitement at the possibility of winning the award. "It's wonderful to see the important work we do recognized," he said. "Any award we win translates directly to more healing and more impact. One of the things we pride ourselves on is not only doing good work, but being incredibly efficient with our donor dollars." Thompson confronts community mental health issues head on through trauma-informed services and treatment programs for at-risk children and their families. Accessible and evidence-based, services are available in person and online, including at their Enhanced Residential Treatment and Crisis Stabilization centers. The CareSource Foundation Support Challenge was established to recognize organizations and programs that are making significant impacts on communities' toughest health issues. Through the new initiative, the CareSource Foundation aims to inspire innovation on reducing health disparities and moving the needle on health equity. Awards between $2,500 and $50,000 will be distributed with the top-vote getter receiving the $50,000 grand prize. Click here to cast your vote and support Thompson's mission. About Thompson Thompson is a trustworthy catalyst for change across the Carolinas and Florida, making a significant impact in the lives of children at risk, their families, and the disadvantaged communities they call home. As a foundation built to change lives, Thompson invites all community members to participate in helping to attain their vision. All children healthy, all families thriving, all communities strong. SOURCE Thompson Child & Family Focus WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a briefing on, Friday, November 15, 2024, on how national teacher shortages, exacerbated by the 2020 pandemic, have impacted students with disabilities. The investigation will focus on challenges schools face in hiring and retaining special education professionals, and the federal government's response to address these challenges. During the briefing, the Commission will hear from experts, including government officials, current and former educators, researchers, and impacted persons. The public is invited to submit written comments as we prepare our report; submit to [email protected] no later than December 16, 2024. DATE: Friday, November 15, 2024, 10 am 4:50 pm ET* LOCATION: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20425 (National Place Building F Street Entrance) Introductory Remarks: 10:00 10:10 am Panel 1: Public Education in the Post-Pandemic Era: 10:10 11:20 am Break: 11:20 11:30 am Panel 2: Education Advocacy Discussion of the Teacher Shortage: 11:30 am 12:40 pm Lunch: 12:40 2:10 pm Panel 3: From the Field: Educators on the Teacher Shortage: 2:10 pm 3:20 pm Break: 3:20 3:30 pm Panel 4: From the Field: Hearing from Impacted Persons: 3:30 4:40 pm Closing Remarks: 4:40 4:50 pm Adjourn Meeting. ***The briefing will also be live-streamed on the Commission's YouTube page, virtual attendance is encouraged due to limited space.*** Stay abreast of updates at www.usccr.gov and on X and Facebook. *Schedule subject to change The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. Our 56 state Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. The Commission: in our 7th decade, a continuing legacy of influence in civil rights. For information about the Commission, please visit www.usccr.gov. Contact: Joe Kim [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights SHANGHAI and SAN DIEGO, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. ("WuXi XDC" or the "Company", stock code: 2268.HK), a leading global CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates (XDCs), is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of the "Best CDMO" at the World ADC Awards 2024 for the second consecutive year. Over the past three years, WuXi XDC has consistently earned recognition at the World ADC Awards, including being named the winner of the"Best CDMO" in 2023 and "Best CMO Runner-up" in 2022. This year, the company is also shortlisted for "Best ADC Platform Technology" and "Best CRO", highlighting its strong R&D capability and contributions to ADC development. The prestigious award, presented at the World ADC San Diego conference, recognizes WuXi XDC's end-to-end, one-stop CRDMO excellence and exceptional services to global clients. The company's record of consecutive awards highlights its expertise and technical strength in driving innovation in the global ADC industry and meeting the complex needs from clients worldwide. The World ADC Awards are held annually to recognize the outstanding achievements by teams, projects, technologies and individuals in the global ADC industry. The World ADC is a flagship event that brings together the brightest minds in ADC development, featuring key industry experts, breakthrough technologies, and forward-thinking collaborations. The 2024 conference in San Diego highlighted the latest advancements in ADCs and XDCs, from research through to commercialization, and celebrated innovations in the bioconjugate space. Dr. Jimmy Li, CEO of WuXi XDC stated: "Winning the prestigious award at the World ADC is a tremendous honor for WuXi XDC and a reflection of our team's relentless dedication to innovation and excellence. The recognition underscores the significant trust our clients place in us. Receiving the winner of the 'Best CDMO' award for two consecutive years highlights the consistency of our efforts and our position as a global leader in the ADC industry. WuXi XDC's mission is to accelerate and transform the discovery, development and manufacturing of bioconjugates through a comprehensive open-access platform, enabling our global healthcare partners and benefiting patients worldwide. We will strive to provide our clients with state-of-the-art technologies and integrated solutions to contribute to the global healthcare industry." WuXi XDC won the Best CDMO Winner award for its integrated, one-stop CRDMO platform. The platform provides comprehensive, end-to-end services that significantly reduce timelines and mitigate risks associated with ADC development and manufacturing. With WuXi XDC's integrated solutions, the DNA-to-IND timeline for ADCs has been shortened to 15 months or less, significantly cutting down the conventional timeline to enter clinical trials by almost half. Additionally, WuXi XDC accelerates the development to Biologics License Application (BLA) within 24-36 months. WuXi XDC's success is attributed to profound expertise in ADC technology, extensive experience in handling complex bioconjugates, and a truly integrated approach that unifies discovery, development, and manufacturing. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a global team of industry experts, WuXi XDC ensures seamless interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency throughout the ADC development process. The all-in-one manufacturing strategy integrates all four key phases of ADC production mAb intermediate, linker-payload, drug substance, drug product into one single site, ensuring seamless coordination and highest product quality. This approach makes WuXi XDC a reliable partner for clients seeking to advance their ADC/XDC programs efficiently and effectively. This combination of cutting-edge technology, industry experience and integrated solutions is what distinguishes WuXi XDC as a leader in the evolving ADC landscape. As highlighted in the 2024 interim report, WuXi XDC's leadership in the ADC field is demonstrated by its expanding client base, growing to encompass 419 clients globally. Notably, 13 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies (ranked by 2023 revenue) have chosen WuXi XDC as their trusted partner, reflecting the high level of confidence placed in the company's expertise and capabilities. The recognition from the World ADC Awards underscores WuXi XDC's relentless pursuit of excellence in delivering comprehensive service solutions to global clients. As a leading CRDMO in ADC and bioconjugates, WuXi XDC strives to remain at the forefront of innovation, empowering clients worldwide to accelerate the development of transformative therapies and benefit patients worldwide. About WuXi XDC WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. ("WuXi XDC" or the "Company", stock code: 2268.HK) is a leading global CRDMO focused on antibody drug conjugates (ADC) and the broader bioconjugate market. It provides end-to-end contract research, development and manufacturing services for bioconjugates, including ADCs. Its services cover antibody intermediates and other biologics intermediates, chemical payloads and linkers, as well as bioconjugate drug substances and drug products. For more information about WuXi XDC, please visit: www.wuxixdc.com. WuXi XDC Contacts Investor[email protected] Media[email protected] BD[email protected] SOURCE WuXi XDC If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Srinagar, Nov 8 : BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh has appealed to the Omar Abdullah government "to give up its pro-Pakistan agenda and to start working on policies and programmes to help the people of Jammu and Kashmir". He alleged that the National Conference (NC) and Congress have formed an alliance aimed at disrupting the democratic mandate in Jammu and Kashmir and reviving terrorism in the Union Territory. He also warned the NC government, against "murdering the mandate of democracy by resorting to disruptive and violent means". He also added that the BJP will not allow the murder of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting strongly to the BJP members being marshalled out of the Assembly while they were trying to voice dissent against the resolution on Article 370, BJP leader Chugh said, "It was a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the people." He expressed strong objections to Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, an Awami Ittehad Party MLA from Langate, bringing a banner into the Assembly that supported the National Conference government resolution. The BJP leader also emphasized that "this action appears to be a covert attempt to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir under the guise of Article 370". "Allowing such gestures in the Assembly undermines the democratic process and may embolden extremist elements," BJP leader Chugh said, highlighting concerns about the potential consequences of such actions. He also criticised the Congress, questioning their silence on the Jammu and Kashmir resolution issue. He remarked, "Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is making a crass attempt to subvert the democratic institutions just to catch media eyes and more importantly to please his master across the border." The BJP leader reiterated, that his party firmly stood by the unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir and would foil all nefarious attempts to bring back the dark days in the Union Territory. Earlier, the BJP leader and former Union Minister, Smriti Irani, also criticised the resolution passed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calling it a divisive move by the Congress-led INDIA bloc that supports extremism. According to Smriti Irani, this resolution disregards Parliament and Supreme Court decisions on Article 370. Further criticising the INDIA bloc, she asked them if the parties stood for terrorism in the region and against the rights of disadvantaged groups. Washington, Nov 8 : US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said that the military would not get involved in politics and was ready to carry out "all lawful orders" as the Pentagon was committed to an orderly transition to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. "I totally believe that our leaders will continue to do the right thing no matter what," Austin said at a press conference in Miami. Though he declined to speculate on what the Trump administration would do, the Defence Secretary said he had confidence in the leadership of the military. In a memo to US troops that was sent out on Wednesday night and publicly released on Thursday, Austin added, "The US military will also continue to stand apart from the political arena; to stand guard over our Republic with principle and professionalism; and to stand together with the valued allies and partners who deepen our security." "I also believe that our Congress will continue to do the right things to support our military." Trump considered invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty troops to quell protests in 2020. Ahead of Trump's imminent return to the White House, Austin was asked about the possibility of the incoming Commander-in-Chief potentially issuing unlawful orders. "The law is really well defined on what can be done and not be done using active-duty military," Austin said. "Our leaders are well versed in those laws and we have the world's greatest legal corps to assist us in making sure that we stay on track." In a message to the force sent one day after the election, Austin wrote the US military would "obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command". Austin also said it's up to the President to choose his own military leaders, with speculation swirling that Trump could fire Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General CQ Brown, who has repeatedly come under right-wing attack. "These senior leaders will stay focused on the task at hand, and it is defending this country, taking care of our troops, succeeding through teamwork," Austin said. America's friends and foes alike remain wary as they await Trump's return to office on January 20, wondering whether his second term will be filled with the kind of turbulence and unpredictability that characterised his first four years. Critics say that during his 2017-21 administration Trump openly flouted norms of behavior in open pursuit of political support among US troops, who are meant to be loyal to the US Constitution, not to any party, political movement, or leader. During his campaign, Trump talked about facing an "enemy from within". "You are the United States military -- the finest fighting force on Earth -- and you will continue to defend our country, our Constitution, and the rights of all of our citizens," Austin added. Washington, Nov 8 : Blaming the US President's incumbent status for Vice President Kamala Harris' electoral defeat, the White House has said that Joe Biden felt it was the "correct" decision he made to not run for the presidential race. Washington, Nov 8 (IANS) Blaming the US President's incumbent status for Vice President Kamala Harris' electoral defeat, the White House has said that Joe Biden felt it was the "correct" decision he made to not run for the presidential race. "The President is very proud of what he was able to accomplish," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a White House briefing on Thursday -- the first since President-elect Donald Trump's victory was declared. "He was very proud, and when he made that decision to hand over the torch, pass the torch to the Vice President, he believed it was the right decision to make at that time," she said. "He (Biden) believed that she (Kamala Harris) was ready." Jean-Pierre's answers were ambiguously phrased, either speaking in the past tense or alluding to Biden's feelings in July, when he made his decision, rather than how he feels at the moment. She did not directly answer whether Biden regrets not dropping from the US presidential race sooner than he did. Jean-Pierre sought to herald Biden's accomplishments during his term as President, while subtly blaming his and Harris' status as incumbents for Democrats' loss. "Despite all of the accomplishments that we were able to get done, there were global headwinds, that, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, obviously, Covid-19 led to disruptions with the supply chain, and it had a political toll on many incumbents." China calls for enhancing Greater Mekong Subregion cooperation Xinhua) 08:11, November 08, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) KUNMING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit on Thursday, calling on the six GMS members to upgrade their cooperation after a productive partnership spanning three decades since the establishment of the mechanism. The summit, slated from Nov. 6 to 7 in Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China, brought together leaders from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as president of the Asian Development Bank. The six countries launched the GMS Economic Cooperation Program in 1992 to pool efforts to improve regional infrastructure and enhance trade, investment and economic growth. "The GMS has increasingly become an important platform for China and Mekong countries to discuss cooperation and promote development," Li said. As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, China and Mekong countries should work together closely, give full play to economic complementarity, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, Li said. Li called on the GMS members to advance opening-up at a higher level and on a larger scale to build a more efficient and dynamic super-large market. He suggested that the countries build a high-quality Belt and Road, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership well, and accelerate the signing of the 3.0 upgrade protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Stressing innovation-driven development, Li urged all parties to promote the planning, construction and upgrading of regional power grids, deepen cooperation in the new-energy battery, automobile and photovoltaic industries, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, smart manufacturing, big data and smart cities. He said that more connectivity should be made on infrastructure, such as roads, railways and ports, as well as on policies, laws, supervision, rules and standards, to speed up regional economic integration. He announced that China has decided to issue "Lancang-Mekong visas" to the five Mekong countries and issue five-year multiple-entry visas to qualified business people. Li said GMS countries should practice genuine multilateralism, promote the coordinated development of the GMS with the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and other regional mechanisms, and strengthen cooperation with the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and other institutions. The foreign dignitaries expressed appreciation for China's important role in GMS economic cooperation, saying they are willing to enhance synergy between the development strategies of the member states. They said the member states will focus on innovation-driven development, expand practical cooperation on economy and trade, agriculture, connectivity, digital economy, green development, health care, tourism, culture and other fields, to safeguard free trade and the inclusive and sustainable development of GMS countries. Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as president of the Asian Development Bank, who are attending the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 7, 2024. Li attended the eighth GMS Summit on Thursday in Kunming. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Washington, Nov 8 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has appointed Stephen Mull, a former diplomat who has served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, to oversee the transition from President Joe Biden's administration to that of President-elect Donald Trump within the State Department, the department said. "Ambassador Mull will work with the President-elect's team to ensure as successful a transition as possible," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a regular news briefing on Thursday. Mull's most recent position at the State Department was as the Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, which he served for a short period of nearly three months between early June and late August 2018 during Trump's first presidential term, Xinhua news agency reported. Prior, Mull was the US ambassador to Poland from 2012 to 2015 during the second administration of Barack Obama. "The peaceful transfer of power is an essential element of our democracy that is vital to our nation's security," Miller said. "That's why it's so important for us to conduct a smooth, efficient, and professional transition process." Mull already started his work on behalf of the State Department, which involved "attending meetings, getting ready to coordinate the process," Miller said, adding that the department has yet to receive contact made by the Trump transition team due to the fact that there's a process that the team will have to go through. According to a Wednesday report by CNN, Brian Hook, former US special representative for Iran during the first Trump administration, was tapped as Mull's counterpart on the Trump transition team. Coincidentally, Hook's job in the former Trump administration was preceded exactly by Mull, under whose charge the post was named Coordinator for Iran Nuclear Implementation. Mull served in that role from 2015 to 2017, describing it in a January interview with Xinhua as "one of the hardest jobs I had as an American diplomat". After leaving the federal government, Mull joined the University of Virginia in 2018 and was named the university's Vice Provost for Global Affairs. New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Congress will begin a month-long 'Delhi Nyay Yatra' from Rajghat on Friday to corner the Aam Aadmi Party government on various issues affecting the city. This yatra is seen as an attempt by the grand old party to regain its lost ground in the city ahead of the forthcoming Delhi Assembly polls. The first leg of the Yatra by Congress will feature two significant stops in the heart of Old Delhi on Friday: a Harijan Basti and Haksar Haveli in Sitaram Bazar, the ancestral home of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's mother Kamala Nehru. After it is flagged off from Rajghat, the yatra will move through Delhi Gate, Asaf Ali Road, Turkman Gate, Sitaram Bazar, Hauz Qazi Chowk, Katra Bariyan and conclude at Fatehpuri. Senior Congress leaders, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and party General Secretary (Organisation) K.C Venugopal, are likely to attend the yatra. Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav said they have invited Kharge, Gandhi, and Venugopal while the party's other leaders will also participate in this yatra from time to time and extend their support. He added that during the Yatra, Congress workers will interact with residents of every Assembly constituency to expose the inaction and incompetence of the AAP government, which squandered the past ten years in constant fights with Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and the bureaucracy under Kejriwal and Atishi, without doing any constructive work. Yadav said there was great enthusiasm among Delhi Congress workers to make the Yatra a success. "Congress workers have taken inspiration from Rahul Gandhias 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, covering over 4,000 kms, for the protection of the Constitution and democracy," he said. On the lines of Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', the Congress workers and leaders would interact with the people of the city during the 'Delhi Nyay Yatra' and learn about the problems they have been facing in the last ten years. The march will start on Friday from Rajghat, pass through all 70 Assembly constituencies, and conclude in Timarpur on December 4. It would be held in four phases. The first phase would cover 16 Assembly constituencies starting from Chandni Chowk and the second phase from November 15 to 20 would cover 18 seats. As many as 16 Assembly constituencies would be covered in the third phase from November 22 to 27 and 20 seats in the fourth from November 29 to December 4. The Delhi Congress Chief said that the high level of corruption committed by the previous Kejriwal government was evident from the fact that the former Delhi Chief Minister, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Minister Satyendar Jain, and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and several MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party went to jail in connection with various corruption and criminal cases. He added it was surprising that Kejriwal was still trying to mislead people and pretend that the broken roads, the toxic Yamuna water, and the air pollution were due to heavy vehicular traffic and were also the imagination of the people, and not because of the inefficiency and corruption of the AAP government. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Devotees across Delhi and the National Capital Region went back home on Friday morning as they concluded the Chhath Puja with prayers to the Sun as the smoggy day broke. Just as the third day of Chhath Puja saw hundreds throng ghats in the national capital to perform the evening Puja, offering prayers to the setting sun, similar was the sight on Friday morning, the fourth day of the festival that marked its conclusion. Many hold this ritual as the most significant day of the elaborate festival, which is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God for health, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes. The Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated by the Purvanchali community and bears immense cultural and religious significance. Speaking to IANS, Vidya, a resident of Delhi and a native of Bihar, explained the occasion and its roots in mythology: "Chhath Puja holds great importance. Initially, it was performed by Sita Ji, and later, we have been observing it. Sita Ji performed it for her kingdom, and we also pray to Chathi Mai for certain wishes. Once our wishes are fulfilled, we perform the rituals." Prayers are offered to the Sun God and His sister Chathi Mai. Given the rising number of Chhath devotees, the Delhi Government set up around 1,000 artificial ghats across the Capital, so as to facilitate the smooth celebration of the festival. These artificial ghats serve as substitutes for the traditional riverbanks. Although the celebrations in Delhi were marked by political stir as much as devotion was in the air, there were reportedly inadequate preparations for the festivities and the toxic condition of the Yamuna river added to the woes of all alike. Also, in order to mitigate the risk of vector-borne diseases during the festival, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out extensive fogging operations at over 1,000 Chhath ghats across the city. The MCD also implemented anti-larval measures to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The four-day festival represents more than just a religious observancea"itas a time for familial bonding and a call for the well-being of their loved ones. Beyond its religious and cultural significance, Chhath Puja also carries an ecological message. The festivalas connection to water resources is profound, as devotees gather near rivers, ponds, or other water bodies to offer prayers and perform rituals. Chandigarh, Nov 8 : A madrasa cook was arrested by Haryana Police on charges of sodomising and threatening to kill a 13-year-old minor student in Raipur Rani in Panchkula district, police said. According to the police, "the alleged incident took place on November 4 and after the crime the accused attempted to beat the minor to death with stones." On the complaint of the victim's father, the police registered a case against the accused and arrested him. As per the case registered at the Raipur Rani police station, the boy, a resident of Yamunanagar, studies in a madrasa in a village that falls in the Raipur Rani police station area. His father was called on the night of November 4 at around 7.30 P.M. by the madrasa caretakers and told that his son was injured in an accident. As the father reached Raipur Rani late at night, he was told that his son had been taken to a hospital in Chandigarh. The child had suffered severe injuries on his face and head and was unable to speak. After that, the father was told in the madrasa that someone had hit the teenager with a bike. The child's medical examination was done in the Civil Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula. Later, the police took the child to the District Child Welfare Office for counselling. The child was not saying anything owing to nervousness. It was only when the father and acquaintances met him that he narrated his ordeal. The child accused Abdul Basid, the cook working in the madrasa of sodomising him. The accused was also charged for threatening to kill the minor. In order to hide his crime, he allegedly attacked the victim on his face and head several times and believing him dead, he left him on a riverside. On the complaint of the father, the police arrested the accused. The Station House Officer (SHO) said the father of the minor complained on Wednesday evening that the cook of the madrasa had sodomised his child. Mumbai, Nov 8 : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has again received another threat message on Thursday, two days after he got a death threat allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Mumbai Traffic Control room received a threat message for Salman late Thursday night. The reported members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang even threatened to kill a songwriter who penned a track on Lawrence Bishnoi in one month's time. The message also had that the "songwriter's condition will be so bad that he won't be able to write songs by his own name. If Salman Khan has the courage then he should save him." The police are looking out for the person and are tracing the number. On November 5, Mumbai Police received a threatening message for Salman, claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The threat was that the superstar either apologises or pays Rs 5 crore for his safety. A man was apprehended in Karnataka and handed over to Maharashtra Police on Wednesday. The arrested culprit told the police that: "Mujhe koi gham nahi, main Bishnoi samaaj ke liye jail jaa raha hun." On being asked by Worli Police, the accused stated that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is his idol. He also stated that the Rs. 5 crore he asked from Salman Khan, he would have given it for the making of a temple for the Bishnoi community. The police also noted that the accused would watch videos of Lawrence Bishnoi and shared that he is proud of Lawrence for what he is doing for the Bishnoi community. The accused also said that "Salman Khan never apologised for what he did be it the hit and run case or killing the blackbuck. Salman Khan and Baba Siddiqui are linked to big gangs and no one did anything on that" The accused also shared that whatever "Lawrence Bishnoi is doing is correct, I have no sadness in going to jail. I am going to jail for the Bishnoi community." Jammu, Nov 8 : The cold-blooded murder of two members of a Village Defence Committee (VDC) in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K's) Kishtwar district on Thursday was widely condemned as a massive operation started to trace the killers on Friday. J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha said on X, "No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDC members. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits and avenge this barbaric act." Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said in condemnation of the cowardly murder of two civilians, "Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local Village Defence Committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families. "At the same time I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely." Former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader, Kavinder Gupta, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Vice President, Ravinder Sharma also condemned the murder. A massive joint search operation has been launched by the police and Army in the dense forest area following the gruesome killings of two VDC members, Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar from Ohli-Kuntwara village, who had gone missing in the upper reaches while grazing livestock on Thursday. "Later, photographs of their bodies began circulating on social media and family members confirmed their identities", police said. The officials said Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had gone to graze their cattle in the Munzla Dhar forest of the Adhwari area in the morning, but did not return. "Police parties fanned out to find them amid reports that they had been abducted and killed by terrorists", officials said. Kuldeep Kumar's brother, Prithvi told reporters that his father, Amar Chand died a week ago and the reports of his brother's killing came as another big shock to the family. The village came to know about the killings when the terrorists used the victims' phones to share pictures of their execution, locals said. Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the killings. It also shared pictures of the victims' bodies with their eyes blindfolded. "There would be complete shutdown and no vehicular moment and no business establishment and no office would be allowed to function throughout Kishtwar in protest against the brutal killing of two VDC members at Kuntwara in Kishtwar", spokesman of Sanatan Dharma Sabha Kishtwar said. Los Angeles, Nov 8 : Oscar winning-actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played the villainous Roman emperor Commodus in the 2000 film "Gladiator", was told he was being "unprofessional" by Russell Crowe on the sets of the Ridley Scott movie. Los Angeles, Nov 8 (IANS) Oscar winning-actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played the villainous Roman emperor Commodus in the 2000 film "Gladiator", was told he was being "unprofessional" by Russell Crowe on the sets of the Ridley Scott movie. Scott, who has just released 'Gladiator II' starring Paul Mescal, told the New York Times: "(Joaquin) was in his prince's outfit saying, 'I can't do it'. I said, 'What?' And Russell said, 'This is terribly unprofessional'." Talking about how he convinced Phoenix to stay on the film, Scott asked: "I can act as a big brother or dad. But I'm quite a friend of Joaquin's. 'Gladiator' was a baptism of fire for both of us in the beginning." The film ended up winning five Oscars, including best picture. Pheonix and Scott later worked together in their careers for the 2023 historical drama "Napoleon." The actor recently said one of his favourite things on set is a lack of ego, reports female first.co.uk. He said that Lady Gaga, who was his co-star on 'Joker: Foile A Deux', displayed no diva tendencies when they were working together. The actor said in a behind-the-scenes featurette film put out ahead of the 'Joker' sequel's cinema release: "I found (Gaga) to be without ego and had such a fierce determination. She would get right in with us. She understood that there had to be a rawness to the character. There's not a lot of actors that are comfortable working in that way." "Gladiator II" is an epic historical action film. Serving as a sequel to Gladiator (2000), it stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington. Jacobi and Nielsen reprise their roles from the first film. Mescal portrays Lucius, the son of Maximus and Lucilla, who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman army led by General Marcus Acacius. Lucius seeks revenge against Acacius and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave who plans to overthrow the emperors Geta and Caracalla. New Delhi, Nov 8 : In a 4:3 decision a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Friday overruled its 1967 judgment which had laid down that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), being a Central varsity, cannot claim to be a minority institution. "The view taken in the 1967 Azeez Basha case that an educational institution is not established by a minority if it derives its legal character through a statute is overruled," ruled the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud-led Constitution Bench. It added that a regular Bench should decide the question of the minority status of AMU and correctness of the 2006 decision passed by the Allahabad High Court, striking down the 1981 amendment conferring minority status on the varsity, in view of the principles laid down in its latest judgment. The majority opinion, concurred by Justices Sanjiv Khanna, J.B. Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, and SC Sharma, said that the regulation of minority educational institutions is permissible under Article 19(6), however, those regulations should not impinge upon the minority character of the institution. It said, "Regulations, which may be justified on grounds stipulated under Articles 19(6) and 26, may fall foul to Article 30 if they infringe upon the minority character of the institution. This is a special right/protection which the Constitution guarantees to minority educational institutions." The majority opined that Article 30 guarantees minority educational institutions the right not to be discriminated and in fact, Article 30(2) is the facet of the non-discrimination of minorities. It further said, "An educational institution established by any citizen can be regulated under Article 19(6). An educational institution established by a religious denomination without any element of profit can be regulated on grounds of public order, morality and health. As opposed to these two provisions, Article 30 does not circumscribe the right on any grounds. However, the right guaranteed under Article 30 is not absolute." Justices Surya Kant, J.B. Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma wrote separate and dissenting opinions. In February this year, the seven-judge Constitution Bench, reserved its decision after finishing hearing of the oral arguments advanced by Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the senior law officers representing the Centre and senior advocates Rajiv Dhawan, Kapil Sibal, and others, appearing for the appellants. The Constitution Bench was dealing with a reference arising out of the 2006 decision passed by the Allahabad High Court, striking down the 1981 amendment conferring minority status on the institution. The Parliament, by virtue of the Aligarh Muslim University (Amendment) Act, 1981 conferred minority status on the institution after a five-judge Constitution Bench in the 1967 Azeez Basha case had laid down that AMU, being a Central university, cannot claim to be a minority institution. Jammu, Nov 8 : A day after two Village Defence Committee (VDC) members were kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)'s Kishtwar district, National Conference (NC) leader Sheikh Bashir on Friday said a major conspiracy was underway. An offshoot of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist organisation called the 'Kashmir Tigers' claimed responsibility for the attack in Kishtwar district. The terror group also shared images of the victims' bodies with their eyes blindfolded. Talking to IANS, Sheikh Bashir said, "There is a major conspiracy which is happening in J&K. You may remember that about five months ago, incidents occurred in areas like Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, and Kishtwar, where members of the Village Defence Committees (VDC) were attacked. A similar incident also took place in Basantgarh." "This is a very serious matter. These terrorists keep changing their strategies, and we need to stay alert. NC President Farooq Abdullah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have condemned this incident. I believe there is a major conspiracy going on here. With an elected government now established, there seems to be a plot to destabilise J&K. We must be prepared to confront such challenges," he concluded. Earlier on November 2, NC President Abdullah alleged that the terrorist attack in Budgam was a conspiracy to overthrow the current J&K government. On November 1, two labourers from Uttar Pradesh were shot at by terrorists in Budgam district. The NC President said that the terrorists involved in the act should not be killed but rather questioned as to who was behind the attack. There has been a rise in the number of terrorist attacks after the NC-Congress alliance came to power in J&K. On November 3, as many as 12 people, including one woman, were injured in a grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and weekly market in J&K's Srinagar. On October 29, the security forces neutralised three terrorists in a high-stakes encounter in Akhnoor, J&K, following an attack on an Army convoy. On October 20, a doctor and six construction workers were killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in the Ganderbal district. New Delhi, Nov 8 : In the wake of the Canadian government's decision to block the social media platforms of Australian news outlet Australia Today, the organisation issued a statement on Friday, reiterating its commitment to delivering critical news and diverse perspectives to the public. The controversy erupted earlier this week following a press conference between Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. During the conference, EAM Jaishankar made pointed remarks about the ongoing India-Canada standoff, accusing Canada of providing political space to Khalistani extremists. The comments quickly became a flashpoint, with India reacting sharply to Canada's actions and questioning its commitment to free speech. The Canadian government responded by blocking Australia Today's social media presence, citing the nature of the broadcast. In its statement, Australia Today expressed gratitude for the support it had received from around the world, particularly from those advocating for press freedom. "Despite the challenges posed by the Canadian government's actions, we remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles," the news outlet said in a post. The statement went on to acknowledge the impact of the Canadian move on its team and supporters, emphasising the importance of protecting journalistic independence in an era of increasing media censorship. "The recent actions by the Canadian government have been difficult for our team and for those who value free and open journalism," Australia Today said and added, "However, the overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of the importance of a #freepress." Managing Editor Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj addressed the incident, praising the solidarity shown by the outlet's global audience. "Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us," Bharadwaj said. "Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about press freedom, or simply offering encouragement, every action made a difference," he said. Bharadwaj also expressed deep appreciation for the continued advocacy for press freedom and transparency, stressing that the outlet would not be deterred by external pressures. "We deeply appreciate the solidarity shown by our community and their commitment to upholding the freedom of information and the right of audiences to access diverse perspectives," he added. "We will continue to advocate for an open and inclusive media landscape," Bharadwaj concluded, reaffirming Australia Today's commitment to the principles of transparency, accuracy, and journalistic integrity, no matter the obstacles they face. The incident highlights growing tensions between Canada and India, particularly over the issue of Khalistani separatism, which has been a longstanding point of contention. However, it also underscores broader concerns about freedom of the press, with critics arguing that the Canadian move was an attempt to suppress an important international dialogue. Recently, Canada and India each expelled their top diplomats due to the fallout from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeauas allegations that there were possible links of Indian intelligence in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. India had categorised Nijjar as a Khalistani terrorist (he had faced no criminal charges in Canada but was put on a no-fly list and his bank accounts were frozen). The row seems to be escalating Canadian Hindu-Sikh tensions in the nation. Kolkata, Nov 8 : A number of Trinamool Congress-controlled urban civic bodies in West Bengal might witness changes in their top-most positions in the coming days following an impending organisational reshuffle in the ruling party in the state. Party insiders said that the Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has already given some suggestions to the party supremo and the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggesting a change of heads in a number of municipalities in the state, especially for those where BJPas performance was much better than the stateas ruling party in the Lok Sabha polls this year. Going by that logic, party insiders added that changes in the heads of at least 69 municipalities in the state are inevitable since in those urban civic bodies, BJP was ahead of Trinamool Congress in terms of votes secured this year. However, insiders said that the proposed reshuffle might be incorporated in some more municipalities as well although Trinamool Congressas performance was better there in the polls this year. However, considering the importance of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), it might not come within the proposed reshuffle although BJP was ahead of Trinamool Congress in terms of votes this year in 48 out of 144 wards under the corporation. Since Trinamool Congress candidates finally got elected from both the Lok Sabha constituencies in Kolkata, namely, Kolkata-Dakshin and Kolkata-Uttar, KMC might not come under the purview of the possible rejig. At the same time, party insiders added that since the Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is one of the most dependable and trusted lieutenants of Mamata Banerjee, the possibility of Hakimas name being included in the reshuffle is remote. It is learnt that the partyas General Secretary is in favour of a performance-based reshuffle in the party in view of the state Assembly elections in 2026. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : Reacting strongly to the FIR against him over his recent post quoting media reports regarding the suicide of a farmer eight years ago over a notice by the Waqf, BJP National Youth President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya stated that the Karnataka government was ensuring the welfare of the Board and not the growers. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi on Friday, MP Tejasvi Surya stated, "I had posted the message to warn the state government about the existing situation and woes of farmers. The government thinks that it is absolutely okay if farmers commit suicide, but the Waqf Board should not be affected in any manner." During the recent visit to Karnataka of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, a petition was received from a farmer from Haveri stating that one Rudrappa had committed suicide. Based on the petition, the post was made, Surya stated. "Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge has no job but to wait and file FIRs against political opponents. The Supreme Court will rap them for their FIRs," Surya slammed. The Karnataka government on Thursday filed an FIR against Tejasvi Surya for posting the message alleging suicide by a farmer eight years ago after the Waqf Board issued a notice claiming ownership of his property. According to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office on Friday, the FIR was filed by the Cybercrime, Economic Offences, Narcotics (CEN) police in Haveri district of Karnataka. The case has been booked under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023. A case has also been booked against the Editor of Kannada Duniya e-paper and the Editor of Kannada News e-Paper regarding the matter. The FIR stated, "Tejasvi Surya on his social media handle stated that a 'farmer in Haveri commits suicide after finding his land taken over by the Waqf. In their haste to appease minorities, CM Siddaramaiah and Minister Zameer Khan have unleashed catastrophic effects in Karnataka that are becoming impossible to contain with every passing day,' which was based on a false report by Kannada Duniya e-paper." The report published by Kannada Duniya and Kannada News e-Paper on their portals stated that in Rudrappa, a farmer who was a resident of Hanaragi village in Haveri district committed suicide eight years ago. It alleged that Rudrappa ended his life after his four acres of land was shown as a Waqf property in the land records. The FIR says this is false news and it constitutes a crime. The development is likely to trigger a controversy in the state. The Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal, along with JPC member and Tejasvi Surya on Thursday had received over 500 petitions from farmers in Karnataka who submitted that their agricultural land was being claimed by the Waqf Board as its property. Farmers from Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburgi, Hubballi, Bagalkot and Belagavi districts of Karnataka have written to Pal and Surya regarding the matter. The JPC Chairperson on Thursday was on a visit to Hubballi, Vijayapura and Belagavi, upon a request by Tejasvi Surya, to understand the concerns of the farmers. "The exponential rise in the number of instances in Karnataka where agricultural lands are being claimed by the state Waqf Board is happening during a period in which the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is meeting to deliberate on the reforms for the Waqf Act, 1995," Tejasvi Surya stated. "Karnataka Minority Affairs and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has been conducting 'Waqf Adalats' in several parts of the state. Such Waqf Adalats do not have any valid status under the Constitution or any of the Revenue Department Rules," the BJP leader said. Mumbai, Nov 8 : Actor Arjun Kapoor recently expressed his gratitude towards filmmaker Rohit Shetty, acknowledging the trust the director placed in him when many others were hesitant. On Friday, the 'Gunday' actor took to his Instagram and shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the sets of his film "Singham Again." In the images, Arjun and Rohit Shetty are seen posing together. One BTS clip shows the director applying blood to Arjun's clothes to add the final touch to his character, Danger Lanka. In another, Rohit is seen giving a makeup touch to Kapoor's character. Additional images feature Arjun fully immersed in his role as Danger Lanka. Sharing the post, the 'Ishaqzaade' actor wrote in the caption, "The perfect role, at the right time, with a director who believes in you sometimes, that's all it takes. Grateful beyond words for the trust he's shown in me when not many were willing to, and for creating a character so close to his vision that the audiences have loved. This journey of becoming Danger Lanka has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you, @itsrohitshetty sir and team, for making every moment on set unforgettable. I'd do this all over again in a heartbeat! #SinghamAgain." Talking about his role in the cop drama, Arjun had earlier mentioned that returning to the "Singham Again" character feels like a full-circle moment, reconnecting him to the very roots of his career, which began in 2012 with "Ishaqzaade." "Every role shapes you, and this one's reminded me of the fire that started it all. I owe it to the audience for embracing this transformation and joining me on this journey," added Kapoor. "Singham Again" also stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Jackie Shroff. It is the fifth installment of Shetty's Cop Universe franchise. The film, inspired by Ramayana, was released on November 1. "Singham Again" has become Rohit Shetty's 10th film to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark and the fastest to do so. Dhule, Nov 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the voters of Maharashtra to re-elect the Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP to increase the pace of development and oppose the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which will put brakes on the state's growth. PM Modi asserted that the MVA would scrap welfare and development schemes brought out by the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government in the state. PM Modi, who started his poll campaign from tribal dominated Dhule, said Maharashtra trusts the NDA and will vote for the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming elections. "I appeal to you to vote for the Mahayuti so that it will take the progress of Maharashtra to new heights in the next five years. Only the Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. "On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi vehicle has neither wheels nor brakes and there is a fight even for sitting on the driver's seat. The Mahayuti government, which has taken several decisions to speed up development, will continue to boost the state's growth and also promote the development of various sections. But be aware of the Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi which are against development and bent on putting brakes on the state's growth," said the Prime Minister. He praised the Mahayuti government's 'Vachannama (manifesto)' comprising 10 guarantees covering various sections and claimed that it is being discussed across the country. "Everyone has their own goal when they enter politics. People like us consider the public as a form of god and have come into politics to serve the people. Whereas for some people the basis of their politics is to 'rob people'. When people like Maha Vikas Aghadi, who have the intention of looting people, come to power, they stop development and indulge in corruption in every scheme," claimed the Prime Minister. However, he said that the Mahayuti government has restored Maharashtra's pride and glory while marching on the development path. The Prime Minister slammed the Congress party for hatching a conspiracy to divide the SCs, STs and OBCs by pitting various castes against each other as the grand old party never desires these communities to develop and progress. However, he gave a call to remain united and foil the Congress party's game plan to divide castes. "Ek hain to safe hain (If you are united you are safe). We have to remain united and foil the dangerous game of Congress and keep moving ahead on the path of development," he said, amid slogans raised by the people at the rally. "A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress. And this game is being played because the Congress can never see the Dalits, Backward Classes and tribals progressing. This is the history of the Congress," he said. The Prime Minister also lashed out at the Congress and the INDIA bloc for the reinstatement of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir while referring to the passage of a resolution in the Assembly there. "Don't spearhead Pakistan's agenda. Don't speak the language of terrorists. You (Congress and INDIA bloc) will not succeed in your plan till Modi is here," he warned. He strongly defended the Centre's move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and thereby implement the BR Ambedkar-penned Constitution there. New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the inclusion of ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy in the Union government's public health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). "We will issue a notice. Let us have the view of the government," said a bench presided over by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud. The Bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist the court and posted the PIL for further hearing after three weeks. The plea said that Indian healthcare systems (ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy) should be included under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The PM-JAY was launched by the Union government to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in line with the recommendation of the National Health Policy 2017. The scheme, providing health coverage of Rs 5 lakh, covers more than 12 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) across the country. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had issued notice to Union Ministries of AYUSH, Finance, Health & Family Welfare, and Home, and the Delhi government on an identical plea. After the Union government had filed an affidavit assuring that Indian healthcare systems will be included in the scheme, the Delhi HC had directed to consider the PIL, filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, as a representation and pass a reasoned order as expeditiously as possible. The plea had contended that the Ayushman Bharat scheme is currently limited to allopathic hospitals and dispensaries, excluding various indigenous medical systems like ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, siddha, unani, and homoeopathy, which are deeply rooted in India's traditions and effective for addressing modern healthcare needs. The PIL had stressed the need to recognise and integrate indigenous medical systems into public health schemes, as they are deeply rooted in the country's traditions and culture, and the importance of providing citizens with the right to choose their preferred treatment and doctor while ensuring widespread accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Jaipur, Nov 8 : Jodhpur beautician Anita Chaudhary's murderer, arrested in Mumbai, would be taken to the spot where he chopped the 50-year-old woman's body and buried it in a pit, a police official said on Friday. Jaipur, Nov 8 (IANS) Jodhpur beautician Anita Chaudharyas murderer, arrested in Mumbai, would be taken to the spot where he chopped the 50-year-old womanas body and buried it in a pit, a police official said on Friday. Gulamuddin Farooqui (42) was arrested in Mumbai on Thursday and Rajasthan Police took his transit remand from a court before bringing him to Jodhpur, said the official. On his arrival on Friday from Mumbai, the police plan to take him to the crime scene and question about the victimas gold ornaments that he allegedly stole after the murder. Anita, who ran a beauty parlour in the Sardarpura area of Jodhpur, was brutally murdered in the afternoon on October 26. On Thursday evening, Jodhpur Police raided a house in south Mumbai and arrested Gulamuddin with the help of Mumbai Police. Gulamuddin was absconding since Anita's murder. A team led by Additional DCP Nishant Bhardwaj was hunting for him for four days in Mumbai, said an official. Police claimed that Gulamuddin, whose shop faced the victimas parlour, killed Anita to steal her ornaments while she was returning home. Her husband lodged a missing complaint at Sardarpura police station on October 27 after she could not be traced and her phone was switched off, the police said. Anitaas husband Manmohan told police that she had known Gulamuddin for about 25 years, with the latter considering her as his sister. On October 30, the police found Anita's body chopped into six pieces and stuffed in a sack dumped in a 10-feet-deep pit near Gulamuddin's house. Based on CCTV footage, the police detained Gulamuddin's wife Abida who spilled the beans about the crime during questioning. "Jodhpur Police got a clue about Gulamuddinas presence in Mumbai from CCTV footage. As the cops were chasing him, Gulamuddin changed his hideout more than five times," officials said. Meanwhile, even after nine days of the murder, her body has not been cremated. The family is sitting on a dharna demanding compensation of one crore Rupees and a government job for her kin. Lahore, Nov 8 : After having already shut down schools till November 17, Pakistan Punjab's provincial government on Friday ordered a complete ban on the people's entry to public and private parks, zoos, playgrounds, historical places, monuments, museums and joy/play lands effective immediately due to the massive deterioration of air quality in the region, especially in provincial capital Lahore which remains the world's most polluted city. The order, issued by the provincial government's Environmental Protection Agency, comes a day after Lahore's Air Quality Index reached alarming levels, crossing the 1000-mark in many areas. According to the agency's Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, besides Lahore, the ban will also be effective in the districts of Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Khanewal. Sheikh made it clear that violators will be punished by the province's law enforcement agencies under the Pakistan Penal Code. "Preemptive measures against all the sources of air pollution have already been started by EPA as well as other concerned departments," the agency stated. On Thursday, a three-year-old girl moved a petition against the provincial government in Lahore High Court (LHC) as the entire region reels under the severe impact of smog, keeping the air quality in an extremely hazardous zone. The petitioner, Amal Sekhera, through her lawyer maintained in the petition that young children and the elderly are severely affected by air pollution and sought justice for herself, friends and the future generations. "Under Article 99-A of the Constitution, the government is obligated to provide citizens with a clean and healthy environment," the petition stated. The petition criticised the Punjab government for failing to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. As per the Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, Lahore has been topping the list of world's most polluted cities with the AQI levels exceeding 1000 on many occasions. The extended and prolonged bad weather has made it impossible for citizens to venture out of their homes. The hospitals too are getting filled up with people suffering from respiratory issues. The bad air quality has left thousands of citizens of the province vulnerable to respiratory diseases with the provincial government and doctors advising all to wear masks whenever they venture out of their homes. The provincial government has imposed a smog emergency across the province and has shut down all educational institutions up to the higher secondary level in Lahore and other districts till November 17. Many other cities like Multan and Gujranwala are also severely impacted with the ongoing weather conditions. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the European calendar is at risk with the prospect of hosting races on a bi-annual basis being assessed. Liberty Media Corporation, the owners of Formula One Group, have already made a number of changes to the F1 Calendar which is already at a record-breaking 24 races this season. "We have some news to share very, very soon with regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix and some other new options coming later," Domenicali was quoted saying to a Liberty Media investors call by motorsport.com. With the sportas popularity steadily rising, the number of venues in recent years has seen a major addition in the United States of America and the Middle East through the likes of Las Vegas, Jeddah, Qatar and Miami. "This is something that, of course, we will clarify in the due course. It is true that we have a large demand for new possible venues that want to come in and our choice will always be balanced between the right economic benefits that we can have as a system and also to leverage the growth on the market that we can see potential that will be beneficial for us to grow even further our business," he added. Europe currently plays host to ten races in the calendar with Silverstone (Great Britain), Hungaroring (Hungary), Red Bull Ring (Austria), Baku Street Circuit (Azerbaijan), Imola Circuit and Monza Circuit (Italy), Zandvoort (Netherlands), Circuit de Monaco, Spa (Belgium) and Barcelona being the venues. Madrid has been confirmed as an addition from 2026 onwards. Spa, Monaco, Monza, Imola and Zandvoort, some of the most iconic venues in motorsports, are out of contract in 2025 and run the risk of being dropped altogether. Silverstone (2034), Madrid (2035), Hungary (2032) and Austria (2030) all have long-term deals as of now which would make a rotational schedule a challenging task. New Delhi, Nov 8 : In his first video message to Aam Aadmi Party workers after stepping out of prison two months ago, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday called upon party workers to put in their best over the next three months to bring the party back to power for the third time in Assembly polls. "We will fight collectively and win," said Kejriwal, asking partymen to oppose divisive forces in a video address laced with names of Gods and phrases in an attempt to use the religion card to reach out to voters. "If you feel angry at some point, you may pray to Ram. If you belong to other religions, you may find solace in the name of your Gods," said the AAP leader, who has been holding padyatra across Delhi for the past few weeks to highlight the party's governance model. With an eye on Dalit voters, the former Chief Minister also praised B.R. Ambedkar and raised the "Jai Bhim" slogan in the video, with a Tricolor and a photo of Ambedkar in the background. The AAP leader called upon supporters to apply for leave in offices so that over the next three months they could dedicate themselves fully to the party's victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal, speaking in Hindi, also urged AAP supporters from other states to camp in Delhi and contribute in the party campaign. "Delhiites who cannot take leave from work, should try and give a few hours in a day or week to the campaign. We will seek your help in a way that you may be able to contribute from homes," said Kejriwal. He described his stay in prison in a "baseless" corruption case as a test of character and God's way of preparing him for future challenges. "The God-sent challenges and difficulties are a message from Him to prepare us for carrying out important tasks in future. We don't have to lose focus in difficult times and need to face challenges with courage," he said. The AAP National Convenor also complimented party workers for resisting attempts to bribe them or break the party while he and other party leaders were put behind bars. Taking credit for giving an honest government in Delhi, Kejriwal said it was for the first time in 75 years that issues like roads, schools, power, electricity and hospital had been brought to the top of political discourse. A staff member shows an interactive screen with classic books during an exhibition on classical studies achievements in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. The exhibition opened here on Thursday, as one of the auxiliary activities of the World Conference of Classics scheduled from Nov. 6 to 8 in Beijing. (Xinhua/Li He) A visitor reads books during an exhibition on classical studies achievements in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. The exhibition opened here on Thursday, as one of the auxiliary activities of the World Conference of Classics scheduled from Nov. 6 to 8 in Beijing. (Xinhua/Li He) A foreign visitor (2nd R) experiences woodblock printing during an exhibition on classical studies achievements in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. The exhibition opened here on Thursday, as one of the auxiliary activities of the World Conference of Classics scheduled from Nov. 6 to 8 in Beijing. (Xinhua/Li He) Editor: WXY Simdega, Nov 8 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday promised to provide Rs 15 lakh health cover and one million jobs to youths if voted to power in Jharkhand Assembly elections. Besides, the Gandhi scion also promised an increase in reservation limit to more than 50 per cent, domestic LPG for Rs 450, Rs 3200 MSP to farmers for paddy, seven kg ration to every person per month, degree college in every block and Rs 2,500 to women every month. Addressing a gathering to campaign for the party's candidate from Jharkhand's Simdega seat, he again raised his pitch for "Save the Constitution" and caste census. Drawing a comparison between the INDIA bloc and NDA, he said: "NDA wants to divide the society and end Constitution but we want equality and brotherhood in the state. We want to run the country as per the Constitution." He said: "Constitution was not only a book but has the thoughts of Birsa Munda, B. R. Ambedkar and Phule, Mahatma Gandhi and protects rights of the poor people of the country but Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to suppress it." He alleged that the BJP wants to snatch adivasis' forest, water and land and give it to industrialists. The Congress leader said: "BJP addresses adivasis as vanvasi (a term used by Britishers) while we use the term itself as used by Birsa Munda." Giving his interpretation of both words, he said: "Adivasi means the first owner of the country while vanvasi means, people who reside in forests." "If we say you (tribals) are Adivasi, your land, water and forest rights should be yours, while Vanvasi means you reside in the forest but do not have any right over the land and water," he said. Moreover, the Constitution uses the term Adivasi not vanvasi and calling the tribals vanvasi was an "insult", former Congress President said. "We want that if your land is taken, even for the sake of development, you should get appropriate compensation, if an industry is set up, your children get a job in that," he said. He further said that the BJP does not want tribal people to get white-collar jobs. The Congress leader said that 90 per cent people in the country are backwards but don't have any representation in the government. Rahul Gandhi shared that he asked PM Modi for a caste census, after which the former said: "I was trying to divide the society." He also attacked PM Modi for not visiting Manipur which was on the boil. The Congress leader claimed that after coming to power at the Centre, his party would stop the Agnipath scheme. The state Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 13 and 20. INDIA bloc constituents Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), RJD and CPI-M are contesting the polls for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. New Delhi, Nov 8 : A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking the postponement of by-elections to the four Assembly seats in Bihar in view of the week-long Chhath Puja. On Friday, a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to consider the urgent listing of the plea after the matter was mentioned for an urgent hearing. The plea filed by the Jan Suraaj Party challenged the Election Commissionas "failure" to not defer the by-elections in Bihar while rescheduling the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala due to social and religious events. It said that by-elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala etc. were rescheduled from November 13 to 20 on account of large-scale social and cultural gatherings that may impact the voter turnout. The plea added that similar conditions exist in Bihar and not deferring by-polls in Bihar was not only unjust but violated the right to equal treatment under Article 14 of the Constitution. "The logistical issues and apprehension of reduced voter turnout are as much a concern in Bihar as they are in Uttar Pradesh. There is no reason whatsoever and no intelligible differentia, to warrant a different treatment for elections in Bihar," the plea, filed through Karanjawala & Co, contended. Further, it said that deferring the four by-elections in Bihar would prevent inconvenience to a large number of voters, promote their participation in the electoral process, and strengthen the democratic process. The plea said that "more than forty Chhath Puja organising committees have also written to the Election Commission of India on the same issue" and the failure of the poll body to not defer the dates violated the fundamental rights of the electorate at large. It added that the Election Commissionas conduct smacked of "arbitrariness" in whimsically changing the dates of some elections but not of others, when similar socio-religious circumstances are prevailing. "Election Commission's selective treatment in processing deferment requests violates the basic principles of natural justice, as it disregards the petitioner's legitimate expectation of equal treatment," contended the petition. Hyderabad, Oct 8 : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has hailed the Supreme Court order on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University saying it is an important day for Muslims of India. The seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court ruled 4:3 to overturn a key 1967 judgment which removed minority status of AMU. The Hyderabad MP posted on X that the 1967 judgment had rejected the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University when in fact it was. He cited Article 30 of the Constitution of India which states that minorities have the right to establish and administer their educational institutions in a manner that they deem fit. Stating that the right of minorities to educate themselves has been upheld, Owaisi congratulated all students and faculty of AMU. "It does not matter if the University was established before the Constitution or if it was set up by a law of the govt. It is a minority institution if it was established by minorities. All the arguments of the BJP were rejected," the AIMIM chief wrote. "The BJP has opposed minority status for AMU for all these years. What is it going to do now? It has made every effort to attack AMU and Jamia, and our right to even run madrasas. BJP must introspect and go for a course correction," the MP added. He suggested that the Modi government take this judgment in its stride and support AMU as it is also a central university. "Jamia gets Rs 3 lakh per student, AMU gets Rs 3.9 lakh per student, but BHU gets Rs 6.15 lakh. Jamia and AMU have consistently performed well in national rankings. With the right support, universities could be globally renowned. But for that, Modi must stop discriminating against them," Owaisi said. He pointed out that AMU's Kishanganj centre has been languishing for the past many years. This must also be addressed urgently and the Centre should begin working as soon as possible, he added. Kolkata, Nov 8 : The preliminary post-mortem report of a senior resident doctor of West Bengal's Jhargram Medical College & Hospital, whose body was recovered under mysterious circumstances from a hotel room in Jhargram town on Thursday afternoon, has suggested the probability, that some items injected in his body led to multi-organ failures and caused his death, sources said. Sources aware of the development said that although more scientific details about the reasons for Dr Dipro Bhattacharya's death will be clear only after the detailed post-mortem report is available, from the preliminary report, it is not absolutely clear whether he injected any item into his body or anyone else did that. Sources said that from prima facie evidence, it is assumed that it had been a case of suicide which is clear from the two messages, one of which he had sent to his wife and the other which he had posted on a WhatsApp Group of doctors before his death. The police are investigating the matter after registering a case of unnatural death and prima facie it appears that the deceased had been suffering from acute depression for quite some time. It is not yet clear whether the cause of his depression was because of his personal or professional problems. However, his death has created a sensation since in the message that he posted in the WhatsApp group of doctors, he had mentioned the "threat culture", prevailing in medical colleges & hospitals in the state including that of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata which is in the headlines because of the ghastly rape and murder of a lady junior doctor there in August this year. In the message, he claimed that when he was attached to R.G. Kar, he had been vocal against the threat culture there. He also claimed in the message that those who instil fear among students, and support nepotism are no less guilty than R.G. Kar's former Principal Sandip Ghosh, who is currently in judicial custody. In the message, he had also reportedly claimed that such people are responsible for the depression, anxiety, and hopelessness of thousands of young doctors. Moscow, Nov 8 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again showered praise on India's rapid rise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting it is high time that Russia's "natural partner and ally for decades" is included among the "great powers" of the world. "India should certainly be included among the great powers: one and a half billion people, the highest rates of economic growth among large economies, an ancient culture, and so on. And the prospects, very good prospects for growth," Putin said in the plenary session of the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club held in the southern Russian city of Sochi, on Thursday. The Russian President, who has emphasised in the past that the process of forming a multipolar world is underway, went on to say that he has great respect for PM Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. "India is a great country, the largest in population now - 1.5 billion people, plus 10 million annually. It is developing rapidly. It is the leader in economic growth among large economies. How much is it? I think 7.4 percent GDP growth per year... "And India is one of those countries whose development rates will be faster than even the successfully developing economies of today. Therefore, our vision of what, how and where, in what areas and at what rates our relations should develop is based on the realities of today. And the realities are such that the volume of our cooperation increases many times over," he stated. Citing the steady trend from the first nine months of 2024, Putin highlighted that Russia's trade turnover with India is increasing annually. "We are developing relations with India in all areas... This also concerns the economy a" it is developing at a good pace, and also in different areas. There's energy. By the way, we are ready: in addition to oil supplies, supplies to the Indian market have increased many times over, this concerns the possibility of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) supplies. We are actively working in the field of nuclear energy and are building nuclear power plants in India. We have great respect for the idea of Prime Minister Modi 'Make in India', for his call 'Make in India' and are ready to invest," he mentioned. "In the same energy sector, one of the largest foreign investments a" 20 billion dollars a" is a Russian investment. And we are ready to further develop this in the same vein. Now, of course, we must think about new technologies. We are thinking about this and will move in this direction. At the last meeting, Mr. Prime Minister (PM Modi) drew attention to the fact that Indian agricultural producers have an urgent need to increase the quantity and volume of fertilizer supplies. We have done this and are ready to increase it, keeping in mind the needs of Indian agriculture. There are other areas, too, many of them," Putin added. The Russian President thanked Prime Minister Modi, expressing "great respect and gratitude" for his ideas on resolving the Ukraine conflict. "We are, without a doubt, not only grateful to the Prime Minister (Modi) for his attention to these problems, but also for his proposals, and for what and how he does in this regard. But in general, I think that relations with India have been developing at a high rate, and we have every reason to believe that, based on what has been achieved so far, we will move even faster than today," he said. Putin then detailed the annual gathering about Russia's growing cooperation with India in the defence and security sphere. "Look at how much Russian equipment is in service with the Indian army. We are developing here, indeed, with a certain level, a high level of trust together. We do not simply sell our weapons to India, but we are engaged in development together. The BrahMos system is well known. We have made it practically usable in three areas: in the air, 'marinized' and on land. And these developments in the interests of ensuring India's security continue. This is well known to everyone, does not cause any questions or irritation in anyone, but testifies to the high level of our trust and cooperation". He also hailed the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia relationship. "I think everyone knows very well what role the Soviet Union and Russia played in India gaining its independence, how we supported the Indian people for decades. During this time, we have developed unique relations with the Indian people in terms of their quality and level of trust, I will say this frankly in this context. As far as we understand, as far as we feel, and on the part of our Indian friends, such a national consensus exists regarding the development of relations with Russia, with our country," Putin remarked. Dhaka, Nov 8 : Bangladesh's senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played later this month, a member of the national selection panel confirmed on Friday. Mushfiqur was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a fracture on his left index finger while keeping in the series opener in Sharjah. On veteran wicketkeeper-batter's injury Bangladesh team physio Delowar Hossain on Thursday said: "Towards the end of Afghanistan's batting innings, Mushfiqur injured the tip of his left Index finger while keeping wickets. An X-ray after the match has confirmed a fracture on his left Index near the DIP joint. He is under conservative management and is not available for the second and third ODIs. Further updates on his condition and expected recovery period will be provided in due course" According to one of Bangladesh's selectors, the injury will take at least four to six weeks to heal and the 37-year-old is expected to be available for the ODI leg of the series. "He (Mushfiqur) is not playing the Test series against West Indies as it will take at least a month or more to recover," Cricbuzz quoted the selector as saying. "As for the ODIs (against West Indies) we will have time in our hands to make a call on that after seeing his progress," he added. Bangladesh will tour the West Indies for the all-format series including two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is. Following the Afghanistan ODIs in the UAE, ending on November 11, Bangladesh will head to the Caribbean for a tour game in Coolidge starting November 15, with the first Test kicking off in North Sound on November 22. The squad for the West Indies tour is yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Bangladesh have not named a replacement for Mushfiqur in the ongoing ODI series as Litton Das is yet to recover from his fever despite rumours of him joining the squad. "He (Liton) is going there for a personal reason and will be travelling with the squad when they depart for West Indies," said the selector. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : Former Karnataka CM and BJP Central Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa on Fridau that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be jailed in 24 hours once the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes over the probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam matter. Speaking at a roadshow organised for the November 13 bypolls at Sandur constituency in Ballary district, Yediyurappa claimed that "it won't be long before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ends up in jail". Notably, the Karnataka High Court would be taking up the petition seeking a CBI probe into the MUDA case on November 26. CM Siddaramaiah has been named 'prime accused' in the MUDA case. Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are probing the matter. CM Siddaramaiah and his wife were named in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority scam and are currently facing a Lokayukta investigation. Yediyurappa mentioned that they have demanded a CBI investigation into the MUDA case and that once it is handed over to the CBI, "Siddaramaiah will be arrested within 24 hours for sure". "The days of using money, connections, power, and sowing seeds of caste politics are over, Mr. CM Siddaramaiah. The public is aware now and will not fall for your tricks," Yediyurappa said. Meanwhile, he also expressed confidence about the BJP's good show in the Karnataka by-elections. He urged voters to support the BJP nominee from Sandur Bangaru Hanumanthu and asked them to campaign for the BJP in the villages. Yediyurappa urged everyone to conduct door-to-door outreach in support of the party candidate. Yediyurappa stated that farmers are facing a crisis over the ownership of their lands they inherited from their ancestors over generations. "I vow that all efforts would be made to resolve these problems," Yediyurappa assured, referring to the Waqf row. Former Minister Janardhan Reddy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, candidate Bangaru Hanumanthu, and several BJP leaders and workers were present at the event. --IANS mka/pgh Mumbai, Nov 8 : Shares of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power on Friday hit the lower circuit of 5 per cent at Rs 41.58 after the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) debarred the company from floating any tender for the next three years for allegedly submitting fake documents. According to the SECI, "Reliance Power and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS were banned after it became the lowest bidder for a project based on fake documents". A statement issued by SECI said that as per the requirements of the tender, the bank guarantee against the EMD (issued by a foreign bank) submitted by the bidding company was "fake". This discrepancy was found after the e-reverse auction. Due to this, the SECI had to cancel the tender process. As per the terms of the tender, the bidding company has been banned for submitting fake documents. Reliance Power's stock opened on a lower circuit on Friday. In the last one month, it has slipped by more than 9.57 per cent. In the last six months, the stock has given a return of more than 61.48 per cent and in one year, the stock surged more than 103 per cent. In the last five years, the stock railed more than 760 per cent. In the first quarter of the financial year (FY) 2024-25, Reliance Power recorded a loss of Rs 97.85 crore on a consolidated basis. During this period, the company's income was Rs 2,069.18 crore. In the first quarter of the FY 2023-24, the company's income was Rs 1,951 crore. During this period, the company had a loss of Rs 296.31 crore. About a month ago, Reliance Power had approved a plan to raise Rs 4,198 crore through foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) to be issued to affiliates of Varde Investment Partners. Raipur, Nov 8 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday attacked the Congress for its "nefarious designs" of bringing back the dark era of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the party's silence over an Assembly resolution to revive Article 370 and 35A of Constitution. Raipur, Nov 8 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday attacked the Congress for its "nefarious designs" of bringing back the dark era of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the party's silence over an Assembly resolution to revive Article 370 and 35A of Constitution. "By supporting the National Conference's proposal to reintroduce Article 370 and 35A in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Congress has once again started the conspiracy to divide the country," said Sai. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister said that whatever happened in the J&K Assembly was done to please Pakistan and anti-national people and to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that when this proposal was being passed in the Assembly, the BJP members were opposing it while the Congress members were silently supporting it. Those standing for the unity of the country, those standing in favour of development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir were marshalled out of the Assembly, he said. The BJP leader said the resolution passed in the J&K Assembly had no legal validity because it was not above the Parliament or the Supreme Court. "No Assembly can bring back Article 370 and 35A that have become history. The National Conference is misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said, questioning the role of the Assembly Speaker who passed the resolution by voice vote without discussion. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the Congress-NC and the PDP want to bring terrorism back to Jammu and Kashmir. This is the anti-national agenda of the Congress and the National Conference, he said, adding that National Conference leaders Sheikh Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have developed a habit of emotional blackmail. Claiming that the Congress, National Conference and PDP were unhappy with progress in J&K, the Chhattisgarh CM said that the union territory has adopted the path of development after emerging from the dark shadow of Article 370 and 35A. He said that after the removal of Article 370, incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced by 70 per cent. Civilian deaths have also reduced by about 80 per cent. There has been a 300 per cent increase in foreign tourists, the budget of Jammu and Kashmir has increased by 17 per cent, incidents of stone pelting have stopped completely and terrorist incidents have been limited to two to three districts, he said. Three times more investment has been made in J&K in the last four years as compared to the investment that came into the UT from Independence till the removal of Article 370, he said. Talking about the resolution passed in the J&K Assembly, the Chhattisgarh CM said Jammu and Kashmir Congress Legislature Party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir had admitted that his party was supporting the people's anger against the withdrawal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and its division. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Mir should clarify their position on the removal of Article 370. Another Congress leader Saifuddin Soz had supported this proposal to reintroduce Article 370 and 35A by issuing a press release on the topic, he said. Kolkata, Nov 8 : A 15-year-old teenager was arrested in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Friday on charges of raping a four-year-old girl living in the same locality, police said. The incident was reported from the Tetulia village panchayat in the district. The minor victim girl, with severe injuries in her private parts, has been admitted to the Lalbag Sub-Divisional Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Her condition is critical, according to local police sources. As per the complaint filed by the parents of the victim, the accused minor was a good friend of the victimas elder brother and he used to come to their house often. As per their complaints, the accused allured the victim by promising her to give chocolates and took her to a nearby field. Since the accused was known to the victim for quite some time, the latter did not hesitate to go with him. According to the victimas mother, after some time, her daughter came back crying and on inspection, it was found that she was bleeding profusely. "The accused is an old friend of my son. I never had imagined he would conduct such a heinous crime on my daughter. I want the police to investigate properly and the culprit be punished severely," she said. Confirming the arrest of the accused youth, Additional Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad, Raspreet Singh said a case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. West Bengal had been in the negative headlines for the last few months because of a series of incidences of rape and rape & murder, with minor girls being the victims in many cases. The most talked about case on this count had been the ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August this year, in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently conducting a probe. Students learn paper cutting during a culture event held in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 7, 2024. A cultural event organized by the TAG Confucius Institute in Jordan was held in Amman on Thursday, providing Chinese cultural experience activities for teachers and students. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) A teacher from TAG Confucius Institute gives tea art performance during a culture event in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 7, 2024. A cultural event organized by the TAG Confucius Institute in Jordan was held in Amman on Thursday, providing Chinese cultural experience activities for teachers and students. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) Students learn to use chopsticks during a culture event held in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 7, 2024. A cultural event organized by the TAG Confucius Institute in Jordan was held in Amman on Thursday, providing Chinese cultural experience activities for teachers and students. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) Students learn to write Chinese characters during a culture event in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 7, 2024. A cultural event organized by the TAG Confucius Institute in Jordan was held in Amman on Thursday, providing Chinese cultural experience activities for teachers and students. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) A man tries to twirl a handkerchief during a culture event in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 7, 2024. A cultural event organized by the TAG Confucius Institute in Jordan was held in Amman on Thursday, providing Chinese cultural experience activities for teachers and students. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) Editor: JYZ New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the unilateral appointment of arbitrators by a government entity in a public-private contract violates Article 14 of the Constitution. A 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, said that since the activities of the government have a public element, it is incumbent upon the government to ensure that it enters into a contract with the public without adopting any unfair or unreasonable procedure. "Therefore, government agencies have to consider the principles of equality and non-arbitrariness when crafting arbitration procedures, including the procedure for the appointment of arbitrator," it added. The opinion, concurred by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said that unilateral appointment clauses in a public-private contract fail to provide the minimum level of integrity required in authorities performing quasi-judicial functions such as arbitral tribunals and a unilateral appointment clause is against the principle of arbitration, that is, impartial resolution of disputes between parties. Further, the apex court held that the principle of equal treatment of parties applies at all stages of arbitration proceedings, including the stage of appointment of arbitrators. "The Arbitration Act does not prohibit PSUs from empanelling potential arbitrators. However, an arbitration clause cannot mandate the other party to select its arbitrator from the panel curated by PSUs," it added. The SC clarified that the law laid down in its judgment will apply prospectively to arbitrator appointments. In his separate opinion, Justice Hrishikesh Roy opined that the independence and impartiality of the arbitrator must be examined within the statutory framework of the Arbitration Act and public law and constitutional principles should not be imported into arbitration proceedings. Justice P.S. Narasimha, in his opinion, said that arbitration agreements enabling one of the parties to unilaterally constitute an arbitral tribunal do not inspire confidence of independence and after scrutinising the agreement, the court can hold them to be invalid. "It is not permissible for the court to give an advance declaration that all such agreements which enable one of the parties to unilaterally constitute the arbitral tribunal would be void per se. No two agreements are the same and it is necessary for the court to examine the text and context of the agreement," he added. Ludhiana, Nov 8 : Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday gave a clarion call to newly elected sarpanches of Punjab to hold gram panchayats in their respective villages for making every decision in the full public view to ensure transparency in development works. "It is imperative to ensure optimum utilisation of the public money for the welfare of the public and comprehensive development of the villages," said Kejriwal, who was the chief guest of a state-level function in which Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann administered the oath of office to 10,031 newly elected sarpanches from across the state here. The former Chief Minister said the decisions pertaining to the development of villages should be taken in gram sabhas to ensure judicious utilisation of funds. He said, "if sarpanches perform their duty well then they can transform the destiny of the common man and their villages". He gave a clarion call to the sarpanches to wipe out the curse of drugs from the state, adding with the proactive role of the sarpanches Punjab would be soon a drug-free state. He said the state government and Punjab Police are committed to this noble cause and no stone would be left unturned for this noble cause. Kejriwal asked the sarpanches to make every decision after due consultation with villagers, adding they could play a major role in the overall development of the villages. Meanwhile, in his address, the Punjab Chief Minister congratulated all the sarpanches for their election to the prestigious post. He said in the recently concluded elections for panchayats, 13,147 new panchayats have been elected. Mann said in today's state-level function 10,031 sarpanches from 19 districts of Punjab were administered the oath of office. The Chief Minister said the oath-taking ceremony of other newly elected sarpanches of the remaining four districts -- Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala and Gurdaspur, and of 81,808 newly elected panches of 23 districts would be held after the by-elections of four Assembly constituencies -- Giddarbaha, Chabewal, Barnala and Dera Baba Nanak. He expressed gratitude to the villages that elected panchayats unanimously. The Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride that the panchayats of 3,037 villages were selected unanimously and Ferozepur district took the lead by selecting 336 panchayats unanimously followed by Gurdaspur (335) and Tarn Taran (334). Kolkata, Nov 8 : The Calcutta High Court on Friday put an interim stay on the suspension of seven medical students of state-run Burdwan Medical College & Hospital in West Bengal's East Burdwan district by the college council on charges of ragging. A single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta observed that those seven students would be able to attend the classes but not enter the studentsa hostel. Justice Sengupta also observed that if these seven students faced any hurdle in attending the classes, they would be able to approach the local police station in the matter. The next hearing of the matter has been scheduled for November 11. Some students of Burdwan Medical College & Hospital lodged a complaint against these seven students accusing them of ragging. Acting on the complaint, the college council barred these seven students from attending classes or entering the studentsa hostel. Thereafter, these seven suspended students approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision of the college council. On Friday, while arguing on behalf of the petitioners, the counsel for the petitioner and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee argued that the suspension decision was one-sided since it was without giving the seven accused students to put forward their version. "The college council also did not inform the students about the exact charges of ragging that have surfaced against them. This is also a kind of threat culture," Banerjee argued. Recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also raised questions about the decision of the college council of state-run R.G. Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata to suspend 51 doctors on charges of "threat culture". She argued then that it is not the college council but the state Health Department that has the authority to suspend or terminate the services of doctors. New Delhi, Nov 8 : A Delhi government official was arrested by the CBI for taking a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from a central Delhi-based shop owner who wanted to reopen his two establishments that were sealed for alleged illegal construction, an official said on Friday. The probe agency later recovered over Rs 3.5 crore from the home of the accused, the official said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended the accused Legal Officer of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Vijay Maggo, after registering a case on Thursday. Apart from the Legal Officer of DUSIB GNCTD, private person Satish and other unknown persons were booked on the basis of a complaint received on November 4, the CBI said. Complainant Karan Gupta, son of Rajinder Kumar Gupta, was told to shell out the bribe for reopening his two shops in Paharganj -- Ministry of Cakes and Shree Sanwariya Sweets -- that were sealed by DUSIB for alleged illegal construction in July 2023. Gupta had also named a director-level official of DUSIB in his complaint. It was alleged that the accused Legal Officer demanded a bribe of Rs 40 lakh from the complainant in the name of another officer of DUSIB for getting his two shops unsealed and allowing him to run the shops without any hindrance. The CBI laid a trap on Thursday and caught the accused Legal Officer of DUSIB red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from the complainant, the probe agency said in a statement. The CBI also conducted searches at residential premises of the accused which led to recovery of Rs 3.79 crore cash and some property documents. In a separate case related to Chandigarh, the CBI arrested two accused, including a Station Fire Officer (SFO) and another official of Fire Station Manimajra, Chandigarh, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 80,000 from an engineer working in a company dealing in fire safety equipment. The CBI had registered a case on Thursday against the accused Station Fire Officer (SFO) of Fire Station Manimajra, Chandigarh on the basis of a written complaint by the engineer. It was alleged that the complainant's company installed a firefighting and fire alarm system in a business premises in Chandigarh. It was further alleged that the accused Station Fire Officer (SFO), Manimajra visited the premises and demanded Rs 1 lakh for issuing NOC for the said fire fighting and alarm system installed by the complainantas company. The CBI laid a trap on Thursday and caught the accused Lead Fireman red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 80,000 from the complainant at the behest of the accused SFO, Fire Station, Manimajra. The CBI also conducted searches at the official and residential premises of both accused which led to recovery of Rs 4 lakh cash from the house of accused SFO. Moscow, Nov 8 : Russia on Friday summoned the deputy head of Canada's embassy in Moscow in connection with "false accusations" of allegedly planned "Russian sabotage" against NATO countries. "On November 8, the Deputy Head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was handed an official note in connection with false accusations of allegedly planned 'Russian sabotage' against NATO countries with the mailing, including to addressees in Canada, of explosives in postal correspondence," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in "malicious cyber activity" and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending "camouflaged incendiary devices" aboard cargo planes. "The (Canadian) diplomat was told that the said speculations, disseminated at the instigation of the United States and its satellites in the context of the hybrid war unleashed against Russia and the pumping up of the regime in Kyiv with modern weapons, as well as the participation of mercenaries from Canada in military actions on the side of the Kyiv regime with the blessing of the government of Justin Trudeau, indicate the probable preparation of a gross anti-Russian provocation," the Russian Foreign Ministry statement added. Moscow warned that the responsibility for any escalation "under a false flag" will fall entirely on countries, including Canada, that are making "unacceptable accusations" against Russia. "The Canadian side has been told that any hostile actions will not go unanswered a" as they have not gone unanswered so far. The Canadian authorities must exercise prudence and refrain from harmful steps that deepen the confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry made it clear. Russia-Canada relations have nosedived over the last few years with Moscow accusing the Justin Trudeau-led government of following a Russophobic course. Last year, Russia gave a demarche to the Deputy Head of the Canadian Diplomatic Mission in Moscow after Canada's move to confiscate the An-124 cargo airliner, owned by the Volga-Dnepr company that was "illegally held" at the Toronto airport since February 2022. In September 2023, the Canadian Parliament's recognition of a Ukrainian veteran who served in a Nazi military unit during the Second World War drew massive flak from several countries, including Russia which termed Trudeau's standing ovation as "outrageous". "The hostile actions of the Canadian government, which has been trying to surpass the United States in its anti-Russia sanction rage by constantly extending the Russian stop list with more names of politicians, cultural figures and their family members, as well as entire education institutions, will certainly not be left without a response. "We will not tolerate the fact that Canadian liberals are playing with Nazism and will take the necessary steps in the context of the Russia-Canada relations that are going through a crisis on an epochal scale through the official Ottawaas fault," read a Russian Foreign Ministry statement in September 2023 after the Canadian Parliament honoured 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyas visit to the country. New Delhi, November 8 : Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Friday responded to the allegations that the pendency of cases in the apex court has gone up during his tenure. In his remarks at the farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the CJI said that in the last two years, 1,11,000 cases were filed, 5,33,000 cases were listed, and 1,07,000 cases were disposed of. "You probably read somewhere that the pendency of the Supreme Court has gone up to 82,000 cases. I want to tell you the raw data. Before November 2022, unregistered/defective cases were never put on public domain and accounted for," he said. CJI Chandrachud said that when he took over as Chief Justice in November 2022, he found that around 1,500 files were stashed up in the cupboard of a Registrar. "I said this has to change. Every case which enters the system has to be tagged with a number. We decided to put data of all pending cases in the public domain, whether registered or unregistered." "On January 1, 2020, 79,000 cases were pending, including what we now call the defective cases. That number on January 1, 2022, went up to 93,000 cases. On January 1, 2024, the number came down to 82,000 cases. So this includes both registered and unregistered cases and the number has decreased by 11,000 in 2 years." CJI Chandrachud said that the filing of cases has doubled in the top court and while 21,000 bail cases were filed in the last two years, 21,358 bail pleas were disposed of by the SC judges. Appreciating his companion judges, he said that each of his colleagues worked beyond the call of duty and accepted the work given by him as the Chief Justice. After a two-year-long stint in the highest judicial office of the country, CJI Chandrachud is due to retire on November 10 on attaining the age of 65 years. He was first appointed as judge of the Bombay High Court on March 29, 2000, and has also served as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court since October 31, 2013, until his elevation as an apex court judge on May 13, 2016. CJI Chandrachud passed BA with honours in economics from St Stephen's College, New Delhi and completed LLB from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University. In June 1998, he was designated as a senior advocate by the Bombay High Court. He also served as Additional Solicitor General of India from 1998 till 2000. After CJI Chandrachud recommended the name of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor last month, the Centre has cleared the appointment of Justice Khanna as the 51st CJI with effect from November 11. New Delhi, Nov 8 : With an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections, the Delhi Congress launched its month-long 'Delhi Nyay Yatra' from Rajghat on Friday to corner the Aam Aadmi Party government on issues related to corruption and lack of development. Former Delhi Assembly Speaker and Congress National Treasurer Ajay Maken told IANS, "Our main objective is to expose the misdeeds of the Kejriwal government and the collusion between the BJP and the AAP. aThis is a government involved in corruption, continuously engaging in corrupt practices. The man who carries a Rs-2 pen in his pocket lives in a Rs-175 crore glass palace, owns carpets worth crores and walks on the streets, so if we are a party of the common man, then they are a party of VIPs," said Maken. This yatra is seen as an attempt by the grand old party to regain its lost ground in the city ahead of the forthcoming Delhi Assembly polls. Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and former Delhi legislator Subhash Chopra were also present at the Yatraas launch. Yadav said during the Yatra, Congress workers will interact with residents of every Assembly constituency to expose the inaction and incompetence of the AAP government, which squandered the past 10 years in constant fights with Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and the bureaucracy under Kejriwal and Atishi, without doing any constructive work. Yadav said there was great enthusiasm among Delhi Congress workers to make the Yatra a success before the Assembly elections scheduled in February to pick a 70-member Assembly. "Congress workers have taken inspiration from Rahul Gandhias 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, covering over 4,000 km, for the protection of the Constitution and democracy," he said. On the lines of Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', the Congress workers and leaders would interact with the people of the city during the 'Delhi Nyay Yatra' and learn about the problems they have been facing in the last 10 years. The march will be held in four phases and culminate in Timarpur on December 4. The first phase would cover 16 Assembly constituencies starting from Chandni Chowk and the second phase from November 15 to 20 would cover 18 seats. As many as 16 Assembly constituencies would be covered in the third phase from November 22 to 27 and 20 seats in the fourth phase from November 29 to December 4. The Delhi Congress Chief said that the high level of corruption committed by the previous Kejriwal government was evident from the fact that the former Delhi Chief Minister, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Minister Satyendar Jain, and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and several MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party went to jail in connection with various corruption and criminal cases. He added it was surprising that Kejriwal was still trying to mislead people and pretend that the broken roads, the toxic Yamuna water, and the air pollution were due to heavy vehicular traffic and were also the imagination of the people, and not because of the inefficiency and corruption of the AAP government. Moscow, Nov 8 : It is too early to discuss prospects for improving Russia-US relations, local media reported Friday, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains willing and open to dialogue with the US President-elect Donald Trump but arranging a time would come later. The spokesman recalled that during the election campaign, Trump mentioned that he intended to contact Putin personally, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, Putin on Thursday said that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump and congratulated him on winning the US presidential election. When answering a question at the plenary session of the Russian think tank Valdai's annual meeting in Sochi about whether he is ready to talk with Trump, the Russian leader said: "ready." "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States," Putin said, adding that Russia will work with any head of state who the American people trust. However, Putin made it clear that - to a large extent - the ball remains in the United States' court. "Because we have not spoiled relations with them, we have not introduced any restrictions or sanctions against them. We do not contribute to any armed conflict being ignited in territories close to them. We have never sought this, and in practice, I want to emphasise this, we have never allowed ourselves to do this," said Putin. "It is unclear why the United States allows itself to do this. I hope that they will eventually come to the realisation that it is better not to do this if we do not want some global conflicts. The President-elect of the United States, Mr. Trump, has spoken in a similar vein. Let's see how this will actually work, bearing in mind that the institution of the president in the United States is somehow bound by certain obligations. It is somehow bound by those people who contributed to his rise to power," he added. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : Approximately 25 per cent of India's population suffers from varicose veins -- a condition often underdiagnosed in India -- and can be treated without surgery, say leading national and international medical experts. They believe recent advancements in non-surgical treatment methods are transforming the approach to vascular care, enabling even remote areas to access high-quality treatments. Over 100 medical professionals from across India participated in the Indian Vein Congress (IVC) 2024, hosted by Avis Hospitals. Experts from Brazil virtually participated. It was spearheaded by Dr. Rajah V. Koppala, founder of Avis Hospitals and a renowned vascular interventional specialist. The IVC focused on sharing best practices in non-surgical solutions such as laser treatments and other innovative approaches. Dr. Koppala highlighted that Avis Hospitals has successfully treated over 40,000 patients using non-surgical methods over the past eight years. He stressed the importance of staying updated on new developments to continue enhancing patient outcomes. The event featured insights from international experts, including Dr. Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira and Dr. Fernando Tres Silveira, who shared updates on global trends and challenges in vascular and interventional radiology. The discussions underscored that while non-surgical methods can be highly effective, there are cases where surgical intervention is necessary. Indian experts engaged in dialogue with international colleagues, exchanging knowledge on advanced treatments and decision-making for complex cases. Participants gained practical insights into various treatment options, with senior specialists outlining which methods are most effective for different conditions. The Congress showcased the importance of continuous learning and adopting new techniques to improve the treatment of varicose veins, a condition often underdiagnosed in India. Dr. Koppala said the participation of top vascular experts in Hyderabad and the knowledge shared here will benefit practitioners across the country. "This Congress is not just about sharing information but about shaping the future of medical practice in India. With non-surgical treatments gaining traction globally, our healthcare professionals must integrate these methods into their practice," he said. Dr. Roy Varghese, Vascular Surgeon, emphasised: "Chronic venous disease affects 20-35 per cent of the adult Indian population. Endovascular procedures have simplified treatment, offering a painless, day-care approach." The event also included participation from major medical technology companies such as Medtronic, which showcased cutting-edge equipment useful for modern vascular procedures, underlining their role in the advancement of non-invasive treatment methods. Kolkata, Nov 8 : The Calcutta High Court on Friday suggested that the West Bengal government should come out with specific guidelines on the places in the state where protest demonstrations by any party can be organised. According to the single-judge bench of Justice Trithankar Ghosh, the state government should issue a notification identifying the places in the state where such protest demonstrations can be organised and where they cannot and also at the same time, come out with specific guidelines in the matter. Justice Ghosh made this observation while hearing a petition of a job-seekers group titled "Group-D Unity Forum", to stage a three-day protest demonstration at the bus depot near the state Secretariat 'Nabanna' at Mandirtala in Kolkata's adjacent Howrah district in support of their demand for jobs from November 11 to November 13. Being denied police permission for security reasons, the said group approached the Calcutta High Court for permission. On Friday, Justice Ghosh permitted that protest demonstration, but after setting some conditions for the same. The first condition was that the protest demonstration could be conducted for two days on November 11 and November 12. It has also been decided that at the end of the demonstration, a five-member delegation of the group will submit a memorandum to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. Justice Ghosh also observed that since the protest demonstration was being carried out by a group which does not have any affiliation with any political party, the police had no right to create hurdles. Although the state government counsel argued that the said demonstration at the bus stand had been denied permission on security grounds and the same could be organised at an alternative location, Justice Ghosh refused to accept that argument. Thereafter, the single-judge bench directed the state government to come out with specific guidelines on this issue. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing on Thursday, calling on the two sides to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to promote and enrich the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Noting that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Xi said the two countries have maintained close interactions and exchanges at all levels and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation with high quality on all fronts since Anwar's first China visit in March last year after taking office as prime minister, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Malaysia are both at crucial stages of national development and rejuvenation, Xi said. "The two sides should take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship as an opportunity to work together for a more concrete China-Malaysia community with a shared future, to help each other achieve their development goals, and to make new and greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability," said Xi. Xi urged the two sides to develop a high-level strategic partnership, continue to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen exchanges on experience of governance, enhance political mutual trust, and firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. China supports Malaysia in upholding strategic independence and choosing a development path suited to its national conditions, he said. Xi called on the two sides to synergize development strategies, deepen all-round and mutually beneficial cooperation, continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement flagship projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," foster new growth areas of cooperation including the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy, and explore the establishment of exchange and cooperation mechanisms for poverty reduction. China welcomes the Malaysian side to make good use of the platform of the China International Import Expo to bring more Malaysian quality and specialty products to China, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Malaysia in higher education, culture, tourism, youth and local government, and strengthen bonds between the two peoples. Xi said that, as important representatives of developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, China and Malaysia should strengthen communication and cooperation on international and regional issues, firmly support each other, jointly oppose protectionism, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, push for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, and uphold international fairness, justice and the common interests of developing countries. China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and supports ASEAN centrality and strategic independence, to maintain the mainstream of regional cooperation in development, Xi added. Hailing the important concepts and initiatives put forward by President Xi as the embodiment of wisdom and a sense of responsibility for the progress of human civilization and people's benefits, which represent the common wishes of the Global South, Anwar expressed the appreciation and support for Xi's vision and initiatives. He said the Malaysian government is committed to strengthening cooperation with China in such areas as information technology, digital economy and energy. Anwar said Malaysia and China share the same ideas and similar positions on multiple major international and regional issues. Malaysia sticks to strategic independence, and is willing to maintain close multilateral coordination with China to help safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: WXY Patna, Nov 8 : Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said that the INDIA bloc will secure victory in all four Assembly seats in the upcoming Bihar by-polls and perform well in the Jharkhand Assembly polls. Speaking to the media here, Tejashwi Yadav said the INDIA bloc is fully focused on campaigning. "We are actively campaigning, and we expect to win all four seats in the Bihar bypolls," he stated. He also criticised the NDA government, condemning what he described as its "politics of hatred," and voiced his belief that the people would respond against "divisive politics". "The people of the country will teach them a lesson," he remarked, signaling confidence in public support for the INDIA bloc. In his campaigning efforts, Tejashwi Yadav is scheduled to visit key areas in both Bihar and Jharkhand, including Gaya in Bihar; Koderma, Garhwa and Palamu in Jharkhand, where he will be holding rallies to garner support for the candidates contesting from there. Tejashwi Yadav also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi government on "the eighth anniversary of demonetisation", talking about the hardships people faced by the people back then. On the demonetisation impact, the RJD leader said: "Due to demonetisation, many people lost their lives while standing in queues at banks and ATMs. It was claimed that black money and corruption would be eradicated, but today, corruption is at an all-time high. We pay tribute to those who lost their lives." He also targeted Union Minister Giriraj Singh, pointing out the NDA's unfulfilled promises regarding Biharas development. He noted that despite long-standing demands for special state status for Bihar, the NDA has been unable to secure it. Commenting on Giriraj Singh's role as the Minister of Textiles, Tejashwi Yadav questioned his contribution to Bihar, questioning, "he is the textile minister... but how many textile parks did he set up in Bihar"? Bypolls in Bihar will be held on November 13 while the Assembly elections in Jharkhand will be held in two phases -- November 13 and November 20. The results will be announced on November 23. Patna, Nov 8 : Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor on Friday said that improving education is the key to overcoming poverty and backwardness in Bihar while blaming the regime of Lalu Prasad Yadav as well as Nitish Kumar for the deterioration in the state's education system. He said that his party had requested the Election Commission to assign it the election symbol of a "School Bag", and eventually got the nod to use it. While explaining the significance of this symbol, Kishor also criticised the prolonged rule of leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, blaming them for the deteriorated state of Bihar's education system. "Decades of ineffective governance have forced many children to forego education for labour," Kishor said. The "School Bag" symbol, as envisioned by the Jan Suraaj Party, represents the commitment to prioritise education as a fundamental solution for Biharas development, he said. Kishor stressed that restoring school bags to children's shoulders would signify a shift towards progress, envisioning a future where access to quality education can break the cycle of poverty in the state. He said that the "School Bag" symbolises a pathway to employment and prosperity for Bihar's youth. "If Bihar aims to curb the ongoing migration of its young population to other states, the solution lies in ensuring quality education. The party's mission is to bring world-class educational opportunities to Bihar, which will enable local employment and reduce the need for youth to leave their home state in search of work," Kishor said. He highlighted that true development of Bihar hinges on a robust education system. Drawing from Indian tradition, he noted that prosperity (symbolised by Goddess Lakshmi) follows knowledge and learning (symbolised by Goddess Saraswati). "By choosing the 'School Bag' as its election symbol, Jan Suraaj aims to communicate its commitment to making education the foundation of Bihar's progress, empowering youth and fostering growth within the state," Prashant Kishor said. Kishor, who is widely known as a poll strategist, launched the Jan Suraaj Party on October 2 this year. Kochi, Nov 8 : Kerala Tourism and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas will flag off the seaplane service meant to boost the tourism sector in the state here on Monday. A Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet are the service operators of De Havilland Canada seaplane, which lands in Kerala after the trial services conducted in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The seaplane will land at the Cochin International Airport, Kochi on Monday at 2 p.m. and then, fly down to the water aerodrome at the Bolgatty Palace here. After the inauguration, the flight crew and passengers will be accorded a reception at the Mattupetty Dam in the Idukki district. The seaplane service, which comes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Centre's Ministry of Civil Aviation, is aimed at increasing the connectivity of the airports and the backwaters of Kerala. Riyas said Kerala places top priority on enhancing connectivity, as it plays a vital role in the growth of the tourism sector. "The launch of heli-tourism is a significant step in this direction, making our destinations more accessible for quick, seamless travel. Additionally, the expansion of motorable roads connecting even the remotest parts of Kerala ensures that tourists can now reach far-off locations with ease, enjoying scenic routes along the way," said Riyas, who is the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "Our efforts also extend to the development of national highways, as well as coastal and hill highways, which will further boost connectivity. Seaplane services will soon complement these efforts, positioning Kerala as a well-connected destination through a robust network of transportation channels - including waterways, highways, helicopters, and now, seaplanes. These initiatives underscore our commitment to making Kerala a tourism-friendly state with unmatched connectivity," he added. Prior to the launch, a high-level inspection was held under the supervision of officials of the Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy and the seaplane. A feasibility survey and hydrographic survey were also completed ahead of the launch. The seaplane project is aimed at amplifying the connectivity of the four airports as well as the water aerodromes. The project offers a lot of prospects to Keralaas tourism sector due to the presence of abundant water bodies. Apart from Bolgatty and Mattupetty, the setting up of waterdromes is under consideration in Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malambuzha, and Bekal. Srinagar, Nov 8 : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that when he addressed the Assembly last time, J&K was a state and today it is a UT, but asserted that his government will not lose "a single day" in getting back what was "lost in the last 6 years". Delivering an emotional speech during the discussion on the Lt Governoras address to the Assembly, Omar Abdullah said: "We will not waste a single day in restoring what was taken from us. We have lost a lot in the last six years. When I was last in this house, we were a state, we had our own Constitution, and our flag. But all of that was taken away from us. It will remain in my mind, but at the same time, sitting in this chair, I will not let a single day go to waste. I will work tirelessly to restore everything we lost for the people of this Union Territory." He called the current session of the Assembly "historic" despite its brief duration and expressed gratitude to the electorate for voting for change. "This government is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of their party affiliation. This government is for everyone. "There were many who said elections would never happen. There were people who claimed they would not allow elections. But by God's will, the elections took place, and the government was formed." Taking the opposition head-on, Omar Abdullah said: "We wanted every member to stay here and engage in meaningful discussions, especially on issues like the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees. But the opposition turned this into a drama, abandoning the session midway." He rejected the idea that his National Conference's resolution on special status was a compromise. "The resolution we brought forward is not a compromise, it is a legitimate effort to restore what was taken from us," he said. He also criticised the Central governmentas "dismissive attitude" toward the regionas demands, asserting that, while they may not expect immediate change, he remains hopeful that someday the region will reclaim its lost autonomy. He highlighted the restoration of freedom of speech and thanked his government for addressing some of the concerns raised by the public, including reforms in the student examination process and recruitment opportunities. "Our agenda will not be set by WhatsApp or Facebook, but by the people of Kashmir," he asserted. While acknowledging that his government does not have control over security issues, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to peace in Jammu and Kashmir. "Peace is essential for everything, and we seek peace through cooperation, not suppression," he said. He also assured security forces of the government's support in restoring peace across the region. On other local issues, he expressed concern over the difficulties faced by people on highways and the CID verification process. "The government must look into those who do not have serious charges against them and review their cases," he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to seeking statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. "We want Jammu and Kashmir to be restored to its rightful position as a state, as promised by the Centre and the Prime Minister. I remain hopeful that this will happen soon," he said. He said while industries were welcome in the region, there would be no compromise on Jammu and Kashmir's assets. "Our election promises remain intact, and we will work to fulfil these," he said. Sanaa, Nov 8 : Yemen's Houthi group said Friday that it has shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over northern Yemen's Al-Jawf province. "Our air defences succeeded in shooting down an American MQ-9 drone, which was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Al-Jawf province at dawn today, Friday," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The downing of this drone brings the total number of the same type of drones that we have shot down since November 2023 to 12," he said. There has been no comment yet from the US military over the alleged downing, Xinhua news agency reported. The Houthis and the US military have been attacking each other since November last year, when the Houthis began targeting what they said were "Israeli-linked" ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Since January, the US-British naval coalition stationed in the region has conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthi group has seized several northern provinces since late 2014 after it forced the internationally recognised Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa in a civil war. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani on Friday to wish him on his birthday. PM Modi also shared a photo from the visit on social media. In the photo, PM Modi can be seen presenting a bouquet to Advani while also inquiring about his well-being. Sharing the picture on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "I visited Advani Jias residence to extend my birthday wishes." The photo quickly went viral on social media, with users offering various reactions, expressing respect for the veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister. Earlier, PM Modi had also posted birthday greetings for Advani on X. In his post, he wrote, "Heartfelt birthday wishes to Lal Krishna Advani Ji. This yearas birthday is even more special as he has been honoured with the 'Bharat Ratna' for his service to the nation. He is one of the most respected leaders of our country, who has dedicated his life to Indiaas development. His wisdom and understanding have always been revered. I have had the privilege of receiving his guidance over the years. I wish him good health and a long life." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited the residence of Bharat Ratna LK Advani to wish him on his birthday. He posted on X, "On the occasion of the birthday of revered Advani Ji, I visited his home to convey my wishes and blessings. I pray to God for his long life and good health." BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also visited the home of senior leader Lal Krishna Advani to extend birthday greetings. He shared a photo on X, writing, "I visited the residence of senior leader and former Deputy Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Lal Krishna Advani Ji, to convey my heartfelt birthday wishes and receive his blessings. I pray to God for his good health and long life." Lal Krishna Advani, the Bharat Ratna awardee and senior BJP leader, turned 97 on Friday. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Jammu, Nov 8 : The J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said on Friday that it has unearthed another land scam in the Jammu district involving the land mafia, and some revenue and police officers. An ACB statement said that it has exposed a nexus of revenue officers and land mafia, wherein around 40 kanals of custodian land in the Asarwan area of Jammu has been found usurped by the land mafia. It said that the bureau earlier unearthed a land scam involving more than 500 kanals of custodian land for which 15 FIRs have already been registered for investigation. "Inputs were received that custodian land at Asarwan, Mishriwala, and Bhalwa in Jammu, has been fraudulently grabbed by the land mafia in connivance with the revenue and police officers. The revenue records have been tampered with and land has been sold to various persons. The ACB conducted a formal verification wherein it was found that in furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, Form 3-A along with the powers of attorney (POAs) were obtained from various Pakistan-occupied J&K refugees, alluring them of additional lands and providing them instant money by the conduits of land grabbers and thereafter insertions/additions regarding additional chunks of custodian lands were made in the revenue records by the officials of the Revenue and Custodian Department by sheer abuse of their official positions," the statement said. "The land was sold by the conduits and attorney holders to various persons including their own gang leaders and members by resorting to fraudulent means thereby causing a huge loss to the government exchequer." The ACB said that owing to the establishment of, prima facie, nexus of the criminal elements/land grabbers and the revenue/custodian officers in the alienation of custodian land through fraudulent means, it has registered case FIR No. 20/2024 in P/s Central J&K for investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and fraud punishable u/s 7, 13 (1) (a) and 13(2) of PC Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) and sections 120-B, 420, 467, 468, 471 of the IPC against involved persons. aDuring the course of investigation after obtaining the search warrant from the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption cases, Jammu, search teams comprising ACB officers, independent witnesses, and magistrates were dispatched to around six locations throughout Jammu and its adjoining areas. As of now, 16 FIRs have been registered for investigation while verification is still in progress to unearth the remaining usurped custodian land by land mafia in connivance with officers and officials of the Revenue, Police, and Custodian Departments," the statement said. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address several rallies in the poll-bound state of Jharkhand on Saturday (November 9) as a part of the BJP's campaigning in the run-up to the Assembly elections in the eastern state. HM Shah has got a busy schedule lined-up for November 9 as he will address four rallies in Jharkhand where polling will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20. The Home Minister will address the first rally at around 11 a.m. in the Chhatarpur Assembly segment. From there, he will leave for Hazaribarh where he is scheduled to address his second poll rally on Saturday at around 12.30 p.m. After wrapping up the Hazaribagh programme, the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president will arrive in Potka where he will address the third rally at around 2 p.m. In Jamshedpur, Home Minister Shah will address the day's fourth election rally at around 3.15 p.m. Besides, Amit Shah, his Union Cabinet colleague -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh -- will also address two rallies on November 9 in Jharkhand. The veteran BJP leader, also a former party president, will address the first rally at around 12.50 p.m. in Khunti and the second rally in Chatra at around 2.25 p.m. As voting dates are approaching, the BJP has intensified its campaigning in Jharkhand with the party's heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing rallies for garner support for the nominees contesting the two-phase Assembly polls. During a mega rally in Jharkhand's Chaibasa on November 4, PM Modi slammed the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), labelling them as "anti-Adivasi". Accusing the parties of disrespecting countryas Adivasi community, PM Modi highlighted their disregard for India's first female Adivasi President. Addressing a huge gathering in Chaibasa, PM Modi stated: "History stands as a proof of how the British were uprooted from Kolhan. Today, Kolhan is determined to uproot the corrupt JMM government." He also prophesied that BJP will be next to form government in the state.. PM Modi also underscored the BJP's commitment to Jharkhand, invoking a popular slogan that has gained traction among the masses: "Roti, beti aur maati ki pukaar, Jharkhand me BJP-NDA sarkar," affirming that if the NDA assumes power, it will focus on addressing local demands symbolised by "Roti, Beti, Maati" (livelihood, daughters, and land). Ranchi, Nov 8 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gourav Vallabh slammed the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand, mocking it with the name 'Bangladeshi Infiltrators Swagat Yojana' -- a title he himself coined to ridicule what he saw as an irresponsible and reckless policy of welcoming illegal immigrants. Vallabh did not hold back, lambasting the state for its alleged role in facilitating this influx, which he portrayed as a direct affront to the rights of Jharkhand's citizens. Talking to IANS here on Friday, Vallabh said that "this scheme" will be discontinued after November 23. He further claimed that people who had illegally entered Jharkhand over the past five years would be removed from the state. "Zameen (land), mati (soil), beti (daughters) belong to Jharkhand, not to Bangladeshi infiltrators," he said. He further asserted that these infiltrators had taken land and married tribal women, thereby grabbing their property. Vallabh vowed that the land would be returned to the rightful residents of Jharkhand. Gaurav Vallabh also targeted Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the "Samosa incident". He mocked Sukhu, saying: "Sukhwinder Ji, who claims to follow the principles of Shastra, has left the state's financial situation in shambles. The state government has no money to pay salaries to employees. They are now selling opium licenses to raise funds, and you're upset over two missing samosas. Perhaps your own allies ate them. Instead of investigating that, you should look into why corruption has increased in Himachal Pradesh in the last 18 months, why electricity rates have increased by 1.5 times, and why the state's financial health has deteriorated." Vallabh also discussed the government's efforts to address unemployment, citing the 2024 budget's provisions. These included plans to provide internships for one crore youth in 500 large companies, skill training for 2 crore youth, and partial contributions by the government to the provident funds of one crore workers. "These efforts are already showing results, as unemployment figures in India continue to decline due to sustained efforts," he said. He highlighted the government's initiatives like the launch of MUDRA 2.0, which offers collateral-free loans to entrepreneurs, and the Startup India scheme, which helps people with hand holding. Vallabh said that these measures were contributing to a reduction in unemployment, and noted that a recent survey showed a 9 per cent decline in unemployment in India. "The GDP growth in the fiscal year 2024 is the highest among all major emerging economies. Prime Minister Modi's commitment in his third term is to make India the third-largest economy in the world, and we are all working toward realising the vision of a 'Developed India' by 2047. The data shows that we are on the right track," Vallabh concluded. Amaravati, Nov 8 : Congress' Andhra Pradesh President Y. S. Sharmila on Friday said that if YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party MLAs have no courage to attend the Assembly, they should resign from it. "Be it Jagan Mohan Reddy or YSRCP MLAs, if they have no courage to go to Assembly, they should resign," she said in her reaction to the decision by the YSRCP to boycott the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Budget session scheduled to start on November 11. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme at Machilipatnam, Sharmila, who is the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, wondered why one should hold positions if there is no courage to attend the Assembly session. With 11 members in the 175-member Assembly, the YSRCP is the only opposition party. Its decision to boycott the Assembly session means the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will have no opposition in the House. The NDA is headed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Jana Sena of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the other constituents of the ruling coalition. The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP decided to stay away from the Assembly session as it has not been given the status of main opposition. The former Chief Minister said on Thursday that attending the Assembly session was of little use given the ruling coalitionas intention to suppress the Opposition voice. "The coalition government doesnat want the Opposition to discuss public issues. Hence, it is not ready to recognise the YSRCP as the Opposition party and its leader as the Leader of the Opposition," he said at a news conference. Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the YSRCP MLAs will get a mere two minutes each, and in the absence of the Leader of the Opposition status, the required time will not be given to him to discuss public issues. "When they are not prepared to recognise us as the main opposition to deny mikes, what is the point in going to the Assembly? I will utilise the time due to me as Leader of Opposition by being the voice of the people through the media," he said. China US Photo:VCG Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the US on Thursday. Xi noted that history tells us that both countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. A China-US relationship with stable, healthy and sustainable development serves the common interests of the two countries and meets the expectations of the international community. It is hoped that the two sides will, in the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and find the right way for China and the US to get along with each other in the new era to the benefit of the two countries and the world. We have noticed that President Xi's congratulatory message has received widespread attention and reports from international community. Phrases such as "China and the US must live in harmony in the new era," "Hopefully China and the US can find a way to get along" and "China and the US must live in harmony and manage differences" have become the themes of many media reports, fully reflecting the world's expectation for China-US relations. After the dust settled from the US elections, amidst the world's many concerns and worries regarding China-US relations, China's attitude undoubtedly provides valuable certainty and stability for both China-US relations and the world. Where are China and the US headed? The Chinese side's answer to this question, including its attitude toward China-US relations, has been consistent. Although the situations of both countries and their relationship have undergone significant changes, China's commitment to the goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged; its principle in handling the relationship based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation remains unchanged; its position of firmly safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests remains unchanged; and its efforts to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American people remain unchanged. The four "unchanged" aspects reflect both strategic clarity and a sense of responsibility. History and reality have repeatedly proven that China-US relations are not a zero-sum game in which one side loses and the other wins, or one rises and the other falls, because the two countries have enormous common interests. Forty-five years ago, it was the common interests that allowed China and the US to officially open the door of interaction that had been frozen for decades. By tapping into complementarity and drawing on each other's strengths, the two countries have significantly promoted the development of their respective economies and optimized and upgraded their industrial structures, while enhancing the efficiency and benefits of the global value chain. Today, China is one of the top three export markets for 32 US states, with more than 70,000 US companies investing and establishing businesses in China and 930,000 jobs in the US supported by exports to China alone. It can be seen that both China and the US have benefited from decades of generally stable bilateral relations, and it is in the two countries' mutual and fundamental interest to prevent conflict and confrontation and achieve peaceful coexistence. China-US relations are not a multiple-choice question involving whether or not to do a good job, but a must-answer question on how to do a good job. Just as President Xi stressed, when China and the US work together, they can accomplish a great deal for the good of both countries and the world at large. There are many "cooperation common denominators" between China and the US. After the Chinese giant pandas Yaya and Lele arrived in the US, the number of visitors to the Memphis Zoo surged 46 percent. Last month, Baoli and Qingbao going to Washington caused quite a sensation; Tesla's win-win story of building a factory in Shanghai is still continuing; there is still ample room for cooperation between the two sides in trade, education, anti-drugs, justice, technology and other fields. In the face of a complex and intertwined international situation, the world looks to China and the US to lead international cooperation in addressing global issues. Countries around the world need to unite and collaborate, rather than divide and confront; the people of the world hope for openness and progress, rather than closure and regression. China-US relations have weathered many storms over the past few decades, during which numerous pessimistic predictions have emerged. However, what people have actually seen is that whenever difficulties arise, it is cooperation - not confrontation - that resolves the issues. What pushes the relationship between the two countries as well as global peace and development to move forward is always win-win cooperation for mutual benefit rather than a zero-sum game. For China and the US, dialogue is better than confrontation, cooperation is better than decoupling, and stability is better than volatility. Regardless of changes in US domestic politics, this should be a shared consensus between both sides and a responsibility of these two major countries. China and the US must find the right way to coexist, as the fundamental lesson in the development of relations between the two countries is that we both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. The US side needs to recognize that China also has the right to develop. China's development is an opportunity for the US and the world, not a challenge. In fact, it has been proven that engaging in trade wars, industrial wars, and technological wars yields no winners. Attempting to solve problems through "decoupling" will only lead to opposite results. Forcing countries around the world to "choose sides" between China and the US has become an increasingly unpopular "multiple-choice question" for many nations. The US, in particular, should not tread on China's red lines regarding issues of sovereignty, security, and development interests. The China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. How China and the US interact will determine the future and destiny of humanity. We hope that the US side will meet the Chinese side halfway to find the right way for two different civilizations, systems, and paths to coexist peacefully and develop together on this planet, promoting stability in China-US relations and striving for improvement and progress on this basis. Editor: JYZ Hyderabad, Nov 8 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday celebrated his birthday with Musi River Rejuvenation padayatra and vowed to take up the project despite all hurdles being created by the opposition. Accompanied by some of his Cabinet colleagues and several Congress leaders and supporters, the Chief Minister undertook the padayatra in Nalgonda district to highlight the effects of pollution in Musi on people's lives and the need to rejuvenate the river. He walked along the river bank for 2.5 km from Sangem village and return to Bhimalingam and declared that the project would be given final shape in 30 days. Revanth Reddy interacted with farmers and other villagers during the padayatra, which aimed at mobilising people's support for his dream project Musi Riverfront Development. As the opposition parties have been targeting him for trying to displace people living along Musi and accusing him of eyeing the lands around the river, the Chief Minister attempted to counter them by highlighting the ill-effects of the river's pollution on people's health and fertile land. Addressing a meeting at the end of his padayatra, he said with darshan of 'Shivaiah' at Sangam, he has taken a pledge to revive Musi. Slamming the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders for their threatening to stop bulldozers, he dared them to attempt saying he enjoys the support of people. Revanth Reddy alleged that BRS leaders only looted people and have not done anything good for them. "That's why they are trying to stall the rejuvenation of Musi," he said and thanked Communist parties for supporting the government's efforts to revive the river. Lashing out at BJP leaders, the Chief Minister asked, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can develop Gujarat but can't we revive Musi?" The Chief Minister said that Musi, which was once supplying drinking water, had now turned into a drain spewing poison. He said people who were suffering were asking if rulers were angry with them or if it was God's wrath. People are demanding that Musi should be revived. Revanth Reddy said the pollution in the river has endangered the livelihood of people along the river. Even fish are not surviving in the surrounding lakes while the crops grown here are not fit for consumption. People have to think even for drinking the cattle milk. He said that people who should have lived happily with dairy farming are forced to sell away their lands. The Chief Minister said that because of Musi's pollution, the people were facing a bigger danger than the nuclear bomb. He remarked that the padayatra is only a trailer while the actual cinema is yet to begin Revanth Reddy announced that another padayatra will be undertaken in the first week of January 2025 from Vadapalli to Hyderabad Before embarking on the padayatra, the Chief Minister offered prayers at Sangam. He hugged the Bheema Lingam in Sangam and symbolically tried to lift it. After this gesture, Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy hailed him as the "Baahubali of Telangana," who has taken up the daunting task of reviving Musi. Amaravati, Nov 8 : Andhra Pradesh will soon usher in WhatsApp governance with the government working to roll out at least 100 services through the free messaging and calling app. Chairing a meeting here, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday asked officials to work on providing all kinds of services to citizens through WhatsApp. Minister for Information Technology and Real Time Governance (RTG), Nara Lokesh, informed the Chief Minister that efforts are already on to bring at least 100 different services to the people through WhatsApp. Steps are also on to see to it that in another 90 days, the students get their academic qualification certificates through a QR code. The officials brought to the notice of the Chief Minister that though there are guidelines that there is no need to submit physical certificates with digital signatures, a majority of the officers are not aware of this norm and thus they are demanding the students to submit physical certificates. The Chief Minister immediately told the officers to take steps to bring awareness on this among the students and officers. C When the officials informed Naidu that data with regard to 40 lakh people in the state is still not available with them, he directed them to immediately collect the data and take steps to get it interlinked. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to interlink all the houses in the state through Global Positioning System (GPS). CM Naidu said that he is of the opinion that by intelinking the whole data, there will be transparency in the administration, thus there will be no room for corruption. Hence the officers should accelerate the process of data integration and complete it at the earliest possible. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to see to it that every individual in the state gets Aadhaar and ensure that even the newly-born child should get the Aadhaar. The officers told the Chief Minister that the state government has 40 various departments and 500 TB data is available from 178 data fields in 128 various wings of the government. Stressing that Real Time Governance should be the main data resource for the state government, he told the officials that the data of all the departments should be brought onto a common platform to interlink and through this data, all the schemes and other programmes being implemented by the state government should be analysed. RTG should work as a support tool to help the ruling dispensation at all times, the Chief Minister said. The citizens still have to make several rounds to the officers and to the government offices to get certificates like birth, death, residential, revenue, and academic qualification certificates, he said and stressed the need to mend this system. Vijayawada, Nov 8 : The Vijayawada-Srisailam seaplane trial run was conducted successfully on Friday, a day ahead of the inauguration of the demo seaplane flight by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The seaplane, which took off from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, landed safely in Srisailam reservoir in the Nandyal district. The De Havilland Twin Otter Series 400 seaplane, which can seat 14 persons, landed near Srisailam tourism boating jetty. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, police, the Indian Air Force, and the Tourism department were present during the trial. Chief Minister Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, and some top officials will board the inaugural demo flight from Vijayawada to Srisailam on Saturday. They will return to Vijayawada by the same flight. According to Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd (APADCL), the aircraft is engineered for both water and conventional runways. The demo flights between Vijayawada and Srisailam will continue till November 11. The APADCL said introduction of seaplanes is part of its initiatives to enhance Andhra Pradeshas role in Indiaas aviation sector. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the Central government is proposing the development of water aerodromes to support seaplane services. Launched in 2017, the UDAN-RCS initiative aims to boost regional air connectivity with seaplanes included as an integral part of the plan. The scheme offers subsidies for flights to underserved and unserved regions, making seaplanes a crucial element in expanding access to these areas. Under the RCS-UDAN scheme, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed the development of seaplane services across strategic locations having large water bodies, across the country. One such location selected by the AAI is Prakasam Barrage in Andhra Pradesh. According to officials, seaplane operations in Andhra Pradesh hold great potential due to its beautiful waterfronts and long coastline. The state government has identified eight key locations for seaplane services, aiming to boost tourism and provide unique travel experiences. They are Prakasam Barrage, Araku, Lambasingi, Rushikoonda, Kakinada, Konaseema, Srisailam, and Tirupati. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on Friday stressed the transformative potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Quantum Technologies into Electronic Warfare (EW) systems while saying that Quantum Technology will impact future wars with far-reaching outcomes for the Armed Forces. He asserted that these advancements will reshape the future of military operations. The CDS said: "Investing in research, fostering collaborations, and cultivating a skilled workforce, the Armed Forces, in partnership with the Defence Technology and Production Eco-systems, can secure a leading position globally in Quantum and Electronic Warfare technologies." On Friday, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) conducted the inaugural Annual Niche Technology Nexus (NTN-2024) Seminar here. The seminar was conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. The seminar, titled aInnovating Tomorrowas Battlefront with Quantum and Electronic Mastery,a provided insights into transforming defence operations to enhance Aatmanirbharta, aligning with Indiaas goal for self-reliance in defence technology, a statement noted CDS Anil Chauhan during his address acknowledged the ongoing National Quantum Mission, and emphasised the long-term impact of Quantum Technology on future warfare and outcomes for the Armed Forces. "Quantum Technology will impact future wars with far-reaching outcomes for the Armed Forces," he added, underscoring its strategic importance for Indian defence, particularly in Quantum key distribution, navigation, and sensing systems. The Defence Ministry said that the NTN-2024 Seminar served as a collaborative platform for academia, industry experts, research organisations, and the defence sector to explore advancements in these niche fields and their potential implications for national defence. Some critical outcomes of the seminar included recommendations for adopting Quantum Safe Algorithms and key management for secure defence networks, as well as advancements in Quantum RF Sensors, Quantum ISR products, Quantum atomic and optical clocks, Quantum Inertial Navigation Systems, and integrated cognitive EW systems for India's future Theaterised Armed Forces. These emerging niche technologies in Quantum and EW are pivotal to modernising military operations, enhancing secure communications, and enabling advanced sensing and computational applications. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : Bharatiaya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Karnataka, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said on Friday that if Hindus continue to be divided by caste, their properties could be taken over by the Waqf board. Addressing a gathering in Shiggaon constituency while campaigning for BJP candidate Bharat Bommai in NM Tadas village, Yatnal urged Hindus to set aside caste and religious differences and vote unitedly for BJP candidate Bharat Bommai if they want India and Hinduism to remain secure. "Due to a shortfall of only 50-60 seats in the last Lok Sabha election, it has become difficult for the BJP to amend certain laws. We treat them as brothers, but in their religion, there is no such concept of fraternity with people of other religions," Yatnal stated, without mentioning any religion. In 2019, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje had questioned in Parliament about the extent of Waqf property in our country, and the response was that it covered 5 lakh acres. This has now increased to around 9 lakh acres. Following pressure from MPs, including Basavaraj Bommai, a Joint Parliamentary Committee has been formed to amend the Waqf Act, MLA Yatnal stated. He further asserted that Congress is attempting to create another Pakistan in India. Pakistan has 8 lakh acres of Waqf property, whereas India has 9.50 lakh acres. Yatnal also warned, "If Hindus keep dividing themselves by caste, all of your property will become Waqf property." Unless Hindus stand together, their assets might be absorbed by Waqf, he maintained. Yatnal cautioned voters, saying that casting a vote for Congress for temporary benefits would eventually mean either working under Muslims or even being forced to convert. He claimed that Siddaramaiah had asked Minister Zameer Ahmad to survey all Waqf property. "If the nation is to survive, if Hinduism is to survive, we must all stay united," he said. Slamming the Congress, he said the party has done nothing for SC/ST communities and has also insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by not providing a place for him in New Delhi after his death, though he had opposed the division of India. "If the people had given 300 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections to BJP, it would have been easier to amend the Waqf Act, just as Article 370 was abrogated in Kashmir," Yatnal stated. Under Article 370, there was no reservation provision in Jammu and Kashmir, but since its abrogation, five Dalits have entered the Legislative Assembly, and now Dalits have reservation access from the Gram Panchayat level onwards, MLA Yatnal stated. Yatnal alleged that Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmad is making properties (moved) in his name on the pretext of getting property for the Waqf. He stated that CM Siddaramaiah has said he would be reborn as a Muslim, and as such, he is already transferring all assets to Waqf property. Yatnal also pointed out that the Congress candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan in the Shiggaon constituency has 17 cases against him, and Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar stated that they fielded a "wrestler" there, questioning if people should wrestle with him. "Even good Muslims donat get a chance in Congress," Yatnal stated. Yatnal urged all Hindus to go to the polling booth at 6 a.m. on election day and cast their votes. "Your only job is to vote; Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi will ensure what to do next. Since he came to power, there is peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Mandir has been built, and India has become the worldas fifth-largest economic power," he said. Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai was also present on the occasion. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Vijayapura District-in-Charge Minister M.B. Patil has accused the BJP of attempting to turn Vijayapura into a "laboratory for Hindutva" under the pretext of Waqf row. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Patil alleged that while the BJP showed "immense concern" for Waqf property protection during its 10 years in power, and is now spreading misinformation about Waqf issues. Patil also exhibited several official circulars issued during the BJP's tenure, 'presenting' BJP's actions to safeguard Waqf properties. "For the past few weeks, the BJP has been spreading false information about the Waqf board allegedly taking over properties of Hindus. However, it was during their rule that properties of farmers, religious sites, and other lands were transferred to Waqf," he claimed. "In 2019, when the BJP was in power in Karnataka, several properties in Devarahipparagi and Indi Taluka were transferred under Waqf. Furthermore, in January 2010, a circular from the Revenue Department under the BJP government called for streamlining Waqf property documentation. Another circular from May 2010 directed the removal of encroachments on Waqf properties," Minister Patil stated. Additional circulars followed in 2011 and again in August 2020, ordering measures to safeguard Waqf lands. Patil alleged that in January 2021, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj instructed local authorities to flag Waqf properties in the 'Panchatantra' and 'e-Swathu' government portals to prevent misuse. Patil also criticised the BJP's 2014 election manifesto, where it had promised to empower the Waqf Board and work with religious leaders to remove encroachments. "Today, they're going back on those commitments," he commented. Patil highlighted that in 2019, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje raised a question in Parliament about Waqf properties, to which the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government responded that safeguarding and digitising Waqf properties was a priority. Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the withdrawal of notices related to Waqf properties in the state, he underlined. Patil added, "I, along with Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, have clarified our stance on this issue, and since June 2023, information on actions related to Waqf property notices has been made public." He expressed disappointment at religious leaders joining BJP's protests, saying, "We will provide these documents to the Swamijis, so they understand the true colors of BJP leaders." He also remarked sarcastically that the visit of Joint Parliamentary Committee Chairman Jagdambika Pal to Vijayapura was illegitimate, adding, "The protests by BJP leaders like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje have ended within hours." Bhubaneswar, Nov 8 : A court in Odisha's Cuttack on Friday sentenced nine persons to life imprisonment for killing a trader over political rivalry at Gholapur village under Banki Police station area of the district in 2020. The convicts as well as the victim, Govinda Behera, belong to the same village. "Behera was going to his shop on his motorcycle in the morning on October 24, 2020. Meanwhile, the prime accused Gatikrushna Swain along with his associates who were waiting for Behera near the village threw bombs targeting him," said Assistant Public Prosecutor Rama Parasad Dash. Dash further noted that an injured Behera lost balance and fell off his motorcycle at the spot. The convicts later attacked Dash with iron rods, stones etc. Before leaving the crime scene, one of the accused threw another bomb at Behera, who was writhing in pain. The victim, Behera, later succumbed to the injuries there. Based on the complaint lodged by the victim's wife, Banki Police lodged a case and launched an investigation into the incident. The police later arrested prime accused Swain and nine of his associates while two more are still at large. Another accused identified as Gopala Sahoo involved in the crime absconded after getting out of the jail on bail after a couple of months. It is pertinent here to mention that the prime accused Swain was an influential political leader of the area and had won the Sarpanch elections twice. He had some past enmity with the deceased over political reasons. In 2019, Swain and other convicts had reportedly ransacked the deceased's shop. Subsequently, the deceased had filed a criminal case against the convicts at the Banki Police station. Swain and his associates used to put pressure on the deceased to withdraw the case filed against them. As Behera denied withdrawing the case against the convicts, they hatched a plan to eliminate him. The court after hearing statements of 21 witnesses including six eyewitnesses and other exhibits pronounced the judgement. The court has directed the authorities to pay financial compensation of Rs 4 lakhs to the victim's family out of the fine amount imposed on the convicts. Aizawl, Nov 8 : In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Mizoram on Friday arrested a top student leader of the influential Mizo Students' Union (MSU) on allegations of defrauding and misappropriating funds meant for Covid-19 relief and medical aid for Myanmar refugees, officials said. An official said that soon after the arrest of MSU President Samuel Zoramthanpuia (34) he was produced before the chief judicial magistrate court, which sent the accused into judicial custody and was sent to Central Jail, Tanhril, Aizawl. According to the official in 2022, the ACB received a complaint alleging irregularities in utilisation of Rs 50 lakh, sanctioned by the state's Health and Family Welfare Department to provide in Covid-19 relief to MSU. Another amount of Rs 15 lakh donated by the Chin Health Organisation (CHO). Both Rs 50 lakh and Rs 15 lakh were meant for the medical aid for Myanmar refugees, sheltered in Mizoram. After receiving the complaints, the ACB registered a formal case on October 17 and initiated a probe and after a preliminary inquiry confirmed the misappropriation of funds. "The probe revealed that MSU President Zoramthanpuia, who was then the general secretary of the student body, had been involved in both cheating and embezzlement. Finally the ACB sleuth arrested him on Friday," the official told the media. Meanwhile, a police official said that Zoramthanpuia was also accused for his involvement in the kidnapping and extortion through threats of non-local employees of a construction farm under Mizoram Power and Electricity Department located at Aizawl's Zuangtui locality. An employee of the farm stated in the FIR that around 10 MSU members kidnapped the three non-local employees of the farm and threatened that the three employees would not be released if Rs two lakh was not paid. The three employees of the private farm were rescued by a team of Mizoram Police on Friday evening. Washington, Nov 9 : The US Department of Justice on Friday named three persons in an indictment for allegedly plotting to kill an American citizen of Iranian origin. The three accused are Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran; Carlisle Rivera, also known as Pop, 49, of Brooklyn, New York; and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island, New York. The last two men have been arrested while Shakeri, who is a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is said to be in Iran. He had immigrated to the US as a child but was deported after serving 14 years in jail for robbery. "At Shakeri's instruction, Loadholt and Rivera have spent months surveilling a US citizen of Iranian origin residing in the United States (Victim-1)," the justice department said in a statement. "Victim-1 is an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and has been the target of multiple prior plots for kidnapping and/or murder directed by the Government of Iran. In exchange for Shakeri's promise of $100,000, Rivera and Loadholt repeatedly sought to locate Victim-1 for murder." The Justice Department went on to say: "During their efforts to locate and kill Victim-1, Shakeri, Loadholt, and Rivera shared messages about their progress and photographs relating to their scheme. For example, in or about February 2024, Rivera and Loadholt messaged about an incoming payment from Shakeri, and then traveled to Fairfield University, where Victim-1 was scheduled to appear, and took photographs on campus. "In or about April, Shakeri sent Rivera a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill Victim-1. In one voice note, Shakeri told Rivera that Victim-1 spent most of her time in particular locations of her home, and told Rivera that you just gotta have patience You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Don't think about going in. On several occasions over the last several months, consistent with this instruction from Shakeri, Rivera and/or Loadholt have surveilled a location in Brooklyn that they had identified as associated with Victim-1." Attorney General Merrick Garland said: "There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran. The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump. "We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on US soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security." Patna, Nov 9 : In a tragic incident, a Chhath devotee was found murdered under suspicious circumstances in Bihar's Bettiah city in the wee hours on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Madhubala Devi, wife of Needu Singh from Belbag Bengali Colony. According to Bettiah Police, Madhubala had observed the Chhath festival and, after offering the evening Arghya, retired to her room to rest. Sometime during the night, an unidentified man entered her room and smashed her head with a sharp edge weapon. The murder probably took place between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Her family was unaware until they discovered her dead body in the morning, at which point they promptly notified the authorities. Vivek Deep, SDPO of the Sadar range in Bettiah, stated, "As soon as the information about the incident was received, the police from the town police station and a forensic team reached the spot to initiate an investigation." The unusual nature of the event has raised concerns in the local community, as the entire household was asleep at the time, leaving them clueless of what occurred. Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation to find out the circumstances surrounding the murder. Vivek Deep confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, involving a dog squad, forensic team, and the technical branch, to examine all possible angles in the incident involving Madhubala Devi. After discovering her murder, the district police recovered the dead body and sent it to Bettiah Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for post-mortem. "We are working to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. Every angle is being scrutinised. We are taking the statements of the family members as well as neighbours and also scanning the mobile phones of the victim and her family members to get some clues about the incident," Vivek Deep said. As authorities work meticulously to unravel the details, updates are expected which will shed light on the circumstances leading to murder. The World Bank has announced a new $750 million aid package for Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported. "The funds will be provided within the framework of the Sustainable Urban and Regional Development Program (SURGE), aimed at supporting institutional reforms necessary for joining the European Union. Part of this amount will be allocated from the ADVANCE Ukraine fund, supported by the government of Japan," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. According to him, the implementation of the program will help strengthen the work of state institutions in the conditions of war, provide key public services to citizens in full. "The reforms within the framework of the project are aimed at improving the efficiency of public investment and public finance management. If necessary, funding can be increased," the prime minister added. Bengaluru, Nov 9 : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has claimed the Karnataka Congress government is preparing to withdraw cases against those involved in the 2020 DJ Halli and KG Halli riots in Bengaluru. Addressing the media at Toranagallu in Sandur constituency in Ballary district, Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress-led state government of engaging in "complete Muslim appeasement". Following a derogatory post about Prophet Muhammad, a mob had set a then Congress MLA's house afire and also torched the DJ Halli police station. Three persons were killed in the police firing. About 80 policemen and media persons were injured in the clashes. The police had arrested more than 100 people, including leaders of SDPI. "When the Congress government came to power in the state, it dropped cases against those involved in the Old Hubballi riots. Now, it is preparing to withdraw cases against the accused in the DJ Halli and KG Halli incidents," Pralhad Joshi alleged. He stated that he had reliable information that the government was preparing to drop these cases. "Even though a Dalit MLA's house was torched, Congress continues to focus on appeasement politics," he said. The Union Minister expressed outrage, claiming that Congress takes steps to protect non-Hindu accused even when attacks occur on Hindu organisations, Hindus, and temples. Pralhad Joshi also criticised the Congress leaders for distributing blank copies of the Constitution in Maharashtra, questioning: "Is this a sign of mental confusion?" He challenged Congress leaders who frequently invoke the Constitution and speak for Dalits, asking, "Is this how they respect the Constitution and Dalits?" At a recent event attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Nagpur, blank copies of the Constitution were allegedly distributed, with only an image of the front page and empty pages inside, Pralhad Joshi claimed. He said that this showed the Congress' attitude and disrespect toward the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Dalits. Pralhad Joshi claimed that Congress' "extreme appeasement of Muslims" is encouraging bomb threats and terrorist activities. He alleged that banned organisations like SIMI (Student Islamic Movement of India) are re-emerging under new forms. "The Congress government has withdrawn 175 cases since coming to power," he added. He noted that while Siddaramaiah was Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018, the courts banned SIMI. However, SDPI and PFI were like SIMI in a new form, and are now more active, with the Congress government encouraging this trend," the Union Minister said. --IANS mka/ Bengaluru, Nov 9 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar said on Friday that the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is afraid of facing a massive loss in the bypolls in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Reacting to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan questioning Priyanka Gandhi "for seeking the support of Jamaat-e-Islami", and stating that "this is the stand of Congress for secularism", Shivakumar said: "We canat comment on such things. She is a national leader. The voters are different and anyone who takes a decision to vote can cast their vote to anyone. "The Congress party believes in reaching out to every section of the society. I donat know much about what was spoken about in Kerala. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is afraid of losing in the Wayanad by-election in a big way and in that backdrop, he is making such remarls," Shivakumar said. The entire state of Kerala and the people of Wayanad are appreciating the contest of Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad seat and that is why opposition leaders are jealous of her, he said. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had earlier represented the Wayanad seat. In a Facebook post on Thursday, CM Vijayan claimed that the by-election in Wayanad has "exposed the Congress' secular mask completely". "Priyanka Gandhi is running as a candidate there with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. So, what exactly is Congress' stance? Our country is not unfamiliar with Jamaat-e-Islami. Does that organisation's ideology align with democratic values?" he asked. "Jamaat-e-Islami does not value the nation or its democracy and disregards the nation's governance structure. The organisation was operating under the guise of political involvement, and this facade was evident in Jammu and Kashmir," CM Vijayan said. Asked to comment on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claiming that finishing him in the state is as good as finishing the Congress party in Karnataka, Shivakumar stated: "CM Siddaramaiah is a mass leader and the BJP is trying to finish him off politically. The BJP also wants to finish off all leaders in the opposition in the entire country." Jaipur, Nov 9 : Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday criticised the INDIA bloc and the Congress over its stance related to the talks surrounding the "restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir". Describing the Congress leaders as the ones who are dividing India and promoting separatist ideology, Rathore said that Rahul Gandhi and his party leaders have been continuously trying to divide India for the last several years, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah foiled their efforts. "No matter how much efforts the Congress and its alliance parties make to restore Article 370, PM Modi has cremated Article 370 and that Article is not going to be restored now," he said. Rathore also said that Rahul Gandhi and his party leaders should clarify whether they are in favour of removing Article 370 or restoring it before the people of the country. "The Congress wants to give a fragmented and divided India to our future generation. The Congress is ready to divide the country further in exchange for gaining power. The Congress' mentality of dividing the country has come to the fore with the failed attempt to bring back Article 370. The double character of their leaders has come to the fore," he said. He further said this is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have tried to divide the country and even before, they have joined hands with forces that want to break India. Rathore said that the Congress leaders should also clarify whether the Constitution of B.R. Ambedkar should not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir? "Should there be two constitutions in one country? For the first time in Kashmir, Dalits, women, children and refugees got the right to vote, so does the Congress party want to snatch their right to vote?" Rathore said that during the last 35 years in Jammu and Kashmir, due to Article 370, Kashmir Valley mostly experienced shutdowns. "Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has abolished Article 370, Kashmir has not been closed even for even 8 hours. Peace, tranquility and tranquility prevailed in Kashmir. Separatism reduced by about 70 per cent. Tourism got a boost, voting rights were given, the number of tourists increased, but the INDIA bloc wants to snatch all this back," he said. Kolkata, Nov 9 : The police in West Bengal's in South 24 Dinajpur district on Friday have rescued 12 tribal children who were being trafficked to another state to work as child labourers. Sources from the state police said that the police personnel of Gangarampur PS were informed of an attempt to traffick these children to another state from Chowpatty area in Gangarampur. Accordingly, plain clothed policemen reached the spot and tracked some tribal people accompanying the children -- all aged between 10 and 12 years. The police intercepted them and brought them to the local police station for questioning. The police learned that these tribal children were first being taken to Siliguri in Darjeeling district in North Bengal to get trained in umbrella manufacturing at a factory so that they can be employed anywhere outside West Bengal at a later stage. The tribal people accompanying the children also told the police that these kids were taken there following the insistence of their guardians coming from poor financial backgrounds. The rescued children have been sent to a local child-line (rehab centre) and sheltered there. The police are investigating the matter further to track whether any major child trafficking racket is involved in the matter. Also, it was immediately not known if anyone was apprehended in connection with the matter or from where these children were being brought. Besides, no information was available regarding the police making any efforts to contact the parents or relatives of the rescued children. Pockets in the northern sector of West Bengal, especially districts like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Cooch Behar, having international borders with Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh are especially vulnerable as regards to child trafficking. Often, children from other districts in the northern sector are taken to these vulnerable districts and subsequently trafficked from there. The state government, along with other stakeholders, has taken different drives during the last few years to combat this menace. Patna, Nov 9 : Purnia MP Pappu Yadav has once again received a threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. His personal secretary, Mohammad Sadiq Alam, has received intimidating WhatsApp messages in Delhi. Alam has lodged an FIR at Connaught Place police station in Delhi, detailing that the messages arrived at 2.25 a.m. and 9.49 a.m. on November 7. This threat follows a similar one Pappu Yadav received earlier from a person associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, an incident that led to an arrest by Purnia Police. The message allegedly claimed that "six individuals have been contacted for the murder of Pappu Yadav". The individual who sent the threat message even shared an image of a Turkish-made pistol in the WhatsApp chat, and said that this pistol would be used to eliminate Yadav. Addressing the media in Purnia on Friday, Yadav expressed frustration, mentioning that this is not the first incident and that he has filed six FIRs in response to repeated threats. He called for a thorough investigation, questioning the origins of these repeated threats and urging the authorities to ensure his safety. aWe have shared information with senior officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), the Inspector General (IG), the Superintendent of Police (SP), and even the Home Minister, yet the threats continue unabated. Why the individuals responsible for these threats had not been apprehended, especially when the person making the threats clearly indicated who was backing him," Yadav said. He called for a thorough investigation to uncover whether any political motives or systemic failures were enabling these threats. Yadav pointed out that although one arrest had been made in connection with the threats, there were multiple individuals involved who continued to intimidate him. He mentioned specific individuals, including Mayank Singh, reportedly based in Malaysia, Jharkhand-based Aman Sahu gang, and unidentified persons from Nepal, who have issued threats. Despite the escalating threats, Yadav expressed that he remains undeterred. He emphasised his commitment to standing by the truth, stating that he fears no one, when he believes he is in the right. He urged the administration to act swiftly to resolve the matter, suggesting that any delay in action would only contribute to a troubling climate of impunity for those making such threats. New York, Nov 9 : A federal judge has agreed to Special Prosecutor Jack Smith's request to pause the election interference case against US President-elect Donald Trump in the first indication that cases against him are crumbling. Washington Federal Court Judge Tanya Chutkan granted the request on Friday. In a one-page motion, Smith asked the judge to end the deadlines set for the proceedings because to the "unprecedented circumstances" because the "defendant" is going to be certified as president on January 6 and inaugurated on January 21. The pause will give the government time to assess the situation and report to the court on December 2 how it wants to proceed, he said. By tradition, the federal Justice Department does not prosecute sitting presidents. A local judge in New York has set sentencing on November 26 in the case he was convicted of criminally manipulating account books to hide payments he made to a porn star who had claimed she had a tryst with him. Since that case was brought by a local prosecutor who was elected to the position as a Democrat, it can continue. But as a local case, the prosecutor is not bound by tradition and the judge can proceed with the sentencing. However, the case raises constitutional issues if he is sentenced to prison. The case, trumpeted by Democrats as a conviction on 34 felony charges, was about bookkeeping where the hush money payments were classified as lawyer's payment and each check that was cut was turned into a separate charge. Another federal case against Trump is pending in Florida over him allegedly holding on to classified documents after leaving office in contravention of the official secrets law. In that case, Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, dismissed the case saying that Smith's appointment as special counsel was not done legally. Smith is appealing the decision in an appeals court and has not made public any decision on pursuing, although it would seem it would also fall. President Joe Biden also had removed classified documents after he ended the term as vice president but a special counsel who investigated him ruled against filing a case against him because a jury would see him as an '"elderly man with a poor memory" and aquit him. That observation, though, set off the chain of events that culminated with Biden quitting the presidential race after he stumbled in a debate with Trump and his own party members turned against him. There is yet another state case in Georgia accusing Trump of alleged election interference over requests he made to state officials to "to find 11,780 votes" needed for a majority in the state in the 2020 election. That case has been snarled by accusations of impropriety by the prosecutor who hired an inexperienced lawyer who was then her boyfriend to prosecute the case. In federal case alleging election interference that is being paused, Trump is accused of trying to subvert the 2020 election by spreading false accusations of voter fraud that allegedly instigated the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters while Congress was certifying Biden's election. The Texas Book Festival (TBF) returns to downtown Austin this November 16-17, expecting to draw 40,000 attendees and featuring more than 280 authors across some 220 sessions. Austin independent bookstore stalwart BookPeople serves as the official festival bookseller, joining approximately 90 exhibitors across five tents. Headline events include sold-out sessions with Matthew McConaughey, who will appear in conversation with filmmaker Richard Linklater and author Malcolm Gladwell. Due to overwhelming demand, McConaughey added a second back-to-back session on Sunday. Approximately one third of participating authors have Texas connections. Other featured authors include Hanif Abdurraqib, Rumaan Alam, Christina Rivera Garza, Attica Locke, Rachel Kong, Claire Messud, and Michelle Norris. The festival will also welcome returning authors Stephen Graham Jones and Rita Bullwinkel, who will appear in conversation with Mary Ellen Bertino. The complete schedule is now online "This year, we are excited to build on our bilingual programs for Spanish-speaking audiences and host a new tent fully dedicated to poetry, TBF COO Dalia Azim said. "We see every festival as an opportunity to innovate and try new things while continuing to deliver on the wonderful programming for which we are recognized. The dedicated poetry tent features twelve sessions, including a reading by 2024 Texas Writer Award winner Naomi Shihab Nye and panels exploring environmental crisis, war, and Texas identity through verse. The intimate venue will accommodate 50-60 attendees per session. The Leamos tent will host programs featuring Hispanic and Latina authors, with five sessions conducted in Spanish or bilingually. Notable bilingual sessions include "Voces Luminosas: Poetas Latinos en Conversacion," with Jose Olivarez, Reyes Ramirez, and Joaquin Zihuatanejo, and "La Identidad en Evolucion de una Nacion," with Ray Suarez. The festival has also expanded its physical presence, returning to its full scope along Congress Avenue from 7th to 11th Streets. A notable addition is increased programming at the State Theater, which will feature sessions with BIPOC authors throughout the weekend. The diversity is even stronger than it was last year," Azim said, noting that 65% of participants are writers of color. A total of 40 programs are geared toward family audiences, including events in the Read Me a Story tent for picture books, Next Chapter tent for middle-grade books, and YA HQ for young adult literature. Each area includes adjacent activity spaces for age-appropriate engagement. Texas has been coping with efforts to ban books for several years running. Asked if the festival faced pressure from local officials to ban books they may have found objectionable, Azim said it was not an issue. "We stand for access to books without restriction or censorship, Obviously, it's core to our work." TBF has also expanded its year-round programming beyond Austin, including Reading Rock Stars programs for children in El Paso and a new initiative in San Marcos. The organization is also launching new partnerships, including a program with the Gardner Juvenile Justice Center in Austin for incarcerated youth. Only 40 sites of the largest mobile operator Kyivstar were included in the list of critical facilities exempt from power outages, which is less than 1% of its network. The second largest mobile operator VF Ukraine (Vodafone Ukraine) submitted a list of facilities for approval to the National Center for Operational and Technical Management of Telecommunication Networks, which "does not cover thousands of base stations across the country." "On November 1, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers added critical facilities of electronic communications operators to the list of facilities that must be provided with priority power supply during the period of martial law and six months after its termination. Kyivstar welcomes and supports this initiative, as it will contribute to the growth of the stability of the network in the event of potential outages... According to the government resolution, for Kyivstar the number of such sites is up to 40, less than 1% of the entire network," the Kyivstar press service reported in response to a request from the Interfax-Ukraine agency. According to the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution, the list of technical means of electronic communications and/or structures of electronic communication networks that cannot be disconnected from electricity is formed by the above mentioned center, the Kyivstar press service emphasized. At the same time, if the center agrees to increase the number of facilities on the list, only those that have a separate cable input can be connected to an uninterruptible power supply, the operator's press service emphasized. "To ensure uninterrupted power supply to such facilities, it is necessary to build a separate cable entry. However, the technical possibility of building such an entry does not exist for all network facilities, which may affect the practical implementation of this initiative," the Kyivstar press service said. The company reported that Kyivstar continues to prepare for the 2024-2025 winter season. The operator has begun implementing the second phase of investments, which includes the installation of 113,000 new batteries at base stations and 1,427 industrial generators. More than 75% of the Kyivstar network is provided with a four-hour backup power supply, and the company is currently working to increase the number of base stations with six-hour backup for all key sites. "In case of long blackouts, Kyivstar will provide continuous communication for at least three days for all critical network nodes and for more than 2,000 objects for the functioning of the economy and the country's security system, determined by authorized state bodies in the framework of the implementation of the relevant decision of the National Security and Defense Council," the press service emphasized. Since 2022, Kyivstar has invested more than UAH 1.9 billion in the energy independence of the network. The company reported that it "submitted to the center for consideration a list of nodal objects that primarily need a stable power supply." "The list does not cover thousands of base stations throughout the country, whose energy independence we continue to ensure on our own. Final approval is expected at the state and local levels," the press service of Vodafone Ukraine clarified. Since the beginning of 2024, Vodafone Ukraine has invested UAH 1 billion in network energy sustainability, said Olha Ustynova, CEO of Vodafone Ukraine, at the tenth Kyiv International Economic Forum (KIEF) on Thursday. According to her, the company has provided 100% of the network with "professional generators that can operate for 72 hours and even up to two weeks. The company also continues to install batteries. "The batteries are all new, they are very powerful, but they need some time to charge. Therefore, the big question is what the power supply intervals (outage schedules) will be. If there is no power for 4-5 hours, it will be very difficult to charge the batteries," she said, noting that 19% of the company's 1,000 base stations located in Kyiv are on the roofs of buildings. This makes it impossible to install generators there due to the risk of fires. Earlier, it was reported that the Cabinet of Ministers expanded the list of critical facilities with priority power supply by including technical means of electronic communications and/or structures of electronic communications networks according to the lists determined by the National Center for Operational and Technical Management of Telecommunication Networks. Resolution No. 1260 on amendments to the resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated May 24, 2024 under No. 600 and dated July 25, 2024 under No. 856 will be in effect throughout the entire period of martial law and six months after its termination. The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair opened on November 6 and will run through November 17, offering booths from 2,523 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries and close to 1,400 literary and creative events. The fair will feature over 85 Emirati and Arab authors and 49 international guests from 14 countries, including U.K. influencer Steven Bartlett, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur, and American thriller writer Tess Gerritsen. That said, the SIBF is only one event in which the Emirate of Sharjah, through the Sharjah Book Authority, has been showcased around the world. Recent events where Sharjah has been featured, include: Guest of Honor at Thessaloniki Book Fair In May 2024 Sharjah made history as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair. With participation led by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Emirate presented a vibrant cultural programme with over 25 events featuring esteemed Emirati and Greek authors, along with more than 20 prominent cultural and tourist entities. This participation underscored Sharjahs commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and highlighted its role as a global hub for literature and culture. Sharjahs involvement included panel discussions, artistic exhibitions and live performances, showcasing the deep connections between Greek and Arab cultures. The Emirates presence at the fair not only celebrated its rich heritage but also reinforced its growing influence in the global publishing industry. Guadalajara Book Fair Following its distinguished role as Guest of Honour at the 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair in 2022, Sharjah was delighted to attend the 37th edition of Latin Americas leading literary event in November 2023 to reaffirm its commitment to building bridges between nations. The role of the SBA, who organised participation, was pivotal in facilitating meetings with Latin American publishers and exploring collaborations, including at future editions of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and Sharjah Childrens Reading Festival (SCRF). Cairo International Book Fair Sharjahs attendance at the 2024 Cairo International Book Fair in January allowed the SBA to unveil new Emirati titles and highlight its ongoing cultural projects aimed at advancing the global publishing industry and promoting literary pursuits. During the event, the SBA presented a signed copy of the Sharjah Rulers latest work to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Culture Minister Niveen El-Kilany also receiving copies. This gesture emphasized Sharjahs dedication to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between the U.A.E. and Egypt. New Delhi World Book Fair At the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair in February 2024 the SBA led discussions on the future of global publishing and showcased its contributions to the industry, as well as highlighting Emirati and Arab literature translated into Hindi, and engaging with international publishers to foster cultural exchange and collaboration. London Book Fair At the London International Book Fair in March 2024, the SBA took the opportunity to highlight the Emirates extensive projects aimed at supporting both local and international publishing sectors. The event provided a platform for Sharjah to present key initiatives, including the SIBF and various conferences which are instrumental in enhancing cultural cooperation and supporting publishers and translators worldwide. Bologna Childrens Book Fair At the 61st Bologna Childrens Book Fair, held in April 2024, the SBA lead a delegation showcasing the vibrant cultural scene of Sharjah and its initiatives to support Arab authors, illustrators and publishers. The Sharjah pavilion featured key cultural entities, including Al Qasimi Publications and the Arab Childrens Book Publisher Forum, emphasizing the Emirates role in fostering global collaborations and cultural exchange. Seoul International Book Fair At the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair in June 2024 the SBA pavilion served as a vibrant center for cultural exchange, presenting Sharjahs notable events such as the SIBF and SCRF to over 350 Korean publishers and 180 authors. ALA Conference, San Diego At the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition in June 2024 the SBA engaged with ALA representatives on initiatives to enhance library management and lifelong learning and promoted the Sharjah International Library Conference taking place in November 2024; this conference brings together global professionals to discuss trends and policies shaping the future of libraries. The company Nova Poshta, the leader in express mail in Ukraine, increased investments in development in Ukraine by 40% to UAH 4.9 billion in January-September 2024, the company's press service reported on Friday. Over the course of nine months, Nova Poshta opened 940 new branches and installed 4,578 new parcel terminals - a total of 5,518 new service points. "The network grew throughout Ukraine, including in the frontline territories, where 126 new service points were opened. Thus, as of October 1, the Nova Poshta network includes 12,400 branches and 20,170 parcel terminals," the company's press service reported. The number of parcels and cargo delivered by Nova Poshta increased by 17%, to 336 million parcels. The company delivered 11 million international parcels. "As we have done since the first days of the war, we are investing in Ukraine's victory. In the period from January to September of this year, the group's expenses in Ukraine for charity amounted to UAH 1.4 billion, which is UAH 266 million more than in the same period last year. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the volume of investments in victory has already exceeded UAH 4 billion," the press service of Nova Poshta reported. Every day, as part of the Humanitarian Nova Poshta program, the company delivers at its own expense shipments for the military from charitable foundations and volunteers. Over the first nine months of this year, 1.2 million such shipments have already been delivered. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion - almost 2.5 million. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Snelling Dining Commons is operating on a newly restricted schedule in order to cut costs during the hours students use it the least. Up until the fall 2024 semester, Snelling provided 24-hour service. Today, Snelling is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. 'It has remained around 38 per cent over the past four to five quarters.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Facebook UCO Bank is planning to raise up to Rs 2,000 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP) in the December quarter to meet minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms. In a telephonic interview, the bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashwani Kumar told Harsh Kumar/Business Standard the state-owned bank was focusing on maintaining its Current Account Savings Account (Casa) ratio, which has remained around 38 per cent over the past four to five quarters. What is your guidance on your credit - deposit ratio? The improvement in our bank's CD (credit-deposit) ratio for Q2FY25 is primarily due to an increase in credit growth. In contrast, deposit growth has been relatively lower. When deposit growth lags, a higher credit growth naturally leads to an improved CD ratio. A year ago, our CD ratio was 67.25 per cent, and it has now reached 71.77 per cent. This improvement is largely a result of the credit growth. Regarding our deposit growth, over the last three to four quarters, we observed the following trends: In September 2023, deposit growth was only 6 per cent, aligning with a CD ratio of 67 per cent. During that period, we had no immediate need for funds, so we chose not to aggressively pursue deposit growth, especially given the high costs associated with bulk deposits. We are focusing on maintaining our Casa ratio, which has remained around 38 per cent over the past four to five quarters. What have been the total recoveries made so far? During the July-September quarter, Rs 414 crore was recovered from resolution and liquidation combined. Recovery through the resolution process during the period was Rs 393 crore, significantly higher than the year-ago figure of Rs 82 crore and the June quarter's Rs 34 crore. The major recovery we made from corporate is from the power sector. Recovery under the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) - the government-backed bad bank - during the quarter was negligible, with only one account worth Rs 4 crore resolved. How is UCO Bank learning from previous incidents, and working on enhancing its digital infrastructure? We have seen significant improvements in enhancing our digital infrastructure. Regarding security and IT spending, we have allocated around Rs 1,000 crore for IT expenditures for FY25 which includes investments in digital infrastructure, hardware, and software. So far, we have spent approximately Rs 350 crore. The remaining budget is earmarked for ongoing projects that are currently in the evaluation or approval stages. We are consolidating our data centers and conducting firewall refreshes. We have established a Network Operations Center (NOC) to enhance our operational efficiency. We are in the process of setting up a virtual machine environment and an API (Application Programming Interface) gateway to facilitate integration with corporate clients. This integration is essential to ensure that our core systems remain undisturbed while allowing for seamless connectivity. What is the status of MTNL exposure? In the case of MTNL, we are working through the Joint Lender Forum, of which our bank is a member. Various options for resolution are currently being discussed, but nothing has been finalised yet. It may take a bit more time to determine the exact nature of the resolution, but we expect to have some clarity within this quarter. The initiative is being led by Union Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank, as they have larger exposures in this matter. How is UCO Bank planning to raise funds through the qualified institutional placement (QIP) route? We plan to raise up to Rs 2,000 crore through the QIP route during the December quarter to meet minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms. However, we are open to other options of disinvestment as well. We have received government approval for Rs 4,000 crore, but we will proceed with the first tranche of Rs 2,000 crore. Depending on market conditions, we may consider another tranche next year. If everything aligns favorably, we will aim for further reductions. Ultimately, it is up to the government to decide when and how much to offer for sale. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Tata Sons will likely choose Singapore as a "key partner" for its semiconductor plans, a senior minister from the city-state said on Friday. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran earlier in the day, Singapore's minister for home affairs and law K Shanmugam said semiconductors was a "big discussion" point during the meeting. "If they (Tatas) want to, they can do business with anybody in the world. "It's not that they need to do it in Singapore, but they will, I think, choose Singapore as a key partner, not only partner, but as a key partner," Shanmugam said. Shanmugam, along with minister for manpower and second minister for trade and industry Tan See Leng, is on a day-long visit to the financial capital. The South East Asian country is a "serious and reliable player" in the international semiconductor industry, he said, adding that the Tata Group has been present in Singapore for over five decades. Singapore or entities based in the country command a 20 per cent share in the semiconductor equipment production globally, the visiting minister said. Additionally, despite its relatively small size at just 670 square kilometre, Singapore is home to 25 semiconductor foundries, he said, acknowledging that the level of sophistication at which these work may not be the best in the world. Notably, the Tata Group has ambitious plans on the semiconductor manufacturing front which include investment of Rs 91,000 crore for a facility in Gujarat and Rs 27,000 crore for another in Assam. It has partnered with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) for the venture. Asked about Niti Aayog chief executive B V R Subrahmanyam's call for India to relook at its stance and join the 15-nation regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP), Shanmugam did not give a specific answer. He said India had given a number of reasons for walking out of the negotiations to join the partnership in 2019 which included both macroeconomic and political issues, and he is not sure if they have been dealt with. The minister said the outcome of the US elections may lead to an increase in bilateral and multilateral trading arrangements, especially amid expectations of a surge in import duties or levies to be implemented by the US and added that the key for countries is to be "nimble" in looking at what is happening. To a question on possible difficulties in efforts to conjure up an international partnership to ease cross-border payments, Shanmugam said he sees a future where like minded countries would come together. It can be noted that a senior US Fed official had recently opined that some friction is necessary in such pursuits. Shanmugam said there may be a necessity to build up some barriers or create frictions as well in order to stop scams. The India-Singapore ties are moving much beyond trade concessions, he asserted, pointing to deep rooted partnerships or talks in critical areas like energy, semiconductors and strategic security. Shanmugam said Singapore is very small in size but it cannot be overlooked by any country because of its ability to attract thought leaders and businesses. Singapore's High Commissioner to India Simon Wong Wie Kuen said the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) will look at investment opportunities in the upcoming greenfield Wadhavan port in Maharashtra as and when foreign stakeholders get invited. Shanmugam said PSA, which already operates a terminal at India's largest container port JNPA, is very interested in investing more in India and looking for opportunities. The ministers will be attending anniversary celebrations of Singaporean lender DBS scheduled later in the evening and also a luncheon hosted by Temasek, the city-state's investment arm. Apart from Chandrasekaran, they are also conversing with industry captains in a meeting organised by CII which has Jamshyd Godrej, Zia Mody, Naushad Forbes, R Mukundan and CII's director general Chandrajit Banerjee in attendance. The Aligarh Muslim University's minority status issue will have to wait to reach a logical end after the Supreme Court majority verdict on Friday asked a regular bench to decide the issue. IMAGE: A view of the Aligarh Muslim University. Photograph: ANI Photo The prolonged matter, however, has had its fair share of twists and turns, as encapsulated in the following timeline. IMAGE: Kalpana Soren doesn't just interact with voters at Gandey in Giridhi, she engages them with her friendly dialogues. What do you think she is telling them? Photograph: ANI Photo The unlikely and newly-discovered star on the Jharkhand campaign trail is a 39-year-old feisty army brat, who is married to the state's chief minister. Wearing only saris, always sporting sindhoor, a tikka and bangles, Jharkhand political rallies haven't seen anyone like Kalpana Murmu Soren before! She brings both lively energy and style to the podiums/stages she graces, arriving like a breath of fresh air to make fiery speeches that ignite the crowd. Kalpana makes a pretty picture in her flyaway curly hair, a mole at the corner of her mouth, snapping black eyes and oratory skills that belie the fact that she entered politics only in March 2024, months after her husband Hemant was arrested. In the months since she has attracted a fan following that no one in her family seems to have done before. Kalpana, we discovered on Wikipedia, was born in Kapurthala, Punjab, where her dad Ampa Murmu was posted by the Indian Army. Like all soldier's children, she has led a peripatetic life and has been educated at Kendriya Vidyalayas all over. Her family belongs to Bahalda in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and she can speak Odia, English, Hindi and Santali. She earned a BTech from Bhubaneswar and MBA degree by distance learning from Symbiosis, Pune. Kalpana contested her first elections from Gandey in the eastern part of Jharkhand, and has outshone both Hemant and his younger brother Basant's campaigns in Barhait and Dumka respectively. When Hemant was arrested, there was talk that Kalpana would replace him as chief minister, sparking sister-in-law Sita's mini rebellion in the Soren clan. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha paterfamilias chose Champai Soren as interim CM. Now, of course, both Champai and Sita have deserted the JMM for the possibilities of the BJP. IMAGE: So many women and young girls turned out to see Kalpana. Maybe to see someone who is one of their own, but had taken her future in her hands. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Which voter will be able to resist that winning smile? Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Everyone wants her pic. Mainly women. Photograph: ANI Photo From a housewife and mother rarely seen in the foreground, Kalpana is the tribal leader crowds -- even little children -- now crane their necks to catch a special glimpse of. 'Jharkhand has been taken after a fight, We will fight for the rights and respect of the people of Jharkhand,' Kalpana tweeted. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: She's persuasive: 'The zeal and enthusiasm of the sisters and mothers of the state is worth seeing even late in the evening. Every Jharkhandi is saying the same slogan Hemant again...' Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: 'Hemant hai, toh himmat hai' is another of her slogans. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: 'The immense support received from all sides has ensured that on the 23rd, the reins of Jharkhand will once again be in the hands of Hemantji. He is going to become the Chief Minister for the second time in your service', announces Mrs Soren. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: Her Insta feed is full of picture-perfect election trail moments -- tucking into Litti-Chokha between engagements, receiving prasad for Chhath Puja, picking up kids into her lap or flaunting the V for victory sign. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: 'Got to meet my loved ones during the field trip! This blessing and affection of all of you is the strength of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha which inspires us to work for your rights and future'. She promises: 'We and you will work together to build a better Jharkhand and will continue to contribute to the creation of a prosperous Jharkhand'. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: She and Hemant Soren have two sons, Nitil and Biswajeet, who sometimes hit the election trail with her. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: Kalpana gave her first political speech in Hindi in March after her husband was arrested in January, moving the audience with her words: 'My in-laws are teary-eyed and I thought I would not cry, but I am standing teary-eyed... However, seeing your love and affection, I am feeling strong. I am seeing the anger... there is fire.' Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: She chooses her words carefully, aiming for maximum connect with the audience: 'All of us soldiers of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha are determined to protect the development of Jharkhand, rights and dignity of the people. We are together in the fight for the rights and respect of Jharkhand. Jai Jharkhand.' Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: Her specialty is reaching out, beyond the men, to women of all ages. Photograph: Kind courtesy @JMMKalpanaSoren/X IMAGE: The tikkas and saris are a perfect match. The blouses make a splash. Great example of power dressing. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Her sudden entry into political life has been compared with Rabri Devi and Sunita Kejriwal, which caused her to hit back at a ThePrint interviewer, 'Can you see that (Rabri Devi in me)?' Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: She terms her outing into politics as 'sarvajanik(public) life'. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: One of her strengths is how photogenic she is in a state where past leaders never made for very intriguing photographic portraits. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Waiting for Kalpana Didi. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: She's a natural when she chats with voters. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Sari sisters at a JMM rally. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Her father was a subedar with the Indian Army who served with the IPKF in Sri Lanka, and Kalpana has said that 'deshbhakti' was something she grew up with, living in many parts of the country, eating different food and living with people from every state. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Has the JMM found their most effective arrow? Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Once a business woman, who ran a school and had an interest in organic farming, she has now apparently an amazing 400 rallies under her belt, a new career and is equally a face of the party, along with her husband and his family. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Kalpana holds a child at an election rally in Chakradharpur, November 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Kalpana addresses an election rally in Chakradharpur, November 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com and Anant Salvi/ Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com One person has been arrested by Canada's Peel Regional Police in connection with the 'demonstrations' at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 4, a Peel police official said. IMAGE: A massive crowd gather outside Hindu Sabha Mandir after pro-Khalistan demonstrators attacked the temple on November 3, in Brampton, Canada. Photograph: ANI Photo The arrested person has been identified as Lal Banerjee, 57, from Toronto, the police said. As per an official release from Peel Police, he has been charged with 'public incitement of hatred' contrary to section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada. He was later released with conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date. Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered at the Hindu Sabha Mandir expressing their outrage over the repeated attacks on Hindu temples in Canada and pressed the Justin Trudeau administration to take stricter actions against the extremists attacking the religious sites. On November 3, an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple witnessed a 'violent disruption' in Brampton, near Toronto. The rise in attacks against Hindu temples has raised deep concerns among the Hindu-Canadian community. Peel Regional Police officer, Tyler Bell in a video posted on X on Thursday (local time), stated, 'Following the demonstrations, several videos started to circulate online which captured several offences taking place including a video of an individual using a loudspeaker inciting violence and hatred, as the result of the ongoing investigations into the offences, peer police have arrested Ranendra Lal Banerjee.' The Peel Regional Police have also issued an arrest warrant against two individuals, Armaan Gahlot, 24, of Kitchener, and Arpit, 22. Tyler said that the warrant was issued against the two for 'uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, conspiracy to commit- assault with a weapon, conspiracy to commit- mischief'. "As investigators make attempts to locate, they are encouraged to seek legal counsel and turn themselves into police," Tyler said. Peel Regional Police has also formed a Strategic Investigative Team to probe 'all incidents of criminality' during the November 3 and 4 incidents, he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the 'deliberate attack' on the Hindu Sabha Mandir and said that 'cowardly attempts to intimidate' Indian diplomats were appalling, adding that New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. Prior to this, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and called on the Canadian government to protect the places of worship from such attacks. The Indian High Commission in Canada also condemned the 'violent disruption' by 'anti-India' elements outside a consular camp. The high commission also said that any further events will be organised 'contingent on security arrangements' made by the local authorities. Earlier, a Peel Regional Police officer was suspended after being identified in videos of a protest at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, on Sunday, CBC News reported. The suspended officer was identified as Sergeant Harinder Sohi, an 18-year veteran of the force. Ruckus prevailed in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for the third day on Friday as Bharatiya Janata Party members protested over the special status resolution, leading the speaker to marshal out 12 opposition MLAs and Langate legislator Sheikh Khurshid. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: BJP MLAs protest in J-K Assembly for the third day on Friday. As the House met for the day, BJP MLAs raised slogans like 'Pakistani agenda nahi chalega'. BJP MLAs also jumped into the well of the House following which Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather directed that they be marshalled out. Soon after they were evicted, 11 other BJP MLAs walked out of the House in protest. The House has been witnessing uproar from the last two days as BJP MLAs protested vociferously after the passage of the resolution. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had moved the resolution on Tuesday that said: "This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal." It said the Assembly calls upon the Centre to initiate talks with elected representatives from the region for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and constitutional guarantees, and to work out constitutional mechanisms for the same. 'This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,' it added. A farmer's family in Gujarat's Amreli district has become the talk of the town after they held a grand burial event for their 'lucky' car. IMAGE: The video of the event went viral on social media. Photograph: X Nearly 1,500 people, including seers and spiritual leaders, attended the function organised by Sanjay Polara and his family at Padarshinga village of Lathi taluka on Thursday. A video of the event that went viral on social media shows Polara and his family performing rituals at their farm, where a slope and 15-foot deep pit was dug for their 12-year-old Wagon R. The hatchback, decorated with flowers and garlands, was taken to Polara's farm from his house with much fanfare, driven on the slope and placed in the pit. The vehicle was covered with a green cloth, and the family members bid farewell by performing puja and showering rose petals as priests chanted mantras. Finally, an excavator machine was used to pour clay and bury the car. Polara, who has a construction business in Surat, said he wanted to do something different so that future generations remember the car that proved lucky for the family. Talking to reporters, Polara said, "I bought this car nearly 12 years ago, and it brought prosperity to the family. Apart from seeing success in business, my family also gained respect. The vehicle proved lucky for my family and me. Hence, instead of selling it, I gave it a samadhi at my farm as a tribute." Polara, who spent Rs 4 lakh on the ceremony, said he plans to plant a tree at the burial place as a reminder for his future generations that the family's lucky car is lying under the tree. The samadhi ceremony was held as per Hindu rituals and in the presence of seers and religious leaders. Nearly 1,500 people were invited, and a feast was organised. Biosphere Corporation to double European business in 2024, plans to keep this pace in 2025 Biosphere Corporation, one of the market leaders in the production and distribution of household goods, approximately doubled its European business in 2024, sets the same goal for next year and aims to create a "billion-dollar company," said founder and CEO of the corporation Andriy Zdesenko at the tenth Kyiv International Economic Forum. "And we are growing. This year we will double. And next year our ambition is to double again," he said at the final session of the forum on Thursday evening. Zdesenko noted that Biosphere currently operates in 25 markets, and the most serious step towards entering international markets was made after the start of the full-scale Russian aggression. "We acquired the Austrian company Alufix with its brand, with four branches and their production in Romania. Just when our turnover (in Ukraine) fell by 30%, because our audience left, and now (it has fallen) by another 10%, because of the constant increase in prices, unfortunately, people are getting poorer... the average bill is falling," added the head of Biosphere. According to him, thanks to the global development program, expansion in Europe and Asia, the corporation managed to continue growing. He pointed out that Biosphere's brands Freken Bok, Smile are leaders in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the company has a very strong presence in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan. "Next year we plan to open production in Uzbekistan, because there is a 100-million-strong cluster there," Zdesenko said. He also noted that Biosphere has created an international advisory board, which meets in Vienna and whose members are three Americans and two Europeans. "These are world-class people who help us build a strategy for global expansion because our goal is to create a billion-dollar company... There are such ambitions, and we are creating Biosphere 2.0," Zdesenko emphasized. According to him, the corporation has dozens of global competitors operating without restrictions, which are now present in Ukraine. "And the main challenge for Biosphere is how to keep up the same pace, win with ideas, intelligence, design, wow-products, innovations, with the same complex equipment, and where to get all the millions of investments that are needed for this," the founder and CEO added. He pointed out that along with this competition, the company additionally spends resources on providing electricity, in particular, last week it installed a 1.5 MW gas generator, helps the army and society. Among the challenges in working on the European market, Zdesenko named differences in corporate cultures, logistical challenges and challenges in financing, since the parent company, according to acts of the National Bank, is limited in financing its international subsidiaries from Ukraine. "We want to expand, we want to produce for Europe, but we cannot finance ourselves: marketing, advertising, people, capex, support, growth," he stated. The bodies of two village defence guards (VDG) killed by terrorists were found near a rivulet on Friday during a massive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, officials said. IMAGE: Sanatan Dharm Sabha supporters protest over the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), in Kishtwar on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo A massive cordon-and-search operation is also underway in Kishtwar to track down the terrorists responsible for the killings. According to officials, the two VDGs were executed by terrorists on Thursday after being abducted in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district. Their bodies of the VDGs were spotted lying near a rivulet in the Pondgwari area in Keshwan belt, the officials said. A joint search operation involving the police, Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been launched in a dense forest area following the gruesome killings, which have been condemned by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and leaders from the People's Democratic Party, Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The operation is concentrated in the Kuntwara, Ohli, and Munzla Dhar hilly areas, with reinforcements dispatched early this morning, officials said. Security forces have intensified efforts, deploying drones and sniffer dogs, with a helicopter seen hovering over the forested area this morning, the officials added. "Two VDG members, Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar from Ohli-Kuntwara, went missing in the upper reaches while grazing livestock," a police spokesperson said. Photographs of their bodies later circulated on social media, and family members have confirmed their identities, the spokesperson added. Officials reported that Ahmad and Kumar had gone to graze cattle in the Munzla Dhar forest in Adhwari but did not return. Police teams spread out to locate them amid reports of their abduction and subsequent killing by terrorists. "My brother and Nazir were abducted and killed by terrorists. They were village defence guards and had gone to graze cattle as usual," Kumar's brother Prithvi, told PTI. He added that the family is in deep shock as Kumar's killing follows their father Amar Chand's death only a week ago. The village learned of the killings when terrorists used the victims' phones to share pictures of their execution, according to a local source who did not wished to be named. Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the killings, sharing images of the victims with blindfolded eyes. Kishtwar, along with other districts in the Jammu region such as Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua, has seen a rise in terror attacks this year, attributed by security agencies to attempts by cross-border handlers to revive militancy in the otherwise peaceful region. Meanwhile, people in various areas of Kishtwar on Friday took to the streets to protest against the killings. The protesters demanded 'immediate elimination' of the terrorists involved in the killings to restore confidence among the local population. Hundreds gathered in the Drabshalla area of the district, burning tyres and blocking roads. Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Marxist leader Pinarayi Vijayan intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that its general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. IMAGE: Congress general secretary and candidate for Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses a public meeting, at Chandakunnu in Wayanad on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo In a Facebook post on Thursday, Vijayan claimed that by-election in Wayanad has 'exposed the Congress party's secular mask completely'. 'Priyanka Gandhi is running as a candidate there with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. So, what exactly is Congress's stance? Our country is not unfamiliar with Jamaat-e-Islami. Does that organisation's ideology align with democratic values?' he asked. Stating that Jamaat-e-Islami does not value the nation or its democracy and disregards the nation's governance structure, Vijayan said the organisation was operating under the guise of political involvement through the Welfare Party, and this facade was evident in Jammu and Kashmir. The chief minister alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had long opposed elections in Jammu and Kashmir, promoting strong sectarian positions. "Later, they aligned themselves with the BJP (in Kashmir)," he said. Referring to the recent elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Vijayan claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami planned to contest three or four seats there, ultimately focusing on the seat where Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami was standing. "The goal was to defeat Tarigami, and the BJP shared this objective. However, despite this alliance of extremists and the BJP, the people chose Tarigami," the CPI-M veteran said. He said the Jamaat-e-Islami in Wayanad claims they are different from the Jamaat-e-Islami in Kashmir. "However, the ideology remains the same--one that does not accept any form of democratic governance. This time, they feel like supporting the Congress-led UDF," he said. Targeting the Congress, Vijayan asked, "Shouldn't those who stand for secularism oppose all forms of sectarianism?" "Can the Congress do that? The Congress and allies, including the Muslim League, seem to be making certain 'sacrifices' to maintain their alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. Can the Congress reject Jamaat-e-Islami's votes?," he asked. The CPI-M Politburo member urged Congress leaders to recall a statement by the late Marxist leader EMS Namboodiripad, highlighting his firm stance against communal alliances. He said in a by-election in Thalassery, EMS had openly stated, "We do not want RSS votes." Referring to this example, Vijayan questioned whether Congress could take a similarly principled stand. Vijayan made similar allegations while addressing a by-election meeting in support of the Left candidate in Wayanad, CPI's Sathyan Mokeri. Kozhikode Corporation Councillor Navya Haridas is the BJP candidate in the hill constituency. The Wayanad by-election was triggered after Rahul Gandhi, who won seats in both Wayanad and Raebareli, chose to vacate the Wayanad seat. The by-election will be held on November 13. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged that a new kind of jihad is taking place across Karnataka with the Waqf Board claiming ownership of lands belonging to farmers, temples and others. IMAGE: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi along with minister of state S BL Verma addresses the flagging off Phase 2 of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice, at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, November 5, 2024. Photograph: Ritik Jain/ANI Photo "Across the state, a new kind of jihad is happening through waqf. Looking at the conduct of the Congress party and Siddaramaiah, they come across as hypocrites...," Joshi told reporters in Ballari. Congress leaders are claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party had promised in its manifesto that it will protect the Waqf properties, he said. "Yes. We had said. It is on record...what we have said is existing Waqf properties that have been encroached upon and looted by senior Congress leaders will be saved," he said. "They (Congress leaders) have taken illegal gratification worth thousands of crores (of rupees) from these lands, in the form of lease and rent," Joshi alleged. The Anwar Manippady report says that waqf properties have been misused by very senior Congress leaders, Joshi said. "We had said that we will protect those lands. What are you (Congress govt) doing now? Lands of mutts and temples are being claimed by waqf. I'm asking Siddaramaiah, what are you trying to do?" he asked. "This is a big conspiracy. For the Congress party, the state and country don't matter. They have a soft corner for terrorists...what is happening? What has happened to the Congress party, have they lost their mind?" he asked. Manippady, as the then chairman of the Karnataka State Minority Commission, had prepared the report and submitted it to the government in March 2012 when the BJP was in power. It was later tabled in the legislature. "What is now happening (now) is, using waqf, lands belonging to farmers, individuals, temples, mutts, and in some cases entire villages, are being claimed," Joshi alleged. There were allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as waqf properties. Similar charges have surfaced from a few other places subsequently, and also by some organisations and religious institutions like mutts. With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, directed officials that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified. Joshi also claimed that the Congress government in the state is now preparing to withdraw cases booked in KG Halli and DJ Halli riots cases, in which a Congress Dalit MLA's house was burned. "I have credible information that they are withdrawing those cases also." He pointed out that in spite of the ban on Students' Islamic Movement of India and the court upholding it, 125 cases against them were withdrawn by the Congress government earlier. Also, criminal cases filed in Hubballi riot incidents involving a mob attack on the police in 2022, including those booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, were withdrawn recently. Joshi expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance will win all three assembly seats that are going for by-polls in the state on November 13. He said in the coming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, NDA's win will "surpass" its victory in the recent Haryana poll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his campaign on Friday for the crucial Maharashtra assembly polls with unity message of ek hai, toh safe hai, building on his party colleague and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's batenge to katenge slogan. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP Dhule seat candidate Anup Agarwal and other leaders during a public meeting for the Maharashtra assembly elections, in Dhule, November 8, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Modi dared Congress allies in Maharashtra to get party MP Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes in praise of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, whose contributions to the country, he said, were unparalleled. Addressing two poll rallies during the day, the BJP's star campaigner called out the Congress for its "divisive" brand of politics characterised by pitting one caste against another, and maintained since the days of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the party has been opposed to reservation. Seeking votes for the ruling Mahayuti coalition, he harped on its development agenda and sought to portray the Maha Vikas Aghadi as directionless, saying the opposition bloc resembles a vehicle without wheels or brakes with scramble among its partners to occupy the driver's seat. In his first rally at Dhule in North Maharashtra for the November 20 polls, Modi accused the Congress of pitting one caste against another and urged people to stay united. The sole agenda of the Congress party is to make one caste fight against another. They do not want SCs, STs and OBCs to progress and get their due recognition Remember, ek hai toh safe hai (We are safe if we are united), the Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart told the crowd. Notably, at his rallies, Adityanath, a senior BJP leader, has been raising the slogan of 'batenge to katenge' (if divided, we perish). Further attacking the Congress, Modi accused the Grand Old Party of being "anti-reservation" since assuming power post-independence. Since Nehru's time, the Congress and his family opposed reservation and now their fourth generation yuvraj' (prince) is working for caste divisions, he said, referring to Lok Sabha MP Gandhi. The PM also accused the INDIA bloc, of which the Congress is a key member, of wanting to take the Constitution out of Jammu and Kashmir and asserted no power in the world can restore Article 370 in the Union Territory. The PM said the Congress and its allies should not encourage the Pakistan agenda and speak the language of separatists. Only Ambedkar's Constitution will be followed in J-K .You must have seen on TV how a resolution was moved in the J&K assembly on bringing back Article 370 and when BJP MLAs protested, they were thrown out. The country and Maharashtra should understand this, Modi said. The BJP's star campaigner also accused the Congress of playing a dangerous game of dividing castes and communities. If ST (Scheduled Tribes), SC (Scheduled Castes) and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) stay united, the Congress politics will be over, he said. Recalling his affinity with Dhule and Maharashtra, Modi said whenever he has asked something from the people of the state, they have been gracious. I sought your blessings in 2014 to end the 15 years of misrule of the previous government. You graciously ensured that BJP got unprecedented success. Today, I am starting my campaign in Maharashtra from Dhule. Each and every candidate of Mahayuti seeks your blessings, he said. I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop, asserted the PM. The MVA has no intention to work for the development of people and the state and the goal of its leaders is to loot citizens, he alleged. The MVA (in power from November 2019-June 2022) put roadblocks on development projects and stopped every scheme which could have improved people's lives. The situation changed for better when the Mahayuti government was formed (in June 2022), the PM insisted. In his second rally in adjoining Nashik district, Modi sought to corner Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray president Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP's one-time saffron ally and Hindutva supporter who joined forces with "secular" Congress and the united Nationalist Congress Party in November 2019. 'For us, Marathi history, culture is a centre of faith. Savarkar is a source of inspiration. But the Congress and its allies never gave Marathi the respect it deserves. They abuse Savarkar regularly. A senior MVA leader has asked the Congress yuvraj (referring to Gandhi) to stop disrespecting Savarkar as elections are taking place here. Those who consider Savarkar as an icon are with the Congress," he said. The BJP stalwart accused the Congress of trying to weaken and divide OBCs for power, and called it a par-jeevi (parasite) which was dependent on other parties to survive. 'It is a par-jeevi (parasite) which is alive on crutches -- whether it is Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or Jharkhand (states where Congress has aligned with regional parties)," he noted. Modi said the Congress was angry with OBCs because their consolidation in the 1990s (which marked an era of Mandal politics) resulted in the party losing power. "OBCs became aware of their rights in the 1990s, it brought shutters down on the Congress and their single party rule ended. So, the Congress is angry and wants to weaken OBCs and break their unity," he maintained. Describing the Congress and its allies as "sinners", he said while the BJP and Mahayuti were giving an account of their work, the Grand Old Party has opened jhoot ki dukan (shop of lies). Polls for the 288-member assembly will take place on November 20 and results will be out three days later. Six people, including a minor, were arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student several times and video-graphing the act in Odisha's Cuttack district, police said on Friday. Image only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The woman lodged a complaint with the Badambadi police station in Cuttack, alleging that the accused people, including her boyfriend, raped her. The college student claimed that she had gone to a cafe within Purighat Police Station limits in Cuttack during the Dussehra festival to celebrate her birthday, and her boyfriend, allegedly with help of the cafe owner, captured in his phone some of their intimate moments there. They blackmailed the woman by showing her those intimate videos and raped her several times, Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena told reporters. Based on the complaint lodged on November 4, the boyfriend of the woman, the cafe owner, a boy and three others were arrested during the next two days, he said. They have been booked under various sections of the BNS, IT Act and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The police also recovered the videos from their mobile phones which were sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Bhubaneswar for examination, the officer added. Meena said in a press conference thatthe accused persons have sexually assaulted the victim twice. The DCP appealed to any woman, who is being blackmailed, to come forward and lodge a complaint without any fear and hesitation. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan in Bhubaneswar said that the government will ensure that the culprits are punished. "The government will take very strong action in Cutatck gang rape case. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on various occasions directed the police to take stringent action against people involved in crimes against women," the minister said. Efforts are on to declare Odisha a crime free state for women by 2036, the minister said. A host of weapons, possibly used during the rebellion of 1857, was found by a farmer while working in his field in the district, an official said on Friday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Borade/Pixabay.com District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh said Baburam was ploughing his field a few days ago when he stumbled upon an item resembling an iron sword. As he continued digging, the farmer uncovered a large number of weapons buried in the ground. In total, he found 23 swords, the remains of 12 rifles, a spear and a dagger, Singh told PTI. The barrels and iron parts of the rifles were all that remained with its wooden components likely consumed by termites, he said. In terms of design, the rifles appear to be matchlock guns, the DM said. The weapons have been safely kept in the storeroom of the Nigohi police station and a letter has been sent to the Archaeological Survey of India about the discovery, Singh said. Vikas Khurana, the History Department head at Swami Shukdevanand College in Shahjahanpur, suggested the weapons likely belong to the Rohilla culture of the Mughal period. The Rohillas were Afghan settlers who entered India in the 18th century, during the decline of the Mughal Empire and gained control of the upper Gangetic plains. Khurana said the weapons might have been used by revolutionaries during the 1857 uprising and they might have moved through this region to the forests of Pilibhit after fighting the the British Army. He said a victorious army never hides its arms and there is a possibility that the revolutionaries might have hidden their weapons by burying them here in the ground. Khurana also noted that one of the matchlock rifles found was still loaded with gunpowder and had been fired. This type of rifle, known as the 'Gajahi' gun in the region, was in use during the British rule, he said. President Droupadi Murmu attended the 'Day at Sea' event in Goa on Thursday, November 7, 2024. IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu on board the INS Vikrant, here and below. All photographs: Kind courtesy Rashtrapati Bhavan On board the INS Vikrant, the supreme commander of India's defence services witnessed several naval operations including a MiG 29K take-off and landing, missile firing drills from warship and submarine operations. In her address to the fleet, which was broadcast to all units at sea, the President said that India has a rich maritime history of over several thousand years. It is also blessed with a favourable maritime geography. The President said the ongoing flux in the global geo-political and security environment, especially in the maritime domain, demands that 'we continue to strengthen our naval power to safeguard and pursue our national maritime interests in the region and beyond.' 'It is through the readiness and steadfast commitment of the Indian Navy that India has ensured a safe and peaceful environment in the Indian Ocean Region.' India's maritime might has got a significant boost with the induction and operationalisation of the INS Vikrant, commissioning of India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighaat, and the addition of advanced frontline warships and cutting-edge naval infrastructure. The President said she was happy to note that going beyond the induction of women across all ranks and roles, the Indian Navy has undertaken proactive measures to leverage the complete combat potential of our women sea-warriors. The Indian Navy has appointed its first woman commanding officer on board a warship. It has also decided that the women will pilot the naval aircraft. Recently the Indian Navy has got its first woman helicopter pilot. The trader not only predicted a Trump win but also wagered on Trump's success in both the popular vote and several key swing states. IMAGE: Supporters of US President-elect Donald J Trump react after he won the 2024 presidential election in West Palm Beach, Florida, November 6, 2024. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters Everyone has heard of the nosy neighbour stereotype -- those who try to peek through your windows, eavesdrop on private conversations, and keep the community gossip mill running. What many may not have considered is that the neighbour might be best suited to predict a country's election result. This was true for the US presidential election 2024, where a mysterious figure known as the 'Trump Whale' earned nearly $50 million by betting on Donald Trump's victory. The trader, who goes by the pseudonym Theo, not only predicted a Trump win but also wagered on Trump's success in both the popular vote and several key swing states. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal through a series of e-mails, Theo explained how he defied conventional polls and why his 'ask the neighbour' approach stands out from traditional poll-based predictions. IMAGE: Trump dances after results from the presidential election come in at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, November 6, 2024. Photograph: Carlos Barr/Reuters Who is 'Trump whale' Theo? According to The Wall Street Journal, Theo is a wealthy and experienced French trader. This is all that is known about him, as he has kept his identity a mystery. Theo reportedly has a background in financial services and trading at banks, and he invested over $30 million on a crypto betting platform, Polymarket, on Trump's election win. The Trump whale has claimed that his intentions behind the bet were purely financial, without any political affiliations or agendas. Since the story first broke, he has maintained contact with a Wall Street Journal reporter, sharing insights into his methods and critiquing standard polling practices. What method did the Trump whale use to predict US polls? Theo used a polling approach he called the 'neighbour effect'. Instead of asking pollsters whom they intended to vote for, he asked them whom they believed their neighbour would vote for. The reason for this approach was that most people may feel reluctant to reveal their own political leanings but are more open to guessing the political preferences of those around them. This approach also relieved respondents from the pressure of sharing their own views and could be seen as a light-hearted exercise. Flaws and bias in traditional polling methods Theo's approach stemmed from what he perceived as bias within the traditional polling system. He believed that mainstream polls underestimated Trump's popularity, particularly in swing states. His commissioned surveys further revealed that Trump's support was stronger than traditional polls suggested, reinforcing his confidence in his unconventional bet. Theo argued that mainstream polls often cater to biases, particularly favouring Democratic candidates. This tendency, he claimed, could skew results, making public opinion appear more aligned with one candidate than it was in reality. His analysis of past election data showed Trump's tendency to outperform poll expectations in crucial regions. The 'shy Trump voter' phenomenon A key point Theo raised was the 'shy Trump voter' phenomenon. According to Theo, many Trump supporters are less likely to participate in polls or openly disclose their support. He viewed this as a systemic issue in US polling, feeling that traditional methods fail to capture the full spectrum of voter sentiment, especially in swing states. Exit polls missed the mark in Indian elections Exit polls in India have faced increasing scepticism this year, with both general election and assembly election predictions significantly missing the mark. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, exit polls overestimated the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance while underestimating the Opposition's growing influence. While it can be argued that predicting polls for a nation as large as India involves logistical challenges, state assembly election estimations also proved inaccurate. Polls predicted victories for the Opposition in some states and a hung assembly in others, yet actual results were starkly different. For instance, exit polls projected a victory for the Congress party in Haryana, suggesting an end to a decade of BJP governance. Contrary to these predictions, the BJP won 48 constituencies, while Congress secured 37. This unexpected outcome prompted the Congress to challenge the results with the Election Commission of India, alleging discrepancies in vote counting and electronic voting machines. In Jammu and Kashmir, exit polls forecasted a lead for the Congress-led alliance. However, results diverged from these predictions, with the BJP performing better than expected. Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, exit polls anticipated a comfortable win for the Congress. Yet, the BJP defied expectations, securing an unexpected victory with over 50 seats. Exit polls and polling data are crucial for gauging public sentiment before elections. When exit polls are significantly inaccurate, they can stir political controversy, especially in polarised environments. In many cases in India, losing parties have demanded investigations or re-counting to ensure accuracy. To ensure that exit polls provide accurate insights into voter sentiment, it is essential to develop better survey methodologies. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com A contractual roadways bus driver named Raju Saini climbed a mobile tower in Qaiserbagh, Lucknow as he was upset with his superiors for not clearing his salary. Find out what happened next... IMAGE: Raju Saini perched on top of the mobile tower. All photographs: ANI Photo IMAGE: Fire department and police personnel arrive to rescue Raju from the mobile tower. IMAGE: Raju tells the media why he did what he did. IMAGE: Sadly, it is a spell in the clink for poor Raju. No word if he got his wages. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he did not request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a campaign rally in his Baramati constituency because the fight there is within the family. IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar hold an election campaign in favour of party's candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Nawab Malik and candidate from Anushakti Nagar Assembly Constituency, Sana Malik for the Maharashtra Assembly election, in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo Pawar, the sitting MLA, is contesting against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, the candidate of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar. The prime minister would be holding campaign rallies for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections starting Friday. Contest in Baramati is within the family, Ajit told reporters here on Thursday when asked why the PM would not be holding a rally in his constituency. The NCP led by Ajit Pawar is part of the ruling coalition along with the BJP and Shiv Sena. Asked about NCP candidates also not seeking rallies of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders like Amit Shah in their constituencies, Pawar said it could be because there is not much time left for campaigning, and also due to the limit on election expenses. Earlier in the day, when asked what would be his margin of victory in Baramati, the NCP chief said he would be able to tell that after moving around the constituency and talking to people. But I can say with one hundred per cent certainty that it would be a good lead, he said. In the 2019 state elections, Ajit Pawar had won by a record 1.65 lakh votes, defeating BJP's Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar. At the summit of the European Political Community, issues about air defense for Ukraine were discussed, there is positive news, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "First of all, there are defense agreements to strengthen our guys. There is an issue about air defense. We discussed it. I won't go into details now. There is a positive thing there," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Budapest. 'If you can have Rampur flown magically to Pakistan's borders, I might ask the nawab to accede to Pakistan. Else, I'm afraid we have no choice in the matter but to join India.' A riveting excerpt from Mallika Ravikumar's 565 The Dramatic Story Of Unifying India IMAGE: The conference in New Delhi where then British viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten disclosed Britain's plan for the Partition of India. Left to Right: Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Ismay, adviser to Mountbatten, Mountbatten, and Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images from the Rediff Archives 'We would like Rampur,' began Liaquat Ali without beating around the bush, 'to join Pakistan.' The nawab exhaled gustily and sat back. In all their years of existence, the Muslim League had done nothing, nothing at all, for the princely states, completely ignoring the rulers and the people there. Now that Pakistan was about to take shape, they were feverishly scurrying hither and thither, making overtures to rajas and nawabs to strengthen Pakistan and weaken India. Opportunistic and loathsome were the words that sprang to the nawab's mind. Yet, he maintained a poker face and turned to Liaquat Ali. 'I do not see matters as you do,' he replied after a brief silence. 'My people are mostly Hindu. There is no question of joining Pakistan.' 'But you are a Shi'a Muslim,' Liaquat Ali pointed out, the warmth vanishing from his voice, 'and the decision, as you know, is to be taken by the ruler.' 'Liaquat Sa'ab, my state will be surrounded by Indian territory. And if that's not an obvious enough reason for you, then let me tell you that I am quite secure with the idea of being in India.' 'What a tragedy,' Liaquat Ali clicked his tongue in disapproval. 'What a tragedy that, after all that we've been through, Muslims like you should still back the Congress party.' IMAGE: Muslim League leaders in the corridor of the Central Legislative Assembly in New Delhi, 1946. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons The grandfather clock in the study chimed ten times as the two men stared at each other in awkward silence. 'Look... it is not too late,' Liaquat Ali resumed his pitch. 'As a well-wisher...I urge you to join forces with Pakistan.' 'I'm afraid that is just not possible,' replied Diwan Zaidi, in support of the nawab. 'Rampur sits in the United Provinces...in the very heart of India. It will be surrounded by India on all sides.' 'How is that of any consequence?' Liaquat Ali shot back, throwing up his hands. 'Have you forgotten the criterion of the two-nation theory? It has nothing to do with geography.' The nawab and his diwan exchanged glances. Liaquat Ali, they had heard, was mild-mannered - supposedly a contrast to the joyless Jinnah. The outburst surprised them. 'The two-nation theory, Liaquat Sa'ab, was based on the religion of the people, wasn't it?' argued Zaidi, maintaining a dignified tone. 'And the people of Rampur are overwhelmingly Hindu. How can we join Pakistan?' Cracking his knuckles furiously, Liaquat Ali looked away. IMAGE: Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first prime minister in 1945 wearing a 'Jinnah cap'. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons 'Let's say we join Pakistan...' continued the nawab, leaning forward, 'how will Pakistan aid Rampur if we were in trouble? We have no land link at all with Pakistan. Neither West nor East Pakistan is even remotely near us.' As it was, Pakistan was going to take birth in a peculiarly unusual form, with its western and eastern halves separated by over a thousand kilometres of Indian territory. Wasn't that complicated enough? 'Have faith in us, Nawab Sa'ab, we will provide you with complete moral support,' replied Liaquat Ali. Moral support? Zaidi rolled his eyes. Was that all the League had to offer? 'Look...we have a plan,' Liaquat Ali also leaned forward in his seat. 'What plan?' enquired the nawab, only half interested. 'A land corridor between East and West Pakistan,' Liaquat Ali Khan smiled slightly as he visualised the prospect. 'It will cut through India. Rampur will be connected to Pakistan via this corridor.' 'Excuse me? Do you really think Pakistan will have a corridor cutting across India?' Zaidi suppressed a disbelieving chuckle. 'You've got to be joking.' 'I am appalled by your attitude, Zaidi Sa'ab,' Liaquat Ali Khan chided the diwan. 'As a fellow Muslim, you ought to be supportive and advise the nawab to accede to Pakistan. Instead, you mock our efforts.' 'Well,' smiled Zaidi cheekily, 'if you can have Rampur flown magically to Pakistan's borders, I might ask the nawab to accede to Pakistan. Else, I'm afraid we have no choice in the matter but to join India.' Deeply offended by the impudent barb, Liaquat Ali got to his feet in a flash. 'You might find yourself in grave trouble,' he warned, waving a finger at the nawab, 'if you do not accede to Pakistan.' 'And what is that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me?' The nawab stood up to face him, unperturbed. 'You are free to take it as you like,' said Liaquat Ali, straightening his suit and topi. Threatening and shouting were not in his nature. Why, he himself was of the same nawabi stock, an aristocrat from the same region, and had been raised with the same impeccable cultural refinement as the man who stood before him. However, the meeting was clearly not proceeding according to plan and his temper was beginning to fray. 'If you desert Pakistan,' Liaquat Ali said, his face red, his jaw quivering, 'you can be sure of trouble!' Excerpted from 565 The Dramatic Story of Unifying India, by Mallika Ravikumar, with the kind permission from the publishers Hachette India. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Foggy this morning with showers developing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 62F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 51F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. On the sidelines of the summit of the European Political Community, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed military assistance, including the training of the Ukrainian Anne of Kyiv Brigade, as well as our long-range capabilities. We greatly appreciate Frances participation in most of the coalitions within the Ramstein format, and I am grateful to Emmanuel Macron for supporting the Victory Plan, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday evening. Europes unity in supporting Ukraine is essential, the head of the Ukrainian state stressed. Welcome to The Azadi Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that unpacks the key issues in Afghanistan. To subscribe, click here. I'm Abubakar Siddique, senior correspondent at RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Here's what I've been tracking and what I'm watching in the days ahead. The Key Issue The unrecognized Taliban government in Afghanistan said it wants to open a new chapter with the United States following Donald Trumps victory in the November 5 presidential election. In a statement, the Talibans Foreign Ministry said it hoped the upcoming U.S. administration will take realistic steps to foster tangible progress in the relationship between the two countries. During his first stint in power from 2017 to 2021, the Trump administration signed a deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. The agreement ended Americas longest-ever war. But critics said the accord led to the collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government and the Talibans return to power. During the campaign, Trump defended the 2020 accord as a very good agreement. But he blamed President Joe Biden for the deadly and chaotic U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. Why It's Important: Trumps return to the White House is likely to have repercussions for Afghanistan, where the worlds largest humanitarian crisis is unfolding. The United States is the biggest donor of humanitarian aid to the country, having provided around $3 billion since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. There has been a major drop in donor funding over the past two years. The sharp decline in humanitarian funding seems likely to worsen under a Trump presidency, said Graeme Smith, senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. Hameed Hakimi of Chatham House, a London-based think tank, said Trump could place conditions on U.S. aid, a move that would increase the financial and humanitarian vulnerability of the Afghan people. Experts said it is unlikely that the incoming Trump administration would reverse current U.S. policy by arming anti-Taliban groups inside Afghanistan or recognizing the Talibans government. The Republicans will do everything possible to keep Afghanistan out of the headlines, said Smith. What's Next: Afghanistan is unlikely to be a priority for the Trump administration. But a major attack on the United States or its allies emanating from Afghan soil could change that. What To Keep An Eye On An Indian diplomat traveled to Kabul for talks with senior Taliban officials on November 4-5. The Talibans defense and foreign ministers held meetings with JP Singh, who oversees the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division of Indias External Affairs Ministry. Both sides declared their common desire to expand bilateral relations, mainly in humanitarian cooperation, said a statement by the Talibans Defense Ministry. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said the two sides also discussed how the Chabahar Port can be used for imports and exports. Over the past two decades, India has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing Irans southeastern Chabahar Port and built a highway linking it to western Afghanistan. In March, the Taliban announced that it would invest around $35 million in Chabahar Port, a move aimed at decreasing landlocked Afghanistan's dependence on neighboring Pakistan. Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, longtime allies, have deteriorated sharply in recent years. Why It's Important: Singhs visit to Afghanistan signals New Delhis interest in developing relations with the Taliban. India was a key backer of the Western-backed Afghan government. But since the Talibans return to power, it has signaled a willingness to cooperate with the extremist group. The Talibans tense relations with Pakistan has offered India an opportunity to boost its influence in Kabul. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. You can always reach us at azadi.english@rferl.org Until next time, Abubakar Siddique If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday. You can always reach us at azadi.english@rferl.org US President Donald Trump has urged Russia to agree to a 30-day cease-fire, warning he would slap additional sanctions on the country if it refused the US proposal, as Moscow made more gains on the battlefield. "Russia has no way out but cease-fire. If needed we will sanction it, but I hope we won't need to," Trump told reporters at the White House on March 12. "In a financial sense we can do very unpleasant, very bad things, devastating for Russia, but I don't want to," he said. His comments come a day after Kyiv agreed to the temporary cease-fire following nine hours of talks with Trump administration officials in Saudi Arabia. Trump has made ending Russia's more than three-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine a top priority since taking office for a second term less than two months ago, quickly dispatching his top officials to Moscow and Kyiv to prepare the groundwork for peace talks. He has used Washington's significant leverage over Ukraine -- namely military aid and intelligence sharing -- to get Kyiv to agree to the cease-fire proposal, which if implemented, would leave almost 20 percent of the country in Russia's hands for the time being, at least. But Trump lacks that type of leverage with Russia, which has navigated sweeping US and European sanctions placed on its economy following the invasion much better than most experts forecasted. Putin may seek to drag out talks with the US over a cease-fire to improve Russia's position on the battlefield and hence at the negotiating table when and if Moscow and Kyiv hammer out a peace deal. As Trump spoke at the White House, Putin was visiting troops in Russia's Kursk region, where fierce fighting is currently taking place and Moscow's forces are advancing. Ukraine seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip during any peace talks. That strategy is now at risk of failing as Russian forces slowly push the Ukrainians out of Kursk. Russians forces have retaken more than half the territory initially captured by Ukraine. Putin's visit to Kursk was his first since the incursion and signals the momentum Russia has in that theater of the war. The Kremlin leader urged his troops to retake the region in its entirety "as soon as possible." Ukraine's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said that fighting continued in and around Sudzha, the largest town in the part of the region that Ukraine occupied. Unconfirmed reports on March 12 indicated that Ukraine has begun to draw back units as Russian officials claimed their troops had captured more settlements, including Sudzha. "Despite increased pressure from the Russian and North Korean forces, we will maintain the defense of the Kursk region as long as it is appropriate and necessary," Syrskiy wrote on Telegram. In a Facebook post, Syrskiy said that saving soldiers lives is a priority and that Ukrainian troops "maneuver to more favorable positions, if necessary," wording often used top describe a retreat. Concessions? Trump hinted that Ukraine would have to make concessions on land, something more and more experts say is inevitable given Russia's momentum on the battlefield. "When we talk cease-fire [with Ukraine], we talked land, who's withdrawing -- we discussed a lot of things [with Ukraine]," Trump said. "We don't want to waste time, people are dying. Russia is not in the best situation now. I hope [Putin] gets a cease-fire." Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the cease-fire proposal and said he hoped it would be used as a draft for a lasting peace deal that included security guarantees for Ukraine. "It's now up to Russia what is next," he said at a March 12 press conference, and whether "it wants to continue its aggression against Ukraine or not." On the streets of Kyiv, some Ukrainians told RFE/RL's Current Time that they doubted whether Russia would sign on to, and adhere to, a cease-fire deal. "I'm not sure what to say, but it all seems implausible, frankly speaking," said one Kyiv man, while a woman in the capital said the cease-fire talks were "meaningless without Russia taking part." Moscow has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal for the 30-day cease-fire, and it's unclear whether Putin has made up his mind on the agreement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was "carefully studying" the joint US-Ukraine statement issued following the Jeddah talks and will wait to comment until Russian negotiators receive more detailed information from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who represented the United States at the talks, said Washington "will have contact with Russians" today. Trump on March 11 said he would soon speak with Putin to secure his commitment. Mike Waltz, the White House national-security adviser, spoke with his Russian counterpart on March 12, while Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff also planned to travel to Moscow, possibly to meet Putin. CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a phone call with Sergei Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, late on March 11, the Interfax news agency reported. Rubio told reporters on March 12 in first comments since leaving the talks in Jeddah that the United States hoped to have a positive answer from Russia toward the cease-fire deal and "strongly urge[s] Russians to end all hostilities. Konstantin Kosachev, an influential lawmaker in Russia's upper house of parliament, seemed to imply that Moscow would not simply accept the US-backed ceasefire proposal but attach conditions, taking into account that Russian forces have the momentum on the battlefield. "Russia is advancing, and therefore it will be different with Russia," Kosachyov said in a Telegram post. "Any agreements (with all understanding of the need for compromise) will be on our terms, not American," he said. "And this is not boasting, but an understanding that real agreements are still being written there, on the front line. Which Washington should also understand." Rubio also said Ukraine will need a strong deterrent to prevent future attacks and that Europeans will "need to be involved in this regard." He added that further discussions would need to tackle to topic of the European Union lifting sanctions on the Russian economy. "I would imagine that in any negotiation, if we get there, hopefully with the Russians, they will raise these European sanctions that have been imposed upon them," Rubio said. Moscow has so far been against a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia's position during an interview with three right-wing US bloggers that it will under no conditions accept the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine. Minerals Deal Washington and Kyiv could sign a framework agreement as early as this week on sharing the revenue generated from Ukraine's mineral resources. Trump and Zelenskyy intended to sign the deal during their meeting at the Oval Office on February 28. However, the two got into a heated, public exchange over security guarantees for Ukraine and the meeting was abruptly ended without any deal. Rubio cautioned that he "would not couch [the] minerals deal as a security guarantee." But he added that "if the United States has a vested economic interest thats generating revenue for our people as well as for the people of Ukraine, wed have a vested interest in protecting it if it were to be challenged or threatened." The parade of comments come after Russia and Ukraine traded air attacks overnight just hours after Kyiv agreed to accept the cease-fire proposal. Two Russian missile strikes hit the central Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih on March 12, killing one person, while a separate attack killed four crew members of a cargo ship near the southern port city of Odesa. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air-defense systems shot down six drones overnight on March 12, one over Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimea and five over the Black Sea. The Krymsky Veter Telegram channel reported loud explosions and air-raid sirens over Crimean towns and near Russian military sites. The United States announced after the talks in Saudi Arabia that it would immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and restore military aid to Ukraine, which could be a boost to Ukrainian forces. Ukraine's battlefield positions have been under heavy pressure, particularly in Russia's Kursk region. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Minding The Transatlantic Gap China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine. But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing? Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments. That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years. On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States. Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration. "Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper. How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019. The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure. Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States. This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing. A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real. Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly. "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said. Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels. One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington. The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters. Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge. As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27. James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation. "A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said. China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals. What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. A Reverse Nixon? China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner. The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me. One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States. The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing. Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset. He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. 2. But Can It Work? A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late. What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia. Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed. And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began. "It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said. The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan. Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing. "Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump." 3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion. What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification. Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance. When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration. So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom. Across The Supercontinent Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer. New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia. New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system. One Thing To Watch A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed. Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel. The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit. The Head of State provided NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with an update on the battlefield situation, specifically addressing the involvement of North Korean troops in Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The President emphasized the need for a stronger response from Western nations to North Koreas new role in the Russia-Ukraine war, Zelenskyy said on the Telegram channel Thursday evening. The parties also discussed the implementation of the decisions of the NATO summit in Washington, in particular, on strengthening air defense, investments in the Ukrainian production of projectiles, drones and long-range weapons. "Ukraine needs permission to use long-range weapons at military facilities on the territory of Russia," Zelenskyy stressed. A university student in Tehran was detained and sent to a psychiatric ward after stripping down to her underwear in public. In a demonstration of support, activist Rokhsareh Mohammad Khani took similar action in London, filming herself in minimal clothing in a central square. Khani said she wanted to highlight the extreme nature of Iran's dress code and the penalties it imposes on women. As congratulations poured in from leaders around the world when it became clear that Donald Trump had won the U.S. presidency for the second time, there was no sign of a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his spokesman suggested one might never come. The Kremlin website, where such things are posted, was dominated by an account of Putins remote participation in the ceremonial launch of an atomic-powered icebreaker -- a symbol of Russias role in the Arctic, where it competes for resources with the United States and others. The signal was crystal clear, and it would have been even if Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hadnt spelled it out by saying the icebreaker launch was more important for Russians than the U.S. election. It was part of an effort by Putin, the Kremlin, and state-aligned media to portray Russia and its government as indifferent to the result of the American vote. Putin withheld comment on the U.S. election result until late on November 7, when he offered informal congratulations to Trump hours into remarks at a forum in the resort city of Sochi. Putin praised Trump, saying that he had displayed courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him in July. He said that what he called Trumps statements about a desire to restore relations with Moscow and foster an end to the Ukraine crisis a reference to the all-out war Putin launched against Russias neighbor in 2022 -- deserve attention, to say the least. The comments in Sochi seemed to support the case made by observers that the air of indifference was a smokescreen. More likely: The Kremlin was hoping for a Trump win, largely because it would put the future of U.S. support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion in doubt, or for a narrow victory for Vice President Kamala Harris, which could potentially have caused chaos in the United States if contested by Trump and his supporters. The thinking was that if Trump won, the prospects for continued -- let alone expanded -- support for Ukraine would be in jeopardy, Europe would panic, and the NATO alliance risked fraying, Russia analyst Mark Galeotti wrote in an article published by the British newspaper The i on November 6. However, even if Harris won, they anticipated that Trumps supporters would call foul and the ensuing recriminations and challenges would paralyze the new administration, Galeotti wrote. Putin, who likes to mock the West and keep it guessing about his hopes, plans, and motives, asserted in September that he favored Harris. That comment was part of what may have been a concerted effort by the Kremlin to avoid the impression that Putin and his government were hoping Trump would win. To this end, there was plenty of criticism of Trump on state TV as the U.S. campaign progressed. Speaking on state-run Channel One television in late July, military observer Dmitry Drozdenko called Trump a slave of the deep state -- he cant do anything about it, he doesnt have the power -- thats the way America is organized. In 2016, for the most part, we passionately loved Trump, a commentator said on pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyovs Internet channel in June. We even hadpeople who painted triptychs: Trump, [French far-right politician Marine] Le Pen, and [Putin]. Well, what did we get out of it in the end? WATCH: State-aligned Russian media celebrated Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election -- and the political split in U.S. society -- before official results were declared. But a Kremlin spokesman said he knew of no plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump. Once Trump won, the tone among pro-Kremlin commentators was more upbeat. But on his evening show on November 6, Solovyov cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. "We dont need fanfare. We shouldn't be too happy or celebrate it, he said. We should observe whats happening with interest and draw sensible conclusions." While Putin offered his informal congratulations in the comments on November 7, there are several reasons why he did not do so along with other world leaders on November 6 and appears not to have done so formally. For one thing, Putin has demonized the United States and portrayed Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine as part of a civilizational struggle against an aggressive and morally bankrupt West. In that context, Putin wants to avoid any impression that he is anxiously hoping for a thaw in ties with Washington, or that he is likely to soften up and make concessions on any contentious issue -- such as the war in Ukraine -- with Trump in power. The desire to appear aloof is probably even stronger following reports that Trump secretly sent COVID testing equipment to Putin during the pandemic and that the two have spoken several times since Trump left office -- something Trumps campaign denied. In addition to optics -- the desire to seem coolly impartial and unconcerned -- the Kremlins wariness may also reflect uncertainty about how, exactly, Trump will address Russias invasion of Ukraine. Criticism from Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, of the tens of billions of dollars in weapons and other aid the United States has given Ukraine under U.S. President Joe Biden has led to hopes in the Kremlin that Western support for Kyiv will dry up fast, handing Russia a huge advantage on the battlefield. And Trump repeatedly claimed during the campaign that he would engineer an end to the war very quickly if elected, sparking fears in Ukraine and among its supporters that the United States might push for a deal that gives Kyiv very little and Moscow a lot, including the territory it currently controls. But Trump has said little about how he would go about getting the sides to the negotiating table. So for now, at least, there seems to be no motive for Putin to signal that he is prepared for peace on anything other than Russias terms. Among other things, those include Russian control over five Ukrainian regions in their entirety, including parts that are not currently occupied by Moscows forces, and a permanent bar on Ukraine joining NATO. Not long before Putin spoke in Sochi, his Security Council secretary and former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, talked tough about the war in Ukraine, saying that the West is faced with a choice - to continue financing [Kyivs defense against the Russian invasion] and destroying the Ukrainian population or to recognize the current realities and start negotiating." Current Time contributed to this report. North Korea's elite "Storm Corps" soldiers might be the pride of the communist country's People's Army, but a former comrade in arms is warning that they will be cannon fodder against hardened Ukrainian troops. Hyunseung Lee spent 3 1/2 years with an artillery and reconnaissance battalion in the early 2000s. His time in the army included training for six months alongside the Storm Corps -- members of which are believed to have been deployed to Russia. Amid reports that North Korean troops have already come under Ukrainian fire in Russia's southwestern Kursk region, the 39-year-old Lee warns that even Storm Corps troops are not prepared for such a battle. "They're totally not ready," Lee told RFE/RL by telephone from the United States, where he has resided since defecting from North Korea a decade ago. North Korean men are required to join the army at the age of 17, Lee said, and usually serve 10 years. "They have never engaged in major conflict," Lee said of the troops sent to Russia. "They don't have real battle experience." Storm Coming Kyiv has said that 11,000 North Korean troops have already arrived in the Kursk region, which is partly occupied by Ukrainian troops who launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russian territory in August. Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that Russia has equipped North Korean soldiers deployed near the Ukrainian border with standard infantry weapons, including assault rifles, anti-tank missiles, and grenade launchers. Pyongyang has adopted many of Russia's weapons systems, Lee says, offering some level of familiarity to North Korean troops. But the troops sent to Russia have also received more advanced technology, according to Ukrainian intelligence, including night-vision and thermal-imaging devices as well as illuminated sights. And Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine launched in February 2022 has been a deadly testing ground for modern weaponry, including combat drones and guided bombs and missiles. Those could all pose problems for North Korean troops, who "don't really train with that equipment," Lee said. Their training since arriving in Russia has likely been "basic," Lee said, and in such a short time frame they "cannot master the drones and the high-tech equipment." And that, Lee added, will leave the North Korean troops "vulnerable" to being "easily defeated or killed." Vulnerable Position Former Ukrainian officials have suggested they could suffer casualty levels of up to 90 percent. "I would say that could be an accurate assessment. They are not well-trained, and it is a very unfamiliar environment for them," Lee said. "They have never been on foreign soil, and the Ukrainian military will use missiles and drones" against them. Lee, who co-founded the Washington-based North Korean Young Leaders Assembly to foster the development of new leaders among North Korean defectors, has taken to social media to convince North Korean soldiers "that there is no reason for you to sacrifice your lives on a foreign battlefield." Lee told RFE/RL that North Korea last sent troops to fight abroad in the Vietnam War, which ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces nearly 50 years ago. Since then, he said, North Korea has sent officers to African countries as trainers and advisers. But Lee said the number of soldiers and officers who have gained such experience abroad is very small, and that the North Korean troops deployed in Russia will be in "a completely new situation." Frontline Surprise Lee said that all military movements are top secret in North Korea, so troops were probably not told they were being sent to Russia. Only once they arrived, he said, would they "realize they will be the ones on the front line." Once there, Lee says, they would be able to draw on their minimal foreign-language education, including Russian and English. "Very basic. For example: 'Stop!' or, 'Don't shoot!' or, 'You're surrounded!'" Lee said of the rudimentary battleground phrases taught to North Korean soldiers. In a video message on social media, Lee reminded North Korean soldiers that they would not be fighting for their homeland, or even their families. And there would be virtually no financial incentive to fight. While South Korean intelligence has reportedly said that Russia will pay North Korean soldiers $2,000 per month, experts and former soldiers like Lee say that money will go to the North Korean state. "They won't be compensated," Lee said, adding that the troops are expected to follow North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's orders without question. "Their parents and family won't be compensated either," he said. All things considered, Lee believes that the North Korean troops are "highly likely" to defect, something Kyiv has been encouraging them to consider with Korean-language offers of food and housing. "If I were in the battlefield, what would be the most convincing message?" Lee said. "Voices like me, who was in the same situation, who wore the same uniform. "I can tell them, in their own language, that you guys have been deceived by the regime, and the war is not worth fighting for." Germany has deported a Tajik anti-government activist to Dushanbe despite warnings by rights groups and opposition politicians that he may face torture and imprisonment if returned to Tajikistan. Dilmurod Ergashev, 40, was handcuffed and had a black bag put over his head upon arrival in Tajikistan on November 7, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on X, citing the activist's friends. Ergashev, a member of the Europe-based opposition movement Reform and Development of Tajikistan, has lived in Germany since 2011. He was previously a member of the Group 24 opposition organization, which Tajikistan banned in 2014. A court in the Germany city of Kleve on October 28 ordered Ergashev's deportation after his repeated requests for political asylum were rejected. HRW quoted Ergashevs lawyer as saying German immigration officials had questioned whether his commitment to opposition causes was genuine. The German Interior Ministry told RFE/RL that it does not comment on individual cases. Tajik government officials did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment. Several opposition members, political activists, and others linked to anti-government movements have been jailed in Tajikistan after they were either deported or forcibly returned to Dushanbe in recent years. A Tajik court handed a 23-year prison sentence last month to Farrukh Ikromov, who was deported from Poland, Tajik opposition officials told RFE/RL. The trial was held behind closed doors and the charges against Ikromov are unknown. The opposition says he was targeted for taking part in a 2023 protest in Berlin where Tajik opposition supporters threw eggs at President Emomali Rahmon's car during a visit to Germany. In 2023, Germany deported Tajik nationals Bilol Qurbonaliev and Abdullo Shamsiddin, who were subsequently sentenced to 10 and seven years in prison in Tajikistan, respectively, in closed-door trials. Qurbonaliev, a member of Group 24, was found guilty of the dubious charge of organizing a criminal group. The activist's supporters say the allegation is "illegal" and politically motivated. Shamsiddin, the son of prominent opposition politician Shamsiddin Saidov, was convicted of attempting to overthrow the government, a charge his supporters denied. Shamsiddin was reportedly abused in custody. In 2020, Austrian authorities extradited Tajik asylum seeker Hizbullo Shovalizoda to Tajikistan at Dushanbe's request. Just three months after his forcible return, the government critic was sentenced to 20 years in jail for treason and membership in a banned organization. His supporters have denied the charges. Chilling Message Ergashev's deportation to Dushanbe has caused concern among other Tajik political asylum seekers in Europe who say they fear a similar fate amid widespread anti-migrant sentiment in Western countries. "Every time I hear about a Tajik national being deported, I fear that I will be next," an asylum seeker told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "I lived in a camp which housed many asylum seekers from different countries, and I think most of them were economic migrants. These waves of migrants coming to Europe is negatively affecting those who are genuinely seeking asylum on political grounds," the person said. Tajik opposition groups and human rights advocates have repeatedly urged foreign governments not to deport Tajiks seeking political asylum, citing Dushanbe's long-standing clampdown on political opponents. Dozens of opposition politicians have been jailed on terrorism and extremism-related charges since Group 24 and the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan were outlawed. Hundreds of others have fled the country, but Dushanbe has been relentlessly hunting down its critics, even abroad. Group 24 leader Suhrob Zafar and a prominent member of the movement, Nasimjon Sharifov, disappeared in suspicious circumstances in Turkey in early 2024. In August, Tajik authorities admitted the two men were in custody. Zafar and Sharifov were then sentenced to 30 and 20 years in prison, respectively, in secretive trials last month. Group 24 accuses the government of kidnapping the two opposition activists. Sharofiddin Gadoev, the leader of the Reform and Development movement, says the deportation cases send a negative message to those who stand against the Tajik government at home and abroad. "Such actions by Germany contribute to the strengthening of the authoritarian regime in Tajikistan and create a climate of fear among political activists," Gadoev told RFE/RL. Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by Mirzonabi Kholiqzod of RFE/RL's Tajik Service The common view is that an end to Russias war against Ukraine is nowhere in sight. But Donald Trumps election could generate a push to reach a peace deal -- with Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and others wrangling over the potential terms. Trumps victory in the November 5 presidential vote set the clock ticking, in a way, because he repeatedly said during the campaign that he would be able to end the war very quickly if elected, without even waiting for his inauguration on January 20. Russian President Vladimir Putin seized on this in his first public remarks about the U.S. election result, saying on November 7 that what he called Trumps statements about a desire to revive relations with Russia and help end the war in Ukraine deserve attention, to say the least. That comment came amid high praise from Putin for Trump: He said that the now president-elect had shown courage and acted like a man when a would-be assassin shot at him in July, and that his impression was that during his 2017-2021 term, Trump was straitjacketed and prevented from pursuing his goals. Putins words were delivered in a way that was clearly meant to seem casual and off-the-cuff. But they suggest that the Kremlin will try to leverage the change of power in the United States, and Trumps hopes of brokering peace, in a bid to further its own goals in Ukraine. Big Challenges However, theres no sign that Moscow has abandoned its stated goals, which include Russian control over five Ukrainian regions in their entirety and a permanent ban on Ukraine joining NATO. The morning after Putin made his remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov seemed eager to drive that message home. He said Putin has repeatedly mentioned that Russia is open for dialogue but that the president has never said that the goals [of the invasion] have changed. With its forces advancing in eastern Ukraine at a faster pace than they have since a few months after the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow does not seem to be in the mood for compromise. Putins Security Council chief, Sergei Shoigu, also suggested that Moscow is open to talks, but only on its own terms. "Now, when the situation in the theater of military operations is not in favor of the Kyiv regime, the West is faced with a choice -- to continue financing it and destroying the Ukrainian population or to recognize the current realities and start negotiating," Shoigu said on November 7. Thats one of the big challenges facing any bid by Trump to end the war: A cease-fire or peace on terms that satisfy Moscow would likely be seen as a defeat for Kyiv and could leave Russia in a position to threaten Ukraine and even the West. That would be hard for the White House to cast as a geopolitical victory. With Trumps inauguration 10 weeks away, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is trying to prevent that from happening. He is urging the West to deliver more weapons, to help Ukraine improve its position on the battlefield and pave the way for a just peace, warning that giving Russia what it wants would be a grave mistake. "There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions. It's unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all Europe," Zelenskiy said in a speech at a European Political Community meeting in Budapest on November 7. Rifts In The West Divisions in the West threaten to play into Russias hands. Speaking in Budapest on November 8, European Council President Charles Michel echoed Zelenskiy, saying, We have to strengthen Ukraine, to support Ukraine, because if we do not support Ukraine, this is the wrong signal that we send to Putin, but also to some other authoritarian regimes across the world. But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Trump who is also close to Putin, voiced something close to the opposite position. The situation on the front is obvious, theres been a [Ukrainian] military defeat, Orban said. The Americans are going to pull out of this war. But whether that will happen is not yet clear, despite Trumps repeated statements that the war must end, and his criticism of the tens of billions of dollars in military and other support the United States has provided Ukraine under President Joe Biden. Beyond indications that he would use the volume of aid to Ukraine as leverage in getting Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table, Trump has said little about how he would go about trying to stop the fighting, so the approach he chooses remains a crucial variable as his new term approaches. Trumps advisers have presented ideas, some of them publicly. But in a November 6 report that cited unnamed allies of Trump, The Wall Street Journal reported that he hasnt approved a specific peace plan or settled on a way to get Putin and Zelenskiy to sit at the same table and negotiate. In October, Russian troops used special ammunition loaded with dangerous chemicals 323 times in combat operations against the Ukrainian Defense Forces, 4,613 times since the beginning of a full-scale invasion, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "Along with conventional means of fire destruction, the enemy uses ammunition such as K-51 and RG-Vo, equipped with dangerous chemicals, which are riot control tools and are prohibited for use as a means of warfare. There is also a significant proportion of ammunition containing dangerous chemical compounds of an unidentified type," the General Staff said in a Telegram message on Friday. It is reported that in October 2024, the radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence units of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded 323 such cases. It is noted that with the beginning of a large-scale invasion, radiation, chemical, and biological reconnaissance units carry out direct recording of the use of dangerous chemicals on the battlefield. Since February 2023, the use of dangerous chemicals by Russians has become systemic. Some 4,613 enemy uses of ammunition loaded with dangerous chemical substances have been recorded. "By doing this, the Russian Federation grossly violates the rules of warfare, ignores the norms and obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Accumulation and Use of Chemical Weapons," the message says. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) Rapid Response Units were working to eliminate the consequences of the Russian air strike on Zaporizhia and the shelling of Mykolayivka (Donetsk region) on Thursday. An airstrike on Zaporizhia resulted in a direct hit on residential buildings. The Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team in Zaporizhia region was involved in mitigating the consequences of the attack, URCS said on Facebook. Volunteers provided first aid at the scene and evacuated six victims to medical facilities. As reported, as a result of an airstrike on Zaporizhia on November 7, nine people were killed and 42 were injured. Volunteers from the Kramatorsk branch of the Donetsk regional emergency response team of the Ukrainian Red Cross were working at the scene. They provided first aid to nine victims. The Ukrainian Red Cross team also set up an aid station to help people whose homes had been destroyed. Those affected were provided with humanitarian aid. According to the Donetsk Regional Police, as a result of the shelling of Mykolayivka, two people were killed and eight were injured. According to the National Police of Ukraine, the bombardment damaged at least five apartment buildings and four cars. A number of decisions aimed at the eventual amalgamation of the Diocese of Elphin and the Diocese of Achonry have been agreed following a series of meetings in both dioceses. Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of Achonry has, today, made the decisions reached at those meetings available to the public. The next step in the process is the establishment of a working group drawn equally from both dioceses to consider other actions that might be necessary to eventually become one diocese." It has been agreed that the two dioceses will join together for the pilgrimages to Lourdes and Knock, as well as for young-adult pilgrimages; the two dioceses will work more closely together for the formation of lay ministers and parish pastoral councils and the two dioceses will plan together for the activities of youth and young-adult ministry. It is just over six months now since the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, made known to us the decision of Pope Francis to initiate a process of closer cooperation and consultation, which is intended to lead eventually to the merging of our two neighbouring dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, said Bishop Doran. I am aware that this decision, coming when it did, left many people in the Diocese of Achonry feeling shocked and disappointed. It was difficult for the diocese to lose a young and energetic bishop. Following discussions which had taken place over a number of years, I expected that there would be some reconfiguration of the six dioceses of the Province of Tuam. My own appointment as Apostolic Administrator of Achonry took me by surprise. Since I took over responsibility for the diocese, I have been greatly encouraged by the warm welcome and support that I have received from so many people. To date, I have visited two thirds of the parishes, and I look forward to continuing those visits in the weeks and months ahead, added Bishop Doran. People have asked me why is this happening? The merging of dioceses is not new and it is not unique to Ireland. It is not easy, in a small diocese, especially with lower levels of religious practice, to find the human and financial resources required to do all that is necessary for pastoral care and good governance. Both Achonry and Elphin are small by the standards of the Church around the world. The hope is that, with our combined resources, we will be able to exercise our mission more effectively, he explained. In the period since April 2024, various consultations have taken place, including the six gatherings that took place in recent weeks. Some initial decisions have been made, reflecting what has been heard. Bishop Doran added that a working group will be established, drawn equally from both dioceses to consider what other actions might be necessary to allow us to work more effectively together and, if the process evolves further, to eventually become one diocese. " Some people have understandably asked very practical questions such as: What will the diocese be called?, where will the cathedral be? and where will the Bishop live? These questions have not yet been considered in any detail. I can say, however, that in many cases where dioceses have merged, both cathedrals have equal status. These are known as co-cathedrals. In recent weeks, we have been blessed to have six gatherings, in which approximately 500 people participated, from both dioceses. I am very grateful to all those who participated and to those who facilitated the gatherings. We promised those who came to the gatherings that we would make available a summary of all that was said. This report has now been prepared by a group of seven people from both dioceses, and I am happy to present it to you now. I hope it will be widely discussed at Parish gatherings and in family homes. This is just a beginning, concluded Bishop Doran. *The summary of feedback from gatherings held in Autumn 2024 in the diocese of Achonry and the diocese of Elphin can be found at achonrydiocese.org and elphindiocese.ie Ballaghaderreen-based Kelly Hearing Specialists Ltd have been named Business All-Star All-Ireland Independent Audiologists of the Year 2024-25 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. Founded by audiologist Anne Marie Kelly the business offers a comprehensive range of audiological services, including the latest hearing systems, professional wax removal, and tinnitus counselling. This accolade recognises the company's unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of hearing health care across Ireland, backed by over 35 years of expertise. Commenting on the accolade, Ann Marie Kelly said: "We are absolutely honoured to receive the title of Business All-Star Independent Audiologist of the Year. This award reflects our passion for providing top-tier hearing health care, and we are incredibly grateful to the All-Ireland Business Foundation for this recognition. Our mission has always been to help people create the life they want, and this accolade motivates us to continue delivering exceptional care and innovative hearing solutions to our clients." Kieran Ring, deputy chair of the AIBF adjudication board, praised the team at Kelly Hearing, stating: The results of the audit have led to the company being proudly honoured with the prestigious Business All-Star All-Ireland Independent Audiologist Of The Year 2024-25 Accreditation. This distinguished recognition highlights the company's commendable conduct in the areas of trust, commitment, performance, and customer centricity." Brady Insurance, which has offices in Carrick-on-Shannon and Dublin, is celebrating a major industry award. The long established insurance company was honoured with the 'Commercial Lines Expert Broker 2024' award at this year's Broker Expert Awards held at the Mansion House in Dublin last night. Brokers Ireland, the leading representative body for brokers, say that the annual awards "help to validate the credibility and professional standing of brokers within communities, showcasing their commitment to excellence and raising the bar in service standards". In a social media post, Brady Insurance thanked its clients for their ongoing support and to its dedicated team for their hard work and commitment to excellence. "This achievement reflects our passion for delivering the best service in the industry. Heres to continued success together!," said the message. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Missing Samosa Controversy: CID Denies Official Probe A misunderstanding led to the snack boxes being served in the IG's room, where 10-12 people shared them over tea. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Missing Samosa Controversy Latest news: A unique controversy has unfolded in Himachal Pradesh over missing samosas meant for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during an event at the state CID headquarters. Allegations emerged suggesting that a CID probe was launched to investigate the whereabouts of the snacks, sparking widespread discussion. However, CID officials clarified that no formal investigation was ordered. Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha, Director General of Himachal Pradesh CID, explained it was simply an informal query among officers about missing snack boxes. After the event, officers were having tea, and someone wondered what happened to the snacks. This was just an internal matter, now unfortunately politicized, Ojha stated. Advertisement The Chief Ministers Office also denied any official probe. Chief Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan emphasized that it was solely a CID concern and criticized the opposition BJP for amplifying the issue. "The government has not ordered any probe. The BJP is spreading false propaganda as it lacks substantial issues against the Congress government," Chauhan remarked. According to reports, CID staff initially assumed the snacks were not on the Chief Ministers menu. A misunderstanding led to the snack boxes being served in the IG's room, where 10-12 people shared them over tea. BJP spokesperson Randhir Sharma criticized the incident, saying, "This incident shows the governments focus on the Chief Ministers samosas instead of state development." The unusual samosa episode has since become a hot topic in the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh. Advertisement (For more news apart from Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Missing Samosa Controversy Latest news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Surkhi Bindi and Masculine Mentality of Politicians Critics interpreted his remarks as a display of inferiority and disregard toward women. If Punjab Pradesh Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is facing backlash over comments made about his wife, then he has likely brought this controversy upon himself. While campaigning for his wife, Amrita Warring, in the Gidderbaha assembly constituency, he humerously complained at a public gathering: What can I do? She leaves home at six in the morning applying Surkhi Bindi and returns at 11 at night. She has left my work. Find me a langari... Then we can go to weddings, bhogs, jagratas... everywhere. While Warring may have intended these words humorously, it didnt take long for critics to seize upon his seemingly outdated, male-dominated mindset. Critics interpreted his remarks as a display of inferiority and disregard toward women. This perspective remains valid regardless of Amrita Warrings own view of the comments or how harmless some may find them. Advertisement The first to express objections was Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, who labeled these remarks disrespectful to working women. He argued that leaders like Warring fail to acknowledge womens progress, continuing to see them merely as homemakers, responsible for child-rearing, cooking, and maintaining the household. The significant contributions working women make to their families and society are trivialized by leaders in such supposedly humorous comments. Though Bittus statements might be seen as political opposition, the truth in them cannot be easily dismissednot even by Amrita Warring herself. Womens struggles and achievements should not be reduced to punchlines. Women make up 51 percent of the global population, and despite political, social, economic, and family barriers, they continue to prove themselves equal to men in every field. Yet, dismissive attitudes like making headlines or neglecting work reflect a lingering insecurity in men. These phrases symbolize an unwillingness to view women as fully autonomous individuals. Advertisement Raja Warring is a member of a political party (Congress) that gave India its first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and one of its longest-serving Congress Presidents, Sonia Gandhi. With such a legacy, one would expect a leader like Warring to be mindful of his words. As this controversy unfolds, it may serve as a timely reminder for politicians and public figures to exercise restraint and respect when speaking about women, and to recognize the invaluable role women play in both public and private spheres. Energy Objectives The European Union's net greenhouse gas emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels Energy (foto: EdWhiteImages / pixabay.com) Corina Cristea, 08.11.2024, 13:23 The European Unions net greenhouse gas emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, while the GDP grew by 68% over the same period, demonstrating the continued decoupling of emissions from economic growth, policymakers say in Brussels. At the same time, the 2024 Interim Report on Climate Action, published by the European Commission, shows that in 2023 the Unions emissions decreased by 8.3% compared to the previous year a record, being the largest annual decrease in recent decades, except for the year 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 9.8%, states a press release from the Community executive. All these figures show that the Union a pioneer in the clean energy transition, and currently responsible for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions remains on track to meet its commitment to reduce emissions with greenhouse effect by at least 55% by 2030. The data are encouraging globally, last year a record level of green energy entered the system, including a renewable energy capacity of over 560 gigawatts, announced the International Agency for Energy. However, clean energy generation is not keeping pace with increasing global electricity demand, warns the agency, which also notes that in recent weeks, geopolitical uncertainties have kept prices volatile, highlighting the vulnerability of Europes supply. In all this context, Romania can consider that it has a privileged position it benefits from rich energy resources, including in the Black Sea, and the offshore resources of natural gas and wind energy can contribute to its transformation into a regional energy hub, a pillar of energy security in the region. With a production of 2.3 billion cubic meters of gas in the second quarter, Romania, dethroning the Netherlands, became the largest gas producer in the European Union. Here is George-Sergiu Niculescu, president of the National Energy Regulatory Authority: First of all, this could not happen without a sustained investment effort by the companies that produce natural gas in Romania, because we all know that natural gas fields register a natural decline in production every year; as you exploit a deposit for a longer time, it empties, and the natural gas remaining in the deposit is harder to bring to the surface. But Romgaz, the Romanian state company, made a commitment and, through an effort supported by investments, managed to initially maintain the production of natural gas, that is, to practically reduce the natural decline through investments, and at the moment succeeded through investments to increase the production of natural gas. We must not forget that from 2022, from June, we have an additional billion cubic meters entering the national transport system through the investment of the Black Sea Oil&Gas company, which extracts gas from the Black Sea. What advantages can this leading position at the European level bring to Romania? Again, George-Sergiu Niculescu, president of the National Energy Regulatory Authority: What do these things mean for us? First and foremost, the position of regional leader, most importantly, the largest producer of natural gas at the EU level gives you the opportunity for your energy policies, which you make at the level of Romania, to influence the region. Your voice is much stronger among the decision-makers in Brussels and then our needs, the needs of the Romanian economy, the needs of domestic consumers in Romania can be better satisfied by these policies by positioning Romanias resources, especially the natural gas we are talking about, as a fuel that is accessible and is as present as possible at the level of domestic consumers. A European Commission report recently showed that the Unions dependence on Russian gas dropped from 45% in 2021 to only 15% in 2023, that is, Europe now receives about 12 billion cubic meters per year of Russian gas, while some 2-3 years ago it received 155 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Russia. And the downward trend of this dependence continues. The President of NERA: I have seen how toxic this concubinage relationship is, or was, between natural gas from the Russian Federation and European economies. This thing must give us food for thought, we must learn from recent history, and Romania has the chance to be 100% independent from any kind of imported natural gas. In 2027, I am sure that we will have natural gas extracted from the Neptune Deep field entering the national transportation system. Romania has interconnection capacities with all its neighbors, totaling 3,300 MW of export capacity and 2,900 of import capacity, says George-Sergiu Niculescu but, in order for the energy to circulate without any kind of obstacle, from the cheapest source of production to the place of consumption, would mean that all the states in the region do their job as well as Romania did. EPC meeting in Budapest European leaders discussed in Budapest the current security challenges facing Europe, as well as migration and economic security. Klaus Iohannis, at the EPC summit (Budapest, Hungary) Daniela Budu, 08.11.2024, 14:00 European leaders met in Budapest to discuss security challenges facing Europe, with an emphasis on the situation in Ukraine, as well as the issues of migration and economic security. At the fifth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), they evoked the significant impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on the entire continent and also at the global level. The officials emphasized the need for coordinated action at the European level to continue supporting Ukraine, which is fighting for the defense of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the talks held in a restricted format within the working group on migration, the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, present at the meeting in Budapest, drew attention to the fact that migration remains an important challenge at the European level, which requires a common and comprehensive response. According to a press release from the Presidential Administration, he emphasized that developments regarding migration continue to be alarming against the background of the conflict in the Middle East and the continuation of the war in Ukraine. Thus, Klaus Iohannis spoke about the importance of an effective implementation at the EU level of the Pact on migration, a tool that can also prove useful in the relationship with partners outside the EU. At the same time, Klaus Iohannis mentioned that Romania is already implementing some of the provisions of the Pact, through the Pilot Project carried out on the border with Serbia, which proved to be an example of good practices in terms of returns, asylum procedures and the prevention of illegal migration. Also, the head of state referred to the importance of regional operational cooperation, which, he says, proves to be an effective tool for effective management of the phenomenon. In this context, Klaus Iohannis pointed out that Romania remains committed both to implementing effective measures in terms of migration management and to ensuring the security of the EUs external borders and to fully assuming its role as a member state applying the Schengen acquis. In this sense, he reiterated that for Romania, the completion of the process of joining the free travel area reflects the firm commitment to the European project. On the other hand, at the meeting devoted to supporting the Republic of Moldova, which took place on the sidelines of the EPC meeting, Klaus Iohannis appreciated, together with the other European leaders, the reform efforts of the last period in Chisinau, materialized in constant progress, despite the challenges generated by threats from Russia. He also emphasized the need to maintain the speedy pace of reforms, the high degree of institutional vigilance, as well as the application of the lessons learned during the current elections and in the perspective of the parliamentary elections in 2025. The other European leaders also declared their firm support for the Republic of Moldova, after the presidential election and the referendum that confirmed its European course. Moreover, at the end of the meeting, the participants pledged to continue their support for Chisinau to achieve its goals of peace and democracy. (LS) Japan will on Friday release September figures for household spending, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Spending is expected to sink 0.7 percent on month and 1.8 percent on year after adding 20 percent on month and falling 1.9 percent on year in August. Japan also will see September figures for its leading and coincident indexes; in August, they were down 2.4 percent and 3.2 percent on month, respectively. Malaysia will see September data for industrial production and unemployment; in August, production was up 4.1 percent on year and the jobless rate was 3.2 percent. Taiwan will provide October numbers for imports, exports and trade balance. In September, imports were up 17.4 percent on year and exports rose an annual 4.5 percent for a trade surplus of $7.12 billion. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Fourteen out of 222 criminal proceedings on Russian war crimes against the environment have been provisionally qualified as an ecocide, said Svitlana Hrynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. "More than 6,000 cases of environmental damage as a result of the war have already been recorded. The Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) is investigating 222 criminal proceedings on war crimes against the environment, 14 of them are preliminarily qualified as ecocide (Article 441 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)," Hrynchuk said in an interview with InterfaxUkraine. According to her, Ukraine has already begun the process of registering cases of harm to nature in the International Register of Damages, and its partners agree that this work should be aimed not only at compensating for damage to Ukraine, but also at developing international mechanisms to prevent cases of ecocide and environmental damage from military actions in the future. "It is clear that this process is not fast. But we can become the first country in the world to work out approaches that will be useful to the international community," the minister stressed. European stocks drifted lower on Friday as China's top legislative body - the National People's Congress (NPC) - approved the State Council's proposal to increase local government debt limit by $838 billion after a week-long session. There was some disappointment as the hotly anticipated stimulus was not as broad or immediate as initially presumed. The pan European STOXX 600 dropped 0.2 percent to 509.11 after rising 0.6 percent on Thursday. The German DAX dipped 0.3 percent, France's CAC 40 shed half a percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was down 0.3 percent. Eurozone bond yields dipped after a busy week of central bank meetings and amid the collapse of the German government. Germany's opposition leader Friedrich Merz has accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz of seeking to delay an early election until March purely for party political advantage. Merz not only rejected Scholz's approach and reiterated his demand for a January vote, given that Europe's biggest urgently needs additional measures to restore meaningful growth. In corporate news, Vistry Group shares plummeted 16 percent. The British housebuilder announced today that it has revised down its expectations for annual adjusted profit before tax because of issues in its South Division, adjustments in other regions, and reduced expectations for completions. Property portal Rightmove edged up slightly after releasing its first trading update since rejecting the final of four takeover offers by Australia's REA Group. AstraZeneca rallied nearly 2 percent. It was said the Phase III WAYPOINT study of AstraZeneca and Amgen's Tezspire in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps met its both co-primary endpoints. British Airways-owner IAG jumped almost 7 percent after reporting a bigger-than-expected quarterly profit. Cartier owner Richemont tumbled 4 percent after posting a 20 percent drop in net profit for the first half of the year. French rivals LVMH, Kering and Hermes were down 2-3 percent. German telecom service provider Freenet surged 6 percent after lifting its full-year outlook. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine caused by the ongoing Russian invasion, the head of the UN atomic energy agency has said that safety at the country's largest nuclear power plant "remains a deep source of concern". Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which is also Europe's biggest nuclear energy facility, has been under Russian control since shortly after it launched a full-scale military campaign in February 2022. In recent days, an IAEA expert team crossed the frontline to replace colleagues at the Zaporizhzhya plant who have been monitoring nuclear safety and security since September 2022. The presence of the "IAEA Support and Assistance Mission" at ZNPP and four other nuclear facilities is meant "to help prevent a radiological accident during the military conflict", IAEA said in a statement. "We will stay at these sites for as long as it is needed to help avert the threat of a nuclear accident that could have serious consequences for human and the environment in Ukraine and beyond," said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. "As the nuclear safety and security situation remains highly challenging, our experts are continuing to play a crucial stabilizing role at all these facilities." Media reports indicated ongoing fighting and drone attacks in the vicinity of the Zaporizhyzhya plant in southeastern Ukraine. The agency's teams reported that the safety and security at Ukraine's four other nuclear plants - Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl - are "being maintained despite the effects of the ongoing conflict, including air raid alarms for several days over the past week". For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The White House has announced that President Joe Biden will travel to Peru and Brazil next week. Biden will travel to Peruvian capital Lima from November 14-16, where he will meet with President Dina Boluarte to reinforce the strong U.S.-Peru bilateral relationship, the White House said. While in Lima he will also participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he will highlight U.S. economic leadership and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden will then travel to Manaus and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from November 17-19. While in Manaus, President Biden will visit the Amazon rainforest to engage with local, indigenous, and other leaders working to preserve and protect this critical ecosystem, the first such visit of a sitting U.S. President. In Rio de Janeiro, Biden will meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the margins of the G20 and reinforce U.S. leadership on workers' rights and clean economic growth. "During the G20, President Biden will demonstrate the strong value proposition of the United States to developing countries and lead the G20 to work together to address shared global challenges like hunger and poverty, climate change, threats, and developing country debt burdens," the White House said in a press release. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Honda to Launch Its Much-Awaited Electric Scooter in India on November 27, 2024 New teaser confirms Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is gearing up for a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainable mobility with the launch of its first electric scooter on November 27, 2024. This eagerly anticipated model is expected to be named the Activa Electric or eActiva, drawing on the legacy of Hondas immensely popular Activa lineup, which has been a household name in India for decades. Honda Electric Scooter For India The upcoming electric scooter will mark Hondas official entry into the competitive Indian electric two-wheeler market, where it will face established rivals such as the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and the Ather 450X. With its longstanding reputation for reliability and performance in the ICE segment, Hondas electric venture has generated substantial excitement among consumers and industry experts alike. The Activa Electric or eActiva is expected to offer performance on par with a 110cc ICE scooter, ensuring that it appeals to the mass market. It is likely to deliver a range exceeding 100 km on a full charge, thanks to its dual Honda Mobile Power Packs. These swappable batteries are designed to provide flexibility and convenience, allowing users to extend their range without lengthy charging times. Hondas first electric scooter is anticipated to include advanced connectivity features such as OTA (over-the-air) updates and navigation aids that guide users to nearby charging stations. This aligns with Hondas focus on practical, user-friendly technology that meets the evolving needs of urban commuters. Hondas focus on leveraging its existing ICE technology for modularization will be a key differentiator, potentially allowing it to keep production costs low and offer a competitive price point. Additionally, Hondas decades of experience in the two-wheeler industry lend it a strategic advantage as it sets its sights on capturing a significant share of the growing EV market. Future Prospects and Strategy The launch of the Activa Electric represents the first phase of Hondas long-term strategy, which extends up to 2026. This period will see Honda introducing multiple models that utilize existing ICE assets to balance cost and innovation. By 2026, Honda plans to transition to a more expansive business phase with next-gen battery technologies and enhanced features. Beyond 2030, Honda envisions a full-scale growth phase for its electric two-wheeler lineup, characterized by more sophisticated models and widespread adoption. The upcoming Activa Electric is expected to set the stage for Hondas ambition to become a leading brand in the electric two-wheeler segment, not only in India but also globally. A New Chapter in Hondas Journey With the November 27 launch date set, the countdown has begun for Hondas much-awaited electric debut in India. This step forward signifies Hondas commitment to sustainability and innovation, building on its storied legacy while embracing the future of mobility. Photo: https://t.me/Koord_shtab/8996 The bodies of another 563 fallen defenders have been repatriated to Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said. "In particular, it became possible to repatriate the bodies of 320 defenders who fell on the Donetsk axis and 89 fallen fighters from the Bakhmut axis. Also, 154 bodies were returned from the morgues on the territory of Russia," the Coordination HQ said on the Telegram channel on Friday. The fallen defenders were repatriated due to cooperation of the Coordination HQ with the Joint Center of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine, the Office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretariat of the Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU, the Central Department of Civil-Military Cooperation), the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and other representatives of the security and defense sector of Ukraine. "Special thanks to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance," it said in the message. The AFU will transport the repatriated bodies and remains to certain government agencies. Law enforcers and forensic experts will identify the deceased. Sedimentary mineral deposits found on the surface of Mars may have been left by an ancient sea 3.5 billion years ago. New results from Chinas Tianwen-1/Zhurong mission suggest the presence of features consistent with a coastline in the southern Utopia Planitia and provide further evidence for the existence of a short-lived ocean early in the planets history. The hypothesis of the existence of a Martian ocean in the northern lowlands remains an intriguing open question about the early stages of the planets evolution, said Dr. Bo Wu of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and colleagues. The existence of the ocean may have significantly influenced the climate and atmosphere of early Mars and left geological records of its presence. Chinas Mars rover Zhurong, onboard the Tianwen-1 probe, successfully landed in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021. This region has long been hypothesized to be a part of an ancient ocean that once covered the northern lowlands. In the study, Dr. Wu and co-authors analyzed data retrieved from the Tianwen-1 orbiter and the Zhurong rover to provide estimates of the surface ages and mineral compositions of material found in southern Utopia Planitia. They identified distinct geomorphological features such as troughs and sediment channels consistent with a nearshore zone, suggesting a possible formation event involving flooding approximately 3.68 billion years ago. In this scenario, a short-lived frozen ocean formed a coastline, with the ocean surface likely freezing and disappearing approximately 3.42 billion years ago. Different types of water-related geomorphological features were separated by specific topographic contours, suggesting different types of marine environments, the researchers said. The area was subdivided into a foreshore highland-lowland transition unit, a shallow marine unit and a deep marine unit. In situ observations including sedimentary deposit rocks, water-related lamination features, and subsurface sedimentary layers, also indicate past water activities. Results suggested an evolution scenario of the nearshore zone in southern Utopia: (i) flooding of the Utopia Planitia in Late Noachian around 3.65-3.68 billion years ago reached the foreshore unit; (ii) formation of the shallow and deep marine units after the flooding was completed by about 3.5 and 3.42 billion years ago in Early Hesperian, respectively; (iii) gradual loss of subsurface volatiles during the Amazonian epoch. The study appears in the journal Scientific Reports. _____ B. Wu et al. 2024. A probable ancient nearshore zone in southern Utopia on Mars unveiled from observations at the Zhurong landing area. Sci Rep 14, 24389; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75507-w Photo: https://www.facebook.com/orbanviktor A new U.S. administration led by Donald Trump will cease providing support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said, according to Associated Press. "The situation on the front is obvious, there's been a military defeat [of Ukraine]. The Americans are going to pull out of this war," he said ahead of an informal meeting of the EU heads of states and governments in Budapest on Friday. According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, if Trump had won in 2020 "these two nightmarish years wouldn't have happened." The Russian war against Ukraine can easily end if the U.S. administration under Donald Trump is guided by a solution-based approach, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak reports. "If in the Trump era we see the U.S. administration that approaches the issue from a settlement perspective, we can easily end this war. More weapons, more bombs, more chaos and conflicts will not end this war. More dialogue, more diplomacy, more reconciliation will open the door to peace," Erdogan said while speaking to reporters on board a plane returning from Budapest. He said Turkey is "a country that has managed to bring both sides to the same table." "We have done this many times and we can do it again. This war must end now," Erdogan said. According to him, Turkey has focused on achieving peace and will continue to do so. "We hope that in the new period we will be able to start from scratch and achieve a peace in which all conflicts and wars will cease," the Turkish leader said. In his opinion, Trump's election as the U.S. president will have a serious impact on the political and military balance in the Middle East. In addition, Erdogan said that he invited Trump to Turkey. "I hope that he will accept our invitation and thereby strengthen cooperation between Turkey and the United States," he said. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ The Russian occupation forces are particularly active on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove axes, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has said in a frontline update as of 4 p.m., reporting 114 combat clashes along the entire front line. "The enemy uses all forces and means to achieve its goals. The defense forces act professionally and effectively, inflict heavy losses on the enemy," it said on the Telegram channel on Friday. Most of the combat clashed were recorded on the Kurakhove axis 32, 18 of which have already been repelled. Fierce fighting continues. On the Pokrovsk axis, the occupiers made 24 attempts to dislodge the Ukrainian defenders from their positions since the beginning of the day. The defense forces repelled 19 enemy attacks, and five combat clashes continue. On the Kharkiv axis, the occupiers conducted two assault operations, nine on the Kupyansk axis, and nine on the Lyman axis. There is one ongoing battle in the area. On the Siversk axis, the defense forces repulsed one enemy attack, and one more battle continues. On the Kramatorsk axis, fighting continues in the Bondarne area. On the Toretsk axis, four combat clashes were recorded. On the Vremiv axis, six combat clashes occurred, two of which is still ongoing). One attack was recorded on each the Orikhiv and Prydniprovsky axis. The EU will discuss with allies, including the United States, steps to achieve a just peace in Ukraine, but the main principle is "nothing about Ukraine without Ukrainians," European Council President Charles Michel said. "Since the beginning of this full-scale invasion, the we have always followed one important principle 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukrainians.' And this is still a very important principle for the future, point one" he said at a press conference after an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government in Budapest on Friday. Michel is confident that "if we would signal to the Kremlin that they are weak, and if we do not understand that strengthening Ukraine means strengthening ourselves, then we will give the wrong signal to other regimes of the rest of the world, that they attempt to violate international law." "We intend to work with all our allies, our partners, including, for sure with the United States, so that we can take the right steps for a just peace based on the principles of the UN Charter. But, again: nothing about Ukraine without Ukrainians," he said. Asia Pacific stocks ended the week on a soft note after officials in Beijing refrained from more fiscal stimulus. Instead, China's National People's Congress unveiled a $1.4trn debt swap to help local governments refinance hidden debt. Some economists believed that Chinese officials were waiting for the new US administration to actually move on trade tariffs before acting. Talk in markets was of a possible 60% levy on China's exports to the US, which would hit bilateral trade very hard. The Shanghai Stock Exchange's Composite Index ended down by 0.53% at 3,452.30, alongside a 1.07% decline on the Hang Seng to 20,728.19. In parallel, the Greenback added 0.42% against the yuan to hit 7.1721. Japan's Nikkei-225 fared better, edging up 0.3% to 39,500.37. Stock benchmarks in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan were up as well, but South Korea's Kospi index dipped 0.14% to 2,561.15. "Will [Donald Trump] soften his stance or bring back his hardline America First agenda? That remains to be seen, but one things certainChina won't be throwing around cash unless there's a clear endgame in sight," said Stephen Innes. managing partner at SPI Asset Management. "At this point, the economic light at the end of the tunnel is starting to look suspiciously like an oncoming train rather than an exit." Kharkiv regional emergency response team of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is participating in the elimination of the consequences of the Russian airstrike on Kharkiv. "Together with the rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, employees of the National Police... and dog handlers, volunteers conducted a survey of nearby areas and went door-to-door to identify victims," the URCS said on Facebook on Friday. The URCS volunteers unlocked the doors of apartments and helped people evacuate. In addition, they provided first aid to the wounded and handed them over to doctors. Volunteers from the "Mental Health and Psychosocial Support" department provided first psychological aid to the victims. As reported, as a result of one of the guided air bombs dropped by the Russian Armed Forces at night, some 24 people were injured in a 12-story residential building in Saltivsky district of Kharkiv. There is also damage in Shevchenkivsky district of the city. AstraZeneca has announced positive high-level results from a phase III for its Texspire treatment for nasal polyps. The company said results from the WAYPOINT trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of Tezspire (otherwise known as tezepelumab) compared to a placebo in adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, showed a "statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the size of nasal polyps and reduced nasal congestion compared to placebo". Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps can lead to obstructions in the nasal passage, resulting in disturbances in smell, taste and sleep as well as pain and fatigue. "The impressive data from the WAYPOINT trial demonstrate tezepelumab's potential as a new treatment for patients whose lives are disrupted by this debilitating disease," said Joseph Han, the co-primary investigator in the trial. Sharon Barr, executive vice president of biopharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, said the company was "excited by the positive results". "These results reinforce that tezepelumab's first-in-class mode of action, targeting TSLP at the top of the inflammatory cascade, effectively addresses the multiple drivers of epithelial-driven inflammatory diseases." Shares in Serco fell 8% after it was revealed that the company had lost a long-running Australian immigration detention centres contract while simultaneously warning of rising labour costs. The public sector-focused outsourcing group said it has been unsuccessful in rebidding for the contract with Australia's Department of Home Affairs for the provision of onshore immigration detention facilities and detainee services a contract that it has repeatedly won since 2009 which would have contributed 165m in revenue in 2025. Serco also said that changes to employer national insurance contributions announced in last week's autumn budget will increase labour costs by 20m a year from next year, causing shares in sector peer Mitie to also tank 9%. Last week's announced tax changes in the autumn budget mean that the earnings threshold at which employers start paying national insurance contributions will fall from 9,100 to 5,000, while the rate being paid will rise from 13.8% to 15.0%. The new rules, set to kick in in April 2025, were also the reason why pub and restaurant owner Mitchells & Butlers and bakery chain Greggs were falling sharply. Deutsche Bank downgraded its ratings on both stocks, saying that the new tax changes disproportionately impact a "labour-intensive leisure sector". M&B was cut to 'hold', while Greggs was lowered to 'sell'. Burberry was also lower, falling in sympathy with the rest of the luxury sector after a disappointing set of results from Swiss luxury accessories firm Richemont, which blamed weak conditions in China for a fall in quarterly sales. Leading the upside was Wood Group as its stock attempted to recover after more than halving the previous session following the news that the engineering services group is bringing in Deloitte to conduct a review of the business. The review, which will focus on certain contract write-offs could result in prior-year restatements, the company said. Great Portland Estates was also performing well after Citi upgraded its stance on the real estate group to buy, saying it was the most attractive time to buy in the last decade. FTSE 250 - Risers Wood Group (John) (WG.) 57.30p 14.97% Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 1,511.00p 9.81% Endeavour Mining (EDV) 1,666.00p 4.06% TI Fluid Systems (TIFS) 170.20p 3.15% Great Portland Estates (GPE) 313.00p 2.29% Lancashire Holdings Limited (LRE) 674.00p 2.28% Helios Towers (HTWS) 108.60p 2.26% Essentra (ESNT) 157.20p 1.95% Raspberry PI Holdings (RPI) 335.40p 1.95% NB Private Equity Partners Ltd. (NBPE) 1,596.00p 1.92% FTSE 250 - Fallers Mitie Group (MTO) 108.20p -9.23% Serco Group (SRP) 162.40p -8.46% Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 234.00p -7.33% Burberry Group (BRBY) 813.60p -6.55% Close Brothers Group (CBG) 205.60p -6.29% Foresight Environmental Infrastructure Limited (FGEN) 79.60p -6.13% Greggs (GRG) 2,638.00p -5.99% Trainline (TRN) 399.40p -4.17% Ninety One (N91) 161.70p -3.75% BlackRock World Mining Trust (BRWM) 532.00p -3.62% In Eurotrash, the acutely observed, acerbic novel by Christian Kracht (The Dead), translated from the German by Daniel Bowles, a middle-aged man takes his octogenarian mother on a road trip. Kracht's narrator, a writer named Christian, spends much of the novel gazing at the wasteland of his family's past, wondering "how it had even been possible to succeed in extricating [himself] from [his] family's misery and mental illness," and become "a halfway normal human being." He's consumed by the legacy of his grandfather, an officer in the SS who resisted denazification. Christian's childhood is catnip for Europhiles: a chalet in Gstaad adorned with priceless art, a summer home in St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, nights spent at media mogul Axel Springer's house in Kampen on the island of Sylt. However, there's rot at its core. His father, now dead, treated accumulating wealth and therefore power as his sole aim in life. Christian, who sees a connection between money and garbage, observes the world through a finely tuned lens of class. Christian describes his alcoholic, ostensibly mentally ill mother as "caught in a spider web of resentment, fury, and loneliness," noting her taste for cheap wine, storage units for furs, and closets full of unworn Ferragamo shoes. He visits her every other month in Zurich, where she usually asks for a story. This time, however, Christian veers from the usual visit by ordering a taxi and embarking on a tour of his childhood, after a stop at a disappointing commune. Along the way of this biting family portrait, Christian's mother delightfully complicates his understanding of her mental capacities. --Nina Semczuk, writer, editor, and illustrator Magda Eklund is equal parts avoidant and ornery, and her wry humor propels a novel of identity, sexuality, and grief. Author Anna Montague deftly lightens the mood while digging into weighty subjects in her first novel, How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? When her best friend, Sara, dies, New York City psychiatrist Magda is left with the unresolved conflicts of a relationship cut short. Sara's character, portrayed in absentia, comes through in vibrant, complex shades--full of energy and love, but with an impatient, sometimes cruel edge. As Magda sifts through her friend's possessions, she finds Sara's plan for the two of them to take a road trip for Magda's upcoming 70th birthday. She puts her work with a collection of hilariously irritating yet endearing patients on hold to complete the wide-ranging trip, with urn in hand. The novel follows Magda as she meets a series of memorable characters, such as the owners of a bed-and-breakfast. Barb is amiably determined to be a good host and tries to rein in her partner, Nancy, who continually rags on therapy and the medical profession in general. "Doctors are there to make you miserable," Nancy asserts at one point. Eventually, Barb reveals that Nancy was forced into "conversion therapy," a poignant note in the novel's exploration of sexuality. Magda gradually circles the conflicts she's been avoiding and cautiously approaches her own unacknowledged desires, making this a cathartic read. How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? is quiet and thoughtful, taking readers on an introspective journey complete with humor, redemption, and road-trip coffee. --Carol Caley, writer The herbaceous liquor known as "the Green Fairy" has an unrivaled cachet as the spirit that inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, although it was banned internationally in the early part of the 20th century. Evan Rail's The Absinthe Forger is a captivating narrative nonfiction exploration of an intricate fraud that sent shockwaves through the world of absinthe aficionados. Through Rail's interviews with experts, collectors, and law enforcement, a vivid picture emerges of the forger and the lengths he went to perpetrate his fraud. He was a shadowy figure of disputed nationality residing in London; many in the community had met him and his expertise was unquestioned. The scam: he'd buy old empty bottles online from the "pre-ban" era, age corks by charring them, and fill the bottles with a mixture of contemporary absinthe and other herbs. Then he'd claim to have discovered a cache of the good stuff in some newly accessible palazzo cellar. But a gang of absinthe lovers eventually started matching these "recently discovered" bottles being sold to collectors as "pre-ban" by their distinguishing markings, label tears, and stains. With a keen eye for the absurd and a matching mastery of detail, Rail, a food writer with bylines in the New York Times and Saveur, weaves an engrossing study of the culture of absinthe. The Absinthe Forger is a compelling, more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts read for anyone interested in true crime, food, drink and cocktail culture, or the fascinating subculture of rarities collection. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash. Individually, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White are historical-fiction-writing forces; working together (All the Ways We Said Goodbye; The Lost Summers of Newport), they're a power throuple. In The Author's Guide to Murder, their foray into contemporary mystery, each brings her own strength to the story--just like the three women they've brought to vivacious life on the page. The novel opens with a crime scene at Kinloch Castle, located on a remote Scottish island. American novelist Brett Saffron Presley has been found facedown in a puddle of mead, an antler from a decorative stag's head in his back. Presley was renting out the castle for a writers' retreat attended by three Americans collaborating on a book: Cassie Pringle, cozy-mystery writer and stress baker; Emma Endicott, author of "historic bio-fics about unknown women," which are popular with university libraries if not the general public; and Kat de Noir, who knows she's wasting her advanced degree in sex by writing about "deeply cliched sexy demons" to pay the rent. Naturally, the women become the main suspects in Presley's murder. It's a sublime premise harboring a few terrific gasp-making reveals. While there's ultimately a serious topic at the novel's heart, The Author's Guide to Murder ceaselessly spoofs writerly egotism and publishing-world gimmickry (the women consider calling their book Fifty Shades of Plaid). In an impressive sleight of hand, Williams, Willig, and White, who know something about writing romance, manage to send up the tawdry bodice ripper while simultaneously paying it lovingly steamy tribute. --Nell Beram, author and freelance writer Marguerite Sheffer won the Iowa Short Fiction Award for her inventive debut collection, The Man in the Banana Trees. Technology and art are major themes, and the 18 short stories here, half of which are flash length, incorporate speculative elements to explore how the past--and the dead--might persist. Sheffer draws on history or envisions an alarming near-future--or both within four pages, as in "The Unicorn in Captivity," which strings together moments in the life of a tapestry from a French chateau. In 2073, the "children of the sunken city," viewing it behind plexiglass, marvel more at the background foliage than the legendary creature. "At the Moment of Condensation" features drones in a teardrop formation carrying upturned umbrellas to collect water. In a drought-ridden future where corporations monopolize airspace to harvest rain, the act is both protest and performance art. Several stories are voiced by teachers contemplating their responsibility to a certain student--like a boy objecting to the status quo during a staging of The Nutcracker composed of "white Victorian children and... mostly Black and Latino mice." In the title story, set in Covid-era New Orleans, a woman miscarries twins. Although this seems like one of the most realistic stories in the book, she imagines the title character, a Rumpelstiltskin-like imp, ushering in disasters. Here and elsewhere, Sheffer dabbles in magic realism and horror. Sheffer moves between time periods and genres with aplomb, exhibiting variety and verve. Her final paragraphs and lines, in particular, are killer. This terrific collection should attract fans of Megan Mayhew Bergman, Alexandra Chang, and Louisa Hall. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader and blogger at Bookish Beck Technologies from China and Iran are being used by Russia on the battlefield in the war against Ukraine, and this shows that the security of the Indo-Pacific region and Europe are interconnected, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "What I think is more important that we discuss with our American friends also the fact that Russia is not only a threat to Europe, but a threat to global security as a whole," she said at a press conference after an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government in Budapest on Friday. According to von der Leyen, Russia is not only an autocratic state that threatens democracies, but also a state that is increasingly uniting with other countries such as Iran, North Korea, and together with China, fueling this war. "I think this is an argument where we also have to be also very clear with our American friends. We see that technology from China and Iran is used by Russia on the battlefield. This shows that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Europe are interconnected. And so the European and the United States' interests in this cause [are also interconnected]," the President of the European Commission said. In Jade Beer's fourth novel, The Memory Dress, a very special gown brings together themes of love, loss, and the complexities of friendship. Told in the alternating voices of Jayne and Meredith, neighbors in a posh Bath apartment building, Beer's narrative examines the limits of memory, the challenges of loving someone with an incurable illness, and the unexpected ways community can emerge. Quiet and introverted, Jayne is content living on her own. But an unexpected encounter with her downstairs neighbor, Meredith, piques Jayne's curiosity and leaves her both intrigued and worried. Meredith is pleasant, but she seems lonely and confused, wondering where her husband, William, has disappeared to. When Jayne sees the chaos in Meredith's apartment, she grows even more concerned. But when she spots a sumptuous pink silk dress tossed over a chair in Meredith's bedroom--a couture creation worn by Princess Diana--Jayne becomes determined to uncover some answers about Meredith, the gown, and the connection between the two. Beer (The Last Dress from Paris) stitches her story together with the alternating threads of Meredith's career working for London designer Catherine Walker in the 1980s and Jayne in 2018 as she searches for William, probes Meredith's memory for the missing stories, and enlists her neighbors to help Meredith navigate the details of daily life. Beer sensitively explores the challenges of mental illness, the gifts (and the limits) of community, and the power of emotional bonds to change a person's life. The Memory Dress is a tribute to unlikely friendships, enduring love, and the history contained in every stitch of an exquisitely crafted garment. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams The first phase of home voting for voters above 85 years of age and disabled voters in five constituencies for the Assembly bypolls in Rajasthan was completed. Chief Electoral Officer Naveen Mahajan said that a total of 3,193 voters above 85 years of age and with more than 40 per cent disability in all the Assembly constituencies have been given this facility of home voting. Out of these, ballot papers have been issued to 2,983 voters so far, out of which 2,097 elderly and 785 Divyang people have voted using this facility. Mahajan said that a total of 67 voters were found absent from their homes in various assembly constituencies so far, for whom home voting will be conducted on 9 and 10 November in the second phase. According to the data received from the returning officers of the respective Assembly constituencies, the highest voting for home voting so far has taken place in the Deoli-Uniyara Assembly constituency, where a total of 564 voters have exercised their franchise. Similarly, 525 voters in Salumber, 501 in Jhunjhunu, 399 in Khinvsar, 370 in Dausa, 308 in Chaurasi and 215 voters in Ramgarh have cast their votes through ballot paper from home.Bypolls are scheduled in Rajasthan for seven seats on November 13 in Assembly constituencies including Dausa, Ramgarh, Deoli Uniara, Chorasu, Salumber, Jhunjhunu and Khinvsar. India's second edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival(IMHF) is going to take off today at New Delhi. The two-day event supported by the Ministry of Defence, along with a number of reputed institutions, will be bringing out global and Indian experts, think tanks, academics, corporations, and military professionals into an open and frank discussion around issues of India's national security, foreign policy, and its military heritage. This years festival will be inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, along with the three Service Chiefs. It follows the success of the inaugural IMHF held in October 2023, which highlighted Indias rich military culture through various exhibits and performances. Project 'Shaurya Gatha' is a collaborative effort between the Department of Military Affairs and United Services Institution of India. The vision aims at preserving and promoting India's military heritage through education and tourism. The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) will have an exposition of photographs to narrate its sojourn and achievements in supporting the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' through defence innovations. The festival aims to inspire young minds, with participation from NCC cadets and students from schools and colleges in Delhi NCR. Informational stalls will also be enlightening about the different roles and opportunities that exist within the Indian Armed Forces. Key organizations supporting the Indian Military Heritage Festival include the Ministry of Defence, Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, DRDO, the Ministry of Culture, and institutions like the British High Commission. Similar to last year's inaugural edition, the festival this year will feature military band performances and exhibits under the banner of the role of the Indian armed forces in national security. This year's festival will continue celebrating the military legacy of India, further focused on honouring and promoting the country's rich heritage and tremendous contributions to defence. Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) and International Battery Company, Inc. (IBC US) sign agreements to participate in a joint venture in India for the production of lithium-ion battery cells. The factories set up in Bangalore as a giga factory for prismatic NMC cells will be producing prismatic NMC cells for the mobility and battery storage sectors without dependency on imports and as an implementation measure for 'Make in India'. On 7 November, MGL signed a Share Subscription Agreement and Shareholding Agreement with IBC US after a non-binding term sheet agreed on October 7, 2024. MGL will take at least 40% of what is currently owned as a subsidiary by IBC US in the venture. The prismatic NMC cells to be made will have attributes ideal for the Indian market; these being fast charging, tolerance for high temperatures, as well as recyclability. MGL has emerged as a prime player in the energy landscape of India. The new venture will enable MGL and IBC US to establish a giga factory where this vital battery cell supply, currently imported, can be sourced locally for consumers", said Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of MGL. The government is working on a multi-port switch for a single broadband antenna which can cover all the bands of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G in a bid to boost the Bharat 6G Vision. The noise-free technology developed can cover all the bands like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond with a single antenna. This is the objective toward which the C-DOT-the telecom R&D centre of the DoT-have collaborated with CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani, for developing the 'Multiport Switch with Tuneable Impedance Matching Network for a Single Broadband Antenna'. The DoT has been funding it under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme. This program is meant to fund Indian start-ups, academia and R&D institutions and has been an essential enabler in designing, developing and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions. The approach will be in the direction of building micro-electromechanical technology-based multi-band switching networks along with improved antenna performance. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Bharat 6G Vision.' The government has already shortlisted 470 proposals on 'Accelerated research on 6G Ecosystem.' The DoT has funded two next-generation testbeds to move forward with the research on 6G. PM Modi has envisioned India to be a frontline contributor in the design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. Next, having successfully deploying 5G across the nation in record time, the country is fast advancing on 6G technology, now ranking in the top league when it comes to filing patents related to 6G. India will be able to achieve a share of 10 percent of all 6G patents along with one-sixth contributions to global standards in the next three years, said a government-led panel. When traveling, it is important to consider various factors, such as where to book accommodations and purchase inexpensive flights. Utilizing mobile applications can help resolve these and other concerns. We have researched popular services that can assist you in planning your journey: purchasing tickets, finding hotels, obtaining directions around the city, and even tracking the northern lights. Some of these applications operate globally, while others are only available in specific countries. Consider the options and select which applications would be most beneficial for your needs. However, one thing all travelers require is a good esim app. You can buy regional eSIM by eSimPlus to keep in touch with your friends and relatives wherever you are. Kiwi If you are a frequent traveler and have experience of visiting various destinations, you may already be familiar with Kiwi. Due to its user-friendly interface, Kiwi is one of the leading travel apps. What can Kiwi do for you? With Kiwi, you can easily book flights and other travel arrangements. You can also find essential information about your travel destination using Kiwi. Kiwi provides information on ATM locations, even within airports. Finding and booking flights with Kiwi has never been easier. Flighty If you are wondering which travel apps are the best for iPhone, then you should consider Flighty. Have you ever wondered about the arrival time of a plane? Flighty enables its users to obtain information about the estimated arrival time of an aircraft. With this app, you can monitor the arrival of flights. If you upgrade to the premium version, you can receive notifications about potential flight delays prior to departure. Considering the above factors, this is among the top travel apps available. Hotel Tonight Hotel Tonight is a convenient app for travelers who need to book a hotel room at the last moment. With this application, users can easily search for and book hotel rooms, even if they are traveling on a tight schedule. The app offers a simple interface that allows users to search for rooms based on various criteria, such as price, category, and location. Rooms are classified into different categories, including basic, luxurious, charming, and upscale, with corresponding price differences. In addition to basic information about each room, the app also provides detailed information about the hotels, including reviews from other travelers. This makes it easier for users to make an informed decision before booking. Hotel Tonight is available for both Android and iOS devices and is considered one of the top travel apps available. Busbud Busbud is a platform that aggregates and sells bus tickets for journeys on all continents, except Antarctica. To obtain a list of available journeys, users can specify search criteria such as departure and destination locations, date, and number of passengers. Prior to purchase, customers may read reviews regarding a specific journey. Tickets are then sent via mail. Timeshifter Timeshifter offers a range of unique services that may be considered unusual. Jet lag is an unpleasant experience for many people, as it can disrupt daily routines and cause confusion. This is particularly true in relation to time-related issues. You may wonder how to avoid experiencing jet lag during travel. One potential solution is the use of Timeshifter, a software application designed to help users adjust to time changes before a flight. Timeshifter utilizes techniques developed by professional neurologists, taking into account factors such as age, gender and other individual characteristics to provide tailored instructions on how best to manage jet lag. Where is public toilet Sometimes, finding a public restroom in a new city can be a challenge. The app provides a simple solution by showing the nearest facilities on a map. The application works offline, allowing users to download a database of the desired area. The map provides information on whether the restroom is paid for or free, if it is accessible to people with disabilities, and other relevant details that may be helpful for tourists. Unfortunately, the application is currently only available for Android devices. For iOS users, there is another excellent option called "Flush." This app allows users to mark and rate public restrooms around the world, providing information on the cleanliness level of each facility. Tripit One of the most popular free travel planning applications. It is simple to create complex itineraries, adding flights, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and more. With Tripit, your trip will always be within reach. To add trip components, simply forward booking confirmation emails to the designated email address. Tripit will then organize everything on its own. Alternatively, you can grant the application access to your inbox. TripLingo If you are interested in learning more about the culture of the country that you will be visiting, TripLingo could be a useful resource for you. Before your trip, you can download a cultural package that will provide you with all the information you need to know. First Aid It is essential to be prepared for unexpected circumstances in any situation, particularly when traveling. The First Aid section provides a wealth of useful information for your general knowledge. Here, you can learn all about first aid measures in case of unforeseen events. The application includes photos, videos, and textual materials on emergency medical assistance. Priority Pass Long-haul flights or flight delays can significantly disrupt a much-anticipated vacation. Rather than spending this time in transit, it is more enjoyable to relax in a comfortable setting with fast internet access and soft seating. The Priority Pass app provides information and visualizations of business lounges and waiting areas at airports worldwide. Users can select the lounge with the best ratings that best suits their preferences. In most cases, access to lounge areas is included in the ticket price for business, premium, and frequent flier passengers. For those traveling in economy class, Priority Pass allows users to book and pay for admission to their preferred business area. We hope that the applications we have presented will assist you on your upcoming journey. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The investigation into the reported homicide of a one-month-old boy from Tottenville remains ongoing, according to the NYPD. Joseph Heben Jr. died on July 20, an autopsy revealing that the baby was extremely malnourished and dehydrated, leading to the determination that his death was a homicide, said a source with knowledge of the investigation. The day of the infants death, his mother woke up to find the baby unresponsive and unconscious in a bassinet, prompting both parents to take the baby to the hospital, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these exciting events, from fitness classes and creative meet-ups to historical talks and social gatherings. Saturday Zumba / Nov. 9, 9-10 a.m. Zumba combines Latin, International, and popular music dance themes to create a dynamic and exciting fitness system. Join Madeline Morales class and enjoy routines featuring aerobic fitness interval training with a blend of fast and slow rhythms, all designed to tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps. Register here. Admission cost: Free Location: Multi-Use Room in Greenbelt Recreation Center Textile Meet-Up Group / Nov. 9, 10-12 p.m. Eager to showcase your latest creation? Need a hand starting that knitted baby blanket youve been planning? Or interested in learning how to crochet? Stop by a textile meet-up! Bring your current projects to share with the group -- open to all skill levels. Join in for a friendly discussion and maybe discover a new hobby. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials. Admission cost: Free Location: St. George Library Center Drag Me to Brunch / Nov. 9, 12-3 p.m. Join the Pride Center of Staten Island and get dragged to brunch! Entry is free with an HIV test or a suggested $20 donation. Open to ages 21+, with limited spaces available. Reserve your spot today. For registration or details, contact Genevieve Hendrix at 718-808-1385 or ghendrix@pridecentersi.org. Admission cost: Free with HIV test or suggested $20 donation Location: The Pride Center of Staten Island Shirley Chisholms Legacy: Reimagining Democracy in the U.S and Diaspora / Nov. 9, 13 p.m. Attend a talk and book signing with Dr. Zinga Fraser, Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and Womens and Gender Studies at Brooklyn College, as she discusses her newly published book Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words. Get your tickets here. Get your tickets here. Admission cost: Free Location: Christ Church Parish Hall, 76 Franklin Ave. Sunday NYRR Open Run: Conference House Park / Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Start your morning off with a 5K run! Nestled at the southern tip of New York State, Conference House Park features four historic buildings, breathtaking views of the Raritan Bay, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored. For more information, visit the NYRR website. Admission cost: Free Location: Hylan Blvd. Parking Lot in Conference House Park The Lenape, Permanent Settlement, Enslaved Africans & African Americans / Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m. Local historian and author Pat Salmon will present about how Staten Island was several centuries ago. Participants will be taken on a trip back in time through information gathered from research and archaeological digs related to the Lenape, the arrival of Early Europeans, African-American History, the Peace Conference, and more. Get your tickets here. Admission cost: Free Location: Greenbelt Nature Center NATO countries strongly condemn the decisions of the leaders of Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to dangerously expand Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, according to a statement on the NATO website. "In addition to the DPRKs already substantive support to Russias war effort, through the provision of millions of rounds of ammunitions and ballistic missiles, the thousands of combat troops deployed by the DPRK constitutes a dangerous expansion of its ongoing support for Russias illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," according to the statement. NATO said deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has a profound impact on Euro-Atlantic security and also has implications for the Indo-Pacific region. The countries also pointed out that the strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK violates numerous UN Security Council resolutions, including 2270 (2016), 1718 (2006), and 1874 (2009). "This is particularly egregious given Russias status as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council. We call on Russia to return to compliance with these resolutions and to uphold its international obligations," according to the statement. It was also noted that Russia's September 26 statement that the denuclearization of the DPRK is "off the table" is unacceptable, as it undermines the global non-proliferation regime, directly contradicts relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and further exacerbates regional tensions. "The Russian statement forms part of its wider effort to undermine the global non-proliferation regime and to dismantle UN sanctions. We urge all countries not to provide any kind of assistance to Russia's aggression, and condemn all those who are facilitating and thereby prolonging Russias illegal war against Ukraine," according to the statement. NATO assured that it will continue to work with its partners, in particular in the Indo-Pacific region, to promote peace and stability and to prevent Russia and those who facilitate its military efforts from undermining regional and global stability. The alliance said "allies remain as resolute as ever in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail." "Allies and partners continue to step up vital political, military, financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance as Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Allies are determined to support Ukraine in building a force capable of defeating Russian aggression, in line with the pledge of long-term security assistance for Ukraine," according to the statement, which was joined by Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Ukraine. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will arrive on Center Plaza at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, Nov. 9, kicking off the holiday season in New York City. The hearty, 74-foot-tall Norway spruce from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, was cut down and loaded onto a massive trailer on Thursday. It will be driven onto Center Plaza, raised off the 115-foot-long trailer, and workers will use a crane to put it into place from about 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (30 Rock). The tree is the first to hail from Massachusetts since 1959, the announcement said. On Saturday, a spike will be driven into the trunk of the tree with a sledgehammer and a crane will lift it off the trailer and suspend it in mid-air before it is positioned in place. Workers are seen inside the branches of a Norway spruce that will serve as this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. (Associated Press/ Matthew Cavanaugh) AP The tree is presented by Tishman Speyer, the owners of Rockefeller Center. After being wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star, the tree will be lit on Dec. 4 during a live broadcast on NBC and Peacock, hosted by Kelly Clarkson. Christmas in Rockefeller Center, will be streamed live beginning at 8 p.m., and the tree lighting itself will happen at 10 p.m. The broadcast will feature musical performances and celebrity appearances. The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Eve, the tree will be lit for 24 hours, and on New Years Eve it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tree will be on display until mid-January 2025. Rockefeller Center is also hosting Tree Arrival Family Festivities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 9, with various holiday-themed activities. A Norway spruce that will serve as this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is cut down, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Associated Press/ Matthew Cavanaugh) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Northwell Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) has received accolades for clinical excellence from Healthgrades, a website Americans frequently use when searching for a doctor or hospital. Among SIUHs distinctions are two listings in Americas 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care Awards: The Americas 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgeries Award in 2025 and the Americas 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention for a seventh year in a row (2019-2025). SIUH, in Ocean Breeze, also received two Specialty Excellence Awards, placing the hospital among the nations top 10% for cardiac surgery and coronary intervention. SIUH was also rated five stars for four services, including coronary bypass surgery, coronary interventional procedures, treatment of heart attack and transurethral prostate surgeries. As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care. By offering easy access to objective performance measures, Healthgrades helps consumers find and select a hospital that excels in providing the care they need. We are immensely proud of these prestigious accolades from Healthgrades, which reflect the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Staten Island University Hospital,' said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, president of SIUH. Being recognized among the top hospitals in the nation for prostate surgeries and coronary intervention, and achieving excellence in cardiac surgery is a testament to our steadfast dedication to providing the best possible care. These achievements represent lives saved and improved outcomes, which is truly the greatest reward, he said. Our success is rooted in strategic investments in cutting-edge technology, enhanced clinical protocols, and a culture of excellence fostered by our leadership and specialists,' Ardolic said. Ultimately, its our patients who benefit from these advancements, and that remains our greatest motivation. Healthgrades 2025 analysis revealed that if all hospitals as a group performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2021-2023 study period, on average, 224,958 lives could potentially have been saved and 141,692 complications could potentially have been avoided. Healthgrades commends Staten Island to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality onary intervention, coronary bypass surgery, cardiac surgery, and heart attack care, said Dr. Brad Bowman, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. Staten Island University Hospitals leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence set a high mark for specialty care in New York and nationwide. Consumers can visit healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality. An unidentified 18-year-old woman lost an arm and leg Wednesday night after falling onto the tracks while allegedly subway surfing a Manhattan train, The New York Post is reporting. The woman was believed to be attempting to pass between cars while atop the No. 2 train when she fell onto the tracks at around 6 p.m. at the W. 135th Street-Lenox Avenue subway station in Harlem, police told the outlet. She was then hit by a southbound No. 2 train which severed her arm and leg. She was rushed by EMS to Harlem Hospital, where she remained in critical condition as of Thursday morning, the report said. A teenage girl was killed and second was left in critical condition after being run over by a train they were reportedly attempting to subway surf in Queens on Oct. 27. The dangerous viral trend, which is often recorded for social media, has led to six deaths throughout the city this year, even as an MTA ad plays can be heard through subway car speakers every few minutes: Dont lose your life. Ride inside, stay alive. According to Mayor Eric Adams, police have used drones to save 114 people in the past year, including a 9-year-old child, PIX11 News reported. A 13-year-old boy was also killed last month while attempting to subway surf in Queens, while an 11-year-old boy was killed in September when his head hit a metal beam while walking atop a Brooklyn G-train. This is another avoidable heart-wrenching reminder that riding outside trains is not a game and the subway is not a social media studio,' said interim NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow at the time of the September incident. It should not take more tragic termination of young lives for parents and classmates of those who would climb on top of subway cars to help them comprehend the devastating risk. In May of 2023, Staten Islander Gregory Jantzen, 15, died when he collided with a passenger walkway while riding on top of a St. George-bound Staten Island Railway train in Annadale. Democrats were buoyed last weekend when a survey by widely respected pollster Ann Selzer in the Des Moines Register showed Vice President Kamala Harris three points ahead of Republican Donald Trump in the red state of Iowa. The results on Election Night, however, were nothing like what the poll predicted. Trump easily won in Iowa, beating Harris with 56% of the vote to Harris' 43%. Now Selzer says that she thinks that her errant poll actually helped Trump, according to the Daily Beast. I told more than one news outlet that the findings from this last poll could actually energize and activate Republican voters who thought they would likely coast to victory, she wrote in her column in the Register. Maybe thats what happened. Trump supporters said that Selzer manipulated her data to show Harris leading in Iowa. Trump has won the state all three times he has run for president. Democrat Barack Obama won Iowa in both his presidential elections. No one truly will know what exactly happened with the poll, Selzer said, but she took her best shot. My philosophy in public opinion research is to take my best shot at revealing the truth of a future event, in this case Election Day, said Selzer. Without fear or favor, we used the same method as the final poll this year to show a healthy Trump lead in both 2020 and 2016. Those turned out to capture the mood of the electorate reasonably well, though both took fire from Iowans who doubted the findings could be true. Selzer said she would continue to review her data to see why her 2024 poll was off base. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Support for Ukraine is not only a way to protect values, but also a signal to the rest of the world that international order is necessary, European Council President Charles Michel has said. "Ukraine, the Middle East it requires more dialogue, more effort to make sure that we defend our common interests. For instance, yesterday, in this phone call with Donald Trump, we had the occasion to discuss Ukraine and the Middle East, and I am absolutely convinced that in the coming days, weeks, we will continue to work with the United States to identify how we can defend our common values and principles," he said at a press conference after an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government in Budapest on Friday. Michel said there were many times in the European Council to reaffirm support for Ukraine in various areas. "And I am absolutely convinced that supporting Ukraine is not only a way to defend our values, but also a way to send a signal to the rest of the world that the international order is essential and that we want to defend the UN Charter and the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, because otherwise it makes us all more vulnerable and it makes the world at risk," he said. The President of the European Council noted that yesterday evening, the EU heads of state and government had the opportunity to exchange views on the transatlantic alliance and relations with the United States after the election of Donald Trump. "We are ready to cooperate and coordinate in various areas with the United States. And I see three important elements for this coordination and this cooperation. The first is bilateral relations, trade, investment. This is a challenge, we want to strengthen our economic base, and I am sure that we will have the opportunity to work well in this area," he said. In addition, the leaders discussed global challenges such as climate change, digital technologies, and the transformation of the economic paradigm. The leaders also exchanged views on competitiveness this morning. "I would like to summarize what has been said by noting that there is a very strong consensus in the European Council that there is a top priority, namely reducing fragmentation and increasing integration, mainly in the area of trade," Michel said. Separately, he said that the EU must strengthen European defence preparedness, defence capabilities, "and this means that we need to cooperate much more." "We also had the opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen the industrial base in this area, because if we want to be reliable in the area of European defence in the future, we must also support greater development of our industrial base in this area," Michel said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Peek into your pantry or fridge and youll likely own at least a few glass-bottled Asian condiments with the rectangular gold label and red lid. But, if asked without any reference or context if youre familiar with Lee Kum Kee, not everyone will immediately place the Chinese sauce giant that invented oyster sauce. Its a problem the multibillion-dollar condiment company is working on. We recognise there is a gap, said Wilson Lam, the Asia-Pacific senior business development manager at Lee Kum Kee and the companys head of Australia. Lots of people know about our brand, but when theyre asked, Do you know about Lee Kum Kee?, its sort of a question mark to them. Until they open up the cabinet, they find out, Oh, Ive actually got so many Lee Kum Kee products. Oyster sauce, invented by accident by Lee Kum Kees founder, is used around the world by chefs and home cooks alike. Credit: Kristoffer Paulsen The 136-year-old sauce makers penetration in some global markets, such as Australia, has arguably exceeded its brand awareness among locals. Lee Kum Kee is said to have been created accidentally. Founded in 1888 by Lee Kum Sheung, the legend goes that he was selling cooked oysters in his tea house when one day he forgot about some oysters simmering in a pot and returned to a thick brown, delicious paste he began selling as oyster sauce. Despite its fortuitous beginnings, nothing about Lee Kum Kees success today has been by chance. That happy accident has spawned a six-generation family empire, one of the most successful in the world, with over 300 sauces, oils, marinades and powders sold across more than 100 markets. It has also expanded into health and wellness, real estate and venture capital investing, making the Lee family, sitting atop an estimated net wealth of $27 billion, one of Hong Kongs best-known and wealthiest families. Advertisement A notable part of their success is owed to governance structures put in place to prevent wayward family members from upending the business, which nearly happened three times in the 1990s to then-patriarch Lee Man Tat, who battled his uncles and brother for control. His youngest son, Sammy now the groups executive chairman and his siblings came up with a dual governance structure to separate family and business matters. Established in 2002, the family council, comprised of seven family members, oversees all family affairs, including succession planning and investments. As each successive generation joins the business, the sauce company evolves the way it appeals to new consumers. Boomer and Gen X migrants who settled in other parts of the world, Lee Kum Kees core market, are likely to have a higher degree of familiarity with and loyalty to the brand. But this isnt the case with their children, the latest generation, who executives say are cooking less and are more fickle. Itll always be about the top line and bottom line, but theres more to it. How are you going to hold on to your customer, right? Lee Kum Kee corporate affairs executive vice president Dodie Hung told this masthead in an exclusive interview. Gone are the times of splashing on big-budget ad campaigns and calling it a day. Its not like that any more. Your social media, your reputation is as good as peoples word of mouth, and what they think about you, Hung said. Were also looking at how to approach a younger generation. And some of the things that we do, we were doing that even before they become consumers. Dodie Hung, Lee Kum Kees executive vice president of corporate affairs. The companys strategy isnt so much about flogging products, but selling Asian cuisine as accessible and easy to cook. Products have evolved to meet the demand for convenience. What is effectively a hoisin sauce is presented as a san choy bao ready sauce in a packet to help consumers grasp its ease of use. More chefs are reportedly using pre-made sauces as a base for consistency in their cooking, rather than making it from scratch. Advertisement Growing the number of products stocked in home pantries and chef kitchens is a target articulated by the company maxim: Where there are people, there is Lee Kum Kee. (The mission extends beyond Earth. Lee Kum Kee is an official partner of Chinas space industry and the companys condiments have gone to space 11 times as part of Chinese astronauts meals.) Loading But the ambition also requires investment in educating consumers. Lee Kum Kees encyclopaedic list of products which includes more than 50 variations of soy sauce, among them premium, superior and gold label that range in quality and are ill-defined is something of an Achilles heel, particularly in Western markets where uninitiated consumers may be puzzled by the difference between light and dark soy. When country manager Lam visits Australia, where he spends about a third of his time, he can sometimes be found standing in front of the Asian food aisle in a Coles or Woolworths supermarket to observe incognito how consumers make purchasing decisions. The majority (80 per cent) of Australians seem to recognise the Lee Kum Kee brand, but the same proportion switch brands in front of the shelf, according to research the company commissioned. It also found Australians cook at home about four or five days of the week, with Asian cuisine making up about half of those days. Things get a little hazy after that. When you start asking more, Is this Chinese? Is this Korean?, there are some question marks, Lam said. Its stir-fried, its Asian food. But stir-fry is many things. Former MasterChef contestant Declan Cleary is a brand ambassador for Lee Kum Kee, a first for the companys Australian operations. Advertisement The company has shown a preference for strategic partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships to bridge the gap with Western markets. Shortly after Lam took the helm of the Australian market two years ago, 2023 MasterChef contestant Declan Cleary became Lee Kum Kees first brand ambassador outside of Asia. The sauce giant was a key sponsor of the program this year, as contestants used Lee Kum Kee condiments in a mystery box challenge and were whisked to Hong Kong on a surprise trip. Australians enjoy Asian flavours but dont always know how to achieve the same results in the kitchen, Cleary said. Theres definitely an educational piece around how different condiments work, he said. Australians are open to diverse flavours but often need a little guidance [they] are getting there, but theres still a way to go. For the family, making money is not necessarily the primary target. Its actually to grow the [Lee] name, to do it right. Dodie Hung, Lee Kum Kees corporate affairs executive vice president Overseas, the Hong Kong-based company has partnered with US ramen chain Kyuramen, Japan-inspired hospitality group Chubby Group and Japanese sushi train chain Sushiro to create exclusive dishes. Lee Kum Kee has also linked up with Australian gelato chain Messina, which has a lesser-known outpost in Hong Kong, to create limited edition oyster sauce, tofu and soy sauce ice-creams (more palatable than you think). Jumping on the right trends like chilli is important, not just for brand perception and getting Gen Z on board, but securing prime shelf space in crucial markets. We tried for the longest time to get into Walmart and Costco in North America. We couldnt succeed. Guess what took us there? Sriracha [sauce], Hung said. It sold so well that they would carry our products, and then subsequently things like oyster sauce. The new world of anything-on-demand has also created an unexpected enemy of cooking: food delivery. Everyones just gaming, Hung said of his university-age sons. They dont want to go out. Advertisement Trade secrets Lee Kum Kee is eager to promote the companys long legacy, but as a family business, is secretive about much. Company executives are happy to confirm that theirs is the worlds top oyster sauce brand, that their soy sauce comfortably sits in the top three in that category, and about 50 per cent of business comes from retail sales, with the other half from food service. But it has never publicly disclosed profit or sales numbers; requests for market share or revenue figures by reporters were either provided on background or politely declined. Executives, particularly the Lee family, rarely make themselves available to media. The company also believes those closely guarded trade secrets are part of its success and global penetration. A media group hosted by Lee Kum Kee and touring the companys production facility in Xinhui, China, were not permitted to enter the factories themselves. The company will not disclose seemingly more innocuous details, like how many oysters go into a bottle of oyster sauce. Tanks of soy sauce at Lee Kum Kees production facility in Xinhui, China. The tanks span 1.33 million square metres. The only thing we can divulge is the sauce business has been growing every year, even through the toughest times, Hung said. We dont [share figures] because were not a public company were a private company. The sixth generation, which has begun entering the family business, brings strengths in social media and marketing. Rules have been set in place to guard against nepotism. Younger members of the Lee family must have at least three years experience at an unrelated company before joining the business, which has a special development program for family members. Newcomers are also permitted to sit in board meetings of the venture capital business, Happiness Capital. Advertisement Kristian Connelly fondly recalls the spine-tingling moment during childhood movie visits when the lights faded, the screen expanded, and the audience settled in for the trailers. I think it was the original Twister with Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, and they played the teaser for The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Connelly, chief executive of Cinema Nova in Melbournes Carlton, said. I would almost be happy to have just paid admission to see that. It was just so exciting to see a first glimpse. Kristian Connelly is the chief executive of Cinema Nova in Carlton. Credit: Simon Schluter While trailers are beloved by many, its another fixture of the pre-show, the ads, that might be under threat. Director Todd Phillips, whose Joker: Folie a Deux failed to set the box office alight, this week told Empire that theatres should stop showing pre-show ads altogether. The 1973 political thriller The Day of the Jackal, starring Edward Fox, and its present-day remake, starring Eddie Redmayne, are in many ways siblings in name only. The new television series is not a remake in the strictest sense more on that later and they are set in wildly different political landscapes. But the two productions, separated by an astonishing five decades, have one thing in common: the 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider which the storys eponymous Jackal uses to speed through Europe. The car that featured in the original, now-iconic film makes a guest appearance in the new television series. Eddie Redmayne stars as the lone assassin in the TV version of The Day of the Jackal. Credit: Marcell Piti/Binge/Foxtel For the 42-year-old Oscar, BAFTA, Tony and Olivier award-winning Redmayne, who plays the Jackal in the new series, that old car came with a few artistic ghosts sitting in the passenger seat. It definitely evoked something, and for me, it was something pretty romantic because Id grown up loving the original movie and the Spider is one of the icons of that story, Redmayne says. It was one of my fathers favourite movies, we had this very battered old VHS video copy of it, Redmayne says. We watched it consistently. And so when this script arrived in my inbox, there was quite a serious amount of trepidation because you dont want to butcher the things you savour. Authorities are warning of heightened bushfire risks this season, with drier-than-average conditions over winter leaving a build-up of dead and dry vegetation fuel across Victoria. The Country Fire Authority upgraded its warnings for the west and south-west of the state, with CFA District 16 assistant chief fire officer Steve Alcock saying the Ararat and Pyrenees regions had large areas of flammable grass and vegetation. The CFA has warned dry conditions in much of the state could pose a nasty bushfire risk this season. Credit: Forest Fire Management Victoria The community needs to be aware of the heightened danger and take proactive steps to ensure their properties and families are prepared, he said. The soil is very dry, and grass is curing faster than last year. We expect grasslands to fully dry within three weeks, increasing the fire risk in the region. A woman has died in a suspected diving incident at a popular Sydney beach. Police were called to Shelly Beach in Manly about 10am on Friday, when the woman, 63, was found unresponsive in the water. A person has died in a suspected diving incident at Shelly Beach in Manly. Credit: James Brickwood Police said she was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. Just after midday, police packed up the crime scene that covered a small part of the beach and the busy adjacent walkway. Officers had bagged evidence, including what appeared to be a snorkel, as beachgoers looked on. Read all the latest news and analysis of the Victorian council election and find out what the results mean for you. The mud has been flying in a stoush between two rival candidates in the recent City of Casey election, leaving a bad odour all round. Council candidate Jaz Masuta has been served with a fake legal letter that demanded he provide a faecal sample as part of a sham criminal investigation. Jaz Masuta, City of Casey council candidate, was taken aback by a demand for his faeces. Credit: A Current Affair Masuta and bitter rival Gurpreet Gill had both run for the Dillwynia ward in Melbournes south-east. But the campaign had been blighted by allegations of dirty politics, including the disappearance of and damage to several posters promoting Gill. Masuta has repeatedly denied any role in the removal or vandalism of the signs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed to Finnish President Alexander Stubb the current defense needs to strengthen air defense and supply additional air defense assets. As reported by the presidential press service, Zelenskyy held a phone call with Stubb. "The main topics of the conversation were international efforts needed to restore a just peace for Ukraine, continued defense cooperation and the battlefield situation. The leaders discussed the threats to regional and global security posed by North Koreas involvement in Russias war against Ukraine," the press service said. Zelenskyy thanked Finland for its unwavering support for Ukraine and the Peace Formula, as well as for all the specific steps taken to implement it. " In particular, he praised the effective organization of the thematic conference on environmental security in Helsinki," the press service said. Separately, the Ukrainian President expressed gratitude to Stubb for his active role in promoting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter during his communication with the countries of the Global South. As reported, Stubb said on the X social network on Friday that he discussed with Zelenskyy the topics he raised during his state visit to China. "We also discussed Finland's strong support for Ukraine and the results of the presidential elections in the United States," the Finnish President said. A student from St Kevins College in Toorak was rushed to hospital with multiple fractures after a balcony accident at the all-boys school on Friday morning. The teenage boy was on the year 7 and 8 deck during recess when the incident occurred at the colleges senior school campus, Heyington. The student was rushed to the Royal Childrens Hospital in a serious but stable condition at about 11.20am. A school spokesperson, who described the boys condition as responsive immediately after the fall, said the students parents had been contacted. Lambie said the government plan assumed it was easy to identify mis- and disinformation but experts said it was not. There are lots of problems with this bill and the government is rushing it. They only allowed seven working days to make submissions to the inquiry, she said. Independent senators including David Pocock, Jacqui Lambie, Fatima Payman, Tammy Tyrrell and Gerard Rennick are holding out against Labors plan to crack down on lies in major public debates. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Rennick, who left the Liberal National Party in August and now sits as an independent, said Queensland voters were telling him they did not want a government agency to have power over claims made in public debate. The idea of having the government control over their version of the truth is extremely alarming, he said. Payman said she was aware of the concerns and would meet the Australian Christian Lobby next week to learn why religious groups opposed the draft law. She would decide her vote after more consultation. Loading Victorian senator David Van, who quit the Liberals to sit on the crossbench, said he was open to passing the bill because it was mainly about the power to direct platforms to take down harmful content. If Im right and thats the full extent of the powers, Ive got no problem with that whatsoever, he said. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland put the misinformation bill to parliament in September after a year of dispute over draft changes that drew objections from the Law Council of Australia and civil liberties groups about the threat to free speech. The bill includes exemptions for the media and ensures that satire, parody and religious content will be protected. To settle fears that ACMA would decide what was true or false, the government drafted the bill to leave those decisions to the social media platforms themselves, as long as they could show they had acted on complaints from the community. Rowland insisted last month that the law posed no threat to free speech and was backed by security agencies that warned that false information was causing real damage in the community. Over 80 per cent of Australians are concerned about the rise of mis- and disinformation, she said. The fact that it harms democracies, it harms economies, and the fact that action is needed in this area [means that] doing nothing is not an option. There are online harms that harm people socially. There are harms that harm economically, including in the area of scams. And there are also harms that go to our democracy. Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman has strongly opposed the bill on the grounds that those who wanted to silence opponents would claim a statement was misinformation and try to have it removed. A classic example is the Voice debate last year where the government, pretty much every day, said opinions they didnt like were misinformation, Coleman said last month. If this law had been in place, then Im sure it would have been used and it would have had a chilling effect on that debate. Loading The Law Council expressed serious concerns about the changes last year. The NSW Council for Civil Liberties said it supported new regulation to hold digital platforms accountable, but wanted amendments to improve public transparency. The Victorian Bar, the peak group of barristers in that state, said the bill should not be passed. While the Bar acknowledges the importance of responding to false and otherwise harmful information online, such responses ought to only make justifiable incursions into socially valuable freedom of expression, the Victorian Bar said in a submission to the government. The present bill is not justifiable in this respect and will have a chilling effect. It is also likely to be ineffective and unworkable in responding to the harms to which it is purportedly directed. Labor has 25 senators and is hoping to gain support from the 11 Greens but needs 39 votes to pass a bill in the upper house, forcing it to find at least three independents. Authorities take the feelings of victims into account when considering parole, but cannot contact them. That responsibility lies with the Corrective Services NSW Victims Register , but a catch-22 prevents them from taking action unless victims previously agree to being contacted. A legal loophole that prevents the justice system from warning victims of crime in NSW that their convicted assailants are being considered for release wrongheadedly puts the interests of convicted criminals over their victims, many of whom are still fearful or suffer ongoing trauma. It is often said that a good leader has the capacity to listen. On this score, NSW Premier Chris Minns has demonstrated excellent leadership skills by responding to, and then acting upon, serious concerns raised by the community and the Herald about the states broken parole notification regime. The poor system was highlighted by the alarming case of an off-duty police officer who was bashed with a brick in May 2009 by drug addict Roderick Holohan, who was sentenced to 21 years jail. The officer, Samantha Barlow, did not know her assailant was being considered for release until the 11th hour, when a friend contacted her about Holohan. Barlow was not formally advised of the parole hearing until four days prior, due to cracks in the Victims Register. The register works on an opt-in basis, meaning victims of violent crime need to sign up. Barlow, who returned to the force after the attack but later left, said the system was back-to-front. People who have just been through the most traumatic experience in their lives are expected to possess the logical thinking required to become part of a body that will one day be called upon in relation to parole five, 10 or 15 years later, she said. Minns has listened to the concerns of Barlow and has promised the government will now move to an opt-out system for victim notification. I understand some victims dont want to be notified, but everyone needs to be in the initial phase, so Ill be seeking to change the arrangements, he told reporters. Through a statement, the Barlow family welcomed the move: Victims of serious crime have been through enough and are entitled to know what happens to offenders, especially when they are going to be released. We would like to thank the media and the community for the outpouring of support that has been generated over the last 12 days. Dealmaker Adam Blumenthal and his wife Annabelle Shamir have sold their Bellevue Hill home just a few weeks after they made their selling plans official in the hope of a $45 million sale. A rumoured result of about $42 million is yet to be confirmed by Pillingers Brad Pillinger and Ray White Double Bays Ashley Bierman, but returns a sizable capital gain for three years of ownership. Annabelle Shamir was 30 when she paid $30 million for her Bellevue Hill home in 2021. Credit: Domain A well-placed source says the buyer is Monaco-based expats Olivia Skuza and Heath Wells, co-founders of the business-to-business platform NuORDER, however that could not be confirmed by buyers agent Simon Cohen. Skuza and Wells, originally from Adelaide, founded the company in 2010 as an e-commerce platform for the wholesale fashion industry. The couple is expected to return to live in Sydney next year. Loading For many winemakers, the path is paved with tentative steps and new strategies. The China market has changed quite dramatically, said Peter Lucas, managing director of Peter Drayton Wines, a boutique winery in the NSW Hunter Valley. For us, its now about finding a niche. I dont see us building a brand over the next five years Id like to, but we need to make money from the first container. Chinese consumers are drinking a third less wine now than in 2017, a trend that has spearheaded a global decline, while imports have plunged more sharply, by 60 per cent, since then. It is Draytons first time at the expo and follows the closing of its warehouse in Foshan, near Guangzhou, after Beijing imposed tariffs of up to 220 per cent on Australian wine in 2020. Where it once made a wine specifically for the Chinese wholesale market and targeted big cities, this time around the winery is looking for reliable buyers in smaller cities for its Australian-branded wines. It hopes to send the first container of 1200 cases to a local business chamber in Jurong, in Jiangsu province, by the end of January. The sanctions on the wine industry were part of $20 billion of trade bans slapped on a dozen Australian export industries by Beijing in retaliation for the then-Morrison governments call for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. They have gradually been lifted through negotiations with the Albanese government restrictions on wine and beef were among the last to be removed this year, while the final ban on the live lobster trade is expected to be lifted by years end. For its part, Chinas reaction to Trumps victory has been fairly muted. President Xi Jinping called the president-elect to congratulate him, CNN reported, while Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning brushed off questions about the impact of high tariffs on China as hypothetical. Loading The presidential election of the United States is its internal affair. We respect the choice of the American people, she said. As for Australia, China is its biggest trading partner, buying more than a third of its exports, particularly agricultural products and resources such as iron ore, coal and gas. This week, Trade Minister Don Farrell said he wanted that to increase, from a record of $327 billion in two-way trade last year to $400 billion next year. Trumps tariffs would throw in a wildcard. In terms of tariffs, we just dont know how big and whom itll be applied to, RBA Assistant Governor Christopher Kent told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Thursday. The big concern is large tariffs on China, which may have an adverse effect on us. ANZ chief China economist Raymond Yeung said it was too early to determine how much any new tariffs would affect the Chinese economy, and it would depend on what further stimulus measures Beijing would introduce in response to boost consumer demand. But there could be opportunities for Australia too. Residential buildings in Shanghai: The government has introduced some fiscal and monetary stimulus to revive the property market and some confidence in the economy. Credit: Bloomberg In terms of trade, China would love to be closer to other countries and diversify its trade mix, especially for energy and agriculture products. This could be good for Australia, he said. South Australian rock lobster supplier Ferguson Australia returned to the trade expo this year for the first time since 2018, as the company plots its path back to the market that once accounted for more than 90 per cent of its exports. We can start selling live lobsters here within a day or two. Weve just got to get the air freight organised, and then we can get back to what we were doing four and a half years ago, company founder Andrew Ferguson said. The industry is still waiting for the green light to start the live shipments, but this market too has changed. Canadian lobsters have filled the vacuum triggered by the years-long absence of high-end Australian crustaceans, while Russian king crabs have also become mainstays in tanks at wet markets. Loading A lot of that wasnt there before, Ferguson said. Now they are everywhere, tanks are filled with them, and both of them are cheap. But Chinas economic woes are expected to depress consumption, and Ferguson pointed to another factor that could have an impact: the 17 per cent drop in marriages this year compared with the same period last year, to a 12-year low. A lot of our product would get used in the wedding market, so that [decline] affects us, Ferguson said. But a 1.4 billion-strong population market is still well worth chasing. The Victorian-headquartered Australasia Pacific Dairy Company was among numerous suppliers of powdered infant formula spruiking their products at the expo. The company is undeterred by the plunging birth rate, which this year caused the population to decline for a second year in a row and triggered the closure of thousands of kindergartens across the country. In China, the sky is the limit. There is room for everyone, said chief executive Manny Panourakis, who expects to start selling products through Chinese e-commerce platforms by the end of the year. More than 250 Australian businesses are exhibiting this week, hoping to crack into the market or strengthen their existing footprint. Loading China is going through tough times, but anyone can make money in good times. It just means we have to change our strategy and be agile, Draytons Lucas said. Back at the Australian pavilion, the tantalising aroma of barbecued lobster drew in throngs of social media influencers and potential Chinese buyers. Ambassador to China Scott Dewar, whose diplomacy skills are usually deployed to navigate the tensions of the bilateral relationship, was chief salesman for Team Australia as he toured the pavilion. PHILIPSBURG:--- Support is growing for Sint Maartens transition to a digital government. The Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP) was recently presented to the Council of Ministers and introduced at a workshop for civil servants and stakeholders. The DGTP is an initiative aimed at modernizing Sint Maarten's public sector by introducing digital systems to create resilient, secure, and accessible services for the public and new digital frameworks within government. At the Council of Ministers presentation, the DGTP teams provided an update on the projects current progress, upcoming developments, and anticipated benefits for government operations. Ministers posed questions about the projects long-term impact, which the teams addressed in detail. The DGTP teams communicated the value of the project by focusing on how it can streamline operations and enhance digital capabilities, which led to positive feedback from the Council. Participants in the three-day DGTP orientation workshops, led by the Digital Leadership Team (DLT) and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), expressed optimism about how digital government initiatives could improve public services. The workshops, which targeted public sector stakeholders and key civil servants, were designed to boost their understanding, support, and active engagement in DGTP whilst also offering insights into Governments digitalization initiatives. On day one, participants reviewed the Digitalization Strategy, focusing on global trends and Sint Maartens goals for digital accessibility, inclusivity, and system interoperability. Day two covered digital identity and e-signature technologies, demonstrating how digital services can offer security and accessibility for the public. Day three introduced Enterprise Architecture, outlining the need for departments to collaborate and IT systems to align with government goals. The Digital Leadership Team asserts that input and understanding from the Ministers and essential government staff is necessary for the success of DGTP. Interim Director of the governments ICT department and DLT member, Femi Badejo, says that the engagement of the government means the digital systems being developed can be tailored to their needs, which could improve the efficiency of public sector services. As we conclude the DGTP workshops, I want to thank everyone who contributed their time, insights, and expertise. Our goal is to build resilient, user-centered public services that deliver secure, accessible digital tools and services for all of Sint Maarten. This workshop showcased the importance of collaboration, as departments came together to help shape the future of government services. The sessions were delivered by Norway Registers Development (NRD) Companies; a global IT and consultancy conglomerate, that specialize in supporting governments with public sector reforms and building e-services for populations. They have developed digital initiatives and provided consultancy services in more than a dozen Caribbean countries including Anguilla, Dominica, Guyana and St Lucia. Stakeholders in attendance at the workshop included SZV (Sint Maartens social and health insurance provider), the Chamber of Commerce, and ministries of Finance, Tourism Economic Affairs Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Public Health Social Development and Labor (VSA) and General Affairs. Through presentations and discussions, participants reviewed the objectives, timeline, and current stage of DGTP. Feedback at the end of the workshop showed that many participants believe the project could drive efficiency, with over a third suggesting it will streamline interdepartmental communication, reduce paperwork, and boost productivity. More than a quarter of participants surveyed thought workflows would need to be adjusted as they adapt to the new system. Jennifer Carty, who is a board member of the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce had a positive view of the workshop. I am a strong supporter of DGTP and am confident it will deliver meaningful benefits for both public and private sectors. Where the Chamber of Commerce is concerned, DGTP will simplify business registration, streamline processes and reduce the red tape entrepreneurs currently face. I am hopeful that lawmakers will prioritize the necessary legislative changes to bring digital governance to life. The NRPB, as the projects implementing partner, is working closely with the governments Digital Leadership Team to ensure that DGTP works in tandem with government operations by including insights gained from the workshop. The partnership between the Digital Leadership Team and NRPB aims to support a unified digital transformation that improves government services, increases transparency, and strengthens connections across the public sector. Fabi Fliervoet is the NRPBs Program Manager for DGTP. "Building trust is central to the success of the Governments digital transformation journey. These orientation sessions are a crucial step in building a shared understanding of what a digital government means for Sint Maarten, ignite collaboration, drive innovation, and ensure a human-centered approach to technology. Ultimately, it is people within government and the public at large who are the catalyst for a brighter, more efficient digital future. The Digital Government Transformation Project is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau and the Digital Leadership Team. On Monday, November 11, at 15.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference by the creative group and the characters of the documentary "Train to life", which is to be distributed in the all-Ukrainian release on November 14. The film was created by the KALYNA FILM movie company in partnership with the Slava Ukrayini Charitable Foundation. The authors of the film will talk about how the film was shot about the role of railway workers during a full-scale invasion, who became its heroes and how Boris Johnson, Orlando Bloom and Andriy Shevchenko appeared in the film. The event will be joined by the heroine of the film, conductor Iryna Yurchenko; the mother of the Hero Dmytro Kazatsky, who held the defense of Azovstal. Participants include CEO of KALYNA FILM and producer of the film "Craving for Life" Halyna Khrapko; conductor and heroine of the film Iryna Yurchenko; creative producer of the film Nick Olak; chairman of the Slava Ukraini charitable foundation Artem Stoyanov; moderator Tetiana Vlasova (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Media accreditation and additional info by phone: (067) 243 9710. UK rules drivers on Bolt ride-hailing platform are employees London, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 UK drivers using the Bolt ride-hailing platform should be considered employees and have access to rights such as the minimum wage and paid holidays, an employment tribunal ruled Friday. The tribunal said that its ruling applied to all drivers who used Bolt as their only platform for finding customers. Leigh Day, the legal firm representing a group of 15,000 drivers, said that the ruling affects all of the estimated 100,000 drivers who use the Bolt app. The Estonian-based company said that nine in 10 of its drivers use multiple platforms to maximise earnings, so the ruling only applied to 10 percent of its drivers. The UK Supreme Court made a similar ruling in 2021 in respect to Uber drivers, which was then a world first for the US company. Leigh Day argued that that case should also apply to its clients. The status of "worker" in the UK is not necessarily formalised by a contract, with those employed under informal arrangements lacking protections afforded to salaried employees, such as sick leave and unemployment insurance. "This judgment confirms that gig economy operators cannot continue to falsely classify their workers as independent contractors running their own business to avoid providing the rights those workers are properly entitled to," Leigh Day employment team solicitor Charlotte Pettman said. "We call on Bolt to compensate our clients without further delay." The legal firm believes the compensation for the backdated underpayment of minimum wage and unpaid holidays owed to the 15,000 drivers could be worth more than pound200 million ($259 million), or pound15,000 each. Bolt called the figure "speculative", with another hearing expected to take place next year to decide the figure. A Bolt spokesman said that "we have always supported the overwhelming majority's choice to remain self-employed independent contractors, protecting their flexibility, personal control and earning potential. "We will continue to engage with drivers as we carefully review our options, including grounds for appeal, ensuring that we are helping drivers to succeed as entrepreneurs and grow on their own terms," he added. jwp/phz/kjm On Friday, November 15, at 13.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference titled "Practices of social responsibility during war." During the press conference, experts and business representatives will assess the contribution of domestic business to bringing victory closer, its support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, talk about existing programs aimed at helping internally displaced persons affected by hostilities, rehabilitation of veterans, support for public initiatives and the revival of culture; share cases of the first months of a large-scale war. Participants include Director of Reputation Management and Marketing "Nova Poshta" Olena Plakhova; Head of the Corporate Communications Department of the ATB Corporation Serhiy Demchenko; Director of the Corporate Responsibility Department of MHP Pavlo Moroz; Director of Corporate Communications of JSC Farmak Yevhenia Piddubna; Director of Development and Marketing at Interfax-Ukraine Maksym Urakin; Director of Communications of KSG Agro Oleksandr Holizdra; Beneficiary of the Alliance Bank Oleksandr Sosis; Moderator: co-author of the book "Unbreakable Business" Serhiy Shevchenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards. Peacekeepers wounded in Israel strike in Lebanon, UN says Beirut, Lebanon, Nov 7 (AFP) Nov 07, 2024 At least five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday, the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians. Israel, which has not commented on the incident in Lebanon's Sidon city, launched a barrage of strikes after Hezbollah said it carried out a missile attack targeting a military base near Israel's main international airport on Wednesday. Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when Israel broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues. As mediation efforts keep stalling, the US State Department said Secretary Antony Blinken would "continue to pursue an end to the war in Gaza" and in Lebanon before handing over to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump in January. In Gaza, the civil defence agency said 12 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people on Thursday. "Women and children were torn apart by F-16 jets and missiles weighing a ton," said witness Ibrahim al-Madhoun at the site of the strike in Gaza City. Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israel last year in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war. The raid in which the UN peacekeepers were wounded struck near an army checkpoint in Sidon, south Lebanon's main city. The Lebanese army said Israel struck a car at a checkpoint, killing three civilians and wounding three soldiers as well as members of the Malaysian contingent of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. "Five peacekeepers were lightly injured," UNIFIL said in a statement, urging all sides to avoid endangering peacekeepers or civilians. The Malaysian defence ministry gave a toll of six peacekeepers wounded when the strike "caused damage to a bus carrying" them. Lebanon's foreign ministry accused Israel of repeatedly "targeting UNIFIL forces, Lebanese army personnel and civilians". - 'A matter of luck' - Israel launched raids across the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with one hitting an area near the airport. Taxi driver Abu Elie, who was at the airport when the strikes hit, told AFP that "people were carrying their suitcases on their shoulders and running." Officials told AFP the raid had caused minor damage but the terminal building was safe and flights were running as normal. In southern Lebanon, near the Israeli border, Hezbollah said its fighters "ambushed" advancing Israeli troops, also announcing a missile attack targeting an army base south of the city of Haifa. In the lead-up to Tuesday's US presidential election, some in Lebanon had been hopeful that new leadership might bring them a reprieve. But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech broadcast on Wednesday that the vote -- won by Trump -- would have no bearing on the war. He warned that Hezbollah had tens of thousands of trained militants ready to fight, and that nowhere in Israel was "off-limits". Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to keep fighting Hamas and Hezbollah until victory, spoke to Trump on Wednesday. Netanyahu's office said the conversation was "warm and cordial" and that the two "discussed the Iranian threat". In Lebanon, the strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs were so intense many residents of the city were unable to sleep. "Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut. Since September 23, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. - 'Nothing left' - Iran, which arms and finances Hezbollah, dismissed the impact of the US vote. "It makes no difference to us who won the US election," President Masoud Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. Iran and the United States have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed shah, but tensions soared during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. In Gaza, ravaged by 13 months of war since the deadliest attack in Israeli history, people were desperate for a solution. "We were displaced, killed... there's nothing left for us, we want peace," said Mamduh al-Jadba. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Trump's victory could yet provide a "window" for peace because the US president-elect had a "wish to see the end of the Middle East's endless wars". Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,469 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. Chad army inflicts 'many dead' on Boko Haram jihadists N'Djamena, Nov 7 (AFP) Nov 07, 2024 Chad's military inflicted "many dead and wounded" in air strikes against Boko Haram jihadists, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said on Thursday. "We carried out several air strikes on enemy positions that resulted in many dead and wounded," Deby told reporters in the Lake Chad region, without giving specific numbers. Deby, who gave an interview in full military fatigues, said he had "personally" launched the counter-attack against Boko Haram, which targeted the Chadian army in an attack last month in the western region, close to the border with Nigeria. The Chad government had vowed to "obliterate" Boko Haram when launching its operation in late October after the jihadists killed around 40 people and wounded dozens more in a raid on a military garrison. The operation "aims not only to secure our peaceful population" but also to "hunt down, root out and obliterate the capability of Boko Haram and its affiliates to cause harm", interim Prime Minister Abderahim Bireme Hamid told reporters last week. In a vast expanse of water and swamps, the Lake Chad region's countless islets serve as hideouts for jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), who carry out regular attacks on the country's army and civilians. Chad and its neighbours Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon set up a multinational force of some 8,500 soldiers in the area in 2015 to tackle the jihadists. Boko Haram launched an insurgency in Nigeria in 2009, leaving more than 40,000 people dead, and the organisation has since spread to neighbouring countries. In March 2020, the Chadian army suffered its biggest ever one-day losses in the region, when around 100 troops died in a raid on the lake's Bohoma peninsula. Venezuela signs defense, energy deals with Russia Caracas, Nov 7 (AFP) Nov 07, 2024 Venezuela and its most powerful ally Russia signed agreements Thursday on intelligence-gathering and counter-espionage as well as energy cooperation during a visit by a senior Kremlin official to Caracas. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko told Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez that his country stood ready to support Venezuela's armed forces with "the most sophisticated weapons and military equipment," according to remarks translated by Venezuelan state TV. The two countries agreed to cooperate on areas including "intelligence and counter-espionage issues," the use of drones and petroleum exploration technology, the moderator of the talks said. Russia is one of the few countries to have recognized socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro's claim to have won a third consecutive term in the July 28 election. The United States and several Latin American countries have backed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the rightful winner, based on detailed election results published by the opposition. Venezuelan election authorities aligned with Maduro have yet to release a breakdown of the vote. Caracas drew closer to Moscow under iconic socialist leader Hugo Chavez, who led the country on a hard-left, anti-US platform from 1999 until his death from cancer in 2013. Those ties have endured under Chavez's hand-picked successor Maduro, who has defended Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Venezuela has the world's largest proven reserves of oil and once produced more than three million barrels a day of oil -- long its only notable earner of foreign currency. Following years of mismanagement and crushing sanctions, output has dropped to around one million barrels. Israel's new defence minister Katz sworn in Jerusalem, Nov 7 (AFP) Nov 07, 2024 Israel's new Defence Minister Israel Katz was sworn in before parliament on Thursday, after his predecessor's shock dismissal by the prime minister over a breakdown in trust during the war in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Yoav Gallant on Tuesday after frequent clashes over Israel's retaliatory military offensive against Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Before taking over from Gallant, Katz -- who vowed to defeat Israel's enemies -- was the foreign minister, with Gideon Saar appointed successor. Katz's last day as foreign minister was marred by a diplomatic incident with France, when Israeli police entered a French-owned church compound in Jerusalem and briefly detained two gendarmes. The incident prompted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to abandon a scheduled visit to the site, the Eleona church compound in annexed east Jerusalem. Speaking alongside Katz on Thursday, Barrot said "Israel has the right to defend itself" but pointed to "colonisation", "humanitarian aid restrictions" and "the continuation of air strikes in north Gaza" as risk factors for Israel's security. Opposition leaders from across Israel's political spectrum blasted Netanyahu's decision to fire the defence minister in the midst of war and thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest. Gallant and Netanyahu had notably disagreed on the issue of exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox men. The sacked minister had been a key advocate for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be called up, but Netanyahu wanted their exemption to continue, fearing their conscription could break up his far-right coalition government. Venezuela signs defense, energy deals with Russia Caracas, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 Venezuela and its most powerful ally Russia signed agreements Thursday on intelligence-gathering and counter-espionage as well as energy cooperation during a visit by a senior Kremlin official to Caracas. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko told Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez that his country stood ready to support Venezuela's armed forces with "the most sophisticated weapons and military equipment," according to remarks translated by Venezuelan state TV. The two countries agreed to cooperate in areas including "intelligence and counter-espionage issues," the use of drones and petroleum exploration technology, the moderator of the talks said. Later, in a ceremony at the Miraflores Palace, President Nicolas Maduro said the 17 agreements would "seal and strengthen the path of union and cooperation" between Venezuela and Russia "from now until 2030 and beyond." Russia is one of the few countries to have recognized leftist Maduro's claim to have won a third consecutive term in the July 28 election, which was disputed by the opposition and saw widespread protests break out after the poll. The United States and several Latin American countries have backed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the rightful winner, based on detailed election results published by the opposition. Venezuelan election authorities aligned with Maduro have yet to release a breakdown of the vote. Caracas drew closer to Moscow under socialist leader Hugo Chavez, who led the country on a hard-left, anti-US platform from 1999 until his death from cancer in 2013. Those ties have endured under Chavez's hand-picked successor Maduro, who has defended Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Venezuela has the world's largest proven reserves of oil and once produced more than three million barrels a day of oil -- long its only notable earner of foreign currency. Following years of mismanagement and crushing sanctions, output has dropped to around one million barrels. S.Korea holds missile drill after N.Korea launches Seoul, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 South Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea in a show of force after North Korea's recent salvo of missile launches, Seoul said Friday. The nuclear-armed North had test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as well as a number of short-range ballistic missiles in separate drills over the last two weeks. South Korea's military command said its live-fire exercise was aimed at demonstrating its "strong resolve to firmly respond to any North Korean provocation". It also underlined its "capability and readiness for precision strikes against the enemy's origin of provocation," the Joint Chiefs of Staff added. A Hyunmoo surface-to-surface short-range missile was sent into the West Sea in the exercise, the military command said. South Korea started domestic production of short-range ballistic missiles in the 1970s to counter the threats posed by North Korea. Hyunmoo are a series of missiles which are key to the country's so-called 'Kill Chain' preemptive strike system, which allows Seoul to launch a preemptive attack if there are signs of imminent North Korean attack. In early October, the country displayed for the first time its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, which is capable of destroying underground bunkers. Last Sunday, South Korea, Japan and the United States conducted a joint air drill involving a US B-1B bomber, South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japanese F-2 jets, in response to the North's ICBM launch. Such joint drills infuriate Pyongyang, which views them as rehearsals for invasion. Kim Yo Jong, sister of the country's leader and a key spokesperson, called the US-South Korea-Japan exercises an "action-based explanation of the most hostile and dangerous aggressive nature of the enemy toward our Republic". The drill was an "absolute proof of the validity and urgency of the line of building up the nuclear forces we have opted for and put into practice," she added. Taiwan coast guard offers rewards for spotting foreign ships Taipei, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 Taiwan's coast guard said Friday it will reward people who report the presence of foreign military ships, including those from China, in waters around the island, as it seeks the public's help with monitoring "abnormal" activity. China regularly deploys fighter jets, navy ships and coast guard vessels around Taiwan to press its claims of sovereignty over the island, which Taipei's government rejects. Taiwan is massively outgunned by China, which has refused to renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control. "The Coast Guard's manpower is limited but the people power at sea is unlimited," Taiwan's coast guard said in a statement announcing the rewards. The coast guard called on people, including fishers, to "stay vigilant to abnormal maritime activities" to help counter the growing "threats from the sea" and "all kinds of grey zone harassment tactics" -- actions that fall short of an act of war. People who reported homicide, piracy, arson and kidnapping to the coast guard could receive up to NT$200,000 ($6,200), while reports of Chinese "stowaways" would be rewarded with NT$50,000, and NT$10,000 for other foreign stowaways. Verified reports to the coast guard about foreign and Chinese military ships and other vessels would be rewarded with NT$3,000. China maintains a near-daily presence of naval vessels and warplanes around the island. Chinese coast guard ships have also been spotted around Taiwan's outlying islands, at times briefly entering its restricted waters. A series of incidents involving boats from both sides have fuelled tensions across the narrow waterway separating Taiwan and China. A Taiwanese court in September sentenced a former Chinese naval captain to eight months in prison for illegally entering the island by boat. Europe boosts defence spending but lacks soldiers: study Prague, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 Europe has increased defence spending since Russia invaded Ukraine, but its defence capacities including military manpower are still insufficient, a British security think-tank warned on Friday. The findings by the International Institute for Security Studies (IISS) come as Donald Trump's return to the White House has raised fears that he could upend European security and pull the plug on support for war-torn Ukraine. The IISS published its latest report as it hosts the Prague Defence Summit, bringing together politicians, army officials and other experts to discuss ways to boost Europe's defence posture. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had uncovered multiple weaknesses in Europe's ability to defend itself, the IISS study said. "Defence spending of NATO's European members in 2024 is almost 50 percent higher than it was in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea," it said. Nonetheless, European armed forces "continue to rely on the United States to varying degrees across all military domains", the report warned. Europe's arsenal was "severely depleted as a result of political decisions after the end of the Cold War and the following decades. In the process, the defence industry in Europe also contracted," the study said. But production in some sectors, including air defence and artillery, has increased markedly since 2022 as arms makers respond to Ukraine's needs. "For instance, Rheinmetall's global annual 155 mm ammunition production rate has increased tenfold to 700,000," the study said, referring to Germany's arms giant. In recent years, European countries also have been buying more weaponry from local producers as the continent's NATO members have used more than half of their spending on European systems since February 2022, against 34 percent spent on US systems. While the production of weapons and ammunition is growing, countries across Europe are grappling with a lack of military personnel, the IISS said. "Key European armed forces remain under-strength... too many continue to lose troops, while not incentivising enough of the younger generation to volunteer," it said. frj/kym/bc Khamenei aide warns against impulsive Iran response to Israel attack Tehran, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 An adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned against launching an "instinctive" response to Israeli air strikes on the Islamic republic last month. Israel, Iran's sworn enemy, is engaged in conflicts with the Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli warplanes struck military sites in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for a large Iranian missile attack on Israel at the start of the month. "Israel aims to bring the conflict to Iran. We must act wisely to avoid its trap and not react instinctively," the adviser, Ali Larijani, told state television late Thursday. Iran said it fired 200 missiles at Israel on October 1 in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was in Tehran. After Israel hit back, it warned Iran against any counterattack, but the Islamic republic has vowed to respond. "Our actions and reactions are strategically defined, so we must avoid instinctive or emotional responses and remain entirely rational," Larijani added. The former parliament speaker also praised Nasrallah for accepting a ceasefire during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war rather than making an "emotional decision". On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a potential ceasefire between Tehran's allies and Israel could affect Iran's response to the Israeli strikes. Sudan army govt accuses paramilitaries of causing 120 civilian deaths in 2 days Port Sudan, Sudan, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 The Sudanese foreign ministry accused paramilitaries late Thursday of causing at least 120 civilian deaths over two days in Al-Jazira state, Sudan's pre-war breadbasket where fighting has raged since last month. "The Janjaweed militia (paramilitaries) committed a new massacre in the town of Hilaliya in Al-Jazira state over the past two days, resulting in 120 martyrs so far, killed either by gunfire or due to food poisoning and lack of medical care affecting hundreds of civilians," the ministry said in a statement. The army-backed government routinely refers to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) it has been fighting since April 2023 as Janjaweed, an infamous militia recruited by the then government in Khartoum to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion in the western region of Darfur two decades ago. The Sudan's Doctors Union said that "after looting and stealing all the possessions of residents in Hilaliya, the militia detained people inside mosques, only allowing them to leave after paying large sums, which are impossible to afford after the extensive looting and theft". Witnesses say that the RSF has imposed a two-week siege on the town, preventing residents from leaving. The RSF recently intensified attacks against civilians in Al-Jazira state after one of its key commanders defected to the regular army. Last month, at least 200 people were killed in the state, which is under army control, according to an AFP tally based on medical and activist sources. The United Nations said that 135,000 civilians were displaced. The conflict in Sudan pits the regular army, under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. It has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 11 million, 3.1 million of them as refugees abroad, according to the International Organization for Migration. Economic, security and social factors influence the return of scientists and children to Ukraine, says Iryna Zhdanova, founder of the Klim Churyumov Science Lyceum/Boarding School and director of the Open Policy Foundation. "What can stimulate children and scientists to return to Ukraine? This is the main question. I think there are three main factors: the security factor, the economic factor and the social factor," she said at a press conference on "How to bring scientists and children back to Ukraine?" at the Interfax-Ukraine press center on Friday. She noted that the first two factors are directly influenced by the state of scientific developments in IT, engineering, physics, radiophysics, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, as well as the retention of personnel: young people, scientists, engineers, laboratory assistants, and middle-aged researchers. By the social factor, Zhdanova means quality education and medicine, availability of housing and work. Zhdanova emphasized that young scientists with engineering and mathematical education constitute Ukraine's strategic reserve. "Even if we already have high-tech factories, equipment, some laboratories already have such equipment, including those that work for national defense, but all this equipment and technology need professional engineers, laboratory assistants and people with the appropriate education. Such specialists cannot be trained in a year or two," she added. In addition, according to her, quality online education for Ukrainian children abroad is an important factor in maintaining ties with Ukraine and returning citizens to the country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The tickets to the Green Zone of the COP29 will be available as of November 9, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov told reporters during a media tour, Trend reports. According to him, the tickets will be free of charge. The number of tickets for specific dates will be limited, he added. Alakbarov noted that tickets will be available on iTicket.az website. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which manages the Blue Zone of COP29 and serves as the center of official negotiations, will also feature a Green Zone. The COP29 Chair organizes and manages this zone, emphasizing community participation, technological solutions, and global cooperation. The Green Zone serves as a venue for diverse climate stakeholders, encompassing a wide array of participants such as representatives from public and business sectors, media, academics, experts, local communities, civil society organizations, and Blue Zone officials. The Green Zone program encompasses multiple projects and dialogues focused on sustainability and climate action, emphasizing increased involvement of youth, women, and indigenous groups in promoting climate change solutions. Furthermore, Green Zone fosters enhanced collaboration among non-governmental groups, as well as between corporations and higher education institutions, in pursuit of sustainable development. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed and an excuse for poor behaviour I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed This strikes at the viability of the rules-based system followed by the UN, EU, OSCE and above all NATO. Trump seems bent on changing Americas role in Nato, of which he has been a perennial critic. America will ask the Europeans to do more in their own defence and security. There is even the prospect that the notion of an attack on one requires a response by all, enshrined in Article 5 of the founding treaty, will become optional, ie that allies will be requested rather than obliged to respond to an attack on any member. The US will also point to article 3 of the Washington Treaty which obliges a member ally to take full responsibility for its own defence, and Article 4 obliging full cooperation and consultation between members. Trump could break through to these struggling groups. Like him or loathe him, he is an extraordinary communicator even if what he was communicating to them were patently pie in the sky solutions. He could articulate their anger, as Boris Johnson also managed to with Britains red wall in 2019, despite both mens privileged backgrounds. They spoke normal peoples language. 90s girl band star confesses she is homeless and has been living in her car for three years 90s music star is homeless and been living in her car for three years Cromwell has certainly become one of the villains by the time The Mirror and the Light picks up in 1536, after the execution of Henry VIIIs second wife, Anne Boleyn (played by Claire Foy). He has ascended to the height of his power and fortune, but his relationship with the mariticidal monarch is under strain. Spoiler alert its not going to end well for the kings chief secretary. Cromwell was the architect of Englands break with the Church of Rome to allow Henry to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Boleyn in the first place. By 1540 his many enemies had finally caught up with him and Rylances Cromwell will be heading for his own execution at Tower Hill. If you need to drop your bags in the centre of the action, and within Londons buzziest labyrinth of restaurants and bars, Mimis Hotel in Soho is the one. This recent addition to the city has a Dickensian townhouse character plush velvet chairs, open fires and rich, heritage hues though theres nothing stuffy or staid about it. An angular slab of marble sitting alongside the reclaimed wood in the brooding Hensons bar confirms this, as does the tech alongside leather headboards and nostalgic sconces in the cosy rooms. Its the sort of place youd want to hunker down in for a frosty winters night, with a whisky cocktail after a piping hot bath. Even the tiny or mini room categories come with underfloor heating, Frette linen and large TVs. Mimis offers a sliver of luxury for a palatable rate; it is a rare jewel amid its 600-a-snooze neighbours. But during the trial, jurors were told that a phone belonging to one of the migrants had been found in the front of the van and that a McDonalds receipt placed the smugglers in Brussels alongside text messages where Cronin revealed he had been waiting for people before returning to the UK, the Home Office added. He added: Unfortunately, I think too often this is just not the case. I think some people need to be aware of the weight of their words and how their attitudes and actions can embolden those who work against the public. Martins name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and non-harassment orders, banning him from contacting or attempting to contact the victims, have been granted for a period of 20 years. Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: This verdict sends a clear message to rogue letting agents and landlords that we will not tolerate businesses putting residents at risk and flouting the laws. Letting agents and landlords have responsibilities to ensure the properties they rent are accurately advertised and follow all relevant laws. If they do not, the council will do whatever it takes to bring them to justice." BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. In honor of Victory Day, a festive concert was held on November 8 in the village of Aghali in the Zangilan district, Trend reports. The celebration brought together residents of Aghali, employees of local institutions, military personnel, and their families. The event began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country's territorial integrity. The concert program featured musical performances by soloists from the International Mugham Center. It has recreated the family that we had back in 1982. The scarf is very well recognised around the world to the point that even King Charles spotted one in the crowd when he became King and deliberately went across and spoke to the guy who was wearing it, he said. Chef Oliver, who has acted as a host and mentor on the show since 2017, said: It is an honour and continues to be a huge privilege to mentor Britains top chefs through the process of competing on Great British Menu, and its incredible to think the series is now in its 20th year. I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me and the body will allow. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have today visited the Alley of Honors and the Alley of Martyrs on November 8, 2020, Trend reports. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva first paid respect to national leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honors. President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev. The state anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The head of state and his wife also paid tribute to prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. They also put flowers at the graves of state figure Aziz Aliyev and physician, scientist Tamerlan Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva then visited the Alley of Martyrs. The head of state and the first lady commemorated Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity, and put flowers at their graves. President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. The state anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The head of state addressed the nation at the Alley of Martyrs. Address of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev to the nation: - Dear fellow countrymen, dear sisters and brothers! It is with great pride that I declare that the city of Shusha has been liberated from occupation! Shusha is ours! Karabakh is ours! I heartily congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion. I heartily congratulate all the people of Shusha. Shusha, which was under occupation for 28 and a half years, has been liberated! Shusha is free now! We have returned to Shusha! We have won this historic victory on the battlefield. 8 November 2020 will forever remain in the history of Azerbaijan. This history will live forever. This is the day of our glorious victory! We have won this victory on the battlefield, not at the negotiating table. I have said many times that, despite all the statements, there are military solutions to this conflict, the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and we are proving it on the battlefield today. Nearly 30 years of meaningless negotiations did not bring us any closer to the result. Our ancient historical lands had been under occupation for almost 30 years. In the process of negotiations, the Armenian side simply wanted to gain time, strengthen the status quo and perpetuate it. Over the years, signals sent to Azerbaijan from various power centers were repeatedly urging us to put up with the situation. However, showing determination, courage and political will, we did not go for any agreement that did not meet the interests of the Azerbaijani people. I have repeatedly stated from all international forums that the restoration of our lands and territorial integrity is our main task, and we are fulfilling this task. Negotiations did not yield any results. They were just trying to fool us, they were just trying to freeze the issue. We have won this victory on the battlefield, we have won this victory by giving martyrs. May God have mercy on all our martyrs! I ask God's mercy for all our martyrs who died in the first Karabakh war and the second Karabakh war - the Patriotic war as we call it. I wish God's healing to our wounded compatriots. We are liberating our lands from occupiers at the cost of the lives and blood of our people, soldiers and officers. We are expelling the occupiers from our lands and we will expel them! Shusha was under occupation for 28 and a half years. Shusha has a special place in the history of Azerbaijan. This is our ancient and historical city. For centuries, Azerbaijanis have lived, built and created in Shusha. Shusha is a pearl not only of Azerbaijan but also of the entire Caucasus. However, by occupying Shusha, the hated enemy dealt a great blow to our cultural heritage, destroyed our historical sites, destroyed our mosques and insulted us. We have now returned to Shusha. We will restore all our historical sites, all our mosques, and a call to prayer will be heard in Shusha again after 28 years. A few years ago, at the opening of a mosque built on my instructions in the Jojuq Marjanly settlement which was liberated from occupation after the April 2016 fighting, I stated that this mosque was similar to the Shusha mosque. It is of the same size and architectural style. I said that one day we would restore our mosques destroyed by Armenian vandals in Shusha, and that day is coming. Today, the Azerbaijani flag is flying in Shusha. Today, all the people of Azerbaijan are proud to welcome this good news. We are gathering strength in a focused manner, tirelessly, despite all the pressures. We are building up economic power. If we did not have economic power, it would not be possible to achieve this victory. First of all, economic independence had to be secured and was secured. Today, Azerbaijan is not economically dependent on anyone, on any country or international financial institution. This independence has allowed us the opportunity to develop our country and strengthen our army at the same time. We buy all the military equipment and weapons needed for our Army from foreign markets. If we didn't have economic opportunities, how could we get them? I think that by pursuing a successful policy within the country, we have created a unique model of development for the world. Our internal solidarity, national unity and common cause gave us additional strength, did not allow some hated foreign circles to implement their ugly plans in respect of Azerbaijan. However, there were such plans, there were such attempts. We have repulsed these attempts by showing political resolve and unity, we have defended our pride as a people, as a nation, we have defended our independent choice, and we have proved that no-one can or will interfere in our work. Without this unity and national solidarity, we would never have been able to liberate our lands from occupiers. The main goal of the smear campaign, the campaign of libel and defamation against us over the years was to remove us from our main task, to distance us, to drown us in internal problems and to keep the occupied territories in the hands of the occupiers forever. Strong political will and the unity of the people and government overthrew these plans. The third key factor in our victory is our success at the international level. We have proved to the whole world that Karabakh has always been the land of Azerbaijan. We have proved that the Azerbaijani people have lived in these lands for centuries. We have proved that the Armenian population was settled to these lands only 200 years ago, how it was resettled and for what purpose. We presented it all to the world community, with evidence and facts. We have proved that Nagorno-Karabakh is historical and ancient land of Azerbaijan, and this issue must be resolved on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. All of the world's leading organizations, all international organizations have adopted fair resolutions and decisions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Four resolutions of the UN Security Council, resolutions of the UN General Assembly, resolutions of the Non-Aligned Movement, resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, resolutions of the European Parliament and other international organizations unequivocally recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan. This gave us additional strength. If we had not done that, the processes surrounding the conflict today could cause us great problems. Over the years, we have been able to establish relations with many countries on the basis of sincere, businesslike and mutual respect. Many countries consider Azerbaijan a strategic partner, and this expression is already reflected in international documents. We have been able to establish relations with all neighboring countries on the basis of sincere friendship, mutual respect and mutual trust. If we had not done that, a completely different process could have taken place around the conflict today. When Shusha was occupied, our main problems were that we did not have an army and the leadership could not fulfill its duties. At the international level, Azerbaijan had strained relations with almost all countries. We were almost isolated. But today we have isolated Armenia. Our transnational projects have created a completely new landscape in the region. We have redesigned the energy and transport maps of the region. The projects implemented on our initiative meet the interests not only of our people, but also the interests of many countries, including the countries of the region. We have both bilateral and trilateral cooperation formats with neighboring countries. All this has greatly strengthened Azerbaijan's international authority. Without these achievements, the problem could remain frozen. Finally and, first of all, army building. During these 17 years, the key part of my work has been devoted to army building, to strengthening our army, to equipping our army with the most modern weaponry. It was not an easy task either. Material resources alone are not enough to buy these weapons. At the same time, diplomatic and political efforts must be made, and we have achieved all this. Today, Azerbaijan provides for its military needs from many countries. At the same time, the defense industry has been created in Azerbaijan on my initiative. We meet the needs of our army largely through domestic production. Azerbaijan produces more than 1,000 types of military products, including the most modern ones. This is our activity building the army, solving the material and housing problems of our servicemen, solving the problems of the retired servicemen, providing them with apartments, improving the working conditions of our servicemen. We have rebuilt almost all our military camps and military bases, and they meet the highest standards. Of course, first of all, there is combat capability. The ability to fight has increased. Repeated military parades on Azadlig Square have shown the world our strength. Increasing combat capability is a key factor in army building. We use modern weapons, we use technology and we destroy enemy equipment, but it is Azerbaijani soldiers who liberate our lands, it is Azerbaijani officers who liberate them. They are the ones who chase the enemy with a flag and a weapon in their hands, soldiers who destroy the enemy. Long live our soldiers! We have created such an army! We said to the occupiers, we said to them, put an end to the occupation before it is too late. Therefore, our policy was unequivocal at all times. We have said that if the issue is not resolved peacefully, we will resolve the issue militarily. I have said this many times. Therefore, I have been criticized by some countries. I said to them: weren't our lands occupied by military means? Has Armenia occupied our lands peacefully? Every country has the right to self-defense. This right is given to us by the UN Charter. I said that if I see that the talks are completely ineffective, we will be left with no other option. Let everyone know this the enemy, its supporters and the mediators involved in this matter. I have always kept my word. I did what I told the Azerbaijani people. I kept my word on this issue and we are already celebrating the Victory. Since 27 September, more than 200 cities, villages and settlements have been liberated, including the city of Fuzuli, which has been completely destroyed. The hated enemy did not leave a single safe building there. Jabrayil is completely destroyed. Gubadli, Zangilan are completely destroyed. Villages, cities. Hadrut settlement, Sugovushan settlement and the city of Shusha today. Our victory march continues. There are still occupied lands and the fighting still continues. If the Armenian leadership does not respond to my demand, we will go to the end. No-one can stop us. There is no force in the world that can stop us. Armenia has already admitted its bitter defeat, has humiliated itself and insulted its people. The Armenian leadership now seeks help, military assistance, weapons and equipment from other countries. Where is your invincible army now? We have destroyed it. All their words, all their statements were a myth, a lie. The invincible army is the Azerbaijani Army! We showed this on the battlefield, expelled the enemy from the lands on our own. Billions of dollars have been spent over 30 years, fortifications have been built, engineering facilities have been built. But we have destroyed them all at the cost of our spirit, strength and unity! I want to say again that our victory march continues. Enemy forces must be withdrawn from all occupied territories. This is our demand. International norms and principles, decisions and resolutions of international organizations require exactly that. Dear sisters and brothers, today I give this good news to my native people here in the Alley of Martyrs. This is not accidental. This is natural. Today, I bow once again to the souls of our martyrs. Today I declare that the blood of our martyrs does not remain unavenged. The blood of the victims of Armenian atrocities, the victims of Khojaly, does not remain unavenged. We took our revenge on the battlefield. We have never fought against civilians, we didnt do it this time either. Although the hated enemy has killed 93 and wounded more than 400 civilians with cowardly fire. But I said no, we are Azerbaijanis! We will take our revenge on the battlefield! We have destroyed their army, we have destroyed their equipment, we are destroying and will destroy. We will drive out the enemy! Today, I also visited the grave of great leader Heydar Aliyev and paid my respects. I said in my heart, I am happy to have fulfilled my father's will. We have liberated Shusha! This is a great victory! The souls of our martyrs and the Great Leader are happy today! Congratulations, Azerbaijan! Congratulations, Azerbaijanis of the world! These days I receive thousands of letters from Azerbaijanis around the world, from people living in Azerbaijan. I get thousands of letters every day. I just regret that I can't read them all. There is simply not enough time. What wonderful words, what great support! Today we prove to the whole world that we are a great nation, we are a proud nation! We are an invincible people! We show the enemy's place on the battlefield! These days, I have repeatedly appealed to the people of Azerbaijan and showed my fist to the enemy. I said that this is not such a fist. This is an iron fist. We will crush the head of the enemy with this iron fist! At the same time, this fist is a symbol of our unity. Today, the people of Azerbaijan are as united as this fist! It will always be the case! This unity will last forever! This unity will allow us to fulfill all our responsibilities in the future. For all these years for 17 years I have felt the support of the Azerbaijani people. I have seen your trust, your kind attitude to me. It gives me strength. This is invaluable support for my policy. I have always assured the people of Azerbaijan that I will serve my homeland and my people with dignity and loyalty. I am glad that I have kept my word. As always, I have kept my word. Giving this good news to the people of Azerbaijan on this historic day is perhaps one of the happiest days of my life. Dear Shusha, you are free! Dear Shusha, we are back! Dear Shusha, we will revive you! Shusha is ours! Karabakh is ours! Karabakh is Azerbaijan! BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Azerbaijan's significant involvement in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and its geopolitical relevance for the region, along with the nation's economic potential, are crucial to this organization, political scientist Azer Garayev told Trend. The Organization of Turkic States is a significant regional entity that unites Turkic nations. Azerbaijan's pivotal role in the organization and its strategic significance for the region, together with the nation's economic potential, are crucial to this collaboration. Azerbaijan holds a significant position within the Organization of Turkic States, both politically and economically. The nation's plentiful natural resources, particularly its energy assets, enhance its strategic significance within the organization. The strategic location of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus is crucial for maintaining stability and security in the region. Azerbaijan spearheads numerous initiatives to enhance political, economic, and cultural connections within the Turkic realm, Garayev said. According to him, the OTS is stepping into the limelight as a new powerhouse, flexing its muscles both in the political arena and the economic landscape. Turning this organization into a center of power in the current global geopolitical situation will be an important breakthrough for the Turkic world. Even greater integration of the countries strengthens their independence and regional influence, allowing them to play a more important role on the world stage. Joint initiatives in the field of energy resources, transport corridors, and the development of digital technologies are the main factors in establishing the organization as a new bloc. Energy and transport projects implemented at the initiative of Azerbaijan strengthen economic cooperation between the member states and make them important players in international energy markets, Garayev said. The political scientist noted that the OTS stands as a vital conduit, weaving together the rich tapestries of Asia and Europe and hence nurturing essential pathways like the Middle Corridor that connect distant lands. President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the summit of heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States in Bishkek on November 6, touched upon several important topics, including the transit potential of the region and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, as the main part of the route connecting the Middle Corridor and the East with the West, creates conditions for the expansion of transport and trade ties in the region. This corridor further strengthens economic integration among Turkic states as a trade route from Central Asia to Europe. One of the key steps to improving the efficiency of this route and accelerating trade between Turkic states is its digitization. This increases the transparency of logistics operations, simplifies customs procedures, and facilitates the timely delivery of goods. Digitization also makes the trade process safer by improving security and tracking systems during transportation. Several projects are underway to digitize the Middle Corridor and facilitate trade. These projects will help improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs, the policy analyst noted. Garayev pointed out that in his speech, the head of state also noted the growing threats in the world and stressed the great importance of cooperation between our countries in the fields of defense, security, and the defense industry. As President Ilham Aliyev noted, given the growing global threats, our cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry is of tremendous importance. Cooperation among our law enforcement and security agencies has expanded in recent times. Military exercises are held with the participation of the armed forces of our countries. I believe it is important to increase the number of joint military exercises within the OTS, strengthen security ties, and expand cooperation in border security and cyber security. Member states, by sharing experience in the military industry, have the opportunity to develop their own national defense industries and expand the production of weapons and equipment based on modern technologies. This also increases the independent defense capabilities of the OTS countries and makes them stronger," the political scientist noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan made a statement on the occasion of Victory Day, Trend reports. "Today, 4 years have passed since the Shusha victory, which determined the fate of the 44-day Patriotic War, ending almost 30 years of military occupation and aggression, and creating new realities and historical opportunities for peace in the region. This date, which represents the beginning of a new era for our country and region, is celebrated as Victory Day following the relevant Order of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Notwithstanding the grave economic, social, and humanitarian consequences of Armenias military aggression and 30-year-long occupation, the blatant violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty, Azerbaijan was a party that made constant efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. However, Armenias continuation of the illegal military occupation and steps to maintain its consequences, carrying on illegal activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and breaking the negotiation process while resorting to unacceptable rhetoric such as new wars for new territories and Garabagh is Armenia led to the failure of the peaceful settlement process of the conflict. Following the political provocations, Armenias another large-scale offensive on 27 September 2020 forced Azerbaijan to take measures in accordance with its right to self-defense as enshrined in the UN Charter. The counter-offensive operation started on the same day marked the beginning of the 44-day Patriotic War the path to victory. Armenia, aiming at sustaining the illegal military occupation, and to undermine our peoples will, resorted to the practice of targeting civilians committing grave war crimes against civilians in densely populated areas such as Ganja, Barda, and Tartar which were far from the regions where military operations were conducted. However, as a result of the perseverance and bravery of the glorious Army of Azerbaijan, led by the victorious Commander-in-Chief during the Patriotic War, cities of Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, as well as Shusha city which has special symbolic value and importance for the Azerbaijani people, and more than 300 settlements were liberated from occupation. 8 November Shusha victory assured the return of the occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions based on the trilateral statement dated 10 November 2020. Immediately after the Patriotic War, Azerbaijan proposed a peace initiative in the region, declaring that its regional vision and approach are based on sustainable peacebuilding. Nevertheless, Armenias non-withdrawal of the occupying forces from our territories, ongoing military-political provocations, illegal exploitation of our natural resources, and landmine threat to the lives and well-being of our citizens in gross violation of the trilateral statement, necessitated the launch of counter-terrorism measures against the Armenian armed forces, the remnants of the occupation period, and the puppet regime established by Armenia in our territories. Thus, the 44-day Patriotic War and the counter-terrorism measures carried out in the Garabagh region ensured the restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty leading to the emergence of historical conditions for sustainable peacebuilding. Currently, significant progress has been made in the bilateral negotiations with Armenia on the draft peace agreement, which is being held at our countrys initiative. However, notwithstanding the progress of negotiations, there are still challenges and threats to a successful conclusion of the peace process. In particular, ongoing territorial claims against our country enshrined in the Constitution of Armenia, as well as the militarization of Armenia against the backdrop of the presence of parties that provoke this country to military aggression once again are obstacles to sustainable peace. Armenia must learn from history and finally realize that territorial claims against its neighbors will not yield any results. On 8 November Victory Day, we commemorate our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country with deep respect and gratitude, wish our war heroes good health, development and prosperity to our country and people, peace and tranquility to our region and the world. Happy Victory Day!," the statement said. President Klaus Iohannis participated November 7 - 8 in Budapest in the European Council's informal meeting whose agenda included in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen EU's competitiveness, with the reports 'Much more than a market' by Enrico Letta and 'The future of European competitiveness' by Mario Draghi providing a solid foundation for taking this work forward. According to a release from the Presidential Administration, the EU leaders adopted a political declaration on a new competitiveness deal, which sets forth a series of objectives to boost competitiveness, and which will guide the activity of the European institutions in the coming period. The Budapest Declaration outlines a series of key principles and areas of action in the overall efforts to strengthen European competitiveness, with an emphasis on ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion, convergence, as well as fair competition conditions within the EU and globally, respectively the commitment to act in unity and solidarity to the benefit of all EU citizens, the business environment and the member states. In accordance with these principles, the declaration highlights the importance of harnessing all instruments and policies in a comprehensive and coherent manner at both EU and member state level, and underlines the role of the Single Market as a driver for innovation, investment, convergence, economic growth, connectivity and economic resilience. Also, the declaration refers to the need for decisive progress towards a Savings and Investments Union, especially by expediting the completion of the Capital Markets Union. Furthermore, the document mentions the need for an industrial renewal of the EU, allowing the bloc to remain an industrial and technological powerhouse, noting that the growth of tomorrow's key technologies must be pursued, while also paying particular attention to traditional industries in transition. Another point of the declaration highlights the importance of defense readiness, including by strengthening the technological and industrial base capabilities in this sector, of research and innovation, strategic energy sovereignty, and working towards the goal of climate neutrality, promoting circular economy, digital transformation, an ambitious, strong and open commercial policy, as well as a competitive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector capable of ensuring a stable and predictable framework for farmers. In support of these objectives, the declaration refers to the need for a simplification revolution, which will lead to the reduction of the administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. According to the Presidential Administration, during the discussions, President Klaus Iohannis pointed out the significant role of competitiveness in the future actions of the EU, in the new legislative cycle, as the Union wants to position itself as a global leader in the new geopolitical context marked by increasingly complex challenges. The head of the state also referred to the importance of a comprehensive vision in defining the priority directions for strengthening competitiveness, taking into account the role of European action in all areas: economic growth and investments, industry, connectivity (with all its components - energy, transport, digital), defense, education, or the combat of climate change. "President Klaus Iohannis drew attention to the importance of a balanced approach, by establishing feasible targets and deadlines, taking into account the specificities of all member states," the cited source said. The head of the state emphasized that the cohesion policy represents one of the successful European policies, that produced concrete results, and is at the same time a key factor for competitiveness. In this thread, he insisted that the cohesion policy and convergence must remain the guiding lines for the future actions to strengthen the Union's competitiveness. President Iohannis also pointed out the need to fully unlock the potential of the Single Market, as a driver for European cohesion and competitiveness, advocating the removal of all barriers and full freedom of movement for all components, for a fully functional Single Market. The head of the state pleaded for the consolidation of connectivity, including interconnectivity with neighboring EU states, as a strategic priority of the Union, and welcomed the focus on the revitalization and modernization of European industry, stressing in this context the importance of supporting efforts to increase the competitiveness of large energy-intensive industries and ensure favorable conditions for a unitary and balanced development of the EU production capacities. He dwelled on the need to consolidate the defense industrial base in an inclusive manner, which should take into account the role of the member states in the vicinity of the Ukraine war, such as Romania. Highlighting the regional disparities in energy prices, Iohannis said that this remains an important challenge that requires attention to ensure a fair green transition, as a stable, integrated and resilient energy system is essential for increasing the EU's global competitiveness. President Klaus Iohannis expressed support for the goal of creating a true Energy Union that would ensure access to energy at affordable, safe and clean prices for all its citizens and businesses, as well as increased connectivity. In this context, Iohannis pointed out the benefits the inclusion of partner countries such as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in border interconnection projects can bring, not only from the perspective of security, but also in terms of competitiveness of the EU and its neighborhood. As far as financing for competitiveness-boosting actions is concerned, he spoke of a mix of public and private sources, which remains the main engine of European competitiveness. President Iohannis also highlighted the fact that achieving the goals of increased competitiveness and double transition will depend on the Union's ability to ensure their coherence with the social policy and to offer tangible benefits and well-being to European citizens. According to the head of state, the agri-food sector represents an integral part of increasing the EU's competitiveness overall, and the farmers' position in the food supply chain must remain a priority. The discussions at the Budapest meeting also tackled the outcome of the U.S. elections, with European leaders welcoming the results and underlining the importance of the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the United States, which is vital for the security and well-being of citizens on both continents and beyond. The EU leaders also showed that, in the current context, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the EU is all the more necessary and relevant, including for achieving the common strategic objectives in the relationship with the U.S. Tour operator IRI Travel has launched a new Black Friday campaign with special offers and discounts of up to 35% for the Bulgarian seaside, as well as for hotels in Bulgarian mountain resorts. The campaign runs until November 30, and the discounts apply for bookings made in November, for intervals varying according to each hotel. The special offers include only 4- and 5-star hotels in resorts such as the Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Kavarna, Obzor and Bansko. The holidaying demand for the Bulgarian seaside for the 2025 summer season already shows a 39% increase in early bookings made during the campaign that has been in full swing since the beginning of September, a company release informs. "As of early November, we have a substantial increase of 60% for all our destinations compared to the previous year, in early booking deals. Also, we launched the Black Friday campaign, that is already a fixture in Romanian tourism, consisting of a limited selection of our special offers, with discounts of up to 35%. We have prepared these exclusive promotions in order to offer travelers a competitive advantage and to respond to the increased demand during this period. These discounts apply for top destinations and hotels," said IRI Travel CEO Lucian Badircea, as cited in the release. IRI Travel has been operating in the Romanian tourism business for 18 years now, becoming the most important tour operator for some of the locally most sought holiday destinations located in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Italy. IRI Travel has a network of over 1,000 partner agencies throughout the country. An artificial heart for newborns and children, which can be controlled through a mobile application, was built by a group of students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr.T.Popa Iasi, who will represent Romania in the final of the competition World HeartHackathon 2024 in Japan. Among the 38 students who form the UMF Iasi MAVIS Artificial Heart team, most of them from the Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, three will go to the final in Japan, which will take place on November 12. Students from the MAVIS Technology Transfer and Innovation Center will compete alongside nine other elite teams from the United States, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Thailand and Sweden. "It is a new competition that we are pleased to participate in. A UMF team will participate with an artificial heart to help develop an artificial heart project. My colleagues have worked hard over the last year, day in and day out, in addition to classes from the faculty. We are happy to support them. We are also aware that it is a very difficult competition because students come from universities. renowned from all over the world", said the coordinator of the Center for Innovation and Technological Transfer MAVIS, prof. university Dr. John. Nistor The MAVIS student team stood out last year by winning "The most advanced design" award, and this year with a new project - a miniaturized artificial heart intended for pediatric patients, controlled by a mobile application. "It is probably the smallest artificial heart in the world. As far as we know, from the specialized literature, it is the smallest artificial heart developed so far. But we will see in Japan what projects the other teams come up with. This artificial heart was designed for a necessary flow for a newborn, but it can increase this capacity. Another innovation we bring is the elimination of two of the three external components. We have only one component, a smart, wireless battery that transmits energy wirelessly. Control over the device is made from an application on the mobile phone, the patient can view all the parameters, which is the charge level of the batteries, but also the speed of the pump and the heart rate. There is also an emergency button. Of course, we will also develop an interface for the doctor so that only he can access the initial settings", explained Alexandru Plesoianu, MAVIS team coordinator. Cardiologists say that ventricular assist devices, whether they are short-term devices or an artificial heart, are very important elements that can save lives. "Most cardiovascular diseases end up with heart failure, a very severe disease, with an evolution that is most of the time fatal, in which the quality of life is very, very low. Currently in Romania, there are very few ventricular assist devices small, there are very few medical centers that have the necessary experience and expertise. These devices are very expensive and unavailable to an ordinary cardiac patient," said Dr. Carmen Plesoianu, primary cardiologist at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Iasi. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the party's candidate for the presidential elections, said in Bistrita-Nasaud County on Friday that he is firmly convinced that, by the time he leaves the Victoria Governmental Palace, the issues related to U.S. visas and Romania's accession to Schengen including the land borders will be solved. "I am firmly convinced that by the end of the year we will be in [Schengen], I cannot leave this pending issue for Romania, with the U.S. visas and the accession to Schengen including the land borders. I am firmly convinced that before I leave the Victoria Palace, both of these things will be checked off," said Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Marcel Ciolacu attended the inauguration of the Opal-Teraplast factory in Bistrita on Friday. AGERPRES The Embassy of Romania in Italy, in collaboration with the prestigious research and post-graduate studies institute Societa Italiana per l'Organizzazione Internazionale (SIOI) in Rome, organized on November 7 at the SIOI headquarters at Palazzetto di Venezia the conference titled "Black Sea: Opportunities and Challenges for Euro-Atlantic Security", with the participation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization Secretary General Lazar Comanescu. The conference moderated by journalist Giorgio Rutelli and opened by Romanian ambassador to Italy Gabriela Dancau and SIOI president, ambassador Riccardo Sessa, brought together important speakers from various sectors, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea for regional, European and Euro-Atlantic security, as well as the stakes of developments in this area for the rules-based international order. Addressing the panel on political and security cooperation were Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation Lazar Comanescu, Director General of the International Center for Black Sea Studies Georgios Mitrakos, and Admiral Massimiliano Lauretti, Head of the Maritime Operations and Strategy Department of the Italian Navy General Staff. The second panel, focused on the role of the Black Sea in ensuring European energy security, brought together economic experts: analyst Radu Magdin, Laurentiu Pachiu - representative of the Romanian think tank New Strategy Center - NSC, Fabrizio Fabbri - Ansaldo Energia CEO, and Ernesto Ferlenghi, representative of energy and engineering company Saipem. The event, which enjoyed the participation of a broad audience that included ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, defense attaches, representatives of the academic and business environment, and Italian students was also intended as a Romanian - Italian contribution to promoting the Black Sea strategic valences from the perspective of the region-specific themes, and in the light of the connections with the Mediterranean East, with the contribution of representatives of the institutional, academic and research milieu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs that, according to the information sent by the Spanish authorities, two other Romanian citizens initially reported as missing following the floods in Valencia have been identified as deceased. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends its condolences to the bereaved families. According to the Romanian Ministry, until now, as a result of the meteorological phenomena that affected the Kingdom of Spain, four Romanian citizens have died and seven Romanian citizens are still missing. The Embassy of Romania in Madrid and the Consulate of Romania in Castellon de la Plana continued to verify the information regarding the death of some Romanian citizens, victims of the recent meteorological phenomena that affected the Valencian Community, but until this moment no confirmations have been received from the Spanish authorities. The representatives of the Romanian Consulate in Castellon de la Plana continued the dialogue with the Romanian citizens, including family members, who reported the missing persons, and remain ready to provide consular assistance, depending on the requests, the source mentioned. Also, the Logistics Center for providing assistance and protection for the benefit of Romanian citizens affected by the recent meteorological phenomena remains operational and operates from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 and 17:00 and Saturday-Sunday, between 10:00 and 15.00, at No. 12 Plaza del Alfonso el Magnanimo, Valencia. The representatives of the diplomatic mission and the consular office remain in permanent contact with the competent Spanish authorities regarding the Romanian citizens affected by the recent meteorological phenomena. Romanian citizens can request consular assistance at the telephone numbers of the Romanian Consulate in Castellon de la Plana: +34 964.203.331; +34 964.216.008; +34 964.217.836; +34 964.203.234; +34 964.216.172; +34.964.212.446, the calls being redirected to the Contact and Support Center of Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS) and taken over by Call Center operators on a permanent basis. Also, Romanian citizens who face a difficult, special, emergency situation have at their disposal the emergency telephone number of the Romanian Consulate in Castellon de la Plana: +34 677 842 467. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Jahit Bagchi shared a publication where he congratulated Azerbaijan on November 8 - Victory Day, Trend reports. According to the information, the diplomat posted the congratulations in his account on X. Today is the day when the 44-day Second Karabakh War was crowned with a glorious victory. Today is the day when the tricolor flag flies on the highest peaks of free Karabakh. I heartily congratulate the brotherly Azerbaijani people on November 8 - Victory Day, honor the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for this glorious victory, express my condolences to their relatives and battle comrades, and wish the veterans good health and long years of life, the publication reads. To note, Shusha city, which has great spiritual significance for the Azerbaijani people, was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Second Karabakh War on November 8, 2020. The liberation of the city of Shusha was the culmination of the 44-day Karabakh War. According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated December 3, 2020, November 8 is annually celebrated as Victory Day in the country. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel WASHINGTON COUNTY A woman died Wednesday and four people were injured in a head-on crash along Highway 21 north of Potosi, authorities said. The woman who died was 59 and lived in Potosi. The Missouri Highway Patrol refused to release her name. The crash was about 11:20 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 21 near Flamewood Road. The patrol said the woman was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse south on Highway 21 when an oncoming SUV crossed the center line and hit her vehicle head-on. The SUV that caused the crash was driven by a 48-year-old man from Irondale, Mo. His vehicle, a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, then collided with a third vehicle, a pickup truck. No one in the pickup was hurt, according to the patrol. The driver of the Mercedes and a passenger in the Chevrolet suffered moderate injuries. Two passengers in the Mercedes were seriously injured. The patrol's report did not identify the survivors. Everyone involved was wearing a seat belt, including the woman who died, the patrol said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. In 2003, when I was first elected as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I declared that, no matter the cost, we would restore our territorial integrity, and that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan would never be up for negotiation. Life has proven this, President Ilham Aliyev stated in his address to the nation on the occasion of Victory Day, Trend reports. We were preparing, building a strong army, and ensuring economic development, the head of state emphasized. Economic growth, our significant political influence, our firm stance on international platforms, the unity of the people and government, the nurturing of the younger generation, and the establishment of a patriotic spirit in societythese factors all contributed to our victory. The combination of these elements made this victory possible, President Ilham Aliyev added. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri voters delivered a split decision Tuesday, enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution while backing Donald Trump for president and sending Republicans who oppose abortion rights to the capital city. The abortion-rights Amendment 3, approved statewide 52%-to-48%, won by large margins in the states Democratic strongholds of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson and Boone counties. But voters in more conservative counties that are part of metropolitan areas also helped Amendment 3 win, despite voters in those counties also backing Trump and the GOP. The split could be a reflection of how toxic the Democratic brand is in Missouri. In addition to the abortion question, an even larger majority of Missouri voters also voted for a higher minimum wage, a policy Democrats typically support and most Republicans oppose. Missourians, through voter initiatives, have also legalized marijuana, expanded Medicaid, and repealed right-to-work in recent years. The Republican-led Legislature had refused to expand Medicaid or legalize pot, and it approved the right-to-work law in 2017. About every election, one of these comes up, said Terry Smith, political science professor at Columbia College. Its just the difference between progressive policy and the people who run on progressive policy. Democrats just have this brand issue, he said. Even with many Republican voters backing Amendment 3, Republican lawmakers are likely to push legislation next year to undo at least some of the constitutional amendment. Any changes to the constitution would need another vote of the people. Amendment 3 was in part an attempt to overturn the states strict abortion ban, which doesnt include rape or incest exceptions. Republicans approved the law in 2019 and the strict ban took effect in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Sen.-elect Adam Schnelting, R-St. Charles, said Thursday he plans to introduce legislation addressing Amendment 3. It boils down to the fact that Amendment 3 was extreme and there need to be some fixes to it, Schnelting said. Schneltings planned action comes despite most voters in his home county backing the abortion-rights measure. St. Charles County supported Amendment 3 by a 53%-to-47% margin even though the county also voted for Trump 58% to 41%. Voters there backed other Republicans up and down the ticket, with Democrats failing to flip any state legislative seats in the GOP stronghold, despite a concerted effort by Democrats to flip two House districts. In the western part of the state, Republican-leaning counties in the Kansas City area also broke for Republicans and Amendment 3. Amendment 3 won over 60% of the vote in both Clay and Platte counties, while Trump won 52% of the vote in Clay County and 51% of the vote in Platte County. In Buchanan County, where St. Joseph is located, Trump won 63% of the vote while the abortion measure there passed narrowly with just over 50% of the vote. Wins in key metropolitan counties including Boone, in mid-Missouri helped lift Amendment 3. But so did narrow losses elsewhere. In Jefferson County, south of St. Louis, Amendment 3 won 47% of the vote, while 53% of voters voted against it. At the same time, Trump won Jefferson County by a 37-point margin, with Vice President Kamala Harris winning 31% of the vote and Trump winning 68%. In Greene County, where Springfield is located, Amendment 3 also lost by a smaller margin than statewide Democratic candidates: 49% of voters there backed Amendment 3, with 51% opposed. Trump won 60% of the vote in Greene County. For many voters, Amendment 3 was about how much say the government should have over individuals a concern that crosses partisan lines. One Republican voter, a 69-year-old Tower Grove South resident who only gave his first name, Dean, said Tuesday he voted for both Trump and Amendment 3. Im not necessarily an abortion supporter, but I have to support peoples rights to control their bodies, he said. A voter in south St. Louis who described herself as an abortion opponent told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday she was voting for Amendment 3. I dont think the government should have a say about our bodies, Detrecia Jennings said. Sen. Cindy OLaughlin, R-Shelbina, told the Post-Dispatch on Thursday that she is unsure how lawmakers will respond to the passage of Amendment 3. But, she and others say its a subject that will be virtually unavoidable when the Legislature returns in January. OLaughlin said a clearer image could emerge as soon as a meeting of the Senate Republicans next week. Our caucus is strongly pro-life, OLaughlin said. I think that will be a major point of discussion. Well just kind of decide from there. Its not clear if action in the Senate would be followed in the House, where House Speaker-elect Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, has signaled he will not press for changes. We should respect the will of the people and we will, he told an audience at a candidate forum in October. I am so disappointed that Missouri voters fell for the "ballot candy" in Amendment 7 by a 2-to-1 margin. ("Post-Dispatch endorsement: Vote 'no' on Missouri Amendment 7," Oct. 23.) It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in Missouri. But our General Assembly thinks so little of us that they led with that enticement to get voters to check "yes" on a statute that bars any future use of ranked-choice voting the fastest-growing voting reform in the U.S. Our legislators are afraid of ranked-choice voting because it supports more representative outcomes, and they fear it could potentially, someday, if ever enacted, weaken the Republican stranglehold on statewide offices. So while other states and municipalities get to enjoy a more expansive way of choosing candidates, along with less negative campaigning and more coalition-building, Missourians have foreclosed that possibility here. Kate Stowe St. Louis An undated photo of Staff Sgt. Bryan Tomaszewski while deployed in Afghanistan. (Go Army Seattle/Facebook) An Army recruiter who deployed to Afghanistan and served as a sniper in Europe died in a motorcycle crash in suburban Seattle on his way home to have lunch with his wife and young daughter, according to Army and police reports. Staff Sgt. Bryan Rocky Tomaszewski, 28, was riding his motorcycle on Oct. 7 in Bellevue, Wash., when he collided with a vehicle making a turn. Tomaszewski was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. The male juvenile driver of the vehicle was initially arrested for driving under the influence and vehicular homicide, but in a videotaped hearing was released by a judge who cited a lack of evidence for prosecutors to proceed with either charge. Lt. Col. David Sherck, commander of the Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion, praised Tomaszewski in a post on the Go Army Seattle official Facebook page. A bright, talented, and charismatic young man with an infectious positivity and an incredibly bright future cut short, Sherck said. His tragic and sudden loss has left a deep hole in the Trailblazer Battalion, in the Army, and, most importantly, with his family. The Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel, Ala., said an average of 29 soldiers have been killed each year since 2020 in motorcycle accidents. Born at Langley Air Force Base, Va., in 1996, Tomaszewski joined the Army in 2015 after graduating from Jefferson High School in Shenandoah Junction, W.Va. He received infantry training at Fort Moore, Ga., and went on to serve at Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas, in Vilseck, Germany, and with the Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion in Washington. In 2017, Tomaszewski married Amber Starkey in Charles Town, W.Va. A daughter, Zofia, was born in June 2020. Tomaszewskis obituary said he deployed to Afghanistan. He was buried Oct. 26 at Edge Hill Cemetery in Charles Town, W.Va. Tomaszewski is survived by his wife Amber, daughter Zofia, mother and father, Gloria and Michael, sister Christel and nephew Joziah. An Army MQ-1C goes through preflight checks at Twentynine Palms, Calif., in November 2019. An MQ-1C flying over southern Somalia crashed to the ground earlier this week, U.S. Africa Command said Nov. 8, 2024. (William Chockey/U.S. Marine Corps) STUTTGART, Germany A U.S. drone flying earlier this week over southern Somalia, where the American military routinely conducts surveillance operations, crashed to the ground, U.S. Africa Command said Friday. An investigation has been launched to determine why the U.S. Army-operated MQ-1C Gray Eagle went down Tuesday, AFRICOM said. The crash, however, does not appear to be the result of any attempt to shoot down the aircraft, the Stuttgart-based command said. The Gray Eagle, a derivative of the Predator unmanned aircraft, is used for both surveillance and strikes. It can operate at up to 29,000 feet and is capable of carrying four Hellfire missiles, according to contractor General Atomics. AFRICOM troops have been in Somalia on a regular basis for many years to help local forces involved in a decadeslong struggle against the Islamic militant group al-Shabab. In addition to training and advising local troops, U.S. forces carry out surveillance missions and conduct airstrikes against enemy targets in coordination with the Somali government. Over the past couple of years, the number of U.S. drone strikes in Somalia has dropped dramatically. In 2020, AFRICOM conducted a record 63 strikes in the country. This year less than 10 strikes have occurred, according to AFRICOM data. Former Army officer Shane M. James, 35, is charged with murder for six deaths in Texas in December 2023. A judge determined him incompetent to stand trial and will hold prosecution until James is mentally able to participate in his defense. (Austin Police Department) AUSTIN, Texas A former Army officer charged with murder for the deaths of six people is waiting for space in a state hospital after a judge found him incompetent to stand trial. Shane M. James Jr., 35, is accused of killing his parents in San Antonio sometime during Dec. 4-5, and then driving north to Austin, where police said he killed four more people and shot and injured two police officers and a cyclist in separate incidents across the city. His trial for the murder charges in Travis County for the four deaths in Austin will be delayed until James is deemed competent and able to participate in his own defense, James attorney Russell Hunt Jr. said Thursday. James will remain in the Travis County Jail until a space opens at a state mental health facility that can treat someone accused of such violent offenses, Hunt said. That could take more than a year. Once James is admitted to treatment, he will be evaluated after 120 days, Hunt said. If he is not deemed competent for trial, he will continue treatment until he is. James served as an infantry officer from February 2013 to August 2015, according to his service record. He completed basic officer training at Fort Moore, Ga., and then Army Ranger School in 2014 before moving to Fort Cavazos, Texas, where he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. About a month after he arrived, James came under criminal investigation for a domestic violence incident with his then-wife, according to a military police report. The couple had a verbal argument and James grabbed her, took her phone and broke it to prevent her from calling 911. James rampage last year began in his own home near San Antonio in Bexar County, where he is accused of killing his parents, Phyllis James, 55, and Army veteran Shane James Sr., 56. He then drove more than 80 miles north to a high school in Austin. There, he opened fire at about 10:45 a.m. on an Austin Independent School District police officer and struck him in the leg, according to city police. From there, he is accused of shooting and killing Emmanuel Pop Ba, 33, and Sabrina Rahman, 25, in a neighborhood about 10 miles from the school. He then shot a cyclist, who survived, in another part of Austin before breaking into a home at about 7 p.m., where he is accused of killing Katherine Short, 56, and Lauren Short, 30. Police found James in the backyard of the Shorts home. He opened fire, shooting and wounding an officer. James managed to get away in a vehicle, but he crashed at a highway intersection and was taken into custody by police. James also has pending murder charges in Bexar County for his parents deaths. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Oliver Schoen, data systems administrator, and Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Lopez, data systems chief, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, participate in a 249-mile run as a part of a celebration of the upcoming Marine Corps Birthday, in Hagatna, Guam, Nov. 6, 2024. To celebrate the Marine Corps 249th Birthday, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz collectively ran 249 miles during a 24-hour period. (Ryan Little.U.S. Marine Corps) The nations third-oldest branch of the military is celebrating its 249th birthday this Sunday, Nov. 10. Older than the United States itself, the services founding is dated to a 1775 resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress that ordered two Battalions of Marines be raised as a landing force for the colonies naval fleet. Like the Navy, which celebrated its 249th birthday last month, the Marine Corps disbanded in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. It was re-established in 1798 and has remained in service ever since. In the post-World War II era, the largest Marine deployments have been for the Korean War, in which over 150,000 Marines served; for the war in Vietnam, where force levels in the country peaked at 85,000 Marines in 1968; the Gulf War, which saw 92,000 Marines deploy from 1990 to 1991 for Operation Desert Shield; and the Global War on Terror, chiefly through the 2003 deployment of 76,000 Marines for operations against Iraq. The Corps last major deployment remains salient to many: its 249th birthday comes just days after the 20th anniversary of the battle for Fallujah, in which Marines filled the leading role for U.S. forces a fact alluded to by the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith in his birthday message. But Smiths message to the Corps did not only look back. The road ahead is far from certain, but our ethos will never change Every Marine a Rifleman and Everyone Fights, it reads. It was this steady and forward-facing view that Marines demonstrated in celebrating this years birthday in recent weeks. Cheerful balls and cake-cuttings were held literally across the country, from Hawaii to Virginia. U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, present the birthday cake during their 249th Marine Corps birthday ball ceremony in Honolulu, Nov. 1, 2024. The Marine Corps birthday ball ceremony is held to honor past, present, and future Marines. (Grace Gerlach/U.S. Marine Corps) U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force present the ceremonial birthday cake during I MEFs 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Harrahs Resort Southern California in Valley Center, Calif., Nov. 2, 2024. (Ezekieljay Correa/U.S. Marine Corps) U.S. Marines with Marine Forces Reserve present a birthday cake during the ceremony of the 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Nov. 2, 2024. (Edward Spears/U.S. Marine Corps) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 staff celebrated the United States Marine Corps 249th birthday during a ceremony in the atrium of their headquarters in Naval Station Norfolks historic building N-23 in Norfolk, Va., Nov. 7, 2024. (Dominique M. Lasco/U.S. Navy) Celebrations were not limited to the U.S. mainland. At Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Dededo, Guam, Marines and sailors collectively ran 249 miles in a 24-hour period to honor the birthday. Balls were also held at the U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, and at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Miss Haruko Ota, a third grade teacher, peeks over the shoulder of Brenda Sheets, 10, daughter of Master Sgt. and Mrs. W. G. Sheets, as pupils with the right answer raise their hands in their Kadena Air Base fourth grade classroom at Kadena, Okinawa, March 21, 1958. (Don Hausser/Stars and Stripes) This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Pacific Okinawa edition, Mar. 23, 1958. It is republished unedited in its original form. KADENA AB, Okinawa Forty-nine Okinawan educators got a first-hand look at American educational methods Friday and were surprised that American students feel so much at ease in school. Theres a nice relaxed feeling between students and teachers that is interesting to see.: said Kasei Kisegawa, chairman of the Myamae Primary School Parent-Teacher Assn. Kisegawa along with the group of educators and members of the Parent-Teacher Associations of the Kadena Elementary and Junior High Schools and the Myamae Primary School, toured the Kadena AB Dependent Elementary School. The visit was sponsored by the Ryukyuan-American Community Relations Committee. It included a tour of the classes, recreational facilities and administration offices at the school. There seems to be a very nice proportion of students to each class, said Sanae Ikehara, chairman of the Kadena Junior High School PTA. In our schools it is not unusual to have 50 to 60 pupils. Perhaps that is why we have stricter discipline. Ikehara added that he thought Ryukyuan history and culture were not stressed enough in Ryukyuan schools. We used Japanese books printed after the war by Japanese Ministry of Education, but I feel that these are insufficient for our needs. His sentiments were echoed by Miss Haruko Ota, a third-grade teacher in the Kadena Elementary School. Miss Ota noted that there are 250 elementary and junior high schools in Okinawa which are overflowing with 120,000 students. Our greatest needs, she said, are more books, libraries and most of all, teachers. The group was divided into three parts which toured different sections of the school simultaneously. They were led by Mrs. Alice Johnson, principal of the Kadena school; Miss Dorothy McDonald, assistant principal and Maj. Daniel Ringle, military personnel officer, 6313th AB Wing, and chairman of the Ryukyuan-American Community Relations Committee. Maj. Ringle, who in his second capacity helps solve problems of Ryukyuans living near the base, said that visits like these are good because they help promote better understanding of how and why we do things and how we think. (Don Hausser/Stars and Stripes) Kadena, Okinawa, March 21, 1958: Miss Haruko Ota, a third grade teacher, peeks over the shoulder of Brenda Sheets, 10, daughter of Master Sgt. and Mrs. W. G. Sheets, as pupils with the right answer raise their hands in their Kadena Air Base fourth grade classroom. Around them a group of Okinawan teachers and parents look over the shoulders of the pupils. Forty-nine Okinawan educators got a first-hand look at American educational methods and were surprised that American students feel so much at ease in school. The group toured the Kadena Air Base Dependent Elementary School in a visit sponsored by the Ryukyuan-American Community Relations Committee. The exchange of educational knowledge between US and Okinawan teachers has continued to this day as this recent article testifies. To read what Okinawan and American educators learned from each other back in 1958, check out the original article here. This statue of Thomas Jefferson was presented to France in 2006. It stands on Paris Left Bank, in the 7th arrondissement. (iStock) Many events of great significance to U.S. (and indeed world) history and politics took place not within the country itself but on foreign soil, in large part due to the presence of some of our nations most beloved presidents and famous statesmen. In a trio of European capital cities, visitors eager to experience encounters with these legendary figures from our history books can explore these addresses both famous and obscure. Paris On Sept. 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed by U.S. and British representatives, thus ending the American War of Independence. The signing of this treaty by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay on the American side took place at the no-longer-in-existence Hotel dYork located at 56 Rue Jacob, in the citys St. Germain district. On the corner of Rue Jacob and Rue des Saints-Peres, between a cafe and the Hotel du Danube, a plaque was installed to mark the spot. Online: tinyurl.com/3nccudjr Franklin served as the modern-day equivalent of ambassador to France, and from 1777 to 1785, he resided in the Passy area in Paris 16th arrondissement. Much beloved by the French, a bronze statue of Franklin now overlooks the Square de Yorktown, so named for the battle that took place in Virginia in 1781. The bronze, a replica of a statue located in Philadelphia, was given to Paris by American banker John H. Harjes on the 200th anniversary of Franklins birth. The monument stands, fittingly, on the end of Rue Benjamin-Franklin, the name of the street since 1791. Franklins former home, the Valentois Mansion, is located at what is now 66 Rue Raynouard. Online: tinyurl.com/4buputdn In 1785, Thomas Jefferson succeeded Franklin as first Minister to France, a role he held through 1789. On July 4, 2006, the Florence Gould Foundation, along with Alec and Guy Wildenstein, presented a statue of Jefferson, third president of the United States, to the city. The statue can be found on the Left Bank, in the 7th arrondissement, near Passerelle Leopold-Sedar-Senghor. The statue is also very close to the Palais de Salm, one of the buildings to have inspired Monticello, Jeffersons home in Virginia. Online: tinyurl.com/yeypm5nw George C. Marshall, appointed the Armys chief-of-staff in 1939 and the first man to be promoted to the rank of five-star General of the Army during World War II, served as secretary of state to President Harry S. Truman from 1947 through 1949. It was in this role that he achieved one of his greatest victories, the implementation of the Marshall Plan. This plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was instrumental in helping allied European countries rebuild their economies and halt the proliferation of communism. In 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. A plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plans signing can be seen on Hotel de Talleyrand, on Rue de Rivoli, in the northeast corner of Place de la Concorde. The building served as the European headquarters of the Marshall Plan from 1948-1951 and later housed other U.S. government offices. The George C. Marshall Center, located on the second floor, serves as diplomatic receiving rooms and a venue for official events. Online: tinyurl.com/3bykhmsf Benjamin Franklin lived at 36 Craven Street close to Londons Trafalgar Square for 16 years from 1757-75. (iStock) London The Ben Franklin House, located at 36 Craven Street in the heart of London, was opened to the public on Jan. 17, 2006, on the 300th anniversary of Franklins birth. The house, considered an architectural gem in its own right, shines a light on the nearly 16 years between 1757 and 1775 that Franklin spent at this address. Programs for visitors include a historical experience featuring costumed re-enactors, architectural tours and other events. Online: benjaminfranklinhouse.org Berlin On June 26, 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech to the citizens of Berlin from the square in front of the former City Hall of West Berlin, famously stating: Ich bin ein Berliner. On Nov. 25, 1963, three days after Kennedys assassination, the square in the Schoneberg section of Berlin was renamed John-F.-Kennedy-Platz in his honor. One year following his speech, a large plaque dedicated to Kennedy was affixed to the wall by the entrance to the former city hall. Online: tinyurl.com/5c946w87 Upon his visit to Berlin, Germany on June 12, 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave a speech commemorating the citys 750th anniversary in front of the Brandenburg Gate, imploring General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. On Nov. 9, 1989, destruction of the wall began, and on the eve of the 30th anniversary of this event, a statue of Reagan was unveiled. The larger-than-life bronze statue sits on the rooftop terrace of the U.S. Embassy, overlooking the Brandenburg Gate. The statue joins a memorial plaque to Reagan installed along the Strasse des 17. Juni in 2012. Online: de.usembassy.gov/reagan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The thirty-year history of occupation will never be erased from our memory, and as I said earlier, it should never be erased. We must always be prepared for new provocations, and we are ready, President Ilham Aliyev stated in his address to the nation on Victory Day, Trend reports. The head of state emphasized that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are always ready to counter any provocation. He added: "If anyone wants to test our strength again, they will be defeated once more, and once again they will be humiliated. Because the 44-day Patriotic War and the anti-terror operation, our victory, is not only Armenias defeat but a bitter and humiliating defeat for those behind them." The South Korean military test-fires a Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea from South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on Nov. 7, 2024. (South Koreas Ministry of National Defense) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea South Koreas military test-fired a short-range ballistic missile Thursday to demonstrate it could respond to any North Korean provocations following the communist regimes recent missile launches. The South Korean Missile Strategy Command fired a Hyunmoo-2 missile from South Chungcheong Province, about 65 miles southwest of Seoul, to demonstrate the commands ability to make precision strikes against the enemys origin of provocation, according to a news release Friday from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The domestically made weapon flew roughly 125 miles to strike a simulated target in the Yellow Sea, also known as the West Sea, the Joint Chiefs said. South Korea unveiled its latest intermediate-range missile, the Hyunmoo-5, during an Oct. 1 military parade in Seoul. The Ministry of National Defense has described it as a retaliatory weapon meant to penetrate bunkers. The South Korean military test-fires a Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea from South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on Nov. 7, 2024. (South Korea's Ministry of National Defense) The test comes two days after North Korea fired at least seven short-range ballistic missiles that flew around 250 miles before splashing down in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, according to the Japanese and South Korean militaries. North Korea on Oct. 31 fired its first ICBM in 11 months. That missile flew around 620 miles at a peak altitude of 4,350 miles, according to government officials in Seoul and Tokyo. Pyongyang has fired more than 45 ballistic missiles in 12 separate days of testing so far this year. Air forces from the United States, South Korea and Japan conducted a bomber escort drill the day after the North launched its latest ICBM. A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer out of Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., was escorted by two U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, four South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and four Japanese F-2s over the air identification zones between South Korea and Japan, according to the Souths Ministry of National Defense. The three countries also made a similar escort flight involving two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers a few hours after North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile off its eastern coast on April 2. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday said he was optimistic about boosting the alliance with the U.S. after a phone call congratulating President-elect Donald Trump for his election victory. Trilateral military training between the U.S., South Korea and Japan was critical in deterring the North, Yoon said at a news conference, adding he hopes Trump continues the trend. The South Korean military test-fires a Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea from South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on Nov. 7, 2024. (South Korea's Ministry of National Defense) LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service) Hours after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, a South Korean political analyst named Cheong Seong-chang sent an email to his 1,400 subscribers noting what he considered a silver lining in the news that had unsettled so many of Americas allies. The reelection of Trump is an opportunity for South Korea to create its own nuclear weapons, he wrote. Cheong and others in his camp argue that it is foolish for South Korea and its allies in the region to rely on the United States for their protection, an arrangement forged after the end of the Korean War in 1953 that granted the U.S. operational control of South Koreas military. South Korea briefly operated a nuclear weapons program in the 1970s before shutting it down and signing the international Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in return for extended nuclear deterrence from the U.S. the promise that Washington would use its own nuclear arsenal to protect South Korea from such an attack. The push to revive it gained traction during Trumps first term with his oft-repeated complaints that Americas allies werent pulling their weight. In 2020, Trump ordered the withdrawal of around 12,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, calling the European nation delinquent. Germanys not paying for it, he said at the time. We dont want to be the suckers anymore. Trump has similarly dismissed the U.S.-South Korea alliance as an unnecessary drag, suggesting during his first presidential campaign that he might encourage Seoul to build its own nuclear arsenal a departure from Washingtons long-standing stance of nonproliferation. As president, he canceled joint military exercises between the two countries for being tremendously expensive and told aides that he wanted a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Korea, according to a 2022 memoir by his former secretary of Defense, Mark Esper. In an interview at the Economic Club of Chicago in October, Trump called South Korea a money machine that isnt paying enough for the upkeep of U.S. troops stationed within its borders. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, which has covered 40% to 50% of the total costs, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, and Seoul contributes around $1 billion annually. Trump has claimed he would get South Korea to pay $10 billion. His victory in this weeks election is already raising doubts about the U.S. commitment to its allies in the region. Mistrust of the U.S. is growing, said Cheong, who founded the ROK Forum for Nuclear Strategy, a group of 50 analysts, former military officials and academics who share his view that South Korea should acquire nuclear arms. Also driving their campaign is fear of North Korea, which has defied the international community to develop its own nuclear weapons. With longtime ally China treating its nuclear ambitions with a measure of leeriness, North Korea has recently been strengthening ties with Russia, where it recently sent troops to join the fight against Ukraine. In a survey by the Korea Institute for National Unification, a government-funded think tank, 66% of South Koreans said their country should get nuclear weapons if North Korea does not disarm. Among South Koreas strategic elites the academics, legislators and government officials with the most direct influence over national policy a survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in April found that just over a third support nuclear armament. But more than half the opponents said they might change their minds if the U.S. were to withdraw its troops or jack up the price of U.S. protection, as Trump has threatened. Few doubt that South Korea, which has an advanced civil nuclear industry, would be able to develop nuclear weapons. But many experts say it would not be easy or quick. Building the infrastructure and capacity to produce its own fissile material will take several years at best, as well as the time it will take to design, test and manufacture the weapons and compatible delivery systems, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, a think tank in Washington. Major political battles with the public are also likely when it comes to siting, testing or storing such materials, much less manufacturing and storage of warheads to form an actual arsenal. More significantly, nuclear armament would first require South Korea to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty a move that Town said would probably result in international sanctions. Perhaps more significantly, it would anger China and possibly lead to a regional arms race. But Cheong argues that the idea is not so far-fetched in todays unpredictable world order. So much has changed since the Ukraine war, with the nonproliferation regime once managed between China, Russia and the U.S. having been considerably weakened, he said. Who will tell South Korea that it cant have nuclear weapons for its own survival? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. 2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. British soldiers during a NATO exercise in Poland in February 2024. (Liesa Johannssen/Bloomberg) The E.U. is seeking to accelerate talks with the U.K. on a new defense and security pact, with the election of Donald Trump raising concerns in Europe that it will need to boost aid to Ukraine amid the possibility of reduced American support. A U.K.-European Union defense accord is now a top priority in their relations and has gained momentum in recent days, according to people familiar with the talks. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and E.U. leaders used a summit in Budapest on Thursday to intensify talks about ways the security relationship could be ramped up, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. U.K. officials are looking into what would be included in such a pact, and are considering steps like common procurement of weapons and more joint military exercises and expeditions. In a September presidential debate, Trump sidestepped a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to succeed in its effort to expel the invading Russians, and his running mate, JD Vance, has said that a deal to end the war would probably entail Russia retaining the land its seized in Ukraine and Kyiv agreeing to renounce its goal of joining NATO. Even though the E.U. is the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, Kyiv relies on the U.S. for crucial military resources such as F-16s and ATACM long-range missiles. The E.U. has largely used up its existing stocks of arms to send to Ukraine but the U.K. is better stocked, according to one European diplomatic official. During the European Political Community meeting in Budapest Thursday, hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Starmer held talks with his Czech, Polish, Ukrainian counterparts. He also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Starmer will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris next week amid commemorations of the end of World War I. Starmer and Polands Donald Tusk discussed their desire to deepen their existing partnership across defense and security, particularly in the face of Russias ongoing aggression, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. While U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he wants the deal to be ambitious, some officials have cautioned that an accord cant risk infringing on the defense pact the U.K. already has with the U.S. and Australia, which is mostly focused on the production of nuclear-powered attack submarines. While E.U. diplomats have always believed that the security pact is doable, despite private frustrations by the lack of detail from the U.K. so far, the accord is now their top priority for U.K.-E.U. relations due to the U.S. election result, said the people. U.K. officials expect formal negotiations to begin in the coming months, once the E.U.s new commission gets underway. Both U.K. and E.U. diplomats believe that 2025 is the crucial window for thrashing out these pacts, and warn that momentum from the reset under the new U.K. administration risks being lost beyond that. Personnel with the 374th Contracting Squadron gather for linguist training at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 11, 2024. Technology presented in the course aims to create an easier path for translating domain-specific languages by utilizing AI. (Irene York/U.S. Air Force) Artificial intelligence companies that have previously been reticent to allow military use of their technology are shifting policies and striking deals to offer it to spy agencies and the Pentagon. On Thursday, Anthropic, a leading AI start-up that has raised billions of dollars in funding and competes with ChatGPT developer OpenAI, announced it would sell its AI to U.S. military and intelligence customers through a deal with Amazons cloud business and government software maker Palantir. Earlier this week, Meta changed its policies to allow military use of its free, open source AI technology Llama that competes with technology offered by OpenAI and Anthropic. And OpenAI has a deal to sell ChatGPT to the Air Force, after earlier this year changing its policies to allow some military uses of its software. The deals and policy changes add to a broad shift that has seen tech companies work more closely with the Pentagon, despite some employees protesting their work contributing to military applications. Anthropic changed its policies in June to allow some intelligence agency uses for its technology but still bans customers from using it for weapons or domestic surveillance. OpenAI also prohibits its technology from being used to develop weapons. Anthropic and OpenAI spokespeople did not comment beyond referring to the policies. Arms control advocates have long called for an international ban on using AI in weapons. The U.S. military has a policy that humans must maintain meaningful control over weapons technology but has resisted an outright ban, saying that it would allow potential enemies to gain a technological edge. Tech leaders and politicians from both parties have increasingly argued that U.S. tech companies must ramp up the development of military tech to maintain the nations military and technological competitiveness with China. In an October blog post, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei argued that democratic nations should aim to develop the best AI technology to give them a military and commercial edge over authoritarian countries, which he said would probably use AI to abuse human rights. If we can do all this, we will have a world in which democracies lead on the world stage and have the economic and military strength to avoid being undermined, conquered, or sabotaged by autocracies, Amodei wrote in the blog post. Anthropics backers include Google and Amazon, which has invested $4 billion into the start-up. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Post. The U.S. military uses AI for a broad range of purposes, from predicting when to replace parts on aircraft to recognizing potential targets on the battlefield. Palantir, which Anthropic is partnering with to get its technology to government customers, sells AI technology that can automatically detect potential targets from satellite and aerial imagery. The war in Ukraine has triggered a new interest in adapting cheap, commercially available technology like small drones and satellite internet dishes to military use. A wave of Silicon Valley start-ups have sprung up to try to disrupt the U.S. defense industry and sell new tools to the military. Military leaders in the United States and around the world expect future battlefield technology to be increasingly independent of human oversight. Though humans are still generally in control of making final decisions about choosing targets and firing weapons, arms control advocates and AI researchers worry that the increased use of AI could lead to poor decision-making or lethal errors and violate international laws. Google, Microsoft and Amazon compete fiercely for military cloud computing contracts, but some tech employees have pushed back on such work. In 2018, Google said it would not renew a Pentagon contract providing image-analysis of drone imagery that was protested by employees. The company has continued to expand its military contracts. This year Amazon and Google were targeted by protests over Israeli government contracts by workers who said they could assist the countrys military forces. OpenAI and Anthropic, part of a newer generation of AI developers, have embraced military and intelligence work relatively early in their corporate development. Some other companies in the current AI boom, such as data provider Scale AI, have made willingness to work with the military a major focus of their business. Army Maj. Jonathan J. Batt could face a court-martial on charges including rape, assault and obstruction of justice, according to service officials. (U.S. Air Force) A Virginia-based Army major faces accusations of sexual offenses against at least 20 victims in a three-year period, the services Office of Special Trial Counsel said Friday. An Army lawyer on Monday issued a recommendation that Maj. Jonathan J. Batt face a court-martial on charges including rape, assault and obstruction of justice, said Michelle McCaskill, a spokeswoman for the Office of Special Trial Counsel. The office will soon determine whether the case will proceed to a court-martial, she said. The charges include 76 specifications of wrongdoing ranging from rape to sexual assault, assault and obstructing an investigation, McCaskill said. The Army brought the charges on Oct. 16 and the services Criminal Investigation Division described the probe on Friday as open and ongoing. Batt is a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He commissioned as an infantry officer and he has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 5th Ranger Training Brigade, the 3rd Infantry Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 3rd Infantry Regiment, according to service records. He has served at least four combat tours in Afghanistan and he most recently was assigned to the Defense Departments Joint Artificial Intelligence Center in northern Virginias Crystal City. Officials said Friday that Batt was initially placed in detainment by his commander, but he was released from custody Nov. 1 by a military judge after a hearing. Maj. Batt has complied with all orders of his commander, McCaskill said. Army officials declined to provide specific details about the case against Batt, including charging documents and court records. The Office of Special Trial Counsel said Friday that individuals with knowledge of the case should report information to the Army CID. McCaskill said Batt has been charged with 14 specifications of rape, 20 specifications of sexual assault, three specifications of abusive sexual contact, 15 specifications of aggravated assault by strangulation, one specification of aggravated assault by suffocation, 22 specifications of assault consummated by a battery, and one specification of obstructing justice. She said the assaults occurred between Dec. 1, 2019, and Feb. 17, 2023. Most of the assaults occurred in the Washington, D.C. area, she said. The case was first reported to civilian police in Alexandria, Va., who notified CID, McCaskill said. CID agents later found additional victims who reported they were assaulted by Batt. Batts civilian attorney, Nathan Freeburg, declined comment on the case on Friday through his law firm partner, Phil Cave. The Office of Special Trial Counsel was established by the Army last year after Congress mandated the military develop independent offices to prosecute certain felony-level crimes, including sexual assault. McCaskill said Batt will be arraigned, and his case will be assigned to a military judge if the office refers charges to a general court-martial. She did not say when such a decision might be made. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands in front of a Patriot air defense missile system during a visit to a military training area in Germany on June 11, 2024. (Jens Buettner/dpa via AP) WASHINGTON The Pentagon is now allowing a small number of U.S. defense contractors to work in Ukraine to maintain American provided weapons, according to a defense official. The contractors will be located far from the front lines and will not be fighting Russian forces, according to the defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Having small numbers of contractors in Ukraine conducting maintenance away from the front lines will help ensure US-provided equipment can be rapidly repaired when damaged and be provided maintenance as needed, the official said. The contractors will work on weapons systems such as F-16 jets and Patriot air-defense systems that require technical expertise to maintain, the official said. It is worth noting that there already are a wide array of American companies who have personnel in Ukraine fulfilling contracts for the Ukrainian government, so this will not lead to a substantial increase of employees of U.S. companies working on the ground in Ukraine, the official added. It is not clear whether President-elect Donald Trump will keep the policy in place when he takes office in January. Trump has said he hopes to end the war between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours of returning on Jan. 20. Trump is considering a plan that would see European troops in charge of a demilitarized zone in Ukraine, where the U.S. would continue to provide arms in exchange for Ukraine giving up a sizable amount of territory and its desire to join NATO. The Trump administrations approach to dealing with Ukraine and the U.S. handling of the war now amounts to a reversal of President Joe Bidens long-stated promise to stick with Ukraine and its war effort for as long as it takes. The U.S. has provided about $60.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russian forces invaded in February 2022. This screenshot posted to Naval Hospital Okinawa's Facebook page on Nov. 8, 2024, shows a website posing as the MHS Genesis Patient Portal. (U.S. Navy) The Defense Health Agency is warning patients about a website posing as its online military records system and patient portal, Military Health System Genesis. Defense Health Network Central posted a cyber safety alert Friday morning on its official Facebook page. If you find any websites that reference the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal or other information about MHS GENESIS that are not part of the .mil domain, those are not official government websites or affiliated with the Department of Defense or Military Health System, the post states. Hospitals at military bases in Japan posted warnings on their official Facebook pages Friday morning about an impostor website claiming to be the patient portal, which is used to book medical appointments. The legitimate website is https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil, the posts state. Any web address ending in anything other than .mil will not take you to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal and may not be secure, the warnings state. Naval Hospital Okinawa posted that the fake website points users to a mobile app available for iPhone and Android, but MHS Genesis has no such app. Patients who visit the fake site are at risk of having their personal information obtained by a party not associated with the Military Health System if they attempt to access their health information using any of the links on the website, the post states. The DHA Cyber Operations Center is actively blocking a fake portal site using a .info web address, the post states. Naval Hospital Okinawa posted screenshots of the fake site along with a description. The bogus website features no branding but does link to the health agency and health systems social media and other sites, including Department of Defense Self-Service Login, which may give the appearance of being authentic, the post states. The false website includes a disclaimer at the bottom of each webpage: This site is not affiliated with Military Health System nor TRICARE. All content is purely for the users information only. This screenshot posted to Naval Hospital Okinawa's Facebook page on Nov. 8, 2024, shows a website posing as the MHS Genesis Patient Portal. (U.S. Navy) MHS Genesis came online in October 2023, but patients in Japan reported being unable to book appointments with the system for months afterward. In February, the system experienced a 4 hour blackout that left patients unable to schedule appointments or tests or communicate with providers. Our primary concern has been informing our beneficiaries as quickly as possible so they can protect themselves by using only the official .mil website address for accessing their health information, Defense Health Agency spokeswoman Regena Kowitz told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. Stars and Stripes reporter Alex Wilson contributed to this report. The Pentagon in Arlington, Va. (Tom Brenner for The Washington Post) The Pentagon anticipates major upheaval once President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, amid fears that the once and future commander in chief will follow through on vows to deploy the military domestically against American citizens, demand fealty from key leaders and attempt to remake the nonpartisan institution into one explicitly loyal to him. The trepidation harkens back to Trumps first term, when he smashed norms and frequently clashed with senior Pentagon leaders including several of his own political appointees. He has shown no signs of altering course this time around, stating throughout his campaign an intent to use military force against the enemy from within, to fire any military officer associated with the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan after he left office in 2021, and to reverse what he and his supporters have denounced as woke decisions by the Biden administration that include renaming several Army bases that had honored Confederates. The greatest danger the military faces under a second Trump presidency is a rapid erosion of its professionalism, which would undermine its status and respect from the American people, said Richard Kohn, a professor and military historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Trump does not have a real understanding of civil-military relations, or the importance of a nonpartisan, nonpolitical military. A spokeswoman for Trump, Karoline Leavitt, said that with Tuesdays vote, the American public had given him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver. Several senior figures in Trumps first administration later issued public warnings about his authoritarian impulses. Among them were his former defense secretary Mark T. Esper; retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, his former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and his former White House chief of staff John Kelly, also a retired general. Jim Mattis, the retired general who was Trumps first defense secretary, said little publicly during the election but castigated Trump in an essay in June 2020, calling him the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people. While in office, each served as a bulwark against Trumps darkest impulses and subsequently voiced grave concerns that he would violate the Constitution by issuing unlawful orders to the military. As president, Trump boosted the Pentagons budget, pressed U.S. allies to spend more on their own defense and loosened battlefield restrictions imposed by President Barack Obama moves that were greeted positively within the Defense Department. But the impulsive, anti-establishment nature of his presidency created uproar, including when he intervened in the criminal cases of U.S. troops convicted of war crimes, sought retribution against retired generals who criticized him and abruptly called for a ban on transgender service members but had no plan in place. Such moves often caught Pentagon officials flat-footed and left them scrambling to discern what exactly Trump wanted and whether he would change his mind. As president, Trump used his personal social media to broadcast major U.S. troop movements overseas, including a withdrawal from northern Syria that caused chaos for partner forces there and personnel reductions in Afghanistan while U.S. officials were simultaneously negotiating a departure with the Taliban. Doing so was seen by commanders as unconventional at best. Earlier this year retired Gen. Austin Scott Miller, who oversaw U.S. forces in Afghanistan, recalled for House investigators scrutinizing the withdrawal how in 2018 he was awakened by a phone call informing him the military had been ordered to prepare to leave in the middle of the night. The general responded that doing so was not feasible. The first Trump administration also worked to root out career civil servants who were suspected of undermining the presidents agenda or who spoke out when it appeared his directives were unlawful. A Defense Department official said Wednesday that while most career Pentagon staff and military personnel there seek to avoid politics, some now feel afraid based on their experiences during the hyper-partisan first Trump presidency, when chaotic decision-making and abrupt leadership changes at times made it difficult for them to do their jobs. People around here are used to transitions, but a lot of them were around for the Trump administration, said the official, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations. After the race was called Wednesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, himself a retired general who spent more than 40 years in uniform, issued a memo to all personnel saying the Pentagon will carry out a calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration. As it always has, Austin wrote, the U.S. military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief, and to obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command. He emphasized, too, that the military must continue to stand apart from the political arena. Asked during a news briefing Thursday to clarify why Austin had specified lawful orders, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh declined to engage in what she called hypotheticals. She characterized the memo as intended to clearly communicate Austins expectations that the military remain apolitical, she said. In July, Austin made an attempt to shield nonpartisan career employees from future political interference. In a memo titled Integrity and Continuity of the Defense Career Civilian Workforce, he wrote that such employees must be granted due process and must not be subjected to summary dismissal. Its not clear what lasting effect, if any, such efforts will have on civilian personnel. While incoming presidents always choose their own political appointees, the Pentagons senior military ranks have long been selected on a rotational basis that stretches across presidential terms. Gen. Charles CQ Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the top officers in each service all stepped into assignments last year that typically stretch four years. Trump, as commander in chief, has the authority to remove any of them at will. Such a move could risk political backlash from retired generals and lawmakers from both parties who evaluated and approved those nominations, but doing so also would allow him to appoint someone else he perceives to be more loyal to him and his agenda. One senior U.S. official familiar with discussions in the Pentagon said there is palpable concern among senior staff that Brown wont make it through his full term. In 2020, Trump selected Brown, an Air Force fighter pilot, to become the first African American to lead a branch of service, but since then the general has faced Republican criticism for supporting the Defense Departments diversity programs. A spokesman for Brown declined to comment. Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force attorney, said her greatest concern for the military is if it is used to suppress dissent in the United States. While service members are required to follow U.S. law, all presidential orders stand to be interpreted by rank-and-file personnel as lawful even if they appear to fall in a gray zone, she said, with the possibility of disciplinary punishment for anyone who defies them. They will follow President Trumps orders, particularly because the president can lawfully order domestic use of the military in a wide variety of situations, VanLandingham predicted, calling the statutory limits on such force easily legally surmountable. There is huge risk in disobeying a presidents order, and seemingly little risk in obeying it, she said. Peter Feaver, an expert on civilian-military relations at Duke University, said that most military personnel and career civil servants are likely to see their mission as serving the new president and enabling him to exercise his powers as commander in chief. He urged the new administration not to sideline or retaliate against them if they make recommendations that run counter to White House desires something that occurred repeatedly during Trumps first term. Their professional duty is to warn the bosses of unintended consequences of what theyre trying to do, Feaver said. Thats not resistance. Thats not disloyalty. Thats literally their job. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. An event was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan on the occasion of November 8 - Victory Day, Trend reports. The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan, Gismet Gozalov, delivering his speech first commemorated the dear memory of our martyrs who gave this Victory to our nation and sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. The Ambassador emphasized that under the leadership of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, and regarding the bravery of the heroic Azerbaijani Army, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereign rights within its internationally recognized borders as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, and that the national flag of the country is currently waving throughout the territory of Azerbaijan. He also mentioned the construction work in the liberated areas, the large-scale return to the areas, as well as the threat of landmines, which is still a threat today. He pointed out that Azerbaijan is currently taking initiatives in the direction of ensuring peace in the South Caucasus, that Azerbaijan has proposed a peace agreement to Armenia that recognizes the territorial integrity and borders of both countries, and that the main articles of the agreement have now been agreed. He said that with the end of the conflict in the region, first of all, there are new opportunities for cooperation in the transport and communication sector, and these opportunities will serve the interests not only of the South Caucasus but also of the whole region. Mentioning the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the Ambassador emphasized that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are implementing important projects in the energy sector and said that important work has been done in both countries on climate change and alternative energy. He also underlined that 2024 has been declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that the hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan in November of this year and the Leaders' Summit to be held in this context on November 12-13, 2024, are clear evidence of the country's recognition by the international community as a reliable partner state. Later, the Ambassadors of Turkiye, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in Turkmenistan, as well as the charge d'affaires of Uzbekistan, delivered speeches and conveyed their congratulations on Victory Day. They noted that the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is a fair and historically significant achievement of the Azerbaijani people; at the same time, they noted that this is a source of inspiration for the Turkic world. Representatives of Azerbaijanis living in Turkmenistan, the public, and the media also attended the event. Former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who served in the post under President Donald Trump, leads transition efforts at the Defense Department for the returning president. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Robert Wilkie, a former Department of Veterans Affairs secretary under President Donald Trump, has been tapped to lead the Defense Departments transition efforts for the returning president, according to news reports. Wilkie, a colonel in the Air Force Reserve, led the VA from 2018 until 2021 and previously served as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. His new role was first reported by Politico. Wilkie is expected to take charge of Trumps search for a new defense secretary as well as other senior civilian leaders in the military. As VA secretary, Wilkie sought to expand veteran access to health care, oversaw the departments response to the first year of the coronavirus pandemic and worked on modernizing VA infrastructure, including the ongoing overhaul of electronic health records. His tenure was also marked by controversy. He most notably came under fire for his response to a complaint by a Navy veteran working as a Democratic congressional aide that she was sexually assaulted at the Washington VA Medical Center. The VAs inspector general determined Wilkie and his senior staff questioned the veterans credibility and attempted to denigrate her. The investigation deemed Wilkies response at a minimum unprofessional but did not find criminal wrongdoing. Top Democratic lawmakers as well as the nations largest veterans organizations called on Wilkie to resign over the scandal but he remained in his post until the end of Trumps first presidential term. Jim Byrne, the VAs former second-in-command who Wilkie abruptly fired in 2020, said later that year that he was dismissed because he refused to trash the aide. Wilkie also drew criticism for his stance on social justice issues. He opposed a gender-neutral update to the agencys former male-centric motto To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan and resisted the removal of German soldier gravestones etched with swastikas from VA-operated cemeteries. In 2020, as the country grappled with racial tensions after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Wilkie said he had not heard any concerns from veterans about VA facilities named after Confederates. The VA at the time said it had no plans to rename a hospital named for a Confederate physician who supported slavery and lauded white supremacy. Wilkie was formerly a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and attended memorial ceremonies for Confederate veterans for years. He said in 2018 that he no longer attended the events because they had become part of the politics that divide us. Today, there would be much more consideration taken into attending this type of memorial event, Wilkie said in a statement to The Washington Post. While I honor the soldiers in my family, and I am a student of history, the past is the past, and I do not live in the past. Trump has repeatedly stated his intent to reverse the woke decision by President Joe Bidens administration to rename military bases that had honored Confederates. Since leaving the Trump administration, Wilkie has been affiliated with the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded to promote Trumps policy agenda. Wilkie in 2020 praised Trump as the first president since the 1890s who recognized the scourge of veteran suicide and focused much of his own work at the Pentagon and VA on preventing suicide and sexual assault. He was nominated for the VA secretary position after Trumps initial pick, David Shulkin, was fired. A second contender, Trumps personal physician Ronny Jackson, now a House lawmaker, withdrew from consideration amid allegations of misconduct. Wilkie joined the VA after years of working in federal government. He began his career on Capitol Hill, where he was an aide to the controversial Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., and Rep. David Funderburk, R-N.C. He later worked in the George W. Bush administration, first for Condoleezza Rice on the White House National Security Council and later at the Defense Department. Wilkie grew up at North Carolinas Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, as the son of an Army artillery commander who was severely wounded in Vietnam. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a naval intelligence officer before joining the Air Force Reserve. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Plant Quarantine and Protection" has been officially approved, Trend reports. The relevant document was signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The agreement was initially signed on August 19, 2024, in Baku. In a civil action for damages, Nikita Hand (35) claims she was raped by both of McGregor (36) and Lawrence in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, Dublin on December 9, 2018. McGregor claims they had consensual sex The woman who claims she was raped by Conor McGregor has described as lies and another made up story a version of events put forward by the mixed martial arts stars associate James Lawrence. In a civil action for damages, Nikita Hand (35) claims she was raped by both of McGregor (36) and Lawrence in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, Dublin on December 9, 2018. McGregor claims they had consensual sex. Ms Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh in Dublin, initially only filed a garda complaint against McGregor, but this changed after Lawrence came forward and claimed he too had sex with her in the penthouse on the same day. Ultimately the DPP decided not to prosecute. The mother of one maintains she only remembers being raped by McGregor and has no recollection of any sort of sexual relations with Lawrence. I think he is lying, she told a jury of four men and eight women in the High Court today. Conor McGregor and Nikita Hand at the High Court in Dublin During cross examination on the fourth day of her action against both men, Lawrences barrister John Fitzgerald SC put forward his clients version of what happened. He put it to Ms Hand that she, her friend Danielle Kealy, McGregor and Lawrence were in the penthouse sitting room together. The barrister said she and McGregor were being very affectionate, that she was happy and laughing and at some point she and McGregor went into the adjoining bedroom to have sex. He said the door was open and they could clearly be heard having sex. There were noises, moaning, noises that indicated you were having a good time, said Mr Fitzgerald Ms Hand said she didnt agree that this was true. The barrister put it to her that while she and McGregor were having pleasurable sex in the bedroom, Lawrence and Ms Kealy started having sex in the adjoining room. I dont know, Ms Hand responded. He put it to her that she did know as she had come in and out of the bedroom to them while they were having sex. I just think this is another made up story, she replied. Conor McGregor Mr Fitzgerald said this went on for some considerable time as Lawrence and Ms Kealy had sex three times. He put it to Ms Hand that at one point Lawrence went into the bathroom and could see her on top of McGregor having sex. Lies, Ms Hand said in response. She also denied calling Lawrence a dirty bastard after walking in on him and Ms Kealy at one point. Mr Fitzgerald asked her about CCTV footage of her with Lawrence in the hotel elevator after the alleged rape, in which she appeared to behave affectionately towards him. Ms Hand said she was hitting off walls, stumbling and very drunk in the footage and that she did not have any memory of it. Mr Fitzgerald said one CCTV clip from the hotel lift showed her attempting to kiss Lawrence. He said that in her garda statement, she had said she was not attracted to Lawrence. The barrister said the footage appeared to show that she had been. I cant look any more of these. It is too upsetting for me. I dont have any memory of it whatsoever, Ms Hand said. I am going to proposition to you that you said to Mr Lawrence that you liked him. That you had liked him for a long time, said Mr Fitzgerald. I dont agree, she replied. Mr Fitzgerald continued: You started kissing him at some point and you decided to go back to the room to continue the intimacy shown on camera. Ms Hand replied: No. The barrister suggested that they went up to the room and had sex, using a condom. I have no memory of that whatsoever. I think it is just a made up story, replied Ms Hand. Mr Fitzgerald put it to Ms Hand that she had attempted to edit Lawrence out of her story, that it was not a good look for her to have had consensual sex two times with another man who was a friend of McGregor after she claimed to have been raped by McGregor. Ms Hand said she did not accept this. I know what happened in that room, she said. Nikita Hand At the outset of todays hearing the jury expressed concerns that they may have been photographed or filmed from the public gallery yesterday. A note handed by the jury foreman to Mr Justice Alexander Owens this morning said a man had been noticed in the balcony gallery above the courtroom pointing a phone at the jury. The note said the jury was concerned about the possibility that photos or videos of them could be circulated. Mr Justice Owens directed that a garda be placed in the gallery and said he too would be keeping an eye out to ensure there was no prospect of it happening again. Clearly if that happened, it is completely inappropriate, the judge said. It is a contempt of court to take photos of the jury and there will be steps taken to deal with that matter in the event anyone is suspected of it.. Mr Justice Owens also directed that anyone standing in the balcony gallery had to leave and that only those with seating could remain. Ms Hand was being cross examined for a second day today. Prior to being questioned by Mr Fitzgerald she was cross examined by McGregors counsel Remy Farrell SC. Much of Mr Farrells cross examination of Ms Hand focused on alleged inconsistencies in her account. Ms Hand has given evidence that she was brutally raped and battered by McGregor. She and Ms Kealy were brought to the hotel by McGregor that morning from the salon where they worked in Goatstown. They had been out all night at an alcohol and cocaine-fueled Christmas party and wanted to continue partying that morning. Ms Hand has said she had been drinking beer and Bacardi and had also been taking cocaine. She was in contact with McGregor, who she knew, via Instagram, during her party. According to her account, McGregor had a bag of cocaine in the car on the way to the hotel and she and Ms Kealy had some of it. The group arrived at the hotel around 12.30pm. The rape is alleged to have happened some time in hours that followed. She alleges McGregor pinned her down on a bed in the penthouse, choked her three times and violently raped her after she refused to perform oral sex on him. She says she struggled and bit McGregor but was overpowered and had to submit. Both McGregor and Lawrence claim they each twice had consensual sex with her that day and that her claim for damages to relocate from Drimnagh amounted to extortion. Ms Hand has told the court she does not remember much of events that occurred in the hours immediately after the alleged rape due to the amount of alcohol and drugs in her system. Wrapping up his cross examination, Mr Farrell said: It is quite clear you remember some things and not others. He said he wished to go through these for the jurys benefit. Mr Farrell said Ms Hand remembered arriving at the Beacon Hotel, but didnt remember being affectionate toward McGregor in a lift up to the penthouse. He said she remembered being raped but seemed to not remember the rape for a time after it happened. The barrister said that, critically, she did not remember the rape after waking up, and when her friend Danielle was leaving the hotel with McGregor shortly after 6pm. Mr Farrell said she remembered sending an untruthful text to her then partner Stephen Redmond around 6.30pm in which she said she was having fun and drinking in the Goat Bar & Grill in Goatstown. He said that her memory was that she sent this text in the penthouse bedroom after she woke up beside McGregor following the alleged rape. Mr Farrell said she did not remember she was somewhere else entirely, the hotels underground carpark, when she sent the text. He said she remembered going down to say goodbye to McGregor and Ms Kealy in the carpark, but did not remember hugging McGregor or kissing his arm in the lift down to the carpark. Mr Farrell said she did not remember the difficulty she and Lawrence had going up and down in the lift trying to regain access to the penthouse. Ms Hand agreed with most of what Mr Farrell said about the extent of her memory. She said it was only when she and Lawrence got back to the penthouse that some things were coming back to me. Medical evidence heard by the court earlier this week revealed she presented at the Sexual Assault Unit of the Rotunda Hospital the following day with extensive bruising on her body. A tampon wedged inside her vagina had to be removed with a forceps. Yesterday, Ms Hand rejected McGregors version of events when it was put to her by Mr Farrell. The UFC fighter claims Ms Hand followed him into the bedroom of the penthouse and was a willing participant in consensual sex. Ms Hand said McGregors version of events was like a made up story that didnt happen. He did not have sex with me, he raped me, she said. Joseph Coyle was caught red-handed by gardai who set up an online sting operation in 2020 A Co Donegal man tried to induce an undercover Garda into having sex thinking she was a child. Joseph Coyle was caught red-handed by gardai who set up an online sting operation in 2020. The 41-year-old from the village of Ramelton appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court where he was jailed for two years after pleading guilty. He admitted to the use of information and communication technology in an attempt to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child. He was charged that, on a date between November 10, 2020 and November 16, 2020, both dates inclusive, that he did attempt to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 17 by inducing or coercing the child to engage in sexual activity. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause a child under the age of 17 to watch another person engage in sexual activity for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. The charge related to the same dates Judge John Aylmer noted the charges carried potential maximum sentences of 14 and 10 years adding The potential maximum sentence indicates how serious the legislature takes these types of offences, Judge John Aylmer said. Coyle was detected by an undercover officer who was pretending to be a child of 12 years of age. The interaction culminated in Coyle requesting to have sexual intercourse. Coyle told the person that he would love to have sexual intercourse and instructed her to perform a sexual act. The court heard that the Probation Service has assessed Coyle as being of medium risk of reoffending. Judge Aylmer said the offences each merited a starting point of five years imprisonment. In terms of mitigation, Judge Aylmer said Coyle pleaded guilty and cooperated fully with the investigation. He said Coyle came before the court without previous convictions and has not come to adverse attention since. Judge Aylmer said that Coyle was described as being a very shy and somewhat isolated individual. While Coyle accepted responsibility for the offences, Judge Aylmer said Coyle tended to minimise his offending. The court was told that the accused, who was represented by Ms Patricia McLaughlin SC, with Mr Timothy Morrow BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher, comes from a good and supportive family, with whom he still lives. The Probation Service sought to emphasise what was described as a very significant need for rehabilitation and recommended a two-year period of supervision. Noting the need for rehabilitation, Judge Aylmer reduced the sentences to four years on each count, with the final two years suspended for a period of two years on Coyle entering into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years following his release. Coyle is to be placed under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years after his sentence and must attend all appointments and engagement in an assessment for a suitable sex offender treatment programme. Judge Aylmer directed that Coyle, of Castle Street, Ramelton, undertake underage offence-focussed work and comply with all directions. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register. Gda Sloane has watched the CCTV many times and compiled montages purporting to show the movements of each of the accused The Special Criminal Court has ruled that a garda may narrate CCTV footage that shows a gunman walking into a Dublin steakhouse where he shot a man dead before being disarmed and beaten to death. Three men are on trial at the three-judge, non-jury court accused of murdering the gunman, Tristan Sherry, while three others, including the son of the man Sherry shot dead, are accused of violent disorder. All deny the charges. In her opening speech this week prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC said that Jason Hennessy Snr and a group of people had gathered in the busy Browne's Steakhouse for Christmas Eve. Sherry and a second man entered with their faces covered and hoods up and moved towards the party before Sherry shot and fatally wounded Mr Hennessy Snr. Murphy said Sherry was promptly disarmed and attacked by a group using "savage levels of violence" involving kicking, stamping and striking with various objects including chairs. Tristan Sherry Defence lawyers asked the court to rule that, while introducing the CCTV footage into evidence, Garda Dermot Sloane should not be allowed to narrate the footage. They said that the narrative offered by the garda was unnecessary and could prejudice the court's interpretation of what they can see with their own eyes. In today's ruling, presiding judge Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the purpose of the narrative is to draw the court's attention to potentially relevant aspects of the footage. Gda Sloane has watched the CCTV many times and compiled montages purporting to show the movements of each of the accused. Mr Justice Naidoo said the garda's familiarity with the footage makes him an "ad hoc expert" and he is therefore entitled to offer a descriptive narrative. Nothing the garda says will determine any issue in the trial, Mr Justice Naidoo said, as it is up to the three judges to decide the facts of the case. The court, he said, will decide the meaning or relevance of any piece of evidence and not the garda witness. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the trial to Monday after the parties asked for time to consider any edits that might be made to the garda's narrative before the court hears it. Four men are charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry on 24 December 2023, at Brownes Steakhouse, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The three currently on trial are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (22), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown. Wayne Deegan (26), Linnetsfield Avenue, Phibblestown, Dublin 15 is also charged with murder but is awaiting a report by a neuro-psychologist and will be tried at a later date. Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown and 18-year-old Diarmuid O'Brien of Corduff Place, Blanchardstown are charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date. Brandon Hennessy (21) of Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15 - the son of Jason Hennessy Snr - is also charged with violent disorder. All the accused pleaded not guilty. 18-year-old Jaures Kumbu of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown has previously pleaded guilty to removing from the scene the sub-machine gun that was used by Sherry to kill Hennessy. The gun has not been retrieved. Mr Justice Twomey says that "plausible reasons were provided to me for the increase" Gardai have this year mounted 66 separate high-tech snoop operations involving placing bugging and tracking devices in the surveillance of suspected members of organised crime gangs and others engaged in serious crime. In a report delivered to An Taoiseach by High Court judge, Mr Justice Michael Twomey on the operation of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 in the 12 months to the end of July this year, he reports that Gardai made 66 applications for the use of tracking devices over the 12 months which compares to 58 for the previous 12 months. Mr Justice Twomey says that "plausible reasons were provided to me for the increase". The use of covert bugging devices and tracking devices by the Gardai has proven crucial in the war against gangland crime in preventing murders and securing evidence for convictions against Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) in the courts. In his 7th annual review of the operation of the Criminal Justice Surveillance Act, Mr Justice Michael Twomey reports 18 applications were made by Gardai to the District Court for bugging operations. The judge stated that it should be noted that in respect of the 18 applications, they were made before 12 different judges of the district court which he said is a safeguard against rubber-stamping. Mr Justice Twomey stated that the Criminal Justice Surveillance Act is used extensively for the purpose of detecting and combating serious criminal activity including organised crime, serious Revenue offences and activities subversive to the State. He stated that from his meetings with senior personnel in the relevant organisations I am satisfied that significant intelligence has been gathered by means of the Act which has either prevented serious crime or assisted in bringing successful prosecutions against the perpetrators of crime. Mr Justice Twomey stated that without the powers given under the Act a significant amount of criminal activity could not be detected. In his 11 page report, Mr Justice Twomey stated that he was impressed by the professionalism of the members of An Garda Siochana involved in surveillance work which is of great benefit in the fight against crime, particularly the fight against organised crime and against activity which threatens the security of the State He said: Many of the members of An Garda Siochana who carry out surveillance work under the Act do so at considerable personal risk and it is evident from the reports available to me that they carry out their work with great professionalism. Mr Justice Twomey also examined surveillance operations put into place by the Defence Forces and the Revenue Commissioners Investigations, Prosecution and Frontier Management Division. The figures show that the Defence Forces last year made four surveillance operation applications to the district court during the year compared to 11 during the prior year. He said: Plausible operational reasons were provided to me for the reduction in applications. Stating that he was impressed by the professionalism of the members of the Army involved in surveillance work, Mr Justice Twomey said: It is not appreciated, because of its covert nature, the extensive and important role which the Army plays in protecting the State against attack, in all its modem technological forms. He said: Many of the members of Army who carry out surveillance work under the Act do so at considerable personal risk and it is evident from the reports available to me that they carry out their work with great professionalism. He said that Revenue secured approval for 27 applications for tracking devices - this was more than double on the 13 applications sought for in the prior year. He said: I was provided with plausible operational reasons for this increase. Mr Justice Twomey also has oversight over surveillance operations by GSOC but was told by GSOC didnt carry out such activity during the year. The note said the jury was concerned about the possibility that photos or videos of them could be circulated. The jury in the civil action against Conor McGregor for the alleged rape of a woman has expressed concerns that they may have been photographed or filmed from the public gallery in the High Court. A note handed by the jury foreman to Mr Justice Alexander Owens this morning said a man had been noticed yesterday in the balcony gallery above the courtroom pointing a phone at the jury. The note said the jury was concerned about the possibility that photos or videos of them could be circulated. Mr Justice Owens directed that a garda be placed in the gallery and said he too would be keeping an eye out to ensure there was no prospect of it happening again. Nikita Hand Clearly if that happened, it is completely inappropriate, the judge said. It is a contempt of court to take photos of the jury and there will be steps taken to deal with that matter in the event anyone is suspected of it. Mr Justice Owens also directed that anyone standing in the balcony gallery had to leave and that only those with seating could remain. The matter was outlined by the judge at the outset of the fourth day of hearings in Nikita Hands civil action for damages against McGregor and his associate James Lawrence. The mother of one, a hair colourist from Drimnagh in Dublin, is being cross-examined for a second day by McGregors counsel Remy Farrell SC. Much of the cross-examination has focused on alleged inconsistencies in Ms Hands account. In her lawsuit, Ms Hand (35) claims she was raped by both of McGregor (36) and Lawrence in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, Dublin on December 9, 2018. She has given evidence that she was brutally raped and battered by McGregor. She and her work colleague Danielle Kealy were brought to the hotel by McGregor that morning from the salon where they worked in Goatstown. Conor McGregor They had been out all night at an alcohol- and cocaine-fuelled Christmas party and wanted to continue partying that morning. Ms Hand has said she had been drinking beer and Bacardi and had also been taking cocaine. According to her account, McGregor had a bag of cocaine in the car on the way to the hotel and she and Ms Kealy had some of it. The group arrived at the hotel around 12.30pm. The rape is alleged to have happened some time in hours that followed. She alleges McGregor pinned her down on a bed in the penthouse, choked her three times and violently raped her after she refused to perform oral sex on him. She says she struggled and bit McGregor but was overpowered and had to submit. Both McGregor and Lawrence claim they each twice had consensual sex with her that day and that her claim for damages to relocate from Drimnagh amounted to extortion. Ms Hand says she has no recollection of a second sexual encounter with McGregor or of any sexual activity with Lawrence. She had told the court she does not remember much of events in the hours immediately after the alleged rape due to the amount of alcohol and drugs in her system. Medical evidence heard by the court revealed she presented at the Sexual Assault Unit of the Rotunda Hospital the following day with extensive bruising on her body. A tampon lodged inside her vagina had to be removed with a forceps. Yesterday, Ms Hand rejected McGregors version of events when it was put to her by his counsel. The UFC fighter claims Ms Hand followed him into the bedroom of the penthouse and was a willing participant in consensual sex. Ms Hand said McGregors version of events was like a made-up story that didnt happen. He did not have sex with me, he raped me, she said. Judge Patrick Lynch KC told Craig Smith that he will spend a further 27 months on supervised licence with the Probation Board on his release from prison. A north Belfast man who hit his partner in the face with a chair during a drink and drugs binge was jailed today for 15 months. Judge Patrick Lynch KC told Craig Smith that he will spend a further 27 months on supervised licence with the Probation Board on his release from prison. The 52-year-old, of Ohio Street, was recently found guilty by a jury a t Belfast Crown Court of wounding his partner. The jury found him not guilty of strangulation but found him guilty on the alternative count of common assault. During the trial, the jury heard that the victim had known Smith for about a year and that he moved into her home seven months before the attack. The victim said they had been in the kitchen in the early hours of August 24, 2023, and had been home all evening. The injured party said they had been drinking wine and vodka and they were also taking cocaine. She told the jury that Smith was very angry, a very jealous person and gets paranoid. The court heard that the couple had an argument about money while sitting facing each other at the kitchen table. She recalled that it was at this point that Smith lifted a chair and threw it at my head, near my left temple. The victim said there was a lot of blood and she pressed a tea towel to her head to stem the flow. Smith apologised but then grabbed his partner by the throat and pushed her down onto a chair. She told the jury that she thought [she] was going to die. Judge Lynch said the jury did not accept that the defendant intended to strangle his partner and acquitted him of that charge. However, they convicted him of the offence of common assault. During an interview with the Probation Board for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, Smith described his relationship with his then partner as toxic. Smith has 15 entries on his criminal record which include offences of assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was assessed by the Probation Board as a high likelihood of reoffending but believed not to pose a danger to the public in the future. Defence counsel Michael Boyd said Smith had a number of difficulties over the last number of years. He has struggled with drug abuse. There were periods when he had success in addressing that, said Mr Boyd. The court heard in graphic detail the sort of lifestyle that was being led at the time these offences took place, and both he and his partner were engaged in heavy drug misuse. That forms some relevant background to the way he conducted himself on the day in question and the offences the jury convicted him of. He added that, while in custody, Smith put his time to good use and was involved in extra-curricular activities and has been focusing on getting himself free from drugs once and for all. He does appear to be highly motivated to make positive changes to his life and lifestyle when he is released from custody. Judge Lynch noted: This is a domestic violence case. According to the pre-sentence report, the defendant does not accept that he is guilty of the violence he was convicted of. He said a serious aggravating factor was that the victim was attacked by her partner in her own home, where she should have felt most at ease and felt most secure. After handing down a 42-month sentence, Judge Lynch also imposed a three-year restraining order on Smith. Jesuseunfunmi Ojelabi (24) received no payment for allowing his account to be used, his lawyer said. A student who allowed other individuals to transfer over 5,000 into his bank account foolishly let himself be used as a money mule, a court heard. Jesuseunfunmi Ojelabi (24) received no payment for allowing his account to be used, his lawyer said. Judge Mark OConnell fined Ojelabi 1,000. The defendant, with an address at Castlegate Park in Adamstown, admitted money laundering on various dates between November 29, 2019 and December 10, 2019. Sergeant Conor Mohan told Blanchardstown District Court that Ojelabi provided his bank details, including his BIC and IBAN numbers to a third party. Sgt Mohan said two separate amounts, of 2,460 and 3,050, were transferred into the defendants bank account. The money was not intended for him, and a total of 5,510 was taken out of his account. The victims of the money scam were two individuals from Vietnam, the court heard, and gardai had been unable to trace them. The court heard that Ojelabi had one previous conviction, for a similar offence. Defence solicitor Wayne Kenny said these incidents took place five years ago, pre-Covid, when Ojelabi made a foolish decision, and this incident happened at the same time as his previous conviction. Mr Kenny said Ojelabi was a student and worked part-time, and wanted to put these matters behind him. The defendant had not received any payment for allowing his bank account to be used, and he was essentially a money mule, or a sacrificial lamb, for other individuals, Mr Kenny said, asking the judge to be as lenient as possible. The boy told the court through his counsel that he had not intended to injure the garda and was sorry The 15-year-old driver of a stolen car broke a gardas hand closing a car door during a struggle as she tried to remove him from the vehicle, a court has heard. Detective Garda Kate Gilligan vividly described in her victim impact statement the danger the teenager was causing to himself and other road users during a garda pursuit as he drove on the wrong side of a motorway, rammed a patrol car and changed lanes constantly. The boy told the court through his counsel that he had not intended to injure the garda and was sorry. If he continued it could have had devastating consequences for other road users and himself, Det Gda Gilligan said. She said she would take a broken hand any day over what could have happened. The now-16-year-old, who can not be identified as he is a juvenile, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful use of a car, dangerous driving, and damaging an official garda vehicle at south Dublin locations along the M50, on August 24, 2023. Judge Orla Crowe said the evidence of Det Gda Gilligan vividly captured the danger of driving in this way for the public and also for the gardai endeavouring to end it in a safe way. Judge Crowe commended the gardai for their fair evidence in the case. The judge today said the boy had been showing significant improvement and was making positive progress in the past year. She said she was going to adjourn the case for six months to allow him continue that work and asked for an updated probation report. Det Gda Gilligan told the court that on the night in question, gardai received reports of two stolen vehicles driving dangerously against traffic on the M11 at Rathnew, Co Wicklow. She said when gardai later encountered one of the vehicles, which was driven by the boy, it was driving towards Dublin on the correct side of the road. It failed to stop and a garda pursuit began. Det Gda Gilligan described how at one stage the boy rammed the patrol car and attempted to drive down a slip road onto the wrong side of the motor way. Gardai made a decision to stop the car and manoeuvred to bring it to a halt. Det Gda Gilligan said she saw an opportunity to take the driver out of the car at this point, but her hand was injured as she struggled with the driver. She sustained two broken bones in her hand when the driver door closed on it and was out of work for eleven weeks. She said the incident has not had any lasting effects on her or her work. The teen tried to get away but was arrested and brought to hospital to be treated for his own injuries. He told gardai he was not the person who stole the car but he did have use of it the day after it was stolen. He apologised to other road users and co-operated with gardai. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said his client was anxious to let the garda know the injury to her hand had not been deliberate. He said the boy had written a letter in which he apologised and said he regretted his actions. He said he has matured since these events and will never do anything like this again. Mr McGinn asked the court to take into account the fact his client had co-operated with the investigation, pleaded guilty at an early stage and expressed genuine remorse. He said the boy had matured in the past year, part of which he had spent in detention. He said this had a salutary effect and he had used the experience to do something with his life and not go back into a spiral of offending. He has taken advantage of the services available to him. Counsel said the boy has abided by his bail condition and not reoffended since his release. He said the probation report outlined difficulties in the boy's up-bringing but his family is now stable and supportive of him. He is working to address his educational deficits. The report stated his risk of reoffending had reduced and he is no longer associating with negative peer influences. The man was brought to the Mater Hospital to be treated for injuries Gardai have cordoned off the scene on Talbot Street A man was hospitalised last night after being assaulted in the latest violent incident on Dublins Talbot Street. Gardai currently remain at the scene and have cordoned off a section of the city centre street as they continue their investigations. This morning, blood stains could still be seen on the pavement as commuters made their way to work. A garda spokesman told the Sunday World that they are investigating a suspected assault. He said: Gardai are investigating an alleged assault which occurred on Talbot Street, Dublin 1 last night, Thursday, 7th November 2024. A man (20s) was brought to the Mater Hospital to be treated for injuries which are believed to be non life-threatening. Investigations are ongoing. Talbot Street has been the scene of a number of violent incidents in recent months. Last month, a brutal brawl involving two gangs took place in broad daylight as innocent bystanders and kids watched on in horror. The vicious fight involved five men and spilled onto James Joyce Street onto Talbot Street. As a mum and her baby ran for cover, the men punched and kicked each other and at one point, thug can be seen picking up what looks like a weapon. A frightened mother and her baby flee the scene as the fight broke out . The incident happened just yards from where American tourist Stephen Termini was brutally beaten in July 2023. In June it was announced that Dublin City Council invested 2.5 million into rejuvenating the Talbot Street area through maintenance works that were ongoing throughout the summer. A spokesperson for the council said that despite Talbot Street being home to many historic businesses and transport hubs including Connolly Station and Busaras, the area has faced many challenges in recent years. This week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said there has been a rise in aggression and challenging behaviours in Dublin city centre. She revealed there had been more than 12,000 people have been arrested in Dublin city centre since January, Weve seen a particular increase in the theft of goods and items, but weve also seen a change in peoples behaviours, she said on Thursday. People would recognise that theres more aggression out there, that there is changed behaviours and challenging behaviours that we hadnt seen before. The search was conducted last night after gardai successfully applied before Limerick District Court for a warrant to carry out a search operation at the prison Gardai have conducted a search inside Limerick Prison as part of investigations into the activities of criminals in the Treaty City. The search was conducted last night after gardai successfully applied before Limerick District Court for a warrant to carry out a search operation at the prison. When asked for details, a garda spokeswoman confirmed that Gardai carried out a search under warrant in Limerick Prison last night on Thursday, November 7th 2024 and that no further information is available at this time. The search is understood to be part of a garda crackdown into the activities of two rival groups involved in an ongoing feud on the south side of Limerick City. When asked for comment a spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said it does not comment on operational or security matters. Gardai were investigating whether or not a gun attack, which occurred at a house in the vicinity of Hyde Road, this Friday morning, was connected to the ongoing feud in that area. A number of shots were discharged from a firearm at the residence, around 1am. Up to a dozen tit-for-tat violent incidents, including pipe bomb attacks and arson attacks, have occurred in the Hyde Road/Ballinacurra Weston and Southill areas since October 12th due to tensions rising between the two groups. The armed Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) has been drafted into the city and is conducting nightly armed checkpoints in flash-point areas to try to prevent further attacks. The ERU was deployed to Limerick to assist local armed units and uniformed members that are involved in a policing operation set up by head of the Limerick Garda Division, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, to target the activities of those involved in the feud. The feud has been bubbling up over the last year with several shootings and other violence leading to a number of persons being injured and others brought before the courts. On Friday, a Garda spokeswoman said Gardai were investigating all the circumstances in relation to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on Hyde Road, Limerick city at approximately 1am, Friday 8th November, 2024. No injuries have been reported at this time, and investigations are ongoing, they added. Gardai asked that anyone with information about this mornings shooting to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061-214340 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda station. On October 24th last, Chief Smart warned of Garda fears that children would be injured in the rising violence as a number fo children had already been in the vicinity of a number of violent attacks. Chief Smart said that since the 12th of October, a number of cars have been targeted and set on fire and a number of houses and very badly damaged as a result of the attacks upon them. These attacks are confined between two groupings of peoples, they are both know to each other, and they both live on the south side of Limerick City. They are not random attacks, they are very targeted in what they are trying to achieve. Chief Supt Smart said last month that those involved were putting fear into people, and putting lives at risk. He pledged Gardai would make sure that people that are involved in these incidents are held to account for their actions. In respect of lives being put at risk, Chief Smart said: There has been a number of children present in all of these attacks - they haven't been that far away from them at all. The policing plan for the south side of Limerick is ongoing and involves all available resources here in Limerick city, that would be supported by both national and regional resources, including the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), who will be in Limerick as part of their duties, as well as our own armed support units, Chief Smart said. What weve have also done is we have appointed a senior investigating officer to oversee all of these investigations to ensure that the best evidence is obtained, to enable us to bring these matters before the courts, so that people can be dealt with appropriately for the behaviour that they are engaging in. Last month a gun and drugs were recovered when Gardai searched several properties in the areas where the violence has been centred. Appealing for information that would assist local garda enquiries, Chief Smart said: Anybody that has any information, no matter how small they think it is, to please pick up the phone, let us know what you have seen, what you have heard. You can do that in a confidential manner, youll see our confidential numbers on the side of every patrol car around the city, or just write two us...in some way get us the information that youve have seen, and let us be able to look at that information. You might think it is insignificant, but it may help us build a bigger picture into what we are trying to achieve here, which is making people accountable for their actions. Limerick Sinn Fein TD, Maurice Quinlivan, who sits on the local joint policing committee, warned that lives will be lost unless Gardai meet those involved in the feuding with a forceful response. These incidents are taking place in working communities where the vast majority of people want to work and provide for their families. But they are being plagued by criminal gangs who seem to operate without sanction. These communities have little Garda presence and, as across Limerick, they have long been left without a community Garda for some time. Addressing the Taoiseach on the issue, Deputy Quinlivan called for additional Gardai to be deployed to help keep a lid on the feud. Mr Quinlivan warned: If these firebomb incidents continue, it is inevitable that there will be a loss of life. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Security between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement," signed in Baku on October 11, 2024, has been approved, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree in this regard. Upon the MoUs entry into force, the President-Designate of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the 19th session of the meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th session of the meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of its provisions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan is tasked with notifying the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement about the completion of the necessary domestic procedures for the MoU to come into effect. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The gangland killings shocked the country on Christmas Eve of last year The menu is already being shared Local auctioneer Baxter was tasked with finding a new lease holder earlier this year Browne's Steakhouse has been shut since the horrific attack on Dec 24 last year The steakhouse at the centre of the Christmas Eve shooting where two people died last year will reopen its doors under different ownership next month. Last August we reported that Brownes Steakhouse was closing its shutters for good, but the Sunday World can now reveal that popular chain Boeuf & Frites is currently renovating the restaurant and plans to take bookings from December 1. Local auctioneer Baxter was tasked with finding a new lease holder earlier this year The killings of Tristan Sherry and Jason Hennessy Senior shocked the country late last year as they took place in the popular family eatery the night before Christmas. As families from the area enjoyed their dinner, Sherry and his accomplice entered the busy restaurant and shot Hennessy at point blank range. Videos and images of the shocking incident went viral in the aftermath and the successful restaurant was forced to close its doors for good earlier this summer. But now it has emerged that Boeuf and Frites has seen an opportunity to take over the site and is expanding its chain adding the Dublin 15 spot to their Crow Street, Suffolk Street and South William Street restaurants. The menu is already being shared The restaurant is being advertised on the companys website, but bookings are not possible until December 1 at the earliest. The team behind the restaurant have been teasing a new Blanchardstown location for weeks and even travelled to New York to make the announcement. Meanwhile, menu options have also started to circulate on D15 Facebook groups as locals prepare for the grand unveiling in the coming weeks ahead of the busy Christmas period. Brownes Steakhouse successfully operated out of 1-3 Blanchardstown Plaza for 20 years but it failed to reopen following the fatal shooting inside the restaurant on December 24 last. Tristan Sherry A series of photographs showing the interior of the restaurant and the kitchen werecontained in a brochure prepared by Baxter Real Estate who advertised the property for lease in August. According to promotional material at the time, Unit 1-3 Blanchardstown Plaza is a prime ground-floor retail unit, occupying an area of approximately 3,681 square foot fronting directly onto the Main Street in Blanchardstown Village. A restaurant operated successfully from the property for over 20 years however, based on the layout and location within the village, it would be suitable for a variety of alternative uses, such as a medical centre or convenience store, subject to planning permission. Internally, the unit is laid out to provide an open plan area to the front, with a kitchen, fridge/freezer room, staff locker room, toilet facilities and an office to the rear of the property. Jason Hennessy Snr Due to the size, smaller floor spaces are an option for a suitable occupier. Unit 1-3, is situated in a high profile position on the Main Street in Blanchardstown Village, with a wealth of amenities and facilities, including schools and shops, such as Roselawn and Blanchardstown Shopping Centres, all within a short distance. Four men are charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry at Brownes Steakhouse last December. The three currently on trial are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (22), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown. Wayne Deegan (26), Linnetsfield Avenue, Phibblestown, Dublin 15 is also charged with murder but is awaiting a report by a neuro-psychologist and will be tried at a later date. Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown and 18-year-old Diarmuid O'Brien of Corduff Place, Blanchardstown are charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date. Brandon Hennessy (21) of Sheephill Avenue, Dublin 15 - the son of Jason Hennessy Snr - is also charged with violent disorder. All the accused have pleaded not guilty. Protest group Palestinian Action has claimed responsibility for the attack A photograph of the paint sprayed onto Allianz UK's Belfast office. Pic: Palestinian Action A second protest attack on Allianz UKs Belfast base within a month is being investigated as racially-motivated criminal damage, police have confirmed. Paint was sprayed onto the windows of the German companys office in the High Street area of the city centre during the incident, which is understood to be linked to protest action by the Palestinian Action group. The group posted a photograph of the buildings exterior at around 6pm on Thursday afternoon. Police have said they are treating the incident as racially-motivated criminal damage. "Police received a report at approximately 4.55am this morning, Thursday November 7, of criminal damage caused to a building in the High Street area of north Belfast, said a spokesperson. Red paint had been sprayed onto the windows of the property most of the paint has since been washed off. "We are treating this report as racially-motivated criminal damage and we want to hear from anyone who was in the area at approximately 4.15am. We are especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed two individuals in the area who were dressed in black clothing with their hoods up and scarves covering faces to make contact with police. The suspects were observed to approach the building from the Bridge Street area and made off in a vehicle. Anyone who witnessed what happened or has CCTV, dash-cam or other mobile footage is asked to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 151 07/11/24. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. It comes after the same office was occupied and vandalised by pro-Palestinian activists last month during a UK-wide targeting of the firm. On that occasion, the office was forced to close due to concerns over staff safety. Allianz UK said their business operations had not been affected on this occasion. "We respect everyones right to have and express their opinion, said a spokesperson. "However, we have zero tolerance for any criminal behaviour that threatens the safety or security of our people, property, and business. "Our business operations and service to customers and clients remain unaffected. An organisation representing him has appealed to Ms ONeill for help NI First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said her office is monitoring Mr Ballentine's situation. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Mr Ballentine had been working as a dog groomer in Dubai First Minister Michelle ONeill is monitoring the situation after a Co Tyrone man who was arrested in Dubai over a negative review he posted online relating to a dog grooming centre. Craig Ballentine (33), from Cookstown, was detained when he arrived in Abu Dhabi to visit friends three weeks ago and was transported to Dubai to face charges of slander under the United Arab Emirates (UAE)s cybercrime laws. The strict legislation prohibits any form of online criticism. Radha Stirling, CEO of campaign group Detained in Dubai, said she had reached out to Mr Ballentines local MLA, Ms ONeill, asking for her help. We implore her to make diplomatic representations to the UAEs ambassador and FCDO. We hope she can assist in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey come home, she said. In response to a query from this newspaper, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said: Ms O'Neills office will closely monitor the case and will stay in contact with the family to provide support and advice. NI First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said her office is monitoring Mr Ballentine's situation. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Mr Ballentine, who is an autism support worker by trade, had accepted a role as a dog groomer in one of Dubais canine salons in 2023. He had been employed by the salon for almost six months when he required a number of days off due to sickness. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, he informed his employer and submitted a doctors certificate. The company, however, registered him as having absconded. Mr Ballentine was left unemployed and attempting to remove a travel ban from his passport in order to return home to NI. After his experience, he left an online review of the centre and his former boss, noting the problems she had caused him. Campaign group Detained in Dubai, which represents people who find themselves arrested in the country, has been working with Mr Ballentine. Ms Stirling said the post did not contain any abusive content. Weve seen people arrested for complaining to customer service, or for leaving online reviews on hotels and rental car agencies, she said. The UAEs laws are so far from international standards that almost everyone who visits is already technically a criminal. Mr Ballentine had been working as a dog groomer in Dubai When someone is offended, even if they are at fault, they can open a criminal prosecution out of spite. Craig deleted the post and apologised but still faces jail. Its outrageous. The UAEs recently enacted cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners. It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell police that someone posted something offensive or rude. The police dont even need to see the actual post. The complainants have all the power and often demand money from the accused to close out the case. Its a means for vindictive people to extort. Once a criminal case is won, they can also open civil cases for massive damages. The system incentivises it. Flatmates, co-workers and even spouses have abused this law and we find that its often foreigners who are taking advantage. In this case, both parties are Western. Most people wouldnt dream of opening a similar case in their own countries but seem quite happy to open them in the UAE. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai Mr Ballentine is now stranded in Dubai, without employment and facing two years in prison. He said the experience has also taken a toll on his parents, who thought he was dead. Ms Stirling said the countrys strict rules are having devastating effects on peoples lives. Craig needs to get home and get to work. Its atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system. The sheer number of cybercrime reports they receive must be significant. There are no protections or safeguards and peoples lives are being ruined. "I ask just one thing of the Irish people - value your vote, use your voice Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin TD pictured on the Luas at St Stephens Green in Dublin this afternoon Taoiseach Simon Harris speaks to the media before leaving Government Buildings for Aras An Uachtarain to officially ask the President to dissolve the Dail. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos An Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris leaves Government Buildings on his way to Aras An Uachtarain to officially ask the President to dissolve the Dail. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The General Election campaign is officially getting underway as Taoiseach Simon Harris prepares to meet President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dail. Mr Harris is travelling to Aras an Uachtarain to trigger what will be a relatively short three-week campaign ahead of polling day on Friday November 29. It will bring to an end the four-and-a-half-year lifespan of the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition government. Mr Harris made a brief speech at Government Buildings, before heading to Aras an Uachtarain to seek the dissolution of the Dail. He said that while Fine Gael and coalition partners did not always agree on every issue, they delivered five budgets, during difficult times including the Covid pandemic, and the fallout from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Taoiseach Simon Harris speaks to the media before leaving Government Buildings for Aras An Uachtarain to officially ask the President to dissolve the Dail. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos He said voters' support should never be taken for granted and added: "I ask just one thing of the Irish people - value your vote, use your voice - that's how this country works "Ladies and gentlemen, if you give me your trust, I will give you my all." Try VoteSmart, the most carefully calibrated election test in Ireland Fianna Fail leader Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he has no worries at all about upcoming television debates and going head-to-head with the Taoiseach. He said he is looking forward to debates because his party will put forward its policies and priorities. I love campaigning, I have been about the length and breadth of the country and I will continue to do that, he said. He said Fianna Fail will campaign to reduce prices, on the cost of living on families and households, on housing as well as health. We have been the agent of change in housing over the last number of years, weve engineered change and new departures in housing policy. He said Health Minister Stephen Donnellys radical interventions on womens health have been a game changer. We want safer cities and safer urban areas," Mr Martin said. The Foreign Affairs Minister said Fianna Fail has a historic mission on making free schoolbooks for students. Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin TD pictured on the Luas at St Stephens Green in Dublin this afternoon Our campaign is about the future of Ireland, the future of our society and were determined to invest in public services and to create a tax environment which will encourage and nurture enterprise and make us resilient against international turmoil," he said. He said Fianna Fail has ruled out government with Sinn Fein. Were very clear they dont get the economic model, they dont get the enterprise model, they dont believe in free trade, he said. The party kicked off its campaigning this morning at Merrion Square, where the Tanaiste was joined with TD Jim OCallaghan as well as general election candidates Mary Fitzpatrick and Catherine Ardagh. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael politicians have already said they will canvass the Ireland v Australia game at the Aviva Stadium tonight. Austin Stack, who also worked as a prison officer, will join Fianna Fail minister Sean Fleming on the partys ticket in the Laois constituency The son of murdered prison guard Brian Stack will run for Fianna Fail in the General Election. Austin Stack, who also worked as a prison officer, will join Fianna Fail minister Sean Fleming on the partys ticket in the Laois constituency. Brian stack was shot and murdered by the provisional IRA when he was working in Portlaoise Prison in 1984. His son has campaigned tirelessly seeking justice for his fathers murder in the hope of bringing his murderers to justice. Austin stack served as an assistant governor in the Irish Prison Service and since retiring has launched a new health and safety consultancy business in Portlaoise. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the new candidate is a very passionate advocate, as shown both by his campaigning for justice for his father, who was tragically murdered by the IRA, and locally, helping people in Portlaoise. "I am delighted he has been added to the ticket. He has a proven track record of working with residents associations locally and is deeply rooted in his community. "We have a well-balanced ticket in Laois with Austin and Sean and I believe we are in strong contention for two seats." Mr Stack said he is honoured to have been added to the ticket in Laois for the General Election. "I am hugely passionate about advocating for the people of Laois. Over the past decades, I have shown that I am not afraid of being a strong voice for people here and standing up for them. "I am proud of my work on the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee, engaging residents associations and will continue this hard work on behalf of the people of Laois in the weeks ahead. "I will always fight for justice and for fairness. If elected to Dail Eireann I will continue this and be a relentlessly strong voice for our community at a national level, he said. Ashe Mellon is being blamed for yet another embarrassing episode. Maire Drumm speaks through a megaphone during in 1972. Photo by Nick DiNatale/Leif Skoogfors/Corbis via Getty Images Desperate dissidents are resorting to social media to try and Drumm up new recruits to become terrorists. Once again Thomas Ashe Mellon is being blamed for another embarrassing episode after a Facebook group he runs called on people to join the IRA. In a post last week on the Saoradh-linked Irish Revolutionary News page, there was a call to arms of sorts with a post remembering murdered republican Maire Drumm who was seen by many, including former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, as an icon to the republican cause. Drumm was the vice-president of Sinn Fein and a commander in Cumann na mBan but was assassinated by loyalists while recovering from an eye operation in the Mater Hospital in Belfast in 1976. Monday marked the 48th anniversary of her murder, and Derry dissident Mellon posted a tribute which included a quote from Drumm which called on people to join the IRA. The Facebook post reads: OTD October 28th 1976 Maire Drumm was assassinated in her hospital bed by loyalist gunmen while recovering from an eye operation in Belfasts Mater Hospital. Over 30,000 people attended her funeral at Milltown cemetery as her coffin was escorted by members of Cumann na mBan. It isnt enough to shout up the IRA. The important thing is to join the IRA Maire Drumm. Though it may appear innocuous, its the exact same quote issued by his fellow dissident Stephen Murney in April 2023 which he now is due to stand trial for accused of inciting support for a proscribed organisation and making a speech which encouraged support for it. During a bail hearing in May 2023, Murneys own barrister even said that all his client had done was quote Maire Drumm. And Saoradh even made reference to his charge after he appeared in court and was initially denied bail. They wrote: Following an Easter commemoration in Derry organised by the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee, a number of prominent republicans spoke at the platform at the sacred Republican Plot. One of those speaking was Saoradh National Chairperson, Stephen Murney. Dissident Facebook post Yesterday, 11th May, Stephen found himself in front of a British judge. His crime repeating an historical quote by Maire Drumm. It comes after MI5 claimed there were only a few dissidents republicans left who they view as having the capabilities of posing a risk to national security. Now republicans are slating Ashe Mellon for resorting to Facebook to recruit new members to his terror ranks. Its not a very sophisticated effort for the latest recruitment drive, calling for people to join the New IRA on a public forum such as Facebook its just embarrassing, said a source. Especially given the fact that Stephen Murney is facing a trial for this exact thing. Thomas Mellon is pushing this, as numbers have dwindled to the point where outside of Derry the New IRA essentially exists in name only. MI5 said recently there are only 30 dissidents in the whole country, across all three groups, capable of committing acts of terrorism so in the wake of that this is amateurish and scraping the bottom of the barrel. Last month the Director General of MI5 gave his annual security briefing to journalists. He said the threats to UK security from Northern Ireland was significantly reduced. Maire Drumm speaks through a megaphone during in 1972. Photo by Nick DiNatale/Leif Skoogfors/Corbis via Getty Images There was only one reference to Northern Ireland made, confirming MI5 believes there are around 30 active dissident republicans capable of threatening national security. Director General Ken McCallum said: I must touch on Northern Ireland. Earlier this year, the threat level was reduced to substantial. But sadly, we continue to see aspirations to mount attacks. With our police partners we stamp out most, but very occasionally the small rejectionist groups manage to cause appalling harm, such as in the attack on DCI John Caldwell in February last year. Im proud that MI5s work with the police to disrupt and contain the residual terrorist threat continues to provide the space for constitutional politics to work. Republicans praised Maire Drumm as a figurehead of their movement. Gerry Adams has held her up as an icon, penning a biography of her life entitled Maire Drumm: A Visionary: A Rebel Heart, as well as unveiling a portrait of Drumm, hung in the Mayors Parlour in Belfast City Hall in March 2020. Mellon is still reeling after it emerged he was being ridiculed by fellow republicans for a recent appearance in court. We revealed a fortnight ago how the beleaguered dissident was returned for trial to the Crown Court on two charges linked to the same dissident republican parade in Derry which landed Murney in trouble. Mellons behaviour towards the court raised some eyebrows among hardliners across the country as he previously refused to recognise the British court and has slated other republicans for not doing the same. He refused to stand, which is supposed to mean hes not recognising the court, yet he applied for legal aid, employed a solicitor, applied for bail and bail variations and even bound himself to abide by his court bail! All this to a court he doesnt recognise! Everyone is making fun of him for it. People used to look up to him but hes being viewed as a complete joke at the minute. Rumours of a romance between the pair started swirling back in August when the couple enjoyed a holiday together Una pictured with Ryan Tubridy, Laura Whitmore, Michael Flatley and Niamh O'Brien at the awards Una and Aidan at The Irish Post Awards in London Una Healy has stepped out with new boyfriend Aidan Coleman at their first public appearance together Saturdays star Una and retired Irish jockey Aidan attended The Irish Post Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday night Clad in an all-beaded grey gown, Una appeared alongside Aidan in a black tux and velvet suit jacket. The couple were pictured together arm-in-arm at the event that attracted a range of Irish stars to the awards ceremony including Michael Flatley, Ryan Tubridy and Laura Whitmore. Rumours of a romance between the pair started swirling back in August when the couple enjoyed a holiday together. Then, in September, they were spotted attending a wedding together in Thurles. Later that month they were pictured out with friends in Dublin. Aidan, who has more than 1,200 wins under his belt was considered one of the top riders in the industry before he suffered a bad fall that shattered his tibia which meant he could never ride professionally again. Announcing his retirement on live TV, Coleman said: "The prognosis early was quite bleak about returning to ride. Una pictured with Ryan Tubridy, Laura Whitmore, Michael Flatley and Niamh O'Brien at the awards "Around September I was kidding myself that I could get back from this, then around Christmas I had another operation and the progress has really plateaued. "I can do the gym, but I can't run or jump. I can't ride a horse really. "A lot of people would say I couldn't anyway, so what's the difference, but every time I've tried to ride a horse since Christmas it's not gone well." And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second and I convinced her it was going to be okay. Una was previously married to Ben Foden from 2012 before getting divorced six years later. The former couple share two children: Aoife Belle (12) and Tadhg (9). Former England rugby player Ben is also dad to four-year-old Farrah and baby Olympia, whom he shares with his second wife Jackie Belanoff Smith. Una recently opened up about she felt embarrassed after she split from her ex-husband. Speaking to former Love Island star Faye Winter and Vogue Williams on the Boots Taboo Talk podcast back in February, the Tipperary woman said that her entire life was turned upside down when she ended things amid rumours that Ben was unfaithful. When you find that person that you decide to stay with, to marry, and to live with... When that ends, thats when your whole life is turned upside down because you build a life with that person, she explained. Its different than just (saying), I miss you so much. Its figuring out where you're going to start with rebuilding your life. Its a big, long process when kids are involved. We shared banks accounts, we shared a house, we shared so much stuff. Its just a headache. When we split up and everything needed to be done with the house, I arranged all the removals... I got no help whatsoever with any of that. I just think theyre (exes) so lazy; they just know its going to be done. Thats why you have to be strong, because who (else) is going to do it? Una admitted that that shed had a bit of fun on Raya straight after the breakup, but ultimately gave up as dating was too time-consuming for her. And while her split from Ben was extremely difficult, shes over the moon for him and his new family. Im truly happy for him that hes happy and has found love again and has started a whole new family because hes the father of my children, so I always want to wish him happiness. The kids have great holiday time with their dad - they spend Christmas and summers with him. And in fairness, hes so good when hes with them. After 40 years, Village Radio and its extensive music library, which includes 142,000 tracks, 55,000 titles from over 10,000 artists, is on the move. We will move into the dance floor behind the record shop a few metres away while they renovate, station manager Tony Rhind said. The building has been classified as an earthquake risk. Village Radio moved into the premises on April 13, 1984, and broadcasts from the first floor of the historic Town Board building. Station manager Tony Rhind. Photo / Brydie Thompson Were a self-funded 30-volunteer organisation. So thats one of our challenges over the next little while, Rhind said. The upcoming move is not far from their current location, but the large number of records, memorabilia, classic radios and transmitters will necessitate considerable hands and funds for the relocation. We have to pay for removals to move this stuff over there, possibly the crane companies to move it out, Rhind said. Plus external storage cost because we dont think all that stuff will fit in the new place. Walking into the stations studio space at the Historic Village feels like entering a living museum. It includes a 75-year-old Collins Transmitter, one of the only ones left in operation worldwide. It is switched off right now. No one is allowed to operate it without an engineer here, Rhind said. The station airs on 1368AM and is live-streamed online at villageradio.co.nz from 8am to 5pm. We broadcast to the fringes of Tauranga, he said. Announcer Evan Turbott. Photo / Brydie Thompson When SunLive visited the studio, announcer Evan Turbott spun classics such as Pretty Little Angel Eyes from Curtis Lee in the booth. All the tracks are made up of LPs, 45s, 78s and CDs, he said. The audio console Turbott sat behind for his set was from 1940 and belonged to one of the New Zealand broadcasting stations. Its all old-time stuff, and the transmitter takes several minutes to warm up in the other room, he said. Running Studio One requires a fair amount of multitasking, as you must do about three different tasks simultaneously. You have to do one-armed thinking, queue your records, and see about three tracks in advance ready to play, Turbott said. Announcer Rob Golsby and station manager Tony Rhind. Photo / Brydie Thompson Volunteers come from all walks of life, said panel operation and announcer Rob Golsby. Some have musical backgrounds, and others just have a passion for music and enthusiasm to learn, he said. Golsby became involved with the station after reading about Village Radio in The Weekend Sun and its 40th anniversary. I was a bit curious about the historic village radio. You hear it on the loudspeaker when you walk through the village. You can hear it on the speaker outside. But the story just really got me thinking. This is a bit of a match made in heaven for me, bringing music together but also helping people. When it first went to the air station, it only broadcast on Sundays and public holidays, and only in 2004 the station switched to playing weekdays 2004, Golsby said. Its pretty humbling for all the history. Creating a successful radio broadcast requires an art form and skill, and it is essential to listen to how a playlist flows. Announcer Christine Giddins said that listening to a songs first and last seconds helps greatly with how each song complements the other. Too abrupt a change is not very nice, Gibbens said. Village Radio has two audio booths, one more classic with analogue tapes and vinyl records and the one Gibbens set up while Sun Live visited. Some people are intimidated by all the vinyl and dont want to do that, she said. Announcer and former Satellites saxophonist Ken Wadsworth. Photo / Brydie Thompson The station is a treasure trove of antique radios, and one room doubles as a museum. Its official name is Tauranga Village Radio Museum Incorporated. The station is looking for new volunteers and would love to hear from anyone interested in engineering and the technical aspects of radio. Anyone wishing to donate or individuals wanting to volunteer can email the station at info@villageradio.co.nz. Rhind is looking for anyone who wants to help with the relocation, tentatively scheduled for February 2025. Were just waiting for the go, he said. The last surviving member of the 28th Maori Battalion has died at the age of 99. Sir Robert Gillies, known as "Bom", served in B company during World War 2 from 1942 to 1945. He was knighted by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro in 2022, after previously turning down the knighthood. This knighthood, he told RNZ at the time, was not for him, but the more than 3000 young Maori who went to fight on foreign lands for Aotearoa, who, in the eyes of the one remaining rangatira, never got the recognition or acknowledgement they deserved. "All the right people for this honour have died," he said. "I agreed to this for my friends who are passed on, that was my reason for agreeing." He was born in Rotorua, and attempted to enlist in the battalion twice but failed. It was on his third attempt aged 17 that he was successful - after lying about his age. He served in B Company during World War II from 1942 to 1945. When asked what he would tell his 17-year-old self after his experience in the war he simply said, "stay home". Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone. Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association national president Sir Wayne Shelford said it was with "incredible sadness" that he heard of Sir Bom's death. "The thoughts of all members of the RNZRSA are with his whanau and loved ones - and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him. "As the last surviving member of 28 Maori Battalion, Sir Bom held a special place in the hearts of all New Zealanders. "I had the joy of meeting him on a number of occasions, and always enjoyed his gentle nature and willingness to share his stories. His recent appearance before the Waitangi Tribunal speaking of his experiences in the War was particularly memorable." Sir Wayne said Sir Bom's death meant another link to the past lost. "It is a stark reminder of the importance of remembering and honouring those who have given so much in service of their country. "But today - we remember and honour Bom. A true gentleman, a soldier, one of the bravest of us all. "Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou - we will remember them." Ngati Kahungunu chairperson Bayden Barber said Sir Bom's death was a huge loss for Maoridom. He was his whanaunga, knowing him as Uncle Bom, and described him as a special person. Sir Robert Gillies with Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone. "Quick of mind, good sense of humour, even though he has seen a lot of traumatic experiences and horrors of war. He was always a friendly, loving guy, always welcoming. You just don't see people like him around." Barber said a contingent from Ngati Kahungunu have already left for Rotorua to support Sir Bom's whanau, and there would be a big turnout at his tangi. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Sir Bom would be remembered for his service to his country. "With trademark humility, he took it as his duty to represent those he served with at commemorations both here and overseas. In doing so, he helped the stories of sacrifice from the legendary 28 (Maori) Battalion to continue to be told," Luxon said. "We owe it to him, and all our servicemen and women, to never forget those stories." In a statement, the Labour Party said the nation was mourning Sir Bom's death. Defence spokesperson Peeni Henare said: "Ta Robert Gillies was a remarkable man whose legacy will live on. "Ta Robert's passing marks the end of an era, as he was the last of the Maori Battalion, which played a crucial role in New Zealand's military history. "New Zealand is a better place because of the service and advocacy from people like Ta Robert. His contributions will be remembered not only for their military significance but also for the impact he had on te ao Maori." The party said it extended his condolences to his family. -RNZ. Dani de Lucas Madrid Friday, 8 November 2024, 13:24 Compartir With autumn now in full swing, we can no longer make excuses. We have to get back to our routines and that includes following some kind of fitness regime. If you are one of those people who dont have time to go to a gym, but would like to do some sport at home and dont know where to start, a simple chair can become your best ally to move and strengthen your body. Of course, at least to start with, it is advisable to obtain professional advice to guide us to learn how to do the exercises properly and avoid injury. Training at home with a chair and our own body weight can be a good start to getting into sport, says Asier Izurieta, a graduate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and instructor at the Okitonic fitness centres in Castro-Urdiales. This four-legged wonder serves as a support for multiple exercises, providing a complete routine with which to exercise the whole body. You can do pull-ups to work the triceps. You can do incline push-ups leaning on the chair to reduce the demand on the triceps. Or go harder with decline push-ups with your feet on the seat to increase the demand for oxygen and work both the pectoral muscle and the deltoid and triceps, says Izurieta. Squats As for the muscles in the lower half of the body, this fitness trainer suggests using the chair as a balance aid during a squat routine. One option for working the legs is the Bulgarian squat, a movement similar to the lunge but where the leg that stays behind remains resting on a raised surface while the front leg rests on the floor. The chair also allows us to work on the conventional squat, using the seat as a guide, and even a support, as we lower. These exercises aimed at gaining muscle mass can be combined with other routines more focused on improving cardiovascular work, says Izurieta. For cardio he suggests the explosive squat and the Bulgarian squat with jumping and minimum contact time with the surface. Older people The chair can also be an alternative for older people to do some exercise. It is very effective and they lose their balance less. You can work on movements that this group of people do every day, such as sitting down and getting up or bending down to pick up an object and lifting it, explains Izurieta. For this sector of the population, he suggests working on sitting down and getting up from the chair, with the help of another person if necessary and without the need to do a squat. They can also lift up the chair gently in front of them as though placing an object on a shelf. In short, a simple chair can be a great ally in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. However, the combination of strength training in the gym and cardiovascular training is a much more effective mechanism for improving peoples health and ensuring a long-lasting quality of life, says Izurieta in a bid to be clear. So, the chair can be a good aid for exercising at home, but ideally you should find time to go to the gym. The full body routine 1. Skipping 2. Jumps 3. Swimming 4. Squats 5. Dips 6. Incline push-ups 7. Bulgarian squat 8. Hip-openings 9. Abdominals BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended its congratulations to Azerbaijan on November 8 - Victory Day, Trend reports. The ministry shared this in a post on its official X page. "We extend our sincerest congratulations to the people and government of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Victory Day," the publication reads. To note, Shusha city, which has great spiritual significance for the Azerbaijani people, was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Second Karabakh War on November 8, 2020. The liberation of the city of Shusha was the culmination of the 44-day Karabakh War. According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated December 3, 2020, November 8 is annually celebrated as Victory Day in the country. Victor Heredia Malaga Friday, 8 November 2024, 13:34 Compartir Winston Churchill is one of the icons of 20th century history and one of the most universally known British characters of all time. He led Britain to victory during the Second World War and, after serving two terms as Prime Minister, he retired from active politics in 1955 for health reasons. Upon his death in 1965 he received the full honours of a state funeral. Despite there being no evidence of this British statesman visiting Spain, other than anchoring off the coast of Malaga, there are other members of the Churchill family who chose Malaga province as their residence for a short time. On the cusp of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War we find John George Spencer Churchill, 27 years old and an artist by profession, registered in the town of Torremolinos, along with his wife Angela Mary Culme-Seymour, 24 years old, and their little daughter Cornelia, barely one year old. A nanny named Elizabeth Forrest Alexander also lived with them. The family lived in the Molino del Rosario, next to the Torre de Pimentel. They formed part of the large colony of foreigners that by 1936 had settled in Torremolinos on a temporary or permanent basis in addition to the tourists who holidayed in the area at Hotel Santa Clara and the Parador de Montemar. Zoom Sarah Churchill with her husband, Lord Audley. SUR John Spencer Churchill (1909-1992) was a painter, sculptor and writer and, most notably, he was the nephew of Sir Winston, son of the politician's brother Jack. He had earned a certain fame, in addition to his family origins, for creating mural decorations in the homes of the aristocracy. In an obituary published in The Times newspaper it was commented that he moved with his wife and his daughter to Torremolinos when "it was already a popular destination for foreign artists and writers". Apparently he then made a living there doing sketches and drawings for the Illustrated London News. It is very possible that he came to the Costa del Sol following recommendations by the painter Bernard Meninsky, who had been in Malaga and Torremolinos in the previous months. When war broke out in Spain, John and his family were evacuated from Malaga on a British warship. Fond of drinking, he was arrested in 1955 along with his third wife (after divorcing Angela he married three more times) for causing scandals in public. Apart from his artistic output, he dedicated himself to giving lectures in which the public expected him to tell gossip about his family. Sarah Churchill (1914-1982), one of the four daughters of Sir Winston, who also had a son, was a great source of gossip. She was an actress and dancer. Her most memorable role was the one she played in the 1951 film Royal Wedding alongside Fred Astaire. She suffered from the same problems with alcohol that afflicted other members of her famous family. She was arrested on several occasions. Sarah was married for the third time in 1962 to Thomas Percy Henry Touchet-Jesson, Lord Audley. She had met her third husband in Marbella, where she had a residence. She would spend time there, out most nights attending the endless parties that often took place at La Jacaranda nightclub. One night, Sarah and Henry were driving from Madrid to Marbella, but an untimely breakdown forced them to make a stopover in Granada, where they decided to spend the night at the Alhambra Palace hotel. Gabriel Pozo says that they took the opportunity to visit several flamenco clubs until her husband returned to the hotel. Sarah continued to party and, shortly before dawn, she decided to bathe naked in the city centre fountain, Fuente de las Batallas. The municipal police removed her from the fountain and returned her to her hotel. When they arrived there they found that Baron Audley had died of a heart attack that same night. Zoom The artist John Spencer Churchill. sur It was July 3, 1963. The authorities transferred the body to Malaga and Lord Audley was buried two days later in the English Cemetery in an intimate ceremony attended by only twelve people. His remains rest beneath a tombstone that reads somewhat tersely: "Henry, 23rd Baron Audley. Beloved husband of Sarah". Just two months later the widow had an accident when she was driving while under the influence. The civil governor, Ramon Castilla, fined her 5,000 pesetas and expelled her from the country. Fast forward to September 26, 1958, and the famous yacht Christina, belonging to the Greek magnate Aristotle Onassis, was anchored in the waters off Malaga. On board were both the Churchill and Onassis couples, accompanied by several friends. They were taking a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Sir Winston and his wife Clementine. Prior to Malaga they had made brief stops in Palamos, Palma de Mallorca and Cartagena, the city where they disembarked for a brief tour of just two hours. In Malaga Sir Winston did not set foot on land. The veteran British politician, who was 83 years old at the time, remained on deck enjoying views of the Malaga coastline while his wife walked around the city. The yacht then visited Tangier and Seville, where Onassis and Churchill took a horse-drawn carriage ride. From there they sailed to Gibraltar, where the 'Old Lion' took a plane to London. Churchill made eight trips on Onassis's yacht in the final years of his life as he struggled with physical decline and depression. Susana Zamora Malaga Friday, 8 November 2024, 18:55 Compartir Its presence in the Mediterranean is nothing new, but its proliferation does not stop giving headaches to the municipalities along the Costa del Sol as to its removal from their beaches. Now the abundant presence of this invasive algae of Asian origin (Rugulopteryx okamurae) could have a viable use by being transformed into fertiliser products for agricultural use, reducing the environmental impact and generating added value. To this end the Andalusian institute for agricultural, fisheries, food and organic production research and training (Ifapa) and recycling and waste management specialist company Valoriza have signed a collaborative agreement to test the incorporation of this plant waste into the industrial process of sewage sludge composting with the idea of using it later as a fertiliser for rain-fed cereal crops. The presence of this, at the time unknown, algae species was detected 20 years ago in a French saltwater lagoon where a propagule (an offcut of the plant suitable for propagation) may have arrived with the Japanese clams that were cultivated there. At that time, its development did not go beyond that point. It was in 2015 when the alarm bells began to sound when different-looking, massive brown algae clumps were spotted along the coast of Ceuta. At the time, it was not known whether it was a native algae that had grown too large or whether it was an invasive algae. Unfortunately, after several years of trying to deal with such a species that was, and still is, multiplying rapidly and pushing the native species aside and colonising the Mediterranean coastline at great speed, the latter has now been confirmed. Stowaway Originally from the Pacific, everything suggests that the algae reached the Mediterranean as a stowaway in the ballast waters of large ships that, on arriving in port, empty their compartments and let the water escape with all the microorganisms from other parts of the planet. Most of them do not survive the new environmental conditions, but others, such as Rugulopteryx okamurae, have not only demonstrated their ability to adapt, but have ended up dominating the local habitat. "In fact, ships' ballast water is considered to be one of the most important factors for the movement and incorporation of exotic species to other areas where they were not," explained Javier Urra, a biologist at Malaga's oceanographic centre in the port area, who works together with Jose Rueda on programmes to monitor the ecology of benthic communities in the sea (that is, the groups of organisms that live and interact with each other on, near or within the seabed). They formed a team that continues today. Already by 2021, when they started making investigation dives from Tarifa to Cabo de Gata, they saw how the rocky areas of the seabed were dominated by this single species. "Over the years we have seen how the sampling points we have in the provinces of Cadiz, but above all in Granada and Almeria, which are the furthest from the Strait of Gibraltar, have been proliferating so that, of the 300 linear metres where we were diving to see what was there, at the beginning there were half of them with Rugulopteryx, after two years 70% and after four years 85%." These researchers have seen how this species has progressively gained ground over the native species, "so that nowadays if you dive with goggles and a snorkel on any rocky bottom from five metres down from Tarifa to Cabo de Gata, you have a high probability of seeing that everything is occupied by Rugulopteryx." Consequences for other species What are the consequences for marine communities? Firstly, the amount of algae native to the Mediterranean decreases and the invading algae ends up dominating the entire seabed, homogenising it and reducing the complexity of the habitat. In turn, some of the flora and fauna that used to live on these seabeds move to other areas because they can no longer find food, "as this algae is not part of their diet." This is partly because it has a substance that gives it a bad taste and scares them away. It therefore lives safe from predators. "With no other animals feeding on it, it has found the perfect conditions to spread, dominate and cause the marine environments we knew in the Alboran Sea [the westernmost part of the Mediterranean] to be greatly transformed." "Rugulopteryx okamurae belongs to the class of brown algae that are quite primitive organisms and of which there were already very similar species on the Andalusian coast. It is very difficult to differentiate from other species of the same family, which are the dictyotales." It can live fixed to the rock, at depths of between half a metre up to 40 metres, but it can also form surface clusters that float ashore. Its reproductive capacity is extraordinary as a single plant can produce thousands of specimens. This, together with the currents and maritime traffic, favours a dispersion that is currently uncontrollable and is having a major impact on the fishing industry, with fishing grounds being so invaded by this algae that it can even break fishing gear, but it also impacts the tourist industry. Sometimes so much algae reaches the coast that it is difficult to remove the unseemly organic remains that wash up on pristine beaches. The massive arrival this summer has kept the town councils along the Costa del Sol on alert. In Marbella alone so far this year the town hall has spent more than 800,000 euros to remove 75 tonnes of invasive algae from the beaches every day. Moreover, it is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a health problem, as researchers advise, "because when the seaweed dies, it smells bad and begins to decompose a series of compounds that favour the growth of fungi and bacteria that can then cause infections in bathers", said Rueda, who recommends its careful removal. "If you leave a small piece of this algae or propagule behind, it will reproduce." In the case of Estepona, the specific work for the collection of this algae represents an annual cost overrun of more than 1,000,000 euros. During last year the town hall collected a total of 3,415 tonnes of seaweed, with the highest figure being reached in 2022, when 5,331 tonnes had to be removed from the beaches. The scenario has been repeated in Mijas, Benalmadena and other coastal municipalities that are learning to live with a visitor that nobody wants. The presence of this species was included at the end of 2020 in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species, and has particularly affected the beaches of San Pedro Alcantara, Puerto Banus, Fontanilla and Cabopino this summer, where the piles of algae washed ashore reached a height of over one metre. In addition, since 2022 this algae has been on the 'List of invasive alien species of Union concern' by the European Commission. The Spanish government's Ministry for Ecological Transition launched a monitoring strategy that year, but without much success. "What is being done nowadays are monitoring programmes to be able to evaluate the marine environment," said Rueda. Chus Heredia Malaga Friday, 8 November 2024, 09:35 Compartir It is almost impossible to safely drain away some 630mm of rain in 24 hours, which was the peak of the deluge during the 'Dana' storm in Valencia. That is the amount it rains in Malaga province in a whole year of good rainfall. Zero risk, if such a thing really exists, requires infinite investment. Still, it is always possible to minimise the impact of sudden, heavy rain and to ask ourselves what would have happened in Malaga during a similar occurrence. SUR has already consulted several experts this week and Malaga city's mayor himself, Francisco de la Torre, has commissioned a technical simulation of such a weather event. As a starting point, what is clear is that Malaga city and its surroundings would need at least 206 million euros of work done to cope with such an excessive downpour. This figure is the result of adding up the pending improvements and the planned work on the tables with the different governing bodies (local, regional and national). The channelling of the Campanillas river is estimated at 100 million euros, according to sources from the Junta's department of sustainability. Then there is the completion of flood protection for the Guadalhorce river that is based on an estimate of another 36 million euros. Emasa (Malaga city's public water authority) has an investment plan that includes 43.7 million euros in work related to drainage, water-collection points and storm tanks. Lastly, there are the charges to be assumed by all the developers of the new areas in the city for the water infrastructure part of their projects, which amounts to 27 million euros. Previous milestones: Limonero, Casasola, channelling and conditioning No one can say that nothing has been done in this regard in recent decades. Since the inauguration in 1983 of El Limonero reservoir, which replaced and rendered redundant the Agujero reservoir (1907) to contain the historic and devastating floods of the Guadalmedina river that was also channelled with run-off points, several big bucks investments have been made, running into the millions. After the 1989 floods the Casasola dam, which controls the levels for the Campanillas river, was designed and inaugurated in 2000. Three years later, the same was done to channel the lower water course of the Guadalhorce. Finally, two years ago, the Junta invested 8.5 million euros in work to improve the safe containment of the Guadalhorce. However, here we are years later and the investments already made in all these projects amounting to more than 150 million euros is still not enough. Moreover, neither the Guadalhorce nor the Campanillas rivers are safe enough should it rain as heavily as it did in Valencia last week. 70 million euros: the sum of Emasa's water investment plan and charges to developers (43m and 27m respectively). So how is it that the Guadalhorce is still not safe after four reservoirs have been built along its course and tributaries (Campanillas, Turon and Guadalteba), plus channelling and further work have been completed? Theoretically, the river needs to be able to drain off more than 4,000 cubic metres per second. The flood reached a flow of 2,100 in 1969 and 1,800 in the floods of 1989. Nevertheless, we must leave room for extraordinary weather events, like a Dana storm. The obstacle of the MA-21 bridge At this point, the biggest issue is the MA-21 bridge near the old sugar factory, hence its popular name of the 'Azucarera' bridge. Central government's Ministry of Sustainability plans to invest 36 million euros in widening the span of this bridge. Other work to date has been completed, including a clean-up of the bridge by Malaga council, demolition of other elements no longer required and an environmental impact assessment. For the Campanillas river the situation has improved a lot after easing the load with the Casasola reservoir at Almogia, but there is a point of conflict at the confluence of the river with the Los Pilones stream, which in turn flows into the El Tomillar mini-dam, which acts as a regulating reservoir. During Storm Gloria in 2020 Casasola gained 4 hm and the floodgates did not have to be opened. It would have been fatal if opened. 136 million euros are needed to tackle the channelling of the Campanillas and to secure the Guadalhorce (100m and 36m respectively). Years later, no progress has been made on this issue. The only actions taken have been small-scale improvements supported by Malaga city council in certain streets such as Calle Adonis. However, a group of developers, in order to speed up planning approval procedures, have contracted some preliminary studies into channelling the river with the help of the architectural studio of Angel Asenjo. In addition to the safety of residents who live nearby, thousands of homes depend on the unblocking of this area as a flood zone. In this case, the regional government has decided that it is not a work to be declared as being of regional interest, but it would be willing to collaborate in certain phases. For the time being, there is only a budget for this first phase. SUR Malaga / Valencia Friday, 8 November 2024, 11:20 | Updated 16:28h. Compartir Large parts of Spain affected by last week's flash floods were officially declared Disaster Zones on Thursday morning this week as national government ramped up its relief effort and support. The effects of the cut-off-low-pressure storm, known as a 'Dana', were being ranked as Spain's most costly natural disaster ever. Political leaders had been under increasing pressure as the days went on to do more and faster to help locals rebuild their lives. Tensions had boiled over in dramatic form on Sunday afternoon in Paiporta - in the worst affected area - when a visit by the King and Queen with the prime minister and regional president turned violent for a time. More and faster aid The declaration of a disaster zone allows the government to channel aid faster to those in need. In addition, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has unveiled a 10.6-billion-euro package of aid measures. Among the many relief measures included with that, the Spanish government will provide up to 72,000 euros for cases of disability, between 20,000 and 60,000 euros for the repair of damaged homes and up to 10,300 euros to replace or repair furniture, electrical appliances and household goods. In addition, affected companies that temporarily suspend the activity of their workers through an ERTE furlough will be exempt from paying social security contributions at least until next February. Self-employed workers can also claim part of their salary, in steps similar to the Covid pandemic. The death count in Spain on Thursday was 219 with almost all victims around the south Valencia area. Those still missing in that area amounted to 93, officials said, however many bodies recovered had still to be identified. Meticulous searches continued, especially in basements and underground car parks now more heavy-lifting equipment had arrived in recent days. There was relief when a search of the car park of the badly damaged Bonaire shopping centre, the largest parking lot in the Valencia region, concluded with no fatalities found. On the nearby Mediterranean rescue boats were looking for any bodies that had been swept out to sea. Beyond the anguish of loss of life and waiting for news of missing loved ones, the clean up operation continued. There was growing concern about health risks and possible outbreaks of disease as the streets stayed filthy and normal sanitation broke down. Some volunteers were overcome by fumes while cleaning out a garage last Saturday and warnings also went out about using motorised pumps in enclosed spaces. Faced with the overwhelming goodwill of the public, on Thursday Valencia city council asked people not to donate more food or clothes but to bring cleaning and hygiene products instead. Zoom A couple and their pet are helped in Paiporta this week. EFE Road disruption Many main roads in and around Valencia city remained closed, with some likely to be shut for weeks or months. Normally quick journeys were taking hours. The area's metro network, also badly hit, had been replaced by bus routes. The economic effects of the destruction of farms and their crops, factories and distribution networks was only starting to be felt. In one town alone, Alzira, local officials estimated the cost of damage to agricultural land was around 35 million euros. The death toll was over 200 and the list of missing persons stood at 93 on Thursday this week. The sudden low pressure storm had left not only a huge trail of bodies and multi-million-euro destruction but also a strange sense of loneliness among those affected, who had seen too many days pass without receiving the attention they needed. The perception that first the warning mechanisms and then the response strategy failed was growing. And the response of political leaders until just the middle of this week was light years away from the sensitivity deserved by shattered families who have seen their lives and belongings destroyed. That public response leaves a number of officials under the microscope. Sunday's visit Last Sunday, the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, along with the King and Queen and Carlos Mazon, the president of the Valencia regional government, witnessed the anger of the residents of Paiporta, at ground zero of the storm, at the slowness of the state's response to the tragedy. Sanchez, despite the obvious seriousness of the situation, has refused to activate a Level 3 emergency under the national civil protection system, which would have led to the declaration of a national emergency and would have seen central government assuming sole command. For reasons that are hard to understand, unless some kind of political calculation is involved, Sanchez has preferred to leave the management of a tragedy of this magnitude with a regional government, in the hands of his political rivals, that clearly lacks the necessary ingredients to deal with it. And above all, there is the exasperating slowness in the deployment of much needed emergency, health, police and civil protection resources, which were not definitively put in place until the visit of the King and Queen. Too much of a sense of political calculation, which is not compensated for by aid - the 10.6 billion - which is clearly not enough to restore normality to the province of Valencia. Regional government Carlos Mazon, head of the Valencia government, is the political decision-maker who has been most criticised for the management of the storm. The slow response, first to the data provided by the state body monitoring water levels in the rivers, the untimely telephone alert to the population and, later, the failure to immediately request Level 3 from the government so that it could take over the management of this crisis was a catalogue of errors. Mazon is undoubtedly facing the most serious political crisis since he took over the Valencia government, surrounded by a team of ministers whose lack of experience and determination have made them ineffective. Locals' frustration at all that is happening, or not, boiled over very publicly on the Sunday visit of the King and Queen to Paiporta. With them, as they got out of the cars, was Sanchez and Mazon. As mud and sticks started to be thrown, Sanchez was ushered away in his vehicle. He later claimed he had been hit on arrival by a stick - which investigators said they had been unable to prove - and his officials blamed "organised far-right agitators." Mazon stayed longer but also withdrew. This left the King and Queen talking to residents. Queen Letizia was hit by some mud, the mark visible on her face as she consoled those there. They were widely praised for lingering although the second part of the visit, to the town of Chiva, where it had rained the most, was postponed. Regina Sotorrio Malaga Friday, 8 November 2024, 13:23 Compartir Chen Chunmu was born in a small mountain village in Quanzhou in southern China, 2,000 kilometres from the capital, Beijing. Coming from a modest farming family, this distance nearly jeopardised his education as his university application took five weeks to arrive, getting to his house just one day before the enrollment deadline. It was nothing short of a miracle, recalls Javier Romero, a businessman and patron of the arts in Malaga. This difficult start laid the groundwork for Chen Chunmus fascination with Malaga as the city represented a vital gateway to Europe, offering artistic inspiration and opportunities that starkly contrast with his earlier life in a remote village. A year ago, he spent two months in Malaga as part of a new art residency programme established by the Fundacion Mecenas, created by Romero and his wife Wenting Wu, at the Casa natal Picasso (Picasso birthplace museum). Chen Chunmu is currently exhibiting the work created during his residency at the Casa Natal de Picasso, Centre Pompidou and the Museo Ruso. Titled Hidden Jungle, the exhibition includes 32 pieces in various formats, along with an installation, all produced quickly as he immersed himself in the local culture. The sun and the sea provide a lot of inspiration, he explains. He enjoyed Malagas relaxed atmosphere and vibrant outdoor culture. Its a very different culture, he said. Marilu Baez Chen appreciates that he has never felt like an outsider in Malaga; instead h has always been warmly welcomed. "People are very friendly and make newcomers feel at ease," he says. He fondly recalls a tripo to Granada with his new Spanish friends which was just one of many adventures. He also visited the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofia in Madrid, spent time in Barcelona and stopped in France before returning to Bejing. Despite his busy schedule, he found time to wander through olive groves and watch seseagulls fluttering along the beach in the early morning. "They coexist harmoniously without any problem," he said. All of these experiences have transformed Chunmus painting. The artist truly lives up to his name which means trees in spring in Chinese, as he stays focused on landscapes and forests. Influenced by Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, his work is characterised by a quest for spiritual essence through representations of nature, often imbued with a sense of mystery and surrealism. However, in Malaga, his colour palette has broadened with the sun and the warmth of the people. He has also begun to explore related themes, such as the beach. Chunmu has embraced experimentation, inspired by the example of the master, Picasso. His work is very free and it inspires me to let go of everything and have more creedom to create, he explained. He hopes to continue along this path,Its not been long, Id like to have more time here, he said with a big smile. Chen Chunmu was selected for this scholarship from among more than 150 applicants in China. He participated in a competition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and China, as well as the 50th anniversary of Picassos death. Around 1.7 million people accessed information about the contest which emphasised the relationship between Malaga and the legacy of Picasso. The Fundacion Mecenas de la Casa Natal Picasso aims to use this exposure to promote Malaga as a place not just for visiting museums and immersing oneself in the history of art, but also for artists to create and develop their work. Javier Romero explains that the next artist to come will be from America. The aim of the grant is "to make Malaga known as a place where you can not only visit museums, but also create and develop art" The challenge is to fill a gap that currently exists in the city and to attract young artists from around the world so that they can interact with local talent and subsequently promote Malaga as a creative hub in their home countries. The aim is to establish an artistic ecosystem similar to those found in New York, London and Paris, while also fostering cultural ties at both community and institutional levels. This initiative is another step in the extensive international career of Malaga native Javier Romero, who, after building a successful career in Shanghai, has forged connections between countries in the business sector. The Chinalink ESG fund, of which Romero is president, is the second largest shareholder of Hygreen Energy, the Chinese company that is going to promote several major industrial investments in Andalusia with the idea of creating a green hydrogen hub. Hidden Jungle occupies the gallery on the third floor of the Casa Natal de Picasso, featuring botanical motifs and evocative landscapes. However, the largest works are dispayed on the walls of the Pompidou and the Museo Ruso, where he has also created an installation with lights and a mesh fabric that references natural themes. This exhibition opening oincides with what would have been Picasso's 143 birthday. "It's a dream come true," said Chen Chunmu. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Update: Missing Syracuse man found safe 40 miles away, police say Editors note: Originally police wrongly identified Santoro as 80-year-old. He is 76. This article has been updated to reflect his correct age. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse police are asking the public for help finding an 76-year-old man who went missing Thursday afternoon. Charles Santoro was last seen leaving Upstate Community Hospital around 4 p.m., Syracuse police said. He left the hospital in a 2017 Grey Nissan Armada with New York license plate GKN-7865. He was wearing a grey jacket and blue jeans, police said. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, of medium build, with grey hair, brown eyes and a grey mustache. Santoro has been diagnosed with dementia and diabetes, police said. Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Santoro to call 911 or the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 315-442-5222. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Azerbaijan calls on France to implement the recommendations of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee, based on the obligations set forth under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aykhan Hajizada shared in a post on his X page, Trend reports. "We commend the findings of the UN Human Rights Committee related to concerns on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by France, including in its overseas territories," the publication reads. The UN Human Rights Committee released its findings today regarding Ecuador, France, Greece, Iceland, Pakistan, and Turkiye after reviewing these six countries at its latest session. The Committee expressed concern about the forced return of foreign nationals at the French-Italian border without access to proper asylum procedures, including information on their rights. The Committee also raised concerns about the systematic eviction, sometimes using force, of migrants from shelters at the UK-France border on the island of Mayotte, a French overseas territory, along with the worsening living conditions faced by migrants. A case of Chronic Wasting Disease recently detected in a facility in upstate New York occurred in a captive deer facility in southern Herkimer County, according to new information from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. DEC did not give the name of the captive deer facility, nor did it specify the species and number of animals infected, calling it only an isolated detection during routine CWD monitoring. There are currently no suspected cases of CWD in wild deer, DEC said, but the agency is asking for help from local hunters and the general public. Anyone who observes sick or dying deer, including roadkill deer, in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, or Warren in Herkimer County, and the town of Richfield in Otsego County, should report the deer to DEC immediately. To report sick/dead deer, email (cwd.response@dec.ny.gov) or call DECs Region 6 Wildlife Office: 315-785-2263. Hunters who harvest deer in the aforementioned towns, as well as in the towns of Litchfield or Winfield in Herkimer County, should save the deers head and drop it off for testing at one the locations below. A white metal container with DEC messaging will be installed at each location. Testing is free, and DEC will notify hunters immediately if their deer tests positive for CWD. White boxes like the one shown here will be installed at locations around southern Herkimer County for deer head drop-off.NYS DEC Instructions: Cut the deer head with some neck remaining. Keep head chilled or frozen until submission to DEC. Remove skull plate and antlers on bucks before submission. Place the head in a plastic garbage bag. Label the bag with your name, address, and phone number. Deposit the bagged head in the white metal container at one of the locations below. Taxidermists can sample deer you intend to have mounted. Deer head drop-off locations: Town of Warren 131 Hyde-Bell Lane, Jordanville, N.Y. 13361 (highway department) Town of Columbia 936 Jordanville Road, Ilion, N.Y. 13367 (sand building) 147 County Route 259, Ilion, N.Y. 13357 (town hall) Town of Litchfield 804 Cedarville Road, Ilion, N.Y. 13357 (highway department) Town of Winfield 306 Stone Road, West Winfield, N.Y. 13491 (highway department) Town of Herkimer 225 North Main Street, Herkimer, N.Y. 13350 (Herkimer NYSDEC Office) Town of Richfield Boss Farm, 1545 County Route 25, Richfield Springs 13439 CWD is a highly contagious and fatal brain disease that poses a serious threat to NYs deer and moose populations. Animals in latter stages of the disease become emaciated, stumble around or act listless, drool excessively, and exhibit no fear of humans. The last reported case of CWD in NY was at a captive deer facility in Oneida County in 2005. Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors JAMESVILLE, NY Wendy Millard clearly remembers the day in 2017 when she first entered the historic house at 2838 State Route 91 in Jamesville. She and her husband, Mark Edwards, had checked out about 20 houses in Central New York, in many different school districts, looking for just the right house for their family. Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlons brother has been killed in a hunting accident. WIVB reports New York State Police responded to a call for a welfare check Wednesday after a hunter had not returned to his vehicle in the Cattaraugus County town of East Otto. An investigation determined that 54-year-old Mark P. Scanlon, of Buffalo, fell from a portable tree stand and died. No signs of foul play were detected, police said. The body was taken to Olean General Hospital for an autopsy. Scanlon was a Sergeant with the Erie County Sheriffs Office, according to the Buffalo TV station. He worked in the Jail Management Division, Sheriff John Garcia said. Sergeant Scanlon was a civil servant that the people of Erie County can be proud of, Garcia said. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues on this tragic day. We have made grief counselors available to Erie County Sheriffs Office personnel during this difficult time. Sgt. Scanlon died while doing one of the things he enjoyed most, Acting Mayor Scanlon said of the tragic loss. Mark was a member of the Erie County Sheriffs Department and a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, who was loved by those who knew him, he added. On behalf of my sister-in-law Amanda and entire family, I kindly ask for respect of our privacy during this very difficult time. A Western New York native reported missing while on a trip abroad in Europe was murdered, police said. Mackenzie Kenzie Michalski was killed after she disappeared this week from a famous nightclub in Budapest, Hungary, Budapest Police Headquarters announced today in a news release. Michalski, originally from Fredonia, was 31 years old. A 37-year-old man from Ireland has been taken into custody for Michalskis murder, police said. The man whose name was not immediately released was spotted with Michalski at nightclubs before she disappeared, police said. He showed investigators where he had hidden Michalskis body, police said. We are deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie, wrote loved ones on Find Mackenzie Michalski, the Facebook page created to help find Michalski. Michalski, a nurse practitioner who WGRZ said previously worked at Buffalo General Medical Center, moved from Western New York to Portland, Oregon. Michalski was last seen Tuesday at Szimpla Kert, a popular ruin bar in the Hungarian Capital, Daily News Hungary reported. She was reported missing after she failed to check out of her Budapest Airbnb and missed her flight out of Hungary, WGRZ reported. U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, who represents the Buffalo area in Congress, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken asking for help finding Michalski. Three days later, the man suspected of killing Michalski led officers to her body, police said. In the Facebook group created after Michalskis disappearance, family and friends thanked the public for their help and asked for privacy as they grieve. We are thankful that Kenzies soul is now at peace. Her memory and legacy will endure in the hearts of all whom shes touched, Michalskis loved ones wrote. To understand Kenzies spirit is to wholeheartedly embrace the vast joy and wonder of life. Her wish for the world: fully embrace the present moment, be your authentic self, practice kindness, and always walk in the light. Two candlelight vigils are slated to be held tomorrow for Michalski. One will be held in Budapest, the last city the avid traveler visited. The other is set to take place in Barker Commons in Fredonia Michalskis hometown. An Oregon cyclist who was struck by an ambulance that made a right turn into him fracturing his nose and leaving him with scrapes and other injuries across his body has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against the ambulance provider after it scooped him up, drove him to the hospital and then billed him for the service, according to the suit. Attorney Travis Mayor says the ambulance provider Columbia River Fire & Rescue sent his client, 71-year-old William Hoesch, a $1,862 bill for the ambulance ride. Thats among about $47,000 in medical expenses that Hoesch has racked up so far and another $50,000 of medical costs he expects in the future, the suit states. WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this weeks election with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Investigators learned of the plan to kill Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery and who authorities say maintains a web of criminal associates who participate in Tehrans assassination plots. Shakeri told investigators that a contact in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him this past September to assemble a plan within seven days to surveil and ultimately kill Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. The official was quoting by Shakeri as saying that We have already spent a lot of money and that moneys not an issue. Shakeri told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men who the authorities say were recruited to participate in other assassinations, including of a prominent Iranian American journalist who has been targeted in murder-for-hire plots, were arrested Friday. There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Trumps defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil. Last summer, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Trumps reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 9. National Flag Day in Azerbaijan is celebrated on November 9, following a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on November 17, 2009. The Azerbaijani tricolor was first adopted as the national flag on November 9, 1918, during a meeting of the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which lasted until May 1920. After Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan declared the tricolor, featuring an eight-pointed star and crescent, as the State Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 5. In November 2009, an amendment was made to Article 105 of the Labor Code, designating November 9 as National Flag Day and a non-working holiday. The "State Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan" law provides a detailed description of the flag. The flag symbolizes the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width: a blue stripe on top, followed by a red one, and a green stripe at the bottom. In the middle of the red stripe, on both sides of the flag, there is a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. On September 1, 2010, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the National Flag Square in Baku. The decree to create the square was signed on November 17, 2007. To note, the flag weighs over 500 kilograms, with a width of 36 meters and a length of 72 meters, making it one of the largest flags in the world. At the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, a Museum of the State Flag was established at the square to further honor the flag's significance. Uncover the Wonders of Science with Science Week at Teagasc 2024 Events! Teagasc is thrilled to unveil a dynamic Science Week programme, packed with engaging, hands-on events that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and bring the latest scientific advancements to life. Running from November 11-17 and led by Science Communication and Engagement Officer, Eimear Ferguson, this years programme promises an incredible range of experiences for all ages across Ireland. Teagasc is thrilled to unveil a dynamic Science Week programme, which runs from November 11-17. From immersive farm tours to interactive workshops, theres something for everyonewhether you're fascinated by plant health, intrigued by microbes, or eager to explore the science behind your favourite foods and farming practices. Science Week 2024 in Teagasc is set to captivate minds and celebrate the science shaping our future! Here's a glimpse into whats happening throughout the week: Monday, November 11 Future Food Science (Ashtown, Dublin): Dive into the world of food science! This interactive event invites Transition Year students to learn how data reveals our food preferences and explore innovations in food quality, packaging, and nutrition through an engaging expert speed meet and lab tours. Tuesday, November 12 Ewe Want to Know More About Sheep? (Athenry, County Galway): Secondary school students are welcomed to Teagasc Athenry for an in-depth look at sheep farming science. Topics include reproductive health, parasite management, and sustainable grassland practices. Wednesday, November 13 Vision of Research Photography Exhibition (Oak Park, Carlow): Celebrate the creativity of Teagascs researchers at this visual journey showcasing impactful research in agriculture and food science through stunning photography. Open to everyone aged 12+. Wednesday, November 13 Junior Farm Walk (Moorepark, Cork): Young students will experience farm life firsthand, exploring how milking works, understanding pig farmings importance, and discovering the science behind healthy calves and nutritious grass. Thursday, November 14 Ferment-ED Workshop (Athenry, County Galway): Join Teagasc food scientist Dr. John Leech and learn all about the world of fermentation! With demonstrations and insights from kombucha experts, this event uncovers the delicious science behind foods like yogurt, bread, and sauerkraut. Thursday, November 14 School Science Quiz (Moorepark, Cork): 5th and 6th class students will test their science knowledge in a thrilling quiz covering food production, environmental topics, and animal science. Its a friendly competition with prizes up for grabs! Saturday, November 16 Science at the Marina (Cork City): This vibrant, all-ages event at Corks Marina Market features Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) activities, interactive demos, and engaging talks on microbiomes, virtual reality, food science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more. No booking required come and go as you please! Saturday, November 16 Can My Plants Catch the Flu? (An Gairdin Beo, County Carlow): Discover the fascinating world of plant health with Teagasc scientist Marta Niedzicka, who will delve into how plants stay strong, thrive, and resist illness. Ideal for adults and curious children aged 12+. Each event showcases Teagascs commitment to bringing science to life, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and everyday understanding. All events are free, though some require advance booking. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Teagasc scientists, deepen your knowledge, and experience the excitement of science! View the full schedule of events and booking information here Jeroen Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Delhi Posts: 8,826 Thanked: 60,345 Times View My Garage Re: Bought a Yacht | 2006 Drammer 935 Classic In the end I decided to have dinner at Ome Ko (Uncle Ko). A so called traditional "Bruin Cafe". (Brown Cafe). If you never seen or been to a traditional Dutch Bruin Cafe have a look at their website. https://omekomuiden.nl It is called bruin (Brown) because these cafes used to be dark and smokey. And because of the smoke, everything got even darker and more "Brown". For some reason and I have no idea why, every single Dutch Bruin cafe has Persian rugs on its tables! I kid you not! Ome Ko is a bit of an institution here in Muiden. Everybody knows it. During the summer months, it runs a huge terrace, in front of the cafe, right on the edge of the sea locks. Nice place, with traditional pub food and pleasant staff. When I came back to Sirion, I noticed a little boat moored on the other side of the jetty. I had a little chat with the owner and his son. They had bought this boat a few days earlier and picked it up in Waspil (pretty far south in the Netherlands). They were sailing it to Dokkum, which is pretty much in the North of the Netherlands. It was a very long trip. Four days into their trip, not even halfway, they had encountered all kinds of problems with their engine. It overheated several times. The guy's brother came over to help them fix the engine. He made a makeshift cooling reservoir they could easily top up whilst sailing. The head gasket was leaking and they were constantly losing cooling liquid. They had no charts, radio, or plotter. The dad told me he was a bit weary navigating from Muiden into the Randmeren. There are some very shallow bits here. Could they maybe follow me in the morning? Sure, I said, not a problem. We decided to leave at 08.00 o'clock. By 07.50 they started their engine and poured in a lot of water too. As it warms up it leaks less! We agreed at a sedate speed of about 9 km/h. Our little convoy left the marina and fell in behind a gorgeous Dutch flat bottom making its way out of the marine too. Behind me the little boat with father and son crew. We cruised for several hours at 9 km/h with no problems. The little boat stayed behind me at about 30 meters distance. We got to the lock at Nijkerk. The final lock for me on this trip and my final lock this year with Sirion. I had a chat with the dad whilst in the lock. Everything was going fine, he was reasonably familiar with these waters. I told him I had to speed up after leaving the lock as I had to make marina Strand Horst at 14.00 hours. No problem he said and thanks for helping out. We left the locks behind us. I did keep an eye on the little boat now and then. All of a sudden I noticed the distance between us had increased a lot, more than I expected. Checking through the binoculars I did not see a bow wave on her. So probably no propulsion. No other boats around at all. My old salvage instincts kicked in, I turned Sirion around and went full ahead! Within a couple of minutes, I had Sirion alongside her. Luckily the water was very calm. No wind, no wave. All I had to do was adjust my fenders. Note the yellow jerry can? That was their makeshift cooling water reservoir. The dad told me the engine just stopped. Repeated starting did not bring it back to life. He told me he had checked and did everything he could think of, but no dice. So I offered to tow them to a nearby marina. There are two ways of towing. You could attach one or two ropes and have the stricken vessel behind the towing vessel. Or you tie the two vessels together side to side. The latter is preferred for better manoeuvrability. It also allows you to use more ropes and spread the load of the ropes across multiple cleats and bolder. Truth is, on yachts the bolders are not meant for towing. So that is why you need to be really careful. Use multiple ropes, and set the tension in each rope equally. It took us a couple of minutes to get the towing arrangement established. With everything secure, I put Sirion into slow ahead. Asked the dad to put his rudder a tiny bit to starboard. Within minutes we were sailing at about 5 km/h. I checked the tension on all the lines, everything seemed fine. The dad has asked me to tow them over to Zeewolde. Just about the opposite of Strand Horst. He knew some people there who might be able to help them. I asked him to call the Zeewolde marina too, notifying them of us getting there and arranging for another boat to help in docking. It's one thing navigating such a towing combination on large open water. Manoeuvring in a marina and docking it is quite a different matter altogether. Most harbours have a harbourmaster dinghy or something to assist in such situations. We never made it to Zeewolde. After about 15 minutes of towing the Dad called out to me: I found it! I know what's wrong!. The tank is empty! For crying out loud!! Luckily he had two jerry cans with diesel. I lent him one of my funnels. (he did not have any) and poured the diesel into the tank. With a bit of bleeding the engine fired up again! So we disconnected all lines. They were very grateful for all my help. But seriously it wasn't much. When you see people in trouble, no matter what, you need to provide assistance. apart from the moral thing to do, it also requires of you to under the water- and sea way rules and regulations. Once again under its own power It took me another twenty minutes or so to reach the marina Strand Horst. Moored at the bunker Jetty and took on some 175 litres of diesel. As with cars, top up your tanks before putting a boat away for the winter months. Next, I sailed Sirion into the marina, right to the slipway. This is where I picked her up in March. Back home so to speak. I checked my plotter which keeps track of the distance and time travelled. We did almost 2600 km and 308 hours of sailing in our first season. That is quite a lot. Most boaters do less than half. I checked my logbook. We also did about 18-19 overnights in various marinas all over the Netherlands. I caught up with all the guys at Strand Horst. Very pleasant and professional. With still a few hours of light I decided to give Sirion a good cleaning on the outside. That got me very wet. So I used the dryer facility to dry all my clothes. Most marinas, will over washing and drying facilities for their members and guests. A carpenter, Rene, came around to look at the teak decking in the rear of the cockpit. Nice guy. He would be able to replace it all with Sirion ashore this winter. Finding a dinner place that evening was a bit of a challenge. Marina Strand Horst is in the middle of nowhere. There is a McDonalds and a Wok place next door. Neither held any attraction to me. Eventually, I decided to walk to Ermelo, about 6 kilometres and had an excellent 3-course dinner and some alcohol-free wine! The next morning, Michael of H2O arrived to help me with the engine maintenance. We discussed what needed doing. We would check the valve clearance, and change the engine oil and gearbox oil. Both oil filters, the fuel filter on the engine and the used filter on the duplex fuel filter. I had to leave by 13.30 as I had to be home in time that evening. Andre the harbour master took me to a nearby train station. Michael finished the various jobs and the Strand Horst guys hauled Sirion out. Micheal did some further winter-proofing of her as well. This means draining all water from the engine, toilets and freshwater system and filling it with anti-freeze. The next day I drove back to pick up all my gear, the bedding and some other stuff we don't want on the boat during the winter month. Very pleased with how her hull looks! Loading up the Mini You might recall that during the initial home trip in March I damaged the starboard railing. It was bent out of shape. Michael managed to straighten it perfectly. So first season with Sirion is over. We really enjoyed ourselves. Lots of trips, lots of adventures, lots of new places that we explored. Met lots of people along the way. All in all, a very enjoyable experience. I will be doing some maintenance on Sirion over the months to come. I want to polish and wax her hull and superstructure. Also, all the teak needs oiling. There is some more work to be done at my home marina. We will haul out members' boats ourselves as well. I have been spending two days as an apprentice harbour master on our marina as well. I am invited to the annual harbour master meet and dinner afterwards. The marina also organises various other social gatherings during the winter months. More to come in the winter months. Jeroen Last night it took me some time to find a restaurant. Of course, it is off-season. More importantly, I have found a lot of restaurants and cafes stay closed on Monday, Tuesday and even sometimes on Wednesday, simply due to lack of staff.In the end I decided to have dinner at Ome Ko (Uncle Ko). A so called traditional "Bruin Cafe". (Brown Cafe). If you never seen or been to a traditional Dutch Bruin Cafe have a look at their website.It is called bruin (Brown) because these cafes used to be dark and smokey. And because of the smoke, everything got even darker and more "Brown".For some reason and I have no idea why, every single Dutch Bruin cafe has Persian rugs on its tables! I kid you not!Ome Ko is a bit of an institution here in Muiden. Everybody knows it. During the summer months, it runs a huge terrace, in front of the cafe, right on the edge of the sea locks.Nice place, with traditional pub food and pleasant staff.When I came back to Sirion, I noticed a little boat moored on the other side of the jetty. I had a little chat with the owner and his son. They had bought this boat a few days earlier and picked it up in Waspil (pretty far south in the Netherlands). They were sailing it to Dokkum, which is pretty much in the North of the Netherlands. It was a very long trip.Four days into their trip, not even halfway, they had encountered all kinds of problems with their engine. It overheated several times. The guy's brother came over to help them fix the engine. He made a makeshift cooling reservoir they could easily top up whilst sailing. The head gasket was leaking and they were constantly losing cooling liquid.They had no charts, radio, or plotter. The dad told me he was a bit weary navigating from Muiden into the Randmeren. There are some very shallow bits here. Could they maybe follow me in the morning? Sure, I said, not a problem.We decided to leave at 08.00 o'clock. By 07.50 they started their engine and poured in a lot of water too. As it warms up it leaks less!We agreed at a sedate speed of about 9 km/h.Our little convoy left the marina and fell in behind a gorgeous Dutch flat bottom making its way out of the marine too.Behind me the little boat with father and son crew.We cruised for several hours at 9 km/h with no problems. The little boat stayed behind me at about 30 meters distance. We got to the lock at Nijkerk. The final lock for me on this trip and my final lock this year with Sirion.I had a chat with the dad whilst in the lock. Everything was going fine, he was reasonably familiar with these waters. I told him I had to speed up after leaving the lock as I had to make marina Strand Horst at 14.00 hours. No problem he said and thanks for helping out.We left the locks behind us. I did keep an eye on the little boat now and then. All of a sudden I noticed the distance between us had increased a lot, more than I expected. Checking through the binoculars I did not see a bow wave on her. So probably no propulsion. No other boats around at all.My old salvage instincts kicked in, I turned Sirion around and went full ahead!Within a couple of minutes, I had Sirion alongside her. Luckily the water was very calm. No wind, no wave. All I had to do was adjust my fenders. Note the yellow jerry can? That was their makeshift cooling water reservoir.The dad told me the engine just stopped. Repeated starting did not bring it back to life. He told me he had checked and did everything he could think of, but no dice. So I offered to tow them to a nearby marina.There are two ways of towing. You could attach one or two ropes and have the stricken vessel behind the towing vessel. Or you tie the two vessels together side to side. The latter is preferred for better manoeuvrability. It also allows you to use more ropes and spread the load of the ropes across multiple cleats and bolder.Truth is, on yachts the bolders are not meant for towing. So that is why you need to be really careful. Use multiple ropes, and set the tension in each rope equally.It took us a couple of minutes to get the towing arrangement established. With everything secure, I put Sirion into slow ahead. Asked the dad to put his rudder a tiny bit to starboard. Within minutes we were sailing at about 5 km/h.I checked the tension on all the lines, everything seemed fine. The dad has asked me to tow them over to Zeewolde. Just about the opposite of Strand Horst. He knew some people there who might be able to help them. I asked him to call the Zeewolde marina too, notifying them of us getting there and arranging for another boat to help in docking.It's one thing navigating such a towing combination on large open water. Manoeuvring in a marina and docking it is quite a different matter altogether. Most harbours have a harbourmaster dinghy or something to assist in such situations.We never made it to Zeewolde. After about 15 minutes of towing the Dad called out to me: I found it! I know what's wrong!. The tank is empty!For crying out loud!! Luckily he had two jerry cans with diesel. I lent him one of my funnels. (he did not have any) and poured the diesel into the tank.With a bit of bleeding the engine fired up again! So we disconnected all lines. They were very grateful for all my help. But seriously it wasn't much. When you see people in trouble, no matter what, you need to provide assistance. apart from the moral thing to do, it also requires of you to under the water- and sea way rules and regulations.Once again under its own powerIt took me another twenty minutes or so to reach the marina Strand Horst. Moored at the bunker Jetty and took on some 175 litres of diesel. As with cars, top up your tanks before putting a boat away for the winter months.Next, I sailed Sirion into the marina, right to the slipway. This is where I picked her up in March. Back home so to speak.I checked my plotter which keeps track of the distance and time travelled. We did almost 2600 km and 308 hours of sailing in our first season. That is quite a lot. Most boaters do less than half. I checked my logbook. We also did about 18-19 overnights in various marinas all over the Netherlands.I caught up with all the guys at Strand Horst. Very pleasant and professional. With still a few hours of light I decided to give Sirion a good cleaning on the outside. That got me very wet. So I used the dryer facility to dry all my clothes.Most marinas, will over washing and drying facilities for their members and guests.A carpenter, Rene, came around to look at the teak decking in the rear of the cockpit. Nice guy. He would be able to replace it all with Sirion ashore this winter.Finding a dinner place that evening was a bit of a challenge. Marina Strand Horst is in the middle of nowhere. There is a McDonalds and a Wok place next door. Neither held any attraction to me. Eventually, I decided to walk to Ermelo, about 6 kilometres and had an excellent 3-course dinner and some alcohol-free wine!The next morning, Michael of H2O arrived to help me with the engine maintenance.We discussed what needed doing. We would check the valve clearance, and change the engine oil and gearbox oil. Both oil filters, the fuel filter on the engine and the used filter on the duplex fuel filter.I had to leave by 13.30 as I had to be home in time that evening. Andre the harbour master took me to a nearby train station.Michael finished the various jobs and the Strand Horst guys hauled Sirion out. Micheal did some further winter-proofing of her as well. This means draining all water from the engine, toilets and freshwater system and filling it with anti-freeze.The next day I drove back to pick up all my gear, the bedding and some other stuff we don't want on the boat during the winter month.Very pleased with how her hull looks!Loading up the MiniYou might recall that during the initial home trip in March I damaged the starboard railing. It was bent out of shape. Michael managed to straighten it perfectly.So first season with Sirion is over. We really enjoyed ourselves. Lots of trips, lots of adventures, lots of new places that we explored. Met lots of people along the way. All in all, a very enjoyable experience.I will be doing some maintenance on Sirion over the months to come. I want to polish and wax her hull and superstructure. Also, all the teak needs oiling.There is some more work to be done at my home marina. We will haul out members' boats ourselves as well.I have been spending two days as an apprentice harbour master on our marina as well. I am invited to the annual harbour master meet and dinner afterwards. The marina also organises various other social gatherings during the winter months.More to come in the winter months.Jeroen Last edited by Jeroen : 6th November 2024 at 14:01 . RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,676 Thanked: 25,317 Times View My Garage Electrifying the Suzuki Jimny would ruin the 4x4 SUV, says company president There were speculations earlier that a hybrid or electric Jimny could be in the works. However, the company president was quick to dash any speculations, stating, "If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny. I think the core strength of the Jimny is the right weight." Having said that, Suzuki did mention that the brand could look at alternate fuels such as e-fuel or biofuel to support the Jimny in the future. Suzuki stated, "If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel, or biofuel utilising the ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimny supported in the future." Source: Link to Team-BHP news Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corp., has confirmed that the brand has no plans to electrify the Jimny. The company president stated that Suzuki has no plans to build either an electric or hybrid version of its small 4x4 SUV as it "would ruin" it.There were speculations earlier that a hybrid or electric Jimny could be in the works. However, the company president was quick to dash any speculations, stating, "If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny. I think the core strength of the Jimny is the right weight."Having said that, Suzuki did mention that the brand could look at alternate fuels such as e-fuel or biofuel to support the Jimny in the future. Suzuki stated, "If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel, or biofuel utilising the ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimny supported in the future."Source: Autocar IamAsHter Newbie Join Date: May 2024 Location: Silchar Posts: 24 Thanked: 178 Times Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review Now the task is how to take the motorcycle to the workshop. Was thinking of pushing the motorcycle and putting in 1st gear and continue gear shifts with blips but later dropped the idea. Now one idea came up, I guess most seasoned riders here use it but I did it for the first time. I ended up using a locally sourced clutch cable meant for using Bajaj / Piaggio 3-wheelers and it worked wonderfully for rescuing the motorcycle from this situation. Step 1: Disconnect the clutch cable from the lever end as well as the lifter arm end near the engine case. Step 2: Hold the cable end at the lifter arms end with a plier and pull out the entire inner cable. Make sure that clutch cable outer shell remains as it is in its position, only the inner cable needs to be dragged out Step 3: Take the new clutch inner cable and push the open end from the levers side slowly until the open comes out on the other side. This inner clutch cables are easily available in any spare parts shop and costs 40 max with the cable locking nut included. Step 4: Use the locking nut to hold the cable at the lifter arms end to lock the cable according to the length, the lifter arm needs to be pushed manually to the end where the clutch play ends and clutch engagement starts. The locking nut needs to be put inside the lifter arms bracket where usually the clutch cable end pin goes. The locking nut acts as a cable end pin. Step 5: Put the starting tip of the cable in the lever slot. For Himalayans lever the slot is a bit wide therefore the plastic bracket needs to be inserted though the cable before pushing it through. Step 6: Make clutch adjustments as per requirements and tie up the additional extra cable or cut it off near the lifter arms end as suitable. Step 7: You should be good to go now and this cable can last for a considerable time if used judiciously till proper service / replacement is done. Thought of sharing this as it can be a life saver during critical times in remote places. So did a cold start this morning and voila; my clutch cable gave upNow the task is how to take the motorcycle to the workshop. Was thinking of pushing the motorcycle and putting in 1st gear and continue gear shifts with blips but later dropped the idea.Now one idea came up, I guess most seasoned riders here use it but I did it for the first time.I ended up using a locally sourced clutch cable meant for using Bajaj / Piaggio 3-wheelers and it worked wonderfully for rescuing the motorcycle from this situation.Step 1: Disconnect the clutch cable from the lever end as well as the lifter arm end near the engine case.Step 2: Hold the cable end at the lifter arms end with a plier and pull out the entire inner cable. Make sure that clutch cable outer shell remains as it is in its position, only the inner cable needs to be dragged outStep 3: Take the new clutch inner cable and push the open end from the levers side slowly until the open comes out on the other side.This inner clutch cables are easily available in any spare parts shop and costs 40 max with the cable locking nut included.Step 4: Use the locking nut to hold the cable at the lifter arms end to lock the cable according to the length, the lifter arm needs to be pushed manually to the end where the clutch play ends and clutch engagement starts. The locking nut needs to be put inside the lifter arms bracket where usually the clutch cable end pin goes. The locking nut acts as a cable end pin.Step 5: Put the starting tip of the cable in the lever slot. For Himalayans lever the slot is a bit wide therefore the plastic bracket needs to be inserted though the cable before pushing it through.Step 6: Make clutch adjustments as per requirements and tie up the additional extra cable or cut it off near the lifter arms end as suitable.Step 7: You should be good to go now and this cable can last for a considerable time if used judiciously till proper service / replacement is done.Thought of sharing this as it can be a life saver during critical times in remote places. Attached Thumbnails BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Today, November 8, as the nation marks Victory Day, a grand parade is underway in Baku, evoking a strong sense of pride among the citys residents, Ilham Shiraliyev, a Baku resident told Trend. The Baku resident shared his thoughts, emphasizing that these joyful days result from the leadership of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and the resolute Azerbaijani army. "This victory has restored our people's confidence; we have become a victorious nation. We will be forever grateful to our army, which ended our 30 years of sorrow. We will always honor the memory of our martyrs with deep respect," he said. To note, Shusha city, which has great spiritual significance for the Azerbaijani people, was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Second Karabakh War on November 8, 2020. The liberation of the city of Shusha was the culmination of the 44-day Karabakh War. According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated December 3, 2020, November 8 is annually celebrated as Victory Day in the country. jithin23 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Globetrotter Posts: 858 Thanked: 3,179 Times View My Garage Re: Work Culture in India's Corporates Quote: am1m Originally Posted by The problem as many members have already posted is that our work culture is very hierarchical. So instead of an interview being seen as a discussion between two parties to see if they can find a match for each other's business requirements, it becomes a power play. On the part of the company rep and increasingly these days, on the part of candidates who have several choices. There is no downside for either side to be professional and courteous, and everything to gain in terms of future professional relationships. I've had recruiters call me again when they moved to a new company, even though I turned down the job they were recruiting for, simply because I just followed up with a phone call and thanked them for their help. Similarly, I've gone out of my way to recommend candidates to recruiters I've enjoyed interacting with when I see them posting jobs on LinkedIn, simply because they were nice when I was interacting with them. What does it really cost to follow-up, be polite these days? 5 minutes spent on a thank you e-mail or call. I really don't understand why either side really can't do this. Quote: am1m Originally Posted by I'm not sure this will ever happen or even if this is a good idea. To start with, working conditions in the IT industry at least, are very good. Certainly, at some companies things could be better. But perhaps voting with one's feet, finding a company that better suits one's requirements is a better way to go about things. Another thing is, in a country like ours, there will always be hundreds, if not thousands willing to take up a job that one might not see as ideal. There have been several instances where people have stood up for rights and I have done it myself in the past too. The rule in VTU was if you have more then 4 backlogs from the same year or if you have even one backlog from the previous year, you cannot be promoted to the next academic year. In 2016-17, VTU had brought in an exit scheme for those who had studied under the old syllabus in 2014 and in 2015 VTU changed the syllabus and grading system. I unfortunately had more than 4 backlogs in 2016 and couldn't advance to the next year. With the syllabus change it was difficult for several students like me and then we all formed a group on Telegram and FB and with the help of lawyers, we fought against the system and eventually they gave our batch an exception. This has been there on the news as well(you can google for VTU one time exit scheme, I was an active participant of this movement). I graduated in 2019 though, despite me being a participant due to an accident which I faced later that year. Our own Waseem Menon too fought for one country, one road tax issue and today we have BH series in most of the states. So the reason for pointing out these stories are united we stand, divided we fall. These companies are surviving because there are lakhs of educated folks like us to work at their will and if we do not stand up for our rights, then our education system has failed us or we have failed to harness the knowledge we have received over the years. My apologies if I've been too raw and honest! Spot on sir! This needs to be adhered by either party and people (be it a candidate or an employer) need to be courteous enough in responding to the offer even if it is negative.I'm sure this will be an area which most of us might have different opinions. Some have to sweat it out by doing hard labour and some of us who are in the IT too sweat it out in a different way but mentally by blurring lines between professional and personal life and mostly I've seen people lose the latter due to the former and vice versa. Finding that balance is important (work life balance is needed in a fast paced environment like ours) and the thing with our people is they want to get into and will try to be a people pleaser to get their job done. Plus they glorify working extra time where most of the corporates don't pay you for OT. Our people don't have much options too that's why they will flock even if one is giving them a pay what's lesser than their worth.There have been several instances where people have stood up for rights and I have done it myself in the past too. The rule in VTU was if you have more then 4 backlogs from the same year or if you have even one backlog from the previous year, you cannot be promoted to the next academic year. In 2016-17, VTU had brought in an exit scheme for those who had studied under the old syllabus in 2014 and in 2015 VTU changed the syllabus and grading system. I unfortunately had more than 4 backlogs in 2016 and couldn't advance to the next year. With the syllabus change it was difficult for several students like me and then we all formed a group on Telegram and FB and with the help of lawyers, we fought against the system and eventually they gave our batch an exception. This has been there on the news as well(you can google for VTU one time exit scheme, I was an active participant of this movement). I graduated in 2019 though, despite me being a participant due to an accident which I faced later that year.Our own Waseem Menon too fought for one country, one road tax issue and today we have BH series in most of the states.So the reason for pointing out these stories are united we stand, divided we fall. These companies are surviving because there are lakhs of educated folks like us to work at their will and if we do not stand up for our rights, then our education system has failed us or we have failed to harness the knowledge we have received over the years.My apologies if I've been too raw and honest! Tony2298 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: India Posts: 198 Thanked: 1,160 Times Road-trip from Poona to Mysore in a Hyundai Tucson As you all know Mysore is one of the most historically important places of India and still remains one of the better cities of India, I had a deep desire of visiting Mysore someday exploring its culture and heritage and what a better way of travelling would it be than a road trip to that place. Preparations I had recently posted a thread where I penned down all the maintenance I carried out for my SUV, will be cross-posting it here too. Therefore the vehicle was in tip-top condition, only thing left to do was tanking up to brim with Shell V-Power Diesel and get the PUC certificate updated which I must mention is convenient if you're owning a BS6 vehicle since you're getting validity of 1year as compared to BS4&older vehicles where its valid for only 6months. Doing the PUC Day1- Poona to Hospet We left the city during dawn hours when the whole city was in the arms of sleep after celebrating Diwali festivities, therefore the city was completely deserted and exiting the same was hassle-free. Regarding routes, I had two routes available- Route1- The standard route for MH-KA is via NH48 which passes through cities like Satara, Karad, Kolhapur, Belagavi, Davangere, Huballi, Bangalore. Although a direct highway it is undergoing a complete repair and 6lane widening. Therefore the roads are complete nightmare with too many diversions and horrendous service roads with moon-shaming potholes especially in Satara-Kagal section maintained by MSRDC(proudly displayed by boards), I regularly do Bombay/Poona-Kolhapur trips and in a couple of years road conditions of this patch has completely gone downhill, yes roadworks are going on in full swing and roads would become smooth after a couple of years down the line but as of now it is best avoided IMHO. Route2- NH65, covering cities like Solapur, Vijaypura, Hospet, chose this highway since it is recently revamped stretch with relatively much smoother 4lane stretch. Chose this one both while ongoing and return trip, only con is you don't get too many rest-stops which you get aplenty in NH48. Therefore, you need to plan your trip accordingly. The roads were completely smooth allowing you to carry triple digit speeds effortlessly however you need to watch out for stray animals appearing out of nowhere and the maniac wrong side drivers on all kind of vehicle ranging from a bicycle to a tipper! Sadly we're in a state where we've normalised wrong side driving malpractice, sadly we as an individual can do nothing about the same other than being careful and not be the ones doing it. Distances are covered quickly due to smooth roads, however be ready to shell out a fortune at tolls, since toll booths appear a bit too frequently, especially once you enter KA. We reached Hosapete, in about 6-7hours including long and frequent stops. Spent the rest of the day relaxing at a resort amidst the silence of countryside, watching the MotoGP Tissot Sprint and F1 Sprint later during the evening! A clean Contessa at the resort, spotted this same very Contessa flying at NH65. Day2- Hosapete to Mysore Started early during the morning hours towards Mysore, once again the NH65 was completely deserted and smooth 4lane carriageway, stopped once for a fuel break, distances were covered quickly and effortlessly, soon joined the NH48 at Chitradurga. NH48 at least in KA is in a much better condition than it is in MH. Yes, there are diversions but they are few and far apart with at least drivable service roads. Stopped at Kamath for a brunch. Soon entered NICE road at around a Toyota factory outlet showroom, soon enough joined the Bangalore-Mysore expressway which was deserted, still switched on Cruise control at 95kmph and enjoyed the beautiful drive to Mysore. The deserted Bangalore-Mysore expressway! The city of Mysore felt really calm and serene with sparse traffic and lush greenery all around, unlike the bustling Bangalore, really it was a love at first sight(or drive ) for me towards Mysore! The only other city I liked this much was Baroda, I visited that city last year when I went for a trip to Statue of Unity and wish to re-visit Baroda again soon. What also amazed me was the cleanliness of the City which was terrific, a few months ago I visited Indore, yes its the cleanest city of India but Mysore at least in my books is a better place to be in, since I found traffic management of Indore a bit worse, mainly because of those unruly electric 3wheelers. Just as we checked into the hotel Mysore welcomed us with a light drizzle making the weather even more serene for us! During the evening went for a drive exploring the city, starting with Mysore palace which looked absolutely gorgeous with the light decorations, later called it a day, watched the F1 Sao Paulo race where Max did an amazing job of winning the Grand Prix from P17 to P1 while the Alpines got their season first podiums, the grin of Ocon said it all! Day3-Visiting Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan and Vintage Car Museum of Paayna After a heavy breakfast, we headed towards Tipu Sultan tomb first, the local guide explained us the history of the place and its relevance to us, also there's no entry fee into the tomb but you need to pay parking charge which was quite high IMHO. Soon, headed to Summer Palace Museum, where the entry ticket was issued digitally after verification with Govt. ID Proof, for the history buffs it would be a paradise since there was so much information with old paintings and scriptures, also got to see the famous Tipu Sultan's sword too, along with his clothes and other paraphernalia. After covering it, headed towards the Vintage Car Museum at Paayna, which is strategically located next to the Bangalore-Mysore expressway. This would be my 3rd vintage car museum visit the previous ones being at Udaipur and Ahmedabad!, but each time I see I'm struck with awe and admire the engineering prowess behind these machines at a time where computers and electronics were not even an entity! The miniature model of the musuem. The premises of the museum is sprawling, the museum itself is a two-storey building with so many cars parked ranging from Mysore Kings Daimler to a Hyundai Verna 1st gen! A modern Mercedes Benz E class, my maternal uncle used to have one before upgarding to a GL which he later swapped with a GLS. This ignited a passion of mine to build a museum of my own filled with modern cars with significance in the Indian automotive scenario and would include cars like Honda City VTEC 1st gen Honda Civic 1.8VTEC 8th gen Honda Accord 3.5V6 Ford Mondeo Chevrolet Cruze 2.0VCDi Hyundai i20 Asta 1st gen(my personal one) Renault Duster AWD Toyota Innova 2.5D4D Tata Nano Tata Safari DiCOR Mahindra Scorpio 1st gen Mahindra XUV500 Ford Ikon Ford Endeavour(the 1st 2.5 one and last 3.2TDCi one) And more... After spending an enjoyable time at the museum headed to the cafeteria to have some snacks post which we left for the hotel calling it a day! We also did visit the Mysore Sandal Factory outlet which is my mothers' favourite soap and the fragrance of Mysore Sandal is exceptional and has been the same for last 100years. Bought a boatload of soap, incense sticks etc as a token of Mysore visit! Day4-Exploring the city of Mysore The day started off with a visit to washing centre to give my SUV a much deserved foam wash. Decided to give my Tucson complete rest for the day and used auto rickshaw instead, also since it had rained the previous night the weather was quite pleasant with cool breeze making the rickshaw ride enjoyable. Visited the Mysore Palace first which was bustling with tourists, explored the place, got a booklet describing the history of the place, clicked some memorable photographs and left to sand museum. The sand museum had some amazing sand art based on various templates viz Devotee, history etc. Thoroughly enjoyed the place! From sand museum went to Mall of Mysore where I was greeted by the new Nissan Magnite Facelift, was quite impressed and wanted to check it out further, sadly the car was locked and salesman was not anywhere in sight, thus clicked a photo and left. After roaming the mall, went back to hotel and called it a day. Day5- Return trip to Poona from Mysore As much as I loved staying in Mysore and wanting to extend my stay had to sadly return back due to my work commitments. Therefore, left Mysore morning post breakfast, also I decided to do the entire 1000kms journey without any overnight halt. The expressway as usual was deserted and soon joined the NH48, topped up fuel at Shell Sira. NH48 had thin traffic till Chitradurga where we switched to NH65 and continued the journey. Stopped at a point near Tungabhadra dam where saw the beautiful waterbody and enjoyed the viewpoint. Continued the journey, took a detour at Solapur for a dinner halt since I didn't find any good restaurant adjacent to highway itself. Had a light dinner and continued the return journey, reached home quite late at 3:00AM. Yes, I was quite exhausted and tired but I must say that Tucson gave its best, of what it possibly could, transported me safely and didn't even gave me slightest of trouble. I truly thank my lucky stars that I could get such a beautiful SUV. Lastly quick word about my beloved SUVs character Tucson was always a silent mile-muncher, Hyundai definitely does know a thing or two about refinement, especially with their Diesel cars, the CRDi has an unreal refinement, at 100-120kph the engine revs at a meagre 1400-1500rpm which is basically a bit above idling rpm and therefore you get an idea of the refinement, in fact most of the time its very hard to tell there's an oil-burner under the hood and quite a potent one at that, with 185PS and 400Nm the pickup is quick especially in Sport mode sets all guns blazing, the Variable Geometry Turbo with electronically controlled fins ensure a light tap on the A pedal gives you an instant, strong tug and the SUV becomes a locomotive, helping you to overtake slow-moving vehicles effortlessly, also AWD system ensures it doesn't suffer from torque-steer, Impressive! Apart from that Hyundai has given generous amount of insulation material in the structure of the Tucson, structural adhesives have been used instead of nuts and bolts, thick insulation materials around wheel arches with flatter underbody surface and low-drag co-efficient shape ensures wind noise are cut down to bare minimum level. The insulation levels are on-par with cars a segment higher, at even higher than usual highway speeds the NVH remains supremely controlled, thus the cabin of the Tucson remains a calm place to be in at all times, be it city or highway! Road noise too was quite low however, the stock Nexen tyres had become hard and stony creating an excessive amount of tyre noise. Therefore, had upgraded to flagship Michelin Primacy 4ST tyres, which has completely obliterated the tyre noise even on concrete surfaces the silence is unreal! Apart from that the ride quality tilts towards plushness and comfort, however don't think its a boat like most other Hyundais, if anything with a multi-link setup at the rear there's a little bit firm edge like European cars but the bump absorption levels are first rate, it just glides over potholes without making too much noise, the body control is good too, only if you start pushing excessively the front end starts feeling squishy due to heavy diesel under the hood, however treat it like a SUV, you'll be very happy with its dynamics! The interior too are spacious with many storage spaces littered around, helping in long road trips like these, the A/C is a bone-chiller keeping the passengers comfy even in hottest of conditions, the rear seats reclines to a very comfortable position allowing you catch a snooze as soon as you sit inside, the driver gets 10way power adjustable seats and ergonomics are first rate too, very similar to a Honda or a Toyota, in fact I don't know why but I feel my 3rd gen Tucson is heavily inspired from the erstwhile 3rd gen Honda CRV, the silhouette, ergonomics etc are eerily similar! Night drives in the Tucson is an enjoyable experience, the pentagon-projector LED headlamps with halogen fog lamps illuminate the road brilliantly, most of the time low-beams are adequate and only in pitch dark conditions you need the high beams, auto-dimming IRVM ensures you aren't blinded by the moronic drivers using ultra high power flashing aftermarket LEDs and tailgating you for no reason. The Tucson is one of the few cars which punches above its weight especially in its Diesel avatar, just for reference the recently launched Carnival comes with the 2.2CRDi motor, which also powered the erstwhile Santa Fe, basically uses the same block as the as the 2.0CRDi albeit with larger bore making it displace 200more cc, also Carnival has the same 8speed TC AT box as my Tucson, therefore you get the idea of what the Tucson is actually worth of! Its a gem of a car, honestly! Thank you! Tony Hello all,As you all know Mysore is one of the most historically important places of India and still remains one of the better cities of India, I had a deep desire of visiting Mysore someday exploring its culture and heritage and what a better way of travelling would it be than a road trip to that place.I had recently posted a thread where I penned down all the maintenance I carried out for my SUV, will be cross-posting it here too. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ts-my-suv.html (Festive season gifts for my SUV) Therefore the vehicle was in tip-top condition, only thing left to do was tanking up to brim with Shell V-Power Diesel and get the PUC certificate updated which I must mention is convenient if you're owning a BS6 vehicle since you're getting validity of 1year as compared to BS4&older vehicles where its valid for only 6months.Doing the PUCWe left the city during dawn hours when the whole city was in the arms of sleep after celebrating Diwali festivities, therefore the city was completely deserted and exiting the same was hassle-free.Regarding routes, I had two routes available-The roads were completely smooth allowing you to carry triple digit speeds effortlessly however you need to watch out for stray animals appearing out of nowhere and the maniac wrong side drivers on all kind of vehicle ranging from a bicycle to a tipper! Sadly we're in a state where we've normalised wrong side driving malpractice, sadly we as an individual can do nothing about the same other than being careful and not be the ones doing it.Distances are covered quickly due to smooth roads, however be ready to shell out a fortune at tolls, since toll booths appear a bit too frequently, especially once you enter KA.We reached Hosapete, in about 6-7hours including long and frequent stops. Spent the rest of the day relaxing at a resort amidst the silence of countryside, watching the MotoGP Tissot Sprint and F1 Sprint later during the evening!A clean Contessa at the resort, spotted this same very Contessa flying at NH65.Started early during the morning hours towards Mysore, once again the NH65 was completely deserted and smooth 4lane carriageway, stopped once for a fuel break, distances were covered quickly and effortlessly, soon joined the NH48 at Chitradurga.NH48 at least in KA is in a much better condition than it is in MH. Yes, there are diversions but they are few and far apart with at least drivable service roads.Stopped at Kamath for a brunch.Soon entered NICE road at around a Toyota factory outlet showroom, soon enough joined the Bangalore-Mysore expressway which was deserted, still switched on Cruise control at 95kmph and enjoyed the beautiful drive to Mysore.The deserted Bangalore-Mysore expressway!The city of Mysore felt really calm and serene with sparse traffic and lush greenery all around, unlike the bustling Bangalore, really it was a love at first sight(or drive) for me towards Mysore! The only other city I liked this much was Baroda, I visited that city last year when I went for a trip to Statue of Unity and wish to re-visit Baroda again soon. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...nity-more.html (Road-Trip to Gujarat in a Tucson | Exploring Statue of Unity & more) What also amazed me was the cleanliness of the City which was terrific, a few months ago I visited Indore, yes its the cleanest city of India but Mysore at least in my books is a better place to be in, since I found traffic management of Indore a bit worse, mainly because of those unruly electric 3wheelers.Just as we checked into the hotel Mysore welcomed us with a light drizzle making the weather even more serene for us!During the evening went for a drive exploring the city, starting with Mysore palace which looked absolutely gorgeous with the light decorations, later called it a day, watched the F1 Sao Paulo race where Max did an amazing job of winning the Grand Prix from P17 to P1 while the Alpines got their season first podiums, the grin of Ocon said it all!After a heavy breakfast, we headed towards Tipu Sultan tomb first, the local guide explained us the history of the place and its relevance to us, also there's no entry fee into the tomb but you need to pay parking charge which was quite high IMHO.Soon, headed to Summer Palace Museum, where the entry ticket was issued digitally after verification with Govt. ID Proof, for the history buffs it would be a paradise since there was so much information with old paintings and scriptures, also got to see the famous Tipu Sultan's sword too, along with his clothes and other paraphernalia.After covering it, headed towards the Vintage Car Museum at Paayna, which is strategically located next to the Bangalore-Mysore expressway. This would be my 3rd vintage car museum visit the previous ones being at Udaipur and Ahmedabad!, but each time I see I'm struck with awe and admire the engineering prowess behind these machines at a time where computers and electronics were not even an entity!The miniature model of the musuem.The premises of the museum is sprawling, the museum itself is a two-storey building with so many cars parked ranging from Mysore Kings Daimler to a Hyundai Verna 1st gen!A modern Mercedes Benz E class, my maternal uncle used to have one before upgarding to a GL which he later swapped with a GLS.This ignited a passion of mine to build a museum of my own filled with modern cars with significance in the Indian automotive scenario and would include cars likeAnd more...After spending an enjoyable time at the museum headed to the cafeteria to have some snacks post which we left for the hotel calling it a day!We also did visit the Mysore Sandal Factory outlet which is my mothers' favourite soap and the fragrance of Mysore Sandal is exceptional and has been the same for last 100years. Bought a boatload of soap, incense sticks etc as a token of Mysore visit!The day started off with a visit to washing centre to give my SUV a much deserved foam wash.Decided to give my Tucson complete rest for the day and used auto rickshaw instead, also since it had rained the previous night the weather was quite pleasant with cool breeze making the rickshaw ride enjoyable.Visited the Mysore Palace first which was bustling with tourists, explored the place, got a booklet describing the history of the place, clicked some memorable photographs and left to sand museum.The sand museum had some amazing sand art based on various templates viz Devotee, history etc. Thoroughly enjoyed the place!From sand museum went to Mall of Mysore where I was greeted by the new Nissan Magnite Facelift, was quite impressed and wanted to check it out further, sadly the car was locked and salesman was not anywhere in sight, thus clicked a photo and left.After roaming the mall, went back to hotel and called it a day.As much as I loved staying in Mysore and wanting to extend my stay had to sadly return back due to my work commitments.Therefore, left Mysore morning post breakfast, also I decided to do the entire 1000kms journey without any overnight halt.The expressway as usual was deserted and soon joined the NH48, topped up fuel at Shell Sira. NH48 had thin traffic till Chitradurga where we switched to NH65 and continued the journey.Stopped at a point near Tungabhadra dam where saw the beautiful waterbody and enjoyed the viewpoint.Continued the journey, took a detour at Solapur for a dinner halt since I didn't find any good restaurant adjacent to highway itself.Had a light dinner and continued the return journey, reached home quite late at 3:00AM.Yes, I was quite exhausted and tired but I must say that Tucson gave its best, of what it possibly could, transported me safely and didn't even gave me slightest of trouble. I truly thank my lucky stars that I could get such a beautiful SUV.Lastly quick word about my beloved SUVs characterTucson was always a silent mile-muncher, Hyundai definitely does know a thing or two about refinement, especially with their Diesel cars, the CRDi has an unreal refinement, at 100-120kph the engine revs at a meagre 1400-1500rpm which is basically a bit above idling rpm and therefore you get an idea of the refinement, in fact most of the time its very hard to tell there's an oil-burner under the hood and quite a potent one at that, with 185PS and 400Nm the pickup is quick especially in Sport mode sets all guns blazing, the Variable Geometry Turbo with electronically controlled fins ensure a light tap on the A pedal gives you an instant, strong tug and the SUV becomes a locomotive, helping you to overtake slow-moving vehicles effortlessly, also AWD system ensures it doesn't suffer from torque-steer, Impressive!Apart from that Hyundai has given generous amount of insulation material in the structure of the Tucson, structural adhesives have been used instead of nuts and bolts, thick insulation materials around wheel arches with flatter underbody surface and low-drag co-efficient shape ensures wind noise are cut down to bare minimum level. The insulation levels are on-par with cars a segment higher, at even higher than usual highway speeds the NVH remains supremely controlled, thus the cabin of the Tucson remains a calm place to be in at all times, be it city or highway!Road noise too was quite low however, the stock Nexen tyres had become hard and stony creating an excessive amount of tyre noise. Therefore, had upgraded to flagship Michelin Primacy 4ST tyres, which has completely obliterated the tyre noise even on concrete surfaces the silence is unreal!Apart from that the ride quality tilts towards plushness and comfort, however don't think its a boat like most other Hyundais, if anything with a multi-link setup at the rear there's a little bit firm edge like European cars but the bump absorption levels are first rate, it just glides over potholes without making too much noise, the body control is good too, only if you start pushing excessively the front end starts feeling squishy due to heavy diesel under the hood, however treat it like a SUV, you'll be very happy with its dynamics!The interior too are spacious with many storage spaces littered around, helping in long road trips like these, the A/C is a bone-chiller keeping the passengers comfy even in hottest of conditions, the rear seats reclines to a very comfortable position allowing you catch a snooze as soon as you sit inside, the driver gets 10way power adjustable seats and ergonomics are first rate too, very similar to a Honda or a Toyota, in fact I don't know why but I feel my 3rd gen Tucson is heavily inspired from the erstwhile 3rd gen Honda CRV, the silhouette, ergonomics etc are eerily similar!Night drives in the Tucson is an enjoyable experience, the pentagon-projector LED headlamps with halogen fog lamps illuminate the road brilliantly, most of the time low-beams are adequate and only in pitch dark conditions you need the high beams, auto-dimming IRVM ensures you aren't blinded by the moronic drivers using ultra high power flashing aftermarket LEDs and tailgating you for no reason.The Tucson is one of the few cars which punches above its weight especially in its Diesel avatar, just for reference the recently launched Carnival comes with the 2.2CRDi motor, which also powered the erstwhile Santa Fe, basically uses the same block as the as the 2.0CRDi albeit with larger bore making it displace 200more cc, also Carnival has the same 8speed TC AT box as my Tucson, therefore you get the idea of what the Tucson is actually worth of! Its a gem of a car, honestly!Thank you!Tony Last edited by Tony2298 : 7th November 2024 at 20:01 . The shaky fate of TikTok now has been a topic of debate for what will happen to it after the results of the 2024 US elections, and now that Donald Trump has taken his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, speculations claim that the ban is potentially coming. However, the past two administrations are known for having it bad against TikTok, particularly as it is seen as a threat due to Chinese origins. That being said, Trump and TikTok have had a fruitful relationship during the former President's first term, with the previous administration already contemplating a ban on TikTok amidst the pandemic. TikTok Ban May Be Coming Because of Trump's Win TikTok has played hardball with the United States government under President Joe Biden, with the company opting to hear the case in court as it faced a possible ban in the country. However, the US government is set to see massive changes after the recent elections, and Donald Trump's win will not help TikTok's case and its upholding of the US Constitution's First Amendment according to Forbes. Last September, TikTok's appeal hearing began as it protested against the Biden administration's Foreign Adversary law (HR 7521), with the law previously requiring TikTok to divest from ByteDance and sever its ties. However, during Trump's campaign earlier this year, he had a change of heart regarding TikTok's standing in the country, with the former President making a significant move in joining TikTok and claiming that he would not ban it. Will TikTok Cease to Exist in the United States? There is still a possibility that TikTok will face a ban thanks to the passed law by the House of Representatives earlier this year, and Trump is known for previously pressing down on TikTok to sell its operations in the country to an American company. That being said, Trump also previously revealed that he would stray away from banning TikTok as this could potentially help Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms, Facebook and Instagram, to gain immense power if the Chinese-owned app ceases to exist. TikTok and Donald Trump's First Term During 2020's coronavirus pandemic, health is not the only issue that former President Donald Trump has focused on, particularly as he set his sights against TikTok, particularly because of the beliefs claiming it has ties to China. Former POTUS Trump previously claimed that he would ban TikTok in the United States, and this launched a massive saga for the social media in its quest to stay available to Americans. However, the Trump administration considered allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the country, but only if it would sever its ties with Beijing, centering on suspicions that the social media spies on Americans and shares it with China. The TikTok sale fiasco started, with many companies interested in getting their hands on its North America, Europe, and Oceania operations including Microsoft. That being said, the ultimate winner for its regional operation rights was won by Larry Ellison's Oracle, and this gave TikTok the lifeline it needed to continue its operations, all during Trump's first term. Now that Trump won his re-election bid and another issue against TikTok's ties to China has been revisited by the US, it is speculated that this will see a significant highlight under the next president's watch, with a ban potentially coming. Recently, a Russian hacking group launched cyberattacks on South Korea's critical infrastructure. According to official news agencies, such a move serves as a response to Seoul's proposal to send military experts to Ukraine to trace North Korean troops who are allegedly assisting Russia's war efforts in the country. Those accusations by the hacking group Z Pentest, blamed for incursions into facilities at South Korean facilities, had created security breaches in the country. Russian Hackers Breach South Korean Grain Warehouse Controls Z Pentest publicly boasted of accessing equipment at a warehouse in Naju, South Jeolla province, where it allegedly stored Ukrainian grain supplies. According to Reuters, the group put up a video on social media about how they allegedly tampered with the electronic controls of grain elevators and spewed lots of grain onto the ground. Furthermore, they boasted that their equipment's performance remains at a high level of efficiency through wastage resources. This video proclaimed their intentions to ground South Korea's infrastructure as a revenge measure due to Seoul's supportive stand for Ukraine. "Our specialist just turned everything off. Let them dry up," the alleged hackers said on Wednesday, Nov. 6. South Korean Agricultural Systems Under Fire Apart from the warehouse break-in, Z Pentest boasted of having hacked into the South Korean cultivation and irrigation system, which they asserted totally crippled. The group boasts of their actions by saying they had shut down the whole system and left it to dry, trying to cause potential agricultural damage. This escalation marks a shift from mere cyber intrusions into South Korea's physical infrastructure to the involvement of agricultural resources in the country in the collision course of international political conflicts. Hacking Group Defends Attacks Over South Korea's Policy on Ukraine In another report by South China Morning Post, Pentest said the attacks were a direct response to South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun's proposal to send military officials to Ukraine to monitor North Korean troops assisting Russia. According to both South Korean and Ukrainian officials, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are serving in Russia currently. The first encounters by Ukrainian forces with North Korean troops were also confirmed in Russia's Kursk region, further escalating international tensions. North Korean troops may also increase over the coming weeks, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. South Korea Confronts Home Debates Over Whether to Support Ukraine Militarily Reacting to this, South Korea is now rethinking its time-honored policy of no involvement in current wars. So far, South Korea has not taken its hands off from sending direct weapons to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the inclusion of the North Korean military "opens up a new page in the history of the planet" and inserts a new page of uncertainty into the book of time. The defense ministry website of South Korea was service-disrupted on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with officials suspecting an attack. As of Wednesday, the website had been reinstated, and the ministry started an investigation to track the hackers. For its part, South Korea's cybersecurity watchdog called on local institutions and businesses to step up data protection measures amid spiking tensions and growing cyber attack risks. Russian and North Korean Cyber Actors Unite Cybersecurity fears have risen since earlier this year when Microsoft announced that state-backed hackers from Russia and North Korea have begun using advanced AI tools to improve their surveillance capabilities. According to Microsoft, it had already taken measures to limit the capability of such groups to get hold of similar technologies, as cyber threats linked to global conflicts continue to become more sophisticated. South Korea will keep a watchful eye out for attacks on its critical infrastructure from hackers. It will be more alert since the enemies can attack in land, air, water, and of course, in the digital space. Taiwan's Semiconductor Manufacturing Company or TSMC in short, which manufactures half of the world's semiconductors said its US investment plan is secured following the election of Donald Trump as president. The leading chipmaker has announced $65 billion in investments to build new semiconductor plants in Arizona, an important step toward increasing its presence in the United States. TSMC Confirms Plans for US Investment Amid Political Change As Reuters reports heading to Friday, Nov.8, TSMC assured investors and stakeholders that their plans in the US are not affected by Trump's election and his prior criticism that Taiwan was "stealing American semiconductor business." "Our investment plan in the US remains unchanged," TSMC wrote recently in an email without going any deeper into the matter. The critical investment TSMC has in the US market shows its strategy is to balance semiconductor production globally as demand increases and with geopolitical challenges. This investment falls within the long-term aim of the firm to increase its footprint outside Asia and enhance production as a means of meeting the trend of increasing global demand for advanced semiconductors. Support for Chips and Science Act for Semiconductor Production in the US In 2022, the Biden administration passed the Chips and Science Act, providing $37 billion to encourage chipmakers to boost their internal US production, reducing reliance on foreign assembly. Officials familiar with the matter said TSMC will join GlobalFoundries and another unnamed chipmaker in receiving a last wave of funding under the act. The Chip Act will focus on attracting even more chipmakers to establish and increase their operations on U.S. soil, which would further secure the semiconductor supply chain of the nation. The Act will require the Commerce Department to notify Congress at least 15 days prior to its finalizing any award valued more than $10 million under the Chips Program Office. It shied away from comments over TSMC's and GlobalFoundries' as notification to the congress is only a step to the conclusion that does not seal the award terms. Fundamental Investments in Arizona, Vermont, and New York This is an expansion that goes hand in hand with a preliminary subsidy worth $6.6 billion for a TSMC facility in Phoenix, Arizona that it won earlier this year. The company aims to keep up with the state-of-the-art semiconductor demand in the U.S. Another leading chipmaker, GlobalFoundries, received $1.5 billion in state subsidy to build a new semiconductor production plant in Malta, New York, and to add 30 percent to its manufacturing capacity in Burlington, Vermont. According to SCMP, the federal support provided to both TSMC and GlobalFoundries continued its effort to strengthen and maintain a stronger semiconductor industry, an increasingly important asset in the increasingly aggressive global market for high-performance chips. Political Disputes Surrounding the Chips Act The Chip's Act has received broad, bipartisan acclaim. Yet Donald Trump, recently appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience in October, seemed to assail the Act, which he said favored big businesses too much. "When I see us paying a lot of money to have people build chips, that's not the way," Trump said. "You didn't have to put up 10 cents. You could have done it with a series of tariffs. In other words, you tariff it so high that they will come and build their chip companies for nothing." House Speaker Mike Johnson also seemed open to the possibility of repealing the Act if the Republicans become the majority force in Congress. When asked if he would be receptive to its repeal, Johnson said this was possible, but then seemed to either mishear or rescind what he said. TSMC and Chip Industry Stocks Continue Great Ride Contradictions abound in US politics, but that did little to halt the uptick TSMC stock enjoys amid surging semiconductor demand triggered fundamentally by AI technology advancements this year. Recently, TSMC American Depositary Receipts leaped 4.1% following the earnings surprises reported by Nvidia Corp that took it through a rare market valuation threshold of $3.6 trillion. The stabilization in the share price of TSMC can thus be indicated by investor confidence in the continued growth of the semiconductor industry, further supported by breakthroughs from AI and other technology innovations requiring such high-performance chips. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. All catering-related preparations for the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku have been completed, Head of COP29's Catering, Cleaning, and Waste Disposal Department Anar Zeynalov told reporters, Trend reports. Zeynalov said that contractor employees have received meals over the past two months, and the catering services have wrapped up their trial run. He also pointed out that the renovation of new coffee shops and restaurants in the area has wrapped up, with many already up and running, tried and true, and keeping the ball rolling. "Since the beginning of October, we have been actively processing our orders on the portal. We have completed all the necessary preparations, and our team, consisting of around 2,000 people, is eagerly anticipating November 11. In the "Green Zone," we operate 56 retail outlets, two large restaurants, 28 coffee shops, and hot tea stations, and over 24 food outlets offering a variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and European. In addition, we have dedicated spaces featuring our national cuisine, covering more than 1,000 square meters. We will proudly present these dishes to all conference participants. The vast majority of the food served during the conferencemore than 90 percentwill be sourced from local products. As the operating company for COP29, we prioritize minimizing the use of imported goods. This approach not only supports local producers but also helps reduce the carbon footprint by cutting down on food transportation distances. As for pricing, the rates at our food outlets are in line with Baku's general cost of living, ensuring they remain affordable for all attendees," he added. On Monday, Azerbaijan will host COP29, the decision about which was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) means Conference of Parties and is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the parties, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel CORRECTED: Ship with suspected toxic waste stranded outside Albania port Tirana, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 A ship carrying hundreds of tonnes of possibly toxic industrial waste remained in limbo in the waters off Albania's port of Durres, authorities confirmed Monday, months after the vessel set sail to dispose of the material in Thailand. The Turkish-flagged Moliva container ship -- believed to be carrying around a hundred containers filled with suspicious waste -- arrived in the waters near Durres last week. "The port authorities of Durres and other institutions are cooperating to ensure the storage of containers in an ecologically and physically secure place," Elitjona Doko, a spokesperson for the Durres port, told AFP. In the absence of suitable space to store the potentially toxic cargo onboard, port authorities have ruled out allowing the boat to dock. "The ship Moliva is obliged to remain anchored in the port harbour, under the surveillance of the national police, until the end of the legal proceedings," the prosecutor's office in Durres said in a statement. The shipment left Albania in early July, and according to documents from Albanian customs authorities at that time, it carried industrial waste, specifically "iron oxide," whose export is authorised. However, information passed on by a whistleblower to the Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-governmental organisation that combats the export of toxic waste to developing countries, suggests the containers actually contains electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). Classified as toxic waste, this dust must be stored and transported under very strict conditions. Ultimately rejected by Thailand, the shipment turned back and returned to Albania after several months at sea, with stopovers in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey. According to the paperwork on file, the waste comes from the Elbasan steel plant in central Albania. The shipment of industrial waste from Western countries to be processed elsewhere in developing countries is a global business estimated to be worth between 44 billion and 70 billion euros ($48 billion to $77 billion) annually, according to environmental NGOs. Ship with suspected toxic waste allowed to unload in Albania Durres, Albania, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 A ship carrying possibly toxic industrial waste will be able to unload at an Albanian port, authorities said on Friday, after being refused entry to Thailand and spending months at sea. The Turkish-flagged Moliva container ship -- believed to be carrying around a hundred containers filled with suspicious waste -- arrived in the waters near the port of Durres last week. It had not been allowed to dock as the port and other authorities worked to ensure that its containers could be stored in a secure place. But on Friday port authorities said the ship would be allowed to unload its containers. Once unloaded, the cargo will be sequestered by the prosecutor's office and the containers will be transferred to a secure location and opened so the contents could be examined, officials said. The containers left Albania in early July, and according to documents from Albanian customs authorities at that time, its cargo consisted of industrial waste, specifically "iron oxide", whose export is authorised. However, information passed on by a whistleblower to the Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-governmental organisation that combats the export of toxic waste to developing countries, suggests the cargo actually contains electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). Classified as toxic waste, this dust must be stored and transported under very strict conditions. Ultimately rejected by Thailand, the containers returned to Albania after several months at sea, with stopovers and ship changes in various countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Turkey. According to the paperwork on file, the waste comes from the Elbasan steel plant in central Albania. The shipment of industrial waste from Western countries to be processed elsewhere in developing countries is a global business estimated to be worth between 44 billion and 70 billion euros ($48 billion to $77 billion) annually, according to environmental NGOs. Ship with suspected toxic waste allowed to unload in Albania Durres, Albania, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 A ship carrying possibly toxic industrial waste unloaded on Friday at an Albanian port, after being refused entry to Thailand and spending months at sea, authorities said. The Turkish-flagged Moliva container ship -- believed to be carrying around a hundred containers filled with suspicious waste -- arrived in the waters near the port of Durres last week. But it was not initially permitted to dock at the port. It had to wait until Friday before being allowed to unload. The authorities took charge of "102 containers unloaded from the ship", the interior ministry said. "The whole operation was carried out according to a strict plan ordered by the prosecutors in Durres." The containers are being taken to a "secure location, away from populated areas, complying with all rigorous conditions for physical, environmental and sanitary safety", the ministry added. Each step during the process was "recorded and documented, and the containers were checked, scanned and verified", it said. The Durres prosecutor's office had launched an investigation into "smuggling of prohibited goods" and "abuse of power", in cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office OLAF. On Monday it urged several public institutions to make their laboratories and experts available to analyse the contents of the containers. The containers left Albania in early July, and according to documents from Albanian customs authorities at that time, its cargo consisted of industrial waste, specifically "iron oxide", whose export is authorised. However, information passed on by a whistleblower to the Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-governmental organisation that combats the export of toxic waste to developing countries, suggests the cargo actually contains electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). Classified as toxic waste, this dust must be stored and transported under very strict conditions. The cargo was ultimately rejected by Thailand and returned to Albania after several months at sea, with stopovers and ship changes in various countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Turkey. According to the paperwork on file, the waste comes from the Elbasan steel plant in central Albania. The shipment of industrial waste from Western countries to be processed elsewhere in the developing world is a global business estimated to be worth between 44 billion and 70 billion euros ($48 billion to $77 billion) annually, according to environmental NGOs. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The three-colored flag of Azerbaijan, raised today at the State Flag Square, has officially entered the Guinness World Records for its size, the official representative of the Baku Boulevard Administration Afsana Mehdiyeva told Trend. Mehdiyeva said that the record follows an earlier achievement based on the height of the flagpole before the Square was closed for renovation. "The new certification now pertains to the size of the flag displayed at the Square. The inclusion of our flag in the Guinness World Records has been officially confirmed," she added. To note, the flag weighs over 500 kilograms, with a width of 36 meters and a length of 72 meters, making it one of the largest flags in the world. Spain's grim search for flood missing moves to coast Valencia, Spain, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 Spanish navy diver Alvaro Carrillo donned his wetsuit and prepared a speedboat to scour a normally picturesque lagoon made murky by a sea of debris -- and potentially bodies. As rescuers painstakingly seek victims of Spain's deadliest floods in decades in inland towns and fields, Carrillo's team is shifting the hunt for the dozens of missing to the coast. The torrential downpours on October 29 -- which in some places dumped a year's worth of rain in hours -- have swept detritus towards estuaries and beaches. Three bodies have been found on the usually idyllic beaches facing the Mediterranean Sea, according to Spanish media. The authorities -- heavily criticised for their handling of the catastrophe and confusing information on the number of dead and missing -- have neither confirmed nor denied the reports. But an emergency unit involved in the rescue told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least one body has been discovered in the sea. Carrillo and his 20-strong team set out at the crack of dawn on the Albufera lagoon in the eastern Valencia region that has suffered almost all the devastation and 219 deaths. The lagoon lies at the heart of a natural park where thousands of migratory birds shelter in the winter and restaurants serve paella to nature lovers who can explore its pristine waters by boat. But its 2,700 hectares (6,670 acres) of shallow fresh water were almost opaque when AFP visited after the floods dragged in cars, furniture and mounds of reeds. The poor visibility is the "trickiest" part of the team's work, but they would keep going "as long as the daylight allows", sub-lieutenant Carrillo, 26, told AFP. - Sea of reeds - Spain has dispatched more boats to the coast and increased its diving teams sixfold, Javier Marcos, head of the army's emergencies unit, told reporters on Friday. Divers from the regional fire service and the Civil Guard were also taking part in the disaster zone, AFP journalists saw. Firefighters struggled to remove reeds that had jammed open a lock, allowing the lagoon's contents to drift into the Mediterranean. "It's sad, but it makes complete sense that they're looking here," said Jose Torrent, a pensioner from Valencia who often strolls around the lagoon. The regional emergency committee overseeing the rescue said on Thursday that radars and special equipment were being used to chart the waters. To the east of Albufera lies the isolated El Saler beach, another popular beauty spot now buried under piles of reeds scattered by the raging tides. Local council workers hoisted a red flag to dissuade potential bathers from the beach, which like others in the region has been sealed off. But the lagoon often swells to match the rising water levels during storms and bears few physical scars compared with the scenes of desolation surrounding it. "The only visible damage is in the fishermen's nets," said Gregorio Ortega, 66, pointing towards some stakes to which clung nets used to capture eels. France, Barbados, Kenya urge global levies to tackle climate change Paris, Nov 8 (AFP) Nov 08, 2024 The leaders of France, Barbados and Kenya on Friday urged more worldwide tax on carbon dioxide emissions in areas such as global shipping to help developing countries battle climate change. France's Emmanuel Macron, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Kenya's President William Ruto suggested more "solidarity levies" ahead of the UN climate conference starting Monday in Azerbaijan. Nearly 200 countries are supposed to agree at COP29 how much money should flow every year from rich nations to poorer ones to help them prepare for climate change. "There are swaths of the economy which are largely under-taxed yet polluting the planet," Macron, Mottley and Rutoa wrote in an op-ed on the Project Syndicate website. "This applies to maritime shipping, aviation, and, of course, the fossil-fuel industry, which enjoys low effective tax rates due to government subsidies (totalling an estimated $7 trillion in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund)." Yet for example, "a levy on shipping of $100 per ton of carbon dioxide could raise $80 billion per year," they said. "A levy on fossil-fuel extraction of $5 per ton of CO2 could raise $210 billion per year." They argued that "even a partial redistribution through solidarity levies would guarantee a large source of predictable climate finance" for developing countries. A task force launched last year had been examining the "potential of levies across shipping, aviation, fossil fuels, and financial transactions, as well as exploring options like levies on plastic or cryptocurrency", the leaders added. It would "publicly launch a handful of concrete proposals" in early 2015, they added, hoping for support at COP29 towards implementing the initiative as early as next year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. A festive concert was organized in the Seaside National Park in Baku on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Victory Day, Trend reports. Azerbaijani popular stars performed with a concert program, that was met with interest by residents of the city. In honor of the fourth anniversary of the Victory in the Second Karabakh War, Baku, including the Seaside National Park, as well as other parks and central streets, buildings, and balconies of houses were decorated with the Azerbaijani flag. On billboards, monitors and banners the emblem of "Kharibulbul" and Victory slogans can be seen. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, November 8. As of today, a total of 222 families have been resettled in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha, with the process expected to continue and be completed within the next month, special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov told reporters, Trend reports. He further explained that the resettlement plan for Shusha involves the relocation of a total of 270 families. "Currently, 170 students are attending school here, and this number will continue to grow. As part of the 'Great Return' program, the construction of new residential complexes is ongoing. In the coming years, we will witness the resettlement of Shusha residents," Karimov added. Meccas pod is designed to be inserted into the space, suspended by thin rods through the ceiling. It will be an educational space for Meccas staff and customers and has enough room for 120-150 seated people or up to 200 standing. Documents lodged with Heritage Victoria indicate there are concerns about how much of the remnant features will be covered up by the pod, with Mecca tweaking its design to allow more of the ceiling to show. Dreams over Developer Landream has sold its Melbourne Central adjacent office building, anchored by Hungry Jacks, for more than $60 million. Its a sensational deal for the CBD that has recorded barely a handful of major deals in the past two years, with falling property values putting the brakes on transactions and listings. Records show a caveat was recently slapped on the property by Yulong Investments Yuefang Zhang. 368 Elizabeth Street sold for more than $60 million. The Mongolian-born Zhang has been in Australia since 2013 and owns a stud farm based in Nagambie. His horse, Treasure the Moment, won the $1 million Group 1 VRC Oaks on Thursday. The deal closely follows another fresh sale in the west end, with a car park at 380 Queen Street, on 3.2 hectares near the Queen Victoria Market, fetching $115 million. Listed Malaysian investor Sime Darby has bought the 550-bay car park from the Singaporean Lim family, who paid $9 million in 1991. Cushman & Wakefield agent Oliver Hay, who did both deals with Leon Ma and Daniel Wolman, declined to reveal the exact price or confirm the buyer of the Elizabeth Street building but revealed the sale represented a sharp passing yield of 4.53 per cent. The car park at 380-406 Queen Street, was bought by Sime Darby, a Malaysian developer. The 5680-square-metre office at 368 Elizabeth Street, on the corner of La Trobe Street, is on a 1518 sq m parcel of land. Unlike many CBD B-grade buildings, it is mostly occupied, but the leases contain clauses that allow for redevelopment. Landream paid $36 million for the six-level building and flagged plans for an 83-level skyscraper on the corner site but struck problems with the aviation regulator over its height. It was once half-owned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions. In 1970, the year after then-prime minister Bob Hawke became ACTU president, Bourkes Department Store was built on the site to provide union members with cheap goods. It was a dismal failure and closed in 1981. But the west end of the city is now a thicket of office towers and private education operators. The new residential towers going up in the Queen Vic Market precinct are adding to the streets busyness. Landream, which once had a $2 billion development pipeline, recently sold another market precinct property to Brookfield Asset Management for $61.25 million. The Asian-backed developer had paid $49.5 million for the 1693 sq m site, which will be redeveloped as a 39-level student housing tower. Strata investor Investor Brendan Sullivan has sold the penthouse office at 271 William Street, on the corner of Little Lonsdale Street, for around $2.65 million. Appropriately for the legal precinct, the buyer of the level 12 office is a local law firm. The penthouse office at 271 William Street has sold. Cushman & Wakefield agent George Davies, who did the deal with Anthony Kirwan and Jeff Ha, said 13 groups inspected the freshly renovated property which sold at $7000 a sq m. The 381 sq m office had long been occupied by David Ross Chambers, which has moved to 546 Lonsdale Street. Infill sites Anthony Wilsons investment group Terraplex has snapped up a 10-unit industrial development in Noble Park for $44.6 million from Lendlease. Loading Terraplex then on-sold three of the units before last weeks settlement at a 44 per cent premium to the purchase price. We could see the value straight away. So while the yield was a bit firm, the rents were about 20 per cent below market rates, and our intention was always to sell we bought wholesale and sold retail, Wilson said. The 22,084 sq m development at 450-466 Princes Highway is on a 4.04-hectare Commercial 2-zoned parcel of land and has been placed into Terraplexs oversubscribed New Opportunity Fund. JLLs Jack Kelliher, Ben Hegerty and Joel Scully did the deal. Developers are chasing infill suburban industrial properties that can be demolished for new projects. One property at 21-25 Vesper Drive in Narre Warren has sold on an extraordinary sub-1 per cent yield to a developer planning to build a new mini-estate. The 3865 sq m property fetched $4.4 million through Jones Real Estates Dan Hannebery and Paul Jones. Centennial has also acquired an infill site for redevelopment, paying $44 million for a 5.98-hectare site at 8 Dunlop Court, Bayswater. Two factory warehouses on the site earn about $1.8 million a year giving the deal a 4.1 per cent yield. Centennial is planning to embark on its redevelopment in 2027. JLLs Scully and Hegerty, along with Cushman & Wakefield agents Chris Jones and Charlie Holmes, negotiated the transaction. Still in the south-east, another infill property is for sale at 592-600 South Road, Moorabbin. The two-hectare plot of land includes an 11,057 sq m warehouse, which is expected to fetch more than $20 million. Cushman & Wakefields Gareth Jackson and Kosta Filinis are handling enquiries. Bernard Marcus, the former pharmacist who became a billionaire by co-founding Home Depot, the worlds largest home-improvement retailer, has died. He was 95. The company announced Marcus death on its website, calling him a master merchant and a genius with customer service who was unparalleled in generosity and goodwill. He died on Monday at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, citing Jay Kaiman, president of Marcus charitable foundation. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus has died at 95. Credit: AP With co-founder Arthur Blank and the financial help of investment banker Kenneth Langone, Marcus established Atlanta-based Home Depot in 1978 and set the standard for selling to the do-it-yourself crowd, focusing on service, marked-down prices and how-to lessons. Marcus served 19 years as Home Depots first chief executive and was chairman of the board from 1978 until his retirement in 2002. Blank retired from the company in 2001 after serving as president, CEO and co-chairman. Dr KK Cheung who chairs the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) specific interests antenatal and postnatal care group says the AMH test has typically been the domain of obstetricians and gynaecologists, but has noticed more women asking for one from GPs. Loading AMH is mainly used to determine if someone is a strong candidate for egg-freezing or assisted reproductive technology such as IVF. Since it can provide a rough estimate of the number of eggs someone has, it can help shape expectations around how successful egg retrieval might be. Fertility is multifactorial, rather than a reflection of one biomarker, says Cheung. A GP will consider and discuss all these aspects with a patient whos thinking about pregnancy, as well as the health of any reproductive partner. Kennett and her husband have always dreamed of having two children. While she says the information shes received since taking the AMH test has been reassuring, that anxiety from hearing about her low result will never completely leave her. It is something thats always going to be in the back of my mind. Once you know, you cant unknow it, she says. AMH goes commercial For Maz Coote, a Sydney-based publicist, her experience with the AMH test led her to found WHEN, an at-home, commercial version of the test and the first of its kind in Australia, where it is typically done at a pathology clinic via GP or specialist referral. Coote first had the test when she was single, in her early 30s and considering having her eggs frozen. She got the test and received what her doctor told her was a low result of 7.8. Despite this, Coote says the doctor gave little context to what this number meant and so, reassured and sensing no urgency to act, did nothing. A few years later, after meeting her husband, she went back to do the test and received a lower result of 3.6, and was incorrectly told by her doctor this meant she was infertile. She panicked. Coote, now 37, has gone on to have a daughter naturally. But she says the lack of information around the test caused unnecessary stress. Her low AMH also meant she had to go through several rounds of egg retrieval, which may not have been the case had she frozen her eggs earlier. I crawled through those rounds and that was one of the most frustrating parts: egg freezing is something Id intended to do, says Coote. But because I delayed it not understanding my result... there was the financial toll of three rounds, the toll on my body, the personal toll, and it didnt necessarily have to be like that. What it really comes down to is education and resources and giving people the tools. Maz Coote, founder of WHEN Coote and her husband raised $1.1 million from investors in Australia and New Zealand, and are looking raise more funds soon, after launching in August. Manufactured by Trajan Scientific and Medical, WHEN is a TGA-listed mail order kit that collects a sample of blood via pinprick. The brand charges $249 for the test, while pathology clinics typically charge between $80 and $120. While the test is identical to the one performed by a pathology clinic, Coote says the key difference is that participants receive their results alongside a report with commentary from Australian fertility experts. It also includes a telehealth consultation with an accredited nurse if low AMH levels are detected. She believes this is lacking in the health system and that many GPs do not have the specialist knowledge to accurately counsel patients on their AMH result. She urges women to seek the advice of GPs with an interest in womens health and fertility. Coote also hopes the test increases accessibility for women in rural areas who might not have access to the specialists she did. What it really comes down to is education and resources and giving people the tools to start a fertility conversation earlier. Maz Coote is a Sydney-based publicist and founder of WHEN, Australias first at-home AMH test. Credit: Janie Barrett Not a fertility or menopause test Some experts are concerned about the framing of the test as a fertility test and believe it has no use beyond egg freezing or IVF. Dr Tessa Copp, a research fellow at the University of Sydneys School of Public Health, believes the language used by many commercial companies promoting their products is unclear. In February this year, Copp led a study that looked at how corporations use feminist messaging to promote non-evidence based health interventions, including the AMH test. The language used in [WHENs] advertising shares the same characteristics weve found in our research on other companies across the globe. Theyre using feminist rhetoric promising empowerment, selling it as a way for women to gain personalised insights into their fertility. Loading The test is not powered for these purposes. It should not be used to inform your reproductive timeline because its just too unreliable and could really mislead if it gives the wrong information. A major US study from 2017 concluded that decreased AMH levels were not associated with infertility, while another from 2021 found it was not a reliable predictor of natural pregnancy in women across all age groups. While studies have shown an association between AMH levels and the age of menopause, Mol stresses that it cannot predict menopause on an individual level. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was unable to provide comment but does not recommend the AMH test to diagnose or predict menopause. Coote is conscious of the criticisms around the marketing of the test and agrees it is not a fertility test. Its about interpretation, says Dr Raelia Lew, a CREI fertility specialist and medical director of Womens Health Melbourne. Without education, any test in medicine has the potential to do harm ... but it also has the potential to empower patients to make decisions that may ultimately be in their best interests. [So] Its a complex conversation of which AMH is one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Lew adds that men should also be a bigger part of the conversation. A study from the University of Sydney, co-authored by Copp, recruited women aged 25 to 45 in Australia and the Netherlands to review their attitudes to the test. It found that women who viewed evidence-based information about the AMH test showed less interest in it than those who viewed the information presented by online companies selling the test. Assisted reproductive technology on the rise The age of first-time mothers in Australia is rising (from 28.3 years in 2010 to 29.8 in 2022) and with it demand for assisted reproductive technology such as IVF. The number of women freezing their eggs in Australia has doubled, with one-third choosing to do so for lifestyle reasons, such as not having a partner. Professor William Ledger, medical advisor with WHEN and the former director of the Fertility and Research Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women, says that as Australians start to delay parenthood for various social and economic reasons, an AMH test can be a useful part of family planning, particularly if someone is expecting egg collection to be part of their journey. People are waiting, and if theyre in the 30 to 40 age group, they should have a look at their egg count. Because if its low, they might need to move a bit quicker, whereas if its OK, theyve got time. While it has the potential to create anxiety as it did with Coote Ledger believes that it can give reassurance with the right education. Its not designed to worry people, its designed to be honest. Lew has seen many women come through her doors seeking help with their fertility. She says as women start to delay motherhood, fertility, which of course declines with age, is a growing concern. Starting conversations around fertility younger, she believes, would help relieve the cost burden of assisted reproductive technology on the health system. Like bra sizes, she says there is no such thing as a normal AMH level. Some people are born with more eggs and others are born with fewer eggs. And that doesnt actually have a direct correlation or relationship to quality or the chance that an egg will make a baby. Deb Nazareth. Credit: Justin McManus Deb Nazareth, a facilities manager based in Melbourne, starting to think about having a child with her now ex-partner last year. Then 38, Nazareth decided to go to her GP to explore her options, who suggested she have an AMH test. What her GP failed to tell her was that the contraceptive pill can produce false readings of the test. It was really upsetting to hear that my AMH levels were quite low, and I felt like I needed to do everything very quickly and there was not much chance that I would be able to have a baby, she says. Loading After seeing a specialist, Nazareth stopped taking the pill and retook the test, which provided a higher reading. Now single, she has recently frozen her eggs to keep her future options open. Nazareth wants to see more education for women about what the test means and the fertility options available to them to prevent them experiencing the upset she did. She says its also important to remember the test can only provide a rough estimate of the number of eggs to be retrieved Nazareth got fewer eggs than the test indicated from her first round of retrieval. Me leaving hurts the company. Hurts my employees. Hurts the fighters. Doesnt hurt me, he said at the time. Heres my punishment: I have to walk around for however long I live, and this is how Im labelled now, he added. How did White become a high-profile Trump supporter? Donald Trump has been a long-time financial backer of the UFC, hosting some of the first fights under Whites leadership at his since-shuttered Trump Taj Mahal casino in New Jersey. Donald Trump with Dana White at a UFC event in New Jersey in June. Credit: AP Interviewed by The Hill in 2018, during Trumps first presidential term, White said he had received support from Trump since he took over the UFC franchise in 2001. At the time, mixed martial arts fighting was banned in several US states. I would never say anything negative about Donald Trump because he was there when other people werent, White said. Loading Any good thing that happened to me in my career, Donald Trump was the first to pick up the phone and call and say congratulations. White has supported Trump politically since his first presidential run in 2016. He spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention, calling Trumps re-election critically important. In June, Trump received a standing ovation as he was escorted by White to his seat at a UFC event, two days after he was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records by a New York jury. What did White say at Trumps victory speech? As he celebrated his election win on Tuesday evening, US time, Trump invited White to the microphone. UFC CEO Dana White speaking as US presidential nominee Donald Trump claims victory in last weeks election. Credit: AP This is karma, ladies and gentlemen, White told the crowd. Nobody deserves this more than his family does. This is what happens when the machine comes after you. White thanked controversial podcast host Joe Rogan for his endorsement of Trump, calling Rogan mighty and powerful, as well as several other right-wing figures, including prankster YouTubers the Nelk Boys, whose skits include pretending to possess cocaine in front of police and taking young Amish men to strip clubs. What is the UFCs relationship with NSW Labor? As an election promise, NSW Labor pledged $16 million in funding to host three pay-per-view UFC events in Sydney. The first, UFC 293, was held at Qudos Bank Arena in September 2023. Last month, Premier Chris Minns announced a second event, UFC 312, would be held at the same venue on February 9, 2025, bringing the franchises Octagon fight venue to Sydney. UFC events had been held previously in Australian cities, including Sydney. But the deal is understood to be the largest between an Australian state government and Whites organisation. In 2019, the Victorian government paid $5 million to host UFC 243 in Melbourne, News Corp reported. Perth hosted the first of two planned major UFC events in a Tourism Western Australia-funded series in August. When NSWs three-event deal was first announced, White posted a video on social media personally thanking Minns for making all of this happen. Minns is an avowed UFC fan. Announcing UFC 312 alongside UFC Australia vice president Peter Kloczko and Australian ex-concreter turned professional fighter Alexander Volkanovski, Minns said Volkanovski, who has also written childrens books, was one of our greatest Aussie athletes and a fantastic role model. The NSW government is also in negotiations to host further UFC events. How has NSW Labors spending on the UFC been received? Australias UFC events have been extremely well attended. UFC 293 was watched by a sellout crowd of 18,168 spectators the highest number of tickets issued for a single sporting event in Qudos Bank Arenas history. According to the UFC, 63 per cent of tickets were sold to attendees who did not live in NSW. However, when the plan to spend big to lure three UFC fights to Sydney was first announced by Minns in 2023, womens safety advocates warned against glorifying violence and raised concerns about Whites personal history of domestic violence. Loading Not helping matters were sexist remarks made by US fighter Sean Strickland, including that women dont need to work, they need to stay home and raise a family, during a press conference in front of a NSW government logo. He later posted on social media concerns about being surrounded by dirty liberalS [sic] in Sydney and relief that he had seen literally zero pride flags on his arrival. Minns at the time said these comments were obnoxious and objectionable. The Coalition has also opposed Labors spending on the UFC. What does Minns make of Whites relationship with Trump? Asked about Whites appearance at Trumps party, Minns said his governments relationship with the UFC was important. Programs like the partnership between the UFC and PCYC teach young men about the importance of healthy lifestyles and positive decision-making, he said. This is a massive global sport with huge economic benefits, and we have world champions right here in NSW. A Qantas plane has made an emergency landing after an engine failure that sparked a grass fire at Sydney Airport. Flight QF520 was taking off on its way to Brisbane when passengers heard a loud bang, with the aircraft forced to circle the airport before returning. Today show producer Georgina Lewis was on board the Boeing 737 and said the pilot told passengers the right engine exploded during take-off. We were taking off and we heard a bang ... one of the engines appeared to have gone, she told Nine News. A battle of the bubbles has erupted at the Melbourne spring carnival after Penfolds secretly poured its new champagne for guests in its marquee, despite rival G.H. Mumm having exclusive champagne-pouring rights at Flemington. Penfolds released its own champagne this year to market its 180th anniversary with a non-vintage champagne cuvee brut made in France. Swimmer Emma McKeon unveils G.H. Mumms marquee at last months opening of the Birdcage with a magnum of champagne. Credit: Elke Meitzel The South Australian wine brand has had a long-standing alliance with champagne house Thienot and has produced champagne under a joint label for years. Penfolds has even bought a chateau in France, which is undergoing restoration by French artisans and will be used as a brand home. But Mumms sponsorship at the races hampered Penfolds ability to show off its new champagne. Instead, Penfolds didnt list its champagne on the official drinks list and poured it in secret. Dont follow US path We are an Australian/American family. Both sides of our family are disappointed by the US election result. It is hard to understand how the election went wrong for the Democrats. From our observations in the US recently, the economy played a large part. But we are shocked by this outcome in asking where does decency, honesty, integrity, humility, environmental awareness and understanding of worldwide issues fit into politics? We worry that a precedent for such poor behaviour could seep into our own electoral system. We need to build into our democracy respect for diversity of views along with respect for and celebration of our democratic conventions. We need to ensure an inclusive education system, social welfare paid by our taxes, and reduce inequality in peoples lives. This helps ensure our community is not disenfranchised and we seek out leaders not of the ilk of the great disruptor, Donald Trump. Susan and Kevin Kelly, Highton Trumpist among us To my shock, I saw a local business owner is a Trump supporter on their Facebook page. While not surprised at their right wing leanings, to see support from successful business owners is fascinating, especially in Melbourne. May this be a wake-up call to both parties that you have a challenge on your hands now. Jenny Smith, East Melbourne AUKUS hope With luck, Donald Trump will save our politicians from their own stupidity, and cancel the nuclear submarine order. Mike Francis, Fitzroy Bookies called it The major bookmaking agencies nailed the US election. They had Trump as clear favourite many weeks ago and despite his sometimes ridiculous behaviour and comments even in the final days of the campaign his price shortened even more. Given that the biggest predictors of voting Republican were the willingness to believe misinformation and lies about immigration, crime and the economy the short odds on Trump were no surprise. Bookmakers are no fools, and they make a living out of the gullibility of so many suckers. Terry Kelly, Coburg Democrats Israel fail Kamala Harris possibly lost votes, not only on account of Gaza, but the Biden administrations conduct in the war in Israel certainly didnt help her. Voters do not like trickery and pretence. Was the Biden and Harris administration in favour of the mass killing in Gaza, or against it? From its statements, the administration was shocked by Israels actions, but in its actions, it supported, funded, armed and gave backing to the terrible attack on Gaza. Did it have the blood of thousands on its hands? It fattened Israel with weapons and ammunition at an unprecedented scale without stipulations. Anyone who arms a country so profligately intends those weapons and ammunition to be used, and Israel made the most terrible use of them. The question now is how will Trump deal with Israel and Gaza. Jeffrey Kelson, Prahran THE FORUM Human cost of revenge It is difficult to watch Israels attack on Palestine and the genocide that is happening. Israel has declared on many instances that it has a right to defend itself after the attacks of October 7. As Penny Wong (Comment, 5/11) states, the right of nations to engage in self-defence is formally enshrined in the United Nations Charter, however it states that defence must be proportionate to the danger inflicted. Israel is a member of the UN but is not adhering to the guidelines for defence when its aim is to completely eliminate Palestine. There has been much correspondence defending Israel but very little outlining the rules of war. It seems that Benjamin Netanyahu has no regard for the human cost of his revenge and the utter destruction of the country itself and now is ending relief deal leaving millions of Palestinians at risk. The Palestinian people are paying the price for the Hamas attacks. The UN guidelines are given to create a balance in our fragile world. Julie Ottobre, Brunswick East Locals must take lead To those upset by the US election outcome: heed the warning and take action. We do not control who lives in the White House, but Australians have the power to choose our leaders. It is positive that councils like Boroondara will now be almost entirely comprised of independent representatives who are likely to serve the interests of the people rather than those of a political party (Greens lag in progressive heartlands; Liberals are teal-washed out of Boroondara, 5/11). This is the work of dedicated communities who wish to see cost of living concerns addressed in a way that also progresses climate action, boosts Indigenous recognition, reduces inequity and improves political integrity. There is hope to be found within engaging with community and democracy. Sarah Brennan, Hawthorn Self-serving Labor Annika Smethurst (Comment, 8/11) notes the decimation of Greens in local government in the current elections, and links it to instability in its Victorian branch. She makes no mention, however, of a more significant factor Labors cynical and self-serving decree that all local governments shall have single-member wards. Colin Smith, Glen Waverley Flight upgrades The mystery of Bridget McKenzies suit and tie has been solved shes on permanent standby for a business class upgrade. Gregory Hill, Brunswick Rural art nightmare Beautiful, imaginative, naked country silos now in so many places reduced to being tattooed by Silo Art. To be confronted everyday by this street art - or as I prefer to call it, graffiti, must be a rural nightmare. When I do see it, I look away and keep on going. Peter Drum, Coburg Lord mayoral advice I hope I am not the only person disappointed at the decline of Melbourne as a clean, pleasant and attractive city in which to live and visit. The absence of harsh penalties for the defacing of public property and unsightly graffiti is disturbing. A previous lord mayor lauded street art as a Melbourne institution. Not so, the tagging of freeway walls and bridges is unsightly. I encourage our new lord mayor to keep placing pressure on councils to address these issues and improve our citys image. Edward Farbrother, Hughesdale Whooping cough vaccine The whooping cough vaccine is one of the safest on the planet and has saved millions of children from the misery of this frightening illness, and unknown thousands from death. Theres little point castigating parents who have been taken in by the vast amount of lunatic anti-vaxxer information circulating on the Web. Far better to urge them to visit their GP and get solid, scientific facts. And on measles, too. Childrens lives are being put needlessly put at risk. Stephen Yolland, Doncaster AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding US election Joe Biden should resign immediately so America can have a woman president until January. Sarah Russell, Mt Martha Hey Joe! Take a leaf out of your predecessors playbook and stack the judiciary before you go. Don Hyatt, Dingley Village Trump vanquished and Trump victorious are two very different Trumps. Ian McKail, Cheltenham A timely Turkish proverb states: When a clown moves into a palace, he doesnt become a king. The palace becomes a circus. Barbara Chapman, South Yarra Donald Trump didnt mention God until near the end of his long victory speech. Should God be worried? Ron Wescott, Castlemaine Is it all right to be a man now? Albert Riley, Mornington Doesnt your correspondent (Letters, 7/11) realise the biblical Second Coming is imminent: Donald Trump is being inaugurated on January 20. Ivan Glynn, Vermont If Elon Musks trip to Mars is still on the agenda, perhaps he will take Trump along. Thos Puckett, Ashgrove How many Liberal Party politicians does it take to change not the brightest bulb in Washington? Bernd Rieve, Brighton Results from the Programme for International Student Assessment showed Australian students mathematical literacy has plunged 37 points over the past two decades. Australias score fell to the OECD average for the first time in 2018, with 23 of the 79 participating countries performing better in maths. It has continued to decline, and in 2022, nine countries significantly outperformed Australia. The silver lining from the most recent results is that Australian students endured the COVID-19 pandemic better than students from other countries. Despite promises from successive governments to improve learning outcomes, NAPLAN results have also stagnated over the past 20 years. In 2023 and 2024, one in three school students fell short of minimum numeracy and literacy expectations, and about one in 10 needed extra support. Greg Ashman, maths researcher and deputy principal at Ballarat Clarendon College, believes the slide in maths enrolments can be traced back to primary school. The single biggest thing we can do to encourage kids to do maths at higher levels is teach it really well from primary, Ashman said. Ballarat Clarendon College deputy principal Greg Ashman says reversing declining maths enrolments starts in primary school. Credit: Luka Kauzlaric According to Walker, more than 90 per cent of primary school teachers lack confidence in teaching maths because most had stopped studying it in year 10. Basic operations, times tables and maths facts needed to be taught explicitly in primary school to build fluency, he said. When this happens, students gain confidence, see themselves as capable, and then will be more likely to take it in senior years. Loading Results from the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study showed lack of self-confidence and dislike of maths disproportionately affected female and disadvantaged students. Their lack of confidence was thought to partly explain why more male students continue to enrol in higher maths than female students. In 2022, 6.4 per cent of females took higher mathematics compared to 11.8 per cent of males. Ashman told this masthead the decline in advanced maths students is a crisis. We are going to have nuclear submarines, and we will need nuclear physicists and engineers. Where are we going to get them from without that pipeline? he said. A report from the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute has found enrolments in high-level maths are declining nationally. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Walker said Australia was already short tens of thousands of engineers, and maths formed the foundation of future in-demand jobs. Without that maths confidence and those maths skills, its going to be pretty difficult, particularly as that shortage grows, to train students to take on those crucial jobs, she said. Engineers Australia acting chief engineer Bernadette Foley said Australia was facing an engineering shortfall that could stretch to tens of thousands of jobs over the next 15 years, with impacts most pronounced in critical fields like civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. Foley said the skills gap could cost the nation billions due to delayed projects, rising infrastructure costs, and reduced economic productivity. Without urgent action to attract and develop young engineers, Australias growth in key sectors like energy and infrastructure could stall, risking not only economic loss but also the nations ability to meet key goals, such as emissions targets for 2030 and 2050, she said. The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute report found a pressing need to upskill teachers to promote effective teaching and reverse declining enrolments. Research indicates up to 40 per cent of teachers taking maths classes in secondary schools are not qualified in the subject. Australian Association of Mathematical Teachers chief executive officer Allan Dougan said recruiting, training and retaining high-quality secondary maths teachers were crucial. Dougan said making sure current maths teachers had clear curriculum and peer support, as well as access to maths resources, were equally important. We need to support these teachers to not just deliver content but to spark curiosity in students and drive that love of learning mathematics, he said. John Monash Science School, a selective-entry school in Clayton, has about 95 per cent of its cohort enrolled in maths methods in year 12. Principal Peter Corkill said about 50 per cent also do specialist maths in their final year, and the majority go on to careers in science or engineering. The kids that really love maths have, at some stage, been taught by an excellent teacher that has turned things around and showed them how to access a whole different method, he said. You cant underscore the importance of good maths teachers. A Victorian government spokesperson said lifting student outcomes in numeracy and maths was a priority. Through a focus on explicit teaching and the provision of Victorian lesson plans, we will help teachers with the best evidence-based teaching that will deliver strong mathematics and numeracy outcomes for all students, the spokesperson said. More from Campus, our higher education hub SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, November 8. Today, Victory Day and the Day of Shusha are being celebrated in unison, alongside the residents who have returned to the city, special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov told reporters, Trend reports. Karimov emphasized that the liberation of Shusha symbolizes Azerbaijan's victory. "On this Victory Day, we pay tribute to the memory of all our martyrs and extend our heartfelt wishes for good health to our ghazis. Today, Shusha is filled with a festive atmosphere," he said. To note, Shusha city, which has great spiritual significance for the Azerbaijani people, was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Second Karabakh War on November 8, 2020. The liberation of the city of Shusha was the culmination of the 44-day Karabakh War. According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated December 3, 2020, November 8 is annually celebrated as Victory Day in the country. Its now almost weeks since the Queensland state election which delivered power to the LNP for only the third time in 35 years which its leader hopes to make generational. Winning 52 of the states 93 seats, the LNP can claim a mandate for the platform it set out (and are), and will face no block enacting it through a parliament it controls. Ask both sides how they won, and theyll point to the lengthy period Labor had spent in office. The LNP also highlighting Labors record, and public sentiment, on crime and health. Voters cast their ballots in Brisbane on election day two weeks ago. The final results are now in. Credit: Louise Harris Coupled with the election of federal Labor since the last state poll, high inflation, interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures, and it was always going to be tough for Labor. Cape Town, South Africa: Prince William has said this year has been brutal and the hardest of his life. The 42-year-old spoke with remarkable candour about the personal impact of 2024, during which both his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer. Prince William takes part in a traditional fish braai (barbecue) lunch during a visit to Kalk Bay Harbour in Cape Town. Credit: Getty Images As he prepared to head home after a four-day visit to Cape Town, where he presided over a major event for his conservation Earthshot project, he also admitted that he did not enjoy the responsibility that came with being the heir to the throne. And discussing his family, William admitted that his daughter, Princess Charlotte, 9, initially hated his new beard so much that she burst into floods of tears, prompting him to shave it off before convincing her it would be OK. I grew up in red America. Good people, good people, as we are always dutifully required to say. But with a dark side. They sulked after the Civil War and they sulked some more during the decades of Democratic dominance after the Great Depression. Then, they seethed over the implicit rebuke that came with the passage of major civil rights reforms in the 1950s and 60s. Seeing red: Donald Trump has opened the door to a new era of American politics. Credit: AP In the wake of the realignment that came with the rise of Ronald Reagan, their power recovered, but everyone could see that the burghers of the Republican Party were just paying lip service to their id. They seemed to be afraid of something. They had suspicions and conspiracy theories. Communists (Dwight Eisenhower was one if you didnt know) could be found under almost any rock. There were resentments, too, though the particulars were difficult to pin down. We heard talk about the good ol days. Well, in the good ol days of, say, Eisenhower, America built the interstate highway system and did it by taxing rich people at breathtaking levels. Social security kept millions of old folks out of poverty. The GI Bill provided homes for hundreds of thousands of families. Those taxes saw untold millions of dollars taken from blue-state residents and poured into poor red states to build up infrastructure, dam rivers and electrify farms. We educated generations, essentially for free. It was a shocking redistribution of wealth, but you didnt hear complaints about that back then, or now for that matter, from red America. NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2024 -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global luxury suv market size is estimated to grow by USD 33.01 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.42% during the forecast period. Increased preference for safety and comfort driving sales of luxury suvs is driving market growth, with a trend towards rapid development of electric luxury vehicles. However, declining exclusivity of luxury cars poses a challenge.Key market players include AB Volvo, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, China FAW Group Co. Ltd., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Co., Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Mazda Motor Corp., Mercedes Benz Group AG, Mitsubishi Corp., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Renault SAS, Tesla Inc., Toyota Motor Corp., SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd., Stellantis NV, Tata Motors Ltd., BYD Co. Ltd., and Ford Motor Co.. Market Driver The luxury electric vehicle market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing concerns over reducing vehicular emissions. Major manufacturers like Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Mercedes Benz Group AG, AB Volvo, and Jaguar Land Rover Automotive are investing in electric vehicles, with BMW launching ten models by 2025 and Mercedes Benz introducing the EQS SUV. These companies are also planning to release electric SUVs, such as BMW's iX3, further boosting market expansion. The luxury SUV market is experiencing significant growth with various automakers introducing new models and features. Passenger comfort and safety are key priorities, with vehicles offering advanced technology and connectivity. Passengers seek convenience and versatility, leading to the popularity of automatic transmissions and spacious interiors. Comfort features such as power seats and climate control systems are in high demand. Consumers also value durability and reliability, with many opting for diesel engines. Luxury SUVs are also becoming more eco-friendly, with some models offering hybrid or electric powertrains. The market is competitive, with brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover leading the way. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for these vehicles due to their combination of style, functionality, and comfort. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The luxury SUV market is experiencing a shift due to increasing competition, the expansion of luxury vehicle manufacturers into the mass segment, and the availability of advanced features in mid-segment SUVs. These factors are contributing to a decline in exclusivity for luxury SUVs, potentially hindering market growth during the forecast period. Advanced features such as emergency braking systems, collision avoidance warning, and heated seats, once exclusive to luxury vehicles, are now common in mid-segment SUVs. The luxury SUV market faces several challenges. Consumers seek advanced technology and connectivity, such as vehicle hubs and infotainment systems. However, integrating these features can be complex and costly. Sustainability is another concern, with consumers demanding eco-friendly vehicles. Meeting these expectations requires significant investment in research and development. Additionally, increasing competition from electric and autonomous vehicles adds pressure to innovate and differentiate. Safety features, like collision avoidance and lane departure warnings, are essential but can be expensive to implement. Balancing consumer demands, costs, and competition is a significant challenge for luxury SUV manufacturers. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This luxury suv market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 Individual 1.2 Commercial Type 2.1 Mid-size luxury SUVs 2.2 Full-size luxury SUVs Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Individual- The luxury SUV market caters to individuals seeking opulence, performance, and versatility. This segment includes compact and performance luxury SUVs, offering advanced features, premium materials, and high-end performance capabilities. Luxury SUVs are popular due to their sophisticated design, state-of-the-art infotainment systems, advanced safety features, and status symbol appeal. Prominent vendors like Range Rover and Porsche offer customization options, adding exclusivity for individual buyers. The competitive and rapidly evolving market continues to grow, introducing new models and features to meet the demands of luxury SUV consumers. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The luxury SUV market caters to consumers with high disposable incomes, seeking vehicles that offer both performance and comfort. Automakers prioritize exclusive features, such as advanced safety systems, infotainment and connectivity systems, and seating capacity for up to seven passengers. Four-wheel drive is a standard feature, ensuring optimal traction and control in various driving conditions. Luxury vehicle manufacturers focus on prestige and consumer preferences, offering a range of options for those desiring electric luxury vehicles, hybrid electric powertrains, or internal combustion engines. Emission standards are strictly adhered to, with incentives and subsidies available to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. Distribution network ensures these vehicles are easily accessible, while brand loyalty remains a significant factor in the purchasing decision. Battery models and driving range are crucial considerations for those opting for electric luxury SUVs, as they aim for a seamless blend of luxury, performance, and sustainability. Market Research Overview The luxury SUV market is a significant segment in the automotive industry, characterized by its combination of power, comfort, and style. These vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced technology features, and superior performance, making them a desirable choice for consumers seeking a premium driving experience. The market is driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, urbanization, and a growing preference for larger vehicles. Luxury SUVs are available in various sizes and price points, catering to different consumer needs and preferences. Features like adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera systems, and panoramic sunroofs are becoming increasingly popular in this segment. The market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Individual Commercial Type Mid-size Luxury SUVs Full-size Luxury SUVs Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio MILAN, Nov. 8, 2024 -- November 5th to 10th, Greenway(SHSE:688345), a global leader in micromobility lithium battery solutions , showcased its innovative battery solutions for electric motorcycles and electric-assisted bicycles at the 2024 EICMA exhibition in Milan, Italy, under the theme "Safety, Sustainability, Smart." With 18 years of experience in the micromobility lithium battery sector, Greenway has refined its Cell-Driven "Core" technology. It utilizes 18650 and 21700 small cylindrical cells from major Japanese and Korean companies like LG, Samsung, and Panasonic, as well as its "Gingu Bang" 34145 large cylindrical cells from its subsidiary, K-tech New Energy. These products cater to the diverse battery needs of electric two-wheelers worldwide. Greenway is committed to the electrification of motorcycles, providing high-end customized lithium battery solutions to world-renowned electric motorcycle and bicycle brands. Since 2016, it has partnered with Yadea, supplying batteries for models like the high-end Yadea Z3 electric motorcycle. Safe Travel: Speed and Passion Recognized for its safety efforts, Greenway received China's first CCC certification for electric bicycles on October 23, covering products such as the IMR34145E 12 and IMR34145E 14 large cylindrical cells from the "Gingu Bang" series and the DZ48N-28EM battery pack. Internationally, its electric-assisted bicycle battery achieved the world's first PRODUCT SAFETY MARK certification to the EN50604-1 standard, ensuring compliance with European safety regulations. Green and Environmentally Friendly: Committed to Sustainable Development In line with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, Greenway's products for the EU market now meet the required declarations and carry the CE mark, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company employs eco-friendly design practices, including solder-free connection technology, which simplifies assembly and enhances recyclability. This allows for localized repairs without discarding entire battery packs in the event of malfunction. Smart Travel: Offering You A Better Journey To improve the travel experience, Greenway has developed an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) incorporating IoT smart modules. This system allows real-time communication between the battery and smart devices, enabling users to monitor battery health remotely and utilize intelligent fast-charging capabilities during peak usage. At the Milan exhibition, Greenway is showcasing its comprehensive solutions for electric two-wheelers, from cells to PACKs, and introducing its advanced Non-welding and Wire bonding technology. The company invites industry peers to explore future lithium battery innovations for electric two-wheelers. BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 8, 2024 -- Demand The Limits Personal Injury Attorneys recently secured a multi-million-dollar victory after a week-long trial in Orlando, FL, achieving $2,500,000 for a client after they were injured in a motor vehicle accident. The auto accident left the student and aspiring athlete with severe injuries, resulting in lingering pain and limited mobility. With the physical admission requirements of the Navy being now out of reach, they saw their long-held dream of serving their country shattered. From the initial consultation, the Demand the Limits team recognized the case's significance and worked diligently to build a compelling argument. Their efforts included gathering crucial evidence, such as witness testimonies, medical reports, and expert accident reconstruction analyses. Every detail was carefully examined by the firm's experienced team of attorneys, ensuring that no detail of the case was overlooked. When the insurance company didn't offer a settlement amount that the firm or the client deemed fair, Demand The Limits brought the case before a Judge and Jury to fight for the compensation that was rightfully deserved. After a five-day trial of aggressive negotiation, the jury returned with a verdict of $552,000, an amount that fully covered the client's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This settlement was over 2x the policy limits, and 11x higher than the pre-trial settlement offer of $50,000. About Demand The Limits Personal Injury Attorneys Demand the Limits is a full-service personal injury law firm with offices throughout Florida. Demand the Limits proudly takes on the toughest of cases, ranging from Medical Malpractice to simple fender-benders. With over $80M recovered for the injured, and 400+ 5-Star Google reviews, Demand the Limits is your trusted team for personal injury legal representation. Demand the Limits Personal Injury Attorneys is composed of several award-winning attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Top 40 Under 40, The American Board of Trial Advocates, and many other notable honors. Demand The Limits Personal Injury Attorneys understand the devastating toll injuries can take. Whether through negotiation or litigation, the Florida-based firm is determined to secure the compensation clients deserve. For more information or a free case evaluation, contact Demand The Limits Personal Injury Attorneys at (561) 600-3555 or visit their website at demandthelimits.com. SOURCE Demand the Limits H2-ICE market worth 36,400 units by 2035| MarketsandMarkets DELRAY BEACH, Fla. Nov. 7, 2024 --The growth of the H2-ICE market can be attributed to stringent GHG emission norms, challenges in the electrification of heavy-duty engines, and the benefits of hydrogen combustion engines over other near-zero emission technologies. Hydrogen engines are better for heavy commercial vehicles due to their ability to handle heavy loads and efficient power delivery. The initial costs for H2-ICE are lower than those of BEVs and FCEVs by a considerable margin, making it a better choice for heavy commercial vehicles in the long run. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=10872777 Browse in-depth TOC on "H2-ICE market" 88 - Tables 46 - Figures 128 - Pages The PFI-SI segment is expected to showcase a promising market potential of all combustion approaches The port fuel injection-spark ignition (PFI-SI) is likely to dominate the H2-ICE market through the combustion approach. The PFI-SI approach is primarily focused & tested in the heavy trucks segment due to its precise control over the hydrogen-air mixture, leading to enhanced combustion efficiency. Furthermore, the injector pressure is relatively low, about 3-10 bars, simplifying integration into the existing IC engine architecture with minimum modifications. The OEMs and engine manufacturers could generate ~300 hp with this combustion approach that fulfills the requirements for long-haul applications. With limited modification in existing engine components like injectors, turbochargers, pistons, etc., it can offer satisfactory power demand, which can be commercially viable for this application. On the other hand, some off-highway equipment manufacturers like Liebherr, JCB, and HD Hyundai Infracore have been working towards the PFI-SI approach for compact equipment with smaller engine sizes and will continue to be considered for the compact vehicle category in the coming years. For instance, in 2023, JCB introduced a 4.8L Ecomax H2IC engine for backhoe loader and telehandler application. Hence, the PFI-SI approach provides significant operational advantages like lower cost, homogenous air-fuel mixture, rapid refueling, and adequate power delivery that will drive the adoption of PFI-SI technology in the global H2-ICE market. Below 300 HP engines are expected to be the fastest growing H2-ICE power output Below 300 HP is estimated to be the fastest growing horsepower segment in the H2-ICE market, which will have maximum adoption in on-highway and some of the compact construction equipment categories. Most companies to date are able to successfully generate 300 HP primarily due to its suitability for medium & heavy-duty trucks. <300 HP engines mostly use PFI SI technology, resulting in lesser emissions, which was the main motive of hydrogen engines. This HP range effectively balances performance and efficiency and meets the requirements of fleet operators, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility. OEMs and engine manufacturers working on the development of engines below 300 Hp are Cummins Inc. (290 Hp), Deutz AG (295 Hp), PACCAR Inc. (295 Hp), and KEYOU GmbH (280 Hp). These engines are expected to have better fuel efficiencies & lower emissions, allowing OEM and engine manufacturers to capitalize on current designs with minimal modifications. This will significantly reduce development costs and will likely accelerate the time-to-market for the H2-ICE engine to 300 HP. Europe holds the largest market share during the forecast period Europe is estimated to have the largest market share in the H2-ICE market during the forecast period. Europe's market dominance is mainly attributed to stringent greenhouse gas emission regulations. The European Union has set various targets to decarbonize their commercial vehicles. The European region has a presence in major automotive OEMs and engine manufacturers working on the H2-ICE technology, such as AB Volvo (Sweden), MAN (Germany), JCB (UK), KEYOU GmbH (Germany), and Liebherr (Switzerland). AB Volvo started the development of H2-ICE in 2024. The engine is expected to enter road tests by 2026, and the commercial launch is expected by 2030. MAN is developing hydrogen engines for commercial vehicles; the company plans to deliver the first 200 hydrogen engines to its European customers by 2025. JCB has begun the on-road tests of its hydrogen engine in the UK and plans to commercialize it soon. KEYOU GmbH has already supplied trucks with hydrogen engines to European fleet operators. Thus, the presence of key OEMs and the European Union's stringent emission rules will drive the market for H2-ICE in Europe. Key Market Players H2-ICE Industry: Prominent players in the H2-ICE Market include as Cummins Inc. (US), J C Bamford Excavators (UK), Ashok Leyland (India), MAN (Germany), and HD Hyundai Infracore (South Korea). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=10872777 This report provides insights on: Analysis of key drivers ( Stringent GHG emission norms, Government and OEMs push to develop H2-ICE and Benefits of hydrogen over other near-zero emission technologies), restraints ( storage and transpiration of H2 ), opportunities ( H2-ICE components demand would create potential market for Tier 1 Suppliers ), and challenges ( High initial costs for H2 engines and infrastructure and Challenges associated with H2 ICE engines) are fueling the demand of the H2-ICE market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the H2-ICE market. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the H2-ICE market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market ranking, growth strategies, and product offerings of leading players in the H2-ICE market, such as Cummins Inc. (US), Deutz AG (US), Ashok Leyland ( India ), Paccar Inc. (US), AB Volvo ( Sweden ) HD Hyundai Infracore ( South Korea ), MAN ( Germany ), J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. (UK), Liebherr ( Switzerland ), KEYOU GmbH ( Germany ). ( ), Paccar Inc. (US), AB Volvo ( ) HD Hyundai Infracore ( ), MAN ( ), J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. (UK), Liebherr ( ), KEYOU GmbH ( ). The report showcases an in-depth analysis of the total cost of ownership between Diesel Vs. H2-ICE Vs. FCEV. It studies factors like initial costs, fuel costs, maintenance costs, and a few additional costs. The report showcases a comparison between H2-ICE Vs. FCEV Vs. Diesel Vs. Biofuel based on load capacity, technologies associated for combustion, infrastructural requirements, emissions and fuel relations. Related Reports: Hydrogen Truck Market - Global Forecast to 2035 Future of Hydrogen in Automotive Market - Global Forecast 2035 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Get access to the latest updates on H2-ICE Companies and H2-ICE Industry Growth SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, November 8. Schoolchildren in Azerbaijans Shusha marked November 8 - Victory Day, with a series of events celebrating the historic significance of the day, Principal of Shusha City Secondary School No. 1 Sabina Gozalova told Trend. "It is truly heartwarming that today we are celebrating these events alongside the residents of Shusha. Our schoolchildren are showcasing their knowledge and skills with immense joy and pride during these activities in our schools assembly hall. Of course, this is only the beginning. Today, we are filled with a profound sense of pride. We extend our deepest gratitude to our martyrs, war veterans, and, of course, to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who has gifted us this pride and this victory," she added. The principal also touched on the future of education for the youth of Shusha and the responsibility that lies with the teaching staff. "Undoubtedly, the younger generation, proud of this victory, will grow to be even more thoughtful and patriotic. As educators, we will do everything we can to ensure that every student in this school has a high level of intellect and deep literacy. In the coming years, our Victory Day celebrations will become even more spectacular and grand," she noted. The event, organized in honor of Victory Day, was attended by city residents, employees of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, MP Polad Bulbuloglu, and other public figures. The event concluded with a literary and artistic performance that told the story of Shusha's history. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. In Shusha, a gala concert was held in front of the administration building as part of the Victory Day celebrations, Trend reports. The concert program, held on the central square, drew significant attention from city residents. The event was attended by staff from the special representative office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, MP Polad Bulbuloglu, and local residents. The evening concluded with a vibrant fireworks display. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Festive fireworks display dedicated to Victory Day was held in Fuzuli, Trend reports. The spectacular show sparked great interest and excitement among local residents. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Uzbekistan's largest tour operator Asialuxe Travel together with Uzbekistan Airways organized a large-scale workshop in Baku, gathering more than 120 travel agents from all over the country, Trend reports. The workshop presented the latest travel programs developed for travelers to Uzbekistan, as well as demonstrated the tour booking system. The participants learned about unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, as well as new offers specially adapted for the Azerbaijani market. The workshop's primary goal was to organize information tours to Uzbekistan and Turkiye in collaboration with Azerbaijani agents. This will give representatives of the tourism industry from Azerbaijan an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the potential and uniqueness of the routes offered by these destinations. Azerbaijan has become a priority market for attracting tourists to Uzbekistan, along with Russia, the Persian Gulf countries, Europe, and China. Asialuxe Travel actively strengthens partnerships, creating new programs and offers in an effort to expand the geography of travel. The organizers express their gratitude to all participants of the workshop and hope for successful cooperation and development of tourism exchange between Uzbekistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan. Contacts E-mail: [email protected] Website: asialuxe.uz Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel FRIEND TRUMP SOON after the results indicated that Mr. Donald Trump was all set to become the 47th President of the United States of America (USA), Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi congratulated him. Importantly, Mr. Modi described Mr. Trump as friend. Given the past bonhomie between the two leaders, many rightly believe that the Trump 2.0 administration in the USA may prove to be a friendly one for India. There are several areas in which India-USA collaboration can spell wonders. These range from conflict resolution to furthering trade ties to deepening collaboration in space, technology, and defence sectors. Both the leaders have showed maturity in the past to align the stands of individual countries on a variety of issues in the interest of a larger vision for global good. Since the previous Presidency of Mr. Trump, a lot has changed in the world. Bangladesh regime change was suspected to have been orchestrated by the USAs infamous Deep State. The flow of funds resumed for Pakistan. Russia-Ukraine conflict divided the world opinion, and the USAs stand against Russia was more proclaimed than the global need for conflict resolution. Similarly, apart from Israel-Hamas conflict, some other tensions have emerged in West Asia and the Middle East. An atmosphere of distrust about America is sweeping across the continents. In such a situation, the first and foremost task before Mr. Trump at the White House will be to restore the USAs image in world opinion. Another aspect he will have to focus his energy on, will be to restore trust of countries like India in friendship with the USA. The behaviour of the USA vis-a-vis Canadas baseless allegations against India, did not indicate that America valued friendship with India. While fixing everything in America, Mr. Trump will have to fix these too. For, he cannot afford for America to lose a trusted ally like India in the war against terrorism. By the time this restoration and deepening of mutual trust happens, India will do better in watching cautiously how Mr. Trumps stand unfolds on issues like H1B visas and tariffs. Though Mr. Trump has been in favour of deregulation to encourage free trade, he has advisors who believe that tariffs act as effective negotiating tools. It does not take an expert to state that all American regimes, irrespective of the party in power, have been using such negotiating tools very well even while dealing with friends. Hence, India has a reason to be cautious for a while. Of course, there are many who believe that Ms. Kamala Harris could have made a better friend of India. Many in India, where she has her native village, felt sad when news of Mr. Trump defeating Ms. Kamala Harris came. There may be many it could have been scenarios, but ultimately what has happened matters more than anything else. Speaking of the Indian Americans making their mark in the USA politics, the Indians have a reason to celebrate. For, six Indian Americans have won elections to the House of Representatives. Their number in the Congress has increased from five to six. This, along with the fact that several States in the USA celebrate the Indian festival Diwali officially, indicate the growing importance the persons of Indian origin are getting in the USA. The rising importance Indians are getting in the USA as well as other countries is a matter of pride for all Indians. Any community getting better opportunities of participation in their country of residence reflects the growing stature of the country of their origin. India under Mr. Modi has achieved this global stature. The USA has acknowledged Indian diasporas contribution in a positive way. There are many positives to help deepen the India-USA friendship. 19-year-old girls suicide row: Police interrogating uncle, aunt Staff Reporter In a shocking case, Chuna Bhatti police have arrested the uncle and aunt of a 19-year-old student, Palak Sondhiya, who had committed suicide in February this year. Police investigations revealed that her uncle, Anand Sondhiya, and aunt, Mamta Sondhiya, had been harassing Palak for not doing household chores and had been subjecting her to physical and mental torture. According to police, Palak was living with her uncle and aunt in Durganagar, Chuna Bhatti, as her parents had abandoned her. Her mother, Geeta Sondhiya, had remarried and moved to Uttar Pradesh 14 years ago, while her father, Umesh Sondhiya, had also remarried and was living in Jabalpur. Palaks brother had died in an accident in 2012. The police investigation found that Palaks uncle and aunt would often beat her and taunt her for not doing household chores. They would also force her to do all the household work, despite knowing that she was a student and had to focus on her studies. The harassment had been going on for two years and Palak had become increasingly depressed and frustrated. Talking to The Hitavada, ASI Sunil Gurjar, who is investigating the case, said that Palaks friends and neighbours had told the police that her uncle and aunt had changed their behaviour towards her over the past two years. They had become increasingly strict and would often scold and beat her for not doing household chores. Police have registered a case against Anand and Mamta Sondhiya. 56-year-old mans body found at under-construction site in Shahpura Police have launched an investigation after body of a 56-year-old man was found near Paras Empire under-construction building on Thursday. The body has been taken into police custody. Officers have also started questioning the witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the mans death. As per Assistant Sub-Inspector Munshiram, who is leading the investigation, the deceased identified as Kashiram Ahirwar had left home on Wednesday morning and was found dead in the evening near the construction site. Police revealed that Kashiram was a drunkard and was found in an inebriated state near the construction site. He had suffered severe injuries on his nose and body, which are believed to have caused his death. Police have sent the body for post-mortem and further investigation will be conducted once the report is received. The police are currently gathering evidence and questioning witnesses to piece together the events leading up to Kashirams death. The investigation is on and police are urging to those with any information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The cause of death will be determined once the post-mortem report is received and police will take further action accordingly. Two women held for blackmailing married man Mahila Police arrested two women named Sounya alias Rashmi and Monika for extorting money from a married man. According to police, the accused had extorted money worth around Rs 15 lakh from the victim. Police team arrested Soumya alias Rashmi from her residence at Vasundhara Apartment in Surendra Nagar. A phone and cash worth Rs 2,40,000 were also seized. On the same day, her partner in crime, Monika came to police station and surrendered herself. Both the accused have been presented before the court. According to police, on November 6, complainant named Sheetal (47), a resident of Misrod said that two girls have been blackmailing her husband and have extorted money worth around Rs 15 lakh. Due to the same, their economic situation has been dwindled. She told the police, When I asked the reason from my husband regarding this financial turmoil, he said that two females were blackmailing him. She further mentioned that they have made some photos, videos and are blackmailing that they will post them and make it viral. In this regard, they are demanding money from the victim. As per information, the victim was fulfilling all the demands of the accused fearing infamy. Reacting to the same, a case under Section 308 (2) (7), 351(4)3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) was registered by the police. When the accused heard about the police complaint, they then contacted the victim and gave him death threat. BHEL employee found dead; investigations underway a 35-year-old employee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was found dead in his room on Wednesday night. Police have taken the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem. Assistant Sub-Inspector Premanand Shakya of Govindpura police station, who is investigating the case, said that Amit Kotla, the deceased, was a resident of Barkheda Shyamnagar and was addicted to narcotics and alcohol. He would often consume ganja and liquor in excess. On the night of November 6, Amits brother went to his room to call him, but the door was locked, and he did not respond. The brother then informed the police, who broke open the door and found Amits body hanging from the ceiling fan. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding Amits death. According to the police, Amit had a history of substance abuse and had consumed liquor on the night of his death. Post-mortem report is awaited and police will take further action based on the findings. Investigations are underway. After Salman, SRK gets death threat MUMBAI/RAIPUR : THE Mumbai Police have registered an extortion case and summoned a lawyer from Chhattisgarh in connection with a death threat to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and a demand for Rs 50 lakh, officials said on Thursday. The lawyer from Raipur has been summoned as the threat call was made from a phone number registered in his name, a senior police official from the Chhattisgarh capital said. The lawyer told the police that he lost his phone last week and had filed a police complaint, the official said. The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to fellow actor Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Bandra police station received a call threatening Shah Rukh Khan and asking for Rs 50 lakh. An offence has been registered. No arrest has been made yet, a senior Mumbai police official said. As part of their investigation into the threat to Shah Rukh Khan, Mumbai police visited Raipur and summoned a lawyer, identified as Faizan Khan, who lives within the limits of Pandri police station here, Raipur Senior SP Santosh Singh told PTI. The threat call to the actor was made from a phone number registered in the name of Faizan, he said. Faizan has been asked to appear for questioning at Bandra police station, Singh said. A Mumbai police team informed the officials about the case following which Faizan was called for questioning. Faizan told the cops that he had lost his phone last week and lodged a complaint at Khamardih police station here, he said. Mumbai police have served a notice to Faizan. Australia plans social media ban for children under 16 MELBOURNE : THE Australian Government announced on Thursday what it described as world-leading legislation that would institute an age limit of 16 years for children to start using social media, and hold platforms responsible for ensuring compliance. Social media is doing harm to our kids and Im calling time on it, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The legislation will be introduced in Parliament during its final two weeks in session this year, which begin on November 18. The age limit would take effect 12 months after the law is passed, Albanese told reporters. The platforms including X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook would need to use that year to work out how to exclude Australian children younger than 16. Ive spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online, Albanese said. The proposal comes as governments around the world are wrestling with how to supervise young peoples use of technologies like smartphones and social media. Social media platforms would be penalised for breaching the age limit, but under-age children and their parents would not. The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access. The onus wont be on parents or young people, Albanese said. Antigone Davis, head of safety at Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the company would respect any age limitations the government wants to introduce. However, whats missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections, otherwise we risk making ourselves feel better, like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place, Davis said in a statement. She added that stronger tools in app stores and operating systems for parents to control what apps their children can use would be a simple and effective solution. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. TikTok declined to comment. The Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the digital industry in Australia, described the age limit as a 20th Century response to 21st Century challenges. Rather than blocking access through bans, we need to take a balanced approach to create age-appropriate spaces, build digital literacy and protect young people from online harm, DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said in a statement. More than 140 Australian and international academics with expertise in fields related to technology and child welfare signed an open letter to Albanese last month opposing a social media age limit as too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively. Jackie Hallan, a director at the youth mental health service ReachOut, opposed the ban. She said 73 per cent of young people across Australia accessing mental health support did so through social media. Were uncomfortable with the ban. We think young people are likely to circumvent a ban and our concern is that it really drives the behaviour underground and then if things go wrong, young people are less likely to get support from parents and carers because theyre worried about getting in trouble, Hallan said. Child psychologist Philip Tam said a minimum age of 12 or 13 would have been more enforceable. My real fear honestly is that the problem of social media will simply be driven underground, Tam said. Australian National University lawyer Associate Prof Faith Gordon feared separating children from there platforms could create pressures within families. Albanese said there would be exclusions and exemptions in circumstances such as a need to continue access to educational services. But parental consent would not entitle a child under 16 to access social media. Govt to bring national counter-terrorism policy soon: Shah NEW DELHI : Govt moving with a solid strategy against terrorism: Amit Shah THE Government will soon bring a national counter-terrorism policy and strategy to fight terrorism, terrorists and their ecosystem, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday. Addressing an Anti-Terrorism Conference here, Shah also said that while law and order is a state subject and states have the geographical boundaries and constitutional limitations, terrorism doesnt and hence all security agencies -- Central and States -- must work in close coordination, chalk out joint strategies and share intelligence. He said the Government has come up with a vision on model anti-terrorism squad (ATS) and model special task force (STF) for the States and Union Territories, which, if adopted, will work as a common structure and platform to deal with the menace of terrorism. We need to work together to fight terrorism, terrorists and their ecosystem. And thats why, we will soon bring a new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy in which you all will play a key role, he said at the conference being attended by chiefs of state police forces and other top security officials of States and the Centre. The Home Minister said the new policy will help States and Central agencies to work in close coordination to deal with terrorism. On the model ATS and STF, he said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being shared with the states and they can tweak according to their respective requirements. Shah said to make India developed by 2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, everyone has to deal with all security challenges and have a unified terror-fighting ecosystem. This (adopting model ATS and STF) doesnt reduce the rights of states, he said. The Home Minister said the Modi Government is committed to eradicating terrorism in the country and moving forward with a solid strategy against it. Security forces have to well equip young officers and use technology to combat terrorism, he said. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, the country has been moving forward with a solid strategy against terrorism. We are committed to eradicating terrorism, he said. Now the whole world has accepted Prime Minister Modis zero tolerance policy against terrorism, the Home Minister said, adding that the Government is committed to removing the evil of terrorism. Highlighting the achievements of the Modi Government against terrorism since 2014, during which terror incidents have come down by 70 per cent in comparison to the previous decade, Shah said now the shelf life of terrorists has decreased from two years to a few days. He said due to the joint efforts of state and central governments, violence has been controlled to a great extent in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal-affected areas and the northeastern states in the last 10 years. Shah asked representatives of the State police forces at the conference, most of whom are DGP-rank officers, to invoke the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) wherever required. The Home Minister said Centres anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) utilises UAPA in all terror cases and as a result so far out of 632 cases registered by it, charge sheet has been filed in 498 cases, conviction in almost 95 per cent. He asked the police chiefs of the States to establish a synergy down to the level of police station and set up a strong ecosystem against terrorism. The minister underlined the need to legally strengthen the hands of the institutions fighting it. He said, therefore, the jurisdiction of the NIA has been increased by amending the NIA Act and now it can probe terror cases abroad too. Oppn bluffing by assuring Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women: Ajit Pawar PUNE : MAHARASHTRA Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday claimed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was bluffing by promising Rs 3,000 per month to women in the State if the Opposition alliance comes to power after the November 20 State polls. Talking to reporters here, NCP leader Pawar noted that when the Mahayuti Government offered Rs 1,500 per month to women under its Ladki Bahin Yojana, the Opposition questioned its feasibility. The MVA alliance, comprising Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, on Wednesday promised Rs 3,000 per month to women in Maharashtra. Responding to the MVAs guarantee, Ajit Pawar said the Opposition was resorting to bluffing by making such promises. He said the decision to give Rs 1,500 (per month) under the Ladki Bahin Yojana was made because it was feasible. Today, if they claim to give Rs 3,000 per month to women, the expenditure may reach Rs 90,000 crore. They are also promising Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youth, and if there are one lakh unemployed youth who benefit, the expenditure on that scheme will be around Rs 40,000 crore, he pointed out. So, Rs 1.5 lakh crore will be needed for these two schemes, while the State budget is Rs 7 lakh crore. How will they manage salaries, pensions, and interest on loans? the Deputy CM said. Asked about RBIs reported concerns over such promises by State Governments, Pawar said, It is their opinion as they view the States finances from their perspective. We are public representatives, and while running a pro-people Government, we have to take along the marginalised people. To a query whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would hold a public rally for him in his Baramati Assembly seat in Pune district, Ajit Pawar said, No. I do not want anyones rally in Baramati. Instead, it is more important to hold rallies in other parts (of the State). On him not attending the Diwali Padva celebration organised by his uncle Sharad Pawars family at the latters Govindbaug residence in Baramati, the deputy CM said he had organised a separate event to ensure distribution of crowd. It was done to ensure that people can go home early after meeting us and there is no need to derive any other meaning out of that event, he said. Asked about his views on Sharad Pawar hinting at retirement from parliamentary politics after his Rajya Sabha term ends, Ajit Pawar said he does not know about it. The Deputy CM, however, added his past experience was different, alluding to the senior Pawar offering to step down as party chief in May 2023 but later continuing on the post. To a question, Ajit Pawar said he will attend NCP candidate Nawab Maliks poll rally as his party has given ticket to him from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat in Mumbai. Only allegations have been levelled against him, how can he be held guilty before the charges are proven? he said. Notably, NCPs ally BJP has decided not to campaign for Malik, who had been arrested in a money laundering case and is also accused of having links with people close to fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Asked about BJP leader Pravin Darekars statement that his party would not support Maliks campaign, Ajit Pawar said it is their prerogative to decide on it. Oppn members of JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill to boycott next round of meetings KOLKATA : ALLEGING high-handedness and arbitrary action of the chairman of the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Thursday said Opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will boycott the next round of meetings beginning November 9. Banerjee, a member of the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill, said the chairman of the JPC, BJPs Jagdambika Pal, has fixed a hectic schedule of meetings in Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna and Lucknow over six days, with Sunday being a holiday in between. All the Opposition members of the JPC have decided to boycott the tour and its meetings as the chairman is working in an arbitrary and high-handed manner, Banerjee told reporters at a press conference jointly addressed with party MP Nadimul Haque at the Press Club here. He said the future course of action will be decided jointly by the members of the Opposition. Banerjee said the Opposition members of the JPC met the Lok Sabha Speaker on November 5 and sought deferment of the schedule and also reduction in the number of days of meetings of the JPC from two days a week to one day a week or two consecutive days every fortnight. He said the Speaker had verbally agreed to sympathetically consider their demands and speak to the chairman, but nothing happened thereafter. Waqf properties row: JPC Chairman receives over 500 petitions from aggrieved farmers in Karnataka: Over 500 petitions were received by the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal, along with the JPC member and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, on Thursday from farmers in Karnatakas northern districts, who alleged that their lands were marked as Waqf properties. Pal visited Hubballi, Vijayapura and Belagavi, during which he met farmers and members of various organisations who complained that their lands were being claimed by the State Waqf Board. Jagdambika Pal along with Surya received over 500 petitions from farmers from Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Hubballi, Bagalkote and Belgavi on their agricultural land being claimed by the Waqf Board as Waqf property, Surya office said in a statement. Stating that he had come to the State on a fact finding mission and to meet those aggrieved, Pal said, farmers and various organisations have handed over to him documents and memorandums and assured that all of them will be discussed in the JPC and incorporated in the report. Maybe the state government has given directions to the revenue department officials not to evict the farmers, but will the issue be resolved? There has been tampering of records, mutations, Waqf has ensured changes in the documents. What is the state government doing on this and who is responsible for this? he asked. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar termed the visit of Pal to the State as a tour of a drama company and politically motivated, with an eye on the upcoming Assembly by-polls in the state and election in neighbouring Maharashtra. Charging the JPC Chairman with indulging in political propaganda, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said it is not a joint Parliamentary committee that is visiting, as only BJP members have come and are doing politics. Home Minister G Parameshwara too said, it doesnt look like JPC as a committee is visiting, as the Chairman is visiting alone disregarding rules. It seems to be a politically motivated visit. Members of the committee too have raised objections stating that any visit has to be decided in the panel and unilaterally one cannot make visits, he said. Later, addressing a gathering during his visit to Vijayapura, Pal said, ....What is the hurry for some one, when a transparent law (Waqf law) coming into force, to go to every district to conduct adalats (Waqf adalats) and declare the lands as Waqf properties?. Further highlighting various incidents and petitions submitted to him by farmers, groups and individuals, he said, the state government has to answer why such things are happening in the state. Why notices are being given to farmers who are cultivating in land since 1920 and 1930, even before the law is enacted? he asked, while pointing out that farmers have claimed that apart from serving notices, changes have been made in the RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops), pahani and mutation registers. Noting that the Karnataka Waqf board has laid claim to at least 53 historic Archeological survey of India protected monuments across the state, Pal asked, how is it a Waqf property? There were allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, and similar charges have surfaced from few other places subsequently. Similar allegations have also been made by some organisations and religious institutions like Maths. With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, directed officials that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified. The Opposition BJP has been holding protests, accusing the Congress government of indulging in land jihad. The party has also demanded the sacking of Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan from the Cabinet. Surya had recently written to Pal, drawing attention to the plight of farmers from Vijayapura District and other areas in the vicinity in Karnataka, who have been served notices claiming their land as Waqf property. Surya said, The exponential rise in the number of instances in Karnataka where agricultural lands are being claimed by the State Waqf Board is happening during a period in which the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is meeting to deliberate on the reforms for the Waqf Act, 1995. The Karnataka Minority Affairs and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has been conducting Waqf Adalats in several parts of the state. Such Waqf Adalats do not have any valid status under the Constitution or any of the Revenue Department Rules, he said. Surya alleged that the CM made mere token announcements to cancel any recent changes made in the revenue records, but Waqf adalats have not been stopped and the notices have not been withdrawn to all farmers concerned yet. Banerjee also alleged that the process in which the chairman of the committee was proceeding was violative of well-established parliamentary norms. He also alleged that the members belonging to the ruling dispensation were working as per their own agenda and not in the interest of the nation. Stating that the members, as MPs, also have other important official work and have to attend to their constituencies, Banerjee said that the hectic schedule of meetings of the JPC -- two days a week, was affecting those. Waqf property stakeholders are not being given enough time percentage-wise, while organisations having no stake with the Waqf Amendment Bill are being called to meetings, he said. A meeting of the Joint Committee on Waqf Bill took a dramatic turn on October 22 when Banerjee smashed a glass water bottle and threw it away during a heated exchange of words with BJPs Abhijit Gangopadhyay. The TMC MP was suspended for one day from the parliamentary committee on Waqf for unruly conduct. Banerjee, a senior advocate, had hurt his thumb and index finger and had to be given first aid. The committee, chaired by Pal, was listening to the views of a group of retired judges and lawyers when the opposition members questioned what was their stake in the bill. Pvt hospitals see higher caesarean rate in 2023 By K Anand Rao : BHILAI, Private hospitals in Chhattisgarh saw a higher caesarean rate in 2023, with 13.80% of births conducted through caesarean sections compared to 7.83% in government hospitals, according to the recently released Annual Vital Statistics 2023 report by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Cgarh. Overall, government hospitals accounted for 71.27% of normal deliveries, while in private hospitals, only 5.63% of births were normal deliveries, suggesting a preference for surgical births in private healthcare facilities. The data reveals that private facilities lean more toward caesarean procedures compared to government hospitals, where normal deliveries are more common. The report also sheds light on gender distribution in live births, showing that 51.08% of births were male, 48.91% female, and 0.01% transgender. The average state-wide sex ratio at birth was recorded at 957 females per 1,000 males. Sarangarh-Bilaigarh stood out with a sex ratio of 1,000, indicating equal numbers of female and male births. Dhamtari and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur followed closely with high ratios of 999, suggesting nearly balanced gender distributions at birth. Other districts like Korba (996), Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki (995), and Kondagaon (995) were near parity. In contrast, some districts recorded lower ratios, with Sakti showing the lowest at 923, and Koriya and Surguja at 924 and 927, respectively. Urban areas such as Durg (930), Bilaspur (938) and Raipur (941) also reported lower-than-average ratios. The state registered a total of 492,733 births across both government and private hospitals, indicating that institutional births are common. A majority of the births occurred in hospital settings, but rural areas still see traditional birth attendants and family members assisting in deliveries, showing that traditional practices remain in place. In addition, there were 4,290 stillbirths recorded across the state, with males accounting for 55.01%, females at 44.90%, and a few cases identified as transgender. The report also detailed the methods of delivery across rural and urban settings. In rural areas, most births took place in government hospitals, while urban areas had a significant portion of deliveries in both government and private hospitals. Overall, the state reported a total of 575,467 attended births, spanning both institutional and non-institutional deliveries for the year. Students from several schools show up in large numbers as spectators to watch matches Our Correspondent NARSINGHPUR, The 68th State Level School Kabaddi competition continued on the third day at Rudra Ground in Gadarwara. People are coming to enjoy the Kabaddi matches. The special thing in this is that students of government and non-government schools of the city are also coming to the ground to watch the matches. On the third day of the competition, several matches were played between different divisions in the boys and girls age group in the morning and late evening. During this, the players gave an excellent performance and helped their teams win. In the matches held on the third day, in the boys category, Gwalior defeated Narmadapuram Division, Sagar defeated Indore Division, Rewa defeated Tribal Affairs Department, Bhopal defeated Shahdol Division, Ujjain defeated Indore Division, Gwalior defeated Sagar Division, Jabalpur defeated Shahdol Division, Bhopal defeated Tribal Affairs Department, Sagar defeated Narmadapuram Division and Ujjain defeated Gwalior Division. In Pool A of the boys category, Rewa stood first and Bhopal second. On the other hand, in Pool B, Ujjain stood first and Gwalior second. Similarly, in the matches played in the girls category, Indore defeated Shahdol Division, Rewa defeated Narmadapuram Division, Ujjain defeated Gwalior Division, Bhopal defeated Tribal Affairs Department, Rewa defeated Sagar Division, Narmadapuram defeated Shahdol Division, Jabalpur defeated Bhopal Division, Gwalior defeated Tribal Affairs Department, Indore defeated Narmadapuram Division, Sagar defeated Shahdol Division, Ujjain defeated Tribal Affairs Department and Jabalpur defeated Gwalior Division. In Pool A of girls category, Rewa division came first and Indore division came second and in Pool B, Jabalpur division came first and Ujjain division came second. The first semi-final of boys category will be played between Rewa and Gwalior division, second semi-final between Ujjain and Bhopal division and in girls category, first semi-final will be played between Rewa and Ujjain division and second semi-final between Jabalpur and Indore division. Before the matches played till the third day, former MLA, Sadhana Sthapak, Municipal Chairman, Shivakant Mishra, Jinesh Jain, SDM, Kalavati Byare, citizens associated with various organisations of the society, eminent citizens and social worker Mukesh Basedia along with journalists attended and got introduced to the players and enjoyed the matches. It is worth mentioning that District Education Officer, Anil Byohar attended and observed the arrangements related to the competition and gave necessary guidelines. The commentary in the matches of the competition was done by teachers Rajesh Gupta, Arpana Brown and Sunil Soni. Field Officer, Chanda Soni, Co-ordinator, Manish Katare, Devesh Vaidya, Anuj Jain, Mukesh Patel, Vikram Sharma, Anuj Jain and many other officials and employees are continuously co-operating in organising the competition. Voter awareness programme held at MIDC Hingna Business Reporter : DISTRICT Collector Dr Vipin Itankar recently convened a meeting here at MIA House in MIDC Area under the SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education & Electoral Participation) initiative. The objective of the meeting was to promote maximum voter participation among employees within the MIDC Hingna industrial area, fostering a strong culture of democratic engagement. The meeting brought together top representatives from both industry and Government, including Vinayak Mahamuni, CEO of Zilla Parishad; SSMuddamwar, General Manager of DIC; Manohar Pote, Regional Officer, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC); and executives fromvarious Governmentdepartments,alongwith heads of industrial groups, company worker representatives, and HR officers. AllExecutiveMembersof theMIDC Industries Association (MIA) and nearly all industrial members from the Hingna Industrial Area attended the event, reflecting a unified commitment to the cause. P Mohan, President of the MIDC IndustriesAssociation,conducted the meeting,emphasizing thecriticalrole of industrial leaders in encouraging voterparticipationamong theirworkforce.Thediscussionsincludedpractical steps for raising voter awareness, with plans for company-based sessions andvoterregistrationdrives. A pledgewas takenbyall attendees to participate in the upcoming elections and actively encourage others to do the same. This pledge underscored the commitment of industry leadersandGovernmentofficialsalike tostrengthen thedemocraticprocess through proactive involvement. The meeting concluded with Arun Lanjewar, Secretary of MIA, proposing thevoteof thanks, extending gratitude to all present for their dedication to this important civic initiative. This collaborative effort is a testament to the power of joint action in promoting democratic values within the community. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 8. Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries have tied the knot on a protocol to wave goodbye to visa requirements for those holding service passports, Trend reports. The signing ceremony of the Protocol on Amendments took place at the General Secretariat of Benelux in Brussels, Belgium. The document was signed on the Kazakh side by Margulan Baymukhan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, and on behalf of the Benelux countries by Joris Salden, the Director General of the Consular Department of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jean-Louis Till, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to Belgium; and Max Valstar, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Belgium. This protocol opens the door for holders of official passports, giving civil servants from Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries a free pass to travel for official duties without the hassle of a visa, with a stay not to exceed 90 days. The protocol will kick into gear 30 calendar days after the last written notification comes through the diplomatic channels, confirming that all the necessary domestic ducks are in a row by the parties involved. As of now, Kazakhstan has established visa-free arrangements for persons holding diplomatic passports with 96 countries, for those with official passports with 77 countries, and for national passport holders with 43 countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Workshop on Pranayam Evam Career ke Vibhinna Awsar organised at PM Excellence College Staff Reporter Swami Vivekanand Career Guidance Scheme of Pradhan Mantri College of Excellence, Government Mahakaushal College organised a workshop on Pranayam evam Career ke Vibhinna Awsar on Thursday. During the workshop, Shweta Gupta and Neelam Sharma shared important tips with the students about the art of living, Sudarshan Kriya, self confidence and leadership skill, creativity and innovation, balance between life and work and maintaining better focus in life. They added that Sudarshan Kriya helps to bring mental peace, increase energy level and strengthen immune system. Professor Arun Shukla, Divisional Nodal Officer, Jabalpur Division appealed youths to ensure their career with Pranayam. Whereas, through Sudarshan Kriya, they can improve their living standard by learning about stress management. Around 110 students attended the workshop. Dr Shivendra Valke, Dr Rupendra Gautam, Dr Mahendra Kumar Kushwaha, Dr Shailendra Bhavdiya and others were present. Exclusive Maoists resorting to new strategy to influence Assembly polls outcome By Kartik Lokhande : IN A bid to cause negative disruptions and influence the outcome of the State Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the Maoists or Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) are resorting to a new strategy. Apart from operating through various frontal organisations, they have been trying to infiltrate the political movements, too, to distort the political discourse during the election campaigns and to scout for unsuspecting individuals vulnerable to indoctrination and radicalisation. Some confidential material reviewed by The Hitavada makes shocking revelations in this regard. Replete with several acronyms like the BJA, BBA, SUF, TUF, A3, A4 etc, this material is cryptic to decipher. However, the sources who have been monitoring the Left Wing Extremism in the country, could decipher certain acronyms and are in the process of breaking the code in other cases. According to sources, SUF refers to Strategic United Front and is also referred to as A3 in Maoist parlance. Whereas, TUF refers to Tactical United Front and is referred to as A4. The SUF comprises mass organisations of Marxist-Leninist, Maoist ideological outfits linked to the objective of armed revolution through what they call protracted peoples war. Their objective is to propagate revolutionary politics in masses. In short, they aim at overthrowing the Constitutionally elected democratic Government, by using radicalisation as a tool to provoke the vulnerable people against the lawfully established Government. The TUF consists of unsuspecting non-Communist, Socialist, and even Gandhian organisations not linked to ultra-Left agenda. But, they engage in democratic agitations and movements. However, the Maoists have devised a strategy to establish points of contact and co-ordination with certain identified organisations they label as TUF or A4, infiltrate even the political movements, scout for the individuals vulnerable to radicalisation, and recruit them to be foot-soldiers in a bid to overthrow the Government. Though the sources could not decipher exactly what BJA or BBA stand for, they suspect those to be some kind of organisations or groups of individuals actively working for, or influenced by, LWEs. According to sources, during the Lok Sabha elections held in May-June earlier this year, the Left Wing Extremists had concentrated efforts on 125 constituencies in the country and 23 in Maharashtra. These constituencies in Maharashtra included five from Mumbai namely Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai South, and three from Vidarbha namely Akola, Yavatmal, and Ramtek. They also focussed on Amravati and Wardha. Whether the outcome of Lok Sabha elections in these marked constituencies was a result of pitched political battle within democratic framework or a result of these clandestine operations cannot be ascertained. But, their focus may have caused negative disruptions to a certain extent. The efforts of LWE operatives did not stop at Lok Sabha elections only. They have been working to achieve goals relating to State Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand too. Since last year, they have held meetings of representatives of SUF and TUF organisations in various parts of Maharashtra including Pandharpur, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Wardha, Pune etc. Further, sources added, the LWEs treat the ruling party as the primary enemy and the prominent opposition parties as secondary enemy. To deracinate their primary enemy, they try to infiltrate other political forces since LWEs themselves do not have enough strength or do not contest elections in parliamentary democratic system. Their ultimate goal is not to abandon their activities if another political party comes to power. Rather, in that case, their secondary enemy becomes their primary enemy and they continue with anarchist activities with distorted narratives. Maoists are very adept at adopting different tactics to camouflage themselves among social and political organisations. Their documents reveal their style of operations. In urban areas, they operate with a clear understanding of how to have co-ordination between legal and illegal organisations. One of their documents reveals how they operate clandestinely in legal organisations, a source told The Hitavada. But, this also poses a big challenge before the security agencies. For, they cannot clearly discern between political narratives and negative motivations during the election campaigns. If they take any action, security agencies face the risk of being branded as agents of the ruling party. If they do not act, LWEs continue operating with a new strategy of social and political camouflage. In fact, they have raised over Rs 1 crore through national/international funding and financial assistance through frontal organisations of CPI (Maoist) for their operations to influence the elections. Probably sensing that this camouflage of theirs has been exposed, LWEs are also in the process of creating a new structure so as to protect the identities of their frontmen. Unfortunately, the issue has attracted unnecessary political attention. The issue that deserves attention from the national security angle is mired in political controversy with trading of charges. The matter needs to be looked at from apolitical lenses. Else, it may threaten law and order situation, irrespective of which party is in power. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The UK will send to COP29 a large delegation and trade mission, which is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during the event in Baku, John Patterson, chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. On the first Friday of COP29 we have organised a frontrunner's dinner for which we would like to welcome senior Azerbaijani businessmen, ministers and diplomats. On the Saturday we want to do more of a networking event, he explained. Patterson noted that the UK would have perhaps about 1,300 Brits in Baku for COP29. Some of them will be working here in the green zone, blue zone and innovation zone. It's a large number, which includes the media as well. As for our trade mission, there'll probably be about 50-60 Brits coming here specifically looking for business, which is a good number, he said. Patterson highlighted the strong potential for green energy cooperation, emphasizing the UKs global leadership in climate technology and expertise. Our leading companies are at the forefront of climate solutions, he said. These firms are well-positioned to work with Azerbaijan on achieving net-zero targets and maintaining the ESG standards that are in demand worldwide. I believe were uniquely suited to serve as a bridge, connecting Azerbaijani companies with top-tier British expertise. He further noted that the British Chamber of Commerce has already partnered with the British Standards Institute to organize training on carbon markets and carbon credits, offering insight into how these systems operate. We aim to introduce companies that can educate, train, and support businesses here in meeting their ESG commitments and achieving net-zero targets, Patterson said. For example, VCMIthe Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiativecollaborates closely with the British Standards Institute. Through our network, we can connect these key players with Azerbaijani companies, bringing valuable expertise and resources to the table. Speaking about trade between the two countries, he pointed out that theres significant room for growth, especially outside the oil sector. This is a common challenge globally, but with the right focusparticularly in climate initiativeswe have a real opportunity to strengthen our trade relationship. The UKs expertise and knowledge in this area could be a strong asset in achieving that, he said. Patterson emphasized the importance of building on the strong relationships the UK has developed with Azerbaijan through collaborations with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC), bp, and government partnerships. These relationships have been highly effective, and were optimistic they will continue to grow, he said. As Azerbaijans market continues to liberalize, we expect to see more British companies entering the market. Azerbaijan has both the capability and ambition to leverage advanced technology and expertise from the UK to support its development goals. There is a significant opportunity for everyone in the reconstruction and development of Azerbaijans recently liberated territories, Patterson remarked. This includes not only investment but also expanding cooperation in education. The UK and Azerbaijan already have a strong academic partnership, with many Azerbaijani students pursuing foundation courses in the UK. This is a promising area that can be developed even further. Patterson highlighted the UKs extensive expertise beyond the oil and gas sector. We have built strong relationships with key Azerbaijani partners, including the Azerbaijan Investment Company, Azpromo, and the Ministry of Ecology, Patterson said. Through the British Embassy, were able to introduce British companies to these important stakeholders. When we bring the companies, they're usually quality companies. When they come through us, we seem to add value. Partly because we've been here so long, he said. Were aiming to organize an Azerbaijani business mission to the UK, Patterson noted. In September, we hosted a business forum in Baku, and in February, we held a Welcome to COP event in London, introducing Azerbaijan to the global climate and environmental community. Both events were highly successful and strengthened our collaborative ties. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The Green Zone at COP29, covering a total area of 37,500 square meters, will house over 50 pavilions and four conference rooms, Head of Sponsorship and Partnership Division at COP29 Leyla Mahmudova said in an interview with Trend. "The Green Zone will host a diverse group of participants, including both foreign and local companies, NGOs, media outlets, and youth groups. The zone will commence operations on November 11, with access provided via accreditation and free online tickets. Daily programs will be held here. The Azerbaijani pavilion, located in the Blue Zone, will primarily showcase the countrys initiatives and projects in sustainable development. The pavilion will feature two conference rooms," the official added. To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Over 3,500 media representatives have officially registered for the upcoming COP29 conference, Trend reports. Many media organizations have already hit the ground running in Azerbaijan ahead of the event. On Monday, Azerbaijan will host COP29, the decision about which was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Indian yogi and mystic Jaggi Vasudev, known to many as Sadhguru, is set to weave his wisdom into the tapestry of the forthcoming COP29 gathering in the vibrant city of Baku, Trend reports. Sadhguru will be in the spotlight, sharing his insights at the event, an insider noted. On Monday, Azerbaijan will host COP29, the decision about which was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Pavilions for 58 local and international companies have been set up in the COP29 Green Zone, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov told reporters, Trend reports. Pavilions for 58 foreign and local companies have been established in the Green Zone, covering a total area of 6,500 square meters," Alakbarov said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The hotels in Baku are 80 percent full ahead of the COP29, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov told reporters during the media tour, Trend reports. According to him, of the total 17,500 hotel rooms, 80 percent have already been sold out. Residential complexes will also be included in the accommodation of guests, he noted. Alakbarov added that so far 67,000 people have registered for COP29 in Baku. We are expecting a lot of guests. This is the largest event in the history of Azerbaijan. The entire territory of the COP29 venue will be used; there are no vacant places left, the presidential aide said. On forthcoming Monday, Azerbaijan will host COP29, the decision about which was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties and is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the parties, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Hungary continues to actively strengthen its ties with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan across multiple sectors, Ambassador of Hungary to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Jozsef Rozsa told Trend in an exclusive interview. Cooperation between Hungary and Uzbekistan "Hungary and Uzbekistan are actively enhancing their collaboration across multiple industries, with current projects and more initiatives under consideration. The primary emphasis in agriculture is on initiatives with animal husbandry and food processing, with ongoing negotiations over a potential poultry project involving significant participation from Hungarian enterprises. The two nations are investigating partnerships in horticulture, dairy, and fisheries, focusing on the exchange of skills and technologies. In the pharmaceutical industry, advanced joint ventures are being formed to manufacture cutting-edge medical devices. Hungarian companies are contributing to Uzbekistan's automotive sector by providing components, and there are proposals to establish special economic zones to improve production and export prospects," he said. The ambassador highlighted the potential for Hungarian enterprises to engage in agricultural initiatives in Uzbekistan, emphasizing strategic opportunities in poultry clusters and cutting-edge food processing facilities, and these initiatives are integral to the overarching strategy aimed at revolutionizing Uzbekistan's agricultural landscape and amplifying its food production potential. "The participation of Hungarian enterprises will provide advanced technologies and agricultural methodologies to Uzbekistan, therefore modernizing the nation's agricultural sector. This encompasses the implementation of innovative techniques for animal husbandry, the establishment of food safety regulations, and the optimal utilization of resources, especially in poultry and horticulture. Enhancing production quality and capacity will enable Uzbekistan to more effectively supply processed and fresh products to a wider array of foreign markets, including Europe," he said. He believes that these initiatives could provide hundreds of employment opportunities in rural regions of Uzbekistan. Furthermore, Hungarian enterprises are anticipated to offer training and capacity-building initiatives for local laborers, enhancing competencies in contemporary agricultural and processing methodologies. "Overall, the involvement of Hungarian agricultural enterprises will significantly advance Uzbekistan's objectives to diversify its economy and establish a prominent position in the global agricultural market," Jozsef Rozsa emphasized. The ambassador said that Hungarian OTP Bank's establishment in Uzbekistan signifies a substantial advancement in the financial sector, with prominent intentions to modernize and digitize banking services. OTP Bank is anticipated to implement sophisticated digital banking technologies to improve customer experience and optimize operations inside Uzbekistan's financial sector. The bank is enhancing online banking systems, mobile banking applications, and further digital financial services. This will likely encompass additional functionalities such as remote account management, online loan applications, and digital payment systems, enhancing ease for Uzbek consumers and enterprises. The Ambassador believes that the collaboration aims to strengthen Uzbekistan's fintech ecosystem by integrating digital payment solutions, contactless payments, and e-wallets. This is in line with the broader trend of digitalization in Uzbekistan, where there is a growing emphasis on modernizing financial infrastructure. He noted that there are also plans to develop data-driven products, such as personalized banking services, leveraging big data and AI to cater to the unique financial needs of Uzbek customers. This is expected to boost financial inclusion and provide more tailored banking solutions. These initiatives will likely enhance financial inclusion in Uzbekistan by providing more accessible and efficient banking services, fostering the countrys ongoing digital transformation. "Hungary positions itself as a key partner in improving Uzbekistan's connectivity to Europe and global markets, particularly through aviation and logistics initiatives. Hungary, through Wizz Air (Hungarys low-cost carrier), has already launched flights between Samarkand/Tashkent and Abu Dhabi, and discussions are ongoing about expanding these routes. This is part of a broader plan to establish more direct air links between Uzbekistan and European destinations, improving both passenger and cargo traffic. Uzbekistans Qanot Sharq Airlines recently launched its direct flights between Tashkent and Budapest. The service began on June 30, 2024, with flights once a week on Sundays. This route aims to boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange between the two countries," he said. "Hungary's contribution to enhancing Uzbekistan's air connectivity is central to its strategy connecting the country with European and global markets, with aviation playing a critical role in trade, tourism, and logistics," he added. Hungary-Turkmenistan relations "Hungary and Turkmenistan have been steadily enhancing their trade and economic ties, with several significant initiatives and agreements planned for the future. The main areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, healthcare, and education, with a strong focus on expanding mutual trade and investment opportunities," said Rozsa, emphasizing the importance of the agreement signed between the governments for the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments. He added that this emphasis on mutual investments comes as Hungary and Turkmenistan look to diversify their cooperation across key sectors. A notable milestone in these relations was the official visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Ashgabat in June 2023. "Several agreements were signed during this visit to enhance science, education, and diplomatic training. These include programs like the Stipendium Hungaricum, which allows Turkmen students to study in Hungary, and the promotion of bilateral academic and scientific exchanges," he said. The ambassador expressed the expectation for the nations to enhance their cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, and the humanities while also fortifying their diplomatic training and cultural collaboration. Additionally, both countries are exploring potential collaborations in green hydrogen technology. "Hungary and Turkmenistan have expressed mutual interest in exploring hydrogen production technologies, building on Hungary's expertise in this area and Turkmenistan's growing interest in sustainable energy," added the ambassador. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 8. Uzbekistan and French TotalEnergies company discussed further strengthening cooperation in the petrochemical industry, Trend reports. The matter was reviewed during a meeting between the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov with Executive Vice President of TotalEnergies Marie Braouzec. At the meeting, the sides discussed existing projects in Uzbekistan and the timely implementation of previous high-level agreements. Both parties also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and expedite the execution of discussed projects and initiatives. TotalEnergies' cooperation with Uzbekistan has expanded notably in recent years, contributing to the countrys goals of sustainable energy and modernization of its infrastructure. The French energy giant has invested in renewable energy projects in Uzbekistan, aligning with the countrys ambition to generate 25% of its energy from renewables by 2030. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The travelling format of Dubai Watch Week comes to East Asia Held from 22 to 24 October 2024 in Hong Kong, Horology Forum 10 (or HF.10) brought the vibrant world of fine watch appreciation to The Henderson, a new skyscraper masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and home to the offices of Christies Hong Kong. An offshoot of the celebrated biennial Dubai Watch Week event, Horology Forum previously hosted in London and New York brings an international, more intimate series of panels and masterclasses to different cities. In Hong Kongs case, the setting of The Henderson added its own dose of futuristic allure, amplifying the Forums forward-looking ethos. The venue Horology Forum 2024 From the get-go, HF.10 catered to serious watch enthusiasts looking to roll up their sleeves and get to grips with watchmaking skills. The daily Masterclasses represented the education pillar that is central to the Dubai Watch Week brand, offering hands-on lessons in techniques such as applying luminous paint to watch hands. In her standout Masterclass, Fiona Kruger known for her multi-layered and thoughtful designs guided attendees through the intricacies of automata, showing them how to transform creative visions into moving mechanical art. Its this kind of deeply engaging, accessible activity that keeps Horology Forum so relevant to its audience, as the industry works to deepen connections with enthusiasts at all levels. Panel discussions kept up the high standard that Horology Forum regulars have come to expect. The opening discussion, expertly moderated by seasoned journalist Robin Swithinbank, brought together some of the sharpest minds in horology: TAG Heuers Heritage Director Nicholas Biebuyck, master watchmaker and owner-CEO of Christiaan van der Klaauw Pim Koeslag, and industry expert Su Jia Xian (founder of SJX Watches). Together, they explored the ongoing relevance of mechanical innovation in todays watchmaking landscape, a topic sure to strike a chord with collectors and professionals alike. Further delving into the spirit of its host city, another lively session tackled Asian watchmaking excellence, with Carson Chan (on form as always) moderating an insightful conversation with Jill Chen from Christies Hong Kong, Atelier Wens Robin Tallendier, and Johnathan Chan of The Horology Club. These discussions highlighted Hong Kongs status as a thriving hub for horological appreciation and expertise. Left to right: Carson Chan, Jill Chen, Robin Tallendier and Johnathan Chan Horology Forum 2024 Not one to shy away from the experimental, HF.10 introduced a unique interactive event that is perhaps best described as horological improv with a dash of Shark Tank. Fiona Kruger, Bertrand Meylan (H. Moser & Cie. and Hautlence) and I took on the challenge of creating a brand concept in under 60 minutes, fuelled by audience suggestions and ideas. What emerged was an inspired watch brand concept, complete with a design, tagline, and launch strategy proof, perhaps, of what can be produced with spontaneous creativity under pressure. Of course, all panel sessions are available to relive on the Dubai Watch Week YouTube channel, so head on over to watch the replay if your interest has been piqued! Left to right: Fiona Kruger, Bertrand Meylan and Suzanne Wong Horology Forum 2024 The focus on Asian watch culture added another significant layer to HF.10, tapping into the unique perspectives and tastes of enthusiasts from the region. Local collector Jackie Ho and Singapores Sumei Shum shared their personal horological journeys, guided by well-known moderator and Dubai Watch Week stalwart Barbara Palumbo. Their stories and insights illustrated the strength and maturity of Asian watch collecting and highlighted the importance of making room for diverse perspectives in watchmaking discourse. As a travelling format, HF.10 is markedly different from Dubai Watch Week, which famously features dazzling watch launches and high-profile reveals. Horology Forum, by contrast, narrows in on the people, their stories, and the passion that drives the watch community. In this sense, HF.10 succeeded in being much more than a display of products; it was a celebration of ideas and the individuals behind them. Watch movement workshop Horology Forum 2024 Local collector groups lent warmth and a strong sense of camaraderie to the event, attending sessions in force and even hosting their own evening gatherings. It was here that international visitors got a real taste of Hong Kong hospitality, with collectors showcasing some exceptional pieces from their collections. For many, myself included, it was a rare treat to speak about watches in Cantonese rather than the usual English or French that you hear at international watch events. These connections, made in ones native language, have an emotional resonance that brings added dimension to our appreciation of the things close to our hearts in this case, fine timepieces. HF.10s success in Hong Kong confirms its appeal as a fresh and deeply personal approach to horology, positioning itself at the intersection of watchmaking and cultural exchange. With discussions that engaged the mind and activities that engaged the hands, Horology Forum has once again shown that its about much more than the watches its about the stories, perspectives, and shared passions that connect us all. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is believed to have ordered an inquiry into the alleged diversion of government money meant for student tablets to other accounts, sources at Nabanna claimed. She is believed to have directed chief secretary Manoj Pant to summon reports on alleged irregularity of funds meant for tabs from the secretary of the school education department. Advertisement She has also directed the chief secretary that steps would have to be taken on war footing to compensate the affected students by releasing Rs 10,000 to their accounts. Advertisement Sources claimed that as far as reports from the school education department, which has already submitted a report entailing details on the figures of the students still to get money in their accounts, claimed that as many as 84 students did not receive the money for tablets. And the incidents mostly happened in districts like East Midnapore and East Burdwan. The reports, as sources put it, claimed that the accounts, which had allegedly got the money erroneously, had been frozen following an inquiry. Moreover, Nabanna has also asked the school education department to verify the accounts of the states 18 lakh students entitled to get tabs. An FIR against the headmaster of a school had been lodged in connection with the alleged irregularity. The state government has launched a scheme under Taruner Swapna to grant money of Rs 10,000 to the accounts of the students of Classes XI-XII to buy tablets or smartphones. After the success of the first edition of Milano Watch Week, Edoardo Armentano of Italian Watch Spotter gives us his reflections on the event The year 2024 has seen the rise of regional watch events that focused on the watch community, and Milano Watch Week was such an event, bringing horological sparkle to one of the style meccas of Europe. Organised by Italian Watch Spotter and supported by Milans greatest watch retailers, Milano Watch Week proved itself a smashing success and demonstrated the level of demand for this concept. Well-respected industry maven Edoardo Armentano is one-third of the triumvirate behind Italian Watch Spotter, and shared the journey of MWW with us, along with his hopes for the next edition. To read our initial coverage of Milano Watch Week, click here. What was the inspiration behind organising the Milano Watch Week event, and how did the idea come about? The inspiration for Milano Watch Week emerged from our desire to create an event that truly celebrates watchmaking as an art form, as well as a showcase of craftsmanship and innovation. We wanted to bring people together in an immersive environment that goes beyond traditional displays, creating an experience where enthusiasts and newcomers alike could interact closely with the people and the stories behind each watch. The idea came about as we saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Milans event landscape an event focused on watches that resonated with the citys deep roots in design, fashion, and style. One of the many panel discussions Milano Watch Week What were some of the key challenges you faced in planning and executing the first edition of the event? Organising the first edition of Milano Watch Week presented a unique set of challenges, especially as it was the first event of its kind here. From selecting a venue that would complement the spirit of the event to coordinating with independent brands and managing logistics, each step required meticulous planning. One of the main challenges was ensuring a seamless integration of various brand styles and messages within the cohesive vision of Milano Watch Week. We had to be agile and creative to overcome these challenges, ensuring that every element worked together to deliver a memorable experience. Why did you decide to focus on independent watch brands for this event, and how does that align with current market trends? We chose to focus on independent watch brands because they embody innovation and passion within the watchmaking industry. These brands are not only on the cutting edge of design and technology but often have powerful stories of craftsmanship and dedication that resonate with todays collectors and enthusiasts. The focus aligns with a broader market trend of consumers seeking authenticity and a closer connection to the creators behind the products they buy. By featuring independents, we aimed to give these brands the platform they deserve while also bringing a fresh and exciting perspective to attendees. The De Bethune watches on display at Milano Watch Week Milano Watch Week What makes Milano unique as a destination for watch enthusiasts, and how did you aim to capture the city's essence in the event? Milan is a unique backdrop for a watch event, with its heritage in fashion, design, and art. The city has a certain sophistication and vibrancy that perfectly complements the world of watchmaking. In designing Milano Watch Week, we wanted to highlight this connection by hosting it in venues that reflect Milans character and by curating experiences that feel distinctively Milanese. From the design of the spaces to the surrounding cultural elements, we aimed to capture the essence of Milan, allowing attendees to feel as though they are part of the citys heartbeat. The crowds at the H. Moser & Cie. cocktail soiree Milano Watch Week How do you see the role of collaboration and support within the watch industry, and how did that factor into your approach for Milano Watch Week? Collaboration is crucial within the watch industry, especially when it comes to amplifying the voices of smaller, independent brands. In planning Milano Watch Week, we focused on building partnerships that aligned with our vision of creating an inclusive and vibrant platform for these brands. By working closely with brand founders, industry experts, and even fellow enthusiasts, we were able to foster a sense of community. This collaborative spirit was central to our approach and is something we believe strengthens the industry as a whole. Looking back on the first edition, what are some of the key lessons learned, and what improvements or changes are you considering for future iterations of the event? Reflecting on the first edition, weve learned a lot about the logistics and nuances of bringing together a diverse range of brands and enthusiasts in a cohesive event. One key lesson was the importance of feedback listening to both attendees and exhibitors allowed us to identify areas for improvement, such as streamlining certain processes and enhancing interactive elements. For future events, we plan to expand upon these insights, adding more curated experiences and perhaps even exploring partnerships that will allow us to bring in a broader range of voices and innovations within the watch industry. In a horrifying incident, a man allegedly murdered his wife and her grandmother in the Palashi area of Kaliganj police station in Nadia late last night. The accused, Dinesh Halder, has been taken into police custody after the brutal attack left both women fatally injured. According to local sources, 60-year-old Sarathi Halder lived in the Palashi station neighborhood. Her granddaughter, Riya Halder and her husband, Dinesh Halder, had recently returned to Palashi from Delhi, where they both worked. They had come to visit Sarathi at her residence, but their family reunion turned into tragedy. Advertisement Late last night, a violent dispute escalated, and Dinesh allegedly attacked his wife and her grandmother with sharp weapons. Both women sustained severe injuries in the assault. On hearing the incident, Kaliganj police responded promptly to the scene, where they found the victims critically wounded. The two women were rushed to Shaktinagar district hospital, but despite efforts to save their lives, both succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Advertisement Kaliganj police have since arrested Dinesh Halder, who will face legal proceedings for the alleged double murder. An investigation is underway to uncover further details of the incident and the events leading up to this shocking crime, said a senior police official. An investigating police officer said the preliminary investigation reveals that the accused used to suspect his wife for extra-marital affairs and last night when he attacked her, her grandmother tried to resist her from being attacked. But, the enraged accused also hacked her critically leading to severe injuries. Local residents have expressed their grief and anger, as the quiet community reels from the senseless violence that claimed two lives. The authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice for the victims. The State Government is coming up with the policies on Global Capability Centre (GCC) and semiconductor in the coming months, which will position West Bengal as the next IT destination of India, said Babul Supriyo, minister of information technology & electronics at the 23rd edition of ICT East, organised by CII Eastern Region in Kolkata here today. The minister further stated that in the coming years, West Bengal is aspiring to be the next IT hub in India, by facilitating the environment for the technological companies through various steps viz., 15 per cent floor area ratio allowed to IT and ITES companies, 100 per cent electric duty waiver, 100 per cent waiver of stamp duty and registration cost and exemption of 50 per cent property tax. The working hours from 8.5 hours to 9 hours for IT and ITES companies is helping the companies to increase their revenue. Furthermore, he said that the state government is trying to address all the areas, and the industry captains should also build the perception for West Bengal. Advertisement Rajeev Kumar, IPS, additional chief secretary, department of information technology & electronics emphasised that technology should be focused on solving problems and creating value for the citizens. Entrepreneurs are taking the first step to solve the problems through emerging technologies and as in the last few months, the West Bengal government is coming up with a Global Capability Centre (GCC) and semiconductor unit to create a digital public infrastructure. The draft policy of GCC and semiconductor will be coming soon, and private entrepreneurs must build around this digital public infrastructure. The new policies will enhance the state of the ICT sector. Advertisement Prosenjit Sengupta, chairman, CII Eastern Region ICTE sub-committee asserted that IT spending in India is estimated to record a double-digit growth of 11.1 per cent in 2024, totalling US$ 138.6 billion up from US$ 124.7 billion last year. Indias IT industry is likely to hit the US$ 350 billion mark by 2026 and contribute 10 per cent towards the countrys GDP, as per a report by Infomerics Ratings. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said Indias decision to buy oil from Russia amid global uncertainties helped avert a potential spike in global oil prices. India did the entire world a favour by buying Russian oil because if we had not done so, the global oil prices would have skyrocketed to $200/barrel, the minister said on X on Thursday. Advertisement Let us not forget that while some ill-informed commentators talked about putting restrictions on India, many other European and Asian nations bought much more crude oil, diesel, LNG, rare earth minerals worth billions of dollars from Russia, the minister said. Advertisement We will continue to buy energy from whoever offers the best rates to our oil companies. Thats the confidence of PM @narendramodi Jis leadership, he added. The Union Minister said we need to ensure steady availability, affordability and sustainability of energy for our 7 crore citizens who visit a petrol pump everyday. Thats our top priority. He further highlighted that India is the only major consumer where fuel prices have come down significantly in the last 3 years despite unprecedented global price increases in other nations. On Monday, Minister Puri called for discussions between oil producers and consumers to stabilise prices. Oil prices rose more than 2% following a decision by OPEC to delay by a month plans to increase output. Im hoping as a professional that all the players in this game will see a reason that both producers and consumers can sit down together, have a discussion on what is a realistic price because it is not as if some production is taken off, he had said. Benchmark indices ended lower for the second consecutive session today with Nifty below 24,150. At close, the Sensex was down 55.47 points or 0.07 per cent at 79,486.32, and the Nifty was down 51.15 points or 0.21 per cent at 24,148.20 .Equities ignored positive global markets after the US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark lending rate by a quarter percentage point. Advertisement The BSE midcap index shed 1 per cent and smallcap index was down 1.6 per cent. Sharp selloff was seen in major large-cap stocks, These included Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Trent, weighed heavily on the frontline indices, causing them to end the session in the red. Advertisement The top gainers on Nifty were Mahindra & Mahindra (2.89 per cent), Titan Company (2.10 per cent), Tech Mahindra (1.84 per cent), Infosys (1.49 per cent), Nestle India (1.45 per cent). On the losing side were Trent (3.18 per cent), Coal India (2.60 per cent), Asian Paints (2.58 per cent), Tata Steel (2.24 per cent), Shriram Finance (2.03 per cent). On Sensex, the gainers were Mahindra & Mahindra (3.09 per cent), Titan Company (2.13 per cent), Tech Mahindra (1.90 per cent), Nestle India (1.44 per cent), Infosys (1.31 per cent). On the other hand, the losers were Asian Paints (2.61 per cent), Tata Steel (2.22 per cent), State Bank of India (1.86 per cent), Tata Motors (1.72 per cent), Reliance Industries (1.66 per cent). Among the sectors, IT index was up 0.7 per cent, while media, PSU Bank, metal, oil & gas, power declined 1-2 per cent. Nifty Realty continued its bearish streak for the second consecutive day, closing nearly 3 per cent lower at 967.7. The Nifty Media index also dropped by 2.09 per cent, while the Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty Energy, and Nifty Metal all ended with losses exceeding 1 per cent. Among the individual performances, shares of Waaree Energies dropped over 10 per cent in the last two trading sessions amid fears of a decline in renewable energy exports to the United States. Shares of Cochin Shipyard dropped 5 per cent after the higher costs dented the companys Q2 margins. Trent, the retail player and Zudio operator reported its earnings for Q2 under expectations. This caused the Street to sell off shares of the Tata group firm prompting a 3.5 per cent fall. IRCON International plunged 5 per cent on after the company announced dismal financial results for the quarter ended September 30. Further, the shares of Rail Vikas Nigam alos fell over 6 per cent after the quarterly results. The US FED continued its rate-cutting cycle to stimulate the economy and is expecting a similar 25-bps rate cut in December policy meet. Consolidation continued in the market as investors stayed cautious due to disappointment in earnings and the flight of FIIs. In a landmark move towards enhancing pension services, Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya announced the successful completion of the pilot run of the new Centralised Pension Payments System (CPPS) under the Employees Pension Scheme 1995. He said the pilot run was completed on 29-30 October with the disbursement of the pension of about Rs 11 crore for October 2024 to more than 49,000 EPS pensioners of Jammu, Srinagar, and Karnal regions. Advertisement Earlier during the announcement of the new CPPS system, Dr. Mandaviya had said, The approval of the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) marks a significant milestone in modernisation of the EPFO. By enabling pensioners to receive their pension from any bank, any branch, anywhere in the country, this initiative addresses the long-standing challenges faced by pensioners and ensures a seamless and efficient disbursement mechanism. Advertisement This is a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to transform the EPFO into a more robust, responsive, and tech-enabled organisation, committed to serving the needs of its members and pensioners better, he said. The CPPS is a paradigm shift from the existing pension disbursement system that is decentralised, with each Zonal/Regional Office of EPFO maintaining separate agreements with only 3-4 banks. In CPPS, there will also be no need for pensioners to visit the bank for any verification at the time of commencement of pension and the pension shall be immediately credited upon release. The CPPS system would also ensure the disbursement of pensions throughout India without any need for transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO) from one office to another even when the pensioner moves from one location to another or changes his bank or branch. This would be a great relief to pensioners who move to their hometown after retirement. The new CPPS system will be fully rolled out as part of the EPFOs ongoing IT modernisation project Centralised IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01) by January 2025 and will benefit more than 78 lakh EPS pensioners of EPFO. Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the Phir Layenge Kejriwal campaign on Friday to woo voters. In a video message to party workers, the AAP leader emphasised unity, strength, and resilience as the party prepares for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Advertisement Following the message, the party launched a mobile number and a website through its social media handles to register volunteers for joining Team Kejriwal. Advertisement In the video message, the former CM said, When I meet the workers, I feel overwhelmed by the emotion in their eyes and the love they have for me in their hearts. The determination on their faces shows the courage to face even the greatest challenges ahead. We will fight, and we will win. Kejriwal urged supporters from Delhi and outside to devote as much time as possible to the campaign, suggesting that those from outside the city make arrangements to stay with friends or relatives in Delhi to assist with election efforts. For the Delhi elections, if possible, take leave from work and dedicate a few months entirely to the campaign. People from outside Delhi can arrange to stay with a friend or relative in Delhi for a few months, and if you cant give full time, contribute a few hours daily or weekly. We will assign tasks according to your convenience, the AAP chief added. Arjun Kapoor is recently basking in the success and praises for his role in Singham Again. His smashing performance comes after a string of flops including Kuttey, The Lady Killer, and Ek Villain Returns. Recently, the actor got candid in an interview and delved deep into suffering from mild depression and Hashimotos disease, an autoimmune disease. Moreover, he reveals that he was going through his worst when he signed Singham Again. Talking to The Hollywood Reporter about singing Singham Again the actor revealed, When I signed this film, I was going through the worst phase of my life. Personally, professionally, emotionally, mentally and physically. I did not know whether I was depressed or not, I just knew something was not working. I was procrastinating a lot, I stopped enjoying watching films and I only know that. So, for me, my life was films. And then it reached a point where I think I self-imploded. I was not a happy person. And the fire within me diminished. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor) When probed about how he came to terms with his depression during the filming, he revealed seeking therapy. The Gunday actor replied, You will have moments of self-doubt in any profession and you fight through it. When films dont pan out, those moments become days, then months and then years. You start doubting yourself, the negative always sounds louder. Moreover, being a fat kid creates a lot of mental trauma for years and you dont realise that. Your equation with food and taking care of yourself. Revealing his coping mechanism, he added, So, when I went through this phase, I started seeking therapy. I have been somebody who has taken responsibility and I dont go and talk to people about it. I tried to deal with it the best way I could. The depression and therapy part started happening last year. This last one year was more personal than professional. I just knew something wasnt working. I had even stopped enjoying watching films. My life was films and suddenly I started watching other peoples work and thought to myself, Will I be able to or will I get a chance? Also Read: Arjun Kapoor gets real about loneliness and breakup with Malaika Arora As the conversation progressed, Arjun Kapoor opened up about his diagnosis of Hashimotos disease. I have something called Hashimotos Thyroiditis. Its an extension of having a thyroid issue. Your antibodies fight against you. Its almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress. The stress mode is when your antibodies believe something is wrong, and it goes into action. The more relaxed I am, the better I look which is ironic because, in this profession, youre not really relaxed. Arjuns latest flick, Singham Again led by Ajay Devgn released on November 1. The title boasts an ensemble cast including Arjun, Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, and Kareena Kapoor. It also stars Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff. GOT7s Jinyoung (Park Jin-Young) has finally completed his mandatory military service. The K-pop idols discharge comes just days after the groups leader, Jay B. Jinyoung enlisted in May 2023 and completed his 18-month service on November 7. Upon his discharge, fellow GOT7 bandmates, BamBam and Yugyeom, surprised him by attending the event to celebrate the completion of his military duties. Following his return to civilian life, the music sensation opened up about life in the military to Korean news outlets. Talking about his service, he said, I had a fun time with good friends for the past year and a half. I think Ive become a strong person after joining the military. Moreover, Jinyoung iterated his promise to the fandom to return as a better person, so he did. I think I was discharged in good health, so I wanted to express my gratitude to fans. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@jinyoung_0922jy) Talking about his plans for the near future, the GOT7 member revealed that the filming of Unknown Seoul with Park Bo Young might be at the top of his list. After being discharged, I think I will start filming for Unknown Seoul. After that, I think I will be able to greet viewers with another project next year. The drama will chronicle the lives of twin sisters who are different in every aspect except their faces. However, they swap identities, weaving an intricate web of lies. This comes to haunt them when they find love, complicating matters of heart. For the slated drama, Park Bo Young will essay the role of the twins. Meanwhile, Jinyoung will play Ho Su. He is a man who has been in a relationship with Mi Ji, one of the twin sisters, since his school days. Also Read: BLACKPINKs Rose tops Billboard Global 200 charts with APT ft. Bruno Mars As Jinyoungs interaction with the media progressed, he delved into GOT7s return, revealing that the group is working hard to release an album soon. We are working hard to prepare GOT7s album. The other members are also enlisting, so we want to release an album soon before [their enlistment] to repay fans. During my last vacation, we entered the album preparation stage while discussing amongst the members. I think [fans] can anticipate a GOT7 album soon. Please look forward to it a lot. On the professional front, the K-pop idol hasnt just solidified his footing in the K-pop scene but also in the acting avenue. GOT7s Jinyoung has starred in several dramas including The Legend of the Blue Sea, The Devil Judge, Yumis Cells and Reborn Rich. Moving ahead, his next release is the K-drama The Witch which he filmed before his enlistment. The upcoming drama also stars Roh Jeung Eui. The second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) was inaugurated today by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. The two-day event brings together global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector bodies, nonprofits, academics, and scholars to explore Indias national security, foreign policy, military history, and heritage. As part of the festival, General Chauhan launched Project Shaurya Gatha, a joint initiative by the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India. This project aims to preserve and promote Indias military heritage through educational programmes and tourism. Advertisement He also unveiled significant publications on military history, including Because of this: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd); Valour and Honour, a collaborative work between the Indian Army and USI of India; and War-wounded, Disabled Soldiers, And Cadets, a joint publication by the USI and War Wounded Federation. Advertisement The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contributed a photo exhibition showcasing its journey and achievements toward self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. NCC cadets from Delhi NCR attended, and informational stalls set up by the three military services offered insights into their roles and career opportunities for young aspirants. A local court here has refused to grant Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma permanent exemption from appearance in court for hearings in the 13-year-old Gopalganj communal riots case. An application was moved in the Additional District Judge Court (ADJ Jaipur-4) by Anamika Saharan seeking exemption, which was rejected by the judge. Advertisement The judge ruled that no such conditions currently exist in the state that would prevent the CM from attending court when required. Advertisement Former Minister Zahida Khan and former MLA Anita Gurjar also filed applications seeking to remove the condition from their bail orders that required court permission before leaving the station or proceeding on a foreign tour. The court dismissed both applications. CM Sharma, Ms Khan, Ms Gurjar, and others have been on anticipatory bail in the Gopalganj riots case since 2013. While granting bail to Sharma, the trial court imposed the condition that he would not leave the country without the courts permission. Twenty years ago, we Googled. Now we use Wikipedia. Tomorrow, will it be ChatGPT? We were curious as to what AI thought about watch brands, so we asked then sent the answers to CEOs. Stephane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, steps into the ring ChatGPT: Stephane Waser is managing director of Maurice Lacroix. Under his leadership, the brand has boosted its image and developed innovative collections that emphasise quality and craftsmanship. His vision has been essential in positioning Maurice Lacroix as a luxury watch brand. Stephane Waser: I think thats a pretty fair description. We are innovative in the sense of creative or inventive, with collections such as Mysterious Seconds, Mercury, Gravity and Square Wheel. And I think no-one is doubting the quality of our watches. As for craftsmanship, we have our own assembly workshops and do a lot by hand. The latest AIKON Automatics Maurice Lacroix Maurice Lacroix is a Swiss luxury watch brand established in 1975. It combines innovation with craftsmanship, quality and contemporary designs. Contemporary design is an important marker for Maurice Lacroix. Innovation, meaning inventive or creative, is central to our brand and our activity, as well as to our manufacture collections such as AIKON and Masterpiece. Innovation can also apply to how we approach design and marketing, as we constantly seek new ways we can express ourselves. The brand has risen to prominence thanks to its mechanical movements and the Masterpiece collection. That would have been true until the 2000s but today were best known for the AIKON. AIKON Automatic Bronze Maurice Lacroix Maurice Lacroix is known for customisation and in-house production, thanks to which its watches are unique on the market. No, customisation isnt a key element of our DNA. What we do propose are very limited editions for retailers, fans of the brand or markets where we have an established presence, such as Japan, Thailand and the Middle East. The second part is true. Our watches are developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Weve developed our own movements, special complications, and then of course there are the designs. Stephane Waser at the manufacture Maurice Lacroix The brand is widely associated with value for money in the luxury watch segment. True. This has always been our trademark and the cornerstone of the brands success in the early days: watches that were previously reserved for the most exclusive segments, at accessible prices. Popular models are the AIKON, the Masterpiece, the Pontos and the Eliros. True, although it should include the Fiaba, which is an important model. Its been part of our offering for 20 years and accounts for 10% to 15% of annual production volume. Positioned at CHF 800 to CHF 1,500, its also our only line that is entirely for women. FIABA Trio Maurice Lacroix AIKON, Pontos and Eliros range from 1,000 to 3,000. Masterpiece goes up to 20,000. No, thats wrong. Its overestimated and overgeneralised. We need to distinguish between quartz and mechanical. In the quartz segment, for collections such as Fiaba, Eliros or AIKON, were between CHF 700 and CHF 1,400. For automatics, between CHF 2,000 and CHF 4,000. Our manufacture models, for example Retrograde or Skeleton Manufacture, are between CHF 5,000 and CHF 10,000. Aikon #tide Black Maurice Lacroix Maurice Lacroix watches hold some of their value on the preowned market but to a lesser extent than certain more prestigious brands. You have to compare like with like. While its obvious that were not in the same league as the leading brands we all know, I keep a close eye on our resale value on the secondary market. Its an indicator of the strength of the brand as well as the level of service associated with it. Maintaining that value means not changing collections too often. There has to be a certain continuity. Its essential that we tackle the grey market, which puts pressure on prices. These are factors we need to keep in our sights. In the space of ten years, weve halved the price difference for new Maurice Lacroix watches on unauthorised markets. Masterpiece Skeleton With what eyes? by Rodrigo Hernandez Maurice Lacroix There are no recent or official indications that Maurice Lacroix is for sale. The brand is owned by DKSH Holding which appears to support its development. This is a reference to what we said in 2014, when we announced that DKSH was looking for a buyer for Maurice Lacroix. But things have changed. The brand was restructured in 2017 and has been back in the black since 2019, meaning Maurice Lacroix has been profitable for the past five years. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Friday, slammed the BJP-led government on the eighth anniversary of demonetisation, and said it paved the way for monopolies by devastating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the informal sector. In a social media post, Gandhi wrote, India continues to use more cash today than eight years ago when demonetisation was implemented. Demonetisation paved the way for monopolies by devastating MSMEs and the informal sector. Advertisement Taking a jibe at the ruling dispensation, Incompetent and ill-intended policies that create an environment of fear for businesses will stifle Indias economic potential. What is needed is a new deal that fosters fairness and freedom to unlock the energy of play-fair businesses across the country. Advertisement Echoing similar sentiments, Congress chairperson of social media Supriya Shrinate said, On this day in 2016, Narendra Modi announced demonetisation. BJP celebrates everything by organising this day, that day, so and so day But demonetisation day is not celebrated. She claimed that demonetisation destroyed the economy as factories were closed, jobs were destroyed and investment was ruined. Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said demonetisation was an epic failure of the government as it destroyed businesses and ruined jobs. It may be mentioned that the Congress had said demonetisation was the biggest assault on the countrys economy and the countrymen were still nursing the wound inflicted by the ruling dispensation In controversial remarks, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has predicted that Justin Trudeau would lose his position as Canadas prime minister in the next election. He will be gone in the upcoming election, Musk posted on X, responding to a users request for assistance in removing Trudeau from office. Advertisement Trudeau will face electoral challenges from Pierre Poilievres Conservative Party and Jagmeet Singhs New Democratic Party in the polls slated next year. Advertisement Trudeau, who has been leading the Liberal Party since 2013, is heading a minority government, triggering chances of his loss in the polls. Pressure continues to mount on him who has been slammed by opponents for his continued support to the unchecked immigration into Canada. Previously, Musk too had expressed criticism of the Canadian governments approach to free speech, particularly regarding new regulations requiring online streaming services to register for government oversight. Donald Trumps potential return presents additional challenges for Trudeaus administration. Canadas economy, which directs 75% of its exports to the United States, could face significant impacts from Trumps proposed policies, according to news reports. Additionally, diplomatic relations between India and Canada have also deteriorated significantly. India has expressed serious concerns about extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to address these issues. India has also time and again expressed concerns over Khalistani extremism and anti-India activities being allowed to take place under the Trudeau administrations watch, and has asked the local authorities to take action. Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Friday said that Haryanas power policy is being appreciated nationwide. Dedicated efforts by the state government to reduce line losses have yielded positive results, with line losses in Haryana dropping from 34 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent today. Haryanas power discoms are now ranking A+, said Lal. Union Minister Lal shared this while interacting with the media persons after chairing a key meeting with the officers of Power and Urban Local Bodies Departments at Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh. Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel was also present on the occasion, according to an official statement. Advertisement The Union Minister said that meetings are being held with all the states regarding the schemes of both the departments and in this series, today two meetings have been held with Haryana as well. Discussions were held regarding the ongoing projects and new schemes of both the departments, he said. Advertisement Union Minister Manohar Lal said that in the meeting detailed discussions were held to address present and future power requirements and strengthening transmission lines through initiatives like RRDS. During the meeting, there was also a suggestion to consider public listing for Haryana Power Discoms, which could serve as a model for other states. He said that the central government grants funds for the prepaid meter scheme, which will initially be implemented in government offices and then gradually expanded based on its success. He shared that discussions on solar energy have also been held during these meetings. He said that as the availability of land in Haryana remains an issue for execution of solar energy projects, the state will look to advance rooftop solar policies. Each state has unique circumstanceshydropower projects are suitable for Himachal Pradesh, while Haryana and Punjab are more reliant on thermal power plants, said Union Minister Manohar Lal. The Union Minister also discussed urban development plans during the meeting. He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), an initial goal of one crore homes has been achieved, with another 1 crore planned. According to SECC data, eligible beneficiaries will receive benefits, and new surveys will be conducted to ensure that all eligible individuals can access these welfare schemes. He said that in cities where metro services are already operational, expanding the metro network is a priority. Proposals have been received for metro systems in cities like Ambala, Ambala Cantonment, Yamunanagar, and Jagadhri, which will be considered. Additionally, 450 new buses will be added under the PM e-Bus Service to strengthen urban transport. The Union Minister said that directions have been issued to expedite the cleanliness campaign in Haryana. Under the Swachh Bharat 2.0 Project, solid waste management and waste disposal are being reviewed. Waste disposal plants are being established. An MoU with NTPC has been signed to set up a plant to produce charcoal from waste in Faridabad. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed confidence that the US administration under Donald Trump will maintain distinctions in immigration policies, potentially benefiting skilled workers from foreign countries. Even if there is re-globalisation, the demographic unevenness is beginning to bite the world. The global workplace does not mean that the talent alone has to move. Businesses can move as well. Even the US under Donald Trump will make a distinction in immigration and mobility, he said while addressing CEOs and Business leaders in Sydney. Advertisement Mr Jaishankar said India sees a potential acceleration and disruption in the re-ordering of supply chains as an opportunity in the wake of Trumps reelection in the presidential election. Advertisement He identified four to five important consequences of the US-India relationship following US election results, including the reordering of supply chains, geopolitical hedging, digitisation, and mobility of talent and skills. On the outcome of the US presidential poll, he said, To my mind, there are four-five important consequences for the relationship (India-US) and the business aspect of the relations. First, there was already re-ordering of the supply chains that were taking place, it is very likely that in view of the election results in the US, this would accelerate. Some of it would be more disruptive, but we in India see it as an opportunity. Second, there would be in a way more geo-political hedging. Third pertains to the digital side. The COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical tensions have prompted companies to reassess and transform their supply chain strategies. This shift is driven by the need for greater flexibility, agility, and resilience in the face of unprecedented disruptions. Companies are shifting from global to regional supply networks to reduce dependence on fragile international supply chains, the Indian minister said. He highlighted Indias growth over the last decade, which has been marked by progress in education, infrastructure, and digitalisation. He noted that Indias educational institutions have doubled in capacity since 2014, with the equivalent of two new colleges being established daily. The educational institutions of India have doubled in capacity in the last 10 years. They are roughly 2 to 2.5 times from where they stood in 2014. In absolute numbers, if I were to take colleges, that means creating two new colleges a day. Today, we are building about 27-28 kilometres of highway a day. In the railways sector, we are building 12 to 14 kilometres of railway tracks a day, he said. He added, If you look at aviation, we are doing really well in comparison to other countries in the world. The current challenge we have is that there are about 1,000 new aircraft on order and theyre not coming in as fast as we would like. In terms of infrastructure, in the last decade, on average, weve built 7.5 new airports a year. So there are 75 new airports which have been added on in the last 10 years. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has strongly condemned undignified remarks made against women leaders during the campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, and asked the officials concerned to deal with violators sternly, sources said on Friday. The direction of the CEC came during a review meeting with the state officials, in the wake of recent controversy over a video in which Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant purportedly referred to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC as imported maal. Advertisement Notably, Shaina NC left the BJP and joined the Shiv Sena last month. Advertisement The CEC noted that no aspect of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised. Low level personal attacks to insult the rivals shall not be made, Kumar said. The CEC directed all officials to ensure that any derogatory comments/remarks by candidates/political leaders repugnant to the honor and dignity of women, and violative of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) provisions are met with timely and stern action. He hoped that all candidates and party leaders would elevate their rhetoric and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect towards women, both in their speeches and public interactions. Elections to 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on 20th November. The counting of votes will take place on 23rd November along with Jharkhand. In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena bagged 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44 Assembly constituencies. The Kerala High Court on Thursday ruled that comments by the media declaring an accused guilty or innocent while a criminal case is still pending does not fall under protected free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India A five bench comprising justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, Kauser Edappagath, Mohammed Nias CP, C S. Sudha, and Syam Kumar VK observed that the expression by the media of any definitive opinion regarding the guilt or innocence of a party in a criminal investigation or a case pending adjudication before an authoritative pronouncement is made by the adjudicatory forum concerned would not get the protection under Article 19(1)(a). The final and authoritative determination of guilt or innocence can be pronounced only by a judicial authority, the court observed . It ruled that the press cannot act as investigators, prosecutors, or judges, preempting official verdicts before the judicial process is complete Advertisement The judgment included detailed analyses by four judges in separate, concurring opinions.Expression by the media of any definitive opinion regarding the guilt or innocence of a party in a criminal investigation or a case pending adjudication, before an authoritative pronouncement is made by the adjudicatory forum concerned, would not get the protection under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, observed Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar. Advertisement In a concurring opinion, Justice Edappagath flagged concern that the media habitually overlooks the principle of innocent until proven guilty and conduct parallel investigations that harm individuals who are accused in a case even before a court decides on their guilt or innocence. In another concurring opinion, Justice Mohammed Nias observed,The media need to refrain from reporting on those aspects of the case that may affect the impartiality of the judicial proceedings, to preserve the integrity of the legal process and the rights of all individuals involved. Half-truths and misinformation must not be the foundation of any media publications or broadcasts, especially regarding ongoing criminal investigations, court proceedings, or trials. The media does not possess the authority to speculate on the outcomes of these legal processes or to draw conclusions about the individuals involved based on unverified information. Justice Syam Kumar referred to jurisprudential theories on competing rights (in this case the medias rights versus the rights of individuals accused in criminal cases) to emphasise that each right is accompanied by a duty to not infringe on other rights. The court, however, held that the right of the media to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution cannot be restricted, save by a law made by a competent legislative body, and even then only on the grounds expressly mentioned in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. The High Courts ruling came on three writ petitions that challenged media reporting on ongoing investigations and trials Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday launched the scheme for strengthening the medical device industry in a bid to provide it a big boost. The scheme is a comprehensive one which targets critical areas of the medical device industry, covering manufacturing of key components and accessories, skill development, support for clinical studies, development of common infrastructure and industry promotion. Advertisement Speaking on the occasion, he said this scheme is going to be a gamechanger as it will not only help the industry but will also be a long leap in making India self-reliant. The Health Minister said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a government of action and the PLI scheme itself is something which has opened new paths. Advertisement Nadda stated that it is just a start and sought industrys support for the success of the scheme. He appealed to the industry to make good use of the scheme and assured the industry of all help from the Government. Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said that this scheme will provide a boost to the entire sector of medical devices. Medical Device has become an important pillar of the healthcare industry and we find them in everyday life and everybody is aware of its significance as its demand is continuously rising. The Government is also designing the policies and schematic support to promote this industry, she said. Caught between his partys long cherished goal of power sharing and the political compulsion of remaining with the DMK, Dalit leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan on Friday ruled out entering into an electoral alliance with actor Vijays fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazagam (TVK). The political stand on share in power was aimed at uplifting and empowering the marginalised sections. Vijays invite to potential allies with the bait of power share has sparked off speculation that it was aimed at the VCK. Since it was our long held goal, such a debate cannot be avoided. But, the VCK, which was instrumental in the formation of the INDIA block given the prevailing political context, has no necessity to switch sides, VCK president Thirumavalavan said in a statement addressed to the VCK cadre. Advertisement Ever since Vijays announcement that the TVK, making its maiden entry into the poll fray in the 2026 assembly elections, was prepared to share power with its allies, all eyes were on the VCK. For days before the TVKs first state conference on October 27 where the kollywood star made the announcement, the VCK had raked up the issue in the public domain. First, it was a past video, wherein Thirumavalavan emphasizes the need for power sharing, which had gone viral once again. Advertisement Then followed, VCK Deputy General Secretary Adhav Arjunas defence of it saying, If a person who was acting in films just four years back (Udhayanidhi) could become the Deputy Chief Minister, why not our leader who has been in politics for four decades. If this wasnt enough to raise the hackles of the DMK, Thirumavalavan an Vijay sharing the stage at a book release function scheduled for December 6, coinciding with Dr BR Ambedkars death anniversary, has once again gave rise to speculations that the VCK is inching closer to the TVK and is keeping its options open. Further, acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith and another Dalit leader and Puthiya Thamizhagam party president K Krishnasamy have welcomed Vijays announcement and the actor holding Ambedkar as a guiding light of the TVK. It is in this context, Thirumavalavan has alleged that a smokescreen is being created that the VCK is preparing the ground for a tie-up with Vijay. This is because our ideological enemies, in whichever form they are, are unable to stomach the alliance continuing intact since 2019. They could not allow it for the 2026 assembly poll and hence conspired to create a doubt about the integrity of the alliance. There is no compelling reason for the VCK to switch sides or form an alternative alliance, he said. Thirumavalavans statement assumes added significance in the wake of the AIADMK also keeping its hopes alive about the VCK as a potential ally. AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy had issued a diktat to his party leaders to avoid any criticism of the DMKs allies but train their guns only on the DMK and the BJP. Former Delhi Chief Minister and National convenor of AAP on Friday gave a clarion call to newly elected Sarpanches of the state to hold Gram Panchayats in their respective villages accountable for making every decision in full public view to ensure transparency in development works. It is imperative to ensure optimum utilisation of the public money for the welfare of public and comprehensive development of the villages, said Kejriwal, who was the chief guest of a state level function in which Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann administered the oath of office to 10031 newly elected Sarpanches from across the state. Advertisement The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the decisions pertaining to development of villages should be taken in Gram Sabhas for ensuring judicious utilisation of funds. He said that if Sarpanches perform their duty well then, they can transform the destiny of the common man and their villages. Advertisement The former Delhi Chief Minister gave a clarion call to the Sarpanches for wiping out the curse of drugs from the state adding that with the proactive role of Sarpanches, Punjab will soon be a drug free state. He said that the state government and Punjab Police are committed for this noble cause and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. In his address Punjab Chief Minister Mann congratulated all the Sarpanches for their election to the prestigious post. He said that in the recently concluded elections for Panchayats, 13147 new panchayats have been elected. He said that in todays state level function 10031 sarpanches from 19 districts of Punjab are being administered oath. The Chief Minister said that oath taking ceremony of other newly elected Sarpanches of remaining four districts namely Sri Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala and Gurdaspur and of 81,808 newly elected Panches of 23 districts will be held after the by-elections of four Vidhan Sabha constituencies namely Giddarbaha, Chabewal, Barnala and Dera Baba Nanak. The Chief Minister said that Schools, dispensaries, veterinary hospitals and several other works of public importance are already under direct supervision of panchayats. Likewise, he said that various works pertaining to development of villages are also undertaken under their guidance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches should ensure supervision of these works and services in a dedicated manner. The Chief Minister said that it is imperative to give further fillip to the pace of development and prosperity in the villages. He said that the Punjab government is committed for overall development and progress of the villages and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches are a bridge between the government and the villages and you should play a big role in the development of villages. In a major blow to illegal arms smuggling networks, the Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has apprehended two operatives of Portugal-based gangster Manpreet Singh alias Mannu Ghanshampuria, further uncovering their links to major USA-based criminals Balwinder Singh alias Doni Bal and Prabhdeep Singh alias Prabh Dasuwal, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday. Those arrested have been identified as Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan, a resident of Lahori Gate in Amritsar and Ravinder Singh, a resident of village Akarpura in Gurdaspur. Police teams have also recovered four weapons including one sophisticated 9MM Glock pistol, two foreign-made .30 bore pistols and one .32 bore pistol along with five magazines and 14 live cartridges from their possession. Advertisement DGP Gaurav Yadav said that in an intel-led operation, teams from CI Amritsar laid a special naka at Mehta Road near cattle market, Amritsar and both the individuals when they were travelling on their black colour Splendor Motorcycle bearing registration number PB18Z5033. Police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, he added. Advertisement He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused Aditya Kapoor is having 12 criminal cases registered against him and was operating on the directions of USA-based criminals Doni Bal and Prabh Dasuwal. The latter are close associates of Gangster Mannu Ghanshampuria, who is brother of Gangster Gopi Ghanshampuria, he said. The DGP said that these crime syndicates are rivals of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime syndicate. Probe has also found that the arrested persons have received the weapon consignment arranged by Doni Bal and Mannu Ghanshampuria and were hatching a conspiracy to commit some heinous crimes in the state on their directions, he said. He said that further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. In this regard, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act at the Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, according to an official statement . The French legendary actor, star of the films "The Red Circle" and "Le Samourai", Alain Delon could have celebrated his 89th birthday today, but his life was cut short on August 18. Six years ago, the sex symbol of the twentieth century admitted that before his death he would not regret leaving this world, because he was disappointed with the era and humanity. ADVERTISIMENT He prepared for his death in advance and even had a separate chapel near his estate in Soulier-Montcorbon in France. It was there that he was buried in the most private of settings. Only 50 people were present at the funeral ceremony, and video and photography were prohibited. OBOZ.UA decided to recall why Alain Delon was not afraid of death and how his burial took place. "I have everything ready, the grave is in my chapel, there are six places. For now, it's a little empty, a little deserted. My relatives who have already passed away are in other places. We will see who will join me later," Alain Delon said back in 2018. ADVERTISIMENT He was buried next to the dogs he lived with. Moreover, the actor had previously asked that when he died, his family would put his dog, a Belgian shepherd named Lubo, to sleep and bury him next to him. "No, I'm not afraid of her at all. Death is the only thing in the world we can be sure of. It is a matter of time. How many years do I have left to live? I may be 90 or 92. This is not for me to decide, but for the Other, up there. What I do know is that I will not leave my dog alone. It's my dog, a Belgian Shepherd, whom I love like a child. His name is Lubo. I miss him when I am not with him. If he dies before me, and I hope he does, I won't be able to get another one," he told Paris Match. But animal rights activists were against the animal being euthanized, so the dog remained alive and accompanied his owner on his last journey with 50 of his closest people. During the funeral, namely on August 24-25, the French police also set up checkpoints near Alain Delon's estate and closed the airspace above the house for that period. However, the actor's fans were not allowed to enter the territory, so they stood at the gate. ADVERTISIMENT Alain Delon used to say that he would not regret his death. He admitted that he had lived through a lot, so he was "sick of this era." A few years before his death, he said that he was going through the most unhappy period of his life because it no longer "offered him anything special." He was also annoyed that people began to lose their souls and were only interested in money. "I have seen it all, experienced it all. But above all, I hate this era, it makes me sick. There are people I hate. They are all fake, all distorted. There is no more respect, no more weight of the word. All that matters is money. You hear about crimes all day long. I know that I will leave this world without any regrets. No, that's for sure, I really won't regret leaving it," the actor admitted. It is known that in 2019, the actor suffered a stroke, which severely affected his health. After that, his children began to argue about how best to take care of their father. They repeatedly spoke about his "critical" condition. Anthony's son said that this Christmas was the "last" for the actor. As we can see, it was indeed his last. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! In the world of investment banking, theres an adage Insult is an investment. The idea is simple those who are underestimated and ignored often end up making the most successful moves, purchasing stocks at a lower price before the crowd catches on. In political terms, this strategy mirrors how Donald Trump, after being insulted and sidelined following the 2020 election, has managed to turn his defeat into a powerful comeback. By leveraging the insults thrown his way, Trump has positioned himself as a major player in global politics once again, transforming public ridicule into political currency. But Trumps resurgence isnt just a matter of political savvy its also about alliances, the kind that transcend national borders and redefine power structures. One such alliance is his relationship with Vladimir Putin, which, when examined through a historical lens, resembles the complex political alliances of the past. Trumps approach to Putin could be seen as a trump card of sorts. Advertisement Just as the USSR was pulled into the Afghan War under Gorbachev and fractured into pieces, Trump seems poised to deconstruct the global balance of power. His policies, notably those in the Middle East and his contentious approach to NATO, have created a situation where the US now faces a $36 trillion debt, with Trump eyeing a future where the US might break apart transforming the 50 stars on the flag into 51 states, while Israels role in the growing China-Russia-Iran alliance (CRI) could eventually lead to the destruction of Iran. Advertisement A new world order under autocratic rule, with Putin at the helm, is a scenario that increasingly seems possible. In the midst of these shifting global tides, theres one group that Trump has promised to save: the Hindus. While Indias Prime Minister Modi may claim to be their protector, Trumps Diwali pledge to safeguard Hindus worldwide paints a different picture. For some, this might sound like a lofty promise, but for others, it is seen as a vital lifeline in a world where geopolitical alliances matter more than ever. Meanwhile, Indias relationship with Canada is one of the most sensitive flashpoints in this evolving narrative. Canada,a close ally of the US, is already at odds with India over several issues, particularly as Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus administration has taken stances seen as anti-India. This growing friction risks exacerbating the simmering tensions within the Sikh community, particularly in Punjab. As Trudeaus policies potentially fuel Sikh extremism, the instability could escalate, further complicating Indias geopolitical position. If Sikh militancy gains traction, it may find unexpected allies in the form of Pakistan, as Islamic extremism and Sikh separatism threaten to form a dangerous alliance a combination that could undermine Indias internal security. This scenario isnt entirely unlike the world that Henry Ford once supported, albeit in a different era and context. Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, became infamous for his personal admiration of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. His anti-Semitic views, as laid out in his publication The International Jew, found resonance with Hitlers vision of Aryan supremacy. Fords business interests aligned with the Nazi regime, including lucrative contracts that benefitted his German subsidiary, Ford-Werke. While Fords connection to Hitler was ideological, it was also financial, a pragmatic alliance that offered both political and economic rewards. Fast forward to today, and we see a striking similarity between Fords support for Hitler and Musks endorsement of Trump. Elon Musk, a tech magnate with enormous influence, has embraced Trumps populist message, praising him for his policies on deregulation and free markets. Musks relationship with Trump may not be rooted in ideology to the same extent that Fords was with Hitler, but the political and business calculations are eerily similar. Like Ford, Musk sees in Trump an opportunity to align his business interests with a powerful political figure. Musks recent purchase of Twitter, his vocal support for Trump, and his willingness to use his platform to reshape public discourse are strategic moves, not just personal convictions. At the heart of this dynamic is a simple truth: both Ford and Musk, at their respective times, recognized the value of political alignment in securing economic and business power. Ford saw his admiration for Hitler as a path to financial gain in a fractured Europe. Musk, meanwhile, sees his support for Trump as a means to ensure policies favourable to his empire, such as deregulation, low taxes, and the prioritization of business over social welfare. Just as Fords relationship with the Nazi regime was instrumental in expanding his companys reach in Europe, Musks ties to Trump could bolster his own business interests in the current global economy. Musks approach to Trump is also a form of personal branding. Both men have cultivated larger-thanlife personas, largely through social media, and both understand the power of controversy. Just as Ford was able to influence public perception through his business prowess and his political affiliations, Musk uses his platform Twitter, now X to shape political discourse. Musks support for Trump also mirrors Fords early 20thcentury nationalist rhetoric. While Fords nationalism was overtly racial, Musks alignment with Trump echoes a modern brand of populism, focused on nationalism, America First policies, and anti-establishment rhetoric. However, the ultimate question remains: What happens when business and politics intertwine in such a way that it threatens the very fabric of democratic institutions? Fords support for Hitler contributed to the global rise of fascism, and Trumps alliances with figures like Putin raise concerns about the future of democracy and global stability. Musks own role in this political theatre could either be as a footnote in history or a major chapter in the ongoing struggle between corporate power and political freedom. The stakes are high, particularly for India. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Indias position on the global stage becomes increasingly complex. The rise of populism, the fracturing of traditional alliances, and the unpredictable actions of powerful business figures like Musk and Trump all point to a future where global stability could be at risk. Indias relationship with Canada, the growing threat from Sikh extremism, and the destabilizing effects of a Trump-led U.S. are all factors that may tip the scales in unpredictable ways. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear. As history has shown when powerful businessmen like Ford or Musk align themselves with controversial political figures, the consequences can be far-reaching and transformative. Whether for good or ill, their influence is undeniable, and their alliances, however pragmatic, will shape the world for years to come. (The writer is Associate Professor, Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.) The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) manifesto for the Jharkhand elections reveals a strategic focus on identity politics, with promises targeted specifically at tribal communities amid concerns over alleged demographic changes in the state. By promising to exempt tribals from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and reclaim tribal lands reportedly taken by infiltrators, the BJP has centred its campaign on safeguarding local identities and addressing anxieties about cultural erosion. This approach raises important questions about the partys electoral strategy in regions where preserving traditional structures and community autonomy remains a priority. The promise to shield tribals from the UCC, while advancing the policy elsewhere, reflects an attempt by the BJP to reconcile its national vision of uniformity in personal laws with the distinct cultural practices of Adivasi communities. For many tribal societies, traditional governance and social structures are not only symbols of their identity but also the foundation of their social fabric. The assurance of an exemption suggests that the BJP is aware of the potential backlash that a uniform civil code might provoke within tribal constituencies, whose unique laws and customs are often incompatible with a standardised civil law framework. By pledging to secure tribal lands and prevent non-tribals from gaining tribal status through marriage, the BJP is tapping into long-standing fears about resource encroachment and demographic shifts. Advertisement Allegations of Bangladeshi infiltration have increasingly featured in BJP campaign rhetoric, painting a picture of tribal resources under threat from outsiders. This narrative positions the party as a defender of tribal rights against an external, often foreign, presence ~ a strategy that has found some resonance in areas where cultural and re source-based concerns are high. However, critics argue that the BJPs focus on infiltration may risk deepening divisions by framing demographic concerns in terms that can exacerbate communal tensions. Advertisement The narrative surrounding infiltrators could alienate communities and inflame insecurities, particularly when broader socio-economic issues affecting Jharkhand remain pressing. Detractors suggest that a campaign heavily focused on identity and security issues might neglect core developmental needs ~ employment, infrastructure, and healthcare ~ that are central to many Jharkhand residents day-to-day concerns. Moreover, while promises of exemptions from the UCC and land protection may appeal to certain tribal sentiments, they raise questions about whether the focus on identity and culture is a substitute for more concrete socio-economic strategies. Promising benefits like subsidised LPG and direct cash transfers to women is an attempt to address economic issues. However, when paired with the overwhelming focus on cultural and demographic anxieties, the BJPs strategy may be perceived as prioritising emotional appeals over substantive plans to improve livelihoods. In sum, the BJPs manifesto reflects a dual-pronged approach: affirming the partys commitment to its national policies while showing sensitivity to local cultures in ways that resonate with voter concerns. Whether this identity-centric approach will translate into electoral gains in Jharkhand depends on voters reception to this blend of security and welfare appeals. Donald Trumps return to the White House in January 2025, combined with a Republican-led US Senate, was widely feared among international allies and will be cheered by some of Americas foes. While the former put on a brave face, the latter are finding it hard to hide their glee. On the war in Ukraine, Trump is likely to try to force Kyiv and Moscow into at least a ceasefire along the current front lines. This could possibly involve a permanent settlement that would acknowledge Russias territorial gains, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the territories occupied since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It is also likely that Trump would accept demands by Russian president Vladimir Putin to prevent a future Ukrainian Nato membership. Given Trumps well-known animosity to Nato, this would also be an important pressure on Kyivs European allies. Trump could, once again, threaten to abandon the alliance in order to get Europeans to sign up to a deal with Putin over Ukraine. When it comes to the Middle East, Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel and Saudi Arabia in the past. He is likely to double down on this, including by taking an even tougher line on Iran. This aligns well with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus current priorities. Advertisement Netanyahu seems determined to destroy Irans proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen and severely degrade Iranian capabilities. By dismissing his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, a critic of his conduct of the offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu has laid the ground for a continuation of the conflict there. It also prepares for a widening of the offensive in Lebanon and a potentially devastating strike against Iran in response to any further Iranian attack on Israel. Trumps election will embolden Netanyahu to act. And this in turn would also strengthen Trumps position towards Putin, who has come to depend on Iranian support for his war in Ukraine. Advertisement Trump could offer to restrain Netanyahu in the future as a bargaining chip with Putin in his gamble to secure a deal on Ukraine. While Ukraine and the Middle East are two areas in which change looms, relations with China will most likely be characterised more by continuity than by change. With Chinese relations being perhaps the key strategic foreign policy challenge for the US, the Biden administration continued many of the policies Trump adopted in his first term and Trump is likely to double down on them in a second term. A Trump White House is likely to increase import tariffs, and he has talked a great deal about using them to target China. But Trump is also just as likely to be open to pragmatic, transactional deals with Chinese president Xi Jinping. Just like in relations with his European allies in Nato, a serious question mark hangs over Trumps commitment to the defence of Taiwan and other treaty allies in Asia, including the Philippines, South Korea, and potentially Japan. Trump is at best lukewarm on US security guarantees. But as his on-and-off relationship with North Korea in his first term demonstrated, Trump is, at times, willing to push the envelope dangerously close to war. This happened in 2017 in response to a North Korean test of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The unpredictability of the regime in Pyongyang makes another close brush of this kind as likely as Trumps unpredictability makes it conceivable that he would accept a nuclear-armed North Korea as part of a broader deal with Russia, which has developed increasingly close relations with Kim Jong-uns regime. Doing so would give Trump additional leverage over China, which has been worried over growing ties between Russia and North Korea. Friends and foes alike are going to use the remaining months before Trump returns to the White House to try to improve their positions and get things done that would be more difficult to do once he is in office. An expectation of a Trump push for an end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East is likely to lead to an intensification of the fighting there to create what the different parties think might be a more acceptable status quo for them. This does not bode well for the humanitarian crises already brewing in both regions. Increasing tensions in and around the Korean peninsula are also conceivable. Pyongyang is likely to want to boost its credentials with yet more missile and potentially nuclear tests. A ratcheting-up of the fighting in Europe and the Middle East and of tensions in Asia is also likely to strain relations between the US and its allies in all three regions. In Europe, the fear is that Trump may make deals with Russia over the head of its EU and Nato allies and threaten them with abandonment. This would undermine the longevity of any Ukrainian (or broader European) deal with Moscow. The relatively dismal state of European defence capabilities and the diminishing credibility of the US nuclear umbrella would not but help to encourage Putin to push his imperial ambitions further once he has secured a deal with Trump. In the Middle East, Netanyahu would be completely unrestrained. And yet while some Arab regimes might cheer Israel striking Iran and Iranian proxies, they will worry about backlash over the plight of Palestinians. Without resolving this perennial issue, stability in the region, let alone peace, will be all but impossible. In Asia, the challenges are different. Here the problem is less US withdrawal and more an unpredictable and potentially unmanageable escalation. Under Trump, it is much more likely that the US and China will find it hard to escape the so-called Thucydides trap the inevitability of war between a dominant but declining power and its rising challenger. This then raises the question of whether US alliances in the region are safe in the long term or whether some of its partners, like Indonesia or India, will consider realigning themselves with China. At best, all of this spells greater uncertainty and instability not only after Trumps inauguration but also in the months until then. At worst, it will prove the undoing of Trumps self-proclaimed infallibility. But by the time he and his team come to realise that geopolitics is a more complicated affair than real estate, they may have ushered in the very chaos that they have accused Biden and Harris of. (The writer is Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham. This article was published on www.theconversation.com) Israels ambassador to India, Reuven Azar highlighted the significance of Indias vibrant market and its potential for growth, stating that India offers things that other markets dont. This sentiment was expressed during the boot camp on introducing AI to start-ups, a collaborative effort between Israel and India. Azar emphasized Indias large domestic market and its capability to access third markets, particularly in the US and Europe, making it an attractive destination for Israeli companies seeking to develop and commercialize technologies. Advertisement There is a huge interest in Israel in the Indian market for several reasons. First of all, because India is a very vibrant market and a very young market. Second, India offers things that other markets do not offer, such as a local domestic market that is very big, and also the capability to together access third markets, especially in the United States and Europe. So many Israeli companies are trying to cooperate to develop together technologies, also to commercialize technologies, make production here in India, and to market. And this is a very important effort for us as we try to grow our technological exports and technological prowess around the world, he said. Advertisement Azar said that Israeli companies have concentrated on introducing AI tools in different fields like health, education and environment to local start-ups. Well, in this boot camp (on introducing AI to start-ups) we have concentrated on introducing AI tools in different fields like health, education and environment to local startups that are trying to conquer markets in the world. This is a very important tool to introduce utilization of new technologies like AI and its part of the general effort we are making here in India to bring India and Israel to work together on advanced technologies, he said. Introducing AI to start-ups was the purpose of the boot camp organized by @TheCircleWork & @IsraelinIndia. For 3 days AI mentors from interacted with carefully selected star-ups in the fields of environment, healthcare &education. #AI4good is our purpose. Together we are making the world a better place! Thank you, Azar posted on X. Talking about Trumps victory and the effect it has had on Israel, especially after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it the biggest comeback, Azar said that Israel looked forward to engaging with the US and believed that India has a lot to offer for the region as well. Well, it is actually a quite significant political, you know, development in the United States. We know, the new Trump presidency very well. We know how it works. Were looking forward to engaging with them. I think that during the first Trump administration, a lot of achievements were, achieved in the Middle East, especially the Abraham Accords. We are looking forward to the expansion of that. First of all, we have to concentrate on finishing the war, finishing the job, and neutralizing the threats that we have against us in our region. And if you are successfully neutralizing those threats, I think it will lay the foundations for creating the stability and prosperity that we all want. And Im sure that India is going to be an essential part of it because it has a lot of things to offer to countries in our region, he said. Talking about the Gaza conflict, Azar said that Gaza will no longer be held hostage by Hamas. I dont think its important. I think that what we should concentrate on right now is making sure that Gaza will no longer be held hostage by Hamas, especially not the Palestinian population. They deserve a much more moderate and mature leadership that will engage with us in creating the stability that we need in our region, in negotiating peace, in giving the Palestinians a real chance to rule themselves with a government that will seek cooperation and not the destruction of our country, he said. On Indias role in West Asia, Azar said that Israel is working to continue efforts to resume projects to improve Europe-Asia connectivity. Well, we are continuing our dialogue with the Indian government. I think that we are all waiting for a situation in which we can re-engage in projects of connectivity between Asia and Europe in working together with governments in the region to lay the foundations for the logistic and economic infrastructure that we need to do more trade, cooperate more in technology, and advance solutions that solve day-to-day issues for normal people in the world, he said. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said that the military would not get involved in politics and was ready to carry out all lawful orders as the Pentagon was committed to an orderly transition to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. I totally believe that our leaders will continue to do the right thing no matter what, Austin said at a press conference in Miami. Advertisement Though he declined to speculate on what the Trump administration would do, the Defence Secretary said he had confidence in the leadership of the military. Advertisement In a memo to US troops that was sent out on Wednesday night and publicly released on Thursday, Austin added, The US military will also continue to stand apart from the political arena; to stand guard over our Republic with principle and professionalism; and to stand together with the valued allies and partners who deepen our security. I also believe that our Congress will continue to do the right things to support our military. Trump considered invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty troops to quell protests in 2020. Ahead of Trumps imminent return to the White House, Austin was asked about the possibility of the incoming Commander-in-Chief potentially issuing unlawful orders. The law is really well defined on what can be done and not be done using active-duty military, Austin said. Our leaders are well versed in those laws and we have the worlds greatest legal corps to assist us in making sure that we stay on track. In a message to the force sent one day after the election, Austin wrote the US military would obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command. Austin also said its up to the President to choose his own military leaders, with speculation swirling that Trump could fire Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General CQ Brown, who has repeatedly come under right-wing attack. These senior leaders will stay focused on the task at hand, and it is defending this country, taking care of our troops, succeeding through teamwork, Austin said. Americas friends and foes alike remain wary as they await Trumps return to office on January 20, wondering whether his second term will be filled with the kind of turbulence and unpredictability that characterised his first four years. Critics say that during his 2017-21 administration Trump openly flouted norms of behavior in open pursuit of political support among US troops, who are meant to be loyal to the US Constitution, not to any party, political movement, or leader. During his campaign, Trump talked about facing an enemy from within. You are the United States military the finest fighting force on Earth and you will continue to defend our country, our Constitution, and the rights of all of our citizens, Austin added. Job Title: Rural Development Advisor on Climate Smart Agriculture in the Coffee value chain Organization: GIZ Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About the Company: The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations on behalf of the German Government. Implemented by GIZ, the Global Fund to Promote Innovations in Agriculture and Nutrition (i4Ag) is part of Priority Area Transformation of the Agriculture and Food Systems. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), i4Ag promotes gender-sensitive and use-centered innovations. With co-financing from the European Union and the Dutch Government, i4Ag is financing the project Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) in Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Zambia, Peru, Cameroon, Vietnam, DRC and Uganda. Job Summary: GIZ Uganda is recruiting a Rural Development Advisor to support smallholder coffee farmers to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, implement climate-smart strategies and ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Key Duties and Responsibilities: The Rural Development Advisor will be responsible for: EUDR Compliance: Assist smallholder farmers and their organization in understanding and meeting the requirements of the EUDR, including registration processes and documentation. Capacity Building: Provide training and support to smallholder farmers in sustainable coffee cultivation practices, and climate-smart agriculture techniques, and agroforestry systems. Technical Assistance: Offer ongoing technical support in crop management, pest control, and soil health to optimize yields while minimizing environmental impact. Specific Tasks The Rural Development Advisor performs the following tasks: Knowledge and advisory services Support the development, translation into local languages and/ or dissemination of harmonised information on EUDR to smallholder farmers and their organisations. Support to EUDR awareness raising campaigns. Support the roll out of a common coffee traceability system ensuring compliance with EUDR. Strengthen smallholder farmers capacities to sustainable climate smart coffee production using existing training materials and resources; organize and facilitate training workshops and field demonstrations. Development or popularisation of procedures for smallholder farmers to access land use rights while paying special attention to female farmers. Supporting to train local government extension staff, smallholder farmers and their organisation on sustainable use of forest ecosystems. Partnership coordination Cooperate and maintain regular contact with relevant parties from local government, civil society, research institutes, private sector and international agencies. Participate and contribute to relevant processes, fora, events and meetings on the national and sub-national level. Support the planning and implementation of study tours, visiting delegations, exchange visits, missions and other official events as required. Contribute to integrated planning and implementation of activities with other GIZ projects starting with the Rural Development focal area. Project coordination Support to develop an adapted a Theory of Change, overall workplan and annual workplans. Support the preparation of terms of reference for service contracts or financing agreements in line with GIZ rules and regulations and supervise contracted third parties. Coordinate the implementation of project activities with members of the steering team, partners and contracted third parties. Provide monitoring data and contextual knowledge to contribute to reporting and public and internal communication. Organize internal and external events and meetings. Other Duties/Additional Tasks Perform other duties and tasks at the request of management. Advertisement Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Bachelors degree in Agriculture or a related field (preferably with a focus on sustainable supply chains and coffee production). A masters degree in a related field is an added advantage. Details of experience: 5years of professional experience in a comparable position. 5 years experience in providing advisory services on sustainability in agricultural supply chains to smallholder farmers Knowledge of the international discussion on sustainability in agricultural supply chains and forest preservation. Proven experience working in or in close cooperation with small-holder cooperatives and associations. Experience working for or in cooperation with the private sector in agricultural supply chains, particularly in the coffee sector Familiarity with the concept of due diligence, transparency and traceability in agricultural value chains Knowledge, skills and competences: Strong network with institutions working on agricultural commodities and forest protection. Ability to communicate complex topics to be understood by different audiences. Knowledge of GIZ instruments, procedures and (procurement) rules is considered an advantage. Pro-active attitude, flexibility and intercultural competence. How to Apply: Applications and CVs should be in one document and a maximum of 5 pages only and sent electronically, quoting the position and reference number. Please include name and contact of three references. One official reference from your current workplace is a MUST. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to the Head of Human Resources by email to [email protected] Deadline: 24th November 2024 by 11:59pm Please note: This is a national position. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Disclaimer: GIZ DOES NOT charge any kind of FEE(s) at whichever stage of the recruitment process. For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-11-08T04:52 Valid Through 2024-11-25T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization GIZ Uganda Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Tropical beaches, exotic plants and animals, and waterfalls are the perfect ingredients for a paradise vacation. Many tourists are attracted to modern islands with well-maintained infrastructure, while others are looking for quiet islands that are cut off from civilization. ADVERTISIMENT The rhythm of a noisy city often frustrates us, and people try to relax and retire while on vacation on an island. OBOZREVATEL has collected the most picturesque places on the planet that will give travelers an unforgettable experience and a wonderful vacation. Cousin Island, Seychelles archipelago The small island of Cousin is covered with dense tropical forests and covers an area of 27 hectares. There is no infrastructure on the territory. Travelers will have to adhere to strict rules as it is forbidden to organize picnics, light fires, and swim anywhere. Cousin is an island for ecotourism enthusiasts, and it is also home to a huge number of rare birds. The top of the mountain in the center of the island offers a beautiful view. ADVERTISIMENT Musha Cay, Bahamas The most magical place of the Bahamas is Musha Cay. Once it belonged to the illusionist David Copperfield, then it was bought by the US tycoon John Melk. The 60-hectare island is overgrown with dense jungle except for the sandy coastline. There is an elite hotel complex on Musha Cay for those who appreciate luxury vacations. This island is loved by world celebrities: Steve Martin and Oprah Winfrey have vacationed here. The well-developed infrastructure is adapted for water sports. The crystal clear water allows you to explore the underwater world to the fullest. In the Bahamas, you can see many waterfalls, rare plants and animals. ADVERTISIMENT Necker Island, USA The uninhabited Necker Island is hidden in the Pacific Ocean and is a delight for eco-tourism enthusiasts. Here you can see rare birds and monk seals. Among the Hawaiian islands, Necker is one of the most interesting. On the rocky coast, there are buildings and drawings of ancient people that scientists still can not decipher. Mnemba Island, Tanzania Not far from the well-known Zanzibar, there is a small and picturesque island of Mnemba. Near it is an incredible coral reef that attracts divers from all over the world. Nowadays, the area is privately owned, so ordinary tourists will not be able to get there, because a vacation on a fabulous island is very expensive. There is only one elite hotel on the territory, where 20 guests can live at the same time. Famous travel charts have called Mnemba Island the most romantic on the planet. When viewed from above, it resembles a heart framed by white sand. ADVERTISIMENT Mustique Island, Grenadines archipelago The island of Mustique is of volcanic origin. Its good location provides a wonderful warm climate - there are no strong storms here. There are three villages on the island of Mustique, where about 800 people live permanently, and they are engaged in the cultivation of fruit trees. Many years ago, the island was bought by the Scottish baron Colin Tennant, who ordered to preserve the original nature, not to build roads and tall buildings. Currently, there are only small villas and houses in the area that do not spoil the landscape. Turtle Island, Fiji archipelago ADVERTISIMENT Turtle Island is named so because it is home to a huge number of reptiles. Tourists come here to see rare animals. The flora on the island is also very diverse, with more than a thousand species of plants. There are 14 bungalows on the territory, offering beautiful views of the ocean and exotic flowers that envelop the entire coast. Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines The area of the private Palm Island is about 54 hectares. Tourists can spend their time in 20 luxury villas built using environmentally friendly materials. Under the palm trees, there are paradise recreation areas with furniture, and hammocks stretched between the planted trees. In an amazing corner of the planet, tourists will be able to enjoy the contemplation of magnificent landscapes, exotic birds and rare plants. My personal style is A blend of bold and minimal aesthetics, shaped by a deep appreciation for indigenous craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design. Often expressed through a tone-on-tone palette, Im drawn to artisanal clothing, statement jewellery, and accessories that add a unique touch. The silhouette is key for me I seek pieces with a relaxed fit that reflect the ease I value in my own creations, favouring versatile, non-conformist designs. While I lean towards the monochrome palette, I enjoy experimenting with styles, frequently adding androgynous elements for a distinctive look. My personal style icons: My Nani (maternal grandmother) Prabhjot Kaur who is an acclaimed poet and Padmashri; and my mum, artist Anupama Singh. Both are my ultimate style icons. I love their effortless approach, it is simple yet innovative, blending tradition with modern. Both were hugely artistic and dress so elegantly, embodying grace and a je ne sais quoi. Their love for saris and weaves is what led me to explore that in my craft and their love for statement fashion jewellery from Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel exposed me to the beauty of design from around the world at a young age. Urvashi Kaur's nani Prabhjot Kaur Kaur's mother and artist Anupama Singh An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: There are so many, but if I had to choose, it would be my Nanis Phulkari bagh that was passed down to my mom, and now to me. It holds so much sentiment and value not just because of its antique value, its beauty and intricate craftsmanship, but also because it is a reminder of our legacy, of who we are and where we come from. All the women in one village would come together to embroider the bagh and it would be then offered to the next bride in that village as a token of love from the entire community. And of course, my Rick Owens black pants. I wear them everywhere I go; theyre my go-to piece. Phulkari bagh, passed down to her by her nani My favourite souvenir from my travels is: A six-foot-tall metal and bone inlay pottery urn from Morroco. Something I picked up 15 years ago at the bazaars of Marrakech. It is so unique and grand, and commands such presence in my new home. It is a real marvel and the strength in its fragility is inspiring. The best gift I have received: Id say my children. They are truly the greatest gift from god. Among the other cherished gifts would be my mums paintings which adorn my home and my dad (former chief of the army staff General JJ Singh) autobiography A Soldiers General, they hold so much meaning for me and have such great life lessons and teachings. Subscriptions of Businessoffashion.com and MindValley.com that I gifted myself have been invaluable to me. Urvashi Kaur's children 'A Soldier's General', the autobiography of Kaur's father and former chief of the army staff General JJ Singh An artwork by Kaur's mother Anupama Singh The best gift I have given: One of the best gift Ive given was a flying lesson to my son Suveer on his 20th birthday. He got to fly a plane on his own with an instructor. It was an exhilarating experience that allowed him to step into something exciting and ew. I'm glad that I could help him achieve that sense of adventure and freedom through that experience. For my daughter Seerats 21st birthday, I gifted her a video that comprised of photos and wishes from her friends and teachers right from when she was in playschool as a brilliant memory of the impact she had on these people and how they shaped her life. The last thing I bought: It was something close to my hearttextiles that tell a story. I recently treated myself to a beautiful patchwork kantha stole from Weavers Studio, I also recently splurged on some beautifully handwoven jackets from Paiwand, made from waste materials. These contemporary pieces are perfect for the coming winter season, and theyre designed to be worn again and again for years to come. Kantha stole from Weavers Studio The last book I read: The Women I Could Be by Sangita Jogi, a thoughtful gift from a friend. I also recently read The War Works Hard by Dunya Mikhail, which I picked up on my summer trip to New York which is a poignant book of poems reflecting the impact of war from a refugees perspective. 'The War Works Hard' by Dunya Mikhail The last film I loved: The last films I absolutely loved were My Octopus Teacher, it is something that speaks of resilience, compassion and love every human must watch how, and Laapataa Ladies that is quite an incredible honest ale from India. My Spotify list would include these songs: Twist in my sobriety Tanita Tikaram Come away with me Norah Jones Yeh mera dewana pan hai by Susheela Raman Eye in the sky Allan Parson Project Havana Camilla Cabello Lost cause Billie Ellish Saansein Prateek Kuhad Aaj jane ki zid na karo Farida Khanum Woh jo hum mein by Abida Parveen Jhuki jhuki si Nazar Jagjit Singh Loosing my religion REM IDasht e tanhayi Meesha Safi Bibi sanem janem Zeb and Haniya La vie en rose Edith Piaf Bas tere karke by Wazir Parat My beauty/ wellness routine is: It's simple and holistic balanced home-cooked meals, skincare basics like a good face wash, serum, sunscreen and daily mindfulness through meditation and yoga. A session of Mindvalley in the morning is a must! I stay hydrated through the day and try to get a full-body massage every alternate day in the comfort of my home. My favourite holiday destination: Coming from a fauji (defence) background I dont have a single favourite holiday destinationas I am quite the nomad and just love exploring the world. For me, every trip is a chance to discover a new country and people. I love to collect: I love going to flea markets and concept stores to browse and collect antique and modern silver jewellery, artefacts, art and textiles. I also have a crazy collection of jackets. My fridge always has: Nimbu paani, eggs, fruits and French cheese - I absolutely love cheeseand wine, my favourite kind of alcohol. Its a bit of an unusual mix, but somehow, it just works for me. Minimalism or maximalism: Im drawn to minimalist aesthetics and am a minimalist at heart, yet Im a maximalist when it comes to experiencing life to the fullest. My home looks like: Its rooted in simplicity. Its a space that functions as a living respite and returns me to a sense of balance which gives me a deeper, profound experience of the present. It's quite eclectic with a modern interior, filled with natural light and adorned with artefacts art and books that reflect my journey and experiences. Each piece tells a story, creating a space that feels both personal and artful. Urvashi Kaur's home My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: It's something embodied by my brand, Urvashi Kaur, which offers modern, ageless, and seasonless clothing crafted from indigenous weaves and craft techniques that celebrate our heritage and identity. Our designs are functional, versatile, and rooted in mindful, slow fashion, freeing us from societal constructs and allowing us to feel authentically comfortable in our skin. My best ideas come when: My best ideas usually come to me in the early morning, just as Im waking up. Just this morning, for instance, I was watching a course on the mind, brain, and body. They showed how thoughts actually look in the brain, mapping them in a form that resembled a tree, with each branch symbolizing memories and the roots being the original experiences. This sparked an idea to translate that visual into a block print for my future collection capturing the essence of memories and experiences that are stored in our minds and body in a tangible way. The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: I'd love to use it for a one-way ticket to a new place with no return date set. Or maybe I'd invest in a beautifully crafted heritage textile or sari or an artefact. Maybe a ticket to the Savage Beauty exhibit at the V&A or a ticket to the Met Gala. My idea of happiness is: For me, happiness is found in the simple joys of life playing croquet or board games with friends and family, trekking through the mountains, spending time with my dogs, or dancing freely. Its all about those moments of connection, movement, and shared laughter. The central insurance watchdog of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), recently stepped up its efforts to bring more people under health insurance. With the goal of insurance for all by 2047, the IRDAIs latest norms hint at a more customer-centric approach, adding more clarity and inclusivity to the mix. From the start of the financial year in April 2024, IRDAI made some very crucial changes in rules governing health insurance, including the slashing of cancellation fees on certain plans. These changes came via various notifications from the regulator. While the rules came into effect earlier this year, the regulator gave insurance firms a transition time till the end of September to fully comply with the new rules that were released in March and May this year. This also included existing policies in force. So, if you are a health insurance policyholder, it would be beneficial to note the latest update to the rules. 1. Health insurance gets a no-claim bonus! If you drive an automobile, you would be familiar with the concept of a no-claim bonus in vehicle insurance. According to the new changes to the rules, there are two ways in which the insurance companies can provide you with a bonus, as long as you havent filed any claims for the year. They can offer the customer a choice for either a discounted premium for the upcoming year or an increase in the overall sum insured without changing the premium. 2. Cancelling a health insurance policy gives you a better refund If you are not happy with the current health insurance policy and want to cancel it, it is now easier than ever. Yes, this applies even if you have made a claim. According to the new regulations, if a customer provides the insurance company with a written notice of seven days, you will get a refund in accordance with the time remaining in the policy. For instance, if you paid Rs 50,000 for a policy and decided to cancel it after six months have passed, you will get half of itRs 25,000as a refund, provided you havent made any claims. IRDAI has also slashed the cancellation fees. ALSO READ | Who is Rishit Jhunjhunwala, the new CEO of Truecaller? 3. Higher scrutiny on claims but less paperwork for the customer The IRDAI has instructed the insurance companies to collect the relevant documents for each claim from the hospitals. On top of that, each claim will now go through a claims review committee by the insurance company for approval. If the claim is denied either fully or partially, the committee needs to give proper reasons and point to the exact documentation. 4. No more 'missing' important policy details and information All insurers need to display prominent information regarding health insurance. For instance, they need to display which hospitals and healthcare providers can provide cashless claim settlements, which ones are included in the network, and a clear set of details needed from the customer for reimbursement if claimed in hospitals outside the network, along with steps to follow for cashless claim settlements and reimbursements. They also need to provide clear information on the time period needed to service the claims and process the reimbursements. 5. Insurers will be slapped with fines if they go against the ombudsman The IRDAI increased the fines on insurance companies if they delay following an order from the ombudsman. If the insurer does not follow the order within 30 days, they also need to pay a penal interest in accordance with the Protection of policyholders regulations published in the Gazette. Most insurance companies have already updated their websites, as these rules have come into full effect since October began. Welcome to the world of Cannabidiol or CBD, derived from plants like Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica that we better know by names ranging from marijuana and hemp, or simply, by its variant, ganja. But CBD refers to the medicinal products derived from the plant. Administered as oils, tinctures or even as a neat capsule, CBD is a bonafide medicine whose popularity has been on the upswing in India in recent times so much so that that there are over 20 CBD-focused medicine manufacturers in the country, with top players like Bombay Hemp Company, Awshad and Indian Hemp Organics (IHO). With more people seeking natural remedies for conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia, demand for safe, effective CBD products is rising, said Richa, co-founder of Awshad. Richa ventured into cannabis-based medicines and pain relievers after witnessing the agony and struggle of her beloved pet dog Champ, as he went through a slow, agonising death due to cancer. Witnessing his pain inspired me to explore plant-based wellness, leading me to co-found Awshad with Shivam in 2021, Richa said. CBD is used for pain, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation, coming in various forms, ranging from full-spectrum of the tetrahydrocannabinol (the main psychotropic part of the cannabis plant), broad spectrum and isolate forms, the levels strictly regulated for medical formulations. Of course, lets put any mistaken notion of morality and civics to rest, right away. Cannabis and its various forms of psychoactive substances have been culturally and an intrinsic part of Indian history and social life for centuries, ranging from the mythologies down to lifestyles and festive observations. They were regulated only in the mid-1980s in the country with the draconian Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Prevention) Act 1985, commonly known as NDPS. The act came mainly after major pressure from the Reagan-era USA, which was then struggling under an influx of cocaine and other chemical drugs easily smuggled in from Latin America. More worryingly, such trade was also increasingly seen to be financing terrorism and the mafia in many parts of the world. While nations of the world cracked down, a natural Indian healer ended up as the big casualty. However, the CBD formulation we are talking about is completely legal, a Schedule E-1 drug that is regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH as well as state excise departments. The products are officially allowed on prescriptions and for therapeutic use only, with the cannabis sourced from government-approved farms in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, which are strictly regulated and monitored. The scope of medical cannabis in India is growing immensely as awareness of its therapeutic benefits expands with our efforts and other companies on educating customers, added Richa. In recent years, recreational cannabis, too, is getting legalised by an increasing number of countries, including Canada, Thailand, many states in the US as well as many countries in Europe. A discussion paper asking comments whether to legalise cannabis and the like is pending with the union government. An expert committee in Himachal Pradesh last year recommended that cannabis be legalised in the state, to generate revenue and create employment. Indian Ducati fans are in for a treat as the new V2-based motorcycles, which are both powerful and light on the bank, make their way to India. Over the past few days, the Indian website of the Italian superbike brand has undergone significant changes, headlining the new Panigale and Streetfighter. While Panigale is a racing model, Indian markets were awaiting the nimble and powerful naked models under the Streetfighter tag. Ducati has finally provided a much-needed update on its V2 motorcycles. The 2025 Streetfighter V2 and V2S are not your typical cant-afford-a-V4-so-here-we-are bikes. Earlier, V2s were getting the rap with many a rider opting for 208HP V4 over the 153HP V2carrying a hefty price tag of USD 18,000 (about Rs 15.1 lakhs). But the latest 2025 Streetfighter V2 with a 120HP-producing 890cc V2 V-twin engine will cost you just below USD 15,000 (around Rs 12.5 lakhs) according to their global page, widening its gap from the V4. And suddenly, the Streetfighter could be an attractive buy that will go to war against the likes of KTM Duke 990, Triumph Street Triple, and Yamaha MT-09. ALSO READ | EICMA 2024: Indias Royal Enfield goes all out at Milan The new Streetfighter V2S will now cost a bit more than the earlier V2, but it bears the Ducatis S brand, making it a top-shelf beast. Both V2 and V2S get a 5-inch TFT dashboard derived from the one you stop in their new Panigale V4. The India Ducati page has yet to update the price specs for the V2-based Streetfighters, but the V4 and V4S begin at ex-showroom tags of Rs 24.6 lakhs and Rs 27.8 lakhs, respectively. Indian buyers hope for a much more affordable price range, for these new V2s may have more takers. Stockholm-based Truecaller, known for its apps that help you verify and identify contacts, announced the appointment of Rishit Jhunjhunwala as its group CEO, effective January 9, 2025. Jhunjhunwala is the current Chief Product Officer and Managing Director of India operations. The posting comes after CEO Alan Mamedi and Chief Strategy Officer Nami Zarringhalam announced their decision to step down from their operational roles. The Stockholm exchange-listed company also rescheduled the publication of its interim report following the changes. I am very excited as well as honoured that the board along with Alan and Nami have appointed me as the CEO... Having worked closely with Alan and Nami since 2015, I know these are big shoes to fill, but I amconfident to continue tirelessly working towards getting us closer to our mission to make future communication more safe and secure, said Jhunjhunwala, the incoming CEO of Truecaller. India-born Swedish national Rishit Jhunjhulwala was born and raised in India. He moved to Sweden, joining Trucaller in 2015 and stayed till 2022. In between, he took on the role of the MD of Truecaller India and has held it since 2021. He is now a Swedish citizen. ALSO READ | Freshworks layoffs: 660 jobs cut amid widening losses, restructuring Jhunjhulwala currently looks after two of Truecallers major revenue-making arms, advertising and Truecaller for Business. Before joining Truecaller, Jhunjhulwala helped in founding Cloudmagic Inc, the Bengaluru and Florida-based company that operates Newton Mail. He also served as the Vice President of Strategic Programs at then-July Systems, which later got injected into the cloud platform, Cisco Spaces, after its acquisition in 2018. Back in 2000, the incoming Truecaller CEO also co-founded Verity Technologies, a valued-added-service startup in the Indian telecommunications space. The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, began at the Foreign Training Node, Pune in Maharashtra on Friday. Exercise AustraHind, an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Australia, will be held till November 21. The exercise aims to promote military cooperation between the two sides through the enhancement of interoperability in holding joint sub-conventional operations in a semi-urban environment in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. High degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills will be in focus during the exercise, which will be conducted in two phasescombat conditioning and tactical training phase and validation phase. READ MORE: From import to India-made: SIG Sauer's bold move to make rifles in India The drills that will be rehearsed include response to a terrorist action of capturing a defined territory; establishment of a joint operations centre; conduct of joint counter-terrorism operations like raid and search and destroy missions; securing of a helipad; employment of drones and counter-drone measures, among others. Exercise AustraHind will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations. The exercise will also facilitate developing bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both sides, the defence ministry said in a release. The Indian contingent will be represented mainly by a battalion of the Dogra Regiment and 14 personnel from the Indian Air Force, while the Australian Army contingent will be represented by the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade of 2nd Division. The last edition of the exercise was conducted in Australia in December 2023. Even as it is waging war against an adversary with a highly sophisticated weapon system, and a highly trained force, Hamas is relying on quantity rather than quality to continue its warfare. According to media reports, a large chunk of the arms of Hamas are of Russian, Chinese or Iranian origin. According to a military expert, North Korean weapons and those produced in former Warsaw Pact countries are also present in the arsenal of Hamas. Hamas has also been able to procure improvised rockets, small arms, mortars, anti-tank guided missiles, explosives, and shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. Philippines-based south Asian arms tracker and analyst Miguel Miranda said Hamas has a surplus of small arms and light weapons because of its own logistical efforts and Iran. READ MORE: Israel at war: US send 'big ugly fat fellows' to Middle East; 5 things to know about B-52 Stratofortress bombers Theres also an abundance of RPG-7s and their derivatives, such as the Chinese Type 69, thanks to Iran. Hamas propaganda has also shown they manufacture tandem warheads for their RPG-7s," he was quoted as saying. Short-range rockets named the Qassams, after after the Hamas armed wing, forms much of its arsenal. Besides, the militant outfit also has rockets based on Russian and Iranian designs. According to The Cipher Brief, the long-range rockets that Hamas possesses include M-75, R-160 rocket, also known as Khaibar-1 or M-302, J-80, which was developed in 2014. The Shahab suicide drone of Hamas can linger near the target and detonate on impact. The arsenal also includes AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, long-range sniper rifles, and Iranian-made rifle Sayyad. We have locally manufactured rockets, but the long-range ones came from abroad, originating from Iran, Syria and other sources through Egypt, late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was quoted as saying last year. It was the film, Baahubali, that catapulted SS Rajamouli to the national stage and beyond, and the ace director says that he has actor Suriya to thank for it. During a recent pre-release event for Suriya's highly anticipated film Kanguva in Hyderabad, which the filmmaker attended as the chief guest, he credited the Soorarai Pottru actor for inspiring him to make his films pan-Indian. At the event, to honour the chief guest, the organisers prepared a video tribute to Rajamouli and how he led the trend of pan-India film creation. When the director took the stage, he had this to say. They just played an AV that I began the pan-India trend and all. But let me tell you frankly. The main inspiration for me wanting to take Telugu cinema beyond AP and Telangana is Suriya. During Ghajini, Suriya would come here and promote his films. I would tell producers and actors that the way he grew close to the Telugu audience was a case study. That we must push films in other regions too, gain the love of the Tamil audience. Suriya, you are my inspiration for the pan-India film market, Rajamouli added. We were once supposed to work on a film together, but it didnt work out. Suriya mentioned somewhere that it was a missed opportunity for him. But its me who missed the opportunity to work with him; I regret it. I love him, his on-screen presence and his acting so much. I respect that he chose to go after a story rather than a filmmaker though, he said, referring to Suriya's decision to turn down an unspecified role in Baahubali, a decision which the actor had later come to regret. ALSO READ: Baahubali 3 confirmed? Here's what producer K.E. Gnanavel Raja said Suriya thanked the filmmaker for his kind words and how he is an inspiration to everyone in the Tamil film industry. Rajamouli garu has shown us a great path, and we are following in his footsteps. Kanguva cannot be compared to any of Rajamouli garus films, but we are inspired by his work. I once missed the opportunity to work with Rajamouli garu, and I am still waiting for that chance. Rajamouli's next project dubbed SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu, is set to begin in January 2025. Kanguva, directed by Siva, also stars Disha Patani, Bobby Deol, Aarash Shah and Yogi Babu. It is slated to release on November 14. The 1922 German horror film Nosferatu, Symphony of Terror has become a classic of the genre. The film, which was written by the legendary Bram Stoker, gave rise to the iconic image of a vampire rising from the coffin. No wonder it has been revisited regularly throughout the history of cinema. ADVERTISIMENT The newest attempt to revive the character by director Robert Eggers is due for release in Ukraine on January 2, 2025. According to Variety, the film may be a great success. Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgard play the main roles in the horror. They embodied a terrifying otherworldly creature and a woman who becomes the object of his lust. The film's cast also includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrine, Ralph Fiennes, Simon McBurney and Willem Dafoe. The director wrote the script for his version of Nosferatu himself. The film is due to be released in the US on Christmas Day, and its active promotional campaign is already underway. However, journalists who have already seen the new version of the horror call it nothing less than a knockout. And in a positive sense. ADVERTISIMENT The film is called the perfect remake of the classic, and Depp is predicted to receive at least nominations for prestigious awards for his performance. The humor of the new Nosferatu is characterized as "devilish". They also scare future viewers by saying that they will definitely start to be afraid of rats, even if they have always been calm about them. Eggers himself has admitted in interviews that the adaptation of his own vision of Nosferatu has always been a dream project for him. To pay tribute to the work of the 1922 film director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, he shot his version largely in black and white. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. With elections in Maharashtra around the corner, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, an NGO, examines the performance of the government on key health indicators. When speaking about the health budget as a percentage of the total state budget, Maharashtra fares poorly. At 4.2 per cent, the state ranks second from bottom among all other Indian statesthe desirable norm is 8 per cent. The state's per capita public health spending, is Rs 1,979, which makes it the sixth from bottom when compared with other states in India. Maharashtra is classified as a low spender, as its expenditure on public health is even lesser than the national average of Rs 2,342. Next, in terms of the number of vacant posts in public health and medical education departments, as per information given in High Court in early 2024, vacant posts in public health department were 17,244 and in medical education department were 15,164. These amounted to 37 per cent and 42 per cent of total posts being vacant respectively. Next is the scale of contractual appointments, and steps taken for regularisation of contractual workers. In this regard, there are over 31,000 contractual positions in NHM across the state. "Many staff have been working on contract since a decade or more. No contractual health workers have been regularised on priority basis in the last two years as per information," said Swati Rane of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan. Expansion of budget and staff in Nanded, Aurangabad and Nagpur medical college hospitals and increase in regular salary budgets for these each of hospitals is only 5 to 10 per cent, and there is zero increase in budget for medicines in any of these hospitals, as per data from JSA. Regarding the appointment of adequate specialist doctors in rural hospitals, it was found that of the 683 specialty medical cadre, only 266 are filled while 417, that is, 61 per cent posts, remain vacant as of today. Though Maharashtra has the highest urban population among Indian states, of 5.6 crores, in terms of urban public hospital beds, it stands at the 13th place among Indian states. With regards to Aapla Dawakhana clinics (ADs), currently 92 Aapla Dawakhana (AD) clinics are running in Mumbai, and 417 AD clinics are running in all other urban areas across the state. "Even if all ADs are functioning according to full capacity, they will cover only 10 per cent of outpatient care in the urban areas of Maharashtra besides Mumbai. So, while there is some visible coverage in Mumbai, there's patchy coverage with a low number of clinics in other major cities like Pune (20), Kolhapur (15), Aurangabad / Sambhaji Nagar (13)," says Rane. Experts feel that there should be a "drastic reduction" in the privatisation of public health assets and functions. As per JSA, outsourcing of state-wide ambulance services (est. value Rs 8,000 crore) and handing over several district hospitals to private players to run medical colleges in PPP mode, "is not acceptable". Functionality of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is the expansion of coverage to include above poverty line families, increase in number of hospitals and procedures covered through MJPJAY. This scheme now covers around 20 per cent of total estimated hospitalisation in the state. However, out of pocket spending by patients is high, along with many procedural obstacles and delays while seeking treatment under the scheme. Report by the JSA also mentions that anaemia among women has risen to 54 per cent as per the data in NFHS-5, and there is a need for multi-pronged efforts to bring down anaemia but there has been no evidence of such special efforts in the last two years. Large proportion of PHCs are not performing 24x7 deliveries, they refer these cases to higher facilities and there is a severe lack of the availability of sonography services for pregnant women in tribal areas, adds the report. In terms of the levels of child malnutrition, as per NFHS-5, Maharashtra has "very high" level of child malnutrition and as per the recent Poshan tracker figures (June 2024), the situation has not improved. Currently, Maharashtra reports second highest level of stunting (44.6 per cent) among all Indian states, as against the national average of 36.5 per cent. Despite such high levels of malnutrition, the budget for special nutrition programmes was reduced from Rs 4,367 crore (2023-24) to Rs 3,266 crore (2024-25), which is even lower than last years budget estimate, states JSA. "This government has no health policy for Maharashtras people, only a few schemes which lack sustainability and have minimal impact. There is a lack of any plan for health systems strengthening, despite COVID experience. An accelerated push for privatisation in the health sector is being seen under the present government. Frequent complaints of widespread corruption even by staff and officials within the public health department have come to our knowledge," says the JSA report. Two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were killed by militants in the forests of Mujila Dhar, Kishtwar in Jammu on Thursday night. The deceased were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, residents of Ohli, Kuntwara. According to reports, they were in the forest grazing cattle when they were taken away and shot dead. The Kashmir Tigers, a group believed to be linked with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), claimed responsibility for the killings and shared photos of the deceased. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and paid tribute to Ahmad and Kumar. No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members in Kishtwar. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits & avenge this barbaric act, Sinha posted on X. National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the killings, calling it a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, they said in a statement. The Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) in Kishtwar called for a bandh (shutdown) on Friday to protest the brutal killings and demand action against those responsible. Soon after news of the incident spread, the security forces launched an operation in the area to locate the bodies and track down the militants involved in the attack. The VDGs work in villages close to the Line of Control in Jammu, especially in Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, and Poonch. The government provides them with weapons, and they work in their respective areas against militant threats. They also participate in operations against militants and act as informers for the security forces. An FIR has been filed against Bengaluru South MP and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tejasvi Surya over a social media post allegedly linking a farmers suicide with ongoing wakf controversy in the state. The MP, in his now-deleted X post, had claimed that Rudrappa Channapppa Balikai, a farmer from Haveri, had taken his life after discovering that his land had been taken over by wakf. A farmer in Haveri commits suicide after finding his land is taken over by wakf. In their haste to appease minorities, CM and ministers (Zameer Ahmed Khan) have unleashed catastrophic effects in Karnataka that are becoming impossible to contain with every passing day, the MP tweeted. The Haveri CEN police station has booked the MP, who is also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita section 353(2) which deals with punishment for making, publishing or circulating statements intended to create or promote feelings of hatred, enmity or ill-will between different groups. The FIR has also named two editors of Kannada news e-portals for publishing the MPs false statement. Haveri SP, in a press statement, clarified that the farmer Rudrappa (24) had ended his life by consuming poison on January 6, 2022 owing to huge debt caused due to crop loss. The deceased farmer's father Channappa Balikai had clarified that his sons death was not linked to wakf and his late son had availed Rs 3 lakh loan from a bank and another Rs 4 lakh as hand loan, which he could not repay die to crop loss. A case was registered under section 174 of the CrPC in Adur police station. The aggrieved family has been given a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, informed the SP. Following the SPs clarification (which was also posted on social media), Surya thanked the police for the information and informed them that he had deleted the tweet and that he would not rely on the news agency that reported it. He also stated that given the rampant amount of wakf conversion notices to thousands of farmers across the state, one is easily led to believe such outcomes. However, the Haveri police filed the FIR based on the complaint by CPC Sunil Huchchannavar, who is part of the social media monitoring cell of the Haveri district police office. A furious Surya accused IT minister Priyank Kharge of indiscriminately filing cases against his political opponents and also contended that the deceased farmers father Channappa said he was an aggrieved farmer and had met the JPC chief on November 7, to give a memorandum. Interestingly, the deceased farmers father Channappa, speaking to reporters clarified that his son had indeed died after wakf staked claim to their ancestral land. I went to meet the JPC chief as my land ownership record, which had my fathers name till 1964 and later my name, was suddenly changed to wakf property in 2015. They changed the pahani (RTC), said Channappa, while speaking to reporters on November 8. Recalling the incident that led to his sons death, Channapa said, The authorities claimed that our land belonged to the wakf and destroyed the standing crops cotton and sugarcane in our field. My son was deeply distressed and disturbed over the turn of events and drank poison in our field. Channappa added, When I lost my son Rudrappa, I did not mention the wakf incident in the FIR and had just stated he committed suicide due to crop loss and debt. We also received compensation of Rs 5 lakh. For India, besides climate finance which is the central focus of this years Conference of Parties, energy transition, carbon market and electric vehicles will be focus areas. This years summit is being termed the Finance COP as it will focus heavily on securing a new climate finance target for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. India has so far played a key role in shaping global climate finance frameworks to address the urgent funding needed for both mitigation and adaptation efforts. At Baku, India will seek a New Collective Quantified Goal that is far ahead of the outdated $100 billion annual target set in 2009. India has repeatedly stated that developed countries need to provide at least $1 trillion of climate finance per year. The countrys stance going into COP29 will continue to focus on equitable finance for adaptation and mitigation, with a clear emphasis on accountability from developed nations. India is among the nations that support prioritising public, grant-based and concessional finance for all developing nations. It supports private finance in a supplementary role as a catalyst. Electric vehicles shall also focus on Indias list of concerns. This is a fast-growing segment in India, accounting for 6.42% of all the new vehicles sold. India recently became the worlds third largest three-wheeler market surpassing China, and accounts for 60% of global electric three-wheeler sales. India also ranks second behind China for sales of e-scooters 880,000 units in 2023, an increase of 40% year-over-year. ALSO READ | International Solar Alliance Assembly: India on target to achieve 500 GW renewable energy target Another focus will be Energy Transition which is at the core of Indias energy journey and is central to all its major energy plans. Whether it is fossil fuels, renewable energy or industrial decarbonisation, all policies focus on an efficient use of energy assets and low-carbon growth while ensuring energy security and independence. India has also taken a series of measures to encourage the development of the renewable energy (RE) ecosystem, including manufacturing capabilities. At the same time, it has taken steps to protect the Indian RE industry against cheap imports from China. In 2022, it imposed a custom duty on the import of solar panels from China. In September 2024, it imposed an anti-dumping duty on importing aluminium frames for solar panels originating or exported from China. India will also be vocal in calling multilateral development bank reforms to improve finance access for developing countries. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held its assembly session on Friday on the lawns of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after many of its legislators were either forced out or walked out in protest. They were demanding the withdrawal of a resolution on Jammu and Kashmir's special status. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma took on the role of Speaker in this parallel session, allowing members to speak out against the resolution. "The way our honourable members were forced out is nothing less than hooliganism. We had high expectations from the Speaker due to his experience, but the way we were treated was unfortunate," said BJP MLA Pavan Gupta. He criticised what happened in the House and added that people in Kashmir are happy now because of the peace that came after the removal of Article 370. "This is the real assembly; let's discuss public issues here," said BJP MLA RS Pathania, explaining the purpose of their alternative session. Other BJP MLAs shared similar views. Chander Prakash Ganga, another BJP MLA, described the legislators who brought posters into the House as "separatists." Earlier, a large group of BJP legislators was removed from the House when they tried to enter the well of the Assembly to push for a reversal of the special status resolution. Later, the BJP legislators walked out. Almost 12 BJP MLAs were removed after Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather instructed the marshals not to allow them back in. After the BJP leaders were removed by House marshals, the Assembly resumed business as members spoke on the vote of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor's address. In a 4:3 majority verdict, the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court overruled the 1967 verdict which took away Aligarh Muslim Universitys minority status. Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled that an institution will not lose its minority status just because it was incorporated as per statute passed by Parliament. A seven-member Constitution bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud delivered four separate verdicts in the case on Friday. While Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra gave majority verdicts, Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and S.C. Sharma pronounced separate dissenting judgments. Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice Chandrachud held an institution will not lose its minority status just because it was established under a statute passed by Parliament. Laying down guidelines to decide on an institutions minority status in the majority verdict, the chief justice said a three-member bench will decide on AMUs minority status based on the majority verdict. The majority verdict held that the Court must examine who established the University and who was the "brain" behind it, Live Law reported. If that enquiry is pointing towards minority community, then the institution can claim minority status as per Article 30. For this factual determination, the matter has been now relegated to the regular bench, the publication reported quoting the majority verdict. The apex court directed case papers to be placed before CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide the validity of the 2006 Allahabad HC verdict. A senior resident doctor of Jhargram Government Medical College & Hospital was found dead on Thursday. The victim, 29-year-old Dipro Bhattacharya, was a resident of Behala in Kolkata. He used to stay at a hotel in Jhargrams Ghoradhara. Dr Bhattacharya had returned to Ghoradhara from Kolkata on Thursday morning after a holiday break. However, his family members and colleagues were unable to reach him throughout the morning. Concerned, his wife contacted the hotel manager and a local friend of her husband. The hotel officials forced open his hotel room door, which was locked from inside, and found him deceased. Arijit Sinha, the Jhargram district police superintendent, said that two syringes were among the items found near him. Police discovered a WhatsApp message sent by Bhattacharya, an anaesthetist, to his wife in which he discussed his "personal, mental, professional, and family issues" in detail shortly before his death, Sinha told the media. Dr. Bhattacharya had sent another message to some WhatsApp groups, where he allegedly discussed issues of threat culture and corruption within the health sector. He even compared people who instil fear among all students to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar. Amid ongoing investigations into the RG Kar rape and murder case, his message sparked speculation that he may have been impacted by these issues personally. Some junior doctors, who are protesting in the aftermath of the RG Kar incident, have suggested he may have been killed. The police have declined to comment on the nature of death. We can only confirm the nature of his death after the post-mortem report arrives. We are investigating all the aspects of the death that have come up so far and we will be able to make comments after we find substantial evidence, Biplab Karmakar, officer in-charge of local Jhargram police station, told THE WEEK. Dr. Anurag Chatterjee, another senior resident anaesthetist at Jhargram Government Medical College & Hospital and Bhattacharyas best friend for 15 years and roommate in Jhargram, says Bhattacharya was struggling to cope with mental health challenges. There was no threat culture in our hospital. Its a very small and new institution. Also, Dipro was in a very happy and healthy marriage, Chatterjee told THE WEEK. The two did their schooling together before moving to Bankura Sammilani Medical College for their MBBS. They did their Doctor of Medicine (MD) from RG Kar. For the last two years, they were posted in Jhargram. Dr. Chatterjee says his friend was in a state of depression and the RG Kar incident had severely hurt him. All of us were affected but Dipro just could not cope up with it. He would always say how helpless he felt that he was not able to do anything about it. However, he is not sure if that was the only reason behind the death of Dr. Bhattacharya, the only son of his parents. He said, Almost everyone of our age suffers from some mental health issues. Its not that Dipro was depressed only after the RG Kar incident. Hopefully, the police investigation will reveal the truth. Months after Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin revoked the shocking plea deals that spared death penalty for three terrorists, a military judge has reinstated the agreement. One of them is 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The other two co-conspirators Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. The order was issued by Air Force Colonel and judge Matthew McCall in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This has sparked outrage from family members of the victims. Who is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed? Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is known as 'KSM', is considered one of the trusted lieutenants of Osama bin Laden. The trained engineer attended university in the USA and was captured in Pakistan in March 2003. In terror circles, KSM was known as mukhtar or 'the chosen one' or 'the brain'. He was also mocked as KFC for his love for fried chicken. Hailing from a Baluchistan family living in Kuwait, KSM joined the Muslim Brotherhood at 16. In 1983, he moved to the US where he was with Kuwait-based Arabs. In 1987, he went to Afghanistan to fight against the Soviet invasion. In 1992, he left for Bosnia and Herzegovina to fight against Serbs. He also financed 1993 World Trade Centre bombing carried out by his nephew Ramzi Youssef, killing six people. In 1995, his plot to blow up US flights as part of Operation Bojinka was foiled. Following this he plotted the September 11, 2001 attacks and carried out several other terror attacks before his arrest in 2003. DNA analysis has brought the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back to news. The researchers, with the help of modern science, have discovered that popular assumptions exist about the tragedy. The DNA results revealed that a 2000-year-old mummy, earlier assumed to belong to a woman, belonged to a man. Now, many argue that the bodies belonged to a same-sex couple and not two sisters or a mother and child. City of Pompeii When Mount Vesuvius erupted 2,000 years ago in 79 AD, the city of Pompeii was obliterated, killing its residents. Pompeii was covered in ash before being buried by several meters of lava. The world didn't know about Pompeii until it was rediscovered in the 1700s. Among the ruins, researchers also found human remains -- citizens of the lost city who didn't survive the volcanic eruption. Dozens of bodies were found preserved from the soot and ash that covered the streets, buildings and people. The soft tissue of the bodies had decayed over the millennia, but their outlines remained intact. Although the bodies got buried in mud and ash and eventually decomposed, the researchers managed to preserve their DNA samples by filling the cavities with plaster. 'The Two Maidens' and the new findings Among the dead bodies recovered were the bodies of two Pompeii residents who looked like in an embrace as doom arrived. The remains were given the 'The Two Maidens' as they appeared to be the bodies of two women. Alissa Mittnik from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany and her team are responsible for decoding the DNAs of the Pompeii victims. The researchers found out that at least one of the two maidens was a man! But how did they determine the sex of the 2000-year-old mummies? In the hope of determining the sex, and genetic relationships between the victims, Dr Mittnik's team extracted DNA from the fragmented skeletal remains, ITV said in a report. This led to the conclusion that 'The Two Maidens' may need another name, after all. The researchers also found that the two other bodies found inside the same building the maidens didn't belong to a mother and child. The way the smaller body was held by the other, it was assumed that the victim was a minor and his/her mother. However, the German team also found out that the adult holding the child was a man. In light of the new discovery, some have started arguing that 'The Two Maidens' could have been gay lovers. While there exists no evidence to support the claim, tabloids have started amplifying the claim. "The fact that they were lovers is a hypothesis that cannot be dismissed," Daily Mail quoted Massimo Osanna, superintendent of the Pompeii archaeological site, as saying. Homosexuality in ancient Rome 6th century BC frescoes in Lazio depicted men having sex while Ancient Greeks imported their same-sex relationsa form of civil education for young mento their colonies in South Italy. Ancient Romes social elite, mostly influenced by Greek models, also kept a pretty relaxed attitude towards same-sex encounters, a report said. "The civil freedoms of a Roman citizen allowed him to engage in such relations with any man lower in society than him, whilst demonstrating his virility and ability to conquer others. Young men specifically between the ages of 12 and 20 were seen as perfectly acceptable sexual partners for a Roman man, and to an extent, there was a cultural expectation for older Romans to seek these kinds of relationships," the University of Bermingham said in a report. New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) India needs to carefully navigate the US sanctions imposed on certain Indian entities to protect their business interests and can engage diplomatically with America and other international bodies to seek remedies, think tank GTRI said on Friday. To prevent future sanctions, India may plan to tighten export controls, offer clearer business guidelines, and ensure stricter compliance, it said. On October 30, the US State Department and the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals, including 19 Indian companies and two individuals, for allegedly supporting Russia's military activities in Ukraine. Then, on November 1, the US Department of Commerce added five Indian companies to its entity list for acquiring and redirecting US-made goods to Russias defence sector, it said. "While unilateral sanctions imposed by the US are controversial under international law, the practical reality is that countries like India must navigate these sanctions carefully to protect their business interests," Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in its report. It also said that India could bring the issue to the World Trade Organization (WTO) if the sanctions violate international trade rules or harm Indian businesses. The recent US sanctions highlight the importance for Indian businesses to follow both local and international trade regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive or dual-use goods. "Companies must stay vigilant to avoid inadvertently supporting sanctioned entities or countries," the think tank said. In India, the GTRI report said, the sanctioned companies were involved in exporting dual-use itemsproducts with both civilian and military applications. Some of these companies exported not only US-origin goods but also locally produced items that were later sent to Russian military sectors. U.S. sanctions also apply to companies diverting US-made items, increasing scrutiny on Indian exporters, it added. Srivastava said that India does not support unilateral sanctions outside of United Nations mandates, and its sanctions policy is focused on trade restrictions with specific countries, like Iran and North Korea. "India's response reflects its commitment to sovereignty while honouring international non-proliferation agreements, such as the UNSC Resolution 1540, enforced through its WMD (weapons of mass destruction) Act," he said. He added that it is crucial for businesses to have strong compliance programs and regularly check export control lists like India's SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) list and US BIS regulations. "Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences, including trade restrictions, frozen assets, and lost market access," he said adding that Indian companies should also monitor their supply chains, particularly in high-risk areas. Regularly reviewing the SCOMET list helps identify products that may face export restrictions. "Non-compliance could isolate businesses commercially, as US sanctions not only block transactions with US companies but can also discourage global partners that have ties to the US," the think tank said. It added that as India focuses on becoming a net exporter, particularly in defence exports, it is imperative that the businesses adopt the mantra of 'Knowledge, Training and Compliance' as the cost of non-compliance is "way too high" for businesses to ignore compliance. The Renault Clio compact hatchback is always popular. And soon the French automaker will give it a new impetus, as the next generation of the model will switch to hybrid engines. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the design of the car will undergo significant changes. New photos of the Clio, which is due to be released in the second half of 2025, were published by Autocar. The car was spotted on public roads during testing. Despite the camouflage, it is certain that the Renault Clio will have a more prominent nose, with a diamond-shaped grille pattern. It will also be equipped with two-tiered spoilers at the rear, which hints at the importance of aerodynamic performance. Inside, the Clio 2025 will be a completely new car, not a development of the current model introduced in 2019. However, it will most likely use the same CMF-B platform, borrowing developments from the Ampr Small architecture used for the Renault 5. ADVERTISIMENT Under the hood, you will find an advanced E-Tech hybrid powertrain with an atmospheric four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 143 hp and 204 N-m. This is set to become the only powertrain option, partly due to strict emission targets for fleets being implemented across the European Union. Starting next year, automakers in the EU will be required to achieve an average of 93.6 g/km of CO2, which is lower than the 95 g/km that currently applies. This is what encourages manufacturers to abandon powertrains that are not equipped with electric support, such as the turbocharged three-cylinder engine of the Clio TCe 90, due to their high carbon emissions. By the way, by 2030, emissions should be reduced even more to 49.5 g/km. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Kolkata, Nov 8 (PTI) Australian singing sensation Holly Riva is all set to captivate Kolkata on Saturday, as she performs at Nazrul Mancha to celebrate The Hope Foundations 25 years of service to underprivileged children, the organisers said. Known for her unique dark pop style and musical influences from icons like Billie Eilish and Dove Cameron, Holly has made a significant impact on the music scene. Her achievements include winning the prestigious USA John Lennon Songwriting Competition and being nominated for the Hollywood Independent Music Awards as the youngest attending nominee. Rivas music has been featured on popular shows such as 'Home and Away' and 'The Bachelor', as well as major networks like FOX TV and France 2. In early November, Holly kicked off her India and UK tour to launch her latest single on BBC TV. As part of this tour, she will perform in Kolkata on November 9. Holly, who has been performing for the foundations children since she was eight years old, has developed a deep connection to Kolkata, which she fondly considers "her second home". In a media interaction prior to the show, Holly shared that her journey as an artist is rooted in her commitment to using music to inspire and uplift others. Reflecting on her long-standing association with The Hope Foundation, she praised its work in supporting street children and said performing for them brings her immense joy. "Through my music, I will continue to spread a message of hope and unity across cultures, building bridges between my Hollywood roots and deep bonding with Kolkata," she signed off. Shengjin (Albania), Nov 8 (AP) An Italian navy ship docked Friday at the Albanian port of Shengjin with eight migrants who will be processed there after they were intercepted in international waters, a month after another group was turned away for failing the vetting process. It is only the second transfer of migrants since two migrant processing centres started operating in October under a deal sealed between Italy and Albania. The agreement allows up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by the Italian coast guard in international waters each month will be sheltered in Albania, and vetted for possible asylum in Italy or be sent back to their countries. Italy has agreed to welcome those migrants who are granted asylum, while those whose applications are rejected face deportation directly from Albania. The same Italian naval ship used on Friday transferred the first 16 migrants to Albania from Bangladesh and Egypt on October 16. Four were taken to Italy the same day because they were minors or had health issues. Twelve others were brought back to Italy three days later, following a ruling by Rome judges who rejected their detention because their countries of origin weren't safe enough for them to be sent back. The naval ship Libra, which can carry 200 people besides crew, left Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa on Wednesday with eight men on board, according to the Italian media. Italian Interior Ministry spokesperson Francesco Kamel had confirmed the Libra was heading to Albania, but declined to give out any further information until the operation was complete. He didn't say when it would arrive, nor how many people were on board. Eight migrants in black-and-purple sportswear were seen walking out of the ship, accompanied by Italian Carabinieri, police and other officials at the reception centre. After being screened there, they will be taken to the Gjader centre, about 22 kilometres to the east. The Italian media reported that out of 1,200 migrant arrivals on Lampedusa over the past two days, just eight male adults traveling without families met Albania's screening criteria, including that they come from countries deemed safe for repatriation. There is no clarification from the Italian Interior Ministry on the nationality of the migrants. Non-governmental organisations refer to them as coming from Bangladesh and Egypt. The number of people reaching Italy along the central Mediterranean migration route mainly from Bangladesh, Syria, Tunisia and Egypt has fallen by 60 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. As of November 7, according to the Italian Interior Ministry, 57,767 migrants have arrived by sea in 2024. A court ruling out of Rome had shortened the list of countries considered safe by law, meaning that Rome can repatriate migrants from those countries who didn't win asylum using a fast-track procedure. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni slammed the Rome court ruling, and said that deeming countries such as Bangladesh and Egypt unsafe means that virtually all migrants would be barred from the Albania programme, making it unworkable. On October 21, Italy's far-right government approved a new decree aimed at overcoming those judicial hurdles that risked derailing the contentious five-year migration deal with Albania, signed in 2023 by Meloni and her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama. The agreement to outsource the housing of asylum-seekers to a non-European Union member country, defended by Meloni as a new model to handle illegal migration, has been hailed by some countries which like Italy are experiencing a high level of migrant arrivals. There's still an extraordinary interest and some positive attention (on the Albanian migration deal) and there was also a bit of curiosity on this debate over safe countries, Meloni on Friday told reporters in Budapest during the European Political Community summit. Reading some court rulings, it looks that there are no safe countries at all ... that would compromise any possibility of managing or blocking mass illegal immigration, Meloni said. Visiting Albania in October, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen refused to give her opinion of the agreement, saying only that it was being closely monitored. Human rights groups and non-governmental organisations that are active in the Mediterranean have slammed the agreement as a dangerous precedent that conflicts with international laws. (AP) NPK NPK Rabat, Nov 8 (AP) Politicians and activists in Morocco are questioning limitations imposed on preachers regarding what they may say about war in West Asia during sermons. During a meeting at the country's parliament this week, socialist lawmaker Nabila Mounib bemoaned the way that imams were curtailed in how they can speak about the plight of Palestinians and call for religious struggle to support their cause. No imam can speak about the Palestinian issue, Mounib claimed on Tuesday. Today no one is demanding jihad for our brothers in Palestine. Since the Israel-Hamas war began 14 months ago, activists have similarly worried about limits place on sermons about Palestinians. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs in a statement last October said a document circulating on social media claiming to outline such limits was faked and highlighted Morocco's support for the Palestinian cause. In an interview with Moroccan newspaper Anfas Press on Friday, Mounib said she had intended to denounce efforts to prevent imams from preaching about Palestinians but had not said they should call for jihad from their pulpits. Jihad, which means struggle or effort in Arabic, can denote striving to live in accordance with the path of God, either through internally finding one's faith or externally fighting for Islamic principles like justice. However, it can be interpreted in more militant terms as holy war and has been used by some as a religious concept used to recruit volunteers to fight since the Soviet-Afghan war began in 1979. The debate centres on whether it should be allowed to invoke jihad in regard to the war between Israel and Hamas. Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq later denied Mounib's claim that preachers cannot broach the Israel-Hamas war but acknowledged and defended the prohibition on calls for jihad. Any imam who talks about barbarism and injustice and denounces them is welcome, but calling for jihad is something else, he said. Explaining the prohibition this week, Toufiq cautioned that there were different interpretations of jihad. Yet to some pro-Palestinian activists in Morocco, the limitations are less about jihad and more about the tensions between state and society that have simmered since the war began. Imams have a right to take a stand and, in Islam, even have a duty, said Ahmed Wehman of the Moroccan Observatory for Anti-Normalization told The Associated Press. The government has nothing to do with Moroccan public opinion. They do not represent Morocco and Moroccans. Morocco has one of the region's most historically significant Jewish communities and was one of four Arab states to normalize ties with Israel in 2020. But tens of thousands of protesters have regularly taken to the streets of its major cities throughout the 14-month war, protesting Israel's actions and demanding Morocco cut diplomatic ties. Protests have united socialists like Mounib with Islamists, including those from the Justice and Development Party and Al Adl Wal Ihsane, a banned but tolerated Islamist movement that doesn't participate in electoral politics. Some of its members have faced arrest and imprisonment for opining on social media about Morocco's ties with Israel amid the war. Many governments dictate what preachers can say from the pulpit in Muslim-majority countries, including Morocco, which has long worked to describe its brand of Islam to the world as a moderating force. Doing so is among authorities' strategies to curb extremism but can at times push believers to look for spiritual guidance outside the government-controlled religious sphere. Francesco Cavatorta, a political science professor at Universite Laval in Quebec, said countries like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Syria have historically exerted control over imams to control the narrative of religion and ensure sermons don't undermine national stability. In Morocco, he said, the regulation is part of an effort to be seen as a country that is a Muslim country but a tolerant country and a welcoming country. Morocco has this year suspended preachers who veer from directives. Its Ministry of Islamic Affairs publishes guidance for imams on Wednesdays, two days before Friday prayers. The content of sermons has in the past pitted the government against activists. In 2017, when anti-government protests were sweeping Morocco's North, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs directed preachers to reproach activists for promoting division among Muslims, the online news outlet Le Desk reported. Nasser Zefzafi, the country's most famous political prisoner, was arrested later that year after interrupting a sermon about the protests, shouting a question about whether mosques served God or the monarchy. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. Imams throughout the Middle East and North Africa have regularly referenced the war since October 2023, including in countries where the government oversees their sermons. The way to eliminate oppression and evil, no matter where it is in the world, is through the unity and solidarity of Muslims, Ali Erbas, the head of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, said in a Friday sermon delivered in Azerbaijan. When Muslims act together with the consciousness of brotherhood and the spirit of solidarity, all people will find peace." (AP) GRS GRS Washington, Nov 8 (AP) Donald Trump lavished Christopher Wray with praise when he named him FBI director in 2017, introducing him as an impeccably qualified individual and a model of integrity. So much has changed in the seven years since. With Trump poised to reclaim the White House, Wray's days as director are likely numbered. Though the director's job carries a 10-year term, Trump's blistering and repeated criticism of his own appointee throughout his time as president raises the likelihood that Trump would either replace Wray upon taking office or that Wray would leave on his own to avoid being fired. Such a move would give Trump a chance to reshape the FBI's leadership in his own image at a time when he's threatened to pursue his own political adversaries. He enjoys the work, he's committed to the bureau, he's an outstanding public servant but I don't think he's going to lobby for the job, Gregory Brower, a former FBI official who served as director of congressional affairs until 2018, said of Wray. "If the new president wants to replace him, then that's what the new president's going to do, he added. Based on what Trump has said in the past, I think it's likely we'll see that. Trump's transition office did not return an email seeking comment. An FBI official said Wray was continuing to lead the bureau on a day-to-day basis including visiting the FBI's election command post multiple times this week and was planning with his team to lead the bureau into the next year. The official, an executive who interacts with Wray on a day-to-day basis, was not authorised to discuss the details publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Trump hasn't spoken publicly about Wray in recent days but he's known to take a particularly keen interest in the FBI and Justice Department in part because his first term and post-presidency life were shadowed by investigations, including two that resulted in indictments now expected to wind down. The positions are being closely watched because whoever fills them may be confronted with Trump's stated desire to seek retribution against opponents, even though longstanding guardrails would complicate such plans, and because the FBI is facing more global threats than any time in recent memory. A recent Supreme Court opinion conferring broad immunity on former presidents could also embolden Trump to seek particular Justice Department investigations, something he tried to do in his first term. Wray was nominated in September 2017 to replace James Comey, the FBI director Trump inherited from President Barack Obama and then fired amid an investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign. A well-regarded Republican lawyer who served as a senior Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration, Wray was recommended to Trump by Chris Christie after representing the then-New Jersey governor in an investigation into the closing of the George Washington Bridge. In 2017, the president wanted an FBI director with bipartisan support and a reputation for integrity who would maintain a low public profile and defer to the Attorney General, said Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general at the time of Wray's appointment. It didn't take long for Wray to provoke Trump's ire. In 2018, he broke with Trump over the administration's declassification of information related to FBI surveillance of former campaign aide Carter Page. He later angered Trump's ire over congressional testimony that stressed the election interference threat from Russia at a time when Trump was focused on China. He also described antifa, an umbrella term for leftist militants, as an ideology rather than an organisation, contradicting Trump, who wants to designate it as a terror group. Wray's job was already in a precarious position at the time of Trump's 2020 election loss, with Trump declining before the election to give Wray a vote of confidence and his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posting online that Wray was working to protect corrupt Democrats. His view of FBI leadership soured even further in 2022 after agents searched his Florida home for classified documents, an action that resulted in an indictment on dozens of charges. This past summer, Trump faulted the FBI for not immediately confirming he'd been struck by a bullet during an assassination attempt and even took to social media to call on Wray to resign after the director vouched for President Joe Biden's mental acuity during a congressional hearing. Through it all, Wray has preached to the workforce a keep calm and tackle hard mantra, navigating the FBI through a politically turbulent time that in addition to Trump's criticism has also included stinging attacks from congressional Republicans over everything from Hunter Biden investigation to government surveillance. He has sought when possible to avoid conflict, trying over the years to appear responsive to congressional demands and determined to fix past missteps. Earlier in his tenure, for instance, he announced dozens of corrective steps following surveillance errors identified in the Trump-Russia investigation and was open about the FBI's shortcomings during that inquiry. I look not just at the one or two investigations being discussed breathlessly on social media or cable news but at the impact that we're having across the board to protect the American people, Wray said in an interview with The Associated Press last year. The normally mild-mannered director has also tried to defend his workforce from what he sees as illegitimate attacks, decrying as ludicrous the notion that the bureau was involved the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and calling it insane to suggest that he harboured anti-conservative bias. Replacing Wray before the end of his 10-year term, a tenure intended to keep the FBI free from the influence of presidential politics, would be a departure from the norm. Obama, for instance, not only kept Robert Mueller as FBI director but asked him to stay on for an extra two years even though Mueller was a Bush appointee. Trump initially kept Comey in the job but fired him in May 2017, saying he was thinking of this Russia thing referencing the Russia investigation. It's unclear who might be in line to replace Wray, but some of the candidates who were interviewed for the post after Comey's firing including Adam Lee, the former top agent in Richmond, and Bill Evanina, the US government's former top counterintelligence executive could again be considered. Frank Montoya, a former FBI senior official, said he was concerned that Trump was looking for someone willing to kiss the ring and adhere to his wishes. This is all about seizing control of the apparatus from the get-go, he said. (AP) GRS GRS Pune, Nov 8 (PTI) The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi included the Ladki Bahin Yojana of the Mahayuti government after the scheme became a hit with masses, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Friday. Addressing a poll rally in Shivajinagar here, the CM also said if the MVA government was not brought down in 2022, the state could have gone back by 10-15 years. The Uddhav Thackeray government fell in June 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion. He went on to become CM with the help of the BJP. "The MVA has stolen the schemes that we have implemented. For the first time, they have included our schemes in their manifesto. Their 'panchsutri (five point agenda) is nothing but 'thapa sutri" (false promises). The MVA opposed the Ladki Bahin Yojana, but when it became a hit with people, the opposition included it in their manifesto," the CM said. He said opposing a scheme and then copying it shows the double standards of the MVA, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). "The MVA has promised Rs 4000 to youth as unemployment stipend. But the Mahayuti has already started that scheme and is giving up to Rs 10,000. Maharashtra has seen the magic of double engine government as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is helping the state for various schemes," he said. Accusing the MVA of creating rifts based on caste, Shinde said the opposition had stalled development works in the state. Lockdown was their favourite subject, when even temples were closed, and people had to protest to ensure facilities were reopened, Shinde said. "The moment COVID cases rose in Japan, the MVA would enforce lockdown here," he said taunting the Thackeray dispensation. Informing that he had not held a single meeting on COVID as CM, Shinde said everyone saw the corruption during the pandemic under the MVA government. They indulged in corruption on body bags, jumbo hospitals etc, Shinde alleged. It is time to teach them a lesson, he told the gathering. Assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held on November 20, while results will be declared on November 23. Srinagar, Nov 8 (PTI) National Conference MLA Qaiser Jamshaid Lone on Friday said he wanted to become a militant after he was "tortured and humiliated" by an army officer during a crackdown when he was a teenager but a senior officer's action restored his faith in the system. The senior army officer spoke to him and then reprimanded the junior officer for his conduct, Lone said while participating in the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The incident showed how dialogue can resolve issues, the Lolab MLA said. "There was a crackdown in my area when I was a youngster. I must have been a student of the 10th standard. There were 32 youths, including me, who were singled out for questioning," he said. Lone claimed that he was asked by an army officer about a youth who had joined terrorist ranks. "I said yes I know him because he lived in our area. I was beaten up for that. Then he asked me if the terrorist was present in the crackdown. I replied in the negative and I was beaten up again," the ruling party MLA said. He said later a senior officer came to the spot and spoke to him. "He asked me 'what do you want to become in life?' I told him I want to be a militant. He asked me the reason and I told him about the torture I had gone through," the NC leader said. Lone said the senior officer rebuked his junior publicly, which reinstated his "faith in the system". He said that he later learnt that out of the 32 youths who were questioned, 27 joined the militancy. Chandigarh, Nov 8 (PTI) Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar chaired a comprehensive review meeting here on Friday to assess the progress of various central projects and flagship housing and urban development missions and schemes for Haryana. Khattar also separately chaired another meeting with the Chandigarh Administration here to review the progress on ongoing power and urban projects. In the Haryana meeting, State's Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij and Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel were also present. "We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive growth ensuring a prosperous future for Haryana," Khattar, who holds the portfolios of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Power, posted on X after the Haryana meeting in which senior state government officers were also present. According to a Haryana government statement, Khattar issued necessary directives to the concerned officials to ensure timely execution of various projects. The statement said key topics discussed in the meeting included urban development initiatives such as the PM e-Bus Sewa, Urban Transport, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Smart City initiative, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihood Mission, PM Svanidhi and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban. Emphasizing the importance of timely implementation of centrally sponsored projects, Khattar said it is the responsibility of the states to submit utilization certificates promptly to facilitate timely release of further funds from the Centre. Regarding the PM e-Bus Seva Project launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 16, 2023, he highlighted its goal in reducing pollution and to augment urban bus operation. The initiative plans to operate 10,000 air-conditioned electric buses nationwide, with a funding support of Rs 20,000 crore from the Central government, the statement said. In Haryana, 450 buses have been approved for seven cities: Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Rohtak, Panipat, Karnal, and Yamunanagar. The number of buses will be increased on a cluster basis to accommodate growing populations, he added. During the review of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, it was informed by the officials that 57 projects worth Rs 1,727.36 crore have been approved under AMRUT 2.0, with 48 projects focused on water supply and nine on sewerage management. During the meeting, there was also a suggestion to consider public listing for Haryana Power Discoms, which could serve as a model for other states, the statement said. The statement said Khattar is currently touring the states across the country to review central projects. On Thursday, he visited Himachal Pradesh to review and assess the urban development and power sector situation there, it said. After the meeting, Khattar said Haryana's power policy is being appreciated nationwide. Dedicated efforts by the state government to reduce line losses have yielded positive results, with line losses in Haryana dropping from 34 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent. Haryana's Power Discoms are now ranking A+, he said. Khattar said in the Haryana meeting, discussions were also held to address present and future power requirements and strengthening transmission lines. The minister said the Centre grants funds for the prepaid meter scheme, which will initially be implemented in the government offices and then gradually expanded based on its success. He said that discussions on solar energy have also been held during these meetings. Khattar said that as the availability of land in Haryana remains an issue for execution of solar energy projects, the state will look to advance rooftop solar policies. Each state has unique circumstances. The hydropower projects are suitable for Himachal Pradesh, while Haryana and Punjab are more reliant on thermal power plants, he said. The minister said that in cities where the metro services are already operational, expanding the metro network is a priority. Proposals have been received for metro systems in cities like Ambala, Ambala Cantonment, Yamunanagar and Jagadhri, which will be considered. Additionally, 450 new buses will be added under the PM e-Bus Service to strengthen urban transport, he said. Khattar also said that directions have been issued to expedite the cleanliness campaign in Haryana. Under the Swachh Bharat 2.0 Project, solid waste management and waste disposal are being reviewed. Waste disposal plants are being established. An MoU with the NTPC has been signed to set up a plant to produce charcoal from waste in Faridabad, he said. Khattar commended the Haryana government for its significant efforts in reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and strengthening the power distribution system over the past decade. He praised the state's "Mhara Gaon Jagmag Gaon" scheme, which aims to provide 24-hour electricity to villages. Khattar highlighted that the initiative has received widespread appreciation across the country for its effectiveness and impact. The minister also reviewed progress of various infrastructure works of Discoms, fund utilization, smart metering and other financial parameters and gave necessary directions to the concerned officers. It was informed by the officials in the meeting that Haryana Discoms successfully met a peak electricity demand of 14,662 megawatt during the current financial year, from April 2024 to September 2024. In comparison, the peak demand during the previous financial year (2023-24) was 13,088 MW. Meanwhile, during the meeting with the Chandigarh Administration officials, Khattar mentioned that the Union Territory being a city area should further strive to improve its AT&C losses as the city still has lot of scope to improve. This would require that all government buildings are brought on pre-paid smart meters, he said. The minister also said that UT should install roof top solar on all government buildings on priority. Ludhiana, Nov 8 (PTI) A shopkeeper was shot at and injured after being allegedly attacked by some people here on Friday, with police claiming that a person known to the victim's in-laws harboured enmity towards him, leading to the incident. Ludhiana's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jaskaran Singh Teja said three to four people, including one identified as Rishabh Benipal, arrived at the shop and shot at its owner Prinkle. The shopkeeper was admitted to hospital with multiple bullet injuries, he said. According to the police, Prinkle told them that Benipal harboured enmity towards him and also held some members of his in-laws' family responsible for the attack. The DCP said the victim stated that he had a love marriage recently, but his wife's family was against it. The victim claimed that his in-laws wanted his wife to tie the knot with Benipal. Over the past few days, Prinkle and his in-laws' were hurling abuses at each other over the phone and video chats, the DCP said. "We have recorded his statement and filed a case based on his complaint. CCTV footage from the spot is also being examined," he said. A woman present at the shop also sustained injury, police said, adding further investigations were underway. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. If you want to spend an unforgettable white Christmas in a real winter wonderland, choose the Swedish city of Kiruna, which offers the perfect conditions for a festive vacation. It will enchant you with snowy landscapes and the opportunity to see the northern lights. ADVERTISIMENT This remote town in the north of Sweden boasts a 70% chance of snow at Christmas, making it a unique destination for holiday adventures. And although not all tourists know about this city, it is definitely worth a visit, Mirror assures. A remote town with a rich history Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden, founded in the early 20th century, known for its iron ore mine. It is so large that the entire city is gradually shifting to the east because of its operation, and locals are watching the construction of new buildings in the city. This process also attracts tourists, who can see how the face of Kiruna changes over the years. ADVERTISIMENT Enchanted pastel houses and a wooden church Kiruna will surprise you not only with its natural beauty, but also with its architecture. Walking around the town, you can see charming pastel-colored houses and the famous wooden church built in 1912. The church looks like a traditional Sami tent, which adds a special authenticity to the city and reminds us of local history. Experience Sami culture Kiruna is the center of the Sami culture, an indigenous people of Sweden. It is home to Nutti Sami Siida, a travel company founded in 1996 that offers visitors a glimpse into Sami traditions. Travelers can see the life of Sami families, learn about their culture and even take part in reindeer sleigh rides the perfect winter adventure. ADVERTISIMENT Snow and darkness create a fairy-tale atmosphere One of the peculiarities of Kiruna is the short days in winter. In December, the sun sets here around 14:30, which makes the day very short. However, this allows travelers to enjoy the starry sky longer and have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, one of the most impressive natural phenomena. How to get to Kiruna The best way to get to Kiruna is by air: First fly to Stockholm and then catch one of the local flights. Alternatively, you can take a train from Stockholm, which, although it takes longer (about 16 hours), gives you the opportunity to admire the winter landscapes of Sweden. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. A Texas appeals court ordered a new trial Wednesday for a Jewish man on death row who was part of a gang of prisoners that fatally shot a police officer in 2000 after escaping because of antisemitic bias by the judge who presided over his case. Lawyers for Randy Halprin have contended that former Judge Vickers Cunningham in Dallas used racial slurs and antisemitic language to refer to him and some of his co-defendants. Halprin, 47, was among the group of inmates known as the Texas 7, who escaped from a South Texas prison in December 2000 and then committed numerous robberies, including the one in which they shot 29-year-old Irving police officer Aubrey Hawkins 11 times, killing him. By a vote of 6-3, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ordered that Halprins conviction be overturned and that he be given a new trial after concluding that Cunningham was biased against him at the time of his trial because he is Jewish. The appeals court found evidence showed that during his life, Cunningham repeated unsupported antisemitic narratives. When Cunningham became a judge, he continued to use derogatory language about Jewish people outside the courtroom with great hatred, (and) disgust and increasing intensity as the years passed, the court said. It also said that during Halprins trial, Cunningham made offensive antisemitic remarks outside the courtroom about Halprin in particular and Jews in general. The uncontradicted evidence supports a finding that Cunningham formed an opinion about Halprin that derived from an extrajudicial factor Cunninghams poisonous antisemitism, the appeals court wrote in its ruling. The court previously halted Halprins execution in 2019. Today, the Court of Criminal Appeals took a step towards broader trust in the criminal law by throwing out a hopelessly tainted death judgment handed down by a bigoted and biased judge, Tivon Schardl, one of Halprins attorneys, said in a statement. It also reminded Texans that religious bigotry has no place in our courts. The order for a new trial came after state District Judge Lela Mays in Dallas said in a December 2022 ruling that Cunningham did not or could not curb the influence of his antisemitic bias in his judicial decision-making during the trial. Mays wrote that Cunningham used racist, homophobic and antisemitic slurs to refer to Halprin and the other escaped inmates. Cunningham stepped down from the bench in 2005 and is now an attorney in private practice in Dallas. His office said Wednesday that he would not be commenting on Halprins case. Cunningham previously denied allegations of bigotry after telling the Dallas Morning News in 2018 that he has a living trust that rewards his children for marrying straight, white Christians. He had opposed interracial marriages but later told the newspaper that his views evolved. The Tarrant County District Attorneys Office was appointed to handle legal issues related to Halprins allegations after the Dallas County District Attorneys Office, which prosecuted the case, was disqualified. In September 2022, Tarrant County prosecutors filed court documents in which they said Halprin should get a new trial because Cunningham showed actual bias against him. Of the seven inmates who escaped, one killed himself before the group was arrested. Four have been executed. Another, Patrick Murphy, awaits execution. (AP) After Germanys government coalition collapsed in a dramatic fashion when Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democrats, Scholz said he would lead the country with a minority government, despite calls from opposition leaders on Thursday for early elections. The chancellor said the minority government would be made up of his Social Democrats and the Greens until early next year even as the leader of the biggest opposition bloc in parliament, Friedrich Merz from the center-right Christian Democrats, called for an immediate no-confidence vote and new elections. Scholz stressed again on Thursday, that he does not want to call a vote of confidence before Jan. 15. The citizens will soon have the opportunity to decide anew how to proceed, the chancellor said, according to the German news agency dpa. That is their right. I will therefore put the vote of confidence to the Bundestag at the beginning of next year. A meeting with Merz and Scholz at the chancellery around noontime Thursday about a possible date for the next election ended after less than an hour with Merz leaving without commenting on the talks. Later on Thursday, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave fired Finance Minister Lindner and two other Free Democrats officials who had resigned Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann their certificates of dismissal. Transport Minister Volker Wissing, who is also with the Free Democrats, said that after talks with Scholz, he had decided to stay in office and instead leave the party. Scholz asked him to add the justice ministry to his portfolio. Steinmeier also appointed Jorg Kukies, an economic adviser to Scholz, as finance minister. Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir from the Greens agreed to take on the research ministry. Scholz had announced late Wednesday that he would seek a vote of confidence on Jan. 15 that he said might lead to an early election, perhaps as soon as March. The vote had otherwise been due next September. After firing his finance minister, the chancellor had accused Lindner of breaching his trust and publicly calling for a fundamentally different economic policy, including what Scholz said would be tax cuts worth billions for a few top earners while at the same time cutting pensions for all retirees. That is not decent, Scholz said. The chancellor hopes that his minority government Scholzs left-leaning Social Democrats with the remaining coalition partner, the environmentalist Greens will get the support from Merzs Christian Democrats in parliament in the coming weeks, to pass important legislation and plugging the billion-euro hole in the 2025 budget. However, Merz on Thursday vehemently rejected Scholzs plan to wait to hold a vote of confidence until January. The coalition no longer has a majority in the German Bundestag, and we therefore call on the chancellor to call a vote of confidence immediately, or at the latest by the beginning of next week, Merz said. We simply cannot afford to have a government without a majority in Germany for several months now, and then campaign for several more months, and then possibly conduct coalition negotiations for several weeks, Merz added. Since Scholzs government doesnt have a majority in parliament any longer, he would likely lose the vote. In that scenario, Germanys president could dissolve parliament within 21 days and an early election could then be held as soon as January. During these 21 days, we will have enough time to find out whether there are any issues that we may have to decide on together, Merz said, offering his partys cooperation with the minority government. We are, of course, prepared to hold talks we are also prepared to take responsibility for our country. Achim Wambach from the Leibniz Center for European Economic Research cast doubt that a prolonged period with a minority government would help Germanys economy get back on track. Germanys problems are too big to tolerate political gridlock, the analyst said. The government set out to reconcile the transformation towards climate neutrality with economic growth and social security, Wambach added. It has not lived up to this claim. The economy is stagnating and investments are failing to materialize. This daunting task was compounded by geo-economic tensions: wars in Europe and the Middle East as well as economically damaging interventions through tariffs and national subsidy policies, he added. The election of Donald Trump has exacerbated these problems. Europe must do more for its security and will have to reckon with increased tariffs. The collapse of the coalition came after weeks of disputes among the coalition partners over ways to boost the countrys ailing economy. Lindners pro-business Free Democrats had rejected tax increases or changes to Germanys strict self-imposed limits on running up debt. Scholzs Social Democrats and the Greens wanted to see major state investment and rejected the Free Democrats proposals to cut welfare programs. (AP) Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, on Thursday called for lawmakers to convene a special session later this year to safeguard the states progressive policies on climate change, reproductive rights and immigration ahead of another Trump presidency. The move a day after the former president resoundingly defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race effectively reignited Californias resistance campaign against conservative policies that state Democratic leaders started during the first Trump administration. The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle, Newsom, who has ambitions on the national stage, said in a statement. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared to fight in the courts, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive. Newsom and lawmakers say theyre ready to Trump-proof Californias state laws. His announcement Thursday called on the Legislature to give the attorney generals office more funding to fight federal challenges when they meet in December. Californias move is part of a growing discussion among Democratic state officials seeking to protect policies that face threats under Trumps leadership. Other blue states are also moving quickly to prepare game plans for another Trump presidency and expect a fiercer battle this time around with a Republican-dominated Senate and possibly House. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James said senior staffers plan to meet regularly to coordinate legal strategies. Our team will do whatever we have to do to identify any possible threats to these rights that we hold dear in the State of New York and protect New Yorkers, Hochul said at a news conference Wednesday. Hochul said she has created a task force focused on developing policy responses to key areas that are most likely to face threats from the Trump administration such as reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, labor rights, LGBTQ rights and our environmental justice. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who as state attorney general filed dozens of lawsuits against Trump during his first term, said they will have to see if he makes good on what he promised and ran on in terms of Project 2025 or other things. Attorney General Andrea Campbell said she and other attorneys general are absolutely cleareyed that president-elect Trump has told us exactly what he intends to do as president. After Trumps win, Newsom vowed to work with the president-elect but added, Let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law. California was home to the so-called Trump resistance during his time in office, and Trump often depicts California as representing all he sees wrong in America. Trump called the Democratic governor New-scum during a campaign stop in Southern California last month and has relentlessly lambasted the Democratic stronghold and nations most populous state over its large number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, its homeless population and its thicket of regulations. Trump also waded into a water rights battle over the endangered delta smelt that has pitted environmentalists against farmers and threatened to withhold federal aid to a state increasingly under threat from wildfires. In a speech Wednesday morning, Trump vowed to follow through with his campaign promise of carrying out the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status and prosecuting his political enemies. Newsom and Democratic lawmakers said they are acting now to shield the states policies that have made it a leader in the nation. We learned a lot about former President Trump in his first term hes petty, vindictive, and will do what it takes to get his way no matter how dangerous the policy may be, state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire said in a statement. California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America. Newsom has called California a sanctuary for people in other states seeking abortions. The state has passed dozens of laws to protect abortion access, including setting aside $20 million in taxpayer money to help pay for patients in other states to travel to California to get an abortion. Newsom also leads a coalition of 20 Democratic governors launched in 2023 to strengthen abortion access. The state was also the first to mandate that all new cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in California be electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids by 2035 and give state regulators the power to penalize oil companies for making too much money. California also extends state-funded health care to all low-income residents regardless of their immigration status. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office spent the past year reviewing more than 120 lawsuits the state filed during Trumps first term in preparation of new federal actions. With Trumps White House win and Californias assumed role in leading the renewed resistance movement, Newsom also is bound to be elevated onto the short list of any presidential consideration for 2028, Sonoma State University political science professor David McCuan said. The governor, who wont be eligible to run for governor again when his term ends in 2027, will have the next two years to prove himself as an effective GOP antidote while maintaining a working relationship with the president-elect. He wants to be seen as a political revivalist, and so that puts him front and center, McCuan said. (AP) Caroline Ellison, a former top executive in Sam Bankman-Fried s fallen FTX cryptocurrency empire, began her two-year prison sentence Thursday for her role in a fraud that cost investors, lenders and customers billions of dollars. Ellison, 30, reported to the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. She had pleaded guilty and testified extensively against Bankman-Fried, her former boyfriend, before he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Ellison could have faced decades in prison herself, but both the judge and prosecutors said she deserved credit for her cooperation. At her sentencing hearing in New York in September, she tearfully apologized and said she was deeply ashamed. Ellison was chief executive at Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency hedge fund controlled by Bankman-Fried. FTX was one of the worlds most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its Superbowl TV ad and its extensive lobbying campaign in Washington, before it collapsed in 2022. U.S. prosecutors accused Bankman-Fried and other top executives of looting customer accounts on the exchange to make risky investments, make millions of dollars of illegal political donations, bribe Chinese officials and buy luxury real estate in the Caribbean. (AP) A pro-Palestinian protest is set to take place tonight, November 7, at 6:30 p.m., in front of a Bergenfield, NJ home. Social media posts indicate that the protest is directed against a private event in the residence, where attendees will discuss real estate opportunities in Jerusalem. Local community members are encouraged to gather at 102 Spring Ave., Bergenfield, starting at 6 p.m., to show support and prevent protestors from nearing the home where the event will be held. Participants are urged to bring flags and avoid interacting with the pro-Palestinian protestors. Police and CSS will be present to ensure safety. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a tight Pennsylvania Senate race, Republican David McCormick has emerged victorious over incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, flipping a crucial seat for the GOP. The Associated Press called the closely contested race on Thursday, adding to Republican gains in the Senate, where the GOP now holds a 53-seat majority. McCormicks win is the fourth Senate seat flipped by Republicans in this election cycle, a development that could greatly benefit Donald Trump when he retakes the White House in January. Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto commented on the implications of McCormicks victory, noting that a Republican-controlled Senate could ease the path for conservative Supreme Court nominations and other legislative priorities favored by Trump and the GOP. David McCormick in Pennsylvania has just flipped Bob Caseys seat. He is out. That means 53 Republicans will control the United States Senate, Cavuto announced on Fox News. It is looking like a Senate that will be not only very much helpful to Donald Trump but even more so than many people thought. As of Thursday, two Senate races remained uncalled in Nevada and Arizona, but the GOP majority in the Senate is secure. Nevadas Democratic incumbent, Senator Jacky Rosen, was declared the winner by the Decision Desk HQ, though other major networks, including Fox News, had yet to confirm. In Arizona, Democrat Ruben Gallego is holding onto his lead over Republican Kari Lake, but with many votes still to be counted. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives appears to be leaning toward a Republican majority as well, with the GOP optimistic about retaining control. Fox News correspondent Chad Pergram reported that the House GOP could secure a majority similar to its current standing, possibly reaching 221 seats. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) by Rabbi Yair Hoffman We are a blessed generation that we have a remarkable gadol in our midst in Rav Yeruchem Olshin shlita. What follows is a restatement of the Vaad he has given on this weeks Parsha in a simpler English with guided headings to facilitate greater readability and comprehension. I mostly used the ENglish names of things so as to help those not-so-familiar with the language of Divrei Torah. If there is any public interest in this please email me at [email protected]. Have a great Shabbos, yh INTRODUCTION: ABRAHAMS FIRST DIVINE REVELATION AND THE PROMISE OF LAND At the beginning of this weeks Torah portion, the text tells us: And Hashem appeared to Abram and said, To your children I will give this land. And he built an altar there to Hashem who had appeared to him. RASHIS INTERPRETATION OF ABRAHAMS ALTAR Rashi explains that at that moment, the Creator was giving Abraham two incredible pieces of news: That he would finally have children That his children would be given the Land of Israel According to Rashi, it was in recognition and gratitude for these two pieces of news that Abraham built an altar. OR HACHAIMS ALTERNATIVE INTERPRETATION However, the Or HaChaim gives an entirely different explanation for the altar that Abraham built. According to the Or HaChaim, this verse reveals the incredible love that Abraham had for the Creator. Here, Hashem had appeared to him and given him the amazing news that he would finally have children, and those children would be given the Land of Israel. Yet, that wasnt his reason for building the altar. The altar was built as a show of gratitude and joy that he had merited to experience divine revelation. ABRAHAMS PRIORITIZATION OF DIVINE REVELATION The Or HaChaim explains that in Abrahams eyes, compared to the merit of experiencing divine revelation, those two incredible pieces of news were worth nothing at all. Consider this: For decades upon decades, Abraham had waited for and begged for a child. Pleading with the Creator, he had said, What will You give me, as I go childless? The pain was unbearable. And now, finally, Hashem appears to him and tells him that he will have children and a land of his own. Yet, that isnt what causes him to build an altar. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DIVINE REVELATION While he was, of course, thankful and joyful about those two pieces of news, in comparison to the merit of experiencing divine revelation, they were insignificant. So, he builds an altar for one reason only to Hashem who had appeared to him in recognition of and gratitude for the fact that he had merited to experience divine revelation. In his eyes, there could have been no greater reason for joy. THE PSALMS CONNECTION This altar demonstrated the verse in Psalms 16: The fullness of joy is in Your presence. The altar was Abrahams expression that no joy could possibly be greater than the merit of experiencing divine revelation. BAAL HATURIMS INTERPRETATION AND JOSEPHS CONCERN However, the Baal HaTurim gives an entirely different, incredible explanation. Tivaresh, says the Baal HaTurim, means lest you become impoverished in your learning. Joseph was therefore telling Jacob, It is better for you to come here, even though it means leaving the Holy Land, lest you become weak in your Torah study, because due to the famine you will be unable to learn properly there (in the Land of Israel)! THE PRIMACY OF TORAH STUDY Imagine! Of all the horrors that famine could bring, Joseph knew that his fathers primary concern would be pen tivaresh that if he were hungry, he wouldnt be able to study properly. MESILLAT YESHARIMS TEACHING ON PERFECTION This sole concern of both Jacob and Joseph was, of course, an expression of what weve quoted many times from the Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just). In Chapter 4, he writes that those who are complete in knowledge realize that the only thing truly worth desiring and striving for is perfection in divine service. In fact, he continues, there is nothing worse than lacking perfection and being distant from it. Later, he similarly refers to lacking in perfection as a great trouble and abundant evil. UNDERSTANDING JOSEPHS CONCERN FOR JACOB With these words, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) is teaching us that for those who have the proper perspective in divine service, being lacking in perfection is an extremely painful existence. There is simply nothing worse. JOSEPHS UNDERSTANDING OF JACOBS PRIORITIES With this understanding, we can truly comprehend the concern Joseph was expressing. Joseph understood that for those complete in knowledge, like Jacob, there is nothing worse than lacking perfection and being distant from it. RABBI BARUCH BERS STORY In fact, this reminds me of a story about Rabbi Baruch Ber. Times were difficult in Kaminetz. The yeshiva needed money. However, Rabbi Baruch Ber didnt want to travel to America. He wanted to remain in the study hall, learning with the students. Yet, when he was told that due to the minimal food in the yeshiva, although the students were learning, they werent able to learn with the same depth with the same understanding of the early and later commentators he immediately set off for America. For Rabbi Baruch Ber, any deficiency in the completeness of the students learning was a tremendous trouble. And it was well worth the arduous journey to America. JOSEPHS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF JACOBS VALUES Joseph was well aware of all the hardships and difficulties that a famine could bring. But he also knew that for Jacob, there is nothing worse than lacking perfection and being distant from it. For Jacob, even the slightest lack of understanding of depth of clarity was the greatest trouble of all. ISAACS CONCERN FOR JACOBS MOURNING In truth, it was perhaps this same concern for Jacob that Isaac demonstrated in Parshat Vayeshev. After being told that Joseph had been killed, Jacob began to mourn his death. The Torah tells us, And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted, saying, Because I will descend due to my son as a mourner to the grave. And his father cried for him. THE SFORNOS INTERPRETATION In explaining the words Because I will descend due to my son as a mourner to the grave, the Sforno says that Jacob felt responsible for what had happened and therefore accepted upon himself mourning for the rest of his life. And it was for that reason, says the Sforno, that his father Isaac cried for him. THE OR HACHAIMS INSIGHT ON JACOBS HARDSHIPS In fact, with this we can perhaps understand some other words of the Or HaChaim. At the very beginning of Parshat Vayeshev, in explaining the words These are the generations of Jacob: Joseph, the Or HaChaim writes that the word these negates all previous hardships that Jacob had endured. THE GREATEST TROUBLE: LOSS OF DIVINE PRESENCE This Or HaChaim can be understood through the words of the Mesillat Yesharim that we mentioned. The complete in knowledge the great ones of Israel can endure many troubles. However, any lack in perfection is a trouble they simply cannot endure. CONCLUSION: THE ULTIMATE JOY OF DIVINE PRESENCE With this we can well understand the Or HaChaim with which we began. Abraham had just been given two incredible pieces of news. Hashem appeared to him and informed him that he would yet have a child and that his children would be given the Land of Israel. Yet, as joyous as he was about that news, says the Or HaChaim, that is not why he built an altar. He built an altar in gratitude for having merited divine revelation. For 21 years, YWNs team of seasoned reporters has delivered breaking news and reliable updates, building two decades of trust with over half a million readers each day. Since October 7, YWN has provided continuous, around-the-clock coverage, bringing you the latest developments as they unfold. You can also join over 100,000 subscribers on YWN WhatsApp and stay connected for real time updates: YWNs WhatsApp group YWNs WhatsApp status US Advances $680M Arms Deal with Israel, Claims Unrelated to Ceasefire A U.S. official has confirmed to The Times of Israel that the Biden administration is moving forward with a $680 million arms deal for Israel. The official emphasized that the sale is unrelated to the ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect this morning. Earlier, on Tuesday, Washington reiterated that the truce was not linked to any weapons transfers to Israel. Wizz Air to Resume Israel Flights December 20 Wizz Air, a budget airline based in Hungary, plans to restart operations at Israels Ben Gurion Airport starting December 20. The decision follows the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. WATCH AND ENJOY: What Dead Nasrallah Said A Few Weeks Ago OH THE IRONY: Remember when Nasrallah, who is now a rotted carcass, said, A ceasefire in Lebanon without one in Gaza would mean all our sacrifices were for nothing. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26101313/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.46.01-AM-1.mp4 REPORTS: Ceasefire Expected In Hours Numerous reports state that a joint statement from the United States and France will confirm a ceasefire in Lebanon shortly after 10 p.m. local time. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to issue a separate statement welcoming the agreement. The Scene In Jabaliya, Gaza Meanwhile. this is the scene of what once was Jabaliya, Gaza. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100905/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.00.57-AM.mp4 IDF UPDATE: 8 Fighter jets, 20 Strikes, Two Minutes The IDF reports that eight fighter jets struck 20 Hezbollah-linked sites in Beiruts southern suburbs within two minutes. Targets included seven buildings tied to Hezbollahs financial operations, such as headquarters and branches of the Al-Qard al-Hasan association, as well as 13 military sites, including an aerial forces center, weapon depots, and intelligence facilities. Civilians in the area were warned to evacuate prior to the strikes. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26101042/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.06.21-AM.mp4 Massive Wave Of IDF Airstrikes Underway The IDF is still carrying out additional airstrikes in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh, a suburb in Southern Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100834/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.55.21-AM.mp4 IDF Launches Dozens of Airstrikes in Beirut After Evacuation Warnings UPDATE: Dozens of IDf airstrikes underway in Beirut. The strikes come just a short while after the IDF sent warnings to the residents of around 20 residential buildings to evacuate. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100707/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.42.09-AM.mp4 Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Amid Ceasefire Talks; Evacuations Ordered As discussions of a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a major Israeli airstrike just took place in Beirut. The strike occurred outside Hezbollahs stronghold in the citys southern suburbs. The lack of an evacuation warning suggests the attack may have been an assassination attempt rather than a strike on Hezbollah infrastructure. Simultaneously, the IDF has issued evacuation notices to residents of around 20 buildings in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, ahead of planned airstrikes targeting the groups assets. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100536/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.09.20-AM.mp4 Direct Rocket Strike In Nahariya [VIDEO] The IDF reports that 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward the Western Galilee. Some of the rockets were intercepted, while others landed. Magen David Adom, are currently inspecting impact sites in Nahariya for any injuries. A fire has also broken out in Nahariya, reportedly caused by an impact or debris from the attack. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25170137/My-movie-66.mp4 WATCH: Celebrations In Lebanon Ahead Of Ceasefire Confirmation People in Lebanon celebrate ahead of a likely ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25113820/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.33.48-AM.mp4 Video: Israeli Airstrike Hits Hezbollah Site in Beirut Video captures an Israeli airstrike earlier today targeting a Hezbollah-linked site within a high-rise building in southern Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25113530/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.34.53-AM.mp4 WATCH: Haifa Demolishes Rocket-Hit Building to Prevent Collapse Municipal crews in Haifa are demolishing a residential building heavily damaged by a direct rocket hit during a Hezbollah attack on northern Israel yesterday. The Haifa municipality stated that experts recommended the demolition to prevent the structure from collapsing onto a nearby apartment complex. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112623/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.12.30-AM.mp4 WATCH: See The Scene In Beirut On Monday This was the scene in the Hezbollah stronghold neighborhood of Dahiyeh in Southern Beirut, earlier on Monday, after the IDF pounded dozens of targets. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112448/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.09.46-AM.mp4 https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112501/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.10.10-AM.mp4 Hezbollah Launches Rocket Barrage; Israel Responds with Strikes on Key Targets This morning (Monday) at 8:35 a.m., Hezbollah launched approximately 20 projectiles from southern Lebanon toward the Nahariya region in northern Israel. In response, the Israel Air Force (IAF) struck the launcher used in the attack, located near Bazouriye in southern Lebanon. In a series of additional operations, the IAF carried out intelligence-driven strikes targeting critical Hezbollah infrastructure. These included command centers of the groups coast-to-sea missile unit, communication facilities, and two military command centers in Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25111546/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.04.28-AM.mp4 Massive Destruction Following IDF Strikes In Beirut Massive destruction to residential buildings and Hezbollah infrastructure in the city of Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, as a result of the recent Israeli airstrikes. IDF Carries Out 25 Airstrikes In Lebanon In One Hour Over the past hour, the IAF conducted intelligence-based strikes on approximately 25 terror targets belonging to Hezbollahs Executive Council in Lebanon, including in Nabatieh, Baalbek, Beqaa Valley, Dahieh, and the outskirts of Beirut. Among the targets struck were the Executive Councils command centers, and intelligence control and collection centers, where Hezbollah commanders and operatives were located. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25111445/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.05.00-AM.mp4 IDF Airstrikes In Gaza Against Hamas Targets The IDF bombard several homes in the Manshiya area of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, that were being used by Hamas to attack the IDF. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25114144/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.07.41-AM-1.mp4 A Gazan teenager who identified himself as an Al-Qassam Brigades operative boasted in a live video call that all residents of Gaza participated in the Hamas attack on October 7. He recounted an incident in a conversation with a person sitting in front of an Israeli flag about a soldier who was abducted on October 7: I brought my seven-year-old brother and I let him spit in his face and step on his neck, a living soldier. The Gazan bragged: We fed him and you with dirt on October 7 and during the war. All of Gaza participated, we are not afraid, yes we participated. The man he spoke to responded: You are actually helping me here, we learned from you that even innocent civilians participated in crimes against Jews on October 7. After the Gazan realized the damage his words could cause, he tried to qualify his statement: Listen, not everyone, some didnt participate. If the people had the opportunity to participate, they would have, but they werent able to. He continued bragging: We, the Al-Qassam Brigades, were in control. We broke through and humiliated you and took soldiers. Dr. Michael Ben Ari, a former MK who predicted the October 7 assault but was recently indicted of incitement to racism by Israels State Attorneys Office due to statements he made against Arab terrorism, responded to the video by stating: The State Attorney indicted me of saying that we are dealing with a murderous nation; the reality is not possible in their view. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israeli government officials are concerned that the Biden administration will take revenge on Israel in the remaining two months of its term following former President Trumps win, Ynet reported According to the report, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu believes he will know how to get along with Trump and that the people influencing him are on the right side. He is sure that Trump is the right choice for Israel after suffering for four years from the Democratic administration that despised him and sought his downfall. However, until Trumps inauguration on January 20, President Biden is the president and has full authority to do as he wishes, including possibly settling scores with Netanyahu. Israeli officials greatest fear is a repeat of the Security Council resolution on December 23, 2016 when Barack Obama, less than a month before Trumps entry into the White House made a rare decision to refrain from using the US veto in the council, letting a resolution against Jewish settlements to pass. The move was not without consequences as it posed legal problems for Israel and opened the door for lawsuits in international courts at The Hague. It was Obamas revenge on Netanyahu, who now has to fear a similar scenario. Additionally, it seems that Biden will take advantage of the last two months of his term to pressure Israel to reach a hostage deal and demand concessions from Netanyahu such as withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor and similar steps. Biden will also probably try to advance a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Lebanon, a move Netanyahu may support under the right circumstances. The issue of Iran is also a factor. If Iran attacks Israel, Tehran risks a sharp response from Biden, who is now free from any political pressures. Iran may also not want to escalate tensions with Israel just before Trump takes office due to the aggressive stance he took against the Islamic Republic during his previous term. Trumps victory may also decrease the likelihood of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu and outgoing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant since Trump could threaten to reimpose sanctions against the Hague that Biden blocked. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The inexpensive Skoda Yeti crossover was once a very popular car and the brand's first model in the city SUV segment, but almost everyone has forgotten about it. The crossover was shown online with a new bold design. ADVERTISIMENT The successor to the Skoda Yeti model has long been the Skoda Karoq crossover. And TALK WHEELS has prepared a new design for the Yeti. It turned out spectacular and very bold. However, the Czech manufacturer does not plan to return this name to the model line. It is interesting that the inexpensive Skoda Elroq crossover has already been fully declassified - the electric model has replaced the Skoda Karoq. This is not to say that the current lineup has room for a new Yeti. The Elroq electric car is about 4.5 meters long and has a spacious interior and wide functionality. There are several variants: with power from 170 to 299 hp and a range of up to 560 km. The car will offer a very practical and spacious interior. Earlier, it was reported that the interior of the Skoda Elroq 2025 model year will have a special decoration made of recycled water bottles and used clothes. The IDF has announced that Master Sgt. (res.) Guy Shabtay, 39, from Jerusalem, has died from injuries sustained during combat in southern Lebanon two weeks ago. Shabtay, a member of the Alon Brigades 8207th Battalion, was severely injured on October 26 during a firefight with Hezbollah terrorists in a village in southern Lebanon. The incident left five other reservists dead and more than a dozen wounded. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a US-born academic and longtime ally, as Israels next ambassador to the United States. Leiter previously served as Netanyahus chief of staff during his tenure as finance minister under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Leiters appointment comes just one year after he suffered a personal tragedy: the loss of his son, Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, 39, who was killed in combat in the northern Gaza Strip on November 10. A father of six, he had been training to become a doctor, and was involved in a program to train Charedim in computer science, preparing them to serve in the IDFs prestigious Unit 8200, which is dedicated to intelligence. In an interview with Yisrael Hayom, Leiter shared details of a recent conversation with Netanyahu. Following his sons death, the prime minister reached out to console him. When the prime minister called me this evening to console me, I told him only one thing: Bibi, my sons blood was not shed in vain. Finish this job. Dont let any pressure in the world stop you. Because the only consolation of this loss is banishing evil, Leiter recounted. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Qatar has reportedly informed Hamas leaders they are not welcome in the country, according to sources cited by Israeli broadcaster KAN on Friday. The move follows recent pressure from the United States, KAN reported, and comes just days after Donald Trump became the president-elect, ushering a new era of foreign policy into the White House. For years, Qatar hosted members of Hamas leadership, ostensibly to support dialogue during negotiations, including those around hostage situations. However, three sources familiar with the recent discussions revealed that Qatars stance has shifted, telling Hamas leaders to leave the country. Egyptian sources also told Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar that direct talks with senior Hamas officials have continued, including a recent round of discussions on November 5, coinciding with the U.S. elections. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As the dust settled on Donald Trump's comprehensive clobbering of opponent Kamala Harris in the US presidential elections, much of the attention shifted to the potential implications for the US markets and the global economy as a whole. Given Trump's climate scepticism and passionate love of fossil fuels, it is safe to say that the renewables industry has a lot to be worried about, at least in the US. But here in the UK, one alternative-energy small cap on the AIM market ignored the fuss and posted a snazzy 25 per cent gain on its market capitalisation. UK-based green hydrogen technology and manufacturing company Clean Power Hydrogen plc saw the lift to its valuation after signing a licence agreement with Hidrigin, allowing the Irish company to use Clean Power's IP-protected Membrane-Free Electrolyser. Hidrigin has secured 100million in funding to build out numerous renewable energy developments and Clean Power shareholders evidently expect it to reap some of the benefits. Concerns: Given Trump's climate scepticism and passionate love of fossil fuels, it is safe to say that the renewables industry has a lot to be worried about, at least in the US Global markets saw an immediate spurt of bullishness following Trump's victory, although this was both short-lived and hardly reflected in the AIM market's performance. The junior market did see a small post-election bump followed by a sharp Thursday retraction. Not even a 25-basis-point rate cut from the Bank of England could bring the AIM All-Share Index back into the green - it approached Friday afternoon 0.45 per cent lower at 735.4. The FTSE 100 encountered an even sharper retraction. After an initial post-election rally, the blue-chip index fell back to close the week 1.3 per cent lower at 8,073. Speaking of Hydrogen, AFC Energy plc was another top riser, adding more than 20 per cent after unveiling an agreement to deploy the first 45kVA H-Power System into Saudi Arabia with exclusive distributor The Machinery Group (trading as TAMGO). On the right-hand side of the periodic table, Helium One Global Ltd confirmed the completion of its farm-in agreement with Blue Star Helium for a 50 per cent stake in the Galactica-Pegasus helium project located in Las Animas, Colorado. Shares rallied 18 per cent. Bigblu Broadband plc was the week's biggest riser after confirming takeover interest of its subsidiary Salter Brother from Australian carrier SkyMesh. 'The transaction remains subject to final terms and financing arrangements, and there can be no certainty that any transaction will be completed,' said management. Shares rallied 61 per cent. B2B video streaming solutions company Aferian plc added 50 per cent after reporting that revenue is expected to increase by 20 per cent this year. On the topic of disposals, Christie Group plc announced the sale of its subsidiary Orridge Holdings to RGIS Inventory Specialists for 5million. Founded in 1846, Orridge is Europe's oldest stocktaking company that provides inventory-management services across the retail, warehousing, and pharmaceutical sectors in the UK, Germany, and Belgium. Christie's share price added 20 per cent. Everyone's favourite model train maker Hornby plc added 19 per cent after the Frasers-backed AIM constituent confirmed the disposal of its wholly-owned subsidiary LCD Enterprises, which includes the Oxford Diecast hobby brand, to EKD Enterprises for 1.38million. Africa-focused gold producer Hummingbird plc took the crown of this week's biggest AIM faller in light of a debt restructuring that will likely lead to a delisting. Continued challenges at its mining operations 'have placed significant strain on Hummingbird's balance sheet and ability to meet near-term debt repayment obligations', said management. The solution? A debt-to-equity swap that will see lender CIG effectively seize control of the company at a substantial per-share discount, after which CIG intends to delist Hummingbird from AIM. Shares subsequently collapsed 66 per cent to 2.13p. Clinical infrastructure specialist Feedback plc's valuation was slashed following annual results and a dilute equity round. Feedback's cash position nearly halved in the reporting period, while a 5.2million share placing at 20p each represented a 55 per cent discount to market prices. Shares proceeded to fall by 50 per cent to match the 20p offer price. Oil and gas explorer Empyrean Energy also engaged in a 1.12million fundraise to support a potential acquisition of an option to participate in the Wilson prospect in Australia. Shares saw a 40 per cent technical downward adjustment. Also in the energy sector, gas explorer Synergia Energy Ltd fell off more than 23 per cent on the back of an operational update. Synergia said 'solid progress is being achieved' on its 50:50 joint venture with Harbour Energy, although a discounted equity round (quite a running theme this week) heaped pressure on shares. In the technology space, chipmaker EnSilica plc shares fell by 24 per cent in response to a full-year trading update. While revenues increased by 23 per cent, gross margins tightened from 40 per cent to 36 per cent due to a 'large tape-out contract'. AstraZeneca is holding crisis talks with the Chinese authorities after the arrest of its boss in the country. The pharmaceuticals giant confirmed this week that Leon Wang, the head its Chinese business, had been detained. And, in a separate case, about 100 former AstraZeneca staff have been sentenced in relation to a fraud investigation. AstraZeneca is holding crisis talks with the Chinese authorities after the arrest of its boss in the country, Leon Wang. Shares in the FTSE 100-listed drug maker fell another 2pc to 9725p yesterday, taking losses for the week to 11.8pc as the scandal deepens. The slump has wiped 20.1bn off Astra- Zeneca's stock market value. The Mail understands that top AstraZeneca executives in the country are in discussions with the authorities in a bid to find a solution to the crisis. A City source said: 'They are in a bit of a pickle over this.' China is a big market for AstraZeneca, making up 13pc of sales. The crisis is a setback for chief executive Pascal Soriot, who has identified expansion in the world's second-largest economy as a key part of his strategy. Wang is being held in Shenzhen, south-east China, Astra- Zeneca has confirmed. It is unclear why Wang, who grew up in China and has worked for the company for more than a decade, has been arrested. The Financial Times said it related to the alleged illegal import and sale of cancer drug Imjudo. Two current and two former executives in China are also under investigation. It is understood that Wang's arrest does not relate to an ongoing medical insurance fraud investigation, launched in 2021, which has seen 100 former employees sentenced. That case alleges they falsified medical tests to qualify patients for reimbursement for lung cancer drug Tagrisso. AstraZeneca finance chief Aradhana Sarin held a call with City analysts on Tuesday to try to stem the sell-off in the shares. Deutsche Bank analyst Emmanuel Papadakis said it would 'do little to assuage disquiet over the potential implications of the investigation'. But Barclays analyst Emily Field said the price fall was 'a dramatic overreaction' based on information available. Investors will be seeking further details on the arrest when the company reports its third quarter results next week. An AstraZeneca spokesman said: 'We do not comment on speculative media reports. If requested, we will fully cooperate with Chinese authorities. We continue to deliver life changing medicine to patients in China and operations are ongoing.' The Porsche Macan EV is a new crossover that is the cheapest electric car of the German brand. At first, the model's units were used for Audi's electric crossover, and now the car will be turned into an unexpected model. ADVERTISIMENT According to Autocar, the first Bentley electric car will be built on the PPE platform from the Porsche Macan EV. The model, which has no name yet (at least, it is not called), will appear by 2026. Accordingly, Bentley is developing a crossover. It is positioned as a city car. It is already known that this is the most compact Bentley model in the current lineup. There is no technical information about the electric car. The most powerful Macan EV offers 630 horsepower and a range of about 600 km. This is a benchmark for the British crossover, which can be made even more powerful. Of course, somehow Bentley will have to justify the multiple price increase for a car that Porsche sells for $77,000 in the base version. This is the cheapest electric car of the German brand, but Bentley needs to create an antipodean car. Families choose seven-seater cars because of their high level of practicality, space, and reliability. Manufacturers of such SUVs offer a comfortable interior so that all passengers have their own place in the car. ADVERTISIMENT Autocar has published a list of the best seven-seater cars of 2023. Experts checked all the advantages and disadvantages of the vehicles. Volvo XC90 The car combines space, practicality, comfort and reliability. The XC90 offers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and low operating costs, especially in the hybrid version. The models are equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines, and the B5 diesel with mild hybrid provides decent speed. Hyundai Santa Fe A large, family car with an electric motor has a spacious seven-seater interior, and the third-row seats are comfortable for adults. High-quality materials and modern technology make the car even more attractive and advantageous. The 1.6-liter engine produces 262 horsepower, and the electric motor produces 90 horsepower. ADVERTISIMENT Dacia Jogger The Romanian car may not be as stylish and luxurious, but it drives smoothly and is a worthy competitor to other cars in this segment. The vehicle has enough space for seven adults, although the third row is best left for children during long trips. The light and precise steering is combined with a slightly raised seat position to make the ride even more comfortable. Volkswagen Multivan The car combines a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor that produces 215 horsepower. There are also traditional gasoline and diesel options. The real star is the interior, with its spaciousness and modularity that can be easily and effortlessly adapted to your needs. Neat additions include a reusable storage compartment that can be moved around the cabin and a folding table. ADVERTISIMENT Land Rover Defender The seven-seater Defender has third-row seats that are slightly smaller than similar Discovery models, but still great for children, teens, and adults. The SUV is excellent off-road and is a great choice for family travel. Kia Sorento All models of the car have seven large seats. The latest updated design has influenced the appearance and spacious interior. The 1.6-liter gasoline hybrid provides reasonable fuel consumption in the city but does not show such efficient performance during long trips. ADVERTISIMENT Peugeot 5008 The 5008 has three separate middle-row seats that fold down individually, all with Isofix attachments. The third-row seats are large enough for children to use, but they can also accommodate a smaller child seat with a seat belt and a passenger if you slide the seat in front of it forward to make room. Land Rover Discovery Even the entry-level S models have seven seats as standard, with Isofix attachments in four of the five rear seats. The engine lineup now consists exclusively of six-cylinder gasoline and diesel options. ADVERTISIMENT Skoda Kodiaq The car entered the seven-seat SUV market in 2016. This is a vehicle that quite skillfully split the difference between full-size and mid-size variants. The Kodiaq has a large interior and trunk for a vehicle of its price and size. The Kodiaq's engine lineup is quite extensive, offering a choice of both gasoline and diesel engines. Mercedes GLS The base gasoline engine provides enough performance for a fairly slow car, and the ride quality is impressive thanks to the adaptive dampers. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive models are also good on off-road, rivaling the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The middle-row seats slide forward and backward and offer decent space for adults. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments. In the 90s, Ukrainian television broadcast many foreign cartoons with unconventional plots. After the "Soviet classics," a superhero duck in a cape and ninja turtles with swords became the beginning of a new era. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZREVATEL decided to get nostalgic and recall the best cartoon series that were shown on TV in the 1990s. You've definitely heard of them! Darkwing Duck Few people know, but the Black Cloak cartoon is a parody of Batman and his world. The protagonist is a somnolent duck who loves pretentious phrases like "The terror that flies on the wings of the night". He often finds himself in ridiculous situations and gets out of them at the last minute. It's interesting to note that thanks to this children's show, many people learned about the superhero genre and its cliches before they got acquainted with the original Batman and Marvel and DC films. ADVERTISIMENT Duck Tales Everyone ran to the TV to see this cartoon - the yards were empty because the episode about the greedy but funny Uncle Scrooge McDuck was starting. This was the first Disney cartoon that Soviet children saw on TV. The plot centered on the adventures of Uncle Scrooge bathing in gold coins, his nephews, and Launchpad McQuack. ADVERTISIMENT Chip 'n' Dale The heroes of this Disney cartoon were not ducks, but brave chipmunks Chip and Dale, a fly named Zipper, and mice named Gadget Hackwrench and Moyntery Jack. The rodents had to confront their enemies: a mad scientist and the mafia Fat Cat. It was thanks to Gadget Hackwrench's intelligence that the rescuers were able to arm themselves with super-agent gadgets, fly an airship, and resist the villains. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ADVERTISIMENT There are dozens of film adaptations about the green-skinned mutants living in the sewers, but children of the 1990s remember only the 1987 animated series. It was a real children's action movie about four turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello, who love pizza and know martial arts too well. Many people still remember the theme song. After the show was canceled, many tried to recreate the magic of this series, just like Chip 'n' Dale, but we don't think anyone has succeeded. ADVERTISIMENT TaleSpin TaleSpin is a multi-episode fairy tale about the bear pilot Baloo and his faithful navigator, Kit. The characters had to fight air pirates and deliver cargo to different parts of the world. Against the background of other Disney "plush" characters, the romance of "Wonderland" immediately caught the eye: propeller planes and seaplanes, giant flying aircraft carriers, etc. Batman It was in this 1992 cartoon that viewers first met Harley Quinn, hopelessly in love with the Joker. This animated series was bold enough to introduce new characters into the plot, and some of them were so successful that they were taken into comics and made part of the official canon. ADVERTISIMENT The success of the Batman animated series also paved the way for later adventure animated films aimed at teenagers and adults rather than kids. Animaniacs In the 1990s, Steven Spielberg was actively producing cartoons. Animaniacs was the best animated series created under him. The main characters were modified mice Pinky and The Brain, who tried to take over the world. Few people would remember now, but Animaniacs contained many adult jokes and political parodies, and even a song listing all the US presidents. A special pleasure while traveling is getting to know the local cuisine. However, tasting national dishes can result in both pleasure and complete disappointment. ADVERTISIMENT Some foreign delicacies can even be dangerous for an unprepared body due to the specifics of cooking. To prevent you from getting poisoned and regretting the money you spent, OBOZREVATEL has prepared a selection of foreign disappointments for tourists. 1. Turkey - kokorec Kokorec is a traditional Turkish dish made from the intestines of sheep or goats. It can be bought both on the street in stalls and in expensive Turkish restaurants. Turks simply adore this dish, but it makes tourists sick. The fact is that the intestines pass all the waste products of the animal. If the intestines are not washed thoroughly enough, pathogenic bacteria will remain. ADVERTISIMENT 2. Great Britain - black pudding and haggis Pudding is usually associated with something like porridge or dessert. That's why tourists get confused and order black pudding in the UK. However, this traditional national dish is not a dessert at all, but a delicacy made from beef blood, lard, oatmeal and breadcrumbs. Scotland's national dish, haggis, also regularly disappoints tourists when they find out its composition. It's better to know in advance that haggis is a lamb's stomach stuffed with offal from the same lamb. ADVERTISIMENT 3. Greece - moussaka Think twice before ordering moussaka in Greek taverns. This dish is very difficult to prepare and takes a lot of time. Therefore, restaurants skip some stages of frying or reheat a frozen dish. 4. Italy - gelato ice cream Gelato is a hallmark of Italy. It is made from fresh milk, cream and sugar and garnished with seasonal fruits. Visitors to the country mostly buy ice cream at stalls in popular tourist destinations. It can't be compared to today's ice cream, as unscrupulous sellers offer you gelato made from powder with the addition of dyes. ADVERTISIMENT 5. Mexico - salsa and ceviche Experienced travelers are advised to avoid eating salsa in Mexico. This vegetable dish is safe, but it spoils very quickly due to the heat and becomes an ideal place for bacteria to grow. And ceviche, a dish made from raw fish, has been repeatedly found to contain various pathogens. It is believed that this food was the cause of the cholera outbreak in Latin America in the 1990s. 6. Japan - fugu fish and miso ice cream In Japan, tourists encounter many unusual dishes, and most of them are worth trying. Of course, except for fugu fish, which can be fatal if not prepared properly. Almost all tourists in Japan want to try miso ice cream. There is nothing extreme about it, but you should know that miso is a fish soup with vegetables. It is unlikely that you will be able to finish the ice cream with a fish flavor, so you will definitely regret the money you spent. ADVERTISIMENT 7. Thailand - tom yam soup Thai food is famous all over the world. However, like other national cuisines of the world, it is not to everyone's liking. One of the most famous Thai dishes is a coconut milk soup called tom yam. In Ukrainian restaurants, it is not prepared according to the original recipe - it is adapted to our tastes. In Thailand, however, it is made spicy, with the characteristic sourness of lime, the aroma of coconut milk and a combination of the most unexpected ingredients: fish sauce, mushrooms and tomatoes. Marvel Studios is preparing to release new movies and TV series, forming a large-scale lineup of projects for the coming years that will expand and enrich the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite the slowdown in content release, the company is actively announcing new stories and plans to release several final installments of popular franchises. ADVERTISIMENT It is expected that the development of plots in the so-called Multiverse Saga will culminate by the end of 2026, when Marvel will present the continuation of the stories of favorite characters and several unexpected novelties, Variety informs. In particular, three new feature films will be released in 2025. It is noted that in 2025, the main rival of superheroes will be Kang, played by Jonathan Majors. His character first appeared in the Loki series and will become the main antagonist in the next installments of the franchise. Kang's appearance will prepare the audience for the grand conclusion of the saga - two new Avengers films, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, due out in 2025. ADVERTISIMENT The upcoming premieres also include Captain America: Brave New World, where the main character will be Hawkeye, played by Anthony Mackie, who inherited the shield from Captain America. The film will unite several female characters, including Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel and Photon, and Thunderbolts will be the story of the MCU antagonists. Marvel Studios has added several unannounced films to the calendar for 2025 and 2026, which indicates their ambitious plans. Also, four new releases are planned by the end of 2026, which are likely to reveal new characters and storylines. ADVERTISIMENT For the fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel will release a series of short films about Groot, adding a new perspective on their favorite characters. Marvel Studios promises rich content for the coming years, reinforcing the interest of fans and maintaining the status of one of the largest cinematic universes in the world. Marvel movies and TV series release dates January 25, 2025 - Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man February 14, 2025 - Captain America: Brave New World March 4, 2025 - Daredevil: Born Again May 2, 2025 - Thunderbolts June 24, 2025 - Ironheart August 6, 2025 - Eyes of Wakanda October 25, 2025 - Marvel Zombies December 25, 2025 - Wonder Man July 25, 2025 - The Fantastic Four: First Steps May 1, 2026 - Avengers: Doomsday July 24, 2026 - Spider-Man 4 May 2027 - Avengers: Secret Wars Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. A local connection to the populace rethinking the viability of listening to pollsters & pundits. Here's a bit of biased roundup on the topic from the newspaper . . . Republicans went on to flip two Kansas House seats in Johnson County. The party kept the supermajority, allowing GOP lawmakers to continue overriding Kellys vetoes for the next two years. At the same time, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids cruised to reelection, winning a fourth term. Democrats won Johnson County sheriff for the first time in nearly a century. And Charlotte OHara, a conservative Johnson County commissioner, lost her race for reelection. Johnson County voters delivered a mixed bag for both parties in the election. Republicans and Democrats experienced successes and failures in Tuesdays results. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Lupin premiered on Netflix on January 8, 2021. It stars the famous actor Omar Sy in the main role and currently has 3 seasons. ADVERTISIMENT The series was created by George Kay and Francois Uzan. Read more about it in OBOZREVATEL's article (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page). What Lupin series is about? In 1995, young Assane Diop survived the death of his father, who was accused of a crime he did not commit. 25 years later, Assane is involved in the theft of the necklace of the French Queen Marie Antoinette. The jewel, on display in the Louvre, belongs to the wealthy Pellegrini family. Assane wants to take revenge on this family, which unjustly accused his father of the theft. In parallel with his illegal activities, Assane tries to find time for his son Raoul, who lives with his mother Claire, Assane's ex-girlfriend. ADVERTISIMENT The filming of the series began at the end of 2019. The first three episodes were directed by Louis Leterrier. In March 2020, filming was interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, and only scenes in the Louvre were filmed at that time. The series stars Omar Sy, a French actor who won the Cesar Award for Best Actor. Among his well-known acting works are such films as The Intouchables, Chocolat and others. It's worth noting that all seasons of Lupin are available on Netflix. Lupin: Part 3 trailer Actually . . . Senator Benie Sanders was the only person in the United States with anything insightful to offer in the aftermath of the 2024 election. The rest of it was mostly pro-wrestling level social media "discourse" or outright weeping. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on working with Missouri's new governor, and more city news Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to give his reaction to election results at the national and state levels - including recent comments from Missouri governor-elect Mike Kehoe. Lucas also discussed the latest on city jail plans, the Royals stadium, and the possibility of a WNBA team coming to Kansas City. Kansas Republicans gain even more control over abortion, taxes and transgender rights Kansas Republicans expanded the veto-proof majority after the 2024 Election. The additional lawmakers make it easier to pass GOP priorities. Missouri AG Andrew Bailey's electoral victory foreshadows a civil liberties nightmare Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey delivers a victory speech to supporters in Columbia after winning the primary election against Republican attorney general hopeful Will Scharf on Tuesday (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent) Andrew Bailey, the incumbent Republican Attorney General of Missouri, won his first election in a landslide over Democratic rival Elad Gross. Missouri business groups weigh challenge to voter-approved minimum wage hike, sick leave * Missouri Independent A coalition of Missouri business advocacy groups says they're exploring multiple avenues to challenge the implementation of Proposition A - a measure that Missouri voters passed on Tuesday that will raise the state's minimum wage and guarantee sick leave for some workers. Four storylines that took shape on Election Day in Kansas Results preserve Republican supermajorities in the Kansas Legislature and shift the dynamics of the Kansas State Board of Education. KC-area pastor who said 'no such thing as separation of church and state' wins MO Senate 11 Joe Nicola, a Republican widely expected to join Missouri's far right Freedom Caucus, flipped the seat previously held by held by Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo. Win some! Lose some! Local Democrats and Republicans found reasons to celebrate after nailbiter election Still . . . As always,is obliged to offer a local sampling of post-election commentary . . . Check-it . . . Developing . . . Problems on Prospect turned deadly and this legal complaints puts blame on store owners rather than that a tense history of altercations. Here's description of the sitch and more info . . . The lawsuit indicated there had been a prior conflict between the employee and Davis. The lawsuit also said there was no just or reasonable reason for the employee to demand Austin Davis to leave. Another employee allegedly pulled out an unregistered handgun and pointed it at Davis, and threatened to shoot him. The two employees then threw more cans at Davis, according to the lawsuit. The altercation continued to escalate and the employee with the gun passed it to the first employee, who had a known reputation of being a hothead who liked to fight a lot, according to the suit. The employee threatened to shoot Davis. Davis, in fear for his life and safety, attempted to stop the threat but was shot one time inside the store, the suit says. Davis, who was struck in the abdomen, ran outside, where he collapsed by the gas pumps. He was taken to a hospital, where he died from the gunshot wound. No charges filed in homicide Although a person of interest was taken into custody, a grand jury did not indict the employee, said Annisa Davis attorney, David Smith. It is my understanding that the grand jury did not indict because of the application of castle doctrine, Smith said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . One of many declarations we'll hear in the future . . . What concerns us is even the mere thought of somebody contemplating an "end game" over partisan politics. And so . . . Here's the word . . . Donald Trump was elected amid a flood of ads that portrayed transgender people as dangerous to womens sports, and to girls and women more broadly. Now that he is heading back to the White House, transgender rights are in question. Trans people fear losing access to hormone treatments and living under an administration that campaigned on making them pariahs. A Kansas City-area psychologist who treats transgender adults, said she worries about the ramifications election propaganda has had on her clients. For years, they have been bombarded with political rhetoric on both sides of the state line regular debates about legislation to take away their rights. The barrage of political ads this election season only caused more damage to their mental health, she said. I worry about that, she said. I worry about the loss of hope. I worry about suicides. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . So much for "purple" Kansas and prog blog promises . . . Here's a glimpse at education turnaround in the Sunflower State that will result in clap back against so many DEI initiatives. Check-it . . . "Democrats and moderate Republicans had held a majority on the 10-member board of education, but conservative Republicans will now have at least five seats and could have six once election results are final." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Here's the latest demand for compassionate compliance from local animal rights activists connected to a controversial national organization . . . "Ahead of the upcoming Ararat Shrine Circus in Independence, PETA this morning fired off a letter to Ararat Shrine Potentate Mark Koontz calling on him to drop animal acts from the performance, pointing out that performing animals live under constant threat of punishment and are caged or chained almost constantly behind the scenes, deprived any semblance of a real life. "If the Ararat Shrine Circus fails to end the animal acts before opening day on November 21, PETA supporters will converge on the event to warn compassionate people away." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . PETA: Ararat Shrine Circuss Ties to Elephant Abuser Bring PETA PleaGo Animal-Free! Developing . . . Actually . . . This kind of street level patrol seemed to benefit embattled small biz. Here's the aftermath . . . Stolen vehicles, drugs and firearms were taken off Kansas City streets during election night enforcement efforts in the Crossroads and River Market areas. The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department says that on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, law enforcement officials took to the streets to investigate auto thefts and other associated crimes in the Crossroads, River Market and nearby areas. Investigators said they focused on areas based on data and previous reports. A helicopter was able to follow one vehicle that attempted to speed away from patrol vehicles on the ground which led to several arrests. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . It is accomplished. This is the 2nd biggest story of the week in Kansas City. Punchline . . . It probably has more impact on local life than ANYTHING happening in the nation's capital. Sorry. Even more importantly . . . And so begins news coverage of Beaver nuggets and at least one date night option that's ONLY suitable for local couples who REALLY practice commitment and love. Here's the damage . . . "The Unified Government of Wyandotte County cleared the final hurdle in the process during a meeting Thursday night. "This marks the first Buc-ees store in the state of Kansas, which comes less than a year after the Texas-based travel center opened its first Missouri location in Springfield. "The super-sized travel center will be located at 601 Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas right next to Kansas Speedway, which currently owns the 25-acre plot of land." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Fox4 -- Its official: Buc-ees is coming to the Kansas City metro Developing . . . Today, a message from a Z-blogger appeared on the Internet, stating that Russia would allegedly stop massive missile strikes against Ukraine using strategic aviation. However, this statement was denied by the Center for Countering Disinformation. ADVERTISIMENT The head of the Center, Andrii Kovalenko, noted that Russian strategic aviation bases currently have enough missiles to fire massively at Ukraine. In addition, the enemy's own aviation is also on alert. On the morning of November 8, the author of the propaganda Telegram channel Alex Parker Returns published a post stating that there would be no more massive strikes on Ukraine. "Unless the f*ckers do something completely out of the ordinary, like the last argument in response. A massive strike is also possible if the f*ckers refuse to sit down at the negotiating table," the Z-blogger said in a post. In response, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that one should not believe the information disseminated by Russian propagandists. "Regarding rocket attacks. Believe Russian propagandists less. Parker's post contains an ultimatum. The enemy is accumulating missiles at strategic aviation airfields. The number of missiles is already enough to carry out a shelling, and the aircraft itself is also ready," Kovalenko wrote and urged Ukrainians to "be prepared for this." ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on the night of November 8, the invaders also attacked Kyiv and the region with missiles. Four people were injured, one of them in serious condition. Six private houses and four cars were damaged. Also, a grass flooring and the premises of an inactive gas station caught fire. In total, Russia launched 101 air strikes against Ukraine during the night attack. Air defense forces shot down four missiles and 62 drones. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the nighttime Russian attacks. He emphasized that Russian terror can be stopped if the world acts together and decisively, blocking Russia's ability to strengthen its army, as well as helping Ukraine strengthen its air defense and destroy Russian missiles and drones on Russian territory before they bring death to Ukrainian soil. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! The collapse of the ruling coalition in Germany was triggered by internal disagreements over support for Ukraine. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz's position, which prevents effective military assistance to Ukraine, is not liked by the coalition partners of the SPD, which he represents. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by former German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, according to the daily German newspaper Berliner Zeitung. Lindner assures: Scholz dismissed him because of his insistence on the need to transfer long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. According to the former finance minister, a split is brewing in Germany's ruling coalition. It is mainly caused by disagreements over what policy Berlin should pursue towards Ukraine. In contrast, the Free Democratic Party (FDP Ed.), of which Lindner is a member, has "never wavered" in its support for Ukraine, he said. The former finance minister claims that before his resignation, Scholz insisted on allocating three billion euros to Ukraine. Instead, Lindner reminded the chancellor of the difficult financial situation in the country. "Regarding Ukraine, a topic that was publicly discussed, we fought each other intensively. For free democrats, support for Ukraine has never been in question. Others have always hesitated. Free democrats never did. We also discussed this issue yesterday (November 6 Ed.) at the coalition committee. It was a joint effort of the federal government at the international level to mobilize 50 billion dollars to support Ukraine. Everyone supported it. By the way, this project was also intended to provide protection in the event of a policy change in the United States," Lindner said. ADVERTISIMENT At that time, the Treasury Secretary also offered to help Ukraine with something it needed even more than money: the transfer of Taurus cruise missiles, which Kyiv had long and unsuccessfully requested. "The current Federal Chancellor made a proposal to allocate another three billion euros to Ukraine. But three billion euros would not have mattered, given the amount of funds available. I said in the coalition committee of the Free Democrats: if we want a different, stronger support for Ukraine, then an additional three billion euros are not needed. Then Germany should decide to equip Ukraine with the weapon system that Ukrainians need to defend their freedom, namely the Taurus weapon system. There was no desire to do this," the former government official emphasized. Scholz rejected this proposal and dismissed Lindner. ADVERTISIMENT The FDP has a similar position on Ukraine and, in particular, the transfer of Taurus missiles, as do its colleagues in the coalition from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU Ed.). The leader of this political force, Friedrich Merz, recently called for an ultimatum to be given to Russia, and if it does not stop attacking civilian and infrastructure facilities in Ukraine within 24 hours, he would hand over Taurus missiles to Kyiv, allowing them to be used to destroy targets in the Russian Federation. However, no agreement was reached. During the argument, Lindner said, he demanded that Scholz clarify all the issues with military assistance to Ukraine from the standpoint of the rank and file. "Our country needs a government that not only holds office but can act. The right thing for our country would be an immediate vote of confidence and new elections. In a democracy, no one should be afraid of voters," said the former federal finance minister. ADVERTISIMENT According to the former official, Germany needs new elections and a new government. "Prompt new elections after the failure of the Scholz government are important not only for democracy. Our country should not waste time," Lindner said. After it became known that Scholz had dismissed Lindner, his FDP colleagues, Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann and Minister of Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger also resigned from their posts. Instead, Minister of Transport Volker Wiesing chose the latter over the former and will continue to lead the Ministry until new elections are held. Earlier, the German chancellor candidate said that he was ready to give Ukraine Taurus missiles, but only on the condition that before Berlin starts transferring these missiles, it is necessary to give Russian dictator Vladimir Putin 24 hours to decide whether to stop attacking civilian and infrastructure facilities in our country. Scholz himself has repeatedly and consistently stated that he is categorically against providing Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. Israel killed shocking number of entire families in Gaza: New UN probe The UN Human Rights Office in its latest report accused Israel of systematic devastation in Gaza and deliberately killing women, children, and shocking number of entire families Friday November 8, 2024 11:23 PM , ummid.com News Network [People are finding skeletons and mass graves everywhere in Gaza. Mahmoud Abed Rabbuh's family identified him by his teeth.] Geneva: The UN Human Rights Office in its latest report accused Israel of systematic devastation in Gaza and deliberately killing women, children, and shocking number of entire families. Amongst the fatalities verified by Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and reflecting trends evident from other data, many who were killed on the same date and location shared the same last names, suggesting families killed together, often in their homes, the UN Human Rights said in its report. The IDF strikes on residential buildings have resulted in a shocking number of entire families being killed. As of 31 August 2024, OHCHR had verified 200 families that had lost between 5 and 9 members, 172 families that had lost between 10 and 19 members, 69 families that had lost between 20 and 29 family members, and 43 families that had lost more than 30 members, the report said. The two families with the highest verified number of fatalities were the Al Najjar family, with 138 members killed (in 18 incidents), including 35 women and 62 children, and the Al Astal family with 94 members killed (in 8 incidents), including 33 women and 45 children, the UN rights body said. The OHCHR also verified the killing of 27 members of the Maghari family in several incidents. The Maghari family is, according to information gathered by OHCHR, a refugee family originally from Al Maghar village in current day Israel. "On 18 October 2023, 23 members of the family, including 3 women, and 12 children aged from 1 to 16 years of age, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their family home located in Al Bureij Camp", the UN rights body's report said. In another tragic case, OHCHR verified the killing of 13 members of the Zaher family in two reported Israeli strikes. On 12 October, 5 members of the family, including 1 woman and 4 children aged from 1 to 6 years of age, were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on their family home located in Ash Shaati Camp, Gaza City. On 16 October, 8 other members of the Zaher family, including 2 women and 5 children aged from 1 to 13 years of age, were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on their family home located in Jabalya Camp, North Gaza, the report said. "The killing of whole families together in their places of shelter adds further to concerns over compliance with fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)", the UN rights body said in its report. No evidence of human shields The UN rights body in its report also refuted the Israeli claim of the Resistance fighters using human shields to justify its attack on hospitals, schools and other civilian areas. In attacking hospitals and schools, the IDF alleged that terrorist organizations had used such facilities for military purposes. For example, in the course of attacking Al Shifa Medical Complex in November 2023, the IDF released more than 27 statements alleging that Al Shifa Medical Complex was being used by Hamas, and that the organization uses civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, and civilians, as human shields. In most instances, the IDF did not offer substantial evidence to support their allegations, and OHCHR has not been able separately to verify them, the report said. The UN report further said that the deliberate targeting of civilians and their homes would violate the principle of distinction, unless it could be shown that they had lost their protection as civilians due to their direct participation in hostilities or that the buildings struck met the definition of military objectives. "The shocking death toll and killing of entire families raise further concerns that, even where legitimate military objectives were targeted, such attacks violated the IHL principle of proportionality", the UN Human Rights Office said. "This pattern of strikes also raises concerns regarding compliance with the principle of precautions in attack, as it is difficult to conceive how such levels of civilian harm were justifiable, especially as such strikes not only killed individuals but also destroyed fundamental social structures and support networks of Palestinians in Gaza, raising inferences that the IDF also intended to weaken the overall cohesion of the Palestinian community in Gaza", the report said. Such unlawful attacks would also violate Israels obligations under international human rights treaty law, which include the obligation to ensure the widest possible protection and assistance be accorded to the family, which is the natural and fundamental group unit of society, the UN rights body said. "Genocide, crimes against humanity" The UN rights body's detailed analysis of violations covers the six-month period from November 2023 to April 2024, and broadly examines the killing of civilians and breaches of international law that in many instances could amount to war crimes. "If committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a State or organizational policy, these violations may constitute crimes against humanity. And if committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, they may also constitute genocide", the report warned. The International Court of Justice, in its series of orders on provisional measures , underscored the international obligations of Israel to prevent, protect against and punish acts of genocide and associated prohibited conduct, the UN report said. The report points to repeated statements from Israeli officials positing the end of the conflict as contingent upon Gazas entire destruction and the exodus of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, it documents efforts to rationalize discrimination, hostility and violence towards, and even the elimination of, Palestinians. The report shows how civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks, including through the initial complete siege of Gaza by Israeli Forces, as well as the Israeli governments continuing unlawful failures to allow, facilitate and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and repeated mass displacement. This conduct by Israeli Forces has caused unprecedented levels of killings, death, injury, starvation, illness and disease, the report said. Gaza now a rubble-strewn landscape The United Nations further said the Israeli war has turned Gaza into a rubble-strewn landscape, simultaneously confirming that over 70% of those killed by the occupation forces are women and children. Gaza is now a rubble-strewn landscape. Within this dystopia of destruction and devastation, those alive are left injured, displaced and starving, Ajith Sunghay, Head of UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said. #Gaza is now a rubble-strewn landscape. Those alive are left injured, displaced & starving - Ajith Sunghay, Head of @UNHumanRights Palestine Office, presents 6-month update report on the human rights situation in Gaza. UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) November 8, 2024 Women, men and children do not have access to adequate water, food or healthcare. People are left in cramped and unsanitary conditions, ridden with illness and disease. Women are left without access to basic hygiene and health needs. Children are separated from their parents, Ajith Sunghay said. "Justice must be served" Volker Turk, UN Human Rights Chief, while releasing the report called for action and justice. Justice must be served for these grave violation of international law, he said. Volker Turk also confirmed the use of white phosphorous munitions by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians and called International Criminal Court (ICC) and other world institutions to make Israel accountable for its war crimes. The member states have an obligation to act and prevent atrocity crimes. I urge them to support the work of accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and try crimes under international law in national courts, and to comply with extradition requests, Volker Turk said. Volker Turk stressed the imperative for Israel fully and immediately to comply with those obligations. This is even more critical and urgent, given the totality of conduct set out in the report and taking into account most recent events, including Israels operations in North Gaza and its adoption of legislation affecting UNRWAs activities, he said. It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved, he said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home SC seals Minority Status of Aligarh Muslim University In a landmark judgment Friday November 08, 2024 the Supreme Court of India overruled its judgment taken in the Azeez Basha case of 1967 that denied Minority Status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Friday November 8, 2024 3:41 PM , Syed Ali Mujtaba New Delhi: In a landmark judgment Friday November 08, 2024 the Supreme Court of India overruled its judgment taken in the Azeez Basha case of 1967 that denied Minority Status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The SC pronounced its verdict 4:3 on grounds that the Aligarh Muslim University is a Central University funded by the Central government. At the same time, the 7-judge constitution bench left it to a regular (not constituted yet) three-judge bench to decide if the university should be granted this again. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud - who authored the majority judgement on his last working day - struck down an earlier ruling that said an institution incorporated by a statute could not claim minority status, but left the question as it pertains to AMU to a regular bench. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) enjoyed the minority character from 1920 to 1951, when the controversy erupted after compulsory religious education to the Muslim students was withdrawn. In 1967 a five-judge Constitution Bench looking into Azeez Basha ruled that AMU, being a Central university, cannot claim to be a minority institution. In 1981 the Parliament, by virtue of the Aligarh Muslim University (Amendment) Act, 1981 conferred minority status on the AMU. In 2006 the Allahabad High Court, struck down the Parliamentary order 1981 amendment that conferred minority status on the AMU. The seven members Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court was dealing with a reference arising out of the 2006 decision passed by the Allahabad High Court. In the seven member bench, four members ruled in favor of revoking the 1967 judgment that revoked the minority status and the three members wanted to uphold the 1967 judgment. The three dissenting judges on the Constitution bench today were Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and SC Sharma, while three others - Justices Sanjiv Khanna (who will be the next Chief Justice), JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, as well as the outgoing Chief Justice, held the majority. The majority opinion, concurred by Justices Sanjiv Khanna, J.B. Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, and SC Sharma, said that the regulation of minority educational institutions is permissible under Article 19(6), however, those regulations should not impinge upon the minority character of the institution. It said: Regulations, which may be justified on grounds stipulated under Articles 19(6) and 26, may fall foul to Article 30 if they infringe upon the minority character of the institution. This is a special right/protection which the Constitution guarantees to minority educational institutions. It further said: An educational institution established by any citizen can be regulated under Article 19(6). An educational institution established by a religious denomination without any element of profit can be regulated on grounds of public order, morality and health. As opposed to these two provisions, Article 30 does not circumscribe the right on any grounds. However, the right guaranteed under Article 30 is not absolute. The majority opined that Article 30 guarantees minority educational institutions the right not to be discriminated against and in fact, Article 30(2) is the facet of the non-discrimination of minorities. Those who had contrarian views are Justices Surya Kant, J.B. Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma wrote separate and dissenting opinions. The short of the long story is Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), remains to be a minority institution. It has taken 70 years to close the legal wrangles. [The writer, Syed Ali Mujaba, is a Journalist. He did his BA & MA from the AMU during 1978 1984. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Trump 2.0: Opportunities and Challenges for India As Trump returns to the White House, India will likely adapt and engage in strategic diplomacy to leverage the strengths of this relationship while addressing any challenges that may arise Saturday November 9, 2024 0:47 AM , Mohd Ziyaullah Khan [Trump and Modi in a 2020 file photo.] Donald Trumps return to the U.S. presidency has sparked global discussions, and India is no exception. When it comes to Indian context, our nation carries unique implications. Trumps approach to foreign policy, trade, and defense aligns differently than his erstwhile president, and his previous tenure significantly influenced U.S.-India relations. With Trump returning to power in January, it would be interesting to explores what it could mean for India, addressing key areas such as trade relations, defense partnerships, strategic alliances, and the impact on Indian diaspora. Strengthening Strategic and Defense Ties One of Trumps notable foreign policy stances was his focus on countering Chinas influence globally, an agenda that resonated with India given its ongoing border and strategic tensions with China. During Trumps previous administration, defense cooperation with India increased substantially. Reinforcing the Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Indo-Pacific region has been a strategic point of concern for both India and the United States. During Trumps tenure, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy emphasized ensuring a rules-based order to counter Chinas expanding reach. This approach fostered a stronger Quad alliancecomprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. Trumps return could mean a renewed vigor in supporting the Quad, which aligns with Indias strategic interests in the region. The Indo-Pacific region has been a strategic point of concern for both India and the United States. During Trumps tenure, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy emphasized ensuring a rules-based order to counter Chinas expanding reach. This approach fostered a stronger Quad alliancecomprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. Trumps return could mean a renewed vigor in supporting the Quad, which aligns with Indias strategic interests in the region. Increased Defense Collaborations: Trumps administration lifted barriers for technology transfers to India, advancing deals that included helicopters, surveillance drones, and defense systems. India became a Major Defense Partner, strengthening access to American defense technology. Trumps return could likely bolster these developments, with possible expansions in joint military exercises, defense exports, and intelligence sharing. Trumps administration lifted barriers for technology transfers to India, advancing deals that included helicopters, surveillance drones, and defense systems. India became a Major Defense Partner, strengthening access to American defense technology. Trumps return could likely bolster these developments, with possible expansions in joint military exercises, defense exports, and intelligence sharing. Trade Relations - Between Growth and Protectionism: Trade relations between India and the U.S. have long been complex. Trumps America First stance included a fair amount of protectionist policies that impacted India, but his emphasis on reducing trade imbalances also pushed for new agreements in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Trade relations between India and the U.S. have long been complex. Trumps America First stance included a fair amount of protectionist policies that impacted India, but his emphasis on reducing trade imbalances also pushed for new agreements in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Revisiting Tariffs and Trade Barriers: Under Trump, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Indian goods like steel and aluminum, affecting trade dynamics. Trump also removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2019, which impacted Indian exports to the U.S. If he returns, India could push to reinstate the GSP and negotiate lower tariffs. However, Trumps known preference for protective tariffs could mean a mixed outcome for India-U.S. trade relations. Under Trump, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Indian goods like steel and aluminum, affecting trade dynamics. Trump also removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2019, which impacted Indian exports to the U.S. If he returns, India could push to reinstate the GSP and negotiate lower tariffs. However, Trumps known preference for protective tariffs could mean a mixed outcome for India-U.S. trade relations. Potential for Enhanced Bilateral Agreements: While Trumps protectionist measures impacted trade, his administration also sought more favorable trade terms. India and the U.S. made progress on discussions for a limited trade deal covering key sectors such as agriculture, medical devices, and e-commerce. With Trumps return, such negotiations could resume, potentially benefiting Indian exporters in sectors like textiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Immigration and the Indian Diaspora Trumps approach to immigration policy had both positive and challenging outcomes for Indian immigrants, especially in areas like the H-1B visa program, which many Indian tech professionals rely on. H-1B Visa and Immigration Policies: The H-1B visa program, critical for Indian IT professionals, saw tighter regulations under Trumps Buy American, Hire American executive order. The policy aimed to protect U.S. workers but inadvertently affected skilled Indian workers and companies. A second Trump administration could mean renewed restrictions, but there could also be attempts to streamline the program for skilled professionals, balancing domestic labor priorities with economic needs. The H-1B visa program, critical for Indian IT professionals, saw tighter regulations under Trumps Buy American, Hire American executive order. The policy aimed to protect U.S. workers but inadvertently affected skilled Indian workers and companies. A second Trump administration could mean renewed restrictions, but there could also be attempts to streamline the program for skilled professionals, balancing domestic labor priorities with economic needs. Stronger Support for the Indian Diaspora: Despite immigration restrictions, Trumps administration had strong support from the Indian diaspora in the U.S., a relationship highlighted by events like Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump. These gatherings demonstrated Trumps popularity among Indian Americans and his administrations commitment to strengthening ties with the community. His return could foster similar outreach efforts, enhancing Indias soft power in the U.S. Geopolitical Dynamics and Indias Global Position Trumps distinct stance on international institutions, sanctions, and global alliances has implications for Indias positioning in the global arena. His approach to issues like the Iran nuclear deal and relations with Russia could impact Indias own foreign policy. Approach to China and Russia: Trumps administration took a hard stance on China, imposing tariffs and criticizing its handling of global issues, a stance that aligns with Indias own concerns. A renewed Trump presidency could further isolate China, indirectly benefiting Indias standing. However, Trumps unpredictable relationship with Russia could present challenges, as India maintains strategic ties with both countries. India would need to navigate this complex dynamic carefully. Trumps administration took a hard stance on China, imposing tariffs and criticizing its handling of global issues, a stance that aligns with Indias own concerns. A renewed Trump presidency could further isolate China, indirectly benefiting Indias standing. However, Trumps unpredictable relationship with Russia could present challenges, as India maintains strategic ties with both countries. India would need to navigate this complex dynamic carefully. Impact on Energy Security and Relations with Iran: Trumps withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal led to sanctions that affected Indias oil imports from Iran, impacting its energy security. With the possibility of Trump returning to power, a similar stance could limit Indias options for energy sourcing. Additionally, Trumps close relations with Saudi Arabia could influence oil prices, impacting India, one of the largest oil-importing countries. Technology and Digital Cooperation As Indias digital economy continues to grow, cooperation in technology sectors, particularly in areas like 5G, cybersecurity, and data security, becomes increasingly important. Trumps policies on tech transfers and digital infrastructure could open new doors for collaboration. Expanding 5G and Emerging Technologies: The previous Trump administration placed restrictions on Chinas Huawei, pushing allies to consider alternatives in 5G infrastructure. India, which has been cautious with Huawei, could find increased U.S. support in expanding secure 5G networks and digital infrastructure. This could boost technology partnerships, with American firms investing in Indias tech landscape. The previous Trump administration placed restrictions on Chinas Huawei, pushing allies to consider alternatives in 5G infrastructure. India, which has been cautious with Huawei, could find increased U.S. support in expanding secure 5G networks and digital infrastructure. This could boost technology partnerships, with American firms investing in Indias tech landscape. Cybersecurity Collaboration: With increasing cyber threats, collaboration between India and the U.S. on cybersecurity initiatives is vital. Trumps focus on protecting American interests through digital security measures could open avenues for joint efforts in combating cyber threats, benefiting both nations in safeguarding their digital ecosystems. Economic Policies and Investment Prospects Trumps economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, impacted global investment trends. A similar approach in a second term could influence U.S. investments in India, affecting areas like technology, manufacturing, and financial services. Increased Investment in Key Sectors: India has been a significant recipient of U.S. investments, especially in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and e-commerce. A renewed Trump administration could support policies encouraging American companies to invest in Indias rapidly growing markets. Additionally, initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat align with Trumps own focus on self-reliance, potentially fostering collaborative investment opportunities. India has been a significant recipient of U.S. investments, especially in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and e-commerce. A renewed Trump administration could support policies encouraging American companies to invest in Indias rapidly growing markets. Additionally, initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat align with Trumps own focus on self-reliance, potentially fostering collaborative investment opportunities. Challenges with Economic Policies: While Trumps policies could boost investment, potential trade imbalances and protectionist stances may create friction. India might face challenges if Trump reinstates tariffs on imports or takes a firm stand on reducing the trade deficit, requiring careful negotiation to maintain a balanced economic relationship. Conclusion The return of Donald Trump to power holds both opportunities and challenges for India. His approach to defense, trade, and foreign relations could align with Indias strategic interests, especially in countering Chinas influence. However, Trumps protectionist policies and immigration stance could require careful negotiation to balance Indias economic and human resource interests. India has emerged as a significant partner for the U.S., with both nations recognizing the importance of a strong, cooperative relationship in a complex global landscape. As Trump returns to the White House, India will likely adapt and engage in strategic diplomacy to leverage the strengths of this relationship while addressing any challenges that may arise. [The writer, Mohd Ziyaullah Khan, is a freelance content writer based in Nagpur. He is also an activist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of the group TruthScape, a team of digital activists fighting disinformation on social media.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and his Russian counterpart Tatyana Moskalkova met in Belarus. They were present during the repatriation of the bodies of the dead, and also exchanged lists of prisoners of war and letters from relatives. ADVERTISIMENT Lubinets announced this on his official Telegram channel. He said that the meeting was held with the assistance of the Belarusian side and with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. According to the ombudsman, the main outcome was the repatriation of the bodies of the dead. In addition, Ukraine's humanitarian mission has once again helped reunite families. As a result of the negotiations, a 91-year-old woman met with her son. "In this way, we show that family reunification is the most important thing, and we hope that our communication on this issue will continue," Lubinets said. ADVERTISIMENT The ombudsmen of Ukraine and Russia also exchanged lists of prisoners of war visited by both sides (Ukraine Russian prisoners of war on its territory, Russia Ukrainian prisoners of war on its territory). In addition, Lubinets and Moskalkova exchanged letters. "We started a new format: we handed over letters from Ukrainian relatives to Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia," said the Ukrainian ombudsman. Lubinets also talked to the leadership of the ICRC missions in Ukraine and Russia, and once again insisted on the ICRC's access to Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, the official statement said. "I would like to emphasize that I interact with the Russian Ombudsman to resolve humanitarian issues, return Ukrainians home, and obtain information about our citizens in the Russian Federation," he said. At the same time, during the latest repatriation activities, the Russians did not return the body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna , who died in Russian captivity, Petro Yatsenko, a representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, told reporters. "Unfortunately, there is no body of Viktoriia," he said. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On the morning of Friday, November 8, Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv and the region. The falling debris of the downed enemy targets caused damage and four casualties. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Kyiv Regional Military Administration. The head of the department, Ruslan Kravchenko, emphasized that the victims were car drivers who were in a car near the place where the debris fell. "The men received injuries of varying degrees. One of them is in serious condition, two others are in moderate condition. The other one received light injuries. All are being provided with the necessary medical care. The injured are being hospitalized in a local hospital," he said. ADVERTISIMENT The Ministry of Internal Affairs added that six private houses and four cars were damaged as a result of the Russian attack in the capital region. Also, a grass flooring and the premises of an inactive gas station caught fire. Both fires have been extinguished. All specialized services were working on the ground. Rescuers clarified that a metal trailer was on fire in Obukhiv district as a result of falling debris. The fire was extinguished at 06:00. ADVERTISIMENT The SES specialists also worked to eliminate the fuel spill from four damaged trucks that were located nearby on a separate concrete platform. As a reminder, at about 05:00 on Friday, the Ukrainian Air Force warned of a missile moving in the direction of Kyiv, as well as attack drones from Poltava to Kyiv region. Monitoring channels noted that the enemy is attacking the capital region with cruise missiles that change direction. The explosions in Kyiv and the region were heard around 05:25-05:30. ADVERTISIMENT "Well, you heard. Now these missiles are minus. Most likely, it was X-69, but we will clarify when we look at the wreckage (there is a version of Iskander-K)," Mykolaiv Vanek wrote on Telegram. At the same time, Russia's drone attack on Ukraine continued. It was reported that several "Shaheds" were still flying, including those headed for Kyiv region. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the police bomb squad defused two Shaheds in Kyiv that did not detonate. The kamikaze drones fell during a night attack on the city on Thursday, November 7. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! At Morehouse College, students who need help beyond office hours can be assisted by their professors, or ratheran AI version of them. Using AI-powered digital teaching assistants or TAs, they can help students by sounding like the exact professors they represent, and in return, students can ask questions and review for exams at any time of the day. According to the Chronicle, the idea is to help those who might not reach out in class and get answers to their questions in a private and low-pressure setting. Students can use the AI TAs to clarify concepts, revisit past lessons, or even watch quick demonstrations on course topics. Designed by VictoryXR, they are more than just a chatbot. They can display slides, images, videos, and 3D models to come up with an interactive learning model. They are especially useful in courses like chemistry, where they can offer a brief demo to students who may be able to learn through visuals. Is the AI TA the Future? With so many concerns regarding AIs in a classroom, the TAs will be kept within course-specific content that each professor uploads, with help from external information only when necessary. Therefore, this will help the AI's answers align with what students are learning in class while also offering a deeper on-demand resource. Now, early tests showed that students are more likely to ask questions to AI TAs due to the absence of judgment. However, there is a learning curve for students to get effective answers since they must learn to prompt the AI properly. Experts believe these minimal training students apply to AIs will become an essential skill even outside the classroom. This isn't the first of its kind to be introduced to colleges. Earlier reports from the University Herald in 2016 stated that the same tech has already been used successfully at Georgia Tech with a virtual TA called Jill Watson. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Friday highlighted the importance of taxes to sustain long-term growth. Philanthropy is a valuable resource, but the country needs taxes to sustain long-term growth, the federal minister said at the 10th Islamabad Literature Festival in a conversation with Vaqar Ahmed, titled Economic Stabilization and the Journey to Growth. Speaking on the countrys investment climate, the minister said that the figures were visible to all. He said, energy costs are moving towards affordability, but further structural reforms are necessary. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must undergo reform and should be privatized, he said adding the private sector must take the lead, and the dependency on the government must be reduced to allow for more efficient and effective management. It is pertinent to mention here that the 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), organized by Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan, in Collaboration with Getz Pharma, and NEO Paints (Gold Sponsor) opened to an enthusiastic crowd on Friday. The theme Sustainability: Words Change Mindsets, was well received and enabled persuasive discourses throughout the day. ILF has become a vital platform for intellectual growth and literary exploration in the beautiful capital of Pakistan. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Four brave personnel of armed forces who embraced martyrdom in exchange of fire between Security Force and Khwarij terrorists in general areas Karama, South Wazirstan District were laid to rest on Friday in their native areas with full military honors. Those who were laid to rest with full military honors in their native areas include Naib Subedar Taib Shah (age: 38 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Gulab Zaman (age: 30 years, resident of District Karak), Lance Naik Muzammil Mehmood (age: 30 years, resident of District Karak) and Lance Naik Habibullah (age: 28 years, resident of District Orakzai), said an Inter Service Public Relations news release. A large gathering of military and civil officials, personnel of armed forces, relatives of the martyrs, and local community members attended the funeral prayers and burials of the martyrs. Pakistans security forces remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating the scourge of terrorism, and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers only strengthen nation's resolve. QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti has ordered the Anti-Corruption Establishment to investigate the development scheme of Panjgur Chitkan Bazar Old Diesel Mandi Road to Faiz Muhammad Chowk. The chief minister has taken notice of the complaint of the residents of Panjgur to curb corruption and embezzlement of funds. On the order of CM, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has sought a report from the officials of the concerned department. According to the notification of the Anti-Corruption Establishment, an inspection team headed by Deputy Director Anti-Corruption Makran Circle has been formed to investigate the matter. In the notification of the Anti-Corruption Establishment, the Secretary of the Department of Communications and Works has been mandated to ensure the presence of local officers along with the inspection committee. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Cascade service center in Islamabads Diplomatic Enclave, a facility aimed at providing a range of essential services to the diplomatic community and foreign nationals under one roof. This is the first time such a comprehensive service center has been established in the history of the Diplomatic Enclave, aligning with the governments focus on enhancing the convenience and safety of diplomats and foreign residents. According to Minister Naqvi, the Cascade service center will offer over a dozen services for foreign nationals and diplomats, eliminating the need for them to navigate multiple offices across the capital. Among the services available are the issuance and renewal of driving licenses, character certificates, police verification, reporting of missing persons, and tenant registration. These services are expected to significantly ease administrative processes for diplomats and international visitors, providing them with faster, centralized access to essential resources. Furthermore, the Cascade center will also facilitate foreign citizens by offering additional services like registration for foreigners, domestic staff, and volunteers, vehicle verification, and access to copies of First Information Reports (FIRs). Minister Naqvi emphasized that these services are intended to streamline processes and improve the overall experience for foreign nationals residing in or visiting Islamabad. This service center is a reflection of our commitment to creating a secure, welcoming environment for diplomats and international visitors, said Naqvi during the inauguration ceremony. He added that the initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to prioritize the comfort and security of foreign representatives. Naqvi also shared that over 1,500 police and FC personnel, along with 20 dedicated police vehicles, are stationed at the Diplomatic Enclave to ensure the highest standards of security. In his address, Naqvi stated, Beautifying the Diplomatic Enclave and the entire capital is part of our mission, as we look to project Islamabad as a modern, secure, and visitor-friendly capital. The new service center aims not only to provide essential services but also to foster closer coordination and cooperation between law enforcement and diplomats. The presence of senior Islamabad Police officials at the inauguration reinforced the significance of the center in facilitating secure communication and collaboration. Islamabads Inspector General of Police provided a detailed briefing on the range of services available to foreign nationals at the center, further highlighting the effort to ensure ease of access to these resources. Following the inauguration, Minister Naqvi, accompanied by a delegation of diplomats, toured the various service counters at the Cascade center. He inspected the facilities and expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure, expressing confidence that the center would serve as a model of efficiency and service delivery. Diplomats and foreign nationals attending the ceremony conveyed their appreciation to Minister Naqvi for the initiative, recognizing the Cascade center as a positive step toward strengthening Islamabads diplomatic and international standing. The event saw a large turnout of diplomats from across the city, as well as high-ranking officials including the Federal Secretary of Interior, IG Islamabad Police, DC Islamabad, and other senior officers from Islamabad Police. Their participation underscored the importance placed on diplomatic relations and the commitment to a secure and supportive environment for the diplomatic community. The Cascade service center is set to be a pivotal resource within the Diplomatic Enclave, offering streamlined, centralized services to foreign nationals and contributing to Islamabads reputation as a secure, efficient, and international-friendly city. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar chaired an important meeting held at the Central Police Office on Friday to review the ongoing development, training programs, and professional matters of the Elite Force. The meeting was attended by Additional IG Elite Dr. Muhammad Waqar Abbasi, and Commandant of the Elite Police Training school Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Sulaiman, among other senior officials. During the meeting, the IG Punjab issued comprehensive directives regarding the infrastructure development, training enhancement, and overall professional affairs of the Elite Police Force. He said that the growing interest from foreign police forces in receiving training at the Elite Police Training School is a clear endorsement of the forces outstanding professional capabilities. He further emphasized that in response to the evolving threats of terrorism and extremism, significant improvements have been made in the training programs, with a special focus on enhancing response times. He said that the Elite Police Forces trained commandos are fully equipped to successfully carry out high-profile operations with precision and efficiency. The IG Punjab also highlighted the use of cutting-edge technology to further enhance the capabilities and performance of the Elite Force. He directed that all ongoing development projects at the Elite Police Training Center be completed on time, to the highest standards, and with rigorous oversight. Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring that the barracks, hostels, and other essential infrastructure for the personnel are completed with effective supervision and without compromise on quality. He also reiterated that the highest standards of training, nutrition, and other facilities should be provided to the Elite personnel undergoing training. These measures, he emphasized, are vital for maintaining the forces readiness and professionalism. Senior officials present at the meeting included RPO Faisalabad, RPO Bahawalpur, DIG Welfare and Finance, DIG Elite, AIG Development, AIG Procurement, SSP Admin, and SP Headquarters Elite Force. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) The National University of Modern Languages(NUML) held a seminar on Friday titled "Paigham-e-Pakistan," jointly organized by the Department of Islamic Thought and Culture and the Department of Pakistan Studies. The seminar highlighted the significance of unity, spiritual values, and dedication to Pakistans progress. Renowned Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali and Dr. Musharraf Hussein, an author, translator of "The Majestic Quran," and Director of the Al-Karimia Institute, Retford, UK, were the chief guests. Director General NUML, Brig. Shahzad Munir also graced the occasion. The seminar began with a soulful recitation of Quranic verses and a Naat by Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, captivating the audience with his melodious voice. Reflecting on Pakistan's history, he reminded participants of the immense sacrifices made for the nations independence, emphasizing the role of the Armed Forces, civilians, Ulema, and students. He called upon the youth to cherish and uphold Pakistans legacy, stressing that the foundation of the country is built upon the blood of martyrs and that each generation bears the responsibility to safeguard and contribute to its development. Dr. Musharraf Hussein delivered an insightful address on the "Paigham-e-Pakistan" narrative, underscoring Pakistan as a land of purity and goodness. He highlighted the importance of adhering to moral, spiritual, and social values, and shared that the teachings of the Quran offer guidance and solutions for humanitys challenges. He urged the audience to recognize the timeless wisdom of the Quran as a source of strength and direction. Director General NUML, Brig. Shahzad Munir, further underlined the importance of the "Paigham-e-Pakistan" message, stressing the need to fulfill the purpose of our creation by utilizing our potential for the betterment of the country. He emphasized that Allah has blessed humanity with knowledge and resources, and it is the responsibility of Pakistanis to care for these blessings. DG NUML reiterated that the Quran's message is universal and everlasting, calling upon Pakistanis to understand and embody this message as stewards (Khalifa) of Allah on earth. The seminar concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation to the distinguished guests, followed by a group photo. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Acting Chairman of the Senate, Syedaal Khan, on Friday emphasized the importance of following Allama Muhammad Iqbal's vision for a prosperous Pakistan. In his message on Iqbals birth anniversary, Syedaal highlighted the lasting significance of Iqbals philosophy, describing him as a guiding light for Muslims of the subcontinent who long sought direction. He noted that true dedication to Iqbals vision involves not only understanding his ideas but also applying them to shape Pakistan into the nation Iqbal envisioneda dream realized through the tireless efforts of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Syedaal stressed the importance of embracing Iqbals concepts of "Shaheen" and "Khudi" , asserting that only by embodying these ideals can Pakistan achieve its rightful place on the global stage. He urged the nation to integrate Iqbals philosophy into their lives as a source of knowledge and action, aspiring to inspire the world with their character. He called for the pursuit of a developed, Islamic welfare state that aligns with Iqbals vision, positioning Pakistan as a model among nations. A large Russian S-70 "Okhotnik" jet drone was found to contain Western components used by the occupiers despite sanctions. Among them are microelectronics and other components from the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. According to the intelligence officers, the use of Western components in the Russian UAV became known thanks to the analysis of the structure of the "Okhotnik," which was shot down on October 5, 2024, near Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region. The evidence is presented on the War & Sanctions portal. In particular, microelectronics and other technological components manufactured by Analog Devices, Texas Instruments and Xilinx-AMD (USA), Infineon Technologies (Germany), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland) were found in the Russian drone. ADVERTISIMENT In total, the aggressor country had four prototypes of the S-70 drone in service. The cost of such a Russian "Okhotnik" is about $15 million. The S-70 UAV is, among other things, a carrier of UMPB D-30 bombs, which the enemy drops to destroy Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Specifications of the S-70 "Okhotnik" Fuselage length: 14 . Wingspan: 19 . Combat load: 2.8 tons, according to other sources up to 7-8 tons. Takeoff weight of the UAV: 25 tons. Maximum speed: 1400 km/h at minimum altitude. Practical ceiling: 18 000 . Flight range: 6,000 km. ADVERTISIMENT According to the drone's creators, the "Okhotnik" should be able to carry guided missiles, guided and unguided bombs in the internal payload compartment, as well as on the wing suspension units. In addition, the Russian Federation boasted that the S-70 would be used to attack targets without entering the range of air defense systems of manned aircraft. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down the latest Russian S-70 "Okhotnik" strike UAV near Kostiantynivka. Presumably, the operator lost control of it. It is possible that the occupiers destroyed their unique drone to prevent it from reaching the Ukrainian Armed Forces intact. Nevertheless, the UAV crashed in government-controlled territory, and its wreckage became available for expert examination. The use of the S-70 "Okhotnik" in the war first became known in June 2023, when the Russians released a photo of the UAV in the sky over Ukraine. However, experts have questioned the Russian media's claim of a "new super drone on the battlefield." Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Catherine, Princess of Wales, takes a significant step in her recovery from cancer this weekend, as she attends formal events alongside her father-in-law King Charles III to remember Britain's war dead. Her attendance at the events in London are the first time that Catherine, who is widely known as Kate, will be at a major royal occasion since ending chemotherapy. Buckingham Palace's announcement came as her husband Prince William described the past year in which both Kate and his father battled cancer as "brutal" and probably the "hardest" of his life. Charles, 75, will lead the royal family at two of the most important events in the royal Calendar -- Saturday evening's Festival of Remembrance commemorative concert and Sunday's ceremony at the Cenotaph war memorial. Senior royals traditionally attend the solemn wreath-laying at the monument near parliament alongside political leaders, current and former members of the armed forces, including war veterans. But the presence of Charles's wife Queen Camilla, 77, has not yet been confirmed after she withdrew from engagements earlier this week due to a chest infection. Her attendance would be subject to medical advice nearer the time, the palace said. William, 42, on Thursday revealed how he had coped since both illnesses were announced. "Honestly, it's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life," he told reporters at the end of a four-day visit to South Africa for his Earthshot prize initiative. "So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult." The palace in February announced that Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer and would withdraw from public life to undergo treatment. The following month Kate, also 42, revealed that she too had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. Both have since made limited returns to public duties, although head of state Charles, who recently toured Australia and Samoa, is still undergoing treatment. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) A Qantas plane made an emergency landing Friday due to engine failure soon after taking off from Australia's Sydney Airport, sparking a grassfire on a nearby runway and causing several flights to be diverted. The Qantas flight, QF520, was bound for Brisbane and was circling for a "short period of time" before landing safely at Sydney Airport, Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said in a statement. "Qantas engineers have conducted a preliminary inspection of the engine and confirmed it was a contained engine failure," the airline said. "While customers would have heard a loud bang, there was not an explosion." The plane was a Boeing 737, a Qantas spokesperson said. Airservices Australia, the government's aviation regulator, said the engine failure caused "a grass area adjacent to the runway to catch fire", which was extinguished by firefighters. The Airservices' National Operations Management Centre enacted a 47-minute ground stop at Sydney Airport to ensure the plane could land as quickly as possible, the regulator said in a statement, adding that no one was injured. Plane passenger Georgina Lewis was onboard the flight and said she heard a "bang". "One of the engines appeared to have gone. The pilot came on 10 minutes later to explain that they had a problem with a right-hand engine on take-off," she told local outlet Channel Nine. Another passenger Mark Willacy, a journalist with Australia's national broadcaster ABC, said the plane struggled to get airborne following the "loud bang" noise. "That big bang as the wheels were leaving the ground and the shudder, that was like nothing I have ever felt," he told ABC. "When we landed there was a lot of applause and cheering amongst the passengers." Tobiano of Qantas said acknowledged that it would have been a "distressing experience for customers", adding that the airline would conduct an investigation. The airport was fully operational on Friday evening after 11 domestic flights were cancelled and four diverted, a Sydney Airport spokesperson said. Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Russian aerial attacks on the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia on Thursday killed at least four people and wounded another 40, including children, officials said. Another two were killed in a separate attack on the eastern Donetsk region, strikes that followed a wave of overnight drone attacks, including on the capital Kyiv. Russian forces have stepped up their attacks in Zaporizhzhia in recent days and are making rapid advances in the industrial territory of Donetsk, both of which the Kremlin says are Russian territory. "The death toll as a result of Russia's strikes on Zaporizhzhia has risen to four," the emergency services said in a statement on social media. "Forty were wounded, including four children," governor Ivan Fedorov said in a separate statement. Officials said earlier that a hospital had been damaged in Zaporizhzhia, which had a pre-war population of more than 700,000 people and lies around 35 kilometres (22 miles) from the nearest Russian positions. A four-month old girl and boys aged one, five and 15 were wounded in the attacks, Fedorov said. Officials posted images showing rescue workers pulling victims from the rubble and holding back distressed locals from getting to the destroyed buildings. The strikes later in the Donetsk region killed two people and wounded five more in the village of Mykolaivka, the region's governor Vadym Filashkin announced on social media. "One of the shells hit a five-storey building and four buildings nearby were damaged," he wrote on social media. He posted a photo of a Soviet-era residential building on fire, dozens of its windows blown out with debris littering the ground beneath it. bur-jc/rlp (@ChaudhryMAli88) Port Sudan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) Sudan's warring parties traded accusations of deadly attacks on civilians as fighting raged in the centre and west on Friday between the regular army and paramilitaries. The army-backed government accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of causing at least 120 civilian deaths over two days in Al-Jazira state, Sudan's pre-war breadbasket where fighting has raged since last month. The RSF in turn accused the regular armed forces of killing 60 people in an air strike in North Darfur, where they have been battling to retain a foothold in the western region otherwise controlled by the paramilitaries. The conflict in Sudan pits the regular army, under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. It has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people since April 2023 and displaced more than 11 million more, according to the International Organization for Migration. "The Janjaweed militia (paramilitaries) committed a new massacre in the town of Hilaliya in Al-Jazira state over the past two days," the foreign ministry of the army-backed government said in a statement late Thursday. It said 120 civilians had been killed "either by gunfire or due to food poisoning and lack of medical care". The army-backed government routinely refers to the RSF as Janjaweed, an infamous militia recruited by the then government in Khartoum to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion in the western region of Darfur two decades ago. The Sudan Doctors' Union said that after "stealing all the possessions of residents in Hilaliya, the militia detained people inside mosques, only allowing them to leave after paying large sums, which are impossible to afford after the extensive looting and theft". Witnesses said that the RSF had laid siege to the town for two weeks, leaving residents without safe food and water or access to medical care. "A large number of citizens are suffering from acute diarrhoea and are suspected of having cholera, without access to any medical care," the Doctors' Union said, adding that the death toll was "rising rapidly". On Monday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that attacks on more than 30 towns and villages in Al-Jazira state since October 20 had driven more than 135,000 people from their homes. Witnesses reported the first direct clashes between the paramilitaries and former comrades who defected to the army with their commander, Abu Aqla Keykal, last month. - Darfur air strike - In the vast western region of Darfur, the RSF said that an air strike by the regular armed forces had killed more than 60 civilians and wounded hundreds in a displaced persons' camp. "The heinous assault... destroyed Al-Farouq Primary school, which was sheltering over 35 displaced families in the town of Al-Kuma," a spokesman said on the RSF's official Telegram channel. "Hundreds were wounded as a result of the strike, which involved more than seven missiles and bombs." Parts of North Darfur state, including its besieged capital El-Fasher, a city of some two million people, are the only parts of the region still under the control of the army and its allies. UN officials have voiced mounting concern about the dire conditions in Darfur and across Sudan. "The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence -- with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults," UN chief Antonio Guterres told the Security Council late last month. bur-ht/maf/kir (@ChaudhryMAli88) UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) The UN human rights chief has called for due reckoning for horrific violations and possible atrocity crimes in Gaza, following the release of a new report outlining actions taken by Israeli forces during its genocidal war against Palestinian people. The report details the horrific reality faced by both the people of Israel and Gaza since 7 October 2023, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stressing the imperative for Israel to fully and immediately comply with its obligations under international law and the rules of war. It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved, he said. The UN High Commissioner said this is even more critical and urgent, given the totality of conduct set out in the report and taking into account most recent events, including Israels ongoing operations in northern Gaza and its adoption of legislation affecting the activities of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA. The detailed analysis of violations covers the six-month period from November 2023 to April 2024, and broadly examines the killing of civilians and breaches of international law that in many instances could amount to war crimes. If committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a State or organizational policy, these violations may constitute crimes against humanity, according to the report. The report warned that if those violations were committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, they may also constitute genocide. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its series of orders on provisional measures, underscored the international obligations of Israel to prevent, protect against and punish acts of genocide and associated prohibited conduct, according to the report. Palestinian armed groups have also conducted hostilities, according to the report. Turk recalled Statess obligations to act to prevent atrocity crimes, urging them to support the work of accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the current conflict. The report also pointed to repeated statements from Israeli officials positing the end of the conflict as contingent upon Gazas entire destruction and the exodus of the Palestinian people. In addition, it documented efforts to rationalize discrimination, hostility and violence towards, and even the elimination of, Palestinians. The report showed how civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks, including through the initial complete siege of Gaza by Israeli forces, as well as the Israel Governments continuing unlawful failures to allow, facilitate and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, destruction of civilian infrastructure and repeated mass displacement. This conduct by Israeli forces has caused unprecedented levels of killings, death, injury, starvation, illness and disease, the report stated. The UN rights office, OHCHR, has been verifying the personal details of those killed in Gaza by strikes, shelling and other conduct of hostilities, finding close to 70 per cent to be children and women, which indicated a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality. The continuation of these attacks, killing evenly across the population, demonstrates an apparent indifference to the death of civilians and the impact of the means and methods of warfare selected, the report stated. UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2024) The month-long brutal Israeli siege in northern Gaza has left civilians on the brink of disaster, preventing them from accessing the essentials for their survival, including water, UN humanitarians officials warned Friday amid reports of new airstrikes. Aid workers are being forced to work in unsafe conditions, as insecurity and restrictions by Israeli forces prevent them from reaching people in need, Stephanie Tremblay, UN Associate Spokesperson, told reporters at the regular news briefing in New York, citing reports from the UN relief coordination office, OCHA. Palestinians there have absolutely no protection as the bombardment continues, she said, reiterating that the entire population in north Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence. That alarm was sounded last week by top UN officials and heads of global humanitarian organizations. According to initial estimates by UN-partner agencies on the ground, about 14,000 displaced Palestinians in the area are staying in shelters and other sites, including three collective centres run by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), one other collective hub and six makeshift locations. Despite ongoing hostilities, the World Health Organization (WHO) carried out its largest medical evacuation in over a year, moving 90 critically ill patients, including 38 children, to safety in the UAE and Romania. Before the evacuation, WHO transferred 16 patients and 20 caregivers from northern Gaza to the Nasser Medical Complex in the south, Ms. Tremblay said, renewing WHOs call for the establishment of safe corridors for patient evacuations. Meanwhile, some 40 UN aid trucks coordinated by reproductive health agency, UNFPA, carrying essential medical and hygiene supplies, remain stranded at border points in Egypt and Jordan, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza. Only 16 UNFPA trucks have made it through since the start of October. Last week, the agency managed to distribute some 6,300 dignity, hygiene, and postpartum kits in Deir al Balah. In Gaza City, UNFPA delivered three inter-agency reproductive health kits to the Sahaba and Al Helou hospitals, along with 765 dignity kits to other partners. Bombing has damaged infrastructure in south Lebanon, making roads impassable. In the wider region, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah across the Blue Line of separation in southern Lebanon continues to exact a civilian toll. The IDF continued its airstrikes across Lebanon, including in the south, Saida, the Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, and in Beirut, resulting in multiple casualties. Hezbollah has launched several drones and rockets at Israel, Ms. Tremblay, the associate spokesperson, said. She added that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also reported the continuation of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) offensive in southern Lebanon, involving clashes with Hezbollah. The increasing impact on civilians is of grave concern and we condemn the loss of civilian lives. All actors must adhere to international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Amid the hostilities, UN agencies continue to support the humanitarian response in Lebanon, with a convoy delivering essential aid, including food, water and winter kits, to over 4,000 people in nine collective shelters in the town of Deir Al Ahmar in Baalbeck-Hermel Governorate in the northwest. About 30,000 displaced people are sheltering in the Governorate. Many among them have been forced to relocate multiple times this week amid relentless airstrikes, while collective shelters are overstretched, with 85 per cent of them operating at maximum capacity. Earlier in the day, UNIFIL reported that one of its convoys carrying newly-arrived peacekeepers to south Lebanon was passing Saida, when a drone strike occurred nearby. Five peacekeepers were slightly injured in the incident and were treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot. The Lebanese Army also confirmed that three of its soldiers at the nearby checkpoint were injured. The UN once again strongly reminds all actors to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and peacekeepers, Ms. Tremblay said. The UN urges the parties to halt the violence immediately. The UN continues to support efforts towards a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution. APP/ift Construction of UWs new student residence halls is proceeding on schedule, with the first scheduled for occupation in fall 2025. (JE Dunn Photo) The biggest construction project in the University of Wyomings history reached another milestone this week, setting the stage for UW students to begin living and dining in a modern, state-of-the-art residence hall complex beginning in the fall 2025 semester. UW and JE Dunn Construction celebrated the official topping out of the universitys new student housing project with the placement of the final structural beam. The $285.5 million project includes two new five-story residence halls that will house a two-story dining hall and more than 920 student beds at the center of campus next to the Wyoming Union and Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center. This is the first residence hall project for the university in nearly 60 years. The sense of excitement on campus is almost palpable as we have seen the structures take shape and exterior work progress, UW President Ed Seidel says. These facilities will create an amazing living and learning environment for our students, and we cant wait to welcome the first group of residents next fall. The first part of the project -- the North Hall and the connected two-level dining facility -- are on schedule to open for the fall 2025 semester. The second phase -- the South Hall -- is on track to allow occupancy in the spring 2026 semester. These halls will offer a variety of room types, including doubles, singles, semi-suites with private bathrooms and semi-suites with shared bathrooms. Theyll feature large community spaces, a community kitchen, study rooms, UWs tutoring center and more. The buildings total more than 300,000 square feet. This architects rendering shows the lobby of the new UW dining facility now under construction. (Mackey Mitchell Architects and alm2s Rendering) It has been such a privilege to work with the University of Wyoming and the design team in sharing their vision for the future of this campus, says Will Peterson, JE Dunns project director. Our project team is excited to be part of such an iconic and impactful project for the university and its students. While crews are working to complete the facilities, UW officials are putting the finishing touches on plans for how the new residence halls will be populated, including rates for them and the older high-rise residence halls that will continue to serve students. While about 450 students are expected to live in the North Hall starting in fall 2025, another 470 or so will start the 2025-26 academic year in McIntyre Hall and then move to the new South Hall for the spring semester. Because the new halls arent expected to accommodate all on-campus students, theres expected to be an option for students to live in existing White Hall as well. Decisions on these issues are expected in early 2025. Demolition of other current residence halls is part of the overall plan, but no deconstruction is expected for a number of years as the transition to the new facilities takes place. The exterior design of the residence halls follows UWs trademark Collegiate Gothic sandstone style used on other buildings on UWs central campus. Attractive green spaces and other landscaping are being created as part of the project as well. This architects rendering shows that UWs new North Hall and dining facility for students will feature the universitys traditional Collegiate Gothic sandstone exterior. (Mackey Mitchell Architects and alm2s Rendering) We have known for some time that our current residence halls need to be replaced. These new facilities, located closer to the central campus and featuring modern design and amenities, will be a significant upgrade for student life at our university, Seidel says. They will provide a wonderful environment for students to build a sense of community during their first year on campus and beyond, which we know is so important for their success. Funding for the project comes from $205.8 million in bonds issued by the university, supplemented by $80 million in legislative appropriations. Construction began in November 2022. The UW Board of Trustees selected JE Dunn as the construction manager in a competitive process in 2020 following the firms management of the Wyoming State Capitol restoration project in Cheyenne. The architect, alm2s, partnered with Plan One, of Cheyenne, and Mackey Mitchell Architects, of St. Louis, on the design. Founded in 1924, JE Dunn is the eighth-largest domestic general building contractor in the United States, with offices in 26 locations. Josh Quinlan will perform with the Live Edge Trio Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall. (Josh Quinlan Photo) The University of Wyoming Jazz Studies program presents the Live Edge Trio with Josh Quinlan, saxophone, Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall. The concert is free and open to all. Live Edge Trio features UW Department of Music head Ben Markley on piano and fellow faculty members Seth Lewis on bass and Andy Wheelock on drums. Live Edge writes and arranges music that reflects and builds upon the rich history of the jazz piano trio. Each member of the trio offers a unique and distinct musical perspective, combining for hard-swinging, harmonically rich and infectiously groovy tunes. Markley is an award-winning composer and arranger who is in high demand across the country. He has recorded eight award-winning records as a leader and dozens more as a sideman. Markley has performed with the likes of Ari Hoenig, Bob Bowman, Joel Frahm, Brian Lynch, Greg Osby, Eddie Henderson and Terell Stafford. Lewis is an award-winning bassist who has performed all over the world, including touring with the great Glenn Miller Orchestra, appeared on dozens of recording projects and collaborated with many notable artists. Wheelock is in high demand as a drummer, percussionist and educator. He has performed with many great artists, such as Ernie Watts, SK Kakraba, Chuchito Valdes, Marion Hayden and Terell Stafford; has played on dozens of records; and recently released his debut record as a leader, View From Here. Quinlan is a U.S.-born saxophonist, composer and educator who lives in Heredia, Costa Rica, where he is professor of saxophone at the National University of Costa Rica. He previously served as instructor of jazz studies at the University of Colorado; music faculty member at Denver School of the Arts; director of education for the Colorado nonprofit Gift of Jazz; director of the Dazzle Recordings label; and co-director of the Telluride Jazz Celebration Educational Program. Quinlan has released four albums as a leader, saxophonist and composer and has toured throughout the world performing and teaching. He is an endorsing artist of P. Mauriat saxophones; Bari Woodwind saxophone mouthpieces; Gonzalez Reeds; and Tomasi Flutes. When Sarais Gonzalez woke up on Thursday, she knew she was much poorer than she had been just the day before. The powerful impact of Hurricane Rafael as it swept through Alquizar, her town in western Cuba, on Wednesday afternoon had destroyed the roofs of her kitchen, bathroom, and one room in her house. What we lived through yesterday was horrifying hours of uncertainty and terror, she told EL PAIS. My baby cried inconsolably. We were huddled in one room and then had to move into the closet, while my husband took shelter under the bed. Thats where we stayed for hours as the wind roared around us. When I woke up, it was heartbreaking to see how misery engulfs us, on top of the struggles we already face. Nearly 24 hours after Rafael swept through Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, the full extent of the devastation in the western part of the country remains unclear. Many areas are still completely isolated after the state-owned power company Union Electrica announced on Wednesday afternoon, hours before the hurricanes arrival, that the national power grid had been completely disconnected. The storm made landfall at Playa Majana, about 47 miles (75 kilometers) southwest of Havana, just after 4 p.m., with winds reaching up to 115 mph (185 kilometers per hour). By 7 p.m., it had passed through the island near Bahia de Cabanas as a Category 2 storm. The was enough time to leave behind a trail of destruction. Cubas Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledged that restoring electricity in western Cuba will be a slow process. However, despite only piecemeal reports, some images and videos circulating on social media reveal the scale of the disaster: fallen trees, flooding from storm surges and heavy rains, and structural collapses. Several residents in the southern province of Artemisa say they have lost the roofs of their homes. Much of the power infrastructure has been severely damaged, exacerbating a network recently hit by a wave of massive blackouts. The town of Jibacoa, located in the center of the country, has been cut off by heavy rains. Thousands of people have been evacuated. Cuban authorities, however, assure that the natural disaster did not result in any fatalities. President Miguel Diaz-Canel posted on X that the government has allocated resources for recovery efforts in the provinces of Artemisa, Havana, and Mayabeque. This years hurricane season has been especially devastating for Cuba. Hurricane Rafael struck just two weeks after Oscar, which hit the eastern part of the island on October 20, with winds reaching 80 mph (130 kilometers per hour). Residents in areas such as Imias, Maisi, Baracoa, and San Antonio del Sur already struggling from a nationwide blackout that left the entire country without power for more than three days from October 18 to 22 were caught off guard by Oscars arrival and saw the devastation play out before their eyes: swollen rivers, over 30,000 evacuations, massive material losses, and at least 20 people missing, though the official toll cites eight fatalities. Several Cuban exile groups that had been sending supplies after the damage from Oscar are now redoubling their efforts to help mitigate the destruction caused by Rafael. Various governments and international organizations have also pledged support. Canada announced a donation of $400,000 for water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as relief supplies. The Mexican company Richmeat contributed 100 tons of meat to help feed families affected by Oscar. UNICEF sent 1,498 kilograms (about 3,300 pounds) of medical supplies to the island, and the World Food Program (WFP) committed to supplying technical equipment and food modules. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Local authorities in Turkey's metropolitan Istanbul province banned a screening of the LGBTQI-themed movie "Queer" on Thursday because of concerns that it would endanger public peace and security. The screening of "Queer," a film directed by Italian director Luca Guadagnino and starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, was scheduled to open a film festival in Istanbul's Kadikoy district on Thursday. The festival was organized by Mubi, an international streaming platform and film production and distribution company. Mubi canceled the entire festival, noting "This ban not only targets a single film but also undermines the very essence and purpose of the festival." In a statement shared on X, Mubi announced that the Kadikoy District Governor's Office had notified them of the ban hours before the festival was set to begin. "The decision states that the film is prohibited on the grounds that it contains provocative content that could endanger public peace, with the ban being imposed for security reasons," Mubi wrote. "We believe this ban is a direct restriction on art and freedom of expression," Mubi added. The Kadikoy District Governor's Office has not made a public statement on the ban and has not responded to VOA's inquiry at the time of this story's publication. Rising anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric The Turkish government has toughened rhetoric against its LGBTQI+ community in recent years, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly calling its members "perverts" or "deviants." Authorities have banned pride marches throughout the country since 2015, citing security concerns. At least 15 people were detained in Istanbul in June for taking part in a pride rally. Yldz Tar, editor in chief of the LGBTQI news portal KaosGL, does not find the ban surprising considering the government's anti-LGBTQI stance. "The reason for the ban on 'Queer' is of course that it is a film about LGBTI+ people. When you try to organize any LGBTI+-themed event in Turkey since 2015, you already encounter such bans," Tar told VOA. Tar noted that the Kadikoy District Governor's Office banned the screening of another movie, "Pride," as part of Pride Month events in June 2023. The Istanbul festival, which was scheduled to take place November 7 to 10, included a variety of film screenings, talks and performances. According to Mubi, tickets for the festival had sold out days in advance. Tar views Mubi's decision to cancel the festival after the ban as "an important and valuable message" and argues that the platform's decision should be exemplary. "If LGBTI+ themed films are being censored so openly at this point, then festivals and the world of culture and arts need to raise a very strong voice against this censorship," Tar said. Academic and film critic Yesim Burul also sees the district governor's ban as censorship. "We are talking about unacceptable censorship here. It is truly absurd that a district governorship would make such decisions to prevent a film from reaching the audience," Burul told VOA. "We, as adults, can decide which film we can and cannot watch. Such festivals are already organized for those over the age of 18, and tickets are sold that way," Burul added. The 2024 film "Queer," with a screenplay adapted from William S. Burroughs' 1985 novel, tells the story of an American expatriate living in Mexico City in the 1950s who establishes an intimate connection with a younger man. In October, Mubi acquired distribution rights for the film in multiple territories, including Turkey, India, the United Kingdom, Germany and Latin America. Reactions Several rights groups and organizations reacted to the ban on the screening. According to the LGBTI+ Rights Commission of the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association, the ban is "a continuation of criminalizing LGBTI+ individuals." In a post on X, the rights group argued that the ban violates not only domestic law but also the "protection from discrimination" principle of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is a signatory. The Actors' Union of Turkey called the ban "clearly an application of censorship." "The duty of art and artists is to broaden the horizons of societies and offer them new perspectives while telling their own stories," the union said in a statement published on X. The union also reminded that the law on freedom of expression protects artistic activities in Turkey. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Americans to accept the results of Tuesdays presidential election, which former President Donald Trump won. VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell reports. Chadian military airstrikes killed scores of Boko Haram fighters and injured several dozen more in the Lake Chad Basin, President Mahamat Idriss Deby said Friday. Chad planned the operation against the Islamist militant group after Boko Haram fighters killed 40 Chadian soldiers in an attack on a military garrison last month. About 700 Chadian soldiers celebrated as air force fliers returned to Kaiga Kindira, an island in the Lake Chad Basin near the border with Nigeria. Top military officials and Deby were there to greet them. Deby said he was happy because Haskinite, an operation he launched to search for and eliminate Boko Haram members hiding in the Lake Chad Basin, had begun successfully with the strikes carried out Thursday night into Friday. Military officials said the air attacks targeted five Boko Haram hideouts but did not identify locations. Deby said he also has ordered close to 1,000 infantry and navy troops to eliminate Boko Haram fighters and protect civilians, who are constantly harassed, raped, maimed and killed by militants in the Lake Chad area. Military officials said soldiers have seized many weapons and destroyed boats used by Boko Haram fighters to attack civilians and government troops. Deby said the attacks on Boko Haram will continue until the group is eradicated. Deby, who spoke on state TV, has been in areas of the Lake Chad Basin shared by Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger and Chad since October 28, when Boko Haram fighters attacked a military garrison, killing 40 soldiers and injuring scores of others, on the island of Bakaram, near the border with Nigeria. Chad's government called on its citizens to support the ongoing operation by reporting strangers to soldiers, government officials and traditional rulers. Passale Kanabe Marcellin, Chad's water and sanitation minister, told officials at the Lake Chad Basin Commission meeting in Ndjamena on Friday he is happy villagers who live in fear of Boko Haram are assisting government troops by contributing food, water, first aid equipment and money. He said Deby wants all countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to assist Chadian troops fighting Boko Haram by allowing soldiers to cross into Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger in pursuit of the militants. Boko Haram launched an insurgency against the Nigerian government in 2009. Fighting spread into Cameroon, Chad and Niger, where the militants established bases and hideouts. The United Nations says the fighting has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over 3 million. As clashes escalate along Myanmars northern border, Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week reaffirmed Beijing's support for Myanmars military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The comment came Wednesday following a sideline meeting with the embattled junta leader at the November 6-7 Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in Kunming, in Chinas southern Yunan province, according to a Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry statement issued the same day. During the meeting, Li pledged Chinas commitment to regional stability, stressing the importance of trade and border security, even as key crossings remain closed because of heightened conflict. He assured Myanmar of Chinas support for a development path suited to its national conditions, promising ongoing cooperation to advance Myanmars political reconciliation and transformation, according to the statement. The statement went on to say that Li had underscored Chinas commitment to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative, viewing it as a key project for both nations. The so-called CMEC links the Chinese province of Yunnan with economic hubs in Myanmar and give China access to the India Ocean through a series of infrastructure projects. In the meeting, Li expressed his hope that Myanmar would ensure the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects within its borders, while calling for greater cooperation in combating cross-border problems such as online gambling and telecom fraud. Min Aung Hlaing, in turn, expressed gratitude, the Foreign Ministry stated, for Chinas assistance in development, pledging to protect Chinese investments within Myanmar as both countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Opposition criticizes visit to China Myanmars opposition National Unity Government has expressed concern over Min Aung Hlaings visit to China, describing it as an attempt by the military regime to gain legitimacy and financial support. Speaking to VOA by phone on Wednesday, Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the NUG Presidents Office, described the visit as an effort to secure recognition and economic support for a regime that lacks legitimacy. He further stated that Min Aung Hlaing has "hindered Myanmars progress and stability," attributing recent economic struggles to the juntas actions. The NUG called on China to reconsider its engagement with the junta, with Kyaw Zaw saying that backing this regime could pose risks to regional stability and negatively impact civilians who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods. Chinas strategic calculations Myanmar analyst and former Communist Party of Burma member Than Soe Naing discussed Chinas relationship with Myanmars junta by phone with VOA on Wednesday. "China never directly blamed Min Aung Hlaing for the coup," he said, although Beijing saw the arrests of Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmars ousted civilian government, and the dissolution of her National League for Democracy party as missteps. Min Aung Hlaing has mishandled the military, politics and economy, prompting China to explore alternatives. In June, China invited the leader of an earlier Myanmar military government, General Thein Sein, to an event with Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, sparking speculation that China might see Thein Sein as the leader of a future transitional government. Regional analysts described the invitation as a strategic signal. Thein Sein presided over earlier reforms and peacefully handed over power to Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, or NLD, after a 2015 election. He is seen as a figure who might be trusted to lead a potential transitional government if Myanmar moves toward reconciliation. However, Min Aung Hlaings invitation to the Mekong Summit signals Chinas current backing, given his influence and control of the military, Than Soe Naing said. China acknowledges Min Aung Hlaings support within the military, he said, while Aung San Suu Kyi lacks armed backing. Inviting him to Yunnan, not Beijing, allows China to show international goodwill from a neutral location. While Aung San Suu Kyi is currently in jail and lacks the formal support of the military, revolutionary forces who are aligned with the NUG support her. Support for infrastructure Intense battles in northern Shan state involving the Three Brotherhood Alliance a coalition of ethnic armed groups made up of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Taang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army are now spreading toward central Myanmar, revealing Min Aung Hlaings weakened control, he said. China sees an opportunity to influence the military by supporting it, Than Soe Naing said, believing this strengthens its strategic ally. He also noted Chinas economic interests, including the Myitsone dam project in Kachin State, suspended in 2010. If talks succeed, Min Aung Hlaing may be invited to Beijing, linking Chinas support for the junta to advancing key infrastructure projects. The Three Brotherhood Alliance has been the strongest force against the junta. Last year, these groups launched Operation 1027, a coordinated offensive aimed at junta forces in northern Myanmar, which borders China, on October 27. China has increasingly assumed the role of mediator, facilitating a series of cease-fire meetings between the junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in Kunming a move underscoring Beijings vested interest in regional stability and the security of its cross-border trade routes. However, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful and fighting in the region has escalated. Chinas border trade restrictions China, long critical of Western sanctions, has imposed restrictions along the border, cutting off vital supplies such as food and medicine. Analysts believe the move aims to pressure the armed resistance groups while securing Chinas regional interests. Border crossings into northern Shan and Kachin states areas heavily influenced by opposition ethnic groups have been closed, stalling trade. While Beijing has not publicly explained the closures, Chinese media have cited security concerns around key infrastructure, including the China-Myanmar oil pipeline. Observers see this as a calculated Chinese effort to weaken resistance forces and strengthen the Myanmar junta. Taang National Liberation Army spokesperson Lway Yay Oo confirmed to VOA by phone that Chinas trade restrictions have cut supplies to the TNLA and other allied ethnic armed groups. Border trade is still banned, she said, adding that only food and clothing have been allowed into Myanmar since October 25. Restrictions now also block goods from reaching areas controlled by the United Wa State Army, another armed ethnic group, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, leading to shortages, particularly of medicine. When asked about Chinas motive, she stated, China is pressuring us to halt military operations. To support affected areas, she said, Were providing tax exemptions on food, fuel and construction materials. Although fighting has paused, Lway Yay Oo refused to say whether this is due to Chinas pressure. Airstrikes by the junta are still ongoing, she said, adding that China has not responded to calls for humanitarian aid. Analyst Than Soe Naing said China wants the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance to pull back and allow junta forces to reestablish control. Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the NUG President Office, said Myanmars instability stems from the militarys violent actions that disrupt economic growth, warning that restrictive border policies could significantly affect civilians dependent on cross-border trade. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is in Beijing Friday for his first official visit to China, where he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Experts say he hopes to maintain the personal rapport with the Chinese leaders established by his predecessor, Joko Jokowi Widodo. Presumably, he will be leaning more toward Beijing for economic purposes since Prabowo has ambitious plans for achieving 8% economic growth, Aristyo Darmawan, a lecturer in international law at Universitas Indonesia, told VOA. However, the lecturer voiced concern about reports that China has proposed to collaborate with Indonesia on oil exploration in the North Natuna Sea, a portion of the South China Sea that has been long controlled by Indonesia and lies within its Exclusive Economic Zone but is claimed by China. I think this is unnecessary and actually dangerous for Indonesia, he said. I think Prabowo is keen to have a closer relationship with Beijing, and, therefore, it might indicate how he might respond to any incursion in the North Natuna Sea. In his inaugural speech to Parliament on October 20, Prabowo vowed to bolster the defense of Indonesian territory. The next day, Indonesias Maritime Security Agency drove a Chinese coast guard ship away from a contested area in the North Natuna Sea. The same ship returned on October 24 and 25, disrupting a survey being conducted by Indonesias state-owned oil company, Pertamina. The three intrusions, coming within a week during Prabowos first days in office, prompted questions about Beijings motives. Past territorial disputes Confrontations have dated back for years in the region, which is believed to hold huge, unexploited oil and gas deposits. These prompted then-President Widodo to hold a Cabinet meeting aboard a warship off the Natuna islands in 2016 to assert Indonesias sovereignty. In December 2020, Widodo again visited the Natuna islands amid a stand-off between Indonesian warships and Chinese coast guard vessels escorting 60 fishing boats. Afterward, Indonesia deployed fighter jets and warships to patrol the waters, and it sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese ambassador to Indonesia. One year later, China demanded that Indonesia stop drilling for oil and natural gas in the sea. A letter from Chinese diplomats to Indonesias Foreign Ministry claimed that a temporary offshore rig operated by Indonesia was in Chinese territory. In 2023, a Chinese coast guard ship escorted a Chinese research ship without permission into North Natuna waters to carry out exploration activities. Better monitoring Ario Seno, a researcher at the Indonesian Maritime Security agency, said Indonesia does not have enough manpower and patrol boats to monitor the vast area effectively. This makes it hard to catch trespassing fishing boats or coast guard ships in a timely manner. To address the problem, the agency is developing a monitoring system using buoys equipped with radar, long-distance surveillance cameras and sonar, which will be connected to its satellite system and the agencys base. Our patrol boats will be able to focus on enforcing the law, so we don't have to often patrol around in circles and then find nothing. With the existence of these floating surveillance tools, violations can be immediately detected, and the available patrol boats can immediately take action, Ario said. Indonesian authorities say the proposed system could be ready by 2026 and will provide major savings in surveillance costs. Chinas lukewarm response During an October 24 press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended Chinas behavior in North Natuna, insisting the waters belonged to his country even though Beijings expansive claims to the South China Sea have been rejected by an international tribunal. Chinas coast guard vessel carries out routine patrols in waters under the jurisdiction of China in accordance with international law and Chinas domestic laws, Lin said. China stands ready to enhance communication and consultation with Indonesia through diplomatic channels and properly handle maritime issues between the two countries. A week later, Indonesias Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Rolliansyah Roy Soemirat, said Indonesias position on the contested waters remains unchanged. We continue to have dialogue behind the scenes and other diplomatic efforts to address this issue proportionally with other countries, he said, adding that Indonesia was in the process of seeking confirmation and exchanging the most factual information with the related parties. Aristyo, the Universitas Indonesia lecturer, said Indonesia should be careful in its talks with China to ensure that Indonesia is treating the issue seriously. He said that in the past, Prabowo has sent mixed signals regarding the territorial dispute. Its too early to judge how he will respond as president, but there are expectations he will defend Indonesias sovereign waters more forcefully. China summoned the Philippines' ambassador on Friday to express its objection to two new laws in the Southeast Asian nation asserting maritime rights and sovereignty over disputed areas of the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said. China made "solemn representations" to the ambassador shortly after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law to strengthen his country's maritime claims and bolster its territorial integrity. The Maritime Zones law "illegally includes most of China's Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands and related maritime areas in the Philippines' maritime zones," Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, using the Chinese names for Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands respectively. Beijing has rejected a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration which said its expansive maritime claims over the South China Sea had no legal basis, in a case that was brought by Manila. The United States, a Philippine ally, backs the court's ruling. Marcos said the two laws he signed, which define maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes, were a demonstration of commitment to uphold the international rules-based order, and protect Manila's rights to exploit resources peacefully in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "Our people, especially our fisher folk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment," Marcos said. "We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our sea bed." But Beijing said the laws were a "serious infringement" of its claims over the contested areas. "China urges the Philippine side to effectively respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, to immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the widening of the dispute and complicate the situation," Mao said. China, which also has sovereignty disputes with the other countries in the region, has in the past enacted domestic laws covering the South China Sea, such as a coast guard law in 2021 that allows it to detain foreigners suspected of trespassing. Beijing, which uses an armada of coast guard ships to assert its claims, routinely accuses vessels of trespassing in areas of the South China Sea that fall inside the EEZs of its neighbors, and has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines in the past year. Philippine officials acknowledged the challenges they face in implementing the new laws, with one author, Senator Francis Tolentino, saying he did not expect a reduction in tensions. "China will not recognize these, but the imprimatur that we'll be getting from the international community would strengthen our position," Tolentino told a press conference. Southern California firefighters made progress against a wildfire that has destroyed 132 structures, mostly homes. The fierce wind gusts that fanned the flames began easing Friday, allowing some people to return to sort through the charred remains of their homes. Maryanne Belote returned to her hillside neighborhood in Camarillo, a city northwest of Los Angeles, after making a harrowing escape with her cat, dog and horses as the blaze raged in the area. The only thing standing was a rock wall she built. "If I hadn't gotten the horses, I would have been devastated, but I have my family and I have my animals so, I'm OK. I will rebuild," she said, standing outside the remains of her home of 50 years. The Mountain Fire started Wednesday morning in Ventura County and had grown to about 83 square kilometers. It was 7% contained Friday morning. About 10,000 people remained under evacuation orders Friday morning as the fire continued to threaten about 3,500 structures in suburban neighborhoods, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo in Ventura County. At least 88 structures were damaged in addition to the 132 destroyed. Officials did not specify whether they had fire, water or smoke damage. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Ten people suffered smoke inhalation or other non-life-threatening injuries, Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff said. Crews working in steep terrain with support from water-dropping helicopters were focusing on protecting homes on hillsides along the fire's northeast edge near the city of Santa Paula, home to more than 30,000 people, county fire officials said. Officials in several Southern California counties urged residents to watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees during the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. Santa Anas are dry, warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore, moving in the opposite direction of the normal onshore flow that carries moist air from the Pacific. They typically occur during the fall months and continue through winter and into early spring. Red flag warnings, indicating conditions for high fire danger, expired Friday morning when winds began diminishing. Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County. An air quality alert for harmful fine particle pollution was in effect from Friday morning until Saturday afternoon due to smoke from the wildfires. Across the country in New Jersey, firefighters were stretched thin Friday with at least four wildfires burning in the state, stretching from the Pinelands in the central and western parts of the state to the New York City suburbs. The latest fire broke out along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County, across the Hudson River from New York. It was smaller than the three others burning in New Jersey, each of which had burned less than a square mile as of late Thursday. Those fires, in Jackson, Glassboro and Evesham, were between 50% and 80% contained Friday. New Jersey has not received measurable precipitation in over a month, the weather service said, setting a record. 2024 is likely to be the hottest year ever recorded, with global warming already exceeding the threshold of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, according to scientists, who released the latest data ahead of the COP29 climate summit due to start Monday in Azerbaijan. Carlo Buontempo, the director of the European Unions Copernicus Earth observation program, which produced the data, said it was an important moment for humankind. I call it psychological because it's something that has been agreed not only among scientists, but between scientists and policymakers and society and nations to use as a reference point. ... It is a benchmark with respect to that global discussion, he told the Associated Press on Thursday. Paris Agreement Keeping global warming to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels was a central pillar of the 2016 Paris Agreement, a deal signed by 196 countries, which forms the basis for the annual COP summits. Scientists say exceeding that threshold will likely have catastrophic impacts. It can be the difference between a country existing, particularly small island developing states, and not. We're also nearing a lot of Earth system tipping points, said Ruth Townend, a senior research fellow at Britains Chatham House and co-author of its recent report, Azerbaijans climate leadership challenge. Our delicate Earth systems are in a fine balance. And once we pass certain thresholds, we can trigger climate impacts that might not be reversible, moving ourselves into new types of systems. Emissions gap As for the current trajectory, the United Nations says the world is heading toward around 3C of warming by the end of this century. We are teetering on a planetary tightrope, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a recorded message ahead of the summit. Either leaders bridge the emissions gap or we plunge headlong into climate disaster, with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most. This report shows annual greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high, rising 1.3% last year. They must fall 9% each year to 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C and avoid the very worst of climate change, Guterres said. COP29 Such is the backdrop for the COP29 summit in Baku. Over 12 days, hundreds of world leaders and thousands of delegates will enter thorny negotiations on how to cut global greenhouse gas emissions and, crucially, who should pay for those cuts, along with the adaptation measures necessary to mitigate against climate change caused by past emissions. Who pays? A key part of COP29 is to establish the finance in place to help developing countries produce strong new climate plans, explained Townend. And those climate plans are meant to be delivered ahead of COP30 in Brazil next year. Without the finance domino in that line of dominoes, everything will essentially fall apart a little bit because developing countries won't have any kind of promise of support from developed countries in order to produce those ambitious new climate plans, Townend said. Fossil fuels Some have questioned Azerbaijans suitability as host of the summit. It is a major producer of oil and gas among the fossil fuels that drive climate change. Around 90% of its export revenues come from oil and gas. And it is also a climate vulnerable country so it gets around 50 to 70% of its water from over its borders, outside its borders, Townend said. So, it really is between a rock and a hard place on climate action and transition. And as such, it has a really strong interest in getting finance in place to help developing countries such as itself to find a feasible path forward, she told VOA. Trump shadow Looming over the summit is Donald Trumps victory in the Tuesday U.S. presidential election. In his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement and could do so again once he assumes the presidency in January. He has also pledged to open vast areas of the U.S. for oil and gas drilling. There are also fears that Trumps proposed import tariffs could lead to a trade war with China. The U.S. and China are the top two emitters of greenhouse gases and together account for around a third of global emissions. The world must adapt to such tensions, said Townend. We're unlikely to be moving towards a world that is more stable with increasing climate impact. So, we do need to learn to manage under these conditions of geopolitical instability, which will only increase going forward. Extreme weather From the wildfires currently raging in California to the recent deadly floods in Spains Valencia, scientists say extreme weather events are a clear indication of the urgency of curbing global warming. There is very strong evidence suggesting that many of these extreme events have become more intense because of climate change. And there is a good understanding of why, said Buontempo of the EU Copernicus program, who added its vital that COP29 is a success. These multilateral negotiations and discussion is the mechanism we have to find a global solution, he added. The most important global music awards are back. The Recording Academy of America announced on November 8 the nominees for its famous awards, the Grammys, which next February 2 will hold its 67th awards gala at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The 13,000 members of the Academy have selected their favorites for this year and the list includes many women who have been triumphing at the Grammys for years, such as Beyonce (who tops the list with 11 nominations) and Taylor Swift, who will contest the main categories. Other artists who have been making a name for themselves recently are Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan. The Beatles also received a surprise nomination more than half a century after the Fab Four broke up. In addition, this years Person of the Year award will go to the American folk-rock group Grateful Dead. Beyonce and her album Cowboy Carter garnered 11 nominations across all the main categories: best song, record, and album of the year, plus a nod in the country category; Billie Eilish has seven with her third album (and also third to be nominated), Hit Me Hard and Soft, as do Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX and Post Malone. Swift has six nominations thanks to The Tortured Poets Department, tying her with two of the years biggest sensations, Sabrina Carpenter (with her album Short N Sweet) and Chappell Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess). With Cowboy Carter, Beyonce, 43, has become the most-nominated artist in Grammy history, with 99 nominations. She has already won 32, also a record. The most important and hotly contested award is Album of the Year, and here 34-year-old Swift has broken her own record. If last year she achieved a milestone by placing one of her albums among the candidates for album of the year for a sixth time, tied with Barbra Streisand, this year she has scored a seventh entry with The Tortured Poets Department, which she announced on the stage of the Grammys earlier this year. In that category, Swift will compete with Beyonce, Andre 3000, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish. In previous editions, Beyonce has lost out in this category to Adele and Harry Styles. Swift, on the other hand, has won four of the six best album awards she has been nominated for, more than Frank Sinatra or Stevie Wonder. Despite their long careers and multiple nominations, this is the first time that Swift and Beyonce have competed in the top category. Taylor Swift accepts the award for Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Midnights' during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 4, 2024. MIKE BLAKE (REUTERS) One of the surprises of the year was the nomination of the Beatles thanks to the song Now and Then, in which Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr recovered an old recording of John Lennons voice, to which George Harrisons guitar had been added later. The group broke up over 50 years ago, but thanks to the new song, which sparked controversy over the possible use of artificial intelligence, they have achieved their 24th nomination. As it is in the category of Record of the Year, another of the most hotly contested, Now and Then will have a tough time. The Beatles will compete against Beyonce's Texas Hold Em, Sabrina Carpenters Espresso, Charli XCXs 360, Billie Eilishs Birds of a Feather, Kendrick Lamarrs Not Like Us, Chappell Roans Good Luck, Babe! and Swifts Fortnight, with Post Malone. For Song of the Year, nominations go to Billie Eilishs Birds of a Feather, Swifts Fortnight featuring Post Malone, Beyonce's Texas Hold Em, Kendricks Not Like Us, Chappell Roans Good Luck, Babe!, Shaboozeys A Bar Song (Tipsy), Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Die With a Smile, and Carpenters Please Please Please. For New Artist, the battle will be between Roan and Carpenter, who are competing against Shaboozey, lyricist Raye, rapper Doechii, Texas trio Khruangbin, songwriter Teddy Swins and rocker Benson Boone, famous for his hit Beautiful Things. Both Carpenter and Roan, the phenomena of the year, have accumulated six nominations each. In addition to the Grammys, the Recording Academy also holds the Latin Grammys, focused, as the name suggests, on Latin music. After passing through Seville last year, the next edition will be held next week, on Thursday, November 14, in Miami. But the main Grammy awards also recognize Latin music. This years Latin pop album nominees are Anitta, Luis Fonsi, Kany Garcia, Kali Uchis and Shakira, who is the favorite for Las mujeres ya no lloran, while in the Mexican and Tejano music category, Chiquis, Carin Leon, Peso Pluma and Jessi Uribe are nominated. Harvey Mason Jr, the Academys executive director, has spoken of the importance of these awards as a global celebration of music. The people who create the music deserve an organization that cares for them and champions them and yes, celebrates them as well, he explained. Its an award for music people honoring music people, he said before announcing some of the 94 categories. Among others, artists such as Kylie Minogue, Hayley Williams of the band Paramore, Ben Platt, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day or Victoria Monet, announced several nominations. This year, the Academy has introduced new features, as more than 2,000 new members have entered, including many women. In addition, they have adjusted the main categories. In the four most important Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and New Artist the number of nominees has been reduced from 10 to eight. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Politicians and activists in Morocco are questioning limitations imposed on preachers regarding what they may say about war in the Middle East during sermons. During a meeting at the country's parliament this week, socialist lawmaker Nabila Mounib bemoaned the way that imams were curtailed in how they can speak about the plight of Palestinians and call for religious struggle to support their cause. "No imam can speak about the Palestinian issue," Mounib claimed on Tuesday. "Today no one is demanding jihad for our brothers in Palestine." In Morocco, imams are employed by the state and their sermons cannot be overtly political. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has said discussion of the Israel-Hamas war is permitted. Yet activists are still worried about de facto limits placed on preaching about Palestinians. The question first arose in October 2023 after a document circulated on social media claiming to outline such limits. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs said in a statement that preaching about the suffering of Palestinians was authorized and that the document was fake. In an interview with Moroccan news website Anfas Press on Friday, Mounib said she had intended to denounce efforts to prevent imams from preaching about Palestinians but had not said imams should call for jihad from their pulpits. "Jihad," which means struggle or effort in Arabic, can denote striving to live in accordance with the path of God, either through internally finding one's faith or externally fighting for Islamic principles like justice. However, it can be interpreted in more militant terms as "holy war" and has been used by some as a religious concept to recruit volunteers to fight since the Soviet-Afghanistan war began in 1979. The debate centers on whether imams should be allowed to invoke jihad in regard to the war between Israel and Hamas. Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq has denied Mounib's claim that preachers cannot broach the Israel-Hamas war, but he acknowledged and defended the prohibition on calls for jihad. "Any imam who talks about barbarism and injustice and denounces them is welcome, but calling for jihad is something else," he said. Explaining the prohibition this week, Toufiq cautioned that there were different interpretations of jihad. Yet to some pro-Palestinian activists in Morocco, the limitations are less about jihad and more about the tensions between state and society that have simmered since the war began. "Imams have a right to take a stand and, in Islam, even have a duty," Ahmed Wehman of the Moroccan Observatory for Anti-Normalization told The Associated Press. "The government has nothing to do with Moroccan public opinion. They do not represent Morocco and Moroccans." Morocco has one of the region's most historically significant Jewish communities and was one of four Arab states to normalize ties with Israel in 2020. But tens of thousands of protesters have regularly taken to the streets of its major cities throughout the 14-month war, protesting Israel's actions and demanding Morocco cut diplomatic ties. Many governments dictate what preachers can say from the pulpit in Muslim-majority countries, including Morocco, which has long worked to describe its brand of Islam to the world as a moderating force. Doing so is among authorities' strategies to curb extremism but can at times push believers to look for spiritual guidance outside the government-controlled religious sphere. Francesco Cavatorta, a political science professor at Universite Laval in Quebec, said countries like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Syria have historically exerted control over imams to control the narrative of religion and ensure sermons don't undermine national stability. In Morocco, he said, the regulation is "part of an effort to be seen as a country that is a Muslim country but a tolerant country and a welcoming country." Morocco has this year suspended preachers who veer from directives. Its Ministry of Islamic Affairs publishes guidance for imams on Wednesdays, two days before Friday prayers. The content of sermons has in the past pitted the government against activists. In 2017, when anti-government protests were sweeping Morocco's north, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs directed preachers to reproach activists for promoting division among Muslims, the online news outlet Le Desk reported. Nasser Zefzafi, the country's most famous political prisoner, was arrested later that year after interrupting a sermon about the protests, shouting a question about whether mosques served God or the monarchy. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. Imams throughout the Middle East and North Africa have regularly referenced the war since October 2023, including in countries where the government oversees their sermons. "The way to eliminate oppression and evil, no matter where it is in the world, is through the unity and solidarity of Muslims," Ali Erbas, the head of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, said in a Friday sermon delivered in Azerbaijan. "When Muslims act together with the consciousness of brotherhood and the spirit of solidarity, all people will find peace." As India looks ahead to President-elect Donald Trump taking charge in Washington, there is optimism the strategic relationship built by the two countries in recent years will strengthen. India also hopes to benefit if Trump takes a less confrontational approach to Russia, say analysts. New Delhi also is bracing for turbulence in trade ties, though, which could be affected by Trumps America first agenda. In his congratulatory message posted on social media platform X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Trump my friend and said, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Modi shared photos of the two leaders hugging and Trumps visit to India during his first term in 2020 a time when Trump shared warm relations with Modi. Analysts in New Delhi expect that India will remain a key partner for Washington. Compared to most other countries, particularly some of the USAs closest partners, perhaps India is better placed because of its centrality in the Indo-Pacific and the role it plays in counterbalancing China, said Harsh Pant, vice president for studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. Given that Trump had invested in this partnership in his earlier term, there is hope it will continue the same trajectory, he said. The Quad group a partnership among the United States, Japan, Australia and India, which had been dormant earlier was revived under the previous Trump administration with an eye on China. However, a sense of uncertainty lingers in the corridors of power in New Delhi. The relationship may face hiccups, which we cannot anticipate at the moment given Trumps leadership style and unpredictability, said Pant. India also hopes that confrontation between the U.S. and Russia will lessen under the Trump administration. During the campaign, Trump had said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war without elaborating. In the past he has spoken of having a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. If U.S. hostility to Russia lessens under Trump, we believe that it would reduce the extreme and overwhelming Russian dependence on China, which is good from Indias perspective, according to Sreeram Chaulia, dean at the Jindal School of International Affairs at O.P. Jindal Global University. Despite a recent thaw in ties with China, India remains wary of Beijing. Others point out that maintaining Indias time-tested ties with Russia could become easier under a Trump presidency. India refused to join Western sanctions against Russia or condemn the war in Ukraine, positions that became an irritant in Washington. Trump appears to have a less strident approach to Russia, and that will help India by making it simpler to balance relations between Washington and Russia, said Anand Kumar, associate fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. "Tariff king" While security ties will likely stay on track, there are worries over whether trade relations will take a hit under Trump, who has said he will follow an America first agenda and impose tariffs on countries that have trade surpluses with Washington. The U.S. is Indias largest trading partner two-way trade last year totaled almost $120 billion, with a surplus of $30 billion in Indias favor. During his previous term, Trump called India a tariff king, criticized high duties that New Delhi imposed on American products such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and terminated Indias designation as a developing nation that had allowed businesses to export hundreds of products duty-free to the United States. India retaliated by raising duties on some American products. Such tensions could be exacerbated because Trump is likely to push New Delhi to lower import duties for American companies. This will be a slippery slope for India; he could demand market concessions, said Chaulia. Indian officials, however, have sounded an optimistic note. "There was already a reordering of the supply chains taking place. It is very likely that in view of the [U.S.] election results, this would accelerate. Some of it will be disruptive, but we in India see it as an opportunity," Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar Subrahmanyan told business leaders in Australia on Thursday. He was referring to the trend of companies such as Apple setting up manufacturing bases in India as they looked to diversify production from China. But analysts say Trump could take a diametrically different approach. He has this philosophy of onshoring, that is bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. rather than friendshoring which Biden used to talk about that is encouraging businesses to move to friendly countries. So, the overall idea that U.S. businesses that are leaving China would think of India as an alternative that model Trump may not encourage, said Chaulia. Defense and technology There also are questions about how the defense and technology cooperation between India and the U.S. that gained momentum under the Biden administration will move forward. India has pushed for co-production of defense technology rather than relying solely on direct purchases of military equipment; sustaining that under Trump may pose a challenge, according to analysts. The U.S. has operated under the assumption that boosting Indias capabilities is in Americas self-interest, especially in balancing China. But Trump is likely to demand some Indian pro for American quid, analyst C. Raja Mohan wrote in the Indian Express newspaper on Thursday. India may find itself on a steep learning curve as it figures out there may be no free lunch under Trumps second term, Mohan wrote. Still, as India prepares to navigate a Trump presidency, there is an overall sense of confidence. I dont think India is as worried as some other world capitals. New Delhi understands that if Trumps obsession with China continues, that gives India greater space to maneuver, said Pant. A report by the United Nations human rights office, which accuses Israel Defense Forces of committing grave violations of international law in Gaza, many of which could amount to war crimes, has been met with a rebuke from Israel. "The State of Israel categorically rejects the recent update report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation in the Gaza Strip," said a statement issued by the Israeli mission in Geneva on Friday. "OHCHR fails to accurately reflect the realities on the ground, and disregards the extensive role of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in deliberately causing civilian harm in Gaza," it says. The U.N. report details "the horrific reality" that has unfolded for the people of Israel and Gaza from November 2023 to April 2024, following the brutal attack on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas militants in Israel, who killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. "I have repeatedly warned about the risk of atrocity crimes being committed," Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said in a statement to coincide with the publication of the report Friday. "The rules of war, in force now for 160 years, were designed to limit and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict," he said. "It seems inconceivable that the parties to the conflict refuse to apply universally accepted and binding norms developed to preserve the very bare minimum of humanity." While the report examines and documents breaches of international law committed by both parties to the conflict, it focuses largely on the many violations resulting from the punishing attacks inflicted by Israeli forces upon the Palestinian people and on the widescale destruction of civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. According to the report, "Civilians, including children, women and men, have borne the brunt of the attacks, through the complete siege, and the various forms of continuing closure and blockade by the IDF of Gaza." It accuses the Israeli government of failing to ensure, and even blocking, entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave, of destroying civilian infrastructure, and of repeated mass displacement of the population. The report says that has led to "unprecedented levels of killings, death, injury, starvation, illness, disease, displacement, detention and destruction." It finds Palestinian armed groups also have conducted hostilities in ways that have harmed civilians, noting the abuse of remaining Israeli hostages and projectiles that are indiscriminately fired into Israel. "In many instances, the violations documented in this report by the parties could amount to war crimes," it says. "If committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a state or organizational policy, they may constitute crimes against humanity." The report expresses concern about the forcible transfer of Palestinians, attacks on so-called safe zones as well as on hospitals "in apparent systematic fashion." It condemns the killings of medical staff, humanitarian workers, civil police and journalists and the reported use of white phosphorus munitions in densely populated areas. "Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law namely the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack," said Turk. "Tragically these documented patterns of violations continue unabated, over one year after the start of the war." Speaking on a video link in Amman, Jordan, Ajith Sunghay, the head of the U.N. human rights office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told journalists in Geneva that his office continues to monitor "with grave concern" the situation in Gaza. "Israel's conduct of hostilities has destroyed Gaza civilian infrastructure, its homes, hospitals and schools, its electricity, water and sewage systems," he said. "Within this dystopia of destruction and devastation, those alive are left injured, displaced and starving. "We have been verifying the personal details of those killed in Gaza by strikes, shelling and other conduct of hostilities," he added. "Of those fatalities, we have so far found close to 70% to be children and women, indicating a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality." Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 43,300 Palestinians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Because of a lack of access to the enclave, Sunghay said his sources in Gaza have been able to verify only about 10,000 fatalities, including 4,700 children. He said that the figures provided by the Ministry of Health have matched those of the OHCHR and "there was no reason to believe that it is any different now." He explained that verifying 10,000 casualties with details on how they had perished "was already a remarkable achievement under the current dire circumstances." The Israeli mission did not find this explanation persuasive. "By relying on unverified information, often promoted by Hamas or other entities known for manipulating narratives, the report severely compromises its objectivity and credibility and is indicative of the politically driven nature of this initiative." Daniel Meron, Israel's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, accused the OHCHR of hand-picking facts, of advancing a distorted narrative of a tragic conflict, and of "shielding a ruthless terrorist adversary that actively seeks to maximize civilian harm." Israel has frequently accused Hamas of using the civilian population as human shields by placing military installations in hospitals, schools and densely populated areas. "The outcome is emboldening Palestinian terrorism, and violence against Israelis and Jews around the world," Meron said. U.N. human rights chief Turk said justice must be served for the grave violations of international law that have been committed in Israel and Gaza. "It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved," he said. "The violence must stop immediately; the hostages and those arbitrarily detained must be released, and we must focus on flooding Gaza with humanitarian aid. Lebanese state media said airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs late Friday after Israel issued evacuation orders. The strikes brought down entire buildings in the area, according to the Reuters news agency. Neighborhoods in the area were mostly empty of residents, with most having fled in past weeks. At least three people were killed and 30 injured earlier Friday in an Israeli airstrike on Tyre, a southern port city. There was no evacuation warning issued by the Israeli army, which said it was targeting Hezbollah "intelligence and command and control complexes." Also Friday, Israel said it was opening a new humanitarian aid crossing into the Gaza Strip amid mounting U.S. pressure to get more assistance to Palestinians struggling with shortages of food and shelter since the Israel-Hamas war began. Israel did not say when the crossing would open. In a joint statement Friday, the Israel Defense Forces and COGAT, the agency coordinating Israeli government activities in occupied territories, said they were preparing to open the Kissufim crossing. Kissufim is a small border crossing into southern Gaza near Kibbutz Kissufim, one of the sites attacked by Hamas in its October 7, 2023, terror assault on Israel that sparked the war. In that attack, Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages. Israel says it believes Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 the military says are dead. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 people, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been designated as terror groups by the United States, the U.K. and other Western countries. Kissufim has mostly been unused except by the military since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. US deadline The opening comes as a deadline set by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin draws near. In a letter delivered October 13, Austin and Blinken gave the Israelis 30 days to boost its humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza or face the possibility of cuts in U.S. military aid. The letter called for Israel to enable a minimum of 350 trucks a day to enter Gaza through four crossings and to open a fifth humanitarian entry point. During a U.S. State Department briefing Thursday, spokesman Mathew Miller mentioned the new crossing as he listed efforts Israel has taken to meet the demands made in the letter. As the Biden administration has just over two months left, it is unclear what will happen with the Biden-Austin demands, and Miller said he would not speculate on that. He did say that the U.S. has made clear there are potential legal and policy considerations if Israel fails to improve humanitarian assistance to Gaza and implement steps outlined in the letter. The U.S. has also been involved in trying to bring about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. told Qatar that the presence of Hamas in Doha was no longer acceptable in the weeks since the Palestinian militant group rejected the latest cease-fire proposal, a senior administration official told Reuters on Friday. "After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner," the senior administration official said. Deteriorating situation in Gaza At a briefing Friday at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.N. spokeswoman Stephanie Tremblay, citing a new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, said the situation in Gaza was extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating. The report said there was a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip. Tremblay said, Immediate action within days not weeks is required from all actors who are directly taking part in the conflict, or have influence on its conduct, to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation. Tremblay also updated the situation in the West Bank, citing a report from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, which said multiple Israeli military operations in the north this week included airstrikes and other lethal warlike tactics, which appear to exceed law enforcement standards. The spokeswoman said initial information indicated eight Palestinians were killed and four others injured during Tuesdays operations in Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm. OCHA reports that between October 29 and November 4, Israel settlers carried out 35 attacks against Palestinians that caused casualties or property damage, including to olive trees that were vandalized. Since the beginning of October, OCHA has documented 177 settler incidents directly related to the olive harvest in 73 communities across the West Bank, most of which caused casualties or property damage. Also Friday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, issued a statement saying the IDF used two excavators and a bulldozer to destroy part of a fence and a concrete structure at a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura. In a statement posted to its X account, UNIFIL said the IDF responded to its protest by denying any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. The UNIFIL statement went on to say the deliberate and direct destruction of clearly identifiable UNIFIL property is a flagrant violation of international law and Resolution 1701. It was the latest instance of the mission accusing Israel of carrying out deliberate attacks against its positions. Israel denies that any of the instances are deliberate. It has urged UNIFIL members to leave the area for their own safety. In its own statement Friday, the IDF said it had discovered and dismantled what it said was a Hezbollah terrorist training center located 200 meters from a UNIFIL post. It said the compound was used by terrorists for training, studying and storing large quantities of weapons. On its website, the IDF released pictures and videos of weapons and other materials it said it had confiscated from the location. It did not identify the location of what it called the Hezbollah training center or the adjacent UNIFIL post, and it was unclear whether it was near the Ras Naqoura position. VOA's Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. A Mongolian appeals court on Thursday upheld a verdict in the case against journalist Unurtsetseg Naran. Unurtsetseg, editor-in-chief of the news site Zarig, was sentenced in July to four years and nine months in prison during a closed-door trial. She was initially arrested over a Facebook post in which she said it was inhumane to prolong the court hearing of an elderly individual, according to reports. Authorities convicted her of spreading false information, tax evasion, money laundering, revealing personal secrets and illegal acquisition of state secrets. She denies any wrongdoing. The journalist was seen being ushered into the closed-door hearing in Mongolias capital, Ulaanbaatar, on Thursday morning. Before her arrival, police secured an area where a small crowd had gathered to show support for the journalist. Lawyers for Unurtsetseg later spoke with reporters outside the court. They said the legal process might have affected her rights. The hearings were held in secret because of an alleged connection to state secrets. Bulgamaa Rinzaan, who is representing Unurtsetseg, said that because the hearings were closed, defense attorneys had restricted access to case files and evidence, which severely limited their ability to defend their client effectively. Another lawyer involved in the case, Erkhembayar Purevdorj, said that not all parts of the case were related to state secrets, and therefore some parts of the case could have been held separately to allow for greater transparency. Unurtsetseg is well known in Mongolia for her critical coverage. In one of her best-known investigations, the journalist questioned companies that had defaulted on loans to the Development Bank of Mongolia. She also uncovered sexual abuse in a Buddhist boarding school and exposed violence in the military. She has faced previous legal threats related to her work, including 12 defamation complaints in 2019 and four in 2020, all filed by politicians mentioned in her reporting, according to the International Federation of Journalists. Three local media advocacy groups, including the Media Council of Mongolia, the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists and the Globe International Center, issued a joint statement in her support. The statement said that holding the trial behind closed doors denied the media the right to inform the public. Media lawyer Galbaatar Lkhagvasuren told VOA that a few of the criminal laws used to charge Unurtsetseg violate press freedom and are counterintuitive in that they punish journalists for informing the public and go against constitutional rights of press freedom. Unurtsetseg has already spent 111 days in prison. The appeals court ruled that her sentence would include time already spent in custody. The journalist has the right to take her appeal to the Supreme Court. This article originated in VOAs Mandarin Service. Nigerian security analysts are voicing concerns after defense officials on Thursday warned of a new insurgent group known as the Lakurawas, operating mainly in the country's northwestern region. Authorities said the group originated from the Sahel region, particularly Mali and Niger, after last July's coup in Niger disrupted joint military patrols along the Nigerian border. Nigerian defense officials announced the discovery to journalists in Abuja on Thursday and called for heightened vigilance. Major General Edward Buba, the defense spokesperson, did not provide details on whether the group had carried out any major attack, but local media report the group has been collecting cows from locals in exchange for "protection." The tactic is commonly used by extremist groups to exert control and finance their operations. Lakurawas infiltrated northwest Sokoto and Kebbi states from neighboring Niger and Mali following last year's coup, which severed ties between Nigeria and Niger and disrupted joint regional security patrols. Buba said security forces are tracking the group's activities. "It is, indeed, the first attempt of the Sahelian jihadists to have a foothold in our country. They were kept at bay all this while, when we had joint cross-border operations with the Republic of Niger. They took advantage of the breakdown in cooperation between both countries, which has now been restored. We know exactly where they are," Buba said. The ideology of the new group is not yet known. However, its emergence signals a growing threat in northwest Nigeria, already challenged by attacks by armed gangs and kidnappings for ransom. Nigeria has been struggling with prolonged insurgency by Boko Haram a group opposed to western education in northern Nigeria. In October, Nigerias military said it killed some 160 insurgents, arrested more than 80 and freed scores of captives. Security analyst Senator Iroegbu said he is worried but not surprised by news of the new group, given that regional bloc ECOWAS, chaired by Nigeria's president, sanctioned Niger after the coup last year. "We saw this coming when the Niger coup happened, especially withdrawal from ECOWAS membership, Iroegbu said. Severing ties with ECOWAS does not mean that we should not have bilateral agreements intact. Even if we sever the relationship in other [levels] ... maybe at the diplomatic level, but at the security or intelligence level [it] should not be something that we should play with." Iroegbu said the groups emergence is going to have a negative impact on Nigeria's security. "We should not downplay the significance of this thing. It's going to drain the scarce resources we have already. All the security, bilateral agreement, intelligence corporation, security corporation should be strengthened even more," Iroegbu said. In August, Nigeria's chief of defense staff visited Niger in a bid to strengthen military ties and regional security. Buba said authorities and security forces are working to address the issue and protect citizens from the Lakurawas group. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November 5 elections met a mixed reaction across the African continent, with some critics going so far as to deny democracy in the United States and portraying the nation as a predatory colonial state. One such example is a highly misleading statement by South Africa's far-left populist opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF), published on the social media platform X on November 6. The EFF, South Africa's third-largest political party, is founded and led by controversial figure and social media influencer Julius Malema, known for his radically divisive rhetoric. Malema is occasionally accused of hate speech and corruption, among other assertions, all of which he denies as politically motivated. In a two-page paper titled EFF's Statement on the Outcome of U.S. Presidential Elections, the party claimed "indifference" to the winner, but went on to portray the U.S. politics as the "worst kind" and "imperial" by nature. Besides repeating a disputed theory that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency directed the 1961 assassination of Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, the statement said the U.S. stands behind the current fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 100 rebel groups are fighting for control over natural resources. The hostilities in Congo have already led to the displacement of more than 7.2 million people, according to U.N. statistics. Congo is rich in gold, copper and cobalt a key metal in producing electric vehicles. "They [the U.S.] are now direct beneficiaries of instability in Congo, looting the natural resources to benefit their companies and their allies,'' the EFF said. That is misleading. The United States exports copper, cacao and diamonds directly from Congo and via third countries, according to the State Department. Copper accounts for 50% of the trade between the two nations. U.S. However, the U.S. takes measures to prevent any illicitly mined minerals from entering the American markets via third countries. There is enough evidence that instead of profiteering from conflict in Congo, the United States has repeatedly condemned violence in the East African nation and has sanctioned militia groups and individuals involved in illegal mining. The U.S. also criminalized trading in minerals stolen from war-torn nations. In July 2010, the U.S. Congress passed into law the Dodd Frank Act, Section 1502, which requires all U.S. publicly listed companies to do due diligence on their supply chains of minerals that might originate from Congo and report their findings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Congolese government systematically accuses neighboring Rwanda and Uganda of illegally mining its resources by colluding with the rebels. This past May, Congolese Mines Minister Antoinette N'Samba Kalambayi accused Rwanda of using M23 rebels to steal its natural resources. M23 is a militant group sanctioned by the U.N. and U.S. for human rights abuses. It broke away from the Congolese army a decade ago and is reportedly dominated by the ethnic Tutsi fighters originating in Rwanda. That same month, the Congolese justice minister, Rose Mutombo, filed a case against Rwanda at the International Criminal Court, accusing Kigali of using the M23 rebels to steal its natural resources. In 2023, the Financial Times cited the Congolese government as claiming to lose $1 billion worth of minerals annually to Rwanda, which exports "$1bn in gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten, even though the country has few mineral deposits of its own." Most recently, on July 8, the U.S. State Department accused Rwanda and Uganda of financing the conflict in Congo by facilitating the movements of stolen natural resources by armed groups, ''including artisanally and semi-industrially mined gold and tantalum.'' The State Department stated that "in many cases, these minerals directly or indirectly benefit armed groups and move out of the country through Rwanda and to Uganda before moving to major refining and processing countries." The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted in its reports that "ample evidence indicates that Rwanda and Uganda were financing their military expenditure with the profits from natural resources exploitation in DRC." With former President Donald Trump returning to the White House, Ukrainians are bracing for potential shifts in U.S. policy that could reshape its fight for survival against Russian aggression. Trumps agenda could take a sharp turn from the Biden administration's unwavering support, raising fears that vital U.S. aid might be at risk. Myroslava Gongadze reports from Europe. Camera: Vladyslav Smilianets Iranian operatives sought to assassinate now President-elect Donald Trump just weeks before Tuesday's U.S. presidential election and were willing to forego other plots against regime critics and high-profile targets to see it through, court documents say. The revelations, in documents unsealed Friday against the suspects in an unrelated murder-for-hire plot, stem from a series of conversations between the alleged ringleader, 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri, and the FBI. The documents indicate that Shakeri, who said he was in Tehran at the time of the conversations, agreed to speak with the FBI to gain a reduced prison sentence for an unnamed prisoner in the U.S. Shakeri told the agents that an official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached him in mid- to late September, asking him to set aside a plot to kill an Iranian dissident and journalist in New York, to instead go after Trump. Shakeri said he was asked to provide a plan within seven days and that when he said targeting Trump would be costly, the IRGC official told him, "We have already spent a lot of money money's not an issue." He also told the FBI that if a plan could not be formulated within the seven-day timeframe, the IRGC official planned to wait until after the U.S. election, reasoning Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him. The court documents do not say whether Shakeris conversations with the FBI were authorized by the IRGC or other authorities in Iran. The Iranian mission at the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. The plot against Trump is just the latest in what U.S. officials have described as brazen attempts by Tehran to kill the former and future U.S. president in retaliation for a 2020 drone strike in Baghdad that killed Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the IRGC's Quds Force. In August, U.S. officials charged a Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, who had traveled to the United States months earlier on behalf of Iran looking for hitmen to kill Trump and others. "There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement Friday. "We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security," he added. Trumps communications director said that the president-elect was aware of the plot by "the Iranian terrorist regime." "Nothing will deter President Trump from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world," Steven Cheung said in an email to VOA. U.S. officials have been especially concerned about Iran's repeated use of criminal gangs and others to carry out its dirty work ((plotting)) on American soil. Court documents allege Shakeri, an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, fits the description. The documents say Shakeri was deported from the U.S. in 2008, after spending 14 years in prison for robbery. But they add that during his time behind bars, Shakeri cultivated a network of criminal associates that he then would use in efforts to carry out Iran's orders. According to prosecutors, one of those associates was working with Shakeri up until the U.S. election to kill VOA Persian Service journalist Masih Alinejad, described in the court documents as "an Iranian American journalist, author, and political activist, and an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime's human rights abuses and corruption." The associate, 49-year-old Carlisle Rivera, then turned to one of his acquaintances, 36-year-old Jonathan Loadholt, to carry out the attack for a sum of $100,000. Rivera and Loadholt were arrested Thursday. Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt are charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering conspiracy. The charges carry maximum prison sentences of 10 to 20 years. Shakeri is also charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Alinejad on Friday expressed astonishment that she was wrapped up in the plot to kill the president-elect. "I am shocked," she wrote on the X social media platform. "[T]he person assigned to assassinate @realDonaldTrump was also assigned to kill me on U.S. soil." "I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech I don't want to die," she said. "Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me." Last month, U.S. prosecutors charged a senior IRGC official in connection with a failed assassination attempt against Alinejad in 2022. Federal and state authorities are investigating racist text messages sent anonymously to Black Americans across the country this week telling them they should be enslaved, prompting widespread condemnations as well as warnings. The NAACP civil rights group said the messages urged recipients in multiple states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, to report to a plantation to pick cotton, an offensive reference to past enslavement of Black people in the United States. It remained unclear what individuals or entities were behind the reported texts or how many people received them. People in at least 21 states, including high school and college students, received the texts, CNN and The Associated Press reported. "These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized," NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement from the civil rights organization, which advocates for racial justice and rights for Black Americans. "These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country," he said. Many in Black American communities say they anticipate a rollback of civil rights after Republican Donald Trump, who won Tuesday's presidential election over Democrat Kamala Harris, takes office on January 20. Trump pledged during his campaign to end federal diversity and inclusion programs. "President Trumps campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages," his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Friday. An exit poll conducted by Edison Research on Election Day showed Harris winning 85% of the Black vote nationwide while Trump won 13%, up 1 percentage point from an exit poll in 2020 when he lost the presidential election to Joe Biden. "We strongly condemn these hateful messages and anyone targeting Americans based on their ethnicity or background," Robyn Patterson, a White House spokesperson for Biden, said in a statement on Friday confirming the investigations. "Racism has no place in our country. Period." The Federal Communications Commission said on Friday its enforcement bureau is among those probing the incidents. TextNow said one or more accounts on its messaging service sent offending messages and were shut down within an hour, adding that the texts were sent across multiple carriers nationwide in what it called "an attack," vowing to work with law enforcement. Local authorities are also investigating, with some state attorneys general urging recipients to report the messages to their civil rights divisions. Some school districts issued warnings and urged students and parents to report any such texts received to school staff or local authorities. Writer Ambrose Bierce wrote in his The Devils Dictionary that electricity is the power that causes all natural phenomena not known to be caused by something else. Bierce was not wrong in his definition of the charge that kickstarts interaction between the bodies that possess it. Hence, sparks sometimes fly metaphorically speaking between two people. Humans are not free of this electric charge; they are continuously affected by the electricity that exists between the atmosphere and the earth. They absorb and expel it, thus producing a continuous coming and going of electrons basic to the functioning of the different biological processes. Our nervous impulses are conditioned by subatomic electrical particles that travel through the neurons and flow through each of our cells. This might make it sound like humans are robots whose movements are due to the power of a closed circuit. But nothing could be further from the truth, because our bioelectricity originates from the cellular sensitivity of our bodies, and this sensitivity is the basis of our muscular control as well as our heart rate. Rather than a complex machine-like mechanism, we are talking about an organic process that transmits its impulses through a bioelectrical network known scientifically as the electrome. These and other things are discussed by the science writer Sally Adee in her book We Are Electric. The book prompts the question whether this electrome is the key to cure hitherto incurable diseases. Sally Adee proposes intervening in the bodys bioelectrical process, but in order to interact with our own bioelectrical process, we must first become familiar with it and understand the complete circuit that keeps our cells in communication. These things also come to mind when reading the memoirs of Argentine writer Martin Caparros, which start by explaining how he ended up in a wheelchair with a silly fall on a bicycle in Paris, in August 2021. The fall caused the big toe of his right foot to fall asleep. Then his legs started to give way. Thats where the medical specialists came in. It was an insidious and varied journey: its moments of pessimism always lessened by various forms of hope, by new ideas of causes that could be treated, by expectations of a solution, he writes. In the end, a puncture of his bulbo-rachidian fluid revealed he had ALS. Research is being carried out in this regard, applying electromagnetic signals to nerve cells when they wear out or die, and can no longer send messages to the muscles, thereby turning the pain into something chronic. In a 2021 study, statistically significant improvements in peak and mean pain scores were found when electromagnetic signals were applied to people affected by a disease that seems to be the work of the devil himself. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The U.S. military says it is investigating what caused an army drone to crash in southern Somalia this week. The military's Africa Command, known as AFRICOM, confirmed the incident in a post Friday on social media platform X. A U.S. Army operated MQ-1C crashed in southern Somalia at approximately 12:40 PM local on Nov. 5, AFRICOM said. An investigation is ongoing, although the crash does not appear to be the result of any attempt to shoot down the aircraft. AFRICOM said it will release more information as it becomes available. AFRICOM did not disclose the exact location of the crash, but a Somali official said he was told a drone crashed in an area controlled by the al-Shabab militant group. Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, the governor of Lower Shabelle, told the VOA Horn of Africa Service that the drone crashed north of Farsoley village, in Lower Shabelle, about 85 kilometers west of Mogadishu. Barre said he did not know who the drone belongs to. The U.S. military has conducted surveillance and airstrikes against al-Shabab for years in support of successive Somali administrations. In addition, the U.S. also trains an elite Somali commando unit known as Danab, or lightning. Earlier this year, U.S. and Somalia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of up to five military bases for the Danab Brigade, in a project valued at over $100 million. This story originated in VOA's Horn of Africa Service. With her appointment as chief of staff to President-elect Donald Trump, Susie Wiles moves from a largely behind-the-scenes role of campaign co-chair to one of the most prominent positions in a new White House administration. The 67-year-old will become the first woman to serve in the post for any U.S. president when she assumes the role as the president's closest adviser in January. In announcing his decision Thursday, Trump said Wiles is "tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. It was his first appointment since winning Tuesdays election against Vice President Kamala Harris. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud," Trump said in his statement. Wiles largely avoided the spotlight during her time as co-chair of Trumps successful election campaign and was credited along with co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita with bringing some discipline to Trumps free-wheeling, off-script campaign style. She didnt speak during Trumps victory celebration early Wednesday morning when he called her to the podium, and she refused to take the microphone. Wiles rarely gives televised interviews and tends to avoid the spotlight, a contrast with LaCivita, who is known for being outspoken. For someone of her stature, she is not well-known in political circles. During his victory speech, Trump referred to Wiles as the "ice maiden. She is one of Trumps most trusted advisers. During a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earlier this month, he said: Shes incredible. Incredible. Top Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio told Politico in April, There is nobody, I think, that has the wealth of information that she does. Nobody in our orbit. Nobody. While Wiles is a somewhat enigmatic figure, she has a long career of working behind the scenes in U.S. politics. Shortly after she graduated from the University of Maryland in 1979, she went to work for New York Congressman Jack Kemp and joined Ronald Reagans presidential campaign in 1980. She eventually moved to Florida where she advised the campaigns of two Florida mayors and helped then-businessman Rick Scott transition to politics in his successful 2010 campaign for governor. She managed Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.s presidential bid in 2012, and managed Florida for Trumps 2016 campaign. She joined Ron DeSantis race for governor in 2018, but she parted ways with him after a falling out in 2019. Wiles made a rare appearance on social media shortly before DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race in January. Bye, bye, she wrote. She went on to run Trumps primary campaign against DeSantis, which Trump easily won. Wiles is the only campaign manager to survive an entire Trump campaign and is known for her ability to tamp down his mercurial, sometimes volatile behavior. In one anecdote reported by The Associated Press, during a campaign speech in Pennsylvania when Trump strayed off his talking points and quipped about not minding if members of the media were shot, she came out and silently stared at him until he got back on track. That ability should serve her well in her new role. In his last four years in office, Trump went through four chiefs of staff, a record for modern presidents. Some information in this report was provided by The Associated Press. President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday and urged Americans to accept the results of Tuesdays presidential election. Americans weigh in on the election, and European leaders project optimism, despite nervousness at Trumps return to the White House. A look at mixed reactions in Africa and a conversation about what Trumps second term might mean to the Iranian American community. By Mohammed Yusuf Nairobi Amnesty International is calling on the Mozambican government to stop its crackdown on protesters challenging the results of last months elections. At least 20 people have been killed in post-election violence, according to human rights groups. Demonstrators rallied again on Thursday, burning tires and blocking streets. Police fired tear gas at hundreds of protesters in the capital, Maputo. Cidia Chissungo, who works with Amnesty International, said tensions are high in Mozambique. "There are cases of people that have already been shot. We cannot confirm how many died this morning. We still have to analyze all the evidence we are receiving, Chissungo said. There are dozens of people being arrested not only in Maputo but also in Nyambane province. We have cases of police using rubber bullets, as well. So, there is massive tension today, and nobody knows how this will end." The October 9 vote extended the rule of the Frelimo Party, which has led the southern African country for 50 years. Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the presidential election with more than 70% of the vote. Opposition parties, civil society groups and electoral observers said the election was unfair and rigged in favor of Frelimo allegations that Frelimo denies. Chissungo said security forces must halt violent crackdowns against demonstrators and address their grievances. "Police should respect people's right to protest. There are cases of people just standing on the streets, and police decided to take them, and there are hundreds who have been arrested, Chissungo said. If people are demanding and are criticizing the government, and they are saying they need clarification over the election, it is for the authorities to listen and respect people's rights to speak out if they think there is something wrong, and not shoot at protesters." Human Rights Watch has called for the government to lift internet restrictions, which have further fueled a perception that authorities are trying to stifle the protests. Allan Ngari, HRW's Africa advocacy director, said lack of internet access and social media networks hinders people's rights. "Sometimes it is working, sometimes it is not working. So, it is not an entire shutdown, but it is, rather, restrictions. And we [are] of the view that this violates multiple rights, including rights to freedom of speech, peaceful protests and from access to information, Ngari said. But also, the internet has become a source of employment, business for people, and those who are impacted then by this restriction cannot make a living anymore." Mozambique's internet was working Thursday, to the surprise of many after days of interruptions. But as tensions rise, South Africa closed its main border crossing with Mozambique on Wednesday for security reasons. The South African government also warned its citizens not to travel to Mozambique. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The United States is gearing up for a transfer of power, with President Joe Biden congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his victory and Vice President Kamala Harris conceding defeat. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report from Howard University, where Harris spoke. Reactions in Africa to Donald Trumps return to the White House are mixed. Some are excited and eager to see what comes next, others remember the former president's first term and dont expect much from a new Trump administration regarding Africa. Mariam Diallo, has this report. Disclaimer VII Season 1 Episode 7 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Photo: Apple TV+ Its sunset in Forte dei Marmi, and Catherines just returned to her hotel suite with a crisp white wine a valedictory drink for a perfect day. Nickys asleep because exhaustion is a hallmark of the contented child making core memories is hard work. Balcony doors are flung open to the salty Mediterranean breeze. Its the last day in the last place Catherine Ravenscroft will ever live without secrets. A few episodes ago, Catherine told her mother, an ailing woman pathologically unable to grasp what her daughter was confiding, what happened that night in Italy. Catherines husband has also been unable to hear her, deaf to anything but the gonging of his own jealous rage. Its an insult that Stephen Brigstocke is the first person to really listen to Catherines awful story. He is the father of the villain of her life. A perfect stranger. Perhaps its for Stephens sake that she chooses to Tarantino her story. Or maybe its because even now, sitting at Stephens kitchen table, Catherine cant bring herself to say the words outright. She begins with Jonathans death before circling back to her sundowner and the hotel key she mistakenly left in the door. Nancy was right about the drowning, Catherine admits right away. Catherine fell asleep, and when she woke up, Catherine was paralyzed by her fear of the sea. I didnt risk my life for my child and that is something I have to live with. Ten points to Nancy. But Jonathan did risk his. He took off after Nicholas while Catherine watched from the waist-high water screaming no, just like Nicholas screamed no the last time we saw this rescue scene. No one but Catherine noticed Jonathan struggling in the water at first Nancy was right about that, too. I didnt do a single thing to help him, Catherine adds tauntingly. This is the scene you hire Cate Blanchett to play. For six episodes, Catherine Ravenscroft has been frenzied and vulnerable, but in Disclaimers final showdown, shes steely and exacting. Who but Cate Blanchett could nail this man to this chair, listening to a story he doesnt want to hear? (For that matter, who else could sell the line I was joyous to describe an ordinary beach day?) By the time Catherine explains to Stephen why she let his boy drown, it feels almost merciful. But she doesnt approach it as a practiced documentary-maker might as a series of facts presented sequentially. Catherine tells the story of her rape as a trauma survivor does, doing her best to conjure the dark collage of sensory details imprinted on her memory. Putrid smells and bad tastes in her mouth. Its been twenty years, and she still cant utter it all. For example, Catherine doesnt mention that Jonathan pierced his arm with his pocketknife a gift from Mr. Brigstocke and forced her to drink the blood. She doesnt describe how he stood at her ear, the blade positioned at her eye, and screamed. She doesnt say, Next, your son hit me, but the more obfuscatory formulation: Id never been hit before. When Jonathan finally pulled out his camera a gift from Mrs. Brigstocke Catherine remembers feeling relief. Maybe all he wanted was the photos. Maybe if she did what he asked, hed leave her son alone. So she put on the red clothes and posed as best she could. She did what he told her. Bite your lip, open your legs. She gasped and groaned as directed; Jonathan did the same, ejaculating into his cargo shorts without ever touching Catherine. These flashbacks are presented without audio, as though the sound of Jonathans voice and Catherines own crying are too excruciating to fully recall. Stephen says nothing as he absorbs the true story of what happened that night, allowing this brutalized woman to drink the sleeping-pill laced tea that he brewed for her. Please go now, Catherine asked Jonathan after he dropped his camera. A mistake, she thinks. Twenty years later and shes still wondering if theres something she could have done to change it. He did not go. Stephens son raped Catherine over and over again for three and a half hours. When he was finally through, he told her how nice it had been. Catherine considered phoning the police. She took photos of her injuries and collected Jonathans semen. But when Jonathan drowned the next day, Catherine saw another way forward. She could pretend it never happened. She could delete the pictures. She even secretly aborted a much longed for pregnancy, fearing the baby might belong to her rapist. So, no, she doesnt have any proof for Stephen, but really what proof does he have for his wifes scribblings? Its only as she finishes her story that Stephens sleepy time concoction overpowers her. Catherine falls to the floor; Stephen hovers with a paring knife. He tells her hes heading to the hospital to end this once and for all. What must it feel like to be at another Brigstocke mans feet in this way? Here Catherine is again, unable to stay awake and protect her son. Stephen and Catherines slow race across London to reach Nicholass ICU bed is paced like a thriller only there are zero thrills. Stephen is in a taxi; his obstacles are a chatty driver and roadworks. Catherine gulps down a liter of (iced) instant coffee; her hurdles are the waiting time it takes Bolt to find a driver and speed cameras. Stephen arrives first, breezes by the hospital reception desk because hes a bit of a VIP now, and finds that Nicholas has already been extubated. He breathes with the help of a cannula, but this is the closest to alive weve seen him since he phoned his mother in sobs. Despite the night Stephens just had, this pathetic man really does seem like hes about to inject Catherines son with Liquid-Plumr. Luckily, just in time, Nick whispers the one word in the (British) English language that instantly turns back the clock. Mum? Theres something about the sound of it that arrests Stephen. A man begging for his mother becomes a boy again. Nick reaches out for Catherines hand and finds a perfect stranger instead. Suddenly, Stephen is a father again, tearfully clutching a crying boy, the one his son died to save. Did Jonathan whisper for his own mum as the sea battered him? If Stephen kills Nick, what did his son die for? Saving Nick was Jonathans one selfless act, as Stephen told us episodes ago, when he appeared almost baffled by his sons behavior. Does it make more sense to him now? Is it easier to imagine Jonathan as an atoning predator than as a hero? As he leaves the hospital defeated, Stephen runs into Dreadful Robert Robert who has been ignoring his wifes warning phone calls and texts all morning and tells him how sorry he is for getting it all so wrong. There was no affair; there was a rape. There was no murder; there was something closer to justice. Dreadful Robert demands to know how Stephen could have gotten it all so wrong, but of course its easy to see why Stephen would embrace the lie at the heart of The Perfect Stranger. His son was brave. His wife was talented. Why would anyone question it? By the time Catherine finally gets done legging it to the hospital, Nytol coursing through her veins, Robert is ready with an apology. But all she cares about is Nicky. Its okay, her son tells her as she cries. Hes tender with her. Later, Robert will reconvene with his wife at their boys bedside, the sun flooding gorgeously through the window over Nicks shoulder. If episode three gave us Alfonso Cuarons Pieta, this is his nativity. Everyone is born into some new form. Why didnt you question it? Robert asks Stephen by way of accusation. Why didnt you? Stephen asks Robert in turn. Why didnt you trust your wife? Why was it easier to imagine Catherine as an adultress than to let her speak? Robert apologizes to Catherine for this, but he also offloads some of the responsibility onto her: Why didnt you tell me? None of it matters to Catherine anyway. Shes not finished with Dreadful Robert because he believed the worst of her; shes finished because he found the truth of her trauma more palatable than the possibility she had an affair. Its almost like youre relieved I was raped, she observes, to which Robert makes no answer at all. Instead, the reconciliation at the end of Disclaimer is between mother and son, who hold each other and exchange I love yous. What must it feel like to hug your son for the first time in forever? Though Nicholas was in the next room the night of her attack, he doesnt remember a thing about it. But can we know things we dont remember? After making his feeble apology, Stephen heads home to burn the remaining copies of The Perfect Stranger, along with his wedding ring and his dead wifes cardigan. Hes burning the photos that served as Nancys inspiration for the novel when he notices a figure looming at the edge the frame. Its Nicky, frozen in fear and watching. Paralyzed. Theres a whole causal chain implied by the image, which Cuaron allows to linger. When Jonathan swam out to the dinghy, Nicky screamed no. Before I watched Disclaimer, I read an interview in which Cuaron claimed not to know how to make a TV series. I assumed he was being self-deprecating or even a little controversial daring us to watch and managing expectations all at the same time. Seven episodes later, though, I agree with him. Disclaimer is not a very good TV series. Its plotted like an extra, extra long film. Instead of offering viewers a glimpse of the big reveal in each episode, we get walloped with a U-turn over the course of two or three episodes. Instead of giving us legible signs that Catherine was not the monster of The Perfect Stranger, Cuaron gave us slight evidence that can only be meaningfully interpreted in hindsight. Her hysterical response to reading Nancys novel how it caused her to moan and vomit isnt a typical guilt response, in retrospect. There are others, too: the way Catherine shut down when Robert questioned her; how she lashed out when a colleague grabbed her. These could be manifestations of her defensiveness or the instincts of a trauma survivor. TV also tends to be a bit tidier than film, especially at the end. Nancys novel kickstarted the events of Disclaimer but her name is barely uttered in the series finale. Remember her version of Jonathan? How young and timid he was. What did Nancy understand about her son? Yes, she wrote The Perfect Stranger a book that transformed the violent monster from Catherines nightmare into a weak-kneed ingenue. But Nancy didnt show that book to anyone, not even her own husband. Was she writing the Jonathan she believed in, or was she a grieving mother writing the Jonathan that she wished for? When she saw his leery photos of Catherine and mixed them in her mind with whatever Sashas mother told her, did Nancy at last see her son clearly? Beware of narrative and form, Cuaron warned us in the series premiere. But deceptive narrative and form are not what wreaked havoc on Catherines life. The Perfect Stranger was a novel locked in a drawer. In truth, the revenge scheme that nearly ended the life of Nicholas Ravenscroft started with Stephen. A trained English teacher who over-identified with made-up characters. Who was unable to distinguish possibility from reality. Who reduced the world into fallen heroes and secret villains. Really, we should beware of bad readers. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed It is a classic of the weekend hospital shifts: the patient is brought in early in the morning by his fellow partygoers, some frightened and others childishly giggly. The young man has pupils like two black holes, is sweaty, tachycardic, and cant stop moving. Behaviorally, he is challenging, defiant, looking for a fight. At a given moment, at the slightest frustration a short wait to be seen by medical staff or a request for a urine tox screen, for example he raises his voice, hurling insults, denigrating everyone present, and brutally kicks a vital signs monitor. He doesnt know the cost, nor does he care. He is approached by a nurse who tries to calm him down but instead he escalates, sometimes pretending to be offended: Dont touch me! he repeats. One that I remember noticed the young female medical intern who was with me and made a number of crude and sexist remarks to her. Im going to rip your head off, he said to me. These nocturnal scenes are not pleasant and require a great deal of patience, dedication, and a calm spirit from the medical staff. But the most shocking thing is to visit the patient the next morning and find a helpless little lamb wrapped in sheets, dazed from having slept little, sobbing and repentant. Cocaine is by far the most widely used illegal psychostimulant in the world, with an estimated 23 million users, a number that is growing. Cocaine triggers extracellular concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin in the brain, acting especially on reward pathways. This is why it initially produces increases in energy, positive emotions, and confidence. It is highly addictive and can have serious medical, psychosocial, and psychiatric consequences. As many as half of all users develop psychotic symptoms in their lifetime, including paranoid reactions, delusions, or terrifying visual or tactile hallucinations. It is also associated with panic attacks, depression, and emotional deregulation. But another effect of cocaine is especially relevant for the coexistence and health of the victims: it is strongly associated with irritability, aggressiveness, dominating behaviour and crime. In a state of intoxication, primary instincts are unleashed, along with verbosity, grandiosity and the desire for dominance, and can be applied ferociously against the people who are closest. Domestic violence is frighteningly common: one in five American women has experienced it. And some studies indicate that 92% of men who assaulted their female partners had consumed substances on the day of the attack, of which 67% had consumed the explosive mixture of cocaine and alcohol. A derivation of the theme is the aggressions facilitated by drugs administered to the victim, usually high amounts of alcohol. In a Spanish study of 1,600 young women, half reported having been victims of unwanted sexual acts, comments, or advances, ranging from verbal harassment to forced penetration, with toxic substances involved. The risk increases in foreign women, women with low educational level, and non-heterosexual women. The snapshot of the study shows that alcohol consumption by the victim and alcohol and cocaine consumption by the aggressor are a breeding ground for sexual violence. Of course, it is not just a chemical effect. Contexts associated with drug trafficking, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities increase the likelihood of violence. Think of the shocking cocktail of cocaine and prostitution, where women are considered sexual objects and where violence against them is normalized. The use of alcohol, cannabis and cocaine is dramatically rooted in our society. Someone would have to provide me with many compelling arguments to accept that tolerating or encouraging drugs is left-wing: it ruins the lives of the most vulnerable. In the 1980s, the old professor Enrique Tierno Galvan admirable, from what people say, in everything else encouraged the masses with his comment that whoever is not high, should get high. The devastating epidemic of heroin and crime had already broken out in the working-class neighborhoods, to the misfortune of the suffering mothers. The cocaine boom was to follow, with the illusory label of a winners drug, and because it generated that hyper-activation so conducive to the frenetic pace of our times. With cannabis, we still have political parties that minimize its damages, against the available scientific evidence, and it is consumed by 28% of Spanish adolescents; all of them, with developing brains. Socially, taking intoxicants seems to be a sign of being cool, knowing how to have fun, and feeling part of a group. The anti-drug discourse, on the other hand, sounds puritanical, retrograde, and punitive. So let the party continue, right? It depends on what we care about, for example mental health problems, the phenomenon of gender-based violence, or child abuse, in which alcohol and cocaine seem to be relevant. Preventing the consumption of these substances would reduce exposure to traumatic experiences, which are a risk factor for developing serious mental disorders. If as a society we really commit to prevention, one of the objectives has to be to try to reverse this distorted social perception of drugs, openly inform citizens about their neurobiological effects or the long-term consequences of their consumption, and offer treatment and help to addicted people. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Elsbeths Eleven is my favorite episode of the new season so far: The guest stars are perfect in every scene and are clearly having so much fun, and the story is built around a heist devised by horrible people who fail in their objectives because significantly better people execute a counterheist, and then one more person executes a heist within the original heist (a triple heist! Am I in actual Heaven?). As if that were not enough, the episode as a whole presents compelling arguments for notions such as the superiority of interclass solidarity over charity, egalitarianism over exclusivity, defined benefit pensions over market-dependent retirement plans, and relationships governed by caring frankness over those governed by Waspy notions of propriety. To get there, lets back up a bit to the financial woes of poor Roselyn (Vanessa Williams), who is fabulously wealthy but, despite having married and divorced quite well three times so far, may not have enough funds (a mere, trifling $1 million! Can you even imagine?!) to continue to live for the next 30 years at her current pace of luxurious consumption. Being faced with this brutal reality is bad enough, but to learn of it while trying to leverage the wealth and influence she thought she had is even worse. It turns out that Viviennes, the highly exclusive Manhattan luxury shopping club shes been a member of for over 20 years, is now enforcing rules Roselyn didnt know existed and finds hideously gauche. Being required to show proof of funds prior to shopping? In a store where, if you have to ask how much an item costs, you surely cannot afford it? This country really is going to the dogs! Shes also learning that, thanks to Viviennes new managing director, Valentina (Katie Lee Hill), and her comprehensive rebrand in the run-up to the stores grand reopening after a five-year renovation project, no new members are being admitted for the time being. This makes Roselyn look foolish in front of her friend, prospective member, and struggling frozen-yogurt magnate Celeste (Jenn Lyon), and she simply cant have that. The obvious solution to this problem is one that will make Vivienne pay for the embarrassment theyve forced on Roselyn and Celeste and will refill their own coffers at the same time: a heist. How elegant! How simple! How murder-y? Wait, what?! Well get to that in a minute. The heist is, as a plan, fine. Its based on the Met Gala jewel-thieving heist in Oceans 8, complete with fake jewels being swapped out for real ones, facilitated in part by a bathroom emergency. Roselyn and Celeste team up with Judith (Becky Ann Baker), a sales associate who has been working with Roselyn for decades and is being pushed into an early retirement shell barely be able to afford on the benefits offered by Vivienne. That pop-tart Valentina is behind it all, of course, so Judith is in with a vengeance. Celestes high-end bag faker, Huey (Adrian Martinez), will pose as a plumber and swap replica jewels into loaned pieces for the gala reopening worn by Roselyn and Celeste. The murder comes as a spur-of-the-moment thing, as Roselyn finds herself poisoning Viviennes security chief and gemologist Claude (Patrick Breen) after he declines her invitation to join the heist and tells her hes going to rat her out to Valentina. Villainous monologuing when youre trying to bust someone is amateur hour, bush-league nonsense on his part, to be sure, but murder seems like a disproportionate response. As Claude leaves a weirdly nonspecific voicemail for Valentina in the next room (another classic blunder), Roselyn scoops some cyanide-containing silver polish out of its container on his desk and stirs it briskly into his tea. After delivering a devastating quip Dont worry, by tonight you wont be able to buy a pair of studs at Claires and taking a big sip, Claude dies nearly instantly, not unlike how Heather Chandler goes out in Heathers. Roselyn takes a few moments to stage the scene, complete with a lipstick-stained teacup of her own, so that itll seem as if poor Claudes death was a terrible accident and, in a brilliant moment of improvisation, as if she were poisoned, as well. She leaves a tell-tale clue behind the polish-scooping silver spoon from the set Claude had been polishing for her and sets about covering her tracks by consuming what must be gallons of home-pressed apple cider (ingested in sufficient quantities, the compounds in apple seeds can yield cyanide in ones bloodstream). The calm, matter-of-fact way she and Celeste explain Claudes unfortunate cup of tea to Judith is both amusing and chilling. Whats a little Agatha Christiestyle poisoning among the ultrarich and everyone else when prestige is on the line? Judith is (correctly) pretty horrified, but whats done is done, and Roselyn in an echo of Laura Derns character in Big Little Lies shouting I will not not be rich! yells, I will not be upper-middle class! Im not at all sorry to say that joining what amounts to a Costco for Affluent and Aspiring Ladies Who Lunch seems extremely upper-middle class to me. The solving of the murder is quite straightforward, particularly after last weeks merry-go-round of visits to places Mac visited on Halloween night. Elsbeth and Kaya are suspicious of Roselyn, even after Valentinas quick assessment supported by the medical examiner that Claudes death was a terrible accident. Her grief is too theatrical and performative, her lipstick is smudged very deliberately on the teacups interior and exterior (normally, youd just see it on the outside of the cup), and her trash is full of apple pulp in the wake of her experiencing a slight touch of cyanide poisoning. Combine those means and opportunity with the financial motive Elsbeth and Kaya eventually uncover with a bit of forensic accounting and intel on the heist once they flip Judith, and they have only to set a trap for Roselyn, Celeste, and Huey. Thats right, its time for a reverse heist! Detective Donnelly (Molly Price) has been resigned to working with Elsbeth and Kaya again until this moment, but she loves a heist and is all in immediately. Judith is crucial to the plan, pretending that shes still on Team First Heist so that her former partners in literal crime do the crimes theyve been planning. The would-be heisters perform exactly as expected, and once again, Elsbeth and Kaya have helped their colleague get their man. The brisk pace of crime-solving leaves more time for this episode to stretch out a bit with the ongoing plot strands of Captain Wagners concerns about workplace morale and his teams perception of him as a leader, and Kaya and Elsbeths friendship. Wagner thinks holding a raffle for Lunch With the Captain is a good strategy, and while its not bad, he may want to revisit the drawing board to come up with something more substantive and less forced. Kaya has moved in with Elsbeth during a home renovation she suspects may take several months, and it takes them a little while to get on the same page about finances. Kaya, very reasonably, wants to pay a portion of the rent, which makes Elsbeth extremely uncomfortable, as if theyd be introducing a business arrangement into their friendship. Kayas perspective is just the opposite, and I like that she doesnt back down about it. This is the kind of productive conflict that helps make good relationships work! In honor of Vanessa Williams, I have saved the best plot twist for last: Judith gets to go enjoy her forced early retirement in far greater comfort than she imagined would be possible, because when Roselyn shoved her and her tacky purse into the walk-in closet filled with jewels, she got revenge by taking everything in Roselyns safe. Living her best life in Paris, enjoying perfectly laminated croissants daily with funds she got by being the one successful heist-perpetrator and quasi-class warrior of the episode now thats what I call retirement! I just hope for her sake that we dont have an extradition treaty with France. In This Weeks Tote Bag Great needle drops bookend this episode: Jaime Pas, by Christian Padovan, and Julie Londons recording of Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend. The award for achievement in blazers is shared by Elsbeths, which looks like its from an apocryphal Missoni x Bargello collaboration in lush, deep autumnal shades, and Roselyns, featuring a bold floral in subdued metallics on a black background. I have been so thoroughly indoctrinated in Derek Guys erudition on menswear that I hooted aloud upon seeing how masterfully Claudes costume layers and mixes patterns and textures. His dress shirt features a small windowpane check in blue and gray on a white background, layered under a black-and-charcoal Glen plaid waistcoat and a gray/navy/black floral Jacquard (I think) tie. Traffic police officer lost leg in Rome crash. Rome traffic police are set to strike following a serious crash in the capital on Wednesday in which a trainee vigile urbano lost a leg after being hit by a drunk off-duty carabiniere. The industrial action will be divided between Friday 8 November, when members of the Ospol, Ugl and Sulpl trade unions will strike from 16.00 to 19.00, and an as-yet unannounced date next week when members of the Cgil, Cisl and Uil unions will stage a 24-hour strike. The protests are to demand greater safety and rights for traffic police, sparked by the road accident on Wednesday which saw three vigili urbani hospitalised in a serious condition. The youngest of the three muncipal officers hit in the crash, 25-year-old new recruit Daniele Virgili, had to have one leg amputated and risked losing the other leg. Condemning the unsafe working conditions of traffic police, the Sulpl secretary in Rome Marco Milani noted bitterly on Thursday that Virgili "unfortunately risks losing his job, in addition to his limbs" if his convalescence period exceeds eight consecutive months. "It is no longer possible to watch this continuous attack on the safety and health of the women and men of the local police of Rome without reacting" - Ospol said in the strike notice - "Safety and security in the workplace are not negotiable. The strike action on Friday will coincide with a nationwide 24-hour strike affecting local public transport services in cities across Italy. Photo credit: Cineberg / Shutterstock.com. Chiara Balistreri speaks out against domestic violence and femicide in viral TikTok video. A social media post by a young woman from Bologna has sparked a fresh debate about femicide in Italy ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In a viral video, 21-year-old Chiara Balistreri documented the domestic violence she suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, saying that she chose to record the message "while I'm alive, before becoming the umpteenth case of femicide". After enduring five years of domestic violence, Chiara found the courage two and a half years ago to report her former partner to police after he beat her savagely. The 24-year-old man, who spent the last two and a half years on the run abroad, was arrested last month after police were tipped off anonymously that he had returned home. Following a short period in jail, the man was placed under house arrest before absconding a second time. Chiara now fears for her life. "In these two and a half years he never stopped threatening me, he never stopped saying that he would come back to burn me with acid, to kill me, to make me pay for reporting him", Chiara said on Tiktok. La denuncia di Chiara Balistreri e agghiacciante. Nonostante tutte le leggi, le denunce, le campagne, l'impegno degli operatori e delle forze dell'ordine, una ragazza deve essere costretta a vivere nella paura di essere aggredita perche lo Stato non fa il suo dovere. Come si puo pic.twitter.com/zZcWhSzggU Italia Viva (@ItaliaViva) November 6, 2024 "Despite an attempted murder (...) absconding, physical and domestic violence and serious injuries", the man was given house arrest "in the same house where he broke my nose", Chiara said. "To say that I am bitter, pissed off, disappointed, scared is an understatement", she stated, before railing against the authorities that are supposed to protect victims of domestic violence. "I would like to thank the judge who gave Gabriel the chance to return home" - she said bitterly - "to let him escape for the second time". She also wondered if the judge would have handed Gabriel the same sentence and used the same yardstick "if I had been his daughter." "I don't know what turn the story will take, what turn my life will take", she said, adding: "I wonder why in Italy we have to wait for a tragedy to move and do something in the right way". The final SpeakEasy Poetry and Open Mic event of 2024 takes place on Friday, November 22, and features talented Belfast poet, Scott McKendry. Scott will read from his new collection, GUB, and other works at the event, which takes place in Phil Grimes Pub at 8pm. Scotts poems will be accompanied on the night by the jazz soundings of Shane Murphy on guitar and Darren Dreelan on clarinet. The duo met in college in Waterford in 2015 and have been playing together ever since. Both play multiple guitar genres, ranging from jazz to pop to classical, with each other and with other ensembles. Paul Muldoon, who is Irelands Chair of Poetry, chose Scott McKendry for his Poet of Promise Award, and Scott was also the recipient of the Patrick Kavanagh Award in 2019. Scott is the author of a pamphlet called Curfuffle (Lifeboat, 2019) as well as his collection GUB (Corsair, Little Brown). As always, local writers at all stages in their writing lives are invited to come and read a poem or a piece of short prose at SpeakEasys open mic session. The SpeakEasy Poetry and Open Mic event has been running successfully for over two years. It has hosted the Booker nominated author Colin Barrett, former Irish ambassador to the United States Dan Mulhall and Luke Morgan, winner of the Lawrence OShaughnessey Award, amongst many others. SpeakEasy is supported by The Arts Office, Waterford City and County Council and takes place six times a year. It also receives support from The Granville Hotel and Phil Grimes Pub. All are welcome to attend the upcoming final Poetry and Open Mic event of the year, on Friday, November 22. Entry on the door is 5, cash only. Political experts at The Sunday Times have picked Waterford as one of the two key constituencies in the upcoming General Election. "This constituency could be classed as a microcosm of Ireland," wrote Hugh O'Connell, the Political Editor at The Sunday Times. Alongside Dublin Bay North, Waterford was identified as a constituency which would act as an electoral barometer of the nation. Due to the intensity of local issues in the area which have national resonance, the election results in Waterford could speak to the national outlook of Irish voters. The dominant narrative is that Waterford is terrible and someone should do something about it, one politician said to O'Connell, who argued that the candidates Waterford voters choose to fix those problems could say a lot about the national results. The Electoral Trends The Sunday Times identified Deputy David Cullinane's strong performance last time out and the potential for a second Sinn Fein candidate to get elected through his vote share as an indicator of the feeling that Waterford has been left behind, which may lead to higher election results for the party in Waterford compared to their national vote share. The performance of Marc O Cathasaigh could act as evidence of a "Green malaise" among voters, O'Connell posited, while questioning if Minister Butler could suffer at the hands of Independent TD Deputy Matt Shanahan. Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Donald Trump, in September in New York. Shannon Stapleton (REUTERS) Kyiv has launched a diplomatic offensive to convince Donald Trump that U.S. military aid to Ukraine is critical, not just for Ukraines survival, but for Americas global leadership. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly stated, without U.S. support, Ukraine is doomed. Trump, however, said during his campaign that his presidency would end the multi-billion dollar arms supply to Ukraine and focus instead on quickly securing an end to the war as soon as possible even if that means ceding occupied territories to Russia. Zelenskiy is now leading a campaign to sway Trump, believing that Trumps rhetoric as a candidate is one thing, and what he does as president is another. Sources from the Ukrainian presidents office confirmed to EL PAIS that Zelenskiys agenda in the coming weeks is to win over Trump before he assumes office in January. On Wednesday, Zelenskiy was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory, expressing his excitement with an almost exuberant message: Congratulations on this impressive election victory! he posted on the social platform X. We look forward to an era of a strong United States under the decisive leadership of President Trump. On Thursday morning, Trump and Zelenskiy held a phone conversation, which the Ukrainian president described in glowing terms. I had an excellent call with President Trump and congratulated him on his historic landslide victory his tremendous campaign made this result possible. I praised his family and team for their great work, said Zelenskiy. This tone stands in sharp contrast to the repeated mockery Trump directed at Zelenskiy during his presidential campaign. When the Ukrainian leader visited Washington last September, Trump called him the greatest salesman on Earth. Every time Zelenskiy comes to the United States, he walks away with $100 billion, Trump joked. But were stuck in that war unless Im president. At rallies and in interviews throughout October, Trump continued to insist that Zelenskiy was partly to blame for the war: He should never have let that war start. Zelenskiys top aide, Andriy Yermak, also shared positive reflections on his meeting with Trump in New York last September. During the event, Trump said he had very good relations with both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that his goal was to bring both leaders to the negotiating table. I hope that relations will be better with me, Zelenskiy reportedly replied, to which Trump smiled. Yermak also congratulated Mike Johnson on his re-election as a congressman. Johnson, now Speaker of the House, was pivotal in securing Republican support for the last major U.S. military deployment to Ukraine in April, after nearly seven months of political gridlock. However, Johnson refused to meet with Zelenskiy during his Washington visit in September, accusing the Ukrainian president of campaigning for the Democrats. In recent weeks, Zelenskiy has stressed his belief that there is a difference between what is said during an election campaign, and what actions are taken in office. On Wednesday, Mikhail Podolyak, a key member of Zelenskiys office, wrote on X that Trump may be keen to stand up to countries that challenge U.S. power: Perhaps this is the perfect time to finally punish the outcasts, provocateurs and leaders of destructive alliances who have challenged the global leadership of the United States. However, the challenge for Ukraine is that Trumps focus remains largely on domestic politics. Legacy of Ronald Reagan On Wednesday evening, Zelenskiy invoked former U.S. president Ronald Reagan in his daily address, emphasizing the fight for a life free from Russian aggression. This call echoed remarks made earlier in the day by Wolfgang Ischinger, the German diplomat and president of the Munich Security Conference, who highlighted that Trump seeks agreements but likely none that would undermine his image as a strong strategist. Who else was the first to supply weapons to Ukraine? Ischinger asked, referencing the Trump administrations 2019 decision to send portable anti-armor missiles to Ukraine during its war against pro-Russian separatists in Donbas an action not taken by the Obama administration. Dan Rice, president of the American University of Kyiv, a former U.S. military officer, and former advisor to Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, explained to EL PAIS on Thursday that Zelenskiys strategy to win over Trump will focus on invoking the legacy of Reagan. Trump can be the leader of the free world, just as Reagan was against the Soviet Union. One thing is what is said during a campaign for a national audience, and another is the international legacy that determines an American presidents place in history. And Trump is no exception. For better or worse, his legacy will be marked by Ukraine. Zelenskiys congratulatory message to Trump emphasized his belief that bilateral relations could be mutually beneficial and that their common interests outweighed their differences. I appreciate President Trumps commitment to the peace through strength approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together, Zelenskiy wrote on X. Im not going to start wars, Im going to stop wars, Trump declared in his victory speech. On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trumps advisors were considering ways to freeze the conflict rather than achieve a lasting peace. Trump promised during his campaign that he would end the war in a few days, now we will see if it is possible, Vasyl Khmelnytsky, a former MP and one of Ukraines wealthiest people, told EL PAIS on Thursday. Khmelnytsky made his comments during the Kyiv Economic Forum, which brought together some of the countrys largest companies and political leaders. Trumps victory was a key topic of discussion, particularly regarding its potential impact on ending the conflict in 2025, as Zelenskiy hopes. Now we will see if he can fulfill what he said he could do, Khmelnitsky said. We know it wont be an ideal solution for Ukraine, but it has to come with at least some good conditions for our country. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A Waterford woman has received a hefty fine for dumping waste illegally at Barrack Street Bring Bank. She was found guilty in Waterford District Court to an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997. She was penalised a total of 1,235 for illegal dumping. In March 2023, an environmental inspector for Waterford City and County Council removed and searched a number of bags which had been left at the Bring Bank and found evidence linked to the woman. A 150 litter fine was imposed but went unpaid, which led to her later prosecution. She was represented by solicitor Hilary Delahunty and entered a guilty plea. Eoin OHerlihy acted on behalf of Waterford City and County Council outlined the facts of the case, showing photographs to Judge Staunton. Judge Staunton accepted the plea and imposed costs of 1,085 in addition to the 150 litter fine. Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer in the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council said: "The penalty imposed here would have paid for a bin service for a number of years. "Illegally dumping your waste will cost more in the long run. People who get a litter fine have 21 days to pay and if they dont pay within this period, they face prosecution and much higher costs on conviction." Were addicted to our devices. Glued to them on the commute, in our cars, distracted on the busy footpath. Wi-Fi connectivity has almost become a basic human right, and now even the aircraft cabin has been breached. Airlines are increasingly signing up to Elon Musks Starlink in order to provide fast, free internet on flights. Credit: iStock The availability and delivery of in-flight Wi-Fi varies a lot. For many airlines, its another ancillary service that enables them to make a few more dollars from their passengers. A user-pays structure typically delivers better speed since it reduces system requirements, and Wi-Fi bandwidth via satellite is limited. Some airlines are offering Wi-Fi messaging as a free service to their frequent flyers, which restricts their access to just a few apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. A few airlines including Air New Zealand and Malaysia Airlines offer free Wi-Fi access to all passengers in all classes on selected aircraft. Deltas in-flight Wi-Fi is free for SkyMiles members, and membership is free. The same applies to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer members. Cairo: Israeli forces have stepped up bombardment across the Gaza Strip and ordered more evacuations, creating a fresh wave of displacement from northern Gaza, to which Palestinians fear they will not be able to return. As Israeli tanks advanced in Beit Lahiya, a month into a new push on northern Gaza, dozens of families streamed out. They arrived at schools and other shelters in Gaza City with whatever belongings and food they could bring. A Palestinian woman consoles a child following Israeli airstrikes on the al-Fakhoora district of Jabalia, northern Gaza on Saturday. Credit: Bloomberg Drones hovered overhead broadcasting evacuation orders, which were also carried on social media outlets and on audio and text messages sent to residents phones, one displaced man said. After they displaced most or all of the people in Jabalia, now they are bombing everywhere, killing people on the roads and inside their houses to force everyone out, the man told Reuters via a chat app, giving only one name, Ahmed, for fear of repercussions. Technology is not a magical force beyond our control, no matter how difficult certain aspects may be to grasp. It is shaped by specific people, and, more importantly, by distinct worldviews. Sociologist Ruha Benjamin, 46, a professor in the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, has authored four books examining the intersections of technology, diversity, inequality, and justice. A leading figure in her field, Benjamin challenges the narratives of major tech companies and advocates for the causes of the Global South on her social media platforms, with a particular focus on Palestine. Benjamin was in Barcelona to participate in the Smart City Expo on the same day Donald Trump was elected president of the United States. While she feels it is too early to comment on the election results, she does warn about the growing impact of the reactionary wave sweeping across the world. Question. Is a reactionary wall being erected against everything youve been advocating for in your books? Answer. When people are confronted with the fact that the idealized image that they have of their nation or their group is a lie, the backlash is that people are comfortable in the lie. They dont want to be challenged with the truth about the racist histories of our societies, about the ongoing inequalities and forms of oppression. Lies are comfortable for those who have been socialized to think of themselves as superior to others, because that superiority is being threatened. And politicians tell them that the lie is okay, that the lie is the truth. We see it in the United States, Europe, or in India, where I was born. The rhetoric is very similar: make something great again. But it was never great to begin with, they were societies founded on slavery and genocide. Q. What role do social media and big tech companies play in this reactionary movement? A. They play a major role because they create bubbles that reinforce what we already think. But even more than social media, there are other technologies that are having huge consequences in peoples lives. There are algorithms deciding who will be hired or fired. There are artificial intelligence tools that are deciding what grade students get in school, or are used in healthcare and policing. Tech companies sell digital solutions that reinforce the status quo and hide that behind a veneer of neutrality and objectivity. The most powerful technologies are the ones that were not even aware of, but that are shaping our opportunities in life. Q. In a recent article, you analyze how the development of artificial intelligence (AI) perpetuates inequalities. Why does this happen? A. When we talk about AI, we have to talk about the people behind it. Because when we start putting a face to these technologies, we realize that what were being sold as a public good is really serving private interests and the self-interest of a small group of people who, in my opinion, are imposing their visions on the rest of us, and packaging it in a way that makes it seem like its going to benefit everyone. We have to demystify the technology and talk about the eugenic values that these people hold, in which some lives are valued more than others. Q. AI is sold as an almost magical technology. A. And thats important for their monopolization of power. Because when were told something is inevitable, we dont try to change it. That also makes it more attractive, but we have to start calling out these mythologies. Behind it are content moderators in the Philippines, digital workers in Kenya, Amazon warehouse laborers... people who are hidden from view. So we think when were using ChatGPT, the results magically happen. Many people are being harmed so that some of us can have more efficiency and convenience. We have to take into account the working conditions and also the environmental, energy and water costs that are needed to train a single algorithm. We have to ask ourselves if its worth it. Q. How should it be regulated? A. Pharmaceutical products have to go through many levels of testing before they reach the user. On the other hand, technologies are already experimenting on us, we are their clinical trial. The U.S. can look to the EU as a starting point in terms of digital rights. We cannot allow technology companies to come in and push out what was there. In Barcelona, for example, Uber gives you the option to look at taxis and public transportation. It seems like a small difference, but it shows a change. Q. And that came after major taxi strikes. A. Exactly. It is the power of the people to say were not going to allow these companies to disrupt our lives. Q. In your latest book, Imagination: A Manifesto, you talk about the power of imagination but also about how it is highly conditioned. Why? A. Imagination is more important than ever. Like in this election: were sold two options, with different ingredients, but neither is good for our health. Imagination is saying, We dont accept these two options. We want to dream of a third, fourth, fifth options. This applies in politics and wherever we are told that it is impossible to do something. We are told: health care for all, impossible. Free public transportation, impossible. And yet we are told that we can go to Mars or create general AI. These very far-fetched fantasies of the elites are sold to us as within our grasp. We can get this done. Just give us your money. Trust us. We shouldnt buy into those imaginations, and we should grow our collective imagination. Q. In todays time of conflict, where there are wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, how can imagination help? A. The first thing is to understand that these conflicts, genocides and forms of violence are connected. The problem with our imagination is that it is so focused, when everything is directly related. That will change our budgets, because right now it seems that we have no money to help with floods and climate, but we have an infinite amount of money for the military and wars. And then we have to listen to the people who are buried under the rubble of progress, literally and figuratively, if we want a world in which everyone thrives. Q. Technology is also used for literal destruction. A. Technological innovation is not the same as social progress. A lot of innovation can simply reinforce old ways of thinking and hierarchies. Technological advancement often hides harm and violence. For example, AI systems that are supposed to target more precise targets in Israel, in practice create many more targets than before, because it goes faster. And it is more deadly. Intelligence conceived in this way grows out of this eugenic idea: some people are smart, others are not, and if you are not smart enough to create this technology, you are going to be bombed. But in technology, everything is hidden: in a tech conference like Smart Expo, there is an Israeli pavilion. Q. Talking about this issue is a big problem in U.S. universities. How do you feel about it? A. Some call it the new McCarthyism. I have colleagues who have been fired for simply speaking out about Gaza. My own students are standing trial for a peaceful sit-in. We are seeing the hypocrisy of many institutions, such as higher education, but also big companies, such as Google or Microsoft. They love to talk about freedom of speech, but now the truth is coming out about their real values: compliance. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Angola Tax Administration (AGT), held a sub-regional training workshop on rules of origin for the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP). The workshop was held in Luanda, Angola, from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in parallel with the 38th Meeting of Customs Directors-General of the CPLP. The objective of the training was to assist Customs administrations in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin, as well as foster experience sharing among CPLP members. The workshop is part of a workplan established with the CPLP for competency development in a vision to further equip the administrations with dedicated experts that could be supporting the region, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the continent. In his opening remarks, the WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, stressed the opportunity for CPLP members to engage on both strategic and very technical questions, with the goal of both meetings being the development of greater capacity, consistency, and cooperation to enable Customs to perform its multifaceted mission. In her opening remarks, Ms. Mateja Peternelj, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Angola, mentioned that Customs administrations play an important role in trade facilitation, revenue collection and protection of society. By meeting their core functions efficiently and professionally, Customs administrations contribute tangibly to the prosperity and growth of the society and consequently to the implementation of the sustainable development goals. She also mentioned that sub-regional activities bringing together all CPLP countries contribute to building competency and creating a platform for exchange and knowledge sharing. During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level. The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the CPLP to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin. The next steps will cover an advanced training followed by a Training of Trainers on rules of origin. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org Si quieres compartir tu cuenta, cambia tu suscripcion a la modalidad Premium, asi podras anadir otro usuario. Cada uno accedera con su propia cuenta de email, lo que os permitira personalizar vuestra experiencia en EL PAIS. Tienes una suscripcion de empresa? Accede aqui para contratar mas cuentas. En el caso de no saber quien esta usando tu cuenta, te recomendamos cambiar tu contrasena aqui. Si decides continuar compartiendo tu cuenta, este mensaje se mostrara en tu dispositivo y en el de la otra persona que esta usando tu cuenta de forma indefinida, afectando a tu experiencia de lectura. Puedes consultar aqui los terminos y condiciones de la suscripcion digital. To proceed with the certification of the new president, Section 15 of Chapter 3, Title 1 of the U.S. Code states: Congress shall be in session on the sixth day of January succeeding every meeting of the electors. The Senate and House of Representatives shall meet in the Hall of the House of Representatives at the hour of 1 oclock in the afternoon on that day, and the President of the Senate shall be their presiding officer. These electors are the representatives of each state responsible for affirming that the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, has comfortably secured a second term in the White House four years after inciting thousands of his supporters to storm the Capitol as Joe Bidens 2020 victory was being certified. By law, the President of the Senate is the vice president in this case, Kamala Harris. Thus, on January 6 the fourth anniversary of the Capitol attack Kamala Harris has a bitter pill to swallow: certifying her opponents victory in the election. Not often does a vice president who ran as a presidential candidate have to preside over the confirmation of their rivals win. A similar situation occurred to Al Gore, Bill Clintons vice president, when he lost the 2000 election to George W. Bush after an agonizing recount. Richard Nixon also experienced this, after losing to John F. Kennedy in 1960. However, Nixon had the consolation of playing the opposite role on January 6, 1969, when Hubert Humphrey another vice president who, like Harris, had to campaign swiftly after Lyndon Johnsons resignation certified Nixons victory. Humphrey, however, chose to skip that day in Congress. Jacob Chamsley, one of the Capitol rioters. He was nicknamed the QAnon Shaman and became one of the symbols of the insurrection. Win McNamee (GETTY IMAGES) In none of these cases had the winner previously been president. And certainly, none of them saw their victory certified on the fourth anniversary of a day when, after weeks of refusing to accept his defeat a defeat acknowledged by dozens of judges in every jurisdiction where it was challenged the losing candidate called a rally in Washington. At the end of that rally, thousands of Trump supporters marched from the south of the White House to the Capitol, and violently stormed the building. On January 6, 2021, at least 140 officers were injured, and one police officer and three rioters lost their lives, all while Trump remained in the White House, watching the chaos unfold on television without doing anything. Not only that: Kamala Harris, then a senator from California and vice president-elect, was at the Capitol earlier that day for a House Intelligence Committee meeting, and then left. On the first anniversary of the attack, she recalled that dark day for American democracy in a speech: My thoughts immediately turned not only to my colleagues, but to my staff, who had been forced to seek refuge in our office, converting filing cabinets into barricades. [...] On January 6th, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful. The lawlessness, the violence, the chaos. Hang Mike Pence! The most symbolic rally of the Harris campaign, attended by around 75,000 people, took place in the same location where Trump had told his supporters: We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. He also said: I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. The Trump supporters wanted to stop the certification of Joe Bidens victory, and had a clear target: the vice president, Mike Pence. For days, Trump had been pressuring Pence to stop Congress from certifying the results. Mike Pence, I hope youre going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country. And if youre not, Im going to be very disappointed in you. I will tell you right now, Trump said from the stage before the riot. While the law clearly stated that Pence did not have the power to stop the process, it did not stop Trumps followers from marching down Pennsylvania Avenue, chanting: Hang Mike Pence! These events were the subject of an investigation by a bipartisan House commission (seven Democrats and two Republicans), which conducted over 1,000 interviews, reviewed more than a million documents, and subpoenaed roughly 100 witnesses over 18 months. The investigation concluded with a voluminous report that stated: The central cause of January 6th was one man, former president Donald Trump, who many others followed. None of the events of January 6th would have happened without him. Harris, Biden, and other prominent Democratic leaders have promised to facilitate a peaceful transition of power. On January 6, Congress will certify the results of the 2024 election in which Trump won 312 electoral votes, far more than the 270 needed to form government. Just three years ago, in February 2021, the House voted to impeach Trump for the Capitol insurrection, but was acquitted by the Senate. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was one of the politicians who voted to impeach Trump, and has since referred to the president-elect as insurrectionist in chief. Many of Trumps opponents also championed a legal theory unanimously struck down by the Supreme Court that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution bars the Republican from running again due to his role in the Capitol attack. Another member of Congress who will be in the spotlight on January 6, 2025, is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He announced months ago that he would step down as the Republican leader in the Senate when the new Senate members are sworn in, though he will remain a senator until 2027. After the Trumpist assault, McConnell declared: It was a violent insurrection. He added: The mob was fed lies [about the 2020 election being stolen]. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. Despite this, McConnell voted against impeachment. The recent publication of a book by AP journalist Michael Tackett has shed light on McConnells private thoughts during those days. He described Trump as stupid, ill-tempered, a despicable human being, and a narcissist. Upon learning of Trumps new victory, McConnell, in another of his intellectual pirouettes, told reporters it was certainly a happy day for the GOP. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 19:35 | All, Japan, World The U.S. Navy has apparently begun deploying its variant of the Osprey aircraft in a western Japan city, a source close to the matter said Friday. The Iwakuni local government in Yamaguchi Prefecture confirmed two Ospreys arrived at the U.S. military base in the city at around 11 a.m. on Thursday and 3:40 p.m. on Friday, respectively, the source said, adding they are believed to be two of the CMV-22s planned to be stationed there by the end of this year. It is the first Osprey deployment in Japan by the U.S. Navy. MV-22s, the variant used by the Marine Corps, are deployed at the Futenma air station in Okinawa and CV-22s, used by the U.S. Air Force, operate from the Yokota base in the western suburbs of Tokyo. The CMV-22s will transport personnel and cargo for the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington that is set to replace the Ronald Reagan at Yokosuka near Tokyo by year-end. In August, Yamaguchi Gov. Tsugumasa Muraoka and local mayors said they would accept the Osprey deployment after the Japanese government informed them of the plan the previous month. Ospreys, tilt-rotor aircraft that are capable of taking off and landing like helicopters and cruising like planes, have a history of accidents both in Japan and abroad. Related coverage: U.S. F-35B makes 1st landing on Japan SDF carrier Kaga off San Diego U.S. helicopter makes emergency landing on beach near Tokyo Western Japan city OKs deployment of U.S. Navy version of Osprey By Rebecca Black, PA A former Sinn Fein press officer has been jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to a series of child sex offences. Michael McMonagle, 43, from Limewood Street in Derry, was sentenced at Derry Crown Court to nine months in custody and nine months under statutory supervision. He made no comment as he arrived at court earlier in the case that plunged Sinn Fein into controversy as it faced questions around safeguarding, and how two other party press officers provided references for McMonagle for a subsequent job with the British Heart Foundation. Michael McMonagle was sentenced at Derry Crown Court (Liam McBurney/PA) Derry Crown Court heard on Friday how McMonagle had communicated with a number of online accounts which were run by police officers posing as children. McMonagle had originally faced 15 charges, including attempting to incite two children to engage in sexual activity. The offences relate to various dates between May 2020 and August 2021. He pleaded guilty to 14 of the 15 offences, and another charge was left on the books. McMonagle worked for a time as a newspaper journalist in Derry before being employed as a Sinn Fein press officer in the north west. He was also an adviser for the party at Stormont for a number of years. In a statement after his first court appearance, Sinn Fein said that as soon as it became aware of his arrest, he was immediately suspended from employment and party membership. PRKYODO NEWS DIGITAL - Nov 8, 2024 - 17:57 | Arts The 19th Refugee Film Festival opened at a movie theater in Tokyo's Roppongi district Thursday, with one of the festivals six documentaries and films shedding light on the hope and resilience of refugees around the world screened for audiences at the venue and online. The festival opened with a first-in-Japan screening of The Walk, from Macedonian filmmaker Tamara Kotevska whose 2019 documentary "Honeyland" was nominated for two Academy Awards. Sharing the name of the traveling theater project to promote human rights, especially those of refugees and the displaced, The Walk follows the journey across Europe of Little Amal, a 3.5 meter tall puppet of a Syrian refugee girl. Amal and her puppeteers, themselves refugees, set out from the Syria-Turkey border on a walk which takes them some 8,000km to Western Europe. Along the way they meet other refugees, draw crowds of well wishers and, in some places, angry detractors chanting "shame." Amal's observations of her journey are voiced using the testimonies of refugees who Kotevska interviewed while following Amal on her walk. During one scene in the documentary, Amal pauses to look at a mural of an old lady. She sees something of herself in the worn features of the face it portrays, despite only being a child herself. "Sometimes I feel like Ive seen too much," she says. Speaking ahead of the opening night screening at the Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills movie theater, Kotevska described Little Amal as "the voice, the face, and the image of all the refugees in the world." Through Amal, which means "hope" in Arabic, Kotevska challenges the image of refugees who she thinks are too often portrayed in the media as poor people who need money, who are "almost like beggars." "I saw many of these people in the refugee camps. They wanted to feel beautiful, to look beautiful because this is who they are. They don't want to be seen as victims," she said. Asked about how films and documentaries differ from other potential avenues for raising awareness about refugees and displaced people, Kotevska said the difference was huge, particularly compared to other media and the news through which refugees are often reduced to a number. "(Films) can place the focus on the individual. Every human can connect with another individual, not so much with a number," she said. "A number expires. We feel sorry but then its just a number. But when we see and feel the story of one individual the tragedy is much greater." The Walk is one of four of the six films and documentaries selected by festival organizer Japan for UNHCR that will be screened for the first time in Japan during the festival period, which runs through Nov. 30. After the opening night, screenings will be held online. In selecting the films, Reiko Yamazaki, senior external relations officer with Japan for UNHCR, said they wanted to show the resilience, courage, and hope of the refugees. "It's clear that refugees are surviving in very difficult circumstances but we tried to choose documentaries and films that depict these positive aspects which can lead to a sense of strength and hope," she said. Since it began in 2006, the Refugee Film Festival has screened 265 films from around the world to an audience of over 100,000. During this years festival, audience members, who must be resident in Japan, can make a fixed donation when applying to watch the online screenings. The main goal of the festival, though, is to raise awareness and deepen understanding about refugee issues, according to Japan for UNHCR, a non-profit organization that conducts public relations and fundraising as a partner in Japan for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. "When we use the word "refugee," its difficult to see the lives and personalities of these people. I want the audience to understand through the films that they are people who have the same friends, families, hometowns, jobs, and daily lives as we do," Yamazaki said. Japanese rock star MIYAVI, who has a global following, has been using his profile to help refugees to be heard, particularly among the public in his homeland. MIYAVI, who serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, highlighted in an exclusive comment ahead of the opening night the "diversity of voices that this year's festival amplifies." Stories this year come from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, among other countries. "These films capture powerful, real-life stories of those who have been forced to flee their homes, illustrating the unbreakable bonds of family and the courage it takes to rebuild in a new place," he said. By promoting a "whole of society" approach which unites government, public sectors, and civil society, MIYAVI said that Japan can help to ensure all refugees have a chance to rebuild their lives anywhere in the world. "Japan has a unique role to lead in supporting refugees, setting an example for the international community," he said. For the 19th Refugee Film Festival, organizers are inviting audience members to think about their connection to the world and ask themselves what peace is amid an escalation of conflicts, wars, and humanitarian crises which have left over 122 million people forcibly displaced, according to mid-year data for 2024 from the UNHCR. The online screening period for the 19th Refugee Film Festival runs until 23:55 on Nov. 30, 2024. Screenings are limited to audiences in Japan. During the festival, online seminars will be held through which participants can learn more about the issues behind the films being screened. For more information visit the festival website: https://www.japanforunhcr.org/how-to-help/rff/en David Raleigh Gardai are investigating a gun attack at a house in Limerick City that occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. A number of shots were discharged from a firearm at the residence, around 1am, at Hyde Road, on the south side of Limerick City. Gardai are probing whether the gun attack is linked to an ongoing feud between parties living in the Ballinacurra Weston and Southill areas of the Treaty City. Up to a dozen violent incidents, including pipe bomb attacks and arson attacks, have occurred in the area in the past month with tensions rising between those involved. The garda armed Emergency Response Unit (ERU) has been drafted into Limerick City in recent days and is conducting nightly armed checkpoints in flash point areas. The ERU were deployed to Limerick to assist local armed units and uniformed members involved in a policing operation set up to target the activities of those involved in the feud. The feud has been bubbling up over the last year with several shootings and other violence leading to a number of persons being injured and others brought before the courts. A garda spokeswoman said that gardai were investigating all the circumstances in relation to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on Hyde Road, Limerick city at approximately 1am, Friday 8th November, 2024. No injuries have been reported at this time, and investigations are ongoing, she added. Gardai asked that anyone with information about Friday morning's shooting to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061-214340 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda station. A local policing operation led by chief Superintendent Derek Smart has been established to thwart the actions of those involved. On October 24th last, chief Smart warned of garda fears that children would be injured in the rising violence. The senior garda said that since the 12th of October, a number of cars have been targeted and set on fire and a number of houses and very badly damaged as a result of the attacks upon them. These attacks are confined between two groupings of peoples, they are both know to each other, and they both live on the south side of Limerick City. They are not random attacks, they are very targeted in what they are trying to achieve. Chief supt Smart said last month that those involved were putting fear into people, and putting lives at risk. He pledged gardai would make sure that people that are involved in these incidents are held to account for their actions. In respect of lives being put at risk, chief Smart said: There has been a number of children present in all of these attacks - they haven't been that far away from them at all. The policing plan for the south side of Limerick is ongoing and involves all available resources here in Limerick city, that would be supported by both national and regional resources, including the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), who will be in Limerick as part of their duties, as well as our own armed support units, Chief Smart said. What we have also done is we have appointed a senior investigating officer to oversee all of these investigations to ensure that the best evidence is obtained, to enable us to bring these matters before the courts, so that people can be dealt with appropriately for the behaviour that they are engaging in. Last month a gun and drugs were recovered when gardai searched several properties in the areas where the violence has been centred. Appealing for information that would assist local garda enquiries, chief Smart said: Anybody that has any information, no matter how small they think it is, to please pick up the phone, let us know what you have seen, what you have heard. You can do that in a confidential manner, youll see our confidential numbers on the side of every patrol car around the city, or just write two us...in some way get us the information that youve have seen, and let us be able to look at that information. You might think it is insignificant, but it may help us build a bigger picture into what we are trying to achieve here, which is making people accountable for their actions. Limerick Sinn Fein TD, Maurice Quinlivan, who sits on the local joint policing committee, warned that lives will be lost unless gardai meet those involved in the feuding with a forceful response. These incidents are taking place in working communities where the vast majority of people want to work and provide for their families. But they are being plagued by criminal gangs who seem to operate without sanction. These communities have little garda presence and, as across Limerick, they have long been left without a community garda for some time. Addressing the Taoiseach on the issue, deputy Quinlivan called for additional gardai to be deployed to help keep a lid on the feud. Mr Quinlivan warned: If these firebomb incidents continue, it is inevitable that there will be a loss of life. Leading Irish car, light vans, and heavy commercial vehicles distributor, Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), has been appointed as importers and distributors in Ireland of the Chinese-made XPENG range of all-electric passenger cars. The appointment will be formally recognised by the imminent arrival and launch on the Irish market of the mid-sized XPENG G6 SUV model, first in a range of XPENG passenger cars all of which will be marketed here over time. MDL chief executive, Paddy Finnegan, said: The XPENG portfolio of models which we will offer to Irish motorists and their dealers whom we have yet to fully appoint is one that MDL will be proud to represent. Offering as it does another excellent example of Chinese all-electric drive construction and technology, and of its build quality within a high-class design complete with sleek interior styling attractive to the eyes of European motorist, the current XPENG range plus those many models yet to be developed will constitute an exciting choice of options for buyers and dealers seeking something new and climate-friendly in the field of personal transportation, Mr Finnegan added. XPENG Vice Chairman and President, Dr Brian Gu, said: Our partnership with Motor Distributors Limited marks an important step in XPENG's global expansion. We are excited to introduce Irish consumers to a new standard in electric mobility, combining innovative technology with exceptional design to deliver an unparalleled experience that meets the demands of today's drivers. With a vision for AI-defined mobility, we aim to revolutionise the driving experience in Ireland, making it safer, smarter, more sustainable and more pleasant in the near future. Four models front the XPENG range: the ultra-smart G6 coupe SUV, the popular G9 flagship SUV, and the sleek P7 sedan, topped by their graciously elegant P7+ Fastback Sedan, whose embodiment of AI technology is a key feature. Of these, the first to launch in Ireland will be the G6 version, with the potential for other RHD models to be considered for the market. Veterinarian Emer OReilly saved the life of 17-year-old Merlin the Goldfish with a revolutionary surgery. Merlins owner is Eileen Lynch from Castlebar. Lynch grew concerned when Merlin stopped eating. When she noticed a lump near his left eye, she brought her fish to MyVet in Lucan, Co. Dublin. Merlin was put under anaesthesia before OReilly removed the tumour. As the beloved Goldfish is only three inches long, the veterinarian was not able to remove the entire growth. However, Merlins family is delighted to see their cherished fish live to see another day. Earlier this year, both the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre and the Bohola Community Park applied to the Heritage Council for grants to plant pollinator-friendly bulbs around the Community Centre and the Community Park. The aim of this project is to encourage biodiversity and to add some colour for passers-by to enjoy throughout the village whether they are walking or driving. Fortunately, both committees were successful in their individual applications and shortly after receiving confirmation, work began on the project. In true Meitheal spirit, both committees worked together with members of the local community and the local unit of the Irish Girl Guides. The Girl Guides have been a firm fixture in Bohola for over ten years with numbers of girls increasing each year. As part of their programme, each branch of the Girl Guides (Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides) have a requirement of working with the local community and also developing their green fingers! So a plan was put in place to work together to prepare the best area around the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre and the grounds of the Durkan Bohola Community Park. There were events organised as part of Heritage Week at the Community Centre and at the Community Park which were both very well attended by the local community. They gave people an opportunity to see what work was going to take place and how this work would benefit the community and the environment. With funds received from the Heritage Council, both committees were able to purchase pollinator-friendly daffodil, bluebell, crocus and snowdrop bulbs as well as some oak trees and the essential equipment for assisting with planting. In September, the Bohola unit of the Irish Girl Guides along with their parents and leaders planted daffodils, crocus, bluebells and snowdrops around the grounds of both the Community Centre and Community Park. The girls learnt a lot about the various types of soil and how to plant the different types of bulbs. They were also able to bring some leftover daffodil bulbs home with them to plant and watch grow around their homes. We are all looking forward to seeing the results of all their hard work in Spring 2025. A huge thank you to the Heritage Council for providing the funds to both the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre and the Durkan Bohola Community Centre which allowed the group to buy the bulbs and equipment needed. The project will benefit not just the current generation but also the future generations who come to visit the centre, park and village. News last week about tourist and visitor numbers coming into Ireland provide some food for thought. Figures from the Central Statistics Office showed that while tourist numbers and nights spent per visitor for September 2024 were marginally down on the same month the previous year, overall spending was significantly up. Fewer people spending more money. The figures were announced by Tourism Ireland, the organisation responsible for promoting both Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland overseas. The details are fascinating: 587,100 visitors came to Ireland in September, about half of them on an actual holiday while the rest came to visit family or friends or for business reasons. They spent 1,584 on their trip on average, with the price of accommodation making up about a third of the total spend. Interpreting the figures of course comes with a lot of caveats. One month does not tell an annual tale, and changes in exchange rates and weather can have a major impact in any one month. You can certainly notice more Americans around this year, but is that because the relatively good autumn we have had has made people more noticeable? The press release from Tourism Ireland announcing these figures certainly confirmed what our eyes could see. September was a really strong month for North American tourism to Ireland, with revenue, visitors and nights spent all up on last year. What we gained in visitors coming from our west we lost in those from the east with fewer travelling from Britain and mainland Europe. But accepting this is a snapshot, and even if the figures are a little down on the previous year, 587,100 is a lot of people. As we all know in the west, the challenge is to get more of them to come down to our part of the world, as well as or instead of the trip to Dublin and the well-worn tourist tracks. So what do these figures and the trends behind them tell us about what we need to do to achieve that? The first thing last weeks figures show is fairly obvious. Overall spend by tourists is likely rising not because of their choices but because of the rise in the price of so many things. Hotel costs are a story more well-worn than many a hotel bed, so sufficient to say that it will surprise no one to hear that tourists are paying more to stay in one. We all are doing that. And we will have equally well-worn views as to why that is happening. Costs have been rising everywhere and what to do about them has been the subject of a lot of debate. But the question Im most interested in today is not what drives the cost of hotels and other items, but instead what they mean for the kind of visitor we will be able to attract in the future. We cannot really pretend anymore that Ireland is a cheap place to visit, because it isnt. Thats true for the west as well as for the east. Value remains important of course but we need to recognise that for whole swathes of people around the world, visiting Ireland is simply not an option. We understand this. In the 1980s, how many Irish people went to Switzerland or Norway on holiday? We, for good or ill, and at least in price terms, are the new Switzerland or Norway. Given that, its not too difficult to predict who is coming to visit Ireland and specifically the west. Tourism Ireland, who are good at knowing the markets, have the evidence. They could give you a detailed breakdown of the income levels and holiday budgets of our potential tourist visitors in countries all over the world. And while the details might be hard to digest, the trend would be clear. Our visitors are for the most part relatively affluent people. And that means the question for us is simple: how do we attract more of those affluent people to the west of Ireland? Accessibility is certainly a factor, and roads and flights are vital to that. Thinking about that for the long term, air flights are likely to get more expensive unless someone figures out a way to fly a plane without emitting carbon. As an island, that will only underline the reality that those who can actually afford to come here will have to be fairly well off. That may mean we sell more expensive whiskeys in the duty free at Ireland West, but it also means we have to be really focused about what can we offer those affluent people to make them want to come here. In a world with lots of options, you must stick out with what you offer: unique, distinctive, and truly memorable. Things that are ok wont cut it. We need landmark destinations and experiences that will catch the eye of the affluent tourist, browsing for holiday options in a way that we all browse now for leisure. And pretending that every place in our region can be a draw for those people is pie in the sky. What might those landmarks destinations and experiences be, and what does all this mean in practice? Lets think about what we have already and how we might build on that. The Great Western Greenway was a tremendous success and remains a fabulous piece of our tourist infrastructure. But in a world with an endless appetite for new experiences, whats next? Greenways are a hot topic around Clew Bay now, but if we want to make visiting that Bay a Camino-like experience, you must be able to cycle around it, and boat from one side to the other. That is the scale we need. Similarly in North Mayo. Look at the natural V of Killala Bay. What a powerful brand symbol it would make. If you cycled from Kilcummin to Enniscrone and took the boat back in the evening, feasting on lobster after your hard days cycle, what kind of tourist would that attract? What kind of money would they pay for it? We know the answer, and we also know that every bit of that experience will need to be as good as what you can get anywhere in the world, combined with the welcome and warmth we do so well. Projects of this size and scale require investment, and some of that investment needs to be public money. We all know that we havent had enough of that over the years. But lets be honest with ourselves. Calling for public money from actors outside our region to solve our problems is not something we need any lessons on. We are good at that. Its the easiest headline in the newspaper and the quick road to likes on social media. But are we imaginative enough and brave enough to face down all the objections and the cynicism that erupts whenever something visionary is suggested? That, as they say, is an internal problem. These are the questions that arise in my mind from the figures last week. Yes, we need to cut costs, and yes, we need to improve the value proposition, but value for money is a different thing: if we can create more experiences that are truly memorable for our targeted visitor market, then our tourism industry will thrive. If we dont, we wont. Its as simple and as complicated as that. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Cloudy, breezy, and warm with occasional showers developing, especially in the afternoon; a gusty downpour or strong thunderstorm possible in the afternoon and evening. . Tonight Cloudy, breezy, and mild with showers and a few gusty storms or downpours in the evening; drying out late at night. KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 21:48 | All, Japan The Japanese government will start providing support for private companies to ramp up the development of geothermal power plants, tapping into the country's geothermal resources, the third largest in the world, sources close to the matter said Friday. The government will aim to commercialize geothermal power plants until 2030 by setting up a public-private sector committee to pinpoint issues, such as how to utilize next-generation geothermal technology and shorten the timeframe in developing the plants, the sources said. State subsidies for geological surveys will also be increased, as mining operations cost around 1 billion yen ($6.5 million) and have a low success rate. Until the release of steam is confirmed after drilling, the government-backed Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security will fully fund the cost to mitigate the companies' risks. The measures will be reflected in the draft of the government's basic energy plan by the end of this year. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is keen to promote the development of geothermal power plants as he sees it benefitting local economies, given that many geothermal resources are in rural areas. The development of such plants remains a tricky issue due to the difficulty in coordinating with operators of hot springs. A conventional geothermal plant generates electricity by extracting the steam heated by high-temperature magma deep underground through winzes to rotate turbines. However, the new-generation "closed-loop" technology collects heated water from a greater depth and as such does not conflict with the source of hot springs. With the current geothermal energy output at around 600,000 kilowatts, the government aims to increase the output to 1.5 million kilowatts by fiscal 2030. Related coverage: FEATURE: A quest to harness wind for offshore power generation in Japan Reading, PA (19601) Today Cloudy, breezy, and warm with occasional showers developing, especially in the afternoon; a gusty downpour or strong thunderstorm possible in the afternoon and evening. . Tonight Cloudy, breezy, and mild with showers and a few gusty storms or downpours in the evening; drying out late at night. KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 20:11 | All, Japan Japanese comedian and TV personality Hitoshi Matsumoto dropped a 550 million yen ($3.6 million) lawsuit against publisher Bungei Shunju Ltd. on Friday for defamation for reporting that he had forced women into sexual activities, both sides' lawyers said. In a statement released by Matsumoto's lawyer, the celebrity acknowledged having joined gatherings attended by women in the past and said, "I would like to frankly apologize if any of the women who attended were offended or hurt." As for the reason for withdrawing the suit, Matsumoto, 61, explained that he and the publisher "confirmed that there was no physical evidence to indicate there was coercion." "I wanted to avoid placing any further burden on many people" in proceeding with the trial, he said. The publisher said it agreed to withdraw the suit after Matsumoto's lawyer said the celebrity wants to publicly apologize to those who have been hurt and following discussions with the women. Both sides said there were no monetary exchanges involved in the withdrawal of the suit. According to the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine report released in December 2023, Matsumoto, in one particular incident, forced several women into sexual activities without their consent after dining with them at a Tokyo hotel. Following the release of the report, Matsumoto, one half of popular comedy duo "Downtown," had said he would go on hiatus to focus on his trial at the Tokyo District Court. Related coverage: Japan comedian Matsumoto sues publisher over sex scandal report KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 11:47 | All, Japan A total of 34 passengers on two flights carrying a group of high school students from Guam to Japan fell ill with symptoms of suspected food poisoning, local emergency service officials said Friday. According to the Narita airport office and the authorities from Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, 16 were on Japan Airlines Flight 942 and 18 were on United Airlines Flight 873, which both landed at Narita airport Thursday night. Among the passengers affected by symptoms such as vomiting, 14 needed to be taken to hospital after landing. Some passengers reported feeling sick before boarding the flight, and Japan Airlines told airport officials it did not believe inflight meals to be the cause. Related coverage: 130 people suffer food poisoning in Japan after eating eel KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 11:43 | All, Japan Tohoku University on Friday became the first institution formally designated to receive substantial research grants from a 10 trillion yen ($65 billion) fund, part of a new government program aimed at raising the global rankings of Japanese universities. Of the 10 universities that applied, including Japan's top two, the university in the northeastern city of Sendai was the only candidate selected in August last year to receive the grants, which will be disbursed over a period of up to 25 years. After completing the required procedures, Tohoku University is expected to receive hundreds of billions of yen from fiscal 2025 starting April. The government plans to open a second round of applications within the current fiscal year to select a few more universities. Several institutions have already expressed their interest in applying. Tohoku University placed 130th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, with the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University ranking 29th and 55th, respectively. While all three were short-listed last year for the grants, the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University were not chosen as final candidates as they did not demonstrate sufficient efforts to reform their research organizations and management systems, according to the education ministry. Tohoku University has set six targets, including organizational reforms to promote internationalization and the creation of a dynamic research environment, outlining 19 strategies to achieve them. The goals include shifting from a traditional professor-led class structure to one in which researchers form independent teams for ambitious projects, boosting revenue from collaborative research with private firms by about tenfold, and increasing the proportion of international students on campus. Under a revised law on national university corporations enacted in October, Tohoku University has established a council that includes external experts to oversee its budget and management policies. The ministry will review the progress of the university's proposed plans annually, with government expert panels also conducting periodic evaluations. Related coverage: Tohoku University to become 1st to receive new Japan gov't research grants KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2024 - 12:19 | All, Japan A 44-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly selling illegal drugs to former Olympus Corp. CEO Stefan Kaufmann, police said Friday. Takaaki Kaneko, a photographer living in Tokyo, has been arrested on suspicion of selling cocaine and the synthetic drug MDMA to Kaufmann multiple times in the capital from September 2022 through February this year, police said. Olympus said late last month that Kaufmann, a German national who became its CEO in 2023, stepped down following an allegation that he had purchased illegal drugs. Police searched his residence in June, but no illegal drugs were found, investigative sources said. Related coverage: Olympus CEO Kaufmann resigns amid illegal drug purchase allegation As Shanghai hosts the China International Import Expo for the seventh consecutive year, our correspondent, covering the event for the third time, explores what's new and who's here to find out why CIIE matters. Import expo reveals 5 aspects of China's "charm" for foreign firms Xinhua) 08:16, November 08, 2024 SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- In the vast and intricately designed National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), where the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held, people from around the world can be seen exploring the exhibition halls and talking with others, seeking to make best use of the opportunities on offer. Since its inauguration in 2018 as the world's first national-level import-focused exposition, the CIIE has increasingly gained popularity among attendees. The business exhibition at this year's expo, scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10, maintains its massive scale of over 360,000 square meters. Some 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions are participating, more than appeared in the previous session. Among them, 297 are Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, marking a record high. Why are foreign companies so fascinated with the CIIE? A close look at the exhibition halls and in-depth conversations with the exhibitors reveal several sources of the appeal of the Chinese market -- five factors can be neatly summarized in the acronym "CHARM". This photo shows the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) C FOR "CHANGE" Since China put forward the concept of "high-quality development" to shift away from the focus on high-speed economic growth, the country has witnessed great changes in many fields -- accelerated industrial transformation, robust innovation, and even shifts in people's lifestyles. Emerging market demand means fresh new business opportunities for all. At this year's CIIE, the Innovation Incubation Special Section features for the first time exhibitions in four major fields: digital economy, green and low-carbon development, life sciences, and manufacturing technologies. It showcases about 360 innovative projects, the highest number for the section since 2018. The exhibition hall of Suzano, a giant in commercial pulp production from Brazil, is located in the newly established new materials zone. The company showcases its innovative achievements in bio-based solutions, as well as a low-carbon tissue product jointly developed with its Chinese partner. "Chinese customers are open to innovation and testing new products, business models and practices," said Pablo Machado, president of business management at Suzano Asia. "The biggest opportunities for companies here will be higher-quality products and services." Visitors experience the process of radioligand therapy using AR technology at the booth of Novartis during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) H FOR "HUGE" When asked about the main impression of the Chinese market, Kok Ping Soon, CEO of the Singapore Business Federation, immediately thought of its "huge potential." The vast scale of the market is a unique advantage for China. With a population of over 1.4 billion, China has a diverse range of consumer groups, each with a massive scale, which translates into enormous demand for products and services, ranging from premium categories to everyday necessities. "China is home to over 400 million middle-income population. Market growth might not always be in a rocketing state, but the world's second-largest consumer market will still grow," said Kok. To help exhibitors connect with the vast Chinese market more effectively, local governments and agencies across China have organized 780 delegations for procurement at the CIIE, the highest number in CIIE history. Visitors line up to taste Spanish ham during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) A FOR "ACCESS" China has been committed to expanding its opening up and sharing its development opportunities with the world. Constant efforts have been made to facilitate market access for foreign investment and create a favorable business environment. Just four days before the opening of the CIIE, the latest version of China's negative list for foreign investment took effect, removing the remaining investment restrictions in the manufacturing sector. The country has vowed to continue easing market access with the orderly expansion of opening up in sectors like telecommunications, education, culture and medical care. At its CIIE booth, French healthcare company Sanofi highlights representative innovative drugs whose entry and use in China have been accelerated through the platform. In September, the use of a Sanofi immuno-inflammatory product was approved in China as a targeted therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with approval granted faster than in the United States and the EU, according to the company. When meeting with select exhibitors and buyers attending the CIIE, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that the country will continue improving the business environment and provide equal opportunities in accessing production factors, qualification licensing and participation in government procurement, among other areas. Star product Dupixent of Sanofi is on display during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) R FOR "REWARD" The ever-evolving demand, immense potential, and an increasingly open market have brought tangible returns to foreign companies that are expanding their presence in China. Since 2018, more than 2,400 new products, technologies and services have made their debut at the CIIE, and the cumulative intended transaction value has amounted to approximately 420 billion U.S. dollars. Success stories abound at the CIIE. From a 9-square-meter stall at the inaugural CIIE, cuddly Peruvian alpaca wool toys have now made it into over 30 shopping malls across China and onto various e-commerce platforms, with annual sales volume surpassing 30,000. "It has been an incredibly rewarding journey completely exceeding our expectations," said Ysabel Zea, co-founder of Warmpaca. Visitors look at alpaca toys at the booth of Warmpaca during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) M FOR "MEGATREND" Foreign executives at the CIIE have frequently mentioned "long-term confidence in China," which is largely underpinned by the unchanged sound fundamentals and the overall trend of steady development of the world's second-largest economy. Despite the high base of the previous year, the Chinese economy achieved a year-on-year growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first three quarters of the year, outperforming many major economies worldwide. Thanks to the strong demand from the Chinese market, Suzano saw its third-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rise 77 percent year on year. "We are glad to see that steps have been taken and more will be taken to boost recovery and fully restore confidence," said Machado. Premier Li said that China is confident in achieving this year's economic and social development goals, as well as the future development of its economy. "China has the capability to promote sustained economic recovery and facilitate market expansion and improvement, thereby creating broader development space for enterprises from around the world to expand trade, facilitate investment and business, and apply innovative products and services," Li told exhibitors and buyers attending the CIIE. (Reporting by Zhang Zhongkai, Wang Jian, Li Baojie, Guo Xiaoyu, Wang Siyuan, Huang Zechen, Xu Xiaoqing, You Zhixin, Chen Aiping, Huang Anqi, Tang Siqi, Yang Kai, Hao Wangle) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) After nearly 24 hours of deliberation, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals rejected appeals by the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) and local observer mission My Vote, dismissing their claims of ballot secrecy violations in the October 26 elections. Despite the watchdogs' concerns, the court upheld the official results, which have been subject to dispute.The GYLA had sought to annul results from all polling stations using electronic voting devices, arguing that thin ballot paper compromised voter anonymity, revealing party choices through the paper. Nona Kurdovanidze, head of GYLA, noted that the decision was not unexpected, but she firmly maintained that the secrecy of ballots had been violated.The Tbilisi Court consolidated all complaints from polling stations in eastern Georgia into a single case and dismissed all 26 filed by GYLA and My Vote. Similarly, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals rejected complaints from polling stations in western Georgia, siding with the official stance late last night.On November 7, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Anatoly Bibilov, the former de-facto president of the occupied Tskhinvali region, as part of a new sanctions package targeting Russian interests.The sanctions, totaling 56 new measures, target entities and individuals supporting Russia's military operations. Among the targets are suppliers aiding Russia's military production, Russian-backed mercenary groups active in sub-Saharan Africa, and three private mercenary groups connected to the Kremlin. Additionally, 11 individuals linked to Russian proxy groups are also sanctioned.Bibilov faces sanctions for his association with Kremlin-linked private mercenary groups. The penalties include an asset freeze, a travel ban, and restrictions on trust services.The U.K. Government stated "Anatoly Ilyich Bibilov is or has been involved in destabilizing Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine because he engages in, provides support for, or promotes any policy or action which destabilizes Ukraine or undermines or threatens the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine." SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A fishing boat capsized off South Korea's southern island of Jeju on Friday, leaving 13 sailors missing, the Yonhap news agency said, citing the coast guard. The 129-ton vessel, with 27 crew members believed to be on board, overturned in waters about 24 km off Jeju's Biyang Island, at around 4:33 a.m. local time (1933 GMT Thursday). A total of 14 crew members have been rescued, with two in a state of unconsciousness, while rescuers continue to search for the remaining 13 missing. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered the Coast Guard and relevant ministries to rescue the missing sailors by mobilizing all available resources. MADRID, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Infrastructure improvements are essential to managing large-scale flooding, such as the deadly flash floods that recently struck eastern and southeastern Spain, a Madrid-based expert said. Civil engineering solutions, including dams and flood channels, are key to mitigating the impact of such catastrophic floods, explained Luis Mediero, a professor at the School of Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Spain's eastern region of Valencia bore the brunt of the late October flooding. In some areas, rainfall reached between 300 and 491 liters per square meter in just eight hours -- the equivalent of an entire year's volume -- according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). While Mediero acknowledged that such extreme weather events are rare, he pointed to certain infrastructure that proved effective in resisting the floods, such as a diversion channel running south of Valencia's center that successfully prevented floodwaters from entering the historic area. He also highlighted the role of roller dams in both Valencia and Murcia, which stored substantial volumes of water, significantly reducing damage in numerous downstream towns. Mediero described such infrastructure projects as "sustainable urban scenic cells," which function like sponges, enabling the city to absorb all precipitation within the area. This design, he noted, enhances the city's resilience to heavy rainfall and flooding. Despite the existing infrastructure, the unprecedented intensity of rainfall and flooding overwhelmed 78 municipalities, including 75 in Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha, and one in Andalusia, impacting a population of over 500,000. The deluge flooded streets, destroyed homes, swept away vehicles, and left over 200 dead, with dozens still missing. To prevent future tragedies, Mediero stressed the importance of building more flood-resistant infrastructure and, even more critically, incorporating climate change considerations into the design of new infrastructure to improve resilience against extreme weather events. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Xinhua/Wang Ye] BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing on Thursday, calling on the two sides to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to promote and enrich the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Noting that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Xi said the two countries have maintained close interactions and exchanges at all levels and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation with high quality on all fronts since Anwar's first China visit in March last year after taking office as prime minister, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Malaysia are both at crucial stages of national development and rejuvenation, Xi said. "The two sides should take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship as an opportunity to work together for a more concrete China-Malaysia community with a shared future, to help each other achieve their development goals, and to make new and greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability," said Xi. Xi urged the two sides to develop a high-level strategic partnership, continue to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen exchanges on experience of governance, enhance political mutual trust, and firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. China supports Malaysia in upholding strategic independence and choosing a development path suited to its national conditions, he said. Xi called on the two sides to synergize development strategies, deepen all-round and mutually beneficial cooperation, continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement flagship projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," foster new growth areas of cooperation including the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy, and explore the establishment of exchange and cooperation mechanisms for poverty reduction. China welcomes the Malaysian side to make good use of the platform of the China International Import Expo to bring more Malaysian quality and specialty products to China, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Malaysia in higher education, culture, tourism, youth and local government, and strengthen bonds between the two peoples. Xi said that, as important representatives of developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, China and Malaysia should strengthen communication and cooperation on international and regional issues, firmly support each other, jointly oppose protectionism, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, push for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, and uphold international fairness, justice and the common interests of developing countries. China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and supports ASEAN centrality and strategic independence, to maintain the mainstream of regional cooperation in development, Xi added. Hailing the important concepts and initiatives put forward by President Xi as the embodiment of wisdom and a sense of responsibility for the progress of human civilization and people's benefits, which represent the common wishes of the Global South, Anwar expressed the appreciation and support for Xi's vision and initiatives. He said the Malaysian government is committed to strengthening cooperation with China in such areas as information technology, digital economy and energy. Anwar said Malaysia and China share the same ideas and similar positions on multiple major international and regional issues. Malaysia sticks to strategic independence, and is willing to maintain close multilateral coordination with China to help safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Lei Yang BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Thursday to the inaugural World Conference of Classics, which is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. Xi noted that the conference, co-organized by China and Greece, along with the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens, has created a new platform for civilizational exchange and mutual learning for China, Greece and other nations in the world. Xi said that the ancient civilizations of China and Greece flourished on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent more than two millennia ago, laying the foundation for the development of human civilization. He emphasized China's commitment to the preservation and development of civilizations and added that China is dedicated to enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and fostering global dialogues among civilizations. The Chinese president said China stands ready to work with other nations in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, addressing shared challenges facing humanity, and promoting the advancement of human civilization. Xi also expressed hope that experts and scholars will embrace the responsibility of advancing classical studies, contributing to the preservation and development of civilizations, and enhancing their exchange and mutual learning. The theme of the conference is "Classical Civilizations and the Modern World." An opening ceremony was held in Beijing on Thursday. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and read out Xi's congratulatory letter. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou's congratulatory letter was also read out at the ceremony. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay sent a written address on this occasion. The conference has drawn over 600 participants, including those from related departments and institutions of China and Greece, and experts, scholars, cultural figures, youth representatives and media professionals from around the world. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, reads out President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the inaugural World Conference of Classics and delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. The conference is scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Lei Yang BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has issued a statement on the Philippines signing into law the so-called "Maritime Zones Act" and "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act," and summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China to make serious protests, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a related query at a daily news briefing. Mao stressed that the so-called "Philippine Maritime Zones Act" illegally includes China's Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, and their relevant waters into the Philippines' maritime zones. The act also aims to further solidify the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea in the form of domestic legislation, Mao said, adding that this move severely violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. "We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it," Mao said. She said that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are solidly grounded in history and the law, comply with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and will not be affected by the "Philippines Maritime Zones Act". "The so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it. We oppose and do not accept any claim or action based on the award," Mao said. Noting that the Philippines seeks to justify its illegal claims and actions in the South China Sea by approving the so-called "Maritime Zones Act" in the name of implementing UNCLOS, Mao said that this is illegal, null and void. This so-called legislation seriously violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and will make the situation in the South China Sea more complex. "China will firmly oppose any infringement activities and provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea based on the act," she noted. Mao added that China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, immediately end any unilateral move that may escalate the dispute and complicate the situation, and keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable. China reserves the right of taking all measures necessary. Noting that various parts of the Philippine "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" are not compatible with regulations of international law and resolutions of the International Maritime Organization, Mao said that we ask the Philippines to earnestly abide by international law and not to undermine other countries' lawful rights under UNCLOS and other international law. A firefighter works to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. According to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), as of Thursday morning, the fire was 14,500 acres (58.68 square kilometers) with zero containment. Evacuation orders were issued for more than 10,000 people so far as the wildfire threatened 3,500 structures in suburban communities, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo. Efforts to battle the blaze continued through the night on the ground and with night flying helicopters, VCFD said, adding that at least 800 firefighters were assigned to the blaze and hundreds more were arriving from around California. Damage estimates were expected to begin Thursday, but the department said numerous structures were impacted. Local broadcasters showed many luxury homes engulfed in flames, many utterly destroyed, as a thick plume of smoke rose hundreds of feet into the sky. The National Weather Service office for the Los Angeles area said the fast-spreading blaze was fueled by fierce gusts up to 80 miles (130 kilometers) an hour on Wednesday and the strong winds were expected to decrease significantly by Thursday night. Officials in several Southern California counties urged residents to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees amid the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds. The Santa Ana winds, also sometimes called the devil winds, are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California. The winds always create critical fire weather conditions for the region every winter. There were more than 30,000 customers without power statewide early Thursday, including about 3,000 in Ventura County and about 4,000 in Los Angeles County, according to poweroutage.us. Smoke billows from the wildfire on the hills in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A helicopter drops water to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A water truck sprays water to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) Firefighters attempt to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A man walks in a burned ranch in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) Firefighters prepare to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A helicopter drops water to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A ranch worker tries to extinguish embers and flames in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A firefighter works to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A firefighter works to contain the wildfire in Ventura County, California, the United States, Nov. 7, 2024. A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds continued spreading Thursday in Ventura County, in the south of the U.S. state of California, after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The blaze, dubbed Mountain Fire, occurred Wednesday morning at Moorpark, 60 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles downtown. It exploded in size in only a few hours and reached a suburb of Camarillo, home to around 70,000 people. (Photo by Qiu Chen/ Xinhua) A WSWS reporting team leafleted the closure threatened Vauxhall plant in Luton, England this week with the statement issued by the International Workers Alliance for Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC): After plant closures announced at VW: For a global rank- and-file campaign against job cuts in the auto industry! It states, The massive attacks by transnational corporations, aided and abetted by the trade union bureaucracy, must be answered by mobilizing the power of the international working class. WSWS team at the Vauxhall plant in Luton this week The leaflet was taken up by 225 workers as they streamed off shift, with many stopping to discuss the direct threat of closure by parent company Stellantis of their plant and its other UK site in Ellesmere Port in north-west England. This would wipe out around 2,500 jobs of those directly employed. The Luton plant 30 miles north of London produces larger petrol and diesel vans and has been geared up to produce electrical vehicle (EV) starting from 2025. Ellesmere Port has been dedicated to the production of EV vans since 2023, following a major overhaul. The WSWS has covered the Luton plant regularly. One worker taking the leaflet said, Lets hear what the socialists have to say. Another seeing the headline demand for a global fight of auto workers against job losses said, We are with you brother. Workers condemned the non-response of Unite the union to the announcement by Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares on October 14, as he reissued the threat to close both UK plants stating that a decision over the fate of the plants will happen in the next few weeks. Tavares described the potential shuttering of the sites as a mere correction, as Stellantis leveraged the threat of closures with the incoming Labour government to demand a relaxing of the existing UK zero-emissions vehicle policy and tax concessions on the grounds it was damaging profitability. All that workers have been told is there will be a meeting at the plant on November 26 to announce the decision over its fate! We get told nothing from the union or management, nothing, one worker said. They never come out of that office of theirs. They always do this. They are negotiating, why not tell us? Two of the workers told the WSWS, We found out about the closure from the newspapers not the union. That is how bad they are here. One of many temporary workers explained, The atmosphere is crap, no one's telling anyone anything. I know there are three Volkswagen plants being shut down in Germany. I didnt know about job losses in Italy. Rank-and-file action is a good idea. I will read your pamphlet. One full-time worker said that the last production line worker given a contract was at least four years ago, explaining that temporary workers did not receive the sick-pay incentive scheme and had the skills but did not receive equal pay How unfair the system is when Tavares can accumulate huge profits and we have to fight for a few crumbs. Economic blackmail by Tavarres to wring concessions over EV quotas is only one page from the Stellantis playbook. Vauxhall workers are in the crosshairs of the scorched earth strategy pursued globally by Stellantis. The giant auto producer, like all its major competitors, has seized on the transition to EV production to cut jobs and labour costs at the expense of its global workforce, including slashing thousands of jobs in the US and Italy. The same cost-cutting drive lies behind the unprecedented announcement last month by VW to close at least three plants in Germany. The company has now demanded wage cuts of 20 percent from its 120,000 workforce. The auto companies aim to make workers absorb all the losses from their application of technology to exclusively boost corporate profitability. This is under conditions of cut-throat trade war and protectionism between US and European producers and their rivals in China over domination of the EV market. Another worker said he recognised the threat of the Vauxhall plant closures was real and referred to what Stellantis has done worldwide. He drew attention to role of union officials in the plant colluding with jobs cuts. Ive been working here for over 30 years and its been threatened with closure all the time, but I believe there is substance to it this time, he said. Ever since Carlos Tavares has arrived. Stellantis are shutting down operations, thats what he does. When asked by a member of the WSWS team about the response of the union he replied, What unions? They never come out of their office no matter whats happening on the shop floor. Ill give you an example, they cut heads from an area of the production line. Then you and everyone else left has to pick up the slack and if you cant then you get blamed. In the past the union would have been involved in assessing and risk assessment of its impact. Now they do it and the union stays in their office. They play one plant against another. They say either reach your production targets or youll close and the work will go to the other plant. The IWA-RFC statement addresses the need to break the control of the union bureaucracy in every country, whether the UAW in America or IG Metall in Germany, enforcing job cuts. The race to the bottom is led by the union bureaucracy, rooted in economic nationalism and total acceptance of the diktats of private ownership and production for profit. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham has been built up in the media as a militant leader supporting strike action, particularly among the lowest waged in different sectors of the economy. But any officially sanctioned action has been based on strikes deliberately isolated to an individual employer. The marginally improved pay offers have been in exchange for the pre-empting of industry-wide action by the second largest union in the country, in return for a seat at the table for the union apparatus. The type of corporatist set-up beloved by Graham is being exposed by IG Metall, which sits on the company supervisory board of VW and helps manage the plants through the works councils. Its response to the announced job cuts was to pledge they will be managed in a socially acceptable way, i.e., by stifling workers resistance. We encourage Vauxhall workers in Luton and in Ellesmere Port to write in to the WSWS, begin to establish lines of communication with their brothers and sisters at Stellantis worldwide and other auto workers confronted with the same fight. This can lay the foundation for a network of rank-and-file committees to wrest control from union bureaucracies accountable only to the corporations. The IWA-RFCs guiding principle is for a co-ordinated strategy by auto workers internationally: The working class must mobilize on a world scale against the profit system, which is incompatible with equality. The fight against layoffs must be connected to a fight for workers control over new technologies to improve the quality of life and meet human needs. As part of this years Left Literature Fair in Nuremberg, Mehring Verlag, the German-language publishing house of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) hosted a book presentation of David Norths Leon Trotsky and the Struggle for Socialism in the 21st Century last Saturday. North is the international editorial board chairman of the World Socialist Web Site and chairman of the Socialist Equality Party in the United States. The event took place a few days before the US presidential election, where the fascist Donald Trump and the militarist and Wall Street candidate Kamala Harris were facing each other. More than 50 visitors attended the lecture by Peter Schwarz, who spoke about the current relevance of Leon Trotskys perspective. Schwarz is the secretary of the International Committee of the Fourth International and an editor of the WSWS. Peter Schwarz presents David Norths book Leon Trotsky and the Struggle for Socialism in the 21st Century in Nuremburg. Norths book is a compilation of articles written over the past 40 years explaining the fundamental questions of Marxism, of which Trotsky was the outstanding representative in the 20th century. North defends and develops the perspective of socialist internationalism, which is now once again of decisive importance. Schwarz began by placing the book in the context of current political developments: Anyone who looks at the world situation today without ideological blinkers cannot avoid the conclusion that capitalist society is in a hopeless crisis worldwide. War and fascism were on the rise, and capitalism was increasingly sinking into barbarism, Schwarz said. He addressed the horrific extent of the Israeli genocide in Gaza and emphasized that the pro-war policy of the US, Germany and Israel in the Middle East was directed against Iran. At the same time, NATOs proxy war against Russia threatened to escalate into a nuclear catastrophe. The main goal of US imperialism was to prepare for a war against the emerging economic power China, he continued. Schwarz explained that the policy of war goes hand in hand with an intensified class war against the working class, which is being burdened with the costs of rearmament. War and class war are incompatible with democracy. That is the reason for the systematic attack on fundamental democratic rights and the growth of fascist parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Schwarz spelt out the objective reasons for the rise of the fascists: To fight war and fascism, one must understand their causes. These lie not in the evil intentions of particular individuals or political leaders but in the contradictions and laws of capitalist society. Of course, individuals play a role in this. Nevertheless, the leader is always a relation between people, the individual supply to meet the collective demand, as Leon Trotsky once wrote about Hitler. Hitler, a deadbeat, did not descend upon German society from the outside as the embodiment of evil. He was chosen and made Reich Chancellor by the elites in the military, in politics, in business because they needed him and his fascist movement to crush the labor movement and to realize the imperialist plans of conquestthe struggle for living space in the East, as the Nazis called it. This applies in one form or another to all politicians, including Trump or the AfD. They are the product and the embodiment of certain class interests. Therefore, it is futile to try to force them to pursue a different policy through moral appeals, pressure from the streets or the like. In this context, Schwarz quoted from the preface of the book in which David North shows the logic behind Hitlers policy of conquest. It was based on the necessity of gaining access to global resources and the world market. The relentless growth of imperialist militarism, leading inevitably toward world war, signified the historical bankruptcy of the nation-state system, wrote North. Therefore, it is also impossible to separate capitalism from warjust as you cant convince the Devil to cut off his own claws. To prevent war and fascism, you have to overthrow capitalism, explained Schwarz. At the same time, the class struggle was intensifying worldwidefor example, with the Boeing strike in the US or the cutbacks at VW in Germany. Schwarz emphasized: The development of the class struggle, the development toward socialist revolution, is an objective process. What drives workers into struggle is not agitators, as the bourgeoisie always imagines, but the irreconcilability of their elementary interests in life with the capitalist system, which demands ever sharper exploitation. But the political consciousness needed to win the socialist revolution does not develop spontaneously out of the class struggle. It requires the building of a leadership, a political party, based on a materialist understanding of social dynamics and the lessons of past class struggles. This is where Leon Trotskys immense significance for the struggle for socialism in the 21st century lies. Peter Schwarz speaks at the book launch in Nuremberg Schwarz stressed that Trotsky was the most important leader of the October Revolution alongside Lenin and that he had also theoretically anticipated it with the concept of permanent revolution in 1905. But the perspective of world socialist revolution, on which the October Revolution was based, had been replaced by the nationalist program by Stalin, who claimed that socialism could be built in one country independently of the world economy. As David North explains in his book, for Trotsky the question of revolutionary internationalism was decisive. North writes: As a tendency that emerged within the Bolshevik Partyunder conditions of the defeats suffered by the working class in Central and Western Europe in the aftermath of the October RevolutionStalinism represented a nationalist reaction against Marxian internationalism. The fight against the bureaucratic dictatorship was inextricably linked to the program of socialist internationalism. The same strategic principle applies to all political tasks in the present world situation. There are no national solutions to the great problems of the contemporary epoch. When Trotsky founded the Fourth International in 1938, he was attacked by other political tendencies, Schwarz said. They had tried to make the working class itself responsible for the defeats of the 1920s and 1930s, such as the rise of Hitler in 1933. But in fact, these defeats were not the result of the inability of the masses but of the betrayal of their parties and political leaders. That is why Trotsky stated in the founding program of the Fourth International that the key question was the historical crisis of proletarian leadership. Schwarz concluded his remarks with an urgent appeal to build such a leadership in the working class today, drawing on the lessons of past experiences. He addressed especially the younger listeners in the hall: You must learn and study. Dont be satisfied with empty phrases. Use every free minute to study and understand these historical lessons, because they are the key to a policy that can lead the workers to the goal. While will and determination to fight were indispensable, they are not enough; they must be guided by a correct assessment of objective reality and a scientific understanding of society, Schwarz explained. He quoted from the article Lenin, Trotsky and the Marxism of the October Revolution in Norths book: There can be no revolution without will, that is, without the highest degree of subjective determination. But will and determination must be guided by a correct appreciation of objective reality, upon which the practice of the socialist movement must be based. From a theoretical standpoint, the rejection of the glorification of subjective will as a basis for political action separates Marxism from countless varieties of petty-bourgeois radical politics, including anarchism and Maoism, and, of course, the most counter-revolutionary of mass middle class movements, fascism. The task, according to Schwarz, is to build the International Committee of the Fourth International as an international party based on the lessons of history for today, one that is able to lead the developing revolutionary struggles of the working class and free them from the paralyzing influence of the trade union bureaucracy and various pseudo-left organizations, in order to arm them with a revolutionary socialist perspective. Mehring Verlag exhibition stand In contrast to the Stalinist and anarchist organizations and publishers represented at the literature fair, Mehring Verlag represents the tradition of the Trotskyist movement and turns to interested workers and youth with its program of Marxist books, seeking answers to the great political and historical questions of our time. In addition to the new publication Leon Trotsky and the Struggle for Socialism in the 21st Century, other books by David North were also sold at the fair stand, including The Logic of Zionism: From Nationalist Myth to Genocide in Gaza; A Quarter Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony 19902016 and The Frankfurt School, Postmodernism and the Politics of the Pseudo-Left: A Marxist Critique. The book Why Are They Back? Historical Falsification, Political Conspiracy and the Return of Fascism in Germany and other writings by the International Committee of Fourth International also attracted a great deal of interest. Thousands of writers and publishing professionals around the world have signed a pledge not to work with Israeli cultural institutions complicit in the murderous mass assault on the Palestinians. The statement accuses the Zionist state of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide. The open letter, circulated by the Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest), based in London and the West Bank, continues to attract signatories. PalFest explained October 29: Since launching 24 hours ago, this has risen to a total of 4,500 writers and publishing professionals pledging to boycott all complicit Israeli institutions. Names are coming in faster than we can process them. The total has since topped 5,500, with more names of authors, publishers, and book workers added every few minutes. The letter, Refusing Complicity in Israels Literary Institutions, begins: We, as writers, publishers, literary festival workers, and other book workers, publish this letter as we face the most profound moral, political and cultural crisis of the 21st century. The overwhelming injustice faced by the Palestinians cannot be denied. The current war has entered our homes and pierced our hearts. The letter continues: This is a genocide, as leading expert scholars and institutions have been saying for months. Israeli officials speak plainly of their motivations to eliminate the population of Gaza, to make Palestinian statehood impossible, and to seize Palestinian land. This follows 75 years of displacement, ethnic cleansing and apartheid. It identifies the current situation as an emergency that has made Gaza unlivable. We will not cooperate with Israeli institutions, the letter goes on, including publishers, festivals, literary agencies and publications that: 1. Are complicit in violating Palestinian rights, including through discriminatory policies and practices or by whitewashing and justifying Israels occupation, apartheid or genocide, or 2. Have never publicly recognized the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people as enshrined in international law. A small sampling of the signatories includes Nobel Prize winners Annie Ernaux and Abdulrazak Gurnah, prominent figures such as best-selling Irish novelist Sally Rooney, well-known British authors Hari Kunzru, Isabella Hammad and Hisham Matar, science-fantasy writer China Mieville, award-winning US writers including Mary Gaitskill, Percival Everett, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Rachel Kushner, Jhumpa Lahiri, Jonathan Lethem, Valeria Luiselli, Jia Tolentino, Justin Torres, Junot Diaz, Kaveh Akbar, Tea Obreht, Susan Abulhawa and Raven Leilani, and the major Australian novelist Peter Carey. Such an unprecedented outpouring speaks to more than the reaction of a layer of writers and professional workers. The open letter gives voice and focus to the anger and horror felt by millions, as the Israeli war of extermination is livestreamed before a global audience. The homicidal outburst is not an aberration, although it is clearly linked to the previous three-quarters of a century of oppression of the Palestinians. The response of Netanyahu, Biden, Harris, Scholz, Macron, Starmer and the rest of the gang of bandits reveals what imperialism intends to mete out to any expression of popular resistance. However, their success in slaughtering mostly innocent civilians, including tens of thousands of women and children, comes at a cost. The wanton, depraved killing is having a serious impact on popular consciousness globally, especially among young people. This is part of a wider popular radicalization. These earthshaking, traumatic events will neither be forgotten nor forgiven by masses of humanity. As should be clear, it is not only Israel and its institutions that should be in the dock. The political-military apparatuses in the US, Britain, France, Germany, Canada and every imperialist power, full partners in the Gaza annihilation, deserve the same fate. Nonetheless, this is an important first step. And it is not directed toward the exclusion of individual Israeli academics, which the WSWS has opposed in the past, but toward the Zionist political and cultural establishment as a whole in the midst of an ongoing genocide. The Gaza boycott pledge and other protests like it collectively represent a turning point. For decades, artists have found it difficult to work through the strong pressures thwarting genuinely critical, oppositional creative efforts: the enrichment of upper-middle-class layers through parasitic operations (the stock market, the media boom, etc.) that came at the expense of the working class; the residue of the right-wing, post-Soviet claims about the fall of communism and the end of history; the cynical, subjectivist role played by postmodernism and its variants, directed toward disintegrating coherent and rational thought. Change is in the air. Capitalism deserves much of the credit, for, as Lenin once explained, it does the lions share of the work. A system for which there are no longer any red lines, which allows tens of millions to die in a preventable pandemic, which declares that it will no longer be deterred by the prospect of civilization-ending nuclear war, which arms and supervises a war of extermination in Gaza and a bloody, brutal conflict in Ukraine, which spawns fascist demagogues in every corner of the free worldsuch a system must provoke mass hostility and opposition. This is now developing. As World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North argued last December, the mass murder in Gaza has opened the eyes of the world. It has exposed the Zionist regime and its imperialist accomplices for the criminals they are. It has set into motion a tidal wave of outrage that is sweeping across the world and will sweep across those responsible for this genocide. The authors anti-genocide letter correctly notes, Culture has played an integral role in normalizing these injustices. Israeli cultural institutions, often working directly with the state, have been crucial in obfuscating, disguising and artwashing the dispossession and oppression of millions of Palestinians for decades. This could be extended to many efforts of intellectual endeavor in Israel from journalism to archaeology, and other sciences to history. Although there are noted Israelis in all these fields who have combated this trend, it remains the case that Zionism has largely dragooned art and culture into the defense or excusing of ethnic cleansing and mass murder. But this is also widely the case with many US, British, French and German cultural institutions. One only has to recall the slew of cowardly and reactionary acts of censorship that began last October. It was just days before the 92nd Street Y, the famed cultural venue in Manhattan, canceled an appearance by writers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning Viet Thanh Nguyen, because of their opposition to the Israeli operations. Indeed, the list of Western cultural institutions that have been, like their Israeli counterparts, as the letter notes, complicit or have remained silent observers of the overwhelming oppression of Palestinians is a long one. Arundhati Roy [Photo by Vikramjit Kakati / CC BY 3.0 They include, to name only some of the more prominent episodes: These are only a few of the outrages committed by cultural institutions outside of Israel in repressing knowledge and representation of or opposition to the genocide. Editors have been fired from magazines or have resigned because of the foul lies their publications circulate, which facilitate the murder of thousands of children, the torture of Palestinian prisoners and the systematic starvation of a civilian population by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). To this must be added the especially insidious role of institutions of higher education. Pro-Palestine sentiment on the campuses has been all but illegalized. Students are beaten or arrested by the police and faculty are fired or forced into silence for the expression of their anti-genocide views. K-12 educators have been harassed in the right-wing media, doxed and threatened. All of these acts of repression have been met by artists, writers, actors, students and faculty in struggle. Artists have submitted petitions, demanded the resignation of particularly reactionary cultural leaders, or even defaced their own creations. Mass demonstrations have closed museums. In some cases, censorship has been rescinded. PEN America had to cancel its awards ceremonies and World Voices Festival this year because of mass resignations by writers. But many artists are still shy about addressing the question of questions: the root cause of the genocide and its media-institutional cover-up itself is one and the sameworld capitalism. Official culture is directly or indirectly controlled by the same class that controls the banks, corporations, military and the major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans in the US, the Tories and Labour in Britain, the CDU and SDP in Germany, etc., who are shipping weapons to the Israeli state and preparing for a vast expansion of the war across the Middle East and the globe. That problem, the need to do away with capitalism, will increasingly preoccupy the most serious artists. A recent report from the Education Data Initiative exposes the fact that the worlds richest imperialist country has underfunded schools for decades. It indicts the US for failing to meet global benchmarks for education and, despite economic growth, allocating proportionally less for schools. Ann Arbor educators protest spending outside Pioneer High School in Michigan, May 20, 2024. The report confirms what public school educators and staff experience every daythey are being forced to do more with less while millions of American children are being deprived of even a passingly adequate education. Expenditure for US public schools is equivalent to 3.68 percent of taxpayer income and 12.7 percent of public funding, according to the nonprofit research group. The UNESCO benchmark for minimum funding to ensure basic education for all is 4-6 percent of the GDP and 15-20 percent of total government spending. Were the US to meet international standards, it would mean a leap from current spending of $878.2 billion to between $1.037 and $1.382 trillion annually. The amount of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding (begun in March 2020 and ending September 30, 2024), which the Biden/Harris administration allowed to lapse, was only $190 billion spread over four years. Currently, the K12 population in the US is about 50 million. The ending of ESSER fundingemblematic of the attitude of the ruling elites to public educationhas been a body blow to a system already dangerously underfunded. The brief infusion of these limited funds improved educational outcomes and services in many districts. Students exceeded typical pre-pandemic annual improvements in reading and math, according to Harvards Center for Education Policy Research. In fact, the Harvard Center showed each $1,000 of ESSER spending would be worth $1,238 in students lifetime earnings alone. ESSERs expiration is forcing many districts to carry through wholesale school closures, thousands of layoffs, and the elimination of essential educational offerings. To reiterate, even if the US adhered to the lowest UNESCO minimum standards, annual education funding would substantially exceed what schools received during ESSER. The numbers are an indictment of the successive administrations of Democrats and Republicans at both the state and federal levels. They particularly expose the claims of the Biden/Harris administration, which claimed to be pro-education and promoted First Lady Jill Bidens membership in the pro-capitalist National Education Association (NEA). In another set of comparisons, the Education Data Initiative notes that the US is one of only nine countries that fail to provide any funding for early childhood education. The US has other priorities. The Biden administration budgeted some $1 trillion for the military while allocating additional billions more specifically for the US/NATO war against Russiathe Kiel Institute for World Economy shows the US funding at $107 billion. The US/Israeli genocide in Gaza has been funded with about $18 billion since October 7, 2023, with another $20 billion authorized by Biden in August 2024. Spending for war comprises more than half of the US discretionary budget. Education Data states that the combined federal, state, and local government support to public education is substantially below military spending, at $878.2 billion. This translates to $17,700 per pupil, with the federal government only comprising 13.6 percent of actual costs. States and localities provide the majority of school revenue, but overall funding lags behind real costs across the board. Averaged nationally, the deficit between funding and actual spending is $21 billion or $420 per pupil. Within these shortfalls, there is additional substantial variation. Idaho, for example, spends $9,390 per pupil on K12 education, Maine $19,310, and New York $33,400. The federal government provides just $1,310 for each K12 child in Utah and $4,370 for Alaskan students. There is no mandate to provide all children access to the arts, tutoring or field trips. Parents would be excused in thinking it a roll of the dice if their children could attain lifes essential skills, much less real cultural enrichment at their local school. Everywhere, programs are being slashed, the number of school days pared down, and educational resources scarce. But these problems are far worse in districts where property taxes are lower and people are poorerthe vast majority of the US. The existing scenario provided by Education Data is bad enough, but 2024 and beyond will register far lower levels as a result of the Biden/Harris administrations disastrous decision to end ESSER support. The patchwork of funding is further skewed by regressive property taxes, state income taxes, millage increases and other local funding mechanisms. But from 2021 to 2024, a majority of states (28) have opted to cut the taxes of the wealthy and businesses instead of supporting schools. Additionally, over half of the states enacted school voucher measures, which further diverted public dollars away from public schools to private schools. In 2024, 14 states enacted new or expanded vouchers. How do districts deal with the resulting deficits? Loans and bonds, which increase the tax burden for workers. These measures are increasingly going down to defeat, as workers budgets reach the breaking point. In the November 2024 elections, Houstons $4.4 billion bond proposal was defeated. Other regressive taxes for schools were defeated in St. Paul, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; in 10 different district attempts across Central Ohio (including suburban Akron); Whitmore Lake schools in Michigan; Buckeye Valley, Delaware and many more. In Michigan alone, districts were attempting to raise $1 billion in new taxes. In Michigan, only about half of such measures typically pass, down from 70 percent from 2018-20. The breakdown of public education, which has been the result of a bipartisan policy of prioritizing Wall Street profits and war, will intensify under the next Trump administration. As part of his plan to open the money spigots for the oligarchy, the Education Department is being targeted for destruction and massive cuts planned. Educators should draw the necessary lessons from the years of collusion between the Democrats and Republicans to eviscerate public education with cuts and increasingly privatize it. The defense of public education requires the expropriation of the billionaires and the fight for socialism. New Zealands right-wing National Party-led coalition government lost no time congratulating the fascist Donald Trump on his victory in the United States presidential election and pledging to strengthen the military-intelligence alliance between the two countries. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivering state of the nation speech in October 2024 [Photo: Christopher Luxon Facebook] Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a statement hailing the strong and enduring ties with the US and saying: I look forward to developing even closer relations with the incoming Trump Administration. He stressed that We will continue to work in partnership with the US to advance our shared long-term interests, particularly through further enhancing our trade and economic relationship and building security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific. New Zealand is a minor imperialist power with interests throughout the Pacific region and internationally. It is part of the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance (which also includes Australia, Canada and Britain). The country is integrated into US-led wars: the current government has sent military personnel to assist with the bombing of Yemen, and to Britain to provide training for Ukrainian conscripts in the US-NATO war against Russia. Successive Labour Party and National Party governments have also supported the US militarisation of the Indo-Pacific in preparation for war against China. Discussions are underway for New Zealand to join the AUKUS military agreement, which involves the US and UK supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and other weapons, along with military technology. Speaking to Newstalk ZB on Thursday, Foreign Minister Winston Peters compared Trumps victory to his own return to parliament as leader of the right-wing nationalist New Zealand First Party. Weve got a similar pathway, he said. You see what happened after 2020, he went out and spoke to the people all around the United States and he got himself back. NZ First plays a major role in the current government despite being extremely unpopular and getting just over 6 percent of the vote in the 2023 election. It ran on a platform that mirrored Trumps, with appeals to anti-immigrant and anti-transgender demagogy, promises for more prisons and tougher law and order measures, and the promotion of anti-vaccination pseudo-science. Peters lashed the media as toxic and biased for writing off both himself and Trump after 2020. He also criticised former Labour Party Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for involving herself in the US election. Ardern joined the Democratic Party-aligned think tank, the Center for American Progress, and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Kamala Harris. NZ First was part of Arderns coalition government from 2017 to 2020. Peters served as foreign minister and deputy prime ministerthe same positions he holds todayand played a central role alongside Ardern in strengthening ties with the first Trump administration and supporting a stronger US military presence in the Pacific. Labours complete support for US imperialism was underscored by Arderns embrace of the war criminal Harris, who is directly responsible for the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza. The partys position will not change under the Trump administration. Current Labour leader Chris Hipkins posted on X congratulating Trump on his victory. In a statement, Labours ally the Greens foreign affairs spokesman Teanau Tuiono declared that the election should be a wake-up call that our country should steer clear of the AUKUS military pact. He called Trump a volatile firebrand with fascist leanings and pointed to US involvement in the atrocities in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East. He called for a return to the independent and principled approach to foreign affairs. This is sheer hypocrisy. The Greens were part of the Ardern coalition government for six years and backed New Zealands alliance with the US, including involvement in the war against Russia over Ukraine. The party previously supported Labour governments that sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, in support of criminal and predatory wars launched by the US. The Greens and some Labour Party members are nervous that New Zealands rush to join the AUKUS agreement, which is so blatantly directed against China, will lead to economic blowback. China accounts for the majority of New Zealands trade. The Labour-Greens government, however, initiated discussions with the US and Australia about joining AUKUS, and pledged to significantly expand New Zealands military in preparation for war against China. Working people must take Luxon and Peters pledges to line up closely with the fascist Trump as a serious warning. In response to the historic crisis of capitalism, the political establishment in every country is shifting rapidly to the right, turning to militarism abroad and preparing for authoritarian repression against the working class at home. Trump has promised to deploy the US military against protesters and political opponents, including socialists, who he calls the enemy within, and to round up and deport millions of immigrants. In New Zealand, the government is pouring funds into the military and building new prisons, while stoking nationalism and racist animosity towards indigenous Maori, in an effort to divide workers and divert anger over rising unemployment and brutal austerity measures. The far-right ACT and NZ First Parties have a very narrow base of support. Like Trump, they have been able to gain political power by exploiting popular disillusionment and anger with what passes as left, in the absence of a genuine socialist alternative. Like the Biden-Harris administration in the US, NZ Labour lost the 2023 election because of its responsibility for a profound social crisis. The Ardern government carried out an historic transfer of wealth to the rich, producing soaring levels of inequality and homelessness. It also adopted the criminal let it rip strategy for COVID-19, which has led to thousands of deaths. The trade union bureaucracy, like its counterparts in the US, suppressed resistance to mass redundancies, healthcare and education cuts, and pro-corporate restructuring. The task for workers and youth in New Zealand who want to defend democratic rights and oppose fascism and war, is to break from Labour and its allies and to build the Socialist Equality Group, which is fighting to establish the New Zealand section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. Only the struggle for socialism, by workers in every part of the world, can end the genocide and the escalating danger of a catastrophic world war, and bring about equality for all. Are you an autoworker facing a job cut? Fill out the form at the end of this article to expand the Network of Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committees to fight to defend the right to a secure and good-paying job. On Wednesday, United Auto Workers Local 12 officials informed workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex that Stellantis management planned to indefinitely lay off 1,139 workers starting as early as January 5, 2025. According to the union, the company is eliminating a shift on the South Assembly side of the plant, reducing production of the Jeep Gladiator JT model from two shifts to one. Stellantis Toledo Jeep workers picketing on September 15, 2023 UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower told local media that the 1,139 job cuts included 500 workers from the Gladiator lines and 639 on the Wrangler lines in the north plant. In a statement released to local news media, company officials said, These are difficult actions to take, but they are necessary to enable the Company to regain its competitive edge and eventually return production to prior levels. In its letter to the Local 12 membership, the UAW Jeep Unit Executive Committee did not even hint that the union bureaucracy had any intention of opposing the brutal job cuts. On the contrary, the union officials simply acted as messenger boys for the giant corporation. These layoffs are part of a wave of mass job cuts in the aftermath of last years UAW-Stellantis contract, which was hailed by UAW President Shawn Fain and US President Joe Biden as a record job-creating labor agreement. They follow the elimination of 2,400 jobs at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in suburban Detroit. Thousands of other workers have been laid off in Detroit, Toledo and Kokomo, along with 2,400 supplemental or temporary part-time workers who were fired after being promised that they would be rolled over to full-time positions. In addition, Stellantis is threatening up to 25,000 jobs in Italy and to close two Vauxhall plants in the UK. Stellantis and other automakers were given a free hand by the UAW bureaucracy to slash tens of thousands of jobs as they shifted the cost of the transition to electric vehicle production onto the backs of workers. To cover its tracks, the UAW President Shawn Fain is carrying out a bogus Keep the Promise public relations campaign, which includes empty threats of a future strike if Stellantis does not uphold its supposed job commitments. I find it hard to believe that the UAW International didnt know these layoffs were coming, Steve, a Toledo Jeep worker being hit by the layoffs, told the WSWS. At the end of the day, Stellantis and the CEO have run this company into the ground. Big trucks and SUVs are selling, but the company has no midsize SUV, and they stopped making a bunch of engines for the Wrangler. While the UAW is hemorrhaging jobs, President Fain was hosting rallies for Harris. The last two livestreams were touted as discussions about the possible strike against Stellantis. Instead, they were Harris rallies. We got no answers, and Fain doesnt even mention the layoffs. If you read the comments, everyone was angry and wanted answers. The fact they treated us like fools made even more people decide not to vote for Harris, to be honest. My guess was he got promised a position in Harriss cabinet. It was another phony sellout. Mark, a veteran Toledo Jeep worker, added, It was already known that low sales were coming before the contract was signed. They told the temps they were going to get hired to get the contract passed. The union was boasting that it won bigger issues to hide the companys plans for layoffs that were already looming. Workers need to increase and expand their attention to the fine print in the contracts and in politics and the bigger picture needs to be exposed and somehow explained. Commenting on the Toledo layoffs, a veteran Warren Truck worker added, We knew it was coming. They are going down to one shift like we did. Warren Truck will lay off more soon they said. Things are getting scary. Global jobs bloodbath The global automakers are conducting a worldwide jobs massacre, which stretches from North America and Europe to Japan, Korea and China, as they fight for market share amid a growing global economic slowdown. This week, Nissan announced it is cutting 9,000 jobs out of its global workforce. VW is eliminating up to three of its 10 plants in Germany, cutting tens of thousands of jobs, and imposing a nearly 20 percent pay cut on its 120,000 workers in Germany. Audi, which is owned by the VW Group, is threatening to reduce its workforce by 15 percentimpacting as many as 4,500 jobs in Germany alonealong with closing a plant in Brussels, Belgium. Sumitomo Rubber announced Thursday it is closing its manufacturing facility in Tonawanda, New York, eliminating 1,550 jobs. The United Steel Workers union is doing nothing to oppose the plant closure. Layoffs are also spreading to parts suppliers, including Danas operations in Warren, Michigan, where workers told the WSWS that more than 200 workers were laid off after the Warren Truck layoffs, and more job cuts are coming. To divert social anger over the relentless job cutting, the UAW bureaucracy is reading from its nationalist playbook again, blaming the Stellantis layoffs on the companys foreign owners and contrasting this to the so-called loyalty of US-based GM and Ford. But this is belied by GMs mass layoffs at its plant in Fairfax, Kansas, and firing of hundreds of temporary workers across the US. Ford has announced a two-month shutdown of its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, affecting 800 workers. After spending weeks promoting the corporate shill and warmonger Harris as a champion of the working class, Fain responded to Trumps electoral victory by declaring his willingness to work with the fascist president on new trade barriers, including fix[ing] our broken trade laws like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). The only way workers in the US can wage a fight against job cuts is by rejecting the nationalist and pro-capitalist program of the UAW bureaucracy and uniting with their class brothers and sisters all over the world to fight the global job cuts. On October 29, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) issued a statement calling for a global campaign against job cuts in auto and other industries. The massive attacks by transnational corporations, aided and abetted by the trade union bureaucracy, must be answered by mobilizing the power of the international working class, the IWA-RFC declared, including worldwide pickets and rallies and culminating in international strike action. It continued: The ground for this must be prepared by establishing lines of communication between autoworkers in the US, Germany and other countries, in alliance with workers in other industries facing cuts, including at Boeing. At the same time, rank-and-file committees among autoworkers in both North America and Europe must be expanded to include every key factory, giving workers the power to shut down the global industry, the IWA-RFC statement declared. For an industrial and political counter-offensive An industrial counter-offensive by the working class must be combined with a political fight by the working class for socialism, including the transformation of the giant auto corporations into public utilities, collectively owned and democratically controlled by the working class. Addressing the broader issues, Tom, a Stellantis worker at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in suburban Detroit, said: The job cuts in Toledo are bad. At SHAP, we know, even more cuts are coming. Its happening throughout the economy. People are coming to work and finding out that their plant is closing, and theyre being laid off after working 20 years. This shouldnt be happening. The UAW president is on the campaign trail for Harris when thousands of jobs are being eliminated throughout the Midwest. A lot of workers said they were for Harris until Fain showed up. Fain didnt do anything to protect our jobs, and people are fed up with him. He didnt go to Biden and say we need a solution. Trump was able to capitalize on that. He got people who were losing their jobs, who were hurricane victims who didnt get anything but a $750 check. Now, hes saying he is going to roll back emission policies, and this will make the auto industry boom again. He is going to let Elon Musk get a monopoly on EVs, so he can get even richer. Stellantis cant keep up, and its guaranteed that the company is going to be sold to someone else. The people with the money and power who run this country are shifting to something else, but we dont know what it is. Were going to have to fight them. We cant just keep switching between one party and the other. Nobody in the government is in there for us. In statements issued by Vice President Kamala Harris Wednesday and President Joe Biden Thursday, the leaders of the Democratic Party have adopted a posture of outright complicity with the incoming fascist president-elect Donald Trump. President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 [AP Photo/Susan Walsh] Harris said that she had called Trump and congratulated him on his victory in the November 5 election. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, she continued, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power. She made no reference to previous statements that Trump was a fascist and a threat to the democratic rights of the American people. Bidens statement Thursday was even more cowardly. He went on national television, not to warn the American people about the dangers of dictatorship, but to extend a welcome to his fascist successor: Yesterday I spoke with president-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That is what the American people deserve I will do my duty as president. I will fulfill my oath. I will honor the Constitution. On January 20, we will have a peaceful transfer of power in America. But the re-entry of Donald Trump into the White House, regaining the most powerful political office in the world, is anything but a normal political occasion. Four years ago, Trump staged a violent political coup, attempting to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election and maintain his grip on power. He summoned a mob of supporters to Washington and they stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, aiming to block congressional certification of Bidens victory. After the failure of the coup, Trump refused to attend Bidens inauguration, and he conducted his election campaign in 2024 on the basis of the big lie of a stolen election. Biden made no mention of this history. He was entirely silent on the repeated declarations by Trump that from January 20 he will act as a dictator, ordering mass roundups of immigrants and imprisoning millions in detention camps for immediate deportation. He made no reference to Trumps declaration to supporters that this was the last election in which they would be voting. He said nothing about Trumps threats to arrest and prosecute the enemy within, a category that includes journalists, civil liberties groups, students protesting the Gaza genocide, socialists, and leaders of the Democratic Party, including Biden himself. In 2016, after Trumps surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama welcomed him to the White House with the revealing comment that the election had represented only an intramural scrimmage. He was acknowledging that the rival factions of the American ruling class, whatever their election mudslinging, were united in the defense of the interests of American capitalism. Biden is going even further. He is not a naif. He has been in bourgeois politics for more than a half-century. He knows what Trump is and what he is preparing to do. He didnt express a word of concern about the plans for mass deportations, which would have devastating social consequences and have a truly police state character. His promise to facilitate the transition to Trump thus goes beyond mere fecklessness or prostration. Through Biden, the Democratic Party is declaring in advance its complicity with the frontal assault on the working class that the Trump administration will carry out. In his televised remarks, Biden reiterated the bogus claims of social progress under his administration, in the face of a mass repudiation by working people who have seen their living standards and social conditions devastated over the past four years. We are leaving behind the strongest economy in the world, Biden claimed. Together we have changed America for the better. Why then did his chosen successor fail so abjectly at the polls? The Biden administration has only one priority: escalating the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. The White House is taking urgent action to ensure that the final billions in US military aid are pumped out from the Pentagon to the Kiev regime to fund the war through the winter. This is in the sharpest contrast with the failure of the White House to lift a finger to protect the American people from the measures planned by Trump. It would have been entirely in order for Biden to declare that as long as he remains president, for the next 70 days, Trump is on political probation, and that the peaceful transfer of power requires guarantees of the peaceful and democratic exercise of power after January 20. This would include Trump making public whom he will nominate as his principal cabinet officers, particularly those in charge of the military-intelligence apparatus. In the meantime, Biden would be entitled as president to consult with Democratic governors and members of Congress on ways to protect the rights of the majority of Americans who did not vote for Trump, including the 70 million who voted for Harris, the tens of millions who refused to vote for either candidate, and the many millions whose anger and frustration were exploited by Trumps right-wing populist demagogy, but have no desire to install a dictator-president. Instead, Biden gives Trump carte blanche. In his posture and actions, Biden resembles an outgoing Democratic president of more than 150 years ago, James Buchanan, usually ranked by historiansuntil Trumpas the worst president in American history. After the victory of Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 election, the pro-slavery Democrat effectively gave a green light to the gathering Confederate insurrection. He took no action to protect federal military installations and stockpiles in the South, allowing the secessionists to seize them and gain an initial military advantage. Bidens and Harriss pledges of a peaceful transfer of power are absurd, since the only threat to such a transfer was Trump himself, in the event that he lost the election. It was Biden who warned at the Democratic National Convention that his greatest fear was that Trump would seek to overturn an election defeat as he did in 2020. As late as Sunday, the New York Times wrote extensively on the plans of the Trump camp to create chaos in the event of a Harris victory. The front page report included the following: When Stephen K. Bannon, an influential right-wing media figure and close Trump adviser, was released from prison on Tuesday, he quickly told reporters that Mr. Trump should act preemptively on election night and simply claim victory. Trumps election victory made such a repeat of the 2020 coup unnecessary, but Bannon continues to voice the frothing bloodlust in Trumps inner circle. In a subsequent podcast, referring to MSNBC, the New York Times and the Washington Post, as well as the Democratic Party leaders and sections of the federal bureaucracy, Bannon declared they dont deserve any respect, you dont deserve any empathy, and you dont deserve any pity... You deserve what we call rough Roman justice, and were prepared to give it to you. Bannon was likely referring to the notorious proscriptions of Sulla, a campaign by the Roman proconsul to eliminate his political enemies after victory in a civil war within the aristocracy. As one historian describes it: Sulla set out on the systematic elimination of his remaining opponents ... A list of between 2,000 and 9,000 equestrians and senators was drawn up, any of whom could be freely killed for reward. (Charles Freeman, Egypt, Greece and Rome, Oxford University Press). Trump will enter the White House in January with immensely greater power than when he left it four years ago. The Republican Party, in control of both houses of Congress, has been completely reshaped as the instrument of Trumps fascist policies. The Supreme Court, in its infamous decision of last July, has given Trump immunity for any action he takes as president, no matter how illegal, unconstitutional or violent. For all the rhetoric about Trump as a threat to democracy, powerful sections of the bourgeoisie are reconciled to the establishment of a dictatorial regime. Leading Democrats and their backers in the financial aristocracy have already begun genuflecting before the new American ruler and pledging their support. This preemptive surrender was signaled even before the election when the billionaire owners of the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times blocked planned endorsements of Harris. Post owner Jeff Bezos, the second richest man in America, followed this up with an effusive statement praising Trump: Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. He wrote this on X/Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, the richest American and a fervent Trump enthusiast. There will be no meaningful opposition to a Trump dictatorship from the Democratic Party or any section of the capitalist oligarchy. Substantial sections of the trade union bureaucracy will quickly follow suit, as demonstrated even before the election when Teamsters President Sean OBrien spoke at the Republican National Convention. The opposition to Trump will come from below, from the working class. Whatever the political confusion among workers who voted for Trump, the class struggle has an inexorable logic. Trumps program of mass repression against immigrants, huge tax cuts for the wealthy, and deregulation of corporations will be paid for in the lives and living standards of working people. The Socialist Equality Party will advance a socialist perspective and program for the development of the struggle against dictatorship and for the defense of democratic rights. The SEP and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees will develop opposition in the working class at plants and workplaces, and will be holding meetings to build and rally opposition. JERUSALEM, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah fired about five rockets toward central and northern Israel on Friday, setting off air raid sirens in 53 Israeli cities and communities, according to Israeli sources. The Israeli military said in a statement that most rockets were intercepted, though one struck the Upper Galilee. The state-owned Kan TV news reported that one rocket hit a residential home in Kafr Yasif, an Arab community northeast of Acre city, northern Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to the Israeli Magen David Adom rescue service. Hezbollah has yet to confirm the attacks. The attacks came two days after a barrage of about 120 rockets were fired by Hezbollah at northern and central Israel throughout Wednesday, as Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem earlier vowed to fight until victory over Israeli forces. These developments took place amid ongoing cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began over a year ago and has sharply escalated since late September. LANZHOU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Northwest Normal University in northwest China's Gansu Province and France's Foundation for Cultural Heritage Science (Fondation des Sciences du Patrimoine) recently signed an agreement to strengthen technological cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, the university said on Friday. Under the agreement, the two parties will foster exchanges and cooperation in higher education and research, with a particular focus on collaborative activities in the interdisciplinary field of cultural heritage analysis techniques. They plan to share research outcomes and promote the exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge. They will join hands to establish a joint laboratory for cultural heritage preservation methods and instruments, conducting relevant research to support heritage conservation efforts in both countries. "This agreement aims to provide advanced scientific and technological support in the field of cultural heritage conservation, including for the protection of murals and other heritage works," said Emmanuel Poirault, general director of the foundation. "We have been actively advancing scientific exchanges and project collaborations with France in cultural heritage preservation. This agreement will further enhance Gansu's research capabilities in cave art and relic conservation," said Lu Zhenjiang, an official from the provincial science and technology department. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Ma Shinian, vice president of the university, said this new agreement serves as an important step in deepening Sino-French cooperation in cultural heritage preservation. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday expressed firm opposition to and strong condemnation of the Philippines' introduction of the so-called Maritime Zones Act. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the NPC said in a statement that the act is an attempt by the Philippine to enforce the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea issue in 2016 through its domestic legislation, and a serious infringement upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. The legislation, in disregard of the Chinese side's strong opposition and serious representations, has illegally included China's Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, and their relevant waters, into the Philippines' maritime zone. Noting that China has sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and their adjacent waters, as well as Zhongsha Qundao, including Huangyan Dao, and their adjacent waters, and that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters, the NPC statement urged the Philippines to immediately cease their illegal actions that infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. It also called for an immediate halt to any unilateral actions that could escalate the South China Sea disputes and complicate the situation. "It is imperative for the Philippines to cease their deliberate and wrong actions that undermine the overall interests of the bilateral relationship between the two countries and the peace and stability in the South China Sea," the statement said. The statement also noted that the 2016 arbitration, unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, had violated international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The then arbitral tribunal had no jurisdiction over the issue, and the award, in breach of relevant law, is illegal and null. China neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and will never accept any claim or action based on it, the statement said, adding that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by the award. BEIRUT, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed and 22 others injured on Thursday as Israeli airstrikes struck multiple areas in Lebanon, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported. Two people were killed when an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle between the southern villages of Ansar and Doueir, according to NNA. Another two fatalities were reported in the village of Burj al-Muluk in the Nabatieh district, where Lebanese Red Cross workers responded to remove bodies from the rubble. In Baalbek's Harfouche area, an airstrike killed a woman, while a separate Israeli drone attack near an army checkpoint in Sidon killed three people and injured three Lebanese soldiers and five UN peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In Tyre, an Israeli strike on a residential building in the Al Athar neighborhood injured 12, with search efforts ongoing for more casualties. Meanwhile, two people were wounded when an airstrike targeted a restaurant along the Deir Qanoun-Ras Al-Ain highway. Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian vehicle near the army checkpoint in Sidon, which resulted in three deaths and injuries to three Lebanese soldiers and five UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Malaysian battalion. The ministry described the strikes as "war crimes" and a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law." The ministry reaffirmed Lebanon's support for UNIFIL's mission to promote stability along Lebanon's internationally recognized borders amid the Israeli escalation. It also called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for the attacks and reiterated Lebanon's commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Since Sept. 23, Israel has intensified its air campaign against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli airstrikes since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 8 have claimed 3,102 lives, with 13,819 reported injured. 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 South African President and African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, Nov. 6, 2024. At the invitation of South Africa's ANC, Li paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa from Tuesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) CAPE TOWN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Li Xi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa from Tuesday to Thursday, during which he pledged to promote bilateral relations and jointly push for the modernization of the Global South. At the invitation of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC), Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, held talks with South African President and ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. He also met with Speaker of the National Assembly and ANC National Executive Committee member Thokozile Didiza, as well as ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, in Pretoria. In his meeting with Ramaphosa, Li said China and South Africa have forged deep-rooted friendship, and their relations have entered a "golden era" in recent years under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ramaphosa. Li expressed China's readiness to work closely with South Africa to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen the foundation of political mutual trust, align development strategies, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing, and promote Belt and Road cooperation, so as to lift the bilateral relationship to a new height. China will fully support South Africa's presidency of the Group of 20 in 2025, deepen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues with South Africa to play a leading role in the modernization of the Global South and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Underlining the special and close relationship between South Africa and China, Ramaphosa said the two heads of state have recently elevated bilateral relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, a move that is bound to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. South Africa applauds China's openness to South Africa and Africa, viewing it as an important opportunity, he said, noting that South Africa's Government of National Unity will maintain continuity in its policy toward China, strengthen friendly cooperation and enhance coordination and cooperation with China through multilateral international mechanisms. During talks with Didiza, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, China-South Africa relations have made enormous strides and set a model of solidarity and cooperation for developing countries. China is ready to deepen exchanges between the legislative bodies of both nations, provide firm support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, create a conducive environment for cooperation across various sectors, and make global governance more just and equitable, he said. Didiza thanked China for its valuable support during South Africa's struggle for national independence and in its nation-building process. She expressed readiness to utilize the regular exchange mechanism between the two countries' legislative bodies to enhance exchanges at all levels, strengthen ties between the two peoples, and foster cooperation in various fields to jointly uphold the interests of developing countries. In his talks with Mbalula, Li said that the ANC is a major African political party with a fine tradition and extensive influence, and the relationship between the CPC and the ANC is a vital cornerstone of China-South Africa relations. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with the ANC, deepen exchanges on governance, enhance governance capacity, and promote pragmatic cooperation through inter-party channels, Li said. Mbalula said the ANC and the CPC have forged profound friendship through their long-term exchanges. He applauded the achievements of the CPC as a century-old party that has been pursuing reform and innovation and leading China's development. He said that the ANC is willing to learn from the CPC's experiences in economic development, full and rigorous Party self-governance and anti-corruption efforts to better address internal and external challenges and foster new developments in South-South cooperation and China-South Africa relations. During the three-day visit, Li also expounded on China's anti-corruption achievements since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. He said that the overwhelming victory and comprehensive consolidation of China's anti-corruption campaign lie fundamentally in the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core and the adherence to the people-centered development philosophy. This victory, he explained, was also achieved through China's sustained high-pressure approach to fighting corruption, reinforced discipline and conduct, and coordinated measures that tackle corruption at all levels. China is ready to enhance anti-corruption exchanges and cooperation with South Africa to jointly promote integrity building in Belt and Road cooperation, Li added. The South African side commended China's progress in anti-corruption efforts and expressed a keen interest in learning from China's experience and deepening cooperation in this field. 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, holds talks with African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula in Pretoria, South Africa, Nov. 5, 2024. At the invitation of South Africa's ANC, Li paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa from Tuesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) 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 Speaker of South Africa's National Assembly and African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee member Thokozile Didiza in Pretoria, South Africa, Nov. 5, 2024. At the invitation of South Africa's ANC, Li paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa from Tuesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Jelly Roll at Paycom in OKC Country-inspired rapper Jelly Roll will be in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday at Paycom Center, 100 W Reno Ave. He is touring in support of his 2024 album Beautifully Broken, which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. ERNEST and Allie Colleen are also slated to perform. To buy tickets or find out more, visit www.paycomcenter.com. This Will Destroy You at Beer City Music Hall Texas post-rock band This Will Destroy You will be live at 8 p.m. Saturday at Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW 2nd St. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will perform its 2008 self-titled album in its entirety. Wailin Storms and Speak, Memory are also on the bill. Tickets are $18 plus fees at www.prekindle.com. Day of the Dead, Festival de Vida y Muerte at Scissortail Park Supermercado Morelos presents the celebration of the Day of the Dead at Festival de Vida y Muerte, or the Festival of Life and Death, from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. The festival features a cultural market, food trucks, art, face painting, live music, traditional dances and much more. For details, visit www.scissortailpark.org. Carter Sampson at Blue Door Oklahoma musician Carter Sampson performs live at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley Ave. The shows will be recorded live for an upcoming album. Sampson tours nationally and internationally, is the founder of Oklahoma Citys Rock n Roll Camp for Girls and is an award-winning songwriter. Tickets for the shows and more details about the venue are at www.bluedoorokc.com. Cold War Kids, Husbands at Jones Assembly Indie rock band Cold War Kids, currently on tour with Oklahoma band Husbands, will be in concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Jones Assembly, 901 W Sheridan Ave. The bands newest album, also its first self-titled, was released in November of last year. General admission, reserved and VIP ticket options are for sale at www.etix.com, or visit www.thejonesassembly.com to find out more. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Things to do in OKC this weekend: See This Will Destroy You, Carter Sampson "I think Matilda's starting to understand that autism affects me in a big way," Niles explains after Matilda confronts him about his comment 90 Days Niles is opening up about the challenges of dating with autism after upsetting Matilda with some of his comments. In PEOPLE's exclusive sneak peek at the Nov. 10 episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, Niles is helping Matilda sell plantains for her familys business when he is confronted by her about a negative comment about her familys home in Ghana, which he compared to a prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 27-year-old quickly apologizes after his girlfriend explains how hurtful the comment could have been to her mother had she actually heard it. Matilda then asks if Niles response is due to his autism, sparking a conversation that Niles admittedly is afraid of having. Related: 90 Day: Sarper Concocts a Grand Plan When His Visa Is Finally Approved but He Doesn't Want to Move to U.S. with Shekinah I think Matilda's starting to understand that autism affects me in a big way, not the least of which is me being forthcoming with the truth, Niles explains in a confessional. Even when I know what Im supposed to do, actually following through is difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He adds, This is an example of how dating and relationships, its not easy for me. It just isnt. TLC Niles talks to Matilda about how masking impacts his actions. Niles talks to Matilda about how masking impacts his actions. Niles uses the opportunity to talk more with Matilda about masking, a coping mechanism in which people with autism act in specific ways to appear neurotypical. He tells Matilda that he often masks to avoid offending people, but will often be criticized for lying while doing so. When do I tell the truth, and when do I mask? Niles ponders. Related: 90 Day: Sarper Says He Role-Plays with Shekinah So He's Committed to 'Only 1 Girl, But Seems Like Different Girls' (Exclusive) If it was me, you can say the truth, Matilda responds. But you know that when we be going to my family's place or public place that one I dont like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niles says the change likely will not happen overnight, but promised to try not to mask anymore around Matilda. TLC Matilda asks Niles more about his autism after calling him out for making a negative comment about her family's home in Ghana. Matilda asks Niles more about his autism after calling him out for making a negative comment about her family's home in Ghana. Matilda worries that Niles might leave her because she expressed concerns about his autism and its impact on their relationship. But, Niles is simply glad Matilda is talking to him about her wants and needs. Im glad youre talking to me, Niles explains. Telling me what you want, thats actually a big relief. In a confessional, Niles reveals people have given up on him in the past when things got difficult. Rather than expecting him to improve on his own like others, Niles says, Matilda is teaching me how I should be treating her, and Im overjoyed that shes willing to do that for me. 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. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC. A new anthem from Karol G, Feid, J Balvin, Maluma, Blessd and Ryan Castro arrived Thursday under the name +57 Colombias telephone code. All of the featured artists hail from Medellin, the capital of the Antioquia province in Colombia. Produced by Karols longtime and go-to producer, Ovy on the Drums, +57 was co-written by all of the artists alongside Latin Grammy-winning songwriter Keityn, and newcomer DFZM. All of the featured vocalists get a turn spitting their verse over a sticky reggaeton beat. Because in Medellin, Im like Drake in Toronto, sings Blessd. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The single arrived alongside a music video that reveals the song was recorded in February earlier this year in Los Angeles. It features all of the artists partying and recording in the studio. Karol, Balvin and Feid are each nominated for awards at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, which will take place on Nov. 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The former is nominated for a total of eight awards while the latter two have each earned four and one nomination, respectively. Karol took home the golden gramophone for album of the year at the Latin Grammys this past year for Manana Sera Bonito. Balvin released his sixth studio album Rayo on Aug. 9, which featured a 15-song series of reggaeton, pop and EDM music. The Prince of Reggaeton will make his acting debut in the upcoming feature Little Lorrain, which is directed by Grammy nominee Andy Hines. The release of +57 marks a major moment of representation for Colombia, which has a rich musical history of genres such as salsa, cumbia, vallenato, champeta and more. The country has produced stars such as Shakira, Carlos Vives, Sebastian Yatra, Fonseca, Juanes and Andres Cepeda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the video for +57 below. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, and Turkish Chairman of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, and Turkish Chairman of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism in Beijing on Friday. Han congratulated the second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism held on Thursday on achieving positive results. China is ready to work with Turkiye to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, support each other in safeguarding their core interests, continuously enhance political mutual trust, tap the potential of practical cooperation, safeguard international fairness and justice, and push China-Turkiye strategic cooperative relations to a new level, Han said. Simsek said Turkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, abides by the one-China principle and opposes interference in China's internal affairs. Turkiye is willing to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields through mechanisms such as the inter-governmental cooperation committee and to advocate for the greater development of bilateral relations, he said. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, and Turkish Chairman of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Madonna on May 4, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. - Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation Madonna is the latest high profile artist to share her disapproval after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the presidential election, taking to social media as she expressed her anger and confusion over the results. Trying to get my head around why a convicted felon, rapist, bigot was chosen to lead our country because hes good for the economy?, Madonna shared in an Instagram story on Thursday. She also posted a picture of a cake that read Fuck Trump, adding: Stuffed my face with this cake last night! More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many other artists shared their disappointment over the past two days. Billie Eilish said on social media that electing Trump represents a war on women, further telling a crowd during a concert last night that someone who hates women so, so deeply is about to be the president of the United States of America. Sabrina Carpenter, who helped register thousands of voters through activations at her Short n Sweet tour, also tried comforting fans during her concert in Seattle Wednesday night. Sorry about our country and to the women in here, she said. I love you so, so, so, so, so much, and I really hope for the rest of this night that you can enjoy yourselves because you absolutely deserve it. Jack White, who sued Trump in September over his unauthorized use of Seven Nation Army shared a scathing note about Trumps victory, noting fears over Project 2025, limiting LGBT rights, and furthering climate change, among other concerns. Its absolutely dumbfounding that this con man succeeded in pulling the wool over so many Americans eyes not once, but twice, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris gave her concession speech on Wednesday at Howard University, telling the crowd that sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesnt mean we wont win. The vice president urged: The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say: The light of Americas promise will always burn bright. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Prince William has followed in his father's environmental footsteps over the years, especially with the creation of the Earthshot Prize. Another passion the Prince of Wales inherited thanks to King Charles is a love for Africa, after Charles brought both Prince William and Prince Harry to the continent as boys. During his trip to Cape Town, South Africa for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the Prince of Wales spoke about his affection for Africa, a trait he shares with his younger brother. While walking the green carpet at the fourth annual Earthshot Prize awards on Wednesday, Nov. 6, William told reporters (via People) he was "feeling good" and "really pleased" to be in Cape Town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prince of Wales said he'd "been looking forward to an Africa Earthshot for a long time," adding, "I love the continent, and I'm so pleased we've managed to get here to Africa." Prince William walking in front of a towering seaside mountain with a woman Prince William taking a selfie with Winnie Harlow, Heidi Klum, Nina Dobrev, Tendai Mtawarira and Tobe Nwigwe Like Prince Harry, who has often expressed how he feels at home in Africa, William spoke of his deep connection to the continent at the event. "Africa's been a big part of my life since I've been a young boy, since I first came to Africa," he said. "I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point." The Prince of Wales continued that he feels a "warm welcome" on his trips. "Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life," William continued. "And so it's a really special place, a home from home for me." Prince Harry posing with a group of women in Lesotho in front of a mountain Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry came to South Africa with King Charles on a solo trip in the weeks following his mother, Princess Diana's, death, and like William, he fell in love with the continent. Like his brother, who proposed to Kate Middleton in Africa, he's shared his favorite place with his wife, Meghan Markle, even bringing her on their third date to Botswana. Today, he continues that devotion to Africa and its people through his charity Sentebale, which he co-founded with Lesotho's Prince Seeiso. In October, the Duke of Sussex traveled to Lesotho and South Africa to highlight the work Sentebale does with young people. In Lesotho, Harry receives the same "warm welcome" that Prince William spoke about in Cape Town. "It fills me, the team, and our wider community with joy to welcome Prince Harry or Mohaleas we affectionately refer to him by his Sesotho royal namewhich means 'warrior,'" Prince Seeiso said in a statement ahead of the duke's visit. As for Prince William, he wrapped up his visit to South Africa on Nov. 7 with a series of sustainability focused engagements, along with a seaside BBQ with supermodel friends (and Earthshot ambassadors) Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow. Curious about Usain Bolts girlfriend? Fans of the legendary sprinter are eager to learn more about his relationship with Kasi Bennett. Known for his record-breaking career, Bolts personal life, especially with Bennett, has captured widespread attention. So, who is Usain Bolts girlfriend? Lets uncover all the details right here. Who is Usain Bolt dating? Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter, is dating Kasi Bennett, a Jamaican model and entrepreneur. The couples relationship began years ago, though they kept it private until going public during the 2016 Olympics. Since then, theyve openly shared glimpses of their life together on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kasi Bennett is a supportive partner who has a substantial social media following, where she frequently shares insights into her family life. Her posts highlight her influence and dedication to both her family and personal interests, resonating with fans worldwide. What is Kali Bennetts job? Kasi Bennett is a multifaceted professional known for her role at Elevate Marketing House, a marketing agency in Jamaica. She is also active in philanthropy and founded Project Kase, a non-profit initiative that aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Jamaica. Bennetts entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social causes have made her a prominent figure in Jamaica. Balancing her career, charitable work, and family life with Bolt, she embodies the role of a modern influencer with a deep commitment to her roots and community. How many kids do Usain Bolt and Kali Bennett have? Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett are proud parents to three children. Their first child, Olympia Lightning Bolt, was born in May 2020, followed by twin boys, Saint Leo and Thunder Bolt, who arrived in June 2021. The couple frequently shares family moments on social media, celebrating milestones and special occasions with their growing family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parenthood has been an adventure for the former sprinter, who once noted that raising three young children is more challenging than breaking world records (via PEOPLE). The Bolt family continues to inspire many with their bond, capturing fans hearts through glimpses of their life shared by both Bolt and Bennett. The post Who Is Usain Bolts Girlfriend? Kasi Bennetts Job & Kids appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. President-elect Donald John Trump dedicated his 1987 book, "The Art of the Deal," to his parents, Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. The most important influence on me, growing up, was my father, Fred Trump. I learned a lot from him, Trump wrote in the book, co-written by Tony Schwartz. I learned about toughness in a very tough business, I learned about motivating people, and I learned about competence and efficiency: get in, get it done, get it done right, and get out. He later added, We had a very traditional family. My father was the power and the breadwinner, and my mother was the perfect housewife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump said his mother took care of the children and also cooked and cleaned and darned socks and did charity work at the local hospital. Donald Trump's parents, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump and Fred Trump, attend 17th Annual Police Athletic League Awards Dinner on May 12, 1999 at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Fred Trump, who died in June 1999, worked as a real estate developer while Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who died about a year later in August 2000, worked with different charities near Queens, New York, where they resided. They married in 1936 and had five children together. Donald J. Trump was born June 14, 1946, the second-youngest of the family. Read on to learn what else Donald Trump has written and said about his parents and upbringing. Who was Donald Trumps dad? Fred Trump died on June 25, 1999 at the age of 93 after being hospitalized for pneumonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patriarch of the Trump family was the son of German immigrant Friedrich Trump, NBC News reported, who traveled from Germany to the U.S. in 1885 at the age of 16. Friedrich Trump, a restaurant owner, later returned to Germany and met and wed his wife, Elisabeth, a seamstress, before they both traveled to New York together. Their son, Fred Trump, first became involved in the real estate business at 19, according to the Associated Press. He initially started selling single-family homes before moving on to highrises. In "The Art of the Deal, Donald Trump characterized his fathers business as building rent-controlled and rent-stabilizing housing in Brooklyn and Queens. After graduating from Wharton Business School, Donald Trump wrote in The Art of the Deal that he worked for his fathers company, then encouraged its expansion into Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his obituary, the AP quoted Fred Trump as saying of Donald Trump, I gave Donald free rein. He has great vision and everything he touches seems to turn to gold. ... Donald is the smartest person I know. Despite admiring his father, he also explained in The Art of the Deal why he wanted to break out from the real estate business and move into other ventures. The real reason I wanted out of my fathers business more important than the fact that it was physically rough and financially tough was that I had loftier dreams and visions. And there was no way to implement them building housing in the outer boroughs, Donald Trump said. In 1991, Fred Trump purchased $3.5 million in chips at one of his sons Atlantic City casinos, which he did not intend to gamble with, to help pay off Donald Trumps debts, the AP reported. (The casino resort later admitted that it had violated state gaming laws by accepting the loan and paid a $30,000 penalty.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump said his father maintained the same working conditions throughout his career. My father still works out of a small, modest back office on Avenue Z in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, in a building he put up in 1948. Its simply never occurred to him to move, he wrote in the book. Who was Donald Trumps mom? Mary Anne MacLeod Trump died on August 7, 2000 at the age of 88. The Associated Press described her as a philanthropist in her obituary and said she was born on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. She first encountered Fred Trump during a trip to New York City in the 1930s, the AP reported, and they tied the knot in 1936 before building a home together in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens. While Donald Trump spent most of the Growing Up chapter of his book reflecting on his fathers impact on his childhood, he did note that he inherited his showmanship from his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She always had a flair for the dramatic and the grand, he said. She was a very traditional housewife, but she also had a sense of the world beyond her. I still remember my mother, who is Scottish by birth, sitting in front of the television set to watch Queen Elizabeths coronation and not budging for an entire day. He recalled his mother being enamored by the regality while his father seemed unimpressed. Donald Trump continued, I also remember my father that day, pacing around impatiently. For Christs sake, Mary, hed say. Enough is enough, turn it off. Theyre all a bunch of con artists. My mother didnt even look up. They were total opposites in that sense. My mother loves splendor and magnificence, while my father, who is very down-to-earth, gets excited only by competence and efficiency. Fred and Mary Trump were married for 63 years Fred Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump were married for 63 years. They shared five children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred Trump Jr. died in 1981 at the age of 42 after struggling with alcoholism. Its very sad, because he was a wonderful guy who never quite found himself. In many ways he had it all, but the pressures of our particular family were not for him. I only wish I had realized this sooner, Donald Trump wrote in The Art of the Deal. He told The Washington Post in 2019 that he regretted putting pressure on his brother to join the business instead of encouraging him to pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot. Robert Trump, a businessman, died in 2020. I think it must be hard to have me for a brother but hes never said anything about it and were very close, Donald Trump previously said in his book. Robert gets along with almost everyone, which is great for me since I sometimes have to be the bad guy. Maryanne Trump Barry, who died in 2023, was a federal appellate judge in Philadelphia. In "The Art of the Deal," Donald Trump wrote of his sister: She followed my mothers path at first, marrying and staying at home while her son grew up. But she also inherited a lot of my fathers drive and ambition, and when her son David became a teenager, she went back to school, to study law. Elizabeth Trump Grau, Donald Trumps other sister, is living and worked as an executive at Chase Bank Manhattan, per her mothers obituary. Donald Trump described her as kind and bright but less ambitious in The Art of the Deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on how his parents raised five children in "The Art of the Deal," Donald Trump wrote, We lived in a large house, but we never thought of ourselves as rich kids. We were brought up to know the value of a dollar and to appreciate the importance of hard work. He described his parents as having no pretensions. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Across Iowa and the United States alike, retired and active military personnel will be honored and celebrated on Monday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Formerly known as Armistice Day, the holiday has been around since the end of World War I and in the 1930s it was made into one of the 10 federal holidays currently recognized by the U.S. government. Although it was first established after World War I, Veterans Day is meant to honor veterans of all wars. Here are a few events you can attend in central Iowa to honor those who have served: Ankeny Community Chorus Performance Presented by Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, the Ankeny Community Chorus is hosting a live performance to pay tribute to those who have served the state and country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 Where: Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston Price: Free Star Spangled Salute to Veterans The Iowa Military Veterans Band will honor those who have served our country as it concludes its 2024 concert series at the Des Moines Civic Center. The concert is a heartfelt tribute and a patriotic performance. When: 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10 Where: Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines Price: Free Veterans Day discounts: Here's where you can find 2024 Veterans Day deals and free meals in Des Moines Official State of Iowa Veterans Day Observance - Iowa Veterans Cemetery The annual state of Iowa Veterans Day Observance, hosted at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, will feature Gov. Kim Reynolds as the usual honored guest, and a keynote from retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Lamb, born and raised in Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel Price: Free Official State of Iowa Veterans Day Observance - Iowa Veterans Home The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting two Veterans Day ceremonies this year again. Following the observance at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, a ceremony will be hosted at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. The keynote speaker will be retired Iowa National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Hyde. When: 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown Price: Free Prairie Meadows Veterans Day Celebration Prairie Meadows invites the public to honor those who have served in their annual celebration. The event will include speakers, free lunch, live music, military displays and more. Those attending must be 21 or older to enter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Prairie Meadows Casino & Racetrack, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona Price: Free Ames Veterans Day Program The Ames Patriotic Council is hosting a Veterans Day program in the city auditorium. The event will feature a speech from Staff Sgt. Madison Lihs, an Iowa State student studying history and psychology. Lihs serves in the Iowa Air National Guard in the 185th Air Refueling Wing based in Sioux City. The program will be streamed live on the Patriotic Councils Facebook and on its website. The video will also be available for viewing afterward. When: 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1 Where: Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St., Ames Price: Free Iowa State honors students in Gold Star Hall Ceremony Iowa State University will honor three former students during its annual Gold Star Hall ceremony. This year's three honorees are Army 1st Lt. Sidney Peterson, Air Force 2nd Lt. Max Harvey and Air Force Capt. James Wayne Herrick Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 Where: Iowa State Memorial Union, Gold Star Hall, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames Price: Free Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Veterans Day 2024: How to celebrate at events in central Iowa There's some debate about when and where it got started, many are celebrating 50 years of chicken tenders this year. Publications like the New York Times and The Epicentre credit The Puritan Backroom, a New Hampshire restaurant, with first marinating and frying these tasty scraps of chicken in 1974 -- and coining the term. Although there's lots to love about fried chicken and chicken sandwiches, heres to the dish beloved by kids and picky eaters everywhere. The dish you can count on when you dont know what to order and some places to try them in the Wilmington area. Little Pond Caterers In addition to the popular Meatball Tuesday available via pre-order at 2016 Princess Place in Wilmington, theres also Fried Chicken Friday, or Fryday. Look for buttermilk fried chicken breast served with mac and cheese, apple slaw and ranch. You can also add their house specialty aji amarillo sauce. Port City Plates This food truck specializes in New York-style garbage (or trash) plates. Tenders are a protein option for the traditional plate, which comes with macaroni salad, home fries, plate sauce, mustard and onions, as well as the 32-ounce Trash Cans. There's also a kids meal option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: These 9 Wilmington-area restaurants made Yelp's list of the Top 100 in North Carolina Truck's Chicken 'n Fish One of the most-ordered dishes at this restaurant at 604 Red Cross St. in Wilmington is the five-tender plate that comes with Texas toast, fries and a drink (like Project Kool Aid). You also get a choice of seven sauces, like honey mustard. Amelias Bar & Grille In Ocean Isle Beach, they boast about their premium fried chicken tenderloins, which are served with a choice of ranch, blue cheese, or their signature sweet heat sauce. You can also ask to get them tossed in any of their sauces at 1564 Market Place Blvd. RuckerJohns Restaurant This restaurant has been a part of Wilmingtons dining scene for more than 30 years. And chicken tender fans swear by their version, which have a unique batter and are served with house-made honey mustard and barbecue sauce. Theyre an appetizer, entree and a kids meal at 5564 Carolina Beach Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Whats the secret behind the cult favorite onion rings at this Wilmington pub? Copper Penny There are lots of great tendies in downtown Wilmington. But along with the onions rings, these at 109 Chestnut St. are especially popular. STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her ataballard@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Where to try chicken tenders at Wilmington, NC, restaurants Several cities around the globe have reinvented themselves in recent years, but none more successfully than Almaty. Since the collapse of the USSR, Kazakhstans largest city (population 2.2 million and growing) has evolved from a drab, run-of-the-mill Soviet metropolis into the urban star of Central Asia. Along the way, the city has developed one of the worlds most beautiful metro systems, grown into a thriving banking and finance center, complemented its vintage bazaars with luxury boutiques and modern shopping malls and reshaped its traditional gastronomy into a nouvelle cuisine thats drawing raves from foodies around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almaty is also evolving into the cultural and artistic hub of Central Asia. Its already got several world-class museums (including a secret underground collection that doesnt even have a name) and a dazzling new cultural center slated to open early next year. Its an incredibly livable city, says long-time American resident Dennis Keen, a historic preservation advocate and founder of Walking Almaty. Green and clean. You dont need a car. The public transit here is fantastic. And its very much the center of contemporary art and dining in Central Asia. Keen adds that whenever he tells someone back home that he lives in Kazakhstan, Borat inevitably comes up. The movies title character doesnt paint a very flattering portrait of the Central Asian nation. But nowadays one is tempted to think that if Borat visited Almaty now, he would say, Very nice! A checkered history The ornate Russian Orthodox Ascension Cathedral opened in 1907. - Photoprofi30/iStockphoto/Getty Images Although people have lived in the region for thousands of years, most were nomads who roamed the vast steppes between China and Europe. An ancient city flourished nearby during medieval times a waystation on the Silk Road but had disappeared by the time the Russian Empire conquered the region in the mid-19th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fort established by tsarist troops to bolster the Russian occupation, it evolved into a small city with a grid system of north-south and east-west streets and abundant trees. The Russians also constructed the ornate onion-domed Ascension Cathedral, one of the citys architectural icons. Otherwise, there are few relics of the tsarist era in present times. A few years after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the national capital was moved to Astana. Losing that revered status was a wake-up call for the city. Rather than sulk about the snub, the leaders and residents of Almaty found common ground to reinvent the city if for no other reason than to prove that it was still superior to Astana. Its now a city of entrepreneurs and artists, says Jama Nurkalieva, director of the new Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture. She thinks the national capital relocation liberated Almaty to do its own thing. This freedom brought here this unique spirit of creativity, possibilities, reflection, debate. So no wonder we have the largest artistic scene in the region and a megalopolis economy. So many businesses big and small. This is the place to be for many creative people, and not only artists. Channeling your inner nomad Almaty's upscale Auyl Restaurant serves neo nomad cuisine. - Charles O. Cecil/Alamy Stock Photo Chefs have also taken up the challenge of creating something thoroughly new with roots in Kazakhstans past. They call it neo nomad cuisine, a fusion of modern cooking techniques and presentation with heirloom ingredients used by the nomadic people who continue to inhabit the grasslands around Almaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We find inspiration in traditional nomad techniques like smoking or cooking meat over an open flame or burying the meats in and cooking over hot stones, says Sat Nurmash, general manager of the citys upscale Auyl Restaurant. But thats where the similarities end. Marinated with special herbs and spices, and cooked slowly over a low flame, it takes two days to prepare the meats served as main courses. Portions are small and every plate a tiny work of art. Among the dishes on Auyls seven-course tasting menu are dungan noodles with spicy duck, horse meat samosas, beshbarmak with smoked brisket and lamb shank, cold chalop (sour horse milk) soup, and lamb tongues with pomegranate. Other purveyors of neo nomad cooking include Tor Restaurant inside the Glass Cube on Esentai Square and Tarih Restaurant near Dynamo Stadium. Meanwhile, Auyl is also drawing raves for its yurt-inspired design, chosen as one of 16 finalists in the Prix Versailles Worlds Most Beautiful Restaurants competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet not everything is 21st century. Founded in 1868, the colossal Zeleny Bazaar (Green Market) is filled with stalls selling delicious fresh fruits, kurt (sour cheese balls), shubat (camels milk), and other local delicacies. Theres an entire section for different types of horse meat, including surprisingly tasty sausages. Those seeking a more in-depth nomad experience can find it right outside Almaty. In the snowcapped Tien Shan Mountains east of the city, Kolsai Lakes National Park offers yurt accommodation in private camps near Lower Kolsai Lake and horseback treks with nomad guides to remote Kaindy Lake and its eerie ghost forest. Over and underground art The Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum is filled with more than 20,000 works of art. - James Talalay/Alamy Stock Photo Crowned by the Louvre-like glass pyramid, the eclectic Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum is the nations primary showcase of Kazakh creations, from paintings and sculptures to decorative arts like carpets, jewelry and woodwork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other good collections include the Ihlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (in a Russian-style wooden mansion built in 1908) and the ethnographic artifacts of the Almaty Museum. The citys most intriguing collection is a secret museum that doesnt even have a formal name. Adding to its mystique is the fact that its underground in both a literal and figurative sense located in the basement of the French House, a luxury shopping arcade on Furmanov Avenue fronted by a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The owner of the private collection is also a mystery, said to be a local oligarch whos both an avid collector and intensely proud of his hometown. Theres no admission fee, but reservations are mandatory. And to snag a ticket, you need to know someone with the closely guarded phone number or email address to make that reservation. A local guide (who also wants to remain anonymous) calls it Kazakhstans most important collection of native art and artifacts. Dozens of rooms showcase an amazing array of items from ancient torture devices, medieval (male) chastity belts and nomad fashion to early radios and televisions, Soviet-era posters and cosmonaut mementos. There are also rooms with Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Buddhist artifacts that originated in Kazakhstan. The museum caretaker follows you around the entire time making sure you dont take photos or touch anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soon-to-open Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture is also funded by a local entrepreneur and businessman who doesnt mind if his name is public knowledge (Kairat Boranbayev) and wants everyone to visit an institution he envisions as the best of its kind in Central Asia. Located in a restored Soviet-era Tselinny Cinema, a glass-fronted, postmodern structure built in 1964, the center will host a wide range of contemporary music, dance, film, fine art and theater as well as research projects, education and publishing. Our artistic strategy is based on the symbiosis between two motifs we call Here and Now, says Jama Nurkalieva. Almaty's Zhibek Zholy metro station. - Lukas Bischoff/iStockphoto/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is about a physical space where various formats or events are happening. Now is based on the research projects that are occurring in the moment and continuously in the future to create an intellectual space enhanced by engagements with artists, theorists and intellectuals from various disciplinary, cultural, social and ideological perspectives. Now serves as a tool for the realization of the Here programming. The citys public spaces also host a wide array of art. The Almaty Metro is renowned for its elaborately decorated stations, in particular Zhibek Zholy with its Wonders of the Ancient World mosaic, the colorful stained-glass apple tree at Almaly and the traditional Kazakh wedding scene at Auezov. American resident Keen has devoted much of the last decade to uncovering and preserving much of the Soviet-era public art thats been neglected and in many cases painted or plastered over since independence. One of his walking tours features masterpieces of Socialist Modernist architecture like the Arasan bathhouse, spa and wellness center, as well as Hotel Otrar reliefs and murals, and the Academy of Science mosaics and stained glass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of this architecture and art is off the beaten path, says Keen, in a city that many people already consider off the beaten path. But its one of the things that makes Almaty special. Getting there Turkish Airlines flies nonstop two-to-three times daily between Almaty and Istanbul, with connections to multiple European, African and Middle Eastern cities. Air Astana offers domestic service to numerous cities across Kazakhstan, plus daily flights to Beijing, Seoul, New Delhi and Bangkok. Where to sleep Located on the upper floors of a 30-story skyscraper at the Esentai Mall, the Ritz-Carlton Almaty delivers modern luxury and killer city views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within walking distance of Ascension Cathedral, the Green Market, and Arasan Baths, the Renion Park Hotel delivers mid-range comforts and service at bargain prices. Or take a time trip back to Soviet days at the centrally-located Hotel Otrar with its vintage architecture and mural-covered dining room. Where to eat Renowned for its cutting-edge neo nomad cuisine, Auyl restaurant in the Medeu Valley south of the city is also a design-savvy feast for the eyes. The seven branches of Lanzhou, a noodle house, and the upscale Sandyq Restaurant beside the Novotel City Center are popular spots for traditional Kazakhstani cuisine. Almaty also offers eats from around the former Soviet empire like the Georgian kachapuri at Darejani restaurant or the borscht, beef cheeks and other Russian delicacies at Marina Roshcha, both of them near the southwest corner of the Ascension Cathedral park. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Licorice, the Blue Ash Police Department's therapy dog, is somewhat of a failure. Of course, anyone who meets the gentle, obedient boy would never call him that. He just so happened to fail his test to become a service dog. But this "failure" allowed him to improve officers' lives. The 7-year-old phantom golden doodle is one of a handful of therapy dogs in regional police departments. Licorice became one of the first in the county about 3.5 years ago, said his owner, Captain Roger Pohlman, assistant chief for Blue Ash Police. The uptick in police therapy dogs is part of an increased focus on officer mental health. Capt. Roger Pohlman with Licorice, a 7-year-old phantom golden doodle that works as a therapy dog at the Blue Ash Police Department. "I've been doing this for 26 years," said Pohlman. "If you would've said that we had a therapy dog back then, people would've laughed at you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But times are changing. Officer Licorice joins the police department Police officers are the first to be called when anyone dies. They respond to murders, stabbings and gory manufacturing incidents. They see kids, around the same age as their own kids, die. For a long time, the unspoken order was to deal with this trauma alone. "To suck it up," said Pohlman. Licorice challenges this narrative. The black-hued pup offers comfort to officers just by being present. Anyone who has a dog can likely imagine this. But science backs it up. Studies show that petting a dog lowers blood pressure. Katie Farmer, a Blue Ash dispatcher at the Blue Ash Police Department, interacts with Licorice. Licorice started going to work with Pohlman kind of by chance. The Pohlman family adopted Licorice because they wanted a dog and Pohlman's wife, Christine, wanted to bring the dog to work with her as a reading intervention specialist for Mason schools. Research has shown kids' reading ability improves when they read to dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family picked up Licorice when he was 1.5 years old from 4Paws for Ability, a service dog organization based in Xenia. 4Paws for Ability calls Licorice a "fabulous flunky," a dog who didn't pass the training to become a service dog and is eligible to be a family pet. Pohlman was told Licorice failed because of "suspicious barking." Service dogs are trained to only bark in cases of emergency, like if their owner is having a seizure. If a dog barks at inappropriate times, the dog can't be a service dog. Licorice wears an "auxilary" police badge on his vest. Licorice's previous obedience training made him a perfect therapy dog. He spent some time with Christine at Mason schools, until the district got their own therapy dogs. Licorice then spent more time with Pohlman at the office. The initial plan wasn't for him to be a therapy dog for the department, but he fit perfectly into this role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, officers expect Licorice to be at the Blue Ash Police Department daily. Pohlman said, "They're disappointed if not." Licorice provides 'a calming force' Society has seen a greater openness to conversations around mental health in the last decade. This destigmatization made its way to police departments. Pohlman said he's noticed a change in the last four or five years. Blue Ash police officers are encouraged to exercise while on duty. Mental health professionals and trained police officers provide debriefing sessions for the Blue Ash officers after traumatic events. One of the continuing education courses Pohlman has to take is about officer wellness. Licorice and his siblings were all named after tea flavors. He has siblings named Chamomile and Chai, Pohlman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therapy dogs play a large role in this wellness, too. The Cincinnati Police Department, The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office all have therapy dogs. Dogs like Licorice provide a "calming force" to the office, Pohlman said. Licorice spends his days traveling around the Blue Ash municipal building, where the police department is located, visiting his human friends. Officers' faces light up when they see him. Many give him a loving pat on the head. He will go with Pohlman to visit dementia patients or to events at Sycamore Schools. He acts as an "icebreaker" between police and whoever they meet with during their day-to-day duties. Licorice makes police officers more approachable. His job is to make people happy. No doubt, he's good at it. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Meet Licorice: The Blue Ash Police Department's therapy dog Unlike Memorial Day, which is a day to remember and honor military personnel who died in the service of their country, Veterans Day is a time to thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice and contributions to national security. The holiday always falls on November 11, the date World War I ended. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. Here are some Peoria-area events that will occur on or around Veterans Day, which falls on Monday this year. Veterans Day 2024 is near! What restaurants offer freebies, free meals or deals in Illinois? Saturdays events East Peoria : East Peoria VFW Post 2078 is hosting the citys 93rd annual Veterans Parade at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9. This years parade will feature an air show by the Lima Lima Flight Team consisting of four Navy pilots. Pekin: Pekin Community High School District 303 will place flags at Lakeview Cemetery on Nov. 9. The flags will fly at the cemetery until Nov. 16. Mondays events Marquette Heights : Georgetowne Middle at 51 Yates Road, Marquette Heights will host a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will include a coffee and cake social, a Veterans Day program, and a roll call of veterans. Chillicothe : St Edwards Catholic School at 1221 N. Fifth Street, Chillicothe will hold a Veterans Day celebration from 8 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. The program will include a veteran uniform display, Veterans Day cards and crafts, a flag-folding ceremony, and a fitness event. The City of Chillicothe will host a Veterans Day event at the Chillicothe Veterans Memorial, 1619 N. Santa Fe Avenue. Peoria: Peorias annual Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at William Kumpf Boulevard and Monroe Street in Downtown Peoria. The parade will continue on Adams Street, then will turn left towards Hamilton Boulevard. and conclude at the World War I and World War II monuments at the Peoria County Courthouse. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Veterans Day 2024 activities in Peoria, Illinois: Parades, activities When one is sitting on a beach in Australia, there are a few animals one does not expect to see. A lion, maybe, or a grizzly bear. Somewhere on that list is the emperor penguin. But on Friday, an emperor penguin somehow waddled up onto the sand of Ocean Beach in Denmark, Western Australia. According to a statement from Australias Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the lost animal was malnourished, which is to be expected after traveling thousands of miles from its regular home in Antarctica. Ocean Beach is nearly 2,500 miles north of Antarctica, and its likely that the penguin followed a current. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What they tend to do is follow certain currents where theyre going to find lots of different types of food, Belinda Cannell, a research fellow at the University of Western Australia, told ABC News. So maybe those currents have just tended to be a little bit further north towards Australia than they normally would. The penguin is now under the watchful eye of a wildlife rehabilitation expert, a process that is expected to take a few weeks. A local surfer named Aaron Fowler was one of the people who happened to see the penguin as it made its way onto the beach. It was massive, it was way bigger than a sea bird and were like, what is that thing coming out of the water? And it kind of had a tail sticking out like a duck, Fowler said to ABC. It stood up in the waves and just waddled straight up to us, an emperor penguin, he was probably about a meter high, and he was not shy at all. He tried to do like a slide on his belly, thinking it was snow, I guess, and just face-planted in the sand and stood up and shook all the sand off. Emperor penguins are surprisingly large, weighing up to 88 pounds and standing a little over three feet tall. Theyre in pretty dire straits right now. The warming climate is threatening their habitat, their food sources, and even the location of their breeding colonies. The post A Lost Emperor Penguin Swam From Antarctica to Australia first appeared on The Inertia. At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Gan Kim Yong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang will visit Singapore from November 10 to 11, and co-chair with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong the 20th meeting of the China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, the 25th meeting of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Joint Steering Council, the 16th meeting of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Joint Steering Council, and the eighth meeting of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity Joint Steering Council. At the invitation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President Xi Jinpings Special Representative, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang will travel to Azerbaijan from November 12 to 13 for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and visit Azerbaijan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Abdulla oglu Mustafayev. CCTV: Could you share with us Chinas expectations for the 31st APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit? What message does China hope to send to the world at these meetings? Mao Ning: President Xi Jinpings attendance at this years APEC Economic Leaders Meeting is an important move of Chinas heads-of-state diplomacy facing the Asia-Pacific, which fully shows the high importance China attaches to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. In a world struggling to find drivers for growth, regional economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific faces new challenges. APEC is an important platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and this region is expected to continue to play its role as a dynamic engine for world economic growth. President Xi Jinping will deliver an important speech at the meeting to elaborate on Chinas important measures to deepen reform and opening up and propositions on advancing Asia-Pacific cooperation. China stands ready to work with other parties to deliver on the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 in an all-round and balanced way, strive for positive outcomes of this meeting, provide new impetus for advancing regional economic integration and promoting the growth of Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world, and jointly build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. President Xi Jinpings attendance at the G20 Summit demonstrates Chinas staunch support for multilateralism and the high importance it attaches to G20 cooperation. In a world fraught with sluggish economic growth, challenges in development and increasing uncertainties and instability, it is a widely shared expectation that the G20 will play its role as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, provide a driving force for world economic growth and guide the way forward for improving global economic governance. President Xi Jinping will deliver an important speech at the meeting and have an in-depth exchange of views with leaders of other countries under the theme of Building a just world and a sustainable planet. China champions an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stands ready to work with other parties to strive for positive outcomes and send out clear-cut messages of the Rio de Janeiro Summit in upholding multilateralism, building an open world economy and supporting sustainable development, and help countries to join hands in addressing challenges, achieving common prosperity and building a community with a shared future for mankind. CGTN: On the state visits by President Xi Jinping to Peru and Brazil, can you share the main program and Chinas expectation for China-Peru and China-Brazil relations? Mao Ning: Peru is an important country in Latin America. China and Peru are comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past 53 years of diplomatic ties, China and Peru have consolidated political mutual trust, achieved fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation, and deepened cultural and people-to-people exchanges, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Since last year, President Xi Jinping and President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra have met twice to draw a new blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. This is President Xi Jinpings second visit to Peru in eight years. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra for an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation in priority areas. He will also attend state events including the welcoming ceremony, the ceremony to exchange cooperation documents, and the welcoming banquet, as well as other side events. We believe that President Xi Jinpings visit will further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various areas, and achieve more positive outcomes in the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. China and Brazil are the biggest developing country respectively in the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. The two countries are both important emerging economies and comprehensive strategic partners. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations. Over the past half a century, amid the changing international landscape, the two countries have maintained sound and steady development of bilateral ties, achieved fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation in various areas, and set an example of major developing countries pursuing common development in solidarity and cooperation. The overall, strategic and global significance of the bilateral relations has continued to improve. In April last year, President of Brazil Lula da Silva paid a successful state visit to China, and the two presidents reached a number of important common understandings on guiding and opening up new prospects of China-Brazil relations in the new era. This is President Xi Jinpings second visit to Brazil in five years. President Xi Jinping will have talks with President Lula da Silva for an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. He will also attend state events, including the welcoming ceremony, the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, the joint meeting with the press, and the welcoming banquet. We believe President Xi Jinpings visit will further consolidate political mutual trust, improve the strategic significance, innovative nature and leading role of the bilateral relations, enhance synergy between the two countries development strategies, deepen strategic communication and coordination on global hotspot issues, and jointly open up the next golden 50 years of China-Brazil relations. Reuters: Please could you tell us whether President Xi will meet with US President Biden at, I believe, APEC or G20 summits? Mao Ning: I have no information to share. AFP: On tariffs, specifically about former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin who said in an interview yesterday that tariffs are needed to be used, especially with regard to China, essentially saying that he would recommend using tariffs against China. Does China have a response to this? Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent Chinese authorities for specifics. More broadly, let me reiterate that there is no winner in a trade war, nor will the world benefit from it. RIA Novosti: Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that the US is pursuing a policy of dual containment, trying to contain both China and Russia, but if the US changes its vector towards Moscow and Beijing, everyone will benefit. He also added that Russia supports China because it pursues a restrained policy and because it is Russias ally. Whats Chinas comment on these statements? Mao Ning: China and Russia are each others comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era. The two sides as always grow bilateral relations and carry out cooperation across the board based on the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. China always believes that major-country competition runs counter to the trend of the times, and containment and suppression as well as bloc confrontation will win no support. Mutual respect and win-win cooperation is the right way for countries to get along with each other. China Daily: You just announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will, as the special representative of President Xi Jinping, travel to Azerbaijan to attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and visit the country. Could you share more information with us on that? Mao Ning: Azerbaijan, the host of the 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 29) in Baku, will hold the World Leaders Climate Action Summit. The main task of COP29 is to set a global climate finance goal after 2025 and make preparations for the submission of a new round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which is of great importance to advancing global climate governance. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the summit as the special representative of President Xi Jinping. China stands ready to work with other parties to uphold the goal, principles and system of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, advance practical actions and achieve sustainable development. China hopes to see positive outcomes on the global climate finance goal at the meeting. Developed countries should earnestly fulfill their responsibilities and provide strong financial support to developing countries for their climate response. China will continue to offer assistance to fellow developing countries to the best of its capacity under the framework of South-South cooperation. China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, and good partners based on equality and mutual benefit. In July this year, President Xi Jinping met with President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Astana summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the two sides jointly announced the decision to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which has opened a new chapter for the growth of the relations between China and Azerbaijan. During Vice Premier Ding Xuexiangs visit, he will hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Abdulla oglu Mustafayev and the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation across the board. We believe that this visit will further move forward the China-Azerbaijan relationship and bring more benefits to the two peoples. AFP: German prosecutors said yesterday that they had arrested an American citizen for allegedly offering to spy for China on US military institutions in Germany. Is China aware of this case and do you have a comment? Mao Ning: I am not aware of what you mentioned. The Paper: China just announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Singapore and chair the China-Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism meetings. Could you share more information with us? Mao Ning: China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperation partners, and the two countries elevated bilateral relations to an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership last year. The China-Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism meetings are the highest platform of mechanisms to coordinate cooperation between the two countries, which play an important role in deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing bilateral relations. During Vice Premier Dings visit, he will have in-depth exchanges with the leaders of Singapore on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, and co-chair the China-Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. China stands ready to work with Singapore and take this visit and the mechanism meetings as an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication, deepen and expand cooperation across the board, deliver more benefits for the two peoples and promote regional prosperity and development. Reuters: Does China have any comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he would be open to resuming talks with US President-elect Donald Trump and that Trumps comments on Ukraine warrant attention? Mao Ning: The relationship between Russia and the US is a matter between the two countries. On the Ukraine crisis, Chinas position is consistent. We support all efforts that are conducive to the political settlement of the crisis. AFP: I have a question on AstraZeneca. Over the last couple of days, the company has said that its president has been detained in China. Can you provide any more information on this case? Mao Ning: I am not familiar with the specifics. Id refer you to competent authorities. AFP: Taiwans coast guard today said that it would be giving people cash rewards for reporting the presence of foreign military ships in its waters and they included the PRC ships in that. Does China have a comment on this new policy? Mao Ning: This is not a question about foreign affairs. China News Service: Its reported that the Philippines officially signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has issued a statement on the Philippines signing into law the so-called Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, and summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China to make serious protests. Let me stress that the so-called Philippine Maritime Zones Act illegally includes Chinas Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of Chinas Nansha Qundao, and their relevant waters into the Philippines maritime zones. The act also aims to further solidify the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea in the form of domestic legislation. This move severely violates Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it. Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are solidly grounded in history and the law, comply with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and will not be affected by the Philippines Maritime Zones Act. The so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it. We oppose and do not accept any claim or action based on the award. The Philippines seeks to justify its illegal claims and actions in the South China Sea by approving the so-called Maritime Zones Act in the name of implementing UNCLOS. This is illegal, null and void. This so-called legislation seriously violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and will make the situation in the South China Sea more complex. China will firmly oppose any infringement activities and provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea based on the act. China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, immediately end any unilateral move that may escalate the dispute and complicate the situation, and keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable. China reserves the right of taking all measures necessary. Various parts of the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are not compatible with regulations of international law and resolutions of the International Maritime Organization. We ask the Philippines to earnestly abide by international law and not to undermine other countries lawful rights under UNCLOS and other international law. CANBERRA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of all eight of Australia's states and territories have endorsed the prime minister's plan to ban children younger than 16 from using social media. Anthony Albanese announced on Friday that legislation for the world-first ban will be introduced to parliament in November after the leaders of all six states and two territories endorsed the plan. Speaking after meeting with the state and territory leaders on Friday, Albanese said that the government of the island state of Tasmania expressed a preference to set the minimum age limit at 14 but ultimately agreed with the proposed 16 to guarantee a uniform nationwide approach. "The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority, and my government will do all that we can to protect our young Australians but also to provide support for parents and teachers who are dealing with these issues," he told reporters in Canberra. Albanese on Thursday committed to setting the minimum age limit at 16, having previously pledged to introduce a minimum age limit without specifying a cut-off age. Under the proposal, the onus to ensure compliance with the minimum age limit will fall on social media companies, not parents, guardians or children. The laws will be enforced by the office of the government's eSafety commissioner. Albanese and Michelle Rowland, the minister for communications, said on Friday that the ban will take effect at least 12 months after the legislation is passed by both houses of the federal parliament to give industry, governments and the eSafety commissioner time to implement systems and processes. Rowland said that 16 was chosen as the cut-off age following extensive consultation to minimize harms experienced by young people during a critical development period. With Veterans Day on Monday, communities across South Florida are paying tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here is a sampling of Veterans Day events in South Florida: Cutler Bay Veterans Day Breakfast: Those who have served or are now serving in our Armed Forces are welcome; 9 a.m. Nov. 11; Cutler Bay Town Hall, 10720 Caribbean Blvd., Cutler Bay. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, contact Maria Herrera-Mendoza at mherrera-mendoza@cutlerbay-fl.gov or call 786-459-7389. Doral Veterans Day Ceremony: Remembering and honoring the men and women who served and are serving our country; 9 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Park, 10190 NW 33 St., Doral. Free. 305-593-6600. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade and Celebration: Features veteran and military groups, marching bands, an F-16 flyover, beginning at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11, along Ocean Drive and Fifth Street. Celebration also marks the opening of a free, three-month outdoor exhibition, Boot Camp in Paradise: World War II in Miami Beach. Free. 305-673-7575. City of Homestead Veterans Day Celebration: The South Florida Youth Symphony will deliver a moving musical tribute, with additional performances by the U. S. Air Force Reserve Band and other local groups. Veterans of Foreign Wars will be present, serving beer and wine as part of a fundraiser to support their charitable initiatives. As a grand finale, Homesteads first-ever drone show will light up the night sky; 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 10; Losner Park, 104 N. Krome Ave, Homestead. Free. RSVP for the event at www.homesteadfl.gov/events. For more information send an email to parkevents@homesteadfl.gov or call 305-224-4570. Veterans Day Concert on the Merrick House Lawn: Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon with patriotic marches, ragtime tunes and jazz selections; 1 p.m. Nov. 10; Merrick House, 907 Coral Way, Coral Gables. Free. 305-460-5093. Sunny Isles Beach Veterans Day Celebration: Honors our military veterans and recognizes the 2024 additions to the Veterans Wall; 10 a.m. Nov. 11; Heritage Park, 19200 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. Free. 305-792-1706. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town of Surfside Veterans Day Ceremony: A commemorative event honoring the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Light refreshments provided; 10 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Park, 8750 Collins Ave., Surfside. Free. 305-866-3635. Broward County City of North Lauderdale Veterans Day Celebration: Features veteran recognition, musical and video tributes, readings and keynote addresses by U. S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick and Florida State Sen. Rosalind Osgood; 9:45 a.m. Nov. 11; Teen/Recreation Center, behind North Lauderdale City Hall, 701 SW 71st Ave., North Lauderdale. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. with a free continental breakfast for all. For information, call Parks and Recreation at 954-724-7061, option 1. Coconut Creek Veterans Day Ceremony: Dignitaries, guest speakers, Coconut Creek Police Department Honor Guard and the Monarch High Jr. R.O.T.C. will pay tribute to the men and women who made our freedom possible; 11 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Park, 3550 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek. Free. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Recreation Complex at 4455 Sol Press Blvd. For information, call 954-545-6600. Coral Springs Veterans Day Ceremony: Rear Admiral Douglas M. Schofield, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard, Seventh District and Director of the Homeland Security Task Force in Miami, is the guest speaker; 10:30 a.m.-noon Nov. 11; Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs. Free. In case of rain, ceremony will be held inside Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive. 954-345-2200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margate Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring and saluting the men and women who have fought for our countrys freedom. Light refreshments provided; 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Memorial Park, 7044 NW First St., Margate. Free. Parkland Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring those who served our nation; 11 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Park, 6620 N. University Dr., Parkland. Free. 954-757-4107. Tamarac Veterans Day Ceremony: Includes a presentation of colors by the Tamarac Fire Rescue Honor Guard. Chantal Deshaies performs the national anthem, followed by brief remarks from dignitaries. Additionally, Lt. Commander Adonica M. Johnson will give a keynote speech; 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11; Veterans Memorial Park, 7825 Southgate Blvd., Tamarac. Free. 954-597-3620. Publix and Costco open Veterans Day? What about schools and post office? What to know Cruise lines do everything they can to steer cruise ships away from bad weather. Royal Caribbean Meteorologist Craig Setzer and his team monitor storms 24/7 and advise ships as to what's going on. The captain of each ship makes choices to change itineraries and keep their ships out of harm's way. Related: Forget hurricanes, Royal Caribbean shares biggest cruise danger Not all danger, however, can be avoided. That's a lesson passengers on the current Explorer of the Seas transatlantic sailing learned in a shocking way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was hit by an unexpected wave, which caused disarray including loose items scattered and some tables tipped over. Once the wave hit, the captain ordered passengers back to their cabins to ensure that everyone on the ship was accounted for. Various Facebook reports on the incident said a few passengers and some crew members were injured, none seriously. The ship, according to an on-board source, was hit by a surprise squall hurricane-force winds which caused it to list to the port side. The ship remained tilted for between 5 and 10 minutes. In this situation sending passengers back to their rooms is protocol. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Unexpected weather is a cruise ship's biggest danger While cruise lines have all sorts of weather information available, not every situation can be predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Mark Sudduth of Hurricane Track interviewed Setzer on a YouTube series called Hurricane U. During the show, Setzer called tracking all the moving parts involved in keeping the cruise line's ships safe during inclement weather "slow-moving chess." "You're anticipating: Where's the storm going to be? Where's my ship going to be? What am I going to do with my ship?" Royal Caribbean Blog reported. Trackable weather events, Setzer explained, can be avoided, or at least ships can be positioned to lessen the impact. The biggest danger, he said, is "unforeseen weather events." ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise These are storms and other weather-related issues that don't show up on models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These events can be a microburst of air or a gust front of wind that wasn't visible on the forecast," Matt Hochberg wrote on Royal Caribbean Blog, which is not affiliated with the cruise line. In the case of Explorer of the Seas, many of the online reports credit the captain with reacting well to the weather situation, which seemed to have come out of nowhere. He changed its course and slowed down as Explorer slowly righted itself. Related: Update: Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas heads back to Spain Explorer Of The Seas' current location is at West Africa, cruising at speed of 19.3 kn (36 kmh, 22 mph) en route to Miami, according to CruiseMapper. The ship left Barcelona on Nov. 2 and is expected to reach Miami on Nov. 14. Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered. As a cat, I know there is much you humans envy about me. They enjoy my cuteness, lifestyle, and influence, but, most of all, they envy my productivity. I can't teach you how to be irresistibly cute. However, I do have some tips to help you become more productive. 1. Your brain functions best when you've had enough sleep. Get your full 14 hours of rest a day so you can create your finest content when you're awake. 2. Your best work can only be done if your stomach is full. Don't be afraid to scream for your meal. If your boss wants you to be productive, they'll feed you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. If a new cuter co-worker comes to the office, don't let them forget you were there first. Fear of being replaced can really curtail your productivity. While you can't hit them like I would a kitten, I suggest staring them down for a solid four minutes while aggressively slurping an iced coffee. 4. Think outside the box. Or climb in the box. Perhaps hide in the box. You can also shred the box to ensure you have all the good ideas. 5. List the things you need to do, listing the more complex tasks first. They may take longer, but you'll feel relieved once they are off your plate. For example, I have to lick my butt for a good 3 hours before I'm satisfied with my work. After that, chasing mice is child's play. 6. Put all of your focus into whatever you are doing. There's no point in doing something if it's not done well. When I have to stare at a designated spot on the wall, I put my heart into it. If your boss isn't asking, "Are you alright," and coming to look at your progress, then you aren't doing your job right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7. Breaks are essential. Meditate throughout the day. Your boss may accuse you of sleeping. Inform them that you're just very good at meditation. 8. Be bold and take on a challenge. Impress your boss by doing something they didn't think you could, like climbing to the highest shelf or pushing the cat food bag off the counter. Taking initiative will get you noticed. They will be shouting from the sheer pleasure of how much work you've gotten done. 9. Let your boss know you have their back. They get stressed. Make their load easier to bear by removing their ability to use their keyboard. If you have thumbs, unplug their WiFi. That screaming might sound angry, but that's really their way of saying, "Thanks." 10. Being consistent is vital. Get things in on time every day. Like clockwork, I deliver a dead mouse straight to the front porch. Honestly, I don't know what my boss would do without me. As Black, immigrant, pregnant, and low-income people brace for the possible worst outcomes of a second Trump administration, many, maybe even you, are grappling with a flood of emotions fear, anger, sadness, and a deep sense of grief. With the news cycle churning with reports of the potential for an administration that perpetuates anti-Black policies, acknowledging these feelings is not just important; it is essential, explained Raquel Martin, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling at Tennessee State University. The truth is, its normal to feel a plethora of emotions during these turbulent times, and recognizing that reality can be the first step toward healing. The dripping hose of daily microaggressions may soon turn to full blast, leading to chronic stress and eroding mental well-being. While specific policies, if enacted, are likely to slash Black economic opportunity, increase incarceration, and lower access to housing all set to degrade mental health outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, amid this uncertainty, it is crucial to prioritize mental health as a tool for empowerment, said Martin, whose work focuses on Black mental health and Liberation Psychology. Its a normal response to constant adversity, she explains, urging individuals to honor their feelings rather than dismiss them. Grieving for the injustices faced and the uncertain future ahead is a sign of deep caring and commitment, she said. This grief is an indicator of the investment individuals have made in their communities and causes. Resting is an act of strength, she insists, reminding us that stepping back to recharge is not a sign of weakness but rather a necessary part of resilience. In this Q&A, we delve into practical strategies for Black Americans to nurture their mental well-being and cultivate a sense of agency in this moment and over the next four years. From prioritizing self-care routines to building supportive networks, the conversation highlights actionable steps individuals can take to safeguard their mental health. Ultimately, the focus is not just on survival but on thriving. By embracing practices that promote healing and connection, Martin said, we can foster resilience and solidarity within the Black community that charts a path forward, not only countering the impact of harmful policies but also inspiring collective action. Capital B: What would you tell someone who is maybe feeling these emotions of hopelessness or distress for the first time? Raquel Martin: I would say that it is normal. Especially for Black people, Black women, there is something we called resistance fatigue, and thats a typical exhaustion that you deal with from long-term advocacy and having to push against injustice for so long. Its real. Youre carrying the weight of having to push against the machine from day one knowing about systemic injustices, and that makes me pretty tired, especially when the solution that you think will help, or the option that you think would be the most beneficial to the world, doesnt show up. But needing rest doesnt make you any less a part of the resistance. It doesnt mean youre giving up. It just means that youre human, and I consider it an aspect of stepping back so you can come back as your full self. After people come to an understanding with these feelings, what is the typical next step? I think the thing that we can do as a collective is rest. Understand that we do have the tools to combat this, like history has shown us this, time and time again. But I dont think thats something that we need to do right now. I think its important to feel the emotions and acknowledge the grief. Grief is an indicator of how much you really put into this situation. Its an indicator of how much you cared. Because if you didnt care, if you werent advocating for something, you wouldnt be grieving at all. Grieving is an act of love. So I would say, Grieve. And I also tell my patients because I work with a lot of advocates and activists I would say it shouldnt be the goal to kind of get over it or shake it off quickly because, as Black people, I consider us to be incredibly dehumanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like one of the aspects of dehumanization is depriving us of human qualities such as negative emotion, such as sadness, such as anger, and I ask us not to dehumanize ourselves in the way that the world has. Dehumanization and adultification are the fuels of white supremacy. And by not acknowledging our emotions, by not acknowledging our feelings, were dehumanizing ourselves in the ways that others do. I encourage us not to do that. Resting is an act of strength, and its necessary for you to preserve yourself for the journey ahead, because it is very much a journey. How can we collectively respond to this grief in a way that combats feelings of isolation and individualism? I think a lot of people are dealing with collective grief. Thats a necessary response to what we can consider gearing up for a possibly traumatic event, and we also know what happened previously: the increase of racist incidents. So we are grieving for what we see is going to come. And I think thats OK. Acknowledging your grief without judgment is, I think, the first step in honoring your truth and knowing and acknowledging the fact that youre human. I think anyone whos not grieving are the people who got what they wanted. You can be upset. Why wouldnt you be? I would also say that if you are struggling, try to find solace in those who are open to supporting you. Community is incredibly necessary. Therapy is not the only path to healing. Whatever path you take during difficult times will be shaped by your communities. Connect with those who understand and support you; find spaces where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Consider all the places where you feel you must mask your true self or co-opt your persona. Limit your time in those spaces. Instead, think about the environments where you feel the happiest and experience a lasting jolt of joy. Spend time with those people and immerse yourself in those communities. Lastly, set boundaries with individuals or spaces that drain your energy. What if someone came to you and said they didnt really know how to fully rest? What would you recommend? Well, I think one issue is that everyone was tuned in to the news constantly, feeling the need to stay informed every step of the way, as if that was the only way to contribute. One way to rest is by limiting media consumption. I always say that if theres a zombie apocalypse, you will know. If something significantly important happens, you will know. Stepping back means recognizing that you need a break from being plugged in all the time. So, limit your media consumption; step back from news and social media. The constant exposure to announcements can be really overwhelming, especially for Black people who are often inundated with negative portrayals. Taking a conscious break can be incredibly helpful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Practicing self-compassion is also important. Give yourself permission to pause. Many of us dont acknowledge our exhaustion; we carry so much, and caring for ourselves is necessary. Take solace in self-compassion, community care, unplugging, and acknowledging your grief because you cant address what you dont acknowledge. If you dont recognize that this is tough and that youre grieving, you wont be able to address it. I want to add that some people say theyre not surprised by the ongoing transgressions and racism they face. However, numbness to these issues is a sign that youre also struggling. Just because youve dealt with it for a long time doesnt mean its okay. You might say you expected this, but bracing yourself for a difficult event doesnt lessen the impact. You can prepare for it, but that doesnt mean you wont feel that gut punch, and thats okay. I will never tell anyone to feel bad for having compassion and hope. Not expecting anything might seem like a way to shield yourself from disappointment, but blocking yourself from all feelings also blocks out the good. So dont feel foolish or naive for having compassion and hope in a world like ours. That doesnt make you weak; it makes you human. Its perfectly fine to feel disappointed by what happened, or to express that you hoped for better outcomes. Theres nothing wrong with that. Dont feel stupid for having compassion and hope in a flawed system; its a value we should all hold. The post Strategies for Black Americans to Nurture Mental Health After the Election appeared first on Capital B News. Veterans Day is Monday. Its also a free entrance day across Americas national parks, the last such day this year. Were excited for members of the public to discover national parks on Veterans Day, and especially invite current military and their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Families to get a Military Pass to get free entrance to parks any day," National Park Service Director and Navy veteran Chuck Sams said in a statement. "As a veteran, it is fantastic to see other veterans and their loved ones explore parks, learn about our nations history, and find peace in the outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what park lovers should know. Are all US national parks free? Abrams Falls is surrounded by fall colors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Oct. 30, 2024. The park does not charge entrance fees, but typically charges parking fees, which are waived for free entrance days like Veterans Day. They are on free-entrance days, of which there were six this year. The rest of the year, only about a quarter of the parks within the National Park System charge entrance fees, including many of the most popular parks. Fees often cover entry for multiple days and, when vehicle-based, multiple people. Travelers can see which parks charge fees on the National Park Services website and park-specific webpages. Veterans, service members and their dependents, Gold Star families, fourth graders and their families, and U.S citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities may enter national parks free all year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the most visited national park? Answers to your biggest park questions Does every state have a national park? Yes and no. There are 431 units within the National Park System, which are all broadly considered parks, though theyre as wide-ranging as national battlefields, historic sites, parkways and seashores. By that definition, there is a national park in every state. However, only 63 of those are what most people think of as capital "N-P" national parks, like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Not every state has one of those. Some states, like Utah and California, have multiple parks, and many of them charge entrance fees. Prospective visitors can find the nearest national park at the park services Find a Park webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below. Why do national parks charge fees? Fees are used to enhance visitor services, like improving accessibility at Acadia National Park, replacing boardwalks at Everglades National Park, and restoring Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park. At least 80 percent of funding from recreation fees stays in the park where it is collected, and the other 20 percent is used to benefit parks that do not collect fees or parks which generate only a small amount of revenue, according to the National Park Service, which shares park-specific examples of fee dollars usage through an interactive map on its website. According to its website, Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the Southeast" and the highest concentration of champion-sized trees anywhere in North America." There is no entrance fee. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National parks offer free entry for Veterans Day Credit: Urban et al-Current Biology Elephants prank each other with harmless acts of sabotage, scientists have discovered, after two of the animals were caught playing with a water hose. The mammals are well-known for their ability to use their dextrous trunk for a range of purposes, including washing themselves, moving trees and even stealing pieces of clothing. But when one Asian elephant at Berlin Zoo called Mary was seen using her trunk to manipulate a hosepipe to wash herself, her mischievous friend Anchali, who she shares an enclosure with, was seen clamping down on the pipe with her trunk to stop the water flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elephants are trained to not stand on the hose pipe with their feet because it interferes with the work of the keepers, so Anchali found innovative trunk-based methods to get around the rules. Researchers at Humboldt University of Berlin have written a study on how Mary washes herself with a hose, including using it as a lasso in order to clean hard to reach places on her back. The scientists say Mary may be adept at using the bendy hose pipe because it has similar long and floppy properties to her trunk. The authors also studied the unexpected bonus of Anchalis sabotage. Both animals showed goal-directed behaviour using tools, the scientists say, a skill once thought to be unique to humans but which has recently been observed in other species such as chimps, crows and dolphins. Mary (L) was washing herself with a hose pipe when her friend Anchali felt mischievous Lena Kaufmann, of Humboldt University, who filmed Mary, said: Elephants spray themselves with water, mud or dust all the time, and its been shown before that over 80 per cent of observed tool-use behaviours in elephants are actually body care-related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she said Mary using a water hose is special because it is an exceptionally complex tool that has flexibility, can extend in length, and has water flowing through it. Ms Kaufmann said: Marys very skilful behaviour with this water hose made us think that maybe elephants have a somewhat intuitive understanding of hoses, potentially due to the similarities with their own trunks. The researchers said both elephants were interacting aggressively during showering time, with Anchali pulling the hose towards herself and twisting it. Michael Brecht, a professor at Humboldt University, said: The surprise was certainly Anchalis kink-and-clamp behaviour. Nobody had thought that shed be smart enough to pull off such a trick. Anchali was seen performing a trunkstand where she places her trunk on the hose and then lowers her massive body onto it to slow water flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof Brecht said: When Anchali came up with a second behaviour that disrupted water flow to Mary, I became pretty convinced that she was trying to sabotage Mary. The researchers also found Mary was able to adapt her technique based on the type of hose. Prof Brecht said: Elephants are amazing with hoses. As it is often the case with elephants, hose tool use behaviours come out very differently from animal to animal; elephant Mary is the queen of showering. The researchers said their findings, published in the journal Current Biology, also raises questions about whether elephants behave similarly in the wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof Brecht said: Do elephants play tricks on each other in the wild? When I saw Anchalis kink and clamp for the first time, I broke out in laughter. So I wonder, does Anchali also think this is funny, or is she just being mean? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A local food pro's culinary travel guide to the best things to eat in Taipeiplus recipes for making many Taiwanese classics you'll find in the city at home. An Rong Xu for Serious Eats Taipei is a rare place where food is an unapologetic feature of the cityscape. Vendors set up shop in slim alleyways, slinging out greasy pockets of scallion pancakes stuffed with cheese; braised chicken wing stalls pop up on street corners once the sun sets. In Taipei, food isnt confined to brick-and-mortars; insead, it spills out into the streets. Night markets take up entire neighborhoods, where pedestrians graze from stall to stall holding fistfuls of skewers. There are breakfast shops open 24/7, where the smell of freshly brewed hot soymilk and deep-fried dough wafts onto busy streets. And lots of restaurants have outdoor seating, with tables sprawled out on the sidewalks on a busy Friday night. An Rong Xu for Serious Eats Nanjichang Night Market Nanjichang Night Market In fact, food in Taipei is so cheap and plentiful that most young people in Taiwan dont actually know how to cook. It makes sense: A bowl of beef noodle soup or a plate of dumplings goes for just a couple of dollars, which is much less than it costs to buy the ingredients and make the same dishes at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a glance, Taiwan may seem like a homogenous society. But with multiple waves of immigration spread out over two centuries, it is actually quite a diverse country and home to a bunch of different dining optionsfrom quaint tea houses to grab-and-go street vendors. The island has no shortage of vibrant culinary experiences. An Rong Xu for Serious Eats Lao Jiang's House Lao Jiang's House There is one caveat: With the exception of the traditional markets and the breakfast shops, most establishments in the city dont open until well after 11 a.m. The city is the most vibrant in the evening, with office workers and school children filing out after a long day for a quick bite to eat and staying late into the night. On this stop in Serious Eats tour of the some greatest culinary cities in the world, Im taking you on a journey through Taipeiincluding the seemingly endless markets, the idyllic tea houses, and lively restaurants. These spots have become deeply familiar to me, informing much of my recipe development and how Ive come to know and think of Taiwanese cuisine. What constitutes a good restaurant or dining experience is, of course, subjective. Ive lived in Taipei full-time for four years now, and prior to that I spent more than 25 years visiting friends and family on the island. My childhood memories of Taipei were centered around street food because my parents, who had moved to the States, were not keeping tabs on fancy new restaurant openings. During our short visits, they wanted hearty bites from reliable vendorsan approach Ive since adopted as my own. Today, as a Taiwanese cookbook author and food journalist based in Taipei, Ive come to put less weight on whats trendy and new, and more on the establishments that have weathered the course of time and stayed consistent and true to their food. Step Into This Market City Home to nearly 2.5 million people, Taipei's many neighborhoods each offer something different. Dadaocheng, the oldest neighborhood in the city, is chock full of mom-and-pop stalls doling out pork trotter noodles or braised cuts of offal; Xinyi, the financial capital of the city, is known for its gaggle of bars with bespoke cocktails; and Daan is home to a neighborhood of cozy coffee shops with happy cats snoozing in the corners. An Rong Xu for Serious Eats Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a taste of bygone days, I recommend perusing a traditional market and keeping an eye on what the aunties are buying. To see how the average office worker unwinds, consider going to a rechaoan outdoor beer restaurant that doles out quick plates of screaming-hot stir fries. Here are some of my favorite culinary experiences in Taipei: Markets Ningxia Night Market 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 582 Related: xn--yes-897eo9j.taipei/ Taiwanese night markets arent as vibrant as they used to bemany have become gentrified or just tourist hubsbut Ningxia is a staunch exception. Its one of the few night markets dedicated to just food, and many of the stalls are still family-owned instead of franchises (the latter of which is increasingly the norm). An Rong Xu for Serious Eats My cookbook, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, has an entire section on night markets, and during my research process I realized that a successful night market dish should not only be portable, but also deliver bold, memorable flavors in a single bite. You're guaranteed this experience at Ningxia market, which is really just one long row of food vendors where you can snack on long skewers threaded with deep-fried chewy squid balls seasoned with a generous dab of white pepper or paper bags stuffed with five-spice scented popcorn chicken. If you need a break from walking, you can reserve a table at one of the restaurants along the market and have all the best bites from the vendors, like gloopy oyster omelets and breaded chicken cutlets, brought right to you. Shi-Dong Market No. 100, Shidong Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: shi-dong.com.tw/_tw/ When it comes to quality, few traditional markets compare to Shi-Dong Market. Unlike the average market, Shi-Dong is entirely indoors which, honestly, is an asset because air conditioning keeps the produce and meat fresher for longerespecially in a hot and humid subtropical country like Taiwan. Established in 1992, Shi-Dong is located in the affluent neighborhood of Tianmu. Prices are a tad higher than the average market, but everything is consistently top-notch (its one of the few traditional markets where the fruits and vegetables are stacked in neat pyramids). Stock up on bright green bouquets of water spinach, sun-gold mangoes, and pink heirloom spears of daikon. Or, consider freshly made silky tofu or expertly butchered pork. Another plus: Everything is always sparkling clean. Some may dismiss this overly manicured market as sterile, but as Ive gotten older, Ive begun to value the higher standard of sanitation and appreciate when raw ingredients are kept at safe temperatures to preserve their freshness and quality. Restaurants Lao Jiang's House 106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Daan District, Yanji St, 1101F Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: facebook.com/topsoymilk An Rong Xu for Serious Eats Lao Jiang's House Lao Jiang's House Most traditional breakfast shops in Taiwan have an antiquated vibe with short plastic stools and terrazzo tiles. Lao Jiangs, however, is the exception, run by a team of young folks who are more than willing to innovate. With laminate flooring and faux Nordic furniture, it looks more like a Western coffee shop than a typical Taipei breakfast joint. Yet the menu draws from proven breakfast classics like compacted rice rolls filled with pork floss, crisp fried crullers, and dan binga Taiwanese egg crepe dotted with scallions. Open 24 hours, its also one of my favorite spots to people watch. Drbeef East Gate No. 70, Linyi St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Related: drbeef.com.tw/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controversial take: Im not the biggest fan of traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soupthe type flavored with hefty amounts of soy sauce, star anise, and fermented bean paste. I find that it masks the inherent flavor of the beef. The preparation was historically used to cover up low-quality meat, but nowadays with advanced supply chains and refrigeration, all that seasoning isnt needed. In fact, Ive noticed more chefs leaning towards subtler broths that are lighter and less pronounced. Most of the beef in Taiwan these days is imported from the United States and Australia, and the mark of a modern, good beef noodle soup is when the natural flavor of the meat shines through. It seems that Drbeef agrees with me because they are known for their minimalistic broth, which is poured over paper-thin slices of raw beef at the table. Baxian Grill No. 28, Section 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Daan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Related: facebook.com/TaipeiBaxian Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baxian is a rechao establishment. The word rechao translates to hot stir-fry in Mandarin Chinese and refers to a type of dinner-only restaurantusually with outdoor seating by the streetserving Taiwanese classics like greasy plates of fried rice, spicy braised stinky tofu, and stir-fried clams swimming in garlic with a hit of fresh basil. Everything is typically washed down by an ice cold glass of beer. Of all the different formats of food that Taipei has to offer, the rechao is my all-time favorite. Their menus are dozens of items long, and many of them have a fresh fish tank at the front where patrons can select fish to be cooked to-order. Most of the dishes are whipped up in giant woks over hot flames. Perched on the edge of a park, with an outdoor second-floor patio adorned with hanging yellow lanterns, Baxian is a perfect spot for visitors to dive into Taiwans late-night dining scene. Tea Houses Jinjiang Tea House No. 1, Jinjiang St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 No Website Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is Hakka-style fare in an old, wooden Japanese colonial-era house, where the front wall is covered with drooping, bright pink bougainvilleas. Nestled in the heart of the city, the restaurant is a welcome respite in a sea of concrete and steel. Hakka food refers to the cuisine of a migratory group with Chinese ancestry. It is rich in pickled vegetables and generally saltier and more rustic than mainstream Taiwanese food (in the best way possible). It feels like youre dining in someones living room here. Get the poached chicken with a bright kumquat dipping sauce, and sauteed fern with pickled bird lime seeds, which add a pop of acidity. They also serve lei cha, a nutty, warm beverage made with toasted ground up sesame seeds, peanut, and tea. Wisteria Tea House No. 1, Lane 16, Section 3, Xinsheng S Rd, Daan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Related: wistariateahouse.com/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisteria is a north star when it comes to classic gongfu tea houses in Taipei. Gongfu refers to a traditional style of brewing tea with small tea cups. Built in the 1920s by the Japanese, it was converted into a place for tea in the 1980s and notably became a clandestine gathering spot for artists, intellectuals, and political dissidents during their struggle for Taiwanese democracy. Getty Images / Alberto Buzzola / Contributor Wisteria Tea House Wisteria Tea House While its no longer a secret destination, Wisteria is still host to a handful of art exhibitions and classes. Their menu is an homage to traditional Taiwanese tea (mostly oolongs), but they also have quite a few rare varieties of pu-erh cakes that retail for up to NT $40,000 (more than $1,000 USD). Most uniquely, they use water from the Wu Lai Mountain Spring for tea, which has a soft, alkaline taste and isnt as harsh as tap or regular store-bought mineral water. This is my go-to place for folks who are visiting Taiwan for the first time; I like to reserve the tatami-lined rooms for a more intimate experience. Let the City Be Your Guide Despite the inevitable ebbs and flows, Taipei dining has remained impressively affordable and vibrant over the decades. The sheer varietyfrom 24/7 breakfast joints to quaint tea housesis staggering. If planning a food itinerary feels overwhelming, just head out to a busy street in the early evening and let the city guide you. I guarantee youll stumble across a lively parade of delicious optionsbecause in Taipei, youre never far from the next great bite. DENVER (KDVR) Denver Public Schools will close seven schools and restructure three others on a grade level at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the district announced Thursday evening. DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero presented the list of schools to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday. Board members will visit the schools recommended to be closed from Nov. 11 through Nov. 15, and Marrero is scheduled to visit the schools the week of Nov. 18. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A list of family engagement meetings has been scheduled to be posted on Friday online here. The schools that Marrero recommended be closed are: Columbian Elementary Castro Elementary Schmitt Elementary International Academy of Denver at Harrington Palmer Elementary West Middle School Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design For the grade-level restructures, impacted schools and grade levels recommended are: Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy Removal of 1st through 5th grades Becomes 6th through 12th grades only Dora Moore ECE-8 School Removal of grades 6th through 8th Bcomes ECE through 5th grade only Denver Center for International Studies Baker Middle School Removal of 9th through 12th grades Becomes 6th through 8th grades only Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPS officials said in Thursdays meeting a few factors went into the recommendation, including how much of the school buildings are utilized and sustainable enrollment. Since the 2018-2019 school year, about 15 DPS schools have closed. Across the country, enrollment in major urban school districts is declining. The primary reason for this is a nationwide trend in declining birth rates so people are having fewer babies. Denver is not immune to these pressures, said Andrew Huber, executive director of enrollment and campus planning at DPS. A public comment session is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18 at the scheduled Board of Education work session. The special public comment session will be limited to people who have not already spoken on the topic in front of the Board or Superintendent during an earlier session. Additionally, all students in closing schools will be automatically enrolled in a receiving school. The district said that if the consolidation plan involves an enrollment zone rather than a single school, parents will need to identify a preferred school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLOSINGS: Check our list of school and local closures in the Denver region Parents will have the option to utilize the SchoolChoice process in January 2025, and will be given priority to enroll their students into another DPS school, the district said in a release. The DPS Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the list of schools on Nov. 21. Staff members at all impacted schools will follow the hiring process that is outlined in their collective bargaining units, the district said. Advocacy groups speak out against consolidation plan Advocacy group Movimiento Poder appeared at Thursdays meeting against the recommendation. Its truly heartbreaking. I actually have a sister that goes to one of the schools that is on the list and she is in a special education program, said Flor Canales, the groups public affairs manager. We struggled a lot to find the program at DCIS and now to learn that we suddenly have to find a different program, is just I honestly have no words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Movimiento Poder is urging DPS to halt the school closure process, alleging the community did not have much involvement. We ask for more transparency, we ask for more accountability and we ask for the district to listen to the community, said Canales. Denver Public Schools social worker arrested for investigation of sexual assault on a child Rob Gould, special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, provided a statement to FOX31 following the announcement. Every student deserves a safe, supportive, and fully resourced schoolregardless of their zip code, Gould wrote. Schools are the heart of our communities, and closures pose serious challenges for everyone. For years, the underfunding of our schools and budget decisions made by DPS have forced cuts or a reduction in services to essential student supports like multilingual learning, special education, mental health services, health care, arts, and physical education. These are critical rights that create a high-quality public education system that all students deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gould said that the school choice system in DPS has led to the rapid expansion of charter schools, which diverts students from the public school system, as well as the funding provided for each student. Without a sustainable, long-term vision, our public education system has become overextended, leaving underserved communities to suffer. Were seeing the effects of this over-expansion now, evidenced by the communities who are being harshly impacted by these closures, Gould wrote. Gould said the Denver Classroom Teachers Association is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and resources needed to thrive but is concerned about rising class sizes, mental health supports, and resources to support the ever-growing number of student needs. Every day, our committed educators are asked to do more with less, leading to overworked and overburdened educators who are doing their best to serve students, Gould said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver weather: Winter storm warning Friday through Saturday morning Gould also said the group is disappointed in the districts community engagement surrounding this effort. PowerPoint presentations from district officials who are far removed from the classroom do not capture the realities or the experiences of our students, families and communities, Gould wrote. True engagement requires meaningful discussions about continuity for students, job placements, and resources for displaced familiesconversations that were impossible to have during the districts community engagement process as it was unknown which schools would be impacted by school closures. It was simply all hypothetical with no real opportunity to hear from educators, students, families and communities. Gould also noted that DPS educators are anxious about their jobs, and said the group will track the number of educators from closed schools hired to open positions in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expect DPS to prioritize retaining its dedicated, experienced educators who currently serve DPS students and who know our students and communities best, Gould wrote. The nearly 4,000 members of the DCTA will not relent on the fight to ensure that educators rights are upheld and that students have what they need to thrive. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, stated that 10% of National Police officers are engaged in combat tasks on the battlefield. Source: Klymenko, in an interview to Suspilne, Ukraines public broadcaster Quote: "Another 25% of the police serve in the very regions where hostilities are underway. These are Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Sumy oblasts." Details: According to Klymenko, the rifle units of the National Police are involved by the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in performing various tasks in the interests of the countrys defence forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "There are additional police units and border guards stationed on the border with the Republic of Belarus. And, in general, 40-45% of personnel are now involved in the performance of unusual police functions at the same time, because a portion of law enforcement officers stationed in the rear regions are also periodically involved in combat missions, including mine clearance of the territories." Background: In June, Klymenko said that it was impossible to mobilise and send all law enforcement officers to the front, which is a popular demand on social networks in Ukraine now. Support UP or become our patron! COLOMBO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Hambantota International Port (HIP) has the potential to become the "diamond in the crown" of Sri Lanka, according to the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council, which recently toured the port, HIP Group (HIPG) said in a press release on Thursday. The HIPG reported that the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council, led by its executive committee, visited HIP last week, underscoring the port's pivotal role in Sri Lanka's economic growth. "We fully endorse this beautiful facility, which has immense potential to grow and become a true jewel for Sri Lanka," said council chairman, Sean van Dort, who led a 42-member delegation for the visit. The visit focused on reviewing the HIP's current facilities and discussions about its future plans. The HIP's management team briefed the council on upcoming developments and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Established over 50 years ago, the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council represents a substantial segment of the country's import and export trade, including members from chambers of commerce, trade associations, and other organizations. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A middle school student has been charged after making threats to kill two other students. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, 12-year-old Matthew Smith has been charged with making a written or electronic threat of a mass shooting. A Crestview student told an adult they tried to talk a friend out of bringing weapons to school in order to kill two students who had been bullying him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana man arrested after fleeing deputies in Holmes County OCSO immediately began an investigation on November 7th and found messages from Smith showing he planned to bring a knife and or gun to Shoal River Middle School because two students were continually bullying him. His actions are a prime example of how the concept of See Something, Say Something can work to keep our schools and communities safer, Sheriff Aden said. Aden also praised the bravery of the friend who came forward and prevented the possibility of violence. Statement from Superintendent Marcus Chambers: The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office notified the Okaloosa County School District of a text message threat made against two students. Upon receiving this report, the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office and the Okaloosa County School District immediately launched an investigation. The student responsible for the threats has been taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Okaloosa County School District enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for any threats against students, staff, or school campuses. Whether real, false, or perceived, all violations of the Districts Student Code of Conduct are treated with the utmost seriousness. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, which remains our top priority. We take all threats seriously and will not tolerate actions that compromise the security and well-being of our students, staff, and school communities. I encourage parents to speak with their children about the gravity of threats and the importance of taking them seriously. By having these critical conversations at home, you play a key role in helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A dozen Salisbury University fraternity members have been arrested on hate crime charges in the brutal assault of a gay man because of his sexual orientation, authorities in Maryland said Thursday. The victim, who has not been named, was allegedly lured to an off-campus apartment on Oct. 15 by a group of men using a social media account under false pretenses, the Salisbury Police Department said in a news release. One of the suspects used the popular gay dating app Grindr to lure the victim to the scene, local TV station WJZ reported, citing charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the victim arrived at the residence, he was surrounded by numerous college-aged men who forced him to sit in a chair in the middle of the living room. The group then kicked, punched and (spat) on the victim, while calling him anti-gay slurs, authorities said. The victim told police he attempted to leave the apartment multiple times but was always stopped by the men, who would throw him on the floor during every initial attempt to flee. The assault lasted for several minutes before the victim was allowed to leave, leading to a broken rib and bruises across his body, investigators said. Seven suspects were initially arrested for their alleged involvement in the assault: Bennan Aird, 18; Ryder Baker, 20; Riley Brister, 20; Cruz Cespedes, 19; Dylan Earp, 20; Elijah Johnson, 19; and Zachary Leinemann, 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, police announced the arrest of five additional suspects: Patrick Gutierrez, 19; Cameron Guy, 18; Jacob Howard, 19; Dylan Pietuszka, 20; and Eric Sinclair, 21. All 12 individuals, who are members of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, are charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and the associated hate crime charges, police said. The students and the fraternity have been placed on suspension, Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre said in a statement, calling the incident an act of visceral hate. _______ Multiple students have been identified as being involved in the Oct. 15 attack, police said on Thursday, Nov. 7 Maryland Police Department Elijah Johnson; Riley Brister; Zachary Leinemann; Patrick Gutierrez; Cameron Guy; Jacob Howard; Ryder Baker; Dylan Pietuszka; Eric Sinclair; Bennan Aird; Dylan Earp; Cruz Cespedes Elijah Johnson; Riley Brister; Zachary Leinemann; Patrick Gutierrez; Cameron Guy; Jacob Howard; Ryder Baker; Dylan Pietuszka; Eric Sinclair; Bennan Aird; Dylan Earp; Cruz Cespedes Multiple students have been charged in a hate crime investigation after a male victim was assaulted last month. On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Salisbury Police Department in Maryland confirmed in a release that 12 suspects determined to be members and or associates of a fraternity at Salisbury University were facing multiple charges, including assault, reckless endangerment and false imprisonment, following the Oct. 15 attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault occurred at an off-campus apartment complex for college-aged students, the release stated, adding that detectives had seen footage on a cell phone. Police confirmed the victim, who hasn't been named, was "targeted due to his sexual preferences," per the release. Google Maps Salisbury University in Maryland Salisbury University in Maryland "A group of men utilized a social media account and invited the victim to a residence within the 1400 block of University Terrace under false pretenses," the post stated. 7News, WJZ News and WBOC stated the victim had been lured to the scene after one of the suspects reportedly created an account on the dating app Grindr, posing as a 16-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When the victim responded to and entered the residence, numerous college-aged men surrounded the victim and forced him to sit in a chair isolated in the middle of the living room," police added of the assault in the press release. The statement continued, "After being forcefully seated, the victim was kicked, punched, and spit on while the men called the victim derogatory names. The victim conveyed to detectives that he attempted to leave the apartment multiple times; however, he was thrown to the floor during every initial attempt to flee. The assault lasted for several minutes until he was eventually allowed to leave." Maryland Police Department Ryder Baker; Dylan Pietuszka; Eric Sinclair Ryder Baker; Dylan Pietuszka; Eric Sinclair The victim, who reported the crime on Oct. 31, sustained bruising throughout his body and suffered a broken rib in the attack, police confirmed. Police initially identified Ryder Baker, 20; Bennan Aird, 18; Riley Brister, 20; Cruz Cespedes, 19; Dylan Earp, 20; Elijah Johnson, 19; and Zachary Leinemann, 18, as being involved in the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Nov. 7, following further investigation, police then identified the following as allegedly being a part of the attack; Cameron Guy, 18; Jacob Howard, 19; Eric Sinclair, 21; Patrick Gutierrez, 19; and Dylan Pietuszka, 20. Maryland Police Department Patrick Gutierrez; Cameron Guy; Jacob Howard Patrick Gutierrez; Cameron Guy; Jacob Howard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All individuals have been charged with Assault First-Degree, False Imprisonment, Reckless Endangerment, and the associated Hate Crime charges, police confirmed in the release. The investigation is ongoing. 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. Maryland Police Department Elijah Johnson; Riley Brister; Zachary Leinemann Elijah Johnson; Riley Brister; Zachary Leinemann A university spokesperson told PEOPLE, "All 12 students who were charged have been placed on suspension, which is the harshest penalty the University can impose at this stage of the process under our Code of Community Standards." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Salisbury University condemns all acts of violence. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all, both on and off campus," they added in the statement. Maryland Police Department Bennan Aird; Dylan Earp; Cruz Cespedes Bennan Aird; Dylan Earp; Cruz Cespedes "Any student who commits an act of violence can expect to face criminal charges, as well as disciplinary action under SUs Student Code of Community Standards. The crimes described are in direct conflict with Salisbury Universitys values and what we stand for. Hate has no place at SU," the statement continued. The university spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE the victim was not a student at the school. Salisbury Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Twelve student suspects arrested in Salisbury, Md., on Thursday were charged in an alleged hate crime assault on a man targeted for his sexual preference, according to police. Salisbury Police said in a statement that the victim, an adult man, was lured to an off-campus house under false pretenses Oct. 15. Charged were 18-year-old Bennan Aird of Delaware, along with others from Maryland, including: 20-year-old Ryder Baker; 20-year-old Riley Brister; 19-year-old Cruz Cespedes; 20-year-old Dylan Earp; 19-year-old Elijah Johnson; 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann; 18-year-old Cameron Guy; 19-year-old Jacob Howard; 21-year-old Eric Sinclair; 19-year-old Patrick Gutierrez; and 20-year-old Dylan Pietuszka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were charged with assault first degree, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and associated hate crime charges, according to police. The investigation into the assault revealed the victim was targeted for his sexual preferences, according to police. "When the victim responded to and entered the residence, numerous college-aged men surrounded the victim and forced him to sit in a chair isolated in the middle of the living room," the police statement said. "After being forcefully seated, the victim was kicked, punched, and spit on while the men called the victim derogatory names." Police said the victim attempted to escape several times, but was repeatedly thrown to the floor. The attack lasted several minutes causing a broken rib and bruising throughout the victim's body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault was video recorded on one of the defendant's phones, according to police. Salisbury University said on X it has suspended the students arrested in the assault. "The students arrested have been placed on suspension, in adherence with the University's Code of Community Standards Policy," said university president Carolyn Lepre in a statement. "This includes being restricted from campus and being unable to participate in academic coursework either in person or virtually." Lepre called the assault "truly horrifying." The university also suspended the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon under the community standards policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Rakow, a lawyer for defendant Riley Brister, told NBC News Friday, "It's very unfortunate that Salisbury University has jumped to conclusions by suspending these young men before there has been any findings related to this incident." According to CNN affiliate WJZ, one of the arrested men pretended to be a 16-year-old on the LGBTQ Grindr dating app to lure the victim "for the purposes of having sexual intercourse." Another attorney representing one of the defendants alleged that this wasn't a hate crime and the victim was not targeted for his sexual preference. James L. Britt told the Baltimore Banner it was because the victim intended to have intercourse with a 16-year-old "child." In Maryland the legal age of consent is 16. Twelve male students at Salisbury University in Maryland were arrested on hate crime charges after allegedly targeting a man on a dating app and luring him to an off-campus apartment where they attacked him, Salisbury Police announced. Ryder Baker, 20, Bennan Aird, 18, Riley Brister, 20, Cruz Cespedes, 19, Dylan Earp, 20, Elijah Johnson, 19, and Zachary Leinemann, 19, were the first set of students charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment and reckless endangerment in the attack of a unnamed victim on Oct. 15, according to the police announcement. They are also all facing hate crime charges. On Thursday, authorities announced that five more students had beencharged with the same misdemeanor crimes, identifying them as Cameron Guy, 18, Jacob Howard, 19, Eric Sinclair, 21, Patrick Gutierrez, 19, and Dylan Pietuszka, 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 12 students are members of or associated with a fraternity at the university, according to police. A spokesperson for the university told HuffPost in an email that the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, has been placed on suspension and the students accused of assault were also placed on interim suspension. According to the schools website, Sigma Alpha Epsilon welcomed 13 new members into their 43-member organization this year. Holloway Hall, Salisbury University via Google Maps. Google Maps Police say Leinemann initially contacted the victim on Grindr, a popular dating app used by LGBTQ+ individuals, while posing as a 16-year-old, according to charging documents obtained by CBS affiliate WBOC. Leinemann then allegedly lured him to the apartment on Oct. 15 with the promise of sex. The age of sexual consent in Maryland is 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leinemanns attorney, James L. Britt, told HuffPost in an email that the alleged victim is in his 40s. The victim was ambushed by at least 15 men when he entered the apartment, and was forced to sit in a chair in the middle of the living room, according to WBOC. The men attacked the victim while also spitting on him and calling him derogatory names. Charging documents cited by Fox affiliate WBFF alleged the assault was recorded and the victim was forced to read a handwritten weather report while being slapped, punched, kicked, and spat on. Police said the victim made multiple attempts to leave the apartment, but was thrown to the floor after every attempt, according to the announcement. The men assaulted the victim for several minutes before allowing him to leave. The victim sustained several injuries including bruises and a broken rib. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WBFF, authorities were not informed about the incident until two individuals who saw one of the videos reported the attack to campus police. The videos were later recovered by detectives. Salisbury police said they were contacted by campus police about the assault on Oct. 31. Detectives determined that the victim was targeted due to his sexual orientation. Carolyn Ringer Lepre, the universitys president, issued a statement on Wednesday, saying acts of violence towards LGBTQ+ and Ally communities are not only destructive but at odds with the principles of community, respect and belonging that bind us together as a university. She wrote, In my more than two years at SU, I have grown to cherish the warmth, compassion, and acceptance that define this community weve built together. These actions do not reflect the SU that I know and love. A place where everyone should feel safe and free from harm. A place where violence is unacceptable. Related... A dozen students from Salisbury University, aged 18 to 21, were charged with a hate crime on Thursday after allegedly luring a man to an off-campus apartment using social media before assaulting him, according to local police in Maryland. A local outlet WJZ News found charging documents that said one of the college-aged men created a fake Grindr profile posing as a 16-year-old, setting up a time with the victim for sexual intercourse. The age of consent in Maryland is 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Salisbury Police Department said the college students forced the victim to sit in a chair while they beat him up and called him derogatory names. The assault allegedly lasted around five minutes, and the victim told police he tried multiple times to leave but was pulled back. At the end, the victim had a broken rib and bruises all over his body. Police say the victim was targeted due to his sexual preferences, while attorney James L. Britt, representing the college men, told The Baltimore Banner that was not the case. Once all of the facts see the light of day, this case will be shown to be an ill-advised attempt to expose someone willing to travel to have sexual relations with a 16-year-old child, Britt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre said in a statement the students are on suspension. Acts of violence toward LGBTQ+ and Ally communities are not only destructive but at odds with the principles of community, respect, and belonging that bind us together as a university, Lepre said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MEXICO CITY (AP) Among the many horrifying videos posted online amid Mexicos drug cartel violence, few have been as profoundly shocking as that of a 14-year-old boy kidnapped in late October along with about a dozen family members in the country's south. In the video, posted by his captors, the skinny, shoeless boy is seen sitting against a tree, his hands tied with rope and saying quietly that he works for a rival drug gang. The boy obviously spoke under duress, his schoolboy face tentative and cautious. Authorities confirmed on Friday that 14-year-old Angel Barrera Millan was one of four minors and seven adults whose dismembered bodies were found dumped in the back of a pickup truck on the side of a highway this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deaths underscore the brazen power of the local drug cartels and the powerlessness of the government in the area around Chilpancingo the capital of Guerrero state, where the resort of Acapulco is located and the nearby township of Chilapa. The boy's family was traveling on Oct. 21 to Chilapa to sell their stock of plastic household items buckets, dishes and other containers at an open-air market when they were abducted by The Ardillos, a local cartel that controls Chilapa and has been fighting the rival Tlacos for control of Chilpancingo. The state authorities have allowed these organized crime groups to gain very deeply rooted control of these areas, an activist of the human rights group Tlachinollan said on condition of anonymity, for fear of reprisals. This area is completely controlled by the Ardillos, including some areas he said officials were loath to enter. The video posted online suggests the family may have originally been kidnapped because one of their members had taken a cellphone photograph of the wrong person in town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear what happened to the other two members of the group 13 disappeared and 11 bodies were found, including three women and another boy who was 13. The family's tragedy did not end with the 11 killed. On Oct. 27, four relatives went to look for the missing family, and were themselves abducted. They haven't been heard from since. Until Nov. 6, when the bodies were found, state authorities had claimed they were searching far and wide in what had become a missing persons' case with 17 people, all relatives. Prosecutors posted photos of police officers, soldiers, vehicles and drones fanning out over dirt roads and into the brush. The army called in helicopters, and a reward of about $50,000 was offered for information on the missing, but couldn't find them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, the cartel likely killed them in Chilpancingo, the state capital with a population of 300,000. Their bodies were left on the main boulevard leading through the city, which also serves as the main north-south highway to Acapulco. The family's death was not the first gruesome killing by the cartel. In early October, the citys mayor was killed and beheaded just a week after he took office. Alejandro Arcos took office on Oct. 1 in Chilpancingo. His body was found in a pickup truck a week later, his head placed on the vehicles roof. In 2023, another gang hijacked a government armored car, blocked a major highway and took police hostage to win the release of arrested suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rights activist explained that the Ardillos control a large swath of the state's mountains, where they call obligatory community assemblies and force local residents to cooperate with the gang. Mexican cartels frequently dump bodies of their hostages or post grisly videos of torture, interrogation and decapitations of their victims to intimidate their rivals and authorities. The winners in 15 congressional races in which veterans were running were still undetermined as election week wound down Friday afternoon. Among the major races with veterans that had yet to be called by The Associated Press as of midday Friday were Senate elections in Nevada and Arizona, several House races in notoriously slow-counting California, and a House seat in Nebraska seen as vital in the battle for party control of the lower chamber. So far, 80 veterans who ran for Congress in one of the two major parties this year have won, while 94 have lost, according to AP race calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Another Navy Firing: Commander of Information Warfare School in San Diego Removed Among the veterans who won is Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick, a West Point graduate who deployed to Iraq in the Gulf War and who unseated Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. The AP called the race for McCormick on Thursday afternoon, though Casey had not yet conceded. McCormick's victory pads next year's GOP majority in the Senate, where Republicans will hold at least 53 seats. Party control of the House is still up for grabs, but Republicans are closer to the magic number of at least 218 seats than Democrats. Many of the uncalled races that will determine party control involve veteran candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at all the uncalled races in the House and Senate with veterans running: Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., a Navy SEAL veteran, was leading his Democratic opponent by about 7% with approximately 78% of votes counted as of Friday afternoon. Kelly Cooper, a Republican Marine Corps veteran who is challenging Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., was trailing Stanton by about 7% with approximately 76% of the votes counted. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a Marine veteran who is running for Senate this year, was ahead of GOP candidate Kari Lake by about 1.7% with about 76% of votes counted. Kevin Lincoln, a GOP Marine veteran challenging Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif., was behind by about 1.4% with about 56% of votes counted. Michael Maher, a GOP Navy veteran challenging Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., was behind by about 1.2% with about 62% of votes counted. Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., a former Navy pilot, was ahead of his Democratic challenger by about 1.4% with about 73% of votes counted. David Serpa, a Republican Marine veteran, was trailing Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, by about 10% with about 67% of votes counted. Derek Tran, a Democratic Army veteran challenging Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., was behind by about 4% with about 72% of votes counted. Gabe Evans, a Republican Army veteran challenging Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo., was behind by less than 1% with about 88% of votes counted. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, a former Army nurse, was ahead of her Democratic opponent by 0.2% with about 99% of votes counted. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, a Marine veteran, was ahead of his Republican challenger by about 0.3% with about 98% of votes counted. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., an Air Force veteran who led the House Armed Services Committee's military quality-of-life subpanel, was leading his Democratic challenger by about 3% with about 95% of votes counted. Sam Brown, a GOP Army veteran who was severely burned by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, was trailing Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., by about 1.3% with about 96% of votes counted. Joe Kent, a Republican Army Special Forces veteran who is challenging Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., for the second election in a row, was down by about 3% with about 87% of votes counted. Jerrod Sessler, a far-right Navy veteran who is running against GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington after Newhouse was one of 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach once and future President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, was trailing Newhouse by about 4% with about 74% of votes counted. Related: Trump Impeachment Whistleblower Vindman Wins House Seat in Veteran vs. Veteran Race STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) I-16 Westbound was closed Thursday afternoon due to flooding across the road. Seek alternate routes if you need to go between mile marker 116 to 103 which is between Metter and Statesboro. 511 with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) said that they do have a maintenance crew on the scene, and they are working to reopen the road. They said that it is possible for the flooding to be cleared up around 7 p.m. The road has been reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDHN) Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $17 million through community development grants to provide infrastructure improvements in just over 40 Alabama towns, cities, and counties, so heres how that money is going to get put to use. Community Development Block Grants cover a wide variety of community needs, such as water and sewer upgrades, street resurfacing, the construction of new fire stations or the additions of new fire trucks, and upgrading local parks. Probably no other grant program in Alabama has as widespread an impact or is as celebrated as Community Development Block Grants, Gov. Ivey said. These grants help local governments take on much needed projects that make communities safer and better places to live. I am honored to award these grants that will help so many communities across our state. South Alabama Andalusia $400,000 Funds will be used to construct playground equipment at Robinson Park at the corner of Church and Railroad streets. Ariton $400,000 Funds will be used to continue the citys upgrading of its sewer system to provide more reliable service for its residents. Specific project areas include Pea River Road, Atlantic Street and Barnes Drive. Ashford $240,000 Funds will be used to demolish and clear 12-14 vacant and dangerous structures in an attempt to clean up the area and remove unsafe houses and buildings. Brundidge- $400,000 The city will use funds to make improvements at the citys wastewater treatment facility to ensure better service for households and businesses in the city. Camden $400,000 CDBG funds will be used to upgrade several roads while also upgrading its sewer system. Much of the work will be done in the Deer Creek area. Castleberry $400,000 Funds will be used to rehabilitate and improve the towns water system by upgrading and increasing the size of a main water line. Choctaw County $500,000 The county will use funds to make road improvements on Melvin Cutoff Road while also improving an area prone to washouts. Dozier $400,000 Funds will be used to buy a 2,000-gallon tanker-pumper firetruck to enhance the fire departments fire suppression capabilities. Enterprise- $400,000 The city will use funds to continue its demolition and clearing program. The city has identified 57 dilapidated structures that are considered a public nuisance and need to be razed. Flomaton 400,000 The town will use funds to upgrade its sewer system by rehabilitating two old sewage lift stations through the installation of new pumps, pipes, valves and electrical components. Frisco City $400,000 Funds will be used to resurface several streets deemed in poor condition. Roads included in the 2.7-mile-long project include Snider Avenue, Excel/Frisco Highway and West Avenue. Geneva County $500,000 The county plans to resurface 4.4 miles of rural roads in the Sellersville and Coffee Springs areas of the county. Georgiana $400,000 The town will use funds to renovate the Hank Williams Park, home of the Hank Williams Music Festival. The town plans to replace a bathroom/concession area and correct a major drainage issue. Kinsey- $400,000 CDBG funds will be used to rehabilitate part of the towns sewer system by replacing or rehabilitating some sewer lines. Opp-$440,000 The city will use funds to resurface several streets including parts or all of South College Street, Hardin Street and Hardage Circle. Robertsdale- $500,000 The city plans to provide public sewer improvements in the southeast section of the city. The project will involve replacing or repairing sewer line and manhole entrances. Samson $400,000 Funds will be used to resurface all or part of several city streets. Those streets include South Broad Street, South Ripley Street, Lake Frankie Street, Lamar Street and Alva Street. Central Alabama Bullock County $500,000 The project will resurface and improve 16 roads throughout the county. Demopolis $500,000 The city plans to make street and drainage improvements along Fairview Avenue and Cedar Crest Drive. Eclectic $400,000 The town will use CDBG funds to upgrade its waste-water treatment facility to properly serve current households and businesses and handle growth coming into the town. Eufaula- $400,000 Funds will be used to demolish and clear approximately 55 abandoned and dilapidated structures in and around the core of the city. Franklin $400,000 The town will use funds to demolish and clear 17 dilapidated structures throughout the town. Geiger $372,753 The town plans to resurface five streets and improve drainage on some. Streets scheduled for improvements are Kirkland Boulevard, Payne Street, Pinson Road, Smith Street, Ninth Street and Martin Luther King Circle. Lafayette $40,000 Funds through the CDBG Planning Grant Program will be used to help the city update its comprehensive plan to develop achievable goals for the city involving growth, revitalization and economic development. Marion $500,000 Funds will be used to resurface Lincoln Heights and several side streets benefiting about 175 people. Moundville $500,000 The city proposes to construct new sidewalks in the CC Loop and Alabama Avenue area and install storm water drainage in the area of Market and Griffin streets. Munford $328,100 Funds will be used to demolish a portion of the old Munford High School and clear the debris in preparation for future redevelopment of the towns core area. Roanoke $500,000 CDBG funds will be used to provide drainage improvements in two areas of the city, including along Mulberry and Piedmont streets and College and Cannon streets. Shorter $400,000 The town plans to purchase a pumper firetruck to enhance the towns firefighting capabilities and help save properties and lives. Sumter County $500,000 The county plans to provide public water services to nearly 160 households in the Ward and Siloam communities in southern Sumter County. Tuskegee- $500,000 The city will use funds to make water and street improvements along North Church Street. The city will make curb, gutter and sidewalk repairs and upgrade water lines to improve service. North Alabama Attalla $500,000 The city plans to upgrade its sewer system by replacing damaged terra cotta (clay) pipes and manholes. Improvements will be conducted in two areas of the city. Blount County $300,000 The county plans to use funds to make road improvements in the Sugarland Lake Community. Blountsville $400,000 The town plans to upgrade streets and sewer lines. Among streets scheduled for improvements are Walter Street, Hendrix Street, Center Street and Lee Street. Courtland- $400,000 Funds will be used to improve its water system by upgrading deteriorated and undersized water lines to improve service for its customers. Detroit $400,000 The town will use funds to construct a new fire and rescue station with two bays. The station will be located on U.S. Highway 17. Hamilton- $500,000 The city will use funds to improve city water services for about 1,600 residents in the Mitchell Station area by installing a new booster pumping system. Hammondville- $400,000 Funds will be used to repair and resurface several roads in the town including Palmer Road, Haney Road and Winston Drive. Littleville $400,000 CDBG funds will be used to upgrade water lines by expanding their size to increase water pressure and help lead to lower home insurance rates because of better firefighting capabilities. Red Bay $500,000 The city will provide drainage improvements along 4 th , 5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 9 th and 10 th avenues in the northwestern part of the city. Town Creek $400,000 The town will use funds to upgrade its sewer system to prevent back up of sewage into houses and sewer overflows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDBGs are awarded annually in several categories to ensure local governments of all sizes have opportunities to be awarded funds. Categories include: Small City populations of 3,000 and below. Large City populations of 3,001 and above. County supporting primarily unincorporated areas. Community Enhancement special projects extending beyond infrastructure improvements. Planning Fund projects that enable governments to map out goals and long-range plans. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. NEW DELHI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen believed to be militants killed two members of the Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in restive India-controlled Kashmir, while two militants were killed in a separate gunfight with government forces in the region, police said Friday. According to police officials, the two VDGs were abducted on Thursday and killed in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, about 203 km southeast of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. VDGs is a civilian militia raised to counter militancy in the region's Jammu province. The guards armed with sophisticated weaponry are said to assist government forces in their anti-militancy operations. Meanwhile, two militants were killed Friday in a fresh gunfight with government forces in Sagipora area of Sopore town, about 45 km northwest of Srinagar. There have been many questions surrounding the investigation into a south Georgia funeral home where 18 decomposing bodies were found. On Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation posted an update on its investigation. The Coffee County Sheriffs Office and the GBI arrested 39-year-old Chris Johnson in October. Deputies were executing a search warrant at Johnson Funeral Home in October when they discovered the bodies in various stages of decomposition. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Johnson currently faces 17 counts of abuse of a dead body. The GBI said more charges are expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GBI says anyone who has more information can call the regional office in Douglas at 912-389-4103 or Coffee County Sheriffs Office at 912-384-4227. But they understand that many people affected by the tragedy will have questions. To help, they have created a Q&A guide for the families. Here are the GBIs answers to the questions they have been asked the most. Q: Have the 18 remains found at the funeral home been identified? A: All the remains are being examined by the GBI Medical Examiners Office at GBI Headquarters in Decatur, Georgia. They are working closely with the GBI Crime Lab, as well as our regional investigative office in Douglas, to make positive identifications. This process is time-consuming, due to both the volume and complexity of the case. We expect to have most of the remains identified in the near future, but we cannot provide a time frame. Once the identities have been confirmed, the families will be notified so that they can make other arrangements for their family members. After family notifications, the GBI will provide a news release to inform the public of the progress, but it will not include the names of those identified to protect the privacy of those families. Q: Can cremains be positively identified as my loved one? A: Unfortunately, we are unable to identify cremains as a specific person. We are able to determine if the cremains are of a human origin or not. Q: If I have turned over cremains, when will I know the test results? A: The cremains have been turned over to the GBI Medical Examiners Office at GBI Headquarters for further examination. Many families provided us with what they were told were the cremains of their loved ones. We are unable to provide an exact timeframe for when the examinations will be completed. Q: How do I know that the cremains I have are of my family member? A: It has been well reported that certain cremation identification numbers do not match those at a local crematory used by Chris Johnson. We are working to determine if we can provide any answers regarding whether a family received the correct cremains. Q: How can I get items back from the search of Johnson Funeral Home? A: This is an ongoing criminal investigation, so we are unable to return any item we feel may be relevant to the investigation. If we come across items that we feel are not relevant to the investigation, we may return them before the investigation is complete. We are also unable to confirm if we found certain items during the search. We understand that this may cause inconveniences for certain families, but our goal is to conduct a thorough investigation that provides the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office with the best opportunity to prosecute this case. Q: How long will this investigation take? A: We cannot put a timeframe on this investigation. It is complex and requires many resources, such as agents, scientists, and intelligence analysts, as well as coordination with other state agencies. Much of what we are doing now is gathering information from victims. The information we receive will then direct our next investigative actions. We ask for your patience and your trust as we work to find as many answers as possible for the victims. We will provide updates to the public, when possible, but our focus is on the criminal investigation and subsequent prosecution. Q: I have concerns about my experience with Johnson Funeral Home, who should I contact? A: If you have already contacted the GBI Watchdesk, we have received your information and are working to contact each person. If you have not contacted the GBI yet, please submit information via the See Something, Send Something mobile app. Information can also be submitted by calling the GBI Watchdesk at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). If you have tried contacting the GBI Douglas Office, we still do not have phone lines due to Hurricane Helene. We appreciate your patience at this time. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LANSING An 18-year-old died in a Thursday night shooting in north Lansing, and another teenager was arrested Friday in connection with his death. Police were dispatched to the 600 block of Sadie Court, east of the intersection of North Grand River Avenue and North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, around 11:45 p.m. because of reports of a possible shooting, the Lansing Police Department said in a release. They found the 18-year-old with a gunshot wound at the scene, and firefighters provided medical assistance before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update early Friday afternoon, police said a 19-year-old boy had been arrested in Calhoun County. They said they do not believe the incident was a random act. Police did not release a hometown for the 19-year-old or say where in Calhoun County he was arrested. The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lansing Police Department at (517) 483-4600 or Crime Stoppers at (517) 483-7867, or send a private message through the Lansing Police Department's Facebook page. Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Arrest made after 18-year-old fatally shot in north Lansing BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Kern County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested two people and seized 85 pounds of meth after executing search warrants at an apartment and home in southwest Bakersfield. Officers with the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking unit executed a search warrant at an apartment on Ashe Road, just south of Herb Way. Officials also obtained a warrant for a meth conversion lab at home at the intersection of Wible Rd. and Alum Ave. Prop 36 would bring big changes to courts in Kern County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the both locations, detectives found 46 pounds of finished crystal meth and around 39 pounds of methamphetamine currently in a meth/liquid form, KCSO said through a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nov. 8 search and seizure ended with Cristian Escutia, of Mexico City and Brandon Rancano-Franco, both 22 years-old, in police custody for operating the meth lab. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Escutia and Brandon Rancano-Franco were booked into the Lerdo jail for manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, maintaining a residence/place for drug sales and conspiracy to commit a crime. Investigators later dismantled the large lab. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. CHANNAHON, Ill. Two people are in custody after a police chase involving a tow truck wanted for homicide in Chicago ended in the south suburbs on Friday afternoon, police said. According to authorities, it all started in Harvey when Illinois State Police troopers received a report of a fleeing vehicle wanted for homicide in Chicago. Troopers responded to the 250 block of East 147th Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the truck, but authorities said the driver continued fleeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The chase continued onto I-55 southbound and eventually came to an end when the driver crashed near Bluff Road in Channahon, in Will County. Following the crash, both people inside the vehicle were taken into custody. Skycam 9 was over the scene at around 1:20 p.m. when a large presence of law enforcement officers was spotted. At least 10 law enforcement vehicles were on the scene and at last 12 officers could be seen near the stopped truck. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Nearby the stopped truck, a handful of officers could be seen taking someone into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not provided details on the Chicago homicide and it is unclear how the vehicle was allegedly involved. According to troopers, there is no threat to the community and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The incident caused some backups for drivers in the area. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Firefighters found two dogs and about 10 cats dead and rescued nearly a dozen other pets from a mobile home that caught fire in the Lake View Terrace neighborhood of Los Angeles Friday morning. Crews arrived to find the manufactured home on the 12000 block of West Foothill Boulevard well involved in a fire around 8:30 a.m. A female patient evaluated at the scene declined transport after crews knocked down the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said eight cats and two dogs were rescued in unknown conditions from the home. However, there were sadly about 10 cats and 2 dogs deceased in the structure. Of the four people living in the home, only one was there at the time of the fire. The cause was determined to be a cooking fire, which spread through the home, the Fire Department said. It was unclear if the home was equipped with any functioning smoke alarms. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. JUAB COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) Two men were arrested by authorities in Juab County and are facing drug charges. Klaus Alexander Goellner, 38, faces the following charges: Three counts of drug possession with the intent to distribute second-degree felonies Three counts of possession of a controlled substance schedule I/II/analog One count of possession of a controlled substance marijuana or spice One count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia One count of reckless driving One count of failure to register or expired registration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passenger of the vehicle, Robert Earl Robinson Jr., is also charged with drug-related crimes, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Authorities observed Goellner driving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. After a short time, police successfully pulled Goellner over and made contact with him. They also found that Goellner had a passenger with him, identified later as Robinson Jr. Goellner apologized for the speed and I invited him back to my patrol vehicle while I worked on the speeding citation, the affidavit states. Goellner accepted and followed the officer back to the patrol vehicle. Authorities became suspicious, called for a K-9 unit, and went to speak with the passenger. After the conversation with the passenger, the K-9 unit arrived and the K-9 officer stated that the dog indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search was conducted and THC/marijuana product was located along with a white crystallized substance concealed in vacuum-sealed packaging inside. The white substance was located inside two separately locked safes that were wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. The keys to the safes were located inside of Robinsons right pocket, the affidavit stated. Police arrested both men and charged them with drug-related crimes. Robinson and Goellner were booked into Juab County Jail. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A North Carolina State student has been arrested for a string of apparently random shootings at cars on multiple highways in Raleigh. Since Monday, police have received 12 reports of shots being fired at vehicles and buildings in the vicinity of Interstates 40 and 440, according to Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. At this time, we do believe that the 12 incidents are related, Patterson said at a press briefing Thursday. PHOTO: Police investigate a shooting spree near I-40 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Nov. 7, 2024. (WTVD) Andrew Thomas Graney, 23, has been charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and 11 counts of firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle or dwelling, police said. Graney is a senior at NC State, majoring in anthropology and has been enrolled since fall 2019, the school confirmed to Raleigh ABC station WTVD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second person was taken into custody alongside Graney at a residence in Raleigh on Thursday but has since been released without charges, police said. A judge ordered Graney held without bond during his initial court appearance Friday afternoon. "This is one of those cases that put fear in the heart of the entire community," Judge Debra Sasser said. MORE: Woman killed after rock thrown through her car's windshield making it 3rd such incident in 3 days Stacy Newton, an assistant district attorney with the Wake County District Attorney's Office, said during the hearing that the suspect fired into seven vehicles and three occupied residences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators had linked Graney to the shootings through his cellphone and vehicle, according to the prosecutor. His cellphone was in each of the locations over the four-day period, and his vehicle matched the description of one used in several of the incidents, she said. Police recovered .45-caliber shell casings at many if not all of the shootings, and a .45-caliber firearm was recovered from inside the suspect's vehicle, she said. A motive remains under investigation, Newton said. "This was an absolutely senseless and random series of acts of violence that really put this community on edge," Newton said while requesting no bond in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graney appeared virtually during the hearing and asked to have a public defender appointed. PHOTO: Andrew Thomas Graney, 23, was arrested for allegedly shooting at several cars on a highway in Raleigh, N.C., in early November, police said. (Raleigh Police Department) Police had urged drivers in the Raleigh area to remain vigilant following reports of vehicles being fired into during the early morning hours on I-40. In one incident, on Monday, a woman was shot in the leg while driving, suffering a non-life-threatening injury, police said. MORE: Family of Los Angeles woman shot in vehicle calls for justice, alleging inaction by a deputy Patterson said it is unclear at this time if shots were being fired from a vehicle or on foot. Police previously said they believed a handgun was used in the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shootings remain under investigation. Patterson urged anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage to come forward. NC State student arrested for string of random highway shootings in Raleigh: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Two weeks ago, Brittanie Bibby, husband Kenneth and their 15-month-old baby moved from Arizona to Camarillo to live in the home she inherited from her father, maxing out their credit cards to turn the dilapidated property into a safe place to live. On Wednesday, that safe place burned to the ground, leaving the family with no home, no savings and no clue what comes next. The next day, the shellshocked parents struggled to come to grips with the financial toll of the incident and the catastrophic sentimental loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We lost everything," said Brittanie. "All of our family memories, all of our possessions, Social Security cards, death certificates, birth certificates, my husband's father's ashes, my father's ashes and my mother's ashes." Their property was among the 132 structures destroyed by the fast-moving Mountain fire, which ignited Wednesday morning and scorched more than 20,000 acres in the mountains of Ventura County by Thursday evening. The family started to collect donations on GoFundMe on Thursday and was able to get diapers and fresh clothes for baby Ken. Brittanie planned to sleep in an evacuation shelter Thursday night and take a fresh stab at her mountain of tasks Friday morning. "Being a mom, I don't really have a choice to panic or to not think through the steps, because I have a tiny human that is 100% dependent on me," she said. "So while I feel a whole bunch of things, I have to try to keep a clear mind so that I'm giving him the best care." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the top of her priority list is trying to find a pediatrician; Ken suffers from asthma and his health is put at risk by the thick wildfire smoke. Read more: Satellite photos show intense power, devastation of the Mountain fire "We have been doing everything in our power to keep him in filtered air and clean air so he doesn't get triggered by the ash," she said, "because all of his medication and inhaler burned up." When Brittanie received the evacuation alert around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, she ran to the nursery to try to pack up the baby's essentials, such as clothing and medicine. But, glancing out a window, she was met with a terrifying sight giant flames leaping from structures just one street away as the wind swept smoke up the hill and toward her house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no time to pack; the priority now was getting everyone out alive. The Mountain fire destroyed homes on both sides of Old Coach Drive in Camarillo. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) She grabbed her baby and helped her mother-in law, Denise Bibby, her grandmother-in-law, Huguette Doucette, and her two elderly dogs get out of the house. As she sped away, flames from burning brush leaped up and lapped over the car. A dark thought went through her head "I'm not going to survive." The Bibbys made it safely to a friend's house. About three hours later, Brittanie felt herself going into shock. "I went from being somewhat comfortable to absolutely freezing," she said. "Even though the house was like 75 degrees, my fingers turned blue and I had to be covered in blankets and sweaters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby Ken has also been affected and is having difficulties sleeping in his confusing new surroundings. "We're very sleep-deprived, because he spends a lot of the night crying," she said. His parents are also on edge as they face an uncertain future. They are still awaiting information from their trust attorney on whether the home was insured and are researching relief grants they may be eligible for. On Sunday, Kenneth is planning on returning to work as a crew member at Trader Joe's. On Monday, Brittanie is scheduled to start a full-time customer service job at Walmart. After feeling so happy to finally be settled into their new home, it's hard for the couple to adjust to this post-fire reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a big system shock, almost like you're in a bad dream," said Brittanie. "You just want to wake up." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Twenty years ago, on Nov. 7, 2004, a coalition assault force of more than 15,000 troops, mostly Marines, launched a massive attack on the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Over the next seven weeks they would retake the city, capturing or killing as many as 2,000 insurgents who had controlled the stronghold since April 2004 following the killing and mutilation of four private U.S. security contractors. But the coalition and Marines did not fight through long days and nights unscathed. The Second Battle of Fallujah known as Operation Phantom Fury was the most intense urban fighting of the Iraq War, more even than the initial surge into Baghdad during the 2003 invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimated population of Fallujah in 2004 was fewer than 300,000 residents. All but 30,000 fled the city ahead of the fight. Baghdad, meanwhile, had a population of more than 5.7 million. In the bloody street-by-street, house-by-house fighting, 82 U.S. troops died and another 600 were wounded. Fallujah marked the most intense urban fighting the Marine Corps had seen since the Battle of Hue during the Vietnam War. And though the November 2004 battle is considered a success, the city would fall approximately a decade later to Islamic State fighters, who held the city until 2016 when they were defeated by Iraqi-led coalition forces. Today, two decades after Marines entered the hornets nest, Fallujah is regarded for its ferocity and the lessons it yields for Marines in a future urban fight. And in 2023, the Navy laid the keel for the future amphibious assault ship Fallujah, named in honor of the Marines who fought in the battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fallujah has come to represent Iraq to the Marine Corps, said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel who now serves as a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Members of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Bravo Company, move back to the front line after 48 hours of rest at their base on November 20, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. (Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images) Politics, media and social media Public attention and political pressure were major factors in both the first in the spring of 2004 and second battles of Fallujah, as calls at the time for more aggressive operations sounded from Washington. That push resulted in Marines, who had only been in the Fallujah area for two weeks prior to the spring operation, being rushed into the city without proper planning, resources or training. Marines took the subsequent five months to refit, redistribute and coordinate before launching the second large-scale assault on the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also modified was media coverage of the war. During the first battle the Marines did not include embedded reporters, which allowed insurgents to propagandize anything coming out of the fight to garner outside support. In the second battle of Fallujah, however, the Marines embedded as many as 60 reporters with units to highlight the atrocities being committed by insurgents. Getting the U.S. side of the fighting out through the media, Cancian said, helped ease pressure on politicians and allowed military leaders to conduct the operation. Since that time, development of new technology that favors urban defenders, the presence of social media and real-time evolution of urban combat in Gaza and Ukraine have raised the stakes for how the Marine Corps, and the U.S. military as a whole, prepares for another urban fight. Todays constant stream of online video, such as battlefield footage regularly posted from Ukraine and Gaza, allows for a flood of disinformation, which could again ratchet up pressure on civilian leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marines were trying to move into Fallujah, a pretty bloody and destructive battle that was on TV. Political leadership blinked and told the Marine Corps to stand down, Cancian said. If were ever in this situation where you get these images of destruction and death day after day, that creates a backlash and were seeing that in Gaza. While military leaders today might plan for such challenges with political leaders, Cancian is skeptical if that will even help. I say that because politics is a very short term, immediate game, Cancian said. Hes not alone in his thinking. Retired Army Maj. John Spencer, a leading expert on urban warfare who fought in battles in Iraq in 2003 and the Siege of Sadr City in 2008, co-authored a case study of the battle for the Modern War Institute. The study captures the demands of the fight, which still might differ from what an urban, peer adversary fight would look like today. Marines burn their fortifications on front line positions in Fallujah, Iraq, before pulling out of the city in April 2004. (John Moore/AP) A single Marine tank company in Fallujah, for example, fired 1,600 main gun rounds, 121,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds and nearly 50,000 .50-caliber machine gun rounds. Most of their targets were within 200 yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Marine weapons company reported that, on a daily basis, each of its six assault teams used an average of six satchel charges, three cases of Bangalore torpedoes and 10 shoulder-launched weapons. Over the course of the battle, coalition forces fired more than 4,000 artillery rounds, dropped 318 aerial bombs and fired 391 rockets to support ground troops in the city. Those munitions figures align with Canadian Army doctrine, which estimates urban operations consume four times the amount of ammunition, according to the case study. The same doctrine shows that such fighting can create three to six times the number of casualties and require nearly three times the amount of water and rations per soldier than operations in other terrain. Lance Cpl. Chris Lowe was one of the Marines in Fallujah and saw firsthand the effects of those rounds, bombs and rockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowe, then 20 years old, served as a warehouse clerk but was assigned to a security detail with the 5th Marine Regiments bomb technicians. He manned machine guns and automatic grenade launchers as bomb techs blasted Improvised Explosive Devices and other hazards all over the citys cluttered battlefield. Youre bound to come across carnage, particularly in our line of work it happens, he told Marine Corps Times. The post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury that Lowe experienced surfaced after the fight, he said, mostly when he got home. He struggled over the ensuing years, eventually leaving the Marine Corps in 2016. For more than 14 years Lowe has been working with a case manager at the Semper Fi and Americas Fund, which has provided him neurological fitness training and financial assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his post-war struggles, when Lowe looks back on that harrowing experience, he wants people to know how much the battle meant to those who fought it. The time spent there, the blood, sweat and tears and even laughter because there were a lot of really good times, good camaraderie those memories are going to last forever, he said. The best I can do is live for those who cannot come back. Marines pray over a fallen comrade after he died from wounds suffered in fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, April 8, 2004. (Murad Sezer/AP) Preparing for the next Fallujah Both Spencer and Cancian told Marine Corps Times that they dont see much preparation in the Marine Corps or the Army when it comes to facing another Fallujah. There was a massive battle in the hospital in the first days, Spencer said. The enemy [was set up] in a hospital. But I dont think you could repeat Fallujah II today, based on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the 2004 battle, both commercial and military technology have advanced. Everything from target-recognition software to commercial drones are now accessible to any nation and non-state actors. But if a future urban fight arises, the Marines will be without one critical tool tanks. Former Commandant Gen. David Berger discarded tanks from the Marine Corps inventory in 2021. In the Modern War Institute case study, authors noted that, in the early days of fighting, an armor-backed task force maneuvered through the city rapidly while dismounted Marines stalled following a breach failure. Cancian argued that, prior to the Marine Corps Force Design changes, which eliminated tanks, the service should have at least preserved an enhanced battalion of six armor companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berger said at the time that if the Marines need armor in the future, the Army can be relied upon. But both Cancian and Spencer doubt that pairing the two will be that easy. For one, Spencer said, integrating infantry and armor requires training. Without regular work between Marine infantry units and Army tankers, theres not much practice. Spencer noted that time also plays a factor. Russias early struggles in urban fighting in Ukraine came in part from the brief buildup to the invasion, he said. In Gaza, Hamas fighters had decades to lay their defenses. The lesson is, if you give them the time to prepare its going to be a lot harder to take the city or do it without destruction, Spencer said. A Marine carries a mascot for good luck in his backpack as his unit pushed further into the western part of Fallujah, Iraq, Nov. 14, 2004. (Anja Niedringhaus/AP) Its unlikely the U.S. will have a first go at an urban battle against an adversary such as Russia or China and be able to reset for five months before launching another operation, he said. Spencer has long advocated, as a partial solution, for both the Army and Marine Corps to create permanent urban training centers, expert staff, training manuals and better gear. That wide-reaching resolution may not be as feasible with current military priorities and spending, however. Still, adding urban combat planning into military education and pushing leaders to dedicate a portion of their regular training to that environment are good first steps, he said. But in 2020, the Marines canceled what was supposed to be a five-year-long experiment on urban technology and tactics in favor of developing new formations for its anticipated naval role in the Pacific. The Marine Corps has essentially moved on strategically from an urban fight and counterinsurgency, Cancian said. 233 of Texas 254 counties swung toward Trump in 2024 election AUSTIN (KXAN) Former President Donald Trump is heading back to the White House after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesdays presidential election. In Texas, Trump received almost 6.4 million votes more than any other candidate in presidential election history. His vote total was just over 500,000 more than he received in 2020. Harris received a little more than 4.8 million votes, about 425,000 fewer than Joe Biden received in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More election coverage: Trump won the most votes in 242 of Texas 254 counties. Harris only won 12 counties, down from the 22 that Biden won in 2020. Harris won the major population centers of Harris, Dallas, Bexar and Travis counties, but Trump was able to flip Tarrant and Williamson counties, along with several counties along Texas southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump netted the most votes from Montgomery County, north of Houston, where his margin of victory was almost 140,000 votes. He also won Parker, Denton and Collin counties, all suburban counties in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, by more than 50,000 votes each. Harris, meanwhile, saw a huge margin in Travis County, winning more than 228,000 votes more than Trump there, but that margin was reduced from about 275,000 in the 2020 presidential election. Democratic margins were also reduced in Texas other largest cities, down from 291,000 to 188,000 in Dallas County, from 218,000 to 86,000 in Harris County, from 140,000 to 74,000 in Bexar County and from 94,000 to 38,000 in El Paso County. The final margin statewide was more than 1.5 million votes, up from just 631,000 votes in 2020. Trumps margin of 13.68 percentage points was the largest presidential margin of victory in Texas since the 2012 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landslides to nail-biters: A history of presidential elections in Texas Almost every county in Texas swung toward Trump compared to the 2020 election. Statewide, 233 counties moved in Trumps direction, while only 21 swung to the left. The largest swings were in Texas border counties. Maverick, Webb, Starr, Dimmit, and El Paso counties all swung more than 20 points to the right. Another 18 counties shifted rightward by more than 10 points. Only two counties moved in the Democrats favor by more than 5 points. Loving County, the least-populated county in the state, swung toward Harris by 7.8 points, while Kaufman County, a suburban Dallas county that is the fastest-growing in the nation, swung left by 6.1 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. MOSCOW, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- It is too early to discuss prospects for improving Russia-U.S. relations, local media reported Friday, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains willing and open to dialogue with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump but arranging a time would come later. The spokesman recalled that during the election campaign, Trump mentioned that he intended to contact Putin personally. During his speech at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club Thursday, Putin said he congratulated Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election and that he was ready to hold discussions with Trump. CHICAGO Members of the city council may next week take a vote on the mayors proposed property tax levy increase. More than half of the citys 50 alders on Thursday signed a letter calling for the special meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the City Council chambers. Twenty-six of them need to appear to reach quorum, and 34 need to vote to suspend the rules in order to vote. Mayor Brandon Johnson late last month proposed a $300 million property tax hike in an effort to close a nearly $1B budget gap. Without passage, the mayor said the city would be forced to reduce its workforce by 17 percent, impacting thousands of city workers, including police and fire officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fourteen alders almost immediately signed a letter to the mayor calling the proposal a non-starter for us and our constituents. $300M property tax hike in Chicago mayors 2025 budget proposal, but no layoffs The 7 demands Chicago alders have for mayors 2025 budget Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) shared Thursdays request to City Clerk Anna Valencia on social media, saying, Its time to reject the property tax increase ASAP, so we can negotiate a real budget that actually has a prayer of passing before the end of 2024. City Council has until the end of the year to approve a budget. The council approved a $588 million property tax hike in 2015 under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons proposal has not yet been passed by the citys Committee on Budget and Government Operations. In addition to Reilly, Thursdays letter was signed by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th Ward), Ald. Anthony Beale (9th Ward), Ald. Peter Chico (10th Ward), Ald. Marty Quinn (13th Ward), Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez (14th Ward), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward), Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th Ward), Ald. Matt OShea (19th Ward), Ald. Jeannette Taylor (20thWard), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd Ward), Ald. Monique Scott (24th Ward), Ald. Ruth Cruz (30th Ward), Ald. Felix Cardona (31st Ward), Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward), Ald. Bill Conway (34th Ward), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), Ald. Emma Mitts (37th Ward), Ald. Nick Sposato (38th Ward), Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward), Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st Ward), Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward), Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward), Ald. James Gardiner (45th Ward), Ald. Angela Clay (46th Ward), Ald. Matt Martin (47th Ward), Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward), and Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th Ward). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The blender and founder of a bourbon brand visited Williquors in Sioux Falls as part of a market visit. Dixon Dedman started 2XO in 2022 and says that the brands goal is to amplify flavors in their bourbon. Offering options for out of control cat population So 2XO is a program about building complexity across the palate you know kind of weight and viscosity to the bourbon that makes it a little more palatable little more drinkable a little more approachable, a little more enjoyable I think, said Dixon Dedman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dedman revived a family brand of whisky in 2014, which inspired him to move forward with 2XO, which he hopes to one day pass on to his children. 2XO can be purchased at Williquors. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. GAITHERSBURG, Md. (DC News Now) Police said three people are facing charges including a teen in connection to the shooting of a 17-year-old in Montgomery Village. The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said on Thursday, Nov. 7 around 5 p.m., officers were patrolling the 7900 block of Spiceberry Circle when they noticed a gray Honda Odyssey parked in front of an apartment building. Thats when police noticed three people get out of the minivan and enter the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man critically hurt in DC robbery spree dies nearly 2 weeks later Shortly after, police said one of the suspects shot a 17-year-old boy in the building before fleeing the area in the van. The police department said officers began helping the teen until medics arrived. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As the investigation continued, officers tried to pull over the Honda, but the driver did not stop. During the chase, the Honda continued driving erratically through several neighborhoods and then continued onto Interstate 270. MCPD said the chase continued to the area of Longdraft and Clopper Roads, where the suspects got out of the Honda and ran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osteria Mozza DC ready to open in Georgetown In response, officers set up a perimeter and with the assistance of K-9 Units, all three suspects; 20-year-old Terrence Stover, of Germantown, 19-year-old Tyriq Roberts Hawkins, of Germantown, and a 16-year-old male of Olney, were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing unit. Police said they were charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder. The 16-year-old was charged as an adult. The group is being held without bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Makayla Lomax, 31, Marrisa Johnson, 26, and Morgan Donahue, 21, are all charged with endangering the welfare of a child Smyrna Police Dept From left: Marrisa Johnson, Makayla Lomax and Morgan Donahue From left: Marrisa Johnson, Makayla Lomax and Morgan Donahue Three workers at a Delaware elementary school were arrested after authorities allege they abused children with special needs. Makayla Lomax, 31, Marrisa Johnson, 26, and Morgan Donahue, 21, are all charged with endangering the welfare of a child, according to a press release shared by the Smyrna Police Department in early November. Lomax also faces charges of third-degree child abuse and offensive touching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if the suspects have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf. An investigation that began in February showed that employees working in an elementary school classroom for students with special needs within the Smyrna School District would allegedly throw objects at the students, yell at them, and call them names, per the release. According to police, Johnson and Donahue are accused of feeding Takis with hot sauce to a student with special needs in late 2022 knowing the child had a digestive disability. Additionally, Lomax allegedly hit a student in the face and sprayed the victim with a water bottle as a form of discipline, police said. Authorities have not released further details regarding the investigation. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The Smyrna School District released a statement on Nov. 6 following the announcement of the arrests, saying the district was cooperative with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relevant employees have not been in the presence of our students since the district was made aware of the alleged wrongdoing, the statement read, in part. Most individuals alleged to be involved no longer work for the District, it continued. With regard to the remaining employees, the District will honor employee privacy rights with regard to separation of employment, and we will make our reports to the Department of Educations Division of Licensure and Certification. Lawmakers in Berlin have paid tribute to the courage of the residents of the former East Germany, as the reunified country prepared to mark 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. In a debate on Friday in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, politicians questioned the impact of German reunification on the residents of the former socialist dictatorship, while warning that the democratic rights they fought for are once again under threat. The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989 after months of peaceful protests in East Germany, with full reunification coming less than a year later in October 1990. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The East Germans did a great service to democracy," said Bundestag President Barbel Bas from the governing Social Democrats (SPD). "They also gave the whole world a model for a peaceful revolution." Bas said that while reunification did not impact everyday life for most western Germans, the residents of the newly incorporated eastern states - known as Ossis - faced major disruption. "The upheaval was associated with great hardships and they had to build a new life," Bas said. "This is an impressive achievement that deserves great recognition, not just on an anniversary." Christiane Schenderlin of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) said the fall of the Berlin Wall was a symbol of the history of freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The achievements of 1989 were by no means self-evident. And we must do everything we can to defend them," she argued. SPD lawmaker Fabian Funke also warned that democracy cannot be taken for granted. "Wherever it exists, it has been fought for, and can be destroyed again," he suggested. A man drives past posters commemorating the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, displayed on a former section of the Wall. The posters, created by citizens, carry the motto "Uphold freedom!". Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) Kentucky law enforcement said they conducted a round up earlier this week, resulting in the arrests of four people in relation to a fentanyl trafficking investigation. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force said the following four individuals were taken into custody on Monday, Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Nov. 5: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bronson Fuller, 20, of Olmstead, has been charged with first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (fentanyl, first offense), first-degree possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl, first offense), and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000. Sara Wright, 25, of Russellville, has been charged with first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (fentanyl, first offense). Her bond was set at $10,000. Dakota Leaster, 24, of Russellville, has been charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (fentanyl, first offense), three counts of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (first offense), and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $15,000. Nathan Holland, 22, of Russellville, has been charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (fentanyl, first offense), three counts of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (first offense), and persistent felony offender. His bond was set at $10,000 for each case. Sara Wright (Courtesy: South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force) Dakota Leaster (Courtesy: South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force) Nathan Holland (Courtesy: South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force) Members of the Logan County Sheriffs Office and the Russellville Police Department reportedly assisted with the operation. 5 charged after 2-year-old, several dogs found caged in Kentucky home: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, officials said the drug task force is still looking for 20-year-old Carson Parker, who faces fentanyl-related charges, and Timothy Anderson, who has active warrants related to trafficking methamphetamine. Carson Parker (Courtesy: South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force) Timothy Anderson (Courtesy: South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force) Authorities said you could receive a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of either individual. If you want to share a tip with law enforcement, call 270-726-5050. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. YEMASSEE, S.C. (WSAV) Police in South Carolina were asking for the publics help in locating some 40 primates that escaped from a research facility on Wednesday. The animals escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, according to the Yemassee Police Department. Officials cautioned the public against trying to interact with the primates, if spotted. If you see any of them, please DO NOT approach or attempt to interact with them; instead, contact 911 immediately! police instructed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents were strongly advised to keep the doors and windows of their homes secured to prevent the animals from entering. Man who took in Peanut the squirrel says its surreal officials euthanized his pet Yemassee police set up traps in the area and were using thermal-imaging cameras in their search. The Yemassee Police Department has multiple officers collaborating with Alpha Genesis personnel to resolve this situation, police said. Its not the first time primates have escaped in the area. Nexstars WSAV reported on a group of monkeys that escaped in May 2016. According to the report, the monkeys were among thousands bred on Morgan Island, South Carolina, and used by facilities like Alpha Genesis to test potentially life-saving medical procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alpha Genesis Inc. provides nonhuman primate products and bio-research services worldwide, according to their website. This includes serum, plasma, whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and tissue samples. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Four hundred North Memphis families lined up Thursday to receive a weeks worth of food along with other items provided by local organizations. The event was called FedEx Cares, a collaboration with The Womens Foundation for a Greater Memphis, Feed the Children and The Neighborhood Christian Centers, which is where the event was hosted. One in six people in the Memphis area are food insecure, said Rachel Kesselman, FedEx Communications Advisor. Its a great time to give back and to serve our neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of volunteers put their words into action. One-by-one, families pulled up, receiving 25 pounds of non-perishables along with hygiene and beauty products. These are things that people may not know, but SNAP benefits dont cover those types of essential items, and by providing these products we are hoping again that they are helping the families stretch those budgets further, said Colleen Ridenhour, Feed The Children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Books and board games were also provided, allowing kiddos to get lost while flipping through the pages. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. YANGON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police seized 610,000 stimulant tablets in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, according to the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) late Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, a joint anti-narcotic task force intercepted a vehicle in the state's Yatsauk township on Nov. 4 and confiscated the drugs along with three mobile phones. The seized drugs had a street value of 305 million kyats (about 145,238 U.S. dollars). Two suspects were arrested. The suspects were charged under the Southeast Asian country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were underway, the CCDAC said. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Forty-three monkeys bred for medical research that escaped a compound in South Carolina have been spotted in the woods near the site and workers are using food to try to recapture them, authorities said Friday. The Rhesus macaques made a break for it Wednesday after an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee didn't fully lock a door as she fed and checked on them, officials said. They are very social monkeys and they travel in groups, so when the first couple go out the door the others tend to just follow right along, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westergaard said his main goal is to have the monkeys returned safely with no other problems. I think they are having an adventure, he said. The monkeys on Friday were exploring the outer fence of the Alpha Genesis compound and are cooing at the monkeys inside, police said in a statement. The primates are exhibiting calm and playful behavior, which is a positive indication, the police statement said, adding company workers are closely watching the monkeys while keeping their distance as they work to safely recapture them. The monkeys are about the size of a cat. They are all females weighing about 7 pounds (3 kilograms). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alpha Genesis, federal health officials and police all said the monkeys pose no risk to public health. The facility breeds the monkeys to sell to medical and other researchers. They are not infected with any disease whatsoever. They are harmless and a little skittish, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander said Thursday. Authorities still recommend that people who live near the compound about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Yemassee shut their windows and doors and call 911 if they see the monkeys. Approaching them could make them more skittish and harder to capture, officials said. Eve Cooper, a biology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who has studied rhesus macaques, said the animals have the potential to be dangerous and urged people to keep their distance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhesus macaques monkeys can be aggressive. And some carry the herpes B virus, which can be fatal to humans, Cooper said. However, Alpha Genesis states on its website that it specializes in pathogen-free primates. Cooper noted that there are pathogen-free populations of rhesus macaques that have been quarantined and tested. I would give them a wide berth, Cooper said. Theyre unpredictable animals. And they can behave quite aggressively when theyre afraid. Alpha Genesis provides primates for research worldwide at its compound about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locally, it is known as the monkey farm. And there is more amusement than panic around Yemassee and its population of about 1,100 just off Interstate 95 about 2 miles from Auldbrass Plantation, a Frank Lloyd Wright house designed in the 1930s. There have been escapes before, but the monkeys haven't caused problems, said William McCoy, who owns Lowcountry Horology, a clock and watch repair shop. They normally come home because thats where the food is," he said. McCoy has lived in Yemassee for about two years and while he plans to stay away from the monkeys, he has his own light-hearted plan to get them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im stocking up bananas, maybe theyll show up," McCoy said. The Alpha Genesis compound is regularly inspected by federal officials. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fined Alpha Genesis $12,600 in part after officials said 26 primates escaped from the Yemassee facility in 2014 and an additional 19 got out in 2016. The company's fine was also issued because of individual monkey escapes as well as the killing of one monkey by others when it was placed in the wrong social group, according to a report from the USDA. The group Stop Animal Exploitation Now sent a letter Thursday to the USDA asking the agency to immediately send an inspector to the Alpha Genesis facility, conduct a thorough investigation and treat them as a repeated violator. The group was involved in the 2018 fine against the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clear carelessness which allowed these 40 monkeys to escape endangered not only the safety of the animals, but also put the residents of South Carolina at risk, wrote Michael Budkie, executive director of the group. The USDA, which has inspected the compound 10 times since 2020, didn't immediately respond to the letter. The facility's most recent federal inspection in May showed there were about 6,700 primates on site and no issues. In a 2022 review, federal veterinarians reported two animals died when their fingers were trapped in structures and they were exposed to harsh weather. They also found cages weren't adequately secure. Inspectors said criminal charges, civil penalties or other sanctions could follow if the problems weren't fixed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Alpha Genesis has undergone six inspections with minor problems reported only once. In January 2023, the USDA said temperatures were out of the 45 to 85 degree Fahrenheit (7.2 to 29.5 degree Celsius) required range at some of the compound's monkey cages. The inspection found moldy food in one bin, sharp edges on a gate that could cut an animal and sludge, food waste, used medical supplies, mechanical equipment, and general construction debris on the grounds. Supporters of medical research involving nonhuman primates said they are critical to lifesaving medical advances like creating vaccines against COVID-19 because of their similarities to people. Keeping a domestic supply of the animals is critical to prevent shortages for U.S. researchers. Humans have been using the rhesus macaque for scientific research since the late 1800s. Scientists believe that rhesus macaques and humans split from a common ancestor about 25 million years ago and share about 93% of the same DNA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These monkeys have been launched into space on V2 rockets, used for AIDS research, had their genome mapped and made stars of their own reality television show. They were in such high demand in the early 2000s that a shortage led to scientists paying up to $10,000 per animal. Outside of rats and mice, rhesus macaques are one of the most studied animals on the planet, said Dario Maestripieri, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago who wrote the 2007 book Macachiavellian Intelligence: How Rhesus Macaques and Humans Have Conquered the World. The animals are very family oriented, siding with relatives when fights break out. And theyre adept at building political alliances in the face of threats from other monkeys. But they can be painful to watch. Monkeys with lower status in the hierarchy live in a constant state of fear and intimidation, Maestripieri said. In some ways, they kind of represent some of the worst aspects of human nature, Maestripieri said. ___ Lovan reported from Louisville, Kentucky, and Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia. Numbers don't tell the whole story of an election, but they often help. Here are five numbers that help explain former President Donald Trump's Tuesday win in Michigan over Vice President Kamala Harris, which came as a surprise to some. 45 That's the percentage of Michigan voters who said Tuesday their family's financial situation was worse than it was four years ago, compared to 15% who said that during the 2020 election, according to exit polls conducted by Edison Research. Also, 27% of voters said the economy a big Trump talking point mattered most in making their decision. Only 17% cited abortion, which was a major issue in the Harris campaign, the exit poll showed. 29 That's the number of percentage points Harris beat Trump by in Wayne County, which is Michigan's most populous county and a Democratic stronghold. That's down from the 38 percentage points President Joe Biden beat Trump by in 2020. The greatly reduced thrashing Trump received in Wayne County accounts for a big share of Trump's 82,000-vote advantage over Harris statewide. 18 That's the percentage of the vote Green Party candidate Jill Stein received in Dearborn Tuesday, compared to the less than 1% Stein received statewide. No number better illustrates the extent of anger in some parts of the Michigan community over the Biden administration's strong support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. 15 That's how many of Michigan's 83 counties Trump won by 70% or more on Tuesday. It's almost double the eight counties Trump won by 70% or better in 2020, when he faced Biden. Improving his performance in counties that already reliably vote Republican was also a key to Trump's Michigan win. 9 That's how many of Michigan's 83 counties Harris won, down from the 11 President Joe Biden won when he was the statewide winner in 2020. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won only eight counties when she lost the state to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free Press staff writer Kristi Tanner contributed to this report. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 5 numbers that help explain why Donald Trump won Michigan The dust is settling on the 2024 election after President-elect Trumps unexpectedly comfortable victory. Now both parties are looking to the exit polls for lessons as to how Trump won, why Vice President Harris lost and how the trends might affect future elections. There are some important caveats, including that some exit polls are still being updated by fresh data even days after the election. Also, there are two major surveys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is an exit poll conducted by Edison Research for a media consortium comprised of ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN. Another is a voter analysis for The Associated Press and Fox News, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago. The two methods usually produce broadly similar results but not always. In any event, here are five major takeaways from the exit polls. Latino men moved toward Trump in a big way The sheer scale of the pro-Trump shift among Latino men was one of the most startling discoveries in the CNN exit poll. Back in 2020, Latino men went for President Biden over Trump by a 23 point margin, 59 percent to 36 percent. Four years later, they flipped, voting for Trump over Harris by a 12 point margin, 55 percent to 43 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gigantic swing among those voters contrasted with a more modest swing among Latina women, whose 69 percent backing for Biden in 2020 ticked down to 60 percent backing Harris. Explanations vary for exactly why the shift occurred among Latino men. Pro-Trump voices contend that the president-elects economic message resonated with Latino voters generally, and that perceived Democratic overreach on social and cultural issues such as trans rights might have alienated Latino men in particular. A different, harsher thesis is that sexism and racism might have been the catalysts for the fall-off in support for a female Democratic nominee of Black and Indian descent. The abortion-rights wave never materialized for Harris Perhaps the single greatest disappointment regarding election turnout for Democrats was the fact that there was no wave of female voters to lift Harris to victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party had hoped such a wave would materialize in the first presidential election since Roe v. Wade was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2022. There was plenty of evidence to support the idea. Up until Election Day, the liberal side had won every state ballot initiative on abortion post-Roe. Trump himself had blamed GOP messaging on abortion for his partys underwhelming performance in the 2022 midterms. But this time around, there was no real sign that abortion helped Harris the same way. Neither the CNN exit poll nor the AP/Fox survey showed any dramatic change among female voters over the past four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, both surveys showed women breaking for Harris by a smaller margin than they did for Biden four years ago. The CNN exit poll indicated Harriss advantage with women was 8 points, rather than Bidens 15 points in 2020. The AP/Fox survey found a 7 point edge for Harris rather than Bidens 12 point advantage. This underperformance is the source of some puzzlement among Democrats, not least because the liberal side prevailed in seven of the 10 states that voted on abortion-related ballot measures on Tuesday. Florida also saw a majority of voters back an effort to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution but the 57 percent who voted that way fell short of the 60 percent supermajority required. The young vote shifted several notches to the right The Trump campaigns media strategy included a number of interviews with podcasters most notably Joe Rogan who appeal predominantly to a younger male audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anecdotal evidence also suggests that the traditional pattern whereby each new generation is more liberal than the one before is undergoing a disruption. The exit polls bore this out with younger voters overall showing a clear shift toward Trump. Among those under age 30, Harriss edge was a mere 5 points, according to the AP/Fox survey. Biden prevailed by 25 points in 2020. The survey did not, however, show this shift was especially more pronounced among men. Male voters under age 45 moved from giving Biden a 7 point edge in 2020 to backing Trump by 6 points in 2024. But Harriss advantage with women under age 45 was also just 12 points, half of the 24 point edge Biden enjoyed. A mixed picture on the Black male vote The issue of whether or not Harris was having difficulty with Black male voters was a hot media topic for much of her campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also one of the few issues where the two main voter surveys produced contradictory results. The CNN exit poll showed very little difference in Black male voting behavior from four years before. Trump edged up his support by only 2 points, from 19 percent to 21 percent. Thats a shift so small it could perhaps be chalked up to noise a random statistical variation. However, the AP/Fox survey produced a much different picture, with Trump doubling his share of the Black male vote from 12 percent to 24 percent. Its possible that the disparity will be reduced as more data is processed for the exit polls. But for now, the question mark over what happened demonstrates the inconsistencies even in postelection data. Jewish voters stuck with Democrats The sizable Arab American vote in Michigan was another media fixation in the last days of the campaign fairly, given the catastrophe in Gaza and the more recent Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Arab-majority city of Dearborn, Trump actually received the plurality of votes while the Green Partys Jill Stein a vigorous critic of Bidens support for Israel pulled a startling 18 percent. Conversely, there were also suggestions before the election that the traditional Jewish backing of Democrats might weaken, as the GOP sharpened attack lines revolving around a purported lack of Democratic concern over antisemitism. There was no real evidence this happened. The AP/Fox survey found only a very slight ebbing of Jewish support, with Harris getting 66 percent support compared to Bidens 69 percent in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the likely small sample size Jewish voters cast just 3 percent of all ballots a shift so small could again be mere statistical noise. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Six months after a Hardin County man vanished, police have arrested his son on murder charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Dustin Bolen, 42, was indicted by a Hardin County grand jury Thursday on charges of murder, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, theft, and other charges, according to court records reviewed by News Center 7. The charges are stemming from the death of his father Michael Bolen, 66, a spokesperson for the Hardin County Sheriffs Office said in a media release Thursday. Michael has not been since since March 29, according to WLIO-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michaels body has not been found despite numerous searches since he was last seen, the station reported. TRENDING STORIES: Dustin lived with his father at their home in McGuffey, Ohio, which is about 20 miles east of Lima, Limaohio.com reported. Dustin remains booked in the Multi County Correctional Facility in Marion ahead of his arraignment on the charges. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local veteran is helping businesses cook up success. On Ludlow Street, youll find a kitchen inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Part of the three-person team that brought the kitchen to Dayton is Charlynda Scales, an Air Force Veteran who wanted to bring a new kind of service to her community. Its the idea of serving others and putting it into practice, how do we serve this community? 6888 Kitchen is our love letter to Dayton, said Scales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The location not only provides a state-of-the-art kitchen but also mentorship programs and access to capital. Starting in early 2024, the kitchen has already seen an influx of business owners looking to expand their products and inspire creation. It helped me get my clientele up where I could initially start monthly and that in itself speaks volumes, and gave me an opportunity to put myself out there. And it has definitely been a different experience for my business. It has made me elevate, and I actually love being down here, said Martina Scott, Boss Potatoes LLC owner. The numbers in 6888 Kitchen are no accident it was specifically chosen to honor the Six Triple Eight the first and only all-black womens Army Corps that was deployed in World War II. When we were trying to figure out what to name this, we talked with a radio station that said you remind me of the 6 Triple Eight, said Scales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During World War II, the Six Triple Eight was sent to recover 1.7 million parcels of mail that was stuck in a warehouse. It was believed that soldiers would lose their morale if they did not hear from home. Morale means hearing from your loved ones. We can help win the war by doing our small part, said Scales. The unit also had a close connection to the Gem City. In the research for the 6888, we found out that their commander Lt. Colonel Charity Adams Earley was a resident of Dayton Ohio, said Scales. Whether its through cooking up success, or inspiring others to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, Scales says that she hopes that the kitchen is a continuation of her service but with a hometown feel while remembering the brave women of the 6888. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is American history. This is an untold story of how we won the war. And we want people to learn that story, said Scales. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. UPDATE (8:53 p.m): The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has reopened westbound I-70 between Colby and the Colorado border. KDOT warns that several other highways are still closed, and winter weather is expected in Colorado, impacting Kansas drivers, through Saturday morning. Drivers should be on the lookout for changing road conditions. GOODLAND (KSNT) Kansas transportation officials have closed westbound I-70 heading into Colorado again on Thursday due to winter weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced in a press release that officials have closed westbound I-70 at Goodland due to the threat of severe winter weather conditions in Colorado. Drivers are being warned that this closure could last through the weekend. The highway was first closed on Nov. 6 due to wintry conditions. KDOT said it may become necessary to close additional parts of I-70 or other nearby highways in the state to help prevent drivers from becoming stranded. People traveling through western Kansas are urged to remain alert for changing weather and call 511 or visit kandrive.gov for the latest updates on road conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) station based out of Goodland issued an alert for the area on social media for moderate and heavy snow. Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect in many nearby counties in western Kansas and eastern Colorado. Dangerous or impossible travel conditions are likely along the I-70 corridor in western portions of Kit Carson County, CO tonight through Friday night. All secondary roadways will be impacted as well! NWS Goodland station social media post excerpt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is fluffy popcorn and why is it dangerous to your health? For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. An 82-year-old white woman was arrested for a suspected hate crime and assault following an altercation with Trump supporters in which she confronted one about voting for the former president based on her skin color, according to a police report. The incident occurred on Monday, a day before the general election, at an intersection where several Trump supporters were gathered in Edmonds, Washington, located about 17 miles north of Seattle. The suspect, who was not publicly identified by police, is accused of pushing and punching a 55-year-old female Trump supporter after getting into a verbal altercation, Edmonds police said. She is accused of then punching in the chin a 66-year-old female Trump supporter who intervened while demonstrating how she pushed the initial supporter, according to the probable cause statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Neither victim suffered significant injury nor required medical treatment," the Edmonds Police Department said in a press release on Wednesday. PHOTO: A still from body-camera footage of the suspect talking to an officer in Edmonds, Washington, Nov. 4, 2024. (Edmonds Police Department) The suspect has not been charged in the incident, a Snohomish County prosecutor's office spokesperson told ABC News on Thursday. The case will be reviewed by the prosecutor's office for any charging decision. The suspect, who was wearing a Harris-Walz pin, told a responding officer that she approached the first supporter and said, "I want to know why you're voting for Trump," according to body camera footage obtained and reviewed by ABC News. "And I said, 'Because you're brown-skinned.'" "I hate the racism in this country, I hate how people are treated," the suspect continued. "And so I'm wondering, why would somebody with brown skin support this man? And that was my question." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told the officer the Trump supporter "immediately started screaming 'racist'" in her face. "And my response was to push her away, and I put my hand to her chin, and I pushed on her shoulder," the suspect said. "And it wasn't hard. But I did do that." "I didn't help the situation," she added. MORE: Election Day 2024 live updates The Trump supporter told another responding officer in the body camera footage that the suspect told her, "You should know better." "I said why? Because of my skin color? I said, 'You're a racist,'" she said. "Then she came up and she pushed me. And then she hit me in the frickin' chin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She obviously didn't hurt me," she continued. "But it's like, you know what, we have freedom of speech, you can say whatever you want. You can't touch me." When asked if she wanted to press charges, the woman said yes. "That makes me nervous, you can't do that," she said. The second Trump supporter said the suspect hit her face while demonstrating the initial altercation. "It was pretty forceful," she told the officer. PHOTO: A still from body-camera footage of the suspect talking to an officer in Edmonds, Washington, Nov. 4, 2024. (Edmonds Police Department) The suspect told an officer at the scene that she has been wanting to talk to people of color who are supporting Trump. "I am definitely not a racist," the suspect said. "But I definitely want to flag people with brown skin or other color skins that, 'Hey, you realize what's gonna happen?'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's kind of racist if you're targeting certain individuals," the officer responded. "I'm not targeting them," she responded. The suspect was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for an alleged hate crime and assault, police said. She was released on personal recognizance following a probable cause hearing on Tuesday, according to the Snohomish County prosecutor's office spokesperson. There is no timeline on the case or any scheduled hearing dates, the prosecutor's office spokesperson said. ABC News was unable to reach the suspect for comment. The Trump supporter who was initially approached in the incident told Seattle ABC affiliate KOMO she was still in "shock." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She made it very clear it was my skin color," the woman told the station. MORE: 24-year-old man punches election judge in the face while waiting in line to vote: Police Edmonds Police Chief Michelle Bennett said in a statement that the officers "properly determined that this was more than just an assault and arrested the suspect for the appropriate charge." "The constitution protects peaceful rallies in our community, and community members should never be met with violence while exercising those rights," she said. Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen said he was "disheartened that this violence has occurred in our community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Community members peacefully showing political support should not be subject to hateful violence," he said in a statement. "I'm thankful there were no serious injuries, and the suspect was held accountable." 82-year-old Washington woman arrested for a suspected hate crime after allegedly assaulting Trump supporters originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A military judge has ruled that plea agreements in the 9/11 case were valid, making it possible for the three prisoners accused of helping to plot the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to be sentenced to life in prison instead of death. Col. Matthew McCall ruled Wednesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was too late and acting beyond his authority when he revoked the three separate pretrial agreements for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih bin Roshayed bin Attash, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi on Aug. 2. Austin pulled the deals two days after a senior Pentagon appointee, retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier, signed them. McCall said he would allow the three men to appear before his court to enter their pleas separately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His decision adds another page to the complicated and long-running case against Mohammed and four others charged in 2012 with conspiring in the 9/11 attacks. The men are currently being held at the infamous Guantanamo Bay facility. The three accused prisoners in Wednesdays ruling were all charged jointly in 2008 and again in 2012 in connection to the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people after the terrorist group al Qaeda hijacked two planes and crashed them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. But the case was bogged down by litigation over the CIAs torture of the defendants among other issues, leading prosecutors to reach a deal with the defendants this summer after two years of negotiations. But Escalliers approval of the plea deal drew blowback from some families of victims, New York City firefighters and high-profile Republicans. Some critics said the agreement would seal information and prevent the public from ever knowing what really happened 23 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin quickly moved to pull the agreement, saying at the time he believes that given the significance of the case, responsibility on what happens to the prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay should rest with me as the superior authority under the Military Commissions Act of 2009. McCall, however, said Escallier possessed the legal authority to sign the agreements. Its unclear if the Pentagon will move to appeal the judges decision, and Rear Adm. Aaron Rugh, the chief prosecutor for military commissions, said his team was discussing next steps, The New York Times reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SANAA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-British coalition launched two airstrikes on the Hodeidah province in northwestern Yemen on Friday, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. The strikes hit the southern district of At-Tuhayat, the television said. No further details or casualties were reported by the television, as the Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, rarely discloses its losses. Meanwhile, residents of At-Tuhayat reported on social media that they heard loud explosions at Houthi sites. The coalition has made no confirmation of the alleged strikes. Since November last year, the Houthi group has been launching rocket and drone attacks targeting what it described as "Israeli-linked" ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with Palestinians amid their conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip. In response, the U.S.-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has been conducting sporadic air raids and strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. Florida abortion funds plan to continue helping people access the procedure through financial aid and travel coordination. (Photo illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Emergency Medical Assistance, a West Palm Beach abortion fund founded in 1975, is on track to spend $550,000 helping people access abortion by the end of the year. Jessica Hatem, the funds executive director, said that although the group will continue its mission, its spending pace is unsustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While EMA received an influx of donations since Tuesdays elections, Hatem said the fund may need to cap how many people it awards financial assistance to cover the cost of the procedure and out-of-state travel. Increase in demand We cant keep spending $550,000 every single year. So, its not like we dont have the money to spend currently. But to plan for the future and especially as this landscape gets more and more hostile. The money needed to take on this hostile landscape is not there, she said in a phone interview with Florida Phoenix. Last year, before the state law took effect banning abortions after six weeks gestation in most cases, EMA spent roughly $320,000. Although Hatem had looked forward to passage of Amendment 4, which would have enshrined abortion in the Florida Constitution, easing demand for the funds work, it wasnt going to guarantee abortion access for everyone. In any event, although 57% of Floridians supported the abortion-rights measure, it didnt earn the 60% approval needed to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clients struggled to afford care even before the six-week ban took effect. Who we serve still wasnt served even under the protections of Roe to begin with, so our mission is to fund abortion and were going to keep doing that, Hatem said. No level of support for EMA has compared to the wave of donations the fund received the summer the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Hatem said. Florida Access Network (FAN) based in Central Florida, has received roughly $10,000 in donations since the election, said Stephanie Loraine Pineiro, the groups executive director, in a phone interview with the Phoenix. Stephanie Loraine Pineiro is the executive director of Florida Access Network. (Screenshot from press conference). We love and appreciate the community support thats coming in, not just monetarily but also a lot of messages of support, she said. The messages gave the team validation and lifted their spirits, Loraine Pineiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAN is on track to award $500,000 in support by the end of the year, which is approximately $100,000 more than the group dispersed last year, Loraine Pineiro said, but that figure doesnt totally reflect the increasing demand, and other groups also step in to cover costs for clients. In need of donations With the six-week ban remaining in effect, Loraine Pineiro worries about prolonged damage to abortion access infrastructure. But she hopes the level of fundraising that went into Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign and the Yes on 4 efforts will now go into the funds helping Floridians access abortion. People really put their resources into those campaigns and what were hopeful is that theyre willing to invest in us. Were direct facilitators of making abortion access possible, but we also know that its a tough economy, Loraine Pineiro said. FAN plans a Nov. 30 fundraiser with Neighborhood Fridge, an organization tackling food insecurity. Their goal is $20,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tampa Bay, another abortion fund is gearing up for a online fundraiser starting on Nov. 11 with an initial goal of $50,000. Since the six-week ban went into effect in May, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund has pledged $401,000 to cover the costs of the procedure and travel for 739 people, according to a press release from the fund. Funds working together Travel support, such as airfare and hotels, averages $800 per caller, according to the press release. A lot of people who I am helping get out of state have never been on a plane, never left the state, so its a lot of just coordinating, said Bree Wallace, director for case management at TBAF, in a phone interview with the Phoenix. Although Tuesdays outcome was heartbreaking for Wallace, she said TBAF and the other abortion funds in the state were ready to continue their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all absolutely love each other, Wallace said of the relationship between the people managing the funds. We are there for each other every single day. We talk every single day, and we really tightened up this relationship after Dobbs because we knew we needed to stick together. Other abortion funds covering Florida include Womens Emergency Network in Miami, Broward Womens Emergency Fund Inc., and Access Reproductive Care-Southeast, which is based in Atlanta. Then-President Donald Trump speaks at the March For Life rally on the National Mall in 2019. Trump, now president-elect, has said he will not sign national abortion restrictions, but Maryland advocates fear he will. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images Abortion-rights activists celebrated the overwhelming approval Tuesday of a ballot measure that adds reproductive rights to the state constitution, but woke up Wednesday to President-elect Donald Trump and fears that a Republican-controlled Congress could undermine Tuesdays win. Even though Trump backed away from previous anti-abortion positions during this campaign, reproductive-freedom activists fear that abortion protections under the states new constitutional amendment would be undermined by a federal abortion ban, if one is enacted, and are working out next steps to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty bleak, said Katie Curran OMalley, executive director of the Womens Law Center of Maryland Inc. and a retired Baltimore City District Court judge. Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates in Maryland who fought unsuccessfully to stop the ballot amendment, said they are not giving up the fight, but are actively looking for opportunities to challenge the change in court, on First Amendment or other grounds. There will be a renewed focus for people of faith, and all people of good will, to fight that amendment, said Jeffrey Trimbath, president of the Maryland Family Institute, in an interview earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was little doubt before Election Day that Question 1 would pass in Maryland, a staunch reproductive rights state. Just over 74% of voters approved the measure, which amends the state constitution to enshrine reproductive freedom in the document, with the goal of defending abortion rights and other reproductive freedoms from future anti-abortion state or presidential administrations. I think the (2024) race reminds us why it was so important to codify reproductive freedom into our constitution, because you never know who will be in power or how that influences policy and laws, said Erin Bradley, chair of Freedom in Reproduction-Maryland (FIRM). She said that abortion rights activists are doing their research, analyzing and doing their scenario planning, to forecast potential challenges to Question 1. But OMalley says there are ways that an anti-abortion presidency could hinder statewide abortion protections granted under the new constitutional amendment. Her fear is that an anti-abortion Congress will present a bill to outlaw abortion throughout the country. She believes that such legislation would most likely either ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy or a completely ban all abortions except under narrow circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He (Trump) could sign the bill, and itd be a federal ban, OMalley said. And that federal law then preempts state constitutional protections so, our state constitutional amendment. Trump, an abortion opponent, has said during this campaign that the question of abortion regulation should be left to the states, and that he would veto a federal ban. But abortion rights activists fear he may follow policies outlined in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, which heavily criticizes non-emergency abortions, the abortion medication mifepristone, and mail-order abortions. There are other things that could happen Trump can now appoint more judges, OMalley said. He could nominate judges that have sympathy for the idea that the federal constitution protects fetal rights. And if you have an anti-abortion lawyer saying that our 14th Amendment applies to a fertilized egg, or embryos and fetuses, and they have a right to due process that could go up to the Supreme Court, OMalley said. And thats scary. Katie Curran OMalley, executive director of the Womens Law Center of Maryland, in a photo from 2023. Photo courtesy the Governors Office. In a statement Wednesday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said that during a Trump presidency, his office would continue its dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of Marylands communities. That includes reproductive freedoms granted under the new constitutional amendment, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, anti-abortion advocates are looking for opportunities to challenge the new constitutional amendment. Jonathan Alexandre, legal counsel for the Maryland Family Institute, said he expects there will be conflicts between the constitutional amendment and conscience protections for providers who have religious objections against abortion. I think a lot of the lawsuits that you see organically develop are from folks who have conscience objections to late-term abortions, such as doctors that are going to be asked to perform them, Alexandre said. He pointed to possible conflicts for, Nurses or other medical practitioners that are going to be asked to assist in that. Pharmacists and prescribers of medicines that are going to be asked to prescribe abortion pills. Nursing or medical students that will be forced to learn these things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anti-abortion organizations like the Maryland Family Institute are also looking for instances where the amendment compels speech on so-called crisis pregnancy centers or pregnancy resource centers, which are clinics that aim to discourage pregnant people from seeking abortions and instead urge them to carry their pregnancies to term. Those types of clinics have long been scrutinized for providing misleading information to clients about abortion. We do anticipate that as this is a fundamental right in Maryland, as it will be placed in the state constitution that it will place more pressure on the work of the pregnancy resource centers to push them to either acquiesce or profess to something that they inherently disagree with, Alexandre said. He said its unclear how long it will take for lawsuits to challenge the constitutional amendment to emerge. Trimbath said much the same earlier this week. Obviously, you have to have standing. You have to sort of wait until someone has been harmed, Trimbath said of a possible plaintiff in a legal challenge. But were certainly looking at those things and gaming out where we can have the most favorable outcome on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley, with FIRM, said that in the case of future legal challenges to the amendment, reproductive freedom advocates will cross that bridge and figure it out. Maryland voters voted in favor of this overwhelmingly, Bradley said. If there is a legal challenge, Im sure advocates in Maryland and legal minds will make sure that the will of Maryland voters is enacted. That said, OMalley and Bradley were less worried about legal challenges, and more concerned about the potential federal actions that could override the abortion protections provided in Question 1. Everything can be challenged, OMalley said. I think the biggest threat to our constitutional amendment is the federal threat. Whats going to happen in these next four years I think everybody is sort of bracing themselves for it. One of the rare bright spots for Democrats on Tuesday was the continued success of ballot initiatives on abortion rights. Seven of 10 measures considered by voters passedincluding in states, like Arizona and Missouri, easily carried by Donald Trump. Even in Florida, where a measure failed to clear a required 60 percent threshold, well over half the electorate voted to create new reproductive rights. Abortion rights have been a juggernaut as far as direct democracy is concerned. And yet Tuesdays vote was also a reminder of the limits of ballot initiatives for supporters of abortion rightseither as a tool to win national races or a strategy to expand access to abortion. These wont be the last ballot-measure races we see. Abortion rights supporters can try again in states like Florida. Activists in states like Idaho have floated similar ideas too. The three defeatsin Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakotain some ways seem like outliers, and its not hard to identify the reasons why they failed while others have succeeded. But these failures still spotlight some of the challenges facing the abortion rights movement going forward. Floridas ballot measure fell short because the state requires voter-driven constitutional proposals to clear a 60 percent thresholda requirement Republicans unsuccessfully pushed in Ohio. To date, these proposals have been a hard sell. But even if conservative lawmakers cant persuade voters to impose a higher threshold for passage of ballot measures, the anti-abortion movement may have identified other promising strategies. In Nebraska, voters opted to constitutionalize the 12-week ban currently on the books. Having dueling ballot measures may have been confusing, and in a red state like Nebraska, a law permitting abortion until 12 weeks might have struck much of the electorate as reasonable. Of course, anti-abortion groups embrace the argument that constitutional rightsand personhoodbegin when an egg is fertilized, and Nebraskas law doesnt go nearly far enough for them. But this kind of incremental approach could prevent the progress of abortion rights measures in contested states. Voters might be more easily persuaded to embrace these half measures than the kind of sweeping bans abortion opponents prefer, and anti-abortion leaders could try to capitalize on this strategy in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there is the reality that there are simply more anti-abortion voters in conservative states. Look at what happened in South Dakota. The group promoting the states ballot measure deliberately tailored it to appeal to moderate voters, framing the proposal as a codification of Roe that strongly protected abortion only in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. South Dakota voters still rejected the measure by a significant margin. There is no guarantee that future abortion rights measures wont meet the same fate in other ruby-red states, like Arkansas or Oklahoma. More to the point, not every state has direct democracy of the kind that has propelled ballot measures to date. Only 24most of them blue stateshave citizen-initiated measures. Even if abortion rights supporters secure a ballot measure in every state where that is possible, there will be no way for voters to undo abortion bans across much of the Midwest and Southeast without electing state lawmakers to do the job. As Tuesdays results show, translating voter support for abortion rights into Democratic votes isnt straightforward. That has seemed especially true of national races, where Republicans, including Donald Trump, successfully pushed the claim that they would leave abortion to the states. Voters may have believed Trumps promises not to inject the federal government into the nations abortion wars. They might simply not have understood how the federal government could interfere with access to abortion, contraception, or in vitro fertilization without federal legislation (and discounted the odds that that kind of federal law would pass). Or they might have believed that a Harris administration would have been unable to do much to influence abortion bans when faced with a conservative Supreme Court, or just considered it secondary to what are considered more traditionally understood economic issues. But it hasnt been easier to convert support for abortion rights into Democratic votes at the state level. Consider what happened in Ohio, a state that passed an abortion rights ballot measure by a comfortable margin two years ago. What that ballot measure meansand whether its truly enforceablewill depend on who sits on the states Supreme Court, and on Tuesday, voters elected Republicans to all three of the courts open seats, forging a 61 conservative supermajority. Missouri voters just passed an abortion rights measure in that state while shoring up a Republican trifecta in the Statehouse and governors mansion. Republican and independent voters embrace abortion rights when considering the issue in isolation but still support legislators and judges who will undermine them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These voters may be acting on a simple assumption: If they like abortion rights and Republicans, a ballot measure can allow them to have both. But if Donald Trump follows the advice of anti-abortion leaders, that assumption will turn out to have been profoundly mistaken. Republicans seem poised to capture the House and Senate, opening the possibility of a new federal law restricting abortion. But even if Congress doesnt advance legislation, a Trump Department of Justice could treat the 19th-century Comstock Act as a ban on mailing or receiving abortion-related items or even ordering them online. As conservatives understand it, the Comstock Act would apply everywhereincluding in states that have passed ballot measuresand would override any protections that voters opted to create. That might make it a federal crime to order abortion pills or receive them in the mail in Michigan, Missouri, and California. If an abortion clinic orders a scalpel, that might be considered a federal crime too. Regardless of what the Trump administration does, the efficacy of ballot measures may be limited in states under Republican control. In Missouri, Planned Parenthood has invoked the ballot measure to challenge not only the states sweeping ban but also laws mandating a 72-hour waiting period, a prohibition on telehealth procedures, and a requirement that clinicians have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The meaning of the states ballot measure will be left to the state Supreme Court. Conservative judges will be more likely to uphold restrictions in the face of this kind of challenge. And conservative legislatures will be likely to pass laws that test the boundaries of how narrowly a state right can be interpreted. Tuesdays results dont change the reality that Americans support abortion rights. But there will be no quick fixes, and as was the case with the fall of Roe, Americans may have to learn the hard way that ballot measures alone wont be enough to save them. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Millions of text messages and knocking thousands of doorsthats what supporters said led to the passage of Amendment 3, making abortion legal in the state once again. Many voters went to the ballot box this election to vote in favor of the amendment and for many anti-abortion Republicans. Canvassers said it didnt matter which political party answered the door, they found Missourians in favor of abortion rights. St. Louis City resident Krysten Vaughn said she knocked on more than 200 doors in the days leading up to the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of my first times doing this to this extent, Vaughn said. Knocking this many doors, making this many phone calls, but Ive had so much fun and have received so much support. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is the organization behind Amendment 3. The group turned in 380,000 signatures earlier this year, more than double the amount needed to put the question on the ballot. Tuesday night, a celebration, after voters approved the measure 52% to 48%. I think people are ready to have access to abortion in Missouri, Vaughn said. I think people saw the ban and were disappointed by it but they are ready for us to restore access. Missouri was the first state in the country to ban abortion following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Back in 2019, the legislature passed a trigger law, which meant once the constitutional right to an abortion was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, Missouri could make abortion illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Abortion supporters have said Missouris abortion ban is the strictest in the country, with no exceptions for rape or incest, only for emergencies. According to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), between June 24, 2022, and July 31, 2024, there were 74 abortions performed under the medical exception. Tori Schafer, deputy director for policy and campaigns of the ACLU of Missouri, said Amendment 3 supporters knocked on more than 260,000 doors and sent more than a million text messages since January. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom also raised more than $31 million this election to put out messaging across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had people drive four hours to come to our drive-through events just to sign petitions, Vaughn said. Seeing all that support just made me realize Ive got to be optimistic; there has got to be a win in this. The opposition declared that they would take the measure to court if it were to pass on Tuesday. When you have a constitutional amendment that is this poorly written with vague and ambiguous terms designed to allow this umbrella for a parade of horribles, that vague language invites backend litigation, Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey said. Following the vote, Missouri Stands with Women (MSWW) said in a statement this was not the result they wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being outspent by millions of dollars, life won in the majority of Missouri counties, Stephanie Bell from MSWW said. Our work to protect the safety of women and the dignity of life continues. Life supporters will not sit back and watch as Big Abortion works to dismantle all the health and safety protections put in place to protect women and babies. We will continue to fight and ultimately be victorious against the forces who see no value in life. Hours after the amendment was approved by voters, Missouris Planned Parenthood clinics filed a lawsuit Wednesday. The organizations said the hope is to strike down the states current abortion restrictions to allow providers to begin offering abortion services once the amendment goes into effect Dec. 5. Amendment 3 prohibits the General Assembly from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability, which is normally defined as the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb on its own, normally around 24 weeks. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The brother of Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon died Wednesday after falling from a tree stand while hunting, authorities said. New York State Police reported that troopers were dispatched to Plato Road in East Otto around 8:45 p.m. for a welfare check. The troopers found that 54-year-old Mark Scanlon had not returned to his vehicle after a hunting trip in the area. A search of the wooded area led troopers to discover Scanlon, who had died from an apparent fall from a portable tree stand, police said. Officials stated there were no signs of foul play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon released a statement Thursday, describing his familys sudden and tragic loss, and noted that Mark Scanlon died while doing one of the things he enjoyed most, hunting. Chris Scanlon assumed the role of acting mayor on Oct. 15 following Buffalo Mayor Byron Browns resignation to lead an off-track betting agency. Scanlon will serve as mayor until Browns term ends on Dec. 31, 2025. TMX contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Adams administrations $700 million lawsuit against bus companies that brought migrants up from the southern border was dismissed Friday, a judge decided, writing the case was based on an antiquated and unconstitutional law. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Mary Rosado wrote in the six-page decision that the statute is sweepingly overbroad and told the city to take it up with national lawmakers. Instead of seeking resolution in Congress, the [administration] asks this court to enforce an antiquated, unconstitutional statute to infringe on an individuals right to enter New York based on economic status, Rosado said, adding that, if enforced, the law would even call into question interstate travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams spokeswoman Liz Garcia said the city is reviewing its legal options to address the costs shifted to New York City as a result the Texas busing scheme. The suit, filed in January, alleged that 17 charter bus companies violated the states Social Services Law as part of a program by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to bus more than 30,000 migrants since 2022 to the Big Apple with no coordination with city officials. The citys lawyers said the bus operators owe the city $708 million that was spent on providing food, shelter and healthcare to the migrants. The law holds that it is illegal to bring someone into the state for the purpose of making him a public charge and is based on a 19th-century paupers law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When the suit was filed, Abbott said Adams administration should be sanctioned by the court for the baseless case. Its clear that Mayor Adams knows nothing about the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, or about the constitutional right to travel that has been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court, Abbott said in a statement in January. The Texas governor began sending migrants to New York and other liberal cities at the beginning of the asylum seeker crisis in 2022 to put pressure on Democratic leaders. Mark Levine, lead attorney for 16 of the bus companies, slammed the statue as extraordinarily offensive, pointing out that his legal team could not find a single instance where the law had been enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It got dug up for the purpose of this political suit against a political action by the governor of Texas, Levine said in an interview. Richard Hantman, attorney for Roadrunner Charters, the 17th bus company, said in an email the judge is to be applauded for a sound decision and great policy and response to a foolish lawsuit. The judge had previously denied the citys request for a preliminary injunction against Abbotts bus convoys, calling the case dubious at best. With this decision, the court rightly rejected Mayor Eric Adams cruel and morally repugnant attempts to bar immigrants from traveling to and making a home in New York City, Beth Haroules, senior staff attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. The NYCLU filed a brief in the case. City Hall officials said Friday that the administration hasnt seen any buses chartered by the defendant companies arrive in New York since June. Allan Lichtman, the historian known for predicting the outcome of presidential elections, is explaining what the heck happened with his incorrect selection of Vice President Kamala Harris this go-round. Before this week, the American University professor correctly predicted nine of the 10 last elections. His previous 90% success rate has declined to 81.8% after now president-elect Donald Trump decisively secured a second White House term four years after losing reelection to President Joe Biden. "I feel like it's been a year since Tuesday," Lichtman said on a YouTube livestream Thursday evening hosted by his son, Samuel Lichtman. "I admit I was wrong. I called a Harris win and she didn't win. But I was far from the only forecaster that was wrong. Most other models were wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They got the election right: What this company saw, again, in the 2024 presidential election results Lichtman shared the two major reasons his "13 Keys to the White House" prediction system failed this year, including disdain for the Biden-Harris administration and Harris' delayed campaign start after Biden dropped out of the election on July 21. He added that Harris being the only nominee in modern history to avoid participating in primaries and caucuses was also a factor despite Democrats "doing the best they could." Historian and American University professor Allan Lichtman answers questions during an interview with AFP in Bethesda, Maryland, on Sept. 7, 2024. "I don't think I called any (keys) wrong," Lichtman said. "The contest key was rendered problematic by what went on by the Democratic Party but I don't think you can say I called it wrong except for in retrospect. At the time it was the more reasonable call." He also cited an "incredible explosion of disinformation" on platforms like X where untrue statements spread at a large scale, including claims that the stock market was crashing and that the unemployment rate was at an all-time high. Why did Lichtman predict Harris would win? Lichtman used his longtime "13 Keys to the White House" system to form his prediction that Harris would beat Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lichtman's "13 Keys to the White House" include: Key 1 (Party Mandate): After the midterm elections, the incumbent party holds more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives than it did after the previous midterm elections. Key 2 (Contest): There is no serious contest for the incumbent-party nomination. Key 3 (Incumbency): The incumbent-party candidate is the sitting president. Key 4 (Third party): There is no significant third-party or independent campaign. Key 5 (Short-term economy): The economy is not in recession during the election campaign. Key 6 (Long-term economy): Real per-capita economic growth during the term equals or exceeds mean growth during the previous two terms. Key 7 (Policy change): The incumbent administration affects major changes in national policy. Key 8 (Social unrest): There is no sustained social unrest during the term. Key 9 (Scandal): The incumbent administration is untainted by major scandal. Key 10 (Foreign/military failure): The incumbent administration suffers no major failure in foreign or military affairs. Key 11 (Foreign/military success): The incumbent administration achieves a major success in foreign or military affairs. Key 12 (Incumbent charisma): The incumbent-party candidate is charismatic or a national hero. Key 13 (Challenger charisma): The challenging-party candidate is not charismatic or a national hero. Using his system, Lichtman has correctly predicted nine of 11 presidential elections since 1984. His first blemish came when Republican George W. Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 election. Historian and professor Allan Lichtman answers questions during an interview with AFP in Bethesda, Md., on Sept. 7, 2024. Is he changing his '13 keys' system? Lichtman confirmed he will not be altering his 13 keys system, which he said still has a high success rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think the problem was the keys themselves. You cannot change a model on the fly based on its failure in one election. The model has been built up over 41 elections," Lichtman said. He said his predictions, which have often gone against most political pundits, are still a more efficient indicator than other models. "We've never seen numbers like this in modern American history. Especially in light of how well the Democrats had been doing in getting out their vote up to that (point). Why all of a sudden the Democrats fall off the cliff?" Lichtman said. "But we're going on. Maybe we'll maybe we'll figure it out in a future show." What's true? What's false? Sign up for USA TODAY's Checking the Facts newsletter. What did Lichtman say about Nate Silver's prediction? Lichtman called out Nate Silver's final 2024 forecast, which also predicted a Harris victory, in a Monday X post ahead of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 77-year-old historian wrote that "Nate Silvers compilation of polls is so unreliable that he now says that who will win the presidency is down to luck." "It might literally wind up in the range where who's 'ahead' in our final forecast is determined by luck," Silver's post reads. "There's still a little bit of variance introduced by running 'only' 40,000 simulations (we'll run 80,000 tonight but still)." Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Jonathan Limehouse This story has been updated to remove a repeated line. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Allan Lichtman explains why his Harris victory prediction was wrong Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, a Republican Shelbina, talks with reporters May (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Republican and Democratic lawmakers gathered in Jefferson City this week to choose new leaders for the upcoming legislative session in January. In the Senate, where GOP infighting has caused unending gridlock for the last few years, Sen. Cindy OLaughlin was chosen by her caucus to be president pro tem the highest ranking job in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OLaughlin, of Shelbina, is the first woman to ever hold that position in Missouri. She previously served as Senate majority leader. I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to serve as president pro tem of the Missouri Senate, OLaughlin said in a statement to the media. She hinted at the chaos the Senate has endured in her statement, saying her focus will be on fostering a Senate that works in harmony, respecting our common goals and building on the strengths of each member while ensuring we keep our promises to the people of Missouri. As president pro tem, OLaughlin is in charge of appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the Senate Chamber, among other legislative duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville was chosen to be the Senate majority leader, a job that gives him authority over the chambers debate calendar, as well as setting session meeting times and dates. Luetkemeyer is not a member of the Senate Freedom Caucus the group of GOP senators who quarreled with the chambers leadership and used Senate rules to muck up the legislative process. But he was the caucus preferred choice for majority leader, raising hopes among Republicans that the inter-party warfare is a thing of the past. Democrats tapped Sen. Doug Beck of Affton to serve as minority floor leader and Sen. Steve Roberts of St. Louis as assistant minority floor leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the House, Republicans followed the line of succession they set earlier this year and elevated Rep. Jon Patterson of Lees Summit to speaker and Rep. Alex Riley of Springfield to majority leader. We have achieved many significant accomplishments over the past few years, Riley said, but theres much more to be done. Democrats chose Rep. Ashley Aune of Kansas City to be the next minority leader. She takes over from Rep. Crystal Quade of Springfield, who has held the post for six years but will leave the House in January due to term limits. Aune promised to build upon the foundation my predecessor has established. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt run as a Democrat in a deep red state because I thought it would be a cakewalk, she said. I ran because I want to help make our party stronger and build a Democratic movement that truly reflects the values of Missourians. The challenges are real, but so is our resolve. Republicans will enter the next legislative session in January with supermajorities in the House and Senate. The party will have 24 of the Senates 34 seats and 111 of the 163 House seats. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KABUL, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has handed over 288 newly-constructed houses to families affected by recent earthquakes in Gulran and Zenda Jan districts of Herat province in western Afghanistan, the administration said in a statement on Friday. According to the statement, the houses were built in Shakarab, Band-e-Afzal and Sang Kotal areas of the districts, funded by the caretaker government's budget with an allocation of 102 million afghani (about 1.5 million U.S. dollars). Recently, Herat province in western Afghanistan has suffered the most devastating earthquakes in recent decades, with multiple tremors, some of them reaching a magnitude of 6.3, causing heavy casualties. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Friday that the Department of Justice is prepared to defend the rights of Wisconsinites. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner) In the wake of former President Donald Trump winning a second term this week, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Friday that the Department of Justice is prepared to defend the rights of Wisconsinites. Kaul didnt specify what that would look like, however, and said it would depend on what actions Trump takes once he enters office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul joins Democratic state leaders from across the country, including in Washington State and Illinois, in announcing how they will handle the potential policy changes that could come from the new Trump administration. Kaul said that the justice department would continue to continue to work with other attorneys general to confront challenges that arise. On the state level, he said the department will advocate for necessary funding for the Office of School Safety, state crime labs and for victim service programs that are facing severe federal budget cuts across the state and country. We have been tested in this office If the new administration infringes upon the freedoms of Wisconsinites or attempts to use our system of justice as a tool for vengeance, we will act, Kaul said. We will act to protect the best interests of the people of the state of Wisconsin, well act to uphold equal justice under the law. Kaul said future actions will depend on the path the new administration takes. He said that he hopes Trump administration officials will try to find common ground and work across the aisle. Kaul said its notable Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, and said he would veto a national abortion ban and wouldnt repeal the Affordable Care Act. Project 2025 is the Heritage Foundation document that was described as a blueprint for the next Republican administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general said there are justified concerns the administration will take another path, however. Folks are worried about what the future holds for womens ability to make their own reproductive health care decisions, about access to affordable health care more broadly, and about whether people may be targeted by the new administration based on their identity, their speech and their viewpoints, or simply doing their jobs as an election worker or a reporter, Kaul said. Those kinds of actions are wrong and we are committed at the Department of Justice to standing up against them. Doesnt provide false hope on abortion Kaul said his department continues to defend abortion access while it remains in the hands of states. After being blocked for more than a year following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, access to abortion for pregnancies up to 20 weeks was restored Sept, 18, 2023 by a court order. In a case brought by Kaul challenging the states 1849 law, which had been interpreted as an abortion ban, a Dane County judge ruled the law did not broadly apply to abortion. On Monday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case,that asks if the states 1849 law actually bans abortion and whether the state Constitution protects abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump has said he would not sign legislation banning abortion nationwide and Republicans in congress have denied any intention to enact such a ban. But reproductive rights advocates have pointed to provisions in the Project 2025 document calling for a blanket national ban. Depending on how such a law is written, Kaul warned that there might not be a path under current law to protect abortion access. The passage of a federal abortion ban would have enormous consequences for abortion access in Wisconsin and in other states where there currently is access, he said. I dont want to give people false hope that if there is a federal abortion ban passed that theres likely to be a successful legal challenge. On the contrary, if Congress does pass a ban, people are looking at having their access to safe and legal abortion taken away. On potential for National Guard being used for deportations Asked about Trumps comments during the campaign that he would use the National Guard to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Kaul said that he thinks the idea of having a National Guard from one state going into another state is not something that I think most governors of either party want to see. Only governors can activate the National Guard, but one of Trumps top policy architects, Stephen Miller, has said that sympathetic Republican governors would send troops to nearby states whose governors refuse to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are one nation and following an election, we should try to come together, find common ground and figure out how we can make progress not divide people state by state based on National Guards, Kaul said. It remains to be seen, however, what rhetoric from the campaign translates into policy actions, he said. There are a lot of different issues that were raised in the campaign, and I think we could see very different approaches taken by this Administration, Kaul said. He also noted that there has been some pushback from Republican lawmakers on the promises, pointing to comments from Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson that mass deportations were not realistic and that deportation actions should target only those who have committed crimes. Trump said Thursday, however, that it isnt a matter of price tag and there is no choice when it comes to his deportation plans. Aware of racist texts Kaul was asked about a wave of racist texts instructing people to report to the nearest plantation have been sent nationwide, including to a Milwaukee woman, following the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul said the department was aware of the messages and called them completely unacceptable. Anybody making racist statements, bigoted statements and text messages is something we cannot tolerate, Kaul said. I encourage anybody who has information about those texts to contact local law enforcement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Attorney General Todd Rokita is launching investigations into illegal and legal migrants in Evansville, Logansport and Seymour. AG Rokita says he is sending civil investigative demands (CIDs) to the Cass County Health Department, Logansport Community School Corp., Berry Global Group Inc., Tent Partnership for Refugees, God is Good and the Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. Immigration at center of Evansville investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AG Rokita says he is investigating coordinated efforts among international and local nonprofit refugee resettlement organizations and employers to bring large numbers of migrants to Indiana communities. AG Rokita alleges the rapid growth of populations in certain communities has caused overcrowding in housing facilities as multiple families and sometimes dozens of individuals reportedly share space in structures intended to be single-family dwellings. His office has also raised concerns about potential labor trafficking. Weather extremes influence illegal migration and return between the U.S. and Mexico, study finds AG Rokitas office says it is conducting these investigations pursuant to its authority under Indianas Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and indecent nuisance statute. This investigation also raises questions about how these individuals arrival in Indiana is being facilitated. The influx of these illegal aliens, which are coming from over 150 different countries, have strained our schools and the children of taxpayers are suffering as a result. It has caused unneeded stress on law enforcement, local hospitals and healthcare facilities, and our housing and labor markets. AG Rokita said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). With Donald Trump the definitive winner of the 2024 election, artificial intelligence bros seem equal parts stoked and terrified about the technology reaching human-level intelligence or beyond under his second presidency. Despite the president-elect's confused-sounding declaration that "super-duper AI" is "alarming and scary" during a podcast appearance over the summer, many believe that with his running mate JD Vance and money man Elon Musk at the helm of AI policy, loosened regulations could lead to artificial general intelligence (AGI) being ushered in during Trump's second term. Whether that's good, bad, or neutral depends on the perspective of the commentator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By many estimates," tweeted OpenAI staffer Steven Heidel cryptically, "Trump will be the AGI president." Over on Reddit, things seemed a lot more black-and-white, as AI bros lamented the idea of the world-changing tech emerging under the tenure of a politician motivated with little understanding of technical topics and who's largely motivated by grievances, power and score-settling. "There's a nonzero chance that AGI will happen during what is increasingly looking to be Trump's second term as President," a user posted on r/Singularity, seemingly before Kamala Harris conceded. "If ever there was a combination of circumstances that screamed Apocalypse in giant neon letters this is it." "Dudes like Elon and [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] will have a say in AGI if its achieved under Trump," another responded. "There is no real good way to spin this. [I'd] rather have an uncontrolled AGI." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As yet another user pointed out, Vance being a heartbeat away from the presidency is all the more worrisome given that he's boosted by notorious ideologue Peter Thiel, who recently told a crowd at Cambridge University that he's more concerned about government regulation of any imminent AGI than the technology itself. Notably, Trump has already declared that he's planning to repeal outgoing President Joe Biden's restrictions on AI making the prospect of the tech running amok under his tenure all the more real. This entire prospect hinges, of course, on AGI actually coming about during the next four-odd years a timeline that even Thiel would likely reject based on his own predictions of the technology becoming "super dominant" in a few decades. But if it does, as another user noted in a since-deleted post on r/Singularity, Trump's second term may well "shift the [artificial superintelligence] future into [a] dystopia, not a utopia." More on AI: Trump Planning to Unleash Artificial Intelligence by Repealing Restrictions A commander who oversaw all of the nuclear missile maintenance at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana has been fired from his role following a command-directed investigation. Col. Jeremy Russell, the commander of Malmstrom's 341st Maintenance Group, was removed from his role "due to a loss of trust and confidence in Russell's ability to command," according to a Wednesday news release from the base. Capt. Rachel Brinegar, a 341st Missile Wing spokesperson, told Military.com in an emailed statement that Russell faced a command-directed investigation but did not provide additional details. It's not clear what the cause of the probe was related to or whether he's facing other disciplinary measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Leader of the Free World Has Never Been a Role Trump Has Embraced. The World Has Gotten the Message It's uncommon for service officials to give details behind a commander's firing. Explanations often rely on some version of a "loss of trust and confidence" and frequently cite the federal Privacy Act as a reason for not providing more information. A command-directed investigation is an administrative probe and is viewed as "an extension of the commander's authority to investigate and to correct problems within the command," according to the Department of the Air Force manual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uniform Code of Military Justice experts have told Military.com that a command-directed investigation can severely harm careers and, depending on the allegations, can lead to criminal investigations too. Russell's biography was removed, but a copy of it archived on the internet detailed his background. He was responsible for more than 500 airmen and in charge of overseeing sustainment and modernization of all 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles at Malmstrom, according to the bio. He started as an enlisted airman coming out of high school in 1995. When he was a staff sergeant, he was accepted to attend Officer Training School where, after commissioning, he worked on Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBMs, B61 nuclear weapons, and the Air Force's largest conventional stockpile, according to the biography. Prior to starting his role in July 2023 as commander of Malmstrom's 341st Maintenance Group, Russell served as the commander of Detachment 3 for the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, and the branch chief for U.S. European Command's Nuclear Surety and Policy stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell's firing comes amid several recent leadership shake-ups at America's nuclear missile and bomber bases. In August, Col. Mark Kimball, the 28th Operations Group commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, was removed his leadership role following a damning Accident Investigation Board report that, in part, blamed "an unhealthy organizational culture that permitted degradation of airmanship skills" as a reason behind a Jan. 4 crash of a B-1B Lancer bomber at the South Dakota installation. The base said Kimball's firing was based on the findings in the crash report. A month later, in September, Lt. Col. Carsten Stahr, commander of the 28th Force Support Squadron at Ellsworth, was relieved from duty "due to loss of trust and confidence." Air Force Global Strike Command officials did not provide additional details but clarified the firing wasn't connected to the crash report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, two commanders and four subordinates at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, were fired from their jobs. Col. Gregory Mayer, the commander of the 5th Mission Support Group, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, commander of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron, were removed, an action that was "necessary to maintain the very high standards we demand of those units entrusted with supporting our nation's nuclear mission," officials told Military.com at the time. Related: Commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base Fired Following Scathing Accident Report into B-1B Lancer Crash Fires at DHL warehouses this year may have been part of Russian sabotage operations, officials have said. The Kremlin is suspected of ramping up hybrid attacks on Europe in recent months. The air freight industry is braced for further action. Suspected Russian sabotage activities targeting the air freight industry have been on the rise this year, and the industry is preparing for further action. Brandon Fried, the executive director of the Airforwarders Association, which represents US air cargo companies, told Business Insider that the industry had been on high alert since 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So regardless of who is perpetrating this, whether it's another country or whether it's a terrorist organization, our industry has been vigilant for quite some time," he said, referencing two fires at DHL warehouses earlier this year that have been linked to Russia. "They want to cause fear and panic, but we, as a community, are not going to let them. One of our overriding messages is that we're vigilant," Fried said. Western officials have said the fires, which took place at two DHL sites in the UK and Germany in July, may have been part of Russian sabotage operations that ultimately aimed to target North America, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. One package caught fire before being loaded onto a plane at a DHL freight center in Leipzig, eastern Germany, while a similar incident took place at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Haldenwang, the president of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, said in October that it was a "lucky coincidence" that the package in Leipzig caught fire on the ground and not during the flight. Haldenwang did not explicitly blame Moscow, but the German news agency DPA reported that security services were working on the assumption that the attack was connected to Russia, per the Financial Times . A police spokesperson told BI that counterterrorism officers were leading an investigation into the Birmingham incident and working to identify any links to similar incidents across the continent. The Wall Street Journal report said the fires were caused by electric massagers implanted with a magnesium-based flammable substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The devices that ignited in the UK were traced to Lithuania, where officials say they appear to have been part of a wider Russian plot to get such devices on planes to North America, the Journal reported. Frank Umbach, a research director at the European Cluster for Climate, Energy, and Resource Security at the University of Bonn, said that Russian hybrid warfare had escalated from spying on critical infrastructure to active sabotage across the whole of Europe. "Hybrid warfare has intensified here in Europe, particularly against Germany," Umbach said, adding that there was concern that German intelligence services had been "heavily penetrated" by Russian agents. Moscow has already been linked to a number of sabotage incidents in Europe this year, including arson attempts and a reported plan to kill the CEO of the German arms firm Rheinmetall, which has made munitions and military equipment for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is suspected of using social media platforms such as Telegram to recruit proxies to carry out such activities. Speaking a few months after the DHL fires, the chief of the UK's MI6 intelligence service, Richard Moore, said he believed Russian intelligence services had "gone a bit feral." And experts think it's unlikely such incidents will stop any time soon. Shashank Joshi, a former senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute who is now the defense editor at The Economist, told BI that he believed the suspected Russian sabotage operations were part of a "pretty broad-brush campaign" that could see the Kremlin target any EU or NATO member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think that anyone is particularly immune as such," Joshi said. A spokesperson for Germany's Military Counterintelligence Service, known as BAMAD, said that the German military and NATO forces in Germany "continue to be a priority target for Russian espionage activities." Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied Russia's involvement in sabotage operations in Europe. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Germany's domestic intelligence services, and the BND declined to comment further. The RT logo at the company's headquarters in Moscow. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images Western officials say Moscow has also launched cyberattacks and sought to spread disinformation as part of its alleged sabotage operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian state media sites like RT have already faced sanctions in the US and the EU over allegations of disinformation. Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Program, said that Russian disinformation campaigns, espionage operations, and sabotage attempts were "intimately interlinked." "Objectives in the information domain can be served by kinetic actions and vice versa," Giles said. "The information component of warfare is seen as an integral part and interdependent with all of the other activities that Russia is undertaking." "That's something that's played out very clearly in Russia's war on Ukraine after the full-scale invasion," he added. Read the original article on Business Insider BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Lawmakers are taking action after voters saw hours-long wait times at the polls on Tuesday. Both Republicans and Democrats tell me that something needs to change. Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) said theyve tried several times before to bring early voting to the state. She said one day at the polls isnt enough for voters. Many people want to exercise their ability at the ballot box, said Drummond. It is working throughout this country. We see no reason why it cannot work in the state of Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Wes Allen doesnt believe in early voting. Im on the record, I believe in election day. Not election month. And if that comes up in the legislative session, Im sure Ill be part of that conversation, remarked Allen. Biden: Trump win lays to rest question of election integrity And Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) said something needs to change about those long lines, but not without election security. Those issues- youve gotta be very careful when you try to fix em. So you maintain the voter integrity and security of those, said Kelley. So it doesnt allow for any manipulation. Rep. Curtis Travis (D-Tuscaloosa) said not having early voting makes it hard on people getting to and from work. We should be encouraging voter participation, said Travis. Where people are going to the polls to vote rather than be in a situation where we are trying to keep people from voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) pre-filed legislation today that would establish an early voting center in each county before election day. The bill will go before lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session, which starts in February. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Aldermen on Thursday weighed a Chicago Department of Public Health budget plan thats well short of this years, as Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to close a yawning shortfall in his citywide spending package. The $100 million-plus cut to the health department budget proposed for 2025 by Johnson is largely driven by expiring federal grants tied to COVID-19. Some aldermen at a City Council budget hearing argued the city should find more money to shore up the shrinking department, even while the budget crisis forces them to search for cuts elsewhere as many of them try to find ways to avoid the mayors proffered $300 million property tax hike. We are starting in a deficit, but I do think that cutting mental health and public health can be costly in the long run, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pilsen alderman called for an additional $25 million in funding for the department, echoing a demand made last month by 82 public health groups, including many progressive neighborhood organizations and backers of the so-called Treatment Not Trauma mental health care plan championed by Johnson. The CDPH is expected to lose 124 full-time positions in the proposed budget, First Deputy Commissioner Fikirte Wagaw said. Failing to increase funding to vital resources is ultimately a disinvestment in public health, Any Huamani, an organizer for the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, said in a letter calling for more money for the department. We cannot accept that. And with much of the health departments money set to still come from the federal government, some aldermen worry a sea change at the White House could further shake Chicagos efforts to fund health programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health Committee Chair Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, asked CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige if her department is ready for a second term for President Donald Trump. Ige responded with confidence. While some federal grants are supplemental one-offs, many are routine applications, she said. We are optimistic that even with the new administration those appropriation dollars that we get routinely as recurring grants will continue to be recurring, she said. The departments proposed budget was among the first to face aldermanic scrutiny as the City Council begins to respond to the spending plan Johnson proposed last week. Johnsons proposed budget hinges in large part on the property tax hike, a policy that has drawn sharp pushback from aldermen desperate to find another way to balance the citys books. That tension was on display when Finance Committee Chair Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, asked Ige why the department has its own 10-employee human resources team, separate from the citys Department of Human Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to find ways to make a dent in our budget; $1 million is $1 million, Dowell said. Is this something your department could do without? Johnson made new investments in public health a key focus of his budget last year. The city spent around $21 million to add two new city-run clinics and mental health services at a library, as well as to double staffing in the emergency response teams the city dispatches to mental health and substance abuse crises. But despite Johnsons ambitions to open over a dozen new city-run mental health clinics, his 2025 budget proposal does not invest as much new money into his Treatment Not Trauma plan while staring down an estimated budget gap of nearly $1 billion. Johnsons latest budget proposal for new mental health spending was highlighted by a proposed $2 million for a new emergency call center team tasked with handling mental health calls. Who is Alfie Oakes? He's a Florida farmer-slash-grocery store owner-slash MAGA Trump supporter who's getting national attention again. Two days after Election Day 2024, federal and state law enforcement vehicles surrounded Oakes' home in North Naples, Florida, and his business in Immokalee, Florida. Part grocery, part bakery, part butcher shop, part bar, Oakes' $30 million Seed to Table is the clubhouse for a rising group of Make America Great Again Republicans as well as a magnet for area foodies attracted by organic broccoli and craft beer. Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, residents of Lee County and Collier County, Florida, were familiar with the political firebrand that is Alfie Oakes. And at the time, he made headlines as an anti-vaxxer, for comments he made about George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and for filing an anti-mask lawsuit in his hometown. Oakes also arranged bus trips to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, for the Insurrection or what he called "the most peaceful beautiful demonstration from well over one million people that I've ever witnessed," according to the Naples Daily News, a USA TODAY Network newspaper. Was there a raid at Alfie Oakes' house and business? As of Friday, Nov. 8, a day after state and federal law enforcement visited Oakes' home and business, the reasons remain unknown. However, when reached by phone, Oakes declined to comment to the Naples Daily News, other than saying, "We're looking into it, but everything's good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Nov. 7, many Florida Highway Patrol vehicles were spotted at the house and business, according to WINK News, but Florida Highway Patrol directed questions to the U.S. Secret Service. The Secret Service declined to comment. "The U.S. Secret Service will not confirm the existence or the status of an investigation," the agency said via email. Alfie Oakes described as 'our mini-Trump' and 'MAGA Grocery King of Southwest Florida' David Silverberg, a political pundit in Naples, Florida, and former managing editor of The Hill, described Alfie Oakes as "our mini-Trump," labeling him "the MAGA Grocery King of Southwest Florida" in a 2022 Mother Jones story. Who is Alfie Oakes? What to know Most recently, in Collier County, the farmer and grocery store owner held a hurricane party at Seed to Table ahead of Hurricane Miltons landfall, offering hurricane specials on food and drink. He told the Naples Daily News that the energy was amazing. We had one of the busiest food and bar sales nights weve ever had in the history of Seed to Table. It was unbelievable. Alfie Oakes owns Oakes Farms, one of the biggest agribusinesses in South Florida, which started when its namesake was a 15-year-old selling watermelons from the back of a pickup. Oakes Farms has grown into a 3,500-employee business that ranges from supplying military cafeterias to selling linen sundresses. Though Alfie Oakes hasn't run for a government position, he holds elected office as Collier County's Republican State Committeeman. Click here to read a detailed Naples Daily News profile on Alfie Oakes. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Alfie Oakes ties to Jan. 6, MAGA. Who he is, was there a raid? Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded not guilty to five federal charges Thursday afternoon in federal court in connection to the Jackson bribery scandal that involves Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks, who were also indicted Thursday. On Thursday morning, an unsealed indictment revealed Lumumba is accused of accepting a $50,000 bribe through Owens "in the form of five $10,000 campaign donation checks. Lumumba faced one count of conspiracy, one count of federal program bribery, one count of use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering, one count of wire fraud and one count money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lumumba accepted the checks knowing and understanding that the money was from the developers, and that it was being offered in exchange for official action from Lumumba in favor of the developers' proposed development project," the indictment said. The indictment also states Owens, Lumumba and Banks are accused of conspiring with former Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee and businessman Sherik Marve Smith "to carry out a bribery scheme to enrich themselves." At 1:19 p.m., Lumumba entered the courtroom at the Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse in the Southern District of Mississippi with his lawyer and an entourage of people in support of him. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac presided over the hearing. Thomas J. Bellinder appeared as Lumumbas attorney. Sitting next to Lumumba in the courtroom was Owens with his attorney, Rob McDuff, and Banks with his attorney, Carlos Tanner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lumumba maintained a calm composure during the Thursday initial court appearance, keeping his eyes focused on the judge and responding to any questions asked of him. Who is Chokwe Antar Lumumba? A look at his life and career as he faces a federal indictment Around 3:30 p.m., nearly an hour after court adjourned, Lumumba exited through the front door of the federal courthouse. He would not answer any questions from reporters, but he did make a statement. "I am not guilty, and so I will not proceed as a guilty man. I will continue to handle the business of the city of Jackson while my attorneys continue to handle the business of these court proceedings. I have full faith in their representation of me. There will be others joining the legal team later on, and we will move forward," Lumumba said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lumumba could potentially face up to 75 years of imprisonment. Court records laid out the maximum potential penalties for all of Lumumba's charges: Conspiracy: Maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Federal Program Bribery: Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Use of an Interstate Facility in Aid of Racketeering (Travel Act): Maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Honest Services Wire Fraud: Maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Money Laundering: Maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction (whichever is greater), three years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. A trial has been set at 9 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025. People speak in support of Lumumba Outside on the steps of the courthouse, people spoke out in support of Lumumba, including Danyelle Holmes. A friend of the mayor, she said the indictments are a "direct attack on Black leadership." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holmes added that Lumumba's indictment is an attempt to "discredit the character and leadership" of the mayor, noting the indictment comes at a convenient time of the upcoming mayoral race. Holmes referred to separate cases that she believes are not getting the same investigational treatment such as the "$1.7 million in campaign donations that were received by Gov. Tate Reeves that came with large contracts" and "the TANF scandal." "When (the FBI) couldnt find Mayor Lumumba committing a crime, you go out and create a crime. This is all a big illusion in order to prosecute him and getting him on something and that something is what we are seeing today," Holmes said to reporters. Rukia Lumumba, sister of the mayor, emphatically defended her brother and confirmed her brother's plan to seek another term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are determined and undeterred. He is going to run for mayor; he will continue to work of mayor, and he will be re-elected. We will continue that campaign. He has done great things for Jackson, and so he will continue to do that work. We ask for your continued support and your prayers. We understand that this is just an attack, it is an attack, and it is an attempt to assassinate his character to prevent his re-election. But we will continue to do the good work that he has always done, and all of us that support him will be by his side," Rukia said to reporters. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, center, heads to the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in Jackson Miss., to appear at a 1:30 p.m. court hearing Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, after being indicted on federal charges. Lumumba is facing five felony counts. Also to appear were City Councilman Aaron Banks and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens. Owens is facing eight felony counts, and Banks is facing two felony counts. All three pleaded not guilty. Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger Background on bribery scandal The morning of May 22 saw Owens office at the Hinds County Courthouse and his cigar business in Downtown Jackson raided by FBI agents. By just after noon, he put out a statement acknowledging the FBI's visits, saying his office is "fully cooperating with their efforts." The charges come just over two months after Lee resigned from her position on the Jackson City Council and, the same day, pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges. Lee accepted nearly $20,000 in "cash, deposits and other gifts," according to the indictment, from two out-of-town real estate agents, who were actually undercover FBI agents. Following Lee's guilty plea, three members of the Jackson City Council, Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote, Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley and Ward 7 Councilwoman and Council President Virgi Lindsay, also said they met with out-of-town developers. Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell said he met one developer in passing; Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said he might have received a call. All have denied taking bribes and none could verify if they were the agents that bribed Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What all of the individual meetings described by the council members have in common is that they were arranged by Owens. Owens is also "engaged in real estate," which his lawyer said is legal. Owens and his lawyer, Rob McDuff, declined to answer any questions about the council members' meetings with developers and Owens, only releasing a statement in August. Lee accepted the bribes in exchange for her support of a "fictitious" downtown development project the undercover agents were pitching to her. She also agreed to vote in favor of a road closure in furtherance of the same project, court documents show. Her sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 13 but was continued in October. A new sentencing date has not yet been set. Lee's conspiracy to commit bribery charge comes with a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, according to court testimony. She could also receive three years of supervised release. Since Lee was indicted, the city held a special election to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat on Oct. 1. Tina Clay won the Oct. 22 runoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two months after Lee was indicted, Smith was identified as another conspirator. Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery as well. What is Lumumba's alleged role in Jackson bribery scandal? According to the indictment, Banks, Lumumba and Lee allegedly received $80,000 in bribes in exchange for "taking official action" to help "developers" secure a multi-million-dollar project across the street from the Jackson Convention Complex. Its a project the city has been trying to build since the mid-2000s.Those developers turned out to be FBI agents. On Feb. 12, 2024, Owens arranged a dinner with the agents, Lumumba and Smith. After introductions, Owens told Lumumba Ive done background checks. Theyre not FBI by the way. He also told the mayor the agents focus shifted to the hotel project across from the convention center. On Feb. 28, 2024, the agents met with Owens and Smith. At one point in the meeting, an agent asked Owens and Smith, why do we need Lumumba? Smith responded Lumumba could make things a lot harder. Later on, Owens went on to inform the agents that Lumumba agreed to take a trip to Florida with the agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment states the agents would give Lumumba, who was interested in taking the trip to Florida, $50,000 at a fundraiser. Allegedly Owens, Lumumba, Smith and the agents traveled to Ft. Lauderdale via private jet paid for by the FBI on behalf of the developers. Between March and April of 2024, Lumumba allegedly accepted a $50,000 bribe from the agents through Owens "in the form of five $10,000 campaign donation checks from various entities and individuals including Owens and Smith. "To avoid scrutiny," Owens allegedly assured Lumumba that the $50,000 was just the beginning, and that Lumumbas final number was $100,000. Get latest details on officials' roles: In massive corruption scandal at Jackson City Hall involving the Mayor, DA, Ward 6 city councilman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges Lumumba knew the checks were being offered in exchange for official action in relation to the proposed project. During an April 2, 2024, meeting inside a private room on a yacht, Owens and Lumumba met with the agents. At one point in the meeting, one of the agents asked Lumumba to move the citys SOQ deadline from April 30 to April 10 or 15. Lumumba then called a city employee and directed them to move the deadline to April 15. The indictment shows a picture of Lumumba, sitting next to Owens, making the phone call. Another agent then handed five $10,000 checks to Lumumba in an envelope. Another picture inserted into court records shows Lumumba holding an envelope while talking with Owens. According to the indictment, Owens stated, These checks are Mississippi checks but theyre from this group. Lumumba said, Okay. Lumumba eventually confirmed that the city employee had moved the deadline. Sometime later in the day, Owens received another $50,000 in cash that he removed from a bag and put in his pockets. A third picture inserted into the indictment shows Owens with cash in his hand appearing to take more money out of a black bag. Owens, Lumumba and the agents then went to a local club that night, where Owens directed the agents to make cash available for Lumumba. Lumumba also directed the agents to pay cash to employees of the club for his benefit. When Lumumba arrived back in Jackson on April 4, the five $10,000 checks were deposited into his campaign bank account. Prior to that, Lumumbas account balance was approximately $465.30. Mayor called indictment 'political prosecution' Court docket information was made available less than a day after Lumumba announced in a video statement that he had been indicted as part of the Jackson bribery scandal, calling it "political prosecution." To be clear, I have never accepted a bribe of any type, Lumumba said. As mayor, I have always acted in the best interest of the citizens of Jackson. We believe this to be a political prosecution against me, primarily designed to destroy my credibility and reputation within the community. There is no coincidence, and its timing being just before the upcoming mayoral race. My legal team will vigorously defend me against these charges. Court records further show the details of Owens and Banks involvement in the scandal. According to the indictment, Owens facilitated over $80,000 in bribe payments to Lumumba and Lee in exchange for their agreement to take official action on the citys long-sought after hotel development project across the street from the Jackson Convention Complex. Its a project the city has been trying to build since the mid-2000s. The city released a statement of qualifications, or SOQ, on Jan. 31. Owens accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits from two developers from Nashville who turned out to be undercover FBI agents. The agents used Owens relationship with Lumumba and Lee to act as an intermediary for the bribes. Owens, Banks, Lumumba, Lee and Smith were not aware that, in reality, the Developers were working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the indictment states. Read this detailed timeline on how: Over the course of months, the Jackson's bribery scandal has unfolded Owens is facing eight felony counts: one count of conspiracy, three counts of federal program bribery, one count of use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering, one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering and one count of making a false statement. Banks is facing two felony counts: one count of conspiracy and three counts of federal program bribery. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS bribery scandal: Mayor Lumumba indicted on federal charges ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A few days before Veterans Day, Alpine Academy held a Veterans Day program to honor those who served. Students Pre-K through 8th grade sang patriotic music for their loved ones and former members of the military. Veterans with Loves Park VFW Post 9759 were just some of the people who attended. All donations from the event supported Vets Roll and its annual trip that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vets Roll President Mark Finnegan was the keynote speaker at the event. Its just vitally important that kids from these young ages, pre-K ages all the way on up through high school, know why we do everything in life, Finnegan. The reason that you can have a bowling event, or go out to a restaurant, is all because of the sacrifices of the American veterans. Vets Roll has multiple fundraisers to help fund its annual trip to D.C. This weekend, over 60 Culvers locations in the area will be donating a portion of proceeds to the non-profit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. LIMA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The launch ceremony for Peru's China Hour TV program and China Audiovisual Month was held on Wednesday in Lima, the capital of Peru. Guests from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, China's National Radio and Television Administration, the Peruvian Congress, the Ministry of Education of Peru, and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Peru, along with business representatives from both countries, attended the event. In a congratulatory message, Eduardo Salhuana Cavides, president of the Congress of Peru, emphasized that with joint efforts, cultural exchanges between China and Peru will yield even more fruitful results and play an active role in enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendly relations between the two peoples. Peruvian Congressman Segundo Quiroz Barboza expressed his eagerness for the China Hour to become a new highlight in the cultural exchange between the two countries, fostering Sino-Peruvian cultural exchanges and cooperation. The launch of China Hour will bring dozens of high-quality Chinese audiovisual programs, including The Three-Body Problem, Minning Town, and The Tale of Rose, to the Peruvian audience. The launch ceremony was guided by China's State Council Information Office and China's National Radio and Television Administration, and organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, the Chongqing Radio and Television Bureau, and the Culture and Cultural Heritage Committee of Congress of Peru. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing juvenile girl out of Columbus. The Columbus Police Department reports 13-year-old Makenzie Hall was abducted around 10 a.m. on Nov. 8. She was last seen in Columbus on S. Huron Avenue with suspect Shane Smith. Smith was last seen driving a white Ford Ranger with Ohio Plate HRW1901. Makenzie is a white female, age 13 and is approximately five feet seven inches tall, 115 pounds. She has brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a dark grey hoodie and white shoes with a pink backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, Shane Smith, is a white male, age 48 and is approximately five feet eleven inches, 200 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes. Call or dial 911 if you see the child, the suspect or the vehicle. You can also call 1-877-AMBER-OH (1-877-262-3764) or 911 to be transferred directly to the investigating law enforcement agency or to hear the alert information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Its a mystery87 years in the making. In 1937, famed aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan went missing over the Pacific Ocean on what was to be a record-setting flight around the world. After millions of dollars and multiple search and rescue missions over nine decades, neither the pilots remains nor the wreckage of their plane have ever been found. Until last year, when a fuzzy sonar image of what appeared to be the plane at the bottom of the ocean sparked an international frenzy. Just days ago, a clearer picture emerged, but is it Amelias plane? 43 primates escape South Carolina research center, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How clear could a photo be of an airplane-like object sitting more than 16,000 feet beneath the oceans surface? Blurry at best, leaving it up to ones imagination regarding the true identity of the object. The object on the sea floor about 100 miles off Howland Island could be Amelias planeafter ditching there if it ran out of fuel. Earhart and Noonan had departed New Guinea for Honolulu with a planned pit stop to refuel on Howland Island, but never arrived. It is widely speculated they went down in the area. A South Carolina deep sea explorer has made it his mission to find Amelias Lockheed Electra plane. Tony Romeo sold his Charleston-based real estate companys assets to fund his $11 million expedition in the Pacific to find the plane. Romeos deep sea vision team, which captured this sonar image of what looked like the plane, was optimistic yet uncertain of the first bleary images and vowed to return with higher resolution cameras with sophisticated unmanned submersibles to take another shot. What did they see? This second expedition and the clearer sonar images revealed it was just a bunch of rocks, not Amelias plane. just an aircraft-shaped rock formation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Romeo said the outcome isnt what we hoped for. Despite the disappointing findings, the company remains committed to its search for the wreckage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON Canadas next-door neighbors want to move in. In the hours after Donald Trumps presidential victory, American interest in Canadian citizenship is soaring. Canadas immigration department has experienced an increase in web traffic originating from the United States, compared to typical volume on a Wednesday, spokesperson Julie Lafortune told POLITICO. And while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said it doesnt systematically track direct inquiries to its office, Lafortune added: Anecdotally, we can confirm weve seen a spike in questions from U.S. citizens reaching out today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada offers foreign nationals an online road map on how they might legally reside in Canada. For example, a skilled American worker willing to live in one of the Canadian Atlantic provinces New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador could expect an eight-month processing period and fees starting at $1,525 Canadian. Anyone can apply for temporary or permanent status in Canada, provided they meet the qualifications, Lafortune said. There are a number of avenues that applicants can consider in order to remain in Canada on a temporary or permanent basis. Other indications abound that some Americans harbor dreams of becoming expats during Trumps return to power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most of the past week, the Google search term Canadian citizenship barely registered among U.S.-based users, never exceeding a score of 7 on Googles relative interest over time scale, which ranges from 0 (little interest) to 100 (extraordinary interest). But as more and more Tuesday night election results indicated a Trump win was likely, Googles Canadian citizenship search score began to skyrocket 21 at 10 p.m., 31 at 11 p.m. and 77 at 3 a.m. Wednesday after Trump had declared victory, according to Google Trends. By 7 a.m. Wednesday, after The Associated Press called the presidential race for Trump, the score had reached 100 out of 100 Google does not release raw search number data and remained high throughout the day. Related search terms such as immigrate to Canada, Canada immigration process and how to move to Canada experienced similar spikes after Trumps victory, Google Trends indicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google users in the United States likewise registered abnormal numbers of searches on Wednesday for terms including Irish citizenship, moving to Australia, how to move to New Zealand and political asylum. Trump detractors broadly fear that the former presidents return to the White House will mean across-the-board reductions in American freedoms and civil liberties, particularly for women, minorities and LGBTQ+ Americans. Rights ranging from abortion to library book access rank among their concerns. Of course, few Yankees who dream of a tony high-rise apartment in Toronto or Calgary, or a quaint farmhouse on the rural outskirts of Moose Jaw or Medicine Hat, will actually follow through. But the Association of Americans Resident Overseas estimates that more than 1 million Americans already live in Canada, as of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of billionaire Trump benefactor Elon Musk, announced in a Threads post that she doesnt see her future being in the United States. Trump has also indicated hed use the Department of Justice and other means to seek retribution against perceived political foes enshrined on an enemies list. As for people whove emigrated to the United States, Trump, whose inauguration is slated for Jan. 20, has foreshadowed implementing a draconian U.S. immigration policy that includes militarizing the nations partially walled border with Mexico and the mass deportation of undocumented migrants. Such policies could potentially affect millions of people living in the United States. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump telegraphed his desire for police and military forces to identify, detain and expel people living in the United States illegally. He wants to sharply restrict asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada the world's second-largest country in geographic size, with a population of just over 40 million has a long history of welcoming newcomers to its 10 provinces and three territories. But last month, the CBC reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would cut the number of new permanent residents to from 485,000 this year to 395,000 in 2025. The number of new permanent residents allowed would further decline to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027 under Trudeaus plan. Canada is an open country and people "see a lot of hope in coming to Canada," Immigration Minister Marc Miller told reporters in October. But Miller added that the Canadian government realized importantly that we have to have a managed migration system that makes sense for everyone, including newcomers that we need to set up for success." Voters decided the fate of abortion ballot measures in 10 states this week. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Its one of the great conundrums of modern American politics. Time and again, voters elect politicians who espouse positions that are contrary to what the majority of the public believes. The list of such issues is a long one: climate change, gun violence, wages, tax fairness, health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And another classic example of this disconnect occurred in this past Tuesdays election. All across the country in red and blue states voters came out in big numbers to support initiatives that enshrine abortion rights in state constitutions. And yet, at the same time, they elected a president opposed to reproductive freedom. How? Why? Sadly, the suspicion here is that a huge proportion of the public is simply not paying attention. These folks may hold progressive beliefs, but they vote with their heart or their gut instead of their head. The bottom line: Donald Trump is an enormously savvy politician, but ultimately, his success should be a reminder to voters that they too need to be savvy and pay close attention if they want their policy beliefs to prevail. For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield. Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Northeast Asian countries are bracing for changes that might follow as President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. During his campaign, Trump pledged to upend what he described as unfair trade practices and decrease military involvement overseas. Among his campaign promises, Trump said he would introduce blanket tariffs of 20% on all foreign imports and up to 60% or more on goods from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanket tariffs, even at lower levels than Trump has proposed, would certainly cause great volatility within China. They would also create volatility, however, for closely allied countries such as India, Japan, and South Korea. During the campaign, Trump said that, as president, he would impose 100% tariffs on cars produced in Mexico and exported to the U.S. Japanese automakers that manufacture cars in Mexico and export the majority to the U.S. -- more than 80% in the case of Honda-- will be put in a difficult position. Approximately 88% of vehicles produced in Mexico are exported. Of those exports, about 76% are destined for the United States. Another dynamic that would affect the region is Trump's aversion to U.S. involvement in overseas defense arrangements in which he considers the United States is getting a bad deal. Trump often has said that the United States should not protect allies who do not pay a fair share of their own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "'You didn't pay? You're delinquent?' 'No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want," Trump said at a campaign rally in South Carolina earlier this year. "You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills," he added. "There are some very specific issues where you can feel the way in which [Trump] looks at our allies, and he looks also at this idea that we have to renegotiate the basis of our postwar relationships with allies, both in the trade sense and in the security sense," said Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Studies at the Council of Foreign Relations Sheila Smith in an interview with UPI. "It's a different world today than it was in 2016, and China looms large in the Indo-Pacific," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Chinese behavior has also been much more assertive, and not only in the South China Sea and in the East China Sea, but in and around Taiwan." In his campaign, Trump was particularly critical of U.S. involvement in Ukraine and the imbalance of U.S. contributions to allies to fight Russia. In Northeast Asia, however, the dynamics are different and the amount that countries such as Japan and South Korea contribute to their own defenses is high. In 2022, Japan passed an agreement with the United States to spend $8.6 billion during five years on hosting American military personnel there. In October, South Korea announced it would be paying $1.12 billion in 2026 for hosting U.S. troops, up 8.3% from 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has more than 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea and more than 55,000 in Japan, respectively. The support of the U.S. military has been viewed not only as an insurance policy, but an essential foundation for maintaining a status quo of peace in the Asia Pacific, with no clear alternative of doing without it. Australia and India's foreign ministers said on Tuesday, before U.S. voting closed, that they were confident the Quad group of the U.S., India, Australia and Japan would continue to cooperate in the Indo-Pacific region regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. As a protective measure before the election, South Korea and the United States signed a defense cost-sharing deal on Nov. 4 to ensure the stability of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, no matter who won the election. The decades-long U.S. military alliances in the Asia Pacific are unlikely to go anywhere. However, the conviction that allied countries in the region can no longer rely exclusively on the United States for their national and regional defense is likely to deepen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japan, for example, will likely continue along the path of remilitarization while continuing to work closely with the United States and other allies. "I don't see this as a move towards independence," said Smith. "I think the allies are trying to meet the United States halfway, so to speak, to say 'OK, we'll do more. We'll add to our capabilities, will enhance our abilities, and will integrate those capabilities with the United States to make it a seamless deterrent so that we're both working towards this goal of making sure that no aggression is directed at us.'" Japan has been constitutionally prohibited from having a military with offensive powers since the end of World War II. Revising the constitution to allow for this has been a major goal of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, whose members feel that Japan's wings were clipped when Japan surrendered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These views have divided the Japanese public, however, a majority of whom has, for decades, strongly supported Japan's pacifist constitution. According to a May 2024 survey by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, only 27% of respondents said they were in favor of revising Japan's constitution, which remains the oldest unamended constitution in the world. As tensions with North Korea have risen and trust in the reliability of the U.S. nuclear umbrella has lessened, the debate in South Korea over developing its own nuclear deterrent has gone mainstream. A June survey by the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) found that 66% of South Koreans support their country having its own nuclear weapons. The need for a deterrent like this, however, would be lessened if the threat of the DPRK were diminished. Trump said little on the campaign about how policy on the Korean peninsula might shift but frequently mentioned his special relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump was the first U.S. president to meet with a leader of the DPRK. If progress could be made with North Korea in spite of wars in both the Middle East and Ukraine, tensions between North and South Korea could potentially see a cooling. But much remains uncertain. Both friends and foes in the Northeast Asia region will be watching closely, and with some concern, to see what policy direction the second Trump administration will take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "'Why don't you do more for your defense?' This has been a pretty consistent theme in postwar American foreign policy towards its allies, including Japan and South Korea," said Smith. "But 'Why don't you defend yourself?' is a different tone coming out of an American president." How much of what was said on the campaign trail will be enacted in policy is something that Americans and the rest of the world will discover in the following months. BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is making a triumphant return to the White House, has pledged to end the raging Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon, promising peace and prosperity. But the question remains how and at what expense, Lebanese political analysts said. The 13-month wars on both fronts, which broke out after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Hezbollah joined the fight across the Lebanon border in support of Gaza, have imposed a new political, security and military reality in the troubled Middle East region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel went on destroying both Iran-backed militant groups to avenge Hamas' daring "Al Aqsa Flood" operation that killed 1,200 people and took 250 as hostages. Gaza was turned into rubble with a death toll of more than 43,300 people, 70% of whom were women and children. In Lebanon, 3,102 people were killed and 13,819 wounded in Israel's relentless attacks that destroyed large parts of the country's southern and eastern regions, as well as Beirut's southern suburbs. Hamas and Hezbollah were greatly weakened, but still fighting even though they have lost their leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah, respectively, along with many of their military commanders and fighters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not willing yet to stop the wars, especially in Gaza, where he was accused of committing genocide and war crimes. Israel, whose image was badly damaged, was most importantly losing world opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu, however, hopes that the United States' returning president will give him a free hand to "finish the job" in Gaza and Lebanon. He targets to break Iran's axis of resistance in the Arab world; destroy Iran's nuclear program and change its regime; resettle in Gaza and annex the West Bank meaning no chance to establish a Palestinian state; normalize ties with Saudi Arabia; and create a new Middle East. The coming two months-plus, "while [Joe] Biden is a lame duck president and Trump has not taken over, present a golden opportunity" for Netanyahu and his extremist cabinet, according to Lebanon's former ambassador in Washington, Riad Tabbarah. "How Trump will manage is the question. It will depend on how things are on the ground by then," Tabbarah told UPI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said during his presidential campaign that he wanted a quick deal in Lebanon and the Gaza campaign by the time he takes office on Jan. 20. Tabbarah argued that Trump is clear about his goals, but never about the means to achieve them and claimed that "his unpredictability is part of his Art of the Deal policy to keep the other side guessing." He said he expected "no strategic change" in U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East, with the Israel lobby's influence on Congress and hence on the presidency "too powerful to allow such a change." Until Trump takes over, violence in the Middle East is expected to continue and even increase, with no one to rein in the Israeli prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Netanyahu is going to give the U.S. the present of cessation of hostilities, it would be to Trump and not to Biden," Tabbarah said. On the table for Lebanon is the implementation of 18-year-old U.N. Resolution 1701 that calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah and for the Army and U.N. peacekeeping troops to be the only force in charge of security in the southern border area. But Netanyahu wants more, seeking to impose more enforcement mechanisms, even at the expense of Lebanon's sovereignty, to prevent the rearming and funding of the militant group -- conditions rejected by Lebanon. Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut, explained that Hezbollah accepted to implement Resolution 1701, but "it is too late as it is behind Netanyahu, who wants to see what comes from and in Lebanon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli prime minister wants to end the hostilities, but what he is offering to Lebanon is surrender. "By controlling its [Lebanon's] air space and ground, he wants to treat Lebanon the same way he treats the West Bank," Khashan told UPI. "The Lebanese will completely lose their sovereignty, and that's the main problem." Rearming Hezbollah, which was hit hard by Israel's severe blows, would be "meaningless" if the group doesn't have "a powerful air force and advanced technology like the Israelis .... The technological gap is too wide," Khashan said. For the Palestinians, Netanyahu's plans are even worse, as he and his extremist cabinet are not willing to give them a state of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their aim is Greater Israel that includes Gaza and the West Bank," Tabbarah said. "Since this would create a near equality in numbers of Jews and non-Jews, it is imperative for them to reduce the number of Palestinians through any means, including genocide and forced emigration." The fate of the nearly 5 million Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza is in limbo amid fears of Israel imposing conditions that make neighboring Jordan their homeland. According to Khashan, Netanyahu wants, with the support of Trump, to impose the Israeli version of peace on the Arabs, saying "no more peace for land, but peace for peace." In 2017, Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and two years later recognized Israel's 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights. His policy of normalization, the Abraham Accords, remains the focus of his approach to the Arab-Israeli problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia, which Netanyahu desperately wants, requires peace in Palestine and Lebanon, and at least a clear path to Palestinian statehood -- a minimal condition for Saudi Arabia, according to Tabbarah. "Will Netanyahu give up his dream of greater Israel for his dream for normalization with Saudi Arabia? This will be the biggest issue in the Middle East for Trump to solve," he said. Regarding Iran, Trump will most likely return to his "maximum pressure" policy for achieving a new nuclear deal with restrictions on Tehran's missile program and a resolution to the activities of its allied militias in the region. "Trump has to find an appropriate prize to give Iran in return," Tabbarah said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would put a brake on Netanyahu's calls for regime change in the Islamic country. Since the establishment of its Islamic rule in1979, Iran focused on exporting its revolution to the Arab world and creating its own Shiite military arms to penetrate the region. "It wanted to become the equal of Israel ... wanted Israel to recognize it as a peer," Khashan said, recalling that Iraq's late President Saddam Hussein and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tried the same, but the U.S. destroyed the first while the second failed. If Netanyahu wants to proceed with changing the region, Khashan argued that "the transformation of the Middle East [cannot be] completed without changing Iran and its leadership." It certainly depends on Trump, who also would need to find a way to achieve a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and spare the region another cycle of violence. Sen.-elect Andy Kim holds hands with his son Austin during his victory party in Cherry Hill on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (Ed Murray for New Jersey Monitor) New Jersey Democrats had a terrible Election Day, but a bright spot for them occurred with Rep. Andy Kims victory in the U.S. Senate race. Kims convincing win not only gave Democrats something to celebrate as they mourned the thumping Donald Trump gave the party nationwide, but it signaled what could be a new chapter for New Jersey politics if our bosses dont stand in the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let there be no doubt this is a new era of politics rising. The same old, same old is done, and weve shown New Jersey that theres a better way, Kim told cheering supporters in Cherry Hill Tuesday night. Kim captured the seat that was once held for 18 years by Bob Menendez, a Hudson County Democrat who began his political career as a reformer but ended it after a bribery trial that exposed him as a cartoonishly corrupt pol, one with literal bars of gold he took from men who needed favors from him. From Menendez to Kim what a glow-up for New Jersey. That Menendez remained in the Senate for so long is an example of the same old, same old approach to politics Kim declared dead in his victory speech. If our public officials cared more about what we think of them, Menendez would have been shamed into stepping down when his first corruption trial revealed the shady relationship he had with a major campaign donor and friend (the jury deadlocked). Instead, Menendez sought reelection to a second term anyway and launched that campaign in 2018 at a rally where powerful New Jersey Democrats like Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker who should have been pushing him into retirement feted him as someone we could not live without. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menendez eked out a primary victory, won a second term on the strength of New Jersey Democrats loathing of Donald Trump, and then spent that term participating in a new bribery scheme, this time with global actors. This led to indictment No. 2 in September 2023. Kim has said the new charges inspired his bid to oust Menendez. And on Tuesday, he promised not to embarrass New Jersey the way Menendez did. I assure you I will give this everything I have and I will try and serve with honor and integrity. I promise you I will not lose myself along the way. I will anchor myself in the deep sense of public service that has guided me all these years, he said. The idea that Kim would ascend to the Senate seemed improbable from the start. He had arrived on the political scene way later than some other Democrats who probably thought theyd be next in line for the Senate seat. He wasnt exactly beloved by New Jerseys political establishment. And he soon found a primary rival first lady Tammy Murphy who had the support of so many Democratic Party officials that her victory seemed a fait accompli in a state where the party machine reigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any other Democrat probably would have folded under the pressure of going against the wife of the sitting governor and every party boss in the state. But not only did Kim press on and emerge victorious Murphy dropped out of the primary before a single vote was cast he simultaneously led a court fight that put a stake through the heart of New Jerseys notorious county line, a move that has the potential to limit the power of party bosses and make it easier for the next Andy Kim to replace the next Bob Menendez. When Kim told his supporters Tuesday that they showed New Jersey theres a better way, he was right. His candidacy proved to any person out there who wants to take on the political establishment that they can do it, too, and they can win without bending the knee to party bosses. Kim told me Tuesday he thinks that because of his candidacy, Jersey politics has changed forever. We are entering a new era of politics in New Jersey. We dont know exactly what its going to look like yet, but Im going to play a very serious role and try to shape it, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) An anonymous tip has led to the arrest of a man in Butler County. According to the Butler County Sheriffs Office, someone submitted an anonymous tip, which prompted the Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force to conduct a search on Marlou Drive in Hamilton. During the search, two (2) ounces of methamphetamine and one firearm were allegedly found and confiscated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 44-year-old Hamilton man was taken into custody and is being charged with the following: 1 count of felony two (F2) possession 1 count of felony two (F2) trafficking in drugs To report suspected criminal activity, click here and select Crime Tips. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. City Hall, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the designated early voting sites in the state's largest city. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Division of Elections tallied 677 votes Thursday from nine rural Alaska precincts as Election Day ballot counting nears an end. Four of the states 403 precincts remain uncounted. Votes cast on Election Day in Akiachak, Nulato, Savoonga and Atqasuk have not been tallied, according to precinct-level data published by the division. It was not immediately clear when those votes would be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays newly counted votes did not change the leaders of any races but notably narrowed the lead of the ballot measure seeking to repeal ranked choice voting. Yes on repeal now outnumbers no by just 4,122 votes out of 246,856 cast on the issue. At least 46,000 ballots cast before Election Day will be added to the states tally starting Nov. 12, according to estimates of uncounted early and absentee votes. That figure does not include questioned ballots, votes cast on Election Day with possible problems or by voters whose ID could not be immediately verified. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GENEVA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Friday that about 70 percent of the casualties in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 have been women and children. Highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and other areas, the OHCHR report confirms that, as of Sept. 2, 2024, it had verified the identities of 8,119 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 2,036 women and 3,588 children, who together account for approximately 70 percent of the total fatalities. The report condemns the brutal targeting of civilians in Gaza and the severe breaches of international law, noting that many of these acts may qualify as war crimes. It emphasizes that if these acts are part of a large-scale or systematic attack against civilians tied to state or organizational policy, they could amount to crimes against humanity. Furthermore, the report warns that if the intent of these acts is to partially or entirely destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, they may constitute genocide. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated in the report that the International Court of Justice has repeatedly stressed Israel's international obligation to prevent and punish acts of genocide, urging Israel to fulfill these obligations fully and immediately. He noted that this is especially urgent in light of the recent military operations in northern Gaza and Israeli legislation affecting the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Israel has yet to respond to the report's findings. The report also condemns violent actions by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups targeting Israeli and foreign civilians. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a focused effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. 35,725 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 35,725 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? School teachers protest for higher wages at a Miami-Dade School Board meeting. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) A federal judge has ruled that part of Floridas 2023 law restricting union organizing by state and local employees is unconstitutional, saying it unreasonably impairs collective bargaining agreements, granting a partial win in a lawsuit filed by education unions. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker ruled that public teacher union members in Pinellas and Hernando counties had been damaged by the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission after the passage of SB 256, which had a component banning payroll deductions for the purpose of paying dues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernando United School Workers and the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association argued that prohibiting payroll deductions was unconstitutional, violated their right to be free from the state impairment of contracts. The state argued the law was necessary to promote transparency and allow union members to decide how to pay their dues and understand how much they were paying. Unions responded that transparency was not the purpose of the ban on payroll deductions. Instead, Plaintiffs say, the payroll deduction ban was enacted for the purpose of ending the States involvement in collecting and dispersing union dues, Walker wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, in their trial brief, Plaintiffs provide the context surrounding the statements that the PERC Defendants pulled from the legislative record, which tends to show that the payroll deduction ban was motivated by this disentanglement philosophy. The unions challenged three elements of the law in a lawsuit filed in 2023. Walker dismissed arguments against the other two features of the law, a required recertification process if union membership drops below 60% and a required membership authorization form. The law applies to public employee unions save police and firefighter unions, some of the governors biggest supporters. The governor has publicly insulted education unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has not been the only legal complaint against the law. The United Faculty of Florida filed suit against the Public Employee Relations Commission in September over the required recertification process. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Unreasonable Walker ruled that employees who entered the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) understood the terms, and so it would be unreasonable to substantially impair these agreements. The problem to be resolved here i.e., providing for payroll deductions to collect union dues was a statutory right when the existing CBAs were negotiated, Walker wrote in an opinion issued this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All parties were aware of the existence of payroll deductions as a potential term in their CBAs. Presumably, the parties were also aware of alternatives to payroll deductions at that time. Given this knowledge at the time the existing CBAs were negotiated, and absent an unanticipated change in circumstances, it is unreasonable to substantially impair these agreements before their expiration by nullifying an express term of each agreement. Other unions were in on the suit the Alachua County Education Association, United Faculty of Florida, and United Faculty of Florida at the University of Florida but their arguments were moot because their contracts expired before the ruling was issued. Setting aside the Plaintiffs whose claims are now moot, the injuries of the remaining Union Plaintiffs with CBAs namely, Lafayette Education Association, Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, and Hernando United School Workers are fairly traceable to the PERC Defendants, Walker wrote. He said the injuries are also traceable to their employers. The Lafayette Education Association, another plaintiff in the case, was dismissed for lack of standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar celebrated the ruling. When SB 256 went into law, we knew that the goal was to disrupt the constitutional right our teachers and education staff professionals have to be represented by a union, Spar said in a news release. This ruling reaffirms that collective bargaining agreements are contracts that need to be respected. Over and over again Governor DeSantis and anti-worker, anti-public education politicians have tried to dismantle our teachers unions. And over and over again teachers, staff, students, parents and communities have come together to reaffirm their support for educators and for public education. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A home in Antioch was destroyed in a fire Friday morning. Firefighters were called to the residence in the 3500 block of Pin Hook Road around 5:15 a.m. South Nashville arson suspect facing federal charges According to the Nashville Fire Department, initial information was conflicting about what may have been happening and 9-1-1 had NFD crews staging at first to ensure the scene was safe for responders to approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person who called 911reported he saw a man with a gun and heard gunshots prior to fire crews arrival. (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) Firefighters approached the home and found flames shooting from the building. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. Nashville Electric Service crews was called to the area for a transformer that may have blown prior to firefighters arrival, according to NFD. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The American Red Cross was called the home for assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No additional information was immediately released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Pentagon officials are anxious and fear major upheaval as they prepare for Donald Trumps return to the White House in 2025, according to reports. During the election campaign, the president-elect threatened to use military force if necessary to handle his political opponents, who he labeled the enemy from within. Officials are nervous for a second Trump administration with one Defense Department official telling the Washington Post that some Pentagon staff and military personnel feel afraid because of their experiences during Trumps first term, citing fears of chaotic decision-making and abrupt leadership changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People around here are used to transitions but a lot of them were around for the Trump administration, the official told the newspaper on the condition of anonymity. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to personnel staff after the race was called for Trump on Wednesday to calm the waters and steady nerves. Austin, a retired general, said the Pentagon will carry out a calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration. He stressed that US service members will continue to stand apart from the political arena. Donald Trump in the Oval Office during his previous term as president (PA Archive) Our fellow citizens have elected the next President of the United States, the memo said. As it always has, the U.S. military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief, and to obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh would not elaborate on why Austin specified lawful orders, according to The Post, and said she would not engage in hypotheticals. Others have weighed in with criticism that Trump lacks an understanding of a nonpartisan military. Richard Kohn, a professor and military historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told The Post that the great danger the military faces in a second Trump administration is a rapid erosion of its professionalism, which would undermine its status and respect from the American people. Mr. Trump does not have a real understanding of civil-military relations, or the importance of a nonpartisan, nonpolitical military, Kohn added. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to all personnel after Trump was named the victor (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Another senior official with knowledge of discussions in the Pentagon told The Post there is concern that Biden-appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr, wont make it through his full term once Trump moves into the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year Brown responded to Trumps suggestion that he would allow Russia to whatever the hell they want to NATO members if they came under attack but did not contribute enough to the alliance. Trump later doubled down on the comment. We have a responsibility to uphold those alliances. US credibility is at stake with each of our alliances, and US leadership is still needed, wanted and watched, Brown said. Brown, who Trump selected as Air Force chief of staff in 2020, was questioned by Republicans of the Senate Armed Services Committee about policies surrounding China, Ukraine and the Pentagon that they deemed as woke. In response to The Posts report, Trump campaign national spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that the American public had given him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver. The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia (AFP via Getty Images) Scores of top officials from Trumps first administration have since come out against him following the political turmoil of his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, was accused of treason by Trump with the Republican even suggesting he should be executed. After a book reported Milley had secret phone calls with China regarding concerns about Trump following the January 6 riots, Trump posted on Truth Social: This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treasonous act. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper was fired by the president-elect and said in 2022 that he believed Trump was a threat to democracy, alleging that his actions led to the events of Jauary 6. I think that, given the events of 6 January, given how he has undermined the election results, he incited people to come to DC, stirred them up that morning, and failed to call them off. To me, that threatens our democracy, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trumps former National Security adviser, John Bolton, left the White House on acrimonious terms after several disagreements with him on foreign policy matters regarding North Korea, Iran and Afghanistan. Since then, he has denounced Trump and claimed he is not fit to be president. BERLIN (AP) Most of communist East Germany's heavily fortified border was torn down quickly after it was opened in 1989, but there are still places where visitors can see the remains of the Berlin Wall and other sections of the frontier. East Germany closed the border in Berlin on Aug. 13, 1961, and expanded the Wall into an increasingly elaborate fortification snaking through the city and around the capitalist enclave of West Berlin. The Wall plugged the last gap in the border between east and west. East Germany's leadership had already sealed off the country's main frontier with West Germany, snaking from the Baltic Sea to Czechoslovakia, in 1952. It stayed that way until the border was opened on Nov. 9, 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bornholmer Strasse crossing in Berlin was the first to open that night. Border guards, who hadn't received orders to let anyone pass, gave way under pressure from a large crowd demanding to be let through after an off-handed announcement of new regulations by Politburo spokesperson Gunter Schabowski. Today, a section of Wall slabs with photos of those events and a series of plaques marking the night's main developments including an alert sent by The Associated Press German service stands at the former crossing. The longest section of Wall remaining in Berlin is the East Side Gallery, where the once-gray concrete slabs are covered with murals that were painted by 118 artists after the opening of the border. Otherwise, the Wall has largely disappeared now and much of the former death strip between the exterior wall that faced West Berlin and an interior wall that faced east has been built over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the exceptions is a strip of the former border at the Bernauer Strasse memorial site in downtown Berlin, and there are fragments dotted around elsewhere in the city and on its edges. In most cases, the main East-West German border outside Berlin consisted of heavily fortified fences rather than walls. There were a few exceptions, however: most famously in the village of Moedlareuth, divided between Bavaria and the eastern region of Thuringia, which earned the nickname Little Berlin. Part of Moedlareuth's border can still be seen today. Germany was reunified on Oct. 3, 1990, less than a year after the border opened. WASHINGTON (AP) Big shifts within small groups and small shifts within big groups helped propel Donald Trump's return to the White House. The Republican candidate won by holding onto his traditional coalition white voters, voters without a college degree and older voters while making crucial gains among younger voters and Black and Hispanic men, according to AP VoteCast, a far-reaching survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. His Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, made small gains most significantly with white men with a college degree living in urban areas but it was not enough to offset her losses elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump increased his share of the youth vote Younger voters made up a bigger chunk of Trumps coalition, compared with his voters four years ago. That happened because Trump benefited from winning slightly more than half of voters over 45, while Harris won about the same share for voters under 45. But older voters make up a larger share of the electorate than younger ones do and that worked to Trumps advantage. Roughly 6 in 10 voters in the 2024 presidential election were older than 45. He kept about the same share of older voters as he did in the 2020 presidential election against President Joe Biden, but he also made small but significant gains with younger voters. In the last election, he won 4 in 10 voters under 45 years old. In this election, he won nearly half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the youngest voters those between 18 to 29 Trump increased his share of the youth vote significantly. Nearly half, 46%, voted for him over Harris, up from 36% in the last election. Trump gained among voters without a college degree About 6 in 10 Trump voters didn't have a college degree, compared with about half of Harris voters. A majority of voters in this election did not have a college degree, and most of those non-college-educated voters backed Trump. He won 55% of voters without a college degree, compared with about 4 in 10 who chose Harris. That represented a decline for the Democrats in 2020, Biden drew about even with Trump among voters without a college degree, earning 47% of their vote compared with Trumps 51%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps gains with non-college voters primarily came from non-white men without a college degree shifting right, as well as younger voters overall without a college degree. But he also won over more non-white women without a college degree compared with the last election. Harris maintained Bidens level of support among college graduates, who made up 44% of voters overall. A majority of college-educated voters backed Harris, and about 4 in 10 voted for Trump. But that wasnt enough when she wasnt able to capture the same share of voters without a college degree. Trump won white voters while making inroads with Black and Hispanic voters Trump's coalition this year was mostly white, just as it was in 2020. But it was more diverse than it was four years ago because of the gains he made with relatively small groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White voters made up about three-quarters of the electorate, and they did not shift significantly at the national level about the same share voted for Trump as in 2020. He was able to make slight inroads with Black and Latino voters, and each group made up about 1 in 10 voters in this election. Nationally, about 8 in 10 Black voters supported Harris. But that was down from about 9 in 10 in the last presidential election who went for Biden. And while Harris won more than half of Hispanic voters, that was down slightly from the roughly 6 in 10 Biden won. Trump increased his share of young Black men something that helped cut into a key Democratic voting group. About 3 in 10 Black men under the age of 45 went for Trump, roughly double the share he got in 2020. Young Latinos particularly young Latino men were more open to Trump than they were in 2020. Roughly half of Latino men under 45 voted for Harris, down from about 6 in 10 who went for Biden. Harris narrowly carried suburbs, but Trump ran up the rural vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like four years ago, Trump drew more strength from rural areas than his Democratic opponent did. Nearly half of voters, 45%, say they live in the suburbs. About half of those voters went for Harris, while 46% chose Trump. Trump won about 6 in 10 voters who live in small towns or rural communities, while Harris won about 6 in 10 urban voters. Those numbers were roughly in line with support during the 2020 election. Education was a factor here, too. Trump made slight gains with urban voters without a college degree, as well as non-white voters in urban communities and rural areas. He also drew in slightly more white men without a college degree in urban areas: about 6 in 10 supported him, compared with about half in 2020. Those gains for Trump among urban voters were offset, however, by Harris' improvement over Biden with white men with college degrees living in urban areas. She won about two-thirds of this group, up from about half for Biden in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ AP VoteCast is a survey of the American electorate conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for Fox News, PBS NewsHour, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press. The survey of more than 120,000 voters was conducted for eight days, concluding as polls closed. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. The survey combines a random sample of registered voters drawn from state voter files; self-identified registered voters using NORCs probability based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population; and self-identified registered voters selected from nonprobability online panels. The margin of sampling error for voters overall is estimated to be plus or minus 0.4 percentage points. Find more details about AP VoteCasts methodology at https://ap.org/votecast. Among several blocs of religious voters, including his loyal evangelical base, Donald Trump fared roughly as well in his victory over Kamala Harris as he did in his loss to Joe Biden four years ago. One notable difference: He did better this year among Catholic voters, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. In 2020, the Catholic electorate one the biggest religious blocs in the nation was almost evenly split, with 50% backing Trump and 49% favoring Biden, a longtime member of the faith. This year, according to VoteCast, 54% of Catholic voters supported Trump and 44% backed Harris a shift that was particularly notable in North Carolina, Florida and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VoteCast documented a racial divide. About 6 in 10 white Catholics supported Trump, and about 4 in 10 supported Harris. By contrast, about 6 in 10 Latino Catholics supported Harris, and about 4 in 10 supported Trump. Among other groups, VoteCast found that Trump generally fared about the same against Harris as he did against Biden, notably winning the support of about 8 in 10 white evangelical Christians. Some of the other VoteCast findings: --About 8 in 10 Black Protestants supported Harris; 15% supported Trump. --About two-thirds of Jewish voters supported Harris; about one-third supported Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --About two-thirds of Muslim voters supported Harris; about one-third supported Trump. --About 6 in 10 Mormons supported Trump; about one-third supported Harris. --About 7 in 10 nonreligious voters supported Harris; about 3 in 10 supported Trump. During the 2024 campaign, as in other recent national elections, Catholic voters were sharply divided over various volatile social issues. Some conservative Catholics said the Democratic Partys staunch support for abortion rights was reason enough to oppose Harris; some more liberal Catholics said Trumps demonization of migrants and disinterest in social-justice issues made him unworthy of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work for justice will certainly be necessary," wrote the Rev. Sam Sawyer, editor-in-chief of the Jesuit news magazine America, in an assessment of the election results. Mr. Trump campaigned on the promise of mass deportations, which would tear families apart and destabilize communities across the country, Sawyer wrote. Our immigrant brothers and sisters will need voices raised up in their defense, and the Catholic Church especially must be a champion of solidarity with them. Kristan Hawkins, a Catholic convert who is president of Students for Life of America, said she like many abortion opponents was disappointed in Trump's avowed preference for state-by-state abortion laws rather than a national ban. Yet she staunchly supported him. As a Catholic, I understand I am not voting for a priest or a pope or a pastor I'm voting for a political candidate, she told The Associated Press. My choice, either way, is voting for a sinner ... You vote for the person who will limit the amount of evil in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Harris, am outspoken supporter of abortion rights, Hawkins said, It's been very clear she's not going to be a friend to American Catholics. Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, who has worked closely with migrant and refugee communities in South Florida and beyond, sounded a note of cautious optimism about a second Trump term, believing that the reality of migrants contributions to the U.S. economy will matter more than the hyperbole about mass deportations. If he wants to accomplish the greatest economy ever, hes going to have to work on some type of accommodation on the immigration issues, Wenski told the AP. On abortion and other issues, Wenski said the Biden administration had sometimes given people of faith heartburn because of policy decisions that seem to intrude on religious liberty. He applauded Trump's appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wenski expressed relief that Floridas radically pro-abortion" ballot measure fell short of the 60% support needed for prevailing. But he conveyed his awareness of a long road ahead of us in promoting a culture of life. Trumps share of Jewish votes about one-third, according to VoteCast closely resembled the 2020 outcome. The CEO of one of the nations largest Jewish organizations, Ted Deutch of the American Jewish Committee, said the AJC looked forward to working with Trump and his administration on policies that would bolster Israels security and combat antisemitism. Deutch also urged the incoming administration to increase unity among the American people and repair partisan divides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CEO of a left-of-center advocacy group, Amy Spitalnick of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, issued a statement saying Trumps victory is "terrifying for so many communities who have been consistently threatened and demonized by his campaign. Trumps embrace of anti-democratic, antisemitic, xenophobic, and racist conspiracy theories seeks to pit communities against one another and sow distrust in our democratic institutions, while making all of us less safe, Spitalnick said. __ AP reporter Giovanna Dell'Orto contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. ___ This story was first published on Nov. 8, 2024. It was updated on Nov. 13, 2024 to correctly report the results of the AP VoteCast survey related to Jewish voters in the presidential election. Dolores Merchan, 67, reacts in tears as she is assisted by volunteers clearing mud from her home, where she has lived all her life with her husband and three children, and which has been severely affected by the floods in Masanasa, Valencia, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) ASSOCIATED PRESS AUSTIN (KXAN) One person is dead, and the Austin Police Department said it is investigating the death as a homicide, APD Officer Leah Ratliff said during a media briefing Thursday night. At approximately 5:54 p.m., multiple 911 calls were received in reference to a shoot/stab hotshot in the 6400 block of East U.S. 290 service road advising someone had been shot, Ratliff said. Officers arrived at 5:56 p.m. and found a person with obvious signs of trauma. APD officers, the Austin Fire Department and EMS performed life-saving measures on the victim, who was then transported to a local hospital, Ratliff said. The victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital at 6:26 p.m., according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A suspect has not been located at this time, Ratliff said. However, detectives advised this was an isolated incident with no threat to the public. Ratliff said homicide detectives are not releasing any details on the suspect or victim out of respect for the families. However, she said those details would come at a later time. This is now being investigated as Austins 57th homicide, Ratliff said. If anyone has any information, they can contact the APD homicide tip line 512-477-3588 or contact Crime Stoppers Line 512-974-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. MCCOMB, Miss. (WJTV) The Mississippi Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of the former executive director of the Jubilee Performing Art School in McComb. Terrance Alexander was sentenced to 240 years in prison after he was convicted by a jury on six criminal counts of sexual exploitation of minors in February 2023. Hinds County DA, Jackson councilman indicted in bribery scandal along with mayor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander appealed his conviction, but the Appeals Court said they found no reversible error, and they affirmed each of his convictions and sentences. Alexander was arrested in October 2021 after he was accused of engaging in various sex acts with children for almost a decade. CO179474Download An indictment stated Alexander performed sex acts with one child in 2018. Prosecutors said he also possessed a video depicting performing sex acts. Prosecutors said Alexander also persuaded children to perform sex acts with others while they were in his presence. Alexander is being held at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution while in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The first locally assembled Omoda E5 electric vehicle (EV) developed by Chinese automaker Chery was unveiled to the public on Friday, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia's drive to push for wide adoption of EVs in the country. The Omoda E5 is a B-segment SUV assembled at an assembly plant in Kedah state. It joins a range of other Chinese-developed and built EVs and hybrid electric vehicles from other major manufacturers, including BYD and Great Wall Motors (GWM) in the Malaysian market. In his speech at the ceremony to unveil the car, Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong hailed Chery's efforts at localizing EV production, which will help upskill the local workforce and raise the value of the country's manufacturing sector through new technology. "Chery should be congratulated for the fact that 99 percent of their assembly workforce here are Malaysians. The industrialization of Malaysia must mean better jobs and better pay for Malaysians. Whenever possible, we should automate more and use more technology," he said. He also urged Malaysian stakeholders to expand their adoption of EVs as there is a vast customer base to unlock locally, citing China's success as an example, where new energy vehicles make up half of all automobile sales. "Malaysia's adoption of EVs is significantly slower, even compared to our neighbors Thailand (12 percent), Vietnam (15 percent) and Singapore (18 percent). In 2023, Malaysia sold 799,731 cars, of which only 1.2 percent were BEVs (10,159 units). Yet Malaysia has a very sizable total industry volume (TIV) and highest per capita sales of cars in Southeast Asia," he said. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) First News welcomed some special students to our television station on Friday. They are part of the Kent State Rising Scholars program. The group is made up of students in 7th through 12th grades throughout Columbiana County. It is a nonprofit program that follows the students through high school and includes mentoring, field trips and scholarships. More than 130 kids take part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big portion of the program is learning about different careers. In addition to WKBN/WYTV, students have visited Goodyear in Akron and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Also part of the program is free tuition to Kent State Salem and Kent State East Liverpool. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Arizona voters have approved a first-in-the-nation ballot initiative intended to force local police to crack down harder on homeless encampments. The statewide initiative which was leading 58% to 42% as of Thursday afternoon is designed to give tax rebates to property owners if they can prove monetary damages resulting from the local governments failure to enforce nuisance laws. It is unclear how much practical impact the measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, will have on tax collections, but supporters and opponents see it as important symbolically as cities throughout the country struggle with a growing homelessness crisis. Even if taxpayers do not end up collecting rebates, people on both sides of the issue believe the measure could spur police departments to take more aggressive actions to break up encampments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Homeless encampments are on the ballot in Arizona. Could California, other states follow? Advocates for homeless people say that the solution involves building more housing and that people who have no place to live are being unfairly targeted and stigmatized. Proponents of more punitive measures say homelessness has gotten out of control, undermining the quality of life as cities have become more lax about enforcing laws against camping and public use of drugs and alcohol. It just shows that Arizona property owners are tired of the status quo, and they want to hold their local government accountable, said Jenna Bentley, director of public affairs for the Goldwater Institute, a conservative group that sponsored the measure. I hope this sends a real message to cities that taxpayers aren't going to tolerate problems like homelessness and drug use and public intoxication, to just be ignored. Bentley said her organization has received inquiries from groups and lawmakers in other states who are interested in replicating the measure. But she does not know of any efforts underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is intended to allow property owners to seek rebates for expenses, such as security bars, if they can show they were harmed by a failure to enforce laws against loitering, panhandling, camping and public drinking. Lost business revenue would not be eligible for reimbursement. But enforcing the law depends on setting up a process to enforce it, which has not yet been done and could prove cumbersome. Amy Schwabenlender, chief executive for a Phoenix-area homeless services group called Keys to Change, said she is dubious it will ever take effect. If it is implemented, it certainly doesn't help people experiencing homelessness," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: This artist always rejected gentrification. But homelessness pushed him to the other end The threat of arrest will only force homeless people to move around more often and lose contact with outreach workers who could help them find shelter and other services, she said. Schwabenlender sees the ballot measure as part of a larger backlash against strategies that focus on housing people. We've already been on the defense" against people who claim all homeless people are using illegal substances or are mentally ill, she said. "We have to do more of the messaging against that frame." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the city of Phoenix said in an email that there was no way to determine the impact of the new law, known as Proposition 312, on the city's budget. "Prop 312 does not change the citys commitment to lead with education and services and not criminalize homelessness," said Dan Wilson, communications director. He said the city's office of homeless solutions is committed to addressing encampments "in a dignified and compassionate manner, connecting our most vulnerable residents with services while preserving the quality of life in our neighborhoods for all residents." Proposition 312 came after a successful lawsuit last year forced the city of Phoenix to clear a homeless encampment spanning several blocks of downtown Phoenix known as "the Zone." The ballot measure's approach is a contrast to those in other states asking taxpayers to spend more money on homeless services, including one approved by Los Angeles County voters on Tuesday that will double the quarter-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Control of the presidency and Congress weren't the only important matters on the ballot this week. In Arizona, voters chose to keep Clint Bolick, a prominent libertarian legal mind, on the state's Supreme Court. Arizona judges face periodic retention elections which are usually routine matters, rarely resulting in anybody losing their seat. This year, though, Bolick and another justice were targeted after a controversial abortion decision; despite the campaign against them, both cruised to victory. Co-Founder of the Institute for Justice Bolick is probably best known beyond Arizona as the co-founder, with the late Chip Mellor, of the Institute for Justice (I.J.) in 1991. The organization's timeline notes that it started small, "with Chip Mellor, Clint Bolick, Scott Bullock, and two other staff members." "When Chip and Clint created the Institute for Justice in 1991, their most ambitious goal was to resurrect the Fourteenth Amendment's Privileges or Immunities Clause as the primary source of protection for individual rights against state and local governmentsincluding particularly the right of occupational freedom," Clark Neily, a former IJ staffer, wrote for the Cato Institute after Mellor passed away last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in Bolick's career, I briefly corresponded with him (not that I think Bolick remembers) after reading his 1990 book, Unfinished Business: A Civil Rights Strategy for America's Third Century. That book helped confirm my decision to go to law school and the path I wanted to pursue as an attorney. Through no fault of Bolick's, I dropped out of law school in favor of other pursuits, ultimately culminating in what I'm doing now. Bolick himself moved on from I.J. to serve as president and general counsel of the Alliance for School Choice, where he litigated on behalf of education freedom. In 2007, Bolick joined Arizona's Goldwater Institute, where he headed up its litigation efforts. "Bolick has successfully won landmark precedents defending school choice, freedom of enterprise, private property rights and challenging corporate subsidies and racial classifications," according to a 2014 profile by Townhall's Rachel Alexander. In 2016, Bolick told Reason's Damon Root that his favorite case was a lawsuit that inspired first Texas, and then Congress, to pass "legislation making it illegal for public entities to discriminate in adoption placement" with a particular emphasis on barring racial considerations. An Immediate Target on the Arizona Supreme Court That year, Republican Doug Ducey, Arizona's then-governor, appointed Bolick to the state Supreme Court, He became the first registered Independent on that body, and almost certainly the first to sport a scorpion tattoo on his hand, celebrating a victory in a tattoo studio's free speech case. The court's caseload spans everything from mundane legal matters to First Amendment issues and eminent domain. Bolick compiles his decisions, whether majorities, concurrences, or dissents, online for easy perusal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am especially passionate about our state constitution and have authored opinions vindicating its speech and privacy guarantees, among others," he wrote in the Arizona Republic last summer. Arizona requires judges to go through periodic retention elections, two years after they're appointed, and then every six years thereafter. As an associate justice with a history of libertarian legal positions, Bolick was immediately targeted by hostile groups. The National Education Association wanted him removed from the court because of his support for school choice. He survived his first retention election in 2018 with 71 percent of the vote. A Controversial Abortion Decision This year, Bolick and Justice Kathryn King, who is up for her first retention election, were targeted for their rulings in a hotly contested abortion case. As the U.S. Supreme Court returned the issue of abortion to the states in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, state lawmakers scrambled to pass laws either protecting or restricting access to the procedure. Shortly before Dobbs, Arizona adopted legislation allowing abortions up to 15 weeks, and afterwards only in the case of medical emergency. But the state already had a law on the books, dating back to 1864 in territorial days, that was much more restrictive. It was effectively suspended during the Roe era, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruling shielded abortion from restrictions, but revived by Dobbs. The state Supreme Court considered if the 2022 law was written so that it superseded the 1864 law. The majority opinion, which Bolick and King joined, ruled that the more recent law did not repeal the earlier one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't a policy decision, but a question of whether lawmakers had competently drafted their legislation. They hadn't. "In a poignant historical moment, my legislator wife immediately joined the effort to overturn our ruling," Bolick noted in that Arizona Republic piece, referring to his wife Shawnna, a state senator. "That caused no marital disharmony because she is a policymaker and I am not." But a lot of people are more interested in outcomes than they are in how those outcomes are achievedand never mind that the legislature fixed its mistake by repealing the territorial-era law. Abortions were further protected in this week's election when Arizona voters passed Proposition 139, amending the state Constitution to specify that abortion is a fundamental right and permitted up to fetal viability. The Arizona Secretary of State's vote count currently has Proposition 139 passing by 61 percent to 39 percent. Victory With the Voters The same count has Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick retaining his seat by 58 percent to 42 percent (King won by a similar margin). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ballot measure that would have done away with retention elections, Prop. 137, was overwhelmingly defeated, 77 percent to 23 percent. "Dear friends, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the USA's best state supreme court for another three years," Bolick responded to the results on Facebook. "I am beyond grateful for your votes, your support, and your prayers. This was so important to win to preserve an independent judiciary in AZ, and it appears we did so decisively. I couldn't have better friends and colleagues!!" Arizona mandatory retirement age for judges is 70, so Bolick can serve until 2027 and won't face any more retention elections. That means Arizona's libertarian Supreme Court justice will be with us for a few years more. The state's residents can only hope that he'll be replaced by somebody with a comparable track record of fighting for liberty. The post Arizona Voters Keep Libertarian Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick appeared first on Reason.com. From left, Arkansas Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne, Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness and Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace listen Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, to questions about the state's purchase of land near Charleston, Arkansas, for a new prison. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Board of Corrections on Friday accepted land in rural west Arkansas as the site of a planned prison of up to 3,000 beds. During a roughly 30-minute video conference call meeting, the board voted 5-0 with one abstention to approve the prison site purchase, which the state bought with no involvement from board members. Several members have said they learned of the 815-acre land deal only a day or two before the governors office announced it on Oct. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Lee Watson, who abstained from Fridays vote and lives in western Arkansas said theres a need for a facility because there are no state prisons in that part of the state. He noted that roughly 32% of Department of Corrections inmates come from west and northwest Arkansas counties. At the same time the board should make well-reasoned decisions, he said. I learned about the Franklin County site the day before it was announced. Given the magnitude of the decision, I dont feel Ive had enough information or time. Watson said he was surprised to learn at a Thursday night town hall in Charleston that the land had been under a purchase contract for 90 days before the deal closed last month. Area residents and state and local officials who said they were blindsided by the governors announcement last week attended the town hall seeking answers. Board member Lona McCastlain, who made the motion to approve the land deal, acknowledged that the board had been kept in the dark about it, but said she feels the governor has committed to keeping us informed going forward. She noted that board members had received a site survey document from the governors office last night and said, I feel its a feasible site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve heard repeatedly from county sheriffs and judges about the problems with the backups, she said. Corrections officials and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson for years have said a new prison is needed to alleviate overcrowding in county jails. The state spends roughly $30 million a year to house about 3,000 inmates in county facilities because of a lack of space in state prisons, according to the governors office. More recently, McCastlain said, weve heard from legislators that we need to move forward with this prison build. The Board of Corrections has the opportunity to alleviate the burden. William Dubs Byers, who seconded McCastlains motion, said, I didnt like the way this was done. There should have been more discussion with the representatives and senators from that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that he received a letter Friday morning from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders encouraging the board to approve the land deal. He then asked Cortney Kennedy, the governors chief legal counsel, if the governors office will help the board deal with infrastructure and other issues that might arise as the prison is designed and built. The board voted last month to hire a construction manager for the project. We are committed to making this project happen for the benefit of the community and state, Kennedy responded. She said the administration has had the Department of Transportation look at the property to determine whats needed in the way of infrastructure. The site survey document board members received Friday also notes the Department of Health was consulted regarding the adequacy of water lines and service. Addressing the concerns of Franklin County residents over safety and the prisons effects on their communities, Byers said he lives five miles from 3,000 inmates in the states two largest prisons in southeast Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having the prisons five miles from my house, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, he said. Our community has not been changed because of the prisons. Our county has the second lowest incarceration rate in the state; it hasnt added to crime in the area. I hope in time that the people in Franklin County can look back and say its benefited their community. Magness noted that Fridays vote starts a long process of studies on the suitability of the site before construction can even begin. Theres a slim possibility it wont work. But were at the point where we have to move forward, he said. After the vote, Sanders issued a statement thanking Magness and the board for their vote for a safer, stronger Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We kicked this can down the road for far too long its time to make the first investment in our prison system in two decades, the statement said. I am committed to working with community members throughout the prison construction process as we invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Franklin County and create hundreds of recession-proof, good-paying jobs. The board also hired Rand Champion as its new public information officer, a post that has been vacant several months. Champion most recently worked as regional communications manager for the American Red Cross, according to his LinkedIn profile. This story was updated at 12:40 p.m. Friday to include a statement from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock (left), and Senate Majority Leader Blake Johnson, R-Corning, talk during an organizational meeting in the Arkansas Senate on Thursday, November 7, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas Senate Republicans voted Thursday to no longer allow members of the minority party to serve as vice chairs of standing committees. Senate Majority Leader Blake Johnson, R-Corning, presented the rule change to the chamber during an organizational meeting in which senators chose committee assignments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP holds a 29-6 supermajority in the Senate, which will remain the same in January when new and reelected members are sworn in. With all 35 members present, 20 Republicans voted for the rule while three Republicans and all six Democrats voted against it. The remaining six Republicans did not vote. The people of Arkansas have sent an overwhelming number of Republicans down here, and they expect them to be in leadership roles, Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, said in an interview. Senator-elect Jamie Scott, D-North Little Rock Senator-elect Jamie Scott, a Democrat representing North Little Rock in the House, told the chamber she would make speaking against the rule her first action in her new position. She called it an abuse of power for personal gain and partisanship. It lacks respect and decency for all members, and it appears to be very mean-spirited on the surface, Scott said. Just because you have the numbers to do something doesnt mean you should do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sens. Greg Leding of Fayetteville and Clarke Tucker of Little Rock both said they believed the rule change was meant to punish their party. Leding disputed Hesters point that unilateral Republican committee leadership was the right response to the public voting a supermajority into office. The people I represent are no less the people of Arkansas [and] they have sent me here repeatedly, said Leding, who was elected to four House terms starting in 2010 and has been elected twice to the Senate since 2018. This really just feels more like ruling than governing. Tucker noted that members of the minority party in each chamber of Congress are vice chairs of all committees. He told his colleagues that the rule would make the Arkansas Senate the single pettiest chamber in the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 2022 elections, many of the same Senate Republicans approved a rule limiting the minority partys seats on standing committees to two. Tucker said that rule has been the single most challenging thing about being a senator in the current political climate, and Leding said this further made the new rule unnecessary because a Democratic vice chair could not sway the outcome of any committee vote. Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, and Sen. Stephanie Flowers, D-Pine Bluff listen during an organizational meeting in the Arkansas Senate on Thursday, November 7, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Its really just a small-minded way to start each legislative session, Tucker said about the two rules in an interview. He and Sen. Stephanie Flowers of Pine Bluff were the only Democrats on the Senate Judiciary and State Agencies committees during the 2023-2024 term. Tucker was vice chair of the State Agencies Committee while Flowers was vice chair of the Judiciary Committee. The three Republicans that voted against the new rule were Sens. Jimmy Hickey of Texarkana, Missy Irvin of Mountain View and Bryan King of Green Forest. Hickey said in an interview that he didnt want more divisiveness in the Senate during what he saw as a time of rebuilding across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irvin and Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, were first elected to the Senate when Republicans were the minority party, and both served as committee chairs at the time. Irvin said she voted against the rule because she wanted to be consistent, and Dismang said he did not vote on the rule because he saw it as unnecessary. Sen. Ron Caldwell, R-Wynne, also did not vote on the rule. There will be a moment in time where we will need the vote of the minority party, and I was trying to treat them fairly, Caldwell said. Scott will be the only new senator in the chamber in January after she ran unopposed to succeed Linda Chesterfield of Little Rock, who retired. Additionally, Sen. Fred Love of Mabelvale will succeed Chesterfield as the Senate Minority Whip. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. What started as a routine traffic stop ended with Arkansas State Police troopers capturing a man who they said was an internationally wanted gang member. ASO officials said troopers captured 42-year-old Elias Avila Bustillo of El Salvador as a result of the stop. They said Bustillo is wanted in El Salvador for illegal gang associations and was in the United States illegally, they said. Brazilian police official chosen as the next head of Interpol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASP officials said the traffic stop was at 9 p.m. Nov. 6 on Interstate 40 in North Little Rock near the 160 Mile Marker. Officials said Bustillow was a passenger in the car and ran away into a nearby field. Troopers tracked the man as additional troopers arrived using ASP Air Support and a K9 unit from the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Arkansas State Police troopers arrest man in connection to road rage incidents Officials said they found Bustillow after an hour of searching. Troopers took Bustillo to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in Little Rock, officials said, adding that he remains in the custody of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas State Police troopers assist human trafficking victims in Little Rock Officials said Bustillo is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, an international notice for worldwide law enforcement to locate and arrest him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. An armed 13-year-old student was arrested hours after being stopped from entering an elementary school in Kenosha, Wis., on Thursday, according to police reports. The Kenosha resident had previously researched school shootings and fled Roosevelt Elementary School on foot when confronted by staff. He claimed to go to the school to sell candy, detectives said, but later told social workers his true intent was to scare students. No injuries were reported from the incident, and he has been charged with one count of terroristic threats. The suspect actually tried numerous outside doors and entrances before coming around to where our secured entry is, Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives searched the teenagers house, finding airsoft replica handguns and a replica rifle, but no firearms. Police say his mother is being cooperative in the investigative process. Incidents like these remind us that our community is not exempt. We need to remain vigilant and be willing to say something if we see something, the Kenosha Police Department wrote in a statement. While yesterdays incident did not result in unimaginable tragedy, it still had a powerful effect on many of us. We now know that the suspects intentions were displayed and shared with others well before the event unfolded and if reported earlier, we may have been able to intervene and provide resources that would have allowed us to avoid such an impactful incident in our community, the statement reads. The identity of the suspect has not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A highly decorated Army officer who has been accused of sexually assaulting 20 victims and faces more than 70 sexual assault-related charges was released from pre-trial confinement last week as his case begins to make its way through the military justice system. A military judge decided that "the government had not demonstrated that lesser forms of restraint were inadequate to protect the community" as it works to bring its case against Maj. Jonathan Batt, who is assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., an Army official told Military.com in an emailed statement. Michelle McCaskill, a spokeswoman for the Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel, said in the email that a preliminary hearing officer recommended Monday that the charges against Batt be referred to court-martial. It is now up to the office to decide whether to move forward with the court-martial proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Air Force Commander of Nuclear Missile Maintenance at Malmstrom Fired After Investigation The allegations against Batt first surfaced when an unnamed person made a complaint against the officer, who is currently assigned to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, to the Alexandria Police Department in Virginia, the Army's statement said without offering a date. Alexandria police then notified the Army's Criminal Investigation Division, which initiated a joint investigation that "revealed additional allegations involving multiple victims," McCaskill said. Army Times was the first outlet to report the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Batt is charged with assaulting a total of 20 victims between Dec. 1, 2019, and Feb. 17, 2023, with most of the alleged offenses occurring in the Washington, D.C., area, according to the Army. The U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel kicked off Batt's prosecution Oct. 16 when it preferred three charges and 76 specifications against him. Specifically, Batt is charged with 14 specifications of rape, 20 specifications of sexual assault, three specifications of abusive sexual contact, 15 specifications of aggravated assault by strangulation, one specification of aggravated assault by suffocation, 22 specifications of assault consummated by a battery, and one specification of obstructing justice, according to McCaskill. The office that is bringing the charges -- the Office of the Special Trial Counsel -- is a new entity that came into being only late last year and is a congressionally mandated response to years of under-prosecution of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other serious offenses by the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office is responsible for making independent decisions about prosecuting such serious offenses -- an authority that had traditionally been held by commanders. According to records provided by the Army, Batt is an infantry officer who joined the service in May 2007. Over the course of his career, he was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 5th Ranger Training Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, 75th Ranger Regiment and 3rd Infantry Regiment. He also deployed to Afghanistan four times and was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and seven Army Achievement Medals, among other campaign and service awards. He has also earned the Ranger Tab, as well as the Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge, among others. Related: Navy Reserve Officer Sentenced to Prison over Afghan Visa Scheme Now that Americans have put a lawless man back in office, what happens to his sentencing in New York? Karen StaleyKort, Ambridge, Pennsylvania Hi Karen, Judge Juan Merchan has already delayed Donald Trumps sentencing multiple times, most recently to Nov. 26 so that it would happen after Election Day. But first, the judge is set to rule Tuesday on whether the president-elect can overturn his 34 guilty verdicts for falsifying business records in light of the Supreme Courts immunity ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Merchan sides with Trump, then theres no sentencing to be had. The question then would be when any retrial happens; like in the Georgia state case, that wouldnt be until after Trump leaves office. But if the judge rejects Trumps attempt to overturn his guilty verdicts, that doesnt mean the sentencing will automatically proceed as scheduled. Even if Trump had lost the election, his lawyers previously said they would immediately appeal any adverse decision, potentially to the Supreme Court. So the latest sentencing date wasnt a sure thing even before Trumps presidential victory. That victory could complicate matters further, as we might expect Trumps lawyers to use his impending presidency to thwart further proceedings. But well have to see what they do, what Merchan does in response, and what any appellate courts (including the Supreme Court) say about it. Incarceration is not mandatory in this case. But if any is imposed, we shouldnt expect a sitting president to serve time. On that note, even in a hypothetical world in which Trump lost the presidency and was sentenced to some prison time later this month, he would still likely remain free pending a lengthy appeals process. So its not just Trumps return to the White House that would delay his incarceration or serving any other sentencing conditions like probation. The next thing formally set is Merchans ruling Tuesday on whether Trump can overturn his guilty verdicts. But were in uncharted territory, and weve learned in Trumps cases that the thing that would ordinarily happen is not always what happens. Well be sure to revisit the issue in next weeks newsletter. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In the four years since the 44-day Patriotic War, the world has literally turned upside down. Two large-scale bloody conflicts have broken out, the end of which is not in sight. The global political field has become even more polarized, with more hostility and xenophobia. Looking at what is happening, we return again and again to those 44 days that shook the world. The second Karabakh war was a natural result of fruitless negotiations. The negotiations lasted for several decades and served to strengthen the status quo in the occupation zone. During the years of the so-called peace process, Armenia strengthened itself on the occupied lands, destroyed and erased traces of the Azerbaijani presence, plundered the bowels and other natural resources of our land. The Armenians used the same methods that once turned the Azerbaijani Irevan into Yerevan. It was a proven technique. And most importantly, there was no reaction from the international community to the destruction of the occupied cities and villages, to the destruction of the cultural, spiritual and historical heritage of the Azerbaijani people. It watched in silence, as before, the transformation of the historical Azerbaijani territories into present-day Armenia. This was all very inspiring to the aggressor. His patrons urged him to delay negotiations and not worry about anything. To wait for Baku to run out of steam, for Azerbaijani society to rise up and internal political chaos to begin. Then, the Armenians were convinced, the moment would come when Baku would finally stop being stubborn and agree to everything. Expectations were not fulfilled - no one was exhausted and did not get up. On the contrary, Azerbaijani society rallied, the country became stronger, and built an army that was ready to rush into battle at the first order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Time worked for Azerbaijan. They talked about this in Baku, but in Yerevan and in the capitals that patronize it, they laughed, confident that the further they go, the stronger the foundation of the occupation. It was a huge mistake. The belief in its own myths and the powerful support of its patrons has failed Armenia. She believed that the words "there is no military solution to the conflict" are not just words that the powers will never allow Azerbaijan to fight, and rested on her laurels. Armenia and its guardians underestimated the strength of the Azerbaijani army, the high patriotism of the Azerbaijani people and the talent of a strategist demonstrated by President Ilham Aliyev. No one expected Azerbaijan to go all the way. The Second Karabakh war was a triumph of the power of Azerbaijani weapons, Azerbaijani servicemen demonstrated unparalleled courage. The whole society was seized with a patriotic impulse. There were so many people willing to go to the front that mobilization was not required. Azerbaijani youth picketed military enlistment offices demanding to enlist in the army, people saw off buses with recruits not with tears, but with flags. They say that there were police corridors on both our and the Armenian side of the front line. This is necessary because war is not a gateway. So, there were corridors on both sides, but on the Azerbaijani side - in order not to let those in. who was eager to fight, and from the Armenian side - so as not to let out those who wanted to desert. If the 44-day war became a demonstration of courage and military honor for the Azerbaijani army, for the Armenian army it turned into a series of shameful incidents and defeats. It seems that the neighbors learned a lot about themselves thanks to that war. However, judging by what is happening today, they did not draw the right conclusions. Ten thousand deserters were counted in the Armenian army after the end of the war. There was not a single coward in our army. This phenomenon was then dealt with by military specialists. They were perplexed - how could this be? Enemy propaganda created a very unsympathetic image of the Azerbaijani, and on the side they were sure that our people were a "merchant nation" capable only of selling tomatoes in Moscow bazaars or shuffling somewhere in Europe. And this "people-trader" accomplished the impossible in 44 days - defeated an enemy that had been well fortified for three decades. Thirty years of the Armenian occupation have left deep scars and wounds in the hearts and memory of the Azerbaijani people, the pain of which was felt by new generations who did not see the war. However, these wounds did not prevent them from fighting with dignity and defeating a dishonorable enemy with dignity. Azerbaijan can be proud of its victory - it won it honestly, observing the laws of war, leaving emotions for later. As President Ilham Aliyev said at one of the meetings, we did not fight with the civilian population, did not bomb residential buildings, did not show cruelty, although the feeling of revenge has always lived in the heart of our people. "The Armenians committed genocide against us, carried out a policy of ethnic cleansing against us, and the feeling of revenge had to be present. But I said that we will take revenge on the enemy on the battlefield. The whole world, all military experts have repeatedly noted that Azerbaijan waged this war with great skill, skillfully, and achieved its goal in a short time. At the same time, he fought the war with dignity, observing all the laws of war. That is why the civilian casualties on the enemy side amounted to less than 30 people. And that's because these civilians participated in the fighting," the head of state said. According to the personal order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, combat operations were developed taking into account the minimization of losses among personnel and the civilian population. If not for this, the war could have ended in a week, but with significantly greater losses. The life of every soldier was valuable to the Supreme Commander, who rejected the principle of "victory at any cost." The Armenian side invents figures, demands something from international organizations, tells tall tales about the alleged atrocities of Azerbaijani soldiers and the alleged bombing of cities and villages even in Armenia. Meanwhile, even the Azerbaijani side did not respond in kind to the shelling of Ganja, Barda, Terter and our other cities. President Ilham Aliyev has unequivocally stated that the Azerbaijani army will respond to the atrocities of the Armenian armed Forces only on the battlefield. Armenian civilians were not injured for the rocket attack on Ganja, for the deaths of children, women and the elderly, but their armed forces had to answer in full for these atrocities. The innocent blood of not a single murdered child remained on the ground, and the Armenian side had to pay for everything with devastating defeats in every battle and numerous losses in personnel and equipment. According to the degree of humanism and adherence to the rules of war fixed in various conventions, the Azerbaijani army should go down in history. We see what is happening in the world today, by what methods the warring parties are trying to gain advantage. There is no place for humanity and honor in these conflicts. Thousands and thousands of innocent victims stained the pavements of bombed cities with their blood. And there is no end in sight to the bloodshed. The participants of these conflicts learned from the 44-day Patriotic War of Azerbaijan the methods of the war of the XXI century, but missed the most important thing - the ability of Azerbaijani soldiers to remain human. This is probably the hardest thing to learn. Addressing the people after the barbaric shelling of Ganja by Armenians on October 17, President Ilham Aliyev said: "We are responding to them on the battlefield, we are taking revenge and we will avenge these innocent people on the battlefield. We have never fought, have not fought and will not fight against the civilian population. We are not Armenians." Azerbaijan is perhaps the only country that has waged war, avoiding great destruction and casualties among the enemy's civilian population. It was not easy, because the Armenian side did everything to expose civilian facilities, kindergartens, hospitals, and civilians to attacks. To win by any means is not the way of an Azerbaijani warrior. Azerbaijan showed its best side during the 44-day war and can serve as an example. This example is very necessary today, because wars have no end and they are becoming more technological and destructive. The Second Karabakh war destroyed all stereotypes. First, the myth of the invincibility of the Armenian army was destroyed. The tales of the "iron ashots" and "warriors of light" were ground to powder. This led to massive depression and bitterness in the Armenian society. Secondly, the victory in the war forced the world to look at Azerbaijan with different eyes. It immediately moved to the rank of medium-strength states. However, this increased the irritation of the enemies and pushed them to even more aggressive propaganda against Baku. But this can be called a side effect, silt that will eventually settle. Thirdly, the myth was destroyed that a small state cannot make independent decisions about war and peace without asking the "elders". It turns out, maybe very successfully. Azerbaijan has been in the legal field in all its actions and has clearly demonstrated that international law still works if you are right. The truth was on our side, and no one could stop us. The 44-day war has created a new reality in the region. Happy Victory Day! Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella pose for a group photo with representatives attending the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Conference and the Dialogue between Chinese and Italian University Presidents prior to their joint meeting with the representatives in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday jointly met with representatives attending the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Conference and the Dialogue between Chinese and Italian University Presidents in Beijing. The two heads of state heard reports from representatives of the two sides on China-Italy cultural and university cooperation. Xi pointed out that the friendly exchanges between China and Italy which date back over a thousand years have nourished endless bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges, setting a fine example of equal dialogue and common development among different civilizations. In recent years, the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism has promoted the launching of the Year of Culture and Tourism in each other's countries, and pioneered the model of twinning relationships between the two countries' UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Universities of the two countries have conducted extensive academic and youth exchanges, and expanded joint research in emerging disciplines, with fruitful results, Xi said. The world has entered a new period of disorder and transformation, Xi said, calling on the two sides to work together to encourage more people of vision to practice China-Italy friendship and cooperation, promote mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations, and participate in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, so as to make a joint contribution to world peace and development. Mattarella spoke highly of the important contributions made by the Italian-Chinese cultural cooperation mechanism and the University Presidents Dialogue to promoting mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, saying that both Italy and China are ancient civilizations with splendid cultures. The two peoples appreciate and respect each other, and the story of Marco Polo is a portrayal of mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations, said Mattarella. The two sides should sum up experience, carry forward friendship, build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, strengthen unity and oppose confrontation, so as to provide a solid foundation and support for the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella jointly meet with representatives attending the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Conference and the Dialogue between Chinese and Italian University Presidents in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella jointly meet with representatives attending the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism Conference and the Dialogue between Chinese and Italian University Presidents in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) SACRAMENTO, California The brother of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas allegedly stirred up drama at the Democratic National Convention in August, name-dropping his powerful sibling to secure prime seating and berating delegates. An official code of conduct complaint, obtained by POLITICO, was filed with the California Democratic Party over his behavior at the Chicago convention. Three attendees, including one who was granted anonymity for fear of retribution, described Rick Rivas demeanor at the convention as inappropriate, aggressive and erratic, and two of them noted that he repeatedly said, Im the brother of the speaker. The party deemed the complaint bona fide but found that it did not warrant further investigation. Rick Rivas did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rick Rivas has long been his brothers most trusted political adviser and as he ascended to the heights of public office one of his biggest liabilities. The speaker has been scrutinized for his brothers proximity to his political career and has often had to answer awkward questions about his siblings influence on his decision-making. Robert Rivas has, repeatedly, denied that his brother, a high-ranking political strategist for the American Beverage Association, wields any leverage in his office. The complaint, submitted by Jonathan Padilla, a delegate from San Jose, was reviewed by party officials, who decided not to take any additional action. Emails between Padilla and the party ombudsperson, obtained by POLITICO, indicated that because Rick Rivas was not alleged to have discriminated based on a protected category, like race or ethnicity, the allegations raised by Padilla did not violate the partys code of conduct but that Padilla was protected against retaliation for filing a bona fide complaint. The California Democratic Party takes all inquiries of violations of our Code of Conduct seriously and has a thorough process through an Ombudsperson to address complaints, Robin Swanson, a spokesperson for the party, said in a statement. In this case, the full complaint was reviewed by the Ombudsperson and determined that this incident did not merit further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the people who spoke to POLITICO say the DNC incident raises questions about the role Rick Rivas plays in the office of the Assembly speaker. A campaign spokesperson for Robert Rivas responded to questions from POLITICO with a statement. The Speaker respects the CA Dem Party process and this complaint was found to have no merit over two months ago, Elizabeth Ashford said. He didnt attend the convention and he has not been involved in this matter. While Rick Rivas is not a registered lobbyist, the American Beverage Association does regularly lobby on bills before the Legislature. The speakers brother in the past has also come under scrutiny for his work with Govern for California, a sprawling donor network that seeks to counter special interest influence over government. The group has faced scrutiny for its practices, including funneling millions of dollars to the campaigns of assemblymembers, including Robert Rivas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Padilla, who filed the complaint, is a longtime supporter of former San Jose Mayor and Representative-elect Sam Liccardo, and works in the tech sector. This year he helped organize crypto Democrats in support of Harris. Padilla was also behind a high-profile vote recount in the primary contest between Liccardo, Assemblymember Evan Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, and he has worked on an independent expenditure committee in support of Liccardos congressional bid this year. His 1,100-word complaint, obtained by POLITICO, offers a scathing narrative of Rick Rivas conduct and chastises the speaker for tacitly sanctioning such behavior. The guy was acting like a bully, he said in an interview. The complaint alleges a series of interactions Padilla had with the speakers brother at the nominating convention for Vice President Kamala Harris in August. Padilla claimed he was awaiting a speech from Gov. Tim Walz on the floor of the United Center when Rick Rivas arrived, introduced himself as the speakers brother, and tried to take the seats Padilla was saving. The dispute involved Rick Rivas knocking Padillas belongings to the floor, raising his voice, and at one point trying to sit on him, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rick Rivas had traveled there, as had a small delegation of California legislators, while his brother stayed back to carry on the final weeks of the legislative session. He allegedly told Padilla he needed the seats for the speaker and Dolores Huerta, the labor icon who has close ties with the Rivas brothers and was also in attendance at the DNC. Over the course of the evening, Padilla alleges, Rivas continued to cause a commotion unwantedly touching him on the shoulder, berating him over political differences, and disrupting other delegates by repeatedly coming in and out of the aisle. The complaint says Rick Rivas also loudly disparaged San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan for his support of Proposition 36, a controversial crime measure that the speaker opposed and that had divided Democrats. Most of his actions he justified by saying, I'm the speaker's brother, which sticks in my head, said Padilla, who alerted party officials, including Chair Rusty Hicks, to Rick Rivas behavior in person the next day and filed the formal complaint. If I had a brother who was acting like that using my name, I would be pretty upset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the attendees told POLITICO they saw similar behavior the same night and the following one. Delegate Bob Mulholland, in an interview with POLITICO, said he was sitting with Padilla and recalled Rick Rivas using inappropriate language and stepping on his wifes toes as he brought people in and out of the aisle. Rick Rivas was more like a fraternity brother who thought he could get away with just pushing people around or yelling at them or something, Mulholland said. It was not a good situation. I thought: God almighty, why would the speaker allow this to happen? he added. After POLITICO reached out to the California Democratic Party and the speakers representative regarding this story, Padilla alleged without evidence in a follow-up complaint to the party ombudsperson that he was pressured by the Rivas camp to retract his original complaint, with Liccardo acting as the intermediary. He said Liccardo told him that continuing with the story would be politically devastating to both him and Mahan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liccardo at one point called Padilla and left a voicemail asking to have a conversation about cooling it with the allegations against Rick Rivas. I dont love that guy either, but this whole thing can blow up in a really bad way, both for Matt [Mahan] and me, in terms of a relationship with his brother, Liccardo said in the voicemail that Padilla played for POLITICO. Liccardo, in an interview with POLITICO, confirmed that he had sent the voicemail, but said he never pressured Padilla to rescind the complaint, nor did Rick Rivas or the speaker ever reach out asking him to intercede on their behalf. His primary concern, he said, was to avoid being dragged into a story about some kind of silly scuffle in the media. As for Rick, I can say that Ive never met the man, Ive talked to him over the phone no more than three times in my life, and I have no reason to know whether JPs account of his behavior is true or false, Liccardo added in a text message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashford said there is no truth to the accusation that someone from the Rivas camp tried to intimidate Padilla or Liccardo over the complaint. "Just like the original meritless complaint, there is absolutely no truth to this accusation, she said in a statement. It is a fiction." Padilla then went to the party ombudsperson, John Trasvina, and asked for formal protection from retaliation. A spokesperson for the California Democratic Party confirmed it received Padillas second complaint alleging retaliation and that the ombudsperson is reviewing it, as of Thursday. Mahan, in a statement, said he has a productive relationship with the speaker and is confident they will continue working together for the sake of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding Prop 36, while we do not see eye to eye on it, I believe we have an honest disagreement over the policy merits and I know we will work collaboratively to implement the will of the voters, Mahan said in the statement. I look forward to working with the Speaker to make our state safer, more affordable, and to bring every homeless resident indoors. Dan Schnur, former chair of the states Fair Political Practices Commission and an expert on government ethics, reviewed the complaint and said the dispute between Rick and Padilla is not illegal. Its not appropriate. Its not uncommon. Normally this type of back and forth occurs between the two parties, but in a one-party state, the warfare becomes internecine, he said. When asked about Ricks position at the American Beverage Association, Schnur reiterated that the dynamics are typical for politics and noted these are similar to accusations made against President Joe Bidens brother James over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Beverage Association in a statement said: "This complaint has been dismissed. Rick is a valuable member of the American Beverage team who represents us well - including at the Convention - and is a great advocate in the state of California." Rick Rivas presence has been a recurring source of intrigue around the Capitol, with the speakers closest allies in the Legislature describing him as a quintessential operator. His pugnacious demeanor is well known in Sacramento and California political circles. One consultant, who crossed paths with Rick Rivas during an Assembly campaign, described an incident where he called them and screamed obscenities for 45 minutes. The consultant was granted anonymity for fear of retribution. The DNC fracas over Rick Rivas behavior troubled the three people who discussed it with POLITICO because they say he used his connection to Robert Rivas to seek preferential treatment. And Padilla is frustrated that state Democratic officials didnt reprimand him for the incident in Chicago. Padilla said Rick ruined his experience at the convention and left him with a negative view of the speaker. I left with the impression that this was normal activity for him, he wrote. Which is quite scary if an unelected brother of a high ranking legislative and party official justifies belligerent behavior. State Sen. Josh Becker, who was also in attendance at the DNC, reached out to POLITICO regarding this story to share that Rick Rivas was well-behaved and professional at the convention, and that he saved a seat for him and walked him into the arena. I was very grateful, Becker said. Ashford forwarded statements from three people attending the convention who said they were with Rick Rivas on the floor and did not witness any incidents, describing him as happy, composed and professional. Another California Democrat who attended the convention said they saw similar behavior from Rick the following night, ahead of Harris closing speech. The attendee, who was granted anonymity for fear of retribution, said there was a lot of commotion on the floor among people trying to secure one of the limited number of seats for the historic event. He observed the younger Rivas shouting at multiple people as he tried to claim seats for Assembly members and playing the Im the brother of the speaker card. Rick acted chaotic and erratic multiple nights, the attendee said. He was shouting and being very loud and obnoxious. In 2023, shortly before his inauguration into one of the states most powerful offices, the speaker emphasized in an interview that hes always drawn a line between his work and that of his brother. Hes one of my closest advisers. Hes always been, and thats never going to change, Robert Rivas said. But, he added, I have always known those ethical and legal lines that must be maintained. And that is never going to change. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. NASA astronauts Suni Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore talk about voting from the International Space Station. | Credit: NASA NASA astronaut Suni Williams is in good health in Earth orbit, despite some speculation in the media to the contrary, according to the agency. Tabloids such as The Daily Mail and The New York Post have published stories recently speculating that Williams may be going downhill aboard the International Space Station (ISS), citing an outside doctor's thoughts about a Sept. 24 photo in which she supposedly appears "gaunt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there's nothing to worry about, NASA officials said in emailed statement today (Nov. 7). That statement stressed that Williams, the commander of the ISS' current Expedition 72, "is in good health" and that NASA is "not tracking any concerns" with her or any other agency spaceflyer aboard the ISS. (There are four NASA astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts living on the station at the moment.) "All NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station undergo routine medical evaluations, have dedicated flight surgeons monitoring them, and are in good health," the statement reads. Related: NASA astronaut Suni Williams sends Happy Diwali wishes from ISS (video) a woman in a black shirt and eye patch floats in a spacecraft RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boeing Starliner astronaut Suni Williams takes ISS command as 8-day mission turns into 8 months (video) 'We just ran out of time': Boeing Starliner astronauts on why their spaceship returned to Earth without them International Space Station: Everything you need to know about the orbital laboratory Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore arrived at the orbiting lab on June 6 aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The duo were supposed to come home just a week or so later, but problems with Starliner's thruster system extended their stay and eventually convinced NASA to bring the Boeing capsule home uncrewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That happened on Sept. 6. Williams and Wilmore, meanwhile, will stay aboard the ISS until February 2025, when they'll return to Earth with the two astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission. There are plenty of supplies including food to support Williams and Wilmore through the end of their unexpectedly long orbital stay, NASA officials have said. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden disparaged staff members and said he would never trust them, an audio recording obtained by The Charlotte Observer shows. I said, let me tell you this. Ill tell you this in front of Chief White and Chief Collins: I will never, ever trust you ... Heres what I need from you. Johnny on the spot every day give me what I need every day and were good, McFadden said, apparently referencing Telisa White, who oversees the county jail, and former Chief Deputy Rodney Collins. But that captain that white, cracker captain is better than the other seven captains upstairs, McFadden continued in the recording. He did not name that captain but said in the recording that the seven other captains were Black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of Collins, he said, I dont know who that n**** is. Former Chief Deputy Kevin Canty provided the recording, which someone else shared with him, after a resignation on Nov. 1 that went public. The date of the recording and the context of who was in the conversation other than the sheriff is unclear. Canty said he was told the recording was of the sheriff meeting with some Black employees. He said the recording shows a pattern. Canty has alleged that McFadden is verbally abusive to staff, racist and behaves in a way unbecoming of a sheriff. McFadden spoke to a graduating class of new detention center staff on Friday, and focused his remarks on the allegations against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Racism? Find it, McFadden said. Something I deal with all my life, each and every day? Racism? Am I direct? Absolutely. My staff will tell you. I ask a direct question and Im looking for a direct answer. Thats what Im looking for. Not to live in fear of me, but live with me each and every day. McFadden has declined to be interviewed about Cantys letter or allegations and did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. McFaddens public information staff did not respond to a request Friday with specific questions about the allegations. Canty went to work for the sheriff in February. He lasted less than a year before McFadden warned he was going to fire him. Before that, Canty worked at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and as a supervisor at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Canty also heard McFadden refer to SBI Director Bob Schurmeier as a cracker, he said in an interview Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canty said he first started writing his resignation letter in June, when he shared his concerns with the sheriff during a meeting, he said. By Cantys account, McFadden asked him to name five times he had insulted staff. Cantys response to the sheriff: Every time the sheriffs executive team met. McFadden doing so is the norm, Canty told the Observer. Staff members have gone to therapy over McFadden, missed sleep and been afraid to come to work, he said. Its just disgraceful, the former chief deputy said. Later in his speech to recruits Friday, McFadden added, Let nobody tell you that were not a great agency. And well be greater and better moving forward. Why? Because God sent me here for a reason, and if Im the sacrificial lamb to upset the word racism in America, so be it. God gave up his only son. And I told somebody that: I may be the sacrificial lamb. But when I lay my head down, you know what Im going to say? I did what I needed to do. Garry McFadden, a former CMPD homicide detective, talked about his and others work on the serial killings by Henry Louis Wallace on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Sheriffs Association concerned about comments The North Carolina Sheriffs Association issued a statement Friday saying that under its bylaws, its governing board voted unanimously to inquire further into McFaddens comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The association is aware of racially charged comments allegedly made by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden that shock the conscience, read a statement from the associations executive committee. The comments made on the recording are inflammatory, racially derogatory, insulting, and offensive. The statement continued: The Association believes sheriffs are and should continue to be held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, principles, and morals and should serve their communities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Racially charged comments certainly do not meet those standards. Other concerns The former chief deputy said he heard complaints about the sheriff when he worked as a special agent for the State Bureau of Investigation, overseeing the Charlotte region. Though he was concerned, nothing amounted to a criminal investigation, he said. In 2021, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police criticized McFadden and shared anonymous letters from sheriffs office employees, alleging negligence as inmate attacks on detention officers rose. The FOPs letter said that McFadden called employees slaves and accused him of saying that he needed to bring them out of a plantation mentality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking for hours on end, McFadden never takes responsibility for any of the dire circumstances that are occurring He looks for and lays the blame on everyone else, including his closest associates, except himself, one anonymous employee wrote in the package the Fraternal Order of Police compiled and made public in 2021. McFadden has not held one meeting that had a positive tone in nature that was not accusatory or demeaning to his supervisory staff. Jail death lawsuit alleges Mecklenburg sheriff has to cover it up when issues are reported Local Fraternal Order of Police President Daniel Redford said McFaddens behavior is no secret. Its been out there. People just dont care enough to pay attention to it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mecklenburg County Commissioner Vilma Leake, who represents the southwestern part of the county, told the Observer Friday that McFadden has been giving her the cold shoulder for about a year. She has asked him about some funding requests, she said. One of the things he asked for was a (renovated) office, and I was concerned about that, she said. Why do we need a new office? And whos going to pay for the office? And how much is it going to be utilized? Those are basic questions that I cant see (why) anybody would get upset about that a commissioner is asking. Shes found his silent treatment very unprofessional, she said. The general public ought to know how we are spending their money or our money because Im a taxpayer, too, she added. Mecklenburg sheriff faces another lawsuit over inmates death, supervision at jail Family of man who died in Mecklenburg jail after pleading for medication settles lawsuit Beaufort Countys long-awaited audit report on spending and contracts a document produced as a result of malfeasance under former County Administrator Eric Greenways remains under wraps after months of frustration and unanswered questions from taxpayers. County Sheriff P.J. Tanner confirmed that he received the report in August after multiple requests and he forwarded it to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office, which is reviewing it for evidence of criminal activity. Tanner had hoped to release the report to the public that same month, but explained Thursday that he is prohibited by law from releasing or discussing the reports contents until a grand jury completes its work. Weve been asked not to have any discussions about the content, Tanner said. I completely understand that, and I do not disagree with it, but the solicitor and I both felt that we should release it to the general public, and we were prepared to do so, until we were asked not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanners frustration with the countys initial delay in releasing the audit to his office has been well-documented. Beaufort County Council voted unanimously in August to release the report, but only after three separate requests from Tanner were initially blocked. Tanner has argued repeatedly that the public funds spent on an outside legal firm to produce the report would have been better used had it been made available to police months earlier. The report, created by outside law firm Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, examined county contracts, purchases and other financial matters. A six-page executive summary included the statement there was no evidence of criminal activity, which Tanner questioned, noting his concerns over whether a law firm specializing in municipal and civil litigation has the expertise to reach that conclusion. Tanner and 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone had advocated for making the report public, believing the community deserves transparency around the use of its tax dollars. However, once the report was handed to the Attorney Generals Office, they were instructed not to release any details or respond to questions about its contents. Although Tanner and Stone had been prepared to release the report, Tanner said, the Attorney Generals offices confidentiality request took precedence. With the report now under review by the Attorney General, Tanners office continues to provide relevant documents and information collected during its investigation. Tanner acknowledged that the grand jurys timeline remains uncertain, and the public may need to wait for its findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This audit report adds to a growing list of controversies involving Beaufort County officials, as ethics violations and complaints continue to surface. For nearly two years, county leaders have awaited expected rulings from the states ethics commission on accusations against members of the countys former administrative team. In late October, former Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Loper became the first employee to receive a ruling, with two ethics violations resulting in fines and sparking questions about what might come next. Lopers case is one of several ethics complaints impacting county officials. Former County Attorney Brittany Ward recently resigned amid unrelated scrutiny over a profitable land sale involving her familys property, which was sold to Beaufort County at a significant gain while she held her official role. Wards departure follows the retirement of former County Attorney Thomas Keaveny, whose tenure was marked by controversies including his role in hiring practices and consulting contracts. Keaveny had been demoted and later reinstated as county attorney after backlash over a proposed ordinance to limit public speaking at council meetings. These departures come as the county faces nine formal ethics complaints, including: Three against former Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Loper Two against former Administrator Eric Greenway One against former Deputy Administrator Whitney Richland One against Special Assistant to the County Administrator Hank Amundson One against Assistant County Administrator for Infrastructure Jared Fralix (According to county spokesperson Hannah Nichols, the case was dismissed Sept. 13, though the state Ethics Commission would not confirm or deny this.) One against former Capital Improvement Projects Director Eric Larson To date, the ethics commission has only ruled on two of the complaints against Loper. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday, just two days after he was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Austin told Gallant that he was a trusted partner and friend and one whose expertise, professionalism, and seasoned judgment in addressing pressing security challenges was deeply valued, according to a readout of the call from the Pentagon. The Secretary expressed his hope and expectation to have that same good partnership and working relationship with Israels next Minister of Defense, the readout said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin also said the U.S. remains committed to Israels security and right to defend itself from Iran and its proxies in the region and that American troops have strengthened their posture in the Middle East. The two also discussed a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza and a diplomatic resolution to the fighting in Lebanon. Israel is fighting the Iranian-backed groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon in a conflict that shows no signs of slowing down. Gallant was fired Tuesday, with Netanyahu saying there was a crisis of faith between him and his former defense minister that had hindered public management. Netanyahu appointed his former foreign minister, Israel Katz, to the defense minister post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallant claimed that he was fired for three reasons: his willingness to accept a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza; his support for religious students serving in the military; and his calls for a state commission to investigate the failures of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed some 1,200 and saw some 250 Israelis taken hostage. Netanyahu has been accused of prolonging the war in the Middle East for his own political survival rather than face questions about the Oct. 7 attacks. The prime minister says he is committed to both destroying Hamas and freeing the roughly 100 hostages still in Gaza. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday his government would introduce this month the legislation to ban social media for children under 16 years. Australia is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Himani Sarkar) (NewsNation) Parents say keeping tabs on their kids has never been more challenging. Thats why Australias prime minister is proposing what he calls a world-leading plan to protect future generations by implementing a social media ban for all children younger than 16 years old. Ive spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. And I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this Florida school district, some parents are pushing back against a cellphone ban The proposals details havent been ironed out but officials say it will include an age verification process. The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access, Albanese said. The proposed bill would affect social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. However, the proposal is receiving pushback. Last month, more than 140 Australian and international experts signed an open letter to the Australian prime minister expressing their concerns and saying the ban is too blunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern about childrens safety isnt exclusive to Australia. Some parents in the United States also say something needs to be done about social media. I think what kids need is collective action, which is to say, if everybodys off it, then its not nearly as bad as when one parent says you cant be on it, said Amy Julia Becker, mother of three teenagers. So theres some positive for kids in whatever happens for everybody being for them. So thats where I think the idea of a ban is positive. NewsNation reached out to the social media companies that would be affected but only heard back from Facebooks parent comapny Meta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We share the intent and goals of the Australian government in providing safe and age-appropriate online experiences for teens, a company spokesperson said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media for all Australians under the age of 16. Social media companies would be responsible for imposing restriction technologies to ban new early-teen users. But similar proposals, including those in the U.S., have shown that such prescriptive bans do little to protect young teens and often violate their privacy. Opposition toward a potential ban was already mounting before Albanese announced the proposal. Last month, 140 Australian international academics signed an open letter opposing a social media age limit. Among the group's concerns was the potential to hurt children's "opportunity to benefit from engaging with the digital environment" and that "there are not yet effective techniques for age assurance nor to verify parental consent." The letter also noted that ineffective measures to prevent early teens from accessing social media could cause greater harm to users who bypass age-verification measurements. Without incentives to provide safety protections for minors, young users who do gain access would be at greater risk online without child-specific privacy settings, parental controls, and other content-blocking features. Social Media platforms might be wary of retaining these feature if they signal to enforcers that they still expect a large portion of their user base to be underage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The types of protection which would prevent this come with their own concerns. Harsher restrictions, including handing over government ID or facial biometric age estimation, which the Australian government is exploring, raise significant privacy concerns. The enforcement structure of Australia's proposal will only penalize social media companies for underage users. This will incentivize stricter verification methods and more data gathering, which puts individuals at risk. As a report by New America shows, "operators verifying users' ages through government-issued ID or credit card information put data at risk if secure processes are not in place for use, collection, processing, storage, or deletion of" personal identifiable information. Earlier this year, a facial recognition data breach occurred in Australia involving a company that used kiosks during the COVID-19 pandemic to check temperatures. More than 1 million records were reportedly leaked. Outside of violating users' privacy, blocking social media to protect children's mental health may ironically block pathways to finding help. Jackie Hallan, director at the youth mental health service ReachOut, told the Associated Press that "73 percent of young people accessing mental health in Australia did so through social media." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar legislation in Florida, Arkansas, Ohio, and Utah have run into many First Amendment roadblocks. Florida's House Bill 3 (H.B. 3), for example, prohibits users under the age of 14 from using social media and requires parental permission for users aged 14 to 15. Prominent tech industry trade groups, the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and NetChoice, have sued the state of Florida, arguing that H.B. 3 violates the First Amendment and ignores parental rights. Still, Australia's proposed ban is far more strict than H.B. 3; it has a higher age restriction and parental consent cannot override the government ban. Albanese has stated that some exclusions and exemptions will exist for access to educational services, but otherwise parents lose their control over whether or not their children are allowed on social media. Antigone Davis, head of safety at Meta, told A.P. that "what's missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections, otherwise we risk making ourselves feel better, like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place." If passed, social media companies will have one year to decide what kind of restriction technology to implement. The legislation is set to be introduced in Parliament by November 18, during the last two weeks of Australia's legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian government is disregarding the privacy of teens, the rights of parents, and the counsel of social media companies who warn there is no effective method to ensure teen user's safety. A better solution would be to let parents be parents and kids be kids, instead of the nanny-state insisting they know better. The post Australian Prime Minister Proposes Total Social Media Ban for Anyone Under 16 appeared first on Reason.com. Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A court in Melbourne, Australia, sentenced a local man to 30 days in prison Friday after becoming the first person in the state of Victoria to be found guilty of making an illegal Nazi salute but set him free on bail, pending an appeal. High-profile White supremacist and member of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, Jacob Hersant was convicted of making the salute to the press in front of the county court in October 2023 just days after the state legislature passed laws banning people from making the gesture in public. Melbourne Magistrates Court also heard that Hersant, 25, uttered the slogan: "Australia for the White man, heil Hitler." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing Hersant to a prison term, Magistrate Brett Sonnett said he did not believe a fine would serve as an adequate deterrent to Hersant re-offending. Hersant had continued to post racist content online since being found guilty in October and travel to neo-Nazi rallies, some of which turned violent. "The White man is not superior to any other race of people," said Sonnett. "You took advantage of the media to disseminate extreme political views." Hersant's legal team attempted to mount a defense arguing that the laws were unconstitutional and that the gesture he made did not constitute a Nazi salute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offense took place as Hersant left the county court in central Melbourne after being sentenced to 200 hours of community service for a violent attack on six hikers in the state's Cathedral Ranges in 2021 on the condition he did not commit any offense punishable by a prison term for the next 14 months. Prior to that in early 2021, he racially abused a black security guard at a network TV station in Melbourne before an accomplice assaulted the victim. Lawyer Tim Smartt said his client would appeal in the county court against the conviction and his sentence. Hersant's prison sentence came after four men were arrested Thursday in a joint Counter Terrorism Command and North West Metropolitan Region operation targeting the National Socialist Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With assistance from Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit, five search warrants were executed early this morning at residential addresses in North Melbourne, Point Cook, Baxter, Ashwood and Wantirna South as part of an investigation into a series of incidents," Victoria Police said in a news release. A 25-year-old man from North Melbourne, a 23-year-old from Baxter and a 21-year-old from Ashwood were interviewed by detectives on suspicion of "serious racial vilification and grossly offensive public conduct." All three were released pending a summons when it is expected they will be charged. Police said the raids were in response to an incident of the evening of Oct. 31 in which a number of men, dressed in offensive clothing, verbally harassed two female members of the public in a retail store carpark southwest of downtown Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the day of action, detectives from the Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit working a separate case executed a simultaneous warrant in the eastern suburbs, arresting and charging a 31-year-old Wantirna South man with two counts of intimidating a police officer/family member in two separate incidents last months. He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court on Feb. 18. He was also questioned about an incident outside an embassy in Toorak in October where a national flag was burned following a protest outside the Chinese consulate. Victoria Police said they took a zero-tolerance approach to any acts of "prejudice-motivated crime" or intimidation of police officers. (WFRV) Authorities in northern Wisconsin are looking for two suspects accused of over $5,000 in credit fraud after visiting multiple businesses. According to the Sawyer County Sheriffs Office, it is investigating multiple credit card fraud complaints that were reported on November 5. Officials say that there were three reports of fraud at different locations. Nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl, valued at over $80,000 seized during Wisconsin search warrant, 2 arrested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below is a breakdown of the places that were allegedly affected: Price Rite $1,600 Market Place $1,800 Hayward Bait and Tackle $1,800 The release also says the suspects may have used the card in Ironwood, Michigan and Ashland. Authorities mentioned that the credit card has no chip so the clerks manually enter the credit card number. Pictures of the suspects were provided and the sheriffs office said that felony charges are being considered. Anyone with information is asked to call 715-634-4858. No additional details were provided. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak'Art), in Dakar, capital of Senegal, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Photo by Papa Demba Gueye/Xinhua) DAKAR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Thursday inaugurated the 15th edition of the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak'Art). At the event's opening in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, Faye paid tribute to "the late artists who left their indelible mark on the organization of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art." He also expressed his delight at the participation of "all the creators of this 15th edition of the Biennale, the 129 artists in the unique official program, including the three national pavilions and those in the 'OFF' event, which extends the geographical limits of the Biennale beyond Dakar." Their "fraternal" presence illustrates the international vocation of the Dakar Biennale, stressed Faye, reaffirming his commitment to "the promotion of ethics for a Senegal resolutely and sustainably committed to economic and social progress." Moustapha Ndiaye, president of the Dak'Art Steering Committee, said that the cultural event was a key lever and a living example on which the new authorities could draw to achieve the cultural objectives set out in the new public policy reference framework "Senegal Vision 2050." The United States and Cape Verde are the guest countries of honor at the 15th edition of Dak'Art, whose theme is "the wake." It will run until Dec. 7. Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak'Art), in Dakar, capital of Senegal, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Photo by Papa Demba Gueye/Xinhua) TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) The Rotary Clubs of Texarkana hosted the 45th Annual Public Safety Officers Appreciation Banquet on Thursday. We always say we dont do our job for the accolades and the acknowledgment, but its always nice to get it, you know, especially when you got basically a whole community come together. said Texarkana, TX Fire Chief Chris Black. The event brought together multiple agencies who serve the Texarkana area, including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im always excited about the opportunity to thank our public safety officers. said Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. Texarkana Arkansas inches closer to selecting new police chief He attended as a special guest and the keynote speaker. The key to this country is being able to live your life, pursue your dreams, without worrying about your safety and without worrying about the things that the first responders, law enforcement and the others are dealing with each and every day. said Griffin. He said its nice to see the community show support like this but its vital that the government does their part as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were always looking for ways to not only thank them with our words and actions like were doing here today, but to put our money where our mouth is and to show them the legislation and policies. said Griffin, To show them that we are all about, not just words, but doing things that will help them and their families prosper while they risk their lives and serve us. The plan to make Texarkana more walkable, safer city A select few were named public safety officers of the year and received awards and gift baskets. like Texarkana, TX Police Dept. Officer Matthew Lindsey, whose bravery and quick thinking saved a fellow officer during a dog attack. What were recognizing the individuals here today for is not just your standard level of work, which is awesome. But what were recognizing today is extraordinary acts of heroism, acts that go beyond what would be expected of people. said Griffin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others who were honored included: Texarkana, TX Fire Dept.: Captain Rodney Lathrop Texarkana, AR Police Dept.: Criminal Investigation Division Texarkana, AR Fire Dept.: Batallion Chief Rick Pavick, Captain Michael Haynes, Engineer Corey Durham, and Firefighter Cole Roberts Arkansas State Police (Troop G): Trooper First Class Trevor Dew Bowie County Sheriffs Office: Deputy Thomas Whitt Texas DPS: Trooper Kody Edwards LifeNet: Field Training Officer & Paramedic Ronald House The Wilber Smith, Oaklawn, Sunrise, and International Rotary clubs joined together to put on the banquet. The awards were sponsored by LifeNet. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Photo by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror Its finally over. After two years filled with losses and appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court has denied Kari Lakes final petition in a court case aimed at overturning the results of the 2022 race for governor. The high courts decision, made behind closed doors without public comment, came one day after the Nov. 5 election. Lake ran in that election as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, even though she never conceded her loss in the 2022 race for Arizona governor to Democrat Katie Hobbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Lake, who is trailing Democratic opponent Ruben Gallego in the Senate race, made a name for herself as a purveyor of the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, who endorsed her in 2022 and 2024. After the former Phoenix television news anchor lost the governors race by more than 17,000 votes, she claimed that the governorship had been stolen from her, just like the presidency had been stolen from Trump. The 2022 election was irredeemably flawed, Jennifer Wright, one of Lakes attorneys, wrote in the final appeal. Without this Courts intervention, future elections remain threatened. But Wright rehashed many of the same arguments that had already failed during Lakes previous trials and appeals, instead of contesting the lower court judges mistakes in interpreting and applying the law, the function of appellate courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Liddy, an attorney for Maricopa County, filed a scathing response to Lakes last appeal on Aug. 12. Rather than offering reasons why review should be granted, the Petition instead only argues that Lake is right and the lower courts are wrong, Liddy wrote.The Petition makes this argument by simply parroting Lakes position below while ignoring much of the legal reasoning and all of the evidence that led the lower courts to decide against her. In the appeal, Wright argued that Maricopa County didnt conduct the logic and accuracy tests on its ballot tabulators that are required by law, and that the people comparing voter signatures on early and mail-in ballot envelopes approved them too quickly to have actually completed any true signature verification. But the case law on which Lake based her argument meant that her attorneys would have to prove that the county failed to perform any signatures verification at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liddy pointed out that, during her second trial, when the court concluded that two of Lakes own witnesses testified that they had personally verified signatures for the county. He added that Lakes signature verification claims didnt fail at trial because the lower court misinterpreted the law, but because of her attorneys incompetence. Lakes signature verification claim failed because her allegations wrote a cheque (sic) that her proof could not cash, Liddy wrote. Lakes failure in providing competent evidence to support her claim is no reason to grant review. Liddy countered Lakes allegations that the county didnt perform logic and accuracy testing on its tabulators ahead of the 2022 election, pointing out that the court record in the case contains certificates signed by the secretary of state, as well as Republican and Democrat observers who witnessed the tests being completed. Liddy also addressed Lakes allegations that the county performed additional unannounced testing of the tabulators. He said that supposed testing, caught on publicly-viewable cameras, was actually just the installation of memory cards that contained the elections program that had already undergone logic and accuracy testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake also complains of the error codes returned in the subsequent testing of the tabulators with the installed memory cards, but Lake willfully ignores the evidence showing that Maricopa County intentionally ran test ballots that would return these errors to ensure that the tabulators were reading such ballots appropriately, Liddy wrote. According to Phoenix attorney and Lake critic Tom Ryan, the Arizona Supreme Courts denial of this appeal is the end of the road for Lakes long-enduring challenge to the results of the 2022 election. To paraphrase a quote from Charles Dickens in his 1843 short story A Christmas Carol, Kari Lakes case is as dead as a doornail, Ryan told the Arizona Mirror, via email. Or to paraphrase Monty Python in their Dead Parrot skit, Kari Lakes case is bereft of life, joined the Choir Eternal, kicked the bucket, bought the farm, is without any observable metabolic processes, and is not pining for the fjords of Norway. It is dead. Lake filed her initial election challenge in Maricopa County Superior Court Dec. 9, 2022. She lost that trial, appealed the decision, and was granted a new trial on only one of the several claims considered during the first trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She lost her second trial in May 2023 and has been laboring to convince the appeals courts, or the Arizona Supreme Court to reverse that decision ever since. Lake and the attorneys that represented her in both trials have all faced repercussions for their false allegations of election fraud. Scottsdale divorce attorney Bryan Blehm and Washington, D.C., employment attorney Kurt Olsen were both sanctioned by the Arizona Supreme Court in May 2023 for making false claims in one of Lakes appeals. The attorneys wrote that it was an undisputed fact that more than 35,000 ballots were illegally inserted into batches of legal ballots in Maricopa County when the November 2022 ballots were being sorted shortly after Election Day, but the high court determined that was not true. In June, a Supreme Court Panel ruled to suspend Blehms law license for 60 days as discipline for his false statements, and in October the panel formally admonished Olsen for the same reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges on the panel explained in Olsens disciplinary ruling that he was granted leniency because he willingly participated in the disciplinary hearing and because he promised to be more careful with his wording in the future. Blehm skipped his disciplinary hearing, without first informing the court, and did not cooperate in the proceedings. Lake herself is the subject of a defamation lawsuit for the election fraud lies she spread about Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer after she lost the 2022 election. The case is currently in the discovery phase, after in April Lake legally conceded that her statements were false. She later claimed publicly that she never lied and that she only gave up defending herself in the defamation case because it was just a distraction tactic to interfere with her campaign for the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of damages that Lake and her campaign owe Richer for security costs, loss to his reputation and mental health issues caused by her statements, as well as punitive damages, will be determined in a jury trial, with a pretrial hearing set for February. Neither Olsen nor Wright responded to a request for comment early Thursday evening. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY) A former probation officer in Barbour County was charged with taking more than $1,000 in cash payments from probationers earlier this year. According to a criminal complaint filed in September and obtained by 12 News on Thursday, Justin Carter, 43 of Philippi, is accused of taking cash payments from two people whose probations he was supervising. According to the complaint, while he was employed as a probation officer with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in Barbour County between January 2024 to April 2024, Carter took an estimated $1,110 in cash payments that were not delivered to the Barbour County Circuit Court, the complaint said. As a probation officer, Carter was not permitted to accept payments that were supposed to be made to the court clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 arrested after break-in reported at Shinnston vape shop One alleged victim said she made cash payments to Carter on multiple occasions to cover fines, and a second victim told law enforcement that he had given Carter cash to get caught up on any fees or cost he owed probation, the complaint said. During an interview with officers in August, Carter confessed to taking money from both victims but only a total of $260. His employment with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ended on April 30, the complaint said. Carter was charged with felony grand larceny and embezzlement. 12 News obtained Carters criminal complaint after following up on a tip from a viewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)For this weeks Basin Bites, we visit Presotea, a boba shop in Odessa that was one of the first to bring boba tea to the basin. Originally, Owner Phong Bui made his way to Odessa from Nebraska working as a software engineer. Basin Bites: Jammin in the kitchen When looking for boba after making the transition to West Texas, he couldnt find any. What Bui ended up doing instead was creating his own boba shop. From there the rest is history as Bui opened up Presotea in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So originally I came from Nebraska as a software engineer, said Bui. I worked for EOG resources as a software engineer, and then I found out there is no boba tea around here, so I just wanted to come up with this store to see, you know, make some new things. Bui explained that when he first opened it was a bit rough just as it is with business but also adding on that boba was not a common drink at the time. We learned how to marketing, said Bui. How to bring new stuff in and introduce it to people around here. It was tough but we got through that by years and got better. When it was time to try the different boba teas that Presotea had to offer, I had the Thai milk tea creme, strawberry cloud, flan cafe leche, signature fruit, and summer fruit teas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to say the signature fruit and summer tea were my favorites because of how refreshing each sip was with the natural fruit in there. Perfect for a hot day. As for the strawberry cloud and flan cafe boba, these were perfect sweet treats after a good meal. And finally the Thai milk tea. This one always has been and always will be my go-to boba drink and I would highly recommend it to every one reading this. Presotea is open from Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, they close at 9:30 pm from Friday to Sunday. You can find Presotea located at the following locations: 4416 Briarwood Ave Suite 112, Midland, TX 79707 633 E 42nd St, Odessa, TX 79762 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Almost immediately after it became clear that Donald Trump was on his way to reelection Tuesday night, phones began pinging in the president-elects orbit and the conversation at several of the dining tables in the Mar-a-Lago ballroom turned to who would staff a second Trump term. Those hushed discussions have now morphed into an all-out battle that is playing out directly from the patio of Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Almost every single table was filled Wednesday night amid maneuvering over who was sitting where and how close their table was to where Trump usually holds court, at a table behind a velvet rope, two people told CNN. Onlookers spotted Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Tom Barrack and Trumps transition co-chairs, Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, milling about the club earlier Wednesday. Trump spent part of the day going through names that had been previously lined up by Lutnick in the months before the election, though some have questioned whether Trump will rely solely on his recommendations. Already, those seeking top posts have been working the phones in an attempt to form alliances with others who are also hoping to secure a spot in the Trump administration. Several even booked flights to Florida to ensure face time with Trump in the coming days, when many of the decisions are expected to be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he narrows down his choices, Trump has crossed several options off the list already, according to several people familiar with the chaotic but aggressive process underway. Rep. Elise Stefanik, the New York Republican who is House GOP conference chair, is under consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. And one of the biggest battles that emerged over chief of staff has since been resolved. Trump on Thursday named his campaign manager Susie Wiles to the role, touting her as the first woman to hold it. Wiles is widely credited for running what was seen as Trumps most disciplined campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that contest had previously boiled down to two names: Wiles and Brooke Rollins, who served in Trumps first term and runs the America First Policy Institute. Rollins ultimately stood down from vying for the role after it became clear that seeking it would amount to a serious power struggle with Wiles. Rollins is still expected to take some role in a Trump administration. Trump was encouraged to move on the chief of staff role faster than he did in 2016 during a chaotic transition, when he waited until the following Sunday to name Reince Priebus to the job. Having a chief of staff in place would allow for there to be a power center that people could go to instead of calling Trump directly. However, one person noted that its been Trump himself who has dialed people he wants to see in key positions in recent days. Occasionally over the past few months, Trump floated names as possible administration picks, but he would not engage further. Sources close to the former president said that because he was superstitious, Trump often refused to engage in lengthier conversations about who would be placed in an administration before the election took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he shores up his staff, Trump is eager to reward those who stood by him the last two years, and hes made clear in recent private conversations that hell seek to accommodate those who have done so even if their viewpoints dont necessarily align with his. CNNs Steve Contorno, Kaanita Iyer, Kristen Holmes, Jeremy Herb, Kayla Tausche and Evan Perez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com For decades, nuclear power has been reserved for the most formidable naval vessels. Now, the shipping industry faces a pivotal question: Can nuclear technology power commercial ships? While adopting nuclear power in commercial shipping offers promising environmental benefits, it also presents significant technical and regulatory hurdles. The complexity of retrofitting existing vessels to accommodate nuclear reactors and the need for new safety protocols and infrastructure poses a formidable challenge. However, the long-term savings and sustainability benefits could outweigh these initial obstacles, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future in commercial transport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How close are we to witnessing the advent of nuclear-powered commercial vessels? This discussion unfolds with insights from Mark Tilling of Lloyds Register and Mikal Be of CORE POWER, leading figures in the quest to adapt nuclear power for maritime commerce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWW7WWw0E5g Join us as we explore the feasibility, challenges, and progress of integrating nuclear power into commercial shipping, offering a glimpse into a future where maritime transport meets advanced nuclear technology. Nuclear technology: From naval to commercial application Nuclear power has been the epitome of naval power for over sixty years. There is no better expression of a countrys strength than a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. These floating cities pack devastating firepower and the ability to span multiple oceans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, in the hidden depths, the nuclear submarine offers a deterrent that, some say, kept the peace during the Cold War. Yet, the commercial shipping industry, burdened by its heavy carbon footprint, is now eyeing nuclear technology as a revolutionary power source. According to Mark Tilling, director of Project X at Lloyds Register, the concept of nuclear-powered commercial ships isn't new. Significant experiments, including deploying the U.S. nuclear-powered ship Savannah, explored these ideas as early as the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The Savannah, which was tested extensively during its sea trials, demonstrated the capability of nuclear energy to power a vessel safely and efficiently across significant distances theoretically capable of circumnavigating the globe 14 times on a single fuel load. Tilling points out that the Savannah was primarily a demonstration project, not intended for commercial success but to prove the feasibility of nuclear power in civilian shipping. At the time, the technology was limited to pressurized water reactors, adapted from military applications and requiring extensive operational staff and stringent safety protocols. Technological evolution and renewed interest in nuclear The landscape, however, has dramatically changed. Advances in technology and acute climate imperatives have reignited interest in adopting nuclear power for commercial shipping. Tilling emphasizes that the past limitations due to technology and safety concerns are being overcome with new advancements, making nuclear a more appealing option for today's market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modern nuclear technology developments promise more compact, efficient, and safer reactors suitable for commercial vessels. These innovations aim to address past challenges, reducing the need for large crews and complex safety measures, which previously hindered the adoption of nuclear technology in the commercial fleet. The resurgence of interest in nuclear power for commercial shipping is not just about revisiting past experiments but adapting them to contemporary needs. As the maritime industry seeks sustainable and efficient alternatives to fossil fuels, nuclear power is a promising solution, potentially transforming how goods are transported across the world's oceans. Technical and regulatory advancements Nuclear power is now considered a potential game-changer for commercial shipping despite its complex challenges. Reactors used in military contexts, such as submarines and aircraft carriers, are unsuitable for commercial vessels due to stringent insurance and regulatory standards prohibiting entry into many international ports. Mikal Boe, CEO of Core Power, underscores the need for reactor designs that address specific commercial requirements. Innovations focus on developing low-pressure reactors that localize emergency planning within the ship, thereby reducing external risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reactors also aim to reduce refueling needs, enhancing operational efficiency for the extended voyages common in commercial shipping. Advancements in reactor technology The sector is witnessing significant progress with Generation IV or small modular reactors, which offer safer and more efficient nuclear power options tailored for maritime use. Core Power is leading these developments, focusing on molten salt and heat pipe reactors. These designs meet rigorous safety standards, streamline waste management, and improve insurabilitykey challenges previously impeded nuclear propulsion in commercial environments. Regulatory and industry preparation Boe highlights the extensive preparatory work required across supply chains, financial systems, workforce training, and regulations to support the scalability of nuclear power in shipping. Core Powers initiatives aim to ensure the industry is ready to adopt these new technologies once they become market-ready in the next five to ten years. The regulatory framework is also adapting, with new reactor technologies that fulfill safety and insurance requirements poised to initiate changes in maritime law and global shipping regulations. This evolving landscape seeks to expand the role of nuclear technology in commercial shipping, challenging the traditional reliance on fuel-based systems with more sustainable nuclear solutions. Economic viability and environmental impact The global merchant fleet, comprising about 120,000 vessels and responsible for a significant portion of maritime tonnage, faces a pivotal shift with the integration of nuclear power. Notably, the large container ships and tankers that make up 15 percent of the fleet yet account for 40 percent of its tonnage stand to benefit from nuclear energy due to their high fuel consumption and extensive voyage capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tilling acknowledges that nuclear power won't replace conventional fuels entirely but will play a crucial role for specific segments, especially vessels on long voyages where traditional energy sources fall short. Nuclear power complements other alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol, which continue to develop and diversify the energy sources for maritime transport. Technological advances in nuclear reactors Mikal Boe highlights the operational advantages of fast-spectrum molten salt reactors. These reactors function without moderators and offer exceptionally long fuel cycles of 40 to 50 yearsfar exceeding the typical lifespan of maritime vessels. This innovation promises significant cost reductions in refueling and supports environmental sustainability by drastically lowering emissions. Redesigning maritime architecture The adoption of nuclear propulsion necessitates a fundamental redesign of ship architecture. Traditional ships with large diesel engines and extensive auxiliary systems can transition to more space-efficient nuclear reactors. This shift facilitates greater cargo capacity and potentially faster travel, aligning with contemporary shipbuilding practices that favor modular, Lego-like construction. Integrating compact nuclear reactors transforms ship design, allowing for multiple propellers and optimized power distribution. This technological shift enhances vessel efficiency and heralds a new era in marine engineering and naval architecture, emphasizing economic and environmental benefits. Envisioning the future of nuclear shipping The path to nuclear-powered commercial shipping relies heavily on collaboration with regulatory bodies. The United Nations' International Maritime Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency are actively shaping policies to integrate nuclear technology into the maritime sector safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This global regulatory evolution supports environmental and safety goals, setting the stage for advancements in nuclear maritime applications. Historical skepticism towards nuclear energy is waning, even in countries with challenging nuclear backgrounds like Japan. Mikal Boe from Core Power highlights a growing public endorsement, noting that a substantial segment now views nuclear energy as a dependable, cost-effective alternative to inconsistent renewable sources. This shift is pivotal, as public and industry acceptance is crucial for adopting such transformative technologies in global shipping. Nuclear power offers clear advantages over traditional fuels with its compact, self-contained systems that starkly contrast conventional engines' bulky, complex infrastructures. Mark Tilling of Lloyds Register emphasizes the long-term economic and environmental benefits of nuclear reactors, which require infrequent refueling and support sustained operational cost reductions over the lifespan of ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adopting nuclear power could revolutionize maritime logistics and port operations, dramatically changing ship design and energy management. This shift towards nuclear technology in shipping, poised to re-emerge 75 years after the Savannah first sailed, promises substantial impacts on the industrys economics and environmental footprint. Success will depend on continued technological innovation, regulatory support, and a strong commitment from the global shipping community. The Nov. 5 general election brought a paradigm-shifting presidential pick, but voters in Beaufort Countys local contests leaned toward the status quo. It was a night of incumbent wins in down-the-ballot races as residents voted three county council seat holders and a number of state legislators back into office. Voters also rejected the countys controversial penny tax proposed to fund infrastructure projects. Turnout was just over 75% in Beaufort County, with 105,175 ballots cast out of 140,221 registered voters. That marks a 6.6% increase from November 2020, when residents cast 98,623 ballots for a turnout of 71%. Although polls closed at 7 p.m., local results did not begin trickling in until about 9 p.m. due to a jam in one of the countys tabulators. Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Republican incumbent Nancy Mace was declared the winner for the U.S. House District 1 seat, which serves Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite calls for change in the wake of a flurry of controversies, the makeup of Beaufort County Council remained unchanged, with incumbents Gerald Dawson, York Glover and Logan Cunningham winning back their seats for District 1, District 3 and District 7, respectively. In another contest between old and new voices, voters in Beaufort elected former city council member Phil Cromer to be the citys next mayor. He earned 843 more votes than his young challenger Josh Scallate, who throughout his campaign stressed the importance of new leadership in city government. The two contested seats in Beaufort City Council also went to incumbents. Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz were reelected to the board, edging out challengers Julie Crenshaw and Josh Gibson. Hilton Head Town Council Ward 1 incumbent Alex Brown scored a decisive reelection. Ward 6s seat was won by political newcomer Melinda Tunner while Ward 3 went to Steve DeSimone, who served on the council in the early 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lineup of state legislators representing Beaufort County also remained unchanged. Voters reelected Republicans Bill Hager, Jeff Bradley, Weston Newton and Bill Herbkersman to the South Carolina House. In the state senate, Democratic incumbent Margie Bright Matthews was reelected in an unopposed race. Donald J. Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election at 5:34 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. In Beaufort County, the former president received 59,002 votes, representing 56.6% of the electorate, according to unofficial results from scvotes.org. Vice President Kamala Harris trailed behind with 43,886 votes or 42.1%. Harris bested Trump in 22 of Beaufort Countys 126 precincts, primarily in communities north of the Broad River. She won by the widest margin in Sheldon 2, receiving 419 votes or 82.1% over Trumps 87 or 17%. For political junkies and fans of presidential politics, theres only 1,460 days left till the next general election on Nov. 7, 2028. A study led by researchers at Auburn University's Smith Bee Lab has uncovered a unique example of internal symmetry within nature: honeybees exhibit mirror-like symmetry in the contents of their nests. This remarkable internal organization, observed across multiple honeybee species, means that what bees store on one side of a honeycomb is replicated on the opposite side. Their findings suggest that honeybees universally organize their nests this way, likely due to evolutionary advantages linked to both storage efficiency and temperature regulation. Indirect cues make symmetry Humans have long observed the honeycombs classic double-sided structure, known for its wax-conserving hexagonal cells. This dual-sided design was assumed to primarily help bees minimize wax usage, as wax production is resource-intensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this new study reveals that the contents within each comb side also reflect each other. Whether its honey, pollen, or brood cells, each element appears in mirrored locations on both sides of the comb, forming an organized, balanced system throughout the colonys lifecycle. To explore this phenomenon in detail, the researchers placed honeybee colonies in transparent observation hives, allowing them to study nest construction without disturbing the bees. Over time, they captured 148 detailed nest maps from six colonies, confirming that each nest cell had a matching counterpart on the opposite side of the comb. To determine if bees needed direct access to both sides of the comb to achieve this symmetry, the team designed a special hive with an impermeable base, allowing independent colonies to build nests without interacting. Surprisingly, even without contact, the two colonies mirrored each others nest arrangements. This led the researchers to hypothesize that indirect cues, such as heat, could guide this coordination. Since bees are highly sensitive to nest temperaturea critical factor for brood developmentthe researchers tested this by placing heat pads at random spots on one side of the hive, set to broodnest temperatures. When they returned after ten days, they found that each colony had aligned its brood cells perfectly with the heat pad location, reinforcing the idea that temperature cues play a significant role in honeybee nest organization. A trait common across honeybee species Claire Bailey, a co-author and former Auburn undergraduate, explained that the consistency of the brood pattern was striking, essentially mapping out a heat-aligned blueprint across the comb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team further explored whether this symmetry provided measurable benefits to the colony. By comparing one-sided and two-sided nests, they observed that colonies with symmetrical nests produced nearly 60% more brood after ten days than their one-sided counterparts. Additionally, symmetrical nests displayed more stable temperatures, an advantage for maintaining the optimal environment required for brood development. To validate their findings, the researchers also investigated if this organizational symmetry was unique to domesticated bees or if it appeared in wild honeybee species. Collaborating with Dr. Ben Koger at the University of Wyoming, they employed advanced image-analysis techniques to classify comb contents in naturally built, three-dimensional nests. Consistently, they found the same pattern of internal symmetry in natural nests. Seeking further confirmation, the team turned to honeybee species in Thailand, where Dr. Bajaree Chuttong provided images of nests from three other honeybee species: Apis andreniformis, Apis dorsata, and Apis florea. All displayed similar mirror symmetry in their nest organization, affirming that this trait is a fundamental aspect of honeybee nest architecture. This study sheds light on how symmetry extends beyond external appearances, revealing a novel function in nest thermoregulation and storage organization among honeybees. The study has been published in Current Biology. COLOMBO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Officials managing animal health in Sri Lanka are cautiously resuming pork sales after successfully containing the spread of African swine fever, a health official told Xinhua on Friday. In late October, the government issued a gazette notice prohibiting the transport, slaughter, and sale of pigs infected with African swine fever to curb the outbreak. G.A.D. Nandasiri, deputy provincial director at the Department of Animal Production and Health for the Western Province, said that substantial amounts of pork, sourced from pigs slaughtered before the ban, need to be managed responsibly. "African swine fever poses no risk to humans, and thoroughly cooked meat is safe to consume. As an initial measure, we are inspecting the existing pork stocks and allowing these to be sold. This process is underway across the country," he said. Authorities are also inspecting abattoirs to ensure that pigs there are free of the disease. After disposal, these facilities must remain pig-free. "We have identified and monitored breeding farms unaffected by African swine fever and will soon begin distributing piglets from these farms to others. I believe we can revitalize the industry in about two months," he said. In October 2024, officials told media that thousands of pigs had contracted African swine fever, a disease previously not found in Sri Lanka. Belarus concludes registration for the 2025 presidential election, allowing six token candidates to challenge dictator Alexander Lukashenko at the ballot. Ahead of the upcoming election, Belarusian law enforcers conduct sweeping raids, human rights group Viasna reports. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto argues against sanctions, engages with Belarus, Russia at Eurasian Security Conference in Minsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbia releases Belarusian activist Andrei Hniot after a yearlong detention over Belaruss extradition request. Seventh political prisoner dies in custody in Belarus, human rights group Viasna says. Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Belarus Election Committee clears six pro-Lukashenko candidates to challenge him in 2025 presidential election The Belarusian Central Election Committee (CEC) has finished registering people that would be allowed to take part in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for Jan. 26, 2025. The regime-controlled committee allowed six friendly candidates to start collecting signatures to run against the countrys dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko is seeking a seventh consecutive term in office after over four years of brutal crackdowns on civil society that eliminated 1,700 non-profit organizations, outlawed all but four loyal parties, and jailed Lukashenkos main political opponents along with around 1,300 people, now considered to be political prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CEC registered the nomination groups of Anna Kanapatskaya, a spoiler candidate taking part in the 2020 presidential campaign, Siarhei Bobrykau, Belarusian Union of Officers chairman, and Siarhei Syrankou, the leader of the Communist Party of Belarus. The previously registered initiatives are those of Lukashenko and three other loyalists: Aleh Haidukevich, leader of the pro-Lukashenko Liberal Democratic Party; Alexander Hizhnyak, leader of the Republican Party; and a former spokeswoman of the Interior Ministry, Olga Chemodanova. Lukashenko said he considers the nomination of his supporters to be dictated by the desire to secure him. Im sure they just want to flank me here, to keep me safe, no more, no less. Well, I would like it that way, Lukashenko told a state-owned TV channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RFE/RL political analyst Valer Karbalevich wrote that the nomination of several candidates, apart from Lukashenko, is designed to create the illusion that the current campaign is no different from the previous ones. Belarus has had no free or fair elections since Lukashenko came to power in 1994. During mass protests in 2020, the Belarusian regime relied heavily on Russias support to quell domestic unrest. Meanwhile, independent election observers said they would attempt to monitor the conduct of the election from afar. The Belarusian Helsinki Committee and Human Rights Center Viasna established the Human Rights Activists for Free Elections campaign to monitor elections via publicly available sources when independent observation is impossible on site. Conducting a free and open election campaign is impossible in a situation of political terror, the campaign said in its first election report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that the only role of the remaining registered candidates is to formally demonstrate the presence of an alternative in the 2025 elections, but not to overshadow the main candidate or even create the illusion of competition, says the campaigns lawyer, Sviatlana Halauniova. The registered initiative groups have until Dec. 6 to gather over 100,000 signatures for their candidates to enter the race. The process of gathering signatures will occur at a time when repression still haunts those who signed for alternative candidates in 2020, Polish-backed news outlet Belsat reports. Employees at government agencies, banks, military enterprises, and plants were fired for supporting Lukashenkos opponents. It is such a sometimes invisible process that it is impossible to evaluate, Viasnas Pavel Sapelka told Belsat. We know about the phenomenon, but we cannot estimate its scale, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who claimed to have beaten Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, denounced the elections as an imitation and non-elections. Her office called on supporters to protest against the rigged elections by voting against all. Other voices in the exiled opposition have called for a full boycott or consolidated voting for one of the spoiler candidates. Still, in the absence of a fair vote count, the effectiveness of either strategy would be hard to prove, political analyst Artsiom Shraibman suggests. Belarusian authorities launch countywide raids ahead of presidential elections, Viasna says Belarusian law enforcers launched massive countrywide raids starting Oct. 31, Human Rights Group Viasna reported, saying the arrests and searches were part of a pre-election intimidation campaign. Viasna reports that the Belarusian KGB security agency detained dozens of individuals in the capital, Minsk, in the oblast centers of Homiel and Mahiliou, as well as regional cities across the country under the pretext of investigating an alleged conspiracy to seize power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights defenders know that detentions are taking place all over Belarus. They look like a planned act of intimidation before the elections, Viasna said on its official Telegram channel. At least 80 individuals have been targeted in the raids so far, according to the evacuation department of BYSOL, an initiative in exile that helps repressed Belarusians. According to our data, the isolation center on Okrestina (Street, in Minsk) is overcrowded. There are 16 people in cells for 3-4 people, a BYSOL representative told the independent outlet Zerkalo. Some of those first detained remain in custody, while others were released after being declared witnesses in cases. The criminal code stipulates a minimum of eight years of imprisonment for those convicted of conspiring to seize power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcers frequently target those who were previously detained on politically motivated administrative charges. According to Viasna, this number exceeds 36,000 cases. Cases of brutal detentions, with unjustified use of force, have also been reported. Hungarian FM speaks out against sanctions against Minsk at a security conference in Belarus Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized European Union sanctions against Belarus and Russia and advocated for cooperation instead of burning bridges at a security conference in Belarus on Oct. 31, Belarus state-owned news agency Belta reports. The Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, envisaged as a competitor to the Munich Security Conference organized by the Russia-led bloc, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), was expecting to host 600 high-ranking representatives from 45 countries but saw a much more humble attendance. Apart from Hungary's Szijjarto, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh attended the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Let's all hope together that we will not be judged for this discussion," Szijjarto said on starting his keynote speech, which he delivered in Russian. The Hungarian foreign minister said Hungary had the right to negotiate directly with anyone, and said Budapest opposes the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. We do not accept any restrictions on whom we cooperate with. We dislike sanctions politics, Szijjarto said. During the conference, Szijjarto held talks with Russia's Lavrov and Belarus's Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou. We Hungarians conclude that if sanctions don't work, we shouldn't engage in them, we shouldn't impose them," Szijjarto said after talks with Ryzhankou on Oct. 31 in Minsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Szijjarto claimed that increasing cooperation with Belarus was in Hungarys national interest. Hungary, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, is the only country in the European Union that maintained ties with the Lukashenko regime following its crackdown on dissent and subsequent engagement in Russia's war against Ukraine. Szijjarto visited Minsk twice in 2023 and in May 2024, sparking criticism from the exiled Belarusian opposition. Hungary has remained the most Kremlin-friendly country within the EU, and has repeatedly opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, obstructed sanctions on Russia, and undermined Western aid efforts for Ukraine. Read also: Hungarian FM to attend and speak at Eurasian security conference in Belarus this week Serbia releases Belarusian activist after year-long detention Belarusian political activist and film director Andrei Hniot, who was held in Serbia for a year under threat of extradition to Belarus, has been released, his lawyer reported on Oct. 31. Hniot was detained in October 2023 in Serbia based on tax evasion charges issued by the Belarusian police. Hniots defense insists the charges were politically motivated and issued retroactively, without legal grounds for the case. They also accused Minsk of exploiting Interpols Red Notice arrest warrant system to harass exiled dissidents with politically motivated charges. The Higher Court in Belgrade waived Hniots detention on Oct. 31, as the legal deadline for the extradition case had expired, Filip Sofijanic, Hnyots lawyer in Belgrade, told RFE/RL. New restrictions were not imposed, allowing the activist to leave Serbia for Germany. Despite Hniots safe exit to an EU-member state, the extradition case is not closed, Maria Kolesava-Hudzilina, a member of his legal team and former president of the Belarusian Association of Human Rights Lawyers, says. This (extradition) procedure may continue for a long time, as it has no statute of limitations it can be a year or 10 years, Kolesava-Hudzilina said, highlighting that the Belarusian activist still risks extradition in other countries. Interpol temporarily blocked access to the directors data in its database on Feb. 27, but the Belarusian state is continuing its case against him. On the day of Hniots release, Belarus authorities placed his Instagram page on its list of extremist materials. Exiled Belarusian opposition and human rights groups campaigned for Hniots release this year. In a press conference on Nov. 2, Hniot thanked Belarusian opposition leaders Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka, as well as German officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Deputy German Ambassador to Serbia Carsten Meyer-Wiefhausen. Hniots ordeal in Serbia involved several rounds of deportation approval and reversed decisions between December 2023 and August 2024. The Appeal Court in Belgrade, expected to be the highest in the judicial process, found that the Higher Courts extradition ruling was made based on an incomplete establishment of the facts, which led to a significant violation of criminal procedure rules and ordered a retrial. Hniot spent five months in a Serbian jail and seven more under house arrest. In 2020, Hniot participated, along with thousands of others, in widespread protests against the results of the Belarusian presidential elections that were roundly condemned internationally as neither free nor fair. He founded the Belaruss Free Association of Athletes, which was later branded as an extremist organization by the Belarusian government. Viasna: Seventh political prisoner dies in custody in Belarus Members of the Belarusian diaspora, many displaying white-red-white opposition flags, gather at Krakow's Market Square for the Day of Solidarity with Belarus rally, on Aug. 9, 2024, in Krakow, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) A 22-year-old political prisoner serving a 12-year prison sentence for espionage and aiding extremist activities, has died in custody, Human Rights Center Viasna reported on Nov. 1. Russian-born political prisoner Dmitry Shletgauer is the seventh of the jailed opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenkos to die in prison following the crackdown on Belarusian civil society that started after mass protests in 2020. Following fraudulent presidential elections and nationwide demonstrations, over 6,000 Belarusians underwent criminal persecution, and some 1,300 individuals are currently held behind bars on politically motivated charges. Shletgauers 12-year sentence for alleged espionage and facilitation of extremist activities was handed down after a closed trial this year. The evidence in the case remains unknown to human rights defenders. Shletgauer was found dead on Oct. 11, a month after his transfer to Mahiliou penal colony No. 15, where he was supposed to serve his term, Viasna reports. The authorities have not disclosed the cause of his death. Shletgauers family confirmed his death to the independent news outlet Zerkalo, without providing further details. Political prisoners in Belarus are held in harsh conditions: They are deprived of medical care, and subjected to arbitrary punishments and debilitating forced labor in penal colonies. Activist Vitold Ashurak, prominent artist Ales Pushkin, blogger Mikalai Klimovic, and activists Ihar Lednik, Vadzim Khrasko, and Aliaksandr Kulinich are known to have died while in custody. Belarusian oppositions have compiled a humanitarian list of around 200 political prisoners who have severe medical conditions and who might not survive their time in prison. However, Belarusian authorities have paid little attention to the oppositions humanitarian list when releasing political prisoners most of the 115 individuals released in four recent rounds of pardons were not on it. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) Cautious optimism rang through the air at United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1268 on Thursday as union members cast their vote on whether to authorize a strike against automaker Stellantis. UAW members vote 91% in favor of a strike. Frederick Sheffield worked at the Belvidere Assembly Plant for thirty years, following in his familys footsteps. I was born on Chrysler health care. And, you know, Im going out with a pension. So, I mean, Ive depended on this company all my life, Sheffield said. My grandmother was one of the first women hired in the plant back in 1966. And then my dad was hired in 1967. Got three generations here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, Sheffield voted to authorize a strike after Stellantis announced a delay in reopening the plant, citing changing market conditions. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has been under fire from U.S. dealers and the United Auto Workers union after a dismal financial performance this year, caught off guard by too many high-priced vehicles on dealer lots. The company said that Tavares will step down in early 2026. The Belvidere plant opened as a Chrysler factory in 1965, manufacturing the Plymouth Fury. When it was idled in 2023, it was making the Jeep Cherokee. In October 2023, Stellantis agreed to build a $3.2 billion battery plant in Belvidere and invest $1.5 billion to retool the Belvidere Assembly Plant for an all-new mid-sized truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheffield is retiring at the end of the month, and said his vote was the last time he would be able make his voice heard. We still have a lot of workers that they dont have their time in that, you know, they didnt have the same opportunity I have. And theyre still depending on this plant. So, you know, they need all of the support and help they can get, he said. Stellantis filed a lawsuit against the UAW in October, claiming the strike vote would violate a contract agreed upon by the union and the automaker last year. Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen said mismanagement is to blame. It starts here in Belvidere, and its really time to time to stop it. I mean, if we dont stop it here, we dont stop it with the (Dodge) Durango leaving [the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit], he said. Theyre just going to keep rolling through and impacting all the U.S. investment. I think the vote passes. I think it starts here so we can let the rest of the corporation, the rest of the membership know that were way even deeper involved in our own future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Szabo, who worked at the Belvidere Assembly Plant since 2012, said, All we can do now is this fight for what we think is right and also believe that the company will do the right thing. Frantzen said the UAW is still confident Stellantis will uphold their end of the contract and reopen the plant. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Bentonville man currently on probation for sexual assault has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor he was babysitting nearly a decade ago, according to court documents. Justin Sellers, 33 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center) Justin John Sellers, 33, was arrested on November 5 on two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of sexual indecency with a child. A probable cause affidavit said on Oct. 18, Benton County Sheriffs Office detectives received a report from the Arkansas State Child Abuse Hotline that Sellers met with his probation officer and reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting a five-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sellers said around 10 years ago he agreed to babysit his neighbors child. During that time, Sellers allegedly sexually assaulted the child, according to the affidavit. Amber Watermans attorneys file notice of appeal in Benton County capital murder case The child, now 15 years old, went with a parent to the Child and Family Advocacy Center to discuss the alleged incidents. They recalled two times when Sellers allegedly touched her inappropriately, both while he was babysitting her. Sellers reportedly agreed to talk to investigators initially but eventually stopped returning their phone calls, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sellers told his probation officer that he has had six previous victims but two have not been identified by authorities. His criminal history includes a third-degree domestic battery arrest from 2019 and a 2022 second-degree sexual assault conviction. He is currently on probation for the 2022 conviction. Sellers also had two DWI arrests. He is being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $650,000 bond and has a Dec. 16 court date. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. BERLIN (AP) Like many other young women living in communist East Germany, Solveig Leo thought nothing about juggling work and motherhood. The mother of two was able to preside over a large state-owned farm in the northeastern village of Banzkow because childcare was widely available. Contrast that with Claudia Huth, a mother of five, who grew up in capitalist West Germany. Huth quit her job as a bank clerk when she was pregnant with her first child and led a life as a traditional housewife in the village of Egelsbach in Hesse, raising the kids and tending to her husband, who worked as a chemist. Both Leo and Huth fulfilled roles that in many ways were typical for women in the vastly different political systems that governed Germany during its decades of division following the countrys defeat in World War II in 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Germany celebrates the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989 and the countrys reunification less than a year later on Oct. 3, 1990 many in Germany are reflecting on how womens lives that have diverged so starkly under communism and capitalism have become much more similar again though some differences remain even today. In West Germany, women not all, but many had to fight for their right to have a career, said Clara Marz, the curator of an exhibition about women in divided Germany for the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Germany. Women in East Germany, meanwhile, often had jobs though that was something that they had been ordered from above to do, she added. Built in 1961, the Wall stood for 28 years at the front line of the Cold War between the Americans and the Soviets. It was built by the communist regime to cut off East Germans from the supposed ideological contamination of the West and to stem the tide of people fleeing East Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today only a few stretches of the 156.4-kilometer (97.2-mile) barrier around the capitalist exclave of West Berlin remain, mostly as a tourist attraction. All the heavy industry was in the west, there was nothing here, Leo, who is now 81 years old, said during a recent interview looking back at her life as a woman under communism. East Germany had to pay war reparations to the Soviet Union. Women needed to work our own way out of that misery. By contrast, Leo said, women in the West didn't need to work because they were spoiled by the Marshall Plan the United States generous reconstruction plan that poured billions of dollars into West Germany and other European countries after the war. In capitalist West Germany, the economy recovered so quickly after the total devastation of WWII that people soon started talking of a Wirtschaftswunder, or economic miracle, that brought them affluence and stability less than 10 years after the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That economic success, however, indirectly hampered womens quest for equal rights. Most West German women stayed at home and were expected to take care of their household while their husbands worked. Religion, too, played a much bigger role than in atheist East Germany, confining women to traditional roles as caregivers of the family. Mothers who tried to break out of these conventions and took on jobs were infamously decried as Rabenmutter, or uncaring moms who put work over family. Not all West German women perceived their traditional roles as restrictive. I always had this idea to be with my children, because I loved being with them," said Huth, now 69. It never really occurred to me to go to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than three decades after Germanys unification, a new generation of women is barely aware of the different lives their mothers and grandmothers led depending on which part of the country they lived in. For most, combining work and motherhood has also become the normal way of life. Hannah Fiedler, an 18-year-old high school graduate from Berlin, said the fact that her family lived in East Germany during the decades of the country's division has no impact on her life today. East or West it's not even a topic in our family anymore, she said, as she sat on a bench near a thin, cobble-stoned path in the capital's Mitte neighborhood, which marks the former course of the Berlin Wall in the then-divided city. She also said that growing up, she had not experienced any disadvantages because she's female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm white and privileged for good or worse I don't expect any problems when I enter the working world in the future, she said. Some small differences between the formerly divided parts of Germany linger on. In the former East, 74% of women are working, compared to 71.5% in the West, according to a 2023 study by the Hans-Bockler-Stiftung foundation. Childcare is also still more available in the former East than in the West. In 2018, 57% of children under the age of 3 were looked after in a childcare facility in the eastern state of Saxony. That compares with 27% in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia and 44% in Hamburg and Bremen, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany as a whole trails behind some other European countries when it comes to gender equality. Only 31.4% lawmakers in Germany's national parliament are female, compared to 41% in Belgium's parliament, 43.6% in Denmark, 45% in Norway and 45.6% in Sweden. Nonetheless, Leo, the 81-year-old farmer from former East Germany, is optimistic that eventually women all over the country will have the same opportunities. I cant imagine that there are any women who dont like to be independent, she said. ___ Jan M. Olsen contributed from Copenhagen. Edgar Sargsyan, a private jet-flying career conman turned confidential informant who admitted in court testimony nearly two years ago that he paid a ringer to take the California bar exam for him, has been disbarred. But Henrik Mosesian Mosesi, the attorney Sargsyan testified was paid $20,000 a month to study for the test and was rewarded with a Rolex when he passed it, is still a licensed lawyer with a Glendale-based practice. Mosesi, according to court records and Sargsyan's testimony during the 2022 trial of Babak Broumand, a former FBI agent convicted of corruption and bribery, used a fake ID and smudged fingerprints at a Sacramento testing site in February 2015 to pass the grueling exam for Sargsyan. Mosesi, when called as a witness in Broumand's trial, pleaded the 5th Amendment, which got the attention of California State Bar officials. But he continues to operate a law practice despite the alarming allegations leveled at him by Sargysan from the stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real attorney, and the fake one, once ran the now-shuttered Beverly Hills-based Pillar Law Group on Rodeo Drive, where the walls were festooned with selfies of Sargsyan with prominent politicians, including former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom. According to Sargsyans testimony, the office was where he ran a labyrinthine identity theft scam, laundering some of his scheme's proceeds with political campaign donations - and paying Mosesi to study. Edgar Sargsyan with former President Barack Obama. Sargsyan was disbarred nearly two years after he admitted he was never a lawyer at all. Defense exhibit in trial of Babak Broumand When the exam was passed, Sargsyan, Mosesi, and another lawyer in the defunct firm, Art Kalantar, attended a swearing-in ceremony in Sacramento and then later partied at the members-only Grand Havana Room in Beverly Hill, a spot where Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicholson, and a slew of other A-list Hollywood celebrities maintain private humidors, to celebrate his admission to the Bar. In attendance at that 2016 celebration were the badges on the Armenian Mafia's payroll: former FBI Agent Babak Broumand, former HSI agent Felix Cisneros, and former Glendale Detective John Balian. Sargsyan helped send all three men to federal prison after he agreed to testify against them in court. In fact, it was on the eve of Broumand's trial when Sargsyan confessed to his handlers that he had not disclosed to them that he'd been practicing law without a valid license. Former Homeland Security Investigations Agent Felix Cisneros, now a convicted felon; Governor Gavin Newsom; fake attorney Edgar Sargsyan who finished a six month sentence on a plethora of crimes. Department of Justice exhibit Sargsyan took the stand in Broumand's case in the fall of 2022 with tantalizing testimony about dirty officials, political shindigs with California's governor, drug-fueled sex romps with Broumand at a Vegas party house, and lavish Beverly Hills dinners paid for with stolen cash. Last December, Sargysan was hit with a mere six months in federal prison in recognition of his cooperation with the government. He has since been released, and his whereabouts are unknown. Disgraced FBI Supervisor Babak Broumand; Edgar Sargsyan in Las Vegas Department of Justice exhibit The California State Bar could not immediately explain why it took such a long time to protect consumers from Sargsyan or why Mosesi continues to practice. A spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. Sargsyan was suspended by the Bar in November 2020, weeks after he confessed to lying about being a valid attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sargsyan donated stolen money to both sides of the aisle, according to campaign records. He and his wife Alina were hardly aligned to one party. Alina Sargsyan, President Donald Trump and Edgar Sargsyan Defense exhibit 1001 in U.S. v Babak Broumand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Bar took no action against Mosesi then, and two years after Sargsyan's confession, he remains a practicing attorney and self-described movie producer. Newsom, after learning of Sargsyan's crimes, donated the $45,100 in campaign cash received from the now felon to a legal charity. The campaign will be donating the full amount from him and his wife to two legal aid organizations that help those without financial means afford legal representationBay Area Legal Aid (NorCal) and Bet Tzedek Justice for All (SoCal), split equally, Newsom spokesman Nathan Glick, told Los Angeles in 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden this week became a "lame duck," entering the period between White House administrations traditionally seen as one of waning influence, increasing irrelevance, and menial administrative preparation for the successor. But it can also be a period of opportunity relatively unburdened by responsibility and accountability, many lame-duck presidents take advantage of the time to take actions they may not have gotten away with before an election, controversial pardons being one of the most popular. And as Jessica Berlin, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), said in a post on social media after the election result was called, Biden does have an opportunity to be "the least-lame duck in history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whatever can go to Ukraine needs to go now," she added. Donald Trump's Nov. 5 election victory has triggered fears that U.S. aid to Ukraine might soon draw to a close. Trump's comments on Ukraine have emphasized speedy results over long-term support, and he has refrained from saying he wants Ukraine to prevail over Russia. The handover of power in the White House will be hugely consequential for Ukraine, even if no one can say for sure if those consequences will be positive or negative. And it comes at possibly one of the most critical periods of the full-scale invasion for Ukraine Russian forces are making their fastest gains in months, and North Korean troops are deployed in Russias Kursk region. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (Center-R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) walk past children attending a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea on June 19, 2024. (Vladimir Smirnov / POOL / AFP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a training base of the Korean People's Army's special operations forces in western Pyongyang, a day after South Korea's Armed Forces Day on the TV screen in Seoul, South Korea on Oct. 4, 2024. (Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Biden has numerous options on the table, with speculation already mounting over what they could be, and how likely they are to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There has been some discussion that I've heard within the administration about the idea of making a gesture in the direction of Ukraine's NATO membership, or also about approving the use of long-range weapons (to strike deep inside Russia), something that the Biden administration has denied until now," Ambassador Kurt Volker, who served as the U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations in 2017-2019, told the Kyiv Independent. But perhaps the most consequential action Biden could take, is the one that has been least discussed. Seizing Russian assets "Take the money, and do it now," Aaron Gasch Burnett, fellow and project manager at Berlin's Democratic Strategy Initiative, told the Kyiv Independent. The money Burnett is referring to is the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets that has been sitting mostly in European banks for the majority of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only in October of this year did the Group of Seven (G7) countries finally agree on a deal that would allow for the interest they're accumulating to be given to Ukraine in the form of a $50-billion loan to Kyiv, which it is yet to receive. What Biden could do is simply seize the U.S.-based frozen assets themselves, and give them to Ukraine so it can finance the war itself. There are $5 billion of Russian state assets frozen in the U.S. "Biden could do this tomorrow if he wanted to," Burentt said, adding: "The U.S. Repo Act gives him that power. "If he wanted to, he could just move ahead and declare that these assets are getting seized, or at the very least, the assets that are denominated in American money, an estimated $16 billion, possibly even more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some European countries including France and Germany have resisted such a move, which Burnett said is due to fear of "retaliation and reprisals" from Moscow, with the G7 agreement on loans backed by interest a way to placate all sides. "It's basically a magic trick to turn $300 billion into $50 billion because you're too scared to make the necessary choice," he adds. Burnett adds that with an incoming Trump administration, Biden would have a strong argument to get reluctant European nations on board if Trump cuts aid to Ukraine, the financial burden is going to fall on them, and releasing a big lump sum now would be better than having interest build up over time. Unsurprisingly, it's a step that Ukraine is also calling for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We think that the U.S. can and should take more steps in this regard to use all of those frozen assets to the fullest extent to support Ukraine," Heorhii Tykhyi, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, said in a press briefing on Nov. 7. "You see, it's fair, first of all, it's fair that Russia pays for the damage it has caused. And it's also a very relevant way to fund the Ukrainian defense from this money." "First of all, it's fair that Russia pays for the damage it has caused." There's also one other benefit this move could have over other possible options once Ukraine has the money, the process couldn't be reversed by Trump once he's in office. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, US on Nov. 6, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Military aid The same is true of U.S. military aid, and on Nov. 7 the Pentagon said it was committed to sending Ukraine the full outstanding $6 billion before Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine will receive $4 billion under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which pulls weapons from U.S. stocks, and $2 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said at a briefing on Nov. 7. When asked if the U.S. had enough weapons stockpiled to get shipments to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration, Singh said Washington was "confident" it could keep its commitments to Kyiv. "So we're always constantly backfilling and restocking our shelves. We're committed to providing Ukraine what it needs and that includes that $4 billion in authority," she added. Another option available to Biden could have a significant impact on the battlefield, and even if Trump did reverse it, the knock-on effect could still be beneficial. Introducing official merch from the Kyiv Independent Shop now Long-range strikes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's concerted campaign to get permission to use Western-supplied weapons like the U.S-made ATACMs and the U.K's Storm Shadows to strike deep inside Russia has, to date, failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesn't mean he's given up in his latest call he highlighted how Ukraine could preemptively target "every camp" in Russia where North Korean troops are currently gathering. This would be on top of some of the airbases from which Russia launches missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. "I think the Biden administration would be very well advised simply to just drop its objections," Volker said. "Just let Ukraine use the weapons we've given them. And this can be done quietly, it doesn't have to be a big announcement. It can be done on a case-by-case basis, if the Biden administration insists," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But there's no justification for allowing Russia to attack Ukraine from anywhere, and to tell Ukraine that they must not strike back." If Biden did give the green light, it's almost certain that European countries such as the U.K. would follow suit. "There's no justification for allowing Russia to attack Ukraine from anywhere, and to tell Ukraine that they must not strike back." Even if Trump reversed the decision when he took office, Burnett said it's likely Ukraine would still retain permission from the U.K. "It would look really bad for the Europeans to then withdraw permission alongside Trump if they had already given it under Biden," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last option is perhaps the one Ukraine covets the most. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with U.S. President Joe Biden during an event with world leaders launching a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S. on Sept. 25, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) NATO membership While immediate NATO membership isn't currently on the table with the war ongoing, there are some steps Biden could take to bring it closer to being a reality. Kyiv submitted its application to join in September 2022, and in July 2024 the alliance affirmed Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership." But Ukraine has yet to receive a timeframe regarding when this will happen. A report in the Financial Times (FT) last month said Biden may agree to advance the status of Ukraine's NATO membership bid before leaving office in January, citing an unnamed Western official. While Volker didn't specify exactly what the "gesture in the direction of Ukraine's NATO membership" could be, he cautioned against becoming too optimistic. "On NATO membership, we have to be very, very careful. You don't want to put that out prematurely. You don't want it to be uncoordinated with allies," he said. "We had an opportunity to do this leading up to the Washington summit this summer, and we didn't do it. So to bring it up in the last moments of the Biden administration now does not seem to be the wisest choice. It needs to be better coordinated." While the range of options available to Biden and their chances of success varies, according to Burnett they all have one thing in common. "I can't really think of anything that Biden could do in the next couple of months that he shouldn't have already done," he said. "That's my honest assessment." Note from the author: Hi, this is Chris York, the author of this piece. It was written at the end of what will likely be remembered as one of the most consequential weeks for Ukraine during the entire war not for events that happened here, but for those that happened in the United States. Were heading into the most challenging winter yet, with U.S. support uncertain, Russias grinding advances accelerating, and relentless and nightly drone attacks here in Kyiv. Please consider supporting us so we can continue to bring you the best journalism from Ukraine, at a time when it's needed more than ever. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Gabriel Araujo WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Joe Biden will become the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Brazilian Amazon when he travels to Manaus later this month, a symbolic trip given the United States is likely to see a dramatic change in climate policy under President-elect Donald Trump. The White House confirmed late on Thursday that Biden had included a visit to Manaus, a city of 2 million people in the heart of the world's largest rainforest, to his South American tour of Brazil and Peru between Nov. 14 and 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters had first reported last month that Biden was expected to make it to the rainforest ahead of a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he will meet with Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "In Manaus, President Biden will visit the Amazon rainforest to engage with local, indigenous, and other leaders working to preserve and protect this critical ecosystem," the White House said in a statement. Scientists consider the Amazon's protection vital to curbing climate change because of the vast amount of climate-warming carbon dioxide its trees absorb. Leftist Lula has pledged to end deforestation in the area by 2030. Biden and Lula have seen eye to eye when it comes to climate policy. The Democrat last year pledged to request $500 million from the U.S. Congress to support the Brazilian-administered Amazon Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things, however, should change dramatically when Trump returns to power in January. The Republican has called climate change a hoax and said he plans to withdraw the U.S. from the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate. Trump's policies are seen as closer to those of Brazil's former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been called "Trump of the tropics" and rolled back environmental protections during his 2019-2022 term. Lula earlier this week congratulated Trump on his victory and said the world needed "dialogue and joint work". He later had a call with Biden to discuss the U.S. leader's trip to Brazil. "Lula reiterated his friendship and admiration for President Biden and highlighted the strong state of Brazil-U.S. relations in recent years," Lula's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They both highlighted the closeness of priorities between the two governments on promoting the energy transition." Biden's visit to the Amazon follows a similar trip by French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in the rainforest in March. Brazil will host the COP30 climate summit in Belem next year. (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo in Washington; Additional reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia; Editing by Sandra Maler) *Sigh.* Black people around the US are sharing screenshots of texts they received from unknown numbers, all of which direct them to report to the "nearest plantation" and "pick cotton." The first messages appeared hours after this year's presidential election came to an end with Donald Trump's win. Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP via Getty Images In full, one of the text messages reads: "Greetings Jaime, You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 3PM SHARP with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once you enter the plantation. You are in Plantation Group B." The message was shared by X user @outofmoss, who said, "Ummmm why'd I get a text from a random number about being sent to a plantation ??? wtf." Further, the message addressed them by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another screenshot shared by @casketprettyyy on X, the message instructs recipients to "pack sturdy shoes," saying, "Sir masters will pat you down before entry make sure you pack some sturdy shoes and a trash bag for the cotton thank you." "i'm genuinely just terrified. I don't like that i keep seeing multiple people are receiving text messages telling them they will be taken back to a plantation or that they'll be raped. I feel so uneasy bro. what the fuck is this," @casketprettyyy captioned the image. Other messages include mentions of Trump, like this one that reads: "MORNING NEGRO BREED As you know Donald J Trump has won the election, with that being said you have been selected to perform in SECTION 487 at George Pickett cotton picking plantation." Given the timing of the messages, many are drawing connections between their racist rhetoric and president-elect Trump's openly racist remarks during rallies, as well as his part in uplifting white supremacists. "This is the America you voted for and it's been ONE DAY," one person wrote. Black people getting texts about being grouped to pick cotton at plantations, women and young girls being harassed by men saying, your body, my choice. This is the America you voted for and its been ONE DAY. Fuck all of you who call us sensitive, youre EVIL. Carly Kiley (@carlyy_marie) November 7, 2024 Twitter: @carlyy_marie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NBC News, many recipients are college students, with reports coming out of Ohio State University, Clemson University in South Carolina, the University of Southern California, and Missouri State University. "Black students at the University of Alabama randomly getting texts/emails saying they have been selected to pick cotton on the plantation but everything is gonna be normal right," this person challenged. Black students at the University of Alabama randomly getting texts/emails saying they have been selected to pick cotton on the plantation but everything is gonna be normal right Buck aka Casey Mizes #1 Fan (@ThreeFoxHounds) November 6, 2024 Twitter: @ThreeFoxHounds In response to the messages, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement: "The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes. These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday's election results." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've said it before and we'll say it again - there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat and the mention of slavery in 2024 is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized. The NAACP was founded in the spirit of liberation and progress, bringing otherized communities together to fight for a brighter tomorrow. That spirit lives on as we continue to fight for the safety, security, and prosperity of all people. Freedom is on the horizon, and we won't be fear mongered out of the future we deserve." We'll keep you updated with any developments. Dozens of Black people across the country said they have received text messages telling them they had been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. The messages came just hours after the polarized presidential election came to a close this week. On Wednesday morning, Monet Miller, a publicist from Atlanta, was reeling over Donald Trump winning the White House when she received a text message from an unknown phone number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, the message read, be prepared to be searched down once youve enter the plantation. A text message received by Monet Miller. Miller, 29, was shocked. She wondered how the person got her phone number, and questioned whether she was being watched. In a panic, she responded, Who is this?! Im going to find who you are and shared a photo of the text on social media. She learned that some of her friends had received the same text. Its a scare tactic, Miller said in an interview. I saw it and was like, What in the world? Usually, in any other instance, someone is racist to the point where its funny, its a bad humor sort of funny. But that day, with the climate and everything going on, I genuinely felt scared. Black social media users across the country said they have received text messages similar to Millers. Many of the recipients are college students from a wide range of schools nationwide, including Ohio State University, Clemson University in South Carolina, the University of Southern California and Missouri State University, NBC News has confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domonique Valles, 23, who attends the University of Southern California, said he and some of his fellow Kappa Alpha Psi frat brothers who received the text messages and has since filed a complaint with the FBI. I definitely feel kind of unsafe on campus, Valles said. While he said hes unclear what the campus can do to make people feel safe, they definitely need to at least come in support of people who are suffering from this Black community. In a statement, the university called the messages "hateful and unacceptable," and added that it was referring students who received them to the campus Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX. The FBI said in a statement Thursday that it is aware of the texts, has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Justice and encourages people who receive them to report the messages to local law enforcement authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various Clemson University students reported receiving the text messages, prompting a public statement from the school. These numbers have been determined to be associated with online spoofing sites. Campus police is actively investigating the matter and working with state partners to identify the source of the messages, the statement reads in part. It is unclear who is behind the mass text messages, what motivated them or how they obtained phone numbers for swaths of Black people. But some of the anonymous numbers appear to be tied to TextNow, a text messaging service that allows users to obtain untraceable, burner phone numbers. A TextNow spokesperson told NBC News in a statement that it is aware of the messages. As soon as we became aware, our Trust & Safety team acted quickly, shutting down the accounts involved within the hour, the statement said. TextNow is proud to be an inclusive service offering free mobile text and data to millions of Americans. We do not tolerate or condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future. The Attorney Generals Office in Virginia condemned the messages Wednesday and directed anyone who believes themselves to be under threat to contact law enforcement. Police departments and leaders in cities across the country have also addressed the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People as young as high school students, and some beyond college have also received these messages, which began rolling out the morning after Election Day. Some of the messages mention Donald Trump. Brian Hughes of the Trump campaign denounced the texts and said it is absolute nonsense to link the president to the messages. If we can find the origin of these messages which promote this kind of ugliness in our name we will obviously take legal action to stop it, Hughes said in a statement to NBC News. President Trump built a diverse and broad coalition of support, with voters of all races and backgrounds, he added. The result was a landslide victory for his common sense mandate for change. This will result in a second term that is beneficial to every working man and woman in our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some recipients responded to the texts with anger and others with a sense of humor, but many agree that the messages seem to be a bleak foreshadowing. The NAACP condemned the messages, saying they believe the messages were a product of the president-elects rhetoric. The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes, the statement read. Although college students seem to be the most targeted with the texts, Black people of varying ages have reported receiving the messages. Corryn Freeman, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said she along with her friends high school-age students have received the messages. She said that if the texts are a mass spam operation, it may signal danger for the recipients, that, our collective safety is potentially at risk. I dont think that its a coincidence that this is happening just a day after a Donald Trump election, Freeman told NBC News. I think that the election has reignited and inflamed people who have racist tendencies to show up and show out. I think that this is intentional to scare people of color, Black people, into a reality that we dont want to go back to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black Democrats werent the only recipients of the text messages. John Anthony, a Black Republican who hosts a conservative radio show in Illinois, said he received the message Wednesday afternoon and immediately chalked it up to a leftist ploy. They tried to make it appear as if it came from Trump or Republicans, Anthony said of the message, adding that he believes the message came from a leftist organization hoping to sow racial discord. This is the beginning of the, lets go after Trump and his supporters type of thing. Thats what I got out of it. The Federal Communications Commission said in a statement that it was aware of the messages and is looking into them alongside federal and state law enforcement. A spokesperson for the CTIA, the official trade association representing the wireless communication industry, told NBC News in a statement that several wireless carriers were impacted by the mass texts and the association is pushing back on the aggregators which handle text message campaigns like this from the outset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The text messages seemed to have died down as of Thursday evening, but Miller said shes afraid that they may only be the start of an onslaught of racist targeting. Now, people are testing the limits of how far they can go with playing with people, she said. I definitely see that this is just the beginning I just feel like well be attacked more in person in the future rather than behind phone screens. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A high angle view of University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a view of Denny Chimes and Woods Quad near Bryant-Denny Stadium. A University of Alabama student was among those who received a racist text message. (Jeremy Poland/Getty Images) Black students at the University of Alabama are among many who have received racist text messages from an unknown account. LaMonica Little, the mother of the student, first saw the messages in a chat group for Black parents with children enrolled at the University of Alabama and asked her son Tyler if he had received it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, he sent her a copy of the text, which Little later posted on Facebook. Like similar text messages sent around the country, it said that he had been selected to pick cotton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In an interview on Thursday, Little said she was not surprised by the text after the election results on Tuesday. She said she was afraid something like this would happen and people had become comfortable with just saying and just doing whatever. It really saddened me to see it, because I know that we are better than that, she said. Just to see people feeling like its okay to send these type of messages, whether it was for a joke or to scare or whatever they were doing it for, thats just not the right thing to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Crimson White, the student newspaper of the University of Alabama, reported Wednesday that other Black students at the school had received the texts. Deidre Simmons, executive director of communications at the University of Alabama, wrote in a statement that the school was aware other people around the country had received the disgusting messages. This has been reported to authorities, and were asking anyone who may have information regarding these messages to report it to the appropriate authorities, she wrote. UA students who have seen or received such messages are also encouraged to contact the Office of Student Care and Well-Being for any additional support that may be needed. Little said Thursday the university had reached out to her about the message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are taking this very seriously, she wrote in a text message. A call to the number in the text message to Littles son led to an out-of-service message. When the Wisconsin Examiner tried to reach numbers listed, they found a generic voicemail box and another out-of-service message. Similar text messages have been sent throughout the country. Fisk University, an HBCU in Tennessee, is on high alert after community members received the messages. The text messages phrasing differs, but all say that the recipient has been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. The Southern Poverty Law Center said Thursday that they also had a report from a fraternity at Alabama State University, an HBCU, getting a text message. An ASU spokesman said that as of mid-Thursday afternoon they had not received a report. The SPLC declined to name the fraternity that said it received the text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The text sent to young Black people, including students at Alabama State University and the University of Alabama, is a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history, said Margaret Huang, SPLC president and CEO, in a statement. Hate speech has no place in the South or in our nation. Little said her son has felt safe on campus, but she is cautioning him against going to a popular hangout area. I dont feel safe for him to be out there, she said. Just with everything. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A humanoid robot named "Laborer No. 1" is displayed at the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) WUHAN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Standing beside a robot, Dou Qiaoqi highlighted its capabilities, noting that "Its arms can lift weight up to 40 kilograms, which makes it ideal for labor-intensive tasks." Dou, chairman of Wuhan Glory Road Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., showcased a humanoid robot named "Laborer No. 1," developed for industrial applications, at a building of the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development (WHIIID), central China's Hubei Province. The robot is expected to enter trials at remote power stations next year, where it could significantly reduce the need for human operators in faraway locations. "Many substations in remote areas are unattended, making it difficult to maintain when there is a failure, and workers must be sent from a long distance. In this case, the stationed robots can be awakened to replace humans for operation and maintenance," Dou said. The WHIIID, founded in June 2021 and put into operation in April 2022, serves as a government-backed research entity focused on bridging the gap between research institutions and industry. It takes on projects that traditional academic institutions or corporations cannot readily address, positioning itself at the forefront of technological transformation and industrial modernization. Yan Jianbing, president of Huazhong Agricultural University, introduced their project and showcased it at the WHIIID. "Our goal with this project is to increase the protein content in corn." Li Xiling, president of WHIIID, said that the institute has gathered top innovation teams consisting of over 700 personnel from home and abroad, transformed more than 600 technological achievements, and incubated over 260 tech companies. "We help bridge gaps between research, industry, and investment," Li added. WHIIID supports early-stage and high-tech projects through an industry fund that mitigates commercialization risks, according to Li. Focusing on sectors such as biotechnology, photonic information, artificial intelligence and green energy, WHIIID has established 26 specialized research institutes, 48 enterprise innovation centers, and seven public service platforms. The institute aims to strengthen strategic emerging industries, positioning Wuhan as a leader in advanced technologies that address critical industrial needs. The Global Innovation Index 2024 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization in September ranks Wuhan 13th globally and 5th in China for tech clusters. Technological achievements from the city, which has over 1,000 corporate R&D centers, have been applied in areas such as remote sensing monitoring, flood prevention and disaster relief, and bridge and railway construction. In 2023, the number of high-tech companies in the city reached 15,323, a 21.09 percent increase year on year, ranking 5th among Chinese cities. The value added by the high-tech industry in Wuhan reached 549.45 billion yuan (76.92 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 27.5 percent of the city's GDP. A model of the Luojia-3 01 satellite is displayed at the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2024 shows a view of the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) Early Wednesday (Nov. 6) morning, it was confirmed that Donald Trump will be the president-elect of the United States Of America. This comes four years after being impeached, five months after becoming a convicted felon and four years of spewing pure hatred. As you can imagine, Black women among the demographics with the most to lose from Trumps policies were among the most vocal. Understandably, those who believed in the promise of and voted for Vice President Kamala Harris woke up to what is surely devastating news, especially if they are well-versed on what Trumps proposed policies are. As such, Black women have taken to the internet to share their weariness after, yet again, being disappointed by a nation that has never seemed to have had their back. This feels worse than 2016 because at least then, we had no idea what was to come. We fully know now, and millions voted against their own best interests. I cannot believe this. Mel (@TheBaddestMitch) November 6, 2024 Project 2025, a manifesto written by the conservative organization The Heritage Foundation, is an in-depth plan that lays out exactly how the right aims to decimate the progress Democrats made in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It touches on everything from tax cuts to the critical race theory, but perhaps whats most concerning, is the attack on inclusive reproductive health and economic rights issues that tend to disproportionately impact Black women. The Democratic Party and the liberal media apparatus needs a complete reset and soul-searching. Will any of that happen? Doubt it. Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) November 6, 2024 And whats most hurtful is that according to exit polling data, two vulnerable groups helped Trump get back in power: Latino voters and a small faction of Black male voters in key swing states were a part of a key set that edged him over VP Harris to lead him to reelection, further adding to many peoples confusion, anger, and resignation this morning. Social media users have taken to the web to express their feelings about the election outcome. Its just us, one user shared via a TikTok post in response to the voter demographic breakdown, which revealed that Black women overwhelmingly represented the Kamala Harris voter block. {Black women}, we have to lock in and organize together and Im not talking about organizing politically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement tiktok-7434143755386506526 She goes on to explain that Black women should focus on organizing every personal aspect of their lives because no one is coming to help us. Based on this latest election outcome, its hard to disagree. But more than anything, its up to us to pay attention to whats happening and the fight of our lives that were up against. In the meantime, try to rest up. Well need it. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pennsylvania State Police have charged a man who was riding his bike in Blairsville with DUI. Files were charged against Andrew Joseph Ostrawski, 31, on Thursday. Police said the whole incident began after an officer saw him run a stop sign at the intersection of South Stewart Street and East Brown Street on Aug. 13 at 6:33 p.m. in Blairsville. A trooper followed him until he got to a residence on Wynn Street. Ostrawski allegedly went into an apartment to get a drink and said he would be back to talk to the trooper. The trooper told him not to go into the apartment but reported he went inside anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper followed him into the house and said Ostrawski ran upstairs after the trooper tried to detain him. He closed a door to prevent the trooper from getting to him. He was arrested after the trooper got into the room he was in, drew his Taser and ordered him to the floor. Amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and norfentanyl were found in his blood draw taken at the Indiana Regional Medical Center. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Blue Origin successfully completed a 15-second hot-fire test of the second stage of its New Glenn rocket in September. Now, preparations are underway for another major milestone ahead of the rockets maiden flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It will be an integrated vehicle hot fire test. And it could happen any day now. Dr. Don Platt, Florida Tech Associate Professor of Space Systems told us, Thats very important for any brand new vehicle to make sure you figure out the bugs ahead of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Volusia Man attacked with hatchet after being lured to be with prospect of sex And usually, the bugs in any new big system like this are where things connect together or what we call the interfaces. The New Glenn rocket, named after legendary NASA astronaut John Glenn, is a heavy-lift launch vehicle. It stands 322 feet tall; the rocket is designed to carry 99,000 pounds up to low earth orbit. the vehicle is being built, launched, and refurbished on Floridas Space Coast. Read: Orlando woman charged with murder after her roommates disappearance, police say Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Residents of the north Georgia town of Blue Ridge are being told to boil their water after a water main break on Friday morning. City officials say there was an eight-inch main break on Industrial Park Road near the intersection with Hwy. 515. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Those in the area should expect low water pressure and outages. Crews are currently working in the area and hope to have service restored soon, but the road will stay down to just one lane until at least 6 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has also issued a boil water advisory for parts of the city, including: Blue Ridge Village Riverstone Medical Campus Reid Ridge Lodge Village Road Ingles Shopping Center Chapel Drive Overview Drive Industrial Park Road Side roads and subdivisions branching off of those roads and anyone else experiencing low water pressure should boil their water. The advisory will remain in effect until the city has been able to restore water and do appropriate testing to make sure its safe. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The Board of Corrections plans to vote on Nov. 8 on building a state 3,000-bed prison in Charleston that has garnered controversy in the area. The board plans to meet at 9 a.m. to make the vote. On Oct. 31. officials with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders office said an 815-acre property was purchased in Charleston for $2.950 million after months of searching. Arkansas officials announce land purchase to build new prison in Charleston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in Charleston say they dont like the risk of inmates escaping and ending up near their homes. They also say they fear it brings down the property value of homes near the prison that have been there for some time. Republican State Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest) spoke out Friday as well in a letter sent to the Chairman of the Board of Corrections and Sanders, asking them to not move forward with any plans until the local community has had time to weigh in. The community met on Nov. 7 at a town hall to the building of the prison and voice their opinions and concerns. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) As Fridays Mahoning County Commissioners meeting got underway, there was recognition of the man who will join the board in January. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our newly-elected county commissioner Mr. Geno DiFabio, said Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti. Tuesday night, DiFabio defeated three-term incumbent Dave Ditzler by 2,000 votes. Ditzler called his loss part of a bigger scenario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at the Valley. Its just a red wave from the national politics pushed down, Ditzler said. Ditzler was one of a number of Democrat incumbents who lost this week telling those in the room Thursday he has no regrets. I would do absolutely nothing different in any decision weve made, in anything thats happened that I did, Ditzler said. Ditzler also credits his successes with the board to teamwork. Its always best to work together, to work in harmony, Ditzler said. I just want to say, you should be very proud of the service that you have had, Traficanti said. DiFabio, who has never held officer before, acknowledges his lack of experience and he plans to listen and learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to be the bull in the China market. Im going to look around and see. Im going to learn from who has been here. Im certainly not coming in with an agenda, DiFabio said. Ditzlers term on the board will end in early January after he and his colleagues get together their budget for 2025. He says after more than 30 years in office, as both a commissioner and township trustee, a change might not be that bad. I actually look forward to not having that sense of 24/7, Ditzler said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A Hialeah woman was killed and several others were injured after a boat crashed off Key West on Thursday, officials say. The 39-foot Deep Impact, four-engine boat was traveling through the Calda Channel north of Key West when the operator 47-year-old Reinaldo Aquit, from Miami Beach made a hard right turn, causing six of the passengers to be ejected, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Several of the passengers were injured and taken to area hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephanie Rodriguez, 28, died from her injuries, said FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender. Details on Aquits injuries were not immediately available. Callender said the FWC is investigating the circumstances leading to the crash. According to emergency-dispatch calls, the injured were brought it to Conch Harbor Marina, located on Caroline Street on the northern portion of the island, by several boaters who either witnessed the crash or its immediate aftermath. One of the patients, a woman, had a compound fracture to her leg, according to the dispatch calls. Boaters performed CPR on some of the other injured people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cody Alhorn, assistant dockmaster at the marina, told the Miami Herald that one boat brought the woman to shore and another carried other patients while passengers gave them chest compressions. We were just the marina they pulled up to, and we called 911, Alhorn said. They werent scheduled to come here. According to the racing-boat news website Speed on the Water, Aquit is a member of the Florida Powerboat Club and was taking part in a 120-boat poker run from Miami to Key West this week to celebrate the Race World Offshore World Championship speedboat races. In poker runs, boaters make several stops along the way and pick up poker chips before reaching their destinations. Poker runs are also popular among motorcycle enthusiasts. Bob Woodward shared a warning about Donald Trump in the hours after his election win. Speaking with CNNs Anderson Cooper, the longtime journalist was asked about his thoughts on Trumps election, having interviewed the president-elect more than 20 times. Woodward mentioned Trumps relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. I talked a couple of months ago to Dan Coats, the former director of national intelligence under Trump, and I said, whats going on in this relationship between Trump and Putin? And Dan Coats said, Its almost, its so close. It seems like it might be blackmail, Woodward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CIA director Bill Burns said Putin manipulates. Hes professionally trained to do that, Woodward added. Putins got a plan just to do this exactly, and its what he did when Trump was in office previously, and hes planning it again at playing Trump. He does it again. Bob Woodward & the @washingtonpost sat for 8 months on Trump's admission -6 WEEKS before the 1st lockdown- that Covid had arrived & was catastrophic, to save it for his book. Now he reveals Dan Coats told him about Putin blackmail 2 months before this election. pic.twitter.com/8OMQ5cE5oa Lucia Guimaraes (@luciaguimaraes) November 7, 2024 Woodwards warning came as Putin himself stayed silent on Trumps victory, waiting until the next day to congratulate the president-elect in what could be a power play for the Russian leader. Putins congratulatory message came on Thursday and didnt include any acknowledgment of Trumps promise that he could end the Ukraine War in 24 hours, and perhaps signaled the opposite. Last month, Trump tried to avoid a point-blank question about whether he was still speaking with the Russian autocrat even after leaving office, telling Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait, Well, I dont comment on that, but I will tell you that, if I did, its a smart thing. One week before, an excerpt from Woodwards book War alleged that Trump and Putin still speak frequently. On Election Day, bomb threats at polling stations around the country seem to be a product of alleged Russian election interference. It seems that with Trumps return to the White House, the shadow of Putin is not far behind. With Donald Trump 2.0 in the White House, Black people are already thinking about how his policies will impact our communities. Weve already seen a rise in book bans and challenges across the country and attempts to revise the Black history curriculum to remove anything that might make white students feel guilt, anguish or other psychological distress (you know, like slavery). Now, with the help of a Republican-controlled Congress and a conservative majority on the United States Supreme Court, there could potentially be no checks on what Donald Trump and his conservative allies may try to push through. But while your kids schools might not be teaching the things you think they should learn, you can do your part at home to make sure they have access to books that teach them about their history and instill pride in who they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve rounded up a list of books Black people need to have in their homes before its too late. Mondays Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson Image: Amazon.com Mondays Not Coming is a gripping YA novel from Tiffany D. Jackson. After spending the summer in Georgia with her grandmother, Claudia is worried when she comes back to school and her friend Monday isnt there. When weeks go by and she cant get a straight answer from Mondays family, Claudia decides to go on her own search for the truth and is surprised by what she finds out. Say Her Name: Poems to Empower by Zetta Elliott Image: Amazon.com Say Her Name is a collection of poetry from Zetta Elliot that honor Black women and girls from those who have been victims of police brutality to the activists who are fighting to impact change. The Hill We Climb: An Inagural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman Image: Amazon.com When Amanda Gorman read The Hill We Climb at President Joe Bidens inauguration, she meant to inspire hope to all Americans. She said in a tweet that she wrote the poem so that all young people could see themselves in a historical moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in 2023, a parent in a Miami-area school complained the poem, written by the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration, contained indirect hate speech and that it would cause confusion and indoctrinate children. As a result, access to the poem is restricted to middle school students. American Street by Ibi Zoboi Image: Amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Street is a beautiful coming of age novel about a Haitian immigrant who trying to navigate life in Detroit with extended family after her mother was detained by immigration during their journey. The book was a National Book Award finalist, but it was challenged in an Illinois school district in 2023 because it includes profanity. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas Image: Amazon.com To say that Angie Thomas YA novel, The Hate You Give, was a success would be a massive understatement. It held a place on The New York Times bestseller list for 50 weeks, received a Coretta Scott King Book Award and was adapted into a feature film. But it also was the target of a whole lot of conservatives who looked to ban the book for violence, profanity and being anti-law enforcement. The novel, inspired by the Black Lives Matter Movement, centers around a teenage girl who witnesses one of her childhood friends being shot by police. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Image: Amazon.com Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye is a classic piece of American literature and a work that solidified her place as one of our most beloved authors. But the novel is also heavily targeted by those who accuse the book of including offensive language and sexually explicit content. The book is consistently included on the American Library Associations (ALA) annual list of the most challenged books. The New Kid by Jerry Craft Image: Amazon.com The New Kid is a bestselling graphic novel for children. Author-illustrator Jerry Craft based the story on his own experience as a Black kit attending a predominately white school in New York City. But a public school district in Texas decided that it promoted Critical Race Theory and Marxism and voted to remove it from their library shelves. Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson Image: Amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who knows what history lessons will be like in American schools if conservative lawmakers try to whitewash the curriculum? Young, Gifted and Black is a compilation of easy-to-digest biographies of African Americans who have made a significant impact on history, including Nelson Mandela, Shirley Chisholm and Mae Jemison geared towards readers between grades 2 and 8. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Image: Amazon.com Things Fall Apart centers around the reality of life in Nigeria during the turn of the twentieth century and the impact of colonization by the British. Since publication, the book has sold 20 million copies sold has been translated into 57 languages, Former President Barack Obama called it a true classic of world literature. But in 2012, it was added to the list of books challenged by Texas schools because of the way it depicts the consequences of colonialism. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi Image: Amazon.com Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi found its way on to the ALAs top 10 most challenged book list in 2020 because of statement the author made in public. It was also hit with claims that it contains selective storytelling incidents and isnt inclusive of racism against all people. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes Image: Amazon.com Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut isnt a target of book banners, but it is a great book for parents of young readers to have in their home library. Derrick Barnes rhythmic picture book explains the magic of the Black barbershop, and how a fresh cut can make almost anything better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre a star, a brilliant blazing star. Not the kind that youll find on a sidewalk in Hollywood. Nope. Theyre going to have to wear shades when they look up to catch your shine, he writes. This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges Image: Amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres one thing conservatives dont like, its kids learning about racial injustice. And thats why This is Your Time, made a list of books Texas lawmakers targeted for investigation in 2021. At age six, Ruby Bridges made history, as the first Black child to integrate an all-white public elementary school in New Orleans. In the book, she recalls her experience for young readers and leaves them with a message of hope. I Am Enough by Grace Byers Image: Amazon.com Harlem star Grace Byers New York Times bestseller I Am Enough is a beautiful picture book written to instill confidence and pride in young readers ages 3 to 7. Like the bird, Im here to fly and soar high over everything, she writes. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Image: Amazon.com Ralph Ellisons 1952 novel Invisible Man tells the story of a young college-educated Black man who is struggling to find his identity. The narrator is purposely nameless to emphasize the experience of being a Black man in America. The book caused controversy in a Washington school district in 1994 after parents raised concerns about violence and profanity included in the book. Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan Image: Amazon.com Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop tells the story of a young girl whose father participated in the Memphis sanitation workers strike in 1968 and how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped advance their cause. The strike was led by Black sanitation workers fighting for higher pay and safer working conditions after two Black workers were killed by unsafe equipment. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly Image: Amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its never too early to start teaching your kids about the amazing contributions Black people have made everywhere. Hidden Figures in the inspiring true story of four Black female mathematicians whose work at NASA helped launch men into space. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Image: Amazon.com I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is Maya Angelous first memoir. In the book, she writes beautifully about her childhood after being sent to live with her grandmother in a small town in the South. Angelou shares personal stories, including those of her abuse at the hands of an older man. Although the book is autobiographical, it stays on the banned book lists that accuse it of being anti-white and including sexually explicit content. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Image: Amazon.com Zora Neale Hurstons There Eyes Were Watching God is a classic piece of American literature and a powerful love story. The book was challenged by a school district in Virginia in 1997 by a parent who took issue with the books language and sexual explicitness. The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto by Charles Blow Image: Amazon.com The COVID pandemic and the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd inspired journalist and author Charles Blow to write The Devil You Know, a book that calls on African Americans to consider another Great Migration from the North to Republican-held states in the South in order to have a greater impact on the countrys elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book was the inspiration for the HBO documentary, South to Black Power. In light of the recent election results, this book is definitely worth a read. The Moment by Bakari Sellers Image: Amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the George Floyds killing, Bakari Sellers was set to talk about it on CNN, but he became so emotional that it was hard for him to speak. After catching his breath, his eloquent and heart-felt comments got us all choked up. That specific moment did not only go viral, it was heard across the world and set the stage in his new book for smart conversations and narratives on why we must stay informed with the past, alert about the present and prepared to create our own future. In the The Moment, Sellers writes about the real impact of government policies and how disparities in everything from healthcare to education to policing affect the Black community. Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston Image: Amazon.com Barracoon is Zora Neale Hurstons powerful conversation with 86-year-old Cujo Lewis, one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade. Hurston writes about her 1927 trip to Plateau, Alabama to hear Lewis first-hand account of his experience being captured in Africa and brought to America as a slave fifty years after slavery was outlawed in the United States. The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah Jones Image: Amazon.com The 1619 Project is a frequent target of book bans and challenges around the country. But Nikole Hannah-Jones bestselling book should be required reading for every American. The book beautifully examines the impact of slavery on every aspect of todays America. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Eight Chinese provincial-level regions recorded positive natural population growth rates in 2023 as the government steps up efforts to tackle demographic challenges, with experts believing that China still has strong human-resource potential. The regions of Xizang, Ningxia and Guizhou led those with positive natural population growth rates, according to the newly released China Statistical Yearbook 2024 compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics. Among them, three regions reported birth rates above 10 per thousand, with Xizang leading with a rate of 13.72 per thousand, followed by Guizhou at 10.65 per thousand, and Ningxia at 10.02 per thousand. China has moved to enhance childbirth support and address the challenges of a rapidly aging population. The latest move came last week, as the country introduced a series of birth support policies aimed at building a society more conducive to raising children. A directive from the State Council outlines 13 targeted measures to enhance childbirth support services, expand child-care systems, strengthen support in education, housing and employment, and foster a birth-friendly social atmosphere. Signaling a shift amid policies to address the challenge of an aging population, official data shows that the number of marriage registrations in China rose again in 2023, after dropping for nine consecutive years. The yearbook indicated that China recorded more than 7.68 million marriage registrations in 2023. Approximately 11.94 million Chinese people married for the first time last year, up 13.52 percent from the previous year and marking the first upturn in the number of newlyweds in the country since 2014. With factors including population size, labor-force participation rate, education and health status accounted for, China's human resources will remain at a higher level in the coming period, maintaining an advantage over other countries, Wang Qinchi, a researcher at the China Population and Development Research Center, told Xinhua in an interview. He pointed to rapid improvements in health and education as key factors that have softened the impacts of a declining working-age population. Adding to the demographic changes, the population aged 65 and above reached 216.76 million by the end of 2023, with the dependency ratio of the elderly population standing at 22.5 percent, meaning that, on average, every elderly person will be supported by 4.4 people of working age. Citing projections that the dependency ratio of China's elderly population is expected to remain below the average for upper-middle-income countries until 2035, and below the average for high-income countries until 2050, Wang said that China's overall age structure still remains advantageous, providing a solid foundation for its economic growth. As one of the world's most populous countries, China faces the mounting challenge of its 1.4-billion-strong population aging at a rapid rate. It is projected that the number of citizens aged 60 or above will surpass 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by 2050. At that point, seniors are expected to account for nearly 35 percent of the nation's population. In response to these demographic shifts, China has gradually relaxed its family-planning policies over the past decade, phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. In 2021, it announced support for couples who wish to have a third child. Local governments across China have since put in place a series of stimulus measures for childbirth, including subsidies, expanded insurance coverage, extended maternity leave, and more public child-care facilities. The News Botswanas new government plans to legalize undocumented Zimbabwean migrants, with the countrys recently elected president arguing such workers do jobs that would otherwise not get done. Duma Bokos remarks came after his historic election win last week, which saw him unseat the party that had ruled Botswana since its independence in 1966. Botswana is host to the second-biggest Zimbabwean diaspora in the world, with many employed as farm laborers or domestic workers, the BBC noted, and the country had previously organized periodic deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It followed a similar move by Thailand, which earlier this month approved a pathway to residency and citizenship for a half-million stateless people in the country the largest reduction of statelessness by any country, ever. A chart showing the number of stateless persons by origin country. SIGNALS First new Botswana government since 1966 seeks to revive a slumping economy Sources: AFP, Financial Times, BBC Botswanas elections last week saw power change hands for the first time in almost 60 years, but the new government will face severe economic challenges. Bokos party won a landslide victory on its promises to combat widespread unemployment, income inequality, and plummeting diamond sales the backbone of Botswanas economy that has struggled after an explosion in lab-grown diamonds lowered the price of natural gems, a consultant for the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies told the Financial Times. More than one in four in the country are unemployed, something Boko called a ticking time bomb for one of Africas wealthiest nations. Botswanas move contrasts with immigration backlash in the West Source: The Economist Botswanas move to legalize its undocumented migrants stands in sharp contrast to the US and Europe, where populist leaders are increasingly threatening tougher controls on migration, But there are some immigrants that European governments quietly want more of: skilled foreign workers. The reason is necessity, said the Economist; while Italys far-right leader Giorgia Meloni is sending migrants to Albania for processing, her countrys agriculture faces an annual shortfall of 200,000 workers, for example. In 2023, Polands former far-right government quintupled the number of work permits it issued to Asians and Latin Americans. The end result is that Europe is nuttily deploying barbed-wire fences and workers wanted banners at the same time, a 2023 Economist article argued. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Box Elder man arrested in an undercover sting admits sending nude pictures to someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Authorities arrested Vance Coats during this years Sturgis Motorcycle rally. According to court documents, Coats plans to plead guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography. Crash on I-90 leaves 1 dead, another seriously injured When hes sentenced, Coats faces a minimum of five years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the plea agreement, hell also be required to register as a sex offender. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Brad Chandler Simpson was charged with murder Thursday, a month after his wife Suzanne Simpson went missing in San Antonio, Texas. Court records show Simpson appeared before a judge on Thursday, who set his bond at $2 million, according to CBS affiliate KENS. A judge has sealed his warrant until Dec. 7. The 51-year-old mother disappeared on the night of Oct. 6 near Trinity University and has not been seen since. A neighbor saw the couple arguing outside his window. She was last seen wearing a black dress and heels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities initially arrested the 53-year-old Simpson on Oct. 10 on two misdemeanor charges of causing bodily injury to a family member and unlawful restraint. He remains in custody at the Bexar County jail, online records show, while authorities searched for her body. Police said in mid-October they were "confident there is a good chance" they would find the realtor and San Antonio native's body in a landfill but no remains surfaced. Relatives have made their grief and outrage public. The suspect's brother posted on social media that "the devastation this has caused to our family is overwhelming." He added the impact on their parents has been shattering and "our lives have been irreparably changed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple's 20-year-old daughter, Chandler, a fashion student, alleged on her Instagram Reel that her mother was a victim of abuse, and claimed that "my father took my mother's life in a state of rage and control." Chandler also alleged in her post that "my mother tried to leave my father and lost her life." She said her mother's light "was a guiding force in the lives of everyone she touched, and her love will continue to inspire us even in her absence." Her post included photos of her and her siblings with their mother when they were younger, and a tree turning autumn colors, writing, "I see you everywhere mom." What Harris' campaign headquarters looked like on election night Robo I Sunday on 60 Minutes Kelly Reilly on the final season of "Yellowstone" and what's next for Beth Dutton A series of events, including the annual Veterans Day Parade, are planned to celebrate the Veterans Day holiday on Monday. The parade will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. It will finish at 11 a.m. at Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Brad Smith, a decorated Navy veteran who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, will deliver the Veterans Day address at Sutton Park after the parade. Smith served in the Navy from 1961 to 1985 and retired with the rank of commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths military awards include two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and others. The Manatee County Veterans Council and the City of Palmetto are co-sponsors of the parade. Government offices will be closed Monday in observance of the holiday, but the School District of Manatee County will use Monday as one of its hurricane makeup days. Other Veterans Day events in Manatee County The Diocese of Venice will host a Catholic Memorial Mass at 2:45 p.m. Monday at the Sarasota National Cemeterys Patriot Plaza, 9810 S.R. 72, Sarasota. The Bradenton Kiwanis Club will have a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at 11:15 a.m. Monday at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. The keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Zeke Crozier, a decorated Army veteran who was wounded in combat in Afghanistan. Veterans can get limited tickets for the luncheon at the Manatee County Veterans Services office, 1401 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State College of Florida will host a free concert with the Airmen of Note, the Air Forces premier jazz ensemble, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Building 11 E., Bradenton. SCF will present Honoring Veterans, Our ReaI Heroes with the SCF Symphonic Band and the Sarasota Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Building 11 E., Bradenton. SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's solicitor general's office said on Friday that it is suing Italy's Enel for 260 million reais ($45.12 million) in collective restitution due to damages caused by last month's power outage in Sao Paulo, Latin America's largest city. It also requested individual compensation for all consumer units that remained without power for more than 24 hours during the outage, with an estimated total cost of at least 757 million reais. The requested individual compensation amount is of at least 500 reais per day per unit, to be paid through a discount on electricity bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Added to the collective compensation, the total amount to be requested from Enel could exceed 1 billion reais. Millions of consumers were affected after a violent gale knocked down power lines and caused a blackout in Sao Paulo in October, with some of them left out of power for days. Brazilian energy regulator Aneel opened an administrative process against Enel last month. The Italian energy group said in response to a request for comment that it "reinforces its commitment to customers and reiterates it has long been investing to improve its services" in Brazil. "From 2024 to 2026, the company has further increased its investments to an average of approximately 2 billion reais per year, totaling 6.2 billion reais," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ongoing plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing the networks, automating systems, and expanding customer communication channels." ($1 = 5.7618 reais) (Reporting by Leticia Fucuchima; Editing by Christina Fincher and Marguerita Choy) (Bloomberg) -- Fresh off a bitter feud with Elon Musk over his social media platform X, Brazil is now courting a Chinese company to compete with the US billionaires Starlink internet service. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will host Xi Jinping this month after the Group of 20 leaders summit in Rio de Janeiro, has offered the use of a military space base in Brazils northeast to SpaceSail, a Shanghai-based satellite manufacturer. Lulas telecommunications secretary said the aim is to foster competition in the low-Earth orbit satellite business in a bid to connect more families, schools and businesses in remote parts of Brazil to the internet. SpaceSail still needs approval from the Chinese government to be able to use the Alcantara Launch Center, on the Atlantic coast of Maranhao state. We are trying to move forward in this partnership, Telecommunications Secretary Hermano Tercius said in an interview this week. With Xi Jinping in Brazil well try to make this somehow feasible, in an attempt to get him to authorize it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceSail didnt reply to requests for comment. Chinas foreign ministry said it didnt have relevant information beyond confirming Xis trip for the G-20 and a state visit. Brazils air force, which operates the facility, said it hadnt been officially informed of an offer made by the communications ministry. The offer to use the base highlights the precarious path Lula is trying to walk between deepening Brazils ties with China while maintaining good relations with the US. With Musk potentially bound for a role in President-elect Donald Trumps protectionist administration, satellite launch rights are among the issues that could upset the balance the Brazilian leader has maintained so far. Tercius toured SpaceSail headquarters last month along with Communications Minister Juscelino Filho, publicizing the trip to China in a press release and on social media. The company plans to launch its low-Earth orbit satellite internet service in Brazil within the next two years, the ministry said on X. Lulas officials also visited Galaxy Space, another satellite maker, but the Beijing-based company doesnt yet have authorization to offer its services abroad, according to the Brazilian telecom secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministerial talks in China took place on the heels of a monthslong feud between Musk and Brazils top court, which culminated in million-dollar fines and X being banned in Latin Americas largest economy. At one point in the dispute, Starlink had its bank accounts frozen in Brazil in a bid to force X to comply with legal orders. Musk eventually gave in, the accounts were unblocked and access to the US billionaires social media platform was restored across the country. Starlink only holds a fraction the overall broadband market in Brazil, with its 265,000 customers as of September representing just 0.5% of total users, according to the countrys telecom watchdog. But Musks company is the leading provider of satellite internet services, with a 46% market share. Tercius denied any retaliatory link between Brazils feud with Musk and its courtship of his Chinese rivals in the sector, saying its about providing choice to consumers. Regardless of the issue involving Starlink, he said, its important to have another company so that there is competition, there is another option for Brazilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But China is still playing catch-up to Musk in space. While Starlink has more than 6,000 satellites providing broadband access around the world, Chinese companies only have a few dozen. SpaceSail launched its first batch of 18 satellites into orbit in August, with a second launch of another 18 taking place last month. That leaves 600 plus to go before the first phase of its planned constellation will be ready, targeted for the end of next year. Its also not the only company potentially interested in using the Alcantara facility, whose location near the Earths equator helps catalyze the launch vehicles momentum, saving rocket fuel in the process. A market study done by the Brazilian military identified Musks SpaceX and Blue Origin, a space startup backed by Jeff Bezos, as potential users of the base, according to local media outlets including Folha de S. Paulo. The presidencys Institutional Security Office didnt respond to a request seeking a copy of the document and the defense ministry didnt respond to a request on the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, during Trumps first administration, he and then-President Jair Bolsonaro signed an agreement that authorized Brazil to launch rockets and spacecraft containing American parts. In return, Brazil guaranteed the protection of US technology contained in those projectiles. It is in Brazils interest to foster this type of commercial activity, as it will generate substantial resources for local and regional development and for the Brazilian space program, the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement. --With assistance from Giovanna Serafim, Bruce Einhorn, Jing Li and Josh Xiao. (Updates with comment from Chinese foreign ministry, Brazilian air force in 6th paragraph.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. In Texas, former Missouri City police officer Blademir Viveros has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. Prosecutors said Viveros was responding to a robbery call but did not have his emergency lights on when he T-boned a vehicle driven by Angela Stewart. Stewart and her teenage son, who was a passenger in her vehicle, died at the scene. The post Brickbat: Slow Down appeared first on Reason.com. LONDON (Reuters) - Prince William said the past year had probably been the "hardest" of his life after a difficult period for Britain's royal family in which both his father King Charles and wife Kate were diagnosed with cancer. Speaking to British media at the end of a visit to South Africa, the heir to the throne reflected on how he was coping while balancing his duties as a royal with family time, the BBC and other publications reported on Thursday. Asked how his year has been, William said: "Honestly? It's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles is undergoing treatment for cancer which was diagnosed in February, although he recently travelled to Australia and Samoa. Kate, 42, underwent preventative chemotherapy for cancer this year, and she has previously described an "incredibly tough" year for the family. "I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done," William said. "But from a personal family point of view, it's been brutal." William hosted the annual awards ceremony for his multi-million-dollar Earthshot Prize in South Africa, making the trip without Kate who is still recovering from her treatment. He said on Wednesday she was doing "really well". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about his role as Prince of Wales, William said: "Its very important with my role and my platform that I'm doing something for good. That I'm helping people's lives and I'm doing something that is genuinely meaningful. "I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too." The prince, who has been sporting a beard since the summer, said his nine-year-old daughter hadn't been a fan. "Well Charlotte didn't like it the first time," he said. "I got floods of tears, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay." (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) WRIGHT COUNTY, Mo. Heavy rainfall this week caused flooding across southwest Missouri creating dangerous conditions on roadways east of Springfield. Two men from Wright County survived a dangerous situation after their car was swept away by flood waters Tuesday near Beaver Creek in Wright County. Its the same flood water that took the lives of two poll workers. God was really the reason there. He was there. We were praying the whole time, said Tony and Carmine Ariola. The brothers knew heavy rainfall might cause issues on their drive to work Tuesday morning, but they underestimated just how much flooding there was in rural Wright County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My brother told me we got to that bridge and he said, Roll down your window and see if you can see or hear any water crash in water or anything like that. Roll my window down. Im looking and listen and cant hear nothing. And as soon as he said, You hear anything, I said, Nope. And thats it. Boom! Hit that water. It was probably a foot and a half deep, said Carmine. Using nothing but their natural instincts, Tony and Carmine used trees as an anchor, even using their clothes on their backs to make markers to let people know where they were. I got him on the car and the first thing I told him to do was take off your shoes and your jacket. I said, Hang them up on the tree. That way we have a marker and people know where we are or were in this moment. And as we were saying and tying up our shoes, we seen another car come down the hill, said Tony Ariola. It was the car of the two poll workers, Chuck and Cathie Baldwin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ask them, Do you have a phone? He replied, Maybe. And I said, Can you see us? And he replied, No. And we really tried our best to get over there, said Ariola. The brothers couldnt reach the married couple and ended up swimming a mile downstream before finally making it out of the water. They said they wished they couldve done more to help the two poll workers but are thankful they had each other to lean on. I think the main reason I was really able to overcome it was because I had this guy with me. I didnt have him and it would have been a whole different story, said Ariola. There is also a GoFundMe set up for the brothers whose car, work tools and other personal items were all lost due to the flood water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Voters sign in at a polling place in Takoma Park, Md., on Election Day. Voter enthusiasm was high across the country on Tuesday. (Barbara Barrett/Stateline) Americas voting system was under siege for four years. Former President Donald Trumps false claims about fraud in the 2020 election exposed the people who operate our elections to threats and harassment in the run-up to this one. They fortified their offices against potential violence, adjusted to last-minute, politically driven changes in election laws, and fought a relentless stream of lies and disinformation. Going into Election Day, officials and pro-democracy advocates braced for the worst. What a difference a day and a result makes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from a few hiccups, the U.S. voting process went smoothly this year. The winner of the presidential election was declared early the next morning, few people claimed widespread voter fraud, and the losing candidate conceded defeat. It was a triumph for democracy, said David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, a nonpartisan organization that advises local election officials nationwide. But he wondered what would have happened had Trump, now president-elect, lost again. Its somewhat telling that weve seen fewer fraud claims in the aftermath of an election which former president and future President Trump won, he said. But if we can get to the point now where President Trump and his supporters believe in the integrity of our elections, believe in the reality of our integrity of the elections, I will take it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who study the election process say they have questions: With Trump heading back to the White House, will faith in American democracy rebound? Will Republican lawmakers continue to use the myth of widespread voter fraud to implement further restrictions on mail-in and early voting? And will the threats that have hounded state and local election officials continue? Theres a lot of uncertainty ahead for U.S. elections, said Kathy Boockvar, the former Democratic secretary of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But what is certain is that by fueling distrust in elections, Trump and his allies have done permanent damage in this country, she said. Will there be a bump, maybe, because some of these folks now saw their candidate that they wanted to win? Sure, she told Stateline. There may be a bump in trust, but its not going to erase years and years of intentional dividing American against American, and intentional fueling of distrust of institutions and media. What happened to the election fraud? In his victory speech on Tuesday night, Trump said his win was a massive victory for democracy. He made no mention of widespread voter fraud and gave no indication that there were any attempts to steal the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had struck a different tone just hours before. Earlier in the day, Trump falsely asserted in a Truth Social post that there was a heavy law enforcement presence in Philadelphia and Detroit. Officials in both cities debunked that claim. He also claimed without evidence that there was massive CHEATING in Philadelphia, which local officials, including Republicans, denied. Trump would go on to win the critical swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania in his landslide victory. What will it take to get belief in the trustworthiness of elections to a point where its true for all of us, all the time? Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting Election officials faced some falsehoods and disruptions Tuesday. Michigan officials called out what they said was an inauthentic video, allegedly showing boxes of ballots being carried into Detroits election office late Tuesday evening. The FBI warned of fabricated videos circulating online and of noncredible bomb threats at polling places in several states, including Michigan, originating out of Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday morning those incidents of disinformation felt like things she saw in 2020, as Trump and his allies began to contest his loss. I worry and imagine that there was much more planned to drop, potentially, to create confusion and chaos in the hours following the election in an effort to potentially lay seeds to challenge results in the future, she said. Of course, we didnt see that play out. U.S. national security officials praised how elections were conducted nationwide this year, as they had in 2020. Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the election was peaceful and secure, and that malicious activity had no significant impact on the integrity of the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our election infrastructure has never been more secure and the election community never better prepared to deliver safe, secure, free, and fair elections for the American people, she said in a press release Wednesday. Election officials did a heroic job this year, said Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, a nonprofit that works with state and local election officials to keep voting systems secure. Officials work was built on years of beefing up election procedures, audits and security, and coordinating with nonprofit advisers. Elections are resilient, Smith said. But she added: What will it take to get belief in the trustworthiness of elections to a point where its true for all of us, all the time? And maybe that is a lofty goal, but its worth having. There are some challenges that need to be addressed, including long lines on college campuses, how to decrease the number of absentee ballots rejected over incorrect signatures, and how to address the continued threats from foreign bad actors such as Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the crisis of the past four years did force state and local election officials to be more prepared for all threats, said Boockvar, who is president of Athena Strategies and a member of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. The committees bipartisan group of election and law enforcement officials developed pocket-size guides to election laws for police officers to carry. The good news is we have much more cross-sector support, she said. A line of voters wrapped around a polling location in Huntsville, Ala., by midmorning on Nov. 5. (Anna Claire Vollers/Stateline) Future legislation After Trump cast his ballot on Election Day in Florida, he went to his campaign headquarters in Palm Beach and laid out what he wished the voting process looked like. They should do paper ballots, same-day voting, voter ID and be done, he said. One day, same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The makeup of Congress is still unknown as local election offices continue to count ballots. But Republicans have shown a willingness to tackle federal voting legislation, as they did with their failed attempt to insert into a larger funding bill a ban on voting by noncitizens (which already is illegal). But some of Trumps ideas, especially moving the country to a system in which voters can only cast a ballot on Election Day, is unlikely, said Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. But other suggestions are possible, he added. There is broad, bipartisan support among voters for mail-in and early voting, along with other protections such as voter list maintenance and audits, Olson said. For example, Georgia is a Republican-run state with robust early and mail-in voting and high voter turnout, with paper ballots, post-election audits and voter ID requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut voters just approved a constitutional amendment that allows for no-excuse absentee voting. Nevada voters approved a ballot measure that now requires an ID to vote by mail and in person. Voters in eight states, including North Carolina and Wisconsin, also approved ballot measures to make noncitizen voting illegal under state law. Republican state lawmakers still seem keen to continue finding new ways to tighten procedures in the name of election integrity. This election ran smoothly because of the legislation and proactive lawsuits from the conservative movement, argued Arizona state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Republican who was sanctioned by the State Bar of Arizona for his role in challenging the 2020 election. Look, there were a lot of vulnerabilities still, but it was a more secure election than the ones weve had in the past, he said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kolodin introduced legislation this year to keep vote centers open longer and give voters more notice to fix signature or date errors on their absentee ballots, among other provisions. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed it in February. He expects Trump to keep election integrity in the public consciousness and continue to pressure conservatives to work on it. For his part, Kolodin will push to scrap Arizonas larger vote centers and opt for precinct-level polling places for better efficiency. Before the election, Michigan state Rep. Luke Meerman, a Republican, told Stateline that he would love to see measures that require some sort of ID to vote in person and by mail. Something to prove that whoever filled that ballot out was the person that was supposed to be filling it out probably would be at the top of my list, he said. Despite Trumps win, the false narratives around the supposed insecurity of U.S. elections in which noncitizens and dead people are voting in droves will likely continue, said the Cato Institutes Olson; it is baked into the movement that brought the former president back into power. Given that so much of this was about Trumps desire for personal vindication, maybe its over, and maybe we wont face the same kind of systematic attempt to delegitimize the honesty of elections, Olson said. But thats the optimistic view. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SYDNEY, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A major water pipeline has ruptured in Sydney's south, causing significant flooding and damage to nearby houses. Emergency crews were called to a street in the suburb of Como, approximately 20 kilometers southwest of central Sydney, on Friday afternoon after a 1.5 meter-wide water pipe burst and began shooting out jets of water. Fire and rescue authorities in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said that surrounding properties suffered significant flooding as a result of the incident. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that crews from Sydney Water were deployed to the scene to shut off the pipe. Local residents were told to expect water supply issues. Footage captured by an ABC News helicopter showed jets of water shooting through fences and windows. The NSW State Emergency Service said it was offering sandbags to affected residents. Voters sign in at a polling place in Takoma Park, Md., on Election Day. Voter enthusiasm was high across the country on Tuesday. (Barbara Barrett | Stateline) Americas voting system was under siege for four years. Former President Donald Trumps false claims about fraud in the 2020 election exposed the people who operate our elections to threats and harassment in the run-up to this one. They fortified their offices against potential violence, adjusted to last-minute, politically driven changes in election laws, and fought a relentless stream of lies and disinformation. Going into Election Day, officials and pro-democracy advocates braced for the worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What a difference a day and a result makes. Aside from a few hiccups, the U.S. voting process went smoothly this year. The winner of the presidential election was declared early the next morning, few people claimed widespread voter fraud, and the losing candidate conceded defeat. It was a triumph for democracy, said David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, a nonpartisan organization that advises local election officials nationwide. But he wondered what would have happened had Trump, now president-elect, lost again. Its somewhat telling that weve seen fewer fraud claims in the aftermath of an election which former president and future President Trump won, he said. But if we can get to the point now where President Trump and his supporters believe in the integrity of our elections, believe in the reality of our integrity of the elections, I will take it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who study the election process say they have questions: With Trump heading back to the White House, will faith in American democracy rebound? Will Republican lawmakers continue to use the myth of widespread voter fraud to implement further restrictions on mail-in and early voting? And will the threats that have hounded state and local election officials continue? Theres a lot of uncertainty ahead for U.S. elections, said Kathy Boockvar, the former Democratic secretary of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But what is certain is that by fueling distrust in elections, Trump and his allies have done permanent damage in this country, she said. Will there be a bump, maybe, because some of these folks now saw their candidate that they wanted to win? Sure, she told Stateline. There may be a bump in trust, but its not going to erase years and years of intentional dividing American against American, and intentional fueling of distrust of institutions and media. What happened to the election fraud? In his victory speech on Tuesday night, Trump said his win was a massive victory for democracy. He made no mention of widespread voter fraud and gave no indication that there were any attempts to steal the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had struck a different tone just hours before. Earlier in the day, Trump falsely asserted in a Truth Social post that there was a heavy law enforcement presence in Philadelphia and Detroit. Officials in both cities debunked that claim. He also claimed without evidence that there was massive CHEATING in Philadelphia, which local officials, including Republicans, denied. Trump would go on to win the critical swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania in his landslide victory. Election officials faced some falsehoods and disruptions Tuesday. Michigan officials called out what they said was an inauthentic video, allegedly showing boxes of ballots being carried into Detroits election office late Tuesday evening. The FBI warned of fabricated videos circulating online and of noncredible bomb threats at polling places in several states, including Michigan, originating out of Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday morning those incidents of disinformation felt like things she saw in 2020, as Trump and his allies began to contest his loss. I worry and imagine that there was much more planned to drop, potentially, to create confusion and chaos in the hours following the election in an effort to potentially lay seeds to challenge results in the future, she said. Of course, we didnt see that play out. U.S. national security officials praised how elections were conducted nationwide this year, as they had in 2020. Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the election was peaceful and secure, and that malicious activity had no significant impact on the integrity of the process. Our election infrastructure has never been more secure and the election community never better prepared to deliver safe, secure, free, and fair elections for the American people, she said in a press release Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election officials did a heroic job this year, said Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, a nonprofit that works with state and local election officials to keep voting systems secure. Officials work was built on years of beefing up election procedures, audits and security, and coordinating with nonprofit advisers. Elections are resilient, Smith said. But she added: What will it take to get belief in the trustworthiness of elections to a point where its true for all of us, all the time? And maybe that is a lofty goal, but its worth having. There are some challenges that need to be addressed, including long lines on college campuses, how to decrease the number of absentee ballots rejected over incorrect signatures, and how to address the continued threats from foreign bad actors such as Russia. But the crisis of the past four years did force state and local election officials to be more prepared for all threats, said Boockvar, who is president of Athena Strategies and a member of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. The committees bipartisan group of election and law enforcement officials developed pocket-size guides to election laws for police officers to carry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is we have much more cross-sector support, she said. Future legislation After Trump cast his ballot on Election Day in Florida, he went to his campaign headquarters in Palm Beach and laid out what he wished the voting process looked like. They should do paper ballots, same-day voting, voter ID, and be done, he said. One day, same day. The makeup of Congress is still unknown as local election offices continue to count ballots. But Republicans have shown a willingness to tackle federal voting legislation, as they did with their failed attempt to insert into a larger funding bill a ban on voting by noncitizens (which already is illegal). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some of Trumps ideas, especially moving the country to a system in which voters can only cast a ballot on Election Day, is unlikely, said Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. But other suggestions are possible, he added. There is broad, bipartisan support among voters for mail-in and early voting, along with other protections such as voter list maintenance and audits, Olson said. For example, Georgia is a Republican-run state with robust early and mail-in voting and high voter turnout, with paper ballots, post-election audits, and voter ID requirements. Connecticut voters just approved a constitutional amendment that allows for no-excuse absentee voting. Nevada voters approved a ballot measure that now requires an ID to vote by mail and in person. Voters in eight states, including North Carolina and Wisconsin, also approved ballot measures to make noncitizen voting illegal under state law. Republican state lawmakers still seem keen to continue finding new ways to tighten procedures in the name of election integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This election ran smoothly because of the legislation and proactive lawsuits from the conservative movement, argued Arizona state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Republican who was sanctioned by the State Bar of Arizona for his role in challenging the 2020 election. Look, there were a lot of vulnerabilities still, but it was a more secure election than the ones weve had in the past, he said in an interview. Kolodin introduced legislation this year to keep vote centers open longer and give voters more notice to fix signature or date errors on their absentee ballots, among other provisions. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed it in February. He expects Trump to keep election integrity in the public consciousness and continue to pressure conservatives to work on it. For his part, Kolodin will push to scrap Arizonas larger vote centers and opt for precinct-level polling places for better efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the election, Michigan state Rep. Luke Meerman, a Republican, told Stateline that he would love to see measures that require some sort of ID to vote in person and by mail. Something to prove that whoever filled that ballot out was the person that was supposed to be filling it out probably would be at the top of my list, he said. Despite Trumps win, the false narratives around the supposed insecurity of U.S. elections in which noncitizens and dead people are voting in droves will likely continue, said the Cato Institutes Olson; it is baked into the movement that brought the former president back into power. Given that so much of this was about Trumps desire for personal vindication, maybe its over, and maybe we wont face the same kind of systematic attempt to delegitimize the honesty of elections, Olson said. But thats the optimistic view. This story was originally published by Stateline, which like the New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Crews are working to put out a brush fire on South Street in Holyoke Friday afternoon. Red Flag Warning issued for all of western Massachusetts The Holyoke Fire Department is asking residents to avoid the area. Western Massachusetts was under a Red Flag Warning once again Friday due to the drought conditions across the area. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials are asking residents not to burn outdoors, put out smoking materials completely before disposal, and common sense with any outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, or other ignition sources. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Despite the efforts of firefighters and the state remaining under a red flag warning, brush fires continue to burn across Massachusetts. Brush fire in Chicopee disrupts traffic on Mass. Pike Theres been an alarming number of fires in the area with recent incidents in Chicopee and Monson. The number of brush fires continues to increase throughout the area. Most recently, we saw a fire spanned over eight acres along the Massachusetts Turnpike in Chicopee. Also in Hampden County, a multi-day brush fire began last week in the town of Monson. That one spanned 43 acres between Bradway and Butler Road, and crews are still watching for hot spots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We determined there was an ember in a tree somewhere and the following day when the wind picked up, it made that ember become active and blew into the unburned area of the mountain, said Chief Brian Harris for Monson Fire Department. Over 100 firefighters were called to this fire, which burned some parts 12 to 14 inches deep into the ground. One firefighter was also taken to the hospital due to heat exhaustion. To prevent similar incidents, it is recommended to empty your pellet and wood stove ash into a metal bucket and soak it with water to make sure there are no embers before disposing of it. Officials say all these brush fires come after months of dry weather conditions and people not properly disposing of hazardous products. You need to watch out with disposable cigarettes, you need to watch where people are parking their cars, parking them in the leaves with modern catalytic converters they get very hot and that could cause a fire, said Springfield Fire Commissioner, B.J. Calvi. Due to the high risk of fires, fire officials announced that outdoor fires are banned. This includes fire pits, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, cooking fires, and recreational fires since these brush fires can easily spread to structures and homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under state law, residents in violation of an open burn ban could face fines of up to $500 plus the cost to suppress a fire. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Attorneys for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger are fighting to strike the death penalty in his high-profile case, arguing that the state has no real means of executing a convicted prisoner and that the so-called methods which include an inhumane firing squad as an alternative are arbitrary and unconstitutional. Kohberger, 29, a former Washington State University criminology student who is accused of slaughtering four University of Idaho students at their off-campus home in November 2022, could be sentenced to death if convicted of the murders at his trial next summer. The case of the shocking slayings that rattled the small town of Moscow was recently moved to Boise after the defense successfully argued that Kohberger would not have an impartial jury in the tight-knit community because of the extensive media coverage potentially tainting the jury pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt and tie, Kohberger appeared in Ada County courtroom on Thursday with his defense team, who argued that their client could face death by firing squad if convicted under Idaho law, due to the shortage of lethal injection drugs across the country. Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, is in court as his attorneys argue to take the death penalty off the table if hes convicted (Idaho Fourth District Court) I dont believe our constitution allows for us to move forward and make him sit on death row for years and years and years if the way Idaho is doing it right now isnt really working, Kohbergers public defender Ann Taylor told the judge. Its not a realistic option, I think, to have him sit on death row and say Idahos going to figure out how to kill you at some point in the future in a way that isnt cruel and unusual and a violation of rights, she added. Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler, who was recently assigned to the case, asked Taylor, So youre saying the anxiety of not knowing is a constitutional violation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is anxiety. It is fear, she responded. Its the not knowing. She argued that Idaho is currently not capable of executing inmates on death row so that to keep a person on death row without a way to execute them is dehumanizing. Latah County prosecutors responded to the defenses argument, pointing out that Idahos current method of execution is lethal injection and that it is actually available. Kohberger, 29, is pictured in a new mugshot that was taken when his trial was moved to Boise (Ada County Sheriffs Office) "You dont know decades from now what an alternative might be, maybe theyll have a better argument decades from now on the method of execution because maybe there will be another method," Deputy Attorney General Jeffery Nye said, arguing that methods of execution should not take the death sentence off the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You dont get to, at the beginning, short circuit the whole thing and say death is off the table because the current method is unconstitutional," Nye said, adding thats not to say decades from now theres not going to be a method to put him to death. Idaho, which is one of 27 US states that allow capital punishment, currently permits death by lethal injection and, as of last year, firing squad. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Judge Hippler said he would take the matter under advisement and issue a written ruling at a later date. Judge Hippler also ruled on an earlier motion, allowing Kohberger to wear traditional courtroom attire, as opposed to a jail jumpsuit, in pre-trial hearings. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed in November 2022 at their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho (Instagram) Kohbergers attorney filed the motion last month, citing a Supreme Court decision from 1976 stating that forcing a defendant to wear a jail uniform to court could negatively impact whether a jury saw them as guilty of alleged crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former criminology Ph.D. student has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, whose bodies were found at their off-campus house in November 2022. Kohberger was arrested around six weeks later and charged with the murders. His trial is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and is expected to last until November 2025. HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (WSAV) The City of Hardeeville announced on Friday that it will soon open its first Buc-ees travel center. Representatives of the chain will work with the City and its development processes on the project, currently at its beginning stages of development. Its progression and conclusion will coincide with the South Carolina Department of Transportations I-95 Widening and Exit 8 Redevelopment Project. The city sees the business as a driving economic opportunity in the Lowcountry, with an expected 200 new jobs, ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles, providing a boost to the local market and offering stable and competitive wages. The city also feels that the store will contribute to the citys financial health through increased sales and property tax revenues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrival of Buc-ees in Hardeeville is a testament to our citys potential as a key destination in the region, says City Manager Joshua Gruber. This project not only highlights Hardeevilles strategic importance along the I-95 corridor but also underscores our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts and supports business growth. We are excited about the opportunities Buc-ees will bring to our community, from job creation to increased tourism, and we look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on local businesses and residents alike. The Hardeeville location will feature Buc-ees signature offerings, including an extensive selection of snacks, freshly prepared food, beverages, and a vast array of regionally-themed merchandise and gifts. There is not yet an estimated date of an opening for the future location. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) Dozens of families woke up to flooded neighborhoods Thursday morning, feeling some deja vu. Never did we ever think that we would be flooded just a few months later again, said Kristie Kilpatrick, a resident of Pulaski Pointe neighborhood. Neighborhoods closest to creeks rivers and ponds were seeing the worst of flash flooding in Bulloch County. Weve got about 8 more inches before it enters the house, said Kilpatrick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking with residents, they say that many of the people in these flooded homes had just moved back in after Tropical Storm Debby. Its just like we cant catch a break, said Kilpatrick. We were just very fortunate from all the people in North Carolina, like, I hated to even complain that we lost our man room. I always try to be positive but its kind of hard when it keeps coming, said Public Works director Dink Butler. This has been a tough year. Butler says there are 12 roads closed, and 60 signs are out warning of water over the roads. The issue becomes all of the storms combined because theyve all come so close together within the last few months and weve never been able to recover from the previous storms which in turn puts us behind as far as drainage issues coming into this volume of rain, said Butler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says there have been four swift water rescues made so far. He says school buses probably wont be able to get down dirt roads tomorrow. The school hasnt announced any closures but they are working off alternate bus routes. Stay off the roads, said Butler. If you dont have to be out and about stay off the roads. Its not safe. We dont even know what all of our dirt road issues are at this point. He says its going to take a while to fix everything, adding that recovery from the last storm has now fallen behind. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. The Knoxville, Tenn. community was left in shock after a historic building on the campus of East Tenn.s only Black college was burned to the ground Monday (Nov. 4). Authorities believe it wasnt just an errant spark or bad fuse box that caused the fire theyre on the hunt for the culprit. According to the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD), the fire was reported at Elnathan Hall around 8:30 p.m. When officials arrived to the scene of the already vacant building, flames had spread beyond repair. Knox News reported about 40 KFD firefighters stayed on the scene until 1 a.m. The fire, which was reportedly visible from downtown, did irreparable damage to the 100-year-old building on the campus of Knoxville College, leaving the already struggling HBCU further deprived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college has been battling debt, loss of accreditation, and low enrollment for decades. And although they only offer online classes, the historic campus, which was founded in 1875, remained roughly intact until the fire claimed the hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Knoxville Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks told Knox News that they believe the fire was set intentionally. Nothing new as far as any suspects or anything like that. We do believe it was a set fire, he said. We dont have any leads at this time, but the investigators were told a few peoples names. They are still looking into that. The 100-year-old building used to be the colleges administration building. With the HBCU now fully remote, Elnathan Hall hasnt been used in 40 years, according to Frank Shanklin, a member of Knoxville Colleges Board of Trustees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college was founded in 1875, but in 1997, it lost its accreditation. Knoxville College resumed classes fully online in 2018. Shanklin told the Tennessee Lookout, despite efforts by someone to destroy this building, we remain positive about the future of Knoxville College and have committed to keeping the campus safe and have been working with the city to make sure these buildings are secure. News of the fire isnt a good look for the college as it continues to try to reestablish accreditation. Without it, students are ineligible for federal financial aid, only making it harder for the already small HBCU to recruit and retain students and faculty. Renee Kesler, president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville said the pictures of flames billowing from Elnathan Hall, a beloved place, evoked a deep sense of the erasure of history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preserving history is paramount to the mission of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Kesler said. A statement from the colleges interim president, Dr. Rotesha Harris, wrote Are our hearts broken, absolutely. Is our resilience broken? Absolutely not, Harris remains committed to moving forward with the Knoxville College community. We are asking the community to join us in taking a deep breath, grieving and moving on. In the tradition of our ancestors we have built from ashes before, and we will build from ashes again. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Janelle Bynum, the Democratic challenger to Republican congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has declared victory in the race for Oregons 5th District as of Friday morning. Votes continue to be counted, and the Associated Press has not projected a winner. However, a calculation of remaining uncounted ballots determined that Chavez-DeRemer will have no chance to overcome Bynums lead, according to The Oregonian. In a statement shared Friday morning, Bynum thanked her supporters for electing her to office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am beyond honored that my neighbors have chosen me to be the next congresswoman for Oregons 5th Congressional District, she said. My work has always been a love letter to Oregons children. I ran for office to make their futures brighter, and Ill do just that in Washington for their education, for their reproductive freedoms, for their job opportunities, and so much more. According to voter data, Bynum has received a major boost from Multnomah County voters, where she has nearly 78% of the vote, followed by support from Clackamas and Deschutes counties. Meanwhile, Chavez-DeRemer has found more support from Marion, Linn, and Jefferson counties. Bynums win will solidify her as the first Black congresswoman in Oregons history. I am proud to be the first but not the last Black Member of Congress from Oregon, and Im grateful for what this moment means not just for my children, but for all young people across our state to see that change is possible, Bynum said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregons 5th District race has received national attention as Democrats see the seat as a win that could tip the balance of power in the House of Representatives as Republicans are poised to flip control in the Senate and President-elect Donald Trump will begin his second term in January. Bynum focused her campaign on voting rights, abortion rights, and health care reform while Chavez-DeRemer has focused her campaign on addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing security at the U.S. southern border. Chavez-DeRemer supported the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and has also said she supports a womans right to choose. During a debate hosted by KOIN 6 News, the congresswoman said while abortion access has become a state issue, she will continue to support abortion access in Oregon. In Congress, I will always stand up for Oregonians no matter who you voted for in this election and fight tirelessly every day to deliver for families all across our district, Bynum said. Today, we chart a new path forward for Oregon one of hope, opportunity, and change for the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Friday afternoon press conference, Bynum said she has yet to receive a concession from Chavez-DeRemer in this race, adding, She didnt in 2016. She didnt in 2018. And I havent heard from her in 2024. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Caledonia man has been charged at the federal level for encouraging minors to produce and share sexually explicit content. Scott Elam appeared in a federal courtroom Thursday to be arraigned on seven counts of sexual exploitation of four different minors. If convicted, he could be sentenced to anywhere from 15 years to 30 years in prison for each count. He would also have to register as a sex offender. According to the federal indictment, Elam recorded himself and one minor engaging in sexual acts and also persuaded minors to create pornographic images and send them to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal charges were authorized because the images were created using a camera and cell phones that were manufactured outside of Michigan, the indictment said. Deputies: Caledonia man offered teens alcohol for sex Elam was previously charged in July on five felony charges: aggravated child sexual abuse activity, aggravated distributing/promoting child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, using a computer to commit a crime and capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person. Those charges stemmed from a tip Kent County deputies received saying that a 17-year-old girl had sex with an adult man in exchange for alcohol. Investigators allege Elam used snapchat to communicate with minors and sold alcohol and vape pens to high school girls. He would give them discounts if they sent nude photos, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and holding offenders accountable, wrote U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in a Thursday release. I am grateful to the Kent County Sheriffs Office and the FBI for their investigative work as we prepare to make our case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, on Thursday called for lawmakers to convene a special session ahead of another Trump presidency to safeguard the states progressive policies. Meanwhile, attorneys general in blue states across the country announced they were also gearing up for a legal fight. The move a day after the former president resoundingly defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race effectively reignited Californias resistance campaign against conservative policies that state Democratic leaders started during the first Trump administration. The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle, Newsom, who reportedly has ambitions on the national stage, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms office told The Associated Press that the governor and lawmakers are ready to Trump-proof Californias state laws. He called on the Legislature to meet in December and give the attorney generals office more funding to fight federal challenges but did not give specifics. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office spent the past year reviewing more than 120 lawsuits the state filed during Trumps first term in preparation for new federal actions. Bonta said to look at the votes in California: We rejected him. We rejected his values. We rejected his agenda. He said his office has been working with Democratic attorneys general across the nation in anticipation of Trump winning to prepare game plans. The states could face a more robust battle this time around with a Republican-dominated Senate and possibly House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she, Attorney General Letitia James and their senior staffers plan to meet regularly to discuss legal strategies to protect key areas that are most likely to face threats from the Trump administration such as reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, labor rights, LGBTQ rights and our environmental justice. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who as state attorney general filed dozens of lawsuits against Trump during his first term, said they will have to see if he makes good on what he promised and ran on in terms of Project 2025 or other things. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat who has just been elected governor, said he was especially worried about Trumps recent comments suggesting the military should be used domestically against the enemy from within. Its deeply un-American, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some states, including Connecticut, officials are hoping to codify progressive policies into law, but there are limits to what our ability is to do that, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon said. Even in losing California, Trump appeared on track to surpass his 2020 record of more than 6 million votes in the state, at the time more than any GOP candidate before him. Jessica Millan Patterson, who heads the state Republican Party, said in a statement that Out-of-touch California Democrats continue to prove their commitment to moving California away from the mainstream and down a destructive path. Trumps campaign didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. After Trumps win, Newsom vowed to work with the president-elect but added, Let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump often depicts California as representing all he sees wrong in America. Democrats, which hold every statewide office in California and have commanding margins in the Legislature and congressional delegation, outnumber registered Republicans by nearly 2-to-1 statewide and Harris easily carried the state in her losing presidential bid. Trump called the Democratic governor New-scum during a campaign stop in Southern California last month and has relentlessly lambasted the Democratic stronghold and nations most populous state over its large number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, its homeless population and its thicket of regulations. Trump also waded into a water rights battle over the endangered delta smelt that has pitted environmentalists against farmers and threatened to withhold federal aid to a state increasingly under threat from wildfires. In a speech Wednesday morning, Trump vowed to follow through with his campaign promise of carrying out the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status and prosecuting his political enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking Thursday, Californias attorney general vowed to protect them. I can promise to the undocumented immigrant community in California that I and my team have been thinking about you for months, and the harm that might come from the Trump administration 2.0. Well do everything in our power and use the full authority of our office to defend you, Bonta said. Over the last two decades, state attorneys general have increasingly embraced the role of challenging federal executive policy most often when it originates with a president of the opposite party. During Trumps first presidency, Democratic attorneys general banned together to file suits over immigration, Trumps travel ban for residents of Muslim countries, the environment, internet regulation and other topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenges typically have mixed records. But Trump has one possible advantage this time around. He was aggressive in nominating conservative jurists to federal courts at all levels, including the U.S. Supreme Court. We learned a lot about former President Trump in his first term hes petty, vindictive, and will do what it takes to get his way no matter how dangerous the policy may be, state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire said in a statement. California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America. Newsom has called California which has passed dozens of laws to protect abortion access a sanctuary for people in other states seeking abortions. The state was also the first to mandate that all new cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in California be electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids by 2035. California also extends state-funded health care to all low-income residents regardless of their immigration status. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York; Steve LeBlanc in Boston; Sophia Tareen in Chicago; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco; Geoff Mulvihill in Philadelphia; Eugene Johnson in Seattle; and Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles contributed to the report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. by Kin Phea The China-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year 2024 has played a pivotal role in enhancing friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of China and ASEAN, injecting a strong impetus into building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. People-to-people contacts between China and ASEAN countries date back more than 1,000 years ago to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when Chinese merchants traveled to Southeast Asia for trade. Since China and ASEAN officially established dialogue relations in July 1991, people-to-people exchanges have served as the backbone of their ties. These interactions have advanced their comprehensive strategic partnership by enhancing mutual understanding and trust, promoting socio-economic development, and maintaining regional peace, security, and stability. The exchange year has further enhanced mutual understanding and friendship through closer people-to-people connections in various fields. From infrastructure projects to trade partnerships, China-proposed initiatives have played a crucial role in ASEAN's socio-economic development, improving people's livelihoods and fostering economic growth across the region. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, such as the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia, the China-Laos Railway in Laos, and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, have significantly boosted interconnectivity, economy and trade in the region. Since the start of the year, China and ASEAN have organized various activities in cultural, tourism, education, media, and youth-focused fields. These activities have played a crucial role in strengthening China-ASEAN relations by tapping into the most dynamic and innovative domains of people-to-people exchanges. Youth exchanges, in particular, are crucial to deepening China-ASEAN relations as young people are the trailblazers for the future in the face of global challenges and uncertainties. The 2024 China-ASEAN Excellent Youth Summer Camp, jointly organized by the International Relations Institute of Cambodia of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, and the College of Political Science and Public Administration of Henan Normal University on Oct. 20-26 in central China's Henan Province, is a vivid example of these efforts. The focus on people-to-people exchanges has deepened historical and cultural connections, and strengthened friendship and mutual understanding, playing a vital role in the long-term success of regional cooperation. In conclusion, the exchange year has helped build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable region, injecting vigorous momentum into building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future for the combined population of more than 2 billion. Editor's note: Kin Phea is director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency. Thousands of California residents have been forced to flee their homes as a result of a wildfire that started early Wednesday and has since spread to over 30 square miles. Officials said during a press conference on Thursday night that at least 132 structures had been destroyed with another 88 suffering damage. CBS News reports that the fire started just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the Moorpark area, just north of Thousand Oaks, and within five hours it had spread to more than 10,000 acres. By 7:30 that evening the blaze had claimed an additional 4,000 acres. Fire officials said on Thursday night that the wildfire had encompassed 32 square miles with firefighters managing to contain only 5 percent by Friday morning. California Governor Gavin Newsom said that more than 10,000 people had been forced to evacuate with the fire threatening 3,500 homes. He signed an emergency proclamation on Thursday to assist with the firefighting efforts, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued funding to provide emergency personnel with additional resources. #MountainFire has burned more than 1,500 acres since sparking just before 9 a.m. this morning, injuring several people as residents in Ventura County flee from their homes. https://t.co/taD8dJt9QY pic.twitter.com/FS45qwBkKd KCAL News (@kcalnews) November 6, 2024 "This happened yesterday. Just extraordinary how quickly this fire moved, how large it's gotten now," Newsom said on Thursday, standing next to the charred remains of a home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dry conditions have been exacerbated by several environmental factors, such as a buildup of dry brush in the wake of a period of unusually wet weather in the region combined with the powerful Santa Ana winds. "We're coming off of two years of above-average rainfall, which gives us a very robust grass component," said Drew Smith, Los Angeles County Fire Department fire behavior analyst. "And with those fine fuels that are receptive to warm, dry, windy [weather] supports the recipe to support large fire growth when we have high winds." "So when we have that environmental recipe, if you will, to promote thisit's because of the receptive fuel bed," Smith continued, adding that the strong winds can carry embers up to three miles, which can cause the blaze to quickly spread. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Hey there, Utah! Its been a chilly past few days as northerly flow remains in place pulling cold air into the state from Canada. A low-pressure system is sitting over east-central Arizona, while high pressure to the west is stretching over the Northern Rockies. This setup wont change much through Saturday morning. Well have a cool but calm couple of days in Utah and southwest Wyoming, with temps running about 5-15 below normal this afternoon and warming up slightly on Friday. Freeze warnings are in place again for Lower Washington County on Friday morning. Widespread temperatures near or below freezing are expected for rural areas of Ivins and Washington with a decent chance of St. George also hitting 32. These temperatures can damage or kill crops and sensitive vegetation of not protected from the cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking into the weekend, things stay mostly calm with near-normal temps warming slightly into Monday. A storm is expected to roll in late Monday into Tuesday, mainly impacting northern Utah with rain and possibly snow down to valley floors if it arrives early. Well continue to hammer out more of the details as we get closer. For now, Veterans Day looks quite nice with breezy winds and warmer-than-normal temperatures for the state. After Tuesday, temps should gradually warm again as high pressure builds back in. Another storm could arrive by next weekend, likely coming in from the northwest allowing for colder-than-normal conditions to return. Stay tuned. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. (Bloomberg) -- Calm returned to Mozambiques capital on Friday after police used deadly violence to break up a wave of post-election protests that shook Maputo the day before. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys port resumed operations, according to Grindrod Ltd., a Johannesburg-based company that owns terminals there. Some public transport was operating and people were traveling, live reports by local television showed. That was a stark difference from Thursday, when billows of black smoke mixed with teargas hung over parts of the city as security forces confronted demonstrators. At least five people died and 120 were injured when a crowd tried to advance toward the center of Maputo, according to the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, which said protesters faced an insurmountable barrier of trucks and soldiers. It had previously reported 34 deaths as security forces fired on demonstrations that erupted in the wake of disputed Oct. 9 elections. The official results showed the ruling party winning in a landslide, but outside observers say the vote was marred by irregularities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worst election unrest since the end of Mozambiques 16-year civil war in 1992 forced the closure of its main border with neighboring South Africa, in addition to suspending operations at Maputo port for roughly 48 hours. The nations dollar bonds have plunged though they were steadier on Friday and fears are growing that a $20 billion natural-gas export project led by TotalEnergies SE may face further delays. The government and ruling party have characterized the demonstrations as incitement of a coup. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane on Thursday said the nation is witnessing a revolution, and protests will continue until the authorities acknowledge he won the election. Official results showed he took 20% of the vote and the ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo 71%, but Mondlane rejected that outcome as fraudulent. Local and international observers pointed to a raft of irregularities, including indications of ballot box stuffing and altering the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party backing Mondlane has filed an appeal against the election outcome with the Constitutional Council, Mozambiques top court, which has yet to verify the results. In the 2019 elections, the court only did so on Dec. 23. The government has repeatedly urged Mozambicans to stay off the streets and wait for the legal process to conclude. The highway connecting it to neighboring South Africa started allowing people to cross the border on Friday afternoon, having suspended movement at least twice this week. Riots had broken out on the Mozambican side where authorities suspended operations and officials fled into South Africa for safety. Mozambique had restored conditions to resume processing cargo at the crossing, according to a notice to customers from the Maputo Port Development Co. later on Friday. The port operator said trucks hauling minerals should to start moving on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lorry drivers have been stranded for several days in the queue that stretches miles into South Africa, waiting to deliver cargoes including ferrochrome and coal to the terminal. The port is a key foreign exchange earner for Mozambique, and has become an increasingly important route to international markets for mines in neighboring South Africa battling with bottlenecks in that countrys export terminals. --With assistance from Borges Nhamire. (Updates with border reopening for cargo in the fourth-last paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Hours before Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech, two Christian protestors caused disruption on a Texas university campus with signs that branded women property and used homophobic slurs. The incident at Texas State University at San Marcos united students on both sides of the political aisle in anger as the men paraded around for an hour before being escorted off the property. Eva De Arment, a 19-year-old sophomore, was in the universitys English building waiting for class to start when she saw Snapchat images of the signs, including one that listed women and slaves alongside cars as property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horrified, she rushed to the buildings office, asked for a sharpie, grabbed a flyer on the table and wrote: There is still love in the world! LOVE THY NEIGHBORS. I kind of ran out there and just kind of stood in front of those dudes and started talking, De Arment told The Independent in a phone call on Wednesday. Trying to distract from the men behind her, she held up her sign and told her peers: We cant stand divided like this. We cant let this hate get to us. Eva De Arment, a 19-year-old sophomore at Texas State University at San Marcos, counterprotests in front of members of the Official Street Preachers (Cole Ramirez) Scholars say sexism, racism and misogyny helped Trump score a historic second term. The Independent has emailed the Trump campaign for comment. De Arment is now worried shell be exposed to more of the sexist rhetoric she heard on campus this week. I do believe that there is a nuance that the election made them comfortable enough to come onto a campus with signs like that, she said. I am afraid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement, Texas State University said the two protesters who appeared on campus confirmed to be affiliated with the Official Street Preachers, an organization that covers global and local events from a Christian perspective, according to the organizations website were not tied to the university. The institution supports the First Amendment and is required by state law to uphold freedom of speech in public areas on our campuses, even if such speech may understandably offend some members of our campus community. The school has established policies and protocols that allow people to engage in expressive activity on campus, the statement concluded. Evelyn Lopez, 21, arrived at the universitys radio station around 10 a.m. and met up with other students. We were kind of just, like, collectively bummed, she said, reflecting on the results of the election. She got a text from her boyfriend warning her about going into the quad because of the placards. She decided to walk outside and check out the scene for herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gigantic signs were just not the best thing to see the day after an election, said Lopez. Of course, they feel so much comfortable to do this when someone that just got elected and is a convicted felon and has said hateful things towards women. Lopez, who is from Houston and majoring in psychology, said the election results made her fearful for her constitutional rights. Her boyfriend, Cole Ramirez, 22, said hes never seen anything this hateful on campus. He was at the university working on a video assignment about how his peers were feeling after the election. He began walking toward the quad when he heard the commotion and noticed a crowd of hundreds started to form. Me and my roommate were absolutely appalled. We really had no words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As students continued gathering around the protesters, Ramirez started taking photos that have since gone viral, including one of De Arment counterprotesting with her flyer. I knew somebody had to see this, he said. Somebody had to document it. When De Arment looked out into the crowd, she saw peers wearing MAGA hats and what she called liberal apparel. The students momentarily put their political differences aside and began chanting in unison love wins and love over hate. Those people came on campus to try to sow division, and instead, they kind of brought us together, she said. David Gibson, the owner of Dino Jiu Jitsu, a local jiu-jitsu studio, was promoting his business on campus when he heard the noise from a distance. He and his business partners 16-year-old daughter decided to hurry over with a couple of their yard signs to physically block the messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt want my daughter or my wife treated that way, and I wouldnt want my son to come up either doing that same thing, he said. Chaos ensued thereafter, De Arment explained, saying people began throwing drinks at the men with the signs. She offered the men a towel but said they refused. David Gibson, far left, returned to the university a day later with signs promoting a different message (David Gibson) The men left minutes later, once the students had taken their signs and discarded them. University police could not forcibly remove the men in violation of free speech. The school is exploring potential legal responses, Kelly Damphousse, the universitys president wrote in a letter to students, faculty and staff on Thursday, adding that education officials saw similar scenes at other universities earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A media coordinator for Official Street Preachers, Rich Penkoski, told The Independent the students threw coffee on his members, kicked and spat on them. His group intends to return to the campus with more members, he said, noting that the protest had nothing to do with the presidential election. On Thursday, Gibson, whose jiu-jitsu studio offers free self-defense classes to women on Fridays, returned to the university with a group of friends trying to spread a different message. Their signs read: Women are prosperity and protect her independence. (Bloomberg) -- A project to triple the capacity of the Trans Mountain Pipeline still has a high value after massive cost overruns to build it, Canadas government spending watchdog concluded. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finding is good news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government, which owns the pipeline and plans to eventually sell it. But the report made no predictions on whether the government will record a profit or loss on a sale, saying too many factors are unknown. The expanded Trans Mountain pipeline, which started operation earlier this year, is worth as much as C$33.4 billion ($24 billion) based on the assumption that shipping contracts are renewed in the early 2040s, said the report from Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. However, if oil demand plummets so much that contracts arent renewed, the value dips to around C$29.6 billion, Giroux said. The numbers are based on potential cash flows through 2063. The pipeline transports crude from Alberta to the west coast in British Columbia, primarily for export to the US and Asia. Trudeaus government bought it in 2018 to save the expansion project from cancellation, as previous owner Kinder Morgan Inc. was preparing to walk away due to opposition from some local governments, Indigenous groups and environmentalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the purchase, the project to boost Trans Mountains capacity to about 900,000 barrels a day saw enormous cost increases due to construction complications and the Covid pandemic, eventually coming in at C$34.2 billion. Although Trudeau has said the government doesnt intend to be a long-term owner of the pipeline, a sale is not likely anytime soon. There is still a regulatory dispute playing out over the final tolls on the pipeline, and the government is also wrestling with how to give equity in the project to Indigenous groups along the route. Ultimately, whether the government can record a profit by selling the pipeline depends on a wide range of factors, the report said. That includes the number of potential buyers, their cost in raising the required capital and the timing and conditions of any sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Toronto A small Canadian town's five recently elected councilors refused to swear an oath of allegiance to Britain's King Charles III during their investiture ceremony on Tuesday, despite it being a legal requirement in the northwestern Yukon territory where Dawson City is located. Under a regulation in the Yukon's Municipal Act, elected councilors are required to swear an oath of allegiance to the British monarch, who remains the official head of state of Canada despite the colonial-era link no longer giving the king any real power in the country. The oath of allegiance to the monarch is typically taken by Yukon councilors when they're sworn into office, right after they give the separate oath of office, within 40 days of their election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the politicians fail to do so, their election can be declared null and void, resulting in the office being left vacant and potentially leading to a special election, known as a by-election. Dawson City, a small town in Canada's western Yukon Territory, is seen in a file photo. / Credit: Getty/iStockphoto Dawson City Mayor Stephen Johnson told CBS News partner network CBC News the decision was made collectively by all the newly elected councilors before the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, in support of one new councilor who broached the idea. "Early in the morning we all got an email and it was from Darwyn," Johnson told CBC News, referring to council member Darwyn Lynn. "And he said I'm hesitant to sign on to this basically because of background history with [the] Crown and First Nations in Canada." Four of the new councilors present at the meeting on Tuesday did take their oaths of office, with the fifth new member expected to do so after returning from vacation, according to the regional Yukon News outlet. But all five agreed not to take the other oath, pledging allegiance to the British crown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yukon Director of Community Affairs Samantha Crosby told the CBC that it's uncommon for a whole group of new councilors to refuse to take the oath of allegiance collectively. She said she'd been in touch with the councilors to find a solution to avoid having to call a by-election for Dawson City that would result in the councilors and the mayor losing their seats. "The requirement to swear or affirm the oaths is in the [municipal] act itself, but the prescribed forms are under a regulation within the municipal act," Crosby told CBC News. "So the language that is within the forms is a regulation and not within the actual legislation. To make changes to legislation is a very long process, but to make changes to a regulation is something that can be done in a much quicker fashion." Britain's King Charles III, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Robe of State, sits alongside Britain's Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV State Diadem, are seen before reading the King's Speech from the Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords chamber, during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Houses of Parliament in London, July 17, 2024. / Credit: Henry Nicholls/Pool via AP King Charles is the official head of state for a number of former British colonies, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica and many other so-called Commonwealth nations. He and his family have faced mounting criticism from Indigenous communities across the globe, however, highlighting the complex relationship between the former colonial power and communities that were exploited and marginalized to build the British empire of the 19th century. Why Britain's royals won't apologize for profiting off slavery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, King Charles was heckled by an Australian lawmaker during a visit to the country and accused of complicity in a genocide of the nation's Indigenous people. Sen. Lidia Thorpe, a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights who had railed against the British royal family previously, approached the king in Australia's Parliament House after he delivered a speech and shouted at him: "This is not your country!" "You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people," Thorpe yelled at Charles and Queen Camilla as they sat on a stage next to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A source close to the king and queen told CBS News after the incident that while Charles "understands there is always a debate to be had around the role of the monarch, he firmly believes it is a matter for the Australian people to decide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the September 2022 death of Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, a poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute suggested that a majority of people in Canada (52%) opposed recognizing Charles as the country's head of state and favored cutting Canada's formal ties with the monarchy. Earlier this year, a member of Canada's national Parliament from New Brunswick introduced a bill to change the country's constitution to make the oath of allegiance to the monarch optional. The bill was defeated by a vote of 197-113. What to know about Susie Wiles, Trump's new chief of staff What Harris' campaign headquarters looked like on election night Latest news on future of Congress as House race results come in The law kicked in Oct. 12, but a federal judges ruling kept the Cannabis Regulatory Commission from enforcing most of it right away. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor) The states cannabis agency quietly announced Friday it will begin enforcing a new state ban on hemp product sales. The law kicked in Oct. 12, but a federal judges ruling from two days prior kept the Cannabis Regulatory Commission from enforcing most of it right away. Now, the agency says in a statement on its website that the sale of hemp products or cannabis items that are not derived from naturally occurring chemicals is currently enforceable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the hemp law passed in response to complaints that children were too easily getting their hands on intoxicating hemp products people selling those products without a license could face a fine of at least $100 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and at least $10,000 for each subsequent violation. The commission, which is tasked with issuing those licenses, has another five months to draft rules before licensure even begins. Beau Huch, a cannabis and hemp attorney with Porzio Governmental Affairs, said he thinks the news means the agency will start targeting products with synthetic cannabinoids like delta-10 and THC-o that the hemp industry agrees are dangerous to consumers, as opposed to products made with naturally occurring cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9. Theyre testing the waters. Theyre sending a message, which will obviously have an intended chilling effect on bad actors. It also says theyre still paying attention, Huch said. The governors office did not return a request for comment. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission declined to comment Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Phil Murphy signed the hemp law in September despite his concerns that the legislation was flawed by some vague provisions. Under the law, businesses had 30 days to pull all intoxicating hemp products from their shelves. Hemp businesses sued to stop the law from being enforced. The federal judge overseeing the case sided with the plaintiffs arguments that parts of the law place an improper burden on interstate commerce but agreed with the state that it had the right to regulate the hemp industry. The ruling upheld most of the law. Lawmakers say they are working on a bill to resolve any constitutional issues cited by the judge. Huch said he expects the commission to go after the larger hemp industry once that legislation is enacted. To start shaking down the bad actors that seems like a totally prudent thing to do, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CARTHAGE, N.Y. (WWTI) A 47-year-old is facing rape charges after being arrested on Thursday, November 7. The Carthage Police have arrested Arthur Bowman Jr. and charged him with first-degree rape and third-degree criminal sex act. Juvenile arrested in alleged Carthage stabbing The arrest stems from an investigation that started in April 2024. The investigation concluded today with the arrest of Bowman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail and is awaiting arraignment in Jefferson County Court according to Carthage Police Chief John Poggi. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing on Friday, saying the two countries should make joint efforts to build a world of harmonious coexistence. Mattarella is in China for a state visit at the invitation of Xi. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said China and Italy, both ancient civilizations, should uphold their traditions of openness and inclusiveness, and encourage the international community to resolve differences through dialogue and rise above conflicts through cooperation. Regarding relations between China and Europe, Xi said that China takes Europe as an important partner on the path toward realizing Chinese modernization. He urged the two sides to seek win-win cooperation and manage their differences properly to ensure that bilateral relations are more mature and stable, as duly expected. "China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the European side to cope with global challenges, and hopes that Italy can play a positive role in this regard," Xi said. (COLORADO) While the storm may have looked like it was leaving on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7, the next round is expected to be worse than what we have already seen, according to John Lorme, Director of Maintenance and Operations for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). >>One more day to go: Expected snow through Friday Treacherous, sustained adverse winter conditions are expected along the eastern plains and southeastern Colorado, wrote CDOT. Drivers should be prepared for long-term closures and should avoid driving in the most impacted areas of the state for the duration of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDOT advised drivers to avoid traveling east of I-25 and from south of I-76 to the New Mexico and Kansas state lines. It also shared a map of storm impacts across the state through Saturday, Nov. 9. Much of southeastern Colorado is shaded in purple, with extreme impacts expected. Courtesy: CDOT Motorists should plan for poor visibility and winter weather driving conditions across the Palmer Divide, US 50 and I-25, CDOT warned. Travel is discouraged through the duration of the storm from the Palmer Divide to Colorado Springs and south and east of Pueblo from Friday afternoon, Nov. 8 through Saturday. For road conditions and travel information, visit COtrip.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Six Central Illinois police departments are asking the community to support them in a foodbank benefit. The departments are taking part in the new Protect & Feed competition to benefit the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. This is a friendly competition among local law enforcement agencies during the holiday seasons. The police departments partaking in the competition include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign Police Department Urbana Police Department University of Illinois Police Parkland College Police Department Rantoul Police Department Champaign County Sheriffs Office The heroes of Piatt County: Meet the 2 sons who saved their dads life after UTV accident From Nov. 8 to No. 22, the departments will be collecting non-perishable food items in each of their respective lobbies. The competition is friendly, and the goal is to have all communities benefit from the donations made. After the food drive, there will be another competition on Dec. 3. This event is called Giving Tuesday, where Central Illinois agencies will go head-to-head in food repacking at the Food Banks volunteer center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departments are all coming together under one mission: to fight against hunger in their communities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A fire at a Central Peoria apartment caused about $15,000 in damage Friday morning, according to the Peoria Fire Department. Battalion Chief Philip Snowden said crews were called to 2500 block of West Wardcliffe Drive on a report of a fire in an apartment, When firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire was in a bedroom on the third floor of the building. Peoria Fire Department held a public orientation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was quickly put out, Snowden said. All residents had managed to get out of the building and no injuries were reported. Several apartments had to be aired out due to the smoke. Two people, an adult and a child, had to find temporary housing. The rest of the people were able to go back to their units. An investigator at the scene determined the fire was set intentionally. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Scientists believe that interactions between Higgs bosons could unlock insights into new physics. Discovered at CERNs Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in 2012, the elusive Higgs boson particle has been at the centre stage for exploring new possibilities in particle physics. Scientists claimed that the production of Higgs boson pairs can occur within the Standard Model itself. It is such a rare process here that it has not been possible to observe it in the data collected so far. There are, however, theoretical models describing phenomena beyond the Standard Model, predicting the production of Higgs boson pairs with a higher probability, according to scientists. ATLAS detector combined both goals Researchers working at the ATLAS detector have combined both goals: with the latest analysis it has been possible to expand the knowledge of the interactions of Higgs bosons with each other, and stronger constraints on the phenomena of new physics have been found. At the facility of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, scientists are trying to conduct their current research in such a way as to combine more precise measurements of the properties of the Higgs boson with further searches for new physics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study just published is an example of this approach. In it, physicists from the ATLAS experiment focused on events leading to the creation of two Higgs bosons, which would then decay into multiple particles of the lepton family (mainly electrons and muons), according to a press release. Experimental studies of interactions of Higgs bosons The results are presented in the Journal of High Energy Physics. Dr. Bartlomiej Zabinski, a physicist at the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPJ PAN) who coordinated the international team responsible for this analysis, stated that experimental studies of the interactions of Higgs bosons with each other encounter a fundamental problem. "It is this: in proton collisions at the LHC, Higgs bosons appear so infrequently that so far not a single event of Higgs boson pair production has been detected, which at first glance seems absolutely necessary if we want to look at interactions between these particles. How, then, can we study a phenomenon that has not yet been observed?" asked Zabinski. They also claimed that every particle is a wave in a field. The most familiar example of this is light: light is simultaneously a wave in the electromagnetic field and a stream of particles called photons. In the Higgs boson's case, the field came first. The Higgs field was proposed in 1964 as a new kind of field that fills the entire Universe and gives mass to all elementary particles. The Higgs boson is a wave in that field. Its discovery confirms the existence of the Higgs field. Unexpected properties of Higgs bosons Scientists also maintain that within the Standard Model, increasingly precise predictions can be made about the probabilities of various known processes. A rationale for suggesting unexpected properties of Higgs bosons or the existence of new physics would be a discrepancy between theoretical predictions and actual data from the LHC detectors. Operating solely within the framework of the Standard Model, the physicists in the ATLAS experiment therefore simulated (together with the background) the signals that should appear in the detectors in the event of two Higgs boson phenomena, and then normalised the results according to the expected amount of data coming from their detector, according to the press release. The final step was to compare the values thus obtained with those derived from previous observations. The use of machine learning based on decision trees helped in the search for these rare processes, claimed scientists. Zabinski claimed that scientists analysis of double Higgs boson production events in the final state with multiple leptons complements the studies already carried out on other final states. So far, scientists have not noticed anything in the data from the detectors that disagrees with the Standard Model. "However, this result does not rule out the possibility of the existence of new physics phenomena, but only informs us that their possible influence on the production of Higgs boson pairs remains too weak to be seen in the data collected so far," added Zabinski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LHC is also set to undergo a major upgrade in the coming years. It's also being claimed that the intensity of the beams will then increase tenfold, resulting in a significant increase in the number of recorded proton collisions. The limitations imposed by the current analysis on the production and parameters describing the interactions of Higgs bosons allow physicists to hope that perhaps already at the beginning of the next decade it will be possible to select the first events of double Higgs production from more data and to verify today's predictions in direct observations of the phenomenon, added the press release. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Several local organizations have teamed up once again to help single moms and their children stay warm during the wintertime in Champaign County. Elks Club, Carle Healthy Beginnings Program and Urbanas Fraternal Order of Police are asking members of the community to donate money from now until Nov. 15. Taylorville students send resources to hurricane victims This is the 8th year the Savoy Elks Lodge is participating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are kids. I mean, they do struggle. I mean, its bad. I know one of our crossing guards used to say these kids would come to school, hardly any winter coat on or anything to keep them warm. So thats basically how this all got started, Elks Lodge member Mary Leming said. Leming said in the last two years they raised about $1,500. All of the money donated will help purchase winter coats, boots and mittens for single mothers and families with large financial burdens. The fundraiser was formally known as Warm-A-Kid Coat Donations. This year, it ran from Oct. 11 until Nov. 15. For more information, contact the Elks Lodge in Savoy at 217-359-2497. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. An inmate pets a horse at Wateree Correctional Institution in Rembert on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) REMBERT Soon after Artie arrived at South Carolinas prison-run horse farm, he found his old defensive instincts kicking in from 16 years in other prisons. Seeing how upset he was, another inmate told Artie, Go be with the horses. Artie didnt want to at first. He didnt understand how that could help. But he made his way down to Seabiscuit Stable, where the prisons 33 horses live, and calmed down watching the animals interact with one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With them, everything is peace, the 55-year-old said. Thats the goal of the states Second Chance program at Wateree Correctional Institution. For 20 years, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, based in Saratoga Springs, New York, has sent retired racehorses in need of rehabilitation down to the stables in South Carolina, where inmates help train and care for them until they can find an adopter. The prison a dozen miles south of Camden is one of eight in the country that partners with the organization. In Kentucky, inmates at Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington have been caring for retired racehorses for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation since 1999. About 50 horses live on 100 acres of prime Bluegrass at the states largest minimum security prison. Inmates graduating from the program have gone on to work in the horse industry as farriers, veterinarian assistants and in other roles, according to the foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, the partnership started in 2003, when former warden John Carmichael read an article in The New York Times about a similar program the foundation was running in New York. He knew right away that he wanted to do the same at his prison, said Bryan Stirling, director of the Department of Corrections since 2013. An inmate works in the horse stables at Wateree Correctional Institution on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Carmichael also knew it was unlikely hed get enough funding from the state to run the program, so he started reaching out to potential donors. By 2004, Carmichael had raised enough money for the foundations nonprofit to sign a lease on the stables and accept the prisons first herd. Donations to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundations nonprofit still fund the operation, Stirling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four inmates run the stable, tending to the needs of the 33 horses that live there. Both those numbers can vary, with as many as a dozen inmates tending to as many as 50 horses at a time, said warden Donald Beckwith. Prisoners who express interest in farm work can earn a spot with good behavior, he said. They are among roughly 650 inmates who live and work at minimum-security Wateree, where prisoners also grow crops and run the states largest dairy farm. The prison farm supplies food to the rest of the states facilities. Not everyone makes the cut for the horse stables. After all, working on a farm is hard work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With supervision and training from the national nonprofit and local trainers, inmates do all the hard labor it takes to care for horses. They wake up early to refill food and water, take the horses out to their 100 acres of pastures and train skittish horses recovering from their racing days. Every horse that comes to the barn has run in at least one race, and most are retired because they were injured or elderly. Only a couple of the horses currently housed in the stable are under the age of 20, and racehorses typically live to between 25 and 30. Their stories often mirror those of inmates, who came into prison beaten down from the circumstances that led them to commit crimes. Together, the horses and inmates recover. Horses roam in a pasture at Wateree Correctional Institution on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) They change each other, Stirling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caring for any animal can be therapeutic, but handling horses in particular requires a lot of patience, said Maggie Sweet, executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The animals are big, often stubborn and notoriously jumpy when frightened. The horse is sort of an absolute teacher, Sweet said. If something is bothering a horse, you cant work your way around it. You have to find a way through whatever it is. Artie, whose last name the Daily Gazette is not publishing under Department of Corrections policy, quickly learned that working with the racehorses could be frustrating. If a handler got anxious or angry, the horse would sense that and react, so he had to learn how to keep his emotions in check and remain calm, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to let that aggressive behavior go, Artie said. Sometimes, theyll make you mad, but you cant get mad at them. Along with the physical skills inmates learn, those emotional skills can be critical in helping them land jobs after they get out of prison, Stirling said. Many inmates who work on the Wateree farm go on to work at other farms after their sentences end. Even those who dont can use the discipline and compassion they honed working with the animals, he said. As anybody knows whos worked with horses, its hard work long days, hot, and sometimes animals can be temperamental, Stirling said. But I think it teaches some skills when dealing with folks out in society, because people can also be temperamental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the inmates have trained a horse, it goes up for adoption. Adopters pay a small fee and go through an interview process to ensure the horse is going to a good home. Some find a second career in dressage, a form of artful horse riding, or leisurely trail rides. Others spend the rest of their lives in pastures, often helping younger horses get acclimated to new farms. If a horse cant be adopted out, it lives the rest of its life at Wateree under the care of the inmates. Three of the 33 horses housed at the barn are considered unadoptable, Beckwith said. Crypto Disco, a 19-year-old retired racehorse, puts his head on inmate Arties shoulder at Wateree Correctional Institution on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Inmates often form close bonds with the horses. Standing in the barn Tuesday, they told visitors about different horses ages and temperaments. Artie pointed out that a few horses seemed nervous to have so many new people nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stepped into a stall with Crypto Disco, his favorite. Crypto Disco was the first horse Artie worked with after transferring to Wateree. Artie ran a hand along the horses neck. Crypto Disco laid his head on Arties shoulder. The two have learned how to communicate over the past two years. Crypto Disco once alerted Artie to a horse that had gotten out of its pasture by neighing and whinnying until Artie investigated. As much as the inmates take care of the horses, the horses take care of the inmates in turn. Theyll watch over you as well as you watch over them, Artie said. This story is republished from the South Carolina Daily Gazette, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. Officials are rejecting another claim about conditions in western North Carolina, this time an accusation that a county is threatening families with kids due to their housing after Helene. Robert Burns, mayor of the city of Monroe, took to X the Sunday before Election Day this week with an urgent message. I just got word that DSS and the Department of Welfare are threatening families who are living in tents and trailers with school-age children in Spruce Pine because the kids are going back to school this week! the post read. HOW DARE THEY. ARE THE PROVIDING HOUSING!? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post made its rounds, with more than a thousand reposts and impressions. But officials involved with child protection efforts say the claim is untrue and another example of misinformation that adds more stress to a stressful situation. Wendy Boone, director of social services in Mitchell County, home to Spruce Pine, said her office is not investigating any matters that match the Burns claim. While her office does investigate abuse and neglect, being a hurricane-displaced family does not meet that criteria of either under state law, she said. False information only makes the job harder, she said. Misinformation makes people hesitant to accept our help, which ultimately hurts the children and families in those situations, Boone said. Its very concerning The Charlotte Observer reached out to the Monroe mayor, whose city is southeast of Charlotte, multiple times via phone and email seeking evidence about his claims but did not hear back. Burns did address requests for proof on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the deal. I know many want personal proof and videos of the DSS and DoW threatening to investigate families who arent providing proper shelter and living conditions, but many mountain folk dont want their videos directly posted because they dont want pity and dont trust the government, he wrote on X Sunday. Thats why I often do videos with volunteers. Just FYI. Keep spreading the word!!! A damaged home along the Cane River near where NCDOT crews are working to repair and replace a 14-mile stretch of U.S. 19 West in Yancey County. Counties provide child welfare services in North Carolina, under the supervision of the state Department of Health and Human Services. Kelly Haight Connor, a DHHS spokesperson, said that the claim circulated by Burns is false. There is no truth to this rumor, Connor said in an email to the Observer. Every person that is or was in a shelter in North Carolina has received support from a team of state, county, and/or federal staff to identify resources and services, including housing assistance, that may be needed by families that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. More of the same? Since Helene hit North Carolina in late September, state and federal officials have flagged false claims related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, missing persons and much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claims have also circulated online about Red Cross shelters closing and that if families had nowhere to go, social service departments would threaten to take children away.In a social media video this month, the Western North Carolina chapter of Red Cross responded to claims about shelters closing and removing people. In the Nov. 1 post, a Red Cross volunteer said that some of the public facilities the organization was using are re-opening, meaning the Red Cross has had to find new locations. Deana Joy, executive director of the Children Advocacy Center of North Carolina, said false claims about government agencies threatening families without cause hinders efforts to help families. It puts us in a difficult position, she said, noting that families are dealing with so much stress already. To have that information be out there and somebody get a hold of it and think Oh my gosh, Im in jeopardy of this happening to me. Its very concerning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People living in Western North Carolina will be grappling with aftereffects of the storm for a long time. The state has estimated that approximately 126,000 residences were damaged, with most of them single-family homes, manufactured homes and duplexes. Mud-splattered instruments sat in the back of a truck as volunteers cleared debris from Majestic Music in downtown Spruce Pine days after Helene struck. When asked if the Mitchell County social services department is taking steps to set the record straight about accusations against it, Boone said the agency is bound by confidentiality and cannot speak on any specific allegations. But if she could, shes not certain it would help. I almost feel like it would make it worse and cause even more attention to the false claims, she said. A recent study reveals that current radiation levels in Chernobyls Exclusion Zone are not significantly impacting the age, stress levels, or aging rate of local wildlife, particularly the Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis). Conducted by a team from the University of Oviedo and the Donana Biological Station, this research is among the first to closely examine how chronic, low-level radiation affects the physiology of animals in this area, nearly four decades after the infamous nuclear disaster. A de facto wildlife refuge In an effort to understand the long-term effects of radiation on these frogs, the team, led by German Orizaola, studied over 200 male frogs across various levels of contamination in Chernobyl between 2016 and 2018. These frogs were sampled from areas ranging from highly radioactive zones to control regions with no radiation, providing a comprehensive gradient for comparison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using telomere length as a biological marker for aging, the team found that these tree frogs did not experience accelerated aging, nor did they show significant changes in corticosteronea stress hormone typically heightened in response to environmental challenges. I do think radiation levels currently present at the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are not enough to produce marked organismal damage in wildlife, at least in most of Chernobyl areas, study author Pablo Burraco told IFLScience. I am not surprised about that. Moreover, the studys findings suggest that Chernobyls Exclusion Zone, though impacted by past radiation, now functions as a de facto wildlife refuge due to the absence of human disturbance. Over the years, reduced radiation levels and the absence of human interference have allowed the local ecosystem to support a surprising variety of fauna, making Chernobyl one of Europes largest inadvertent nature reserves. Studying radiation exposure in frogs The frogs radiation exposure was meticulously assessed, considering both external environmental radiation and internal contamination through isotopes like cesium in their muscles and strontium in their bones. Burraco highlighted the accuracy of these radiation measurements, describing the work as one of the most precise assessments of absorbed radiation conducted on vertebrates in Chernobyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comparing this exposure to everyday radiation dosessuch as that from a routine dental visitBurraco emphasized that present-day levels in Chernobyls Exclusion Zone are considerably low due to the decay of isotopes, many of which have half-lives that rendered them inactive within a few months or years post-accident. The teams analysis also explored the aging process in these frogs. Using growth lines on bones (akin to tree rings) to determine age and telomere length as an indicator of biological aging, the study found no link between radiation exposure and age-related deterioration. The results mirrored previous research in Chernobyl as well as studies on animals exposed to radiation from the Fukushima disaster in Japan, where no significant adverse effects on lifespan were observed. Long-term impacts of radiation Interestingly, while frogs and other species appear unaffected by todays lower radiation levels, researchers are keen to study whether other, more complex genetic or transcriptomic changes might be occurring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burraco mentioned earlier studies that observed pigment changes in these frogssuch as increased melanism (darker skin)which may have initially helped them withstand radiation by providing protective shielding against radiation damage. However, it remains unclear if this adaptation still contributes to their resilience. This study suggests that, despite Chernobyl's radioactive past, current radiation levels are not enough to disrupt key biological processes in Eastern tree frogs. The researchers hope that future investigations will deepen our understanding of how wildlife adapts to environments altered by radiation while providing valuable insights into the long-term impacts of nuclear disasters on natural ecosystems. The study has been published in the journal Biology Letters. CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCAU) In honor of veterans and those who died in action, a temporary memorial has been set up in Cherokee, bringing joy to many people. I dont want people to forget, Dana Evans, veteran and president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Unit 888, said. We have to remember them, and this is a way to remember everybody from Iowa whos been killed since World War I up to Iraq and Afghanistan. Pieces of him: Vietnam War veterans MIA bracelet returned to family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans served in the navy during Vietnam, but never went overseas during his service. In 2015, he was inspired to start making memorials for Iowas soldiers who died in war. Theres a saying: if we do not say his name, he will be forgotten, Evans said. So when I went to the [Vietnam Veterans Memorial] in Washington, D.C., I saw some friends like John Bring from Bancroft, Nebraska, whos my wifes best friends brother. And I said his name so he will not be forgotten. Evans then decided to make many posters, with several of them showing how many people died in each war from Iowa, along with the counties they lived in. Starting with this wall here, the Vietnam veterans, which is 852, who were killed in Vietnam from the state of Iowa, Evans said as he showcased the memorial. Then we went to World War I, World War II, Korea. Then we have Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, there was a collection of books for visitors to flip through. Vietnam, I have everybody from Iowa that was killed in those 18 volumes, and it tells when they showed up in Vietnam, when they were killed and where they were, Evans said. Evans takes his collection to all sorts of locations to make sure those who sacrificed their life for our country are never forgotten. He says its therapeutic for him and other veterans. Changes coming to Des Moines International Airport I had the wall down in Des Moines years ago, and these two brothers have found their dads dog tag, Evans said. And they never met their dad, so they took a rubbing of their dads dog tag. Very emotional. And Ive seen other people see their brothers dog tag on there and they rubbed it. It hits here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to check out the memorial at Western Iowa Tech, you have until Monday, Nov. 11 to do so. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Facing their first-ever election for school board, voters in Chicago on Tuesday delivered a decidedly mixed message, electing 10 candidates with competing ideologies to serve on a governing body that will eventually total 21 people. Official results showed that candidates backed by the powerful Chicago Teachers Union won four seats, one of them unopposed. Meanwhile, pro-school choice candidates backed by wealthy donors won three seats, with three seats won by independent candidates. The independents include a rapper who beat three opponents on the citys South Side. Che Rhymefest Smith said he ran to ensure that every school gets a registered nurse, a librarian, counselors, tutors, support staff and quality arts instruction. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The 10 new board members will join 11 others who will be appointed in coming weeks by Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former teacher and union organizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot going on here, said Hugo Jacobo of Chicago Democrats for Education, a nonprofit that supports independent school board candidates. Hugo Jacobo Groups that advocate for charter schools spent about $3 million on the race, The Chicago Sun-Times reported, with the union spending about $1.6 million on its endorsed candidates through its own political action committees and at least eight other PACs. Other estimates show the union spending more than $2 million on the races. The unions preferred candidate came up empty in District 3, one of Chicagos most politically progressive areas. A reform-oriented candidate, Carlos Rivas Jr., beat union-endorsed candidate Jason Dones by 12 percentage points, despite a reported $300,000 in donations. The union painted a more positive picture Tuesday night, with President Stacy Davis Gates telling a crowd, Billionaires spent a lot of money to get three out of 21, referring to the larger board that will eventually be seated. I keep telling you, its cumulative. It keeps getting bigger and it keeps growing. And we want more people for this group project. Related Chicago Fire: Chaos Reigns as School Board Quits & Elections Loom Tuesdays results push Chicago Public Schools, the fourth-largest school system in the United States, into a new phase, with observers saying a fully elected board could improve schools and make them more responsive to parents and taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whether the shift will curb the systems recent chaos is another matter. Last month, the entire seven-member board resigned after Mayor Brandon Johnson threatened to oust schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Johnson had appointed six of the seven members in July. He brought in a new board, but a week later the newly appointed president, the Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, resigned after news reports revealed hed written antisemitic and sexist posts on social media and posted that he agreed with a theory that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were an inside job. Tuesdays split result, while offering what will likely be a variety of perspectives on finances, management and curriculum, is bound to be just the beginning of a new, and perhaps even more tumultuous era for one thing, all 21 seats, including the 10 from Tuesday, will be on the ballot in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This first cycle was really a warm-up for 2026, when all 21 seats are up for election and the stakes are real, said Peter Cunningham, a former head of communications for the district and founder of the nonprofit Education Post. Cunningham, who also served as a spokesman for U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, said Tuesdays election became a referendum on Mayor Johnson and the teachers union because of the chaos at the board over the last few months. They did not get a clear mandate to pursue their more controversial policy proposals, but they will likely do it anyway because this is their last chance to control the board. The range of ideologies among fully elected board members could fuel further drama, said Meredith Paige, a mother of two high schoolers and leader of CPS Family Dyslexia Collaborative, an advocacy group. The chaos is going to continue, she said. From appointed to elected board For nearly 30 years, Chicagos mayors have enjoyed the right to appoint and dismiss board members, with the city standing for decades as one of just a handful with mayoral control New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Detroit are among others where mayors still wield considerable power over school policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, Chicago Public Schools was also the school district in Illinois that didnt have an elected board. But the state legislature in 2021 ordered the city to transition to a fully elected, 21-seat board. It may take a while for the changes to sink in with voters, said Paige, who canvassed in neighborhoods last week and met a lot of people who had no idea that there was a school board election. Others believed Chicago already had an elected school board. So thats been a problem the whole time, she said. Even now, parents dont understand how this is going to work. Among the first business items the hybrid board will face in coming months: whether to terminate the contract of Martinez, the schools CEO, who has served since 2021. They must also decide whether to approve Johnsons push to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars to defray short-term expenses, including a $175 million pension payment for non-teaching employees. Related Chicago is Winding Down a Trailblazing Program to Help Dropouts. What Happened? The district faces a projected deficit of $505 million next fall, due partly to rising healthcare costs and the expiration of federal ESSER pandemic funds. Johnsons predecessor, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, also shifted hundreds of millions of dollars in pension costs from City Hall, which had historically underwritten them, to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the city is also hemorrhaging students: enrollment has dropped by 20%, or more than 80,000 students, since 2010. In July, Martinez and the school board proposed a $9.9 billion budget that aimed to close the deficit through staff cuts and freezes affecting nearly 250 jobs. The board authorized the budget as written, but relations between the mayor and the district soured. Johnson has proposed taking out a $300 million loan to fund teacher pay increases and pension contributions, and he made headlines in October for comparing his critics to confederates who opposed freeing slaves because it would be too expensive. Even if both sides agree on a new source of spending, the district and the union are also engaged in a contentious negotiation over the terms of the next teacher contract. One estimate said paying out an expected series of teacher raises and taking on more pension debt from the city could increase its deficit to nearly $1 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Johnsons bid to fire Martinez, the CEO remains popular, said Jacobo of Chicago Democrats for Education. Hes the only one really concerned about the financial situation of our city and our school district system, so people want someone responsible like him to stay. Paige, the parent advocate, agreed. The mayor and CTU want to fire the CEO, who has brought a lot of stability to the district. So theres a lot of frustration over that. Related Chicago Mayors Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Debt Plan for the District She said the bitter, two-week teachers strike in 2019 is also having lingering effects: Theres still a lot of toxicity in the system over that and just a general she hesitated, frustration is the nicest word I can think of right now that the mayor seems so disconnected from reality of the financials that he wants to put the district in peril to pay the teachers contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state legislature has given Chicago until 2027 to transition to a fully elected board, and despite the challenges, Jacobo said the change will be welcome. Im very glad that there will be a number of these new school board elected members who honestly are just not beholden to anyone but the parents, the voters in their district, he said. And when they talk, when they speak, itll be with a perspective of what is best for their community. I think its one step forward, but a lot of work to go. This image provided by China's Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology shows the steps of the facial reconstruction of a man from the Hongshan culture who lived during the Neolithic Age. Researchers from the Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology and the School of Archaeology at Jilin University have digitally reconstructed the face of a man from the Hongshan culture who lived during the Neolithic Age, offering modern audiences a glance at life over 5,000 years ago.(Xinhua) SHENYANG, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Imagine peering into the distant past by glimpsing the face of an ancient ancestor based on a skull. Thanks to cutting-edge 3D technology, archaeologists in northeast China's Liaoning and Jilin provinces have turned this fantasy into reality. Researchers from the Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology and the School of Archaeology at Jilin University have digitally reconstructed the face of a man from the Hongshan culture who lived during the Neolithic Age, offering modern audiences a glance at life over 5,000 years ago. The reconstructed face belongs to a man estimated to have been between 25 and 30 years old, said Li Haibo, deputy director of the institute, noting that the relatively well-preserved skull was excavated from a tomb dating back to the Hongshan culture period found in the city of Chaoyang in Liaoning. Researchers combined insights from diverse disciplines, including anthropology, anatomy, computer science and art, to determine the individual's gender and age -- recreating facial features down to details such as eye, skin and hair color. "It is the first reconstruction based on an actual Hongshan ancestor's skull," Li said. "The reconstructed face can be considered the closest to reality achieved to date." According to Guo Dashun, a prominent Chinese archaeologist, the Hongshan culture is a significant marker of China's transition to the era of ancient states. The discovery of this culture laid the foundation for understanding the diverse origins of Chinese civilization. Compared to traditional sculptural restoration methods, 3D technology offers greater scientific precision, higher accuracy and improved efficiency, Li said. China's advancements in 3D technology are continuously providing valuable insights into archaeological discoveries, helping to reveal the true appearance of ancient people and deepening our understanding of history. In May this year, the Hunan Museum in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, released the image of a "3D digital figure" of Xin Zhui, one of the most famous wet mummies in the world, while four months later, archaeologists in Henan Province unveiled facial reconstructions of two men who lived near the Yellow River during the Neolithic Age. CHICAGO (WGN) Grammy Award-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk is facing new charges in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting a rival rapper. He could now be facing life in federal prison. The 32-year-old rapper, whose birth name is Durk Devontay Banks, has been charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, according to a superseding federal grand jury indictment announced by the Justice Department on Friday. Chicago rapper Lil Durk arrested in Florida over murder-for-hire plot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest indictment includes two additional felony charges against Banks and adds him as the lead defendant to a previous indictment, which charged 28-year-old Kavon London Grant, 33-year-old Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33-year-old Keith Jones, 33-year-old David Brian Lindsey, and 36-year-old Asa Houston in connection with the plot. In addition to the charges, Jones also faces one count of possession of a machine gun. The charges stem from an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting Georgia-based rapper Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman, over his suspected involvement in the 2020 murder of Chicago rapper King Von, whose real name is Dayvon Daquan Bennett, in Atlanta. According to prosecutors, all six individuals involved allegedly have ties to the hip-hop group Only the Family (OTF), which was formed by Banks in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors alleged that OTF not only produced and sold hip-hop music from Chicago artists, but that it also acted as an association-in-fact of individuals who engaged in violence, including murder and assault, at Banks direction and to maintain their status in OTF. Chicago rapper Lil Durk donated $150K to Mayor Johnson month after inauguration The indictment accuses Banks of putting out a bounty on Bowman two years after Bennetts murder, offering money and music opportunities in exchange for his murder. Prosecutors said members of the group learned that Bowman was staying at a hotel in Los Angeles in August 2022, while banking and flight records allegedly showed that an OTF member and associate of Banks coordinated and paid for the five co-conspirators to travel to California from Chicago the day before the murder. The group then allegedly used money from Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors further alleged that when the flights were booked, Banks told the OTF associate Dont book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me. On the same day the group allegedly traveled to California, prosecutors said Banks and Grant also traveled to Los Angeles in a private jet. After arriving, Grant allegedly bought ski masks and purchased a hotel room for the other co-conspirators using a credit card in Banks name. Lil Durk loses honorary key to Village of Broadview following arrest in murder-for-hire plot The day after arriving in Los Angeles, on Aug. 19, prosecutors said the group used two rented vehicles, a white BMW sedan and a white Infiniti, and used them to track and stalk Bowman as he, his sister and his cousin, 24-year-old Saviaya Robinson, drove around LA in a black Cadillac Escalade. Photos provided by the U.S. District Court show a group of people allegedly carrying out a murder-for-hire plot outside of a gas station in Los Angeles in 2022. Photos provided by the U.S. District Court show a group of people allegedly carrying out a murder-for-hire plot outside of a gas station in Los Angeles in 2022. Bowman eventually made a stop at a gas station along Beverly Boulevard and prosecutors said that is when Houston allegedly drove to an alley behind the gas station before letting the OTF members out to carry out the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Bowman and his sister were not injured in the shooting, Robinson was killed. Justice Dept. brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Trump Banks was taken into custody in Miami on Oct. 24, the day after the initial indictment was unsealed. Following his arrest, the FBI learned that Banks had allegedly booked at least three international flights. Lil Durk (Photo: Broward County Jail) The other five individuals named in the indictment are currently in federal custody in Illinois. All six individuals named in the indictment have yet to enter a plea to the charges and are expected to be arraigned in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles in the weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, they could face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. This article was originally published in Hechinger Report. This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet focused on education. Over the past few years, its become clear that states need more money to support kids. Pandemic-related aid is long gone, but effects from that era still linger, evident in persistent child care shortages and ongoing child behavioral and mental health concerns. Now, states are increasingly trying to generate new sources of money to support young children, although in at least one state, a ballot measure was designed to pull back on just these kinds of efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least a dozen measures were on ballots across the country Tuesday, proposing tax increases or new revenue streams to pay for child care and other child-focused services. Voters overwhelmingly chose to maintain or increase spending on these initiatives though there were some holdouts. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Heres a look at how early childhood fared this election: (This story will be updated as vote tallies are finalized.) Child care: Washington state: Initiative 2109 aimed to repeal a capital gains tax that passed in 2021 and has since provided child care subsidies and money for select child care programs. By failing, the tax and funding stream for child care will remain in place. FAILED Travis County, Texas : Proposition A called for a property tax increase to raise more than $75 million to create affordable child care spots and mitigate the loss of federal pandemic funds for local child care programs. PASSED Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Paul, Minnesota: The 2024 Early Care and Learning Proposal is a property tax levy aimed at providing public funding to child care. The city would raise $2 million the first year and add an additional $2 million each year until year 10, with this money going into a special early care and education fund that would help families cover the cost of child care. (The citys mayor, Melvin Carter, said he was unlikely to enact the tax if it passed). FAILED Sonoma County, California: Measure I asked voters to approve a quarter-cent countywide sales tax to create a local revenue stream that would help pay for child care and childrens health programs, with a special emphasis on children who experience homelessness. The initiative gained over 20,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the November ballot. LIKELY TO PASS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Plata County, Colorado: Ballot Issue 1A will redirect up to 70 percent of revenue from a lodgers tax toward child care and affordable housing. PASSED Grand County, Colorado: Ballot Measure 1A will increase the countys lodging tax from 1.8 percent to 2 percent, with the revenue paying for tourism, housing and child care. PASSED Montrose, Colorado: Ballot Issue 2A will increase the citys hotel tax and put 17 percent of the revenue toward local child care. PASSED Early childhood health, education and well-being: Platte County, Missouri: The Platte County Childrens Services Fund measure calls for a quarter cent sales tax increase to create a revenue stream for mental health programs, including early childhood screening. PASSED Pomona County, California: Measure Y aims to reallocate at least 10 percent of funds in an existing city general fund to create a Department of Children and Youth. The funds would also be used to pay for youth programs, child care and support for parents. LIKELY TO PASS Santa Cruz, California: Measure Z proposed a $0.02 per ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to raise funds that can be used for youth mental health and programs for children. LIKELY TO PASS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado: Proposition KK aims to establish a $39 million fund by imposing a 6.5 percent excise tax on guns and ammunition. While most of the money is directed at crime victim and veterans mental health services, $3 million will fund behavioral health services for children. PASSED Missouri: Amendment 5 would have established a new gambling boat license, with the estimated $14 million in revenue funding public school early childhood literacy programs. FAILED Nevada: Question 5 on the ballot this year gave voters the chance to exempt diapers from sales tax, starting on January 1, 2025. PASSED A Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer is going the Tesla way by unveiling its first humanoid robot. At its 2024 AI Day event, Xpeng unveiled its first robot, Iron, marking a major leap into robotics. The robot has more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom, and it uses technology shared with XPENGs AI Electric Vehicles (EVs). XPENG reports that Iron is already active on its automotive production lines, helping assemble the upcoming P7+ EV. "The robots have already been integrated into XPENG's daily operations and focus on internal applications, such as factories and stores," the firm said in a statement. Versatile system XPENG, known for its EVs, held its 2024 AI Day event, showcasing cutting-edge AI innovations. One of the standout reveals was the humanoid robot, Iron. Standing 5'8" tall and weighing 154 pounds (70 kilograms), Iron is already operational, working on Xpeng's production lines. This robot is tasked with assembling the upcoming P7+ electric vehicle, highlighting its practical role beyond just display. Although little details are available, Xpeng's specially designed Turing AI chip is known to power the robot. With more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of flexibility, Iron can precisely handle delicate parts and carry out intricate activities like walking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIjJ00HYCcM&pp=ygUgaHVtYW5vaWQgaW50ZXJlc3RpbmcgZW5naW5lZXJpbmc%3D Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key part of Iron's intelligence is the Turing AI chip, which has a 40-core CPU and is intended for AI-intensive jobs like robots, autos, and even flying automobiles. According to the company, the Turing chip can process AI models with 30 billion parameters and finished more than 2,700 functional verifications in 40 days, which is three times the industry benchmark for development efficiency. Because of this, Iron is able to think and adjust to different tasks, providing flexibility and human-like decision-making. Eyeing expansion Xpeng's goals go much beyond manufacturing facilities. According to the business, Iron will be utilized as a personal assistant for duties like administration and customer service in retail establishments, offices, and even residences. Because of its expansive outlook, Xpeng faces competition from other tech behemoths, such as Tesla, whose own Optimus robot employs comparable autonomous driving technologies. Some industry criticisms have been made, and Xpeng has been accused of having designs that are comparable to those of other robotics companies. Furthermore, Xpeng unveiled the Kunang super-electric system, a cutting-edge engine that maximizes energy conversion to boost efficiency and increase EV range. Designed on an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform, integrates a 5C ultra-charging AI battery with a hybrid silicon carbide coaxial electric drive for enhanced efficiency and reliability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVcQp-WQbF0&pp=ygUdcm9ib3QgaW50ZXJlc3RpbmcgZW5naW5lZXJpbmc%3D According to the firm, the advanced system includes an ultra-quiet range extender with noise levels as low as 1 dB and AI-driven power optimization that enables smooth transitions between pure electric and range-extended driving modes. With rapid-charging capabilities, Kunpeng adds about 0.62 miles (1 km) of range per second, achieving 80 percent charge in just 12 minutes. XPENG's S5 liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging station also delivers speeds of over 0.6 miles per second (1 kilometer per second). The system is equipped with an AI Battery Doctor that actively monitors each battery, enhancing battery health and extending lifespan by up to 30 percent. Xpeng is also venturing into flying cars, with hybrid models scheduled for release in 2026. With a strong focus on AI, robotics, and autonomous technology, Xpeng is positioning itself to be a global leader in tech. By next year, the firm aims to expand into 60 countries and advance rapidly in industries beyond EVs. The Chinese military has increased its provocative flights around Taiwan by 300% over the last five months, according to the commander of the U.S. Air Forces in the Indo-Pacific Command. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Gen. Kevin Schneider warned that Peoples Liberation Air Force activities have increased dramatically since Taiwans new president was inaugurated in May. Whether its coming into the air defense identification zone or crossing the center line within the Taiwan Strait, since the inauguration we have seen a 300% increase in those air activities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From May 2023 until November 2023, China violated Taiwans air defense identification zone 335 times, according to figures released by Taiwans Ministry of National Defense compiled by NBC News. During that same timeframe this year, China violated that same airspace at least 1,085 times, more than three times as many as the previous year. During some months, the difference was even more pronounced. In July 2023, for example, 50 Chinese aircraft violated Taiwan's air defense zone. In July 2024, 210 did, more than four times as many. Schneider noted that the Chinese Air Force has maintained the increased activity level since Lai Ching-te was sworn in on May 20. Beijing, which views Lai as a separatist and a troublemaker, claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a view Lai and his government reject. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., defended the flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PLAs relevant drills are a necessary and legitimate move to crack down on Taiwan independence separatist forces and their separatist activities and send a warning to external interference and provocations, said Liu Pengyu. It is fully consistent with international law and common practices. Schneider oversees more than 46,000 airmen in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. He said the biggest challenge he faces comes from Beijing, which is building a massive rocket force, an air force, a submarine force and a cyber force, and using these forces to intimidate other nations in the region. Its the behaviors that have gone along with that, he said, its the bullying, the aggressiveness. My assessment is its a pressurization campaign designed to win without fighting, and I think just to continue to impose costs, physical or otherwise, to present a fait accompli to the world, he added. Not just to Taiwan, but to the world that Beijing can accomplish their objectives, and they continue to ramp up their activities, military activities, in conjunction with diplomatic activities, informational activities, economic activities, to win without fighting. Taiwanese President William Lai arrives at a naval base for a visit, in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on Oct. 18. Will Trump defend Taiwan? Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that he intends to unify Taiwan with mainland China and has steadily ramped up military pressure on democratically governed Taiwan. U.S. intelligence officials say Xi has directed his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CIA Director William Burns has publicly said that does not mean Xi will invade in 2027, but its a reminder of the seriousness of his focus and ambition. U.S. officials have pointed to 2027 as a possible inflection point for conflict between China and Taiwan, a year that now falls in President-elect Donald Trumps second term in office. Trump has not committed to defending Taiwan during a Chinese military invasion. Taiwan should pay us for defense, he told Bloomberg Businessweek in July. You know, were no different than an insurance company. While Trump has repeatedly characterized the relationship as transactional, some senior advisers in his first term were among the most strident supporters of Taiwan, revising the process for arms sales to Taiwan and increasing the sales during Trumps administration, which also sent high-level officials to Taiwan. Both actions increased tensions between Washington and Beijing under President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear how President-elect Trump will work with President Xi over the next four years. But the two have spoken since Trump won the 2024 election, according to the Chinese government, which quoted Xi as telling Trump that the two nations must find a way to get along. A current U.S. official said the relationship between the two nations during President Joe Bidens term in office was also marked by tensions but made progress in some areas in recent years. China for sure thought theyd be back into a much better relationship with the Biden administration, and have been sorely disappointed, said a senior U.S. official who tracks Chinese politics. A screen grab captured from a video shows the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command launching large-scale joint military exercises around Taiwan with naval vessels and military aircraft in China on May 24, 2024. Gen. Schneider said the timing for possible action in 2027 by China is still unclear, but he warned that their behavior has grown more aggressive and that China is operating farther and farther away from mainland China, both in the air and at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their goal is to push the U.S. out of the region while building their military capabilities, which Schneider said Beijing learned from the U.S. militarys operations in the Middle East. We had the ability to take our time, to bring our forces into the theater, to build up large bases, to build up our capability, and then at the time of our choosing, when we had the advantages of mass in place, was to be able to determine when we would go to conduct our operations, he said. I assess that Beijing has recognized that, and now that they are building this capability to prevent us from ever being able to do that and replicating it. Gen. Schneider said adversaries in the region could try to test a new Trump administration in its early days. Regardless of which party wins, this is where the opportunist part comes in, that actors in the region may seek to challenge a new administration. Its something that we on the military side are ready for, and we continue to provide options back to our national leadership, he said. Either to prevent or to deal with someone that would provide a test for a new administration early in your career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Schneider added, the U.S. is still focused on preventing conflict in the region. We continue to deter effectively. And for over 80 years, the peace, the relative peace and stability of this region, has been underwritten by the presence of the United States military and that of our partners and allies, and we will continue to do that, he said. And if that peace, stability and security is unilaterally upended by anyone in the region, then we will react, and we will react with a network of allies and partners that is incredibly capable. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The first example of Chinas mysterious CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone seems to have been revealed, although with a somewhat different look compared to previous mockups, and a very impressive size. This points to Chinas accelerated efforts to develop low-observable, long-endurance drones and while this one appears to be tailored for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR), there have long been claims that it will also undertake strike missions as an uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Video and stills released by Chinese state media today show the drone on a so-far unidentified runway, taxiing down it day and night although we dont see it in the air. The yellow-colored coat of primer is frequently seen on Chinese aircraft during its test phase. Meanwhile, a pair of apparent air data probes on the leading edges of the wing point to this being a prototype or perhaps a pre-production machine. The apparent CH-7 prototype on the runway. via Chinese Internet At this point, it should be stressed that we dont know for sure that this is the CH-7, but it certainly seems like the best fit and has been identified as such by various Chinese aerospace observers. There is also a possibility that we are seeing computer-generated images, or at least computer-enhanced ones, but there is nothing that would point conclusively to this being the case at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), specifically by its 11th Research Institute, the CH-7 (or Caihong-7, meaning Rainbow-7) is a high-altitude UCAV that is widely understood to be optimized for penetrating deep into hostile airspace. It would achieve this through a combination of a low-observable (stealth) design and flying at very high altitudes, leading it to operate for extended periods of time without ever being detected. A close-up view of the apparent CH-7 prototype on the runway. via Chinese Internet The CH-7 has also gone through several different iterations since it was first revealed, with the design being progressively adapted. The drone was first unveiled in the form of a full-scale mockup at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai. At this point, it looked very much like a Chinese clone of the Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAV, with the same modified cranked kite wing, although it featured canted wingtips instead of the triangular wingtip edges found on the U.S. aircraft. Visitors take pictures of the mockup of the CH-7 at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, in the Guangdong province of southern China, on November 6, 2018. WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images WANG ZHAO Another view of the CH-7 mockup at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai. WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images Liang Xu Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the CH-7 appeared again in model from at Zhuhai, for Airshow China 2022, it now had redesigned wing flaps, sharper canted wingtips, and a longer central engine nacelle hump. In the process, the dimensions of the drone also changed. In its 2018 form, published figures included a wingspan of 22 meters (72 feet), while the 2022 model represented a drone with a wingspan of 26 meters (85 feet). Other published specifications, which remain provisional, include a length of 10 meters (33 feet), a maximum takeoff weight of 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds), a maximum speed of 926 km/h (575 mph), and an endurance of up to 15 hours. These all apply to the 2022 version of the drone. The revised mockup of the CH-7 at Airshow China 2022, on November 6, 2022. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images YANG SHUGUANG Otherwise, key features of the CH-7 include a dorsally-mounted intake for a so-far unidentified turbofan engine and an internal payload bay for weapons and sensors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest video, the drones wing appears less sharply swept than on the 2022 model. It also seems that the drone has grown in size, at least based on a rough comparison of the landing gear and the engine exhaust aperture with those on the mock-ups. Notable features when looking at the rear aspect of the drone in its latest version include prominent gaps inboard of the trailing-edge flaps, where the wing meets the blended body section. It is likely a temporary configuration and a gap-filler would fill this section. A slot-like low-observable platypus engine exhaust, with the nozzle fully concealed from most angles of view is also visible. Engine exhausts are among the most notoriously complicated elements of developing any stealth aircraft, crewed or uncrewed, something that we have seen played out in the development of the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B, or Hunter-B UCAV, another flying wing design with clear stealth aspirations. Interestingly, the CH-7 in its latest form bears a striking resemblance to at least some unofficial artwork of the U.S. Air Forces secretive so-called RQ-180, a high-altitude, long-endurance stealth drone that you can read more about here. While we know very little about the RQ-180 even its designation is unconfirmed its almost certainly a large, flying-wing aircraft with slender wings and an overall design based around very low-observable (stealth) requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2018, a corporate video from CASC said the CH-7 was due to begin flight tests in 2019, with production to commence by 2022 although its unclear if either of these targets were met. On the other hand, its also possible that imagery released today dates back several years. Earlier this year, Chinese state-owned media reported the CH-7 had completed testing and was scheduled to complete development in 2024. This would suggest it had also completed the flight-test program, something were yet to see evidence of. China has meanwhile been busy with a growing portfolio of stealthy drones, developing new ones as well as refining the low-observable characteristics of existing platforms like the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, testing of which continues apace. But the CH-7 program is of particular interest since it is concerned with a UCAV thats apparently designed to penetrate deep into hostile airspace at high altitudes. According to official statements, it should also be able to strike strategic targets, as well as bring back critical intelligence. The GJ-11 in its revised, more stealthy form, while on parade in October 2019. China Military When it was unveiled, the CH-7 was described as a high-altitude, long-endurance stealth combat drone. Its chief designer Shi Wen said the aircraft would be able to fly long hours, scout, and strike the target when necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in its current iteration, the ISR mission appears to be the primary one. This is backed up by the high-altitude specification, which would make the drone ideal for peering into very high defended areas and also strike targets of opportunity if configured to do so. A production version of the CH-7 would also appear to have particular relevance in a naval context, as it could range far out over the Pacific, keeping tabs on enemy ships and providing targeting data for ground-based long-range missiles, for example, as well as missile-toting warships and bombers. An inert air-launched anti-ship ballistic missile under the wing of a Chinese H-6K bomber. via Chinese internet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, this underscores the fact that China has embraced the concept of very stealthy uncrewed aircraft for independent strike missions, a category of platform that is, as far as we know, absent from the U.S. military. You can read all about the implications of this reality in this special feature of ours. While the CH-7 will very likely find a place within the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) order of battle, its also very noteworthy that the design like the rest of the diverse Caihong series has also been pitched for export. It isnt clear if this enlarged variant would still be up for international sale, but if it is, it would offer a capability nobody else is selling on the advanced arms market. In the past, and despite questions being raised about the quality of certain Chinese drone exports, Beijing has firmly established itself as a major global purveyor of uncrewed air vehicles, including armed ones. Another view of the original CH-7 mockup at Zhuhai in 2018. via Chinese Internet Chinas ambitious positioning and its undoubted commercial success in this regard is all the more significant when we consider export restrictions placed on this kind of technology by the United States. In particular, the Missile Technology Control Regime limits exports of missiles and other uncrewed vehicles, meaning armed versions of the MQ-9 Reaper family, for example, are only sold to the closest U.S. allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States, and other Western nations, are not currently able to offer for export a stealthy UCAV like the CH-7, even if the political conditions were met. For China, this is not a problem, although we dont know exactly how long it will take to complete development of the CH-7, much less get it into the hands of a potential customer. On the other hand, the CH-7 is a drone thats an entirely different scale than those it has exported before, with much more advanced capabilities, which might also limit such opportunities. Ultimately, China may decide to keep its sensitive capabilities to itself. It is also possible a less capable and possibly smaller variant could be offered for export. Whatever the status of the CH-7 program at this point, it remains highly intriguing, with the potential to provide China with a class of multi-role drones that may well not have any other direct competitor. Above all else, imagery of the drone provides yet more evidence of the Chinas rapid pace of development when it comes to stealthy unmanned aircraft, as well as drones of all types. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com (Bloomberg) -- China wants a deal with US President-elect Donald Trump but doesnt expect the path to an agreement will be easy, according to an adviser to the Foreign Ministry in Beijing. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Chinese side a deal is desirable, said Wu Xinbo, director at Fudan Universitys Center for American Studies in Shanghai, who led a group of experts in Chinas Foreign Ministry to meet politicians and business executives in the US earlier this year. We dont want to have a trade war. We all understand Trumps style he will try to utilize his leverage to keep pushing China, Wu told Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Caixin summit in Beijing. It takes time, and it takes wrestling between the two sides. During his campaign, Trump threatened to put tariffs of as much as 60% on Chinese goods, a level that Bloomberg Economics said will decimate trade between the worlds biggest economies. Wu said tariffs are the number one issue for China, including those that are still in place from the first Trump administration. He said a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders should be arranged as soon as possible, preferably before Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to get a sense of whats on his mind, Wu said, adding that the two sides need to start addressing each others concerns. Wu didnt elaborate on where such a meeting might take place, but said if there was a willingness to meet on both sides, then such issues would be just tactical. Since Chinese officials rarely veer off the official script, the comments from Wu an influential voice on relations between the worlds biggest economies offer a glimpse into how Beijing is viewing Trumps comeback. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday that Chinas policy toward the US is consistent and will continue to be handled with the principles of mutual respect and cooperation. One potential bright spot for China is Trumps growing affiliation with Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. The billionaire has extensive business interests in China and donated $130 million to the Trump campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Wu said Musk and other prominent business figures have their limitations when it comes to the president-elect. Trump is Trump, Wu said. He has to balance different voices on his team. Trumps victory represents more of a challenge than an opportunity, Wu said. Thats not just because of his style, but also because some of the names mentioned for his administration cant be considered rational hawks, making for more difficult negotiations this time around. If a trade war does erupt, Beijing would have no choice but to respond and retaliate, Wu said. I hope this time our approach will be more effective, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Jing Li. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Chinese effort to hack prominent Americans is far more pervasive than previously reported, ABC News has learned. Sources told ABC News that U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials are concerned the espionage operation by the Chinese government may have been in place for well over a year -- and perhaps longer -- before it was recently discovered. The Chinese appear to have been able to gather large volumes of data in a sweeping covert campaign targeting the cellphones and mobile devices of business leaders and other high profile Americans of both political parties, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Cellphone of Trump's lead defense attorney compromised by Chinese hackers, sources say The evidence is mounting that in some cases the Chinese operation was able to tap into, or get access to, what cellphone users of Verizon, AT&T and Lumen were communicating. Authorities are trying to determine whether the Chinese were able to listen to conversations and watch text messages in real time, as they were occurring, or if they captured the material for review at a later time. Sources said that U.S. officials are only beginning to understand the breadth of the Chinese operation, but what they have found so far is deeply concerning and represents a massive breach of privacy on a disturbing scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The targets have included not only former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance, but also individuals working in a number of government agencies. PHOTO: Federal Bureau of Investigation seal on the Headquarters Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington, June 2, 2018. (STOCK PHOTO/Adobe Stock) The FBI is systematically contacting victims, sources said. Salt Typhoon, the name given to an advanced, persistent threat actor run by the Chinese government, is believed to be behind the operation. Intelligence officials suspect Salt Typhoon hackers exploited routers as a gateway to cellphones and mobile devices, and there is concern that Chinese capabilities for intrusion may have made significant advances. In a statement issued last month, Verizon representatives said, "We are aware that a highly sophisticated nation-state actor has reportedly targeted several U.S. telecommunications providers to gather intelligence. Along with federal law enforcement, industry peers and third-party cyber experts, we have been and are working to confirm, assess and remediate any potential impact. Verizon is committed to assisting law enforcement in this investigation." Representatives for AT&T and Lumen declined to comment. Chinese hacking effort is far more pervasive than previously reported, sources say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com By Lisa Barrington and Sophie Yu SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's new J-35A stealth fighter jet will be displayed for the first time next week at the country's biggest civil and military air show, a biennial event where Beijing showcases its expanding aerospace industry. The six-day China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition begins on Tuesday in the southern Greater Bay city of Zhuhai. The 2022 edition of the event led to about $40 billion in "cooperation agreements" being signed, according to its organisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developing domestic aerospace design and manufacturing capabilities is a major strategic priority for Beijing as it vies for regional military dominance with the U.S. amid escalating tensions around Taiwan and the South China Sea. China also seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign imports, a concern borne out after the election as the next U.S. president this week of Donald Trump, who has been vocal about increasing trade tariffs and decoupling supply chains from the world's second-largest economy. Alongside drones, weapons systems, aircraft and electronic warfare technologies, China's emerging role as a commercial airliner manufacturer through state-owned planemaker COMAC will be on display. FIGHTER JET Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the expected highlight of the show, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will reveal to the public the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's J-35A, which the air force last week described as a "medium-sized stealth multi-purpose fighter". Russia has also flown its most advanced fighter jet, the SU-57, to Zhuhai for its first air show abroad, in an apparent message to the West about China-Russia cooperation. The J-35A, which uses airstrips to take off and land, is a variant of the J-35, a stealthy aircraft China is developing for use on aircraft carriers. Little is known about its performance or capabilities, although it superficially resembles the Lockheed Martin F-35. The J-35 program is a follow-on from China's J-31 fighter, which made its public debut at the Zhuhai show in 2014 but was never used by the People's Liberation Army or sold to foreign customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomats and security analysts have closely watched the evolution of J-35 variants given the importance of the plane to China's aircraft carrier program, which seeks to expand jets' range and payload to project power beyond China's home waters. Monday marks the 75th anniversary of the PLAAF, which will have its largest presence at the air show, Xinhua news agency has reported. COMAC This year's Zhuhai air show is its first post-pandemic edition since Beijing lifted its zero-COVID policy and travel restrictions in 2023. Airbus and the world's third-largest planemaker, Embraer, will have a presence at the show, but Boeing will not be officially represented after new CEO Kelly Ortberg halted travel to industry events as the troubled U.S. manufacturer recovers from a damaging seven-week workers' strike that ended this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has invested heavily in developing home-grown commercial planes, and engines that one day may replace the foreign versions that currently power COMAC's jets. COMAC-watchers will, in particular, be paying attention to a possible re-branding of the company's ARJ21 regional jet, after one was spotted by aviation enthusiasts in mid-October at a Chinese airport with C909 painted on its blue tail, instead of ARJ21. Although largely symbolic, the change - which would align with the manufacturer's naming convention for its other models - signals Beijing's growing intention to present itself as a full-scale alternative to Airbus and Boeing, which are both struggling to keep up with demand. Industry sources say COMAC is a long way off from making inroads internationally without benchmark certifications from the EU - which COMAC is pursuing for its C919 airliner - or the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, competing with Western engines poses one of the most daunting challenges for China's rising aerospace industry, even after a spate of industrial problems in the West. Even so, Chinese manufacturers will benefit from the sheer scale of their domestic market, analysts say. China is the world's second-largest domestic aviation market after the U.S. Boeing has said China will more than double its commercial airplane fleet and need 8,830 new planes by 2043. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington, Sophie Yu, Gerry Doyle, Greg Torode and Tim Hepher; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Fresh off positive election results this week, including defeating two constitutional amendments on abortion and marijuana he campaigned heavily against, Gov. Ron DeSantis is heading to Italy on a trade mission. The trip is designed to boost economic development in Florida and trade with the European country. DeSantis, several heads of state agencies, university leaders and 85 members of varied Florida industries will leave Monday and return Friday. Italy and Florida share a special relationship as peninsular entities with many shared industries, and I was grateful that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited our Florida delegation to visit, DeSantis said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This mission will strengthen ties between our state and their nation and bring new and increased opportunities and investments to Florida." DeSantis is of Italian heritage and had a phone call with Meloni, the conservative Italian leader, in January 2023, months before he jumped into the race for the GOP nomination for President. The trip is designed to boost economic development in Florida and trade with the European country. According to Select Florida, the group organizing the mission, Florida did $4.5 billion in trade with Italy in 2023, the 14th-most among countries. The trip comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to form his new administration ahead of his inauguration in January. He has pledged to install a 10%-20% tariff on most foreign goods, with the tariffs being higher for some countries, such as China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis itinerary will take him to Rome, Viareggio (a seaside city in Tuscany), Florence, Turin, and Milan. Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly also said in a statement that opportunities for mutual cooperation and growth are plentiful because Italy is Floridas 14th largest trade partner internationally, and both boast strong military defense, aerospace, marine, life sciences, and health technology industries. In addition to Kelly, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long, Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Florida State University President Richard McCullough, New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran and University of South Florida President Rhea Law will make the trip as well. Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, others heading to Italy on trade mission HAIKOU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Officials and experts from home and abroad have called for the high-quality construction of national parks at an international symposium in south China's Hainan Province. The 2024 International Symposium on Tropical Rainforest National Park opened Thursday in Baisha Li Autonomous County of Hainan, under the theme "Conserving Tropical Rainforests: Harmonious Coexistence with Nature." The event saw the attendance of more than 130 delegates, who conducted in-depth discussions on topics such as the protection and restoration of national parks, the path to realize the value of ecological products, the protection and research of flagship species and more. Setting up national parks is "a major measure for China to promote natural and ecological protection, build a beautiful China, and promote a harmonious coexistence between man and nature," said Deng Weiqiang, secretary of the Baisha Li Autonomous County Committee of the Communist Party of China. Theresa Mundita Lim, executive director of ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, said that Hainan is home to rich tropical rainforests and mountainous landscapes where biodiversity thrives. However, she also noted that it "shares the vulnerability to climate change impacts experienced by Southeast Asian neighbors." This symposium "provides a valuable opportunity for us to engage in discussions on best practices in rainforest conservation and national park management," she said. "Facing the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity gives us more reasons to learn from each other and work together." Jonathan Jarvis, former director of the U.S. National Park Service, talked about the diversified categories of funding for national parks around the world and shared his thoughts on funding and finance for China's national parks. "China has a very long history of urban parks and understanding the value of nature," he said. "This could be a significant source of funding for the parks in China." In 2021, China established its first batch of national parks, spanning a protected land area of 230,000 square km. These parks, including National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, are home to nearly 30 percent of the country's key terrestrial wildlife species. AUSTIN (KXAN) After Austin City Council passed a resolution in May directing the city manager to make it easier for Austin residents to get flood insurance and better educate the public about flood risk, the city released its response to that resolution Wednesday. Its not a matter of if, but when we have the next big flooding event. We know that living in Central Texas we are flash flood alley, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes said. So we can expect to have another significant flooding event in the near future. Austin City Council members propose resolution for flood insurance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a memo, the Watershed Protection Department said it has been actively engaging with the community for the past two and a half years through the ongoing initiative to update the departments Strategic Plan, Rain to River. You can also find information on how to prepare for floods from the Watershed Protection District here. The memo also walked through each of the items listed in the resolution brought forward by Fuentes. Heres some of what was in their response. Insurance affordability Austin City Council allocated $100,000 from the general fund to start a pilot program that could provide financial assistance to lower-income homeowners, to assist them in purchasing federal flood insurance, and start a deductible sharing program, local flood insurance voucher, or subsidy program to supplement flood insurance premiums. The Austin Watershed Department has started working with the Housing Department to make that pilot a reality, according to the memo, but also noted challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A core challenge is that strategies that only address up-front insurance costs do not directly reduce flood risk and could encourage people to remain in flood-prone areas even when that is not recommended, the memo said. It also noted that drainage charge revenue is statutorily prohibited from being used to subsidize premiums or deductibles. Still, the Watershed Protection District said it was working with the Housing Department to get the pilot off the ground. We do want to assist them in some way in the short-term, so we are not necessarily opposed to offering assistance, but it also has an unintended consequence of encouraging people to stay in a place where there could be flooding, said Ramesh Swaminathan, assistant director of Austins Watershed Protection Department. The city of Austin also supported the idea of bringing on a new full-time employee to help with its Community Rating System (CRS) rating, which can earn you discounts on your flood insurance policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watershed Protection District staff noted that while they welcomed the help of additional staff, more is needed to get further reductions in CRS rating. Austin recently secured a class 5 CRS rating, resulting in premium discounts of up to 25% for many flood insurance policyholders, the memo said. The top rating is 1. Of the 73 cities in Texas participating in the CRS program, only two cities have a rating better than 5, and only ten have a rating of 5, including Austin. Nationwide, less than 2% of participating cities have a rating better than 5. Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) While the proposal from city council recommended developing early warning systems and signage or signals at flood-prone areas, the city noted that it already has a program in place for that called FEWS. FEWS includes 16 flashing beacons at low-water crossings across Austin and has an extensive network of rain and stream gages, cameras, automatic traffic gates, flashing beacons, and publicly accessible website information to continuously monitor and communicate to the public about the threat of severe rainfall events in Austin. It also participates in public pop-up events and conducts interagency tabletop exercises to improve flood response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city did say static signage was being inventoried. I think the ask is to essentially to see if they can do anything more for certain populations, certain people who are more impacted. And understandably, weve had some really interesting climate events that have happened the last few years, said Swaminathan. Educating the public While the resolution asked the Watershed Protection District to conduct ongoing public education surrounding flooding and flood insurance, WPD says it already does that too. WPD hosts a variety of year-round Flood Safety Awareness and Preparedness activities to educate and engage Austinites about the dangers of flooding and how to stay safe and be prepared before, during, and after a flood occurs, the memo says. WPD staff also informs the public about flood insurance and floodplain boundary changes and works to enhance engagement with previously under-engaged communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That campaign includes paid advertisements in English and Spanish, emergency alerts during heavy rainfall, an annual flood safety video contest, promotion of Austins flood safety awareness week and other events, the memo said. The department also has a flood safety awareness week which will happen in April, the memo said. Whats important is that folks are informed and aware of where they can go for more information, how to ensure that they themselves and their family are safe during flooding events and then also just ensuring that people can afford to live in our city, Fuentes said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SALEM, Ohio (WKBN)- Salem City Council will appeal a ruling dealing with the annexation of part of Perry Township. That decision was made Wednesday night. The city wants an acre of land on Beechwood Road annexed into the city. The property owners have been fighting it in court. The homeowners won a ruling last month when Columbiana County Commissioners denied the annexation. Council had 30 days to appeal, and have now done that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Clark County residents have voiced concerns after a sheriffs lieutenants social media post came to light. In those posts, the lieutenant states he will not help anyone who voted for the Democratic party. Lt. John Rodgers has been placed on leave since making those social media posts. They were made before the election, and the sheriffs office says they are taking this matter seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicide detectives investigating 2 killed in shooting 2 NEWS obtained Rodgers personnel files and in those files, the sheriffs office was made aware of a series of social media posts. One of those posts read: I am sorry, if you support the Democrat party, I will not help you. Another reads: At the end of the day, I will require you to provide proof of who you voted for if you ask me for help. Weapons and ammo are not cheap. A letter from Rodgers addressed to a Major in the Clark County Sheriffs Office states that the posts might have been made due to a side effect of a sleep medication that he has used. The sheriffs office released an updated statement on the situation, saying: Since the discovery of the post, we have been actively reviewing the situation and engaging in discussions with community partners on the impact of both the comment and the biases that were on display. Our concerns for this post and behavior were taken very seriously and our attention and energy remained focused on a resolution that would acknowledge that disconnect we had for such unprofessional conduct. It is believed that much of the public thought we dismissed the conduct and gave him a slap on the wrist but that was NOT factual and not the intended message. In addition, we were also meeting with Lt. Rodgers and identifying the proper way to address this behavior, and the reported prescribed medication effects. The determination of the written reprimand was deemed appropriate based on his reported prescribed medication, quick rebuke of the post and disassociation with that belief, and no awareness of previous conduct of this nature for the social media policy violation. During 20 plus years as a Sheriffs Deputy, it was believed that this conduct was out of the norm and that other contributing factors existed. After the issuance of the personnel action, the administration still had awareness that more action was necessary. We have solicited feedback, engaged in open and honest communications, and worked on dedicated resources to hold his actions accountable and address any underlining issues that exist that could lead to future actions. Furthermore, training opportunities were researched to identify deliberate and effective means to understand explicit and implicit biases and the problems they manifest. Many of the comments shared with our office have called for the termination of Lt. Rodgers and that while the public feels to be the only appropriate remedy, we must disagree with that administrative finding based on multiple factors. Lt Rodgers is currently on leave at this time and upon his return will begin the follow up training and work sanctions that will pave the way for delivery of law enforcement service that is fair and impartial that is demanded and required. Until we are satisfied that he has successfully completed his training & performance improvement plan, he will be on work restrictions. We standfast in our advancement of diversity, equality, inclusion with our workforce and within our community at the Sheriffs Office. Statement from the Clark County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being a Democrat, it didnt make me feel more unsafe. I just feel unsafe about the state of the nation, and the angriness, said Marsha Roof, Clark County resident. Police investigating inappropriate relationship report from MVCTC Roof says that while the post shocked her, she hoped the lieutenant would be able to safely get off the medication if it did lead to the posts. I think its awful, but at the same time, if he is talking about taking medication, I do know a friend that did weird things so Id rather give him the benefit of the doubt, said Roof. In a letter from the Sheriff that was sent to Rodgers, the office has asked him to stop taking the medication, stating that the medication significantly impairs his ability to fulfill the requirements of his post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities are trying to identify a man and a woman accused of robbing a Vancouver bank on Thursday while wearing medical masks. At about 4:40 p.m., deputies were sent to the bank on reports of a robbery, the Clark County Sheriffs Office said. Oregon awarded $40M in Kroger opioid settlement Employees at the Umpqua Bank on Northeast 134th Street reported the robbery. The masked man implied he had a gun. He and his accomplice, the masked woman, left the bank with an unknown amount of cash, the sheriffs office said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man is described as having long brown hair, a Carhartt-type jacket and a black sweatshirt. The woman is described as having brown hair, a grayish headband, a pink jacket and a cross bag. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Clark County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Clarksburg City Council on Thursday passed an ordinance prohibiting homeless people from sleeping on public property. (City of Clarksburg YouTube) The city of Clarksburg has approved an ordinance prohibiting homeless people from sleeping on its streets. Clarksburg City Council voted 4-2 to approve the camping ban Thursday. Its at least the second municipality in West Virginia to pass such an ordinance since the Supreme Court ruled this summer that a similar ban in Grants Pass, Oregon does not violate the constitutions prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Morgantown passed a camping ban in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in a third West Virginia city, Bluefield, are expected to vote on a camping ban proposal next week. At least 23 U.S. towns and cities considered or passed such a ban in the two months after the high courts ruling, one analysis found. Clarksburgs camping ban prohibits camping on streets, parks or trails, public property and private property without permission. It also prohibits storage of personal property in public areas. Penalties for violating the ordinance are fines of up to $500 for a third offense, but do not include jail time. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia previously wrote to Clarksburg that its camping ban likely violates residents civil rights and liberties. During Thursdays meeting, ACLU executive director Eli Baumwell cautioned city council members that the Supreme Courts ruling was decided on narrow grounds and that camping bans are still legally suspect. He was among several people who spoke against the ordinance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this law passes, we will be examining it, and exploring potential challenges, Baumwell said. But I didnt come up here to threaten litigation. I came up to remind you that while Grants Pass may have suggested that you could, nowhere does it say you should, and you shouldnt. He said the ordinance attacks one of the Constitutions most basic freedoms, the right to exist in public spaces. Council members voted down an amendment that would have required officials to provide encampments 24 hours notice before enforcing the ordinances. They approved an amendment making the ordinance effective Jan. 1, 2025 instead of upon passage. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Last month, Clarksburg City Council passed a first reading and consideration of an ordinance prohibiting camping on public property and unauthorized private property, and on Thursday the ordinance was passed in front of a crowd of more than 50 people. The council held its second and final reading of the camping ordinance, and passed it with amendments, prohibiting camping on public and private property. The council also passed an ordinance to permit property owners and tenants to authorize the Clarksburg Police Department to enforce trespassing laws. Several residents spoke out during the meeting about prohibiting camping on public and private land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im opposed to the camping because its un-American, and its inhumane. We already have laws preventing littering, trespassing, misbehavior, all the things that they claim to be concerned about and claim to solve this camping, we have laws for them already. This policy is redundant and is clearly targeted, Clarksburg resident Maelee Henderson said. One of the amendments to the ordinance is that police will place a notice to vacate within 24 hours at an encampment. The second and third amendments refer to the start date for the ordinance, which is set to be Jan. 1, 2025 or such time as an emergency shelter is open within the city and accepting new entrants, whichever is later. If the effective date is determined to be after Jan. 1, 2025, the city clerk will record the new date in the citys records. Previous coverage Under the ordinance, first-time offenders will be given a written warning describing the violation and provided information on seeking a proper shelter. Second-time offenders will receive a fine of no more than $200. Offenders who have a third incident within 12 months of the first violation will be fined no more than $500. Each day a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This problem didnt just begin. Everybodys talking like we just need time. How much time does it take? At some point, we are responsible parties to do something. You know, when these individuals go out to clean up one of these encampments, theyre not going out with these little pickers. They have to go out with the equipment to clean up these encampments. This isnt camping, said Clarksburg Councilman Marc Jackson. Jackson added that he has a photo he took in March 2010 documenting an encampment under the 4th Street bridge. Here we are now in 2024, and this problem in time hasnt gotten better, folks, he said. Unless a person who violates the ordinance is offered proper shelter and refuses it, a citation or criminal charge will not be issued. In this case, the city offers an alternative indoor or outdoor location where a person may shelter overnight, which may include an emergency shelter. This is another tool that we are giving our police department, but it also opens up opportunity for us to engage and work with the homeless population and to provide them with other outlets, to continue working with the resources that are in the city that we were already working with this, Clarksburg Vice Mayor Jerry Riffle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarksburg Police Chief Mark Kiddy spoke during the meeting and said that right now, if he or another officer finds an encampment, he goes in and tells people living in the encampment that they need to move. Officers then check back in a day or two. Kiddy also said that a lot of times, encampments are vacant during daylight hours. In a statement last month, the West Virginia American Civil Liberties Union said the proposed ordinance could violate the civil liberties and rights of Clarksburg residents. The statement also urged the city to provide low-barrier housing options and better mental health care to the unhoused. Our constitutional rights are based on the idea of personal freedom, and this law attacks of the most basic freedoms, the right to merely exist in public spaces, Interim Executive Director of the ACLU of West Virginia Eli Baumwell said. What you are proposing is particularly repugnant when you realize youre attacking people who are unable to go anywhere else. Representatives from the ACLU of West Virginia also said during the meeting that they are concerned that the process of the ordinance was disjointed and not transparent. They added that citizens could not see the ordinance without contacting the city office to obtain a copy of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) A SECURE order was temporarily issued at Austin Community College (ACC) Thursday evening after a reported shooting near its Eastview Campus. The college said all exterior doors were locked with heavy police activity in the area. Police later issued an All-Clear for the campus, and the SECURE order was lifted, according to ACC. According to the Austin Police Department, there was a shooting near Bedford Street and Webberville Road, and one person was taken to the hospital with injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the initial call reporting the shooting came in around 4:35 p.m. According to APD, it is actively investigating the incident. During the SECURE order, the campus locked all exterior doors and instructed students and staff to remain inside. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Scientists aboard a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker have discovered something unusual in the Arctic Ocean: a volcano-like structure off the coast of Alaska. They say its rising more than 500 meters from the seafloor, and it might be emitting gas. The group was on the Cutter Healy, which is homeported in Seattle and is the Coast Guards only icebreaker specifically designed to support research. The scientists were on a mission to better understand uncharged waters in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas at the time. The trip was part of a bigger study called the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study. The projects goal is to chart a Coast Guard-proposed preferred vessel route from Utqiagvik, Alaska, to the demarcation point of the border between the U.S. and Canada. The discovery came during the missions first phase. The Coast Guard says the structure is approximately 1,600 meters below the surface at its shallowest depth and poses no risk to navigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A NOAA team from the Fairweather, an Alaska-based hydrographic survey vessel, joined the science party aboard Healy to support mapping the coastal waters. They used multibeam echo sounders to provide highly accurate depths and detailed images of the sea floor and objects along the corridor. Although data analysis is ongoing, these findings are exciting and offer insight into what may exist beneath the oceans surface, much of which is unknown in this region, said Captain Meghan McGovern, Commanding Officer of NOAA Ship Fairweather. The coordination and partnerships during this mission fill critical gaps in the region for all waterway users and provide a foundation for safe navigation in the Arctic. Apart from the discovery, the mission also involved training young scientists. These events will be remembered for the rest of their lives, not only by all citizens of Azerbaijan, but also by tens of millions of Azerbaijanis around the world. I am referring to the final stage of the 44-day war, its last days. Exactly four years ago, on the afternoon of November 7, the President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, made the traditional, heart-stopping appeal to the Azerbaijani people, one that had been eagerly awaited by all. He announced the capture of the villages of Yukhara Veysalli, Yukhara Seidakhmedli, Korgan, Mahmudlu 3, Qajar, Divanalylar in the Fuzuli district, Yukhara Mazra, Yanarhaj in the Jabrayil district, Kazyan, Bala Soltanli, Mardanli in the Kubatli district, Beshdali in the Zangilan district, Karabulak, Moshkhmaat in the Khojaly (formerly Askeran) district, and Atagut and Tsakuri in the Khojavend district. It is noteworthy that this was the first time since September 27 that Azerbaijan announced the capture of villages in the Khojaly region. The enemy was broken, but still resisted. The Armenian side even brought in militants from different parts of the world. On the evening of November 7, 2020, a group of militants from Abkhazia arrived in Karabakh to support the Armenian occupiers. However, these were futile attempts to prevent Azerbaijan's inevitable victory. On the same day, a correspondent for *Le Monde* reported from Khankendi that dozens of wounded soldiers had been taken to the city's hospital, and that "the defenders of Shusha were torn to shreds." According to the reporter, the remaining soldiers "came down from the mountains, exhausted, unsure if they would return to battle, throwing away their uniforms along the way." This poetic description from the French press captured the military and political fiasco not only of the Armenian leadership, but of the entire global Armenian community and their supporters. The reality on the ground, however, was that on the morning of November 7, Azerbaijani Special Forces launched an assault on Shusha from three directions, immediately engaging in intense street fighting. At that time, Armenian forces inside the city numbered more than two thousand soldiers, along with armored vehicles and heavy artillery. Yet, by the afternoon of November 7, the resistance of the Armenian forces had already been broken. On November 8, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev made the historic announcement in an address to the people from the Shehidlyar cemetery: "Dear compatriots, dear brothers and sisters! With boundless pride, I declare that the city of Shusha has been liberated from occupation! Our Shusha! Karabakh is ours! I sincerely congratulate the entire Azerbaijani people on this occasion! I sincerely congratulate all the residents of Shusha!" he proclaimed at the time. However, I would like to highlight the following words of our President: "To inform the Azerbaijani people about this on such a historic day is perhaps one of the happiest moments in my life," President Ilham Aliyev said. Indeed, no one can truly understand or appreciate the scale of emotions that overwhelmed one of the greatest political figures of our time at that moment. This was his personal, monumental victory a victory he had been striving for since the first days of his presidency. Ilham Aliyev completed a historic mission. He fulfilled the promise made to the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. He wiped away the tears of a million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons who had annually mourned the anniversary of the occupation of their land. He elevated Azerbaijan's status, proving to the world that our country is a powerful, established state capable of achieving any goal, even when opposed by leading world powers. These accomplishments are the result of President Ilham Aliyevs brilliant strategy. The essence of this strategy was to build a country with a strong economy, exceptional diplomacy, and a powerful, combat-ready army. But most importantly, the strategy of our President was to unite the nation. Regardless of their political beliefs, nationality, or religion, the citizens of Azerbaijan fought for the liberation of Karabakh and the triumph of justice. In the same way, all Azerbaijanis, at home and abroad, contributed to bringing the victory as close as possible. And so, on November 8, 2020, this was announced by the one who made the impossible possible, who realized the dream of all Azerbaijanis worldwide President Ilham Aliyev. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's top market regulator on Friday issued guidelines to strengthen regulations on antitrust behaviors pertaining to standard essential patents (SEP). The guidelines, unveiled by the State Administration for Market Regulation, consist of six chapters and 22 articles. The document has defined SEP-related concepts, put forth analysis principles for antitrust behaviors and established a set of supervision rules, among others. A standard essential patent is a patent that protects an invention essential to a particular technology standard. In the era of the digital economy, technology standardization plays an important role in enhancing product interconnectivity, promoting international and domestic trade and boosting economic growth. With rules clearly laid out, the guidelines will help promote fair market competition and protect the driving forces of industrial innovation and development, according to the administration. As SEP licensing covers a wide spectrum of industries and involves increasingly diverse entities and complex modes, antitrust supervision and enforcement are faced with challenges. The introduction of the guidelines will foster a well-regulated market environment that encourages innovation, promote China's high-level opening up and enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese industries, analysts said. FORT MONROE, Va. (WAVY) A search for what was believed to be a missing swimmer Friday off Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe in Hampton has been called off, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Lt. Luke Pinneo with the Coast Guard said they suspended the search, as it appears to be a suspected false alert. They had multiple boats, a helicopter and several officials searching by land. He said they concluded that it was a suspected false alert because there were no missing persons reported, no personal effects left on the beach and that there is no reason to believe there is a person in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Coast Guard and local EMS were searching for a missing swimmer Friday off Outlook Beach in Hampton, at Fort Monroe. An earlier Facebook post by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia gave a description of a person who they had believed to be missing. The search had started around 3:30 p.m. with help from Hampton EMS. Stay with WAVY for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Dusti Gurule, president and CEO of COLOR, speaks in celebration of Amendment 79's passage, enshrining abortion rights in the Colorado Constitution, at Number 38 in Denver on Nov. 5, 2024. (Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline) Leaders with Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom celebrated Amendment 79s passage Thursday, saying a constitutional amendment provides the most state protection of abortion rights possible. Amendment 79 enshrines the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and will allow state and local government employees to have abortion care covered by their health insurance. As of Thursday afternoon, about 62% of Colorado voters supported the measure. Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom is a coalition of abortion rights groups and other progressive organizations that led the campaign backing the amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Karen Middleton, president of reproductive rights group Cobalt, said the purpose of the amendment was to establish that abortion is health care, to prevent government overreach, to remove discriminatory barriers, and to ensure access to reproductive health care for all, not some. Middleton said Cobalt and another advocacy group, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, or COLOR, are already working on draft legislation to implement the amendment. Coloradans should have the freedom to make personal, private health care decisions, a right that shouldnt depend on ones profession, the source of their health insurance, or who is in office, Middleton said. Middleton said codifying abortion rights in the Colorado Constitution is the best way to protect patients and providers under a second Donald Trump presidency. Trump, the Republican former president and president-elect, appointed three of the conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices and has bragged about ending federal protections for abortion. Middleton said a constitutional amendment creates as much protection and buffer as we can possibly have as a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incoming president did say that he had taken this decision back to the states, and we would like to lean in on that message, Middleton said. If the states are making the decisions, Colorado has made this decision, and weve affirmed this protection in our Constitution. Dusti Gurule, president and CEO of COLOR, said the language of the ballot measure made it clear that state and local governments are prohibited from denying, impeding or discriminating against this right. She said there is still concern that Trump would try to interfere, but that advocates are prepared and were not going to stop fighting. Throughout all of this work, we have been very intentional about building a movement along with this, Gurule said. Nicole Hensel, executive director of New Era Colorado, a nonprofit that encourages young people to engage in the political process, said the amendment will protect public employees, health care providers, marginalized communities and people seeking abortions. She said her organization is basking in the glory of what youth turnout did on this measure and their continued support for reproductive rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since states around the country voted on ballot measures related to abortion this week, Hensel said its important that Colorados measure not only affirms a legal right, its actively removing barriers, and its actively pursuing equity, particularly for public employees. Gurule said the work supporting the right to abortion in Colorado is revolutionary and affects the whole countrys ecosystem. Shara Smith, CEO of Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, said the amendments passage is a victory for faith communities across Colorado because it ensures someones own faith and conscience guide their decisions when seeking reproductive health care, not the government or someone elses faith. In addition to the alliance, 10 faith organizations endorsed the measure. As an interfaith public policy and advocacy organization with over 400 faith families in our statewide network, representing over two dozen faith traditions, we know that the faith community is not monolithic when it comes to reproductive health care, Smith said. Amendment 79 ensures that no one faith or faction within one faith is determining the rights for everyone else. Over 125 organizations endorsed Amendment 79, and close to 200 individuals, including Colorado elected officials, Gurule said. She added that over 1,000 volunteers supported the campaign. By August, the campaign benefited from over $13 million between money raised by the campaign itself and organizations that supported the amendment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) Two corrections officers at the Columbiana County Jail are facing charges related to excessive force allegations. In two of the instances, inmates were sent to the hospital with injuries. David James Ferguson-Grantz, 26, was charged with two counts of assault for incidents on Sept. 18 and Set. 24. Clint Reynolds, Jr., 26, is charged with assault for an incident on Oct. 3. According to a report from the Columbiana County Sheriffs Office, an investigation began after Salems police chief reported that an inmate they arrested on a felonious assault charge was injured after arriving at the county jail. He said a corrections officer, later identified as Ferguson-Grantz, slammed the man to the floor, causing an injury to his face. The inmate had to go to the hospital as jail medical staff would not accept him into the jail until he was medically cleared, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inmate later told investigators that he was knocked unconscious when he hit the floor, and he had a black eye and a tooth that went into his upper lip. The report indicates that on Sept. 24, Ferguson-Grantz was involved in another incident with another inmate, which required the inmate to go to the hospital. The inmate was in the gym of the jail when he and another inmate got into a confrontation over hair clippers. Video from surveillance cameras showed Ferguson-Grantz grabbing the inmates shirt to pull him away, ripping it off, and then escorting him for lockdown at which time he pushed the inmate against a window and dragged him into the lockdown area, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report says Ferguson-Grantz then pushed the inmate up some steps, causing him to land on his face, and he then pushed the inmates legs up to his head, before jumping on him. According to the report, he then picked the inmate up by his arms and slammed him onto the officers desk before taking him into a cell. The report also mentions an incident on Oct. 2 with the same inmate who had been involved in the first use-of-force investigation. The report states that Ferguson-Grantz grabbed the inmate by the throat and slammed his head against the wall. The other corrections officer, Reynolds, was charged after an inmate who was released from the jail reported that Reynolds pushed him. The inmate said while he was being released from the jail, he discovered that his wedding ring had been cut into three pieces. He said he was upset that the ring was damaged, so he refused to sign the property release or leave the jail until he could speak to a supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said at that time Reynolds arrived and told him that he needed to leave. He said after initially refusing, he then moved into a vestibule and was picking up his belongings that had been placed on the floor when Reynolds pushed him from behind, causing him to lose balance. According to the report from the Columbiana County Sheriffs Office, reports from other corrections officers indicated that the inmate had attempted to hit Reynolds in the stomach, but a review of jail cameras did not show the inmate hitting or attempting to hit Reynolds. Further interviews with the corrections officers gave conflicting information, the report stated. The Columbiana County Jail is operated by Correctional Solutions Group. The firm was hired by commissioners to take over jail operations in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WKBN reached out to CSG for more information on the incidents and officers employment statuses but hasnt heard back. Ferguson-Grantz and Reynolds were arraigned Thursday, and they were released on bond. They are set to appear again in Columbiana Municipal Court later this month. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An Ohio man is going to prison after admitting to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Kyle Andrew Campbell, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to four months in prison, four months of home confinement, 36 months of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by a U.S. District court on Nov. 1. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain offices in July. State Route 161 near New Albany temporarily shut down after shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents show Campbell and a companion traveled from Columbus to Washington, D.C., to attend the Stop the Steal rally at the Ellipse on the day of the vote certification. The two quickly joined a large crowd headed toward the Capitol. (Courtesy Photo/United States Attorneys Office District of Columbia) Kyle Campbell. (Courtesy Photo/U.S. Department of Justice) Campbell was accused of trampling over a fence erected by U.S. Capitol Police before making his way to the West Plaza. He then stood in front of the mob, where he came face-to-face with officers trying to protect the Capitol. The crowd pushed him into an officer carrying a riot shield, who then pushed back. The rioter forcibly rushed and hit the officer and his shield several times before retreating. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election, a release from the U.S. Attorneys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the run-in with Capitol police, Campbell remained at the West Plaza for at least another hour, eventually going to the Upper West Terrace. The FBI arrested Campbell in December. He originally faced several misdemeanor offenses, including acts of physical violence in a restricted building or grounds and in the Capitol grounds or building. Campbell was previously charged in 2015 with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct in an unrelated local case. He pled guilty to an amended charge, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records. Since the Jan. 6 attacks, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the Capitol. Those include more than 571 people charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. For decades, service members and their families were exposed to toxic water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina water that later sickened thousands of them with serious and often terminal conditions such as cancer, Parkinsons disease, infant deformities, miscarriages and more. In 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act became law as part of the PACT Act, a hugely important step for those affected. But because of some technical issues with the laws language, just a handful of the 500,000-plus claims have been settled. Victims have waited years, aggrieved by the deaths of loved ones that have been linked to the contaminated water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those affected cannot wait any longer. Congress can now pass the Camp Lejeune Technical Corrections (HR 8535) and Senate companion the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act (S. 5257) bills, to clarify some of the laws ambiguities and cap attorneys fees. It is time to pass this law now. Lawmakers seek to speed up claims for Camp Lejeune toxic water victims There are a few problems that the new law will address. First, it would ensure a jury trial for those sickened at Camp Lejeune. Recent court rulings have eliminated jury trials for these claims but jury trials are something that all Americans deserve and taking it off the table for those who served our country is an injustice. The new law would unequivocally reinsert the right to a jury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the new law would ensure faster trials; clearing a backlog that has delayed these cases for years and giving veterans their long awaited day in court. The new law would also cap litigation fees fairly, allowing access to strong legal representation and fair compensation for veterans and their families. Few veterans would freely choose to navigate this complex legal process by themselves but after volunteering to defend our country, they also deserve the right to hire the lawyers they want, and the lawyers who can win. The medical and psychological impacts of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune are severe and enduring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans and their families are facing significant health challenges, and the delays in compensation add insult to injury. As executive director of the Special Operations Association of America, I know firsthand what our Marines do. Camp Lejeune is home to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), the product of Marine Force Reconnaissance units who conducted amazing feats of bravery in Vietnam only to come home to poisoned water in their own houses. These service members laid the groundwork for modern Marine special operators and deserve better. We are unconventional, and we stand up for situations that require a different approach. We have seen what Camp Lejeunes veterans have been through, and we are here to engage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have answered the call to serve our nation before, and service doesnt end when you take the uniform off. I was never a good soldier always late in the wrong uniform and needing a haircut, but one thing stuck with me as a non-commissioned officer: the definition of responsibility is being accountable for everything you do and, most importantly, everything you do not do. To stay silent on this issue is to fail those service members who gave so much for our freedom and choice they deserve the same. Organizations like ours that work to support our veterans are here for that reason we do and say things our government cannot or will not. Right now -- this year, not later -- Congress has an opportunity to give back to the veterans of Camp Lejeune, who are already owed so much. We stand with our veterans and urge the support of this crucial law to ensure they can finally, swiftly, get the justice they deserve. David Cook is the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), and is a U.S. Army special operations veteran. HONOLULU (KHON2) Consumer fireworks remains illegal on Oahu. Thats after the Honolulu City Council couldnt get enough support to a bill that wouldve brought them back. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news There are 4 ayes, 4 nos, 1 member is absent, said the city clerk. Thank you bill 22 has failed to receive the necessary 2/3rd vote of the entire membership of the council and shall be deemed finally lost, said council chair Tommy Waters, during the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And with that, bill 22 dies in the Honolulu City Council. The bill wouldve lifted the citys 14-year ban on consumer fireworks, like sparklers and fountains. Mayor Rick Blangiardi vetoed it. The council was looking to override that veto. Conditions today are very different than they were before, said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. We certainly wanna respect cultural aspects and thats not what this has been about. This has been about public safety. We are very grateful for the Mayor for vetoing, said Battalion Chief Pao-Chi Hwang, of Honolulu Fire Departments Fire Prevention Bureau. Were very grateful to the city council working with us and supporting the Honolulu Fire Department in our position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HFD says the ban has been working saying the number of fire-related injuries, fires, and wildfires have dropped by 70 percent. Wrongful death lawsuit settlement canceled off Council agenda Our fear is legalizing our consumer fireworks will put ignition sources in thousands of adults and childrens hands, said Hwang. And we believe thats just gonna put a higher risk to our communities. Councilmember Calvin Say who introduced the bill and supporters, say the current ban isnt working. After going through 4 readings, the general public at large began to understand what we were trying to do, said Say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilmember Matt Weyer had always opposed overriding the Mayors veto. But the 3 other no votes Councilmembers Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Esther Kiaaina and Radiant Cordeiro all say what ultimately swayed them was hearing from their constituents and from firefighters. We want people to use fireworks and other things responsibly, people are woken up almost every night by people that arent things responsibly, so to expand fireworks now seems a little premature, said Dos Santos-Tam. Both sides agree on a few things public safety is top priority, illegal aerials are a huge problem, and the debate on fireworks isnt going away. At this point in time, its probably gonna come back again for further discussion, said Say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this issue needs a little bit more time and a little bit more study before we can roll out anything further, said Dos Santos-Tam. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news At think at the end of the day, this is the better argument and we succeeded this time, said Blangiardi. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. DENVER (KDVR) A contractor who worked in Denver pleaded guilty and was sentenced to multiple charges filed against him nearly a year ago, including theft, violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act and burglary, the Denver District Attorneys Office announced. Kyle Arienta pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, one count of securities fraud, one count of theft and two counts of burglary. Originally, Arienta faced 39 charges. Man arrested, accused of hatchet attack in Jefferson County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Arienta was sentenced to 23 years in prison and will pay $3.3 million in restitution to his victims. According to the grand jury indictment, Arienta initially stole about $1.1 million from three families who hired him to complete construction projects on their Denver-area homes. Arienta completely abandoned those projects after completing minimal work. The indictment states that Arienta also used his business, Precision Renovations, to solicit investors for a fabricated construction project in Denver. Through that scheme, Arienta stole another $1.7 million from former clients and friends. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said that Arienta also burglarized homes in the Crestmoor, Hilltop, Wash Park and Belcaro neighborhoods of Denver in November 2023, calling him a prolific thief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. With President-elect Donald Trump's reelection and several key wins in U.S. Senate races, Republicans are poised to control the White House and Senate come 2025. The House of Representatives, however, remains up for grabs, with a handful of hotly contested races determining which party will control the lower chamber of Congress next year. In Wisconsin, Democrats were hoping to flip at least one congressional seat to retake the House majority from Republicans. Here's what to know about who will control the House in 2025 and how congressional races in Wisconsin played out. People vote at the Madison Senior Center on West Mifflin Street in Madison, Tuesday, November, 2024. In addition to the presidential race, Wisconsin also had a U.S. Senate seat, all of the state Assembly seats and half of the state Senate seats up for election. Who will control the House in 2025? As of Friday morning, Republicans seem favored to win House control though several key races where votes are still being counted could tip the scales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Republicans have flipped three districts to pick up 210 House seats, while Democrats have secured 198 seats. Either party needs 218 of the 435 seats to secure the majority. According to USA TODAY, six key races across Arizona, California, Ohio, Maine and Maryland could determine control of the House. You can follow live results here. How many House representatives does Wisconsin have? Wisconsin has eight congressional representatives. Did any Wisconsin House seats flip in the 2024 election? Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) speaks speaks before former President Donald Trump appears at a campaign rally Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. None of Wisconsin's House seats flipped from one party to another on Tuesday. In 2025, Republicans will continue to hold six of Wisconsin's eight congressional seats, while Democrats hold the remaining two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seat that came closest to flipping was Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, which incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden was defending from Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke. Van Orden had flipped the district red for the first time in 27 years with his 2022 win. The former NAVY Seal ultimately kept his seat, winning about 11,000 votes more than Cooke, as of Thursday afternoon. Who will be Wisconsin's congressional representatives in 2025? Tony Wied addresses supporters after winning the Wisconsin 8th Congressional District seat during a Republican election watch party on Nov. 5, 2024, at The Legacy Hotel in Green Bay, Wis. Here are Wisconsin's congressional representatives, who will be sworn into office in January. Except for Republican Tony Wied, all the winning representatives were incumbents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who will control the U.S. House? How Wisconsin races played out Ukrainian MP Yevhen Shevchenko has announced that he has written a letter to US President-elect Donald Trump asking him to help stop Ukraine's "slide into dictatorship" and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in dialogue with the aggressor state of Russia. Source: Shevchenko on Telegram Quote from Shevchenko: "It's high time, comrade president, to start a dialogue. I understand that you'll have to leave afterwards. But the country comes before personal ambitions. I'll help you if you need it. I'll go to Minsk again. We'll solve everything. All you have to do is start. If youre unwilling, you will be forced to leave forced by those in the Western world who were applauding you just yesterday." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: In another post, Shevchenko announced that he would submit a bill to the Ukrainian parliament in a bid to put an end to the "political persecution against Ukrainian MPs". "Oleksandr Dubinskyi, Artem Dmytruk, Nestor Shufrych all of them should return to the parliamentary hall. Criminal prosecutions against public figures should also be stopped: Hennadii Balashov, Denys Yelyseievych, Ruslan Kotsaba and even Oleksii Arestovych, among others... All of them, and many others, should return to Ukraine, having the opportunity to continue their enlightening work freely and calmly," the MP said. "I've written a letter to Donald Trump and [US Vice President-elect] J.D. Vance, seeking their help to stop the rise of authoritarianism, dictatorship, and lawlessness in Ukraine and to restore democracy and freedom of speech to its political landscape," Shevchenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, responded to the MP's comments on his Telegram account, stating that Ukraines only path to victory against the aggressor lies in President Zelenskyy's Victory Plan and Peace Formula. Quote from Yermak: "Some MPs seem to be confused about national security, national interests and the future of the country. If they believe that national interests equate to Ukraines defeat, they are gravely mistaken and acting in the interests of the Russian Federation. Ukraine's Victory Plan, the Peace Formula, is the way to justice." Background: MP Shevchenko has frequently stirred controversy with his pro-Russian remarks and open support for Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus. On 20 April 2021, the lawmaker travelled to Minsk without authorisation to "get acquainted" with Lukashenko. He also claimed that more than a third of Ukrainians would like to see Lukashenko as their president. On 23 May 2021, after a Ryanair plane was forced to land in Belarus, resulting in the detention of opposition leader and NEXTA founder Roman Protasevich, Shevchenko praised Lukashenko on social media. On 24 May 2021, Ukraine's ruling Servant of the People faction decided to expel MP Yevhen Shevchenko from its membership. In March 2023, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, acknowledged that MP Shevchenko had held secret talks with the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the request of Ukrainian intelligence services. Support UP or become our patron! SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sesame, which originated in Africa, was introduced to China via the Silk Road trade route over 2,000 years ago and later became a major oil crop for the Chinese people. Today, as China and Africa forge closer trade ties with the Belt and Road Initiative, African sesame is entering the Chinese market in large quantities to cater to clients in a country with a population of over 1.4 billion. Sesame is China's top agricultural import from Africa, according to Chen Ying, head of the cereals and oils department of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products. "Chinese consumers may not have realized that 80 percent of sesame consumption in China comes from imports and Africa accounts for three-fourths of the imports," Chen said. At the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, many African exhibitors are showcasing small sesame seeds to woo Chinese buyers. As part of commitments for China-Africa cooperation, this year's CIIE has expanded the section dedicated to African products, offering free stands to 26 companies from 13 African countries and helping them improve their competitiveness and brand image. In the section, Gebrekidan Aregay, director of Eli International Trade from Ethiopia, was seen enthusiastically introducing products like sesame, soybeans and wheat to a buyer from east China's Shandong Province. Ethiopia is one of the largest sesame producers, exporting a substantial amount annually, Aregay said. As a four-time exhibitor at the CIIE since 2021, his company has carved out a market share in China, which became its largest export market two years ago, and now exports around 10,000 tonnes of sesame a year to the country. Sesame is just the epitome of African agricultural exports to China in recent years. As China pushes ahead with high-level opening-up, more African agricultural products have found their way into the Chinese market. African agricultural exports to China reached 28.47 billion yuan (about 4 billion dollars) in the first eight months of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.8 percent, according to China's General Administration of Customs. At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September, China announced it has decided to give zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all the least developed countries, including 33 countries in Africa, that have established diplomatic relations with China. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step, which will help turn China's big market into Africa's big opportunity. Madagascar mutton has seized the opportunity to enter the Chinese market. On display at the CIIE for the first time, it has attracted Chinese consumers with its quality and low-fat content. Madagascar has been exporting around 200 tonnes of mutton to China per month since September, according to Liao Qiubin, deputy general manager of Sino-Malagasy Animal Husbandry (Madagascar) Co., Ltd, currently Madagascar's sole mutton exporter to China. The company aims to substantially increase the annual export volume to 20,000 tonnes within five years, directly benefiting tens of thousands of Malagasy farmers, Liao said. To fully leverage the potential of the local animal husbandry sector, the company is working with local agricultural authorities to introduce high-quality breeds while developing related industries, such as cashmere and mutton by-products, to extend the value chain. China has given preferential treatment to African agricultural imports for decades, which helps to reduce the cost of these products and increase their competitiveness in the Chinese market. "In recent months, we've received numerous inquiries from African businesses wishing to enter the Chinese market, and we are actively helping them establish connections with Chinese buyers," said Chen with the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products. China, with its rapidly expanding market, represents a significant growth opportunity for Africa, she said. African agricultural exports to China are growing rapidly and in addition to traditional oil crops, new products like coffee and avocados have become increasingly popular with Chinese consumers, said Sun Hong, deputy director of the Institute of African Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Sun believes that African agricultural exports to China meet the needs of African countries and help to optimize the structure of China-Africa trade relations. Facing competition from other countries, African countries can make full use of platforms like the CIIE, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and e-commerce channels to promote their products in China, Sun said. Additionally, Sun suggests fostering collaboration with Chinese enterprises to establish a strong image for African products to explore the Chinese market. Moments before a convicted Jan. 6 rioter was sentenced to eight years in prison on Thursday, he sought a full pardon by claiming that Donald Trump's victory on Election Day vindicated his actions. Zachary Alam told the court that he wanted a new classification of pardon, which he called a "full pardon of patriotism," for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. That would come with monetary compensation, expungement of the charges from his criminal record and the assurance that he would never again be charged for his crimes. Alam seemed to characterize anything less as a "second-class pardon" and implied that he would not accept it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Alam did not deny his actions during the riot on the Capitol, stating, "I will 100% admit my actions were not lawful on January 6," he also justified them by saying he was doing the right thing to protect democracy. True patriots do the right thing in spite of everything else, he claimed, adding that his fellow rioters had fought, cried, bled and died for what is right. "Trump wasn't lying," Alam said in court, emphasizing that the American people voted for him "four years later." PHOTO: WEST PALM BEACH, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Republican presidential candi (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Judge Dabney Friedrich described Alam's actions as a "full-throated" attack on the Constitution and "not the acts of a patriot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called Alam one of the "most violent and aggressive" rioters that day, noting that Capitol Police officers also described him as the loudest among them. At his trial, law enforcement officials recalled him repeatedly telling them, "I'm going to f--- you up." MORE: Judge denies Jan. 6 defendant's bid to delay case after Trump victory Lawyers for the Justice Department, meanwhile, noted that Alam stood out on Jan. 6 "because of his actions." Those included knocking out the glass door of the Speaker's Lobby and pushing up against three Capitol Police officers who were trying to keep the mob from entering the floor of the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He scaled four floors of the Capitol, kicked doors and threw a velvet rope over a balcony in an attempt to hit officers below. In the courtroom, the Justice Department asserted, There are consequences to taking law into your own hands. PHOTO: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on Jan. 6, 2021. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) Leaving the Capitol after Ashli Babbitt was shot, Alam shouted to fellow rioters that they "need guns." He then fled and tried to conceal his identity. He was arrested about a month later. MORE: Video Jan. 6 rioters and supporters attempt to rewrite history of Capitol attack Alam also claimed in court that the Justice Department coerced defendants into taking plea deals -- an argument the judge dismissed on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asked if the insurgence on Jan. 6 had truly threatened democracy, observing in court that the American people had reelected Trump just 48 hours prior. "Sometimes you have to break the rules to do the right thing," he said. MORE: Trump promises to 'free' Jan. 6 rioters on first day back in White House if reelected Alam's attorney Steven Metcalf argued that his client should serve five years in prison, including the nearly four years he had already served, along with time in a halfway house. Metcalf noted that his client had no friends and had been in and out of solitary confinement, both for his behavior and concerns about his safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney said in court that some people are not going to change their beliefs, but conceded that Alam "can't choose to take things in his own hands." He emphasized the need for rehabilitation to help people like his client. Alam's attorney depicted him as a defendant who lacked a support system. At the time of the Jan. 6 riot, he was living inside a storage unit and was not close with his family, according to Metcalf. His parents never appeared in court. He asserted that Capitol Police officers were not traumatized by Alam specifically, arguing that they were not physically hurt by him or his direct actions. PHOTO: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) The judge challenged Metcalf's argument, emphasizing that the Capitol Police officers stationed in the Speaker's Lobby were the "last stand" between rioters and lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Alam's actions contributed to the trauma that those officers faced on Jan 6. Alam said that he was willing to undergo rehabilitation, but the judge -- citing his lack of remorse -- instead sentenced him to over eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. ABC News' T. Michelle Murphy contributed to this report. Convicted Jan 6. rioter seeks pardon based on Trump's win originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Carlos Watson, the Ozy Media co-founder facing up to 37 years in prison following his July conviction on fraud charges, is the subject of a documentary examining his trial. Helmed by filmmakers Candice Conley and Brenae Perkins, The Troubling Case of Carlos Watson: Whose Son Is Next? launches on YouTube on Tuesday ahead of next months sentencing. The doc includes details from the case that saw Watson and Ozy Media convicted by a federal jury on July 16 of securities fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, with Watson additionally convicted of identity theft. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As seen in a trailer exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter, the feature includes interviews with supporters alleging Watson received an unfair trial. The footage also suggests that U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee had hedge fund investments in four companies alleged to have been victims in the fraud case. Watsons lawyer noted in a motion filed last month that the judge should have recused himself from the case. Among those speaking for the doc is Juror No. 5 from Watsons trial, who says in a new interview teased in the trailer, I just feel a real injustice thats been done, and I feel like Im part of it. A Watson supporter adds in the trailer, He deserves to have a fair trial. We need our brother. Watson is a journalist and television host who launched media company Ozy Media with co-founder Samir Rao in September 2013. Watson previously worked as an MSNBC anchor and CNN contributor and hosted interview program The Carlos Watson Show on YouTube. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozy, known for its site featuring news and culture pieces, shut down in 2023 when the company was indicted. This followed the New York Times reporting in 2021 that Rao impersonated a YouTube executive during a fundraising call with Goldman Sachs. During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Watson presented false details about Ozys finances and traffic numbers, along with fabricating contracts and providing misleading earnings projections. Watson, who pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum of 37 years in prison, with sentencing set for Dec. 13. Rao and chief of staff Suzee Han had pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A 75-year-old woman died after being struck by a car while crossing the street in Mountain Home on Tuesday night. Nancy Turnbull, a resident of Mountain Home, was in a crosswalk along American Legion Boulevard at the intersection with North 14th Street East, according to a press release from Idaho State Police. A Subaru Forester, driven by an 86-year-old woman from Grand View, was traveling eastbound along the boulevard and struck Turnbull, the release said. Turnbull sustained serious injuries and was taken to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, were she succumbed to her injuries the next day, according to a new release from Ada County Coroners Office. The driver of the Forester was not injured, ISP wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic on American Legion Boulevard was blocked for approximately three-and-a-half hours, allowing emergency responders to assist those involved and clear the scene, ISP wrote in the release. The coroner determined the manner of death was an accident, however the situation is still under investigation by ISP. Rebecca Bahar-Cook. | Courtesy photo An input error temporarily indicated Michigan State Universitys Board of Trustees candidate Rebecca Bahar-Cook, a Democrat, had placed third in balloting in Tuesdays election for two open positions. As of 8 a.m. Friday, initial unofficial results from the Michigan Secretary of States Office indicated Bahar-Cook, a former Ingham County commissioner, had 2,388,312 total votes, placing third behind Republican contender Julie Maday, a member of the Novi Economic Development Corp., with 2,402,734 votes. Republican Mike Balow, a U.S. Navy veteran who ran unsuccessfully for a slot in 2022, was on top with 2,472,007 votes. Julie Maday. | Courtesy photo However, by 9:30 a.m., that had been corrected to show Bahar-Cook with 2,406,312 votes, placing second behind Balow, and 3,459 votes ahead of Maday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bahar-Cook said an error wrongly placed her out of the running. Guess what? It looks like I won! Bahar-Cook posted on Facebook Thursday night. Allegan County recorded 20,363 votes for me on their website but the Secretary of States unofficial number has me only at 2,363. Check out the AP results (which matches mine). GO GREEN! she said. Results from Allegan County do confirm Bahar-Cook received 20,363 votes, while the Associated Press shows her placing second behind Balow, with a 3,459 vote lead over Maday with more than 99% of the votes counted. Bahar-Cook told the Michigan Advance that she had been tracking the vote totals through the day and after seeing all of the updates had been received, was ready to accept the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was like, great, I lost. The end, she said. But Bahar-Cook said after being told to take a second look, she did just that. We cracked open and did a comparison looking at the counties websites versus the data that the Secretary of State had, and you know Allegans the third county [in the alphabetical listing], so that zero popped up immediately as the difference between the two, she said. Michigan Secretary of State spokesperson Angela Benander confirmed for the Advance that the data entry error was made by Allegan County. Benander also confirmed a similar error with the Kent County results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent Countys first unofficial results submission was incomplete. Kent used the automatic data upload to submit their unofficial results, but they submitted result(s) without Ada and Plainfield Townships, she said. At that time they were still waiting for those results to come in but they submitted an incomplete data set. They are supposed to wait until the entire county is complete. They have now corrected that submission with their complete county results. Benander said the error resulted in a slight increase to Bahar-Cooks margin. A request for comment was sent to Madays campaign, but has yet to be returned. All results are unofficial until they are canvassed at the county and then state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bahar-Cook, who says she previously served as a county canvasser, said no one should come away from this issue thinking the election system is inherently flawed. This proves the system works, in my opinion. Because theres going to be human errors, she said, adding that this is exactly what the canvassing process is for. Mike Balow. | Courtesy photo If the results hold, Bahar-Cook will join Balow as the newest members of MSUs Board of Trustees, replacing Democratic Trustee Dianne Byrum, who decided not to seek another term, and Republican Board Chair Dan Kelly, who was not renominated by his party. It also means the boards current make up of six Democrats, one Republican and one independent, will remain the same, with Balow as the lone Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bahar-Cook said her her top priority on the board will be affordability for students How do we keep tuition affordable and find either other revenue sources or ways to cut costs because we cant keep doing this and remain affordable, so that tuition piece is the most important to me, she said. Bahar-Cook said she knows the importance of MSU being a premier research university and how that brings in quality staff and faculty that they need to teach students. I think maintaining that reputation as a premier research university is important. Its important for Michigan. Its important for our economy. Definitely important for our students, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The butter contains an undeclared allergen. Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Courtesy of Brand Theres an active recall on two types of butter sold at Costco, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This is due to the butter containing an undeclared allergen. The Kirkland Signature brand butter affected by this recall was distributed and sold at Costco warehouses in Texas. The following two products were impacted by this recall: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (16-ounce) with UPC 96619-38496, lot number 2424091, 2424111, 2426891 or 2426991 and best by date February 22, 2025, February 23, 2025, March 22, 2025 or March 23, 2025 Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (16-ounce) with UPC 96619-38488, lot number 2424191 or 2427591 and best by date February 23, 2025 or March 29, 2025 Costco is recalling these products as there is undeclared milk in the butter, which can confuse consumers to believe that the butter is dairy-free. If you have bought Kirkland Signature brand butter on or before October 11, check your product immediately. If it matches the recall information and you have a sensitivity or allergy to milk, dispose of it as soon as possible or return it to your local Costco for a refund. Those with dairy allergies who eat or are in contact with this butter may experience an allergic reaction as severe as anaphylaxis. If you or someone you know is showing signs of anaphylaxis like hives, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tightness of the throat or cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. For questions or concerns about this recall, contact your local FDA Complaint Coordinator. Related: Over 40,000 Ovens Have Been Recalled Nationwide Due to Fire Hazard SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) The numbers for the Jacobson Plaza ice ribbon thats expected to open to skaters in downtown Sioux Falls later in the winter are available after a city council informational meeting on Wednesday. Skaters will pay $5 for 45-minutes of ice time. Skate rentals will cost $3. Noem wants fireworks at Mount Rushmore But its the amount of parking spots for those skaters thats a concern to at least one member of the Sioux Falls City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underneath the concrete at Jacobson Plaza is a network of pipes that will carry coolant throughout the 14,000-square foot ice ribbon. City Council member Curt Soehl sees the park as a cool crown jewel in drawing more visitors to this area of downtown. As you can see, these last 10 years the way downtown has grown, this brings a different element to Sioux Falls, Soehl said. But Soehl says he was disappointed to find out during Wednesdays city council informational meeting about how much parking will be available at the ice ribbon. So how many parking spots do we have, Soehl asked. Oh, good question. 45, Sioux Falls Parks & Rec Recreation Manager Jackie Nelson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ouch, Soehl said. Ouch because Soehl thinks 45 parking spots arent enough to avoid a parking crunch when capacity on the ice ribbon is 225. 225 people is the occupancy of the ice rink when people are skating, with 45 slots, I dont see how the math works out, Soehl said. But Sioux Falls Parks & Rec says there should be enough available parking nearby, thats within walking distance for skaters. Well have the 45 parking spots directly connected at Jacobson. But then, well have all of the new parking ramps within the Sioux Steel District, where people can park and easily walk into the park along with street parking, or the Falls Park connections on the other side of the river, Nelson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soehl says its important that young skaters have closer access to the park during the middle of a cold South Dakota winter. But he says hes willing to see how parking at the plaza plays out. Lets see what happens in the next few years with the parking and see if we have to make an adjustment, Soehl said. Skaters will have to make reservations online to book their ice time. But Soehl says drop-in skating is a possibility during slow times, like during the weekday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Council taxes could increase to pay for Rachel Reevess National Insurance tax rise, policing chiefs have warned. Police forces say they are facing black holes of up to 4.2 million in their budgets because of the jump in NI employer contributions, equivalent to losing dozens of front-line police officers in the battle against crime. In her Budget last month, the Chancellor told public sector employers that she would set aside a 5.5 billion pot to cover them for the NI increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, policing chiefs are concerned the money will be distributed to the 43 forces in England and Wales using an outdated Home Office funding formula that will leave at least half of them facing a shortfall. They say they will have to pass on the costs to working people through their council taxes or axe bobbies on the beat. Some of the biggest losers cover Conservative constituencies, such as Surrey and Thames Valley in the south of England, and rural areas like Lincolnshire and West Mercia. The complaints from policing chiefs follow similar anger from GPs, who have warned they may have to cut staff to fund the NI tax rise, and farmers, who are furious at the inheritance tax raid threatening the future viability of their businesses. Another tax rise imposed by the Treasury Marc Jones, a police and crime commissioner (PCC) in Lincolnshire, has already launched legal action against the Home Office over the funding formula. He said it is so outdated that the distribution of Government cash is still based on a metric considering the number of pubs in a force area, rather than the length of road that officers have to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Barber, Thames Valleys Conservative PCC, has written to Diana Johnson, policing minister, demanding a rethink. He warned the NI increase, combined with the 4.75 per cent pay rise awarded to officers, would cost his force an extra 3.2 million next year. In his letter, he said this was equivalent to losing at least 66 officers, leaving him with no option but to ask local council taxpayers to stump up the money to cover the shortfall. He said: If I go out to the public in Thames Valley and ask them for more money through their council tax, I want to be able to demonstrate greater capacity and capability for front-line policing to help to further cut crime, rather than having to increase tax locally to pay for another tax rise imposed by the Treasury. PCCs have warned that the financial strain placed on forces by the NI increase may result in them having to cut front-line officers - Kirsty O'Connor John Campion, West Mercias Conservative PCC, estimated the NI increase could cost his force 4.2 million, leaving them at risk of having to cut front-line officers and raise local taxes. His force covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: There is no doubt that this uncertainty will mean higher council tax rises, paid by hard-working people across West Mercia and more police officers taken from the front line keeping us safe. Mr Jones, Lincolnshires PCC, urged the Home Office not to use the current outdated and unfair funding formula to distribute the cash needed to cover NI costs and instead use one that was more precise and accurate. He has calculated that his force loses 19 million a year through the 18-year-old funding formula, which means some metropolitan forces get 60 per cent more Government funding per head than rural constabularies like Lincolnshire. It is not only Tory areas that will be hit, however. Joy Allen, Labours PCC for Durham and joint lead on finance for the association of PCCs, said the NI tax rise could leave the constabulary with a 2.5 million shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: The current funding formula is widely regarded as being no longer fit for purpose. It is important that forces are compensated for large increases in pay-related costs, which are beyond their control, based on actual costs incurred as opposed to a formulaic allocation which bears little relation to reality. A leaked National Police Chiefs Council report, seen by The Telegraph, shows that the proportion of force budgets funded by council taxpayers has risen from 25 per cent to 35 per cent since 2010. It warned that forces may have to take police officers off the beat to cover backroom staff jobs, which have been slashed to balance their books. It said that taking officers away from fighting crime was poor value for money. 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. LANSING Unofficial election results from Battle Creek initially excluded several thousand votes. The discovery of a programming error and subsequent updates to the vote totals made a competitive state legislative race much closer though Republicans are still on track to flip the Michigan House from Democratic control once election officials certify the results. The updated unofficial election results posted by the Calhoun County Clerk's office Friday afternoon reduced the gap between Republican Steve Frisbie, who The Associated Press had declared the winner, and state Rep. Jim Haadsma, D-Battle Creek, who had been declared ousted, to just 58 votes and put the outcome in dispute. Haadsma said Friday he has not conceded the race while Frisbie declared victory. The results were listed as "unofficial" as of Friday evening. A bipartisan county canvassing board will certify the outcome of the race. Haadsma could request a recount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela Benander, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, said Battle Creek used two high-speed absentee ballot tabulators but, due to a programming error, the reported numbers did not combine the results from the two tabulators and instead excluded about half the results. The updated results added more than 4,500 votes, according to an update to the county's unofficial tally for the presidential election. The AP called the race in the 44th House District for Haadsma's opponent, Frisbie, based on unofficial results showing Frisbie with 52% of the vote, compared with 48% for Haadsma, which is close to a 1,400-vote margin. But on Friday afternoon, the county updated its website to include votes that had been omitted from earlier reporting due to the programming error at the city of Battle Creek. The newly reported votes reduced Frisbie's margin of victory to 0.14 percentage points, the website shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 5 numbers that help explain why Donald Trump won Michigan Frisbie said he learned about the mistake Thursday afternoon and joked that he had worn out his finger refreshing the Calhoun County website to check for updates to the unofficial election results. "I think it's a pretty thin margin, but it's still a win," he said following the update to the vote totals. When Haadsma became aware of the update to the vote totals Friday, he said he's still in wait-and-see mode. I definitely think that these are the most unofficial of unofficial results, he said. Haadsma said he has personally received no communication from the county clerk's office while his GOP opponent, he said, appeared to have received early notice of the mistake. According to Haadsma, on Thursday night, the county clerk and her deputy clerks were trying to reconcile the differences and there were several Republicans present, including the GOP caucus' attorney, along with Frisbie, who Haadsma said "was on top of this." Haadsma said his legislative director observed the canvass Thursday night after he was informed that Republicans were there to observe. The outreach seemed like "an afterthought," Haadsma said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haadsma has concerns about the process so far. "It raises all kinds of suspicions. It doesn't pass a basic smell test," he said. He noted that his staffer carried out an analysis of election data, predicting he would win the race. Frisbie stood by the county clerk's handling of the situation, calling the clerk "one of the most honest people in the world" and said he was told that both campaigns received notice of the error one right after the other. "I just want to really stress that there's nothing going on that people need to worry about that there's undue influence outside of a fair election process," he said. "I know there's folks that will doubt it," he said, adding that Democrats are already casting doubt on the situation. The Battle Creek clerk's office referred questions Friday to Calhoun County Clerk Kimberly Hinkley. She issued a statement Friday afternoon that said she is "confident in the integrity of our election process, despite this temporary issue, and ultimately we will be able to 100% certify the results within our county as required by law and expected by our voters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benander said the programming error was made by Battle Creek city election officials and the Bureau of Elections believes it is specific to, and limited to, that city. Numbers on the state's elections results website were updated Friday afternoon following the county's release of its updated vote tallies. More: Car dealer elected to US Senate: Trump and I share vision for overhauling auto industry Benander said county and state canvasses are designed to catch errors such as this, which is what is happening in this instance. Additional votes reported from Battle Creek impacted the latest count for the competitive statewide races on the ballot, along with other races, including for the 4th Congressional District, judge of Court of Appeals for the 3rd District, county and city offices, school boards and a local ballot proposal. But the updates did not impact the outcome of those races, the latest unofficial results show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Thursday, Republicans were celebrating unofficial results that showed them with a 58-52 GOP majority that included the initial vote tally showing Haadsma losing his seat. But if Haadsma wins, that would leave the state House with a 57-53 GOP majority. In 1992, a miscount in the initial vote tally in one state House race was found shortly after that years election. An error in the unofficial results in Warren incorrectly showed a victory for Republican challenger John Chmura in his bid to unseat incumbent Democratic state Rep. Dennis Olshove, D-Warren, according to Free Press coverage at the time. Based on the unofficial count, Chmura beat Olshove by 54 votes. But Warrens clerk said numbers were transposed when they were entered into the computers, according to the Free Press coverage. Olshove ended up winning the race by six votes, archived election results on the Macomb County Clerks website show. The discovery of the results snafu punctured Republicans enthusiasm after celebrating what they thought would be a GOP majority in the state House. Instead, the House was split 55-55 along party lines and Democrats and Republicans brokered a historic deal to share power in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was updated to add new information. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Battle Creek election glitch undercounted thousands of absentee votes LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Officials for the Country Boots and Bands are warning concertgoers of possible scams when buying tickets online. The organization are aware of websites selling Chris Janson tickets but those are not valid. Tickets should only be purchased on their official website or The Michigan Theatre of Jackson website. Anyone who purchased these tickets from a third-party website will not be accepted for entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is an example of the scam: Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. WUHAN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the need for Hubei Province to thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He was on an inspection tour in the province. He stressed the importance for the province to uphold the principle of pursuing development while ensuring stability, and have a clear understanding of its mission and task in forging the new development paradigm. Hubei was urged to leverage its local strengths, and work diligently, ambitiously, continuously and effectively to pioneer high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, work faster to build itself into a strategic fulcrum for the rise of the central region, and write its own chapter in Chinese modernization. From Nov. 4 to 6, accompanied by Secretary of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee Wang Menghui and Governor Wang Zhonglin, Xi visited the cities of Xiaogan, Xianning, and Wuhan, where he traveled to a number of places, including a museum, a farm, a village, and a research institute for scientific, technological and industrial innovations. On the afternoon of Nov. 4, Xi visited the Yunmeng County Museum in Xiaogan to view an exhibition of unearthed bamboo slips dating back to Qin and Han dynasties. The display of eighteen types of Qin laws indicates that over 2,200 years ago, ancient China's legal system had already been systematically established. Xi listened to detailed presentations on what the bamboo slips are about, their historical and cultural values, and how they have been preserved and studied. He pointed out that China should continue to strengthen archaeological research and improve the protection of cultural artifacts, so as to provide solid support for carrying forward the best of traditional Chinese culture and boosting cultural confidence. In this way, the treasures of Chinese civilization will be well preserved to benefit future generations, and inspire people to constantly enhance national pride and self-confidence. On the morning of Nov. 5, Xi went to Jiayu County in Xianning City, where he visited a vegetable farm in Panjiawan Township. It was late autumn, but before people's eyes, greens were everywhere and full of vibrancy. Xi went into the field to inspect the growth of vegetables and asked about vegetable varieties, planting techniques and sales in detail. He stressed that the countryside offers vast opportunities, and agriculture holds great potential. To develop modern agriculture and build a strong agricultural sector, continuous advancement of science and technology is a must, and a good job must be done to make it possible for scientific and technological progress to help advance agricultural modernization, Xi said. He encouraged local officials and residents to apply science and technology, enhance product quality and build reputable brands, and do an even better job in planting vegetables which can directly benefit residents, so as to increase income for more people. Xi then visited Siyi Village in Panjiawan. He visited the village's elderly care service station and public service center, inspecting the elderly-care facilities and local amenities and services, and learning about the operation of the village-level organizations and their efforts in tackling pointless formalities to reduce burdens on primary-level officials. He said that the role of Party building should be given better play to promote work in other sectors, and taking good care of elderly people and children should be the focus, so as to address people's concerns and difficulties in a targeted and effective manner. He also called for efforts to continuously reduce burdens on grassroots officials, to ensure that they can dedicate more time and energy to serving the people. At the home of villager Xiong Chenglong, Xi carefully looked at the family's living environment, sat with them, and asked about their production, the employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the younger generation, their income, and their access to elderly-care and healthcare services. He was pleased to know that the basic public service system in both urban and rural areas has been continuously improved over recent years, and that farmers' living standards and their access to cultural services are constantly improving. He expressed the hope that the family will continue their efforts to manage their work and life well, nurture their children well, and live an even better life. When Xi was leaving, villagers warmly bid farewell to the general secretary. Xi told them that to advance Chinese modernization, it is a must to accelerate rural revitalization, with a primary focus on developing industries that can increase people's income. Xi expressed his hope that, under the Party's leadership, villagers will work together diligently to make their specialty industries more profitable, make their village even more beautiful, and collectively create a happy and prosperous life. On the afternoon of Nov. 5, Xi visited the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development to view demonstrations of the technology innovation supply chain platform and its achievements. He learned about the measures adopted to promote technological innovation and had in-depth discussions with researchers and enterprise leaders. He emphasized that achieving high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology and developing new quality productive forces have entailed urgent demands for the integration of technological and industrial innovations. He called on scientific and technological workers and entrepreneurs to boost their confidence, aim high, take collaborative steps and make new progress in raising the overall efficiency of the innovation system and building a modern industrial system. On the morning of Nov 6, Xi listened to work reports from the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and the Hubei provincial government. He commended what the province has achieved in various aspects of its work and put forward clear requirements for the work in the future. Xi noted that Hubei has prominent strengths in science and education talent cultivation and a relatively strong capability for sci-tech innovation. It is therefore imperative for the province to strive forward in terms of sci-tech and industrial innovation. He called on Hubei to integrate into the national innovation chain, work hard to create a sci-tech innovation center with national influence, and better play its role as a hub in this regard. Xi also said that Hubei should strengthen the integration of innovation, industrial, capital and talent chains with a focus on key industries, achieve more breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, build a mechanism to promote collaborative innovation in large, medium and small-sized enterprises, and promote the application of scientific and technological advances. It is imperative for the province to take simultaneous steps to upgrade and transform traditional industries while fostering and boosting emerging and future-oriented industries, said Xi, who also called on Hubei to develop new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions and create more well-known brands. He urged the province to prioritize the work to restore the ecosystem of the Yangtze River, build a modern water network that is safe and resilient, push forward comprehensive governance in the Yangtze River basin and take solid steps to enforce the ten-year fishing ban. Xi stressed that Hubei should be bold to make explorations in comprehensively deepening reform and expanding high-level opening up. It is imperative to deliver good results in reform in key sectors and links, integrate into the building of a unified national market, and build a market that is fairer and more vigorous. It is imperative for the province to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector, and promote the common development of enterprises under diverse forms of ownership. He also called on Hubei to open up to both the domestic and international markets, forge an inland highland for opening up, deepen regional cooperation, and optimize the industrial layout in an orderly manner. He called on the province to deepen the integrated reform in domestic and foreign trade, actively participate in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and systematically enhance its function as a hub for opening up. Xi urged Hubei to proactively advance integrated urban-rural development and all-around rural revitalization. With the Wuhan metropolitan area as the center, the province was urged to promote the development of city clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Xi called for strengthened efforts to promote the new-type urbanization with a focus on county seats, and develop county economies based on their unique characteristics. He called on Hubei to keep in mind its responsibilities concerning grain production, and make solid efforts to secure output and ensure the supply of key farm produce, as well as improve the agricultural sector's development quality and benefits by tapping into the potential of specialty industries and developing a diversified rural economy. Xi underlined the efforts to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and speed up the revitalization and development of old revolutionary base areas. The province was urged to promote the development of the system for guaranteeing basic public services and advance primary-level governance in an integrated manner, and make solid efforts to ensure people's livelihoods. He also called for extensive efforts to promote cultural-ethical progress in both urban and rural areas, as well as further change outdated social mores. Highlighting Hubei's profound historical and cultural heritage and rich revolutionary resources, Xi urged the province to proactively strengthen the conservation of cultural resources and promote innovative development of the cultural sector. Hubei was urged to systematically advance the protection, inheritance, and proactive application of historical and cultural heritage, and strengthen research into the origins of the Yangtze River civilization and relevant public communication. Xi called on the province to vigorously promote the spirit of the Dabie Mountains, the spirit demonstrated in the battle against major floods, and the spirit demonstrated in the fight against COVID-19, and widely apply core socialist values. Hubei should implement cultural projects for the people, and actively develop new forms of cultural industry, so as to provide more high-quality cultural products and services to the people. Xi called on the province to develop premium cultural tourism brands and routes, cultivating the cultural tourism sector into a pillar industry. Xi pointed out that Hubei should strengthen Party building by focusing on promoting development through reform, and strive to boost the morale and enterprise of Party members and officials, who should be bold enough to pioneer and innovate, and at the same time persevere in implementing relevant policies and plans. They should make bold moves in their work and know how to collaborate with others, so as to make achievements that can stand the test of time and win the support of the people. The province was urged to strengthen the building of primary-level Party organizations and forge a strong bastion to ensure the implementation of the Party's policies. Xi called for efforts to make the study of Party discipline regular and effective, to unremittingly improve Party conduct, enforce Party discipline and combat corruption, and to continuously consolidate and develop a clean and upright political ecology. Xi stressed that since there are less than two months left this year, all work, especially economic work, should be further strengthened and implemented to achieve the economic and social development goals for the whole year. He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central Party and state departments accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The County of San Diego announced on Thursday a significant funding opportunity aimed at expanding affordable housing for low-income residents and unsheltered veterans. A total of $11.5 million has been made available through a new Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), which seeks proposals from qualified developers to help address the regions growing housing crisis. The funding will come from a combination of sources, including $6.5 million from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, $3.5 million from the states Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program, and $1.5 million from the countys Innovative Housing Trust Fund (IHTF). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to these direct financial resources, the NOFA also provides applicants the opportunity to apply for Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, further increasing the potential for supportive housing development A call for more housing solutions David Estrella, director of the countys Health and Human Services Agencys Housing and Community Development Services, emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing in the region. He said, Our region is behind in housing development to meet the needs of our community. We are constantly looking for construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition opportunities that increase affordable housing, supporting families, our veterans, and ultimately building a more resilient future for the county. The NOFA invites developers to submit proposals for the creation, rehabilitation or acquisition of affordable housing projects that will benefit low-income individuals and veterans facing homelessness. The county is specifically seeking projects that prioritize the development of permanent supportive housing for those who need it most. Application deadline Developers interested in applying for the available funding must submit their proposals by 2 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2024. Proposals must meet all the specified requirements outlined in the NOFA documentation to be considered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the funding opportunity, interested parties can visit the Housing and Community Development Services website or contact the department directly at community.development@sdcounty.ca.gov. The funding allocation is part of the countys ongoing efforts to address the shortage of affordable housing and provide much-needed support to some of the regions most vulnerable populations, including veterans and low-income families. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Photo by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the anti-dark-money law that voters approved in 2022, ruling Friday that it was constitutional to force disclosure of the source of political spending. This is the second legal victory for backers of the Voters Right to Know Act, which voters approved two years ago as Proposition 211. It requires any person or organization making campaign media expenditures of more than $50,000 on a statewide election or $25,000 on local elections to disclose the original source of any contributions totaling more than $5,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The legal challenge, brought by the anti-abortion advocacy group Center for Arizona Policy and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a dark money nonprofit, argued that mandating disclosure of the source of political spending violates the Arizona Constitutions protections of free speech, association, privacy and separation of powers. Republican legislative leaders made similar arguments in their failed attempt to overturn the proposition, which was approved by more than 70% of voters. Terry Goddard, a former state attorney general who co-chaired the campaign to pass Prop. 211, said he was overjoyed by the courts opinion and said it should further protect it from future challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the important thing here is it dealt with all the objections that have been raised and found them non-material, Goddard told the Arizona Mirror. I cant imagine there is any other argument to be made. While he said he anticipates that an appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court is likely, he said hed be surprised if the states highest court overruled previous rulings finding the proposition constitutional. They cant say it is overly broad, they cant say it is vague, they cant say it in any way diminishes peoples constitutional rights, Goddard said. This kind of scrubbing of that issue and resolution of each of the claims they made point-by-point should provide a great deal of confidence that what the voters approved by 72% is very constitutional. The suit also included two anonymous donors who alleged they feared harassment and violence if their political spending was disclosed. However, the court was unconvinced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [N]either alleged any incident where a donor experienced harassment or retaliation because they donated to a covered persons cause, the court wrote in a unanimous opinion. Not one incident of actual donor harassment was alleged. The conservative groups tried to argue that the disclosure of campaign contributions also was a breach of privacy, citing the state constitution, which has strong free speech and privacy protections. The three-judge appellate panel said those claims were outweighed by the Arizona Constitutions intent to compel financial disclosure of groups that seek to influence the results of an election. Plaintiffs have not put forth any evidence that the framers intended to protect donors to unaffiliated entities or even contemplated this kind of entity, the court said, adding that parts of the states constitution were explicitly drafted to prevent the corrupting influence of money in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has strong informational and anti-corruption interests, which are sufficiently important to justify the modest burden the Act places on donors association rights, Judge Jennifer Campbell wrote in the courts opinion. Plaintiffs fail to articulate why the Acts disclosure requirements are not substantially related to the States interest in having an informed electorate. Under federal tax law, neither the Arizona Free Enterprise Club or the Center for Arizona Policys political arm have to disclose donors. But under Prop. 211, they will be forced to do so for their election-related activities. The two groups lobbied against the passage of Prop. 211, claiming that it was an enshrinement of cancel culture. And CAP, which has a history of pushing anti-LGBTQ laws, said it feared the harassment it already received would be directed to its donors if theyre forced to be revealed. Neither organization was able to provide proof of a chilling effect or that their financial supporters would face harassment and reprisals, the judges found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both anonymous Plaintiffs express general concern that they will face harassment and retaliation if their large donations to covered persons are disclosed, the court said. But neither alleged any incident where a donor experienced harassment or retaliation because they donated to a covered persons cause. The court added that not one incident of actual donor harassment was alleged. Without the Acts disclosure requirements, the public could never evaluate the true source of the funds hidden by filtering through front groups or intermediaries, the court said. ***UPDATED: This story has been updated to include additional comments. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Florida First District Court of Appeal courthouse in Tallahassee. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix) In a ruling that could have widespread ripple effects for hospitals across the state, a Tallahassee appeals court has blocked the state from clawing back Medicaid payments from hospitals that provided state pre-authorized emergency health care to undocumented immigrants. The ruling upholds a previous decision on claw backs the court made in 2019 in a case known as Gulf Coast Medical Center versus the Agency for Health Care Administration. The hospital is part of the Lee Memorial Health System. A 2020 legislative staff analysis suggests the ruling would require the state to drop 42 Medicaid fraud cases against hospitals and result in the loss of nearly $13.5 million to the state at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-judge panel of the Florida First District Court of Appeal had ruled that the state cannot retroactively audit hospitals for providing emergency care to undocumented citizens that the state initially approved. The state started conducting retroactive audits of prior-approved care for undocumented citizens following a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General audit of Medicaid payments for emergency care. Subsequent retroactive audits were conducted by the states Bureau of Medicaid Program Integrity (MPI) a fraud detection unit, under an initiative called the alien audit program. A legislative analysis shows that since the state launched the audit program in 2010 it had closed 668 cases and collected $57,056,455.79. The analysis did not say whether it recouped that amount exclusively from hospitals. But the audits, the appellate court ruled in Gulf Coast, ran afoul of a Medicaid statute that banned the state from conducting retroactive audits for state-authorized care. The provision was included in a law that authorized the state to implement prior authorization requirements as a way to bring down Medicaid costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Undocumented citizens are barred from enrolling in Medicaid. But federal law requires states to authorize limited Medicaid coverage for migrants facing medical emergencies, including dialysis, delivering a baby, or trauma. Change in the law Following the 2019 ruling, the DeSantis administration pushed the Legislature to modify the Medicaid statutes. The change, contained in HB 731, amended the prior authorization program, adding that nothing can be construed to prevent the agency from conducting retrospective reviews under [Medicaid fraud statutes] including but not limited to, reviews in which an overpayment is suspected due to a mistake or submission of an improper claim or for other reasons that do not rise to the level of fraud or abuse. The 2020 bill also amended the law to say the change confirms and clarifies existing law. A First District panel ruled this week, though, that the 2020 law did not abrogate the 2019 ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In short, if the legislature meant to overrule Gulf Coast through its 2020 amendments, it should have been far more direct and clear in doing so. We cannot be left to guess what the legislature intended but did not say, the court said. Additionally, the court noted that the 2020 changes were made to the prior authorization provisions in Medicaid law, contained in Section 409.905 of the Florida Statutes, and that the bill didnt change law regarding what constitutes overpayments, which is contained in Section 409.913. At no time before or after the 2020 amendment has section 409.913 authorized the Agency to conduct carte blanche general retrospective audits of any claims, let alone pre-authorized claims, the opinion says. In Gulf Coast, we made clear that while section 409.913 does allow retrospective audits, it is only under listed circumstances; i.e., claims not previously reviewed (not a pre-authorized claim) where fraudulent acts are suspected, among other reasons. Whats next The ruling sends the underlying case back to Leon County trial court, where Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey had denied a motion to certify the hospitals challenge as a class action. She dismissed a motion from the North Broward Hospital District that contended the state had breached its contract with the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We intend to renew our motion for class certification, said Julian A. Jackson-Fannin, a partner with the Duane Morris law firm who represents North Broward Hospital District. North Broward is run by DeSantiss former chief of staff, Shane Strum. The health system sued the state for breach of contract for allegedly unlawfully and improperly recouping overpayments. The complaint cited the Gulf Coast decision. Jackson-Fannin, the attorney representing North Broward, called this weeks ruling significant. It affects millions of dollars of reimbursements to the purported class of providers, and its an important decision concerning the effect of an appellate courts prior rulings and how legislative history can be used to explain a statute. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) As seasons change and the weather gets cooler, the New York State Department of Health recommended that every New Yorker ages 6-months and older get the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. The NYSDOH referred to the CDCs latest COVID-19 recommendations. Officials also noted that the CDC recently recommended a second dose of the new vaccine be received by adults ages 65 and older, as well as those who may be immunocompromised, six months after the initial dose. Molina, Ibero-American Action League team up on health screenings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional doses of the vaccine may be administered as well for people who are immunocompromised. Folks will need to speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether or not three or more shots is necessary for them. Eligible New Yorkers will be allowed to receive the vaccine at any pharmacy without a prescription from their primary care doctor. More information about COVID-19 vaccines is available here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. CHICAGO A Chicago elementary school now bears the name of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary School, previously known as Columbus Elementary School, celebrated its new name with a ceremony Friday. Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, city leaders and students gathered to commemorate the occasion at the CPS school in Ukrainian Village. The Ginsburg school community has chosen the name of a historical figure who embodies their values, said CEO Martinez. Associate Justice Ginsburg used her voice to advocate for the rights of the disenfranchised and serves as an inspiration to our students, illustrating the impact one individual can have on our society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ginsburg, who had both Jewish and Ukrainian roots, was the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, having been nominated in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. Ruth Bader Ginsburg had Ukrainian heritage, just like many of our students, families, and community members. She was an advocate for people of all identities and backgrounds, which mirrors the population we have at our school, said Ginsburg Elementary School Principal Wendy Oleksy. Our school proudly showcases a diverse group of students who speak various languages, including Ukrainian, Russian, and Spanish. Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for people like us. The schools name change was officially adopted in July. The school is one of nine CPS schools to receive a new name after a Board-approved process and district assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students are now being asked to vote on whether the schools mascot and colors should also change. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. How credit card debt relief can impact your taxes (NewsNation) Debt settlement is a last resort option for someone looking to get out of credit card debt, and there are tax implications for those who go that route. Americans collectively owe $1.17 trillion in credit card debt, with the average balance now at $6,329, up 30% from 2021. Borrowers who have exhausted other options may be considering debt relief, but its important to remember that canceled debt will likely be considered taxable income. Heres what to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is credit card debt settlement a good idea? Credit card debt settlement: What to know Creditors may agree to settle your debt for less than you owe if they think you cant pay it back. For example, lets say you owe $2,000. A card issuer may agree to let you pay off your debt for $1,000, forgiving the other $1,000. To do that, you can call your credit card company and negotiate with them directly. The size of the settlement will depend on several factors, like the amount you owe, your payment history and how delinquent the account is. Its important to remember: an account marked as settled is not the same as paid in full and can hurt your credit score. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are 4 tips to get out of credit card debt You also might consider a third-party debt relief company, but the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says you should tread carefully. For-profit debt relief companies often charge expensive fees with no guarantee that your debt will go away. Their tactics typically encourage borrowers to stop paying their credit card bills, which can also tank your credit score. It may not work, and even if it does, the late payments are really bad for your credit, Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, told NewsNation in a recent interview. What are the tax implications of credit card debt settlement? In general, if a creditor agrees to settle your debt, the settled amount gets taxed as ordinary income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, lets say you have a $10,000 debt, and the lender agrees to accept $6,000 and forgives the rest. That means you would have $4,000 in taxable income to report on your tax return. So even though you didnt receive actual money, you still need to report the canceled debt when you file your taxes. From there, the exact amount owed will depend on your income tax bracket and other factors (filing status, deductions, etc.) that impact your tax burden. If you cancel $600 or more, youll get a Form 1099-C from your creditor showing the amount canceled and the date of cancellation. Even if you dont receive a form, youre still required by law to report it. There are a few exceptions. If you manage to cancel your credit card debt through a gift or an inheritance, you wont have to pay taxes on it; likewise, if your debt was canceled as part of certain types of bankruptcy. Ways to get out of credit card debt Because its risky and can damage your credit score, debt settlement is generally considered a last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, experts say its worth looking into other options first. Balance transfer credit cards allow you to refinance your debt at a lower rate. Working with a nonprofit credit counseling firm can also help you come up with a plan. Often, you can simply call your card issuer and ask for a lower rate. Creditors are typically willing to work with those struggling to make payments, and many have specific hardship programs in place. That can include stuff like deferred payments, reduced minimum payments, waived fees, temporarily lowered APRs, Matt Schulz, LendingTrees chief credit analyst, told NewsNation in a recent interview. But youre not going to get that stuff unless you reach out and tell them your story, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Crews responded to a fire at a vacant structure in Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center, crews were dispatched to the area of Wheatley Avenue and Victor Avenue. Dayton Fire and Police posted on Facebook, saying that the fire was live on the second floor of a two story building. Multiple action lines are in use to tackle the fire. The fire occurred before 7:40 a.m. Cameron Cooper/WDTN No injuries have been reported as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to District Chief David Thomas, about $10,000 of damage was sustained as a result of the fire. The fire impacted the first and second floor of the structure, with the second floor fire being the most difficult to take down. 2 NEWS will update this story as we learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law. Incidents 4500 block of South 1st Street Credit Card Abuse A report was taken for credit/debit card abuse. 5200 block of Twylight Trail Theft of Motor Vehicle A 64-year-old reported that her vehicle was stolen, and a report was taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1200 block of Grape Street Terroristic Threat A Northside business employee reported that an unknown man complained about lost money in a coin-operated machine at the business. He allegedly made threats to burn the building and cause other damage. 3900 block of Ridgemont Drive Theft of Property A report for a stolen license plate was taken. 600 block of Sayles Boulevard Theft of Property An auto salesman reported the theft of a Texas dealers License Plate. 4500 block of South 1st Street Credit Card Abuse A man reported that his wallet had been stolen and that his card was being used for fraudulent charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6000 block of Princess Lane Theft of Property A report for a stolen wedding dress valued at $1,200 was taken. 800 block of Canyon Court Burglary of Vehicle A wallet and two credit/debit cards were reported stolen from a vehicle. Arrests Lele Graham Theft of Property Dee Mangum Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Jody Stoots Possession of a Controlled Substance, Warrant Cameron Ingram Possession of a Controlled Substance Albert Ware Warrant Lora Pierce Abandoned/Reckless Negligence to Child/Elderly/Disabled, Possession of a Controlled Substance Jason Ward Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Dangerous Drug Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A long-scheduled S.C. Ethics Commission hearing into 76 alleged state ethics violations by Becky Hill the clerk of court during Alex Murdaughs murder trial has been canceled. The hearing, scheduled for Dec. 19, has been indefinitely postponed due to a pending criminal investigation undertaken by the Attorney Generals office, according to a document released by the commission. The hearing would have given the public a detailed glimpse of the allegations and aired any defenses Hill might have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document said Hills lawyers had asked for the commission to hold this matter in abeyance in light of the pending criminal investigation. Commission staff stated no objection, the document said. The commission and the Attorney Generals office declined comment. Will Lewis, Hills lawyer, was not available for comment. It is not unusual for the Ethics Commission to put its own investigations on hold and defer to the Attorney Generals office, a legal source familiar with the commissions procedures said. For one thing, it prevents an accused official from giving up their right against self-incrimination in an ethics proceeding while possibly wanting to invoke it in the Attorney Generals criminal probe. For another, the Attorney Generals office and state investigators have far greater resources than the Ethics Commission, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last May, the ethics commission announced it had found probable cause in 76 different incidents to believe that Hill, former Colleton County clerk of court, repeatedly misused her position to enrich herself and promote a book she wrote on the Murdaugh murder trial. Hill, who resigned her $101,256-a-year post in March, received national publicity as the the clerk of court at Murdaughs six-week trial in the winter of 2023. She wrote a quickie book Behind the Doors of Justice, which came out in mid-summer 2023 just five months after Murdaugh was found guilty. In the book, she wrote about her insider experiences at Murdaughs trial. Murdaugh is now serving two life sentences for murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. As clerk of court, Hill had behind-the-scenes access to jurors, prosecutors in Attorney General Alan Wilsons office, Judge Clifton Newman and others during the trial. Wilson, who attended the six-week trial, publicly praised Hill for her help at the trials end and affectionately called her Becky Boo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps because of Wilsons public praise of Hill, the Attorney Generals office asked Rick Hubbard, the widely-respected 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor and president of the S.C. Solicitors Association, to help handle the case. Hubbard is assisted by his deputy solicitor, Suzanne Mayes. Both Mayes and Hubbard are veterans of numerous high profile complex criminal investigations and trials. However, Wilson did not give Hubbard and Mayes complete independence and made it clear in a letter that his office is still in charge. In a letter to Hubbard, Wilson said that Assistant Attorney General Ben Aplin has been assigned to assist you, and, of course, Chief Deputy Attorney General Jeff Young and Criminal Division Deputy Attorney General Don Zelenka will remain involved in any decisions. Alleged ethics violations Hill faces include: Using her position to direct a $2,500 bonus to herself in September 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using her position to direct a $2,500 bonus to herself in March 2023. Using her position to negotiate the use of the Colleton County courthouse apparently with a media company in exchange for the promotion of her book. Using her position to direct payments of hundreds of dollars in county funds to a company with which she had a business relationship, Community Innovations. Using her position to buy hundreds of dollars worth of office decorations and presents for employees for birthdays, Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day. Using her position to buy hundreds of dollars worth of meals and gifts for other occasions for courthouse and judicial staffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethics violations are not the only controversy Hill is embroiled in. After her book was published, Murdaugh lawyers Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian alleged that Hill had abused her position by influencing some jurors to return a quick guilty verdict so she could hype sales of her book. Hill denied the allegation. After a hearing in which jury tampering allegations against Hill were aired, Circuit Judge Jean Toal a retired S.C. Supreme Court chief justice serving on senior status ruled that although Hill may have made improper comments to jurors, there was not enough evidence to show that her comments had brought about the guilty verdict. Last December, Hill admitted she plagiarized a portion of her book from an unpublished draft of an in-depth story on the Murdaugh murder saga by a BBC reporter. Her book was removed from publication. A co-author in the venture had no knowledge of her plagiarism, which although not a crime, is a significant transgression in the literary world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill seemed an unlikely prospect for so many controversies. At Murdaughs six-week trial, she was a popular helpful presence with lawyers, the media and the public alike, always willing to assist in sorting out any kind of problem. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said last January it was investigating Hill on both jury tampering and misuse of office charges. ABUJA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The recently elevated relations between China and Nigeria are expected to yield strong results, scholars said at a symposium at the University of Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing the potential for deeper cooperation. In September, China and Nigeria elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a state visit by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. At the symposium, scholars expressed optimism that the new level of cooperation between the two countries would bolster development for their peoples. "When we say comprehensive strategic partnership, it involves a lot of things, such as building mutual trust. Apart from that, there are also issues of mutual partnership and cooperation for development," Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, founder of the Center For Contemporary China-Africa Research In Nigeria and co-host of the symposium, told Xinhua. "With this, China is going to join hands with Nigeria in developing Nigeria's divergent sectors, such as science and technology transfer, culture, connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and a whole lot of things, including agriculture and industrialization," said Ibrahim, who is also a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Abuja. The event, organized by the center and the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, gathered academics, policymakers, and representatives of civil society organizations. A motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a pickup truck on the South Shore of Massachsuetts on Thursday afternoon, authorities announced Friday. Officers responding to reports of a crash between a truck and motorcycle in the area of 111 Pond Street in Norwell around 1:30 p.m. found a motorcyclist suffering from serious injuries, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Norwell Police Chief Edward Lee. The motorcyclist, 28-year-old Pembroke resident Jacob Foss, was taken to South Shore Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation indicated that Foss was riding a Kawasaki when he struck the side of a Toyota Tacoma in an attempt to turn into the parking lot of a business on Pond Street, Cruz and Lee said. The pickup driver was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Pond Street was closed for hours after the crash as officers gathered evidence at the scene. Massachusetts State Police are assisting Norwell police with an investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Kemi Badenoch has completed her first week as Leader of the Opposition. Kamal and Gordon are joined by the veteran MP David Davis to assess her first Prime Ministers Questions and shadow Cabinet picks - and how she can propel the Tories back to government in 5 years time. Plus, President-elect Donald Trumps promise to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours could see Kyiv being forced to give up territory to Russia. So says John Bolton, who worked in Trumps previous administration. He tells the Daily T what he expects from foreign policy under Trump 2.0. Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case involving a Texas police officer, Roberto Felix Jr., who shot and killed a motorist, Ashtian Barnes, after stopping him for toll violations tied to the rental car he was driving. The issue in Barnes v. Felix is whether that use of deadly force, which happened after Felix leaped onto the car as Barnes began driving away, should be assessed based solely on "the moment of the threat" or based on an analysis that includes the circumstances that produced the threat. But another detail of the encounter reflects the role that the purported odor of marijuana plays in police stops that may lead to humiliating searches, cash seizures, arrests, or, as in this case, potentially lethal violence. When Felix asked Barnes for his driver's license and proof of insurance, a federal judge noted in 2021, "Barnes informed him that he did not have his license and that he had rented the vehicle a week earlier in his girlfriend's name." Barnes started "reaching around the vehicle and rummaging through papers." Felix told him to stop "digging around" and "asked Barnes whether he had anything in the vehicle he should know about, claiming he smelled marijuana." Although a search conducted after Felix killed Barnes found no marijuana, the alleged odor helped escalate the encounter, indicating that Felix suspected Barnes of criminal activity as well as toll violations. A ballot initiative that Dallas voters overwhelmingly approved this week aims to avoid such escalation. In addition to generally barring local police from arresting people for marijuana possession misdemeanors, Proposition R says "Dallas police shall not consider the odor of marijuana or hemp to constitute probable cause for any search or seizure." That seemingly modest restriction undercuts an excuse that in practice gives cops the discretion to stop, harass, and search pretty much anyone by claiming to smell pot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposition R reflects an ongoing controversy over marijuana odor and probable cause. In states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, some courts have held that the smell of cannabis, whether detected by a human or a police dog, can no longer justify a search, since it does not necessarily constitute evidence of a crime. And while Texas has not legalized marijuana for any use, it has legalized hemp, which comes from the same plant species and cannot be distinguished from marijuana without a laboratory test to measure THC content. In 2019, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325, which changed the state's definition of "marihuana" to exclude "hemp, as that term is defined by Section 121.001" of the Texas Agriculture Code. Consistent with federal law, Section 121.001 defines "hemp" as "the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds of the plant and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis." The difference between legal "hemp" and prohibited "marihuana," in other words, is the THC concentration, which cannot be measured by smell or even by a field test. "Before H.B. 1325," Dallas attorney Jon McCurley notes, "marijuana's distinct and readily recognizable odor often [led] law enforcement to believe that a criminal act was occurring." But after H.B. 1325, "simply detecting the odor of marijuana may not be enough to justify a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment because in order to search or get a warrant, law enforcement officials must have probable cause that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed." Police are "trained to recognize marijuana," a College Station, Texas, police officer told the CBS affiliate in Bryan after H.B. 1325 was enacted. "Coming from someone who's been around hemp as well, they are very similar. They look the same; they smell the same." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law enforcement complications created by hemp legalization went beyond the justification for searches. After H.B. 1325 passed, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, whose jurisdiction includes Houston, the state's biggest city, said her office would no longer accept possession cases involving misdemeanor quantities of marijuana (less than four ounces) "without a lab test result proving that the evidence seized has a THC concentration of over .3%." She added that "felony marijuana charges will be evaluated on a case by case basis by our Office" and "in the proper instances, such charges may be taken while lab test results are pending." Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore, whose jurisdiction includes Austin, the state capital, said her office was dismissing 32 felony marijuana cases. "If we can't prove our case, we need to dismiss," explained Moore, who estimated that the necessary laboratory equipment would cost $185,000 and would not be up and running for eight to 12 months. In February 2020, Steven McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), said DPS labs would soon have the ability to distinguish between hemp and marijuana by measuring THC content. But he added that "we do not accept misdemeanor cases," noting that Texas police make more than 80,000 marijuana misdemeanor arrests each year. "DPS will not have the capacity to accept those misdemeanor cases," he said. As McCurley notes, however, the problem is not just that prosecutors cannot prove someone possessed marijuana without laboratory tests that may be prohibitively expensive in misdemeanor cases. If the odor of pot, which is the same as the odor of hemp, does not establish probable cause, it cannot justify a search or an arrest under the Fourth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because of the similarities in the definitions of marihuana and hemp," a Texas appeals court noted in 2020, "the continued viability of the holding that officers and lay witnesses may identify marihuana through their senses alone may be in question." The court did not address that issue because the case involved a marijuana arrest that predated hemp legalization. But courts in other states have recognized the Fourth Amendment implications of legislation that redefines cannabis crimes. In 2008 Massachusetts voters approved Question 2, a ballot initiative that decriminalized possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, making it a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine. In light of Question 2, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled three years later, the smell of burnt marijuana was not sufficient justification for ordering a motorist out of his car during a traffic stop. In 2014, the court extended the logic of that decision, saying a marijuana odor by itself does not justify a car search, since a search must be based on probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be discovered, and one ounce or less of cannabis (a civil offense) smells the same as more than an ounce (a misdemeanor). In 2015, the court went even further, ruling that the smell of burnt marijuana cannot by itself justify a traffic stop. Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016. Given that change, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held in 2021, "the odor of marijuana alone does not amount to probable cause to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle, but, rather, may be considered as a factor in examining the totality of the circumstances." A state appeals court reached a similar conclusion that year in Maryland, which legalized medical marijuana in 2014. "The odor of marijuana may, with other circumstances, provide reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity," it said. But "because an officer cannot tell by the smell of marijuana alone that a person is involved in criminal activity, we hold that the odor of marijuana, by itself, does not provide reasonable suspicion to conduct an investigatory stop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Maryland voters approved recreational legalization in 2022, legislators made that restriction mandatory across the state. In 2023, when legalization took effect, they passed a law that prohibits police from treating the smell of cannabis as sufficient grounds for stopping or searching pedestrians or cars. In 1976, Minnesota made marijuana possession involving no more than 42.5 grams (about 1.5 ounces) a "petty misdemeanor," meaning it was "prohibited by law" and could result in a maximum fine of $200 but did not "constitute a crime." Given the legal status of low-level marijuana possession, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in 2023, the smell of marijuana, by itself, "is insufficient to establish a fair probability that the search would yield evidence of criminally illegal drug-related contraband or conduct." In that case, as in Barnes v. Felix, police claimed to smell marijuana but did not find any (although they did find methamphetamine). The possibility that cops may erroneously or dishonestly say they caught a whiff of weed underlines the importance of preventing them from stopping people or conducting searches based on nothing more than an asserted odor. That license can easily be abused. In 2012, The Virginian-Pilot reported that Chesapeake officers "have been pulling over cars on the grounds that they smelled marijuana while cruising down local roadways." One of those cops explained how that technique supposedly worked: "We drive our patrol car with the vents on, pulling air from the outside in, directly into our faces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, New Jersey cops impounded a BMW based on a purported "strong odor of raw marijuana" and tore it apart over the course of three weeks with the help of drug-sniffing dogs, causing more than $12,000 in damage. They did not find the marijuana they supposedly smelled or any other contraband. Two years later, after pulling over a car for contested reasons, an Idaho state trooper opened the trunk with the driver's not-entirely-voluntary consent and, according to the resulting lawsuit, "claimed he could smell the odor of marijuana," despite "the strong gusts of wind and precipitation that day." The ensuing search of the car discovered nothing illegal. The driver's lawyer told The Denver Post his client "does not use marijuana and never has." In 2018, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a warrantless apartment search based on a cop's claim that she "smelled a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the apartment" while standing outside the front door. What police ultimately discovered was 25 grams (less than an ounce) of marijuana, which was inside a sealed plastic container, inside a locked safe, inside a bedroom closet about 30 feet from where the officer had been standing. The cops also found "a small amount of marijuana on a partially burnt cigarillo in the living room," which would have smelled like burnt marijuana, not "raw marijuana." That same year, a Louisville, Kentucky, SWAT team terrorized an innocent family during a fruitless home invasion. The raid was based partly on "a strong smell of fresh marijuana" that a detective claimed to have noticed while standing on the front porch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops, aided by their not-so-trusty dogs, commonly use the real, imagined, or invented smell of marijuana to justify outrageous invasions, including futile searches, highway and airport robbery, and roadside sexual assault. The odor of pot even figured in the 2016 death of Minnesota motorist Philando Castile, who was shot by a cop who later said the smell frightened him. By approving Proposition R, Dallas voters have taken a step toward preventing such abuses. Texas courts should go further in light of hemp legalization by eliminating this all-purpose excuse for police harassment. The post Dallas Voters Nix an All-Purpose Excuse for Police Harassment: 'I Smelled Marijuana' appeared first on Reason.com. (WHTM) Republican Dave McCormick expressed gratitude and thanked Pennsylvanians on Friday morning after media outlets projected his victory in Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate race over three-term incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D). We obviously had an incredibly hard-fought race, said McCormick at an event in Pittsburgh. A former hedge fund CEO, McCormick said Casey and his family served the commonwealth with honor. Casey, who has not yet conceded has repeatedly called for all votes to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also recognize what its like to lose a close election, said McCormick, who lost the 2022 Republican Senate primary to Mehmet Oz by about 900 votes. The math is clear, added McCormick. The race could head to an automatic recount if the rally remains within half a percent. McCormick said he was unsure whether there would be a recount or not. McCormick has also filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia regarding provisional ballots that are continuing to be counted. McCormick said the lawsuit was filed to ensure there were enough observers in place. The lawsuit also noted there may be defective provisional ballots that should not be counted. Maddy McDaniel, spokesperson for Bob Casey for Senate, released a statement following McCormicks event on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of provisional ballots expected from areas that favor Senator Casey, like Philadelphia and its suburbs, is further proof that this race is too close to be called. As the McCormick campaign admitted in their own lawsuit this morning, the counting of these ballots could have an impact on the outcome of the election. With more than 100,000 ballots still left to count, we will continue to make sure Pennsylvanians voices are heard. McCormick noted he recently talked to President-Elect Donald Trump about his policies, saying the economy would be a day one issue. McCormick added that he was looking forward to turning the page and participating in the Senate leadership election. He also pledged to work with Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman, both of whom are Democrats. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. David Lammy has declined to say whether he regrets labelling Donald Trump a Nazi after the Republicans election victory on Tuesday. The Foreign Secretary was repeatedly pressed on whether he believed the president-elect had changed since he called him a woman-hating, neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath in 2018. Mr Lammy, speaking on the BBCs Newscast podcast, dismissed the comments as old news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he had made efforts to build bridges with Republicans and meet Mr Trump in September because he felt it in my bones that the former president would win re-election and return to the White House. My gut had been telling me, but also my head had been telling me, that they were in a strong position, he said. Mr Lammy continued: I think that what you say as a backbencher and what you do wearing the real duty of public office are two different things. And I am Foreign Secretary. There are things I know now that I didnt know back then. Mr Lammy noted that the US and Britain worked together on intelligence and military matters, saying: I think hes someone that we can build a relationship with in our national interest because we must. Trump was a gracious host Mr Trump did not bring up his comments when the pair had a meal together at Trump Tower in New York two months ago, Mr Lammy said. He did not answer directly when pressed on whether he had been naive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the Republican as a generous and gracious host, adding: He did offer me a second portion of chicken. Mr Lammy told Time magazine in 2018: Trump is not only a woman hating, neo-Nazi, sympathising sociopath, he is also a profound threat to the international order that has been the foundation of Western progress for so long. On the BBC interview, he was reminded that he had claimed Mr Trump was no friend of Britain, labelling him: Deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic and a tyrant in a toupe. Sir Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, has insisted that Mr Lammy will remain as Foreign Secretary despite his criticisms of the incoming president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a show of support for Mr Lammy, the Prime Ministers press secretary said on Wednesday that he would remain in post until the next general election, which is expected in 2029. Chris Ruddy, a friend of Mr Trump and chief executive of conservative news outlet Newsmax, told Times Radio on Thursday that the Republican likes David Lammy and did not hold the controversial comments against him. 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. (NewsNation) With 55.1% of the vote, NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ has called the race for Californias District 22 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of David Valadao. See the results of U.S. House and U.S. Senate races from around the country here. Tuesdays election was a rematch of the closely contested 2022 fight for the District 22 seat in which Republican Rep. David Valadao defeated former California Assemblyman Rudy Salas by just 3 percentage points. Valadao has served on the House Appropriations Committee, determining how American tax dollars are spent at the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the California Assembly, Salas focused on issues such as public safety, better workforce development programs and expanded rights for veterans and workers. Get fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 with the NewsNation app. Download it here. The race was considered among the nations most competitive battles for a congressional seat that could affect which party controls the chamber. The tight race was the latest difficult fight for Valadao, who lost his seat in Congress in 2018 before being reelected in 2020 after the seat had been redistricted to include its current area of the Central Coast, including parts of Kings, Tulare and Kern counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region has shifted to purple politically, in part due to the Latino majority in the district, which has more registered Democrats than Republicans, the Sacramento Bee reported. See NewsNations election live blog with real-time analysis from our political experts and the latest race calls nationwide powered by Decision Desk HQ. Watch live results from the presidential election, important swing states and the balance of power in Congress. NewsNation will also be tracking your local state elections and impactful ballot initiatives around the country. Throughout this election cycle, both Valadao and Salas focused on economic issues such as the price of groceries and gas for residents across the congressional district. Both candidates attacked their opponents legislative record, with Salas taking aim at Valadaos voting record in Washington, D.C., over the past 12 years, while Valadao focused on Salas tenure as an assemblyman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heading into Tuesdays election, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives were up for election. Republicans control the chamber with a narrow majority of 220 seats, while the Democrats occupy 212 with three vacancies. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Today, one of the biggest used book sales in the state begins. The event is happening all weekend long at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. The Book Fair Foundation, a non-profit, collects donated books all year long and now they are presenting those books to local bookworms. The fair features books, but records, cds, dvds, puzzles, games and more will be available as well. Proceeds from the fair will go to Dayton-area non-profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the fair, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection to attacking a man in Northwest last month. The assault incident happened at the McDonalds on 14th and U streets. Investigators believe it could be a possible anti-gay hate crime. People around DMV, country report recieving racist text messages in days after election Just before 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 27, Thomas Lascarro, 22, had fun at two gay bars at the corner of 14th and U streets when he went across the road to McDonalds. When he tried leaving, a woman told him to watch where he was going. Stuart West with his husband Thomas Lascarro on the South Lawn of the White House. A group of individuals up to 15 then blocked off the exit and said, did you not hear what she said? You F-word for gays. A derogatory term, said Stuart West, Lascarros husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West wasnt with him that night but said Thomas was brutally beaten. On the sidewalk, he inadvertently recorded a video of trash and drinks being thrown at him while trying to FaceTime West. An act of violence. So grotesque, coupled with that language is to an extreme level that I never anticipated anyone having to go through, let alone my own husband whos new here from Colombia, West said. Decisive victories in DC: Trayon White wins reelection, Initiative 83 passes On Tuesday, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested and charged a 16-year-old with assault. He has a lot of anxiety that comes around this, you know, as one person gets, caught and then fearing that the others wont, West said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are still looking for six suspects. West said Lascarro has recovered a lot from his scrapes and bruises but still needs medical and mental health recovery. There are some lingering effects that hes working through. And those are extreme muscle fatigue and tightness in his jaw. And so hes having difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, West said. Looked too young to be that big of a threat: Woman carjacked in Safeway parking garage wants accountability West wants to see a permanent police presence during peak hours at 14th and U streets so this never happens to another person. We need to have some explanation from our city leaders as to how moving forward, we are going to not only have a temporary solution to this issue, but a permanent solution, West said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with any information about the suspects is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 5041. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said Friday it arrested the person responsible for a deadly shooting that took place in Southeast Thursday afternoon. MPD said Maurice Jackson, 62, of Southeast faces a murder charge for the killing of Olivia Graves, 24, of Upper Marlboro, Md. Insufficient evidence to charge US Park Police officer in fatal shooting of Dalaneo Martin, DC US Attorney says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the shooting happened in the 700 block of Atlantic St. SE at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Graves died at the hospital. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) November is adoption month. And one Central Illinois non-profit said its a time to reflect on the number of children waiting to find homes. The National Council for Adoption said in 2022 there were more than 100,000 children waiting to be adopted in the U.S. Pritzker proclaims Nov. Adoption Awareness Month in Illinois Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy in Decatur is currently helping 230 kids. According to the organizations Director of Marketing and Giving, every child deserves a forever home and family, and the process is simpler than some might think. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be the background check, they come out and check their home, theres the fingerprinting. But I think that people think that its much more difficult than it actually is, Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy Director Holly Newbon said. And the agency that you work with will be there to walk alongside you throughout the process and usually help support individuals and their families as well. She said the organization has already placed 35 kids into homes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Kung Fu is alive and kicking in Jiangxi Province! Head to Shuijiang Town, the "hometown of martial arts," to witness the lightning-fast skills and board-breaking power of many Kung Fu enthusiasts who have gathered here for a martial arts event. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine was behind the drone attack on the Rosneft oil refinery in the Russian city of Saratov on the night of 7-8 November. Source: Ukrainska Pravda source in Ukrainian intelligence Details: The source confirmed that this had been a successful special operation by Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. Russian news outlets reported that a fire broke out on the premises of the refinery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Roman Busargin, the governor of Russias Saratov Oblast, confirmed that drones had attacked an industrial area in the Zavodsky district of the city, where the Rosneft refinery and an oil pier on the Volga River are located. The wreckage of a downed drone supposedly fell there. A video of the fire itself was posted on Russian local news outlets. Support UP or become our patron! In a high-windowed room overlooking Horse Guards Parade, John Healey carefully places his coffee extra strong, with milk on the carpet. You know the story of this room? Its where the Duke of Wellington and Lord Liverpool learnt that Napoleon had escaped from Elba. That triggered the events that led to Waterloo. In other words, it is where British military and civilian leaders worked out how to deal with a marauding European dictator whose wars of aggression brought the continent to the brink of ruin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus ca change, he winks, as Napoleon might have said. The venue was not Healeys idea it seems to have come from one of his staff, and he hastens to clarify that he does not see himself as Wellington when the Telegraphs photographer asks him to pose next to the Dukes green-leather-topped desk. But it drives home the message he wants to get across. While some in Whitehall might see Donald Trumps re-election as something approaching an existential moment, Healey might be forgiven for taking a longer view. As in Wellingtons time, Britains most serious security challenge is on the continent and, yes, comes from a megalomanic dictator with imperial ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As in Wellingtons time, the balance between civilian and military leadership is paramount. And as then, as in the First and Second World Wars, and as in Ukraine today, your Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them and the society that stands behind them, as he puts it. It is a daunting time to be a defence secretary. The war in Ukraine has brought Russia and Nato closer to war than ever. The Middle East is on the brink of regional conflagration. And the US intelligence community assesses that Chinas best window of opportunity for invading Taiwan will open in 2027. In other words, if World War III is coming, it is likely to come on his watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not my assertion at all. But we are undoubtedly in an era of insecurity. It weighs heavily on me as Defence Secretary, knowing that if we face conflict, it will be my decision to send British forces and personnel into situations which puts them at risk. Its a responsibility of the post, but now its personal as well. Healey meets British and Ukrainian troops alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Stanford Training Area near Thetford - Leon Neal/PA Healeys son Alex, in his late twenties, is now an infantryman in the Army reserves, the Defence Secretary reveals. Not something Ive talked about before. But in fact, it was Ukraine. So when Putin went in, in February 2022, the next day we were having lunch together and he said to me, Dad, if I were Ukrainian, Id join up today. And it was very soon after that he came to me and to his mum and said, I want to join up. I want to be a reservist. Thats what hes done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey, whose wife, Jackie, works as his office manager, says Alex is driven by a desire to defend his country. Its a bit old-fashioned, but hell talk about King and Country. Its a recognition that there is something fundamentally important about our country and what we stand for that he wants to help defend. I dont think you can talk to anyone in uniform, reservist or full-time, who would not say that at the heart of their motivation and commitment is service. Healey continues: He does his day job, and then the reserve makes demands that his day job and his day-to-day life simply doesnt. Physical demands, time, of course, emotional, but in a way also its a higher commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can understand better the feeling of the families of those who I hope it doesnt happen, but if necessary, I will have as Defence Secretary to commit to conflicts where they may be at risk. Healeys father was briefly in the Border Regiment, but after breaking an arm in a parachuting accident quit to become a teacher. Born in 1960 in Wakefield, Healey studied social and political science at Christs College, Cambridge, and before entering politics worked at charities campaigning for disabled people. Healey is quick to clarify he does not see himself as a modern-day Duke of Wellington, despite being pictured in front of the Dukes green leather-topped desk - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph In Tony Blairs government he held a series of junior ministerial roles but never in foreign policy or defence. Before Sir Keir Starmer gave him the shadow defence brief in 2020, he was shadow housing secretary. In May, before Rishi Sunak called the general election, Healey visited Kyiv, on a trip that informed his views on the imperatives of defence: technological and industrial capacity, and the armed forces reliance on those not in uniform. The trip included a visit to a weapons factory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two things [were] particularly striking there: many of those working had been forced to flee from the east of Ukraine, and so their contribution to supporting their families that were still on the front line was to try and make the equipment that would protect them, that would allow them to fight the Russians back. And the second thing was that they were saying, essentially, the life cycle of technology on the front line is about two months now. Within two months of Ukrainians creating manufacturing, putting new drones in the hands of their frontline forces, the Russians will find a way of countering them. So the pace of innovation, of manufacture, as well as the sort of whole commitment of society behind it is absolutely essential. He insists Trumps re-election will not change the British calculus, or force a rethink of a Strategic Defence Review due to report in the spring. The president-elect has repeatedly accused European nations of failing to pull their weight when it comes to defence spending saying that the US has long had to pay for them. Healey with Germanys defence minister Boris Pistorius, after signing a new UK-Germany defence agreement in October - Justin Tallis/AFP Labours promise to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence remains. On Friday night, The Telegraph disclosed that Starmer is poised to increase spending to reach the threshold within weeks of Trump taking office. Healey will not be drawn on when the government will lay out its plan and time table to get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, he says, there is a lot of unglamorous work to be done on defence reform. The Army now has a target size of 72,000 and is likely to fall short because of recruiting failures he blames on the previous government, which he has accused of hollowing out the Armed Forces. Asked if he recognises that the Army cant get smaller, he says I didnt come in to see further cuts. But more important even than money he says, are the military personnel themselves and the publics relationship with them. To this end he has just come from a reception breakfast for veterans at Downing Street where he and the Prime Minister chatted with Chelsea pensioners, a 99-year-old D-Day veteran, and lean, young Invictus Games athletes in wheelchairs survivors of Iraq and Afghanistan. Healey met Chelsea pensioners with Sir Keir Starmer at a recent reception for military veterans - Stefan Rousseau/PA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than one veteran The Telegraph spoke to in preparation for this interview said the military covenant the unwritten pact that the government will look after its troops is broken: a tick-box exercise not fit for purpose, as one retired officer said. From appalling housing, to a veteran support service many ex-servicemen feel treats them as an enemy, to repeated failures to address inappropriate behaviour towards female soldiers, morale is at rock bottom, said the former officer. Its a complaint of which Healey appears to be well aware. On Friday, he and the Prime Minister announced an extra 3.5 million to help veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. When Labour came into government they announced a 6 per cent pay rise for Armed Forces personnel the largest for more than two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey has also promised to appoint an Armed Forces commissioner, a kind of Ofsted chief inspector for the military, empowered to inspect and hold to account the ministry of defence, and to which servicemen and women, veterans, and their families can take their concerns without fear of them being buried. Can he promise that the new post will not, as some veterans fear, be answerable to the Ministry of Defence and the military chain of command, rendering it toothless? And that it would not be held by a military figure with instinctive sympathy for the system it is meant to be policing? Yes and yes, he replies promptly. As veterans and the countrys leaders prepare to gather around the cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday, it seems apt to reflect on the poppy, its place in the national conversation, and how a tighter relationship between the public and its soldiers may help deter and if that doesnt work, win the looming global war of which we seem to be on the brink. In recent years the Poppy has seemed in danger of becoming an object of division: figures on the extreme right and left have seized on it as a sign of patriotism or a war mongering. Could it be that as the generations who fought the World War die out, the act of Remembrance becomes more performative, with another bastion of national consensus besieged by the culture wars? He pushes back. For me it is still the opposite its a time when all that stuff is pushed aside, he says. But largely because last year we marked 60 years since the last national servicemen left their national service, so that generation that provided both the experience of fighting in the Second World War and that generation that provided the family connections with service and the forces is inevitably diminishing. So I see part of my task as Defence Secretary to try and amplify whats special about remembrance and in particular, if you like, educating Telling the stories both of those who have served in the past and their heroism and sacrifice, [and] those in the forces now. Among many other things, that means the likes of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen must remain on the national curriculum. The war poets will tell the same sort of stories about the horror of war, the purity and importance of peace, the loss of comrades, that some of the veterans that you met at the breakfast this morning will tell about their own service life. It stands as literature, but also testament to those eternal sentiments. I see part of my task as to try to amplify whats special about remembrance: Healey joined military personnel to hand out poppies at Londons Victoria Station in October - Stefan Rousseau for The Telegraph Healey appears to believe that Britain and Europe will have to do more of the heavy lifting on this side of the Atlantic, whether or not directly linked to Trumps re-election this week. He would like Britain to be leading Natos European members in that effort and cites Labours Nato First strategy under which European security is Britains foreign and defence priority. The Nato First priority that weve set out as a government recognises that our defence as well as our treaty duties, lie principally with our Nato allies, and that we are most likely to be able to avoid the conflict that you talk of, and many fear, if we are better fit to fight, were stronger, and better able to defend Europe as a collective of 32 nations. Thats why I argue that the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine. Its why I argue that Estonia and the border with Russia is our front line, not just theirs. Thats the first task. Its one of statesmanship. Its one of diplomacy. Its one of recognising the power of deterrence, and we havent in the past. I also recognise that whether it was Harris or Trump that was elected, America is shifting its strategic priority and its focus, and will do so further towards the Indo Pacific. Thats a reality that all Nato nations must recognise. On Ukraine, without directly referring to reports Trump is considering pushing Kyiv into a land-for-peace deal, he states that the country has to be given the freedom to decide how to balance fighting and talking. And he rejects the idea that Russias current momentum on the battlefield means it is unstoppable. The latest figures from British defence intelligence, he says, show that the average daily Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine reached a new high during October, with an average daily loss rate of 1,354 per day. This is the second straight month that Russian forces have suffered new war high average losses and makes last month the most costly of the war for Russia, with a total of 41,980 casualties. According to UK defence intelligence, the previous high was 39,110, recorded in May 2024. They estimate that since the start of the conflict Russia has likely suffered more than 696,000 casualties. Putin is spending 40 per cent of his budget on defence, which is unsustainable. Many analysts believe Putin will have trouble maintaining that kind of effort beyond 2025. In blunt English, is Healey saying Ukraine and the West can win the war of attrition? The West can and must, he replies. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. One of the defendants in a 2023 burglary turned fatal shooting in Isanti County has been convicted of murder. On Thursday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellisons office announced Fredy Saavedra Olivar had been found guilty of two counts of 2nd-degree murder and two counts of 1st-degree burglary in connection with the death of Jose De Jesus Diaz Fernandes. The convictions come after a four-day trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ellisons office, Saavedra Olivar hired three people to burglarize a ranch and purported drug stash house in Spencer Brook Township. Saavedra Olivar gave the trio a gun, drugs and the ranch's address ahead of the incident, and coordinated with them over the phone moments before. Isanti County Jail Between Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 of 2023, the three people dressed up as police officers and burglarized the ranch. Fernandes was fatally shot during the incident. My thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim, as well as the Spencer Brook Township community. Every Minnesotan deserves equal justice under the law, and my office is here to help provide it," Ellison said in a statement. My office stands ready to assist Minnesotas county attorneys in prosecuting crime, securing justice, and making sure every Minnesotan can live with dignity, safety, and respect. Trials for the other three defendants are pending. BOISE, Idaho (AP) Attorneys for a man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students asked a judge to take the death penalty off the table Thursday, arguing that international, federal and state law all make it inappropriate for the case. Bryan Kohberger is accused of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Investigators said they were able to link Kohberger then a graduate student at nearby Washington State University to the crime from DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data. When asked to enter a plea last year, Kohberger stood silent, prompting a judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a pre-trial motion hearing, Kohberger's defense team made a broad range of arguments against the death penalty, saying in part that it does not fit today's standards of decency, that it is cruel to make condemned inmates sit for decades on death row awaiting execution and that it violates an international treaty prohibiting the torture of prisoners. But 4th District Judge Stephen Hippler questioned many of those claims, saying that the international treaty they referenced was focused on ensuring that prisoners are given due process so they are not convicted and executed without a fair trial. Prosecutors noted that the Idaho Supreme Court has already considered many of those arguments in other capital cases and allowed the the death penalty to stand. Still, by bringing up the issues during the motion hearing, Kohberger's defense team took the first step toward preserving their legal arguments in the court record, potentially allowing them to raise them again on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said he would issue a written ruling on the motions later. Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, attended the hearing. Afterward they said the details of the case show the death penalty is merited. You've got four victims, all in one house that's more than enough, Steve Goncalves said. Kristi Goncalves said she talked to the coroner and knows what happened to her daughter. If he did anything like he did to our daughter to the others, then he deserves to die, she said. Kohberger's attorneys have said he was out for a drive the night of the killings, something he often did to look at the sky. His trial is scheduled to begin next August and is expected to last up to three months. The Goncalves family said they have rented a home in Boise so they can attend. The News Deforestation in Brazils Amazon dropped to its lowest level in nearly a decade over the past year, officials said Wednesday, in a win for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva who campaigned on promises of reversing the anti-climate policies of his predecessor. The rate of deforestation in the worlds largest rainforest fell 30.6% year-on-year in the 12 months to July, officials said, the lowest level since 2015. The Amazon is crucial to protecting the planet from the effects of climate change because of the amount of carbon dioxide its trees absorb. However, critics say Lula has failed to deliver on many of his environmental promises and has supported initiatives detrimental to the Amazons health, according to the Associated Press, such as building new highways and oil drilling at the mouth of the Amazon river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the reelection of US President Donald Trump, the world is now looking to Lula as a foil to an expected climate-unfriendly administration in the US but Trumps return could galvanize former president Jair Bolsonaros growing right-wing movement. SIGNALS Lula seen as failing to deliver on climate promises Source: Mongabay Lula pledged to resume Brazils protagonist role in the climate arena following the presidency of climate change skeptic Bolsonaro, environmental news site Mongabay wrote. But the current government is also full of contradictions, one climate researcher said, as it navigates the economic realities of Brazils oil-rich economy. Since taking office, Lulas administration has reduced the energy transition portion of its 2025 budget by 20%, has failed to present nationally determined contributions or how much Brazil plans to cut emissions by, as required by the Paris Agreement and plans to make Brazil the worlds fourth-largest oil producer by 2029. Were still in a rhythm of expansion, not transition, the researcher said. Addressing poverty is key to reducing Amazonian deforestation Source: Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary cause of Amazonian deforestation is poverty, according to Bloomberg: Of the 28 million Brazilians living in the Amazon, 11.8 million live in extreme poverty, with many subsistence farmers forced to burn sections of rainforest to plant crops to feed their families. The Brazilian government has historically used the Amazon Fund an internationally supported investment budget to support sustainable micro-economies that dont damage the rainforest. Foreign donors who suspended contributions in protest at the Bolsonaro administration have resumed donations, but critics say they still fall short of the amount needed to address the Amazons poverty crisis particularly in more densely populated regions. We talk a lot about the climate emergency, but there is a social emergency in the Amazon territory, one investment banker said. Brazil climate minister says will pressure Trump on climate Sources: CNN Brasil, The New York Times Brazil will pressure the incoming Trump administration to adopt stricter climate policies, the countrys climate minister said, but growing momentum among the countrys right-wing could threaten these efforts. Marina Silva told CNN Brasil she was optimistic a second Trump presidency would be completely different than the first, with global investors now keener to fund renewable energy projects, and politicians more aware of extreme weather events such as Hurricanes Milton and Helene. However, Brasilias ability to pressure Washington could change if Brazilian politics shift to the right. While Bolsonaro is barred from office until 2030 over an abuse of power case, his allies now have real power at federal and state levels, The New York Times wrote, and Trumps reelection may place their movement on surer footing. When Evansville, Indiana, firefighter Robert Robbie Doerr was discovered shot dead in his driveway on Feb. 26, 2019, after picking up an additional shift, Doerrs colleagues could not have known how heartbreaking and personal the night would become after joining first responders at the scene. The ones that were called to the scene, they all knew Robbie, Doerrs best friend and fellow firefighter Larry Wildt said. The last image they got is Robbie laying there dead on the sidewalk." Wildt said Doerr was someone who always wanted people to smile. He would do whatever he could to make someone happy, Wildt remembered about the 28-year veteran of the department. PHOTO: Robert Robbie' Doerr was a beloved firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department in Indiana. (Courtesy Lindsey Griffin and the Evansville Fire Department ) A new 20/20 episode, Fire & Vice, airing Friday, Nov. 8, at 9 p.m. ET and streaming the next day on Hulu, examines the case. Doerrs daughter, Lindsey Griffin, described to ABC News Matt Gutman her fathers unfaltering commitment to support his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [He] was my best friend, and now hes never going to meet his grandson, Griffin said. Doerr also worked full time on his days off at a local fast-food restaurant, where he met Elizabeth Becky Fox. The two had been friends for 11 years and married in Panama City, Florida, shortly after they decided to date. Fox-Doerr recalled in an exclusive 20/20 interview how her husband treated [her] like nobody had ever treated me before. But the picturesque romance, Fox-Doerr's sixth marriage, was not as it seemed, according to Griffin. My dad seemed happy at first, Griffin said, but then he started to feel insecure. He started to think she was cheating on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He'd been cheated on from my understanding, but so had I. I tried to reassure him that that's just not gonna happen, said Fox-Doerr, who added that she had never been unfaithful to Doerr or any of her previous husbands. PHOTO: Lindsey Griffin and her daughter sit in an Evansville Fire Department truck dedicated to the memory of Griffins father, Robert Doerr. (ABC News) The couple would sometimes go on double dates with Fox-Doerrs younger sister, Amanda Mandy Fillmore, and her fiance, Larry Richmond Sr. Richmond Sr. was good looking and charming, according to Fillmore, but he had a dark past. In 1996, the then-17-year-old was convicted of shooting and killing a 70-year-old man, resulting in two decades behind bars. Though his past was alarming, Fillmore believed Richmond Sr. was a changed man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during an examination of the Doerr case, investigators would eventually find evidence they alleged connected Richmond Sr. to the crime scene. They discovered that Doerr was hit with two different types of projectiles. They began a search for stolen guns in the area, particularly a Taurus Judge model, which is capable of firing both shotgun and pistol ammunition. One such gun had been reported stolen from a pawn shop, coincidentally where Richmond Sr.s son, Larry Richmond Jr., was employed at the time the weapon was stolen. Detectives brought the father and son to the police station for questioning. Richmond Sr. said he didnt know anything about the murder of Doerr and declined to speak more to them, invoking his right to an attorney. During Richmond Jr.s interrogation, he eventually conceded to investigators, I dont know anything about the murder, but I did take the gun from my workplace. Richmond Jr. also revealed that Richmond Sr. had buried guns in Fillmores backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities dug up Fillmores yard and recovered several guns with obliterated serial numbers but did not find the firearm suspected in Doerrs death. Richmond Sr. was charged with four counts of felony possession, two for his status as a felon and another two for the scratched-off serial numbers. Fillmore told police she did not know about the guns buried in her yard and faced no charges. PHOTO: Elizabeth Becky Fox-Doerr speaks in an interview with ABC News Matt Gutman. (ABC News) Meanwhile, suspicion was mounting against Fox-Doerr. An initial search of Fox-Doerr's phone revealed nothing suspicious, but once investigators received the raw extraction data from her cellphone carrier, they discovered there was a deleted phone call record that was time-stamped before the 911 call she placed to report her husband's shooting. According to investigators, the deleted record showed a call with a contact named Larry Ali. Detective Jeff Hands of the Evansville Police Department pressed Fox-Doerr about the phone call she received just 15 minutes before her husband was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 90 minutes of questioning, Fox-Doerr told the detective Richmond Sr. called her and they had spoken just before her husbands shooting. She denied any allegation of an affair with Richmond Sr. or that she knew about her husbands murder and claimed the call was related to an earlier conversation between Doerr and Richmond Sr. about outdoor lights. Fox-Doerr was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for deleting the phone call record and false informing for lying to investigators in her initial interview when asked about the call. She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Taylor Barrett, one of Fox-Doerr's sons, told 20/20 he witnessed that his mother deletes absolutely everything from her phone. Fox-Doerrs charges were dropped seven months later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Nathan Guthrie, another son of Fox-Doerr, says he made a discovery while sorting through condolence cards shortly after Doerrs funeral. In an interview with investigators, Guthrie reported that he found a slip of paper in the card from Fillmore and Richmond Sr. that he said Richmond Sr. gave to Fox-Doerr at the funeral, scribed with the message, We need to talk, a phone number and the name Larry at the bottom. Fox-Doerr denied knowing anything about the message. One year after Doerrs murder, the Evansville Police Department announced Larry Richmond Sr. was a person of interest and investigators issued a search warrant for his cellphone data. Jonathan Carter, an investigator with the Vanderburgh County Prosecutors Office, said Richmond Sr.s location data put him near the scene of the crime approximately 20 minutes prior to the murder." Detectives claimed Richmond Sr. also checked police scanner apps and Doerrs social media the night of the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2022, Richmond Sr. and Fox-Doerr were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges. PHOTO: Larry Wildt speaks with ABC News Matt Gutman about his best friend and fellow firefighter, Robert Doerr. 'You can't replace the best friend, especially not one for 34 years,' Wildt said. (ABC News) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox-Doerr vehemently denied any involvement in her husbands killing. I had nothing to do with it. Nothing at all, Fox-Doerr told 20/20. Other than one phone call from Feb. 26, 2019, law enforcement gained no evidence against Becky Fox-Doerr over the course of the next five years prior to this trial date to allege or show that she had any involvement, Fox-Doerr's defense attorney Rob Phillips told 20/20. Ultimately, Fox-Doerr was found guilty of both murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She was sentenced to 90 years in prison. Larry Richmond Sr.s trial is scheduled for 2025. Neither Richmond Sr. nor his attorney responded when contacted by ABC News for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Doerrs loved ones, Fox-Doerrs conviction comes as a relief after years of heartbreak, but their loss remains. I don't get to have the laughs, the conversations, and the, I love you, Griffin said. After five years, trying to remember the sound of the voice gets harder and harder each year. ABC News' Joseph Diaz, Chris Kilmer, Abbey LeVine, Emily Moffet and Mike Repplier contributed to this story. Deleted cellphone data helps reveal murder of Indiana fireman originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Kamala Harris 2024 campaign started out fun. It opened with the politics of joy, and a hearty dose of mockery aimed at Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. The campaign quickly adopted a different tack attempting to project strength and leadership, while courting support from Republicans concerned about the threat posed by Trump. That approach culminated with Harris campaigning with former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney and touting an endorsement from her father, former Vice President and Iraq War architect Dick Cheney. The pitch bombed with Republicans, as Democrats share of moderates and independents fell and overall Democratic support crumbled, too. Now, several Democratic operatives and insiders tell Rolling Stone they tried to convince the Harris campaign and her allies that palling around with the Cheneys was a bad idea with little upside and could harm Harris support among disaffected Democratic voters. The sources requested anonymity to discuss sensitive intraparty matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One source close to the Harris campaign tells Rolling Stone they reached out to several staffers in and around the campaign to voice concerns about the candidate embracing Dick and Liz Cheney. People dont want to be in a coalition with the devil, says the source, speaking about Dick Cheney. They say a Harris staffer responded that it was not the staffs role to challenge the campaigns decisions. A Democratic strategist says they warned key Harris surrogates and top-level officials at the Democratic National Committee that campaigning with Liz Cheney and making the campaigns closing argument about how many Republicans were supporting Harris was highly unlikely to motivate any new swing voters, and risked dissuading already-despondent, infrequent Democratic voters who had supported Biden in 2020. The strategist says they also attempted to have big donors and battleground state party chairs convey the same argument to the Harris campaign. Another Democratic operative close to Harrisworld says they sent memos and data to Harris campaign staffers underscoring how, among other things, Republican voters, believe it or not, vote Republican and that the data over the past year screamed that Democrats instead needed to reassure and energize the liberal base and Dem-leaning working class in battleground states. We were told, basically, to get lost, no thank you, says the operative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Harris spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Following the Harris campaigns crushing loss to Trump, theres an argument to be made that Democrats never really stood a chance this election cycle, given Joe Bidens unpopularity and Americans unhappiness with a brutal economy. But Harris exerted far more effort attempting to appeal to Republicans, moderates, and independents than the Democratic base which has been demoralized, in part, by Bidens continued support for Israels brutal war in Gaza. Exit polls suggest Democrats had major turnout issues; the portion of the 2024 electorate that identified as Democrat declined significantly compared to past presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former White House Press Secretary and MSNBC host Jen Psaki said Friday on Morning Joe that Democrats had spent too much time listening to and lifting up Republicans who left Trump and the Never Trump movement. The people who left the Democratic Party are the people who are going to win in the future, she said. The people who left Trump, the Never Trumpers who have important voices that is not a winning coalition. Interestingly, Bill Kristol, a top Never Trump Republican, publicly urged Harris in the final weeks of the campaign to pitch a progressive, populist economic message against Trump and his army of billionaire supporters. In late October, he wrote on X: Feels like maybe Kamala Harris should embrace Elizabeth Warrens Ultra-Millionaire Tax and barnstorm on that for the next ten days. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This article is part of HuffPosts biweekly politics newsletter. Click here to subscribe. When the camera panned to the audience of Vice President Kamala Harris concession speech Wednesday, many of her supporters were literally weeping. Had cameras been able to peer into homes around the country, they probably would have found plenty of tears there, too. Sometimes the fight takes a while, the defeated 2024 Democratic presidential nominee said as she wrapped up her remarks, perhaps with these very people in mind. That doesnt mean we wont win. The important thing is, dont ever give up. Dont ever give up. Dont ever stop trying to make the world a better place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea had a certain poignance, coming as it did from the second woman in a decade to run for the presidency and lose to Donald Trump. It was also delivered in a very different context than Hillary Clintons 2016 concession to the Republican. Trump has become more extreme in the intervening years, more unbalanced. His 2024 campaign featured naked racism and misogyny, as my colleague Nathalie Baptiste wrote this week, while promising mass deportations of migrants and a radical overhaul of the federal government. Members of his previous administration have even called him a fascist. Harris wasnt the only Democratic leader urging resilience in the face of Trumps victory. We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up, President Joe Biden stated in a Thursday speech at the White House. Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) tinged her plea, delivered over social media, with a warning. We are about to enter a political period that will have consequences for the rest of our lives. We cannot give up, she said. Of course, such exhortations are standard fare in losing political causes: We lost today; well win tomorrow. Keep up the good fight. But those words may be unusually necessary now, because of the vital role that political opposition played after Trumps last electoral win and the open question of whether such opposition will materialize again. What 2017 Was Like Its been almost a decade, so its easy to forget the sheer sense of shock that followed Trumps 2016 election. Many people just couldnt fathom that Trump could actually win the White House. And then he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immediate effect on the political left was paralysis. But that quickly gave way to anger and determination. An organic backlash took shape in small social circles, online and off, until eventually it coalesced into a loosely organized national movement led by groups like the newly formed Indivisible Project. As Trump took office in 2017, there were airport demonstrations against his travel and immigration restrictions, as well as a march for womens rights in Washington. When Trump tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, there was an outpouring of opposition at congressional town halls around the country and eventually on Capitol Hill itself. This pushback almost certainly made a difference. The Obamacare protests helped save the law, which is still around today. Immigration protests changed the politics of the issue in a way that as broadcaster Chris Hayes noted recently on MSNBC likely forced Trump to back down on family separations later in his term. A protester holds a sign during a march and rally to support women's health programs and protest the White House's so-called global gag rule on March 8, 2017, in Washington. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images The Womens March on Washington didnt stop Trump from installing the Supreme Court majority that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide. But it set in place the activist groundwork to keep abortion rights and gender issues in the public eye, and fueled the political wave that elected Democrats in the next two midterms and then Biden in 2020. What 2025 Could Be Like Now Trump is on his way back to the White House. This time theres no shock on the left, or at least not the same kind of shock. Everyone knew he could win, not just because the polls were so close but simply because he had done it before. Many of his opponents had prepared for the possibility months ago, when Biden was still the Democratic nominee and well behind in the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are also signs of despair and fatigue, as The New York Times reported Wednesday. Democrats and their allies have been at this for nearly 10 years, fighting Trump and Trumpism, only to be back at the starting line once again. The Second American Republic (1868-2024) is over, Democratic Party advocate and adviser Dmitri Mehlhorn wrote in a letter that ended up on social media, stating what a number of others were saying privately. I threw everything I had into defending it. That fight is done. Im heading back to the private sector. In some ways, such resignation is part of a natural process. Some activists and advocates make a career out of promoting their causes. But many will do it for only a time, frequently in their 20s and 30s when they are full of postcollege idealism and relatively unencumbered. Then they move on to other pursuits, a new generation of energetic idealists take their place, and the cycle repeats. The cycle could keep going its only been a few days especially if Trump follows through on promises like his mass deportations vow after he takes office next year. The sounds and sights of officers pulling friends and neighbors out of workplaces and homes, and ripping apart families, have the potential to be more polarizing than the images of separated kids that took hold of the American consciousness during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its even possible that this new generation will have certain advantages. Younger activists may better understand how to fight Trumpism on the terrain where its thriving, whether thats lifestyle podcasts or male-oriented social media platforms. Their willingness to accept Trump and Trumpism as just another part of American politics may help them reach the many voters who quite obviously feel the same way. And exhausted or not, its clear that a lot of the old activists and quite a few new ones are already gearing up for the fight. On Thursday night, a group of progressive organizations including MoveOn.org and the Working Families Party held a virtual meeting led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). Indivisible was also part of the effort.Leah Greenberg, its co-founder and co-executive director, told me metrics showed that more than 137,000 people were on the call and that more than 8,000 signed up as hosts for local organizing efforts in the future. What were hearing from people is both sorrow and determination, Greenberg said. And what we are seeing from the metrics is that people who were previously engaged and who are not engaged, they are reengaging. Other people are newly engaging or figuring to ramp up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope can, of course, be a strategic move. In a video released online after Trumps win this week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) who became the inspiration for a rallying cry during Trumps first term didnt just call for resistance against Trump, but resistance against despair. The far right wants us to feel powerless. Extremists are counting on apathy, cynicism, heartbreak or all of the above as their rocket fuel, she said. I absolutely refuse to give them that satisfaction. Americans will have to wait and see whether the resistance will persist, nevertheless. The ceiling of the main Rotunda inside Pennsylvanias Capitol building. (Photo by Amanda Berg for the Capital-Star). Democrats claimed victory Friday morning in their fight to retain a one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with Cambria County incumbent Rep. Frank Burns holding a nearly 3 point lead over his Republican challenger. Cambria County elections officials posted results overnight after working since Tuesday to recover from a voting system malfunction caused by misprinted ballots that could not be scanned electronically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 96% of ballots counted, Burns had 16,623 votes, a 936 vote lead over Republican Amy Bradley, a former television journalist and president of the Cambria Region Chamber of Commerce. State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria (Pa. House photo) The 72nd Legislative District, where Burns has served since 2009, is entirely within Cambria County, which President-elect Donald Trump carried by more than 30 points this year, according to unofficial tallies. The district includes the city of Johnstown. I am incredibly humbled to have received the only endorsements that matter, the votes of Cambria County people, Burns said in a statement Friday. Thank you for your support and trust. I remain dedicated to improving our local economy, making our communities safer, and bringing back more state resources to invest in Cambria County. Bradley said she had hoped to serve in the state House to help improve the climate for business in Pennsylvania and ensure opportunities so that areas like Cambria County could stem the loss of population as young people move elsewhere in search of work. Bradley decided to run against Burns, she said, because she did not believe he was engaging positively with people in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously Im really disappointed, Bradley said. I personally knocked on over 11,000 doors. Democrats won control of the state House in 2022 for the first time in 12 years. Since then, the party has retained the majority in eight special elections. Democratic leaders said the majority has allowed them to work with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro to pass legislation to provide tax relief for working families and seniors in addition to school funding reform. This is a historic win for the DLCC and our allies in Pennsylvania. Protecting the Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania House was one of the most challenging yet important priorities of the cycle, and Pennsylvania Democrats and the DLCC worked closely together to clinch this decisive victory. Republicans made flipping this chamber a top priority, but they failed to gain a single seat, said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, an arm of the national Democratic Party that backs state legislative campaigns. Williams said the Democratic majority in the House would serve as a check on Republican extremism and said the Committee would continue to make Pennsylvania a priority as it works toward a trifecta of controlling both chambers of the state Legislature and the governors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the state Senate, each party flipped one seat but the Republicans retained a 28-22 majority. Cambria County President Commissioner Scott Hunt said in a news conference Tuesday that election officials encountered problems scanning ballots immediately after polls opened at 7 a.m. The Board of Elections filed a petition for emergency relief in Cambria County Court for permission to keep polls open late due to the malfunctions. President Judge Linda Rovder Fleming issued an order late Tuesday morning granting the boards request to extend voting hours until 10 p.m. Tuesday. Any votes cast after 8 p.m. were to be cast by provisional ballot, the order said. Meanwhile, county officials scrambled to cope with the ballot problem. In consultation with the Department of State and county solicitor, election workers were instructed to store unscanned ballots in the lockboxes where they would otherwise be stored after scanning, Solicitor Ronald Repak told the Capital-Star on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after the lockboxes were full, the Board of Elections again consulted the Department of State and solicitor to authorize sheriffs deputies to collect the ballots and deliver them to the elections office. Since polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the board of elections worked to ensure that all of the ballots are counted accurately, Repak said. The ballots that could not be scanned, which includes all of the ballots voted before about 3 p.m. Tuesday, were duplicated by hand by election officials with representatives of each party watching, Repak said, adding that he was uncertain how many ballots were in that category. I have just rewatched Kamala Harriss last speech before polling day. There is pathos in doing so. Her delivery was good, her rhetoric soared, and she did her best to sell her mission as finding Americas common ground. We are all in this together, she said, sensibly seeking the floating voter rather than the Democrat loyalists in the Philadelphia hall. Now it is all dust and ashes. Obviously, such speeches are always generalised and waffly (as is equally true of Donald Trumps admittedly more amusing riffs), but I was interested by the one bit where the vice-president became very specific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her passage extolling freedom climaxed with her support for the most fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body, not have her government tell her what to do. She promised that when Congress passed a reproductive freedom Bill she, as president, would proudly, PROUDLY sign it into law. All her passion was engaged. You can see why Ms Harris emphasised the subject. All polls showed the Democrats led the Republicans among women, and that most American women favour abortion rights. Many thought this would make all the difference in the ballot box. It did not. Yes, more women voted Harris than Trump, but in a smaller percentage than had voted for Biden against Trump four years earlier. On Tuesday, Trump won 40 per cent of the votes of young women (18-29), compared with 33 per cent four years ago. By the same comparison, he shot ahead with young men. Harris fell back. The abortion issue may help explain a few other things about the election result. My own suspicion, though it can be no more than that, is that it does not work politically in the way pollsters imply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, most people in the Western world, of both sexes, support abortion, at least in the sense of not wanting it to be illegal. But they tend to be uncomfortable about it. Men, in particular, would rather not discuss the matter, and will not be attracted to candidates who make much of it. Advocacy of maximised abortion rights is often part of strident anti-man rhetoric. Women, on average, have to think about abortion more deeply than men. It does not follow, however, that they want it to be the centre of the political stage. It is not a joyous subject, and it is a personal one. There is something strange and unsympathetic about its most ardent, politicised advocates. There is something stranger still when abortion is held up as the strongest part of the Democrats idea about what women want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does most peoples vision of a good future society include ever-rising abortion rates and ever-greater abortion freedoms? I doubt it. Most mainstream political debate centres on what we want for our children. It is about hope. A party or candidate obsessed with not bringing children into the world is unappealing, even if you agree with the specific policy it, she or he advocates. This works subliminally in politics, I think. When Donald Trump appeared on the victory stage in Florida, his vast family crowded in beside him. He had so many children on show that it seemed for a moment he might have trouble remembering all their names. Elon Musk, who shared the limelight, has 11 children (and one who sadly died in infancy). Whether through her own choice or through misfortune, Ms Harris has none. Some will tut-tut at such male over-production and of course no one should hold up either President Trump or Mr Musk as ideal family role models but, on the whole, such fathers imply vigour and optimism about their country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mistake, I think, the Democrats have made themselves the party of demographic decline, now a more serious problem for the West than the population explosion my generation was brought up to deplore. For obvious numerical reasons, there are fewer votes in decline than in growth. Abortion was our future, I saw a distraught young Harrisite telling a Guardian reporter on video as the election went against her. Future? In what way? There is another sense in which Kamala Harris misplayed the abortion issue. It is that she was factually in the wrong. It is not the case that Donald Trump was telling women they could not have abortions. The change in American law was a decision of the Supreme Court, not of politicians (though admittedly, he appointed some of its more conservative judges). It did not ban abortion. It overturned its own controversial 1973 decision in Roe vs Wade, which was that there is a right to abortion contained in the US Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States, as its very name tells us, is a federal not a unitary state. The Supreme Court decision simply returned the power over abortion to the individual states, which are duly making their own decisions. That is the American way. In the same voting booths in the same election which Ms Harris lost, 10 states held ballots on abortion laws. Seven, several of them Republican, voted in a pro-abortion direction. Donald Trump understood the politics of all this very well. In Florida, the state where he resides, he voted not to liberalise the current ban on abortions after six weeks and was on the winning side on that. As a presidential candidate, however, he did not have to have a policy on abortion: in a low-key way (yes, he can be low-key when he wants to be), he reminded voters that it was simply not a matter for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could therefore scoop up most of the large number of anti-abortion voters in America without saying anything which would prevent pro-abortion voters voting for him. In short, she invented a Republican bogeyman on the subject. He capitalised on the actual facts. He is much the better politician. Harriss abortion position epitomises the problem the Democrats have. It shows that even on matters where they seem to identify with the majority position, they mess up. They remind me of extreme British trade union leaders in the 1970s. In the 1945 generation of British voters, there was widespread, even election-winning respect for organised labour as the best way of advancing the cause of working people, but the militant union leaders destroyed this by seeming to regard strikes as the pinnacle of their achievement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was going on in their heads was different from what was going on in the heads of most of their natural supporters. Same with the Democrats extreme, unrelated to ordinary life, and highly judgemental of people who disagree with them. You can see it in issues of race too. The Democrats have moved from the Martin Luther King era of dignity for all to the violent anti-white fury of Black Lives Matter. This trend Kamala Harris never confronted; indeed, she half endorsed it. You see it in issues of the environment, where a massive speculation on the timeframe and the energy measures allegedly needed to stop global warming is used to try to end the cheap fossil-fuel energy on which the prosperity of most Americans depends. The Democrats seem to have extreme difficulty in understanding the question which, by implication, the voters were asking them: You cannot guarantee our basic wants on the economy and immigration. What makes you think you can tell us how to be better people? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what Donald Trump does understand. By winning the American ground war, you win the culture war too. Indeed, they are almost the same thing. 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. SANAA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Friday that it has shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over northern Yemen's Al-Jawf province. "Our air defenses succeeded in shooting down an American MQ-9 drone, which was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Al-Jawf province at dawn today, Friday," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The downing of this drone brings the total number of the same type of drones that we have shot down since November 2023 to 12," he said. There has been no comment yet from the U.S. military over the alleged downing. The Houthis and the U.S. military have been attacking each other since November last year, when the Houthis began targeting what they said were "Israeli-linked" ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Since January, the U.S.-British naval coalition stationed in the region has conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthi group has seized several northern provinces since late 2014 after it forced the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa in a civil war. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Democrats retained majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Friday by holding onto a Johnstown area district, giving them just enough votes to keep the speakership and determine the chamber's voting agenda. The win by incumbent Rep. Frank Burns is the final House race to be called in a year when none of the 203 districts are changing hands. It gave Democrats a 102-101 margin and dashed Republican hopes of returning to control after two years in the minority. Burns beat Republican Amy Bradley, chief executive of the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce and a former television news anchor and reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams said retaining the House majority was one of the most challenging yet important priorities of the cycle, and that her party will be a critical check on Republican extremism. Burns, a conservative Democrat who supports gun rights and opposes abortion, has regularly found himself voting against his fellow House Democrats. He has long been an electoral target of Republicans, while many other similarly situated western Pennsylvania districts long ago flipped to the GOP. The district includes Johnstown and a wide swath of Cambria County. Burns' win is some consolation to Democrats in what has otherwise been a banner electoral year in Pennsylvania for the Republican Party. Former President Donald Trump won in the state, Dave McCormick beat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, two Democratic congressional seat were flipped and Republican candidates won all three of the state row offices. In the state Senate, where half of the 50 seats were up this year, Democrats and Republicans both flipped a single seat, leaving the chamber with the same 28-22 Republican majority its had for the 2023-24 session. Thanks in part to a massive swing of Hispanic voters to the Right, Donald Trump stunned America and the world and captured both the popular vote and the electoral college. He won a majority of Hispanic men and almost half of Hispanic women, after nearly a decade in which Democrats predicted that his call for cracking down on illegal immigration would alienate enough Mexican-Americans to doom the Republican party to irrelevance and create a permanent Democratic majority. The election results have left American progressives catatonic with shock. But Democrats had no excuse for being surprised at this outcome. The warning signs were there before the election. A Marist poll of September 24, on behalf of National Public Radio, asked respondents if they agreed with the statement that all illegal immigrants should be deported. Sixty per cent of whites agreed with the statement and so did 57 per cent of Hispanics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years Democrats have claimed that voter ID laws, which require voters to show government-approved photo IDs to deter voting by illegal immigrants, are motivated by anti-Hispanic racism. And yet according to Pew Research Center, 75 per cent of black voters, 81 per cent of whites, 84 per cent of Asians, and 85 per cent of Hispanics approve of voter ID laws. You read that correctly: Hispanics are more likely than any other group to approve of voter ID laws designed to deter illegal immigration. The opposition to illegal immigration of many Mexican-Americans, particularly those along the US-Mexican border, is also nothing new. Many Hispanic residents of American border communities, even some with relatives in Mexico, have long resented being forced to compete for jobs and public services with Mexican and other Latin American immigrants, both legal and illegal, and have often favoured federal crackdowns on this form of labour trafficking. In 1950, the GI Forum, one of the first important Mexican-American political groups, in an open letter denounced then-Texas Senator Lyndon B Johnson for betraying the interests of his Mexican-American constituents: Whereas Senator Johnson owes in large measure his position in the US Senate to the votes of thousands of citizens of Mexican descent in South Texasand whereas Senator Johnsons actions have been contributing to the principles of liberalism expounded by the late Franklin Delano Roosevelt[h]is vote is in utter disregard of the friendship in which he has been held by thousands of citizens of Mexican descent. What vote in the US Senate by Johnson was the GI Forum publicly condemning? Succumbing to pressure from Texas farmers and ranchers, Johnson had voted to reduce federal funding for detention camps and deportation of illegal immigrants from Mexico. Yes, thats right these Hispanic leaders were calling for more deportations of illegal immigrant workers and more detention camps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1960s, Cesar Chavez, the Mexican-American leader of the United Farm Workers, called for the federal government to thwart illegal immigration, in order to prevent agribusiness from deterring unionisation and paying low wages by hiring illegal immigrants rather than citizen-workers. And in 1964, Hispanic leaders, labour unions, and liberal reformers succeeded in getting Congress to outlaw the Bracero programme, an exploitative scheme that supplied American businesses with legal Mexican guest-workers. Anyone familiar with this history should not have been shocked that a growing number of counties along the Texas-Mexican border with overwhelming Mexican-American majorities have flipped from the Democrats to Trumps Republicans in the last two elections. Now as in the 1950s and 1960s, many Hispanic-American citizens and legal immigrants on the border and in the interior of the country view illegal immigrants as competitors, not compatriots. How could Democratic politicians, strategists, and pundits have been unaware of these facts? The answer is that Democrats were blinded by progressive ideology. According to twenty-first century American progressivism, the greatest divisions in society are not along class lines or religious lines, but along racial lines. All Americans are either white or non-white. Hispanic Americans whether they or their ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, and regardless of whether they are primarily of European, Native American, or African descent are all non-white by definition, according to the American Left. A blond, blue-eyed American who does not speak a word of Spanish but whose German ancestors appeared mysteriously in Argentina after World War II is bizarrely deemed to be not only Hispanic but also a person of colour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Hispanic Americans do not think of themselves in this way. In past Census counts, about half identified themselves as white and many are now choosing a new multiracial option that better reflects the complexity of their heritage. Democrats have long hoped that Hispanics would vote almost unanimously for the Democratic party, like African-Americans. In this years election, African-Americans voted for Kamala Harris over Trump by 80-20; a decline from Democratic support in earlier elections, but still overwhelmingly pro-Democrat. But going back half a century, Democrats have usually won no more than two-thirds of the Mexican-American vote at best, sometimes less. Cuban-Americans have often supported Republicans, the more anti-communist of the two parties in the Cold War, thanks to their memories of Castros tyranny. Democrats in every election cycle since Trump first ran and won in 2016 have won majorities of Hispanics, as well as black and Asian-Americans. But in each election since then, more voters from all three groups have shifted toward the Republicans, contributing to the partys sweep of the presidential and congressional elections this year. Guess what was the only group whose support for Harris was greater than its support for Biden in the 2020 election. White college-educated Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No wonder Democrats are stunned and disoriented by the election results. For two decades, they have told themselves that, as the immigration-driven non-white share of the US population grows, the result will be an inevitable Democratic majority resting on college-educated whites and non-whites as a group. The Republican party was supposed to shrink and become whiter as the Democratic party expanded and became more diverse. Instead it is the Republican electorate that is growing more diverse and the Democratic party is becoming whiter. Under Trumps leadership, the Republicans have become, not the dying party of the dwindling white working class, but a truly multiracial working class party. Meanwhile, the rich and well-educated are abandoning the Republicans, making the Democrats the party of bankers, business elites, and professionals. History is not moving along the course that American progressives had marked out for it. All too often, todays Democrats have listened to academics and nonprofit activists who owe their positions to university appointments or nonprofit grants, instead of grassroots leaders of mass membership organisations, like the GI Forum and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in the old days. A professor of Latino/a/x studies at a university, or an activist at a nonprofit like Unidos (formerly La Raza Unida), may have as little knowledge of the Hispanic working class as a white Ivy League academic does of the white working class. These spokespeople are not elected or chosen in other ways by fellow members of their racial/ethnic communities. Instead, they are designated by university officials, foundation executives, and magazine editors to speak for an entire race to an audience that is overwhelmingly white and elite. It is no surprise that non-white intellectuals of all kinds tell their donors what the donors want to hear, whether it corresponds to the beliefs of most Hispanic, black, and Asian-Americans or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that most Americans of all races increasingly vote as progressives or conservatives, or members of this or that economic class or industry, instead of voting a racial party line. The Democratic party can come back from its devastating defeat at the ballot box but only if it addresses the concerns of citizens as citizens, instead of expecting them to vote as automatons assigned to rigid and permanent racial blocs. Michael Lind is a contributor to Tablet, a fellow at New America, and the author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America 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. North Carolina Democrats strategy going into the 2024 election was to use the extreme words of their opponents against them. In May, the first ad of the gubernatorial race showed Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican, looking into the camera and saying, abortion in this country is not about protecting the life of mothers. Its about killing a child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down. It then adds audio of Robinson saying, Its not your body anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was not just about abortion, said Morgan Jackson, a top Democratic campaign consultant in North Carolina. Thats about disrespecting and being demeaning to women. This is the guy who says, women cant lead and some people need killing all those crazy things. It was effective. As results flooded in Tuesday evening, it became clear that former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate hoping to take back the White House, was the strong favorite to win North Carolina. But Democrats defeated Republicans in some of the top Council of State races, like Robinsons, where candidates were among Trumps fiercest supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what happened? Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson makes a concession speech during an election watch party at the City Club in Raleigh after loosing the North Carolina gubernatorial race to Democratic nominee Attorney General Josh Stein on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Split ticket voting Democrats and Republicans had very mixed reactions on Tuesdays outcomes. We are thrilled for President Trumps success and third victory in North Carolina, which is the largest of his three previous victories, said Jason Simmons, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. And then, obviously were disappointed in some of the results that we saw from great candidates. But Simmons revels in knowing that Republicans took control of the White House, the Senate, potentially the House, both chambers in the state legislature and additional seats on the states top courts. And Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, celebrated the successes his party saw on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pulled ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris in North Carolina by more than 3 points, earning the states 16 electoral votes. But Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat running to replace Cooper, surpassed Robinson in the race for the governors mansion by nearly 15 points. Republicans maintained their seats as commissioners of agriculture, insurance and labor, and state treasurer, and they picked up the state auditors office. But Democrats kept their control over the offices of attorney general and secretary of state and added those of superintendent of public instruction and lieutenant governor. The presidential results werent what we wanted but in several critical state races we beat back extremism and elected strong leaders who will move North Carolina forward, Cooper said in a written statement to McClatchy. Josh Stein, Rachel Hunt, Jeff Jackson, Mo Green and Elaine Marshall will lead our state with a positive vision for years to come. And breaking the Republican supermajority in the state House will help prevent bad legislation and leverage good bills that improve the lives of North Carolinians. Fourteen counties in North Carolina split their ballots between the Republican candidate for president and the Democratic candidate for governor, including Alamance, Anson, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Franklin, Granville, Henderson, Jackson, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Scotland and Transylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of those are rural counties where it feels unheard-of for voters not to support the Republican nominee. But it was clear as far back as June that Democrats ads were resonating with voters. Abortion At the 301 Endless Yard Sale that brings vendors to a miles-long stretch of Eastern North Carolina along U.S. 301, McClatchy spoke with Kathy Levinger, a Republican from Selma, and a staunch Trump supporter who was disturbed by Robinsons comments. Kathy Levinger poses for a portrait in Selma, N.C. while shopping at the 301 Endless Yard Sale Friday, June 14, 2024. He needs to change his wording about the skirt, because we women, we cant help but wear skirts and it takes two to conceive, Levinger said while shopping at the sale. The male is just as guilty as the female. Its just a matter of being responsible and doing the responsible thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also didnt help that Robinson and his wife had an abortion themselves. Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll, said he could trace Robinsons original poor performance in polls back to this: I think abortion was a big part of it, Husser said. And seeming like a hypocrite as well. Blaming Robinson Including governor, Republicans lost five Council of State races to Democrats, splitting the council evenly between the parties. And Husser places the blame on Robinson. To me the biggest explanation of why Trump did better than many other Republicans in North Carolina are likely to be down-ballot coattails from Mark Robinson, Husser said. The candidates that Democrats were most able to connect with Robinson seems to be the ones that did the worst. Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson takes the stage to make a concession speech during an election watch party at the City Club in Raleigh after loosing the North Carolina gubernatorial race to Democratic nominee Attorney General Josh Stein on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Robinson enjoyed a meteoric rise in politics. He quickly went from factory worker in Greensboro who went viral in 2018 for chiding the city council for canceling a gun show following a school shooting to becoming the lieutenant governor of the state in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trump embraced Robinson wholeheartedly giving him a national platform, providing him a prime speaking slot at this years Republican National Convention and labeling him Martin Luther King on steroids. And while Robinson has always been known for controversial statements hes made against groups of people including women, the LGBTQ+ community, Black people, Jews and Muslims, he maintained a loyal following. But Trump immediately distanced himself from Robinson in September after CNN published a piece about racist and raunchy statements Robinson allegedly made on a porn forum called Nude Africa. Robinson denies the posts came from him. Husser said the report isnt what caused Robinson to lose, but it didnt help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were finding here at Elon, as well as just me looking at aggregates of polls, that it probably lost him about 5 points, Husser said. And given the margins, he still would have probably lost by 5 to 10 points. Last-minute spending Republicans said Robinsons scandal allowed Democrats to turn their focus away from Steins race and spend down-ballot. In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, both Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican from Eden, and the states likely next House speaker, Destin Hall, a Republican from Lenoir, addressed why some of the partys candidates faltered. I think money, and they had a successful campaign of trying to tie candidates to the news about Mark Robinson, Berger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall, chairman of the House Rules Committee, said Democrats spent more than $4 million on House campaigns in the final weeks of the election. Jordan Shaw, a top Republican political consultant, said it was all predictable and he was one of the people sounding alarm bells to the party that it would happen. It was predictable for those of us who saw it coming a long time ago, that it should have been a rout for Republicans up and down the ballot but instead, Stein was able to flush millions of dollars into the LGs race, the AGs race, in key legislative races, Shaw said. And because of that, Republicans paid an incredibly high price for the Robinson debacle. Ads tied candidates to Robinson Husser said the airwaves were flooded with ads targeting the relationship of Robinson and candidates like Hal Weatherman, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, and U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, the Republican candidate for attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, that became sort of like the dominant ad that was out there, connecting these Council of State races, Husser said. Jackson said it was one of the smartest plays Democrats made this cycle. We ran ads showing Dan Bishop saying, Im for Mark Robinson, I want to be his sidekick, Jackson said. U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson defeated Bishop by nearly 3 points. State Sen. Rachel Hunt, a Democrat and the daughter of former Gov. Jim Hunt, won the lieutenant governor vote against Weatherman by nearly 2 points. Extreme candidates? Morgan Jackson added that it also helped Democrats that Republicans put forth the largest number of the most extreme slate in North Carolina history. And he said his slate was more appealing in shared values of North Carolina voters than the Republican alternatives. He also says hes never seen a statewide candidate have higher unfavorable ratings than Mark Robinson Jackson adds that it was often said among Democrats that Robinson did all the work for them this election cycle by what he was willing to say on camera. They just put the ads together. Supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson check poll results before Robinson made a concession speech during an election watch party at the City Club in Raleigh after loosing the North Carolina gubernatorial race to Democratic nominee Attorney General Josh Stein on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. And that was a strategy they used across the board in campaigns for races like the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and superintendent of public instruction. It was a slate that was compromised of election deniers, abortion banners and social media conspiracy theorists, and at the end of the day, we were able to take those actions and rhetorics and words that were being used by those candidates and disqualify them, Jackson said. And thats how we won in a night that was really dark across the country. He adds, when they werent using Republicans words against them, they were airing positive ads about a better future under Democratic candidates. He said their blueprint for winning should be studied in other states. But Simmons wasnt letting Democrats completely have that win. Democrats were able to direct significant funds to attack Republican candidates, and statewide judicial races, Simmons added. Still, all they were able to net were just two of those contests which speaks to the strength of President Trump and our ground game operation this election. Husser said the impact Robinsons scandal had on races like auditor or treasurer were minimal because people just dont think about them as much and dont have as much information about them. And Michele Morrow, the Republican running for superintendent of public instruction, had her own difficulties separate from Robinson, Husser said. She was going to have trouble regardless because of running for superintendent of public education, when youre not really a big fan of public education and participated in Jan. 6, and the other sort of extreme comments shes made over time. The Trump factor But that leaves a large question about Trump. Trump has made extreme statements, too, some of them similar to the rhetoric of Robinson. First, Jackson points out that theres no real point in second-guessing about North Carolinas role in Trump winning. It was a national Trump wave, Jackson said. When you win all seven battlegrounds, it just is what it is, theres not a what went wrong here in the presidential race, its the same damn thing that went wrong in every state across the country that we lost. But, Jackson said, the difference between Trump and candidates who emulate him is that Trumps brand is bigger than life. Voters know exactly who Donald Trump was and ultimately voted him back in office, Jackson said. A lot of these candidates were created from the MAGA movement that Trump started and they were made in his image and built in his image, but the difference is they werent celebrities. They werent billionaires. They didnt have 90% name ID brand with voters. Jackson said Democrats seized on the fact that voters didnt know who many of the down-ballot candidates were. What we worked very hard to do was to get on TV first, Jackson said, and in mailboxes and in digital first and set the stage, and we told the story of who these candidates were before they could tell it themselves, and so we put an imprint on them and were able to do that before they were able to introduce themselves to a broader audience, and so what voters knew about them were negative, and thats different than Trump. Under the Dome Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here. Why did the Democrats lose the 2024 presidential election? Former Fox News and CNBC contributor Julie Roginsky told CNN Thursday that the fault isnt with Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, but with the Democratic Partys messaging, which she said lacks common sense. Appearing on CNN, Roginsky said, Im going to speak some hard truths to my friends in the Democratic Party. This is not Joe Bidens fault. Its not Kamala Harris fault. Its not Barack Obamas fault. Its the fault of the Democratic Party and not knowing how to communicate effectively to voters. She continued, We are not the party of common sense We dont know how to speak to voters. When we address Latino voters as Latinx, for instance, she said referring to the highly unpopular gender-neutral term because thats the politically correct thing to do, it makes them think that we dont even live in the same planet as they do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the segment below: My two cents of how the Dems need to get back to basics. https://t.co/LiCj446Jja Julie Roginsky (@julieroginsky) November 7, 2024 She also said that Democrats were wrong to insist on calling people by their preferred pronouns. When we put pronouns after names and say she/her, as opposed to saying, You know what, if I call you by the wrong pronoun, call me out. Im sorry. I wont do it again. But stop with the virtue signaling and just speak to people like theyre normal, Roginsky said. The analyst added that trying to appeal to different focus groups based on polling is not how normal people think. Its not common sense. We need to start being the party of common sense. She went on to slam interviewers who spend your time at the White House trying to have viral moments with Steve Doocy of Fox News, which nobody in the real world in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, or in Saginaw County, Michigan, knows or cares about They try to have these weird viral moments constantly. Watch the clip in the embedded tweet above. The post Democrats Virtue Signaling Is to Blame for Election Failure, CNN Political Strategist Says | Video appeared first on TheWrap. The Democratic Party is secretly fighting over whether to try and force out Justice Sonia Sotomayor to avoid the specter of Donald Trump sending the U.S. Supreme Court further to the right. Senators are reportedly at odds over whether to put pressure on Sotomayorthe first Latina justiceto step down while Democrats still have the power to usher in her replacement. Although she is only 70, Sotomayor suffers from Type 1 diabetes and is the oldest of the three remaining Democratic Party-appointed justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no suggestion that she has any intention of walking off into the sunset of her own volition. But party leaders are terrified of a repeat of the 2020 debacle when Ruth Bader Ginsburg died during the first Trump presidency after resisting overtures to step down when an Obama administration could offer a like-for-like ideological replacement. Instead, Trumps choice of Seventh Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett sent the court lurching further to the right. With just two months until the Democratic majority in the Senate gives way to the Republicans, it would be a tall orderand some say impossiblefor Sotomayors successor to be nominated and confirmed. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced with a right-leaning justice by Donald Trump. But, according to Politicos Playbook, its a conversation members of the Senate are actively involved in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief obstacles are the timeline and the lack of senators prepared to put their heads above the parapet and suggest Sotomayor should step aside for the sake of the movement. What happens if she resigns and the nominee to replace her isnt confirmed and the next president fills the vacancy? an unnamed Democratic senator told Playbook. We would have to have assurances from any shaky senator that they would back a nominee in the lame duck, because what do you do if she announces shes going to step down and then [independent West Virginia Sen. Joe] Manchin doesnt support her and then [Republican Sens.] Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski back off and say theyre not going to support a new nominee? Do you just rescind that letter? asked a senior Democrat. Playbook reported that a possible replacement has been earmarked in Washington D.C. Circuit Judge J. Michelle Childs, who has already been vetted and is seen as a moderate by some Republican senators, offering her a better chance of confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts among party activists last year to initiate the move were met, said Playbook, by accusations of ableism and racism. How dare they suggest pushing the first Latina justicea solid progressive voteoff the bench? was the response, said the report. I wish it were different, but I think that Democrats need to do a better job of holding on to the fear that they now feel the next time they are in a position of power, because we cant shut down those conversations, Molly Coleman, executive director of the Peoples Parity Project, told Playbook. Democrats are not going to win elections forever. Theyre not going to be able to nominate Supreme Court justices indefinitely. They need to act when they have power. DENVER (KDVR) Denver police arrested a 44-year-old man working at Force Elementary School on Wednesday for investigation of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. The Denver Public Schools social worker was identified as Emilio Ramos-Avila. The school is located in Denvers Mar Lee neighborhood. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The Denver Police Department is not releasing the arrest affidavit or booking photo for this case because of the nature of the case and because the victim is a juvenile. Charges have not yet been filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the incident or other related crimes is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) A winter storm warning has been issued for metro Denver and the surrounding region. Denvers weather will continue to be snowy through Friday as the first major winter storm of the season moves in. Because of this, Friday and Saturday are both Pinpoint Weather Alert Days. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team Pinpoint Weather, Colorados Most Accurate Forecast, is tracking the potential for several additional inches of snow. Forecast northeast Colorado snowfall. Snow totals will be highest on the Eastern Plains, but metro Denver may still see 7-12 inches by Saturday morning. Areas of the plains may see an additional foot or more of snowfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures will be near freezing, which means the snow will likely be wet and heavy in the metro. There may be some rain that mixes in with the snow, which would mean snow totals may end up lower. Weather tonight: Snow returns Snow will return to metro Denver starting late Thursday night. CLOSINGS: Check our list of school and local closures in the Denver region Although it likely wont snow all night in the metro, its a different story on the Eastern Plains where residents will likely see continuous snowfall. Temperatures will be just below freezing as most people wake up Friday morning. Weather tomorrow: Widespread snow Winter storm warning for much of eastern Colorado Friday. Friday will be a snowy day. A winter storm warning begins at 5 a.m. and continues into late Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds will be light, and temperatures during the day will be near freezing. Looking ahead: Quieter, warmer weather next week If youre not a fan of this cold and snowy pattern, there is some good news. Temperatures return to the 40s Saturday afternoon which will begin to melt the snow that has fallen this week. The weather will warm up even more on Sunday when the high temperature is expected to be in the upper 40s or lower 50s. Warmer and sunnier weather next week. Next weeks weather looks quieter. Theres a chance for some rain or snow showers on Tuesday, but overall next week will be quieter, sunnier and milder. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Good news for travel lovers who want to minimize their carbon footprint: The federal government just announced a multibillion-dollar investment into the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Reuters reported the Department of Energy is granting conditional loan guarantees amounting to nearly $3 billion to two companies. One of those companies, Calumet, is developing SAF and other renewable fuels using vegetable oils, fats, and greases. The DOE's $1.44 billion grant will support the growth and expansion of Calumet's facility in Montana, enabling it to produce approximately 315 million gallons of biofuel per year. Which of the following sustainable changes would make you most likely to choose a particular airline? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind The other company, Gevo, is developing a jet fuel made out of cornstarch to be produced at a facility in South Dakota. With its $1.46 billion loan, Gevo aims to operate the country's first commercial-scale facility producing corn-starch SAF using renewable power, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air travel is notorious for producing significant emissions. Our World in Data assessed that, for mid-length domestic trips, taking a train instead of a flight would reduce emissions anywhere from 86 to 97%. Fortunately, aviation industry leaders are eager to innovate in order to allow flying to remain as a feasible option, even for climate-minded consumers. The International Civil Aviation Organization has set a goal of Net Zero by 2050, though many worry that they'll be racing against the clock to attain those goals. That's why developing renewable biofuels is a key focus for the DOE. These fuels will likely be a major step in the journey to Net Zero, as most of the pollution that's generated by aviation is due to the burning of dirty fuels. Accordingly, the government has set a goal of fueling all U.S.-based airlines with SAF by 2050; the Calumet facility alone has the potential to produce 10% of that supply, Reuters explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while passengers might not see any real differences in their travel experience, it's good for climate-minded travelers to be aware of which airlines have a demonstrated commitment to producing and using SAF. Additionally, swapping out shorter flights for train rides or even drives could go a long way toward helping keep our planet cooler and more sustainable for generations to come. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) An elderly couple is dead after they were shot in the head with a shotgun at point blank range outside a residence in Gaston, North Carolina on Thursday night, deputies said. A relative is now facing charges. 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher of Gaston 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher of Gaston Around 10:25 p.m. on Nov. 7, the Northampton County Sheriffs Office responded to a shooting at a home in Gaston. Officers found a 72-year-old man and 70-year-old woman were dead with gunshot wounds to the head from a shotgun at close range, deputies said. The man and woman were determined to be husband and wife. Following the shooting, the suspect stole the victims truck and fled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 2:20 a.m. on Friday, law enforcement found the stolen truck at a local hotel parking lot in Roanoke Rapids. Two hours later, law enforcement officers arrested 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher of Gaston. Hes been charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle and two counts of first-degree murder. The motive behind this homicide shooting unclear at this time, the sheriffs office said. It was discovered from investigation that Ryvaries was a relative of the victims who lived close to them. He received no bond on the first-degree murder charges and he received a $35,000 secured bond for the motor vehicle larceny charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next court date is scheduled for Nov. 19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Deputies have arrested two Satsuma women in connection with the murder of Putnam County man Chad Mullen. Caylen Deller, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm and Tina Marie Lee-Ellis, 56, is charged with accessory to first-degree murder after the fact, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office said. Deller and Mullen had a volatile on-again, off-again relationship and Mullens family said the two were no longer dating at the time of his disappearance, PCSO said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax has told you previously about Mullens disappearance, the discovery of his body, and that Deller was a person of interest in the investigation of Mullens death. Putnam County Sheriff's Office offering $15,000 for information related to a man missing since early September. Warrants for Deller and Lee-Ellis were obtained on Thursday and Lee-Ellis turned herself in Thursday night, PCSO said. Deller was supposed to arrive at an appointment in Volusia County on Friday and never showed up. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Thats when PCSO put out an alert to the public around 2:15 p.m. Friday asking for help finding her. About an hour later, Action News Jax learned from PCSO that Deller was arrested in Volusia County in the town of Edgewater. Background of the case Mullen was first reported missing by his family on Sept. 15 after his family had not heard from him in a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCSO said Mullen was entered as a missing person on Sept. 17. On Sept. 20, a search warrant was obtained for Stormy Stables, a business owned by Deller and the last place where Mullens phone pinged. On Oct. 1, deputies searched Lee-Ellis home on Pine Street, where PCSO said guns, meth, and ammo were found. Lee-Ellis was not home at the time and on Oct. 21, she was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of meth. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] On Oct. 28, detectives responded to 852 Federal Point Road in Hastings, about a quarter-mile from the Putnam-St. Johns county line, PCSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCSO, the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched through recently moved dirt on the property and found a body, later confirmed to be Mullens. Mullens cause of death was determined by an autopsy to be a homicide. Detectives are still working to determine the relationship between Lee-Ellis and Deller, as well as how long they knew each other. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. This photo shows the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) The CIIE is a vital platform that offers opportunities to connect more deeply with local customers and stakeholders, Ching Pong Quek, board member and chief technology officer of the German intralogistics solution provider KION Group, told Xinhua in a recent interview. FRANKFURT, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) is an essential platform for deepening cooperation and enhancing mutual trust between China and the world, a German business leader has said. The CIIE is a vital platform that offers opportunities to connect more deeply with local customers and stakeholders, Ching Pong Quek, board member and chief technology officer of the German intralogistics solution provider KION Group, told Xinhua in a recent interview. As a frequent exhibitor at the CIIE, KION Group "is very much looking forward to this year's CIIE to further strengthening our market presence during this challenging market time," Quek said. He said the products and solutions showcased by KION brands Linde Material Handling and Dematic have attracted broad attention from potential customers, business partners, industrial experts and the media at CIIE since the company's debut in 2018. "This was helpful for us to expand our 'friend circle' and integrate even more deeply into the Chinese market," he said. KION Group, one of the first foreign companies to invest in the material handling industry in China over 30 years ago, has witnessed China's relentless efforts to improve the business environment for international companies, said Quek. Quek expressed optimism about the growth of multinational companies like KION Group in China, citing the country's complete industrial system, vast market, diverse talent pool and numerous application scenarios. Over the years, the KION Group has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities, with six plants in China, including two state-of-the-art facilities in Jinan, the capital of east China's Shandong Province. According to data shared by the group, the KION Group achieved revenue growth in the Chinese market in the first half of the year. "Our commitment to the Chinese market is unwavering, and we are committed to further strengthening our local production and R&D capabilities through continued investment," Quek said. The Mountain fire has wrought devastation on Camarillo Heights in Ventura County, destroying 132 structures and damaging 88 more as of Friday morning. New satellite images show a before-and-after view of several sections of the neighborhood. The image below shows one street in detail on Oct. 21, weeks before the fire, at left. The homes are situated in hilly terrain and surrounded by brush. On the right, the same area can be seen on Thursday, after the fire had passed through. The devastation is clear: Most homes have been burnt to the ground, and the surrounding brush is charred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire had grown to more than 20,400 acres by Thursday evening, forcing thousands to evacuate and straining local resources. It swept into foothill communities around Camarillo and Moorpark, pushed by offshore winds that the National Weather Service deemed particularly dangerous. The image below shows another section of Camarillo which was also devastated by the blaze. On Oct. 21, at left, several dozen homes resemble what appears to be an oasis on a dry landscape, with swimming pools and verdant surroundings. On Thursday, at right, more than half the homes are gone, the once-blue pools turned black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fierce Santa Ana winds were expected to ease somewhat Friday, lessening the chance of the fire spreading farther. By Saturday morning, the fire had burned more than 20,630 acres and was 17% contained. But more than 11,700 structures are still threatened, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The video below shows an immense plume of smoke from the fire, blown by the Santa Ana winds on Wednesday, as parts of Camarillo Heights burned. .@NOAA's #GOESWest is monitoring the #MountainFire in Southern California, where dry weather and strong #SantaAnaWinds have fueled its rapid growth. The satellite tracked the smoke plume and detected the intense heat from the fire as it burned northwest of Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/5bymAYlEiK NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) November 7, 2024 Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Cara Ross thought the world was trying to tell her that everything would be OK. When she got home from dance practice, her 3-year-old, Eliza, shrieked: a butterfly was fluttering about the house. Theyd left the cage open because the chrysalis hadnt formed properly, and Ross was planning to discard it before she had to explain to Eliza what happened. Instead, it emerged triumphant. Its an Election Day miracle! Ross thought. Eliza got in close to take a look. The butterfly was brown and white, with a little orange at the top of its wings. Ross tried not to make too much of the orange as they headed out to their polling site in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she cast her ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris, her baby in her arms and Eliza at her side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former labor and delivery nurse, Ross was hopeful that a woman president could champion the things she valued: full access to reproductive care, more paid parental and sick leave, better child care. She loved that Harris is a mother, too, and viewed her as a good role model for her kids. On the left, Cara Ross poses with her baby in her arms in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she cast her ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris. On the right, Cara Rosss daughter, Eliza, looks at a butterfly at their home. (Courtesy of Cara Ross) Ross hoped that with this election, the promises she made to her girls that women could be president if they wanted to would not be empty. When she found out Wednesday morning that President-elect Donald Trump won in a landslide including in her own state it hit Ross harder as a mother of daughters. It made it all the tougher that the election put gender front and center, from the candidates themselves to the issues that motivated voters. Part of it is just like, as a female with daughters, feeling like more than half of the country just doesnt see the potential in women, doesnt care about the rights of women, Ross said. And it just is heartbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, women like Ross hit the polls with their children on Tuesday. Many did it with their daughters in what felt like a symbolic moment to vote for a candidate who, for the first time, was a woman running a campaign committed to protecting reproductive rights. Now, those same parents are having to talk to their children after Harris defeat and plan for whats next. In New Hampshire, abortion doula Camilla Thompson had been excited to put a pink Kamala Harris T-shirt on her 2-year-old, Ava, before they voted together. By the middle of the night Wednesday, when she woke up to feed her 9-month-old son, that happy memory had been tainted. Ava woke up around 5:30 a.m. and saw Harris on the TV. There is Kamala, she told her mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt win, sweet girl, Thompson told her. But Ava just smiled and waved at the TV. Camilla Thompsons 2-year-old, Ava, wears a pink Kamala Harris shirt. (Courtesy of Camilla Thompson) Thompsons first-ever vote in a presidential election was for former President Barack Obama in 2012, and she had looked forward to the opportunity to select a Black woman to represent her, another Black woman. Shed been plotting how to take Ava, her only daughter, with her to Washington, D.C., to see Harris inauguration. The loss hurt more because of what she felt it told her about how unprepared the United States is to elect a Black woman at all. Black women, or Black people in general, have to work two times as hard to get the same that our counterparks get, she said. Its a hard reality. Its also: What did we expect? That was hard to come to terms with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She takes respite in the fact that her kids, who are 9, 5, 2 and 9 months, wont be cognizant of the outcome of this election, she said. Thompson can now only focus on what she can control, as a medical assistant at a hospital in Exeter, an abortion doula for the Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire which helps cover costs for abortions and a maternal health coordinator for Black Lives Matter New Hampshire. She wants to ensure that the organizations she works with are partnering with as many others as possible, that theyre securing funding so they can continue their work amidst an administration that will likely be hostile toward abortion. My hope is to hit the ground running in whatever way that I can, she said, because I think were stronger in numbers, and we have to start somewhere, right? Its the same train of thought thats been going through Eleanor Granos mind in Chicago. A day earlier shed ventured out with her two-month-old in a ballot box costume to cast a ballot for Harris. Grano, who is currently on parental leave, also works in the reproductive rights space as a communications professional for abortion funds in Texas and Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She already knew by Tuesday night that Harris was very likely to lose, but she was devastated, she said, when she saw the next morning that Harris had also lost the popular vote. Now, shes thinking about how it will impact her job. Trump indicated hes open to limiting whether mifepristone, one of the pills used in medication abortions, can be sent by mail. That will put a lot of pressure on the work shell be doing while navigating life as a new mom. Its part of the reason she was hopeful for a Harris presidency, so that abortion rights would not be under attack and she could be more present for her son, Edward. Grano has found some comfort in seeing that ballot measures on abortion and paid leave passed in states that also supported Trump. Theres more work to be done there, she said, on helping voters connect the dots between the policies they support and the candidates who support those policies, too. I do think one of the things Im going to learn quickly is how to work smarter, not harder. There were ways that I approached my work in the past where I spent a lot of time ruminating in the grief of what was happening, Grano said. When you have a child, you just have to keep moving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes also looking ahead at what may happen with cost increases. Trump has promised to raise tariffs on imported products, which could also lead to price increases impacting the British infant formula Grano buys for her son, Kendamil. Already, a can that lasts a week and a half is $44. Eleanor Grano dressed her 2-month-old son, Edward, as a ballot box to go cast her vote in Chicago. (Courtesy of Eleanor Grano) Its not always the easiest to find, and already she has alerts on her phone to order it as it comes back in stock at Target and Walmart. In North Carolina, it was sometime Wednesday before Ross talked to Eliza about the results of the election. She was feeling sad, she told her, and showed her the map of the United States theyd been studying: The person that Mommy picked to be the line leader didnt get picked as a line leader. Can I help? Eliza asked. And then later: Are you happy, Mommy? She asked again: Are you happy, Mommy? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, but its OK, Ross told her. Thinking ahead to the next four years, Ross keeps telling herself that whatever happens, things can be undone. But shes scared. She thought about whether Trump would prioritize any of the things she cares about as a parent. Her voice got small as she landed on the answer. I dont think its going to happen, she said in a half whisper. The post We didnt win, sweet girl: For these moms, Harris loss is a loss for their children, too appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has gone viral for his ode to Black women following Vice President Kamala Harris loss in the presidential election. In his remarks, Scott lamented over how this country has once again failed this particularly vulnerable demographic. It is really on my heart this morning to say that as a man, but more importantly as a Black man, that this country does not deserve Black women or Black people, but specifically Black women, Scott said. Thank you Mayor Brandon Scott. Thank you for caring for our communities and especially Black women. Men like you are a Godsend and your wife, soon coming babygirl and Baltimore are blessed to have you. #Baltimore #BlackConversations #BlackWomen #BlackMen #BlackLove pic.twitter.com/vnPQFif4C4 Unapologetically Black, Positive & Unbothered (@KimWrites4U) November 7, 2024 He continued, This morning, I woke up and I just gave my wife a hug because I know how heavy this is weighing on Black women. And they have carried this country and saved this country too many times and continue to be the most disrespected human beings on the planet. And it, quite frankly, it disgusts me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One X user, @KimWrites4U, praised Scott for his moving remarks. Thank you for caring for our communities and especially Black women, she wrote. Men like you are a Godsend and your wife, soon coming babygirl and Baltimore are blessed to have you. Scott also expressed concern over the kind of world he will be bringing his child into before praising the campaign that Harris ran over the last several months. And I want the vice president to know that her and her team did everything right in the right way, he stated. But the unfortunate reality is that this country is still steeped in racism, sexism and misogyny. His words prompted @BornAmbition80 to label Scott the moral compass. Well said Mayor #BrandonScott! Black women I love you! You have always been the moral compass. pic.twitter.com/m0NwiWhYL9 Spirit of My Ancestors (@BornAmbition80) November 7, 2024 On Election Day, Scott tweeted his excitement about Harris making history as the first Black and South Asian woman president. Despite her defeat, the politician expressed his reverence for the VP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am personally proud of her, and I know that so many others are the same. We appreciate her tenacity, her focus, her decency and how she handled herself throughout this campaign, he said. One Black woman on x, @vcwoods24, emphatically agreed with a heart emoji. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott https://t.co/rdI9Oc5Lq2 Valerie Woods (@vcwoods24) November 8, 2024 Despite a largely positive response from Black folks, there were still a couple who questioned the necessity of his speech. One man, @TonyLaneNV, simply asked: Whats wrong with Brandon? BREAKING: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott reportedly stated, America doesn't deserve Black women. Whats wrong with Brandon? pic.twitter.com/J32o2kDF0z Tony Lane (@TonyLaneNV) November 8, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotts defense of Harris in his remarks were also strong. The fact is, is that they did everything that a campaign can do and more. But we as a country really have a lot of soul searching to do, and thats really what I wanna say about that today. Perhaps the most succinct response came from @valhuntbeauty who called the speech heavy and thanked Scott for what he said. The mayor using his platform to uplift Black women wont soon be forgotten. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The swirl of disinformation surrounding the 2024 election marked a new high for foreign influence efforts and the elevation of false claims by people within the U.S., raising questions about the impact on the electorate. Russia, Iran, and China continued to promote content that sows division among Americans, perfecting techniques and reaching new audiences. But those long-standing efforts were made in an ecosystem in which prominent Americans are increasingly promoting false claims, including President-elect Trump, who continues to wrongly assert that he won the 2020 election, and that U.S. contests are plagued with fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of what was out there, its almost like what wasnt out there? Its not just in the run up to the election, but for weeks and years now, really, theres been persistent narratives about election integrity that have been fueled by domestic and foreign nation state actors, said David Salvo, managing director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and Malign Autocratic Influence at the German Marshall Fund. All that was sort of designed to exacerbate this existing strain in American society that believes that the electoral process is corrupt and fraudulent. And honestly, I think the Russian propaganda machine was gearing up for a nailbiter of an election so that if we didnt know who the winner was [on Election Day], they would be ready to go with even more content. Fake videos from Russia that showed Vice President Kamala Harris involved in a hit and run and another accusing her husband of accepting a bribe are among the countless videos and articles that circulated false claims. Others falsely portrayed noncitizens attempting to vote, while Trump and his running mate JD Vance promoted a false conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants were eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the false claims were funneled through websites designed to look like real news outlets while other Russian-backed narratives were spread via contracts made with conservative American influencers. Russia and Iran also ramped up their Spanish-language disinformation efforts, improving their ability to reach a growing pocket of the American electorate. There were numerous instances of accounts purporting to be the FBI warning of election issues all followed by a string of discredited bomb threats made at polling places. The information environment was definitely polluted in this election cycle, said Laura Thornton, senior director for global democracy programs with the McCain Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thornton said the country isnt operating on the same cylinders as in past elections as organizations that track and counter disinformation have been bombarded with lawsuits and accused of working to censor voices. So thats one thing thats really different. I think another thing thats really different is you have the purchase of Twitter by someone who has very open political ambitions and opinions and is very secret about his algorithm. So you have Elon Musk, whos been promised a role in the Trump administration, also controlling one of the most popular social media sites. I think that creates complications in the information space, she said. You also have another thing that you didnt have a few years ago, which is an election that is an existential issue for the Kremlin. Russia is fighting, as we all know, a full-scale, unjust war in Ukraine, and Ukraines support from the United States is a threat to Russia. U.S. intelligence agencies tracking foreign influence efforts issued repeated warnings in the months leading up to the election, documenting multiple fake videos as well as broader shifts in using AI and adopting more sophisticated techniques for making content appear authentic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is the most active threat. Influence actors linked to Russia in particular are manufacturing videos and creating fake articles to undermine the legitimacy of the election, instill fear in voters regarding the election process, and suggest Americans are using violence against each other due to political preferences, judging from information available to the [intelligence community], the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency wrote in a joint statement late Monday. Russia operates hundreds of fake news sites, many purporting to be local news outlets, that were launched through its Doppelganger project. Theyre just paper tigers. Theyre just a way for them to repurpose information and not identify it under RT, Thornton said, referencing the publication previously known as Russia Today. And through its contract with Tenet Media, Russia was also involved in getting influencers like Bennie Johnson and Tim Pool to spread Russian narratives though both have said they were unaware of the true funder behind the contract and did not shift their content in any way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is using front companies to try to get authentic American voices to be useful idiots and disseminate Russian created propaganda, Salvo said. But even outside of foreign influence operations, plenty of Americans already play a role in forwarding disinformation. You dont need nation state actors involved for that sort of disinformation to have a real impact. Youve got Americans who are very eager to amplify nonsense, and tens of millions of people believe it, he said. Trumps gains with Hispanic voters, particularly Hispanic men, also calls into question the impact growing Spanish-language disinformation campaigns may have had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its certainly a demographic that Russian state actors have intentionally targeted, Salvo said. The last two to three years, really, theres been a real uptick in that activity. So can you draw a causal link between that activity and how Hispanic-American men voted in this election? No. But its not a coincidence that were seeing significant Spanish language propaganda from Russia targeting the Latino American community. Thats not coincidental. Its by design. The speed and saliency of the disinformation surrounding the two hurricanes that battered the East Coast also showed the power of such narratives and the difficulty in dispelling them. GOP figures promoted inaccurate information about the weather events that ranged from the bizarre with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) asserting that they can control the weather to false information suggesting FEMA would only give very limited disaster assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gets back to something that I think everyones lamented, which is just that our society lives in really pretty insulated info bubbles, and its so hard to get a shared set of facts. So even if you know the Republican governor is saying, No, this is not happening, a huge subset of Americans never even hear that. They just dont hear it, Thornton said. So it makes it really hard to quote, unquote fact check or provide accurate information because we were unable to penetrate these different spaces. The disinformation surrounding the hurricanes is just a snapshot compared to the steady drumbeat of false claims about the election. I think thats a really good example of how fragile our information space is right now, Salvo said of the potency of false hurricane-related claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it speaks to this increasingly dominant strain in our information consumption, right, where more and more people are skeptical of pretty much everything they read. Theyre looking for some sort of hidden hand behind everything thats happening. And its the same with election integrity as it is with emergency management. Its unclear, however, the extent disinformation impacted the election or its results, a contest Trump won handily, securing for the first time the popular vote as well as the electoral college. Thats just sort of the million-dollar question. Like, I dont know how you can quantify its impact on results, Thornton said. But to say it has no influence, I think, is incorrect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Authorities in a broad swath of eastern Pakistan closed all parks and museums Friday because of record-breaking smog that already has prompted the closure of schools and government offices and has sickened tens of thousands of people. The new restrictions went into effect for ten days in 18 districts of Punjab province, including the provincial capital of Lahore, where a twilight gloom lingered over the city, limiting visibility to about 100 meters (yards). The closures apply to all public parks, zoos and museums, historical places, and playgrounds. Schools and government offices already had been closed until Nov. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toxic smog has shrouded Lahore, a city of 14 million people, and other parts of Punjab since last month, and health officials say more than 30,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments in smog-hit districts. Sajid Bashir, the spokesperson for the Environment Protection Department in Punjab, said the new restrictions were aimed keeping people at home so that they are better protected from the record pollution. Instead of staying at home, parents and children were visiting these places, Bashir said. We want people to stay at home and avoid unnecessarily traveling, he said. On Friday, a court in Lahore also ordered the government to shut all markets after 8 p.m. Authorities have already banned barbecuing food without filters and ordered wedding halls to close by 10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bashir said Lahore was the worlds most polluted city on Friday, with Air Quality Index readings of over 600. Anything over 300 is considered hazardous to health. The city had a record-high reading Wednesday of over 1,100. Doctors say people living in the smog-hit areas should wear face masks or risk damaging their lungs. Breathing in Lahore air without wearing a face mask is equivalent to smoking dozens of cigarettes a day, Dr. Hafeezur Rehman, who has a medical practice in Lahore. An especially high surge of respiratory-related ailments has been reported in Multan, which is one of the worst-hit districts. Officials say they are ensuring that there is no shortage of medicine in smog-hit districts. School closures announced earlier in smog-hit districts will affect the education of more than 20 million students, according to associations representing private and government schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khuram Gondal, Pakistan director for the Save the Children charity, urged the government to urgently implement long-term solutions to the pollution problem so that children will not need to miss classes in the future. ___ Associated Press writer Asim Tanveer contributed to this story from Multan, Pakistan. Tuesdays election didnt go the way that most Washingtonians wanted. Vice President Kamala Harris handily won the state, but former President Donald Trump won the electoral college. With time, sadness gives way to acceptance. A divided nation must shake off the bitter partisan dust of the campaign and figure out how to work together for the next four years. Trump has been a divisive force in politics, but during his victory speech he offered hope that his second term might be different. He said he would fight for every citizen and help our country heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many local Republicans clearly support moderation and responsible leadership as evidenced by the fact that incumbent Rep. Dan Newhouse is winning his reelection bid as of this writing. Even if late ballots turn against him, he will have competed strongly despite being one of the few Republican representatives who supported impeaching Trump. Things will certainly change in politics and in the country as a new administration implements a radically different agenda from the past four years. If Trump can resist his worst demons both the metaphorical ones and the ones on the far right who will seek favor he could build coalitions that supersede partisan divides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his party must engage with people who called them terrible things during the campaign. Its time to put aside the nastiness, like the particularly vile racist attacks by the State Republican Party in the waning days against Latina candidates. Democrats will not like many of the things that the second Trump administration does, but reflexively rejecting everything he wants to do is counterproductive. Fight for Democratic ideals, but remember that compromise and dialogue with Republicans can temper the worst outcomes and might even get to some positive ones. At least give Trump a chance to show if he can be a uniter this time. If theres anything he loves, its making a deal. In the meantime, local voters fixated on national elections should spend a few minutes mulling over local outcomes, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Richland School District, voters rejected a $314 million bond measure to build a new high school in West Richland and renovate other schools. As of this writing, it had not even earned 50% support, let alone the 60% needed to pass. Residents and parents who want to bolster their education system should question the School Boards wisdom in placing a huge request on the ballot when officials knew that there was a serious budget crunch in the offing. The need is still there, but before the district comes back with another bond measure, it must increase transparency about its finances so that voters feel that they are getting tangible results for their tax dollars. Two public safety measures in Franklin County also failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters rejection of funding to modernize the 911 system is shortsighted. Local emergency services will operate with an aged, inefficient system. Leaders should come back soon with a revised measure and a better campaign to convince voters of the desperate need. Voters also didnt support a sales tax to support Fire Protection District 1. That one was, perhaps, a victim of unfortunate timing, coming after Connell took a huge job hit from Lamb Westons plant closure. Voters showed sophistication when it came to statewide ballot measures. A measure to protect access to gas-powered appliances was leading narrowly, but three measures that would have proved hugely disruptive to state finances all were going down repeal of a capital gains tax, gutting the states cap-and-trade climate program and undermining long-term care coverage. Those are issues that elected representatives should and did decide in Olympia. Their appearance on the ballot was an attempted end-around. As the maxim goes, elections have consequences. But those consequences are not set in stone. They are the product of people of good conscience working together to build a better future. Workers operate machineries constructing a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 6, 2024. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A worker works at the construction site of a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 6, 2024. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows a view of the construction site of a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) Workers work at the construction site of a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 6, 2024. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A worker works at the construction site of a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 6, 2024. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows a view of the construction site of a new ring scenic highway in Baoting, south China's Hainan Province. With a total length of 466 kilometers, the ring scenic highway around the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is an important part of the transportation system of the national park. The ring road will pass through nine cities and counties, including Lingshui, Baoting, Sanya, and Ledong on the island. Currently, the project is progressing in an orderly manner. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) Domtar Kingsport Mill honored those who have served their county in a special ceremony Friday and unveiled a new Veterans Wall. Domtar hopes the wall will serve as a tribute to its employees who served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our thought here was we recognize our veterans yearly, but with this wall, as we walk in the halls of this complex, as we come to work each day, it will be a reminder to us that the employees that work here are currently in the service or had worked in the service, Domtar Kingsport General Manager Troy Wilson said. The sacrifices they gave for our freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New schools and renovated dome | Changes coming to Kingsport City Schools The wall features photos of Domtars veterans, along with their names and branches of service. Our vision with the wall would be to, as we hire more veterans, their pictures go on the wall, and we would honor our veterans that way, Wilson said. But also the veterans that retire, their pictures will stay as a reminder to us that they were an employee at Domtar here, and they were a veteran that worked in this facility. We dont want them to be [taken] down after they retire. Prior to unveiling the wall, Domtar held a Veterans Day ceremony at the facility. A flag ceremony took place with speakers, and a missing man table ceremony was also held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After dedicating the Veterans Wall to Domtar veterans, the company presented a $500 check to Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, a nonprofit that takes veterans on an expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. It says a lot about the people that work here at Domtar, Wilson said. We support our veterans, and as we hire employees to veterans and youve served in the military, it means a lot to this company that youve gone down that path to start your career in the military. Domtar provided food for their veterans and their families after the formalities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Jews being chased down the streets of Europe by knife-wielding violent mobs. Jews hiding in buildings to avoid attacks. Jews being ambushed and beaten up simply because they are Jewish. With horror we must accept that these images from Amsterdam are not relics from the distant past. They have taken place in 2024. Israels President Herzog described the attacks as a pogrom. The King of the Netherlands has said that his country has failed Jewish people as it did during World War Two. These echoes of the Holocaust mean that I write this with tears in my eyes. It is truly devastating to contemplate. Testimony from victims of the attacks is chilling. This is how one Jewish man described his experience: We asked for help from business owners in the area but they completely ignored us. When I tried to escape in a taxi, the driver took me out by force and even cooperated with the attackers. Another said this: I hid in a boat in the river for over an hour, in the cold of 5 degrees, while pretending to be a corpse until the police rescued me. They pass in convoys of dozens of vehicles, watching and looking for someone to murder. It is already becoming clear that the attacks were co-ordinated. These violent ambushes were carefully planned. Groups of men went out with the specific purpose of hunting down Jews. They tried to run Jews over in their cars. They proudly posted evidence of their anti-Semitic violence on social media. We must understand that these racist attacks did not emerge from a vacuum. There are those amongst us who have been warning about rising Jew-hate since the 7 October terrorist massacres in Israel and where it might lead. Racism against Jews has become increasingly normalised in Britain and around the world since the 7 October attacks. The pro-Palestinian marches with their hateful slogans and open support for genocidal terrorist groups. The targeting of Jewish students at universities. The failure of broadcasters to report events in the Middle East with the necessary objectivity, context and balance. The out-of-control racist toxicity of social media. All of these things have led inexorably to a world in which Jewish people this week faced violent mobs on the streets of Europe. It is time for our society to wake up. It is time for a national conversation about how it has come to be that Jewish schoolchildren have been forced to hide signs of their identity, British synagogues require tight security and pro-Hamas content is freely accessible online. It is time for zero tolerance of anti-Semitism on our streets, in our schools and universities, at broadcasters and in every workplace in our country. All of this requires the kind of leadership that has to date been in woefully inadequate supply amongst politicians, business leaders, media executives and education chiefs. They must ask themselves what steps they have taken to protect Jewish people from harm, from isolation, from racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They must ask themselves whether they have done enough to stand up to Jew-hate and what more they can do. They have a choice as to whether to be passive bystanders to the growth of this racist poison in our society or active participants in a generational fight against anti-Semitic violence and abuse. My thoughts keep returning to the image of a Jewish man hiding in a boat, pretending to be dead, hoping to be rescued. It has dreadful echoes of the experience of Jewish people through history. Of Jewish people in fear, hiding from racist attack. Of Jews seeking protection from those who want to do them harm but not able to find the support they need. Of Jewish people wondering whether the end has come just because they happen to be Jewish. When it comes to anti-Semitism we no longer just require a warning from history. The warning is right here, right now in the heart of Europe. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Department of Justice has arrested and charged multiple Iranian assets for their connection to a murder-for-hire network with targets that included President-elect Donald Trump. There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a Friday statement. The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Irans assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump. He continued, We have also charged and arrested two individuals who we allege were recruited as part of that network to silence and kill, on U.S. soil, an American journalist who has been a prominent critic of the regime. We will not stand for the Iranian regimes attempts to endanger the American people and Americas national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran; Carlisle Pop Rivera, 49, of Brooklyn; and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island, were charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering conspiracy in New York on Friday. Rivera and Loadholt were arrested on Thursday, and Shakeri remains at-large, presumably in Iran. Shakeri was tasked by Iranian Regime with surveilling and plotting to assassinate President-elect Donald J. Trump, the DOJ alleged in their Friday complaint. The news notably comes just three days after the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. This also marks the third failed assassination attempt against Trump in the past four months. Shakeri has been further charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the Government of Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges announced today expose Irans continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran, FBI Director Christopher Wray shared in a statement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organization has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply wont be tolerated. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted. Were committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans. Actors directed by the Government of Iran continue to target our citizens, including President-elect Trump, on U.S. soil and abroad. This has to stop, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York added. Todays charges are another message to those who continue in their efforts we will remain unrelenting in our pursuit of bad actors, no matter where they reside, and will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who harm our safety and security. I want to thank the career prosecutors of this office and our law enforcement partners for their ongoing work in this and related investigations. They are truly the best of the best and work tirelessly to keep our country safe. In addition to targeting Trump, the network is also accused of plotting to murder a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin who has publicly opposed the government on Iran. The post Donald Trump Assassination Plot Foiled, Multiple Iranian Assets Charged by DOJ appeared first on TheWrap. Donald Trump is considering offering the UK a special deal that would exempt British exports from billions of pounds of new tariffs. The US president has pledged to impose huge levies on all foreign imports after he takes office next year, under an America First trade policy that has caused panic in European capitals. But sources close to Mr Trump said the UK could be exempt from the tariffs, under the terms of a deal that Britain hopes to negotiate in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elects proposed tariffs include a levy of between ten and 20 per cent on all foreign imports, and a 60 per cent duty on goods and services from China. After Mr Trumps victory in Tuesdays election, foreign governments including the UK, are preparing for the return of protectionist trade policy by the worlds largest economy. British ministers and diplomats are planning to play up the UKs special relationship with America to Mr Trump in a bid to remove Britain from the plans. UK economy could shrink by up to 0.7pc Mr Trump, a supporter of Brexit, was fiercely critical of Theresa Mays proposed deal to leave the EU but often lavished praise on Boris Johnson as he forged a different Brexit path when he became prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UK government source told The Telegraph that Britain will prioritise exports to the US from its service industry, valued at 130 billion last year, in any talks. Experts estimate the tariffs would raise between $2 trillion and $3.3 trillion for the US Treasury, but would have a major impact on growth in both America and around the world. The UK economy could shrink by up to 0.7 per cent if the tariffs were imposed in full. Any deal on tariff exemptions would likely involve concessions by the UK on other policy issues, which could include Mr Lammys plan to align Britain more closely with the EU. Mr Trump is also likely to reject requests to remove tariffs on goods that are critical to US domestic manufacturing, including cars, a UK government source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, said on Wednesday that the UK would make strong representations about the importance of free and open trade to his team while David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, told the BBC on Thursday that he would ensure that as a major ally we were aligned and we were considered. Mr Trump, whose mother was Scottish, has long been fond of the UK and held talks for a full free trade agreement during his first administration, but the talks collapsed over disagreements about agrifoods, including the import of chlorine-washed chicken to the UK. Exemption would be major win for Starmer An attempt to revive the talks under Joe Bidens administration stalled, and UK officials said the chance of striking a new deal, which would require Congressional approval, is now remote. On Friday it was reported that Mr Trump has appointed Robert Lighthizer, his former trade representative during the talks, to the same position in his second administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lionel Barber, a former editor of the Financial Times, said those in Mr Trumps inner circle believe he is frustrated that successive British governments have not made anything of leaving the EU since 2016. A carve-out for the UK on the new tariffs would represent a major win for Sir Keir Starmers government, which has been accused of upending the special relationship after historic comments from Cabinet ministers about Mr Trump emerged this week. Mr Lammy, who previously called Mr Trump a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath, has since befriended members of the president-elects team, including JD Vance, his running mate. Speaking to The Telegraphs Daily T podcast, Mr Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton said Sir Keir should use his election victory to resurrect talks for a full free trade agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: This is a huge opportunity. If [Sir Keir] could explain why a bilateral trade deal between the UK and the US would enhance Donald Trumps reputation, that would be a way to go. 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 President-elect Donald Trump is lashing out at California Gov. Gavin Newsom after he called a special session of the Legislature to beef up the states legal defenses against the incoming president. Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nations beautiful California, Trump said Friday in a post on Truth Social, using his derisive nickname for the governor. He is using the term Trump-Proof as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to Make California Great Again. Trumps post came a day after Newsom said state lawmakers would convene to take immediate legislative action to counter Trumps expected attacks on abortion, electric vehicles, immigration and federal disaster aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California is one of several blue states that have announced preemptive moves to defend against Trumps policies. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have pledged to beef up coordination between their offices to protect New Yorkers fundamental freedoms from any potential threats. And state leaders in Illinois and Massachusetts have pledged to take action to protect undocumented immigrants, access to abortion and the rights of LGBTQ+ people. But the Golden State has borne the brunt of Trumps wrath. His rebuttal read like a greatest hits list of his gripes about California, hammering the state over its voting laws, water-conservation policies, vehicle-emissions standards, homelessness crisis and high cost of living. People are being forced to leave due to his, & others, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS, Trump wrote. Newsom and prominent Democrats in Sacramento have vowed the Golden State will once again lead the resistance to Trumps policies reviving its role from the first Trump era. During that time, state officials filed more than 120 lawsuits challenging the Republican administrations actions and passed a sweeping law limiting local authorities cooperation with federal immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle, Newsom said Thursday, in a statement announcing the special session. The governor was a central surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris and is considered a likely contender for president in 2028. The special session will start in Sacramento on Dec. 2, when lawmakers were scheduled to return to the state Capitol to swear in new members and prepare for next years session. Donald Trump is gearing up for his second term as US president following his remarkable win in the US election. The 45th president will soon become the 47th president after he secured a landslide win on Wednesday. Trump secured the electoral college votes and the popular vote, shocking his rival Kamala Harris and the Democrats, who may have thought the race would be closer. Trumps victory marks an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. The Mirror and The Guardian offered a pessimistic take on Donald Trumps victory. (X) The Sun and Daily Mail were more optimistic about Donald Trumps election win. (X) His win has not just been felt in the US the rest of the world has also been reacting to his victory, with the president-elects face featured on the front pages of every front page in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Mirror described Trumps re-election as a dark day for America and the world, claiming he won by stoking divisions and whipping up hatred. The Guardian was equally damning, saying that issues like abortion, immigration and the environment are all are at stake with Trump and his allies back in power. At the other end of the scale, the Daily Mail heralded Trumps election for a second term as a genuinely amazing and historic comeback. Meanwhile, The Sun proudly declared to not be surprised at all by the second coming of president Trump, with the paper adding they wish him luck during his second tenure of the Oval Office. What did the US newspaper media say about Trump's win? Unsurprisingly, reactions in the US have been mixed, reflecting the political leanings of the newspapers in the country. The New York Post features a smiling Trump in its front page, with the headline: Hes Don It Again! The paper said the president-elect has pulled off a comeback for the ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post which did not endorse any candidate in the election features a triumphant Trump with his wife Melania on the front page and says the new Trump era may give him license for radical change. It says the election saw a historic realignment of the electorate. The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal react to Donald Trumps win. (X) The Washington Post and The New York Times reflect on Donald Trumps historic victory. (X) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times highlights how Trump has gone from outcast to felon to president-elect and said the election was decided on by everyday worries rather than democracy fears. The Wall Street Journal says that Trump won by staying true to Donald Trump, while the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle quotes Trump by saying that it is time to unite. How did the rest of the world react to Trump's win? Perhaps the most notable front page from the worlds media was from German newspaper Die Zeit. Their response was simply to headline Trumps victory: F***. The paper wrote that Germans were unable to sleep and were anxiously following the results throughout the night. The article on the win states: Half past five is also a perfectly appropriate time for feeling helpless, for feeling sorry for yourself, for panicking and for sheer horror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in Germany, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung headlined with Good Morning America. While that may not be particularly noteworthy, the picture of Oscar the Grouch, the grumpy puppet from Sesame Street that lives in a bin, underneath the headline perhaps says more than the headline. Die Zeit headlined with one word to sum up their thoughts on Donald Trump winning the election. (X) The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung features a picture of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street for their Donald Trump coverage. (X) Indian newspaper The Economic Times mocked up Trump as the Godfather, with X owner Elon Musk also in the scene. It headlined the paper Don II: An Offer America Couldnt Refuse, painting him in a dictatorial light. In Australia, the Herald Sun called Trump the comeback king, while The Australian harks back to Trumps days on The Apprentice, telling readers that he had been rehired. The Economic Times paints Donald Trump as the Godfather. (AP) The front pages of the morning newspapers in Melbourne on Thursday. (AFP/Getty) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Age shows Donald Trump looking maniacal. (AFP/Getty) The Age picked horror movie The Shining as its riff on Trumps victory, showing the president-elects face over a map of the US. They headlined Heres Donny, echoing the infamous Jack Nicholson line from the film as he axes his way into his wifes bedroom. The paper also highlights Trumps 34 felonies, as well as his impeachment, accusations of racism and misogyny and inciting a riot. The front pages of the newspapers in the Philippines on Thursday. (AFP/Getty) Meanwhile, papers in the Philippines are more focused on the news of Trumps comeback than puns or photoshops. The Philippine Daily Inquirer says Trump recaptures the White House, while The Manila Times features a photo of trump with his family as they splash on his comeback. Watch: Kamala Harris vows to continue this fight in election concession speech Donald Trump has recently appointed Susie Wiles, who previously served as his presidential campaign manager, as the White House Chief of Staff for his upcoming presidency in 2025. As a result, many people are curious about her background and want to learn more about her history in U.S. politics. Here is everything you need to know about Susie Wiles and her background. Donald Trump appoints first female White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, now the first female White House Chief of Staff in history, holds a longstanding relationship with Donald Trump, dating back to her pivotal role in his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Trump had positive things to say about Susie Wiles when confirming her appointment as White House Chief of Staff for his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, Trump said in a statement. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud. (via CNN) Susie Wiles has been involved in politics for a long time. In the 1970s, she had worked in the office of New York Rep. Jack Kemp. Then in 1980, she helped President Ronald Reagans campaign and worked in the White House as his scheduler. However, her major contribution to politics primarily took place in Florida. Here, she served as an advisor for two Jacksonville mayors, worked for Rep. Tillie Fowler, and helped businessman Rick Scott become Floridas governor in 2010. She also briefly managed the 2012 presidential campaign for Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. She also has considerable history with Ron DeSantis, Floridas current governor, having helped him reach the position. Unfortunately, the two would develop an antagonistic relationship, with DeSantis even urging Trump to not take her help in his 2020 Presidential campaign. Ultimately, Susie Wiles led Trumps campaign against DeSantis and defeated him. During that campaign, DeSantis became a laughing stock amongst Trump campaign aides and external allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiles is also known for staying away from the spotlight. She even refused to speak at Trumps recent victory speech, with Trump teasing her for being shy. The post Who Is Donald Trumps New White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- During her recent tour of southwest China to explore the ancient Shu culture, Valery Rees was surprised at the resemblance between a gold mask she saw in a museum in Sichuan Province and the mask of Agamemnon from ancient Greece -- both dating back over 3,000 years. "They are absolutely stunning finds and interesting parallels," said Rees, head of Renaissance Studies at the School of Philosophy and Economic Science in Britain, ahead of the inaugural World Conference of Classics in Beijing. "We have so much in common," she said, adding that she would like to know more about the ancient culture in China. She was among over 400 experts and scholars in classical studies from around the world who visited the Asian country for the conference. The opening ceremony of the World Conference of Classics is held in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He) STRIKING SIMILARITIES "Similarity" and "connection" are among the conference's keywords, with many attendees emphasizing the commonalities between Chinese and Western cultures and calling for efforts to emulate each other. Hans van Ess, vice president for research and chair at the Institute for Sinology of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany, shared his views on the parallels between the cardinal virtues of Aristotle and Mencius. He explained that "justice" in Greek philosophy is akin to "Yi" in Chinese thought, "moderation" corresponds to "Li," and "wisdom" aligns with "Zhi." He also noted a key difference between the two sets of virtues: "Courage" is a cardinal virtue in Greek philosophy but not in Chinese thought, whereas "Ren," or empathy, is central in Chinese philosophy but not in Greek. For Imre Galambos, emeritus professor of Chinese and faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge, the similarities between the philosophies of the East and West are "striking." For example, the Silver Rule in the West says "Don't do unto others as you would not want others to do unto you," and meanwhile, Confucius expresses essentially the same idea in Lunyu (The Analects of Confucius), said Galambos in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. Guests visit an exhibition titled "Origins of Chinese Civilization from an Archaeological Perspective" at the Chinese Archaeological Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He) Although it is the first time for Georgia Xanthaki-Karamanou to come to China, the professor at the University of Peloponnese in Greece knows a lot about Chinese culture, such as Confucianism. "Because I'm a professor of ancient Greek culture and theology, I have the possibility compared to my job with ancient Greek culture just to have a general idea of the Chinese culture and literature," she said. "We have very similar ideas such as morality, self-confidence and restraint, social justice and love for people." At the opening ceremony of the conference on Thursday, Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, expounded on the connection of different cultures in her written speech. "The wisdom shared by Confucius and Socrates bridges Mount Tai and the Acropolis of Athens," Azoulay said, calling for more dialogues among civilizations. Musicians perform Greek classic music pieces at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) MUTUAL LEARNING The fusion and clash of ideas were palpable at every turn throughout the conference and the event was widely hailed by participants as a cross-cultural platform for mutual learning. Christoforos Charalambakis, professor emeritus of linguistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, called the conference "unique and innovative," saying that it combines diversity to bring unity and respect for different viewpoints. Martin Kern, a sinologist and professor at Princeton University, believes that cross-cultural dialogues are essential. He called for creating institutions where scholars of different ancient civilizations could come together and learn from one another. "Just as the ancient civilizations influenced one another across long distances, so must our scholarly pursuit be informed by that of other civilizations," he said. At the opening of the conference, which was co-organized by China and Greece, the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens was established as a new platform for civilizational exchange and mutual learning between China, Greece and other nations around the world. It is the first research institute of classical civilizations to be set up in Greece by an Asian country. The school is expected to promote academic research and exchanges on classical civilizations across the world through engaging in archaeological excavation, organizing academic activities and launching training programs, among other functions. "Magnificent! (The school is of) very great significance because in this way, we shall have the opportunity to be in touch with our Chinese scholars and to discuss things and questions of common interests," said Xanthaki-Karamanou. A staff member shows an interactive screen with classic books during an exhibition on classical studies achievements in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He) SOBERING REMINDER Classical wisdom was highlighted at the conference, which concluded on Friday. Azoulay views revisiting classical works as "an invitation to self-reflection." She argues that dialogues remain the only way to address the monumental challenges humanity has faced across generations and advance the mission of ensuring lasting peace. For Lou Lin, vice director of the Center for Classical Civilization at Renmin University of China, classical studies have the power to revive the profound philosophies and cultural values embedded in ancient classics, serving as a "sobering reminder in an overly modernized society" and offering a sense of balance. Shen Yi, a professor of international studies at the Shanghai-based Fudan University, underscored the vital role of classical studies in promoting harmony and peace at a time when the world is fraught with uncertain and unforeseen risks and challenges. "The harmonious coexistence among civilizations can bring greater certainty and stability to today's world, guiding it toward harmony, peace and prosperity in a community with a shared future for humanity," he said. (Reporting by Shen Anni, Wang Xiaopeng, Lyu Qiuping, Zhang Yunlong, Yang Shujun, Shi Linjing, Ren Zhuoru, Yuan Qiuyue; Video reporters: Zhang Yueyuan, Li Yuhui, Yu Peixuan, Liu Yang, Sun Lei; Video editors: Zheng Xin, Wei Yin) SEVASTOPOL, Wis. (WFRV) With Veterans Day right around the corner, a local Door County elementary school used a penny wars fundraiser to raise money for a local VFW Post. Through a program called Community of Caring, students at Sevastopol Elementary School participated in a penny war to raise funds for the local VFW Post 3088. As a school, we put forth efforts regularly to do something for our Veterans, officials with the Sevastopol School District stated in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people helping homeless along Wisconsins lakeshore The school was divided into two teams for the friendly competition, with students knowing in advance where the proceeds would go towards. 4th Graders Ethan Brandenberg, Zendaya Tripplet, Lainee Pascke and Gabe Shannon present a check to Veterans from VFW Post 3088 (Sevastopol School District) Sevastopol Elementary then presented Joe Knaapen and William Graf, from the post, a $1,111.11 check. The amount symbolizes Armistice Day 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month. We were excited to learn that the funds will go to help various projects in our area that support Veterans like those suffering from PTSD and Veterans in need of service and assistance. Our students (and staff) are pleased to make an impact for our local Veterans, school district officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A jury found Brandon Janik guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder for the death of Josh Gilliland. The jury deliberated for less than four hours before reaching the decision. The family was emotional leaving the courtroom, saying justice has been served to the best of its ability. Many of Joshs family members flew in for the trial from Kansas, where Josh was from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with second-degree murder, Janik was found guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit-and-run causing death and four insurance fraud charges, after defrauding his insurance company for the damages to his loaner BMW after the crash. Gilliland was a beloved bartender at Cheers and walked to work in University Heights, just as he had done for 20 years, when he was hit and killed by Janik, driving intoxicated. What California counties did Trump flip red in the 2024 presidential election? The Deputy District Attorney Haley Williams had to prove to the 12-person jury that Janik was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Since Janik had left the scene and wasnt arrested for about three months after the crash, she had to prove he was drunk even without a toxicology report, blood test or breathalyzer, and she did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janik faces the maximum exposure for this case, 15 years to life plus up to an additional eight years. His sentencing will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Janiks attorney declined to comment after the verdict Thursday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Editors note: A previous version of this story misidentified the suspects role in the incident. The story is updated below. NEW YORK (PIX11) A man who was inside a car that was caught on camera backing up into another vehicle on the Belt Parkway has been charged with staging the crash, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office. Maikel Martinez, of Brooklyn, was inside the silver Honda Civic that cut off Asphia Natashas car in the left lane on Oct. 16, prosecutors said. The Honda Civic, seen in a video recorded by Natashas dashboard camera, then reversed into her vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News After the crash, the occupants of the Honda Civic held up a plastic tarp to the rearview window and switched their seating arrangements, according to officials. A woman, who Martinez identified as his wife, got out of the drivers seat. Two other people who got out of the Honda Civic, a man and a woman, have not been identified, officials said. A red Kia Sport that followed Natashas car pulled up in front of the Honda Civic, according to the criminal complaint. The unidentified male occupant of the Honda Civic got in the Kia Sport, which left the scene, according to officials. Martinez, 28, was taken into custody after he landed in New York on Thursday following a flight from Ecuador, officials said. He was charged with staging a motor vehicle accident, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, conspiracy and insurance fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could face between two to seven years in prison if convicted. The Honda Civic involved in the crash was seized by police on Oct. 24, according to the NYPD. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Drought conditions are worsening in portions of the western Wiregrass. As of the U.S. Drought Monitor update on Thursday, at 8:00 a.m., Covington County and portions of Coffee, Dale, and Geneva counties are under a moderate drought. Conditions in Henry and Dale counties are still abnormally dry and have not worsened since the Drought Monitor update on Thursday, October 24. This comes after Hurricane Rafael pushed small amounts of rain into the Wiregrass as it made its way through the Gulf of Mexico, but not enough to impact the drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still no sign of significant rainfall in the forecast. On October 30, the Alabama Forestry Commission issued a Fire Danger Advisory for all 67 Alabama counties. READ MORE: Fire Danger Advisory issued for all Alabama counties The U.S. Drought Monitor is released by the National Drought Mitigation Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. On Thursday evening, I went on the Roland Martin Unfiltered show to talk about why Latinos overwhelmingly shifted to the right and voted for Donald Trump. Martin, whom Ive long respected as an analyst on politics back since I was a teenager, had the same response a lot of other people did. What the hell happened? Explain it to us, he asked me. I noted how Trumps appeal is largely driven by polarization via education, given that people with college degrees and advanced degrees largely broke for Kamala Harris whereas those without a bachelors degree voted for Trump. Latinos are one of the groups least likely to have a college degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understandably, Martin then highlighted multiple stories of Latinos who know they are at risk of being sent out of the United States under Trumps proposed mass deportation plans but who still voted for the man. What the f**k? he asked, bluntly. I completely understand the confusion. Logically, it makes no sense to me either. But plenty of Latinos tend to think that they are different from those types of immigrants. Cuban-Americans are quite different than Mexican-Americans, and Mexican-Americans who have lived in the United States all their lives feel very different from those who migrated. Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Families who came to the United States before it began to tighten its borders or who came here legally look upon families who came here illegally with supsicion. Plenty of border patrol agents themselves are Hispanic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those various different statuses allow Latinos to feel like they will not be affected by Trumps sweeping proposals for immigrants. Stephen Miller, Trumps consigliere on immigration who could easily be his Homeland Security Secretary, has said the Trump administration would have a denaturalization process ready to go. Immigrants wanting to kick out the next group of immigrants is as old as America itself. Shortly afterward, Martin said to me: If that dudes [a Trump voters] mama gets deported, thats on him and Im gonna play Scarfaces No Tears, essentially saying that once Latinos who voted for Trump suffer in the wake of such policies, there will be no sympathy. This has been the response from plenty of liberal pundits. Jim Acosta of CNN, who is Cuban-American, asked on CNN, A lot of folks are asking on the Democratic side: Why would they [Latinos] do this to themselves? David Corn, the Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones, tweeted: Perhaps massive deportations will affect how they see Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, I understand this impulse. A lot of it does not make sense. But this approach is the exact reason why Democrats got into this mess with Latinos in the first place. Instead of treating Latino voters as whole humans with real needs and desires beyond just immigration, the Democratic Party has patronized them consistently and now faces the disastrous consequences. Hopes of putting Texas in their crosshairs are now on hold as numerous counties on the US-Mexico border swung drastically to the right. And Trump put Arizona back in the Republican column thanks to Latino support. For the past two years, I warned that Nevada could go red like my hair was on fire. Lo and behold, Trump became the first Republican since George W Bush in 2004 to win Nevada. And no, Democrats cannot make up their losses with Latino voters by running up the scoreboard with college-educated whites or city-dwellers in future elections. There simply are not enough votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, to borrow from Bernie Sanders who in 2020 did a hell of a job winning over Latino voters Democrats and progressives are supposed to be accustomed to fighting for the rights of everyone, even people they dont know. Saying that they will shed no tears when Trump begins the mass deportation of Latinos sure makes it sound like Democrats would rather be smugly right than treat them as human beings. If the hammer comes down on Latinos, Democrats should be at the ready to respond to Trumps cruelty by saying that the MAGA agenda is a false god. They should paint a positive vision for society, underlining the importance of solidarity and shared prosperity, where workers rights, a strong social safety net and strong education policies are a pathway to upward mobility. After all, that is how my own family went from working for Spreckels Sugar Company to following around the vice president in a motorcade in just a couple of generations. Unfortunately, Democrats might take the wrong lessons from this loss. As soon as my TV appearance ended, I walked to the Union Station metro stop in Washington to catch a train home. As I walked onto the train, I saw a young brown-skinned man with the beginnings of a mustache thumbing through his phone. As I looked closer, I saw his beanie said: Make America Great Again. PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding local non-profit, the United Way of the Wabash Valley, a $4,000 grant to support those in the city of Brazil, Indiana impacted by storms spurred from Hurricane Helene, that moved across Indiana in late September. In September, Duke Energy says they had approximately 82,000 power outages in their system, and nearly 1,650 were in the Brazil area. Theres no doubt that our city was particularly hard hit by this storm, with many down power lines and vegetation, said Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham. Duke Energy worked around the clock to restore power, and now theyre now making this gesture to further support our community. Its great to see this support from the company and their ongoing meaningful collaboration with the United Way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, Duke Energy and representatives from the United Way, mayors office and local police and fire departments will be at the Brazil Police Department handed out over 200 hams to these Brazil families impacted by storm damage. It feels good. You can tell all these people are very appreciated of it. And we certainly appreciate them coming out in order to get them. I mean thats what were here for, we wanna give them away, Wyndham said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Appalachian trail, the resort town of Hot Springs is as beautiful as it is remote, and that mountain life comes with its own challenges. Genia Hayes-Peterson, who spent decades serving hikers and locals alike at the Smoky Mountain Diner in downtown Hot Springs, said shes lived the ups and downs. Because of where the electricity came over the mountains it was pretty frequent that we lost power, she said. Powering Hot Springs Getting power to Hot Springs relies on one 10-mile distribution line that travels from the substation in Marshall through the Pisgah National Forest, according to Jason Handley, Duke Energys General Manager of the Distributed Energy Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That leaves the town vulnerable, not just to outages, but prolonged outages. ALSO READ: How Microgrids can make the rural energy grid more resilient and sustainable Handley said the utility considered building a second distribution line, but given the distance, logistics and environmental concerns of building in the forest, the projected costs didnt seem financially viable. Instead, Duke Energy proposed a microgrid pilot project. It gave us a great opportunity to test this technology, he said. Microgrids are a type of small-scale power generating system that can operate both on the grid and independently. In the event of an emergency, the microgrid has the opportunity to island itself or disconnect from the greater grid and provide the power it generates locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Hot Springs, Duke Energy chose to build an all-renewable grid, with a 2 MW solar array and 4.4 MW of on-site battery power. The solar charges the batteries. When the microgrid is islanded off, the batteries power downtown Hot Springs. Using the grid Constructing the grid cost $14.5 million, according to Handley. It was a far lower price point than building a new distribution line, with a far lower environmental impact. As for the reliability benefits, Handley said since the grid came online in 2023, its had one major test prior to Hurricane Helene. In April 2023, a windstorm ripped through the mountains cutting off power to Hot Springs. Handley said, Duke Energy, which operates the microgrid remotely, didnt see it island off automatically, but was able to fix the issue quickly after the storm ended. CHECK IT OUT: As Asheville waits for clean water, aid groups set up sustainable options Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We came to the site quickly and we figured out what the problem was and we manually started the microgrid and it was able to provide power to the town in the way that we originally designed it to do, he said. Handley said that first event taught the utility a few lessons about the remote control and what the grid was capable of, so when Helene hit, both Duke and the town had a better idea of what to expect. Hurricane Helene On September 27, the remnants of the storm dumped more than a foot of rain in some parts of the North Carolina mountains flooding the rivers and creeks. Amanda Arnett watched the Spring Creek rise up in downtown Hot Springs that morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I literally made it over the bridge onto the home side with minutes to spare before it started coming over the bridge into town, she said. The water rushed into downtown washing away parts of the street and submerging several businesses. Arnetts Spring Creek Tavern saw severe flooding and lost part of its wall. This looks like a war zone, she said. ALSO READ >> Rapid Intensification: How a storm can go from unnamed, to a major hurricane in 48 hours Ten miles away, the Marshall substation sustained significant damage knocking out power to thousands in Madison County, including Hot Springs. Getting the lights back on In the immediate aftermath of Helene, Duke Energy lost contact with its Hot Springs microgrid. Handley said the utility had to work with the mayor and NCDOT to find a way to navigate washed out and damaged roads to get into town and find out how the microgrid was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handley said they arrived Sept. 30, found the batteries at the microgrid were depleted and that downtown needed a few structural repairs before power could be reconnected. By Oct. 2, the batteries were recharged and the buildings that could receive power downtown started to get electricity from the microgrid and Handley said it stayed that way, operating independently until Duke Energy was able to replace the damaged Marshall substation with a temporary unit. From the time we closed in at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 2, until the mobile weas installed at 10 a.m. on [Oct.] 8th, the downtown did not lose power, he said. We powered it completely on solar and batteries. Had it not been for the microgrid, Handley said Hot Springs would have spent at least another week in the dark. He added that every day the grid operated, Duke learned more ways to stretch the efficiency of the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day we got a little further and further not out of the safe zone, we pushed it a little bit further to ensure that we could maximize the amount of time that our load segments were able to stay on, he said. Reopening Hot Springs When the water receded and she was able to make it to town, Hayes-Peterson learned she was one of the lucky ones. Her building was still standing, she had no flood damage inside, the only issue was the lack of stock needed to reopen. We just lost food because we had no electricity, she said. SPECIAL SECTION >> Channel 9 Climate Stories Once power came back, she said she had to wait for a health inspection and find a delivery truck that could make it to Hot Springs, but Hayes-Peterson felt it was important to reopen as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody needed to get back to work, she said. I mean everybody depends on their paycheck. The diner was back up and running by Oct. 7, and while Hayes-Peterson said shes not seeing anywhere near her typical fall crowd, shes been grateful to see a return to normalcy. Were blessed, she said. We went home to our families. We went home to our homes. A lot of people didnt. Arnett meanwhile said the Spring Creek Tavern and several other downtown businesses closer to the French Broad and the creek will likely take months of recovery. Shes hoping her business can start operating by mid-March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were hustling, she said. Theres gonna be a lot of reconstruction, rebuilding. The future of microgrids and resiliency While it wasnt able to keep the power running continuously, Handley considers the Hot Springs grid response a success, especially considering the damage to the community. Microgrids are a great technical solution for communities like Hot Springs, he said. Areas Im going to consider more rural that have potential reliability problems that have load centers targeted near the end of a long feeder line. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, clean energy advocates have called for utilities and emergency response plans to include proactively building more microgrids like this one, to improve reliability in disaster response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handley said its something Duke is considering, particularly in Florida at schools and sites that can serve as potential hurricane shelters. Still, given the cost of these projects, hes not sure its a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes it works out, sometimes theres a better solution, he said. (VIDEO: How Microgrids can make the rural energy grid more resilient and sustainable) FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Duke Energy Foundation has given out $73,000 to 13 different entities that focus on Hoosier veterans and active-duty military. Our veterans have sacrificed and done their duty, and we should all be there when they need us most, said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. As we look ahead to Veterans Day, were proud to extend our support to organizations across Indiana that are delivering care and services to those whove answered the call to serve. The organizations involved serve all kinds of needs for veterans including services to provide civilian career paths, transitional housing, and health care services. The Eliza Rizley Stacey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is one such organization out of Brazil, Indiana that received $3,000. The DAR chapter used this money to support the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall when it made a stop at North Clay Middle School. Indiana Duke employees further supported the memorial by volunteering during its visit to western Indiana and plan to help the DAR chapter lay wreaths at local veteran cemeteries later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were committed to doing all we can to pay it forward to those whove served our country, said Leesa Nesty, vice-regent, and co-chair of the veterans committee for the Brazil DAR chapter. Its been an honor to collaborate with Duke Energy on a number of efforts to support Hoosier veterans efforts befitting the tremendous men and women of our military. Other grants given out were: Indiana Veterans Initiative (Statewide) $10,000 to help in the creation of new web platforms for improving veterans job prospects and mental health Job Ready Veterans (Statewide) $1,000 in support of career transition services for Indiana veterans and military families Friends of Ernie Pyle Development Fund (Vermillion County) $10,000 for the Ernie Pyle and Veterans Memorial Park, which highlights Pyles writings and other contributions United Way of the Wabash Valley (Vigo County) $5,500 to support of the local veterans museum People and Animal Learning Services Inc. (Monroe County) $5,500 to go toward Valiant Strides, the organizations equine-assisted services for veterans Kaiser Home Services Support Inc. (Floyd County) $5,500 for services provided by Liberty Place, a residential facility that helps veterans transition back into civilian life. Liberty Place will benefit from a total of $15,500 from Duke Energy, due to a separate contribution from the company. Family Service Association of Howard County $5,500 in support of mental health and mentorship services for homeless disabled veterans Community Service Center of Morgan County $5,000 to provide furniture and appliances for homeless veterans as they exit homelessness to safe, stable housing The Hamilton County Veterans Group $5,500 to send care packages to troops, and assist the veteran community with home, medical, education, and clothing needs City of Vincennes (Knox County) $5,500 for the All-Weather Firing Squad, a group of military veterans that provide a 21-gun salute for veterans funerals in the community Main Street Aurora (Ripley County) $5,500 in support of the local veterans memorial Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region (Tippecanoe County) $5,500 for suicide prevention in the veteran community Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. The oligarchs won. When the markets closed November 6the day Donald Trump was declared winner of the presidential electionthe combined wealth of the worlds 10 richest people, nine of whom live in the United States, had surged by a combined $63.5 billion. It was, Bloomberg reported, the top 10s biggest one-day gain in net worth since Bloomberg started tracking this multibillionaire cohort in 2012. Never mind that 23 Nobel Prizewinning economists signed a letter last month affirming that Trumps economic policies will be a catastrophe for the economysomething you dont have to be a Nobel laureate to understand. Let go of any illusions you still harbor that the prosperity of the worlds richest people depends on a thriving economy. If anything, the oligarchs stand to do better when the economy (and the country) go to hell. The single richest billionaire, and the most toxic, is Elon Musk. When Musk woke up on the morning of November 6, he was worth $263.8 billion. When he went to bed that night he was worth $290.3 billion. This one-day gain in his net worth exceeded 10 percent. Musk spent $130 million to reelect Trump and got back $26.5 billion; this may be the most profitable single investment of his storied career. And the financial returns are only beginning. Even if Musk never assumes his promised role as efficiency czarthe acronym for the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, was once a word to describe Venetian monarchsMusk is well positioned to prosper under Trump. He can, reports Lora Kolodny on CNBC, look forward to regulators and intelligence agencies winding down some or all of the 19 known ongoing federal investigations and lawsuits against Tesla, SpaceX and X, formerly known as Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ah yes, Twitteror X. Whatever you call it, the social media site was Musks primary tool to elect Trump. In Bloombergs Tech Daily newsletter for November 7, Kurt Wagner writes that Musk turned his feed into a Trump-inspired billboard for his more than 200 million followers, that it became a major source of anti-immigrant conspiracy theories, that Musk re-shared posts from the former presidents supporters, not all of them accurate, and that Musk turned X into a much more powerful version of Truth Social. Even if you dont follow Musk on Twitter, you cant escape his politics there. After the presidential debate, which of course Kamala Harris won handily, Wagner logged onto X and found himself inundated with Trump won posts from various accounts that he didnt follow, including those of Donald Trump Jr., and Libs of TikTok, which despite the name is very much on the far right. These posts were fed to Wagner by Xs algorithm, which was rigged to deliver pro-Trump messaging. Writing in Slate, Farhad Manjoo calls X a white-supremacist hellsite. Which raises a question. Why is anybody who deplores Trumps reelection and Musks own degradation of public discourse with racism, antisemitism, misogyny, union-busting, endorsements of violence, the spreading of hateful untruths, and all-around vulgarity still playing in Musks sandbox? If you hate such things, why do you still maintain an account on Twitter? I quit the place nearly two years ago. Id been thinking about it for five months, starting around the time Musk retweeted the vile and wholly unfounded rumor that the hammer-wielding intruder who attacked and nearly killed Nancy Pelosis husband, Paul, while yelling Wheres Nancy? was a male prostitute with whom Paul Pelosi had gotten into a drunken fight. (He was not. The attacker, Dave DePape, was precisely the far-right whack-job hater we supposed him to be.) I also felt queasy that the place was becoming a haven for antisemitism. During the first two weeks after Musk took control of Twitter, the Anti-Defamation League found, the volume of antisemitic tweets jumped 61 percent, and a few weeks after I left, Musk confirmed my suspicions by himself posting an antisemitic tweet about George Soros. It turned out Musk was just getting started (not that this ever bothered the Musk sycophant and prize hypocrite Bill Ackman, a much more energetic crusader against antisemitism than I pretend to be). NPRs departure from Twitter after Musk labeled it state-affiliated media finally persuaded me to quit in solidarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a journalist, my livelihood depends to some extent on reaching readers through social media, and Twitter, even in its diminished state after Musk bought it, still seemed like the best venue. Ive since learned that Twitters once vaunted reputation as a driver of traffic is fading fast; at The New Republic, its no longer a significant referrer. But well before I knew that, I concluded that I couldnt live with myself if I stayed. How could I face my children? How could I explain myself to readers? After I left, evidence of the sites toxicity continued to pile up. I would ask my liberal friends: Why are you still on Twitter, or X, or whatever its called? They would look at me sheepishly. I tried not to get self-righteous about it, but quietly, I was shocked. Well, Im done being respectful of individual choices. If youre still on Elon Musks site youre part of the problem. Dont tell me youre still a liberal, or even a principled conservative. Dont tell me its a public utility over which Musk will eventually relinquish control, or that youre there to make sure alternative voices remain, or that your babies need to be fed. Most especially, dont tell me how angry you are that Donald Trump won the election. I write this knowing full well that my own employer, The New Republic, continues to hawk its wares on Twitter. I didnt previously bring this up with management, or even with TNRs union, because, well, its awkward. I bring it up now. The New Republic is a century-old publication dedicated to liberalism. It has suffered, in the internet age, from the same commercial difficulties with which the rest of the print media must contend. It must seek out new readers as never before. But weve reached a point where TNRs reputation will suffer if it continues to do business with Elon Musk. We must leave. Whats true of The New Republic is true of other magazines dedicated to liberalism and/or the left: Mother Jones, The Nation, The American Prospect, The Washington Monthly, The Washington Spectator, Jacobin, Liberties, Democracy, The Progressive. (If theres a single liberal magazine in America that isnt on Twitter I dont know it.) Ive written or worked for some of these publications. Shame on all of us. Shame, too, on conservative publications that remain on Twitter like National Review and the Wall Street Journal editorial pages. Their opinion of Musk and Trump is higher than mine, but not by a lot. Continued association with Twitter soils them too. Shame, too, on any individual writers, academics, book publishers, and other honorable people, many of them personal friends, who continue to post on Twitter. Everybody is asking: What can I do to defend the principles under attack right now in the United States? You can get the hell off Twitter. Remaining there hasnt been the moral choice for some time, but it really cant be defended now. Please make this small sacrifice. If you cant, what use will you be when the challenges get tougher? Because believe me: They will. EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) The mayor of East Cleveland and a city councilman both appeared in court Friday for their arraignment on corruption charges. The FOX 8 I-Team was the first to report that Mayor Brandon King and East Cleveland Councilman Ernest Smith were indicted in early October. State of Emergency: Damage to large Ohio bridge The corruption charges against King include two counts of theft in office, four counts of having unlawful interest in a public contract, four counts of representation by public official or employee, one count of filing a false disclosure statement and one count of soliciting improper compensation. Brandon King According to prosecutors, between Jan. 1, 2019, and Oct. 2, 2024, King allegedly authorized a public contract and payments through the city of East Cleveland to businesses owned by King and his family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said he authorized leasing office space in a building owned by King Management Group Limited to the citys domestic violence department for more than $14,100 per year. The city of East Cleveland bought more than $5,800 in cleaning supplies from American Merchandising Service, which is also owned by King, between March 16, 2019, and Feb. 22, 2022, according to prosecutors. Additionally, prosecutors allege that King improperly provided a city car to former East Cleveland Councilman Ernest Smith between Jan. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022. Ernest Smith King also provided Smith with the city of East Cleveland gas cards to purchase vehicle fuel. While Smith had the vehicle, he used two gas cards to purchase $6,791 of gas at the expense of the City of East Cleveland, prosecutors said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith was indicted on several charges, including one count of theft in office, two counts of theft, one count of soliciting improper compensation and one count of misuse of credit cards. Woman shot to death on social media livestream Mayor Brandon King demonstrated a complete disregard and disdain for the rule of law, Prosecutor Michael OMalley is quoted in a news release. The citizens of East Cleveland deserve better. The investigation continues. In court Friday, Mayor King entered a not-guilty plea and was given a $5,000 bond. Smith also entered a not-guilty plea and was given a $5,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their next court date has not been set. This comes months after prosecutors indicted several East Cleveland police officers on a wide variety of charges related to corruption. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. HANGZHOU, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese scientific team has developed an innovative membrane system that can efficiently separate oil and water from complex fluids, a breakthrough with significant implications for environmental protection and resource recovery. The new technology has the potential to effectively treat oily wastewater, which is a prevalent pollutant in both daily life and industry and poses serious threats to ecosystems and water sources. Existing membrane technology struggles with the challenges of concurrently recovering oil and water from surfactant-stabilized mixtures where oil droplets are dispersed in water. Now scientists from Zhejiang University have designed a novel membrane system called the Janus channel, which is named after the two-faced Roman god Janus, reflecting its dual-purpose design. The study, published on Friday in the journal Science, describes the invention, which consists of a narrow, confined channel flanked by two contrasting membranes that are water-compatible and water-repellent, respectively. As the emulsion flows through this channel, water molecules are passed through a water-compatible membrane under pressure, while oil droplets that collide into larger droplets can be captured and removed by the other membrane. The system boasts remarkable separation efficiency, recovering around 97 percent of oil and roughly 75 percent of water with a purity above 99 percent, according to the study. The membranes can be utilized for wastewater treatment in the petroleum and metallurgy sectors, as well as for separating emulsified products in the food and biomedical industries, Xu Zhikang, a corresponding author of the paper, told Xinhua. The concept can also be extended to various challenging separation processes in major industries, including the "separation of water or glycerol from biofuels, valuable metals from mine tailings, and proteins and vitamins from dairy products," according to a Perspective article in the journal. The research team has secured a patent for the technology and is now looking to launch a start-up or partner with companies to further advance its development. TOWN OF DEWITT, N.Y. (WSYR) For decades, the East Syracuse Fire Department has responded to nearly 15 square miles in the Town of DeWitt, but that could soon change. The Village of East Syracuse submitted its 2025 fire protection proposal to the Town of DeWitt to provide protection to the East Syracuse Fire Protection District. In the Village of East Syracuses proposal was an additional $800,000, which was intended to be used to start the process of hiring paid fire fighters for the for the East Syracuse Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East Syracuse Fire Department is no different than any other fire department in the country and in the state. They have problems. We have staffing problems. Its hard to get volunteers, President of the East Syracuse Fire Department Inc. Scott McInnis said. In response to the Village of East Syracuses proposal, the Town of DeWitt decided to put out a request for proposals (RFP). Essentially, this opens the door for other fire protection services to submit a proposal to the Town of DeWitt to be selected to cover the East Syracuse Fire Protection District. If a different agency was selected to cover the East Syracuse Fire Protection District, this would exclude the Village of East Syracuse, as that is where the East Syracuse Fire Department is located. It leaves us just with protecting the village of East Syracuse. Which were more than happy to do, but we again feel we are most qualified for the northern portion of the Town of DeWitt, McInnis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East Syracuse Fire Protection District includes residential housing, a large commercial business district, several high occupancy hotels, the New York State Thruway, and property next to the Syracuse Airport. We have familiarity with the district, the businesses, the intricacies of the hazards that are in that district, McInnis explained. We just feel that were the best to do it, and weve been doing it for decades, and we want to continue to do it. In considering bids, the Town of Dewitt will consider fiscal and cost efficiencies but will not compromise on obtaining the best fire protection coverage for the East Syracuse Fire Protection District equal to the outstanding coverage currently afforded to all of the Town of Dewitt residents. Services to all areas of the Town of Dewitt (DeWitt, Jamesville, East Syracuse, etc.) will continue to be provided at all times to all residents and will be unaffected as the RFP process is completed. DeWitt Town Board Fire protection services can submit proposals for fire protection services to cover the East Syracuse Fire Protection District to the DeWitt Town Board until December 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Somethings happening here, and what it is, is pretty clear: Donald Trumps decisive victory included a rising share of New York City voters, where he was born and raised and lived his whole life until five years ago when he declared Florida as his home. Nearly a third of voters in the five boroughs went for Trump far more than did in 2016 (18%) or 2020 (23%). That included 37% of Queens, the most diverse county in America and a place where the value of immigration is deeply interwoven into almost every street. Trump got 28% of Brooklyns vote, 17% of Manhattans, 27% of the Bronxs, and of course 64% of Staten Islands. Put another way: In a city in which two-thirds of registered voters are Democrats and another 20% are independents, a decent share of both groups shaded in the bubble for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America chose Trump, and New York City, which is part of America, shifted surprisingly toward him. Its more important to recognize and honestly reckon with political reality than to close eyes and ears. The job now of New Yorks political class is to ensure that Trumps worst policies do as little damage as possible to the people of the city without reflexively rejecting every single thing Trump and his Republican allies in the House and Senate propose simply because they are the ones proposing it. When we refer to the people of the city, that includes a half-million or so undocumented immigrants, as well as asylum seekers who, though often called illegals by Trump and his allies, are anything but. That latter group generally passed a first legal hurdle, gaining permission to stay in the country while awaiting adjudication of their claim which, thanks to a broken immigration system, typically takes years. They cannot and must not be rounded up and sent back. Nor should those who truly lack permission to be here but are otherwise law-abiding, contributing members of society. They help raise our children, build our buildings, deliver our food and do so much more. The Dreamers here under DACA have built complete lives and families. A mass deportation operation would not only cost the federal government tens of billions of dollars; it would be an economic disaster as well as a humanitarian nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York should not cooperate with federal immigration authorities to allow rounding up of otherwise law-abiding people who lack legal status even as some officials should reconsider their blanket refusal to aid Washington when those subject to deportation are accused of serious crimes, as well as to legitimate tightening of the southern border and the asylum system. But not every issue is so existentially important to the future of New York as immigration. The citys political class begins far left of center, and in recent history has proven to be more motivated by fervent resistance to any and all things Trump than by anything else. The 2025 mayoral field, sensing a Mayor Eric Adams with low approval and under federal indictment, is likely to respond to the Trump win with ever more passionate rallying cries to resist. How about stopping, listening and maybe even learning from the changing electorate they are supposed to represent instead? ___ More than 72 million Americans, including nearly 6.4 million Texans, voted decisively this week to return former President Donald Trump to the White House. They overlooked a vast landscape of disqualifying factors Trumps failed efforts to overturn the 2020 election by fraud or by force, his brazen dishonesty, his fawning admiration of dictators, his vengeful pledge that I am your retribution, his felony convictions for falsifying business records, the proven allegations of sexual abuse, his offensive language and obscene gestures at rallies, his comments that undocumented immigrants are "animals" and political rivals are "enemies from within," his musings that former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney should be shot and that reporters at his rallies should face gunfire, not to mention the stark warnings of retired generals and former cabinet members who said Trump is plainly unfit for office because those voters believed, all those things aside, that Trump would make their lives better. Think of the tradeoff. An American president need not have the core qualities of leadership fidelity to the truth, the law and basic decency as long as voters believe he will deliver results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a false choice. It is a path toward eroding freedoms and amplifying cruelty. It is the way that once-free nations can drift into autocracies. We hope that does not become Americas fate. Trumps election demands vigilance of those who wish to keep the American experiment. Trump will return to office in January with a more pliable Congress and more permissive courts, but Americans can still speak their minds, bolster other guardrails and wrap their arms around those unjustly targeted in the next Trump term. Voters faith was misplaced in Trump Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris reflected anxieties over real problems. Voters are rightly concerned about an economy that has left too many behind, about jobs that dont pay enough and goods that cost too much, about strained border security and a broken immigration system. Harris failed to convince enough voters that she had the answers. Fair or not, many voters perceived Democrats to be more focused on woke ideologies than workers paychecks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those voters faith in Trump was misplaced. Businesses are already bracing for the impact of Trumps promised tariffs, U.S. taxes on imported items that typically get passed onto consumers. Economists estimate Trumps tariffs will cost families between $1,900 and $7,600 per year in higher-priced goods. Meanwhile, Trumps response to Americas dysfunctional immigration system will be to launch the largest mass deportation program in American history. Aside from the alarming specter of the government rounding up longtime residents and separating families, such an effort would cost an estimated $88 billion a year while delivering a seismic shock to the U.S. economy, as millions of productive, tax-paying workers would vanish. We can all defend American norms and decency Worse than his costly policies, Trump has said he will be a dictator for a day. He is surrounded by enablers and schemers who will seek to expand presidential power in breathtaking ways. It seems unlikely a Republican Congress or a judiciary stacked with Trump appointees will do much to check his power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Americans can. Individuals can speak out against perilous policies. They can lobby their state and federal lawmakers. They can work with advocacy groups and return to the ballot box in 2026 and 2028. Professional organizations, from chambers of commerce to the NCAA, have shown their sway in past battles over transgender bathroom bans, for instance. State bars have disciplined attorneys who tried to help Trump steal the 2020 election. Medical professionals are calling out the danger of restrictive abortion bans. All have power they can exert in defense of American norms and decency. The same is true for the American-Statesman Editorial Board. While our parent company, Gannett, decided its newspapers would focus on local endorsements and not make presidential endorsements this year, this board will continue to scrutinize those in power and advocate for those who are vulnerable. We also urge people to support the organizations that fight for those they care about, whether its migrant workers, members of the LGBTQ community, people needing healthcare, educators, librarians or voters, just to name a few. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump once said of our nation's problems: "I alone can fix it." But the task of protecting each other and the American experiment falls to all of us now more than ever. American-Statesman Editorial Board This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Statesman Editorial Board: Americans, your country needs you now EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Electric sent line crews to assist PNM with power restoration efforts Friday morning, Nov. 8, after a severe snowstorm impacted northern New Mexico this week, according to the utility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The utility says the snowstorm impacted more than 50,000 customers and more than 100 crew members with PNM worked to restore service to those affected. As of Thursday afternoon, 41,000 customers are still being affected and power has been restored to 9,000 customers in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, according to PNM. PNM esimates that most customers will have their power restored sometime on Friday. PNM says customers should be on the alert for crews working near roadways and help keep them safe by driving slowly and keeping a safe distance. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. TOWN OF FENTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Whitney Point man sent members of the Broome County Sheriffs Office on a high-speed chase in the Town of Fenton on Election Day. On November 5, at around 6:44 p.m., a detective from the Sheriffs Office attempted to stop an individual driving a blue Honda Accord on the Brandywine Highway in the City of Binghamton. The car was identified as fleeing from Johnson City Police earlier in the evening. The driver of the vehicle refused to comply, and a pursuit was initiated. Broome County Sheriffs Road Patrol and New York State Police joined in the pursuit to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, who was later identified as David Zimmer, 57, fled east on I-88, ignoring emergency lights and sirens. He allegedly recklessly changed lanes multiple times before taking the Exit 3 off ramp onto State Route 369. The Sheriffs Office says Zimmer continued north on State Route 369 where he drove at a high rate of speed, crossing double yellow lines, hazard lines, and driving through oncoming traffic as he attempted to pass other vehicles and escape police. At Ballyhack Road, deputies say Zimmer turned off State Route 369 and headed south before traveling west on Ganoungtown Road. He continued to drive recklessly, still ignoring the emergency lights and sirens. Near the intersection of Ganoungtown Road and State Route 36, Zimmers vehicle was brought to a quick stop after a spike strip was successfully deployed by deputies. Although some of his tires were disintegrating due to the spike strip, deputies say Zimmer continued to flee through the intersection, turning south back onto State Route 369. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say Zimmer returned to intersection of Ballyhack Road and State Route 369. While doing so, his vehicle hit a second spike strip deployed by patrols. Zimmer attempted to continue fleeing south on State Route 369 and onto State Route 7B but was unsuccessful, driving into the grass near Ashley Trailers and finally coming to a complete stop. Zimmer was taken into custody. During a search of his vehicle, patrols recovered two dogs and a knotted wrapped bag containing cocaine. Zimmer was arrested and charged with the following: Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E Felony Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor Reckless Driving, a Misdemeanor Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Misdemeanor 31 Traffic Violations returnable to the Town of Fenton Court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimmer was processed, arraigned, and remanded to the Broome County Jail. Custody of the dogs was transferred to Zimmers friend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. With Donald Trumps election win on Tuesday, many Democrats and their allies are feeling afraid, demoralized or deeply frustrated. But fascism feasts on shattered dreams. So in the immediate aftermath its important to take the time to assess the conditions that brought us here and start work on making them more equitable and empowering. That means addressing what feels to me like the biggest problem plaguing the United States: the grip that social media platforms and their Trump-friendly operators have on the public. Trumps campaign succeeded in part because it was aided by major social media and Big Tech platforms that helped promote (or failed to stop) far-right bigotry, extremism and conspiracism. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos all celebrated Trumps election win on Tuesday. And while Musk is the only one who officially endorsed him, its noteworthy that each of them oversees a massive platform (multiple platforms in Zuckerbergs case) that has become a hotbed for pro-Trump bias, misinformation and conspiracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who plunged millions of dollars into electing Trump, essentially turned X (formerly Twitter) into what NBC News called pro-Trump echo chamber where pro-Nazi accounts can purchase verification to get their abject racism prioritized across the site. Musk with Trump at a campaign rally. Zuckerberg who said the look on Trumps face after the July assassination attempt was one of the most badass things Ive ever seen in my life oversees Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, all of which have been pinpointed by experts as sources of far-right propaganda and extremism. For example, this Tech Policy article, about the spread of disinformation on Spanish-language WhatsApp, seems especially prescient in light of exit polls that showed Latino men swung toward Trump in significant numbers this election. On MSNBC Wednesday, Maria Teresa Kumar, the president of Voto Latino, said that disinformation played a key role in Trumps Latino support. Kumar said she spoke with several voters who cited online disinformation that Kamala Harris had jailed parents for their kids truancy. And as for Bezos, researchers found that Amazons algorithm, through recommendations and search auto-complete, can steer users who are shopping for certain types of books toward pro-Trump extremism, like content promoting QAnon conspiracy theories. (This makes Bezos claim in his Washington Post op-ed that the media is chiefly responsible for losing the publics trust all the more ironic.) For years, the ReidOut Blog has been shining a light on the people and organizations doing the work of calling out Big Tech as a vector of conservative propaganda and extremism: people like Nina Jankowicz and Kate Starbird and organizations like Media Matters, Onyx Impact, the Center for Countering Digital Hate and others. It should come as no surprise that such researchers who follow the spread of disinformation on social media platforms have come under fire from conservatives. That alone tells you how central social media misinformation and manipulation is to the current conservative project, and why liberals need to confront this imbalance more vigorously with reporting and, eventually, regulation if we want a political system staked in truth and facts. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A 13-year-old boy was stopped from entering a Wisconsin elementary school Thursday morning during a suspected attempt to carry out a mass shooting, local authorities said. The boy, seen dressed in black and carrying a large backpack and duffle bag, was taken into custody hours after fleeing the scene of Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, where school staff refused to let him inside, the citys police chief said. This suspect actually tried numerous outside doors and entrances before coming around to where our secured entry is, Dr. Jeff Weiss, superintendent with the Kenosha Unified School District, said at a press conference. A 13-year-old boy was stopped by staff at a school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and prevented from entering a final set of doors, police said. Kenosha Police Department The suspect got nervous. Started fidgeting more. Turned around and left, Weiss said, citing surveillance video of the teens interaction with staff as they questioned him and refused to unlock a second set of doors after deeming him suspicious. Their actions were heroic and prevented the unfathomable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities declined to comment on what exactly the boy allegedly had with him, but said hes believed to have been carrying a firearm. A later investigation found that the teen, identified only as a student in the Kenosha Unified School District, allegedly shared concerning videos and made comments to other students for weeks leading up to the incident. The suspect also conducted multiple online searches about school shootings, said Kenosha police Chief Patrick Patton. One of the alleged videos was played at the press conference, showing the suspect handling a rifle in what appears to be a home. This is something that should have been told to people, of his growing intentions, Patton said. We know that there were internet searches. All the red flags that we would look for and expect someone to report were there. We narrowly missed a tragedy today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief encouraged parents to talk with their children about their obligation to report anything potentially concerning to a parent, teacher or law enforcement. Help us out. Have those talks with your children. Those videos shouldnt have been seen by us today. This should have been reported to us earlier, he said. No further information was released about the suspect, and authorities declined to comment to a reporter about the boys legal guardians. Related... (NewsNation) The Chester County District Attorneys Office said Friday they are currently unable to move forward with criminal charges in Pennsylvania woman Ellen Greenbergs case, and will be placing it into inactive status. In a news release, the District Attorney said they cannot prove a crime was committed. The case is still going before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court next month. The 27-year-olds body was discovered Jan. 26, 2011, by her fiance, Samuel Goldberg, who told police he kicked open the apartment door after returning home from the gym and receiving no answer. Goldberg found Greenberg in the kitchen, leaning against a cabinet with a knife in her chest and 20 stab wounds. While Greenbergs death was initially ruled a homicide, it was quickly reclassified as a suicide. The case was turned over to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office before being given to the Chester County Detectives in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The District Attorneys decision does not change Greenbergs parents conviction about her having been killed, their lawyer said in a statement. Admittedly, the investigation conducted by the Chester County District Attorneys Office was extremely limited and constrained, Joseph R. Podraza, who is representing Greenbergs parents, said. The Office told us that they did not investigate the core issues which we have raised, which establish Ellen was murdered, and that evidence remains unchallenged. Still, Podraza said he and Greenbergs parents appreciate the DAs professional courtesy of speaking with the family. What Trumps proposed tax plan could mean for American incomes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Chester County District Attorneys Office received the case, they worked to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to reopen the investigation, the DAs news release said. Detectives conducted a thorough review of both previous probes, The District Attorneys Office said, then pursued other steps such as conducting new interviews and consulting with an independent forensic expert. After this review, the investigative team determined that, based on the current state of the evidence, we cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed, the District Attorneys news release said. This standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt makes the criminal investigation different than other legal cases or issues that surround Ms. Greenbergs death. However, the case is still inactive and not being closed because Pennsylvania does not have a statute of limitations for criminal homicide. In addition, investigations can take new directions, the District Attorneys office said, adding they will not be answering any questions about this matter. Discrepancies in Ellen Greenerg autopsy report NewsNations Brian Entin spoke to a prosecutor assigned to Greenbergs case, Guy DAndrea, who said theres no way the case was a suicide. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided the family could challenge the suicide ruling in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy photos, which were not initially made public, showed images of stab wounds and bruises as well as a steak knife which can be seen sticking out of Greenbergs chest. How often does the US see a unified government? Although Greenberg reportedly used Google to research suicide methods, these searches werent added to her evidence file until years after her death. The family consulted two experts, one of whom determined that a stab wound to her brain would have resulted in severe pain, cranial nerve disfunction and traumatic brain signs as well as numbness, tingling (and) irregular heartbeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That conclusion went against the findings in the medical examiners report, which determined that there was no damage to the spinal cord. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Alimat Aliyeva Scientists have made a new discovery about the origin of writing in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, Azernews reports. The first examples of writing are typically attributed to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Maya civilization. However, researchers from the University of Bologna in Italy have uncovered an intriguing connection between the images on 6,000-year-old cylindrical seals found in the city of Uruk and the Proto-Sinaitic script. This discovery could lead to a re-evaluation of the timeline for the development of writing. The scientists determined that the clay seals used in Uruk in the 4th millennium BC may contain early forms of Proto-Sinaitic writing. These seals were primarily used for registering agricultural and commercial goods. Professor Silvia Ferrara stated that this work confirms for the first time that the mechanism of writing creation was based on a printing system. Her research showed that the symbols on the cylindrical seals discovered in Uruk bear similarities to the later Proto-Sinaitic script. Ferrara explains the significance of the discovery: "We wanted to challenge existing theories about the origin of cuneiform writing in Uruk. Unlike previous ideas, we found that cylindrical seals, which predated writing, were tools that influenced the invention of cuneiform script. For the first time, these seals reflect not only the economic but also the social and cultural aspects of writing. Their use played a critical role in shaping the semantic nature of writing and its ability to convey information." Along with Ferrara, researchers Catherine Kelly and Mattia Cartolano contributed to the study. Kelly adds, "We aimed to understand why and how writing was created, and we discovered that ancient sealing technology played a pivotal role in the development of writing." These important findings introduce new perspectives on the theory of writing's origins in ancient cultures and offer valuable insights into humanity's transition to written language. However, writing systems of other ancient cultures, such as those in India, Pakistan, and Easter Island, have yet to be fully explored, and further research is needed. TEHRAN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) killed four "terrorists" in an operation in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan on Friday, the official news agency IRNA reported. The operation was part of an ongoing counter-terrorism drill, dubbed "Martyrs of Security," which has been jointly carried out by the provincial forces and operational units of the IRGC's Quds Base since Nov. 1, IRNA quoted Ahmad Shafaei, spokesman for the drill, as saying. Shafaei regretted that during the Friday operation in Rask County, one IRGC member "attained martyrdom" and three civilians in a car, one man and two women, were wounded as "the terrorists fired on the main road." He said the injured were immediately transferred to the hospital for treatment. A vehicle and significant amounts of weapons and ammunition were seized from the "terrorists," Shafaei added. The exercise will continue until all the "terrorists and thugs" in the province are eliminated, and all security objectives are achieved, the spokesman stressed. On Tuesday, Shafaei said a total of eight "terrorists" had been killed and 14 others arrested during the drill. Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. (WHTM) The Chester County District Attorneys Office has placed its investigation into the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg in inactive status due to the inability to prove a crime was committed. The DAs office says that it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed based on the current state of the investigation. Because there is no statute of limitations for criminal homicide in Pennsylvania, the DAs office will not close the case. On Sept. 26, 2011, Greenberg, 27, was found dead by her fiance in the kitchen of her residence in Philadelphia with multiple stab wounds in her upper back and neck. Local police and the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office investigated the case, and after an autopsy, it was ruled a homicide. But, the ruling was changed to a suicide by the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ellen Greenberg case gained statewide coverage after the ruling of Greenbergs death was changed from a homicide to a suicide. In 2018, the investigation was turned over to the Pennsylvania District Attorneys office. Greenbergs parents publicly stated they wanted justice for the murder of their daughter and that she would never hurt herself or anyone else. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Office turned the case over to Chester County Detectives in 2022, said the Chester County DAs Office. After a thorough review to determine if there was sufficient evidence to reopen the investigations, detectives concluded that they were unable to move forward with criminal charges and that the investigation is now inactive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) The city of Elmira is taking new action in its fight on blight. In a unanimous vote Monday, the city council approved a new fee schedule for vacant buildings. The change in the city code department does, however, provide exceptions for owners who are: actively deployed in the military, are receiving long-term care at an assisted-living, nursing or healthcare facility, or depart Elmira for the winter months, as long the property is secured and has no active code violations. The new fee schedule lowers the annual vacant building fee from $500 to $250 for the first year of vacancy for residential buildings of one to three units. A fee for a second year of vacancy was lowered to $500. The previous schedule called for a subsequent annual fee of $500 plus $100 for every following year, with a cap of $1,000 per year, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fee for every subsequent year will stay capped at $1,000 for residential buildings of one two three units. Annual fees for larger residential and mixed-use commercial buildings can reach up to $4,000 per year. Vacant homes produce blight. Vacant commercial properties produce blight, Fourth District councilmember Gary Brinn told 18 News. Brinn sponsored the new ordinance and has been leading the citys Fight on Blight efforts alongside Mayor Dan Mandell. Elmiras most unsafe blighted properties Our fight on Blight Task Force has been reviewing the various aspects of code around vacant properties, rental properties, trying to make them consistent, bring them in line with our goals, Brinn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of our goals is to try to get properties occupied, get them back online as much as possible. So, were bringing our fee schedule into a more consistent way with other upstate municipalities. Ultimately, I think it evens out, Brinn added. The schedule is more logical than it was in the past. The longer a property is held vacant, hopefully the less incentive there will be for them to keep it vacant, to get it back on the market, get it reoccupied. A Chemung County Housing Market study published in 2023 found there are 12,514 housing units in Elmira. 40.43% are owner-occupied. Thats lower than the national average of 58.51%. The study says 44.85% of units in the city are occupied by renters. Thats higher than the national average of 31.67%. The study found 14.72% of units are vacant. Thats higher than the national average of 9.82%. The study also says since 2010, Elmira has seen a 4.09% decrease in the number of owner-occupied, a 1.80% decrease in the number of renter-occupied units, and a 39.33% increase in the number of vacant units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to see property owners invest in the community, get these occupied, Brinn told 18 News. Its better for us. Wed rather not be collecting the vacant property schedule. New monthly report to replace Elmiras Fight on Blight list The resolution passed in a 6-0 vote on November 4th. Second District Councilmember Corey Cooke was absent. The vote amended the Code of Ordinances of the City of Elmira as follows: Section 1. Section 8-30(c)(8)(a) be and is hereby amended to read as follows: The following fee schedule shall apply to all vacant buildings, subject to any exceptions established in the provisions of section 8-30: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For residential buildings of one to three units: a. For the first year: $250; b. For the second year: $500; c. For each subsequent year: $1,000. For residential buildings of four to six units, and mixed commercial and residential buildings of two to three residential units: a. For the first year: $500; b. For the second year: $1,000; c. For each subsequent year: $2,000. For residential buildings of seven or greater units, and mixed commercial and residential buildings of four or greater units: a. For the first year: $1,000; b. For the second year: $2,000; c. For each subsequent year: $4,000. For nonresidential buildings, the greater of: a. For the first year: $1,000 or $.058 per square foot; b. For the second year: $2,000 or $.10 per square foot; c. For each subsequent year: $4,000 or $.20 per square foot Section 2. Section 8-30(c)(8)(b) is amended as follows: Where an owner intends to demolish or rehabilitate a vacant building and conforms with the requirements under sections 8-30(c)(1)-(4), the initial fee will be $100. If the owner fails to conform to the abovementioned requirements, the owner, within 14 days written notice of failure to conform by the Code Department sent by certified mail to the owner, shall pay the entire first-year fee associated with the buildings property type pursuant to section 8-30(c)(8)(a), minus the initial $100 fee. Failure to do so shall result in a violation under section 8-30(i). Section 3. Section 8-30(c)(b)(c) is amended as follows: The following circumstances shall serve as exemptions to Section 8-30 as detailed. The fees established in 8-30(c)(8)(a) shall not apply to owners actively deployed in the Military, or owners who are being cared for long-term in an assisted-living facility, skilled nursing facility, or other health care facility. Registration pursuant to Section 8-30 shall not apply to any single-family owner-occupied residential dwelling where the owner departs Elmira for the winter months, provided that the property is properly secured and the property does not have outstanding code violations. The owner shall reside at the residential dwelling within the City of Elmira at least four (4) months in a calendar year, and the owner shall arrange for property maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also aims to address issues involving absentee landlords who live far away from their properties. The law calls for designating a Chemung County resident who is 18 or older to be an owners agent authorized to make decisions involving management and maintenance. One of the problems we have is at times people are listed on the rental registration form or on the vacant property registration form that either arent aware that theyve been assigned those responsibilities or that dont live close enough to exercise those responsibilities effectively, councilmember Brinn told 18 News. So, were requiring that there be someone close to the local area who is aware that they are responsible for that piece of property. Section 4. Section 8-30(c)(2)(e) is amended as follows: If said owners principal place of business is not located within Chemung County, or is located within said county, but no business officer or director or members resides within New York State within 50 miles of the citys municipal limits, or the owners principal place of residence is not located within 50 miles of said county, the owner must designate on the registry form a natural person 18 years of age or older who resides in Chemung County as owners agent whom the owner authorizes to make decisions regarding the management and maintenance of the building and upon whom service of legal process and all notices may be served or delivered. The owners designation of an agent shall authorize and empower the agent to make such decisions on behalf of the owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Section 5. Section 8-30(c)(2)(k) is hereby created and reads as follows: If the owner is required to have an agent pursuant to 8-30(e), in addition to the registration requirements, within two weeks of the Code Departments receipt of the owners registration, an owner or the owners agent must submit an affidavit to the Code Department, signed by the agent and notarized, stating the agents consent to perform the duties required of an agent pursuant the provisions of section 8-30. Failure to submit an affidavit will result in an incomplete registration, and an owner will be subject to penalties under 8-30(i). Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication according to law. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Billionaire Elon Musk joined President-elect Donald Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the call told ABC News. The phone call began with Zelenskyy congratulating Trump on his election victory, Trump then handed the phone to Musk and Zelenskyy thanked Musk, remarking that the call was possible because of his Starlink internet service, sources told ABC News. Trump then remarked that Starlink was helpful in providing internet for recent hurricane victims, the sources said. PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk joins former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., October 5, 2024 (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Musk was at Mar-a-Lago with Trump on election night as well as the day after, as previously reported by ABC News. Musk's involvement in the call further highlights his influence in the upcoming administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was present for at least one other phone call with a foreign leader -- Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- who spoke to the president-elect Wednesday while he was dining with Musk at his Mar-a-Lago club, the sources said. It's not clear if Musk participated in the call. Trump hasn't left Mar-a-Lago grounds since returning from the convention center in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Musk, the world's richest person, had a profound impact on Trump's campaign including a multi-billion dollar door-knocking operation, a social media megaphone and a $1 million sweepstakes for battleground voters. MORE: Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk over controversial $1 million voter giveaway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy wrote on social media that he had an "excellent" call with Trump, but made no mention of Musk. "I had an excellent call with President Trump and congratulated him on his historic landslide victory his tremendous campaign made this result possible," Zelenskyy wrote on X. PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears at a joint press conference with Ireland's Taoiseach Simon Harris (not pictured), amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept. 4, 2024. (Alina Smutko/Reuters) The call happened as Zelenskyy seeks to shore up long-term American military and financial support in its war with Russia. On the campaign trail, Trump has often boasted that he would be able to stop the war in Ukraine, though he has yet to provide specifics as to how, often showing a willingness to work with both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, Musk is expected to return to Mar-a-Lago next week, but plans remain in flux, per sources familiar with the plans. Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelenskyy: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Now that Donald Trump has won the White House, the American oligarchs who helped facilitate his return to power are waiting with open hands for payoff. Elon Musk is already getting his. The billionaire owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter) poured millions into Trumps reelection effort, campaigned on his behalf, and can barely contain his glee upon victory. Musk, whose companies operate largely off of billion-dollar government contracts and partnerships, is not only expecting an astronomical financial windfall under the pro-corporate policies of a second Trump administration, but a government position directly shaping the reforms planned by the president-elect. Trump has publicly touted plans to appoint Musk the head of a government efficiency commission tasked with slashing wasteful spending, but Musks role may extend far beyond the fiscal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Friday report from Axios, Musk sat in on a Wednesday phone call between Trump and Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The president-elect has made a dubious promise that he can end the war between Russia and Ukraine in a day, and has decried the continued provision of funds and aid to Ukraines military operations by the U.S. Musk is also involved in the war effort through the provision of Starlink communication terminals to the Ukrainian army. The billionaire drew criticism for placing geo-fencing restrictions on the terminals use outside of Ukraines borders meaning they cannot be accessed by the Ukrainian military while operating in Russian territory and for reportedly engaging in direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pentagon officials raised concerns that Musk was acting not as a military contractor, but as a rogue actor who could influence the war effort on a whim. In October of last year, Musk openly mocked Zelensky and the Ukrainian governments request for aid in a post on X. In 2022, Musk proposed a peace plan that suggested simply handing over the Crimea Peninsula to Russia, referendums to decide if the regions invaded by Russia should be annexed by the occupying power, and having Ukraine remain a neutral country outside of the NATO alliance. Zelensky was incensed, while Kremlin officials lauded Musks plan as a peaceful settlement to the conflict they began. According to Axios, Musk reassured Zelensky during his call with Trump on Wednesday that he would continue providing Starlink access to the Ukrainian military. Sources told the outlet that concrete plans for bringing about an end to the war were not discussed. Musk was also involved in a phone call between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which the three men made ambiguous future dinner plans. Musk and Trump are also expected to hold a joint meeting with Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei sometime next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has essentially bought himself an influential, unofficial position in a second Trump administration, and while some of his role figures to take place under the umbrella of official government policy, he may have an even bigger impact in the shadows, sitting in on private phone calls and meetings and bending Trumps ear on key policy decisions. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prominent American businessman Elon Musk has taken part in a telephone conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump. Source: Axios web portal with reference to sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: Axios' sources claim that the conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump lasted about 25 minutes. The Ukrainian president congratulated the Republican on his victory, and the latter said in response that he would support Ukraine, but didnt provide any details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who was also on the line, told Zelenskyy that he would continue to support Ukraine with his Starlink satellites. "The new details of the call underscore how influential Musk could be in the second Trump administration, and the uncertainty over how exactly Trump will approach Ukraine," writes the outlet. According to Axios, the Ukrainian president believes that the conversation went well. One of the sources said that it "didn't leave Zelenskyy with a feeling of despair". The portal's sources also say that after Zelenskyy and Trump met in September in New York, they established a communication channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing of what Zelenskyy and his aides heard from Trump and his team in private has been alarming or made us feel that Ukraine is going to be the one who pays the price [ for war - ed.]," the source told Axios. Background: Elon Musk played a key role in Donald Trump's victorious US presidential election campaign, investing tens of millions of dollars in it and promoting Trump on his social media. Trump made it clear that he would reward his billionaire supporter by promising in a September speech to create a government efficiency commission headed by Musk if he won the election. Support UP or become our patron! MAPLEWOOD, Mo. Emergency crews rescued a person from the River Des Peres in Maplewood on Thursday morning in a coordinated effort. The individual was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition after being rescued from the water. Fire departments from Maplewood, Shrewsbury and St. Louis all played a role in the rescue. According to the Maplewood Fire Department, Shrewsbury crews immediately offered life-support care to the individual during the rescue operation. Maplewood fire crews used a UTV to reach the river quickly to help bring the person out of the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wife of Illinois judge charged with his murder Rescue teams also used a stokes basket to help the individual from the water to the UTV. A short time later, the individual was transferred to a hospital for treatment. Officials say the victim is in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon. The Maplewood Fire Department says crews at the scene worked quickly in efforts to provide life-saving care. This is a developing story. FOX 2 will update as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) A former Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services employee has been sentenced after a wire fraud and identity theft investigation. On Thursday, the Department of Justice said 35-year-old Brittany Joyce May, of Frankfort, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mays plea agreement said between July 2021 and May 2023 May worked as an administrative specialist for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). During that time she handled payments to providers under adoption and foster programs. She would input the providers personal and banking information into a directory and initiate payments using a wire transfer to those providers. The plea agreement said if providers failed to submit the required paperwork or stopped receiving payments because their services expired, she would instead direct those funds to four bank accounts that she owned and controlled. The United States Attorneys Office said she concealed these actions by submitting false invoices, making it appear providers requested payment. To prevent providers from learning about the fake payments, she changed their addresses in the system. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May reportedly used the names or social security numbers of 45 providers, including opening bank accounts using the personal identifying information of two providers. The department said May misappropriated $444,663.77 in funds and initiated more than 540 fraudulent wire transfers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) One plucky, little bird is doing her part to keep her species alive. The Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team says one of the birds they track has survived another year migrating between Michigan and Florida despite suffering a broken leg. The team shared the story in a Facebook post on Thursday. The 5-year-old female is named LeVeL. Last winter, she was observed in Crandon Beach, Florida, with a broken left leg. Even with the broken leg, LeVeL continued to move along and adequately forage, the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This April, LeVeL was once again spotted at her preferred nesting spot on North Manitou Island, off the coast of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The team successfully trapped her in June to analyze her leg. The bands were not restricting or causing any problems to the leg, but as a precautionary measure and to ensure no future problems arose her black and violet bands were removed, the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team said. A banner breeding season for the endangered Great Lakes piping plover Recently, another observer photographed LeVeL back in Crandon Beach, showing that the little bird is still going strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her survival is key to the critically endangered species. As of 2023, researchers estimated only 80 nesting pairs of Great Lakes piping plovers exist in the wild, more than half of which nest in northern Michigan. The bird was on the verge of extinction decades ago, with an estimated 12 to 17 nesting pairs found in the wild in the 1980s. Michigan wildlife officials have helped protect the population at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by closing off certain stretches of beach and placing cages over their nests that allow the plovers to come and go and keep predators out. A rising threat: Climate change exacerbates challenges for Great Lakes piping plover According to the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team, LeVeL hatched three chicks this summer, but all three were predated, meaning they were eaten or killed by predators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Observers say LeVeLs broken leg is slightly misshapen and turned in slightly, but otherwise seems to have healed. The strength and resilience of a little Great Lakes piping plover never ceases to amaze us, the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team said. We hope LeVeL continues to stay healthy and safe in Crandon Beach and will return to the Great Lakes in 2025 to have a successful breeding season. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Enrollment has grown for the past four years across Oklahoma's public colleges and universities. University of Oklahoma freshman attend the OU Welcome Class of 2027 event, Friday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas higher education officials reported a 4.5% increase in enrollment by headcount from last fall at the states public colleges and universities. The states freshman class also saw enrollment grow by over 1,700 students, or 6.4%, from last year, according to a report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This follows enrollment growth trends at some of Oklahomas largest public universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Total enrollment across the states public higher education institutions is just over 169,000 this fall which is about 7,300 more than 2023. This is the fourth consecutive year with a reported enrollment increase. Cost of attendance and student debt at our public institutions are among the lowest in the nation, Chancellor Allison Garrett said in a statement. While institutions across the country are experiencing declines in the number of first-year students, freshman enrollment at Oklahoma state system colleges and universities is increasing. This is the trajectory we must continue to see our citizens thrive and our state prosper. The states research universities, Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma, had about 5.8% growth in enrollment by headcount. Regional university enrollment grew by 3.9%. Of the states regional institutions, Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford saw the most growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community colleges had enrollment increase by 3.4% with the most growth reported at Redlands Community College in El Reno. The freshman classes at OSU and OU grew by about 7.7%. Regional universities saw freshman enrollment grow by 3.5% and community colleges had a freshman class about 7.4% larger than last year. Langston University had the largest growth for a freshman class of the regional institutions and Redlands Community College had the highest enrollment growth of community colleges. The regents also released a report on the enrollment of concurrent students at the states public colleges and universities. Concurrent enrollment refers to high school students who are enrolled in some college courses while completing their high school education. Overall, concurrent enrollment grew by 10.3%. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Seven years ago, Wei Li, an Australian businessman and the owner of Auswan, a wine brand, had some hesitation when he was invited to participate in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). "When global enterprises from various industries come together, there might be only a few purchasers interested in or knowledgeable about wine," he thought. But the result surprised him. In 2019, the year after Li participated in the first CIIE, he sold about 7 million bottles of wine in the Chinese market, a great leap from the 4 million bottles in 2018. This made him a seven-time attendee of the expo. In Li's first CIIE journey, he only met a dozen Australian enterprises. During the seventh CIIE, held from Nov. 5 to 10, his booth is set in the hustle and bustle of the Team Australia Pavilion, covering over 1,000 square meters. "It's packed with exhibitors and visitors, and sometimes I have trouble squeezing through," said Li. Over 250 Australian enterprises attended this year's CIIE, hitting a historical high, according to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). The Team Australia Pavilion gathered over 170 enterprises, showcasing various foods and beverages such as meat, seafood, wine and dairy products. From Nov. 4 to 6, Australian enterprises and their Chinese partners have jointly signed 25 memoranda of understandings, with a total value of nearly 300 million Australian dollars (about 199.53 million U.S. dollars), said the Austrade. China has been Australia's largest trading partner, export market and import source for 15 consecutive years. In 2023, bilateral trade in goods increased by 4.1 percent year on year. China is also the main importer of agricultural and mineral products from Australia. China's market is huge, and Chinese consumers now attach greater importance to clean, safe and healthy food, and this happens to be the competitive advantage of Australian enterprises, said Dominic Trindade, minister (commercial) at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. "For the Australian businesses, the CIIE is not only a chance to meet major Chinese buyers, but also a platform to know better about the changes in the Chinese market, learn from other companies in their industry, and build new cooperations," he said. A kind of dry red wine with its wrappers featuring "celebrating the upcoming Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake" under the Auswan brand debuted at the seventh CIIE, and Li's company also cooperated with a seafood enterprise to hold cuisine culture experience activities to better attract Chinese consumers. Just steps away, Auswan's white wine can find its perfect fine-dining mate, a whole rock lobster from the cold and nutrient-rich rugged waters off Southern Australia. The premium seafood was brought to Shanghai from the other side of the earth by Andrew Ferguson, a seasoned Australian fisherman and now a seafood processor and exporter. This second-time CIIE participant is eager to try his luck again. "The amount of deals I reached during my first CIIE was a really impressive number," Ferguson said, with a smile. Speaking with Xinhua, Ferguson noted that the Chinese market's appeal lies not only in its sheer size but also in its strong demand for seafood products. "No other place in the world has that sort of liking for seafood like the Chinese market. It's a great place for us to showcase our product," he said. Discussing his business prospects, Ferguson said his products are already featured in five-star hotels and upscale restaurants, and he now plans to establish a retail pathway to bring them to supermarkets and, ultimately, more Chinese dining tables. But what made the Australian businessman's CIIE story truly inspiring is that his rock lobster now serves as a testament to China's rock-solid commitment to further opening up its market. China's opening stance has also strengthened the confidence of CIIE veterans like mining giant Rio Tinto in the Chinese market. Rio Tinto has brought more than ten high-quality mineral raw materials and other products to the expo, including iron ore, copper, aluminum, lithium, and borates from Australia, Canada, the United States, Mongolia, South Africa and Madagascar. Meanwhile, this year, Rio Tinto achieved a new milestone in the Chinese market, with its cumulative iron ore supply to China reaching 4 billion tonnes. Over the years, the CIIE has had a profound and positive impact on global business and trade, fostering win-win collaboration and reshaping industry dynamics with innovative momentum for high-quality development across sectors, said Bold Baatar, Chief Commercial Officer of the company. According to the senior executive, the event's success not only reflects China's commitment to driving reform and high-quality growth through greater openness but also highlights the importance of global partnerships in addressing shared challenges and exploring new opportunities. "I feel immense pride whenever I think about how our raw materials have supported China in building advanced infrastructure and developing new quality productive forces, improving the lives of 1.4 billion people," he said. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Lead and Copper Rule signed into law in October may affect some Sioux City residents. According to a release from the City of Sioux City, the law was signed into law by the Biden Administration on October 8. This new rule lists requirements that public water systems in the U.S. will be required to meet by October 2037. Part of the new rules is that all lead service lines, galvanized lines must be replaced and any unknown service lines must be verified and possibly replaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Sioux City estimates that this rule change may impact 7,300 properties in Sioux City. Kum & Gone: new owner Maverik will re-brand Iowa gas stations The City said that they will begin notifying properties that may be affected in mid-to-late November. If you receive a letter, the City says that you should contact the Sioux City Water Treatment Plant at 712-270-6150. You can also ask them to test the lead levels in your drinking water. The City will be hosting a public meeting to go over the new rules on December 17 at 6 p.m. at the Tyson Events Center. The goal of the new rules is to help remove lead from the nations drinking water. For more information on lead in drinking water, visit the EPAs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Russo-Ukrainian war could "easily end" if a problem-solving approach is applied by the US administration led by Donald Trump. Source: Reuters, reported by European Pravda Details: Erdogan spoke to journalists during a flight from Budapest. He noted that efforts by Western countries, led by the United States, to end the war in Ukraine would accelerate the resolution of the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Erdogan: "We can easily end this war if we see a Trump administration that approaches the issue with a solution-based perspective. More dialogue, diplomacy, agreement will open the door to peace, not weapons, bombs and conflict." Details: Erdogan added that Turkiye plans to keep focusing on searching for a solution. Quote from Erdogan: "We are a country that has managed to bring both sides together around the same table. We have done this many times and can do it again. This war must end now. We have focused our efforts on peace and will continue to do so." More details: While supporting Ukraines territorial integrity, condemning Russias invasion, and providing military aid to Kyiv, Turkiye has also opposed Western sanctions against Russia, with whom it maintains important relations in defence, energy and tourism sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since March, Turkiye has been calling for an end to the war in Ukraine through negotiations and has offered to act as a mediator. Background: After the European Political Community summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he believes Trump wants a swift end to the war, though this may entail losses for Ukraine. Recently, Trump suggested he might speak with Putin, while the Russian news outlet Verstka reported that Putin had informally congratulated Trump on his election victory, supposedly doing so "through acquaintances". Support UP or become our patron! Sen. Tammy Baldwin gives a victory speech Thursday at the Steamfitters Local 601 hall east of Madison after winning a third term Tuesday. (Erik Gunn | Wisconsin Examiner) While a majority of Wisconsin voters helped elect Republican Donald Trump as president this week, one statewide candidate managed to defy the odds that favored the GOP. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin squeezed out enough votes to overtake Republican Eric Hovde and return to Washington, D.C. for a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the victory was much narrower than her last reelection in 2018, the outcome preserved Baldwins winning streak. 2024 marks a continuation of Tammy Baldwins record of undefeated elections, Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said Thursday at a brief Baldwin victory celebration. Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, introduces Sen. Tammy Baldwin at her victory celebration Thursday. (Erik Gunn | Wisconsin Examiner) The way we won this race is the way Ive always approached this job, a smiling Baldwin said in her 10-minute victory speech. We did everything, everywhere, all at once. I traveled to red, blue, purple, rural, suburban, urban parts of our state. I listened to people. I really listen to people and then deliver for them, and in turn, these Wisconsinites showed up for me, and Im so grateful. Baldwin is uniquely good at cultivating her own brand and separating it from the national Democratic Party brand, said Marquette University political scientist Julia Azari in an interview Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats in Wisconsin often seem to do better in midterm elections, where it is a little bit less nationalized and the candidates can cultivate their kind of personal and localized brands, Azari said. Baldwin has been pretty successful and shes running ahead of Democrats statewide in a lot of contests. Baldwin got her political start on the Dane County Board, graduated to the Wisconsin Legislature and was elected to the U.S. House in 1998, the states first female and first gay member of Congress. After 14 years in the House, she was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, the year Barack Obama won his second term. In 2018, running against a Republican state senator, Leah Vukmir, Baldwin easily won reelection by nearly 11 points, while her fellow Democrat, Tony Evers, won his first term as governor by 1 percentage point. Julia Azari, Marquette University She addresses more sort of state priorities, and has become well known in rural parts of the state that we dont really associate with Democrats, Azari said. Baldwins much narrower 2024 victory came in a very difficult national environment for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin held her event Thursday at a Steamfitters union apprenticeship training center on the East Side of Madison. Steamfitters Local 601 business manager Doug Edwards called Baldwin a homegrown roots type of person who has been just fabulous for working families in Wisconsin and a staunch union ally. Tammy has just been a good advocate for all the people in Wisconsin, and I think thats what put her over the top, even though it was close, Edwards said in an interview. In her victory speech, Baldwin recapped the broad range of issues that shes made her own as a lawmaker, along with the people behind those issues who have been her supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the farmers in the dairy industry who I fought alongside, earning the endorsement of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Baldwin said. Its the workers on foundry floors who are getting more business because of my Buy America rules big shout-out to labor. Baldwin has successfully pushed congressional colleagues to include provisions favoring domestic suppliers and manufacturers in bills such as the bipartisan infrastructure law. Its the LGBTQ families who saw through the nasty attack campaigns and knew that I had their back, and its the women whove had our rights stripped away and saw me on the front lines fighting for their freedom, she added. Baldwin has championed legislation to restore a federally protected abortion rights, ended in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 ruling Roe v. Wade. The bill she authored has stalled in both houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in 2022, however, Baldwin argued that the loss of Roe meant that the Courts 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage could be at risk. She spearheaded a successful bill that gained bipartisan support affirming same-sex marriage as well as interracial couples. Baldwin also highlighted her involvement in the Affordable Care Act, for which she wrote a provision that allows children to remain on their parents health insurance plans until they reach the age of 26. After four years in the Senate as a member of its Democratic majority, in January Baldwin will begin her third term as a member of the minority party. Throughout her tenure in Congress, however, Baldwin has repeatedly joined with Republicans on bills that have aligned with her own stances. On Tuesday, her margin of roughly 30,000 votes was about the same as the margin by which Harris lost to Trump in Wisconsin. And the senators final tally was about 5,000 more than Harris suggesting that some Wisconsin voters who picked Trump split their tickets to vote for Baldwin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin diplomatically acknowledged the presidential contest outcome Thursday. While we worked our hearts out to elect Kamala Harris, I recognize that the people of Wisconsin chose Donald Trump, and I respect their choice, Baldwin said. You know that I will always fight for Wisconsin, and that means working with President Trump to do that, and standing up to him when he doesnt have our best interest at heart. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Estonian arms company Frankenburg Technologies will transfer air defense missiles to Ukraine for testing, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on Nov. 8. Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defense assets as Russia intensifies its strikes against cities and energy infrastructure. The first samples for testing will be delivered in the coming months. The missiles to be trialed by Ukraine are designed to counter drones, and can shoot down targets at an altitude of up to 2 kilometers (1 mile), the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal is to help Ukraine win this war. To do this, we offer a sample of a new low-cost missile to shoot down air targets, primarily unmanned aerial vehicles," said Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies and former Permanent Secretary of the Estonian Defense Ministry. Salm met with Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko, and discussed the upcoming tests. The next step is to agree on a financing format for missile production, according to the statement. If the trials are successful and the Defense Ministry and Frankenburg Technologies agree on further use of the weapons, Ukraine may also arrange the production of these missiles. Frankenburg Technologies is a defense-industrial company founded in 2024 and headquartered in Tallinn. It currently operates in Ukraine, Latvia, and Estonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estonia and Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement on June 26. The deal stipulates that Estonia will supply Ukraine with defense aid worth more than 100 million euros ($107 million) this year and will allocate at least 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually for military support in 20242027. Kyiv and Tallinn will also launch a regular "strategic dialogue" and deepen their military-industrial cooperation. Read also: With Trump back in White House, can Ukraine opt for nuclear deterrence? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian drone strike on Nov. 7 damaged the apartment building where Estonia's ambassador to Ukraine lives, Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna said on Nov. 8. Ambassador Annely Kolk "was lucky not to be harmed," Tsahkna said in a post on social media on Nov. 8. "No one is safe in Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression. Ukraine needs more air defense to protect its residents. We must not get used to this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The picture accompanying the post shows Jack House, a modern high-rise building in Kyiv's Pechersk district. Early yesterday, the building where #Estonian amb @AnnelyKolk lives in #Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone. She was lucky not to be harmed. No one is safe in #Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression. needs more air defense to protect its residents. We must not get used to this. pic.twitter.com/bUTz3c5AT6 Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) November 8, 2024 On the morning of the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a drone had caused a fire on the 33rd floor of a residential building. The fire was contained shortly after. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal also commented on the attack. "Yesterday, Russias drone attack hit Estonias Ambassadors house in Kyiv," he said in a post on social media. "Fortunately, no one was harmed. My message is clear: Ukraine needs more air defense and removed weapon restrictions to protect its people against the aggressor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack is one of the latest in a series of drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraines capital. On Nov. 2, a Russian drone attack on Kyiv caused a fire in a 16-story residential building and an office building, and left an 82-year-old woman with shrapnel injuries to the head. Russia also attacked Kyiv with drones on Oct. 29, injuring six people in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district, authorities reported. Russia launched over 2,000 attack drones targeting both civilian and military sites across Ukraine last month, Kyivs military reported on Nov. 1, as Kremlin forces continue their offensive in eastern and southern Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Estonia to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles for testing Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg The European Union and China said they made some progress after a week of technical talks in Beijing aimed at scaling back or reversing tariffs that the bloc applied to electric vehicles made in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EUs executive arm described the outcome of this weeks negotiations as making technical progress, and Chinas Ministry of Commerce echoed that conclusion in a separate statement. Both Brussels and Beijing have previously warned that significant gaps remain over how to address what the bloc says are unfair subsidies to Chinese-made EVs. The EU and China have been seeking an agreement on so-called price undertakings a complex mechanism to control prices and volumes of exports, used to avoid tariffs. On Friday, the EU reiterated that individual agreements between carmakers and the EU are possible under World Trade Organization rules. But Beijing wants to conclude an umbrella agreement, making that one of the obstacles in the talks. Chinas invitation to negotiate in person was seen a sign of some momentum in the talks, according to people familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several rounds of talks didnt yield a solution that meet the EUs strict requirements, including alignment with WTO rules and compensating for the full effect of the duties. The 27-nation bloc also wants to ensure it can monitor compliance. Negotiations will continue at a technical level next week, both sides said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Temu continues to be a target in the European Union. The EUs Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network notified the e-commerce platform Thursday that it has infringed upon EU consumer laws, following an investigation of the companys practices. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The watchdog alleged that Temus business model promotes practices that may mislead consumers or unduly influence their purchasing decisions. The allegations come just days after the European Commission announced it had launched a formal investigation into Temu over potential violations of the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA), under which the low-priced goods purveyor must comply with the strictest rules due to its status as a Very Large Online Provider (VLOP). That investigation centers around the companys potential sale of illegal goods, as well as its purported addictive design. According to the CPC Network, its findings complement the launch of the investigation around the DSA. This time around, Temu has been accused of violating consumer laws. According to the Commission, Temus problematic practices include fake discounting, forced gamification, missing and misleading information, fake reviews and more. The CPC Network found that Temus mechanisms for preventing fake reviews dont go far enough; stated that it uses false claims about limited supplies or false purchase deadlines to convince consumers to purchase items; claimed that it gives consumers the illusion of a discount when no such deal exists; noted that it deceives consumers with incomplete and incorrect information over their rights on returns and refunds and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the CPC Network, it will continue to evaluate Temus compliance with obligations around information disclosure. Vera Jourova, vice president for values and transparency, said that the EU Commission will continue pursuing actions for consumer protection, no matter the size or scope of the company in question. Ensuring safety of consumers in the EU is a priority for the Commission. Therefore, adherence to our consumer protection standards by the trading companies is non-negotiable. The dedication and coordinated efforts of national authorities play a vital role in ensuring a fair and secure market for everyone. We have shared today our concerns with Temu and we urge Temu to promptly bring its practices into full compliance with EU consumer protection rules, Jourova said in a statement. As a result of the alleged breaches of EU law, Temu will be required to submit more information to the relevant consumer protection regulators and to come up with a plan to fix its issues with consumer laws. It must do so within the next month, and if it fails to adequately address the Commissions concerns, it could face fines and other forms of forced compliance from the bloc or its member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the company said Temu acknowledges the concerns raised by the European Commission and national consumer authorities and plans to work with the Commission on compliance. Although we have gained popularity with many consumers in a relatively short time, we are still a very young platform less than two years in the EUand are actively learning and adapting to local requirements. We will fully cooperate with this investigation, as we believe that such scrutiny benefits consumers, merchants and the platform in the long term, the spokesperson said. The findings of this investigationand the ongoing investigation into Temus compliance with the DSAare not the only regulatory scrutiny the company currently faces. It was recently banned by the Indonesian government, which cited threats to both consumers and local business owners, and Germany has been considering new laws that would impact both Temu and its competitor, Shein. Simultaneously, U.S. regulators have put both companies in the hot seat, issuing questions over their business practices and import policies. As President Joe Bidens term comes to a close, those close to him have noted that he plans to take action on the U.S.s de minimis exemption, which Shein and Temu use to ship items into the U.S. without tariffs or scrutiny. Germany has considered doing the same, and other countries, like South Africa, have already enacted change. European Union leaders at a meeting in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November, discussed the possibility of extending Ukraine's military defence if Donald Trump decides to cut off US support. Source: Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the discussions in Budapest, reports European Pravda Details: The Europeans debated whether the EU would be willing to provide the required funding for military assistance to Kyiv. The main concern was that Trump would attempt to shift the financial burden to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, none of the initial discussions signal a significant shift in course, according to one of the sources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy encouraged European leaders on Thursday to focus on preserving weaponry supplies rather than undermining Ukraine's position by discussing a ceasefire or making concessions to Vladimir Putin. Quote: "If we talk about the possibility of peace today, its because the Ukrainians had extraordinary courage and because the West supported Ukraine. That said, well see how the scenario evolves in the coming weeks," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters, arriving on the second day of the meeting of European leaders on Friday. Some European officials have said the real problem is not so much the money itself but the available military resources, which come mainly from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other officials argued that Europe should wait until after Trump's inauguration in January to learn about his plans for Ukraine. However, some of them said that leaders could not afford such luxuries and that the European Commission should produce suggestions for how the EU would respond to the end of US aid. Trump has already started his first series of phone conversations with European leaders. At least one of the talks involved a discussion of how Trump might approach talks with Putin, according to a senior person who was briefed on the exchange. The unnamed official stated that Trump made it plain that he was aware that he could not just pressure Ukraine to make concessions to Putin without offering anything in return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Europe will not be able to finance Ukraine's defence on its own if the United States withdraws its support under Donald Trump's presidency. According to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the EU's future will be decided by its support for Ukraine in the upcoming months since, following Donald Trump's victory in the US, European nations need to do more to defend themselves and Kyiv. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- European Union leaders are trying to work out whether they can keep the Ukrainian war effort going if Donald Trump decides to shut off support from the US. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials held discussions on whether the bloc will be ready to foot the bill for the war during their meeting in Budapest Thursday, according to people familiar with the discussion. The big concern is that Trump will seek to shift the financial burden on Europe, although nothing in the initial conversations suggests a massive change of tack, said one of the people, who asked not to be named discussing private conversations. Trump promised during the election campaign that he will quickly end the fighting in Ukraine, but has been ambivalent in his support for Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday urged European leaders to focus on maintaining the supply of weapons and not undermine his position with talk of a cease-fire or concessions to Vladimir Putin. If we talk about the possibility of peace today, its because the Ukrainians had extraordinary courage and because the West supported Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters as she arrived for a second day of talks Friday. That said, well see how the scenario evolves in the coming weeks. The EU has been the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, allocating 118 billion ($127 billion) since the start of the conflict, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The US has provided 85 billion in total, although the flow of money has tailed off this year, with just 17 billion allocated. The EU has supplied almost double that amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some European officials said the real issues was not so much the money itself, which should still be there, but the available military resources that have come primarily from the US, one of the people said. The US is a crucial source for some of the most powerful weapons, such as F-16s and ATACMs, long-range missiles that allowed Ukraine to strike Russian troops far behind the frontlines. Its manufacturing capacity is also vital for maintaining the supply of 155mm shells that is at the core of Ukraines defensive operations. While some argued Europe should bide its time until Trumps inauguration in January to find out about his intentions toward Ukraine, others said leaders dont have that luxury and the European Commission should be coming up with proposals on how the bloc will respond if US aid is shut off. Thats a controversial idea all the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some EU leaders say that in such a case, the EU should take on full financial responsibility for Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a video posted on Facebook. I see this as impossible, and Slovakia will not agree to it. Trump has already begun his first round of phone calls with European leaders. At least one of those conversations involved discussions of how Trump might approach negotiations with Putin, according to a senior official briefed on the call. Trump signaled that he is aware he cant just push Ukraine into granting concessions to Putin without getting anything in return, the official said, on condition of anonymity. A spokesperson for Trump wasnt immediately available to comment. During the summit discussion, Orban told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron that they should be talking to Putin as well, or the EU will be sidelined in discussions over Ukraines future, according to a person briefed on the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the summit host and Trumps biggest supporter in Europe, told reporters on Thursday it is now an open question whether the US and the EU will deliver the latest aid package of 50 billion. In an radio interview on Friday, Orban said Europe cant finance what he described as a lost war on its own and claimed the US will pull its support. But the Hungarian leader, who has long opposed aid to Kyiv and cultivated close ties with both Putin and Trump, is far from a honest broker in the discussion. Zelenskiy, who joined leaders in Budapest on Thursday, said Trumps election victory hasnt swayed European Union support for Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen Russian troops making gains on the battlefield, exposing Kyivs shortages of both the manpower and weapons. Colleagues understand very well that supporting Ukraine is strengthening ourselves, European Council President Charles Michel told reporters late on Thursday. If we would be weak with Russia, what signal we send to the rest of the world, including China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Ania Nussbaum, Marton Kasnyik and Daniel Hornak. (Updates with Orban comment to Scholz and Macron in 13th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The EU Council has extended the mandate of the European Unions military training mission for Ukrainian soldiers for two years, with a budget allocation of over 400 million. Source: European Pravda with reference to the EU Councils press service Details: On Friday, the EU Council approved the extension of the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine) for another two years, until 15 November 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missions budget includes 409 million for the period from 14 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Quote: "EUMAM Ukraine remains a key tool for EUs military support to Ukraine, with its core objective of contributing to enhancing the military capacity of Ukraines Armed Forces. In line with todays decision, EUMAM Ukraine will cooperate with NATO, in particular the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), and exchange information with the latter in a transparent, reciprocal and inclusive manner." More details: The EU ambassadors supported the decision on Wednesday, 6 November. Background The European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established on 17 October 2022 with an initial mandate lasting two years. The mission is funded by the European Peace Facility. As part of the mission, around 63,000 Ukrainian soldiers have undergone various forms of training within EU countries, equivalent to staffing ten brigades. "The mission will train an additional 15 000 troops in coming months, bringing the total number of soldiers trained to 75 000 by the end of winter 2024/2025," the press service adds in the statement. Further quantitative targets will be continuously adjusted based on Ukraines needs. The continuation of training assistance for Ukrainian soldiers is one of the points of a separate security agreement that Ukraine signed with the EU as a union in June 2024. In August 2024, EU defence ministers decided that they would not move Ukrainian military exercises to Ukraine's territory but would hold them as close to its borders as possible. Support UP or become our patron! BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday expressed firm opposition to and strong condemnation of the Philippines' introduction of the so-called Maritime Zones Act. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the NPC said in a statement that the act is an attempt by the Philippine to enforce the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea issue in 2016 through its domestic legislation, and a serious infringement upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. European officials met in Budapest on Nov. 7 to discuss whether the European Union would be willing to continue funding support for Ukraine if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump halts U.S. assistance, Bloomberg reported Nov. 8, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. One source expressed concern that Trump might try to shift the financial burden to Europe, though initial discussions did not indicate any drastic change in direction. Trump has repeatedly criticized European NATO members for not investing enough in their defense capabilities and relying on the U.S. On the campaign trail, he also claimed he could end Russia's war within 24 hours if elected, though he has not elaborated on how he would achieve this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are concerns that the new U.S. president may reduce support for Kyiv and pursue a deal with the Kremlin at Ukraine's expense. Some European officials suggested that the real issue may not be the money itself, but rather the military resources, which are primarily provided by Washington. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the EU is the largest provider of aid to Ukraine, having allocated a total of 118 billion euros ($127 billion) since Russia's full-scale invasion. The U.S. has provided nearly 85 billion euros ($91 billion) in assistance. "Ukraine is grateful for all the support from our partners, and we are open to any constructive ideas to achieve just peace for our country," President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was among the first to congratulate Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, voicing hopes for "strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States." The two also had a follow-up phone call, agreeing to strengthen cooperation, Ukraine's president said. Read also: Kuleba: 5 lessons for Ukrainians from Trumps victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Europe will not be able to finance Ukraine's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion without U.S. support, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Nov. 8. "The Americans are going to get out of this war," Orban said in comments reported by Bloomberg. Donald Trump's Nov. 5 electoral victory has triggered fears that U.S. aid to Ukraine might soon end once he takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe can't finance this war on its own," Orban added. Under Orban's leadership, Hungary has repeatedly blocked aid to Kyiv, pushed for negotiations with Moscow, and spouted Kremlin talking points. Since taking the presidency of the European Commission in July, Orban has lobbied aggressively to stand as a negotiator between Ukraine and Russia. Orban also urged the European Union to change its strategy regarding the war in Ukraine and reiterated calls for "a ceasefire and peace talks." He added that "recent events" have proven his conclusions after his controversial so-called "diplomatic mission" to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing. He also claimed that Ukraine is currently losing the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments on Ukraine have emphasized speedy results over long-term support, and he has refrained from saying he wants Ukraine to prevail over Russia. Anxiety over the possible withdrawal of U.S. aid comes as Ukraine braces itself for another grueling winter of Russian infrastructure attacks. Meanwhile, North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia to aid Moscow's full-scale invasion. Read also: What we know about Trumps plans for ending Russias war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Union will discuss with the United States the necessity of deterring Russian aggression, which is linked to the situation in the Indo-Pacific. Source: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference following the EU summit in Budapest on 8 November, as reported by European Pravda Details: When asked if the EU was ready to keep assisting Ukraine if Trump refused to do so, von der Leyen cited the Ukraine Facility programme, which entailed the provision of 50 billion, as well as the G-7 loan from frozen assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "But what I think is more important is that we discuss with our American friends also the fact that Russia is not only a threat to Europe, but a threat to global security as a whole. Because Russia is not only an autocratic state, it is threatening democracies, but it is also increasingly becoming allied with others like Iran and North Korea, together with China, fuelling this war," she said. Von der Leyen added that Moscow's alliance with these states has implications not only for European security, but also for the Indo-Pacific area, where the US intends to focus its efforts to curb Chinas expansive clout. As Bloomberg reported, European Union leaders at a meeting in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November, discussed the possibility of extending Ukraine's military defence if Donald Trump decides to cut off US support. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Europe would not be able to finance Ukraine's defence on its own if the United States withdrew its support under Donald Trump's presidency. Support UP or become our patron! PRAGUE (AP) European nations boosted their defenses in response to the annexation of the Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a London-based think tank said Friday, but much remains to be done for them to be ready to face threats from Russia. Thats the conclusion of a report released by the International Institute for Strategic Studies released as it opened a three-day gathering in the Czech capital to discuss European and transatlantic military capabilities. NATO has not just significantly increased its ambitions regarding its deterrence and war-fighting posture, but European members have sought to address critical capability and readiness shortfalls, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, however, after decades of neglect and underinvestment, much remains to be done and progress has been mixed." It was released as European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, were reassessing their trans-Atlantic relations in Budapest, Hungary in the hope that Donald Trumps second U.S. presidency will avoid the strife of his first administration and maintain a strong common stance on Russia. Ben Schreer, executive director, IISS-Europe, said that European defense is at the most critical time now. The U.S. election will add even more pressure on European nations to invest more in their own defenses but at the same time considering how to continue to help Ukraine win this war. During his election campaign, Trump threatened actions that could have groundbreaking consequences for nations across Europe, from a trade war with the EU to a withdrawal of NATO commitments and a fundamental shift of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first 2017-2021 term, Trump pushed NATO's European members to spend more on defense, up to and beyond 2% of gross domestic product, and to be less reliant on U.S. military cover. In that respect, some progress has been made, with 2024 defense spending by NATOs European members states 50% higher than it was 10 years ago, the report said. But problems remain, the IISS said, naming a lack of stability in public financing that ultimately limits (the defense) industrys ability to invest with confidence. Moreover, regulatory hurdles and application of environmental, social and governance standards will continue to act as barriers to investment, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europes defense industry managed to increase output of some products after 2022, especially those with high demand from Ukraine, such as air defense and artillery. But European countries also donated their own weapons to Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets, and remain dependent on the U.S. for some important aspects of their military capability, looking also to Brazil, Israel and South Korea to meet their needs due to a lack of their production capacity. Competition with civilian industries for raw materials and skilled professionals makes things harder for the defense industry, the report said. It also warned that many European armies dont have enough military personnel. A lesson learned from Russias war against Ukraine is that countries need significant troops to engage with and defeat enemy attack, but also enough forces to regenerate after combat attrition." By that standard, key European armed forces remain under-strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europeans have a long way to go to renovate their defense capabilities, the report said. Forces, budgets and defense-industrial capacities were reduced because of political decisions by governments. These same governments now need to rediscover the muscle memory of defense and security, ensuring sustained policy attention and investment to meet the new strategic realities in Europe. The News John Fetterman worried all year about Democrats ability to win his state. On Thursday, he wasnt happy but he was vindicated. The Pennsylvania senator, who won his 2022 race after a stroke that harmed his hearing and ability to express himself, had never wanted his party to abandon Joe Biden after the disastrous June debate in Atlanta. (Hed had a bad debate, too.) If you break the man, and you get the election that you demanded, Fetterman told Semafor in an interview after the election, then you really need to own the outcome. This is a transcript of that conversation, edited for length and clarity. The Interview AMERICANA: You went on Joe Rogans podcast; Kamala Harris never did. In 2019, Bernie Sanders got some criticism from liberals for going on that show, and for doing Fox News, and since the election Ive seen some re-thinking about that about criticizing Sanders. What sort of media interviews are Democrats not doing, that they should be doing? JOHN FETTERMAN: Ive always been a fan of the Rogan podcast, and of him personally. That doesnt mean that I have to agree with him on everything, but its all about having conversations and having an exchange of ideas. I think he really pioneered that whole medium, and I think its important for all of us, especially for elected leaders, to challenge your own views and to expose yourself [to others]. He has created an incredibly impressive platform, and it would be pretty dumb to ignore that or to pretend it doesnt exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, I was happy to show up there. And it also addresses an important kind of an issue, in my opinion, with the Democratic Party. We have a challenge. We have our own kind of childless cat ladies situation: Bros. People refer to these young guys as bros, and clearly thats not a positive term. Theyre described as dopes, or gullible, or brutes. People were really shocked when the whole childless cat ladies thing dropped, and it is dumb. That violates the basic, basic rule of politics. Dont subtract, do addition. I think that was part of the new coalition that really delivered a pretty crushing victory for Trump. In western Pennsylvania, you saw what the Biden administration did for labor unions. This was not like a Bill Clinton 2.0, NAFTA administration; they implemented a lot of Bernie ideas, pushed out a lot of funding. Why do you think they didnt get credit? People have normal, complicated lives. They dont get downloads of white papers saying hey, this happened, this happened, this happened. Getting funding for a bridge and fixing it, thats not going to be on the front of anyones Facebook feed. Ive tried to make the argument to people that we may or may not agree on 10 policy issues, but you deserve to have a quality salary to support your family, and you deserve to share the kind of wealth that your hard work creates. When US Steel announced that they were going to sell themselves to Nippon, I jumped up on my roof across from the mill, and I was like: Were going to jam this up and were going to work with the White House. And thats exactly what we did. All you can do is fight for people because thats the right thing to do. Its not a quid pro quo. Its: Heres what I fight for, heres what I believe, and I hope you choose to support us, but if you dont, then there must be other things in the way for you. That gets to the issues with men and why were losing some of them. I want to ask about some Republican messaging. Youve been a defender of trans rights your whole career; Republicans spent more than $200 million on anti-trans ads, tons in Pennsylvania, video of Harris saying she supported sex change access for prisoners. And today Ive seen some Democrats say, we need to clarify that were not for boys and girls sports, were more moderate on this. Whats your response to that? Two things. I refuse to throw members of the gay or trans communities under the bus. Ill never walk away from them. But its also true, undeniably, that if someone ran for president in 2020 and pandered to that Squad mentality, or to get likes on Twitter, and they made those kinds of statements about gender, they were going to be pretty hard to defend. That was going to get weaponized. And its undeniable that Republicans created a really powerful message: Shes for they/them, and Trump is for you. That was, I think, our cycles version of wheres the beef? or I knew Jack Kennedy, and youre no Jack Kennedy. That kept hitting again and again and again and again for 10s of millions of dollars. It had an ear worm quality. And Im not surprised that that resonated. What was the impact of the Gaza protests, and Harris sticking to Bidens position? You know, I refuse to pander on that. So, Dearborn delivered for Trump? Okay, congratulations. Youre going to love the next Muslim ban. That just demonstrates what Ive always said, pandering to that is never going to work. To all of those dopes that voted Green against [Pennsylvania Senator] Bob Casey, that was the necessary votes that would have absolutely closed the gap in his race. Well, congratulations. You just are helping elect a Republican thats definitely not going to be protecting your kinds of values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre on the side of these protesters that say these kinds of ridiculous things like from the river to the sea, go ahead, but the vast majority of voters are never going to want to stand with that. The most important question to ask is: Was it even a winnable cycle for Democrats, given some of the things that were largely baked into that cake? Is that your calculation, that it might not even have been winnable? Im not sure. I knew it was going to be a tough cycle. And that assassination attempt that was an incredibly powerful visual. Can you imagine if somebody had a bullet hit Obama and he had that moment: You know, fight, fight, fight? Can you imagine how that would have resonated for Democrats? Thats never happened in American political history. There have been assassination attempts, but they never created that kind of a dynamic. That was the capstone of the things being thrown at him impeachments, I cant believe he said that, indictments. It was very strange that Democrats ran on, hes a convicted felon. I thought our party was more about criminal justice reform. You stack the Elon Musk factor on top of that. He is incredibly compelling to a demographic in my state. Hes like Tony Stark. I thought it was just dumb to attack him or imply that he might be breaking the law with his $1 million checks, because, to me, that just projects weakness. And I promise you: Musk doesnt give a shit. And you had wanted Biden to stay the nominee. For those that decided and moved to break Biden, and then you got the election that you wanted, its appropriate to own the outcome and fallout. Its perfectly understandable if you demand an alternative. It was an undeniably rough debate. The options: Double down on the only person thats ever beat Trump, or demand an alternative. When the outcome didnt support your thesis and actions, then own it. Theres a lot of egos, institutions and reputations that championed the alternative. When you take a reasonable, calculated risk to fuck around, embrace your culpability for what you found out. Notable Fettermans Democratic colleague, Sen. Bob Casey appears to have lost his race to Republican David McCormick. Semafors Burgess Everett reported last month on the ways his fate and Harris were tied together in the state. VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) In December, the Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP) and the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign will host events to remember that 150th anniversary of the Vicksburg Massacre. According to officials with the VNMP, the events of the Vicksburg Massacre of 1874 are significant to the history of Vicksburg and national story of the Reconstruction Era. Peter Crosby was elected as first African American sheriff of Warren County in 1873. Throughout 1874, attempts were made to intimidate him and other African Americans in the area. On December 2, 1874, armed white men with the Taxpayers League demanded his resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Crosby issued requests for aid to restore him to office. On December 7, 1874, African American citizens marched to Vicksburg in support of Crosby, but they were intercepted by groups of armed white men. In the ensuing violence of that day and the weeks after, approximately 23 African Americans were killed throughout Warren County. Reports of violence lasted until around Christmas Day. Federal troops were sent to Vicksburg and Sheriff Crosby was reinstated. Mississippi receives $6 million to repair disaster-damaged federal roadways Racial troubles continued in Vicksburg through 1875 and beyond. A congressional hearing was held on the massacre. Crosby was shot in the face in June 1875 and further violence occurred targeting African Americans on July 5, 1875. The location of homes on Old Jackson Road, which are now park land, including the Shirley House, were sites of racial violence during the Massacre. The Shirley House will serve as the location for the Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying on December 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No entrance fee for those attending the December 7 event in the park. 150th Anniversary Remembrance Events Symposium Friday December 6, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 805 Monroe St, Vicksburg MS 39183 Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Shirley House, Tour Stop 2, Vicksburg National Military Park A Service of Sacred Remembrance Sunday December 8 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Episcopal Church, 900 1st North St., Vicksburg MS Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. UPDATE 11/8 5:35 P.M. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) New data released by the Virginia Department of Elections indicates that Joe Cobb is now leading in the race for the City of Roanoke Mayor. Joe Cobb is in front of David Bowers in the City of Roanokes Mayoral election with a lead of 46 votes. He is now leading Bowers from 14,897 to 14,851. Cobb is now leading by 0.12% which remains to be in the margin for a state-funded recount meaning 1,200 provisional ballots will be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephanie Moon rose to 10,002 votes. David Bowers speaks on election results outside of Roanoke City Hall Joe Cobb stated that there are many votes still to be counted even though he holds a small lead in the race. The election will be certified by the electoral board on November 15. Cobb said, I stand behind the certification process and continue to ask that we all do the same with patience and understanding. Regardless of the outcome, I will respect the decision of the voters and continue working hard for the citizens of Roanoke. In a statement given to WFXR News after the release of the new data, Bowers said, All week long, and even within the last hour while I was shopping at Kroger/Towers, people were coming up to me, they have long memories, encouraging me to hang in there, and that they remember that I was leading 60% to 40% most of the evening 4 years ago, and then the unaccounted ballots came in and Sherman Lea won..My comment then, and is now, that, hey, Im a lawyer, and I have no evidence at the present time of any illegality or impropriety, but it sure is fishy!!!. It sure is fishy!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Roanoke City Republicans commented on the Mayoral Race saying We are closely watching the process and we know there are a lot of ballots still to count. We are thrilled to have outperformed expectations so far and we were always confident that David Bowers would do well as a Republican. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) As of Friday, Republican David Bowers continues to lead Democrat Joe Cobb by just 11 votes, with an estimated 1,600-plus votes still to be counted. According to the Roanoke City registrar, all mail-in ballots must have been received by noon on Friday and postmarked on or before November 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is difficult to project who those votes will ultimately fall to but it is important to remember that Independent candidate Stephanie Moon is likely to claim a share of the outstanding ballots as well. While Bowers claimed an 815-vote win over Cobb on election day, Cobb outperformed Bowers by 167 votes in early voting and by 637 votes in mail-in absentee. That could point to a potential Cobb boost in the estimated 400 mail-in ballots still waiting to be counted. The 1,223 outstanding provisional ballots are more difficult to attribute, and the registrar estimates those votes will be counted by early next week. It is estimated that a large portion of those provisional ballots come from same-day voter registration. This was the first presidential election in which same-day registration was legal in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it stands, this race is the closest mayors race in Roanoke City since at least 2000. The closest battle since then came in 2012, when Bowers (running as a Democrat at the time), defeated Republican Mark Lucas by less than 400 votes. However, less than 10,000 votes were cast in that election, according to the Virginia Department of Elections, paling in comparison to 2024s turnout of 39,788. Joe Cobb releases statement as race for Roanoke City Mayor narrows The votes cast for mayor have a chance to outperform the top mark since 2000, which is currently held by the 2020 elections 41,178 votes. In that race, current mayor Sherman Lea defeated Bowers running as an independent by over 2,300 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Bowers ultimately prevails, he would be the first listed Republican to take the mayors seat in Roanoke City since at least 2000. He would be joined in the municipal building by Nick Hagen, who became the first Republican elected to Roanoke City Council since at least 2000. One Republican, Alvin Nash, has served on council over that span but was appointed in 2008 to fill the remaining term of Alfred Dowe. Nashs nephew, Phazhon Nash, and Terry McGuire joined Hagen as the other two candidates elected to city council in a seven-person race. The potential for two Republicans holding seats in city hall is even more notable for the fact that Roanoke voted Democrat in the Presidential race (by 23 points), Senate race (27 points), and House of Representatives 6th district race (17 points). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gloria Witt releases statement after race for House of Representatives 5th District closes Time will tell how the mayors race plays out, especially since the final gap will almost certainly fall within the margin for a recount. Bowers has stated that he is accepting the results as they stand down and has elected not to comment on the prospect of a recount on the advice of legal counsel. I accept the results as they currently stand, he said in a press conference on Wednesday. I stand before you as the mayor-elect of Roanoke City. A statement released by the Roanoke City Republicans said, We are closely watching the process and we know there are a lot of ballots still to count. We are thrilled to have outperformed expectations so far and we were always confident that David Bowers would do well as a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cobb, on the other hand, has said that he would request a recount if he were to be behind when the final count comes down. If its in the range, particularly with the number of provisional ballots that are still out, yes, I would request one, said Cobb. Im not going to fight this hard and come this close to not use everything at my disposal just to confirm that the results are the results. John McGuire declares victory of House of Representatives 5th District Cobb has two years remaining on his City Council term that he would still fulfill, even if he ultimately falls in the mayoral race. To request a recount, the margin must be within 1%. If the margin falls within 0.5%, then the recount is automatically triggered and paid for by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the results are certified, the losing candidate has 10 days to petition the local circuit court for a recount. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. NEW YORK (AP) A former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams is discussing a possible plea deal with federal prosecutors following his arrest last month on charges of witness tampering and destroying evidence, court papers show. Mohamed Bahi, who served as City Halls chief liaison to the Muslim community, was arrested last month as part of a sweeping investigation into Adams and his campaign fundraising that led to the mayors indictment on corruption charges in September. In a court filing made public this week, prosecutors said that conversations were underway with Bahis attorney regarding a possible disposition of this case. The filing did not elaborate on the nature of those discussions or whether a plea deal would require Bahi to cooperate with federal investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inquiries to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan were not returned. An attorney for Bahi, Derek Adams, also did not return a request for comment. Adams pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted bribes of free and discounted overseas vacations and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, including a Turkish diplomat. Bahi, 40, was charged two weeks later in a separate fundraising scheme. Prosecutors say he encouraged the owner of a Brooklyn construction company to reimburse four employees for their $2,000 donations to Adams, allowing the campaign to fraudulently obtain public matching funds. An indictment said that after FBI agents contacted the construction company's owner this summer, Bahi advised the businessman to lie to investigators, telling him that Adams believed he would not cooperate with law enforcement. As agents arrived to search Bahis own home in July, they say he deleted an encrypted messaging app from his cellphone that he had used to communicate with Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, a Democrat, denied that he had ever told a city employee to lie. And he has vowed to remain in office as he fights his own case. But the investigation has roiled City Hall in recent months, prompting resignations of the police commissioner, the schools chancellor and several top advisors to Adams. On Friday, Adams longtime girlfriend, Tracey Collins, retired from her role as a senior advisor in the Department of Education. Prosecutors say she accompanied Adams on several trips abroad that were comped or heavily discounted by a Turkish official seeking to harness Adams influence. At a hearing last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten said prosecutors are pursuing several related investigations and that it is likely additional defendants will be charged and possible that more charges will be brought against Adams. Adams trial is scheduled to begin in April. David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Barack Obama during his presidency, on Thursday said Democrats have become a smarty-pants, suburban, college-educated party and that led to Kamala Harris defeat in the White House race. Many pundits have been upping their blame game in the aftermath of the 2024 election. But analysis from Axelrod, a strategist who successfully helped engineer both of Obamas national campaigns, merits attention. I do have concerns about the way the Democratic Party relates to working-class voters in this country, Axelrod told broadcaster Anderson Cooper on CNN. The only group that Democrats gained with in the election on Tuesday was white college graduates. And among working-class voters, there was a significant decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to hammer home a point about the more affluent income bracket that Harris appealed to. The only group ... Democrats won among were people who make more than $100,000 a year, Axelrod said. You cant win national elections that way, and it certainly shouldnt be that way for a party that fashions itself as the party of working people. Axelrod suggested snobbery played a part in Democrats failed messaging after President Joe Biden had helped working people. You cant approach working people like missionaries and say, Were here to help you become more like us. Theres a kind of unspoken disdain, unintended disdain in that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Biden has done programmatically some good things for working people. But the party itself has increasingly become a smarty-pants, suburban, college-educated party, and it lends itself to the kind of backlash that weve seen. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), a Harris campaign co-chair, somewhat echoed Axelrods point in a separate conversation on CNN. Theres a lot of work to do to ensure that we communicate to folks that the Democratic Partyis the party of working people, is the party that supports immigrants, is the party that supports the social safety net, Garcia said. H/T Mediaite Related... SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A fishing boat sank off South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju on Friday, leaving two people dead and 12 others missing, Yonhap news agency reported citing the country's coast guard. A distress call was sent to the coast guard at around 4:33 a.m. local time (1933 GMT Thursday) that the 129-ton vessel with 27 crew members aboard was sinking in waters about 24 km off Jeju's Biyang island. Of the crew members, including 16 South Koreans and 11 foreigners, 15 were rescued with two of them found in a state of cardiac arrest and pronounced dead later. Rescuers were searching for the missing 12 sailors, including 10 South Koreans and two foreigners. The fishing boat suddenly capsized and sank while transferring its catch to another vessel, according to the rescued crew members. By Stephanie van den Berg and Anthony Deutsch (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court's governing body will launch an external investigation into its chief prosecutor Karim Khan over alleged sexual misconduct, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. Khan is called on in an internal document circulated to member states to temporarily step down from his role at the world's permanent war crimes court, based in The Hague, while an inquiry is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The undated and unsigned document, seen by Reuters, was circulated to member states by ICC staff. Khan's office referred questions to his attorney and phone calls and repeated requests for comment sent to his lawyers went unanswered. Khan has denied allegations of misconduct that were reported to the court's governing body last month. At that time he asked the court's own internal oversight body to investigate them. A source with knowledge of the matter said an external probe was agreed at a meeting on Thursday of a core group of the court's governing body, the Assembly of States Parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters couldn't determine who would conduct the investigation. ICC judges are currently reviewing a request Khan made in May for arrest warrants against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief and Hamas leaders. Khan has said the misconduct allegations coincided with a campaign of misinformation against his office. The internal document, circulated for discussion, argued that the court's independent, internal body for assessing matters of conduct should have launched a formal inquiry into the allegations when they were first reported. A source familiar with the matter said the alleged victim in the Khan case does not have confidence in the independence of the court's internal body, whose incoming head is a former member of Khan's staff, because details of reports to it about the alleged misconduct were leaked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current and future head of the independent body did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The document also shows pressure is mounting on Khan to temporarily step aside and let one of his deputy prosecutors take over while the investigation takes place. "The prosecutor should step aside with immediate effect to pave the way for an independent investigation," the document says. It was unclear if the court's governing body has asked Khan to do so. The ICC is a permanent court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression in member states or by their nationals. It's governing body holds its annual meeting early next month. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Jon Boyle) (This Nov. 8 story has been refiled to drop the repetition of Xi's title and to correct the spelling of his given name, in paragraph 6) By Marco Aquino LIMA (Reuters) - Peru and China will sign an updated free-trade agreement during President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the Andean nation that would boost commerce by at least 50% between the countries, Peru's foreign minister said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Reuters, Minister Elmer Schialer said the Chinese president would travel to Peru with a delegation of 400 business people interested in investing in infrastructure and technology projects in the country. The free-trade agreement was originally signed in 2009 and the "optimized" version will be signed alongside 30 other agreements designed to improve cooperation between the countries. "China is our main trading partner, experts say this will increase that dynamism by at least 50%," Schialer said. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $36 billion last year according to data from the Peruvian Ministry of Commerce. China has large mining and infrastructure projects in the country, including the Chancay mega port by Cosco Shipping Port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The port will launch Peru to another level of trade," Schialer said. The port will be "virtually" inaugurated by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Xi from the government palace in Lima on Nov. 14. Schialer added that Peru's portfolio of mining projects totals $54 billion while its infrastructure projects yet to be developed total $157 billion. He noted that "China is particularly interested" in these projects. The minister said he doesn't expect changes with the United States given the recent election of President-elect Donald Trump. "The only thing we hope for and are sure that will happen is an expansion of the United States' presence in investments," he said, adding that both the outgoing and incoming US administration have "given us clear signals of interest" in terms of investment. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Kylie Madry and Alistair Bell) HONOLULU (KHON2) Starting on Saturday, Nov. 9, the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) will unveil an exciting new exhibition titled Past-Forward: Modern and Contemporary Art from HoMAs Collection. Running until July 19, 2026, this exhibition invites visitors to explore eight decades of artistic evolution in order to showcase paintings, sculptures and photographs that reflect significant movements in modern art. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You A timeline of innovation Past-Forward is not just a display of art; its a journey through history. The exhibition highlights the transformation of abstraction following World War II, the emergence of figurative movements in the 1960s and 1970s and the ongoing relationship between art and politics in contemporary times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As visitors walk through HoMAs galleries, they will see how these artistic currents interact which create a rich tapestry of cultural expression. Halona Norton-Westbrook, the director and CEO of HoMA, expressed the importance of this exhibition. The Contemporary Museum was such an important part of Honolulus cultural fabric, and we are grateful to steward its collection as a part of the Honolulu Museum of Art, Norton-Westbrook stated. Past-Forward integrates two outstanding collections while staging a rich conversation between artists from various backgrounds, geographies, and generations. Diverse voices in art One of the most exciting aspects of Past-Forward is its diversity. The exhibition features works from artists around the world, including North and South America, East and Southeast Asia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renowned figures like Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Rauschenberg and Alex Katz are displayed alongside local talents such as Kapulani Landgraf and George Miyasaki. This blend of local and international artists highlights the connections between different cultures and artistic practices. In addition to the well-known artists, the exhibition will also showcase the works of emerging and contemporary artists, such as Gaye Chan and Tuan Andrew Nguyen. Their contributions bring fresh perspectives that resonate with todays issues to make the exhibition not only relevant but also thought-provoking. Exploring materials and meaning Art in Past-Forward often tells stories through its materials. For instance, Frankenthalers and Sam Gilliams abstract paintings reveal the rich textures of paint and canvas and invites viewers to appreciate the tactile nature of art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Rauschenbergs 1962 work, Trophy V (for Jasper Johns), incorporates found objects like a windowpane and a cardboard box as a means of paying tribute to fellow artist Jasper Johns. This playful combination of materials challenges traditional boundaries of painting. Another striking piece is Lee Bontecous haunting 1964 wall sculpture that includes sawblades and soot which evokes a sense of industrial strength and fragility. Alfonso Ossorios 1968 work combines animal bones, antlers and buttons to create an arrangement that speaks to nature and humanitys relationship with it. More recently, Tuan Andrew Nguyens Ray from a Sinking Sun (2022) features unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War as a way of addressing themes of memory, trauma and healing. A dialogue across time and space The works featured in Past-Forward not only showcase individual talent but also demonstrate an ongoing dialogue amongst artists from different backgrounds and time periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler Cann, senior curator of modern and contemporary art at HoMA, noted, In a cultural moment that feels like its accelerating in all directions, art can both ground us in history and help us move forward. Were glad to be able to tell some larger stories around modern and contemporary art with this exhibition. As visitors experience this exhibition, they will see how art has evolved and how it continues to challenge and inspire. The contributions from artists with ties to Hawaii bring a unique depth to the exhibition, and showcases how local culture interacts with global trends. Past-Forward is organized by the Honolulu Museum of Art and supported by the Judy Pyle and Wayne Pitluck Fund for Contemporary Art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission is included with a general ticket of $25, $15 for Hawaii residents and free for HoMA members and visitors aged 18 and under. Click here for more information. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Mark your calendars for this extraordinary exhibition that not only celebrates art but also invites reflection on its role in shaping our understanding of the world. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) Winston-Salems Reynolda village is known for its beautiful grounds, main house, museum and deep history. But there was a portion of the village not widely known that held many memories and history all on its own. Five Row was the section of Reynolda Village where Reynoldas Black employees and their families lived. Five Row opened in 1916 as a small village containing two rows of five cottages. It was built specifically for Reynoldas Black workers since they were not allowed to live in the village with white workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five Row was entirely segregatedall Black. The schools were segregated. The churches were segregated all out of Reynolda, Reynolda House Deputy Director Phil Archer said. The Five Row workers held an array of jobs from domestic work to tending the farm and building structures on the land. The faces of the people who worked on this land for generations are now on display inside Reynolda House. The museum had collected oral histories from former Five Row residents, but for a while, there were no pictures of the people who lived there. That is until Eugenia Gigi Parent gathered them. A class she took at Wake Forest University in the early 90s to fill her time during retirement piqued her interest in Reynoldas Black history. I took American foundations class which was a class between Wake Forest and Reynolda House. I was a business-econ major and never took any art classes, so I took it for fun so I could learn more about the art at Reynolda, Parent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The class included a trip to Monticello where Gigi found herself inquiring about Sally Hemmings, who was an enslaved woman who is said to be the concubine of former president Thomas Jefferson, and Mulberry Row, which is the place where some enslaved people lived on the property. She recalls inquiries being met with denials from Monticello staff that either of the two existed. She came back to North Carolina troubled and discouraged. Hearing about the trip, Reynolda House founder Barbara Millhouse met with Parent and told her about Reynoldas Five Row. Millhouse expressed her desire for an exhibit dedicated to the Five Row families and asked Parent to curate it. Parent accepted. Once I started working on the exhibit and found out the role Blacks had played in this I felt like I owned the place. I could walk in here. I could see Harvey Miller or John Carter. I looked everywhere around here and felt such a sense of ownership, Parent said. Parent was able to collect never-before-seen pictures and stories from the descendants of Five Row residents and compile them into a public exhibit that opened in 1990. It was titled The Spirit of Reynolda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the largest attendance in the history of Reynolda. It was Blacks, whites, every race, Parent said. The exhibit also showed the progressive thinking of the Reynolds family at that time. Although they lived in separate quarters, Black workers were paid the same salary as white workers, and they shared common spaces like play areas and the swimming pool. Katherine Reynolds was a staunch segregationist. No doubt about it, but she did do separate but equal. Right down to the schools. Parent said. They had the same books, the same curriculum pretty much. It was an eight-month school whereas Black schools were six months. A lot of the Black professionals, doctors and lawyers sent their kids to the Five Row school because it actually had a better curriculum. One of the photos of two former Five Row residents Flora Pledger and Lillie Hamlin was chosen to be reimagined in a painting by artist Stephen Towns. The painting now hangs inside Reynolda House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, some of the photos Parent gathered have been brought back in a newer, broader exhibit about the Black experience at Reynolda. Its called Still I Rise: The Black Experience at Reynolda. I think you cant come to love this place and enjoy its surroundings without thinking of the people that made it possible, Archer said. All thats left of Five Row today is a historical marker at the intersection of Silas Creek Parkway and Wake Forest Road. The village was demolished in 1962 to create Silas Creek Parkway. The Still I Rise exhibit will be at Reynolda until Dec. 2025. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Big oil and gas intrude on Peru's Indigenous people, as the government auctions off plots of Indigenous land reserves, per a report by The Guardian. Researchers are speaking out as companies start expanding into territories of some of the world's last uncontacted people. What's happening? The Peruvian Amazon rainforest is one of the world's most biodiverse spots, home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. It's also home to one of the globe's largest populations of "peoples in isolation and initial contact." However, indigenous territories in the Amazon are currently under threat as the government auctions off land for oil and gas extraction. Peru's existing and proposed oil and gas blocks overlap with 3.95 million acres of indigenous reserves, according to an analysis by Earth Insight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With oil and gas spills covering the rainforest in a thick, black sludge, researchers warn of the health and environmental consequences. For the Indigenous people living in the rainforest, the onslaught of pollution has already caused health complications. Women have reportedly experienced increased nausea and miscarriages, while men have developed skin rashes and unexplained illnesses. "Whenever oil companies or any type of extractivist company come, they bring diseases. We are condemned with sicknesses, nausea and open sores," Colombian Indigenous leader Fany Kuiru Castro told The Guardian. "They are putting the life and the cultural existence of Indigenous people at risk. It's a silent genocide." Why is pollution in the Amazon important? Oil and gas pollution in the Amazon has severe health implications for the Indigenous people living in the rainforest. In 2016, the Peruvian health ministry sampled 1,168 people living near one of the country's biggest oilfields. The results were startling, with half of the sampled population testing positive for toxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury at rates higher than those deemed safe by the World Health Organization. Exposure to these metals can result in various cancers, kidney problems, neurological damage, and reproductive complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of the health risks, big oil and gas also pose a serious environmental threat to the rainforest. Oil spills in the Amazon could completely wipe out the fish population, eliminating a key food source for the Indigenous people and contaminating drinking water. What's being done about big oil and gas in the Amazon rainforest? Indigenous leaders and activists are speaking out against the land auctions. Researchers are also sounding the alarm, warning policymakers about the catastrophic health impacts from oil and gas pollution. "The Amazon suffers. Gas flares contaminate the air. Oil spills contaminate the water," Indigenous leader Julio Cusurichi told The Guardian. "But we stand firm. We will continue to defend our people's land and rights at whatever cost, even our lives." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When he takes office in January, President-elect Donald Trump will inherit a raft of national security challenges, including major wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Less discussed are the growing nuclear threats facing the United States, including from Russia, China and Iran. Here are the five most pressing nuclear arms challenges confronting Trump: RUSSIA Trump will have to manage the gravest tensions with Moscow in more than 60 years, in part fueled by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons in his war against Ukraine and his development of exotic new weapons systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overseer of the worlds biggest nuclear arsenal, Putin has been modernizing his nuclear forces and has rejected talks with Washington on replacing New START, the last U.S.-Russia arms limitation pact, when it expires on Feb. 5 2026. U.S. officials say Putin remains within the limits set by the treaty despite his 2023 "suspension" of the pact that holds Russia and the United States to deploying 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads on 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarines and bombers. President Joe Biden and Putin agreed to an extension in 2021 but, as written, the pact can't be extended further. Trump opposed an extension in his first term, calling instead for a new treaty that included China, which spurned the proposal. Putin cited Washington's support for Ukraine in rejecting Biden's invitations for unconditional talks on replacing New START. But both sides say they will adhere to the treatys limits as long as the other does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHINA China - which long had a smaller nuclear arsenal - is building up its strategic nuclear forces. The Pentagon in 2020 estimated that Beijings operational nuclear warhead stockpile numbered in the low 200s and was expected to double by 2030. That estimate was revised two years later, with the Pentagon saying China likely would have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 if the pace of its buildup continued. Beijing and Washington held their first nuclear risk reduction talks in nearly five years in November 2023. But China, which has a "no-first-use" doctrine, in July formally halted further bilateral arms control discussions in protest against U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, the democratically ruled island claimed by Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNITED STATES Trump will have to craft a policy on deterring nuclear threats from Russia and China even as he confronts the expiration of New START. The Biden administration says the United States might have to deploy more strategic nuclear weapons in the future and Trump could do just that. In his first term, Trump's nuclear weapons policy called for new capabilities, reversing decades of U.S. arms reduction efforts, and he opposed extending New START. But he will confront the soaring costs of America's own modernization of each leg of the U.S. nuclear triad ICBMs, bombers and submarines - major parts of which are behind schedule and far over budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs of the effort, which has grown to include new warhead designs, missiles, a bomber and a submarine, are projected by the Arms Control Association advocacy group to exceed $1.5 trillion over the next 30 years. Experts say that amount is certain to rise, threatening to divert funds needed for conventional U.S. military forces or for non-defense programs. At a certain point, we will hit a constrained budgetary environment, warned a congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. IRAN Iran may decide to build nuclear weapons following tit-for-tat strikes with arch-foe Israel and Biden's failure to revive major power talks with Iran on restoring curbs on its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington and its European allies will lose leverage over Tehran when a U.N. Security Council resolution allowing a "snapback" of international sanctions on Iran expires next October. The sanctions were lifted in return for Iran accepting strict limits on its program under a 2015 deal designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018, leading Iran to breach its limits. The time Iran would need to make enough highly enriched uranium for a warhead has now been cut from a year to just weeks or days, U.S. officials say, although Tehran would need some more time to build an actual bomb. Iran denies U.S. and U.N. nuclear watchdog assessments that it shuttered an effort to build a nuclear warhead in 2003 and has offered to reopen nuclear talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Israeli strikes could prompt Tehran to resuscitate that effort. Following the strikes, a top Iranian official said Tehran possibly could review its self-imposed ban nuclear weapons development. NORTH KOREA Tensions with North Korea have grown over Pyongyangs cooperation in Moscows war against Ukraine and an Oct. 31 test of a new ICBM that underscored the countrys ability to hit most of the United States with nuclear weapons. A recent U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report said Pyongyang continues expanding stockpiles of materials for its nuclear weapons program. It also noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un set out a defense plan in 2021 calling for producing tactical warheads, lighter nuclear weapons and ultra-large nuclear warheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federation of American Scientists estimates that North Korea, which has conducted six underground nuclear test blasts since 2006 and more than 100 missile launches since 2022, has enough fissile material for up to 90 warheads, but "potentially" has assembled just 50. Biden's administration has been unsuccessful in persuading Kim to revive denuclearization talks that collapsed after Trump failed in 2019 in the last of three meetings to convince the North Korean leader to abandon his nuclear weapons. (This story has been refiled to add the dropped word to in paragraph 23, and to clarify that Iran closed its nuclear program in 2003 in paragraph 24) (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Don Durfee and Peter Graff) ST. ALBANS, Vt. (myCV) On December 12, Attorney General Charity Clark alongside Franklin County States Attorney Bram Kranichfeld will host an expungement clinic to wipe specific charges from criminal records. Most misdemeanors, all dismissed charges, and about 14 different felony offenses can be either expunged or sealed under Vermont law after a certain amount of time has passed. The clinic is free and open by appointment to the public. It will mainly focus on charges from Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An old criminal record can be an obstacle to securing stable housing, getting a better job, and participating fully in the community. These expungement clinics are a way for us to help Vermonters who have paid their debt to society and stayed out of trouble get a fresh start and strengthen the community as a whole, said Attorney General Clark. To schedule an appointment, individuals must email the Attorney Generals Office or call them at 802-828-3171 before the November 22 deadline. In-person appointments will meet at the Samaritan House in St. Albans from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) In October 2015, Cindy Georges son, Jake, started talking to a woman he met online. She seemed interested in Jake, and asked him for a sexually explicit photo. She would send one in return, she told him. Jake complied. And almost immediately, the woman who was actually a scammer based in the Philippines responded, Now weve got you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to pay us, or were going to ruin your life with this picture. Were going to send it to your family and friends and put them in a panic, George recalled. Jake started talking to the person on a Sunday. On Friday, just five days later, he died by suicide at his parents property in Millard County. George spoke to the Utah Legislatures Organized Crime Subcommittee on Thursday during a tearful testimony for both her and lawmakers, where she described the evil tactics that ultimately drove her son to end his life. Defined by the FBI as coercing someone to share explicit images of themselves, then using the image to blackmail them, sextortion is on the rise. In the last five years, instances of extortion and blackmail have dramatically increased in the Beehive State according to data from the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were 152 cases in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the state has seen an increase of about 140 extortion and blackmail cases each year, on average. The state reported 270 in 2020, 346 in 2021, 512 in 2022, and 714 in 2023 a record high. Data for 2024 is still preliminary, but its possible Utah could see another record year, with 346 cases of extortion or blackmail as of August. The problem is so pervasive, especially in the Mountain West, that earlier this year the FBI field office that covers Utah, Montana and Idaho put out a warning to parents and teens after it started receiving dozens of reports of sextortion each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often the predators pretend to be young girls online who convince the victim, mostly young men or teenage boys, to send them sexually explicit images, the FBI says. Once they comply, the predator will threaten to share the picture with the victims family, school or work, unless they send them money. Thats what happened to Jake. As soon as he sent the scammer a photograph, they threatened to share it publicly. They were on him, his mother said Thursday. They told him to get in his car, and drive somewhere to wire them money. They texted him through his entire drive Are you there yet? Are you there yet? Were going to send that picture. You better hurry. Send us a picture of that money. Jake sent $300 to a woman in the Philippines, then asked them to delete the picture. But the scammers wanted more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to be our personal genie, they said in response, demanding two more payments. Jake wired more money, but they kept pressuring him. He sent them a screenshot of his bank account, now drained. They wouldnt take no for an answer. He realized it was never going to end, George said. It only took a handful of days for Jake to lose hope. You wont get any money from me if Im not here, he told the woman in the Philippines. She taunted him. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Oh, are you going to kill yourself, like five other guys did? Go ahead, do itif you dont have any money, you better be thinking of a way you can take your life, they said, according to George. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jake made his last payment on a Wednesday; on Thursday, he bought tools from Home Depot to take his life; on Friday, he was gone. I know this is sudden. The hell I went through from Sunday to Thursday was too much for me to handle, reads a letter Jake left for his mother. All I can do is warn people. You guys have the power Under Utah law, sexual extortion is already a felony if the perpetrator is an adult, defined as the act of forcing someone to engage in sexual conduct or to produce or distribute any image, video, or other recording of any individual naked or engaged in sexually explicit conduct, with the intent to obtain something of value. Lawmakers could be looking to strengthen that law this upcoming session, although no bill files have been opened yet. Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, said he wanted George to come back and talk to the larger Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, telling her theres more that we can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could include increasing awareness in the public schools so that kids know not to fall victim to a similar scheme. It could also mean bolstering resources for investigators, or changing the way sextortion is prosecuted. All I can do is warn people. You guys have the power to do something to get the information into our schools. Weve got to warn these kids, George told lawmakers. Public education, George said, is key. They need to know that the mistake of sending a picture is not worth taking your life over that they can recover from it. It may be embarrassing, but they certainly dont need to take their life over a picture, she told the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed Gavins Law, named after the son of state Rep. Brandon Guffeys son, who died by suicide after being targeted in a sextortion scheme. The law makes sexual extortion a felony, defined as blackmailing someone using sexually explicit photos or videos. If the victim suffers injury or death directly related to the crime, it becomes an aggravated felony, which carries up to 20 years in prison. Wilcox on Thursday said he would reach out to Guffrey as he continues to work on the issue. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Extreme weather is a factor in driving both illegal border crossings from Mexico into the U.S. and whether migrants return to Mexico, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Researchers analyzed data from more than 48,000 people living in 84 Mexican farming communities between 1992 and 2018. They found that among those regions, residents were more likely to unlawfully cross the border when their community was undergoing extreme drought and less likely to cross the border back to Mexico if their community was experiencing similarly extreme conditions. Mexico has experienced a mean annual temperature increase of 0.6 degrees Celsius between 1960 and 2003 and is also projected to see an increase of up to 3 degrees, twice the threshold identified in the Paris Climate Agreement, by 2060. This is particularly impactful to the countrys rural and agriculture-dependent areas, which predominantly depend on rainfall rather than irrigation. Of economic losses related to natural disasters in Mexico between 1980 and 2005, about 80 percent were related to extreme weather, researchers found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the communities studied, the most common crop was corn, which is particularly reliant on rainfall and temperatures. Overall, residents migrated at higher rates from communities experiencing extremely dry weather the previous year relative to those with more typical rainfall. When it comes to returning to their communities in Mexico, researchers found no association between rates of return and weather shocks outside the corn-growing season except for very wet conditions, with migrants less likely to return to their communities during periods of extreme seasonal rainfall. The findings suggest that extreme weather conditions, which are likely to increase with climate change, promote clandestine mobility across borders and, thus, expose migrants to risks associated with crossing dangerous terrain and relying upon smugglers, the researchers wrote. Climate changes role in driving migration was acknowledged in a 2016 memo from the Obama administration, which noted it will likely increase as a result of impacts like rising sea levels, food shortages and periods of extreme drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump rescinded the memo the following year. The World Bank projected that climate change will displace over 140 million people living in South Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa by mid-century. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Claim: U.S Vice President-elect JD Vance wrote the foreword to a book by the leader of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for the next Republican presidency. Rating: Rating: True The claim that U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance wrote the foreword to a Project 2025-linked book written by Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts first spread online when President-elect Donald Trump chose Vance, a senator from Ohio, to be his Republican vice-presidential running mate in July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, it arose in the context of Trump's repeated denials of his connections to Project 2025 a Heritage Foundation-led conservative initiative to reshape the American government in its own image: The claim reemerged following Trump's victory in the general election on Nov. 5, 2024, in part because the book's publisher delayed its release to occur directly after the election. The book was set to be released on Nov. 15, 2024, as of this writing. It is true that Vance wrote the foreword to this book. Roberts leads the Heritage Foundation, which describes itself as the primary organization behind Project 2025. The book has been described by publishing industry outlet Publisher's Lunch as "the book associated with the conservative organization's Project 2025 policy agenda." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book's original title was "Dawn's Early Light: Burning Down Washington To Save America," and it was set to be published in September 2024. An early publisher's description described its author as the head of Project 2025: Hilarious. The book promo copy brags that it's from "Project 2025 head Kevin Roberts." Vance: "In the fights that lay ahead, these ideas are an essential weapon." https://t.co/QCFrOu5ypv pic.twitter.com/YhPsUdNKAh Andrew Prokop (@awprokop) July 24, 2024 As reported by Vox, "the book was written and announced before Vance was chosen as Trump's running mate. But there's some indication that people involved had some late second thoughts about it." In a statement about the changed publication date, Roberts said: There's a time for writing, reading, and book tours and a time to put down the books and go fight like hell to take back our country. That's why I've chosen to move my book's publication and promotion to after the election. The book is now titled "Dawn's Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America." As described by its publisher, the themes and ideas in the book track closely with Project 2025's "mandate for America," which Snopes previously covered: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawn's Early Light blazes a promising path for the American people to take back their country. Chapter by chapter, it identifies institutions that conservatives need to build, others that we need to take back, and more still that are too corrupt to save: Ivy League colleges, the FBI, the New York Times, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Education, BlackRock, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Endowment for Democracy, to name a few. All these need to be dissolved if the American way of life is to be passed down to future generations. In July 2024, The New Republic published portions of the foreword Vance wrote from an advance copy of the book. The language, at least in that version, echoed Roberts' calls for a "second American Revolution": The old conservative movement argued if you just got government out of the way, natural forces would resolve problems. We are no longer in this situation and must take a different approach. As Kevin Roberts writes, "It's fine to take a laissez-faire approach when you are in the safety of the sunshine. But when the twilight descends and you hear the wolves, you've got to circle the wagons and load the muskets." We are now all realizing that it's time to circle the wagons and load the muskets. In the fights that lay ahead, these ideas are an essential weapon. Because Vance indeed wrote the foreword to a book written by the leader of Project 2025, we rate the claim as true. Sources: Chretien, Spencer. "Project 2025." The Heritage Foundation, https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/project-2025. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kasprak, Alex. "Video Shows Trump Shaking Hands with Head of Group Behind Project 2025?" Snopes, 9 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-project-2025-roberts/. "Project 2025's New Leader Kevin Roberts Postpones His Own Book Launch until after the Election." AP News, 7 Aug. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-harris-trump-vance-heritage-roberts-01de527325a9a0325bac35989d37ce36. Prokop, Andrew. "J.D. Vance Has Made It Impossible for Trump to Run Away from Project 2025." Vox, 25 July 2024, https://www.vox.com/politics/362917/jd-vance-project-2025-book-kevin-roberts-trump. "Read J.D. Vance's Violent Foreword to Project 2025 Leader's New Book." The New Republic. The New Republic, https://newrepublic.com/article/184393/jd-vance-violent-foreword-kevin-roberts-project-2025-leader-book. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Vance Praises a Key Leader behind Project 2025, a Conservative Effort Trump Has Disavowed." AP News, 30 July 2024, https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-foreword-heritage-foundation-project-2025-a34d091fd401056c938c8897c1ebabd6. Wrona, Aleksandra, and Ibrahim Nur. "What's Project 2025? Unpacking the Pro-Trump Plan to Overhaul US Government." Snopes, 3 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/07/03/project-2025-trump-us-government/. YANGON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's major pagodas will hold robe-weaving contests during the traditional Tazaungdaing Festival this year, according to state-run daily The Mirror on Friday. The contests will take place at well-known pagodas, including Shwedagon Pagoda and Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon, as well as Maravijaya Buddha Statue in Nay Pyi Taw, the report said. U Boe Thin, a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees, said that Shwedagon Pagoda will host a robe-weaving contest on the night of Nov. 14 for this year's Tazaungdaing Festival. Nine teams will compete at the Shwedagon Pagoda, where they must weave the robes in a single night, with awards presented to the winners. The participants will be judged by textile and history experts, he said. The Tazaungdaing Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated on the full moon day of Tazaungmon, the eighth month of the Myanmar calendar, and is one of the country's most colorful and vibrant events. This year, the full moon day of Tazaungdaing falls on Nov. 15. The governor says his family is heartbroken. The attorney general has lost a friend. And of all the mourners grieving the sudden death this week of Jeanne Luckey, a veteran Republican force in Mississippi and national politics, none have lost more than her husband, Alwyn. The most important thing I can say about Jeanne, he said, is that she made me a better person than I otherwise would have been. The people who knew her call her fearless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She grew up in Biloxi and lived in Ocean Springs. She spent three decades driving action in the Republican Party, first in her local Republican womens club, later on campaigns and even when a car crash left her in a wheelchair three days after Hurricane Katrina. She kept working. She was president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women. She also held several board positions at the National Federation of Republican Women. She became co-chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party. She was also a Republican National Committeewoman. This year, in Milwaukee, she was one of the Republican National Conventions first speakers. She was a driving force in Republican politics in this state and in this country, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said. I dont know any person that ran for a Republican office, he added, that did not seek her advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckey died peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, her husband said. She is also survived by two daughters, Laurel and Taylor, and her grandchildren. She was 63. Ocean Springs Republican a public servant Gov. Tate Reeves, in a post on social media, called Luckey a good friend and excellent representative of Mississippi. Attorney General Lynn Fitch called her a dedicated public servant. Most every Republican across the state knew her name. She was a leader, said state Sen. Brice Wiggins of Pascagoula. She did it in a way that was graceful, and represented the best of Mississippi. Luckey graduated from the University of Mississippi and started her career in special education. She returned to the Coast with her husband when he graduated law school and taught in Oceans Springs public schools. She earned a masters from the University of Southern Mississippi. Former Gov. Phil Bryant appointed Luckey to the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, which oversees public universities, in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libbie Sonnier, now the chief executive officer of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, met Luckey through her parents and nannied her two children when she was young. She also helped manage Luckeys calendar, which she said taught her attention to detail she still uses in her career. Luckey always kept in touch. Its a tremendous loss, Sonnier said. You just thought Jeanne Luckey would live forever. She just had such a force of will. Her impact was immense. At one White House dinner, Luckey sat next to the national highway traffic safety board chairman. The chairman was so moved by her story of success after a tragic wreck that he rewrote former President George W. Bushs regulations to require safer roof crush standards, Alwyn Luckey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She fought for conservative goals with compassion. She wasnt the kind of person to get mad at you if you disagreed with her politically, Alwyn Luckey said. She tried to get you over to her side, and if that wasnt possible youd part as friends. But she often just won people over. At the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, she was working to get Mississippi graduates to stay in state after college. She gave away her handicap accessible van several times to people she met who she thought needed it more. She was incredibly strong, Alwyn Luckey said, and absolutely fearless in trying to do the right thing. Marvin 'Pete' Jacobs died Feb. 19, 2023, at the Fonda Care Center in northwest Iowa. According to state inspectors, he died after the care facility staff failed to suction his airway. (Facility photo via Google Earth; inset photo courtesy of the Jacobs family) An Iowa nursing home where criminal charges were filed over a residents death is now being sued for negligence by the residents family. The family of Marvin Pete Jacobs, who died in February 2023 at the Fonda Specialty Care nursing home in Pocahontas County, is suing the homes corporate owners, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines; the homes assistant director of nursing, Amanda Meyer; licensed practical nurse Becky Sue Manning; and GrapeTree Medical Staffing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family is seeking unspecified damages for gross negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Criminal charges of wanton neglect are still pending against Manning, with a trial now scheduled for December. State records indicate Jacobs was a resident at Fonda Specialty Care from September 2022 through Feb. 19, 2023. Jacobs required skilled nursing care for maintenance of the tracheostomy tube in his neck, which provided an airway for him to breathe. According to the familys lawsuit, Jacobs airway needed to be suctioned every eight hours, at minimum, to keep it clear of any fluids. Watch a video and figure it out According to the lawsuit, Manning arrived for work at Fonda Specialty Care on the afternoon of Feb. 18, 2023. GrapeTree Medical Staffing, a temporary-staffing agency that specializes in health care, had assigned her to work an overnight shift in the home. When she became aware Jacobs had a tracheostomy that would require suctioning at some point during the night, Manning allegedly told Meyer and others she was unwilling or incapable of performing the work. As assistant director of nursing, Meyer allegedly knew that no other employees at the home that night were licensed or trained to provide tracheostomy care, the lawsuit claims. Despite that, Meyer allegedly told Manning to watch a video and figure it out and left the facility for the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state records, two certified nursing assistants called Manning to Jacobs room at 2 a.m., informing her Jacobs needed his airway suctioned. One of the CNAs later told state inspectors Jacobs had been sitting in his recliner when the other CNA noticed he appeared to be in trouble and instructed her to get a nurse right away. Jacobs was pointing at his neck, gasping for air, and mouthing that he could not breathe, the aide told inspectors. The aide said she left the room to get Manning, the only nurse on duty, and was absent for a few minutes. The worker who remained in the room later told inspectors Jacobs grew really pale and was gasping, so she, too, left the room and approached Manning and said, Would you please suction him? He needs to be suctioned. When Manning entered the room, Jacobs was pale, but soon turned purple and then blue, the aide later reported. Manning allegedly took Jacobs vital signs and told the aide Jacobs was having a heart attack. The aide explained to Manning that Jacobs had been signaling he couldnt breathe, at which point Manning allegedly said, Just a minute, and left the room. The machine used to suction Jacobs airway sat idle on a nearby dresser, inspectors later determined. You know hes dead, right? By 2:28 a.m., with no other employees having suctioned Jacobs airway, he showed no signs of breathing. At 2:40 a.m., an ambulance crew arrived at the home. According to inspectors, when the ambulance crew entered the building, they were greeted by two employees who stated, You know hes dead, right? Just come in and talk with the charge nurse, dont bring in any equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs cause of death was later attributed to a heart attack caused by hypoxia a lack of oxygen with no other contributing causes or significant conditions listed on the death certificate. Manning allegedly told state inspectors that the CNAs wanted me to suction him (and) I told the staff, No, I was told that I would not have to do anything with the tracheostomy. Pocahontas County prosecutors allege that no fewer than four workers asked Manning to suction Jacobs airway and that the workers alerted Manning to the fact that Jacobs was asking to be suctioned. After the death, the lawsuit claims, Manning falsely informed Jacobs son, Scott, that his father went quickly and peacefully. Scott Jacobs only learned of what actually transpired after being contacted by an Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit alleges that after speaking to the reporter, Scott Jacobs called Jennifer Blair of Care Initiatives to confront her about the (states) investigation and true facts of Pete Jacobs death. According to the lawsuit, Blair admitted to withholding information from the family and not informing them of the states investigation and its findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 1, 2023, Scott Jacobs requested a copy of his fathers complete medical record, but according to the lawsuit he didnt receive it for a full year due to Care Initiatives delay and obfuscation. Care Initiatives has yet to file a response to the lawsuit and has declined to comment on Jacobs death. The company has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation, a spokesperson said. Death results in $6,500 fine Manning was criminally charged in March with felony wanton neglect of a health care facility resident. A trial, originally scheduled for July, has been postponed several times. Court records indicate the defense has been pursuing plea negotiations with prosecutors. In late April, Manning entered into an agreement with the Iowa Board of Nursing in which she agreed to indefinitely suspend her practice of nursing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals fined Fonda Specialty Care $10,000 for the death, then reduced that penalty 35%, to $6,500, due to the lack of an appeal in the case. In August, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that Care Initiatives, which is one of Iowas largest nursing home operators, was facing at least 10 wrongful death lawsuits. The lawsuits, all filed in state court over the previous 18 months, included four against Northcrest Specialty Care in Waterloo, which has been the focus of at least 21 complaint investigations by the state in the previous 15 months. Care Initiatives operates 43 Iowa nursing homes as well as several assisted living centers and hospice locations. Roughly 2,800 elderly or disabled Iowans receive care from one of the companys facilities. When admitted, many of the companys residents sign arbitration agreements in which they forfeit their right to take any civil claims against the company to court. In 2016, the Obama administration approved a new rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would have prohibited Medicare-funded homes from having residents sign arbitration agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Health Care Association immediately sued CMS and a court blocked the agencys enforcement of the new rule. The Obama administration appealed that ruling but shortly after President Donald Trump took office, that appeal was dropped and CMS proposed a new rule that expressly allows such agreements. In 2019, that rule was finalized, and it remains in place today. UNITED NATIONS (AP) There is a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in parts of northern Gaza, where Israeli forces are conducting a major offensive, hunger experts warned Friday. An alert issued by the four experts called the humanitarian situation throughout the war-torn Gaza Strip extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating and worst in the north. The Famine Review Committee warned that famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee's four independent experts are part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, which is made up of a network of 15 U.N. and other organizations that monitor global hunger and food security. The experts said all actors in the war in Gaza must take immediate action within days not weeks to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation. They said this includes not only combatants Israel, Hamas and other militant groups but those who have influence on them. Cindy McCain, executive director of the U.N. World Food Program, tweeted after the alert was issued: The unacceptable is confirmed: Famine is likely happening or imminent in north Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediate steps MUST BE TAKEN to allow safe, rapid & unimpeded flow of humanitarian & commercial supplies to prevent an all-out catastrophe. NOW, she said. Its alert follows an Oct. 17 report by an IPC analysis team that said Palestinians in the entire territory face acute food insecurity. Thats the emergency level, Phase 4, on the five-level classification system for hunger. It said 133,000 people were classified as facing catastrophic food insecurity, which is Phase 5 along with famine. That IPC team did a risk assessment and concluded that under a reasonable worst-case scenario, all of Gaza faced a risk of famine between November and April 2025, the experts said. Since their report, the committee said, there have been a number of significant developments: Israel's offensive largely sealing off northern Gaza for a month, a lower level of aid shipments last month than at any time since the war began in October 2023, and food access reaching critical levels and deteriorating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as a U.S. deadline approaches next week for Israel to increase humanitarian supplies into the territory or risk restrictions on military assistance. But COGAT did not say when the crossing will open or if aid will be delivered to north Gaza. The U.S. says Israel must allow a minimum of 350 trucks a day carrying food and other supplies. In October, 57 trucks a day entered Gaza on average, according to COGAT figures, and 81 a day in the first week of November. The U.N. puts the number lower, at 37 trucks daily since the beginning of October. It was an average of 500 trucks daily before the war, said Jean-Martin Bauer, WFPs director of food security and nutrition analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supply of the essentials in Gaza has really dwindled, and the consequence of that is very high food insecurity and the imminent famine in northern Gaza, Bauer told The Associated Press. The message is: Act now to let aid in and let aid programs and humanitarians do what they need to do to assist the population." The Famine Review Committee cited people fleeing and trapped in the north, skyrocketing food prices and accelerating attacks on health and nutrition facilities and other civilian infrastructure in recent weeks, including the arrest of medical staff by Israeli forces. It called for a new IPC analysis, saying it is already abundantly clear that the worst-case scenario developed by the analysis team is now playing out in areas of the northern Gaza Strip. It can therefore be assumed that the starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease, are rapidly increasing in these areas, it said. Famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Famine results from an extreme lack of food, starvation, destitution, extremely critical acute malnutrition, including among at least 30% of children and deaths. The committee called for immediate action to end the siege in northern Gaza, allow unimpeded supplies of food, water, medical and nutritional supplies to enter the entire Gaza Strip, the repair of health and sanitation facilities, and release of health staff. The experts warned that the failure to respond in the next few days will lead to further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and additional, unavoidable deaths. If no effective action is taken by stakeholders with influence, the scale of this looming catastrophe is likely to dwarf anything we have seen so far in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, the committee warned. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) People will have a chance to see a handwritten original edition copy of one of Americas most famous speeches. While the speech may have been given more than Four score and seven years ago, the library is offering a chance to see a handwritten account of this marvelous moment. According to a release from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Gettysburg Address will be viewable to the public from Nov. 15 through Nov. 24 at the library for the 161 anniversary of this monumental speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After these 10 days, the library says the speech will return to a climate-controlled vault for safekeeping. Springfield Job Fair Could Offer Key To Next Big Career Move The museum is the only place in America where the public can regularly see Lincolns most famous speech written in his own hand, according to the release. Admission to see the document will be free on Nov. 19, as that marks the day Lincoln gave this address in Gettysburg in 1863. For the remainder of the time the document is on display, guests can see just the document for $5 but will not be permitted to see the rest of the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 19, students from Springfields Japanese sister city, Ashikaga, will visit the museum and recite the address, the library said. In 272 powerful words, Abraham Lincoln captured the pain of the Civil War and the truth of what was at stake: a new birth of freedom, said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This handwritten copy of his address is a national treasure. We hope offering free admission allows more people to appreciate it in person. Lincoln historian, Christian McWhirter, will be at the library at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 to discuss what inspired Lincoln to write it and what message he may have been trying to send to his divided nation, the library said. The display includes several special features, including additional photos, information in Spanish and a survey about the meaning of the address. And people with visual difficulties can use a QR code to call up an easy-to-read version of information about the Gettysburg Address or to hear a reading of the speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are only five remaining handwritten copies, one in the White House, one at Cornell University and two in the Library of Congress, but they are rarely on display while the ALPLM displays theirs every year around the anniversary. According to the library, The State of Illinois has owned the document since 1944. To learn more, or if you are unable to see it in person, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Windblown wildfires in California have prompted thousands of people to evacuate their homes as flames whipped up surprisingly fast Thursday, officials said. Homes have burned and 14,000 people are evacuating "life-threatening" conditions in Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire erupted Wednesday morning and quickly became a dangerous blaze. So far, it has devoured more than 20,485 acres, driven by rogue, 60 mph Santa Ana winds and dry, dusty conditions -- weather conditions so extreme that forecasters issue a red-flag alert warning of potentially "life-threatening" fires. The fire started in the Somis area on Wednesday morning and tore through 30 square miles by midday Thursday. It destroyed dozens of homes in its path, sent residents to local hospitals and forced evacuations in the Camarillo, Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials said "numerous" structures had been damaged and that more remain threatened. As of midday Thursday, the fire was 5% contained as of about 12 midnight ET Thursday, and the cause remains under investigation, CalFire said. Firefighters were using air tankers to try to beat back the flames but dry and windy conditions made that difficult. Farther south in California, 18 million people, including those in the Los Angeles area, remain under red-flag warnings, which warn of dangerous fire-weather conditions. The incidence of wildfires is picking up across the country, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. "Currently, 14 large wildfires have burned 486,348 acres in 10 states. About 1,250 wild land firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents, including 1 complex incident management teams, 21 crews, 100 engines, and 6 helicopters. Wild land firefighters and support personnel continue to assist with hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina," the NIFC said. Matthew Schleier was arrested in connection to the killing of Jack Matthew Schleier, per police murdoch funeral home Jack Matthew Schleier Jack Matthew Schleier An Iowa man is facing a murder charge after allegedly telling police he had plotted for several days before he strangled his young son last month. Jack Matthew Schleier, 5, died on Oct. 29, according to his obituary. His father, 45-year-old Matthew Schleier was arrested on a first-degree murder charge, The Gazette and The Kansas City Star report, citing court records and his initial court appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marion Police responded to reports of an unresponsive child in the Marion, Iowa, home around 6 a.m. on Oct. 29, according to police accounts and a criminal complaint cited by KCRG, The Gazette and KWWL. Jack's mother alleged to paramedics that the victim had been strangled by his father, per the complaint, according to reporting by KCRG, The Gazette and KWWL. The child died after being transported to the hospital. He'd sustained bruises on his neck that were consistent with signs of strangulation, medical staff said, per the complaint. During an interview with police, Mathew allegedly confessed to killing Jack and disclosed disturbing details about his planning, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly said he'd thought of using a knife on the child. Police later found knives in the home that they consider evidence to substantiate the fact that the killing was premeditated, KCRG reports, citing the complaint. Mathew allegedly said he had been contemplating for a week how to kill the child and, on the night of the killing, he stayed up most of the night thinking about how to kill him, per the complaint. 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. It wasnt clear if the child was asleep during the killing. A motive has not been shared by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mathew is being held on a $1 million cash-only bail, per KCRG, The Gazette and KWWL. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for this week. It wasn't immediately clear if he has retained an attorney. A GoFundMe has been set up for the child's family. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. A father and son have been accused of conspiring to smuggle illegal devices to override emission controls on trucks into Central Washington and selling them online for $74 million. An Eastern Washington grand jury has indicted John Wesley Owens, of Manson, Wash., in Chelan County, and his son Joshua Wesley Owens of Maple Valley in King County, Wash., and Mapleton, Utah, on six counts. They include allegations of smuggling, conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and money laundering conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men worked for eight years with sellers in Canada, who were also named in the indictment, to buy $33 million of devices and software that override or disable systems required by the Clean Air Act to limit harmful emission of pollutants, according to court documents. Heavy-duty diesel trucks have on-board diagnostic systems that monitor emission control equipment and put the truck into limp mode if they are not working properly. That slows speed to as low as 5 mph. Pollution control defeat devices may be used to avoid repair and maintenance costs for emissions controls or to improve the horsepower, torque or fuel efficiency of diesel engines. These unlawful modifications result in a dramatic increase in multiple pollutants being emitted by each vehicle, according to a federal court document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious respiratory illnesses, especially in children and the elderly, and can worsen existing heart and lung disease. The Owens imported illegal defeat devices to a warehouse in Manson and then sold them to customers across the country, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Washington. When the Environmental Protection Agency requested information from the Owens about their business in 2020, they shut it down and then relaunched it under a new business name, DPF Delete Shop with a new website for sales, according to court documents. The address was shown as the Cayman Islands. When a customer threatened to report Joshua Owens and DPF Delete shop to the EPA in 2023, the indictment said that Joshua Owens responded in an email, We have all your info. Youll be the guy we serve up on a silver platter to the EPA if it comes down to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maximum sentences for charges in the indictment range from up to five years in federal prison on each conspiracy charge and up to 20 years in prison for each smuggling and money laundering charge. Attempting to profit from evading pollution control systems puts the health and safety of everyone in our community at risk, especially children and individuals who suffer from asthma and respiratory illnesses, said Eastern Washington District U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a safer community for all families to live, learn, play, and work. The case was investigated by the EPAs Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jacob E. Brooks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Russell are prosecuting the case. Black college students in various states reported receiving text messages stating they had been selected to pick cotton at a plantation Getty Images Stock photo of hands texting Stock photo of hands texting The FBI is aware of the "offensive and racist" text messages several Black people across multiple states reported receiving. The texts, sent out on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the day after Election Day, instructed them to be prepared to go to a plantation and pick cotton. Sam Burwell, a Black man and photographer for the local Virginia news outlet 13News Now, said he received a message that greeted him by name and told him he had been "selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation." The text told him to be ready by 12 p.m., with his things and he would be picked up in a brown van. The message also said that he would be searched once he arrived, and informed Burwell he was in plantation group W. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burwell told the news outlet he knows others who received the same message, including a cousin who lives in Richmond, Va. Related: Caitlin Clark Slams 'Trolls' Making Racist, Hateful Comments to WNBA Players: 'Those Aren't Fans' The FBI released a statement on the robotexts via its website, stating that it "is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter." "As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities," the federal agency added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares's office also condemned the text message, telling 13News Now in a statement, "The Attorney General's Office is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them. Anyone who believes themselves to be under threat should not hesitate to contact local law enforcement and their local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or visiting FBI.gov/tips." Similar messages were reportedly sent to residents and college students in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina. Though the wording varied, the theme was the same. Students at Clemson University also reported receiving the texts. University police said it is "actively investigating" the matter, WCNC reports. The university added in part, "Based on the information available, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the Clemson community. CUPD takes all reports of concerning communication seriously and is committed to the safety of the University community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Comedian Opens Trump's N.Y.C. Rally with Racist Attacks, Calls Puerto Rico 'Floating Island of Garbage' Black students at the University of Alabama and Samford University posted on social media about receiving similar messages. Samford University President Beck Taylor told AL.com that the college is aware of the despicable and disgusting behavior, including the uses of racial slurs, abusive language and other hateful content to demean beloved members of our community. Those who receive the message are urged to report it to authorities immediately. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office told WCNC it is "working with federal and industry partners to investigate the source." The South Carolina Attorney General's Office told WCNC it had not received reports of the texts, and if it did, the reports would be referred to the Department of Justice since the state doesn't have a hate crime law. 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. It's unclear who is sending the text messages, however, many of them appear to be going to Black college students. PEOPLE reached out to the Virginia Attorney General's Office and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office for comment. Black college students in several states, including Texas, reported to authorities Wednesday they had received anonymous text messages using racist references to the era of U.S. slavery. The FBI is investigating the incidents. The messages varied in detail, but followed the same basic script, saying the recipient had "been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation." Officials could not say where the messages originated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate incidents nationwide, and authorities in Texas, Ohio, Alabama, South Carolina and other states were investigating the messages, which were sent out after the announcement of Donald Trump's election as president. It's unclear who sent the messages and how many were sent. At least some of the messages claimed to have come from "A Trump supporter." People are also reading: Texas Latino men documented and not are hopeful for Donald Trump. Here's why. Where are students receiving racist text messages? Authorities began investigating the text messages after reports that students from Clemson University in South Carolina, Ohio State University, the University of Alabama and other schools had received them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students appear to be the primary target of the messages but not all the recipients were in college. High school and even middle school students from across the U.S. have reported receiving the malicious messages. A 13-year-old in Austin was among those who received such a message. "You have been selected to become a slave at your nearest plantation," the text read. "Please be ready by 12 a.m. with all your necessary belongings. You will be picked up in a white van with a Trump representative from your area." "You are in slave group B," the message continued. Shaun Hopkins, a Spanish teacher at Small Middle School in Austin, has had some of his students of color and he knows of other students in the Austin district who received racist texts asking them to report to a location, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students receiving the messages didn't know what to do with them, but some are concerned, he said. "Kids can't learn if they're scared," Hopkins said. The texts that Hopkins has seen appear similar to those sent to other students across the county, but some include students' names in the message, he said. For students of immigrant families, the fear of someone coming to take a family member away could be real, he said. "For Latino students, the idea of ICE coming into their community, creating some disruptions, is not outlandish," Hopkins said. "It's a very real possibility." Mary Banks, who has a daughter in Columbus, Ohio, said the 16-year-old received one of the hateful text messages Wednesday evening that included her full name. A few of her daughter's friends in the Columbus City school district received similar messages, she said. Racist text messages like this one, generally targeting Black students, were showing up around the nation this week after Tuesday's election. Banks said she's not surprised that racist hatred would surface at this moment in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel white supremacy got stronger after the election," she said. Ohio State University spokesman Ben Johnson told The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, that hateful messages were sent to "several students." Bethany McCorkle, a spokesperson for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office, said the office was aware of the text messages and was looking into them. Columbus NAACP President Nana Watson told the Dispatch that she believes the text messages are a hate crime. "This is racism at its highest," Watson said. Diedre Simmons, a spokesperson for the University of Alabama, told The Crimson White school newspaper that university officials informed local authorities about similar messages sent to students there. Authorities at Clemson University also are investigating racist text messages sent to Black students in South Carolina, according to the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement R.J. Polite, a senior at Clemson who received a version of the text, said he was shocked by the message and mentioned the negativity he's seeing on social media after Trump's results."It was ignorant and kind of childish." Polite said. I really tried to stay off of my phone and off the internet for the day because it was just so much going on. It was just bad. Who is sending the messages? It's unclear who sent the text messages. Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at the Harvard Law School Cyberlaw Clinic, said this is the first time she has seen a widespread racist attack using text messages. Tracking the culprit who perpetrated the campaign might be complicated, depending on how extensive it is, she said. It remains to be seen how widespread this is, Caraballo said. If this is a few hundred texts it could be done by a local racist group in an afternoon as a trolling tactic, but if its thousands or tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of people, then it would have to be automated and involve a fair degree of sophistication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the attack is that widespread, Caraballo said, she wouldnt rule out foreign actors seeking to foment discord in the United States in the days after the presidential election. She said bomb threats to majority Black polling places on Election Day were reported to have come from Russian email addresses. Bad actors can quite easily purchase lists of phone numbers some categorized by race or other demographic characteristics on the dark web, to be used for anything from sales campaigns to cybercrime, Caraballo said. In some states voter registration information is public, including a voters race, she said, and that information could be combined with phone records to create a targeted attack like this. An FBI statement said the bureau is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI also encouraged people to contact their local law enforcement agencies if they are physically threatened. FBI Statement on Offensive and Racist Text Messageshttps://t.co/vpQYAO6LT7 pic.twitter.com/iDtN36WhX4 FBI (@FBI) November 7, 2024 Civil rights leaders urge politicians to condemn 'public spectacle of hatred' Representatives from civil rights advocacy organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP's Columbus chapter, said the contents of the messages constituted hate crimes. Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the law center, called them "a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history" in a statement Thursday. Huang called on political leaders to "condemn anti-Black racism, in any form, whenever we see it." Experts on domestic extremism were shocked by the messages Wednesday, telling USA TODAY the campaign appears to represent a tactic that has not previously been employed by white supremacists or hate groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first I've ever seen of this kind of racist attack using texts. It's frighteningly personal and harrowing, said Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. I've also never seen this kind of racist messaging threatening people directly. USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: FBI investigating as racist text messages spam Black students BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers on Friday passed the country's first energy law, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The law, adopted at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, consists of nine chapters, including contents concerning energy planning, energy development and utilization, the energy market system, energy reserves and emergency response, energy technology innovation, supervision and management and legal responsibilities. Formulated in accordance with the Constitution, the law is designed to boost high-quality energy development, ensure national energy security, promote green and low-carbon transition and sustainable development, facilitate active yet prudent efforts to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and meet the needs of building a modern socialist country in all respects. The FBI is investigating racist text messages being sent to Black people across the country, including in the Oklahoma cities of Tulsa and Edmond. Local authorities in Ohio, Alabama, South Carolinaand other states were investigating the messages, which were sent out after the announcement of Donald Trump's election, according to USA Today. It's unclear who sent the messages and how many were sent. At least some of the messages claimed to have come from "A Trump supporter." Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which investigates hate crimes, called the messages "a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history." She called on leaders to "condemn anti-Black racism, in any form, whenever we see it." Black Oklahomans sent racist text message The exact wording of the messages varies, but they typically name the specific person being texted and make references to the time of slavery in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a post on X, the text message to one Tulsan read: "Greetings (individual's name), You have been selected to pick cotton at the Oklahoma Tulsa Cotton Plantation. Be ready at 5AM SHARP, Thursday November 7 with your belongings. Our Trump Executives will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once you've entered the plantation. You are in Plantation Group B." The individual who received the text in Tulsa is the granddaughter of a descendent of Black Wall Street business owners and a Greenwood genealogist, according to a post from Black Wall Street Times editor Deon Devon Osborne. A spokesperson for the Tulsa Police Department said the girl's mother has filed a police report regarding the text. Racist texts like these are showing up around the nation on Thursday. A student at Edmond Public Schools received a similar message, according to a mother's post on Facebook. The school district told The Oklahoman it has not been contacted about the incident, nor heard about it happening to any other students. The Edmond Police Department said it has not received any reports about the text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Bureau of Investigation released the following statement: "The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities." Racist texts 'frighteningly personal and harrowing' Experts on domestic extremism were shocked by the messages Wednesday, telling USA TODAY the campaign appears to represent a tactic that has not previously been employed by white supremacists or hate groups. This is the first I've ever seen of this kind of racist attack using texts it's frighteningly personal and harrowing, said Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. I've also never seen this kind of racist messaging threatening people directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at the Harvard Law School Cyberlaw Clinic, told USA TODAY this is the first time she has seen a widespread racist attack using text messages. Tracking the culprit who perpetrated the campaign may be complicated, depending on how extensive it is, she said. It remains to be seen how widespread this is, Caraballo said. If this is a few hundred texts it could be done by a local racist group in an afternoon as a trolling tactic, but if its thousands or tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of people then it would have to be automated and involve a fair degree of sophistication. Carabello said she wouldn't rule out foreign actors hoping to stoke discord in the U.S. following the election. Bomb threats to majority Black polling places on election day were reported to come from Russian email addresses. Kayla Jimenez, Will Carless, Jonathan Limehouse, Laura A. Bischoff and Terry Benjamin II from USA TODAY contributed to this report. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: FBI investigating racist text messages in Oklahoma, across country WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this week's election with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Investigators were told of the plan to kill Trump by Farhad Shakeri, an accused Iranian government asset who spent time in American prisons for robbery and who authorities say maintains a network of criminal associates enlisted by Tehran for surveillance and murder-for-hire plots. Shakeri told the FBI that a contact in Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed him this past September to set aside other work he was doing and assemble a plan within seven days to surveil and ultimately kill Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official was quoted by Shakeri as saying that We have already spent a lot of money" and that moneys not an issue. Shakeri told investigators the official told him that if he could not put together a plan within the seven-day timeframe, then the plot would be paused until after the election because the official assumed Trump would lose and that it would be easier to kill him then, the complaint said. Shakeri is at large and remains in Iran. Two other men were arrested on charges that Shakeri recruited them to follow and kill prominent Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, who has endured multiple Iranian murder-for-hire plots foiled by law enforcement. Im very shocked, said Alinejad, speaking by telephone to The Associated Press from Berlin, where she was about to attend a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the tearing down of the wall. This is the third attempt against me and thats shocking. In a post on the social media platform X, she said: "I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speech I dont want to die. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me, but I urge the U.S. government to protect the national security of America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the two other defendants, identified as Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, did not immediately return messages seeking comment. In Tehran, Esmail Baghaei, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, rejected the report and called it a plot by Israel-linked circles to make Iran-U.S. relation more complicated, the official IRNA news agency reported. Similar accusations in the past were rejected by Iran as their erroneousness were proved, he said. Repeat of the accusation in the current time span is a disgusting plot by the Zionist and anti-Iran circles that has aimed at making US-Iran problems more complicated," Baghaei said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shakeri, an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. as a child but later was deported after spending 14 years in prison for robbery, also told investigators that he was tasked by his Revolutionary Guard contact with plotting the killings of two Jewish-Americans living in New York and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Officials say he overlapped with Rivera while in prison as well as an unidentified co-conspirator. The criminal complaint says Shakeri disclosed some of the details of the alleged plots in a series of recorded telephone interviews with FBI agents while in Iran. The stated reason for his cooperation, he told investigators, was to try to get a reduced prison sentence for an associate behind bars in the U.S. According to the complaint, though officials determined that some of the information he provided was false, his statements regarding a plot to kill Trump and Iran's willingness to pay large sums of money were determined to be accurate. The plot, announced by the Justice Department just days after Trump's defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, is part of what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil. Last summer, for instance, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man with ties to Iran in a murder-for-hire plot targeting American officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case shows Iran's continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran. Iranian operatives also conducted a hack-and-leak operation of emails belonging to Trump campaign associates in what officials have assessed was an effort to interfere in the presidential election and harm Trump's campaign. Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Trumps reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Trumps administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Irans leaders to vow revenge. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. ___ Neumeister reported from New York. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report. Related: Pentagon prepares for Trumps return to White House WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges Friday in a thwarted Iranian plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump before this weeks presidential election. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan alleges that an unnamed official in Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard instructed a contact this past September to put together a plan to surveil and ultimately kill Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the man, identified as Farjad Shakeri, was unable to create a plan by then, the complaint said, the official told him Iran would pause its plan until after the presidential election because the official believed Trump would lose and it would be easier to assassinate him then, the complaint said. Shakeri told the FBI he didnt plan to propose a plan to murder Trump within the seven days the official had requested, according to the complaint. The plot, with the charges unsealed just days after Trumps defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, reflects what federal officials have described as ongoing efforts by Iran to target U.S. government officials, including Trump, on U.S. soil. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Communications Commission said Thursday they were each aware of racist and alarming text messages being sent to recipients, many of whom are Black college students, in the wake of the election. The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter, the agency said in a statement on Thursday. The agency recommends that the public report threats of violence to them. The FCC echoed the FBIs assertion that its aware and it is looking into [the messages] alongside federal and state law enforcement, ABC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The texts told recipients in varying ways that they were selected for slavery and required to pick cotton at a plantation. One message in particular shared with ABC News affiliate 13News Now said: You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 12 pm sharp with your belongings. Our executive slaves will come get you in a brown van. Be prepared to be searched down once youve enter the plantation. You are in plantation group W. Its unclear who exactly sent the messages or how, but some messages claimed to come from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, USA Today reported. The messages have been reported in at least Nevada, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, New York, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Some recipients went to colleges like Clemson University in South Carolina, Ohio State and the University of Alabama, while others were minors who hadnt yet reached college, according to USA Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margaret Huang, president and CEO of Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit advocacy organization, called the messages a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history. Hate speech has no place in the South or in our nation, Huang wrote in a press release for SPLC. Leaders at all levels must condemn anti-Black racism, in any form, whenever we see it and we must follow our words with actions that advance racial justice, and build an inclusive democracy where every person feels safe and welcome in their community. Outside of the FBI and FCC, some non-federal officials have publicly condemned the messages. Representatives for the Virginia attorney generals office and the Washington, D.C., attorney generals office each, respectively, told CNN they are aware of the messages and condemn them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General Letitia James told recipients in New York to use the Civil Rights & Discrimination complaint form if they receive the despicable messages. Clemson University Police Department in South Carolina confirmed in a statement Thursday that it launched an investigation after students began receiving messages with racially disparaging and biased language on Wednesday. These numbers have been determined to be associated with online spoofing sites. CUPD is actively investigating the matter and working with state partners to identify the source of the messages, the statement continued. Based on the information available, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the University community. Likewise, Nevadas Attorney Generals Office announced it has launched an investigation into what it called robotext messages. Related... CHICAGO A federal grand jury in Los Angeles this week approved new charges against Lil Durk in connection with a 2022 murder-for-hire plot that targeted a rival rapper but instead left the mans cousin dead. The U.S. attorneys office in the Central District of California announced Friday that a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Lil Durk the 32-year-old Chicago native born Durk Banks with one count of conspiracy and one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death. It also charged him with one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun, as well as possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Banks, 32, remained at the federal lockup in Miami on Friday, where he has been since his arrest last month, allegedly while trying to flee the country on a private jet. Hes being held without bond pending his transfer to Los Angeles to face the charges. Court dates there have not been set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks and five others were charged last month in separate cases that alleged a cross-country conspiracy to avenge the 2020 slaying of King Von, born Dayvon Bennett, another Chicago rapper and close friend of Banks who was gunned down in Atlanta in 2020. Charged in the initial indictment were: Kavon London Grant; Deandre Dontrell Wilson; Keith Jones; David Brian Lindsey; and Asa Houston. Arraignment hearings for all six are expected in the coming weeks, according to the prosecutors office. Banks is accused of offering money and lucrative music opportunities to anyone who would kill Quando Rondo, a Georgia-based rapper whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman. Bowman, his sister and his cousin, Saviaya Robinson, 24, were riding in Bowmans black Cadillac Escalade near a gas station in West Hollywood in August 2022 when gunmen opened fire, according to the charges. Bowman and his sister were not injured, but Robinson was struck multiple times and killed. OTF was founded by Lil Durk more than a decade ago as Chicagos drill rap scene was gaining international attention. Federal prosecutors say the group primarily produced and sold hip hop music from artists from Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBG Duck, the Chicago drill rapper, was killed in a hail of gunfire on Oak Street in 2020, and his death led to the convictions of several men in a federal conspiracy trial last January. Earlier this month, FBG Ducks mother filed a lawsuit alleging Lil Durk, OTF and King Von were involved in the shooting, as well. The lawsuit alleges that OTF operates as a criminal enterprise. According to the initial indictment, after tracking Bowman to the Los Angeles area, Grant rented a hotel room for the co-conspirators on Aug. 18, 2022, and later met them there. He brought several firearms, including one that had been modified to operate as a fully automatic machine gun. Grant also provided two rented vehicles to use to find, track and kill Bowman, the indictment stated, a white BMW sedan and a white Infiniti. The group followed and tracked Bowmans black Escalade from his hotel to a marijuana dispensary and then a clothing store in downtown Los Angeles, the indictment stated. A surveillance image included in the indictment allegedly shows the BMW and Infiniti following the Escalade as it traveled between stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Bowman stopped at a gas station, Houston drove around to the alley and let Jones and Lindsey and another unidentified co-conspirator out to carry out the shooting, according to the indictment. ____ KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) For East Tennesseans impacted by flooding from Hurricane Helene, there is now more time to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Individual Assistance program. Governor Bill Lee announced the extension on Friday, sharing that the deadline for those impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties now have until January 7, 2025 to apply for federal disaster assistance. What to do if your home was damaged by storms, flooding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As communities in East Tennessee continue the rebuilding process, we remain focused on ensuring critical resources are available, said Lee. The road to recovery will be long, and I thank our federal partners for granting resources to further severe weather response and recovery. Funds through FEMAs Individual Assistance can be used to cover temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property loss, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. A release shared by the governors office urged all Tennesseans impacted by Helene to apply for assistance as soon as possible. It continued to explain that FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when other sources, such as insurance or financial assistance from voluntary agencies, have already provided assistance for the same disaster-related need. Sevierville man charged with felony child abuse after 3-year-old exposed to meth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those looking to apply for help through the Individual Assistance program can visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to midnight ET, visit a disaster recovery center, or use the FEMA app. The app also allows for applicants to check the status of their applications. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson exits a press conference in 2017 after announcing his decision on potential action regarding an executive order on immigration issued by then-President Donald Trump. March 9, 2017 in Seattle. Ferguson is now governor-elect and says he's prepared for a new round of sparring when Trump returns to the White House in 2025. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images) After suing the Trump administration nearly 100 times as attorney general, Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has an idea of what the next four years could look like. Ferguson said Thursday he and his team have spent the last year preparing for the prospect of another Trump presidency, something that became a reality this week when Donald Trump was elected to a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not just waking up yesterday thinking, Oh my gosh, theres a Trump administration coming. We need to get ready for it, Ferguson told reporters during a press conference. There has been a lot of work for many, many months from my team to prepare for this. That preparation has included reading the entirety of Project 2025 an almost 1,000-page national conservative policy playbook embraced by Trump supporters, talking to other Democratic attorneys general, and quickly catching up his successor, Nick Brown, who won his election this week. Trump will take office on Jan. 20, 2025. Ferguson and Brown will be sworn in to their new jobs on Jan. 15. During the first Trump administration, Ferguson sued the federal government 99 times, including 36 cases led by Washington state. Those cases challenged Trumps Muslim travel ban, his decision to revoke student visas for international students during the pandemic, and a host of environmental rollbacks. Washington only lost three of those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Thursday he couldnt speak to any specific actions the attorney generals or governors offices might take because it would depend on what exactly they were fighting against. Ferguson said he is particularly concerned about the federal government limiting access to reproductive health care, removing protections for LGBTQ+ residents and eliminating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals which protects immigrants who came to the U.S. as children without legal authorization from deportation. Attorney General-elect Nick Brown speaks at a get-out-the-vote event for the Washington State Democratic Party on Nov. 3. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard) Washington has a lot of state protections already in place in these areas, but Brown said his team will be ready to tackle anything. We will be prepared for whatever comes and do everything in our power to defend the rights of Washingtonians, the people of this great state, and to make sure that when there is an illegal action, that we look very closely to see if we can bring a case, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee called Ferguson and Brown the best duo to defend Washington state. Whatever happened in the presidential race, its not going to turn us around, Inslee said. Were not going to be slowed down in our effort for justice for our people. But their fight wont come without challenges. In the same way that Washington officials might be more prepared to spar with the Trump administration than they were in 2017, Ferguson said Trumps team is also likely more prepared and will be less sloppy in how they roll out some executive actions. There are also more conservative appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court than there were in 2017, which could make it more challenging, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if Republicans win majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, Washington leaders will have to scrutinize legislation that is passed to ensure it is legal and doesnt infringe on any state laws. There is also plenty that Trump could legally do that Washington couldnt challenge, Ferguson said. He said his team tries to be disciplined in deciding which cases to bring against the federal government part of the reason they have been so successful. At the end of the day, Ferguson said he hopes he is overprepared. I pray that the things were talking about dont come to pass. If this team never has to file a single lawsuit against the Trump administration, no one would be more happy than me, Ferguson said. But Im not naive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Brown is concerned about the next presidential administration, he pointed out that many issues Washingtonians care about are determined at a state or local level. For example, Washington has some of the best state-level protections for reproductive rights and the environment, he said. Its also possible the federal government under Trump could try to withhold or cut federal funding from states that dont follow certain policy guidelines. If the Trump administration does this illegally, Ferguson said Washington would be prepared to fight back in court. State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti noted in a statement on Thursday that denying federal funds to states was called out as a coercion tactic in the Project 2025 plan. BEAVER TWP., Ohio (WKBN) It was a patriotic scene Friday morning on the campus of the South Range Schools. Students, parents, community members and veterans gathered to see the new Field of Flags display in the school courtyard. History teacher Paul Lindstrom noticed an advertisement from the Disabled American Veterans, encouraging groups to raise money. More than $5,400 was collected, earning the district 500 flags. That is more than anywhere else in the country, Lindstrom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The headquarters, its in Eriline, Kentucky, the woman called me and she was like, blown away because theyve only been doing it for two years and have never had the response like this, so she called me and wanted to know what was going on up there, South Range community, said Lindstrom. Friday mornings program included a number of patriotic songs performed by the high school choir, as well as students reciting the Gettysburg Address. The 500 flags will remain on display throughout November. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The American Securities Association (ASA), a financial trade group, called on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler to immediately resign from his post following the election of President-elect Trump. Last night the people voted for this country to take a new direction, and Chairman Gensler should respect that vote by stepping down from his position immediately, ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella wrote in a Wednesday statement. This is the only way for Americas working families, retirement savers, and small businesses to rebuild their trust and confidence in the institution of the SEC, Iacovella added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement from the ASA, which represents large asset managers, came less than a day after the presidential race was called for Trump, who has pledged to fire Gensler if elected. Gensler has faced backlash for his hard-line approach to the cryptocurrency industry, which has gained prominence in Washington since Trumps first term. Trump, who once called crypto a scam, has shifted gears on the topic and embraced the industry on the campaign trial while criticizing the Biden-Harris administrations crypto-critical approach, spearheaded by Gensler. While the president-elect has pledged to fire Gensler from the role, the SEC is an independent federal agency, meaning its commissioners are protected from being removed without cause. The reasoning is supposed to be based on law and policy considerations, not political influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump cannot force Gensler to step down as a commissioner, though he can name a new interim SEC chair once he is inaugurated in January, CoinDesk reported. The former president can also nominate a new commissioner to the Senate, which flipped to Republican control this week, boosting the chances the nomination would be confirmed in the upper chamber. The SEC declined to comment on the ASAs statement. A number of political figures, both in and outside of the crypto world, have called for Genslers removal in recent years. Sen. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), for example, introduced a measure last year aimed at restructuring the SEC and the removal of Gensler, whom Davidson called tyrannical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their proposed measure sought to take away some of the discretion an SEC chair holds and prevent a single political party from holding more than three commissioner seats at any given time. Iacovellas statement is a notable shift from 2021, when he supported Genslers nomination and called him a person of immense intellectual acumen who is also pragmatic, reasonable, and open to listening to all points of view as he develops policy. The Hill reached out to Iacovella for further comment. Gensler was appointed at the beginning of President Bidens term in February 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A fire has broken out near a local oil refinery in the Russian city of Saratov after a drone attack on the night of 7-8 November. Source: Roman Busargin, the governor of Russias Saratov Oblast; Astra, a Russian Telegram channel; Russian Ministry of Defence Details: Busargin said that Russian air defence had shot down drones over Saratov Oblast on the night of 7-8 November, and some of the drone wreckage had fallen in the industrial area of the Zavodsky district of Saratov. Busargin added that there were no casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russian Telegram channel Astra, citing local residents, reported a fire in the vicinity of the city's oil refinery. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that Russian air defence shot down a total of 17 drones: 6 in Voronezh Oblast, 6 in Saratov Oblast, 4 in Belgorod Oblast and 1 in Bryansk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. The Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, said Israeli warplanes carried out 15 raids in southern Lebanon and four more in the east, inflicting several casualties, including a paramedic from the Islamic Health Authority. The official National News Agency confirmed that the paramedic, named Zaher Ibrahim Ataya, was killed after an Israeli airstrike targeted the Islamic Health Authority's newly-established center in the west of southern Lebanon. It added that four people were killed and five others injured in another Israeli airstrike on a house in the town of Al-Ghandouriya, while two more were killed in a strike that targeted a building in the village of Kfar Tebnit. Moreover, an Israeli airstrike hit a house in the village of Zebdine, killing its owner, Mohammad Fayez Muqaddam, and his two sons, it noted. Meanwhile, a media source from the Lebanese Red Cross told Xinhua that they transferred on Friday the body of a Syrian national who was killed in an Israeli drone attack that took place on a road east of southern Lebanon. In eastern Lebanon, a Lebanese Civil Defense official in Baalbek said Israeli forces pounded three villages and towns, killing a woman and wounding five others. Also on Friday, Hezbollah announced in a series of statements that its military wing targeted with rocket barrages Ramat David Airbase and Stella Maris naval base near northern Israel's Haifa, the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, and gatherings of Israeli forces in several moshavim and kibbutzim in Israel. Hezbollah added it also struck an Israeli infantry force northwest of the Lebanese village of Kfar Kila and an Israeli gathering in the Lebanese town of Adaisseh. The Lebanese military sources, in the meantime, told Xinhua that army positions monitored the launch of about 50 surface-to-surface missiles from Lebanon to Israel. Earlier on Friday, Israeli military and rescue service reported that Hezbollah fired about five rockets toward central and northern Israel, setting off air raid sirens in 53 Israeli cities and communities. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Since Sept. 23, Israel has intensified its air campaign against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 8, 2023 have claimed 3,102 lives, with 13,819 injured. This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Bekaa, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Maher Kamar/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Sahmar, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Sahmar, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Sahmar, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2024 shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Sahmar, Lebanon. Twelve people were killed and 10 others injured on Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) More than dozen go-karts were damaged at a rental company in Old Town Thursday night after a fire broke out, authorities said. According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, a call came in around 9:20 p.m. reporting smoke and flames at a business in the 3900 block of Mason Street. Responding firefighters discovered an exterior fire at a storage facility for GoCar Tours. The blaze was extinguished, leaving 15 to 20 go-karts with fire damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported in connection to this incident and no surrounding buildings were damaged or impacted in any way, fire officials confirmed. An investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Elnathan Hall at Knoxville College, a historically Black college, burns on Nov. 4, 2024. (Photo: Angela Dennis) On Monday night, a devastating fire engulfed an abandoned building at Knoxville College, reducing it to ashes for the second time in its storied history and throwing another obstacle in the path of school leaders working to academically and physically restore the college. Originally built in 1893 as a girls dormitory, Elnathan Hall later served as an administration building and classroom facility. It first burned down on the campus of East Tennessees only historically Black college 126 years ago, in 1896, before being rebuilt in 1898. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank Shanklin, a member of Knoxville Colleges Board of Trustees, said that Elnathan Hall was included among several campus buildings that were boarded up and had not been occupied for more than 40 years. He said the fire is another step backward for the institution as it continues to seek accreditation. Despite efforts by someone to destroy this building, we remain positive about the future of Knoxville College and have committed to keeping the campus safe and have been working with the city to make sure these buildings are secure, said Shanklin. Not the first fire According to Knoxville Fire Department spokesperson Mark Wilbanks, fires have been an ongoing occurrence on campus over the years and the structure was demolished Tuesday morning for safety reasons. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze. It is highly likely this was a set fire and that this was not accidental, said Wilbanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilbanks reported that the fire department has responded to eight fire-related calls on the campus in 2024, surpassing the five calls they received in 2023 and 2024. A spokesman for the Knox County Fire Department says the fire that destroyed Knoxville College's Elnathan Hall was almost certainly deliberately set. (Photo: Angela Dennis) Fire trucks water the smoldering ashes of Elnathan Hall on the campus of Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo: Knox County Fire Department) Future hinges on accreditation, and addressing compliance violations The private, historically Black institution, founded in 1875 by the Presbyterian Church, has faced significant challenges in recent years, with reaccreditation being a crucial goal for securing the colleges future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loss of national accreditation in 1997 dealt a heavy blow to Knoxville College, accelerating a decline in student enrollment and intensifying its financial struggles. Without accreditation, students became ineligible for federal financial aid, making it difficult for the college to attract students and retain faculty. Classes have not been held on campus since 2017 due to concerns about building safety. Currently, the college offers all of its courses online. Several of the buildings remain unused and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. School leaders submitted their application for accreditation in August to the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). According to records, TRACS has provided the school with a list of 23 compliance violations that must be addressed in order to meet Institutional Eligibility Requirements (IERs) for accreditation. The items include addressing issues related to leadership clarity, financial stability and reporting accurate enrollment numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shanklin said that the school is working to address those issues so that they can continue with the application process. Our application has been turned in but this is going to be a long process, he said. We were in a good enough state that we were invited to be at (a recent) TRACS conference so we sent our team down (to the conference in Florida.) Knoxville Colleges latest Form 990, filed with the IRS for tax-exempt entities, shows that the school is $1.8 million in debt. Additionally, the city of Knoxvilles property tax records indicate the college owes over $28,000 in unpaid property taxes. Following submission of application, the college will embark on a self-assessment, evaluating its organizational structure, effectiveness, and areas for potential growth. Following this, a TRACS evaluation team conducts an on-site visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the institution meets the necessary standards, representatives appear before the Accreditation Commission, which may grant candidacy status. To achieve candidacy status, institutions must demonstrate sound planning processes, have the resources to operate, and be able to achieve accredited status within five years. Institutions that dont achieve accredited status within five years are removed from candidacy and must wait at least one year before reapplying. Knoxville College, photographed in 2019, two years after the school stopped holding classes on campus. Photo by Phil Venditti. https://https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0// Leaders say community support vital for the success of the struggling HBCU Renee Kesler, president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, a Knoxville museum dedicated to the history and culture of Black East Tennesseans, said she was overwhelmed by a rush of emotions when she heard about the blaze on campus. The destruction is not simply about losing a building but its connection to the past, she said. The pictures of flames billowing from Elnathan Hall, a beloved place, evoked a deep sense of the erasure of history. Preserving history is paramount to the mission of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, said Kesler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Sam Mckenzie of Knoxville said he community must come together and rally behind the school at a critical time. There remains a mission for KC to survive and thrive for the benefit of the underserved and underrepresented, said McKenzie They remain on the path of regaining certification which will allow them to restart bachelors programs in this city. So I encourage everyone in our community to gather around KC by giving their time, talents and treasures. The pictures of flames billowing from Elnathan Hall, a beloved place, evoked a deep sense of the erasure of history. Renee Kesler, Beck Cultural Exchange Center After Mondays fire, college officials remain hopeful that community members and city leaders will remain committed to helping to assure the colleges success, by not only providing financial support in order to bring students back to campus, but also by being intentional in recognizing the significant history the college has had in producing successful African American professionals throughout its149 year history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community needs to become a stakeholder in this institution. This college carries the name of Knoxville and has done a great job of producing graduates who have stayed in Knoxville and who have been productive in building up this community, Shanklin said. We also want to be intentional about who we work with and make sure these are people and organizations committed to this college and who have its best interest at heart. Presidential search underway In August, the board of trustees appointed Harris to serve as interim President, according to Shanklin. Harris previously worked for HBCU Clark Atlanta University where she served as Associate Vice President of Internal Audit Grants and Contracts Accounting. In June, former President Leonard Adams announced his resignation. He became interim President in 2021, before taking on the full role in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School officials initially laid out a timeline for Knoxville Colleges presidential search, beginning on June 10, with recruitment and screening to continue through July 15. The plan included virtual candidate interviews in late July, followed by on-campus meetings with semifinalists in early August, giving them a chance to connect with the campus community. By mid-August, the search committee was scheduled to recommend finalists to the board of trustees, who would then make a selection and extend an offer by late August. But Shanklin said that the process has taken longer than expected and that the school is on track to name a new president in December. In a statement on the colleges Facebook page, Harris expressed her gratitude to the community for its support in the aftermath of the fire. Are our hearts broken, absolutely. Is our resilience broken? Absolutely not, Harris wrote. We are asking the community to join us in taking a deep breath, grieving and moving on. In the tradition of our ancestors we have built from ashes before, and we will build from ashes again. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Vista Middle School students will be learning remotely Friday, Nov. 8, after a small fire broke out at the school the day before, according to Las Cruces Public Schools. The school district says a small fire broke out in a restroom at Vista Middle School Thursday evening, Nov. 7, prompting officials to close the building while repairs are assessed and an investigation takes place. The fire was reported at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday while the school was hosting a STEM event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency personnel were notified and everyone was evacuated from the building safely, according to the district. The fire was quickly contained and no injuries were reported. Vista students will complete assignments remotely on Friday. The school is expected to reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 12, as Monday, Nov. 11 was a previously scheduled remote learning day, the school district said. The Las Cruces Fire Department said it responded to the Vista Middle School, along the 4400 block of Elks Drive, at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday about a fire alarm activation. When they arrived they found a fire in a bathroom with very minor damage, the Fire Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A school staff member had safely used a nearby fire extinguisher which kept the fire from growing and allowed crews to quickly extinguish the remaining fire and ventilate the building, the Fire Department said. LCFD fire investigators believe a mechanical or electrical malfunction in the bathroom may have contributed to the ignition of the fire. Preliminary evidence indicates the fire was not intentionally ignited, the Fire Department said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time. No injuries were reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) A safe haven box in Palestine has been installed and is expected to be fully operational after testing and training is completed. The box is located at Palestines Fire Station 1 on 611 Avenue A St. that will provide an anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their children to first responders. How the Safe Haven law works in Texas When fully operational, a mother can open the box anonymously and place the baby inside. The box will trip a silent alarm and will lock after the baby is placed inside. Sixty seconds later, firefighters will hear a loud alarm and will retrieve the baby and perform medical care. Firefighters will then follow their protocol to ensure the child is in the proper care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sue Tingle, an Anderson county grandmother, spent more than 300 days raising approximately $23,000 to bring baby boxes to East Texas. Tingle knows firsthand the impact it can have on families as her granddaughter was adopted after being surrender at a baby box in Indiana. They werent able to conceive and they were blessed with her basically at birth, she still had a cord attached, Tingle said. She was dropped off and then medically treated and placed with an emergency placement family while the permanent family was located. My son in law and daughter, were the family that they picked, Tingle said. Tingle said her desire to install a baby box was also fueled by the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. She believes baby boxes will be needed and in the current political climate and should be everywhere in Texas. After SCOTUS hearing, a new look at baby safe haven laws Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of circumstances and things that can cause someone to want to surrender a baby. Its the hardest decision that any woman is ever going to make, Tingle said. The new safe haven law, also known as the Baby Moses Law in Texas also allows parents to give up their babies at certain medical facilities. I pray that we never need it, that it never gets used, but if it we need it, its there, Tingle said. There are three other safe haven boxes in Texas in Lubbock, Corsicana and Abilene. When tests are finished at the Palestine location, an event will be held to bless the box. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) A group of veterans who greet arriving students at Tremont Elementary School every week are now doing the same in a different community. Started by Vietnam veteran Rick Otey in 2017, the Fist Bumping Veterans give students high fives, fist bumps, and words of encouragement as they arrive at school on Thursday mornings. Now, they also greet students at John Hensey Elementary School in Washington. Thursday are amazing because the kids know that theyre going to be here and they the veterans, greet them with a high five fist bump and a big smile. They encourage the students. They tell them, have a good day. And it just puts a great big smile on our kids face and our veterans faces, said Krystal Veginski, teacher and veteran greeter program coordinator at Hensey Elementary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once she learned about the initiative in Tremont, Veginski said she knew she had to bring it to her school. And they were all excited. So during Veterans Day, we really kind of re-emphasize that and kind of explain it all again and the importance of of these men and women that serve our country, she said. For veterans like Dan Haley, it gives them a sense of purpose and community. I enjoy meeting my friends and I enjoy meeting the kids. Its a feel good feeling, said Haley, who is also the president of Vietnam Veterans Association of Illinois, a veteran advocacy organization. I think its a good program and teaching our young citizens what its like to be a good citizen and having an appreciation of the history of this country, have an appreciation for the ones that preceded them that served the country, and appreciation to those who have paid a heavy price for our freedom. Haley said the simple interaction goes a long way for veterans to instill a sense of service to a new generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think its just their patriotic duty helping these young kids learn what its like to appreciate our country and appreciate those that are before them and those that will come after them. There are going to be young people in this school today, who, at some point will be charged with protecting our country, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. ELBA, Ala (WDHN) Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags across southeast Alabama to be flown at half-staff beginning Thursday afternoon in honor of State Senator Jimmy Holley. Holley died on Monday, November 4, at the Elba Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 80. Flags in Alabama State Senate District 31, encompassing Coffee, Dale, Pike, and Covington counties, and on the grounds of the State Capital Complex in Montgomery, were lowered to half-staff beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flags will be kept at half-staff through sundown on Friday, November 8. The Coffee County native was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 1974, serving that seat for 20 years. READ MORE: Long-time Alabama congressman, Jimmy Holley dies In 1998, Holley was elected to serve District 31 in the Alabama Senate, serving 6 terms before retiring in 2023. Senator Jimmy Holleys remarkable 44 years of combined legislative service not only ensured he was a strong and effective representative for his constituents in Coffee, Covington, Dale, and Pike counties, but also enabled him to accumulate a vast knowledge of the process which afforded him great influence, Gov. Ivey wrote in a release. During my time as Lt. Governor, Senator Holley always made his presence felt in the shaping of legislation. It was an honor to work with him for the people of Alabama. He was a true statesman and will be missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman at 6:56 a.m. on Friday, Nov 8. That includes the following counties: Blaine and Canadian. The NWS warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov." More: Severe weather outlook: Flooding possible as 'excessive rainfall' forecast in Oklahoma See weather radar for Oklahoma City area What are meteorologists saying? At 6:56 a.m., the NWS issued a statement: ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Oklahoma... North Canadian River near Watonga affecting Blaine and Canadian Counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT: Minor flooding is forecast. WHERE: North Canadian River near Watonga. Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts WHEN: From this evening to tomorrow morning. IMPACTS: At 15.0 feet, Flooding of croplands...pastures... And rural roads occurs. The floodwaters extend from near Watonga in Blaine County... Downstream to near Calumet in western Canadian County. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: - At 6:30 a.m. CST Friday the stage was 10.9 feet.- Bankfull stage is 13.0 feet.- Forecast...The North Canadian River is expected to rise above flood stage late this evening to a crest of 15.3 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below flood stage just after midnight tonight.- Flood stage is 15.0 feet.- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood What to do during a flood warning If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information. Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly. Turn around, don\'t drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water. Watch out for fire hazards. Move to higher ground. Stay alert, turn weather notifications on. Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article. This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma weather: Flood warning issued for Canadian County, Watonga COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Thursday to support response efforts to flash flooding. Specifically, the emergency declaration is for flooding in the eastern midlands and areas of the Lowcountry. Orangeburg County experienced significant issues on Thursday due to heavy rainfall. More than 130 road closures and the condition of some school buildings closed schools on Thursday and Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colleton County Fire Rescue warned residents that flooding was likely along the Edisto River in the coming days. The agency said the river is expected to reach a moderate flood stage, which is very close to a major flood stage, and that people should prepare now and move their vehicles and campers to higher ground. A river flood warning is active for Orangeburg County through early Tuesday morning. Gov. McMasters order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and supplements ongoing and possible future state response efforts. Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day, said Gov. McMaster. The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the flooding impacts began Wednesday when a front stalled across the southeastern region of the U.S. combined with deep tropical moisture producing periods of substantial and sustained rainfall in certain areas of the state. It caused and will continue to cause significant flash and riverine flooding, according to McMasters office. Flooding along the Edisto River is expected into next week; however, the state should not see significant rainfall totals over the next few days. McMasters office said residents should not drive through flooded areas or around barricades. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. ORLANDO, Fla. After two weeks of silence, a Florida agency disclosed it has granted a short license extension to state Rep. Carolina Amestys family-run school, which is embroiled in the forgery indictment against her. The revelation did not come until roughly an hour after ballot counting confirmed that the lawmaker had lost her reelection bid. It settles the questions surrounding the Commission for Independent Education vote in a public meeting Oct. 22 on Central Christian Universitys request for the license extension, which was needed for the school to continue advertising bachelors and masters degrees in secular subjects. During the meeting, commission board members never indicated whether they were granting the request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a week earlier, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement had released a report concluding Amesty defrauded the state by forging a signature on a key piece of Central Christian Universitys initial licensure application. The ongoing FDLE investigation prompted a grand jury to indict Amesty in August on four felony charges related to the schools state licensure application, which she notarized while serving as an administrator in 2021. Amesty lost her reelection campaign this week by a slim margin, as Democrat Leonard Spencer won 50.8% of the vote. Spencer, a former Disney executive, is set to represent Florida House District 45, which encompasses much of southwestern Orange County, including Horizon West, Windermere and Disney World, and a slice of northwestern Osceola County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amesty was previously a vice president for Central Christian, a role she touted during her first campaign for state House two years ago. Her family continues to run the school on North Hiawassee Road in Orange County, with her father, Juan Amesty, serving as its president. Institutions that only offer religious programs, as Central Christian once did, do not need licenses to operate in Florida. But the small college applied for a license in 2019 when it decided to expand and offer secular programs in areas like business management and political science. Florida first granted Central Christians application in 2022 and renewed it last year. The virtual meeting of the Commission for Independent Education board on Oct. 22, which a Sentinel reporter watched, offered few insights into this years extension request. Members voted with little discussion to approve what was simply referred to as a staff recommendation, the meeting agenda offered no hint of what guidance they had been given, and the commission provided no supporting materials, which would be subject to Floridas open records laws. Afterward, the appointed board members and employees of the agency, an arm of the Florida Department of Education, refused for two weeks to answer questions about whether an extension was granted and for what duration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final result of the House District 45 race was revealed midday Wednesday, when the Orange County Elections Office posted the complete tallies for vote-by-mail ballots. About an hour after that update, education commission staff forwarded a two-page document to the Sentinel outlining the staffs recommendation to extend the schools license, but only through Nov. 30. The record does not indicate what will happen to the school after that date. It was the schools second request for an extension, according to the document. The materials suggest the commission is seeking more information from the school before granting a longer extension. They include a request from Juan Amesty, Carolina Amestys father and the schools president, dated May 23 and requesting an extension of the schools license through the end of November. We will need additional time to forward all of the information, Juan Amesty wrote, though its unclear what other documents the school was asked to provide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also not clear whether commission members were aware of the indictment or the allegations regarding Amestys conduct when they voted to extend the schools license in October. But Sentinel reporters emailed commission staff the day Amesty was indicted, asking for comment. And the commissions executive director, Tiffany Hurst, sat for an interview with FDLE investigators last summer. The states criminal investigation that prompted the charges came on the heels of a Sentinel story published in March that first called into question Amestys actions regarding an employment form for Robert Shaffer, a veteran educator with a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Amesty notarized a document that purportedly contained Shaffers signature, but Shaffer told the Sentinel he did not sign it. The Sentinel based its story in part on interviews with three handwriting experts who said they didnt think the handwriting on the signature line was Shaffers. An FDLE handwriting expert ultimately agreed with their findings, the newly released investigative report says, stating that Shaffer highly probably did not write his signature on the form. Instead, FDLEs handwriting analyst found, Amesty probably wrote Shaffers name on the signature line. During their investigation, FDLE agents asked the commissions Hurst whether the group would have issued a license to the school if it knowingly provided false information on its application. She responded that it depended on the situation, according to the investigative report. ________ Floridas constitution changed: Amendment 2 passed, so whats next? TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) While Amendments 3 and 4 did not pass, Amendment 2 The Right to Fish and Hunt did with 67% of Florida voters supporting it. After speaking with people on both sides of the argument, some fear Amendment 2 will bring great harm to our wildlife while others say this is a simple amendment and a no brainer for Floridians to support. Mark Lance, Senior Coordinator, Southeastern States (AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX) Congressional Sportsmens Foundation, believes that the issue is not partisan and pointed out that in the legislature, it nearly passed unanimously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That speaks to the fact that conservation is one of those last issues out there that that both sides of the political aisle can agree on and support because we all want clean water, Lance said. We want access to the great outdoors, and we want healthy fish and wildlife populations. Amendment 2 goes a long way towards helping protect that. But even with Amendment 2s passage, Chuck ONeal, the chairman for Noto2, was initially worried about the title and language. Hes expecting lawsuits to be filed if the Yeson2 campaign goes against what was pitched to voters before Nov. 5. A lot of people said a lot of things in order to make this amendment pass, and were going to hold their feet to the fire, ONeal said. ONeal wondered about the intent behind the amendment and fears it could lead to gill nets being used once again. State Senator Jay Collins from Tampa said otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will not affect gill nets, Collins said. It will not affect the bear traps. Anything that was there doesnt change that. What it does do is codify our right as Floridians to hunt and fish. I really think were not going to know the sum total of all the damage that this has done for years to come, ONeal said. He said that this back-and-forth battle between the two sides could take years to settle. While Senator Collins and supporters of Amendment 2 are proud of the turnout. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing on Friday, saying the two countries should make joint efforts to build a world of harmonious coexistence. Mattarella is in China for a state visit at the invitation of Xi. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said China and Italy, both ancient civilizations, should uphold their traditions of openness and inclusiveness, and encourage the international community to resolve differences through dialogue and rise above conflicts through cooperation. Noting that mutual respect and trust, and win-win cooperation should always be the defining feature of China-Italy relations, Xi said the two sides should fully leverage the role of the China-Italy Government Committee and dialogue mechanisms in various fields, strengthen exchanges, consolidate mutual trust, continue to understand and support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns, and be strategic partners of mutual support. China-Italy cultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results and is full of vitality, Xi said. He urged the two sides to continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, implement the new round of cultural cooperation action plans, deepen cooperation on culture and art, cultural relics' protection, translation of classical works, tourism and education, and make cooperation on cultural heritage sites a new highlight of China-Italy people-to-people exchanges. Xi called on the two sides to support language teaching and youth exchanges, and remain cooperative partners helping each other to succeed. China is willing to import more quality Italian products, support mutual investment by enterprises of the two countries and continue to advance cooperation on science, technology, environmental protection, clean energy and aerospace, Xi said. Xi said that China and Europe are major forces for peace and constructive action, and should stick to the right direction of strategic communication, open cooperation and mutual learning, which is in the interests of both sides and the world at large. Xi said that China takes Europe as an important partner on the path toward realizing Chinese modernization. He urged the two sides to seek win-win cooperation and manage their differences properly to ensure that bilateral relations are more mature and stable, as duly expected. "China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the European side to cope with global challenges, and hopes that Italy can play a positive role in this regard," Xi said. Mattarella said this year marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, whose connection with China epitomizes the long-standing friendship between the two countries and the mutual success of the two civilizations. He added that Italy and China should further enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education, language teaching and cultural heritage cooperation, and make new contributions to promoting the dialogue and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations, as well as the progress of human civilization. Mattarella said Italy firmly adheres to the one-China policy and always considers China as an important partner. Italy looks forward to working with China to take the opportunity of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and science and technology, and push bilateral relations to a new height. Italy shares similar positions with China on many major issues. Both sides oppose protectionism, advocate mutual openness, and stand for strengthening constructive communication, solidarity and cooperation to jointly meet various challenges. Italy is willing to work closely with China in multilateral collaboration and contribute the wisdom of the two civilizations to promoting world peace and stability, Mattarella said. After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of culture, science and technology, education, and the protection of world heritage sites. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. Xi held talks with Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. Xi held talks with Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. Xi held talks with Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. Xi held talks with Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. Xi held talks with Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) MIAMI President-elect Donald Trump is hiring. And Florida looks like a veritable staffing agency for a second Trump administration. Florida has become increasingly central to Trumps political universe. It is now his adopted home state which has only gotten redder since he officially moved in and top Florida operatives led Trumps campaign. Now plenty of insiders are expecting his forthcoming administration to draft talent from his new home turf. Florida is hot right now, for obvious reasons, said Max Goodman, a Republican consultant in the southwest part of the state. Florida has quite a bit of talent in terms of what this administration is looking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration will need to fill around 4,000 openings with political appointees. Trump on Thursday announced his highest-profile pick for chief of staff with campaign co-chair Susie Wiles. She has deep Florida ties and previously led successful gubernatorial campaigns for Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. Trump praised Wiles from the stage during his victory speech at the Palm Beach County Convention Center during the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, telling the crowd that he nicknamed her ice baby and marveling at her preference for remaining out of the spotlight. Trumps campaign likewise pulled from top talent in Florida, including finance director Meredith O'Rourke; political director James Blair; senior adviser Danielle Alvarez; and Brian Hughes, who was Florida director during the GOP primary then became a senior adviser. The Trump transition isnt releasing or confirming any names yet, saying its too early, but that hasnt stopped people from speculating or thinking through possible scenarios. In conversations with 20 different lawmakers, political operatives, lobbyists and other Florida insiders, the anticipation for a Florida wave crashing into Washington was palpable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assumption in thinking through some of the potential picks is that some are for loyalty, some are for merit, and some are to clear the field to avoid future confrontation, said one Florida GOP operative who was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive internal dynamics in Florida politics. The person raised the forthcoming governors race and how Trump would likely be thinking about setting up Vice President-elect JD Vance to be the nominee for president in 2028. Sen. Marco Rubio, who was on Trumps running mate shortlist, is widely expected to be considered for a position in the new administration. Rubio is often cited as a possibility for secretary of state, given his expertise, committee assignments and role in helping Trump craft policy on Latin America during his first term. Other members of the Florida congressional delegation are also being floated for top jobs. Trump told Joe Rogan during his podcast appearance before the election that his top mistake during his first time in office was that he picked a few people I shouldnt have picked. Following his hard-fought comeback to the White House, Trump is heading into office with a more organized and professional staff and with the experience of hindsight. Florida, too, has undergone a transformation since 2016, when Trump won the state by just over one point. The 2024 election cemented Florida as a Republican stronghold, with Trump winning by 13 points and Democrats failing to flip the Senate seat. The GOP supermajority in the Legislature is still standing, and Gov. Ron DeSantis defeated amendments on pot and abortion that saw success in other parts of the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esteban Bovo, Hialeahs Republican mayor whos an avid Trump supporter, said he thought Trump should look for people who buy into his agenda and will help him fulfill his agenda rather than people who try to control him or try to navigate the bureaucracy. And Floridians could be tapped not just for high-profile secretary roles, but to become one of those thousands of political appointees across government, who are crucial at actually executing policy. Some names floated by Florida operatives include loyalists like Bovo. Others include Miami Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who was Florida state director for Trumps 2020 campaign, and state Sen. Joe Gruters, who was Florida co-chair of Trump's 2016 campaign and bucked most of the Legislature by endorsing Trump early in 2024. Trumps transition is being led in part by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who both made Florida home with residences in Jupiter. Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner are still staying out of government and politics, instead opting to continue their private lives in the exclusive, affluent enclave of Indian Creek Village just north of South Beach. Several members of the Florida congressional delegation are being buzzed about given that they often defended Trump in the media during his 2024 campaign. The list is long and includes GOP Reps. Mike Waltz, Matt Gaetz, Byron Donalds, Brian Mast, Carlos Gimenez and Greg Steube who complained ahead of the GOP presidential primary that DeSantis never checked in on him after he had a serious accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should a House member join a Trump administration, then it would fall to DeSantis to set the dates of a special election to replace them. A Rubio exit from the Senate would mean DeSantis would be able to tap a replacement, and people close to him have already said hed rule out himself. Complicating the House members path is control of the chamber. The House majority has yet to be called. And if Republicans have a narrow majority, Trump may not want to risk having the seat open, even for a short period of time. Other officials in the DeSantis administration including Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida also used to work for Trump. A lot of people who are currently in high profile roles in public service came here after serving in the first Trump administration, pointed out Slater Bayliss, a Florida lobbyist. I think naturally there will be a cohort of people who served in the first Trump administration who will go back to D.C. and who will presumably recommend others currently serving in Gov. DeSantis' administration. Florida could be a prime target for Trump to staff an Education Department set to undergo major changes that align with policies enacted by the DeSantis administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Republicans want to cut federal funding for schools teaching critical race theory and radical gender ideology as well as those pushing inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on children, according to the partys platform. The Florida Department of Education, under DeSantis, has enacted laws tackling the same subjects by prohibiting teachers from leading classroom lessons on gender identity or sexual orientation. In another parallel, one of Trumps priorities to target transgender athletes to keep men out of womens sports is something that Florida and its education agency have been fighting the Biden administration on for years. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said that he would be interested in leading the education department if offered, although he suggested the agency should be dismantled or definitely reduced greatly in size and scope. You always listen if the president of the United States were to call you to serve your country, Diaz said in a text. I will say regardless of who serves in that spot, I believe the Florida Education blueprint will have effects on that agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) are also publicly lobbying for Dr. Joe Ladapo, Florida surgeon general, to be Trumps Health and Human Services secretary a job that involves overseeing the presidents health agenda and also has sub-agencies focused on everything from scientific research to food safety, drug price negotiations and Medicare. Any and all of them are probably on a list somewhere to be considered because Florida is the model for conservative government, said Jamie Miller, a Sarasota-based political consultant, and it has been for some time. Kimberly Leonard reported from Miami and Andrew Atterbury reported from Tallahassee. A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Florida murder suspect Arnett Jackson Bonner III to three years and 4 months in prison for a federal firearms violation following his arrest in a traffic stop on the Mississippi Coast. In addition, District Judge Sul Ozerden ordered Bonner to serve three years after his release on probation and fined him $5,000. At the time of his arrest in November 2023, an FBI agent testified in federal court in Gulfport that Bonner reached for a gun during the stop on Interstate 10 near Gautier in Jackson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A border patrol agent and Gautier police worked on the investigation that resulted in the recovery of three firearms and marijuana. At the time of the arrest, Bonner told authorities he kept the firearm he reached for under his drivers seat for protection., and that he had two other guns in the car that he had agreed to clean for those who owned the weapons, according to the testimony. Bonner has remained jailed without bond since his 2023 arrest because he violated the conditions of his bond in Florida on a second-degree murder charge. Bonner is still facing trial in Jacksonville, Florida, for the May 25, 2020, beating death of James Bryan Cole, 51, outside a gas station, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the federal agent who testified at his detention hearing on the firearm charge in Mississippi, authorities stopped Bonner after spotting his car going into a southbound exit land before he suddenly maneuvered back onto the highway without a turn signal. When the agent made the claims about the reason for the stop, Bonner turned his head to the back of the court and said, Liar. This election wasnt just historic for the country, Florida had the highest voter turnout in over 30 years. Officials with the Division of Elections say they received 10.9 million ballots out of about 13.9 million registered voters. That means over 78% of registered voters cast a ballot, the most in any Florida election since 1992. TIMELINE: Harris concedes after Trump declared winner of 2024 presidential election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, 77% of the more than 15 million registered voters cast a ballot. Franklin County had the highest voter turnout, with just over 94%. Read: Trump wins 61 Florida counties When the voters trust in the process, they turn out. They turn out in record numbers. Once again, this election proves that, said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. The numbers will likely change as ballots are challenged and absentee ballots are collected. Read: President-elect Trump picks veteran Florida political strategist as White House chief of staff Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Florida woman found in Hartford has been arrested for the alleged murder of her roommate in Orlando, police said. Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez, 42, of Florida was charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of tampering with physical evidence, and one count of grand theft. The body of Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco, 42, has not yet been found, police said. Pedestrian in critical condition after being hit in Norwich Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, on Dec. 27, 2022, at around 1:32 p.m., Orlando police responded to the area of Curry Ford Road for the report of a missing person. Victoria-Gonzalez told police she had not seen her roommate in two days. As police continued to investigate, they said they found several inconsistencies in the version of events told by Victoria-Gonzalez. A search and seizure of her apartment was done and police said they recovered significant evidence that indicated a violent incident occurred. Police were able to determine that the suspect was living in Hartford following investigations on local, state and federal levels. Police said they determined probable cause after traveling to Hartford and interviewing the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orlando Police Department asks anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Orlando Police Department Homicide Unit or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) meets with reporters after being named speaker of the House for the upcoming legislative session on Nov. 7, 2024. | Kyle Davidson With Tuesdays election restoring Michigan House Republicans majority in the chamber, both parties are beginning to draw up their game plans for the 2025-26 legislative session as Democrats plot to retake the majority. On Thursday, Michigan House Republicans selected Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) to be the next House speaker, while Democrats selected Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) as minority leader, as House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) opted against seeking a leadership position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans will hold a 58-52 majority in the chamber, Democrats will retain the majority in the Senate. However, state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivets (D-Bay City) successful election to the U.S. House will leave the Senate with one less member in their already slim 20-18 majority. Hall told reporters his experience serving as minority leader in a Democratic majority House split 56-54 has given him some experience ahead of working with the Senate and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2025. When there were issues where, you know, Speaker Tate didnt have the votes, you know, theyd have to come to me and wed try to work on it. Now, Id say that well have additional leverage now, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before, Speaker Tate could just put [bills] up and try to grind us down, right? Now, you know, Ill put it up when were ready to vote, right? And when the Republicans are ready and theres a bipartisan deal, then well put it up to vote. And so thats going to kind of flip the dynamic. And so I expect the Democrats will come with their priorities, and Ill come with my priorities and when theres agreement then well move bills, Hall said. In their first year with control of the House and Senate, Democrats made short work of a number of pent-up priorities, repealing GOP former Gov. Rick Snyders right to work laws, advancing gun safety legislation, eliminating the states 1931 ban on abortion and expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. When looking at potential policy avenues for the upcoming legislative term, Hall pointed to a permanent funding solution for roads and reexamining state spending alongside the education plan Republicans introduced earlier this year. This plan includes expanding dual enrollment to include trade schools, calling for the state Department of Education to recommend research-backed curricula proven to support student understanding, and exploring alternatives to the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP)and spreading testing throughout the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we put together that education plan, what I said to our team was, lets not try to just repeal everything that Gov. Whitmer did, right? Shes not going to agree to that. Lets instead come up with a plan that we think has an actual chance of passing, said Hall, who also called for a simpler mechanism in assessing Michigans schools. Hall also cast House Republicans Mission for Michigan plans as a guiding light for the caucus. As were working forward in the House, where theres alignment with the Mission for Michigan that weve laid out, you know, were going to make a lot of progress, right? Where theres not alignment, you know, its gonna be harder, right? Like I said, well send our bills, they send their bills, you know, well do our best to negotiate with them, Hall said. The plan is made up of 10 goals, each with proposals on how to achieve them. Those goals include making Michigan more affordable; preparing all kids for the future; demanding accountable and effective government; building safer communities for stronger families; unleashing affordable and reliable clean energy; attracting high-paying careers for the future; strengthening and empowering Michigan communities, prioritizing mental health, addiction and healthcare access; growing our economy and securing Michigans future for all generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans have laid down the groundwork for 2025, Democrats are looking to regroup and reorganize as they chart their path toward the 2026 election cycle. In speaking with reporters, Puri stressed the importance of bringing unity to the House Democratic Caucus, earlier saying hed like to uplift the voice of each of the caucuss 52 members. Unfortunately, with the way the institution is set up, sometimes theres not enough for everybody to feel like they have a place where theyre feeling completely included, Puri said, explaining hed like to re-envision the makeup of the caucus and how decisions are made by empowering more members to help with those decisions, alongside keeping a holistic view of all 52 members and the districts they represent. The reality is, is that all 52 members of this Democratic caucus want the Democrats to succeed, and so we need to have a shared vision, and you do that by making sure that everyones voices are being uplifted and theres a vision that is collectively and holistically embodying the thoughts of all 52 members, Puri said. Reps. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) (right) and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) (left) take questions following House Democrats leadership meeting on Nov. 7, 2024, where Puri was named House minority leader and Fitzgerald was named House minority floor leader. | Kyle Davidson However, much of that plan has yet to be determined, Puri said, noting that hes leaned into his background in the corporate sector and his openness to working with organizational structure experts to find a structure where all members feel empowered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puri also emphasized his commitment to working alongside Minority Floor Leader-elect John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) to ensure Democrats reclaim their majority in the House in 2026. While Puri credited Democrats losses to President-elect Donald Trumps power in pulling in Republican votes down the ticket, he said Democrats will reassess their messaging. What we do in Michigan is not unique around the country. You know, every two years, many chambers are up for reelection, and so there are a lot of brilliant minds out there with ideas that I think that could really help us, and I look forward to tapping into some of that potential thats out there that could help Michigan get that dem trifecta back, Puri said. While the role of minority leader is traditionally to serve as a roadblock for the minority party, Puri said this creates a bit of a paradox with Democrats in control of the Senate and a Democrat in the governors seat. Instead the Democratic minority will need to act as a bridge to ensure bills coming out of the House meet the needs of the Senate and the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to make every attempt to work in a bipartisan manner and reach across the aisle. I believe Floor Leader Fitzgerald and myself have both demonstrated that in our time here, that we are willing to reach across the aisle and do and be productive for the needs of Michiganders all over the state of all political persuasions. And so that commitment will continue, Puri said. We just lost majority, but we learned a thing or two the last two years. Its not as easy as people think to get 56 votes in your own party. And so theres often, theres going to be times when the other side might not be able to get those 56 votes, Puri said. The only other option is to work with the minority party. Were sitting here. Were willing to be partners. We just want to see pragmatic legislation come out in this chamber. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) As questions surround the fate of Intel and its New Albany plant, some oversight groups are scrutinizing forever chemicals that could come into play at the factory. Known as PFAS, the group of manmade chemicals are found in drinking water, food packaging and more. Zach Schiller, research director at Policy Matters Ohio, said they have been associated with high cholesterol, thyroid disease and various kinds of cancers. Theyre called forever chemicals because they dont break down easily in the human body or the environment. Its been found now that there are large numbers of people that have these in their bloodstream, Schiller said. More and more research is finding that these are linked to all kinds of health risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Schiller and Lenny Siegel, director of the Center for Public Environmental Oversight, are concerned about Intels Ohio One project being built in Licking County, despite the latter acknowledging we need Intel. In comments submitted to the states EPA, Policy Matters Ohio argued that based on the semiconductor manufacturing companys expansion in Chandler, Arizona, its clear Intel plans on using a variety of PFAS. The semiconductor industry considers them essential to production, Siegel said. Policy Matters Ohio recommended the state start looking at PFAS used by the semiconductor industry, beyond the six already being addressed by proposed regulations, by using wastewater sampling. Without doing so, the group posed that local water systems could be at risk. NBC4 reached out to Intel for comment on its potential use of PFAS at the New Albany plant. In response, a spokesperson for the company sent the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a company committed to environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, and the safety of our workers and communities, we strive to minimize our use of substances that pose risks to the environment or human health, the statement said. Use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) materials in our semiconductor manufacturing process is limited, but critical. We have been and are continuing to work with industry partners and researchers to explore ways to further reduce our use of PFAS materials. The suggested wastewater sampling wouldnt be the first time Ohio studied forever chemicals. In 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the Ohio EPA and Department of Health to analyze the prevalence of PFAS in the states drinking water. Called Ohios PFAS Action Plan 1.0, it prioritized testing Ohios nearly 1,500 public water systems to determine if forever chemicals are present in drinking water. Now, the states EPA and Department of Health have moved on to Ohios PFAS Action Plan 2.0, which is focused on mitigation, standards and more. To combat forever chemicals, the U.S. EPA established a rule setting maximum levels for six PFAS under the Safe Water Drinking Act that went into effect on June 25. Part of Ohios plan is bringing the state up to date with those federal regulations. They are expected to be implemented and enforced by spring 2027. The U.S. EPA announced a maximum limit of four parts per trillion, so its hard to even visualize four parts per trillion and how small that is, which is a good thing. Thats basically zero, said Anne Vogel, director of the Ohio EPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vogel said that there are over 1,000 drinking water systems and communities across Ohio where these standards will be enforced. Four parts per trillion is undetectable for all practical purposes, according to her. However, there are thousands of PFAS, and the state and federal EPAs regulations only limit six. Siegel pointed to states like Michigan and Minnesota, saying that Ohio should follow their leads to set standards for water that address other compounds in use by Intel. Vogel said that, despite concerns over Intels impact on the local water supply, the state is constantly sampling public water, running it through a lab and looking for anything harmful. She emphasized that all of the states drinking water systems already work. Theres a lot of information available on our website in terms of what Ohio is doing to address PFAS, and wed be happy to answer questions as people learn more about it and are concerned, Vogel said. Its really important to me and the governor that people know that were doing everything we can to be protective of human health and the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intels work on the New Albany plant is said to be finishing between 2026 and 2027, with the fabs expected to come online between 2027 and 2028. Thats a delayed timeline from its originally projected 2025 opening. The tech corporation recently announced plans to spin off its entire foundry division and the chipmaking factories under it into a new company. But with President-elect Donald Trumps victory on Election Day, the Ohio One project could see further complications. GOP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said before the election that Republicans would try and repeal the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation expected to help fund the plant, under a Trump presidency. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A man who was sentenced for fatally stabbing his mother at their Miami Township home, and later charging at police with a kitchen knife, has had his convictions and sentence overturned because of a judge's error. Joshua Amburgy, 41, returned to Clermont County Common Pleas Court from prison on Friday. He had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and felonious assault and was sentenced to a minimum of 41 years to life. However, Ohio's 12th District Court of Appeals found in October that Judge Victor Haddad failed to advise Amburgy of his constitutional rights during his plea hearing last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-judge appeals court panel voided Amburgy's guilty plea as a result and sent the case back to Haddad's courtroom. "I'm making excuses, but this is why I forgot to do what I was supposed to do because I let you get me off track. Don't get me off track anymore," Haddad said of Amburgys numerous outbursts that resulted in the judge threatening to have him muzzled during Friday's hearing. "I should at least deserve a chance," Amburgy said in court. "I'm not a menace to society." Angela Glaser, an attorney recently appointed to represent Amburgy, declined to comment on the case Friday as she had yet to meet with her client. Joshua Amburgy, 40, appears in Clermont County Common Pleas Court for sentencing Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. What happened to Melissa Amburgy? When Miami Township police arrived at 58-year-old Melissa Amburgys home on Valencia Drive on Nov. 1, 2022, officers found her suffering from multiple stab wounds in the basement, prosecutors said in court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ted Amburgy, her husband and Joshua Amburgys father, told police that he and his wife were hanging wall art when Joshua Amburgy tried several times to get his mother to meet him upstairs. When Melissa Amburgy refused, prosecutors said, her son came downstairs and stabbed her seven times using a knife from his parents kitchen. Ted Amburgy witnessed the stabbing and intervened by hitting his son with a chair. Ive been in combat; Ive been all over the world, but Ive never seen somebodys eyes like that, he said during his son's sentencing. I could see in his eyes the devil had taken over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua Amburgy then fled the home, knife still in hand, but was confronted by police a short time later in the backyard of a residence on Geneva Court. Prosecutors said police were forced to shoot Amburgy in the leg after he failed to comply with multiple commands to drop the weapon, instead charging at them. Body camera footage of the incident shows there were roughly 12 seconds between the time officers first spoke to Amburgy and shots being fired. Body camera shows Joshua Amburgy, now 41, a police officer with a knife before he is shot in Miami Township in November 2022 in Clermont County, Ohio. Police recovered the knife Amburgy used to stab his mother, as well as a larger, butcher-style knife from his pocket. Meanwhile, Melissa Amburgy had been flown by helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where she later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with investigators, Joshua Amburgy said he had been angry with his mother prior to stabbing her and that he probably still wouldve attacked her if she came upstairs as he requested, court records state. He has consistently suggested that Melissa Amburgy was out to get him, according to prosecutors. In planning to kill his mother, prosecutors said, Amburgy tried for a month to obtain a gun before giving up and buying a large kitchen knife from a local dollar store, though that knife ultimately wasnt used. Amburgy to be held without bond pending trial Amburgy's attorneys said they'll likely seek to have his competency evaluated. Court records show his competency had previously been called into question but was ultimately found suitable for trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haddad ordered that Amburgy be incarcerated without bond pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Amburgy is being held at the Clermont County Jail, records show. He is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Clermont County judge's error leads overturning of murder conviction At the end of his first term in office, then-President Donald Trump sought to install Kash Patel, a hard-line MAGA loyalist, as deputy CIA director. But the head of the agency at the time, Gina Haspel, a career intelligence officer, threatened to resign in protest, and the appointment was scuttled. Now, four years later, Patel is considered a possible pick for CIA director or another high-level national security post in a second Trump administration. And there likely will be no one to stand in his way this time. Patel is one of several fiercely loyal political allies who President-elect Trump is considering to oversee the countrys national security. In his first term in office, Trump frequently clashed with his deputies and top officials, who he came to view as insufficiently loyal to his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, the president-elect is keen to fill his administration with people who will carry out his decisions without question, according to sources familiar with the transition process. Marc Short, who served as chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence, said that the people Trump picked in his first term to run the intelligence agencies, including Haspel, and former lawmakers Mike Pompeo and Dan Coats, were highly capable figures who performed well. There was undeniable competence there, Short said. And I think it would be a mistake to go in a different direction from that. Short added: It certainly seems that some of the people that are most, perhaps, noisy in his inner circle, are hungry for a different path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers, former intelligence officers and Western officials worry that Trump and a group of loyalists could reshape the makeup and mission of the nations intelligence apparatus. Officers could be pressured to skew their findings to suit the White Houses political agenda, allies might scale back information sharing due to Trumps cavalier approach to secrecy and, in a worst-case scenario, the spy agencies could be converted into tools of retribution against domestic political opponents, the former officers and others say. I think a lot of it depends on who they put in as director, deputy and chief operating officerat the CIA, said one former senior intelligence officer. Those appointments will set the tone and determine if the spy agency is able to maintain professional, apolitical standards or whether it becomes the target of a politically-motivated overhaul, the former officer said. Kash Patel at a rally in Minden, Nev., on Oct. 8, 2022. Patel, an outspoken critic of the intelligence agencies and the Justice Department who worked at the White House National Security Council during the Trump administration, declined to comment. He has endorsed Trumps baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps aides have previously dismissed warnings about how the president-elect might politicize the intelligence community, saying it was President Joe Biden and his administration that had injected partisan politics into the intelligence agencies, not Trump. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the transition, told NBC News in an email that Trump had won a decisive victory on a common sense mandate for change and that people can expect an administration that reflects a commitment to seeing that agenda is put in place starting on Day 1." Distrust of a 'deep state' Dating back to the outset of his first term in office in 2017, Trump has had a troubled relationship with the intelligence community. He and his supporters have portrayed officials in those agencies along with the Justice Department as part of a deep state plotting against him. At a 2018 news conference with Vladimir Putin, Trump famously sided with the Russian president over his own intelligence agencies when asked if he believed Moscow meddled in the 2016 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have great confidence in my intelligence people, Trump said at the event in Helsinki. But I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today. Another critic of the intelligence community, former Rep. Devin Nunes of California, could also be in the mix for the CIA job under a new Trump administration, according to congressional aides and Republican activists. Other possible picks for the intelligence world include: John Ratcliffe, the former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence in Trumps previous term; Robert OBrien, former national security adviser to Trump; and Sen. Marco Rubio. Special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into whether Trumps 2016 presidential campaign worked with Russia to defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton deeply angered Trump and his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation, which wrapped up in 2019, did not find a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia and reached no conclusion regarding whether Trump obstructed justice. But Muellers report did describe a pattern of Russian outreach to people close to Trump, and an interest by Trumps campaign to benefit politically from Russian actions. In response to the probe, former Attorney General Bill Barr appointed a special counsel to investigate the FBI and the intelligence community probe of Trump. After a four-year investigation, Special Counsel John Durham issued a scathing 300-page report that said the FBI had acted negligently when it opened the investigation based on vague and insufficient information. Yet Durham found that no senior FBI or CIA officials had committed crimes. The two criminal prosecutions he brought, both regarding lying, ended in juries acquitting the defendants. Trump and his allies, though, continue to paint the Justice Department and the intelligence community as a hostile bureaucracy with civil servants out to get the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump's election win on Tuesday, Steve Bannon. one of Trumps longtime allies, called for justice and punishment against officials at the FBI, the DOJ and the CIA who he alleged had persecuted him and Trump and damaged the country. Now youre going to pay the price for trying to destroy this country, Bannon said. Past domestic spying Former intelligence and security officials said their former colleagues are bracing themselves for a difficult period in which they could face dilemmas about following orders they consider unethical or damaging to national security. I very much expect members of the intelligence community to be challenged to decide whether to stand up to Trump or not, just like they were repeatedly in his first term, one congressional aide said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former intelligence officials disagree on whether Trump would seek to use the spy agencies against domestic political opponents, and if he did, how the intelligence workforce and courts would respond. After the Watergate scandal, laws were enacted that expressly forbid using the spy agencies against Americans. The measures were in response to the Nixon administration using the CIA to gather intelligence on domestic protesters opposed to the Vietnam War. Nixon also tried unsuccessfully to enlist the help of the CIA to quash an FBI investigation into the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel, which sparked the scandal. One former senior intelligence official said for all its shortcomings, the intelligence community would not be easily converted into a domestic spying service, and that many of the career officers would refuse to follow unlawful orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would be pretty resistant to turning it on the American people, the former official said. Former Trump White House senior adviser Steve Bannon leaves federal court after being sentenced in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 21, 2022. Thousands of political appointees Trumps allies have called for revisiting an effort at the end of his last term when senior officials planned to remove thousands of civil servants across the federal government and replace them with political appointees. Its unclear if Trump and those he nominates to run the intelligence community will seek to replace large numbers of civil servants at the spy agencies. Presidents face few legal constraints when it comes to their authority over the intelligence agencies, legal experts and former senior officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law allows for a hell of a lot of discretion and Trump would have a pretty free hand, according to Glenn Gerstell, who worked as general counsel for the National Security Agency from 2015 to 2020. Supporters of Trump say dire warnings about the future of the intelligence agencies under a new Trump administration are hysterical and overblown, and that his record at the White House shows that he strengthened the spy agencies. Trumps supporters said it would be reasonable for the president-elect to assert control over the intelligence community through political appointees, to ensure the agencies carry out the presidents policies without bureaucratic subterfuge. No matter what side youre on politically, you should want political control because we dont want this country to become a security state, a former official close to the Trump team said. The Heritage Foundations proposed outline for action, titled Project 2025, calls for the president-elect to promptly choose a deputy director of the CIA, who would not need Senate confirmation and could immediately begin to implement the Presidents agenda. Additional appointees should be placed within the agency as needed to assist the Director in supervising its functioning, the report states. The document also calls for breaking the cabal of bureaucrats in D.C. by moving some directorates in the CIA outside of northern Virginia, where the headquarters is located. Robert Litt, who served as general counsel for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2009 to 2017, said inserting political appointees into the management of the spy agencies in unprecedented numbers could distort the way intelligence is analyzed and lead to illegal or ill-advised decisions. I think it would be a very, very bad thing for the intelligence community and for the nation if the intelligence community was dominated by a group of political loyalists, he said in an interview with NBC News earlier this year. One is the risk that intelligence analysis will not be called down the middle, Litt said. And the other is the risk that the intelligence agencies will be directed to do things that are either unlawful or inappropriate. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Two former City of Clarksburg leaders have been fined by the West Virginia Ethics Commission for participating in votes regarding their own terms in office. During its meeting on Nov. 7, the West Virginia Ethics Commission released the final decision and order in the cases of former Clarksburg mayor James Marino and former Clarksburg vice mayor Lillie Junkins. The orders say that there was clear and convincing evidence against both Marino and Junkins, and they were both given a Public Reprimand and ordered to pay a $200 fee and hearing costs, a total of $2,396.12 each, and to attend a training on the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seven charges against each of them were related to voting between January of 2021 and February of 2023 on ordinances relating to changing election dates that would have extending their terms as mayor and vice mayor. Clarksburg City Council passes camping ordinance The charges were brought against them in June of 2023, and the was evidence presented at a hearing on April 9, 2024. Former council member Gary Keith was also charged for voting on the same ordinances, but he reached a conciliation with the West Virginia Ethics Committee in September of 2023 and agreed to attend West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act training and pay a $1,000 fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. SANAA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Friday that it has launched a "ballistic missile" toward Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, and has shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over northern Yemen's Al-Jawf province. "In support of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, we carried out a qualitative military operation targeting the Nevatim Airbase with a hypersonic ballistic missile, and the missile reached its target," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. In the same statement, Sarea said, "Our air defenses succeeded in shooting down an American MQ-9 drone, which was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Al-Jawf province at dawn today, Friday." "The downing of this drone brings the total number of the same type of drones that we have shot down since November 2023 to 12," he said. "We will continue to support the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples by continuing to impose a naval blockade on the Israeli enemy (in the Red Sea)," Sarea said, adding the group's military operations "will not stop until the Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon stops." There has been no comment yet from the Israeli side concerning the missile attack, nor any response from the U.S. military over the alleged downing. Earlier in the day, al-Masirah TV reported that the U.S.-British coalition launched two airstrikes on the Hodeidah province in northwestern Yemen, which the alliance has not yet confirmed. Since November last year, the Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been conducting missile and drone attacks on what it said were "Israeli-linked" ships in regional waters and beyond, as well as targets in Israel, to show solidarity with Palestinians amid their conflict with Israelis in Gaza. The group has escalated attacks since the end of September after Israel killed former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut. In response, the Israeli military has launched airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, while the U.S.-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has been conducting sporadic air raids and strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. A former Georgia high school teacher has been sentenced after pleading guilty to producing and distributing child pornography. In July, Michael Allen Dendy, 33, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Dendy to 33 years in prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Dendy taught at Washington County High School in Sandersville from Aug. 2020 until his arrest in Jan. 2023. He also taught at Griffin High School in Griffin from 2018 to 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the Washington County Sheriffs Office received multiple complaints in Dec. 2022 about child porn being posted on the social media platform Discord. Investigators were informed that several high school students had their images posted there without their knowledge. Investigators determined that the Discord channel was created by an account later linked to Dendy. The IP address most frequently used to access that account was tracked to Dendys home. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dendy admitted to using fake Instagram accounts and posing as a young boy or girl to communicate with underage students at the high school where he taught to get naked images of them. Investigators determined that Dendy never met with any of the children in person. Dendy had been using fake social media accounts to communicate with victims since 2016. We are committed to holding people like Michael Allen Dendy accountable to the fullest extent of the law for monstrously preying on adolescents, in this case tricking minors to send him explicit images and uploading them online for other predators to view, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. I am thankful for our law enforcement partners who are dedicated to protecting the innocent and bringing child predators to justice. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Former Republican candidate for Michigan governor Ryan Kelley said he believes President-elect Donald Trump will keep his promise and pardon him and others for their roles in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Ryan Kelley, 43, who now lives in Kent County, served 60 days in federal prison for his part in the riot. Trump has said he would pardon those involved. Jan. 6 defendants eye pardons after Trump election win Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes described them as warriors, unbelievable patriots, political prisoners and hostages. I believe that he will keep his promises, and if that is a promise he made, I believe it is one he will keep, Kelley wrote in a text message exchange with WOOD TV. Kelley declined a request for an interview. Someday, he wrote. Not today. Kelley, who placed fourth in Michigans 2022 gubernatorial primary with 15% of the vote, is among more than 1,000 convicted so far in the Jan. 6 attack, according to the feds. That includes as many as two-dozen from Michigan. The attack injured more than 140 police officers and left several people dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley was arrested in 2022 after anonymous tipsters gave photos to the FBI showing him at the Capitol. The feds said he was part of the crowd that rushed the Capitol, forcing police to retreat up the stairs and into the building. He was accused of directing parts of the crowd to and around the Capitol but did not enter the building himself, investigators said. At the time of his arrest, polls showed he was the leading candidate for the GOP gubernatorial primary. Kelly pleaded guilty in October 2023 to a misdemeanor count of entering and remaining on restricted grounds. He admitted he rushed past U.S. Capitol police officers and used his hands to support another rioter who was pulling a metal bike rack onto the scaffolding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also accused him of ripping a tarp on the inauguration stage. After his arrest, Kelley called the Jan. 6 riot an FBI set-up and continued to insist the 2020 election was stolen. At his sentencing, he apologized and blamed himself not Trump. He told the judge he went to Washington in the first place because Trump had promised to show receipts proving the election had been stolen. He said those receipts never showed up. At his sentencing, his lawyer said he planned to return to Michigan and continue his career as a commercial real estate agent. Lifes journey is one of continuous transformation for those who seek growth and embrace every experience as an opportunity to rise, Kelley wrote in the text exchange with WOOD TV. The challenges and adversity Ive faced have not only tested me but have strengthened my spirit, deepened my wisdom, and forged resilience in mind, body, and soul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I recognize the 60 days lost with my family are days I can never regain, the strength we have cultivatedrooted in unwavering love and fortified by resilienceis a gift that no circumstance can take away, nor can this be purchased, it must be experienced and endured, he wrote. Whether or not a pardon comes, the intangible rewards of this journey have enriched my life beyond measure. The lessons learned have reshaped me, and my determination has never been more steadfast. He continued to suggest the 2020 election was rigged, despite numerous investigations that have uncovered no widespread fraud. He questioned why Biden got so many more votes in 2020 than Vice President Kamala Harris got on Tuesday. Harris had more than 69 million at last count about 12 million less than what Biden got. Where did they go, were they ever there in the first place? Kelley wrote. This is important to know for the future of where the country is going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyer has said Kelley was done with politics. But, in a text, Kelley wrote: Stay tunedI may have an announcement on the horizon, looking toward 2026. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A former Kentucky state government employee who stole more than $444,000 and used much of it for pain pills and gambling has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV. Brittany Joyce May, 35, of Frankfort, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The thefts happened when May worked at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, where her duties included managing payments to foster parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May submitted fake invoices for payments to foster parents who had not requested a payment or were no longer eligible, and diverted the money to accounts she controlled, according to the court record. She changed the addresses of people in the computer system so they wouldnt receive notice a payment had been made. May acknowledged that she used identifying information from 45 people to initiate more than 540 wire transfers of money to herself, stealing $444,663 from the cabinet between July 2021 and May 2023. May said in a letter to U.S. District Judge Gregory F, Van Tatenhove that she suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse as a child and ultimately developed an addiction to pain pills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May said she started stealing from the cabinet after an aunt called to let her know about an opportunity to buy 70 pain pills at a reduced price. May said she used some money to help others, buying clothes, Christmas gifts and food for people and helping family members with bills. She said that since age 16, she had been the one in her family that others leaned on for help. But Mays attorney, William Eric Branco, said in a sentencing memorandum that she also spent a good bit of the money on pain pills and gambling. May sometimes gambled away thousands of dollars a week at casinos, said Branco, who sought a sentence for May below the advisory range of 51 to 57 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May said she justified the thefts by thinking she was not stealing from families or children, I was stealing from the government. The thefts were not a victimless crime, however, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Mattingly Williams said in a sentencing memo. May took money from an agency that struggles financially to fund the demands, and needs, of foster and adoptive children in Kentucky, the prosecutor said, calling it a brazen breach of trust. Van Tatenhove sentenced May on Tuesday. The federal Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Services investigated the case. MANITOWOC Paperwork backed up for months or years, bags of money sitting on his desk in an unlocked room, and lost envelopes of cash unaccounted for and stuffed in random cabinets. Thats how former Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office Lt. David Remiker described the chaos of his years of keeping track of the thousands of dollars authorities claimed as evidence in drug-related crimes. These funds, known as asset forfeiture funds, can eventually be used as restitution, or to fund specific law enforcement initiatives once theyre no longer needed as evidence in court procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From January 2019 to January 2024, it was Remikers job to store the cash securely in an evidence room, figure out how to distribute the funds, deposit the money and hand a receipt to the Manitowoc County Treasurers Office. An audit earlier this year found Remiker who retired in January cant account for about $15,000, which he told special agent Kadija Walusay of the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation he didnt take, instead blaming lack of organization for the missing cash. The Brown County District Attorneys Office earlier this week charged Remiker with felony misconduct in office for these habits. If convicted, he could face up to $10,000 in fines, up to three-and-a-half years in prison, or both. Related: Steven Averys attorney Kathleen Zellner says detectives misconduct charge raises questions about integrity of the case DOJ investigation reveals up to $15K in missing seized assets. Remiker has a long history with the sheriffs office. He worked there for 31 years and spent the last 15 years supervising the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit, a multi-agency unit that includes the Two Rivers Police Department, the Manitowoc Police Department and the county sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions about Remikers behavior arose on Jan. 19, when Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig learned Remiker was caught on camera stealing a seat cover at a basketball game in Oshkosh while off duty. The Oshkosh Police Department notified Hartwig that Remiker removed a seat cover from a seat he had purchased tickets for on Jan. 18. Video surveillance and ticket sales of the seat identified Remiker. Hartwig met with the lieutenant on Jan. 23 to discuss the incident. Remiker acknowledged he had taken the $40 item and said he would return it. The sheriff opted to place Remiker on administrative leave while his office conducted an internal investigation of the incident. Hartwig also decided to audit his units buy funds account since Remiker was responsible for disbursement of those funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey remain imprisoned. Here's where their court proceedings stand. According to a criminal complaint filed with the Brown County district's attorney, Remiker told Hartwig he needed to put something back after learning of the audit, but was denied. Remiker got down on his hands and knees and begged for a chance to make it right, Hartwig told the state investigator. The sheriff denied his request and Remiker was escorted out of the building. Hartwig received a letter from Remiker Jan. 24 announcing his last day on the job would be Jan. 31. He later asked Remiker if he could come in for a few days to train his replacement, Lt. Brett Oswald, which he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff continued to audit the buy funds account by inspecting receipts, reports and interviewing former and current members of the Metro Drug Unit. Each member of the unit received $300 from the buy funds account, which served as a sort of petty cash fund. While auditing the buy funds, which were kept in a locked safe, Hartwig discovered evidence bags containing seized money inside. The bags were correctly labeled with case numbers and easily identifiable as seizure money. He said the bags should not have been stored with the buy funds, but instead in an evidence room or deposited and registered with the county business administrator. Hartwig gave the bags to Oswald to place in a locked evidence room. The sheriff told state investigators that before Remiker came back, he was made aware that the audit of the buy funds found the account $208 short. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remiker told Hartwig he thought they were short $8. He had taken the money to buy tobacco chew and hadnt had the chance to replace it. Remiker offered to pay back the $200 if it was indeed missing, but the sheriff said the reason he had shared the info with Remiker was to make him aware of the status of the audit. The sheriff left his office and later found two $100 bills on his desk, which he assumed Remiker had placed there. Hartwig told Walusay that after finding discrepancies with the buy funds, he was concerned about the other financial responsibilities assigned to Remiker during his years as head of the drug unit. The back side of the Manitowoc County Jail as seen, Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Manitowoc, Wis. Money seized during a criminal investigation which can be quite sizable was inventoried and placed in bags in the evidence room, where the cash remained until it was eligible to be dispersed per sheriffs office police and state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remiker said he would calculate and determine the percentage of funds to go into certain accounts and allocation funds. He then would enter a deposit slip, document the transaction and turn the money and deposit slips in to the Manitowoc County treasurer. Remiker independently managed the asset forfeitures and did not report to any other member of the sheriffs office. Oswald told the sheriff he had looked through Remikers work station and found evidence bags filled with cash in areas accessible by Remiker from cases years ago that should have been deposited and documented, and that there were bags of money that should have been taken care of in a certain year that were not deposited until years later. Hartwig decided to look at a few cases to see if there was a larger problem. His sample of five cases that should have been deposited into the asset forfeiture fund but were missing led to $5,735 unaccounted for. That discrepancy led to a widespread audit of Remikers records and receipts. All told, state investigators estimated about $15,000 had been ordered and released from evidence rooms but never accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remiker denied taking the money when interviewed by phone in July. Walusay couldnt find any funds transferred or deposited into Remikers personal bank accounts. Remiker said he may have misplaced envelopes of cash or made deposits to the federal forfeitures account by mistake. Remiker told authorities he at times struggled to stay on top of the seizure money deposits, records and receipts, and that the computer software used to keep accounts straight was not user friendly. He acknowledged he sometimes made deposits well after a judgment date, or in some cases made bulk deposits. He said the federal account was ahead by around $9,000 after his retirement, but also noted it was ahead when he took over in 2009. Remiker later called Walusay to say money may have been placed in envelopes that were kept in cabinets within the drug unit. He wasnt sure which cabinets, as he had moved offices several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Steven Avery is still trying to appeal his conviction. Here are the most recent updates. He further said he knew he needed at least six months to get caught up on tasks that were put on the back burner, but was unable to do so because of his sudden retirement. Remiker described his last few days at the office, when he had returned to train his co-workers, as mass chaos, and said he believed that all that shit got cleaned out during that time. Remiker blamed the missing paper trail for his deposits on his lack of organizational skills and said he didnt get the support he needed to do the job properly. He also suggested someone else within the sheriffs office could have taken the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not a secure process, Remiker told Walusay. Bad on me, money is sitting on my desk. In our office, open the door, in and out, them up in a cabinet which everyone has access to. I do not know how you can put that on me if it is missing. Remiker acknowledged part of his job duty was to keep track of the money, secure it properly, and deposit and distribute it in a timely manner. The criminal complaint says that from Jan. 1, 2019, to Jan. 19, 2024, Remiker intentionally failed or refused to perform a known mandatory, nondiscretionary, ministerial duty of his office within the time or in the manner required by law. Online court records show Remiker is due for an initial appearance on the felony charge at 9 a.m. Dec. 12 in Waushara County Circuit Court. Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling and on Instagram @PGPatti. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Ex Manitowoc County detective lost more than $15,000 in seized assets A former Stoneham Police officer and his brother, an owner of an electrical contracting company, have pleaded guilty to a criminal bribery and kickback scheme that netted them millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts, the U.S. Attorney said Thursday. Joseph Ponzo, 51, of Stoneham and Christopher Ponzo, 50, of North Reading, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and 24 counts of honest services wire fraud, and one count of making false statements to government officials, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement. Joseph Ponzo also pleaded guilty to four counts of causing false tax returns to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service from 2016 to 2019. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gorton scheduled sentencings for February 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers were arrested on the charges in April 2022. Virtually every Massachusetts resident who uses energy is surcharged and pays for Mass Save, then-U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement following their arrests in April 2022. These payments are mandatory and amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, Rollins said at the time. Defrauding the Mass Save program for millions of dollars means we are all left paying the bill. It is corruption at its core and will not be tolerated. From 2013 to 2022, the brothers conspired to bribe associates of a Mass Save lead vendor company that netted the pair millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass Save is a program that is designed to help Massachusetts residents manage their energy and utility costs. Under the program, utility companies pick lead vendors to approve and select contractors to perform energy improvement work for residential customers. This contracting work performed by contractors at no-cost or reduced cost to the customer is then paid for by the lead vendor company with Mass Save funds. Prosecutors said the Ponzo brothers paid vendor company employees in home bathroom fixtures, a computer, free electrical work, and a John Deere tractor in addition to weekly cash bribes ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. In exchange, the brothers received a procurement of millions in Mass Save contracts with the vendor company. From 2013 to 2017, Christopher Ponzo paid one associate $1,000 in cash on a weekly basis, prosecutors said. At times, Christopher Ponzo paid that associate $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, telling the associate that the extra money was from Joseph Ponzo for his part in the bribery scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In return for these payments, the associate helped Joseph Ponzo set up a shell company, Air Tight, to do insulation work and get approved as a lead vendor contractor under the Mass Save program. Prosecutors said Joseph Ponzo put his spouses name on Air Tight incorporation documents and licenses to hide his involvement in the corruption. Joseph Ponzo collected over $7 million under the Mass Save program, despite having no professional experience in residential insulation work, prosecutors said. When that associate left the company in 2017, prosecutors said the Ponzos recruited another associate to the bribery-kickback scheme, paying them thousands of dollars in cash from approximately 2018 to 2022, and also hiring a relative of the second associate as part of the ongoing scheme. Joseph Ponzo also filed false tax returns from 2016 to 2019 by claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars in false business deductions, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To disguise personal expenses as business deductions, Joseph Ponzo used his company credit card to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in purchases at The Home Depot, Lowes, and Staples, claiming to his tax preparers that charges at those stores were business-related, prosecutors said. In reality, Joseph Ponzo used the company credit card at those stores to buy gift cards that he and his spouse then used to make thousands of dollars in personal purchases. In April 2022, both Joseph Ponzo and Christopher Ponzo lied to federal agents when they denied making bribe payments to any company employees, prosecutors said. The charges of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Charges of false statements provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges of aiding in filing false tax returns each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Former national security adviser John Bolton criticized President-elect Donald Trump, saying he does not have a serious approach to foreign policy during a Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday. Bolton, who resigned from Trumps administration in late 2019, said the dangerous state of world affairs requires the kind of vigorous policy debate that is alien to Trumps style. The President-elect doesnt really have a philosophy of national security, said Bolton, who shared that he had cast a write-in vote for former Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To maintain the way of life that we have here at home, Bolton continued, Americas commander in chief needs to be able to make careful decisions that take into account the string of consequences associated with presidential action. And thats just not the way that Trump operates, Bolton said. Hes transactional, as they say, episodic, ad hoc and not a strategic player. Bolton was the keynote speaker at the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerces fourth annual Growth and Prosperity Summit held at the Utah Valley University campus before a crowd of a few hundred business, government and nonprofit leaders. The schedule also included remarks from Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and former Gov. Gary Herbert. Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton shakes hands with former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert during the Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit held at the Sorensen Student Center Grand Ballroom on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Should America increase defense spending? Bolton applied the same criticism to Americas governing and media class as a whole. Unlike during the Cold War, there is very little public debate about how to address the growing alliance between Americas enemies, which include world powers with nuclear weapons, Russia and China, and a nation pursuing nuclear capabilities, Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whos debating it? Whos hearing about it on television? Its just not happening, Bolton said. We need people to think more about what it takes to make America safe. To do this, Bolton, who is considered by many to be hawkish on national security, said the United States must have discussions about increasing military spending from its current 3% of gross domestic product, to the Reagan-era levels of around 5%. After the Korean War, America continued spending 10-13% of GDP on military operations, Bolton said. And America needs to raise defense spending again by cutting wasteful domestic expenditures. A strong American defense does not mean policing the world or provoking new wars, Bolton said. Its not a desire to engage in conflict. Its precisely the desire to avoid conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The international order depends entirely on American power keeping the seas free, trade routes open and selfish actors contained, Bolton said. In the face of weakness, or incompetence, that order will quickly dissipate. Moderator Ryan Vogel, director of the Center for National Security Studies at Utah Valley University, poses a question to former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton during the Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit held at the Sorensen Student Center Grand Ballroom on the campus of UVU in Orem on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Victory in Ukraine Nowhere is a clear strategy more needed than in Ukraine. Bolton believes the United States should act in line with its longtime official position in relation to Russia and Ukraine: a full restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Supporting Ukrainian military forces with weapons is a smart use of American resources to protect American interests because it has devastated Russian military forces, according to Bolton. Bolton rejects arguments coming from some of those on the populist right that the West provoked Russia into attacking Ukraine by expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, a defense agreement of mutual support between America and most European countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America and its allies did not intentionally grow NATO to threaten Russia, Bolton said. Instead, Russian neighbors, many of them formerly occupied by the Soviet Union, came pounding at NATOs door. Why? Because no adversary has ever sent troops across a NATO ally. Even if the United States is paying a disproportionate share for NATO defense compared to other member nations, it is well worth it for Americas national security, according to Bolton, who is a frequent critic of other international organizations, like the United Nations. We are better off with the NATO allies because it increases our aggregate strength, Bolton said. Why Israel vs. Gaza is really Iran vs. the world From Boltons perspective, the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas militants was not just a rogue act by Hamas. It was a proxy attack by the Middle Easts biggest sponsor of terrorism, Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton, who has in the past advocated for an aggressive approach to Iran, said this basic fact justifies Israel targeting Irans nuclear production facilities and Americas pursuit of total regime change in the Islamic Republic. Obamas nuclear deal with Iran bought into the delusion that the United States enemies abide by an international order outside of American force, Bolton said. Iran did not abide by the agreement and should have never been allowed to enrich Uranium, just as Americas Arab partners are prevented from doing, he said. Supporting Israel in preemptive attacks against Iran, and its terrorist branches in Gaza and Lebanon, is imperative because the alternative could be the end of Israel, Bolton said. Israel faces the potential for nuclear holocaust; its a small country, six, eight, 10 nuclear weapons, there is no more Israel, Bolton said. James Stavridis, former NATO supreme allied commander, warned of internal tension in the alliance because President-elect Trump has made critical remarks about NATO in the past. Therell be a lot of internal tension within the alliance, Stavridis warned during an interview with MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell on Friday. Stavridiss comment comes as Trump has largely touted on the campaign trail an isolationist approach when it comes to handling Ukraine and NATO, vowing to get the nearly three-year war between Russia and Ukraine settled before inauguration day. Though, his election has sparked fear of the U.S. abandoning Ukraine or pushing it to cede territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to NATO, lawmakers, the Biden administration and European allies have attempted to Trump-proof the alliance and its support for Ukraine, given the president-elects skepticism of NATO and Americas role in the European war. He has drawn scrutiny for threatening to pull out of the alliance, upend American support for the war in Ukraine and for criticizing NATO allies for not spending adequately on defense. Trump has been openly critical of Ukraine and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky one of the greatest salesmen for securing billions of dollars in security aid from Washington. However, upon Trumps victory, Zelensky said in a speech in Budapest on Thursday that he had a productive conversation with Trump after Tuesdays election win and expressed optimism in his leadership. During the interview, Stavridis said the internal tension likely will originate from two concerns. Itll stem from two things: one is increased pressure from the Trump administration for our European allies to increase their defense spending, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secondly, your point Andrea, therell be tension about Ukraine and the way forward, Stavridis added, citing Trumps skepticism about American support to Ukraine. Though, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in a post on the social platform X that he congratulated Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, adding that his leadership from the White House will be key to keeping the alliance strong. On Thursday, Putin also congratulated Trump on his election victory and said he was ready to hold discussions with the president-elect. Stavridis and Mitchell also discussed Israel, including that Trump has repeatedly signaled that he wants Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon to be finished by the time he assumes office in January. Stavridis warned that what he views as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being confident in Trumps support may pose some concerns as Israel continues to push into the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It pushes the hope of a cease-fire and the hope of a hostage release even further away, Stavridis said. He did mention a ray of hope during the interview. The only ray of hope I can give that would mitigate against a rise in U.S.-Chinese tensions would be that it is possible that Donald Trump is using the 60 percent tariff number, for example, as a negotiating tactic, he said, adding that the president-elect could come in high and hard, at least in his rhetoric against China and then perhaps calibrate it back. Stavridis added that hes watching the Philippines very closely, as well. People dont realize that the Philippines are a treaty ally of the United States, just like all of our NATO partners, so when we see China in the Philippines in the South China Sea over territorial dispute, thats a very concerning tension point that could also increase the challenges ahead, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MACON, Ga. (WJBF) A former Washington County High School drama teacher has been sentenced to serve over three decades in prison. Michael Allen Dendy, 33, of Milledgeville, Ga. was sentenced to 400 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Nov. 7, 2024. Dendy will also be required to register as a child sex offender upon his release from federal prison. On July 30, 2024, Dendy pled guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state Dendy admitted to obtaining inappropriate images of minors at Washington County High School, communicating with students using fake Instagram accounts. He reportedly admitting to beginning catfishing in 2016 when he lived in Mississippi. According to the United States Attorneys Office Middle District of Georgia, Dendy taught at three schools previously. These include Griffin High School in Griffin, Ga. from 2018-2020; St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Md., from 2017-2018; and Starkville High School in Starkville, Miss., from 2014-2016. We are committed to holding people like Michael Allen Dendy accountable to the fullest extent of the law for monstrously preying on adolescents, in this case tricking minors to send him explicit images and uploading them online for other predators to view, said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. I am thankful for our law enforcement partners who are dedicated to protecting the innocent and bringing child predators to justice. Michael Allen Dendy will no longer be able to prey on children and he will be an old man when he is released from prison, said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. We are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding our children and ensuring that those who prey on them are held accountable. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all law enforcement officers, prosecutors and support personnel who worked tirelessly on this case. Your dedication and hard work have made our community safer and brought us closer to justice for the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents and/or guardians of children who might have interacted with Dendy and have concerns about the investigation can contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-347-2423. MORE ON WJBF.COM Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. (NewsNation) The forty-three monkeys that escaped Thursday from a compound used for medical research in South Carolina are still on the loose, according to a reporter with WSAV. As of noon on Friday, WSAVs Andrew Davis the monkeys were still at large, but there were a few more sightings. Davis told NewsNation theyve been all around the city, showing up at food banks and on top of warehouses. Police are telling people to lock their doors and windows so monkeys dont run inside their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander said the Rhesus macaque primates were from from Alpha Genesis Incorporated. A new employee didnt fully shut the facilitys enclosure which allowed them to leave, Alexander said. When will House results come out? Alpha Genesis provides primates for research worldwide. (The monkeys) are not infected with any disease whatsoever, Alexander said. They are harmless and a little skittish. Female monkeys in the group weigh about 7 pounds. They are so young they havent been used for testing, according to police. Although Alpha Genesis usually handles escapes on site, the monkeys got outside the compound located about 1 mile from downtown Yemassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has set up traps and thermal imaging cameras to find the monkeys. There is almost no danger to the public, Alexander said Thursday, according to the Associated Press. NewsNation local affiliate WCBD reports that there have been similar incidents at Alpha Genesis: In 2016, 19 monkeys got out because of a broken or loose cage door, while 26 monkeys did two years earlier as well. Alpha Genesis was fined $12,000 by federal officials for violations related to the escapes . The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2024 shows a UN Security Council meeting on voting on the renewal for one year the sanctions regime on Haiti at the UN headquarters in New York. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Food insecurity continues to rise. Some 5.4 million people, half of the population, are hungry. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to worsen largely due to the persistent violence, a UN spokesperson said at a daily briefing on Friday. According to the UN Human Rights Office, nearly 4,900 people were killed in Haiti between January and September this year. More than 700,000 people have been displaced internally, over half of whom are children. In Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, the deteriorating violence has displaced 12,000 people in recent weeks. Food insecurity continues to rise, the office said. Some 5.4 million people, half of the population, are hungry. For the first time since 2022, pockets of famine-like conditions are seen in several areas where displaced people are living. Ulrika Richardson, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Haiti, warned earlier this week that the situation in Haiti is very critical, especially in the capital. Many neighbourhoods there are completely under the control of gangs who impose brutal violence, rape women and recruit children into their ranks, and that is extremely worrying. Despite these challenges, the UN and partners continue to deliver humanitarian aid in the country, the spokesperson said. In the first half of the year, they have reached nearly 1.9 million people with humanitarian assistance, including food and cash. Humanitarians have distributed hundreds of thousands of hot meals and water to displaced people in the capital since the end of February. More supplies are needed to meet soaring needs in the crisis-striken country. The spokesperson said that the 684-million-U.S.-dollar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is currently funded with 288 million dollars, or 43 percent. The spokesperson called for real and long-lasting solutions to end the persistent violence and bolster development in Haiti. Fox News hosts on The Five called for prosecutors in Donald Trumps many criminal cases to face the death penalty on Thursday, just as it emerged that the Department of Justice plans to wind down Trumps federal cases before he takes office. A lot of the people that were on this and wanted it so badly, how are they going to survive? Do you think they need therapy? co-host Greg Gutfeld asked. Yes, they definitely need therapy, and maybe also the death penalty, co-host Dana Perino responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, I think the death penalty, Gutfeld said. Fox News Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld suggest the death penalty for Donald Trump prosecutors pic.twitter.com/rkPWnDlZUk aliciasadowski (@aliciasadowski6) November 7, 2024 Trump previously said that hed fire Special Counsel Jack Smith within two seconds as president. Smith is prosecuting Trump in two federal cases, one for hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and another connected to his alleged attempts at election interference following the 2020 race. The DOJ is set to wind down these cases in compliance with a longstanding department policy that a sitting president cant be prosecuted. There are currently ongoing state cases against him in New York, for giving hush money to a porn star, and in Georgia for election interference. Trump cannot pardon himself for state crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trumps case in Georgia, just won reelection. Trumps legal woes certainly did not slow down his path to the presidency, which The Five was quick to point out. In many cases, it emboldened his base. You can do a rhetorical switch when you say that In spite of all of these legal cases against him, he won, Perino said. And I changed it to Because of all of these legal cases. BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) Parking will be free for all visitors to Massachusetts State Parks from Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will waive parking fees as part of an initiative where the National Park Service offers free admission to National Parks nationwide on Monday, November 11 only. Governor Healey attends topping-off ceremony for new Veterans Home in Holyoke Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DCR has installed designated parking spaces, at several parks across the state reserved for veterans. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District will waive day use fees at its recreation areas on Veterans Day Monday. Visitors should check the status of a recreation site before visiting, as some areas may have seasonal closures or other access considerations. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is waiving parking fees at state parks to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and active service members. This initiative recognizes the courage and dedication of those who have served and continue to serve, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. Massachusetts has a proud military history, and our state parks provide great opportunities to experience our outdoor spaces. This weekend, we welcome our veterans and servicemembers to enjoy the beautiful lands they helped protect. We are proud that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is continuing the initiative to waive parking fees at DCR parks for the weekend in honor of Veterans Day, said Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. The service and sacrifices of our veterans and service members inspires us all, and offering free parking is a small gesture to express our profound gratitude for their dedication to our country. We wish everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DCR is the steward of so many of our states cultural resources, many of which commemorate the important role Massachusetts has played in our countrys military history, said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. Waiving parking fees for Veterans Day is a small way to recognize the service and sacrifices of current and former military members and encourage visitors to experience these important sites and learn about their importance. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. France is going to send Ukraine Mirage fighter jets, the second Western jet type it will receive. The jets can carry Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, and Ukraine's jets will reportedly have them. The missiles have frustrated Russia's military. The new Mirage fighter jets France promised to Ukraine will give it another combat platform able to launch the Western Storm Shadow missiles it has been using to frustrate Russia. Ukraine has long been using the Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles given to it by the UK and France to fight back against Russia's invasion, hitting a range of targets, including Russian factories and, it seems, a navy warship , as well as fuel and ammo depots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's recently acquired American-made F-16s aren't configured to fire Storm Shadows, leaving it reliant on its Soviet-designed Su-24 aircraft to launch them. The delivery of the French Mirage 2000s would give it another aircraft able to employ these weapons. A still from footage by Ukraine's air force that shows a Storm Shadow missile being launched. YouTube/Ukrainian Air Force France's armed forces minister, Sebastien Lecornuhas, said earlier this month that his country aimed to send French-made Mirage 2000 jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, in the first half of 2025, and the French newspaper La Tribune reported that those jets will be armed with Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, told BI it is beneficial for Ukraine to get more aircraft that can launch the missiles. "Obviously, you want to get the Storm Shadow, but you need an air platform to launch it from," he said, adding that the ability to launch it from a higher altitude offers greater range. Capable cruise missiles Retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon "Skip" Davis, who served as NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for its defense-investment division, told BI that "it's a good thing, the fact that the jets will be capable of launching the SCALP cruise missiles." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's a big deal," he said, explaining that the "biggest thing" with the Mirages pledged to Ukraine is that they'll already be able to launch the Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles the UK and France have been providing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the first F-16 fighter jets received by Ukraine on August 4, 2024. Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The stealthy air-launched cruise missiles were developed jointly by the UK and France and manufactured by the multinational European defense outfit MBDA. While the UK calls them Storm Shadows, France calls the weapons SCALP missiles. The long-range missiles can hit targets up to 155 miles from where they are launched. Each missile costs almost $1 million, according to the BBC. The UK was the first country to give Kyiv the weapon, with the first deliveries of Storm Shadows/SCALPs taking place in May 2023. France announced deliveries two months later in July. Since the first deliveries, the missiles have become a key weapon in Ukraine's arsenal. New fighter jets The La Tribune report said that France will deliver the first three Mirage jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of next year. France has not said how many it will send. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how many Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles France may commit as part of the effort. It also not clear how many of the missiles Ukraine currently has. Ukraine often ends up running low on key types of weaponry before allies decide to replenish its stocks. But even if it does get more to go with its new jets, the impact of the weapon could be blunted unless allies change their long-standing stance on Ukraine not being allowed to use the long-range weapons they send to strike Russian territory. Ukraine has long been seeking permission to use Storm Shadows/SCALPs to hit military targets in Russia, with many warfare experts arguing that the restrictions hand Russia a huge advantage because Ukraine has to stop attacks after they are launched instead of destroying the attacks at the source. The Storm Shadow/SCALP. JUSTIN TALLIS/ Getty Images Politico reported in August that a Biden administration national security official said Russia's forces had moved some of their military assets out of range of Ukraine's Western-provided Storm Shadow/SCALP and ATACMS missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK indicated in September that talks with the US over whether to give permission for Ukraine to use Storm Shadows/SCALPS to hit Ukraine were underway. As for why the US is involved, the US needs to give permission because the Storm Shadows have an American system on board to frustrate Russia's jamming efforts. France has said that Ukraine should be allowed to hit military targets inside Russia with its long-range weaponry, but it hasn't indicated that it will try to bypass US restrictions. Regardless, the Mirage will be "added value" for Ukraine, Gordon said. He was critical of how long the decision to send them has taken but said they will still help Ukraine. "It would've been nice if they had thought of this maybe a year and a half ago, so they'd be flying right now, but they provide some key advantages," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider The French pilots' union SNLP on Friday called a one-day strike for November 14, amid a row over government plans to triple the tax on flight tickets. The union fears this would have a negative effect on French airlines. The impact of the strike on air traffic is not yet clear. Only French airlines would be affected by the action. The business newspaper Les Echos reported on Friday that a number of Air France pilots are opposed to the planned strike, because they believe the action will harm the airline just as much as the increased levies, which Air France has already passed on in full to customers by raising ticket prices for next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax hike on airline tickets is expected to bring in an additional 1 billion ($1.08 billion) in tax revenue, with the French parliament currently looking to adopt an austerity budget that includes savings and additional revenues to make up for 60 billion. The German airline industry is also up in arms over a rise in aviation tax, which was increased by 25% in May, as well as against air traffic control charges and the so-called aviation security fee, calling for the new charges to be scrapped. Taras Chmut, head of the Come Back Alive foundation, a Ukrainian non-governmental military charity organisation, believes that the front is currently facing its worst period since spring 2022, the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion. Ukrainian defenders are gradually retreating and Ukraine faces shortages in weaponry, manpower and decisive support from its partners. Source: Chmut in an interview with DW Quote: "In my opinion, the front has not 'collapsed', but it is going through its worst period since spring 2022. The current situation is the result of a combination of various factors: internal, external, within the Armed Forces, within the state and in partner countries. Small steps in these areas have led and continue to lead to unfavourable and negative scenarios in the development of events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the Russians who are not exceptionally powerful right now, but we have weaknesses. Why weaknesses? Because we lack people, there is an insufficient supply of ammunition and we dont have the strategic backing from partners to engage in nonlinear resistance against Russia. Plainly, this includes things like permission to strike Russian airfields with American or other countries weapons. Its not just about that, though. A year ago, we had more personnel, and now we have fewer. Mobilisation is barely happening. Losses have been significant and continue to be so, which, unfortunately, is unavoidable. While Ukraines and Russias losses are incomparable, our human resources are, unfortunately, also incomparable." Details: Chmut added that Russias partners are highly active, making swift decisions and providing Russia with weapons and even troops. In particular, he noted that North Korea is a significant factor in the war, comparing North Koreas support for Russia to the USs support for Ukraine. He pointed out that this affects the battlefield, as Ukrainian defenders are forced to retreat. The head of Come Back Alive believes Ukraine's partners are showing weakness and fear of Russia. Support UP or become our patron! CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Caddo Commission discusses the funding measure to turn a church into a Community Lighthouse. Several people addressed the commission Thursday in support of the measure saying it is a needed resource that is going to help residents around two churches already selected which are Morning Star Baptist Church and the Highland Center. Commissioner Roy Burrell and several other commissioners are looking to approve $500,000 in American Rescue Plan money to turn Galilee Baptist Church into a Community Lighthouse for the Allendale community. The project places large-scale solar power, back-up batteries, and generators to maintain electricity during mass power outages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Community Lighthouses are underway in Louisiana. Parish leaders said it is needed in northwest Louisiana because the most loss of life during a natural disaster occur when residents are left days without power. Also as a proactive response to the mass outage that occurred this past June and the deadly freeze of 2021. The commissioners discussed the constraints of allocating the money despite the need. Ultimately deciding to postpone the vote for two-weeks. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Originally appeared on E! Online Garth Brooks legal battle continues. A month after the country singer spoke out against the sexual assault allegations included in a California lawsuit by a former makeup artist for him and wife Trisha Yearwood, he has filed to move the case to a federal court. In the documents filed Nov. 1 and obtained by E! News, Brooks argued for removal of the lawsuit from the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles to the United States District Court for the Central District of California, on the basis of diversity of citizenship jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the document, Brooks says that he has not yet been served with the lawsuit. He also emphasized that he denies any liability in the Superior Court, denies the allegations in the Complaint, and denies that Plaintiff has sufficiently stated any plausible claim upon which relief can be granted. Brooks argued that the case should be eligible for removal from the California Superior Court under the diversity citizenship code, which allows a case to be brought to federal court when the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the documents, the case was originally filed in California state court. But Brooks argues for removal due to Brooks residence in Tennessee and the plaintiffs residence in Mississippi, citing the diversity of citizenship code. Brooks further argued in the new filing that the case qualifies for removal under that code, because the amount in controversy in this case, including potential counterclaims, exceeds the sum. of $75,000. The country singers filing to move the case to federal court came a little less than a month after he denied any allegations made against him in the lawsuitwhich was originally filed Oct. 3. Shannon Finney/Getty Images For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars," the 62-year-old said in a statement to E! News shortly after the filing was made. It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, accusing the plaintiff of extortion, Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable ofugly acts no human should ever do to another. In the lawsuit filed by Jane Roe, the plaintiff accused Brooks of openly talking about sexual subjects, and sending her sexually explicit messages including one "about having a threesome with his wife, Ms. Yearwood. Brooks later filed a preemptive lawsuit in Mississippi Oct. 8 to prevent the plaintiff from suing him in her native state. "[Brooks] is the victim of a shakedown," the country wrote in legal documents obtained by E! News. "When Jane Roe threatened to publish lies about himintending to blackmail [Brooks] into paying her millions of dollarshe filed this lawsuit to preserve his reputation, establish the truth, and put a stop to her scheme. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM E! News has reached out to Brooks regarding the latest filing but has not yet heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, attorneys Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen and Hayley Baker, who are representing Roe, said in a statement to NBC News that Brooks "efforts to silence our client through the filing of a preemptive complaint in Mississippi was nothing other than an act of desperation and attempted intimidation." Roes legal counsel added that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions. We applaud our client's courage in moving forward with her complaint against Garth Brooks, their statement continued. The complaint filed today demonstrates that sexual predators exist not only in corporate America, Hollywood and in the rap and rock and roll industries but also in the world of country music. (E! News and NBC News are both apart of the NBCUniversal Family) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) An annual fundraiser in Holyoke is giving hospitalized kids and their families a home-away-from-home for the holidays. Local fundraiser to help support the educational needs of children The Ronald McDonald House of Springfield held its 4th annual Trees of Hope holiday celebration at Gary Rome Hyundai this evening. The dealership turned its showroom into a winter wonderland filled with 50 decorated trees and gifts, all being raffled off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proceeds go back into supporting the 140 families at Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. It provides children with meals, and lodging and gives them access to medical care. It was healing, something that felt like it was the worst thing that could have happened turned into the greatest blessing and were just so grateful, said Amanda Johnson of Athol. Ronald MacDonald House is such a great organization that does so much for families in need. And all the money stays right here in the community, added the owner of Gary Rome Hyundai, Gary Rome. Gary Rome Hyundai hopes this event raises $200,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. And on November 17th, Gary Rome will be hosting a holiday craft fair. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. KIGALI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan Minister of Emergency Management Albert Murasira announced Thursday the government's adoption of a new disaster risk reduction and management policy, urging all stakeholders to integrate the policy's actions into their plans with the collective goal of building a resilient nation. He made these remarks at the national conference on disaster risk reduction and management in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, held to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the theme "Understanding the Root Causes of Disaster Risks in Rwanda: From National Policies and Plans to Proactive Actions." Murasira called on participants to strengthen collaboration and partnerships to effectively implement the disaster risk reduction and management policy. "Good disaster risk management is not the responsibility of one ministry, agency, or partner alone but requires a coalition," said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN resident coordinator for Rwanda. He said that disasters are now predictable in their unpredictability, underscoring the importance of joint action between Rwanda and the UN to build a more resilient future. Fulgence Dusabimana, Kigali's vice mayor in charge of urbanization and infrastructure, said "before any project is approved, risk assessments are conducted to identify potential hazards such as floods and landslides. Kigali's Urban Planning guidelines mandate adherence to disaster-resilient building codes and land-use policies to ensure safer construction areas and the use of materials and designs that can withstand environmental challenges." The conference gathered government officials, development and humanitarian partners, civil society, academia, faith-based organizations, and the private sector to discuss proactive strategies for enhancing Rwanda's resilience to both natural and human-made disasters. SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) South Jordan authorities have determined a gas leak caused a home explosion that killed a 15-year-old Bingham High School student Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6. Local fire investigators have determined that a natural gas leak caused the explosion and subsequent 2-alarm fire, Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Lessner of South Jordan City Fire said. 15-year-old Bingham High student identified as victim in South Jordan home explosion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lessner says the source of the gas leak remains under investigation. investigators are working diligently to determine exactly where and how it originated. Officials responded to reports of a house explosion in South Jordan on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6. A 15-year-old male died in the explosion. He had just arrived home from school, the student was confirmed to have attended Bingham High School. They found the body of that 15-year-old later Wednesday night in the rubble of the home. South Jordan City confirmed that on Thursday morning. At the familys request, his name will not be released at this time, the city wrote in a press release. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends, and neighbors affected by this devastating incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family has also asked for privacy at this time. A GoFundMe has been started to support the family affected by the explosion. As of Thursday night, the GoFundMe has raised almost $75,000. The city said the Jordan School District will provide counseling resources to families and students affected by the tragedy. According to South Jordan City, they have called additional investigators will be working at the scene through the weekend, and are currently hoping to have more information available by early next week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) A Garfield County deputy was fired Thursday after allegations of embezzlement from a local nonprofit. The Garfield County Sheriffs Office said in a press release Cpl. Trisha Worley was terminated after an internal affairs administrative investigation. A 14-year veteran with GCSO, Worley was placed on administrative leave with pay on Oct. 23. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is looking into criminal charges to avoid possible conflict of interest within the sheriffs office, the press release said. CBI will release any information pertaining to a possible criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Lou Vallario said in a press release: As the sheriff, I firmly believe that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard by the people we serve. If we cannot police ourselves, how can the community have confidence in our ability to police them? As such, I expect and support a rigorous and thorough criminal investigation. However, it is equally important to remember that everyone in this country has Constitutional rights, regardless of their profession and are innocent until proven guilty. This case is in the early stages. I will, however, be as transparent as possible as the case develops while respecting the investigation, judicial system and the rights of those accused. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Liz Coulbourn This story was written by Teen Vogue's 2024 Student Correspondents, a team of college students and recent graduates covering the election cycle from key battleground states. In the end, it was over so fast. Donald Trumps decisive 2024 election win has left people around the country reeling. He expanded his support among many segments of the electorate, notably including some Latino voters and young men, and dominated in swing states, winning at least five so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teen Vogues group of student correspondents spent the week on the ground in swing states nationwide talking to young voters about the results. We wanted to hear what impact young people think another Trump administration and Republican Senate will have on their lives, their community, and their loved ones. Students told us how they spent election night, and if they were surprised by the results. They shared why they think Vice President Kamala Harris lost, ultimately, and what they wish Democrats had done differently. Below, hear directly from 27 students, recent graduates, and young workers in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan about an election that will shape their future. These responses have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity. Some respondents requested to withhold their last name to protect their anonymity. Nevada Leslie Medina, 24, marketing coordinator As a first-generation Latina woman, I am scared, frustrated, and incredibly saddened by the results. [Trumps] rhetoric has not only perpetuated harmful stereotypes, but has created an environment where hatred, bigotry, and discrimination seem to be normalized. This extends beyond racial and ethnic lines it's a threat to womens rights, to the LGBTQ+ community, and to all marginalized groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To see him back in power with such widespread support is heartbreaking. It feels like a step backward for our country one that embraces hate over understanding and ignorance over facts. "Trump was able to capitalize on the intersection of religion and politics, which resonated strongly with many conservative voters. The spread of misinformation and the lack of critical education played a huge role in shaping people's decisions this election. Nick Stewart Zoe Malen, 22, recent graduate from University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) I feel absolutely gutted and disappointed. We have let someone into the highest position of power who doesnt care for womens safety, the safety of people of color, the safety of the gay community, and from what Ive seen only seems to care if you are rich, white, and male. I am disgusted and disappointed for those who voted against human rights, climate protections, and education. There is a racist criminal soon to be running our country for the second time and I, ultimately, just feel heartbroken to know how many people in America actively chose that. The ignorance and lack of concern or empathy this country has is gross. Nick Stewart Nick Stewart Gabriella Detrick, 19, political science major at UNR [Im very concerned with] reproductive health care. Im not really even, in this momenttalking about abortion. For example, I have [polycystic ovarian syndrome]. Having access to contraception is actually the first line of defense for something that has nothing to do with pregnancy. Thats what I have to have access to to generally treat it because there is no other solution. You have Republicans who are actively wanting to crack down on the availability of contraception. Thats me seeking health care I need to live a normal life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Stop telling younger voters that their beliefs are uneducated simply because they have less general life experience than you. Stop telling people that, because you [then] cannot be shocked in that case, when [fewer] younger votersturn out to the polls. Michigan Lila Turner Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamie Feuerman, 21, senior at University of Michigan "Many Gen Z men have been radicalized into this philosophy of racism, toxic masculinity, and misogyny by celebrities like Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate. Maybe the Harris campaign didnt do a good enough job reaching out to that demographic. Even on my college campus, votes for Trump went up compared to 2020, and I would be willing to bet that a lot of the reason for that is young men. I have already heard from friends in minority groups that they are now not considering moving to a red state after graduation, or want to try to leave the country for grad school. A friend who had been planning to move to DC after graduation along with me has already said she wants to leave the country for work instead." Lila Turner Dani Colman, 21, senior at the University of Michigan "Truthfully, Im terrified. Im shocked that sexual assault, fraud, and constant bullying was not a deal breaker to the majority of America. Im disappointed more than anything, but I will continue to fight alongside women and minorities who feel insulted and threatened by [Trumps] power. Rather than teaching our daughters that they can achieve their dreams, America has taught our sons that they can mistreat, lie, abuse, and still become the most powerful person in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I watched the election in a room filled with young women. We were shocked and confused, angry and frightened. But we were together, and we knew that we would continue to care for each other, no matter what happens next." Sierra, 22, coordinator for a health nonprofit Personally, as a queer woman of color who is nowhere close to Trump-voter-passing, for lack of better words, I have no doubt that the aggression of his supporters victory will be detrimental to my feeling of safety and security walking around. I have friends who are rushing to get their IUDs before January, and Im considering getting one myself even though Im dating a woman. Even abortions for nonconsensual pregnancies are at stake and who knows what could happen. Audrey Clayton, 21, senior at the University of Michigan I think [Harris] had a very specific and special message for young people to keep fighting, because she knows that many of us are impatient for change. And, you know, her slogan for a lot of the campaign has been, When we fight, we win, and we didn't win this one. But that doesn't mean that we're not going to win the bigger fight for progress. So for me, it's all about looking towards 2026. That starts today. Thinking about what kind of soul searching the Democratic Party needs to do to identify why we're losing some of these young voters. Arizona Camryn (she/her), 25, December 2023 graduate of Arizona State University (ASU) Im still trying to come to terms with the fact that the results of this election are even real. It genuinely feels like a joke. Im scared as a woman, but also as a woman of color. Tori Gantz I knew that the country didnt care about women the way they do with other topics due to Roe being overturned, but maybe I just didnt want to believe that we could be hated this much. I just cant comprehend people not choosing basic human rights. The country was already doing terribly, but now I cant even imagine how much worse its about to become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The worst part is, and Im sure a lot of other people may feel this way, I feel so helpless. I think the only positive side to this whole election is Prop 139, [a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution] being passed here in Arizona. Fatima Gabir, junior majoring in journalism and mass communication at ASU Kamala Harriss campaign was definitely flawed, especially on her stance on Gaza. But I honestly didnt expect her to lose by that much. I think myself and others didnt realize how far-right this country has become until today. The only thing Donald Trump ran on was fear-mongering, and it worked on many voters. I think right now were spending too much time blaming individuals and demographics instead of the people of power. Tori Gantz Milagros, 22, central regional organizer at the Arizona Students Association The passing of Prop 314 [a ballot measure to expand state- and local-level immigration enforcement] will instill fear among our most vulnerable communities. We fought to protect our communities from increased profiling, discrimination, and intimidation, especially toward those who are already marginalized. Our state should be a place of inclusion and safety for all, not one where policies foster division and suspicion. Bryce, 21, senior and chair of the Young Democratic Socialists of America at ASU I somewhat saw this coming and was emotionally prepared for the outcome, but I wont lie that the way it played out shocked me. I didnt expect him to win so decisively. I thought it would be much closer. But most importantly, Im ready to keep fighting. This country is still the same fundamentally broken country it was before November 5th, and I am more energized than ever to keep organizing for real change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I spent election night with some close friends watching the race. We were in our living room watching MSNBCs coverage when Fox became the first major network to call Pennsylvania and the race itself, and then we watched Trumps victory speech. It all felt surreal. I felt like I was transported back to 2016, like I was in middle school again. "I think Harris lost because she decided that she wanted to run as a Republican. Running to the right of Joe Biden signaled to many voters that there was no point in voting for her because, regardless, youre essentially voting for Republican policies, especially on immigration, Palestine/foreign policy, and other issues. I also think refusing to distinguish herself from Joe Biden, a historically unpopular candidate, played a huge role. "Many people will try to blame leftists, Palestinians, or other marginalized groups for her loss, but, ultimately, the blame lands squarely on the Democratic Party, Harris herself, and Joe Biden. They messed up big time, and handed the country off to a fascist. "To find something positive, I want to highlight the success of Prop 139. For the first time in the history of the state, abortion is now a fundamental and protected right in Arizona. The passage of this measure reflects that progressive policies are popular among Americans, even when Democrats are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Id like to highlight the necessity for young people to not give up. The struggle for equality and justice does not start and end at the ballot box. Get involved and get organized. We cannot rely on the Democratic Party to defend our rights and freedoms. We must defend them ourselves. Hayden Nguyen (he/him), 19, sophomore and co-chair of Students for Justice in Palestine at ASU During this campaign cycle, I worked as a canvasser for some local candidates with the [Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee]. Through this work, I, like many of my colleagues, bought into the notion that Harris would win. Whether it was because of the delusion that Trump was unelectable and insane or the blind optimism of the hundreds of volunteers I saw every weekend, I believed shed come out ahead. "Around 8 p.m., I was at a watch party with my fellow organizers when votes were counting up in Pennsylvania. This is when I realized that Harris and the Democratic Party were hours away from a crushing defeat. As the votes continued to come in, a rush of memories came to my head, like when [Texas Senate candidate] Colin Allred said his transphobic remarks, or every time that the Democratic Party reaffirmed Israels right to defend itself. I was angry for the thousands of volunteers and young Democrats who sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears for a campaign which has betrayed leftist ideals on every level. Pennsylvania Liana Secondino, 21, journalism major at Lehigh University Im feeling defeated. After the whole waiting on line for six hours [to vote], and hoping that Northampton County would be blue. Its like coming off of an adrenaline high. Emmanuella Agyemang Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aliya Ali, 20, political science and sociology minor at Lehigh University As a member of the Ethiopian American community, I feel so frustrated that members of our community thought that voting for Trump was a form of protest against the Democratic politicians who havent addressed the political turmoil. "I feel like there is also a larger conversation to be had on the complacency of the Democratic Party whenever we have a devastating loss in seats or presidential elections. Florida Cecilia Llamas, 21, senior at the University of Miami I feel everything at once: anger, sadness, frustration, shock, and betrayal. I am gutted and ashamed for those who voted for him a twice-impeached, convicted felon, and [alleged] rapist who, above all else, undermines and threatens our democracy and planet. "I am worried that the Trump administration will reverse climate change measures and infrastructure investments. Im afraid hell cause irreparable damage to the economy, immigrants, our school systems, health care, and democracy. His proposed economic plan is harmful to the national deficit and detrimental to consumers. I am also concerned about the rise of hate crimes. Having a racist individual as the leader of our country sends a very strong message about the values of this country. Emma Dominguez, 22, recent graduate of the University of Miami I feel extremely disheartened and upset by the results, and honestly surprised about the popular vote as well. Its hard to put into words what its felt like to realize that the majority voted against the interests of women and other marginalized communities. Its been really sobering to see. I am also extremely disheartened at the fact that Amendment 4 [to enshrine abortion rights in Floridas constitution] did not pass. The fact that Florida relies on a supermajority to pass amendments feels counterintuitive and is preventing its citizens from being heard. Daniela Osorio, 22, recent graduate of the University of Tampa I am absolutely heartbroken at the election results. Not only because of who ended up in office, but also seeing people who I felt were close to me vote for someone and align themselves with politics that are actively harmful to the communities that I and they exist in. Caroline Val "There are so many things I am worried about with the Trump administration: access to lifesaving health care; immigration policies that are going to be separating families and taking away existing rights for immigrants, especially being a first-generation American; and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically trans individuals who are now one of the main targets in this country. Diana La Torre, 21, senior at the University of Miami I feel distress. The results showed that a majority of American citizens do not care about progress and the protection of basic human rights for all. Instead, they prefer to revert back to times that subjected minority groups to prejudice and hate. I am afraid for my future along with the future of those I love. "Im most worried about potential new policies that will limit womens right to choose, the lives that could be lost due to a lack of gun regulations, and mass deportation laws that will impact the Latino community my community. There are many things about this administration that worry me and, I cant lie, it feels hopeless. Georgia Sage Hamilton, student at Georgia State University (GSU) Even though it seems like were divided, even though somebody may have a different opinion, you can still come together. We can still try to not focus on the hate and still try to unify. Ifama Frazier, sophomore at GSU Its unbelievable that theres someone thats actively fighting against our basic human rights, and its even more frustrating that hes in office. Toni Odejimi Nolan Daly, sophomore at GSU I dont love [Trumps] morals. I dont love a lot of his personality, but I think that he was just the better of two bad candidates. But I really do like his policies on the economy, and I like his policies on certain rights like abortion, which he does give to the states, instead of just outright banning it. Juno Zellner, GSU student Everybodys really sad, and most people Ive talked to today have been crying, mostly nonstop. So Im happy that Im seeing at least everybodys able to push through, but even my professor canceled class early. Assignments have been pushed. Its definitely feeling like were in mourning. Christian Pao, sophomore journalism student at GSU I think that the journalist field, just in general, is almost getting backed up into a corner where were having to report on everything objectively and factually as possible. But when we have someone in a position of power who for years now has been spewing lies and misinformation and disinformation, it is really difficult to try to report on that factually and objectively, while also trying to sort of cut that down a couple of pegs and say outright, like, No, this isnt true at all, but we still need to report on it because this is the president were talking about. Wisconsin Jane Houseal Jane Houseal Jane Houseal Charlene Huynh (she/any), 20, senior studying sociology and communication arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison One of the main reasons [Harris] lost is because she really abandoned the left. One of the big topics she was being pressed on was, of course, Palestine. Instead of giving people a policy or a stance that told them she would actually try to do something about the genocide, she instead ignored them and used virtue signaling to try to get that vote. But, ultimately, she decided to pander to the moderates, and the moderate right, which I think made her lose even more people on the left. "I think another thing is that her platform focuses a lot on the urban middle classwhich ignores a large majority of the American population who are working-class or rural voters. Thats where Trump comes in, because he just knows how to use populism to get those votes. "I think weve seen that this system will fail us no matter what, and we have to just try to come together and put all our efforts in towards something greater because we cant rely on the president or our representatives. Honor Durham (she/her), 21, senior studying political science at UW-Madison The only thing that the Democrats could have done differently is to actually have Joe Biden step aside earlier. If he had not chosen to run again, and they had a normal Democratic primary, maybe that would have changed the outcome. But if were just talking about July onwards, I actually dont think theres much Kamala Harris could have done differently. Obviously not everybody was thrilled with her or her policy standpoints, but given what she had to work with and the short amount of time that she had, I think she did a pretty solid job, and its a shame that it didnt come through yesterday. I think most people are just feeling generally really, really apprehensive about what the next four years are going to bring, or even what the future of elections is going to look like. It seems unimaginable that its going to get worse, but I sense that maybe it probably will, because of the types of people hes surrounding himself with, and also the fact that theres not a lot of Democratic checks and balances in Congress or in the Supreme Court. August Easton-Calabria (they/them), 28, graduate student at UW-Madison and organizer with Socialist Alternative I dont think that [Democrats] presented working people with a coherent argument for why we should be voting for them. I think that leaves a lot of space for Trump and the right wing to grow and to capture peoples attention. So, unfortunately, Im not particularly surprised. What we know about the first Trump presidency is that his policies and his agenda are not written in stone yet. Its going to take mass movements and working-class action to fight back, but it is absolutely possible. His agenda, and the far-right agenda, is not inevitable. Sylvia Reinebach (she/her), 22, UW-Madison I feel that progressive and people on the left lost the message of how they were going to help the working-class and thats how this was lost. "Now were facing a huge majority of people that voted for somebody who denies climate change, and Im really scared of that. That is probably the worst part of this. And how weve just showed all of the women and young girls of this country that even if you [allegedly] repeatedly assault women and talk bad about them, you can become a two-term president and the most powerful man in the world. Thats utterly disappointing. But I have hope this will wake people up, and that we will keep organizing. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more U.S. government coverage? Researchers have developed a simpler pathway, involving a newly known minimum of seven genes that allow the plant cell to make the enzyme that can covert nitrogen gas from the air to fertilizer. The method allows cereal crops, such as corn and rice, to achieve nitrogen fixation on their own via sunlight without applying fertilizer. The method could simplify the genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops. Nitrogen and crops Food productivity is dependent on the availability of fertilizer, says Utah State University biochemist Lance Seefeldt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need nitrogen to survive, but we cant take it in from the air, says Seefeldt, professor and head of USUs Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. We get nitrogen from the protein in our food. The Haber-Bosch process revolutionized the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to a form that allowed for the industrial-scale production of fertilizer a little over a century ago. The discovery led to a huge increase in global food production and a massive population boom. Still, certain areas of the globe, including Sub-Saharan Africa, lack the infrastructure to allow import and distribution of fertilizer, much less the capacity to produce the nutrient-essential product close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2019, Seefeldt and USU Senior Scientist Zhi-Yong Yang have collaborated on a project with colleagues in Spain and the United States to re-engineer the biology of cereal crops, such as corn and rice, to achieve nitrogen fixation on their own from sunlight without applying fertilizer. Converting air into fertilizer naturally With lead authors Luis Rubio and Lucia Paya Tormo, Carlos Echavarri-Erasun, Natalia Makarovsky-Saavedra, and Ana Perez-Gonzalez at the Center for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), along with Yisong Guo of Carnegie Mellon University, Seefeldt and Yang report a simpler pathway, involving a newly known minimum of seven genes that allow the plant cell to make the enzyme that can covert N2 gas from the air to fertilizer. Their findings appear in the Nov. 6, 2024 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The goal is to place genes into the crops mitochondria and chloroplasts, enabling them to generate sufficient energy to drive nitrogen fixation, Yang says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a pretty cool piece of evidence. Essentially, these staple caloric cropsrice, corn, and potatoescould have built-in fertilizer. The team initially narrowed the number of genes needed to fix nitrogen to nine and identified gene combinations they thought were essential to complete the process. To their surprise, they discovered genes theyd designated as critical middlemen could be omitted. Freeing crops from fertilizer use The possibility of freeing cereal crops from the need for added fertilizer is significant, Seefeldt says. Haber-Bosch has prevented mass starvation and enables most of us to enjoy a bountiful, stable food supply, but it carries a heavy carbon footprint, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two percent of the worlds fossil fuel supply goes toward fertilizer production, which is highly pollutive. Further, the newly discovered minimum genes could help to alleviate hunger in less-developed, less-accessible parts of the world, as well as areas increasingly plagued by climate-driven drought. The knowledge also advances research focused on food production beyond Earth. Seefeldt and USU colleague Bruce Bugbee have collaborated on NASA-funded efforts investigating how to sustain human life on long-duration space missions, including trips to Mars. Piece by piece, were learning what genes and what combination of genes are needed to achieve nitrogen fixation in different cells, Seefeldt says. Instead of just one horn playing, were trying to get the whole orchestra to play together. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) One week has passed since International Paper (IP) announced plans to close its facility in Georgetown. Community leaders and government officials are working to help the most impacted. Dozens of organizations and agencies gathered at Georgetown County council chambers to discuss resources for workers impacted by the closure, especially with the holidays right around the corner. The news was devastating for our community. I think a lot of us are still reeling. Still, we have been working hard with many community partners to come together and see what we can do to mitigate this, said Jackie Broach, Georgetown County Public Information Officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper plant operated business in the waterfront district for 90 years, generating billions of dollars while providing job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of locals. Nearly 700 jobs will be terminated, creating a massive number of layoffs. To help provide opportunities, local organizations like Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments Workforce Development, the city of Georgetown, and Tidelands Health all came to the conference ready to assist those in need. We want to get that information in front of those employees as fast as possible so they may be relieved knowing that we have some excellent paying jobs with transferable skills. I did it coming from manufacturing to healthcare; they can do it too, said Jeremy Stephens, the executive vice president and human resource officer at Tidelands Health. Officials said the plant is expected to cease all operations by Christmas day, and despite the devastating news, Georgetown County is stepping up to help those impacted by the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know the path forward will be challenging, but we are resilient. You know weve weathered a lot of storms. Were going to come through more robust, and were going to look after each other, said Broach. For more information on how you can get involved, please click the links below Impacted by the International Paper mill closure? News Flash Businesses that are hiring asked to participate Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Thursday that the state had settled its part of a 30-state lawsuit against Kroger related to the opioid crisis. According to Carrs office, Georgia and its local governments will get $55 million to expand opioid treatment access, prevention and recovery services. Funding from the lawsuit will be distributed over a period of time, according to the Georgia Attorney Generals Office. Its a portion of an overall $1.37 billion settlement resolving allegations that the Kroger company had contributed to the opioid crisis. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrs office said Kroger also agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report and share data about suspicious activity related to prescriptions for opioids. The opioid crisis knows no economic, geographic, or demographic boundaries, and it continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities throughout our state, Carr said in a statement. The AG said Georgia was fighting the opioid crisis on multiple fronts by declaring war on fentanyl and holding accountable those who have contributed to this crisis in the first place. To date, Georgia and its local governments have secured more than $1 billion from lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, according to Carrs office. According to data shared by the AGs office, Georgias rate of fentanyl-involved overdose deaths rose 308% from 2019 to 2022. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Thursdays celebration to bring batteries into Georgias energy mix was a highly-anticipated milestone for Georgia Power. A new 65 megawatt battery energy storage system named Mossy Branch Energy Facility in Talbot County is live. It features 6,700 batteries in 208 gray enclosures on 2.5 acres that store energy from the grid and provide energy when its needed during peak demand. On a cloudy day like today, our solar assets are not putting out 100% if you hear the beautiful hum behind us these batteries are being charged by the grid and when we need them they can be discharged back onto the grid, Kim Greene, CEO and president of Georgia Power, said to a group of local leaders at the Mossy Branch BESS facility opening. Its a wonderful asset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power executives, members of the Public Service Commission, and local leaders from Talbot and Muscogee counties were present for the battery plants ribbon-cutting. Georgia Power executives and project managers, and local leaders from Talbot cut the ribbon for the opening day of the battery storage facility. 11/07/2024 Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols emphasized Georgia is a reliability-centric state. Greene thanked Echols and said he had a lot to do with the vision of batteries in the early days of the development. Tim Echols, Public Service Commissioner and CEO/President of Georgia Power, shakes hands with Kim Greene at the opening of the Mossy Branch Energy Facility in Talbot County. 11/07/2024 This (Mossy Branch BESS facility) will help us enhance reliability and resilience from years to come, said Rick Anderson, senior vice president of Georgia Powers east production group. This will help through peak power demands or unforeseen disruptions this where were standing this is where its at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone on-hand for the event was enthusiastic about the new development. I am so happy and excited to be here, Rick Anderson, This is a big deal. It will supply safe, affordable energy for years to come. Its historic for all of us. Anderson said one of the things that makes this so reliable is the speed to get onto the grid. Coal assets take 10 to 15 megawatts per minute to ramp up, combustion turbine 40 to 60 megawatts per minute, this site takes 0.175 seconds to ramp up, he said. Its instantaneous. Rick Anderson is a senior vice president of the East Production Group at Georgia Power who managed the Mossy Branch Energy Facility BESS project. 11/07/2024 The lithium-ion batteries, which come from China, have a 20-year lifespan and a rate of 1-2% degradation per year, according to Anderson. The lay of the land A low and subtle hum blankets the area of mainly gray 6-foot-by-6-foot enclosures, transformers and inverters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a site tour, state Rep. Teddy Reese (D-140) asked Georgia Power Project Manager Sybelle Fitzgerlad whether this is just a back up facility. We shouldnt think of this as just a backup spot, right? he asked. We should think of this as an integrated function of a grid, its just as involved as a hydro dam or coal plant? Thats right, Fitzgerald replied. Inside the enclosures are rows of black rectangular boxes and orange cords. They thread together to store and convert DC and AC currents to transformers and substations. The design, engineering and procurement was done by Wartsila, a Finnish company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power officials and Tim Echols applauded the partnership with Wartsila. They designed the enclosure and wiring, she said. How you wire it makes the difference in efficiency. Inside the enclosure it is completely temperature controlled so it can stay cool on very hot Georgia days or warm on the colder days. There were no safety incidents during the years-long construction, according to Fitzgerald. Sybelle Fitzgerlad, left, is Georgia Power Mossy Branch Energy Facility project manager, and Raheem Mahamdeh is the commissioning lead engineer for Wartsila. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lots of geotechnical analysis, 100-year flood analysis, soil analysis, and drilling into the ground was done to ensure these are safe from extreme weather, she said. It has all of the smoke and gas detection, audible alarms, strobe lights, and cameras monitoring the facility 24/7. Thousands of lithium iron phosphate batteries are working around the clock to store energy. Fitzgerald said LFP is more stable and more safe than NMC lithium-ion batteries because they are less likely to go into thermal runaway. The Mossy Branch Energy Facility is located in Talbot County, Georgia. The decision about when to use it is done by an algorithm, according to Fitzgerald. The plant is run on an Automatic Generation Control, which uses algorithms to determine where the transmission grid has needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is how we met reserve margins and customer demand, Fitzgerald said. How Georgia got here, where its going Originally slated to begin operating in the summer of 2024, the 65 MW facility that can power up to 55,000 homes in 4 hours officially went online Oct. 23. This was our first utility-scale battery so we wanted to take our time, take extra caution, and make sure all cyber connections were taken care of properly, Anderson said. Other states such as California, Texas and Florida, added battery energy storage systems to their energy mix years ago and have thousands of megawatts of BESS. California and Texas lead the nation in installed battery capacity (data based off preliminary monthly electric generator inventory). Georgia will soon be on this list. In 2019, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved 80 MW of BESS for the Integrated Resource Plan -- the three-year long-term plan that Georgia Power must provide to the PSC. The remaining 15 MW from the approved 80 MW is currently being developed near U.S. Army Base Fort Stewart, in Southeast Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power proposed another 845 MW of BESS, and received approval during the 2022 IRP. In that same IRP, Georgia Power also received approval from the PSC to develop, own, and operate 1,400 MW of combustion turbine resources at the natural gas plant, Plant Yates, a carbon and methane polluting plant that adds to planet warming. Of the 830 MW of BESS, 265 MW will be at McGrau Ford substation in Cherokee County, with 580 MW still available and being determined for deployment. That puts Georgia Power on track to own and operate a total of 845 MW of BESS for Georgia over the next several years. Fitzgerald said she could see Georgia being in the top 5 states with battery capacity. With the data center growth and adding more and more solar, we need to put in more batteries, she said. Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, campaigns on Nov. 2, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina, while the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, speaks to a crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Nov. 4, 2024. (Getty photos, of Harris by Justin Sullivan and of Trump by Chip Somodevilla) Democrats and Republicans in Georgia and across the country have fought for four years in the courts and in Washington, D.C. over changes to election rules enacted by the states GOP Legislature following the election of Joe Biden in 2020. A controversial rule adopted in 2021 establishing a 25-foot zone prohibiting the distribution of bottled water and snacks to voters in line turned Georgia into a laughing stock on late night television. A federal judge struck down the 25-foot ban last year, but upheld the federal 150-foot restriction against giving out food and water outside polling places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgias battle for voting rights intensified after the 2020 presidential election when then-President Republican Donald Trump and his supporters falsely claimed that widespread voting fraud cost him his re-election bid. The debate over the impact of sweeping changes to Georgias election rules continued this week with the culmination of Tuesdays presidential election, which saw Trump defeat Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to win Georgias 16 electoral votes. Several supporters of the election rules changes have cited this years record 5.3 million turnout for the general election, which included four million votes in early voting in person and absentee ballots. The record turnout in November 2024 raises questions about the actual effect of the 2021 election overhaul, denounced as voter suppression by President Joe Biden soon after the governor signed it into law. During a press conference Tuesday night, Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said a new rule he supported to shorten lines at the polls on election day worked well, with voters arriving at the polls and casting their ballots on average in 10 minutes across the state. You dont need water when your average line time is two minutes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year after Trump lost the 2020 election, Georgias Republican majority Legislature passed an election law overhaul set out in Senate Bill 202. There have been multiple changes to Georgias election law since then, including those affecting absentee ballot voting, mass voter challenges, and granting partisan poll watchers increased access as election workers process ballots. Several voting and civil rights organizations, including Fair Fight Action in Georgia, are opposing what they claim are numerous unfunded and unnecessary mandates on county election officials that have been imposed since 2020 by Republican elected officials. Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight, said that the latest changes to Georgias election law likely did not change the outcome of this years presidential election, in which Trump defeated Harris by more than 116,000 votes. Even so, the changes to absentee ballot voting and banning provisional ballots if voters show up at the wrong precinct after 5 p.m. on Election Day could still have an impact on closely contested races in the Legislature and other contests on the ballot, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks leading up to Tuesdays election, Groh-Wargo expressed frustration over persistent disinformation campaigns and racially targeted election legislation. A number of progressive organizations voiced concerns about the lack of funding for election boards, including a ban on local county election offices receiving outside funding to comply with the new laws. But a late push by Trump-aligned members of the Georgia State Election Board to further tweak the rules including a requirement that poll workers do a hand count of ballots on election night were blocked by court challenges. Fair Fight will analyze the data from this years election to determine whether the rules changes had an analytical impact on voters and the ability to conduct local elections, Groh-Wargo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Fair Fight is preparing for ongoing legal challenges to Georgias election law. This year, Groh-Wargo said, local election officials were placed under duress by an unprecedented amount of legislation and litigation pertaining to elections. There were more bills passed earlier this year that changed how election administration works, she said. This is an incredibly challenging time to be administering elections because every year the state Legislature seems to change the rules. According to Fair Fight Action, many county registrars experienced delays with vote-by-mail processing, with one third of contacted voters still waiting for their ballots by election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heading into the final day of early voting in this years general election, at least 1,200 absentee ballots had been initially rejected for deficiencies Groups like VoteRiders were offering assistance to help others cure the ballot rejections, which they said often were the result of Georgia voters being unaware of the new ID requirements work, that differ for each form of voting. Georgia has also been a central part of Trumps yearslong insistence that the 2020 election was rigged against him, though his narrow loss to President Joe Biden was confirmed after three counts including one done by hand and unsuccessful court challenges. Trump and other supporters spread false allegations that the election was stolen in order to cause doubt in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other states where Trump was defeated after the 2020 election. A new Georgia law made the 2024 election cycle the first time local election offices were required to post within one hour after polls close results from early voting and the absentee ballots that were returned prior to Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 3.6 million votes cast in Georgia during early voting this fall, while more than 344,000 absentee ballots were returned to county election offices prior to Tuesday. A successful 2024 election was declared by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Tuesday night after announcing a record number of voters participated in the election. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder Raffensperger said Tuesday night that Georgias elections are more secure because of new election rules, such as photo ID requirements for absentee ballot voting and Georgia joining a multi-state coalition to keep voter rolls more accurate. Weve worked hard to build a team. Weve worked hard to provide voters the very best voting experience, he said. According to David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, claims of voter suppression in Georgia following the 2020 election have been exaggerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia, where people can automatically register when they obtain a drivers license or state identification card, already has a high voter registration rate, he said. If you do a search for voter suppression, youre going to find Georgia gets more hits than almost any other state, Becker said during at a Knight Foundation election law forum in September. And yet, Georgia is not only one of the easiest states to vote in for everybody, it has one of the highest voter registration district rates in the country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BERLIN (AP) Germany's economy minister said Friday that he hopes to become his Green Party's candidate for chancellor in the upcoming election. The announcement by Robert Habeck, who is also vice chancellor, follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition on Wednesday. The Greens are a small party that lost popularity in recent elections and whose support currently hovers around 10%. Germanys opposition center-right is leading in the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is therefore unlikely that Habeck could end up as the country's leader. His move, however, indicates how German politicians are gearing up for an early election after the collapse of the coalition. I am applying as a candidate for the Greens, for the people of Germany, Habeck said in a video posted on X. If you want, also as chancellor. But that is not my decision, that is your decision. Only you can decide that. Scholz indicated plans for a timeline that could bring an early election by late March before the vote that is regularly scheduled for September 2025. However, the opposition is calling for an immediate confidence vote in the parliament to speed that up. Industry leaders are also among those saying that Germany needs a stable government in place soon, as the economy struggles and as Europe prepares for a change of leadership in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz on Friday said that he's willing to talk about the timing of a vote of confidence and the subsequent new election. He said consultations were taking place with stakeholders, including groups in the German Bundestag and constitutional bodies, in order to take into account what the others think and mean. I believe that we will soon achieve good results, at least that would be my hope," he said on the sidelines of a meeting in Budapest. Habeck hopes to be nominated at a party conference in Wiesbaden next week. He doesn't appear to have serious contenders after Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced this summer that she didn't want to pursue a candidacy for chancellor. Germany has been governed since 2021 by a coalition led by Scholz's Social Democrats and which included the smaller pro-business Free Democrats and the environmental Greens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been an uneasy and fractious alliance, and it collapsed Wednesday when Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the Free Democrats in a late-night move following disagreements over how to revive the shrinking economy. Scholz said that he hoped to lead the country with a minority government and call for an confidence vote in parliament in mid-January. Actors perform at a performing event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the launch of its Liberation Revolution against French colonial rule in Algiers, Algeria, Nov. 7, 2024. On Nov. 1, 1954, the National Liberation Front of Algeria launched attacks against French targets within the country, initiating the Algerian War, which ultimately led to the nation's independence. (Xinhua) Actors perform at a performing event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the launch of its Liberation Revolution against French colonial rule in Algiers, Algeria, Nov. 7, 2024. On Nov. 1, 1954, the National Liberation Front of Algeria launched attacks against French targets within the country, initiating the Algerian War, which ultimately led to the nation's independence. (Xinhua) Actors perform at a performing event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the launch of its Liberation Revolution against French colonial rule in Algiers, Algeria, Nov. 7, 2024. On Nov. 1, 1954, the National Liberation Front of Algeria launched attacks against French targets within the country, initiating the Algerian War, which ultimately led to the nation's independence. (Xinhua) (Bloomberg) -- Following the collapse of Germanys coalition government this week, Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced his return to X, saying social media platforms like Elon Musks shouldnt be the domain of loudmouths and populists. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habeck marked his return to the platform formerly known as Twitter in a post late on Thursday saying hes back for good. The move comes ahead of an expected announcement that the Green politician will become his partys chancellor candidate in the coming election. An hour later, he sent a second post saying: Its easy to leave places like this to the loudmouths and populists. But making it easy for yourself cannot be the solution. Not today. Not this week. Not at this time. Thats why Im back on X. A snap election is in the cards in Germany after Chancellor Olaf Scholz this week fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner and said hed seek a vote of confidence in January that could pave the way for early elections in March. The chancellor is trying to stave off a fresh election until March to give his beleaguered party a chance to recover. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz and his conservative CDU/CSU alliance, which has a big lead in opinion polls, want the vote to happen sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The self-proclamation as candidate for chancellor with 9 percent voter approval certainly has a humorous part, Merz told reporters. The Greens will have to work that out with themselves and their voters. Merzs CDU/CSU alliance is leading in opinion polls with more than 30% of the vote and would be in prime position to win an early ballot, restoring it to power after it lost to Scholzs SPD three years ago. The business-friendly FDP is currently polling as low as 3%, down from 11.5% in the 2021 national vote. The Greens are at about 11% in fourth, while a new far-left party the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht is fifth with roughly 8%. A third, more cryptic video dispatch shows Habeck working on a paper at his desk while humming a song by German musician Herbert Groenemeyers Zeit, dass sich was dreht, or time for something to change. The post, bearing the words different from here on, has given rise to speculation Habeck, a member of the Green party, will announce his candidacy for German chancellorship in the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Jenni Thier. (Updates with expected announcement from Habeck in the second paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The German government has calmly responded to a post by Elon Musk on X, in which he referred to Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "fool." "Freedom to be a fool prevails on X," said deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann. Following the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition on Wednesday, the tech billionaire posted in German on X: "Olaf ist ein Narr," which translates to "Olaf is a fool." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffmann nonetheless justified the German government's presence on X, despite the increase in extremist views published on the platform, as Musk refuses to moderate content. She said social media is an important tool for the government to explain and communicate its work and that, on balance, it is important that it is represented on the platform. Musk was a major supporter of Republican Donald Trump in his bid to return to the White House. His political views have become increasingly right-wing in recent years. Police have arrested a suspected violent left-wing extremist leader in the eastern German state of Thuringia. He is believed to be head of the Leipzig group associated with an already convicted student known as Lina E., security sources told dpa on Friday. They said that the arrest was an intelligence-led operation, and that they had been on the man's trail for some time. German federal prosecutors and the Saxony police force said the man is suspected of having participated in several politically motivated physical assaults, and of being a member of a criminal organization. According to the information available, some of the victims suffered significant injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest warrant for the man, who has been in hiding since summer 2020, is dated March 26, 2021. Police said they were "pretty sure" that he was also involved in attacks on suspected far-right supporters in the Hungarian capital Budapest in February 2023. The Dresden Higher Regional Court sentenced Lina E. to five years and three months in prison in May 2023 for several attacks on right-wing extremists. She was released after spending two and a half years in pre-trial detention. The court handed down prison sentences of between two and a half years and three years and three months to the three other defendants. The Federal Public Prosecutor accused them of having brutally beaten up far-right activists in eastern Germany between 2018 and 2020. The German conservative leader hoping to replace embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz applied further pressure on Friday for early elections, as Europe's biggest economy grappled with a major political crisis. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), accused Social Democrat Scholz of delaying tactics because Scholz had refused to speed up his planned timetable for fresh elections, following the collapse of his governing three-party coalition earlier this week. Following the sudden departure of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) from his coalition, after Scholz sacked their leader as finance minister, the chancellor suggested a vote of confidence in the lower house, or Bundestag, for January 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this fails as expected, given that Scholz no longer has a majority in parliament, a snap election would have to be held within 60 days after that, meaning elections are likely in March. For Merz, whose party is riding high in the polls, this is far too late. The strategy of tabling a confidence vote in January was "irresponsible" and a "mere delay," Merz said after a special meeting of conservative lawmakers in Berlin. He said he wants the vote to take place next week - a suggestion rejected by Scholz. The drawn-out timetable revealed that "obviously party-political motives are at the forefront" for Scholz, Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sacked finance minister Christian Lindner made similar accusations after his dismissal, and has also called for an "immediate" vote of confidence and new elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has also opposed any delay. The Greens - Scholz's only remaining coalition partner - have said little about the election timetable. But Greens leader Robert Habeck - the current vice chancellor - on Friday put himself forward as the party's candidate for chancellor whenever new elections are held. Scholz had argued that leaving the vote of confidence until January would allow him to pass the most vital and urgent legislation, before parliament is dissolved. Merz suggested that Scholz should combine a vote of confidence with a planned government statement that he is due to give in parliament on Wednesday. Chancellor Olaf Scholzs decision to fire finance minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday night has collapsed Germanys coalition government, clearing the way for early elections in March, and casting a shadow over the European Political Community summit in Budapest. Scholzs government appears to have been the victim of its own green policies, with Mr Lindner calling for a rethink of the phasing out of nuclear energy, and criticising Germanys obsessive commitment to net zero. The result has been to plunge Berlin into political uncertainty at an extremely inopportune time. In the words of one Ukrainian general, the countrys defences are crumbling in the face of Russian advances. Germany has become Europes largest provider of military aid to Kyiv, just ahead of Britain, but is set to cut spending in 2025, hoping that Ukraine can instead largely fund itself out of loans from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the political turmoil is viewed as unlikely to affect current plans, it is likely to halt any potential increase in support at a time when Ukraine needs more resources to shore up its front lines. With Britains armoury looking threadbare, our own ability to step into this gap is questionable. Even the briefest glance at Nato spending shows that too many European countries have been happy to behave as free-riders. The costs of this penny-pinching are now apparent to all, with Europe ill-prepared to provide for its own defence. The situation in Ukraine, in combination with political turmoil elsewhere, should serve as a sharp wake-up call that countries cannot always rely on someone else to pay the bill. The rest of Europe must now step up and do its bit. 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. By Riham Alkousaa and Holger Hansen BERLIN (Reuters) -German Economy Minister Robert Habeck will announce his intention on Friday to run for the post of chancellor on behalf of the Greens, a source familiar with the matter said, days after the collapse of the country's three-way coalition. The break-up of Germany's coalition following months of infighting over budget and fiscal policy has paved the way for an early election, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, aiming for a vote in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Habeck's expected bid for the chancellorship - whenever the election comes - is a long shot, as his Greens party is trailing in the opinion polls. Habeck, 55, a former novelist and philosopher, has been a central figure in Germany's energy and climate policy as economy and climate protection minister. In the early days of Scholz's government, which took office in 2021, he was Germany's most popular politician, winning plaudits for his clear communication and approachable style, which contrasted starkly with the tight-lipped chancellor. With eloquent speeches and candid interviews, Habeck became the face of Germany's effort to navigate the energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the end of cheap gas deliveries, making hundreds of media appearances to explain the situation and propose solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He is a politician who can get his point across very authentically and very credibly," said Stefan Marschall, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf. Habeck also drew praise for his pragmatism in securing energy deals in Doha and Abu Dhabi. "The rapid and effective intervention in the energy crisis was able to prevent a gas shortage and a deep recession in the winter of 2022/23," the president of the DIW economic institute, Marcel Fratzscher, told Reuters. COST OF LIVING CRISIS His reputation was tarnished, however, after he was forced to overhaul an unwieldy law to ban new oil and gas heating systems and ditch an ill-fated gas levy that critics said would hurt consumers while benefiting energy companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn have shifted many Germans' focus away from climate protection, weakening the appeal of the Greens. Habeck's approval ratings have dropped to just 26% from a peak of nearly 70% in mid-2022. "He's not just the climate minister, he's also the economy minister, and the economic policy problems in Germany are now being blamed on him," Marschall added. His party is now polling on 11%, down from 14.8% in the 2021 election, meaning it is unlikely to be in a position to actually run the next government. The opposition conservatives are currently polling first on around 32%. Habeck returned to social media platform X on Thursday after a five-year break and posted a short video in which he was seen wearing a bracelet on which the words "Chancellor Era" are written. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's easy to leave places like this to the noisy troublemakers and populists," he said. "But taking the easy way out cannot be the solution... That's why I'm back on X." Habeck's announcement comes 10 days before the Greens hold their 2024 party congress, where they are expected to confirm his candidacy. The Greens made their first ever bid for the chancellery in 2021, with now Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock running as the candidate. Back then though, they were only trailing the conservatives by some 5 percentage points. (Reporting by Riham Alkousaa and Miranda Murray, Editing by Sarah Marsh and Gareth Jones) German Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Green Party plans to run to be the party's chancellor candidate in the next national election, dpa learned in Berlin on Friday. The Greens are to nominate their candidate for the top job at the party's national conference, which begins in the city of Wiesbaden next Friday. Habeck will need to secure the support of party members to be nominated. The date of the next national election, originally scheduled for September, is currently unclear following the collapse on Wednesday of the governing coalition between the Green Party, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After sacking the leader of the FDP, Christian Lindner, as finance minister, precipitating the party's withdrawal from the coalition, Scholz tabled a vote of confidence in the lower house, or Bundestag, for January 15. If this fails, which seems likely, a snap election will be held, most likely in March 2025. But the leader of Germany's conservative opposition Friedrich Merz has called for the confidence vote to be brought forward to next week, enabling an election in the second half of January. Habeck, who also serves as vice chancellor, had already hinted at his intention to run for chancellor on Thursday. Almost six years after leaving both X and Facebook, he returned to X to post a statement: "It's easy to leave places like this to the screamers and the populists. But taking the easy way out can't be the solution. Not today. Not this week. Not in these times. That's why I'm back on X." In another post, the Green politician can be seen editing a text manuscript. In the background is a calendar, on which November 8 is circled in red, and Habeck is humming the German hit "Zeit, dass sich was dreht" (time for a change). German Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Green Party plans to run to be the party's chancellor candidate in the next national election, dpa learned in Berlin on Friday. The Greens are to nominate their candidate for the top job at the party's national conference, which begins in the city of Wiesbaden next Friday. Habeck will need to secure the support of party members to be nominated. The date of the next national election, originally scheduled for September, is currently unclear following the collapse on Wednesday of the governing coalition between the Green Party, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After sacking the leader of the FDP, Christian Lindner, as finance minister, precipitating the party's withdrawal from the coalition, Scholz tabled a vote of confidence in the lower house, or Bundestag, for January 15. If this fails, which seems likely, a snap election will be held, most likely in March 2025. But the leader of Germany's conservative opposition Friedrich Merz has called for the confidence vote to be brought forward to next week, enabling an election in the second half of January. Habeck, who also serves as vice chancellor, had already hinted at his intention to run for chancellor on Thursday. Almost six years after leaving both X and Facebook, he returned to X to post a statement: "It's easy to leave places like this to the screamers and the populists. But taking the easy way out can't be the solution. Not today. Not this week. Not in these times. That's why I'm back on X." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another post, the Green politician can be seen editing a text manuscript. In the background is a calendar, on which November 8 is circled in red, and Habeck is humming the German hit "Zeit, dass sich was dreht" (time for a change). Habeck has been widely expected to run to be the Green Party's candidate after his only serious rival, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock - who ran as the Green chancellor candidate in the 2021 election - said she would not pursue a candidacy for chancellor in the next election. At the end of September, Baerbock told the German broadcaster ARD: "Robert Habeck is the one who will lead us into the federal election campaign." If nominated, Habeck will need to tread a fine line to win over centrist voters without alienating his party base. As economy minister and vice-chancellor, he has negotiated compromises that the left wing of his party has resented, including on tighter migration policies. This looks to be no easy task as his party currently languishes at between 9% and 11% in the polls. Habeck in particular is likely to face resistance due to Germany's poor economic situation, with wrangling over economic policy having triggered the collapse of the coalition. KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Engaging with a broad range of trade partners to ensure Malaysia's food security is of greater importance than taking sides in geopolitical tensions, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu said on Friday. Diversifying sources of food imports, including expanding beyond traditional suppliers of wheat to include Russia, will make Malaysia more resistant to shocks caused by unforeseen events, Mohamad said in a press briefing after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) here for grain supply between Melewar Industrial Group and Russia's Grain Exporters Union. "It is important that various players in the production, distribution, and supply develop and maintain strong working relationships to ensure continuity at all times so Malaysia has a broad network of global suppliers for essentials such as agriculture and food products in our pursuit to provide food security," he said, adding that Malaysia is also eying imports of other grains including barley and corn. The MOU aims to secure the long-term supply of grain from Russia to be used in various food products in Malaysia and was co-witnessed by Russia's Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov. Mohamad added that as a neutral and independent trading nation, Malaysia aims to strengthen business relations with Russia, expand the country's geo-economic space and demonstrate that Malaysia upholds the principles of openness and business-friendliness. For his part, Latypov said the two countries have been working towards closer cooperation, especially in agriculture and trade, and the MOU paves the way for further deepening of trade ties. "We are confident that this partnership will open new horizons and lay the foundations for long-term success. Ahead of us lies productive work, joint projects and the achievement of our common goals," he said. Germany's conservative chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, has advocated for Europe to show strength and take a tough stance during Donald Trump's second term as US president. "This will make an impression in America," Merz told public broadcaster ZDF's talk show hosted by Maybrit Illner on Thursday evening. He said Europe must speak with one voice. "Donald Trump is not impressed by weakness, only by strength, even opposition." This, he said, is how Europe could deal with the new government in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz is eyeing Germany's top political job after the coalition of his rival, Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, collapsed. Merz and others want Scholz to call for an immediate vote of confidence in his now minority government and snap elections. Scholz so far is sticking to his call for a confidence vote in January. The leader of the Christian Democrats added that Germany must do more for its own security. The business model of importing cheaply, exporting expensively, and letting the United States pay for security "is now over," said Merz. But he said "that's not so dramatic. We need to adjust to this, manage it, and take the necessary consequences." Merz also discussed Germany's energy sector during the talk show, saying that wind power is a transitional technology that should be phased out because the turbines are "ugly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I even believe that if we do things right, one day we can dismantle the wind turbines because they are ugly and because they do not fit into the landscape," he said. "This is a transitional technology," Merz added. Instead, he wants to look into testing nuclear fusion in Germany. This sector should not be left to China, he added. Merz is also thinking about reactivating Germany's nuclear power plants, though he doubts this would be viable since the plants have already been decommissioned. Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in March 2011, the German government decided to phase out nuclear power. After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the government decided to delay the decommissioning of three plants, which were eventually taken offline in April 2023. Germany's conservative chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, is advocating for Europe to show strength and take a tough stance during a second term US presidency for Donald Trump. "This will make an impression in America," Merz told public broadcaster ZDF's talk show hosted by Maybrit Illner on Thursday evening. He said Europe must speak with one voice. "Donald Trump is not impressed by weakness, only by strength, even opposition." This, he said, is how Europe could deal with the new government in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz is eyeing Germany's top political job after the coalition of his rival, Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, collapsed. Merz and others wants Scholz to call for an immediate vote of confidence in his now minority government and snap elections. Scholz so far is sticking to his call for a confidence vote in January. The leader of the Christian Democrats added that Germany must do more for its own security. The business model of importing cheaply, exporting expensively, and letting the United States pay for security "is now over," said Merz. But he said "that's not so dramatic. We need to adjust to this, manage it, and take the necessary consequences." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said he was prepared to negotiate over the date of a vote of confidence in his government, after the collapse of his three-party coalition sparked a political crisis in Berlin. "We should discuss the date as calmly as possible," Scholz said in Budapest, as opposition parties insisted that the vote be scheduled as soon as next week in order for new elections to be held. The chancellor's comments came after a number of lawyer's groups, and the country's top election officer, cautioned against the repercussions of an immediate election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz - who sacked his finance minister Christian Lindner on Wednesday, leading the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) to withdraw from his government - has proposed holding a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, on January 15. This would likely mean fresh elections in March, but Scholz on Friday signalled that he wanted Germany's democratic parties to reach an understanding over "which laws can still be passed this year" before agreeing over a date for the vote of confidence. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, whose centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) are riding high in the polls, accused Social Democrat Scholz of delaying tactics. The strategy of tabling a confidence vote in January was "irresponsible" and a "mere delay," Merz said after a special meeting of conservative lawmakers in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said the vote should take place next week, with Scholz due to give a government statement in the Bundestag. The drawn-out timetable revealed that "obviously party-political motives are at the forefront" for Scholz, Merz said. Lindner made similar accusations after his dismissal, and has called for an "immediate" vote of confidence and new elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has also opposed any delay. The Greens - Scholz's only remaining coalition partner - have said little about the election timetable. But their leader Robert Habeck, the current vice chancellor, on Friday put himself forward as the party's candidate for chancellor. Lawyers, election officials warn against early election Scholz had argued that leaving the vote of confidence until January would allow him to pass the most vital and urgent legislation before parliament is dissolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such reform is a project to protect Germany's Constitutional Court from political influence which attracted support from Bundestag lawmakers earlier this year amid the rise of populist groups. A group of lawyers' associations on Friday insisted the measure is "of such outstanding importance for the constitutional state that all democratic parties must work to pass the reform before the planned new elections." The chancellor also received unexpected support in his bid to delay immediate elections from the country's top election officer. In a letter to Scholz seen by dpa entitled "Challenges and risks of an early election in January or February 2025," Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand cautioned that the "cornerstone of democracy and trust in the integrity of the election could be violated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brand said dissolving the Bundestag before the Christmas period would lead to "unforeseeable risks at all levels." According to German electoral law, elections must be held 60 days of the dissolution of the Bundestag. Problems could arise in the procurement of paper and the commissioning of printing service providers, Brand said. In addition, special security measures would have to be taken due to increasing hybrid threats. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives a press statement at the start of the Informal European Council meeting. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said he was prepared to negotiate over the date of a vote of confidence in his government, after the collapse of his three-party coalition. In Budapest for an informal EU summit, Scholz said: "We should discuss the date as calmly as possible." Scholz has proposed holding the vote of confidence in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, on January 15. This would likely mean fresh elections in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, opposition parties have called for the vote to be held as quickly as possible, even next week, in order for new elections to be held earlier. The chancellor said he wanted Germany's democratic parties to reach an understanding over "which laws can still be passed this year" before agreeing over a date for the vote of confidence. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his willingness to work with future US president Donald Trump, at an informal EU summit in Budapest on Friday. However, he emphasized that Europe must strengthen cooperation in the security sector. "We must work together as the European Union, as Europeans, to do what is necessary for our own security," he said. "This will be successful if everyone plays their part." Scholz pointed out that this year, for the first time in decades, Germany is spending more than 2% of its gross domestic product on defence. "Others want to do this and will follow suit," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz reached out to Trump on Wednesday, immediately after his election victory, offering Trump a reliable partnership. On Friday in Budapest he said Europe would "continue to work well with the future American president." SHERWOOD, Ark. Though the Hoop Hogs dont play the Florida Gators until January, one Sherwood local said he recently found one scouting out the Natural State. The beast was spotted in a swamp in Sherwood off Highway 67 near Warden Road and seems to be known around the city. Alligator sightings becoming more common in Tennessee, other areas In 2019, the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office posted a warning about the gator being found at the exact spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although people in the area are aware theres a gator in town, not many have been able to see it with their own eyes in person. On Wednesday, Mario Turner had to go search for himself after hearing about it for years. A picture wouldnt do the justice, he said. He said when he was standing on Highway 67 looking at the swamp he, thought it was a big old huge log at first, but he was happily mistaken. Turner estimates the alligator to be 9 to 10 feet big. Probably over a thousand pounds. Turner says hes lived in the area for a while so to finally see the beast of the town was like, Wow. Huge, big, enormous, long and gigantic, are some of the ways Turner used to describe the gator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner said, just to be safe, he would like to see the city put up an alligator caution sign. Just in case they [people] have any small animals or whatnot, they really need to know theres actually a gator inside these swamps, he said. PHOTOS: 9-foot alligator found stalking dog walkers in Florida, officials say The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission asks people to stay away and keep their distance. Officials also recommend to not feed the alligators because they will then start to lose their fear of humans after getting used to being fed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. DES MOINES, Iowa Police are investigating after a convenience store clerk was assaulted during a robbery early Friday morning on Des Moines east side. It happened around 6:00 a.m. at the Git N Go at 4164 Easton Blvd. according to Des Moines Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek. Two male suspects assaulted the stores clerk, an adult woman. She suffered a broken jaw in the assault, Sgt. Parizek said. 91-year-old driver identified in deadly I-35 wrong-way crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. No arrests have been made in connection with the robbery. Detectives are continuing to investigate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. It's been decades since we last saw a winning Republican coalition as multicultural as this one. Not every vote has been counted yet and the exit polls aren't identical, but we can cobble together enough numbers now for a picture to emerge. Four years ago, according to NBC's exit polls, Hispanics favored Democrat Joe Biden over Republican Donald Trump, 65 percent to 32 percent. This year, Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have gotten just 52 percent of the Latin vote, the worst showing for a Democrat since 2004, while Trump received 46 percent, the best showing for a Republican in modern times. (Yes: Trump did better than George W. Bush, a man whose Texas training always had him outperforming most Republicans among Latino voters.) Among Hispanic men, Trump won an outright majority of 55 percent. Trump carried several heavily Mexican-American counties in South Texas that used to be Democratic strongholds, including oneStarr Countythat last went Republican in 1892. NBC has Harris carrying the Asian vote, but it shifted five points to the right. African Americans are still overwhelmingly Democrats, but black men have gone from voting 13 percent Republican in 2016 to 19 percent in 2020 and now 20 percent in 2024, according to Edison Research. Overall this year, The Independent notes, about one in three nonwhite voters backed Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The movement in this direction had been visible for a whileyou'll note that the real bump in Trump's support among African-American men happened four years ago, not this time. But before this month, people had more room to dismiss it: to suggest that those Hispanic Republicans were mostly white Latinos, or refugees from socialist countries, or employees of the Border Patrol. This time the trend is almost impossible to ignore. Minority support for the GOP has grown, not shrunk, over the last decade. We may have to wait till the post-Trump era to find out to what extent that happened despite Donald Trump and to what extent it happened because of him. But more and more, this resembles the movement of many "white ethnic" constituenciesIrish, Italian, Polish, and so onout of the New Deal coalition in the 1960s and '70s. Since Democrats often go out of their way to present themselves as the party of racial justice, many of them have a hard time making sense of this. But it shouldn't be surprising that a Korean business owner would like Republican economic policies, that a Mexican pro-lifer would like Republican abortion policies, or that a black man living in a declining Democratic city would object to the ways his town is poorly run. If the GOP weren't so prone to self-sabotage, those voters might have started shifting earlier. Nor should it be surprising if some of the people whose families have already immigrated to America are less interested in bringing in more newcomers behind them. That's a familiar dynamic in immigration politics. Above all, it shouldn't be surprising if one of the biggest recent political developments in the U.S. (and elsewhere) has started to seep across racial lines. Voters with college degrees have become increasingly likely to be Democrats, and those without college degrees have become increasingly likely to be Republicans. This is not, as some of the crasser interpretations would have it, because Democrats are smarter. It is because there are politically salient differences between people in professions that require college degrees and people in professions that don't: different material interests, different languages for discussing the issues that don't directly affect those interests, different cultural influences shaping those discussions. And those divisions have become more central to electoral politics. This does not mean anything so crude as "people who went to college are on one side of the culture wars, and people who didn't are on the other." There are, after all, plenty of degreeless Americans who like to have sex with people whose genitals match their own. And indeed, survey data suggest that the general population, including the Republican part of it, is more socially liberal on questions of race and sexual orientation than it was a decade ago. But there is the sort of social liberalism that is summed up by the phrase live and let live, and there is the sort summed up by a middle manager briskly strolling into a room, dropping a six-pound tome on the table, and announcing: Here are the new rules. We will email you the updates each Tuesday. To a lot of people outside that college-educated tome-dropper's social class, including some of the people the fat rulebook is theoretically there to help, that second approach looks more like micromanagement than liberation. The more Democrats are associated with it, the worse for themand the worse for the buried live-and-let-live cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Needless to say, knowledge-class Republicans have countless ways to alienate people too. The number of Americans interested in listening to the ramblings of an anti-trans obsessive probably isn't much larger than the number interested in listening to a lecture on how to make punctuation more inclusive. But after years of keeping culturally or economically conservative minorities pent up in their party, the Democrats currently have more to lose. The wildest thing about this development may be the number of the Republicans who don't seem any more capable than the Democrats of wrapping their heads around it. I still see right-wingers warning that immigration is a plot to import a blue majority. Trump's gains with minorities are not just a rebuke to all the progressives who assumed nonwhite voters would belong to them forever; they're a rebuke to all the conservatives who agreed with them. Along those lines, let's check in with the group that loomed largest in the right-wing fears of the first two decades of this century. In the 1990s, there were some tentative moves on the right to expand the alliance of socially conservative Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, and Jews to include socially conservative Muslims as well, inching toward the day when the sorts of folks who talk about "Judeo-Christian values" start invoking "Abrahamic values" instead. 9/11 brought that effort to a crashing halt. But then the Gaza war scrambled the picture yet again, opening a space not just for protest votes against an administration funding Israel's side of the war but for Islamoconservatives to rethink their alliances on a deeper level. There hasn't been a clear-cut nationwide Muslim movement toward Trump, who isn't exactly a Gaza dove himself; the data we have so far on the Muslim vote is contradictory, with different organizations offering different tentative results. But we can see how people cast their ballots in the two Michigan towns that in the 2010s were most likely to send SHARIA LAW IS COMING TO THE U.S.!!! stories rippling through the right-wing press. In Hamtramck, America's first majority-Muslim city, Harris just barely squeaked by Trump, 46 percent to 43 percent, with 9 percent backing the Green Party's Jill Stein. (One of Trump's supporters in Hamtramck was Mayor Ameer Ghalib, who endorsed him in September.) In nearby DearbornAmerica's first majority-Arab city, though not all of those Arabs are MuslimsTrump won outright: He got 42 percent and Harris got 36 percent. A full 18 percent voted for Stein, a Jew picking up Islamic support like she was Evan McMullin among the Mormons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on what happens next in the Middle East, it's not hard to imagine a future where a lot of those Muslim votes move back into the Democratic column. But it's also not that hard to imagine a future where the next SHARIA LAW IS COMING TO THE U.S.!!! screed appears on the Occupy Democrats Facebook feed. Me, I'll hope for a future where neither major party thinks of minority voters as either something to take for granted or a no-go zone. The post How the GOP Became a (More) Multicultural Party appeared first on Reason.com. The floor of the Arizona house of Representatives in April 2024. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Republicans on Thursday took the lead in a hotly contested northeast Phoenix race for the state House of Representatives, setting the stage for the GOP to increase their majority by two seats when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January. After ballots were tallied Thursday, Pamela Carter surged past Kelli Butler, a Democrat who had been clinging to a 150-vote lead for the second House seat in Legislative District 4. The race was led by Matt Gress, a Republican who handily won reelection in the swing district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler, a former legislator, was aiming to hold on to the seat that Democrat Laura Terech won in 2022. She now trails Carter, a first-time candidate, by more than 1,100 votes. Republicans were already poised to pick up one House seat, and a Carter victory would give the GOP 33 seats in the 60-member chamber. Democrats were ambitious in 2024, aiming to knock Republicans from power in the House after nearly 60 years of uninterrupted GOP control. District 4 may ultimately serve as an example of how their aggressive strategy backfired leaving them not only without a majority, but with fewer seats. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Historically, when Democrats targeted seats in Republican-leaning districts like District 4 they fielded a single candidate for House races, even though there were two seats on the ballot. The strategy, known as single-shotting, is an election mathematics trick: The goal for a single-shot candidate is to get core supporters to cast only one vote in the race and persuade others to split their votes between the candidate and an opponent. Doing so maximizes the candidates own numbers and dilutes the opponents numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats how Terech won her seat in District 4, where Republicans hold a 13-percentage-point registration advantage. But this year, Democrats ran two candidates: Butler and Karen Gresham. Without the advantage of the single-shot, both Democrats now find themselves on the outside looking in. The same thing happened to Democrats in Legislative District 13, which runs from Chandler to Sun Lakes in the East Valley. One of the two House seats had been held by Democrats in the district, and its predecessor before the 2021 redistricting, for several election cycles because of the single-shot strategy. But this year, the only path to a majority for Democrats required capturing both seats in some Republican districts where they already held one seat. In District 13, Brandy Reese and Nicholas Gonzales are both out of the running, meaning Democrats will lose the seat currently held by Jennifer Pawlik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The success of the single-shot can be seen in north Phoenixs Legislative District 2, where Republicans hold a 9-percentage-point voter registration edge. Democrat Stephanie Simacek is leading the two Republican candidates, incumbent Justin Wilmeth and Ari Daniel Bradshaw. But whether it ultimately pays off for Simacek remains to be seen: She is only leading Wilmeth by about 400 votes, and Bradshaw is just 700 votes behind her. And Republicans are on the precipice of adding a third new seat to their tally this year. In west Mesas Legislative District 9, where Democrats won both seats in 2022, Lorena Austin seems likely to win reelection. But her seatmate, Seth Blattman, might not be so lucky. The two GOP candidates, Kylie Barber and Mary Ann Mendoza, are separated by about 30 votes, and Barber is fewer than 100 votes behind Blattman. In state Senate contests, there were no lead changes, but Republicans solidified their leads in two battleground races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In District 2, Sen. Shawnna Bolick expanded her lead over Democratic challenger Rep. Judy Schwiebert from 1,900 votes to more than 3,000. And in District 4, Republican Carine Werner doubled her lead to 3,200 in her bid to oust Sen. Christine Marsh, the Democratic incumbent. And GOP hopeful Robert Scantlebury made up some ground on Democratic Sen. Eva Burch in District 9, cutting her lead from 1,600 votes to about 1,300. The bright spot Thursday for Democrats in Senate races was in southern Arizonas Legislative District 17, which runs from Marana and Oro Valley to eastern Tucson, where Democratic newcomer John McLean expanded his lead over Republican Vince Leach, a former legislator, from 760 votes to more than 1,300. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Dayton Police Department hosted a free class to teach the community about their procedures during building searches. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, several community members attended the class and got an up-close look at police training. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, it got my heart pumping, thats very definite, Andrew Price said. Price said he signed up for the class because he wants to become an officer someday. This is a way to kind of help, you know, network, I guess, and kind of get my foot in the door to know what to expect and to just make more eager to keep that fire alive, he said. Participants partnered up and moved through the Dayton Police Academy hallway. They cleared several rooms and encountered Dayton Police Sergeant Tommy Schloss, who was acting like a criminal. Schloss said this training program helps the department be transparent with the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just gives them that chance to walk in our footsteps and see what were experiencing, what were feeling and thats what were trying to do, Schloss said. Price said this would not be the last training he signed up for. Its extremely cool. I love that the Dayton Police is doing this and I think this is a tool to kind of help with miscommunication, kind of nip it in the bud, Prince said. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] JAKARTA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government is working with South Korean authorities to locate two Indonesian crew members who went missing after their ship sank in waters off Jeju, South Korea, on Friday morning. The missing Indonesians, identified by the initials YM and SJU, were among the 27 crew members, 16 Koreans and 11 Indonesians, aboard the fishing vessel Geumseong Susan 135, which sank at around 4:33 a.m. local time. "Initial reports indicate the ship sank during the transfer of the fish catch to a transport vessel, while the entire crew was working on deck at the time," said Judha Nugraha, director of Indonesian citizen protection and legal affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A total of 12 crew members, 10 Koreans and two Indonesians, are still missing, while 15 others have been found, including two Korean crew members who were reported dead. The survivors have been taken to a health center for medical treatment. South Korean authorities continue their intensive search efforts, which will last for 72 hours, while the Indonesian embassy in Seoul plans to meet with the Indonesian survivors in Jeju. SOUTH CAROLINA (WJBF) Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order, declaring a State of Emergency to assist South Carolinas response to flooding in the eastern Midlands and portions of the Lowcountry. The executive order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and supplements ongoing and possible future state response efforts. Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day, said Governor Henry McMaster. The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts. Beginning on November 6, 2024, interactions between a front stalled across the southeastern region of the United States and deep tropical moisture produced periods of substantial and sustained rainfall in certain portions of the State of South Carolina, which caused and continues to cause significant flash and riverine flooding and other dangerous conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service reports that widespread rainfall of 7 to 10 inches has been observed across the eastern Midlands region, with localized areas receiving up to 15 inches. River flooding will continue along portions of the Edisto River into next week. However, South Carolina is not expected to see significant rainfall totals over the next few days. Residents are urged to avoid driving in impacted areas, especially at night, and to never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. For more information on what to do before, during, and after a flood, visit scemd.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. California will play a crucial role in challenging efforts by Donald Trump to move the country in a decidedly more conservative direction. Between 2017 and 2021, the California Attorney General filed 123 lawsuits objecting to Trump administration actions. Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special legislative session to ensure funding for these efforts during the next four years. This is exactly as it should be. There is a huge gulf between the policies that Trump says he will pursue and the values of California. Although Trump won the popular vote for president on Tuesday, he decisively lost in California. Kamala Harris received over 57% of the vote in California, defeating Trump by more than 1.7 million votes. In areas such as immigration, environmental protection and reproductive justice, California is sure to go to the courts to resist what the Trump presidency will try to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion In many areas, California will rely on what is called the anti-commandeering principle: the federal government cannot force states to adopt regulations or administer federal mandates. The Supreme Court used this principle to hold that the federal government could not force state and local governments to conduct background checks before issuing permits for firearms. More recently, the court held that Congress could not force states to increase Medicaid eligibility with the threat of losing all federal Medicaid assistance if they did not comply. In these and other cases, the court said it violates state sovereignty for the federal government to impose such mandates on state and local governments. It is expected that the Trump administration will again try to force local police, schools and even hospitals to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and turn over undocumented individuals. California is sure to sue and argue that this is impermissible commandeering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California will challenge the legality of changes in policies by the Trump administration as exceeding its authority or not following proper procedures. For example, when the Trump administration repealed the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the University of California brought a challenge that it won in the Supreme Court. The new Trump administration is likely to again try to repeal DACA, and this will certainly be challenged by California yet again. In his campaign, Trump has promised to relax environmental standards, including to allow more offshore drilling. California will challenge the legality of these actions and act to uphold its own, stricter environmental rules. A recurring issue will be the extent to which federal law preempts state and local laws. A basic principle of constitutional law is that when there is a conflict between federal law and state or local law, the federal law wins out. However, there is often disagreement over what constitutes a conflict. States can always provide more protection of rights than federal law or the Constitution. In the area of abortion, for instance, Californias Constitution assures a right to abortion even though there is no longer a federal constitutional right. But there is a real prospect that the federal government will try to limit abortions. The Heritage Foundations Project 2025 says the new administration should act to eliminate medically induced abortions. Last year, 63% of all abortions in the United States were medically induced rather than surgically performed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Trump disavowed Project 2025 as a candidate, if there is a Republican House and a Republican Senate, there is a real possibility of the government passing a federal law prohibiting all abortions in the U.S. California is sure to be a leader in bringing a challenge to such efforts to restrict abortion rights and access, arguing that the federal government lacks the authority to do so and contending that it does not preempt Californias law. These, of course, are only a handful of examples. And there is much that the Trump presidency will do that cannot be challenged in the courts. If Trump ends military aid to Ukraine, California is powerless to stop it. If Congress adopts the Trump tax reform and tariffs, that will be hard to challenge in the courts. But so much of what Trump has proposed is of dubious legality. Whenever California or its residents are affected, expect to see Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta leading legal challenges. Perhaps most of all, California will play an essential role in the next four years in expressing dissent. Those in California, including our elected officials, must speak out against Trump policies that violate the law and that harm peoples lives. We cannot be silent in the face of policies that put members of our community in fear, that degrade our environment, threaten the planet and take away basic rights. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta are on exactly the right course in planning now to challenge Trumps policies. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean and professor of law at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Six weeks after Tropical Storm Helene, western North Carolina leaders are working together for a way forward. Governor Roy Cooper spoke with dozens of mayors and county leaders in Morganton on Friday as damages top $53 billion. Channel 9s Dave Faherty spoke with families about the long road to recovery. One of the people Faherty spoke with said that the recovery there is not a sprint, instead likening it to a marathon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Family tries to rebuild mountain oasis after Helene destroyed it Tom Starnes said hell never forget the night after the storm as he and his wife were rescued out a second-floor window of their home. The couple said they dont think theyll be able to move back in for a year. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is already helping him and others recover. Its absolutely critical. And I will credit FEMA with being very responsive. We had a positive response within about three or four days, Starnes said. Resident Matthew Hubbs said his home flooded and trees came down on his property during the storm, forcing him out for several days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very important because people here lost a lot. There is damage everywhere, Hubbs said. The director of FEMA, along with Governor Roy Cooper, spoke to mayors and county commissioners at the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Mayor Ronnie Thompson, along with Avery County Commission Chair Tim Phillips, addressed the importance of leaders gathering to share ideas on the recovery. Were looking to steal any good ideas from other communities. Weve had great networking here, Thompson said. Never let pride get in the way of your success here because to reach out and ask for help is a major thing, and thats what were doing today, Phillips echoed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers said two aid packages totaling $900 million have been passed, with the possibility of more funding coming in the next few weeks. VIDEO: Family tries to rebuild mountain oasis after Helene destroyed it LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward inducted 41 farms into the Arkansas Century Farm program on Thursday. The Arkansas Century Farm program recognizes farms of 10 acres or more owned by the same family for at least 100 years. It was established in 2012 by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to highlight the families contributions to the agriculture industry and state. Our family farmers are the backbone of our state and thats especially true for our Century Farm families, the governor said. We often talk about farming in terms of economics, which is absolutely critical and very important considering its one of Arkansas largest industries. But the importance of farming goes much deeper than that. Its part of our heritage. Its part of our history and its part of our basic survival. Thank you for keeping our country fed, our state growing and our communities strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said agriculture is the largest industry in the Natural State and contributes over $24.3 billion to the states economy annually. Arkansas has 38,000 farms, and 95 percent of those are family-owned. Gov. Sanders honors Arkansas farmers with Century Farm Program event Ward said that the program exists to honor the families that have dedicated their lives to serving others. The Arkansas Century Farm Program exists to recognize and honor the Arkansas farm families that, for generations, have dedicated their lives to serving others and providing the food, fiber, fuel, and shelter that we all depend on every single day of our lives, Secretary Ward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly inducted farms are located in the following counties: Arkansas, Baxter, Benton, Boone, Clay, Columbia, Conway, Craighead, Cross, Desha, Franklin, Howard, Independence, Izard, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Ouachita, Pike, Poinsett, Polk, Prairie, Pulaski, Searcy, Union, Van Buren and White. Application for the 2025 class of inductees opens in February and closes in May. For more information, visit Arkansas.Gov. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. West Columbia, S.C. (WSPA) On Thursday, state leaders focused on keeping kids safe at school. Governor Henry McMaster and Superintendent of the Department of Education, Ellen Weaver, spoke about the importance of safety in public schools. Weaver said that one of their biggest concerns is cell phones due to bullying, lack of discipline and students staging and filming fights. In January 2025, cell phones will not be allowed to be taken out by students during school hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want our students to be free to focus on their academic instruction, Weaver said. We want them to be free to focus on their friendships and building relationships face to face and person to person, not through the medium of a screen. Focusing in the classroom is an important step to eliminate internal safety issues and Governor McMaster said getting rid of distractions is very important to maintain students focus. Theres plenty of distractions. If we can eliminate that concern about safety, that makes it stronger system makes it easier to learn, McMaster said. McMaster said learning is a key to success and Weaver has other plans beside the restriction of cell phones, to ensure a bright future for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weaver shared that over the last two cycles, the SCDE received $40 million from the General Assembly to help make schools physically safe and she plans to ask for $20 million more in 2025. Really just kind of the basic blocking and tackling of school safety, to make sure that there are locks on classroom doors, to make sure that windows are covered with windows film, Weaver said. Were incredibly grateful for the general assembly stepping up and answering the call on that, because again, we all know that if our students arent safe, nothing else matters. McMaster and Weaver said that there are things that still need to be done to improve school safety in South Carolina, and they are making it a priority. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk is facing new federal charges after being named in a superseding indictment in connection with a fatal ambush near Los Angeles Beverly Center shopping mall two years ago. The indictment, announced by the Justice Department on Friday, accuses the 32-year-old Chicago rapper, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, of conspiring with others to murder a rival rapper, Quando Rondo. Banks is also charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement one count of conspiracy one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death one count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death Prosecutors said Banks and his associates have had a violent, yearslong feud with Rondo. The case builds on previous charges and now lists Banks as the lead defendant alongside several associates. A previous affidavit alleged that Banks put a bounty on Rondo born Tyquian Terrel Bowman after a 2020 disagreement with Bowman and his associates resulted in the shooting death of Banks friend and collaborator King Von, who was born Dayvon Bennett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the 2022 killing, Banks supplied a credit card to a friend who then bought a hotel room and masks for the five-man hit squad, as well as supplying weapons and vehicles, prosecutors allege. Banks, who won his first Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance earlier this year, also allegedly tried to cover up his involvement. A message from his iCloud account told the person who booked the flights to L.A. dont book flights under no names involved wit me. The alleged hit squad was arrested in Chicago in October. They were identified by the DOJ as: Kavon London Grant, 28, aka Cuz or Vonnie Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, aka DeDe, of Chicago Keith Jones, 33, aka Flacka, of Gary, Indiana David Brian Lindsey, 33, aka Browneyez, of Addison, Illinois Asa Houston, 36, aka Boogie, of Chicago Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five defendants are in federal custody in Illinois after their initial court appearances in Chicago. They are charged with: one count of conspiracy one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Jones faces an additional count of possession of a machine gun. All six defendants none of whom has yet entered a plea to the charges are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the superseding indictment, in 2010, Banks formed an organization called Only the Family (OTF), which, among other things, produced and sold hip hop music from artists primarily from the Chicago area. OTF also acted as an association-in-fact of individuals who engaged in violence, including murder and assault, at Banks direction and to maintain their status in OTF. Banks was arrested in October hours before he was trying to leave the country, according to the FBI. If convicted, all the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Billboard in Louisville advertises Sam Aguiar's law firm. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Deborah Yetter) FRANKFORT A Franklin County grand jury last week declined to indict prominent Louisville attorney Sam Aguiar in an investigation into whether Aguiar made excessive campaign contributions in the names of straw donors to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears 2019 campaign for governor. The no true bill returned in the case and filed with the Franklin Circuit Court clerk on Oct. 29 states that the grand jury considered whether Aguiar had been involved in 20 counts of Making a Payment, Distribution, Loan, Advancement, or Gift of Money to Another to Contribute to a Candidate. Rob Sanders Such an action is a felony under Kentucky law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The no true bill states that the vote of grand jurors was insufficient in number to return an indictment. It takes the votes of at least nine of 12 grand jurors to return an indictment. The case was presented to the grand jury by a special prosecutor appointed by Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman Kenton County Commonwealths Attorney Rob Sanders, a Republican. I was stunned, Sanders said of the jurys decision. Sanders said he was limited in what he could say about a matter before a grand jury where proceedings are confidential. But both he and Franklin County Commonwealths Attorney Larry Cleveland said the case concerns whether Aguiar made excess contributions in the names of others to Beshears 2019 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleveland told the Lantern that Aguiar admitted to doing so but that he didnt know his behavior was a crime. Cleveland, a Democrat, said he recommended that the matter be referred to the Kentucky election registry for a civil investigation which could result in a fine. Cleveland said the penalty for conviction of the criminal law sought by Coleman a prison term of up to five years per violation plus the likely loss of a lawyers license to practice is excessive in an era when out-of-state billionaires and corporations legally make six- and seven-figure donations to super PACs that influence Kentuckys elections. When a grand jury returns a no true bill, a prosecutor has the ability to take the case back to a grand jury and try again for an indictment. Attorney General Russell Coleman (Kentucky Lantern photo by Mathew Mueller) Colemans office declined to answer questions about the matter including whether the case would be taken back to a grand jury. It responded to questions with only this statement: Mr. Aguiars case was assigned to Special Prosecutor, Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders. Our office does not comment on criminal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguiar referred questions about the contributions at issue in the case to his attorney, Scott Cox, of Louisville, who did not return phone messages from the Kentucky Lantern. The only thing I would say is be careful with what you write, Aguiar told the Lantern in a phone interview. I mean, the grand jury just came back with no true bill. Regarding the process of the investigation, Aguiar said, Larry Cleveland looked at it, thought there was no merit, walked it over to campaign finance, and apparently Russell Coleman wasnt happy with that. Aguiar has practiced law in Kentucky for about 16 years and heads the firm called Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers. But his work goes beyond personal injury cases. He may be best known as the attorney for Breonna Taylors family. Taylor, 26, was killed in her apartment in a botched raid by Louisville police in March 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term as governor, Beshear appointed Aguiar to three state boards: the Waterfront Development Corporation of Louisville in 2020, the Murray State University Board of Regents in 2021 and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in 2022. But the Kentucky Senate declined to confirm Aguiars appointment to the Murray State board in 2022. Secretary of state records show that Aguiar resigned from the Waterfront Development Board in 2022, and he resigned from the Horse Racing Commission in 2022 within days of being appointed. Aguiar gave generously to support Beshear politically, including $40,000 to the Kentucky Democratic Party from 2019 to 2021, the propriety of which is not in question. Aguiar also gave the maximum allowed by law to the Beshear campaign for governor in 2019 $2,000 in the primary election and $2,000 more for the general election, according to the online data base maintained by the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. Aguiar did not contribute to Beshears reelection campaign in 2023. The Lanterns examination of the database shows that starting in late 2018 through August of 2019, 17 employees of Aguiars firm are listed as making 36 contributions to Beshears gubernatorial campaign. Those contributions total $29,944. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky law prohibits anyone from making a donation to a state candidate in excess of contribution limits. Currently the limit is $2,100 per election, in 2019 it was $2,000. And the law makes it a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in jail, to knowingly exceed the limit by also giving through other donors. Larry Cleveland Cleveland said when he was approached about the case early this summer by representatives of Colemans office he felt the penalty under the law was too harsh for the crime. Cleveland said that in the course of the investigation Aguiar admitted that he had made excess contributions in the names of others, but said he did not know that it was illegal. By contrast, since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case, Cleveland said, a corporation can legally give unlimited amounts of money to super PACs that can independently advocate for a candidate amounts far greater than those involved in the Aguiar investigation. Cleveland said he believed the matter should be handled as a civil not criminal matter with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance conducting an investigation and potentially imposing a large fine. The registry has the power to impose fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That sort of approach has been used in some of the rare instances when donors have been investigated for violating this law including in a 2007 case brought by former Attorney General Greg Stumbo against London road contractor Elmo Greer & Sons for making excess contributions to candidates for governor. That case was resolved in a deal by which the company paid a $250,000 fine and a Greer official pleaded guilty to the felony charge, while the conviction was later dismissed under what is known as a diversion agreement. The most recent controversy over straw donations, and one involving a huge amount of money, was brought to light by reporting in the Kentucky Lantern last year that found relatives, employees and associates of London Mayor Randall Weddle had given more than $300,000 to Beshears 2023 campaign for governor and to the Kentucky Democratic Party. After the publication of that story, Weddle told Beshear campaign officials that he had made some of these contributions listed as having been made by others on his own credit card with the intention that those people would pay him back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beshear campaign and Kentucky Democratic Party quickly refunded $202,000 the amount they said they got in excess contributions through Weddles credit card to Weddle. The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is investigating those donations, Colemans office did not respond to questions this week asking if his office is also investigating the Weddle contributions. Eric Hyers, the manager of both of Beshears campaigns for governor and head of Beshear political committees, did not respond to the Lanterns inquiry about the Aguiar case. Local grand juries meet in the Franklin County Courthouse in downtown Frankfort. Attorney General Russell Coleman has not said whether his office will try again to indict a donor to Gov. Andy Beshears 2019 campaign. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park attracts millions of visitors every year and stands as one of the most-trafficked national parks in the system. And the expansive swath of federally protected land is about to get even bigger. On Nov. 7, the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners voted to move forward with selling a breathtaking piece of state property within the park to the federal government to the tune of $100 million. It's not a huge parcel of landjust one square mile in sizebut it has a gorgeous unobstructed view of the Teton Range. Up until now, the state has leased the plot for grazing. The vote, taken by Gov. Mark Gordon and four Republican elected officials, comes after decades of threats to sell the land to the highest bidder. This could've meant a sale to private developers, a potential move that was criticized by conservation and hunting groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theres clearly a right decision to be made. This is a very rare opportunity for you to do the right thing for education in Wyoming," Wyoming Senate President Ogden Driskill said before the vote, per The Associated Press. The Wyoming state legislature approved the $100 million sale in the most recent state budget. The deal stipulates that a federal fund will provide the land's appraised value of $62 million with the rest of it coming from private funding. State treasurer Curt Meier is ready to take the next step in making Grand Teton a world-class destination with unmatched views. "This is the time for us to go forward," he said before the vote. Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but summer remains the most popular season to visit. Make sure you plan your next trip well in advance. A council has plastered disrespectful health and safety stickers over gravestones that it has deemed to be a risk. Names, dates of death, and tributes to the deceased have been left obscured at cemeteries in Glasgow, Scotland, by warning signs declaring that the headstones fail safety standards. Glasgow city council said the stickers were necessary to get families to repair wobbly gravestones that it deemed dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But mourners have branded its intervention as morally wrong and accused the authority of defacing graves. Sami Tollett was visiting her fathers grave at Riddrie Park Cemetery when she saw the stickers displayed on nearby graves. Its disgusting and morally wrong to deface somebodys resting place, she told BBC Scotland. Locals have complained the stickers are covering up names of the deceased - BBC Its actually sad to see. It used to be a lovely place, well kept and maintained, but now its an eyesore. Its even worse with the big stickers all over the headstones. Gillian Sooter, who was visiting the Lambhill cemetery, said she was upset that the labels were covering up the peoples names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks terrible to think your loved ones are lying here and on their stones are a big white sticker, she said. Glasgow City Council has inspected the tombs in its cemeteries annually since 2015 when Ciaran Williamson, eight, died when a headstone in the Craigton graveyard fell on him. The inquiry into the schoolboys death heard that 900 headstones at the cemetery had been found to be unsafe in the days after his death. Topple test A spokesman for the council said all tombstones have since been subject to a yearly topple test where council workers push them to see if they are unstable and loose. I understand that this will be upsetting to people but we dont want to be back where we were in 2015, the spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the stickers were the most effective way of contacting family members, who are legally responsible for maintaining graves, to make them safe. I think this is definitely the lesser of two evils, he said. In a statement, the council said: Regular inspections of headstones is a statutory obligation for the council but the maintenance and upkeep of any memorial is a matter for the owner. However, as owners themselves pass on, identifying a person to take responsibility for headstone maintenance can become very challenging. Applying these notices to headstones is an effective way to reach out to families and they have helped us to make contact with people who have an interest in undertaking necessary repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Headstone maintenance is not a service we provide and families must privately engage an appropriate stonemason to complete any work. As a last resort, headstones will be laid flat to ensure public safety, although we know this can cause upset to families when they become aware of the poor condition of their family members memorial. 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. ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A Greenville man was sentenced to 35 years Tuesday for a 2015 cold case murder. Officials said 48-year-old Jason Travis Merrill pled guilty on Nov. 5 to second-degree arson and the murder of his former roommate Cecil Sandy Sanders Morris. In 2015, deputies with the Greenville County Sheriffs Office found Morriss body after authorities responded to a house fire on Michael Drive. Investigators said the body was found in the basement, wrapped in tarp and blankets and in the beginning stages of decomposing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was apparent that Morris was killed prior to the fire. Following the initial investigation, the case went cold due to a lack of forensic evidence. In 2020, investigators re-examined the case, which led officials to uncover records, forensic evidence and surveillance footage that led them to Merrill. Autopsy findings presented during the plea established that between Oct. 11, 2015, and Oct. 15, 2015, Merrill shot Morris twice in the back of the neck before later setting him on fire at the home on Michael Drive. It was reported that Merrill had flown to California between Oct. 18 and Oct. 28. Merrill was seen on surveillance videos returning to Michael Drive on Oct. 30 driving the victims vehicle and leaving several hours later. Deputies believe Merrill then went to a relatives home in Brevard, N.C., where he was taken into custody on Nov. 20, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morriss vehicle was also recovered at the Brevard residence. Merrills case was the first one solved following the creation of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office dedicated Cold Case Unit. Officials said he will serve his sentence in the SC Department of Corrections Facility. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Six members of Malaysia's peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were confirmed injured, the Malaysian armed forces said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday at 1:54 p.m. local time (7:54 p.m. in Malaysia) as the peacekeepers were in transit from Beirut to Marakah Camp when a strike hit a nearby vehicle, sending fragments into the bus transporting the Malaysians, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) said in a statement. It added that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates from time to time. "The MAF remains committed to the safety and well-being of its members as they carry out peacekeeping missions under the United Nations banner," the statement added. UNIFIL positions have come under fire several times due to the conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah. Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip. The Vermont Supreme Court has rejected an effort by Franklin County John Grismore to overturn the decision to strip him of his law-enforcement credentials. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council voted 15-1 to permanently revoke Grismores credentials in December 2023, after finding that he violated the State of Vermont Use of Force Policy when he kicked a detained man in August 2022. Judge declares another mistrial in Sheriff Grismore case after 3 days of deliberations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grismores appeal argued that the decision should be reversed because Franklin County prosecutor Kim McManus served as the Criminal Justice Councils associate general counsel. According to the appeal, that created the impression of bias and an appearance of impropriety. Read the Courts decisionDownload Grismore argued that, under the the Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct, McManuss dual roles required the Council to recuse itself. The appeal said the failure of the Council to recuse itself violated Grismores right to due process. The justices noted that Grismores appeal did not challenge the Courts conclusion that the sheriffs use of force was objectively unreasonable, unnecessary, punitive, and demonstrative of a failure to use reasonable alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They justices also noted that McManus gave no legal advice to the Council regarding evidence, didnt discuss the merits of the case with Council members and had no role in the drafting of the order that revoked the Sheriffs certification. The respondent has failed to rebut the presumption of honesty and integrity afforded to the Council under these circumstances, the justices wrote. Grismore was tried twice for simple assault for kicking a shackled detainee, Jeremy Burrows, twice in the groin area in 2022. The incident was captured on video. Both trials ended when the jury could not make a decision. Prosecutors dropped the charge after deciding not try Grismore a third time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Community leaders came together on Thursday to break ground on the Medal of Honor Memorial in Honor Park. The memorial recognizes 41 local recipients of the highest U.S. military award presented for valor in combat. Volunteers led the project, which was initiated by Wright Dunbar, Inc. as an extension of the Dayton Region Walk of Fame. Among the most recent recipients of the Medal of Honor are Airman First Class William (Bill) H. Pitsenbarger, Army Specialist Four Joseph Guy LaPointe, Jr., and Corporal Anthony (Tony) Michael Stein. Recipients from Montgomery, Clark, Greene, Warren, Butler, Darke, Preble and Miami counties will be acknowledged on the memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city park will be renamed Honor Park to pay homage to more than 110,000 veterans who live in our community. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, says its critical to thank those who were willing to sacrifice everything for our nation. I am so grateful for the investment that has been made here. I am so grateful to honor those veterans those before me and those who came after me- to show, again, that those individuals chose to lay their life on the line. And many of them were not fortunate enough to pick it up. BUt to show their love for these United States of America, said Mims. So far, $1.3 million of the needed $1.5 million campaign goal has been raised for the memorial. The Dayton Foundation will invest $300,000 of campaign funds for long-term maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make a donation, click here. Checks can also be mailed to The Dayton Foundation Medal of Honor Memorial Campaign Fund #2231 at 1401 S. Main St., Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45409. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account). In one Public Service Commission race this week, incumbent Republican Jennifer Fielder walloped her challenger despite an infusion of cash by an independent committee for her opponent late in the campaign. Independent Elena Evans, who criticized Fielder for supporting recent steep rate increases the PSC approved, had raised significantly more money than Fielder on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, an independent committee, the Montana Ratepayers Association, reported raising nearly $500,000 for the race to support Evans and defeat Fielder. Evans lost her campaign anyway, but the windfall of six figures is an anomaly in these races. Neither the Montana Ratepayers Association nor its dark money funder, American Jobs and Energy Security, returned requests for comment from the Daily Montanan. However, a political analyst said the big money may be an attempted warning to the Public Service Commission to reconsider its energy priorities and a state senator and newly elected PSC member said he fears it is and could affect future campaigns. State Sen. Brad Molnar, R-Laurel. (Provided by the Montana Legislature) State Sen. Brad Molnar, a Republican who also previously served on the PSC, noted the push of money in the race in a news release last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he wanted to alert Montanans that a moneyball awaits commissioners who dont support the agenda of the funders, citing another donor, the Climate Cabinet Action. Based in San Francisco, the organization identifies itself as using a moneyball approach identifying and supporting under-the-radar politicians who back climate initiatives. Records show it gave $20,000 to the Montana Ratepayers Association. The American Jobs group then gave $475,000. We do not know the donors motives in funding the Montana Ratepayers Association, but plainly it is not open/fair elections or consumer protection, said Molnar, himself a previous and future Public Service Commissioner, in a statement. *** The Public Service Commission, made up of five commissioners elected by district, has been criticized for approving high rate increases for energy utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detractors also argue the PSC, currently all Republican, has been slow to encourage more affordable and sustainable power sources for Montana consumers. Earlier this year, a coalition of 40 businesses and other organizations submitted a formal request asking the Public Service Commission to consider the adverse impacts of greenhouse gas emissions in utility regulation. The climate petition is pending. Most of the late push of more than half a million dollars into the race came from the American Jobs and Energy Security group, which lists its purpose as to support clean energy candidates and initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group could not be reached for comment through phone numbers and an email address on file with its registration with the Commissioner of Political Practices. American Jobs and Energy Security reported sending $475,000 later in September and $40,000 later in October to the Montana Ratepayers Association, plus additional in-kind contributions. The Montana Ratepayers Association reported spending part of the money on creative testing, or polling research, and the bulk of it on digital and print advertising to support Evans. In an interview last Friday, political analyst Lee Banville said large infusions of dark money are unusual in down-ballot races in Montana. However, he said they have taken place before, such as in Montana Supreme Court races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw it in the ballot initiative to get marijuana legalized, said Banville, journalism professor and head of the School of Journalism at the University of Montana, of the 2020 effort. There was a single group that funded the entire thing that we know almost nothing about. In this case, Banville said funders might be those who are frustrated by the lack of transition to renewable energy, which the PSC has not been pushing. The money may be a way to change the conversation, but be a warning to other commissioners and hopefuls as well. Maybe you should be taking renewables more seriously, Banville said of the possible message. Prior to the election, however, Banville said Fielder had the advantage in the race regardless, being a Republican with incumbency and plenty of name recognition as a former state legislator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Banville also said he wanted to know the true purpose of the Montana Ratepayers Association: Are they a real organization doing things to protect ratepayers? Or are they serving as a pass-through for money that is otherwise dark? The Montana Ratepayers Association is not registered with the Secretary of States Office. It did not respond to an email last week from the Daily Montana or a request for comment in a form submitted through its web portal. The only information on its website is about recent PSC rate hikes, and the only candidates it mentions are Evans, whom it supported, and Fielder, whom it accused of corporate cronyism. Jennifer Fielder of the Montana Public Service Commission (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Fielder). In a phone call the day after the election, however, Fielder said she suspects the funds spent to oppose her are corporate money from entities that tend to profit from PSC decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Fielder said she did not know for sure, and regardless, she didnt see the expenditure as a threat from those who want the PSC to respond to the harmful effects of climate: I dont operate that way. I do what is right under the law and in the public interest, Fielder said. I do my best, and fortunately, the people have tended to agree with that kind of thinking and have sent me back to continue working for them. Fielder had earned 55% of the vote to Evans 45%, according to the election results on the Montana Secretary of States elections site Thursday. *** In an email to the Daily Montanan about the Montana Ratepayers Association, Evans said she learned about the group from people in her district who received its mailers and shared them with her. Independent Elena Evans, who ran for the PSC. (Provided by the Evans campaign.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she lost, she said she was overwhelmed by the response from Montanans Trump voters and Harris voters who wanted to see change on the PSC. In a public statement after the election, Evans said she would not stop advocating for forward-thinking energy sources and a better future for our children. Besides Fielder and Molnar, one other Republican won his race for the Public Service Commission this week. State Sen. Jeff Welborn, a moderate from Dillon, had 62% of the vote Thursday to Leonard Williams 38%. Welborn said when it comes to energy sources, reliability is key for the people he has talked to during his campaign to keep refrigerators cold and hospitals open, for instance even if consumers have to pay a little bit more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said its hard to raise money for Public Service Commission races, more so than for legislative races, and the six-figure contribution is striking. Four- and five-figure campaigns are more commonplace for the PSC. Jeff Welborn (Courtesy of Montana Legislative Services) Im here to tell you that it is a big effort to raise even $5,000 one check at a time from donors, Welborn said. The groups didnt insert themselves in his campaign, but Welborn said big money wont change the way he approaches his decisions regardless: Im not going to be bullied or pushed around by any organization. Still, he said, the fact that some entity can drop even $100,000 on a PSC candidate exponentially more than candidates can raise on their own and help them buy 20 times the name recognition is significant. And he said it raises questions. What is that expectation for the return on investment? Welborn said. And at whose feet does that expectation fall? Support, direct and indirect The groups behind the half a million dollars for PSC candidate Elena Evans, separate from her candidate campaign, did not return calls or emails for comment from the Daily Montanan. American Jobs and Energy Security lists an address at a Delaware building with a business that registers companies and helps make sure others stay out of your business. It couldnt be reached by phone last week or this week. Montana Conservation Voters political director Molly Bell said her organization supported Evans, and it received indirect help from the groups. In August, a consultant with Ship Creek Group, a creative and political agency in Alaska, contacted Montana Conservation Voters to see if it wanted to pool resources in conjunction with a poll, Bell said. Ship Creek received support from the Montana Ratepayers Association, funded mostly by American Jobs and Energy Security, according to campaign finance reports. The consultant on the project did not return a request for comment from the Daily Montanan. Late last week, Bell said she didnt know much about the groups that were also wanting to support Evans and clean energy, although she was pleased to hear they shared similar goals. Bell had hoped to see Evans declare victory, but she said the aim from her organization is a PSC that supports new energy and commissioners who wont be a rubber stamp for the fossil fuel industry. The relationship between the U.K. and Ukraine has worsened since the Labour party took power in July, according to Ukrainian officials, the Guardian reported on Nov. 8. Kyiv expressed frustration over Prime Minister Keir Starmers reluctance to supply additional long-range Storm Shadow missiles, with one senior official stating, Theres no point in his coming as a tourist unless Starmer commits to more military support. Storm Shadow missiles have a range of up to 250 kilometers (150 miles), and have been used to hit Russian military targets in Crimea, a sovereign Ukrainian territory illegally annexed by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian officials also noted that Starmer has postponed several planned visits, which has added to their disappointment. Some Ukrainian leaders are worried about potential changes in U.S. support following Donald Trumps recent election victory, as Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine and the Kremlin intensifies missile bombardments. While Starmer assured President Zelensky of Britains unwavering support in Budapest on Nov. 7, no concrete progress on missile supplies was achieved. The two leaders met in Budapest while attending the fifth European Political Community Summit. Starmers appointment of former national security adviser Jonathan Powell has further raised concerns in Kyiv, with some speculating it might signal increased pressure on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: EU officials explore options for supporting Ukraine if Trump halts aid, Bloomberg reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PANAMA CITY The city of Panama City is hosting two speakers this month to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. Ben Liggins, owner of the Native Spirit Museum and Gallery in St. Andrews, will present on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. He plans to speak about indigenous cultures that existed around the St. Andrews Bay. Liggins gave the News Herald a sneak peak on his topic of choice. He says there used to be 32 truncated pyramid mounds in the area. The mounds were four-sided with flat tops, most likely for structures, he described. Only one of the mounds was used for burials and the culture that built them lived here around 1000 A.D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liggins said that the mounds were destroyed in the early 20th century. Developers platted lots in modern-day Panama City Beach, but nobody would buy the lots because there were no roads for buggies. The mounds were composed of shells that could be used to create the roads, which today are Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive, according to Liggins. Sources online say this wasn't an uncommon practice at the time in Florida. He went on to say that anyone wanting to learn more will have to attend his City Hall presentation. Ronald Scott, a Oklahoma Choctaw member language teacher, historian and Vietnam War veteran, will make his debut on Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. as a follow up to his Nov. 8 discussion on indigenous cultures and military service. Scott plans to talk about Choctaw history, culture and language. He says many local place names are derived from words in the Choctaw language, including Okaloosa, which means black water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His parents were both native Choctaw speakers and he grew up speaking the language as well. He later spent 20 years teaching others the language in an effort to preserve it. He says when he started teaching there were only around 1,000 people left who could speak it. Once every three months, the city tries to host guest speakers in conjunction with displays within the rotunda, (the open central area), inside City Hall. Officials previously have done this in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day. "Readers who attend the event will experience a deep sense of place and history, not only hearing from the guest speakers but also surrounded by intricate displays relating to the topic," said Kristen Kennedy, public affairs manager for the city. "Additionally, they'll feel a heartfelt connection to our community's shared stories and the importance of remembrance." This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Native American Heritage Month in Panama City: Guest speakers talk history CHICAGO A man was found guilty Wednesday for shooting and killing a young father during the 2021 Puerto Rican Day celebration. The victims girlfriend also died after being inadvertently shot during the incident. Anthony Lorenzi, 37, was found guilty Wednesday following a bench trial on the charge of second-degree murder. On the night of June 19, 2021, police responded to the 3200 block of West Division Street on the report of an attack and subsequent shooting following the Puerto Rican Day parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City cameras caught the incident and the subsequent shooting of Gyovanny Arzuaga, 24. It begins with Arzuaga and his girlfriend Yazmin Perez getting dragged out of their vehicle by a group of men. During the struggle Arzuaga accidently shot Perez, police revealed in a press conference after the shooting. Video shows Lorenzi fire multiple shots in the direction of the couple as the were huddled on the ground and then run away with other members of the group. Arzuaga was shot in the head and died at the hospital. Perez died days later at the hospital and the couple shared two young children together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorenzi was arrested three weeks later in California and was extradited back to Chicago. He was initially charged with first-degree murder but the judge convicted him of second-degree murder, according to the Sun-Times. Their vehicle at the scene of the shooting The Sun-Times reported that the families of Arzuaga and Perez scowled after the verdict was read. A GoFundMe for their children raised over $125,000. Lorenzis sentencing day is scheduled for Dec. 16. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Beach communities are feeling as dry as the desert thanks to this Santa Ana wind pattern. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for local valleys until 7 p.m. Thursday evening with alerts set to expire for mountain areas by late Friday morning. Northeast to easterly winds will be weak to moderate the rest of the day with gusts 35 to 45 miles per hour in wind-prone areas. Humidity levels are still critically dry with single-digit percentages expected the remainder of the work week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where has SDG&E shutoff power in San Diego County? All of these factors are contributing to elevated fire danger across the Golden State and any fire that does break out will be wind driven and spread quickly. Winds will gradually weaken later Thursday afternoon into the evening, but cold air will make it chilly yet again tonight. Overnight lows will drop to mid-40s for beaches, mid-30s for valleys and mountains and upper 30s for the deserts. Onshore flow returns this weekend and peak early next week as a low pressure system moves inland through California. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. VIRGINIA BEACH Election officials across the region are verifying votes to confirm Tuesdays election results, and in some cities, candidates in close races are watching in case outstanding ballots are enough to change the outcome. The process of reviewing, confirming and recording the official local results of each election, known as a canvas, was underway Thursday in Building 19 at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. District 5 City Council candidate L.G. Shaw was among the observers in the room. Shaw faced veteran council member Rosemary Wilson, who is currently leading by 1,029 votes. Wilson had 52%, or 10,898 votes, as of Thursday, according to Department of Elections data, compared with Shaws 9,869 votes, or about 47%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its running its course, and were patiently waiting, said Shaw. Well see where the chips fall. Provisional ballots from across the city are still being counted, and the bulk of them roughly 5,000 are from people who registered to vote on Election Day, according to Virginia Beach Electoral Board Chair Jeff Marks. Verifying those ballots will extend into next week. Its a lot of work thats involved there, Marks said. Votes will be certified by Nov. 15. In some cities, such as Chesapeake and Portsmouth, outstanding ballots being tallied until next week could be enough to sway the outcome or allow candidates to formally request a recount. For recounts, total vote tallies between two candidates must fall within a 1% threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Portsmouth, where the three top vote-getters earn at-large seats on City Council, only 166 votes currently separate the candidates in third and fourth place. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 provisional ballots are being tallied, Portsmouth Electoral Board member Carol Summerlyn said Thursday. The vast majority of those were cast from same-day voter registration. Some mail ballots are also outstanding. They must be received by noon Friday to be counted. Portsmouth Chief Deputy Registrar April Barnes said 4,853 ballots had been returned out of the 5,585 mail ballots requested. Portsmouths unofficial results show City Council candidates Yolanda C. Edmonds Thomas, Kathryn W. Kitty Bryant and Bill Dodson Jr. have the three-highest vote totals as of Thursday. Thomas has 15,484 votes, Bryant has 11,856, and Dodson has 11,527. But City Council incumbent DeAndre Barnes may fall within the recount threshold. While Dodson had 11.8% of the vote, Barnes trailed with 11.6%, or 11,361 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reached by phone Thursday, Barnes said he hasnt made any requests for a recount at this time and is waiting to see how official results pan out. Im just trying to just wait and let it play itself out and go from there, Barnes said. As of Thursday, Chesapeake General Registrar Mary Lynn Pinkerman said the board was working to tally more than 3,000 provisional ballots. The board is also counting post-election absentee ballots. Pinkerman said of the 15,806 absentee ballots requested, 13,450 have been returned as of Thursday. In Chesapeake, at least one candidate may fall within the threshold of calling for a recount. Preliminary results show City Council candidates Debbie Ritter, Les Smith Jr. and Patricia King are poised to secure the three at-large open seats. But candidate E.R. Jeff Jefferies Jr. trails King by 2,138 votes, according to the Virginia Department of Elections unofficial results. King received 15.7% of all votes, while Jefferies received just shy of 15%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts to reach Jefferies for comment have been unsuccessful. Across many other races in the region, unofficial election results showed clear winners, though in some cases it took longer than election officials would have liked. In Virginia Beach, Marks said a recent change in how early voting numbers are processed kept election officials working late on election night as candidates and supporters waited with bated breath for the results to trickle in. More than 121,000 people voted early in Virginia Beach, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. The figure includes people who mailed their ballots as well as those who voted in person at the registrars office or one of the satellite locations leading up to Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation passed in Virginia in 2022 requires election officials to sort those ballots by the precinct at which the voter who cast the ballot is assigned to. You have to dice it up among all the precincts, Marks said. It takes a while to get these things processed. While some localities may have stopped tabulating ballots at midnight and picked it back up in the morning, Marks chose to keep going. You lose a lot of efficiency to stop the process at that point, said Marks. I felt like lets get this done tonight; it made more technical sense. The city provided the early voting tally to state officials around 1 a.m., Marks said. The results were then posted on the Virginia Department of Elections website. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com NEW DELHI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A tribal woman belonging to the Kuki community was allegedly shot and burned to death after gunmen from the opposite community resorted to arson in the northeastern state of Manipur, officials said Friday. The incident took place Thursday night in Zairawn Hmar village of Jiribam district, about 216 km west of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. There was reportedly an exchange of fire. The slain woman was identified as a 31-year-old teacher and mother of three children. Officials said at least six houses were torched in the village and this marked the return of fresh violence to the state. Manipur has been on edge since May 3 last year when large-scale violence broke out in the state during a tribal protest over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community for a scheduled tribe status -- designated for disadvantaged socio-economic groups which gives them reservations in education and government jobs. Last year, ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei group and the tribal Kuki minority displaced over 60,000 people. Violence so far has reportedly claimed over 200 lives and injured over 1,100. (The Hill) President-elect Trump was declared winner of the 2024 election on Wednesday, unlocking a path to the White House that involves a series of key events required to ratify the results. This process is outlined in the Constitution. The steps ensure an election is fairly processed and ballot counts are properly documented. Officials craft paperwork that the records the presidential ballot totals from Election Day, the first Tuesday in November, to Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. Certificate of Ascertainment Each state must first submit their Certificate of Ascertainment, listing the names of all the individuals on the slates for each candidate in addition to the number of votes each individual received. It also shows which individuals were appointed as the states electors according to the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These documents must be sent to the Archivist of the United States by Dec. 11. This is the countrys official election record. The results of this NC race could change how the state is governed Certificate of the Vote Electors will meet in their respective states on Dec. 17. Each person casts a vote for president and vice president on separate ballots. Electors record their votes on six Certificates of Vote, which are paired with the six remaining Certificates of Ascertainment according to the National Archives. Next, they sign and seal six copies of both the Certificate of Vote alongside the Certificate of Ascertainment. The documents are sent to Congress, where the votes are counted, and to the National Archives and Record Administration, as part of the official records of the Presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every state will also receive a copy for its permanent records in addition to three backup sets. New Congress members instated The new Congress will convene at noon Jan. 3, as set forth in the Constitution, and lawmakers will be sworn in. Vice President Harris will preside over the meeting as Senate members take their Oath of Office, as will as the House Speaker for House members. Congress counts electoral votes Congress will count electoral votes on Jan. 6. Harris will be the first sitting vice president to oversee the counting of her own electoral loss since Al Gore in 2002. The states election results will be brought into Congress in two wooden boxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris will hand sealed certificates to tellers, who will tally the votes. Why NC voted for Trump, then elected several Democrats for top state races This is the first time a new process outlined under the Electoral Count Reform Act will be in place. The law confirms the vice president has no ability to change the election outcome on Jan. 6, and helps to resolve legal challenges swiftly according to the Associated Press. The law was passed after the Capitol attacks on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of the election. Inauguration President-elect Trump will be sworn in on Inauguration Day at noon on Jan. 20, as laid out in the Constitution. He will also provide an address to the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON (AP) Susie Wiles will be the latest occupant of the hottest hot seat in Washington Donald Trump's chief of staff. It's a tough job under the best of circumstances, responsible for networking with lawmakers, administration officials and outside groups while also keeping the White House running smoothly. But it's been particularly challenging under Trump, who has a history of resenting anyone who tries to impose order on his chaotic management style. Four people served as chief of staff during his first term, and sometimes things ended on acrimonious terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will past be prologue? It's impossible to know. So far, Wiles has fared better than most in Trump's orbit, and she just steered his presidential campaign to victory. Here's a look at who came before her. Reince Priebus Priebus chaired the Republican National Committee while Trump ran for president in 2016, and he became Trump's first chief of staff in the White House. Priebus was symbolic of the awkward alliance between the party establishment and Trump's insurgency, and he struggled to balance the two. The White House was plagued by infighting and failed to advance legislative goals such as repealing the Affordable Care Act. Priebus was sometimes viewed as untrustworthy by various factions vying for Trump's favor. Anthony Scaramucci, who memorably but briefly served as Trump's communications director, profanely attacked him for allegedly leaking information to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six months into his first term, Trump pushed out Priebus on July 28, 2017. The decision was announced on Twitter, which was par for the course in those tumultuous years. John Kelly Next up was Kelly, who had been Trump's first Homeland Security secretary. Trump liked the way that Kelly, a former four-star Marine general who had served in Iraq, led his immigration crackdown. But he soon became frustrated by Kelly's attempts to impose military-style order on the chaotic White House. Kelly clashed with the president and some of his allies, ultimately becoming more isolated and less influential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump appeared so eager to get rid of Kelly, he announced his departure on Dec. 8, 2018, without having a replacement lined up. While Kelly served longer in the role than anyone else, his break with Trump was ultimately the most acrimonious. He described his former boss in acidic terms last month, saying Trump met the definition of a fascist and once praised Adolf Hitler as having done "some good things. Mick Mulvaney It took days for Trump to settle on a replacement for Kelly, an unusual delay for a such a critical role. He chose Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who was running the White House budget office at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision came with an asterisk Trump called Mulvaney his acting chief of staff, suggesting the position would be temporary. Mulvaney abandoned Kelly's strict management approach and decided to let Trump be Trump. Instead of managing the seemingly unmanageable president, Mulvaney focused on overseeing the staff and working with lawmakers. He held the job for a little more than a year, departing on March 6, 2020, after Trump was acquitted in his first impeachment trial. Mark Meadows Trump turned to Meadows, a North Carolina congressman and leader of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, to serve as his fourth chief of staff. It was a challenging time, with the coronavirus spreading in the United States and around the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long viewed as one of the roadblocks to congressional deal-making, Meadows played a leading role in negotiating pandemic relief legislation. He also proved himself as a loyalist as Trump was running for reelection against Joe Biden. Meadows oversaw a White House awash in conspiracy theories about voter fraud as Trump tried to overturn his defeat. A former aide said Meadows frequently burned papers in his office fireplace during this time. Meadows refused to cooperate with a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and he was indicted in election-related cases in Georgia and Arizona. He's pleaded not guilty. Shannon Ayers-Forsythe and Kevin Grunwald show off their outfits at a Democratic watch party Nov. 5, 2024, in Overland Park. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector) Elections are the ultimate vibe check for political parties. And the mood in Democratic watch parties quickly congealed into sludge Tuesday night. Headed into the night, the tossup election seemed within the grasp of Vice President Kamala Harris. By the end of the evening, the Democratic body language was slumped shoulders, surprised faces and early exits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They failed to defeat Donald Trump, a man they love to hate. They couldnt unseat Kansas legislators who appear too conservative for their districts. Sorry, Democrats, because here comes more cold water on your shivering and drenched heads: any seemingly positive election returns for Harris in Kansas might actually be bad news masquerading. County election returns in Kansas provide an interesting lens, even if the state reliably wants a Republican in the White House. What counties did Harris win? Only four counties from 105 in Kansas gave Harris a majority of their votes. Riley County, home to Kansas State University, provided Harris with a razor-thin victory: 291 votes more than Trump. Aside from that small gain, Harris won the counties of Johnson, Wyandotte and Douglas, home of the states largest university, the University of Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, all four majority-Harris counties voted at a higher rate for Trump than they had in 2020. Most dramatically, Wyandotte County shifted 7.9 percentage points toward Trump between 2020 and 2024. This was the third-largest swing toward Trump in the state among all counties even counties that Trump won. While losing Douglas County, Trump attracted 3.3 points more voters there than he did in 2020, and 2.2 points more in Riley County. The most liberal parts of Kansas swung and decidedly so away from Democrats. If you thought that data set was the cold water, those are just the first drops hitting your head. In what counties did Harris outperform Biden in 2020? National political pundits talked about the Blue Wall in the run-up to the election. Democrats hoped that this imagined wall would include states in the northern Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays vote, when compared to the 2020 results, provides a different wall. The New York Times interactive election returns map shows it. (Click on Kansas and then select Shift from 2020.) You will see a red wall stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana. Each of the hundreds of red arrows signifies a county swung from a 2020 Biden win to a 2024 Trump win. The few and lonely blue arrows show the few counties that Harris stole back from Trump this election. The red wall showing Trumps 2024 gains is a thick, straight line from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. In some locations, you might be hundreds of miles from any county that swung toward Harris. Kansas interrupts Trumps red wall. Of the 105 counties in the state, 20 of them edged toward Harris, rather than Trump. Those Kansas counties: Barber, Chase, Chautauqua, Comanche, Ellsworth, Greeley, Harper, Kingman, Lane, Logan, Morris, Morton, Ness, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell, Sumner, Thomas and Wallace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compare this long list to Missouri (only five Harris swing counties), Iowa (one), Minnesota (three), Illinois (five) and Arkansas (one). Here in Kansas, almost one in five counties swung toward Harris. (I am warning you: Beware of considering this as good news, Kansas Democrats. Still more cold water in this bucket.) The margins in these Kansas swing counties were tiny. Harris shifted small parts of these 20 county electorates, ranging from less than .1 points to 3.3 points. They are less swings, and more like nudges. Or, perhaps they are even less than nudges. Inspect the list of counties that moved toward Harris. The counties had an average population of about 5,000. The counties lost aggregate population during the last statewide certification. Wallace County, home to the biggest Harris nudge, is the 104th smallest county. These are not the most lucrative places to make electoral gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this suggests that the blue arrows are flukes caused by rural counties, rather than successes for Democrats. Comanche County only had 839 votes cast, so results in counties are more likely displaying noise than providing significant results. Harris might have stolen back a few percentage points in these sparsely populated Kansas counties. Meanwhile, Trump wrangled essentially the same number if not more from Wyandotte County alone. The optimism that last-minute polls created for Democrats in Iowa and Kansas turned out to be mirages. The Kansas Speaks poll showed Trump as vulnerable in Kansas (only leading by 5 points in the week heading up to the election). That poll was more than 10 points off from the final result, when compared with Trumps 16-point win in Kansas. A trusted Des Moines Register-Guard poll similarly suggested that other Midwesterners were reconsidering Trump as late as election week, putting Harris three percentage points ahead. Trump secured Iowa by 13 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this means that the Midwest remains free of electoral drama, unless you consider a growing affinity for Trump as drama. On election night, cable news journalists might theatrically zoom in to click on Kansas counties early in the returns. Staring at Johnson County with 8% of returns, they tempt suspense. Is this the night for a Kansas surprise? Anything can happen, they say with a shrug. Kansas might get its few moments on the Magic Wall or at the fingertips of Steve Kornacki. But the spotlight wanders away soon enough. Regardless of how fast the national broadcasters move on to other states, these county-by-county Kansas results have significance. On the Republican side, Trump might be reassured by the red wall of voters switching over to him, emboldened by the support of Kansans to reshape the federal government and seek retribution. For Democrats, the question is: Was Tuesday more than a vibe check? Or will the same playbook lead to the same Kansas results every four years? Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. A campaign sign in Annapolis for former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn. File photo by Josh Kurtz. Political action committees controlled by Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince Georges) and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn joined forces with a third PAC in the final days of this years election to contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to Dan Osborn, the independent U.S. Senate candidate in Nebraska who came close to ousting the heavily favored Republican incumbent. In all, Boafos PAC, GenBlue, raised more than $620,000 since launching in early September, the lawmaker told Maryland Matters Wednesday. Dunns PAC, known as Dunns Democracy Defenders, has already raised and distributed several hundred thousand dollars to candidates since the former Jan. 6 hero cop lost a congressional bid in Maryland earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full extent of the duos collaboration, along with their work with a third Democratic fundraising entity called the Blue Battleground Project PAC, wont be fully known until new Federal Election Commission reports on late October and November financial activities are released later this fall. A spokesperson for Dunn said Thursday his PAC contributed $40,000 to Boafos PAC in the final days of the campaign, which was then sent to Osborns campaign. In order to fix our politics and elect people that will actually reform our system, we need to be innovative and fight back hard, Dunn said in a statement. Thats why Im proud of this strategy we developed in partnership with Adrian Boafo, raising critical funds directly to reformers like Dan Osborn. Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince Georges). Campaign photo. Boafo, a first-term state delegate and rising star in state politics, said he created the GenBlue PAC to help elect younger progressive Democrats to Congress, particularly candidates of color, women and those from immigrant families. Of the 10 candidates the PAC endorsed, six won, including Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) in her bid for U.S. Senate. The other winners: U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D), who won Michigans open Senate seat; Yassamin Ansari (D), a former Phoenix City Council member who won an open House seat in Arizona; attorney Shomari Figures (D), who won a newly drawn seat in Alabamas 2nd District; U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D), who was reelected in Ohios 13th District; and Eugene Vindman (D), a retired Army colonel and former National Security Council official, who won the open seat in Virginias 7th District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another candidate endorsed by Boafos PAC, U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D), is likely to win Arizonas open Senate seat when the vote count is completed. Boafo-endorsed Will Rollins (D), a former federal prosecutor who challenged veteran U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), is in a race that hasnt been called. Tuesdays election results will not deter us from our pursuit of a better future for all Americans, Boafo said in a statement. I share in the disappointment felt by so many, but I urge my fellow Marylanders to find inspiration in the historic victories of young leaders in the House of Representatives and United States Senate. Dunn, meanwhile, has made the preservation of democracy a key part of his political work since he was runner-up in the 3rd District Democratic primary to state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel) who won the congressional seat Tuesday. Dunn has used the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, where he battled insurrectionists, and his growing antipathy for big money in politics a pro-Israel super PAC spent more than $5 million to boost Elfreth in the primary as the basis for his efforts. Both Boafo and Dunns PACs sent money directly to Osborn, a former labor organizer, so he could buy ads for the final days of the campaign. TV ad rates for candidates are considerably lower than the rates political committees pay. Instead of relying on big money to spend and blanket the airwaves, we are flipping the script and using these resources to raise directly towards pro-democracy candidates, allowing them the ability to shape their narratives, tell their stories, and meet voters where they are, Dunn said. Harvey Weinstein is back in the hospital Friday amid a cancer diagnosis -- and he plans to sue New York City over his care. Weinstein is scheduled to go on trial in 2025 for sexual assault and remains in custody while being treated for bone cancer. We wont discuss Mr. Weinsteins medical specifics, but we are appalled by the ongoing medical negligence shown by NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue," Weinsteins representatives said. "This isnt the fault of Rikers, [Correctional Health Services], or the Bellevue doctors, whom Mr. Weinstein deeply respects. However, refusing to keep him at Bellevue during his trial is a severe oversight, jeopardizing his ability to attend court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement went on to say: "Mr. Weinstein has hired legal counsel to sue NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue, as he has the right to proper care while in custody. This treatment suggests a broader agenda to harm him through lawfare and inadequate healthcare." PHOTO: Harvey Weinstein appears in court in New York on October 23, 2024 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Weinstein, whose cancer diagnosis was announced last month, has experienced a slew of health issues amid his ongoing sexual assault trials. In September, Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital for emergency heart surgery after experiencing chest pains, his representatives told ABC News, at the time. MORE: Timeline: Harvey Weinstein's path to his NYC sex crimes conviction and reversal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Weinstein's representatives said he was hospitalized for a "myriad of health conditions," including COVID-19 and double pneumonia. Weinstein was also suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, fluid on his heart and lungs, and various other conditions, he representatives said at the time. The former movie mogul is being prosecuted again for sex crimes after his New York conviction was overturned on appeal. Harvey Weinstein back in the hospital, plans to sue over care originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Milwaukee Fire Department's hazmat team determined a suspicious package the Milwaukee Election Commission received Friday morning was not hazardous, city officials said. When the envelope was opened, it appeared to have some sort of liquid in it, Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said. The single employee who had direct contact with it has not reported any effects and declined to be taken to the hospital, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can find nothing that is dangerous or hazardous at this time, and that's excellent news," Lipski said during a news conference outside City Hall, where he was joined by Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutierrez. The contents of the envelope will be sent to the state for additional testing beyond what the Fire Department is able to do on site. The envelope's arrival came just days after the close election between President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, an event for which there had been heightened security. The Fire Department responded with multiple trucks that all parked along the south end of City Hall after the call came in a little before 9 a.m. People were still able to enter and exit City Hall while the Fire Department was on site. They were instructed not to go to the fifth floor, where the Election Commission office is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutierrez said everyone in her office was doing fine and described the piece of mail as containing some kind of application. It was suspicious in the sense that the sealed bubble wrap envelope, when opened, was very wet and smelled weird, she said. It appeared to be postmarked internationally and did not initially appear suspicious, she said. "We have been monitoring carefully since the beginning of the election season, any type of mail that might look suspicious, and so that's why we opened it. It did not seem suspicious," Gutierrez said. "Again, it was just the moisture. There was no message. There was nothing in there, nothing untoward." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said those who voted on a provisional ballot can still come to the Election Commission by 4 p.m. to provide the necessary information. A meeting of the Election Commission that had been scheduled for Friday afternoon will now take place Monday morning, she said. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Suspicious mail sent to Milwaukee Election Commission deemed safe San Francisco mayor London Breed struck a civic tone when conceding the race to winner Daniel Lurie, writing on X, I know we are both committed to improving this City we love. A few days earlier, however, she made a considerably different point, accusing Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss denim fortune, of buying the election. It has been really one of the most sad and horrible things Ive seen in politics in San Francisco, that someone would take their wealth and just basically buy this office, Breed reportedly told supporters on election night. Its really unfortunate and pretty disgusting. Lurie, who ran as a relatively pro-business moderate calling for increased police staffing, more affordable housing, and expanded homeless shelter capacity, comes from substantial wealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He gave more than $8m to his own campaign, while a pro-Lurie committee got a $1m contribution from his mother, the billionaire Mimi Haas. A pro-Lurie committee also received support from Jan Koum, the Trump-supporting co-founder of WhatsApp, and Helen Schwab, wife of the investor and banking executive Charles Schwab. Luries campaign is one of the most personally expensive races for mayor in U.S. history, according to the San Francisco Standard, third only to the past campaigns of billionaires Michael Bloomberg in New York City and Rick Caruso in Los Angeles. Lurie has also helped channel his wealth and influence into fighting poverty in the region, founding the nonprofit Tipping Point, which has invested over $440m in more than 200 organizations around the Bay Area since 2005. Daniel Lurie ran as a city hall outsider promising to revitalize downtown business and create more housing at all income levels (Getty Images) The more than $28m 2024 mayoral election in San Francisco saw big money flying all around and is thought to be the most expensive since 2004 when the citys era of ranked-choice voting began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Mortiz, the billionaire former chairman of the influential Sequoia venture capital firm, was a key backer of another candidate, Mark Farrell, helping funnel $15m into his campaign, while billionaire former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg supported Breed with $1m. The fate of the citys businesses was a key issue in the race, with office vacancies downtown hitting an all-time high this year, and some smaller businesses struggling to remain given the post-pandemic economic climate and issues with street crime and homelessness. Kamala Harris raised more than $1 billion for her presidential campaign which ultimately failed. In the afterglow of stunning defeat, some Democrats are now asking how she could have possibly spent anywhere near that much money and still lost her shot at the White House. The Harris campaign finished out the race with at least $20 million in debt, two sources familiar told Politicos Christopher Cadelago, who wrote on X Wednesday night that of the $1 billion Harris had raised, only $118 million remained in cash as of October 16. With the realization that all of that spending ultimately accomplished very little and cost the party control of the White House and Senate (and maybe even the House), Democrats are now beginning to point fingers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spent money in stupid ways because we had a really bad strategy, a former consultant to the DNC told Pucks Tara Palmeri. He cited money sent to fund Representative Colin Allreds failed challenge against Texas Senator Ted Cruz, as well as money directed to help in Iowa, a state Democrats never, ever win. Instead of owning any mistakes, or being transparent about the voter data and strategies that were so obviously wrong, they shut off their Twitter account and are patting each other on the back, the former consultant said. We dug out of a deep hole but not enough. Inside Harriss crumbled campaign, some feel that they were misled about her chances, and led to believe it would be a margin-of-error race. In reality, Trump blew apart Harriss play for the blue wall states and beat her by more than four million votes. People are depressed and frustrated about the overconfident leadership of the campaign, one staffer told Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Biden staffer put it more simply: How did you spend $1 billion and not win? What the fuck? Harriss campaign budget was closely guarded by campaign manager Jen OMalley Dillon, so its unclear exactly how funds were allocated. An official for the DNC said that the majority of campaign spending was toward major events, paid media, and Harriss supposedly expansive ground gameone that ultimately didnt drum up that many votes at all. Whats clear is that Harris ran a very expensive campaign, one that dwarfed Donald Trumps efforts. The campaign spent an average of $7.5 million a day in August, in comparison to the $2.7 million that Trump spent. In September, the Harris campaign spent $152 million on advertising, more than double the $63 million that Trump shelled out. Unfortunately for Harris, dollars didnt seem to translate into votes. And even after Harris lost, her campaign is still sending out slates of fundraising requests. Gov. Henry McMaster and emergency officials talk to reporters Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday announced help for farmers dealing with past natural disasters, while some counties deal with another. McMaster declared a state of emergency Thursday night after several counties south of Columbia received between 7 and 14 inches of rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning. In Calhoun, Orangeburg and Barnwell counties, the rain closed roads, broke through dams and wiped out bridges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days 2 p.m. 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at University of South Carolina Aiken 2 p.m. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at Greenville Technical College 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation Source: S.C. Governors Office Several roads in Allendale and Bamberg counties were also closed because of flooding Friday morning, according to the state Department of Transportation. The North Fork Edisto River, which flows through Orangeburg County, hit a record-breaking 15 feet Thursday. The major flooding began to ebb late Thursday into Friday, but the river is expected to remain in a flood stage until Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the water runs downstream, people along the Edisto River, including in Dorchester County, should prepare for moderate flooding in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. Orangeburg County was hit particularly hard. More than 150 roads in Orangeburg County were closed as of Friday, and some were washed away entirely, the emergency department said. Orangeburg County schools were closed Thursday and Friday because of flooded roads, the countys only school district said in social media posts. McMasters executive order activates the states emergency plan, making it easier to get help into affected areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were assessing right now, and well do whatevers necessary to get help to them, McMaster told reporters Friday. To qualify for federal assistance, the damage must be greater than $9.5 million to homes, roads and businesses. Although its too early to determine how much damage the flooding has done, it seems likely the cost will surpass that amount, said Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson. Help after Helene Flash flooding was only the latest natural disaster to hit the state. Helene swept through South Carolina as a tropical storm at the end of September, knocking down powerlines, crushing homes and killing 49 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strong winds and heavy rain also leveled orchards, knocked down stands of timber trees and destroyed fences, affecting farmers. Farmers lost more than $452 million in crops, livestock and timber, according to surveys by Clemson Extension and Forestry Commission researchers. Right now, were at a point of crisis in the state of South Carolina, State Forester Scott Phillips said. After these storms and all the different things that have hit our state this year within forestry, weve had a terrible last 24 months. The number of farmers who had insurance is unclear, but crop and timber insurance often doesnt cover much, if farmers are eligible at all, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making matters worse, a summer drought and rain from Tropical Storm Debby wrought another $169 million in damage to crops and livestock. At three upcoming Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days, federal and state officials will be available to answer questions and help farmers sign up to get help for any losses they have experienced. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has grants available to help with removing debris, rehabilitating damaged land, rebuilding fences and replacing damaged crops and livestock, said Laurie Slade Funderburk, state executive director for the Farm Service Agency. The most important thing to keep in mind is that any grants will require proof of damages and the costs of repair, said Funderburk, who previously represented Camden in the state House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMaster is also asking for nearly $621 million in federal assistance for farmers, which would include supplementing some lost wages, he said. State Republicans have said hurricane assistance will be among their top priorities when they return to session in January. If enough federal funding does not come through, McMaster could ask for as much as $100 million in the budget to help out, though that number is subject to change, he said. We need to exhaust the federal resources first, because weve got a lot of other things that we need to spend our taxpayer money on in South Carolina, McMaster said. NEW DELHI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two Naxals were killed Friday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, officials said. The gunfight between Naxals and joint contingents of police and paramilitary force broke out in Bijapur district, about 443 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. "During the stand-off, two Naxals were killed and their bodies have been recovered," a senior police official said. The government forces did not suffer any damage in the gunfight. Currently, Naxals are active across the central and eastern parts of India. New Delhi has deployed several companies of its paramilitary forces to take on Naxals in their strongholds. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Stand Sunday, also referred to as Orphan Sunday, is a national initiative that creates an opportunity to start discussions on how church congregations can begin to make a meaningful difference and help children in crisis. K.C. Kilpatrick Baird, Founder of Geaux 4 Kids is bringing this initiative to Northwest Louisiana in hopes of helping every child in foster care. Right now, there are more than 500 children in the Northwest Region of Louisiana are in foster care. These children have suffered from abuse, neglect, exposure to addiction, and domestic violence, and they urgently need a secure environment to call home. If you are not able to adopt or foster, there are other ways you can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geaux 4 Kids believes every single person can help make a difference for a child in crisis. Heres how you can get started: 1. Gauge the level of interest in your church congregation by starting a conversation. You could distribute a brief survey, provide interest cards to be placed in the offering plate, or hold a quick pre- or post-service meeting to see who is interested in participating. What foster care-related initiatives are already underway in your church? Are any members currently fostering children? 2. Assess the resources and capabilities of your congregation, identifying the gifts, skills, and level of comfort your church community can offer to support adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Begin by identifying organizations whose mission and activities align with what you wish to accomplish. Ensure that the resources and support you can provide effectively meet the needs of the selected organization(s) to maximize the impact of your engagement. A few ways to get involved: Organize a church-wide drive to collect new items for childrens Geaux Bags. These bags contain essential supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other necessities for kids in crisis. Volunteer with your group to stuff bags on Monday, MLK Day, for the Geaux Bag program. Coordinate with Unite Ministries to host their Heart Gallery exhibit at your church, showcasing children in Louisianas foster care system who are waiting to be adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donate individually wrapped snacks to Gingerbread House, which provides forensic interviews and therapy services at their child advocacy center. Write notes of prayer and encouragement to support Faith and Fostering, an organization that provides transitional housing for teens aging out of the foster care system. Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to support a child in the legal system. As a CASA, you will represent the childs best interests and ensure the courts understand the childs perspective on their own case. Here are some of the child-advocacy agencies in Northwest Louisiana that need your support: Geaux 4 Kids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unite Foster Care Ministries Gingerbread House Child Advocacy Center Kennedy Center Faith and Fostering Louisiana Baptist Connect 1 Child Louisiana Methodist Foster Care Bossier Kids Volunteer for Youth Justice (CASA and TBRI Advocacy) Crossroads NOLA Cypress Baptist Foster Ministry Minden Royal Kids Family Camp, (318) 707-4726, minden@royalfamilykids.org The Hub Community Support Programs Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. This week, a federal judge sentenced three figures in the federal corruption case that targeted Los Angeles City Hall. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP / Getty Images) He kept thousands of text messages. He took photos of bribe money. He recorded his boss, then-Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar, demanding that money in a City Hall bathroom. George Esparza, a central figure in Huizar's sprawling pay-to-play operation, provided federal prosecutors with a huge trove of evidence for their investigation into bribes from downtown real estate developers seeking city support for their projects. He met with prosecutors more than two dozen times and provided crucial testimony at four separate trials, his attorney said. On Friday, U.S. Dist. Judge John F. Walter called Esparza's cooperation "nothing short of extraordinary." He sentenced Esparza to three years of probation, even after pointing out that Esparza had committed a long list of crimes himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In my 20 years as a district court judge ... I have not seen a defendant who has provided such extensive and helpful cooperation to the government," Walter said. Esparza, 38, had faced the possibility of several years in prison. He initially lied to FBI agents who were investigating City Hall corruption, eventually pleading guilty in 2020 to a single count of conspiring to violate federal anti-racketeering law. For years, Esparza served as a front man for Huizar, relaying the council member's demands for bribes or other financial benefits using coded language. Nevertheless, prosecutors recommended that Esparza receive no prison time, saying he had taken responsibility for his crimes over the last six years. Without his cooperation, "the public may have never known the full scope" of Huizar's corruption, Asst. U.S. Atty. Susan Har told the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing before the judge, Esparza apologized to his family, to the city of Los Angeles and to his neighborhood of Boyle Heights, where he grew up and still lives. He acknowledged that he had enjoyed a lavish lifestyle afforded by his crimes. "At the time, I was a mini-Jose Huizar," he told the judge. Huizar pleaded guilty in January to tax evasion and racketeering charges. He reported last month to the Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc II, a low-security prison in Santa Barbara County, to serve a 13-year sentence. For several years, Esparza accompanied Huizar on trips to Las Vegas with Chinese real estate developer Wei Huang, who had been looking to develop a 77-story skyscraper in Huizar's district. Esparza and Huizar received lavish hotel rooms, expensive meals, casino chips, prostitutes and other benefits from Huang, according to Esparza's plea agreement, which he signed in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Huizar's intermediary, Esparza served as a go-between for another bribery scheme this one involving the developer of a planned 20-story residential tower at Hill and Olympic in downtown Los Angeles. That developer, Dae Yong Lee, was sentenced to six years for arranging a $500,000 bribe. Esparza also secured financial benefits on his own, including at least $48,000 in consulting payments from a businessman looking to pitch home automation products to downtown high-rise developers. Friday's sentencing was the third in five days for participants in Huizar's so-called "criminal enterprise." On Monday, former lobbyist Morrie Goldman received three years of probation and six months of home detention, along with a $60,000 fine. Goldman pleaded guilty in 2020 to a single count of conspiring to commit bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day later, real estate consultant George Chiang was also sentenced to three years of probation, along with 12 months of home detention and 150 hours of community service. Chiang, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to violate federal racketeering law, also must pay a $250,000 fine. As part of his sentence, Esparza must serve 12 months of home detention and 300 hours of community service. He must pay restitution of $130,459 to the city of Los Angeles. Ezparza first joined Huizar's staff as an intern at age 19. He returned to Huizar's office after college, eventually rising to the position of special assistant, serving as his driver, his confidant and his emissary to lobbyists, consultants and others. In legal filings and during Friday's hearing, Esparza said he viewed Huizar as a father figure who had been missing from his life. Esparza said Huizar's own relatives referred to him as Huizar's "first-born son." His voice cracking, he said he had put his actual family "through hell." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI agents raided his grandparents' Boyle Heights home, where he lived, in 2018. He said his grandfather, who had raised him to be a moral person, watched as he was put in handcuffs. "I failed them as a big brother, as a son and as a grandson," he said. Walter said that, after watching Esparza testify at four trials, he was convinced that Esparza fully embraced the luxurious lifestyle that resulted from his corruption. At the same time, he called Esparza's written request for leniency "one of the most sincere and persuasive" he had ever read. After the hearing, Esparza said he was "very grateful for this moment" even hearing Walter describe his crimes in detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was hard to hear the judge be truthful with me," he said. "But the first part of your redemption journey is being truthful." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Governors across the United States are already taking action to prepare for another Donald Trump presidency, which will have America's first convicted felon at the helm. From California to Illinois, here's how governors are reacting: 1. Gov. of Massachusetts Maura Healey After Trump's projected victory, Gov. Healey was asked on MSNBC whether state police would help with mass deportations if requested by the Trump administration, to which she responded, "No, absolulely not." She continued, "I will work closely with my colleagues [...] to hold the line once again on the rule of law, on democracy, and for looking out for residents in our states and that includes protecting rights and freedoms that we hold dear." Weve seen Donald Trumps playbook. In Massachusetts, were ready to hold the line. pic.twitter.com/JriioWu4RG Maura Healey (@maura_healey) November 8, 2024 X: @maura_healey / MSNBC / Via Twitter: @maura_healey Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Gov. of Washington Jay Inslee In an X post, Gov. Inslee made it clear that Washington has gone against Trump before and is ready to "do it again." The statement assures Washingtonians that the state will continue to protect their rights and will act against federal efforts to roll back progress on abortion and gender-affirming care, immigration, climate action, and more. Washington has gone toe-to-toe with Trump before and were ready to do it again. Your rights are protected here. We will continue to lead on reproductive rights, climate action, immigrant rights, and more. pic.twitter.com/yCcqb0rzp5 Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 7, 2024 X: @GovInslee / Via Twitter: @GovInslee 3. Gov. of Illinois JB Pritzker Concisely put, Gov. Pritzker wrote in a post, "You come for my people you come through me." To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom, opportunity, and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior.You come for my people you come through me. Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) November 8, 2024 X: @GovPritzker / Via Twitter: @GovPritzker 4. Gov. of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro In an official statement, Gov. Shapiro congratulated all candidates who have won their races and said he will respect Pennsylvanians and their choices. To conclude, he wrote, "Let me also make clear: I will never back down from standing up for the freedoms I was elected to protect. I will continue to defend our fundamental rights [...]" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X: @GovernorShapiro / Via Twitter: @GovernorShapiro 5.Gov. of New Jersey Phil Murphy In a press conference discussing the 2024 election results, Gov. Murphy said his administration will work with President Trump to advance New Jersey's interests, similar to 2016. However, he then stated, "If there is any attack on the Garden State, or on any of its communities from Washington, I will fight back with every fiber in my being." YouTube: Forbes Breaking News / Via youtube.com 6. Gov. of New York Kathy Hochul On X, Gov. Hochul listed the actions her administration is taking to protect New Yorkers, saying that New York has "always been a bastion for rule of law and for freedom and we always will be." Notably, The Empire State Freedom Initiative is specifically stated as an "anti-Project 2025." New York is the birthplace of the womens rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and American labor movement. We have always been a bastion for rule of law and for freedom and we always will be. pic.twitter.com/ivFiuNDMum Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 7, 2024 X: @GovKathyHochul / Via Twitter: @GovKathyHochul Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7. Gov. of California Gavin Newsom According to Gov. Newsom, "California is ready to fight." In an effort to protect the state against any "unlawful actions" by the incoming Trump administration, the governor called an emergency special session to strengthen legal resources to safeguard civil rights, reproductive freedoms, climate action, and more. In his official statement, Gov. Newsom said, "The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we won't sit idle." California is ready to fight. I just called an emergency special session to help bolster our legal resources and protect our state against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump Administration.Whether it be our fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, or climate pic.twitter.com/fIBPKsehot Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 7, 2024 X: @GavinNewsom / Via Twitter: @GavinNewsom 8.Gov. of Minnesota Tim Walz Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate delivered remarks to Minnesotans after his 2024 presidential election loss. After mentioning how "the other side" spent time campaigning and promising to leave things up to the states, Gov. Walz said, "Well, I'm willing to take them at their word for that. But the moment they try and bring a hateful agenda in this state, I'm gonna be ready to stand up and fight for the way we do things here." YouTube: ABC News / Via youtube.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I'm being real, the dystopian vibes have never been stronger. Let us know what you think down in the comments, and please continue taking care of yourself and those in your community. Veterans Day is on Monday, Nov. 11, and can be celebrated with various events and ceremonies throughout Dallas County. Formerly known as Armistice Day, the holiday has been around since the end of World War I and in the 1930s it was made into one of the 10 federal holidays currently recognized by the U.S. government. Although it was first established after World War I, Veterans Day is meant to honor veterans of all wars. Here's what is planned for Veterans Day this year around Dallas County: Hy-Vee Veterans Day Breakfast This Veterans Day, Perry Hy-Vee invites all veterans to a free breakfast. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military members will receive 15% off grocery purchases all day on Nov. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 6-10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Perry Hy-Vee, 1215 141st St, Perry DCG Veterans Day Breakfast & Assembly Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School will host its annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly on Monday, Nov. 11. Breakfast will be served from 7:15-8:15 a.m. and the assembly will begin at 8:35 a.m. All veterans and those currently serving are welcome to attend. RSVP at bit.ly/DCGMSVETRSVP. When: 7:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School, 1400 Vine St, Dallas Center Iowa Veterans Cemetery The annual state of Iowa Veterans Day Observance, hosted at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, will feature Gov. Kim Reynolds as the usual honored guest, and a keynote from retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Lamb, born and raised in Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel Perry High School Social Studies Department Veterans Day Panel The annual Perry High School Social Studies Department Veterans Day Panel Presentation will be held on Monday, Nov. 11. The panel, moderated by Gary Overla, will feature members of the Perry Area Veterans of Foreign Wars. When: 8:45-9:45 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Perry Performing Arts Center, 1200 18th St., Perry Perry Veterans Day Program The annual Perry Community High School Veterans Day Assembly Program is a cooperative effort organized by the Perry School Foundation involving the Bluejay Congress, the Perry High School Social Studies Department, the Perry High School Music Department and the Perry area chapters of the American Legion and the VFW. The program will include readings, musical selections, a video presentation and keynote speaker Kathy Powell. A luncheon will follow in the Perry High School Gym. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Perry Performing Arts Center, 1200 18th St., Perry Woodward-Granger Veterans Day Program The Woodward-Granger fourth and fifth grade classes will present a Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 11. When: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Woodward-Granger Elementary, 2002 Oak St, Granger Dallas Center-Grimes High School Veterans Day Assembly Dallas Center-Grimes High School Rho Kappa will host a Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will honor current military members and veterans. The ceremony is open to all community members. Attendees are asked to park in the south parking lot and enter through the east gym. When: 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 Where: Dallas Center-Grimes High School, 2555 W 1st St., Grimes The Perry School Foundation is again offering Veterans Day yard signs to honor all who have served or are currently serving in our military. Perry Veterans Day Signs Veterans Day signs are available by calling Linda Andorf at 515-681-0162 or Linda Kaufman at 515-321-2536. Signs will be delivered within the city limits. The signs will then become the property of the veterans and can be displayed as they choose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this story. She is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Veterans Day 2024: How to celebrate at events in Dallas County MEMPHIS, Tenn. Three suspects are dead and fivepeople, including an officer, were injured when a stolen vehicle fleeing from police crashed Thursday at a Hickory Hill intersection. Police shut down all lanes at Knight Arnold Road and Hickory Hill Road. MPD says they spotted a stolen black Chrysler 300 while on a call in southeast Memphis at 5 p.m. When they tried to stop it, the suspects fled. The car struck multiple vehicles when it reached the intersection about five miles away, sending four people to hospitals in non-critical condition. One officer was also taken to a hospital in non-critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chrysler then crashed into a pole. Two people inside were prounced dead at the scene while a third was taken to Regional One in critical condition, MPD said. That third suspect later died, MPD said Friday. UPDATE: Suspects in deadly crash connected to two other crimes Photos by Spencer Cheveallier WREG Photos by Spencer Cheveallier WREG Photos by Spencer Cheveallier WREG Photos by Spencer Cheveallier WREG Photos from the scene show numerous wrecked cars, police and emergency vehicles. A police cruiser was among the damaged cars. In a video from the scene obtained by WREG, a woman says a driver who was being pursued by police hit several cars at the intersection. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Frustrated swing-district House Democrats say they have warned for years that the party was at risk of losing working-class voters thanks, in large part, to GOP attacks on the border. But they say they were ignored by others in their party and now the dam has broken with Donald Trumps second White House win. It just busted this year, said Rep. Henry Cuellar, a south Texas Democrat who overperformed Vice President Kamala Harris by double digits in key parts of his district, told CNN, saying that Democrats have lost the working class, and even little old ladies at church are pressing him on the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was sensing something after the 2020 election. I said, Guys, theres something going on, Cuellar said, describing private conversations hes had with fellow Democrats about the potency of the border crisis. The Texas Democrat has personally warned members of his party that they were headed for big losses if the party didnt fix its message to working people, including on immigration and the economy. And he wasnt the only one: Senior House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, had urged Biden-Harris administration advisers for months to come up with a stronger economic message, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Cuellar and others feel that their pleas, particularly on the border, have gone unanswered, according to interviews with nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers and senior aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats lost the White House and the Senate majority in the November elections. CNN has not yet projected which party will control the House. Republicans are increasingly bullish about holding onto the chamber, though top House Democrats believe there is still a chance to win the majority. Many battleground Democrats are now fuming as they feel that the party has failed to speak clearly on the issues that matter to the working class the voting bloc that once made up the core of the partys base. CNN exit poll data shows Trump won voters without a college degree by 14 points over Harris, 56% to 42%. Four years earlier, he won the group by 2 points over Biden. Some Democrats have taken issue with President Joe Bidens handling of immigration policy. Biden mismanaged the border, Rep. Susie Lee, a Democrat who overperformed Harris in her Las Vegas swing seat, told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Congress, Lee was among dozens of centrist Democrats who repeatedly spoke out against Bidens border strategy and pushed their own immigration reform bills. But Biden, she said, sort of ignored it until this summer. Now, Lee said Democrats need to think deeply about how to convince people in districts like hers to come back to the party: We need to have an honest reckoning. Senate Democrats did try to pass a border security measure this year, with Bidens support, as part of a broader foreign aid package. The bill was negotiated on a bipartisan basis, but Trump attacked the measure and it failed on the floor. Even so, swing-district Democrats say any push on a border bill needed to happen long before this February, just months before the election. President Joe Biden speaks with US Customs and Border Protection officers during a visit to the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, in January 2023. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images In Michigan, where Trump won the state back by over 79,000 votes and Republicans flipped a key House race, Rep. Debbie Dingell told CNN that she knew Democrats were struggling to land an economic message that broke through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was not as stunned as everybody else was because I work my district, Dingell said. I think we all have to do some soul searching. As reeling Democrats struggle to comprehend the scale of Harris loss, there are some bright spots for down-ballot candidates whove worked hard to distance themselves from the top. House Democrats in the toughest two-dozen races overperformed Harris by 5 percentage points, according to one party operative. In New York, Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi whose campaign focused heavily on overhauling the US immigration system held onto his Long Island swing seat even as voters in Nassau County swung 15 percent from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024. In one district in western Wisconsin, Trump carried the seat by roughly 8 points while the GOP incumbent, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, only survived reelection by 2.7 points. Democrats believe that if Harris had simply performed as well as Biden did in 2020, Democrats candidate, Rebecca Cooke, would have pulled off the upset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But down-ballot Democrats say theres only so much they can do to tackle the issue of immigration in their districts if the national party does not prioritize it. And they say its not just a failure to respond to attacks on the border: these Democrats argue the party has also had an inadequate response to voters deep concerns about skyrocketing costs and cultural issues. Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips faced party-wide scorn this year as he attempted to force a last-minute conversation about Bidens unpopularity a year ago. But inside the party, he had been raising concerns about party weaknesses for far longer, including a trip to the border in 2019. In his first year in Congress, Phillips took a trip to McAllen, Texas where he recalled being horrified by the conditions of the holding facilities there. I remember trying so hard to call attention to that among my colleagues. But it was completely dismissed and irrelevant at the time, said Phillips, who is retiring from Congress after his failed primary bid against Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its not just Democrats in battleground turf who say theyve sounded the alarm. Rep. Ritchie Torres, the first out gay Afro-Latino member of Congress, watched Trump gain supporters among Latinos even in his deep-blue district that includes the Bronx since 2020 amid public backlash to the far-lefts defund the police rallying cry that summer. Torres said the megaphone of the partys left-wing inhibited Democrats ability to craft an immigration message that countered Republican attacks. He said it was political malpractice for the Biden administration to take too long to respond to the migrant crisis. My basic concern is that we as a party should stop listening to the far left, which is more representative of Twitch, TikTok and Twitter than it is of the real world. And start listening to the working class people of color who increasingly feel alienated from the party, he said. Rep. Ritchie Torres speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill July 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. - Drew Angerer/Getty Images Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has been a longtime leader of the progressive movement and caucuses with Democrats, said in a statement after the election: It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, most House Democrats remain loyal to their partys legislative priorities. Besides the border, there were few other areas Democrats who spoke with CNN were willing to call policy failures. Instead, they said it was a failure to communicate their wins and prioritize the issues that voters cared about the most. One huge problem, multiple Democratic lawmakers said, is a widespr ead perception that the national party cared more about culture war issues than boosting paychecks. As Trump and the GOP flooded the airwaves with anti-trans ads focusing on kids sports, national Democrats focused heavily on the issue of abortion, which remained powerful with women across the country. But, in many cases, there wasnt a specific message for men, who flocked to Trump. We have to really be sensitive to how we approach the culture wars. We have turned off a lot of people we cant turn off if we expect to be a national party, said Rep. Scott Peters of California, who flipped a GOP seat to come to Congress and has long warned about Democrats losing message in swing states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressional Democrats have seen other warning signs that Trump was pulling away blue collar voters from their party. Former congresswoman Cheri Bustos led the House Democrats campaign arm in 2020, watching firsthand as Trump lost but the GOP still held onto dozens of battleground seats in the House. Republicans snatched up once-blue seats comprised of mostly working-class voters and picked up seats in south Florida. With that in mind, Bustos went to a group of national Democrats this year with a plan to help win some of those voters back in 2024. I had, what I considered, a great proposal that I presented to, Ill just say, the national Democrats about a rural strategy, Bustos said. She wanted to go into tiny towns in the center of the country that had been ignored for years. But it never happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the Democratic Partys reckoning this year, Bustos was blunt: I think its gotta be a deep, deep, deep dive on the whole Democratic Party frankly. I almost think we need to start from scratch. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com UPPER SADDLE RIVER It was a winding path that led the Rev. Leah Ennis-Gasero straight to her new parish as the first female minister of the 240-year-old Old Stone Church. Ennis-Gasero was installed Sunday as pastor of the Dutch Reformed congregation, ending a three-year gap since the departure of her predecessor the Rev. Robert Fretz, who had served the congregation since 2000. "Many ministers retired during COVID and have not been replaced since then," said Peter Freeman, vice president of the church's consistory. "We were looking for the best available candidate." Rev. Dr. Joanne Van Sant of Frioends to Friends Community Church in Ridgewood presides at the installation of Rev. Leah Ennis-Gasero as pastor of Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River on Sunday. Cathy Loudon, who served as head of the church's search committee, said a three-year gap between pastors is no longer unusual because of the shortage of new people entering the ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It gave us time to develop a good church profile, which we posted on the website of the Classis of Greater Palisades, of which we are a member," Loudon said. "We were open to other denominations. Whether we preferred a male or female minister never came up at all. The irony at the end was that Pastor Leah had previously served us as a supply minister while a student." Loudon said Ennis-Gasero is starting in her ministry part time, but "as the need grows we will extend her time with us." Ennis-Gasero grew up near Albany, New York and graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan in 2010, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 2013. She was ordained that same year by the Classis of Greater Palisades, and has served since then as pastor, chaplain and in specialized ministries. She also serves as an applied behavior analyst therapist with Therapy Associates. Leah Ennis-Gasero, new minister of 240-year-old Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River. "The big challenge is how to bring history to the future," Ennis-Gasero said. "I am looking forward to building conversations and reestablishing the church with the community, what their needs are, how we can work together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pastor and her husband Matthew Gasero are expecting a son this winter. She also has a son Zechariah with her previous husband. Exterior of the Saddle River Reformed Church, also known as The Old Stone Church, established in 1784, in Upper Saddle River on E. Saddle River Road on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Nancy Peet, a Midland Park councilwoman who is an elder with the church, said Enhis-Gasero has been "welcomed to our pulpit with open arms." "The Old Stone Church is excited to have the Rev. Leah Ennis-Gasero accept the call," Peet said. "The church is a welcoming congregation who is open to all who are seeking to hear the word and to share the love and grace of God." Formally known as Saddle River Reformed Church Worshipping at Old Stone Church, the congregation was founded in 1784 as a partner of the Old Paramus Church with the Reformed Church of America. Its original building opened in 1789, and its present sanctuary in 1819, including gallery pews where enslaved and indentured servants sat. The Rev. Stephen Goetschius led the church to baptize and receive free and enslaved African Americans as full members in the 1800s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The church is located at 481 E. Saddle River Road at the intersection of Old Stone Church Road in Upper Saddle River. For more information visit oldstonechurchonline.org. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River installs first woman pastor Viewer discretion is advised. The content in the video player above and the article below may be disturbing to some viewers. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One local family is traumatized after they say their Yorkie puppy was killed by a neighbors dog. The owner is looking for justice and answers after she said she had to watch a neighbors dog attack and kill her 8-month-old puppy. She wants to know why the dog has not been removed from its home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicide detectives investigating 2 killed in shooting This dog just killed our dog. And the people at that house let it happen, said the homeowner. The Animal Resource Center (ARC) of Montgomery County arrived at a home in the Forest Ridge neighborhood on Oct. 27. They found a deceased male Yorkie named Marley. The homeowner, who did not want to be seen on camera, describes her puppy. He was so much joy. He was company. He was just everything, said said. According to a report from ARC, two dogs from a neighborss house entered the womans backyard through a opening in a fence and cornered Marley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the owners of the two dogs arrive, Marleys family says he was already dead. ARC cited the owners of the offending dogs for having two unlicensed dogs and deemed one of the dogs as dangerous; however, the pets were not removed from their home. Unfortunately in this case you know our hearts do break for the owner that their pet passed away but the requirements in this case were not met in order to remove the other two dogs from their current owner, said Kara Hamby, public information officer for ARC. The homeowner says the two dogs have ran onto her property before and this attack has made her afraid to go outside of her home. Now, without Marley, she says she is traumatized from losing her puppy so tragically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating inappropriate relationship report from MVCTC Considering Marley was in his own backyard playing in it, there should be no reason why hes not out there today, she said. Under the Ohio Revised Code, a vicious animal could only be put down by the order of a judge if they determine that animal poses a significant threat to public safety. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The East Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police are currently investigating a homicide after human remains were found in a freezer of a home near Henry Fine Park. At around 12:08 p.m. Thursday, the East Lansing Police Department was called out to a rental residence at Coolidge Place Townhomes in the 1500 block of Wintercrest Steet for a suspicious situation. Police say the 911 caller said there was blood on the floor inside of the house. PREVIOUS: MSP forensics unit investigates East Lansing townhome Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, ELPD and property management entered the residence and confirmed there was dried blood on the floor inside. Police note that there were no signs of a break-in. After searching the residence, officers found a body in a chest freezer. Possible human remains of a separate individual of unknown gender were also found inside the freezer. 6 News arrived on the scene at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and police were still present. While on the scene, our crew witnessed what appeared to be two covered bodies being removed from the townhome, into a hearse and transported away from the scene. 6 News arrived on the scene at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and police were still present. (WLNS) Friday morning, there were biohazard stickers on the front door. Biohazard stickers on the front door (WLNS) Michigan State Police have removed evidence from the home and are examining them in a crime lab. The investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made in this incident, but police say there is no threat to the public. Anyone with any information that may assist is requested to contact the ELPD. Tips should be directed to Detective Sgt. Nicole Mitchell at (517) 319-6876 or Detective Jason Cotton at (517) 319-6842. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Businesses and organizations nationwide and right here in the Wabash Valley will honor Veterans Monday by offering discounts and freebies. Most businesses require proof of military service for redemption. Not all locations participate. For more information contact the company or organization directly. Below weve compiled a list of businesses offering free and discounted services for Veterans Day 2024. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. We will continue to add to the list. For official rules and details contact the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applebees Enjoy Our Most Popular Entrees For FREE lunch or dinner, Veterans can choose between some of our most popular entrees: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Not only do Veterans eat free, but theyll also receive a $5 Bounce Back card for a future visit within a 3-week redemption window. Bob Evans Bob Evans is honored to provide a comforting meal for free to all veterans and active-duty military on Monday, November 11th. The special 2024 Veterans Day menu features a selection of 10 delicious entrees, ranging from the Country Biscuit Breakfast to Brioche French Toast and more, available all day long for dine-in only. Caseys General Stores Caseys is offering complimentary coffee or fountain drinks of any size to all veterans. The same offer can be redeemed year-round by active-duty military personnel and on-duty uniformed first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Dennys Monday, November 11, 2024, free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. The iconic favorite, featuring two delicious and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, two crispy strips of Dennys new and improved thicker, crispier applewood smoked bacon, two all-pork sausage links, and two eggs cooked to order, will be served dine-in only. Elite Smiles Dental On Friday, November 8 Elite Smiles is hosting Smiles for Freedom. Its a free dental event for Veterans of the Wabash Valley. Veterans must make an appointment to attend at 812-232-6654. Golden Corral All active, and retired military members and veterans can get a free dinner from 4 p.m. until closing. The Military Appreciation Night promotion is valid for active and former military members only. It does not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members. The offer is for dine-in only. IHOP Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free stack of red, white, and blueberry pancakes at IHOP from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 11. Indiana Department of Natural Resources All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR-managed state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas on Veterans Day, Monday, November, 11. This includes admission to Falls of the Ohio State Parks Interpretive Center. Kroger On Monday, November 11, current and retired members of military service can receive a 10% discount by presenting a valid military ID when shopping in-store. Some exclusions apply. Must use Rewards Card or Shoppers Card to earn reward. Little Caesars On Monday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military members can receive a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars famous Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. Starbucks This Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2024 Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for Veterans, military service members, and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores and licensed locations. In addition, Starbucks is donating $200,000, shared evenly, to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project to support the Veteran and military communities. Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse will continue its annual Veterans Day tradition of treating veterans and active U.S. military to enjoy a free meal. On Monday, Nov. 11, every Texas Roadhouse location will distribute meal vouchers, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Proof of service is required and includes military or VA card, or discharge papers. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrees, including a 6-ounce sirloin and two made-from-scratch sides plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea, or coffee. Wings Etc. Grill & Pub Free entree, valued up to $13.99, to all active-duty personnel and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in honor of Veterans Day, as a token of appreciation for their sacrifice and service. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) ROME, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Towering atop a column in St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy, the massive bronze lion has long symbolized the city's power and heritage for centuries. Yet its actual origin has remained a mystery. A recent study led by a team of Italian scientists, including archaeologists, geoscientists, and sinologists, suggests the iconic bronze lion may actually trace its roots back to China's Tang Dynasty (618-907). "I have been fascinated by the lion since my youth because of its unique appearance," said Massimo Vidale, a professor from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Padua. "It is so different from any other statue that we have in Italy or other parts of the Western world," he said. The origin of the Lion of Venice, which is approximately four-meter in length and weighs around 3000 kg, has puzzled archaeologists for years. However, recent advancements in geoscience analysis, alongside a comprehensive extensive database of ore sources, are shedding light on its past. "Lead isotope analysis, combined with chemical analysis, is currently the most reliable method to trace the source of metals," said Gilberto Artioli, a professor from the Department of Geosciences of the University of Padua. Artioli and his team conducted lead isotope analysis on the lion, using three new samples from the statue. "To confirm the origin, the integrity of the database is crucial," he emphasized, noting that their research incorporated data from ore deposits across Eurasia, including a 2019 study on the chemical composition of Chinese ores. "Based on the samples and existing data, we can say with certainty that the copper used for the original part of the lion came from mines in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China," Artioli said. Vidale added that these isotope findings align with stylistic analyses, which support a Chinese origin. Italian scholar Bianca Maria Scarfi first suggested in 1990 that the Lion of Venice displayed stylistic similarities with specific Chinese cultural figures. Further analysis revealed that distinctive features of the lion, such as its large nose, flared nostrils, bared fangs, and ferocious expression, closely resemble Tang-era "tomb guardians," some of which are on display in the Luoyang Museum in central China's Henan Province. "The overall shape of the Venice bronze lion has characteristics of the Tang Dynasty 'tomb guardian'," confirmed Li Kewei, a researcher at the Luoyang Institute of Archaeology, in an interview with Xinhua. While the exact route the lion may have travelled remains unknown, scholars suggest it could have arrived in Venice via the ancient Silk Road, probably the Maritime Silk Road. According to Li, bustling international trade along the Yangtze River would have facilitated the transport of such a large bronze figure. Some Italian academics further suggest that Venetian explorers - possibly Marco Polo's father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo might have brought the lion to Venice in the 13th century. "What is certain is that when Marco Polo returned to Venice from China in 1295, it had been installed on the top of the column in St. Mark's Square," Vidale noted. This theory hints at a profound East-West connection dating back to ancient times, highlighting the Silk Road's role in cultural exchange. "The connection between the Lion of Venice and China reflects the far-reaching influence of the Silk Road," Vidale said. In light of new theories, new findings, and ongoing advancement in archaeological technology, the research team hopes to establish partnerships with Chinese academic institutions. "It would also be greatly advantageous to collaborate with Chinese scholars to enhance the depth of the analyses," Artioli said. "We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to examine other Chinese bronze statues of the same period to confirm the origin of the metal during the Tang period from both analytical and stylistic-historical perspectives," he added. Tourists pose for a photo with the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) A lab technician of the University of Padua shows the experimental process of the Venice bronze lion samples in Padua, Italy, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Massimo Vidale (L), a professor from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Padua, talks with a lab technician about the experimental process of the Venice bronze lion samples in Padua, Italy, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Massimo Vidale, a professor from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Padua, introduces his findings on the Venice bronze lion in Padua, Italy, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) A lab technician of the University of Padua shows the experimental process of the Venice bronze lion samples in Padua, Italy, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) A lab technician of the University of Padua shows the experimental process of the Venice bronze lion samples in Padua, Italy, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2024 shows the Lion of Venice on St. Mark Square, Venice, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) is offering some real talk about the reasons behind her partys defeat in the U.S. presidential election, and didnt mince words when asked by The New York Times about her thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris campaign. The Democratic congresswoman who was reelected Tuesday by her rural and predominantly Republican constituency said she has only ever interacted with Harris once, at a past Christmas party held at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. I noticed that almost all of the garlands were plastic, she told the Times. My district grows a hell of a lot of Christmas trees. I was strong-armed into taking a picture. I said, Madam Vice President, we grow those where I live. She just walked away from me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was kind of an eye roll, maybe, Gluesenkamp Perez continued. My thinking was, it does matter to people where I live. Its the respect, the cultural regard for farmers. I didnt feel like she understood what I was trying to say. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that what she described as Harris dismissive response ultimately points toward the main reason her party lost the election to Donald Trump. I was talking to a woman who runs one of the largest labor and delivery wards, she told the Times. She said 40 percent of the babies there have at least one parent addicted to fentanyl. What is empathetic to tell them thats their problem, or to take border security seriously? People are putting their groceries on their credit card, the congresswoman continued. No one is listening to anything else you say if you try to talk them out of their lived experiences with data points from some economists. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) welcomes new Latino members of Congress at an event in 2022. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images Trump won the Electoral College, and is on track to win the popular vote, after running a racist campaign centered on blood thirsty immigrants bringing bad genes into the country. Gluesenkamp Perez has little faith, however, that Democrats will learn from the loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that its a lot easier to look outward, to blame and demonize other people instead of doing some painful internal reflection about the state of the Democratic Party. In the days since the election, there has indeed been plenty of finger-pointing from and among Democrats. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) blamed Green [Party] dipshits Thursday for withholding support for Harris, whose pledges of commitment to Israel amid the ongoing military campaign in Gaza were a significant issue in the election, as many progressives tried to warn her. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), however, urged the same sort of inner reflection that Gluesenkamp Perez is calling for, saying Wednesday that its no great surprise that the Democratic Party, which has abandoned working class people, would find this same demographic has abandoned them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, it was the white working class, and now it is Latino and Black workers as well, Sanders said. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right. Related... The top lawmakers on the House China select committee pressed various semiconductor equipment makers on their business sales with China amid growing concerns about the nations competitive advancements in chipmaking. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party sent letters Thursday to five American, Japanese and Dutch firms specializing in producing semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The inquires asked the companies for information on their total revenue from sales to China and a list of the top customers in these transactions. This information will help the committee better understand the flow of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, which they argue boost the nations chips supplies to Russia and threaten Taiwan by lessening the impact of U.S. sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also allow the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] to continue to progress in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, which are at the very heart of the strategic competition between the United States and the PRC, Committee Chair Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and ranking member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) wrote in their inquiries. Letters were sent to three U.S.-based companies Applied Materials, Lam Research and KLA along with Dutch equipment maker ASML and Japan-based Tokyo Electron. The Hill reached out to the companies for comment. All five companies are among the leading firms that produce semiconductor equipment, which in turn assists the production of chips, which fuel artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The PRC is now the largest market for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and it is stockpiling the semiconductor manufacturing equipment to bolster its national self-sufficiency in a long-term competition with the United States, the lawmakers wrote. Alarming reports show the PRC now purchases more semiconductor manufacturing equipment than the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters gave the companies until December 1 to pass over the information on their top customers in China by revenue, a list of U.S. export license applications with the Commerce Department and any data on the volume of SME equipment shipped to China. The lawmakers also asked for the companies plans for any new or expanded offshoring of production. From the White Houses various restrictions on U.S. shipments of semiconductor chips and chipmaking equipment, along with the billions of dollars invested into domestic semiconductor production, the Biden administration has made semiconductor manufacturing a large priority. The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act set aside $53 billion to increase domestic chip production with hopes of making the U.S. less reliant on foreign supply chains. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Centre County man was sentenced Friday to seven years in federal prison for attempting to have sexual intercourse with an undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old. Christopher L. Crispen, 33, of Howard, was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann to 10 years of supervision once he is released from prison. Brann recommended that Crispen serve his time at a federal prison in Union County. Crispen pleaded guilty in May to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. He discussed engaging in sex acts and attempted to meet someone he believed was a teenager for sex, Patton Township police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being arrested in November 2023, Crispen told officers he planned to (fool) around with the fictitious teen and admitted he knew what he was going to do was wrong, an officer wrote in a charging document. A message left with defense lawyer Donald F. Martino was not immediately returned Friday afternoon. Crispen was one of four central Pennsylvania men who were arrested last year after a joint investigation into child sexual exploitation in Centre County. All four were accused of seeking out sex with someone they believed was a teenager. Gregory Wilson, 51, of Mifflin County, pleaded guilty in February to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. He was sentenced in June to 8 1/2 years behind bars and is serving his time at a federal prison in Kentucky. Hes scheduled to be released Jan. 15, 2031. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Mansberger, 59, of Huntingdon County, pleaded guilty in August to the same charge. His sentencing has not been scheduled. He is incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Walter T. Sitosky Jr., 67, of Clearfield County, is expected to plead guilty Dec. 4 to the same charge as the three men before him. He is also incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go. 60-year-old Leon Siess of Sioux Falls is in the Minnehaha County Jail Thursday night, accused of rape, sexual contact with a child and human trafficking. He is held on a $100,000 cash-only bond; court documents say he committed the crimes between 2009 and 2022 and began when the victim was 10 years old. Man in Minnehaha County Jail accused of trafficking Voters can expect a recount in the race of who will be the two state representatives for District 15. Less than 10 votes separate the candidates who will get the second seat to represent part of northern and central Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recount expected in Sioux Falls House District 15 Rain chances are on the way this weekend as we watch big storm system to our south. Historic November snowfall records are being set in eastern Colorado from this low pressure center. AM Storm Center Update; Weekend rain likely across KELOLAND Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that Europe will not be able to finance Ukraine's defence on its own if the United States withdraws its support under Donald Trump's presidency. Source: European Pravda with reference to Bloomberg Details: Orban claimed that the United States was going to withdraw from the war, which he considers a losing battle for Ukraine. He added that if Trump decides not to support Ukraine, Europe would not be able to finance such support on its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Orban: "The Americans are going to get out of this war. Europe cant finance this war on its own." Background: Balazs Orban, political director and close advisor to Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, believes that Trump should call Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to open a line of communication with Russia and facilitate a ceasefire in Ukraine. Viktor Orban was the first in the EU to congratulate Trump on his victory in the presidential election without waiting for the official results. He also stated the need for a new European strategy towards Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban predicted Friday that President-elect Trump will halt aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia once he enters the White House next year. Orban, who this week hosted a two-day summit of the European Unions 27 leaders in Budapest, is a known fan of Trump who has actively sought to undermine European support for Ukraine. The nationalist Hungarian leader has tried to block or delay the EUs attempts to provide weapons and funding for Kyiv as well, as its attempts to sanction Moscow for its incursion. Speaking to a state radio ahead of Fridays summit, Orban repeated his stance that the two sides should declare an immediate cease-fire, suggesting Ukraine has lost the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation on the front is obvious; theres been a military defeat. The Americans are going to pull out of this war, Orban said, as reported by The Associated Press. He also said Trumps reelection had created a new situation for Europe, which cannot finance this war alone. Orban, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Trump, openly endorsed his candidacy for president, even visiting him at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in July. His comments are likely to aggravate worry among Western allies as to the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, as Washington leads the world by providing the most lethal aid for the embattled country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House reportedly plans to rush billions of dollars in security assistance to Kyiv before Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025. But Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the U.S. aid, claims he could bring the war quickly to a close, sparking uncertainty as to the future of the assistance. EU leaders, meanwhile, have indicated they would continue their support to Ukraine. We cannot outsource our capacity of action. Whatever happens in the U.S., we have our interests, we have our values, said Josep Borrell, the EUs top diplomat. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Krisztina Than and Andrew Gray BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The European Union needs to rethink its support for Ukraine following Donald Trump's U.S. election victory, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said before a summit of EU leaders on Friday, adding that Europe cannot finance the war alone. Trump has criticised the level of U.S. support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion and before the election promised to end the conflict before even taking office, without explaining how. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of Ukraine aid is among major questions facing the EU after Trump's win, with the region struggling to put on a united front and its two biggest powers, Germany - whose government just fell apart - and France, politically weakened. "The Americans will quit this war, first of all they will not encourage the war," Orban, a close Trump ally, told state radio on Friday ahead of the informal EU summit he is hosting in the Hungarian capital. "Europe cannot finance this war alone... Some still want to continue sending enormous amounts of money into this lost war but the number of those who remain silent... and those who cautiously argue that we should adjust to the new situation, is growing." Along with the United States, the EU and its member countries are among the biggest donors of military and financial aid to Ukraine and most EU leaders have voiced strong support for continuing on that path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that stance in Budapest on Friday, saying Europe also needs to beef up its own defences. "Russia has invaded Ukraine and is continuing this war with unchanged brutality," he said. "One question is quite clear: Together as the European Union, as Europeans, we must do what is necessary for our security. This will be particularly successful if everyone makes their contribution." CEASEFIRE CALL Orban has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, followed by peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow - a call forcefully rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a very scary challenge for our citizens: first a ceasefire, then we'll see. Who are you? Are your children dying?" Zelenskiy said at a press conference in Budapest on Thursday, just minutes after Orban had restated his call. "A ceasefire is being proposed, for instance by a leader who is against having Ukraine in NATO. Imagine... this is nonsense and disharmony," Zelenskiy said. Only Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for a change in the Ukraine strategy at a dinner of EU leaders in Budapest on Thursday evening, while others said the current strategy was working, a senior EU official said. But leaders know they could face the prospect of the U.S. cutting support for Ukraine under Trump and have begun discussing how they would respond in that case, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico, who halted state military aid to Ukraine after taking office a year ago, said Slovakia would oppose the EU taking over "financial responsibility" for Ukraine if the U.S. under Trump limited or ended its assistance. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Fico said if the EU could find money for Ukraine than it should also have the funds to pay for the fight against illegal migration, which he called an "existential threat" to the bloc. "I emphasized that if we are to have money for Ukraine, we must have money for problems that threaten the EU significantly more," he said. (Reporting by Krisztina Than, Andrew Gray, Anita Komuves, Andreas Rinke in Budapest, additional reporting by Rachel More in Berlin, Jason Hovet in Prague; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Gareth Jones) A grizzly bear (Photo by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Program via FLICKR | Creative Commons license). A man hunting south of Placid Lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley shot and killed a grizzly bear during an encounter on Nov. 2 after it reportedly charged him at a close distance. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the hunter was not harmed during the encounter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWP wardens responded and confirmed the death of the adult male bear. No additional management action by FWP is planned, however the incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This is the 26th known grizzly bear mortality in 2024 according to FWPs grizzly mortality dashboard, which was launched earlier this year to help the agency increase transparency, educate Montanans on why grizzlies are killed or die when they are currently federally protected, and to show that the state is ready to manage the species on its own. Its the second grizzly bear death in Missoula County this year, following an adult female that was killed by FWP officials in mid-October after conflicts with attractants near homes. This is the time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities, and FWP officials remind hunters and other recreationists to always carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise, and keep garbage, food and other attractants in secure bins or buildings VIENNA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A documentary about Ferdinand Adler, a Jewish violinist who fled to Shanghai from the Nazis in 1939, and his story with one of his Chinese music students was screened in Vienna Friday night. The film "Visit from China" by Austrian director Paul Rosdy tells the story of Adler and Sheng Mingliang, who was among a group of Chinese young students who learned to play the violin free of charge from Adler when the musician took refuge in China. The film is narrated through the eyes of their children and sheds light on the lives of Jewish refugees in China during World War II (WWII). Christina Adler, daughter of Ferdinand Adler, said at the screening that the movie was an honor for her father and his stories with his Chinese students. An exhibition on Adler's life in Shanghai will run in the cinema Metro Kinokulturhaus until Nov. 24. Tens of thousands of Jewish refugees fled to Shanghai from the Nazi atrocities in Europe during WWII. A Texas woman who vanished without vital medication on Monday morning has been found safe, police confirmed. Melonie Ballenger, 46, went to bed with her husband, Daniel, at their home in Wylie, Texas on Sunday evening. However, in the early hours on Monday morning, the family woke to find she had finished without her cash, credit card, wallet, ID, her husband of 22-years explained. Melonie Ballenger has been located after being missing since Monday, police said (Wylie Police Department) An extensive search was launched including K9 units, a helicopter and flyering, yielding no results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local residents were even asked to review outdoor camera footage between 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Monday to help cops search for clues, while on Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue Alert, which helps authorities find missing, kidnapped, or abducted adults aged 18 to 64, who are in immediate danger of injury or death. However, good news finally arrived on Friday afternoon when Wylie Police Department confirmed that she had been found just over a mile from her home. At approximately 5:15 pm, Melonie was located near Abby Ln and Tyler Trail by a resident. She was found to be severely dehydrated but otherwise in good health, a statement from the force read. Melonie is currently being reunited with her family and taken to a hospital for treatment. We want to thank everyone who worked day and night trying to find her. Please respect the privacy of the family as they reunite with their loved one. Again, Melonie has been located and is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fears over Melonies whereabouts grew as the mom-of-two is due to undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks and also left medication critical to her health at her home. The fears were felt across the community, with neighbors packing the Gateway Community Church offering prayers for Ballengers safe return at a vigil on Tuesday night after the country cast its ballots in the presidential election. Melonie Ballenger was last seen at her residence around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, police confirm to PEOPLE Wylie Police Department Melonie Ballenger. Melonie Ballenger. The husband of a missing 46-year-old woman, who left their Texas home without her phone or car, is speaking out as search efforts continue. Melonie Ballengers husband Daniel reported Melonie missing around 6:35 a.m. local time on Monday, Nov. 4, the Wylie Police Department previously said in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel told CBS affiliate KTVT that he and Melonie went to sleep on Sunday, Nov. 3, but that when he woke up that morning she was gone. "She left with nothing," he said. When contacted by PEOPLE on Thursday, Nov. 7, police said they could confirm she was last seen at her residence around 10 p.m. on Sunday. Speaking with ABC affiliate WFAA, Daniel said that both he and their daughters tried to find her, but when they couldn't, he called police. Related: Family of Teen Who Disappeared a Month Ago Says She 'Got Into an Argument' with Her Sister, Then 'Walked Off' Police previously reported that Melonie left home without her phone or car, but Daniel told the outlet she also left without her wallet, money or necessary medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to her husband, she was scheduled to have heart surgery, while family members told the outlet she stayed home on Sunday because she felt sick. KTVT reported that authorities have already searched wooded areas, ponds and neighborhoods near the family's home, but have yet to find her. Related: Dad of Yellowstone Worker Who Vanished Last Month Shares Eerie Note Son Left on Mountain: 'I Cant Feel My Fingers' On Thursday, Nov. 7, Sgt. Donald English told PEOPLE that the Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue (CLEAR) Alert and are "still searching various locations and following up on tips." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said in an update on Thursday, Nov. 7, that authorities are "asking residents to review their surveillance video for any sightings of Melonie." 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. "Wylie Police would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support as we search for Melonie," the department added. "There have been many requests to assist in the search, but we are not requesting any assistance at this time." Related: Denver Family Looking for Missing 13-Year-Old Boy Who Was Last Seen Leaving Home 3 Months Ago Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As search efforts continue, Daniel said he wanted his wife to know that her family just wants her home. I love her. I hope shes safe," he told WFAA. "Her daughters [are] missing her and we just want her back. Please come home." Anyone with information on Melonie's whereabouts is asked to contact police at 972-429-8014. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) ID checks are in progress at public high schools after a former student was accused of trespassing at Yorktown High School. Arlington Public Schools (APS) said the policy began at Yorktown on Wednesday, roughly a week after the trespassing incident there. ID checks at Wakefield High School and Washington-Liberty High School start Friday (Nov. 8). Cherrydale Holiday Market in Arlington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and security of our students and staff is our priority. After every incident that occurs, we debrief and determine any necessary steps necessary to enhance safety and security, Jim Miller, Assistant Director, Safety, Security & Emergency Management, said in a statement to DCNewsNow.com. Checking student IDs is an additional safety measure we are putting in place at the comprehensive high schools to add another layer of security to ensure that our schools are safe in the morning and throughout the day. In order to enter the high school buidlings, students have to show identification to staff members. The ID can be a school-issued one with a picture and StudentVue accounts. Students are able to use government-issued IDs, too, including drivers licenses. Arlington County police host 10th annual toy drive to spread holiday cheer APS wasnt sure if the stepped-up security measure would be temporary or if it would become permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. PAWNEE, Ill. (WCIA) The Illinois State Police is mourning one of its K-9s after he passed away while still in service. ISP Troop 8 said their K-9 Hank died on Monday at the age of 11. The cause of death was medical complications related to a brief terminal illness. Wife of late Edwards County judge charged with his murder Troop 8 officials said Hank graduated with Canine Class 71 in 2015 and was an active ISP K-9 until his death. Most recently, he helped in the training of new State Police K-9s and their handlers at the ISP Canine Training Facility in Pawnee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hank was not just a valued partner to Trooper McNelly, but also a beloved member of the Illinois State Police family. Together, they worked tirelessly as a team in Troop 8 to protect and serve the citizens of Illinois, forging a bond of trust and teamwork that will be remembered by all who knew them, officials said. Our prayers are with Trooper McNelly, his family, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside Hank during his distinguished career. We pause to honor Hanks memory and give thanks for the incredible work he did to keep our communities safe over the last decade. Officials added that Hank was an amazing role model and example in training. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Judge Michael J. Valentine was remembered in his obituary as a "good and fair judge, who helped many he served" Meridith Funeral Home; Illinois State Police Michael J. Valentine; Megan S. Valentine Michael J. Valentine; Megan S. Valentine After an Illinois judge was found fatally shot outside his home, authorities have charged his wife with murder. Megan S. Valentine, 44, was arrested on multiple criminal charges including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery, Illinois State Police said in a press release shared on Thursday, Nov. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges are related to the death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, according to police. Megan is accused of fatally shooting Michael, who was found dead outside his Albion, Ill., home on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 5, police said. An Edwards County Sheriffs deputy who responded to the scene around 12:15 p.m. made the discovery. On November 7, 2024, after a thorough investigation, ISP agents presented their case to the Illinois States Attorney Appellate Prosecutors Office and the above-listed charges were filed, police said in the release. Further information on the fatal shooting has not been shared by authorities. According to police, Megan is being held at the White County Jail. Its unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan remembered the late judge in a statement shared with WEHT, calling his death tragic. 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. Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him, the statement read, in part, per the outlet. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time, Morgan added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An obituary for Michael states he formerly served as States Attorney in Edwards County before being elected Circuit Judge for the same county. Michael was remembered as a good and fair judge, who helped many he served, as well as a loving son and father, per the obituary. He is survived by his parents, two children and other loved ones. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. A newly elected Lexington-Fayette Urban County councilman also has a company that was recently awarded a license as a medical marijuana processor. Hilary Hil Boone IV, a small-business operator and farmer, defeated Chad Walker, a farmer and a developer, on Tuesday in the 12th District council race. Boone received 64% of the vote compared to Walkers 36%, according to unofficial results. Boone will replace Lexington Councilwoman Kathy Plomin, who opted not to run for re-election. The 12th District is largely Fayette Countys rural area and land outside of its growth boundary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boone and a partner own Limestone Processing LLC, one of 10 medical marijuana processors granted a license through a lottery on Oct. 29, one week before Tuesdays election. Two other Fayette County businesses Goeing Blue LLC and NG Health LLC received cultivator licenses. Cultivators grow marijuana. The businesses were randomly picked by Kentucky Lottery staff. The Oct. 29 processor and cultivator lottery was the first in a series of lotteries that will randomly distribute medical cannabis business licenses as Kentucky prepares to launch its program in January, when qualifying patients can apply to become cardholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A processor turns raw plant material into products that can then be sold at dispensaries. Boone said because so much is in flux, Limestone Processing is still trying to determine how to move forward. Its possible Limestone could sell its processing license. Its the only processing license in Fayette County. Limestone has a possible location. Nothing has really been finalized, Boone said. There are quite a few unknowns. Cultivators have little time to get raw product to processors before medical marijuana cards are issued in January, he said. Limestone Processing will have to get a license through the city to operate. The city also enacted changes to its zoning ordinance to allow medical marijuana operations, including processors, in certain zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boone, who is sworn-in in January, said he would recuse himself from any votes involving Limestone Processing. I would recuse myself just like with any other business, Boone said. Susan Straub, a spokeswoman for the city, said licenses for medical marijuana operators are handled by city staff and do not need council approval. If, in the future, the council considers further regulating the type of business he has an interest in, it would likely be recommended that he recuse himself from that process (depending on the specifics), Straub said. MAUMERE, Indonesia (AP) Indonesias Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano spewed towering columns of hot ash high into the air Saturday, days after a huge eruption killed nine people and injured dozens of others. Activity at the volcano on the remote island of Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara province, has increased since Mondays initial eruption. On Thursday, authorities expanded the danger zone as the volcano erupted again. Friday's activity saw the largest column of ash so far recorded at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) high, Hadi Wijaya, the head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, told a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wijaya said volcanic materials, including smoldering rocks, lava, and hot, thumb-size fragments of gravel and ash, were thrown up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater on Friday. There were no casualties reported from the latest eruption as the 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano shot billowing columns of ash at least three times Saturday, rising up to 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), the volcano monitoring agency said. Authorities increased Lewotobi Laki Lakis alert status to the highest level since Monday, and expanded the danger zone on Thursday to a radius of 8 kilometers (5 miles) on the northwest and southwest sides of the mountain slope. We are still evaluating how far the (danger zone) radius should be expanded, Wijaya said. Hot clouds of ash are currently spreading in all directions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The volcanic activity has damaged schools and thousands of houses and buildings, including convents, churches and a seminary on the majority-Catholic island. Craters left by rocks falling from the eruptions measured up to 13 meters (43 feet) wide and 5 meters (16 feet) deep, experts found. Authorities have warned the thousands of people who fled the area not to return home, as the government planned to evacuate about 16,000 residents out of the danger zone. The series of eruptions throughout the week have already affected more than 10,000 people in 14 villages, with more than half moving into makeshift emergency shelters. A total of 2,384 houses and public facilities were damaged or had collapsed after tons of volcanic material hit the buildings, said Kanesius Didimus, head of a local disaster management agency. It also destroyed a main road connecting East Flores district where the mountain is located to neighboring Larantuka district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue workers, police and soldiers searched devastated areas to ensure all residents had been moved out from the danger zone. Logistic and relief supplies were provided to about 10,700 displaced people in eight evacuation sites as of Saturday. The National Disaster Management Agency said residents of the hardest-hit villages would be relocated within six months, and each family waiting to be rehoused would be compensated 500,000 rupiah ($32) per month. About 6,500 people were evacuated in January after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki began erupting, spewing thick clouds and forcing the government to close the islands Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport. No casualties or major damage were reported, but the airport has remained closed due to seismic activity. Three other airports in neighboring districts of Ende, Larantuka and Bajawa have been closed since Monday after Indonesias Air Navigation issued a safety warning due to volcanic ash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of a pair of stratovolcanoes in the East Flores district of East Nusa Tenggara province, known locally as the husband-and-wife mountains. Laki laki means man, while its mate is Lewotobi Perempuan, or woman. It's one of the 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, an archipelago of 280 million people. The country is prone to earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity because it sits along the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean. ___ Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. AUSTIN (KXAN) As the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experiences record-breaking travel numbers, people are increasingly worried about worker safety. Investigator Avery Travis describes her conversation with airport leadership and what records show is happening on the tarmac. Join Kelly Wiley and Esmeralda Zamora every Friday morning for a live recap of the latest headlines and in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team. Related reading: As passenger count increases, so do safety concerns at Austins airport Lawsuit alleges new details in fatal Austin airport truck incident Employee dies after being hit by fuel truck at Austin airport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. MEXICO CITY, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mexico uncovered 11 bodies, including two minors, inside an abandoned pickup truck on a boulevard in Chilpancingo, capital of southern Guerrero state, local authorities said Thursday. An anonymous tip received Wednesday night led authorities to the bodies of nine men and two women left in the Parador del Marques area of the city, the state Attorney General's Office said in a statement. A forensics team was sent to the site to identify the victims and an investigation into the homicides is underway. The victims are believed to be part of a group of 17 vendors who went missing two weeks ago, according to local media. They were reportedly selling household goods in the community of El Epazote when contact with them was lost, prompting a search operation by the state Public Security Secretariat, the National Guard and the army. The army said on Tuesday that it would deploy troops, including special forces, to locate the missing, citing suspicions they were abducted by the criminal group "Los Ardillos." "Los Ardillos" is one of Guerrero's most dangerous criminal groups, controlling the central part of the state, including Chilpancingo. Guerrero has been roiled by violence for years due to drug trafficking and production in the state. MURRAY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) Intermountain Life Flight, one of the premier air medical transport programs in the nation, is helping Utahns and others around the world who need long-range medical air transportation to receive medical care from anywhere they may be located. The Intermountain Life Flight medical charter service has already helped Utahns needing medical care throughout the world return to Utah from far-flung locations including, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, and South America. One of the main features of the Intermountain Life Flight medical charter service is a unique long-range medical jet that is used to transport patients for highly specialized care and to enhance organ transplantation in Utah by retrieving donor organs from throughout the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Intermountain Life Flight medical jet, a Bombardier Challenger 604, can fly anywhere in the world and is used for longer distance patient transports or organ retrievals (1,500+ miles). The aircraft has a range of more than 4,600 miles. The aircraft is unique as it has a large cabin area that can accommodate two patients and allow for complex medical procedures while in flight, such as the use of ECMO, which stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO is a highly specialized critical life-saving heart-lung bypass treatment in which a circuit pumps and supplies oxygen to the blood. Its an extraordinary, delicate procedure requiring a team of specialists on the flight. One of the great features of the Challenger aircraft is the large cabin that allows us to care for complex and very ill patients who require advanced care from specialized team members and necessary medical equipment, said Kent Johnson, director of aviation operations for Intermountain Life Flight. This aircraft is very reliable and unique, and were excited to have it as part of our Intermountain Life Flight fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Life Flight medical jet can carry eight passengers, and in addition to the large patient care area, has a crew rest area for pilots and medical team members. The ability that this aircraft provides for us to transport really complex patients is a tremendous resource that will result in many lives being saved, said Laurie Merrick, RN, pediatric flight nurse for Intermountain Life Flight. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News Sponsored by Intermountain Health. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The International Criminal Court will launch an external probe into sexual misconduct accusations against its top prosecutor, The Associated Press has learned, keeping alive a case that the courts internal watchdog had closed within five days. Karim Khan has categorically denied the accusations that he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship, and the claims come amid reports of an ongoing Israeli intelligence campaign to discredit the courts prosecution of Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The external investigation was approved this week at a meeting of the court's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door deliberations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear exactly who would conduct the probe, the people said, noting that possibilities included law enforcement officials from Europe and a law firm. The United Nations internal watchdog has also been discussed for such a probe but that could be fraught with conflict-of-interest concerns because Karims wife, a prominent human rights attorney, had previously worked at the agency in Kenya investigating sexual harassment. Neither Paivi Kaukoranta, a Finnish diplomat currently heading the ICCs oversight body, nor Khan's attorney immediately responded to requests for comment. An AP investigation found that two court employees in whom the alleged victim confided came forward with the accusation in May, a few weeks before Khan sought arrest warrants against Netanyahu, his defense minister and three Hamas leaders on war crimes charges. A three-judge panel is now weighing that request. AP reported that Khan traveled frequently with the woman after transferring her to his office from another department at the ICCs headquarters in The Hague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During one foreign trip, Khan allegedly asked the woman to rest with him on a hotel bed and then sexually touched her, according to whistleblower documents shared with the courts watchdog and seen by the AP. Later, he came to her room at 3 a.m. and knocked on the door for 10 minutes. Other allegedly nonconsensual behavior cited in the documents included locking the door of his office and sticking his hand in her pocket. He also allegedly asked her on several occasions to go on a vacation together. After the two co-workers reported the alleged behavior, the court's internal watchdog interviewed the woman but she opted against filing a complaint due to her distrust of the watchdog, according to the AP investigation. Khan was never questioned and the watchdog's inquiry was closed within five days. While the courts watchdog could not determine wrongdoing, it nonetheless urged Khan in a memo to minimize contact with the woman to protect the rights of all involved and safeguard the courts integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Khan, the ICC has become more assertive in combating crimes against humanity, war crimes and related atrocities. Along the way, it has added to a growing list of enemies. Last September, following the opening of a probe into Russian atrocities in Ukraine, the court suffered a debilitating cyberattack that left staff unable to work for weeks. It also hired an intern who was later criminally charged in the U.S. with being a Russian spy. Israel has also been waging its own influence campaign ever since the ICC recognized Palestine as a member and in 2015 opened a preliminary investigation into Israel's actions. Londons The Guardian newspaper and several Israeli news outlets reported this summer that Israels intelligence agencies for the past decade have allegedly targeted senior ICC staff, including putting Khans predecessor under surveillance and showing up at her house with envelopes stuffed with cash to discredit her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An external probe would go further than what Khan proposed when, following the AP report, he called on the ICC's internal watchdog to investigate the matter and said he would fully cooperate. ___ Goodman reported from Miami. Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Mobile connections in Mozambique appear to be returning following three days of curfew-style internet blackouts, but social media platforms remain restricted, and usage of the best VPNs has soared over the last week. Data from VPN provider Surfshark's Internet Shutdown Tracker showed the first restrictions occurred on October 25. Mobile internet traffic was disrupted as protests erupted following the announcement of presidential election results. The second wave of restriction took place on October 31, affecting access to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Additional mobile internet shutdowns were added, impacting TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube. November 3 saw the start of three days of mobile internet curfew blackouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VPN usage in Mozambique has soared, with Proton VPN, reporting an increase of 127,830% over the baseline. Google search terms for "VPN" in Mozambique have also spiked significantly over the past weeks. Screenshot of Google Trends showing VPN search terms in Mozambique over last 30 days This blackout was in response to ongoing deadly protests disputing the results of the recent government elections. Mozambique's electoral commission announced the ruling Frelimo party had won, extending its 49 years in power. Opposition candidates, civil society groups, and observers have stated the election was rigged. Whilst mobile connections appear to be returning, social media platforms remain restricted, as authorities continue to impose measures to curtail protests. Social media is a common target of government restrictions. Surfshark data shows Facebook is the most common platform to be restricted by governments, with 46% of the global population has been affected by government-imposed Facebook disruptions. WhatsApp is the most common messaging app to be restricted by governments, with disruptions affecting 45% of the global population. Protests are the leading cause of social media disruptions. Facebook alone has been disrupted 40 times since 2015 amid protests. What impact can VPNs have? Mozambique is not the only country to experience a spike in VPN usage over the last year. Data from Proton VPN shows Pakistan, Senegal, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Bangladesh are just some of the countries where VPN usage has risen following unrest, protests, and blackouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VPNs encrypt and protect your data online but they also allow you to get around location restrictions. VPNs spoof your IP address, making it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different country to the one you're actually based in. From the data we are seeing, people in Mozambique are already turning to VPNs to bypass the blackout and access blocked social media sites but this shouldn't become the norm. People have the right to access the internet freely and without censorship or restriction, and recent years have seen a rise in restrictive government actions and a crackdown on tools, such as VPNs, used to bypass restrictions. Countries such as North Korea, Turkey, and Egypt have some of the strictest VPN laws. Russia and China are also cracking down on VPN usage amid increased censorship and surveillance, with Russia banning 60 VPNs since July. Whilst VPNs can still be used in these countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult. Proton VPN has been active in this circle, recently announcing a wave of anti-censorship features. These included a discreet icon, launching virtual servers, and introducing stealth encryption. Proton, and many other VPN services, continue to fight back against government restrictions, giving people the freedom and ability to access the internet unrestricted and protect their privacy. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) An investigation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Office of Inspector General found that a patient received mismanaged healthcare in the months and days leading up to his death. That patient was Shannon McDaniels son. Shannon McDaniel requested the O.I.G. perform the investigation after her son died by suicide on Nov. 13, 2022. Hunter Whitley was a United States Marine Corp veteran. His mother provided CBS 42 with his VA medical records that show he was deployed to warzones in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Kabul, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During those tours, records show he was exposed to IED, RPG, land mines, and grenade explosions. Whitley was in Afghanistan during the Fall of Kabul, a time when the Taliban took back over the city. Records show Whitley was stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport when a suicide bombing occurred less than 600 feet away from him and his troop. Whitley returned home to Brookwood in 2022. Shortly after coming home, he went to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Tuscaloosa to receive mental health treatment. Medical records show he screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months after his first appointment at the VA, Whitley died by suiced at the age of 22. I guess a year ago, I was just still trying to come to terms with the fact that maybe Hunter just wanted to die, and he couldnt live with his experiences and things he had to do, McDaniel said. McDaniel requested his medical records from the VA after her son passed, but it took almost a year for them to arrive. Something just didnt seem right, so I went online and started looking around, McDaniel said. After spending weeks browsing the internet, she found the O.I.G, and on April 6, 2023, she requested they look into her sons care at the VA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three months later, McDaniel said she received a call from Tony Davis at the Tuscaloosa VA. He told me they had found mistakes in Hunters care, but he really didnt tell me to what extent, McDaniel said. McDaniel still didnt understand why her son would take his own life, and why it would take a year for the VA to reach out. Months after that phone call, a letter from the VA came in the mail. It read in part: Dear Ms. Shannon McDaniel, We would like to express our condolences on the death of Hunter Chase Whitley[] The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is providing you with information to file a tort claim if you so chose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its called an institutional disclosure, McDaniel said. They have to let you know when theyve done something wrong. Despite the phone call, and a letter McDaniel was still left with unanswered questions. It was not until the O.I.G finished the investigation that she understood more about what was going on before her soon took his life. What I saw was a lot more done wrong than I could have ever imagined, McDaniel said. This is a brief overview of the O.I.Gs findings : Failure to discuss medication risks Inadequate assessment of suicide risks Failure to monitor the patients medication response Scheduling Delays Inadequate Suicide Risks Assessment and Lethal Means Safety Counseling Failure to submit TBI consult Insufficient administrative actions following the patients death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would have no idea of any of this if I didnt request the records, McDaniel said. The report and medical records show that Whitley was prescribed the antidepressant drug Mirtazapine. Side effects include suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Prior to being prescribed Mirtazapine, Whitley did not report thoughts of suicide according to O.I.Gs report and his VA medical record, and such adverse effects were not communicated with Whitley. The MHNP noted that patient education sheets will be provided with dispensed medications. [the provider] did not discuss Mirtazapines boxed warning of increased risks of suicidal ideation or behavior for young adults, the O.I.G reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How many people has this happened to? McDaniel questioned. Lack of medication education was just one of many protocols that was not followed during Whitleys care. The OIG found that MSA staff did not initiate scheduling of the patients follow-up appointment within two business days as required by the Veterans Health Administration, the report found. Instead, Whitleys consultation was scheduled two months later not two days. We need the people that are taking care of them, and if they cant, then they need to be relived of their duties, McDaniel said. McDaniel has been trying to understand why her son would take his life. Now, she cant help but wonder if things would have been different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im convinced now he didnt necessarily want to die. He might have taken his life that night, but I dont think he wanted to die, McDaniel said. The Tuscaloosa VA provided CBS 42 with this statement from Press Secretary Terrence Hayes: We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the loss of this Veteran and extend our heartfelt condolences to their family. We are committed to ensuring that all Veterans who seek care at our facility are met with the best care available from compassionate and well-trained staff. At the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (VAMC), we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our Veterans. In response to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)s report, we are implementing significant measures to improve our suicide prevention efforts and overall care standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate the OIGs review and concur with its recommendations. In response to the OIG report, we are taking the following actions: The Tuscaloosa Director is reviewing patient care provided by clinical staff, evaluating outpatient mental health clinic scheduling, supervising oversight in the PTSD clinic, and assessing care quality to determine if an institutional disclosure is necessary. The Director will consult with Human Resources, General Counsel, and the patients prescriber when needed and will take appropriate action. The Tuscaloosa Director is strengthening processes to ensure providers deliver patient education on psychiatric medication warnings, conducting suicide risk assessments, performing lethal means assessments, and following traumatic brain injury screening and consult requirements, while monitoring compliance. The Tuscaloose Director is ensuring PTSD clinic consults and documentation procedures meet Veterans Health Administration (VHA) standards, reviewing clinic processes for managing worsening mental health symptoms, and monitoring compliance. The Tuscaloosa Director is evaluating and improving the root cause analysis and peer review committee processes to address system and ensure compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) standards. The Under Secretary for Health (USH) is establishing written guidelines for the Behavioral Health Autopsy Programs family interview process, including when to consult suicide prevention staff, ensuring decisions are in the familys best interest, and ensuring compliance with the Behavioral Health Autopsy Program, including completing the Family Interview Tool-Contact Form. Suicide prevention remains our top clinical priority, and we are committed to continuous improvement and accountability. Our goal is to ensure that every Veteran receives compassionate, timely, and high-quality care. We all have to work together, and make sure those changes are actually taking place, McDaniel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) Two Kentucky police officers who were injured in a shooting fatally shot a suspect when he gained control of an officers weapon during an altercation at a mental health crisis center, Kentucky State Police said. The Bowling Green Police officers were called to the LifeSkills Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit at around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. As police arrived, a person experiencing a mental health crisis began to fight with them and gained control of an officers weapon, firing it in the direction of the two officers, state police said in a media release. One of the officers shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both officers were treated and released from a hospital on Wednesday after suffering apparent gunshot wounds, according to state police. The name of the suspect has not been released by authorities. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Kentucky State Police have jurisdiction to investigate shootings involving police officers from other agencies. KSP said the information in the release is based on preliminary findings and could be subject to change through the course of the ongoing investigation as witnesses are interviewed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Michigan man faces terrorism charges for allegedly threatening to kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after being denied parole. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels office, 36-year-old Jihaad Ahmad was arraigned Monday for the charge. He was charged with one count of false report or threat of terrorism, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. He allegedly sent a letter to the governors office this past May in which he threatened the governors life and to bomb her residence when he was released from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Michigan Department of Corrections records, Ahmad is currently held at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia after being convicted of robbery in Oakland County in 2013. It was his third robbery conviction, leading to a maximum sentence of 22 years and 6 months behind bars. Ahmad has been eligible for parole since October 2014. Violence and violent rhetoric directed at elected officials pose significant threats to not only them but our democracy as a whole, Nessel said in a statement. My department is committed to prosecuting this offense to the fullest extent of the law. Ahmads next court appearance is a probable cause hearing scheduled for Nov. 14. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The Iowa Board of Regents received information on state universities' enrollment trends and possibilities for the future with enrollment declines. (Logo via Iowa Board of Regents) The Iowa Board of Regents report on fall 2024 enrollment painted an optimistic picture when brought up against national fears, with growth in student populations and slighter projected shifts in enrollment compared to national numbers. Associate Chief Academic Officer Jason Pontius presented the report to the board Wednesday, discussing Iowas pool of potential college enrollees and how the state university system is a net importer for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a testament to the work of our three universities that in this environment, we have been able to maintain and grow our enrollment, Pontius said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Total enrollment across all three universities increased by 1.8%, and while the University of Iowa saw the biggest increase in the number of students, at 734 students, the University of Northern Iowa had the biggest enrollment increase percentage bump of 2.9%, or 262 students. The UIs enrollment increased by 2.4% and Iowa State University saw a 0.8% enrollment increase of 255 students. Out-of-state students represented the biggest percentage increase across the university system at 4%, followed by international students at 3% and in-state students at 0.4%. Pontius said Iowas out-of-state cost of attendance is comparable to the in-state tuition prices at universities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, all states that Iowa universities draw heavily from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa has been a net importer of students for quite some time, Pontius said, with data from a few years ago showing that for every student who leaves the state, Iowas public universities bring in four students. We provide a good value for a lot of out-of-state students, and thats one of the reasons were seeing that out-of-state number grow, Pontius said. Despite continued declines in students from China, international student enrollment growth is being driven by increased interest from students in India, Pontius said, and the states pool of high school students is stable, with most of them staying in the state. The UI was the only university to see a decline in international students at 3.5%, offset by a 15.4% increase at UNI and a 5.8% bump at ISU. UNI was the only university to see decreases in new first-year and total undergraduate enrollment, both drops of less than 1%, but it had a 22.5% increase in graduate and professional students. ISU had a less than 1% decrease in graduate and professional students, and enrollment at the UI increased by 1.6%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pontius addressed the elephant always in the room when it comes to enrollment the enrollment cliff and said that while an estimated 15% decline of high school graduates is expected to occur nationally between 2025 and 2029, it will have varying impacts on different regions. According to the report, Iowa will experience only moderate declines in its high school graduate population between 2027 and 2029, while states like Wisconsin and Illinois will see much larger drops. Pontius said Iowa is set to start seeing declines in high school graduates after 2026, unlike national trends, and it looks like another dip could happen a decade from now. Whats interesting in Iowa is, while the nation looks like the class of fall of 2025 is going to be the high water mark, we are going to go, it looks like, a little bit higher in 2026 before the decline begins, Pontius said. So yes, there is a decline, I hesitate to call it a cliff, and yes, we are looking to have a second one, starting again around 2034. The reason Pontius said he is wary of calling these population declines a cliff is because, while rates of enrollment growth are expected to decline during these times, they dont drop off completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increased competition for students will come about as a result of these declines, Pontius said, and looking at different populations to see which groups are more or less likely to attend college is important. Hispanic or Latinx students represent the largest and fastest-growing demographic at state universities, according to the report, and make up 7.2% of the total student body. Iowa has seen a lot of growth in that population in general, Pontius said, and they have high rates of college attendance. Veteran enrollment has also reached record levels, according to the report, at almost 1,900 across the university system. Rates of men attending college, however, are dropping, Pontius said. All of this is causing a need, both at the state and national level, to recruit and retain increasingly diverse student bodies. Despite the pervasive perception that getting a higher education is a waste of money when a student could instead go straight into the workforce, Pontius said the growing need for more education in order to make more money will hopefully drive enrollment to colleges and universities. Its something that we need to keep in mind as we move forward in attracting and retaining Iowa high school graduates in the state, Pontius said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iran hired a hitman to assassinate Donald Trump weeks before the presidential election, the US said on Friday as it announced criminal charges against three suspects. The Department of Justice (DoJ) revealed it had thwarted the murder-for-hire plot ordered by the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in revenge for Mr Trumps fatal 2020 strike on the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. DoJ officials waited until days after Mr Trumps sweeping victory in the White House race to disclose there had been yet another attempt on the president-elects life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump had been widely expected to resume his hardline stance on the Islamic Republic if he regained the presidency. He has pledged to return to a maximum pressure campaign in a second term in office. The charges announced today expose Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including president-elect Donald Trump, Christopher Wray, the FBI director, said. Trump plans to target Tehrans oil sales Mr Trump intends to aggressively target Tehrans oil sales after taking an Iranian assassination attempt personally, sources close to the next US president said. Hitting the Iranian oil industry will form part of a wider strategy designed to throttle the Islamic Republics funding of its Middle Eastern allies, insiders aware of Mr Trumps plans told the Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People tend to take that stuff personally, Mick Mulroy, a former top Pentagon official, said. If hes going to be hawkish on any particular country, designated major adversaries, its Iran. When he takes office in January, Mr Trump will rapidly go after foreign ports and traders who handle Iranian oil, insiders said. In the indictment unsealed on Friday, the FBI said the Iranian regime had in recent years begun outsourcing its targeting of political enemies to organised crime groups and violent criminals. Investigators learnt of the newly-disclosed plan to kill Mr Trump from Farhad Shakeri, an alleged Iranian government asset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Afghan national who immigrated to the US as a child, Mr Shakeri spent 14 years in prison in New York following a conviction for robbery. It was while behind bars that the FBI said he met a web of criminal associates who participated in Tehrans assassination plots. He was deported from the US in 2008 and is believed to be in Iran. Shakeri ordered to provide kill plan Mr Shakeri met with an official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on Oct 7, the anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks on Israel, according to the complaint. He was ordered to provide a plan to kill Mr Trump within seven days of the meeting. If he was unable to carry out the assassination attempt within the proposed time frame, the IRGC official instructed Mr Shakeri to put it on hold until after the US election on Nov 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian regime believed that Mr Trump would lose his third White House bid, and it would be easier to assassinate him afterwards, according to the filing. Mr Shakeri claimed to the FBI that he did not intend to murder Mr Trump within the timeframe proposed before the election. Other US and Israeli citizens allegedly targeted The Iranian government also allegedly tasked Mr Shakeri with killing other US and Israeli citizens based in the US. They included Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American journalist and activist who is an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime. Ms Alinejad said she was shocked to learn of the plot from the FBI, which involved an attempt to target her at Fairfield University, where she was scheduled to give a talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I call on the US government and the future president of the United States to be tough on terror, she said. The FBI identified two accomplices of Mr Shakeri, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, both of New York, who were charged separately in the plot on Ms Alinejad. Both men are in US custody and made a court appearance in New York on Thursday, the DoJ said. Two of Mr Shakeris other targets were Jewish American citizens living in New York, for whose murder he was allegedly offered $500,000 each. It is claimed he was also tasked with targeting an Israeli tourist in Sri Lanka. Security bolstered for Trump Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of seeking to assassinate prominent US officials in retaliation for the death of Soleimani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US officials said in July that they had bolstered security for Mr Trump following intelligence that suggested Tehran was aggressively targeting the Republican candidate. It followed the charging of a Pakistani man who was suspected of attempting to carry out political assassinations at the behest of the Iranian government. The State Department has also announced a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged Iranian mastermind behind a plot to assassinate Mr Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton. A former White House official said the new administration would look to isolate Iran by building on a maximum pressure sanctions regime that Mr Trump pursued during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think you are going to see the sanctions go back on, you are going to see much more, both diplomatically and financially, they are trying to isolate Iran, the official said. Meanwhile, Elon Musk reportedly joined a call between Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, following his defeat of Kamala Harris in the US election. It remains unclear what role the billionaire, who played a critical role in Mr Trumps 2024 campaign, will play in the Republicans second administration. During the 25-minute call, Mr Musk promised to continue to support Kyiv with his Starlink satellites, according to the website Axios. 09:25 PM GMT Thats all for today Thanks for tuning into out live blog of Irans alleged assassination plot against Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This blog is now closed. 08:33 PM GMT Pictured: Hitmen photographed university where target was due to speak Alleged Iranian hitmen took photos of Fairfield University where their target Masih Alinejad was due to speak Alleged messages identifying assassination target sent to Farhad Shakeri 08:11 PM GMT Trump: Nothing will deter me from restoring peace in the world Donald Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung said the president-elect was aware of the assassination plot and nothing will deter him from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world. 08:02 PM GMT Iran campaigning to silence and kill Americans, says FBI FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg accused Iran of campaigning to silence and kill Americans. The charges announced today further demonstrate the IRGCs continued campaign to silence and kill Americans who criticise the Iranian regime, he said. We have successfully disrupted the defendants alleged plots to fulfil Irans goals of permanently eliminating voices of opposition. 07:53 PM GMT FBI pledges to aggressively pursue those behind assassination plot FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy has pledged that the bureau will aggressively pursue those responsible for the assassination attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue justice against anyone attempting to use violence to violate our freedoms and way of life, he said. This case is an example of yet another flagrant attempt by the Government of Iran, not merely to silence those who speak out against them, but to take the lives of American citizens exercising their constitutionally protected rights here in this country. 07:49 PM GMT Iran planned brazen attempts to gun down Americans, says FBI director The director of the FBI has accused Iran of planning brazen attempts to gun down American citizens. Christopher A. Wray said: The charges announced today expose Irans continued brazen attempts to target US citizens, including President-elect Donald J. Trump, other government leaders, and dissidents who criticise the regime in Tehran. Mr Wray added that the countrys actions wont be tollerated and pledge to use the full resources of the FBI to protect US citizens from Iran. He said: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organisation has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on US soil and that simply wont be tolerated. 07:43 PM GMT Iran poses grave threat to US national security, says Merrick Garland The US attorney general Merrick Garlland said Iran poses a grave threat to US national security. He said: There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran. We will not stand for the Iranian regimes attempts to endanger the American people and Americas national security. 07:39 PM GMT This has to stop, says New York attorney New York Attorney Damian Williams said attacks on US citizens have to stop. Mr Williams, whose jurisdiction the crimes fall under, said: This has top stop. He added that the justice department will be unrelenting in pursuing bad actors and will stop at nothing to track them down. Todays charges are another message to those who continue in their efforts we will remain unrelenting in our pursuit of bad actors, no matter where they reside, and will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who harm our safety and security, he said. 07:24 PM GMT Have your say 07:23 PM GMT I dont want to die, says alleged target of Iran assassination plot A woman claiming to be one of targets of Irans assassination plot has said: I dont want to die. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist living in the US, said she was shocked to learn she was allegedly targeted by the same hitmen tasked with killing Donald Trump. Ms Alinejad posted a video of herself on X, formerly Twitter, claiming she received a phone call from the FBI telling her that two men hired by Iran to kill Donald Trump visited her house to her house in Brooklyn. The Iranian dissident called on the President-elect to be tough on terror. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe, she said in an emotional plea. X/@AlinejadMasih 07:10 PM GMT Iranian hitman charged with terrorism offences The Iranian hitman accused of plotting to kill Donald Trump has been charged with terrorism offences. Farjad Shakeri, who remains on the run and is believed to be in Iran, has been charged with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He was also charged with conspiracy to violate the international emergency economic powers and and sanctions against the government of Iran, which carries a further maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 06:51 PM GMT Iranian assassins could spend 200-plus years in prison The alleged Iranian assassin and his co-defendants could spend 200-plus years in prison, unsealed documents show. Farjad Shakeri, 51, and his two co-defendants, Carlisle Rivera, 49, and Jonathan Loadholt, 36, have all been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. They have also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mr Shakeri and Mr Rivera, from Brooklyn and State Island respectively, appeared before a New York judge yesterday and detained pending trial. 06:45 PM GMT Iran targeted Trump in revenge for death of IRGC leader Iran targeted Donald Trump in revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, unsealed criminal charges claim. Soleimani, the former IRGC Qods Force commander, was killed by a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020 under Mr Trumps presidency. The charge sheet claims the hit planned on the president-Elect was an attempt to take vengeance for Soleimanis death and to silence dissidents. The IRGC is actively targeting nationals of the United States and its allies living in countries around the world for attacks, including assault, kidnapping, and murder, both to repress and silence dissidents critical of the Iranian regime and to take vengeance, it is claimed. 06:28 PM GMT Iran ordered Trump hit on October 7 anniversary Iran ordered the assassin to kill Trump on the anniversary of October 7, newly unsealed criminal charges show. According to the documents, Farjad Shakeri was tasked with killing the President-elect exactly a year after Hamas, backed by Iran, massacred some 1,200 Israeli civilians in a cross-border raid. Mr Shakeri is alleged to have claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Mr Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC. The Iranian government also allegedly tasked Mr Shakeri with killing other US and Israeli citizens based in the US. Two of his marks were Jewish American citizens living in New York, for whose murder he was offered $500,000 each, the charge sheet claims. It is claimed he was also tasked with targeting an Israeli tourist in Sri Lanka. 06:17 PM GMT Trump will attempt to isolate Iran, insiders claim When he takes office in January, Donald Trump will attempt to isolate Iran by rapidly going after foreign ports and traders who handle Iranian oil, insiders said. A former White House official said the new administration would look to isolate Iran by building on a maximum pressure sanctions regime that Mr Trump pursued during his first term. I think you are going to see the sanctions go back on, you are going to see much more, both diplomatically and financially, they are trying to isolate Iran, the Wall Street Journal said. I think the perception is that Iran is definitely in a position of weakness right now, and now is an opportunity to exploit that weakness. Former top Pentagon official Mick Mulroy said: People tend to take that stuff personally. If hes going to be hawkish on any particular country, designated major adversaries, its Iran. 06:12 PM GMT Iranian hitmen surveilled Brooklyn home The associates of the Iranian hitmen accused of planning to assassinate Donald Trump staked out a home in Brooklyn, New York. Farjad Shakeri ordered two co-defendants to attempt to murder a US citizen based at the property either going into or out of her house, unsealed criminal charges show. Mr Shakeri allegedly sent Carlisle Rivera, one of the co-defendants, a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill the target. You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it, Mr Shakeri allegedly said. Dont think about going in. In is a suicide move. A gun allegedly sezied from the hitmen by US law enforcement 06:00 PM GMT Alleged Iranian assassin promised $100,000 for hit Farjad Shakeri promised $100,000 to his co-defendants to carry out murder, the lawsuit claims. The co-defendants, named as Jonathan Loadholt and Carlisle Rivera, allegedly repeatedly attempted to carry out the hit on an unnamed defendant. 05:55 PM GMT Iranian assassins associates spent months surveilling US citizen Two co-defendants of the suspected assassin, named as Loadholt and Rivera, spent months surveilling a US citizen of Iranian origin residing in the United States. The alleged target is an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and has been the target of multiple prior plots for kidnapping and murder directed by the Iranian government, the charges claim. 05:50 PM GMT Iranian hitman spent childhood in the US Farjad Shakeri, the Iranian hitman charged with planning to assassinate Donald Trump, immigrated to the US as a child, according to the unsealed criminal charges. The charge sheet states he was deported in or about 2008 after serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction. Mr Shakeri is accused of using a network of criminal associates he met in prison in the United States to supply the IRGC with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations of IRGC targets. 05:45 PM GMT Trump to renew maximum pressure campaign on Iran Donald Trump is planning to ramp up sanctions on Iran as part of a maximum pressure campaign, sources claim. The measure are designed the throttle the Middle Eastern powers oil sails, as well as undercutting its nuclear programme and support for regional proxies, The Wall Street Journal reported. The measures echo Mr Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Tehran during his first administration. 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. An Iranian man feted as the best smuggler after helping migrants cross the channel has been jailed for 17 years. Amanj Hasan Zada, 34, was linked to three separate crossings made from France to the UK in November and December 2023. Zada, who was known by those he smuggled as Amanj Zaman, was convicted at Preston Crown Court on Friday following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). He ran the smuggling operation from his home in Lancashire and advertised his services on social media, sometimes using videos of those he had successfully smuggled thanking him for his help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such video showed a group of men on a boat to Italy praising him. Another video, found on YouTube by the NCA and thought to have been recorded in Iraq in 2021, showed him at a party with musicians singing a song in Kurdish feting him as the best smuggler, saying all the other smugglers have learned from him. In the clip, he throws cash at the musicians and fires a gun in the air in celebration. NCA officers in the UK were able to record conversations he had with other smugglers, discussing movements of migrants, locations and successful crossings. Zada has been jailed after being found guilty of smuggling people across the Channel - National Crime Agency He was arrested in May 2024 - National Crime Agency Following Zadas arrest in May, his phone was seized. Analysis showed it was linked to a number of social media accounts used to post material, and phone numbers advertised on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was found to have had direct contact with some of the migrants who arrived on boats in 2023. Travel tickets for one of them were found on the handset. Zada was charged with three counts of facilitating illegal immigration. The jury at Preston Crown Court found him guilty on all three charges, and he was sentenced to 17 years in prison the same day. In a video, Zada fires a gun in the air in celebration of a successful operation - NCA/PA Martin Clarke, the NCA branch commander, said: Amanj Hasan Zada ran a sophisticated people smuggling enterprise, using social media to advertise his services. While we have uncovered evidence directly linking him to three specific crossings, there is no doubt in my mind that he was likely to have been involved in many more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For him it was all about profit, and he had no issues with putting people in life threatening situations as long as he got paid. People smugglers like him risk lives, which is why we are determined to do all we can to stop them, wherever they operate. According to NCA commander, Zada had no issues with putting people in life threatening situations as long as he got paid - NCA/PA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NCA claims it is putting more resources into disrupting and dismantling the criminal gangs behind people smuggling than ever before. It has around 70 ongoing investigations into networks or individuals in the top tier of organised immigration crime or human trafficking, those inflicting the highest harm, and who are the most difficult to reach. The NCA aims to target and disrupt organised crime groups in source countries, in transit countries, near the UK border in France and Belgium, and those operating inside the UK itself. The conviction of Zada comes as the Home Office confirmed that 133 people crossed the Channel in two boats on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four bodies were also discovered in the water off the coast of Calais across Tuesday and Wednesday and the body of a man was pulled from the Channel near Dover lifeboat station on Tuesday, according to authorities. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. France condemned the brief detention of two consulate members after it said Israeli police forced their way into a French-owned holy site in Jerusalem, in what is the latest diplomatic spat in a series of events that have sent relations between the two plummeting. Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was due to visit the French-owned Eleona church compound, which houses a sanctuary, on Thursday when the incident occurred. Armed Israeli officers entered the site without authorization, Frances Foreign Ministry said, arresting the two consulate staff members despite the fact that they are officials with diplomatic status and prompting Barrot to abandon his visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employees were later released following the intervention of the minister, Frances Foreign Ministry statement said. In a separate statement, Israels Foreign Ministry said an argument arose between Israeli security forces and two French security guards who refused to identify themselves. The two were detained by the police and released immediately after identifying themselves as diplomats, it said, adding that the Israeli security officers were accompanying the foreign minister on his official visit. Video obtained by CNN showed two police officers attempting to detain one of the French men as he repeatedly says, Dont touch me, before being forced to the ground, apprehended and ushered into a police car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eleona church compound on the Mount of Olives is one of four French-owned sites in Jerusalem that make up the French national domain in the Holy Land and is administered by French authorities. Frances Foreign Ministry said it would summon Israels ambassador in the coming days. This violation of the integrity of a site under French responsibility risks weakening the ties I had come to nurture with Israel at a time when we all need to move forward in the region on the path to peace, Barrot told reporters while in Jerusalem. Barrot was meeting with Israeli officials on Thursday where he urged for diplomatic solutions to end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon amid repeated calls for a ceasefire, following spiraling international alarm over huge civilian casualties over the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries following calls by French President Emmanuel Macron to end arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, left, speaks to journalists from the Mount of Olives during his visit to Jerusalem on November 7, 2024. - Maya Alleruzzo/AP Relations between Israel and France, as well as other European countries, which had been initially strained over Gaza, have further deteriorated since Israels ground operation against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. European nations, including France, have expressed outrage over Israeli military strikes at posts of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL. Israel said it has no intention of harming the UNs peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon but accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel as human shields. Macron slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month of sowing barbarism in remarks at a conference convened by the French president to support the Lebanese people and military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French government also attempted to ban Israeli weapons firms from exhibiting at a trade fair in Paris later this month, which was later reversed by a French court, Reuters reported. In recent years, there have been several incidents between French officials and Israeli security officers at French-administered sites in Jerusalem. In 2020, Macron was involved in an altercation with Israeli security officers while visiting the Church of Saint Anne, another territory it owns, where he was seen shouting I dont like what you did in front of me. CNNs Edward Szekeres and Saskya Vandoorne contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced that Yechiel Leiter will become the country's new ambassador to the United States just days after Donald Trump won re-election as president. Leiter will start his new role on Jan. 10, less than two weeks before Trump formally returns to the White House. Netanyahu said Leiter was born in the United States and is "deeply familiar" with American society and administration. He pointed out that his son Moshe Yedidya Leiter lost in life in combat during the current war with Hamas on Nov. 10, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics," Netanyahu said in a statement on X. "I am convinced that Yechiel will represent the State of Israel in the best way possible. I wish him success in his position." Leiter had served as Israel's deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief of staff under Netanyahu when he was finance minister and was acting chair3 of the Ports Authority. He earned his doctorate from the University of Haifa in Israel. SHENGJIN, Albania (Reuters) - An Italian navy ship carrying a small group of migrants docked in an Albanian port on Friday in an attempt by Rome to salvage a plan to process asylum seekers abroad after a first attempt hit legal hurdles. The ship arrived before 8 a.m. (0700 GMT), a Reuters reporter said. Only eight migrants rescued near the island of Lampedusa were dispatched on Wednesday. Italy has built two reception centres in Albania under the first project by a European Union nation to divert migrants to a non-EU country. The facilities in Shengjin and Gjader are staffed by Italian personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the deal with Tirana, the number of migrants present at one time in Albania cannot exceed 3,000. Italy sent an initial group of 16 migrants to Albania last month but they were all brought back within days, the majority of them after a Rome court ruled they could not be held in the Balkan country because of concerns about their legal status. The military did not say where the new group of asylum-seekers came from. Italian newspapers speculated at the weekend that the government might focus on Tunisians because their country was deemed more stable than many others. The first group of migrants came from Egypt and Bangladesh, two of 22 countries that Italy had classified as safe, meaning the government believed they could be rapidly repatriated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rome judges questioned this, pointing to a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, which said a country outside the EU cannot be declared safe unless its entire territory is deemed free of danger. As a result, the entire group was brought back to Italy to unguarded centres for asylum seekers. (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Ivana Sekularac and Timothy Heritage) BEIJING (AP) Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday on an official visit to China that came as Russias full-on invasion of Ukraine pitted Rome's NATO allies against Beijing's support for Moscow. The two exchanged greetings following a ceremony with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. In his opening remarks, Xi referred to the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer and trader Marco Polo's journey to China that encouraged cultural, economic and religious links between Europe and East Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italy is heavily reliant on foreign trade such as luxury products that have a large market in China. It is also a member of NATO, which China has blamed for provoking the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Beijing has provided Moscow with assistance by purchasing its energy exports while selling it technology that can be used in drones and other armaments. Any differences on political issues were not raised in front of the media and the two leaders later oversaw the signing of a series of agreements on matters from culture to technology and trade. Italy has withdrawn from Xi's signature global Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to deepen China's relations with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East through infrastructure investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni had declined to renew the agreement, but nevertheless visited China in July. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement party-led government promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. But neither appeared, and investments in Italian ports that were trumpeted in newspaper headlines were never achieved. An Italian restaurant chain that Wichita excitedly greeted at the Wichita Waterfront in the summer of 2019 is about to close. The Old Spaghetti Factory at 1421 Waterfront will open for the last time on Sunday, Nov. 24. After that, the chain will pack up all the velvet couches and antique decor inside the restaurant and move it back to its warehouse in Portland for use in another restaurant, said district manager Jason Davis. We had a short-term lease, and financially, it wasnt one of our busier restaurants, he said of the chains decision to leave Wichita. We didnt have the success we hoped to have there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the restaurant took over the former Fox and Hound space at the Waterfront development, 13th and Webb, a little more than five years ago, it was the 43rd Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant in the chain. The original Old Spaghetti Factory was opened in Portland in 1969 by Guss and Sally Dussin. The Old Spaghetti Factory has operated at The Waterfront, 13th and Webb, since the summer of 2019. The restaurant is known for its brightly-colored, antique-filled interior, which also featured a full-sized trolley car that people could sit in while they dined. The Old Spaghetti Factory is not related to the Spaghetti Works that once operated downtown Wichita. Spaghetti Works was the name for the Kansas franchise of the Spaghetti Warehouse chain, which was an imitator that came along three years after The Old Spaghetti Factory. Spaghetti Works, which also had a trolley car, closed in Wichita in 2004. Stephen Clark II, one of the developers of the Waterfront, said that a couple of groups already had expressed interest in the space and that he was just starting to have discussions with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This restaurant has locations on both the east and west side. But one of the two is closing. Three Wichita restaurants announce that theyre closed, but owners say its only temporary Heres your chance to walk through some of Wichitas oldest, grandest homes An Italian Navy ship brought a second group of migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh picked up in the Mediterranean to its offshore asylum processing centre in Albania on Friday, despite a court challenge hanging over the new Italian scheme. The eight men were travelling on a boat from Africa to Europe when the Italian Navy ship picked them up a few days ago. They are now to have their asylum claims processed in Albania, before finding out whether they are to be allowed into Italy or are to be sent back to their countries of origin. Italy is the first EU country to process asylum claims in camps outside the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new scheme has led to a fierce dispute between the Italian government and the judiciary after a court in the northern city of Bologna ruled against the processing of the first group of migrants to arrive in Albania, who also came from Egypt and Bangladesh. The court ruled that the group had to be taken to Italy because, under EU law, neither Bangladesh nor Egypt are classified as safe countries of origin - a prerequisite for processing in the Italian offshore camps. In response, the right-wing government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni passed a decree establishing a new list of 19 supposedly safe countries of origin, which includes Egypt and Bangladesh. The Bologna court has requested that the European Court of Justice review the decree, which may see the second attempt to process asylum claims in Albania also end up in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the first ruling, Meloni accused the Italian judiciary of interfering in political matters. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, of the populist League party, referred to the judges in the case as "communists." The Italian opposition has said that the separation of powers between the government and the judiciary is in great danger. Meanwhile, Italy's national audit office is examining whether the scheme's high costs are reasonable. Human rights groups have criticized these costs, which they put at 20,000 ($21,500) per refugee. The scheme is being closely watched by other European governments, several of which are considering following a similar approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italy has for many years been one of the EU countries that is most affected by migration from Africa to Europe across the Mediterranean. Despite a significant decline, more than 50,000 people have reached Italian shores this year so far according to the Interior Ministry, many after perilous crossings that have repeatedly left people dead. The clash between Italy's judiciary and the government over migrants continues. A court in Catania on Monday rejected the government's decree on "safe countries," before eight asylum seekers were sent to Albania on board the Italian ship 'Libra' on Wednesday morning. The navy patrol vessel is scheduled to arrive at the port of Shengjin, on Albania's northern coast, on Thursday morning. The migrants will then be transferred to the repatriation centre in Gjader. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said on Wednesday that the decision to transfer the small number of people was conducted using "very strict operational procedures." The news comes two days after judges in Catania and Rome ruled on the Meloni government's "safe countries" decree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court of Catania did not validate the detention of three Egyptian and two Bangladeshi citizens who arrived in Pozzallo. The head of Catania's court, Massimo Escher, said that the list of safe countries drawn up by the government on 21 October "does not stop the judiciary from fulfilling its obligation to verify the consistency of such a move with European law," given the accelerated nature of the procedure that processes asylum seeker applications. The Court of Justice of the European Court (CJEU) ruled on 4 October that many of the countries listed by Italy could not be considered fully safe. It pointed out that that Egypt cannot be considered safe given that serious human rights violations occur in the North African country, such as the death penalty, systematic torture by police, as well as violence and discrimination against women and minors. But the Catania decision was not the only setback for the government. The Court of Rome suspended the denial of the asylum application of one of 12 migrants who had been transferred to Albania. The decree on 'safe countries' was then referred to the CJEU requesting an urgent response, a similar action taken by the Court of Bologna last week which questioned whether a legislator can directly designate a third country as "safe". Political clash fuels magistrates' concern The rejection by the judiciary triggered a backlash from the government coalition. Matteo Salvini said that "Italy is unsafe due to some communist judges who do not implement the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fratelli d'Italia said that "it is up to the state to identify safe countries" and the decision of the judges of the Court of Catania appears to pursue the sole aim of hindering any actions to counter mass illegal immigration." The president of the National Association of Magistrates, Giuseppe Santalucia, said: "This impatience with the judiciary seems to be spreading like wildfire. The judiciary must be respected for what it is, a body that is independent from the government that cannot be subject to its expectations," he added. 'Libra' departs Lampedusa with eight migrants on board Meanwhile, the ship 'Libra' has left the waters of Lampedusa for a new migrant transfer after waiting for two days. Despite the clash with the judiciary, on Monday Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said he was "confident" that operations would resume. However, the eight migrants that boarded the ship were a far cry from the expected minimum of 30 or 40 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the continuous sightings of small boats that, thanks to the good weather and calm sea, took the central Mediterranean route towards Lampedusa, it was not possible to identify enough people eligible for the transfer, despite Minister Piantedosi's reassurances. The migrant centre in Gjader, built under the Italy-Albania protocol, should be operational by Thursday, unless further rulings are made by the courts. The first migrant transfer occured on 16 October, with 16 people on board. Four of them returned to Italy immediately for health reasons, with the rest also returning after the Court of Rome ruled their detention was not valid, a decision that prompted Prime Minister Meloni to approve a new list of '"safe countries". I'm exited Singapore Airlines is adding doors to business class after flying the current seat. Demand for door-equipped cabins is widespread, with many global airlines hopping on the trend. I think the flyer-favorite perk will help Singapore level up its business class and better compete. In early 2023, I flew Singapore Airlines on the world's longest flight to experience what is considered a top-tier business class. It was one of my first long-haul trips at the front of the plane, so I was easily impressed by the lie-flat bed, the amenity kit, business-class lounge access, and other posh perks of premium flying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing it lacked, however, was a sliding door. Instead, the seat had large privacy wings intended to cocoon travelers. At the time, I was less bothered by the lack of privacy and was just happy with the bed and gourmet food on the 18-hour journey. No door meant I could see straight across the cabin. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Since then, I've flown in door-equipped business class on Japan's All Nippon Airways and British Airways. I've joined the club of people who prefer the coziness of a fully enclosed pod, which proved to be a night-and-day difference in privacy. I could sleep and work without feeling like wandering eyes were looking over my shoulder. I was also less disturbed by the noise from the galleys and bathrooms, and I didn't have a neighbor's light annoyingly glaring into my space when the cabin was dark. Although it has taken some eight years to announce a significant upgrade to its high-dollar seat, five-star Singapore is finally jumping on the door trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carrier announced plans in November to retrofit 41 Airbus A350 planes with a new door-equipped business class. It will also be on Singapore's future Boeing 777X aircraft. The first retrofitted plane is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026. CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a press release that the change was a result of its customers' "evolving preferences and expectations." It is too early to say what exactly Singapore has on deck for the new premium cabin, but the single rendering mirrors the hotel-like suites found on All Nippon Airways and British Airways offer. Singapore is finally introducing sliding doors to its long-haul business class. Singapore Airlines Considering the door was the only feature included in the rendering, Singapore clearly wanted to emphasize its addition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope Singapore will also retain its other favored business-class amenities, like the food, extra-wide seats, and plentiful storage, that make it one of the world's best airlines. Regardless, the new and improved business class cabin will be a welcomed change for me and likely for other travelers who may have once pondered a competing airline for long-haul travel simply for the more private experience. Plus, the country is known for luxury, so having a business class to match will lure in more high-dollar elites and help Singapore better keep up in the highly-competitive market especially after it lost out to five-star Qatar for Skytrax's world's best business class in 2024. Air India launched its new pod-like business class in January as it completely overhauls its brand. Air India's new business class has 28 pod-like suites with sliding doors. Taylor Rains/Business Insider I toured the cabin and thought it could easily boost the company's premium competitive edge and a much-needed change from its old and awkward business class still flying many routes. Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, and Korean Air are among the handful of other companies also leaning into the popular trend. Read the original article on Business Insider President-elect Donald Trump is accused of conspiring with his allies to pressure state officials, election workers and his own vice president to overturn the results of an election he lost, and then failing to stop a mob of his supporters from storming the halls of Congress to do it by force. But the sprawling criminal case against Trumps efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election thousands of pages of court filings and a body of evidence tracing his increasingly desperate efforts to cling to power could soon come to a crashing halt. Three days after Trump defeated Kamala Harris to retake the White House, special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal court in Washington, D.C., to throw out a calendar of pretrial deadlines while his office spends the next few weeks trying to figure out what to do next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith will tell the court his plans for the case by December 2 after taking time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy, his office wrote on November 8. The apparent collapse of a monumental criminal case against the former president on charges connected to events that started more than four years ago has left his critics grappling with what went terribly wrong. Theres Attorney General Merrick Garland, who refused to lead any prosecutions of the alleged crimes that Smiths office has painstakingly detailed and is now poised to leave President Joe Bidens administration having failed to hold Trump accountable. Theres Mitch McConnell, who led Senate Republicans in refusing to convict Trump after his impeachment for the events of January 6. And theres Trumps reshaped federal judiciary that paved the way for favorable court rulings. Trump has called Smith a scoundrel and deranged, pledged to fire him within two seconds of his first day in office, and said he should be thrown out of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has pledged to pardon the hundreds of people charged in connection with the Capitol attack, and he will almost certainly direct his attorney general to dissolve the two federal criminal cases against him, creating yet another crisis for democracy, says Noah Bookbinder, a former federal prosecutor in the Justice Departments public integrity section who now serves as director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a nonpartisan watchdog group. A mob of Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, events central to a sweeping indictment against the president-elect (REUTERS) The Justice Department has relied on internal policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. But it is unclear how the special counsels office could continue prosecuting a case that started years before Trump was set to enter office, involving alleged crimes at the end of his first term. Jack Smith certainly could take a more aggressive position and say that these cases can move forward, and that might be the best course for justice and accountability and democracy and showing that nobodys above the law, Bookbinder tells The Independent. But Smith could take a less disruptive route and bring the case to a close himself, Bookbinder says. Those are hard decisions that he needs to make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the hour that Smiths office filed its notice to the court, House Republicans who have baselessly accused the special counsel of leading a politically motivated case against Trump have signaled their intent to launch an investigation of their own. Trumps legal ally Mike Davis told Smith to lawyer up. Ending the prosecution of Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, weeks before he enters office after winning the 2024 election, is the opposite of how to oppose autocracy, according to Norm Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Governance. Special counsel Jack Smith, right, is planning his next steps in a sprawling election interference case against Trump (REUTERS) Smiths case isnt likely to be put on ice, either, unless Judge Tanya Chutkan takes the extraordinary measure of appointing another lawyer to argue against dismissing the case if theres a sense that the prosecutors are making a decision for reasons that may not be improper, according to Bookbinder. Otherwise, reopening the case in four years would blow past the statute of limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the years-in-the-making case comes to an end, Smith could file a report with his findings, hoping to at least make a public record of what he uncovered. Months into his first term, Trump dismissed FBI director James Comey, who was leading an investigation into links between Trumps associates and Russian contacts. After his dismissal, acting FBI director Andrew McCabe opened an investigation into Trump for obstruction of justice. Robert Mueller was then appointed as special counsel to continue the probes, resulting in a sweeping final report that resulted in 34 indictments, including charges against Trump campaign officials. Trump, however, was never charged. Smith could file a similar report before Trump is sworn in, but its unclear whether his office can get that done before the inauguration. A report would almost certainly never be publicly released by Trumps administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know whether Donald Trump as president, or a Trump attorney general, would leave them in place to write and release a report like that, Bookbinder says. But thats certainly another really important step that Jack Smiths office could take to at least ensure that the public knows what they found, even if there is no direct accountability. Jack Smith announced a first grand jury indictment against Trump in August 2023 on charges of obstruction and conspiracy in connection with the 2020 election (AFP via Getty Images) So far, the largest account of the governments findings is in a 165-page document that details the state-by-state efforts by Trump, his unindicted co-conspirators and allies to pressure state officials, election workers and others to validate his scheme to reverse the loss, and then organize fraudulent election certificates that falsely stated he won. The filing followed Smiths renewed attempts to try the case after the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, which arrived after months of delays and courtroom debate. Nearly one year ago, Smiths team asked the Supreme Court to step in and settle the question once and for all, in the hope of keeping the case moving swiftly to prevent the exact scenario they are now facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices denied that request and didnt agree to take up the case until late February. Rather than affirm lower-court decisions that rejected the immunity claim, justices didnt agree to hear the arguments for themselves until the end of April. A decision didnt arrive until July. By the time the case returned to Judge Chutkan, with the special counsel scrambling to navigate a ruling that shielded Trump from prosecution for crimes committed in office, Election Day was only a few months away. The Supreme Courts decision to slow walk their answer to one of the most important questions of presidential power in American history ensured that voters would never see a verdict in a trial to determine if he unlawfully conspired to overturn an election before they cast their ballots in the next one. If these investigations get shut down, Bookbinder says, theyre largely gone. JACKSON, Miss. The mayor of Mississippis capital said Thursday that he will continue to handle the business of the city after he pleaded not guilty to charges related to allegations of a bribery scheme that have also led to the indictments of a prominent district attorney and a former City Council president. Flanked by roughly two dozen supporters on the steps of a federal courthouse in downtown Jackson after his arraignment, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said he would remain in office. I am not guilty, and so I will not proceed as a guilty man, said Lumumba, a Democrat who is in his second term and last month announced plans to run for a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations stem from what federal prosecutors have described in court documents as an effort also involving Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens and at least two City Council members to help developers get approval for a proposed hotel project near the citys convention center. The citys efforts to get a hotel near the venue, which included taking out a multimillion-dollar loan in 2008 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, stretch back almost two decades. It faced a June 2025 deadline to complete the project, according to the federal indictment outlining grand jury charges against Lumumba, Owens and Banks. Recent developers from Nashville, Tennessee, in contact with local officials and seeking to build the hotel were actually undercover FBI employees, according to the indictment, which was unsealed Thursday. Owens is alleged to have facilitated inappropriate bribe payments to Lumumba, former City Council President Aaron Banks and Angelique Lee, who resigned from her council seat and pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy to commit bribery, according to the indictment. Former Jackson City Council President Aaron Banks, right, heads to federal court Thursday. One of the developers approached Owens, a Democratic prosecutor who also owns a cigar bar in Jackson, in August 2023 about potential real estate opportunities in Jackson, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens later told both developers that he had a bag of f------ information on all the city councilmen that allowed him to get votes approved, according to the indictment. Owens' charges include one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering; three counts of federal program bribery; and a count of lying to federal officers. Lumumba faces five charges, including one count of federal program bribery and another count of money laundering. Banks has been charged with one conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud and money laundering, in addition to a count of federal program bribery. The indictment alleges that in April, Lumumba, Owens and a relative of Owens, Sherik Marve Smith, took a trip on a private jet to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, paid for [by] the FBI on behalf of the developers. Smith pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge last month, according to NBC affiliate WLBT of Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities allege that during the trip, Lumumba, while on a yacht, accepted $50,000 concealed as five $10,000 campaign donations from developers and instructed a city employee to move up a deadline for interested parties to submit proposals for the hotel project, according to the indictment and a news release. Authorities have said they captured the exchange on video and audio, and the indictment includes screenshots from the recording. Banks, who was not on the trip, is alleged to have asked for $50,000 in exchange for his support. Federal authorities have accused him of accepting at least $10,000 in cash in an envelope from Owens. Banks and Owens understood that the money was being paid in exchange for Banks future vote(s) to approve the Developers proposed development project, the indictment says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens is accused of accepting at least $115,000 and the promise of future financial benefits, the Justice Department said in a news release. The FBI searched Owens business and his office at the Hinds County Courthouse in May. Leaders who are awarded the publics trust should be focusing on the needs of the Jackson community, not looking to line their own pockets and benefit themselves, Todd Gee, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, said in a news release Thursday. Banks, a Democrat representing the citys 6th Ward, did not respond to an NBC News reporters request for comment as he walked out of the courthouse with supporters. He pleaded not guilty Thursday. Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, center, heads to federal court Thursday. Four years ago, Owens office brought the first charges in one of the largest cases of public corruption in Mississippis history the misspending of at least $77 million in welfare funds meant to help residents in one of the countrys poorest states. At least seven people have pleaded guilty in relation to the scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This indictment is a horrible example of a flawed FBI investigation, Owens told reporters after he pleaded not guilty Thursday. We think the truth has to come out that cherry-picked statements of drunken locker room banter is not a crime, he added before he departed with his legal team in a black SUV. Owens did not indicate what statements he was referring to. At times, the indictment quotes him using profane language in his alleged dealings with the developers. I dont give a s--- where the money comes from. It can come from blood diamonds in Africa, I dont give a f------ s---, Owens said at one point, the indictment alleges. Im a whole DA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another instance, he is alleged to have used a profane term in describing what he buys in response to demands. A trial has been set for Jan. 6 four days after the qualifying period for the citys 2025 mayoral election opens. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Harris/Walz Campaign national co-chair and California Rep. Robert Garcia told NPR on Election Day that Kamala Harris would win the Latino vote overwhelmingly. Thats something that ultimately did not come to fruition, as Jake Tapper pointed out Thursday on The Lead. While speaking to Garcia during the CNN broadcast, Tapper asked point blank, How did you personally get it so wrong? Theres a Latina producer on my staff from Los Angeles whos been seeing this phenomenon of the Latino community moving right for years, the host added. I dont think she was surprised. I know she wasnt surprised by what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia acknowledged that he spoke with numerous community groups in New Mexico and Arizona and also met with undecided voters before the election. Many of us in Congress believed that with the Latino vote, we were beginning to consolidate around Vice President Harris, and that was just not the case. Look, she still won, obviously, Latinas, overwhelmingly, she won the Latino vote overall, but theres a lot of work to do with Latino men, and I think thats something that we as Democrats have to engage in, and I think particularly for those of us that are Latinos, he added. Rep Garcia: Dems need to listen to Latinos, working class Watch the full video here: https://t.co/hicOq0Mw3l pic.twitter.com/Tslp4xPX1M The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) November 7, 2024 Garcia also disagreed with the idea that Democrats are simply out of touch with working people, as Tapper put it. I think, first and foremost, the Democratic Party is the party of working people, the Long Beach representative said. It has always been the party of working people, and will continue to be so in the future. Though the party won congressional seats, he continued, Theres a lot of work to do to ensure that we are doubling down on the issues that matter to working people. And thats something that I think our party, our leadership in the House, recognizes, certainly, folks across the country in our state houses recognize, and weve just got to do a better job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way Democrats can improve is to do a better job of not just saying what were against, but what were for, Garcia added. You can watch the CNN interview with Rep. Robert Garcia in the video above. The post Jake Tapper Confronts Harris Campaign Co-Chair on Latino Vote Claims: How Did You Personally Get It So Wrong? | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Sen. James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, speaks at the June 4, 2024 signing of a bill to require a racial equity study in Colorado. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Colorado Senate Democrats elected Sen. James Coleman of Denver to serve as the next Senate president. Coleman, who previously served as president pro tempore, was elected as the sole nominee for president during the Senate Democratic Caucuss leadership elections Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will work hard to make sure that you are seen, supported and promoted, as Ive told all of you, Coleman told his fellow Senate Democrats. No one will outserve me serving you. Were a family. We will show the country why Colorado is special, and continue to be a model. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Coleman thanked outgoing Senate President Steve Fenberg, who will leave the Senate come January, for his leadership and mentorship. He also thanked Sen. Julie Gonzales of Denver, who also considered a run for the president role, for making this race competitive and for pushing me to be my best. Gonzales was not nominated during the virtual elections and Coleman won unanimously. Sen. Janet Buckner of Aurora, the outgoing majority caucus chair, nominated Coleman. She said shes known Coleman since he was in high school and said he has been preparing for this important role his whole life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caucus also elected Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City as the next president pro tempore. Sen. Robert Rodriguez of Denver was selected to return as majority leader. Sen. Lisa Cutter of Littleton will serve as assistant majority leader, Sen. Nick Hinrichsen of Pueblo as majority whip and Sen. Dylan Roberts of Frisco as majority caucus chair. For the Joint Budget Committee, Senate Democrats selected Sen. Jeff Bridges of Greenwood Village and Sen.-elect Judy Amabile of Boulder. The committee writes the state budget and is one of the most powerful legislative bodies. Democrats are on track to holding their supermajority in the House following Tuesdays election, and while it appears theyll fall short of a supermajority in the Senate, they are on track to maintain a strong majority in the Senate. Colorado Senate Republicans reelected Sen. Paul Lundeen of Monument as Senate minority leader Thursday. House Republicans reelected Rep. Rose Pugliese to serve as minority leader Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am deeply honored by the trust our caucus members have placed in me, Pugliese said in a statement. I traveled the state multiple times to support our House candidates, walking neighborhoods and making calls on their behalf, while overseeing the largest investment in targeted House races of any Republican House Minority Leader. Sen. Cleave Simpson of Alamosa will serve as assistant minority leader in the Senate, Sen. Byron Pelton of Sterling as caucus chair, and Sen. Janice Rich of Grand Junction as minority whip. Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer of Weld County was again selected to represent the caucus on the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Ty Winter of Trinidad was reelected to serve as assistant minority leader in the House, Rep. Ryan Armagost of Berthoud was elected as minority whip, and Rep. Anthony Hartsook of Parker was elected House Republican caucus chair. House Democrats postponed their leadership elections to Monday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON A Jan. 6 rioter who was the subject of right-wing conspiracy theories suggesting he was a plant who worked with law enforcement was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday, among the longest prison sentences given in connection with the U.S. Capitol attack. Zachary Alam, who wore a red Make America Great Again hat under a black and tan fur-lined hat on Jan. 6, 2021, was often at the front of the mob during the attack and entered the building through a broken window. Once he was inside, he assaulted officers and smashed windows leading into the House Speakers Lobby just before another Donald Trump supporter was shot, prosecutors said. He was convicted of eight felonies and several misdemeanors in September after a jury trial. At his sentencing hearing in a federal courtroom in Washington, Alam said he believed then in his heart that what he did on Jan. 6 was right, even though he knew it was against the law. Alam said Thursday that he and his fellow rioters fought and cried and bled and died for what was right and that sometimes you needed to break the rules to "do the right thing." He also said "several good things" came out of Jan. 6, because, in his mind, it exposed the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alam, this time wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, once again echoed Trump's lies about the 2020 election. "Trump just won the presidential election less than 48 hours ago," Alam said Thursday. "Was the 2021 transfer of presidential power warranted? I don't think so." Alam also said that since his arrest he has found himself the subject of conspiracy theories. He pointed to a segment that aired last year on Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson, a program produced by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which portrayed him as a "key instigator" in the Capitol attack. Referring to Alam as "earmuff man," Attkisson suggested he was working with law enforcement that day, having appeared from behind police lines. There is, however, extensive photo and video evidence that shows Alam first at Trumps speech at the Ellipse, then confronting officers protecting the Justice Department building, then outside the Capitol with the mob and finally storming the Capitol itself. In court Thursday, Alam said his fellow Jan. 6 inmates saw the segment in the jail in Washington when it aired on the local Sinclair station, WJLA. That led to a conflict with other rioters, he said, and he was moved to solitary confinement. (His lawyer said that was for his own protection when Alam was targeted by fellow inmates). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They came to the conclusion that I was a confidential human source, Alam said of his fellow Jan. 6 defendants. It didnt go over well. Zachary Alam on Jan. 6, 2021. In reality, evidence presented in the case showed not that Alam was working with law enforcement but that he went to the Capitol, in his words, as a Trump supporter, an opponent of Democrats and a true patriot." His mother also wrote in a note to the court that her son told her that he got wrapped up in it, inspired by President Trump. Alam, whom federal authorities arrested in late January 2021, is also one of a small fraction of Jan. 6 defendants who were held pretrial. He has already served nearly four years in jail. Alam told the court Thursday that he wants a full pardon when Trump takes office in January. (President-elect Trump has called Capitol rioters political prisoners and hostages and said he would absolutely consider pardoning every one of them). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors, the judge, Alams lawyer and Alam himself appeared frustrated with the baseless claims that Alam was a federal informant. Zero, U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich said. Zero evidence of that. Alams attorney, Steven A. Metcalf, said that there is no cooperation on his part, that Alam has no antifa involvement and that he is not a confidential human source for the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebekah Lederer said Alams fellow rioters had made him a scapegoat, noting that they tried to label him "antifa" or claim he was part of the fedsurrection, the conspiracy theory that the Jan. 6 attack was a setup driven by undercover law enforcement entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors had sought 136 months, or more than 11 years, in prison for Alam, calling him one of the most violent and aggressive rioters that day and saying he spent the day antagonizing officers and inciting other rioters, culminating in his repeated violent and forceful attempts to reach congressional members and staffers as they frantically evacuated the House floor. Friedrich, a Trump appointee, called Jan. 6 "a full-throated attack" on constitutional principles as she sentenced Alam. "Those are not the acts of a patriot," Friedrich told Alam. "To say otherwise is delusional." More than 1,500 people have been arrested and more than 1,100 have been convicted in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and more than 600 defendants have been sentenced to periods of incarceration ranging from a few days behind bars to 22 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metcalf said Alam deserved a shorter sentence, pointing to his mental health needs, which were discussed in detail during a sealed part of the sentencing hearing. "Dark day, we move on," Metcalf said. "Four years later, same man gets elected again." Political violence, Lederer said, was "attempting to weave its way into the fabric of this nation," and it was important for the court to send a strong message of deterrence, calling his sentencing an important day not only for Alam but for the public, as well. Even after he saw fellow rioter Ashli Babbitt get shot and killed, Alam was still calling for violence, Lederer said. He was captured on video saying, "We need guns, bro ... we need guns outside the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knew the job wasnt done, Lederer said. He knew the battle was not over. The Capitol attack, she said, was a time when Americans themselves attacked the existence of democracy, adding that one thing that made Jan. 6 so terrifying was the homegrown nature of the threat. Lederer said history will look favorably upon those officers who protected the Capitol and defended the Constitution on Jan. 6 but not upon Alam, who "tried to tread on it." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) A 37-year-old Calcium woman that was an employee with the Disabled Persons Action Organization is facing charges of stealing nearly $3,700 from the organization. According to Watertown Police, Stephanie Nathan was charged with first-degree forgery and third-degree grand larceny. The charges stem from Nathan allegedly depositing four different paychecks into two different bank accounts in September. Homeless man charged after alleged knife incident in Watertown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities allege that Nathan altered the checks to accomplish this. She was also unemployed at the time according to police. The Disabled Persons Action Organization is a local Watertown-based nonprofit that helps children and adults with developmental disabilities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Danny Carr, Jefferson County District Attorney is warning the public of a telephone scam regarding failure to report for jury duty. FBI investigating racist texts sent to students across central Alabama The DAs office confirms they will not call, e-mail, or write to anyone regarding jury service or attempt to collect fines for failure to appear or respond to jury service. The also will no ask for any sensitive information via telephone or e-mail. Anyone who receives a telephone call should end the call immediately and notify local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest version of the scam featured the recipient of the phone call being told that they have failed to report for jury duty and will be arrested. In some instances, the recipient of the phone call is also told they can make a payment to avoid being arrested. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that there is still a clear pathway for a Democratic majority in the lower chamber as votes continue to be counted nationwide. We still have a clear pathway to taking back the majority, Jeffries said on Spectrum 1 News to the outlets Errol Louis. Of course that runs through Arizona and Oregon and five races that are flip opportunities in California that are too close to call and too early to call. According to projections from Decision Desk HQ, Republicans are leading the race for control of the House with 216 seats to Democrats 204 as of late Thursday. Decision Desk HQ has not yet made projections for key House races including those in Washingtons 3rd Congressional District, Oregons 5th Congressional District, Arizonas 6th Congressional District and Californias 13th Congressional District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, certainly the biggest Democratic wins were right here in New York, and Im so thankful to the coordinated campaign effort that was put together from the very beginning in the aftermath of the 2022 midterm elections Jeffries said of recent gains in the House by New York Democrats, which have been projected by Decision Desk HQ. It was an all hands on deck effort. Democrats have looked to the House for a possible win as Republicans are set to gain control of the Senate and executive branch next year. The Hill has reached out to Jeffriess office for further comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SOFIA (Reuters) - The premiere of a 19th century play directed by John Malkovich was performed in an almost empty Sofia National Theatre after angry protesters irritated with the way Bulgarians are portrayed prevented visitors from entering the building. One hour before the opening of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and The Man on Thursday evening, protesters started gathering in front of the theatre, Nova TV reported on its website. They held a big banner reading: "Without anti-Bulgarian plays at the National Theatre." Protesters threw garbage bags, spat and physically attacked Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev as he tried to enter the theatre, Nova TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some protesters attempted to force their way into the building but were pushed back by security, Bulgarian media said. To avoid further clashes, the theatre management only allowed a few journalists inside to watch the performance. The play is a comedy featuring a love story during a conflict between Bulgaria and Serbia. Critics in Bulgaria say Shaw presents the Bulgarian soldiers as cowardly and unworthy, and Bulgarians as people who bathe once in their lives and don't read, Nova TV reported. "It is quite an odd reaction," Malkovich said after the play was performed. "More and more people love to censor things they don't agree with." The play is scheduled to be shown in the theatre on Friday evening as well. (Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Daren Butler) The utility sector isn't exactly known for growth, but that doesn't mean you can't find it if you are willing to look. And dividend growth is exactly what you'll get from Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP)(NYSE: BEPC), NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), and American Water Works (NYSE: AWK). These three stocks represent three very different companies that get lumped in with the normally slow-growing utility sector. Here's why you might want to buy these dividend growth stocks as November gets underway. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free 1. Brookfield Renewable offers yield and growth Of the three stocks here, Brookfield Renewable is going to have the widest dividend appeal. That's because the partnership share class (BEP) has a lofty 5.6% yield. The corporate share class (BEPC), which represents the same entity in every way, has a dividend yield of 4.7%, a function of the higher demand for the corporate shares that trade under a different (less complicated) tax structure. Those yield figures are augmented by the fact that the distribution (or dividend, depending on the share class you are looking at) has grown by a 6% annualized rate since 2001. Looking forward, the goal is growth between 5% and 9% a year. That's a very attractive combination of growth and income. But the real story is Brookfield's focus on renewable energy, which is expected to see increased demand for years into the future. That outlook is backed by the world's shift from carbon-based energy to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind. Brookfield is a one-stop shop in the renewable space, with hydroelectric, solar, wind, and storage assets spread across a portfolio with a global reach. If you like dividend growth and you like big yields, this is the opportunity to consider first. 2. NextEra Energy mixes the old and new If you aren't quite ready to go all in on clean energy, don't worry, you don't have to. You can buy a utility like NextEra Energy that offers a mix of traditional regulated utility assets and clean energy. That's what backs this company's 2.6% yield and huge 10% annualized dividend growth rate over the past decade. That growth rate isn't a fluke; management is targeting 10% dividend growth through at least 2026. The clean energy side of the business is the growth engine, as the company continues to invest in solar and wind power. Just like Brookfield Renewable, NextEra Energy appears to be in the early innings of a long growth game. You have to hand it to John Roberts: The chief justice played his cards right. For more than a year now, Roberts has largely dropped his pose as an institutionalist, let alone a moderate. He has instead thrown his weight behind Donald Trump, reestablishing his control over the Supreme Courts conservative supermajority. These apparent acts of self-preservation, seemingly undertaken in anticipation of a second Trump term, turned out to be the smart bet. Its easy to imagine an earlier version of the chief justice spending the next four years losing his grasp on the courts direction and drawing Trumps public ire. Todays iteration of John Roberts need not fear this fate. His position of appeasement, if not outright capitulation, to a MAGA vision of the law is about to pay off in spades. To see how much the chief justice has changed, remember the role he played in Trumps first term: the uneasy guardrail against some of the presidents most extreme policies and grievances. After Trump condemned an Obama judge for ruling against his administration in 2018, Roberts issued a rare public rebuke, scolding the president for besmirching the independent judiciary. (Trump fired back over Twitter, keen to seize the last word.) In 2019, Roberts cast the decisive vote to block a citizenship question on the census, correctly accusing the administration of misrepresenting its reasoning for adding one and then shabbily trying to cover its tracks. In 2020, he once again cast the key vote to halt Trumps rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program protecting Dreamers from deportation. That year, he also voted to protect LGBTQ+ people under civil rights law, impeding the administrations anti-trans agenda. During this period, Roberts was still delivering significant victories to the conservative legal movement. But there was a limit to his tolerance for big swings, especially those that reflected poor lawyering by unscrupulous Trump loyalists. SCOTUS was divided 54 along ideological lines, and Roberts sat at its center, allowing him to guide a majority back toward the middle to reject some MAGA excesses. After Justice Amy Coney Barrett replaced Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in late 2020, however, she shored up a new ultraconservative majority that left Roberts in the dust on hot-button issues over the next two years. This five-justice bloc weakened COVID restrictions to promote religious liberty. It abused the shadow docket to revive Trump-era regulations. Most infamously, it fully abolished the constitutional right to abortion. All as Roberts stood on the sidelines, pleading for compromises that his hard-right colleagues spurned. As recently as 2022, it felt as if the chief justice was losing control of the court that he nominally led. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lesson Roberts took from this losing streak was simple: If you cant beat them, join themand if you join them, you might as well take the reins. Trumps steady return to power in 2023 and 2024 coincided with the chief justice going full MAGA. When the five other conservatives held together, Roberts joined them every time, refusing to be sidelined with the liberals. And, most revealingly, the chief justice powered the court toward huge victories for the former president in a trio of cases that helped pave the way for his comeback. First, Roberts prohibited states from removing Trumps name from the ballot under the 14th Amendment, which bars insurrectionists from returning to office. According to the New York Times, he wrote the courts unnecessarily broad ruling, which went out of its way to ensure that Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election would not prevent him from reclaiming the presidency. Second, he wrote the courts opinion undermining obstruction charges for many Jan. 6 participants, including Trump himself, weakening the legal basis for the former presidents prosecution. Third, he steered the court toward a sweeping decision granting Trump shockingly broad immunity for criminal acts undertaken in office. Behind the scenes, Roberts never wavered on his position in the immunity case, and his muscular intervention helped run out the clock for Trump, ensuring his case would not reach a trial before the election. The immunity decision came down on July 1, just days after Joe Bidens catastrophic debate performance made Trumps victory seem inevitable. Roberts and his colleagues purported to be crafting an opinion for the ages. But given the obvious direction of the election, the ruling seemed tailor-made to let Trump off the hook for his misdeeds, helping him skate straight back to the Oval Office. The former president praised it as a big win for our Constitution and, on the campaign trail, seemed to view it as a license to do anything he wanted in his second term. His first-term spats with Roberts had become a distant memory. The chief justice was back in his good graces. At the dawn of Trumps next term, Roberts will arguably hold more power than ever. He has reestablished himself as the leader of the court, the justice with the greatest influence over the most important opinions. The question now is how hell use that power in a second Trump term. Will there be a limit to what hell seek to allow from the second Trump administration? What comes next may well be far worse than what came before, including mass deportations and vindictive prosecutions that test the boundaries of executive authority. With Trump promising to staff his administration with staunch allies, and Republicans poised to take total control of Congress, there will be no other guardrails but the judiciary. The question mark that hovers over the Supreme Court in the years ahead is straightforward. Will Roberts expend any of the capital hes amassed to rein in Trump? How far will he and the rest of the courts conservatives allow Trump to go? Even if no other conservative will stand athwart Trump, will the chief justice sound the alarm in dissent? Or will he rubber-stamp the White Houses most authoritarian ambitions? Roberts himself may not even know the answers yet. But his decision to take the path of least resistance to Trumpism over the past four years suggests that he will not pose an obstacle to it in the four years ahead. OLATHE, Kan. A conservative voice on the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will no longer be there in 2025 with help from BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. Three incumbents ran for re-election on the seven-member board. The only one to lose was Commissioner Charlotte OHara of Southeastern Johnson County. She fell to political newcomer Julie Brewer, who won by 6%, which was more than 3,600 votes. Unified Government to vote on land to bring Buc-ees to Kansas City, Kansas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chairman Kelly launched a Political Action Committee (PAC) called Amberwave earlier this year. It supported Brewer, the former Executive Director of United Community Services of Johnson County. He wasnt the only person who supported me from the commission level, Brewer said. There were other commissioners that endorsed me. According to Brewers website, Fourth District Commissioner Janee Hanzlick, not up for reelection this year, endorsed Brewer too. Commissioner OHara says there were multiple reasons why she lost her race. I think with the Chairman coming in with a PAC that was focused on the commission races and that PAC, Amberwave, spent $35,000 specifically in my race, OHara said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That number was confirmed through the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission Website Campaign Finance Receipts & Expenditures Report from October 28 of this year. Thursday, FOX4 also asked Chairman Kelly, why he launched the PAC. We wanted to create a mechanism by which we could make sure that there was information out there on races that are local here in Johnson County, Kelly said. We recognize that at the end of the day, all politics are local, and in these races that have about 100,000 residents per race or in the case of the Sheriff, or the DA, or the chair, thats a county-wide race, and it was 640,000 depending on what the actual number is on any given day in Johnson County. Thats a lot of people to try to touch, so, to create a mechanism, by which we could get more information to good voters, we feel that voters make better decisions when they have good information. Were focused on yes, economic development in this county. Were focused on sustainability and anti-extremism. OHara, a Republican, lost to Brewer, who added that theres value to races being non-partisan on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean the person running for office doesnt have a political affiliation, Brewer continued. I do, and Im a registered Democrat. Kansas students among many getting hateful text OHara added that the voters she talked to wanted to know whether the candidates they were deciding on were Democrats or Republicans. She also said the commission thats technically nonpartisan has gotten political. This is an elected office. Its always been political, Kelly said in response to OHaras remarks. Thats part of the election process. People try to get out to voters, express the values that they share, and let the chips fall where they may. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a history between Kelly and OHara. They ran against each other for the Chair race in 2022. Kelly won it by 12% or more than 30,000 votes. Amberwave also supported Shirley Allenbrand and Jeff Meyers, who each won their BOCC reelection bids. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. (NewsNation) U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday granted Special counsel Jack Smiths request to pause any further proceedings in the Jan. 6 case against President-elect Donald Trump. In a filing from Smith, he asked that the court vacate remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy. Chutkan canceled any remaining court deadlines and ordered prosecutors to file court papers with their proposed course for this case by Dec. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said he will give an update to the court on the status of these deliberations by Dec. 2. He charged Trump with felonies accusing him of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results, as well as illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida property Mar-a-Lago. What happens to Trumps criminal cases now? Trump has pleaded not guilty. According to the Associated Press, Trumps victory over Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris eans that the Justice Department believes he can no longer face prosecution. In July, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the classified documents case has been stalled since July. A federal judge appointed by Trump, Aileen Cannon, dismissed it on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed. Smith then appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Associated Press and NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A federal judge Friday granted Special Counsel Jack Smiths request for a pause as prosecutors discuss how to wind down Trumps Jan. 6 election interference case after his election win. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan gave until early December to decide future steps in the case, which cannot proceed with Trump heading back to the White House. The government (needs) time to assess the unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy, Smith said in a one-paragraph filing that asked her to waive some procedural deadlines in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Trumps defense lawyers do not object to the request and Chutkan quickly granted it. Department of Justice policy bars prosecution of sitting presidents, effectively dooming the Jan. 6 case as Trump prepares to return to the White House upon his inauguration set for Jan. 20. Smith may simply drop the case. Some legal analysts have suggested that he may issue a report laying out some of his findings about Trumps scheme to overturn his election loss in 2020 and stay in power, an effort that culminated in the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his extremist supporters. Trump has vowed to fire Smith and scrap all the investigations of him when he returns to office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was moving forward for the time being before Trump beat Kamala Harris to win a second four-year term. Before the election, Smith had argued that Trump could be tried for allegedly engineering the effort to stay in power even after the Supreme Court granted Trump significant immunity for crimes committed while in office. Prosecutors claimed that Trump was acting as a private candidate for office, not as president, when he committed the alleged crimes. It now seems unlikely that question will ever be decided conclusively by any legal entity. The filing does not directly affect the other federal prosecution of Trump, who was charged with taking hundreds of classified documents with him when he left office in 2021, defying the governments efforts to get them back and obstructing its probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The classified documents case is also doomed because of Trumps return to power. But the case was already dismissed by District Court Judge Aileen Cannon on a legal technicality, putting it in a different legal status than the election interference case. Smith and DOJ officials are likely deciding whether to drop their appeal of that decision immediately or take some other legal steps in the weeks before Trump returns to office. Trump faces two other state criminal cases, including a looming sentencing date on in the New York hush money case, in which a Manhattan jury convicted him on 34 felony counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Juan Merchan could sentence Trump regardless of his return to power, but the incoming president could not be imprisoned while serving as president. On the face of it, Trump also still faces a potential future trial on racketeering charges related to election interference in Georgia. Its unclear if that appeal will go ahead but courts are considered likely to toss the case or delay it until after Trump leaves office. ______ A federal judge chastised Rudy Giuliani on Thursday for offering a farcical explanation of why he hasnt complied with a court order to turn over valuables to former Georgia election workers he defamed after the 2020 presidential campaign. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman made the remark in a New York courtroom after an attorney for Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, claimed he wasn't sure where some of his belongings are. The notion that your client doesnt have any knowledge of where his assets are located is farcical," Liman told Giuliani lawyer Ken Caruso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani, a onetime personal attorney to President-elect Donald Trump, had been ordered to transfer personal property, including cash accounts, jewelry and valuables," to former election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss by Oct. 29 in order to begin complying with the $146 million defamation judgment. The judge ordered Thursday's hearing after attorneys for Freeman and Moss said Giuliani had failed to turn over any of the items he was expressly ordered to surrender, which include a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, a luxury watch collection and jewelry. Lawyer Aaron Nathan said that when they entered Giuliani's New York apartment last week, they found that the valuables and some furniture had been removed. Giuliani told reporters Thursday that "they lied" about items being moved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a court filing, Nathan noted that a real estate listing for the $5.7 million apartment, which Giuliani has to turn over to Freeman and Moss, had shown the framed DiMaggio jersey hanging in the living room. He contrasted that with a picture taken on Oct. 31, when they entered the apartment, showing the jersey and numerous other items were no longer there. "There has been nothing but game playing," Nathan said. Giuliani maintains the items have always been where he says they are: in his Palm Beach, Florida, and New York homes and a storage facility in Ronkonkoma on Long Island, New York, which he claims he cannot access. He has also said he's not sure exactly which assets he still has and where they might be. Nathan pushed back against that assertion in a court filing, calling it "stunning" since the list of items came from Giuliani's own disclosures this year in his now-dismissed bankruptcy case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court, Caruso tried to argue that there were two items Giuliani shouldnt have to hand over a 1980 Mercedes-Benz that formerly belonged to Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall and a watch that belonged to Giuliani's grandfather. Giuliani spoke about the watch to reporters before Thursday's hearing, saying "the law says" Freeman and Moss are "not entitled to a lot of" what they're seeking. "For example, they want my grandfathers watch. Its 150 years old. Thats a bit of an heirloom. Usually you dont get those unless youre involved in a political persecution," Giuliani said. In court, Caruso told the judge it was "vindictive" of Freeman and Moss to ask for the watch, a claim the judge angrily shot down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liman said he regularly presides over cases in which debtors big and small have to turn over family heirlooms. If they owe a debt, they have to pay a debt. It doesnt matter if it was handed down, Liman said. Caruso also argued that his client should be able to keep the Mercedes which Giuliani took to Trump's polling place in Florida on Election Day and said it was worth less than $4,000. The judge denied that request and ordered Giuliani to hand over the title and the keys to the car in the coming days. All the property must be turned over to the receiver, and if not I will hold him in contempt, the judge said of Giuliani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After court, Giuliani said told reporters: "I will turn over everything Im legally obligated to turn over. ... Theyve been less than clear. Attorneys for Freeman and Moss noted that both the car and the watch were explicitly mentioned in the judge's Oct. 22 order. Giuliani was hit with the massive monetary judgment last year after a judge found him liable for repeatedly defaming Freeman and Moss with his accusations that they committed fraud during the 2020 election. Giuliani's allegations were investigated and found to be meritless, but he hasnt backed off of them. "I did not defame them," he told reporters Thursday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday struck down an Illinois law banning many semi-automatic firearms, saying it ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution's right to bear arms. U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn of the Southern District of Illinois ruled following a non-jury trial that the law was not "consistent with the nation's history and tradition of firearm regulations," a standard for gun laws established by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order, set to take effect in 30 days, comes in response to a lawsuit brought by gun owners and gun rights groups led by Firearms Policy Coalition. "We are gratified that the Court properly found that these bans violate the constitutionally protected rights of Illinois residents and visitors," Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs said in a statement. A spokesperson for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in an email that the law is an "important part of the state's comprehensive efforts to make communities safe from gun violence," and that the state would appeal McGlynn's ruling. The Illinois law bans the sale and distribution of many kinds of high-powered semiautomatic "assault weapons," including AK-47 and AR-15 rifles, as well as large-capacity magazines. It was passed in 2023 after a massacre at a 2022 Independence Day parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park that killed seven people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGlynn temporarily blocked the law in January 2023 while he heard the case, but that order was reversed on appeal, allowing the ban to take effect. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the plaintiffs' bid to revive the temporary order earlier this year. In Friday's ruling, McGlynn said the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protected citizens' right to bear arms to defend themselves against aggressors. "To limit civilians' choice of arms would tip the scale in favor of the aggressors, who already will likely have various tactical advantages, including the element of surprise," he wrote. The case is one of numerous legal battles over how far states and federal regulators can go in regulating guns after the Supreme Court's 2022 decision expanding gun rights. The cases have had mixed results so far, with some restrictions upheld and others struck down. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot) A federal judge on Thursday dismissed two news outlets lawsuit against OpenAI over its use of their copyrighted content to train ChatGPT, finding they failed to show an actual injury. Raw Story and AlterNet sued the artificial intelligence (AI) company in February, alleging it removed the copyright management information from their articles before feeding them into ChatGPT. As a result, the news outlets argued the chatbot likely would reproduce their work without the accompanying copyright information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that Raw Story and AlterNet lack standing to bring the case against OpenAI because they failed to allege any actual adverse effects from the removal of their copyright information. Given the quantity of information contained in the repository, the likelihood that ChatGPT would output plagiarized content from one of Plaintiffs articles seems remote, McMahon wrote. She noted that while an earlier version of ChatGPT may have produced responses with a significant amount of plagiarized content, there does not seem to be a substantial risk that the current version would do so. While she dismissed the case, McMahon emphasized there are legal questions that remain about the use of copyrighted materials to train AI models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us be clear about what is really at stake here, she said. The alleged injury for which Plaintiffs truly seek redress is not the exclusion of CMI from Defendants training sets, but rather Defendants use of Plaintiffs articles to develop ChatGPT without compensation to Plaintiff. Whether there is another statute or legal theory that does elevate this type of harm remains to be seen, McMahon added. But that question is not before the Court today. Several other news outlets, including The New York Times, have brought copyright lawsuits against OpenAI over the use of their articles to train ChatGPT. However, many outlets and media companies, including The Associated Press, Axel Springer, News Corp, The Atlantic and Vox Media, have also reached licensing agreements with the AI company. Axel Springer owns Politico and Business Insider, while News Corp owns The Wall Street Journal and New York Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal judge in New York gave former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani a proper dressing-down Thursday in courtand set a deadline of one week to hand over the rest of his property to cover a $148 million judgment for defaming two Georgia election workers. If the bankrupt former personal lawyer for Donald Trump doesnt pay up, he could be held in contempt of court. Giuliani, 80, appeared in a Manhattan federal court room on Thursday, where his lawyers tried to answer why he hasnt transferred his valuables to Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Shaye Moss, the two Georgia election workers he was previously found liable for defaming with false claims of election rigging during the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeman and Moss were given access to Giulianis Upper East Side apartment last week. However, lawyers for the plaintiffs told the court on Thursday that all of the former mayors possessions had been removed from the property beforehand, frustrating Freeman and Moss lawyers, as well as U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman. Liman was particularly incensed by a document submitted by Giulianis team that claimed he was the only person who could attest to his assets, a suggestion he called farcical. My expectation is youre going to answer that question truthfully and fully, Liman said in demanding that he update the document in question. Asked just now if he regrets defaming Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss, Rudy Giuliani emphatically said, No! His lawyer then jumped in front of the mic. pic.twitter.com/3UBp6LV5NI Molly Crane-Newman (@molcranenewman) November 7, 2024 The judge gave Giuliani until a hearing next Thursday to show that he has made efforts to comply with the order to turn over his valuables, Reuters reported. These include Yankees memorabilia, a Mercedes-Benz once owned by actress Lauren Bacall, and his Manhattan penthouse apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenneth Caruso, an attorney for the former mayor, claimed the Georgia women were being vindictive in demanding Giuliani hand over some items, including an heirloom watch given to him by his grandfather, the Associated Press reported. However, Liman dismissed the excuses as ridiculouspointing out that other defendants are asked to turn over similar items every day. They have to pay the debt, Liman said. It doesnt matter that its in the form of a watch or a watch that somebody passes down to him. Giuliani was found liable for defaming Freeman and Moss by a federal jury in Washington, D.C., in December 2023. He was ordered to pay $148 million to the two Georgia poll workersa massive sum he has already tried to avoid through a failed attempt to declare bankruptcy . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Giuliani said he did not regret his comments and continued to insist he did not defame Freeman and Moss. The Flathead Warming Center on Oct. 24, 2024. (Micah Drew, Daily Montanan) The Flathead Warming Center will be open for overnight service starting Thursday evening for people experiencing homelessness in the Flathead Valley after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction reinstating the shelters operating permit while the case plays out in court. U.S. District Court of Montana Judge Dana Christensen wrote in his order granting the preliminary injunction that the warming center had established serious questions about whether it was given due process before it was shut down for nightly services, that it would suffer irreparable harm if the permit revocation was allowed to stand, and that an injunction is in the public interest while the remainder of the case moves forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were elated that we can keep helping people through the worst of the winter, said Flathead Warming Center Executive Director Tonya Horn. With this decision, we will be here to provide warmth, safety, and support to those who need it most. We plan to do so with our communitys continued support as we work with everyone to take care of our most vulnerable neighbors. This winter is expected to be harsh, and well do everything we can to keep our communitys homeless residents safe and out of the cold. Institute for Justice Senior Attorney Jeff Rowes, who is representing the shelter in the case, called the injunction a critical victory early in the lawsuit. He said the shelter would open Thursday night for services. The courts decision will protect the homeless this winter and reenforce that the Constitution protects all of us, even those with the least power and influence, Rowes said in a statement. The facts section of Judge Christensens decision is a devastating account of the injustice the City inflicted on the Warming Center and on the homeless people it serves. Kalispell City Attorney Doug Russell said the city does not comment on pending litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kalispell City Council in September revoked the shelters conditional use permit, which meant the shelter could not house people and offer services overnight, on the basis that the warming center was a neighborhood nuisance and created a negative impact to the surrounding area. The Flathead Warming Center, first opened in December 2019, is the only low-barrier shelter in the Flathead Valley and can house as many as 50 people each night. It operates between from October through April, when nighttime temperatures are typically below freezing. Last winter, it served 324 different people, provided 3,000 showers to people and 1,000 loads of laundry. The warming center sued in early October, alleging the city councils September approval of a resolution revoking its conditional-use permit violated its property rights without due process. The suit alleged that the resolution was not fully complete before it was approved, nor did the city respond to the warming centers request for a copy of the resolution or give it a chance to respond. The shelter raised money to buy and renovate a property, and the city council first granted the shelters conditional-use permit in November 2020. The Flathead Warming Center opened a month later when the city issued the shelter a temporary certificate of occupancy for the winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the warming center asked in an administrative conditional-use permit to increase its occupancy from 40 to 50 people, which was approved by the city without any signs the shelter was not being a good neighbor, nor any indication that the center had made any false representations in its application for the permit. (Provided by the Flathead Warming Shelter and Institute for Justice.) In 2023, the city council passed ordinances prohibiting people from storing excessive personal property on public property and prohibiting tents and shelters in parks. Christensen noted in his order that violence against people experiencing homelessness, and those who help them, in the area increased after the ordinances were passed, including one man being beaten to death. The city council this past May reviewed the shelters original permit and took public comment from both the shelter and its neighbors, and then told the shelter it wanted to hear from leaders and possibly consider rescinding the shelters permit. Horn noted, as did the centers attorneys when a hearing was held on the proposed injunction in late October, that city code does not include information on how a conditional-use permit can be rescinded, and that the shelter had met each condition required by the permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a mediation period late this summer, and in September, the council chose to revoke the permit. In his analysis granting the injunction, Christensen agreed with the shelters arguments throughout. He said the City of Kalispell had failed to point to any section of city code or state law that allows for the council to rescind a conditional-use permit as a matter of grace to neighbors. He also wrote that more concerning was the city had prejudged the issue it was supposed to adjudicate, and possibly for years, as he said his review of the permit showed, the warming center never agreed to certain regulations the city tried to impose. He found the city never identified the alleged falsehoods in the permit application or the complaints from neighbors, nor did it allow the shelter to cross-examine witnesses, thus depriving it of due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also agreed that the councils decision would cause the shelter irreparable harm absent an injunction because people experiencing homelessness would face the risk of death or injury if the shelter cannot be open at night. Part of the shelters mission is to give people a warm and safe place to sleep throughout the winter. The warming center said it would lose $185,000 in pending grants and donations if an injunction was not issued, and would have to lay off some or all of its 12 staff members. Christensen found based on testimony from the shelter and mayor, shelter officials did not lie on the permit application and that it would be inconceivable for him to find the city faced hardships based on the permit. He also found that allowing the shelter to operate overnight would not have more adverse effects to neighbors than the effects to homeless people if the shelter was not allowed to operate. While the Court is sympathetic to the experiences of community members, it is illogical to assume that decreasing services to the homeless will alleviate the adverse effects the City is experiencing, Christensen wrote. Elaborating on that point, he noted that the city had argued at the October hearing that people experiencing homelessness were urinating and defecating in the area. But since the shelter provides the only overnight public bathrooms in the city, closing those would only lead to more people doing so in public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To put it another way, granting the injunction is more likely to alleviate any hardship to the City than exasperate it, the judge wrote. A Logan Health Center doctor testified at the October hearing that it would see increased cases of frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot and death if the shelter was not allowed to operate overnight through the winter. That showed, according to Christensens order that the balance of hardships and public interest tipped in the shelters favor. The judge recognized that there are serious problems with what the City did and that irreparable harms would likely occur if the Center cant provide overnight shelter, Institute for Justice Attorney Christie Hebert said in a statement. We look forward to working with the City as the case progresses to find a way forward that balances the needs of the community with the shelters essential mission. The Warming Center remains committed to serving Kalispells homeless and being a good neighbor, within the limits of what it can do. flathead-warming-pi A federal judge granted a request from special counsel Jack Smith on Friday to suspend deadlines in President-elect Trumps election interference case. The move comes after Smith begun discussions with Justice Department officials earlier this week about how to wind down Trumps federal criminal cases, which likewise includes charges in Florida related to his retention of classified documents. As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, the defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025. The Government respectfully requests that the Court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy, Smiths team wrote in a brief Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) advises against the criminal prosecution of a sitting president. The Department concluded that the indictment or criminal prosecution of a sitting President would impermissibly undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions, the OLC, which helps craft the departments policies, determined in a 1973 memo. Smith charged Trump in the case with four felonies that accused him of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results. He pleaded not guilty. Trumps attorneys are due to submit their written arguments by Nov. 21 on why they believe the indictment cannot survive in the wake of the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling. Deadlines for additional filings on immunity and other issues are slated for the weeks during the presidential transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect did not object to wiping the upcoming deadlines, the filing indicates, but Judge Tanya Chutkan, who oversees the trial proceedings, approved the request within minutes. Smith said he would send another update to the court by Dec. 2, to otherwise inform the Court of the result of its deliberations. Trumps Florida documents case was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon, and Smith has appealed that decision, which determined his appointment was unlawful. Lawyers for Trump believe his status as president-elect compels an immediate halt in all four of his criminal prosecutions. The special counsel has not yet sought to freeze his other prosecution of Trump on charges of mishandling classified documents and obstructing the governments efforts to retrieve them from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the president-elect are also expected to demand that his upcoming sentencing in New York on 34 charges of falsifying business records be canceled and his election interference case in Georgia also be put on ice. Smiths filing came just moments before a letter from House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), chair of the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, asked the special counsel to preserve all records related to his investigation. The letter is a clear sign of GOP plans to continue its investigation of Smith in the next Congress. The Office of Special Counsel is not immune from transparency or above accountability for its actions, the two lawmakers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This letter serves as a formal request to preserve all existing and future records and materials related to the Office of Special Counsels investigations and prosecutions of President Trump. You should construe this preservation notice as an instruction to take all reasonable steps to prevent the destruction or alteration, whether intentionally or negligently. Jordan was subpoenaed by the now-disbanded Jan. 6 committee, which sought information about any contacts he had with the Trump White House about his plans to stay in office. They also asked Loudermilk about a tour of the Capitol he gave to two men who later marched to the building on Jan. 6. Updated at 12:55 p.m. EST Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Reuters) -Amazon.com (AMZN) is in talks for its second multi-billion dollar investment in artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, the Information reported on Thursday, citing a person familiar with the matter. The cloud services giant announced an investment of $4 billion in the OpenAI rival in September last year, saying its customers would gain early access to Anthropic's technology. VivaTech conference dedicated to innovation and startups in Paris Amazon has asked Anthropic, which uses Amazon's cloud services to train its AI model, to use a large number of servers powered by chips developed by the cloud computing major, the report said. It added that the AI startup prefers to use Amazon servers powered by Nvidia-designed AI chips. Amazon and Anthropic declined to comment. Anthropic, which was co-founded by former OpenAI executives and siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, last year said it had secured a $500 million investment from Google-parent Alphabet, which promised to invest another $1.5 billion over time. (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; editing by Alan Barona) Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Friday granted special counsel Jack Smith's request to pause the ongoing legal proceedings against president-elect Donald Trump in Washington related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election, according to court documents. Prosecutors asked the judge for a new Dec. 2 deadline to file "a status report or otherwise inform the court of the result of its deliberations." Smith requested the pause "as a result of the election," which saw Trump win a second term Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government respectfully requests that the court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy," the court filing reads. Judge Tanya Chuktan of the Federal District Court in Washington granted Smith's request shortly after it was issued. Special counsel Jack Smith requested the pause "as a result of the election," which saw Donald Trump win a second term Tuesday. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "All remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedual are VACATED," Chuktan wrote. "By Dec. 2, 2024, the government shal file a status report indicating its proposed course for this case going forward. Smith's 165-page election interference filing was unsealed last monty, detailing his evidence against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect was critical of the timing, saying the unsealed indictment amounted to "election interference." Following Trump's victory Tuesday, Justice Department officials reportedly began discussions to end any ongoing legal proceedings against Trump after reaching consensus there can be no trials following the election. Trump was originally indicted by a grand jury this past August along with over a dozen co-defendants for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The 78-year-old has denied all wrongdoing, while the case has faced numerous delays since the indictment was filed. A federal judge has struck down the Biden administration's program known as "Keeping Families Together," dealing a major blow to the estimated half a million undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens that DHS estimates would have benefited. The administration announced the program in June, but a coalition of 16 Republican-led states -- led by Texas and Stephen Miller's America First Legal -- quickly filed a lawsuit after applications were made available in August. A federal judge put the program on hold just days after hopeful applicants filed their paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program would have provided temporary relief from deportation for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens through a process known as "parole in place." It would have allowed them to apply for legal status without having to leave the country. PHOTO: A vehicle drives along the U.S. side of the US-Mexico border wall in Nogales, Ariz., on June 25, 2024. (Jae C. Hong/AP, FILE) MORE: Homeland Security proposes change to asylum-seeking process Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled Thursday in favor of the Republican-led effort to dismantle the program, agreeing with Republican states that the administration had exceeded its statutory authority because the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for paroling people "into the United States," not to those already in the country. "We strongly disagree with yesterday's ruling and we are evaluating next steps. This ruling sides with Republican state officials who are seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families, people who have lived in the United States for more than ten years, to either separate or live in the shadows in constant fear of deportation," White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez told ABC News Friday. "As the President has said, America is not a country that tears families apart. Our Administration believes in keeping American families together this process would allow those who are already eligible for lawful permanent residency to remain in the United States with their families during that process, instead of being needlessly torn apart." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noncitizen spouses are already eligible for legal status under current laws but often have to apply from their home countries and face up to a 10-year ban from returning to the U.S. ABC News spoke with a 24-year-old woman in August who was one of the first people to be approved under the program. She is married to a U.S. citizen and they have a 3-year-old child. It's unclear at the moment what will happen to people who have already submitted their paperwork, like Cecilia, and if they'll be able to get their application fees refunded. "We are deeply disappointed in today's decision. Keeping Families Together would have allowed an estimated 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain together with their families in the United States while completing their immigration process instead of having to endure potentially indefinite separation providing them stability, unity, and freedom from fear," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said. "We firmly believe Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority, and its purpose is consistent with fundamental American values." PHOTO: President Joe Biden walks out of the Oval Office to speak about the results of the 2024 election in the Rose Garden on Nov. 07, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) MORE: Immigrants begin receiving relief from deportation under new Biden administration executive order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker did not just dismantle the Keeping Families Together program, he shattered the hopes of hundreds of thousands of American families. The Biden-Harris program would have allowed noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to stay in the country after they've contributed to our communities, helped grow our economy, and built lives with their loved ones" Ashley DeAzevedo, president of American Families United, said in a statement to ABC News. "We urge the Biden-Harris administration to immediately appeal Judge Barker's ruling, preventing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and 15 other Republican Attorneys General cruel lawsuit from devastating over 550,000 individuals in mixed-status families. Families like ours deserve better than this blatant attempt to stop a legal program, and we will not stop until the courts rectify this injustice," DeAzevedo said. Judge rules Biden's 'Keeping Families Together' program for undocumented spouses is illegal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com TEANECK A Superior Court judge has ruled that the township's Board of Education has not yet complied with a July order to amend its public notice practices. The order by Judge Carol Novey Catuogno on Monday gives the board an additional 50 days to comply by retroactively amending its notices for the meetings of Dec. 21, 2023, Jan. 3, 2024, and Aug. 21, 2024. The judge denied the plaintiff's requests to void the actions of the Aug. 21 meeting or impose civil or administrative penalties against the defendants. The complaint was filed against 11 current and former school board members with the Bergen County Superior Court of New Jersey by former Councilman Keith Kaplan , . A welcome to Teaneck sign shown on June 18, 2019. At issue is the requirement that school boards publish their meeting notices in two paid subscription newspapers. Newspapers distributed for free, including many North Jersey weeklies, do not qualify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the New Jersey Press Association, newspapers must submit annual affidavits certifying their average net paid circulation to each municipality whose legal notices they are qualified to carry. The rate the newspaper can charge per line for the legal advertisement varies depending on the number of paid subscribers. School board President Clara Williams and Vice President Kassandra Reyes criticized the charges at the Aug. 21 meeting, arguing in favor of website notices. "We're also printing online," Reyes said. "Newspapers are kind of outdated, and those meetings were very well attended," Former Teaneck Councilman Keith Kaplan filed a complaint against the Board of Education in January, citing ongoing irregularities in their meeting practices, particularly those surrounding the removal of high school principal Pedro Valdes in December. Board attorney Steve Edelstein concurred on Monday, arguing that requiring a school district to publish its entire 40-page agenda "would not only fill or exceed the length of most average newspapers, but it would also be prohibitively expensive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The board's approach of making the entire agenda available on its website accomplishes the same public purpose at no cost," Edelstein said. The Open Public Meetings Act requires all meeting notices to be: Posted in at least one public place reserved for public announcements. Published in two newspapers. Filed with the appropriate municipal or county clerk or the secretary of state if the public body has statewide authority. Mailed to any person upon request. ETHICS COMPLAINT FILED Ethics complaint filed against current, former Teaneck school board members The law specifies that any electronic notice must be used "in addition" to print newspaper notices, not in place of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every public body is required to submit an annual list of meetings by no later than Jan. 10," Kaplan said Monday. "Any board that notices this annual list does not need to notice an agenda in the newspaper for those meetings." In addition, Kaplan said, "the Appellate Division in 2015 said an agenda does not need to include every document that is referred to in the agenda. The agenda can be as simple as a list or outline of things to be considered or done by a public body at a meeting." Edelstein said Monday, "We will study the decision more closely, but among the options available are asking the court to reconsider its decision and asking the appellate court to review it." This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teaneck school board still not complying with meeting rule, judge says Macon District Attorney Anita R. Howard is appealing a jurys decision to acquit a man of murder after the suspects brother claimed he committed the deadly shooting while on the witness stand. Howard filed an appeal Thursday, according to court documents. The district attorneys office sought to have Jordan Dean convicted of shooting Nathaniel Fuller to death around 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 10. Deputies found Fuller inside his blue Chevrolet Blazer in front of his home, multiple news sources say. Jordan Deans case went to trial on Oct. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the murder suspects brother, Jacorey Dean, turned the case on its head when he confessed during the trial to killing Fuller, according to multiple news sources. The jury acquitted Jordan Dean of felony murder, malice murder and aggravated assault. They found him guilty of possessing a gun during the commission of a felony and tampering with evidence. Jacorey Dean was taken into custody after his confession, according to news sources. The notice of appeal, signed by Howard and Cynthia Adams, says that they are granted a right to appeal Jordan Deans acquittal of murder under Georgia law considering the decision was taken from an order, decision or judgment of a court where the court does not have jurisdiction or the order is otherwise void under the Constitution or laws of this state. Appeals over acquittals are uncommon, but Georgia law does allow the government to appeal these case outcomes in some limited circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will be sent to judges in the Court of Appeals for them to review and hold a hearing for both the prosecutors and Jordan Deans attorney to present their case. If judges agree with Howard, the decision could be reversed and a new trial could be granted. Howards office provided few additional details in a statement Friday. The Jordan Dean case is ongoing and pending in our Office, the district attorneys office said. In order to preserve the rights of all parties, we, therefore, cannot discuss or make any statements about the case at the current time. Attorney: Dean brothers forced to act in self-defense Travis Griffin, the attorney representing Jordan Dean, said that his team does not believe the States prospective appeal is meritorious, and we expect the Court of Appeals to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffins team said the Dean brothers were forced to act in self-defense when they were confronted by Fuller, an aggressive driver who allegedly chased them for almost 2 miles on Eisenhower Parkway while repeatedly ramming their car and pointing a handgun. A Bibb County jury agreed with Jordan Dean that his actions were taken in self-defense, but Ms. Howards office is seemingly incapable of accepting this situation for what it is, Griffin said. INVERNESS The nightshift had just begun when a male nurse was assigned to care for Lenna Ray in the emergency department. Doctors at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital ordered Ray a morphine injection after she fell at work. Her nurse, Hiram Bonilla, instead fed a dose of the painkiller into her IV drip, rendering her docile and woozy more quickly, court records show. Then, he taped a bed pad over the hospital rooms only window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next four hours, Bonilla repeatedly sexually assaulted Ray, who felt too groggy to defend herself due to the drugs hed given her. She said in a deposition that Bonilla ordered her to stay quiet. I was really scared that he could kill me if I didnt comply or if I yelled out, Ray testified. After a criminal trial, Rays abuser went to prison. A jury in September found the hospital negligent and awarded her $25 million in damages. The case is the latest in the hospitals history of sexual abuse allegations, including one situation that prompted a state law to protect patients. The abuse of Ray has reignited concerns over patient safety and the hospitals protocols for dealing with allegations of abuse by staffers. HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is part of HCA Healthcare, a for-profit company that operates more than 40 health centers across the state, including 15 in Tampa Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The level of abuse uncovered at both the criminal and civil trials at the Citrus facility was shocking. Security camera video showed that Bonilla, 60, entered Rays room 28 times between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. an average of every 8.5 minutes just yards from the nurses station. Ray said she was too scared to call the police as Bonilla kept coming back. She feared 911 call-takers would ask too many questions and hed catch her talking to dispatchers. She sat in that room knowing he was coming back, said Eric Rosen, one of two attorneys who represented Ray during the civil trial. That is horror in and of itself. As the drugs wore off, Ray, then 67, called her therapist who notified a nearby rape crisis hotline. Hospital staff was alerted to what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But her ordeal was far from over. Hospital officials delayed calling law enforcement for six hours, during which a colleague of Bonilla accused Ray of concocting the abuse allegations, according to court records. Ray was unaware that Bonilla had been sent home and fretted he would return to harm her. After she was moved to a different room, Ray testified that she heard staffers outside her door laughing at her story. She also learned that the bed where the abuse took place had been stripped, leaving her fearful there would be no proof of what happened. A history of abuse The day Ray entered the hospital in January 2021, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital was still reeling from the arrest of another male nurse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Miskar, 68, was accused of sexually abusing a 54-year-old female patient in September 2020, which led to his conviction. The abuse took place after the nurse administered a suppository, records show. An investigation by the Citrus County Sheriffs Office found text messages the nurse sent his patient calling her kinky and asking for under the covers photos, which she took to mean explicit photographs. Investigators also identified a second female patient who said she had twice been abused by Miskar on two separate stays in the hospital. Miskar was charged with sexual battery involving the 54-year-old. He initially pled not guilty but later agreed not to contest the charge. He was sentenced to five years and five months in prison. His victim sued the HCA hospital in 2022. The hospital agreed to a confidential settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Rays case, her attorneys recently agreed to a confidential settlement in place of the jury award to avoid going to appellate court where cases can drag out for 18 months or more. Two other reports of abuse by male nurses on female patients were investigated by the sheriffs office in 2012 and 2014 when the hospital was known as Citrus Memorial and was owned and run as a nonprofit. Both cases were closed with no charges filed after the patients stopped responding to requests for information from detectives, records show. The sordid history dates back even further. In 1994, Citrus Memorial was at the center of one of Floridas most infamous sexual abuse cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nurse Bruce Alan Young was arrested after a colleague found him semi-naked atop an unconscious 15-year-old girl recovering from surgery. Hospital officials waited three hours before calling law enforcement, according to Tampa Bay Times archives. An investigation by the sheriffs office led to the identify of more victims, some of whom said he had given them sexually transmitted diseases. Young, then 45, pled guilty to sexually assaulting seven women. As part of a plea deal, he received a 17-year prison sentence followed by 13 years of state supervision. He was released in 2005 but confined indefinitely in a civil commitment center in Arcadia under the Jimmy Ryce Act, a 1999 law that allows for the continued confinement and treatment of sexually violent offenders after their prison sentence expires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young escaped from there in 2008 and was recaptured two days later. He was resentenced to seven consecutive 30-year terms. He died in prison in 2018. After Youngs arrest, dozens more women came forward to report post-operative rapes and abuse. Prosecutors didnt bring charges for each, but Citrus Memorial paid $5 million to 40 women who they concluded Young had raped or abused. The case led lawmakers to pass legislation requiring at least two staffers be present when attending a patient in the recovery room unless the room is monitored by security cameras. It also provided legal protection for hospitals to provide accurate records and information about former employees when prospective employers ask. It later emerged that Laura Dixon, the hospitals director of nursing, failed to report an earlier allegation of abuse by Young on another patient. She was fined $300 by the states board of nursing for failing to notify either a law enforcement or state regulatory agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dixon, who supervised about 600 employees, kept her job and retired in 2000. Its unclear if any other Citrus hospital staffers over the years lost their jobs related to the handling of sexual abuse cases. Missing red flags The Miskar case should have heightened awareness of red flags like covering the windows of patients rooms, said Eric Rosen, one of two attorneys who represented Ray during the civil trial. But the jury watched security video footage that showed numerous nurses, security staffers and others had walked past Rays hospital room at the time she was being abused. No one apparently questioned why her window was covered or the door was closed. Nor did anyone ask why Bonilla needed to attend to his patient 28 times, Rosen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They just werent following the rules from the chief nursing officer down, Rosen said. Thats how people get abused. Thats how bad things happen behind closed doors. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office was finally called six hours after hospital staff had been alerted of the abuse. When forensic investigators arrived, the bed in Rays room had been stripped. It appeared wet, as if it had been wiped, according to the sheriffs office. Investigators did, however, find traces of Bonillas DNA on Rays breasts. Bonilla was tried one year later on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation of an elderly or disabled person. It took a jury 45 minutes to find him guilty. He received a 20-year sentence. Attorney Mandi Karvis, who represented the hospital during the civil trial, painted Bonilla as a rogue outlier. He had been a nurse for 30 years and had a clean criminal record. The hospital could not have known he would commit such a crime, she said during closing arguments, and its actions when alerted to the abuse met the applicable standard of care. The abuse took place during the pandemic, she said, an incredibly difficult and stressful time when hospitals were overrun and faced staffing shortages. We worked with law enforcement to ensure that the individual responsible for that crime was convicted and is now in prison, the hospital said in a statement after the verdict. In light of our disagreement with the allegations, court rulings and award, we were prepared to appeal but ultimately reached a resolution to end the litigation. Patient safety remains our priority and it is a commitment our colleagues are focused on. The hospital did not respond to a question on whether it has revised any rules, procedures and staff training in response to Rays case. Repeated trauma The four hours she was left alone with Bonilla left deep, traumatic scars, Ray said. Growing up in Southern California, Rays father physically abused her and her mother was an alcoholic. A neighbor who babysat her took sexually explicit pictures of her. She ran away from home at 14. At 17, she was put into foster care and finished high school. She married when she was 27. Just two weeks later, she came home to find her husband dead from a suspected heart issue. She had an emotional breakdown and was ordered by the state into a mental health clinic. She said she had post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from her childhood that was exacerbated by her first husbands death. It made her tend to be passive around men. Ray sought therapy as she got older and had become more social. In 2019, she trained and was qualified to work as a medical technician. The day she fell at work was her first day at a temporary job at a McDonalds in Inverness. She had taken the job to earn extra money while visiting her daughter for Christmas. She drove herself to HCA Florida Citrus expecting she might need a blood transfusion. About a week after the abuse, Ray went back to her home in Idaho. She kept her blinds closed even during the day and became a recluse, said her attorney, Gregory Roe. She had to quit her job because the sight of men in scrubs triggered her anxiety. She had been making good progress in addressing those issues and this was a catastrophic event that sent her into a tailspin, Roe told the Times during the trial. Failure to report The two-year legal battle between Ray and the hospital highlighted several concerns over its handling of Rays allegation of sexual abuse, her attorneys said. The six-hour delay in reporting the crime runs counter to U.S. Department of Justices protocol for sexual assault examinations, which states law enforcement should be called if the patient requests it. Ray told officials she wanted the police called at around 2:30 a.m., more than five hours before the crime was reported. Hospital officials, however, followed a checklist for sexual abuse allegations that required its own internal investigation. Calling law enforcement is No. 19 on the list, coming after notification of the hospitals marketing team in case of any social media or media attention. The reporting of the abuse of a child or vulnerable adult to the Florida Department of Children and Families is No. 20. The checklist is used at other HCA hospitals. During her deposition, Lisa Lee, a registered sexual assault examination nurse who took part in the criminal investigation of Ray, criticized the hospital. She described HCAs abuse protocol as inappropriate and not in a patients best interests at all. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends that victims be provided an advocate. Ryan Brown, a detective in the Special Victims Unit, testified that Ray was not offered one until she was examined by Lee roughly nine hours after the abuse came to light. Sandra Doehl, a nurse at the hospital who took over Rays care after Bonilla was sent home, testified that it was not her job to assess whether the patient needed someone to counsel her. Rays lawsuit was filed with her name listed as Jane Doe to protect her identity. But as the legal battle played out, her anger convinced her to speak out. When the verdict was read, she sobbed and leaned her head on Roes shoulder. I knew I wasnt just fighting for myself anymore, she said after leaving the courtroom. This was important for everyone walking into a HCA emergency room. DES MOINES, Iowa The final witnesses testified early Thursday morning in the Safris vs. Urbandale Schools trial, with the jury entering deliberation as the court adjourned for the day. The Safris family filed a lawsuit against Urbandale Schools alleging that due to negligence and noncompliance with policy their daughter was assaulted during class, leading to her eventually becoming suicidal. The assault is alleged to have happened during the victims middle school English class in 2018. The victim sent explicit photos to a male classmate. He then began assaulting her during class and sharing the photos with others in school after she refused to date him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first witness on the stand Thursday was Ben Lighter, the victims 8th grade English teacher at Urbandale Schools. Lighter says that he never saw any assault happen and, due to the lack of blind spots in the room, he believes he would have seen something if it had happened. He says he was very involved in the classroom and was constantly moving around the classroom and interacting with the students. I believe any good teacher worth their weight in salt would make sure that every single student, no matter if they had an IEP or not, was being checked on, said Lighter. If a teacher is sitting at their desk with their head down, they are not doing their job. With what I believe, I believe that every single student had more than enough check ins, probably much more frequently than seven minutes. The second witness on the stand was Doctor Alan Jaffe, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist who was called in as an expert and performed psychological evaluations on the victim. Jaffe performed a variety of tests, each testing the victim for different mental health issues in an attempt to understand her mental state. Jaffe believes that the victim has mental health issues but does not necessarily believe they are linked to the alleged events in eighth grade. Acclaimed brews from Peace Tree will live on thanks to Backpocket Brewing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the defense dismissed their final witness, the court moved into closing remarks and statements. The judge delivered jury instructions, directing them to use witness testimonies and evidence to best determine their ruling on this case. The plaintiffs attorney Cory Gourley delivered the closing remarks. Gourley reminded the jury of the sequence of events that occurred during the victims class and how the following events affected her life, as well as the permanent damage that has caused her to not be a fully independent adult. The attorney then explained why they have sought out the damages and how they determined what the appropriate damages would be. Finally, Gourley related the permanently altered state that the victim now lives in. She lives at home. She doesnt go to school anymore. She has no friends other than her brother, who is going to go to college soon. She has no hobbies. She has no joy. She continues in therapy, under the care of a therapist. Thats the story of her life so far. Her father testifies that she is not the same person she was prior to the fall of 2018, and she never will be, said Gourley. During closing statements the defense attorney Janice Thomas said that Urbandale Schools followed the policies and procedures outlines in their handbook. Its their belief that if the alleged assaults that the victim claimed happen, did happen, that the teachers and administrators of the school were not made aware and would not have been able to help. At the end of Thomas remarks, she related that the victims psychological evaluations were inconsistent and that her currently holding a job meant she did not meet the criteria sited in the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then she decides on her own she wants to go get a different job and she goes on her own, she gets a job at the bank. The job description, shes a customer service rep., shes a teller. She meets people and talks to people every single day when shes at the bank, said Thomas. Theyre saying shes withdrawn and things of that nature, but is that the job that youre going to do, go work at a bank? Once the council had finished their final statements the jury was dismissed for deliberation. The final verdict has been sealed and will not be read in front of an open court. There is no estimation as to how long it will take the jury to come to their conclusion. Latest Metro News: Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. DELPHI. Ind. (NewsNation) Jurors on Friday deliberated for a second day the fate of an Indiana man charged with murder in the 2017 killings of two teenage girls who vanished during an afternoon hike near their small Indiana hometown. Richard Allen, 52, faces two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping in the killings of Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14. He could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison if convicted of all the charges. The seven women and five men began deliberations Thursday afternoon after hearing closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial. Deliberations ended after about two hours and will resume Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delphi killings: Timeline of events in Richard Allen case Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland told jurors that Allen is the man seen in a grainy cellphone video recorded by one of the girls, known as Abby and Libby, as they crossed an abandoned railroad bridge just before they vanished on Feb. 13, 2017. Richard Allen is Bridge Guy, McLeland told jurors. He kidnapped them and later murdered them. He noted that Allen had confessed repeatedly to the killings in person, on the phone and in writing. In one of the recordings he replayed for the jury, Allen could be heard telling his wife, I did it. I killed Abby and Libby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allens defense cast doubt on the confessions, putting up witnesses, including a psychiatrist who testified that Allen was delirious and psychotic after months in solitary confinement. Attorney Bradley Rozzi closed by saying that Allen is innocent. No witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge the afternoon the girls went missing, he noted. No fingerprint, DNA or forensic evidence links Allen to the murder scene, Rozzi said. And for more than five years after the teens were killed, Allen still lived in Delphi while working at a local pharmacy. Diddys team pissed about flash drive video claims: Lawyer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had every chance to run, but he did not because he didnt do it, he told the jurors. The 12 jurors along with alternates were sequestered throughout the trial, which began Oct. 18 in the girls hometown of Delphi, a small northwest Indiana city where Allen also lived and worked as a pharmacy technician. A special judge oversaw the case. Superior Court Judge Fran Gull, along with the jurors, came from northeastern Indianas Allen County. In his closing argument, McLeland recapped evidence that an unspent bullet found between the teens bodies had been cycled through Allens .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun. A firearms expert called by the defense questioned the state police analysis, and Rozzi dismissed it as a magic bullet, saying investigators had made an apples to oranges comparison of the unspent round to one fired from Allens gun. The prosecutor also said a state trooper who had listened to more than 700 phone calls placed by Allen had identified Allens voice on Germans cellphone video telling the teens, Down the hill after they crossed an abandoned railroad trestle called the Monon High Bridge. McLeland showed jurors a digitally enhanced version of the cellphone video and said Allen was the man recorded walking behind Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLeland said Allen, armed with a gun, forced the youths off the trail and that he had planned to rape them before a passing van made him change his plans. Gruesome crime scene photos showed how the girls were found with their throats cut the next day, about a quarter-mile (less than half a kilometer) from the bridge. The defense questioned the states timeline with witnesses including a digital forensics expert who said headphones or an auxiliary cable were plugged into Libbys cellphone for nearly five hours after she and Abby disappeared, raising doubts about the investigators belief that the girls were killed and left in the woods around 2:32 p.m. that day. Attorney Andrew Baldwin argued during trial that one or more other people must have kidnapped the teens and returned them early the next day to the spot where they were found. Ellen Greenberg case: DA wont pursue criminal charges in death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors directed jurors again to Allens own words, in confessions he made to his mother and wife and also to a prison psychologist, correctional officers and the former warden of the Westville Correctional Facility, who said Allen wrote him claiming to have killed the girls with a box cutter that he later discarded. Prosecutors said Allens incriminating statements contained information only the killer could have known. Defense attorneys argued that Allens confessions are unreliable because he was facing a severe mental health crisis while under the pressure and stress of being locked up in isolation, watched 24 hours a day and taunted by people incarcerated with him. A psychiatrist supported the argument, testifying that months in solitary confinement could cause a person to become delirious and psychotic. Before the trial began, Allens lawyers had sought to argue that the girls were killed in a ritual sacrifice by members of a white nationalist group known as the Odinists who follow a pagan Norse religion, but the judge ruled against that, saying the defense failed to produce admissible evidence of such a connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen faces life in prison if convicted. The Associated Press contributed to the report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Jury deliberations continue Saturday in the highly publicized double murder trial of Richard Allen who is accused of killing two teenage girls and leaving their bodies near a hiking path in the small town of Delphi, Indiana, more than seven years ago. Allen has pleaded not guilty to two murder and two felony murder charges in connection with the 2017 deaths of Liberty Libby German, 14, and Abigail Abby Williams, 13. Allen could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, the Associated Press reported. The 12-person jury began deliberations Thursday and will return Saturday morning to the Carroll County Courthouse, CNN affiliate WRTV reported. They will deliberate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday until they reach a verdict, according to CNN affiliate WTHR. Last month, 16 Allen County residents were selected to serve on the jury, including four people serving as alternates, per WTHR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen County Superior Court Judge Frances Gull gave the jury their final instructions Thursday morning and urged them to consider the facts before Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland delivered closing arguments, walking the jury through the evidence and testimony presented during the trial, WTHR reported. I believe the evidence is firmly convincing that Richard Allen is Bridge Guy and he killed Abby and Libby, McLeland told the jury. McLeland showed jurors graphic photos of the girls bodies, a video of the suspect taken from Libbys smartphone that he said captured the final moments of the girls lives, and a recording of Allen purportedly confessing to his wife during a phone call. I did it, Allen could be heard telling his wife. I killed Abby and Libby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Brad Rozzi in closing arguments said a broken timeline, false confessions and a lack of DNA or weapons evidence should lead to acquittal. The defense trusts what youve heard over the past several weeks is more important than what youre hearing today, Rozzi told the jury Thursday. The defense further argued there is no physical evidence tying Allen to the murders and said confessions he made in the past were involuntary and stemmed from being in solitary confinement for months. The Delphi murder case goes back to February 13, 2017, when Abby and Libby went for a hike on the Monon High Bridge in Delphi. The two girls were reported missing after they failed to meet Libbys father that afternoon. The next day, their bodies were found, both dead from cuts to the throat, partially covered by sticks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case attracted public attention in part because of a photo and audio recording of the suspect taken from Libbys smartphone. The image shows a man walking on the bridge with his hands in his pockets, and the audio includes a mans muffled voice saying, Guys, down the hill. Although police circulated the photo and audio just days after the killings and identified the Bridge Guy as their prime suspect, the case ran cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022. Allen had seemingly evaded police notice, staying in the small town of Delphi and working at a local CVS pharmacy, until a clerk digitizing tips related to the investigation in September 2022 noticed he had placed himself at the scene of the crime. Just days after the bodies were discovered, Allen told police he had been on that trail during the timeframe the girls were thought to have been killed. Carroll County Sheriff Tony Liggett said despite the tip, Allen got lost in the cracks, according to CNN affiliate WLFI. Around a month after the tip was rediscovered, Allen was arrested after police matched an unspent cartridge found between the girls bodies to a pistol recovered from his home during a police search. After Allen was arrested on October 26, 2022, he was charged with two counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping five days later. Prosecutors later amended the charges to include two additional counts of murder. Officers escort Richard Allen out of the Carroll County courthouse following a hearing, Nov. 22, 2022, in Delphi, Ind. - Darron Cummings/AP Allens mental state and confessions were highlighted Over the course of the trial, which began October 18, the prosecution highlighted Allens dozens of confessions while incarcerated: He confessed to the crime more than 60 times, prosecutors say, including to his wife, his mother, the psychologist who treated him, the warden and other prison employees and inmates. They played audio recordings of some of the confessions for the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monica Wala, the former lead psychologist at Westville Correctional Facility where Allen was housed, testified he initially told her he was innocent, but began confessing to the crimes in April 2023, around the time he was placed back on suicide watch. Wala testified that Allen had told her, I killed Abby and Libby. Im sorry, according to CNN affiliate WTHR. He said he originally planned to sexually assault the victims but ran away when he saw a van nearby, and that he had cut the girls throats and covered their bodies with sticks, she testified. The defense has sought to paint a portrait of Allen as a mentally ill man whose fragile mental state was exacerbated by months spent in solitary confinement including during the time period when he confessed to the crimes. He was twice put on suicide watch while in prison, exhibited bizarre behavior such as eating his own feces and banging his head, and was at one time diagnosed with a brief psychotic disorder, according to testimony from Wala. Testifying for the defense, Deanna Dwenger, a clinical psychologist who worked for the Indiana Department of Corrections Behavioral Health, testified Allen was diagnosed with a serious mental illness in April 2023 and that a team of mental health professionals concluded he had a grave disability, according to CNN affiliate WRTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense originally hoped to introduce the so-called Odinism defense: a theory that followers of Odinism, a Norse pagan religion recently adopted by White supremacists, committed the killings. But Judge Gull repeatedly rejected motions to introduce this theory. Audio recording and bullet evidence became key focuses Despite Allens confessions, there is very little physical evidence tying him to the case: A DNA expert testifying for the state found none of Allens DNA at the crime scene, and none of Libby or Abbys DNA was found on items recovered from his home. Prosecutors drew attention to the .40-caliber unspent round found by the girls bodies, which a prosecution expert testified matched Allens pistol. The defense cast doubt on the bullet evidence, questioning why more images were not taken of the cartridge and suggesting the bullet could have come from a law enforcement officers weapon, according to WRTV. The prosecution has also tried to match Allen with the video and audio recording of the Bridge Guy captured on Libbys cellphone. Indiana State Police Master Trooper Brian Harshman, who said he listened to more than 700 of Allens prison phone calls, testified for the prosecution that in his opinion, the voice of the Bridge Guy is the voice of Richard Allen, according to WRTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Allen is Bridge Guy, McLeland told jurors. He kidnapped them and later murdered them. In response, Rozzi said that Allen wasnt clearly identified by witnesses as the man on the hiking trail or the bridge when the teenagers went missing. He also pointed out that Allen still lived in Delphi for more than five years after the girls were killed. He had every chance to run, but he did not because he didnt do it, Rozzi told jurors. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Nate Raymond and David Shepardson (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Friday held that a trial judge correctly found that American Airlines' now-scrapped U.S. Northeast partnership with JetBlue Airways violated federal antitrust law. Siding with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a trial judge's ruling blocking the airlines' "Northeast Alliance," which had allowed the two carriers to coordinate flights and pool revenue. U.S. Circuit Judge William Kayatta, writing for a three-judge panel, said the trial judge had been "presented with an arrangement that had many of the essential attributes of an agreement between two powerful competitors sharing revenues and divvying up highly concentrated markets." He said the judge, Leo Sorokin, following a non-jury trial had in May 2023 issued a ruling with "detailed findings of fact, many key ones of which were unfavorable to American," and none of which were clearly wrongly legally analyzed. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement called the ruling "a hard-won victory for the millions of Americans who count on competition between airlines to fly affordably, whether to visit family, to go on vacation, or to travel for business." Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines in a statement said it disagreed with the decision and was considering its options. It could either ask the 1st Circuit to reconsider the ruling or pursue an appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court. "The Northeast Alliance was designed to increase competition and expand customer options in the Northeast, which it clearly did during the time it was allowed to operate," American Airlines said. The alliance was announced in July 2020 and approved by the U.S. Transportation Department just days before the end of Republican President-elect Donald Trump's first administration in January 2021. The new Trump administration is expected to be much more open to mergers and partnerships than the outgoing administration of Democratic President Joe Biden, whose Justice Department sued to block the alliance in September 2021 along with six states. Through their partnership, American, the nation's largest airline, and JetBlue, the sixth-largest, joined forces for flights in and out of New York City and Boston, coordinating schedules and pooling revenue. The Justice Department argued that the alliance would hurt consumers, saying the partnership eliminated incentives for American to cut prices to lure customers from JetBlue, a historically disruptive rival with often lower fares. An array of Democratic signs in the headquarters of the local Democratic Party in Hobbs, N.M., pictured in mid-September. In the vast 2nd congressional district, just one precinct has voted for the eventual CD2 winner each time since 2014, after this week's election result. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Heading into the 2024 General Election, three precincts across the vast 2nd Congressional District had the unusual distinction of voting for the eventual winner of the hotly contested seat every election for the last decade. Now that the dust has settled and a winner declared, only one such precinct remains: Valencia Countys Precinct 39, which went for Rep. Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat who was reelected this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of 548 precincts that stayed in CD2 through redistricting in 2021, three of them voted for the winning candidate in each election since 2014. They did so even though CD2 has flipped parties four times in the last five elections. Since 2014, CD2 has gone from Republican Steve Pearce, who was re-elected in 2016, to Democrat Xochitl Torres-Small in 2018, to Republican Yvette Herrell in 2020, to Vasquez, the Democrat elected in 2022 and this year. Source New Mexico published a story last week about the history and political attitudes of one such bellwether precinct, which was Lea Countys Precinct 53. According to Secretary of State unofficial election returns, Precinct 53 voted for Herrell by a tiny margin: 139 to 137. Herrells victory was unexpected, given the precincts political composition after redistricting. Redistricting cut out the rural area in Precinct 53 outside the Hobbs city limits, excising 33 square miles of the precinct and removing 300 registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The precincts political makeup went from 36% Democrat and 29% Republican in January 2021 to 41% Democrat and 22% Republican in January 2022, which was after redistricting went into effect. Socorro Countys Precinct 24, another bellwether, went for Herrell, as well, after she got 113 votes compared with Vasquezs 100. Valencias Precinct 39 had much higher turnout than the other two bellwethers, where 464 voters went for Vasquez compared to 388 who went for Herrell. Valencia County as a whole is a nationally recognized bellwether county, though it voted for President Donald Trump in 2020, which ended its streak since at least 1980 of voting alongside the national presidential election winner every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Rocca, a political science professor at the University of New Mexico, cautioned that bellwethers are not crystal balls that can predict winners or contain especially open-minded voters. Instead, bellwethers just occur randomly and reflect how competitive races are. See a map below of how the 548 precincts that have stayed in CD2 for since 2014 voted between 2014 and 2022: The Justice Department on Friday announced charges against three men, including an Iranian citizen who authorities say was tasked by the Iranian government with plotting to assassinate Donald Trump before the 2024 election. What does the complaint say? According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan, Farhad Shakeri, of Iran, was instructed in September by an official with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps designated by the United States as foreign terrorist organization to put together a plan to surveil and kill Trump before this weeks election. If Shakeri were unable to put forth a plan within that time frame, the complaint alleges, the official told Shakeri that the IRGC would "pause" its plan to kill Trump until after the election because the official believed that Trump would lose and that it would be "easier" to assassinate him then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 7, the complaint alleges, Shakeri told the FBI that he didnt intend to propose a plan to murder Trump within the seven days the IRGC official had requested. The charges allege Iran is actively targeting U.S. citizens to avenge the death of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC who was killed by a drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. 2 others charged in murder-for-hire plot Shakeri and two other men Carlisle Rivera, also known as Pop, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jonathan Loadholt, of Staten Island, N.Y. were charged in connection with their alleged involvement in a plot to murder a prominent Iranian American journalist described in the complaint as an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and target of multiple prior plots for kidnapping and/or murder directed by the Government of Iran. Masih Alinejad identified herself as the journalist that the men were allegedly targeting after the charges were unsealed. (Last month, U.S. prosecutors charged four men, including a senior IRGC member, in connection with a failed 2022 plot to assassinate Alinejad.) Masih Alinejad gestures as she speaks during an interview in New York in 2022. (Mary Altaffer/AP) The complaint details messages and photographs shared by the three men while they surveilled the journalist, referred to as Victim-1, outside her Brooklyn home and at an event at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the FBI, Shakeri sent Rivera a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill Victim-1. In one voice note, Shakeri told Rivera that Victim-1 spent most of her time in particular locations of her home, and told Rivera that you just gotta have patience You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Dont think about going in. In is a suicide move. What charges are they facing? Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt have all been charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering. The murder-for-hire charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Shakeri has also been charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the government of Iran. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Shakeri is believed to reside in Tehran and remains at large, the FBI said. Rivera and Loadholt made their initial appearance in court Thursday and were ordered detained pending trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has not yet commented publicly on the case. What did the DOJ and FBI say? There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a press release announcing the charges. The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Irans assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald Trump. The charges announced today expose Iran's continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump, other government leaders and dissidents who criticize the regime in Tehran, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply wont be tolerated. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Former Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Robinson spoke about his retirement, and why he decided to step down in September. Robinson said his love of guitar playing late at night often helped him when pondering complicated cases. Robinson said, music, like law requires practice, repetition and patterns. Connecticut Supreme Court to consider disability benefits, defamation on first day of new session Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything about the law is built on previous law, so it not that the judge goes out and starts something new, you look at the law and you look at precedent and apply that precedent, Robinson said. Robinson said that he retired because he felt it was time to move on. I just loved the job of being a judge and being the chief justice, but my wife and I sat down and it was time to move on and do something else, Robinson said. Robinson spent 24 years total on the bench 6 of those as the chief justice. He made history as the state of Connecticuts first Black chief justice. I remember being afraid [on the day I was appointed] because the judicial branch had over 3,500 people and the budget was half a billion dollars, Robinson said. Thats a lot of responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Robinson works in a law firm focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. He now provides training here in Connecticut and across the country. He said that it is important work that needs to be done. I was an attorney before I was a judge and people would strike jurors because they were Black and I was Black because they were thinking somehow that a Black juror would be somehow biased in favor of me, Robinson said. Public hearing held for Connecticut Supreme Court chief justice nominee Implicit bias, a bias we dont even know we have he says and sometimes, it shows up in unexpected places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A close look at crime and the courts as a whole shows prison sentences for young black men are 20% higher and longer than other people, according to Robinson. That, he says, needs to change. If a trial came up differently because of race gender or age or wealth or something like that thats not what our system is supposed to be about, Robinson said. The former jurist also said that along with his love of guitars and music, he is an avid motorcycle rider and a 4th degree black belt. Watch the full video in the player above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) A juvenile has been charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes involving animal cruelty in Duplin County. Law enforcement responded Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 and charged the juvenile. Law enforcement did give details on what the charges involve. The charges have been turned over to the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency System. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. The Missouri River Courthouse. (Photo by U.S. District Court of Montana) A Kalispell-based company that provides hazardous material mitigation services admitted in federal court on Nov. 5 to filing false requests for payments to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. The company claimed an abatement of lead paint was done at Freedoms Path Fort Harrison when it was not. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over Tuesdays arraignment in which Mold Wranglers, Inc., represented by owner Jonathan Carpenter, pleaded guilty to one felony count of False Claim Act conspiracy. The company faces a maximum fine of $500,000 and restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Mold Wranglers agreed to perform work converting a residential unit at the Freedoms Path Fort Harrison, affordable rental housing units for veterans and their families at Fort Harrison. From 2018 to 2019, Mold Wranglers conducted work at Freedoms Path Fort Harrison, which included painting over lead-based paint with an encapsulating paint. Given the dangers associated with lead, federal regulations strictly regulates all lead work and requires contractors be certified and notify the Environmental Protection Agency that lead work is occurring. In court documents, the government alleged Mold Wranglers employees were not certified to conduct lead work, they failed to notify the EPA and they applied the encapsulating paint inconsistent with the paint manufacturer specifications. In addition, Mold Wranglers submitted 11 Subcontractor Requisitions for Payment detailing that lead-based paint work was performed. Those claims, totaling approximately $456,000, were submitted to the VA and paid with federal funds. When doing so, Mold Wranglers and others claimed they performed an abatement, which was false, even after the companies specifically agreed not to perform an abatement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office, which is prosecuting the case, provided part of an email where an individual states: The plan is to aesthetically repair the paint and finish the homes. Its not to remove the lead hazard and if the plan is to go down the abatement road, then it will be a significant increase to the scope of the work. The companies requested and received approximately $456,000 from the federal government for their work. Morris set sentencing for March 4, 2025. Additionally, a Helena-based property manager, 54-year-old Melanie Ann Carlin of Clancy, pleaded guilty the same day for failing to provide lead-based paint disclosure to veterans living at Freedoms Path Fort Harrison between September 2019 and September 2021. The U.S. Attorneys Office said that placed at least one person in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury and exposed several other families to high levels of lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlins company, 406 Properties, Inc., was in charge of property management for the rental units at the fort, and according to federal prosecutors, she knowingly signed two forms in which she falsely represented that she did not need to provide lead-based paint disclosures to the residents. In 2020, according to prosecutors, she also failed to disclose there was lead-based paint at one of the units, and the next September, an 18-month-old child in that home was found eating paint chips. The child had tests run that confirmed they had very high lead levels in their blood, then had to be treated for lead poisoning. A subsequent review of the rental units found lead present in almost every rental unit. Carlin on Nov. 5 pleaded guilty to one felony count of knowing endangerment. She faces a minimum of 15 years in prison at her sentencing, which is also scheduled for March 4, 2025. BEAVERVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A 68-year-old man from Kankakee County has died following a car crash in northern Iroquois County on Thursday. WCIAs partners at the Ford County Chronicle reported that the crash happened at 1:38 p.m. and involved one car on County Road 3200 North near the intersection with County Road 3130. An investigation by the Iroquois County Sheriffs Office could not reveal why the 1995 Chevrolet Blazer left the roadway while it was driving eastbound. Charleston Fire Dept. extinguishes overnight house fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the SUV left the road, it hit a tree stump, rolled over and landed on the passenger side. The driver 68-year-old Robert Hubert of St. Anne was extricated from his SUV by firefighters from St. Anne and Beaverville and EMS from Riverside. A helicopter was dispatched to transport Hubert to a hospital in the Chicago suburbs, but he died in the air. The accident remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. After sustaining multiple serious dog bites last week, a Kansas City man died of his injuries on Wednesday, according to police. Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of E 80th St. around 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 on reports of an animal attack, according to Capt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesperson. Multiple dogs were still attacking the man when officers arrived, though the police officers were able to scare the dogs off, according to Becchina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the scene of the attack, officers discovered that a woman had also been attacked and had suffered serious injuries to her extremities. Both dog-bite victims were transported to an area hospital, where the man died Wednesday after his injuries had progressed. Nothing further was known about the womans injuries as of Thursday night. The investigation into the attack is still ongoing and will continue to involve animal-control officers, according to Becchina. The Kansas City Pet Project became involved in the investigation shortly after the attack. This is an active KCPD investigation, and our Animal Services Division is in communication with, and assisting, as they investigate this tragic incident, said KCPP chief communications officer Tori Fugate. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Association. Around 30-50 of these bites escalate to a fatal attack every year, according to the National Library of Medicine. A Northland home caught on fire on Thursday evening after several hours of a tactical standoff between Kansas City police and an armed person thought to be experiencing mental health concerns. Officers responded to the 11500 block of North Cherry Street on Thursday afternoon in response to concern about a potential suicide risk, according to Capt. Jake Becchina, a Kansas City Police Department spokesperson. When they arrived, officers spoke with the man inside the house and tried to get him to exit, Becchina said. The man refused to come out, after which police heard several rounds of gunfire from inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several failed attempts to get the man to come outside unarmed, officers upgraded the situation to an Operation 100, a form of police standoff involving additional units and trained negotiators. A nearby school was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon, following a lock and teach procedure where classes continue. Students were safely evacuated from the school at dismissal time by staff and Clay County Sheriffs Office personnel, according to Becchina. Officers reported hearing several more rounds of gunfire inside the house thorughout the afternoon, Becchina said. Around 4:40 p.m., officers became aware of a small fire within the house. Attempts to convince the man to leave the house remained unsuccessful as the fire spread, according to Becchina. Firefighters arrived shortly after to spray water on the fire. However, the fire raged until about 8:45 p.m., when police cleared the backyard of debris after searching for the main via drone video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire personnel were still attempting to extinguish the fire from the backyard as of 9:45 p.m., when the man was found deceased near the front of the burning residence. He was the only one in the house. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. In a flurry of new court filings, Karen Reads legal team requested that Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey produce all of his personal emails and text messages, asked to see transcripts of sidebar conversations that occurred during her first murder trial, and questioned the legitimacy of one of the prosecutions expert witnesses. Attorneys David Yannetti, Alan Jackson, and Elizabeth Little want to see any communications that Morrissey had with witnesses, court officials, and other judicial staff related to Reads murder case. As ground for this motion, recent reporting, corroborated by documentary evidence, demonstrates that DA Morrissey used his personal email address to communicate ex parte with Stoughton District Court personnel and judges, the Norfolk Superior Court filing stated. Breaking: New filings in Karen Read's Superior Court Case (retrial). -Defense is seeking all communications made by Norfolk DA Michael W. Morrissey from his personal email address and/or cell phone re: the Read Case. The defense cites a letter from Aidan Kearney's attorney Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) November 8, 2024 Reads case started in Stoughton District Court before it shifted to Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham for her trial, which ended in July with a hung jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reads lawyers claim the email sent by Morrissey contains an attachment of what appears to be a text message or iMessage sent to a member of the prosecution by a witness. This email, and presumably a number of other communications that are material and relevant to Ms. Reads case are in the possession, custody, and control of the Commonwealth, the filing stated. Accordingly, Ms. Read respectfully moves this honorable court to order the Commonwealth to produce any and all communications by DA Morrissey. When asked about the new filing, Morrisseys office declined to comment on the matter. In a separate filing, Reads lawyers requested relief from an order that impounded a transcript of sidebar conferences that occurred on April 14, 2024. They claim those conversations contain insight into court rulings that are needed before Reads second trial begins on Jan. 27, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All stand as the jury files out to the courtroom, to start their fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial for Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Karen Read jurors tell judge theyve been unable to reach unanimous verdict Day 3 of jury deliberations finishes without verdict in Karen Read trial Karen Read awaits the juries verdict in her murder case at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday June 26, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys in Karen Read murder trial argue with judge over jury verdict slip Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some witnesses are in the courtroom on Tuesday include Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Jennifer McCabe. Karen Read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read, center right, is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Karen Read is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read smiles after listening to her attorney Alan Jackson during her trial at Norfolk County Superior Court, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read Karen Read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool) Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool) Without the ability to review the transcripts of those sidebar conferences, and the rationale for the courts rulings, Ms. Read will be unable to properly prepare for trial, the filing stated. The court had ordered all sidebar conferences be impounded before the start of Reads trial. In a third filing, Reads lawyers pushed back on Shanon Burgess, the prosecutions expert who examined Reads Lexus SUV. In his analysis, Mr. Burgess misstates the memory story capacity of the chips in question, by failing to account for the differences between a megabyte, megabit, gigabyte, and gigabit, the filing stated. Conversion between and among these units is a foundational digital forensics concept, which necessarily impacts data acquisition protocols and analyses thereof. In a third defense filing, Reads lawyers are pushing back on the States expert whos examining Reads Lexus. pic.twitter.com/JY5FCDu4we Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) November 8, 2024 Earlier this week, Reads attorneys appeared before a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court judge in Boston in their bid to get her second-degree murder charge dismissed. The SJC is now determining if jurors who sat through Reads first trial for the death of John OKeefe will be questioned about their deliberations. The SJC will issue a written decision that could take four months before it is published. Reads lawyers have been fighting to dismiss her second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a deadly crash charge for double jeopardy reasons. Double jeopardy is a legal protection that prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for the same crime. Read is accused of killing OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm in Canton in January 2022. Morrisseys office opposes Reads bid to get the charges dropped and argues that Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone was correct when she ruled all of Reads charges should remain for her retrial. On Monday, the defense and prosecutors asked to push Reads retrial back three months. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW We recently published a list of 15 Trending AI Stocks on Latest Analyst Ratings and News. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET) stands against other trending AI stocks on the latest analyst ratings and news. The AI Boom in Big Tech is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. This past week, artificial intelligence was the key focus for the Big Five, which together are valued at more than $10 trillion. The reporting season not only highlighted the push these big tech companies are making in AI investments but also demonstrated that they arent afraid to take it up any further than they already have. Previously, concerns regarding the returns from substantial AI investments had led to negative investor sentiment and even triggered a sell-off in major AI plays. However, some results are demonstrating that AI investments may be worth the wait. READ ALSO: Top 10 Trending AI Stocks to Watch in November and Top 10 Trending AI Stocks in Q4. The AI theme is intact if youre the mega caps, as companies show that they can monetize their investments while maintaining existing profitability. As long as that infrastructure continues to be built, then we continue to be in a good place for the broader AI trade. That said, executives of the major AI plays have fair-warned that their AI splurges will continue next year. Tech giants are racing to secure high-end chips and build sprawling data centers, forging partnerships with energy providers and much more. Each company wants to prove to Wall Street that these investments will eventually lead to greater profitability as compared to their current businesses. Ray Wang, principal analyst and founder at Constellation Research, believes that only a handful of technology names will be able to come out at the top, especially considering the high costs related to AI. This makes the situation quite favorable for well-capitalized companies. The Latest Developments in AI As companies ramp up their spending on AI, lets take a closer look at how other AI players are advancing to make headlines. For starters, Perplexity, an AI conversational search engine that uses large language models to answer queries, has announced a dedicated hub for US general election information. Even though the AI-powered search engine has been seen to hallucinate from time to time, the company is keen on showing its trustworthiness when it comes to tracking election results. Photos by Greg Nash-Pool | Getty Images, Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallegos lead over his opponent Kari Lake in the contest for one of Arizonas U.S. Senate seats shrunk Thursday, as more results slowly trickled in. After Maricopa County, where 60% of the states voters live, released more results at around 7 p.m. Gallego, a Democrat, led Republican Lake by only 1.7 percentage points and 43,698 votes, down from 2.5 percentage points and 52,578 after votes were tallied Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lakes campaign team shared hopeful messages on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, urging supporters to cure any issues with their ballots so that their votes count and celebrating returns that leaned Republican. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Maricopa County posted results from 72,100 additional ballots Thursday evening, pushing its total number already tabulated to more than 1.6 million. Those votes favored Lake at 57% to Gallegos 41%. The county estimates that it has around 472,000 more ballots to count, and there are around 780,000 left to count across the state. Even though Maricopa Countys counting process has taken an average of 13 days over the past 16 years, some of Lakes fans baselessly speculated on X that the counting process was taking so long because Democrats were attempting to rig the election in Gallegos favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake lagged in polling throughout the Senate race, but some of her fans could not believe that presumed president-elect Donald Trump had raked in over 128,000 more votes in Arizona than she did. Lake and her followers have a long history of false allegations of election fraud, in 2022 when she lost the race for Arizona governor to Democrat Katie Hobbs and in 2020 when former President Donald Trump lost to President Joe Biden. Lake, a former Phoenix news anchor and Gallego, a former U.S. Marine who has represented the states 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2015, launched aggressive campaigns against one another, trading personal barbs and accusations of extremism. Gallego ran on a platform of making life more affordable for the middle and working class, reestablishing abortion rights and making measured increases in border security that would include increased manpower and better use of technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallego garnered support from some moderate Republicans who said they couldnt support Lake and her vitriolic style, including Mesa Mayor John Giles and former staffers for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain. Lake, a Trump devotee, made her campaign in his image, calling for completed construction of his border wall, mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and an extension of his tax cuts. Even as she ran for Senate, Lake continued to unsuccessfully challenge the results of the gubernatorial race in court, and two years later she still has not conceded the race. The Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday denied her final appeal in the case. Lake is also facing the prospect of paying yet-to-be determined damages to Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, after she legally conceded fault in his defamation suit regarding Lakes false claims that Richer helped rig the 2022 governors race against her. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Princess of Wales has never missed the National Service of Remembrance since she married Prince William in 2011 Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London, England Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London, England Kate Middleton will join the royal family for the annual Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday after completing chemotherapy. On Nov. 9, the Princess of Wales, 42, will join her husband Prince William and other family members for the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall, according to Buckingham Palace. She will then take part in the royals' traditional appearance at The Cenotaph war memorial in London to remember those who died in war and conflict on Remembrance Sunday, Nov. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday of every November in the U.K., and the royal family's website calls The Cenotaph ceremony "the focal point of the nation's homage." This weekend will mark Princess Kate's first appearance at a major ceremonial event since she announced on Sept. 9 that she completed chemo, after sharing in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Buckingham Palace confirmed on Nov. 8 that King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent would attend the Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday. As she continues to recover from a chest infection, Queen Camilla's attendance wasn't confirmed for either event. Related: Why Are Members of the British Royal Family All Wearing Poppy Pins This Month? Samir Hussein/WireImage Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London, England Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London, England The Princess of Wales has attended the National Service of Remembrance every year since she married Prince William in 2011, including during her respective pregnancies with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Kate is known to watch from the Foreign Office balcony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall, another staple in William and Kate's calendar each year, honors fallen soldiers from the U.K. and the Commonwealth. Princess Kate had her family around her in the Sept. 9 video announcing she had completed chemotherapy two months ago, unprecedented for its intimacy of their private life. In the accompanying audio, the royal said she would continue to prioritize her health but looked forward to making public appearances when possible. "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes," Princess Kate said in part. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can." Related: Kate Middleton 'Definitely Going to Be Doing Less' in Wake of Cancer Treatment, Says Source (Exclusive) Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England It emerged since then that the royal hoped to join her family at The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, which falls the day before Veterans Day in the U.S. However, this does not signal a full return to work and no date has been set around that expectation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Princess of Wales adjusted to a new rhythm after completing chemo, a source in her circle said she wouldn't take on as much as she did before. "She had a lovely summer and is very focused on her wellbeing. She is definitely going to be doing less," the insider previously told PEOPLE. Before her planned appearances at the Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday, Princess Kate made a few unannounced appearances after completing chemo. On Oct. 2, the Princess of Wales surprised a teen photographer navigating cancer at Windsor Castle after an investiture ceremony, and joined Prince William, 42, on Oct. 10 in Southport to support the community grieving after three children were killed in a mass stabbing in July. Getty Images Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The National Service of Remembrance has been key event on the royal family calendar for generations, where the sovereign ceremonially leads the nation in remembering those who died in war. King Charles, senior members of the royal family and government officials convene with current and former service personnel, including veterans of World Wars, for the solemn ceremony organized by the government. It includes a two-minute silence, commemorative laying of poppy wreaths, short religious service, bugle call, the National Anthem and march past of veterans, which the Royal British Legion numbers at 10,000. Kate Ferdinand and Rio Ferdinand's son was rushed to hospital after injuring himself during a family holiday in the Maldives. Taking to her Instagram Stories yesterday (November 5), former TOWIE star Kate shared a black-and-white photo of their three-year-old son Cree on a stretcher in the back of an ambulance. "We ended a fabulous trip with a broken collar bone," she captioned the post, which also showed her bending down to kiss Cree. "My boy just always gets injured!! Its been sleepless nights, cuddles, tv & chocolate since." John Phillips - Getty Images Related: Best streaming services in 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate and Rio, who married in 2019, welcomed Cree into the world in December 2020. The couple also share a daughter, Shae, who was born last summer. Kate is also stepmum to Rio's three children Lorenz, Tate and Tia from his marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who sadly died of breast cancer in 2015. In July, Kate marked Lorenz's 18th birthday in July with a sweet Instagram tribute, posting a throwback picture of herself with Lorenz alongside a photo of them today. "Towering over me now," she captioned it. "Happy 18th birthday to our eldest. I am forever proud of you and so grateful I have you in my life. Keep shining. Love you always xxx." Samir Hussein - Getty Images Related: TOWIE's Georgia Kousoulou marks relationship milestone with tribute to Tommy Mallet Rio also shared a series of pictures of his son, writing: "What a young man this one is growing up to be. We couldn't be prouder. Love you Renz." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate previously opened up about her relationship with her stepchildren, revealing on the Parenting Hell podcast: "Their mum is a massive part of our lives and always will be. "I would never want the children to think I am taking the role of [Rebecca]. I am a maternal figure to them but their mum is their mum. "She is part of our lives. We talk about her all the time. It is really weird but I feel like I know her." You Might Also Like Rep. Katie Porter voted for Proposition 36, a controversial California ballot measure to increase penalties for some retail theft and drug possession, even though she had reservations about the measure that divided top Democrats. Her remarks about the issue on CNN Friday could be an effort to appeal to California voters who overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure as she weighs a possible run for governor in 2026. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is serving his last term in office, opposed the measure and Vice President Kamala Harris refused to say whether she voted for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support the increased penalties for retail crimes, that's a problem here. We need to give more tools to our police officers, to our businesses to deal with that, Porter told CNNs Brianna Keilar. At the same time, the drug substance use part of this, we know that incarcerating people for substance use is incredibly expensive to taxpayers and doesn't actually heal people. Porter didnt directly address Harris dodge on Prop 36, saying, I cant speak for her. She added that its important to tell voters the truth and show respect toward them. Porter also expressed confidence that state Sen. Dave Min will win her House seat, which she gave up for a failed Senate bid. The race is extremely close and has not yet been called given the states lengthy vote-counting process. People don't understand how California election counting works, and so we have this same kind of panic every year, she said on CNN. But I am here to tell you as someone who has been through this three times, I never got to celebrate on Election Day, and I always got to go to Congress. It's going to be the exact same thing for Dave Min. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter projected optimism that Democrats still have a shot at controlling the House, even though Republicans are likely to retain control of the chamber with about two dozen uncalled races remaining. Still, she said the close contest for control of the House is really a wake-up call for all members of Congress to connect directly with the biggest challenges families are having. We need a strong economic message, and the party that figures out how to do that is going to be the party that is going to win back control in 2026, she said. I feel very good the Democrats can do that. Porter blamed President-elect Donald Trump for sucking up a lot of the oxygen in both the presidential race and even in her failed Senate bid because Democrats framed him as a threat to democracy without also showing voters how his economic policy would affect their daily lives. I think this abstract talk about democracy, obviously it is the foundation of our entire government so one can never minimize it, but how you connect that to what's going on in people's lives, I think that's where our local candidates, our state candidates, our congressional House candidates really had a little bit better success at penetrating and getting through to voters, she said. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Pnut the squirrel, a social media star that lived a domesticated life in New York, went viral last week after he was seized by authorities and euthanized for rabies testing. People across the country questioned whether killing the pet was necessary, but under New York law, owning a squirrel is against the law. So what about in West Virginia? Even in one of the most famous books based in West Virginia, Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Hickams mom keeps a squirrel as a pet in the house. Although it seems like a very West Virginia thing to do, keeping a squirrel or any other wild animal as a pet is illegal in the state and can come with up to 100 days jailtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A species of poison frog lives in West Virginia. Is it deadly? According to West Virginia Code 20-2-4, It is unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife, wild animals, wild birds, game or fur-bearing animals, unless otherwise stated by another law. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) website says that even if an animal is young and looks like looks like it needs care, its best to just leave it alone, for its safety and yours. Not only are humans poor substitutes for wildlife parents, but it is also illegal to possess wildlife without a permit. Fines for the unlawful possession of a bear cub, fawn, squirrel, bird or any other animal range from $20 up to $300 and/or 10 to 100 days in jail, the WVDNR website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to wild animals, it is also illegal to possess most native reptiles in West Virginia, and the following exotic animals are banned in West Virginia: lion, tiger, bear, elephant, gray wolf, cheetah, alligator, crocodile and hyena. Is it legal to take home a deer if you hit it with your car in West Virginia? Permits for some exotic and wild animals in West Virginia can be obtained, but any wild or exotic animal can be confiscated and in some cases euthanized by state officials, according to West Virginia Senate Bill 477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Two parents say theyre at their wits end after the new governor-elect of Missouri made it clear the detective in prison for shooting their son will be home with his family sooner rather than later. We dont like that we have to come out here for his birthday, we dont like that we have to come here on Fathers Day, and they dont like the fact that hes in jail, but he still has life in him, Lauire Bey, Cameron Lambs mother, said. Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe said again hell send former Kansas City Police Detective Eric DeValkenaere home. That promise came in his first news conference since his election night win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White officer who fatally shot Black man shouldnt have been in his backyard, judge rules in suit DeValkenaere was convicted in the 2019 death of 26-year-old Lamb. The former detective entered his backyard without a warrant. Hes currently serving time at an out-of-state facility. Look at the miscarriage of justice here, look at how many times this case has been in front of some type of judge and they mentioned that he is responsible what does that say to us, what does that say to the community, Aquil Bey, Lambs father, said. Aquil Bey says if it was not for the faith they have in God, and the strength he has given them, the last five years would have been unbearable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beys spend their holidays cleaning and maintaining the gravesite of their son. The ex-detective was convicted two years after he killed Lamb and sentenced to six years in prison. Despite his legal appeals, the conviction hasnt changed. But a friendship with governor-elect Kehoe may allow him to stop serving time. I would say Sarah is a very good friend of my wife and Is. I met Sarah and Eric before he was in prison wrongly. I believe we need to have Erics back and Ive been very vocal about saying, should I succeed in being governor, Eric will be home with his family. I am still hopeful and prayerful that that happens before I get into the Governors Office, Kehoe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It brought tears to me, you know it did, because to me this has been a disrespectful process, and it has been something that has been rumored for some time, Lauire Bey said. Lambs family reacts after ex-KCPD detective Devalkenaeres conviction upheld The claim by Kehoe that the ex-detective was wrongly convicted has been denied by the states highest courts. My son was not privileged. He wouldnt have been able to say, oh, well I know this family right here, so since I know this family, will you let them free? Lauire Bey said FOX4 reached out to current Governor Mike Parson, and a spokesperson said he has not decided, but he is considering the clemency petition filed on the ex-detectives behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Lambs family, they believe the least they could have gotten was an apology, and to this day, that still has not happened. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The University of Kentucky announced earlier this year that it was eliminating its diversity office. UK's Main Building houses the UK president's and other offices. (Photo by Mark Cornelison | UK Photo) Kentuckys Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has paused an evaluation of equal opportunity goals for the states public universities. CPE General Counsel Travis Powell told lawmakers on the Interim Joint Committee on Education Friday that CPE halted the annual evaluation via a moratorium about a month ago to review and establish a new process. The new process will later be filed as an administrative regulation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The review ending in June was the final time Kentuckys public colleges and universities went through the evaluation process thats being changed, he said. CPE oversees higher education at eight public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System The benchmarks have come under fire from Republican lawmakers as they debate how to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives in higher education. Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, has said he and other lawmakers, including Rep. Candy Massaroni, R-Bardstown, planned to file a bill during the 2025 legislative session that would eliminate a requirement for public universities and colleges to submit diversity plans to the CPE and remove penalties for not meeting CPE standards. Lawmakers return to Frankfort in January. Under the current law, CPE has the authority to postpone approving a new academic program if an institution has not met an equal educational opportunity goal as established by CPE. Institutions can obtain a waiver in such cases if they have made substantial progress toward meeting those goals. Powell said lawmakers on the committee had asked for a further presentation on how the evaluation process works. He said CPE reviews data, such as graduate and undergraduate student enrollment and reviews various demographics, such as religious, LGBTQ+ and international representation within the student population. The evaluation also considered qualitative information, like how universities planned to align with CPEs strategic agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there are some things that we can include in our new policy moving forward that will align with the new performance funding model metrics, and also incorporate some things like diversity of thought, civil engagement, discussion about the First Amendment, better campus climate, that sort of thing, Powell said. Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed an amendment to a postsecondary funding bill to prohibit the use of any race-based metrics or targets in the formulas for the higher education funding model. Two bills dedicated to limiting or endingDEI in higher education Senate Bill 6 and House Bill 9 failed to pass, but the discussion is likely to continue in the 2025 session. Presidents of several public universities have spoken to the interim education committee about DEI on their campuses. Ryan Quarles, the president of KCTCS, made a similar presentation during Fridays meeting. Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, the sponsor of the anti-DEI bill in the House, asked Powell about CPEs authority to declare a moratorium on the evaluation process under state law. Powell said an administrative regulation allows CPE to decide how often it needs to do the evaluation. Amid the legislative scrutiny of DEI, some public universities have taken steps on their own to review or eliminate such programs. The University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University announced they are closing their diversity offices. KCTCS announced a review of its programs and resources. HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal judge on Thursday issued a third contempt order against a Kentucky coal company for failing to submit adequate plans to clean up two polluted West Virginia mine sites. U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers ordered Lexington Coal Company LLC to follow a previous directive to address selenium discharges and other pollution at the sites in Mingo County. The judge also fined the company $50,000 and ordered it to set up a $100,000 fund for use toward the costs of complying with federal environmental laws. Chambers previously found the company in contempt in 2022 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Chambers said the company has paid $169,500 in sanctions. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Unfortunately, this significant sum of money has proven insufficient to coerce Lexington Coal into compliance, Chambers wrote. Environmental groups alleged in a 2019 lawsuit that the company was discharging pollutants illegally at its Low Gap Surface Mine No. 2 and No. 10 Mine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Kotcon, chairman of the Sierra Clubs West Virginia chapter, said the discharges have ruined ecosystems. The law requires companies to abide by a simple principle: You must clean up the mess you make, Kotcon said in a statement. Lexington Coal Company has made it clear that it has no respect for our courts and our laws. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. UPDATE: A news release from the Kewanee Police Department that Martinez was charged in Henry County Court on November 8 with these charges: 3 counts of attempted first degree murder, a Class X Felony Residential burglary, a Class 1 Felony Residential arson, a Class 1 Felony Arson, a Class 2 Felony Criminal trespass to residence, a Class 4 Felony 3 counts of criminal damage to state supported property, a Class 4 Felony 2 counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, a Class 4 Felony Criminal trespass to residence, a Class A Misdemeanor Resisting a peace officer, a Class A Misdemeanor Martinez is behind held in the Henry County Jail, awaiting his next court appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EARLIER: A Kewanee arson suspect was arrested on multiple charges following a police pursuit. According to a release from the Kewanee Police Department, on November 7 at approximately 3:32 p.m., Kewanee Police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of E. 6th St. in response to a reported burglary and attempted arson. The report stated that a neighboring resident had forcibly entered a home, rummaged through the residents belongings and poured gasoline around the property. When officers arrived, there was a fire at the home, and a Chevrolet Suburban was leaving the scene. As the vehicle left, it almost struck a responding officer. Officers from the Kewanee Police Department and Henry County Sheriffs Department pursued the vehicle through Kewanee, leaving the city and returning back into the Kewanee city limits. During the pursuit, the suspect struck several squad cars and drove directly toward Kewanee Fire Department personnel on scene. Officers used a squad car to disable the suspects vehicle in the 500 block of N. Grace Ave. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and has been identified as Roberto Martinez, 42. Roberto Martinez (Kewanee Police Department) Martinez faces preliminary charges including the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempted first degree murder Arson Burglary Criminal damage to state-supported property Aggravated assault Aggravated fleeing and eluding Criminal trespass to residence Criminal damage to property Multiple traffic offenses. Martinez was transported to the Henry County Jail, where he is awaiting formal charges from the Henry County State Attorneys office. The Kewanee Police Department was assisted by the Kewanee Fire Department, Henry County Sheriffs Department, Illinois State Police and the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) News 4 and Ali Meyer have been honored with a prestigious national journalism honor for two decades of reporting on the wrongful conviction of an innocent man. KFOR is the only news station to cover the case of Glynn Simmons from the very beginning, since 1974. SPECIAL REPORT: The Wrong Man For the past 20 years, News 4s Ali Meyer has led the way with dozens of special reports about racial bias and questions about the police investigation of the Edmond Liquor Store murder of 1974. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Simmons was exonerated of the crime. KFOR reporting made headlines around the world because Simmons is now the longest-serving wrongfully incarcerated person in U.S. history. Simmons served 48 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. An Oklahoma judge declared him innocent of the crime in December of 2023. This week, KFOR learned Ali Meyer and the team at News 4 have been honored as a finalist for the 2025 Alfred L. duPont Columbia University Award. The duPont Award is one of the highest honors in journalism, celebrating stories that are deeply reported and well told. The Columbia University School of Journalism selected only 30 finalists nationwide, including news programs produced by HBO, PBS, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEWS 4 EXCLUSIVE: OK man wrongfully convicted tasting freedom after 48 years in prison News 4 is one of only nine local newsrooms receiving this honor. Before his death earlier this year, Public Defender Bob Ravitz wrote about Ali Meyers work on the Simmons case, I have talked to Ms. Meyer countless times over the last 20 years on this case and I can assure you she was the person responsible for keeping this case in the news and played a crucial role in his eventual exoneration. While it is shocking to most people that an innocent man spent 48 years in prison for a crime he didnt commit, if it hadnt been for Ms. Meyers work, I believe he would still be in prison. Winners will be announced January 22, 2025 at Columbias Low Library. Congratulations to Ali Meyer and the 16 other KFOR journalists who have worked on this reporting over the course of two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Q : Can you provide more details on the guidance for fiscal 2025, particularly regarding the 125 basis points headwinds on pharma biosciences in China? A : Thomas Polen, Chairman, CEO, and President, explained that the guidance assumes a cautious view on China with a mid-single-digit decline due to value-based procurement dynamics. The bioscience pharma space is expected to continue at a similar rate to 2024, given the uncertainty in recovery timing. Despite these headwinds, BD remains confident in its long-term strategic position and competitive execution in these markets. Higher interest expenses and a higher tax rate, including the impact of Pillar 2, are expected to affect FY25 financials. The company expects a moderate step back in free cash flow conversion to around 75% due to integration-related investments for APM. The bioscience pharma segment only grew by about 1%, reflecting challenges in market demand. Fiscal 2024 revenue growth was below initial expectations due to complex market dynamics in China and bioscience pharma. BDX announced its 53rd consecutive year of dividend increases, highlighting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Adjusted Diluted EPS: $13.14, up 11.4% for Q4 and 7.6% for the full year. Story Continues Q: Did Alaris meet its fiscal 2024 goal, and what are the expectations for fiscal 2025? A: Thomas Polen confirmed that Alaris exceeded the $350 million goal for fiscal 2024. Michael Garrison, President of the Medical Segment, added that Alaris performed well in the quarter, and BD is optimistic about its continued strong growth into fiscal 2025, with a focus on rebuilding committed contract backlogs. Q: How is BD addressing potential tariffs and supply chain impacts, and what is the strategy regarding pricing? A: Thomas Polen stated that BD's strategy involves strong local manufacturing in China for China, minimizing export impacts. BD is well-positioned with a network designed to serve local markets, which helps mitigate tariff impacts. The company will continue to monitor the situation closely. Q: Could you elaborate on BD's AI strategy and its integration into products? A: Thomas Polen highlighted BD's ongoing AI initiatives, including existing products with AI capabilities like microbiology automation and narcotic diversion detection. BD is investing in AI to enhance patient care and operational efficiency, with plans to integrate AI into new platforms, starting with the Pyxis platform. More details will be shared at the upcoming Investor Day. Q: What are BD's capital allocation priorities following the $1 billion share repurchase announcement? A: Christopher DelOrefice, CFO, emphasized that BD's capital allocation priorities remain unchanged, focusing on dividends, tuck-in M&A, and deleveraging. The strong cash flow position allows for increased share repurchases while maintaining the commitment to reduce net leverage to 2.5 times within 12 to 18 months. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. (NewsNation) Lawyers for the man accused of killing four Idaho college students claimed in a Boise courtroom Thursday that the state lacks the means to carry out humane executions, arguing he could face death by firing squad. The death penalty hearing on whether Bryan Kohberger can be executed if he is convicted came as the second anniversary neared of the killings of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in 2022. Idaho currently allows death by lethal injection for condemned inmates as well as a firing squad, a move Republican Gov. Brad Little signed into law last year as an alternative method, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delphi murders trial: Case against Richard Allen now in the hands of the jury Kohbergers trial is set to begin on Aug. 11 after being postponed in October. Authorities have said that cellphone data or surveillance video shows that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings, that he traveled in the region that night, returning to Pullman along a roundabout route and that his DNA was found at the crime scene. His lawyers said in a court filing he was merely out for a drive that night, as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars. Police arrested Kohberger six weeks after the killings at his parents home in Pennsylvania, where he was spending winter break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. ST. PETERS, Mo. Celebrations arent new to Kokomo Joes Family Fun Center in St. Peters. But one they hosted Thursday was more special than most. Kokomo Joes hosted a sendoff party for one of their very own employees, Ian Hedgecorth, who enlisted in the Marines and will be deployed to Japan for the next three years. Its a little sad knowing I might not see many of these people very much anymore, but knowing where Im going and what I got ahead of me, makes me really excited, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State Police are investigating after a Clay County man allegedly overdosed while in custody. Police said a preliminary investigation indicates that 49-year-old Shawn D. Gibson, of Oneida, was arrested during a traffic stop on North Highway 66 and placed into a Kentucky State Police patrol vehicle. While continuing their investigation, Gibson allegedly consumed illicit drugs and overdosed. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures before Clay County EMS took Gibson to AdventHealth in Manchester, where the Clay County Coroner pronounced him deceased. An autopsy was performed on Thursday by the State Medical Examiners Office and a toxicology report is pending. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Focusing on driverless cars, lower road congestion and smaller environmental impacts, a group of Kennesaw State University researchers will be approaching a new traffic study with the help of artificial intelligence. According to KSU, Assistant Professor Mahyar Amirgholy, from the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is working on a set of research analyses to improve transportation efficiency and sustainability using advanced technology. To do this, Amirgholy and his team are using whats called a cooperative control of connected automated vehicles, and advanced machine learning techniques, to analyze and predict traffic and the electric consumption and emissions as the demand for electric vehicle charging grows. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Amirgholys group works out of the Futra Lab and is developing a new control system that will let automated vehicles communicate with each other, and traffic lights, through a cloud computing network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By synchronizing their speeds while integrating with human-driven vehicles, CAVs can harmonize mixed traffic flows and align them with green lights, KSU said. At the same time, CAV speed and location data is used to optimize traffic light timing for vehicles approaching intersections from conflicting directions. TRENDING STORIES: Regarding the research topics on sustainability, KSU said while electric vehicles are often seen as emission-free, higher demand for electricity to charge their batteries puts more pressure on the power grid, which could lead to higher emissions from the power plants that feed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of rising EV energy consumption on power plant emissions largely depends on the energy mix of the grid, Amirgholy said. In our recent study, we compared California, Georgia, New York, and Washington. Our findings show that increased EV adoption in states like Georgia, which heavily rely on fossil fuels, will significantly raise emissions from power plants. So, transportation electrification only effectively reduces emissions if the electricity is primarily sourced from renewable energy, as it is in California and Washington, and soon will be in New York. To make the research happen, Amirgholys team is partnering with Berkeley Lab, with the project funded by the Federal Highway Administration, KSU said. Researchers on the project are working to create an analytical tool called GEMS, or Geospatial Economic Multimodal Systems, to provide support and data for policy analysis and investment decision-making at a national level. Amirgholy is using the technology to develop an advanced machine-learning model for analyzing urban networks. My goal is to use new technologies to develop solutions that improve quality of life for everyone, particularly underserved communities with limited access to the new technologies, Amirgholy said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] First, after his defeat in the 2019 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump was written off as a political failure. But he didnt give up he got back up, ran again, and won four years later. Lesson: Never, ever give up, even if everyone around you says your cause is lost and works against you, and even if you begin to doubt youll ever succeed. Victory is primarily the result of your own efforts, not anyone elses. Second, while those who succumbed to the comfortable information bubble were convinced that Kamala Harris ratings were rising and she would win, Trump stayed focused on his goal and he won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lesson: We must always make time to step outside our own info-bubbles and see the other side of reality, especially in times of war. If we dont, we may later wonder why things didnt go as we expected. Third, there were predictions that this election would divide the United States. If Trump hadnt won, he likely would not have recognized the results, creating a serious risk of division that would have weakened the U.S. to Ukraines detriment. But Trump won decisively, and the division was averted. Lesson: We cannot afford to play with the explosive topic of societal division in Ukraine. Lets not push our country to the brink. Avoid spreading divisive commentary. Ukraines unity is the foundation of our strength and, therefore, our future. Fourth, Europe feared Trumps victory and is now preparing for the worst. But this will ultimately benefit Europe, as it will have to take control of its own fate a fate currently being determined in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lesson: We must intensify efforts to mobilize support for Ukraine in the European Union at all levels, and each of us can contribute to this cause. Fifth, in 2016, Trumps first term began with fears that he would abandon Ukraine. During his time in office, he made statements that frustrated Ukrainians and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But he also sold Ukraine its first American weapons and opposed Putins project, Nord Stream 2. Lesson: This didnt happen out of love for Ukraine, nor did it fall from the sky it was the result of complex, multi-layered work. We will need to work with Trump 2.0 too, but in a way thats different from the last four years. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Introducing official merch from the Kyiv Independent Shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner will not return to the White House for a role in the second administration, the Financial Times reported Friday, but he could advise on Middle East policy. Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, served as one of Trumps senior advisers from 2017 to 2021. Also the former director of the Office of American Innovation, Kushner led the authoring of the Trump peace plan, a proposal by the Trump administration to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, under the first administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump starts planning for second administration He facilitated talks to sign the Abraham Accords, which are bilateral peace agreements between Israel and other Arab states in 2020. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A female shooting suspect, believed to be armed and who had a dog in the car, has been taken into custody after leading authorities on more than hour long chase in Southern California on Thursday. Details are limited, but the suspect is reportedly wanted for a shooting that occurred earlier in the afternoon at Echo Park and Bellevue avenues in Los Angeles. The chase was initiated by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department as the suspect, a female, drove at a slow speeds on the northbound 101 Freeway before getting on the 170, later exiting to surface streets and then winding her way to the northbound 5 Freeway. L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) L.A. police in pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) Pursuit of shooting suspect CHP taking a shooting suspect into custody after a more than hour long pursuit that started in L.A. on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) CHP taking a shooting suspect into custody after a more than hour long pursuit that started in L.A. on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) CHP taking a shooting suspect into custody after a more than hour long pursuit that started in L.A. on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) CHP taking a shooting suspect into custody after a more than hour long pursuit that started in L.A. on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) CHP officers seen carrying the dog from the suspects vehicle to safety after she was arrested on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) Traffic in northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway in the area of Castaic due to a CHP pursuit of a shooting suspect on Nov. 7, 2024. (KTLA) The woman faked at least four stops, allowing police to surround the vehicle with guns drawn before taking off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the instances, the suspect stopped and then pulled a U-turn, dangerously weaving through officers vehicles. Before taking the pursuit over in Santa Clarita, more than hour after it started, CHP successfully deployed a spike strip that ultimately took one of the minivans front tires out, though the woman was able to continue for some time after. As the suspect drove through the Castaic area and the vehicle became disabled, she pulled off the freeway on Lake Hughes Road and eventually surrendered. CHP was able to secure the dog from the front seat and bring it to safety. Traffic on the northbound 5 Freeway appeared to be backed up for miles due to CHP closing the roadway while making the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sky5 was overhead. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The head of the union representing Las Vegas Metro police officers is recognizing several officers for reporting one of their own, which led to an internal investigation, a criminal case, and a grand jury indictment against a sergeant. What courage it took for our officers to say, I need, to not just let the union know, but once we gave our opinion, it was, Yeah, Im ready. I want to talk to Internal Affairs. I want to talk to the chain like I dont want to just sit on this,' Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, told the 8 News Now Investigators. Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association is recognizing several officers for reporting one of their own, which led to an internal investigation, a criminal case, and a grand jury indictment against a sergeant. (KLAS) Police first arrested Sgt. Kevin Menon, 42, on Aug. 30. A grand jury later indicted Menon for 13 charges, including nine counts of oppression under color of office, two counts of subornation of perjury, oppression under color of office with immediate threat or use of physical force, and battery of a protected officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menon is accused of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in individuals, mostly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip as Menon worked in plain clothes along with uniformed officers in April and May. The alleged illegal stops were recorded on police body camera video, in addition to video of Menon pushing an officer. No other officers have been charged. Grammas responded to criticism of the officers who participated and followed Menons direction. Menon is accused of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in individuals, mostly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip as Menon worked in plain clothes along with uniformed officers in April and May. The alleged illegal stops were recorded on police body camera video, in addition to video of Menon pushing an officer. (KLAS) These are young, impressionable officers, he said. These young men and women said, Hey, I get it. Hes our sergeant. Hes leading us a certain way, but, gosh, something just doesnt pass the sniff test and so who do we turn to? And they turn to us, thankfully. Grammas said his team immediately reached out to Metro leadership. While he said he is confident Metro leaders were not aware of Menons actions, he said he believed Menons supervisors at Convention Center Area Command were aware. A captain and lieutenant testified in front of the grand jury they were unaware of Menons actions. Grammas said he does not believe Menons actions will affect the view of Metro and policing on the strip. Theyre going to enforce the laws on the Strip. This has put a spotlight on some nefarious actions, he said. On Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel increased Menons bail to $150,000 after he already posted a $27,000 bond for his release from jail after his first arrest. By Thursday, Menon posted the higher bond amount after working with a bail bond company. Israel increased the bail amount after prosecutors asked him to revoke bail because of new charges against Menon. Detectives said they found child pornography on his devices. On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Menon for two child pornography-related charges. Menon was arrested again on Oct. 23 in connection with the second case. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Nadia Wood set bail at $100,000 cash. Menon posted the full amount and was released from jail for a second time. After his arrest, the department placed Menon on leave with pay and his police powers were suspended pending an investigation. The department has since stopped paying him. Menon pleaded not guilty in his first case Wednesday. A jury trial is scheduled for March 31. An initial arraignment for his second case is scheduled for Nov. 20. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The last remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach President-elect Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, survived their reelection bids this cycle, according to projections from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.) defeated their challengers in the blue-leaning states, securing another term in Congress and assisting the House GOP in its quest to keep the majority. Newhouse fended off former NASCAR driver and fellow Republican Jerrod Sessler in Washingtons 4th Congressional District. Sessler was endorsed by Trump and the House Freedom Caucus. Newhouse initially placed second to Sessler in this years primary, but Washington state has an open primary system, meaning the top two contenders advance to the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump waded into the contest, hoping to pick off defectors that crossed him in early 2021. In the 2022 midterms, the first race after the House impeached the former president, Newhouse won his contest by amassing 68 percent of the vote. The president-elect did not focus as much on Valadaos race in Californias 22nd Congressional District. There, Valadao secured another term by beating Democrat Rudy Salas in a rematch of the 2022 contest. President Biden easily won the Golden State district in 2020. In their previous matc-hup in 2022, Valadao beat Salas, a former California state assemblyman, by 3 points. The other eight GOP lawmakers that voted to impeach the former president in 2021 either lost in the 2022 midterms or did not run for reelection. Trump was heavily involved in ousting some of these members, notably former Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.) who lost her reelection bid during the primaries to Rep. Harriet Hageman (R) by more than 30 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney, who has emerged a fierce critic of the president-elect, said in early September that she voted for Vice President Harris (D), whom she also campaigned alongside in some battleground states while financially supporting a pro-Harris super PAC. The White House race was called for Trump early Wednesday. Harris conceded the race and along with Biden has vowed to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. The Hill has reached out to Trumps spokesperson. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A week of events relating to innovation and entrepreneurship will take place in Sioux City as part Iowas West Coast Initiative annual Launch Week. The Launch week will be held from Nov, 15 to 21 and aims to inspire and promote collaboration among students, business owners, and professionals throughout northwest Iowa by providing workshops, startup presentations, and networking opportunities, according to a press release. The event kicks off with a Rural Business Blender at the Uncommon Grounds in Sloan at 9 a.m. Business owners from In The Stands Apparel and Uncommon Grounds will speak about their entrepreneurial journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following week, the first workshop, Small Biz Boost: Effective Marketing Strategies, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. to Design West. Special guests from Moon Media will present on how to build a strong brand, reach your target audience and boost sales for small businesses. How the EPAs new Lead and Copper Rule may affect Sioux City The next event during the Launch Week, Biz Brew, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Wise I brewing Company in Le Mars. During this event, attendees will be able to learn how to foster a startup community and create a positive environment for businesses to grow. Beverage specials and appetizer will be provided. Small Biz Mastery: Effective Organization Management is the following event being held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 12 p.m. at Design west. Attorneys from Craar Huff Attorneys at Law will guide attendees through the formation of an entity, basic requirements of the law, and new business compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Launch Week will conclude with The Big Challenge hosted by the economic development organization in northwest Iowa, will be later on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. In September entrepreneurs in northwest Iowa submitted their business idea, four finalists have been selected to present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch event for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes.The first-place winner will receive $5,000, second place will receive $3,000 and third place will receive $2,000. The Big Challenge event is free and open to the public. Doors will open 5:30 p.m. for a social hours with food and drink provided and the pitch competition starting at 6 p.m. To view additional details for each event, Click Here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. An electric vehicle is connected to an electric charging station in an underground parking garage. Bernd Weibrod/dpa Talks between Beijing and the European Union continue after major new EU tariffs on battery-powered electric vehicles from China entered into force last week, both sides said on Friday. Both negotiators reported technical progress after "a week of intensive discussions" between European Commission and Chinese trade officials in Beijing. According to a commission statement, talks focused on a possible agreement on a price commitment as an alternative to the additional tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese battery-powered electric vehicles that came into force on October 29. The trade officials discussed "constructively and in depth how to establish a minimum import price for such a complex product, as well as tools to monitor and enforce the undertaking," the statement said. China's Ministry of Commerce said the negotiations are to be continued via video link or other means. From China's perspective, the consultations help to maintain mutual trust, Beijing's statement added. The EU executive arm announced the extra tariffs in July after an investigation accused Beijing of subsidizing domestic electric car manufacturers and thus distorting the market in the EU. The punitive trade measures were carried out despite strong opposition from Germany, amid concerns over retaliatory actions which could hurt the country's major car industry. German carmakers, which include brands like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes, generally opposed the tariffs as they have invested in the Chinese market and have relied heavily on sales there. (File/Getty Images) LINCOLN Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district. State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of Legislative Resolutions 320 (from Conrad) and 425 (from Murman). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their fair chance as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil. Aug. 7, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The study also came after a Nebraska Department of Education report in August that about 86% of students who applied for option enrollment were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs. The goal is that there wouldnt be any discrimination because of disabilities, Murman said after the hearing. Conrad led 2023 legislation involving option enrollment, and the Education Committee, of which she is a member, amended the legislation to include the annual report. Denial rates for students with IEPs Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, general counsel and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a nonprofit that uplifts Nebraska children, particularly those with disabilities, said based on her review of the inaugural report, students with IEPs are being denied largely across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From this data, not a single child with a disability was accepted, Eynon-Kokrda said. Sometimes, its only the children with disabilities who werent accepted. Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said that might not be fully accurate, as the report doesnt indicate how many students with IEPs were accepted. He said he had seen internal data indicating that some students on IEPs were accepted. Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, an attorney for Education Rights Counsel, testifies before the Education Committee on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Eynon-Kokrda said Nebraska law does permit districts to turn down such students transfer requests. She said lawmakers have given school districts the benefit of the doubt, to do individualized assessments and determine whether they can support the students and not hide behind claiming they lack capacity. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who is term-limited, noted that each school district gets additional funding if they have positive net option enrollment, to the tune of almost $11,000 per student. Linehan cautioned that districts can deny applications for any reason under current law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and others noted that the Legislature doubled special education reimbursements to 80% last year while creating foundation aid for each public school district, roughly $1,500 for each public school student. Conversations continue about reforming the states main funding formula. John Skretta, a lobbyist for Lincoln Public Schools, said his district largely accepts all students for option enrollment, except those who are precluded because they previously used it. He suggested possibly increasing or adding a growth factor to foundation aid. Royers said while special education funding has returned, there is increased demand, too. We cant stay with the status quo When lawmakers required a reason be given for denial starting last year, Eynon-Kokrda said some still used capacity as a reason, which she defined as being in the eyes of the beholder and something could change overnight, based on district-by-district definitions. She suggested disability blind legislation that removes from each option enrollment application the question: Does your student have an IEP? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant stay with the status quo, and I would urge you to introduce legislation that works to ensure equity for all children, she said. State Sens. George Dungan of Lincoln, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Lynne Walz of Fremont and Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, from left. Aug. 16, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Angela Gleason, an Omaha mother, said she has three children between the ages of 7 and 12, and her oldest, who has disabilities, hasnt been accepted for option enrollment but her other two children have. Little did we know that by simply having a disability and an individualized education program, we would be red flagging him to any district that we applied to if he was not the sort of student they would choose to admit for option enrollment, Gleason testified of her oldest child. Gleason said it is disheartening to be denied year after year and to have her oldest son feel he is repeatedly being discriminated against. She said schools should either accept all or take no option enrollment students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royers said a family that doesnt answer that question but later reveals their child has an IEP must also be counted as a denial. He offered to help address concerns next year about school districts denying transfers of students with IEPs, without a stated reason. Possible 2025 legislation Conrad cautioned that there are real capacity concerns, such as class size and current teacher shortages, particularly those with special education endorsements. Carrie George, a special education teacher from the Papillion-La Vista area, echoed those concerns and said budget cuts have increased caseloads, leading to teacher burnout. She urged lawmakers to consult with special education departments and educators statewide to address current flaws before implementing new requirements. Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. Oct. 28, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Royers said, there were 286 unfilled special education positions in the state last year. Just a decade ago, that was 1,000% less, at 29 unfilled positions. Teachers are deeply committed to student outcomes, George said. The greatest injustice would be for students to fail to reach their potential due to the limitations of well-intentioned policies. Murman said one of his goals is that the data indicate a similar acceptance rate for students with IEPs compared to students without. He told the Nebraska Examiner that next year might include a renewed focus on special education, possibly targeting aid for high-cost services. Conrad said the hearing highlighted a need to increase resources and to address workforce shortages, which she described as a non-political issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an issue that every single member of the Education Committee cares really deeply about, Conrad said. I think these are the kinds of issues that Im hopeful will be really front and center in terms of problem solving in the 2025 legislative session. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Lawyers have called on Germany's mainstream political parties to adopt a planned reform to ensure the independence and functioning of the Federal Constitutional Court despite the collapse of the government coalition. Eight legal associations, including the German Association of Judges, the German Bar Association and the Federal Chamber of Lawyers published a joint statement on Friday. In it they argue that the project is "of such outstanding importance for the constitutional state that all democratic parties must work to pass the reform before the planned new elections". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They warn that it would be "irresponsible if the court in Karlsruhe were to fail to provide better protection against targeted interventions or blockades in the party-political dispute over the economic and financial policy of the coalition government." The Federal Constitutional Court monitors compliance with Germany's Basic Law. It determines the responsibilities and limits of state action. It is particularly important for the enforcement of fundamental citizens' rights. The centre-left SPD, the Greens, the liberal FDP and the conservative CDU/CSU all want to enshrine in the constitution a number of reforms, including a twelve-year term of office for judges and the exclusion of re-election, and an age limit of 68 for judges. At the first discussion in the Bundestag in October, only the far-right AfD spoke out against the plans jointly to make the Federal Constitutional Court more resilient. An expert hearing on the planned reform is scheduled for next Wednesday in the Bundestag's Legal Affairs Committee. After that, the Bundestag lower house of parliament could theoretically hold a final discussion and vote on it. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) A fishing boat capsized and sank off the coast of South Koreas Jeju island on Friday, leaving at least two people dead and 12 others unaccounted for, coast guard officials said. Nearby fishing vessels managed to pull 15 crew members out of the water, but two of them were later pronounced dead after being brought to shore. The other 13 did not sustain life-threatening injuries, said Kim Han-na, an official at Jejus coast guard. She said 27 crew members - 16 South Koreans and 11 Indonesians - were on the 129-ton boat, which left Jejus Seogwipo port late Thursday to catch mackerel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coast guard received a distress signal at around 4:30 a.m. Friday from a nearby fishing vessel that conducted rescue efforts as the boat sank about 22 kilometers (13 miles) northwest of the island. The rescuers were slowed by strong winds and waves of about 2 meters (6 feet). At least 30 vessels and 13 aircraft from South Koreas coast guard, police, fire service and military were deployed as of Friday morning to search for survivors. They were being assisted by 13 civilian vessels. Jung Moo-won, Jeju coast guards director of security and safety, said rescue workers have confirmed the location of the sunken boat and have dispatched divers to search the vessel. The two crew members who died were South Koreans. Of the 13 survivors, nine were Indonesians, Jung said. Among the 12 missing, 10 were South Koreans. Jung said South Korean officials contacted the Indonesian Embassy to reach the families of the Indonesia crew members. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for officials to mobilize all available resources to find and rescue the missing crew members, his office said. At least one Kentucky K-12 student reported receiving an anonymous racist text similar to ones sent to Black people across the U.S. this week, the executive director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety said Friday. Jon Akers said he was told Thursday by officials with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security that a Jefferson County Public Schools middle school student received the texts. The Herald-Leader also reported Friday that at least one University of Kentucky student received an anonymous racist text, according to the University of Kentucky police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the texts, reported by children, students and adults in at least 20 states, order recipients to report for duty picking cotton at a plantation and reference slave catchers. The texts initially seemed to target Black women, particularly at universities in the South, but have now been reported by people across the country. Akers said he forwarded an email to school administrators from Kentucky homeland security officials that said students in several states have received racist text messages following the recent election results. While there are slight variations in the wording, texts state that the students will be picked to be taken to a plantation to pick cotton or claim to be from the Deportation Agency of Africa and they will be deported, the email Akers forwarded said. This trend has been active in multiple states, including here in Kentucky, among students in K-12 schools, as well as colleges. Adults have also received the texts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local law enforcement agencies in several states, as well as the FBI, are aware of these threats, said the email Akers forwarded. One example of a text in the bulletin email that Akers forwarded said, This is the Deportation Agency of Africa. Due to the latest election results, Donald J. Trump will be deporting you back to Africa as of 1/17/25. Please pack your bags accordingly to be deported. Thank you for your service in America. Fayette notifies families In an email Friday to families, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the reports about text messages circulating through digital texts and social media channels are disturbing in nature. While these messages are occurring nationwide, there are many best practices we can all take as a community to ensure our students are safe at school and in our community, Liggins said in his email. Talk with your students and encourage them to connect with our counselors, school administrators, and staff if they or a peer receives one of these messages or any message like it. We take every threat seriously and will do all that we can to stop the spread of online threats and harassment. At least one University of Kentucky student received an anonymous racist text similar to ones sent to Black people across the U.S. this week, University of Kentucky police said Friday. Many of the texts, reported by children, students and adults in at least 20 states, order recipients to report for duty picking cotton at a plantation and reference slave catchers. The texts initially seemed to target Black women, particularly at universities in the South, but have now been reported by people across the country. Some texts explicitly reference this weeks U.S. election and President-elect Donald Trump, but university police did not share specifics details of the one received by a UK student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UKPD Chief Joe Monroe said police are working with federal authorities to investigate the source of the text message. We are cooperating with the other schools in the (Southeastern Conference) as we investigate this, Monroe said at a news conference Friday morning. Most of these (texts) have the same verbiage. The numbers are spoofed, which makes it a little bit more difficult to track back, but were also working with the federal authorities as we investigate this. Any student who receives a text should report it to UKPD, Monroe added. NAACP President Derrick Johnson condemned the messages in a statement this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesdays election results, Johnson said. Weve said it before and well say it again there is no place for hate in a democracy, Johnson said. The threat and the mention of slavery in 2024 is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. UPDATE 2/7/2025 A Lebanon teacher will face a jury in July for accusations she sent inappropriate messages with one of her students. Online court records show a five-day jury trial has been scheduled for Marcella Cadle, who was charged with two felonies and four misdemeanors in November 2024. Original story: LEBANON, Mo. A teacher with the Lebanon R-3 School District has been charged with half a dozen felonies after allegedly sending inappropriate material to minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to online court records, Marcella Cadle has been charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, three counts of furnishing pornographic material to a minor, and one count of fourth-degree assault. Marcella Cadle, courtesy of the Laclede County Jail. A press release from the Lebanon Police Department (LPD) says officers responded to the high school following reports of Cadle having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Former deputy sentenced to 50 years for child sex abuse In the probable cause statement filed by LPD, the student told investigators that Cadle was his ag science teacher and had gotten his number from a school-related platform called Remind. The student said Cadle had started texting his phone directly, initially telling him that he looked good that day and she liked the way he dressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student told officers Cadle texted him for several days, and at one point requested a selfie, which the student sent. Documents say Cadle immediately sent several inappropriate photos and a video of herself, according to the student. Police located photos and video in the students text messages, which began on Oct. 17, 2024. Nine videos were found, along with two photos of Cadle, documents say. OzarksFirst reached out to the Lebanon R-3 Public School, which said that Cadle is an employee of the district, but would not provide any specific details, saying: The District was notified on November 7, 2024 of allegedly inappropriate conduct by a staff member toward a student of the District. While we cannot provide specific information on individually identifiable student or personnel matters, we can disclose that we immediately involved law enforcement and that we are cooperating fully with their investigation and will continue to cooperate through any future prosecution. The Districts first priority is to ensure the safety of our students. Maintaining appropriate boundaries with students is a basic expectation of all staff members of the District and any failures to comply with such expectations and policies is not tolerated. Lebanon R-3 Public School Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cadles next court appearance is currently scheduled for Nov. 13, 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The U.S. Department of Justice says that a man from Lees Summit was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for robbing a bank in Independence. According to court records, James Kerr, 54, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The charge replaces a federal criminal complaint filed on October 23, 2024. The indictment claims that Kerr robbed Hawthorn Bank in Independence on October 21, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI investigating Independence bank robbery An affidavit filed says that Kerr walked into the bank around 10:40 a.m. wearing a black hood, a mask, sunglasses, gloves and other disguising clothing. Kerr then allegedly walked around the counter, drawing a handgun that appeared to be an air pistol and holding it in the air. The affidavit says that Kerr then began yelling at the employees and hitting the counter. Victims claim that Kerr yelled phrases like Lets do this! and 100s and 50s, no bait money! After going to all three tellers and obtaining money, Kerr then fled the bank to a nearby motorcycle. Court documents reveal that a drive-thru customer at the bank followed Kerr as he ran toward the motorcycle. The customer then got out of the car and pushed Kerr off the motorcycle. The affidavit claims that Kerr then threatened the customer with a gun and fled the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees at the bank told the FBI that they recognized Kerr as a customer of the bank. The next day, court records claim that investigators began surveying Kerrs residence and saw him leave on his motorcycle to which they followed and arrested him at a gas station. These investigators reportedly found a Daisy air pistol and clothing that matched the suspect of the robbery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) Leeds Main Street announced a partnership with Main Street Alabama and Place + Main Advisors to create a real estate redevelopment plan. As part of the Main Street Alabama network, Leeds Main Street aims to support small businesses and celebrate community in the downtown area of Leeds. The project will focus on finding potential uses for vacant and underutilized properties in the downtown area, including a downtown retail market analysis and the evaluation of several buildings. Were excited to have both Main Street Alabama and Place + Main Advisors experience downtown Leeds, review the data of where our business patrons are coming from, and what other types of businesses would be a good fit for the community, said Leeds Main Street Executive Director, Kristy Biddle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 19 and 20, members of the team will evaluate some of the buildings and review data involving the area. They will also host a Walking Visioning Tour on Nov. 19, which the public is invited to join. The tour will start at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of 8052 Parkway Drive. The Real Estate Development Plan is paid for through a federal grant from the US Economic Development Administration, which was applied for by Main Street Alabama, Opportunity Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama. Main Street Alabama is using their portion of the grand to serve designated communities through real estate redevelopment plans, small-scale production workshops and incremental development trainings. Main Street Alabama is proud to offer this service to our Designated Communities, commented Mary Helmer Wirth, President/State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama. This is just one of the many ways Main Street Alabama assists our communities to reach their full potential. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Millionaire Democrats are lining up in droves to leave the US following Donald Trumps historic presidential election win. According to a high-net worth investment consultancy, the number of enquiries about leaving the country had increased fivefold in the 24 hours after the election result was announced. Dozens of celebrities have said they would consider emigration if Mr Trump won a second term, including Sharon Stone, Cher and Barbra Streisand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most popular destinations for millionaire expats are Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand, the consultancy told The Telegraph. The claims come despite Kamala Harriss policy platform, which threatened higher taxes for Americans who earn more than $400,000 per year. Sharon Stone said to be considering emigrating if Donald Trump won a second term - Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images Consultancy receives five times more enquiries Arton Capital, a consultancy that helps rich clients move countries and seek citizenship, said it had received five times more enquiries than usual about its services on Wednesday and Thursday. Armand Arton, the companys chief executive, told The Telegraph that most of the potential clients were motivated by ideological and emotional factors after Mr Trumps win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing is some people that have definitely done their homework before, who are just pulling the trigger now and trying to find the best providers, he said. The phone calls were getting are from zip codes in Connecticut, New York and Los Angeles, blue states on the map, after the election results. Increased interest in London property Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed hundreds of wealthy Britons were planning to leave the UK in anticipation of a Labour government, which has launched a tax raid on the rich. A survey by the same company shows that around 18 per cent of rich Americans planning to leave the US say Britain would be a likely destination. Barbra Streisand who said she might move to the UK if Trump became President - Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images All of the other top destinations are English-speaking countries, although Spain and Portugal are also popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were speaking with Sothebys and with other prime real estate companies, who are saying they are having increased interest by Americans buying properties in London or in the UK, Mr Arton said. Data from the Pew Research Center finds that upper-income voters who earn more than $215,000 are more likely to be Democrats. A survey found 53 per cent of top earners leaned Left, while 46 per cent leaned Right. Ms Streisand, who lives in a 10,000 sq ft home in Malibu, California, told Stephen Colbert earlier this year that she would not be able to live in this country if [Trump] becomes president. She said she would most likely move to the UK. Cher performing at last months Victorias Secret fashion show - Taylor Hill/WireImage Cher, who endorsed Ms Harris last month in the final days of her campaign, told The Guardian: I almost got an ulcer the last time. If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear if either celebrity will follow through on their threat to leave the country. 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. Leonard Leo, a judicial activist who played a central role in the Supreme Courts conservative shift, panned rumors that two of the courts leading conservatives might retire so President-elect Trump can replace them. Trumps victory has raised public anticipation that Justice Clarence Thomas, 76, and Justice Samuel Alito, 74, will step down during the president-elects term, particularly with the Senate slated to be controlled by Republicans. Neither justice has publicly signaled any plans to retire. No one other than Justices Thomas and Alito knows when or if they will retire, and talking about them like meat that has reached its expiration date is unwise, uninformed, and, frankly, just crass, Leo said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justices Thomas and Alito have given their lives to our country and our Constitution, and should be treated with more dignity and respect than they are getting from some pundits, Leo added. Leos comments were first reported by CNN. The judicial activist has played an outsize role in the recent ideological shifts on the Supreme Court, helping advise Trump during his first White House term as he nominated three new justices to the bench. In Trumps second term, replacing Thomas and Alito would maintain the Supreme Courts current 6-3 conservative majority and likely cement it for years to come by replacing the two oldest justices with younger jurists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Key Insights The projected fair value for SATS is S$4.53 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of S$3.98 suggests SATS is potentially trading close to its fair value Analyst price target for S58 is S$4.14 which is 8.6% below our fair value estimate In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of SATS Ltd. (SGX:S58) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for SATS What's The Estimated Valuation? We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$273.0m S$395.5m S$359.0m S$480.0m S$527.0m S$562.2m S$592.2m S$618.3m S$641.4m S$662.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 6.68% Est @ 5.34% Est @ 4.40% Est @ 3.74% Est @ 3.28% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 9.5% S$249 S$330 S$273 S$334 S$335 S$326 S$314 S$299 S$283 S$267 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$3.0b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.5%. Republicans should wear shades In U.S. reelects Trump, a totem of worst in every one of us, Rex Huppke expresses his belief that the election of Donald Trump as our next president is an unequivocal indication that over 50% of voting Americans are either clueless or embrace hate, racism, sexism, xenophobia and lawlessness. The future of the Republican Party looks bright, as long as, Democratic Party supporters like Huppke want to blame the defeat of their presidential nominee on the character and judgment of the American people. David Fowler, Westerville Senator Ramaswamy? Vivek Ramaswamy, Former Presidential Candidate, speaks to a crowd at the Post-General Impact Ohio By Ohio Chamber of Commerce event at COSI, Thursday, Nov 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. As I listened to Kamalas concession speech yesterday, I was reminded of the concession speech Donald Trump never gave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only speech he gave was the Jan. 6 marching orders to the Proud Boys and other violent militants to attack our police, ransack our capitol and stop the peaceful transfer of power, for the first time in our lives. His support and encouragement of these criminals didnt stop on Jan. 6. He continues to promote them as heroes and condemns the police who did their jobs that day. Trump repeatedly asks people to stand and honor them and Bernie Moreno, Jim Jordan and JD Vance did so this past March in Dayton. They have never reversed their position to say it is wrong to honor and pardon them. Vivek Ramaswamy is a one of the top supporters and a featured sponsor of the Patriot Freedom Project, a radical group who continues to raise millions of dollars and other aid and comfort to these violent convicts. Gov. Mike DeWine is rumored to be considering him for the Senate seat Vance will vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone who supports this historic travesty should not be considered for Senate, or any other position for that matter. Ive reached out to DeWines office multiple times and he continues to put party over principal, refusing to denounce those who honor those who attacked democracy. Greg Phelps, Columbus The value of integrity I have a few remarks on the recent presidential election. Donald Trump's victory was decisive, but hardly a rout. But going forward, people should confront this fact: Trump is a convicted criminal with multiple convictions. Most recently, he was convicted by jury of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm not surprised. By 2016, my impression of Trump was that he resembled nothing so much as con artists I'd encountered on the streets from time to time. Dwight Eisenhower was president when I was born. Eisenhower, a Republican, was a man of great integrity and accomplishment. Over 60 years later, a startlingly high percentage of Americans either don't value integrity in a president or are very poor at assessing someone's integrity. This does much to explain Trump's reelection. Trump's party has also devolved since Eisenhower's time. I hope people will keep such thoughts in mind as Trump, for example, resumes the devil-may-care nonchalance about the federal government's strained finances he displayed in his first term. And the next time he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Hamill, Columbus What sustains human life? The drought is here to stay. We have passed the tipping point where we have cleared too many trees for construction. Trees attract water, and they make oxygen. Intel, Microsoft, Google and Apple move to the water and then move on. Yes, they create jobs, but cultivating nature is a job too, if we would value it. It would be wise to ask our ourselves and governments, "What sustains human life? Water or data centers? Sabrina Bobrow, Columbus This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Vivek Ramaswamy would be an awful senator. Don't do it, DeWine. After years of negative headlines and post-pandemic economic struggle, San Francisco has picked a wealthy Democratic outsider with no government experience to serve as the citys new mayor. Daniel Lurie, 47, is one of the heirs to the Levi Strauss jeans company fortune, and previously spent 15 years as the executive of a San Francisco non-profit he founded. He defeated several Democratic challengers, including the current mayor, London Breed, in an election that was expected to break local campaign spending records. Im deeply grateful to my incredible family, campaign team and every San Franciscan who voted for accountability, service and change, Lurie said in a statement. No matter who you supported in this election, we stand united in the fight for San Franciscos future and a safer and more affordable city for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurie poured more than $8m of his own money into his campaign, while his billionaire mother, Mimi Haas, backed him with another $1m. He will be the first San Francisco mayor since 1911 to win office without previously serving in government, making him the citys least experienced mayor in a long time, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. But the Chronicle also ended up endorsing Lurie, praising the balance of compassion and toughness in his planned approach to dealing with the people in San Francisco struggling with homelessness, and saying the city needed a change in leadership, making Luries inexperience potentially worth the risk. Lurie had touted his experience funding and building affordable housing at the Tipping Point Foundation as evidence that he could lead San Francisco in the right direction. San Francisco is dominated by Democrats, and so the choice was effectively between moderates and progressives, with voters focusing on pragmatic centrists. Lurie beat and will replace Breed, the citys first Black female mayor, who has led the city since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breed, who was raised by her grandmother in public housing, conceded the race on Thursday when it became clear she could not overcome deep voter discontent and was trailing Lurie, a philanthropist and anti-poverty non-profit founder. At the end of the day, this job is bigger than any one person and what matters is that we keep moving this city forward, Breed said, adding that she had called Lurie to congratulate him. I know we are both committed to improving this city we love. The northern California city has come to represent the challenges faced by many large US cities that have struggled with an uneven economic recovery and rising cost of living since the Covid-19 pandemic. Standout issues across all candidates campaigns were housing and crime, even with crime down 32%. San Francisco has the highest median household income among major US cities, but homelessness remains intractable. Since a June supreme court ruling, Breeds administration has been actively sweeping unhoused encampments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her critics pointed out that sweeps are temporary fixes and the city has not done enough to offer shelter to its unhoused population. In an interview with Reuters, Lurie said sweeps were a tool for the city to combat homelessness and promised to stand up 1,500 emergency shelter beds in his first six months in office. Lurie is an heir to the Levi Strauss & Co fortune through his mother, Mimi, who wed Peter Haas when Lurie was a child. Peter Haas, a great-grandnephew of Levi Strauss, was a longtime CEO of the iconic clothing company who died in 2005. Both the Levis name and Haas family philanthropic foundations are deeply embedded in San Franciscos history and identity. Luries father, Brian Lurie, is a rabbi and longtime former executive director of the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation. Philanthropist and Levi's heir Daniel Lurie has won the hard-fought race for San Francisco mayor, ushering in a new era of leadership for a city whose voters made clear they are fed up with brazen retail theft and sprawling tent cities. It took two days to determine a winner under San Francisco's ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to select multiple candidates by order of preference. The city uses a multiround process to count the ballots, and it can take several rounds of tallying before a winner receives more than 50% of the vote. Though thousands of votes remained uncounted Thursday evening, the gap of support between Lurie and his opponents was deemed too big to bridge. Lurie, a centrist Democrat, outpaced incumbent Mayor London Breed and three other prominent local Democrats, receiving 56.2% of the total ranked-choice vote compared with Breed's 43.8% as of Thursday's count. Lurie's lead was narrower when it came to voters' first-choice picks: He received 27.9% of first-choice votes compared with 24.5% for Breed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, the only leading candidate running as an old-school progressive, came in third after being eliminated from the running with 21.6% of first-choice votes, and venture capitalist Mark Farrell, a moderate, trailed in fourth place. Supervisor Ahsha Safai was knocked out of the running early after getting just 2.7% of first-choice votes. Lurie issued a brief statement on social media Thursday night thanking supporters. At an election night event Tuesday, he summarized his leadership vision for jubilant supporters gathered at a music venue in the Mission district. Our challenge and opportunity is to show how government can deliver on its promise of a safer and more affordable city, Lurie said. And executing on these promises requires us to be courageous, compassionate and honest. It's never been more clear to me that so many people love this city, and it's time for us to start making people feel like the city loves them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted on social media Thursday evening, Breed said she had called Lurie to congratulate him. "Being mayor of San Francisco has been the greatest honor of my lifetime. Im beyond grateful to our residents for the opportunity to serve the City that raised me," Breed wrote. "During my final two months as your mayor, I will continue to lead this City as I have from Day One as San Franciscos biggest champion." The transition from Breed to Lurie is a remarkable turn on many fronts. Breed, 50, made history six years ago when she became the citys first Black female mayor. She was born into poverty in the Western Addition, at the time one of San Franciscos toughest neighborhoods, and raised by her grandmother. She lost a sister to a drug overdose and has a brother in prison for robbery. Before being elected mayor, she was president of the powerful Board of Supervisors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurie, 47, was also born in San Francisco, the son of a rabbi. His parents divorced when he was a young boy, and his mother, Miriam Haas, went on to marry Peter Haas. Peter Haas, now deceased, was the great-grandnephew of the Levi's founder and a longtime executive at the company. Lurie and his mother are among the primary heirs of the Levi Strauss family fortune. Lurie has never before held elected office. Throughout the campaign, Lurie distinguished himself as a political outsider running against four City Hall veterans. He pledged to root out government corruption, a concern among voters following a series of political scandals in city departments and nonprofits in recent years. The election was broadly viewed as a referendum on Breed's efforts to address homeless encampments, crime and a flagging post-pandemic economy that cut at voters' sense of a safe, well-functioning city. "This is not an election that was about an ideological or policy-based shift or rejection of Breed," said Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State University. "Its an outsider who is different and who was able to portray himself in that way as someone who will do things differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Tech titans pour millions into San Francisco mayor's race, hoping to set city on a new course In a marked shift for San Francisco, the city's wealthy tech sector played an influential role in this year's race. Tech titans who have put down roots in the city poured millions of dollars into campaign contributions, pressing for an outcome that would infuse this famously liberal city with more centrist politics. That money overwhelmingly benefited Lurie, Farrell and Breed. "Its been the billionaire election," said Jim Ross, a veteran Bay Area Democratic strategist. San Francisco Mayor London Breed faced a tough reelection bid against four challengers who said she had not done enough to address property crime and homelessness in the city. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Breed was first elected in 2018, winning a special election after the unexpected death of then-Mayor Ed Lee. She led the city through a challenging period that includes the unsettling early spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent exodus of scores of downtown tech workers who, amid pandemic-related shutdowns, found themselves able to work remotely and more cheaply from other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breed has never been a bleeding-heart progressive, despite San Franciscos liberal reputation. But the Breed of six years ago was more open to experimenting with a progressive reformist agenda when it came to solving complex issues such as addiction and poverty. In the last two years, by contrast, she has become a leading voice in a movement to crack down on homeless people and addicts who refuse shelter or treatment. And this year she successfully championed two local ballot measures that bolstered police surveillance powers and will require drug screening and treatment for people receiving county welfare benefits who are suspected of illicit drug use. Read more: 'I am the change.' London Breed says she's still what San Francisco needs Many of her supporters noted her quick action to shut down San Francisco in the early days of the COVID emergency, a decision credited with saving thousands of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In making her case for reelection, Breed touted recent data showing notable reductions in property crime and violent crime over the last year. Her opponents dismissed that progress as too little, too late, and seized on voter dissatisfaction to pitch themselves as more qualified alternatives. Both Lurie and Farrell promised a more concerted crackdown on crime and homelessness and to reinvigorate the downtown economy. Lurie had the advantage of his family's vast wealth to strengthen his name recognition. He showered his campaign with more than $8 million of his own money. His mother contributed more than $1 million to an independent committee backing his mayoral bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He showcased his role as founder of Tipping Point, a San Francisco nonprofit that funds efforts to lift people out of poverty, to highlight his commitment to solving intractable problems. He said the organization has funneled $500 million to Bay Area organizations focused on early childhood education, scholarships, housing and job training since its founding nearly two decades ago. Farrell entered the race with support generated during his seven years as a supervisor, and made the case that his blend of political and business experience made him most qualified to get San Francisco back on track. But his campaign floundered amid ethical concerns. This week, he agreed to pay a fine of $108,000 following an ethics investigation that determined he had illegally financed his mayoral campaign with money poured into a separate ballot measure committee he sponsored to reduce the number of government commissions in San Francisco. Peskin, a longtime supervisor, organized a robust grassroots campaign focused on traditional liberal ideals, such as making the city affordable for nurses, teachers, and the artists and bohemians who have long made San Francisco a creative hub. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Thats how it started in 1932 Fascism is back. Trump will banalise the National Rally vote. Deportations! Closed borders! Racism! Women forced to abort in back alleys with wire hangers! Today is the first day of the Resistance I just picked these lines, not from a virtue-signalling new Royal Court play, but from my overheated WhatsApp chats (screencaps available), where the victory of Donald Trump is seen as a combination of the Apocalypse and a Roger Corman zombie movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reasonably educated Parisians see the Return of the Orange One with a horror far beyond anything theyve ever expressed about Vladimir Putin. Bombs on Kyiv, the destruction of Mariupol, shooting Ukrainian prisoners, mobile body incinerators, torture chambers in Bucha? Please sign a petition in Le Monde. But Trump waddling the shimmy on YMCA? Cest la fin du monde. While Emmanuel Macron, through clenched teeth, sent early congratulations to Trump hoping the Orange One will make him politically relevant again he only retains foreign policy in his presidential remit after losing the snap election he was incautious enough to call four months ago the French scene mirrors the Islington (or Upper West Side) one. I was live-commenting through the night, first on CNEWS (the closest France has to Fox News, owned by the Catholic tycoon Vincent Bollore, our younger answer to Rupert Murdoch), then France Info TV (our State broadcaster, with politics broadly similar to the BBC): it was obvious that almost no-one understood the Trump victory or was drawing useful lessons for French politics. Marine Le Pen herself has been so busy detoxifying the National Rally that this time, unlike in 2016, she pointedly did not comment or congratulate Trump: shed made the trek to Trump Tower in 2016, Farage-like, trying but failing to meet with The Donald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has changed less than she has, and with better success, but she still believes that he is more toxic than her own brand. Therein, in all probability, lies her coming failure: like the Paris Left Bank intellectuals she despises (as much as they loathe her), she has been unable to catch the infectious optimism of the Trump campaign. It was fascinating that her voters (and not her MPs) did salute the American choice from the start. Anything that made the chattering classes so angry had to be good. I recall, in the traditional Rally southern strongholds, the un-chic Provence flatlands and towns in Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhone, the exact same reactions during the 2016 election. Hes terrific, people told me dozens of times. He speaks his mind. Then, and now, the hot buttons were immigration, the economy, le declassement, the feeling that the new economy champions had no use or time for people who barely managed to get by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people spoke far less English than Parisian graduates, than MPs, than the top managers of the factories that laid them off. But something about Trump got straight across to them. Eight years later, post-Covid, in the midst of a political crisis and with a skyrocketing French national debt (3200 billion euros, 120 percent of GDP), Le Pens and everyones voters are even worse off, but for your average talking head, the clear and present danger is El Donaldo. In front of 47 heads of state and government gathered today [7 November] at Budapests European Political Community meeting, Emmanuel Macron dared to salute (sort of) Americas fair victory, stating that Europe should find ways to work with the new US president, whom many of us here already know from his first term. Its not for us to comment his election; he was elected by the American people to defend their interests [which is both] fair and legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same evening, le Presidents statement was the subject of a 50-minute debate on France24, the world news channel of the State broadcaster, with a former Le Monde editor-in-chief being told off by two others for not condemning outright Macrons unacceptable collusion with the dark forces of the Fascist Right. (The editor, Jean-Marie Colombani managed to wriggle his way out of social annihilation by denouncing Trumps masculinist supporters, implying Harris had been the victim of their sexism.) Elsewhere, a Le Nouvel Observateur piece predicted purges of the civil service, mass expulsions of foreigners, twisting the justice system to eliminate [Trump]s opponents. How could Americans elect such a demented autocrat and self-described dictator? wailed Philippe Boulet-Gercourt, a seasoned columnist and former US correspondent for the magazine. On and on, across sheets of newsprint and expanses of pixels, amidst wailing and gnashing of expensively-faceted teeth, Pariss best and brightest are conducting the funeral of their own circular, comfortable world. 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. CHICAGO New charges have been filed against Grammy Award-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting a rival rapper and he could be facing life in federal prison. The 32-year-old rapper, whose birth name is Durk Devontay Banks, has been charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, according to a superseding federal grand jury indictment announced by the Justice Department on Friday. Chicago rapper Lil Durk arrested in Florida over murder-for-hire plot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest indictment includes two additional felony charges against Banks and adds him as the lead defendant to a previous indictment, which charged 28-year-old Kavon London Grant, 33-year-old Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33-year-old Keith Jones, 33-year-old David Brian Lindsey, and 36-year-old Asa Houston in connection with the plot. In addition to the charges, Jones also faces one count of possession of a machine gun. The charges stem from an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting Georgia-based rapper Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman, over his suspected involvement in the 2020 murder of Chicago rapper King Von, whose real name is Dayvon Daquan Bennett, in Atlanta. According to prosecutors, all six individuals involved allegedly have ties to the hip-hop group Only the Family (OTF), which was formed by Banks in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors alleged that OTF not only produced and sold hip hop music from Chicago artists but it also acted as an association-in-fact of individuals who engaged in violence, including murder and assault, at Banks direction and to maintain their status in OTF. Chicago rapper Lil Durk donated $150K to Mayor Johnson month after inauguration The indictment said two years after Bennetts murder, Banks put out a bounty on Bowman, offering money and music opportunities in exchange for his murder. Prosecutors said members of the group learned that Bowman was staying at a hotel in Los Angeles in August 2022 and bank and flight records allegedly showed that an OTF member and associate of Banks coordinated and paid for the five co-conspirators to travel to California from Chicago the day before the murder. The hitmen then allegedly used money from Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors further alleged that when the flights were booked, Banks told the OTF associate Dont book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me. On the same day the hitmen allegedly traveled to California, prosecutors said Banks and Grant also traveled to Los Angeles in a private jet. After arriving, Grant allegedly bought the hitmen ski masks and purchased a hotel room for the other co-conspirators using a credit card in Banks name. Lil Durk loses honorary key to Village of Broadview following arrest in murder-for-hire plot The day after arriving in Los Angeles, on Aug. 19, prosecutors said the hitmen used two rented vehicles, a white BMW sedan and a white Infiniti, and used them to track and stalk Bowman as he, his sister and his cousin, 24-year-old Saviaya Robinson, drove around LA in a black Cadillac Escalade. Photos provided by the U.S. District Court show a group of people allegedly carrying out a murder-for-hire plot outside of a gas station in Los Angeles in 2022. Photos provided by the U.S. District Court show a group of people allegedly carrying out a murder-for-hire plot outside of a gas station in Los Angeles in 2022. Bowman eventually made a stop at a gas station along Beverly Boulevard and prosecutors said that is when Houston allegedly drove to an alley behind the gas station before letting the hitmen out to carry out the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Bowman and his sister were not injured in the shooting, Robinson was killed. Federal charges filed against 5 accused in murder-for-hire shooting in retaliation for killing of rapper King Von Banks was taken into custody in Miami on Oct. 24, the day after the initial indictment was unsealed. Following his arrest, the FBI learned that Banks had allegedly booked at least three international flights. Lil Durk (Photo: Broward County Jail) The other five individuals named in the indictment are currently in federal custody in Illinois. All six individuals named in the indictment have yet to enter a plea to the charges and are expected to be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles in the weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, they could face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Rapper Lil Durk performs during 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 7, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. - Credit: Prince Williams/FilmMagic Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lil Durk has been charged with two additional felonies in a new superseding indictment that alleges he used coded language to set in motion a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the shooting death of Georgia rapper Quando Rondos cousin in Los Angeles. Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, was arrested in the case last month as he was traveling to a Miami airport to board a private jet bound for Italy, prosecutors previously said. He initially was charged with one count of alleged conspiracy linked to the fatal shooting more than two years ago. The new federal indictment, returned Thursday in the Central District of California, adds Banks as the lead defendant to an October 17 indictment that previously charged five other men in connection with the August 2022 murder at a gas station near the Beverly Center mall. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his initial conspiracy charge, Banks is now facing one new count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one new count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Banks, 32, remained in custody in a federal detention center in Miami on Friday morning, according to online jail records. Hes expected to be extradited to Los Angeles for arraignment in federal court in the coming weeks, officials said. Attempts to reach a spokesperson for the All My Life rapper were not immediately successful Friday. According to prosecutors, Banks was the leader of a hip-hop collective founded in Chicago in 2010 called Only the Family, or OTF. While the group produced and sold music, it also allegedly engaged in violence, including murder and assault, largely at Banks direction, the indictment states. Prosecutors claim Banks bears responsibility for the murder at the center of the indictment because he allegedly sought retaliation for the fatal shooting of rising Chicago rapper King Von, born Dayvon Bennett, outside an Atlanta club on Nov. 6, 2020. Bennett and Banks were childhood friends, with Banks signing Bennett to his label in 2018, the same year Bennett released his debut single, Crazy Story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege Georgia rapper Quando Rondo, born Tyquian Terrel Bowman, was involved in an altercation with Bennett shortly before one of Bowmans associates pulled out a gun and shot Bennett multiple times. After the murder, defendant Banks made clear, in coded language, that he would pay a bounty or monetary reward, and/or make payment to anyone who took part in killing [Bowman] for his role in [Bennetts] murder, the superseding indictment states. Prosecutors allege that Banks and his five co-defendants hastily traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022 after they learned that Bowman was staying at a hotel in the city. They allege Banks five co-defendants used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder [Bowman] for hours, culminating in the gas station shooting. The alleged co-conspirators purportedly used multiple guns, including a machine gun, in the caught-on-video attack. The gunmen fired at least 18 rounds at Bowmans vehicle, striking and killing Bowmans cousin, Saviaya Robinson, who was traveling with him, prosecutors claim. According to the indictment, banking and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of Banks planned and paid for four of his co-defendants to travel from Chicago to California the day before the murder. Around the time the one-way flights were purchased, Banks allegedly told the OTF associate, Dont book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me, the indictment states. The same day the alleged hitmen traveled to California, Banks also flew in on a private jet with another conspirator identified as Kavon London Grant, 28, the indictment claims. Grant allegedly purchased ski masks for the shooters and used a credit card in Banks name to pay for the other mens hotel room, prosecutors allege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Banks co-defendants were arrested in Chicago the morning of Oct. 24, Banks purportedly was planning to leave the country, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit filed last month. The agent said that shortly after officials made the Chicago arrests and started executing search warrants, the FBI was notified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that Banks had been booked on a one-way flight to Switzerland and then Dubai, leaving out of the Miami area. He did not board that commercial flight and was arrested in the vicinity of a Miami airport about an hour before he was set to board a private jet bound for Italy, the agent wrote. If convicted as charged, all the defendants in the superseding indictment would face a maximum of life in federal prison. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Lil Durk is in serious legal trouble as hes being slapped with three new federal charges linking him to the deadly shooting that took place at a LA gas station in Aug. 2022. According to the Department of Justice, as of Nov. 8, Durk, ne Durk Banks, is being charged with: one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. The feds allege that Durk and his OTF crew tracked down a man named T.B. by using cash from Durks label to pull off the deadly hit. After allegedly putting a bounty on T.B.s head in revenge for the 2020 killing of King Von, Durk reportedly took matters into his own hands. Rapper King Von attends Compound Saturday Nights at Compound on August 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. The indictment also names five other defendants with ties to Durks OTF clique: Kavon Cuz Grant, Deandre DeDe Wilson, Keith Flacka Jones, David Browneyez Lindsey, and Asa Boogie Houston. Theyre all facing conspiracy and firearms charges, with Jones getting an extra count for possession of a machine gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of California alleges the All My Life rapper ordered his team to hunt T.B., eventually leading to a shootout at a Beverly Center gas station that left T.B.s family member in cold blood. Ahead of the shooting, Durk allegedly had an OTF member and close associate coordinate and pay for the five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder. According to the feds, the 32-year-old and his associate, Cuz, flew to L.A. together and reportedly bought ski masks and secured hotel rooms using Durks credit card. The hit team reportedly followed T.B. for hours, ultimately unleashing at least 18 rounds at the gas station near the Beverly Center. Upon his arrest, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada made the statement: Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that endangered countless lives.Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys office alleges Durk was attempting to flee ahead of being arrested at Miami International Airport after booking multiple international flights. However, the FBI and LAPD were already on his trail. In a press release, the LAPD and FBI gave credit to their joint effort, praising their tireless work and diligent surveillance that led to Durks arrest. The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach, stated Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. No excuse can justify this violent act and let me be clear: While youre going about your life, thinking you got away with it, the FBI is piecing together the facts that will serve as your undoing. Cases like these that span multiple states and jurisdictions are complicated and can oftentimes only be resolved through the collaboration of multiple departments, added Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. This arrest is the culmination of the combined efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorneys Office, the FBI, and LAPDs Operation West Bureau Homicide detectives who discovered that Durk D a.k.a. Lil Durk was involved in this heinous murder. He continued, The hundreds of hours spent on the investigation included surveillance, authoring numerous search warrants, using forensic technology, and tireless investigative travel and collaboration alongside our federal partners led to this arrest. I am appreciative of the dedication of those involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durks murder-for-hire case allegedly stems from an ongoing beef between Durk and T.B., whose associate was responsible for killing King Von. Lil Durk now faces a lengthy legal battle that could have major consequences for him and OTF if convicted. He and the other five defendants now awaits their days in court. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A petition with around 11,000 signatures is to be handed over to officials in Lisbon, Portugal, calling for a referendum on tourist banning holiday rentals in residential buildings. The Movement for a Housing Referendum in Lisbon will present their petition to the head of the municipal assembly on Friday 8 November in what the group has said is the first step to reducing the impact on their local communities. In the Santa Maria Maior district, the historic centre of Lisbon on the waters edge that is home to the Lisbon Cathedral, the Moorish Castelo de Sao Jorge and the well-known Alfama neighbourhood, more than 60 per cent of housing is used for holiday rentals, according to the movement and several studies, Reuters reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past 10 years, Lisbons tourism sector has boomed, attracting more visitors than ever before, but with that has seen the amount of new holiday lets increase. Rent levels have soared by 94 per cent since 2015, while house prices have climbed 186 per cent, according to Confidencial Imobiliario housing data. The Movement for a Housing Referendum says that holiday rentals are one of the causes of why it has become so difficult to afford a home in the Portuguese capital. In addition to rising house prices, the overwhelming amount of tourists has also meant that some feel they have lost their sense of community, with some cases of people saying they feel isolated among the strangers passing in and out around them. Some 20,000 units have been taken over by short-term rentals, the group says (Getty Images) The campaign group said that holiday rentals have turned their neighbourhoods into forms of temporary place consumption and that the use of the city as a leisure centre causes issues such as noise and dirt pollution, overcrowding and forcing out local shops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group believes that residents are choosing to leave Lisbon not just due to rising house prices, but because there is also a lack of quality of life. Despite this, the group says that there are currently more than 20,000 apartments or houses registered as holiday rentals in Lisbon, and that their city council keeps accepting registrations. The group is hoping that they will convince the local authorities to deal with housing and tourism accommodation as separate entities, as well as cancel agreements for holiday rentals registered in residential units and disallow any future registrations. If the referendum is given the go-ahead, their ballot will need to be vetted by the Portuguese courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Group member Raquel Antunes told The Guardian that their aim was not to completely rid the city of tourist lets, but instead let them set up in buildings registered for commercial use such as hotel apartments and hostels. It would be a great step in the right direction, she said. Not only to listen to people but also to give them hope that we can make a city that is for everyone, not just for those who have money. The petition is made up of more than 6,600 signatures from Lisbon taxpayers by another 4,400 who arent registered in the city, but many of whom are former residents who were forced to leave the city due to rising prices, said Antunes. Lisbons Mayor Carlos Moedas has previously said that the city plans on investing 800m in housing until 2026 to address the lack of affordable housing, saying that an area of the city cant be just for tourism or just for certain effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with the record 19 million overnight stays by tourists in 2023 in the city, making up 20 per cent of Lisbons economy, Moedas is still embracing the boom they are experiencing. I think were still very far from over-tourism. Were not at the levels of Venice or Barcelona. We should continue to bet on tourism, betting on quality tourism, he said. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast The latest mass killing in the U.S. emerged Thursday when police investigating the deaths of a woman and her son in Duluth, Minnesota, discovered another woman and boy dead at a different home along with the man police suspected. It is the countrys 33nd mass killing this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said officers investigating the first killings identified the woman's former partner as a suspect and went to his house, where they found him dead along with his wife and son. Police said the suspect apparently shot himself. Ceynowa said the man had a pattern of mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 144 people have died this year in mass killings, which are defined as cases in which four or more people die within a 24-hour period, not including the killer the same definition used by the FBI. Last year ended with 217 deaths from 42 mass killings, making 2023 one of the deadliest on record. Here is a look at other U.S. mass killings this year: FALL CITY, WASHINGTON: Oct. 21 A 15-year-old boy was arrested after police found his parents and three of his siblings dead at a home in the rural community. The boy's 11-year-old sister, who survived the attack by playing dead, told police he used their father's handgun. She said he was the only one who knew the code to the lockbox where it was kept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: Sept. 21 Four people were killed and more than a dozen injured outside a nightspot in what police described as a targeted hit by multiple shooters. Police Chief Scott Thurmond said authorities believe the shooting targeted one of the people who was killed, possibly in a murder-for-hire. A vehicle pulled up and multiple shooters got out and began firing, then fled, he said. WINDER, GEORGIA: Sept. 4 Two students and two teachers were killed at Apalachee High School northeast of Atlanta, and another teacher and eight other students were injured. A 14-year-old student has been charged as an adult with murder. Authorities also charged his father with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder and cruelty to children, saying he gave his son access to the rifle used in the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS: Sept. 2 Four people sleeping on a Chicago-area train were fatally shot on Labor Day morning. Police were called to a Chicago Transit Authority station just outside the city. A 30-year-old man was arrested. The victims were a woman and three men. A motive wasn't immediately disclosed. IRONDEQUOIT, NEW YORK: Aug. 31 Four people were found dead after firefighters extinguished multiple blazes at a home in upstate New York, though authorities said they likely were killed by something else. Firefighters found the bodies of two adults, a 2-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. SYOSSET, NEW YORK: Aug. 25 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said a man distraught that he was being forced to move from his late mothers home shot and killed four family members before taking his own life. The shooting occurred three days after his mother's funeral. DALTON, GEORGIA: Aug. 24 Four males, ages 17 to 21, were shot to death at a park. A teenager was charged with murder in what police said was a robbery that turned violent. Multiple weapons were involved. PLANT CITY, FLORIDA: July 31 Police said an intentional fire killed four people near Tampa. A 25-year-old man who lived in the house was charged with murder while engaged in arson. Three dogs also died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEW YORK CITY: July 19 A grandmother, a mother and her two children, ages 5 and 4, were fatally stabbed at an apartment in Brooklyn. A 24-year-old man who knew the four was arrested. WEST BLOCTON, ALABAMA: July 18 A man was charged with killing his wife and four children, ages 2 to 9, in a rural community in Bibb County. The man didn't say anything about a motive when taken into custody. Even seasoned officers told me it is the worst thing theyve ever seen, Sheriff Jody Wade said. BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: July 13 The victims were shot at a nightclub. One man died on a sidewalk while two women were killed inside the club. Another man was pronounced dead at a hospital. Investigators believed some shots were fired from outside the club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA: July 10 Police arrested a man in the shootings of his wife, two children and his wife's parents in the San Francisco Bay area. The man's father-in-law went to a neighbor for help and spoke to police before he died. FLORENCE, KENTUCKY: July 6 A birthday party turned deadly in the wee hours when four people were shot. The 21-year-old suspected gunman crashed his car in a ditch during a police chase and was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: June 24 A 48-year-old man barred from possessing guns because of a criminal record killed himself after fatally shooting five people, police said. The violence began after the man had an argument with a former girlfriend. The victims at the apartment complex included a neighbor who tried to help and the neighbor's mother and grandmother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FORDYCE, ARKANSAS: June 21 A 44-year-old man shot people in the parking lot before shooting more inside the Mad Butcher grocery store, killing four. Police said he did not appear to have a connection to the victims. The shooting occurred in the middle of the day in Fordyce, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) south of Little Rock. HUDSON, FLORIDA: June 12 A landlord was accused of killing a family of four and burning their bodies. The two children were ages 6 and 5. The family was reported missing by relatives. Police say a backyard fire pit was smoldering when they searched the property in Pasco County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MARION, IOWA: June 5 Police said a metal pipe was used to kill four people in an outbuilding of a rural home near Cedar Rapids. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: April 29 Four officers were shot in the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016. They were killed when a task force of officers from different agencies tried to capture a 39-year-old man for illegally possessing a firearm and fleeing to elude in a different county. YUKON, OKLAHOMA: April 22 A 10-year-old boy awoke to find his parents and three brothers dead in their home near Oklahoma City, all fatally shot by his father, police said. Authorities believe the 42-year-old man killed his wife and three sons ages 18, 14 and 12 then turned the gun on himself. Police said they did not immediately know why the fourth child was spared or have a motive for the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: March 27 A frenzied stabbing and beating rampage left four people dead in a matter of minutes and at least seven people injured. Authorities said a 22-year-old man was charged. Police didn't immediately know his motive. Rockfords mayor said the victims were 63, 23, 49 and 15. IRELAND, WEST VIRGINIA: March 11 The bodies of four people, ages 3 months to 90 years, were found inside the remains of a burning home. A fifth person with an apparent gunshot wound was discovered dead behind a chicken coop nearby, authorities said. A 45-year-old male suspect was found dead by suicide about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away, parked in a vehicle outside his relatives' home. Authorities did not immediately share details about a motive. HONOLULU, HAWAII: March 10 Authorities said a woman and three children ages 10, 12 and 17 were fatally stabbed in a Manoa home. The woman's husband was also found dead. Police said a preliminary investigation shows the husband fatally stabbed his wife and children. Authorities did not immediately share a motive. Police said the five deaths mark the state's worst mass killing since 1999. They said there was no history of domestic calls to the residence. KING CITY, CALIFORNIA: March 3 Police said three men with dark masks got out of a silver Kia and opened fire at an outdoor party in central California, killing three men and a woman and wounding seven others. The shooting happened on a street with modest homes facing a commercial district in King City, close to Pinnacles National Park. FERGUSON, MISSOURI: Feb. 19 Authorities said a 39-year-old woman intentionally set a fire at home to kill herself and her four children, ages 2, 5, 9 and 9. Investigators believe the mother set fire to a mattress, and left a note saying she intended to kill herself and her children, police said. Responding firefighters found the home engulfed in flames. Neighbors tried to save the family, but the fire was too intense. BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: Feb. 16 Officials said four men were killed in a drive-by shooting. Dozens of shots were fired outside a Birmingham home, police said. People were standing outside a house as they got their cars washed when someone drove by and opened fire. No arrests were immediately reported. HUNTINGTON PARK, CALIFORNIA: Feb. 11 Shootings over several hours left four people dead: a man in Bell, a man in a Los Angeles shopping center parking lot, a 14-year-old boy in Cudahy, and a homeless man in Huntington Park, authorities said. At least one other juvenile was wounded. Two suspected gang members were arrested in connection with the shootings, authorities said. EAST LANSDOWNE, PENNSYLVANIA: Feb. 7 Six sets of human remains were recovered from the ashes of a fire that destroyed a home near Philadelphia, according to the county district attorneys office. Authorities suspect those who died including three children were killed by a 43-year-old male relative who also died after shooting and wounding two police officers, the office said. A motive was not immediately identified. EL MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA: Jan. 23 Authorities found the bodies of six men in the Mojave Desert outside the sparsely populated community of El Mirage after someone called 911 and said he had been shot, according to sheriffs officials. The men were likely shot to death in a dispute over marijuana, authorities said. The bodies were found about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles in an area known for illegal cannabis operations. Five men were arrested and charged with murder. JOLIET, ILLINOIS: Jan. 21 Authorities said a 23-year-old man shot eight people including seven of his relatives and injuring a ninth person in a Chicago suburb. He fatally shot himself later during a confrontation with law enforcement in Texas. Authorities believe he was trying to reach Mexico. Police said the victims included his mother, siblings, aunt, uncle and two men he might not have known. They were found in two homes, outside an apartment building and on a residential street. TINLEY PARK, ILLINOIS: Jan. 21 A 63-year-old man in suburban Chicago killed his wife and three adult daughters a domestic-related shooting, police said. The man allegedly shot the four family members ages 53, 24 and two 25-year-old twins after an argument at their home. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder. RICHMOND, TEXAS: Jan. 13 A 46-year-old man fatally shot his estranged wife and three other relatives, including his 8-year-old niece, at a home in suburban Houston before killing himself, authorities said. Authorities said the man had told his estranged wife that he wanted to reunite but she refused. In addition to killing his niece and estranged wife, he also killed her brother and sister, ages 43 and 46. REEDLEY, CALIFORNIA: Jan. 6 A 17-year-old boy was charged with killing four members of a neighboring family in central California. He lived next door to the victims ages 81, 61, 44 and 43 in Reedley, a small town near Fresno. Three bodies were found in their backyard, including one buried in a shallow grave, while another was found in the detached garage of the teenagers home, police said. President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, the manager of his victorious campaign, as his White House chief of staff. Wiles stands to be the first woman to hold the influential role. She has deep ties in Northeast Florida, having served as Chief of Staff to former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney. Wiles was also a key aide to former Mayor John Peyton, who told Jacksonvilles Morning News that she will be a pivotal ally to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daughter of NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall, Wiles worked in the Washington office of New York Rep. Jack Kemp in the 1970s. Following that were stints on Ronald Reagans campaign and in his White House as a scheduler. Wiles then headed to Florida, where she advised two Jacksonville mayors and worked for Rep. Tillie Fowler. After that came statewide campaigns in rough and tumble Florida politics, with Wiles being credited with helping businessman Rick Scott win the governors office. After briefly managing Utah Gov. Jon Huntsmans 2012 presidential campaign, she ran Trumps 2016 effort in Florida, when his win in the state helped him clinch the White House. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Winners of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize are making their way to Dayton this weekend. This weekend, writers are being recognized for their works of fiction and nonfiction. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize itself honors the legacy of the Dayton peace accords. The finalists for each category were announced at the end of August. Paul Lynch won the award in the fiction category and Victor Luckerson won the award for nonfiction. Lynch, who won for Prophet Song, is scheduled to arrive in Dayton on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter receives Holbrooke award from Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation 2 NEWS Today anchors Caleb Michael and KaJeza Hawkins spoke with Luckerson this morning. Luckerson won the honor with his book, Built From the Fire, an epic that explores Tulsas Greenwood District of Black Wall Street. Watch todays interview in the video player above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. AUTHORS NOTE: This story contains graphic details from proceedings in the trial of Anthony Patterson that involve alleged sex crimes against child victims. Discretion is advised before reading. If you know or suspect that any child under the age of 18 is being abused sexually, please call the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 252-5400. TARRANT COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) The first week of testimony in the trial of Anthony Ryan Patterson is set to wrap up after proceedings conclude on Friday, November 8, 2024. TIMELINE: The trafficking, child sex crimes case against Anthony Patterson Anthony Patterson in Auxiliary Trial Room A (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) Former president of the Patterson Auto Group, Patterson, 48, of Wichita Falls, stands accused of multiple counts of human trafficking and child sex crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testimony began on Monday afternoon, November 4, 2024, in Auxiliary Trial Room A in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth. A recap of prior proceedings can be found below: READ MORE: The latest in the case against Anthony Patterson Proceedings resumed on Friday morning, November 8, 2024, with Special Agent Jake Weaver of the Texas Department of Public Safetys Criminal Investigations Division on the stand, testifying regarding a video of an interview he conducted with Patterson shortly after his initial arrest in February 2021. Below is a running live blog of opening arguments and testimony in Anthony Pattersons trial from Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Refresh this story often for updates. Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Shook, who had no further questions. Henderson was released from the stand. Judge Kennedy released the jury for the day. The Court will be in recess until 9 a.m. on Monday morning, November 11, 2024, when testimony is expected to resume. 4:27 p.m. Henderson testified that hes encountered several child sex offenders who fantasized about having sex with a child prior to committing the offense. Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for further re-direct examination. 4:27 p.m. Henderson testified that hed never encountered anyone who incorporated blasphemy in a sex act during the course of his investigations. Grona-Robb passed the witness to Shook for further cross-examination. 4:25 p.m. Henderson testified that hes encountered many suspects involved with sexual assault of a child who have minimized the offense. He testified that hed never heard anyone reference having a shock value kink. He testified that hes been a part of cases where an offender has an extensive collection of child pornography as well as cases where an offender has no child pornography. He testified that the Patterson family as a prominent family in Wichita Falls. Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for re-direct examination. 4:23 p.m. Henderson testified that Patterson said he didnt have any fantasies about having sex with children, but again claimed it was the shock the listener that aroused him. He testified that Patterson was emphatic that he didnt have any sexual thoughts about children. Grona-Robb passed the witness to Shook for cross-examination. 4:18 p.m. Grona-Robb asked Henderson to identify the person he spoke to, and Henderson identified Patterson. Grona-Robb asked the record to reflect that Henderson identified Patterson in open court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4:16 p.m. Henderson testified that he told Patterson theyd received a report. He testified that Patterson told him he knew it was involving some of the things hed said in an online chat. He testified that Patterson said hed said some shocking things involving sex with a child, and that he said what he said because of the shock value. Henderson testified that Patterson said hed spoken to a Sheriff about the conversation, and that the Sheriff had told him that what he was doing wasnt illegal. Henderson testified that he saw this as name-dropping. 4:13 p.m. Henderson testified that he contacted Patterson and requested to conduct an interview with him. He testified Patterson was willing and agreed to meet. He testified that Patterson initially scheduled to meet with him the following day, but a few moments later, asked if they could meet that day. Henderson testified that Patterson told him, I think I know what this is about. 4:10 p.m. Henderson testified that he received a report in 2013 from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding a nude web model who reported concerning chats from someone in Wichita Falls. He testified that he noticed some of the chats in this report were exactly the same as the report from Dantzler in 2012. 4:06 p.m. Shook objected to the testimony of Henderson, asserting it was more prejudicial than probative. Judge Kennedy overruled the objection. Shook requested a limiting instruction for the jury. Judge Kennedy gave the limiting instruction to the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4:04 p.m. Henderson testified that he was the detective who investigated the call from Phyllis Dantzler in 2012 regarding Anthony Patterson and his claim that he was sexually assaulting a child. He testified that he investigated to see if any children were in danger in Pattersons home. He testified he did not locate any children at that time. Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb, who had no further questions. Jones was excused from the witness stand. The prosecution called Todd Henderson, an expert witness in child abuse investigations from the Wichita Falls Police Department, to the witness stand. 4:00 p.m. Jones testified that all of the searches for pornography listed from the extraction of Pattersons laptop were at adult pornographic websites. Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Shook for further cross-examination. 3:59 p.m. Jones testified that there were more pornographic searches found on Pattersons laptop than the six that were shown in open court to the jury. He testified that there were three pages of searches for pornography, with well over six results. Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for re-direct examination. 3:55 p.m. Jones testified that he found no evidence on Pattersons laptop of any searches for child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:51 p.m. Jones testified that he searched through the extraction data and determined there was no evidence of child pornography on the devices he conducted an extraction on. 3:50 p.m. Shook asked Jones to explain what Pornhub is to the jury. Jones testified that Pornhub is a website that anyone can access with adult pornography. Jones testified that any teen video on Pornhub would involve a consenting adult representing themself as a teenager. 3:47 p.m. Jones testified that he only performed the extraction and assimilation of the data from the digital devices. He testified that he then gave that information to the investigator. Grona-Robb passed the witness to Toby Shook, Pattersons lead defense attorney, for cross-examination. 3:44 p.m. Jones and Grona-Robb read one result of the extraction, showing a website visited on a device. The site in this result is Pornhub and the name of the webpage is vulgar in nature, involving female teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:41 p.m. Jones testified that an extraction of the Edge Chromium web history was conducted in preparation for trial. Grona-Robb offered a document with the extraction results as evidence. It was admitted without objection. 3:37 p.m. Jones testified that he formerly served on the Dallas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He testified that hes trained in digital extraction and examination. He testified that he conducted extractions and examinations of digital items found at Pattersons home during the execution of a search warrant in 2021. Judge Kennedy calls the jury back into the courtroom. Testimony resumes with the prosecution calling Jason Jones with the Wichita Falls Police Department, an expert in cell phone and computer forensic extractions and examinations, to the witness stand. Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Laseter, who had no further questions. Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for an afternoon break. Proceedings are set to resume at around 3:30 p.m. 3:07 p.m. Fassett testified that in his experience, the website Backpage, which has since been taken down, could be used to form a relationship between a buyer and a prostitute in order that the buyer may search for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:04 p.m. Fassett testified that in cases of familial trafficking, or the trafficking of a victim by a family member, the victims tend to be females and they tend to be younger. 3:02 p.m. Fassett testified that trafficking cases are like pulling a string on a spider web, with so many people involved. He testified that someone who drove a victim to a buyer would be a good witness, but in many cases, in his experience, they can be difficult to find. 3:00 p.m. Fassett testified that trafficking is designed for those involved to be invisible. He testified that in his experience, it is very common for a buyer to be in a very different socioeconomic class than a victim. He also testified that a child being able to describe the inside of a buyers home would be very important to the investigation. Laseter passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for re-direct examination. 2:57 p.m. Fassett testified that in his experience working as an investigator in trafficking and commercial sex works, prostitutes can sometimes lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:55 p.m. Fassett testified that the person initiating contact was the buyer. Laseter asked if a person adding an advertisement on Backpage or securing business through a pimp would be the one who initiated contact. Fassett testified that he did not see it that way. 2:52 p.m. Fassett testified that in his experience, a prostitute who changes the name, pictures, and phrasing on a Backpage advertisement has business savvy. 2:49 p.m. Laseter asked Fassett if he reviewed any electronics or website searches related to this case before offering his opinion regarding internet crimes against children. He testified that he did not. 2:43 p.m. Laseter asked Fassett if he believed it would be important for an investigator to document their investigative efforts, even if the efforts are unsuccessful. Fassett testified he agreed with the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:40 p.m. Fassett testified that after 37 years in law enforcement, he is no longer peace officer certified. He testified that its important to let the evidence guide an investigation. You dont get to make a mistake here, Fassett said on the witness stand. This affects everybody. Fassett testified that hes seen people wrongly convicted of child sex trafficking, adding that its important for investigators to not have tunnel vision. Its as important to prove that it did happen as that it didnt happen, Fassett said. Grona-Robb passed the witness to Laseter for cross-examination. 2:37 p.m. Fassett testified that a suspect interview can be critical for corroborating a victims outcry of sexual abuse. 2:36 p.m. Fassett testified that buyers in the child sex trafficking world tend to avoid detection in a variety of ways, including by providing a bad address or a bad name, changing the meetup location, or paying someone hush money to keep their name from being brought up in a certain situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:34 p.m. Fassett testified that many factors can cause a suspect to choose to engage in sex acts with one child over another, such as preference as well as unlikeliness for the child to disclose the abuse. 2:33 p.m. Fassett testified that witnesses to trafficking are difficult to find for a variety of reasons. He testified that according to recent literature, the average age of victims of trafficking who get involved with sex work is between ages 14 and 16. 2:30 p.m. Fassett testified that in the world of sex work, clothing can be interchangeable. He testified that clothing is exchanged between victims. He testified he would not be surprised if clothing did not link a victim and a suspect. 2:27 p.m. Fassett testified regarding human trafficking investigations. He testified that corroboration is essential. He testified that an investigator has to determine if the suspect and victim were ever in the same place at the same time. Kim Laseter objected due to the witness being nonresponsive. The objection was sustained. 2:20 p.m. Fassett testified that prior sexual abuse could potentially make a child more vulnerable to sex trafficking. He also testified that prior sexual abuse could cause a child to be groomed into performing other sexual acts. 2:18 p.m. Fassett testified that the worlds of prostitution and human trafficking overlap. He testified that the world of prostitution uses coded language. Fassett testified that an example of coded language used for prostitution is 200 roses as a substitution for $200. 2:16 p.m. Fassett testified regarding a daddy-daughter fetish. He testified that child sex abuse material exists depicting this fetish, and that often, those who possess child pornography have a secret stash of the child sex abuse material. 2:14 p.m. Fassett testified that hes offered expert testimony during many trials in the fields of human trafficking and internet crimes against children. He testified that his training program is used in jurisdictions across the country. 2:12 p.m. Fassett testified regarding his background in working investigations into suspected human trafficking in Dallas. He testified that trafficking is intended to make the victim invisible. Judge Kennedy overruled the defenses objection and allowed the witness to offer expert testimony. The jury was returned to the courtroom. Brooke Grona-Robb called Byron Fassett, an expert in human trafficking investigations and commercial sex work investigations. At 1:30 p.m., a hearing was being held outside of the jurys presence to determine whether a witness the prosecution intends to offer as an expert is qualified to give expert testimony. Both sides argued their positions. As of 2 p.m., Judge Kennedy has not returned a ruling. Laseter passed the witness back to Grona-Robb, who had no further questions. Dantzler was dismissed from the witness stand. Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for a lunch break. The Court will be in recess until 1:30 p.m., when testimony is set to resume. 11:49 a.m. Dantzler testified that Ashley doesnt exist. Laseter asked if she later discovered that Pattersons 5-year-old daughter he claimed to have, Brittany, also didnt exist. Dantzler testified that she did find out Patterson did not have a daughter later. 11:47 a.m. Dantzler testified that she was 60 at the time of the phone call with Patterson. 11:45 a.m. Dantzler testified that she was shocked by what Patterson said during the phone call. She also testified that she was role playing. She testified that she was encouraging Patterson to continue talking during the phone call as an attempt to gather more information. 11:39 a.m. Dantzler testified that shes engaged in many conversations that were taboo and pushed the limit. She testified that at no time during her phone call with Patterson did she hear anyone other than Patterson on the phone. Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Kim Laseter, one of Pattersons defense attorneys, for cross-examination. 11:35 a.m. Dantzler testified that the fantasy was Pattersons, the content of the phone call came at the request of Patterson, and it was well beyond my boundaries. 11:33 a.m. Dantzler testified that after the phone call, Patterson messaged her again. She testified that Patterson said hed had sex with his daughter. She testified that she then disconnected from the chat and didnt speak with Patterson again. 11:30 a.m. Dantzler testified that during her phone call with Patterson, he asked if shed ever been sexually assaulted. She testified that she lied and said she had been in order to try and find out more information. She testified that Patterson then asked her if she hated her abuser. She testified that when she said she did, Patterson hung up the phone. 11:28 a.m. Dantzler said that after the text conversation, there was a phone call between Ashley and Patterson. She testified that Patterson said his daughter was in the other room singing, Jesus Loves Me and that he wanted Dantzler to talk to his daughter on the phone while he sexually assaulted her. She testified that she had a gut feeling she should let it happen in order to find out if the assault was actually occurring. 11:25 a.m. Dantzler and Grona-Robb continued reading the conversation between Ashley and Patterson. In the conversation, Patterson asked Ashley if she would be blasphemous while his daughter was singing in the background, adding that it was hot. 11:24 a.m. Dantzler and Grona-Robb began reading the text conversation between Ashley and Patterson. In the conversation, Patterson asked, Are you a no limits caller? Ashley asked what limit he wanted to explore. Patterson asked if she would be verbally blasphemous. 11:21 a.m. Dantzler testified that her characters name was Ashley, and the character was a mature woman. She testified that Ashley did mommy calls. She testified that her call with Patterson went further than other mommy calls. She testified that her chat with Patterson was done on Yahoo Chat. 11:16 a.m. Dantzler testified that Patterson had asked her if she would do blasphemy in May 2012. She testified that later, Patterson said hed sexually assaulted his daughter. 11:13 a.m. Dantzler testified that in her 12 years working on a fantasy phone line, having conducted thousands of phone calls, shes only ever reported Anthony Patterson to the police. Phyllis Dantzler testifying in Auxiliary Trial Room A of the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) 11:11 a.m. Dantzler, 72, testified that she owned a phone sex business where she answered calls on a fantasy phone line. She testified that shes never testified in a trial for someone whose called the fantasy phone line before. She testified that shes seen many different types of fantasies, and that the fantasies come from the callers, not from her. After a brief amount of further cross-examination, Weaver was released from the witness stand. Brooke Grona-Robb, lead prosecutor, called the states next witness, Phyliss Dantzler, to the witness stand. 10:58 a.m. Gillespie, with an animated and louder tone of voice, asked Weaver if he felt that he could let investigators know if he felt like the investigation as on the wrong track, based on his independent review of the facts. Weaver testified that he felt he could. 10:56 a.m. Weaver testified that over the course of his career, hes investigated law enforcement officers. He testified that it isnt an easy thing to do. He testified that hes an independent person. He testified that he took an independent look at the case and never thought they had the wrong Anthony. Judge Kennedy released the jury for a morning break. They were brought back into the courtroom at around 10:55 a.m. Testimony resumed with Weaver still on the witness stand. Shook passed the witness back to Gillespie for re-direct examination. 10:39 a.m. Shook asked Weaver if the affidavit and indictment were public records that could be accessed by a reporter if they knew how to do so. Weaver testified that they could. 10:37 a.m. Shook asked Weaver whether hed want to interview the person who had driven Bell and the two girls to meet with Patterson, which later resulted in their abuse. Weaver testified that he would. 10:35 a.m. Weaver testified that when Bell led him to the home where she said the alleged sexual abuse occurred, he typed the address in the website for the Wichita County Appraisal District, which returned a result showing Patterson was the owner of the home. 10:32 a.m. Shook and Weaver reviewed the articles seized from Pattersons home during the search warrant, including Pattersons phone, CBD gummies, a few USB drives, a digital recorder, an external hard drive, a journal, and another external hard drive. 10:29 a.m. The officers return for the search of Pattersons home and business was offered by Shook as evidence. They were both admitted without objection from the prosecution. 10:26 a.m. Weaver testified that he used multiple techniques during his interview with Patterson following his initial arrest. He testified that throughout the interview, Patterson maintained that nothing sexual happened with the two girls. 10:19 a.m. Weaver testified that after Patterson initially denied that any kids had been in his house, Weaver told him he knew children had been there, and that now was the time to tell the truth. He testified that Patterson then admitted that he did have children at his home. Weaver testified that throughout the interview, Patterson denied that anything sexual happened with the children on multiple occasions. 10:16 a.m. Weaver testified that Patterson told him during the interview that Bell, who he knew as Samantha, had gotten into some kind of trouble, she knew that Patterson was on the radar due to the past investigations and that she was trying to blackmail him because of it. 10:12 a.m. Shook asked Weaver about another investigation from 2013 involving Patterson after a webcam model reported Patterson had again said disturbing things to the woman, including statements involving sexually assaulting a child and blasphemy. Weaver testified he was aware of the investigation, and that Patterson said the shock value aroused him. 10:10 a.m. Shook asked Weaver about an investigation from 2012 involving Patterson after a phone sex worker reported Patterson had said some very alarming statements while talking with her, including requesting to have the woman talk to his daughter about Jesus while he sexually assaulted her. Weaver testified that he was aware of that investigation. 10:07 a.m. Weaver testified that he wanted to understand Pattersons self-proclaimed kink. He testified that Patterson told him the daddy-daughter kink wasnt about children, but the shock of the act. He also testified that Patterson mentioned a blasphemy kink. 10:05 a.m. Weaver testified that during the interview, Patterson admitted to having what he called a shock kink, as well as a daddy-daughter fetish. Weaver testified that he mentioned role play during the interview as well. 10:00 a.m. Weaver testified that he was aware that Bell was a prostitute who operated a Backpage account. He testified that prostitutes can be untruthful and manipulative. Shook asked Weaver if prostitutes were capable of blackmail. Im sure they could, Weaver said. 9:58 a.m. Shook questioned Weaver regarding whether or not tunnel vision is something an investigator should avoid. Weaver testified that it was. Gillespie passed the witness to Toby Shook, Pattersons lead defense attorney, for cross-examination. 9:57 a.m. Weaver testified that when he showed Patterson a picture of the letter found at Bells apartment, Patterson responded with a slight eye roll and a large swallow. 9:54 a.m. Gillespie read portions of the letter found in Jandreani Bells apartment in Oklahoma City following her release from jail after posting bond. Weaver testified that Patterson said similar things during his interview. 9:45 a.m. John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, questioned Weaver regarding the video interview he conducted with Patterson. Weaver testified that Patterson said the girls were not in the room when a sex act took place between himself and Jandreani Bell, who he knew as Samantha. Weaver testified that he took this as an admission that the sex act happened while the girls were in the house. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. LEETONIA, Ohio (WKBN) The Leetonia band director got a letter in the mail asking if they wanted to perform in the National Veterans Day parade. Randy Rodiak still doesnt know how the band got picked, but it was a legitimate invitation and the band will join two other high schools and perform. Its a three-day adventure from Leetonia to the nations capital. The Leetonia High School band is tuned up and geeked up to perform in Washington, D.C. at the National Veterans Day parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really hope that its a huge sense of pride for everybody here. I mean, the band feels amazing that we were chosen to go there and do this, said senior Ella Harris. Weve gone to Florida many times, but this is a different beast, and its an honor, honestly, said Rodiak. The playlist is all patriotic. Jamison Adkins will carry her two grandfathers in her heart. They served together in the military. My favorite song probably is Battle Hymn of the Republic. Its just so upbeat, it fills your heart with a lot of pride, Adkins said. The band has 40 members. Its costing $600 apiece but wouldve been over $1,000 without community donations knocking the price down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The band leaves Saturday for the three-day trip. Its a source of pride for the school and community and will take a big part of Leetonia with it. Because its Veterans Day, were playing for more of a cause, or its just very cool to be able to do that, come from a small town like Leetonia and go there and play for these people that have done so much for us, Harris said. The band will perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and march to the World War II Memorial for another performance. Then play another concert at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Its the trip of a lifetime. We got really great kids here, and I think when they see just how many people care about the country and care about what the veterans did, thats going to be big musically. Theyre going to see that theres more kids like them out there that do this, Rodiak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kids leave Saturday and come home Tuesday. Theyre doing a patriotic concert locally Friday, so the community can hear them play. Its at noon at VFW Post 5532 in Washingtonville. The concert is free, open to the public, and includes songs theyre not performing in Washington D.C. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) As temperatures are cooling off, you may be noticing some unwanted pests in your homes. Read next: City of Youngstown sending notifications to water customers Similar to how people prepare for winter, bugs do the same. As temperatures drop, some bugs bury themselves, some just die off, and others try and make their way inside our homes. The three most common types youll see in your home are boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles, and the weather has a big impact on their populations. Cold winters help take out part of the bug population, so with milder winters, we already start out with more bugs in the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hot summers also boost parts of the bug population. Heat-loving bugs produce more in a hot summer, and in turn, we see an increase in bugs who prey on those heat-loving bugs. So were getting larger populations to start with in the summer, which through milder winter temperatures were not killing them off and so were just living with these larger populations of insects, said OSU Extension Educator Kristen Eisenhauer. This summer, the spotted lanternfly emerged in the local area. The adult spotted lanternfly will die in the winter, but their eggs will not die because they are encased. So, if you see their eggs on a tree, scrape them off and squish them into the ground. Eisenhauer said that these bugs are not hurting your home. They dont feed on wood or anything like that; theyre just a nuisance. But, many people dont want to just squish them because stink bugs and Asian lady beetles are known for letting off a bad scent. She says the easiest way to get rid of them is to suck them up with a vacuum and then put what you sucked up in soapy water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other thing that you can do to protect your home is making sure you dont have any holes in your window screens, ensuring that the seals around your vents, your cables, your pipes, your windows and your doors are all sealed up, she said. There also are some pesticides that will take care of these bugs, but make sure youre reading the label, when these types of bugs are looking for a home, theyre not feeding, so a pesticide they have to ingest wouldnt work. WKBN also asked Eisenhauer if there are any home remedies to get rid of or keep these bugs out. She said she wouldnt recommend any home remedies other than just putting them in that soapy water. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MECCA TWP., Ohio (WKBN) The Mecca Township Volunteer Fire Department provided updates on several fires in a Facebook post from Thursday night. Read next: Marshals arrest murder suspect in Youngstown Firefighters said a fire along the west shoreline of Mosquito Lake, north of the bay located by Lil Johns Campgrounds, has been burning for over two weeks. Firefighters said they believe the fire was started by an unattended campfire that was left behind by hunters. Hopefully the fire left behind was unintentional and the hunters believed the fire was extinguished prior to leaving, the post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post said that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Management has been monitoring and working in the area to contain the fire for the past two days. Firefighters said the fire remains in the root base of the vegetation and the peat moss continues to smolder and produce smoke in the area. ODNR has been working to create fire breaks to keep the fire from spreading from the affected area, and ODNR will continue to monitor the situation, according to the post. Firefighters said that Mecca, Bristol, Bloomfield, Greene, Johnston, Mesopotamia, and Orwell Fire Departments all assisted in containing this fire over the past couple of weeks. Trumbull County EMA also used its imaging drone. In addition to this, two separate brush fires were caused by open burning, and they almost spread to multiple outbuildings, according to the fire department. The post states that the first fire was extinguished by the Mecca and Johnston fire departments. The second fire was extinguished by the Mecca and Cortland fire departments. The Mecca Township Volunteer Fire Department is asking people not to burn during these weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) On Friday, a group of high school students got a closer look at the jobs of first responders. Students from Valley Christian toured the Mahoning County Hazardous Materials Response Agency. They asked questions and got a look at the equipment and gear that the HAZMAT team uses when dealing with dangerous chemicals. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. On Tuesday, Nov.12, Lafayette Parish School history teacher Jason Muller will unveil a new historical marker commemorating a Civil War skirmish that took place near the intersection of Pont des Mouton Road and HWY 182. The event is set for 11 a.m., marking the 161st anniversary of the day following the battle, when the body of Capt. Arthur W. Marsh, a soldier killed in action, was exhumed and sent home for burial. The 118th Illinois Mounted Infantry, led by Col. John Fonda, was engaged in a fight against Texas Cavalry regiments led by Brig. Gen. Thomas Green. Killed during the fight was Capt. Arthur W. Marsh, of the 118th Illinois Mounted Infantry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muller added he was buried in a shallow grave not far from where he was shot off his horse while organizing a retreat. His body was recovered the next day by his brother, Maj. Benjamin Marsh. Muller, who has been researching Civil War history in the region for several years, was inspired to investigate the skirmish after reading David Edmonds's A Yankee Autumn in Acadiana. I learned about a particular skirmish that happened just down the road from where I live, Muller said. The nature of this battle, the landscape, and the description of the death of the soldier who was killed in action painted a vivid image in my mind. Muller said he wanted to know everything he could about the battle to help paint the most complete picture of what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site, once part of Gen. Alfred Moutons plantation, served as a route for soldiers moving through Louisiana and as the main road to Opelousas and beyond. Surrounding the General's property was a rail fence the Union soldiers used, Muller said. Muller said details about the battle came from various primary sources, including soldier diary entries, detailed Confederate maps of the area, and property records confirming the site as Mouton's property. Soldiers report that they stopped to skirmish on the grounds of his property, so I knew that if I located this homesite, I would naturally uncover the site of the skirmish, Muller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Muller located the site. He said he needed further verification and did so when he used a metal detector after gaining permission from locals. He was able to locate a variety of relics, such as bullets exclusive to the Civil War. A marker was placed near the Mouton home. Muller said this location was the most practical spot for the marker because property records indicate this homesite, along with Civil War relics recovered from the area. Muller said the process for erecting the marker began with filling out an application with the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The application includes the wording for the marker, research, and evidence of the event happening in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other than that, a group or an individual must sponsor the marker to cover the expenses of the marker and installation. As for its contribution to our understanding of the War in Louisiana, Muller said this skirmish was no Battle of Gettysburg or Shiloh, but to the men engaged in this fight, it was some of the most severe fighting they would ever encounter in the Army. The battle also tells the story of young Capt. Marsh, who was fatally wounded in the fight and buried on the spot by an unnamed slave, Muller said. It also tells the story of the Captain's brother, Benjamin Marsh, who went under a flag of truce the next day to recover his brother's body and escort it back to Illinois for burial. Muller added that this battle is not widely known and did not significantly impact the war, but it is important because it illuminates the events that happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This compels us to ask questions about it, which leads to answers which lead to more questions about history, Muller said. During the Civil War, there were upwards of 10,000 battles and skirmishes, many of them unnamed. This marker will now stand as a symbol of the events that happened 161 years ago. I believe historical markers are important because they illuminate events that happened that most people had never heard of, Muller said. I hope this marker brings more awareness to the history of our area and how each and every event played a role in shaping our character as a community. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Local teacher to unveil historic marker at Civil War battle site in Lafayette (CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.) Deputies with the Custer County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) helped block traffic as locals and businesses jumped in to clear a highway after a trucker from Georgia got stuck blocking the road. According to CCSO, the semi truck was hauling a flat bed loaded with 110,000 pounds when it got stuck on Highway 96 east of Silver Cliff, blocking traffic. As Custer County is not one of the counties included in Senate Bill 24-100, which requires truckers to carry chains, the trucker did not have any chains. Courtesy: Custer County Sheriffs Office CCSO said a local man responded with a front-end loader to clear the highway, and deputies blocked the road while the semi backed up to Bunker Hill Road. CCSO said local contractor Siefert Enterprises arrived on scene and plowed out the intersection of Bunker Hill and Highway 96 so that the extra long truck could back up Bunker Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trucker could not be given a citation for not carrying chains, but was cited for blocking the highway, CCSO said. A huge shout-out to the local loader operator and the road grader from Siefert for jumping in to help, said CCSO. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Lockport man was arrested Thursday on multiple charges, including promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child, New York State Police announced. A search warrant was executed on Beattie Avenue as a result of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, which found that 46-year-old Nathaniel Devries allegedly possessed child pornography and was disseminating it. Officials said Devries, who does not have a state pistol permit, was also in possession of a loaded Glock pistol, a Taurus revolver and multiple loaded magazines containing 15 to 30 rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devries was transported to the Lockport Police Department for arraignment and was arrested for the following: promoting a sexual performance by a child possessing a sexual performance by a child criminal possession of a firearm, two counts third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, five counts Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Air National Guards F-16 Fighting Falcons will honor American veterans with flyovers on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. The flyovers are a traditional gesture that the Colorado Air National Guard observes on patriotic holidays, which the federal agency said shows the dedication and support that guardsmen provide, in addition to showcasing the U.S. Air Forces military strength. Permits to cut Christmas trees in Arapaho, Roosevelt National Forests on sale soon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flyovers are conducted at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers as the flights serve as pilot training. Veterans Day is a time to honor the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who have served our country, said U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Couchman, commander, 140th Wing, in a Colorado Air National Guard release. We are honored to conduct these flyovers as they serve as a symbol of gratitude and respect for the veterans in our community, offering a moment of reflection for their selfless service. If the weather does not support the flyovers, they could be canceled. The F-16 Fighting Falcons are scheduled to fly over Loveland, Longmont, Westminster and Lakewood between 11:50 a.m. and noon on Nov. 11. The F-16s will also fly over Scottsbluff, Nebraska, at 11:30 a.m. the same day. F-16 aircraft are flown and maintained by the 140th Wing under Air Combat Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Cyber insurance provider CFC has announced the expansion of its corporate cyber proposition in Europe with the establishment of a team for serving brokers across the continent. With operational European offices in Madrid and Brussels, and additional locations scheduled to open by the year-end, CFC has appointed the Corporate Cyber & Tech EMEA team leader, Ilaria Silvato. Silvato's role will focus on building the European team and driving CFC's corporate cyber business growth in the region. She brings more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry to her new position at CFC. Ilaria transitions from her previous role at Beazley, where she served as the international underwriting manager for cyber risks for four years. Trilingual in Italian, Spanish and English, she will be stationed in Spain but work with European clients to deliver CFC's proactive cyber solutions on a primary basis. In September 2024, CFC opened its first office in Spain. CFC Corporate Cyber Practice leader Andrew Prendergast said: CFCs corporate cyber team have been successfully writing large primary cyber risk for European brokers and their clients from our London headquarters for more than a decade, and our in-house claims team has extensive experience in handling large losses for these corporate clients. Silvato said: The business has blazed a trail in the cyber market and has a reputation for service and innovation that is second to none. Building a European-based team that has a broad appetite across many industry sectors and a willingness to consider distressed risks demonstrates CFCs commitment to serving its European broker partners and their clients. "CFC expands corporate cyber division in Europe " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. A familiar face will represent the majority Black Louisiana district in Louisiana and voters approved an amendment aiming to restore the state's evaporating coast following Tuesday's elections. Here's what you should know. TOPSHOT - Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures at supporters after speaking as he holds hands with former US First Lady Melania Trump during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, early on November 6, 2024. Republican former president Donald Trump closed in on a new term in the White House early November 6, 2024, just needing a handful of electoral votes to defeat Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776231654 ORIG FILE ID: 2182526126 Donald Trump wins presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris Former President Donald Trump secured a second term in office on Tuesday, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris in the race for the White House. Trump defeated Harris by capturing at least 270 of the electoral votes. His return to the White House comes after he was impeached twice, survived two assassination attempts and was convicted of 34 felony counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Donald Trump wins the election in stunning political comeback Democrat Cleo Fields wins Louisiana's new majority Black House seat Democrat Cleo Fields will serve Louisiana's new majority Black 6th Congressional District after securing 51% of the vote on Tuesday night. Fields avoided a runoff between Republican Elbert Guillory, who secured 38%. Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields Incumbent Republican 6th District Congressman Garret Graves didn't seek reelection after the boundaries were altered to create a second majority Black district among Louisiana's six House seats. The new district stretches from Baton Rouge to Acadiana to Alexandria to Shreveport. Fields, who has served in the State Legislature since 2019, served as a member of the House between 1993 and 1997 before the district was revamped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Democrats gain House seat in Louisiana with new majority Black 6th Congressional District Amendment to the Louisiana Constitution will restore the state's disappearing coast An amendment to the state Constitution that will devote future funding to preserve and restore Louisiana's disappearing coast passed with 73%. Amendment No. 1 expands the commitment to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund to add federal money Louisiana receives from offshore wind, solar and other other alternative or renewable energy sources generated in federal Gulf waters off the states coast. Monies would come from federal lease sales, operating fees and other agreements. More: Louisiana voters approve amendment to Constitution aimed at restoring disappearing coast Five Louisiana congressional incumbents will hold their seats Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Republican Congresspersons Clay Higgins and Julia Letlow, and Democratic Congressman Troy Carter will hold their district seats following Tuesday's elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was reelected to the 4th congressional district after winning 86% against Republican challenger Joshua Morott's 14%. If Republicans hold the majority in the House, Johnson will keep his job as House Speaker. Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the crowd at his election party Tuesday evening, November 5, 2024, at the Remington Suite Hotel in Shreveport, Louisiana. More: Speaker Mike Johnson reelected at home in landslide; will he retain top job in House? Scalise, who serves as Louisiana's longest serving member of Congress, secured a ninth term representing the 1st Congressional District after winning 67%. Democrat Mel Manuel followed in second at 24%. He was first elected to Congress in 2008 in a special election and served in the Louisiana Legislature prior in both the House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise wins reelection in Louisiana 1st Congressional District Higgins, Louisiana's 3rd congressional district representative, secured a fifth term with 71%. Democrat Priscilla Gonzales finished in second with 19%. A MAGA supporter, Higgins was a leading critic of Democratic President Joe Biden's handling of the U.S. southern border crisis. More: Clay Higgins secures landslide reelection victory in Louisiana 3rd Congressional District Letlow, Louisiana's only woman in Congress, scored a third term in the 5th Congressional District with 63%. Democrat Michael Vallien, Jr. came in second with 26%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She became the first politician to host an election night party at LSU's Tiger Stadium, which is apart of her newly redrawn district's boundaries. Louisiana U.S. Rep.Julia Letlow, R-Start Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Republican U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow wins reelection as Louisiana's only woman in Congress Carter, who previously served as the state's lone Democrat in Congress, won with 60% percent. Republican challenger Christy Lynch secured 13%. A member of the House Transportation Committee, Carter was among those who crafted the final language in the House on the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Act. More: Democratic New Orleans Rep. Troy Carter wins reelection in 2nd Congressional District Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinsonand on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's what you should know about Tuesday's election results Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, is proposing a constitutional amendment that could lead to more minors being sentenced to adult prisons. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) In a special lawmaking session focused on tax policy, Louisiana lawmakers are also quietly moving legislation that could lead to more underage youth being sent to adult prisons. The Louisiana Senates Judiciary C committee voted 4-1 Thursday in favor of a state constitutional amendment to remove limitations on the number of crimes for which youth under the age of 17 could be sentenced as if they are adults. Senate Bill 2 would allow legislators to craft new laws that expand the courts ability to send minors 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds to adult prisons. The proposal alarms advocates for children, who believe it further erodes protections for youth in the criminal justice system. It also comes on the heels of a new law passed earlier this year that treats all 17-year-olds as adults when it comes to the criminal justice system. The measure took away discretion from district attorneys to put 17-year-olds through the juvenile justice system instead of adult courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Louisiana, 15- and 16-year-olds, and in more restricted circumstances 14-year-olds, can already face adult prison sentences, though only for limited crimes. These include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery, a second or subsequent burglary of an inhabited dwelling and a second or subsequent violation of some drug crimes. The constitutional amendment, proposed by Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, would strike that specific list from a juvenile justice provision in the constitution. Instead, she wants to insert language allowing a minor to be charged like an adult for any crime as long as lawmakers pass new laws to do so. Any of those new laws would face a higher threshold for approval than most statutes a two-thirds majority of both legislative chambers, not just a simple majority before they could take effect. The amendment on its own also faces some hurdles before it can be enacted. Two-thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives have to vote in favor of it. Voters then have to approve it through a statewide election, which would either be scheduled for late March or November of 2025. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Wednesdays hearing, Cloud characterized her amendment as a minor adjustment that is not going to change the law. Advocates for children and incarcerated people strongly disagreed with that sentiment. Its a real profound social failure when we have to give up on kids, said Michael Cahoon, speaking on behalf of the Promise of Justice Initiative advocacy organization, which opposes the legislation. Gov. Jeff Landry supports the amendment, but his staff and Cloud were vague Thursday about the new types of crime they might want to use to transfer minors to adult court. At the hearing, Cloud initially mentioned concerns that minors couldnt currently be charged as adults with carjacking but later told her colleagues to avoid focusing on carjacking as the reason to support the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Walters, who handles criminal justice policy for the governor, told legislators that the current constitutional restrictions make it difficult to punish teenagers appropriately for drive-by shootings, arson and assaults that take place at state juvenile justice facilities. Yet Kristen Rome, executive director for the Louisiana Center for Childrens Rights, said district attorneys who want to transfer teenagers to adult courts for the crimes Walters and Cloud listed at the hearing can already do so. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For example, younger teens who carry out carjackings can be charged with armed robbery as if they are adults under the current constitutional restrictions, Rome said. Youth who participate in drive-by shootings can already be charged with the adult version of murder or attempted murder, she explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terry Landry Jr., a lobbyist with the Southern Poverty Law Center, urged legislators to hold off on moving the constitutional change until more was known about the effects of automatically transferring 17-year-olds to the adult criminal system. That recently-passed law had also been pitched as a way to grapple with violent acts committed by out-of-control youth. But Landry Jr., who is not related to the governor, cited a recent article by ProPublica and Verite News that showed nearly 70% of 17-year-olds arrested as if they were adults under the new law in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson and Orleans parishes were accused of nonviolent crimes. Louisiana sheriffs are already struggling to accommodate 17-year-olds moved from juvenile courts into the adult system earlier this year. While Louisiana state law may consider a 17-year-old an adult for criminal justice purposes, the federal government does not. In order to comply with federal law, sheriffs have to keep anyone under age 18 separate from adult detainees and provide them with educational services. Sheriffs have complained they dont have the space in their jails or resources to meet these federal requirements. A few are spending money to house the 17-year-olds at a special facility in Jackson Parish in order to not run afoul of federal or state mandates. Its not clear how local law enforcement feels about Clouds proposal. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and Louisiana Sheriffs Association did not testify or attend Wednesdays hearing on Clouds bill. As two of the more powerful lobbying groups at the Capitol, they typically weigh in on criminal justice proposals that directly affect their respective memberships. Despite its uncertainty, Clouds bill gained approval from the Senate committee that Republicans dominate. Democrats make up about a third of the Louisiana Senate but account for only one of the seven senators on the Judiciary C committee. Sen. Regina Barrow, of Baton Rouge, is the committees only Democrat and was the lone no vote against Clouds legislation. She expressed concern over the law and order approach to disciplining youth. I do not believe kids are born bad. I just dont, she said. Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow is one of two legislators suing the state ethics board over the hiring process used to pick a new state ethics administrator. (Pool Photo/Gerald Herbert via AP) Two state senators have filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana Board of Ethics seeking to temporarily halt the hiring process of the boards most prominent employee. Their court action comes weeks ahead of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry gaining more influence over the makeup of the board that investigates alleged violations of state campaign finance laws and ethical conflicts of public officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, and Sen. Stewart Cathey Jr., R-Monroe, have asked the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish to grant a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to keep the ethics board from selecting a new ethics administrator or interviewing more candidates for the job before the end of the year. The senators want to stall that hiring process until at least January, when the governor and legislative leaders will gain more control of the board. Ethics board members interviewed four candidates this week to replace current administrator Kathleen Allen and appeared to be on track to hire her successor by the end of the year. Allen announced in September she was stepping down from the job at the end of 2024. No ones interest will be harmed, and the interests of the Plaintiffs and the public will be greatly enhanced, if the Board of Ethics is enjoined for a short period of time to enable the Board of Ethics, stake holders, and the watchful public to give more deliberate consideration to this important decision, Gray Sexton, an attorney representing Barrow and Cathey, said in the lawsuit. Sexton also served as the state ethics administrator for 46 years prior to starting his law practice. Barrow and Cathey could not be reached immediately for comment. At its meeting Friday, the ethics board voted unanimously to go into a private session to discuss the litigation and mostly tried to avoid talking about the allegations during the public meeting. The lawsuit is just the latest episode in an escalating standoff between the ethics board, Landry and legislators. It comes two days after state Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, asked Attorney General Liz Murrill to investigate the board for violating government transparency laws during the ethics administrator hiring process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the concerns raised in Barrow and Catheys lawsuits are similar to those outlined by Beaullieu in his letter to the attorney general earlier this week. In the lawsuit, Barrow and Cathey argue the ethics administrator opening should have been advertised for a longer period of time. Applications for the job were only accepted for 10 days, from Oct. 15-25. Two of the four applicants considered qualified for the job already work for the ethics board. Arguably, the Board may have met the minimum timeline requirements to advertise the position, but in a manner that did not allow or encourage the involvement of the public, Sexton wrote in the lawsuit. The short duration of the post and the lack of notice hindered the process as reflected in the low number of applicants, he said. The Board received only four applicants for this high-level, competitively paid, classified civil service position. The lawsuit also alleges the ethics board violated government transparency laws. Sexton said the board did not take a public vote at its September meeting before it went into a private session to discuss personnel matters, which could have included the hiring of a new ethics administrator. It also did not explain why a private discussion out of the public eye was warranted. Sexton also said the boards private discussion about a request to delay the administrator hiring process from Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, violated the states open meetings law, which requires government bodies to discuss most matters publicly in the name of transparency, he said. At the public portion of the ethics boards meeting Friday, these particular allegations briefly discussed between staff and the board members. Allen confirmed the board had discussed Henrys request in private session at the boards October meeting. She said the board was unable to act on Henrys letter in the public portion of the meeting because it didnt have enough members to reach a quorum to take up new business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say the board did comply with the open meetings law not only with the Sept. 5 meeting but also with the Oct. 25th meeting, she told the board. Landry, in general, has had a fraught relationship with the ethics board for years. Prior to becoming governor, the board reprimanded him multiple times for violating ethics and campaign finance laws. In the most high-profile incident, the board charged Landry last year with failing to disclose flights he took to Hawaii on a political donors private plane for his job as attorney general. The board and Landry are still in private negotiations over what his penalties for that violation should be. Legislators have also started criticizing the ethics board over the last month for being abusive and aggressive in their investigations of potential law violations. The board has been cracking down on the activities of political action committees run by legislators. Shortly after becoming governor, Landry pushed lawmakers to pass the new law that expands the ethics boards membership from 11 to 15 members in 2025. The law also requires seven of the positions to be filled quickly with appointees from Landry and legislative leaders in January. Currently, most of the board is made up of people appointed by former Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, and Republican state lawmakers who are no longer in office. Unlike the former governors and legislative leaders, Landry and current lawmakers in charge will also get to pick their appointees to the board directly because of the new law approved this year. Previous governors and legislators could only pick their ethics board appointees from lists of people recommended by Louisianas private college and university leaders. The arrangement, which has been eliminated, was supposed to help insulate the board from political pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarification: This story originally said Kathleen Allen succeeded Gray Sexton as the states ethics administrator. Two other people held the position between Sexton and Allen. This is a developing story and this article may be updated. Louisiana voters approved an amendment to the state Constitution Tuesday that will dedicate future funding to preserve and restore the state's disappearing coast. The amendment overwhelming passed with 73%. Amendment No. 1 expands the dedication to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund to add federal money Louisiana receives from offshore wind, solar and other alternative or renewable energy sources generated in federal Gulf waters off the states coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such money could come from federal lease sales, operating fees and other agreements. Currently, that money flows into the state general fund, where it can be spent in any manner chosen by the Louisiana Legislature. A small amount goes to the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. Now any federal money Louisiana receives from alternative energy production offshore will be dedicated to the states Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund, where it can only be used on projects aimed at safeguarding the coastal area. Louisiana doesnt have enough money to pay for its coastal restoration and protection master plan. Most of the settlement and recovery dollars from the BP oil spill will be spent by the end of 2031. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters have now approved 217 amendments to their Louisiana Constitution during the past 50 years. That's compared to 27 amendments (including the original 10 in the Bill of Rights) in the U.S. Constitution over more than 200 years. More: Louisiana breaks early voting record with Republicans dominating Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. (This story has been updated with new information.) This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's how Louisiana voters changed the state Constitution Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday declared private school voucher legislation his number one issue for the legislative session beginning in January and called on Gov. Greg Abbott to declare it an emergency item. School choice is my top policy priority, Patrick said in a statement. Thirty-two states, both Republican and Democrat, have enacted some form of school choice legislation. There is absolutely no reason why Texas children and parents should be left behind. Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate and exerts considerable influence over the legislative process, has reserved Senate Bill 2 for the yet-to-be-authored proposal, emphasizing the importance hes placing on the measure. Senate Bill 1, he said, will be the state budget, the only bill the Legislature is legally required to pass every session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texans across the political spectrum agree that parents must have options to choose the school that best fits the needs of their child to ensure their success, Patrick added. Voters have spoken clearly during the primary and general elections; the time for school choice in Texas is long overdue. School choice is a term frequently used to describe school vouchers, programs that use taxpayer money to help pay for students private schooling. During last years session, supporters pushed for a voucher-like program called education savings accounts, which would give public funds directly to families who opt out of the states public education system so they can pay for private school tuition and other education-related expenses. Patrick called on Abbott to declare school vouchers an emergency item to allow lawmakers to get a head start on pushing the bill through the Legislature. By law, the Legislature cannot pass any bills within the first 60 days of the session unless the governor has deemed them emergency items. If Gov. Abbott names school choice an emergency item, the Senate will take up and pass school choice in the early weeks of session, instead of having to wait 60 days until March, Patrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott has made school vouchers his top priority in the last two years and went to war with fellow Republicans in the House who joined Democrats to block school voucher legislation last session. He successfully ousted many of them and replaced them with Republicans who support the idea of using public funds to pay for education at private schools. Abbott now believes he has 79 hardcore school choice proponents, more than the simple majority required to pass a bill in the 150-member chamber. Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Patrick also had pointed words for the Texas House, which has repeatedly blocked school voucher bills in the last decade. Those efforts often have been spearheaded by Democrats, who largely oppose the use of public funds to pay for private school educations, and rural Republicans, who say the diversion of funds would harm their public schools, which are some of their districts top employers. Since 2015, the Senate has passed school choice five times, Patrick wrote. It died in a Republican-controlled House each time. That is unacceptable and inexcusable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Embattled House Speaker Dade Phelan, a fellow Republican, has been criticized by the right wing of his party including Patrick for not pushing harder for school vouchers. A group of 47 GOP House lawmakers and elected candidates have signed on to support a different Republican, Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, for House speaker, partly in response to the failure to pass school vouchers. Since last years session, Phelan has revamped his senior management team and tried to make amends with Abbott, who supported him in the general election. Phelan has indicated an openness to school voucher legislation but has not provided details about what kind of bill he would back. Phelans office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Patricks announcement Friday puts added pressure on Abbott and Phelan to expedite the passage of school voucher legislation. It also adds another wrinkle to Phelans ongoing battle to keep the speakers gavel. AUSTIN (KXAN) A special education teacher at Bee Cave Elementary School was arrested and charged with an injury to a 6-year-old, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Court records identified that teacher as Rasid Khan Mohagheghian, 42. He was arrested on Wednesday and was released Thursday, court records show. An attorney was not listed for him at the time this article was published. We will update this if that changes. Rasid Khan Mohagheghian, 42 (Austin Police Department Photo) On Oct. 29, a Lake Travis Independent School District police officer was informed of the assault, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LTISD officer watched video and heard audio from inside the classroom, where Mohagheghian was seen walking into the classroom with the student by his arm, according to an affidavit. He then threw the student onto the floor. When the student stood up, Mohagheghian shoved a classroom table toward the student, who had to jump out of the way to not get hit, court records said. Mohagheghian then called the student the devil and was also heard saying, you need to go to church, nobody likes you. He then sat in a chair by the classroom door, and when the student approached him, he grabbed the student by their upper left chest forcefully resulting in a palm strike bruise as well as fingernail marks, according to the affidavit. The student also had a torn shirt. According to a letter sent to Bee Cave Elementary families from Superintendent of Schools Paul Norton, Mohagheghian was placed on administrative leave during the investigation conducted by LTISD police and the school districts human resources department. Norton said in the letter that Mohagheghian would not be returning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While student confidentiality and the ongoing personnel investigation prevent me from providing you with more details, please know that the alleged behavior is completely unacceptable and does not align with the Districts values or our standards for professional, compassionate teaching. We remain committed to maintaining the highest level of care and oversight to ensure that every member of our LTISD family treats our students with respect and nurtures their well-being, Norton said in the letter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Just days after Massachusetts voted to do away with MCAS-based requirements for high school graduation, new guidance was shared by the state outlining what this change will soon look like. 2024 Massachusetts election: Voting results for 5 ballot measures The Associated Press reports roughly 59% of the state voted Yes on Ballot Question 2 Tuesday. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education claims the earliest we could see this requirement change in some districts could be as early as December 5th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to superintendents and district leaders, the DESE explained, As of the date the new law takes effect, students who have not yet earned the CD would be eligible to do so through satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the students district. Guidance on certification will be forthcoming. They added, Students who have already achieved the qualifying MCAS scores in math, ELA, and science by the effective date have earned their CD and are eligible to earn a high school diploma provided they meet their local graduation requirements. The letter claims students scheduled to take the exam in November can meet graduation requirements through MCAS. The Massachusetts Teachers Association campaigned in favor of the ballot question for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were thrilled it passed, said Max Page, president of the MTA. Districts will certify that students have met our high state standards. Page says districts will now oversee the certification of students based on statewide curriculum standards provided by the state. He asked, How do we assess those? We do them with educators in classrooms, with grades, with tests, with labs, with research papers, class participation. Parents outside Dedham Middle School were split about the new norm in Massachusetts. I think it gave us an advantage, said Nate, a father of a 6th grader. Theres no easy way to track performance. A lot of its localized. What constitutes strong performance in one school district differs from what you see in another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others were thrilled to hear about the ballot results. I dont think its fair for kids that might have some learning issues, said Ruth Mederios, a mother of two Dedham Middle School students. They get assessments all the time from their teachers. Thats what should be saying whether or not they can graduate. The DESE claims the state will be issuing certification guidance to districts in the near future. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Shortly after the major party nominating conventions wrapped up, The New York Times Nicholas Kristof wrote a column that generated a fair amount of conversation. In it, the longtime center-left observer offered some guidance to Democratic officials and candidates about the partys messaging. Its difficult, Kristof wrote, to win votes from people youre disparaging. The column went on to note, Since the Obama presidency, Democrats have increasingly become the party of the educated, and the upshot has often been a whiff of condescension toward working-class voters. This came to mind again this week, when David Axelrod, a prominent Democratic consultant and veteran of Barack Obamas team, offered a similar post-election assessment to The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party has become a metropolitan, college-educated party. And even though it retains its commitment to working people, it approaches them sometimes in a spirit of a missionary that were here to help you become more like us, Axelrod said. Implied in that is disdain. I dont think its intended, but its felt. And I think Trump has exploited that. My point is not to disparage Kristof or Axelrod, the latter of whom has far more experience than I do in steering a successful national campaign. Whats more, its entirely possible that these assessments have a degree of merit. As the dust settles on the 2024 election cycle, the parties begin to examine the data in earnest, and new rounds of public-opinion research get underway, perhaps the evidence will suggest that this helps explain the scope and scale of Republican victories. But I have a couple of concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, these assessments raise tricky practical questions. Democrats are being encouraged to champion the interests of working people or more to the point, to continue championing the interests of working people but to do so without a whiff of condescension or implied disdain. How does that work in the real world? How, specifically, is the party supposed to execute such a pitch? I honestly havent the foggiest idea. By all appearances, Democratic senators such as Ohios Sherrod Brown and Montanas Jon Tester spent years proving themselves to local voters as authentic and effective guardians of working-class communities and their interests. Their constituents fired them anyway, rewarding their hard work with a pink slip. Second, its worth appreciating the degree to which Donald Trump has fundamentally rejected this kind of advice and paid no price whatsoever. From Black voters to Latino voters, from Jewish voters to Muslim voters, from women voters to union voters, Trump hasnt just shown implied disdain, hes shown outright, overt, unsubtle and deliberate contempt. His entire political career is rooted in racism, misogyny, Islamophobia and bigotry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, the available data suggests the Republican made gains in some cases, significant gains with the same constituencies that hes denigrated for years. All of which brings us back to what Kristof wrote in late August: Its difficult to win votes from people youre disparaging. Doesnt Trump help prove the opposite? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * In Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate race, Republican Dave McCormick has already declared victory, but as The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, he has also filed a pair of lawsuits challenging 15,000 to 20,000 provisional ballots that city elections officials were set to consider counting this morning. (NBC News has not yet called this race.) * Weve known for a few days that Donald Trump appeared on track to win Nevada, and NBC News has now called the race in the state. Its the first time in 20 years that Nevada has backed the Republican ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * In one of the nations most closely watched U.S. House races, Democrat Eugene Vindman has won a highly competitive congressional race in Virginia. Vindman is perhaps best known to national audiences for his role in Trumps first impeachment scandal. * Speaking of closely watched U.S. House races, Republican Rep. Scott Perry managed to hang on in Pennsylvania, despite his right-wing record. * On Capitol Hill, the race to replace Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell remains competitive, and newly re-elected Sen. Rick Scott of Florida is hoping Trump will intervene on his behalf. * In related news, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott has officially launched his bid to chair the National Republican Senatorial Committee in the next Congress. At least for now, Scott has no rivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * And while Democrats suffered important losses in Pennsylvania this year, it also appears that the party has managed to hang on to a narrow majority in the state House. The Republican majority in the state Senate, however, remains intact. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Special counsel Jack Smiths Republican critics appear to have reason to celebrate. The Justice Department has a longstanding policy that says a sitting president cant be prosecuted, which means that Smiths cases against Donald Trump will soon effectively evaporate, regardless of merit, seriousness or the overwhelming weight of the evidence. To the profound disappointment of those hoping to see the president-elect held liable for his many alleged felonies, the end is suddenly in sight. In his latest court filing, Smith asked U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance. The jurist quickly granted the request, pausing the process and giving prosecutors time to wind down their cases. At that point, Smith and his team will no longer be of interest to Republicans, right? In theory, that might seem true. In practice, however, theres fresh evidence to the contrary. Two key House GOP committee chairs have issued a new press release that begins: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Chairman of the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, sent a letter to Special Counsel Jack Smith demanding his office preserve all records surrounding the Biden-Harris Administrations politicized prosecutions of President Donald Trump. According to the letter sent to the special counsel, the far-right congressmen expressed concern that, in light of Trumps decisive victory, Smith and his office may attempt to purge relevant records, communications, and documents. The effort coincides with a tweet from conspiratorial billionaire Elon Musk, who amplified the Jordan-Loudermilk correspondence, adding, Jack Smiths abuse of the justice system cannot go unpunished. To the extent that reality still has any meaning, there is literally zero evidence the Biden administration politicized prosecutions; there is literally zero evidence to suggest Smith abused the system; and theres no reason whatsoever to think the special counsels office might try to purge anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the partisan investigation into the investigation will apparently continue anyway. If that sounds at all familiar, its not your imagination. As regular readers might recall, the Republicans investigate the investigation tactic is used so often that its something of a running joke. The GOP found the investigation into Trumps Russia scandal to be bothersome, so Republicans investigated the investigation. The party didnt care that Hillary Clinton was cleared in her email controversy, so Republicans endorsed investigating the investigation. Much of the party opposed the bipartisan examination of the Jan. 6 attack, so Republicans investigated the investigation. Why stop there? Jordan and his cohorts were outraged by Trumps indictment in New York, so they launched an investigation into the investigation. GOP officials expressed concerns about Hunter Bidens case, so the party investigated the investigation. When Trump was indicted in Georgia, Jordan lets all say it together kicked off an investigation into the investigation. At least Smith has plenty of good company. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Mark Paoletta is probably not widely known to most Americans, but in the nations capital, especially in Republican legal circles, hes a well-known figure. In fact, over the last decade or so, Paoletta served as legal counsel to then-Vice President Mike Pence, general counsel to the Office of Management and Budget in the first Trump administration, and even represented Ginni Thomas. This week, the GOP lawyer took on a new role, helping oversee Donald Trumps plans for the Justice Department during the pre-inauguration transition. That wouldnt be especially notable were it not for the fact that Paoletta also published an online statement this week arguing that Trump will have the right to dictate who gets investigated by federal law enforcement and perhaps even who gets indicted. Politico reported: He has the duty to supervise DOJ, including, if necessary, on specific cases, Paoletta wrote on X. Our system does not permit an unaccountable agency. As Chief Justice Roberts held in U.S. v. Trump, the constitution vests the entirety of the executive power in the President. Paoletta noted that in 1984 President Ronald Reagan shut down a grand jury antitrust investigation into British airlines and in 1992 President George H.W. Bush urged the Justice Department to intensify its investigation into the Los Angeles police officers involved in beating motorist Rodney King. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the same missive, the lawyer wrote that Democrats went after Trump solely to punish him because he was a political opponent a claim that continues to have no basis in reality. But does Paoletta have a point about presidential authority? As always, context matters. Politicos report noted that the examples he included were rare exceptions since the 1970s, when targeting of political opponents by President Richard Nixon and revelations of FBI abuses of the civil liberties of civil rights activists led to policies that sought to wall off the White House from civil and criminal enforcement actions overseen by the Justice Department. Since President Jimmy Carter, officials from every administration including Trumps first one have issued memos limiting such contacts. Evidently, theres fresh reason to believe that the post-Watergate firewalls built to prevent undue political influence over prosecutorial decision-making will face new challenges beginning in the new year, which is not good news for those concerned about the future of the rule of law. To hear Paoletta tell it, however, theres no cause for alarm. President Trump will not use the DOJ for political purposes, that is to go after individuals simply because they are political opponents, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That might be more reassuring were it not for the overwhelming evidence that Trump repeatedly tried to use the Justice Department for political purposes targeting individuals simply because they were political opponents throughout his first term. Indeed, as recently as 2020 nearly four years after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton the then-president publicly called for the Democrats incarceration and lobbied the Justice Department to prosecute his former opponent for reasons unknown. Around the same time, Trump publicly called on federal prosecutors to charge Joe Biden his electoral challenger at the time accusing him of undefined crimes. Thankfully those efforts failed, but the fact that Trump made the effort is what matters. This wasnt kept secret. It happened out in the open. We all saw it play out. Its odd that Paoletta apparently missed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the bigger picture, New York magazines Jon Chait concluded: A major theme of the conservative rationale for giving Trump power is that he would be restrained by normal Republicans. But now the normal Republicans are saying that, when it comes to his most dangerous power, they cannot and will not restrain him. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The idea behind an electoral mandate is pretty straightforward: Presidential candidates present voters with a series of ideas they want to pursue in office, and if they win, they claim that they have the nations support for that agenda. To stand in their way, the argument goes, is to reject the will of the American electorate. With this in mind, Donald Trump said in the run-up to Election Day 2024 that he wanted a mandate, and as the results came in, the Republican claimed to have one. NBC News reported early Wednesday morning: Trump, claiming victory, said America gave him an unprecedented mandate. ... America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate. We have taken back control of the Senate. Wow, thats great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets note at the outset that Republicans interest in presidential candidates and electoral mandates is, at best, selective. In 2008, Barack Obama won roughly 53% of the popular vote and 365 electoral votes. Were GOP officials on Capitol Hill willing to grudgingly concede that the Democrat had earned a mandate? No, they were not. Four years later, when Obama became only the sixth president in American history to top 51% of the popular vote twice, did Republicans acknowledge the then-presidents mandate? Again, no. In 2020, when Joe Biden won the popular vote by a fairly wide margin and ended up with the strongest support of any presidential challenger since FDR, did his opponents on the right respectfully recognize his mandate? Take a wild guess. If youre thinking that, under GOP rules, only GOP presidents mandates matter, youre not alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lets put recent history aside and consider the core question of whether Trump has a legitimate claim to a popular mandate because theres ample room for skepticism. First, the president-elect might have a stronger case to make if hed presented voters with a detailed governing blueprint, but he did not. Trump peddled some vague, bumper stickerstyle talking points, but the post-policy president became a post-policy candidate, indifferent to the substance of governing. Its difficult, in other words, to credibly claim a mandate for a set of proposals that, for the most part, didnt exist in a meaningful way. Second, Trumps policy priorities (to the extent that they existed) werent especially popular. Its fair to say the GOP candidate prevailed despite his ideas, not because of them. Third, the idea that Trumps mandate is unprecedented is demonstrably silly. Did he win? Yes. Did he win by historically enormous margins? Not even close. He might eke out a narrow popular-vote win, but plenty of other presidents fared far better. Whats more, hell probably finish with 312 electoral votes, which will rank 41st on the presidential history list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just so were all clear, my point is not to argue that Trumps win is somehow illegitimate. He won fair and square, as Democratic leaders have been quick to acknowledge. I believe the electorate made a horrible mistake, but that doesnt change the legitimacy of the outcome. But if the president-elect and his allies are going to argue that his win was such a historic landslide that policymakers have no choice but to yield to his will because hes the true voice of the nation that is not an argument worth taking seriously. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The race for the White House is settled: Donald Trump won a second term. The race for control of the U.S. Senate is also settled: Though we dont yet know exactly how big the Republicans majority will be, the party has already secured enough seats to take back the chamber. And then theres the U.S. House where the picture isnt yet clear. As I type, according to NBC News latest tally, Republicans have won 211 seats, while Democrats have won 200. A majority is 218 seats, which means that Democrats will need to prevail in at least 18 of the remaining 24 contests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is that possible? Yes. Is it likely? Not really. Either way, as NBC News Sahil Kapur summarized, the race for control of the chamber is headed for a photo finish. But lets say for the sake of conversation that Democrats fall a little short of their goal, and the current GOP majority hangs on. PunchBowl News summary of the landscape emphasized an important point: [I]f Republicans do hold onto power and it seems like they will Speaker Mike Johnson will again be forced to govern with a paper-thin majority. Most top Republicans and Democrats say the GOP will end up with between 218 and 221 House seats. Its even possible that they end up with 218 seats on the nose. This will once again make it extraordinarily difficult for Johnson to do almost everything, ranging from passing a House rules package, to clearing a budget resolution, to passing the complicated tax-cut extension that President-elect Donald Trump is so eager to sign into law. Quite right. We know what happens when this House GOP conference tries to govern with a tiny margin in the House because thats precisely what weve seen for the last two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And by any fair measure, the past two years have been a humiliating failure for House Republicans, not just because of their misguided priorities and right-wing extremists, but because the GOP advantage in the chamber is so small that the party has struggled to complete even the most basic legislative tasks. Republicans havent even been able to pass some of their own bills, which House Democrats were powerless to stop. Earlier this year, a Punchbowl News report concluded, This is the most chaotic, inefficient and ineffective majority weve seen in decades covering Congress. In the months that followed, conditions deteriorated further. To be sure, Republicans would welcome this problem, because the alternative is being in the minority. Whats more, the broader dynamic might be a little different in the next Congress because of Trump barking orders from the White House, rather than Mar-a-Lago. But the bottom line remains the same: The House GOP has spent two years mired in a shambolic mess of its own making. The next two years might very well offer more of the same. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (left) and his Republican challenger, Maine Rep. Austin Theriault. (Campaign photos) Although U.S. Rep. Jared Golden already gave his victory speech, the race for Maines 2nd Congressional District is not final. Because there was an unofficial write-in candidate, in addition to Golden and Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault, the race used ranked-choice voting. Since no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, there will need to be ranked-choice tabulations, according to a Thursday night news release from the Maine Department of the Secretary of State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theriault, who is trailing Golden by half a percentage point or roughly 2,200 votes, has also said he will seek a recount, which will occur after next weeks ranked-choice tabulations, according to the release. We were significantly outspent, but the closeness of our race against a three-term incumbent is a testament to your hard work and commitment to improving our country, Theriault wrote on social media. Maines 2nd Congressional District is among the outstanding races that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans already claimed victory in securing the U.S. Senate, and have flipped several Democratic districts red. Complete control of Congress would give president-elect Donald Trump a significant boost in enacting his sweeping agenda. Trump won Maines 2nd District with 53.2% of the vote, though Democratic nominee Kamala Harris clinched the 1st District and statewide vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden had 48.65% of the vote and Theriault had 48.11%, according to data the department said it received from municipalities. The unofficial write-in candidate, Diana Merenda, received 420 first-choice votes, which is one-tenth of a percentage point. Another 12,600 ballots left their first choice blank. For the ballots that listed Merenda first or left their first choice blank, the tabulation will look to second-choice votes to award to Theriault or Golden. Merenda launched her long-shot campaign in protest of the two candidates support for Israel in its ongoing war on Gaza. Both the recount and the ranked-choice tabulations are open to the public. Tabulations will take place in Augusta and streamed on the departments YouTube page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldens campaign released a statement late Thursday saying the congressman agrees to the recount, but would rather do that than incur the delays and expenses of a ranked-choice run-off. The campaign also said that Golden had more than 50% of first-choice votes on Tuesday when clerks reported returns, so a run-off shouldnt be necessary. Voters have a right to see elections decided both accurately and expediently, the statement said. Maine law does not require recounts, but they can be requested. In very close races 1% or less of the apparent margin of victory they can be requested without a candidate needing to pay a deposit. During that process, representatives for each candidate along with department staff will manually review each paper ballot. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Dmytro Marchenko, Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who led the defence of Mykolaiv in 2022, has announced his retirement from service for health reasons. Source: Marchenko on Facebook Quote: "As a result, leaving the service was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I am undergoing the necessary treatment. After all, even the unbreakable occasionally require a little patching up to keep them afloat. After all, military duty always involves a sacrifice of one's health. And without prompt recuperation, everything can be rendered useless." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Marchenko thanked everyone who supported and assisted in the fight: residents of Mykolaiv and Kherson, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, security officers, medics, businessmen, local authorities and ordinary citizens who stood shoulder to shoulder and defeated the Russians in February-March 2022. "I thank every Ukrainian soldier and officer for defeating the enemy together, ignoring fatigue, any forecasts and analytics," he said. Background: In late July 2022, it was revealed that Marchenko, who had been in charge of Mykolaivs defence until April, had returned to Mykolaiv Oblast to execute chores. Marchenko stated in the media that Ukraine intends to liberate Kherson and terminate the active phase of the conflict by the end of 2022. The Ministry of Defence said that the military should not discuss the Armed Forces' plans, and journalists should not ask about them. In August 2022, Marchenko said in an interview with RBC Ukraine that Ukraine will liberate Crimea by military means and the destruction of the Crimean Bridge is a necessary measure for this. Support UP or become our patron! TOPEKA (KSNT) Work crews will be reconstructing a major intersection in Topeka starting next week with the project scheduled to last into next year. Robert Bidwell with the City of Topeka said in a press release that workers will arrive at Southwest Sixth Avenue and MacVicar Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to reconstruct the intersection. This work will be done in phases so traffic can continue to use the intersection with some reductions to turning movements. Bidwell said during the first phase of this project, work will be centered in the northeast part of the intersection. Drivers on Sixth Avenue will only be able to use one lane in each direction in the eastbound lanes. The following movements at the intersection will be impacted by this project: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eastbound traffic on Sixth Avenue will not be allowed to turn left onto northbound MacVicar Avenue. Westbound traffic on Sixth Avenue will not be allowed to turn right onto northbound MacVicar Avenue. Northbound traffic on MacVicar Avenue will not be allowed to travel north across Sixth Avenue. Southbound traffic on MacVicar Avenue will not be allowed to turn left onto eastbound Sixth Avenue. I-70 closed again due to snow at Colorado border in western Kansas (Photo Courtesy/City of Topeka) Bidwell reminds drivers that it is illegal to cut through private property to get around a work zone. Drivers are urged to follow the traffic plan or find other routes to avoid this intersection while the project is ongoing. Workers are scheduled to finish the first phase by Dec. 2. The entire project is set to be finished in the spring of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka woman to hold grand opening for new clothes store For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. ORLANDO, Fla. Abortion rights advocates want to take their fight back to the Florida Legislature armed with a new talking point: Their cause got about as much support from Florida voters as President-elect Donald Trump did. But the appeal is unlikely to persuade a Republican supermajority whose members were mostly lockstep against Amendment 4. That assessment disheartening though it may be to advocates rests firmly on an Election Day conundrum: The same electorate that voted 57% in favor of a ballot initiative to protect abortion access also returned to Tallahassee a Legislature nearly identical to the one that approved the six-week abortion ban the initiative sought to overturn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the people who got elected voted for the bill that we passed, said incoming state Senator Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, who served in the House before winning election to the Senate. They supported it then. I dont know why they wouldnt support it now. Supporters of Amendment 4 insist Florida is on their side, with a vote falling just shy of the 60% needed to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Amendment 4 won about the same percentage of the vote as Trump, who fetched 56% in what the Florida GOP called a historic win and the biggest margin of victory for a president in Florida in nearly four decades. Because more people voted in Floridas presidential race than on the abortion measure, Trump got slightly more votes about 41,600 than Amendment 4. The people have spoken and have sent a clear mandate to the Legislature: repeal Floridas extreme ban, said Lauren Brenzel, Yes on 4s campaign director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But incoming Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, a powerful figure in the Legislature, said hedoesnt see a need to revisit the issue. I believe that every life was created by God, and every human being is valuable, said Albritton, who represents a swath of Floridas rural heartland from Polk to Lee counties. My constituents in District 27 share that view. They expect me to bring their voices to Tallahassee. Two other GOP state lawmakers voiced similar sentiments, though some Trump voters backed the abortion rights amendment. One of those was Jasmine Ortiz, a store manager who lives in Orange County. She voted for Trump but also for Amendment 4, convinced the government shouldnt limit abortion access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is our body. It is our right, said Ortiz after voting at an east Orange precinct Tuesday. But Floridas red wave showed voters approve of the job their elected representatives are doing, Fine said. Republicans retained their supermajority in the state Legislature and fended off Democratic challengers who made abortion a top issue. In 2023, the Florida House voted overwhelmingly 70-40 in favor of the six-week abortion ban. The Florida Senate approved it in a 26-13 vote. The ban includes exceptions for the life and health of the pregnant woman. It also allows exceptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks, if a woman provides a police report or other documentation. Amendment 4 would have protected abortion until viability, usually considered about 24 weeks of pregnancy, or when deemed necessary by a patients health care provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida was one of 10 states with abortion measures up for election on Tuesday. The ballot measures were an effort to protect abortion rights in states where, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, leaders had imposed strict restrictions on the procedure. In Florida, incoming House Speaker Daniel Perez another powerful figure in the Legislature joined Albritton last year in voting for the six-week ban. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law and waged an all-out campaign to defeat Amendment 4, with his administration blitzing the airwaves with state-funded ad campaign targeting it. A DeSantis spokesman and Perez did not return emails this week seeking comment about the abortion rights vote. A majority of Floridians 56% supported another controversial ballot initiative that would have legalized recreational marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That issue, too, faces a tough path in the Legislature, despite the measure getting Trumps endorsement. Albritton, who plays a big role in setting the Legislatures agenda, said he is opposed to recreational pot. Past legalization bills have failed to even get a hearing in the conservative Legislature. DeSantis would likely veto attempts to change abortion laws or legalize marijuana Amendment 3 on the ballot even if they did somehow pass the Legislature, Fine said. State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, said he doesnt think Tuesdays results on the abortion and pot amendments are an accurate reflection of public sentiment. Supporters massively outspent opponents on television advertising, and he thinks some voters didnt get all the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think the Legislature is going to move on this, said Ingoglia, a former chairman of the Florida GOP who also voted for the six-week ban. It is going to be status quo. From the data I have seen, the polling I have seen, the more people knew about the intent and the language, the more they rejected it. Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book vowed she would keep fighting, highlighting that Floridians of all political parties wanted abortion protections. The support weve built together will be the foundation of the work ahead, she said. We are the majority. Floridians Protecting Freedom, the group backing Amendment 4, raised more than $110 million to get it on the ballot and advertise it to voters far outspending their opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some voters, abortion rights was their key issue on Election Day, although the economy and the state of democracy topped it in nationwide exit polling. I just dont want the government to tell me what to do with my body, so I am here, said Katie Coyle, a University of Central Florida student who supported Vice President Kamala Harris. Although some Republicans supported Amendment 4, evangelicals and other anti-abortion voters remain a key part of the GOPs coalition. About 70% of voters identifying as Republican opposed the abortion measure, according to exit polling. Jason Tatum, a student at Full Sail University who supported Trump, said he voted against Amendment 4 because of his religious and moral views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the moment the egg is fertilized, theres already a life being developed in there, and so I just thought that was the right choice, Tatum said. Democratic efforts on abortion will be two-pronged when lawmakers return for their 60-day session in March, said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, who supported Amendment 4. Theyll push for a repeal of the six-week ban while also playing defense to try to stop any further restrictions on abortion. Were not dealing with a moderate body of lawmakers, she said. These are very extreme individuals. The cards are absolutely stacked against us. The only thing we have is the will of the voters on our side. Abortion rights advocates are tired, but they arent giving up, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is such a painful commentary on womens rights in general, Eskamani said. A majority agree with us, but we still lose. ------- University of Central Florida student journalists Keily Alfonzo, Maci Castillo and Cassidy Mills contributed to this report. ------- KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A Malaysian court on Friday ordered former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to pay more than $300,000 to another politician in a defamation case, adding to the opposition leader's legal troubles. Muhyiddin, who was premier for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, is also charged with sedition for allegedly insulting a former king and is accused of corruption and money laundering in separate cases. He denies wrongdoing. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Muhyiddin to pay 1.35 million ringgit ($308,078) in damages for defamatory remarks against former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in a series of Facebook posts in March 2023, news agency Bernama reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court also ordered Muhyiddin to retract the statements and issued an injunction preventing him from repeating the claims. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Muhyiddin said he would appeal and would remove the postings from his social media accounts in compliance with the court order. Lim on Friday said he was grateful for the ruling as the claims against him were false and baseless, local media reported. Muhyiddin had said that when Lim was minister from 2018 to 2020 he had revoked a tax exemption for a charitable organisation. Lim sued Muhyiddin for what he said amounted to an accusation that he had abused his position. ($1 = 4.3820 ringgit) (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Martin Petty) (Reuters) - Shares of CNH Industrial fell more than 10% premarket on Friday, after the farm and construction equipment maker missed third-quarter profit estimates and cut its 2024 profit forecast due to weak demand and reduced dealer inventory requirements. The company trimmed its annual adjusted profit view to the range of $1.05 to $1.15 per share from $1.30 to $1.40 expected earlier, lowering the forecast for the third consecutive quarter. CNH expects annual sales at its agriculture segment to be down between 22% and 23% from a year earlier, compared with a prior view of down 15% to 20%. A record crop harvest has kept grain inventories elevated and pressured crop prices, which, coupled with higher input costs, has prompted farmers to delay their equipment purchasing decisions. This delay, in turn, has forced dealers to moderate their product restocking, causing equipment makers such as CNH Industrial to reduce production. However, the Basildon, UK-based company's quarterly revenue, though down 22.3% at $4.65 billion from a year ago, beat analysts' average estimate of $4.58 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Persisting weakness in farm incomes around the world has dented the demand for new equipment in most global markets. Sales for CNH's tractors declined 12% in South America during the third quarter, while falling 20% in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Its combine sales fell 32% and 50% in the two regions, respectively. CNH, which is known for its New Holland brand of farm equipment, posted an adjusted third-quarter profit of 24 cents per share that fell short of the estimates of 27 cents. Peer AGCO on Tuesday also provided its full-year profit and revenue forecasts below estimates, hurt by weak demand across regions as lower farm income persists for crop producers. (Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) Fueled by offshore winds, the Mountain Fire is wreaking havoc on Malibu and Ventura counties, home to some of Southern Californias most revered surf zones. Although the fire mainly and currently is engulfing the hills behind Oxnard, it is, as of publish time, only 5% contained. According to Cal Fire: The fire has spread rapidly due to high winds and long-range spotting. The multiple spots out in front of the fire, with reported distances of up to 2 miles, have made suppression efforts difficult. The fire is burning in areas of steep, rugged terrain, with dry and receptive fuels, which have challenged containment efforts. The north side of the fire is actively backing down the slope, into the wind. The Santa Ana wind event will be ending this evening which will bring concerns for further fire growth to the north and east due to the return to onshore flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cause of the fire is currently under investigation; the area impacted is 20,585 acres. The sky turned a surreal orange color at Mandalay Beach on Wednesday as smoke from the uncontained California Mountain Fire engulfed the horizon. pic.twitter.com/Ky1WbzuQwS AccuWeather (@accuweather) November 7, 2024 Apocalyptic, scenes, such as from the movie Dune, were witnessedThe Mountain Fire continues to scorch in Southern California, right near revered surf spots in the coastal areas. See above. Per The Los Angeles Times: "The fire had grown to more than 20,400 acres by Thursday evening, forcing thousands to evacuate and straining local resources. It swept into foothill communities around Camarillo and Moorpark, pushed westward by offshore winds that the National Weather Service deemed particularly dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shooting embers from the fire sparked new blazes up to 2 miles ahead of the main fire line, officials said. Containment was at 5% as of 6 p.m. Early Thursday, officials issued additional evacuation orders for residents in the Santa Paula area, just north of the Santa Clara River. They warned that more than 30,000 people live in the potential path of the fire and needed to be prepared for further warnings or orders as strong winds remained a concern Now, as previously mentioned, the Mountain Fire remains away from the coast, and the surf-heavy regions of Oxnard, Ventura, and Malibu. But also, previously mentioned, the fire is but 5% contained and still raging. Thoughts and prayers go out to the homeowners, the evacuees, the firefighters, and everyone affected by this tragedy. More to come. Related: Maui Wildfires: One Year Later, Heres How You Can Help UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) An 84-year-old man was attacked in Manhattan on Thursday, according to the NYPD. It happened around 4 p.m. along Park Avenue on the Upper East Side. The man was walking when the suspect walked up to him, police said. More Local News The suspect is accused of hitting the man on the side of his head and shoulder. They fled westbound on East 63rd Street toward Madison Avenue, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Facebook livestream of a physical attack from earlier this week left an Arizona Department of Child Safety employee in the hospital and a Scottsdale father in jail. De'Andre Terrell Johnson, 32, is facing charges of suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault of a judicial officer, aggravated assault with physical injury and unlawful flight from pursuing law enforcement vehicle, charging documents show. Johnson was meeting on Tuesday with a DCS caseworker in the lobby of a building in the area of South Alma School Road and West Southern Avenue in Mesa, court documents said. At the end of their discussion, Johnson put the caseworker in a chokehold and used his cellphone to livestream the 2-minute assault on Facebook, charging documents said. Here's what we know about the case. What happened during the livestream? The livestream video shows the caseworker quickly staring at the phone as the attack suspect brings him to the floor. The incident came to a halt sometime before police arrived after they received multiple calls about an attack, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You's a dead man," Johnson is heard saying and then later adds, "You still breathing?" according to court documents. The charging documents describe the caseworker during the attack as having his eyes bulging, drooling and his arm muscles tensing. On Thursday, a Republic reporter saw a uniformed man sitting at a reception desk at the building where the attack took place. Neither the building's property manager nor the property management company that oversees the high rise responded to The Republic about whether a security guard was present during the attack. How is the caseworker doing? The victim's injuries were "absolutely serious, he almost died," a doctor told police, court documents said.The caseworker was taken to the hospital, from which he has since been released, DCS told The Arizona Republic on Wednesday. What led to the incident? An Oct. 31 video posted by an account with a username matching Johnson, shows who appears to be the attacker in the livestream walking into a school. The man questions school employees after his 9-year-old daughter told him she didnt want to return to school following an interview by a DCS employee in a private room. After school staff said they could not explain the DCS employees actions, Johnson called the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with an officer, Johnson asked, How would you feel if somebody took your daughter in a room, a man took your daughter in a room? The officer informed him that he would need to contact DCS directly to get more information about the interview. Johnson said that he would understand a wellness check if his daughter had clear signs of harm, like bruises, and that no parent would fault those actions in those circumstances and ended the video. In a short video posted a few days before the attack, Johnson shouted that he was upset about the entire situation. When he eventually posted the video of the attack, he captioned it, I found the man. The Republic was not able to immediately verify that it was the same man. What protections does DCS have for its employees? DCS did not immediately address questions regarding its policies on parental consent and procedures for interviewing minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child safety agency told The Republic there were no security personnel with the caseworker due in part to cost-cutting efforts. "The Department is committed to keeping our staff safe as they carry out this essential work, and we are conducting a comprehensive review of this incident in an effort to prevent it from happening again," read an email from DCS spokesman Darren DaRonco. In response to a question on the matter of personnel safety, DaRonco told The Republic he would review if there have been any other attacks or threats made to agency employees this year. Where is Johnson now? Johnson was apprehended within a few hours in Scottsdale after he led police on a chase following an attempted traffic stop by detectives from Mesa, charging documents noted. Johnson is being held at a Maricopa County jail on a $500,000 bond, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate, unrelated case, Maricopa County jurors in 2017 found Johnson guilty of aggravated assault with temporary but substantial disfigurement. What is state government saying about the incident? Gov. Katie Hobbs' office on Thursday released a statement describing the incident as "cruel and unacceptable." "As a social worker, Gov. Hobbs knows that the work DCS employees do is extremely challenging and often thankless. But it should not be dangerous," read the statement from Hobbs' spokesperson, Christian Slater. "Gov. Hobbs is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all DCS workers as they help vulnerable children and their families navigate difficult circumstances. The safety of these workers is absolutely essential to our mission to strengthen families and help children thrive." This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's what to know about Facebook livestream DCS caseworker attack A man is facing charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on a man who was confronting him about texting his teen daughter. Charges were filed against Barry Jacob Murray, 29, of Butler this week. Court documents said Murray was texting a 16-year-old girl on Facebook in August. The father of the girl went to Murrays house on West Brady Street to confront him. The father later reported the situation to the police and showed them a video of the confrontation. The video shows the father exiting his vehicle and meeting Murray on the sidewalk. The camera never rises above the waist and music is playing in the background which makes it hard to hear the conversation but police said they could hear what sounded like a handgun being racked but it is never seen in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video also shows the father picking a 9mm bullet up from the ground and leaving the area. The report said the father picked up the bullet after it was ejected when the gun was racked. Murray faces a terroristic threat charge. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW DENVER (KDVR) A 35-year-old man is accused of attempting to murder a Kittredge resident with a hatchet on Wednesday, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office reported Thursday. The incident began at about 8:45 p.m. when deputies received a 911 call from a resident in the area about a man, later identified as 35-year-old Bradley Lindsey, who was walking down the street. Lindsey allegedly told the person to call the police if they heard gunshots, and continued to a home in the 3400 block of Burnham Drive. Denver police officer arrested in insurance fraud case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor was alarmed by the comment, and called 911 immediately, the Jeffco agency said. Deputies arrived and found Lindsey covered in blood and a 61-year-old male victim in need of medical attention. Lindsey was taken into custody at the scene, and the initial investigation points to Lindsey attacking the 61-year-old with a hatchet, according to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Investigators spoke with the homeowner, a 74-year-old man, who said he didnt know Lindsey. However, the 61-year-old victim was a tenant in the home and the homeowner was in the process of legally evicting the victim. The homeowner told officers that Lindsey knocked on the door and had a conversation with the homeowner, who let him inside the residence. During the discussion, Lindsey reportedly made comments about taking care of the victim. Investigators did not say if Lindsey was armed when he arrived at the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was transported to a hospital with serious injuries but has been treated and released. Lindsey was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on suspicion of attempted first-degree homicide. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) After three expensive license plate recognition (LPR) units were destroyed in as many months, Putnam County deputies arrested a 21-year-old man who admitted to running over one of the cameras. Eighteen cameras are positioned throughout Putnam County to help law enforcement identify license plates and vehicles that belong to wanted people. Body camera footage shows the interaction between members of the Putnam County Sheriffs Office and the suspect, Matthew Helm, at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 5 after a $6,000 LPR camera nearby was destroyed earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had a camera that was run over right at the end of your roadSomebody told us it was you and your white Jeep, a deputy told Helm. The 21-year-old admitted he ran over the unit near his house. He claimed it was an accident, but law enforcement didnt buy that story. Putnam County police chief indicted on theft, forgery charges Helm: I aint going to lie to you. We hit the sign last night. Deputy: Why? Helm: We was driving around. [To] be honest, I didnt see it. Deputy: You didnt see it? Helm: No. Deputy: Thats like the fourth time its been hit, and it dont look like it was ran over and continued on. It looks like somebody just pulled up to it, hit it, and just pushed it overSo how fast was you going? Helm: Not too fast because I was coming around here, taking my buddy to go home. Deputy: You wasnt just driving around with your buddy and decided you dont like police having cameras in places and just run it over? Helm: No, sir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welfare check leads to drug bust in Putnam County The LPRs are off the road. Theyre required to be off the road so far in a certain area, Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said. Farris reported the LPRs are positioned strategically in safe locations approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), keeping them away from traffic. According to Farris, the same LPR unit near Helms home was destroyed twice before, in July and September: We kept noticing this one particular LPR kept getting ran over. The sheriff said the camera was destroyed in a way that investigators knew was not accidental. A vehicle would slowly pull up to the pole, from the back side of the camera, and then use a large bumper or push bar to knock it over before backing away without being detected by the camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to catch the culprit, authorities laid a trap by positioning a spike strip in a safe manner around the LPR camera. Meanwhile, investigators developed intel that Helm could be their vandalism suspect. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Then, after the pole was destroyed for the third time on Tuesday, deputies went to Helms home. When law enforcement checked Helms Jeep which had a push bar on the front they discovered his tire was not only flat, but it was also full of the detachable prongs from the spike strip. Farris told News 2 that Helm is a suspect in the other two crimes, as well as Tuesdays vandalism: We do believe hes probably most likely responsible for the other two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helm was charged with multiple offenses, including vandalism and leaving the scene of an accident. According to inmate records from the sheriffs office, he was released Tuesday afternoon on an $11,500 bond. Helm is due in court on Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Farris said the damage to the three LPR systems cost more than $10,000. The motive for the crimes is still under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A man was arrested earlier this month after police said he robbed two separate Georgia banks while wearing a wig and sunglasses. On Nov. 1, Newnan police responded to an Ameris Bank on Newnan Crossing Boulevard in reference to a robbery by a man in disguise. A short time later, officers put a BOLO on the suspects car and located it in Roanoke, Alabama. A man named Mack Carr was detained and evidence showed he was involved in the Newnan robbery and another bank robbery at Synovus Bank in LaGrange on Oct. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carr wore a wig, sunglasses, a surgical mask, and gloves in both robberies. He also gave the bank teller a note and an envelope from his pocket in both robberies. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police also said that on Oct. 31. Carr walked into a PNC Bank in LaGrange, wearing similar attire but before giving the note to the teller, he left the bank. Carr remains in Randolph County, Alabama while awaits extradition, according to LaGrange police. He is being charged with one count of robbery of the Synovus Bank and one count of criminal attempt at the PNC Bank. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A man indicted on a first-degree murder charged in connection to a 1985 murder appeared in court on Friday, November 8. In his two-minute long arraignment in a Blount County courtroom, Roger Oody was assigned a public defender. His next hearing is scheduled for December 9. Deadly shooting investigation underway in East Knoxville The Maryville Police Department announced on Nov. 6 that Oody had been arrested on charges related to the January 1985 death of Billy Wayne Hearon, who was found dead in a residence at the 27 Shady Acres Trailer Park in Maryville. Hearon suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly shooting investigation underway in East Knoxville Oody is currently serving time with the Tennessee Department of Correction for a separate homicide that occurred in Monroe County in 1987. During the hearing, he was also ordered to remain in Blount Countys custody until the next court day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A York County man charged in a Thursday standoff threatened to kill anyone who wasnt related to him, police said in charging documents. According to the charges filed by State Police in York, Brian Price, 43, of East Berlin, said I will kill anyone thats not related to me, while pointing the gun at the woman inside a home in Washington Township. Mugshot of Brian Price After learning from a school staff member about the incident, Troopers went to the home. The victim told State Police that she and Price got into an argument that eventually led to him getting a gun and threatening her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A perimeter was then set up around the home, and Price eventually came out after a couple of hours. He was then taken into custody. Due to Prices past criminal history, he is not legally allowed to own a firearm. State Police say he pled guilty to a drug charge in 2012. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week Price faces charges of possession of a firearm, terroristic threats and simple assault Price is locked up in York County Prison, and his bail has been denied. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A man who crashed into and killed a Rockford bicyclist while under the influence of drugs has been found guilty of reckless homicide and DUI. At a bench trial on Friday, a Winnebago County Judge found Todd Norton, 54, guilty of driving under the influence around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30th, 2023, when he crashed his pickup truck into a telephone pole, pinning 43-year-old cyclist, Bernard Sawtelle, beneath it. The crash happened in the 800 block of Brooke Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sawtelle was extricated from under the truck and taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries, police said. Norton was found not guilty of the charge of First Degree Murder, but was convicted on charges of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI causing death. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. The cryptocurrency industry, once an afterthought for policymakers, is poised to have more power in Washington than ever before. The return of President-elect Donald Trump and a potential GOP Congress are delivering a dream-come-true scenario for crypto executives and investors who spent more than $130 million on the 2024 elections. Trumps second term is expected to usher in the first expressly pro-crypto administration after he courted digital asset enthusiasts during the campaign and vowed to enact an array of industry-friendly changes. On Capitol Hill, crypto allies will likely be elevated to key committee leadership posts. This is massive," Digital Chamber President Cody Carbone said. "We now have the most crypto-friendly Congress and administration coming into Washington that weve ever had. Taken together, it all but ensures that Washington will soon overhaul an array of financial regulations in ways that align with the crypto industry's biggest asks. And Republicans may go even further, with once-unimaginable ideas like a "strategic bitcoin reserve" not sounding so far-fetched in the new political world unleashed this week. What happened [Tueday] night was a watershed moment for crypto, said Paul Grewal, chief legal officer of crypto giant Coinbase, which was the top contributor to the industrys super PAC group. The industrys wish list includes legislation that would carve out a bespoke path to legitimacy among regulators who have for much of crypto's existence put a strong emphasis on reining in its potential risks to consumers and the financial system. The top target would be limiting the reach of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which in the Biden era has cracked down on the industry. Trump has vowed to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who is cryptos top foe in the nations capital, and said he will enact new regulations that will be written by people who love crypto. Some proposals go even further. Trump pledged to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the online illegal drug marketplace Silk Road, which used bitcoin for transactions. And Trump and other Republicans have endorsed differing plans to have the federal government stockpile bitcoin, despite skepticism from economists and some GOP lawmakers. The spending by industry-funded super PACs helped elect a wave of lawmakers who have signaled support for cryptos policy goals. They include at least six new pro-crypto senators and more than a dozen crypto-friendly House members, ranging from progressive Democrats to Trump-aligned Republicans. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Officials in Summit County are investigating after they said a 29-year-old man was shot to death in a parking lot. The shooting took place shortly before 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. Man shot during Facebook Marketplace sale: Police According to police, officers responded to a one-car crash at S. Main Street and W. Miller Ave. Thursday night. Officers found a 29-year-old man in the car with a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the victim was shot nearby and crashed on S. Main Street. Police say he died at the hospital. Racist slavery texts sent to students in Ohio, US The victim was identified as Jamar E. Franklin, of Akron, according the medical examiners office. Police say they found the suspect vehicle but have not identified any suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330- 375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- The Youngstown Police Department is investigating a fatal South Side shooting Friday morning that has been ruled a homicide. Read next: Earthquake confirmed on the Kentucky/Ohio border Officers were called to the 2200 block of Montclair Avenue just before 2:30 a.m. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WKBN Breaking News Police said that a 37-year-old man died on the scene after officers and EMTs tried to perform life-saving measures on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, police said no one was in custody. Police said witnesses are being interviewed. Detectives were using metal detectors at the scene to find shell casings. We believe there may be some people that have information about what happened here tonight maybe they were on the street or in the area. Anything someone may have seen or heard could be an important piece of information, so if they could help us out, we appreciate all help getting whoever is responsible for this off the streets as quickly as possible, said Youngstown Police Captain Jason Simon. Joe Gorman contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has identified a Tennessee man killed Friday morning after a single-vehicle, rollover wreck. Officials were called to a wreck on Walker Lane in Hazel Green just after 10:50 a.m. Friday. Don Webster with HEMSI said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Madison Superintendent: Communication protocols not followed in Liberty Middle gun incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALEA identified the man as Richard L. Taylor, 41, of Kelso, Tennessee. The agency said Taylor was fatally injured when the 2018 Jeep Wrangler he was driving left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant and fence and then overturned. ALEA said no further information is available at this time as it continues to investigate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Man with lengthy criminal history arrested for breaking into Norman home while OU students were sleeping inside NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) A man accused of breaking into a home where five female OU students were asleep and entering one of their bedrooms, previously faced charges for armed robbery, kidnapping and first-degree murder. Norman police arrested 33-year-old Raymond Hickman Wednesday after they say he broke into a home shared by five female OU undergraduate students just before 1 a.m., and entered one of their bedrooms. Man accused of robbing convenience store clerk, stealing vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest affidavit obtained by News 4 says Hickman told police he broke-in to the house because he wanted to ask the girls to help him. It did not specify what Hickman allegedly wanted them to help him with. Norman police say after Hickman entered the home through a broken window, he made his way into a bedroom where one of the women was sleeping, then quickly ran out of the house. A short time later, Norman police say officers found Hickman walking a nearby street, and arrested him. In the arrest affidavit, officers said Hickman, spoke of auditory and visual hallucinations, allegedly telling officers he thought he was being attacked by dogs while sitting alone in their squad car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they searched his backpack, officers say they found a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illicit drugs inside. Oklahoma state court records show Hickman has been in and out of jail at least 10 times since 2013. He was most recently behind bars in October, while facing drug charges in Cleveland County. Records show he was released from jail there less than two weeks before he allegedly broke into the OU students house. Former OCDC detention officer arrested for theft facing additional charges News 4 reported in 2019 when Hickman was accused of robbing an Oklahoma City gas station clerk at gunpoint, before allegedly stealing someones car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury found him guilty of armed robbery in 2020. A judge sentenced him to five years in jail, but he ended up getting released in February 2024, nearly a year before the end of his sentence. In 2018, Hickman was arrested and charged with kidnapping and robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, but records show the charges were dismissed because a witness failed to testify in court. Hickman faced a first-degree murder charge in 2017 when Oklahoma City police accused Hickman of breaking into a home, shooting and killing a woman inside. It was two men, came in, told us to give them their money, the womans roommate, who survived the shooting, told News 4 in 2017. And we didnt have none and she got shot. It could have been me. It could have been me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office charged Hickman with first degree murder, robbery and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. When the case went to trial, a jury found him not guilty on all three counts. Oklahoma Department of Corrections records show, since 2013, Hickman has been convicted of at least nine different crimes that landed him either on probation, or with a prison sentence. Four of those cases resulted in five-year prison sentences. Hickman served three of those five-year sentences concurrently and was released in 2022 after spending less than two years behind bars. In the fourth case, the 2019 armed robbery conviction, records show he was released from prison in 2024 after serving four years of his five year sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) 60-year-old Leon Siess of Sioux Falls is in the Minnehaha County Jail Thursday night, accused of rape, sexual contact with a child and human trafficking. He is held on a $100,000 cash-only bond; court documents say he committed the crimes between 2009 and 2022 and began when the victim was 10 years old. Sioux Falls Police Department spokesperson Sam Clemens says it appears that multiple people sexually assaulted the young victim. Dan Santella: Why the human trafficking charge? So as part of the investigation, we learned that the suspect took the victim out of state, and then there was some sexual contact that happened with other people as well, Clemens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crash on I-90 leaves 1 dead, another seriously injured Clemens says the alleged victim in this case is safe and communicating with law enforcement. We will get some different reports about possible human trafficking, but to have a charge with human trafficking, thats pretty rare, Clemens said. Sometimes it may be involved with pimping or prostitution. Obviously thats not the case in this instance. Human trafficking is happening here within our communities, said Becky Rasmussen, president and CEO of Call to Freedom, which supports people impacted by human trafficking. It is our obligation as a community to get educated, to better identify victims when theyre vulnerable in these situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rasmussen says movies depicting trafficking are one thing, but reality is another matter. She says different people have an opportunity to help prevent these horrors from happening. That individual trusts that other person, Rasmussen said about the Siess case. They were introduced to this lifestyle by somebody they trusted. Theyre not going to self-identify as a human trafficking victim. It takes our systems and those that are in medical communities, law enforcement, within child protection services to really be trained to better identify these cases. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) A man was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to a 2023 shooting in an Asheville Sams Club. 27-year-old Tristin Bryce Joyner was sentenced to two to three-and-a-half years in prison after he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. An investigation was initiated February 17, 2023. The Asheville Police Department responded to the shooting at the Sams Club on Patton Avenue. Investigators learned that two men were arguing which led to a fight. During the fight, it was reported that Joyner pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the hip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter fled from the store after the shooting. Due to the seriousness of the injuries to the victim and the risk to the public presented by the shooting, NC law officials argued that Joyner should receive an active prison term. Joyner was sentenced to the maximum range term of imprisonment for an offender with no prior criminal history according to officials. He was also ordered to pay $34,116.65 to the victim in restitution. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. ELKHORN A former college wrestler has pleaded not guilty to fatally shooting his champion gymnast girlfriend during a fight at his Whitewater apartment in August. Chad T. Richards didn't speak during his brief arraignment on Friday before Walworth County Court Commissioner Peter M. Navis. He entered his plea through his attorney Gibson D. Hatch, of Middleton. He will return to court Jan. 23 for a status conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Suspect makes court appearance in shooting death of UW-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh Kara Welsh, University of WisconsinWhitewater gymnast. Police arrested Richards, 23, in connection with the brutal killing of Kara Welsh, a 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student and national gymnastics champion. Welsh was 21 and entering her senior year at the university, when she was found dead Aug. 30 at an off-campus apartment building, police said. Richards, a former UW-Whitewater wrestler from Loves Park, Illinois, was arrested Aug. 31. In a criminal complaint, Dr. Brian Peterson, of the Walworth County Medical Examiner's Office, determined Welsh had eight gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives have promoted the theory, based on the evidence, the shooter stood over Welsh and fired as she was curled on the floor in a fetal position. The crime shocked many in Whitewater, a college town of 15,000 residents, many of whom either attended the local university or have some kind of tie to it. The case has been assigned to Judge Estee Scholtz, a 2009 University of Wisconsin Law School graduate who was former corporation counsel for Walworth County after previously serving as a prosecutor in that county from 2013-2015. Scholtz also was a prosecutor in Milwaukee County from 2010-2013. More: What we know and don't know about the fatal shooting of champion gymnast Kara Welsh Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have filed several motions in the case in recent weeks, including an Oct. 25 request that the defense turn over a list of witnesses whom Richards intends to call at trial, as well as any report or statements from experts made in connection with the case. They also asked for results of any physical or mental examinations, scientific testing and experiments that Richards intends to use at trial. Those items are to be turned over 30 days before the trial or earlier. A GoFundMe has been created to support Welshs family parents Tom and Nancy and sister Kaeli with funeral expenses. The goal was $40,000. As of Friday afternoon, $53,080 had been raised. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/honor-kara-welsh-support-her-loved-ones. UW-Whitewater Warhawk Athletics said "our hearts are broken" after Kara Welsh, a gymnastics national champion, was shot and killed before classes started. A 23-year-old suspect remains in custody. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man pleads not guilty in death of UW-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh A 31-year-old Massachusetts man has been arrested after a random and unprovoked stabbing attack on a teenage girl as she stood with her mother at a Dollar Tree store, police said. The attack took place at approximately 12:38 p.m. on Thursday when police officers from the Barnstable Police Department were dispatched to a Dollar Tree store in Hyannis, Massachusetts, to a report of a stabbing, according to a statement from the Barnstable Police Department on Thursday. MORE: Israeli soccer fans involved in 'violent incident' in Amsterdam: Officials Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to witnesses, 31-year-old Nikolas Rescigno of Hyannis, Massachusetts, reportedly approached the juvenile female from behind in the foyer of the store and without warning stabbed her in the lower backside as she stood next to her mother, authorities said. Rescigno is unknown to the victim and this attack appears to be random and unprovoked, the Barnstable Police Department said. Also, according to the witnesses, Rescigno stayed on scene in the foyer staring at the victim and eventually dropped the knife upon request from a bystander. MORE: Bank manager sentenced for using position to steal over $200,000 directly from customer PHOTO: A 31-year-old Massachusetts man has been arrested after a random and unprovoked stabbing attack on a teenage girl as she stood with her mother at a Dollar Tree store, police said. (Facebook / Barnstable Police Department) MORE: Murder suspect arrested last second at airport departure gates in attempt to flee to El Salvador Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnstable Police Officers were able to take Rescigno into custody without further incident. The unnamed teenage victim was transported to a local hospital by Barnstable Fire Department Rescue personnel and is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Rescigno was booked and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with serious bodily injury and an additional outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court from another incident involving a knife at the Cape Cod Mall in May 2023. MORE: 24-year-old man punches election judge in the face while waiting in line to vote: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bail for Rescigno was set by the bail magistrate at $5000 and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court on Friday. The investigation into the attack is currently ongoing. Man randomly stabs teenage girl in Dollar Tree as she stood with her mother: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who was shot in Boardman and later charged entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge in his case on Thursday. Nathan Fair, 41, received a sentence of 12 months of reporting probation, and he was ordered to pay fines and court costs after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted criminal damaging. The menacing by stalking charge against him was dismissed, according to court records. Fairs jail sentence was suspended, but he was ordered to stay away from the victim and her home, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fair was charged after an investigation of a shooting on Oakridge Drive on Oct. 11. According to a police report, Fair identified the shooter as Edwin Garcia, the current boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, but an investigation of the incident led to charges against both men. The report states that Fair told investigators he was at the home of his girlfriend and that they had argued over breaking up when Garcia shot him in the leg and left in a vehicle before officers arrived. Police tried to view surveillance video of the incident but discovered that there were no recordings and that the cables to the camera at the home had been cut. Officers then found a pair of wirecutters, a screwdriver, a container of motor oil, and a funnel under a vehicle parked in the driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairs ex-girlfriend told police that Fair had previously slashed her tires and had been stalking her so she got a protection order against him, the report stated. Police said Fair had not been served a copy of the protection order so it was not active. She told police that she and Garcia were inside when they noticed someone in the driveway behind Garcias vehicle. Garcia went outside to check, and Fair jumped out from behind the car, she told police. She said Fair started yelling at them, and that is when Garcia fired a shot at Fair and then drove away, according to the report. Police found Garcia at a home in Youngstown, and Garcia agreed to speak with police that day. When questioned about what had happened at the home, police said Fair denied damaging vehicles but he said, I think I did that when asked about cutting a wire for the security cameras. He then told the officer that he was going there to do some dumb s**t, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fair also told police that he parked his vehicle at an unknown apartment complex and walked about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the womans home. Garcia, who is facing a felonious assault charge for his part in the incident, is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Madeline Kingsbury, 26, was found dead in a heavily wooded area in June 2023, a little over a month after the mother of two's disappearance Madeline Kingsbury/ Go fund me, Winona County Detention Center via AP Madeline Kingsbury; Adam Fravel Madeline Kingsbury; Adam Fravel The ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury, who said the Minnesota mother of two would end up like Gabby Petito prior to her being found dead in 2023, has been convicted of murdering her, authorities said. Adam Fravel, 30, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder on Thursday, Nov. 7 in connection with the death of 26-year-old Kingsbury, according to reports from KSTP, KARE 11 and The Minnesota Star Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict came 10 hours after a jury began deliberations following a month-long trial, the Star Tribune reports. According to the outlet, Fravel faces life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17. Related: Slain Minn. Womans Ex Indicted on Murder Charges After Allegedly Saying She'd '[End] Up Like Gabby Petito' Kingsbury went missing under suspicious circumstances on the morning of March 31, 2023, after dropping the pair's two children off at daycare, PEOPLE previously reported. At the time, Fravel denied any involvement in her disappearance. In a statement to ABC News, he said, I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely. I want that more than anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kingsbury's remains were later found on June 7 in a heavily wooded area off Highway 43 near Mabel, Minn., in Fillmore County. Fravel was arrested that same day "on probable cause" and charged two days later, authorities said. Related: Ex-Boyfriend of Missing Minn. Mom of 2 Charged with Second-Degree Murder After Her Body Was Found According to a criminal complaint, Kingsbury was found near a rural property owned by Fravel's parents. Her body was wrapped in "a gray fitted bed sheet" that came from her and Fravel's home. KARE 11 reports that a medical examiner testified during the trial that Kingsbury likely died of asphyxia, referencing a towel that was wrapped around her neck and covered half of her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint said that Fravel told police he and Kingsbury were newly separated and in the process of moving out of the Winona home they shared with their children after seven years of an on-and-off relationship. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Madeline Kingsbury Related: Missing Minn. Mom of 2 Planned to Move Out of Home She Shared with Her Ex When She Disappeared, Family Says In interviews with police, Fravel referenced another prominent case of a missing woman Gabby Petito, per the complaint. "Fravel admitted being 'infatuated' with the Gabby Petito case. Fravel also admitted that he had made a statement to Madeline about her ending up like Gabby Petito, the complaint alleged, referencing the 22-year-old Petito, who was strangled to death by her fiance Brian Laundrie in August 2021. Fravel claimed he was trying to make a joke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 3 Years After Gabby Petito's Death, Mom Says 'There's Never Going to Be Closure' (Exclusive) Friends and family who testified in court referenced an instance of domestic abuse in September 2021 when Fravel put his hand around Kingsburys neck and pushed her, the Star Tribune reports. The defense argued there was no history of abuse and no indications of struggle at the crime scene, KTSP reports. Fravels attorney, Zachery Bauer, said he was disappointed in the outcome, referring to the verdict, per the outlet. 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. Kingsburys loved ones spoke in court, with her father saying after the verdict that Its a pyrrhic victory, according to the Star Tribune. Were not going to get Madeline back. Fravel cant be punished enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims brother, Steven, added, At the end of the day, you have to trust the process. The truth kind of rises to the top and the evidence, it always comes out, per KTSP. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Cross-border payments platform dLocal has forged an alliance with Viva Aerobus, a Mexican ultra-low-cost airline. This partnership aims to simplify local payment processing for travellers in Mexico, the USA, and Colombia. The collaboration comes at a time when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects Latin America's passenger traffic to grow by over 5% annually for the next two decades. Viva Aerobus payments and fraud prevention head Francisco Melendez said: Partnering with dLocal allows us to simplify payments for our customers, ensuring they can easily book flights with their preferred payment methods, no matter where they are located. This collaboration not only improves the booking experience but also positions us for future growth in emerging markets. Viva Aerobus will integrate dLocal's payment solutions to enhance booking conversion rates, offering customers the convenience of using their preferred payment methods. This move is expected to simplify the booking experience and allow the airline to concentrate on its primary operations. Additionally, the airline will gain valuable insights from transaction data and analytics to further refine its payment strategies during expansion. dLocal Americas SVP head Justo Benetti said: By enabling flexible, localised payment solutions, were helping Viva Aerobus reach new markets and offer passengers a smooth, secure booking process. At dLocal we're becoming the payment partner of choice for Airlines across emerging markets, a space that for years was very limited, with only a few players that understood the industry and how to serve them. We are happy to be leading the way of innovation. dLocal's offerings include card processing without the need for additional providers and advanced features like instalments, Smart Routing, and Network Tokenisation. Its "One dLocal" concept, encompassing a single direct API, platform, and contract, enables international companies to handle payments and settlements globally. Last month, dLocal partnered with USI Money to improve payment services in Asia and Africa. "dLocal, Viva Aerobus partner to ease payments for travellers" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trumps promise to deport 11 million migrants in the U.S. illegally has more than a few obstacles, according to a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director. The first is staffing and funding from Congress, according to John Sandweg, who worked in the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama. Trump is going to need a lot more ICE agents. Thats going to require a lot of appropriations from Congress, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what a Trump presidency could mean for Social Security The administration would also need a massive number of detention beds, something Sandweg told NewsNation is far easier said than done. The main thing, according to Sandweg, is the state of the existing U.S. immigration system. There are backlogs in the immigration courts. The Supreme Court has said that migrants are entitled to due process before theyre deported, said Sandweg. That means Trump is going to have to find a way to bypass those immigration courts. I think during the campaign, just in all candor, I dont think they had a clear road map for how theyre going to kind of overcome those challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. President-elect Trumps promise to deport 11 million migrants in the U.S. illegally has more than a few obstacles, according to a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director. The first is staffing and funding from Congress, according to John Sandweg, who worked under the Obama administration. Trump is going to need a lot more ICE agents, he told NewsNation in an interview. Thats going to require a lot of appropriations from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration would also need a massive number of detention beds, something Sandweg said is far easier said than done. The main thing, according to the former ICE official, is the state of the existing U.S. immigration system. There are backlogs in the immigration courts. The Supreme Court has said that migrants are entitled to due process before theyre deported, Sandweg said. That means Trump is going to have to find a way to bypass those immigration courts. I think during the campaign, just in all candor, I dont think they had a clear road map for how theyre going to kind of overcome those challenges, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the campaign cycle, Trump has touted a Day 1 agenda that oftentimes focused on border and immigration crackdowns, saying at nearly every rally, On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history. When asked about the finances of his plan during an interview with NBC News, Trump insisted that there is no price tag. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The bust, made by French sculptor Edme Bouchardon in 1728, was found propping open a shed door in 1998 SWNS The 'Bouchardon Bust' The 'Bouchardon Bust' A marble sculpture bought for $6 and used as a doorstep could be about to make a fortune. The bust, made by French sculptor Edme Bouchardon, could make over $3 million at auction after a local government department in Scotland proposed putting it up for sale, According to Highland Council, who the sculpture is now in the care of, the bust was bought for 5 ($6) in 1930, more than 200 years after it was made. It was lost for years before it was found propping open a shed door by a local councilwoman in a Highlands industrial park in 1998. per the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "A few people have joked, 'You should have taken it home when you saw it,' " Maxine Smith, who found the item, told the BBC in October 2023. Highland Council said the sculpture of Highland landowner Sir John Gordon was purchased by Invergordon Town Council because he was believed to be the founder of the town. According to the council, earlier this year, the artwork was valued in excess of $3 million. Related: 'Dragon-Forged' Throne from Game of Thrones Sells for $1.49M at Auction in Dallas SWNS The 'Bouchardon Bust' The 'Bouchardon Bust' Related: Freddie Mercurys Personal Items Sell for $50.4M at Auction Including $189,000 for Tiffany Moustache Comb Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bust was supposed to be put on display after it was found, but as the value of sculptures by Bouchardon has increased significantly since then, it has instead been kept in storage due to the associated security risks. In January, Highland Council announced its intention to sell the bust and asked the communitys thoughts on the proposal, stating that any proceeds would help finance the Invergordon Common Good Fund, which is used for projects that benefit local communities. 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. Highland Council told PEOPLE they received approval to sell the art piece on Thursday, Nov. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after the BBC reported that the council had been offered more than $3 million for the bust by a private overseas buyer in October 2023 amid previous arguments over who owned the sculpture and art historians saying it should be saved for Scotland. The bust was previously displayed in The Louvre in Paris and at The Getty Museum in Los Angeles. A heated race is underway for one of the most coveted positions in President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio appears to be on the shortlist. Rubio has made it known to Trump and his inner circle that he is interested in joining the president-elects cabinet, sources say, adding that secretary of state is perhaps the most natural fit for the senator. One person close to Trump noted the process is still playing out and that his newly named White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, a veteran Florida Republican operative, will likely play a crucial role in filling out cabinet appointments. The position is highly competitive, with other top allies of the former and future president including former U.S. ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell, former National Security Adviser Robert OBrien and Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee jostling for the role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grenell has expressed confidence to allies that he is Trumps top choice, and has emerged as a favorite of far-right firebrands that have begun casting Rubio as a neocon war hawk out of step with Trumps MAGA movement. READ MORE: Trump to make Floridas Susie Wiles first woman to serve as White House chief of staff But Rubios stature in the Senate would ensure a smooth confirmation process, and his prior vetting as a top contender to be Trumps vice presidential running mate means hes not likely to raise any damning red flags within Trumps transition team or in the Senate. Dan Holler, Rubios chief strategist, pointed to the senators comments to CNN on Wednesday, when he told the network, I always am interested in serving this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not trying to play coy, Rubio said, asked about a potential role in the Trump administration. Its just, literally, just a few hours removed from this election. I havent had any set conversations with anybody in the Trump administration. Either way, I plan to work with them, whether its in the Senate, which is an important place to be, or in some other capacity. Chatter that Rubio could be considered for the top role in Foggy Bottom isnt new. After he was passed up to be Trumps running mate this summer, Republicans in Florida and Washington began floating the senators name for the secretary job, arguing that his deep foreign policy experience and friendly relationship with Trump make him a prime contender to serve as the countrys top diplomat. READ MORE: Republicans like Rubio for secretary of state. Theres already talk of successors He currently serves as the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio has been a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war against Ukraine, but also this week said the war had entered a stalemate and would need to end, echoing statements from the president-elect. He is an outspoken critic of the Chinese government and said this summer that Trump would continue supporting Taiwan against a potential invasion, penning legislation that would boost deterrence against a war in the Pacific. In the Middle East, Rubio has consistently pressed for a maximum-pressure strategy against Iran and supported Trumps decision to withdraw from an international agreement governing its nuclear program. And he has broadly backed Israels wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, rejecting accusations that Israeli forces have used excessive force in either conflict. Jamie Miller, a Florida Republican consultant whos known Rubio for decades, said that Rubio has used his time in the Senate to become one of the countrys foremost foreign policy experts and that his confirmation in the Senate would be an easy vote for his colleagues. Ive known Sen. Rubio since he was first elected in the state House and the depth of his knowledge on foreign affairs is incredible, Miller, whos not involved with Trumps transition team, said. I just cant imagine a better pick to be in leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also little political risk in choosing Rubio for a job in the Trump administration. Republicans control nearly every facet of Floridas state government, and if Rubio were to resign his seat, his replacement would be chosen by the states GOP governor, Ron Desantis. Officials with Trumps transition team declined to comment. Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies with close ties to Trumps orbit, said its important that the former and incoming presidents secretary of state align with his approach to foreign policy. Rubio and the other names under consideration meet that standard, he said. All of the top contenders for secretary of state believe in President-elect Trumps philosophy of peace through strength and the necessity of casting a shadow of American power across the negotiating table, Dubowitz said. They understand that State Department diplomacy without coercive power is capitulation. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) U.S. Marshals have arrested a man wanted on charges connected to a murder earlier this year. Read next: Man dead in South Side shooting, police investigating David Tribble, 44, is in custody on an aggravated murder charge. He was arraigned Friday, where bond was set at $1 million. According to Youngstown police, Tribble shot and killed Jermaine Tillis, 51, in the 300 block of East Judson Avenue after an argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis was found about 5 a.m. in a driveway. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WKBN Breaking News Marshals arrested Tribble in the 600 block of Mistletoe Avenue in Youngstown on Thursday night. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Its been two years since 13-year-old Jayz Agnew was killed in front of his home in Prince Georges County. His case remains unsolved but his family is turning their pain into purpose through a new foundation. Ever since then, its been action for me is that is what has helped me to deal with the grief of losing Jayz, said his mother, Juanita Agnew. Jayz left behind his mother, father, little sister, family and friends who still love him. Despite two years going by, many are still grieving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ID checks at Arlington high schools after trespassing incident at Yorktown High Schoo Im doing well today, and then something happens because there are different triggers. Different things that remind me of Jayz and remind me of how cruel the world can be, she said. The young teen was shot in front of his home in Temple Hills while he was raking leaves in November 2022. He died days later but police still havent made any arrests. The fact that they still, you know, are looking into the case and trying to find a different lens and look at different, different perspectives, it gives me hope, said Agnew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite not having the closure they need, Jayzs family is taking action and making a difference in many ways. They launched The Jayz Agnew Foundation. The goal is to help transform the lives of at-risk teens through mentorship, educational support and community outreach. Its a space where you can go and learn life skills to help you to think of other things instead of crime. I didnt get to see [Jayz] develop into a young man and that is important for me for healing that although I wasnt able to do it for my son, I will be able to do it for other children, she said. Just last year, the Prince Georges County Council passed legislation for a camera incentive program in honor of Jayz. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Prince Georges County starts security camera rebate program in honor of 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the incident happened, many neighbors did not have any cameras which made the investigation challenging. The camera incentive program helps provide free security cameras for District 8 residents so that they feel safe and it will also help deter crime. Juanita said she wants to keep Jayzs legacy alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do want people to understand that gun violence, it can happen to anyone So what keeps me going is the fact that I am able to tell his story and he isnt able to, she said. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the family is hosting a Gun Violence Awareness Walk in honor of Jayz and other victims who lost their lives to senseless gun violence. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and end at the Agnew familys home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards planned to assassinate Masih Alinejad while she delivered a talk to students in Connecticuts Fairfield University. The 48-year-old dissident journalist uncovered corruption and womens rights in the theocratic regime for years, but fled her home country more than a decade ago, moving to New York to build a new life. The FBI this week informed her that she was on an Iranian hit list, with the date of her lecture chosen for the assassination attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the first surprise. The second was that the hitman assigned to kill her, whom authorities have named as Farjad Shakeri, was also under orders to kill Donald Trump, the president-elect. I am shocked. I just learned from the FBI that two men were arrested yesterday in a new plot to kill me at Fairfield University, where I was scheduled to give a talk, Ms Alinejad wrote on social media. I also learned that the person assigned to assassinate [Mr Trump] was also assigned to kill me on US soil, she continued, adding that the alleged killers had turned up at her house in Brooklyn. I am shocked. I just learned from the @FBI that two men were arrested yesterday in a new plot to kill me at Fairfield University, where I was scheduled to give a talk. I also learned that the person assigned to assassinate @realDonaldTrump was also assigned to kill me on U.S. pic.twitter.com/3dL8yzBpQl Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) November 8, 2024 It means that Ms Alinejad has found an unlikely kinship with the Republican, whom she had compared to the regime she escaped during his first term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After seven years of being in exile due to Irans repression, I feel as if I am facing another crackdown, thanks to President Trump, she wrote in The Washington Post in 2017. His executive order to suspend the flow of refugees into the United States for 120 days, and to halt immigration for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for at least 90 days, could prevent me from seeing Pouyan, my only child, who is a now a student in the UK. We feel as if we are both in limbo. I am unsure if he can come see me, or if I can go visit him, without being deprived of the right to come back to the United States. In the eyes of Iranian authorities, Mr Trumps and Ms Alinejads perceived crimes are very different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump was marked for death after approving a military strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, who led Irans Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force. Masih Alinejad with outgoing Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in 2005 - Hassan Sarbakhshian/AP Ms Alinejad, meanwhile, had a distrust of authority at a young age, reportedly being expelled from secondary school for challenging its religious teachings before she headed to Tehran to become a journalist. She was catapulted to fame as a reporter in the Iranian parliament, questioning powerful men in a country where women do not have the vote and have been beaten to death for leaving home without a hijab. She once approached a politician for an interview, only for him to wave a fist in her face and threaten to beat her when he spotted a few hairs poking out of her head covering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Alinejad says she shouted back: All this fuss about two strands of hair. You should be ashamed of yourself. In an interview with the Iranian president, Mohammad Khatami, she asked why other countries should respect our Islamic values when western women were forced to wear a hijab in Iran. Khatami, by her account, was left speechless. Eventually, her press pass was revoked while she was investigating MPs earnings and she fled to the US. The 48-year-old continued writing stories documenting the plight of women in Iran and in 2014 set up My Stealthy Freedom a civil disobedience campaign that encourages women to take their picture without wearing a hijab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was once called The woman whose hair frightens Iran by The New York Times. Irans response has been to put her on a kill list. Ms Alinejad has now urged Mr Trump to be strong in his response to the regime something that will likely chime with the Republicans instincts, given that he has appointed Iran hawks to his transition team. I call on the US government and the future President of the United States to be tough on terror. The Islamic Republic understands only one language: the language of pressure, she wrote on social media. I came to America to practise my First Amendment right to freedom of speech I dont want to die. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A diamond engagement ring in the display case of Tiffany and Co. in Boston. (Photo by Jennifer Smith/CommonWealth Beacon) BOSTON In a unanimous decision on Friday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that an engagement ring must be returned to the giver if the marriage never takes place, overturning the states long-held rule that the ring should go to whomever is not at fault for the breakup. The decision puts a button on a buzzy case about the legacy of gendered laws hidden in a suit over a $70,000 engagement ring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now join the modern trend adopted by the majority of jurisdictions that have considered the issue and retire the concept of fault in this context; where, as here, the planned wedding does not ensue and the engagement is ended, the engagement ring must be returned to the donor regardless of fault, Justice Dalila Wendlandt wrote for a unanimous court. Bruce Johnson and Caroline Settino dated, got engaged, and broke up when the relationship soured amidst claims of poor treatment and suspected infidelity. A messy lawsuit then ensued, with Johnson taking Settino to court to reclaim the engagement ring and two wedding bands he had purchased, and her countersuing for dental surgery he allegedly promised to pay for but tried to renege on. The state high court concluded that the Tiffany solitaire diamond ring must be returned to Johnson. Though Massachusetts in 1938 abolished so-called heart balm claims, which women could bring over broken engagements, the states high court allowed a carveout in 1959s De Cicco v. Barker case for claims that would return an engagement ring to the giver. At the time, married women had only just been permitted control of personal property and allowed some additional right to divorce. Men were still generally the purchasers and givers of engagement rings, and they wanted them back if an engagement fell through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the De Cicco case and court decisions since then, Massachusetts courts have applied a fault-based conditional gift test to engagement rings. Unlike a gift of a bracelet or a car, engagement rings are traditionally conditioned specifically on a promise of marriage in most states, and a broken engagement leaves the ring up for grabs. Under Massachusetts common law that is, court decisions deciding how the law should be applied the giver gets the ring back unless he or she is at fault in the breakup. But both parties in this case argued that fault is a terrible way to decide ring ownership. Justices would either have to apply a strict whoever breaks up was at fault assessment, or else go rooting around in details of the couples separation for clues. An Appeals Court justice who considered the case described doing so as unseemly. The SJC noted that courts have long struggled with the inherent difficulties in assigning responsibility for a prenuptial breakup, referring to a case where judges considered difficulties with in-laws, hostility of one partys minor child, pets that cannot get along, untidy habits, religious differences, the absence of a sense of humor, differing musical tastes, or couples just plain finding out they ultimately dont like each other anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts, like many states, has adopted a no-fault divorce rule, but until Friday was in the minority of states with specific engagement ring law that imposes a fault test on broken engagements. Several factors cut against considering fault, the court wrote, including the purpose of engagements to test out the concept of marriage without legal strings attached. Wendlandt concluded that, as a result of these considerations, the modern trend, and now majority view among courts that have considered this issue, is that the only relevant inquiry in conditional engagement gift cases is whether the condition under which the gift was made that is, the marriage ceremony has failed to occur. By issuing its decision, the court overturned more than 60 years of precedent, something justices are leery to do. They assessed whether De Ciccos rationale is consonant with the needs of contemporary society, determining that the decision actually embroiled courts in exactly the kinds of analysis the laws overturning heart balm claims tried to eliminate. Changing to a no-fault rule would be a better fit with the modern divorce standard, Wendlandt wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the courts changes stopped there. Justices opted against taking up Settinos claim that the state should do away with the conditional gift rule entirely. Assuming the engagement ring is conditioned on marriage and should be returned, Settinos lawyers argued in court, is part of a sexist legacy of exchanging a womans promise to marry for a thing of value. Settino suggested two tactics to keep control of the ring either say that a gift is a gift regardless of promise to marry, or find that Johnson signaled that this particular ring was an unconditional gift because he gave her receipts along with the rings. Though the justices appeared interested in the subject during oral arguments, they ultimately waved it away. It was customary for Johnson to give Settino recipes for gifts, the record showed, and didnt necessarily indicate an intent one way or the other. All but one other state court considers engagement rings conditional, Wendlandt wrote, and Massachusetts would side with the majority of them. This near universal understanding of engagement rings as gifts inherently conditioned on a subsequent marriage leads us to conclude that we must stand by our conclusion in De Cicco that an engagement gift is a conditional gift, Wendlandt wrote. This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. There is a reliance on refinancing bonds due on December 31st, which poses a risk if refinancing conditions are unfavorable. The company's balance sheet decreased by approximately $85 million from Q2 and over $200 million from the prior year, indicating a reduction in financial assets. The company successfully extended its senior line of credit, providing $770 million in funding through October 2027, ensuring financial stability and flexibility. Triad's operating income for the quarter was $26.7 million, significantly higher than the previous year, driven by a 74% increase in origination revenue. ECN Capital Corp ( ECNCF ) reported its best quarter in two years with an EPS of 5, aligning with their guidance of 4 to 6. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Balance Sheet: Down approximately $85 million from Q2 and over $200 million from the prior year. Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you explain the changes made to the senior credit facility and how you plan to address the refinancing of bonds due at the end of the year? A: Steven Hudson, CEO: We plan to refinance the bonds due on December 31st. The senior line is dedicated to financing on-balance sheet assets, and we have strong cash flow as another source. We are confident in our ability to refinance these debentures. Q: How do you view leverage in your business model, considering the hybrid nature of your credit facility? A: Jacqueline Weber, CFO: Our senior credit facility and the drawn balance are fully supported by our on-balance sheet assets. While there is an advance rate, our accounts receivable and finance assets exceed the senior line balance. Q: What is the impact of disruptive weather events like hurricanes on your originations, particularly in Florida? A: Lance Hull, President: Florida is our third-largest state for origination. The impact is temporary, and as conditions improve, we expect to be back on track. Steven Hudson, CEO: These homes have a long life, and we are aware of only one claim for a materially damaged home. Recovery is underway in the marine business and starting in manufactured housing. Q: What gives you confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance, especially considering recent challenges? A: Steven Hudson, CEO: Confidence comes from our forward order book, increased deliveries from our partnership with Champion, and streamlined operations under Lance's leadership. We have also seen increased demand from institutional investors for our loan products, improving our economics. Q: How does the joint venture with Champion contribute to the 2025 guidance? A: Matthew Heidelberg, COO of Triad Financial Services: We are sensitive to our partner's information, but we provide updates on floor plan tracking. Steven Hudson, CEO: We included a quote from Champion's call highlighting the joint venture's success. Q: Can you quantify the additional expenses from integrating the head office into Triad? A: Jacqueline Weber, CFO: The additional expenses are primarily interest-related. The interest previously seen in the corporate segment will now be pushed down to the businesses. Q: What is driving the increase in servicing revenue at Triad? A: James Barry: The increase is due to the mix of our servicing loan portfolio and total loan sale volume. Higher servicing fees from our silver and bronze products and increased loan sales have driven the servicing yield up. Q: Is there anything one-time or specific driving the robust loan origination revenue? A: James Barry: The quarter benefited from a higher gain on sale margin due to the mix of sold production and increased loan sale volume. The mix of higher-margin products and increased land home sales activity contributed to the gain on sale margin. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. The Mattaponi Indian Tribe on Thursday formally submitted a petition for federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe with a government-to-government relationship with the United States. The petition was delivered to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment within the Bureau of Indian Affairs by a delegation of tribal citizens and leaders, including Chief Mark T Falling Star Custalow, who traveled to Washington, D.C., for the occasion. Today we return to Washington, D.C. to continue the pursuit of the highest possible recognition of our Tribes sovereignty said Chief Mark T Falling Star Custalow. Since the 1970s we have fought for the federal government to acknowledge our sovereignty, as the State of Virginia does, to give us access to the rights, freedoms and resources granted to other federally recognized tribes. Our people have fought long and hard for this, and we look forward to joining the family of federally recognized tribes. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia, there are seven federally recognized tribes and eleven state-recognized tribes. The Pamunkey Tribe was the first in the state to gain federal recognition in 2015, with six other tribes added in 2018. The Mattaponi, one of the original Powhatan tribes, is now the last of these tribes seeking federal recognition. The Mattaponis petition has gained strong support from other tribes in Virginia, both state and federally recognized, as well as from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Pursuing federal recognition is a rigorous and costly process. In 2021, the Mattaponi Tribe received a grant to aid in gathering data and preparing the extensive petition, which includes nearly 1,000 pages of narrative and more than 1,000 supporting documents. Researchers examined historical records dating back to the founding of Jamestown, and a dedicated teamincluding six enrolled tribal membersworked tirelessly with the Mattaponi Petition Office to make todays filing possible. We could not have gotten this far without the dedicated staff, tribal members, and consultants who worked long hours on short deadlines. Special thanks also goes to Administration of Native Americans for their help and support along the way, the Chief said. Federal recognition would affirm the Mattaponis sovereignty, empowering the Tribe with self-determination over its lands, resources, and cultural heritage. This status would also open up new opportunities for education, healthcare, and housing programs that would strengthen the Tribes economic stability and prosperity. Additionally, federal recognition would support the Tribes efforts to preserve its rich cultural and historical heritage, enhancing Americas understanding of Native American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mattaponi Tribe, a state-recognized Indian tribe with nearly 300 enrolled members across the United States, holds a reservation of over 200 acres along the Mattaponi River in King William County, Virginia. The name Mattaponi is derived from the Algonquian language and translates to Landing Place or River of Highbanks. The Mattaponi are one of the core tribes of the Powhatan chiefdom, led historically by Chief Powhatan, the father of Pocahontas, who ruled most of Tesenacomoca (now Tidewater Virginia) when European settlers arrived in 1607. The Mattaponi signed articles of peace with European colonists in 1646, later ratified in 1677, and have since maintained their treaty obligations, presenting an annual tribute to the Governor of Virginia, thereby sustaining their government-to-government relationship. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) You may have an ID, but do you have a REAL ID? On May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years old or older will have to present a REAL ID or other federally-issued photo ID (such as a passport) in order to board a domestic commercial flight or go into certain federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants. A REAL ID is more than just any government-issued ID. To determine if your driver license or ID card counts as a REAL ID, check for one of five star emblems. If you are missing these, you will need to get a REAL ID in order to fly on commercial airplanes after May 7. Photo via the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Biden addresses nation after decisive Trump win Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what is a REAL ID, and how do people get one? Its a special type of ID for which you have to bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency according to a press release from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. If someone has changed his or her name, that person must also bring a certified legal document supporting the name change. All of these documents have to be original and certified, not photocopies. A full list of accepted documents is available at tnrealid.gov. REAL ID applications must be made in person. If someone already has a standard Tennessee Driver License or ID, he or she can apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center or at a participating County Clerk. People without a Tennessee Driver License or ID will have to apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center. For someone getting a license for the first time or someone renewing his or her license, a REAL ID will cost $28. People in Tennessee getting a REAL ID outside of their renewal period will have to pay an additional duplication fee of either $8 or $12, according to the press release. People are encouraged to get a REAL ID before the implementation to avoid a sudden rush of applicants at the Driver Service Centers Photo via the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Putin congratulates Trump, says hes ready to talk Its important to note that getting a REAL ID is voluntary. People can use another federally-issued photo ID such as a passport in place of a REAL ID, and a standard Tennessee license will continue to be accepted for: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement driving purchasing alcohol or tobacco products applying for federal benefits voting accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, federal courts, etc. How a nonprofit is helping tackle medical debt for millions of Americans The Department of Safety and Homeland Security began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Of Tennessees 5.8 million valid credentials, 1.6 million are not currently REAL ID compliant. Like many other changes to air travel, this law traces its roots to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The new requirement results from a recommendation by the 9/11 commission which led to the REAL ID Act of 2005. This act forbids federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting state-issued IDs that fail to meet, at minimum, certain security standards. The deadline has been moved back several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) According to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, demolishing the Fair Grounds Field, which has not been used since 2011, is the best financial decision for the city. The Friends of Fair Ground Field says the property is worth fighting for. They have been involved in litigation with the city of Shreveport since 2022, when demolition was halted. At the November 7th, Caddo Parish Commission Long Range Planning Committee meeting, the Friends of Fair Ground Field presented their plan. Their agenda is to have new management and ownership to rebuild the property into a space for youth sports, students, and the Queensboro Neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tentatively, the revitalization costs would be split among the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, the school board, and private contributors. Friends of Fair Grounds Field refuse to drop lawsuit; heres why However, Bill Robertson, a member of the Friends of Fair Ground Field, was not able to give a cost estimate, as he said the group had been denied access to the field. If you give us access, we can send our engineers and our architects in there, evaluate the facility carefully, determine what it needs. Determine how much money is needed to rehab it, said Robertson. At the meeting there was comment from Greensborough residents, the Friends, community members, and Dr. Bonita Douzart with the Caddo Parish School Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayors stance on Fair Grounds Field unchanged in letter to Landry, Johnson and Kennedy If we lose Fair Grounds Field, were going to lose the fair, were going to start losing more and more activities for our city, and from the picture that Ive been listening to, we need to think this over, said Douzart. However, Mayor Arceneaux was set, saying, the contract is on my desk to demolish fairgrounds field, I intend to sign it, and it is my belief that that is the best financial decision for the city of Shreveport. He says weve had 2 years but without access, and cooperation, what can we really do. Okay, what can we really do. Were knocking on the door. And were hoping he can answer it, said Robertson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Member of the Caddo Parish Committee said it was not their place to interfere and thanked the Mayor for his presence. I think we should take no further action and encourage the mayor and the city government to follow through with their plan for ultra-careful demolition of the stadium that poses no or very little risk to the neighborhood, said John-Paul Young, president of the Long Range Planning Committee with the Caddo Parish Commission. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. PARIS Pan-European missile maker MBDA is pursuing an aggressive development schedule for its future cruise and anti-ship missile program, with the assessment phase being finalized and plans to move the long-range strike weapon project known as FC/ASW into development next year. MBDA is working on what it says are two complementary missiles as part of FC/ASW: a stealthy subsonic missile and another that travels at high supersonic speeds while remaining maneuverable. Italy will join the French-British project in 2025 for the development and manufacturing phases, the missile maker said in a briefing at the Euronaval conference on Wednesday. The return of high-intensity conflict in Europe shows sovereign deep-strike capability is critical for the continent, while improved air defenses require a range of disruptive technologies to defeat them, according to MBDA which also makes air-defense systems used by France, Italy, the U.K. and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the strategic importance of deep strike, the FC/ASW project has been set a very aggressive schedule by launch partners France and the U.K., MBDA said in a statement on Wednesday. MBDA has put more than 750 people across France and the U.K. on FC/ASW, making it the companys biggest program ever, even before Italys contribution. The company said it has completed a number of tests across all critical elements of the FC/ASW missiles, describing the results as highly impressive. Investment in the weapons program is continuing under the ongoing assessment-phase contract with MBDA, U.K. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said in response to a parliamentary question in September. The company says FC/ASW is the most technologically advanced missile deep-strike program currently in development. The three countries in the FC/ASW program will operate both missiles, which will be ship and air-launched, according to MBDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firm has manufactured the first prototype of the ultra-low observable missile and performed extensive testing of the radio-frequency signature, and has also completed exhausive wind-tunnel testing of the ramjet propulsion system for the supersonic missile at the MBDA faciity in Bourges, France. The ramjet missile will operate at high supersonic speeds, but below Mach 5, company officials said. Other testing completed includes advanced seekers, warheads and aerodynamics for both missiles. Missile design is about 80% fixed, with small modifications still possible, particularly with the arrival of Italy in the program, according to the briefing. MBDAs Italian business is strong on missile guidance, already providing that technology for the Aster air-defense missile, and will contribute expertise in that area to the FC/ASW program, the company said. The attack missiles will have dual missions: ground strike, including suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, and anti-ship warfare. The supersonic missiles primary mission will be anti-ship, with an additional ground-attack capability, while the stealth missiles will be focused on ground attack, with an additional anti-ship mission, particularly against docked vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the current missile portfolio, the company has started marketing its Naval Cruise Missile for export, with Italy interested in integration of the weapon on an updated version of the multipurpose FREMM frigate. Italian officials said at Euronaval this week that the countrys new PPA multimission vessels will also get the strike missile . The missile, comparable to Raytheons Tomahawk, has previously only been available for the French navy, where its known as the Missile de Croisiere Naval or McDN, and equips Frances FREMM frigates and nuclear attack submarines. The missile maker is also offering a ground-launched version of the naval missile, which was unveiled at the Eurosatory show earlier this year. The Land Cruise Missile would be truck-mounted and could be a short-term option for the European Long Range Strike Approach, whose partners include France, Italy, the U.K., Germany, Poland and Sweden, according to the company. Countries inside Europe as well as outside have expressed interest in the LCM, according to company officials. The naval and land cruise missiles are both sovereign solutions that are ITAR-free, so not subject to restrictions under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations, according to the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MBDA presented a longer-range version of its submarine-launched Exocet anti-ship missile , aimed at providing subs from French shipbuilder Naval Group with a self-defense capability. The missile maker says its the only European player to provide a sovereign submarine capability, with no equivalent on the market. Other novelties presented at Euronaval included an update of the TESEO anti-ship missile used by Italy, with double the effective range and featuring a new seeker combining active electronically scanned array and electro-optic technologies. The TESEO Mk2/E was successfully test fired by the Italian navy on Oct. 10, with the qualification phase expected next year, MBDA said. GOP U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick speaks at an election night party in Pittsburgh Nov. 5, 2024 (campaign photo) Republican U.S. Senate nominee Dave McCormicks lawyers filed, then withdrew, a request on Friday for a Philadelphia judge to intervene to prevent election officials from counting provisional ballots without adequate Republican observation, according to court records. McCormicks campaign filed the lawsuit Thursday after the Associated Press declared him the winner of the Senate race by a narrow margin over incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. Casey refused to concede, with his campaign saying that up to 100,000 provisional and overseas absentee ballots remained to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of provisional ballots expected from areas that favor Senator Casey, like Philadelphia and its suburbs, is further proof that this race is too close to be called, Casey campaign spokesperson Maddy McDaniel said. As the McCormick campaign admitted in their own lawsuit this morning, the counting of these ballots could have an impact on the outcome of the election. With more than 100,000 ballots still left to count, we will continue to make sure Pennsylvanians voices are heard. About 20,000 provisional ballots were in Philadelphia, the McCormick campaign said, arguing that the campaign should be permitted to make global challenges to large groups of provisional ballots with similar discrepancies. McCormicks lawyers noted that because Republicans had no candidate in a majority of races in the city, the GOP is entitled to 27 fewer observers of the counting process. They also asked the court to order provisional ballots to be set aside if the voters who cast them had requested mail-in ballots. The filing says such provisional ballots should not be counted until the U.S. Supreme Court rules in an appeal of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. In that case, the states highest court ruled that voters who learn their mail-in ballots have been rejected must be permitted to vote by provisional ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of voters, allowing the state Supreme Court decision that the provisional ballots to stand, the Republican Party has filed an application to block enforcement of the decision arguing that the ruling violates the U.S. Constitution. McCormick held a press conference in Pittsburgh on Friday where he thanked supporters, and expressed sympathy for Casey, noting he had experience losing a close election McCormick lost the 2022 GOP U.S. Senate primary to Mehmet Oz by less than 1,000 votes. We obviously had an incredibly hard fought race but theres no doubt that this is a family and Senator Casey is a man who has served this great commonwealth with honor, McCormick said. We knew on election night we had won, because the math was clear and theres no way for Senator Casey to win, and the AP certainly recognized that yesterday by calling the race. But Senator Casey is going to have to work through this, and so I wish him the best and his family the best and thank them for their service. If the margin of votes between Casey and McCormick is at or below .5% it would trigger a recount under Pennsylvania law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of a hearing held in Philadelphia on Friday were not immediately available online. (This article was updated Nov. 8, 2024 at 3:20 p.m. that the suit was withdrawn) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate David McCormick filed two lawsuits challenging provisional ballots in Philadelphia, signaling he is prepared to take his fight to the Supreme Court. McCormick declared victory after The Associated Press projected Thursday that he beat incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D) in the key race. Decision Desk HQ, The Hills election data partner, has not yet called the race. McCormicks lawyers said Philadelphia plans to adjudicate between 15,000 and 20,000 provisional ballots and that his campaign intends to challenge large groups of them for not complying with statutory requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican asked for court permission to challenge batches of ballots collectively rather than fighting each one individually, citing a need for efficiency. McCormick also asked that election officials only be allowed to adjudicate provisional ballots in the presence of a Republican Party representative. Plaintiff is concerned that the sheer number of provisional ballots will overwhelm the capacity for individual challenges, creating an impractical burden that risks errors or inconsistencies in the adjudication process, McCormicks lawyers wrote in court filings. Without the ability to make global challenges, Plaintiffs fear that potentially non-compliant ballots may be improperly counted, compromising the fairness and integrity of the election, they continued. Decision Desk HQ reports McCormick leads Casey by 0.5 percentage points, the edge of the threshold that triggers an automatic recount. Caseys campaign has not conceded and said Thursday that the count in Pennsylvania is still continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of provisional ballots expected from areas that favor Senator Casey, like Philadelphia and its suburbs, is further proof that this race is too close to be called, Maddy McDaniel, Caseys campaign spokesperson, said in a statement. As the McCormick campaign admitted in their own lawsuit this morning, the counting of these ballots could have an impact on the outcome of the election. With more than 100,000 ballots still left to count, we will continue to make sure Pennsylvanians voices are heard. The Hill has reached out to Philadelphias elections board for comment. Provisional ballots in Pennsylvania had been the subject of significant litigation before the election. Pennsylvanias top court ruled 4-3 that voters who submit deficient mail ballots such as ones not including an inner, secrecy envelope were entitled to an in-person do-over by casting a provisional ballot at their polling place. Republicans have argued the additional option runs afoul of state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court refused Republicans request to halt the decision before the election. But three conservative justices issued a statement making clear they werent rejecting Republicans underlying claim that the state court was usurping the Pennsylvania Legislatures constitutional authority in setting voting rules. McCormicks new lawsuits set up the possibility the dispute, which is rooted in the independent state legislature theory, could return to the justices. The Senate candidates lawyers wrote in court filings that the litigation is ripe for appeal to the United States Supreme Court. They asked that the challenged ballots be sequestered until the high court resolves the legal battle. The lawsuits come as election officials begin their canvass of provisional ballots, which under state law does not commence until the Friday following Election Day. On Thursday, Philadelphia officials said they were still tallying how many provisional ballots were received. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt (R) estimated Thursday there were at least 100,000 ballots remaining statewide, including provisional, military, overseas and Election Day votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We urge patience as election workers continue to do this important work, especially in contests where the margins are very close, Schmidt said. Updated at 11:42 a.m. EST Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster is asking for $621 million from the federal government as the S.C. Department of Agriculture and S.C. Forestry Commission estimate the total damages from storms over the last year. McMaster wrote a letter to the South Carolinas congressional delegation requesting its support in securing the funding. At a Friday press conference, McMaster, the forestry commission, an SC representative from FEMA and the Department of Agriculture commissioner spoke about the damage the state endured and what financial aid they need. The damage totals nearly $621 million from Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, and this summers flash drought, the agencies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMaster also announced the launch of Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days for farmers who need to be connected with resources and information, starting Friday, Nov. 15. Similar to South Carolina county days, the farm and forestry days will offer a one-stop shop, where farmers and communities can connect with South Carolina resources for help. The federal system is the one that has the money, and we want to be sure that we take advantage of all of those resources to help our farms and forests, McMaster said. Many farms have been left incapacitated with downed trees in passenger roads and other storm related challenges making recovery efforts even more difficult. 2024 was a challenging year for farmers, Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said noting that the drought in July had an impact of over $31 million for farmers and their crops. Tropical Storm Debby in August caused $133 million of crop and livestock loss with just under $5 million in infrastructure. And then Helene caused $65 million in crop and livestock loss. and $193 million in infrastructure law and $194 million in timber loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also gaps in damage that are very hard to assess, such as the loss of pecan trees, where income from them will be missed for five-to-six years while the trees come back into production, Weathers said. Scott Phillips, state forester, said over 210,000 acres of forest were damaged by Hurricane Helene and 78% of that land belongs to private individuals. He said $83 million of that is direct timber losses for landowners and $51 million of that is impacts to forest based businesses, such as loggers. Private forest landowners and forest-based businesses lack the tools to recover from natural disasters, so federal funding is necessary to ensure they are not left vulnerable and able to recover and prepare for future storms, Phillips said. Recent mill closures also exacerbated this, resulting in poor market conditions, he said. Phillips said there was a tremendous loss of urban canopy cover in upper Greenville area. These arent necessarily iconic trees, but they provide shade and are essential to some of those communities, he said. The estimate is hard to even total now without having started to replant and regenerate these areas, according to Phillips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips said Helene was very different from other hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo, which caused a billion dollar damage to forestry. Brett Howard, the federal coordinating officer for Hurricane Helene, said about 750 federal staff are on the ground, 600 those of FEMA workers, and about 100 to 150 or so are from other federal agencies. At FEMA we really understand the importance of the agriculture community in this region, Howard said. It is the lifeblood of this state. Its the lifeblood of our nation. If farmers dont work, we dont eat. Its that simple. The Mecklenburg County sheriff addressed claims that he used racial slurs after one of his chief deputies resigned and a racially charged recording surfaced. Sheriff McFadden ends first month with several controversial policy changes Sheriff Garry McFadden spoke to the latest class of graduating recruits Friday. Im going to take care of the elephant in the room, McFadden said. The elephant wears green thats my color. Thats the uniform I have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff has come under fire since recordings were made public in which he appears to be heard using racially charged language putting down his staff. Channel 9 got a copy of the recording from our partners at The Charlotte Observer. I know I cant trust that captain, McFadden appeared to have said in the audio recording. That white (racial slur) captain is better than the seven other captains upstairs. Sheriff McFadden begins tenure by ending ICE's 287(g) program in Mecklenburg County At Fridays graduation ceremony, McFadden did not say if that was his voice in the recording. However, he denied he was being racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you believe Im racist, you need to talk to me, he said. If you believe Im racist, you need to talk to the kids who come and see me. If you believe Im racist, talk to the people who know me. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police has been critical of McFaddens leadership in the past. We mentioned the racist comments that McFadden was saying three years ago, but nobody believed us, said Dan Redford, the president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg FOP. North Carolina Sheriffs Association officials released a statement condemning McFaddens use of language. Full Statement: The North Carolina Sheriffs Association (the Association), representing all 100 sheriffs in our state, is aware of racially charged comments allegedly made by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden that shock the conscience. The comments made on the recording are inflammatory, racially derogatory, insulting, and offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Association believes sheriffs are and should continue to be held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, principles, and morals and should serve their communities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Racially charged comments certainly do not meet those standards. The preamble of the Associations Constitution creates an Association that establishes bonds of confidence, respect and friendship among the sheriffs across the State, maintains peace for North Carolina citizens and residents, and seeks to gain the publics confidence through the courtesy, honesty, integrity, and dependability of the sheriffs of North Carolina. Therefore, pursuant to the Associations Constitution and Bylaws, the Associations Executive Committee (governing board) voted unanimously today to inquire further into this matter. The association has no authority to remove him from office. VIDEO: Sheriff McFadden reacts to ICE compliance bill A former health care worker who illegally leaked the health records of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison. Trent Russell, 34, worked as the transplant coordinator at Washington Regional Transplant Community when Ginsburg was undergoing cancer treatment in 2019. The Bellevue, Neb., native had access to records throughout the region and was convicted earlier this year of illegally accessing health care records and destroying or altering records at a jury trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell admitted being active on 4chan, an online message board known for trafficking in dark conspiracy theories, when he released the records, fueling antisemitic conspiracy theories that Democrats were trying to cover up a falsified Ginsburg death to control the Supreme Court. Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court until her death in 2020 at age 87. Russell denied all charges, suggesting his cat might have walked across the keyboard and accidentally called up Ginsburgs data, according to The Associated Press. An FBI agent who scanned Russells hard drive said she found indications that he had visited multiple posts on the forum involving the theory. A jury in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., found him not guilty of wrongfully disclosing the information but convicted him of illegally accessing Ginsburgs private medical data and tampering with records in a federal investigation. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff determined the 24-month sentence and called Russells crime truly despicable conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have made it extremely difficult to understand what motivated you, Nachmanoff said. He added that Russell worsened the situation by lying to investigators and on the witness stand. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Aditya Kalra and Arpan Chaturvedi NEW DELHI (Reuters) -An investigation by India's antitrust body found food delivery giants Zomato and SoftBank-backed Swiggy breached competition laws, with their business practices favouring select restaurants listed on their platforms, documents show. Zomato entered into "exclusivity contracts" with partners in return for lower commissions, while Swiggy guaranteed business growth to certain players if they listed exclusively on its platform, according to non-public documents prepared by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Exclusivity arrangements between Swiggy, Zomato and their respective restaurant partners "prevent the market from becoming more competitive," the CCI's investigation arm noted in its findings reviewed by Reuters on Friday. The antitrust investigation against Swiggy and its top rival Zomato began in 2022 after a complaint by National Restaurant Association of India about the impact on food outlets of alleged anti-competitive practices of the platforms. The CCI documents are not public, in line with its confidentiality rules, and were shared with Swiggy, Zomato and the complainant restaurant group in March 2024. Their findings have not been previously reported. Zomato declined to comment, while Swiggy and the CCI did not respond to Reuters queries. Shares in Zomato fell 3% after the Reuters report, from being flat in earlier trade. The CCI case is mentioned as one of the "internal risks" in Swiggy's IPO prospectus, which says "any breach of the provisions of Competition Act, may attract substantial monetary penalties." The CCI report noted that Swiggy told investigators the "Swiggy Exclusive" program was phased out in 2023, but the company "is planning to launch similar program (Swiggy Grow) in non-metropolitan cities." Food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato have in recent years reshaped how Indians order food, as hundreds of thousands of outlets listed on their apps just when smartphone use, and online ordering, both grew rapidly. Swiggy, which on Friday is closing bids for its $1.4 billion IPO - India's second biggest this year, and Zomato both in recent years also pushed restaurants to maintain a parity on prices, directly reducing competition in the market by preventing restaurants offering lower prices on other online platforms, the CCI documents stated. Zomato was found to have imposed pricing and discount restrictions on restaurant partners, and in some cases included a "penal provision" if the outlet failed to comply. A janitor employed by Mesa Public Schools was arrested on suspicion of child pornography on Wednesday, court records show. Steven Gardoni, 38, was arrested and being held on suspicion of two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to police. Phoenix police received a tip on Monday from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a Yahoo user in possession of child pornography. Yahoo provided 11 files found within the account deemed child pornography, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Phoenix police detectives reviewed the content and found that some appeared to be newly produced or homemade content. After searching IP addresses, phone numbers and emails, police took Gardoni into custody on Wednesday. During his post-Miranda interview with police, Gardoni said that he was "curious" about child sexual abuse material but denied having a sexual interest in it. He also said he used Telegram and his email to trade files of child sexual abuse material, court documents read. In a police interview, Gardoni said he knew that the children appeared to be under 6 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search warrant issued on his electronics revealed that he communicated on Teleguard, an app that encrypts messages, with a person only known as "SharonM." In those messages, he told her that he found babies and pre-pubescent children sexually appealing, court records showed. Detectives discovered Gardoni was emailing with someone whose display name was "Sharon Mable," court documents said. Detectives spoke with Gardoni's mother, who said she is his legal guardian and that Gardoni was "diagnosed with mild mental retardation" during the interview. Skyline High School, where Gardoni worked as a night janitor, sent out a message to families saying that he passed a background check in 2022 and that the administration was unaware of his behavior until he was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Your child's safety is our top priority," the statement from principal Dr. Greg Mendez read. "We had no indication of inappropriate behavior until he was arrested. We will continue to follow all district protocols to ensure the safety of our students." Gardoni is being held at a Maricopa County jail on a $150,000 bond. His next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 14. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa high school janitor arrested on suspicion of child pornography (Bloomberg) -- Australia will push ahead with a ban on social media for people aged under 16 despite calls by Meta Platforms Inc. for it to consider shifting responsibility for policing usage to app store operators such as Google and Apple. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Friday that all state and territory leaders had signed on to the plan for age restrictions, with the government ruling out any exceptions for major services such as Facebook, TikTok or X. The legislation will be brought before parliament in the week beginning Nov. 18, with a 12-month gap between when the bill passes and when it takes effect. No information has been provided on what personal information would be required to demonstrate proof of age on social media, or the penalties firms might face for breaching the laws. The government has also not offered an exhaustive list of which platforms are considered social media. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said that under the new legislation, such services would be labeled as age-restricted. The minister said the government would review individual websites and online services to decide whether they fall under the laws, but added that gaming services and messaging apps would likely be exempt. Australia has a history of taking on large technology companies that run social sites, including a push in 2021 to make Metas Facebook and Alphabet Inc.s Google pay for news content. More recently, the government clashed with Elon Musks X Corp. over a failure to remove a video of a terrorist attack in Sydney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta Regional Policy Director for Australia Mia Garlick said that while the company agrees that young people need to have age-appropriate experiences on social media, its important to consider how that can be enacted practically. The challenge is that the technology isnt quite there yet in terms of having a perfect solution, Garlick told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Friday. She added that it would be better to have mobile app store providers place age restrictions on their products rather than social media companies. If every single app is required to implement its own age-appropriate controls, then the burden really is going to fall on young people and parents for each of the different apps that a young person wants to use, she said. TikTok and X havent commented on the age restrictions policy yet. Represents for Apple Inc. and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanese dismissed Metas suggestion, saying he believed the government had got its proposal right and expected there would be opposition to the new laws. He said while the laws were unlikely to completely keep under-16s off online platforms, it would send an important signal. We ban alcohol for under-18s, for purchasing. Well, this weekend Im sure therell be an example of someone under the age of 18 getting access to alcohol, he told reporters in Canberra. Doesnt mean that you say, Oh well its all too hard, let it rip. --With assistance from Newley Purnell. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. BOSTON (WWLP) A man from Methuen has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after he was deported. Teen arrested after crashing stolen vehicle attempting to evading police in Holyoke According to the Department of Justice, 55-year-old Santos Guzman is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who came to the United States at an unknown date and location. He was convicted back in 2019 for two state drug trafficking crimes, however. Guzman was then ordered to be removed from the United States in November 2019 and was deported to the Dominican Republic on January 7th, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an unknown date and location, Guzman reentered the United States and was arrested on a new state drug trafficking offense in November 2021. A fingerprint from his removal document was compared to a fingerprint that was in connection with his arrest and they were an identical match. Guzman was then indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021. The charge of illegal reentry is a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Metro Councilman Jordan Huffman is calling for the removal of what he calls a rogue Election Official. According to an open letter posted to social media, the Metro District 14 councilman detailed experienced multiple negative interactions with a poll worker both during the Aug. 1 primary election and the Nov. 5 general election. He added a constituent reached out to him about an issue with the same worker on Election Day, Nov. 5. According to Huffman, the worker approached him and another candidate standing outside the required 100-foot electioneering boundary at the Hermitage Community Center polling location threatening to him the pair arrested for where they were standing on Aug. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman said the threat and tone used was unbecoming of the standard set by other poll workers in the county. TDOT explains Choice Lane payments, penalties The same worker then reportedly approached Huffman again on Nov. 5 while the councilman was in line to vote with his wife and son. Huffman said the worker asked in a condescending/threatening tone if I remembered him, referring to the Aug. 1 incident. Huffmans letter then detailed a constituent complaint about the same worker. According to Huffman, the constituent used a state-issued temporary ID card in order to vote, but the worker in question instructed other election staff not to accept that temporary ID. The temporary ID was issued by the Tennessee Secretary of States Office in order for the constituent to vote, according to Huffman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The constituent told Huffman she was concerned the issue was due to her race. Reportedly, the poll worker had the constituent move to a separate line used to verify her ID, and the constituent indicated only minorities were being placed in this separate line. According to Huffman, when the constituent reached the beginning of the line, a separate poll worker stated, I dont know why he sent you to this line. This ID is acceptable. Huffman said in his letter the concerning thing about this one poll workers behavior was how he acted as if he is untouchable in his position. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts My fear is that countless voters have been intimidated and therefore had their rights as voters compromised, he said in the letter. We must ensure that the integrity of our elections are protected. This is a clear case of a poll worker thinking that his opinion supersedes election laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffman called for the workers removal due to a clear pattern of misusing his authority. Interfering with someones ability to vote should never be tolerated in Nashville, Huffman said in his post. The concerning thing to Huffman was how he felt most people may not complain because they think that its a part of the process, and they would go along with orders from election officials abusing their authority. Ive got a huge issue with that, because the election process should be as seamless and easy as possible, he said. If you have a poll worker who is abusing their power to assert authority instead of enforcing the actual election laws, then weve got a huge issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davidson County Elections Administrator Jeff Roberts told News 2 the election commission takes all complaints seriously and will investigate them. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We take every complaint seriously and investigate all complaints, he said. If action is warranted, we will take it. Huffman said he also spoke with Roberts, praising his swift response. His quick reply showed me how seriously hes taking this, he told News 2. Huffman said he called Roberts after the constituent reported her issue at her polling precinct on Tuesday, and Roberts dispatched another poll worker to the location just to ensure that there was no funny business going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really appreciate him jumping to action and for his quick response to my letter, Huffman added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. (Bloomberg) -- Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum will travel to the Group of 20 meeting in Brazil later this month with a delegation that includes Energy Minister Luz Elena Gonzalez and Foreign Affairs Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than two months since she took office, the meeting will be an opportunity for the Mexican government to discuss some of its priority issues that include gender equality, sustainable development and digitalization, De la Fuente said at a Friday press briefing. Sheinbaum will travel on commercial flights and attend for only the first day of the session in Rio de Janeiro, in order to return early Nov. 19 to prepare for celebrations of the Mexican Revolution, part of her governments attempt to maintain its early focus on domestic affairs. Mexico will continue to share its experience with development programs directed at tree-planting growers and youth, and its pension for elderly Mexicans, De la Fuente said. Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O will not attend in order to continue preparations of the 2025 budget. Mexico will support Brazils alliance to address hunger and poverty. It is still being determined with whom Sheinbaum will have bilateral meetings, though requests have come from Canada, China, South Korea, India, France, Indonesia, Japan, and the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The accountant for the Hammocks Homeowners Association, accused of fraudulently collecting almost $500,000 at the expense of the Kendall homeowners in the states largest HOA, has been arrested, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced Friday. Jesus Cue, a 63-year-old business consultant, has been charged with eight counts related to his alleged scheme, including racketeering, money laundering, theft and fraud, according to Fernandez Rundle. His arrest follows the arrest of former Hammocks HOA President Marglli Gallego, her husband, a cousin, board members and several others, all facing charges related to a scheme to drain the HOAs bank accounts with checks written to sham vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday afternoon, Cue was being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility on a $210,000 bond. A contact for a lawyer was not immediately available. Cue served as the Hammocks controller and accountant. He was was hired by the HOA to provide business and accounting services through his company, Worldwide Business Solution Corp., between 2018 and 2022, according to the state attorneys office. READ MORE: Man charged with bilking homeowners out of thousands at states largest HOA, state says During that time, Cue received about $644,000 in payments from the HOA an average of $161,000 a year even as the HOA faced significant financial issues, including a $375,000 short-term loan taken out to cover basic operating costs, as Cue testified in a bankruptcy court proceeding, according to Fernandez Rundle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Fee increases of 300 to 400% stun residents of Floridas largest homeowners association The investigation uncovered that Cue allegedly played a key role in funneling HOA funds to friends and relatives of several board members. Some of these people set up fake companies to disguise the payments, with Cues company listed as their registered agent. Three such companies Albri Consulting LLC, Aya Service and Repair Corp., and Kaissen Technology LLC received nearly $500,000 in payments from the HOA, according to Fernandez Rundle. One witness, Dante Chauca, the husband of former HOA board member Monica Isabel Ghilardi, testified that former HOA president Gallego directed Cue to create a false company, Albri Consulting, to pay Ghilardi a hidden salary, according to authorities. Chauca, who was listed as manager, stated he did not authorize the creation of the company and later confronted Cue about it. Cue allegedly reassured him, saying, not to worry about it, according to a news release from the state attorneys office. Other trouble at the Hammocks HOA Last month, Ivan Dario Diez, 58, was charged with grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, fabricating evidence, and perjury after being implicated in a plot to divert homeowners monthly maintenance fees from the West Kendall communitys HOA. Diez is accused of funneling these funds to fake companies controlled by the relatives of Gallego, who is described by Fernandez Rundle as the leader of the criminal operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court-appointed receiver has estimated that the theft and mismanagement drained approximately $6 million from the HOAs bank accounts. This money was funneled through checks written to bogus vendors, as well as wasteful spending and financial mismanagement. READ MORE: Leaders of Floridas largest homeowners association charged in $2 million fraud scheme Gallego, who faces charges of racketeering and money laundering, allegedly used some of the stolen funds to pay for surveillance of her rivals, cover her own legal fees, and fund personal purchases, including a house in Colombia and renovations on a property in Miami. Her husband, who was paid $1.26 million during the alleged scheme, reportedly had no evidence of performing any work, owning any legitimate businesses, or pulling any permits. No homeowner should have to worry about how their HOA is handling the associations funds, Fernandez Rundle said. Our investigation of the thefts at the Hammocks HOA has shed a bright light on a crime that may be occurring throughout our state. Months into the school year, public school teachers in Miami-Dade are no longer in the dark about what kind of wage increases to expect. The United Teachers of Dade, the teachers union, was able to secure a contract with the District with an average 4.5 percent increase in teacher salaries, as well as a guarantee that teachers monthly healthcare premiums will remain the same. A large portion of this raise is funded by money from local property tax revenue, as the state only increased the Districts funding by 2.49 percent this year. The pay raise come after nine sessions of bargaining and months later than usual. Union contracts are typically approved before the school year begins in August. It also comes shortly after the union successfully re-certified, as required by a state law that makes it more challenging than ever for unions to function. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a victory because we see the attacks on public education from the state, and even with the little bit of money, we were still able to maintain something that we did not think was possible. We did it through our collective action, said Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of the union. Teachers voted on the contract on Thursday, and late in the evening, the union announced that it had passed with 82.22 percent of teachers voting in its favor. A little more than 50 percent of teachers voted in the election. This contract reflects our collective strength and dedication to advocating for the best interests of our educators, students, and community, said Hernandez-Mats. Paying off debt to charter schools This years contract negotiations with teachers come as the District recently finalized a settlement with area charter schools, which were demanding a portion of local property tax revenue for charter school teachers salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district agreed to pay $179 million in total to charter schools in two payments. Miami-Dade schools recently made a first payment of $87 million to charter schools. The funds were rounded up by eliminating spending for student devices, cutting IT infrastructure, cutting maintenance funding, and using funds from property tax revenue. The school district was initially planning to litigate the issue in order to avoid paying charter schools, but in April, the Palm Beach County School District settled a lawsuit with local charter schools, agreeing to share property tax referendum funding plus interest. In Broward County, an ongoing lawsuit on the same issue was halted in June and the district settled with charter schools after they received a letter from State Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz which insisted the District pay charter schools their portion. Manny Diaz used to work for Doral College, a private college affiliated with Academica, a charter school operator, and has been criticized for using his position to advocate for private and charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami-Dade school district took the actions of Palm Beach and Broward as evidence that they too should settle with charter schools. I never thought we would have to pay retroactively with interest. But this is where we are now, said Superintendent Dotres during a union bargaining session, according to an email sent out to union members. The political landscape in Florida has changed, and it is not in our favor, he said. According to the union, the settlement was made in order to avoid future lawsuits. I think that the fact that they made poor decisions with the referendum, put pressure on them, said Hernandez-Mat of this years teacher raises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief financial officer of the district, Ron Steiger, says what he is stressed about is figuring out a way to pay the second payment of $92 million to charter schools, without impacting the operations of the district or teacher pay, as Superintendent Dotres has asked. This payment is due in July of 2025, and it is not yet clear how it will impact next school years budget. Chief Financial Officer of Miami-Dade Public Schools Ron Y. Steiger. But for this year, Steiger said given our circumstances, what we are offering to teachers is one of the most favorable proposals statewide. In this years contract, there are also provisions which will explore workforce housing for educators, adjustments for teachers who work at Exceptional Student Education (ESE) centers, and an improved travel. I think the contract brings dignity and respect to the people, said Antonio Tony White, vice-president of the union. I am excited and proud, he added. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Richard Anthony Reyna Densmore, 47, of Kaleva, will spend 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a child, one charge in a broader indictment that charged him with other child exploitation crimes as a member of 764, an international group that targets vulnerable children online. Densmore is among the first individuals associated with 764 to face legal consequences for their actions. These groups, 764 being one of them, have a political ideology. They are often operating based on trying to further their status among members, to increase their notoriety, said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten. Of course, there is the element of sadism that we have seen in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 764 is a terror network of violent individuals worldwide who attempt to normalize child pornography and gore media to desensitize and corrupt youth toward future acts of violence. Members of 764 systematically target, groom, and extort children via online social media platforms, demanding that these victims share media of themselves committing self-mutilation, sexual acts, harm to animals, acts of violence suicide, and murdercreating a continuous cycle of abuse. This media, the U.S. Department of Justice says, is made for accelerating chaos and disrupting society and the world order, including the United States Government. Densmore, known online as Rabid, created a community on the online social platform Discord called Sewer where membersoften by infiltrating online gaming sites frequented by childrenrecruited children to harm themselves and engage in graphic sexual acts. He would boost membership in the community by going into other Discord servers and advertising live streams of children harming themselves (cutshows) or participating in graphic sexual activity (on cam), and creating multiple separate communities to evade detection as the platform would keep shutting them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Densmore also advertised the use of the platform Telegram, reportedly saying in the Discord community that you can get away with more on Telegram. Court documents say Densmore, a military veteran who was unemployed and sustained primarily off of government assistance at the time, treated the victimization, exploitation, and desensitization as his vocation. He described himself as desensitized, and was wholly devoted to 764 to gain notoriety within a network of individuals who seek to destabilize society, cause social unrest, and accelerate the downfall of the world order. Densmore would use this material to threaten victims to participate, possessing child pornography and bloody images of Rabid, Sewer, and 764 carved into victims limbs referred to as fansigns, in some cases with razor blades and boxcutters nearby. Here are some examples found in Densmores Discord history: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Densmore telling a Discord user who refused to cut You do now Dont make daddy angry. Ill extort you I have all your information. I own you you do what I say now kitten. Densmore asking a Discord user to cut Rabid into their body. When the user responded nooo i dont like doing cut signs i has too many names on my legs, Densmore responded cut rabid. Densmore writing about children, saying I gaslight and make them f***d up. Then they follow me We got a girl to cut her *ss off on cam. They kill their pets too. Most will do anything for power. When told by a Discord user that there was no reason to abuse people, he said They beg for it. Court documents say Densmores phones, which were seized in the initial investigation, contained some of the most heinous images and videos the undersigned counsel [had] the misfortune of seeing. Densmore himself is also culpable of grooming and exploiting minors directly. Court documents cite multiple occurrences of this in Denmores Discord history. A 12-year-old Discord user once asked Densmore Are you trying to groom me? and Densmore replied How do you feel about that? and asked the child for virtual sex. In another instance, Denmore asked another Discord user to help [him] groom this little girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2022, Densmore unsuccessfully attempted to persuade a minor to send him an explicit picture with Rabid written on her bare chest and, when she expressed discomfort, contacted a different Discord user and bought him Nitroa Discord membershipto help obtain a sexually explicit photo of the girl. As a result, the girl sent Densmore and the Discord user a nude video of herself with Rabid written on her chest. Court documents say Densmore believes he was just trolling, and that his victims were not affected. He will spend the next 30 years in federal prison. Defense attorney Christopher Gibbons did not immediately return a message seeking comment after the sentencing. In a court filing, he said Densmore, an Army veteran, freely admitted his wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney Mark Totten says that parents and caregivers should understand and monitor their childrens online activities. They should also look for unexpected packages, as members of these abuse and extortion networks are known to send children razor blades, sexual devices, gifts, and other materials to use in creating online content. The FBI further advises the public to take precautionary steps, including: Looking for fresh cuts, bruises, wounds, and scars in unusual patterns; Looking for sudden behavior and appearance changes; Being attentive to children wearing long sleeves or pants in unusual circumstances; Monitoring childrens online activity and discussing the risks of sharing information and content; and Running frequent online searches of family and childrens information to help identify and prevent the spread of personal information on the internet If you are worried about someone who might be self-harming or is at risk of suicide, please consult a healthcare professional or call 911 in the event of an immediate threat. See Densmores full sentencing memorandum below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 71-Govt-Sent-MemDownload The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former foreign minister, just three days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant, sparking protests. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his removal as a sign that Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza. Katz currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Also Friday, the Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza said it was preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza, without specifying when. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military says it will allow 300 truckloads of humanitarian aid supplied by the United Arab Emirates to enter the Gaza Strip in the coming days. Thats less than the 350 trucks per day that the United States said it wants to see enter the war-ravaged territory. The Israel-Hamas war began after militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Israels military response 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. Hezbollah began firing into Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Since the conflict erupted, more than 3,100 people have been killed and nearly 13,900 wounded in Lebanon, the health ministry reported. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the latest: 3 killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, health ministry says BEIRUT Three people were killed and over 30 injured in several Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon's southern port city of Tyre, the health ministry said. The ministry said that this toll is preliminary, as rescue workers are searching for people trapped under rubble. The Israeli army did not issue an evacuation warning before the strikes. They hit several locations in Tyre and caused extensive damage, according to Lebanons state media. Following the attacks, the Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah intelligence and command and control complexes that operated in Tyre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since late October, Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly struck the city, which is known for its UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites. Palestinian president speaks with Trump RAMALLAH, West Bank The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says the leader of the Palestinian Authority spoke with United States President-elect Donald Trump for the first time since his victory in the 2024 campaign. In a statement Friday, Abbas office in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah said the president congratulated Trump on his victory and wished him success in his upcoming term. The statement said that Abbas told Trump he was ready to work with him in pursuit of peace and that Trump, in turn, emphasized his commitment to the stop the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phone call follows months of resistance by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Biden administrations push for a cease-fire that would see Israel end the war against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Trump, lavishing praise on the former president who during his first term established a record of staunch support for Israel. Trumps election victory which many Israelis praised as a win for their country has cast uncertainty on the future of diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war. Any proposed deal would also see Hamas release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza who were abducted in the groups Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Trump and Abbas had a particularly rocky relationship during Trumps first term, when his administration reduced outreach to the Palestinians and reversed decades of U.S. policy in the Mideast in Israels favor. Famine likely imminent in parts of northern Gaza, hunger experts say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNITED NATIONS Hunger experts say there is a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in parts of northern Gaza, where Israeli forces are conducting a major offensive. An alert issued Friday by the experts calls the humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating. The Famine Review Committee said all actors in the war in Gaza must take immediate action within days not weeks to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation. It stressed that this includes not only combatants but those who have influence on them. The alert follows an Oct. 17 report from the committee that said Palestinians in the entire territory face acute food insecurity. That's the emergency level, Phase 4, on the five-level classification system for hunger. Phase 5 is Catastrophe-Famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays alert pointed to recent significant developments, including the impact of Israels designation of northern Gaza as a combat zone and orders for the entire population to evacuate,;a lower level of aid shipments than at any time since October 2023; and food access reaching "critical levels and deteriorating. The committee is part of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which comprises 15 U.N. and other organizations that monitor global hunger and food security. UNIFIL says Israeli forces destroyed some of its property along border with Lebanon UNITED NATIONS The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says Israeli forces deliberately destroyed some of its property in violation of international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force, known as UNIFIL, is in southern Lebanon to monitor the border between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFL said in a statement Friday that the Israeli military used two excavators and a bulldozer to destroy part of a fence and a concrete structure at the peacekeeping missions position in Ras Naqoura on Thursday. UNIFL said that in response to its urgent protest," the Israeli Defense Forces denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. UNIFIL also said the Israeli military this week destroyed and removed two blue barrels that mark the border. The statement was accompanied by a photo of one blue barrel on its side and a short video of an excavator working in an area where a U.N. flag was flying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Israel launched a ground war in Lebanon in September, UNIFIL has accused its military of shooting and wounding peacekeepers and attacking UNIFIL positions. The Israeli military has repeatedly demanded that peacekeepers leave their positions for their safety. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Yesterdays incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF, the UNIFIL statement said. 15 people killed in Lebanon in past day, health ministry says BEIRUT Lebanons health ministry said Friday that 15 people were killed and 69 wounded Thursday, raising the total toll over the past year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to 3,117 killed and 13,888 wounded. One-quarter of them are women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health ministry said that over the past year, 2,242 men, 617 women and 192 children were killed. In the health care sector, the ministry said that 180 health workers have been killed, 306 wounded and 244 medical vehicles damaged since Oct. 8, 2023. Additionally, 87 medical and ambulatory centers have been affected, along with 65 hospitals. UN analysis finds 70% of Gaza deaths were women and children GENEVA The United Nations human rights office released a report Friday that found that 70% of verified war deaths in the Gaza Strip were women and children. The agency examined 8,119 Palestinian deaths between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 2, 2024, including 2,036 women and 3,588 children. Most died in attacks that killed five or more people and about 80% were in residential buildings, the report said. It blamed the Israeli militarys use of weapons with wide area effects in densely-populated areas, though some of the deaths may also have been caused by rockets fired by Palestinian militant groups in Gaza that fell short. The youngest death was a 1-year-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman. Most of the children were 5 to 9 years old. According to Gaza's health ministry, the overall death toll is over 43,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Our monitoring indicates that this unprecedented level of killing and injury of civilians is a direct consequence of the failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said. Israels diplomatic mission in Geneva said it categorically rejects the report and accused the U.N. human rights office of disregarding the impact of activities of the militant group Hamas on civilians in Gaza. The mission also accused the agency of relying on unverified information. The report comes as two world courts examine charges of war crimes against Israel. It also says Hamas and other militant groups committed serious violations of international law when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. Netanyahu appoints aide as new Israeli ambassador to the US JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he was appointing Yechiel Leiter as Israels new ambassador to the United States. U.S.-born Leiter will replace ambassador Michael Herzog, according to a statement from Netanyahus office. Leiter has been a close aide to Netanyahu and was formerly the deputy director general of Israels education ministry and chief of staff to the minister of finance. His son was killed while fighting in Gaza in November. Netanyahu said Leiter was a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, with a deep understanding of American culture and politics. Leiter has been a senior fellow at the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative Jerusalem think tank. He lives in the settlement of Eli in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel prepares to open new aid crossing into Gaza JERUSALEM Israel says it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a U.S. deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. The Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it has built inspection facilities and paved roads around the Kissufim crossing, located near the center of the Gaza. It says food, aid, and fuel will soon be able to be delivered through the crossing, but did not say when it will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the United Nations and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire. Since Israeli forces unleashed a fierce offensive on north Gaza in early October, no aid has made it to the northernmost reaches of the territory, where the U.N. says roughly 70,000 Palestinians still remain. The opening of the crossing likely reflects an Israeli desire to ramp up aid ahead of a United States-imposed deadline. In an Oct. 13 letter sent to Israeli officials, American officials said Israel had 30 days to increase the daily number of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip to 350 or risk the U.S. reconsidering arms shipments to Israel which have been key to Israels war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Israel has so far fallen far short of this benchmark, with COGAT figures showing an average of 57 trucks a day entering Gaza. In the first seven days of November, the average has been 81. Israeli defense minister officially steps down JERUSALEM Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former Foreign Minister, three days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Gallant. Israel has been rocked by Gallants firing, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his dismissal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas militants. Gallant thanked the military and warned that the wars mission is not yet complete; we must meet our moral and traditional obligation, and the wars objective is to bring home the remaining 101 hostages who havent yet seen their families and homes. Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister. Katz thanked Gallant and said the wars objectives were to stop Iranian aggression and deny its capabilities, continue dismantling Hamas as a governing and military force, and defeat Hezbollah. He added that returning the hostages was a top moral priority. Yoav, we were friends and will remain friends because we believe in the same things that will secure Israels security and future, the Jewish state, he said. I promise that the entire State of Israel will emerge from this war and from the pain to much higher places. Turkey's Erdogan hopes Trump will fulfil promises to end Middle East conflicts ANKARA, Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he hopes United States President-Elect Donald Trump will fulfil promises to end the conflict in the Middle East and tell Israel to stop its aggression. Speaking to a group of journalists on a return flight from Hungary, Erdogan also said that cutting off U.S. arms support to Israel would be a good start toward ending the conflict in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. We want that promise to be fulfilled and for Israel to be told to stop, Hurriyet newspaper and other media quoted Erdogan as saying on Friday. Erdogan also called on Trump to abandon what he said were the Biden administrations erroneous policies. We expect my dear friend Trump to abandon the erroneous policies of the former administration during his second term as president, Erdogan said in a televised address. We sincerely believed that the president will do his part to end the wars. Turkey has become one of Israels most vocal critics, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza and strongly criticizing Western nations for backing Israel. ___ For more Middle East news: https://apnews.com/hub/middle-east MIDDLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) A Middleboro woman is facing 26 counts of animal cruelty after more than a dozen dogs were found living in squalor last month, according to police. Kimberly Savino, 43, turned herself in Thursday morning, roughly a week after a warrant was issued for her arrest. Middleboro Animal Control officers searched Savinos Precinct Street home on Oct. 18 after receiving complaints from neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside Savinos home, the officers discovered 17 dogs living in filth, according to police, as well as two cats, a guinea pig and a turtle. Police said the dogs were found locked in crates covered with feces and urine in the basement. It appeared that the dogs hadnt been out of the crates for an extended period of time, police said, and did not have adequate access to food or water. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) An investigation into Savino revealed that no one regularly lived at the house and she only visited the animals once per week to check on them. Police said one of the dogs, who was unresponsive, but breathing, and unable to move, was immediately taken out of the house to receive medical attention. The other animals were removed from the residence later that same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers also found more than two dozen dead dogs stored between a freezer and plastic caskets in Savinos garage, prosecutors revealed in court. Savino pleaded not guilty in Wareham District Court and was released on her own personal recognizance. Police said she willingly surrendered the animals, as well as six horses discovered in stables behind the house. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) began investigating Savinos treatment of her horses earlier this year, long before her other pets were discovered living in squalor. Prosecutors said the MSPCA tried to work with Savino after discovering her horses were severely underweight. The MSPCA was also keeping a close eye on Savino, according to prosecutors, due to concerns over animal cruelty charges she was convicted of in Michigan 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the MSPCA advised Savino take better care of her horses, prosecutors said she continued to neglect them. Savino is also accused of blowing off scheduled appointments with the MSPCA several times over the course of four months. In court, prosecutors said the horses were found to be emaciated, covered in mud and had even resorted to chewing on their stables. The house has since been condemned as a health hazard, police said. Police said nine of the dogs remain at the Middleboro Animal Shelter, while the other eight are in the MSPCAs care. The horses, meanwhile, are at Nevins Farm in Methuen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savinos next court date is scheduled for Dec. 10. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. As global markets navigate a period of heightened economic activity and mixed signals from labor and manufacturing sectors, small-cap stocks have shown resilience compared to their larger counterparts. This November, as investors seek opportunities beyond the usual suspects, identifying undiscovered gems requires a focus on companies with strong fundamentals and the potential to thrive amidst current market fluctuations. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Ruentex Interior Design NA 44.92% 51.98% Impellam Group 31.12% -5.43% -6.86% Ovostar Union 0.01% 10.19% 49.85% Cardig Aero Services NA 6.60% 69.79% Tianyun International Holdings 10.09% -5.59% -9.92% Steamships Trading 33.60% 4.17% 3.90% BOSQAR d.d 94.35% 39.99% 23.94% Wilson 64.79% 30.09% 68.29% A2B Australia 15.83% -7.78% 25.44% Practic NA 3.63% 6.85% Click here to see the full list of 4705 stocks from our Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is a medical technology company that develops software solutions for cancer care across various global regions, with a market cap of SEK5.64 billion. Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its healthcare software segment, amounting to SEK1.13 billion. RaySearch Laboratories, a dynamic player in oncology software, has seen its earnings soar by 187% over the past year, outpacing the Healthcare Services industry growth of 7.1%. The company is debt-free, contrasting with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.8 five years ago. Trading at 67% below estimated fair value suggests potential for investors seeking undervalued opportunities. Recent orders from Institut Curie and other European centers highlight strong demand for RayStation, contributing to robust revenue recognition this year. However, significant insider selling in recent months might raise eyebrows about internal confidence despite high-quality earnings and positive free cash flow trends. OM:RAY B Debt to Equity as at Nov 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: ADATA Technology Co., Ltd. is a global manufacturer and seller of memory products with a market capitalization of approximately NT$26.59 billion. Operations: ADATA Technology generates revenue primarily from its Electronics Sector, contributing NT$40.52 billion, while the Biotechnology Segment adds NT$35.22 million. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man was arrested Wedensday after he allegedly hid a ring camera inside a womans bedroom closet. 35-year-old Jonathan Parrish Aiguier has been charged with Invasive Visual Recording, a State Jail Felony. According to the arrest affidavit, which was redacted and limited due to a pending federal case concerning crimes against children, on November 3, a woman saw a surveillance camera hidden inside a basket on the shelf in her bedroom closet and unplugged it before her estranged husband, Aiguier, began to call and text while apologizing for the camera, leading her to believe that he had been watching her. Police reports added that Aiguier does not live in the home due to a pending federal case concerning crimes against children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to official reports, Aiguier said he only wanted to watch [her] brush her hair and put her makeup on. However, the woman told police it was common knowledge that she undresses and gets dressed in the closet and does not brush her hair or do her makeup in that area either. Odessan convicted of killing homeless man in 2022, sentenced to 60 years Officials reported that the woman told police she was afraid Aiguier would use the recordings of her and share them on the internet, adding that she had not given consent and felt violated. Police said that based on the clear violation of privacy and reports from the woman, Aiguier was charged with Invasive Visual Recording and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on Wednesday, November 6 where he remains as of Friday morning with a $50,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Within a day of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump winning the 2024 election, some of his supporters claimed he had already fulfilled his promise to end foreign wars, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict. A Nov. 7, 2024, Newsweek headline, "Hamas Calls for 'Immediate' End to War After Trump Election Win," often accompanied such claims in social media posts. Snopes readers asked whether Hamas had indeed called for the war to end. On X, posts cited Newsweek's headline as evidence that Trump had ended the Middle East conflict "within 24 hours of being elected." (X user @still_hustling) (X user @dickmasterson) Even Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. shared the headline and claimed, "It took about 12 hours after my father's election win for Hamas to call for peace! @realDonaldTrump isn't even president yet and he's already getting it done. Spectacular." It took about 12 hours after my fathers election win for Hamas to call for peace! @realDonaldTrump isnt even president yet and hes already getting it done. Spectacular. pic.twitter.com/mRaPN2dJs3 Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 7, 2024 It's true that Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim delivered a statement about the Israel-Hamas conflict to Newsweek on Nov. 6, the day after Trump was elected. However, Trump's supporters misleadingly characterized that statement as a call for an end to the war, when in fact Naim called for, in his words, an end to Israel's "aggression against our people, especially in Gaza," and an end to what he described as the United States' "blind support" for Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naim's full statement to Newsweek read as follows (emphasis ours): The election of Trump as the 47th president of the USA is a private matter for the Americans, but Palestinians look forward to an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, especially in Gaza, and look for assistance in achieving their legitimate rights of freedom, independence, and the establishment of their independent self-sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital. [] The blind support for the Zionist entity "Israel" and its fascist government, at the expense of the future of our people and the security and stability of the region, must stop immediately. Another Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told Reuters, "We urge Trump to learn from Biden's mistakes," and said Trump would be tested on his claim that he could stop the war within hours of taking office as U.S. president. Trump won't take office until Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025. Hamas' November 2024 statement to the media was neither the first nor likely to be the last from the group calling for an end to hostilities. In January and May 2024, for example, Hamas made repeated offers for cease-fire deals and hostage exchanges with Israel in order to end the war. Each side has blamed the other for failing to reach an agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another statement released to the media after the U.S. election, Hamas said: "Our position on the new US administration depends on its positions and practical behavior towards our Palestinian people, their legitimate rights and their just cause." Hamas added that the new president must "listen to the voices of the American community itself rejecting the aggression on Gaza" and "must realize that our people are continuing to confront the occupation and will not accept a path that diminishes their rights." Trump's election victory had no immediate, discernible impact on Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. On Nov. 6, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people in eastern Lebanon, and an Israeli attack on a house in Gaza killed 15 Palestinians. On Nov. 7, Israeli airstrikes and bombs hit a refugee camp in northern Gaza and Rafah City in southern Gaza, killing more than a dozen people. Meanwhile, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv with a swarm of drones, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Israel expanded its offensive into northern Gaza and acknowledged systematically removing residents from the region. The Israeli military said Palestinians would not be allowed to return to their homes in the north, and aid only be sent to the south. Humanitarian-law experts have called these tactics war crimes of forcible transfer and the use of food as a weapon. Sources: Al-Mughrabi, Nidal, et al. "Palestinians Dismayed by Trump's Win, Their Leaders Urge Peace." Reuters, 7 Nov. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinians-dismayed-by-trumps-win-their-leaders-urge-peace-2024-11-06/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Mughrabi, Nidal. "Hamas Says Israel Still Blocking Ceasefire Agreement." Reuters, 6 Oct. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-says-israel-still-blocking-ceasefire-agreement-2024-10-06/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Ebrahim, Nadeen. "Hamas Has Offered a Ceasefire Deal. Here's Why That Won't Bring an Immediate End to the War in Gaza." CNN, 6 May 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/06/middleeast/hamas-ceasefire-offer-gaza-war-mime-intl/index.html. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. "Hezbollah Attack Drones Target Tel Aviv Army Base as Israel Pounds Lebanon." Al Jazeera, Nov. 7, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/7/hezbollah-attack-drones-target-tel-aviv-army-base-as-israel-pounds-lebanon. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. McKernan, Bethan, and William Christou. "Palestinians Will Not Be Allowed to Return to Homes in Northern Gaza, Says IDF." The Guardian, 6 Nov. 2024. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/06/palestinians-will-not-be-allowed-to-return-to-homes-in-northern-gaza-says-idf. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Deal to End War, Release Captives." Al Jazeera, Jan. 22, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/22/netanyahu-rejects-hamas-deal-to-end-war-release-captives. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. Rowlands, Lyndal and Alma Milisic, Alastair McCready, Mersiha Gadzo, Urooba Jamal. "Updates: 38 Killed as Israel Bombs Lebanon; North Gaza Still under Siege." Al Jazeera, Nov. 6, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/6/live-protests-in-israel-after-gallants-sacking-attacks-continue-in-gaza. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. "World Reactions as Donald Trump Wins US Presidential Election." Al Jazeera, Nov. 6, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/6/world-reactions-as-trump-declares-victory-in-us-presidential-election. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. O'Connor, Tom, et al. "Hamas Calls for 'Immediate' End to War after Trump Election Win." Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/hamas-calls-immediate-end-war-after-trump-election-win-1981571. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024. News flash: Kansas is still a deep-red state. Same for Missouri. No surprises there, right? Republicans have long dominated politics in both states and a national red wave election like the one we saw on Tuesday only cemented conservative power on both sides of the border. In Missouri, voters put Mike Kehoe in charge of state government and governor and left MAGA stalwarts Sen. Josh Hawley and Attorney General Andrew Bailey in place. Over in Kansas, voters strengthened GOP supermajorities in the Kansas Legislature, and gave conservatives a majority on the Kansas State Board of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to get a lot of Republican governance over the next two to six years, in other words. Thats what majorities of voters in both states want. Not what I would have chosen. But thats democracy. Thats how it works. Fairs fair. But the underlying thesis of my writing here the last few years remains true, I think: Kansas and Missouri are indeed conservative states that deserve their red reputations but the electorate in each state is actually way more moderate than youd guess from those reputations. Which means that Republicans in both Kansas and Missouri could easily overreach. And my guess is they probably will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont have to look far for evidence that regional voters are more moderate than the people they elect. Just check out Missouri, where the electorate chose to override Republican representatives in order to restore abortion protections and raise the minimum wage while making Kehoe their governor. And Kansas, dont forget, is the same state that voted overwhelmingly two years ago to reject the Value Them Both amendment that would have opened the door to an abortion ban here. Voters in both states love electing Republicans. They just dont always love what Republicans do. That disparity bewilders me at times. Trying to figure out the gap between what Kansas and Missouri voters demonstrably want and who they elect is probably the topic of another column. But that the gap exists is undeniable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So is the likelihood that GOP officials will go further than voters want. Kansas Republicans responded to the failure of Value Them Both by continuing to pass new abortion restrictions, while Attorney General Kris Kobach went to court to force the federal government to rescind its approval of abortion drugs. GOP officials in Missouri are prepared to do the same thing now that Amendment 3 passed there. But heres the thing: Where overreach happens, backlash is possible. Even in deep-red states like Kansas and Missouri. Its not been so long, after all, since Kansans responded to then-Gov. Sam Brownbacks disastrous tax cuts by electing a more moderate Legislature, rescinding the cuts and refunding the states public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not so long before that, the states voters booted then-Attorney General Phill Kline after his anti-abortion-rights crusade became too much for them to bear. And not so long before that, Kansas booted state board of education members who tried to take evolution out of our classrooms and turned the Sunflower State into a laughingstock. Over in Missouri, meanwhile, voters have the luxury of citizen-led ballot initiatives. Theyve made a habit in recent years of circumventing the GOP to approve the stuff they want that Republicans wont give them including Medicaid expansion and legalized marijuana, just to name two prominent examples. All of which leads me to an odd realization: The real political conflict in Kansas and Missouri isnt between Republicans and Democrats rather, its between Republicans and the people who elect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre a liberal, like me, that can be frustrating. Its no fun being on the sidelines. But we should take heart. The recent history of both states offers an important lesson nonetheless: When Kansas and Missouri Republicans overreach, the voters usually win. Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist. LA PORTE, Ind. An Indiana man who falsely marketed a toxic solvent as a pure food-grade product, which later led to three deaths, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison. Dennis Zeedyk, a 53-year-old La Porte, Indiana, resident has been sentenced to 48 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced on Wednesday. Zeedyks sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after he pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax fraud by a distiller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, between 2016 and 2018, Zeedyk, who owns the business Glycerin Traders, sold an Ethanol Extraction product, which was marketed as a pure, non-denatured, food-grade grain ethanol distilled from 100% corn. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Zeedyk further claimed that the product was a solvent that could be used to extract essential oils from cannabis, herbs, and other plants; for creating medicinal tinctures and perfumes; for baking in the kitchen; and as an all-natural cleaning product, as well as many other uses. The product, which was sold to customers around the country on Amazon, eBay and an online website, was labeled as 95% ethanol and 5% purified water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, the product was made using the remnants of denatured industrial alcohol shipments from barges on Lake Michigan and contained approximately 30% to 45% methanol, levels that are toxicly high. Methanol is known to cause a wide range of symptoms when ingested, including difficulty breathing, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, seizures, abdominal pain, vomiting, blindness and death. Prosecutors said Zeedyk used a distilling apparatus that was not registered with the federal government to illegally distill the alcohol. Defendant Zeedyk is a modern-day snake oil salesman, who hawked his product to unwitting consumers as being a pure, food-safe and safe for human consumption ethanol product when, in fact, his product contained high levels of deadly methanol, Johnson said. As this prosecution shows, the United States government, through its various law enforcement agencies, will use its power to protect the consuming public from criminal businessmen, like Zeedyk, who use lies to entice consumers to purchase and to use products that are dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland According to prosecutors, between October 2016 and May 2018, over 1,200 customers purchased the toxic Ethanol Extraction product. The product eventually led to three deaths and several others suffered severe physical injuries. In 2018, Zeedyk stopped selling the product after learning that a customer had died from drinking it. Recall attempts were then made, but prosecutors said not all customers responded and unaccounted containers of the Ethanol Extraction remain. Far from a harmless misrepresentation, this defendants lies led to the deaths of three innocent people and caused health problems for many others. This sentence strongly demonstrates that all actions have consequences and should serve as a deterrent to others to reconsider their choices, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton said. The FBI will continue to collaborate with our partners to ensure those who engage in such deceptive actions are held accountable, reinforcing our shared commitment to protect the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his two-year sentence, Zeedyk was ordered to pay $43,727.93 in restitution to his victims as well as a $76,500 fine. The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Indiana did not provide a booking photo of Zeedyk. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. In Modesto City Schools, there are three opportunities for students looking to graduate college a little early or save a little money on tuition. Students can earn college credits through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual-enrollment courses. IB Courses offered at Modesto High International Baccalaureate is a four-year program done in two phases at Modesto High School. The first is the Pre-IB courses for grades nine and 10. The goal for the preliminary courses is to prepare those students for their junior and senior years in the program. Students in grades 11 and 12 take the IB curriculum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students complete work in six subject areas language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts and a course titled Theory of Knowledge. They also must write a 4,000-word essay reflecting their independent research and analysis. Lastly, IB students have to complete over 150 hours of community service. Once students complete all of their requirements, they are eligible to get an IB diploma. General program guides, standards and final exams for the diploma are designed and monitored by the IB offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. To get the college credit, examination results must be sent directly to college enrollment offices for consideration. Local universities, like Stanislaus State, accept for a minimum score of 4 or 5 depending on the courses, which are equivalent to honors classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modesto Junior College also accepts IB program courses for college credit. IB scores must be sent to MJCs enrollment services. Scores of 5, 6 or 7 will automatically apply as elective unit credit or be used to satisfy general education unit requirement. Admission for the Modesto High School IB program is based on standardized test scores in reading, math and language, grade point average and course level, teacher recommendations, a writing sample and math placement test. AP courses at all high schools Advanced Placement courses let students gain college credit if they pass a year-end test in that subject. All tests and courses are created by College Board, which also conducts SAT and ACT tests. There currently are 29 college-level courses and examinations in 16 academic disciplines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP classes are available at all high schools in Modesto City Schools. For students to qualify for some AP classes, a teacher recommendation and a written screening process may be required. In addition, a grade of an A or B in prerequisite courses may be required. Dual enrollment with MJC, UC Merced Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still in high school, through teachers with the qualifications to teach higher education. Modesto City Schools teamed with Modesto Junior College and UC Merced to offer dual enrollment courses to students. Dual enrollment courses are set up three ways at Modesto Junior College. The first option is the Enrichment program, which requires students to take MJC courses outside of their typical high school schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second is the College and Career Pathway program. These college-level courses are taught during the normal school day on high school campuses. Students interested in this pathway will need to get their parents or guardians permission. Beyer, Davis, Enochs, Gregori, Modesto, Johansen and Downey have classes available for students interested in this option. The final option for students to earn credit from Modesto Junior College is the High School Articulation program. This is an agreement between instructors from Modesto Junior College and local high schools that allows students to earn college credit for completing an approved high school course if criteria is met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC Merceds dual enrollment program is specific for students looking to enter child development and care coursework. Through the program, students will be able to receive their California Teachers Credentialing permit and Child Development Associate Teacher Permit by passing four classes. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Molina Healthcare of New York is partnering with Ibero-American Action League to host free health screenings. These health screenings were for Molina members in the Rochester area. Members received preventative screenings for health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, and behavioral health checks. What were hoping to do with this program is to reduce or maybe even eliminate those barriers to ensure that the community and our members and particularly members here at Ibero, that they no longer feel intimidated by this big thing called healthcare and health insurance, that they know what their options are with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness and quality of their lives, said Joiel Ray-Alexander, director of growth and community engagement for Molina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health education materials were also also made available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Courtney Clinton, 31, was found by police on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 7, in Washington State Courtney Clinton/Facebook Courtney Clinton Courtney Clinton Authorities in Washington State are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found next to her uninjured child in a car this week. Courtney Clinton, 31, was found by police responding to a report of a deceased woman in a Vancouver, Wash., location early in the morning on Thursday, Nov. 7, the local police department said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the statement did not name the victim, she was identified by her family in a GoFundMe as well as by the Clark County Medical Examiners office, per KOIN and The Oregonian. Vancouver police also found a small child, seemingly uninjured, inside the car with her, per the statement. Family members identified the child as her 1-year-old son, The Oregonian reported. Courtney Clinton/Facebook Courtney Clinton with her child Courtney Clinton with her child The medical examiner says Clinton was found with incised wounds of the neck, according to KOIN. She died from those cut wounds to her neck, the medical examiner determined, according to KPTV, KATU and The Oregonian. Clinton was killed just months after the fatal shooting of her brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donte Eugene Mathis, 25, was found dead in a motel parking lot in Portland, Ore., on July 6, the Portland Police Bureau said at the time. KATU and The Oregonian identified him as Clinton's brother. On her Facebook page, Clinton appeared to commemorate him through pictures and a note reading, "Rest in peace baby boy," alongside the date of Mathis' death that's consistent with police accounts. Courtney Clinton/Facebook Courtney Clinton Courtney Clinton 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. Clinton lived in Portland, less than 10 miles from Vancouver. Courtney was known for her immense love and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear to those around her, her sister wrote in the GoFundMe set up for her three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her spirit touched many lives, and it is important for us to ensure that she receives the farewell that reflects the beautiful person she was, her sister wrote. The Vancouver Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to reach out to them through the tip line at (360) 487-7399. A mom and dad killed each other during a fight while their 11-year-old child played video games in a different room, Washington deputies said. The child discovered the parents after 6 p.m. Oct. 31 and called 911, the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Police responded to the Longview home and found Juan Antonio Alvarado Saenz, 38, and Cecilia Robles Ochoa, 39, dead, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The childs father had been stabbed multiple times in the chest, while the mother had been stabbed and shot, deputies said. A gun and knife were found at the scene, according to deputies. The gun had been stolen from Alvarado Saenzs employer, the sheriffs office said. Deputies said the married couple assaulted each other, but its not clear who started the fight. The child had been wearing earbuds during the incident. Deputies said the couple had made plans to separate before their deaths. Longview is about a 50-mile drive north from Portland, Oregon. Woman streams her girlfriend killing another woman on Facebook Live, Florida cops say Man travels from out of state to ambush ex in front of her kids, AZ officials say Home intruders shoot paralyzed man twice while he was in bed, Pennsylvania cops say By Eduardo Baptista and Fanny Potkin BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -China's semiconductor industry is readying itself for four more combative years under Donald Trump as U.S. president by ramping up purchases of foreign chipmaking equipment and looking out for opportunities to hire overseas talent and forge new alliances. Among the strategies being considered are the pursuit of closer ties with countries and firms that may feel alienated by the U.S. President-elect's future policies, and a doubling down on self-sufficiency, according to a review of more than 30 articles and research notes published by Chinese chip firms, associations and analysts this week after Trump's win. Trump notably went after Chinese telecoms conglomerates Huawei and ZTE, as well as chipmaker SMIC, during his first term in office, placing them on trade blacklists that curbed their access to crucial U.S. hardware and software. The Biden administration in contrast has leaned on broad export controls, meant to cut off all of China from access to the most advanced chips made by U.S. firms. Zhu Jing, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Semiconductor Industry Association, urged Chinese chip firms on Thursday to beef up their overseas business and expand to more countries, saying there could be opportunities to resume procurement of certain chip imports should global coordination between the U.S., Japan and Europe to enforce sanctions against China weaken under Trump. Companies should also step up to attract overseas talent if the Trump administration repeats the stance of its first term and implements policies that make it difficult for Chinese students and professionals to work in the United States, he said in an article published on WeChat. "After Trump takes office it is possible that there will be some benefits to the development of China's semiconductor industry in terms of professional talents, multinational companies and foreign cooperation. I recommend that we adapt to the new situation and changes in a timely manner," he said. Many of the articles also predicted the industry would see a step up in export controls and potential tariffs against it under Trump and that doubling down on self-sufficiency is the way forward. "Trump's first term made us realise the importance of semiconductors and the necessity of localisation, paving the way for China's semiconductor industry to become self reliant," Jinan Lujing Semiconductor Co, a maker of security chips and power devices, said on its WeChat account. The individual retirement account (IRA) is celebrating its golden anniversary. Created in 1974, this savings vehicle has helped millions of people build resources for retirement. Then in 1997, the Roth IRA was introduced. Jim Lyons from Edward Jones joins JET 24 Action News to discuss this important savings tool. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Canadas Maritime Employers Association (MEA) has submitted what it calls a final contract offer to union dockworkers in hopes of ending their partial indefinite strike at the Port of Montreal. But now the employers are threatening to counter with a lockout if the union doesnt agree to the new terms. The MEA is offering the Local 375 branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) a cumulative wage increase of more than 20 percent over six years. The employers are asking the union for a reply by 8 p.m. local time Sunday. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a deal isnt made by that deadline, then as of 9 p.m., only essential services and activities unrelated to longshoring will continue at the port thereafter. Roughly 320 dockworkers at CUPE 375 have been on strike at two of the Port of Montreals container terminals since Oct. 31. The union is seeking a salary increase of 20 percent over four years, which would be the same given to their counterparts at the Ports of Vancouver and Halifax. Wages havent been the only issue for the longshoremen. They also are targeting the terminals operator, Termont, saying that the companys work schedules have a negative impact on work-life balance. The dockworkers have been working without a new contract since Dec. 31, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike affects 40 percent of container volume handled at the Port of Montreal. Due to the decline in volumes, the terminals now require only 45 longshore workers to complete the tasks on the docks, according to the Montreal Port Authority. According to maritime intelligence company eeSea, there are four vessels waiting at anchorage and one at berth. Julie Gascon, CEO and president of the Montreal Port Authority, called on the Canadian federal government to intervene in the deadlocked labor talks Thursday. The MEAs offer includes a 3 percent salary bump per year for four years and a 3.5 percent increase for the two subsequent years, retroactive to the beginning of 2024. When the contract expires, the total average compensation of a dockworker at the port will be more than $200,000 Canadian dollars ($144,000) per year. The proposed increases will also apply to the current pension plan and benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On condition, if a deal is made, the employers say they will require the dockworkers to provide at least one hours notice of absence instead of one minute before a shift. This measure is designed to reduce absence management issues, which the MEA says has a major effect on daily operations. According to the employers, nearly $400 million Canadian dollars ($288 million) in goods pass through the Port of Montreal per day, generating $268 million Canadian dollars ($193 million) in economic activity. The current partial strike at the port coincides with a larger overtime work stoppage by the 1,200 CUPE dockworkers who are seeking a new contract. The overtime strike, which has taken place across all terminals, has been ongoing since Oct. 10. Workers at the port have taken numerous forms of labor action since the end of September, when the 320 longshoremen at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals first went on strike for three days from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Another strike occurred on Oct. 27, with the full slate of dockworkers across all terminals walking off the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another labor stoppage slowing ocean freight movement on the other side of Canada is still persists as 700 dock foremen remain locked out across British Columbia ports like Vancouver and Prince Rupert. However, the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 are scheduled to meet with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on Saturday at 5 p.m. local time. As of Thursday, The Port of Vancouver counts just one vessel at berth, while seven are dwelling outside of the ports jurisdiction. Steven MacKinnon, who has already had an active start to his tenure as Canadas Labor Minister in putting the breaks on the countrys railroad lockout in late August, said in a post on X Thursday both the Montreal and British Columbia talks are progressing at an insufficient pace. While MacKinnon said he is monitoring both negotiations, pledging federal government support, he remarked that there was a concerning absence of urgency from the parties involved. A 53-year-old Mooresville man is facing prison time for organizing a multimillion-dollar investment scheme and fraudulently receiving more than $2.6 million in COVID relief funds. Steven Andiloro pleaded guilty to securities fraud and wire fraud on Thursday in a Charlotte federal court, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Both crimes carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. From 2018 to 2021, he ran an investment fraud scheme and persuaded victims to invest money in businesses that were both real and fake, according to the plea agreement and court records. He told victims that their money would be invested into his car service business and a non-existent marijuana dispensary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Andiloro did not keep his promise and used money from victims to pay for personal expenses and Ponzi-style payments to other investors, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Andiloro also used fraud to get money from the governments Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 was intended to help businesses going through economic hardship during the pandemic. From April 2020 to March 2021, he submitted false financial information like fake employment data, inflated revenues, costs and payroll expenses, according to court records. After receiving $2.6 million in PPP funds, Andiloro spent the money on his personal lifestyle and made payments towards his investment scheme. Andiloro was released on bond. His sentencing date has not been set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established in May 2021 by the U.S. Attorney Generals Office to combat and prevent pandemic fraud with the assistance of government agencies. During the investigation of Andiloro, the U.S. Attorneys Office was assisted by the U.S. Secret Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administrations Office of Inspector General. COVID fraud in the Charlotte region Andiloros case is one of many in the Charlotte region investigated by government agents. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina has charged more than 30 people in COVID fraud-related cases and 22 have been sentenced as of fall 2024. During the summer, Antoine Johnson and Kimberly Maddox, formerly of Huntersville, pleaded guilty to fraudulently using their moving business to receive $2 million in bank loans and COVID relief funds from the federal government. Ashley Cross, a behavioral health services provider, was convicted in May by a federal jury for defrauding the South Carolina Medicaid program, falsely obtaining COVID relief funds and money laundering, according to a news release from Kings office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She used the personal information of Medicaid beneficiaries to file reimbursement claims totaling $1.3 million. Cross also obtained more than $287,000 in COVID PPP loans for her business and Gucci International Inc., a purported event-planning business owned by her boyfriend and co-conspirator. A sentencing date has not been set. In March, Zadih Cadyma, a Charlotte tax preparer, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining $780,000 in COVID relief funds from the federal government and for money laundering. The U.S. Attorneys Office is encouraging anyone to report information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19. They can report it by calling the Department of Justices National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Police have now recovered 30 monkeys after a group of 43 primates escaped from a medical research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Nov. 6. Forty-three Rhesus macaque monkeys broke out of the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center Nov. 6, according to a Yemassee Police Department statement. As of Nov. 11, Yemassee Police Department confirmed that 30 of the 43 monkeys have been captured. Greg Westergaard, the companys CEO, told NBC affiliate WSAV-TV in South Carolina on Nov. 7 that an employee of the research center left a door open while cleaning the monkeys enclosure, which allowed the monkeys to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westergaard, who estimated there are several thousand monkeys at the research center, said he believed the monkeys would return to the facility on their own. One of the escaped monkeys was "successfully recovered unharmed" Nov. 9 at around noon, the police department said in an update that Saturday. Twenty-four more primates were recovered Nov. 10, though a "sizable group remains active along the fence line" of the facility, police said Sunday. Veterinarians have been conducting wellness exams on the recovered monkeys, and initial reports show they are in "good health," per the Yemassee Police Department's Nov. 10 update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Yemassee Police Department said in the original statement and Saturday's update that there is no health risk associated with the escaped monkeys. Police advised people to not use drones around the area as it scares the animals and "elevates their stress levels." One drone that flew over the area Nov. 8 "caused a disturbance spooking the animals, further complicating efforts to facilitate their safe return," police said in a statement Nov. 9. The department has advised residents to keep doors and windows securely closed to prevent the monkeys from entering homes. Residents who see any of the escaped monkeys are being told not to approach the monkeys on their own and instead to immediately call 911. Traps have set up around the area to capture the monkeys and thermal imaging cameras to help locate them, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department added that it's working with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to humanely locate and return the monkeys. According to its website, Alpha Genesis specializes in providing non-human primate models to the biomedical research community. The Post and Courier newspaper in Beaufort County describes the center as one of the worlds largest breeders of monkeys for research and medical testing. The monkeys' escape isn't the first time primates have broken out of Alpha Genesis of their own accord. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped Alpha Genesis for six hours before they were captured, the Post and Courier reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The publication also reported that Alpha Genesis secured a federal contract in 2023 to run a large colony of monkeys on Morgan Island, also known as Monkey Island, off the coast of South Carolina, to continue breeding monkeys for medical research. This article was originally published on TODAY.com MSNBCs Joe Scarborough claimed on Fridays Morning Joe that Democratic claims around toxic masculinity pushed male voters to Donald Trump. Some of the analysis around the president-elects victory this week has focused on how Trump benefited from his improved performance with traditionally Democrat-supporting groups including Black and Latino men. Exit polling showed Trump picking up 47 percent of Latino men and doubling his standing with young Black men compared with four years ago. Theres been an awful lot of talk about people who have traditionally voted for Democrats, Black men, Hispanic men, moving away because they believe that men have not been welcomed into the new Democratic Party, Scarborough said, And that somehow theres something wrong with being a man, that there is a collective guilt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarborough went on to say that any Democrats shocked by those words then theyve had their head in the sand for about five, six, seven years. Weve had writers from The Atlantic talking about it, coming on about articles theyve read about their children going to school in Manhattan, and young boys, 7, 8, 9-year-old boys being told that theyre part of a collective guilt because they are a maletoxic masculinity starts at 7, Scarborough said. That doesnt work, he added. Not only does that not work in politics, that doesnt work in society. So while Democrats are sitting here talkingtrying to figure out whats happened with men, why Black men, why Hispanic men are departing the Democratic Party, they have to look back and see whats happened over the past 10 years in the Democratic Party and among progressive elites. Scarborough specifically said there was a feeling in educational institutions from elementary schools to colleges of collective guilt against men, the charge that all men are somehow part of this toxic masculinity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats how parties lose men, Scarborough said. Thats how men fall to the side. Thats why Black men and Hispanic men in many cases said: Enough. Enough. Im going to vote for the other guy. The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops. The mother of a spree killer who is serving six life sentences in Illinois has been sentenced in Whiteside County Court, according to court records. Debra Sheley (Rock Falls Police Department) Debra Sheley, 67, was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation for a misdemeanor charge of child endangerment, Whiteside County Court documents show. James Sheley (Rock Falls Police Department) After a plea deal, James Sheley, 67, the father of spree killer Nicholas Sheley pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault, court records say. In May 2024, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by three years to life of mandatory supervised release, with credit for 887 days served, court records show. Nicholas Sheley (OurQuadCities.com) They are the parents of 45-year-old Nicholas Sheley, responsible for deaths in Illinois and Missouri during his killing spree in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2019, Rock Falls Police arrested James K. Sheley and Debra L. Sheley, of Rock Falls, both then 62. James Sheley was originally charged with four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, which is a Class X felony, and two counts of attempted criminal sexual assault, a Class 2 felony. Debra Sheley faced a single charge of endangering the life or health of a child. She received credit for time already served. Nicholas Sheley was convicted in the death of 65-year-old Ronald Randall, among others. Sheley killed Randall at a Galesburg car wash, then drove Randalls truck to Rock Falls, where more slayings ensued in June 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) On the second day in the manslaughter trial of Dixie Denise Villa, the mother of the infant Villa is accused of killing with a fatal dose of Benadryl while under her care gave an emotional testimony. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You I saw a lot of police cars and EMS. A firetruck, I think, said Anna Lobisch, describing the scene when she arrived at her babysitters home the morning of February 24, 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she approached an EMT first. I asked him what happened and said my kids are inside. I asked him if I could get my kids, said Lobisch who spoke through tears. He said, who are your kids? I told him I have a 7-month-old in there and a 2-year-old and his face went white. He said, Im sorry, your daughter didnt make it. We did everything we could but she was too far gone. More families are homeschooling than ever before Lobisch testified her infant daughter, Abigail, was a healthy baby with no allergies that would require medication when she left her in Villas care overnight. She asked for a break several times throughout her testimony to compose herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the defense attempted to poke holes in her testimony, pointing out that Lobisch had admitted to taking Tylenol PM while she was breast feeding and shared her fears with a friend. Wrongful death lawsuit settlement canceled off Council agenda You expressed your concern that they could test the breast milk that you donated and that theyll try to use it against you, correct? questioned Villas attorney Megan Kau under cross examination. Yes, said Lobisch. Kalei even encourages you and says, make sure the DA, meaning the District Attorney, is sticking with the story, correct? Kau asks. Yes, answered Lobisch. A new exhibit brings global past into Hawaiis future Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on the stand today, Honolulu Police Detective Ryan Kaio who described the recreated scene of how Villa said she and the four children she was watching that night were sleeping on the bed in the master bedroom. Under cross examination, Det. Kaio was asked why they didnt test the supply of Anna Lobischs breast milk stored in her freezer. Interest rates cut, what about Hawaii prices? You never asked Anna Lobisch for any breast milk to test, correct? questioned Kau. Correct, said Kaio. Did you even ask what medications she was taking? Kau asked. No, said Kaio. Forensic pathologist with the Medical Examiners office, Jon Gates, was asked to describe the toxic levels of diphenhydramine found in the babys blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the defense attempted to show that the ME is not able to determine when or how it could be given to Abigail. You cannot tell us who gave the dose, correct? asked Kau. Yes, said Gates. You cant say whether it was a pill, liquid or topical, correct? said Kau. Correct, said Gates. What if there were more doses given? Could you say the same thing? asked Kau under cross examination. I cannot say this was the only time her life she was given diphenhydramine, said Gates. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Villa is accused of giving the 7-month-old a lethal dose of Benadryl in order to make the child sleep. She is charged with manslaughter. If a jury finds her guilty, she faces up to 20-years in prison. The trial continues on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) Mozambique has deployed soldiers on the streets to help keep order following weeks of protests against the ruling party that has been accused of rigging last month's election to extend its 49 years in power. Mozambique armed forces spokesperson Gen. Omar Saranga made the announcement at a late-night press conference on Thursday, saying the army would support police in keeping order. Soldiers had already been deployed when he made the announcement, Saranga said. The country of 34 million people in southern Africa is on edge, with the presidential palace under heavy guard and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people are locking themselves in their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In moments like this, with demonstrations taking place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace, Saranga said. Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday in the biggest demonstration since the Oct. 9 election. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets. The ruling Frelimo party's candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the leftist party's dominance of Mozambican politics since independence from Portugal in 1975. Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of stuffing ballot boxes and other election fraud, while international observers said there were problems with the vote and it was not free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of rigging national and local elections to keep power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the results of the election, which it must do for them to be recognized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current President Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo is stepping down after serving the two terms allowed under the constitution. Protests began almost immediately after the election, prompting a police crackdown. Police have been accused by rights groups of firing live bullets at peaceful demonstrations and at least 20 people have been killed by security forces, according to international groups. Mozambican rights groups say the death toll is much higher. Anger also swelled after two senior opposition figures a lawyer and a party spokesperson were killed by unidentified gunmen, who ambushed them in their car and fired at least 25 rounds at them, according to their party. The regional Southern African Development Community has called a special summit for later this month, when Mozambique will be high on the agenda. Neighboring South Africa has closed its main border crossing with Mozambique and heightened security on its side. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa At least three people were killed and more than 60 injured yesterday in Mozambiques capital, Maputo, during clashes between police and demonstrators protesting against what they consider to be the countrys fraudulent elections on Oct. 9. In the weeks of protests since then, at least 20 people have died and hundreds have been injured and arrested. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. The sustained popular mobilization would have been difficult to predict a month ago, when millions of voters cast their ballots for Mozambiques presidential, national assembly and provincial government elections. Turnout was low, with one Mozambican civil society group estimating that only around 35 percent of registered voters participated in the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, public expectations for change were high. Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane and the Podemos party with which he allied himself had captured the imagination of Mozambican votersparticularly the countrys large youth populationwith a platform focused on making government more responsive and distributing economic rents more equitably. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Preliminary, unofficial results suggesting Mondlane was doing well in the polls buoyed this expectation for change. But that hope came undone on Oct. 24 with the announcement that Daniel Chaporepresenting the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975had won the presidency with over 70 percent of the vote. According to the official tallies, Mondlane finished in second place with 20 percent, while what had been the primary opposition party, Renamo, came in third. Frelimo also tightened its grip on the national assembly, adding 11 seats to finish with 195 out of 250. The official results were announced amid assessments from international and domestic observers that irregularities in the campaign, voting and tallying process had undermined the legitimacy of the electoral process. But while accusations of fraud in Mozambiques elections are common, the public reaction since the Oct. 24 announcement has not been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wide swaths of the population have defied government repression in order to protest what they see as a failed electoral process. The election and its aftermath suggest that, after years in which Frelimo had dominated Renamo in what was effectively a two-party system, Mozambiques political landscape is changing. Mondlane and Podemos Mondlane and Podemos are both representative of this call for political change. Mondlane was until recently a member of Renamo, but he abandoned the party in June after it excluded him from its national congress and refused to consider him as a potential Renamo presidential candidate. The origin story of Podemosa shortening of the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambiqueis similar. After a failed attempt to name an alternative candidate to represent Frelimo in the Maputo mayoral election in 2019, a breakaway faction of Frelimo formed Podemos in protest of what they saw as the ruling partys anti-democratic approach to selecting its candidates, but also to promote more equitable economic opportunities. Though Mondlane ran in the October election as an independent, he was supported by Podemos, united as they were in their message of social justice and good governance, as well as their commitment to reinvesting the profits of local industriessuch as mining and forestryin the surrounding local communities. Their call for a new approach resonated most strongly among the youth, who account for over half of the Mozambican population. Furthermore, Podemos and Mondlanes effective use of social media to circumvent government-controlled or government-influenced media in order to broadcast their message more widely among urban youth helped generate support and excitement. Following the election, these lines of communication also allowed them to quickly disseminate unofficial vote tallies that suggested victories for Podemos and Mondlane, setting the stage for the political protests that have now erupted across Mozambique. Frelimos Old Tricks While Mozambican voters were generally looking for change, Frelimo relied on old tricks to ensure an overwhelming victory, perhaps not appreciating the publics reduced tolerance for such methods. The image of a ruling party entrenched in its ways and loath to relinquish power after 50 years in office was further reinforced in the governments management of the ensuing protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mozambican social media has been saturated with videos and images of police firing live ammunition and tear gas at protesters as well as toward schools and homes. Reports alleging that the government cut internet access at multiple points during the protests further reinforced the image of a nondemocratic, repressive state, resonating with Mondlanes message and likely bolstering the commitment of his followers. Indeed, the weeks of protests since the results were announced suggest a public at odds with Frelimo over more than just fraudulent elections and police brutality. The presence of youth at the protests is perhaps to be expected. But they have been joined by groups as diverse as the Muslim business community, doctors and the middle class, all of which have their own grievances with the state, despite being more established constituencies. For example, the South Asian business community is frequently targeted in kidnapping-for-ransom schemes that allegedly benefit from police complicity. And doctors have threatened to strike multiple times during the past 12 months over grievances about pay and working conditionsindeed, the high volume of injured protesters arriving at hospitals in Maputo over the past few weeks prompted criticism from medical professionals struggling to meet the demand for assistance. Renamos Inflexion Point The overwhelming success of Podemos and Mondlane compared to Renamowhich fought against Frelimo for 15 years in the countrys civil war, but became Mozambiques primary opposition party after the end of the conflict in 1992further underscores the popular yearning for political change. Public perceptions of Renamos reliability as a true counterbalancing force to Frelimo have declined in recent years, in part due to accusations that its leader, Ossufo Momade, has been willing to accommodate Frelimo in order to preserve his perks and status as primary opposition, earning the party the nickname Frenamo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Momades poor showing in last months election has relegated Renamo to third place, putting in jeopardy the benefits and resources previously available to it as the primary opposition party and potentially undercutting its ability to quickly and effectively regain lost political ground. Post-Election Violence and Long-Term Stability The trajectory of the protests since late October and their impact on Mozambiques long-term stability will depend primarily on how well Mondlane can keep harnessing public discontent to pressure Frelimo into providing some form of concessions to him or Podemos. Images and videos of protests since Oct. 24 suggest a high degree of mobilization and commitment among the public, even when faced with police repression. Indeed, the governments heavy-handed approach has likely helped bolster public outrage. For example, multiple videos circulating on social media have shown Mozambicans banging pots and pans from their windows while police fire tear gas toward the buildings. However, the economic realities of the protests may eventually come into play, limiting the longevity of this current round of popular mobilization. On Oct. 31, the president of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique said the protests had at that point cost $45 million and left 1,200 people unemployed. But even if this current crisis is resolved and Chapo takes office as planned, the narratives and images of post-election protests across Mozambique suggest that he will be governing a public that has disavowed him. That means he will need to quickly demonstrate a willingness and ability to address the economic and security issues that have been frustrating voters. While the current wave of protests has pushed the insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado even further from national headlines, electoral violence has the potential to nonetheless affect the trajectory of that conflict as well. Injuries suffered by members of the Muslim business community at the post-election protests dovetail with the insurgencys religious rhetoric and narratives portraying Frelimo as indifferent to the suffering of Muslims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mozambican and Rwandan officials have denied allegations circulating online that Rwandan troops, which have been in Mozambique since 2021 to help fight the northern insurgency, had been deployed to Maputo to quell protests. But the current environment of heightened distrust of the government risks undermining the credibility of these statements, creating potential reputational harm to Rwandan forces that have thus far benefited from positive relations with civilians. Furthermore, controversy over these rumors threatens to make the Rwandan deployment another talking point in anti-Frelimo rhetoric, given the opaque nature of the agreement that resulted in their presence in Cabo Delgado. The protests in Mozambique will leave a mark on society regardless of when and how they ultimately end. While a compromise that gives greater power to Podemos and Mondlane may ease tensions in the short term, the deterioration of the relationship between Frelimo and the Mozambican public over the past month will likely haunt the Chapo government. Indeed, to the extent these protests represent more than just discontent over the electoral process, they signal a shift in Mozambiques political landscape that will likely gather momentum over time. Emilia Columbo is a nonresident senior associate in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice president of analysis at VoxCroft Analytics. She previously served as a senior analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, covering African and Latin American political-security issues. Follow her on Twitter @EColumbo2019. The post Mozambiques Post-Election Protests Signal a New Political Landscape appeared first on World Politics Review. The U.S. Navy recently used a drone control system now being installed on all its supercarriers to operate an actual uncrewed aircraft for the first time. The uncrewed platform in question was a stealthy General Atomics Avenger, which that company has been using as a technology testbed to support its work on autonomy and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) type drones. This underscores the Navys plans to use the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS) to support more than just the MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone, which is still set to be the services first operational advanced uncrewed carrier-based aircraft. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced the successful completion of the test, which took place on November 5, in a press release earlier today. Lockheed Martins Skunk Works advanced projects division, which has long been involved in the development of the UMCS, participated in the event along with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). Navy air vehicle pilots conduct a test run to monitor the UMCS ground control station, located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, as the system commands the General Atomics Avenger surrogate, located at the companys test facility in California, in preparation for the November 5 demonstration event. USN Navy Air Vehicle Pilots (AVPs) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland controlled the MQ-20 [Avenger] during its flight from GA-ASIs test site in California, according to NAVAIRs release. The UMCS connected Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) to the MQ-20 via a proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) satellite constellation and transmitted flight control commands and received mission systems data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This flight was the first time a GA-ASI UAS completed bi-directional communications using the UMCS operation codes while performing autonomous behavior, per a separate release from General Atomics. The company also said the Avenger leveraged its Tactical Autonomy Core Ecosystem (TacACE) software to fly in a semi-autonomous mode during the test. Avengers have been heavily involved in the testing of different artificial intelligence-driven autonomy systems over the years. The core component of the Navys UMCS is the MD-5E ground control station, which includes an array of monitors, tablet-like devices, and other computer hardware. The central element on the software side is Skunk Works Multi Domain Combat System (MDCX). Other ancillary elements make up the complete system of systems. As already noted, UMCS is in the process of being integrated onto all of the Navys Nimitz and Ford class supercarriers as part of the addition of a dedicated Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC) on those ships. In August, NAVAIR announced that the Nimitz class USS George H.W. Bush had become the first flattop to get the full UAWC. A view from inside USS George H.W. Bushs new UAWC. USN The development of the MD-5 and the rest of the UMCS, as well as the UAWC, traces all the way back to the abortive Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) effort that then eventually evolved into the MQ-25 program. The development of the Stingray has been beset by issues, but the Navy is still pushing ahead with plans to buy 76 of the drone tankers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MQ-25 is currently set to be the first operational carrier-based drone in the Navys inventory starting in 2026. The drones are set to be attached to E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft squadrons within carrier air wings, at least initially. The Stingrays will be a critical tool for extending the reach of future carrier air wings, as well as eliminating the need for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters to fly in the tanker role. The critical importance of increasing the range of the services carrier-based crewed tactical jets just recently re-emerged with a separate call for ways to extend the unrefueled combat radius of the F/A-18E/Fs. The Stingrays will also have secondary intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capabilities, and giving them more roles and missions, including stand-off strike, could be on the horizon. At the same time, the Navy has been consistent in stressing how its work on the UMCS is a stepping stone adding even more uncrewed capabilities to its carrier air wings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UMCS is laying a foundation that will enable control of all unmanned carrier aircraft, starting with the MQ-25 aircraft, Capt. Daniel Fucito, head of NAVAIRs Unmanned Carrier Aviation office, or PMA-268, said in a statement following the November 5 test. The UMCS opens the door for efficiently introducing future unmanned systems into the complex carrier command and control architecture. The Navy will use data from the demonstration to refine the programs requirements and develop key command and control technologies, the release also stated. The team plans to conduct additional digital and live surrogate test flights to demonstrate autonomy, mission systems, crewed-uncrewed teaming, advanced communications and further command and control development. All of this is further underscored by the use of MQ-20 in this first-of-its-kind UMCS demonstration rather than Boeings flying Stingray test asset, referred to as T1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy is still ironing out its plans for a fleet of CCA-type drones that will operate in close cooperation, at least initially, with crewed elements of the carrier air wing. However, the service has laid out a vision in the past for CCAs that are cheap enough to be consumable, and expended as one-way kamikaze drones or aerial targets for training or testing use at the end of relatively short service lives. You can read more about those plans here. Overall, the Navy has a stated goal of at least 60 percent of the aircraft in its future air wings being uncrewed. The Navys CCA work is also directly intertwined with the U.S. Air Force, as well as related work the U.S. Marine Corps is doing, especially when it comes to interoperable control architectures. The expectation then is that UMCS will be among the systems able to exercise control over drones owned by other services, when needed. Its also worth noting here that General Atomics is one of two companies (the other being Anduril) that are developing drones as part of the initial phase, or Increment 1, of the Air Forces CCA program. General Atomics is also now working on a carrier-based member of its Gambit family of drones, also known as Gambit 5, as well as other carrier-capable designs. The company has been pitching these designs to a number of navies around the world. A rendering of a notional catapult-equipped HMS Prince of Wales with an air wing that includes Gambit 5s and carrier-capable MQ-9 Reaper variants. General Atomics Questions are emerging about the Navys ability to realize its future uncrewed and crewed carrier aviation ambitions. The MQ-25s troubles have led to significant delays and cost growth. Earlier this year, the service announced its intention to push back the timeline for a new sixth-generation stealth crewed carrier-based combat jet, or F/A-XX, and the potential for significant budget cuts to that program has since come up. The Navy is in the process of selecting a final design now and is still hoping to have F/A-XXs begin entering operational service in the 2030s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This also comes as the Air Force has been issuing increasingly dire warnings in public about its ability to afford various big-ticket modernization programs, including its own new sixth-generation fighter, CCA drones, and stealth tankers, which you can read more about in detail here. The entire U.S. military seems to be in the midst of a certain amount of upheaval over modernization priorities amid fears of at best largely flat budgets in the coming years. In the meantime, the Navy is clearly pushing ahead with work on the UMCS to lay the groundwork for new drones in its carrier air wings, whatever that mix of uncrewed platforms might ultimately look like. Contact the author: joe@twz.com We came across a bullish thesis on Global Payments Inc. (GPN) on ValueInvestorsClub by beethoven. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on GPN. GPNs stock was trading at $95.03 when this thesis was published, vs. a closing price of $106.17 on November 5. GPN, a market leader in payment processing, offers various industries a wide range of services. Its stock price has declined over 20% after the company released its first-quarter 2024 results casting skepticism on the companys management and financial activities. Meanwhile, there is a growing concern about the sustainability of its earnings, especially after free cash flow (FCF) dropped to $271 million from $437 million a year ago. The company faced scrutiny for providing inadequate support for adjustments to its FCF, creating an element of doubt. Alternatives to Capital One: 12 Best Online Banks in 2024 A customer making a purchase at a modern retail store terminal, showing the ubiquity of the companys payment solutions. Despite that, several positive influences are worth consideration. The one that stands out is the high customer retention in GPNs Merchant Solutions segment, where North American customers have used GPNs services for about 6.6 years. This stability shows that GPN has a strong relationship, especially in the less sensitive areas that are experiencing competition from new players like Adyen and Stripe. Additionally, the Issuer Solutions segment maintains a 5% growth in revenue and a reasonable market position, which proves GPNs further successful development perspective. In terms of valuation, the sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis suggests a base case price target of $145, a substantial 53% above its current price. In contrast, the bearish model offers a price prediction of $83, reflecting a 13% downside risk. The reasons for value discrepancies can be explained by problems in the Merchant Solutions segment, which has great revenue generation prospects despite high competition. If the working capital of GPN becomes constant and FCF increases, the market might appreciate GPNs new fundamental value. Furthermore, the new CEO of GPN, Cameron Bready, is implementing positive changes by including efficiency and disposal of non-strategic businesses. The two issues that remain concerning for GPN are transparency and management credibility. However, GPNs strong business segments are much more capable of handling economic shifts. The market appears unconcerned about management issues with a low short position and bond yields at 5.5%. This is supported by BBB/stable outlook of Fitch and FCF of more than $2 billion in the period from 2024-2026, which signals further positive recovery. MEMPHIS, Tenn. An Oxford, Mississippi man was taken into custody and is now facing child porn charges, according to the Oxford Police Department. Reports say on October 25, officers received a tip which led to several search warrants across various online platforms in relation to an investigation into child pornography. An arrest warrant was then issued for Chasyn Bernard Bowers, 23, of Oxford. Chasyn Bowers (Courtesy of the Oxford Police Department) Bowers was taken into custody on Wednesday for Child Pornography (Producing, Sending, Receiving, Distributing or Possession of). His bond has not yet been set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. MSNBC pundit Anand Giridharadas on Friday groaned that conservatives have a media ecosystem led by Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson that acts as a radicalization engine for young men before lamenting we dont have the equivalent on the feminist and pro-democracy side. Giridharadas made his comments while appearing Friday on Morning Joe. The right, he said, has a negative but effective approach to courting voters, in particular young men. This radicalization funnel, as Giridharadas put it, works literally the way militant groups work by harping on issues like the cost of eggs and what kids are learning in school. Heres what that leads to, according to Giridharadas: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [It] moves them through YouTube videos, through podcasts, moves them from that annoyance all the way, slowly, slowly, slowly, to a full blown fascist politics, Giridharadas said. Its an elaborate, multi-billion dollar infrastructure, and there is nothing like it on the pro democracy side. He added: When a man is just lost and lonely and not yet radicalized, we dont have the equivalent of Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson to move that man in a feminist direction. You can watch his full answer in the X video below: Morning Joe had Anand Giridharadas on today and he had a total meltdown about @joerogan, @jordanbpeterson, and other conservative media figures. Wild stuff from Giridharadas on the conservative "media ecosystem": "It's not a good one, it's a negative one. It's a it's a pic.twitter.com/MZMhmebeRS Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 8, 2024 Rogan has the top ranked podcast on both Spotify and Apple, where he talks about a wide-range of topics, from mixed martial arts to politics to comedy to UFOs. His recent interview with president-elect Donald Trump has been viewed 47 million times on YouTube since it was posted two weeks ago. The comedian extended an invite to Vice President Kamala Harris to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience, but she declined, unless Rogan came to her for a one-hour interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peterson, meanwhile, is a Canadian psychologist and academic. Hes made a name for himself in the non-mainstream media world over the past decade by offering advice primarily aimed at young men like the importance of making ones bed each morning and other compounding life habits. His YouTube account has more than 8.3 million subscribers. The lefts lack of similar influencers, Giridharadas said, played a key role in Trump performing so well with young men on Election Day. Exit polls show Trump won 56% of the the male 18-29 vote this year, compared to 41% in 2020. Beyond Rogan, Trump appeared on a number of shows that appealed to young men leading up to the election, including comedian Andrew Schulzs Flagrant podcast and streamer Adin Ross show. The post MSNBC Analyst Shades Conservative Ecosystem of Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson Then Laments We Dont Have the Equivalent appeared first on TheWrap. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The East Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police are currently investigating what they call a suspicious situation at a home near Henry Fine Park. East Lansing police tell 6 News they were called out to a rental unit on the 1500 block of Wintercrest Street at Coolidge Place Townhomes at around 12:08 p.m. Thursday, but did not disclose the exact nature of the call when asked. 6 News arrived on the scene at around 7:30 p.m., and police were still present. The East Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police are currently investigating what they call a suspicious situation at a home near Henry Fine Park. (WLNS) Friday morning there were biohazard stickers on the front door, but police were still not releasing any information about this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police did not confirm loss of life or injury, but 6 News on the scene witnessed what appeared to be two covered bodies being removed from the townhome, into a hearse and transported away from the scene. Police also confirmed that the building was occupied at the time of the call and there is no threat to the public. (WLNS) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. (NewsNation) As President-elect Donald Trump celebrates a victory over Kamala Harris that was decided by wider margins than many expected, third-party candidates like Jill Stein failed to factor into the final results. Stein, who represented the Green Party on many ballots across the country, garnered 628,129 votes, or 0.4% of the electorate, The Associated Press reported. Stein, a Harvard-educated physician and environmental health advocate, finished Tuesdays election with about 27,000 votes more than independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. received, the AP reported. Stein, 74, finished with anywhere between 0.4% and 0.9% of the vote in the 38 states in which her name appeared on the ballot in Tuesdays election. Stein registered 0.9% of the vote (34,953) in New Jersey, representing the biggest percentage she received Tuesday, according to NewsNation partner Decision Desk HQ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In social media posts, Stein had posted that the nations establishment parties have failed Americans. She added that Republicans and Democrats work for Wall Street and the war machine and said that the two parties have dumped trillions on endless wars while working people struggle and the world burns. Its time to forget the lesser evil and fight for the greater good like our lives depend on it, Stein wrote. What happens after Election Day? Key dates to know Stein continued to take aim at her bigger-party competitors Wednesday. Once again, the two-party system has delivered a disastrous result for the American people, Stein wrote in a lengthy post on X. Now we must continue the uprising for people-powered politics and demand the world we deserve which will never be delivered by the twin parties of war and Wall Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, voters failed to connect with Steins message in most places. However, Stein collected 18% of the vote in Dearborn, Michigan, a city just outside of Detroit that boasts a large Arab American population. Trump won 42.8% of the vote in Dearborn, where 55% of the population is of Middle Eastern descent, the Detroit Free Press reported. Many voters who turned out to the polls in Dearborn and nearby Dearborn Heights expressed disappointment in the Biden administrations support of Israels attacks in Gaza, the newspaper reported. The Free Press reported Stein was criticized for reportedly diverting crucial votes from Hillary Clinton in her loss to Trump in 2016. Stein collected about 1.5 million votes in that election. She also previously ran for president in 2012. The New York Times reported that Stein does not wish to play the role of spoiler but seeks instead to be heard and be counted, the newspaper reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like her very much, Trump said of Stein at a rally earlier this year, The New York Times reported. You know why? She takes 100% from them. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Sen.Mitch McConnell speaks during the St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm, Aug. 3, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Kentucky has been chosen as the site for a $435 million TNT production facility as the United States resumes domestic production of the explosive for the first time since the 1980s, according to a news release from U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. The Army will award a contract to Repkon USA to build the production facility in Graham in Muhlenberg County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery, McConnell said. McConnell said he was proud to have championed the legislation that includes funding for the project right here in Kentucky, helping retool the defense industrial base our military relies on. Inside Defense reports that TNT is used in ammunition, bombs and grenades, and is the primary explosive fill for 155mm artillery shells, according to the Army, which is continuing to increase its production of 155mm ammunition to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee is quoted as crediting McConnell for bringing the project to Muhlenberg County, which he said will be a huge boost to our local economy by bringing construction jobs and high-quality permanent jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maj. Gen. John T. Reim said, This history making initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening our national security and reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials. A domestic source of TNT is a crucial step in strengthening and building resilience in our Defense Industrial Base to ensure our armed forces have timely access to essential resources. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) Multiple counties across Northeastern Pennsylvania are under a Red Flag Warning, which means warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. The National Weather Service has issued the warning from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday for Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, southern Wayne and Union counties. For a list of counties visit our Weather Alerts page. DCNR sets burn ban across Pennsylvania A fire watch means that weather conditions that could cause a brush fire are forecast to occur due to strong winds, low humidity and dry grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Munford police officer who shot a woman following a pursuit along Highway 51 has been charged with reckless endangerment. Tuesday, a Tipton County Grand Jury indicted William Spearman, 28. Spearman turned himself in and was booked into the Tipton County Jail. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, on August 19, 2024, their special agents responded to an officer-involved shooting that occurred just before 2:15 a.m. on Highway 51 in Covington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, agents learned that Munford police officers initiated a traffic stop at approximately 2 a.m., but the driver refused to stop, and they began chasing the vehicle. Woman wanted in connection to body found in burned-out car The pursuit continued along Highway 51 into Covington, where stop sticks were deployed. The TBI said after the driver stopped, Spearman approached the vehicle and fired a shot, striking the female driver. The driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment and released. No officers were injured. Spearman is facing two counts of Reckless Aggravated Assault. He was released from jail on bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. CLINTON, Miss. (WJTV) The Clinton community has been looking for an artist to paint a new mural in the heart of the Boulevard Business District. Come to find out, the perfect person for the job is already a great addition to the community. Wessons old school building Colombian-born artist and Clinton resident Lucia Deque was selected to paint the new addition to Clintons art collection. When complete, the botanical mural will feature Mississippis state flower on the side of the SouthGroup Insurance building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mural is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Google Cloud has partnered with DeliverHealth, a clinical documentation management company, to transform medical documentation through advanced Gemini 1.5 Pro multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) models. This collaboration aims to enhance patient-physician interaction. It will see the utilisation of medical vocabulary for speech recognition, which will allow clinicians to document patient care entirely via voice. The partnership will help in reducing the burden on clinicians, enabling them to focus more on patient care. Google Cloud India vice president and country MD Bikram Singh Bedi said: Our collaboration with DeliverHealth is a reflection of our shared commitment towards innovation through the transformative potential of GenAI by automating tedious tasks and improving efficiency and accuracy. Gemini 1.5 Pro multimodal AI models are trained on 150,000 hours of human-curated medical audio notes monthly. The new solution co-developed by DeliverHealth and Google Cloud harnesses natural language processing (NLP) to fully document each patient encounter. It assists clinicians in summarising operative reports, lab results, radiology reads, and inpatient notes efficiently. DeliverHealth CEO Sasanka Yellamanchali said: With Google Clouds AI models and our ability to create human-curated medical documentation, clinicians can simply speak and know their words will be accurately transformed into structured, billable documentation. This is about more than innovative technologyits about giving caregivers more time and peace of mind to focus on what they do best, caring for patients. The partnership was announced at the Google Cloud Startup Summit held in Bengaluru on 7 November 2024. The startup summit also witnessed many other programmes and partnerships to support the growth of AI startups. "Google Cloud, DeliverHealth partner to enhance medical documentation using AI" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. American Muslims broadly rejected Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, according to a new exit poll. The Council on American-Islamic Relations released the results of its national election poll of 1,575 verified American Muslim voters, and they do not reflect well on the efforts of the Harris campaign to hold onto what had been a solid Democratic constituency. The poll shows that Green Party candidate Jill Stein received 53 percent of votes, followed by Donald Trump with 21 percent, and Harris with 20 percent. In a Michigan-specific poll of 502 registered Muslim voters, Stein got 59 percent support, followed by Trump at 22 percent, and Harris with a tiny 14 percent of the vote. The results show a significant backlash to the Biden administrations handling of Israels brutal war in Gaza, which has killed at least 43,508 Palestinians, including more than 16,765 children, as well as how the Harris campaign chose to tackle the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our final exit poll of American Muslim voters confirms that opposition to the Biden administrations support for the war on Gaza played a crucial role, said CAIR National Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw in a statement. The poll was conducted by Molitico Consulting LLC through text messages, with a margin error of 2.47 percent. CAIRs exit poll from 2020 was less extensive, only polling 844 registered Muslim voters, but had 69 percent of respondents saying that they voted for Joe Biden, with 17 percent choosing Trump, showing a big drop-off during this election. Another 2020 poll estimated even more Muslims backed Biden, a whopping 86 percent. CAIRs findings are different from the results in Dearborn, Michigan, the countrys largest majority Arab American city, where 42 percent of voters chose Trump, 36 percent went for Harris, and 18 percent went for Stein. But in CAIRs poll as well as Dearborns results, the common factor was that Harris was rejected and that Stein received a much bigger portion of the vote than in the national results. The Harris campaign refused to have an Arab or Palestinian speaker at the Democratic National Convention in August, and last week, the Democrats messaging to Muslims and Arab American voters included Bill Clinton saying Israel was forced by Hamas to kill civilians in Gaza at a rally in Michigan, which drew a large backlash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump sought to capitalize on Democrats missteps, visiting Dearborn in the week before the election and attacking Harris for campaigning with Liz Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan do not think highly of the elder Cheneys support for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, but they also remember his daughters reputation for supporting torture and anti-Muslim bigotry. Trump likely drew votes from Muslim and Arab American voters for this reason and picked up endorsements from metro Detroit Muslim and Arab politicians. Likewise, Steins support of an arms embargo against Israel, her support for a cease-fire in Israels wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and the fact that she held a campaign event in Dearborn in September helped her gain Muslim and Arab American voters in Michigan and the U.S. overall. These survey results show that the Democratic Party will have to seriously reevaluate its policy stances in order to win back Muslim and Arab American voters. At the very least, they seem to have cost Harris valuable votes in the state of Michigan, which she needed to win. In the future, Democrats cant neglect or ignore the issues that Arab American and Muslim voters care about like they did this year. Scientists have solved the mystery of sticky black balls that began washing on beaches in Sydney, Australia last month. Thousands of the strange balls first began appearing in mid-October, including at the city's famous Bondi Beach, leading to beach closures. The public was advised to keep a distance from the balls and not swim near or touch them. Authorities considered several explanations for the balls, which were initially believed to have been tar from a possible spill from an oil ship or wastewater outflow. However, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said in a statement on Wednesday that an investigation confirmed that the balls are a combination of "fatty acids, petroleum hydrocarbons, and other organic and inorganic materials." Fatty acids are commonly found in products such as cooking oils, soaps, and skincare items; while petroleum hydrocarbons are chemicals that come from oil and gas products including gasoline, motor oil, and diesel fuel. The organic components likewise are comprised of naturally decomposing substances like human hair and food waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each ball likely contains hundreds to thousands of different materials, and is believed to have originated from somewhere that releases mixed waste. The testing also turned up traces of recreational drugs and birth control medication. Though, authorities have yet to determine the source, with final results expected in the coming weeks. What we found is much morethis is not going to sound very scientificbut much more disgusting than we previously thought," researcher William Alexander Donald told NBC News. Donald is a chemistry professor at the University of New South Wales Sydney, which conducted the testing along with the Australian government's Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy, and Water. "When were doing the testing, these balls smell worse than anything youve everat least for me, worse than anything Ive ever smelled before," he continued. "This is a hugely complex analytical challenge where weve detected hundreds of different molecules and components in these blobs." (NEXSTAR) A Delta flight bound for the Washington D.C.-area was diverted Wednesday because of an odor reported in the flight deck. A Delta spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar that Flight 850 from Atlanta was diverted to Raleigh-Durham International in North Carolina out of an abundance of caution because of the odor. Passengers and crew had to deplane and board a new aircraft, but Delta said Thursday the source of the odor is still not confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is flying on a Tuesday cheaper? Testing 3 TikTok flight hacks The flight finally landed at Reagan National at 10:04 p.m. Safety is always our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels. The airline said that none of the 150 customers and six crew members were injured in the incident. A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said there will be an investigation into the incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she expected an open primary to take place after President Joe Bidens exit from the race, instead of a Kamala Harris endorsement. Pelosi, who spoke to The New York Times podcast The Interview this week, said that things might have been different if an open primary had occurred. The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary, Pelosi said in the interview, which will be released on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In regards to Harris entering the race if there were a primary, Pelosi said: Kamala may have, I think she would have done well in that and been stronger going forward. But we dont know that. That didnt happen. We live with what happened. She said that things would have gone down differently if Biden had left the race sooner. She also said that Biden immediately endorsing Harris really made it almost impossible to have a primary at that time. The quick endorsement for Harris shut down any idea of a primary when Biden was pushed by many in the Democratic Party, including Pelosi, to exit the race in July after his mental agility came under the spotlight. Pelosi also said that cultural issues carried more blame than the working class vote, which Bernie Sanders claimed in a damning post after Harris election loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should come to no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them, Sanders wrote in the statement. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right. It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right. pic.twitter.com/lM2gSJmQFL Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 6, 2024 Pelosi defended the party from Sanders claims, and said he has not won. With all due respect, and I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I dont respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working-class families, Pelosi said in the interview. The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops. Several replica guns have been recovered from the home of a 13-year-old who allegedly planned to scare students at a Wisconsin elementary school, but was stopped from entering the building, according to police. The 13-year-old tried to enter his former school, Roosevelt Elementary School, around 9 a.m. Thursday, carrying a backpack and duffel bag, Kenosha police said. The teen attempted to enter through other doors, but was not able to get in, Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss told reporters. He then approached the front entrance and was buzzed into a vestibule area. Two school employees confronted the student, who got nervous and then fled, Weiss said. PHOTO: The Roosevelt Elementary School campus is seen, Nov. 7, 2024, in Kenosha, Wisc. (WISN) MORE: Delphi murder trial top takeaways Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who was taken into custody at his home on Thursday, has been charged with one count of terroristic threats, Kenosha police said. In a search at the suspects home, police said they discovered several air soft replica handguns and a replica rifle. PHOTO: Replica guns were recovered at the home of a 13-year-old who allegedly planned to scare students at a Wisconsin elementary school, Kenosha police said. (Kenosha Police Department) PHOTO: Replica guns were recovered at the home of a 13-year-old who allegedly planned to scare students at a Wisconsin elementary school, Kenosha police said. (Kenosha Police Department) No real guns were found, police said, and the suspect's mother told authorities the teen doesn't have access to guns. The suspect told police he went to the school that day to sell candy, police said. The teen "later told a social worker that he went to the school with the intent to scare students," police said in a statement. PHOTO: Police vehicles are seen at Roosevelt Elementary School, Nov. 7, 2024, in Kenosha, Wisc. (WISN) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday, police said. Police said the suspect looked up school shootings online and made comments to fellow students for weeks leading up to the incident. PHOTO: Teen believed to be armed stopped from entering Wisconsin elementary school (Kenosha Police Department) "We narrowly missed a tragedy," Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton told reporters at a news conference on Thursday, before police determined the guns were not real. "I can't stress ... really how heroic our office staff was," Weiss said, adding, "They helped avert a disaster." Kenosha is located about 40 miles south of Milwaukee. ABC News' Doug Lantz contributed to this report. Fake guns found at home of 13-year-old who allegedly planned to scare students at elementary school: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) Three NASA astronauts whose prolonged space station mission ended with a trip to the hospital last month declined to say Friday which one of them was sick. Astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps publicly discussed their spaceflight for the first time since returning from the International Space Station on Oct. 25. They spent nearly eight months in orbit, longer than expected because of all the trouble with Boeings Starliner crew capsule and rough weather, including Hurricane Milton. Soon after their SpaceX capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast, the three were taken to a hospital in nearby Pensacola along with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, who launched with them back in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the Americans ended up spending the night there for an undisclosed medical issue. NASA declined to say who was hospitalized or why, citing medical privacy. When asked at Fridays news conference which one had been sick, the astronauts refused to comment. Barratt, a doctor who specializes in space medicine, declined to even describe the symptoms that the unidentified astronaut had. Spaceflight is still something we dont fully understand. Were finding things that we dont expect sometimes. This was one of those times and were still piecing things together on this," said Barratt, the only member of the crew who had flown in space before. Epps said everyone is different in how they respond to space -- and gravity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the part that you cant predict," she said, adding, "Every day is better than the day before. Dominick said little things like sitting comfortably in a hard chair took several days to get used to once he returned. He said he didnt use the treadmill at all during his time in space, as part of an experiment to see what equipment might be pared on a long trip to Mars. The first time he walked was when he got out of the capsule. The two astronauts who served as test pilots for Boeing's Starliner Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain at the space station until February, flying back with SpaceX. Starliner returned empty in September. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Details were not revealed about who and why one of the three NASA astronauts of the SpaceX Crew-8 mission had to be hospitalized after their return to Earth last month, but all three discussed Friday the slow recovery each faces after spending more than 235 days in space. I know there may be some interest in our post-flight medical event, where we diverted to a hospital, said Michael Barratt, a veteran now of three spaceflights who also served as the crews medical officer. You know, spaceflight is still something we dont fully understand. Were finding things that we dont expect, sometimes. This was one of those times, and were still piecing things together on this and so to maintain medical privacy and to let our processes go forward in an orderly manner, this is all were going to say about that event at this time. Barratt along with with Crew-8 commander Matthew Dominick and mission specialist Jeanette Epps took questions at a press conference from Johnson Space Center in Houston about the mission. Fellow crew member Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin was not present having returned to Russa. The four launched from Kennedy Space Center back on March 4 for what was supposed to be less than a six-month stay on board the International Space Station and a return in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA astronaut hospitalized after SpaceX Crew-8 splashdown return off coast of Florida But the delay of Boeings Starliner departure from the ISS followed by weather delays including Hurricane Milton caused the quartet to not be able to fly home from the ISS for another two months finally splashing down off the coast of Pensacola on Oct. 25. All three NASA astronauts needed assistance onto an awaiting gurney upon venturing out of the Crew Dragon spacecraft after it was recovered from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. NASA said all four crew were taken to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola after landing, and one of the three NASA astronauts had to remain hospitalized overnight. That astronaut was cleared to fly back to Houston the following day. I did not say I was uncomfortable talking about it, Barratt said during the press conference. I said were not going to talk about it. As you may know, Im a medical doctor. Space medicine is my passion, to be real honest, and how we adapt, how we experience human spaceflight is something that we all take very seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, NASA remains silent on the details, but Barratt said it is something that will help inform future spaceflight. In the fullness of time, we will allow this to come out and document it. For now, medical privacy is very important to us, he said. We maintain that always in many things. We do the same with due process. So both of those really negate our ability to talk about today. So thats really it for today. He and his two NASA crewmates did discuss the strain all have faced since returning. Ive been fascinated by it, Dominick said. And fascinated by the rehab, readaptation The big things you expect, right? Being disoriented, being dizzy, but the little things like just sitting in a hard chair. My backside has not really sat in a hard thing for 235 days, and as part of some research activities, Ive had to go sit on a bike for a long period of time, but its rather uncomfortable. I did not expect that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Dominick and Epps said they had times where they would just need to lay down, such as in the middle of family dinner. We dont know how were going to respond when we turn we return, and how fast, Epps said. Every day is better than the day before. And thats all we can predict. Every day is better. One of Dominicks experiments in space was to not use the treadmill, but maintain exercise in different ways. The last time I walked was when we walked across that causeway into the rocket, he said. The first time I walked after that was when we got out of the spaceship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barratt said their long-duration stay feeds more data toward future missions, such as potential human spaceflight to Mars. I can tell you that theres some answers we dont have, he said. Were pretty good about maintaining bone and muscle in flight now, because of our countermeasure suite. That has included now 15 years of work in health metrics addressing bone, muscle, aerobic capacity, immune function all to make life more habitable on the ISS, he said. So if you were to ask me, can I countermeasure my way out of zero gravity for the time it takes to get people to Mars and land them safely, I think I would say, Yeah, give me the same loads, the same equipment, and the same time do it, I think were kind of there, Barratt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said other issues such as radiation and psychological issues, though, remain a challenge. Those require other solutions, and those are probably the areas, and I would say food sources, that have to be wholesome for five years. Those are areas where we still have some work to do, he said. Their experience during the Crew-8 mission, including the medical incident at the end of it, will just help solve some of those problems. We are going to continue to find new things, he said. So just kind of expect this road to Mars to be paved with new discoveries, whether we like it or not. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas NASA's revolutionary X-59 jet is steadily progressing towards its first flight test. Starting on Oct. 30, engineers with NASA's X-59 Quesst program (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) have been conducting test runs of the jet's engines at the storied Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tests are going in phases. During the preliminary tests, engineers ran the X-59's engines at low speeds without igniting it to check for any leaks and to make sure the aircraft's various systems work together when running on the jet's own power. The X-59 team then fueled the X-59 and tested the engine on low power. So far, engineers with the program say the jet is performing well. "The first phase of the engine tests was really a warmup to make sure that everything looked good prior to running the engine," said Jay Brandon, chief engineer for the X-59, in a NASA statement. "Then we moved to the actual first engine start. That took the engine out of the preservation mode that it had been in since installation on the aircraft. It was the first check to see that it was operating properly and that all the systems it impacted hydraulics, electrical system, environmental control systems, etc. seemed to be working." The X-59 is designed to fly at a cruising speed of Mach 1.4 (or 1.4 times faster than the speed of sound) and an altitude of 55,000 feet (16.7 kilometers). The aircraft is powered by a modified F414-GE-100 jet engine made by General Electric; the F414 engine family is used widely throughout military aircraft, including in some variants of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet flown by the U.S. Navy. In fact, NASA has been using F/A-18s to simulate the sound of the X-59 and validate microphones and other acoustic sensors that will help in the jet's testing campaign. a white jet sits in a hangar in the desert The X-59 was designed to fly faster than the speed of sound without creating the thunderous sonic boom that typically accompanies breaking the sound barrier. Currently, supersonic flight above land within a certain distance of the U.S. is prohibited by the FAA. NASA hopes the X-59 can validate that supersonic flight is possible without creating deafening sonic booms; if aircraft can be designed to achieve this, domestic flight times could be reduced by half, aiding not only in commercial air travel but also disaster relief and medical transport, for instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help reduce the volume of its sonic booms, the X-59 features a unique geometry including an elongated, beak-like nose section that takes up 38 feet (11.5 meters) of the aircraft's 99.7-foot (30-m) total length. Rather than a loud, ground-shaking boom, NASA says the jet should make a soft "thump" when it breaks the sound barrier, similar in volume to the sound of a car door slamming outside, as heard from indoors. Because of the elongated nose, however, pilots flying the X-59 have limited forward vision. In fact, the cockpit does not even feature a forward-facing window or canopy, but instead has a unique "eXternal Vision System," or XVS, consisting of a camera connected to a cockpit-mounted screen that offers pilots the ability to see what's in front of them via augmented reality technology. "This groundbreaking technology is really a beacon guiding us towards a future where visibility barriers in aircraft design can be overcome with this inventive solution," NASA deputy administrator Pam Melroy said during the X-59 unveiling ceremony in January 2024. a white jet sits in a hangar in the desert "This isn't the end of the excitement but a small steppingstone to the beginning," said Paul Dees, deputy propulsion lead for the X-59 program, in NASA's statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's like the first note of a symphony, where years of teamwork behind the scenes are now being put to the test to prove our efforts have been effective, and the notes will continue to play a harmonious song to flight." The next phase of testing will involve feeding data into the aircraft's computer systems for both normal and failure conditions to see how the vehicle responds. Following that, the X-59 will undergo taxi testing, where the jet will "drive" out of its hangar onto a runway to test how its control surfaces, brakes and engine perform while on the ground. A date has not yet been set for the X-59's first flight. When it takes to the skies, the X-59 will fly over selected U.S. cities where researchers will collect data about the quieter "thumps" the Quesst makes as it flies, including how the public on the ground perceives and responds to the noise it makes. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA unveils its revolutionary X-59 Quesst 'quiet' supersonic jet (photos, video) NASA is 'learning to listen to the X-59' by simulating sonic thumps with fighter jets (photos) NASA's X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet passes key safety review ahead of 1st test flight The X-59 has undergone years of development and testing to get this far. NASA has been researching quiet supersonic technologies for decades. NASA first got funding for the project in 2018 and, later that year, hired Lockheed Martin to build its quiet supersonic jet. The experimental aircraft got its name in 2019. NASA originally thought the X-59 could be completed by 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the aircraft's production. The jet was finally unveiled to the public in January 2024. In May, the jet passed its Flight Readiness Review, which validated the aircraft's testing plan for safety and offered recommendations to NASA and Lockheed Martin as they prepare for the X-59's first flight. A Nassau County jury has awarded $141.5 million to people injured by a logging truck wreck involving a man whose employer later labeled him unfit to operate the tractor-trailer. This jury wanted to send a message, and they did, attorney Curry Pajcic said about the verdict, which included $125 million in punitive damages, for the lawsuit against driver Ellis Trollinger; his employer, K&N Logging LLC; and Candi Legree, the truck's owner. A company lawyer conceded in a court filing that Trollinger had a history that included charges of DUI, possession of methamphetamine, careless driving, speeding in a commercial vehicle and causing a crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company was grossly negligent in its hiring, training, supervision, employment and entrustment of Trollinger as a truck driver, said a document called a pretrial stipulation that K&Ns attorney, John Moffitt Howell, and an attorney from Pajcics firm filed in court last month, before the lawsuit was sent to a jury. An equipment operator moves logs from a log truck, left, onto rail cars to carry the wood to a mill on Amelia Island in this 2007 photo. The stipulation left the jury to decide what payment was due for the wreck, in which the 60,000-pound logging truck traveling an estimated 67 mph hit the back of a two-door Toyota, beginning a five-vehicle wreck in backed-up traffic. The Toyota's driver, Angel Rodriguez-Santiago, received injuries to his head, neck, back and shoulder while his 5-year-old niece in a booster seat behind him had severe damage that included a traumatic brain injury and other head, neck and spine injuries, Pajcic's firm argued in a lawsuit for that family and for Michael Miller, whose car was in front of the Toyota and was totaled. Miller received serious back and leg injuries as well, the suit said. Trollinger was cited for failing to maintain a safe distance and careless driving, but Pajcic said the crash showcased a danger happening regularly in growing Nassau County, where trucks carry logs from swampy North Florida and South Georgia woods down U.S. 1 and Florida 200 to pulp and paper mills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trucks doing that work are subject to extensive federal regulation, but Pajcic said that in a deposition, Legree listed in state records as the manager and representative of now-defunct K&N Logging said she had never read the government's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and didn't know anything about them. He said evidence in the case showed Trollinger was paid in cash when he completed trucking runs and that Legree said she hadn't checked his driving or arrest history before putting him to work. Pajcic said people in Nassau County deserve to have trucking companies following federal codes, and said having to pay for big-ticket verdicts is a way to motivate companies, or their insurers, to pay more attention to the rules. (This story was updated to match the tractor-trailer weight referenced in the lawsuit.) This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nassau County verdict: $141 million for people hurt by 'unfit' trucker WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning across the DMV on Friday. This comes after weather conditions are forecasted to be dry with low humidity throughout the day. MPD: Police investigate homicide after man shot multiple times in DC The warning was placed as these weather conditions can contribute to the rapid spread of fires. What is a Red Flag warning? According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning is when critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will begin. The warming is issued when a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can increase the risk of a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said if you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover with no holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch. United Airlines introduces Touchless ID at DCA for faster security screening During the warning, the NWS said to no throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle that may ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Extinguish all outdoor fires properly and drown fires with plenty of water. The NWS said to never leave a fire unattended because sparks can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire and quickly spread. The NWS said it was issued for parts of northern Virginia and Maryland and the eastern part of West Virginia. The warning will remain in effect from noon to 6 p.m. in Washington, D.C. and the following locations: Virginia Arlington Alexandria Falls Church Fairfax County Frederick County Loundoun County Fraquier County Maryland Central and Southeast Montgomery County Frederick County Prince William County Prince Georges County Washington County Warren County Montgomery County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. NATO member states have condemned Moscow and Pyongyangs decision to involve North Korean troops in hostilities against Ukraine. Source: a NATO statement published on Friday 8 November, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Alliance noted that the deepening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea "deeply impacts Euro-Atlantic security, with implications also for the Indo-Pacific". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The thousands of combat troops deployed by the DPRK constitutes a dangerous expansion of its ongoing support for Russias illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," it added. NATO members called on Russia to comply with its international obligations and urged other states not to provide any assistance to facilitate Russian aggression. Quote: "NATO will continue to work with its partners, in particular in the Indo-Pacific, to promote peace and stability, and prevent Russia and those facilitating its war effort from undermining regional and global stability." The Alliance also pledged to support Ukraine "as long as it takes to win" and to help build "a force capable of defeating Russian aggression, in line with the pledge of long-term security assistance for Ukraine". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US revealed this week that in recent days, North Korean troops have been involved in hostilities in Russias Kursk Oblast for the first time. This week, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries and three key allied nations expressed serious concerns over the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia and said they are working on a coordinated response to the situation. Meanwhile, UK Defence Intelligence has indicated that North Korean troops involved in fighting against Ukraine would encounter interoperability issues with Russian forces and their equipment. Support UP or become our patron! NATO has assured Ukraine of further help after the transfer of North Korean troops to Russia. A statement released by the council of 32 NATO countries on Friday said the allies "remain as resolute as ever in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail." The aim is to enable Ukraine to build up armed forces that are capable of successfully combating Russian aggression. NATO is reacting to Western intelligence findings that North Korea is now also providing thousands of soldiers in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It is said to have already supplied large quantities of ammunition and ballistic missiles. The provision of combat troops represents a dangerous escalation of support, the Western defence alliance now says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiev says there have already been casualties in skirmishes between Ukrainian and North Korean soldiers in the Russian border area. "Yes, there have already been losses. That is a fact," said President Volodymyr Zelenksy on Thursday, without giving details. He said some of the 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Russian border area of Kursk are involved in combat against the Ukrainian army. After 40 years of complaints by residents stuck in congestion, the N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $249 million contract to widen N.C. 150 at Lake Norman. Our community has long awaited these enhancements, and we are committed to work with NCDOT as they oversee the construction, state Sen. Vickie Sawyer, R-Iredell, said in a statement Thursday. Sawyer and Mooresville town commissioner Lisa Qualls announced the awarding of the contract to Charlotte-based Blythe Development. The NCDOT Board in Raleigh approved the contract at its meeting Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sawyer called the widening of the two-lane former farm-to-market route critical to alleviating chronic backups and improving safety along one of the regions most heavily traveled corridors. N.C. 150 was backed up at Interstate 77 Mooresville exit 36 as long ago as the late 1980s, but a member of the State Transportation Board from rural Cherryville in Gaston County got work started there first, a Charlotte Observer investigation in the early 1990s revealed. The board member was an executive with Carolina Freight, then one of the top trucking companies in America. Expanding the route starting near the companys headquarters would more quickly move his trucks to Interstate 85 in Gastonia via U.S. 321 in Lincolnton, he told the Observer at the time. Pleas by business leaders in Mooresville and nearby communities at the time failed to sway the board. Two-county widening The project, which is fully funded, will widen 6.9 miles of N.C. 150 in Catawba and Iredell counties, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte-based contractor Blythe Development LLC will expand the highway from four to six lanes between Greenwood Road in Terrell on Lake Norman to U.S. 21 in Mooresville, officials said. Part of the stretch includes the old two-lane bridge over the lake. An additional bridge will carry westbound traffic, from Mooresville into Catawba County. Multiple lanes will be added, and traffic improvements will be made to the I-77/N.C. 150 exit 36 interchange. New intersections along N.C. 150 should reduce congestion and wrecks by eliminating left turns from side roads onto the highway, NCDOT officials said. Raised medians will make left-turning drivers go right. In fewer than 1,000 feet, theyll be able to get into a U-turn lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notoriously backed-up intersection of N.C. 150 and Williamson/Bluefield roads in Mooresville near the lake will be entirely redesigned. Widening is expected to begin in January and finish in spring 2030, state highway officials said in a news release. Per the contract, any lane closures on N.C. 150 will be permitted during overnight hours to minimize travel impacts, according to the release. Qualls thanked NCDOT for their dedication to this project, especially considering the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. Qualls also is chairperson of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, which recommends road projects to the state. New Lake Norman growth plan moves ahead with over 300 single-family houses, townhomes Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs (pictured right) talks with supporters ahead of the General Election. (Photo by Greg Childress) With Associate Justice Allison Riggs trailing Judge Jefferson Griffin in the states unofficial tally by just over 8,000 votes, the North Carolina Supreme Court race could be headed to a recount. But while the current margin 0.14% according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections dashboard is slim, election experts say voters should not expect a recount to change the outcome. Should a recount affirm the unofficial results, Judge Jefferson Griffin will join the state Supreme Court, giving Republicans a 6-1 majority. (Photo: NC Court of Appeals) According to a 23-year analysis of statewide recounts by FairVote, a nonpartisan election nonprofit, there were only three statewide races in which a recount changed the outcome out of 36 that were attempted from a sample of nearly 7,000 statewide elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent reversal was the 2008 U.S. Senate election in Minnesota, in which a recount found that challenger Al Franken had defeated the incumbent senator, Norm Coleman. In that race, though, the initial gap showed just a 215-vote lead by Coleman which became a 225-vote lead for Franken at the recounts conclusion, a shift of just 440 votes or 0.14%. In all three races where recounts changed the outcome, the margin was less than 0.06% a shift Riggs would need to more than double to win. North Carolina saw recounts in two state Supreme Court races in the last decade in 2014 and in 2020. In both cases, the margin of victory 0.22% and 0.01%, respectively remained unchanged. The counting of provisional ballots narrowed the race from a margin of just under 10,000 0.18% of the vote where it stood the morning after the election. Just under 5.5 million North Carolinians cast ballots in the judicial race. Riggs will likely be able to request a recount, despite narrow odds of it changing the result in her race. State law provides that candidates at the state level may request a recount if the margin is less than or equal to 0.5% or 10,000 votes, whichever is less. The state board of elections covers the cost of recounts as a standard practice. Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg) will face a recount after the states unofficial tally showed her winning by 215 votes. (Photo: NC General Assembly video stream) Its not the only recount North Carolinians that could see this cycle. Democrat Nicole Sidman, who challenged Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg), wrote in a statement on X that she will request one after the margin in her race shrank to just 215 votes, 0.4% of those cast. Cotham came into 2024 with a target on her back after switching her party affiliation to give Republicans a supermajority in the state legislature, which they used to usher in a 12-week abortion ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons I ran for office was because my opponent subverted the Democratic process, Sidman wrote. I continue to believe that every single vote matters, and voters deserve to have their will reflected no matter who wins. Should the state Supreme Court result stand, it will be a notable disappointment for North Carolina Democrats on one of the partys most successful elections in recent years. Democrats are expected to break the Republican supermajority in the legislature and secured a crushing victory in the governors race, where Attorney General Josh Stein bested Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson by more than 15% of the vote. Democrats also flipped the lieutenant governorship and held onto the offices of the attorney general, the secretary of state, and the state superintendent, good for half of the Council of State. It would also be a continuation of the North Carolina judiciary slipping further and further out of reach of liberal jurisprudence. Republicans hold a 5-2 majority on the Supreme Court and would move to 6-1 control if Riggs loses her seat one reason Democrats fought so hard to keep hold of it this year. The party had sought to hold onto Riggs and her colleague Anita Earls seat to have a shot at a majority on the court by the time of the 2030 Census and the redistricting that will come with it. Without one, Democrats fear a new legislative map that will keep them from attaining a majority in the General Assembly for another decade. Its just another twist for the quintessential purple state that has seen fit to award its electoral votes to Republicans, elect them across the board to Court of Appeals judgeships, but keep them the furthest theyve been from the governors mansion in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riggs said in a statement on X that she was watching the results carefully, but did not yet indicate whether she would seek a recount. As of today, my race is too close to call. Our team is closely monitoring the count of remaining absentee ballots and provisional ballots, and we will have a clearer idea of our next steps within the next 24-36 hours, Riggs wrote. As a longtime civil rights attorney, I believe firmly in the power of our democratic process and the importance of counting every vote. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. Human Rights Office said on Friday nearly 70% of the fatalities it has verified in the Gaza war were women and children, and condemned what it called a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. The U.N. tally since the start of the war, in which Israel's military is fighting Hamas militants, includes only fatalities it has managed to verify with three sources, and counting continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 8,119 victims verified is a much lower number than the toll of more than 43,000 provided by Palestinian health authorities for the 13-month-old war. But the U.N. breakdown of the victims' age and gender backs the Palestinian assertion that women and children represent a large portion of those killed in the war. This finding indicates "a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality", the U.N. rights office said in a statement accompanying the 32-page report. "It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved," United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said. Israel's diplomatic mission to the U.N. in Geneva said it categorically rejected the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once again, OHCHR fails to accurately reflect the realities on the ground, and disregards the extensive role of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in deliberately causing civilian harm in Gaza," it said, referring to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. The Israelis say Hamas deliberately hides among civilians and uses them as human shields, so the militants have responsibility for their deaths. Israel reports that approximately one civilian has been killed for every fighter, a ratio it blames on Hamas. Hamas has denied using civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as human shields. Israel's military, which began its offensive in response to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in which Israel says Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and seized more than 250 hostages, said it took great effort to mitigate harm to civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comprehensive processes ensure forces complied with the law of armed conflict, with a regulated, multi-tiered process for approving attacks that was designed to give commanders "all reasonably available information," the military said. "Every military action is carried out in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality, and is preceded by a careful assessment of the potential for civilian harm," the military said in a statement. YOUNGEST VICTIM AGED ONE DAY Ajith Sunghay, head of the U.N. Human Rights Office for the occupied Palestinian Territory, told reporters at a briefing in Geneva that the fatalities included in the report were verified by three sources such as neighbours, family members, local NGOs, hospital records or U.N. staff on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The numbers are, of course, massive compared to previous years, so we do need time to catch up and verify", he said, adding that he thought the final U.N. tally was likely to be similar to the Palestinian toll. The youngest victim whose death was verified by U.N. monitors was a one-day-old boy, and the oldest was a 97-year-old woman, the report said. Overall, those aged 18 or under represented 44% of the victims, with children aged 5 to 9 representing the single biggest age category, followed by those aged 10-14, and then those aged up to and including 4. This broadly reflects the enclave's demographics, which the report said was evidence of an apparent failure to take precautions to avoid civilian losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found that in 88% of cases, five or more people were killed in the same attack, pointing to the Israeli military's use of weapons with an effect across a wide area. It said some fatalities may have been the result of errant projectiles from Palestinian armed groups. (Reporting by Emma Farge, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Cynthia Osterman) LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU) The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission asks hunters to remember safety for the upcoming November firearm deer season. According to a press release, the commission asks that hunters should remember the four primary rules of firearm safety as the excitement builds toward the November firearm deer season. The rules are as follows: Stir fry cookoff held in Winnebago Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters must also wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on their head, chest, and back during the nine-day Nov firearm deer season, regardless of firearm or archery equipment. Kyle Gaston, Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator, said Following these four rules, along with wearing the required hunter orange, helps us reach our goal of zero hunting incidents. For hunters who will be hunting from tree stands, Gaston adds put safety first by remembering the ABCD of tree stand safety. Always remove and inspect all your equipment before using Buckle your harness securely Connect your harness before your feet leave the ground Share your stand location with others before each hunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another safety concern for hunters to keep in mind this season is the risk of wildfire. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Drought Monitor, 89% of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. Southern Siouxland sees improvement in drought conditions after rainy week The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission warns that driving or parking vehicles on dry tall grass is a primary threat for the occurrence of wildfires. Hunters should take the following precautions: Restrict driving to established roads and trails. Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation. Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately. Make sure no chains are dragging from your vehicle. Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firearm deer season is Nov. 16-24. Visit the Outdoor Nebraska website to learn more about hunter education and to read the 2024 Big Game Gude for deer regulations. If anyone witnesses a game violation, call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 or click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. As population growth in the region increases demand for medical services, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto and UC Davis Health have entered a partnership creating two residency programs for new physicians. A cardiothoracic surgery residency began in January 2024, training doctors in surgeries of the heart, lungs and esophagus. The hospitals second new program is training young doctors in obstetrics and gynecology. Officials at DMC said the Modesto hospital needs to fill gaps created by retirements and train the next generation of specialists for the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By expanding our relationship with UC Davis, we are growing the breadth and quality of advanced services that we provide the communities we serve, said Dr. John deGraft-Johnson, a thoracic surgeon at DMC and expert in robotic-assisted operations. The cardiothoracic program is an opportunity for resident physicians to get away from the academic setting and gain experience in a community-based hospital. Dr. John deGraft-Johnson, right, with cardiothoracic surgery resident Devon Anderson. Devon Anderson, a cardiothoracic resident, found out last week that the unexpected is part of community hospital territory, as a cardiac emergency kept her in the operating room until 10 p.m. A patient came in with with a tear in the aorta and underwent surgery for whats called a type A aortic dissection. DeGraft-Johnson explained that a patient with this type of medical emergency has blood flowing between layers of the aorta and is dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors put the patient on a heart and lung bypass machine, and the person is frozen to bring down the body temperature. Blood is then drained from the patient to stop the flow, so that open heart surgery can repair the aorta. Its like death and resurrection all in one, deGraft-Johnson said. We try to repair the damage as quickly as we can. Its an unpredictable emergency that always comes in at odd hours. Anderson said she was the second assisting physician for the life-saving procedure, passing instruments and helping with suction. Its a great learning experience to see how its managed, how its orchestrated and handled calmly, said Anderson, whos in her third week of rotations at DMC. The hospital and UC Davis Health said the resident physicians are gaining clinical experience outside of Sacramento, in rural and underserved areas of the Central Valley. The idea is that resident physicians trained at DMC may choose later to practice in the Modesto area, but its not a requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone who trains in an academic program stays in academia, deGraft-Johnson said. Its more hands-on in the community medical center and they learn about the patient population in this community. Right now, senior-level cardiothoracic residents in their fifth and sixth years are training at the hospital. Anderson said her interest in the heart began in the first year of medical school. She is learning surgical techniques at DMC and performing surgery with a robotic system. Angie Guignard is director of Women and Childrens Services at Doctors Medical Center. Rotations for OB-GYN residents An OB-GYN program also is offering elective and mandatory rotations with a broad scope of training. Angie Guignard, director of Women and Childrens Services at DMC, said the hospital serves an area with a shortage of OB-GYNs. About 15 additional OB-GYNs are needed in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in the program, which started in 2023, spend 60% of the time in obstetrical care and 40% learning gynecological surgeries. You may see patients who have never had prenatal care until their first visit to the hospital, Guignard said. Two of our residents grew up in the Central Valley. It was rewarding for them to come back and take care of patients in the community where they grew up. UC Davis Health said its aligned with state goals of providing for workforce needs to improve healthcare access in underserved areas like the Central Valley. The residents in the four-year OB-GYN program spend much of their time at Sacramento hospitals, where they often see patients referred there for severe medical conditions. The rotations in Modesto give them training in more routine medical issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mehnoor Haseeb, an obstetrician-gynecology resident, agreed that practicing in the community environment is a valuable experience. Haseeb is from a Pakistani immigrant family and was raised in Modesto. Training at DMC was really rewarding because I got to serve some of the populations I grew up with, in a community where I spent my formative years, she said. The physicians at DMC trained me in some procedures that OB-GYN residents usually dont see until the latter part of their residency. NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) Nelsonville residents overwhelmingly voted to abolish its city charter and return to a statutory form of government. Now, the city has less than a year to prepare amid ongoing disputes over the votes legality. Issue 23, the citizen-led initiative to revoke Nelsonvilles charter, was approved by just over 70% of voters. The issues success came despite a misprint that left the issue off some printed ballots, leading the Athens County Board of Elections to ask the 98 affected voters to return and vote provisionally. Under the charter, the city manager, council president, law director and ceremonial titles of mayor and vice mayor are all selected by the city council. With the new form of government, the mayor will replace the city manager as head city executive, and the mayor, council president and law director will all be elected positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohios population expected to decline The new form of government will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Although its new officials will not be elected until Nov. 4, 2025, the candidates will have to be submitted to the Athens County Board of Elections by Aug. 6, 90 days before the general election. Complicating the matter is a lawsuit between the citizens behind Issue 23 and the city itself. Ohio law grants the right for cities to establish charters and lays out clear steps to do so. Ohio also grants cities the right to revoke charters, but Nelsonville Legal Director Jonathan Robe said the proper way to do so is not clear. There is little if any precedent to provide clarity. Cleveland repealed its city manager form of government in 1931, but the city did so by amending its charter, not revoking it, according to Case Westerns Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Nelsonville will return to a statutory form of governance with no charter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, a judge and two appellate courts have ruled in favor of the citizens, determining the initiative to be lawful as it followed the guidelines laid out by the city charter for placing an ordinance on the ballot. The city argues the charters policies cannot be used to abolish the charter itself, and Robe previously told NBC4 the issue could still be challenged after the vote. How election results may impact Intels Ohio plant The most recent action was a ruling in favor of the citizens on Oct. 31. When asked if the city will continue its case after Issue 23s passage, Robe said he could only say that the city is exploring its legal options. Daniel Klos, the attorney representing the citizens behind the initiative, said he was glad to see Issue 23 passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for any future appeals, thats up to if the city of Nelsonville wants to keep going with it despite over 800 residents saying they no longer want a charter, Klos said. City Council President Gregg Clement said he did not have a comment, adding that Council has not met since the election, with Clement saying the next meeting will be on Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed a new Israeli ambassador to the U.S. this week. Netanyahu tapped U.S.-born Yechiel Leiter to succeed Michael Herzog as its next ambassador in Washington. The move follows President-elect Trumps decisive victory in the U.S. presidential election earlier this week. Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics, Netanyahu said in his announcement. I am convinced that Yechiel will represent the State of Israel in the best way possible. I wish him success in his position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herzog, who assumed office in November 2021, was asked to extend his tenure until after Trump is inaugurated. Leiter who was born in Scranton, Pa., and moved to Israel when he was 18 has held a bevy of government positions, including serving as chief of staff to Israels Ministry of Finance and the deputy director general in the Ministry of Education. The former policy analyst also ran for a seat in the Knesset, Israels Legislature, as a member of the Likud Party. He got his Ph.D. in political philosophy from the University of Haifa. Leiters son, Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, was killed last year during the Israel-Hamas war. The latest appointment also comes after Netanyahu ousted his former defense chief Yoav Gallant over what he described as trust issues and gaps between them in the management of the conflict in the Middle East. The two have clashed publicly over the course of the more than yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu named former foreign minister Israel Katz to the open defense post. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Neha Arora NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's imports of steel over the period from April to September were led by shipments from China, according to provisional government data reviewed by Reuters on Friday, and the South Asian nation remained a net importer of the alloy. The world's second-biggest producer of crude steel imported 4.7 million metric tons of the finished metal from April to September, up 42.2% from a year ago, the data showed. China exported 1.4 million metric tons of steel to India during the period, up 36.7% from a year ago. Hot-rolled coil was India's biggest import, making up 44% of overall finished steel shipments, the data showed. China exported stainless steel, hot-rolled coils, galvanised plain and corrugated sheets, plates, electrical sheets, pipes and bars and rods, the data showed. "Cheap import offers kept market sentiment bearish in India," the government said in its report. On Thursday, India's Tata Steel CEO said prolonged imports from China could hurt the investment plans of the domestic steel industry. Apart from China, imports during April-September increased from South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, the data showed. South Korea exported 1.2 million metric tons of steel to India during the period, up 11.5% on the year, the data showed. Japan exported 1.1 million metric tons of the alloy, more than double from the year-ago period. Vietnam exported 0.4 million metric tons of steel during the period, more than double from a year ago, the data showed. India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on certain steel imports from Vietnam. Domestically, India's finished steel production stood at 70.6 million metric tons during the period, up 4.7% from a year ago. Finished steel exports during April-September stood at 2.3 million metric tons, down 35.9% from a year ago. Italy was India's biggest export market, but shipments slowed to 0.4 million metric tons, down 43.5% from a year ago. Exports also slowed to Belgium, Nepal and Spain, which are among the top five biggest destinations for Indian steel. Crude steel production during April to September stood at 72.8 million metric tons, up 3.6% from a year ago. Consumption of finished steel was at 72.7 million metric tons during the period, up 13.5% on the year. (Reporting by Neha Arora; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Nevada Republican leader addressed claims of election fraud Thursday saying in part, I will not be entertaining meritless conspiracy theories, as it appears Senate candidate Sam Brown was losing his race amid President-Elect Donald Trumps win. Nevada National Committeewoman Sigal Chattah, who unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for Nevada Attorney General in 2022, commented on X. As of Thursday afternoon, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jacky Rosen was leading Brown by about 12,000 votes or 1%. Trump won Nevadas six electoral votes by about 3 percentage points, becoming the first Republican to win the state since 2004. Nobody is stealing NVs US Senate race when GOP has gained control of the Senate and produced a trifecta, Chattah posted on the platform formally known as Twitter. Trumps success in Nevada may likely be a result of many Dems/Indys [sic] aligning themselves with Trumps messaging on economy, crime, etc. Nevada voters have previously demonstrated an affinity to Split the ticket in past cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, as Nevadans elected Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, the majority also elected Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto. I will not be entertaining meritless conspiracy theories, Chattah posted. President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) In 2020, Trump claimed widespread fraud without ever providing evidence of his claims. Several lawsuits filed that year in Nevada regarding possible fraud were dismissed. Nevada accepts mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted for four days after the election. Voters also have several days to cure their ballot should there be a signature verification issue. These totals are added in the days after the election, leaving people to come to their own false conclusions about fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 2024, Trump encouraged voters to avoid voting by mail, leading these late vote totals to skew toward Democrats. In 2024, more Republicans voted early or by mail than in years past, though results from Clark County tend to lean toward Democrats. There is no evidence of any widespread fraud in any Nevada elections. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The next session of Congress will feature the most women veterans ever elected to the House and Senate, with at least eight winning races this year. And that number could grow by one more: Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks holds a small lead in her re-election bid, with a few thousand votes left to be counted. The total is already double 2018, when only four women with military experience were among the 535 voting members of Congress. Next years class includes two freshman House lawmakers: South Carolina Republican Sheri Biggs and New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Goodlander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How veterans are faring in the 2024 election Biggs is a licensed nursing home administrator and former intensive care unit nurse who joined the Air National Guard. She served as medical crew director for multiple combat missions in Afghanistan during Operation Freedoms Sentinel. Goodlander served in the Navy Reserve from 2011 to 2022. She also worked as counsel in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump and in the Justice Department under President Joe Biden. Two incumbent female Senators with military backgrounds did not face a re-election campaign this year: Iowa Republican Joni Ernst and Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four incumbent House members won re-election: Democrats Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Republicans Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia. Fifteen races featuring veteran candidates including Miller-Meeks race have yet to be formally decided. Already 79 veterans have won elections this cycle, joining 14 Senate incumbents who did not have races this year. However, at least one of those incumbent veterans is likely to step down from his Senate post: Ohio Republican JD Vance, who was elected vice president on Tuesday. Officials from the Veterans Campaign at the University of San Francisco said until those final races are decided, it is not clear if the number of lawmakers with military experience will increase or decrease next session. The 118th Congress opened in 2023 with 97 veterans among its members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 79 election winners, 53 served some or all of their time in the military after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Seth Lynn, founder of Veterans Campaign, said that group continues to grow in importance in legislative work regarding military and veterans issues. Post-9/11 veterans have shown a remarkable commitment to what we call their second service, he said. For the past decade, the percentage of freshman members with military service has consistently exceeded the overall proportion of veterans in Congress, suggesting that the number of veterans in Congress is likely to keep increasing. Weather experts tracking the next hurricane after Rafael are looking at two places in the Caribbean for the middle of November. Hurricane Rafael looks to be looping around in the Gulf and eventually dissipating without too much impact on land over the next few days. Hurricanes in November are fairly rare as it is the last month in the typical hurricane season for the US, but high water temperatures in the middle of the Atlantic basin are still contributing enough energy to create more tropical storms. If a system were to develop into a tropical storm or hurricane, it would be called Sara. Where could the next hurricane develop by mid-November? Over a weeks time, the next hurricane has the potential of forming in the Caribbean gyre near Nicaragua and the northern region between Cuba and Puerto Rico. [Image Credit: AccuWeather] Meteorologist Brian Shields, or Mr. Weatherman on YouTube, on Friday is looking at rainclouds that are projected to circulate in the Caribbean gyre by next week on November 15. He believes a system could spin up as moisture builds from the eastern Caribbean toward the west over the next seven days. Accuweather is looking at this region as well for a low chance of storm development from November 13 to 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report on November 8 at 12:27 PM ET, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance north of the Dominican Republic that has a 10% chance of developing into a named storm. This is a reduction from 20% from an earlier report, so storm formation is not looking likely. Similarly, Accuweather believes theres a low chance of this system to develop between November 9 and 10. However, weather analyst Ryan Hall on Friday said he is monitoring a similar region based on projections from the American model (GFS). It has a hurricane potentially heading toward Florida by Tuesday, November 19. He notes, however, that any model projections beyond 120 hours is not particularly reliable. What it does show is that theres enough energy in the region for these late November storms to develop. The post The Next Hurricane in the Gulf Could Form in These Two Places, Experts Say appeared first on Mandatory. With the election of President Donald Trump to serve in his second term, the National Indian Child Welfare Association released the following statement: As the 2024 election results are nearly complete, we recognize there is much at stake for our communities. At times, the campaign rhetoric was divisive and raised important questions about how a transition in leadership might impact our communities. While leadership changes can often bring uncertainty and even anxiety, we have prepared for this and are already planning how we will organize, educate, and advocate for the needs and rights of Native children and families and the protection of tribal sovereignty. NICWA has navigated national leadership changes going back to the 1980s, and we understand how to strategically and diligently advocate for the rights and protection of Native children and families in changing political environments. During some of the most challenging times, we have found ways to protect and even advance resources and rights for Native children and families. This included expanding our network of alliesboth Native and non-Nativeand finding new ways to communicate the importance of laws like the Indian Child Welfare Act, which are crucial to the well-being of our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NICWA values seeking opportunities to work in a bipartisan manner and designing strategies that ensure support from both parties. Our strength is the relationships we have within our communities, leadership, and each other. We will continue our fight for the protection of Native children and families with you as our most valuable allies and partners. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net (Bloomberg) -- Nigeria sees proposed changes in its tax laws helping to significantly boost revenues, as the West African nation seeks to control its widening deficit and borrowing costs. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwo Oyedele, the head of the governments tax reform committee, said the reforms would lead revenue to double within the next two to three years as a share of gross domestic product. If we are moving from 9% to 18%, that means we are doubling it, he said Friday in an interview in Abuja, the capital. President Bola Tinubu has sent proposals to lawmakers that would centralize tax collection and simplify the process by consolidating over 60 separate taxes and levies down to six. Tinubus proposals will double value added tax to 15% over six years and reduce company tax to 25% from an average of 30% over the same period. He would also raise personal income tax to 25% on the nations high earners from next year, compared with about 20% at the moment. The president says the reforms are needed to curb debt service costs, which consumed nearly all government revenue in 2023. Governors oppose the proposals out of concern the changes would crimp their powers and reduce the revenue they receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oyedele said the government wont back down, though elements of the plan could be tweaked. The worst case scenario is to drop the controversial issues, he said. Theres an outcome of it going ahead as proposed, or the one that goes ahead with modification, which is okay. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The nation is divided. One half of America is in mourning while the other half is sleeping peacefully in victory after electing former President Donald Trump back into office. And although the Black community showed up and out for Vice President Kamala Harris, most other demographics contributed to four more years of Trump. In response to questions and ongoing confusion from Harris supporters about what possibly went wrong, one Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist eloquently lined it all out: Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the highly polarizing essay and book The 1619 Project, took to X to outline these discrepancies. She contrasted the split vote within ethnic groups for Trump to the overwhelming 80 percent majority of Black folks against him. Hannah-Jones argued that the Black community uniquely understand[s] this nation, and how awful it can get. From generations of slavery to decades of Jim Crow, Black Americans have an experience that nobody else truly gets, which is why she says we must stop lumping all non-white people into a single of color group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term People of Color, or POC, is a dangerous one for Black people, according to the Howard University professor, because multiracial democracy in the United States is less than 60 years old, she said. It has always been fragile. We must not delude ourselves in this moment. Multiracial democracy in the United States is less than 60 years old. It has always been contested, often violently so. It has always been fragile. Since this nation's inception large swaths of white Americans -- including white women Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) November 6, 2024 According to exit polls conducted by NBC News, the Latinx vote was basically split between Trump and Harris, with the MAGA president collecting close to 60 percent of Latinx men and almost 40 percent Latinx women. Despite Trumps anti-immigrant language, partial construction of the southern border wall and verbal commitment to mass deportations, Latinx voters still flocked to him. But Hannah-Jones said Black folks shouldnt even be surprised. Anti-Blackness continues to be a powerful force in this country, the author tweeted. And its not just white people who perpetuate this racism. Anti-Blackness is deeply embedded in Latino cultures as well, she said. The interests of those who are part of that very large, multiracial, multi-nationality Latino category are not and not ever been necessarily aligned with those of Black people. Hannah-Jones emphasized Americas ability to elect the nations first Black president and immediately afterwards elect an openly white racist man over the person who could have become the nations first woman president, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was naive to believe that if Kamala Harris avoided discussing her race and gender... that she would nullify the liability of being a Black woman seeking the presidency, Hannah-Jones wrote on X. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A Kansas City area homeowner will not face charges in the fatal shooting of a partially naked man who acted strangely before rushing inside her rural Platte County home, prosecutors announced Friday. The law allows people to use lethal force to protect themselves or another person from death, serious physical injury, or a forcible felony, said Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd in a news release. This woman reasonably believed a man she did not know who rushed toward her and into her home might hurt or kill her or her four-year-old child. While the mans death is unfortunate, this woman had every right to defend herself and her child, Zahnd continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua C. Hinderliter, 37, of Dearborn, Missouri, died in the shooting that occurred about 9 a.m. Sept. 18 in the 15000 block of Masonic Drive in rural Platte County. Praying to a horse Prior to the shooting, the woman saw a stranger on her property. The man, later identified as Hinderliter, allegedly was partially clothed and was acting erratically, including praying to a horse and attacking the homeowners dog, the Platte County Sheriffs Office reported at the time. The homeowner told authorities that Hinderliter tried to ride a pony owned by her and her husband. Hinderliter then allegedly overturned the ponys water tank. He became upset when he grabbed an electric gate and was shocked. He then ripped off the gate and threw it, Zahnd said in the news release. The woman called her husband, who called 911. She then retrieved a handgun from a locked gun safe. The woman then heard Hinderliter shake the front door of the home and her dog yelp in distress. She told investigators that she feared Hinderliter was attempting to kill the dog, Zahnd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman opened her door when Hinderliter moved to the driveway. She told him she had a gun, to leave her dog alone and to get off her property. Hinderliter allegedly raised his arms above his head, spoke in gibberish, and rushed toward her, Zahnd said. The woman fired shots at him. When he continued toward her, she retreated inside her home. Hinderliter allegedly charged her and entered the home. The woman fired several more shots at him, Zahnd said. Following the shooting, the woman fled with her child, whom she had placed in a bedroom before the shooting, to a neighbors house. Review of case determined shooting justified Investigators found Hinderliters body inside the home. An autopsy revealed he died of multiple gunshot wounds. A toxicology report showed there was a presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical compound known as THC found in cannabis that is responsible for its psychoactive effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After carefully reviewing the circumstances of this shooting, it is clear that this womans use of deadly force was justified, Zahnd said. A man rushed toward her and entered her home while she was there alone with her 4-year-old child. It is fortunate she was able to defend herself and her child, and they were not hurt in this terrifying incident. The Platte County Sheriffs Office investigated the fatal shooting and forwarded its reports to the prosecutors office without requesting that charges be filed. Zahnd, along with first assistant prosecuting attorney Mark Gibson and assistant prosecuting attorney Michael Marta, reviewed the case and reached the decision that the shooting was justified. Influence on US women: Pundits note that Trumps re-election has deepened the U.S. divide on womens rights, especially after his instrumental role in the Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Many young American women purportedly view the 4B movement as a symbolic resistance against what they perceive as increasing threats to bodily autonomy. Breanne Fahs, a gender studies professor at Arizona State University, told the Washington Post that this response represents a form of "individualized resistance" against traditional expectations for women and refusal to conform to traditional relationships and roles. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -No other candidate has come forward to challenge World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's bid for a second term at the Geneva-based trade body, two sources said, although Donald Trump's return to the White House may mean her reappointment is still not guaranteed. The deadline for candidates to apply for the top job is midnight. A WTO spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister who made history by becoming the body's first female Director-General and has broad backing among WTO members, announced she was running in September aiming to complete "unfinished business". However, one Geneva-based delegate told Reuters: "Her reappointment isn't a fait accompli, even if there's no challenger." Trump's former trade representative Robert Lighthizer has called her "China's ally in Geneva" in an apparent swipe at her support for developing countries - a status Beijing currently enjoys at the WTO. In 2020, Trump's administration sought to block her first term. She secured U.S. backing only when President Joe Biden succeeded Trump in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who follow the trade body say it is likely to face a messy, recriminatory period for trade under Trump, who has promised to impose a 10% tariff on all imports and higher rates on countries such as China. During his first term in 2017-21, Trump paralysed the WTO's top adjudications court by blocking judge appointments - a status that continues today - and announced tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminium. "Those who are likely to be part of the incoming administration either see declining value in WTO or are openly hostile to it," said Alan Yanovich, partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. "If they do go ahead and increase tariffs on everyone that will generate a lot of friction and tension." Carlos Vejar, a former Mexican trade negotiator and onetime counselor to Mexico's permanent mission to the WTO, said a new Trump presidency was likely to sidestep the organization as he focuses on relocating production to the U.S. and speeding up countermeasures against imports for sensitive industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't see how the WTO can revive anything with the United States," he said. Already, frustrations are running high at the WTO with a major ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi achieving just minimal results, with no breakthroughs on agriculture, fisheries and other key topics. All 166 WTO members must agree new trade rules by consensus - a factor which has scuppered many talks over the body's 30-year existence and global deals are rare. Asked whether both she and the WTO could be successful if Trump is elected, she told Reuters at the time: "I don't focus on that because I have no control." Months earlier, she said that Trump's tariff proposals would be a "lose-lose" situation that could upend the trading system. (Reporting by Emma FargeAdditional reporting by Dave Graham in ZurichEditing by Ros Russell, Peter Graff) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Raptor Lake. | Credit: Intel This week, a class action lawsuit was filed against Intel in a federal court. The plaintiff, Mark Vanvalkenburgh, accuses Intel of knowingly selling defective 13th Generation Raptor Lake and 14th Generation Raptor Lake Refresh processors. The plaintiff seeks damages and, in the alternative, restitution. Lawyers from Dovel & Luner expect other Intel customers to join the class action. There are some catches with this lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in San Jose, California, comes from Mark Vanvalkenburgh of Orchard Park, New York, who purchased an Intel Core i7-13700K processor in January 2023. According to the complaint, Vanvalkenburgh encountered frequent problems, including sudden screen blackouts and unexpected computer restarts. This summer, he attempted to apply an Intel patch intended to fix stability issues in the companys Raptor Lake CPUs, but this solution failed to resolve the malfunctions. After purchasing the product, Plaintiff learned that the processor was defective, unstable, and crashing at high rates, the lawsuit reads. The processor caused issues in his computer, including random screen blackouts and random computer restarts. These issues were not resolved even after he attempted to install a patch issued by Intel for its 13th Generation processors. As a result, he did not get what he paid for. Had Plaintiff known the truth about the product, he would not have bought the product or would have paid less for it. The plaintiff asserts that Intel was aware of the instability problems with Raptor Lake CPUs before his purchase. He claims that the companys internal testing, conducted before and after the processors release, revealed these defects. Despite this, Intel allegedly continued to market the processors as high-performance products without disclosing any potential for instability, raising accusations of fraud, breach of warranty, and violation of New York consumer protection laws. In July 2024, Intel publicly addressed the problem called Vmin Shift Instability, noting that stability issues stemmed from elevated operating voltage levels in its 13th Generation and 14th Generation Core Raptor Lake processors, which physically damaged the cores clock tree circuit. To mitigate the issue, Intel has released three microcode patches. The first patch (0x125) was issued in June to adjust the Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (eTVB) algorithmthe second patch (0x129), followed in August, aimed at reducing unnecessary high-voltage requests. In September, Intel released its third patch (0x12B), which combined the previous fixes and added protections to prevent excess voltage demands during idle or light load. A viral clip from CNNs election night coverage has led many internet users to claim falsely that Vice President Kamala Harris did not outperform President Joe Bidens 2020 election results in a single county in the U.S. That claim is false. While CNN anchor Jake Tapper reacted on-air to an election map that he believed showed Harris outperforming Biden in not one county, fellow anchor John King quickly corrected Tapperthe map showed that Harris didnt outperform Biden in a single state by 3 percent or more. However, a version of that clip that spread across social media platforms did not include Kings correction, leading users to falsely claim Harris did not outperform Biden in a single county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jake Tapper is absolutely SHOCKED by the map showing that Kamala didnt outperform Biden in a single county, the X account Libs of TikTok tweeted to its 3.7 million followers. Shes a total loser! Fox News commentator Sean Hannity posted the video clip to Facebook, with the caption, Fake Jake Tapper Is Absolutely Shocked that Kamala Didnt Outperform Biden in a Single County. I love this video of Jake Tapper in shock that Kamala didnt out perform Biden anywhere, Abigail Jackson, communications director for Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, tweeted. Some users have linked the video to baseless claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. One X user, replying to a tweet from right-wing internet personality Benny Johnson, shared the video in a tweet thats received more than 750,000 views. Not one county, the X user, Duane Harrison, tweeted with the video. Its as if they cheated last time! A longer clip from that broadcast features CNN anchors King and Tapper at nearly 2 a.m. on election night discussing the results on the networks interactive Magic Wall map. So, you asked, are there any places where the vice president is overperforming Joe Biden in 2020, King said, pulling up a map. So, we can show you that as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holy smokes, Tapper exclaimed to the completely gray map. Literally nothing? Literally not one county? King then quickly corrected Tapper, explaining that the map 1) showed states where Harris outperformed Biden by 3 percent or more and 2) displayed results by state, not by county. King then displayed a different map, showing Harris outperforming Biden by 3 percent or more in 58 total counties. Including Washington D.C., the United States has 3,144 counties. If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. For the record: 1:49 p.m. Nov. 8, 2024: An earlier version of this article said the principals message about the limits on congregating came after a video showing a rowdy pro-Trump celebration at the school was posted on TikTok. The message was released before the video was posted. Beverly Hills High School has limited students' ability to congregate in the wake of "spirited demonstrations" by pro-Trump pupils following Tuesday's elections. The high school's principal, Drew Stewart, sent a message to families announcing that the school would not restrict students' individual exercise of their free speech rights, but would limit their ability to congregate in large groups so that all students would feel safe on campus. The message came before a TikTok video went viral showing many students in a Beverly Hills High School courtyard rowdily celebrating Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election. The video shows dozens of students mostly boys dancing, cheering and crowding against each other. At one point, a school security guard holds up a Trump banner to raucous applause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have had ongoing exercises of student political speech over the past 2 days. Starting tomorrow, students will continue to be able to exercise this right individually, but will be restricted in their right to assemble," said Stewart in the email. "These assemblies have ended up creating a disruption to normal school activities and has also left many students feeling unsafe and unwelcome." Stewart then told students they could no longer "congregate, circle up, shout, jump, etc.," according to the email. Read more: Northern California principal on leave after dancing with school mascot to Ginuwine's 'Pony' Beverly Hills is a red island in the middle of predominantly blue Los Angeles County, a community where voters largely supported former President Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. In one Beverly Hills precinct, Trump won 63% of the vote compared to Harris' 33%, according to voting data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Divisions during the 2024 election season were particularly sharp, with Trump issuing harsh invective against Democrats, immigrants, the press and numerous other groups while Harris' camp blasted Trump's character and spoke apocalyptically about the threat he posed to democracy. Trump defeated the vice president handily Tuesday. Beverly Hills Unified Supt. Michael Bregy said the decision was made to foster a safe, supportive environment for students. "We value students' freedom of expression and encourage respectful civic engagement," he said. Bregy said staff consistently monitored the "spirited demonstrations" this week and "acted swiftly to de-escalate when expressions crossed into disruption." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source in the district, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said that students were bringing flags on poles, which is against education code. Administrators were present with the group of revelers, trying to make sure no one was injured. "We have to stand within the group and until they start, you know, physically compressing on one another with their jumping, then that becomes dangerous," the source said. "Then were crossing into the area where its way beyond education code." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) No one was hurt in a Friday morning mobile home fire in Park Township. Around 6:20 a.m., multiple fire crews and deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office were sent to a mobile home in the Holiday West Mobile Home Park located at 3611 Butternut Dr. after receiving reports about smoke coming from the home. Responding crews found smoke and flames coming from the home, the sheriffs office said. They quickly worked to extinguish the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone inside the home evacuated and was not hurt. The sheriffs office said firefighters and a neighbor helped to get a dog out through a window and give the dog oxygen. A cat left the home on its own. The sheriffs office said that the American Red Cross has been called to help everyone displaced. The cause of the fire has not been released. The fire remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. (This story has been updated with new information.) Firefighters began to get the upper hand on the Mountain Fire on Thursday as the weather turned in their favor, though by Friday morning the fire was still just 7% contained and had burned through more than 32 square miles. The fire started a little before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, near Balcolm Canyon Road in rural Somis. Later that day, it jumped more than 2 miles south across Highway 118 into Camarillo, and homes in Camarillo Heights and other neighborhoods started going up in flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, there was "no significant growth" of the fire in or near Camarillo, said Nick Cleary, a battalion chief with the Ventura County Fire Department. Firefighters also stopped the progress of the flames before they reached Ventura, putting out a few spot fires in the bed of the Santa Clara River just east of the city. Instead, the "most significant action" on Thursday was at the eastern end of the fire, in the Somis area closer to Moorpark, Cleary said. "We're not out of the fight yet," he said. The Mountain Fire had burned almost to the city of Moorpark in the east, nearly to the Ventura city limits in the west, and north to the Santa Clara River in Santa Paula. Jon McMullen searches for his family possessions in the Camarillo Heights neighborhood along Cerro Crest and Valley Vista Drive on Thursday, a day after the Mountain Fire swept through the area Devastation on homes takes its toll Authorities have only begun assessing the damage, but they have already found 132 structures destroyed and another 88 damaged, Andy VanSciver, a spokesperson with the Ventura County Fire Department, said during a news conference on Thursday evening. Most of the structures were single-family homes, and the hardest-hit neighborhood was Camarillo Heights, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those figures are likely to climb higher, because by Thursday evening, the Ventura County Fire Department's damage assessment teams had only visited 298 properties, finding nearly 3 in 4 of them destroyed or damaged. VanSciver and other officials could not estimate how many properties are left to check. "This is a slow process because we have to make sure the process is safe," he said, by ensuring that spot fires are out and natural gas lines and other potential hazards are secure. Ten people were injured in the fire, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said. Most of the injuries were smoke inhalation, and none of them are life-threatening, he said. By Friday morning, the fire had burned 20,596 acres and was 7% contained, which means firefighters had secured 7% of the perimeter of the fire. California Gov. Gavin Newsom tours a neighborhood in Camarillo that was hit by the Mountain Fire with officials from Cal Fire on Thursday. State of emergency declared On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Ventura County, which opens up state and federal funding for firefighting operations. Newsom also toured some of the affected neighborhoods Thursday with officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the fire started Wednesday, it was fanned by extremely high Santa Ana winds from the east conditions that led the National Weather Service to issue its first "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red flag alert since 2020. But on Thursday, the winds died down, and the National Weather Service removed its red flag alert, except for high elevations. Ariel Cohen, the weather service's chief meteorologist in Oxnard, said the last red flag alert should be lifted by 11 a.m. on Friday. By Friday afternoon, the winds should be coming from the west, bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity and making it easier to fight the fire. Higher winds and more red flag warnings are expected again next week, Cohen said. Firefighters mopped up hot spots a at Camarillo Heights home burned in the Mountain Fire on Thursday. Too many fire hydrants tapped On Wednesday, the fight was slowed at times by power outages and shortages of water. At higher elevations in Camarillo Heights and Las Posas Estates, fire crews could not always get enough water pressure, Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. One reason for that was the normal demands of firefighting with hundreds of engines tapping into fire hydrants, "it overwhelmed the system," said Ian Pritchard, deputy general manager for the Calleguas Municipal Water District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A water pumping station in the area already also burned, Cleary said, and that added to the problem. Fire crews plan to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and lower winds at night by flying helicopters and dropping fire-retardant chemicals, Gardner said. He said he expects crews will spend "the next four or five days getting this under control." Heavy patrol planned in evacuated areas In the meantime, authorities are urging people who have been evacuated to stay away from their homes. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said his deputies helped people evacuate from more than 400 homes on Wednesday and Thursday, and found another 800 or so empty after the residents presumably evacuated on their own. At about 250 homes, the residents decided to stay, Fryhoff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies will "heavily patrol" all of the evacuated areas to keep the homes safe, he said. "We will not tolerate looting of any kind. ... Anyone who wants to come here and try that, they'll be spending a lot more time here than they planned," Fryhoff said. Tony Biasotti is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tbiasotti@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 'No significant growth' of Mountain Fire but devastation takes toll INDIANAPOLIS The first full day of jury deliberations ended without a verdict on Friday in the trial of Richard Allen, who is accused in the 2017 killings of two teenage girls who had vanished during a hike in Delphi, Indiana. Jurors began their deliberations Thursday afternoon, spending two hours deliberating before wrapping up for the day. They then spent seven hours on Friday deliberating without reaching a verdict, and will return Saturday morning. Allen had pleaded not guilty to two murder and two felony murder charges in connection with the 2017 deaths of Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams, who were 14 and 13, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison if convicted of all the charges. The seven women and five men continued their deliberations Friday after hearing closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial. Deliberations ended after about two hours and will resume Friday morning. They will deliberate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday until they reach a verdict, CNN reports. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland told jurors that Allen is the man seen in a grainy cellphone video recorded by one of the girls, known as Abby and Libby, as they crossed an abandoned railroad bridge just before they vanished on Feb. 13, 2017. "Richard Allen is Bridge Guy," McLeland told jurors. "He kidnapped them and later murdered them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Allen had confessed repeatedly to the killings in person, on the phone and in writing. In one of the recordings he replayed for the jury, Allen could be heard telling his wife, "I did it. I killed Abby and Libby." Allen's defense cast doubt on the confessions, putting up witnesses, including a psychiatrist who testified that Allen was delirious and psychotic after months in solitary confinement. The defense further argued there is no physical evidence tying Allen to the murders and said confessions he made in the past were "involuntary" and stemmed from being in solitary confinement for months. No witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge the afternoon the girls went missing, he noted. No fingerprint, DNA or forensic evidence links Allen to the murder scene, Rozzi said. And for more than five years after the teens were killed, Allen still lived in Delphi while working at a local pharmacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He had every chance to run, but he did not because he didn't do it," he told the jurors. Before the trial began, Allen's lawyers had sought to argue that the girls were killed in a ritual sacrifice by members of a white nationalist group known as the Odinists who follow a pagan Norse religion, but the judge ruled against that, saying the defense "failed to produce admissible evidence" of such a connection. Timeline of events surrounding Delphi murders The Delphi murder case goes back to February 13, 2017, when "Abby" and "Libby" went for a hike on the Monon High Bridge in Delphi. The two girls were reported missing after they failed to meet Libby's father that afternoon. The next day, their bodies were found, both dead from cuts to the throat, partially covered by sticks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case attracted public attention in part because of a photo and audio recording of the suspect taken from Libby's smartphone. The image shows a man walking on the bridge with his hands in his pockets, and the audio includes a man's muffled voice saying, "Guys, down the hill." Although police circulated the photo and audio just days after the killings and identified the "Bridge Guy" as their prime suspect, the case ran cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022. Allen had seemingly evaded police notice, staying in the small town of Delphi and working at a local CVS pharmacy, until a clerk digitizing tips related to the investigation in September 2022 noticed he had placed himself at the scene of the crime. Just days after the bodies were discovered, Allen told police he had been on that trail during the timeframe the girls were thought to have been killed. Carroll County Sheriff Tony Liggett said despite the tip, Allen "got lost in the cracks," according to CNN affiliate WLFI. Around a month after the tip was rediscovered, Allen was arrested after police matched an unspent cartridge found between the girls' bodies to a pistol recovered from his home during a police search. After Allen was arrested on October 26, 2022, he was charged with two counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping five days later. Prosecutors later amended the charges to include two additional counts of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the trial, which began October 18, the prosecution highlighted Allen's dozens of confessions while incarcerated: He confessed to the crime more than 60 times, prosecutors say, including to his wife, his mother, the psychologist who treated him, the warden and other prison employees and inmates. They played audio recordings of some of the confessions for the jury. Monica Wala, the former lead psychologist at Westville Correctional Facility where Allen was housed, testified he initially told her he was innocent, but began confessing to the crimes in April 2023, around the time he was placed back on suicide watch. Wala testified that Allen had told her, "I killed Abby and Libby. I'm sorry," according to WTHR. He said he originally planned to sexually assault the victims but ran away when he saw a van nearby, and that he had cut the girls' throats and covered their bodies with sticks, she testified. What to know about Susie Wiles, Trump's new chief of staff What Harris' campaign headquarters looked like on election night Feds investigate racist text messages sent nationwide NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department is hoping to identify and arrest a suspect who is accused of burglarizing a business on Maple Street. The case is the latest one to roll on the Wheel of Justice. NOPD: Thieves stole Delgado tools to steal ATM According to police, the crime happened around 5:10 in the morning on Saturday, Nov. 2, in the 7600 block of Maple. Sources tell WGNO News that the suspect was able to push his arm through an opening in the businesses door frame and unlock the deadbolt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once inside the store, the suspect allegedly went directly to the stores cash register and stole the money inside of it. The owner of the business says the thief got away with a little less than $150. The NOPD released a security camera image of the suspect. To see the latest Wheel of Justice report, including the security camera image, watch the video at the top of this story. STPSO: Suspects wore safety vests to steal tequila in Covington If you have information that could help police identify or arrest the person responsible for the business burglary, call CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. You dont have to reveal your name or testify in court, and you could be eligible to earn a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, more than 470 people have been booked after their cases rolled on the Wheel of Justice. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. The King County Department of Health says three people fell ill after eating at a McDonalds in Kirkland end of last month. The department says two of the people tested positive for norovirus. All three reported eating at the fast-food restaurant on 124th Avenue Northeast between October 23 and 26 and started to feel sick a short time later. The health department visited the restaurant on October 29 to investigate and confirmed that no restaurant workers reported being sick in the past two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did not find any unsafe food practices related to the spread of norovirus, the department said in a news release. Health officials say they revisited the restaurant on November 1 and asked them to follow their norovirus cleaning protocols and complete a deep cleaning of the restaurant. We reviewed with restaurant management the requirement that sick workers are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours and provided education about preventing the spread of norovirus including proper handwashing and preventing bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, the health department announced Thursday. People sick with norovirus can be contagious without knowing it or have very mild symptoms. Voter turnout was heavy on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, at Northview Church in south Fargo. The secretary of state says more North Dakotans voted early for the general election than on Election Day. (Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor) A group that used volunteer election observers reports that the biggest voting issue in North Dakota involved inconsistent offering of set-aside ballots. The most impacted groups were students, military personnel, new U.S. citizens and voters who recently moved to North Dakota and didnt have the required identification or proof of address, according to the League of Women Voters of North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law allows those voters to cast ballots but with the ballots set aside so the eligibility of the voters can be verified before the votes are counted. A voter must present an acceptable ID or proof of address to the county auditor before the county canvassing board meets 13 days after the election for their ballot to be counted. All eligible North Dakota voters have the right to vote a set-aside ballot at the polls, Carol Sawicki, treasurer for the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, said in a news release. We encourage more education for both poll workers and voters on the option of voting a set-aside ballot, so voters can participate in the election process. The League of Women Voters of North Dakota said overall, Tuesdays general election went smoothly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group used more than 60 nonpartisan volunteer election observers at 48 polling sites in North Dakota. Volunteers observed at polling sites in Bismarck, Casselton, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, Valley City, Wahpeton, West Fargo and Williston. Observers also reported voters wearing political clothing, voter privacy measures not always available, long wait times at a handful of sites, and polling places running out of pre-printed paper ballots or set-aside ballot envelopes. The league also reported a need for increased education on the assistance voters can receive at the polls, such as for those with vision impairment or who need an interpreter. The North Dakota Secretary of States Office reported 62.5% of eligible North Dakotans voted in the 2024 election in unofficial results. For the first time, more voters cast ballots before Election Day than on Election Day. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX North Korean troops fighting against Ukrainian forces are taking casualties in Russia's Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 7. "Currently, 11,000 North Korean soldiers are present on Russian territory near the Ukrainian border, specifically in Kursk Oblast," he said at a press conference at the European Political Community summit in Budapest. "Some of these troops have already taken part in combat operations against Ukrainian forces, and there are already casualties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky did not provide further information on the number of casualties. Kursk Oblast has seen heavy battles since Ukraine launched a cross-border offensive in early August. Moscow has deployed North Korean troops there to reinforce lines there while its most experienced units continue advancing in Ukraine's east. Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed on Nov. 5 that the first clashes between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and North Korean soldiers had already taken place. Zelensky has previously said that if Ukraine had permission to use Western long-range weapons on Russian territory, it could preemptively target "every camp" in Russia where North Korean troops are gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on Nov. 7 he reiterated his call. Read also: Russia has problems We asked 5 Ukrainian soldiers about North Korean troops fighting for Moscow "We are now issuing a warning and believe that if political pressure and corresponding weapons are not applied to Russia, the next step could be a much larger deployment of North Korean forces," he said. "Putin always observes the worlds reaction. In my view, the response so far has been insufficient." To date, international responses to North Korean troops joining Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine have been limited to statements and condemnation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) and three key allies expressed "grave concerns" over North Korea's military deployment in Russia and are working on a "coordinated response," according to a joint statement published on Nov. 5. Besides the G7 members, including the U.S., Japan, Italy, the U.K., Germany, France, Canada, and the High Representative of the European Union, the statement was also signed by South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. "Several thousands of DPRK troops have been deployed to Russia. The DPRK's direct support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, besides showing Russia's desperate efforts to compensate its losses, would mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific peace and security," the statement read. "It would be a further breach of international law, including the most fundamental principles of the U.N. Charter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ministers condemned in "the strongest possible terms" the deepening of the military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, including Russia's "unlawful procurement" of North Korean ballistic missiles. Read also: What we know about Trumps plans for ending Russias war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Investors are suing the former CEO of the company that helped take Trump media Cheng Xin/Getty Images Investors accuse Florida businessman Patrick Orlando of diverting millions of Trump Media shares from them. Orlando was the CEO of the blank check firm that helped take Trump Media public. Plaintiffs say in a lawsuit that Orlando "engaged in malicious and intentional self-dealing." Investors have accused the ex-CEO of the blank check firm that helped take the parent company of President-elect Donald Trump's social media site public of stiffing them out of million of shares. The plaintiffs more than three dozen investors allege in a new lawsuit against Florida businessman Patrick Orlando that he "engaged in malicious and intentional self-dealing of monumental proportions to the tune of potentially hundreds of millions of dollars" by diverting assets to himself and his family through entities including an offshore shell company. The plaintiffs say in the lawsuit that they are founding members of Orlando's ARC Global Investments II entity, the sponsor of a SPAC that merged with Trump Media & Technology Group to take it public earlier this year. Orlando was the CEO and chairman of the SPAC, Digital World Acquisition Corporation. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Delaware's Chancery Court, alleges that Orlando and ARC Global have failed to transfer what is owed roughly 75% to 80% of the total approximate 8.1 million shares of stock in Trump Media that ARC Global owns to the plaintiffs. Trump Media is the operator of Trump's social media platform, Truth Social. Orlando, his attorneys, and attorneys for ARC Global did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider on Thursday. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of "coordinated and intentional theft of stock" and "egregious breaches of fiduciary duties" by Orlando. Orlando, the lawsuit alleges, "orchestrated a scheme with the other Defendants to divert the majority of ARC ownership interest to himself and his family through a closely held alter-ego entity named Franlu LLC" and a Cayman Islands-based entity called Belsize Ventures Ltd. Franlu and Belsize are also named as defendants in the lawsuit. "In doing so, Orlando intentionally breached his fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiffs by diluting the ownership interests of the Plaintiffs," the lawsuit says. "Specifically, as Managing Member of ARC, Orlando conveyed roughly 46% of ARC's membership interest to Franlu in a secret transaction for zero consideration in exchange." The lawsuit alleges that ARC Global is diverting shares to Orlando and his "inner circle" and "liquidating remaining shares to fund Orlando's own legal defense efforts and other personal expenses on a commingled basis with ARC's own assets." Two years ago, then city manager Mike Mahaney showed a video of a city council meeting to The Sun News. Two days ago, a Freedom of Information Act request for a meeting video yielded nothing. The confusion and change have gone unannounced and unaddressed by the city until now. It all started a few summers ago in July 2022, when Mahaney had a video recording of at least one council meeting, and showed it to a Sun News reporter and editor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This meeting happened after a July 6, 2022 special called council meeting, when Mahaney made a comment about unhoused people getting free bus tickets and coming to North Myrtle Beach from Myrtle Beach, reporting at the time shows. The purpose of showing the video days later was for Mahaney to show what he said at the meeting to a reporter and editor. A copy of the video was provided at the time. Two years later, in 2024, a request for a copy of a city council meeting was denied because city staff said they dont record video. A second FOIA request yielded an audio recording in the same file format as the 2022 video Mahaney showed, but with no images on the screen. I can guarantee you, we dont video record, city spokesperson Lauren Jessie said on Thursday. But because the format is mp4 thats why youre seeing the black screen in what you received in FOIA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The switch between the apparent screen recording video in the summer of 2022 and now is due to issues with the audio the North Myrtle Beach IT department said they no longer screen record whats on the council members screens during meetings. This change happened following the Jan. 9, 2023 city council meeting, Jessie said on Thursday. The audio system only records in mp4 format, and any images within these recordings are the result of what was shown on the computer screen in council chambers during the meeting, she said. When a speaker would switch between the computer screen and the document camera, the audio would cut off each time it was switched back and forth. Jessie said numerous times that the city doesnt record video or stream council meetings anymore, but starting in January 2025, they will start doing so again, adding that the citys IT department is currently working on more reliable archival system through live streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During COVID, City Council Meetings were video recorded. Once protocols relaxed surrounding COVID and City Council Meetings returned to in-person, they stopped video recording, Jessie said in response to a question asking about the reason behind stopping the streaming services. The City does audio record the City Council Meetings. We do not have transcripts of the meetings; however, we do keep minutes. The reason why the city stopped video recording after the height of COVID-19 is because protocols relaxed and council meetings returned to in-person in May 2020, she explained. At the time, now acting city manager Ryan Fabbri said they halted streaming meetings due to low viewership. The City does audio record the City Council Meetings, Jessie said. The audio recordings also help with writing the minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessie said they will conduct a test run of the streaming technology at their Nov. 20, 2024 City Council Workshop before rolling it out on a regular basis in the new year. Those videos will be available to the public on the citys Facebook page and YouTube channel, she said. South Carolinas open meetings law does not require municipalities to broadcast their meetings or workshops, but North Myrtle Beachs neighbors do it anyway, including Conway, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Horry County and Horry County Schools. A smartphone lying on the ground with its flashlight on led to the arrest of a suspect accused of cutting a woman during a home invasion robbery Friday, Nov. 8, in White Settlement, police said. Francisco Avila, 21, was identified as the suspect in the early morning robbery. Officers were alerted by a neighbor about a smartphone near the scene of the crime , and further investigation revealed that it belonged to Avila, according to a news release from White Settlement police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was detained at the Westlake Gardens Apartment Complex, located in the 8500 block of Robbins Drive. Avila was walking around when police found him, and officers believe he might have been looking for his lost mobile phone, police said. The home invasion victim, a woman in her 60s, was asleep in her apartment around 3 a.m. when she was awakened by a man standing over her with a knife touching her throat, according to police. The robber demanded the victims property. When she tried to push the knife away from her neck, she suffered serious wounds to her hands, police said. The robbery occurred at the Oak Timbers Apartment Complex for active seniors in the 8400 block of Tumbleweed Trail. The police supervisor on residential patrol in the complex was called and immediately responded to the scene, officials said. Surveillance footage revealed that Avila attempted to open doors to two different apartments that appeared to be locked before walking to the front porch of the victims apartment, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim has been released from the hospital and is surrounded by family, police said. Investigators said they obtained a search warrant for Avilas apartment, where they found several items of interest including the ones taken from the victim. Additional evidence was also located that may be associated with two other felony offenses, unrelated to the early morning crime, officials said. Avila faces a charge of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony. He is being held in the White Settlement Police Department Detention Facility. More charges are likely as the investigation continues, police said. The department is consulting with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office about the charges. Northern Israel was hit by missile fire from Lebanon on Friday, the Israeli military reported. Five missiles were fired at the majority-Arab community of Kafr Yasif north of Haifa, it said. Four were intercepted, while one hit a house. Nobody was injured, but the Times of Israel published videos of the strike on X. In total, around 60 missiles were recorded, fewer than in previous days. The Hezbollah militia has been firing missiles at northern Israel for more than a year. Texans showed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump, who secured 56.3% of the vote in the state, surpassing his opponent by approximately 1.5 million votes. Nationally, Trump won 295 electoral votes, well above the 270 needed for victory, along with around 77.2 million popular votes. But have all votes been counted yet? Here's what we know. Has Texas counted all ballots in the 2024 general election? Texas has counted most ballots from the general election held on Nov. 5. However, some ballots remain uncounted: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mail-in ballots: Ballots postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 5) and received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 are included in the count. Those arriving after this deadline are not counted. Military and overseas ballots: Ballots from military personnel and overseas citizens, postmarked by Election Day, are accepted if received by Nov. 12. These ballots are still being processed and will be added to the final totals upon receipt. Provisional ballots: Provisional ballots are cast when there are questions about a voter's eligibility. The early voting ballot board has until Nov. 18 to review and determine their validity. Valid provisional ballots will be added to the final count. While most ballots are counted individually as they arrive, the remaining mail-in, military and provisional ballots will be added to the final tally as they are processed. Final results will be certified once all eligible ballots are tabulated. Key dates Electoral College vote: Dec. 17 Congress counts electoral votes : Jan. 6 Inauguration: Jan. 20 This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Has Texas counted all ballots? Here's which votes are still missing A notorious Russian general known for torturing his own men has been killed by a Ukrainian drone while riding his motorbike. Major General Pavel Klimenko died on Wednesday after his reconnaissance mission was attacked near the front lines in a Russian-occupied part of Ukraines Donbas region. He was one of Russias most reviled military leaders and relatives of soldiers killed under his command even celebrated his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One account, under the name Anastasia, wrote on a Russian social media website: This is your punishment, scum, for all the men whose lives you played with like cards!!! God heard our tears and prayers. Victoria, who said her son had been kept in a basement like cattle after being injured and then forced back into battle without a rifle or body armour, said: Burn in hell, animal! Klimenko, 47, was regarded as a sadist who tortured soldiers who had refused to take part in his meat grinder assaults, a military strategy that he enjoyed. At least one such soldier, a disabled guitar teacher from the occupied Donetsk region, was alleged to have died as a result of Klimenkos torture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitnesses have claimed Klimenko ordered sick and injured soldiers into battle and allowed his subordinates to steal their salaries. His officers are also being investigated for torturing and killing a pro-Kremlin US blogger and fighter earlier this year, before blowing up his body to try and disguise the murder. Mine-explosive injury Klimenko, who commanded the Donetsk 5th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, is at least the eighth Russian general to be killed since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. An official notice of his death said a Ukrainian drone hit Klimenkos motorbike squad on Wednesday at a checkpoint roughly two miles from the town of Kurakhove, the focus of a fierce battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klimenko, it said, died from a mine-explosive injury and blunt head trauma. He also had several major fractured bones and severe internal bleeding. Elsewhere on the front line, the death toll from a Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia has now risen to 10, including a one-year-old boy, his mother and his great-grandmother. At least 41 other people were injured in the attack on Thursday, which struck a residential area and an oncology clinic. Russian forces have intensified their attacks across Ukraine over the past two months in an effort to push their manpower and ammunition advantages. This has included dropping powerful glide bombs on Zaporizhzhia since the start of October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Odesa, at least one person was killed and nine others were injured in Russian drone attacks, while Russian bombs injured 25 people in Kharkiv. People are dying every day According to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), Russia launched 2,000 drone attacks in October. This is an increase of 700 since September, the third significant monthly increase in a row, it reported. The MoD said: It is likely that high figures seen through September and October to date will become normal. In Russia, reports from Novosibirsk in Siberia revealed that the Communist party was allowed to organise a rare anti-war rally to mark the anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 30-person rally focused on criticising the Kremlin for the cost of the war but did not directly reproach Vladimir Putin. Sergei Krupenko, a Communist Party activist, said: This government has dragged the country and tens of millions of people into a bloody adventure, you know where! People are dying every day. The civilian population is suffering. Today, trillions of roubles have been wasted, literally wasted. Protests are rare in Russia where dissent is banned. Although, as reported by the Telegraph from Kazan last month, discontent with Putin and his war in Ukraine has become fairly widespread in private. 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. Election Day at the Landsdowne Elementary School precinct in Lexington, Nov. 5, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) After Kentucky voters thwarted a Republican-backed school choice amendment, the legislatures supermajority will likely focus on holding poorly performing school systems accountable, said Republican Senate President Robert Stivers. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, meanwhile, said the amendments landslide defeat is a message from Kentuckians to pump more resources into public schools; Beshear repeated his calls for raising teacher pay and providing universal preschool. The General Assembly should recognize the will of the people and get serious about ensuring that every Kentucky child gets a world-class public education, Beshear said. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (LRC Public Information) In a news conference the morning after the election, Stivers singled out public schools in Louisvilles West End and an African American population thats been left behind as the motivation for putting Amendment 2 on the ballot not as people were saying to give rich people tax credits. It was to focus on the poorest and the most needy, like the West End, to create a different type of educational opportunity, to give them a better economic trajectory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 65% of Kentucky voters rejected the amendment, which failed in all 120 counties, according to unofficial results. Opponents had warned that public schools would be drained of funding if Kentucky followed the lead of some Republican legislatures and governors by funding vouchers to pay for private school tuition. The amendment would have allowed the legislature for the first time to fund nonpublic schools. The public has spoken, Stivers said. They said they dont like that pathway. So were going to look at other pathways to have accountability and performance in poorly performing school districts. And I think everybody is for that. You want accountability and good performance in public education. Some Republicans have called for splitting the Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentuckys largest school system, into smaller districts, and a legislative task force has been studying the districts governance. Stivers also said the Republican supermajority whose numbers were unchanged by the election wants to keep lowering the state income tax and give Kentuckians even better days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to create additional job opportunities, educational opportunities. Were going to invest in infrastructure. And probably one of the first things we do when we walk in in January is reduce your income taxes. If Amendment 2 had passed, sections of the state Constitution that courts have said reserve public money for public, or common schools, would have been suspended. Courts have struck down recent Kentucky laws creating charter schools and tax credits to support private school tuition that the Republican supermajority had enacted. In an election night phone interview after the amendment was defeated, outgoing Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer of Georgetown said he was unsure whats next for school choice measures. He announced that he would not seek reelection ahead of the 2024 legislative session. Clearly our supermajorities believe strongly in school choice, Thayer said. And I know if I were coming back, Id try to lead the way on figuring out another way forward, but thats not really going to be up to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public education advocates now see little to no path for the legislature to direct public funding to nonpublic schools. On Wednesday, Paula Pleasant, a Greenup County Schools teacher and member of KY120 United-AFT, told the Lantern she feels confident that Kentuckys public education funding would be protected in the future thanks to the clear no vote on Amendment 2. I think this vote, and the message is clear, that even though Kentucky is a red state, we still are favorable to our public schools and public education, especially with it being such a large employer in rural counties, Pleasant said. So, now I just feel like were at the point of, OK, youve tried everything in your playbook. This was your last play. Doesnt mean they wont try to do it again, but (Im) very confident in that margin of victory. Pleasant said she hopes lawmakers will finally give serious consideration to Beshears education proposals. She noted that Greenup County has offered a universal pre-K program since 2015 and early intervention helps students succeed. However, supporting public education isnt just about giving teacher raises, Pleasant said. Respect for teachers is needed to cut through harmful rhetoric against the profession. Were not trying to indoctrinate kids, Pleasant said. Were really just trying to teach kids and take care of them, and that it has to be a community effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Powers, the policy and public engagement coordinator for the Kentucky Student Voice Team, said its hard to take a guess what (lawmakers) would do after they attempted to circumnavigate the court decisions with the amendment. I cant say whats going to happen in the future, but if I were in their shoes and I just got shellacked, I probably wouldnt go for round two, Powers said. Jason Bailey, executive director of the progressive think tank Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, said the defeat of Amendment 2 really takes it off the table. He added that he hopes lawmakers shift their focus toward solutions. Rep. Keturah Herron (LRC Public Information) Its time to bring the conversation back to our public schools and how we can properly fund them, address the teacher shortage, the bus driver shortage, Bailey said. Look at things like universal preschool that we know work. Reinvest in the things that Kentuckys public schools have needed for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On election night, Senator-elect Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, told the Lantern she remains cautious about Republicans intent. Im sure that theres some trick that theyve got up their sleeves, but Kentuckians have spoken loud and clear that they want our public tax dollars to go to public schools. Amendment 2 was heralded by Republicans, including U.S. Sen Rand Paul, as a way to address poor performance in public schools by creating competition and give families options like private or charter schools. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Editors note: The story in the video player aired on July 3, 2024. NEW YORK (PIX11) New York City will end a pilot program that gave prepaid debit cards to migrant families to help them buy food. New York City launched the pilot program earlier this year. It allowed migrant families to buy food at grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and bodegas. More Local News Through the immediate response cards pilot program, we were able to reduce food waste, redirect millions of dollars to our local economy, and provide more culturally relevant food to more than 2,600 migrant families in our care, a City Hall spokesperson said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City Hall spokesperson said the contract for the pilot program will not be renewed when it ends in January 2025. As we move towards more competitive contracting for asylum-seeker programs, we have chosen not to renew the emergency contract for this pilot program once the one-year term concludes, the City Hall spokesperson said. The city will instead transition back to food delivery services for migrants in their care in the hotel voucher program, according to the City Hall spokesperson. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State For over two years, we have provided care to more than 222,000 migrants while saving $2 billion in asylum seeker-related costs. Thanks to our resettlement efforts, intensive case management, and national-leading Asylum Application Help Center, more than 160,000 migrants have left our shelter system and taken their next steps towards self-sufficiency, the City Hall spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A disgruntled former employee is accused of shooting his former boss during a quarrel on the Upper West Side Thursday morning, police said. Eduardo Diaz, 42, was arrested Friday and charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the NYPD. Diaz allegedly shot Boris Shapiro, 47, in the leg and shoulder near West 68th Street and Columbus Avenue at around 9:20 a.m., according to the NYPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News A video showed Shapiro down on the ground surrounded by police shortly after he was shot. The victim was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Im stable. I should be fine, Shapiro told PIX11 News exclusively. Shapiro said he fired Diaz earlier this year before the suspect showed up at his store, Lincoln Business Machines, Thursday with a gun. But he left without harming anyone. Shapiro followed him up Columbus Avenue. I wanted to call police. He came in [the shop] with a gun and I was afraid he would come back and trap us, so I called 911. And thats when he saw me and ran after me, Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seconds later bullets littered the street. Some hit a nearby bus stop, and others flew through doors before two hit Shapiro. Diaz ducked into a nearby subway station after the incident, sparking a manhunt until he was picked up in Queens Friday morning. Diaz kept his head down as detectives marched him out of the 20th Precinct in Manhattan Friday afternoon. He has no prior arrests, police said. His arraignment was pending Friday. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. MILAN (Reuters) - Italian asset manager Anima said on Friday it appointed Goldman Sachs as financial adviser to assess an up to 1.6-billion-euro ($1.71 billion) buyout proposal from Banco BPM. Italy's third-largest Banco BPM already owns 22% of Anima. Put forward earlier this week, the buyout offer, aimed at taking Anima private, is contingent on acquiring at least 67% of the fund manager. Beside Goldman Sachs, Anima named law firm Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici as its legal adviser, the asset manager said in a statement after a board meeting. Additionally, independent directors will be assisted by financial adviser Vitale&Co. on financial matters and law firm A&O Shearman on legal matters, the statement said. ($1 = 0.9343 euros) (Reporting by Elvira Pollina, editing by Alvise Armellini) LAFARGEVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) A 35-year-old LaFargeville man is facing multiple charges after a Jefferson County grand jury indicted him for alleged sexual assault of a child and domestic violence. New York State Police arrested Robert Bowes on Thursday, November 7. Bowes is facing the following charges: Two counts of predatory sexual assault of a child Two Counts of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the first degree Sexual Abuse in the first degree Acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, they did not disclose any further information about the alleged incident. Carthage PD charge man with rape Bowes was also charged for a separate domestic incident in late June of this year in the town of Orleans. He was charged with the following: Aggravated Family Offense-More than 1 offense within five years Criminal Obstruction of Breathing/Blood Circulation Assault in the third degree Bowes is currently being held at the Jefferson County Public Safety building pending County Court. He was remanded with $2,500 Bail, $7,500 secured surety bond and $10,000 partially secured surety bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Oakwood residents and business owners can expect to see notification letters regarding the materials of their water service lines. According to the City of Oakwood, the Public Works Department will be sending notification letters to households and businesses that are known or suspected to have lines made from lead or other materials. Homeowner seeking justice after neighbors dog enters yard, kills 8-month-old puppy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA recently issued a series of regulations about lead and copper that took effect on Oct. 8. Under these new regulations, utilities are required to notify all customers who may have a lead service line serving their property. This includes customers who have lines made from galvanized steel which may contain lead, and customers with lines made of unknown materials. The notice will inform residents and business owners of the materials from which their lines are made. No action is required at this time. The city says Oakwoods annual water testing as required by the EPA has not shown lead or copper content exceeding Action Levels. For more information, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Clint and Heidi Ihnen are facing charges of animal neglect. On Tuesday officers with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society were called to the Ihnen home near Lennox. They found more than three dozen dogs running loose, eating garbage, fighting over scraps, drinking water out of puddles. Most were starving and some had injuries and needed care. For those responding officers it is a tough situation they see all too often. Our main goal is to safely remove them and make sure all of our officers go home safe too, said Sioux Falls Animal Control Supervisor Patty Beckman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always emotional but our goal is to take them out of that environment, said Caley Harr of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. In this case there were so many animals Lincoln County and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society called Sioux Falls Animal Control for added manpower. Both Harr and Beckman say they were drawn to this career because they are animal lovers. On this day most of the officers responding just happened to be women. I dont really know, I think our industry is definitely dominated by women, said Harr. Im not sure whoever applies who has the passion and drive and motive to be able to care for animals and do the right thing, said Beckman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recount expected in Sioux Falls House District 15 Most pets in KELOLAND are well cared for. But once in a while owners come up short and pets are neglected. We dont judge anybody in what situation they are in we just ultimately want to offer help to them, said Beckman. It is very easy to have your knee-jerk reaction of hey this is awful I cant believe it and you kind of go down that rabbit hole but just realizing that people are still human and whether it is a hoarding situation or a basic surrender that we deal with here at the shelter all of those situations are emotional, said Harr. Both officers say they would rather help, than take animals away when situations get beyond the owners control. For help call or visit: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sioux Falls Animal Control 605-367-7000 https://www.siouxfalls.gov/health-safety/animal-control Sioux Falls Area Humane Society 605-338-4441 https://www.sfadopt.com/ Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Officials and universities in a growing number of U.S. states are condemning racist text messages that were sent to Black residents this week. The messages, which began appearing Wednesday, were received by people in at least 32 states and the District of Columbia, CBS News has found. There were a number of variations of the messages using similar language, telling the recipient they had been "selected for cotton picking" or to become "a slave." All of the texts included instructions, times and dates to "be ready" and references to being picked up in a van. Some included the recipient's name or general location, according to people who received the texts and screenshots reviewed by CBS News. In a statement, the FBI said it was aware of "the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country" and said it is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NAACP President Derrick Johnson condemned the messages and said they represent an "alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric." The texts were received by people around the country, including in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Jersey, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Connecticut, California, Nevada, New York and Washington, D.C., CBS News found. It is not clear who sent the messages or how many people were involved. The texts were sent from numbers with area codes in at least 25 different states and D.C., CBS News found. By Thursday, several numbers were disconnected, while others went to voicemail that identified them as TextNow users, a provider that allows people to create phone numbers for free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TextNow said in a statement that it had "learned that one or more of our accounts may have been used to send text messages in violation of our terms of service," adding that it shut down the accounts as soon as it became aware. "We do not condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future." CBS News spoke to one of the individuals who sent a version of the text. The person, whose area code was linked to Fort Wayne, Indiana, said the message was a prank before they abruptly ended the call. Subsequent requests for comment went unanswered. Officials report widespread messages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia's Attorney General's Office told CBS News it is aware of the messages and "unequivocally condemns them," urging recipients to contact local law enforcement and the FBI if they believe they are under threat. New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement, "The racist text messages targeting New Yorkers, including middle school, high school, and college students, are disgusting and unacceptable," and encouraged anyone who received one to report it to her office. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a video posted to social media that investigators in her state are looking into racist texts and emails and believe that the emails and some texts came from a VPN that originated in Poland. The Atlanta Police Department in Georgia told CBS News they are aware of the texts and are not investigating at this time, but urged residents to report any suspicious messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 26 schools and universities have reported students receiving the texts. Clemson University Police Department in South Carolina said they received reports of students receiving racist texts, while some Black students at the University of Alabama also received the messages, according to the student newspaper. Some students at Ohio State University received the texts as well, school spokesperson Benjamin Johnson told CBS News. "We have reported the messages to the Office of Institutional Equity and are offering support services. We are aware that this is happening nationally," said Johnson. Lower Merion School District in Pennsylvania warned parents in a letter Thursday that middle schoolers received racist text messages. The school district did not characterize what the text messages said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland's Montgomery County said in a letter to families and students that local law enforcement and the FBI are aware of these messages, and that "law enforcement in some areas have announced they consider the messages low-level threats." Recipients describe fear CBS News spoke to two residents of Atlanta who reported receiving the messages. Devereaux Adams, 27, said he felt "afraid and hurt" when he received the text on Wednesday afternoon. Adams said it's "very confusing" because he can't tell where or how the person sending the texts got his contact information. "I don't feel safe at all," Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Atlanta resident, Monet Miller, 29, said she felt scared after receiving the messages. She said her friends in North Carolina also got the text. "I knew it was a prank but to see that so early after the election I was shook. Just made me be more cautious of my surroundings and where I go," Miller told CBS News. Fort Lauderdale resident Corryn G. Freeman said she received a racist text at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday from a local number she did not recognize. "It just really sparked fear. It sparked anger. I believe that they know that I'm a Black woman or a Black person, which is why they would target me with that type of inflammatory racism," Freeman said. After posting about receiving the message on social media, Freeman said two of her friends reached out to tell her their kids, both Black, received similar racist text messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not fair that they have to have to process this level of racism after an election that they did not participate in. But because of the boldness of whoever this is post-election, they are subjected to it," Freeman said. What to know about Susie Wiles, Trump's new chief of staff Control of House remains in limbo as Democrats reflect on losses California family reels from destructive Mountain Fire Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is seeking the top cybersecurity and elections role in the incoming Trump administration, according to four people who have spoken to those in LaRoses orbit. LaRose, a Republican, has told colleagues in the last week or so that he is interested in becoming director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the people, all of whom were granted anonymity in order to share details of private conversations. LaRose did not reply to a request for comment. Asked whether the Trump-Vance transition team has had any communications with LaRose, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that those decisions will be announced when they are made." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though early, the former state senator from Ohio appears to be a strong candidate for the role. He is popular among Republicans, stands out as the most high-profile name interested in the job thus far, and could bring the exact credentials the GOP is looking for as they chart a transition atop the federal governments top civilian cyber defense agency. President-elect Donald Trump established CISA in 2018 during his first term to help protect federal networks and key U.S. infrastructure from hackers and physical sabotage. But the $3 billion agency came under fire from Republicans after the 2020 vote, amid allegations that its work countering online election hoaxes amounted to censorship of conservative voices online. The Supreme Court dismissed those claims earlier this year. But Republican policy organizations previously tied to Trump, like the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, have argued that CISA should narrow its work to focus on core infrastructure protection issues. And LaRose, who has served as the top election official in the Buckeye state since 2019, could also be a powerful advocate for the GOP push to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections. He has already served as a leading voice for the SAVE Act, testifying on the Hill this September in support of the voter ID bill, a favorite of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) and Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noncitizen voting is extremely rare in U.S. elections, though a majority of Americans support a government ID requirement, according to the Pew Research Center. As the top elections official in Ohio, LaRose has been proactive on cybersecurity issues for years. Still, his relative inexperience on broader security issues could be a weak spot in his candidacy. CISA's work defending elections from foreign hackers is a modest part of a mandate that spans the protection of pipelines, schools and government computer systems. The role also requires Senate confirmation, and former CISA head Chris Krebs and current chief Jen Easterly came to the agency with deep technical expertise in corporate and digital security. LaRose, who Trump endorsed during his 2022 reelection bid, is also viewed as a possible contender for Vice President-elect JD Vances open Senate seat in Ohio. He previously served in the Ohio Senate between 2011 and 2018. Gov. Mike DeWine speaking to reporters. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) Ballots in some districts are still being tallied, but the broad strokes of the 2024 election are clear, and the results mean Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has a big decision to make. J.D. Vance is jumping from U.S. Senator to Vice President-elect leaving a vacancy DeWine needs to fill. Whoever he chooses will serve for the next two years, with the opportunity to defend the seat in the next federal election in 2026. And since Vance was elected in 2022, his replacement would have to turn around and do it all over again in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its got to be someone who wants to spend the next four years not just doing the job, but running for office, DeWine explained at post-election conference hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. AG Dave Yost, less than 24 hours ago: i'm an executive. i've never been a legislator, and i'm not ready to end my public service, but i can't imagine going to Washington, D.C. i would not accept that appointment https://t.co/fUEUyhrY2Q Sarah Donaldson (@SarahEDon) November 7, 2024 On the other hand, incumbency means DeWines appointee could enter the race with a bit of wind in their sails. And DeWine has important strategic factors to consider. The Republican party currently controls each state office in Ohio. But in each case Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer the politicians occupying those offices are term-limited. That means a broad array of open seats, and several experienced candidates who can make a case reasonable for their nomination to a new post. That game of musical chairs could easily tip into an intraparty knife fight. DeWines pick for the U.S. Senate could help keep it from getting out of hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its not clear if that will work. One potential recipient, Attorney General Dave Yost, has already said hed turn down the nomination. Yost is eyeing a run for governor, as is Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. With DeWines political career likely nearing an end, its also one of his last opportunities to put his stamp on Ohio politics. In the most recent U.S. Senate primary, the governor endorsed state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, instead of the eventual victor, U.S. Senator-elect Bernie Moreno. While DeWine has yet to give any indication as to who he is considering as a replacement to fill Vances Senate seat, but there are several potential names that have been circulating among strategists. How the governor views things At the Ohio Chamber conference, DeWine refused to discuss names but laid out the considerations that will drive his decision making. He noted with 12 years experience in the U.S. Senate himself, he wants to appoint someone who actually does get things done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DeWine also said hes not interested in a placeholder. I want someone who will hold that seat I hope for a long time, DeWine said. I think its in the interest of the state for them to do that. And in addition to someone willing to mount back-to-back statewide campaigns, hes concerned with finding someone whos capable of actually winning those races. Someone who can win a primary, DeWine described, because they will be faced with a primary in two years. Theyre going to be in the primary election in less than that, and also someone who can win the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two contentious Republican U.S. Senate primaries it may be difficult to balance all of those priorities. But even if the final decision is challenging, DeWine said he wont suffer from a lack of viable choices. Well, yesterday I got a lot of calls, DeWine said with smile. Look, we have great people in the state of Ohio who could serve very well in the United States Senate. So, were just going through the process of starting to think about this and see who would be the best person. As far as who hes sounding out for opinions, DeWine said certainly Vances opinion about who should replace him matters. Frankly Im reaching out to a lot of people, Im not going to talk about names, again, DeWine said, But Im consulting a lot of people who I know are not interested, but who might have ideas about who should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Yost has publicly said hes not interested, that news may not have reached the governor. Asked whether anyone has taken their name out of the running he said, well, I dont know about that. But I wouldnt tell you anyway, he quipped. Ohio U.S. Senator-elect Bernie Moreno addressing an Ohio Chamber of Commerce crowd. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) What Moreno wants in a colleague A few hours after DeWine spoke, Senator-elect Bernie Moreno took the stage, and described how he wants to promote Ohio businesses in the Senate and earn the trust of voters who didnt support him. Hes hoping whoever DeWine selects will be a partner in that effort. Like DeWine, Moreno said he has thoughts on whod be a good pick but declined to go into specifics. He also stressed that the decision is ultimately the governors to make and that he and DeWine are 100% on the same page about the kind of person who should get the nod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After what he described as a grueling two years, Moreno said finding an effective campaigner is very important. Its got to be somebody who has a proven record of actually doing the work, he said. Because if you are too lazy to campaign, youre probably going to be too lazy to be an effective senator. He added its important that the appointee really believes in Trumps agenda rather than someone who would say you agree with it and then stab us in the back in Washington, D.C. Moreno said he wants to work alongside someone whos decent and works well with others he mentioned the job isnt an executive role and will require a collaborative approach. And lastly Moreno hopes the governor avoids publicity seeker(s). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because you have to be able to trust each other, he said, and you cant be somebody whos just constantly trying to make a name, out for themselves, and is looking at the next steppingstone. Its a weighty job, Moreno added. I mean, 11, 12 million people look to you and say, hey, I want you to represent me properly. Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Authorities in Ashtabula County, Ohio, have seized large amounts of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, from two locations. The seizure happened after getting reports that the gas was being sold to minors, according to the Crime Enforcement Agency of Ashtabula County. Authorities said the seizures happened in Ashtabula Township and Jefferson Village. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the CEA, the sale of nitrous oxide is legal. However, sale logs and ID are mandatory along with the regulation of sales. Except for lawful purposes, no person, with purpose to induce intoxication or similar psychological effects shall obtain, possess or use a harmful intoxicant, according to the release. Laughing gas, when inhaled, can cause a euphoric high. It can also cause relaxation and a hallucinogenic state and long-term use can cause to neurological damage, according to Fox 8. Authorities said the investigation has been turned over for criminal charges. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Getty Images State Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, introduced a bill that would ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Ohio. The Republican lawmaker introduced Senate Bill 326 on Thursday. State lawmakers are set to return to the Ohio Statehouse next week for the start of lame duck. S.B. 326 defines intoxicating hemp products as containing more than 0.5 of a milligram of delta-9 THC per serving, two milligrams of delta-9 THC per package, or 0.5 of a milligram of total non-delta-9 THC per package, according to the bills language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This act is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the bill said. The reason for such necessity is to protect Ohioans, especially Ohios youth, from untested, unregulated dangerous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. Therefore, this act shall go into immediate effect. Marijuana, which is legal in Ohio, is not included as an intoxicating hemp product, according to the bills language. Ohio recreational marijuana sales recently topped $143.4 million since sales started three months ago, according to the the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. The 2018 Farm Bill says hemp can be grown legally if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Intoxicating hemp products can come in many forms including edibles, beverages, vaping cartridges or oils, among other things. Delta-9 THC is the main naturally occurring intoxicating part of the cannabis plant and people typically experience a high after consuming or smoking delta-9 THC beyond a certain threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under S.B. 326, the Ohio Investigative Unit would enforce this piece of legislation if it were to become law, with the assistance of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Ohio Department of Commerce Director (who is currently Sheryl Maxfield) could impose an administrative penalty against someone who sells intoxicating hemp products $10,000 for a first violation, $25,000 for a second violation and $50,000 for a third violation. Violating the proposed law would be a first degree misdemeanor on a first offense and a fifth degree felony for a second offense, according to the bills language. It would be a fifth degree felony if someone sold intoxicating hemp to someone under 21. Other hemp legislation This is not the first bill Huffman has introduced this year that has to do with hemp products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, and Huffman introduced S.B. 278 in May that would ban selling adult-use hemp products to people under 21. The bill would also require stores to keep adult-use hemp products behind the counter and ID customers who want to purchase those products. Over in the House, State Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, introduced House Bill 642 over the summer which would require the Ohio Director of Agriculture to issue recommendations for adult-use hemp products. These bills all come after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called on lawmakers earlier this year to prohibit or regulate delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 is made from hemp, but since it has 0.3% THC or less, it is not currently regulated. There is no age restriction when it comes to purchasing delta-8 products. Seventeen states have banned delta-8 and seven more have restrictions around it, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association. Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Getty Images photo of voters in line. Petee Talley is the executive director of the Ohio Unity Coalition. No matter the outcome of the 2024 election, we should never let up on the perpetual battle to ensure every eligible voter has access to the ballot. From voter purges to campaign messages that blatantly reveal insidious intentions, I understand that democracy is under attack. Voter suppression is as old as voting and there is no sign that this tactic will subside. Over the summer, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced that more than 158,000 citizens were to be removed from the voter rolls. More than half of the voters who may have been removed live in counties where a majority of voters of color live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of their stated reasons, there is no justification for denying someones constitutional right to vote. Why should we punish voters whove had a life situation that caused a change in their voter registration or who missed a cycle of voting? Thats not how democracy should work. Every state performs an annual maintenance to ensure voter registration records are accurate and updated. However, Ohios maintenance likely results in erroneous purges. Concerns are warranted because its happened before. For example, in 2019, 20% of the list of voters to be purged were eligible to vote. A group of civil rights organizations, including ACLU of Ohio, Common Cause Ohio, Ohio NAACP, Ohio Unity Coalition, A. Philip Randolph Institute and Ohio Organizing Collaborative believe LaRose has violated the National Voting Rights Act (NVRA) by removing voters from rolls without notifying citizens ahead of the required 90 days before an election for federal office. Its one of the reasons a study ranks Ohios voter removal process as one of the worst in the nation. The civil rights group says that the 2024 purge was the result of challenges made by third parties whove used unreliable data and have no knowledge of the voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partisan insistence that there is widespread voter fraud is without merit. LaRose has acknowledged that only a sliver of people who cast votes .0005%voted illegally in Ohio. Black people have always been disproportionately affected by sweeping mechanisms that make it harder to vote, from gerrymandering to voter purges. When we make progress, regression happens almost immediately. Its not lost on me that the first presidential election after Americans elected the first Black president in our nations history was conducted without the full protection of the Voting Rights Act. By then, the U.S. Supreme Court had struck down critical provisions in the constitution that protected voters from discriminatory redistricting and made way for voter ID and other restrictive voting laws. These efforts to quell citizens voices are evidence that we are powerful. If our votes didnt matter, they wouldnt try to take them away from us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But nothing happens in a vacuum. There are centuries worth of policies that have led to the suppression we see today. Thats why its critical that we pay attention to, and quash, attempts to dissuade civic education and participation. This includes attempts to defund education, ban books, thwart DEI efforts, and require stringent rules to cast a vote. Sadly, navigating through the many hoops to preserve our right to vote often leaves some people apathetic about the electoral process. We must energize and mobilize our communities as we continue this fight. Voting access should be expanded, not restricted. To potentially be disempowered should be alarming to every U.S. citizen. Those who perpetuate an unjust system refuse to share power. They hoard that power. If Congress had enacted the Freedom to Vote Act, it would have ensured election security and strengthened access to ballots. Wed have a more standardized voting system that gives every voter across all states more time and access to the ballot, including regulating how states maintain and purge their voter rolls. It would also have acknowledged that citizens shouldnt need privilege to vote. Its a right. People from marginalized communities who are unable to get off work before polls close or have other barriers on and before election day deserve to vote, too. Some people in our communities have disabilities, have moved or move often, need help filling out forms, or just need inspiration to vote. We must be mindful of all parts of our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This campaign does not end with the election; lets remember midterms and local elections. A true democracy works when we all have an opportunity to participate. We must realize that power and protect it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE With little explanation, the Oklahoma Department of Education canceled its search for a vendor to supply 55,000 Bibles for public school classrooms. Oklahoma Watchs reporting on the states request for bids attracted widespread attention when the specifications appeared to point to one Bible, Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump and commonly referred to as the Trump Bible. They cost $60 online, with Trump collecting royalties for his endorsement. Bidders were notified Thursday the states solicitation had been canceled. Dan Isett, a spokesman for the Education Department, didnt explain why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isett said he was too busy for a call with Oklahoma Watch. In an email, he said the agency will issue a new request for proposals to ensure taxpayer money is utilized efficiently and the best possible resources are made available to our students. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during an Oklahoma School Board meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Excessive cost is one of several concerns critics have raised about Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters plan. In September, he said he set aside $3 million to buy Bibles, which came from personnel and administrative cost savings in this years budget, according to Isett. A state lawmaker questioned whether Walters is authorized to spend that money and has asked for an attorney general opinion. Walters included an additional $3 million ask in his agencys budget request for fiscal year 2026. More: Want the Bible in public school classrooms? There's an app for that The department asked vendors to submit bids for 55,000 New King James Version Bibles, bound in leather or leather-like material and include copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly after the solicitation opened on Sept. 30, the department amended it to allow multiple vendors to supply the religious text and historical documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solicitation follows Walters mandate that a Bible be placed in every Oklahoma public school classroom and that all schools teach from the Bible in certain subjects, such as history or literature. Walters has said that teachers could be stripped of their certification for noncompliance. Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" Bible.Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. The department has not been forthcoming with information about the plan. Oklahoma Watch on Sept. 27 requested, under the Open Records Act, records related to the purchase or intent to purchase Bibles during Walters tenure, and the department on Nov. 1 said it failed to turn up any records. More: Oklahoma man asks judge to prevent Ryan Walters from spending public money on Bibles Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. Critics said Walters is using the mandate and Bible contract to get on Trumps radar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One bidder, Mark Herkommer, said the state owes bidders an explanation for the abrupt cancellation. Herkommer is the managing director of the Herkommer Foundation in Willis, Texas, which spent time and money, including purchasing a $500 insurance policy, to meet the bidding requirements. I would be disappointed if this was a stunt, Herkommer said. He said he supports the idea of using Bibles in schools as a literary reference. His bid, which he asked to keep confidential to protect the competitive process, significantly undercut the $3 million allocation. But Herkommer said the two-week delivery time was unnecessarily restrictive and served to limit competition, and in his bid, asked that it be extended to 12 weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to imagine anybody could do this in two weeks unless they had 55,000 Bibles wrapped in pallets with shipping labels on them sitting in a warehouse somewhere, Herkommer said. Reporting by the Associated Press revealed a printing company in China shipped 120,000 God Bless the U.S.A. Bibles to the U.S. between February and March of this year, at an estimated cost of $3 per Bible. Its unknown how many have been sold. Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma education department ends bid for Bibles in classrooms King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabia has entered a five-year partnership with the University of Birminghams Bladder Cancer Research Centre (BCRC) aimed at transforming bladder cancer diagnosis and monitoring. This collaboration combines the expertise of the KFSHRC urology department with the research capabilities of BCRC for advancing non-invasive diagnostic tools leveraging the latest liquid biopsy technology. The project intends to introduce advanced molecular diagnostics in Saudi Arabia, employing a 23-gene panel for identifying key genetic variations associated with bladder cancer. KFSHRC Urology Department chairman and principal investigator Waleed Altaweel said: Partnering with BCRC allows us to introduce innovative diagnostic methods that ease the burden on patients while improving healthcare outcomes. This collaboration supports our priorities by bridging geographic and technological divides and advancing cancer diagnostics across a diverse population. In addition to diagnostic advancements, this partnership serves as a knowledge exchange platform, fostering collaboration between Saudi and UK research communities. It will facilitate the sharing of methodologies, insights, and technological advancements in genomic diagnostics, ultimately benefiting both regions. A material transfer agreement (MTA) underpins this partnership, ensuring secure and ethical exchanges of anonymised patient samples. This agreement allows for advanced genomic testing while upholding stringent data privacy standards. Co-principal investigator professor Mohamed Alotaibi said: This collaborative approach aligns with global healthcare goals, enhancing expertise and building capacity to tackle complex health challenges. Project facilitator Dr Raouf Seyam stated that the partnership presents an opportunity to enhance the research through the integration of varied genetic data, thereby advancing solutions for cancer care that are relevant on a global scale. Both KFSHRC and BCRC are poised to revolutionise the management of bladder cancer by implementing accessible standards for patient-focused, non-invasive diagnostic methods. "KFSHRC partners with University of Birmingham for bladder cancer diagnosis" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. You probably already know that Russias war against Ukraine should have stopped this week. That is, if we were to take seriously the self-imposed deadline U.S. President-elect Donald Trump advertised during the campaign. He said that the war can and should be stopped or settled within 24 hours, sometimes even implying that it would happen right after hes elected, before he assumes office. Of course, we know that it was nothing but a flashy campaign promise (and that Trump only assumes office in January). Sitting here in Kyiv, we know better than to expect a magical overnight resolution of the war that has been raging since 2014, with a new, bloodier stage since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its a good illustration of the incoming U.S. presidents perception of Ukraine, Russia, and the war. Its one of the most memorable things he said, but there were others: dismissive remarks about aid to Ukraine, implying that President Volodymyr Zelensky was getting too much from the U.S. (the greatest salesman on Earth, Trump sarcastically called him), and a flattering tone he saved for talking about Russian dictator Vladimir Putin (he called his invasion of Ukraine genius and savvy). Read also: Kuleba: 5 lessons for Ukrainians from Trumps victory And dont forget to add Trumps bumpy history with Ukraine to the mix: It was his call to Zelensky that prompted his first impeachment in 2019. When Trump met with Zelensky in New York in September a meeting that almost didnt happen Ukraines president looked tense and uneasy. Its therefore understandable that Kyiv feels anxiety over Trumps victory. As Ukrainians, we have no say in the U.S. election, but our future nonetheless depends on who wins it. If I had to capture the mood in Kyiv, Id say its nauseating uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As Ukrainians, we have no say in the U.S. election, but our future nonetheless depends on who wins it. " Many here took note of Trumps remarks and concluded that he hates Ukraine and will all but sell it out to Russia. When we took to the streets of Kyiv the day after the election to ask people what they thought about Trumps victory, they didnt hold back. Can I swear? a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman said. Were f*cked like the Poles in 1939. Others cling to optimism. Some think that Trump wont force Ukraine into a deal that benefits Russia because of the Kremlins alliance with his two enemies, Iran and China. Others hope that Trump can be nudged to get emotionally invested in Ukraines victory if it can be framed for him as a demonstration of his strength. Perhaps thats why Zelensky said in a speech this week that peace cant be bought by weakness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Am I anxious about a Trump presidency? Im a Ukrainian, a journalist, and a woman. Of course I am. But I also have a newsroom of brilliant young journalists here in Kyiv. With them, well do whats right: cover Trump justly and hold him accountable, as all journalists should. Read also: Opinion: 3 ways Trumps return to power could unfold for Ukraine As Ukrainian journalists, we have covered our share of rule-breakers and can take on one more. Heres an excerpt from an internal note I sent to the Kyiv Independent team after the U.S. election: Naturally, we will scrutinize everything he says and does regarding Ukraine, Russia, and the war. If he fulfills the worst expectations and manifests himself as an enemy of Ukraine, we will cover him as such, and wont hold back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So here we are bracing ourselves for this next chapter in Ukraines fight for survival, which we have the honor to witness and chronicle. We are staying here no matter what comes next, to be your eyes and ears on the ground in Ukraine. What makes it possible? Your support. The Kyiv Independent is funded by readers like you. Our community is our backbone. Choose to support the Kyiv Independent today and lets face the uncertainty together. After all, when can community be more important than at a time like this? Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Introducing official merch from the Kyiv Independent Shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The original Charles Shaw winery famous for the low-priced Two Buck Chuck wines first introduced at Trader Joes in 2002 once stood where beautiful, upscale Benessere Vineyards is located today. Rich in Napa wine country history, the Benessere vineyard, winery and estate is for sale for $35 million. Encompassed by vineyards and the organic landscape of the Napa River, the agrarian setting is unrivaled, offering everything wine country often promises, but rarely delivers, the property listing offered by Sothebys International Realty states. The offering consists of a substantial vineyard component, winery and public tasting room operations and multiple residences which embody a classic Napa Valley style. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 43-acre St. Helena property has a total of 6,300 square feet of living space with eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The desirable up-valley location is convenient and buffered from the well-traveled Highway 29 and Silverado Trail, at the end of a bucolic country lane, according to the property listing. Multiple residences are part of the St. Helena, California, property. The original Charles Shaw winery no longer exists where Benessere Vineyards is today. Charles F. Shaw established his winery in Napa Valley in 1974. After the Charles Shaw winery went bankrupt in 1990, the property but not the brand was purchased by the Benish family, who later renamed it Benessere Vineyards. In 1995, the Charles Shaw brand name was separately purchased by Fred Franzia of Bronco Wine Company for about $27,000 during bankruptcy proceedings. In 2002, Bronco Wine Company reintroduced the bargain-priced Charles Shaw brand with its famous Two Buck Chuck wines sold in Trader Joes stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forever tied to cheap, $1.99 bottles of vino, Charles Shaws winery had initially produced high-quality, award-winning Gamay wines. The small, family-owned Benessere Vineyards is located at 1010 Big Tree Road in St. Helena, California. We are a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals made in the heart of Napa Valley, where the soil is ideal for growing these types of grapes, according to the Benessere Vineyards website. In Italian, Benessere means well-being or living the good life. The property was bought in 1994 for $1.529 million, according to public property tax records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John and Ellen Benish immediately began restoring the vineyards, winery and residence after purchasing the property. In 1995, they produced their first vintage of sangiovese. Since then, theyve added other Italian varietals, such as pinot grigio, vermentino, falanghina, teroldego, nero dAvola, primitivo, montepulciano, sagrantino and aglianico. The propertys listing agents are Jamie Spratling and Kevin McDonald of Sothebys International Realty - St. Helena Brokerage. The site is unique due to its scale, location, and entitlements, McDonald said via email. The way the site is positioned, it is very private, yet easily accessible. The Benessere Vineyards property in Napa Valley is for sale for $35 million. At this $4 million estate for sale near SLO, vineyard owners lean heavily into conservation Wander this quintessential, dreamy Napa wine estate owned by tech exec, listed for $5.2M The Kalmia Condominiums in Clearwater wasnt Ronni Drimmers dream retirement destination. She bought a two-bedroom unit there for her mother in 2001 but ended up moving in when her mom died 18 months later. Its not a fancy place, Drimmer, 72, said. Theres a swimming pool. Theres a clubhouse that looks like its in the year 1950. Thats pretty much it. The maintenance fees were cheap and the buildings had been kept in decent shape. That was enough to satisfy Drimmer and the nearly 300 other residents at her 55-plus community, many of them snowbirds and retirees living off Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, seniors seeking a slice of the Sunshine State on a budget have flocked to condos like this one. But skyrocketing insurance rates and regulations passed after 2021s deadly Surfside building collapse that dictate how much condo associations must save and spend on repairs have spiked costs and upended the real estate market. Even though inspectors found no structural issues at Drimmers building, monthly maintenance fees for its 70 owners could climb by more than a third next year. Thats on top of an estimated 21% increase for insurance and a $500,000 special assessment to replace the roof. For condo towers that require significant repairs, the price will be much higher. Those who cant afford to pay may be forced to sell if they can find a buyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Condo and townhome listings are up 65% year over year and sales are down 20%, according to statewide data from Florida Realtors. The median sales price has dropped more than 3%. The outlook is bleaker in places like Tampa Bay and Miami, where theres a higher concentration of older condos. A lot of these buildings are already dead man walking, said Joe Hernandez, an attorney with the Miami law firm Bilzin Sumberg who specializes in condo terminations. Theres going to be a lot of people that will pay much higher costs and sometimes to the point that they cant afford to stay in Florida. After the Champlain Towers South condo collapsed in Surfside three years ago, killing 98 people, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed strict building safety guidelines in hopes of preventing another tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the legislation was applauded as a bold but necessary step toward bringing aging condos up to code, especially those like Champlain Towers, where the board had continuously underfunded reserves and postponed major repairs to keep costs down. As the end-of-year deadline approaches, both condo owners and legislators are speaking out about the devastating financial toll these regulations could have, even at buildings that have been deemed safe. Seniors stand to lose the most, said 78-year-old Connie Weitlauf, another resident of the Kalmia Condominiums. When youre getting old and youre by yourself and youre on a fixed income and you really cant afford a place to live, its just scary, she said. Before the Surfside-inspired reforms, only two counties required regular inspections for condos. Condo boards had near complete control over how much they saved and what repairs they made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, all condo buildings 30 years and older and three stories and higher must be inspected every 10 years to determine if they are structurally sound. A mandatory reserve study will dictate how much condo boards must save each year to cover routine maintenance. Hernandez said there will be a rude awakening, and many older condos will not survive. Developers are already looking for opportunities to buy these properties and rebuild. Still, he said, the changes are intended to make condos safer and more financially stable. This was always the norm in the commercial building world, Hernandez said. Its now time to bring condominium buildings up to that same standard. They need to be professionally run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Drimmer, who is the condo board president for her building, some of the requirements feel like overkill. Her board has been responsible, she said, saving money each year for things like the roof and elevators. The engineer who inspected her building found no signs of dangerous conditions. Still, theyll be forced to set aside funds for everything from electrical to plumbing, leading to much higher maintenance fees. Drimmers monthly bill will go from $475 to $675, but the exact costs will differ per unit. It should be more targeted to the people that are actually the bad actors and didnt put money away, Drimmer said. Were not stupid. Weve managed to figure things out all of these years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is coming due at a time when Floridas insurance market faces unprecedented challenges. Insurance premiums for condo associations across the state increased more than 70% on average since 2022, according to data from NSI Insurance Group, Floridas largest privately owned insurance firm. Rates will continue to rise, especially after this years devastating storm season, said Oscar Seikaly, CEO of NSI Insurance Group. Older condos will be impacted the most. If you have no money in the bank and youre struggling to collect from unit owners who are retired and on a fixed income, then you know theres an issue there, he said. Insurance companies are paying close attention to that. Drimmers building is covered by Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort. This year, Citizens told the board it would terminate coverage unless the building got a new roof. Drimmer claims the roof recently had about $60,000 worth of restoration work and is still under warranty for five more years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drimmer said shes disappointed by the lack of urgency from the same lawmakers who rushed to regulate condos without considering the unintended consequences. When she was invited to speak at a September condo roundtable hosted by Gov. Ron DeSantis, she encouraged him to call a special session to tackle the oncoming crisis. DeSantis told her that the Legislature would come up with a solution for condo owners but did not commit to a specific timeline. Over the summer, Senate President, Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, rejected calls for a special session. Nick DiCiglie, the state senator for District 18, where Drimmer lives, said there will be plenty of time to fix things once legislators returns to Tallahassee in December ahead of the regular session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for some condo owners, the damage has been done. In the Tampa metro area, monthly fees for condo owners shot up more than 17% year over year, according to a July report from the real estate firm Redfin. Fees increased more than 16% in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale and almost 13% in West Palm Beach. In South Florida, investors are buying out whole condo communities, the Miami Herald found. Hernandez said he expects that trend to accelerate as owners become more desperate for a way out. Eventually, people are going to realize that its not worth staying in a building that costs more and more to maintain yet the value continues to decrease, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After months of waiting to see how things might shake out, Weitlauf has decided she cant afford to stay in the one-bedroom unit she bought three years ago. Shes not sure where shell go. None of the apartments or other condos shes looked at in the area fit her budget. She may move to Idaho to live with her son Im very comfortable here, she said. I thought this would be it for me. Now Im just hoping I break even when I go to sell. Do you live in a condo thats being affected by the new requirements? Share your story with the Tampa Bay Times by filling out the form below or emailing rliebson@tampabay.com NICKEL BOYS Based on The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday, July 2019) With The Nickel Boys, Colson Whiteheads story of a friendship between two young Black teens at an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida, the nine-time novelist became one of four writers ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction twice. Producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner at Brad Pitts Plan-B (which co-produced Barry Jenkins adaptation of Whiteheads first winner, 2016s The Underground Railroad) sent writer-director RaMell Ross the book after seeing his Oscar-nominated documentary about the Black experience in Alabama, Hale County This Morning, This Evening. "Nickel Boys" stars Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse Courtesy Nickel Boys Reading Colson's novel, my first thought was, point of view, said Ross at a screening. Because, the way in which Colson wrote it, from my opinion, its almost not as descriptive as a traditional American literature novel. It was more narratively driven it told you a bunch, but wasnt like, this person looked like this, or this is how the world looked. And so, it was quite beautiful for me to think about making a film in this time period, in which poetic images of people of color across the world are largely void. The novel, which Ross adapted with co-writer Joslyn Barnes, is inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys, notorious for torture, rape and even murder of students by staff. Colson did extensive research, and a lot of his source material exists in the book, said Ross, who also looked to Robin Gaby Fishers non-fiction book The Boys of the Dark as well as official documents like the Florida Memory archive, from which he got images. However, it was important to him to keep the violence off the screen in his film shot in a first-person-point of view, starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson. Writer-director RaMell Ross Courtesy Nickel Boys The easiest way to get people into a theater to see a story about people of color is to show horror, said Ross, whose historical drama premiered at Telluride before Amazon MGM Studios released it Oct. 25. We need to know that these things are happening. But I also know from making Hale County that we're complex animals and our lives are filled with trauma that we don't see we hear it and we smell it and we remember it and we imagine it. So as Jocelyn and I were writing it, we were like, Yeah, let's just do something else. NIGHTBITCH Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder (Doubleday, June 2021) Writer-director Marielle Heller (The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?) adapted this surrealist story about a stay-at-home mom who sometimes transforms into a dog in the comedy-horror that premiered at Toronto and that Searchlight Pictures releases Dec. 6. Amy Adams in "Nightbitch" Photo by Anne Marie Fox. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved. There is a viscerality and grossness to motherhood and to the body that I thought was important to the impact of the book, and I was happy to see some gross stuff carry over to the film, says author Rachel Yoder, who was impressed with the restraint Amy Adams brought the starring role. There's an interiority to Amy's performance that I think underscores how contained and alone this character feels. She can't move outside herself and instead becomes a pressure cooker of feeling. Amy Adams in "Nightbitch" Photo by Anne Marie Fox. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nightbitch, Yoders debut novel, was a PEN/Hemingway Award finalist and one of Vulture's best books of the year. I think a lot of women and mothers whose work at home is invisible to society and even to their own partners felt seen by the book and had their experiences of motherhood affirmed, says Yoder. No, you're not crazy. And no, you're not alone in your struggle to be valued and witnessed. I also think the book puts women and mothers in touch with their power, or at least I hope it does. What does Yoder hope audiences take away from the story? I hope they feel something, she says. Recognition, rage, humor, repulsion, love. THE ROOM NEXT DOOR Based on What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez (Riverhead Books, 2020) My novel deals with human experiences that we all share, says author Sigrid Nunez, whose work touches on the act of suicide, a subject her 2018 National Book Award winner The Friend also broaches. Aging, illness and loss are a part of everyones life, and we all have to face the inevitability of death, both our own and that of other people, including those we love most. Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in "The Room Next Door" Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar gravitated to the themes of What Are You Going Through: The situation in which one friend (Tilda Swinton) asks another (Julianne Moore) to accompany her during her final days, says the writer-director, who adapted it into his first English language feature. It is dramatically rich and offers an original and human reflection on death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nine-time novelist, an admirer of Almodovars work, knew this wasnt going to be a straight transcription of her book, but she wanted the ideas she explores terminal illness, mortality, grief and friendship to be just as central. In The Room Next Door, Almodovar maintained Marthas [Swintons] "awful" relationship with her daughter, but gave the characters names and backgrounds. I decided that Tilda Swinton's character should be a war correspondent, since I felt that it helped convey that her war against cancer was not something new to her, she just did not want to fight it alone, he says. And Moore's dread of death was also important to her character development. Sony Pictures Classics The Room Next Door won a Golden Lion when it premiered in Venice. As for the title of Warner Bros. Dec. 20 release? It represents the most important thing in the film to be by someones side, Almodovar says. To accompany. To empathize. Sometimes it is the best and only thing we can do for others. President-elect Donald Trump won a second term in the White House thanks, in part, to a spike in support across several demographic groups. That includes a record-breaking jump among Latino voters. According to NBC News exit polls, Vice President Kamala Harris still secured the support of a majority of Latino voters, at 53%, while Trump took in about 45% of the vote. That's a 13-point increase from the same demographic in 2020. It's also a record high for a Republican presidential nominee, beating out George W. Bushs 44% in 2004. The increase was especially dramatic among Latino men, with 55% going for Trump this year, compared to 36% in 2020, NBC News exit polling showed. NBC News' David Noriega went to Nevada a state Trump lost in 2016 and 2020 but won this time to find out what's driving one Latino family's support for the president-elect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mario Alvarez said that for months he had been wrestling with whom to cast his ballot for before ultimately deciding to vote for Harris. But after Tuesday's results, Alvarez told Noriega that he was not upset Trump won. "I'm kind of like, more happy than upset," Mario said. "Because Donald Trump is going to help the country with the economy." His son, Mario Jr., voted for Trump, in part because of the Republican's brashness. "Initially, I will say I did not agree with him," said Mario Jr., 29. "Then I started seeing that he was not afraid to speak his mind and I noticed that he was not scared to say what he felt, regardless of what people would say. I think I respect that about him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the board, the economy was a top issue for Latino voters in this election. The elder Mario's wife, Mireya, also voted for Trump and expressed concern that the next generation would not have the same opportunities as hers. "My main concern right now [is] what's going to happen to our new generation," Mireya told Noriega. "They're not even able to move out of their houses anymore because everything is so expensive." The couple came to the United States from Mexico and Guatemala in the 1980s, crossing the border illegally as teenagers but later becoming citizens under President Ronald Reagan's amnesty program. As NBC News reported, Latino voters like other voter groups have shifted right on immigration in recent years, with more backing tougher enforcement against people arriving at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a September NBC News poll, 35% of Latinos said that immigration hurts the country more than it helps. That's the highest share of Latino voters to say so in the survey's 20-year history. Mireya said she considered herself and her husband different than the migrants crossing the border illegally today. "The people that are coming here are the criminals," she said. "The ones that did something bad in their country. Theyre running away from the law." On the campaign trail, Trump promised to carry out mass deportations of millions of undocumented people. On Thursday, he double-downed on that promise, telling NBC News there would be "no price tag" for what he has said would be the largest deportation of immigrants in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Alvarez family has friends and relatives who are currently undocumented, Mireya told Noriega she's not worried they would be deported under Trump's plan since "they're not breaking any laws." "My family is Latino and a lot of them are immigrants," Mario Jr. added. "But at the end of the day, we're American." This article was originally published on MSNBC.com SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A crash involving three cars breifly blocked the Green Line TRAX near the Salt Lake International Airport early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Salt Lake City Police Department said it started investigating the crash shortly before 6 a.m. near 2400 West and North Temple. Details on the crash are limited but photos from the crash reveal a blue sedan crashed into the back of an SUV. A third photo shows a maroon van with extensive damage to its passenger side stopped on the Green Line rails. Police say everyone involved did not need extensive medical attention. However, one person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maroon van temporarily disrupted the service to the Green Line train for nearly 15 minutes. Crews responding to the scene were able to move the cars off the racks saying they do not expect any further TRAX delays. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Alyia Gaskins will serve as the next mayor of Alexandria after winning Tuesdays election, running on the ballot unopposed. Gaskins will be the first Black woman to hold Alexandrias top office when shes sworn in next year. DC News Now caught up with her one-on-one Friday as she gets ready to take office. She said shes already been working on her transition from councilmember to mayor for months, after winning the primary election in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has big plans ahead for the city of Alexandria. Getting elected and stepping into this role is is only one piece of it. The work to make sure that we get it right is what begins now, said Gaskins, a democrat. If theres anything youll know about me, I like to be prepared. Its included a lot of meetings with other elected officials in the region and getting to understand some of their priorities and what theyre working on. It includes meetings with our residents. Ive been hosting roundtable discussions, she added. Current Mayor Justin Wilson was elected to office back in 2018 and didnt seek re-election this time around. He also served as the citys Vice Mayor and as a city council member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Wilson takes the time to read every detail and get to know some of these very technical infrastructure projects, all of the ins and outs, said Gaskins. Mayor Wilson, I think he responds in 30 seconds or less on every single platform. While I cant say that will always be my approach, what I can say is that I want to carry that forth so that if you reach out to your council, you will get a response. You will get your problem solved, she added. 35-year-old Gaskins said she learned a lot from Wilson and her three years on the city council gave her an up-close look at the ins and outs of city government. Shes excited to bring a fresh perspective to the Mayors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top priorities when I started this campaign were safety, affordability and accessibility. I think starting with the first 100 days, its really going to be diving into that accessibility piece, how we communicate as a council, how we are transparent about what it is that were working on and how were going to be working for the people of the city, said Gaskins. Gaskins said its an honor to be the first Black woman to take on the Mayors office in Alexandrias 275-year history. I feel such a great a great sense of gratitude, humility, but also responsibility. You know, I know our citys history. I know where weve come in, our legacy in the slave trade, Jim Crow, urban renewal. I hope my candidacy can be a bright step forward that really talks about the future of Alexandria as this creative, diverse cultural light for all of our country, said Gaskins. The city has a lot of history and part of that history includes older, aging infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses and restaurants in the popular Old Town neighborhood often deal with flooding during major rain events and the work to fix the citys flooding problem is top of mind for many. On the council, I have been a part of accelerating our investments in our infrastructure, helping support the continuation of our Stormwater Advisory Team, making sure that we are using our Stormwater Utility Fee in a way that starts to advance and move forward these projects. I think weve got a $2 billion CIP, and most of that is infrastructure projects, a large portion of which are dedicated to addressing our flooding. We know we cant continue to be the special place that we are if parts of our community are underwater, said Gaskins. Moving into the Mayors office is both a professional shift and a personal shift for Gaskins, a mom to a two-year-old and a four-year-old. My son has been so excited every day when I pick him up from school, hes like, Are you the mayor yet? We read a lot of books about what it means to be the mayor, said Gaskins. Its been a really exciting time to share with my kids and my husband. Even my beagle has been to more events than I think hes ever been to in his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaskins will officially be sworn in as the citys next mayor on January 2, 2025. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. UPDATE: The traffic lights at Yukon and Grandview are working again, according to a recent update by the Odessa Police Department. . . . ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) The Odessa Police Department is advising residents to exercise caution as traffic lights at an intersection are out. According to a release from OPD, the traffic lights at the intersection of Yukon and Grandview are not functioning as of 6:08 pm and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers in the area are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice. OPD is also reminding residents the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. As the world stands at the precipice, with the climate clock ticking louder every day, weve been dealt another devastating blow: Donald Trump is president-elect. His incoming administration casts a long shadow over every step weve fought so hard to take on climate action. For the blue states, every progressive municipality and every sector of society that believes in science, responsibility and the sanctity of our planet, this is a rallying cry. We must unite, pull together and refuse to allow our hard-won progress to be unraveled. Lets not mince words: The climate crisis is real and accelerating. The stakes could not be higher. Global greenhouse gas emissions, already at record highs, have risen to a staggering 57 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planet just experienced its second-warmest September on record, and scientists say 2024 is nearly certain to break every previous temperature record. Were already feeling the burn with extreme weather events unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes and heatwaves punishing communities across the globe. These events arent anomalies they are warnings. If we continue down this path, global temperatures could rise by a catastrophic 3 degrees Celsius by the centurys end, unleashing a world of suffering beyond anything weve ever known. Inaction isnt an option, especially not now. Blue states, cities, private companies, nonprofits every one of us must step up as the vanguard of climate resilience. California, New York, Oregon and Washington our progress cannot be derailed by federal inaction or denial. This is a moment for states to double down on clean energy policies, invest even more in renewable infrastructure and forge stronger alliances with NGOs and the private sector. We know the solutions: solar, wind, battery storage, carbon sequestration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Energy Agency projects that global electricity generation from solar alone could quadruple by 2030. This growth in clean energy isnt just possible its inevitable, if we keep pushing. The consequences of failing to act are devastating. Over a billion people could be displaced by 2050 due to droughts, rising seas and heatwaves. Water scarcity is already looming, with demand for freshwater on track to outstrip supply by 40 percent by the decades end. One-quarter of the worlds crops are grown in highly stressed areas, where water is either too scarce or unreliable to sustain food production. The result? Food insecurity on an unprecedented scale, compounded by social inequality, with those in under-resourced communities bearing the brunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, our planets ability to store carbon is collapsing. Forests, once powerful carbon sinks, are succumbing to wildfires and extreme heat, while deforestation eats away at what remains. Since 2001, forest fires have increased carbon emissions from burning woodlands by 60 percent, wiping out millions of acres of precious forest each year. Coral reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life, are bleaching and dying en masse, victims of relentlessly warming oceans. And all of this devastation feeds back into the cycle of destruction, amplifying the very crises that caused it. Were not just losing species, were losing the foundational pillars of our biosphere. Biodiversity, which keeps our ecosystems functional and resilient, is in freefall. Human-driven extinction has already pushed the planet into what scientists call a danger zone. If the Amazon reaches its tipping point and flips from a rainforest to a savanna, we lose one of the greatest stores of biodiversity and carbon on Earth. These are not mere statistics they are existential threats to humanitys future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is also a crisis of justice. Climate change is not only wreaking havoc on ecosystems but deepening social divides, particularly affecting under-resourced and marginalized communities. The wealthiest 10 percent of the population produces nearly half of global emissions, yet its the poorest 50 percent who are suffering the most, facing displacement, economic devastation and threats to their health and livelihoods. Disease, drought, pollution and extreme weather amplify inequality, creating a vicious cycle where the most vulnerable suffer the most. The fight for climate action is also a fight to redefine our economic model. The current global system, focused on endless growth and the generation of wealth for a privileged few, is unsustainable. Capitalism, as it stands, is predicated on the notion of infinite resources and endless expansion two impossibilities on a finite planet. We need a circular economy that recognizes the value of ecosystems, prioritizes sustainability over profits, and understands we have only one Earth. Clean energy investments, sustainable agriculture and waste reduction are not merely environmental imperatives; they are moral imperatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what will it take to forge this new path? We need an all-hands-on-deck approach. States must pass climate laws with teeth policies that mandate emissions cuts, support renewable energy development and hold polluters accountable. Cities and counties must implement climate-resilient infrastructure, reduce urban sprawl and embrace green buildings. The private sector must pivot from profit-driven environmental harm to impact-driven sustainability, pouring resources into low-carbon technology and green jobs. And NGOs must advocate fiercely, applying pressure on every level of government and industry to keep climate commitments. Every sector, organization and person has a role in this fight. The climate crisis is a shared challenge, one that transcends borders and party lines. Our work, the work of the blue states and climate advocates, cannot be undermined by political shifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a mandate from the Earth itself, a call to protect our future and the future of generations to come. Charles Fletcher is the interim dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Citizens Property Insurance policy holders in South Florida could see their annual premiums rise by an average of $700 or more next year if regulators approve in the next few weeks the new rates requested by the state-run company deemed as the states insurer of last resort. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is expected to decide soon on a request made by Citizens to be allowed to increase its rates an average by 14% starting in January, a hike the company says is needed to offset the rising costs of non-weather-related losses, reinsurance and litigation. If approved, the decision would extend a trend that had already increased the costs of insurance premiums by 300% in the last five years. Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has said the office of regulation is looking at the request and taking the time to get it right so that consumers dont have to pay more than is absolutely necessary. While there is no set timeline for a decision, one is likely to be made as the hurricane season comes to a close at the end of November. The request was made before three hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton hit the state this year. While there are no solid estimates of the damages caused by these storms in the state, experts say they are likely to add up to several billion dollars. Under the Citizens proposal, rates for its HO-3 home insurance policy in Miami-Dade County would go up by 13.5% to an average of $5,804 per year from its current level of $5,113, for an increase of $691. For policy holders in Broward the rate would also increase in the same proportion to $6,112 from $5,385, boosting the yearly bill by $727. HO-3 home policies are the most common purchased in the state. They cover most damages, including those caused by fire, theft and hurricanes. In Florida, this often means that homeowners in designated flood zones must obtain additional flood insurance because this type of damage is not covered by HO-3 policies. Broward and Miami Dade have the highest numbers of Citizens policy holders, around 350,000 combined, according to company figures. The company currently has around 1.04 million policies in the state. Palm Beach HO-3 insurance policies would see a 13.8% boost, going up to $4,324 from its current level of $3,800, a $524 increase. Monroe County, home of the Florida Keys, would see the highest increase in the state, with premiums rising by 16.6%, increasing an average policy $914 a year, to $6,416 from the current $5,502. The cost of other types of policies that allow homeowners to cut down on their expenses by offering less extensive coverage or that are designed for specific types of insurance would also rise under the Citizens proposal. Public education is the most significant investment we can make. It impacts everything from culture to the economy. Yet consistently we have failed to reform public education and provide maximum funding to make it a premier system. The governor promised over two terms to make Oklahoma a top 10 state. However, rankings steadily decline. We are last in education and not near top 10 in other key categories. The Founding Fathers regarded public education as a cornerstone of democracy. Supreme Court Justice Brandeis said, the classroom is the laboratory of democracy. It's a place of learning, free thinking and forging of citizens and critical thinkers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma Constitution states, The Legislature shall establish and maintain a system of free public schools wherein all the children of the State may be educated. Decades of research confirms strong education is essential to economic growth. An educated workforce insures available employees, higher paying jobs and productivity. Businesses rely on an available, educated workforce. Today Oklahoma ranks 50th in quality of education by Wallet Hub. This is unacceptable. Rankings in multiple categories from opportunity, crime, to health are dismal. 15% of Oklahomans live below the poverty level. One out of four of our children are hungry. More: Public education in chaos could be a deal breaker for businesses. Make it a priority Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor turned down $40 million in federal funding for student hunger. Why? This is irresponsible. The tribes stepped in and funded what was needed. Yet the governor will not embrace the tribes for the economic impact they bring to this state. Businesses considering growth or expansion look at benchmarks, and public education is at the top of their priorities. Not only for relocation of facilities but for the families of their employees. A poor educational ranking is the No. 1 deterrent to recruiting businesses and outside employees to the state. Image matters. Corporations do focus on culture and legislation. According to CNBC, we rank 41st for business environment. Decisions should not be based on politics. Yet Republican politicians pander to the powerful Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), which has a platform presenting some extreme views. It doesnt support public education, but school choice driven by tax credits or vouchers tied more to expansion of private religious schools. It promotes biblical teaching in the classroom. Highly influential, it has focused on shaping policies in red states. This impacts cultural change. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Legislature adopted a tax credits program. When passed it allocated $130 million to fund $5,000 vouchers for school choice, hopefully to help the underserved. Yet the bill had no income limitation. Anyone, regardless of income can apply. Why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma has excellent private schools. However, tuitions range from $8,000-$18,000 annually. Vouchers fall short. Plus, facilities cannot accommodate large numbers of students without huge capital expenditures. Their enrollments average 1,000. There are 700,000 students in Oklahomas public schools with an annual budget of $3.86 billion. Tax credits only checked a political box with minimal impact. For Oklahoma to grow, we must commit to fund the strongest public educational system nationally. Every child in Oklahoma deserves the best possible education regardless of background, race or income. We can fund improved facilities, resources, teacher pay and per pupil expenditures. We must. Get the politics out of the classroom and adopt reforms and maximum funding. Everyone wins. Economic success depends on classroom success. The future is in the classroom. Phil G. Busey Sr. is founder and chairman of the Busey Group of Cos. in Oklahoma City. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: Let's demand better education from our leaders Welcome back, Deadline: Legal Newsletter readers. Donald Trump will return to the White House after being cleared by the Supreme Court to run again, despite the Constitutions insurrectionist ban. The transfer of power will be peaceful this time because its being transferred to Trump. And thanks to the courts Republican-appointed majority, the president-elect knows he has broad criminal immunity heading into office an immunity bestowed upon him in the federal 2020 election subversion case that, now, will never be tried. The court not only shaped the ballot but was effectively on the ballot itself. In that respect, voters chose to cement that 6-3 majority and potentially expand it by giving the presidency and the Senate to the GOP. The courts two oldest justices, Republican appointees Clarence Thomas (76) and Samuel Alito (74), can now be replaced by younger like-minded successors. While none of the three Democratic appointees would likely leave willingly under a Republican president Justice Sonia Sotomayor (70) is the oldest of the trio any vacancies on the minority wing of the court would allow the GOP to widen its supermajority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thats just the Supreme Court, saying nothing of the lower federal courts that Trump stocked in his first term. More Matthew Kacsmaryks, anyone? Trumps criminal cases were effectively on the ballot, too. His two federal prosecutions are good as gone its just a question of when and how exactly, with the Justice Department already reportedly examining winding them down. We learned more about that process Friday, when special counsel Jack Smith asked U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to clear all litigation deadlines in the federal election subversion case due to Trumps victory, while the government figures out how to proceed (or not) in this unprecedented circumstance. Chutkan granted Smiths request and said he can file a status report about his plans by Dec. 2. Presidents cant pardon or dismiss state cases, but dont expect any criminal action against Trump in New York or Georgia while hes in office (more on the New York case in this weeks Ask Jordan). Meanwhile, the high court term continues. The justices held arguments in a number of cases unrelated to the election this week and will next week, too. Mondays routine order list included an announcement that theyll review a racial gerrymandering case from Louisiana later this term. The list also revealed that, in a capital case, Thomas and fellow GOP appointee Neil Gorsuch two of the likeliest justices to rule against death row prisoners signaled their interest in assessing the standard for when people can avoid execution due to intellectual disability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices met Friday in their regular private conference to consider more appeals to hear this term. Among the pending petitions is a bid from former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, whos trying to move his state charges in the Georgia election interference case to federal court. We could soon learn whether the court takes the case, which would add yet another wrinkle to the Fulton County prosecution in which Trump is also charged though, again, any state trial against the president-elect will likely have to wait until he leaves office. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com An elite private school in the Bronx announced last week that it was making class optional for high school students the day after the election. The principal of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School said the decision acknowledges that this may be a high-stakes and emotional time for our community. As a history and civics teacher at a peer private school in New York City, I, too, am worried about how students will respond to this moment. But school isnt optional, thanks to the movement for compulsory education laws at the turn of the 20th century. Letting kids skip school is not only dismissal of those reformers work in the past its an insult to the future. This entire week, students, you need to come to school. I care about how you feel, but Im more concerned about what you know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civics knowledge is at an all-time low. In a 2024 study, 70 percent of Americans failed a basic quiz on the three branches of government. Only half could name which branch makes laws. No wonder students feel hysterical theyre disempowered. If they actually believe that Donald Trump will pass a national abortion ban, it is only because they dont have the tools to understand how that would be impossible. Schools are meant to help young people become better citizens. But only eight states and D.C. require a year-long civics class to graduate. My class on U.S. government is an elective. So this isnt anything new. But now, the stakes are higher. Trump will not pass a national abortion ban, but if Republicans succeed in keeping control of the House (too close to call as of this writing), its not impossible that he could sign one into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump won in 2016, I was not yet a teacher. I was a devastated student. But the trend in education of the last eight years of abdicating class time to students feelings is more devastating. Not only are we losing out on civic instruction, were also unintentionally teaching students that how they feel is more important than getting to work or even dreaming of running for office themselves. To be sure, social-emotional learning is central to my teaching in the classroom, and should be in all schools. It works, as many recent studies have found that social-emotional learning is a critical component to increasing academic performance. But teaching civics is itself social-emotional learning. What could be a better investment in mental health than providing students with knowledge that makes them feel hopeful? When students learn how to talk to one another, establish alliances and make change, we dont only help them feel better. We are investing in the nations future politicians, organizers, staffers and lobbyists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So on Wednesday, my class was mandatory. I certainly hope that other institutions made the same choice. Clearly, canceling classes and exams in 2016 did not help the left eradicate Trumpism. In fact, my students arrived early to school, sleeves rolled up. They were not teary-eyed. Instead, they were excited to lead the mandatory high school assembly they had been working on for the past few weeks. My principal began the assembly by acknowledging the variety of appropriate emotional reactions to this election. But then, my government students pulled up the electoral maps and started teaching the student body how this happened. So lets follow my students lead: Get to school and get to work, regardless of how youre feeling about Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Zimmerman teaches civics and history in Brooklyn, N.Y. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trump spent much of his first term skirmishing with the press. In his second term, it could become all-out war. Unrestrained by a compliant Republican Congress, unconcerned about re-election, unimpeded by cautious advisersthe proverbial adults in the roomTrump seems poised to use the powers of the presidency to harass and hobble the news organizations he has repeatedly called the enemy of the people. To be sure, Trumps war on the press will be a strange and somewhat contradictory one. Trump feeds off as much attention as the media lavishes upon him. His fame was forged in the heat of tabloid front pages, and later primetime TV. Whatever conflict he desires, it will be with a beast he has a deeply symbiotic relationship with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Trump toyed with banishing the press from the White House grounds (he didnt). He occasionally banned reporters he deemed noxious (courts overruled him and sent them back). In contrast to an otherwise laissez-faire approach to antitrust enforcement, his Justice Department sued to block a merger sought by CNNs parent company, a deal Trump explicitly opposed (the suit failed). He periodically suspended daily press briefings, at one point going more than a year without one. He also sought to end government funding of NPR and PBS, and to remodel federally funded news organizations, such as Voice of America, into Trump-friendly organs (he failed in those efforts, too). Proving that nothing has changed since then, Trump has kicked disfavored reporters out of his campaign rallies and events, sued news organizations he believed had wronged him, and demanded the licenses of ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC be revoked for various perceived slights (the networks dont have licenses, but no matter). On Friday on Truth Social, Trump called for investigations into those who propagated rumors he was interested in selling shares in the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How does all this square with Trump, the showman, who lambasts the press, even as he bathes in the glare of flashbulbs? Quite simply, Trump plays it both waysthe star of his own show commanding headlines, while also the anti-news media hardman out to avenge anyone he feels has done him wrong, or been too inquisitive. Donald Trump speaks at swearing in ceremonies for new CIA Director Gina Haspel at the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia, U.S. May 21, 2018. Bashing the press has been a Trump signature since he declared for president in 2015. But his rhetoric has grown darker and more menacing since then. In 2016, I declared: I am your voice, he said in kicking off his campaign last year. Today, I add: I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution. In the waning days of the campaign he mused about not minding if a would-be assassin shot at him through the press gallery at his rallies. Theres little reason to doubt hell be even more emboldened in a second term, given that he has already declared his victory in the Electoral College and popular vote a mandate for his agenda. Screen burn What might Trump have in mind? The worrisome outlines are contained in Project 2025, the 922-page collection of policy proposals published by the conservative Heritage Foundation last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document became so notorious during the campaign that Trump disclaimed knowledge of it and rarely mentioned it. But considering it was written by dozens of operatives likely to be appointed to prominent positions in the new Trump Administration, it would be naive to dismiss Project 2025 as merely a think tanks wish list. A 'Stop Project 2025' sign is projected during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024. Among its prescriptions are some that Trump has already tried, such as defunding VOA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the agency that passes federal money to PBS and NPR stations. Trump zeroed out CPB funding in all of his proposed budgets during his first term; Congress routinely ignored his preference and appropriated the moneya streak that may not last in a Congress more loyal to Trump than any previous one. Project 2025 added a few new suggestions, such as yanking the security clearances of former intelligence officers who speak to the press, and unleashing the Justice Department to investigate journalists who publish stories based on classified information. One of Project 2025s more obscure recommendations could be one of its most consequential: Limiting pharmaceutical ads on TV. The ads have been a key source of revenue for news programs ever since the Food and Drug Administration eased restrictions on prescription-drug advertising in 1997, as Joshua Benton of Harvards Nieman Foundation noted in a report about the proposal. Restricting or curtailing these ads would likely cripple TV newscasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project 2025 asserts, without evidence, that the FDAs decision to allow these ads has bought pharma companies considerable influence in the newsroomwhether media companies acknowledge this or notand that it distorts independent reporting on public health issues. It recommends the FDA or Congress regulate where and how pharma ads appear, especially on media outlets. Trumps anti-media agenda includes urging Congress to open up libel laws to make it easier to sue and win defamation cases against media outletsa suggestion that has gained some traction with the Supreme Courts two most conservative judges. Trump himself has a long history of unsuccessful lawsuits against reporters and news organizations. But the notion of liberalizing libel laws cuts both ways. In January, a jury agreed that Trump had defamed writer E. Jean Carroll and awarded her $83.3 million (Trump is appealing). We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media. Were going to come after you. Kash Patel Trump has darkly mused about jailing reporters, particularly those who refuse to reveal their sources of sensitive government information. In 2022, he suggested the threat of being raped in prison would offer a compelling reason to cough up a name. When this [journalist] realizes that hes going to be the bride of another prisoner shortly, he will say, Id very much like to tell you who [his source] was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps hostility toward the news media is matched by his allies and aides. Kash Patel, a Trump acolyte who is likely to hold a senior position in his administration, told fellow Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Bannons podcast last year, We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media. Were going to come after you. Framing journalists as conspirators and threatening them with prison might foster the most powerful restraint of allself censorship. So-called anticipatory obedience could have a chilling effect on the medias behavior. We wont know what doesnt get reported. A complex dance While the First Amendment prevents the most crude and draconian government decreesrevoking a broadcast license is difficult and almost never happens, for exampleTrump doesnt need to do anything extraordinary or extra-legal to bully the press. As New York Times publisher A. G. Sulzberger wrote recently, merely pulling the banal levers of government will accomplish the same result. Sulzberger cited the example of Hungary under authoritarian prime minister (and Trump favorite) Viktor Orban. His country is a democracy, so he cant simply close newspapers or imprison journalists, Sulzberger wrote. Instead, he sets about undermining independent news organizations in subtler waysusing bureaucratic tools such as tax law, broadcast licensing and government contracting. Meanwhile, he rewards news outlets that toe the party lineshoring them up with state advertising revenue, tax exemptions and other government subsidiesand helps friendly businesspeople buy up other weakened news outlets at cut rates to turn them into government mouthpieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is wise to this playbook, too. During his first term, his administration intervened to stop the Department of Defense from awarding a $10 billion contract to a subsidiary of Amazon. Trump also publicly called for the Postal Service to raise the rates it charged Amazon for package deliveries. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos arrives for an official State Dinner held by U.S. President Joe Biden in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2024. Both actions had a nexus: Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder and the owner of The Washington Post. Trump, long irritated by the Posts coverage, has accused Bezos of using the newspaper as a tool for political power, and as a means to promote Bezos business interests (none of that appears to be true). Trump plainly saw Amazon as a pressure point for the Post and Bezos. Unlike Sulzberger, Bezos has generally refrained from explicit criticism of Trump. He has sometimes laughed off Trumps threats (Finally trashed by @realdonaldtrump, he tweeted in late 2015; he added, referencing his space exploration company, Will still reserve a seat for him on the Blue Origin rocket. #SendDonaldto space), but otherwise endured Trumps taunts without responding. The dance between Trump and the mediadepending on what that media is, and who owns itmay be a complex one, as either side seeks to assert their own versions of control and independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lately, Bezos has seemed even less willing to poke the bear: 11 days before Tuesdays election, he spiked the Posts endorsement of Kamala Harris, writing that presidential endorsements create a perception of bias (the decision was widely denounced and has led to an avalanche of canceled subscriptions). On Wednesday, Bezos made his overtures to Trump more explicit, offering him big congratulations for his election victory in a rare post on X. Bezos words of congratulation may provide a guide to the future: a mogul trying to box as clever as possible around a fellow mogul, the latter now holding the reins of supreme political power. Will Bezos playing nice be followed by other media outlets and magnatesand what does that mean for the news media they and others control? Will journalists continue to be able to report fully? Will self-censoring take place? Or is Bezos simply being magnanimous and diplomatic? Maybe. When Trump eventually occupies the Oval Office, it will pay to be on his good side. In the meantime, it will take more than just a few kind words to combat the gathering threat. Outside of Milwaukee deciding to rerun about 31,000 absentee ballots through a voting machine, there weren't any non-typical election issues reported in Wisconsin Tuesday. Some polling places had long lines and people waiting to vote past 8 p.m., when polls close, but that sometimes happens during high turnout elections. Preliminary vote totals show Wisconsin had its most voters ever Tuesday, at least 100,000 more than 2020's record turnout of more than 3.3 million voters. The Wisconsin Elections Commission hasn't released final certified numbers from the 2024 general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commission members and non-partisan civic groups worked to share factual information about the strength of Wisconsin's elections system to help bolster public confidence following repeated false claims about widespread voter fraud in the 2020 campaign. Reader comments on the 2024 election: 'Im no longer proud to be part of a country that elected that Trump twice' As of 5 p.m. Thursday, 42 people took our 2024 election poll and survey. The majority of respondents said they voted early: 33% absentee by mail and 40% though early voting. Only 28% voted in-person on Election Day. Here are some comments about their experience of voting: "My early voting experience was not difficult. I waited maybe 8 minutes at Serb Hall and once I got inside only 1-2 minutes passed before I was standing in front of an express voting machine. On Election Day, I worked at a Central Count location. Many law enforcement personnel, observers and media were present, adding to the charged atmosphere." Catherine from Milwaukee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Waited only about 30 minutes during mid-morning, which I did purposely to avoid the biggest lines. Very smooth and everyone was very calm and friendly." Richard from Neenah "100% enjoyable experience." Pat from Arcadia, an Election Day voter "My ballot was received quickly, and was returned just as fast. Good job USPS." Asta from Milwaukee "My town hall was ready for the flow of early voting." Joe from Elkhorn "I arrived a little before 6 p.m. and was out by 6:30 p.m. Everything went pretty fast." Chad from Janesville "Went perfectly. No issues whatsoever. It took less than 20 minutes." Barry from Kenosha Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Very crowded when I arrived at 7 a.m., but things moved surprising fast. Poll workers did a great job." Patrick from Milwaukee "Very easy. I always vote absentee due to my health." Lisa from Milwaukee "I voted early and it was very easy. I only waited in line for about 5 minutes to get my ballot." Colleen from Glendale "Very easy. Glad Washington County gave municipal clerks funds for extended hours. Waited 2 minutes to vote early absentee in person before election day." Ben from Hartford "People were polite, my wait was short in New Berlin on Election Day." Craig from New Berlin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Waited in line 15 seconds." Michael from Grafton, an Election Day voter "I voted at 9 a.m. in Kimberly. The line was five minutes long. The poll workers, (Republican, Democrat, Independent) were all professional and welcoming. We make sure we tell them that we appreciate their dedication to a free election and their courage in being there. The poll watchers did not interfere or intimidate." Stephen from Kimberly "I went to Serb Hall and there was a line. There were some issues causing a slow down and was told that the wait would be two and a half hours. I returned a few days later around 6:30 in the evening and didn't have to wait." Shelley from Milwaukee "Fast, easy early voting." Susan from Racine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@gannett.com or 920-993-7154. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Opinion: Tell us how voting went for Tuesday's presidential election Balazs Orban, political director and close advisor to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, believes that US President-elect Donald Trump should call Russian leader Vladimir Putin to open a communication line with Russia and encourage a ceasefire in Ukraine. Source: Balazs Orban in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Budapest, as reported by European Pravda Details: Orban believes that all communication channels with Russia should be restored as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on Trump's statements about being able to "end the war in 24 hours", Orban said that this would likely be a challenging process. Quote: "The peacemaker process is, diplomatically, a very complex issue, which should be first about restoring communication channels, then secondly talk about a short-term cease-fire. The sooner we start it, the better for everyone." According to Orban, the Hungarian and US leaders, who have often praised their friendly relations, have spoken by phone after Trump's election victory. The Hungarian prime minister marked the event with a social media post mentioning "great plans" with Trump, without specifying what these plans may entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balazs Orban explained that these plans include a different European approach to Ukraine. Bloomberg noted that Viktor Orban had previously raised the idea of revisiting the G7-approved US$50 billion credit for Ukraine, which was passed despite Hungary's repeated attempts to block it in the EU. The Hungarian PM's advisor predicted that after Trump takes office, the US might reassess the arrangement. "A different mindset requires a different asset management from the American side," he concluded. Background: Following the European Political Community summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he believes Trump wants a quick end to the war, but it may come at a cost for Ukraine. Recently, Trump hinted that he might speak with Putin, and the Russian publication Verstka reported that Putin informally congratulated Trump on his election victory, allegedly doing so "through acquaintances". Support UP or become our patron! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced the completion of a billion-dollar settlement with Kroger over the grocery giants alleged role in the opioid crisis. Under the settlement, Kroger must pay $1.37 billion to the 30 states involved in the lawsuit, which was led by Rosenblum. This includes $40 million to the State of Oregon. Kroger also agreed to require its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. This settlement with one of the pharmacy giants in Oregon is a crucial step forward in the rebuilding of trust between Fred Meyer and its pharmacy customers in Oregon, said Rosenblum. Im proud of my team, led by David Hart, Assistant Attorney in Charge of Opioid Litigation and Recovery/Pharmaceutical Fraud, for its role in leading these negotiations. The funds provided will help communities across Oregon respond to and recover from the opioid crisis, though the damage done and the lives lost cant be undone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7 minibike riders arrested for reckless driving in downtown Portland after police chase The Oregon Attorney Generals Office noted that the $40 million will go towards substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across the state. In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Kroger said, We are pleased that Krogers previously announced multistate settlement received enough state and subdivision participation to become effective and binding. The finalization of this settlement, originally reached in September 2023, will deliver over $1.2 billion in support of opioid abatement efforts nationwide while resolving nearly all the outstanding opioid-related claims against the company. Kroger will continue to combat opioid abuse, and it remains focused on providing fresh and affordable groceries to communities across the country, the company added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last 10 years, the Oregon Department of Justice has either led or joined 10 multi-state agreements with pharmaceutical companies and consultancies that gave those companies sales and marketing tactics that worsened the crisis, officials said. From those judgments, Oregon has been awarded more than $645 million. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Though the 2024 presidential election is now over, its toll on mental health is already showing. Oregon crisis hotlines saw a huge spike in calls before and after Election Day. Now theyre stepping up to try and offer people hope. Lines for Life runs most of Oregons 988 crisis and suicide lifelines with free, confidential counseling. Incredible journey: Portland mayor-elect Wilson speaks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays election results ushered in a second non-consecutive term for Donald Trump. But no matter who you voted for, the crisis line counselors offer help, said Greg Borders, with Lines for Life Portland. Borders said rising political tension is fueling division and fear on both sides of the political spectrum. However, he said the LGBTQ+ community has been particularly impacted. People are really concerned about the election and what happens next and all the unknowns, Borders said. This is part of a national trend as The Trevor Project saw a 200% increase in election-related crisis calls from November 3-4 compared to just a few days prior. The non-profit organization provides free 24/7 crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trevor Project said 90% of LGBTQ+ people reported politics impacting their well-being. 72% more transgender and nonbinary people attempted suicide. With services overwhelmed, The Trevor Project is directing people to the hotline for help. Borders said his Lines for Life team is ready to answer in 20 seconds or less, offering compassion and hope regardless of your political views. Police: Woman found dead in car with child was killed 988 is available to anybody, we dont really it doesnt matter what political affiliation you have if you are feeling like youre in distress if youre feeling upset, if youre feeling stressed, anywhere in the gamut really, we want to talk with you, Borders said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Support is available in Spanish and specialized help is available for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visit the 988 website for more information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. RAMONA, Okla. (KFOR) The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Ramona Police Department are searching for the suspect in an ATM theft. According to the OSBI, Ramona Police responded to the American Bank of Oklahoma near Wyandotte and Caney Valley Place around 4:40 a.m. on November 6. LOCAL NEWS: Man with lengthy criminal history arrested for breaking into Norman home while OU students were sleeping inside Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, officers found an ATM machine that had been pried open. They determined that around $38,000 had been taken. Ramona Police requested the OSBIs help in the investigation. Agents learned that the suspect was captured on surveillance footage driving a 2004 gray GMC Yukon. The car was left at the scene and was stolen out of Broken Arrow. The suspect left in an unknown vehicle. ATM theft suspect. Image courtesy OSBI. ATM theft suspect vehicle. Image courtesy OSBI. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ramona Police Department at 918-536-1242. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. After Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond essentially fired the Oklahoma State Board of Educations previous attorney last month, the board led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters voted during a special meeting Friday afternoon to hire another one whos currently representing Walters in a separate matter. By a 5-0 vote and without discussion, the board entered into a contract with Joel Wohlgemuth, a partner in the Tulsa-based law firm Norman Wohlgemuth. Moments after that vote, the board opted to go into executive session for the first time since its July meeting to discuss legal matters, and state Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, joined them in the meeting a notable development, because a dispute over the desire of lawmakers to sit in on those executive sessions, as allowed by law, led to the dismissal of the board's previous attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The law was followed today," said Lowe, who said he had spoken with Walters before the meeting about the situation. Walters did not speak to reporters after the meeting. Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for Drummonds office, said that office worked with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which the board oversees, in crafting the agenda and that Drummonds office anticipated the board would be submitting a request to hire a new attorney. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks Friday during a special meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education at the Oliver Hodge Building on the Oklahoma Capitol. What to know about attorney Joel Wohlgemuth According to his biography on the website of the law firm he works for, Wohlgemuth has litigated matters for clients including the Washington Post, the Warren Foundation, Hillcrest Medical Center, the state of Texas, IBM, the city of Tulsa, the Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance Company and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Currently, hes serving as Walters attorney in a defamation lawsuit filed against the state superintendent by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller. In a response to that lawsuit in Tulsa County District Court, Wohlgemuth wrote that Walters was fulfilling his official duties when he referred to Miller as a clown and a liar during a news conference and thus should be immune from the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking email news alerts Miller sued Walters in August, alleging Walters defamed him and cast him and his district in a false light with comments made after a state Board of Education meeting on July 31. Miller sued Walters in both his personal and professional capacities. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks Friday during a special meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. The dispute over the boards legal representation intensified in recent months as legislators from both major political parties attended board meetings and tried to exercise their right to sit in on the boards executive sessions, which is guaranteed in the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Attorney Cara Nicklas who was hired by the board in October 2023 and paid $300 per hour and attorneys from Drummonds office exchanged multiple letters concerning the topic. In June, state Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, was kept out of an executive session. The next month, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, and Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, joined Boren, but they again were prevented from entering the boards executive session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Drummond issued an official opinion which carries the force of law, absent a court ruling to note the law allowed legislators to attend the executive sessions. Since then, the board has chosen not to hold executive sessions during its monthly meetings, citing concerns with confidentiality. The past two months, no executive sessions were on the meeting agenda. There was one on the agenda for the October meeting to discuss teacher licensing issues but the board opted against entering it. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is pictured Friday during a special meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. When that board meeting began, Brad Clark, the current general counsel for Drummonds office, sat in a seat usually occupied by Nicklas. The day before the meeting, after the months of stark disagreements between Nicklas and Drummonds office, Drummonds office revoked its previous approval of Nicklas. That approval, known in legal parlance as 20i, is something required of outside attorneys representing state entities. Drummond told the agency it had three options: use an internal agency attorney to provide legal advice to the board, hire another outside attorney (who would need to be approved by Drummond) or use an attorney from Drummonds office. Walters and other board members quickly expressed questions and concern about Clarks counsel, even though he once served as the attorney for both the education agency and the board. Walters suggested taking no action on some agenda items because of the questions surrounding the boards legal counsel, an idea his fellow board members embraced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the meeting, Nicklas sent an email to The Oklahoman saying, I have never considered myself to be oppositional with AG Drummond and noting the disadvantages a nonpolitical attorney has when politicians are vying for publicity and the nonpolitical attorney cannot provide privileged information to the press. She also said it was untrue that she advised the board to not allow legislators into executive sessions. (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma education board hires lawyer already representing Ryan Walters By Casey Hall SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Manolo Blahnik, the high-end shoe brand with many celebrity fans and often worn in the TV hit "Sex and the City", has opened its first store in mainland China after a 22-year battle over the legal right to use its name. In addition to the new boutique in Shanghai's Plaza 66 luxury mall, the company expects to open a store a year in China for the next five years, with Beijing and Chengdu the next likely locations. The shoemaker, named after its Spanish founder, had been limited in its ability to trade under its name in China after a local businessman filed trademarks related to "Manolo Blahnik" in 1999. China is a "first to file" jurisdiction which doesn't require companies to prove prior use to claim a trademark, but a ruling two years ago from the Supreme People's Court of China found in favour of the company. "We were very, very grateful to reclaim our trademark. Before that point, we were just focused on getting it back. (Since then) we very much turned our head towards Asia," Chief Executive Kristina Blahnik, who is the founder's niece, said in an interview. The brand also opened two new stores in Hong Kong in October. Its long-awaited mainland China debut comes as high-end brands such as LVMH have seen sales slide in the world's second-largest luxury market, hurt by tepid economic growth and weak consumer confidence. But Blahnik said she was unconcerned as the company is just getting started in China. China's luxury footwear market is valued at about $5 billion this year and is projected to grow 7.6% a year through 2029, according to research firm Statista. Manolo Blahnik will compete with foreign brands such as Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin, which have the advantage of having been in China for more than a decade. (Reporting by Casey Hall; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) With the glaring exception of the presidential race, North Carolina Democrats had a good 2024 election. While Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump in the battleground state by more than 3 percentage points, Democrats won nearly every other statewide race that was on the ballot Tuesday. Those results largely comport with decades of political trends in North Carolina. But Democrats and Republicans alike also attributed them to Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons disastrous campaign for governor, which was constantly plagued by his long history of incendiary remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We squarely blame Mark Robinson for losses in races that Republicans would and should have otherwise won, said a North Carolina GOP operative, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. As was expected, Democrat Josh Stein overwhelmingly defeated Robinson in the race for governor, winning by nearly 15 percentage points. Democrats also eked out narrow wins in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction. In the contest to replace Robinson as lieutenant governor, Democrat Rachel Hunt defeated Republican Hal Weatherman by 1.6 percentage points. In the contest to replace Stein as attorney general, Democrat Jeff Jackson beat Republican Dan Bishop by 2.6 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the secretary of states race, incumbent Democrat Elaine Marshall defeated Republican Chad Brown by 1.9 points to win her eighth term. And in the state superintendents race, Democrat Maurice Green defeated Republican Michele Morrow by 2.1 points to replace Republican Catherine Truitt, whom Morrow defeated in the primary this year. Democrats also seemed poised Friday to flip a seat in the Legislature that would break up Republicans supermajority and the power to override vetoes that comes with it. That race remains too close to call, according to The Associated Press, but the Democrat led the Republican on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, in a state Supreme Court race, Republican Jefferson Griffin led Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by two-tenths of a percentage point (about 10,000 votes) with 96% of the vote counted. NBC News hasnt yet called the race. For decades, voters in North Carolina have shown a propensity to elect Republicans for federal office while supporting Democrats in downballot statewide races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats said linking Republicans to the scandal-plagued Robinson was another important factor in their party's narrow wins this week. Robinsons embattled candidacy certainly helped Democrats downballot, said Sam Newton, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association. While Newton also credited Stein's campaign and vision, he said the results showed that Democrats, Republicans and independents were disgusted with Mark Robinsons extremism. That is something that clearly benefited Democrats up and down the ballot, he said. A Democratic operative in North Carolina, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, said: If you look at the people who were running in those races, they were kind of similar prototypes, kind of to Robinson. The operative mentioned specific speeches by Weatherman, as well as specific social media posts by Morrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were a lot of attempts to tie the downballot candidates to Robinson, and I think it was successful for the candidates that were most similar to him, the operative said. A Robinson campaign spokesperson didnt respond to questions. Democrats in the state and nationally aggressively tied Republicans up and down the ballot in North Carolina to Robinson amid a constant unearthing of controversial remarks he had made. Those efforts were further ramped up after CNN reported that Robinson made inflammatory comments on the message board of a pornography website, which he denied. National Democrats also tried to extend that strategy to the presidential race, with the Democratic National Committee launching a cascade of ads linking Robinson to Trump immediately after the CNN report. But Trumps victory suggested that approach didnt bear fruit at the presidential level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The varying results, however, largely fit with long-standing political trends in the Southern battleground, particularly the tendency of its voters to simultaneously support Republican presidential candidates and Democratic candidates for governor. North Carolina, which holds its races for governor in presidential election years, has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election but one since 1980. Over the same stretch, all but two of the governors elected have been Democrats. Meanwhile, North Carolina has elected only one Republican attorney general since 1901 and only one secretary of state who wasnt a Democrat since 1877. The political party of the states elected lieutenant governors has been more mixed in recent decades. Welcome to the political legacy and history and trajectory of North Carolina politics. Its just who and what the state is, said Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College near Charlotte. Its baked into our political DNA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newton, of the Democratic Governors Association, said that in North Carolina in particular, theres always separation between federal and state races. He said that manifested again this year, with the races for governor and other downballot offices boiling down to local issues, education and abortion rights. Bitzer also offered a blunt additional assessment of why Democrats efforts to tie Robinson to Republican candidates worked in other races but not against Trump. Trumps got Teflon," he said. "The rest of them dont. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Carlos Santiago, an ambassador and driver for the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition (now known as the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance), works at a mobile overdose prevention event in 2022 in New Haven, Conn. Nationally, overdose deaths have decreased among white people in recent years but increased among people of color. (Courtesy of Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance, formerly known as Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition) The recent decline in overdose deaths hides a tremendous disparity by race: Deaths have fallen only among white people while continuing to rise among people of color, according to a new Stateline analysis of federal data. Health experts in nonwhite communities say theyre finding strategies that work in their areas, but that they still struggle for recognition and funding to address the problems, especially among Black and Native people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, nearly 5,000 more people of color died from overdoses in 2023 than in 2021, while deaths among white people dropped by more than 6,000, according to the analysis of provisional data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of early this year, based on partial counts, Black and Native people remain the hardest hit, having earlier in the pandemic surpassed white rates. Hispanic and Asian people are still experiencing more overdose deaths as well. White people had the highest rate of overdose deaths in 2019, before the pandemic, at 25.4 deaths for every 100,000 people in the U.S. population. But rates for Black and Native people quickly surpassed white rates and continued to grow as white rates declined between 2021 and 2023. In 2023, the death rates were 49.5 and 39.8 per 100,000 for Black and Native people, respectively. Tracie Gardner, co-director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network, said Black and Native people often have trouble navigating white-dominated institutions, including many harm reduction agencies. Such agencies need to have more people of color in leadership positions to gain the trust of Black, Native and other people who use drugs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is our contention that Black harm reduction isnt about drug use, its about the harms of not being a white person in this country, Gardner said. The only people doing worse or as poorly are Native Americans. Different trends Between 2021 and 2023, overdose deaths among white people dropped in all but a dozen states, most of them in the West. But few states saw any decline in deaths among Black or Native American populations. Deaths among Black people did decline, however, in Indiana (-75), the District of Columbia (-29) and Illinois (-22), while deaths among Native people declined in North Carolina (-34), Colorado (-11) and North Dakota (-9). Connecticut was one of the few states to see a small rate drop among its Black residents. There was no change in the number of overdose deaths, but the Black population grew between 2021 and 2023. The Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance is working to bring more harm reduction tools to the Black community and others, with 100 mobile kits available at a moments notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, staff started going to meet people leaving detox programs, also known as withdrawal management, when they choose to leave early and are at especially high risk of overdose. The message is, Even though this didnt work out, we care about your welfare, we care about your safety, we want to see you come back, said Mark Jenkins, the alliances executive director. Too few services are specifically designed for the Black community, Jenkins said, even though data shows that the overdose crisis is hitting that population the hardest. We know that this disproportionately affects people of color, and were right out there where people need to see us, he said of his organizations approach. A lot of our people dont access services if theyre not right there in their path. A lack of funding The overdose death numbers for American Indian and Native Alaskan people may be even higher than the Stateline analysis indicates, because Native people often are misidentified in death certificates, said Philomena Kebec, an attorney and member of the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These numbers about the impact on tribal and Alaska Native individuals are really stark, Kebec told Stateline. Many tribes struggle to provide overdose-halting naloxone and other medications because of chronic underfunding for health services, Kebec, who also is a fellow on addiction and overdose at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said on a Brookings Institution podcast last month. But increasingly, tribes are turning to mobile programs not unlike Connecticuts. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon is adapting buses to help people get methadone and buprenorphine that help curb opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kebec said in an interview that her own tribe in Wisconsin began a mail-order naloxone program using private donations, but added it could do more with state funding that has yet to be approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have programming that's really keyed into how things have to happen in rural communities. We have a lot of people who have transportation issues, so we have to come to them, she said. Tribes and helpers need more funding for research to find root causes and more timely information from hospitals to find overdose outbreaks quickly and intervene, she said. Its a need everywhere, but means even more in Native communities, which are often spread out in rural areas. In the Black community, men older than 55 are especially hard hit, said Gardner, of the National Black Harm Reduction Network. She noticed their deaths start to increase in the mid-2010s, when she served as New York states assistant secretary of health, and later realized those deaths were the canary in the coal mine that signaled deadly fentanyls infiltration into supplies of other drugs. It is our contention that Black harm reduction isnt about drug use, its about the harms of not being a white person in this country. Tracie Gardner, co-director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network During the pandemic, older [Black] men lost their communities, their family supports. There are some men who became homeless and there was no safety network, Gardner said. Plus, men still associate going out and getting health care with a womans thing. A lot of care is geared to women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Edwin Chapman, a District of Columbia physician whose practice serves many older Black men who use drugs, said that like others trying to help Black and Native people, hes had trouble getting funding. His innovations include early use of buprenorphine to curb opioid cravings. There has been more pushback from local officials than help, Chapman said. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) A lengthy certification process ends in a celebration today for an Owensboro business. This afternoon, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline received national recognition for being Storm Ready. We are one of four companies in Kentucky and I think the first in western Kentucky to win the storm ready award, says the Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline CEO and President, Shawn Patterson. The company celebrated the milestone with a ceremony with the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Becoming storm-ready is a very significant accomplishment, says Christine Welgos, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Welgos says getting certified is not easy. We have a checklist we have to go through, she says. To become certified, Southern Star had to complete five tasks: establish an emergency operations center, have multiple severe weather notification systems, create a weather monitoring system, promote public readiness through seminars, and develop a formal severe weather plan including storm spotter training and emergency exercises. The certification lasts for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have backpacks with first aid kits and weather radios. They have really gone above and beyond to try to do everything they can think of, says Welgos. Welgos says Kentucky is no stranger when it comes to severe weather. She says Daviess County has been impacted by 8 tornadoes since the 1950s, three of which directly affected Owensboro. This is obviously very concerning and is the very reason why it is important to have the tools and resources available, Welgos says. First and foremost, we want to take care of our team and our community in which we serve, to be storm ready to have a place to go and tools to last through a weather event is important, Patterson says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). One of the buildings that makes up the Heritage Apartments complex in Waterloo. (Photo courtesy Black Hawk County Assessor's Office) A trio of out-of-state companies are engaged in a court battle over a financially troubled low-income apartment complex in Waterloo. Two Nebraska companies called Waterloo Affordable Housing, or WAH, and Central States Property Management are suing Leumas Residential of Virginia in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WAH claims it is the title holder of the 53-year-old, 101-unit Heritage Apartments complex, having acquired it in 2006. The company alleges it obtained a loan in December 2006 to completely renovate the complex over the next two years. The loan included a federally insured mortgage under a program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The company claims that in January 2024, HUD ignored Iowas foreclosure laws and asserted its right to take over the complex based on WAHs alleged default on the mortgage. As part of that process, HUD allegedly contracted with Leumas to act as the new property manager, replacing Central States in that role. Since then, the lawsuit claims, Leumas has taken possession of the complex and ousted representatives of WAH and Central States from the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two plaintiffs now allege that Leumas has been mismanaging the property, in part by failing to market and rent the available units in the complex, by failing to guard against vandalism and secure the safety of the Heritage Apartments residents. The alleged mismanagement has reduced the resale value of the complex, the plaintiffs argue. The lawsuit was originally filed in state court, where Leumas Residential admitted that it has taken over management of the Heritage Apartments per its contract with HUD, but denied any wrongdoing. Court records show that in 2019, WAH filed for bankruptcy and in 2022 sued the Iowa Finance Authority for allegedly blocking WAHs efforts to sell Heritage Apartments. At the time, WAH was claiming it stood to lose $3.3 million as a result of the Iowa Finance Authoritys insistence that the proposed buyer place $800,000 in escrow to guarantee funding for building repairs that would ensure the apartments remained habitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the authority argued that the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that WAH had benefitted from was enforced by the authority, which had the right to place such conditions on the sale of the property. In court, IFA stated the proposed buyer, a company called EPM, had significant issues complying with federal standards for low-income housing at another property it owned. After a year of litigation, EPM backed out of the deal, according to court records, and the lawsuit was dismissed. Each year, HUD conducts about 20,000 physical property inspections of low-income properties to measure their safety, sanitary conditions and overall maintenance. HUD then assigns a numerical score of 0 to 100, with anything above 60 considered a passing score. HUD data shows the Heritage Apartments scored 55 points on a 0-100 scale in June 2023, and that it scored 44 points in February 2023. Those were among the lowest scores in Iowa in recent years. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania State Police engaged in a multi-county car chase which ended in a deadly shootout after an Altoona man shot multiple people in an apartment building in Lancaster County early Friday morning. During a press conference, State Police say Ricky Shannon, 22, shot four people, killing one, inside an apartment at 348 Sassafrass Terrace on Main St in Mount Joy, at around 4:15 a.m. Shannon then entered a red pickup truck and proceeded to flee the scene. Police said they eventually spotted the suspects vehicle, which began a chase from Lancaster to Dauphin County on SR322. Shannon drove in the oncoming lane, hitting speeds between 95 and 100mph, causing multiple accidents between other drivers along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man charged in York County standoff threatened to kill anyone thats not related, court docs say Troopers were able to stop the vehicle with a PIT maneuver after a 40-minute chase, per police. Upon being stopped Shannon began to fire through his windshield, hitting multiple patrol cars. Police said they returned fire, killing Shannon. When attempting to provide Shannon with aid, troopers discovered a passenger in his vehicle. Troopers attempted to provide life-saving measures to the passenger, a 19-year-old woman, but it was unsuccessful. Police believe she was taken against her will and couldve been shot before the chase ensued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police noted that due to the dark outside, the trucks dark window tint, and the airbags being deployed, they were prevented from seeing that another person was in the vehicle. Two PFAs were filed, one by Shannon against the woman and the other vice versa. The one against Shannon was served against him at 1 a.m. Friday morning, before he got into his truck and drove to Lancaster County. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Livestream Alerts The incident did involve family members, State Police noted. Police said the individual killed at the Lancaster County scene was a family member of the 19-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After arriving at the apartments, Shannon began shooting almost right away, State Police said. The firearm Shannon used was legally registered to him, State Police said. We are working to learn why Shannons weapon wasnt taken from him when the PFA was served. In Pennsylvania, a PFA may or may not also require the seizing of a firearm. Pennsylvania State Police are working with the Lancaster County and Dauphin County District Attorneys Office in an ongoing investigation. The incident caused both lanes on a stretch of PA 147 to close down. It is unclear when they will reopen. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Kentuckys elections featured two races in which well-funded special interests invested in negative and misleading advertising. And neither one worked at all. Amendment 2 which would have rewritten the Constitution to allow public school funding to go to private schools failed by even larger margins than expected, losing by 30 percentage points, including in every county in the state. This was despite at least $8 million from school choice groups from within and outside of Kentucky, and a raft of mailers that promised the amendment would raise teacher pay and improve school funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other example is in Lexington, where the Protect Lex political action committee targeted Liz Sheehan, a council member representing District 5 in the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. They ran ads criticizing her vote as one of 12 council members who voted to expand the Urban Service Boundary last year, intimating that city taxpayers would have to pick up a $500 million development tag, even though developers usually bear most of that burden. It was an unusual and noteworthy development because the non-partisan council does not usually see this kind of political warfare. Sheehan beat her challenger, Meredith Price, by 20 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negative ads do work in many cases. But in these two wildly different races, its interesting the way voters saw through the opposition. On Amendment 2, they clearly understood that school choice meant nothing in numerous rural districts where there are no private schools. They were clearly concerned about changing the constitutional rules on school funding. In District 5, they saw a hard-working incumbent who made a complicated decision on a complicated issue. It was one vote, said Jennifer Mossotti, a former council member who served for 16 years. She works hard, she has a lot of respect. Incumbency helps, name recognition helps. I didnt support that vote either, but I support her as a candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Mays Bledsoe, a former council member who is now a Republican state senator, said Sheehan is known for helping her constituents. Its takes a lot for that to be overcome by an issue, Bledsoe said. They might disagree with her vote, but they are generally pleased with how shes doing her job, and have a relationship with her thats positive. Working relationships Whats not so positive is Sheehans relationship with farmland preservation groups post-election. In an interview on Wednesday, Sheehan said shes worked with these groups frequently, and supported many of the things they do, such as zoning changes that upgrade density inside the Urban Service Area. In the grand scheme of things, Ive been very supportive, Sheehan said. It felt personal to me because I know how much Ive done to support their advocacy. It felt hurtful to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheehan referred specifically to the Fayette Alliance. Their former board chair and current member Greg Goodman has been the primary donor to Protect Lex, with him and family members giving at least $50,000 so far. Protect Lex made negative ads about Sheehan, and Brenda Monarrez, who also voted for expansion, but lost on Tuesday after a long saga involving a personal dispute with another council member. Protect Lex did not target two other council members who voted for expansion in their re-election campaigns, Tayna Fogle and Shayla Lynch. But Protect Lex has no regrets, apparently. On Thursday, Chairman Charlie Rowland said his group was encouraged by council results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the results, we feel our message, across multiple district council races, of elevating the importance of land use issues in Lexington elections was effectively communicated, he said. Land use will continue to be a critical issue in Lexington. Both citizens and their elected representatives deserve to be informed of the facts and work collectively to address difficult decisions through data-driven decision making. Certainly growth issues wont get easier, just more combative. Im going to continue to be someone who does my homework, but there are other folks who work in ag spaces that I can talk to, so I will think about that very carefully as Im going forward, Sheehan said. I wont block anyone, but I also think this really did hurt our working relationship. On the Lexington front, advocacy groups can take any number of lessons from this election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can keep targeting council members for votes they dont like, and see if it works any better the next time around. Or, they can stick to endorsements and positive support for candidates they like, and maintain relationships with council members who understand the complexity of the many issues before them. As for Amendment 2, its always good to remember that while people may complain about public education, they mostly love their own schools. Voters understood the threat the amendment posed to school funding, and understood the numerous mailers were gaslighting them by telling them the opposite. All the money in the world couldnt change that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negative ads can work but people also see through them, said former Mayor Jim Gray, who is now the Secretary of Transportation. Voters still want to hear thoughtful discussion and debate and conversation. Both of those races proved that the voter is going to consider the issue and the candidate very carefully. President elect Donald Trump says he plans to give Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a big role in health care in the new administration and let him go wild on health, food and medicine. Although Trump hasnt confirmed what that role would be or what precisely going wild means, Kennedy could potentially be elected to any number of leadership positions in the administration, including as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kennedy an environmental lawyer with no scientific degrees has made multiple false or misleading claims about vaccines and once relied on a fringe far-right supporter base. But he is rapidly inching closer toward influencing the federal response to infectious disease, vaccines and public health which many scientists say would be detrimental to the nation. If RFK has a significant influence on the next administration, that could further erode people's willingness to get up to date with recommended vaccines, Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as Surgeon General during Trump's first administration, said at a public health conference in Minneapolis last week, as reported by The New York Times. I am worried about the impact that could have on our nation's health, on our nation's economy, on our global security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last weeks before Trump won the 2024 election, he made an alliance with Kennedy in a final campaign push under the slogan and super PAC, Make America Healthy Again. MAHA is largely centered around the so-called medical freedom movement, which operates on a platform that values personal liberties above the medical establishment and opposes government public health and regulatory agencies. In an interview with NPR on Wednesday, Kennedy said Trump had already assigned him three tasks: to reduce the corruption and conflicts in regulatory agencies like the FDA, return those agencies to the evidence-based science and medicine that they were once famous for, and to end chronic disease with measurable impacts within two years. FDAs war on public health is about to end, Kennedy posted on X, formerly Twitter, in October. If you work for the FDA and are part of this corrupt system, I have two messages for you: 1. Preserve your records, and 2. Pack your bags. Should Kennedy be appointed to a role like the FDA commissioner, he could influence whether the agency withdraws approval for vaccines or reduce expanded access to drugs like mifepristone, which is used to end pregnancies, said Lawrence O. Gostin, an expert in public health law at Georgetown University. Previously, Kennedy said he would redirect half of the national medical research budget to go toward preventive, alternative and holistic approaches to health and threatened to prosecute Dr. Anthony Fauci if crimes were committed. Fauci was formerly the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and during the COVID-19 pandemic became the center of multiple conspiracy theories. Kennedy did not respond to Salon's request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are entire departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA that have to go, he said in an NBC interview. They are not doing their job. Kennedy also said he wants to reform the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, which regulates the funding the FDA receives from pharmaceutical companies when they apply for new drugs to be approved. This has long been a point of contention, but removing this funding would likely hobble the agency. These fees account for nearly half of the FDAs budget used to pay its employees and sustain the process of approving and evaluating the medicines the country relies on. The pharmaceutical industry certainly doesnt do everything right and I have a lot of criticisms about it, but nonetheless, we need a strong pharmaceutical industry to develop the vaccines and medicines we need, Gostin told Salon in a phone interview. While several scientists agree that parts of Kennedys platform like reducing chronic illness and obesity are important issues that should be getting attention, some criticize Kennedy for not laying out a clear plan on how to tackle these major health crises and using conspiracy theories to back up his claims. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. There could be certain areas where he would be beneficial, but to be very honest, I don't trust him, because he shoots from the hip, Gostin said. He's influenced by conspiracy theories on social media, and he has no fidelity to science and evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the weekend before the election, Kennedy said the new administration would remove fluoride from public water systems, making several false claims about its health effects. Although adding fluoride to water is generally hailed as one of the greatest achievements in public health in recent history, Trump replied by saying it sounded OK to him. Similarly, the Trump-Kennedy alliance has alluded to taking certain vaccines off the market. Both have made claims that vaccines are linked to autism, despite the fact that this has been repeatedly debunked in scientific studies across several decades. Nevertheless, Trump didnt rule out the possibility of banning some vaccines in an interview with NBC News on Sunday worrying many public health experts who are closely monitoring reduced uptake for routine childhood vaccinations and declining life expectancy in the U.S. largely driven by the million-plus lives lost to COVID. Its unclear whether these policies can even be enacted. Adding fluoride to water is a policy under local, not national jurisdiction, and vaccine mandates are regulated at the state level. Nonetheless, a position of leadership central to the administration could give Kennedy a new platform to spread misinformation, which is of increasing concern amid emerging threats like bird flu and any future infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics. This would be the most damaging appointment for public health and science in living memory, Gostin said. Trump would be appointing someone who is openly hostile to public health and life-saving public health interventions like vaccinations and fluoridation of water and both of those issues affect children primarily, who did not participate in this election and cant vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the policy changes Kennedy has proposed would need to be passed through other branches of government before enacted. For example, any withdrawals of vaccines would likely be challenged by the Supreme Court, Gostin said. Any decision to shrink agencies like the FDA would have to go through Congress, and changes in mifepristone regulations could also face legal challenges. I have doubts whether or not the Trump Administration, even influenced by RFK Jr. would be able to accomplish this, Gostin said. Nonetheless, I think there's a great deal of damage that a Trump administration can and will have on public health and safety. Both the Senate and the Supreme Court are now ruled by a majority of Republicans, so there is a greater chance of both of these branches supporting the Trump Administrations initiatives, noted Wendy Parmet, the co-director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University. The judges Trump appointed in his first term have done a lot of damage to the health of Americans, from limiting the EPA to striking public health powers to all kinds of things, Parmet told Salon in a phone interview. Im very scared about where this is going to go with health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to a role at the FDA, Kennedy could be elected as the secretary of the Health and Human Services (HHS) or the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These roles, in addition to an FDA commissioner appointment, would require confirmation from the Senate. I would be surprised if he were confirmed by the Senate given his record of science denialism and anti-vaccine activity, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. I would be surprised if he was appointed to either of those two positions because these are science agencies, and he's a science denialist. Nevertheless, the lefts perception of public opinion in the U.S. has repeatedly been challenged by the Trump Administration, which continues to push the boundaries on health and science. Although the administrations Operation Warp Speed is generally lauded for delivering millions of life-saving COVID vaccines, Trump and his acolytes also sowed deep seeds of distrust in public health that seem to be sprouting in a renewed vigor for science denialism and anti-establishment MAGA or MAHA sentiments. "Given Trump's track record, I think one can say it's unpredictable," Offit told Salon in a phone interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Kennedy does not secure a spot in one of these agencies, he has said he could potentially serve as a health czar, where he could have plenty of influence regardless. Remember that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump Administration censored the CDC website, Gostin said. So as an unofficial advisor at the White House that doesnt require Senate confirmation, he could really do damage at critical public health agencies like the FDA and the EPA. (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Donald Trump on the phone, congratulating him on winning the U.S. presidential elections and saying he is looking forward to working with him to achieve a "just and comprehensive" peace, the official Palestinian news agency said on Friday. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta) The Palm Beach County School District's top academic official has been named a finalist for a superintendent's job in a rural South Carolina county that has a school district just 1.5% the size of Palm Beach County. Glenda Sheffield, chief academic officer of a district serving nearly 200,000 students, is one of three finalists for the top job in Hampton County, South Carolina, located about 100 miles southeast of the state capitol of Columbia. Hampton County's school district serves just under 3,000 students across 10 school campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county was thrust into the international spotlight in 2021 following the double murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, the wife and 22-year-old son of prominent South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two life terms in prison. Glenda Sheffield, a finalist for the superintendent job in Hampton County, South Carolina. Photo provided by the Hampton County School District Sheffield joins David Laws Jr., the director of innovation and career and technical education in the Sumter County, South Carolina, school district, and John Tharp, principal of a high school in York County, South Carolina, in vying for the job. Sumter County's school district serves about 16,000 students while York Comprehensive High School, where Tharp is the principal, has around 1,400 students. Sheffield has a long history in Palm Beach County schools: She has been the chief academic officer for five years and previously worked as the south regional instructional superintendent. She was the principal of William T. Dwyer High, Howell L. Watkins Middle and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to her hiring by the school district in 1993, Sheffield obtained her bachelor's degree from Vorhees University, a private and historically Black university about 35 miles north of Hampton County. She went on to get her master's from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in Broward County. Sheffield earns about $209,000 per year for her current role in Palm Beach County. She is responsible for all academic programming decisions in the school district, including testing, graduation, instructional material selection and compliance with state law regarding academic standards. In August, Sheffield was named a finalist in a superintendent search in Georgetown County, South Carolina, located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. The school district hired Bethany A. Giles for the job in September. Want more education news? Sign up for ourExtra Credit weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday! This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sheffield a finalist for top job in SC county known for Murdaugh murders We're super excited by the continued strong collaboration with United Therapeutics. And now, as we start to migrate from just the Tyvaso DPI and Afrezza, the pipeline is emerging as one of our focuses this year, and we're excited by the readouts in the TENA Phase 1 here, we just completed the Phase 1 that we announced this week, as well as our clofazimine inhalation studies well under its way in Phase 3 site activations where we have ongoing opportunities here in the U.S., as well as Asia as we're starting that trial. The EBU net revenue for the quarter was $20 million or 10% versus last year, and we saw Afrezza overall for the year slightly impacted by headwinds throughout the first three quarters as we focus on profitable growth by realigning our sales force back in Q1. As we look in Q4, we're looking to accelerate our growth in Afrezza in 2025 and the early indicator here are some of the changes we made that I'll talk about here where we have 8% growth in NRxs year over year. Thank you, operator, and to our entire MannKind team for all the accomplishments we've had this quarter. I've never been more excited and energized about our opportunities to grow MannKind over the coming years. Today, I'll open up with operational and pipeline highlights, followed by Chris giving a financial overview with closing remarks going to Q&A. As we look at our third quarter highlights, Tyvaso DPI collaboration continues to be record-setting revenue and expansion opportunities as we look at our manufacturing revenue and continued opportunities with Tyvaso in IP. For further information on the company's risk factors, please see the 10-Q report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this morning, the earnings release and the slides prepared for this presentation. Joining us today from MannKind are: chief executive officer, Michael Castagna; and chief financial officer, Chris Prentiss. I'd now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Castagna. Good afternoon, and welcome to the MannKind Corporation third quarter 2024 financial results earnings call. As a reminder, this call is being recorded on November 7th, 2024, and will be available on the MannKind Corporation website shortly after the conclusion of this call and available for approximately 90 days. This call will contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which can cause actual risks to differ materially from those stated expectations. Story Continues Should you invest $1,000 in MannKind right now? Before you buy stock in MannKind, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and MannKind wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $892,313!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of November 4, 2024 Our pediatric study will be reading out very shortly here at the end of Q4, and we had a strong financial position with $268 million in cash, and we have $15 million in non-GAAP operating income for the quarter. We're leaving here in Q3 in a very strong financial position as we get ready to fund our innovation here with clofazimine-101 and 201 moving forward. Now let me bridge over to clofazimine-101. As we look at the clinical development program, there's a significant unmet need in NTM lung disease due to current options having very severe limitations on both efficacy, safety and tolerability. We believe oral clofazimine has been part of the guideline since 2020 and by developing an inhalation suspension, we have a great opportunity to put more drug into the lung really at the site of infection while minimizing the systemic exposure, which is really important as we think about the clofazimine-related side effects of skin discoloration, QT prolongation and drug accumulation in the organs. We also believe our convenient dosing cycle of 28 days on and 56 days off will provide us a competitive advantage. Unfortunately, as we look out in the space, MannKind is one of the last remaining companies outside of Insmed investing in NTM at this point due to the failures of several competitors this past year. I want to remind you of the ICoN-1 Phase 3 study design, we're now able to have about 25% of sites activated. And when you think about this trial, we're aiming for about 180 patients as a primary endpoint at six months, and we'll start with 28 days of treatment, we'll be off for 56 days of treatment and then 28 days on and 56 days off. After that second treatment cycle will be our primary endpoint, and we are going with a single dose suspension of 80 milligrams inhaled and a 2:1 randomization. We'll have an interim analysis after the first 100 patients and that'll look to make sure that the trial is on track to achieve its endpoint or if we have to make any adjustments based on the statistical plan that's been pre-identified. I want to remind you it's a co-primary endpoint of sputum conversion and patient reported outcomes for the U.S. and the rest of the world is just sputum conversion. We will conduct one trial with both endpoints for the various countries in the U.S., as well as rest of world. We are currently in Asia right now activating sites, as well as having a kickoff meeting for investigators. I want to thank the team for all the hard work over there. We do have FDA Fast Track QIDP in orphan, which provides us with 12 years of exclusivity as we get off the ground. Now bridging to nintedanib DPI. This is an exciting opportunity for the company. When we think back, I want to remind you that Technosphere technology is mostly made up of FTKP, plus our Dreamboat device. And the reason I bring this up is it's a platform technology where we really know where the product flows. And you can go back to some of our earlier studies on radio labeled Technosphere insulin insulation powder, where 90% of the powder is FTKP and about 10% is insulin, and we really see wide distribution across the lungs in the upper and lower lobes. The reason that's important is a lot of people ask, how do we know this drug is going to fly where it needs to? And part of this is based on all the history we have around understanding how FTKP is made, where it flies in the lung and how we bind the excipients through this. And we now have over 5,000 patients taking Tyvaso. When you think about that those patients have orphan lung disease of pulmonary hypertension, ILD, and I'm sure there are some with comorbidities of IPF and COPD. So now that we have two products approved on the platform, we're very excited to continue to move forward our next one here, which is really MannKind 201. As we know, IPF is a growing therapeutic area with over $4.2 billion in sales in 2022, and this continues to grow each year with the majority of those made up of OFE, which is a great product. It's one of two drugs only approved, but it does have severe GI side effects, which limit patients' ability to stay on the product. So as we try to think about how do we develop improved products, really, this was the opportunity to lower the systemic exposure while maximizing lung exposure. And we're really happy to see in our Phase 1 study here, which is where we tried three doses, we'll call them cohort A, B -- A1, A2, A3, followed by a multiple ascending dose over seven days where we tested A1 and A2 dosing. We really didn't need to go to A3, but we want to make sure it was safe and tolerable for that data to happen in the future. Overall, this trial was a success. We saw no dose-limiting toxicities or dose implications on FEV1. And we also saw in our chronic tox study, no significant signals or adverse event findings that would prevent us from moving forward in a chronic administration of this product. So we're really happy to wrap these two things up. We will meet with the FDA on our proposal for further development to move this into a Phase 2/3, hopefully here in 2025. This is a very exciting time for MannKind as this will be two assets we have going into full-scale clinical trials, which will pave the way for future exponential growth for MannKind. I now want to bridge over to our diabetes business, where we had the first large trial readout this year that we've been investing in over the last couple of years. This trial was designed to really look at usual care, which is inclusive of automated insulin delivery pumps, mainly Tandem and Omnipod in this trial, as well as patients on MDI, comparing that to a single shot of Degludec or Tresiba plus Afrezza. And then, at the end of 17 weeks, these patients were given a second meal challenge and we could see in the first and second meal challenge, significant improvement in postprandial control in the first two hours. And then, at 17 weeks, everybody went into a single-arm trial at this point and either you rolled over from the Afrezza degludec or you switched to usual care. And what you see here on the next slide is we just released the 30-week data, and I'm really proud to see that the longer you want Afrezza here on the top left, you can see your A1c continue to improve over time. We also continue to see more people getting to goal of almost 42% got to goal, which is unbelievable here and it's a very tough disease in type 1, where the large majority of patients do not sit at goal today. The second part of this study was the readout of those who switched from 17 weeks usual care and what did that happen to them at 30 weeks. And you can see as clinicians got more experience with Afrezza, we saw an improvement in A1c in those 13 weeks of taking the product, plus we're able to see twice as many people get to goal here on the right side in 13 weeks, which is important as we think about the trial and what Afrezza can do. And I'll remind you, this is people who are already on, they optimize treatments they were taking. They've been with diabetes a long time. And by switching them to Afrezza, we were able to drive more people to goal, which is ultimately a huge benefit to society. Now let's shift over to our revenues year-to-date. When we look at the EBU profitability has been our focus this year. And when you think about the growth and the transformation we've had, Afrezza grew 16% year over year, while V-Go was slightly down as we shifted to managing V-Go for profitability this year away from volume, and we've been really happy with those outcomes. And then, year-to-date, overall for the business, you can see this year versus last year, it's about a $12 million improvement in bottom-line contribution between managing our expenses, improving our efficiency on COGS and continuing to drive more to the bottom line. When we look at Q3, we're able to grow Afrezza despite multiple headwinds throughout this year. When we think about what happened earlier this year, we had payers put in double step edits. We had sales force restructuring compounded by a shift in inventory in Q3 as we exited our Walgreens consignment and one of our specialty pharmacies was told to shift patients back out to retail by Optum for all of their patients, not just Afrezza. And a lot of us caused a lot of hiccups here as we went through each quarter through this year, and this is all behind us as we close out Q4. And this was also followed by a mix of faster growth in four and eight units versus 12, which is a direct reflection of our focus to grow more in the type 1 space versus type 2. So when you look at all that noise, I'll say, going into Q4, we're excited by what we see because so far in the month of October, new prescriptions are up 8% year over year. This is our earliest leading indicator of our success as we look at this quarter and next quarter on how we're going to do. In Q4, we also made a change by removing V-Go from the sales force to double down the focus on Afrezza's growth, and we increased our target incentives around hub referrals and new prescription growth as we exit this year. Given the outcomes of the INHALE-3 and the upcoming INHALE-1 pediatric results, we expect to continue to shift Afrezza from a profitability mindset to a growth mindset in 2025 and beyond. As we look here, I want to remind you of the pediatric opportunity. There are over 300,000 kids living with type 1 diabetes. This was a 52-week primary study in INHALE-1, ages four to 17, very little were type 2, majority were type 1. And the primary endpoint is at 6 months. And the data will be coming in here before the end of the year, so we'll be able to update shareholders. And we would expect a pre-NDA filing meeting in the first half. The real issue here is, do we want to try to argue that there should be a six-month filing versus a 12-month filing as the 12-month data will come out roughly late Q2 next year, and the filing would happen after. If it's a six-month filing, we'll be able to file that earlier in the year. But the FDA has indicated that they expect to want to see the 12-month data before we file. So as we look out, we got INHALE-3 coming with the label change, hopefully on Figure 1, as well as INHALE-1 readout. And we're also you're gonna be seeing an IIT we're funding in gestational diabetes very shortly. So we continue to look at Afrezza's multitude of growth opportunities in the coming years. And let me stop there and turn it over to Chris to give us an update on our financials. Christopher B. Prentiss -- Chief Financial Officer Thanks, Mike, and good afternoon, everyone. I am pleased to discuss our third quarter 2024 financial results. For a summary of our financials, please refer to our press release issued prior to this call and our 10-Q, which is on file with the SEC. As Mike mentioned, our business demonstrated robust double-digit revenue growth compared to last year, led by revenues related to Tyvaso DPI. Third quarter revenues were $70 million, which represent a 37% increase compared to last year's quarter. For the year-to-date, we recorded revenues of $209 million, a 49% increase over the prior-year period. Looking at the details, Tyvaso DPI royalties contributed $27 million in third quarter revenue, an increase of 34% over the same quarter last year and $75 million or a 48% increase for the nine-month period. On United Therapeutics Q3 earnings call, they noted the revenue growth was due to additional patients and an increase in price. They also commented that referrals and start patterns remain very robust, reinforcing their confidence in the durability of the growth profile. Collaboration and services revenue was $23 million, a 78% increase from the third quarter of 2023. For the nine-month period, we recorded $74 million, a 108% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The increase over the prior-year period was primarily attributable to increased manufacturing activities for Tyvaso DPI. Collaboration and services revenue consists primarily of manufacturing revenue based on production activities sold through to UT and the recognition of deferred revenue. In the first half of 2024 and in prior years, we also earned approximately $3 million of revenue related to certain scale-up activities in the first half of 2024, resulting in the expected slight decline in the back half of the year. Afrezza net revenue for the third quarter was $15 million, a 12% increase due to higher demand and improved gross to nets. During the nine-month period, Afrezza revenue was $46 million, a 16% increase over the same period last year. This increase was due to higher demand, a price increase and improved gross to nets. V-Go net revenue was approximately $5 million for the third quarter, an increase of 5% and the nine-month period was approximately $14 million, a decrease of 6%. This is due to lower product demand, partially offset by improved gross to net adjustments and increased price. Our annual revenue trends from 2020 through the latest 12-month period also show a consistent increase with double-digit revenue growth year over year. These revenues and our management of the commercial business have led the results on the bottom line. In the third quarter, we recorded GAAP net income of $12 million, which when adjusted for non-GAAP items, results in non-GAAP net income of $15 million. This compares to GAAP net income of $2 million in the prior-year quarter and non-GAAP net income of $4 million. For the nine-month period of 2024, we reported net income of $20 million and non-GAAP net income of $45 million, whereas for the same period in 2023, we reported a net loss of $13 million and a non-GAAP net loss of $1 million. As we highlighted earlier on the call, last year, we transitioned to running the endocrine business unit for profitability, which has contributed approximately $11 million year-to-date in operating income. This, combined with our net royalty income and the margin earned from collaboration and services has allowed us to fund our two promising development programs to date and also achieved net income of $20 million for the year-to-date period and $45 million non-GAAP. The operational execution of our business, combined with our cash and investments of $268 million as of the end of September, leaves us with a strong balance sheet and the ability to invest in the business for growth. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Mike. Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Thank you, Chris. As we look back on 2024, we've executed all of the milestones we've laid out so far with the very last one coming up on INHALE-1, which we fully expect to share with the Street here by the end of the year. We're looking forward to closing out the year. As we look at the first half, we have several key regulatory updates coming around 201 with an end of Phase 1 meeting, Tyvaso DPI and the spray dry expansion, hopefully coming online, 101 continued site activations around the world and patient enrollment and screenings continuing. We'll also be having discussions with the agency on our INHALE-1 readout and our INHALE-3 data label change as we go forward. The next adventure of the company is extremely exciting as we look at our key value drivers going forward. We have 101 with every 1,000 patients being $100 million in revenue. And as we look out in the NTM space, ARIKAYCE is approaching $400 million in annual sales as we look to 2025, we feel very good that this market helping NTM patients will be a very robust opportunity in the coming years. 201, as we move that one forward, we think this has a real opportunity to help impact the patients' lives impact with IPF who suffer every day from severe diarrhea and GI side effects. As we think about Tyvaso DPI, it's hard for us to control that revenue stream, but we try to give you clarity that we continue to see very strong demand growth in manufacturing opportunities and that for every 10,000 patients here is roughly $300 million to $350 million in revenue to MannKind. With the upcoming readouts next year of TETON 1 and 2, we're gonna be extremely excited about this IPF opportunity, as well as TTOM-TPF, looking forward to continuing to leverage the manufacturing scale that we built up, as well as the opportunity to help a whole another area of patients suffering from IPF. Within the endocrine space, I want to remind you of the pediatrics, every 10% share is roughly $150 million in net revenue. We feel very comfortable if we can get this indication, we'll be able to achieve a substantial opportunity in children to make their lives hopefully better than what they go through today. The INHALE-3 study we'll be reading out. We're just starting to educate our sales force and customers around this data. And we also will have international expansion updates as we progress throughout 2025. We're looking forward to bringing all this forward and landing us in a continued growth opportunity in the years to come. We'll have several opportunities to share scientific and investor updates here in Q4, as well as Q1 next year. Starting off with the UBS Global Healthcare Conference next week, we'll be there on Tuesday, followed by an opportunity we invited with Oppenheimer here on December 12th in New York for the Rare Disease Summit. And we'll also be attending the ATTD conference, where we already had several abstracts and presentations accepted around our INHALE-3 data and possible INHALE-1 as we find out more notifications being acceptance. So we have several opportunities to continue to update you, as well as our key stakeholders in the scientific community around our key data sets in 2025. These are just a few as we start out the year and looking forward to hopefully many more opportunities in 2025 to communicate with you and our other key stakeholders. Thank you very much. We look forward to closing out the year strong and appreciate your continued support. We'll now open up for Q&A. Questions & Answers: Operator Thank you. [Operator instructions] And our first question will be coming from Andreas Argyrides of Oppenheimer. Your line is open. Andreas Argyrides -- Analyst Thanks, operator. Thanks, guys, and congrats on all the progress this quarter. Two questions from us. Regarding 101, can you just give us a sense in thinking about ARIKAYCE and the number that you provided, what percentage penetration that is of the market? And then, where does 101 fit in that and how much bigger can it be? And then, for 201, can you just give us a little bit more detail on the Phase 1 and how that helps inform the Phase 2/3 design, what you may see from an efficacy standpoint? And then, maybe a little bit more detail on the time lines, if we could. I appreciate that. Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Sure. Thank you, Andreas. I think, it came in a little blurry, but I think I heard your first question was on 101 around ARIKAYCE penetration and where does 101 fit in. And as we look at the landscape, I think the first thing is hopefully displacing ARIKAYCE in the refractory population as the administration and hopefully tolerability of 101, if it works efficacy-wise, should sustain the ability to do that very well. The second area is we are down to a final formulation selection very shortly on 101. And mid- to long term, we also expect to bring a dry powder formulation out that would help penetrate earlier lines of treatment. And so, our ultimate goal is to be used first line and second line or refractory between a dry powder and a nebulizer. Just the nebulizer was the faster way to market. And so, they're right on top of each other in the grand scheme of things, but that's generally where we expect to be able to compete in early and late lines of treatment in NTM. We'll give further updates in terms of that strategy in a bridging study, or new study, naive study, etc., sometime in '25. The 201 details on how that informs us. I think, the first thing was making sure the chronic tox data was OK because that to me was the first step in this area. And then, the Phase 1 study was really looking to see what -- if any GI side effects could have occurred? Or was there anything related to OFE type side effects that would give us concern or at least confirming our thesis that they should be minimal, which is what we expected and they were. And then, the second part of that is while they were healthy volunteers, it was the first time we're really putting Nintedanib in a healthy volunteer lung. And we're pretty confident in FTKP, as I stated earlier in the call, but demonstrating that there was no adverse reaction to Nintedanib. We can clearly see in the Phase 1, whether it's the control arm or the, I'll call it, placebo or the active, there was no indicators or any concerns for that. So that's really shapes us up for the Phase 2. We know the FDA in their preliminary comments wanted a dose range finding study. So that's what we'll go to them with next year. So we are trying to get to either a Phase 2/3 bridge or even just go to our single dose that we want to target and see whether we could down dose if somebody had tolerability issues. But until we meet with the FDA, I think it's all -- we can't really predict where their heads are gonna be, and we have a good rationale, but whether they agree or disagree is the question. So that's where we are. We expect to get there, hopefully, in Q1, and we'll provide updates as we meet with them. Andreas Argyrides -- Analyst Congrats on all the progress. Operator And our next question will be coming from Olivia Brayer of Cantor Fitzgerald. Your line is open. Olivia Brayer -- Analyst Hey, good afternoon. Thank you for the question. What more can you tell us about MNKD-201's profile just in terms of any differentiation you've seen so far? You guys are, obviously, not the only ones developing an inhaled version of the drug. And did you guys look at PK as it relates to the oral formulation? If so, any comparisons there? Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Sure. I think, the -- I think, first of all, we are probably in a speed to move this into patients in a bigger way. And I believe we have the ability to do that in the dry powder formulation in terms of CMC is pretty much ready, as well as our trial design. So it's really just getting this to the FDA. I think, in terms of one can ask, is there a difference in a nebulizer versus a dry powder. We probably have a little bit of a bias toward dry powder given our company history and background and the success of Tyvaso DPI and what we saw there over their nebulizer. So that's really our -- also our key points of differentiation as we go forward. I think there's always enough room in the market for two players. So it's really about making a difference in the patients' lives and letting competition compete. But we think that this disease requires hopefully some innovation that we can bring to the marketplace. In terms of the clinical differentiation, as you may or may not realize, these patients take immense amounts ofmodium just to try to stay on OFEV. And that will be some of the stuff we look at is do we reduce the number ofmodium do we reduce diarrhea. Our proposal to the FDA is a combination of naive and experienced patients. So hopefully, we'll be able to see GI side effect from OFE versus us in that profile. Again, the FDA could change our trial design, and we would focus only on experienced patients potentially. But otherwise, we think the administration is not gonna be the biggest burden in terms of a pill versus inhaled, but the side effect profile of OFEV is really what we're going after. And hopefully, we can get higher lung concentration. We did measure plasma PK in this trial, not to compare it to OFEV, but just to kind of triangulate to our animal models to see where we were. And that data is still coming in as we speak. So we'll have that full analysis before we go to the FDA. Olivia Brayer -- Analyst OK. Understood. And then, just in terms of kind of data disclosure for measuring plasma and PK, is the -- should we expect to see that sometime next year? Or is that something that you'll just go to the FDA with and not necessarily present at a medical meeting or publish? Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director I don't want to speculate yet because I don't know what the data says relative to our animals and how would we triangulate that or put some information out there. I do think people have been asking around the bleomycin study in this. And so, we'll think about how we can bring some more articulation of our confidence as we go forward and what that trial design looks like and the data behind the support around that. So -- and that's probably the one area I think we're still having some internal discussion on, which is do you do a smaller Phase 2 just to get the efficacy data so people could see that sooner. And then, that will take a little bit longer of a Phase 2 than a Phase 3, but it would give people more certainty. And so, those are some of the discussions between the FDA and our internal clinical development team. Operator And our next question will be coming from the line of Faisal Khurshid of Leerink Partners. Your line is open. Faisal Khurshid -- Analyst Hey, guys, thank you for taking the question. I just wanted to ask if you could say a little bit more around the adverse event profile that you saw in the Phase 1 for the inhaled nintedanib. Like with the FEV drop and cough events, could you tell us a little bit more like what's your hypothesis around what caused that? Like is that excipient related? And just anything around like kind of time course of those events? And just any more insight you can give around that? Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Yeah. There was no -- I think in the seven-day part, we look to see, did it get worse over the seven days? Did people have it on Day 1, have it on Day 7. The bottom line is there was no real concerns around the drop or the significance of the drop or it didn't continue to get worse. In fact, no one discontinued because of it. So people that may have got on Day 1, may not have had it on Day 7. Some people didn't have it on Day 1, got on Day 7. So there was no consistency about when or how it appeared. There is one thing I'll highlight for you that I think is important is these patients had to do an FEV1, I think, like every 15 minutes roughly. So there was like four to five FEV1s in the hour to two hours post dosing. And so, that itself would have a lot of irritation of the lung. And that's something that the FDA wanted. So we did it, but I'm not sure it's going to tell us much. We'll look at the summary of all that data. But there was a lot of, I'll say, administration of FEV1 throughout the time period of measurement. And so, we are looking at total FEV1 drops from the initial dose all the way through two hours, and that's after repeated FEV1s per patient. So there's a lot of data drawn, a lot to still be summarized, but there was nothing at the highest level when we looked at the data that was of concern or consistency, I'll say. And it seemed to happen in both the control, as well as the active arm. So there wasn't anything specifically around nintedanib that we would say is also. So I think it's much more around putting dry powder into the lung than anything and the frequency of FEV1 testing that was required. Faisal Khurshid -- Analyst Yeah, that sounds like a work out. Just to clarify, the placebo arm was like just a straight excipient without nintedanib. So it's the same kind of dry powder inhalation just with no active drug? Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Yeah, FTKP is the excipient. Operator Our next question will be coming from the line of Gregory Renza of RBC Capital Markets. Your line is open. Anish Nikhanj -- Analyst Hi, Mike and team. It's Anish on for Greg. Congrats on the progress this quarter. Just firstly, on 101, what's the broader value proposition from an economical standpoint for patients and physicians to use MannKind 101 over ARIKAYCE or even oral clofazimine in NTM. Maybe if you have some early thoughts on where you'd like to land on out-of-pocket cost. And then, Justin keying in on Tyvaso or Tyvaso DPI and the TETON IPF and PPF studies, might 201 also be clinically usable in PPF? I know there's some research out there. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Yeah, no, thank you. I do think that's -- as we saw another company switched from IPF to PPF. I think, we'll see some results in IPF next year with the TETON 1 and 2. So I think there is an opportunity there, to your point. Some of that will be we would expect to get, in my mind, extrapolation of indication. So if we look at what nintedanib has indicated for, I think it's really picking the right population with the right trial to get the right endpoint. And I think as part of our request with the FDA, just like we got ILD with Tyvaso DPI, we would hope to get extrapolation with that focus. So that would be our first focus on that. But to your point, maybe we could go after PPF instead of IPF if we really wanted to. And I think that's still an ongoing discussion, but I think a lot of this is the bigger population of IPF and the predictability of enrollment in that trial. I'll bridge over to your 101 question on the brand value proposition. So I think when you look at clofazimine, it's in all the guidelines, doctors really love it. Our team is over in Asia right now in Australia activating sites and kicking off the investigator meetings over there. And clofazimine has much more wider use, I'll say, in those markets. And so, the receptivity of our nebulizer form is very high and the belief in clofazimine as a treatment for NTM is very high. And when you think about the couple of side effects of clofazimine, in particular, oral formulation, you're getting skin discoloration, QT prolongation and potentially organ accumulation. So those are three things you don't want that with the reduced dose in the systemic circulation, but better concentration in the lungs, we would see a better value prop. And then, combine that, I think with ARIKAYCE. ARIKAYCE is an aminoglycoside, so it's got ototoxicity by nature. And I do believe those will be clinically differentiated, especially as you get to infectious disease docs and hospitals who are used to dealing with these things. I think there'll be a clinical differentiation, potentially a safety. Again, we got to get trial results before we get too excited. But I think conceptually, that's where our heads are. And then, you get to the dosing administration. Every day, cleaning a device for six months to 18 months of your life is a burden. And that's one of the reasons we chose the dosing we did with clofazimine, which is 28 days on and 56 days off. One is the use of a nebulizer and the PK/PD of the product allows us to probably get that long. And then, the second is the co-pay burden on the patient. And so, there is no real incentive to the doctors to use, I'll call it, nebulizer or an oral form of a product unlike diabetes where there's an incentive to use an insulin pump that doesn't happen in this disease. But being able to really get that nebulizer down to once a month, which should remain one co-pay to the patient. And so, while the overall WAC cost for month supply will probably be comparable to a three-month supply, I would say that that duration of effect will last you up to three months, and the co-pay will be a one-month thing. And that's important, especially for Medicare, which is generally capped per month as we go into '25. So that's kind of the value prop on the cost economic side and the dosing and safety that we are thinking about. Operator And our next question will be coming from Brandon Folkes of Rodman. Your line is open. Brandon Folkes -- Analyst Hi. Thanks for taking my question, and congratulations on the progress during the quarter. I actually want to switch gears and talk a little bit about Afrezza. Can you just talk about the growth in Afrezza and sort of especially the growth in terms of the breadth and depth of prescribers? And what is the unaided awareness out there in the market just in the investment that MannKind has put into Afrezza data over the last year. Is there some level of anticipation of that data among your current prescribing community? And then, how do we see the Afrezza commercial footprint evolving over time just given that backdrop, especially as we sort of move into the pediatric label and then sort of really make a move on the inhaled data? Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Thank you, Brandon. Nice to hear from you. There's a few questions wrapped up in there. And so, I would say, the unaided awareness of Afrezza among doctors is what we'd expect given the investment in our narrow target, meaning we target probably about 4,000 to 5,000 docs in any given quarter. And the number that actually write on a consistent basis is, obviously, much less. And so, that gets you to our focus, which is not broadening prescribers right now. It's actually going deeper with the current prescribers who've used the product because we got to a point this year where we really reduced our sales force from roughly 80 people down to 50. And so, with that 40% cut, we had to go narrow and deep. And that strategy seems to be working. We're seeing growth within our targets that we're really on top of. And we've seen that we've lost a little bit of scripts in the non-targets, I'll say, or in some of those docs that we had to leave with the reduction in the sales force. But the hope was we would make up that drop on those that we are targeting. So that does appear to be kind of making that transition as we got from Q2 to Q3 to early Q4. The other part that we are seeing in the endocrine space, and you can kind of see the insulin scripts, I think the overall TRx has dropped roughly 3% to 5% in Q3 in the overall rapid-acting mealtime market. And Afrezza, obviously, dropped from Q2 to Q3 a little bit. And some of that is we are seeing the endos switch from treating diabetes to actually treating weight loss. And they're just literally wholesale shifting their focus and their patient volumes. And so, we'll see how that continues to play out. I don't expect it to impact Afrezza in a dramatic way because we have more than enough prescribers that we still need to help and work on. But that was some of our top prescribers. We start to see, and that's why it is important to broaden our commercial focus beyond the ones that we do have. And overall, as we go forward, we want to kind of see the reaction to the INHALE-3 data. So that came out -- the 30-week data just came out a few weeks ago here. And that data will be published in a reputable journal probably in the next four to eight weeks. And so, that's been accepted. And then, we have a bunch of presentations at ATTD, and we're just starting to educate the marketplace. So we'll be looking to bring MSLs out in 2025 to really start to get into the academic centers and fellowship trainings and really focus a little bit more on getting out from underneath the burden, I'll say, of the safety perceptions of inhaled insulin and how we start to put that on the table and move forward on the efficacy opportunities to help more patients. So it's a lot in your question, but I do think we got a good grasp of what's going on, and we feel pretty good about the direction we are going and our ability or desire to shift investment to grow it faster, at least put some resources behind key areas to make a difference. Brandon Folkes -- Analyst And congratulations again. Operator And this does conclude the Q&A session for today. I would like to turn the call back over to management for closing remarks. Please go ahead. Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Thank you, Lisa, for moderating today, and thank you to all the MannKind team and our shareholders. We've had a great year so far. We're going to close the year strong and looking really forward to 2025, and we'll continue to give you guys updates as things come in. But there's, obviously, a lot going on, all in a great way, and we look forward to continue to open up that communication line and feel free to reach out with any questions. Thank you. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 0 minutes Call participants: Michael E. Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Christopher B. Prentiss -- Chief Financial Officer Mike Castagna -- Chief Executive Officer and Director Andreas Argyrides -- Analyst Olivia Brayer -- Analyst Faisal Khurshid -- Analyst Anish Nikhanj -- Analyst Brandon Folkes -- Analyst More MNKD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. MannKind (MNKD) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) After holding the position of mayor in Paxton for nearly 20 years, 75-year-old Bill Ingold isnt quite done yet. Ingold first ran for mayor in 2005. In his time as mayor, hes worked to improve the city as a whole, especially in the downtown area. It means a lot Paxton-Buckley-Loda hosting second round playoff game Ingold has overseen the streets and sidewalks being repaved in downtown area. A tax increment (TIF) district has helped improve 16 storefronts and is in the process of improving another 13. Paxton has taken down old homes to make space for new and improved ones to come in and theyve hired a code enforcement officer for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal for downtown was to make it look like a Hallmark village, Ingold said. Im always looking for money for the downtown. Next, Ingold said hes hoping to see a three-phase development that would lead to new homes in the city. In an interview with WCIA, Ingold said hes working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and developers to make it happen. On Nov. 18, Ingold will turn in his election petition. If he wins re-election, hell hold the position of mayor in Paxton for another four years, serving for 24 years in total. Ingold also said he tries to make himself as available to residents as possible. To reach him about questions or concerns, you can call his office at 217-379-4022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read more about Ingolds history, work and plans for the city with WCIAs partners at the Ford County Chronicle. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. In September, a jury of Ada County residents decided that two Boise State University administrators owe the owner of a now-defunct local coffee shop $4 million in a lawsuit that centered around the closure of the shops campus location four years ago. The administrators, who were acting in their official capacities, were sued as individuals. Boise State was not a defendant. So who pays the damages? Richard Seamon, a law professor at the University of Idaho who teaches administrative and constitutional law, said most government employers have a policy that says they will indemnify employees who are found to be negligent and held liable for actions that occurred within the scope of their official duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the usual scenario, Seamon said by phone. Imagine some employee is driving during the day, running an errand for the boss, maybe going to the FedEx store, and they have an accident. If the employee is held negligent for the accident, the idea is that they would be covered because the accident wouldnt have happened if they werent doing their job. The state of Idaho has a self-funded insurance program, known as the Retained Risk Account, which is managed by the state Department of Administrations Risk Management Program. According to a copy of the programs coverage document, which was obtained by the Idaho Statesman via a public records request, most state universities and colleges are covered, save for a handful of community colleges. But there are limitations, such as a $500,000 cap on liability per occurrence. The document also lists several types of claims that are not covered, like intentional illegal acts. A sandwich board on the quad at Boise State University advertises the Big City Coffee shop that operated for 1 months in 2020 inside the university library. Lawsuit targets individual administrators Big City Coffee and owner Sarah Fendley initially sued Boise State and the administrators in their official capacities, seeking $10 million in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those counts were dismissed because the Supreme Court has ruled that the 11th Amendment bars lawsuits against the state, which the university and the administrators represented. While the charges were pared down, much of the lawsuit was allowed to proceed, including against the individual administrators: Leslie Webb, the universitys former vice president of student affairs, who now works at the University of Montana; and Alicia Estey, then-Boise States vice president for university affairs and now its chief financial and operating officer. Fendley had argued that the administrators forced the closure of her shop near the universitys library in October 2020, a month and a half after it opened, to appease a group of students who took issue with her support of the thin blue line the idea that police form the line between order and lawlessness particularly in the wake of George Floyds death, when the nation saw widespread calls for police reform. Fendleys former fiance was a Boise police officer and she displayed a thin blue line flag in her downtown shop at 1416 W. Grove St., which she unexpectedly closed permanently halfway through the trial. Caffeina Kitchen opened in its place. Boise State argued during the trial that Fendley left of her own volition, after she asked the administrators to use the universitys student code of conduct to punish the students for expressing opinions she didnt like and was told no. The administrators said they were aware of Fendleys support for the thin blue line and potential problems it could cause on campus before agreeing to the contract, and that it didnt deter them. Anne Selvage, right, and Haylie Peton get together at Big City Coffee in downtown Boise in 2014. Boise State on the hook for payout John Rumel, another law professor at the U of I, told the Statesman that Boise State will most likely rely on its insurance to pay at least part of the damages awarded to Fendley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If insurance only covers $500,000 of the damages, the university may pay the rest out of pocket, he added. I dont think Boise State would actually require its own employees to pay the difference, Rumel said. Public entities theyre not going to leave the individual on the hook. If its not insurance money that covers it, theyve got a bank account, theyll cover it. Mike Keckler, spokesperson for the Idaho State Board of Education, declined to answer questions about what funds the money might come from or whether the State Board would be involved, citing ongoing litigation. Punitive damages not covered by insurance The jury deliberated for nearly three hours on Sept. 13 before delivering a verdict in favor of Fendley. It awarded $3 million for business losses, mental and emotional distress, personal humiliation and lost reputation, and tacked on an additional $1 million in punitive damages against Webb. Punitive damages are punishment for behavior found to be malicious or especially harmful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Punitive damages are a high standard, Rumel said. Usually, theyre not awarded. The states Retained Risk Account does not cover any dishonest, fraudulent, criminal or malicious act, according to the document. That means Boise State or Webb would be on the hook for the extra $1 million in punitive damages. State law says under the Idaho Tort Claims Act that governmental entities and their employees shall not be liable for punitive damages on any claim. But federal law, which supersedes Idaho law, does allow an award of punitive damages against state employees in cases involving constitutional actions, according to Keely Duke, the attorney representing the Boise State administrators. Fendley had argued her case on the ground that the university violated her civil rights, under section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, by retaliating against her for exercising free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs seek punitive damages in this case under federal law, and thus, federal law governs the standards for proving punitive damages under section 1983, not Idaho code, 4th District Judge Cynthia Yee-Wallace wrote in an order on punitive damages in the case in November 2023. Owner Sarah Fendley at work in 2016 in her Big City Coffee shop in downtown Boise. State may reveal amounts paid when claim closes Sherry Squires, a spokesperson for Boise State, did not answer a question about who would pay the damages awarded by the jury. Squires told the Statesman by email that the university is working with the states Risk Management Program to assess financial questions. We respectfully but strongly disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal, Squires statement said. Duke filed a motion in court on Sept. 30 asking Yee-Wallace, who presided over the trial, to reject the jurys verdict and rule in their favor or grant a new jury trial. Duke argued at a hearing Oct. 28 that there was not substantial or competent evidence presented and that the verdict should not stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumel, the law professor, said post-trial motions could take a few months to resolve and, if the plaintiffs appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court, the case could be tied up for an additional 18 months. The law generally respects the verdicts of juries, he said. That doesnt mean the judge cant set it aside if the evidence supports that. I dont think weve gotten the last word yet on whether this judgment is going to stick. The state Department of Administration denied part of a Statesman public records request related to the damages, citing an exemption in the Idaho Public Records Act for insurance claims and lawsuits defended by the Risk Management Program. Kimberly Rau, a spokesperson for the Department of Administration, said the program may release statistical data and actual amounts paid when litigation concludes and the claim is closed. Conservative donor bankrolls lawsuit The attorneys for Big City Coffee and Fendley filed a motion Sept. 30 requesting nearly $1.7 million in legal fees. The fee arrangement between Fendley and Boise law firm Givens Pursley was at first on an hourly basis at discounted rates and later converted to a contingency fee structure in mid-2023, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Roe, a partner at the firm and Fendleys lead attorney, racked up about $730,000 in attorney fees alone, most of which was charged at $550 an hour. The filing also revealed that Larry Williams, a prominent Boise businessman and wealthy Republican donor, was Fendleys benefactor. Idaho businessman Larry Williams, right, gets a pat on the back from longtime friend and former business partner Mike Johnson before Williamss Rousing Sermon raced in 2012 at the Kentucky Derby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams generously paid her counsel to the tune of about $475,000 in a somewhat complex financial arrangement, the motion said. In June 2023, Williams stopped paying Fendleys entire legal fees and instead began paying $10,000 a month, which was still not enough to completely cover the costs. They agreed Williams would be reimbursed from whatever damages were awarded in the case. Although plaintiffs did not prevail on every claim or against every party ... plaintiffs obtained an excellent result in the form of a $4 million jury verdict, the motion said. The defense filed a motion in response to reject Fendleys request for attorneys fees. A hearing on those motions, and a request from the defense to delay payment of the $4 million verdict pending appeals, is scheduled for Jan. 6. Theres no evidence: Boise State officials request retrial in Big City Coffee case Jury issues verdict in Big City Coffee lawsuit against Boise State administrators Embroiled in lawsuit, heart broken, Boise restaurant closes. This new one will open WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said if President Joe Biden had ended his reelection bid sooner, the Democratic Party could have held a competitive nominating process to choose his replacement. "Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race," Pelosi said in an interview on Thursday published by the New York Times the next day. "The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary." Pelosi said she thought the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, "would have done well in that and been stronger going forward. But we dont know that. That didnt happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that since Biden endorsed Harris immediately, "that really made it almost impossible to have a primary at that time. If it had been much earlier, it would have been different." Republican Donald Trump soundly defeated Harris in Tuesday's election to recapture the White House. "I dont think that any review of the election should be predicated on weaknesses, but strengths of Kamala Harris. She gave people hope. She caused a great deal of excitement in all this," Pelosi said in the New York Times interview, according to quotes provided to Reuters by her office. On an open primary, Pelosi said: "Kamala, I think, still wouldve won, but she may have been stronger having taken her case to the public sooner," according to her office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, 81, ended his reelection bid in July and immediately endorsed Harris after a poor debate performance against Trump, 78, sparked concerns that he could not beat the former president nor complete a second four-year term. Pelosi reportedly was part of a behind-the-scenes effort to pressure Biden to abandon his campaign. Pelosi left her leadership post in the House after Republicans won control of the chamber in the 2022 elections. She remained in the House, however, and was elected to a 20th term on Tuesday. (Reporting by Eric Beech; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) Penn State graduate students are looking to try and unionize, and while past attempts have not been successful, they say theyre going to continue to fight for what they believe is right. Kicking off at noon at Old Main, the rally drew a crowd of union supporters. They say they want better pay among other benefits because State College is becoming increasingly more difficult to live in. Theres a lot of us here and its about time that, you know, State College became a lot more livable for a lot of the people without whom the school could not function, Owen Harrington, a fifth-year graduate student, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The We Give Blood Drive fights against national blood shortage The rally hosted several speakers including student testimonies, a representative from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, and Rep. Paul Takac (D-82). Politics entered the talks, with UAWs Daniel Vicente saying that the Democratic Party no longer represents working-class people in this country. Takac pushed back on this claim, saying that Democrats in Harrisburg are the only reason that the students had the right to hold a rally. After the event finished, Takac said he wanted to focus on the positive message being spread by the graduate students, and that he will always fight for unions. For decades, working people in unions have been under attack with right-to-work legislation, so-called, and other things that have undermined their ability to come together and get fair wages, good benefits and safety protections that they need, Takac said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. When asked for comment on the rally, Penn State sent WTAJ the following statement: We are aware and as a public research university, Penn State is committed to the successful intellectual and professional development of its graduate students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. TAYLOR, Pa. (WHTM) State officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to stay up-to-date on their annual vaccinations against respiratory diseases as we enter the holiday season. Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen received her flu shot during a visit to the Taylor Community Center in Lackawanna County. Her visit was in tandem with Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. Taylor, PA. Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of the PA Dept. of Health, speaks during Thursdays event. State officials join Lackawanna County residents at the Taylor Community Center to stress the importance of getting annual vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to safeguard their health ahead of the holiday season. The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants. November 7, 2024. Taylor, PA. Jason Kavulich, Secretary of the PA Dept. of Aging, speaks during Thursdays event. State officials join Lackawanna County residents at the Taylor Community Center to stress the importance of getting annual vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to safeguard their health ahead of the holiday season. The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants. November 7, 2024. Taylor, PA. Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, speaks during Thursdays event. State officials join Lackawanna County residents at the Taylor Community Center to stress the importance of getting annual vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to safeguard their health ahead of the holiday season. The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants. November 7, 2024. Taylor, PA. Jason Kavulich, Secretary of the PA Dept. of Aging, speaks during Thursdays event. State officials join Lackawanna County residents at the Taylor Community Center to stress the importance of getting annual vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to safeguard their health ahead of the holiday season. The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants. November 7, 2024. Taylor, PA. Dr. Debra Bogen, gets her flu shot during Thursdays event. State officials join Lackawanna County residents at the Taylor Community Center to stress the importance of getting annual vaccinations against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to safeguard their health ahead of the holiday season. The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants. November 7, 2024. Before the holiday season begins, Pennsylvanians should protect themselves and their family from severe respiratory illness by ensuring they are up to date on their flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations, Bogen said in a media release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the cold weather and the holiday season just around the corner, it is the perfect time for older adults to get their yearly vaccinations, said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. These vital immunizations are available just about everywhere, at your local pharmacies, health care providers, and events like the one here at the Taylor Community Center. Getting vaccinated can provide peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones so they can share special moments in their homes and communities. Since the start of respiratory virus season on Sept. 29, the Department of Health says emergency room visits leading to a flu, COVID-19, or RSV diagnosis have remained low and they hope vaccinations will keep them low. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here So far, 1,083 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported along with three deaths, 96 COVID-19 deaths, and 470 confirmed RSV cases. Most insurance plans cover COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccinations at no cost, but for people who are underinsured or uninsured, the COVID-19 vaccine is available through local State Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Pennsylvania State Police in Indiana County issued a warning about the return of the Grandparent Scam. Since Oct. 25, at least two residents of Indiana County have contacted state police to report that they received a phone call from someone who falsely claimed to be their child or grandchild. In both incidents, the alleged child/grandchild advised the intended victim that they were involved in an accident, that they needed their parent/grandparent to send them cash and that someone would come to their home to collect the money. In one of the incidents, the request was for $9,000 and the victim provided $3,500 after an unknown person arrived at their home in Conemaugh Township and collected the money, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >> Officials warning against scam targeting grandparents On Nov. 7, a woman from South Mahoning Township reported to troopers that she received a phone call from a person who claimed to be a detective in Texas. The victim was deceived into purchasing $5,000 in Bitcoin and sent it to the scammer. In another similar recent incident, another resident of Indiana County sustained a loss of approximately $20,000, state police said. Last year, Channel 11 told you about a Pittsburgh man who said he got scammed out of $8,000 when he got a scam call stating his granddaughter was in trouble. Scammers can be very savvy, and so, in an effort to prevent these crimes, we strongly advise residents to keep up to date on common scams and to discuss them with your family members and friends. Also, please be advised that law enforcement officers will never call to demand money and any such requests should be deemed fraudulent, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information on common scams and tips for protecting yourself against them can be found on the United States Federal Trade Commission website. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The Pentagon is anticipating a major upheaval during the second Trump presidency, according to the Washington Post. Former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Mark Jacobson joins Katy Tur to discuss the risks to national security. WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon is easing restrictions to allow a small number of private American defense contactors to work inside Ukraine, helping repair and maintain equipment, U.S. officials said Friday. The contractors will be far away from the front lines during Russia's invasion and will not be taking part in combat, the officials said. The department is soliciting bids now, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal decisions. Ukraine has been receiving billions of dollars worth of American weapons and equipment over the past two years, including a number of sophisticated systems. For much of that time, U.S. and allied troops have been providing real-time maintenance advice using phones and tablets to communicate in encrypted chatrooms with Ukrainian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the Pentagon is allowing the contractors to go because some equipment including F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems requires high-tech expertise to repair. Using the contractors, they said, will ensure the weapons are fixed quickly so Ukrainian forces can continue to use them in combat. The decision expands the footprint of U.S. government contractors working in Ukraine. The State Department already has contracted with U.S. companies to work inside the country, including on the energy grid. In addition, a number of American companies have workers in Ukraine under contracts with the Kyiv government. Officials said the companies will be responsible for the safety of their employees. Defense officials are getting anxious about the possibility of the incoming Trump administration firing Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown, due to perceptions that he is out of step with the president-elect on the Pentagons diversity and inclusion programs. The Trump administrations DOD transition team led by former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie has yet to officially set foot in the Pentagon since the election was called, owing to the transition teams refusal so far to accept assistance from the federal government. But concern is beginning to bubble up that Brown, who spoke publicly about the challenges of rising through the military as a Black man as Donald Trump urged the Defense Department to crack down on the George Floyd protests in 2020, could be swept out by a president-elect who has promised to make the Pentagon less woke. The chairs four-year term normally is staggered so they serve the end of one administration and the beginning of another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Brown, that two-year mark arrives in September 2025, well into Trumps first year back in office. There is no rule, however, prohibiting Trump from dismissing him sooner. Any such move would be extraordinary, though not unprecedented. There is some anxiety, said one current DOD official, who like others was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters. I think they are immediately worried, the official said of Browns team. Hes a DEI/woke champion, a second DOD official said. Can imagine hell be gone quite quickly. Two people close to the Trump transition team mentioned that Brown has long been a target of congressional Republicans who accused the Pentagon of conducting social experiments with diversity programs, to the detriment of traditional military tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both people said there is no hard plan to keep or dismiss Brown, but that Pentagon officials up and down the chain of command are being evaluated. Another person familiar with the Trump transition teams thinking said they believe that C.Q. Brown, hes going to be an obstacle in all sorts of ways and its just not worth it. Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Trumps team did not directly address Browns future at the Pentagon, but did not deny they are considering making changes. The American people re-elected President Trump because they trust him to lead our country and restore peace through strength around the world. When he returns to the White House, he will take the necessary action to do just that," the Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt wrote in an email to POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of those Republicans, like Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has emerged as a close Trump adviser, and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who is the vice president-elect, were among the 11 Republican senators to vote no on Browns confirmation as chair in September 2023. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who was in the mix for defense secretary but took himself out of consideration, abstained from the vote but has been a major critic of the Pentagon programs to install more diversity training and pay for service members to travel out of state for abortion care. After the race was decided Wednesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin quickly sent out a memo to all personnel saying the Pentagon will carry out a calm, orderly, and professional transition to the incoming Trump administration. Brown was actually nominated by Trump to become the first Black Air Force chief of staff in early 2020. While still awaiting Senate confirmation for that job, Brown began to speak up about racial injustice in the military, after Floyd's death at the hands of police officers sparked nationwide protests, culminating in the U.S. Park Polices attack on peaceful demonstrators in Lafayette Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm thinking about my Air Force career where I was often the only African American in my squadron or, as a senior officer, the only African American in the room, Brown said in an emotional video released after then-Gen. Mark Milley and then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper apologized for their roles in Trumps photo-op in the square adjoining the White House. I'm thinking about wearing the same flight suit with the same wings on my chest as my peers and then being questioned by another military member, are you a pilot? Brown was confirmed unanimously by the Senate days later and sworn in as the Air Forces top officer in August 2020. Trump called Brown a Patriot and Great Leader in a tweet just before his confirmation. But when Brown became President Joe Bidens choice to succeed Milley in the militarys top job, Brown got snarled in a monthslong hold by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) on military promotions over the DOD abortion care policy. And Republicans criticized the changes he made as the Air Force chief, including diversifying promotion boards and changing evaluation criteria. Now, people in Trumps orbit see Brown as a potential threat to the president-elects plan to do away with diversity and inclusion programs at the Pentagon that are seen as woke by the incoming administration. Since Brown is a top military adviser to the president and is not in the chain of command, Pentagon officials also outlined another possible scenario where the Air Force general could simply be isolated or not used for advice in a Trump administration. You can just not include him as much, a third DOD official told POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dismissing or not re-appointing the chair, the militarys top officer, is not entirely without historical precedent. Taking over the presidency in 1953, Dwight Eisenhower dismissed the chiefs or allowed them to retire. But of the last five U.S. military chiefs, only one, Gen. Peter Pace, has not been chosen to stay on for an entire four-year term. For now, at least, the mood in the Pentagon has been to keep calm and carry on. After the election in the building there was a lot of shrugging and moving on, and whats the next day hold, the third DOD official said. As opposed to other transitions Ive witnessed there seems to be a lot less trepidation in the building. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated the terms for Joint Chiefs chairs. They serve a single, four-year term. (Bloomberg) -- Australia will push ahead with a ban on social media for people aged under 16 despite calls by Meta Platforms Inc. for it to consider shifting responsibility for policing usage to app store operators such as Google and Apple. Most Read from Bloomberg Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Friday that all state and territory leaders had signed on to the plan for age restrictions, with the government ruling out any exceptions for major services such as Facebook, TikTok or X. The legislation will be brought before parliament in the week beginning Nov. 18, with a 12-month gap between when the bill passes and when it takes effect. No information has been provided on what personal information would be required to demonstrate proof of age on social media, or the penalties firms might face for breaching the laws. The government has also not offered an exhaustive list of which platforms are considered social media. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said that under the new legislation, such services would be labeled as age-restricted. The minister said the government would review individual websites and online services to decide whether they fall under the laws, but added that gaming services and messaging apps would likely be exempt. Australia has a history of taking on large technology companies that run social sites, including a push in 2021 to make Metas Facebook and Alphabet Inc.s Google pay for news content. More recently, the government clashed with Elon Musks X Corp. over a failure to remove a video of a terrorist attack in Sydney. Meta Regional Policy Director for Australia Mia Garlick said that while the company agrees that young people need to have age-appropriate experiences on social media, its important to consider how that can be enacted practically. The challenge is that the technology isnt quite there yet in terms of having a perfect solution, Garlick told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Friday. She added that it would be better to have mobile app store providers place age restrictions on their products rather than social media companies. If every single app is required to implement its own age-appropriate controls, then the burden really is going to fall on young people and parents for each of the different apps that a young person wants to use, she said. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The outgoing Biden administration is vowing to give the incoming Trump administration what it did not receive in 2021: a peaceful transition of power. Thats what the American people deserve, said President Joe Biden Thursday. I assured him [Trump] that I direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. The U.S. State Department and Pentagon echoed President Biden, saying the transition is vital to the countrys security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why its so important for us to conduct a smooth, efficient and professional transition process, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The department will make a calm, orderly and professional transition to the next Commander-in-Chief, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. Biden administration officials said the transition is also important for foreign relations as world leaders brace for the return of President-elect Donald Trump. There is one president at a time, and Joe Biden is the president, Miller said. Miller said President Biden will continue to pursue ceasefire deals in the Middle East while Trump has urged quick ends to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am convinced that a quick end of the war would be a loss, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy said he communicated that to Trump during his congratulatory call. We would like a fair ending of the war, Zelenskyy said. Russian President Vladimir Putin also weighed in on Trumps vow to quickly end the war. This deserves attention at the very least, Putin said. And I would like to take this opportunity to offer my congratulations on his election as President of the United States. Trump has indicated he would also stop U.S. support for Ukraine. Thats why President Biden wants to send out the remaining assistance, about $6 billion, before Inauguration Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to surge and get that out there to Ukraine, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Since Election Day on Tuesday, people across the D.C. area and the country have reported receiving racist text messages. The messages seem to specifically target Black school-aged and college students. One person who lives in D.C., according to Washingtonian Problems on X, received a text that read: Greetings, You have been selected to be a house slave at Abington Plantation. Come to this address, 300 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 at 0500 tomorrow SHARP. With all of your belongings. This is mandatory. Our executive spaces will come get you in a Turquoise van, be prepared to be searched down once you enter the plantation grounds. You will be station at Plantation point L. Sincerely, Trump administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations The Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said it has received multiple reports of similar messages, sent to Black Marylanders from unknown numbers. While there are different versions, each message instructs the recipient to board a bus to be taken to a plantation to work as a slave. The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election. Among the recipients were school-aged and college students, causing significant distress, the OAG stated in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Civil Rights Division of the Maryland OAG is asking victims who have received similar messages to come forward. There is no home for hate in Maryland, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said, in part. The FBI confirmed it is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country. The agency said it is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. The Attorney Generals Office said it is also aware of the text messages saying it unequivocally condemns them. adding that anyone who believes to be under a threat should contact police as well as their local FBI field office at this number: 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or via www.fbi.gov/tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recipients were encouraged to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities. United Airlines introduces Touchless ID at DCA for faster security screening If you live in D.C., resources regarding bias-related crimes and discrimination can be found through the Office of Human Rights. If you live in Maryland, you are encouraged to submit a Civil Rights Complaint Form or you can file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention here. If you live in Virginia, the Office of Civil Rights has several ways you can fill out a complaint form. To submit a complaint online, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A local veteran received a call of a lifetime. Ameren Illinois and Veterans Maintenance Solutions have been working together to change the lives of those who have served, by remodeling their house with smart home technology. Dallas Terry, a veteran and lifetime Peoria resident, was gifted smart home products. Whether it be smart light bulbs or smart speakers or smart Wi-Fi cameras that are going to be connected, said Robert Rusteberg, innovation channel manager for Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs, Mr. Terry is going to be exposed to all those, and were going to work with whatever works with his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Peoria Veterans Day celebrations Veterans Maintenance Solutions has done this same remodel to over 30 veterans in the central Illinois area. Our mission is to help veterans in particular stay in their home longer so they can live an easier life in their homes, said Starr Gobtop, secretary treasurer for Veterans Maintenance Solutions. Gobtop said they want to give veterans who have served a feeling of security. Many of our vets, their concern is safety, she said. So a lot of these programs, a lot of these measures that were putting in, give them that safety. Dallas is honored to go from serving others to being served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you serve as a veteran, you know thats a sacrifice and you, and youre doing it for your country, he said. It means a lot, you know, for me as a veteran that you appreciate my service. Dallas suffers from arthritis in his back and says the smart home equipment will make a huge difference in his life. I said its too good to be true, he said. I asked a young lady, I said, Is this stuff free? And she said, Yeah, its free. Its kind of hard to believe. I can see that it is going to really improve our lives. The equipment is purchased through incentive money from Ameren Illinois designed to make life easier for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Police have arrested a person suspected of vandalizing the Asian-owned coffee shop Cafe Ca Phe in Kansas Citys Columbus Park neighborhood, Kansas City police announced on social media Friday. Overnight, our officers arrested a suspect responsible for vandalizing a Vietnamese business in the Columbus Park neighborhood this week, the Kansas City Police Department said on social media. Charges were pending and investigators were looking whether the suspect might be connected to other crimes, police said in the post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives were able to work hand-in-hand with outside agencies to identify and arrest a person of interest that is believed to be responsible for multiple metro-wide burglaries, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson with the Kansas City Police Department. While we cannot speak to the specifics of how he was located due to the investigation remaining active and ongoing, detectives did share that surveillance footage was extremely helpful during the course of this investigation, she said. The vandalism is not believed to be a hate crime, Gonzalez said, adding: We do not have anything to indicate as such at this point. Cafe Ca Phe owner Jackie Nguyen, who spent the Election Day selling Vietnamese coffee to Kansas City Voters outside the World War I Museum and Memorial, told The Star on Wednesday she believed the attack was targeted, not a burglary because the person didnt attempt to go inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video provided to The Star shows a masked person drove a Chevrolet SUV to the coffee shop at 916 East Fifth Street at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday. The person threw a rock at the glass door and window three times and then drove off. Nguyen, who started her business in late 2020 to give Asian people in Kansas City a safe space, said this is the third time her business had been targeted by criminals. The first two were break-ins where burglars took money from the cash register. Nguyen had sympathy for the suspects in those incidents, saying the alleged thieves were just people who were struggling. The latest vandalism occured in the early morning hours post-election, just hours before the presidential race was called. The shops Instagram account has been vocal about supporting Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is helping Georgia officials identify the man who dragged two dogs tied to the back of a car nearly two months ago, killing one of them. The animal rights organization is offering $10,000 for whoever has information that leads to the suspect's arrest, raising the total to $16,000. Surveillance footage captured the suspect who dragged the two animals along a roadway in Redan, just east of Atlanta, at around 8 p.m. on Sept. 13, the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. Prosecutors said the driver then got out of his car and untied the dogs from the bumper, leaving them for dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release Thursday, PETA said it aims to see the suspect convicted on animal cruelty charges. "The agony and terror that these two dogs must have endured as a cruel person bound them to a car, sped down the road, and left them to die in a parking lot is unimaginable," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a news release. "PETA asks anyone with information to come forward immediately so this killer can be held accountable before they harm anyone else." Dekalb County officials are looking for a man who dragged two dogs tied to a car bumper with ropes tied to their necks in Redan, Georgia on Sept. 13, 2024. Suspect drove a 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu Video caught the man pulling into the parking lot of the Redan Recreational Center. The man seemingly backed out of the parking to prevent his license plate number from being captured. The suspect's car was a dark, four-door sedan that investigators believe is a 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information regarding the animal abuse is encouraged to call the DeKalb County Animal Enforcement tip line at 404-294-2939. Other dog treated for severe injuries A witness later notified police about the dogs and a DeKalb County Animal Enforcement officer later found both animals with a rope tied around their necks, according to prosecutors. A male medium-sized black dog, between 1 and 7 years old, was found dead at the scene. The other dog, a male medium-sized brindle around 9 months old, was treated for severe injuries and later cared for by DeKalb County Animal Services. The DeKalb County Animal Services said the dog had an "amazing recovery" and has been adopted by a family, according to Atlanta station WANF. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PETA raises reward to $16,000 for man who dragged dogs on road in GA Phenix CITY, Ala. (WRBL) A Phenix City man is recovering in stable condition after being shot by a Lee County deputy on Monday night in an incident where deputies say they mistook a pellet gun for a real gun. The Lee County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call around 9:10 PM on November 4 from a man in the 100 block of Lee Rd. 482, who allegedly said he intended to take his own life. The caller hung up without providing additional information, prompting deputies to respond to the scene to ensure his safety. Upon arrival, deputies met a concerned neighbor who reported a man named Wesley had been seen walking around his home with a handgun. A short time later, deputies observed the individual outside, holding a gun to his head and threatening to end his life. In response, Lee Countys trained crisis negotiators were called to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 90 minutes, deputies and negotiators attempted to calm the situation and persuade the man to surrender. However, the standoff escalated when deputies said he aimed a gun at law enforcement officers. Investigators say deputies, fearing for their safety, fired on the individual, hitting him once in the shoulder. The man was identified as 52-year-old Wesley Floyd Poole of Phenix City. He received immediate on-site medical assistance before being transported to Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, for further treatment. He is currently listed in stable condition. After the incident, investigators found the gun Poole had pointed at deputies was a CO2-powered pellet pistol closely resembling a real firearm. As part of the Lee County Sheriffs Offices standard protocol, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was called in to investigate the shooting, ensuring an independent assessment of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No deputies were injured in the encounter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) -China summoned the Philippines' ambassador on Friday to express its objection to two new laws in the Southeast Asian nation asserting maritime rights and sovereignty over disputed areas of the South China Sea, its foreign ministry said. China made "solemn representations" to the ambassador shortly after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law to strengthen his country's maritime claims and bolster its territorial integrity. The Maritime Zones law "illegally includes most of China's Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands and related maritime areas in the Philippines' maritime zones," Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, using the Chinese names for Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands respectively.Beijing has rejected a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration which said its expansive maritime claims over the South China Sea had no legal basis, in a case that was brought by Manila. The United States, a Philippine ally, backs the court's ruling.Marcos said the two laws he signed, which define maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes, were a demonstration of commitment to uphold the international rules-based order, and protect Manila's rights to exploit resources peacefully in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our people, especially our fisher folk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment," Marcos said. "We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our sea bed." But Beijing said the laws were a "serious infringement" of its claims over the contested areas."China urges the Philippine side to effectively respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, to immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the widening of the dispute and complicate the situation," Mao said. China, which also has sovereignty disputes with the other countries in the region, has enacted domestic laws covering the South China Sea, such as a coast guard law in 2021 that allows it to detain foreigners suspected of trespassing. Beijing, which uses an armada of coast guard ships to assert its claims, routinely accuses vessels of trespassing in areas of the South China Sea that fall inside the EEZs of its neighbours, and has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines in the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philippine officials acknowledged the challenges they face in implementing the new laws, with one author, Senator Francis Tolentino, saying he did not expect a reduction in tensions. "China will not recognise these, but the imprimatur that we'll be getting from the international community would strengthen our position," Tolentino told a press conference. The United States on Friday backed the Philippines. "The passage of the Maritime Zones Act by the Philippines is a routine matter and further clarifies Philippine maritime law," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. (Reporting by Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores in Manila and Joe Cash in Beijing; additional reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Editing by Martin Petty, John Mair and Richard Chang) GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) The Phoenix drug dealer who sold fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Mesa County jail inmate was sentenced Thursday. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado, Jeremiah Robinson, 44, was sentenced to over 19 1/2 years in prison followed by four years of supervision. He plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl. Robinson who was a longtime drug dealer and six-time convicted felon repeatedly sold drugs to Efrain Velez, also a dealer who traveled from Mesa County to purchase from Robinson, the press release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 7, 2022, Robinson sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to Velez and two other associates, Vanessa Vasquez and Anna Munday, in Phoenix. When the trio traveled back to Mesa County, law enforcement pulled them other and found drugs, according to the press release. Velez and Vasquez hid the drugs on their persons and smuggled them into the Mesa County Detention Facility. Munday and Vasquez disturbed the drugs to inmates once inside the jail. Then, on May 20, 2022, Karlie Locke gave one of the pills Robinson sold to another inmate who died of fentanyl intoxication, the press release said. The four other conspirators were charged with fentanyl distribution, resulting in the inmates death. Vasquez was sentenced to nine years in prison while Locke was sentenced to 10 years. Munday and Velez are awaiting sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremiah Robinson valued the profit from his drug trade over the lives of his customers, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch said in a press release. Wherever you operate, if you sell drugs that make their way into Colorado, our office will find you and hold you accountable. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, two milligrams of fentanyl can kill the average person. Seven of the 10 pills tested contained roughly that amount. The DEA and Mesa County Sheriffs Office investigated this case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After weeks of gray and stormy weather, the skies have cleared over Oregon, revealing feet of fresh snow piling up in the Cascades. Thursdays clear skies offer satellite views of the entire state for the first time since early October. A month ago, the Cascades were mostly barren, and jets of smoke still rose from active wildfires, satellite images show. In November, Oregon appears smoke-free and dusted with mountain snow. Oregon State Climatologist Larry ONeill told KOIN that snow levels in the Oregon Cascades are currently above average for early November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the higher elevations above about 4,000 feet are above average for this time of year, ONeill said. We can say its been a great start to the snow season, even though it is very early yet. Mount Hoods current snow depth compared to the historical average. (KOIN) Above average snow depth in Oregons south cascades on Nov. 7, 20204. (NOAA) 60-degree weather, sunshine returns to Oregon and Washington KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart reports that the snow level at Timberline Lodge is currently 22 inches high, nearly 10 inches above normal for the month of November. Peak snow accumulation on the ground comes in April, with an average of 165 inches, so theres still a way to go, Cozart said. Mt. Hood will likely see some of the months accumulation start to melt Friday and Saturday as temperatures remain warmer than average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another one to two inches of snow is expected to fall on Mount Hood by the end of the weekend as a storm moves across the Pacific Northwest. If the snow continues to pile up, Mt. Hood Meadows President Greg Pack said that local ski lifts could open early this year. Things are looking great for Thanksgiving, maybe even earlier, just need to see what this next storm brings, Pack said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge said Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not personally liable in 25 lawsuits accusing his company of addicting children to social media. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California rejected accusations on Thursday that Zuckerberg directed Meta's efforts to conceal from children the serious mental health risks of using Facebook and Instagram. The plaintiffs called Meta's billionaire co-founder the "guiding spirit" behind alleged concealment efforts, saying he ignored repeated internal warnings about the risks and publicly downplayed them. But the judge found a lack of specifics about what Zuckerberg did wrong, and said "control of corporate activity alone is insufficient" to establish liability. Her decision does not affect related claims against Meta itself. The plaintiffs brought claims under the laws of 13 U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Previn Warren, a partner at Motley Rice representing the plaintiffs, said on Friday his clients will continue gathering evidence "to uncover the truth about how Big Tech has knowingly prioritized profits over the safety of our children." The 25 lawsuits are among several hundred by children, their families and school districts seeking damages from Meta, Alphabet's Google, ByteDance's TikTok and Snap's Snapchat over social media addiction. Dozens of U.S. state attorneys general are pursuing similar cases against Meta, linking its social media platforms to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and interference with education and daily life. The case is In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-md-03047. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jan Harvey) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Downtown Little Rock is set to receive a statue honoring a native Arkansan who served in World War II. Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Friday that a statue of Staff Sgt. Denver Bull Randlemanwould be erected downtown near the new AG office building in Little Rock. The Rector-born Randleman served in Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division as portrayed in the book and later television series Band of Brothers. Central Arkansas Walk to End Alzheimers being held in North Little Rock this weekend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the television series the cigar-chomping Randleman was portrayed by actor Michael Cudlitz. Griffin said the statue will be sculpted by Kevin Kresse, who had previously sculpted a statue of Johnny Cash, now on display in the U.S. Capitol. The Randleman statue is being paid for through private donations, Griffin said. European production company announces move into the Port of Little Rock, 500 jobs, $100 million investment The attorney general said honoring Randleman is a past-due event. It is past time that we honor the selfless service of Staff Sergeant Denver Randleman, and today I am announcing that acclaimed sculptor Kevin Kresse has agreed to sculpt a statue that will honor Staff Sergeant Randleman and be placed in downtown Little Rock near the new home of the Office of the Attorney General, Griffin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin announced in August 2023 that his office would be moving to the historic Boyle Building at West Capitol and Main Street. The building is currently undergoing a $35 million renovation in preparation for the move. Arkansas Attorney General announces move to historic Little Rock building after $35 million renovation After a post-war career, Randleman died at 82 years old and is buried in Texarkana. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. An Alpena man is facing charges after police say he captured images of a young girl using a hidden camera in a home bathroom. Alpena County area troopers were called Wednesday after a woman found nude images of the girl on the phone of a 41-year-old Alpena man, according to Michigan State Police. The agency posted about the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday morning. The nude images are believed to have been taken using a hidden borescope in the bathroom of a home, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A borescope is a sort of inspection camera, used to inspect inaccessible areas. The girl was a minor under 18, said Michigan State Police Specialist Lt. Derrick Carroll. He declined to specify further. More: Road worker dies after being struck on I-75 in Detroit More: Macomb County man accused of groping woman in Walmart is registered sex offender The man was interviewed and arrested, police said. He was arraigned Thursday in the 88th District Court on two counts of capturing or distributing an image of an unclothed person and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. He was given a $25,000 cash or surety bond. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Police: Alpena man used camera in bathroom to take photos of minor MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said it arrested a teen after they were found with over 400 fentanyl pills. Police said that on Nov. 1, they were in the Glenmont area when they saw two people buying and selling drugs on Georgian Wood Place. The buyer, an 18-year-old, from Riverdale and 16-year-old seller were taken into custody. Police identify man killed after being struck by vehicle in Woodbridge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16-year-old was arrested and charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell. Police said officers searched the 18-year-old and found him with 13 M30 suspected fentanyl pills. The teen seller was found with 432 M30 suspected fentanyl pills, packaging materials and cash. The 16-year-old dealer was taken to the police station and referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for appropriate charges before being released to their guardian. The 18-year-old was taken to the police station where he was charged. (Photo Courtesy: Montgomery County Department of Police) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Five people are dead, including the apparent shooter, in a family-related murder-suicide incident in Duluth, Minn., police and local officials confirmed Friday. The victims included the wife, ex-wife and two sons of 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, who was also found dead by apparent suicide, Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa told reporters. The victims were identified as Nephew's current wife, Kathryn Nephew (Ramsland), 45; their son, Oliver Nephew, 7; Nephew's ex-wife Erin Abramson, 47; and her son with him, 15-year-old Jacob Nephew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abramson and Jacob Nephew were initially found slain at their residence Thursday afternoon after Abramson's employer, the neighboring city of Superior, Wis., asked Duluth police to perform a welfare check. When they arrived, they found the pair dead from gunshot wounds, Ceynowa said. After determining Anthony Nephew was a suspect in their slayings, police set up surveillance at another nearby house where he lived along with his wife and younger son. They used a drone to enter the house, where the bodies of Kathryn and Oliver Nephew were found, along with that of the suspected shooter, the chief said. The investigation remains ongoing, he added. "This is not something that happens often in our community," Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said at a press briefing. "We're going to grieve, but we're also going to make sure we support those families and our public safety team." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superior Mayor Jim Paine said Abramson was a leader of his city's environmental services department staff. "She dedicated her life and her work to protecting public health in Superior and the north woods of Wisconsin, and to protecting the health of Lake Superior," he said. "Erin was a very valuable employee to the city of Superior and she will be very dearly missed for her work and her personality." Anthony Nephew was the author of a 2021 column in the Duluth News-Tribune newspaper about mental health, in which he wrote that most people ignore their struggles until it's too late to prevent tragedies such as murder-suicides. "Because they have to, because they're told to, or because they don't realize their mind is broken, they keep pushing forward, incurring one psychic injury after another, trauma after trauma, collecting interest, until finally the synapses overload, and they suffer a breakdown," he wrote. A Duluth man is believed to have killed his former partner and their 15-year-old son as well as his wife and their 7-year-old son before taking his own life, according to police. The Duluth Police Department on Friday identified the suspect in Thursday's shocking mass killing as 46-year-old Anthony Nephew. He's suspected of killing his former partner, 47-year-old Erin Abramson, and their 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, inside Abramson's home in the 6000 block of Tacony Street in Duluth, authorities shared during a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police discovered the mother and son dead of apparent gunshot wounds while conducting a welfare check at Abramson's home Thursday afternoon. Authorities said a city of Superior employee reported concern to police after Abramson, a manager in the city's environmental services division, failed to show up at work. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said officers identified Anthony Nephew as a person of interest in the killings and began surveillance of his home in the 4400 block of West 6th Street. After learning Anthony Nephew's wife and son also resided there, police entered the suspect's home with a drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search, police found 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew and 7-year-old Oliver Nephew dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Anthony Nephew was also found dead from what police said appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. During Friday's news conference, Superior Mayor Jim Paine said Abramson will be "very deeply missed" for both her work and personality. "She dedicated her life and her work to protecting public health in Superior and in the north woods of Wisconsin and to protecting the health of Lake Superior," he said. Ceynowa, the Duluth police chief, said investigators have become aware of a "pattern of mental health issues" related to Anthony Nephew and described the incident as "senseless and tragic." BONITA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Dozens of expensive bronze vases have been stolen from gravesites at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary in Bonita. Angie Mora lost her mother, Luisa Roman, in 2022. Mora describes her mother, who lived with her for 30 years and helped raise her children, as her rock and says she visits her gravesite in Abbey Memorial Park often. Its comforting to come to a place that I know her spirit is in heaven, but for me, a part of her is here as well, and it gives me the opportunity to talk to her, Mora said. As long as we think of them, they live in our hearts; they continue living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a recent visit, Mora discovered the metal flower vase attached to her mothers headstone had been stolen. She said hers was not the only one to go missing, pointing out another vase nearby had disappeared but was quickly replaced. A cemetery spokesperson confirmed the thefts, saying they began in mid-October. Officials said it remains unclear whether the thefts occurred after hours or during open visiting times. While the cemetery does have gates to prevent vehicles from entering after hours, it lacks surveillance cameras. The spokesperson said the facility is working closely with San Diego County Sheriffs Department investigators and local scrap metal businesses to track down anyone attempting to sell the stolen vases, which are each valued at about $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Imperial Beach Sheriffs Substation is leading the investigation efforts. At this time, there is no suspect information nor are there any leads in the case. Mora expressed frustration about the thefts, Selfish, careless Maybe they havent lost a loved one and dont understand the pain that it is to lose someone as close as a mother. The Glen Abbey spokesperson reiterated they take safety and security very seriously and routinely evaluate the security needs of the cemetery. However, cemeteries, by their nature, are open to the public, the spokesperson went on. It saddens us that thieves are preying on cemeteries and gravesites to commit these crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe there may be more victims who have not yet reported stolen vases and urge anyone affected to contact the Imperial Beach sheriffs substation at 619-498-2400. We strongly encourage families to report the thefts directly to local authorities, as this is the most effective way to support ongoing investigations and help protect other families in the park, the Glen Abbey spokesperson said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Mail belonging to Chambersburg businesses were stolen within recent weeks and police are looking for the culprit. The two businesses that had mail stolen are located along Industrial Driver in the borough, Chambersburg Police said in a news release Thursday. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter The mail was opened and later discarded in a parking lot off of Redwood Street, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thefts happened between Oct. 23 and Nov. 6. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (717) 264-4131. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. The N.C. State student charged after gunshots were fired into eight cars and four houses in Raleigh between Monday and Thursday appeared before a judge for the first time on Friday. Andrew Thomas Graney made his first appearance in court via a video feed, wearing an orange and white jail uniform and stating his name calmly for District Court Judge Debra Sasser. The 23-year-old senior anthropology major, of Kentford Court, faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling or vehicle. All 12 of the shootings took place in the southeast corner of Raleigh on or near Interstate 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, at the district attorneys urging, Sasser denied Graney a bond, ensuring the student will stay behind bars unless another judge allows his release. This is one of those cases that put fear in the heart of the entire community, Sasser said. I had colleagues texting me, Dont go on I-40, and Im sure many in the community had them as well. Assistant District Attorney Stacy Newton called Graneys case an absolutely senseless and random series of acts of violence that really put this community on edge. Newton added that police are still trying to establish a motive for the shootings, which remains unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graney is scheduled to meet with his public defender later Friday. How police tracked down Graney Raleigh police tracked down the suspect in a week-long shooting spree after surveillance camera footage showed his Hyundai Sonata at one of the houses hit by gunfire, court records said. Officers then analyzed cell tower data and learned the same Hyundai had been at five of the shooting locations, where spent shell casings from a .45-caliber handgun had been found. Warrants now show that police seized a .45-caliber handgun, spent casing and a box of ammunition while searching Graneys house on Kentford Court and his 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graney, 23, is a senior majoring in anthropology at NC State University. Graney remained in Wake County Jail Friday, charged with felony assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle or dwelling. A second person who was detained Thursday was released and not charged, according to police. When reached by phone Friday afternoon, Graneys mother declined to speak to The N&O. Shootings on, near I-40 in Raleigh Police charged Graney after shots were fired into eight cars and four houses between Monday and Thursday, all of them in the southeast corner of Raleigh on or near Interstate 40. The first shooting happened Monday on I-40 between Chapel Hill Road and Cary Towne Boulevard, where a bullet passed through the passenger door and hit the female driver in both legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found a spent .45-caliber shell on the shoulder of the highway, court records said, and they now believe it came from a moving vehicle. Three more cars were struck by gunfire Wednesday, and police recovered .45-caliber casings at Trinity Road and Gorman Street. Ballistic tests later showed all five shell casings matched, court records said, leading police to confirm the shootings were connected. This is a developing story and will be updated. Will one of Americas largest banks be opening their first Grand Strand location? According to Chase spokeswoman for Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas, Allison Reed, the answer is yes. As of Thursday, Reed said she didnt have any details to share about the banks first Myrtle Beach branch yet, but confirmed the announcement. The new branch will be located in the Grande Dunes area, at 8006 N Kings Hwy, near 79th Ave. The location used to be the home of Brixx Wood Fired Pizza & Craft Bar, which is now permanently closed. The new Chase Bank branch is currently under construction in the Grande Dunes area of Myrtle Beach. This will be the first Chase in the Grand Strand region. Reed did not say when the new branch is expected to open. This new branch will be the first branch in the Myrtle Beach area. The next current closest branches are located in Charleston and Columbia, the banks online ATM finder shows. Last summer, Chase Bank announced in a news release their plans to expand by almost double from 48 branches at the time to over 100 in North and South Carolina by 2025. Drivers going west on Interstate 10 should expect major delays on Friday because crews are working on emergency repairs near the Vidalia Road overpass, the Mississippi Department of Transportation said. The delays were first reported Friday morning near the Menge Avenue exit. The right lane is closed through 5 p.m. Friday near mile marker 23. Crews are fixing a pothole near the Vidalia Road overpass, MDOT said. Delays are contained to the westbound lanes and could last at least four hours and 30 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday was the latest time in several weeks that MDOT has closed a lane for emergency pothole repairs. Construction crews are widening the interstate by one lane in each direction. MDOT has widened the shoulder this month to shift traffic to outside lanes while crews work in the median. But a drain runs beneath the shoulder and cannot withstand the weight of large trucks, said Anna Ehrgott, a public information officer at MDOT. Trucks with large loads in the right lane put too much pressure on the drain, which has created several potholes on the interstate this month, Ehrgott said. MDOT has placed signs in the area that ask trucks to only use the left lane. But drivers who do not see or follow that warning have created potholes and prompted the recent lane closures, Ehrgott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The widened shoulder is perfectly sufficient to hold regular traffic, she said. But heavy truck traffic really needs to stay in the left lane. The delay is the latest of dozens since construction began on I-10 last summer. Construction in the area will continue for at least two years. This developing story and may be updated. (PUEBLO, Colo.) Snow tracksliterally, Pueblo Police Department (PPD) officers had the assist of the year when they caught an alleged burglar red-handed thanks to the weather. On Thursday morning, Nov. 7, Pueblo officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm at a downtown business. Upon arrival, officers found footprints in the recent snow that led them to the suspected thief, 27-year-old Antonio Factor. Rain, snow, and slush can sure complicate the work of the Pueblo Police, PPD wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter) But sometimes footprints in the snow can help lead to the arrest of a suspected burglar. How were the police able to find Factor so quickly? Well, the 27-year-old suspect was wearing cleats with a distinctive sole pattern according to PPD, which allowed them to place him inside of the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Factor was caught literally with the bag in hand, as he had an overflowing duffel bag filled with suspected stolen items. The value of the stolen items was estimated to be $1,700 and damage to the business is estimated at $300. Factor is also suspected to be connected to other burglaries of varying scale in the downtown area. The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with 2nd degree burglary, burglary possess tools, 2nd degree burglary dwelling and criminal mischief. The investigation is still ongoing. Great work by all involved and thanks for the assist, Mother Nature. Anyone with information about this case or any other cases in the downtown area is asked to call PPD at (719)-553-2502. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Nov. 7 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden still has no intention to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who is to be sentenced next month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted on felony firearm charges in June and pleaded guilty to tax-related charges in September. He is set to be sentenced to both cases next month, when he faces up to 25 years in prison for the firearm-related conviction, though his sentence is expected to by a fraction of that. He also faces up to 17 years in prison in the tax case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has previously said he would not pardon his son. On Thursday, in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris' loss to Donald Trump earlier this week in the general election, Jean-Pierre responded to reporters' questions asking if the president now intends to pardon his son before the end of his White House tenure. "We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no," she said during the press conference. Trump has also threatened to prosecute numerous political opponents, including the sitting president and his family, among others, if he were to regain the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters asked Jean-Pierre if Biden had intentions to pardon anyone on the president-elect's grievance list. She replied that she understands pardons will be a focus of questions coming from the White House press pool in the weeks and months ahead, but at this time she has no information on the topic to share. "Once we have something to share, we certainly will share that," she said. Hunter Biden is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 12 on the firearm conviction and Dec. 16 for the tax offense-related case. NBC News presidential historian Michael Beschloss sounded the alarm on just how much power Donald Trump will likely wield when he returns to the White House in January. Were about to see possibly the strongest president in American history, he told MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell on Thursday. Beschloss said the Supreme Court has already ruled that Trump is immune from prosecution in most cases. In addition, Republicans will be in control of the Senate and potentially the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So youre not going to have any kind of a constraint on him in terms of impeachment, he said, while also dismissing the threat of impeachment as now pretty much toothless. Beschloss recalled Trumps declaration that he will be a dictator for one day. I dont think that goes on for a day, Beschloss said. And maybe he wont be a dictator, but he is going to try to use every single lever of presidential power in a way that we havent seen all the way back to 1789. See the full interview below: Related... Prince Harry's European home purchase has been linked to him allegedly having concerns about potential immigration issues. The Invictus Games founder currently resides in Montecito, California, U.S., with his family, having moved there after stepping down from his senior royal role in 2020. However, following an inquiry into his immigration status by a think tank, Harry found himself at the center of a lawsuit aimed at making his immigration details public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the details remain private for now, there is speculation that the status quo could change under the new U.S. administration. If Prince Harry is found to have violated any immigration rules, he could face deportation. Prince Harry's European Home Purchase Might Be an Escape Route if Deported MEGA Last month, reports emerged that Harry and his wife, Meghan, had purchased a new home in Europe while currently living in a large mansion in Montecito, California. Initially, the purchase was linked to rumors that the former Suits actress wanted to apply for a Golden Visa, which would allow her unrestricted travel through the 26 Schengen countries in Europe. While these claims remain unverified, royal expert Richard Eden has suggested that the purchase may also be linked to Prince Harry's alleged "fear of being deported" by Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Daily Mail, Eden hinted that if Trump were re-elected, Harry could face intensified scrutiny over his immigration status. This might explain why the former senior royal appears to be "seeking an escape route" through the European property. Eden further claimed that a source revealed Harry and Meghan are making increasingly desperate attempts to reconcile with the royal family. The source also suggested that Harry is expected to visit the U.K. more frequently in the coming years. "We can expect to see more of Harry back in Britain in years to come," the insider said. Prince Harry's Immigration Files Might Be Released When Donald Trump Resumes Presidency MEGA Despite a judge ruling that the details of Harry's immigration would remain confidential for the time being, the possibility of their release remains as the think tank pursuing the case is planning to appeal the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do think there's a strong possibility that this could happen. It's the president's prerogative," said Nile Gardiner, the director of the think tank called the Heritage Foundation, per the Daily Mail. "Also, the new Homeland Security Secretary could order a review of Harry's immigration application." The organization had sought to get the files released after Harry openly admitted to past recreational drug use in his memoir, a detail he would have been required to disclose in his immigration paperwork. Such information could potentially have made him ineligible for entry into the United States. Prior to the lawsuit, The Heritage Foundation had submitted a Freedom of Information request for Prince Harry's immigration records, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied. Releasing Prince Harry's Files Will Reportedly Be In The 'Best Interest' Of Americans MEGA The decision of the appeal could swing either way. However, Gardiner believes it would be in the "best interests of the American people" if the incoming government released Prince Harry's records for "public scrutiny." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Releasing Harry's immigration records would send a very strong message about applying the rule of law equally to everyone," said the director, who also accused the Biden administration of bending "over backward to protect Prince Harry." He added, "There's a clear public interest in their release. If Harry has nothing to hide, he should support the release of the records." The foundation's director also predicted that the files could be released as early as next year, adding that there would be "growing calls" for their disclosure from the Republican-controlled Congress. Donald Trump Previously Stated 'He Wouldn't Protect' Prince Harry MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any doubts that Harry might receive preferential treatment for his immigration status were dispelled earlier in the year when Trump spoke about the Invictus Games founder's immigration issue. "I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the queen. That's unforgivable," the former president said during his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, MD, per the New York Post. "He would be on his own if it was down to me," Trump continued before adding that President Biden's administration has been too "gracious" to Harry after "what he has done." According to the Daily Beast, the billionaire mogul had once stated that he would take "appropriate action" against Harry if he lied on his visa papers when he moved to the U.S. The President-Elect's Son, Eric Trump, Attacked The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex MEGA Trump's son, Eric, also seems to have an issue with Harry and Meghan as he hinted that the prince might be deported by his father during an interview with British media outlet G.B. News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American businessman claimed that the Sussexes have desecrated Buckingham Palace by deviating from the traditionally expected path. "What I can tell you is, my father had so much respect for the queen, as did I. My mum knew so many of them for years and had a great relationship with Diana," Eric said, per Daily Beast. "It's a sacred institution. You can happily have those two [Meghan and Harry], we might not want them anymore, it feels like they're on an island of their own." He then branded the royal duo "bad actors" and "spoiled apples." So far, his environmental initiative's annual awards ceremony has made stops in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa Chris Jackson/Getty President and Founder of the Earthshot Prize, Prince William, Prince of Wales walks on stage at the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa President and Founder of the Earthshot Prize, Prince William, Prince of Wales walks on stage at the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Prince William is looking ahead to the next year of taking his environmental mission, The Earthshot Prize, around the world. The Prince of Wales, 42, is looking forward to playing a role at the next big climate control meeting in Brazil, PEOPLE understands. His attendance at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference known in shorthand as COP30, and scheduled for mid-November 2025 would be the latest stage of his increasing role as a world statesman. In doing so, Prince William would follow in the footsteps of his father King Charles, who has attended and spoken at climate conferences several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next venue for Williams Earthshot Prize Awards the fifth iteration of the 10 ceremonies expected has yet to be announced, but it is widely expected to be in South America. Phil Noble-Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales poses for a selfie with performers and presenters during the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. During his visit Prince William, Prince of Wales poses for a selfie with performers and presenters during the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. During his visit Conveniently, the Earthshot Prize Awards typically fall within the first weeks of November, setting the Prince of Wales up to potentially attend COP30, which runs from Nov. 10 to 21. So far, each of the previous four Earthshot Prize Awards have taken place on a different continent Europe in 2021, when the inaugural awards took place in London; North America in 2022, as he took the awards to Boston; Asia in 2023, with a stop in Singapore; and Africa in 2024, as he just wrapped up his visit to Cape Town on Nov. 7. Related: Prince William Wraps Up His Earthshot Prize Visit to Cape Town, South Africa: See the Best Photos! Chris Jackson/Getty President and Founder of the Earthshot Prize, Prince William, Prince of Wales on stage during the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa President and Founder of the Earthshot Prize, Prince William, Prince of Wales on stage during the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Prince William has spoken about wanting to take the Earthshot Prize Awards to South America, as well as China and India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince William and his aides are focused on what they call the Earthshot decade, which continues between now and 2030. His commitment to restoring the future of the planet is unwavering, and the prince is determined to do all he can to use his platform to spread urgent optimism, a royal source says. Next year, the Climate COP will take place in Brazil, and its set to be hugely consequential. The Prince of Wales is looking forward to playing a role there, the source continues. When COP was held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021, William led a delegation there and hosted a reception for Earthshot finalists. Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales and Earthshot CEO Hannah Jones talk to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 04, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Prince William, Prince of Wales and Earthshot CEO Hannah Jones talk to young people at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program on Nov. 04, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His father King Charles attended COP in 2023, but was asked the previous year not to take up a place there in the early days of his reign, which began on Sept. 8, 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth. The reason given was the government to which the King has to remain loyal and only act on their advice didnt think he should attend so early in his reign, as, at the time, he had only been on the throne for two months. Reports at the time suggested that Charles, a longtime conservationist, had been unhappy that he was not allowed to attend, The Guardian reported. Related: Prince William Says 'I Can Be Myself' and 'Get Away' from 'Stuff That Happens in My Normal Life' When in Africa Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales is greeted by well-wishers during a visit to Kalk Bay Harbour to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Finalist, Abalobi on Nov. 07, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Prince William, Prince of Wales is greeted by well-wishers during a visit to Kalk Bay Harbour to highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Finalist, Abalobi on Nov. 07, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Of his time in South Africa, which ran from Monday, Nov. 4 to Thursday, Nov. 7, Prince William spoke warmly of the continent, saying on the green carpet at the Earthshot Prize Awards, Africa's been a big part of my life since I've been a young boy, since I first came to Africa. I felt really connected to the place spiritually and kind of from an environmental and people point. And every time I come here I get a warm welcome. Every time I come here I can be myself and get away from all the stuff that happens in my normal life. And so it's a really special place, a home from home for me, he said. Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince William on Friday described the past year as "dreadful" to reporters, addressing watching his father, King Charles III, and wife Princess Kate, be treated for cancer. The comments came during a news conference at the end of a tour of Africa, where Prince William took questions in Cape Town, South Africa. "It's been dreadful," the heir to the British throne said, according to BBC News. "It's probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prince praised both his father and wife for making it through the challenging health periods in their lives but not sugarcoating the struggle. "I'm so proud of my wife, I'm so proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done," Prince William said. "But from a personal family point of view, it's been, yeah, it's beenbrutal." Prince William has already endured the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a Paris traffic accident when he was young and the family intrigue of watching his younger brother Prince Harry step away from full-time royal duties. While the family issues have left William with more responsibility than ever to handle royal duties, it has allowed him to create the Earthshot Awards, which recognizes those combating some of the planet's most challenging environmental issues. "Do I like more responsibility? No," the prince said. "Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot, then yes." As part of an expansive effort to broaden psychiatric care in the Upstate, Prisma Health is planning a $138 million inpatient behavioral health hospital in Pickens County. It will replace the much smaller Marshall Pickens Hospital, opened in 1969 on the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus. Marshall Pickens would be demolished, but no details about what the site would be used for are available, Prisma spokesperson Sandy Dees said. Marshall Pickens is immediately next door to the main hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prisma must first obtain a certificate of need from South Carolina Department of Public Health, but expects to begin site work in spring 2025 with completion in two years. The three-story hospital will be built on 46 acres at the corner of U.S. 123 and S.C. 153 in Easley. It will have 112 beds compared to Marshall Pickens 65. Also, the number of child and adolescent beds will increase from 10 to 40. The state has agreed to chip in $100 million in funding. The State Health Plan in 2024 put the need for more psychiatric beds in the state at 211. South Carolina is no stranger to the behavioral health crisis sweeping our nation, and the inpatient and outpatient services in our state to support our citizens are woefully insufficient, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the project an important step toward addressing more behavioral health services. Mark OHalla, president and CEO of Prisma Health, said state funding was essential because the hospital will lose money. As a safety-net provider, Prisma Health is committed to caring for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, which means operating the facility with an annual financial loss, he said. This project is only possible due to the states investment, which enables us to meet the growing need for behavioral health care in our communities. This type of public-private partnership is how South Carolina will continue to close the gap in behavioral health care, S.C. Speaker of the House Murrell Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increase in space and services will help to fill the gap in available behavioral health services across South Carolina and will alleviate the stress on local and law enforcement resources that not having access to this care creates, he said. Prisma Health reported that the number of patients admitted for psychiatric treatment in Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties has steadily increased over the past six years, growing by nearly 50%. Plus, some 1,200 patients a year who come to Upstate Prisma emergency departments needing psychiatric care must be transported to facilities as far as the coast. Children are often referred to hospitals in Columbia and Charleston, Prisma said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One in five U.S. children have a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder in a given year, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Prisma said in a news release it has quadrupled the number of psychiatrists, advanced practice clinicians and physician trainees (resident and fellow physicians) during the past six years. It has a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program and two adult psychiatry residency programs. Prisma also will spend approximately $7 million at the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus for behavioral health services, including expanding intensive outpatient programs. Greenville County has two private psychiatric hospitals, Carolina Center Behavioral Health and Springbrook Behavioral Health. MILAN (Reuters) Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's (NVO, NOVO-B.CO) shares hit an over 9-month low on Thursday after surging more than 8% the previous day, as underwhelming guidance for next year overshadowed strong sales growth for its popular Wegovy weight-loss drug. The two-day move saw Europe's biggest company by market cap trade in a wide 14-percentage-point range from low to high. On Thursday morning, the stock was down 3% in Copenhagen, after earlier falling 5.5% to its lowest since January. In an analyst call on Wednesday, following a quarterly release that eased concerns that demand for Wegowy was slowing, Novo's finance chief Karsten Munk Knudsen said sales growth next year could be in the high percentage teens. Barclays said commentary on 2025 weighed on the shares. "We had a call back with IR and the moving parts seem to indicate (at least what we know now) a midpoint for FY25 top line a touch lower than current company consensus," Emily Field, analyst at the UK bank, wrote in a note, affirming her overweight rating on the stock. The company will formally guide for 2025 in February. US-listed Novo shares were up 1.6% in premarket trading on Thursday, having lost over 4% the prior session. Gilles Guibout, head of European equity strategies at AXA Investment Managers in Paris, said the sharp moves in Novo's shares were probably due to hedge fund action. "Novo Nordisk is a widely held stock. Its market has significant potential. However, it's easier to find sellers than buyers for the stock, as everyone already holds plenty of it," he said. "It's a stock that needs to be normalised. At the beginning of the year, there was too much hype around it," he added. Novo Nordisk shares are up around 4% so far this year, but they have fallen almost 30% from the record high set in June. The stock trades at a 27 times its expected earnings, a 22% premium to its 20-year average valuation, according to LSEG Datastream data. It is worth around $470 billion. (Reporting by Danilo Masoni; Editing by Amanda Cooper) A member of the audience at a town hall in Charleston, Arkansas, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, holds a sign questioning the lack of transparency around the state's purchase of 815 acres near the town for a planned prison. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Despite public outcry about a lack of transparency, the Arkansas Board of Corrections will vote Friday morning on the states $2.95 million purchase of 815 acres in Franklin County for a prison. Board Chairman Benny Magness confirmed the boards meeting agenda during a town hall Thursday night in Charleston, where residents defiantly opposed locating a prison in their community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chairman Im calling the vote tomorrow, and Im not going to be a part anymore of being put in a position to defend ourselves that were stalling the building of a 3,000-bed prison, Magness told reporters following the meeting. State officials for years have pursued construction of a new prison to alleviate overcrowding in existing facilities and county jails. The state spends roughly $30 million a year to house about 3,000 inmates in county facilities, according to the governors office. More prison beds also likely will be needed in the future due to the Protect Arkansas Act. Backed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the 2023 law overhauls the states parole system and eliminates the possibility of parole for the most serious offenders. The process we started in 22 was not getting the results we needed, so they, and I say they, the governors office, chose to do this process, Magness told reporters. From left, Arkansas Division of Corrections Director Dexter Payne, Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness and Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace listen Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, to questions about the states purchase of land near Charleston, Arkansas, for a new prison. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Hundreds of local residents seeking answers about the states decision to purchase land for the prison in the Vesta community north of Charleston packed the local middle schools gymnasium Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members as well as state and local officials said they were not involved in the decision-making process and were blindsided by the governors formal announcement about the purchase last Thursday. The governors office touted the prison as an investment in public safety and economic development. The prison is expected to create several hundred construction jobs and employ 800 once its operational, according to a press release. A few hours prior to the town hall, Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace emailed the media letters from the mayors of Calico Rock and Malvern citing the positive aspects of having prisons in their communities. Security and safety, especially for their children and grandchildren, are major concerns for Jo Stubblefield and her son and daughter-in-law, Brandan and Rosa Cummings, who live on property that shares a fence line with the proposed prison site. Jo Stubblefield, whose husband is a cousin of Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, told the Advocate they were all very upset, very upset about the proposed prison site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio questioned how the state could pay for and staff a new prison when other local businesses are struggling to find employees. They cant even pave the roads around here, yet you can buy a bunch of land without nobody knowing? I mean that just blows my mind, Brandan Cummings said. Rosa Cummings said a new prison isnt needed and that releasing nonviolent criminals, like people whove been arrested for drugs, would free up bed space. While she hoped that state officials would listen to the communitys concerns Thursday, she said it wasnt likely. I mean its the government. We dont feel too confident obviously, thats why we heard about it just the other day, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State legislators and members of the Department of Corrections and Board of Corrections attended the town hall Thursday. Local residents submitted questions ahead of time that were read by a moderator, including questions about costs and why the community wasnt notified sooner. Former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri said the land purchase was not made public sooner because of concerns over a bidding war. Profiri was hired as a senior adviser to the governor after the prison board fired him in January. Ultimately what we were looking at was to make sure that the price of the land didnt escalate and that we were good stewards of the taxpayer dollars to make sure that we didnt pay more than the land was worth, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Profiri said the cost of the prison will depend on what design is ultimately selected, but he noted $330 million has been set aside by the Legislature and theres another $75 million in reserves. Officials said they looked at a number of sites over several months. Profiri said they chose to purchase the Franklin County property about three months ago. Magness said he learned about the decision two weeks ago, while state lawmakers like Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, and Stubblefield said they received word just a few days prior to last weeks formal announcement. Stubblefield criticized the lack of transparency and said he was going to explore pursuing legal action because he believed officials broke state law by not notifying the public sooner. Wallace said lawyers she spoke with who reviewed the statute in question believed it didnt apply to the Department of Corrections. While community members were not allowed to ask questions Thursday night or bring signs, attendees made their opinions known by cheering or booing, and shouting phrases like we dont want it, we dont consent, disrespect and liar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town hall concluded after about an hour and a half, and Jo Stubblefield left unsatisfied with state officials responses. I feel like the governors office didnt answer any questions they were asked, she said. Jo Stubblefield, in orange, sits in the audience in Charleston, Arkansas, listening to responses to residents questions about the states purchase of land for a new prison in the Vesta community. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The Board of Corrections special meeting on Zoom is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Friday. The agenda includes hiring a public information officer and voting on the Franklin County land. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON Welp. Democrats got clobbered on Election Day. Next year, Donald Trump will be in the White House, Republicans will control the Senate and its looking like Republicans will control the House, too. That leaves Democrats with a very tight window the end-of-year lame duck session to squeeze out every last drop of their power while Joe Biden is still in the White House and their party still, if barely, controls the Senate. The most obvious thing they can do is focus on confirming more of Bidens judges, as these are lifetime posts and these people will be making decisions that affect millions for decades after Trump or Biden is around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is already agitating for her party to get moving on this when the Senate comes back into session next week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer must use every minute of the end-of-year legislative session to confirm federal judges and key regulators none of whom can be removed by the next President, Warren wrote in a Thursday opinion piece. Progressive judicial advocacy groups, similarly, are pressing Schumer to step on the gas and confirm as many of Bidens judges as possible. If that means using the lame duck to keep the Senate in session on Fridays, when it is usually out, or on the weekends, so be it. Given the outcome of the election, the reality is that we now have a rapidly closing window to confirm well-qualified, fair-minded judges who will protect our rights and serve as one of the last guardrails in upholding our nations laws and the Constitution, Maggie Jo Buchanan, managing director of Demand Justice, said in a Thursday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Vice President Harris said yesterday, This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is the time to roll up our sleeves, she said. Even one judge can make a difference. Another group, People For the American Way, launched a new platform called Resist Project 2025 for mobilizing activists against Trumps efforts to undermine democracy. Its first priority is to organize around resisting the Trump administrations efforts to revamp the courts. Confirm all Biden judicial nominees now, reads the first bullet point in the groups statement announcing the new initiative. Progressive groups and at least one senator, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, are urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to use the lame duck to confirm as many of Joe Biden's final judicial nominees as possible. via Associated Press Seventeen of Bidens pending judicial nominees are currently waiting for a vote on the Senate floor and eight are waiting to be reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Three more are waiting for a committee hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate majority whip, will decide how Democrats proceed. HuffPost reached out to both to get a sense of how aggressive theyll be with moving Bidens final batch of judges. We have two teed up for next week, is all that Schumers spokesperson, Alex Nguyen, said. Sen. Durbin aims to confirm every possible judicial nominee before the end of this Congress plain and simple, said Durbin spokesperson Emily Hampsten. We will continue to hold nominations hearings and markups to move nominees through the Committee. He doesnt set the floor schedule, but will be pushing, as he has been for the past four years, to prioritize time for judges. Their comments may not convey the urgency that groups like Demand Justice are looking for. Part of the reason may be because Democrats face the same challenges in confirming judges that theyve faced for months: a razor-thin majority and opposition to some of Bidens controversial nominees from Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchin, who is retiring from the Senate this year, declared in March that he wouldnt vote for any of Bidens judicial picks if they didnt have the support of at least one Republican. That created a huge headache for Schumer in a Senate that currently comprises 47 Democrats, 49 Republicans and four Independents who generally align with Democrats. But the West Virginia senator, who absolutely loves media attention, may have made his declaration just for that purpose. In September, he bucked his own rule and voted to advance one of Bidens court picks, Kevin Ritz, despite him not having any Republican support. A Manchin spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Friday on whether hes prepared to vote for any of Bidens judicial nominees in the lame duck unless at least one GOP senator is backing them. Some Republicans arent willing to cooperate at all. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) is already trying to waive off more moderate members in his caucus from voting for any of Bidens remaining judicial nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont confirm Bidens judges, Lee said Thursday on social media. Its Trumps turn now. No lame-duck favors for Biden. Theres only a handful of GOP senators who have consistently voted to confirm at least some of Bidens court picks. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is one of them. Hes often the only Republican voting to advance some of Bidens nominees out of the committee. Grahams office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he plans to support judicial nominees in the lame duck that he supported prior to the November election. Biden is winding down his presidency with 213 confirmed lifetime federal judges under his belt. That is five fewer than Trump had by this point in his first term. In order to match Trumps final number of confirmed judges, Biden would need to confirm 21 more before the year is up. Its possible he can do it, but unlikely. Californias political center has shifted and the topics of concern no longer include racial reconciliation with the Black community. Nothing made that more clear than seeing Proposition 6 fail at the ballot box. It would have banned forced labor in prisons and jails as a form of punishment. Proponents liken such punishments to vestiges of slavery, but California voters rejected that argument. More than 5 million Californians voted to preserve a form of slavery still inflicted on incarcerated people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an unpopular opinion in California right now, but slavery is wrong, no matter who the enslaved may be. Every state in this country has a connection to slavery and a duty to reconcile with it. California is choosing a political future that excludes racial reconciliation as a major concern. This is the wrong path. Opinion Ending slavery is not a complex issue In 2022, Tennessee voters easily passed an initiative that removed forced labor as a form of punishment from the state constitution. The conservative stronghold of Tennessee even knew that slavery should be abolished. Why not liberal California? Well for starters, California squandered momentum around racial justice and reconciliation when they had it a few years ago. A movement to launch a full Reparations came from that momentum but it went no where. Abolishing such a cruel practice that has caused so much pain to Black Americans should have been a no-brainer in California. Proposition 3 enshrines the right to same-sex marriage in the California constitution. It passed easily, as it should, because just like abolishing slavery, its a no-brainer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the reality is that Californians have moved away from racial reconciliation. It doesnt appear to be a civil rights interest to them. The failure of Proposition 6, coming on the heels of a failure by Californias legislature to pass meaningful legislation proposed by the Legislative Black Caucus, demonstrates how the momentum around justice for Black people has evaporated in our state. It was the California Legislature and Gavin Newsom himself that advanced reparations in California by agreeing back in 2020 to study the matter. Newsom could have put the full force of his office behind Prop. 6. He did not. Though it was not a slave state like those in the American South, the effects of slavery impacted California as well. Sign Up for Bee Opinionated The Sacramento Bees opinion team is hard at work sifting through the chaos so you dont have to. Get our weekly Bee Opinionated newsletter straight to your inbox and we'll help you cut through the drone of the news cycle. Ending racism isnt sexy anymore Four years ago, when the acronym BLM (Black Lives Matter) was seen on literally every social media profile, Americans wanted to be on the right side of history. They wanted to end the racism in systems like housing and healthcare that oppressed Black Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, we cant even abolish the vestiges of slavery in our criminal justice system. This is a reflection of the current state of race in America. There is a perception that if Black Americans get the resources that they need, if they achieve the justice they deserve it is somehow diminishing other groups of people. Were in a post-racial America, but not in a good way. Instead of moving on from race by reconciling with our dark past, Californians are choosing turn away from the very real problem of systemic racism. It will be our undoing going forward. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Prosecutors painted a Cheektowaga strip club owner as a sexual predator who groomed vulnerable exotic dancers with free drugs to coerce them into commercial sex acts with influential patrons with deep pockets. U.S. Assistant Attorney Joseph Tripi said in his nearly two-hour-long opening statement Wednesday that Peter Geraces business model at Pharaohs Gentlemens Club was to push financially strapped exotic dancers deep in the throes of addiction to gain control over them. A grand jury indicted Gerace in February 2021 on charges of conspiring to defraud the government, bribing a DEA agent, maintaining a drug-involved premise at Pharaohs, and conspiring to sell drugs and commit sex trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ex-DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni found guilty on seven charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States The U.S. Attorneys Office described Geraces fiefdom as an organized crime syndicate that peddled drugs and turned a blind eye to sex trafficking. Tripi said Gerace introduced dancers to cocaine, heroin, and pain pills to get them addicted so they would submit to his demands to engage in commercial sex with big spenders they called whales in the clubs VIP room lined with couches. He specifically mentioned a former exotic dancer, Gabby, whose dream to be a nurse crumbled after Gerace invited her to the upstairs lair at the strip club, where mounds of cocaine served on a platter awaited them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tripi alleges that once Gerace had that control over vulnerable dancers, he coerced them some only 18 years old into commercial sex acts by dangling more free drugs to exploit their serious fear of withdrawal. They paid that debt with their bodies, Tripi said. This business model brought Gerace a lot of money, which allowed him to leave an apartment at his grandmothers home to move into a mansion in Clarence, Tripi said. And Gerace gained more power and clout by having dancers engage in sex acts with the whales, which included actors, a state supreme court judge, former Buffalo Sabres players, prominent attorneys, and businessmen, Tripi alleged. Gerace gained the trust of dancers using his charm and charisma to learn their darkest secrets and vulnerabilities that he could exploit, Tripi said. It did not take long for the dancers to feel stuck with invisible chains on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geraces family lineage came up numerous times Wednesday, with Tripi revealing to the jury that Gerace is the grandson to the late Joseph Todaro Sr., who was considered to be the reputed leader of an Italian Organized Crime syndicate in Buffalo. The government has never proved the Todaros were involved in organized crime. Italian Organized Crime in Buffalo? Depends on who you ask. Tripi said Gerace bragged about his family lineage and relationships with Outlaw Motorcycle Club members, cops, judges, and influential attorneys. Gerace got away with more than a decade of corruption, Tripi said, by bribing Joseph Bongiovanni, a corrupt former DEA agent and childhood friend, who shielded Geraces activities from law enforcement detection. Tripi said Bongiovanni derailed at least two federal investigations of Gerace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a sex trafficker at a strip club protected by a corrupt DEA agent, Tripi said. After a hung jury in August, the government re-tried Bongiovanni. In October, the second jury found Bongiovanni guilty of seven of the 11 charges, including one count of conspiracy to defraud the government, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of making a false statement to federal agents. However, the jury acquitted Bongiovanni on charges that prosecutors directly linked to Gerace and his strip club, including the allegation that he accepted $250,000 in bribes to protect Gerace and his fiefdom of drug dealers. At the conclusion of Tripis opening statement, Gerace swiveled his chair toward family and friends in the courtroom, whispering, lies, lies, lies, lies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Soehnlein, one of Geraces defense attorneys, told the jury that the strip club is not a middle school dance. The dancers play a role, he said, to accelerate an emotional connection with the men because it results in more tips. Some dancers engaged in sex acts, but no one will say they were coerced. But Soehnlein said the case isnt about coercion, motorcycle gangs or a crooked DEA agent. Its about choice, he said. Choice and perspective. He said the governments case is all sizzle, no steak and it is irresponsible for prosecutors to hang their case on conjecture and speculation without direct evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of these people thought they were a victim until the government told them, Soehnlein said. In fact, Soehnlein said federal agents seized stacks of boxes of financial documents from Geraces strip club, including weeks of video footage from dozens of security cameras inside Pharaohs. They also searched his Clarence mansion. Know what they found? Soehnlein said. Nothing. What prosecutors should have gleaned from those documents, Soehnlein said, is most of Geraces profits came from the bar and door charges, not the exotic dancers. Pharaohs is the top seller in the state of Red Bull energy drinks and Patron tequila, he said. And Pharaohs charges between $20 and $25 at the door for long lines of patrons to enter the club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Soehnlein said testimony is bought and sold by the government for providing some dancers with thousands of dollars in relocation spending and generous plea deals to co-conspirators. He said Gabby, one of the governments key witnesses, had already been to rehab and knew the dangers of drug use, and the sex she engaged in was her choice, her decision. Another key government witness is Geraces ex-wife, Katrina Nigro. Soehnlein said labeling her relationship with Gerace as acrimonious is an understatement, and that, shes going to say things that are at odds with objective reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not to be believed, Soehnlein said. Witness testimony was to begin Thursday in what is expected to be a weeks-long trial. Latest Local News Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. St. Louis County prosecutors are being warned of a budget crisis. A prosecutors office internal email reveals the budget manager warning staff, stating in part, supplies cannot be ordered by any department.we are out of envelopes and paperI just paid the last phone bill that can be paid this yearI have to invoices from REJIS that cannot be paid. REJIS is law enforcements crime database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Louis County Prosecutors Office Spokesman Chris King agreed to explain the reason for the email we obtained, saying, Well, heres the problem: the State of Missouri owes us about $54,000. King alleges the Missouri Department of Revenue is months behind on reimbursing prosecutors for their work on holding delinquent taxpayers accountable. The State of Missouri is blaming a software glitch, King noted. The state is late in paying us to prosecute taxpayers who are late in paying them. These are delinquent tax cases. We did our job, and were waiting to get paid, he said. We checked with them at the close of business yesterday, and we were told that towards the end of this week, they should have a new system up where they can remit these payments. St. Louis Cardinals secure new TV deal: What to know and whats next? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 also caught up with Wesley Bell about this, and he praised the budget manager for her strong email. I wouldnt even say raised the alarm. Our budget manager, just like the rest of the men and women of this office, does their jobs. If theres a problem, theres something we need to know; we expect our folks to let us know and speak upand thats exactly what weve come to expect, he said. King added, Shes very good at her job, and the person who pays your bills, you want them to be proactive, not complacent. The apparent glitch is impacting prosecutors offices statewide, FOX 2 confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Department of Revenue, meanwhile, has not responded to our phone calls nor our emails, asking for their response. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Federal prosecutors might soon charge a Fort Lauderdale man with killing his estranged wife in Spain on top of the initial kidnapping offense a legal move that would include the possibility of pursuing the death penalty, according to court records. David Knezevich, 36, a native of Serbia, has been locked up in a federal jail in Miami on the kidnapping charge, stemming from the disappearance of his wife, Ana Knezevich Henao, in early February from her Madrid apartment while the couple was going through a difficult divorce. That offense carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Ana Maria Knezevich Henao Prosecutors told a federal judge in recent court papers that the United States is evaluating whether to pursue capital-eligible offenses in this case, indicating the decision will be made, at the latest, by early December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question of whether prosecutors would charge Knezevich with killing his 40-year-old wife has been hanging over the highly publicized case since his arrest in May at Miami International Airport upon his return from Serbia. The feds hinted at their answer in court papers last month as defense attorneys continued to pressure prosecutors to turn over more evidence in the largely circumstantial case, which is set for trial in February but is likely to be postponed, court records show. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has tried to prod the prosecutors to make up their minds about pursuing a capital case, ordering them in October to advise the defendant and his attorneys of their plan to seek the death penalty or not. If prosecutors do, they would have to return to the federal grand jury in Miami and ask the secret panel to add the charge of kidnapping resulting in death to an indictment. The panel might add other charges. Ultimately, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami would need the final approval of the Justice Department to add the death penalty to the case. The U.S. Attorneys Office declined on Thursday to comment on its next move, which is likely to come this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an Oct. 22 court hearing, prosecutor Jessica Obenauf told the judge that the U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami has been in discussions with the Justice Department in Washington, regarding bringing a potential death penalty case. They are aware and we are in constant contact with them, Obenauf told Williams. Knezevichs main defense attorney, Jayne Weintraub, who has challenged prosecutors to produce evidence of an alleged murder, zeroed in on that issue at last months hearing. We are all kind of pussyfooting around this word that I know the Court is well aware of, and that word would be protocol, Weintraub said, referring to the process of hiring a learned counsel who specializes in death penalty law to assist in Knezevichs defense if hes charged with killing his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sitting here just trying to wrap my mind around what is happening here, said Weintraub, adding that prosecutors filed the original kidnapping charge as a bookmark or a placeholder. The issue of additionally charging Knezevich with both kidnapping and killing his wife runs parallel to another high-profile case in Miami: a Colomban man was arrested last month on the charge of kidnapping his former mistress and her 9-year-old daughter, resulting in their deaths eight years ago. Knezevichs case is strikingly different because the alleged crime involved his traveling from Miami to Serbia before prosecutors and FBI agents say he kidnapped his wife in Spain. leading to her disappearance in early February. Cunning level of deception In two consecutive detention hearings, a magistrate judge in Miami ordered that Knezevich remain in jail because he considered him a serious flight risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the second hearing, Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres concluded there is ample evidence to support the kidnapping case against Knezevich, whose lawyers had asked the judge to reconsider his initial detention order. Indeed, the evidence produced at the second hearing supports the Courts original finding that [Knezevich] presents a serious risk of flight given the cunning level of deception that he has demonstrated as part of the crime he is alleged to have engaged in, Torres ruled in a 17-page order in September. READ NEXT: Husband of missing woman in Spain accused in Miami federal indictment of kidnapping her Torres also rejected the defenses attack that prosecutors have no jurisdiction to bring the kidnapping charge in Miami because the crime allegedly happened in Spain, saying their initial evidence supported the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his arrest in May, Knezevich faced intense scrutiny during the two detention hearings. An FBI agent dug into a trove of circumstantial evidence suggesting he had the means, opportunity and motive to kidnap his estranged wife from her apartment in Madrid. Broward real estate holdings Knezevich, who operated a tech business, owned millions of dollars in Broward County residential real estate with his wife, a native of Colombia. They were fighting over these and other assets when she left for Spain in late December of 2023. Hes accused of leaving Miami the following month with a plan to track her down. She was reported missing by authorities on Feb. 2. The FBI believes the husband carried her body in a suitcase out of her Madrid apartment building that evening, citing security-camera footage of him exiting the elevator. In August, the FBI joined Spanish and Italian authorities in a search for her corpse in the woods north of the city of Vicenza in Italy, where a GPS alert on the husbands rented Peugeot 308 suggested he took a detour there on his return trip from Spain to Serbia. READ MORE: Investigators comb Italy to find body of Fort Lauderdale woman who vanished in Spain Italian firefighters combed the heavily wooded area in the province of Vicenza in northern Italy on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 21-22, 2024. They, along with investigators from Spain, Italy and the FBI, were searching for the body of Ana Knezevich Henao, the Fort Lauderdale woman who was reported missing in early February in Spain. Her body has not been found. No blood found in Madrid apartment At the second detention hearing, Knezevichs lawyer, Weintraub, focused on a Spanish police forensic report that found no traces of blood in the wifes Madrid apartment, contrary to what they initially claimed. Citing no signs of struggle, Knezevichs defense team sought his release based on this new piece of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree with you that some of their evidence is challengeable, Torres said at the end of the hearing, pointing out the absence of blood evidence in the wifes Madrid apartment. The judge also said he could not detect a suitcase, as described by an FBI agent during her testimony, in the security camera video of Knezevich at the wifes apartment building. The FBI suspects Knezevich carried out Ana, a petite woman, in something that looks like a suitcase, according to the agents testimony. Duct tape, spray paint purchases However, the judge cited the strength of another video showing Knezevich purchasing materials such as duct tape and spray paint at a Madrid hardware store that may have been used to keep the front door of the wifes apartment building open during the alleged kidnapping and to coat over the security camera in the lobby. David Knezevich was spotted purchasing spray paint and duct tape in a hardware store in Madrid, according to the FBI. Doesnt that make their case stronger? Torres said, referring to the key piece of evidence presented by prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was buying those supplies in that hardware store, including the can of spray paint, to make sure the video cameras did not catch him moving her out of the building, Torres said. Torres further noted that Knezevich flew in January from Miami to Turkey then to Serbia, where he has family, and then rented the Peugeot to drive to Spain. The judge noted he drove the rental car for thousands of miles from Belgrade to Madrid and back to Belgrade, keeping the car for 47 days. When he returned it to the rental agency, the windows had been tinted, stickers removed and license plates swapped out. All these facts in combination reflect highly unusual behavior for someone with the means to fly from Serbia to Spain if he wanted to visit a hardware store in Madrid, Torres wrote. At a time he was supposed to be visiting his family in Serbia, he was blocks away from the apartment where his wife was last seen. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Most Reverend Louis Gelineau, who served as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Providence, has died, 12 News has learned. The Diocese of Providence announced that Gelineau passed away peacefully Thursday at the Saint Antoine Residence in North Smithfield. He was 96 years old. Gelineau, who served as bishop for more than two decades, retired back in June 1997. The Vermont native was first appointed by Pope Saint Paul VI in December 1971. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his tenure, Gelineau was often referred to as the peoples bishop, since he was known to travel throughout the diocese to interact with the people of God. He was the second-longest serving bishop in diocesan history. Gelineau was also known for his regular appearances on his own television show Rejoice in Hope, on local Catholic Cable TV and for his weekly column in the Providence Visitor, now the Rhode Island Catholic, called Ask the Bishop. The Diocese of Providence said Gelineau continued to assist his successor long after his retirement. He also served as Saint Antoine Residences chaplain for roughly a decade and was recognized in 2017 with the Lumen Gentium award for his dedicated and faithful service. Funeral and burial arrangements have not yet been announced. The Diocese of Providence is requesting donations be made in Gelineaus memory to the Priest Retirement Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. North Dakota Public Service Commission members, from left, Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, Randy Christmann and Julie Fedorchak conduct a public input session on proposed natural gas rate increases on July 29, 2024, in Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Thursday approved natural gas rate increases for two utilities. The increase approved for Montana-Dakota Utilities customers is a lower than an interim rate that customers had been paying since January, so those customers will see a rate decrease starting in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial rate increase request from MDU was 7.5%, made in November 2023. The PSC approved an interim rate increase of 6.5%. Thursday, the commission approved a 6% increase. The average monthly increase for an MDU residential customer will be $3.55 and $3.47 for a Wahpeton residential customer. Commissioner Julie Fedorchak noted that MDU has invested $35 million in infrastructure since its last rate increase in 2021. Northern States Power Company, part of Minnesota-based Xcel Energy, asked for a 9.4% rate increase for its North Dakota customers. In March, the PSC approved an interim rate increase of 8.7% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, the PSC approved an overall rate increase of 8.2%, though the increase for residential customers is 9%. Xcel proposed an average residential customer increase of $6.75 per month but agreed to a $4.88 per month increase. Fedorchak said the company went many years without a rate increase. While there have been rate increases in recent years, she said North Dakota natural gas rates remain well below the national average. In December, there will be a hearing on an electric rate increase for Otter Tail Power Co. This story has been updated with the average cost per Xcel residential customer. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Technology is being installed in about 540 public spaces in Clay County, from government buildings, parks and senior centers to churches, sports complexes and boat ramps, that will empower anyone to help save a life. About 150 automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, that boost the survival chances of someone experiencing cardiac arrest have already been placed in "frequent-use" outdoor and indoor areas, according to Clay County officials. Each AED also is equipped with Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. "Im not just hopeful this project will save lives, Im confident it will," said Jairo Herrera, Clay County Fire Rescue bureau chief of paramedicine. "AEDs have a proven track record and by empowering community members with AED kits and Narcan, were giving them the tools to act swiftly in life-or-death situations. When EMS is en route, every second counts. Early intervention can make the critical difference between life and death." A newly installed automated external defibrillator at Neptune Park on Fleming Island in Clay County is one of 540 federally funded devices to be available for public use in high-traffic areas. About 15% of cardiac arrests that do not occur in a hospital take place in a public location, according to the American Heart Association. An AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, when necessary, delivers an electric shock to help restore the natural rhythm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive an AED shock in the first minute live, but chances of survival drop by 10% every subsequent minute, according to the Heart Association. How will people know how to use an AED and Narcan? Clay County staff and community partners, including Operation Lifeline and Team Rubicon, meet to prepare for the installation of 540 federally funded automated external defibrillators throughout the county. Public training is planned how to use the Clay AEDs, which cost about $2,400 each, and Narcan. The 45- to 60-minute training sessions will be offered to any size group. But the devices provide automated verbal instructions in multiple languages. "The AEDs and the Narcan will be for anyone's use. They are user-friendly and very safe," Herrera, a retired Jacksonville Fire and Rescue captain paramedic/firefighter, said. The county purchased the AEDs and Narcan with federal funds from the $23.5 billion national settlement reached with four major drug companies for their part in the opioid epidemic. Florida received about $1.6 billion, which is managed and distributed to communities by Lutheran Services of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Clay government buildings already have AEDs inside, but placing some of the devices outside will "make them more accessible to the public," according to the county. Also, 75 Clay County Sheriff's Office and county government vehicles will get AEDs. Installation and shelf life of AEDs Erick Saks, founder and executive director of Operation Lifeline, installs one of 540 automated external defibrillators being placed in public places throughout Clay County. Operation Lifeline is a veteran-led nonprofit based in St. Johns County. Leading the installation are two nonprofits led by veterans Team Rubicon, a humanitarian organization specializing in disaster response, and Operation Lifeline, which finds veterans safe and accessible housing. "We have worked with Team Rubicon and Operation Lifeline in the past on other projects, so collaborating on this initiative was a natural fit," Herrera said. Nancy Coltrin is one of the Team Rubicon First Coast Metro volunteers who worked on the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disaster response is the nonprofit's primary focus, she said, but volunteers "are committed to being a resource in their local communities in a variety of ways, from helping with food banks to service projects for veterans. Team Rubicon engaged with Clay County to give our volunteers opportunities to serve." The latest service project was working with the county and Operation Lifeline to install "AED and Narcan pods across the county to provide life-saving support when seconds count," she said. "Team Rubicon will continue to support the project until all of the pods have been installed." St. Johns County-based Operation Lifeline is placing AED/Narcan kits in the southern part of Clay County, throughout Middleburg, Green Cove Springs and Keystone Heights, according to retired Air Force Lt. Col. Erick Saks, founder and executive director. "At the core of our mission is improving this community for everyone, ensuring that critical resources are accessible where theyre needed most," he said. "We believe these installations will make a meaningful impact, providing people with the tools to respond in emergencies and potentially save lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healthful News: Ascension Riverside breaks new ground in irregular heartbeat treatment The AEDs' battery life lasts about four years, which is also the "shelf life" of Narcan, Herrera said. County officials monitor, maintain and inspect the devices. "Narcan has been proven to save lives by reversing opioid overdoses, which, if untreated, can lead to cardiac arrest. When Narcan is collocated with an AED, both tools offer critical, life-saving interventions that are safe and easy to use together," according to the county. "It is far better to have access to these essential devices and never need them than to face a situation without them, potentially resulting in the loss of life. The deployment of AED kits is a crucial initiative that will unquestionably save lives and benefit countless citizens." All of the AEDs will be added to PulsePoint, a 911-connected nonprofit app that can inform the public of emergencies in their community and request help. The app has an AED registry. Clay County Risk Safety Coordinator Charles Creel stands beside a newly installed automated external defibrillator. About 540 of the AEDs are being placed in "frequent-use" outdoor and indoor areas of the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the specific AEDs that will be installed, go to stryker.com/us/en/emergency-care/products/lifepak-cr2.html. An instructional video is available at youtube.com/watch?v=YrqnRyqBCzw. bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109 This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Clay County empowers public to save lives with 540 AEDs with Narcan NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) If you live or work on the Virginia Peninsula, city officials encourage you to attend an upcoming public forum focused on regional homelessness. The goal of the forums is for community members to discuss the results of a Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Study and learn about potential impacts and solutions. Viam Advising, a Houston-based organization specializing in homelessness solutions, was contracted by the City of Newport News to conduct the study. Forum Schedule: Williamsburg: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m. Williamsburg Community Center, 401 N. Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Newport News: Thursday, Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. Denbigh Community Center, 5198 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a critical step in understanding homelessness in our community, said Ginger Blount-Moore, Newport News Assistant City Manager. Community input is vital, and these forums are an opportunity for residents to help shape strategies that reflect the distinct challenges and needs of the Virginia Peninsula region. Following the forums, Viam Advising will compile a comprehensive report based on community feedback and data from the survey. Details of this report will be presented to the public in the coming months. The Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Study Survey was open to anyone living or working in the peninsula (Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County, or York County). For more information on the study, visit this link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Sean Hughes owns two pubs in St Albans and says the rises to minimum wage and National Insurance will harm his business - JEFF GILBERT In its manifesto, Labour promised to kickstart economic growth by being pro-business. Yet small business owners were left dismayed by Rachel Reevess first Budget. The Chancellor last week announced the National Insurance rate that employers pay will increase from 13.8pc to 15pc, in a blow to businesses. She also reduced the threshold at which employers pay the levy on employee salaries from 9,100 to 5,000. Ms Reeves claimed it would raise 25bn for the Treasury but this has been disputed by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Small business owners such as Sean Hughes, 43, have told The Telegraph that the Budget will be crippling for the industry. Mr Hughes owns two pubs in St Albans and said the rises to minimum wage and National Insurance would have a detrimental impact on business. It will probably cost us 25,000 to 30,000 just for one pub alone. Thats coming out of our profit and means the price of the pint is going to get higher and higher, he said. He added the industry has been so saturated by taxation, the energy crisis and soaring costs, that they will have to pass every single increase on. Mr Hughes added that the 1p on the 1 relief to draught duty would not have a sizeable effect on his business: I find it laughable that they think thats actually helping the country. Emily Lui runs the Cutter & Squidge bakery with her sister and the Budget may force them to reduce staff - Jeff Gilbert Annabel Lui, who together with her sister Emily runs bakery Cutter & Squidge in London, said the National Insurance rise might force them to reduce headcount, while reconsidering potential pay rises. We employ 70 people at the moment and more during peak season, when we employ up to 100, she said, adding that the tax rises announced by Ms Reeves would directly hit our bottom line and will impact how we view our wage bill overall and what we can afford. Business partners Jamie Hazeel and Kamran Dehdashti, who own the hospitality chain The Little Door & Co, said the Budget was intensely demotivating for the industry. Jamie Hazeel and Kamran Dehdashti say the reduction of business rates relief for hospitality is a major blow - Jamie Hazeel and Kamran Dehdashti We have been in incredibly difficult economic times and we feel we have been hit from all sides economically. Its clear to some extent this impact will be exacerbated from this Budget, Mr Hazeel warned. Since 2020, hospitality businesses could receive a 75pc reduction in their business rates bill up to a threshold. But the Chancellor slashed this to 40pc, which Mr Hazeel said would be a major blow. The bill is well into the six figures for a business of our size, he said. Mr Hazeel also said knocking 1p off the price of a pint was pretty arbitrary. This was an absolutely terrifying time for the industry, he added. Vladimir Putin says hes ready for talks with real man Donald Trump. The Russian leader congratulated Trump for his 2024 presidential election victory Thursday and made a point of praising the new U.S. president-elect for his courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him at a July campaign rally. He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way, courageously, like a real man. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election, said Putin at the Valdai discussion club in Sochis Russian Black Sea resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the campaign, Trump said he could settle the war between Ukraine and Russia in 24 hours and vowed to get Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone even before his inauguration in January. That is a war thats dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president, Trump said during his only debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. If I win, when Im president-elect and what Ill do is Ill speak to one, Ill speak to the other, Ill get them together. I know Zelensky very well and I know Putin very well. I have a good relationship and they respect your president, OK, they respect me, they dont respect Biden. .@DavidMuir asks former Pres. Trump his plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. "I want this war to stop," Trump said. "I will get it settled before I even become president ... I'll get them [Zelenskyy and Putin] together. That war would have never happened."#ABCDebate pic.twitter.com/Qs9gLxCmX3 ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024 The Russian leader said he was ready for a conversation with Trump if the new administration wanted it. What was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion this deserves attention at least, Putin said in his first remarks since Trumps election win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Kremlin chief, 72, added: I do not know what is going to happen now. I have no clue. It is useless to put pressure on us, he continued. But we are always ready to negotiate with full consideration of mutual legitimate interests. An investigation into allegations that Trumps campaign colluded with the Russians during the 2016 election found no evidence of any conspiracy, but speculation has persisted about Trumps close relationship with Putin. During the campaign, Kamala Harris warned that Putin would eat Trump for lunch, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov jokingly told the gathering: Putin does not eat people. The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops. By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin is ready to discuss Ukraine with Donald Trump but that does not mean he is willing to alter Moscow's demands, the Kremlin said on Friday. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks after being asked at his daily news briefing if Putin's readiness to talk to the Republican president-elect reflected a willingness to change those demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The president has never said that the goals of the special military operation are changing. On the contrary, he has repeatedly said that they remain the same," Peskov said. "All this concerns the security interests of our country, the security interests of the Russian people living there. Therefore, there was no talk of any changes here." Putin on June 14 set out his terms for an end to the war: Ukraine would have to drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw all of its troops from all of the territory of four regions claimed by Russia. Ukraine rejected that, saying it would be tantamount to capitulation, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has put forward a "victory plan" that includes requests for additional military support from the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the campaign trail, Trump criticised the scale of U.S. military and financial support for Kyiv and said he could end the war within 24 hours, without saying how. Zelenskiy has congratulated Trump, but said he does not know how the American plans to end the conflict quickly. "If it's just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don't yet understand how this could be in any other way. Maybe we do not know something, do not see," he said on Thursday. Putin on Thursday congratulated Trump on winning the U.S. election, praised him for showing courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with Trump. He said comments that Trump had made about trying to end the war were worthy of attention. Trump told NBC he had not talked to Putin since his election victory but "I think we'll speak". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about a possible phone call between the two men, Peskov said there was nothing concrete on it to report yet, and it would be premature to talk of any improvement in Russia-U.S. ties. But Putin had made it clear many times he remained open for dialogue, he said. The Kremlin says relations with the United States are at an historic low because of Washington's support for Ukraine and its imposition of sanctions against Russia. Putin last spoke to Biden in February 2022, days before the start of the war, when the American warned him of a swift and severe Western response if he went ahead with an invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin last month denied reports that Trump had spoken to Putin since leaving office after U.S. journalist Bob Woodward in his book "War" quoted an unnamed Trump aide as saying that Trump and Putin may have spoken as many as seven times since Trump left the White House in 2021. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Mark Trevelyan and Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) point out that Russian leader Vladimir Putin seeks to reset Russia-US relations on his own terms under Donald Trump's presidency. Source: ISW Quote from ISW: "Russian President [sic] Vladimir Putin is attempting to shape US President-elect Donald Trump's foreign policy and achieve another Russia-US reset on Russia's terms. Details: On 7 November, Putin addressed the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club and called for a reset in Russia-US relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin hinted that Trumps presidential campaign had signalled a "desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis". He went on to state that Russia is open to "the possibility of restoring relations with the United States". Putin attempted to place blame on the United States for the breakdown in Russia-US relations, citing sanctions and restrictions imposed by Washington and support for Kyiv. Notably, he failed to mention that these measures were a response to Russias illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts interpret Putin's statement as suggesting that Russia would agree to a reset in relations with the United States only if Washington lifts sanctions and restrictions on Russia and withdraws its support for Ukraine essentially demanding concessions that favour Russia at the expense of US interests. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 7 November: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President [sic] Vladimir Putin is attempting to shape US President-elect Donald Trump's foreign policy and achieve another Russia-US reset on Russia's terms. A recent failed Russian assault northeast of Siversk near Bilohorivka prompted outrage from some Russian ultranationalist milbloggers over Russian command failures and the pervasive Russian military culture of exaggerating battlefield successes. A Russian brigade commander and a sniper platoon commander were reported killed in combat recently in the Kurakhove and Chasiv Yar directions. Ukrainian authorities continue to report systematic Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), noting a clear increase in such executions in 2024. Ukrainian strikes on Russia and Western sanctions are reportedly disrupting Russia's energy industry. Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove. Russian authorities are reportedly creating "fake" non-combat volunteer battalions in occupied Ukraine and merging them with existing Cossack organisations led by occupation administrations. Support UP or become our patron! Qatar recently conveyed to Hamas leadership living in Doha that members of the terror group are no longer welcome in the Gulf monarchy, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to Jewish Insider. Qatar issued the demand to Hamas a week and a half ago, the source confirmed. After Israels Kann News first reported the news of Qatars demand to Hamas on Friday, analysts suggested the timing was due to former President Donald Trumps election on Tuesday. But the move which came shortly after Hamas rejected another cease-fire proposal took place several days before Election Day. This is something we have discussed doing with the Qataris since the beginning of the conflict, and once Hamas refused to engage after Sinwars death, we decided with them that now was the time, a U.S. official said. This was all before the election, though its just now being reported on. Qatar has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. But the Gulf monarchy has also come under scrutiny for its ties to the terrorist group, since many senior Hamas leaders reside in Doha. Negotiations have continued off-and-on since last Novembers hostage deal, which resulted in the release of 105 hostages. Hamas is a terrorist group that has killed Americans and continues to hold Americans hostage. After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner, a senior Biden administration official said Friday. We made that clear to Qatar following Hamass rejection weeks ago of another hostage release proposal. Hamas refusal to release even a small number of hostages, including most recently during meetings in Cairo, their continued presence in Doha is no longer viable or acceptable, the administration official added. The official declined to say if there is a deadline for Hamas leaders to depart Doha, or if the departure of Hamas leaders from Qatar means cease-fire talks are over. QUEENS (PIX11)PIX11 News is investigating gentrification in the outer boroughs. Where is it happening? Why? And what can be done about it? We start our series by looking at the worlds borough- Queens. Experts say gentrification in Queens will impact Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights, the Rockaways, and Jamaica. More Local News Some say rents have risen as a result. Zishun Ning is with the Flushing Workers Center, which helps improve conditions for workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says an influx of luxury high-rises in the area has raised rents and property taxes, pushing people out. Weve seen displacement happening, and its going to get worse, Ning says. We have seen small businesses shut down, tenants face eviction, or they cant afford to stay there, so they have to move away. Melissa Checker is the chair of the urban studies department at Queens College. She says gentrification has pros and cons. A neighborhood that has been underserved and underserviced will start to get a lot of amenities it needs. Better transportation nice parks. The problem is those people who have been living there so long kind of putting up with the neighborhood when it wasnt a nice place to live. Theyre priced out, Checker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Grech is with the Queens Chamber of Commerce. He says gentrification can lead to rising rents, but it can also lead to necessary growth. Its kind of a rising tide lifting all boats because you need to have development, Grech says. There has to be a healthy mix. There has to be a market rate along with affordable. I dont think weve figured out a balance yet. Its a challenge. The Queens Borough President says he is committed to fighting the negative impacts of gentrification. One way to do this is by building more affordable housing in Queens that uses the citys mandatory inclusionary housing policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy mandates private developers make 30 percent of units affordable in exchange for tax breaks. Donovan Richards says, You want to fight gentrification- the community has to be a part of the conversation. And there can be no solutions to the crisis without ensuring the people in these neighborhoods who are being driven out have a place at the table. In the meantime, the city says one of the main causes of displacement is rising rent, which is driven by a lack of housing. The citys net rental vacancy rate in 2023 was 1.41%, the lowest since the 1960s. In Queens, the rate was 0.88%. The mayors office says adding new housing keeps rents lower and prevents displacement, so the mayor has proposed the City of Yes plan to reform zoning laws and pushed for more city-owned land to be used for 100% affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, some say that affordable housing plans must align with community needs. The development should be truly affordable housing- that looks at the income level of the community instead of the so-called affordable thats not affordable, Zishun Ning with Flushing Workers Center says More Queens News Rebecca Schenof, 42, lives in Long Island City. She considers herself lucky to live there. Its great waterfront views. Great to run, walk the dog. Schenof and her husband have an apartment through the New York City housing lottery. Without the lottery, she doesnt think they could afford it. Schenof says, Two-bedroom apartments are twice what we pay now, so to me, that is not affordable. She adds, I think wed have to downgrade our apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schenof says regardless of what causes gentrification, it is a double-edged sword in her neighborhood. Theres a great opportunity with it upgrades in the park and renovations, and everything looks nice/but I think its pushing out people who cant afford it, and thats the flip side. She and others say any development that does occur must be met with policy to mitigate its negative impacts. The city is committed to ensuring its affordable housing investments include the deepest possible affordability levels. In the meantime, the citys Department of Housing Preservation and Development says it is starting a partnership with Partners in Preservation that will set aside $4 million per year to bolster tenant support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also focused on building more housing, saying 2024 saw the agencys highest new construction production. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Constitutional Convention delegates meet inside the State House in 1986 the last such convention approved by Rhode Island voters. Labor leaders want the General Assembly to remove the requirement that asks voters every 10 years if the state should hold a convention. (Rhode Island State Archives) Rhode Island labor leaders are looking for at least one state lawmaker to help them finally get rid of the decennial ballot question that nearly 63% of voters rejected in Tuesdays general election, the highest opposition ever in 40 years. Ballot Question 1 asked voters if the state should hold a constitutional convention. The question comes up every 10 years in a year ending in 4 because of an amendment that dates back to the 1973 constitutional convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting rid of it would have to be through either an amendment proposed through a constitutional convention or the General Assembly can place a referendum question on the ballot during any election year. Rhode Island AFL-CIO Patrick Crowley, whose organization was part of the coalition of 37 unions and civil liberties groups that led the campaign urging voters to reject Question 1, said Thursday afternoon that a discussion about lining up support to eliminate the constitutional question was likely to happen that night during the Institute for Labor Studies and Research 42nd Annual Awards dinner at Ballys Twin River casino in Lincoln. Were hoping that it will be someone that is willing to champion this from start to finish, Crowley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ideal lead sponsor would be someone who sits on the House or Senate judiciary committees, which are responsible for placing the convention question and any likely proposal to repeal it, Crowley said. There were 15 members on the House panel during the 2024 legislative session and 10 on the Senates. House Judiciary Chairman Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat who co-chaired the bipartisan commission that gathered input for a voter information guide about the convention question over the summer, isnt interested. Craven told Rhode Island Current he is open to listening to the arguments against the ballot measure but felt the constitutional mandate serves as a good exercise to find out what issues are most important to Rhode Islanders. And I think thats worthwhile, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat who served as the commissions other co-chair, said she expects her committee to look at the possibility of the proposal to do away with the question. But she was noncommittal when asked if she would be the one to introduce the resolution. I actually havent thought about it, Euer said. But that could change, I guess. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said he is open to any lawmaker introducing legislation to do away with the question and going through the public hearing process. But he said the likelihood such a bill would go to the floor in 2025 is unlikely given such a change would have to be approved in an election year. Its the type of stuff that would be introduced and debated, Shekarchi said about prioritizing it for the upcoming legislative session. But I dont want that to be a precursor for no one to put anything in I am all ears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shekarchi was the most prominent Rhode Island Democrat to come out in opposition to Question 1 though he waited until less than two weeks before Election Day. But he wasnt always opposed to conventional conventions. Shekarchi even ran to be one of Warwicks delegates for the 1986 constitutional convention as a 23-year-old law school student because he said was hungry and thought he could change the world. One of five candidates who ran as a delegate for his legislative district, Shekarchi came in second to retired FBI agent Constant L. Simonini. Shekarchi said his opposition stems from his concern that out-of-state dark money groups will try to influence changes to Rhode Islands constitution. Forty years ago, nobody from Washington D.C. would ever consider dropping $1 million on an issue in Rhode Island to move the needle, he said. Today, theres a very distinct possibility I see it at the State House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only significant money spent on Question 1 in this election cycle was through Rhode Island Citizens for Responsible Government. The coalition of 37 civil rights and labor organizations spent roughly $175,000 on mailers, radio, and social media ads urging voters to reject the ballot question, according to filings with the Rhode Island Board of Elections. Rhode Islands Republican Party finally came out in favor of holding a convention in late October. The only campaign in support of Question 1 was a video and text message blitz produced by former GOP national committeeman Steve Frias along with the occasional pro-convention op-ed, including one from Frias. Whoever sponsors the resolution, Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion said its unlikely the General Assembly would ever approve a measure to remove the convention question. Its been a part of our constitution for almost 50 years, he said. And it could be useful at some future a point if the electorate ever feels the need to change the states constitution. A campaign sign in Newport urges voters to vote no on Question 1 asking if Rhode Island should hold a constitutional convention on the ballot in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Too complex a question? On Tuesday, 62.5% of voters rejected Question 1 while 37.5% voted yes, the biggest percentage point spread in the past four decades. Voters rejected a constitutional convention by 55.1% and 52% in 2014 and 2004 respectively. In 1994, 59.5% of voters opposed the constitutional convention question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1984, voters had approved the constitutional convention 53.82% to 46.18%. The overwhelming defeat came as no surprise to Marion. The reason, he said, is getting clear information to voters explaining what a constitutional convention is for remains a challenge. When voters dont have a lot of information, they tend to vote against, Marion said. Given that there was virtually no pro-campaign and a well-funded anti-campaign, Im not surprised that a large number of undecideds ultimately, when faced with the choice, clearly chose to vote against. Voters understand issue-based ballot measures like bond referenda and basic policy questions like legalizing recreational cannabis, but when it comes to process-driven measures such as the convention question, their eyes can glaze over, said Community College of Rhode Island Associate Professor of Political Science Matthew Ulricksen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People just get lost in the complexity and detail, Ulricksen said in an interview. And if they tend not to understand it, their inclination is to reject it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A gap between candidates has started to widen in the race to replace an embattled former Tri-Cities judge. Since election night only a handful of votes have divided Benton County Court Commissioner Bronson Brown and Franklin County Prosecutor Shawn Sant. However, Brown pulled ahead by 540 votes by Friday after the Benton and Franklin county clerks offices released another round of votes. Brown now has 43,076 votes, or 50.11%, compared to Sants 42,536 votes or 49.49% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remaining ballots were cast for write-in candidates. Prior to this the candidates have been exchanging narrow leads, with Brown ahead on Tuesday and Sant leading on Wednesday. Franklin County estimates it has about 2,000 ballots left to count where Sant is leading and Benton County has 20,000 remaining, where Brown leads. Brown is feeling better after the latest round of results, he told the Tri-City Herald. With the current trends, he believes they can continue to keep the lead and maybe widen the gap. Were feeling a lot more optimistic, but were cautiously optimistic, he said. With the trend and the ballots left to count, were feeling pretty good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the results didnt move in the way he wanted, Sant told the Herald he will continue to watch as more ballots are counted. He said the election shows how important it is to vote. This is why your vote counts, he said. Its been a good process. The two longtime attorneys are looking to fill the spot left by former Judge Sam Swanberg, who resigned from the bench in May ahead of a hearing by the Washington state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The commission ruled he should be barred from holding a position as a judge because of his alleged abuse of his ex-wife and harassment of an ex-girlfriend. The Washington State Supreme Court made it official in a new ruling released Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person elected to the nonpartisan position will serve for four years and be paid $228,000 a year. Campaign for Tri-Cities judge This was the second attempt for both men to earn a seat on the seven-member panel of Superior Court judges who handle cases in both Benton and Franklin counties. The two ran in 2020 to replace Judge Bruce Spanner after his retirement, but were both knocked out of a six-person primary race. Judge Dave Petersen ultimately won. After Brown was defeated, he pursued a position as a Benton County court commissioner and also became a Franklin County judge pro-tem. So the last two years, Im doing the job, he told the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board last month. Being on the bench is a little different. As a prosecutor, youre seeking justice. As a defense attorney, youre being an advocate for your client. As a judge, youre being a fair and impartial adjudicator and making sure peoples constitutional rights are safeguarded and the rules are being followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 21 years as an attorney, hes served as the general counsel for the Kennewick School District and other government agencies and as a Benton County District Court public defender. A number of Tri-City legal luminaries lined up to back his campaign, including all the current Superior Court judges, most of the Benton County District Court judges and court commissioners. Sant has been Franklin Countys elected prosecutor for 14 years and serves in the U.S. Army Reserves judiciary and legal system. Hes also served as a public defender and a deputy prosecutor in his 20 years of practicing law. His role as a prosecutor has required him to help argue thousands of cases, weigh evidence and determine whether a charge is supported by the law. The Ohio Attorney Generals Office and the FBI are investigating after Black Ohioans received racist scam text messages. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The text messages were sent to people after Election Day, according to our media partners WBNS-10 TV and WCPO-9 TV. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The messages tell the recipient that you have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. It includes a date and time, telling the recipient they will be picked up by executive slaves in a van, both stations report. Be prepared to get searched so dont try anything, the text reads. WCPO-9 staff spoke with several people in the Greater Cincinnati region who received the overtly racist messages. One woman in the Cincinnati area received a different message that included her name. As of January, we will be sending personal mail for plantation numbers following the mass deportation of immigrants, the message reads. Please send back your age and personal qualities for plantation numbers and locations. #MAGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WCPO-9, at least one of the phone numbers used to send the messages links back to a Voice Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is a computer program that makes and receives calls using the Internet instead of the phones network. VoIPs have been used by businesses for years, but have also been used by scammers to generate scam calls and spoof phone numbers, WCPO-9 reported. A spokesperson for the Ohio State University confirmed with WBNS-10 that some students have received the disparaging text messages. We have reported the messages to the Office of Institutional Equity and are offering support services. We are aware that this is happening nationally, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost confirmed to WCPO-9 and WBNS-10 that his office is investigating. The FBI and attorneys general in multiple states confirmed people have received similar racist messages. Virginias Attorney General Jason Miyares said he unequivocally condemns them in a statement. The FBI released a statement saying they are aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WASHINGTON (DC News Now) After racist text messages from an unknown source were sent to many people in the Black community this week, the emotional toll is being expressed across the U.S. Several iterations of the text messages are being reported across the U.S., instructing the recipient to be a slave and to pick cotton, at the nearest plantation, according to several screenshots seen online. People around DMV, country report recieving racist text messages in days after election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Howard University, an HBCU, students lamented the messages. Four people DC News Now spoke with Friday, including a Maryland woman who received a similar text, believe the racial messages are tied to people feeling emboldened in the current political climate. I think this election has given a lot of people an excuse to, maybe be openly racist, said Pypah Miller, a Howard student. We honestly just cant escape racism no matter where we are, Ariel Williamson added. Holli Holliday received one of the racist texts Thursday that this could be part of our new reality. What got me to the point of being angry was how widespread it was being received by other people, particularly young voters who are way more vulnerable to this kind of behavior, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in Montgomery County also were among those who received those texts, according to an email sent to staff and parents from the public school district Thursday. The FBI said its in contact with the Justice Department about the situation as a whole. Osteria Mozza DC ready to open in Georgetown When asked what Holliday would say to young people on the receiving end of the hurtful messages, she said she would acknowledge however theyre feeling about that. Remind them that as a community, we have been through worse and that thats why its important to lean on community, that is why it is important to have conversations with people so that you can discern those people who are really supporting you, versus people who are not, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys general in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have all admonished the widespread messages. If you received one of these messages, police said to copy and forward it to the Federal Trade Commissions reporting system at 7726. Recipients can then report the message as spam and block the number. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. SYDNEY (Reuters) -A Qantas Airways plane bound for Brisbane suffered an engine failure after take-off on Friday and circled for a short period of time before returning safely to Sydney Airport, the Australian airline said. Passengers heard a loud bang from one of the aircraft's two engines, Australian media reported. A journalist with national broadcaster ABC was on the flight and said there was a "sharp shudder" on the plane after the loud noise, his news outlet reported. "It was apparent something had happened with one of the engines, then the plane seemed to labour to get off the ground or get any altitude," ABC journalist Mark Willacy said. Qantas did not disclose the number of passengers or crew aboard the narrow-body plane, which its website states offers 12 business and 162 economy seats. The airline said its engineers had conducted a preliminary inspection of the engine and confirmed it was a contained engine failure, meaning the internal engine parts stayed within the protective housing designed to keep them safely enclosed. Uncontained engine failures, where engine fragments fly out of this housing, can result in serious damage to the main body of an aircraft. Qantas flight QF520 took off from Sydney at 12:35 p.m. (0135 GMT), circled a few times and diverted to land at Sydney, tracking data from Flightradar24 showed. The aircraft's departure coincided with a grass fire breaking out alongside Sydney Airport's parallel runway that was brought under control by teams from the aviation firefighting rescue service, the airport said in a statement. "It's not clear at this stage if the two incidents are linked and investigations are continuing," the airport added. Qantas said the plane landed safely after appropriate procedures were conducted and added it would be investigating the cause of the engine issue. The plane is a 19-year-old Boeing 737-800, according to Flightradar24. That model is powered by engines from CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran. Twin-engine passenger planes of this sort are designed to be able to be flown on one engine in an emergency. "We understand this would have been a distressing experience for customers and we will be contacting all customers this afternoon to provide support," Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said in a statement. By Friday afternoon Sydney Airport said all its runways had re-opened after the parallel runway had been closed for inspection, but passenger delays may continue into the evening. Racist texts have been reported nationwide, with Black students as the primary recipients (Getty Images). Racist text messages received this week primarily by Black students nationwide including in Missouri are under investigation by federal authorities. The FBI said in a statement issued Thursday it is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. Locally, groups have condemned the attacks, and college campuses are looking into the source of the messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The texts, which tell recipients they were selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation, have been posted on forums online as far back as Wednesday afternoon. Students have reported receiving the texts at several universities around the state. Thursday morning, the 17-year-old son of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones received the viral message, which the mayors father posted online. Nimrod Chapel Jr., president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, called for law enforcement and schools to take action. This is terrorism plain and simple. It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin, he said in a statement after Missouri State University students reported receiving the texts. The schools that were targeted and law enforcement need to take these reports seriously and act quickly to prevent the escalation to physical violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Missouri-Columbia is also aware of students on its campus receiving the messages. We are actively investigating the matter and working to identify the source of these messages, said Christopher Ave, the universitys spokesman. We are also aware that similar texts have been reported at universities nationwide. Based on the information currently available, there is no indication of a credible threat to the safety of members of the MU community. Attorneys general in other states, such as Louisiana and North Carolina, have launched state investigations. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has not spoken publicly about the issue. This story has been updated with new information and a new image. In the wake of Republican Donald Trump winning the presidential election, scores of Black students across the country including many in Michigan have reported being threatened and racially harassed in disturbing text messages that warn of being sent to a plantation to pick cotton. The Detroit Free Press has learned of multiple such incidents in Michigan, including four Black female students at North Farmington High School, four teens in Grand Rapids and five students at Grand Valley State University, including one who reported being threatened and racially harassed by a group of people on campus after the election. Elderly folks are being targeted, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source of the text message threats remain unknown as many texts are coming from different phone numbers across the country, making them difficult to trace, though they include a common theme: that the recipient "has been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation." One sent to a teenage girl in the Grand Rapids area included #MAGA. Another stated this: A screen grab of a text message sent to a Grand Rapids, Michigan, teen. Messages containing racist remarks were reportedly sent to Black college students and others in at least four states. Greetings! You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation, the message reads. PLEASE be ready by 12 am November 15,2024! NO EXCEPTIONS !! Bring all of your belongs our Exclusive slaves will be there by 11:45 to pick you up in a Large Brown van, Be prepared to get searched and patted down once inside of the plantation A 1st cabin to your right ! -Thank you. A follow-up text to the same girl reads: "Please note that anyone who runs away or doesn't show up will be killed." The girl's aunt, who lives in Grand Rapids, expressed fear and outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a scary time in our world, and it's a scary time in the United States," Frances Carmona, the teen's aunt, said to the Free Press on Friday. "This is America, and it shouldnt be like this. It's just sad. And I knew weird things were going to happen after the election, but I didn't think it was going happen the next day." According to Carmona, her niece received the text at 4:55 p.m. Wednesday while she was in her bedroom. She came down to show her mom, who then shared the text with Carmona. "I looked at it. I was like speechless for a second," Carmona said, noting her temperament quickly changed to angry and fearful, with all sorts of bad thoughts going through her head. "But the Catholic in me came out and said, 'No Frannie, no thats not what Pope Francis wants. That's what the devil wants.' " After calming down, her sister called the police. When the officers arrived, Carmona said, her niece had a troubled look on her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She looked distorted like, 'Why is this happening to me?' and I didnt know what to tell her. I still don't know what to tell her," Carmona said, adding: "We live in an age where I thought we were past all that." Carmona said her niece, who is biracial, and three members of her friend group all got racists texts that day, and that all were people of color. She said her niece is doing relatively well considering, though she stayed home from school Friday. She said she's doing better, too, but, she noted: "That first night, none of us got sleep, none of us." Multiple students at the University of Alabama received similar texts, including this one: Be ready at 1:00 pm SHARP with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once youve entered the plantation. You are in Plantation Group C. Good day. Multiple such texts were reported at the University of Alabama, according to the Crimson White. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This alarming national trend has fallen on the radar of the FBI, though the nation's top law enforcement agency will neither confirm nor deny an investigation into these texts, stating only: "The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities." The FBI Detroit branch would not comment on any specifics of any complaints, nor would it confirm or deny that there is a local investigation into these text message threats. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, meanwhile, is urging anyone receiving these texts to report them to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My department is aware of the disturbing, racist text messages that are being reported across the country," Nessel said in a statement. "We are contacting state and federal law enforcement agencies and the Anti-Robocall Multi-State Litigation Task Force to learn all we can about these potentially criminal messages and those responsible. Trump campaign spokesman Brian Hughes condemned the texts and called it absolute nonsense to link the president to the messages. If we can find the origin of these messages which promote this kind of ugliness in our name we will obviously take legal action to stop it, Hughes said in a statement to NBC News. President Trump built a diverse and broad coalition of support, with voters of all races and backgrounds, he added. The result was a landslide victory for his common sense mandate for change. This will result in a second term that is beneficial to every working man and woman in our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass text messages are typically sent through companies that specialize in this service, though one such company in Michigan called TextSpot said it flagged an attempt this week to send racist messages through its platform, and blocked the effort. "The attempt was made but no messages were sent from our system," Lance Beaudry, CEO of Grand Rapids-based TextSpot, told the Columbus Dispatch. According to Beaudry, a new user signed up for TextSpot on Wednesday under the name "Amy jones," and listed an account phone number with a 215 area code, which is in Philadelphia. The user tried to send a message to the 215 number and a number with a Wisconsin area code. The message contained phrases "be prepared to be searched down" and "pick cotton at the nearest plantation." Beaudry said TextSpot uses artificial intelligence to flag potential problems, particularly from new accounts, though he noted that not all blast text software platforms do this. After flagging the suspicious texts, the company relayed the information to the Grand Rapids police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaudry said his team told him that targeting certain demographic groups, such as Black Americans, could potentially be done by acquiring data that had been leaked. Meanwhile, school officials, parents and students are expressing alarm and outrage over the trend, and fear for the safety of minority students. "These reports are heart wrenching and we are obviously taking them very seriously," Grand Valley State University officials Jenny Hall-Jones and Robert Shorty wrote in an email to students Friday. "Investigations into these reports began immediately, including alerting our states Attorney General and the FBI. Importantly, we are also providing care and resources to these students and will continue to support them following these incidents." The GVSU statement stressed that it shared the information "to ensure that everyone is aware of the harassment, the steps that are being taken to hold the offenders accountable, and the resources available to those affected by the offensive behavior or need to report more such incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Choosing to care is the bedrock of who we are and we hope and encourage you all to care for each other," the GVSU statement reads. "As a community, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect." Officials at North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills have not yet responded for comment. Carmona, meanwhile, is urging all young people to stay safe. And she has a message for whoever is behind this hate campaign that targeted her niece: "Shame on them, targeting teenagers, especially female teenagers." Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Racist texts part of national trend after presidential election ends Authorities across the United States are investigating after racist text messages some with references to slave catchers and picking cotton reminiscent of the countrys painful and bigoted past have been received by children, college students and working professionals from unrecognized phone numbers in the wake of the presidential election. The NAACP president warned Thursday of possible broader implications of the hate-filled rhetoric reported in more than 20 states from New York to California, and the District of Columbia. Attorneys general of both parties are condemning the messages and vowing to root out their senders. The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes, NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson said. These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesdays election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps presidential campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages, its spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Students from at least three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina have reported receiving the text messages, according to statements from the universities. It was not immediately clear who sent the messages, and there is no complete list of whom they were delivered to. At least some appear to have been sent through TextNow in what the company believe(s) is a widespread, coordinated attack, it told CNN on Friday. As soon as we became aware, our Trust & Safety team acted quickly, rapidly disabling the related accounts in less than an hour, said the company, whose service lets people sign up anonymously using an email address and send texts that appear to come from a randomly-generated phone number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The texts appear to be targeting Black and brown individuals, including students, New Yorks attorney general said. Talaya Jones received the text on Wednesday, November 6. - Courtesy Talaya Jones The Federal Communications Commissions Enforcement Bureau is investigating the texts, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced. These messages are unacceptable, she said, adding, We take this type of targeting very seriously. The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter, the agency said in a statement Thursday. Talaya Jones, a Black resident of Piscataway, New Jersey, was shocked, then angry and sad, to get a racist text Wednesday telling her she had been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation and referring to executive slave catchers, she told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought it was like a joke, said Jones, who forwarded the text message to loved ones and shared it with CNN. It really just shows that we didnt come as far as everybody thought we did as a nation, from back in the day when slavery was still a thing. It became sadness when I realized that young people were getting it, like elementary schoolers and middle schoolers, Jones said later. Why would you want to intentionally hurt somebody that you dont even know? A day after receiving the text message, Jones also received an email addressing her by the N-word and containing a similar message about being selected to pick cotton. Who is doing this and how are they able to keep coming back? she asked. You dont feel safe in anything that you do, because you dont know whos doing it. You dont know how far theyll take it. Texts emotional and psychological impact The FBI and law enforcement in Maryland are aware of students and others getting the texts, Montgomery County Public Schools said in a statement, noting, law enforcement in some areas have announced they consider the messages low-level threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that the emotional and psychological impact on our students, staff, and particularly our communities of color is profound, the school boards statement reads. We stand in solidarity with those who feel targeted and hurt by these actions. The text messages hark back to the era from the early 17th century to the end of the Civil War in 1865, when millions of enslaved Africans were shipped to the United States and forced to toil on plantations. Many were forced to live and work on plantations growing cotton, considered a leading cash crop. They picked cotton for long hours and endured heat, humidity, unsanitary conditions, untreated illnesses, malnourishment and rape. Enslaved people were often auctioned off and sold to other slave owners, leading to families being separated. Slave catchers, known as slave patrols, were legally charged with controlling the enslaved population. Their duties included chasing down and apprehending runaway slaves and returning them to their owners, enforcing curfews and beating and terrorizing slaves who were rebellious or disobedient. Recipients shocked by vile messages At the University of Alabama this week, Black honors freshman Alyse McCall was in tears and wanted to go home after getting a message saying she had been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation and should be prepared to be searched down, her mother, Arleta McCall, told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its eerie that its the day after the election. Its eerie that it came to my daughters personal phone. Its eerie that its only going to Black students, McCall said. Her group of friends have mapped out their paths to class so they can walk together and keep each other safe. The University of Alabama acknowledged individuals across the country have received these disgusting messages and urged anyone with information about them to report it, a statement said. The racist and vile spam text messages have also spread to Louisiana, Republican state Attorney General Liz Murrill said Thursday via X. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us, she said, urging anyone impacted to report the messages to her office. Whoever is sending the racist text messages is using anonymizing software to obscure their location, Murrill told CNN on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least some of the messages were sent using an email service routing traffic through Poland, but it does not mean it is where the sender is, the attorney general said. They could be coming from Napoleonville, Louisiana, for all we know. We dont know where they are originating from, Murrill said. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the FBI are still trying to trace where everything is actually originating from, she added. Murrill herself, who is White, received one of the racist messages to her personal email account this morning, she said. Its racist and divisive, Murrill said. I think its just intended to try and create division. We condemn it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Condemning the messages as disgusting and unacceptable, New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said the texts appear to be targeting Black and brown individuals, including students, and may include personal information about the recipient such as their name or location, she said on X. I unequivocally condemn any attempt to intimidate or threaten New Yorkers and their families. Students and residents in a suburb of Hartford, Connecticut, and in New Haven County were also targeted, CNN affiliate WFSB reported. How did they come up with a list of recipients? Kenneth Gray, a University of New Haven lecturer and retired FBI special agent, told WFSB. They did some real research not only putting together their target list but also crafting a message that had information that made it seem real, Gray said. Black newsman addressed by name in text In Virginia, a Black photographer at news station WVEC-TV got a text message from an unfamiliar phone number, addressing him by name and telling him he had been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like its a spam message, recipient Sam Burwell said in a story posted by the station. I do feel disappointed about the message theyre sending a day after the election. The Virginia attorney generals office broadly is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them, spokesperson Chloe Smith said, noting anyone who believes themselves to be under threat should not hesitate to contact local law enforcement as well as their local FBI field office. A racist text message from an unfamiliar number also arrived by name to the Black 15-year-old daughter of Laura Bass-Brown, she told CNN affiliate KHOU 11 News in the Houston area. It initially appeared automated, but after reviewing screenshots from her daughters friends, she discovered the sender often replied when students responded, Bass-Brown said. Nevadas Attorney Generals Office is working with law enforcement to investigate the source of what appear to be robotext messages, the office said in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Washington, DC, the attorney generals office also is aware of racist text messages being sent to residents there, condemning them unequivocally, spokesperson Gabriel Shoglow-Rubenstein said. Anyone receiving these messages should contact our civil rights section by calling 202-727-3400 or emailing OAGCivilRights@dc.gov. If you believe your safety is at risk, please contact local law enforcement, he said in a statement to CNN. TextNow is working alongside our industry partners to uncover more details and continue to monitor patterns to actively block any new accounts attempting to send these messages, the company told CNN on Friday. We do not tolerate or condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future. Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the first name of Alyse McCall. CNNs Nicquel Terry Ellis, Hanna Park, Alayna Treene, Andy Rose and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report, which has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Emotions range from anger to disappointment after spam racist text messages were sent to Black Americans across the country, including high school and college students in Massachusetts. Racist text messages referring to picking cotton were sent to Black students amid an alarming nationwide trend targeting people of color in several states across America. The texts invoking slavery were sent to Black men, women, and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Massachusetts, Stoughton Public Schools said Black students at Stoughton High School are among those who received the racist spam. This particular text, in part, notifies the recipient that they have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation, the district said in a statement. This is part of an abhorrent nationwide trend. People from around the country have reported receiving this text, and others similar in nature. The text message in question continues, Be ready at 12 AM sharp with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once youve entered the plantation. It wasnt immediately clear who was behind the messages and there was no comprehensive list of where they were sent, but high school and college students in New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee were also among the recipients of the anonymous messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source of these text messages is unknown at this time. We ask if any student or staff member receives this text message or a similar one to report it to school administration, Stoughton educators added. The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts. FBI Statement on Offensive and Racist Text Messageshttps://t.co/vpQYAO6LT7 pic.twitter.com/iDtN36WhX4 FBI (@FBI) November 7, 2024 Stoughton schools condemned the texts and said they stand up against any form of racism, discrimination, or hate. This is intolerable, [an] intolerable way of targeting children, said Stoughton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Baeta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand that receiving a message like this is profoundly disturbing and can cause emotional distress and fear, especially for our students and staff of color. In no uncertain terms are messages like these acceptable, educators said. Boston 25 News spoke with a parent whose daughter attends Stoughton High School. While she wasnt directly affected, she shared her sympathy for students affected. Its horrible. The kids dont need all this stress, and getting a text from these people .. . these hateful texts. Thats not right, said Amy Fencer. Counselors will be available Friday at schools in Stoughton for anyone in need of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are aware of a racist spam text some of our students of color at Stoughton High School received today. This... Posted by Stoughton Public Schools on Thursday, November 7, 2024 In Milton, Curry College also confirmed some of its students have received text messages containing racist and upsetting texts. the College emailed all students, staff, and faculty to make them aware and to make sure any student affected knew how to reach out for support through our Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. The FBI is now involved in these investigations. The agency said it is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, local authorities are now investigating who is responsible for these messages and whether the texts were targeted toward certain students. Students who have received similar texts are urged to contact local authorities. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW People across the country have gotten random racist and offensive text messages and the FBI is aware of it. 9 Investigates: Racist, antisemitic books found in Charlottes Little Free Libraries Officials with the FBI said they are in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities about the violations. The text messages are disturbing. Students at HBCUs, like Johnson C. Smith University, got the disturbing texts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, I was mad. I was just so mad, said a victim, who didnt want to be identified. She contacted Channel 9 after getting the text. It just says that someone will be picking me sometime in November to work on the plantation, she said. Some other slaves will be picking us up at five oclock in the morning. The text message had a Charlotte area code. TextNow Officials at TextNow, a nationwide wireless and text message service company, said at least one of its accounts was used to send the messages. TextNow has uncovered that one or more of our accounts was used to send text messages in violation of our terms of service, an official with the company said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TextNow is investigating and learned the messages, have been sent through multiple carriers across the U.S. Channel 9 confirmed that TextNow accounts were used to send messages to people we heard from in the Charlotte area. The company said its working with law enforcement to investigate. Textnow said it quickly disabled the accounts that sent the messages in less than an hour. Criminals can get your number through hacks, data breaches, the dark web, and sometimes legally, according to Action 9. I cant believe this is happening in 2024 The woman who got the message told Channel 9 that her husband, niece, and friends also got the same message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant believe this is happening in 2024, so I was just shocked and disturbed, the woman said. Why are we still dealing with this? The FBIs investigation includes reports from South Carolina where a 13-year-old was one of the youngest to receive the message. Theres so much hate going around between people. Its, its really sad to see, said Tha McCluney, a first-year student at JCSU. McCluney said he didnt receive the text message, but hes heard of other HBCU students who did. I feel for them, honestly, I think while its a sick joke, he said. Its one made in a place of hate. Stephanie Briscoe, a clinical mental health counselor, said the racist text messages must stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The noise right now is loud, Briscoe said. She offered advice for those who are getting the messages. If we respond to the noise, we can ignite, she said. Lay low, not react and respond. Lay low. Do not react and respond. We are going to hang on to hope, which is really what we got right now. You can report abusive messages at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or file a complaint with the Justice Department. FBI Statement: The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities. JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11) Frightening moments for families in one part of the Jersey pines, as a wildfire rages throughout 300 acres. The leaves and just the wind- oh my God, the wind was just blowing the smoke and the leaves around so much, said Courtney Greenhoe of Jackson Township, clinging onto her almost 3-year-old. Having him is one of the things, and then we also have my father-in-law who has dementia and is on hospice, said Greenhoe, so we had to get him the heck out of the house. That was really crazy. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With smoke billowing and flames encroaching, they escaped in their RV to a friends house. Their home and almost all others in the area is expected to be okay but the fear the Shotgun Wildfire is holding over residents isnt over. We noticed there was a lot of ash on the cars, so we were worried the house was going to be that the ash would combust the house or some of the leaves that are coming around, said Jackson resident George Linde. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said as of Thursday morning the wildfire had spread 300 acres and was 40% contained. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, this portion of New Jersey is in an extreme drought. Firefighters say its going to take significant rain -not an inch or two- to help them tame this fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildfires threaten NY, NJ amid drought watch Since November 1st, the Forest Fire Service says its run more than a hundred fires over nearly 500 acres across the State. Obviously [firefighters are] getting tired because theyre been running, running, running, said Jeremy Webber of the NJ Forest Fire Service, but we will continue to do our job the best we can. Firefighters are asking people to remain vigilant, knowing that humans are the cause of the overwhelming majority of forest fires. Its very unusual, this type of weather in November, said Deale Carey of the NJ Forest Fire Service. You dont think about opening your windows and walking around with t-shirts on, very unique, you know? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deale Carey, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, tells PIX11 News that as of 6:30 PM Thursday, the fire was 60 percent contained. It burned 350 acres, and they hope to have it 100 percent contained by the end of the day on Friday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Pinecrest Industrial Park is set to be the property of Raleigh County Commission, after a vote that is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024. One piece of the property is between Beckley Elementary School and Beckley Stratton Middle School (BEST) and currently hosts a cross-country track. County officials said they plan to develop it using federal funds disbursed during the pandemic. Teachers and others have said they want any development to benefit students and that it is vital that a secondary access road be created to ensure student safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have one entrance, one exit for two schools, that are rather large schools for our area, said BEST teacher Lisa Shewsberry on Thursday, November 7, 2024. We would like to see the county work with the Board of Education, perhaps, on a solution with a secondary outlet. Beckley Common Council declines again to transfer Pinecrest Industrial Park to Raleigh County Commission Ms. Shrewsberry and BEST teacher Antonette Mazzella-Gwinn said they want county officials to appoint a committee of community members to offer input for the use of the property and added that they want students to have a nice viewshed from their classrooms. They have plenty of time to pick the right businesses, to plan, to form a committee, to see what the community, the city, the county wants, because I think we should have a say so, said Ms. Mazzella-Gwinn. She added there are few recreational and cultural options available for students in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckley officials prepare to transfer deed for Pinecrest Industrial Park to Raleigh County Commission Raleigh County Commission President, Greg Duckworth said on Thursday no committee formation is part of the current plan, but he expects county officials to work closely with educators to design the site. Were a little premature in locking down exactly what were going to do getting the ball rolling and getting the input from the Board of Education and what their dreams would be from the properties around the school, the students, the teachers, and the athletes. Were going to consider everything, said President Duckworth. Teachers oppose Pinecrest Industrial Park development within feet of two Raleigh County schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added he has spoken with State Division of Highways officials about putting a traffic light at the intersection of the BEST access road on the Charles W. Meadows Memorial Highway and that a secondary access road is also being discussed. He said cross country trails could be included as part of the industrial park. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The Raleigh Police Department announced overnight Friday that they arrested and charged a man in connection to the series of shootings on and near Interstate 40 in Raleigh this week. Andrew Thomas Graney, 23 of Raleigh, was taken into custody Thursday evening and charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and 11 counts of firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle or dwelling. According to an official from NC State University, Graney is currently a senior majoring in anthropology who has been enrolled since Fall 2019. In his first court appearance just after 3 p.m. Friday, a judge ruled that Graney will continue to be held in custody without bond. Before that ruling was made, the state requested no bond for Graney and his own court-appointed attorney left it up to the discretion of the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge commented on the case, saying its one that put fear in the heart of the entire community as it continued on during a span of four days. According to the court documents released so far, Graney unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did discharge a firearm a Llama .45 Max 1 handgun into eight vehicles and four homes. One of the shootings into a vehicle led to a woman being shot in the leg. Graney was taken into custody in the 2400 block of Kentford Court with another individual, police said. The other individual who was arrested has been released with no charges. In court Friday, prosecutors said .45 caliber shell casings recovered from many of the shootings matched each other under preliminary investigation, indicating they were fired from the same gun. Prosecutors said police seized a .45 caliber handgun from Graneys car when they arrested him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car, prosecutors said, matches the description of the vehicle used in at least some of the shootings, and cell tower data placed Graney at every shooting location at the time it happened. The department is still actively investigating the shooting incidents, announcing a $10,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest. We are seeking the publics assistance in identifying those responsible for these incidents, they said in their Friday morning statement. Police are asking anyone with surveillance or dashcam video near the area of any of the shootings contact them. What led to the arrest CBS 17 reported on Thursday that officers used a flash bang in a neighborhood off of Tryon Road to take him into custody. In the 5 p.m. press conference following shortly after, police chief Estella Patterson said two people had been taken into custody and that a total of 12 incidents are all connected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers voice concerns amid I-40 shootings in Raleigh In a timeline released by police after 4 p.m. Thursday, they laid out the following timeline: Monday, Nov. 4 Incident 1 1 person injured, vehicle struck on I-40 near Cary Towne Boulevard Incident 2 1 vehicle struck on I-40 near Buck Jones Road Wednesday, Nov. 5 Incident 3 1 residence struck in 2400 block of Centennial Ridge Way Incident 4 1 residence struck in 3200 block of Shire Lane Incident 5 1 vehicle struck on I-40 near Trinity Road Incident 6 1 vehicle struck on I-40 near Avent Ferry Road Incident 7 1 vehicle struck on I-40 near Cary Towne Boulevard Incident 8 1 vehicle struck on Jones Franklin Road near Capital Center Drive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incident 9 1 residence struck in the 2000 block of Wolf Tech Lane Incident 10 A second residence struck in the 2000 block of Wolf Tech Lane Thursday, Nov. 7 Incident 11 1 vehicle struck in the 1500 block of Trailwood Drive Incident 12 A second vehicle struck in the 1500 block of Trailwood Drive The car shot on Trailwood Drive (Michael Barnard/CBS17) The car shot on Trailwood Drive (Michael Barnard/CBS17) Police investigate on Trailwood Drive in Raleigh after shots were fired near I-40. (Al Currie/CBS 17) Police investigate on Trailwood Drive in Raleigh after shots were fired near I-40. (Al Currie/CBS 17) Police investigate on Trailwood Drive in Raleigh after shots were fired near I-40. (Al Currie/CBS 17) Authorities on the scene, schools respond On Thursday morning, multiple law enforcement agencies were on the scene of the shooting on Trailwood Drive in Raleigh near NC State University, which triggered a code yellow lockdown at Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School. In a press conference at noon, Deputy Chief Rico Boyce with the Raleigh Police Department said that a man was driving down Trailwood when he heard a boom and his window shattered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called 911 after he pulled over around 8:50 a.m. near the 1400 block of Trailwood Drive. Boyce said the driver was not injured and there was no credible threat to the public. Extremely concerning: 6 incidents of cars shot at on I-40 in Raleigh in three days Boyce said in the noon press conference that the State Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation with their helicopter for an aerial search. The NC State University Police Department said in a Wolf Alert to all NC State students they were also assisting the Raleigh Police Department on the scene. Boyd said NC State police were on hand due to the proximity of the campus to the crime scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official from the Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School said due to police activity in the surrounding area, kids were kept inside on yellow lockdown until officers cleared the area. Police have blocked off roads around our campus, and it will be difficult or impossible to access our campus, officials from the middle school said. Again, all students are safe, and we are in regular communication with WCPSS Security and local law enforcement. In their statement, which went to parents to announce their lockdown, officials from the middle school said all students are safe. We are in regular communication with WCPSS Security and local law enforcement. Just after 12:30 p.m., police reopened Trailwood Road to traffic as they continued their investigation. Wake County deputies, State Highway troopers, City-County Bureau of Identification and Raleigh police are actively investigating the shooting and searching for a suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers asked that anyone with information to contact the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335. In their Friday release, they announced a $10,000 reward for anyone who can provide information about the shooting incidents that can lead to an arrest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Lil Durk is facing new charges in an alleged murder-for-hire plot. The 32-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Durk Banks, was charged last month with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged Friday in a superseding federal grand jury indictment with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, the Justice Department announced. Durk was arrested near Miami International Airport on Oct. 17 after allegedly conspiring with members of the hip-hop organization Only the Family to murder rival rapper Quando Rondos cousin in 2022. The killing was allegedly in retaliation for the 2020 murder of Durks close friend and OTF rapper King Von, according to the Justice Department. Five members of OTF Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey and Asa Houston have also been charged in connection with the 2022 shooting, which occurred at a gas station near the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Durk is accused of ordering the murder and paying hitmen with OTF-related finances. According to bank and flight records obtained by authorities, an associate of Durk allegedly coordinated and paid for five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder. Durk allegedly told the associate not to book any flights under no names involved wit [sic] me, according to the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rivals family member, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a press release. Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence. Durk is currently being held without bail in Miami until he can be transferred to Los Angeles for arraignment. None of the six defendants, who will be arraigned in Los Angeles in coming weeks, have entered a plea to the charges. Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi said that Durks arrest is the culmination of the combined efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorneys Office, the FBI and LAPDs Operation West Bureau Homicide detectives who discovered that Durk D a.k.a. Lil Durk was involved in this heinous murder. Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles field office, added that the apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No excuse can justify this violent act, Davis continued, and let me be clear: While youre going about your life, thinking you got away with it, the FBI is piecing together the facts that will serve as your undoing. Based in Chicago, Durk is known as one of the pioneers of drill music. The rapper has released three top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won his first Grammy in 2024 for his hit single All My Life featuring J. Cole. Durks co-defendants are currently being held in federal custody in Illinois after their initial court appearances in Chicago. They are being charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Durk and his co-defendants could face life in federal prison if convicted. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Russia's internet giant Yandex is planning to invest in Indonesia's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, Reuters reports. The deal is said to focus on expanding the search engine platform in Indonesia. The announcement was made by Indonesia's communications and digital minister Meutya Hafid. Hafid, who met with Yandex's international search division head Alexander Popovskiy, noted that the internet giant expressed plans to widen the search engine platform in Indonesia, as per a statement from the ministry. However, details on the investment's specifics or size have not been disclosed. The Indonesian ministry has not provided immediate responses regarding the investment's size or timeline. Yandex, often referred to as "Russia's Google," also did not respond to requests for comment on the development. The company is recognised for developing its own large language models and is a leader in AI in Russia. Yandex recently reported a 36% year-on-year increase in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, reaching Rbs276.8bn ($2.76bn). Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2024 stood at Rbs54.7bn, or 19.8% of revenue, reflecting a 3.7 percentage point improvement compared to the same period in 2023. The company also maintained its 2024 forecast, projecting total group revenues to grow by 38%-40% year-on-year, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range between Rbs170bn and Rbs175bn. Indonesia has been attracting interest in recent months from global tech companies with AI chip maker Nvidia and Indonesia's telco company PT Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison announcing plans to build an AI centre in Central Java, valued at $200m. Additionally, Microsoft announced earlier in 2024, that it will invest $1.7bn over the next four years to expand cloud services and AI in Indonesia, including the construction of data centres. "Russias Yandex to invest in Indonesias AI ecosystem" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Lil Durk's legal troubles recently increased with additional charges in his felony case. According to new reports, the "Stand by Me" rapper has been accused of being the ringleader in the assassination of Quando Rondo's cousin. The feds slapped him with two new charges related to the case, which they believed stemmed from retaliation for King Von's death. The late rapper and Lil Durk were so close; the latter took time off social media to process his death. Lil Durk Reportedly Being Treated As The 'Kingpin' Behind The Assassination Plot MEGA On Friday, November 8, Durk received two felony counts in his murder-for-hire case. He was accused of conspiracy and using interstate facilities to assist in the assassination of Quando Rondo's cousin, Saviay'a Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds were reportedly treating the rapper as the "kingpin" of the assassination plot in a superseding federal grand jury indictment. Prosecutors claimed Durk funded his Only The Family gang affiliates' trip to California in August 2022. The gang members allegedly stayed in a hotel room and stalked Rondo's car before opening fire outside a Los Angeles gas station close to the Beverly Center shopping mall. The shooting saw Durk and five other co-defendants getting pinned for the crime, per TMZ. The 'All My Life' Rapper And The Co-Defendants Haven't Entered A Plea According to the outlet, Durk and the five co-defendants have not entered a plea but are expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. The group has been detained since October following their arrest. The Blast shared that Durk was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and booked into the Broward County Jail for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Federal investigators believed the rapper and his associates attacked Rondo's cousin in retaliation for King Von's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26-year-old rapper, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was fatally shot on November 6, 2020, outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta. The tragic incident had six victims, three of whom died from their injuries. Lil Durk Took A Social Media Break After His Pal's Death Durk and Von were close friends and collaborators, so it was unsurprising how the "Viral Moment" rapper reacted to his death. Following the tragic shooting, he immediately deactivated his Instagram account. Many believed Durk took a social media break to process his grief, given his closeness with Von. However, it might have something to do with another report that claimed the rapper was doing an Instagram Live when he learned about his pal's death. The embattled rapper eventually returned to Instagram to honor his late friend. He shared Von's picture alongside the words: "MY TWIN GONE I LOVE YOU BABY BRO - D ROY !!!!!" The Hip-Hop Star Hinted At Expanding His Family Following King Von's Death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a year after Von's demise, Durk returned to X to address his feelings. He confessed that it has been an emotional rollercoaster since losing the young rapper, but he tried to move on by focusing on his family. "I be acting like I'm happy, but I'm really sad inside," Durk revealed before declaring, "I want another son!!!!!" His desire for more children sparked positive responses from fans who implored his fiancee India Royale to grant his wish. "Lol, India, give that man a son," someone joked. Meanwhile, others wondered if having a son would help Durk find happiness amid his grief. Lil Durk Welcomed A Daughter With His Fiancee India Royale Durk and his fiancee Royale have been inseparable since 2017. The pair enjoy a blossoming relationship that was strengthened with the birth of their first child, a daughter named Willow Banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They welcomed their bundle of joy in 2018, announcing her arrival through a heartfelt post on Royale's Instagram. She shared cute pictures of her baby daughter, including a shot of her holding someone's finger, presumably a family member's. "Baby Banks has arrived," the proud mom captioned the post. The announcement sparked numerous congratulations from fans and celebrities. While Willow marked the couple's first child together, she wasn't their only precious angel. Royale has an older daughter named Skylar from a previous relationship, while Durk has five children from past romances: Angelo, Bella, Du'mier, Zayden, and Skyler. Given his ongoing felony case, Lil Durk cannot realize his dream of having another son. How will he react to the new charges against him? Democrat Dan Rayfield debates his Republican rival, Will Lathrop, in the attorney general debate on KOIN TV on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (Courtesy of KOIN) With votes still being counted, Oregon Attorney General-elect Dan Rayfield on Thursday announced the first two members of his executive team and promised to stand firm against unconstitutional and unlawful threats President-elect Donald Trump made while campaigning. Rayfield, Oregons former House speaker and a Corvallis Democrat, said Lisa Udland, who currently works in the Attorney Generals Office, will be his deputy and Jenn Baker, his former chief of staff, will serve in that same role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rayfield, who declared victory on Tuesday, continues to maintain a 7-point lead over his Republican opponent, Will Lathrop. By Thursday afternoon, with ballots counted from 61% of registered voters, Rayfield led by 120,000 votes. Turnout in Oregons 2020 election was 78.5% of registered voters. Lathrop has conceded and The Oregonian/OregonLive has called the race for Rayfield. Rayfield said Thursday hes eager to start the job, replacing Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum who is retiring from the office. I am excited to announce that we have already begun to assemble a strong team to help lead the Oregon Department of Justices executive office through this transition and into my term, Rayfield said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Udland, currently deputy attorney general, has more than a decade of leadership experience at the Oregon Department of Justice, and has served as chief counsel of the Civil Enforcement Division and overseen the states work on consumer protection. Deputy Attorney General Udlands experience and professionalism is an invaluable asset that will provide much needed stability during this time, Rayfield said. Udland arrived at the agency in 2002 as an attorney with the Civil Recovery Section, where she spent many years working on issues relating to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which handled funding the state received from lawsuits against tobacco companies. She also has worked as an attorney in private practice and for the Department of Consumer and Business Services Division of Finance and Corporate Securities. Jenn Baker was Rayfields chief of staff while he was in the speakers office, a position he took on in 2022, eight years after being elected to the Oregon House. Baker also served as a labor and workforce policy advisor to then-Gov. Kate Brown and has worked as political director of the Oregon Nurses Association and worked for campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenn brings extensive experience in Oregon state government, Rayfield said. Her collaborative leadership style has been indispensable in advancing consequential policy for the people of Oregon throughout her career. In the coming weeks, we will be focused on building a strong team that will lead the important work of keeping our communities safe and protecting seniors, consumers and working families, Rayfield said. In light of this weeks election, our work to defend Oregons values and the rule of law against national attacks will be front and center like never before. As the last line of defense for the rights and freedoms of Oregonians, we will be prepared to stand firm against the unconstitutional and unlawful threats President-elect Trump promised on the campaign trail. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Arab-Americans punished Dem callousness on Gaza White Rock, British Columbia: As the Democratic Partys presidential candidate, Kamala Harris needed, yet appeared to take for granted, the political support of Arab-, Muslim- and Palestinian-American voters including those in swing state Michigan a strongly pro-Palestinian demographic who are sickened by the large-scale slaughter occurring in Palestine. For the last year or so, the Biden/Harris administration seems to have been saying to the Israeli government: Here are our best bombs for your unconditional use, per usual; but, for the political and media record, please do not use them against civilians. Israels reply seems to have been, Duly noted, while continuing its bloody business as usual. What was the campaigning Harris publicized view of this? Simply, Israel has the right to defend itself. In April, when the administration finally called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the timing gave it a strong odor of political expediency for reelection purposes. Since then, theres been multiple requests for ceasefires by the administration all as it flagrantly continued to fully arm Israel to do as it deems bloody fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sizable chunk of traditionally Democratic voters adamantly against and angry about the mass starvation and carnage of Palestinian noncombatants by Israel credibly threatened to punish the administration through Harris at the ballot box. Judging from their rightful passion and the seriousness of the human crisis involved, it was doubtful that the most adamantly pro-Palestinian and anti-war demonstrators and voters would compromise and sell their souls by politically forgiving the Biden/Harris administration come Election Day for continuing to provide Israel with mass-casualty weaponry. I can not blame that electorate for maintaining their moral stand. Frank Sterle Jr. Agenda rejection New Hartford, N.Y.: Re The bad politics of immigration (editorial, Nov. 6): Its editorials like this that got Donald Trump elected! What is it about the word illegal thats difficult to understand? Americans who voted for Trump dont want millions of illegal immigrants overwhelming neighborhoods, schools and hospitals! They dont want a war on oil so they cant afford to fill their gas tanks or buy groceries! They dont want to defund police with rampant crime and unsafe cities! They dont want men in girls sports, bathrooms and showers! They dont want critical race theory and gender woke nonsense in their schools and the military! Its called common sense! Rocco Femia Sins forgiven Bronx: In regard to the presidential election, a new president has been elected to lead for four years. This is part of the democracy that the United States offers to all fellow Americans: the right to vote for the candidate of their choice. It has also given us a closer look as to how employment applications should be revised, and those with criminal records seeking employment should be given consideration. Excluding criminal convictions for violent offenses, such as murder, robbery, assault, etc. A person convicted of a nonviolent offense should not be denied employment, as it has been shown that even with a criminal conviction, one can still be eligible to run for the presidency of the United States of America. Arlana Solomon Girven Walker Clean house Brooklyn: Trumps win is a great day for America. He promised to clean up the crooks who are invading our country, which I have no doubt hell tend to. But how about the crooks who are already here and have reached the highest echelons of our government? The people who knowingly and falsely accused Trump of crimes, like the Russian collusion, will be brought to justice? Are they above the law? Certainly not. Are their moral values any better than the crooks coming across the border? It doesnt seem so. Trump must have the Department of Justice prosecute the high-level officials and FBI personnel who knowingly and willingly broke the law. Josh Greenberger Doomed by dumb Monroe Township, N.J.: How can there be so many ignorant people in America? Were doomed! Lorri Thompson Stuck in a binary Bronx: I have maintained that the United States will elect a Black, Muslim or Jewish candidate for president before a woman from either the Democratic or Republican parties. Regrettably, this prediction has proven accurate once more. The two-party system has become increasingly discouraging for many citizens. Consequently, the ruling elite over the past two decades have devised a strategy to prevent this. They have established a two-party media system, characterized by 24-hour news networks, podcasts and social media algorithms that cater to our extreme political inclinations. This approach has been effective in diverting our attention from the pursuit of our collective interests and transforming our political discourse into a contest between us and them. My dear friends, if we continue to confine ourselves to news channels that align with our political preferences and neglect to consider the perspectives of others, the divide between us will deepen further, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. Athanasios Aronis Dispensed with suspicions Woodstock, N.Y.: We finally know, once and for all, that the 2020 election wasnt stolen from Drumpf. If we evil deep-state liberal Dems were so all-powerful that we could steal an election with not one iota of evidence over years of investigations, then we wouldve stolen this one too. Duh! So, now that thats out of the way, we have a new problem: a president-elect with the emotional maturity of a 5-year-old whose idea of leadership is having his butt kissed 24/7 and scheming ways to punish his enemies a list Im sure will keep getting longer. And soon he will have his tiny, fat fingers on all top-secret information, including military intelligence, as well as the nuclear codes. Good luck, yall! We are sure gonna need it. Suzanne Hayes Kelly Final push North Bergen, N.J.: Now that the presidential election is over, President Biden is presented with the opportunity to go out with a bang. Trump has stated his intention to stop arming Ukraine and pretty much cede control of the territory to his buddy Vladimir Putin. Since Biden remains president until Trump takes office in January, he has the right to continue. As such, he can choose to leave office as a hero, not a lame duck. For too long, the weapons sent to Ukraine have been restricted to those needed for its defensive battle against Russia. Biden can order the shipment of any and all weapons needed by Ukraine to take its battle for survival to Russian territory. All Trump can do is criticize the action. Irving A. Gelb Last chance Matawan, N.J.: I hope Biden holds true to his promise to give Ukraine all the finances and weapons (hopefully including long-range missiles to combat the influx of North Korean soldiers) before he leaves office, since our newly elected president will sell out Ukraine to his buddy Putin, along with a commitment to get us out of NATO and prevent Ukraine from joining it. Robert Wyshynski Eschewed strength Beechhurst: To Voicer Michael Barnhart: The point I was making was that Barack Obamas failure to enforce his red line showed his unwillingness to use American force in Syria as a deterrent. Contrast that with how Trump reacted when Bashar Al-Assad crossed that line under his watch: He bombed Syria and killed Russian troops in the process. Putin stayed in his cage until Team Biden (those peace-through-supplication geniuses) came on the scene. As far as Trump not being able to seal a deal with Kim Jong Un to denuclearize the Korean peninsula goes well, at least the man who the left had warned would start World War III tried to break bread with Little Rocket Man. Perhaps Trump blew that chance. We now have North Korean troops in Ukraine, and now Trump is headed back to Washington with a big mess on his hands. James Hyland Affordable entry Spring Valley, N.Y.: To Voicer Harry Aydinian: You said you paid $30 to see the Rolling Stones back in the 1980s. I would go to Brooklyns Fox Theatre to see The Motown Review for $2.50. That included The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and a lot more, with Murray the K as host. Delores McDonald TALBOT COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) In the trees of Talbott County, there is a gentle hum. Its not the birds, bugs or bees but the hum of 67,000 lithium-ion batteries. The mossy Branch Battery Energy Storage System was put in play a few weeks ago, according to Georgia Power representatives who unveiled the first-of-its-kind power grid Nov. 7. Batteries make everything better, Commissioner Tim Echols of the Georgia Public Service Commission said in his remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The integration of the battery system comes after implementation of increased solar power and nuclear power in the state of Georgia. Columbus fire chief offers heater, fire and fireplace safety tips According to Georgia Power, which falls under the larger Southern Company, the goal of the innovative system is to make power faster, more affordable and more reliable. This is really a game changer, Georgia Power West Region Executive Doug Jenkins said. The battery powered grid will function regardless of weather conditions, unlike solar panels which need sunlight to generate optimal power. The mossy Branch Battery Energy Storage System was put in play a few weeks ago, according to Georgia Power representatives who unveiled the first-of-its-kind power grid Nov. 7. (Olivia Yepez) Batteries make everything better, Commissioner Tim Echols of the Georgia Public Service Commission said in his remarks. (Kevin Roble) The goal of the innovative system is to make power faster, more affordable and more reliable. (Kevin Roble) Southern Company reps said it hopes to introduce similar sites throughout the region in the coming years, after learning from the first-of-its-kind battery grid. (Kevin Roble) If youre getting up in the morning and youre getting ready for work or youre turning on your heat in the morning, Jenkins said, this will allow the power grid to respond to that type of increase in load much faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The batteries are grouped in enclosures called quantums, which combined generate 115 kilovolts of electricity, enough to power 55,000 homes for four hours. Local psychologist on 2024 election-related stress and anxiety According to Georgia Power reps, these batteries can ramp up in under 0.2 seconds to supply energy wherever its needed across the state. Jenkins said the power grid is already lowering power costs by allowing Georgia Power to store power in the batteries for use when other energy sources are more expensive. He added this will decrease costs for Columbus locals and across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southern Company reps said it hopes to introduce similar sites throughout the region in the coming years, after learning from the first-of-its-kind battery grid. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. After recent arson attacks on multiple New England Houses of Worship over the past 6 months, Bostons Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is urging the public to remain vigilant. The ATF has stated that there is no specific threat, they have issued security measures for communities to take to prevent further attacks. Enhance Surveillance and Security Systems: Ensure security cameras are functional and positioned to monitor all entrances, exits, and parking areas. Consider upgrading lighting around the premises. Engage with Local Law Enforcement and ATF: Maintain open communication with local police and ATF, report any suspiclous activity immediately, and explore options for regular patrols in the area. Restrict Facility Access: Limit access to certain areas, especially during off-hours or when unmonitored, to minimize potential risks. Raise Awareness Among Congregation Members: Encourage congregants to stay alert, report unusual activity, and support one another in staying vigilant. Review and Update Emergency Plans: Ensure that emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, are current and that key staff know how to contact emergency responders promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, local authorities are in collaboration with ATF in investigations of each incident and are working to provide support to every religious establishment to enhance their security. Community leaders, clergy, and facility managers are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns to help ensure the safety and well-being of their congregations. The ATF says in an issued statement. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to the ATF by calling their 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473); or Arson Watch Reward Program at 800-682-9229. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW More than 10,000 fires have raged in Peru this year, doubling the previous record set in 2020. The fires have devastated the South American country's wildlife and ecosystems. What's happening? Peru's president, Dina Boluarte, declared a state of emergency for three regions of her country in September as fires ravaged its Amazonian and Andean areas. Some of the hardest-hit regions included Amazonas, San Martin, and Ucayali. Fires this year have killed at least 15 people and burned nearly 12 square miles of natural areas and cultivated land in Peru. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the native spectacled bears that tried to find safety in nearby towns were shot by startled Peru residents in the northern part of the country, according to Reuters. Jaguars who couldn't escape the flames in the southern Amazon were found charred on trees. Fires in South America are threatening endangered species and disrupting ecosystems for the spectacled bear, Ecuadorian vizcacha, and the woolly monkey. "There's nothing in Peru, that's the problem, there's no help," Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) founder Robyn Appleton told Reuters. The SBC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding spectacled bears in the dry forests of northern Peru. Why are wildfires in Peru important? Our overheating planet and poor farming practices have helped to fan the flames of the growing wildfire problem in Peru and other parts of South America. By the middle of September, Brazil's space research agency had already shown a record number of fire hotspots this year, breaking previous records set in 2007. More than 346,000 fire hotspots have been detected across the continent through the first nine months of 2024, per Fire & Safety Journal Americas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate scientists say our warming world is the main driver of exceptional drought in the Amazon River Basin, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires. According to a United Nations Environment Programme report, the Amazon is enduring its worst drought in at least 45 years. "Since May, blazes have ravaged forests and savannahs across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru as drought has created tinderbox-like conditions in many places," notes the report. "Even the world's largest tropical wetland, the wildlife-rich Pantanal, has been smoldering for months." What's being done about the rising risk of wildfires? The non-profit organization Nature and Culture International, whose mission is to work "side-by-side with local cultures to protect biodiverse hotspots in Latin America for the well-being of our planet," has deployed team members in the Bolivian Chaco and the Paramo in Peru and Ecuador. They are working with the local communities to help develop wildfire prevention and response skills. Cutting emissions of carbon pollution and other heat-trapping gases is crucial. Using our voices to spread the word about climate issues and using our power to vote for pro-climate candidates are ways to help. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A record number of North Korean citizens arrived in Russia in the third quarter of 2024, citing "training" as their reason for travel amid reports of North Korean troops being deployed to participate in the war against Ukraine. Source: Mediazona, a Russian media outlet, citing data from the Russian Federal Security Border Service Quote: "Border officials reported that 3,765 North Koreans arrived in Russia from July to September for training. For comparison, in the entire pre-COVID year of 2019, there were only 3,200 students." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The media outlet notes that the quota for North Korean students in Russia remains low. In April 2024, the Russian Ministry of Education reported that about 130 North Korean students were studying in Russia at that time. "For the upcoming academic year, more than 100 applications from the Korean side were submitted for studying in Russian universities," stated Russian Education Minister Valery Falkov. The media outlet points out that data from the Federal Security Border Service only covers the third quarter of 2024, before US intelligence publicly reported on the deployment of North Korean soldiers. The South Korean news agency Yonhap, referencing intelligence sources, claimed that the first stage of the North Korean troop transfer took place from 8 to 13 October. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior reports indicated that North Korean military personnel were engaged in combat for the first time in Russias Kursk Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there have already been casualties among North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, Russia. Support UP or become our patron! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Voters can expect a recount in the race of who will be the two state representatives for District 15. Less than 10 votes separate the candidates who will get the second seat to represent part of northern and central Sioux Falls. District 15 is one of the few districts in the state that traditionally sends Democrats to Pierre. This year, theres a chance that could change. Incumbent Democrat Kadyn Wittman is headed back to South Dakotas House of Representatives. But the second and third-place candidates in the race are just nine votes apart. Democrat Erik Muckey is currently in second place and feels strongly that a recount will show the same results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former auditor talks Minnehaha County election Its really important again, for voters to understand this is the power of your vote in action. It can come down to nine votes and a 17,000-vote election. And if you ever question if your vote actually matters, this is a really good opportunity to remind yourself that it does, Muckey said. Republican Joni Tschetter who is just nine votes behind Muckey told KELOLAND News over the phone she plans on filing for the recount. Whats most important is the people have voted and its important to do as the District 15 voters want, Tschetter said. Muckey said hed do the same if he was in her position and he hopes the recount will be timely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really hope it is a faster process. It was really excruciating to wait for that long, Muckey said. Minnehaha County auditor Leah Anderson said a candidate has three days to file for a recount after the county canvas. First the judge would have to approve the recount and then assign a recount board. Then the judge would set the date for the recount. The results would be posted once the recount is completed and certified, Anderson said in an email. This is a developing story KELOLAND News will continue to follow and update with the results when the recount is complete. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. (WJHL) Region AHEAD gave out $436,000 in flood recovery grants to 28 small businesses in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including Clean Car Garage in Erwin and Customworx in Chuckey. Bob Cantler, President and CEO of The Chamber, which services Johnson City, Jonesborough and all of Washington County is a member of Region AHEAD. Cantler told News Channel 11 Region AHEAD is made up of chamber executives and economic development partners throughout Northeast Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Property tax relief possible for Helene-hit TN owners We have come together and weve received support from many of our corporate and foundation stakeholders to create a fund that will provide grants to these small businesses until other assistance can come in and help them rebuild or recover or whatever they need to do to get their organization back in a healthier position, Cantler said. Region AHEAD raised $600,000 for small businesses, but Cantler said thats just a third of the amount of requests theyve received. We have requests for up to about $1.8 million for the grants at this point, Cantler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, it was based upon those most dramatically impacted by the flooding, meaning that the water may have been into your building or your organization, he said. Cantler said theyve extended the grant to be awarded to businesses who might not have physical damage but loss of revenue as well. Because it may have altered their inventory or had an impact on people getting access to their business, Cantler said. Clean Car Garage in Erwin is a business that was physically affected by Hurricane Helenes flooding. The shop is located right down from Erwins Industrial Park. We had probably about two feet of mud, muck, Chase Wisecarver, Clean Car Garage owner, said. All of our equipment in our shop, most of it got washed away. Everything electronic was ruined. photo: Chase Wisecarver Clean Car Garage damage Clean Car Garage Wisecarver has done vehicle paint correction and exterior detailing since 2006. He hasnt been able to restart his business since the flood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all the work going in and out of the industrial park, it makes it hard with the mud, Wisecarver said. When you get a car detailed, finished and youll go back through the mud, you know, it makes it hard to start yet. But were hoping shortly in the next few weeks to be able to get back at it. He estimates about $40,000 in damage, but with the region AHEAD grant, he can replace a lot of lost equipment, make repairs and hopefully expand. It was a blessing since the flood, Wisecarver said. Not working, you sit around thinking, well, how are you going to bridge the gap, pay bills, feed your family and stuff. It just shows that what God can do and how he can hes going to get you through it and how he helps you. Wisecarver is not sure how much hes getting from the Region AHEAD grant. Cantler said the funds are dispersed to each business depending on their ask and their needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customworx is receiving $10,000. They specialize in taking harvested trees and turning them into furniture, like custom bars, giant chairs, swings and wooden pieces for photo ops. The Customworx shop used to be located on the Fenders Farm property along the Nolichucky River, until the flood waters from Hurricane Helene hit that area. At one point, the building was completely submerged and it had taken probably 50% of the contents, Taylor Cochran, Customworx owner, said. It has been scattered probably for three or four miles downstream there. A lot of the bigger equipment that was bolted down [to] the floor did remain, but just due to the sediment and the water, itd be very difficult to recover it for it to be cost-effective. Cochran said damage is somewhere between $600,000 to $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We actually spent probably two days just digging out the existing shop, Cochran said. That building has actually been demoed at this point. So its gone and were building in a new location and were going to be coming back in a space. Its a lot bigger than what I was working in. The money from Region AHEAD will help that new building become a reality. Customworx is Cochrans passion, as he is a sixth-generation woodworker. He couldnt see himself doing anything else as hes carrying on his grandfathers legacy. That was his dream for me, was to see me become successful at this business. So its important to me. That may seem silly, but just not to let him down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned a lot from him and wed always had a wood shop of some kind where they built homes from the time that I was young. I learned a lot from him and learned some from school and other people that Ive been around. But its definitely a passion. Its a little bit more than a job for me. This has been my livelihood. Customworx damage photo (Taylor & Jennie Cochran) Cochran hopes to be back in business by early 2025. He said they have orders that are still on hold from before the disaster that will take precedence. However, he encourages people to reach out if they have any agritourism woodworking requests. They usually book up to a year out. You can find more about his businesses, on his website or social media. Wisecarver said if anyone wants to reach out to his business they can reach him at 423-330-4876. More information is also found on his Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first round of grants are just now going out to small businesses. Region AHEAD is also issuing a second round of grants. They will continue to help affected businesses while they can. Cantler said businesses and anyone wanting to donate can reach out to them on their website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Springfield Regional Chambers Super 60 Awards was held on Friday. The Super 60 recognizes members and non-members of the Springfield Regional Chamber for the work they are doing in the community. Awards are given to celebrate local businesses and this year, 22News own morning anchor Rich Tettemer was the Emcee. Massachusetts lawmakers on what might change after election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizations and companies have been gathering for almost 40 years for the Super 60 Awards, acknowledging the impacts they have had on western Massachusetts, while also being able to talk, network, and congratulate the winners of the five categories. Besides, Revenue and Growth, there are three new ones too. They can all learn from each other, no doubt about that. They can all be successful in their own way but also learn some new tricks as well, 22News Anchor and Super 60 Emcee Rich Tettemer said. Our non-profits that work so hard here in the area, give back. Those businesses that give back to the community we wanted to recognize and we love recognizing star-ups because those are the risk-takers, said Springfield Regional Chamber President Diana Szynal. Szynal said especially in these challenging times for businesses, it is good to come together and celebrate each others success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the award winners were also gifted two tickets to a Springfield Thunderbirds game where they can further network and celebrate their accomplishments in western Massachusetts. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. By Devjyot Ghoshal and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK (Reuters) - Companies have been moving factories from China to Southeast Asia, anticipating Donald Trump would slap high tariffs on Beijing if he regained the White House, a move set to accelerate with his election win, industrial park developers in the region say. Trump, who won a resounding victory on Tuesday, has threatened 60% tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. from China, much higher than the levies of 7.5% to 25% he imposed in his first term, a major risk for the world's second-largest economy. Southeast Asia - with auto and electronics factories from Thailand to Vietnam and Malaysia - will likely benefit at China's expense, said two executives, two business groups, a lawyer and an analyst in the region. Developers of industrial parks are adding Chinese speakers and preparing land tracts for factories, a sign of how Trump, who takes office in January, could reshuffle global supply chains. As Trump geared up his campaign to retake the presidency earlier this year, calls from Chinese customers flooded WHA Group, one of Thailand's largest industrial estate developers, said CEO Jareeporn Jarukornsakul. "There was (already) a relocation to Southeast Asia, but this round is going to be more intense," she said, referring to Trump's 2017-2021 first term. WHA is expanding its sales force and adding Chinese speakers to teams overseeing maintenance and administration of industrial parks spanning more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres) in Thailand and Vietnam, Jareeporn said. Of the 90 factories that have opened this year in industrial parks run across Southeast Asia by Thailand's Amata Corp, some two-thirds have been companies relocating facilities from China, said Vikrom Kromadit, the developer's founder and chairman. TRUMP 'NEEDS SOME FRIENDS' Trump will be a "big punch" to China, potentially doubling the number of firms looking to move from there into Amata's 150 square km (60 square miles) of industrial estates in four Southeast Asian countries, Vikrom said. Construction begins this month on an Amata industrial park in Laos, where China has built a high-speed rail line connecting Kunming in southwestern China to the Laotian capital Vientiane, he said. Thailand, a regional automobile manufacturing hub, has drawn over $1.4 billion in investment from Chinese automakers into its fast-expanding electric vehicle industry. "We want a lot of investment from China so we can sell to America," said Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The return of Donald Trump justifies a greater effort by the UK to repair its relationship with the European Union, according to Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey. Well, of course it does. Doesnt everything? Sir Ed spent much of yesterday doing an impression of one of those camp counsellors you see in 1980s slash horror movies, sitting around a camp fire and trying to scare his young charges with gruesome urban legends. And when she answered the phone, a disembodied voice said: Pennsylvania just went red too! Cue the horrified shrieks of his audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the 45th (and soon to be 47th) president is the ultimate, unchallenged bogeyman of the progressive Left, and Sir Ed sees himself as the only true champion of the kind of voter-repellant values that, ironically, put Trump where he is today. The prime minister disappointed lots of LibDem activists by not firing off insults at Trump when he was officially declared the victor in this weeks election, as Sir Ed did. But then, Sir Ed is never going to be prime minister so he has the luxury of not having to worry too much about international diplomacy. This is a dark, dark day for people around the globe. The worlds largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue, he said to nods of approval from the kind of newspaper that offered therapy services to any of its staff who felt overwhelmed by Trumps victory. It is not yet known what degree of anxiety and panic this rhetoric caused in Trump Tower, but over here Sir Eds words were enthusiastically embraced by those who grasp every opportunity to make the case for closer EU ties and a stronger relationship with our European partners code for rejoining the trade bloc. Former Liberal Democrat minister Sir Nick Harvey, chief executive of the European Movement UK, said Britain must make a clear choice to be part of a strong Europe (okay, that one wasnt coded at all), while Naomi Smith, chief executive of the pro-Europe campaign group Best for Britain, advised: Britains response must be to deepen ties with our European allies on defence and trade to protect the economic interests and security of our continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make the case for rejoining the single market and customs union and ultimately rejoining the EU even if it means abolishing the pound in favour of the euro. In fact, the biggest danger Trump poses internationally is his apparent willingness to reach an accommodation with Russias Vladimir Putin over the future of Ukraine, an accommodation that would betray the Eastern European countrys fight for survival against Putins imperialist ambitions. That threat demands a stronger, better funded Nato that depends less on Americas defence budget, not on closer integration with a trade bloc that British voters rejected eight years ago. But here the overlap between Trump and Brexit assumes a horrific degree of relevance in Liberal Democrats (and many others) minds. Trumps victory was achieved thanks largely to the kind of voters that most progressives would never deign to talk down to, let alone talk to. Watching CNN on Tuesday evening must have triggered flashbacks to 2016 when the optimism of polling day in the EU referendum quickly gave way to horror, with the realisation that all those people on council estates werent doing as they were told after all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In dining rooms all across Islington, talk is turning once more to the concept of a United States of Europe, the absurd fantasy that the continent might construct, with or without the consent of the people living there, a political counterweight to the might of the United States, one that acted and thought as a single entity in the same way that America did. And what better justification for the resurrection of such a project than the prospect of spending the next four years being annoyed that the person you wanted to win the presidency didnt? Sir Ed probably didnt have much choice but to issue his student union-style condemnation of Trump. His own party, after all, is closer to the Democrats in many policy areas than even the Labour Party. His members would have stamped their sandals angrily on the floor had he attempted to strike a more conciliatory tone towards the winner of a democratic election contest, as the prime minister did. For Sir Ed and his party and for many on the progressive Left losing elections and referendums is no more than an opportunity to consider how else to get your way regardless. Democracy is all very well, but surely it was never intended to produce results that are this triggering? 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that an Indianapolis man killed during the Korean War was accounted for earlier this year. According to a release, Army Master Sgt. Wallace Simmons Jr., was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported killed in Action on December 6, 1950, after his unit was engaged with enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. His remains were unable to be recovered. Following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned over 55 boxes purported to be the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. Scientists from DPAA were able to identify Simmons remains using anthropological and isotope analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons name is recorded on the American Battle Monuments Commissions Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Simmons will be buried in Indianapolis at a later date. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). EMPORIA, Kan. (KSNW) The remains of a U.S. soldier who was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy during World War II have returned to Kansas. Sgt. John O. Herrick of Emporia was assigned to the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion. On June 6, 1944, Sgt. Herrick was among 200 soldiers and 25 US Coast Guard crew members onboard a landing craft, approaching Omaha Beach at Normandy on D-Day. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the ship was struck by enemy mortars and shells before it hit a mine, igniting the fuel in the forward troop compartment and killing the men inside instantly. The remains of the soldiers in the compartment were eventually recovered, but they were unable to be identified. They were interred as Unknowns in Normandy American Cemetery. In 2021, the unidentified remains were transferred to the DPAA Laboratory for analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wichita Veterans Day Parade adds more events The lab was able to identify one set that belonged to Sgt. Herrick in August 2023. On Monday, Veterans Day, a special burial service will be held for Sgt. Herrick in his hometown of Emporia. Congressman Ed Rees of Emporia introduced the bill creating the Veterans Day holiday, which was signed into law by Kansan, World War II General, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. Sgt. Herrick himself was born on that day in 1924. He was just 19 years old when he died. He will be buried at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. A Renton man is facing charges after he stole thousands of dollars worth of workers compensation payments from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) in 2023. Investigators found that he lied about being injured on the job after being recorded at a local fitness center lifting weights and exercising. According to a press release from L&I Friday, Omid Dashti, 41, has been arrested and charged with one count of first-degree theft. Prosecutors with the Washington State Attorney Generals Office accused Dashti of stealing more than $28,000 in workers compensation payments from March through November 2023 from the department. Dashti was arrested after he failed to appear twice at his arraignment to enter a plea in King County Superior Court. Investigators with L&I found that between March and November of 2023, Dashti told the department that he couldnt work because he injured himself on the job, which was a requirement to receive payments for his supposed lost wages, according to charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an undercover investigation, Dashti was recorded doing weight-training exercises and lifting more than 150 pounds at a fitness center in Renton. Investigators also found out about Dashtis scheme after someone familiar with Dashtis injury claim saw him exercising at the gym. The person then told investigators. Dashti went to the fitness center on multiple occasions, revealing to investigators that he wasnt injured on the job and violated medical restrictions in ordinance with his injury claim. Stopping workers compensation fraud means more money for the injured workers who really need it, Celeste Monahan, assistant director of L&Is Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards division, said. We cant be everywhere, so we truly appreciate tips from the public about cases of suspected fraud. If you see or suspect someone is cheating the workers comp system, call 1-888-811-5974. AP Photo/Tommy Martino Sign up for The Agenda Them's news and politics newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr was reelected to the Montana state legislature this week, a victory that will allow her to return to the House floor nearly two years after she was censured by state Republicans. Zephyr, the first out trans woman to serve as a Montana state legislator, handily won her reelection bid over Republican challenger Barbara Starmer this week capturing 80% of the vote in her deep-blue Missoula district. As a result, Zephyr will return to the capitol in 2025, where she will once again be allowed to participate in floor debate for the first time since she was censured in April 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an honor to have been re-elected to the Montana House of Representatives, Zephyr wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. And I promise to do as I have always done: fight for my constituents, stand up against those who seek to break democracy, and be a bulwark against the rising tide of American fascism. Just a few months after she first took office, Zephyr delivered a fiery rebuke to state Republicans on April 18, 2023 when she rose to oppose a state ban on gender-affirming medical care for trans youth. (That legislation, SB 99, did become law but has since been tied up in court.) This body should be ashamed, Zephyr said. If you vote yes on this bill and these amendments, then I hope the next time theres an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands. These Candidates Ran on Anti-Trans Hate. This Is How They Fared Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many Republican candidates won after running on transphobia, others lost big. In response, Republican legislators called Zephyrs remarks hate-filled and deeply sickening, ignored her requests to speak during subsequent floor debates, and eventually voted to censure her, preventing her from speaking on the floor altogether. Seven people were arrested during a protest at the capitol demanding Zephyr be heard, but a judge threw out Zephyrs lawsuit challenging the censure on free speech grounds the following month. At the time, Zephyr called that decision dangerous and undemocratic, but vowed to continue voting and performing other legislative work through the end of her term. Her censure officially ended when the state legislature adjourned its 2023 session, because the body does not regularly meet in even-numbered years, as the AP noted this week. But Zephyrs reelection means she will finally be allowed to speak on the floor again in January. Zephyrs speech and censure were the subject of the short documentary Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr by trans filmmaker Kimberly Reed, which was released earlier this year. Despite the cruelty of that legislature, what I see and what I feel more than anything, is a glint, a vision of what Montana could be, Zephyr told a crowd of supporters in Missoula last year, as captured in Reeds documentary. I left that building with my head held high. Now, she can return the same way. Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here. Originally Appeared on them. Gov. Mike DeWine's phone is blowing up with calls over Ohio's soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat, but he's not giving away who's in line for the job. Sen. JD Vance won the vice presidency Tuesday, just two years after he was first elected to the Senate. Per state law, DeWine will appoint someone to serve with Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno until 2026. Voters will then elect someone to fill out the remaining two years of Vance's term. Moreno defeated longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown Tuesday, meaning Ohio will soon be represented by two brand new senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It takes someone who really will focus on the state of Ohio, will focus on national issues, someone who will really work hard, someone who wants to get things done," DeWine told reporters Thursday. "These are qualifications, I think, that are very important. It also has to be someone who could win a primary. It has to be someone who could win a general election, and then two years later, do all that again. So, this is not for the faint-hearted." DeWine's appointee will assume the role when Vance resigns from his seat. A Vance spokesman did not respond to questions about his timeline, but new senators take the oath of office in early January. Ohio delegates Jane Timken and Richard Beavers dance in the aisle during the first day of the Republican National Convention in July. Who might replace JD Vance in the Senate? DeWine is expected to appoint a fellow Republican, but he declined to say with whom he's spoken or who he's considering. Among the names floating around are former Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Moreno said he wants to see someone who supports the GOP agenda and understands what it's like to campaign across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the difference between inherited wealth and wealth that you had to build yourself," Moreno said. "And I'm not a fan of inherited wealth people. They tend to be lazy. The person that had to work for it is person I want to see." Dolan and LaRose lost to Moreno in the March Republican Senate primary. An adviser for Dolan did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement, LaRose said he's "always ready to answer the call of duty" but currently focused on certifying Tuesday's election results. One person appeared to rule out a Senate appointment: Attorney General Dave Yost, who is running for governor against Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. "Look, I'm an executive," Yost told reporters earlier this week. "I've never been a legislator, and I'm not ready to end my public service, but I can't imagine going to Washington, D.C. and I would not accept that." Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a post-election conference at COSI Thursday hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. DeWine said hed be open to someone who, like Moreno, doesn't have prior experience in office. One person in that vein is Vivek Ramaswamy, a Columbus-area entrepreneur and Cincinnati-area native who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP presidential nomination earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamy has also been rumored as a potential candidate for governor or appointee to President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet. An asset management firm started by Ramaswamy is moving from Columbus to Dallas, but he said he's no longer involved with the company and plans to stay in Ohio. "Not everybody has the same skills," Ramaswamy told reporters Thursday. "I'm an executive by background. That's served me well as an entrepreneur, and those are skills that I'd like to put to use, and I want to reflect on the biggest and best possible way that we can use that skillset as an outsider to hopefully transform this country." Statehouse bureau reporters Jessie Balmert and Erin Glynn contributed. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Who will replace JD Vance in the Senate? Mike DeWine to decide Look closely at the tag on most pieces of clothing, and you're basically guaranteed to find synthetic materials made from fossil fuels. But even as fashion brands claim they're improving sustainability and reducing pollution, they aren't moving away from these dirty materials. What's happening? A new report from London-based nonprofit Changing Markets found that not only is the use of petroleum-based fibers at an all-time high, it's also growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worst offender was Zara's owner, Inditex, which produced over 212,000 tons of synthetic fibers in 2023. The report noted Shein failed to disclose its own production volume, and given the company's stratospheric growth, it may actually be the top offender. Trellis reported on the findings, and Richard Wielechowski of Planet Tracker called out the hypocrisy of "a net zero-aligned industry" with an "addiction to fossil fuel-based fiber." Addiction is the right word. Many of the brands surveyed reported using over 55% synthetic fibers, with Shein checking in at 82%. Yet despite these realities, many of the companies still claim to be working toward a dramatic reduction of synthetic materials what Trellis labels as "denial and doublespeak." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, while Hugo Boss aims to stop using polyester and polyamide by 2030, it used 143% more synthetics in 2023 than 2022, the report found. Why are synthetic fibers so harmful? Trellis spoke with Ken Pucker of Tufts University, who pointed out the grim irony of using toxic petroleum to charge profits. "The costs of using fossil fuel-based inputs are socialized, while the profits are privatized," he explained. "Brands reap the benefits of synthetics, and citizens bear the costs." These costs come primarily in the form of microfiber shedding and pollution. As clothes deteriorate, tiny pieces of plastic find their way into water and soil; from there, they migrate into food sources and human bodies. And with the apparel industry the third-biggest buyer of plastic in the world following only packaging and construction the report labeled the "fossil fashion" industry as "a lifeline" for Big Oil encouraging the continuation of this toxic pattern. What are fashion companies doing about this? In order to address these concerns, Changing Markets made several recommendations, including establishing strict and specific reduction goals; eliminating greenwashing campaigns that mislead customers; providing transparent reporting about supply chains; devoting resources to "true circularity;" and supporting legislation to improve the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a consumer, you can do your research and only buy from companies that are actually moving away from synthetic fabric usage or if you want to take it one step further, you can buy clothing from secondhand markets instead, keeping your dollars out of fast fashion manufacturing entirely. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Tripling clean energy worldwide by 2030 is doable, according to an encouraging new report from the International Energy Agency. The ambitious goal was set at last year's major climate conference in Dubai, where nearly 200 countries agreed to boost renewable power like solar and wind dramatically. Now, experts say making this dream a reality could slash harmful pollution by a whopping 10 billion tonnes while putting more money back in your pocket through lower energy costs. To get there, we'll need some upgrades to our power system, including modernizing electrical grids and adding more battery storage, according to Electrek. Think of it like upgrading your home's electrical system but on a global scale. The improvements would span enough distance to circle the Earth 600 times. Will America someday get all its energy from renewable sources? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind These changes will help your wallet, too. We could cut global energy costs by nearly 10% by doubling energy efficiency alongside the renewable boost. For Americans, that means more affordable electric vehicles and heat pumps, while developing countries will get clean cooking equipment and more efficient cooling systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The COP28 energy goals are the North Star for what the energy sector needs to do," said Fatih Birol, who leads the International Energy Agency. "We need fit-for-purpose grids, energy storage, and faster electrification to ensure the clean energy transition happens quickly and securely." This massive shift to clean energy isn't just about fighting atmospheric pollution. It's about building a future where energy is cheaper, more reliable, and better for our communities. As these changes roll out over the next several years, renewable power will become the main electricity source worldwide. The more countries embrace these solutions, the more affordable they become. It's transforming how we power our lives, making clean energy not just the right choice for the planet, but the smart choice for our wallets too. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. WASHINGTON (AP) Spain's largest telecommunications operator will pay more than $85 million to resolve a U.S. Justice Department investigation into a scheme to bribe Venezuelan officials with a lavish Caribbean vacation and expensive watches. The agreement with Telefonica S.A. announced Friday is the second time that the telco giant has faced bribery accusations in the U.S. after it was ordered in 2019 to pay a $4.1 million penalty to the Securities and Exchange Commission for providing tickets to the FIFA World Cup for foreign officials it was seeking to influence. The latest bribery scheme started around 2014, when a subsidiary of Telefonica bribed two Venezuelan officials to participate in an auction that allowed it to get U.S. dollars in exchange for Venezuelan bolivars, Justice Department officials said. Telefonica's Venezuelan subsidiary bought equipment at inflated prices from unnamed multinational equipment suppliers, who through intermediaries then paid the bribes on its behalf in an attempt to hide the illegal scheme, prosecutors said. In exchange, Telefonica received over $110 million in currency auctions that were then the only way for foreign companies to get around strict foreign exchange controls designed to curb capital flight and repatriate earnings in bolivars decimated by years of triple-digit inflation. The amount represented about 65% of the $172 million awarded to telecommunications companies that year, prosecutors said in court filings in Manhattan. Telefonica Venezolana chose to support a corrupt regime to circumvent the difficulties of conducting legal business in Venezuela," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, who leads the Justice Departments Criminal Division. According to court records, a senior executive at Telefonica was summoned to a meeting in May 2014 in which two unnamed officials informed the executive that Telefonica would need to pay a commission on any funds awarded in the currency auction. Some of the proceeds from the scheme were used to fund a $500,000 vacation for one of the officials in Saint Barthelemy in the French-speaking Caribbean. While there, another $605,000 was spent on luxury watches and jewelry for the official and their spouse. The subsidiary is charged in U.S. federal court with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act but will avoid prosecution under an agreement with the Justice Department if it follows certain conditions. Telefonica has been operating in Venezuela, under the Movistar brand, for two decades, one of 12 countries, most in Latin America, where it has a presence. It currently has 8 million wireless customers in the country. MASURY, Ohio (WKBN) A woman from Masury is facing child endangering charges after police noted in a report that they have dealt with multiple complaints of children being left alone with the father being arrested earlier this year. Read next: Marshals arrest murder suspect in Youngstown Brookfield officers were sent to an apartment in the 8100 block of Addison Rd. around 1:40 p.m. Halloween for a report about children screaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived and didnt see a disturbance but reported that they had dealt with the residents of the home before on complaints of the children being left alone. Police were also given a recording in which children could be heard screaming, sounding like it was coming from the apartment. While checking the area, an officer reported seeing a child around the age of 2 or 3 near the kitchen sink. Another child was seen looking out an upstairs window, according to a police report. Maintenance for the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority (TMHA) which owns the building entered the apartment, and seven children, ranging from ages 2 to 10, were found inside the apartment. The children said the oldest child was watching them. Trumbull County Sheriffs deputies were also on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators from each agency noted in their reports that the home was in deplorable condition, with rotten food in the sink, raw meat on a table and feces smeared on a wall. Police added that they found an antihistamine pill on the floor of a bedroom and other such pills lying in the bathroom. While there, a woman 29-year-old Brianna Daye arrived and told police that she had a babysitter but that the babysitter must have left without telling her, according to the report. An officer then asked Daye to show them video from surveillance cameras that were near the apartment showing them when the babysitter left, but she said the cameras werent working, the report stated, and she would not provide any information on the person who she said was supposed to be watching the children. Police said two of the children in the home were Dayes children, and the other five belonged to a family member. According to a Trumbull County Sheriffs report, Mahoning County Children Services had approved the placement of the five children with Daye, and they had been living with her for three weeks. Children Services removed the children from the home, and Daye was taken into custody on seven counts of child endangering charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police report from earlier this year shows that charges were filed against the father of some of the children after officers were called to the same apartment in March for a report that a child without shoes was running through the parking lot of the apartment complex alone. Police said the father, Jerami Wells, told police that he left the 2-year-old and 5-year-old children home alone for 5 to 10 minutes while he walked to a drive-thru nearby. Wells was sentenced to three years of probation in September after pleading guilty to a fourth-degree felony child-endangering. Daye pleaded not guilty to the charges in Trumbull Eastern District Court on Tuesday. Bond was set with the condition that she cooperate with Trumbull County Children Services and not have contact with the children without approval from the agency. A pretrial in the case is set for January 5, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. By Tom Hals WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick of Pennsylvania sought a court order that would allow the Republican to challenge provisional ballots en masse in Philadelphia in a race he appears to have won, according to court papers. The counting of the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 provisional ballots cast in Philadelphia, a Democratic Party stronghold, was scheduled to begin on Friday, according to McCormick's Thursday filing in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCormick leads incumbent Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, by about 34,600 votes with 98% of the expected total statewide vote counted, according to Edison Research. The Associated Press on Thursday projected McCormick had won the seat, which would add to Republicans' majority in the Senate beginning next year. Casey's campaign said on Friday that the race was too close to be called. An automatic recount will be conducted if the race is decided by half a percentage point or less, which is about the margin of McCormick's lead before the provisional ballots were counted. Provisional ballots are cast when there are questions about a voter's eligibility, which officials investigate after the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCormick said he should be allowed to make mass challenges to provisional ballots with similar problems because the sheer volume of ballots will overwhelm the ability of Republican officials to do so individually. "Plaintiffs fear that potentially non-compliant ballots may be improperly counted, compromising the fairness and integrity of the election," said McCormick's court filing. McCormick also asked the court to sequester provisional ballots cast by voters who had their mail-in or absentee ballots rejected for a defect such as a missing inner secrecy envelope, pending a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said those provisional ballots must be counted, but the Republican Party has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has not addressed the merits of the case. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman) Republican Rep. Young Kim, who in 2020 was one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress, fended off a challenge from Democrat Joe Kerr, a retired fire captain, to secure a third term representing inland Orange County in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Associated Press called the race in California's 40th Congressional District on Thursday, though official results will take longer. Control of the House remained too close to call. Kim said in a statement Thursday night that she plans to "be an independent voice, bring common sense to Washington, and through bipartisanship, deliver results." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is so much to do to get our country back on track, and I am ready to get back to Washington and continue to fight on behalf of my community," she said. The race for the 40th Congressional District, which covers some of the most conservative cities in Orange County and portions of Corona in Riverside County and Chino Hills in San Bernardino County, remained relatively under the radar for most of the election cycle. In past years, congressional Democrats' campaign arm included the district on their list of seats that could be flipped from red to blue. But this year, the 40th Congressional District did not appear on Democrats' roster and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report deemed it "likely Republican." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though President Biden won the district by a narrow margin in 2020, Republicans maintain a voter registration advantage of nearly 5 percentage points. Read more: Six California House races that could help determine control of Congress Kim, who was born in South Korea and lives in Anaheim Hills, served in the state Assembly and unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2018 before winning two years later. She focused her campaign on lowering taxes and the burden of rising costs on middle class families, a time-tested message for Southern California conservatives that resonates with voters in the suburban district. Kerr spent 34 years as a fire captain with the Orange County Fire Authority and served 17 years as president of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Assn., a labor union that represents 800 firefighters. He ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 2022 and for the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerr could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday night. Much of Kerr's message centered on his time as a firefighter. In a recent advertisement, Kerr promised to help push for federal legislation that would provide firefighters with healthcare. Kim raised $7.4 million for her campaign while Kerr amassed just under $800,000, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Montpelier, VT (myCV) After flipping two dozen Democratic seats in the Vermont Legislature this week, new Republican lawmakers are coming up with ideas to bring to Montpelier in January. During this past Tuesdays election, the Statehouse-elects managed to wipe out the Democratic supermajority that had stood in the state legislature for multiple years. Some of the soon-to-be lawmakers now say therell be more of a balance of power under the golden dome, which they think will result in more productive solutions. The GOP gains also fortify Gov. Phil Scotts veto pen. In June, Democrats overrode six of Scotts vetoes, including ones concerning a 14% average property tax increase and a requirement for state utilities to shift to renewable energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, thats the big outcome here really, is that Vermonters finally got a more balanced legislature, which we have sorely needed, said Rob North, a Republican who won one of two seats in Vermonts Addison-3 House district Tuesday night, unseating Democrat Diane Lanpher, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, in the process. Now well have an opportunity to have a discussion, a meaningful discussion, where people will be in a space where they will need to compromise if they want anything to get done, said Chris Keyser, a Republican who won the Rutland-7 House district race Tuesday night by more than 15 percent over incumbent Democrat William Notte. Hopefully the governor does not need to use the veto pen as much as he did in the last biennium, but if he does, its going to be known that those vetoes are going to be sustained, said Joe Luneau, a Republican who won the Franklin-3 House district race Tuesday night, unseating Democrat Mike McCarthy, Chair of the House Government Operations Committee, in the process. On the issues, the new reps say Vermont needs more cost containment and less spending, especially when it comes to property taxes and school funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to see some sort of system where theres a reasonable allocation per student, with all the modifiers that exist now for those with extra needs, Luneau said. And then if a district wants to make expenditures beyond that, I think that those costs should be borne by that district, and not Vermonters in general. We cant just keep adding programs and adding more costs, and continuing to support, say, COVID-era programs that now the federal funding has dried up, North said. Yet were still now supporting those, just with our own state funds. We cant keep doing that. Its not sustainable. Theyre also thinking about topics like climate change, flood mitigation, and public safety. I think that we need to vector more resources towards substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health services than we have been, Luneau said, talking about St. Albans. And for those who engage in negative behavior that crosses the line of criminal in our communities, there needs to be real consequences for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change, I think people will generally agree, is a very, very real scenario, Luneau continued. We need to make adjustments to what the current realities are, and not what they were in the past. The things that I heard, and you can imagine, but it was the homelessness situation, and the drug use, public drug use, that is bothering most people, said Keyser, talking about Rutland. Keyser also commented on flood mitigation, saying, What we need to do is take any money that we have, or money that is allocated, and make us more resilient, make our infrastructure ready to endure what were going to get. Im a realest, I dont deny it. Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski, a Democrat, said its essential for Democrats to take stock of the messages sent by the voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Dandeneau, executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party, said Thursday: Vermonters sent a clear message that Democrats need to provide more immediate and direct relief on the affordability crisis and our legislators are already hard at work crafting an agenda to bring down their costs. Were obviously disappointed that we lost so many great people, but we have a lot of faith in our teams ability to address these problems. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. When Donald Trump first came to the White House, he did so under rocky circumstances. Yes, he had beaten Democrats in the Blue Wall of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. But he also lost the popular vote and Democrats had picked up Senate seats in Illinois and New Hampshire, as well as flipping a few seats in the House. Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House at the time, would regularly say, I havent seen the tweet, when asked about Trumps worst Twitter rants. Mitch McConnell would blow off anything Trump said as he turned the Senate into a judicial confirmation factory. John McCain famously voted down Trumps planned repeal of Obamacare. Senate Republicans balked at his desire to get rid of the filibuster. After the January 6 riot, ten House Republicans voted to impeach Trump and seven Republican senators voted to convict him. That wont be the case this time. This time, Trump comes to Washington with an overwhelming mandate, having swept all seven battleground states. McCain is dead. Mitt Romney will leave the Senate at the end of this year. Ryan is out of politics and Liz Cheney is deemed a heretic. McConnell will leave his post as Republican leader at the end of this year, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In turn, many of the new Republicans will be distinctly of the Trump flavor. Jim Banks, the next senator from Indiana, voted to overturn the 2020 election results. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz both easily won their re-election. Whoever succeeds McConnell as Republican leader be it Senate Minority Whip John Thune or John Cornyn of Texas they will be obligated to follow him closely. Speaker Mike Johnson led the legal efforts on overturning the election results and is a much more hardline ideologue than his predecessors. In short, this will be a much more pliable Republican Congress. As of right now, its unclear whether Democrats will flip the House of Representatives or Republicans will hold it. But it will likely come down to a narrow margin, as was the case in the last two Congresses. Either outcome will give Trump an advantage. The 117th Congress the Democratic trifecta during Joe Bidens first two years in office showed that when Democrats have a narrow majority, the voices of moderates like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema become stronger. If he becomes speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries knows that occasionally, some of his more endangered members will need to break from Democrats and vote with Trump to hold their seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during the 118th Congress, which featured a slim Republican majority in the House, the voices of the most extreme voices in the GOP become much stronger. Look no further than Matt Gaetz filing his motion to vacate against McCarthy, the three-week search for a speaker, and the constant teetering on the brink of a government shutdown. Which is to say, if Republicans hold the House, Trump wins. If Democrats flip the House, he still wins because he can pick off a few frontliners to vote for popular parts of his agenda. Trump will have much more free rein to pass his legislative agenda and confirm judicial appointments. In 2017, he needed to dispatch Mike Pence to break a tie to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary. The existence of more mainstream Republicans meant that he could not pick his initial choice for labor secretary, Andrew Puzder. Republicans who won in states that Trump won but underperformed him like Tim Sheehy in Montana, Bernie Moreno in Ohio and even Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, who largely ran on track with Trump will feel compelled to vote closer with the 47th president to retain his voters, lest they risk a primary challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trump has every reason to make the case that people have to fall in line. He will likely target Democrats who won in districts who voted for him to go along with him. Republican elders in the Senate can no longer brush off his commands during press conferences now that they realize the party is not on loan to him; instead, they work for a party he decisvely owns. The one comfort for Democrats will be that they only have to defend two seats in states that Trump won: Georgia, where Senator Jon Ossoff will face re-election and Gary Peters in Michigan. Meanwhile, Republicans like Thom Tillis in North Carolina, who always had a rocky relationship with Trump, will likely have difficult re-election cycles. Similarly, Trump will likely face significant headwinds if he wants to restrict legal immigration or overhaul asylum laws, given that Republicans will not have enough votes to break a Democratic filibuster. Ironically, had Republicans taken up the border bill earlier this year, Trump would be able to implement some of his goals. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, recognizes legislative candidates on Tuesday evening in Overland Park, Kan. Kelly unsuccessfully sought to dismantle the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. (Photo by Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. Before the election results began rolling in, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly took the stage, confident that Democrats could break the long-held Republican supermajority that has thwarted many of her legislative priorities. If we do that, you will not only make my life better, you will make the life of every Kansan better, Kelly told supporters Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite the governors optimism and the efforts of her $2 million political action committee, the GOP retained its veto-proof majority in both the state House and Senate after Democrats failed to flip key suburban seats. Even before the outcome of the presidential race became clear, Kansas Democrats milling around a hotel ballroom were heard muttering unbelievable and what a disaster as legislative results trickled in. Election results in Kansas were indicative of the national strength of Republicans, who not only won the White House in a historic election, but also strengthened their hold on state governments across the union. Before the election, the GOP controlled 57 state legislative chambers, while Democrats controlled 41 (Nebraskas unicameral legislature is nonpartisan). Many legislative races were still too close to call Wednesday, so its unclear exactly how many chambers each party will control once results are final. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans defended or expanded their control in several state capitols including in Iowa and won the nations only tightly contested gubernatorial race with the election of former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshires next governor. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level, said Benjamin Melusky, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University in Virginia. In some cases, early results show Republicans broke up Democratic trifectas, in which one party controls both legislative chambers and the governorship. Those flips could create less left-leaning policymaking as lawmakers are compelled to negotiate legislation across the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come January, we will look for every opportunity to work with our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan manner to put the people of Michigan first, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, a Democrat, said in a statement after results showed his party will lose control of the lower chamber. We will fulfill our duty as the voice of reason and do our best to make our mark on legislation that moves through the state legislature. Michigan Republicans capture of the state House ends a Democratic trifecta they achieved in 2022 and adds a check on the power of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. House Minority Leader Matt Hall said in a statement that his partys victory showed Michiganders want leaders who put them first, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for accountability at every level of government. Republicans also are poised to enjoy more influence in Minnesota, where preliminary results show they flipped three key state House districts resulting in an even 67-67 split between Republicans and Democrats. Recounts are expected, but if the tie holds, it means Democrats will lose the 2022 trifecta they seized after flipping the state Senate and maintaining control of the House and governorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That trifecta allowed the legislature to approve bills guaranteeing the right to abortion, providing free meals for kids at school, restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated people with felony convictions, and making the state a trans refuge for children seeking gender-affirming care. Those were all signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in the presidential election. Supermajorities Vermont Democrats lost their state House supermajority after Republicans picked up 18 seats in the 150-member chamber. In South Carolina, Republicans ousted four Democrats in the state Senate, giving them a supermajority in that chamber for the first time since Reconstruction, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. The GOP also successfully defended such veto-proof majorities in several states, which could portend even more conservative policymaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Idaho, Republicans were poised to pick up four legislative seats based on unofficial results, adding to the GOPs already robust supermajority. Tennessee Democrats lost all four of the state House races they had targeted in hopes of chipping away at the Republican supermajority in Nashville. And in Kentucky, Republicans partisan advantage remained unchanged in both chambers despite predictions by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that his party would pick up seats this cycle. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level. Benjamin Melusky, associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University In Kansas, Democrats had hoped dismantling the two-thirds GOP supermajority could give the governor more influence over budget and tax policy and diminish the legislatures ability to implement new abortion restrictions. This year, the legislature overrode Kellys veto of bills requiring hospitals and medical providers to report patients reasons for abortions to the state and creating a new crime of coercion to obtain an abortion in state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Attorney General Kris Kobach said his fellow Republicans should leverage their partisan advantage to change the state constitutions process of nominating people to the Kansas Supreme Court. Currently, justices are selected through a merit-based nomination process, but Kobach wants to move to a system of gubernatorial appointments with state Senate veto power. Kansans rejected the liberal agenda and expanded Republican super majorities, Kobach posted on social media platform X. Now its time to reform how we select our justices. A few Democratic gains Still, this election saw a relatively low number of total flips in party control of legislative chambers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And Democrats did make some gains on Tuesday. In North Carolina, Democrats appear to have broken up the Republican legislatures veto-proof majority that has stymied Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. If early results hold, the change would enhance the policy influence of Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein when the legislature convenes next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, the supermajority has operated without checks, pursuing extreme agendas that left too many North Carolinians behind, state Rep. Robert Reives, a Democrat and the House minority leader, said in a statement Tuesday. Similarly, Wisconsin Democrats won several key state Senate races, breaking the Republican supermajority and laying the groundwork for Democrats to compete for a majority in 2026. The change stemmed largely from new legislative maps adopted this year after the state Supreme Court ruled the old maps unconstitutional. Early results show Wisconsin House Republicans holding their majority, with many incumbents defeating their challengers. Before the election, only one state Pennsylvania had a split legislature, with Democrats controlling the state House and Republicans controlling the state Senate. Democrats went into the Pennsylvania election with a one-seat House majority, while Republicans controlled the Senate 28-22. The split chambers stalled efforts such as Republican plans to pass more voter ID requirements and restrict abortion and Democratic plans to increase the minimum wage and strengthen civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting in Pennsylvania left both parties with fewer competitive seats, intensifying the race in just a few battlegrounds. While Republicans swept races for attorney general, treasurer and auditor and held their state Senate majority, state House races were still too close to call late Wednesday. Democrats were in danger of losing their trifecta in Maine, but on Thursday it appeared the party had retained its majorities in both legislative chambers, the Maine Morning Star reported. In Arizona, Democrats spent record amounts of money trying to flip control of the legislature. But preliminary results showed Democrats were poised to split the 30-member state Senate with Republicans, while the GOP maintained a slim majority in the state House. This story was originally published by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. People cheer as Republican winners are announced at the official state GOP watch party at Tin Roof in Columbia, S.C. (John A. Carlos/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. Before the election results began rolling in, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly took the stage, confident that Democrats could break the long-held Republican supermajority that has thwarted many of her legislative priorities. If we do that, you will not only make my life better, you will make the life of every Kansan better, Kelly told supporters Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite the governors optimism and the efforts of her $2 million political action committee, the GOP retained its veto-proof majority in both the state House and Senate after Democrats failed to flip key suburban seats. Even before the outcome of the presidential race became clear, Kansas Democrats milling around a hotel ballroom were heard muttering unbelievable and what a disaster as legislative results trickled in. Election results in Kansas were indicative of the national strength of Republicans, who not only won the White House in a historic election, but also strengthened their hold on state governments across the union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the election, the GOP controlled 57 state legislative chambers, while Democrats controlled 41 (Nebraskas unicameral legislature is nonpartisan). Its unclear exactly how many chambers each party will control once results are final. But Republicans defended or expanded their control in several state capitols and won the nations only tightly contested gubernatorial race with the election of former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshires next governor. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level, said Benjamin Melusky, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, early results show Republicans broke up Democratic trifectas, in which one party controls both legislative chambers and the governorship. Those flips could create less left-leaning policymaking as lawmakers are compelled to negotiate legislation across the aisle. Come January, we will look for every opportunity to work with our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan manner to put the people of Michigan first, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, a Democrat, said in a statement after results showed his party will lose control of the lower chamber. We will fulfill our duty as the voice of reason and do our best to make our mark on legislation that moves through the state legislature. Michigan Republicans capture of the state House ends a Democratic trifecta they achieved in 2022 and adds a check on the power of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. House Minority Leader Matt Hall said in a statement that his partys victory showed Michiganders want leaders who put them first, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for accountability at every level of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans also are poised to enjoy more influence in Minnesota, where preliminary results show they flipped three key state House districts resulting in an even 67-67 split between Republicans and Democrats. Recounts are expected, but if the tie holds, it means Democrats will lose the 2022 trifecta they seized after flipping the state Senate and maintaining control of the House and governorship. That trifecta allowed the legislature to approve bills guaranteeing the right to abortion, providing free meals for kids at school, restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated people with felony convictions, and making the state a trans refuge for children seeking gender-affirming care. Those were all signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in the presidential election. Supermajorities Vermont Democrats lost their state House supermajority after Republicans picked up 18 seats in the 150-member chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, Republicans ousted four Democrats in the state Senate, giving them a supermajority in that chamber for the first time since Reconstruction, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. The GOP also successfully defended such veto-proof majorities in several states, which could portend even more conservative policymaking. In Idaho, Republicans were poised to pick up four legislative seats based on unofficial results, adding to the GOPs already robust supermajority. Tennessee Democrats lost all four of the state House races they had targeted in hopes of chipping away at the Republican supermajority in Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Kentucky, Republicans partisan advantage remained unchanged in both chambers despite predictions by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that his party would pick up seats this cycle. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level. Benjamin Melusky, associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University In Kansas, Democrats had hoped dismantling the two-thirds GOP supermajority could give the governor more influence over budget and tax policy and diminish the legislatures ability to implement new abortion restrictions. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, recognizes legislative candidates on Tuesday evening in Overland Park, Kan. Kelly unsuccessfully sought to dismantle the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector) This year, the legislature overrode Kellys veto of bills requiring hospitals and medical providers to report patients reasons for abortions to the state and creating a new crime of coercion to obtain an abortion in state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Attorney General Kris Kobach said his fellow Republicans should leverage their partisan advantage to change the state constitutions process of nominating people to the Kansas Supreme Court. Currently, justices are selected through a merit-based nomination process, but Kobach wants to move to a system of gubernatorial appointments with state Senate veto power. Kansans rejected the liberal agenda and expanded Republican super majorities, Kobach posted on social media platform X. Now its time to reform how we select our justices. A few Democratic gains Still, this election saw a relatively low number of total flips in party control of legislative chambers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And Democrats did make some gains on Tuesday. In North Carolina, Democrats appear to have broken up the Republican legislatures veto-proof majority that has stymied Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. If early results hold, the change would enhance the policy influence of Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein when the legislature convenes next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, the supermajority has operated without checks, pursuing extreme agendas that left too many North Carolinians behind, state Rep. Robert Reives, a Democrat and the House minority leader, said in a statement Tuesday. Similarly, Wisconsin Democrats won several key state Senate races, breaking the Republican supermajority and laying the groundwork for Democrats to compete for a majority in 2026. The change stemmed largely from new legislative maps adopted this year after the state Supreme Court ruled the old maps unconstitutional. Early results show Wisconsin House Republicans holding their majority, with many incumbents defeating their challengers. Before the election, only one state Pennsylvania had a split legislature, with Democrats controlling the state House and Republicans controlling the state Senate. Democrats went into the Pennsylvania election with a one-seat House majority, while Republicans controlled the Senate 28-22. The split chambers stalled efforts such as Republican plans to pass more voter ID requirements and restrict abortion and Democratic plans to increase the minimum wage and strengthen civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting in Pennsylvania left both parties with fewer competitive seats, intensifying the race in just a few battlegrounds. While Republicans swept races for attorney general, treasurer and auditor and held their state Senate majority, state House races were still too close to call late Wednesday. Democrats were in danger of losing their trifecta in Maine, but on Thursday it appeared the party had retained its majorities in both legislative chambers, the Maine Morning Star reported. In Arizona, Democrats spent record amounts of money trying to flip control of the legislature. But preliminary results showed Democrats were poised to split the 30-member state Senate with Republicans, while the GOP maintained a slim majority in the state House. Like the SC Daily Gazette, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, recognizes legislative candidates on Tuesday evening in Overland Park, Kan. Kelly unsuccessfully sought to dismantle the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. Before the election results began rolling in, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly took the stage, confident that Democrats could break the long-held Republican supermajority that has thwarted many of her legislative priorities. If we do that, you will not only make my life better, you will make the life of every Kansan better, Kelly told supporters Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite the governors optimism and the efforts of her $2 million political action committee, the GOP retained its veto-proof majority in both the state House and Senate after Democrats failed to flip key suburban seats. Even before the outcome of the presidential race became clear, Kansas Democrats milling around a hotel ballroom were heard muttering unbelievable and what a disaster as legislative results trickled in. Election results in Kansas were indicative of the national strength of Republicans, who not only won the White House in a historic election, but also strengthened their hold on state governments across the union. Before the election, the GOP controlled 57 state legislative chambers, while Democrats controlled 41 (Nebraskas unicameral legislature is nonpartisan). Many legislative races were still too close to call Wednesday, so its unclear exactly how many chambers each party will control once results are final. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans defended or expanded their control in several state capitols and won the nations only tightly contested gubernatorial race with the election of former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshires next governor. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level, said Benjamin Melusky, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University in Virginia. In some cases, early results show Republicans broke up Democratic trifectas, in which one party controls both legislative chambers and the governorship. Those flips could create less left-leaning policymaking as lawmakers are compelled to negotiate legislation across the aisle. Come January, we will look for every opportunity to work with our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan manner to put the people of Michigan first, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, a Democrat, said in a statement after results showed his party will lose control of the lower chamber. We will fulfill our duty as the voice of reason and do our best to make our mark on legislation that moves through the state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Republicans capture of the state House ends a Democratic trifecta they achieved in 2022 and adds a check on the power of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. House Minority Leader Matt Hall said in a statement that his partys victory showed Michiganders want leaders who put them first, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for accountability at every level of government. Republicans also are poised to enjoy more influence in Minnesota, where preliminary results show they flipped three key state House districts resulting in an even 67-67 split between Republicans and Democrats. Recounts are expected, but if the tie holds, it means Democrats will lose the 2022 trifecta they seized after flipping the state Senate and maintaining control of the House and governorship. That trifecta allowed the legislature to approve bills guaranteeing the right to abortion, providing free meals for kids at school, restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated people with felony convictions, and making the state a trans refuge for children seeking gender-affirming care. Those were all signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in the presidential election. Supermajorities Vermont Democrats lost their state House supermajority after Republicans picked up 18 seats in the 150-member chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, Republicans ousted four Democrats in the state Senate, giving them a supermajority in that chamber for the first time since Reconstruction, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. The GOP also successfully defended such veto-proof majorities in several states, which could portend even more conservative policymaking. In Idaho, Republicans were poised to pick up four legislative seats based on unofficial results, adding to the GOPs already robust supermajority. Tennessee Democrats lost all four of the state House races they had targeted in hopes of chipping away at the Republican supermajority in Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Kentucky, Republicans partisan advantage remained unchanged in both chambers despite predictions by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that his party would pick up seats this cycle. It was a very good night for Republicans, but we still have to see how it shakes out at the very granular level. Benjamin Melusky, associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University In Kansas, Democrats had hoped dismantling the two-thirds GOP supermajority could give the governor more influence over budget and tax policy and diminish the legislatures ability to implement new abortion restrictions. This year, the legislature overrode Kellys veto of bills requiring hospitals and medical providers to report patients reasons for abortions to the state and creating a new crime of coercion to obtain an abortion in state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Attorney General Kris Kobach said his fellow Republicans should leverage their partisan advantage to change the state constitutions process of nominating people to the Kansas Supreme Court. Currently, justices are selected through a merit-based nomination process, but Kobach wants to move to a system of gubernatorial appointments with state Senate veto power. Kansans rejected the liberal agenda and expanded Republican super majorities, Kobach posted on social media platform X. Now its time to reform how we select our justices. A few Democratic gains Still, this election saw a relatively low number of total flips in party control of legislative chambers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And Democrats did make some gains on Tuesday. In North Carolina, Democrats appear to have broken up the Republican legislatures veto-proof majority that has stymied Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. If early results hold, the change would enhance the policy influence of Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein when the legislature convenes next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, the supermajority has operated without checks, pursuing extreme agendas that left too many North Carolinians behind, state Rep. Robert Reives, a Democrat and the House minority leader, said in a statement Tuesday. Similarly, Wisconsin Democrats won several key state Senate races, breaking the Republican supermajority and laying the groundwork for Democrats to compete for a majority in 2026. The change stemmed largely from new legislative maps adopted this year after the state Supreme Court ruled the old maps unconstitutional. Early results show Wisconsin House Republicans holding their majority, with many incumbents defeating their challengers. Before the election, only one state Pennsylvania had a split legislature, with Democrats controlling the state House and Republicans controlling the state Senate. Democrats went into the Pennsylvania election with a one-seat House majority, while Republicans controlled the Senate 28-22. The split chambers stalled efforts such as Republican plans to pass more voter ID requirements and restrict abortion and Democratic plans to increase the minimum wage and strengthen civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting in Pennsylvania left both parties with fewer competitive seats, intensifying the race in just a few battlegrounds. While Republicans swept races for attorney general, treasurer and auditor and held their state Senate majority, state House races were still too close to call late Wednesday. Democrats were in danger of losing their trifecta in Maine, but on Thursday it appeared the party had retained its majorities in both legislative chambers, the Maine Morning Star reported. In Arizona, Democrats spent record amounts of money trying to flip control of the legislature. But preliminary results showed Democrats were poised to split the 30-member state Senate with Republicans, while the GOP maintained a slim majority in the state House. Editors note: This story has been updated with South Carolina and Maine results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ST. LOUIS The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors held a packed Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday for the first time since city employees walked off the job last month. City Hall was filled to capacity with residents and employees calling for an end to a financial deadlock. Not only was the budget in the discussion, but several alderpersons did not agree to hire a CPA to conduct an audit. Only police and other essential staff have been working since the employee walkout on Oct. 25, which has largely shut down city operations. On the agenda Thursday was a new budget proposal, one thats been stalled for months due to ongoing disagreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alderwoman Theresa Hester emphasized the urgency of passing the budget, saying theyve had five months to review it. The mayor emphasized the message, reminding the board that city staff, including police, have gone without raises for two years. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News I dont understand that if the budget is a working document. Ive worked for companies; weve checked our budget quarterly. We reacted at the end of each quarter to adjust the budget. Thats the way businesses run it, at least the world I came from, Alderman Wesley Gillespie said. But other aldermen, including Alderwoman Alicia, argued that parts of the budget need revision by removing and adding items to the budget She raised concerns that certain lines needed adjustments, which is stalling the approval process once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have a problem or issue. With the budget, its just certain things that are in the budget that I would have questions in regards to, she said. The mayor assured the board that any contentious items related to her office, such as funds for credit cards or training, could be removed if thats what it takes to reach an agreement. Despite passionate pleas from residents and several aldermen, a final vote on the budget remains up in the air. The budget was not passed with rejections from Alderwomen Alicia Smith, Alease Dailes, Regina Harmon Ward, and Board President James Thomas. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Sumitomo Rubber on Thursday announced via its website that it will be closing the facility in Tonawanda. The plant previously manufactured tires for cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. According to a release on the companys website, the closure follows an extended examination of the viability of the facility, including analysis of business complexities, costs, dated infrastructure, intermittent financial performance and changing market conditions. The release said the evaluation was taken to ensure the companys long-term sustainability internationally and claims the company implemented measures to try to keep the facility alive. According to the release, about 1,550 workers will be impacted by the closure and the United Steelworkers Union local 135 is working on bargaining and severance packages. The company intends to actively collaborate with union representation and former salaried employees on various job placement support services to help ease workforce transition, the release said. In addition to its employees, the company has communicated with customers and suppliers to address concerns related to orders, deliveries and contractual obligations. The release also stated that though the factory is closed effective immediately, the companys wind down activities are expected to conclude over the next 12-24 months, with plans to move research, development and testing to another U.S. location. Nov. 12 is expected to be the final day for most union workers while salaried employees will be done on Nov. 15. Employees who stopped by the plant today told WIVB News 4 that they had no warning. Just sad day today 24 years, changed my life, said Sumitomo Rubber employee Sean Felton. Good people that worked here. I figured they might do a layoff. A closure, no, not at all said fellow employee Anthony Vick. I think they couldve told so. Its peoples livelihoods, you cant just wake up and tell them you aint got a job and thats it. Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger released the following statement regarding the closure: We have been made aware of Sumitomo Rubber USAs announcement. Our first thoughts are with the more than 1,500 workers and their families who are impacted by this sudden plant closure. This is a very difficult time for them as they begin to deal with this unexpected news. They need to know the Town of Tonawanda stands with them. I will have more to say at a later time. In a statement, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz called the closure a complete surprise. It appears this decision was made by the Japanese owners board without any discussion with local and state officials about the possibility of closure, Poloncarz said. At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The way North Carolina is governed may soon change, and it could be because of a single state House district outside Raleigh. While the Tar Heel State will once again have a Democrat governor, there is also a chance Democrats will have enough seats to block Republicans from overriding vetoes. Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn is leading incumbent Frank Sossamon by less than 200 votes in the race for House District 32. If Cohn ends up winning the district for Granville and Vance counties, Democrats will break the Republican supermajority that is currently in place. Without counting District 32, the current split looks to be 71 Republicans to 48 Democrats. Seventy-two seats are needed to reach the three-fifths supermajority that would give Republicans the ability to override vetoes. The GOP has already secured enough seats in the state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why NC voted for Trump, then elected several Democrats for top state races Democrats, like Legislative Chair Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg County), have already claimed victory in the race for the 32nd district. We broke the supermajority, and I think its a great day for North Carolina. But the day after the election, Republicans downplayed the results. State Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell County) said whether the seat remains in their control will not impact what sort of bills come out of Raleigh. In any event, whether our final number is 72 or 71, Im confident that were going to have a working supermajority, for all intents and purposes, confident that well be able to pass the legislation that youve seen us pass, said Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lofton argued that his party now has more bargaining power, especially on issues like education funding and school choice where he said Republicans and Democrats have not been on the same page. With breaking the supermajority, we have the ability to stop that and be able to negotiate so we can get better pay for our teachers and more support for our public schools, said Lofton. Ballots are still being counted across the state, including in House District 32, and absentee ballots can be counted through November 14 if they were postmarked by election day. The deadline to request a recount is November 19 at noon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Retired South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty spoke at a question-and-answer session Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at Tri-County Technical College in the Upstate, put on by the colleges Men of Color student group. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) PENDLETON South Carolinas most recently retired chief justice told a room full of Black and Hispanic teenagers there will be times when theyre the only person of color at the table. In moments like that, he said, their voices matter that much more. Never be intimidated by being the only person of color in the room, former Chief Justice Don Beatty told about 300 students. Trust me, your presence there is absolutely necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beattys comments came as part of a question-and-answer session Thursday at Tri-County Technical College in the Upstate, put on by the colleges Men of Color group. For the past six years, the group dedicated to peer support and mentorship of minority male students and young professionals has put on speaker events for teens from area high schools. Beatty was asked to share his experiences from nearly 30 years on the bench and five years representing Spartanburg in the state House before that. Before retiring July 31, Beatty was the only Black justice on the state Supreme Court for 17 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was only the second Black justice on the states highest court since Reconstruction. Before Beatty was Ernest Finney, also a former legislator, who the Legislature elected to the Supreme Court in 1985 and made chief justice in 1994. Finney retired in 2000, seven years before Beattys election to the high court. And the state only recently elected its third ever female justice, Beatty noted. One student wanted to know when they might see the next justice of color. Not for a while, Beatty responded. After all, there are only five seats and hundreds of lower court judges hoping they might one day reach the states highest bench. And the next seat isnt likely to come available for more than four years, when Chief Justice John Kittredge turns 72, the states mandatory retirement age for judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unfortunate that we are in a situation like that, said Beatty, who has preached the importance of diversity in the judiciary. All of us have different lived experiences. We see things differently, Beatty told the students. That becomes important when cases that come before the court involve a diverse population. Whats reasonable? The court has to weigh what a reasonable person would do under certain circumstances, he said, but whats considered reasonable has historically been from a white, male perspective. A Black person might think differently in that same situation, he said. That is never a consideration. But it should be, Beatty said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an example, Beatty referred to cases involving search and seizure. He specifically referred to his dissent in the state Supreme Courts 2020 split ruling in the case of State v. Spears, which upheld a 30-year sentence for trafficking crack cocaine. Before trial, the attorney for Eric Terrell Spears, a Black man, sought to suppress evidence of the drugs seized by police, arguing the search had violated Spears Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. The trial judge dismissed the motion, and Spears was convicted and sentenced. The state Court of Appeals reversed the conviction. But that decision was reversed by the state Supreme Court. Justices agreed with the states attorneys that Spears encounter with police was consensual, and his fiddling with his waistband gave police reasonable suspicion that he had a gun, justifying the frisking that found the drugs in Spears pants. Retired South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty spoke at a question-and-answer session Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at Tri-County Technical College in the Upstate, put on by the colleges Men of Color student group. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) In his dissent, Beatty argued the evidence should have been suppressed because Spears, due to his race, didnt feel that he was free to simply walk away from the encounter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholars have examined ad nauseam the dynamics between marginalized groups particularly African-Americans and law enforcement. African-Americans generally experience police misconduct and brutality at higher levels than other demographics, Beatty wrote. I shudder to think about the probable result had the defendant continued to walk and ignore the police, he wrote in conclusion. An objective eye would acknowledge the fact that African-Americans are being reasonable when they respond in accordance with their collective experiences gained over two hundred years. In a separate opinion, then-Justice Kaye Hearn wrote that she shared Beattys concerns but voted to uphold the conviction anyway. Beatty told the students that its important for them to share their perspective regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you dont contribute your thoughts, other people in the room will have no idea of whether or not theyre making the right decision, he said. An investment in yourself Students also wanted to know if he had ever experienced racism in his career. You do know Im a Black man? Beatty responded. Thats a reality. Racism is something that I grew up with, and its something that I will die with. Beatty grew up in Spartanburg, one of seven children in a poor, working-class family, at a time when the school system was still segregated. But that does not mean that every person is a racist and that every situation you encounter is going to be a race-based situation, he stressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beattys advice to students was to let others get to know them as a way to break down racial barriers. If they know you, theyll talk about racism but they wont talk about you in that context, he said. Theyll see you not just your skin color. Beatty also tried to leave the students with a message of encouragement. Dont let your current circumstances control what the future is going to look like, he said. You can go anywhere from here. The biggest challenge is recognizing you can do it. All you need to do is prepare yourself, and preparation means education, Beatty added. Education is an investment in yourself. You should get up every day and say, What can I do today thats going to invest in me, thats going to assist me in becoming the person Im going to be later in life? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beatty described himself as his mothers most mischievous child. When he would get in trouble, his mothers answer was to require him to read. Then, as a senior in high school, Beatty took classes at a technical school in the Spartanburg area to learn a trade. For a year, he studied electronics thinking he might become a lineman for Duke Power. After high school graduation, he was set to join the U.S. Air Force but again his mother had other plans. She packed him up to attend South Carolina State University, the states only public historically Black university. Beatty would serve in the military the Army for two years between getting his bachelors degree and enrolling in law school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called his time at S.C. State the best thing that could have happened to me. I was in an environment where the professors cared about you, Beatty said. The whole focus was education. You were nurtured I think it actually formed the basis for the person I am now. Beatty told the students that preparation and education will put them in a position to take advantage of opportunities that come their way. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islands Senate Democrats stuck with Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and promoted Val Lawson to majority leader on Thursday night, but not before a public fight over whether their 75-year-old leader is still healthy enough to run the chamber. Lawson, D-East Providence, replaces the current majority leader, Cumberland Democrat Ryan Pearson, who wound up in Ruggerios crosshairs earlier this year after raising the delicate subject of his health and future at a private meeting. RELATED: Ruggerio speaks out on cancer battle, political future Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote to endorse Ruggerio, D-North Providence, for another term and give Lawson the No. 2 job came at a caucus meeting of Senate Democrats held at the Waterman Grille. The meeting itself was controversial, with Pearsons allies arguing he had control of the caucus as majority leader under the rules, but Ruggerios side contesting that. Pearson did win a public fight with Ruggerio over whether the caucus should be open to reporters, after the Senate president had indicated he wanted the press kept out. (Separately, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has announced he will let reporters attend his chambers Democratic caucus on Friday.) MORE: Ruggerio confirms move to oust Pearson from Senate leadership The caucus followed months of behind-the-scene tension in the Senate. Ruggerio has been frequently absent from the public stage this year as he fought cancer, and frustration among some Democratic lawmakers about the situation grew after many felt it put the chamber at a disadvantage during end-of-session negotiations with the House last spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a serious task ahead of us for the next two years, said Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee Chair Alana DiMario. We are facing a serious budget deficit. We are facing the reality of what a Trump administration is going to look like. We need a leadership team that is able to be proactive, responsible and again, above all, communicative. But Ruggerio instead he is on the mend, and is ready to lead the Senate as it deals with the states projected $400 million budget deficit. I know this will be a difficult session because we dont have the revenue that we had previously, Ruggerio said. I think that if we work hard, I think we can get over the hump. But its going to take sacrifice. He added, You will find I will be much more available than in the past few months. Even after the vote, however, Pearson told reporters he has very serious concerns about whether Ruggerio can lead the Senate effectively going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. One of the most surprising results from this weeks election came in California, a state where there was zero doubt about the presidential result. Like other states, California has language in its constitution that mirrors the Thirteenth Amendment: Slavery is prohibited. Involuntary servitude is prohibited except to punish crime. In recent years, some states have moved to repeal the portion that still allows involuntary labor as a criminal punishment. Voters in neighboring Nevada, for example, approved a ballot initiative known as Question 4 on Tuesday to do just that. Early returns show that the repeal vote is on track to win with 60 percent support to 39 percent opposition with 89 percent of precincts reporting. California took the opposite approach with Proposition 6. With an estimated 53 percent of votes counted so far, 55 percent of votes are opposed to repealing the involuntary servitude language. The outcome is all the more striking because the measure went unopposed by any group or political party. On the states official voter guide, the pro/con section notes that no argument against Proposition 6 was submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiatives spontaneous potential defeat reflected a broader shift in the Golden States politics during this election cycle. In local elections and on statewide ballot questions, California voters rejected progressive policies on crime, housing, and more. The nations largest statewide electorate tried to send Vice President Kamala Harris to the White House, but it sent a very different message downballot. It must be emphasized from the outset that California is among the slowest jurisdictions in the nation for counting votes. Part of the reason is the states heavy reliance on mail-in ballots, which can be counted if they are received up to seven days after Election Day, so long as they are postmarked on Election Day. Verifying those ballots in a state with tens of millions of voters is a long and laborious process. As a result, it could be weeks before the final results are known in the state, leaving a final tally of a few U.S. House races that could decide control of the chamber up in the air. Nonetheless, some results are already apparent from the early returns. Perhaps the greatest impact of the voter shift was felt in the Bay Area. Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss jeans fortune who spent more than $8 million, is on track to replace San Francisco Mayor London Breed in the citys ranked-choice election. Most of Luries campaign centered on the citys crime and homelessness issues, which have often received national attention, while Breed was hobbled by an ongoing corruption scandal among the citys nonprofit groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the bay in Oakland, voters appear on track to recall both Sheng Thao, the citys mayor, and Pamela Price, the district attorney of Alameda County. Thao, who already faced headwinds from public safety fears going into the election, saw things worsen after the FBI raided her home in an ongoing investigation involving her donors over the summer. The loss of the Oakland As, the sale of the citys stake in the Coliseum, and its overall economic decline only added to the incumbents woes. Prices recall came after only two years on the job. She initially took office as the countys first Black district attorney and by supporting progressive reforms to the criminal justice system. But her tenure was marred by concerns about rising crime, allegations of anti-Asian bias, and filing errors that prevented hundreds of cases from being prosecuted. She is the second Bay Area district attorney to be recalled in the last two years: San Franciscans ousted progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022 over concerns about crime and safety. Further south, in Los Angeles, voters also ousted George Gascon, a longtime progressive prosecutor who served as the countys district attorney since 2020. During that tenure and a previous stint as San Franciscos district attorney, Gascon had championed policies aimed at tackling mass incarceration, such as dropping some sentencing enhancements and ending cash bail for nonviolent offenses. His expected replacement, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, campaigned on reversing those policies and what he described as Gascons blanket filing policies that didnt take individual circumstances into account. Voters in California had previously led the way on criminal justice reform and embracing the nationwide trend of progressive prosecution, even before the George Floyd protests in 2020. In 2014, voters approved Proposition 47, a statewide measure co-authored by Gascon that recategorized shoplifting, theft, forgery, fraud, illegal drug use, and some other offenses as misdemeanors up to a certain cash limit. The measure received 59 percent support at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten years later, however, the electorate partially reversed itself this week by approving Proposition 36. That measure restored shoplifting as a felony under certain circumstances, mandated prison sentences for some other felonies, and allows prosecutors to charge illegal possession of fentanyl and methamphetamines as a felony instead of a misdemeanorand require incarceration if the defendant doesnt complete court-ordered treatment. With 54 percent of the vote counted, Proposition 36 is leading with a whopping 70 percent approval among voters. Progressives saw defeat on initiatives beyond the criminal justice context as well. In one instance, 62 percent of voters rejected a measure that would give local communities greater flexibility to enact rent-control measures. A minimum-wage increase to $18 per hour is currently trailing with 52 percent of voters opposed. And a measure that would make it easier to issue local infrastructure bonds is also running aground with 56 percent disapproval. There is a risk of overselling this shift, of course. Californias electorate did not lose all of its liberal views: Voters also backed a measure that would repeal Proposition 8, the states moribund same-sex marriage ban, as well as a climate changemitigation initiative. And in Californias largest cities, its ousted incumbents were replaced not by Republicans but by more moderate or centrist Democrats. (Hochman, the new Los Angeles County district attorney, ran as an independent.) Taken altogether, however, it represents a significant setback for progressive governance and policymaking in the nations most populous state. Conservative critics often decry the states public policy woes even as they lament its trend-setting role in national politics. This time, however, the Golden State appeared to be in sync with a national shift to the right. The next election cycle in two years will show whether this is a transitory response or a deeper shift in how California governs itselfand leads the nation. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials are sounding a caution for deer hunters going out for the start of modern gun season this Saturday. AGFC officials said that recent downpours in the White River Basin in east Arkansas created a large pulse of water that is expected to exceed flood stages in some areas. The flooding would close the area to all methods of deer hunting until the water recedes, they said. Arkansas hunters bring in 181 alligators during hunting season According to officials, on Friday, Nov. 8, the White River level forecast shows it will reach 31 feet at Augusta. If this is the case, officials said it would close deer season on private land in Flood Prone Zone B as well as the following wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges: Bayou Des Arc WMA, Departee Creek WMA, Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, Bald Knob NWR and portions of Cache River NWR. They said the areas would reopen once the Georgetown White River gauge falls below 19 feet. Officials explained that while the hardwood forests of eastern Arkansas are excellent for large deer populations, they can become inundated quickly due to their being low-lying. When that happens, officials said deer are pushed into areas with less available cover, creating a risk for overharvesting and lack of fair chase. Helicopters drop gravel for Lake Conway habitat project, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Worse, officials said, hunting in flooded areas can force deer into fast-running streams or deep areas before a hunter can recover their harvest. AGFC officials clarified that deer hunting is closed only during flood-prone zone closures. Seasons and limits for other game animals remain unchanged. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission providing volunteer opportunities for high school students A description of all flood-prone regions and criteria for closures are available at AGFC.com/Hunting/Flood-Prone_Zones. Hunters may also call the AGFCs Wildlife Information Hotline at 833-345-0398 for the status of all flood-prone areas, updated daily at 3 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. (NEXSTAR) The U.S. Secret Service has confirmed that robotic dogs are indeed being utilized to secure President-elect Donald Trumps home in Mar-a-Lago after a unit was seen patrolling the area on Thursday. The high-tech hound, as the Secret Service has been known to call it, was filmed walking the perimeter of the Palm Beach property alongside an agent, video shared by Reuters shows. A robot dog patrols Mar-a-Lago, the residence of US president-elect Donald Trump on November 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images) Anthony Guglielmi, the chief communications officer for the Secret Service, did not say how long the robots had been in use at Mar-a-Lago, but told Nexstar that they boast technology that can aid the services security goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority, Guglielmi wrote in a statement shared with Nexstar. While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations. FBI: Trump was target of Iranian murder-for-hire plot The Secret Service had also highlighted the robots abilities in a video shared from Julys 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. A Secret Service official explains that the units are part of its ASTRO program, which stands for Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation. The official said the dogs can be outfitted with technology to detect bombs and chemical threats, and features cameras with thermal technology and high-res zoom capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im kind of excited to see whats going to come out [of the ASTRO program] it continues to progress forward, an official explains. With just a quick download, the robot just continues to get better with every software update. The robotic dogs, meanwhile, were merely a part of the security measures observed at Mar-a-Lago since Election Day: A Coast Guard boat mounted with rifles was also pictured in the Lake Worth Lagoon just outside the property. A boat from the U.S. Coast Guard patrols the waters near Mar-a-Lago on Nov. 7, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The emphasis on security at Mar-a-Lago comes amid Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential race, during which time he was the target of two assassination attempts. The FBI also said Friday that Trump was the target of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot. Three people have been charged in connection with the alleged scheme. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) local women gathered to network and help support each other in the world of business on Thursday. The greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pow-Her Conference at the Embassy Suites to celebrate their contribution to leadership in the community. Over 200 women attended workshops and had the chance to network at the luncheon. Four local leaders were honored for their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first year of the event for the chambers new CEO. She said it is important for women to get together and inspire each other. When I think back on my own career, and all the women who were inspirational to me, whether it be someone I personally knew or someone in the greater business community, I think its so important that we all get to know each other and look for those role models who can help us and make improvements in our businesses and our communities, said CEO Angela Kay Larson. Workshop topics included work-life balance, career advancement and how to better engage with the community. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. DENVER (KDVR) The Rocky Mountain National Park announced that it will be using its timed-entry reservation system in 2025 beginning on May 23. Denver weather: What to expect as snow falls through end of week According to RMNP, the park sees an estimated 4.5 million visits annually. RMNP will be continuing the timed-entry reservation system for 2025 in order to help address crowding in the park, avoid congestion and limit the impacts on resources around the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system was established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan which was approved in May 2024 and helps the park staff keep up with daily demands. Visitors of the park can select from two reservation options which include the Bear Lake Road Corridor permit and the Rest of the Park permit. Bear Lake Road Corridor permit This permit gives visitors access to the entire Bear Lake Corridor as well as the rest of the park. The reservation time period for this permit lasts from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rest of the Park permit This permit allows visitors to access all areas of the park excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The reservation time period for this permit lasts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Colorado roads will be impacted the most by November snowstorm Those who use the reservation system to receive a permit can enter the park within two hours of availability and have no set time for departure. The reservation system applies to all areas within the park. Reservations are free to visitors aside from a $2 processing fee that goes to recreation.gov. The timed-entry reservation system will end at separate times for each permit with the Bear Lake Road Corridor system ending on Oct. 20 and the Rest of the Park system ending on Oct. 14. Reservation ability Reservations for each month will be released in a series of rounds. The rounds will be released in this order: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 1. This round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 24 through June 30. June 1: reservations will be available for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June. July 1: reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. Aug. 1: reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked. Sept. 1: reservations will be available through the end of the reservation periods in October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. To book your reservation for entry into the Rocky Mountain National Park you can visit the recreation.gov website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. On-site visits enrich foreign scholars' understanding of Chinese civilization Xinhua) 08:29, November 08, 2024 Guests visit the exhibition titled "Origins of Chinese Civilization from an Archaeological Perspective" at the Chinese Archaeological Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- At an exhibition on the origins of Chinese civilization held in the Chinese Archaeological Museum in Beijing, Konstantinos Buraselis from Greece listened very intently to the guide. He frequently paused to appreciate the artifacts on display and often joined in discussions with other visitors. As he reached the section about the Liangzhu ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Zhejiang Province that bears witness to the existence of Chinese civilization over 5,000 years ago, he became extremely interested and asked the guide for more details. "Last year, I was invited to attend Liangzhu Forum, and I was very much amazed by the civilization thousands of years ago just like the Aegean Civilization around the same period back in Greece," said the emeritus professor of ancient history at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The exhibition tour on Wednesday was one of the activities for the first World Conference of Classics, which opened on Thursday. Themed "Classical Civilizations and the Modern World," the event seeks to provide a platform for classical civilization researchers and specialists to trace the origins of human thought, draw insights from history and explore the traditions of human civilization through the lens of classical studies. The opening ceremony of the World Conference of Classics is held in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He) The event is co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Ministry of Education of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Ministry of Culture of Greece, and the Academy of Athens. Among the more than 400 participants are over 180 international guests from well-known universities, think tanks and research institutions from countries including the United States, Britain, Greece, Japan, Argentina and Australia. Prior to their arrival in Beijing, many foreign delegates attending the event split into several groups to visit museums, ancient ruins and other sites in the provinces of Henan, Sichuan and Shandong. These cultural tours offered them a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of ancient Chinese civilization. Tobias Hirsch, a post-doctorate at the University of Technology Nuremberg, Germany, was impressed by the Erlitou relics site, which was identified by archaeologists as one of the capital cities during the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC-1600 BC) in central China's Henan Province. "The Erlitou site was important because before, I perceived the Xia Dynasty as more or less a mere construct, and now I've seen with my own eyes the site and it was really impressive," he said. Guests visit Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) During his tour in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Patrick Finglass, a professor of Greek at the University of Bristol in Britain, found it interesting that some archaeological artifacts excavated at the city's Jinsha ruins have become cultural icons of Chengdu. He noticed that the image of the "Sun and Immortal Birds," a disc-shaped gold ornament crafted during the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BC-256 BC), is often spotted on road lamps and other facilities in the city. "That's really beautiful how the city of Chengdu has incorporated that item within," said Finglass, adding that it was very special seeing the image in different contexts, indicating the ancient material has been made part of the modern city. He also found that the image of the golden mask uncovered at the ruins is commonly seen throughout the city. Jinsha ruins, together with the Sanxingdui ruins, are peaks of ancient Shu culture and represent the two most glorious periods of the ancient Shu Kingdom that suddenly disappeared about 2,000 years ago. Guests select creative cultural products at the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jianan) Before leaving Henan Museum, Antonia Trichopoulou from the Academy of Athens, Greece, bought a replica of a 9,000-year-old bone flute at the souvenir shop. Through the flute as well as bells displayed in the museum, she saw how much the ancient Chinese people enjoyed music and played an important role in its development. "I think that this is not an achievement of your population. It's an achievement of humankind that so early they discovered the value of music. So, it does not belong only to you, it belongs to humanity," she said. Scholars believe that this trip to China has provided them with a more intuitive understanding of ancient Chinese civilization. They are also looking forward to trans-cultural exchanges with a wide range of topics such as the practical significance of classical studies in the modern world at the conference, which will conclude on Friday. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) UK broker Swinton Insurance has selected reconciliation specialist Aurum Solutions to automate its reconciliations. The integration of Aurums automation will enable Swinton Insurance to guarantee accuracy at speed despite the large volume of payments they handle. This, in turn, saves them time and stress over complying with Client Asset Sourcebook (CASS) regulations. Every day, Swinton Insurance manages a complex ecosystem of payments, of various sizes, to and from customers and insurance companies. With these transactions taking place frequently and via various methods, paired with the fact that they must comply with CASS rules, it is vital that finance operations at Swinton Insurance operate at an extremely high level of accuracy. The integration of Aurums automation aims to help Swinton Insurance meet this demand both now and in the future. Moreover, as Aurums platform is flexible and scalable, Swinton Insurance will be able to manage higher transaction volumes while maintaining accuracy and financial control, deploy new bespoke reconciliations when needed, and focus on value-adding tasks. Jayne Logan, Financial Operations Team Leader at Swinton Insurance, said: We can now get more out of our data, and do so quicker than before, making our role both easier and more impactful. With Aurum, we now have so many different filters that we can easily extract the specific data we need in just a few clicks. What used to be a big job is now simple. The benefits of Aurum go beyond just banking reconciliation; its a huge time and money saver that enables us to focus on making improvements throughout the business. Tiago Veiga, CEO at Aurum Solutions, continued: Reconciliation is crucial for insurance companies. Insurers deal with high transaction volumes, complex data sources, and are subject to stringent regulatory requirements, yet many still use manual legacy processes for reconciliation. This places a huge strain on resources and makes it incredibly difficult to manage these transactions. Automation however leads to faster and more accurate reconciliation, enabling finance teams to spend more time on other strategic activities. Our partnership with Swinton Insurance is another big step forward in our mission of removing the burden of reconciliation from finance teams altogether. "Swinton Insurance to automate with Aurum Solutions" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Attorney General-elect J.B. McCuskey, who is the current state auditor, is shown in the state Capitol in 2022. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) West Virginias incoming Attorney General J.B. McCuskey said this week the states natural resources industry and economy will be priorities for his office. The biggest priority that we have is ensuring that we continue to allow our natural resources industries to thrive, and to make sure that West Virginias economy is able to do what it does best, which is provide low cost energy throughout this country and right here at home, McCuskey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCuskey was elected state auditor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Prior to being auditor, McCuskey served two terms in the state House of Delegates. On Tuesday, he won the attorney generals election over Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva, a Democrat. McCuskey pulled in 70% of the votes, compared to Torisevas 30%, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of States Office. McCuskey said hell work well with Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, the states current attorney general, and be a key player within his administration. One of the really amazing things that happened in this election is that we now have a governor who knows how to deploy the attorney general to help advance their agenda, McCuskey said Wednesday. I work very, very closely with General Morrisey now. We have a trust and a friendship that I think is going to enable me to be a real key player in his agenda and the ways in which were going to finally make West Virginias reality match its potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As attorney general, Morrisey signed on to a lawsuit along with several other states that sought to overturn the Affordable Care Act, a monumental health law commonly called Obamacare that, among other things, allowed the state to expand its Medicaid program to thousands of low-income residents. McCuskey said Thursday he doesnt think overturning the law will be a huge priority. Morrisseys time has been a leading force against a number of policies by the federal Environmental Protection Agency aimed at curbing pollution, according to the Gazette-Mail. McCuskey said fighting overreach of rogue federal agencies into the states economy is of the utmost importance, along with ensuring that the role of the federal government is constrained to what the constitution allows it to be. Very frequently, especially in a world where Congress moves so slowly, bureaucracies extend well beyond what their authority is, McCuskey said. And its our job to make sure that theyre held in check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCuskey said he also sees attorneys general and specifically his office playing a part in carrying out President-elect Donald Trumps agenda for the nation. Trump will have a big agenda, he said, and the federal bureaucracy will likely try to keep the status quo. [What we] are going to need to do is ensure that our bureaucracies are allowing him to pursue his agenda in the ways that he wants, McCuskey said. And we live in a world where Congress moves very, very slowly, and so the attorneys general have kind of moved into this role of being the place where we can swiftly solve big constitutional issues. McCuskey said his first priority will be to find and retain as much legal fire power for the office as he can. Under Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the office has become the go-to office for big cases, he said. Thats something that were going to continue, he said. Making sure that I am surrounded by the best lawyers in the world is priority number one, because the big cases are going to keep coming through West Virginia, and Im really excited to be able to lead the charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCuskey said he and a small transition team of close legal advisors and friends from around the state planned to sit down this week and discuss priorities and identify people to hire so that hes ready to start work the day he takes office. He said he doesnt anticipate large-scale employee turnover in the office. Having a governor who was the attorney general, he understands the importance of this office, and he understands how important its going to be for me to have talent to not only make my office successful, but to make sure that his administration is successful as well, McCuskey said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROSEDALE, Miss. (WJTV) On Thursday, the Rosedale Distilling Company celebrated the groundbreaking of Mississippis largest distillery. Governor Tate Reeves, Commissioner Willie Simmons and other political and community leaders joined the ceremony. This is a $17 million investment in Bolivar County, with a projected total of $23 million to be invested over the next eight years. Entergy Mississippi breaks ground on new power station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Founded by Jack and Elizabeth Coleman, officials said the Rosedale Distilling Company will produce premium and super-premium spirits, introducing high-quality Mississippi-crafted products to the national market. The project will create 57 new jobs in Rosedale and is expected to draw of 40,000 annual visitors by 2025. Rosedale Distilling Companys investment is a remarkable milestone for Bolivar County, said Reeves. This project not only creates jobs but also showcases our states unique riverside culture. Its a fantastic economic and tourism boost for the Delta and an invitation for others to discover what Mississippi has to offer. The distillery site includes a 166,000-square-foot former factory from 1954, which will house the main distillery and barrel-aging facilities. Rosedale Distilling will also restore several downtown Rosedale buildings, creating spaces for a retail store, tasting rooms, and museums that pay tribute to the Deltas heritage. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Changes to nearly a dozen intersections along Route 309 in the Back Mountain have left drivers in the area concerned for safety. The 2.2 million dollar project known as the Route 309 safety improvement project, has been underway for several months now, but it was delayed after utility pole relocations, some electrical issues, and last minute re-designs. Mayor Cognetti releases Scranton budget proposal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials say the amount of traffic has only been growing in recent years and its time for a change. At ten intersections theyre retiming the lights. Theyre adding handicap accessible ramps, some line striping, and some other various work. The project started in April of this year, and is due to end at the end of 2024, stated PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Jessica Ruddy. The project hopes to reduce traffic congestion on Route 309. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. By Shivam Patel NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's three-decade ban on importing author Salman Rushdie's controversial 'The Satanic Verses' book has effectively been lifted after a court said the government was unable to produce the original notification that imposed the ban. The India-born British author's novel was banned by India in 1988 after some Muslims viewed it as blasphemous. The Delhi High Court was hearing a 2019 case challenging the import ban of the book in India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Nov. 5 court order, India's government told the Delhi High Court that the import ban order "was untraceable and, therefore could not be produced." As a result, the court said it had "no other option except to presume that no such notification exists". "The ban has been lifted as of Nov. 5 because there is no notification," Uddyam Mukherjee, lawyer for petitioner Sandipan Khan, said. India's interior and finance ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Khan's plea said he approached the court after being told at book stores that the novel could not be sold or imported in India and then when he searched, he could not find the official import ban order on the government websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in court the government has been unable to produce the order, he said. "None of the respondents could produce the said notification ... in fact the purported author of the said notification has also shown his helplessness in producing a copy," the Nov. 5 order noted, referring to the customs department official who drafted the order. Rushdie's fourth fictional novel ran into a global controversy shortly after its publication in September 1988, as some Muslims saw passages about Prophet Muhammad as blasphemous. It sparked violent demonstrations and book burnings across the Muslim world, including in India, which has the world's third largest Muslim population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1989, Iran's then supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, calling on Muslims to assassinate Rushdie, sending the Booker Prize-winning author into hiding for six years. In August 2022, about 33 years after the fatwa, Rushdie was stabbed on stage during a lecture in New York, which left him blind in one eye and affected the use of one of his hands. (Reporting by Shivam Patel and Arpan Chaturvedi; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Russell Brand has been charged by police after he was allegedly caught speeding twice. The 49-year-old has been charged with two allegations of speeding and two counts of failing to tell police if he or someone else was driving the car. The comedian and actor has hired the law firm of Nick Mr Loophole Freeman to represent him in the magistrates court hearings over the charges. His case was initially dealt with by the single justice procedure where magistrates sit in private, but now appears to be heading to a hearing in open court, The Standard reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court papers obtained by The Standard which relate to one of the speeding charges and one allegation of failing to answer a police letter a Mini registered to Mr Brand was caught on a speed camera on March 23. The vehicle was allegedly going at 37 mph in a 30 mph zone in Shiplake, a village near to his Oxfordshire home, Thames Valley Police said. It is further alleged that Mr Brand was written to at his 3.7 million thatched retreat in Henley-on-Thames in April and a reminder letter was also dispatched, but there was no response. In a letter to the court, Mr Brands lawyer from Freeman & Co Solicitors asked for no pleas to be entered against any of the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show the case came before a magistrate sitting in Oxford on Oct 25, with no pleas being recorded. The cases were adjourned to a future date for a hearing in open court. Nick Freeman has been hired by several famous people regarding motoring offences - Lorne Campbell Separately, following an investigation published last year by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4s Dispatches, Mr Brand was interviewed by police three times over allegations of historical sex offences. Last week, it emerged that detectives investigating Mr Brand over the allegations have sent prosecutors a file of evidence so they can consider bringing charges. The incidents are said to have occurred between 2006 and 2013, when Mr Brand held several high-profile jobs, including at Channel 4 and BBC Radio 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has previously denied the allegations, calling them very, very hurtful. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement it had received a number of reports of sexual offences from women following the original Channel 4 and Sunday Times investigation. As part of its investigation, it said: A man in his 40s had been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions. A file of evidence has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for their consideration. The CPS confirmed it has been handed a file by police, so it can consider charges in relation to allegations of historical sex offences by a 49-year-old man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations against Mr Brand come from a seven-year period when he was at the height of his fame hosting national television and radio programmes, and starring in Hollywood films. Other claims made as part of the investigation relate to Mr Brands allegedly controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour. In an online interview earlier this year, the comedian said it was very, very painful to be accused of what I consider to be the most appalling crimes. 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. In a new update, UK Defence Intelligence has analysed Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian regions in October and the first week of November. Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 8 November on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The update reported that Russia launched approximately 2,000 One Way Attack (OWA) UAVs in attacks on Ukrainian regions in October 2024 about 700 more than in September. The aftermath of the Russian attack on Kyiv Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kyiv City Military Administration UK intelligence reported that Russias ongoing investment in OWA drone production, diversification of supply sources, and expansion of launch sites have led to a steady increase in drone launches since mid-2024. UK Defence Intelligence indicated that, in line with recent weeks, the intensity of Russian launches remained high during the first week of November. Given that launch sites are relatively simple to construct and can be quickly rebuilt if needed, the main limiting factor for Russian OWA drone operations is likely to be human resources rather than launch capacity provided production continues without interruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK intelligence explains that the high rates observed in September and October so far are likely to become normal. Ukraine's Air Force reported that air defence units had downed 62 out of 92 Russian drones used in attacks on Ukrainian regions on the night of 7-8 November. Background: Earlier, Defense Express, a Ukrainian military news portal, reported that Russia had started using thermobaric warheads on Shahed-136 loitering munitions en masse, significantly increasing the threat they pose when targeting buildings. In early November, US Ambassador Bridget Brink highlighted that the US Department of State had funded the operation of 800 mobile firing groups in Ukraine, which had successfully shot down over 200 Russian drones since the start of the year. On 8 November, reports indicated that Ukraine would receive air defence missiles from Estonian defence company Frankenburg Technology for testing by the end of 2024. Support UP or become our patron! On 8 November, Russians attacked Sumy Oblast 57 times with ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft guns, artillery, and also dropped explosives from drones. Eight people were injured in these attacks. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: Five people were injured in an airstrike in the Krasnopillia hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories]. Additionally, one apartment building, six houses, a shop, two pharmacies, a school and a secondary school, and three cars were damaged. Aftermath of the Russian attack on the Krasnopillia hromada. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russians fired a ballistic missile at the Sumy hromada. As a result, three civilians were injured, and non-residential premises were damaged. Quote: "During the day, the Russians fired 57 times at the border areas and settlements of Sumy Oblast. 129 explosions were recorded. The hromadas of Sumy, Khotyn, Yunakiv, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Putyvl, Shalyhyne, Druzhba, Seredyna-Buda and Znob-Novhorodske were attacked." Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked Kyiv and the surrounding Oblast with drones and a missile overnight on Nov. 8, local authorities reported. While Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities have escalated in recent months, the use of missiles in aerial strikes has dropped significantly. Experts have previously told the Kyiv Independent this could be a tactic to wear down air defenses ahead of a mass-missile strike targeting the country's already battered civilian energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to Russian drones approaching, the air raid alert in Kyiv sounded at around 9:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 7, and the all-clear wasn't given until just after 7:30 a.m. the following morning. At around 10 p.m. local time, the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that air defense was operating in the area. At dawn, around 5:30 a.m. local time, the Ukrainian Air Force announced the launch of the missile toward the capital. Ukrainian forces did not specify what type. Kyiv Independent reporters heard a loud explosion shortly after. Russian missiles have not been downed near or over Kyiv since early October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the drones or a missile hit their targets, while debris from downed aerial targets damaged buildings and injured civilians in Kyiv Oblast, according to local authorities. In Kyiv Oblast, four men suffered injuries of varying severity. All of them were hospitalized, regional police reported. "These are the drivers of the cars that were in the car near the place where the debris fell," regional Governor Ruslan Kravchenko said. "One of them is in serious condition; two other drivers are in moderate condition. The other suffered minor injuries. All are being provided with medical care." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six houses and four cars were damaged in the attack. There was also a fire on the grass flooring and a fire in the premises of a defunct gas station, which was extinguished. As of the morning of Nov. 8, local authorities in Kyiv itself had not reported any damage or casualties, and air defense was not operating in the city. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers react to Trumps victory: This could be a disaster, others say Biden was impotent Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Taiwan should pour more resources into advancing chip technology and expanding its supply chain expertise to maintain global leadership, an influential trade group said hours after Donald Trump was elected to be US president for the second time. Most Read from Bloomberg We should accelerate research and development to ensure our standing as an indispensable member of the global semiconductor supply chain, Chairman Cliff Hou of Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association said on Thursday. We are also working with the government to see whether we can attract foreign partners to set up design and materials centers in Taiwan, Hou, also a senior vice president at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., added. The self-governing island, home to the worlds biggest contract chipmaker, TSMC, lives with the constant threat of invasion by China, which considers it a breakaway territory. The imminent change in US leadership may alter its standing in global affairs. While President Joe Biden has repeatedly voiced unequivocal support for Taiwan, Trump said the island should pay the US for defending it, calling Xi Jinping a very good friend of mine until Covid in an interview with Bloomberg. Hou, a 27-year TSMC veteran who obtained his doctorate in the US, added that Taiwan must also aim to develop more expertise in equipment and materials, areas that are dominated by foreign businesses. Meanwhile, the close relationship Taiwan and the US have forged over the past few decades will not be affected by the elections outcome, the executive told reporters separately on the sidelines of his trade groups event in Hsinchu. Taiwanese companies have grown in importance with advances in artificial intelligence, as beyond TSMC a collection of smaller suppliers has grabbed the lions share of orders for AI data center servers, power and cooling technology. In October, Trump told podcast host Joe Rogan that Taiwan took away US semiconductor business and jobs. These chip companies, they stole 95% of our business. Its in Taiwan right now. They do a great job, but thats only because we have stupid politicians, Trump said as part of a lengthy interview where he also stated he protected Taiwan from China during his first stint as president. Russia launched a new nuclear-powered icebreaker named Chukotka. The latest vessel has joined the fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers. The launch was overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin via video link. The vessel in the Russia's Project 22220 series is expected to have a life of 40 years and can endure extreme Arctic conditions. It can also plow through ice up to 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) thick. The launch is aimed at boosting cargo traffic on the Northern Sea Route. Russia to increase cargo traffic along Northern Sea Route Putin emphasized that expanding Russia's icebreaker fleet is key to developing Arctic territories. "I would like to repeat that our plans to develop our Arctic territories and to increase cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route rely on expanding Russia's icebreaker fleet," said Putin. "We have ambitious plans in this area. There is a great deal to be done. In this context, I suggest holding a special meeting on this subject, thoroughly preparing and comprehensively discussing all aspects of advanced development of the Northern Sea Route, so that we find concrete practical solutions." Three new-generation nuclear-powered vessels the Arktika, Sibir, and Ural have been floated out from the Baltic Shipyard and are now working in the waters of the Northern Sea Route. Russia planning delivery of another icebreaker The Chukotka icebreaker has joined this group. In the coming weeks, Russia is planning the delivery of another icebreaker, the Yakutia, which is more than 95 percent complete. Putin underlined that Russia needs to consider options to create a more efficient pricing model for icebreaker freight transit, so that more carriers and shippers can afford such services, especially since both Russian and foreign companies are showing more and more interest in this route with each passing year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has also claimed that next year, as agreed, icebreaker Stalingrad of the same series should be laid down. In addition, the next-generation nuclear icebreaker Leader, the most powerful so far, is being built at Zvezda shipyard in the Far East. "The construction of these powerful modern vessels is yet another embodiment of Russias industrial, scientific, technological and human resources potential. It is on the basis of domestic technologies and breakthrough scientific solutions that the national economy should develop," said Putin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIZpEqSPxA Powered by two RITM-200 reactors Russia has also maintained that to fully utilize its main maritime route, the country requires a sovereign heavy-lift cargo fleet, including gas tankers, bulk cargo ships, container vessels, dry-cargo ships, and oil and LNG tankers. Moscow has revealed that its Zvezda shipyard is engaged in the construction of these vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the large tonnage order book stands at 26 vessels. Additionally, Zvezda's long-term plan until 2037 includes 92 ice-class cargo vessels to meet the needs of the Northern Sea Route, according to Kremlin. The Chukotka is 173 metres long (567 ft), 34 metres wide and with a height from the waterline to the mainmast of 57 metres. The height of its side is 15.2 metres and it has a speed of 22 knots in clear water. The Project 22220 icebreaker will be powered by two RITM-200 reactors which each have a thermal capacity of 175 MW. It already has the reactors and most of its main equipment on board, reported World Nuclear News. It's also being claimed that the vessel is the largest and most powerful icebreaker in the world. With a crew capacity of 54 people, the vessel has a water displacement capacity of 33.5 thousand tons. The vessel has RITM-200 reactors, which have a thermal capacity of 350 MW. Russia has lost over 1,500 soldiers killed and wounded, 49 armoured combat vehicles and 32 artillery systems over the past day. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 8 November 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 705,880 (+1,580) military personnel; 9,233 (+9) tanks; 18,661 (+49) armoured combat vehicles; 20,226 (+32) artillery systems; 1,245 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems; 996 (+0) air defence systems; 369 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 329 (+0) helicopters; 18,526 (+118) tactical and strategic UAVs; 2,631 (+0) cruise missiles; 28 (+0) ships/boats; 1 (+0) submarine; 28,495 (+84) vehicles and fuel tankers; 3,602 (+6) special vehicles and other equipment. The information is being confirmed. Support UP or become our patron! The number of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has increased sharply in the last month, the British Defence Ministry said on Friday. According to its figures, around 2,000 unmanned combat drones were used against Ukrainian targets in October, up from 700 in September, the ministry said in its intelligence assessment. It said the number continues to increase and that "it is likely that the high figures seen through September and October to date will become normal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry attributed the increase to high Russian investments in various types of drone and an expansion of launch sites, which are easy to re-establish if targeted. If drone production continues unhindered, a shortage of personnel would be the most likely factor limiting more widespread use, it said. The British Defence Ministry has been regularly publishing information on the course of the war since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The UK supports Ukraine in the war. Moscow has accused the UK of spreading disinformation. A Russian court sentenced two soldiers to life in prison for the massacre of a family of nine people in their home in occupied Ukraine, state media reported on Friday. Russian prosecutors said in October 2023, the two Russian soldiers, Anton Sopov and Stanislav Rau, entered the home of the Kapkanets family in the city of Volnovakha with guns equipped with silencers. They then shot all nine family members who lived there, including two children aged 5 and 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The southern district military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced the two men to life in prison for mass murder "motivated by political, ideological, racial, national or religious hatred," the state-run TASS news agency reported, citing an unnamed law enforcement source. The incident triggered uproar in Ukraine. Kyiv alleged at the time that the Russian soldiers had murdered the family in their sleep after they refused to move out of their home to allow Russian soldiers to live there. "The occupiers killed the Kapkanets family, who were celebrating a birthday and refused to give up their home," Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said a day after the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian forces seized the city of Volnovakha in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region at the start of their full-scale military offensive. Russian artillery strikes virtually destroyed it. A view of bus depot after a deadly artillery attack in Volnovakha on the Russian-controlled territory on March 09, 2023. / Credit: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Russian soldiers have been accused of multiple instances of killing civilians in Ukrainian towns and cities they have occupied since February 2022. Moscow has always denied targeting civilians and tried to claim reports of atrocities at places like Bucha were fake, despite widespread evidence from multiple independent sources. In 2022, independent journalists who went into Bucha found the streets littered with bodies. The dead were wearing civilian clothing, and some had their hands tied behind their backs, apparently executed. Others were buried in a mass grave. The arrest and sentencing in this case is a rare example of Russia admitting to a crime committed by its troops in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State media did not say what prosecutors determined the reason for the attack was. TASS suggested it could have been a "domestic dispute" while both the independent Radio Free Europe and Kommersant business outlets said it could have been linked to a dispute over obtaining vodka. The trial was held in secret. The independent Radio Free Europe outlet reported that Rau, 28, and Sopov, 21 were mercenaries for the Wagner paramilitary before joining Russia's official army. They had both received state awards a few months before the mass murder, it said. Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and 9 crew members were killed last year when Prigozhin's plane crashed between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, two months after he led a brief mutiny against Russia's top military brass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know about Susie Wiles, Trump's new chief of staff What Harris' campaign headquarters looked like on election night Multiple agencies investigating racist texts sent to random Black Americans in multiple states Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on southern Odesa Oblast overnight on Nov. 8, killing one person and injuring at least 9, according to local authorities. The attack damaged multiple residential buildings. According to preliminary data, one person was killed in the attack and nine people injured, Ukraine's State Emergency reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blast wave shattered windows in one of the Odesa city schools while shrapnel damage led to the depressurization and ignition of two gas pipes in other district of Odesa, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said. Russia has ramped up attacks against the southern Odesa Oblast, targeting port infrastructure and damaging several civilian vessels. One such strike against the Odesa district took place on Oct. 14, hitting Odesa's port infrastructure, killing one person and injuring at least eight. The attack damaged two civilian vessels NS Moon flying the flag of Belize and the Palau-flagged Optima. Read also: War risk insurance surges after recent Russian strikes on foreign vessels in Black Sea, Bloomberg reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces used chemical weapons on the battlefield 323 times in October, Ukraine's General Staff reported on Nov. 8. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence units have been recording the use of hazardous chemicals on the battlefield. Since February 2022, 4,613 cases have been recorded. The Russian army uses munitions such as K-51 and RG-VO, which are loaded with hazardous chemicals that are used for counter-riot operations, and are prohibited as weapons of war, the General Staff's report read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian military has also recorded a "significant" amount of ammunition containing hazardous chemical compounds of an "unspecified type." Russia's use of chemical munitions "flagrantly violates the rules of warfare, ignores the norms and obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction," the General Staff said. Read also: Russias use of unidentified gas surges on the front line, Ukraine lacks detectors Russia's use of gas attacks is rising, a Kyiv Independent investigation from August showed. Ukrainian soldiers and officers interviewed by the Kyiv Independent acknowledged that the tactic is effective, allowing Moscow to capture positions occasionally without destroying them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian soldiers reported suffering up to six gas attacks daily, usually two to three attacks within an hour. The U.K. issued sanctions against Russian units involved in the use of chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine on Oct. 8. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department confirmed Russian forces have used the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine. The announcement was part of a larger statement about the introduction of new U.S. sanctions against more than 280 individuals and entities. Chloropicrin is often used as an herbicide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to its vapors can cause severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and, if inhaled, internal organs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Silent killer: Russia boosts grinding Donbas advance with chemical warfare Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russia attacked Kharkiv in the early hours of Nov. 8, hitting a residential building and injuring at least 25 people. A KAB guided aerial bomb hit a 12-story apartment building in the city's Saltivskyi district, causing a fire and destroying multiple floors, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. At least 25 people were injured, and more may be trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five of the wounded were hospitalized, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. According to Syniehubov, the attack was launched from the Russian-occupied area of Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast. The strike on the high-rise also damaged adjacent buildings, metro exits, and vehicles. A separate attack in the city center damaged administrative, residential, and historic buildings, Syniehubov said. Another strike in the area targeted a residential neighborhood, damaging shops, multistory buildings, and cars. There were no casualties in either of those attacks, he said. Located less than 30 kilometers from the Russian border, the northeastern city of Kharkiv has suffered relentless Russian attacks over the past two years of Russia's full-scale war. Recently, aerial strikes have been intensifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow often targets densely populated neighborhoods in the city with missiles and glide bombs. A Russian attack on Oct. 28 damaged the Derzhprom building (the State Industry Building), a historic landmark that has been under enhanced UNESCO protection since 2022. On Nov. 3, Russia attacked another residential neighborhood in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv, injuring at least 15 people. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian mass airstrike on Zaporizhzhia kills 4, injures over 30 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 14 and injured 88 people over the past day, regional authorities reported on Nov. 8. Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia, killing ten people, including a 1-year-old child, and injuring 41 others. Russia struck the city five times using guided aerial bombs. The attack partially destroyed an apartment building, houses, and damaged a cancer hospital, according to the statement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Kramatorsk district of Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces killed two people and injured six others. The attacks damaged five high-rise buildings, nine houses, and two administrative buildings, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. The Russian military launched a mass drone attack on southern Odesa Oblast, killing one person and injuring eight. A 91-woman also suffered an acute reaction to stress, Governor Oleh Kiper said. The attack damaged multiple residential buildings. The blast wave shattered windows in one of the Odesa city schools, while shrapnel damage led to the depressurization and ignition of two gas pipes in another district of Odesa. In Kherson Oblast, Russia attacked 16 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. The attacks killed one person and injured three others, according to the local military administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia attacked Kharkiv in the early hours of Nov. 8, hitting a residential building and injuring 25 people. A KAB guided aerial bomb hit a 12-story apartment building in the city's Saltivskyi district, causing a fire and destroying multiple floors, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. In Kharkiv Oblast, a 19-year-old man suffered injuries in the village of Kozacha Lopan. Russian forces damaged a residential building as a result of shelling from multiple rocket launchers, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Russian forces attacked Kyiv and the surrounding Oblast with drones and a missile overnight. In Kyiv Oblast, four men suffered injuries of varying severity due to the fall of debris. All of them were hospitalized, regional police reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At dawn, around 5:30 a.m. local time, the Ukrainian Air Force announced the launch of a missile toward the capital. Ukrainian forces did not specify what type. Russian missiles have not been downed near or over Kyiv since early October 2024. As of the morning of Nov. 8, local authorities in Kyiv itself had not reported any damage or casualties, and air defense was not operating in the city. Read also: 5 Ukraine stories you mightve missed because of US election Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A court in southern Russia has sentenced two Russian soldiers to life imprisonment around a year after the murder of nine Ukrainian civilians, including two children. Investigators said the two defendants entered a house in the city of Volnovakha, which is in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine and is occupied by Russian troops. They then shot and killed a family of three generations with their silenced weapons. The defendants deny the crime and have announced their intention to appeal against the judgement, the Russian state news agency Tass reported on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, the motive was said to be an attempt to obtain vodka, which is prohibited to troops on active service. However, the judgment states that the perpetrators committed the murder out of "political, ideological, racist, national or religious hatred". The trial took place behind closed doors. Kiev has repeatedly accused Russian troops of committing serious crimes in the war zone. Moscow generally denies such offences have taken place, and the Russian parliament has even passed a law that makes it a criminal offence to "defame" the Russian army. Public reports of such judgments especially with such a justification that confirms Ukrainian accusations are considered to be relatively rare. As Russia launched another swarm of killer drones to attack Kyiv on one day in early November, one of them came dangerously close to Petro, a 55-year-old resident of a high-rise apartment building in downtown Kyiv. I saw this motherf*cker just maybe 200 meters above my head, very low. I could see its shape and color. It was black, a triangular shape of the Shahed (drone), Petro told the Kyiv Independent. Machine gunners were trying to hit it from one of the tall buildings. You could see the red traces of bullets I heard an explosion a couple of seconds after that, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was describing one of the latest in a surging wave of Russian drone strikes that are rattling infrastructure, towns, and cities across Ukraine, including as of late the very downtown area of the countrys capital. Petro, whose last name is not being revealed due to his advisory role in Ukraines war effort against Russias full-scale invasion now in its third year, continued, saying: "A week ago, I saw two of them at the same time. They were a little bit higher than this time. The Shahed kamikaze drones he was referring to are designed and built in Iran, an ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine. They have been supplied in large numbers by Tehran to Moscow and account for the majority of Russias strike drone capabilities. Russia is also producing them locally on its turf. What surprises me is that they make it to the downtown area quite often now. It was a rare occasion earlier in the war, but now it's pretty much every night so many of them flying at such low altitudes, Petro said. A Russian unmanned kamikaze drone of the Shahed type hit the 20th floor of a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine on Oct. 25, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) A child looks at the aftermath of the russian unmanned kamikaze drone of the Shahed type that hit the 20th floor of a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine on Oct. 25, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) He spoke with the Kyiv Independent one day after a Russian drone crashed into the top floor of Jack House, a skyscraper apartment building in Kyivs centrally located Pecherskyi District, sending a European diplomat residing there for cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early yesterday, the building where Estonian ambassador Annely Kolk lives in Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone She was lucky not to be harmed, the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahna, said in a Nov. 8 post on social media platform X. No one is safe in Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression. Ukraine needs more air defense to protect its residents. We must not get used to this, he added. Early yesterday, the building where #Estonian amb @AnnelyKolk lives in #Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone. She was lucky not to be harmed. No one is safe in #Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression. needs more air defense to protect its residents. We must not get used to this. pic.twitter.com/bUTz3c5AT6 Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) November 8, 2024 While hearing explosions from drones being intercepted or hitting targets on city outskirts has been a common overnight occurrence in the past two years, hearing their buzzing sound in downtown Kyiv is a sign that they by their sheer higher numbers are now getting through multiple layers of air defenses. President Volodymyr Zelensky said early this week that Russia had launched 500 Shahed-type drones across the country since late October, targeting civilian and critical infrastructure. The amount of Russian missiles and drones launched by Russia against Ukraine in 2024. (The Kyiv Independent) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv faced one of the longest air raids in recent months overnight on Nov. 2. On that Saturday, after a long working week, the Ukrainian capital was under mass drone attack for five hours straight. Although none of the drones hit their target, their debris still caused much damage across the city. Kyiv among main targets in surging drone attack tactic The Ukrainian capital has always been one of the most coveted trophies for Russia. Having failed the assault to capture Kyiv at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Moscow continues to terrorize the city in other ways, including with drones. The last large-scale missile attack on Kyiv took place back in September, but Russia has changed its tactics and is now depleting Ukraine's air defense with much cheaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Shooting down a drone takes longer as it is not as fast as a missile and can be harder to detect, especially at night. Drones also often maneuver and change altitudes, making it difficult for mobile air defense fire groups and other military units to down them. As a result, air raid alarms can stay on for hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now they (Russian forces) are using the tactic when Shaheds enter the city at low altitudes, the attacks come in waves," Mykhailo Shamanov, the spokesperson of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said on national television on Nov. 2. "They (Russian drones) try to circle in certain areas, attracting the attention of mobile fire groups. The main goal is to confuse the air defense forces as much as possible. They try to make mobile groups move, thus creating corridors for the next waves to pass through." Shamanov added that Russian drones are constantly trying to spy out air defense locations so that the next waves of UAVs can bypass them. Ukrainian military members of an air defense rapid response group track down Russian drones while on night duty in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine on March 1, 2024. (Zinchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Throughout Nov. 2 and 3, debris from downed Russian drones fell in seven districts of Kyiv, including the city center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from residential buildings and cars, energy infrastructure in Kyiv and surrounding Kyiv Oblast has been damaged, according to DTEK, Ukraine's largest privately owned energy company. Several buildings were left without electricity. The grid of Kyivvodokanal, the municipal water supply company, was also damaged, taking about a day to repair it. On Nov. 3, a nighttime drone attack severly damaged the building of the Institute of Journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Due to the incident, students switched to distance learning, at least for the next week. Ukraine's Air Force told the Kyiv Independent that this is not the first time that Russian attack and reconnaissance drones have reached the center of Kyiv. Since Russian forces are now launching drones by the hundreds, not all of them are intercepted before reaching central Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian drones are also equipped with alternative means of communication, including satellite ones. Satellite navigation helps to keep the drone under control at a long distance and increase its protection from electronic warfare. The latest Shahed-type drones may also have reconnaissance equipment that can be used for various purposes, according to the Air Force. The Shahed-type drone is a "serious weapon." Due to its large size, it can fly several kilometers more by inertia when shot down. However, there is no way out "they are downed wherever they can be downed," the Air Force said. Sometimes, drones are shot down right over residential areas. Read also: Biden has 6 weeks left to help Ukraine heres what he could do Russia ramps up drone production "At this point, the biggest advantage that Russia may have in such attacks is sheer numbers of drones," Samuel Bendett, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bendett mentioned the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, where a Shahed-type drones plant is located. In May, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing a contract leaked by the Prana Network hacker group, that the factory already produces 4,500 Shaheds annually and aims to increase this number to 6,000. "It appears that Russian efforts in Alabuga have ensured that the Russian military has thousands such UAVs at its disposal along with other simpler, smaller variance identified recently that fly alongside these official Geran (Russian name for Shahed-type) UAVs," Bendett said. Taras Rud, a Ukrainian developer of weaponry, including drones, estimated that it costs Russia about $100,000 to produce one Shahed-type drone, adding that it is a "nothing" price tag for the defense industry. In the meantime, Russian forces are trying to force Ukraine to shoot down these cheap air targets with expensive Western-produced missiles. "The winner is the one who can deliver more explosives from point A to point B in the cheapest way. In the end, it is a war of economies," Rud said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is seeking to replace aircraft with drones, creating air superiority and depleting Ukraine's air defenses, using aerial dummy targets, among other means. If they are sufficiently drained, Russia will be able to use its large fleet of planes and bombers in the skies over Kyiv, causing even more destruction, Rud added. A downed Shahed 136/131 drone at an exhibition showing remains of missiles and drones that Russia used to attack in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 12, 2023. (Oleksii Samsonov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) According to the expert, the situation may become significantly more complicated if drones start flying at an altitude of 2-3 kilometers (nearly 1 mile) because then most of the cheaper means of shooting them down will no longer be effective. Intercepting them with more expensive and sophisticated air defenses like the U.S.-produced Patriot missiles, which cost several million dollars each, will not be a sustainable option. Rud also assumed that the Russian military is working to make drones less dependent on GPS signals and able to navigate the territory of Ukraine without them. "The Russians will accumulate drones. What will they do next? They will launch not 100 drones, but, for example, 500 or 1,000," the expert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And then out of this number, 20 or 30 will fly to Kyiv instead of 2-3 per night." Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Its not entirely clear what Ukraine could do immediately to counter these increasing waves of drone attacks until it gets more air defense systems from Western allies. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines deputy prime minister in charge of innovation and digitization, pointed to efforts underway to improve situational awareness in the sky, of the enemy's drones, of our drones, and how to react. Answering a question from the audience about the drone attacks hitting the capital during the Kyiv International Economic Forum held in the capital on Nov. 7, he described a system of rapid reaction, which allows analyzing in real-time and seeing what needs to be improved. Petro, who witnessed the drone attacks in recent weeks firsthand from the 9th floor of his apartment in downtown Kyiv, said that we can observe they (Russians) are now producing them in masses. We absolutely need more air defenses. Read also: Kuleba: 5 lessons for Ukrainians from Trumps victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Indias Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a multi-year agreement with Air France-KLM to modernise the airline group's data architecture by migrating it to the cloud. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and support a sustainable aviation industry by leveraging cloud technology. Over the next three years, TCS will facilitate Air France-KLM's transition from data centres to cloud-based systems. The collaboration builds on a 30-year partnership between the two companies. TCS will assist Air France-KLM in migrating critical systems and core business data, including flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance, and e-commerce platforms. The technology vendor the aviation industry can benefit from data-driven insights to streamline operations and foster innovation. However, extracting actionable insights from disparate and unstructured systems remains a challenge, particularly for large organisations such as Air France-KLM, which operates 551 aircraft across 320 destinations in 100 countries. A team of more than 100 professionals from TCS delivery centres in France, the Netherlands, and India will lead this initiative. Air France-KLM Group EVP and group CIO Pierre-Olivier Bandet said: In a rapidly evolving industry, we are committed to becoming a champion of air transport in Europe, while fulfilling our role as a frontrunner of sustainable aviation. We are pleased to open a new and exciting chapter with our long-time partner, TCS, to make the most out of our data and new technologies to become even more data-centric and agile to meet and exceed our customers expectations. TCS president of consumer business group Krishnan Ramanujam said: We could not be more proud of our 30-year shared history of innovative accomplishments and the positive impact we have made on the experiences of Air France-KLM passengers, employees, and partners. We are eager to help Air France-KLM become the most data-driven airline group in the world and continue to reach new heights in air transport and customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainability for decades to come. In October 2024, TCS partnered with NVIDIA to launch a specialised business unit to expedite artificial intelligence adoption across various industries. "TCS partners Air France-KLM to modernise operations " was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Fifteen people are in hospital after the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia on 7 November, with five in serious condition. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A five-year-old boy is in a critical condition. He has undergone surgery and is on a ventilator. The condition of four other people, including two medical workers, has been assessed by doctors as serious." The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Details: Fedorov also specified that the Russians had targeted the regional oncology clinic. Seventeen patients have been evacuated to other hospitals in the city, where they are currently receiving the necessary care. The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration At least eight medical workers were also injured. Background: The Russians struck the city of Zaporizhzhia on 7 November. Nine people have been reported killed and 42 injured. Support UP or become our patron! Explosions were heard in the city of Kharkiv as Russia launched another attack using guided aerial bombs on the night of 7-8 November, partially destroying a residential building and injuring 25 people, including an infant. Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Suspilne Kharkiv Quote from Terekhov: "Explosions were heard in Kharkiv. Please be careful!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Air Force reported that guided bombs had been launched towards Kharkiv. After 03:30 both Terekhov and Syniehubov reported additional explosions in the city. Quote from Terekhov: "The latest strikes occurred in the central part of the city." "The last two strikes occurred in an area where there are many residential and historical buildings in central Kharkiv. There is also preliminary information about a strike on one of the city's hardest-hit residential districts." Quote from Syniehubov: "One of the strikes hit the centre of Kharkiv, damaging civilian infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Later, Terekhov specified that one of the guided bombs hit a 12-storey building in the Saltivskyi district. Information about casualties is being confirmed. Quote from Syniehubov: "One of the strikes was on Kharkivs Shevchenkivskyi district, causing damage to civilian infrastructure. A strike was also recorded in the Saltivskyi district." Quote from Terekhov: "Several floors of a high-rise building have been destroyed. People are trapped under the rubble. A fire has broken out. A search and rescue operation has been initiated." Details: Syniehubov reported at least two injured in the Saltivskyi district at around 04:00. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the strike on the central part of the city caused damage to office buildings and residential buildings. Later, Syniehubov noted that the number of injured had increased to three. Quote from Syniehubov: "There are already three injured. The bulding entrance from the ground to the second floor has been partially destroyed as a result of a guided bomb strike on a 12-storey residential building. Surrounding buildings have also been damaged." Quote from Terekhov: "People are trapped on the second floor of the 12-storey building. Rescue efforts are ongoing." Details: Syniehubov reported at 04:12 that five people had been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, it was reported that eight people had been injured in the Russian strike on Kharkiv. Terekhov reported 10 injured after 04:30. Quote from Syniehubov at 04:39: There are now 13 injured as a result of the strike on a high-rise building in the Saltivskyi district. A three-month-old child has had an acute stress reaction." "Of the 16 injured, five have been hospitalised. Others received medical assistance at the scene." "There are 18 injured as a result of the enemy strike on the Saltivskyi district, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The youngest is a three-month-old boy; five people have been hospitalised four women and one civilian man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported to Suspilne that over 25 people have been evacuated from the high-rise building in the Saltivskyi district of Kharkiv. Updated: Syniehubov reported at 06:30 that the Russians had struck Kharkiv's Saltivskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts once again. A high-rise building was hit in the Saltivskyi district. Rescue workers are continuing to clear the rubble. As a result of the strike, 25 people were injured, 5 of them hospitalised with moderate to minor injuries. Thirty people, including four children, were evacuated. Part of the building's entrance from the ground to the second floors was partially destroyed. Nearby residential buildings, five cars and underground station exits were damaged. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv on the night of 7-8 November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kharkiv Oblast MIlitary Administration Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv on the night of 7-8 November. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast MIlitary Administration Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv on the night of 7-8 November. Photo: Kharkiv Oblast MIlitary Administration The Russians struck an open area in the city centre, damaging historical buildings, public spaces and residential buildings. Another hit occurred near a residential area in the city centre, damaging at least six high-rise buildings, shops, retail units, cars and underground station exits. Support UP or become our patron! The Russians attacked Kherson on 8 November, killing a 74-year-old man. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Quote: "A 74-year-old man sustained fatal injuries as a result of another attack on the city. At the time of the attack, the deceased was on the street. My condolences to the family." Details: The Russians also damaged two residential buildings. Specialists from the Kherson Oblast Municipal Emergency and Rescue Service arrived at the scene of the attack and began emergency repair work. Support UP or become our patron! (FOX40.COM) This Saturday, the first Native American Heritage Month parade will take place in Sacramento, followed by a commemoration of the Native American monument at Capitol Park. The California Legislative Native American Caucus is organizing both events, which seek to celebrate the diversity, impact and contributions of California tribes. Wilton Rancheria become majority owners of Sacramento Republic FC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Capitol Mall and finish at the Capitols west steps, along 10th St., followed by a commemoration. Capitol Park, where the state Capitol is located, also has a statue that was unveiled in November 2023 to acknowledge Sacramento-area tribes and their millennia-long presence and contributions. The statue is the likeness of William Franklin, a member of the Miwok who spent decades preserving Native American culture. California Native American tribe reacquires ancestral land in downtown Sacramento California is among the states with the largest population of Native Americans. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom formally apologized for the historical mistreatment, violence and neglect of the states Indigenous peoples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. (FOX40.COM) The City of Sacramento is hosting an open house for residents to learn about the latest study on the Truxel Road Bridge project. The event will be held at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Sacramento Republic announces new stadium and ownership The city requests that anyone planning to attend RSVP to the event. The proposed bridge would span over Discovery Park to connect the existing Truxel Road North of the American River to Sequoia Pacific Boulevard. (Image: City of Sacramento) Proposed Truxel Road Bridge location Weve received significant community input over the last year to better understand the communitys travel patterns, needs, and concerns to improve traveler experience on the planned bridge, Fedolia Sparky Harris, principal planner with the Department of Public Works, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the Truxel Bridge will serve as a vital connection for those walking, biking, riding public transit, or driving over the lower American River. The Truxel Road was identified by the city as the preferred spot for a bridge following a 2013 study. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. Researchers have uncovered that salmon products in Washington are frequently mislabeled as wild when they are actually farmed. This mislabeling is particularly costly for customers at sushi restaurants. The issue of seafood mislabeling has been recognized for some time, prompting Washington state to pass a law in 2013 aimed at reducing fish fraud. Tracie Delgado, a biology professor at Seattle Pacific University, decided to investigate whether the situation had improved since the laws enactment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had no idea what the results would be when we started this project and we were very surprised with the results, Delgado told Gizmodo. Despite legislation in Washington state that makes mislabeling of salmon illegal, salmon mislabeling fraud is still a problem in Seattle. Related news: Costco distributed salmon product recalled due to potential Listeria Delgado and her students analyzed the DNA of salmon samples from 67 grocery stores and 52 sushi restaurants in Seattle between fall 2022 and fall 2023. They found that 18% of these samples were mislabeled. The findings were published in the journal PLOS-One. Mislabeling was more prevalent in restaurants than in grocery stores. About a third of restaurant samples were incorrectly labeled as wild salmon instead of farmed, compared to none in grocery stores. Additionally, some sushi samples marketed as one species of wild salmon were actually another species, a problem also found in grocery stores. The combined rate of mislabeling was 38% in restaurants and 11% in stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres good news, no instances of farmed salmon being mislabeled as wild were found in grocery stores, suggesting that seafood identification laws in Washington have had some impact. However, the overall rate of salmon mislabeling in this study aligns with past estimates before the 2013 law, while other states have reported even higher rates. The costs of mislabeling at sushi restaurants are likely passed down to customers, who may pay more for wild salmon that is actually cheaper farmed salmon. This effect was not significant in grocery stores. MyNorthwest News: Salmon are swimming freely in the Klamath River for first time in a century after dams removed Salmon mislabeling also has environmental implications. Dishonest reporting of catch data and mislabeling of seafood complicates fisheries conservation efforts because it prevents accurate tracking of supply chains and complicates effective fishery management efforts, Delgado said. Therefore, fisheries managers may erroneously conclude that wild salmon stocks which are actually depleted are persisting at sustainably harvestable densities. The researchers suggest more needs to be done to combat seafood fraud, such as encouraging restaurants to periodically test their fish. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has an inspection program for fishing boats, processing plants, and retailers, but participation is voluntary. Sushi customers can also take steps to reduce their chances of being defrauded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers can ask sushi restaurants if they have a quality control process that confirms salmon identification and if they have reliable vendors the sushi restaurant sources from, Delgado said. Customers can also ask the sushi restaurants if they purchase the salmon whole and then fillet the salmon at the restaurant, or if the sourced salmon is already processed. If the salmon is filleted fresh at the restaurant, then a good sushi chef would know the difference between a wild vs farmed salmon by looking at it, she explained. Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo City Animal Services officer was attacked by two aggressive dogs and is in critical condition on Nov. 6. According to the San Angelo Police Department, around 3 PM on Nov. 6, San Angelo Public Safety Communications received multiple 911 calls about a man who was attacked by numerous dogs in the 20th block of Cloud Street. When the officers arrived at the scene they discovered a city employee with Animal Services had been attacked by at least two large breed dogs leaving him with injuries to the face, arms, and legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders provided the animal services officer with medical aid and transported him to Shannon ER. The officers injuries were so severe that he had to be airlifted to an out-of-area hospital for a higher level of care. According to SAPD, the dogs involved in the incident were surrendered by their owner to Animal Services and then euthanized. This is consistent with local and state procedures after an incident of this severity, said SAPD. SAPD will be supporting the Animal Services department with personnel needs during this traumatic event as all of their department witnessed the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our thoughts and prayers are with the Animal Services employee and his family as he recovers from his injuries, said SAPD. During a joint press conference with the City of San Angelo and the San Angelo Police Department on Nov. 7, Police Chief Travis Griffith explained how the Police Department is investigating the situation to see if any charges needed to be charged. Griffith then accepted a few questions about the situation. You can get into that, as a third-degree felony depending on level of damage or death on the offense were looking at, said Griffith. Griffith was then asked about the breed of one of the dogs and he confirmed it was a mixed-breed pit bull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Press Conference City Manager Daniel Valenzuela was asked if there was a limit to having a certain amount of animals illegal because the dog owner had 10 dogs on the property at the time of the incident. Valenzuela then called up Morgan Chegwidden, the assistant director of neighborhood and family services, to answer the question. Owning seven or more dogs inside city limits requires a permit and I think I am allowed to share this, this person was not permitted, said Chegwidden. Lets be praying for him and his family and also the animal control officers, they just witnessed a traumatic event, said Griffith. During the press conference, Mayor Brenda Gunter begged the citizens of San Angelo to speak up and say something if they see something. She said that the city doesnt have enough resources to have police officers on every street at every hour to make sure no crime is happening. Gunter then asked the citizens to not train their dogs to be vicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These dogs get vicious overnight, they didnt, they were trained to be vicious, said Gunter Gunter then explained they are open to everyones ideas and suggestions to fix this animal control problem. Its an issue but the dogs didnt create it, citizens created the problem, and you gotta help us solve that problem, said Gunter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. San Francisco Mayor London Breed (D) lost her reelection bid, with voters electing Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie (D) to be the citys next leader. Lurie, a millionaire who leads an anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point Community, spent big on his own campaign to unseat Breed, the citys first Black female mayor. Breed conceded Thursday and pledged a smooth transition to her fellow Democrat, with Lurie taking over the post early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have always worked to be a Mayor for all San Franciscans, Breed wrote Thursday in a post on the social platform X, adding that she called Lurie to congratulate him on the victory. I want to thank all of the City staff who have worked tirelessly to improve this City for the last six years. I am the Mayor but you all are doing the hard work every day and the City is on the rise, she added. Over the coming weeks, I plan to reflect on all the progress weve made. But today, I am proud that we have truly accomplished so much and my heart is filled with gratitude. The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have not called the race yet, but local news outlets have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breed was consistently criticized by her Democratic competitors in the race over the citys retail theft, open-air drug use and handling of homeless encampments. Lurie, who invested almost $9 million in his first mayoral run, has not held a public office before but has vowed to voters to ensure the city has clean and safe streets and tackled the behavioral health crisis. Heres the truth: Turning around this city is not going to happen overnight. No matter who wins this election, we have extremely difficult challenges ahead, Lurie wrote Wednesday on X. But heres another truth: our opportunities and advantages are more powerful. This moment calls for leadership rooted in true public service, one that puts the people of San Francisco above all else, he continued. To tackle these issues, we need to work together and turn the page on the politics of demonizing each other on every issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breed won her bid for San Franciscos mayor in a 2018 special election to replace Ed Lee, who died in office, and was reelected in 2019 for a full four-year term. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Those progressive ideas caught on because Sanders tapped a nerve. His 2016 presidential bid was surprisingly successful. Sanders, who identifies as a socialist but ran as a Democrat, seemed like a fringe candidate when he launched his 2016 campaign, but he drew large crowds, received millions in small donations, and won 40% of the delegates in the Democratic primaries. Hillary Clinton won the nomination, but Sanders revealed that theres a solid group of voters open to massive wealth redistribution and an even beefier government hand in the economy. Backers of both plans characterized them as vision statements rather than serious legislative efforts. Fine. But the vision was dreadful. It was a utopian fantasy in which the government steps in to correct wealth and income inequality while solving global warming and the healthcare affordability problem along the way. Valid causes. Terrible approach. Americans vastly distrust government and think the only thing worse than a capitalist oligarchy is more federal bureaucrats fanning out to solve problems. Harriss 2019 presidential campaign was a huge factor in her 2024 sequel. In 2019, she backed trendy progressive ideas, including the Green New Deal (GND) and Medicare for All (MFA). The GND was a sweeping effort to remake the energy and transportation industries to address global warming, enact social justice, provide universal healthcare, and subsidize millions of jobs. MFA was a government health plan that would cover everybody and eliminate employer-sponsored plans many people were happy with. Both were laughably impractical because they would cost umpteen trillion dollars and massively disrupt major chunks of the economy. Democrats who court Americas most liberal voters typically dubbed " progressives " alienate the moderates and mild conservatives they need to win national elections. Theres no single explanation for Harriss loss, which came after President Joe Biden displayed his infirmity to a primetime TV audience in the June debate and withdrew, forcing Harris to run a truncated campaign. But Harriss baggage as a Bernie Sanders acolyte touting monstrous amounts of government overreach surely helped turn off centrist voters she desperately needed and failed to capture. Democrats are in shock and disarray as they try to figure out how their candidate lost to a convicted felon with a long history of demeaning women, minorities, Muslims, and other important voting blocs. It shouldnt be that surprising. For the last decade, Democrats have been trying to span a chunk of the electorate that ranges from the super liberal to center-right. The rubber band isnt that flexible. Bernie Sanders didnt run for president in 2024. But he was a specter haunting the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, and probably contributed to her drubbing by Donald Trump. Story Continues Other Democrats became copycats in the 2020 presidential campaign. Harris was one of at least eight candidates who backed major elements of the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. Harris dropped out before any voting, but Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who backed both of those progressive plans, won 30% of the Democratic delegates combined. Biden, who supported more modest reforms, won the Democratic nomination and then the White House. When Harris replaced Biden as the 2024 nominee, she broadly indicated that she no longer supported the progressive policies she championed just five years earlier, including the ban on oil fracking that was a centerpiece of the GND. But she never explained why she flip-flopped. The reason was obvious: She couldnt get elected in the 2024 general election if she ran as the Bernie Sanders progressive she was in 2019, so she had to adopt new policies more tolerable to moderates and Independents. It didnt work. Democrats have a big problem, which is that they are culturally out of step with the majority of Americans, Sarah Longwell, political strategist and publisher of the Bulwark news site, said during a Nov. 6 podcast. Harriss loss has more to do with Democrats and their brand and people rejecting their ideas on the economy. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaks at a labor rally for Harris-Walz in Harrisburg, Pa., on Oct. 27, 2024. (Nathan Morris/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Bernie Sanders actually seems to think the Democratic Party needs to cater more to progressives, not less. He issued a post-election statement blasting a Democratic party which has abandoned working class people and ranting about big money interests and well-paid consultants. As always with Sanders, the end goals better wealth equality and higher living standards for working people are legit, while the means of getting there are not. Drop Rick Newman a note, follow him on Twitter, or sign up for his newsletter. If Sanders did some simple math, hed realize that at the progressive high-water mark, in 2016, he won 40% of the vote within a party that represents 33% of the electorate. Thats only 13% of the total vote. Sure, there might have been some Independents who couldnt vote in the Democratic primaries who favored Sanderss progressivism, but that would only bump him up by a point or two. Clinton and Biden, both more moderate than Sanders, won the presidential nominations in 2016 and 2020, and Biden beat Trump in 2020 by running as a centrist. Biden moved left as president. One of his first moves was to cancel the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline, a largely symbolic sop to the same progressives who wanted to ban fracking. Then gasoline prices hit $5 per gallon and voters associated Bidens hostility toward fossil fuels with soaring prices taking more money out of their pockets. Then Harris became the partys presidential candidate, reminding voters all over again that she wanted to ban fracking just five years prior. It wasnt much of a stretch for voters in 2024 to infer that progressive policies mean higher prices and other hits to their living standards. Democrats don't need to abandon their progressive constituents, but they would do themselves a favor if they stopped pretending that massive federal programs are magic-bullet solutions, if only everybody else would see the light. The reality they remain willfully blind to is that America is a center-right country that sees a massive federal bureaucracy that can't even keep gas prices in check. Why entrust anything else to them? Theres a gigantic hole in the US two-party system, and its right in the middle. Trump wants to return to protectionist policies of the 1890s and dump more oil into a burning world. Democrats try to be a little bit of everything to everybody and end up pleasing nobody. Neither party stands for sensible action prioritized by the urgency of the problem and the guts to say no to fools. The nation suffers for it. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman. 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 Back in February, Democratic Rep. Derek Kilmer was supposed to give a lecture on toxic polarization in American discourse at the University of Puget Sound. He didnt. The event was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters forced themselves into the lecture hall and stormed the stage. That same month, Israeli Defense Forces reservist and lawyer Ran Bar-Yoshafat was supposed to speak on the geopolitical dynamics of Israels war in Gaza at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley. He didnt. The event was canceled after hundreds of angry protesters surrounded the venue, broke glass doors, obstructed entryways, and forced themselves into the building. That same day, Jeffrey Blutinger was supposed to give a guest lecture at San Jose State University titled Constructing a Just Solution: Where Israelis and Palestinians Go from Here. He didnt. The event was canceled because of violent pro-Palestinian protests, and Blutinger was escorted off campus by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are just a few examples of the violent deplatforming of speakers that has become commonplace on college campuses. Deplatforming often takes the form of a hecklers vetodisrupting a speech or event in progress and forcing it to conclude earlyor having speakers disinvited from campus speeches or commencement ceremonies. But it can also take the form of canceling performances of concerts, plays, or the screenings of movies, or having controversial artwork removed from public display. There have been plenty more examples already this academic year. Speakers at Brooklyn College, Johns Hopkins, Indiana State, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington have already suffered from this rising illiberal trend. And it is rising. In the last decade we have seen more than 1,000 campaigns to get professors punished for their First Amendment-protected speech. Nearly two-thirds of those campaigns succeeded, and almost 200 professors ended up being fired or forced out. For perspective, during McCarthyism, about 60 communist professors were fired, and about 100 professors were fired for political belief overall. We know this is a wild underestimate, given that about 1 in 6 professors say that they have been punished or threatened with punishment for their speech, teaching, or research. To give further perspective, if extrapolated nationally that would be about a hundred thousand professors targeted for speech. There is no parallel to that in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The targeting of professors, which began to increase around 2015 and accelerated in 2017, would reach its high watermarks in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but began to decline somewhat in 2023. However, we began to see a dramatic increase in attempts to deplatform invited speakers on campus. In fact, 2023 is the worst year on record for deplatforming, with a record-setting 145 total attempts and 75 successes. However, 2024 is on track to beat it. As of November 1, my organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, has already logged 136 attempts in our Campus Deplatforming Database for 2024, and there are still two months to go before the end of the year. Our institutions of higher learning have done this to themselves. As Tyler Austin Harper put it in a piece for The Atlantic, higher education created this problem by favoring applicants who are interested only, or primarily, in engaging in activism. Indeed, they made activism a part of their marketing and recruitment materials. Campus tours often include stops at sites of important protests, such as Columbia Universitys Hamilton Hall, which was broken into and occupied by Vietnam anti-war protesters in 1968 and again by pro-Palestinian protesters in 2024. Students are attracted to Columbia by its history of activism, and mirrored the actions of protesters in 1968 to symbolically link the two movements. And its not just elite colleges. Ohio State, for example, emphasizes its scholarships and opportunities for students interested in social justice activism, as do countless schools around the country. Activism is an important part of free speech and public participation. My organization and I go to great lengths to protect and defend it. But by explicitly recruiting activists, and by creating an academic environment that encourages activism, our universities have forgotten the importance and the value of a scholarly mindset. Right now, many students enroll with a predetermined moral and political certainty and an intolerance for dissentand schools largely encourage and reinforce it. Indeed, there isnt much difference between asking students how determined of an activist they are and asking them how many issues they consider essentially settled. And given the fact that modern social justice activism tends to combine disparate causes into one larger intersectional whole, being a social justice activist can mean that you are certain on an awful lot of moral, historical, philosophical, and even scientific issues. This plague of certainty is why were seeing an explicit rejection of free speech, academic freedom, and free inquiry in the very places that are meant to be strongholds for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our institutions of higher education should protect their activists, but they should also prioritize recruiting scholars. The ideal student should think more like a field anthropologist, someone who is trying to figure out where the other side is coming from, rather than a strident warrior in a battle of good versus evil. That open, curious, intellectually humble, and receptive mindset is the foundation of actual learning, and is critical to fostering an educational environment that lives up to its intended purpose. This attitude, if adopted, would effectively eliminate the notion of disinviting or deplatforming speakers on campus. Even when its right-wing activists like Charlie Kirk and Ann Coulter, Palestinian writer Mohammed el-Kurd, or any other speaker with controversial views, the scholarly student would welcome the opportunity to hear their arguments and become better informed about what others think on issues that matter most. A scholarly mindset understands that we are not safer from the world for knowing less about what people actually think. While the situation on campus is terrible, there is cause for some cautious optimism. Despite a shoddy past record, schools canand sometimes dochange for the better. This year, Dartmouth became the only ivy league school to earn a green light rating from FIRE, which we award to institutions with no written policies that seriously imperil student free speech rights. This is largely the result of Dartmouths new president Sian Beilock, who took office in 2023 and committed to preserving free expression on campus. The school also recently announced the expansion of its free expression program, which is aimed at reducing disruptions and deplatforming incidents at events. Similarly, the University of South Carolina didnt back down last month when other universities would have surely caved. Amid a chorus of calls, including from the NAACP, to cancel a comedy roast of Kamala Harris hosted by Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos, the school held strong to its commitment to First Amendment principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what the First Amendment requires, but its also what the scholarly mindset tolerates in a way the activist mindset cannot. Still, theres much more work to be done. The danger is that a lot of campuses are just going to create superficial solutions to satisfy the current moment without actually addressing the root problem of intellectual and moral certainty among their student body. Indeed, all the incentives for most colleges is to do the absolute minimum to placate angry alumni and donors. But the entire higher education sector should be taking a long hard look at itself and start from the very beginningup to and including how they seek out and admit studentsto make a lasting change. That starts even before the student recruitment process. Our colleges and universities for too long have taken positions on issues that are outside the scope of their missions and would benefit from adopting and adhering to the principle of institutional neutrality. Admitted students often participate in a summer orientation program before moving on campus. Universities should revamp and create orientation programming geared toward educating those incoming students on free speech principles, encouraging them to value dialogue across differences as a critical aspect of learning and growth. It is also imperative that schools punish students who violate these principles on campus. Anyone who disrupts speeches should be disciplined. Anyone who tries to get speakers canceled should be loudly opposed. And anyone who engages in violence should be expelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recruiting students focused on academics more than activism is important. But schools should prioritize free speech values in hiring. They must implement robust training for administrators, resident advisers, and student government members in the radical open-mindedness and intellectual humility of the scholarly mindset. Free speech is a core democratic right, an essential component of a good society, and the foundation of a universitys truth-seeking missionand those who represent the university need to have a deep and rich understanding and appreciation of these facts. There must also be consequences for administrators failing to uphold these principles. Shout downs or disruptions warrant independent investigations to determine the roles administrators played in the chaos. Those who do nothing to prevent or stop such hecklers vetos should be punished. Those who encouraged or enabled such behavior should be fired. Given how much of the increase in per-student spending in contemporary higher education is due to the growth of the bureaucratic class, this should be seen as a much-needed opportunity to de-bureaucratizestarting with the administrators who pose the biggest threat to the marketplace of ideas. Refocusing the climate of higher education to one that actually opposes orthodoxies, oversimplifications, and unwarranted certainty would be a radical changeone that challenges many of our natural human impulses. Embracing the truth-seeking function of higher education requires thinking in a way thats very different from the way humans are prone to think. Even the things that feel most intuitive and obvious still have to be tested and challenged through experimentation, counterfactuals, and devils advocacy. Thats a tall order, but chipping away at falsity and striving toward the truth is the point of higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To change this paradigm on campus requires a profoundly different approach and psychology than these schools are currently teaching students. Leaning into the process of truth-seeking can be thorny and often painful, but its also worthwhile and necessary. It means letting the facts lead you rather than imposing your preconceived notions onto your fellow students, your professors, or the world around you. However difficult it might be for universities to reestablish these norms after decades of encouraging the opposite, failing to do so will have dire consequences. Our institutions will be little more than dogma factories, churning out wave after wave of activists and leaving us with no scholars, no thinkers, and no higher learning at all. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A new scam seeking to obtain your personal information is targeting Daytonians. Residents of Dayton have called the city of Dayton to report someone asking for their personal information. According to the city, the reports have said the caller claims to be a city employee who asks for private information. The city said the caller is not a city employee, and the call is a scam. We will never ask for your personal information via phone, email, or social media, said the city. If you receive such a request, do NOT share any information. and report the incident to the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is always recommended to never share personal information or submit money to someone who you dont know. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired former Finance Minister Christian Lindner after he proposed sending Ukraine Taurus missiles instead of financial aid, Lindner said on Nov. 7, according to the German media outlet Berliner Zeitung. Scholz's dismissal of Lindner on Nov. 6 triggered the collapse of Germany's three-party governing coalition. Economic disagreements led to Lindner's firing, Scholz said. Lindner, who leads Germany's Free Democratic Party (FDP), said his dispute with Scholz centered on Ukraine policy, Berliner Zeitung reported. According to Lindner, Scholz instructed him to transfer 3 billion euros (about $3.2 billion) to Ukraine, but Lindner disagreed due to the country's financial difficulties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Lindner proposed aiding Ukraine by sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Kyiv has appealed to Berlin repeatedly for the German-made weapons, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers significantly outstripping other Western long-range missiles. Scholz has persistently denied Ukraine's requests. "Three billion euros would not make the difference given the volume of funds available," Lindner said. "I said on behalf of the Free Democrats in the coalition committee: if we want different, stronger support for Ukraine ... then Germany should make the decision to equip Ukraine with the weapons systems that the Ukrainians need to defend their freedom, in particular the Taurus weapons system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lindner, Scholz was not willing to entertain the suggestion, and he was fired shortly after. Scholz's decision to fire Lindner will likely propel the country into a snap election in the near term. According to members of the budget committee, Germany will still be able to provide most of the 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) promised to Ukraine, even if the 2025 budget is not approved in time due to the coalition collapse. Political instability in Berlin may spell trouble for Kyiv as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party continues to rise. The Kremlin-friendly faction has continuously called for cutting funding for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Its personal Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- There was no holding Olaf Scholz back as he told astonished reporters in the halls of Berlins chancellery building on Wednesday why he had just decided to dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner and bury his own three-party coalition. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who joins a government must act seriously and responsibly, the normally reserved center-left leader said. They must not go missing when things get difficult. They must be prepared to compromise in the interests of all citizens. But thats not what Christian Lindner is about. The personal attack was the culmination of a breakdown that, according to Scholz aides, started late last year with a bruising budget ruling by Germanys highest court. Yet signs of trouble in the so-called progress coalition between Scholzs Social Democrats, Lindners Free Democrats and Robert Habecks Greens were apparent from the start, when the parties arrived in government with disparate aims and no shared vision for the future of Germany. Despite taking office in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, Scholzs early tenure was eased by the governments decision to repurpose 60 billions of pandemic-related funds for climate and other special projects. That allowed each of the coalition members a path to pursuing their goals. For Lindner, that meant not raising taxes and sticking to Germanys constitutional restrictions on debt; for Scholz, protecting the welfare state and raising minimum wage; and for Habeck, funding climate initiatives and expanding renewable power. Yet that honeymoon was brought to an abrupt halt several months later with Russias invasion of Ukraine and the realization that under former chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany had become overly reliant on Russia for energy. In the days after the February 2022 invasion, the coalition was able to create a special debt-financed fund of 100 billion to ramp up defense spending and meet NATOs 2% spending goal for the first time in decades. Yet with war unfolding in the east, a winter energy crisis on the horizon, and an immediate need to increase military spending, the first cracks in the coalition began to emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those became public in spring 2023 when an early version of a planned heating reform was leaked to Bild, Germanys largest tabloid. The legislation, spearheaded by Habeck, was designed to incentivize a shift away from fossil fuels and toward electric-powered heat pumps. Yet in Bilds telling, it was an ideologically motivated attempt by the Greens to force costly upgrades on homeowners. Once the proposal was made public, the FDP seized on every opportunity to dilute it. The spat between the FDP and the Greens marked the beginning of open coalition conflict as individual party agendas started to subvert the governments work. The FDP, which had won 11.5% of the vote in 2021, was already drifting toward the 5% threshold needed to guarantee representation in the Bundestag, making it the weakest and most vulnerable member of Scholzs alliance. Things would only get worse from there. The inflection point came last December, when Germanys highest court in Karlsruhe ruled that the 60 billion in a special off-budget fund set up for pandemic costs could not be repurposed for climate initiatives, resulting in the government having to suspend its debt limit and scrounge for additional savings across all its ministries. The decision raised questions about numerous similar funds set up during the Merkel era, and created another coalition crisis. Money was the glue that held the coalition together. Once that was gone, things started to fall apart. By attaching his political fortunes to an insistence that Germany stick to the debt brake a rule set up under Merkel to prevent a repeat of the bank bailouts that followed the global financial crisis Lindner made himself an obstacle to addressing Germanys investment needs. By refusing to compromise on policies that would narrowly favor the FDPs wealthier voter base, he also became the odd man out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Scholz reluctant to intervene, signs of disunity became clearer and clearer. After weeks of negotiations last summer, the coalition finally settled on an unorthodox method of closing gaps in the 2025 budget by converting grants into loans. Then, after the deal had supposedly been sealed, Lindner suddenly raised the question of whether the solution was legal. That drew a surprise rebuttal from Scholz, who was away on vacation, and who never forgave Lindner for this betrayal. For his part, Linder has also accused Scholz and his cabinet of violating his confidence. Earlier in the year, the men privately made a handshake deal agreeing to find a solution to a controversial proposal involving a pension law. While Lindner had thought the discussions would stay between the two of them, he was dismayed to see reporting about them appear later in Bild. At the end of October, during a government trip to New Delhi, Scholz and Habeck all but said that they had given up on Lindner, who was then attending an IMF meeting in Washington. Scholz openly criticized the finance minister, not bothering to conceal his frustration, and Habeck told reporters that Lindner was determined to leave the coalition and was just looking for a dignified way out. Finally, three weeks before the coalition collapsed, the fighting burst out in the open. Scholz announced a summit for industry representatives and pointedly did not invite Lindner or Habeck. The finance minister responded by organizing his own counter-summit, and scheduling it just a few hours before Scholzs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindner exacerbated the situation at the beginning of November by circulating a policy paper that questioned Scholz and Habecks key initiatives. Some saw it as a response to a paper Habeck had published several weeks earlier, in which he called for billions in subsidies for German companies knowing the proposition was not aligned with the coalitions position. At this point, trust among the coalition members had all but evaporated, and the question seemed to be who would leave first. As Scholz contemplated a future working relationship with Lindner in the run-up to Wednesdays meeting, according to a person familiar with his thinking, he was reminded of a lesson from his youth. When the chancellor was a child, he was a good swimmer and later became a lifeguard. In that job, he learned that sometimes the only way to save a drowning persons life when theyre thrashing is to knock them out. While Wednesdays outcome might have seemed inevitable, the decision to fire Lindner was not set in stone. Scholzs speech was preceded by a coalition meeting in which cabinet members discussed how to plug a roughly 15 billion hole in the 2025 budget. Depending on the outcome, Scholz asked his chief spokesman to prepare three different speeches: one in the event that the politicians reached an agreement, another in the event that Lindner suddenly resigned, and a third in which Scholz fired Lindner himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, Scholz demanded that Lindner agree to another debt brake suspension a request that the finance minster forcefully rejected. A fierce exchange followed, according to people present, which ended with Scholz saying, Then, dear Christian, I no longer want you to be a member of my cabinet and tomorrow morning I will ask the Federal President to dismiss you. After a long moment of silence, Scholz added, well, that went badly. --With assistance from Chris Reiter. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signaled hes open to discussing the timing of an early election as long as opposition lawmakers back legislation he wants to pass before his term ends. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After dismantling his coalition with the Greens and Free Democrats on Wednesday and losing his Bundestag majority, Social Democrat Scholz said he was ready to submit to a confidence vote on Jan. 15, the first step in triggering a new national ballot in March. However, he has come under mounting pressure to agree to an election already in January, with a new poll showing two-thirds of voters want it to happen as soon as possible and business groups calling for an end to political turmoil. It would be good if an agreement could now be reached between the democratic parties in the Bundestag about which laws can be passed this year, Scholz said at a news conference in Budapest, where hes attending a European Union summit. Asked twice whether he was now flexible on the Jan. 15 confidence vote, he declined to reiterate his commitment to that specific date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, we are having a big democratic celebration here, and that works best when everyone comes to the party together, he told reporters. Center-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Scholz earlier Friday of seeking to delay the election until March purely for party political advantage. Merz, who heads the poll-leading CDU/CSU alliance, said the chancellors tactics are irresponsible given that Europes biggest economy urgently needs additional measures to restore meaningful growth. We believe that German voters have the right to a stable parliament and, above all, to a stable government, he said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholzs push for a March election raised the prospect of a prolonged period of political stagnation, a situation Germany can ill afford given the scale of the challenges facing its sluggish economy. Earlier Friday, he faced pressure from within his own party to pave the way for a swift vote. We need quick snap elections, in order to get a government that is able to act, a group of business-friendly Social Democrats said in an emailed statement. Merzs center-right alliance is leading in opinion polls with more than 30% of the vote, putting it in prime position to win back the chancellery after it lost to Scholzs SPD party three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backing for the SPD is at about 16% in third place, behind the far-right Alternative for Germany in second with around 17%. The Greens are at about 11% in fourth, while a new far-left party the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht is fifth with roughly 8%. The FDP is polling as low as 3%, down from 11.5% in the 2021 election, putting it in danger of missing the 5% threshold for getting into parliament. An Infratest Dimap poll for ARD, published late Thursday, showed that 65% of the 1,065 voters surveyed want the election to be held in January. Just under 60% indicated they welcome the demise of Scholzs coalition. (Updates with Merz comments starting in seventh paragraph.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN) Two local school districts prepare for next steps after their levies did not pass. Voters struck down a Mad River Local Schools levy, with less than 200 votes deciding the outcome. The proposed 2.9-mill property levy would have been used to repair and maintain school buildings and equipment. Beavercreeks levy also failed, which would have raised $265 million to build a new high school and renovate current buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Mad River Local Schools, Superintendent Chat Wyen says the district will try to get this levy passed again in May. He says the money is needed to make major repairs to buildings that are now 20 years old. New Carlisle ordinance brings chickens home to roost Roofs, boilers, a lot of HVAC systems need upgraded, said Wyen. The levy that failed would have funded those upgrades for Mad River Local Schools. Wyen says just replacing the roofs on the elementary schools would cost $80,000 each. That is essential. We get those roofs replaced because if not, then the buildings will start to leak. That will cause other problems within the buildings, said Wyen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyen says without a permanent improvement levy in place, the district will have to take money out of its general fund. Our general fund is used to basically fund the education of our students, which is a priority for us. But we are at the point where we need permanent improvement money in order to maintain our facilities, said Wyen. In Beavercreek, a levy to build a new high school and convert buildings into middle and elementary schools failed. Supervisor of Public Relations Beth Sizemore says students and teachers need that extra space. We have students taking instruction in small group instruction in what would be considered nontraditional educational spaces. Former kitchenettes, closet spaces. So were really trying to maximize every inch of our buildings, said Sizemore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local reactions to Issue 1 failing Sizemore says the district currently has around 8,300 students, with 600 additional students expected within the next 10 years. We know the students are still coming and we know we need to provide them a quality education. And so were going to need a place to do that, said Sizemore. Sizemore says its likely the levy will appear on the ballot again in May. The district plans on talking more about the next steps with its board of education and the community. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A 43-year-old schoolteacher in Los Angeles has been arrested and charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old student in her class and investigators believe there may be additional victims, authorities announced Thursday. Colleen Jo Matarico, a resident of Valley Village, was arrested Nov. 7 in connection with the allegations, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Matarico, a teacher, groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom, and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle, investigators said. Colleen Jo Matarico, 43, a resident of Valley Village. (LAPD) Officials did not provide any information on where Matarico teaches, but said after filing the case the L.A. County District Attorneys Office, she was charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, two counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives believe there are additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward, the release noted. A photograph of Matarico is being released to identify and speak with any additional victims. Feds bust Southern California man, 43, with machine guns, child pornography The 43-year-old teacher is currently in custody on $1.3 million bail. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact LAPDs Juvenile Division Abused Child Section at 424-259-7097 and speak with detectives. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. New data is used to map a volcano-like feature discovered this fall by science teams aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, a polar-class icebreaker used for Arctic research. The scientists found the structure on the continental slope off northern Alaska. It rises from the seabed about 585 meters, but it is at least 1,600 meters below the sea surface, according to the scientists. The discovery was made during the first phase of a project to better map the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas north of Alaska along a corridor that the Coast Guard is proposing as a preferred shipping route between Utqiagvik and the U.S.-Canada maritime border in the Beaufort Sea. (Image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Scientists aboard a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker have discovered something unusual in the Arctic Ocean off northern Alaska: a volcano-like structure rising more than 500 meters from the seafloor and possibly emitting gas. The discovery came as scientists from different organizations were aboard the Healy, one of two polar-class Coast Guard icebreaking cutters, were working on a mission to better understand uncharted waters in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the structure rises well above the seabed, it tops out at about 1,600 meters below the waters surface, so it is too deep to pose any risks to navigation, the Coast Guard said in a statement. However, there appears to be a plume of gas rising from the structure that nearly reaches the waters surface, the Coast Guard said. The discovery is part of a project called the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study. The project is surveying what have been uncharted waters and collecting depth data along a corridor that the Coast Guard has proposed to be a preferred vessel route between Utqiagvik, the nations northernmost community, and the U.S.-Canada border. The project is making use of equipment aboard the Healy to gather data and create detailed images of the seafloor and objects along the proposed Utqiagvik-to-Canada corridor. Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ship Fairweather and the University of New Hampshire analyze mapping data in the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healys computer lab while the cutter transits the Beaufort Sea on Oct. 16. The Healy hosted a science team this fall that conducted the first phase of a study mapping a Coast Guard-recommended Arctic shipping route between Utqiagvik and the U.S.-Canada maritime border. (Photo by Lt. j.g. Haley Howard/U.S. Coast Guard) Multiple organizations are collaborating on the project, which is in its first phase: the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the University of New Hampshire, along with the Coast Guard. Capt. Meghan McGovern, the commanding officer of the NOAA Ship Fairweather, is part of the Healy mapping team and commented on the discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although data analysis is ongoing, these findings are exciting and offer insight into what may exist beneath the oceans surface, much of which is unknown in this region, McGovern said in a Coast Guard statement. The coordination and partnerships during this mission fill critical gaps in the region for all waterway users and provide a foundation for safe navigation in the Arctic. The port access route study accomplishments came despite some difficulties endured earlier in the year by the Healy, its crew and its visiting scientists. The Healy had to cut short one of its Arctic research cruises after a fire broke out in its electrical system in July, when the ship was sailing off the coast of Canadas Banks Island. The Healy returned to its home port of Seattle for repairs, then sailed back north on Oct. 1 to resume this years Arctic mission. The Healy is the only Coast Guard icebreaker designed to support scientific research. This year, it hosted 20 early career scientists, along with their mentors, to help them gain Arctic research experience and skills. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy maneuvers off the coast of Nome on Oct. 24. The Healy hosted a science team conducting the first phase of the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study. The study is gathering seafloor data to better map the Chukchi and Beaufort seas along a corridor that the Coast Guard has selected as its preferred shipping route between Utqiagvik and the Canadian border. (Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi/U.S. Coast Guard) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Artificial intelligence is rapidly getting better at mimicking its human creators. Generative AI can now convincingly hold conversations, produce art, make movies, and even teach itself how to replicate computer games. But as a new study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Reichman University in Israel warns, artificial intelligence may also be inadvertently imitating another, less noble hallmark of modern humanity: trashing the environment. Fueled by the surging popularity of generative AI systems that include chatbots like ChatGPT and other content-creation systems, we could end up with between 1.2 million and 5 million metric tons of additional electronic waste by the end of this decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new study focuses particularly on large language models (LLMs), a type of AI program that can interpret and produce human language, along with performing related tasks. Trained on vast datasets of text, LLMs identify statistical relationships underlying the rules and patterns of language and apply them to generate similar content, enabling uncanny capabilities like answering questions, producing images, or writing text. In addition to its many benefits, however, generative AI has raised a host of philosophical and practical questions for society from concerns about AI taking our jobs to fears of it being misused by humans, deceiving us, or even becoming self-aware and rebellious. And as the new study highlights, generative AI is also beginning to raise alarms about the daunting amount of extra e-waste the technology is expected to indirectly generate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generative AI is reliant on prompt technological improvements, including to hardware infrastructure as well as to chips. The upgrades needed to keep pace with the technology's growth could compound existing e-waste issues, they note, depending on the implementation of waste-reduction measures. "LLMs demand considerable computational resources for training and inference, which require extensive computing hardware and infrastructure," the study's authors write. "This necessity raises critical sustainability issues, including the energy consumption and carbon footprint associated with these operations." Previous research has largely focused on the energy use and associated carbon emissions from AI models, the researchers note, paying relatively little attention to the physical materials involved in the models' life cycle, or the waste stream of electronic equipment left in their wake. Led by Peng Wang, an expert in resource management with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, the study's authors calculated a forecast of possible e-waste quantities created by generative AI between 2020 and 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers envisioned four scenarios, each with a different degree of production and use of generative AI systems, from an aggressive, widespread-use scenario to a conservative, more constrained scenario. Under the more aggressive scenario, total e-waste creation due to generative AI could grow as high as 5 million metric tons between 2023 and 2030, with annual e-waste potentially reaching 2.5 million metric tons by decade's end. That's more or less the equivalent of every person on the planet discarding a smart phone. The high-usage scenario also forecast that AI's extra e-waste would include 1.5 million metric tons of printed circuit boards and 500,000 metric tons of batteries, which can contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and chromium. Just last year, a mere 2.6 thousand tons of electronics was discarded from AI-devoted technology. Considering the total amount of e-waste from technology in general is expected to rise by around a third to a whopping 82 million tonnes by 2030, it's clear AI is compounding an already serious problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By examining these different scenarios, Peng and his colleagues draw attention to an important point: Generative AI doesn't necessarily have to impose such an excessive e-waste burden. The researchers note the International Energy Agency and many tech companies advocate for circular economy strategies to address e-waste. According to the new study, the most effective strategies are lifespan extension and model reuse, which entail extending the longevity of existing infrastructure and reusing key materials and modules in the remanufacturing process. Implementing circular economy strategies like these could reduce the e-waste burden from generative AI by up to 86 percent, the researchers report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study was published in Nature Computational Science. Related News CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Sea turtle nests increased this year along a stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast before a trio of hurricanes washed many of them away, aquarium officials said Friday. There were 271 nests documented by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium this year along a 21-mile stretch of beach that their teams patrol during nesting season. That compares with 227 nests in 2023. The aquarium said in a news release that a large percentage of active nests were washed out by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Turtle nesting season typically runs from mid-April to the end of October along beaches south of Clearwater. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year also marked the first time a documented leatherback turtle nest was found in Pinellas County. The aquarium's patrol team was also able to witness the leatherback hatchlings make their way to the sea. There were also two green turtle nests documented. Most of the nests in the area are loggerhead turtles, the most numerous of the turtles that lay their eggs on Florida beaches. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has not yet posted 2024 nest totals for the entire state. In 2023, the 133,840 loggerhead nests broke a state record set in 2016, and the 76,500 green turtle nests were well above the mark set in 2017. TikTok and ByteDance sued the US government in May to fight the divest-or-ban measure, which theyve argued is unconstitutional. Just as important, perhaps, was that Trump also came out to say he opposed a TikTok banshocking many in his own party. The idea of better securing or otherwise banning TikTok gained fresh momentum under Biden when Congress saw clearer evidence that ByteDance had accessed sensitive US TikTok data in China and used TikTok to surveil American citizens. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to force a sale or face a ban, and Biden signed it into law in April. Political leaders on both sides of the aisle have long viewed TikTok as a threat to US national security because of the vast amounts of sensitive data the app collects on American users and its ability to influence public discourse. Trump tried to ban TikTok through an executive order during his last presidency, but that effort failed and eventually fizzled after he lost his bid for reelection. Theres 100 other factors, so its not a done deal, he added. But the dynamics have changed in TikTok's favor. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment. Even so, Trumps win significantly improves the picture for TikTokno question about it, former National Security Agency General Counsel Glenn Gerstell said in an interview with Bloomberg. They now are facing a president who is on the record as supporting a reversal of the ban. Its possible Trump could devise an alternative solution to a sale, urge Congress to roll back the law or instruct his Justice Department not to enforce it, but none of those scenarios are as simple as they sound. Some inside the company dont trust Trump to deliver. They worry that he can be erratic or that he might enrage allies in Congress who crafted the law, and they question whether he even cares about TikTok now that the campaign is over. Trump, who has suggested publicly that he thinks a TikTok ban is a bad idea, could try to thwart a law signed by President Joe Biden. That law would shut down the appwhich is used by half the American populationover national security concerns unless TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance Ltd., agrees to sell its crown jewel to an American owner, which ByteDance has said its unwilling to do. (Bloomberg) -- Some TikTok staff and creators, bracing for a potential ban of the popular video-sharing platform as soon as January, have come to see President-elect Donald Trump as a possible savior. Story Continues The thing I don't like is that without TikTok, youre going to make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, Trump told CNBC in March, and echoed the sentiment in a later interview with Businessweek. (He denied the change of heart had anything to do with his ties to Republican megadonor Jeff Yass, whos held a $15 billion stake in ByteDance.) Soon after, Trump joined TikTok to reach young voters in his reelection campaign. See More: What Happens If TikTok Loses Its Fight Over Law Banning It in the US Theres a chance Trump will never need to get involved. The US Court of Appeals in Washington heard TikToks arguments challenging the law in September, and is expected to issue a ruling on whether to uphold or overturn it by Dec. 6. The September hearing didnt go well for TikTok, though. After it was over, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts cut its projected chances of TikTok beating the ban from 70% to 30%. That legal process could drag out if the losing side gets a review of the decision at the Supreme Court. Other legal maneuvering could also delay things well past the Jan. 19 deadline, potentially hitting pause on the law for months or longer while the court deliberates. Biden could also choose to extend the sale deadline by 90 days. (New projections from Bloomberg Intelligence say theres just a 20% chance the DC Circuit will halt the deadline.) Such a scenario would let Trump sit back and let the legal process play out on its own, avoiding a complete about-face on his 2020 crusade against TikTok and helping him maintain the tough-on-China stance that is central to his agenda. If he does have to act, though, Trump has several options. He could find an American buyerhis former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is among those whove expressed interestthough ByteDance has said its unwilling to give up TikToks powerful recommendation engine. Trump could try to find a way to keep TikTok through a new fix that satisfies both the company and the US governments concerns about national security, like another, more effective version of Project Texas, TikToks $1.5 billion attempt at cordoning off Americans data from China with help from Oracle Corp. In fact, the software giant offers another justification for Trump to go easy on TikTok: The social networks Project Texas team-up means its now a massive Oracle customer, and Oracle was Trumps original pick to buy the video app back in 2020 when he tried to instigate his own deal. Leaders of the company, like Chief Executive Officer Safra Catz, were close to Trump early in his first term as other tech leaders criticized him, though the picture is now blurrier as Chairman and co-founder Larry Ellison supported Trump rival Tim Scott in the Republican primaries. Trump could also urge Congress to repeal or amend its Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, or push for entirely new legislation, both a long shot given overwhelming bipartisan support for the original bill. Trump could theoretically direct his Justice Department not to enforce the law, or to do so selectively, but that could put American tech firms in a precarious position. The existing law places the onus on companies like Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google to pull TikTok off their US app stores, and for web services providers to stop hosting its traffic; theyll quickly rack up enormous fines if they dont. Trump could also take some other action seeking to overturn the legislation, like an executive order opposite the one he tried to deploy in 2020. See More: How Jeff Yass Became One of the Most Influential Billionaires in the 2024 Election But all of this could be moot once Trump returns to the White House and gets briefed on classified national security information from federal agencies that he simply didnt have access to while campaigning, said Sarah Kreps, director of the Tech Policy Institute at Cornell Universitys Brooks School of Public Policy. When he made those comments out of office, he was not privy to the intelligence that seems to have swayed a lot of members of Congress in 2023 and 2024, Kreps told Bloomberg. When he proposed this [ban] in 2020, it was just sheer antipathy for China without much evidence at all about what China might be doing. And then theres the question of how Trumps approach to TikTok could be swayed by confidant and billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who arguably did more than anyone else to help Trump reclaim the presidency. Trump has already promised Musk a significant role in the White House, and its possible hed ask the social media owner for advice on how to handle TikTok, too, which could create a conflict of interest. On the one hand, Musk is much less hostile to China than the Biden administration or Trump had been, Kreps said, pointing out that Musks car company, Tesla, does lots of business in China. On the other hand, Musks Xwhich has been pushing into video this yearcould benefit from a TikTok ban. I don't think it's the exact competitor to TikTok the way that something like Instagram or Snap or Reels would be, Kreps said, but it's people's online time. And he'd rather them spend it on X. Musk, for his part, said around the time Biden signed the law that TikTok shouldnt be banned, even if a shutdown might boost his own platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression, Musk wrote on X in April. It is not what America stands for. --With assistance from Josh Sisco. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Seattle Police Department detectives are investigating a shooting in Northeast Seattle where gunfire narrowly missed a toddler riding in a car seat. The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Northeast 95th Street and 35th Avenue Northeast, where officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found a vehicle with its back window shattered and multiple people, including the toddler, at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group reported they had been driving in the area when someone from another vehicle opened fire. One of the bullets passed through the cars back window, striking the car seat, but the child was fortunately unharmed. Police are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available video footage in hopes of identifying a suspect. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Seattle Police at 296-233-5000. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A second person has been arrested for the death of an Antioch woman at her apartment in October, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). Police said Specialized Investigations Division TITANS detectives arrested Kyronyez Dobbins, 25, for the deadly Oct. 27 shooting of Kianna Cayetano, 35, insider her Hickory Lake apartment on Apache Trail. Kyronyez Dobbins (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) According to police, Dobbins was carrying a gun at the time of his arrest at the same apartment complex. He was previously convicted of facilitating aggravated robbery in 2022 and received a four-year probated sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Dobbins alleged accomplice, Jon Anthony Hamilton, 27, was apprehended Monday evening. Both men are charged with criminal homicide, according to MNPD. The investigation shows Cayetano was shot and her boyfriend was cut by a knife during a robbery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum encourages voters to support Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in the basement ballroom of The Margate Resort on Jan. 22, 2024, in Laconia, New Hampshire. Burgum ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination but later dropped out and endorsed him. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) With the 2024 election in the rearview mirror, the eyes of North Dakotans have shifted to where their outgoing governor may end up in President Donald Trumps new administration. Gov. Doug Burgum, who endorsed Trump after ending his own presidential campaign and was a contender for Trumps vice president, has downplayed the speculation about the potential for him to serve in the new administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont need another position. I have loved every minute of every day of being the governor of this state, Burgum told WDAY this week. It has never been an aspiration of mine to be in Washington, D.C., but if there is an opportunity to have a big impact on this country, it will be a conversation between President Trump and myself. Burgum has previously said that when he received news that Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, was the vice president pick, Trump called him Mr. Secretary. The president-elect has also said Burgum could be a very important part of his administration. Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said he thinks Burgum would be best suited leading the Department of Energy. I love the concept of the governor becoming somewhat of an energy czar, Ness said. Its a place where hes got the knowledge and the background from North Dakota to do great things there. I think thatd be a good fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgum emphasized American energy dominance during a speech at the Republican National Convention and has repeatedly called for more innovation within the industry rather than regulations. Burgum ran for president during the Republican primaries but left a crowded field of GOP candidates Dec. 4 when he was polling in last place and had failed to qualify for the third debate. If Burgum still has presidential ambitions, he may want to choose another path, said Mark Jendrysik, political science professor at the University of North Dakota. There are probably positions within the Cabinet that are suited to his skills and interests, but those are also places that are mostly managerial, Jendrysik said. In general, the Cabinet has not been a great place to make a baller move, as it were, toward the presidency in a long, long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited Hillary Clintons loss to Trump in 2016 after serving as President Barack Obamas secretary of state. He said most of the country probably couldnt name the current secretaries of energy or commerce. You get blamed for everything that goes wrong and get no credit for things that go right, Jendrysik said. If Burgum still has higher political aspirations, Jendrysik said he should look into becoming a senator or a governor of a higher-profile state to use as a springboard. Pat Finken, longtime Republican political strategist, said he hasnt talked to Burgum, but he believes the governor would like to become Trumps secretary of state so he can position himself for a White House run in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can kind of tell because hes been doing some of these international trips recently, Finken said. During a Friday appearance on Fox News, Burgum highlighted his recent trips and meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Finken said hes also heard Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has been floating the idea to Trump to combine the leadership roles of the Department of the Interior and Department of Energy. Thats actually kind of hot on the rumor mill right now, Finken said. Because there is so much overlap on energy and the interior that maybe he would make an overseer, a czar, much like they did on climate during the Obama administration and the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Dakota Monitor did not get a response to an interview request directed to Burgums campaign spokesman. This story has been updated with comment from Pat Finken. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Racist text messages are reportedly being sent to people of color across the country, and within the past few days, some Lowcountry individuals say they have received the texts themselves. State Rep. Tiffany Spann Wilder (D) sent an email to House colleagues explaining that several of her constituents received text messages calling them by name, saying they have been selected to pick cotton at nearby plantations. The messages differ and come from various numbers, but many say the individual should prepare to be picked up by executive slaves and taken to the plantation. Rep. Spann-Wilder said one of the texts was sent to a high school senior in her district and another to a senior citizen in Charleston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have all been received by African Americans the intent is clear harassment, she wrote. The texts began circulating the day after the 2024 presidential election. Widespread national reports have prompted an FBI inquiry into the source. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office said the office has not been made aware of the texts being sent anywhere in the state; however, Attorney General Wilson condemns racist and hateful text messages in the strongest possible terms. The Clemson City Police Department confirmed to Nexstars WSPA they were aware of racially motivated texts sent out to residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clemson University also sent out a release advising students who received the messages to report them to university police. Clemson Police Department aware of racially motivated texts Others outside of Charleston County reported being sent similar messages, according to a Berkeley County Facebook group with commenters describing texts with intolerant content. News 2 has reached out to state and local law enforcement agencies for more information, but has not heard back. Nationwide, prejudiced texts have been reported in North Carolina, Indiana, Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and several other states, including the DC-Virginia area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts alongside federal and state law enforcement. Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations *The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) A self-described Nazi became the first person in Australia to be sentenced to prison for performing an outlawed salute when he was ordered by a magistrate on Friday to spend one month behind bars. Jacob Hersant, 25, is also the first person in Victoria state to be convicted of giving the Nazi salute. The gesture has been outlawed nationwide since he committed the offense. He was convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates Court last month of performing the straight-armed salute before news cameras outside the Victoria County Court on Oct. 27, 2023. Hersant had then just avoided a prison sentence for causing violent disorder. The Nazi salute had been outlawed by the state parliament days earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magistrate Brett Sonnet allowed Hersant to remain free on bail after he was convicted, until Friday, when he was sentenced to one month in prison. But Hersant spent only an hour in custody before his lawyer, Tim Smartt, succeeded in a bail application after lodging an appeal against his conviction and sentence. Hersant faced a potential maximum sentence of 12 months in prison plus a 24,000 Australian dollar ($16,025) fine. Smartt said Hersant should not be jailed for a nonviolent act. Its not justified sending a 25-year-old to prison. That is wrong, Smartt told the magistrate. Sonnet said a prison sentence was appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there was physical violence, then I would have imposed a sentence close to the maximum penalty, Sonnet said. The accused sought to promote Nazi ideology in the public arena and the court is satisfied he took advantage of the media to disseminate extreme political views. Hersant was a member of the National Socialist Network, an organization that promoted white supremacy, deportation of immigrants and far-right actors, Sonnet said. While performing the salute last year, he praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and said, Australia for the white man. Sonnet said his words were clearly racist and seek to promote white supremacy in Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put bluntly, the white man is not superior to any other race of people, Sonnet said. Hersants lawyers had argued that his comments and salute were protected by an implied constitutional freedom of political communication. On his way into court on Friday, Hersant maintained he had a right to express his political views. Were going to argue that the law is constitutionally invalid and its emotional and its anti-white, Hersant told reporters. Its my political view and I think its a good fight for us to have an argument in court saying these laws are invalid. Three men were convicted in June of giving the salute at a Sydney soccer game. Another three men were convicted last month of making the gesture outside the Sydney Jewish Museum. All were punished with fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich, a leading opponent of antisemitism in Australia, said Hersant's prison sentence should remind Nazi sympathizers that Australia shows no mercy to those who bring symbols of terror to our streets." This isnt just a sentence its a national roar that symbols of Nazism have no place on our soil, Abramovich told reporters outside court. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A semi-truck crashed into two electric poles Friday morning, Nov. 8, on Gateway East before Horizon. TxDOT El Paso says the right lane is currently closed and theres minor backup in the area due to the crash. El Paso Electric is currently at the scene replacing both poles that were knocked down, according to TxDOT. Clearing tiume is until further notice. TxDOT El Paso did not specify if there were any injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apache traffic control is also at the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Sen. Hanna Gallo of Cranston and Sen. Dominick Ruggerio of North Providence listen during the 2025-2026 Senate Democratic Caucus Thursday night at Waterman Grille in Providence. Ruggerio was picked to be Senate president for his eighth year. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) In the end, the attempt to oust Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio from the top Senate leadership spot proved unsuccessful. Ruggerio clinched his eighth year as Senate president by a 14-vote margin among Senate Democrats at a caucus Thursday night. The 23-9 vote, with one abstention and one lawmaker voting present, acts as an affirmation of Senate leadership roles, until lawmakers are formally sworn in when the 2025 legislative session begins in January. Nine senators instead opted for Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, whose growing feud with Ruggerio became a formal battle earlier this week, when Pearson confirmed he would vie for the no. 1 spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A much less divisive election 32 yes votes, with one no and one present, affirmed Sen. Valarie Lawson as Senate majority leader. Lawson, of East Providence, will replace Pearson as the second-in-command. Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat with four decades as a state senator under his belt, offered a bit of levity as he took the podium in a dimly lit event space at Providences Waterman Grille. Sen. Valarie Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, was affirmed as Senate majority leader. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode island Current) Well, that was interesting, he said. Ive never been through anything like that. Cane in hand, a deep cut healing on his forehead, Ruggerio insisted he was on the mend after experiencing health setbacks. He pledged to bring senators together to advance a long list of priorities: higher reimbursement rates for primary care providers, full funding for the state panel in charge of carrying out Rhode Islands decarbonization mandate, and of course, balancing what is expected to be a tight budget in the year ahead. Behind-the-scenes tension Ruggerios health, and multiple absences during the 2024 session, sowed the seeds of separation between him and Pearson. The two met behind closed doors in March to discuss the Senate Presidents physical condition. Pearson, of Cumberland, allegedly expressed interest in taking over the leadership spot, though he has refuted those claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both denied any estrangement, even as rumors swirled. The behind-the-scenes feud was cemented in the public eye in October, when Ruggerio announced he was backing Lawson to be the next majority leader. Pearson at the time was caught off-guard by the news, but indicated he would not give up the spot without a fight. Earlier this week, Pearson confirmed he would vie for the Senate president seat rather than majority leader. Sen. Ryan Pearson, a Cumberland Democrat, right, was replaced as Senate majority leader when the members of the 2025-2026 Senate Democratic Caucus met Thursday night at Waterman Grille in Providence. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) In a Nov. 6 email sent to fellow senators, Pearson proposed an alternative leadership team, led by himself with Lawson, of East Providence, as majority leader; Sen. Dawn Euer of Newport as majority whip; Sen. Hanna Gallo of Cranston as president pro tempore; and Sen. Ana Quezada of Providence as deputy president pro tempore. Without a leader in the room every day working with Senators, the House and The Governor, the Senates effectiveness has suffered and our ability to deliver results for our constituents has been weakened, Pearson wrote. Senators have shared with me their many frustrations with the way business was conducted during the last legislative session, including the lack of communication, the lack of commitment to a legislative agenda, too much reliance on staff, and the waning of Senate negotiating power with the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Euer, who nominated Pearson as president Thursday night, shared similar concerns over the consequences of Ruggerios absence this year. It has not allowed us to be our best, Euer said, repeating the statement a second time. Ruggerios supporters, however, highlighted his open door policy, decades of experience and dedication to his constituents as reasons why he should remain their leader. Donnie has shown a willingness to adapt and change, at times at a significant personal cost, something that is not lost on me as a pro-choice, openly queer senator, said Sen. Melissa Murray of Woonsocket. Ruggerio drummed up support among longstanding senators along with all of the newly elected senators. In Pearsons camp were several freshman and more progressive legislators alongside Euer, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Alana DiMario, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others backing Pearson were: Jonathan Acosta, Meghan Kallman, Tiara Mack, Quezada, Linda Ujifusa, and Bridget Valverde. Sen. Pamela Lauria voted present while Sen. Sam Bell abstained. Mack, who canvassed for Ruggerio ahead of his contested September primary, said she was swayed to back Pearson because she never received the signed letter from a majority of Senate Democrats calling for the caucus to be held, despite requesting it multiple times. In an interview after the caucus ended, Mack, of Providence, said she felt like she and other senators of color had been excluded, frustrations echoed in a debate during the caucus meeting over transparency and inclusion. Sen. Dawn Euer, a Newport Democrat, speaks during the 2025-2026 Rhode Island Senate Democratic Caucus Thursday night at Waterman Grille in Providence. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Secret ballot proposal fails Several senators sought to make the selection for senate president chosen by secret ballot, citing potential sanctions for those who picked the losing candidate. Critics insisted that a public, roll call vote was necessary for transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont have the gall to stand up and say how we feel, and who were voting for, thats a disgrace, said Sen. Frank Ciccone, of Providence. The roll call option prevailed, ironically affirmed via a roll call vote. Speaking to reporters after, Ruggerio said he would not sanction anybody, including Pearson. Asked for his thoughts about his former ally challenging his leadership role, Ruggerio shrugged. Its a free country, he replied. DiMario said she had not received any threats or warnings of sanctions for not backing Ruggero. Of course, its a possibility, she said in a later interview. I understood the risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont have the gall to stand up and say how we feel, and who were voting for, thats a disgrace Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat of opting for roll call vote over secret ballot John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, pointed to the fallout from the 2014 battle for speaker of the House as proof. If history is any guide, there will be a price to pay for the price to pay for senators who end up on the losing side, Marion said. Cranston Democrat Nicholas Mattiello prevailed against Scituates Michael Marcello for the open leadership spot following former Speaker Gordon Foxs abrupt resignation. The competition didnt end up being a close one after all, with Mattiello securing 61 votes to Marcellos 6, according to news reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flurry of surprising budget items and policy proposals in the months that followed hinted at deals Mattiello cut to win the leadership position. Marion suspected similar behind-the-scenes promises could have been brokered between Ruggerio and his supporters ahead of Thursdays caucus. There are things that will happen 12 months from now that we wont even know were promises made to secure votes, Marion said. To the outsider looking in, a failed political power play might not seem to amount to much. But in Rhode Island, legislative leaders hold an outsized amount of power, controlling which policy priorities advance to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote for leader is ultimately one of the most important, if not the most important, votes of the next two years, Marion said. Despite the potential closed-door negotiations, Marion was pleased the caucus votes Thursday played out in the open. Given the impact of the vote for leadership, the public should have a window into whats happening, Marion said. Its healthy that these debates are happening in public. Sen. Dominick J. Ruggerio, left, a North Providence Democrat, and Sen. Jonathon Acosta, a Central Falls Democrat, right, are shown Thursday night at Waterman Grille in Providence during a meeting of the 2025-2026 Rhode Island Senate Democratic Caucus. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four Senate Republicans caucused Wednesday night, reelecting Sen. Jessica de la Cruz as minority leader and Gordon Rogers as minority whip, according to Brandon Bell, the Senate Republicans chief of staff. House Republicans announced results of their 10-person caucus Thursday, affirming Rep. Mike Chippendale as minority leader and David Place as minority whip. House Democrats will hold their leadership caucus at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Spain Restaurant in Cranston. The elections are also open to the public, though no challenges are expected to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski. The Rhode Island General Assembly is expected to reconvene on Jan. 7. The 38-member Senate is slated to include 34 Democrats and four Republicans, while the 75-member House features 64 Democrats, 10 Republicans and one independent. However, question marks linger in two races, where trailing candidates have requested recounts from the Rhode Island Board of Elections. Preliminary election results late Wednesday showed Democratic challenger Peter Appollonio leading Republican Sen. Anthony DeLuca by 67 votes in Warwick Senate District 26. In Cranstons House District 15, Republican Chris Paplauskas held a 31-vote lead over Democrat Maria Bucci. This story has been updated to correct the city where Sen. Frank Ciccone lives. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, attends an event at the Alabama State Capitol on March 21, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. Elliott has introduced a bill that would allow private schools to enter contracts with local law enforcement agencies to employ school resource officers. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A south Alabama senator Thursday blocked all contracts scheduled for review by a joint legislative committee, saying wanted to compel a state agency to implement a law on restaurants serving alcohol. Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, announced his decision to hold all the contracts prior to the start of the meeting of the Contract Review Committee. Elliott said he wanted other agencies to pressure the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board to implement a 2023 law mandating that the Board allow employees between 18 and 20 years old working at restaurants and hotels to take an online exam allowing them to serve alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is very frustrating, and you heard my colleagues on the committee say this too, for the Legislature, an entire branch of government, to be ignored by the bureaucracy, Elliott told reporters after the meeting. We passed this piece of legislation. We have communicated with the ABC Board what the legislative intent was, communicated by phone call, in person and in writing, what the intent was. And 18 months later, we still have no rules promulgated by the bureaucracy that is charged with doing that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Dean Argo, manager of government relations and communications with the ABC Board, said in a statement Thursday that online training is already available through the board. The 2023 law by Sen. Chris Elliott did not require the ABC Board to promulgate rules or change any existing rules, Argo said in a statement. A private association approached the ABC Board three months ago and requested that several rules regarding the online training presentation be clarified to benefit its members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argo said the clarifications did not affect online training offering, but there was disagreement over how incorrect answers on the test were processed. Board staff presented modified rules last month, which Argo said will be considered at the boards next meeting on Nov. 14. The law, introduced by Elliott as SB 135 in 2023, expanded the locations where workers aged 18 to 20 below the legal drinking age of 21 could legally serve alcohol, such as hotels with restaurants. It also required a restaurant or hotel covered under the law to be certified each year as a responsible vendor. Responsible vendor training or testing for these licensees may be conducted by any means available, including, but not limited to, online by computer, in a classroom, or by live trainers, the bill states. Elliott expressed frustration at the delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am hoping there are phone calls getting made saying, Hey, you all get your stuff in order and get to work because now we have got a lot held up, he said. Members of the committee had only a few questions regarding the contracts presented to them Thursday, which staff from the different agencies had answered. Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, objected to Elliotts delay and tried to get the members to reconsider the committees longstanding position to hold contracts if even a single legislator called for it. I think it is unfair for those agencies to come here and present their case and have a blanket objection for any contracts that have been approved, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, defended the practice. One member does have the right to hold any contract, and that is just the way this committee works, he said. It is a quorum of one, and each member has the right to vote on as many contracts as he so chooses at any time. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As I pulled out my copy of The Small and the Mighty to read on a flight, the mom across the aisle from me picked up the same book and waved it at me with a smile. Im a huge Governerd, she said. Governerds are what Sharon McMahons loyal 1.1 million Instagram followers call themselves. Using the handle @sharonsaysso, McMahon, a former teacher, has been sharing information about democracy, politics and history and how they impact American citizens, for four years, earning herself the moniker Americas government teacher. Not a day goes by that I dont encounter McMahons content on my Instagram feed. Sometimes its a video of her explaining a political concept while she applies her makeup. Sometimes its a quote from a historical figure. Sometimes its a quote from McMahon herself addressing current political events or explaining an election process. Her insights are shared by people who have spent years following politics and also people who are just now getting involved. I dont feel manipulated by her, and she doesnt make me feel stupid, Instagram follower Nicole Kunze told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She meets people where theyre at, Jen Robinson said, adding, You dont feel judged for not knowing something or for believing differently than others. According to McMahon, 90% of her followers are female, many of whom are paying attention to politics and governance for the first time. So many history books are about tanks and battles, McMahon told me on Oct. 23 as we sat in the lobby of the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Its the men in the bold face; its the men who are elevated to positions of high status. She said she believes theres recently been a new awakening among women in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have realized politics is interesting and knowledge about politics is useful. Many of those women attended McMahons book event later that night at Utah Valley Universitys UCCU Center, which seats more than 8,000. When I walked in, the arena was packed with millennial and Gen X women yelling, Whoop, there it is as a DJ in an orange suit coat spun hits from the past few decades and strobe lights rotated around the crowd until the 6-foot-tall McMahon made her way on stage to uproarious applause. She spent the 90 minutes alternating between standup-adjacent stories of her interactions with the political and media elite like a conversation she had at an event with former President George W. Bush, wherein he attempted to toss nuts in his mouth and missed most of the time and highlighting the relatively unknown Americans featured in her new book The Small and The Mighty. It was much bigger and much louder than any book-tour stop Ive ever been to. So big, in fact, that the first venue at UVU the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts concert hall sold out in a single day and the UCCU Center was booked to accommodate an extra 2,000 Governerds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas is one of the top four cities where McMahons followers are concentrated, alongside New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis. I asked McMahon why so many women in Utah gravitate to her content. I think some of it has to do with my approach to talking about government, she said. Its very common sense. Its not excessively inflammatory. Its not hurling insults at people. Its not making fun of peoples appearance or the way that they talk. She said she believes this approach aligns with the cultural values of Utahns and Latter-day Saints. McMahon often hears from followers who tell her that they used to be consumed with anxiety about the world, but being able to understand how things work and how they might personally make a difference has allowed them to feel control over their thoughts and emotions and endeavor to make a difference, regardless of how small the action might seem. History books are full of boldface names people who did incredible things, McMahon said. Those people are great, and we should study them. But there are literally tens of thousands of people who changed the course of history whose names are never highlighted. This is why, she explained, she decided to write The Small and the Mighty. Author Sharon McMahon's book tour stopped in Minnesota and Nashville recently. | Matt Le McMahon spent three years researching everyday Americans who made a significant impact on their communities by doing the next needed thing. They include a suffragette who died fighting for womens right to vote, a Hawaii-born Japanese Pearl Harbor survivor who went on to become a senator, a woman born to enslaved parents who eventually became a pioneer in education, and many others relatively unknown to history who influenced America for the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each individual in the book influenced their communities by doing the next needed thing, which has been the message she has shared with the Governerds since she launched the SharonSaysSo account. McMahon, who is 47, taught high school government and law in Washington, D.C., for 10 years before her family moved to Minnesota and she launched a few projects, including a hand-dyed yarn business and photography services. Then, in late summer of 2020, her husband had a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure. While her family took extra quarantine precautions to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic and while her four children, ages 8-18, attended online school, McMahon began sharing videos about civics and government on Instagram that were fact-based and nonpartisan, using the skills she had honed while teaching. I started seeing so many people on the internet who were just confidently wrong, saying things that are obviously false, but in an authoritative voice, she explained. So I just took many of the skills I had learned from many years in the classroom and started applying them. Her first video was on the Electoral College. Her videos quickly became popular among the 12,000 or so followers she had gained from years of running various small businesses, and her followers started sending the videos to local news stations. She soon began receiving interview requests from media outlets all over the country that were looking for someone to clearly explain what to expect before and after the 2020 presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it was during the contentious aftermath of the election that her following began to multiply. This happened, McMahon believes, because she was one of the few commentators simply providing facts and explaining political processes without bias. I wasnt telling people who they should vote for and which candidate should win the election, she said. She also explained things in terms simple enough that even someone completely new to politics would understand. She compared it to attending a physics lecture while knowing nothing about physics. Do you leave feeling smarter most of the time? No, it goes right over your head, right? And you actually, many times, leave feeling dumber. Thats the problem many people encounter when trying to understand politics. They dont have a good background in government, they dont know what a lot of these things mean, nor do they have the time in their lives to (do) research. McMahon often encourages her followers to submit questions that she answers in depth. There wasnt really a place where people could go to ask a specific question, she explained. Other outlets just dont have the capacity or desire to accommodate that. When I asked people on social media about McMahon, some told me they found her too conservative for their liking, while others said she was too liberal. This news did not surprise McMahon. There are a lot of people who really hate that I am not on the internet every day telling everybody what a tragedy Donald Trump is. And then theres a lot of people who are like, Its so obvious that you hate Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always funny to me how people generally see what they want to see. They are allowing their brains to sort of fill in the blank to support their already held beliefs about something. But politics isnt a zero-sum game, she told me. The competition of ideas actually benefits us, and it benefits all of us. The best ideas should rise to the top. Who comes up with the best ideas shouldnt matter, she said. If you cant see that somebody who disagrees with you might have something to teach you, theres a true lack of intellectual humility. Anybody who thinks they have a lock on all the good ideas, is either not being honest, or theyre so blinded by their own party allegiance that they cant possibly see past it. Being perceived as too liberal for some and too conservative for others has not changed her approach. Its just the nature of the work, she said. The larger your platform, and the more visible you become, the more (criticism) youre going to get. Its unavoidable. So the options are, keep doing what Im doing, or bend to the whims of random internet strangers. Doing what shes always done has worked well for McMahon as her audience has continued to grow to 1.1 million. By 2021, she was running SharonSaysSo full time. She launched a podcast, Heres Where It Gets Interesting, which has 1.2 million listeners a month, a Substack titled The Preamble with 225,000 subscribers, and published her book, which has sold more than 100,000 copies and hit No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes also raised more than $10 million dollars for charity. Most recently, McMahon and the Governerds raised more than $600,000 for Convoy of Hope to benefit those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Theyve previously raised money for World Central Kitchen, Undue Medical Debt and classroom grants. Nobody can do everything, McMahon told me. But everyone can do something. Thats the message that I try to encourage people with dont get overwhelmed with the number of things that you could be doing. Just do the next needed thing. You see this in some of the characters of the book, McMahon said. They cant possibly hope to address every societal ill. They cant possibly hope to fix segregation in Richmond, Virginia, in the year 1870 you know they cant possibly hope to address income inequality, and ... all multinational conflicts, but that doesnt mean they can do nothing. For McMahon, that next needed thing has been sharing hopeful, unbiased information to educate her followers and help them avoid outrage. That invitation to outrage is actually a tremendously emotionally motivating thing in the human mind, she explained. We love to be right. And when we turn on the news and were told that, in fact, we were right, and all these other people agree, you feel like youre part of the group that knows the truth. I look at the world very differently and communicate very differently from that. So its not an Invitation to outrage. Its an invitation to community, which is something that doesnt really sell on the nightly news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governerds, however, are accepting McMahons invitation to community by the millions. Ive learned so much from her about listening to others I disagree with politically, in order to understand where theyre coming from, Instagram follower Pam Staheli told me. Its all about finding the humanity. During the book event at the UCCU Center, the crowd that delighted at every word McMahon said was perhaps most enraptured when she spoke of Septima Clark, an educator born to enslaved parents who fought for civil rights despite seemingly insurmountable opposition in North Carolina during the time of Jim Crow laws. McMahon quoted Clark, who said, I can even work with my enemies because I know from experience that they might have a change of heart any minute. She was met with perhaps the loudest applause Ive ever heard. TOPEKA (KSNT) Shawnee County Commissioner Bill Riphahn joins the 27 News Morning crew with a look ahead at how residents are honoring those whove served. The commissioner details this years Operation Greenlight imitative, and previews the upcoming dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial taking place at 2 p.m. on Monday Nov. 11 at the Gage Park Memorial. For more details, watch the interview above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka group prepares for free community Thanksgiving meal For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Tongyeong Eco Power's combined-cycle power plant has started commercial operations in South Korea. Located in Gyeongsangnam-do, Tongyeong combined cycle power plant boasts a capacity exceeding 1GW, enough to supply electricity to approximately one million homes in South Korea. The LNG-fueled facility includes a 200,000cbm LNG storage tank. This move is in line with South Korea's broader strategy to transition from coal to liquefied natural gas (LNG). GE Vernova has supplied critical components for the plant, including two 7HA.02 gas turbines, one STF-D600 steam turbine, two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), and three H65 generators. Furthermore, GE Vernova is set to provide 17 years of maintenance services for the gas turbines and generators, ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of the plant. GE Vernova's HA gas turbines are claimed to significantly reduce CO emissions, with savings of more than 3.3 metric tonnes annually per unit. This is comparable to removing approximately 680,000 cars from the roads. With more than 45 years of partnership with Korean companies, GE Vernova continues to support Korea's energy transition and offers technologies aligned with the government's goals. The company's gas turbines contribute more than 14GW to South Korea's generation capacity, with an installed base exceeding 80 units. GE Vernova Asia Gas Power president and CEO Ramesh Singaram said: We are honoured to support Hyundai Development Companys Tongyeong Eco Power in its approach to providing more efficient power and thermal energy from LNG. The start of commercial operation of Tongyeong combined-cycle plant marks a significant achievement that underlines our commitment to delivering efficient energy solutions in a country where power generation is very reliant on heavy fossil fuels, with coal and oil covering nearly 60% of power needs, according to IEA estimates. "Tongyeong power plant starts operations in South Korea" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A local sheriffs officer lieutenant has been placed on leave after the community expressed concern over social media posts made by the lieutenant. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7 previously reported that Clark County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant John Rodgers posted on his personal Facebook account saying he would factor in a persons voting record, in regard to the presidential race, when responding to calls. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One post said, I am sorry if you support the Democratic Party, I will not help you. In another post, Rodgers said he would find out, Which of you supports the Democratic Party and I will not help you survive the end of days. After deleting the posts, Rodgers issued a statement apologizing to the community, the sheriffs office, his colleagues, and his family. He blamed the posts on documented side effects of a prescribed sleep medication. He said he does not remember making or deleting the posts. The Clark County Sheriffs Office also apologized for Rodgers behavior and said he received a written reprimand for a violation of the departments social media policy and will remain on duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark County Unit of the NAACP President Denise Williams called for Lt. Rodgers to be placed on leave. Many people in the community demanded that Lt. Rodgers be fired from the department. Thursday, the Sheriffs office confirmed that Rodgers was placed on leave and that the office had researched training opportunities to identify deliberate and effective means to understand explicit and implicit biases and the problems they manifest. The Sheriffs office said that the written reprimand was deemed appropriate due to Rodgers reported prescribed medication, quick rebuke of the post and disassociation with that belief, and no awareness of previous conduct of this nature for the social media policy violation, but that they continued to work on addressing any underlying issues. Many of the comments shared with our office have called for the termination of Lt. Rodgers and that while the public feels to be the only appropriate remedy, we must disagree with that administrative finding based on multiple factors. Lt Rodgers is currently on leave at this time and upon his return will begin the follow up training and work sanctions that will pave the way for delivery of law enforcement service that is fair and impartial that is demanded and required. Until we are satisfied that he has successfully completed his training & performance improvement plan, he will be on work restrictions. We standfast in our advancement of diversity, equality, inclusion with our workforce and within our community at the Sheriffs Office. The Clark County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office renewed calls for help investigating a suspected double homicide from 2015 in a case that has since grown cold. The agency posted a video on YouTube on Nov. 7 in which Detective Michael Stevens with the Sheriff's Office said a man was driving on Salome Highway near 411th Avenue on Aug. 18, 2015, at around 5:45 a.m. when he noticed the body of a girl lying along the side of the road who appeared to be dead and called law enforcement. Stevens said responding deputies investigated the area and found a man's body roughly 120 yards away from the girl. The two were later identified as 17-year-old Sophia Gibbs and 18-year-old Jesse Romero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A medical examiner ruled both deaths homicide, with Romero dying from a gunshot wound to the chest and Gibbs suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Stevens addressed family and friends of the two people, saying the investigation remained active despite being over 9 years old and that detectives were "burning the candle at both ends" in coming up with a breakthrough. He noted that a reward of up to $2,000 was available for any information that produced viable leads. Ten years later, our detectives continue their search for the murder suspect of Jesse Romero and Sophia Gibbs. If you have any information that could lead to an arrest, please call the MCSO Tips Line at: 602-876-8477 and reference IR# 15-020710 Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (@mcsoaz) November 7, 2024 Tipsters can contact the Sheriff's Office's tip line at 602-876-8477 or report anonymously through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police seek help in 2015 double homicide near Tonopah The final votes are still being counted in the presidential election, but its official that Republican Donald Trump cinched a victory against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Exit polls have given us some insight into how different groups voted and there have been some drastic shifts since 2020. At first glance, the expected gender divide between men and women was less drastic, but strong splits emerged among Black and Latino voters. Latino men leaned Republican overall for the first time, and 1 in 5 Black men voted for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats may no longer be able to rely on young voters to boost numbers, as Harris appears on track to have the lowest support among voters aged 18-29 in this century. Read here for the Independents analysis of voter demographics in the 2024 election: Diving into the Latino shift for Trump One of the biggest shifts in this election came among Latino voters, among whom Trump made gains of +12 points from 2020, ending up with 45 percent of the vote compared to 53 percent for Harris. The main movement was comprised of Latino men, who supported Trump more than Harris in this election. Our DC Bureau Chief Eric Garcia reports that the signs were there for the Democrats losing Latino voters, and that the economy was the biggest motivator in voting for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many key Hispanic counties, Trump saw huge gains in his favor. Momentum was building for Trump among Latinos in rural areas, and he has snatched up two predominantly Hispanic counties in Texas (Willacy County and Starr County). In other rural Hispanic counties, such as San Miguel in New Mexico and Santa Cruz in Arizona, Harris maintained the Democratic lead but lost up to 17 percent of the vote. Participants pray for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, during a roundtable with Latino leaders in Florida. (AP) But Trumps success wasnt only concentrated in rural areas. In urban areas with predominantly Hispanic populations, Trump also succeeded in consolidating his support. In Florida, Trump has flipped Miami-Dade County in his favor, which has around a 69 percent Hispanic population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also won Orlando-neighbouring Osceola County by 2 percent. Biden won the county in 2020, which has a 54 percent Hispanic makeup, by 14 points. Meanwhile in El Paso, Texas (83 percent Hispanic), Trump swung 20 percent of the vote his way; although Harris still won out overall. The Black vote There has been significant speculation over the Democrats losing the Black vote. Overall, the number of Black voters choosing Trump remained similar to NBCs 2020 exit poll: increasing by 1 point to 13 percent. Yet the focus has shifted to the widening gender divide between Black women and Black men. In 2020, just 9 percent of Black women voted for Trump in 2020, and 19 percent of Black men, according to NBCs exit poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the proportion of Black men voting Trump increased to 21 percent, and among Black women, support decreased to just 7 percent. Harris is a Black woman. Will Pierce, former adviser to Bernie Sanders and current Republican strategist who focuses on the Black electorate, says that Black men were not prioritized in this election. The lack of focus on Black mens issues is starting to have a visible impact. When people dont feel appreciated, they may seek representation elsewhere. This could mark a turning point in how both parties engage with Black voters, he told the Independent. What is most apparent is the increased gap of 14 percent between Black men and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of all demographic groups, Black women were Harriss strongest supporters (91 percent), second only to Black voters aged 65+. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech at her alma mater, Howard University, a historically black college that she attended (Getty Images) Some commentators argue that Black men are naturally shifting to the right, since they tend to be both more culturally conservative and more economically liberal than the current version of the Democratic Party. Pierce points to Sanders statement on the Democrats abandoning the working class, as also being applicable to Black voters. It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right, Sanders wrote in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Barack Obama also seemingly addressed the cold feet around Harris last month, attributing it to hesitation around a female president. Part of it makes me think and Im speaking to men directly part of it makes me think that, well, you just arent feeling the idea of having a woman as president, he said in October. The gender divide shrank Another major concern for both parties in this election was the apparent divide between male and female voting patterns. Yet despite warnings of a colossal gender gap, the exit poll picture is not so clear. On the one hand, women were more evenly split than in 2020, with an 8 percent lead for Harris compared to a 15 percent lead for Biden among women voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among men, though, Trump improved his bastion of support from an 8-point margin to a 13-point margin, according to the exit polls. Though there is clearly a gender-based trend, the final numbers are far smaller than the 23-point lead predicted in the weeks before the election. A gender divide appears in every racial group; most strongly among Latino men and women, the former of whom are 17 percent more likely to support Trump. The young vote cant be taken for granted The youngest generations (age 18 to 29) have been considered a reliable source of Democratic support in the 20th century. In 2020, NBCs exit polls showed Biden winning 60 percent of the young vote and Trump just 36 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this year, Trump closed the gap by 7 percent among people aged 18-29 in the 2024 election. The exit polls show 54 percent voted for Harris and 43 percent for Trump; only a 12-point margin. Logan Paul was one among many podcasters who broadcasted Trump to their young male fanbases. (Impaulsive/X) In particular, young men were 12 percent more likely to vote Trump than young women; and this was no accident. According to reports, the Trump campaign was instructed to consult 18-year-old Barron on his dads appearances with podcasters popular with young men, like those with Logan Paul and Theo Von. An estimated 3 percent of young people voted for a third party; part of which may have been linked to dissatisfaction among certain groups over the Democrats stance on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across all ages, Jill Stein received over 644,000 votes so far, and Chase Oliver received 578,000; even RFK Jr, who dropped out of the race, received at least 619,000 votes. Among other age groups, the results were roughly similar to 2020. ELBA, Ala (WDHN) Residents of the Shiloh community in Coffee County say they are crossing their fingers that the federal help promised under this administration will not be delayed after a change in power in Washington, D.C. With the Biden-Harris administration coming to an end and transitioning back to the Trump administration, residents in the historically black community are trying to be optimistic that they are still on track to getting federal help to solve their six-year flooding nightmare. Im hoping that this new administration coming thats coming in im hoping they will have a mindset of helping us and not setting us back because nobody likes to go back to a terrible situation like we have been in, Shiloh resident and pastor Timothy Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, residents saw a glimpse of federal leaders under the Biden administration, like Secretary Pete Buttigieg and others who came to their rescue to see the problem and made promises to use their resources in the capitol to help the community. One month ago, the vision became clearer after federal leaders and the state Department of Transportation secured a voluntary resolution agreement that requires the state to do one of two mitigation flooding projects in the community. They say in 2020, the state put a restrictive covenant on their properties, which meant the state is not to blame for the flooding, will not take any action to fix the flooding on the highway, and will have to mitigate it themselves. They are now calling for it to be removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you didnt do any damage or discriminate against the Shiloh community, then why are you coming back out trying to fix the problem? asked Williams. The residents say the FHWA and the state are supposed to set up one-on-one meetings with them this week to discuss the mitigation project, but they havent been contacted. Residents say the flooding nightmare is bleeding over to a third administration as they say it started under the trump administration. They are worried this is a historically black community, and this is a place he probably wouldnt want to fix, said Williams. Sometimes, its the color of your skin, and we have been faced with that. He may say yall just let them take your property and give it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents say they hope Secretary Pete will finish his promise. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. A man was taken into custody for allegedly admitting his intent to rape a woman before she was able to get away. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon in Gahanna, Ohio, just northeast of Columbus. According to the incident report obtained by WCMH-TV, Gahanna Police received a 911 call requesting assistance for an alleged victim who was assaulted while walking along a path near James Road and Big Walnut Creek. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident report indicated multiple officers arrived and found the victim, who told officers the suspect was shirtless man, wore a mask and pointed a gun at her before dragging her into the woods. The victim told officers that the man came out of the woods and said, come with me or Ill shoot you. Police in Gahanna said the woman fled from the man, who chassed her down, and grabbed her from behind. The victim fought with man twice and was able to flee. Officers found Johnathan Steele, 27, riding a bike on Price Road near the trail. According to police, Steele was armed with armed with a loaded CCY CPX-2 in a brown holster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Steele was prohibited from carrying a firearm because of a domestic conviction in Virginia. They said during his arrest, he confessed that he had thoughts of wanting to rape and found the victim near Creekside Park before he attacked her. Steele admitted that he intended to having sex with the victim, police said. They continued by saying Steele specifically mentioned rape and that it it was me with the girl. Steele was arrested and charged with kidnapping, abduction, attempted felony and carrying a loaded weapon. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Tropical glaciers continue to lose ice at a faster pace than in most other parts of the world. The size of the largest tropical glacier, located in the Andes Mountains of southeastern Peru, has been monitored by Ohio State University scientists for the past 50 years. NASA Landsat satellite imagery reveals that the Quelccaya Ice Cap lost about 58 percent of its snow cover (about 37 percent of the total area) in El Nino wet seasons. Ohio State School of Earth Sciences Ph.D. candidate Kara Lamantia developed a code with the aid of satellite data to track how the snow-covered Quelccaya Ice Cap has been affected by temperature and snowfall patterns in the wet season caused by regional warming associated with an El Nino climate pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Nino, which occurs every 2 to 7 years, and La Nina represent alternate warm and cool climate systems in the eastern and central tropical Pacific Ocean, referred to as El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO. In the years where there are El Ninos, the snow-covered area is drastically smaller, like 50 percent or more smaller, than the previous year. Its a concern because there is no accumulation happening in that wet season, so theres not as much snowfall, Lamantia said. She explained that in El Nino winters, southern Peru experiences warmer and drier conditions compared to average. Lamantias research helps scientists analyze snow cover data on a weekly basis, instead of waiting several years to undertake a potentially hazardous journey to the relatively flat, windswept open expanse of the mountaintop ice cap, which sits an elevation of 18,600 feet (5,680 meters). Weve really been able to document not only the history thats in the ice but how the ice is responding to climate change today, said Lonnie Thompson, distinguished professor of Earth Sciences at Ohio State, and senior research scientist at the universitys Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson has made more than 50 expeditions to ice sheets and glaciers around the world, and his teams drilled and retrieved ice cores under exceptionally challenging weather conditions at high altitudes, providing a glimpse into Earths climate pendulum. The global trend of rising air and ocean temperatures fuels stronger El Ninos that add energy to the atmosphere, which creates larger waves in the jet stream that are linked to more extreme weather worldwide. We get very warm water in the tropical Pacific, and within 3 months that heat is transmitted up into the atmosphere over this ice cap and throughout the tropics, Thompson said. Historic tornado season in Ohio The severe storm season in Ohio earlier was likely juiced up by a strong El Nino coupled with a wavy jet stream, which is conducive to severe weather by bringing together clashing air masses, overlapping with enhanced wind shear (winds changing speed/and or direction with height). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ohio, weve seen a record number of tornadoes in 2024 (73), which often came in clusters: February 28 (9); March 14 (9); April 2 (11), April 17 (5); May 7-8 (19), June 5 (4); August 6 (5). The strongest thunderstorms evolve where deep wind shear interacts with a corridor of instability (warmth and moisture beneath a layer of cool, dry air), promoting lift and the formation of rotating storm updrafts (supercell thunderstorms) capable of producing a tornado. While we cant relate explicitly individual tornadoes to climate change, we can relate the large-scale environment to patterns that might be associated with a warming climate, said Jana Houser, an associate professor of meteorology at Ohio State. Doppler weather provides more details into the intricate combination of environmental variables that spawns tornadoes. The high-resolution radars that we can have right now look at things very quickly and at very close ranges are showing us that tornadoes form incredibly quickly, Houser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking at creating forecasts that are able to predict individual storms in a general sense, and then when were looking at a forecast model, as an operational meteorologist. Were looking at sort of the idea that, hey, we have an actual storm thats forming in the vicinity where these predicted storms were are actually rotating. NOAAs Warn-on-Forecast project will provide earlier tornado and flash flood warnings, based on forecast models that indicate a higher likelihood of potentially life-threatening severe weather. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Its no secret Tennessees population is growing, but one specific group is creating its own surge. Seniors are the fastest-growing population in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) , and the state is trying to get ahead of the silver wave. During a Nov. 5 budget hearing with Gov. Bill Lee, the department requested more than $21 million to help address the anticipated need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our recommendation is to invest now before we get there, Andy Kidd, DDA Deputy Commissioner, said. Resolution filed by Metro Council to honor woman killed on Antioch greenway The funds would address waitlists for home meal delivery services and the OPTIONS program, which provides older adults with home and community-based service choices. In addition, the department wants to expand transportation services in rural areas, establish housing grants for down payment and modification assistance, and senior center grants for new programming, including one involving music. Theyll hire a band to come out and teach someone how to play guitar or theyll write songs together, so its additional day programming that they can pull folks in and get them out of the house, get them to the senior center, Kidd said. From a cognitive ability, once they learn how to play music, its making the mind better by actively using it on new and exciting things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grace Smith, the executive director of AgeWell Middle Tennessee, told News 2 by 2030, one in five Tennessee residents will be 65 and older due to the Baby Boomers currently in the state and the influx of retirees moving to Tennessee, drawn to the perks of living here. Because were a low-tax state, because we have wonderful parks and just a great quality of life, but the other thing we notice is with more corporations moving their headquarters to Tennessee, we often find when the adult children move here for jobs, the older adults will follow, Smith said. According to Smith, seniors can face certain challenges in Tennessee, including finding affordable housing and access to critical services and supports. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some services that all of us will likely need as we grow older that need to grow their capacity to serve more people as our population ages, Smith said. Smith told News 2 she is glad to see the department requesting the funds, and she and other advocates are encouraging the state to create a strategic, multi-sector plan for aging to prepare for the silver wave set to arrive in the coming years. What do we need to do in the next two years, five years, ten years to get ready for and be ready for an older population, Smith said. Were not ready at this point for a rapid growth in our older population. The DDA requested the funds, which the governor will consider when drafting the states next budget. He is set to present his budget proposal next February, which the Tennessee General Assembly will have to approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. By the time Elon Musk closed his $44 billion purchase of Twitter in October 2022, aided in large part by a mafia of big banks and reactionary hedge fund owners (and also by Diddy, though Musk would prefer that you forget that), hed already made quite clear what his new political project was going to be. Just four months earlier, hed tweeted, Given unprovoked attacks by leading Democrats against me & a very cold shoulder to Tesla & SpaceX, I intend to vote Republican in November. Hed promised to bring Donald Trumps account back to the platform and restore the tweeting privileges hed lost after inciting a whole insurrection at the Capitol. Hed been egged on throughout the year by a coterie of far-right influencers and yes-men who openly dreamed of fostering an outlet friendly to formerly banned manosphere types, rabid conspiracists, and neo-Nazis, under the guise of free-speech absolutism. Now that Trump is headed back to the White House, with Xs Elon Musk in tow, there is not even a pretense of hope on that platform for anyone who voted against Trump. Its better late than never, but its well and truly time to cut X loose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe it seemed, once, that a spirited internal resistance could effectively limit Musks damage and preserve some of the prior spirit of the microblogging platform that writers, public agencies, and other creative types had come to depend upon. I honestly cannot tell you what exactly was my justification for maintaining a Twitter/X presence, even as I explored other social media outfits and publicly acknowledged that Musks regime was repelling masses of tweeters, boosting easily debunkable disinformation, shedding all of Xs remaining utility for journalists, bullying transgender users, spreading straight-up white-supremacist rhetoric, and influencing CEOs in every other field to become as domineering and unapologetic as Musk is, whatever the backlash. There was obviously the fact of my job title, as a business and tech reporter following a social media outlet. There was also Xs first-mover advantage in the microblogging space, a position it held as copycats, like Bluesky, Spill, and Threads, were slower (at least, at the time) in gaining traction. There were all the people Id connected with on the platform exclusively, and with whom I wished to stay in touch. Friends, colleagues, and writers I respected made, I thought, persuasive cases for improving the experienceignoring Musk altogether, deleting your old tweetseven as others insisted, convincingly, that this was not just a fools errand but a dangerous one. It didnt take long until there was nothing left. My beloved Rap Twitter is all but dead, taken over by fake blue checks and Trumpian propaganda. Musk kept pushing himself and his deranged friends into everyones feeds, no matter users preferences. Trump was finally persuaded to tweet again, in spite of his Truth Social loyalty, and he brought the demagoguery back, hard. Musk put his money where his memeposts were, as my colleague Scott Nover put it, and became an ultimately successful megadonor for the Trump cause. Kamala Harris campaign may have outraised Trumps by a lot, but the Republicans had a powerful propaganda machine on their hands that supposedly democracy-concerned liberals (including myself) continued to bless with legitimacy, simply by staying and posting on there. Its no secret that under a new Trump administration, Musk will likely benefit significantly from the federal contracts for SpaceX and Tesla that already immunized him from much governmental accountability. Its possible that Trump and Musk, two egomaniacs with horrific business instincts but great collections of powerful friends, will clash with each other, frequently, while working out ways to purge the civil service. But its also likely that Trump will do anything and everything he can for his new friendand that may well include bailing out X from its massive debts, as well as fashioning it into even more of a straight government propaganda channel than it was during the peak era of inflammatory President Donald Trump tweets. Trump already made major newspapers and cable outfits bend the knee, and now he doesnt even have to try that hard to dominate the text-based outlet full of the super-online stans who turned out in impressive numbers this year for him, and for him alone. (And no, dont expect him to employ the still-unviable Truth Social in any great regard, as my colleague Alex Kirshner has explained.) Elon is in the family pic. https://t.co/M5cgrm2jUj Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) November 7, 2024 Theres no need to be a part of that. Two years after Musks takeover, we have a very different information ecosystem thats fully passed the need for Twitter-as-it-was and that also presents new opportunities for liberals. Consider Bluesky and its related fediverse alternatives. These are burgeoning, decentralized, carefully mediated platforms where you can easily block turds like Catturd, and where users have more opportunities for customization and reach than ever before, thanks to an organically swelling customer base. (I would suggest you dont go to Threads, run by a Trump-embracing Mark Zuckerberg who continues to censor journalists and any form of political content while forgoing any concerted content moderation.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such newer platforms are still niche, of coursebut remember, even the far-right ideologies that propelled Trump to where he is were once relegated to niche internet corners. There is a reckoning brewing that the mainstream media apparatuses Democrats stuck to are no longer sufficient, and that its time for the libs to own a durable apparatus to take on the right wings domination of their once-favorite mediums. And frankly, theres no need for any Trump opponents now to be on X for the same reasons that theyre not on Gab, Gettr, Truth Social, or wherever else: It will be just another version of those far-right sites, but bigger, and with more prebuilt traction. Remember, too, that what always made Twitter/X more potent and desirable to those right-wingers was the fact that there were libs on the platform they could dunk on and to whom they could present themselves in opposition. Why continue to give them that satisfaction? As soon as I share this piece, I plan to lock my old Twitter account (with some info in case any friends wanna catch me elsewhere) and never tweet from it again. The site I once loved is well and truly gone for good, it took me too long to come to terms with that, and its now far past time for something differentbecause were going to need something way, way different to fend off the renewed threats a reelected, re-emboldened Trump poses. Plenty of folks already understand this and are leaving, in large numbers, yet again. Ill probably maintain a burner account there for research purposes (like I have on Truth Social, for whenever Im assigned to inform libs on what the hell is going on there), but theres no need to put any of us through the exhausting liberal takes, the gloating far-right responses, and the all-but-inevitable algorithm changes that will smother dissenting users for good, under a steaming pile of Trump rants and A.I. slop. We had a good run. Now its time to run somewhere else. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) November is National Care at Home Month, and to celebrate, several local healthcare organizations came together to participate in Sioux Citys first Caregiver Olympics. I was watching the Olympics this summer and I was thinking of something fun to do with our caregiving team, Visiting Angels owner and director Kristen Hammerstrom said. Then I was at a meeting with some of the other [home care organizations] and I floated the idea to them and they said that would be awesome. Sioux Honey teams up with the Food Bank of Siouxland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care month, nine Sioux City caregiving teams went head-to-head competing in a relay race with specialized in-home care tasks. A lot of bed-making happens in homes, we strip beds and wash the sheets and put it back on, so thats obviously an important part of caregiving, Hammerstrom said. The sorting of socks, we do a lot of laundry. The dressing of somebody, sometimes people need help getting dressed. And then of course we make all kinds of meals, not just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but we thought that would be a fun way to highlight some of the things caregivers do in the home. While the event was a way to bring awareness to Siouxlands several home care options, it was also a way to recognize the hard work caregivers provide every day. Its unseen a lot of the time because most of the time its a family member caring for a family member, Hammerstrom said. So we just want people to know that if you need help caring for somebody at home there is somebody here that can help, because its important for caregivers, especially family caregivers, to get a break. Because its hard being a caregiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as it is difficult to be a caregiver, it is also difficult for these employees too to help and take care of families, so this is just our light heartfelt fun moment to help people, Hospice of Siouxland marketing & fund director Kim Wilson said. Sioux City LiveServe hosting 2 special blood drives in November Despite the friendly competitive atmosphere, all nine teams shared one common goal. While we might be competitors, at the end of the day our main goal is to care for patients and make sure that our patients and their loved ones are taken care of. That is our main goal, Wilson said. I just think its so great that we can all come together and just really showcase to Siouxland all of the avenues that are available for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Care Initiatives Hospice took home the first Caregiver Olympics gold medal, along with several gift cards to local stores and restaurants. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux Honey is teaming up with the Food Bank of Siouxland to provide residents with something sweet and nutritious just in time for the holidays. With a generous act of community support, Sioux Honey has donated over 6,000 bottles of honey to the Food Bank of Siouxland. Last year was the first time Sioux Honey donated to the food bank, and this year, they wanted to double it to support the health and well-being of residents in the Siouxland area with a long-lasting shelf life preservative. Sioux City LiveServe hosting 2 special blood drives in November Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest thing for us and our partners is to get that product that is shelf-stable and is very nutritious, Food Bank of Siouxland executive director Jacob Wanderscheid said. This product will last a very long time for the people that receive it, and we dont typically get items like this, so it is a great time, great product, lots of health benefits. Sioux Honey officials say theyre committed to providing more donations in the upcoming months. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Treated me like an insignificant cockroach: JPMorgan Chase denies NY widow her husbands $53K pension pot Elaine Silverberg, a 73-year-old widow, has been fighting JPMorgan Chase for 13 years over their refusal to pay her late husband's estimated $331 monthly pension. When her husband Melvyn Silverberg passed away suddenly in 1988 at age 43 from multiple organ failure, Elaine was just 37 and left to raise three children on her own. The largest bank in country, which reported $12.9 billion in profits last quarter, has denied her the pension claiming she lacks "necessary documentation." Don't miss Now after sitting untouched for more than 35 years, the unpaid amount has grown to $53,000, according to the New York Post report. 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, she told the outlet. "If Jamie Dimon were aware of this, he would wish to do the right thing and honor the pension." JPMorgan Chase remains firm in their stance. While we sympathize with Mrs. Silverberg, she is asking us to pay without necessary documentation, a spokesperson said to the New York Post We follow the terms of our pension plan that would not permit individual exceptions. But does the bank have the right to withhold her husband's pension? Here's what you need to know to avoid facing a similar battle. Is she entitled to the benefits? Melvyn Silverberg worked for a decade until 1979 as a systems analyst at Chase Manhattan Bank, a company that would later merge with JPMorgan in 2000. Despite his service, JPMorgan Chase has consistently denied Elaine access to his pension, citing incomplete paperwork as the problem. JPMorgan claims that Melvyn never filled out a form that elected his wife to benefit from his pension upon his death despite the bank sending him letters. Elaine insists they never arrived. She would be entitled to his pension automatically except Melvyn left Chase Manhattan before the 1984 Retirement Equity Act was passed. This amendment to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) made sure spouses automatically received survivor benefits from pension plans. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Police in Salt Lake City are investigating a shooting that took place in the parking lot of West High School that injured a 15-year-old and sent them to the hospital. The 15-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting. According to SLCPD, the investigation started around 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. It was during the investigation that SROs from SLCPD learned there may have been a gang connection to the incident and requested assistance from the SLCPD Gang Unit. Man indicted on voyeurism charges in Davis Co., also faces charges in Cache Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police interviewed the patient who was shot at the hospital and started searching the parking lot of West High School for evidence. Based on SLCPDs preliminary investigation, a group of teens gathered in a parking at West High, many appeared to know one another and were reportedly involved in a conflict. At some point, a gun was fired and struck the 15-year-old. After that, everyone fled the parking lot. SLCPD says that detectives are working with the high schools administration and SLCPD SROs to identify the people in the parking lot before, during, and after the shooting. Police are seeking tips on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives are asking that anyone with information on this case call 801-799-3000 and ask to speak with a police officer. Detectives believe there may be people who have video or photos that could assist with this investigation, SLCPD said. With the shooting occurring on the property of West High, LCPD will have additional patrols at the school on Friday. Police say there is no evidence to suggest any greater threat to the West High School community. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The San Luis Obispo Police Department arrested a homeless man on suspicion of attempted murder and torture on Tuesday after he allegedly beat and injured his girlfriend. Unhoused resident Albert Jason Lucas II of San Luis Obispo allegedly assaulted his 52-year-old girlfriend while staying in a homeless encampment near the creek behind South Higuera Street, police said. Police say Lucas, 53, committed the crime between midnight and 6 a.m. and then fled the scene. Police found the woman near Prado Road and Higuera Street later that day. She had facial injuries, and emergency responders sent her to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers then found Lucas near Elks Lane and Prado Road and arrested him without incident. Lucas was in possession of evidence related to the assault, police said in the news release. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office formally charged him on Thursday with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, dissuading a witness by force or threat, false imprisonment, domestic violence with a prior domestic violence conviction, torture causing great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, violating a domestic violence restraining order, domestic violence during the commission of a felony, terrorist threats and a probation violation, police said. The office also charged him with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Lucas was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail. Anyone with information about the assault can call Detective Marques at 805-594-8060. KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) Small businesses across Eastern N.C. are getting help to grow. The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a series of national town halls with mayors from cities and towns across the country. One of those events took place Thursday in Kinston. This is to hopefully help bring additional access to information for people hoping to start small businesses in Eastern N.C. What its about is bringing real resources right to the streets, small businesses, how to get access to capital, how to grow and build a business, how to do government contracting, something we dont normally get here in Eastern North Carolina, Regional Administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration Allen Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is going to happen today is that theyre going to be able to have access to the information to figure out how to start their business, how to expand their business and how to have access to the money, Kinston Mayor Don Hardy said. So, we are excited to be able to offer these opportunities, the resource tables that we do have. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. (Bloomberg) -- Stock markets in Europe are likely to find some relief from a snap election call in Germany this week as it could prompt corporate tax cuts and deregulation, according to Citigroup Inc. strategists. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germanys benchmark DAX Index outperformed Thursday after Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, ended his three-party alliance with the Greens and fiscally conservative Free Democrats. While the gauge was caught up in a global market risk-off day on Friday, investors are optimistic that early elections next year will bring a much needed economic boost. While new coalition partners are still undetermined, Citigroup strategist Beata Manthey said a potential corporate tax cut to 25% from 30% would boost earnings-per-share by about 2% for DAX members and 3% for constituents of the mid-cap MDAX Index. These latest political developments are likely positive for German equities and the overall European market, Manthey wrote in a note. European stocks have come under pressure in recent weeks from an underwhelming corporate earnings season, a weak economy in key market China and worries about potential tariffs after a US presidential win for Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: German Economy Minister Habeck Returns to X After Five Years Scholz is trying to stave off a fresh election until March to give his beleaguered party a chance to recover. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz and his conservative CDU/CSU alliance, which has a big lead in polls, want the vote to happen sooner. While political uncertainty usually tends to hurt investor sentiment, the outlook is different for Germany as corporates there are seen as having suffered under the coalition. Sectors including automakers, banks, defense, energy and yield-sensitive real estate have been hit hard. Barclays Plc strategists also called the early election a silver lining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany faces deep structural problems, which may require public investment but also important supply side reforms, strategist Emmanuel Cau said. Unlike some of the other countries in the region, they do have fiscal space. In that regard, we think the snap poll may be seen as a positive catalyst for the region. Over at JPMorgan Chase & Co., economists remain skeptical about the outlook as they see a high probability of a lack of majority in the new government. Analysts at the bank said while any impact of weaker loan growth on banks including Deutsche Bank AG and Commerzbank AG should be manageable, theyre taking a more cautious approach to provisions than company guidance for 2025. They also warned that the CDU has taken a more negative view with respect to Unicredit SpAs stake build-up in Commerzbank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense sector remains very attractive, but it could face risks from a less pro-defense government, while Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Deutsche Post AG have exposure to the German market and could see some impact from weaker consumer or business confidence, the JPMorgan analysts said. --With assistance from Henry Ren, Farah Elbahrawy, Sagarika Jaisinghani and Jan-Patrick Barnert. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. CEDAR CREST, N.M. (KRQE) Residents in Cedar Crest, like many New Mexicans, spent Thursday dealing with snow and being met with road closures because of it. So I usually wake up around 3 oclock to get to work by 4. I work in Albuquerque, Im a transportation driver, but I couldnt even get out of our driveway. I drive a Nissan Versa so its very tiny, it literally was almost covering my tires, said Naomi Carrillo, a Cedar Crest resident. The New Mexico Department of Transportation issued warnings to drivers about difficult road conditions in the Interstate 40 area through Tijeras toward Moriarty. NMDOT said they helped more than 200 vehicles on the side of I-40 east of the Metro area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LIST: Snow totals in New Mexico for early November 2024 storm This is a pretty good one. Usually, well get two to three inches but then it doesnt last you know well get a couple of warm days then it melts but the key word is it was planned. I mean they said it was coming. Its those ones you dont know that are coming, or it catches everybody off guard, said Joe Lenninger, a Cedar Crest resident. Many businesses in the area stayed closed or closed early due to the weather. Between five and 15 inches of snow have fallen in the East Mountains over the last 24 hours. The storm is expected to clear up on Saturday. Weather Information Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Wednesdays winter storm has wreaked havoc on roads, forcing interstate and highway closures statewide. KRQE News 13 spoke with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and a driver about the consequences of those closures. Weather Information Ron Thieme is one of the drivers stuck in dangerous conditions near Clines Corners overnight: I dont know if Im going to be spending the night here, were just left hanging, and its upsetting. We dont know if were ever gonna get out of here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thieme and his daughters are driving through from Florida on their way to Montana; but last night, they got stuck in the winter storm on I-40 east of Clines Corners. We ended up spending the night in our car, we werent able to move forward, trucks all around, and we couldnt get around them without getting stuck off the road, Thieme said. They drove smack dab into just one of the many road closures being felt across the state. So pretty much the northeastern part of the state is in severe driving conditions, said Travis Martinez, public information officer for NMDOT District 4. US64 between Raton and Clayton, US56 from Springer to Clayton, and Raton Pass to the Colorado border were all closed Thursday with blizzard conditions. Our trucks are having a hard time keeping up with the snowfall and drifting, Martinez said, once the trucks push the snow off to the side of the road, a lot of that snow gets blown back onto the road by the high winds that are coming off of the mountains there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMDOT says its also heard from the drivers stuck near Clines Corners. Ive gotten calls from stranded motorists and theres really nothing we can do, you know were coming at it from the back end, try to pull the people who are causing the problem out, and then theres more behind them, said Jim Murray, public information officer for NMDOT District 5. More snow is expected, leaving Thieme with nothing but frustration, what Im really having a problem with is that its easy enough to drive into this storm but I cant drive out because they closed the highway down on the west side of the storm. Unable to turn around or get any help from emergency responders Thursday afternoon, Thieme says hes lucky the family packed supplies before hitting the road. Luckily we filled up right before we got on so were down to about half a tank; weve been living on a couple of bottles of water and a few sandwiches, Thieme said. NMDOT is telling drivers to stay off the roads, as the snow is expected to continue across much of New Mexico through Friday. If you have to be out, they are urging people to stay 50 feet away from plows, do not try to pass them and pack warm clothes, food, and water in case you get stuck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. In 1966, law enforcement agencies abandoned a case involving the death of a 7-year-old boy from Michigan whose remains had been found in Mequon, dismissing charges against the boy's adoptive parents who admitted to killing their son but could not be tied to the skeleton at the time. Now, around 65 years later, Wisconsin researchers and law enforcement agencies have solved the cold case of Markku Jutila born as Chester Breiney through genetic genealogy, according to a Nov. 8 release from the Ozaukee County Sheriff's office. Human remains found Oct. 4, 1959, in Mequon On Oct. 4, 1959, a Milwaukee woman picking wildflowers happened upon the head of what was then thought to be a young girl in a culvert off Davis Road, north of Bonniwell Road and south of Pioneer Road in the City of Mequon, according to reporting from the Milwaukee Journal published on March 28, 1966. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, police found additional remains in a partially burnt cardboard box and began an initial investigation, pursuing over 200 leads. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies in Houghton County, Michigan, were conducting their own investigation into a possible missing child, Markku Jutila. Family members of William and Hilja Jutila had become suspicious of the whereabouts of the couple's adopted child, Markku, and filed a complaint with police in Michigan, according to the Milwaukee Journal. Hilja's brothers had visited William and Hilja several times in Chicago where the couple had recently relocated, asking each time about where the child was. Reporting from the Milwaukee Journal published on March 28, 1966, offers insight into the death of 7-year-old Markku Jutila, born Chester Breiney, who was killed by his adoptive parents before his remains were found in Mequon. Couple admitted to killing son, fleeing and putting him in culvert, according to reporting from 1966 William and Hilja were questioned by Chicago police. Police said the couple spoke to each other in Finnish in an effort to coordinate their stories during questioning, unaware that the officer also spoke Finnish, according to the Milwaukee Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William eventually admitted the child had died in his arms after being beaten by his wife while they were still in Houghton. When confronted, Hilja began to weep and admitted, "Yes. He's dead. We put him in a culvert," according to the Milwaukee Journal. During the interview with police, the couple also admitted to disposing of the childs body in a ditch in Mequon while fleeing Houghton, in Upper Michigan, for Chicago. The couple had left Houghton in such a hurry that clothes were left hanging in the backyard and food was left cooking on the stove, the Chicago Tribune reported. During further psychiatric evaluations, the couple claimed that Markku had been ill for several days before he was found dead in his room, according to the Nov. 8 Sheriff's Office release. They claimed they traveled to Chicago out of fear of what had happened and dumped the child's body on the side of the road along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement agencies found that the human remains located in the culvert had features similar to Markku's. Seven years after Markku's remains were found, the Jutilas were arrested and extradited to Houghton County for prosecution, per the Nov. 8 release. On Nov. 11, 1966, The Milwaukee Sentinel reported that the case against William and Hilja Jutila was dismissed. Charges against the couple were dismissed in November 1966 On November 10, 1966, charges were dismissed because of the "absence of corpus delicti and the failure of the prosecution to connect the skeleton of the child found in Mequon with the defendants," according to the release. (Corpus delicti, or "body of the crime" in Latin, refers to the legal standard of evidence needed to prove a crime has been committed before a person can be convicted.) The case was left cold until October of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's when Dr. Jordan Karsten, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh professor and chair of the Anthropology, Global Religions, and Cultures Department, along with Hannah Moos-Classon, Madison State Crime Lab Analyst, ran tests on skeletal remains identified to be related to the 1959 death in Mequon. Karsten and Moos-Classon reached out to Neil McGrath, Wisconsin Department of Justice special agent in the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Scott Heller, an Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office detective. Karsten explained how a radiographic comparison of the skull for Case 6426 matched the cranial and mandibular radiographs Moos-Classon had provided relating to the Ozaukee County's records on the case, which matched details of Markku's death. The researchers and investigators sought to identify the remains further, utilizing DNA extracted from the skull and conducting investigative genealogy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis by Bode Technology Labs in May of 2024 determined the remains belonged to a male individual, but the DNA profile returned no matching results when entered into CODIS, or the Combined DNA Index System, a national database of DNA profiles used to solve crimes and identify missing people. In July, investigators sought further DNA analysis assistance from Othram Labs. William and Hilja Jutila appeared in felony court in Chicago on charges of murdering their 6-year-old adopted son, according to this photo published in the Milwaukee Journal in March of 1966. Investigators used court records and newspaper articles to gather information While awaiting those results, investigators reviewed court records and 1960s newspaper articles, including several from the Milwaukee Journal, according to the Sheriff's Office. Most of the original investigative reports from the time were unable to be recovered due to the time that had passed. Based on those news stories, McGrath sought records from Houghton County Probate Court and the Houghton Good Will Farm orphanage, now called U.P. Kids, held by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records revealed that the birth name for Markku Jutila was Chester Alfred Breiney, who was born on Feb. 26, 1952. Chesters birth mother was listed as Josephine Breiney of Houghton, Michigan, and the father was listed as unknown. The adoption records also showed Chester was admitted to the Good Will Farm orphanage, and was later adopted by the Jutilas on March 24, 1955. Further examination of the remains revealed they were from an individual who most likely suffered significant neglect based on dental health, as well as new bone formation resulting from either infection, trauma or bleeding, according to the Nov. 8 release. "The individual may have suffered from rickets and also had a healed fracture on one of the left ribs," per the Sheriff's Office. Investigators used DNA to discover matches to family members In September 2024, investigators entered the skull DNA into a public source DNA database, which unearthed several matches to members of the Breiney family, particularly Josephine Breiney, Chester's mother. Josephine Breiney died in 2001 and had no living relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chesters adoptive parents, William and Hilja Jutila, whod been implicated in the death of the child, both died in 1988, meaning there will be no future prosecution in this case, according to the Sheriffs Office. "Child abuse is real. So many children are affected by the trauma they receive at the hands of people who are supposed to love and nurture them," the Sheriff's Office said in its release. Funeral for Chester Breiney will be held Nov. 15 in Port Washington A funeral for Chester Breiney will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the St. John XXIII Parish - St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. A procession will follow to St. Marys Parish Cemetery located off of West Beutel Road in Port Washington, west of Holden Street. Donations in memory of Chester can be sent to the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center, which advocates for children and is an integral partner to law enforcement, Ozaukee County and surrounding communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although no one will be prosecuted for Chester Alfred Breineys death, Chester may now rest in peace as the truth of his death is known. No child should leave this earth like Chester did," the Sheriff's Office said. "Its been 65 years since Chester was murdered, however, he was never forgotten." Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Agencies crack 65-year-old cold case of remains found in Mequon DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) Some Central Illinois students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world. Vermilion Advantage took high school students on a two-day tour to area businesses giving them ideas of where to go after graduating. DACC accepting applications for board vacancy I think theres a big misconception of Oh I cant do that here, Jodie Ingram, Vermilion Advantage economic and community development coordinator, said. Yes you can, theres something for everyone in Vermilion County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 150 high school students got to see that firsthand. Vermilion Advantages Tour of Industries took teens to nine businesses. This is the first year that weve expanded, so were doing a manufacturing tour, a healthcare tour and a mixed industries tour, Ingram said. One of the stops on the tour was Tridan International. Students got to see the technology and innovation it takes to send machinery around the world. The business has over 1000 customers across 62 countries. Theyre the only place in the world that makes a portable mechanical tube expander. Taylorville students send resources to hurricane victims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something, once again, never knew happened in Danville didnt know it was a thing, Ingram said. So, it was really cool to actually get to see it firsthand and see people out there working. The tours try to keep young talent in the area. Vermilion County, as well as everywhere, is having some workforce issues and shortages, Ingram said. I think a lot of times we get stuck in this mindset where were a small town, I want to do this but Im going to have to move away, and thats fine if they want to. But I dont want them to move away because they dont know whats available. Organizers said they hope to expand the tours next year potentially adding new stops and careers along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if it kind of kick starts them into being like What do I want to do, what is available start asking the questions, I think thats a success, Ingram said. Vermilion Advantage is planning to hire a workforce education position. The role will further connect industries and schools to help students explore careers in the county. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. By Tim Cocks JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa is concerned by the impact Donald Trump's election as the next president of the United States may have on talks to tackle climate change, its environment minister said on Friday. Trump's election and the collapse of Germany's coalition government this week have come right before COP29 talks aimed at curbing global warming, which scientists blame for destructive hurricanes, floods and heatwaves across the world this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are concerned about America because we don't know what they're going to do ... how (it) is going to approach COP," South African Environment Minister Dion George told Reuters. "Mr. Trump said that he would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, but we don't know what will happen," George added in a telephone interview on Friday. International partners are concerned that the prospect of an administration led by Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, will de-motivate poor and middle-income countries who want rich nations to shoulder more of its financial burden. South Africa, which is one of the world's top 15 greenhouse gas emitters and accounts for 30% of the continent's emissions, has accepted $11.6 billion from rich nations, mainly in loans, for a switch from coal to renewable energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is seen as a potential model for other 'Global South' countries who say financing pledges of $100 billion, which took years to come through, are insufficient. "It's certainly not enough. We need another target," George said. "But then the question is: as the voter base is shifting in developed economies, are they actually going to pay it?" The South African minister said he had been reassured by German officials that Europe's stance at the COP29 climate talks will not be hurt by Berlin's political crisis. George said that Jennifer Morgan, Germany's state secretary for international climate action, had contacted him to say it will be up to the European Union to maintain leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their position is not changed and that is how they will approach COP," George said, adding: "They're on Team Europe. The European Union and German have clearly set out their objectives." (Reporting by Tim Cocks; Editing by Alexander Smith) If Donald Trump adopts a "hostile" approach toward Beijing in his second term as US president, China has many tools in its toolbox to respond, a former top US official on China policy said this week. Rick Waters, who until last year served in Joe Biden's administration as US deputy assistant secretary of state for China and Taiwan, said on Wednesday that Beijing is trying to determine how Trump will deal with China in his second term. "What is going to happen in the next weeks will be an effort, largely by Beijing, to establish some authoritative channel to figure out whether they're going to get the transactional administration or the angry one," Waters said. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. He also warned about the risk of escalating tensions regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea during the 10 weeks of transition to a second Trump administration. Waters, now a managing director of the Eurasia Group's China practice, led the State Department's China House from 2022 to 2023, a unit set up under President Biden to address Washington's growing rivalry with Beijing. He said that during Trump's first term, US-China policy split into two periods: the first three years, 2017-19, was more "transactional" as Trump aimed to reach a deal with China to reduce the large trade deficit between them. Trump imposed tariffs on over US$300 billion worth of Chinese goods and pushed Beijing to sign an agreement requiring it to buy an additional US$200 billion of American goods and services in a two-year period. The pact, known as the Phase 1 trade deal, was signed on January 15, 2020, just before Covid-19 became a worldwide problem, and Beijing fell well short of the target, at least in part because pandemic-related supply chain disruptions hampered exports. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, China bought only 58 per cent of the total US goods and services exports over 2020-21 it had committed to buy under the agreement, and bought none of the added US$200 billion of US exports. Waters described 2020, the last year of Trump's first administration, as an "angry" period, featuring his persistence on blaming China for the Covid-19 pandemic and using language that precipitated attacks on Asian-Americans. That year, the Trump administration also increased accusations that China was conducting espionage on US soil, and closed the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas. PIERRE, S.D. (KCAU) The South Dakota Secretary of States office says almost 70 percent of registered voters in the state cast ballots in the general election. In southeast South Dakota, Clay County had more than 67 percent of its registered voters cast more than 5,700 ballots. In Lincoln County, nearly 76 percent of registered voters went to the polls, resulting in just over 37,000 ballots cast. Siouxland sees smaller voter turnout at 2024 presidential election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over in Union County, 70.5 percent of voters went to the polls, casting almost 8,900 ballots. Finally, in Yankton County, a little more than 74 percent of voters went to vote, resulting in just more than 11,000 ballots cast. More than 436,000 ballots were cast in total. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Authorities in Southern California on Friday attempted to gain control over a fast-moving wildfire that torched dozens of homes and businesses, shuttered schools and forced over 10,000 people to evacuate. Fueled by strong wind gusts, the so-called Mountain Fire exploded in size after it was first reported Wednesday morning in Somis, an unincorporated community in Ventura County. Inspection teams reported the fire destroyed at least 132 structures, mostly homes, and damaged 88 others as it spread to more populous neighborhoods northwest of Malibu and Los Angeles. As of Friday morning, the fire had engulfed 20,596 acres and was 7% contained, according to the the state's wildfire-fighting agency, Cal Fire. Dozens of schools and colleges canceled classes on Thursday and Friday as the fire knocked out power and triggered nearly two dozen road closures. Meanwhile, a pair of water companies issued warnings to residents advising them not to drink or boil water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the blaze burned in steep, rugged terrain, hampering firefighters' efforts to quell the flames. Crews also grappled with low pressure as the expansive emergency operation overwhelmed the local water system. A Los Angeles County firefighter battles flames as a home burns from the Mountain Fire on Nov. 6, 2024 in Camarillo, California. Pushed by strong winds, the fire has burned across more than 10,000 acres since it began this morning. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said at a news conference that 10 people were injured, including several from smoke inhalation; none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. A firefighter was among the victims, according to Cal Fire. Fryhoff said 400 homes were evacuated on Thursday and 250 residents decided to stay despite evacuation orders, which were active across 12 zones and affected the Camarillo, Ventura, Santa Paula and Fillmore areas. About 800 homes were empty when emergency responders arrived to warn people about the danger. "The devastation is absolutely heartbreaking," Fryhoff said. Water providers tell some residents not to drink or boil water A pair of water companies that service Ventura County warned residents Friday not to drink or boil water, citing damage from the Mountain Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to the MOUNTAIN FIRE, some structures in the Crestview Mutual Water Company were destroyedby the fire, and some areas in the water system lost pressure," read one notice issued to residents who live on 13 different streets in the county. "These conditions may have caused harmful contaminants, including benzene and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), to enter the water system." "Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, and making ice and food preparation until further notice," it added. The Pleasant Valley Mutual Water Company issued a similar warning, advising residents on at least five different streets that the water is not safe to drink or boil. Additionally, 180 customers at the highest elevation in the area "are experiencing no water service until they can receive and hook up a standby generator," according to Ventura County. While Santa Ana winds subsided, they could return next week The Mountain Fire's explosive growth was fueled by a Santa Ana wind event that brought strong wind gusts to Ventura County and other parts of Southern California this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service office in Los Angeles recorded peak gusts of 26 mph in the valleys of southeastern Ventura County. A red flag warning across the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties expired Friday morning. As the winds subsided, so did the fire's explosive growth, giving officials hope they could begin to rein in the flames. However, the strong gusts could soon reemerge. Dr. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, said a weak to moderate Santa Ana wind event is expected early to middle of next week, which could raise fire risk. Mountain Fire triggers flurry of school closures A number of Ventura County school districts and colleges closed as the Mountain Fire continued to rage and disrupt the lives of thousands of residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the closures on Thursday and Friday were Oxnard College, Moorpark College and Ventura College as well as dozens of county school districts. The individual schools under evacuation orders serve well over 70,000 students, according to a list compiled by the Ventura County Office of Education. When the fire erupted early Wednesday morning, several schools were in session and had to evacuate. Students, faculty and staff of Camarillo Heights Elementary School had to flee, according to a statement from the Pleasant Valley School District. Oxnard Union High School District closed down eight high schools and transported students from one school to another to be picked up. Jesus Vaca, principal of Somis School, said the 219-student campus was in the "lucky part of town" and didn't have to evacuate. However, some students stayed on campus after the school day was over because their family homes are within the evacuation zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaiah Murtaugh, Ventura County Star Mountain Fire overwhelms water system, hampers operations In addition to the rugged terrain, weak water pressure became an obstacle for fire crews attempting to gain a foothold and halt the fire's spread. Officials said the water system was being used to fill hundreds of engines and that every fire hydrant was being tapped. "There was so much firefighter demand for (fire) suppression that it overwhelmed the system," said Ian Prichard, deputy general manager for the Calleguas Municipal Water District, which provides water to roughly three quarters of Ventura County residents. Firefighters adapted. They went to lower elevations, filled up water tankers and brought that supply to the engines in the hills, Prichard said. However, power outages also hampered their efforts, forcing the use of portable generators. The fire also burned a water pumping station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews plan to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and lower winds at night by flying helicopters and dropping fire-retardant chemicals, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said at a news conference Thursday. He said he expects crews will spend "the next four or five days getting this under control." Tony Biasotti and Tom Kiske Ventura County Star Gov. Gavin Newsom signs emergency declaration in Ventura County California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced a state of emergency in Ventura County and said he secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to "help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire." Newsom said 3,500 homes structures and businesses were threatened by the wildfire. In response to the Mountain Fire and other blazes across the state, the governor positioned 48 pieces of firefighting equipment, nine helicopters and over 100 personnel throughout 19 counties since Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a dangerous fire thats spreading quickly and threatening lives. State resources have been mobilized to protect communities, and this federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration will give state and local firefighters the resources they need to save lives and property as they continue battling this aggressive fire," Newsom said in a statement. As of early Friday, over 2,400 personnel have been assigned to Mountain Fire in a large containment effort involving 378 fire engines, 14 helicopters and 17 bulldozers, according to Cal Fire. November 7, 2024 : Jon McMullen searches for his family possessions in the Camarillo Heights neighborhood along Cerro Crest and Valley Vista Drive a day after the Mountain Fire swept through the area. Red flag warnings active in Southern California While red flag warnings in Ventura County had expired by Friday afternoon, the advisories urging people not to burn anything outdoors were in place throughout other parts of Southern California. The National Weather Service office in San Diego issued a red flag warning for parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, citing danger posed by northeast winds and humidity levels of 5 to 10%. "Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," the weather service warned. "Outdoor burning is not recommended." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Areas under red flag warnings are experiencing "critical fire weather," meaning there's a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures that can fuel "extreme fire behavior." Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mountain Fire destroys homes, prompts evacuations in California The wife of an Illinois circuit court judge has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, Illinois State Police said Thursday. Megan S. Valentine, 44, of Albion, faces the murder charge along with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery in connection with the death of Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, according to a news release from Illinois State Police. Edwards County Sheriffs Office responded to a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion on Tuesday afternoon and a deputy observed the body of Michael Valentine laying outside the residence. Megan Valentine was taken into custody and is being held in the White County Jail. The Illinois States Attorney Appellate Prosecutors Office filed the charges Thursday. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Transylvanias name derives from a Latin term meaning beyond the forest, but its the destinations gothic links most people have a hard time looking past. Over 125 years after Bram Stokers Dracula was first published, this region in central Romania still haunts the imagination as the homeland of the worlds most famous vampire. There are certainly enough impervious woods and forbidding fortresses to persuade the visitor that the whispers might be true; this is a mysterious land, where legends come alive and predators stalk in the darkness. But come, and youll soon realise the medieval citadels in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains are more fairytale than horror story. Theres a new wave of cafes, craft shops and galleries, while cultural projects are breathing life back into rural settlements. Theyre home to a mix of Romanians, Roma, Hungarians and Saxons, and some preserve customs that are much as they have been since the Middle Ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are other changes afoot, too. An airport in the local hub of Brasov opened in 2023, making the region more accessible to international travellers. A thrice-weekly direct flight from London soon followed. So, as Count Dracula famously said to his guests, enter freely. With its ancient culture and newfound energy, Transylvania is sure to draw anyone under its spell. Day 1: Castles & coppersmiths Morning In Brasov, a medieval city with red-tiled roofs and gothic spires, hire a car and head out early to beat the tour buses to 14th-century Bran Castle, 20 miles south. Many believe this fortress, with its bulky turrets and mountain perch, was the real-life inspiration for Castle Dracula. But while Vlad Tepes the 15th-century Wallachian prince on whom the bloodthirsty count was based might have visited once, Stoker never set foot in Transylvania at all. You cant blame the souvenir-sellers outside the castle for peddling its credentials, but displays inside separate fiction from fact. Fifteen minutes south is Rasnov Fortress, a medieval hilltop citadel that has even better views of the forest-clad Carpathians. Afternoon Return to Brasov for a lunch of beef cheek with black truffles at Sub Tampa. Afterwards, take a look at the red-capped clock tower of the Black Church. The countrys largest gothic church, it earned its name from the scorch marks left by a fire that ravaged the town in 1689. Inside are medieval murals and artefacts, including a 4,000-pipe organ and a collection of Ottoman rugs. Come mid-afternoon, hit the road again. The drive to Sighisoara takes less than two hours, but if you dont mind a detour, take the route via the village of Brateiu, which adds an hour to the trip. Its home to a community of Caldarari coppersmiths Roma artisans whose handicrafts are displayed at stalls by the roadside. Evening Twilight is an atmospheric time in which to arrive at UNESCO-listed Sighisoara, the citadel believed to be the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, with its cloud-piercing turrets cutting an ominous silhouette against the rapidly blackening sky. Check into Casa Georgius Krauss, a former noblemans residence thats been turned into a boutique hotel. During the renovations, 17th-century Saxon frescoes and painted ceilings were discovered, which have since been restored and are now preserved in the nine opulent guest rooms. Transylvanian dishes such as pork marinated in tuica (a local plum brandy) are served at the restaurant, as well as wines sourced from various local producers. The Black Church, the countrys largest gothic church, earned its name from the scorch marks left by a fire that ravaged the town in 1689. Photograph by Mihail Onaca Day 2: Bike rides & bear hides Morning Consider skipping the kitsch, vampire-themed attractions to sink your teeth into some of Sighisoaras more authentic highlights. Start with a tour of the Clock Tower and History Museum of Sighisoara to learn about the Saxon craft guilds that once controlled the town. Then refuel at any of the colourful cafes lining Piata Cetatii (Citadel Square) youll need a strong dose of caffeine for the leg-busting climb up the 176-step Scholars Stairway. Its worth the walk to check out the Church on the Hill, Sighisoaras triple-nave cathedral. First built in the 13th century, it won a prize at the 2024 European Heritage Awards for the restoration of its ancient, faded frescoes and dazzling altarpieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afternoon A 30-minute drive from Sighisoara is Bike Check Inn. Hire an e-bike and breeze along country lanes to Viscri, a Saxon village dating to the 12th century. This was a thriving community for 800 years until a mass exodus in 1989 prompted by the fall of communist leader Nicolae Ceausescus regime threatened to consign its way of life to history. Foundations like the Mihai Eminescu Trust are now working to keep Viscris heritage alive through various initiatives. It helps that the villagers have British royalty championing their cause: drop by a crafts shop managed by the Kings Foundation, which stocks jams, artisanal cheeses and more. Evening Head back to Brasov for sundown, when the citys sleepy squares transform into hubs with live music and locals downing glasses of palinca. Brown bears are known to enter the town, but these sightings are, thankfully, rare. If youre keen to see one, its best to head to the surrounding forest under the supervision of seasoned guides, like those from tour operator Rolandia. If youre visiting between February and November, join them for a custom dusk tour to an observation hide. With over 6,000 bears in Romania the biggest population in Europe outside of Russia theres a high probability that youll soon spot the continents largest predators, as well as boars, foxes, deer and more. Head outside of the city and visit Balea Lake, a glacier lake high in the Fagaras Mountains. Photograph by Mihail Onaca Three more Saxon Villages to visit 1. Biertan Eight centuries ago, the Saxons were invited to settle in Transylvania by Hungarys King Geza II, who sought their help in defending his territory against Tatar and Turkish invasions. Predominantly Lutheran Christians, they built their villages around heavily fortified churches and the one in the village of Biertan, the most important religious centre of the Transylvanian Saxons for almost three centuries, is among the best in the region. Protected by three concentric walls, sturdy turrets and imposing battlements, the building is part of a UNESCO-listed group of fortified churches; spot it high on its own hilltop perch, right in the middle of the village. 2. Malancrav Situated in a curve of the Malancrav valley is a village thats home to over 100 Transylvanian Saxons the largest ethnic German community left in the region. They live alongside their Roma and Romanian neighbours in pastel-coloured houses bleached by the sun. Through restoration and cultural preservation projects, the Mihai Eminescu Trust has helped turn Malancrav village into a living museum, where craftspeople, from brickmakers to wickerworkers, uphold their traditions, and horse-drawn carts clip-clop along dusty roads. Stay in Apafi Manor, a guesthouse run by the Trust that was formerly the family home of the village rulers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Saschiz The Tarnava Mare area in southeastern Transylvania is known for its rolling pastureland, wildflower meadows and bucolic scenes of preindustrial agricultural life. All this makes the local village of Saschiz a picturesque spot for a picnic. Stock up on supplies at Pivnita Bunicii (Grandmas Cellar), a Saxon-style shop whose artisanal jams, juices and chutneys are made using locally sourced produce from small-scale organic farms. The village is also known for its traditional cobalt-blue ceramics, made here since the 18th century. Be sure to visit the Saschiz Pottery Workshop, for hands-on wheel classes with local craftspeople. Published in the November 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). WEST PALM BEACH A Boynton Beach man accused of defrauding a federal COVID-19 relief business loan program will serve time in prison after he pleaded guilty to state charges. Derrick Worrell, 48, pleaded guilty to one count each of money laundering and organizing a scheme to defraud $50,000 or more during a hearing on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Palm Beach County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Caroline Shepherd imposed a mitigated sentence of 10 years, meaning that Worrell's sentence will be reduced if he satisfies certain requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Worrell returns to court on Dec. 4 to turn himself in, and if he avoids any new law violations before then, his sentence will be reduced to five years and nine months, according to the terms of his plea agreement. More: Jury decides getaway driver's fate in 2017 shooting death of young father near Lantana COVID-19 relief business loan was used for personal expenses, investigators said Judge Caroline Shepherd at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida on August 7, 2023, before she sentenced Stephen Kruspe to 20 years in prison, with credit for the six he has served since his arrest. Kruspe pleaded guilty to manslaughter by assisted suicide in the death of his wife Pamela Kruspe in 2017. Worrell was one of six people arrested in March on allegations of stealing a total more than $3 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, an economic stimulus enacted in 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act. Federal officials intended the stimulus bill to help small businesses suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office in 2023 created a task force to investigate fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program claims, with charges to be pursued at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Worrell and the five others were either untruthful about having legitimate businesses or claimed they needed assistance from the program to pay nonexistent employees. Worrell reportedly received a loan of $490,996 for a tax-services company that purportedly had 26 employees and a monthly payroll of $184,399. The company's business entity, which incorporated in 2014, was inactive until being reinstated 10 days before officials disbursed the PPP loan to an account that Worrell controlled, investigators said. Bank records showed that some of the loan money was used for payroll expenses while the remainder was used primarily for personal expenses such as rental cars, groceries and online shopping. Worrell paid $52,240.33 in wages, taxes and payroll fees while using the remainder of the loan for personal expenses, investigators said. Sign up for our Post on Boynton Beach weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday! Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: $490K Paycheck Protection Program fraud sends Boynton man to prison SPRINGFIELD, Fla. (WMBB) After 6 years of planning, applying for grants, and losing employees, Springfield community members had a lot to celebrate Thursday morning. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce members joined Mayor Ralph Hammond and other city officials, putting on hard hats and looking to the citys future. Were here today to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new city complex. It will maintain public works, an up-to-date Fire Department, City Hall, and an up-to-date police department, all in one location, Springfield Mayor Ralph Hammond said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feel the holiday spirit early this year in Bay County Since Hurricane Michael the fire department has been working out of a trailer that has to be evacuated anytime theres a thunderstorm. The city hasnt had a good place for community assemblies, and not many people attend their commission meetings due to the lack of space. But thats all changes in about 17 months. Everything finally started coming through together and getting all the paperwork and FEMA and the state. And its been a challenge, to say the least. Things keep changing but were here. The contractor which is ReliantSouth starts work next Tuesday. They say by contract its about 17 months. They think they can get it done quicker than that, Hammond said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is receiving a little more than $14 million from FEMA. Leaders also partnered with Regions Bank for a loan after the pandemic sent prices skyrocketing. The project manager says the new facility will be state-of-the-art. Lynn Haven man arrested for armed robbery at a convenience store The state-of-the-art building and all the facilities will be in one place and the city staff and the city residents actually can come in one place and do all the city business, project manager Amir Zafar said. To take a virtual tour of each of the new city complex buildings, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis-area mail carrier is accused of stealing checks from mail and selling a Postal Service-issued key to access mail collection boxes. Cambria Hopkins, 29, of Florissant, Missouri, was arrested on Thursday. She was indicted on October 30 for one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery, and one count of unlawful use of a mail key. Hopkins pleaded not guilty to the charges following her arrest, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Louis eatery named LoveFood.coms most fantastic restaurant in America An indictment accuses Hopkins of accepting money from co-conspirator Malik A. Jones for her mail key, also known as a U.S. Postal Service arrow key. The indictment alleges Hopkins did this knowing that Jones was planning on using the key to steal mail in March 2022, during when she was a postal carrier based in Clayton, Missouri. According to the indictment, Hopkins also stole mail that came into her possession as a postal carrier, removed checks from that mail and provided those checks to Jones. Investigators say that Jones paid Hopkins in cash, electronically via CashApp and by buying her groceries. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement branch of the U.S. Postal Service charged with protecting the nations mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners, the Postal Inspection Service investigates and pursues those responsible for committing financial fraud stemming from the theft of mail. said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonca who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Hopkins could face up to 30 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines. Jones. meanwhile, pleaded guilty October 25 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page has been appointed Ambur Banner as the countys Director of the Human Services Department, according to a press release. In the new role, Banner will oversee programming like workforce development, the Weinman Shelter, and community development. Banner will also provide leadership for programs serving the youth, veterans, and older residents. Banner initially joined St. Louis County in Dec. 2023, serving as the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the countys Human Services Department. Banner will now serve as the full-time director, continuing her work in leading major initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amber alert: Mother and children abducted in Missouri Amburs extensive background in both public health and human services makes her an exceptional leader to serve the residents of Saint Louis County, Dr. Page said. With her at the helm, the department will continue to build impactful partnerships to ensure our communities receive the support they need to thrive. Before joining St. Louis County in Dec. 2023, Banner served as the Deputy Director of Public Health for a local health department in Kansas. Under that role, Banner was able to bring leadership in planning and operations, community health, and environmental health departments. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. (Reuters) -Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) (TSM) has notified Chinese chip design companies that it is suspending production of their most advanced AI chips from Monday, the Financial Times reported, citing three people familiar with the matter. TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, told Chinese customers it would no longer manufacture AI chips at advanced process nodes of 7 nanometres or smaller, FT said on Friday. The U.S. has imposed a raft of measures aimed at restricting the shipment of advanced GPU chips - which enable AI - to China to hobble its artificial intelligence capabilities, which Washington fears could be used to develop bioweapons and launch large-scale cyberattacks. Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed a $500,000 penalty on New York-based GlobalFoundries for shipping chips without authorization to an affiliate of blacklisted Chinese chipmaker SMIC. Any future supplies of the advanced AI chips by TSMC to Chinese customers would be subject to an approval process likely to involve Washington, according to the FT report. "TSMC does not comment on market rumour. TSMC is a law-abiding company and we are committed to complying with all applicable rules and regulations, including applicable export controls," the company said. The U.S. Department of Commerce did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The move to restrict exports to China comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating how a chip produced by the Taiwanese chipmaker ended up in a product made by China's heavily sanctioned Huawei. (Reporting by Rishi Kant in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Shounak Dasgupta) ST. LOUIS St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and her son were targeted by racist text messages sent to Black residents across several U.S. states over recent days, prompting an investigation involving the FBI and other authorities. Investigators report these messages were sent anonymously, mentioning the elected presidency of Donald Trump and themes of slavery. Messages have reportedly been sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, in several U.S. states. The St. Louis Mayors Office tells FOX 2 that her son received a message on Wednesday and Mayor Jones herself received an email with a similar message Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following these messages, a communications spokesperson for the Mayors Office sent this statement on behalf of Jones: Im furious that someone thought it was OK to send messages like that to children, or anyone else. I happened to be with my son when he got it, and Id seen it before, so I was ready to talk to him and tell him that it was a cruel hoax. It is completely unacceptable that anyone should have to deal with being referred to as property or less than any other human being, especially in a society where Black and Brown people have always been treated as second-class citizens, if weve been treated as citizens at all. The fact that this message is going around is a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do to get rid of this kind of ugliness in our country. Im afraid it is only going to get worse, as our nation is once again about to have a man at the top of our government who, time and time again, degrades other human beings because of their race, gender, or disability. The mayors office also sent a screenshot of an email message sent to Tishaura Jones, which FOX 2 is not sharing due to its sensitive nature. The message that Jones received did not address her by name, but addressed the recipient with an expletive and says the recipient has been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. The message told the recipient to be ready with belongings and claimed someone would pick them up and search them down. It also acknowledged Trump as being the president elect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Associated Press, leaders of several other civil rights organizations have condemned these messages, including Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, who said, Hate speech has no place in the South or our nation. Missouri State Rep. David Smith (D-Columbia) says similar messages have also been sent to college students in Columbia, Missouri. In a statement to FOX 2, he condemned the communications. The recent racist messages that have been sent to students around the country including those in our community are abhorrent and unacceptable. I urge the University of Missouri and all applicable local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this serious matter. These egregious acts are 100% unacceptable in our community and those responsible need to be held accountable. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Stanislaus County voter turnout for the presidential election was the lowest since 2012 despite 80% of eligible voters being registered. The elections office has tallied slightly over 126,000 ballots so far and still is counting about 81,900 vote-by-mail, provisional, conditional and miscellaneous ballots. After these are counted, voter turnout is expected to be 67%. Thats well below turnout in the two previous presidential elections: 78% in 2020 and 73% in 2016. In 2012, when President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were reelected, Stanislaus County turnout was 67%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Oct. 21, 80% of eligible voters were registered to vote in Stanislaus County, 4% less than California as a whole, but about what it was in the county in 2020. Of those registered, only around 39% voted in person on Election Day or submitted their vote-by-mail ballots before Election Day, according to the county registrar. The state of California currently shows a 48% voter turnout, with many vote-by-mail ballots received by Election Day yet to be counted. People vote at the Stanislaus County Registrar of Voters office in Modesto, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Tuesday, the vote center at 720 12th St. in downtown Modesto saw quick vote turnaround with voters trickling in periodically in the late afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivan Marquez, who voted downtown, said that the process was quick and he hoped that people would come out and do what they gotta do. Ryan Weidman, who voted at the same location, said there were not a lot of people in there. The largest registered block in terms of age range is the 26 to 35 year olds in Stanislaus, making up around 19% of registered voters. Young voters are often less likely to vote, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. So far, a little over 1,500 voters decided to skip the presidential race when casting their ballots. John Goering, 25, of north Modesto, who referred to himself as a left-leaning moderate, said he decided to leave the presidential section of his ballot blank because the strategy Democrats ran on didnt match his priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt appreciate how it felt like we had a candidate shoved down our throats without a say, he said. Many Democrats felt cheated when Joe Biden was chosen over Bernie Sanders. It felt the same way when Kamala Harris was chosen this year. Goering also said he was treated like an idiot by other Democrats for considering not voting for Harris. Registered party affiliations in the county are about even. Roughly 37% of registered voters were Democrats, 36% were Republicans and 19% had no party preference, with the remaining 8% split among third parties, according to registration as of Oct. 21. This is about the same as it was in the presidential election in 2020. The city of Modesto leans Democrat, with about 46,500 registered Democrats and 38,400 Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, the preliminary results indicate the county leaned considerably more right this election than expected based on registration alone. Republican candidates including Donald Trump and Steve Garvey retained a healthy majority of over 55% of the votes tallied in Stanislaus county to-date. Trump supporters drive through downtown Modesto, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Starbucks' online ordering app malfunctioned Thursday, the same day the coffee giant introduced its holiday-themed menu. The outage continued into Friday, triggering complaints from customers on social media who said they weren't able to pre-order drinks and avoid standing in line for two days in a row. Downdetector, which tracks website and app outages, collected more than 2,000 consumer complaints about the Starbucks app not working Thursday. The site received more than 2,300 reports of problems with the app Friday, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks app not working When a Starbucks customer complained on X that she couldn't use the app, the company replied that it is "currently experiencing a temporary outage of the order-ahead-and-pay feature in our app." "We continue to welcome and serve customers in our drive-thru and in-store," Starbucks wrote from its customer service account. By mid-morning Friday, Starbucks told CBS MoneyWatch that all functionality within the mobile app had been restored. The company did not indicate why the Starbucks app was not working. The coffee giant's app went down in July, too, caused by a global a global Microsoft outage that roiled industries, from airlines to health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Harris' campaign headquarters looked like on election night Multiple agencies investigating racist texts sent to random Black Americans in multiple states Jury deliberations continue Delphi, Indiana, double murder trial With the worlds focus on the other side of the Atlantic this week, Sir Keir Starmer is using the time to try to make some headway with his plan to smash the gangs responsible for people smuggling across the English channel. On Monday he announced more cash for his crime-busting border security command taking its total funding to 150m over two years despite concerns from some experts that the changes would not deter illegal migrants from coming to the UK and stop small boat crossings. On Thursday, the prime minister is set to use a visit to Hungary to announce new agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo to clamp down on organised immigration crime abroad through an increase in intelligence sharing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But will it work? While the threat of being sent to Rwanda did not result in a drop in people attempting the perilous journey across the Channel, the Conservatives did have some success with a partnership forged with Albania. 2022 saw a particularly high number of Albanians over 12,600 compared to 800 the previous year arriving on British shores, but this figure fell in 2023 to 2024 after the two countries signed a partnership agreement. Experts have been reluctant to conclude that the agreement alone was responsible for the drop, with the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford saying there may be other factors to consider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way Labour are keen to build on the Albanian deal with increased international collaboration on irregular migration and a new cash injection for border security. Stopping the small boats has been a key target of successive Conservative prime ministers, but with little success. The number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK has continued to rise, with more than 5,400 people having crossed the Channel in small boats last month the highest monthly figure since October 2022. Under Rishi Sunak, the Conservative government pledged 500m to the French police with money going on more equipment for border surveillance such as binoculars, drones, and dash-cams. An inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel on March 06, 2024 in the English Channel. (Getty Images) To get around the French polices surveillance, migrants have also spread out further along the coast, launching boats from new beaches in an attempt to avoid detection. However, this tactic often forces them to take longer and more dangerous routes, increasing their risk of death. 2024 has been the deadliest year for Channel migrant deaths on record, with over 65 people killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charities in northern France have also reported increased aggression by police towards migrants, including the routine dismantling of their makeshift camps, which is prompting more to consider making the dangerous journey across the Channel to escape their desperate circumstances. For charities on the ground in France, it sounds like more of the same and fails to acknowledge that if small boat migrants could apply for safe routes to come to the UK, most of the demand for smugglers would be removed. Care4Calais described the new plan as expensive, unworkable and most importantly deadly. Both Labour and the Tories have ruled out the easiest way of stemming the flow of small boat migrants - giving them a safe route to apply to come to the UK as refugees - saying they are politically unworkable. Sir Keir Starmers new national security adviser wrote an article a year ago in which he recommended a more relaxed attitude to engaging with terrorist groups. Jonathan Powell, who was Tony Blairs chief of staff during the last Labour government, was appointed to the crucial role by Sir Keir after the prime minister ditched Rishi Sunaks choice, vice-chief of the defence staff General Gwyn Jenkins. Mr Powell comes to the role from negotiating the controversial handover of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, but also brings a great deal of experience to the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Mr Blairs chief of staff, he played a critical role in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland and ending the Troubles there. Jonathan Powell, who served in Tony Blairs New Labour government, brings a great deal of experience to the role (PA Archive) He would later be brought back into government by Tory prime minister David Cameron to help resolve the problems in Libya in 2014. He was asked to lead the Chagos talks by former Tory prime minister Liz Truss and her then foreigjn secretary James Cleverly. But in a piece for The New Statesman in October 2023, Mr Powell also laid out his vision for the diplomatic role of the UK in matters of global security. This included a suggestion that Britain could unilaterally adopt a more relaxed attitude to engaging with non-state armed groups (which others call terrorists) and bring warring sides together here in the UK without having to worry about visas or clearing their travel plans with other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing on his own experience, he wrote: We dont have to try to be Switzerland or Norway, but we do have real-world experience in resolving our own conflicts, such as in Northern Ireland, as well as trying to prevent them elsewhere. We could play a role in resolving those conflicts where the US is not focused, including in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Israel/Palestine and, above all, the tragedy of the Sahel from Mali to Niger." His suggestion appears to support engaging more readily with militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, whose status as terrorist groups has been a matter of controversy in some quarters. The appointment has been criticised by the Tories, who are angry that Mr Sunaks choice was rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Conservative Party spokesperson said: Its disappointing the government have appointed another Labour apparatchik to a senior role, sidelining an experienced general. Mr Powells previous comments about the unimportance of British overseas territories are extremely concerning, and many will be worried that there is more to come. However, Sir Keir insisted that Mr Powell is uniquely qualified for the job, in which he will replace Tim Barrow. He said: Jonathan has devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country, having served for 17 years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office and 10 years as chief of staff in No 10, and I am delighted to appoint him to this important role. The State Fire Marshal has released a warning for Minnesotans regarding propane tanks after a father and his six children were left in critical condition following an explosion inside a storage container on Monday. The father and his five boys entered the storage container in Bagley to retrieve toys around 12:30 p.m. Unaware that a propane tank was leaking inside, the children entered first and didn't recognize the distinct odor of mercaptan, the additive that gives propane its gas smell. Their father lit a cigarette, igniting the gas inside the unit. It left the boys who are aged 6 to 14 and named Zander, Tannen, Braedynn, Kaeto, Keegan and their father in a critical but stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators have determined that the 100-pound propane cylinder, believed to be empty, contained enough residual gas to fill the storage container to dangerous levels. State Fire Marshal Dan Krier to warn Minnesotans to never to keep propane tanks inside, never assume a tank is empty, and to install alarms where possible. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe. A GoFundMe created by the boys' older sister, Kyra Frank, states all five were airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center and are now receiving treatment at the hospital's burn unit. An update by the boys' mother on CaringBridge Thursday read: "Not a big update. Over all, todays surgeries went well. There will be more tomorrow however so continued prayers are greatly appreciated. Boys are hanging in there. Got an actual smile today; eye contact, and even a slight wave so this mommas heart is singing for joy and appreciation!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Minnesota DPS even a small amount of residual gas can create a potentially explosive atmosphere in a confined space. Alarms are also an important tool for detection, due to some people having a reduced ability to detect the odorant used in propane. This family faces a long road to recovery, but they are bravely sharing their story so that nobody else experiences such a devastating accident, State Fire Marshal Dan Krier said. We hope this familys tragedy serves as a reminder to take precautions when storing and handling propane. View the original article to see embedded media. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events and may be subject to change. BOSTON (WWLP) Ballot question 2 passed, removing MCAS standardized testing as a high school graduation requirement. Healey asks that six be pardoned for crimes Since ballot question 2 passed, state leaders who were opposed to the measure are speaking up. Question 2 gets rid of MCAS standardized testing as a high school graduation requirement, to replace it with other requirements, like assessment of coursework and teacher feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Karen Spilka expressed her concerns about question 2 leading up to the election, saying MCAS is part of the rigorous system that makes Massachusetts a national leader in education. In late October, Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano both said they were not ready to rule out making legislative changes to this and other voter-approved laws. Spilkas office provided a statement to 22News, however, saying voters made their opinions clear on Question 2, and noting that further clarification on new policies will be provided by the Department of Education. Governor Maura Healey is also an outspoken no-voter on question 2. In a press conference on Wednesday, she addressed the questions passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voters have spoken on this and I think whats important now is that DECI get out the appropriate guidance right now in terms of implementation, said Healey. When asked if she would consider supporting a legislative measure to overturn the ballot results, Healey said she would not engage in hypotheticals, but she would review quote anything that comes to her desk. Lawmakers may take action on other ballot questions and leadership has already announced that they are looking into the constitutionality of question 1. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. CLIVE, Iowa State Librarian Michael Scott was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sending explicit videos and photos of himself to who he believed to be a minor. According to the Clive Police Department, Scott was communicating on the app KIK with who he believed to be a 14-year-old male, but was actually a deputy with the Orange County Sheriffs Office in Florida. Police said Scott sent explicit photos and videos to the deputy. Git N Go clerk has jaw broken during robbery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday Scott was arrested and charged with dissemination of obscene material to a minor. He was booked into the Dallas County Jail on a $1,000 cash/surety bond, but has since been released. In a press release Chief Mark Rehberg reminded parents to check in with their kids and make sure they know what their kids are accessing on the internet. In this day and age, with technology being so ingrained in everyday life, you never really know who is on the other end of an app like this, Chief Rehberg said. In this case, it was an undercover deputy, but in many instances, the victims are young children, and these contacts can lead to more serious offenses. This is a good reminder for parents to check in with their kids, see what type of apps they are using, and make sure they are making appropriate decisions to stay safe in digital spaces. Scott served as the state librarian since 2014. The State Library of Iowa said on Friday that Scott was no longer employed by the state and released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Effective 11/7/24, Brenda Hall was appointed interim State Librarian of Iowa. Michael Scott is no longer employed by the State of Iowa. Ms. Hall earned her Masters of Education from the University of Nevada in 2004 and her Masters of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in 2012. Additionally, Ms. Hall has 20 years of experience working in various roles in public libraries, including serving as the State of Iowa Library Program Director since 2022. State Library of Iowa Latest Iowa News: Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond demanded President-elect Donald Trump commit to preserving the U.S. Department of Education, which the incoming president threatened to abolish while on the campaign trail. The California Department of Education leader said on Friday lawmakers should replace some of the the $79 billion that could be lost under Trumps plan if the DOE is abolished. The superintendent did not say where that money could come from. This is an issue of continuing to assure that students have access to the resources that they are entitled to under the law, Thurmond said during a Friday press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thurmond said he was prepared to sponsor state legislation to replace the federal funding that could be revoked under the new administration. The impact of abolishing the DOE on federal education funding to states isnt clear. Thurmond said the state would not end any special education programs, even if federal dollars for those dry up due to Trumps actions. Thurmond said legislative action to protect funding in education was a contingency plan. After Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a special session Thursday to protect California values from a second Trump administration, GOP leaders in California condemned the governors action as a political stunt. Later on Thursday, Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke about the potential impact of a second Trump term. I know Tony Thurmond is jealous that Attorney General Bonta beat him to a resistance-themed press conference, but if he wants to be governor, hes got bigger things to worry about. Less than half of California students are meeting standards for English and more than two-thirds are behind in math and science, said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thurmond, who is running for governor in 2026, stood beside California lawmakers and educators to reaffirm that states commitment to providing educational services to all students. Those students with disabilities and children from immigrant families are particularly vulnerable to potential actions by Trump, the speakers said. The federal education department is responsible for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, legislation designed to support low-performing schools and students with disabilities respectively. This is not just a political battle, it is a moral one, Sacramento City Unified Trustee Chinua Rhodes, said on Friday. These protections are not luxuries, they are promises written in the fabric of our nation. While campaigning for president, Trump proposed mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, said Trumps threats targeted the most vulnerable students. On Friday, Muratsuchi affirmed the states commitment to making schools a safe place for all students. He noted the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision found that states cannot deny students access to public education, regardless of their immigration status. Alongside threats to dismantle the federal education department, the conservative blueprint Project 2025, which former Trump advisors and supporters drafted, proposed privatizing student loans and passing federal legislation on parental rights. Trump distanced himself from the proposal, saying he hadnt read it, during the campaign. After Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday, some of his allies said Project 2025 would be his agenda. Asked how California would respond to a federal law that requires teachers to inform parents of a childs sexual orientation or gender identity, Thurmond said California respects parents rights but educators should not be forced to out LGBTQ+ students who are at higher risk of negative mental health outcomes. He pointed to the recent California legislation that protects educators from being required to report students sexual orientation or gender expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the magnitude and the impact of what has been proposed, we cannot be flat footed, Thurmond said. Attorney General Rob Bonta used similar language in a Thursday press conference establishing himself and the California Department of Justice as defenders against Trump. A high profile Democratic politician, Bonta has considered running for governor. The race for governor already includes a cast of Democrats including Sen. Toni Atkins, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former state Controller Betty Yee. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, also recently teased a potential run. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Finance (MoF) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the American University in Dubai (AUD) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). These agreements are part of a project aimed at enhancing financial sustainability and accounting capacity building among federal government financial staff, according to a press release posted on Zawya. The project falls under the Ministrys framework for government partnership and integration, which aims to forge strategic partnerships with international and local organisations and institutions. Under the first MoU, the AUD will launch the executive diploma programme in Government Financial Policy Sustainability in 2024 and 2025. This programme is set to support the UAE governments vision of developing national talent and strengthening financial and accounting expertise. The programme aims to equip participants with concepts and skills, promote principles of financial sustainability, explore future trends in government financial management. It also intends to examine the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on financial statement analysis. Meanwhile, the second partnership between the Ministry of Finance and the UK-based ACCA will focus on building financial and accounting capacities. It will launch the Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards and the Certificate in Sustainability for Finance (Cert SF) in 2024 and 2025. Law firm Sarie-Eldin clarified that the Cert SF will enable chief financial officers to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to lead initiatives related to financial sustainability within federal agencies. MoF undersecretary Younis Haji Al Khoori said: We are committed to collaborating with top universities and institutions to offer education that not only meets the demands of our modern economy but also supports the enduring strength of our public finances. These partnerships will undoubtedly play a vital role in preparing our financial management team for the future, encouraging innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The MoU aims to help accountants and finance professionals adapt to challenges associated with accrual-based international accounting standards and financial statement preparation. Through specialised educational programmes, MoF seeks to help professionals master the application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. Earlier in November 2024, the UAE Ministry of Finance unveiled a Financial Sustainability and Accounting Capacity Building Programme. Police investigators in Statesville released an update Friday after a woman was found dead in her own home back in June. Channel 9 reported when Shelbie Smith was found by her four-year-old son in their home. Smiths son then ventured out in the middle of the night to find help along Hickory Avenue. The Statesville Police Department began investigating and said they didnt believe there was a threat to the community. Smiths mother believed she was attacked, saying her death was violent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> So strong: Family pleads for updates after 4-year-old finds his mom dead In the months following Smiths death, police tested multiple items and potential pieces of evidence. On Friday, the police department said a pathologist officially ruled Smiths death as accidental. SPD didnt provide any more details about how Smith died. Smiths mother told our partners at the Statesville Record and Landmark that Smiths death was the result of a fall. Her mom, Cassie Akers, said, It was an absolute freak accident. Akers told the Record and Landmark that police reported Smith may have been standing on the headboard of her bed trying to hang curtains when she fell from the headboard and hit her head on a large rock that was being used as a doorstop. Smiths son was last reported to be living with her twin sister in South Carolina. MANITOWOC Steven Avery's attorney Kathleen Zellner said Thursday a criminal misconduct charge against a former Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office detective could raise doubt about the detective's involvement in the murder investigation. This week, former Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Lt. Dave Remiker was charged by the Brown County district attorney for misconduct in office after an internal audit found several thousand dollars of asset forfeiture funds werent deposited into designated accounts. Forfeiture funds are proceeds from seized assets from criminal investigations that are used to pay for law enforcement programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remiker served as a lieutenant in the countys Metro Drug Unit before retiring Jan. 31. The audit was done in February. Zellner told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Thursday she's been following the story. Although there is no direct connection to the Avery case at this point, she said, (I believe) the integrity or lack thereof of any individual investigative officer creates a positive or negative impression of the integrity of the investigations in which the officer was involved. Dave Remiker was one of the first detectives to search Steven Avery's trailer and garage. This isnt the first time Remiker has found himself in hot water. There were questions about whether it was a conflict of interest for the detective and other Manitowoc County sheriffs officials to be part of the investigation of Avery in the homicide of Teresa Halbach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many viewers of Making a Murderer a popular 2015 Netflix series were convinced Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, were unfairly convicted for the Oct. 31, 2005, death of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. Making a Murderer suggests Manitowoc County deputies may have planted evidence in the case to make Avery look guilty. Thats because when Avery was arrested in 2005, he had only been out of prison for two years after serving 18 years for a sexual assault he did not commit. He was exonerated after DNA evidence identified a different man as the assailant. Making a Murderer highlights the arguments Averys lawyers made at trial that members of the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office could have framed Avery for Halbachs death because he had a $36 million lawsuit against the county for a false conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Averys 2004 false conviction lawsuit alleged Manitowoc County authorities intentionally ignored evidence another man committed the 1985 assault that led to Avery being locked away for 18 years. Because the lawsuit was ongoing while he was being investigated in connection to Halbachs disappearance, the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office said it would step back from the case. Officials agreed Calumet County should lead the search at Averys Auto Salvage in the Town of Gibson near Two Rivers. Nonetheless, Manitowoc County deputies including Remiker played a role in the investigation. Court records indicate that on Nov. 5, 2005, a few hours after Halbachs car was found at Averys property, Remiker and a Calumet County deputy searched Averys trailer and his two-car garage for 18 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that evening, Remiker and two other Manitowoc County sheriffs employees searched Averys trailer for more than two-and-a-half hours, during which another officer later found the key to Halbachs vehicle. After that first wave of evidence was processed, several months passed, and then Averys nephew, 17-year-old Brendan Dassey, told investigator he and Avery had raped Halbach. He said Avery then stabbed her and he also slit her throat. Avery then shot her and burned the body, Dassey had said. Dassey was tried for rape and murder. During his 2007 trial, Remiker and a Calumet County deputy were tasked with monitoring the sequestered jury. They both were reprimanded for failing to log into a log book that the Calumet County deputys husband had unlawfully entered the jury room to bring pizza. Dassey Brendan Dassey testifies at his 2007 trial. Remiker denied he knew about the visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his deficiency report, dated April 25, 2007, it stated: In this incident, Detective Remiker should have used better judgment by logging in the visit and knowing that this type of visit could cause risk to the jury integrity. In December 2006, Remiker sent an email to Manitowoc County Board Chairman Jim Brey saying he was one of the lead investigators on the (Avery case). After Avery was charged in Halbachs murder, he settled his lawsuit with Manitowoc County for $400,000. On March 18, 2007, a jury found Avery guilty of killing Halbach and he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avery is currently appealing Manitowoc County Circuit Courts decision to deny his third motion for postconviction relief. He argues another man killed Halbach and requested DNA testing on a variety of locations inside Halbachs vehicle. Related: Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey remain imprisoned. Here's where their court proceedings stand. Zellner said exoneration in wrongful conviction cases takes an average of 15 to 18 years. She has been vocal on social media about her belief in Averys innocence and has helped 20 people overturn wrongful convictions. Dave Remiker's misconduct charge could lead authorities to review cases he was involved with. The Manitowoc County courthouse rises above the horizon as seen, Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Manitowoc, Wis. The misconduct charge or a conviction could also open the door for Manitowoc County authorities to review all cases Remiker was involved in as a sheriffs office detective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors or police departments often compile Brady lists, or watchlists of law enforcement officers who have been accused of or have engaged in misconduct. The term comes from a 1963 United States Supreme Court case, Brady vs. the State of Maryland, which was the first to establish Brady lists. An officer could be placed on a Brady list for falsifying police reports, fabricating or tampering with evidence, lying on the witness stand, coercing witnesses or brutalizing people. Not every district attorneys office has a Brady list and there are few guidelines about how it should be applied. Manitowoc County District Attorneys Office did not return a phone call asking whether it would include Remiker on such a list prior to publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling and on Instagram @PGPatti. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Steven Avery attorney responds to detective's misconduct charge WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) David Bregger became an advocate for kratom regulation after his 33-year-old son Dan died from the toxic effects of a synthetic kratom-derived product. My biggest thing is, I want to save lives in his memory. Thats what Im doing, Bregger told 12 News. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. When consumed, the trees leaves can produce stimulant or sedative effects depending on the dose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TARGET 12: Why doctors and advocates disagree on kratom Government regulators and health professionals often oppose the use of the herbal substance, arguing that kratom can be addictive or potentially dangerous. In Rhode Island, the General Assembly passed a bill that would legalize kratom, but Gov. Dan McKee vetoed the legislation. Im not anti-kratom, Im pro-regulation. What Im after is getting nothing but leaf product, Bregger explained. David Bregger became an advocate for kratom regulation after his 33-year-old son Dan died from the toxic effects of a synthetic kratom-derived product. (Vallery Maravi/WPRI-TV) Its an extract that killed my son. It was 12 doses in a tiny little bottle that, on the website, didnt have dosage instructions, he added. The New Hampshire native travels the country calling for change. Bregger and other protesters gathered outside the American Kratom Associations (AKA) leadership conference in Warwick on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters are calling for the AKA to reverse their support for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH), a type of synthetic kratom. Kratom advocates like Mac Haddow with the AKA believe kratom is a mood booster that can mellow you out. He said it has been used to help treat addiction to opioids. Most [kratom users have] it as a replacement for a cup of coffee, because it gives you an increased focus and it gives you increased energy, Haddow said. Higher doses of kratom serving sizes help people with anxiety and depression. Haddow noted that its important to educate people on the limitations of kratom and believes the product should be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Advocates decry Gov. McKees kratom legalization veto Were willing, as a consumer advocacy organization, to go a little further. We think that the product appropriately can be placed behind the counter, Haddow said. Bregger thinks better regulations could have saved his sons life. He just took a product that shouldve been regulated. If it was regulated the way we want it regulated, he would still be here today, Bregger said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. During Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s January 29 confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services secretary, Kennedy says that President Donald Trump asked him to re-evaluate the safety of the abortion pill mifepristone. (More than 20 years ago, the medication was proven safe for medical termination of pregnancy up to 70 days of gestation "based on a thorough and comprehensive review of the scientific evidence presented," according to the Food and Drug Administration.) "President Trump has asked me to study the safety of mifepristone," Kennedy said. "He has not yet taken a stand on how to regulate it. Whatever he does, I will implement those policies." This isn't the first time that abortion pill access has been called into question: Project 2025, a framework laid out by Trump allies, targets getting abortion pills by mail. After the 2024 election, there was a surge in demand for mifepristone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, Trump said he was "committed" to the FDA not stripping Americans of access to the abortion pill, per Axios. Still, it's fair to be concerned. Here's what an expert recommends keeping in mind. Meet the expert: Liz Taylor, senior federal policy counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights. What is the shelf life of the abortion pill? Do abortion pills expire? Mifepristone usually has a shelf life of about five years, according to Plan C. Meaning, you could theoretically have it on-hand and it will be good for half a decade. The best way to tell the shelf life of the abortion pill is to look at the expiration date stamped on the package. Keep in mind that some medications may be good beyond the expiration date, but it can be hard to tell for sure. Is it safe to stock up on the abortion pill? Is it legal? For now, you can still get abortion pills by mail, even in states that ban abortion, according to Plan C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, getting abortion pills by mail is a target of Project 2025, a framework laid out by conservative allies of president-elect Donald Trump. Anti-abortion lawmakers could try to enforce the 1873 Comstock Acta law that prevents contraceptives, so-called lewd materials, and drugs that could be used to terminate a pregnancy from being shipped in the mailto make getting the abortion pill much more difficult, Jennifer Driver, the senior director of reproductive rights at State Innovation Exchange, previously told Women's Health. Whether this will actually become a priority for lawmakers remains to be seen. Should I stock up on the abortion pill? Possibly. A lot depends on your personal needs, where you live, and what you want for your future. Keep in mind that some states actually voted to codify abortion care this election cycle (including Colorado, Nevada, Maryland, Montana, and New York), while others (like Missouri and Arizona) expanded abortion access. If youre concerned, its worth having a conversation with a trusted doctor, says Liz Taylor, senior federal policy counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women can always ask their healthcare providers about an extended supply of contraceptionyour insurance might cover up to a years worth at onceas well as advanced provision of contraception or medication abortion, which means getting it now even if you dont need it now, she says. But if youre open to the idea of supplying the abortion pill to friends, keep in mind that this can be a gray legal situation in some states. It could even land you in jail, whether medication abortion is legal in your state or not. Overall, Taylor recommends having a deep think on your own needs around reproductive care. I would strongly encourage women to continue using the birth control method that works best for them, and to make those decisions based on their own preferences and not out of anxiety or fear, she says. You Might Also Like MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) A gun that was stolen more than seven years ago has been recovered following a traffic stop in Mt. Juliet. The Mt. Juliet Police Department said officers stopped a vehicle for speeding along Pleasant Grove Road on Thursday, Nov. 7, which led to the discovery of a stolen handgun. 3 men arrested after stolen gun, criminal-involved gun discovered during 2 separate Mt. Juliet traffic stops Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials added that the handgun was reported stolen in Lewisburg more than seven years ago. Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department Police reported that the 35-year-old Nashville man in possession of the gun was a convicted felon and wanted out of Nashville for failing to be booked on a previous driving on revoked drivers license offense. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee The arrest comes more than a week after MJPD officers made two traffic stops, which both resulted in arrests and the recovery of guns that had been stolen from the Nashville area. Deputy Chief Tyler Chandler previously told News 2 that MJPD officers have recovered 46 guns that were involved in criminal activity in the past six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Our 4Warn Weather team hosted its annual Winter Weather Special on Thursday, giving insight to whats in store for Western New York this winter and answering other popular viewer questions. After doing their research, our meteorologists gave their predictions for this years winter season. Buffalos winter, measured from December through February at the airport in Cheektowaga, has an average temperature of 27.8 degrees with an average of 95.4 inches of snow. Todd Santos : Above-average temperatures, average or slightly above-average snowfall. Mike Cejka: About normal temperatures and average snowfall. Mike Doyle: Above-average temperatures, near or slightly below-average snowfall. Nick Guzzo: Slightly above-average temperatures, near average snowfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the latest 7-day forecast Other topics covered in the special include: How the Great Lakes can work together to create lake-effect snowfall (:42) What long-term computer models predict for this winter (2:31) How the new Bills stadium factored weather into the design (6:00) What causes the unique ice formations at Hoover Beach (10:01) How ski resorts make snow (13:17) And viewer questions scattered throughout, like, will it be a white Christmas? What is freezing rain? How many types of snowflakes are there? The National Weather Service projects a chance for warmer than usual temps for WNY, with above average precipitation The National Weather Service projects a chance for warmer than usual temps for WNY, with above average precipitation Latest Local News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. By Lena Masri, Michelle Nichols LONDON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -There is a "strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas" of the northern Gaza Strip, a committee of global food security experts warned on Friday, as Israel pursues a military offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas in the area. "Immediate action, within days not weeks, is required from all actors who are directly taking part in the conflict, or have influence on its conduct, to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation," the independent Famine Review Committee (FRC) said in a rare alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning comes just days ahead of a U.S. deadline for Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid. Israel's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "If no effective action is taken by stakeholders with influence, the scale of this looming catastrophe is likely to dwarf anything we have seen so far in the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023," the FRC committee said. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that there are between 75,000 and 95,000 people still in northern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Famine Review Committee said that it could be "assumed that starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease, are rapidly increasing" in north Gaza. "Famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future," it said. Israel began a wide military push in northern Gaza last month. The United States has said it is watching to ensure that its ally's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north. The Famine Review Committee reviews findings by the global hunger monitor - an internationally recognised standard known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IPC defines famine as when at least 20% of people in an area are suffering extreme food shortages, with at least 30% of children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease. The IPC is an initiative involving U.N. agencies, national governments and aid groups that sets the global standard on measuring food crises. The IPC warned last month that the entire Gaza Strip was at risk of famine, while top U.N. officials last week described the northern Gaza Strip as "apocalyptic" and everyone there was "at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence." The amount of aid entering Gaza has plummeted to its lowest level in a year, according to U.N. data, and the U.N. has repeatedly accused Israel of hindering and blocking attempts to deliver aid, particularly to Gaza's north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon last month told the Security Council that the issue in Gaza was not a lack of aid, saying more than a million tons had been delivered during the past year. He accused Hamas of hijacking the assistance. Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli allegations that it was stealing aid and says Israel is to blame for shortages. "The daily average number of trucks entering Gaza in late October was about 58 per day," Jean-Martin Bauer, the U.N. World Food Programme's director of food security and nutrition analysis, told Reuters on Friday. "We were getting about 200 a day in September and August, so that's really a big, big decline," he said. (Reporting by Lena Masri and Michelle NicholsEditing by Katharine Jackson and Frances Kerry) STUART A police officer recovered $10,000 for a resident who was the victim of a phone scam, according to Stuart Police Department officials. A caretaker arrived at the home of a man with dementia Monday and noticed something was wrong, according to a Stuart Police Department social media post. The man had been tricked by scammers posing as customer service representatives instructing him to pack $10,000 in cash inside a book and overnight it to an address in New Jersey. Beware! These scams have happened on the Treasure Coast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caretaker contacted the Stuart Police Department about the incident. When Officer Christopher Heitfeld arrived, he gathered information about the incident and contacted UPS. Heitfeld learned the package was on a plane from Palm Beach International Airport to Kentucky. He made contact with UPS in Kentucky and arranged for the package to be redirected to the Stuart Police Department. Police spokesperson Lt. Brian Bossio said Heitfeld did a great job intercepting and redirecting the package, especially because it was after UPS' normal business hours. "He made call after call," Bossio said. "He was determined to make sure that package and the money got returned." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man and his caretaker came to the police station on Wednesday to retrieve the cash. Bossio said they get calls from people who are victimized by scams quite often, but they all vary. Palm City: Rescue workers respond to boat fire in Martin County Stuart: Brush fire in possible homeless camp in Stuart Olivia Franklin is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Olivia on X @Livvvvv_5 or reach her by phone at 317-627-8048. E-mail her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Stuart police officer intercepts money of phone scam victim HARLEM, N.Y (WPIX) A subway surfer in New York City lost her arm and leg after she was hit by a train in a Manhattan subway station Wednesday night, according to police sources and the MTA. The woman was trying to climb on top of a moving No. 2 train when she fell between two cars and onto the tracks in the West 135th Street-Lenox Avenue subway station in Harlem at around 6:10 pm., according to the MTA and NYPD. The victim was hit by a southbound No. 2 train and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, police said. The woman, believed to be in her late teens or early 20s, lost her arm and leg, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was still in critical condition as of Thursday morning. Boy, 13, dies subway surfing doing awful TikTok challenge, mom says Police have used drones to save 114 people attempting to surf on subway trains in the past year, including a 9-year-old, according to Mayor Eric Adams. Yet at least six people have died subway surfing in 2024, an increase from 2023, according to NYPD data. One of those victims, a 13-year-old boy, was killed attempting a challenge he had allegedly observed on TikTok, according to police and the boys mother. Milene Sorzano told Nexstars WPIX that she found videos of her son subway surfing on his phone and social media despite warning him against riding on trains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MTA gets social media platforms to scrub subway surfing videos A 12-year-old girl was also critically injured last month while subway surfing on top of the No. 7 train in Queens with her 13-year-old friend who died, police said. The 12-year-old was still critical as of Wednesday. That particular incident followed the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy who fell on the tracks while subway surfing in Brooklyn in September, sources told WPIX. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The great thing about dividends is they'll land in your pocket every year no matter what the market or even the particular stock is doing. So you can count on a certain level of income from your portfolio, and importantly, this can add up over time. This means, whether you're an aggressive or cautious investor, dividend paying stocks make a solid addition to your portfolio that you won't regret -- especially during difficult market environments. Of course, a company could change its policies and drop its dividend payments, but there is a way to minimize that risk. And that's by choosing companies that have a long history of dividend growth. This shows rewarding shareholders is important to them so it's likely they'll continue along that path. You'll find these players on the list of Dividend Kings, or those companies that have lifted their dividends for at least 50 straight years. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free If you want decades of passive income, two of these stocks look like great choices to buy now and hold forever. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has increased its dividend for more than 60 years, and the healthcare giant has the financial situation -- thanks to $19 billion in free cash flow -- to keep this growth going. Today, J&J pays an annual dividend of $4.96 per share, representing a yield of 3.1%, and this far surpasses the S&P 500 dividend yield of 1.3%. So it's likely you can count on passive income -- and passive income growth -- well into the future. But you'll also like J&J for its solid earnings track record as well as a new era of revenue growth down the road. J&J spun off its consumer health business last year in an effort to focus its efforts in areas with the strongest growth potential. The company also has made key acquisitions, such as the purchase of heart recovery medical device business Abiomed, and is pushing new medicines through the pipeline too. The efforts are paying off. J&J's innovative medicine and medtech units each reported more than 6% growth in sales on an operational basis in the most recent quarter. In innovative medicine, J&J reported a second straight quarter of sales surpassing $14 billion -- and 11 major brands posted double-digit growth. And medtech saw double-digit growth across its cardiovascular portfolio. Today, J&J shares trade for 15 times forward earnings estimates, a steal for this market giant offering growth and the potential of passive income as far as the eye can see. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Stay up-to-date on the latest headlines in todays Sunrise Smart Start for Friday, November 8, 2024. Temperatures hold in the 40s and climb back to the 50s this afternoon. As the low moves toward Maine, its trailing cold front drags across New York State, increasing cloud coverage and winds, with gusts 20-30 mph out of the north Friday afternoon. Regardless, we should still be dry with a lack of moisture along the boundary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. (NewsNation) Trump has selected Susie Wiles a longtime Republican strategist and the leader of president-elects 2024 campaign as his chief of staff. The announcement makes Wiles the first woman to fill the role. It comes about two weeks after Wiles fired back at billionaire Mark Cuban, who claimed Trump doesnt typically surround himself with strong, intelligent women. Harris loss: Democrats ask what went wrong Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im told @mcuban needs help identifying the strong and intelligent women surrounding Pres. Trump, Wiles wrote on X her first post in about two years. Well, here we are! Ive been proud to lead this campaign. Complimented by @Linda_McMahon ,Chair for Transition Policy and @LaraLeaTrump, RNC Co-Chair. The account Wiles posted from no longer appeared active as of early Friday afternoon. Who is Susie Wiles? Wiles, 67, is a longtime Republican strategist and the leader of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. She also worked alongside Trump in 2016. Some lawmakers describe Wiles as someone who can handle egos and strong opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her political career spans several decades and began as a scheduler for Ronald Reagans 1980 presidential campaign. GREENSBORO, NC June 10 : Susie Wiles stands by as former president Donald Trump speaks to staff and reporters aboard his airplane, known as Trump Force One, as he travels home after speaking in GA to NC on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Greensboro, NC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Although shes now in the limelight for her association with Trump, Wiles has worked with politicians who tout more moderate views, Reuters reported. Shes also worked for Trump allies such as Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Wiles was pivotal to DeSantis success in Floridas 2018 gubernatorial race. DeSantis dismissed her after his win, leading Wiles to join Trumps orbit and help the now-president-elect defeat DeSantis in the Republican primary election. Her relationship with Trump Wiles has a reputation for remaining loyal to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes considered a trusted adviser who can help manage the president-elect and his impulses. Some have joked that Wiles is the only person Trump listens to. Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected, Trump said. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud. LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA OCTOBER 20: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump attends a game between the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets with senior campaign consultant Susie Wiles on October 20, 2024 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris continue to campaign in battleground swing states ahead of the November 5 election. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images) Her role as White House chief of staff The chief of staff oversees policy development and daily operations for the president. No two relationships between a president and their chief of staff are identical, but chiefs often become integral members of the presidents inner circle of advisors, according to the Chief of Staff Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They may also be tapped to stand in for the president to negotiate with Congress, speak to the media or meet with constituency groups. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A suspect in the shooting death of a man in Arlington was arrested in Louisiana on Thursday, Nov. 7, police said. Robert Kelly, 31, faces a murder charge. He is accused of killing 38-year-old Marquis Holliman after an altercation near Hollimans apartment on June 6, officials said in a news release. On the night of the homicide, Holliman approached a neighboring apartment in the 2100 block of Cypress Club Drive and began yelling at people gathered there, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told police that Holliman started arguing with a woman at the apartment and then pushed her, according to the statement. A man, later identified via CrimeStoppers as Kelly, confronted Holliman, and shots were fired a short time later, police said. More top stories from our newsroom: How did Donald Trump win? | Opinion Election results for Tarrant County and Texas Defendant tried to contact jury in death penalty trial [Get our breaking news alerts.] Holliman was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the release. Additional witnesses came forward, confirming the information from the CrimeStoppers tips and placing Kelly at the scene of the crime, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One witness reported seeing Kelly with a gun in his waistband moments before the shooting, police said. Kelly was arrested by officials with the U.S. Marshals Service in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is being held there pending extradition to Texas. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A suspect was arrested Thursday after a 17-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted in Encinitas the day before. According to the San Diego Sheriffs Department, deputies from the North Coastal Sheriffs Station responded to a report of a sexual assault in Encinitas on Wednesday around 2:30 p.m. They said an unknown suspect approached a 17-year-old girl walking near the 600 block of Third Street. The suspect allegedly ordered her to walk to a nearby parking lot and forced her into a vehicle before sexually assaulting her and fleeing, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clover Leaf Rapist convicted for attacks on three women in Northern California Detectives from the SDSO sexual assault unit were able to identify the suspect and his vehicle using automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. On Thursday, the San Diego Fugitive Task Force arrested 39-year-old David Canfield in the 6300 block of University Avenue. He was arrested for kidnapping and various sexual assault charges, authorities said. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call SDSOs sexual assault unit at (858) 285-6222. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. CHICAGO Chicago police on Thursday arrested a suspect wanted for the slayings of two Navy Pier workers earlier this week, hours after authorities released images and asked for the publics help in finding him. The suspect, thought to be a recently terminated ex-employee, is believed to have fatally wounded two workers at about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday at a loading dock and nearby administrative office at the popular Streeterville tourist destination. The gunman fled the scene and then used public transportation to get away, police said. He was described as a Black man, about 6 feet, 2 inches tall weighing about 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Police department spokesperson Don Terry confirmed the arrest and said the investigation was ongoing. No criminal charges had been filed. _____ (Chicago Tribunes Caroline Kubzansky contributed.) _____ HOLLIDAY (KDFX/KJTL) The victims and suspect of the hours-long standoff that occurred in Holliday on Thursday, November 7, have been identified by authorities. The standoff began at around 3 p.m. after police responded to a home near Holliday on a report of shots fired. In just minutes, police locked down Holliday ISD and nearby homes to avoid injuries from crossfire. According to Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, Corey Drake has been identified as the suspect in Thursdays standoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, Archer County Sheriffs deputies responded to the scene on Foard Road after dispatch had received a call from Drakes mother that Drake had shot and killed her parents, now identified as Fred and Peggy Maier of Holliday, Drakes grandparents. Duke said that upon arrival of Archer County deputies at the scene, Drake used a long rifle and fired at law enforcement. They then fired back at Drake and immediately called for outside assistance from other agencies to the scene. PREVIOUS STORY: WCSO reports three dead after hours-long Holliday stand-off scene Wichita County Sheriff and Wichita Falls Police Department arrived at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, Drake barricaded himself inside a metal barn on the property with his firearm. Agencies like SWAT forces and Texas DPS also arrived and began working on the scene with a drone to gather more information, but the suspect later shot down the drone. Officers used armored vehicles to negotiate with Drake, but he refused to speak to them. While police attempted to negotiate, more agencies, including Texas Rangers, arrived at the scene. At around 9 p.m., deputies sent in an armored, covered Bobcat to dismantle the walls of the barn where Drake was hiding. Law enforcement then used toxic chemicals in hopes of clearing the barn, but officers received word that Drake had night vision goggles and gas masks, limiting the effects of the toxic chemicals. At around 10:15 p.m., law enforcement continued the use of chemicals as they witnessed Drake raise his rifle toward officers, who then fired at Drake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no confirmation that Drake was killed by a sniper or due to trauma on the suspects body. It is believed that Drake had a shotgun and rifle. At the time of this posting, the Texas Rangers have taken over this investigation. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. Replica handguns and a replica rifle have been found inside the home of a 13-year-old Wisconsin boy who authorities initially believed posed a school shooter threat Thursday. The new information comes after Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said Thursday that the suspect who entered Roosevelt Elementary School was believed to be armed and had researched school shootings and made videos practicing "room entry" rifle techniques. The suspect, a student in the Kenosha Unified School District, was identified and taken into custody at his home in Kenosha following a major law enforcement response Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update late Friday morning, the Kenosha Police Department said no real firearms were found during the course of the investigation and the suspect has since been charged with one count of terrorist threats. "Detectives interviewed the suspect who claimed to have gone to the school to sell candy," police stated. "He later told a social worker that he went to the school with the intent to scare students." Provided by Kenosha Police Department. According to Friday's press release, the boy's mother has cooperated with investigators and advised the suspect doesn't have access to firearms. Patton on Thursday said police were called to Roosevelt Elementary School after school staff reported a suspicious person had entered the school through a secured entryway wearing a black backpack and holding a large duffel bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect fled on foot after being confronted by school staff and was later taken into custody. During a press conference Thursday, police also showed video footage in which, according to Patton at the time, the suspect is seen manipulating a rifle and appearing to practice "room entry techniques." In Friday's update, police emphasized that officers had initial reason to believe the suspect had access to a real firearm "based on videos on social media and other witness information." "The actions on scene were extremely suspicious and the internet activity by the suspect suggested they had extensive research history related to previous school shootings, information on how to execute a school shooting, and specifics about the targeted building," police stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement continues: "These are all concerns that resulted in our decision to safeguard all schools within the entire county until we could confirmed that there was no further threat." Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss has commended the actions of school staff who alerted law enforcement. "They may not have known in the exact moment what was happening, but their actions were heroic and prevented the unfathomable," he said Thursday. The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance at 11:30 a.m. Friday. FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) A Fairfield University speaker was also a target of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, according to a Justice Department report released Friday. Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran; Carlisle Rivera, also known as Pop, 49, of Brooklyn, New York; and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of Staten Island, New York, were charged Friday in connection to their alleged involvement in a scheme to murder a journalist and activist of Iranian origin who has been a critic of the Iranian regime. Three charged in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday afternoon, Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad posted a video on social media identifying herself as the target. She said the FBI told her two men were arrested in a plot to kill her. Alinejad is a U.S. citizen who lives in New York and has been outspoken against the Iranian regime. I came to America to practice my First Amendment right to freedom of speechI dont want to die. I want to fight against tyranny, and I deserve to be safe. Thank you to law enforcement for protecting me, but I urge the U.S. government to protect the national security of America, Alinejad said in the social media post. According to a Facebook post on Fairfield Universitys page, she was scheduled to speak at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Universitys Open Visions Forum on Feb. 15, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs investigation also mentions at least two of the suspects traveled to Fairfield University to surveil their target in February. In her Friday video, Alinejad said the event was canceled. At the time, she said the FBI visited her home and warned her not to go due to an imminent threat, but they did not explain more. Fairfield University sent News 8 this statement regarding the investigation: Fairfield University respects the varying views and opinions of all invited campus guests and speakers. As announced at the time of the event, the University rescheduled the Open Visions Forum due to unforeseen circumstances. With regard to the criminal complaint filed in the New York federal court, the University does not comment on federal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary McNamara, Fairfields former police chief, said the arrests show how law enforcement work together. The FBI communicate with our universities on our regular basis, he said. They have a campus liaison that communicates with them. The information that was provided by Fairfield University kept that community safe. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. SAN JUAN New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has taken a step to revive congestion pricing before President-elect Donald Trump, who opposes the extra toll, takes office. In recent days, the governors office asked the U.S. Department of Transportation whether implementing congestion pricing with lower tolls than the planned $15 for drivers entering parts of Manhattan would require another lengthy environmental review, two people with knowledge of the conversations told POLITICO. They were granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. Shes asking for it to go from $15 to $9, said one of the people, an MTA board member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul halted congestion pricing just before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was to begin tolling drivers entering Manhattans central business district this summer, revenue the transit agency slotted for repairs and upgrades to its aging system. Congestion pricing was expected to help raise $15 billion. Hochul had said she was concerned the tolling plan, which is widely unpopular in the suburbs, would hurt Democrats this fall. The party ended up flipping three New York congressional seats and keeping every other a victory amid a national trouncing by the GOP. Reducing the toll to $9 is significant because the MTA received approval for congestion pricing from the Biden administration after officials spent years studying a range of $9 to $23 tolls for passenger vehicles. By keeping the toll within the range thats already been analyzed, Hochul appears to be hoping for a quick greenlight while Biden remains president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal DOT official said they had not yet received a formal request from New York. A spokesperson for Hochul declined to comment on recent communication with the DOT, and referred POLITICO to the governors comments at a press conference this week, when she said she had spoken with the Biden administration in advance of the election to prepare for a potential Trump victory. I spoke to the White House about this three days ago, Hochul said Wednesday. They understand our need to take affirmative steps to ensure that nothing compromises the MTA. Unless the plan is secured before Trump is in the White House, congestion pricing is all but dead. The tolls are especially unpopular with Republicans, and Trump pledged in May to TERMINATE Congestion Pricing in my FIRST WEEK back in Office!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trumps win this week, congestion pricing advocates have pushed Hochul to act immediately, and accused her of lacking urgency. "Sharks are circling New York's public transit network and proposing absurd schemes destined to fail, Danny Pearlstein, spokesperson for Riders Alliance, which supports congestion pricing, said in a statement. Gov. Kathy Hochul must prove she can resist the insanity and take care of the basic infrastructure millions of New Yorkers depend on each day." He specifically cited comments this week from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from Staten Island, who suggested having Trump in office would end the immigration crisis and free up money in New York for transit that is being used to help migrants. Malliotakis in an interview with POLITICO this week said she believes Trump could reverse administrative actions taken to further congestion pricing by the outgoing Biden officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will have the ability to stop this thing, she said. Lowering tolls too much could also cause legal problems for Hochul, since New York law requires the tolls to raise a certain amount of money. Congestion pricing, which former Mayor Mike Bloomberg proposed for Manhattan in 2007, is meant to reduce traffic and improve air quality. But certain areas of the region stand to see higher short-term pollution as trucks reroute to avoid tolls. Tolling foes, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the New York City teachers union, have seized on that threat in lawsuits aiming to block the policy. A federal judge in New York rejected their arguments, while a case is pending in New Jersey federal court that could still delay congestion pricing even if Hochul restarts it. MTA CEO Janno Lieber recently said his agency is ready to quickly start tolling drivers, if the approvals are in place. Nick Reisman and Jason Beeferman contributed to this report. Suzanne Clark Simpson's husband was charged with murder on Thursday, Nov. 7 Kendall County Sheriff's Office Suzanne Clark Simpson, Brad Chandler Simpson Suzanne Clark Simpson, Brad Chandler Simpson Suzanne Clark Simpsons sister had a bad feeling when she first learned the Texas mother of four was missing. Its inconceivable, Teresa Clark tells PEOPLE. I knew she wasn't alive. Suzanne doesnt go missing. Suzanne, a San Antonio realtor, was last seen when she, her husband and their youngest child attended a birthday party on Oct. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Clark was at a hotel in Hong Kong when she received a message from one of Suzanne's college-age children asking Clark if she'd spoken to her sister. No one had heard from Suzanne in 16 hours. I knew immediately that my sister was gone, Clark says. Then she learned her sister had missed a hair appointment. The big first red flag was when she missed her hair appointment nobody misses a hair appointment, Clark says. Related: Husband Charged with Murder a Month After Texas Mom Went Missing After a Party Then her sister didnt pick up her youngest child from kindergarten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the second red flag that there was nothing normal about this, Clark says. Suzanne was officially reported missing on Oct. 7. After her disappearance, her husband of 22 years, Brad Chandler Simpson, was charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member and unlawful restraint. 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. During an Oct. 9 press conference streamed by KENS, Olmos Park police chief Fidel Villegas said Brad was arrested after he failed to show up to a meeting with police. Villegas claimed that after learning about Suzannes disappearance, police learned about an altercation at the familys home that had possibly turned physical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Nov. 4, Brad's defense attorney, Steven Gilmore, told PEOPLE, "I have no additional comments at this time." On Thursday, Nov. 7, Brad was charged with murder, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Olmos Park Police Department will be holding a press conference at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Related: A Texas Mom Vanished After a Party. Her Husband Is Now Charged with Family Violence Gilmore did not respond to PEOPLE's request after the new charges. Clark tells PEOPLE that to her knowledge, her sister's body has not been found yet but she believes her sister is no longer alive: There's no hope, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, authorities continue to search. They will find her, Clark says. She was a great mom, and a great daughter, and a great wife. She was beloved. We're going to do everything we can to bring her home. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Canadian insurance broker Westland Insurance has expanded its national footprint with the purchase of property and casualty brokerage MSP Insurance, which operates as Mitchell Sandham Pastor Insurance Brokers. This deal strengthens Westlands foothold in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), representing its third collaboration in Ontario this year. Mississauga-based MSP Insurance has been catering to the GTA region since 1957. The companys team of brokers offers personalised service such as professional insurance advice, ongoing policy maintenance and claims support. Westland president and CEO Jamie Lyons said: We are thrilled to welcome MSP Insurance to the Westland team. As we continue our growth journey across eastern Canada, we feel privileged to join forces with this outstanding brokerage, in no small part due to their tremendous leadership and passionate employees. We are looking forward to working with their team to continue serving Mississauga and make a difference in the lives of their clients. Westland, trading more than $3.5bn (C$4.86bn) of premium, has been pursuing growth in Canada through organic means and acquisitions. The companys brokers provide expertise and advisory-based services across various segments including commercial, personal, employee benefits, farm and specialty insurance. In July this year, Westland acquired Excel Insurance Lloydminster and M. Butler Insurance, expanding into new Canadian communities. "Westland expands in Canada with MSP Insurance acquisition" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. As the world prepares for a cleaner energy future, researchers at ETH Zurich are developing jet engines that can burn hydrogen as fuel. Today's jet engines are designed to burn kerosene, and while shifting to clean hydrogen will be a game changer for the aviation industry, it will also require technological changes to the jet engine. The electrification of transportation has already begun. Electric vehicles (EVs) have progressed from small cars to sedans, pickups, and even trucks running on batteries these days. However, long-haul transport, like aviation, cannot be achieved with today's battery packs. The power requirement for flying is mismatched by the relatively low energy density of battery packs compared to fossil fuels. Even though short-distance flying with low payloads is being trialed in various parts of the world, the approach is not practical for long-haul transport of cargo and large numbers of passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where hydrogen can help. A lightweight fuel with high energy density and no carbon emissions, hydrogen is ideal for powering aviation. Why jet engines can't work with hydrogen? In jet engines, a large number of nozzles inject fuel into the combustion chamber. The turbulent combustion of the fuel generates sound waves that reflect from the chamber's walls and generate vibrations. "These vibrations can fatigue the material, which in the worst case could lead to cracks and damage," said Abel Faure-Beaulieu, a former postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, in a press release. "When new engines are being developed, care is taken to ensure that these vibrations do not occur under operating conditions." To minimize vibrations, engineers controlled the shape of the flame, the chamber's geometry, and its acoustics. When hydrogen is used as a fuel, it burns much faster than kerosene, which impacts the shape of the flame, prompting engineers to build a much more suitable jet engine. Injection nozzles for hydrogen engines are tested in this chamber at ETH Zurich. Image credit: Nicolas Noiray / ETH Zurich Acoustic behavior of hydrogen flames As part of project HYDEA, researchers at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich measured the acoustics of hydrogen flames and how they would impact the vibrations the jet engine would produce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their experiments, the researchers used a single nozzle and modeled the acoustic behavior of a collection of nozzles when arranged in a hydrogen-burning jet engine in the future. "Our facility allows us to replicate the temperature and pressure conditions of an engine at cruising altitude," explained Nicolas Noiray, professor at ETH Zurich, in the press release. In addition, the researchers can recreate the acoustics of various combustion chambers to facilitate a wider range of measurements. These will help engineers at GE Aerospace, a research partner, optimize the injection nozzles and develop a high-performance hydrogen engine soon. A ground test is expected in a few years time. "Our study is the first of its kind to measure the acoustic behaviour of hydrogen flames under real flight conditions," added Noiray in the press release. However, the professor does not consider this a major feat. For him, the real challenge is developing the necessary infrastructure to make hydrogen-based aviation a reality soon. The research findings were published in the journal Combustion and Flame. Donald Trump will be president again. Far more dispiriting than what the election says about Trump is what his win says about the American body politic. We are a house divided on a fault line of decency. Trumps venality, his bigotry and racism, his fondness for dictators, and his disregard for the truth were on flamboyant display for American voters with his former top general even decrying Trump as fascist to the core. Campaigning for the White House, Trump was a peacock with fetid feathers. And others flocked with him: Ostentatious oligarch Elon Musk made a mockery of our democratic system by seeking to buy off voters with small checks and million-dollar prizes. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe was there making 1950s jokes about Blacks eating watermelons, Jews being tight with money, and Latinos making too many babies, while casually blasting Puerto Rico as a swirling island of garbage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump openly touted his dictatorial aims and his plans for a bloody mass deportation even as he courted white supremacists with a blood libel against Haitians and spouted eliminationist language about Congolese refugees being a pestilence. And more than half of American voters didnt recoil. Whether they relished in Trumps vicious spectacle or simply abided it, they did not turn away. They used their ballots to punch a ticket for Trump with his dozens of felonies and a sexual abuse adjudication to return to power, and to absolve him of the consequences of his Jan. 6 coup attempt. In his victory speech early Wednesday morning, standing before a wall of red-white-and-blue banners, Trump cast his win as divine will: Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason, he said. Now were going to fulfill that mission. Never has the old saw When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross seemed more prescient. Deflating Their Confidence In advance of the 2024 election, Rolling Stone interviewed experts in authoritarianism, fascism, and presidential power. They offered advice for resisting what is coming, but offered few assurances that the damage created by installing an American authoritarian who is now effectively unchecked by criminal law will be quickly or easily reversed. Timothy Snyder is a Yale professor of totalitarian European history and author of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Published in 2017, it gave shape to popular resistance of the first Trump term. You cant despair, he tells Rolling Stone. Because thats what they want. They want you to think that its hopeless. Its never hopeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyders first rule in On Tyranny is dont obey in advance. He emphasizes that Americans opposed to Trumps designs should take stock, and action, now. The period of November, December, January, becomes very important, he says, and not just for ordinary citizens, but for people entrusted with providing checks on executive power. Snyder issues a clarion call to members of the judiciary: Theres going to be a lot of cases really quickly, in which the only thing thats going to stop some kind of dreadful federal act of violence is going to be a judge. For normal people, Snyder insists the key is to get out in protest now and through the inauguration. The understandable impulse of keeping your head in, Snyder says will only embolden Trumps reactionary team. Youre giving them even more confidence that theyre gonna be able to do what they want in January. Whats demanded of activists in this moment is to deflate that confidence, Snyder says, and you do that by showing that youre not afraid, by cooperating with your neighbors, and by organizing. Snyder emphasizes a lesson of the Wall of Moms in Portland, Oregon, in late summer 2020, who helped drive up the political cost and terrible optics for Trumps most heavy-handed crackdown on public dissent. Launching tear gas at Black Lives Matter protesters looked different on TV when the feds were brutalizing a wall of white mothers in gold shirts, locking arms at the front of the crowd. Its about corporeal politics, Snyder says. Getting your body out where there are other bodies with people who are maybe not like you or maybe less privileged than you. Seeing the Threat Clearly Experts in authoritarianism insist that Trumps dictatorial threats need to be taken with gravity because hes already done things that autocrats do, says Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University who is an expert in Italian fascism and the author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been able to domesticate a very old, storied party, and truly make it his personal tool, she tells Rolling Stone. He instigated a violent coup attempt, and instead of having to go into exile or going to prison, like in Peru he managed to paint it as a positive thing or to make a lot of Americans shrug their shoulders at it. These are preconditions for autocracy, she insists. Trump may have a highly problematic, decompensating personality, Ben-Ghiat adds, but the guy is a master propagandist, who has used those skills in a campaign against the American system of checks and balances. Hes taken people step by step for almost a decade now to view democracy as an inferior system a system of crime and anarchy, weak government and to see versions of authoritarian rule, with him at the head, as preferable. Ben-Ghiat warns that Project 2025, the conservative policy and personnel program, is the road map to finish the job Trump started in his first term. The intent is to destroy the governing structures and norms of liberal democracy through mass purges of civil servants who are not loyalists and create something else. And that something else is autocracy. Jason Stanley is Yale professor and author of How Fascism Works. He says Trump is pursuing a well-worn playbook. Hes going to replace the civil service with Trump loyalists. The next thing autocrats do is go after the courts, the press, and the universities. Many of our compatriots have grown up with a false confidence that the United States is immune from this kind of democratic corrosion. Americans have to grow up, Stanley says. A lot of people live under these situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project 2025 will take time to implement. Sen. Bernie Sanders warns Rolling Stone to watch out for Trumps use of national emergencies to produce a power grab, emboldened by allied partisans in the judiciary: He will create emergencies, state of emergencies. You know, The world is falling apart. I have got to do A, B, and C. And the courts will say, Yeah, of course you have the right to do it. Youve defined an emergency. Sanders says. Theres a real danger of us losing the rule of law. Mixing Orban With Pinochet What will Trumps model of authoritarianism look like? Experts point to Hungary as a prime example, where Viktor Orban, the long-serving strongman, has undermined the countrys courts, press freedoms, and minority rights to create what he touts as an illiberal democracy. I dont think well be as bad as Russia, Stanley says. Its Orban, whos visiting and giving advice. Stanley notes that Orbans mechanisms for controlling dissent are milder than Vladimir Putins. Theyll probably do the Orban thing where they go after your taxes. They go after your livelihood, your job, he says of Trump. Theyre not going to start assassinating people. Ben-Ghiat agrees that Orban is a model for MAGA governance, but cautions that what Trump has in store will be far more violent. The Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection is part of her calculus: Orban didnt stage a violent attack, sending lawmakers running for their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps openly stated aims, she warns, bring a South American strongman to mind: Hes already talked about using the military against protesters, and in that sense, it would be more like Pinochet, she says. Im not saying its going to be a military dictatorship, but there are elements of what he would like to do in terms of domestic repression that hark back to the Chilean dictator. Enabling Enemies Abroad, Targeting the Enemy Within Perhaps Trumps darkest ambition is to shift part of Americas prodigious military might from geopolitical adversaries abroad to political targets at home. Trump has indicated hell let Putin lay claim to parts of occupied Ukraine in the name of peace, and has treated Taiwan as far less than an ally, suggesting it needs to pay for America protecting it from China. Trumps whole thing is that he would stand back, says Ben-Ghiat, from Americas traditional role of providing a bulwark against expansionist autocrats like Putin and Xi. What he would like to do is partly reorient military power to be used for domestic repression. She points to Trumps mass deportation plan for the undocumented, involving rounding up and removing the equivalent population of Sweden or Belgium from the United States, calling it a vast repression on a historic dictator scale. Trump has preemptively offered police officers immunity from prosecution (in what Ben-Ghiat calls an authoritarian bargain), and hes repeatedly expressed his desire to use the National Guard and even the Army to enact his deportation scheme as well as to suppress the enemy within that opposes his designs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, Snyder insists, is where the American public has its most important, and perhaps most challenging role to play. The Trump-Vance initiatives can only work by getting the population involved and basically corrupting us, he says. Snyder argues that even Americans who might share anger with Trump about immigration may yet be recruited to block the border camps promised by Stephen Miller. Thats the kind of active thinking that folks have to do am I going to become the kind of person who takes part in this sort of thing? Am I going to become the kind of person who denounces my neighbors because they are not documented? If Their Rights Are on the Line, My Rights Are on the Line A key to resisting authoritarianism, Snyder says, is standing up for the rights of the least powerful first. If protest comes down to the people who are protesting only because they have to, then you always lose, he says. It has to be people who are one, two, three, four, even five steps away from being directly affected who show solidarity and who also show pragmatism and wisdom by getting out early. If youre more privileged, you should be thinking, What can I do for the least privileged people? he says. If their rights are on the line, my rights are on the line. Thats not just a moral position. Its actually, politically, 100 percent correct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as he insists that the more privileged people have to lean out, Snyder recognizes that early returns on such bravery are bleak. He points to the disturbing choices of the owners of The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times to block their newspapers from endorsing Kamala Harris in an apparent attempt to curry favor with Trump. Thats an example of the most privileged people saying, Im going to act like the least privileged people. Im going to pretend that Im the one whos going to be hurt here, and Im going to run away. Clawing Democracy Back The most predictable part of Trumps effort to rule as an authoritarian is a supercharging of corruption and cronyism. The blowback to that will help build and strengthen opposition. The economy is going to be based on, are you friends with Trump? Are you connected to him in some way, says Stanley, who predicts federal contracts will be tilted toward FOTs, or friends of Trump. One measure of how bad it gets, Stanley says, half in jest, is what happens to Mark Cuban the billionaire who campaigned most vigorously for Harris. (After Harris loss, Cuban tweeted his congratulations to Trump and Elon Musk.) Snyder, whose latest volume is called On Freedom, insists that brazen corruption can erode support for a cult of personality like Trumps. Folks have this fantasy that if you have a dictator, then the dictator is going to solve problems. But under Trump, he says, youre going to have oligarchy, and a handful people are going to do much better and everybody else is going to do worse, because the whole system is going to be corrupt and sticky and run by incompetent cronies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats going to be bad for almost everybody, Snyder says. And you can get a lot of support by pointing out how corruption is economically stupid, how corruption hurts everyday people in their everyday lives. Both Snyder and Ben-Ghiat point to the recent example of Poland, which has slowly beaten back an Orban-style far-right takeover, as a model that can give Americans hope. In Poland, the other side didnt give up, says Snyder. They kept running, even when the elections [appeared] unfair. And they kept coalitions going, and people took risks. Dictator for Life? Stanley and Ben-Ghiat expect Trump will seek to stay in office for as long as he lives, despite the constitutional prohibition against him serving a third term. Hell stay in office till he dies, Stanley predicts, whether thats two years, four years, eight years, 12 years, like any other autocrat. In the meantime, Snyder advises, Americas system of federalism offers hope for democracy at the state and local level. Many things are going to be terrible. But controlling the federal government doesnt mean youre controlling everything, he says. He exhorts Americans to support the institutions closest to them that uphold democratic norms whether that means some civil society organization, or state government, or a local mayor and collectively try to strengthen those bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defending those institutions will give proponents of Americas democratic experiment their best shot at recovery, when the MAGA movement stumbles. Here, Trumps age and lack of a clear successor offers some hope. Hes old, so at some point, age is going to make a difference, Stanley says. There will be a power struggle. The next opportunity will be when he dies in office. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AUSTIN (KXAN) After raising concerns publicly for weeks over a new law that will eliminate temporary paper license plates next year tied to widespread fraud and crime only KXAN was there when a group representing 1,400 car dealerships came face-to-face at the Capitol with law enforcement who backed the bill. Im not going to talk to you, Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) Executive Vice President Karen Phillips told KXAN after leaving the closed-door meeting at the office of Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, on Thursday. The meeting was set by Canales, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, after Phillips urged lawmakers last month to take another look at House Bill 718. The law is set to replace temporary paper license plates with metal ones in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would encourage you to look at these issues as to whether weve gone forward and not backwards, she told the committee on Oct. 10. Karen Phillips, right, walks into a private meeting at the Capitol. (KXAN Photo/Morganne Bailey) Phillips declined to talk about what was said during the private meeting. Standing inside an elevator door at the Capitol, KXAN asked if she wants to see that law repealed next year. I never said that, she said, as the doors closed. RISKY RIDES: Explore KXANs years-long investigation into Texas paper tag problem Sgt. Jose Escribano with the Travis County Constables Office Pct. 3 attended the meeting with a delegation of law enforcement from around the state that pushed for the law. The group wants to see it through citing paper tags ties to rampant fraud and crime. For years, KXAN has investigated how phony paper tags can turn getaway vehicles into ghost cars. Sgt. Jose Escribano holds a copy of HB 718 in front of Rep. Terry Canales office following a private meeting at the Capitol. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Among those in attendance: Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney, whose officer was killed in 2022 pursuing a suspect with a fake paper tag. Allen Police, the Burnet County Constables Office and the Texas Police Chiefs Association were also represented, according to those in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Deputy Executive Director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, Jennifer Szimanski, attended the meeting. On social media, she said CLEAT, which represents 28,000 law enforcement members across the state, stands with Texas law enforcement on this important officer and public safety issue and looks forward to full implementation of HB 718. While Escribano felt there was a lot of tension between law enforcement and TADA, he said the meeting overall went really well. Still, he remains concerned about potential efforts to fundamentally change the law next year. The chair of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board even acknowledged recently that this issue will without a doubt be debated during the upcoming legislative session. We left the door open if they want to have discussions about administrative amendments, said Escribano, one of the leading experts in the state on paper tag fraud who pushed for HB 718. That bill was introduced by former Republican State Rep. Craig Goldman. This week, Goldman was elected to Congress. So far, he has not commented on TADAs concerns. However, we made it clear, 718 is the law, Escribano added, holding up a signed copy. We want this law to go into effect. Give it a chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TADA expressed two main concerns privately, Escribano said, that were also raised publicly. First, that criminals will switch to metal tag fraud. Second, that the dealership industry will not have enough metal plates on hand after the law takes effect. In the last four years, all the burglaries, all the killings, everything that we have seen has been paper tags not metal plates, Escribano said, noting it is easier for criminals to produce bogus paper license plates. Regarding TADAs inventory management concerns, Escribano said that is an administrative issue that doesnt concern law enforcement at all. You have other managerial concerns? Great. Bring em up to the DMV, he said. Bring em up, you know, if you want to. Go do that. But these tags have to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's coast guard said on Friday it would offer rewards worth thousands of dollars for spotting Chinese activity at sea, including warships or submarines, saying it was harnessing "people power" to boost its own limited workforce. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for the past five years of stepped up Chinese military activity, and the Taiwanese coast guard has increasingly been involved in patrolling sea areas. China's coast guard's involvement in these activities has grown, which Taiwan officials say is part of a "grey zone" strategy that stops short of war and aims to enforce what China calls its right to manage and control the Taiwan Strait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan's coast guard said there was a growing threat at sea. "The coast guard has limited manpower and there is endless people power at sea," it said in a statement. "In order to build a dense notification network at sea and along the coast, and to eliminate grey area attacks, the coast guard calls on Taiwan's people to raise their awareness of maritime security and stay alert to the abnormal activities." The highest reward of T$200,000 ($6,245) will go to those reporting piracy, murder, arson or hostage taking, while reporting illegal entry of Chinese nationals will net T$50,000, the coast guard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For what it called "substantiated" reports of Chinese warships, including submarines, in Taiwan's waters then T$3,000 per case would be offered, it added. The coast guard has come in for criticism in Taiwan for failing to spot some cases of Chinese nationals crossing the strait and landing on the island, people who mostly used small boats that are hard for radars to detect. In June, Taiwanese fishing boats in the strait took pictures of a Chinese submarine that had surfaced. Taiwan has been boosting investment in its coast guard with larger more modern ships, some of which can be equipped with missiles in the event of war. ($1 = 32.0150 Taiwan dollars) (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Army veteran Anthony Greene was about to celebrate his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife when he suffered two back-to-back strokes. His wife said the VA wasnt giving her husband the help he needed, so she turned to 8 On Your Side. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 8 on Your Side Community Access Support Services, Inc. saw our story and stepped right in to help the Greenes. On Thursday, they were able to renew their vows, and theyre thankful to see this day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels so wonderful, Anthony said. This is the day Anthony and Constance Greene had dreamed of, renewing their vows for their 31st wedding anniversary. Roommate who reported Florida woman missing now charged with her murder: police Its amazing that from the last time you saw me, he was not even there, Constance Greene said. Now hes my husband again. Back in September, the Greenes were planning on saying I do once again, but Anthony suffered two strokes. Constance had told me the VA approved Anthony for three weeks for in-patient rehab, then was dropped off at home. He ended up a vegetable, Constance said. Hes completely paralyzed on the right side. I just need all the help I can get with him. I just want him alive. Dr. Gynnes Smith and her husband William Smith answered that call. We reached out to you guys, Glynnes Smith said. You guys responded and gave our information to the family, and we went out and met with them, and weve been advocating for them ever since you aired the first story. The Smiths founded Community Access Support Services Inc. to assist at risk families and veterans across the Tampa Bay area. I will be all right, Anthony said. Weve helped them sustain housing, increased services and gone through the rehab process, and weve been able to support Mr. Greene, and now he is home, Dr. Glynnes Smith said. They were [a] god send, Constance said. The Smiths gave the Greenes another chance to renew their love. Thirty-one years, I hope another 30 more, Constance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will be alright, Anthony said Its just what his family wants to hear. Vulnerable families at risk or veterans can reach out to the Community Access Support Services by phone or email: Phone: 863-600-6796 E-mail: outreach@communityaccesssupportservicesinc.org Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) Taylorville CUSD #3 students are sending aid to those still being affected by the recent hurricanes that hit the southeast. The students want to help the people in Florida and surrounding states that were devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These tropical storms left many residents in these areas homeless and without many resources. Mahomet after-school program receives $50K donation at anniversary celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taylorville students created a list of items needed by the victims, designed posters to put up around the school and helped collect donations from students and staff at Memorial Elementary School. Photos courtesy of Taylorville CUSD #3 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school district had two rounds of donations sent to local groups that were also collecting for these victims. The first group of donations was added to Milkmaid Mercantiles collection, and the owners husband took the items to the affected victims in the southern states. The second round of donations went to First United Methodist Church, which was working with Midwest Missions. A large number of items was collected, and the school district said they were happy to help these families in this time of need. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Classes in three different North Shore communities remain in jeopardy for Tuesday if no contract agreement is reached before the end of the holiday weekend. Those communities are Gloucester, Beverly, and Marblehead after all three communities voted to authorize a strike within the past 48 hours. Both Gloucester and Beverly authorized their strike on Thursday, resulting in no school on Friday. Marblehead announced their intentions to strike if no deal is reached by Tuesday. In Massachusetts, teacher strikes are illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all three communities, wages and working conditions are the issues of contention. These teachers have been fighting for a very long time, said Gloucester teacher Emily Harney. Our paraprofessionals have been fighting for over 400 days without a contract. Now our teachers are a couple months out without a contract. Were fighting for respect. In Beverly, School Committee Chair Rachael Abell said, that after months of negotiations, the two sides are millions of dollars apart. I think we are in agreement on a lot of issues. But the finances especially for the paraprofessionals seems to be one of the sticking points, Abell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a rally at Lync Park, Beverly Teachers Association President Andrea Sherman said members are prepared to stay on the picket line as long as it takes to reach an agreement. We know that striking is illegal and yet here we are. We feel we have no other recourse to et students what students need. Give students and staff what they need to run safe schools. Sherman said. Teachers in Gloucester and Beverly are facing court orders to end their strikes and return to class by Tuesday morning. In a press conference on Friday, Marblehead teachers demanded better wages and working conditions after their vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our schools are in crisis, and the educators of Marblehead have collectively said, Enough is enough, said MEA President Jonathan Heller, speaking to the press following the vote. After seven months of negotiations, we are no closer to a solution, and the School Committee has failed to recognize the urgency of the situation. Our schools need fair wages, safe working conditions, and adequate resources to meet the needs of our students. Because of their refusal to act, we must take action to protect the future of our community. Contract terms that Marblehead Education Association has proposed include: Fair and competitive wages for educators and staff, many of whom are paid significantly less than their peers in neighboring districts. Modern, humane paid family leave to support educators and their families. Safe and supportive working and learning conditions for both students and staff, as Marblehead faces critical shortages in key staff positions The MEA has also continuously expressed concerns over the quality of education students are receiving due to the inability to either recruit or retain staff. The MEA is asking the Marblehead School Community to meet and negotiate a resolution to the strike. The School Committee can end this now. They can work with us and reach a settlement tonight, said Heller. We are prepared to negotiate around the clock to ensure there is no disruption in our students education next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A teenager faces felony charges in the shooting death of an elderly man last week in north St. Louis County. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged DaMon Williams, 18, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action amid the investigation. Williams is accused in the shooting death of Robert Prewett, 92, on Oct. 30 in the 6900 Block of Parc Charlene Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a probable cause statement obtained by FOX 2, when authorities responded to the scene, Prewett was found deceased with three gunshot wounds. St. Louis eatery named LoveFood.coms most fantastic restaurant in America Police later reviewed home surveillance footage, which showed a suspect fleeing from the scene with a tan mask, gloves and jacket. The surveillance video also showed the suspect getting away from the scene toward to a nearby apartment complex, where clothing items were discarded in a dumpster. Investigators recovered these items, and a DNA analysis later linked Williams to the clothing and shooting scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Louis County Police Department reports that Williams was incarcerated in the state of Illinois prior to Fridays charges. He is being held on $500,000, cash-only bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Stefanie Damron, now 14, was last seen on Monday, Sept. 23, walking into the woods near her home in New Sweden, Maine Maine State Police Stefanie Damron Stefanie Damron Stefanie Damron, 14, of New Sweden, Maine, was reported missing on Sept. 24 A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety tells PEOPLE that the search in ongoing and that detectives continue to follow up on any and all leads" On Facebook, the girl's mother, Lisa Marie Damron, has been asking for people with information on Stefanie's whereabouts to contact authorities Maine authorities are continuing their search for a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing over a month ago, while her mother has been urging the public to share any information that might lead to her daughters safe return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine State Police said they received a report on Tuesday, Sept. 24, that Stefanie Damron, then 13, was missing. "Stefanie was last seen walking out of her house and into the woods located on the West Road in New Sweden on September 23, 2024," they added. However, despite their "extensive investigative efforts," authorities have so far been unable to find the teen. "Investigators have conducted many interviews and followed up on leads in Maine, nationally, and in Canada, police said in their Oct. 22 statement. The Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police K9 Unit have searched large parcels of land near Stefanies last known location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Woman Reported Missing by Husband After She Was Last Seen at Texas Home, Leaving Without Phone or Car Last month, Stefanie's parents, Christopher and Lisa Marie Damron, said the teen "got into an argument with her sister" on the day she was last seen, and then "walked off." "We live a half mile back in the woods and our kids are very comfortable in their surroundings so there was nothing to raise flags the first few hours," the parents, who said they weren't home at the time, added in a statement shared on social media and with local station WAGM-TV, "We just want our baby home," they said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. As previously reported by the Bangor Daily News, Jerri Harms, Stephanie's great-aunt, told the Brooklyn Squad podcast that the girl and her parents moved from Texas to New Sweden in 2020. Harms claimed that Stefanie had previously tried to run away a number of times, but was always found by relatives in the woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When contacted by PEOPLE on Thursday, Nov. 7, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety said that there have been no new updates in the case to report, and that detectives continue to follow up on any and all leads. Stefanis disappearance has also prompted a citizens group to search the woods in New Sweden, the Bangor Daily News reported. Were not going to stop until we find her, Whittni Nichols, who is also part of a Facebook group called Help Find Stefanie Damron, told the newspaper. Related: Dad of Yellowstone Worker Who Vanished Last Month Shares Eerie Note Son Left on Mountain: 'I Cant Feel My Fingers' Meanwhile, on her Facebook page, Stefanie's mom, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, has been resharing posts from police and posting her own pleas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please keep your eyes open and sharing," she wrote on Sunday, Nov. 3. "Help us bring our baby girl home safe and sound." "We love you Stef please baby come home she wrote in another post, while pleading in a third, "if you have a heart and know anything please please report it to the authorities....please we are begging. Related: Man Was Missing for a Month in National Park, but His Mom Never Lost Hope. Then He Was Found Alive (Exclusive) Authorities described Stefanie as 5' 0 and 130 lbs., with green eyes, and shoulder-length brown hair adding that she was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long sleeve blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. Anyone with any information about Stefanies whereabouts is encouraged to call Maine State Police at 1 (800) 924-2261 or (207) 532-5400. A McDonalds in northeast Ohio has decided to close its dining room during afternoons after what police describe as a riot broke out there last month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Oct. 22, South Euclid police were called to McDonalds and found roughly 40 juveniles either in the restaurant or running from there, according to WJW in Cleveland. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large fight involving juveniles between the ages of 12 and 16 broke out inside the fast food chain and left two teenagers hurt. Eighteen years, this hasnt happened. I havent investigated this type of call or been dispatched to this type of call in 18 years, South Euclid Police Public Information Officer and School Resource Officer Officer Joe Di Lillo told WEWS in Cleveland. The incident has led the restaurant to close its dining room daily form 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mobile orders will still be accepted, but customers will have to use the drive-thru to pick up the food. Four juveniles were arrested. Twelve named juveniles have had cases passed along to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Prosecutor for review for charges. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) stock continues to stun investors. It rocketed 65.3% in October, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Thanks to last month's rally and investors' excitement spilling over to this month so far, the nuclear energy stock is up a staggering 550%-plus in 2024, as of this writing. It took only a couple of non-company-specific events in October to send NuScale Power stock surging. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free Big bets on nuclear energy NuScale Power is a start-up developing scalable, small modular reactor (SMR) plants that aim to provide reliable, carbon-free electricity at a lower cost than the standard large nuclear plants. As more economies seek to replace fossil fuels with low-carbon energy sources, nuclear energy stocks like NuScale Power are grabbing investors' attention. NuScale Power stock's run-up in recent months, however, was driven almost entirely by industry events, and the story continued to play out in October when two monster companies announced investments in SMR technology. On Oct. 14, technology behemoth Alphabet signed an agreement with Kairos Power to buy nuclear energy from the several SMRs that the latter will build in the coming years. Kairos expects to bring its first SMR online by 2030. Alphabet sees promise in these nuclear reactors, believing their smaller size and modular design "can reduce construction timelines, allow deployment in more places, and make the final project delivery more predictable." A couple of days later, e-commerce giant Amazon announced multiple deals backing nuclear energy. They included an agreement with utilities to build four advanced SMRs in Washington State, investment in a privately held developer of SMRs, and an agreement with utility giant Dominion Energy to explore building a small modular reactor near Dominion's existing North Anna nuclear power station. Although NuScale Power was nowhere in the picture nor did it announce any deal of its own, the stock still zoomed more than 50% in the week of Alphabet's and Amazon's announcements as investors saw bigger potential in nuclear energy, especially SMRs, what with so many global companies investing in it. In September, two other technology giants announced investments in nuclear energy, which sent NuScale Power stock up about 40%. Should you buy NuScale Power stock? NuScale Power is still years away from commercializing its flagship "VYOGR" SMR power plants and doesn't expect to deliver its nuclear power modules before 2028, provided its design and production plans progress as planned. EDITORS NOTE: An earlier version of this story cited information from the New Hampshire AG saying the cause of death was from a gunshot wound to the back. The AG has since issued a correction saying the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest. This story has been updated to reflect that change. A teenager who was found dead behind a Dollar General store in New Hampshire on Thursday night was shot in the chest, authorities announced Friday. Officers responding to a 911 call for gunshots being fired outside of the business at 70 Wilton Road in Milford just before 8:30 p.m. discovered evidence indicating multiple shots were fired in the parking lot, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators later found 18-year-old Gage Cassen dead from an apparent gunshot wound behind the store, Formella and Hall said New Hampshire Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg said an autopsy of Cassen determined his cause of death to be a single gunshot wound to the chest and his manner of death was homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Formella said the parking lot was full at the time of the shooting and is asking anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who was at the store or heard the gunshots is urged to contact the Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at 603-223-3856 or via email at MCU@dos.nh.gov. Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Vicky Murillo, 19, was out with a friend on Halloween when they were allegedly targeted by suspects with paintball guns GoFundMe Vicky Murillo Vicky Murillo A Chicago teen has lost vision in one eye after a marauding group of suspects allegedly drove around the area shooting paintball guns at random people on Halloween night, according to reports. Police are searching for suspects who were caught on video shooting paintballs from high-velocity paintball guns from inside a car in the Southwest Side area of the city, CBS News reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicky Murillo, 19, was out with a friend when they were both hit with paintballs in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, WLS reports. What they said was this car followed them around the block, and then, it made a U-turn. They stuck phones out the window, started recording and thats when they shot the paintballs at them, her brother, Adrean Murillo said, WLS reports. After being struck, his sister and friend lay bleeding on the ground as paramedics and police rushed to help them. They were both on the floor crying and screaming, their hot chocolate next to them, he said, ABC 17 reports. That was crazy to me because they were wearing pink, fluffy things. I dont know who would target young women like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors believe the victim's vision in one eye is permanently damaged, ABC 7 reports "She was shot in the body I believe twice on the face one time, which went and hit the eye," Murillo said, CBS News reports. 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. "It's really bad what they did to her. Her eye globe was ruptured from the impact and is unlikely to have her vision restored, he wrote in a GoFundMe he started to help her family with the medical bills they are facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murillo said his family later learned that there were other paintball attacks in surrounding suburbs. "I got reached out [to] by a detective in Cicero, and I got reached out to by the police department in North Riverside, and both of them said that, 'Hey, we're going to loop in your case with ours same vehicle, same color,'" said Murillo. "It was malicious. They knew what they were doing," he said. "I mean, they went out that day specifically for that reason." In the GoFundMe Murillo started, he wrote, We are only looking to cover some of the medical expenses and time off my parents and I are having to take off work to stay at the hospital for an ongoing amount of days. The shooter is still at large as I am working with detectives to find his residence. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers, and thank you to all who donate The Chicago Police Department declined to provide any information on the incident. The boat the Phommathep family members were on capsized off the coast of Bodega Bay over the weekend GoFundMe Johnny Phommathep and his two sons, Jake and Johnny Jr. Johnny Phommathep and his two sons, Jake and Johnny Jr. Johnny Phommathep II, 17, who survived the Rancho Tehama Reserve mass shooting in 2017, has died in a boating accident in California, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office confirmed The late teenager's brother, Jake, 14 who also survived the shooting and their father, Johnny, are among the four who remain missing after the group's boat capsized off the coast of Bodega Bay on Saturday, Nov. 2 "Our sincerest condolences to his family," the sheriff's office said on Facebook A teenage boy, who was the victim of a mass shooting in 2017, has died and his younger brother and father are among four who are still missing after a boating accident in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Nov. 4 at 4:45 p.m. local time, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office shared an update on Facebook, revealing Johnny Phommathep II, 17, of Corning, had been found dead the day prior after the boat they were on capsized while they were crabbing off the coast of Bodega Bay on Saturday, Nov. 2. "Our sincerest condolences to his family," the sheriff's office said. The Facebook post had previously revealed that six people had been on the 21-foot white Bayliner boat at the time; three adults and three juveniles. One person was found alive, but four are still missing, police confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the Los Angeles Times, KTVU and the San Francisco Chronicle, the teenager who died in the accident previously survived the Rancho Tehama Reserve mass shooting in 2017. Five people were killed and multiple others wounded in the attack at Rancho Tehama Elementary School. United States Coast Guard via AP The search continues for the four missing following the boating accident The search continues for the four missing following the boating accident According to the L.A. Times, Johnny survived the shooting along with his younger brother Jake, now 14, and mom Tiffany Phommathep. The outlet stated Tiffany took five bullets trying to protect her sons. Following Saturday's boating accident, Jake remains missing along with the boys' father, Johnny's namesake. While speaking to the publication, Tiffany said, Its really hard because both my sons, Johnny Jr. and Jake, they survived the Rancho Tehama shooting." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We survived that and for them to come to their end like this.... she added. "They've been through so much, both of my sons Johnny and Jake," Tiffany said, per KTVU. "Already one tragedy. They made that one, just to come out here." The odds are not likely ... but I would like to hold on to hope that maybe they reached shore somewhere, Tiffany told the L.A. Times. Sonoma Sheriff Facebook The search continues for the four missing following the boating accident The search continues for the four missing following the boating accident Tiffany identified the other two missing adults as her husband's cousin, Prasong Khammoungkhoune, 45 who was said to have owned the boat and his longtime friend, Matthew Ong, 42. According to KGO-TV, the boy who was found alive following the boating accident on Saturday was 11 years old and survived using a cooler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He self-rescued. He was able to make it to shore and stayed the night on the shore. In the morning, he walked up and was found by passersby on Highway 1 and he survived. It's really miraculous that he made it," Sonoma County Sheriff spokesperson, Misti Wood, said, per the outlet. The boat started taking on water so fast they didnt even have time to radio for emergency service, Tiffany told the L.A. Times of information she learned from the boy who had been rescued and officials. Getty A photo of Bodega Bay, California A photo of Bodega Bay, California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt do anything else besides making sure everybody had a life jacket and everybody had a life jacket, she added, insisting the group were experienced boaters. He wanted to get into college, he wanted to be a pharmacist, Tiffany said of her late son Johnny, who was a student at Corning Union High School. He was such a good kid. 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. A GoFundMe set up by the school secretary at Rancho Tehama Elementary and a friend of the Phommathep family has raised over $37,500 as of Friday, Nov. 8. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images Tardigrades, the ubiquitous microscopic animals that resemble gummy bears with eight legs, are renowned for their ability to survive some of the harshest environmental conditions for decades without food and water. These hardy animals can easily endure levels of radiation that would be lethal to most other forms of life, extreme temperatures and even survive in the vacuum of space . Some scientists think that uncovering the genes responsible for their remarkable resilience, particularly to ultrahigh radiation, could unlock a range of potential applications from cancer research to space exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we may be closer than ever to unlocking them. Chinese scientists have now identified a new species of tardigrades hosting thousands of genes that become more active when exposed to radiation. The findings point to a complex defense system that shields tardigrade DNA from radiation-induced damage and can pave the way for devising better protection for astronauts from the stresses of long-duration missions, researchers say. The new species, named Hypsibius henanensis after China's Henan province where it was collected about six years ago, was pummeled with doses of radiation many times higher than what would be lethal for humans. The bombardment affected 2,801 tardigrade genes associated with DNA repair, cell division, hormone metabolism and immune responses, according to a paper published Oct. 25 in the journal Science. Related: These tiny indestructible tardigrades will reveal how to survive in extremes of space One of the genes that became most active, called DODA1, appears to resist radiation damage by enabling tardigrades to produce antioxidant pigments known as betalains, which can erase some of the harmful reactive chemicals inside cells that are caused by radiation. When the researchers treated human cells with a tardigrade's betalains, they found the cells fared much better at surviving radiation than untreated cells, study co-author Lingqiang Zhang, who is a molecular and cellular biologist at the Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, told Nature News . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears or moss piglets, have been the subject of extensive research due to their extraordinary resilience. In 2007, they became the first animals to survive exposure to outer space after a Russian crewless capsule ferried 3,000 living tardigrades on a European mission to low Earth orbit , and exposed them to the hard vacuum of space for 10 days. 68 percent of them survived and gave birth to normal offspring . The same occurred with tardigrades that were blasted to space in 2011 on the final flight of NASA's space shuttle Endeavour. a dark, spherical space capsule is open on one end, showing different boxes and racks for different experiments. A few thousand tardigrades were spilled onto the moon's surface after riding there aboard Israel's Beresheet spacecraft, which crashed during landing . While the fact that the specimens lay dormant on lunar soil raised ethical questions, microbiologists have deemed their chances of colonizing the moon zero, given the lack of oxygen and liquid water. Tardigrades' most recent trip to space was in 2021 to the International Space Station , where a long-term study of their genes and other survival techniques is underway. "We want to see what 'tricks' they use to survive when they arrive in space, and, over time , what tricks their offspring use," Thomas Boothby, an associate professor of molecular biology at the University of Wyoming, said in a previous NASA statement . "Are they the same or do they change across generations? We just don't know what to expect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED STORIES: Could tardigrades have colonized the moon? Thousands of Tardigrades Stranded on the Moon After Lunar Lander Crash Radiation will be a real challenge for Mars colonists, powerful solar storm shows Scientists know from previous research that tardigrades persist through unfavorable conditions by rapidly suspending their metabolism, for which they lose majority of their body water and shrink to half their normal sizes, a state known as cryptobiosis. After returning from space, they regained their former vigor within just 30 minutes of becoming hydrated. The tiny creatures are also likely capable of producing heaps of antioxidants such as the newfound reservoir of betalains to combat harmful, radiation-induced changes in their bodies, scientists say. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) After being closed for more than four years, one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Mexico is reopening. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Cochiti Pueblo announced that the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument will reopen this month. A lot of people have been unhappy about it being closed and Im quite frankly really happy to have people back, said Melanie Barnes, State Director of Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico. The monument was temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the pandemic restrictions lifted, BLM and Cochiti Pueblo jointly agreed to keep the area closed in order to renegotiate the operations of the Monument, according to the news release sent on Thursday. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BLM said it also reached an agreement to allow Cochiti Pueblo to take on day-to-day operations of the monument. This unique management relationship with Cochiti Pueblo is an asset to the Monument, BLM Albuquerque District Manager Sabrina Flores said in the news release. Pueblo members know this Monument well, and we will continue to work closely with the Pueblo on management decisions that will best serve the land, the visitors to the Monument, and the Pueblo. Reservations now required One of the biggest changes visitors will experience is having to make a reservation to enter. Starting Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. MT, people will be able to make an online reservation for the monument, which is set to officially welcome visitors on Nov. 21. The monument will be open Thursday through Monday, except for holidays through Dec.14, 2024. Additional reservations will be available after the monument reopens from its seasonal closure on Jan 31, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today is a new beginning as we come together with the Bureau of Land Management to take on the day-to-day operations of the Monument. The Pueblo now has a greater voice in how we want our sacred lands and community to be treated and respected by our visitors to the Monument. This will help us preserve our traditions and culture for generations to come, Cochiti Pueblo Gov. Joel Arquero said in the news release. The reservation system seems to have been implemented to combat over visitation, which the park experienced before it closed in 2020. In a 2023 investigation by KRQEs Gabrielle Burkhart, KRQE learned from a pre-2020 data report that Current visitation is nearly three times the original planned capacity, which was designed to hold about 50,000 visitors annually. Data also showed the monument saw more than 100,000 visits a year in 2017-2019. During Spring Break 2018, KRQE News 13 reported on the massive line of cars waiting to enter Tent Rocks National Monument. Visitors were waiting 90 minutes just to park their vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BLM said over-visitation impacted not only the natural resources within the monument but also the gateway community of Cochiti Pueblo. Fees and access passes BLM Ticket Reservations passes are $5 per person for visitors over age 16. Those under the age of 16 are free but still require a reservation. The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted and waives the BLM Ticket Reservation for the passholder and three additional visitors. Visitors must also pay a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass directly to the Pueblo prior to entering the monument. The cost per visitor is $20/person over age 16; $10/person 2-16 years old; and free for visitors under 2 years old. A direct link to Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass will be provided during the reservation process. The America the Beautiful Pass cannot be used to waive the fees for a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass. Additional details regarding fees, closures, and other visitation information are available here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The oldest existing fire station, and former fire museum, in Terre Haute is being restored. After years without proper financial support and repairs, the building started to fall apart earlier this year. The city put up temporary barricades to block street traffic and have begun working with Indiana Landmarks on the issue. This is a community partner that has been assisting Terre Haute with preserving its history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is working with Indiana Landmarks to take ownership of the old museum and begin repairs immediately. The Terre Haute Director of Public Works says the main problem right now is the street being closed. For our citizens out there, hopefully the fire museum is something that you are excited to see come back and this historic building preserved. But we also know that its been an issue with travel in the area so, really, our priority is getting that building sturdy. Getting it sured up, so that we can open 8th street back to traffic. The city says they do not want to demolish the building and are hoping to start work in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. In the aftermath of his partys brutal shellacking in the 2024 elections, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa has announced he will step down in March. Over his 12-year tenure, Hinojosa has faced fierce criticism from within the state party for its failures to build up permanent party infrastructure, build independence from the national party and develop messaging and policies that address the needs of Texans. His replacement will be chosen at the State Democratic Executive Committee meeting in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his resignation letter on Friday, Hinojosa addressed some of these critiques. On Tuesday, the Democratic Party suffered devastating defeats up and down the ballot in Texas and across the country, he wrote. Voters sent a clear message to our party and our country that they want our leaders to talk to them about issues that they care about most, including the economy. Hinojosa added that in the days and weeks to come, it is imperative that our Democratic leaders across the country reevaluate what is best for our party and embrace the next generation of leaders to take us through the next four years of Trump and win back seats up and down the ballot. In interviews with The Hill the day before Hinojosas resignation, Texas Democrats intimated that something big was going to have to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have an economy either in Texas or across the country that is in good shape, but we lost this election statewide and nationwide, in large part because we werent talking about that, state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who challenged Rep. Colin Allred for the partys nomination for Senate, told The Hill. The failure, Gutierrez argued, had been ceding key strategic ground to the Republicans. The sense of prices rising out of control in areas from insurance to groceries is, he argued, a Republican problem. This is something that they have created in Texas. And for the life of me, how we werent able to communicate this in a specific manner is concerning. That, Gutierrez argued, was in part an issue of messaging. But I think that we absolutely need some personnel changes within the party and its my hope that well see that here in the very near future. And Carroll Robinson, a Houston Democrat who challenged Hinojosa in 2022 for the party chairmanship, called on the state Democrats to become an actual statewide organization, and not just an office in Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party, he said, was disjointed, unconnected and even though we start supporting any campaign early this year, you never truly have a fully integrated, coordinated party able to build and maintain the year-round infrastructure that would let it contest elections statewide. Since losing control of statewide office in the 1990s, Southern Methodist University historian Cal Jillson told The Hill, state Democrats never really built that kind of infrastructure necessary to rebuild the partys standing in the state. Instead, he said, the party has been trusting in demographic change, and in particular the states growing Latino share of the population, to deliver them long-term victory. Now, he said, Trumps overperformance among Latinos had caused real existential angst, because if the Hispanic population is changing out from under them rather than becoming a critical part of their base. You know, where next? What are you going to do now? So I think theyre, theyre in, in real disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his letter, Hinojosa argued that his successor would have the tools necessary to move the party forward. I hope my successor will take on the job with the energy and creativity we need to build something new, but they will not start empty-handed. Over the last twelve years, the Texas Democratic Party, in partnership with countless allies, has put Texas on the battleground map and has made significant progress toward electing Democrats at every single level, he wrote. The party, he said, has also worked to modernize every face of its organizing. All of these tools, he said, would be needed for the gargantuan task that now faces the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to continue the progress to reach the millions of eligible Texans who decided not to vote in the 2024 election, he wrote, as well as millions of potential young voters as they age into the electorate every cycle. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced his resignation Friday on the heels of another election cycle in which his party suffered blowout losses atop the ticket and vastly underperformed expectations. In a statement acknowledging Democrats devastating defeats up and down the ballot, Hinojosa announced he would step down in March when the partys governing executive committee is scheduled to meet. [Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days and weeks to come, it is imperative that our Democratic leaders across the country reevaluate what is best for our party and embrace the next generation of leaders to take us through the next four years of Trump and win back seats up and down the ballot, Hinojosa said, calling on Democratic leaders at all levels to join me in lifting up the next generation in order to unite our party. In the months leading up to Tuesdays election, Hinojosa and other party leaders promoted Texas as a competitive state where Democratic candidates had a real shot of winning a statewide race for the first time since 1994. Instead, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump carried the state by nearly 14 percentage points and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz defeated his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas, by nearly 9 points. Democrats also lost three seats in the Texas Legislature and nearly every contested state appellate court race, and saw Republicans win 10 countywide judicial races in Harris County reversing several years of Democratic dominance in Texas largest county. Republicans also set a high-water mark among Latino voters, with Trump capturing 55% of the key voting bloc statewide, according to exit polls. He carried all four counties in the traditionally deep-blue Rio Grande Valley, including Cameron County, where Hinojosa previously served as county judge. In an interview with The Texas Newsroom this week, Hinojosa said Democrats poor performance was in part a result of the way they handled the issue of transgender rights comments that stirred backlash from party members and LGBTQ advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have a choice as a party," Hinojosa said. "You could, for example, you can support transgender rights up and down all the categories where the issue comes up, or you can understand that there's certain things that we just go too far on, that a big bulk of our population does not support." Hinojosa later apologized for the comments, saying he recognized the pain and frustration my words have caused. Hinojosas departure comes in the middle of a four-year term that began when he was reelected at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention. His successor will be selected by the partys governing executive committee and will serve out the remainder of Hinojosas term, according to the state party rules. Shay Wyrick-Cathey, the party vice chair, announced Friday she would run to succeed Hinojosa. In a statement, Wyrick-Cathey said she and Hinojosa "have not agreed on every issue, but he never made that a prerequisite for the two of us working together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in the mix is Kim Olson, Hinojosa's top challenger in 2022 and a former statewide and congressional candidate. She was being encouraged to run by some donors and party activists after Hinojosa's announcement, according to a Democratic source familiar with the conversations. The contentious 2022 chair election served as a referendum on Hinojosas tenure since he took over leadership of the state party in 2012. He won another term by arguing that he had grown the party immensely and helped bring Democrats within striking distance of statewide office in 2018, putting them in position to soon break through. But the race was made competitive as Hinojosas challengers promised to improve the partys infrastructure while tapping into frustrations about Democrats disappointing 2020 election performance which has since been followed by decisive losses in 2022 and 2024. Hinojosa has drawn criticism especially for offering overly rosy projections. At the Democratic National Convention in August, Hinojosa referred to Texas as the nations biggest battleground state as he announced Texas would deliver its delegates for Vice President Kamala Harris. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said it is continuing to address illegal activity surrounding fraudulent vehicle emissions inspections known as clean scanning, allowing cars on the roads that are polluting the air and can harm your health. Clean scanning relates to a fraudulent pass for a vehicles emissions test that, in many cases, happens when a state inspector takes a bribe. Its a problem KXAN has investigated for more than a year and one that, law enforcement recently testified, isnt slowing down. RELATED | What is an emissions test and which Texans need them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Feb. 13, 2023, through Thursday, DPS secured or served 88 arrest warrants related to clean scanning in the state, according to newly released figures. An unidentified suspect is arrested as part of an operation targeting vehicle inspection fraud. (Courtesy Texas Department of Public Safety) Clean scanning is a serious crime and one that the Texas Department of Public Safety is working very hard to combat, DPS press secretary Sheridan Nolen said. The arrests made during this latest operation are a result of a tremendous amount of investigative work and collaboration with local, state and federal partners who are committed to detecting, disrupting and arresting individuals who are in engaged in this type of criminal activity which can put the lives of Texans at risk. KXAN INVESTIGATES | Undercover sting, rejected car inspections: How emissions testing fraud impacts Austin During its most recent operation in Houston this month, DPS said it secured 19 arrest warrants for criminal activity related to clean scanning. As part of that, on Thursday, DPS arrested five people and secured arrest warrants for 14 others all accused of organized criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past several months, the department said it conducted surveillance at vehicle inspection stations throughout the state where illegal activity was believed to be taking place. While vehicle safety inspections will go away next year, emissions tests will still be required in 17 Texas counties to comply with federal clean air standards. Anyone who suspects clean scanning is urged to report it to DPS at (512) 424-0290. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) A semi-truck filled with donations from Texas arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday to help victims of Hurricane Helene. News Channel 11s sister station in Wichita Falls, KFDX and Texomas FOX, worked with a car dealership and other organizations to load the truck with donations for people in the Tri-Cities. Herb Easley Motors, KFDX and Texomas FOX, Union Square Credit Union, the Junior League of Wichita Falls, Texoma Freight and the people in the Wichita Falls area contributed to the donations. Photo: A semi-truck full of donations from Wichita Falls, Texas arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway to help Hurricane Helene flood victims. (WJHL) Photo: A semi-truck full of donations from Wichita Falls, Texas arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway to help Hurricane Helene flood victims. (WJHL) Photo: A semi-truck full of donations from Wichita Falls, Texas arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway to help Hurricane Helene flood victims. (WJHL) Amanda Delp, the director of the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center, told News Channel 11 that it means a great deal to still receive much-needed items from people outside the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have certainly feel the love from all over the country right here in this region, Delp said. We have seen supplies pour in from all over the country, and we cannot be more blessed with what has come in here at Bristol Motor Speedway. Our community seems to always answer the bell when there is a need, a statement from Herb Easley Motors reads. It was heartbreaking to see the people on the news waiting for help. We made our post on [Facebook] after Helene made landfall. And then the other hit Florida, so we had lots of people come out to our dealership and drop supplies. Our community really came together for the victims. We couldnt have got the word out without our great relationship with KFDX. They started telling their viewers, and people came into Wichita Falls from towns and communities all around their viewing area. The trailer was full of donations like bottled water and electrolyte drinks, canned goods, protein bars, hand sanitizer, blankets, baby wipes and diapers, baby food pouches, pet food and feminine hygiene products. Delp said the need for donations has not stopped more than a month after the hurricane caused millions in property damage and claimed several lives. Several impacted people now need items for the long term as recovery and rebuilding take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still have items within the warehouse that are more of those emergent type needs, and those are continuing to go out in the community as you can see behind me with the forklifts moving, Delp said. Were getting distributions and supplies out to those organizations that are within our communities that serve those folks. According to Delp, the disaster relief center is also putting together boxes over the next few weeks dedicated to providing Thanksgiving meals for families, winter clothing for children and necessities for disabled veterans. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Global hotel franchising company Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) to foster hospitality management education. The memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies focuses on providing students with practical industry exposure and aligning the academic curriculum with current hospitality standards. Through this collaboration, Wyndham will contribute to the development of IIHM's teaching and training methods. The curriculum will be customised to meet the needs of the hospitality sector, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. Industrial training programmes, facilitated by Wyndham, will offer students hands-on experience in the field. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA president Dimitris Manikis said: "Partnering with IIHM represents a great opportunity to shape a new generation of hospitality professionals equipped for the industry's future needs. By aligning our people, talent goals and objectives with IIHM's academic strengths, we're not only enriching the student experience but also actively investing in the quality and capability of tomorrow's hospitality leaders. This collaboration underscores our dedication to bridging education with practical industry expertise, fostering growth and innovation in the communities and the industry we serve." Wyndham representatives will also engage with students directly by delivering guest lectures at IIHM. These sessions aim to provide insights into the latest trends and practices within the hospitality industry. The partnership further extends to faculty development, with Wyndham providing operational exposure to IIHM's teaching staff, thereby enhancing their teaching capabilities with knowledge of technologies and industry innovations. IIHM Hotel Schools Group CEO and founder Dr Suborno Bose said: This partnership with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the best education and industry exposure. Together, we are crafting the future of hospitality, where education meets excellence." In a separate development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has reported growth in its direct franchising business in China. Over the past five years, the company has signed nearly 600 franchising agreements in the country. "Wyndham partners with IIHM to enhance hospitality education" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Police said a shoplifting team that has plagued local merchants for years is at it again after serving their last theft sentences. Businesses have been alerted in the past to be aware of the two women and their methods, which involve one thief taking items while the other keeps the store employees distracted. LIVE BLOG: Secret Service agent testifies in Pattersons trial Chelsea Hoyt was booked back into jail today, November 7, 2024, for a warrant for a theft at Old Navy in October. Police said she worked with an unnamed accomplice to take $463 of clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoyt also has another pending September theft charge at Berend Brothers, for which her frequent accomplice, Tina Crump, is also charged. Hoyt and Crump were also arrested on Oct. 17, 2024, on theft warrants when an employee at Ollies Bargain Outlet recognized them from past Crime Stoppers Most Wanted photos and called the police. Hoyt was then arrested again on Nov. 7 at her residence on another warrant. Officers say they asked her numerous times if she was Chelsea Hoyt, and she said no, she was Chanelle. However, officers positively identified her from her previous mugshots, and she finally admitted she was Chelsea Hoyt. Hoyt was last sentenced for theft on Sept. 14, 2023, with a 9-month sentence. Crump received a two-year state jail sentence for theft on Sept. 22, 2022. Hoyt has 16 arrests recorded, while Crump has 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have cases linking the two in shoplifting to as far back as 2020, though both have many theft arrests years before that. The theft at Berend Brothers on Seymour Highway in September fits the past pattern of the two suspects. Employees said two women entered the store; one distracted an employee, while the other took an Echo chainsaw and left. A police officer viewed the security video and immediately identified the suspects as Hoyt and Crump. The saw was later recovered when a resident called police and said she became suspicious after buying it from a woman identified as Chelsea Hoyt outside a Walmart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both suspects are charged with numerous thefts and criminal trespasses, and they were banned from all Walmarts several years ago. As of this posting, Hoyt remains jailed on a $15,000 bond, while Crump is free on a $35,000 bond from her arrest on Oct. 17, 2024. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. When Tony Romeo and his crew saw the bright yellow shape resembling a cross on their computer, they thought they had answered one of the great mysteries of the 20th century. Surely, the grainy image had to be Amelia Earharts long-lost plane, 16,000 feet beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. But after a second expedition to the site, Romeo announced this week that the discovery amounted to less than they had hoped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a bunch of rocks. When the crew of Deep Sea Vision first saw the grainy image on the left, they thought it was the airplane that Amelia Earhart had flown in 1937. This week, they released a higher resolution image that shows it to be a rock formation. (Courtesy of Deep Sea Vision) Im super disappointed, Romeo told the Wall Street Journal. The crew from Romeo's company, Deep Sea Vision, had piloted their state-of-the-art submersible closer to the possible wreckage. What they hoped was the famed Lockheed Electra 10E Special, serial number 1055, turned out to be an unfortunate geologic formation, according to a company statement. Romeo, who is still at sea and unavailable for comment, has been obsessed with Earhart since childhood, and finding the aviator's aircraft would have been the culmination of a dream set into motion after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since disappearing in 1937, Earhart has come to represent the power of such dreams. A talented aviator, daredevil and dashing superstar, she was attempting to circumnavigate the globe and encourage other women toward greater independence of thought and action. Two months after setting out from California, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, began the most challenging leg of their journey, to a small airfield a critical fueling stop on a flyspeck of an island halfway between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii. They never made it. A framed photo of Amelia Earhart in 1937, along with goggles she was wearing during her first plane crash, displayed in 2011 at Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland. (Ben Margot / Associated Press) Their sudden and unexplained disappearance has long vexed aviation experts and helped enshrine Earhart's place in American culture. Some have argued that she survived a crash landing and have searched neighboring islands. Some say she plummeted into the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Romeo, a former real estate entrepreneur from Charleston, S.C., maintained some skepticism about the initial finding, he was excited that he and his team might have accomplished something that had eluded dozens of other expeditions. Why cant six random guys solve aviations greatest riddle? Romeo told The Times this year. Were no Robert Ballards. Were no James Camerons. Were just six guys who love the story and put together a business to solve it. Deep Sea Vision had first put to sea in September 2023 from Papua New Guinea, launching a $9-million Hugin 6000 submersible equipped with a Doppler, a magnetometer, an echo sounder and a side-scan sonar. Read more: How explorers found Amelia Earhart's watery grave. Or did they? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 100 days, they combed more than 2,500 square miles of ocean. They were heading home empty-handed when data from a previous day of exploration, which had originally been unreadable, was finally cleaned up. Out of the grainy, sonar-generated black-and-yellow image of the ocean floor emerged a brighter yellow shape that resembled a plane. The image was marred by interference, but Romeo thought he could make out twin vertical stabilizers on the tail. In media interviews, he never revealed the location of the find. Once home, Romeo began raising money for a second trip to confirm that the cross-shaped object was indeed Earhart's plane. Three months at sea had cost the company about $15,000 a day, he told The Times. To help defray the expense, he invited selected media outlets, including The Times, to bid on exclusive use of the photos, if the find was confirmed. The Times declined the offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romeo planned to raise the fuselage and eventually install it in the Smithsonian. Amelia Earhart poses with her Lockheed Vega, the aircraft that helped many pilots in the late 1920s and 1930s set flying records. (Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images) As promising as Deep Sea Visions claim was garnering, according to Romeo, the attention of billions of people worldwide some experts were never convinced. An assessment at the time from Dave Jourdan, president and founder of Nauticos, which has mounted four expeditions to find Earhart's plane, proved correct: It could be an aircraft. It could be a pile of rocks that looks like an aircraft." Deep Sea Vision is now branching out from its original mission, working with "foreign governments, international organizations and corporations" interested in its underwater technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Romeo isn't giving up. For another month, he and his crew will continue their search, covering more than 1,500 square nautical miles of uncharted ocean. Somewhere out there, Romeo is confident, lies the answer to Earhart's disappearance. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused $9.8 billion in damage to western NC's transportation infrastructure. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) North Carolina officials began meeting last week with interested contractors for road and bridge projects in western North Carolina a first step in what will be an expensive, complex rebuild effort after Hurricane Helene. A two-day event at the NC Department of Transportations Asheville office gave contractors the opportunity to meet with state officials to pre-qualify for the departments contracts in the mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of work thats going to have to be done, and is ongoing right now to continue to get everything restored its unprecedented, said Tim Anderson, an engineer with the DOT division covering Asheville and its surrounding area. We know that the contract staff we have available to us in the mountains, and even from the eastern part of the state we still need more folks. Gov. Roy Coopers office estimates that Helene caused $9.8 billion worth of damage to the regions transportation infrastructure. That includes 5,000 miles of state-maintained roads, and several major interstates and key corridors. Andersons division has identified 3,000 damage sites where repairs are required. In the weeks since the storm, DOT officials have prioritized tentative fixes to allow for emergency aid, as well as cataloguing damage. That meant cutting trees in the way of roads, setting up large pipes or temporary bridges, and pulling in initial contracts to reach more remote communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with state money approved and flowing west, the department is preparing for full rebuilding with an ambitious timeline. Our goal is to have 80% of these sites permanently repaired in about six months, Anderson said. Its an aggressive goal. But its a major impact to our region. DOT announced Tuesday that traffic may be flowing in both directions on Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge near the Tennessee border by New Years Day. chart visualization An already costly repair effort has been further complicated by the regions terrain, numerous bridges and private roads. Landslides brought trees and soil down the mountains, ripping up roads and clogging pipes. Floodwater eroded banks and shoulders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was definitely a different scenario than weve seen before, Anderson said. Some projects could take longer than the estimated six-month timeline, he said basins like Chimney Rock, as well as larger bridges. As for privately owned roads and bridges? Anderson said the department was focused on those under the states purview first and foremost. State officials and lawmakers have said they are looking for ways to help fund private repairs. Typically, the state does not take responsibility for private roads and bridges, budget director Kristin Walker told reporters in October. After Tropical Storm Fred, the state did this on a smaller scale, with about 300 private roads and bridges. But we know that the need there is significant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the vast majority of dollars that will fund road and bridge repairs will come from the federal government. There are several sources the state is looking toward: FEMAs direct assistance program; a grant program for hazard mitigation projects; and other grant programs. North Carolina would likely be competing with other states impacted by Helene for those grants, but officials have expressed confidence that the states needs are clear. If Congress chooses to appropriate money to the program, the state could also apply for a community development grant program, which were used in recovery efforts after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Lawmakers are expected to return to Washington in the coming weeks, after declining requests from North Carolinas delegation to come back earlier and approve additional aid. GABORONE, Botswana. (AP) Thousands of people from around Botswana attended the inauguration Friday of their country's new president, Duma Boko, who called for unity after an election that brought an end to the former ruling party's 58 years in power. His Umbrella for Democratic Change, a coalition of Botswana National Front and the Alliance for Progressives won 36 parliamentary seats and denied former president Mokgweetsi Masisi a second term. Boko took his oath in front of thousands of citizens and delegates in the capital Gaborone on Friday after arriving in an open top vehicle accompanied by flag-carrying soldiers on white horses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing the nation in his first official speech as president, Boko encouraged those in attendance to give his predecessor who was often subjected to jeers some love and praised his willingness to concede power without incident. He described the change of government in Botswana as a historic moment and stressed the need to avoid squabbles and personal rifts. This is indeed a historic moment most humbling and most sobering. It is one of the rarest moments that can only be acknowledged in retrospect," he said. He expressed his love for his country and the appreciation they had shown him in electing him to the country's highest office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gives me great pleasure when I look at you and you look back at me and say thats my boy. You say so because you raised the boy. You love the boy. You know and understand that this boy loves you, said Boko in a colorful inauguration speech fueled by optimism but thin on details of his party's plans for national development. During the campaign, his party promised to fight corruption and introduce a minimum wage of 4,000 Pula ($302) per month, unemployment allowance and to increase old age benefits and build new enterprises. A recent Afrobarometer survey shows that unemployment is the most pressing concern for citizens, far surpassing other issues such as health, crime, poverty, education and corruption. Official statistics show that unemployment has increased to 27.6% in 2024 from 25.9% in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want the government to create jobs and make better use of public funds, said Onkutule Ntwayagae, a self-employed 42-year-old from the village of Mahalapye, attended the inauguration. Ntwayagae said he was expecting a change and an improvement in the livelihood of ordinary people. Diamonds account for 80% of Botswana's exports but the global downturn in demand for mined diamonds has affected the revenues of Debswana, the mining company the government owns with mining conglomerate De Beers, each with a 50% share. There have been calls for Botswana to have increased ownership and to benefit more from the arrangement. If he is able to renegotiate the deal with De Beers it would create jobs. Debswana is our main cash cow and if it is experiencing difficulty we have serious problems." Ntwayagae said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Batswana believed that they would never witness a peaceful transfer of power to opposition. It means a lot for me because I never thought this day would come. We have seen the opposition fighting for power for so long. I am happy to have been able to witness this historic moment", said Gosego Moleele, a teacher from Jwaneng. Former president Ian Khama, South African deputy president Paul Mashatile and South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema were among the dignitaries attending the inauguration. A fugitive Iranian government operative is accused of hiring a pair of New Yorkers he met in prison to carry out an assassination plot against a critic of the regime, and allegedly admitted to FBI agents that hed also been tasked with finding a hit squad to kill President-elect Donald Trump. Farhad Shakeri, 51, claimed he was asked in September by regime officials to put aside his other efforts... and focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court. Shakeri countered that this would cost a huge amount of money, to which his regime contact replied, [W]e have already spent a lot of money .. . [s]o the moneys not an issue. Shakeri said he was given a deadline of mid-October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also reveals that, in a separate assassination plot, Shakeri was told by his Iranian government contacts to locate a hitman capable of surveilling, then murdering, an unnamed journalist in the U.S. It says Shakeri, an Afghani national and former New York resident, offered $100,000 to two men, Carlisle Pop Rivera, 49, and Jonathan Loadholt, 36, while serving a 14-year sentence for robbery. Rivera and Loadholt were arrested Thursday in Brooklyn and Staten Island, and remain detained pending trial on charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. Shakeri, who is believed to be in Iran and out of US law enforcements reach, faces the same charges as Rivera and Loadholt, plus conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the Government of Iran. The Iranian government engages in these activities to silence dissidents, and, in the case of political enemies, to seek revenge and sow discord, the complaint states. It also says the regime was out to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike during the Trump administration. The Iranian government is out to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike during the Trump administration. (AFP via Getty Images) According to the complaint, Shakeri who spoke with the FBI five times by phone between September 30 and November 7, from Iran told federal agents he worked in the oil and gas business and had been recruited by a senior member of the the regimes feared Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After learning that Shakeri had previously lived in New York City, the IRGC officer, who told Shakeri his name was Majid Soleimani, asked him about investigating a reporter in Brooklyn, identified in the complaint as Victim-1. The journalist, who identified herself on social media as Masih Alinejad, has been targeted by Tehran for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shakeri told the FBI that he had met with Soleimani about a dozen times at restaurants around Tehran, and that Soleimani demanded he leave his phone outside when they got together, the complaint states. He said Soleimani set up the meetings through intermediaries, so there would be no record of any communication between them, according to the complaint. Soleimani, who already seemed to have a plethora of information about Victim-1s whereabouts, told Shakeri hed pay $1.5 million to have her killed, nighttime, daytime, anywhere. (Shakeri told the FBI he agreed to speak with them in an attempt to help get a sentence reduction for an associate jailed in the US.) In December 2023, Shakeri contacted Rivera and Loadholt, who overlapped with Shakeri behind bars while they served time for manslaughter and murder, about the job. They put the reporter under surveillance, but things broke down last August over Shakeris financial promises which had not yet materialized. "Yo wtf, Loadholt wrote to Rivera after yet another payment didnt come through, according to the complaint. "... Im screaming my head off ryt now[.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Me too," Rivera replied. Im so frustrated son Im like ready to jump out the window," Loadholt texted back. In his talks with the FBI, Shakeri said Soleimani had also asked him to surveil two Jewish businesspeople in New York City, who are not identified in court records, and to engage a death squad to carry out a mass shooting of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. On October 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas deadly cross-border attack on Israeli civilians, Shakeri was told to provide an operational plan to kill Donald Trump within seven days, the complaint states. If he couldnt do it within that timeframe, according to Shakeri, his IRGC handlers told him to wait until after the election. If Trump lost, as many expected, it would be easier to assassinate [him], Shakeri said, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the interview, Shakeri claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC, it says. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a designated foreign terrorist organization has been conspiring with criminals and hitmen to target and gun down Americans on U.S. soil and that simply wont be tolerated. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, their deadly schemes were disrupted, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. Were committed to using the full resources of the FBI to protect our citizens from Iran or any other adversary who targets Americans. Editors Note: The headline on this article was updated to clarify that only one person was implicated in the alleged plot against Trump. BOSTON (SHNS) Lawmakers have less than eight weeks to take action on priority bills before the next formal session begins, sending all current bills back to the drawing board. After the formal session ended on July 31, a host of major bills have been stuck in a conference committee, where the Massachusetts House and Senate negotiate a compromised version of the bill to send to the governor. Massachusetts lawmakers on what might change after election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All eyes on Beacon Hill have been on five sweeping bills: a clean energy bill, a job-creating economic development bill, a hospital oversight and reforms bill, a bill dealing with prescription drug pricing, and a substance use disorder bill. The conference committee in charge of the clean energy bill has reached an agreement and the Senate approved it, but the speaker of the house says he will not be bringing the compromise to a vote until an agreement is reached on the economic development bill. Governor Healey says she has received commitment from leadership that the economic development bill will pass. A major part of the substance use disorder bill is overdose prevention centers, where drug users can use sterile supplies to take drugs under the supervision of trained medical professionals. Top democrats are split on whether these centers should be allowed, indefinitely stalling the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for hospital reform and prescription drug pricing, the Speaker of the House said he was pretty confident these bills would pass in the early hours of August 1, but no public progress has been made since. If these bills fail to pass, lawmakers will have to start the process from the beginning, by reintroducing and drafting the bill again. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) A South Dakota non-profit that builds coffins for military veterans and their spouses has found a spacious solution to its growing pains. Demand for hand-crafted coffins and urns through the Veterans Honored Interment keeps rising, especially since the state veterans cemetery opened in Sioux Falls. Noem wants fireworks at Mount Rushmore A vacant two-story office is being converted into the new Sioux Falls headquarters of Veterans Honored Interment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, its wonderful! I mean, we have twice the space. We have room to grow, Veterans Honored Interment Board of Directors member Roger Van Noort said. This is already the third location for the non-profit since it started in Sioux Falls nearly two decades ago. It follows a flow, better than what we ever had before. So each room can be divided up and we can do the work in those rooms, Van Noort said. In this room, volunteers, including Navy veteran Donald Norton, assemble the oak plywood coffins. Norton has been doing this since 2008. Being a corpsman, I was used to giving to the navy and giving to people, so I just started doing it, Norton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task is much easier than before, because now they use pre-cut wood. I remember when we used to saw wood outside in the snow, when we first started. So it was nice, and so it makes it a lot more convenient because we dont have as much dust flying in here, Norton said. The entire second floor of the building is dedicated to assembling urns, which are becoming as much as in demand as coffins. Last year, I did 108 urns. This year, Ive already built 98. So, I think Ill go past what I did last year, Vietnam veteran Gary Campbell said. This is the quiet room, where military veterans can pick out their coffins or urns. Air Force veteran Darla Larsen painted the soothing nature mural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nature is that calming kind of thing that helps us get through hard times. So Im going to be bringing some of that nature in here, Larsen said. Providing coffins and urns to veterans is a cause thats personal to Larsen. I buried my late husband in one of these. And I buried my dad in one of these. Theres something about that final tribute to a veteran that served their country, it was very meaningful, very meaningful, Larsen said. Demand for the coffins and urns that are assembled here has spiked since the state veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls opened just over three years ago. With the 65-thousand veterans that we just have in South Dakota, I always tell everyone were too busy to die ourselves because weve got so much work to do, Van Noort said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The volunteers have some 500 orders yet to fill. A labor of love, from inside their new headquarters, to show their fellow veterans that theyre eternally grateful for their service. Veterans Honored Interments new workshop is located on South Carolyn Avenue, behind Menards. Veterans are asked to make a donation in return for the coffins or urns. But no veteran will be turned away if they cannot afford to do so. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Its National Cappuccino Day, a day that celebrates a perfect drink on a frosty morning. How to protect your lungs from brush fire smoke According to the National Day Calendar, this Italian coffee drink is traditionally prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam. Cappuccino comes from the Capuchin friars and is the diminutive form of cappuccio in Italian, meaning hood or something that covers the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cappuccino got its name not from the hood on their habits but from the color of the hooded robes that the friars wore. One way to celebrate National Cappuccino Day is by treating yourself to one. Yelp has put together a list of the top places to get a cappuccino in western Massachusetts. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. (Bloomberg) -- One of Chinas largest hedge funds advised some clients to pocket gains as Donald Trumps return to the White House increases risks to the Asian nations economy and markets. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shanghai-based Perseverance Asset Management, which manages more than 100 billion yuan ($14 billion), suggested that investors in a range of products run by its star fund manager Deng Xiaofeng should consider redeeming, according to a notice sent to distributors seen by Bloomberg. The notice cited positive returns so far and potential risks following the US election result. There will be growing pressure on Chinas exports, which, coupled with exchange-rate fluctuations, will result in a complex environment and more uncertainties, Perseverance Asset said in the notice. Investors could consider readjusting their asset allocation, it said, adding that the window for redemptions will close on Nov. 13. Its rare advice in an industry that typically does all it can to grow assets under management. Chinese shares have rebounded strongly since September after officials unveiled a stimulus package to shore up the economy. But that was before Trumps victory this week brought the potential for adverse events such as a renewed trade war. UBS Group AG said in a note Thursday that a Trump win poses challenges for Chinas stock market, but remained neutral on the assets given relatively low valuations. The market would also watch closely if the government will take proactive steps to ramp up policy stimulus, the UBS analysts added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has pledged to impose 60% tariffs on imports from China, a move widely expected to add pressure on growth that economists say may struggle to meet the official target of around 5%. With Trump taking up the reins, itd deal a more blunt blow to investors risk appetite in China markets should he follow through on the tariff pledges, Citic Securities Co. analysts led by Chief Economist Ming Ming wrote in a note on Monday. The benchmark CSI 300 Index had gained about 30% from mid-September, when it hit the lowest in more than five years. The gauge jumped 3% Thursday before paring some gains Friday as investors awaited more clarity on further stimulus from a key legislature meeting. Perseverance Asset said the notice was a regular reminder about dates when redemptions are open to clients monthly, and should not be over-interpreted. The firm remains optimistic about the market outlook while monitoring cautiously, it said in a reply to Bloomberg. Shanghai Securities News reported the notice earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relevant products three-year lockup has just expired, and some clients with lower risk appetite previously expressed intentions to pocket gains after net asset values hit new highs this year, according to the reply. The notice was only sent to investors in some products managed by Deng, and is unrelated to its other fund managers. Dengs Xiaofeng No. 2 funds returned 32% in the first three quarters, nearly double that of CSI 300. But the potential mid- to long-term gains are expected to be relatively low as its stock positions were reduced to around 60% as of end-September, according to a transcript of a client meeting last month seen by Bloomberg. Economic fundamentals and corporate profits have yet to bottom out, prompting it to stick to a relatively cautious stance, the company said then. Calls for client redemptions are unusual among fund managers because they shrink fee income thats derived from the size of assets under management. Quantitative trading giant Zhejiang High-Flyer Asset Management gave similar advice for investors to withdraw cash in early 2022. Yang Dong, the former head of Aegon-Industrial Fund Management Co. in 2007 urged investors to pull out of stocks amid frenzied trading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perseverance Assets holdings in 35 mainland-listed companies where it was among the largest 10 shareholders of circulating stocks totaled 40.6 billion yuan as of June 30, according to filings data compiled by Shenzhen PaiPaiWang Investment & Management Co. Computers and non-ferrous metals were the sectors with the biggest exposures, according to the consultancy, which tracks Chinese hedge funds. Deng, whos also chief investment officer and among the best known of the companys six senior fund managers for his track record, alone held 19.4 billion yuan of those shares, led by Zijin Mining Group Co. The stock price of Chinas largest listed metals producer has jumped more than 400% since Dengs funds appeared among top shareholders in the third quarter of 2019, according to PaiPaiWang. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. ***Previous coverage in video player above*** DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two men accused of stealing from tornado victims in Logan County earlier this year will spend at least 13 years in prison. Jeffrey Rivers and Edward Langely are connected to breaking, entering and stealing several items from a damaged storage house in Logan County following the tornado outbreak that hit parts of the Miami Valley in March. They have both entered guilty pleas to eight charges each, with another seven dismissed for each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Area teacher placed on leave over alleged social media content The two were arrested with another suspect in April, after police discovered them with property that was not theirs from a nearby storage facility. The third suspect, Brandy Durnell, is expected in court for a plea hearing Nov. 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Three Troy school board members who voted to remove some math honors classes from middle schools lost reelection this week. They will be replaced by three newcomers who ran on a platform that included restoring math honors in the Troy School District, which has among the highest test scores of students in metro Detroit. Troy School District board president Karl Schmidt, who wrote letters with comments seen as stereotyping Asian people that were uncovered this year, was among those who lost, coming in 6th place among seven candidates. Schmidt ran on a slate along with another board member, Nicole Wilson, who came in 5th place and also lost reelection. The election was seen as a referendum on the honors classes and the voters appeared to make it clear they want them restored. Some English honors classes were also removed before the math honors classes were removed last year. Adding to the controversy were letters that Schmidt had emailed to six universities saying that "Chinese and Southern Asian" parents wanted math honors classes for their children because of "bragging rights" and claimed they are more into "speed and computational" learning instead of "deeper" learning. Asian American advocates and groups such as American Citizens for Justice condemned his letters, saying they were racist. About 39% of students in Troy schools are Asian American, but advocates for math honors say people of all races and ethnicities support the classes. Schmidt later apologized for his comments. The Troy School District board meets on Sept. 17, 2024. During the public comments part of the meeting, some complained about an email sent from board president Karl Schmidt in May 2023 to math departments at six universities that some activists allege contained racist comments about Asian American parents. Schmidt apologized. The top three finishers who gained seats on the board are Ayesha Potts, Audra Melton and Stephanie Zendler, all of whom have said they support math honors classes. Alex Karpowitsch, a candidate who has led efforts to restore the classes and ran on a slate with Melton and Zendler, lost, coming in fourth place behind Zendler. Another incumbent who voted to remove the honors classes, Gary Hauff, also lost, coming in last place among the seven candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new board members will take office after the three incumbents who lost step down by the end of the year, said district spokesperson Kendra Montante. Given that the election overlapped with a contentious race for president, partisan politics also became an issue. The Troy Democratic Club recommended Schmidt, Wilson and Potts in a list of candidates they supported for the November election. Some Democrats sought to portray the slate who supports math honors as extremists. The Troy Democratic Club did not return a message seeking comment. State Rep. Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy, told the Free Press she "endorsed one candidate in the Troy school board election, Ayesha Potts, who secured the most votes out of all 7 candidates in this race. Part of her platform included supporting bringing back honors classes, and I expect Mrs. Potts will be a positive addition to this board." Despite his loss, Karpowitsch will continue to fight for the restoration of math honors classes, saying that the board needs to act soon to get them back in schools for the 2025-2026 schools year. He said he intends to be at a Troy school board meeting on Tuesday pushing them to make the changes. "I eagerly look forward to the future board carrying out the will of what the people expressed on Tuesday," Karpowitsch told the Free Press Thursday. "There needs to be a sense of urgency." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karpowitsch said the slate he ran on was bipartisan, but sometimes unfairly attacked for being conservative. Karpowitsch had filed the Freedom of Information Act request that uncovered the controversial letters of Schmidt. Schmidt and Wilson did not comment to the Free Press this week on the election. Schmidt last month defended his views on math curriculum in a statement to the Free Press, saying they are in line with experts. But he conceded the part of his letters characterizing Asians "was inappropriate. In retrospect, that was an unfair statement, and I understand why some of these parents were upset by it." Schmidt added: "I remain committed to recognizing and correcting my own biases." Troy School District Board president Karl Schmidt speaks at at board meeting on Sept. 17, 2024, in Troy, Michigan. Image is from district video of meeting. In his statement last month, Schmidt added that "the middle school math controversy will ultimately be settled on November 5 because all four challengers have used the honors shift as a wedge issue in their campaigns." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hauff, who served on the board for 26 years, told the Free Press Thursday that has no regrets about the outcome of the election. "The election was decided very fairly by our citizens," the longtime board member said. "They have carefully chosen new trustees for the future. I have no regrets over my service to the school district for just over 26 years with honor and distinction. ... I will be leaving the district in better shape ... than when I first took the oath of office over two and a half decades ago." More: Letters by Troy schools board president stirs debate over Asian American stereotypes Hauff has served as the board's secretary, vice president and president during his tenure. He said he received the president's award from the Michigan Association of School Boards and has attended conferences over the years to better understand school management and courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have patiently listened to our stakeholders voices and tried to always make decisions based on relevant facts and information presented to me ... and supported our great teachers and staff to ensure greater success for our students," he said. The Troy School District released a statement to the Free Press praising the three board members who lost reelection for their service. More: Troy School Board eliminates middle school honors math classes despite parent outrage They "each leave behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to Troys students and families," said the district's statement, released through Montante. "Their tireless efforts and steadfast leadership have helped shape the district into what it is today. ... The time and care they devoted to this work reflect their genuine commitment to ensuring that every student in Troy has access to a high-quality education." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent Rich Machesky said "they have advocated tirelessly for our students, our schools, and our community. Their impact will be felt for years to come." Below is a list of Troy school board candidates, their number of votes garnered and percentage. The top three finishers, in bold, won seats to serve on the board starting in January. Ayesha Potts, 12,787 17.3% Audra Melton 12,424 16.8% Stephanie Zendler, 12,404 16.8% Alex Karpowitsch, 10,840 14.7% Nicole Wilson (incumbent), 10,664 14.4% Karl Schmidt (incumbent), 9,356 12.6% Gary Hauff (incumbent), 5,494 7.4% Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Troy school board members who opposed math honors lose reelection President-elect Donald Trump spent months leading up to the 2024 election distancing himself from Project 2025, the extreme and wildly unpopular policy blueprint that GOP operatives compiled to guide a second Trump term. I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, back in July. That was always nonsense, given that dozens of people who served in his first administration played a role in authoring the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Published by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 envisions an authoritarian dismantling of the federal government, ridding federal agencies of thousands of career public servants and replacing them with an army of Trump loyalists who wont blink at advancing extreme policies on everything from immigration and abortion to energy and education. Now that Trump has punched his ticket back to the White House, some of his fiercest MAGA allies are openly celebrating Project 2025 even boasting that it was the Trump plan all along. Now that the election is over I think we can finally say that yeah actually Project 2025 is the agenda. Lol, Matt Walsh, a right-wing podcast host, wrote on X hours after Trump secured his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. On his War Room podcast on Wednesday, Steve Bannon, the former Trump adviser who was recently released from prison, applauded Walshs post as fabulous and directed his staff to amplify it on social media. Bannon later held up a copy of Project 2025, titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, and Grace Chong, the CFO of his podcast, went on to write on X, WarRoom never said it wasnt coming. Other Trump supporters, including one former administration official, also now feel comfortable touting the right-wing roadmap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Carl, a far-right conspiracy theorist with a record of espousing racist and anti-LGBTQ+ views, retweeted Walshs post. Carl served as a high-ranking Interior Department official during Trumps first term. Conservative influencer Benny Johnson weighed in on X, writing, It is my honor to inform you all that Project 2025 was real the whole time. Meanwhile, two other prominent MAGA influencers, Charlie Kirk and Jack Posobiec, celebrated Trumps victory on The Charlie Kirk Show one of the most-listened-to podcasts in America by doing a two-and-a-half-hour episode titled Thoughtcrime: Project 2025 Edition, during which they spelled out their hopes for the early days of the second Trump administration. Look, you got to do the mass deportations, you absolutely gotta do the mass deportations, Posobiec said, embracing one of the central tenets of Project 2025. There is a mandate to do this now. Because this was very clearly the top campaign promise made by President Trump in addition to tariffs on China so mass deportation, tariffs on China, in the first 24 hours we need to see these things. And on a more wonky policy level, Schedule F. So Schedule F gives you the ability not only to fire the people that are political appointees but anyone else in the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schedule F, which Project 2025 advocates, refers to a policy that would allow Trump to purge the federal bureaucracy, which is historically nonpartisan, of civil servants who arent MAGA loyalists. (In the hands of a president who is not committed to democratic norms, taking control of the bureaucracy is a tried and tested way to work toward authoritarian government, Donald Moynihan, a professor of public policy at Georgetown University, told HuffPost earlier this year.) To be clear, none of these people are currently part of Trumps inner circle, at least not in an official capacity. And many of them take pleasure in online trolling; its possible that the Project 2025 celebration is just that. But all of them have been loyal soldiers in the right-wing apparatus that worked to secure Trumps comeback, and some are likely to wind up with roles in the administration when it takes over Jan. 20. And there are signs that several people who either contributed to or have publicly supported Project 2025 are on Trumps shortlist for high-ranking administrative posts. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who spent election night at Trumps watch party, has reportedly been floated as a possible pick for attorney general. The final page of the approximately 900-page Project 2025 manifesto features Lee and two other high-profile conservatives praising the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next conservative president must dismantle the administrative state and return power back to the states and the American people, Lee wrote in his review. This publication is a blueprint to do just that. In a post to X hours after Trumps victory, Lee asked, Which federal agency do you want to see dismantled first? Tom Homan, who served as Trumps acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is listed as a contributor to Project 2025, is also likely to land in a top administrative position. Asked during an interview last month with Californias KFI radio station about his plans related to immigration, Trump said, Youve seen Tom Homan. Hes coming on board. The Trump campaign did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Trump claiming ignorance about Project 2025, his support for it or at least policies within has long been an open secret. Many of the proposals in Project 2025 closely mirror those detailed in the official Republican Party platform, adopted in July and endorsed by Trump. And Russell Vought, a key author of Project 2025 who served as director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump, told an undercover journalist earlier this year that hes maintained close contact with Trump, has drafted hundreds of executive orders for Trumps consideration and that Trump is very supportive of what we do. At a rally in Arizona five days before the election, right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson warned that Trump would return to the White House with an army of people who know exactly whats up. They know where the bodies are likely to be buried, and theyre coming with shovels to dig them up, Carlson said. Among those who shared a clip of Carlsons comments was William Perry Pendley, an anti-public lands extremist who served as Trumps public lands chief and authored the Interior Department chapter of Project 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To paraphrase Obama, we are shovel ready, Pendley wrote to X. The Heritage Foundation has also made clear it is ready to assist the incoming Trump administration. In a statement Tuesday, Kevin Roberts, the groups president and the leader of Project 2025, called Trumps win a victory for every American. The entire conservative movement stands united behind him as he prepares to secure our wide-open border, restore the rule of law, put parents back in charge of their childrens education, restore America to its proper place as a leader in manufacturing, put families and children first, and dismantle the deep state, he said. Meanwhile, the Center for Immigration Studies, an anti-immigrant group founded by a eugenicist who is also part of the Project 2025 Advisory Board, marked Trumps victory this week by publishing an article encouraging the president-elect to make good on his promise to mass deport million of immigrants a policy also advocated in Project 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing in the National Review, under the headline Message to Illegals: Winter Is Coming, So Get Ahead of It, CIS President Mark Krikorian encouraged immigrants in the U.S. to self-deport that is, to leave the country before the Trump administration forces them out. It would be easier for everyone involved, and more dignified for the departing immigrants than the alternative, Krikorian wrote. Incoming Department of Government Efficiency head and worlds richest man Elon Musk has proposed cutting $2 trillion in government spendingmore than Congresss entire discretionary budget. But some of Donald Trumps key allies dont see anything wrong with that picture. In an interview with Fox Business on Friday, Virginia Representative Ben Cline claimed that it absolutely is possible to slash that much cash from the budget. We can do it, and make sure that we focus funding toward the American people and not toward bureaucracy in Washington, Cline said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a reminder: Congresss discretionary budget funds practically the entire executive branch, doling out funding for the military, national security, and federal agencies. And one cut in particular proved exceedingly uncontroversial for the Virginia congressman: public education. Give me one idea in terms of whats significant that you think, Thats got to go right away? asked Foxs Maria Bartiromo. Well lets just look at the Department of Education and how billions of dollars stay in Washington, funding bureaucrats whose simple goal is to interfere in the decisions about educational choice at local and state levels, Cline responded. BARTIROMO: Give me one idea of a significant cut you could make? REP. BEN CLINE: Well let's just look at the Department of Education ... pic.twitter.com/VwCvB84h1P Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 8, 2024 But thats not an accurate picture of the DOE. The federal government provides 13.6 percent of funding for public K-12 education across the nation. In Virginia specifically, it spends $2,020 per pupil per year, providing approximately 12 percent of the states education funding, according to the Education Data Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself has said that his Department of Education plan involves handing the reins and lofty responsibilities of public school administration over to parents, who famously have all the time in the world to oversee educational curricula while simultaneously working jobs and raising their children. During a rally in Milwaukee in October, the MAGA leader promised that his vision for the nations educational system would involve very limited oversight from any government, including the states. I figure well have like one person plus a secretary, the soon-to-be forty-seventh president said at the time. Youll have a secretary to a secretary. Well have one person plus a secretary and all the person has to do is, Are you teaching English? Are you teaching arithmetic? What are you doing? Reading, writing, and arithmetic. And are you not teaching woke? He also openly admitted that it would, unfortunately, be to the detriment of a great swath of statesparticularly poorer ones in the middle of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to have 35, like, different onesIowa will do good. A lot of the states will do very good. I can think of probably 30, 35 will be dofive will be OK, 10 will be OK. Youll have four or five that will be terrible, but thats OK, we have to control it, Trump told 5,000 people in Indiana, Pennsylvania, in September. But youll have, youll have Idaho, youll have Idaho will do a great job, no debt, they run a great state. But slashing the Department of Education was always part of the agenda. Despite attempts to distance the campaign from Project 2025, Trump allies have outright admitted in the wake of election night that the 920-page Christian nationalist manifesto was actually the blueprint for Trumps second administration all along. And its not all political smoke and mirrors. When it comes to budget cuts and the economy, experts believe that Trump is more than likely to keep his promises. Hes not very movable on trade issues, and he does what he says hes going to do, William Alan Reinsch of the Center for Strategic and International Studies told Yahoo! Finance in October, in an assessment of the Republican leaders 2016 economic agenda. I think he means it, and I think hell do it, Reinsch, a former trade lawyer and undersecretary of commerce, said of Trumps tariff plan on Chinese goods. The outstanding question will be whether or not the courts attempt to block it. (Reuters) -Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has not been asked by President-elect Donald Trump to return to the agency overseeing trade policy in his new administration, contrary to a Financial Times report, two sources familiar with the matter said. The FT earlier reported that Lighthizer had been asked to lead Trump's trade policy from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, citing unnamed people familiar with the talks among the Trump transition team. One of the two sources familiar with the matter called the report "untrue." The sources spoke on condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lighthizer declined to comment on the report and on deliberations within Trump's transition team about cabinet positions. The longtime Washington trade lawyer advised Trump's 2024 campaign. Lighthizer was one of the leading figures during the then-president's first term in the imposition of hefty tariffs on Chinese imports and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, with Mexico and Canada. He has frequently been mentioned in Republican circles as a potential candidate for other Trump cabinet positions, including Treasury secretary and commerce secretary. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, Trump announced he had picked Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, to be White House chief of staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect aims to kick the aggressive trade agenda from his first four-year term into higher gear with across-the-board 10% tariffs on imported goods and even higher levies on imports from China and elsewhere. If enacted, they would push up consumer prices. China's top envoy to the United States warned on Thursday that there are no winners in tariff or trade wars, nor in wars over science and technology or industry. (Reporting by David Lawder, Costas Pitas, Steve Holland and Bipasha Dey; editing by Rami Ayyub and Jonathan Oatis) Todd Blanche, an attorney who represented Donald Trump in his hush money trial, was reportedly one of the individuals whose phones were targeted by Chinesehackers. The FBI informed Blanche of the breach last week, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The hackers were able to obtain voice recordings and text messages from the device phone, none of the information was related to the president-elect, one of the sources said. The Bureau also reported that communications with Blanches family had also been accessed from the phone, CNNsaid. Blanche has reportedly been using a different number since the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanche was part of the defense team for Trump in his Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, in Florida, and also the high-profile hush money case. Trump subsequently became the first former president, and now president-elect, to have been convicted of criminal charges. The attorney is allegedly being considered for assistant attorney general, White House counsel or FBI director. Todd Blanche, the attorney who represented Donald Trump in his hush money trial, was reportedly one of the individuals whose phones were targeted by Chinese hackers (via REUTERS) Blanche is the second of two Trump attorneys believed to be targeted by foreign hackers, further details of which emerged last month. CNNreported in August that attorney Lindsey Halligan was targeted as part of a separate Iranian hacking effort, though the timing of that attempt and the extent of any breach of her devices or accounts remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month The New York Times reported that multiple people in Trumps inner-circle, including JD Vance and the president-elect himself, may also have been the target of Chinese hackers. Investigators from national security agencies including the FBI informed the Trump campaign that phone numbers had been targeted through the infiltration of Verizon phone systems. Data that may have been accessed by the hackers includes who those targeted have called and texted, how often they communicated with certain people, and how long they talked to those people. Such information could be highly valuable to countries such as China. Even without the content of messages, the data could be used to identify those close to Trump and Vance, including people such as Blanche. The Independent has contacted Blanche for comment on the alleged data breach. Billionaire Elon Musk is already taking on a role in Donald Trumps second term. The Tesla head and Trump benefactor reportedly joined in on a call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday. The president-elects conversation lasted roughly 25 minutes and included Musk, who reaffirmed his commitment to provide Starlink satellite internet service to Ukraine, per Axios. During the conversation, Trump also reportedly pledged to support Ukraine, in contradiction of statements he made on the campaign trail. Zelenskyy left the call somewhat reassured, according to Axios. In his first term, Trump frequently clashed with Zelenskyy and cut military aid to the country. The conversation with Trump and Musk didn't leave Zelensky with a feeling of despair, a source told the publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks presence on the call raises questions over his role in Trumps administration. The SpaceX CEO financed the Trump campaign to the tune of tens to hundreds of millions in PAC contributions and ran a potentially illegal lottery to turn out supporters. Trump has publicly publicly mulled Musk for a formal role in the White House, promising in September in September to hire him to lead a government efficiency commission. Despite her apple-cheeked smile and rigid poise, it was clear the patient had seen brighter days. Her clothes were woefully unhip and her once As President-elect Donald Trump transitions to staffing his administration, the coalition of celebrities and politicians who fueled his victory could be key figures. From influencers like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk to potential global envoys like Tulsi Gabbard and Robert OBrien, heres a look at who could fill roles in Trumps cabinet or federal government. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedys role in the Trump administration seems to be a foregone conclusion. Kennedy, who ended his independent presidential campaign in August and endorsed Trump, says the president-elect has promised him control over the federal governments public health agencies. Trump says he will let Kennedy go wild on health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question, then, is what exact position Kennedy will assume. A Cabinet-level position, such as Secretary of Health and Human Services or Agriculture, would require Senate confirmation. Kennedy has already begun making promises on behalf of Trump: the incoming administration, he says, will move to remove fluoride from drinking water and provide alternate information about vaccines. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, said Wednesday he would not take away anybodys vaccines, but simply give Americans the best information. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. | Evan Vucci Elon Musk Perhaps no individual poured more resources into Trumps victory than the worlds richest man. Musks America PAC led a $175 million canvassing and advertising effort across the swing states. Musk himself bankrolled a daily $1 million sweepstakes contest for registered voters. On Election Night, Musk huddled with Trump in Florida; the day after, the two celebrated. Will Musk be rewarded for his efforts? Trump seems amenable to the idea. He spent nearly four minutes of his 25-minute victory speech early Wednesday morning heaping praise on Musk, calling him a super genius. Last month, Trump said he wouldnt add Musk to his cabinet, saying Musk didnt want that; instead, he suggested Musk would lead some sort of federal government cost-cutting initiative. (By Musks estimate, the cuts would be to the tune of $2 trillion.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Joe Rogans podcast, Musk said he hopes to curtail (federal) agencies to be much smaller, streamlining the federal government to stick to what Congress authorized instead of all this other stuff. Ironically, Musk hopes to do this by creating another federal agency: the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Donald Trump Jr. Trumps oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., proved to be a successful fundraiser and surrogate for his father during this election cycle and in 2020. Now, he will be at the helm of Trump administration 2.0. He took on the role of Trumps trusted adviser after the former presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner, who oversaw the 2020 campaign, decided to not return to politics. Trump Jr. is credited with enlisting Kennedy, and influencing his father to pick Sen. JD Vance, now vice president-elect, as his running mate. On Thursday morning, Trump Jr., in an interview with Fox News, said he will be heavily involved with the presidential transition. I want to make sure now that we know who the real players are, the people who will actually deliver on the presidents message, the people who dont think that they know better than the duly elected president of the United States, he said. I want to make sure that those people are in his cabinet. I want to make sure that those people are in this administration. Tulsi Gabbard Gabbard, a former Democratic representative and presidential candidate who left the party in 2022, became known for openly criticizing the left while showing her loyalty to Trump. Reports indicated she was involved in helping Trump prepare for the presidential debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While on the campaign trail for Trump in October, Gabbard revealed she switched her party affiliation from independent to Republican. The Democrat Party has no home for people like us, but we do have a home in the Republican Party where we are welcomed with open arms by President Trump and so many of you who love our country, she said. The military veteran also said last month that she would be honored to serve in the Trump administration. She is strongly aligned with Trumps America First foreign policy including not supporting Ukraine amid its war with Russia and could potentially be considered for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who endorsed Trump, at the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. | Paul Sancya Vivek Ramaswamy Ramaswamy, a rising star within the Republican Party, ran in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. He ended his nearly 11-month campaign in January and endorsed Trump, while positioning himself as a vocal proponent of the Make America Great Again movement. He was a frequent surrogate for the Trump campaign in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for whether he would be a part of the Trump White House, the entrepreneur in a podcast interview revealed he talked with Trump about a substantial role in the new administration. In response to the Deseret News about whether he would be a part of the Trump administration, he said, Donald Trump has cultivated a coalition of outsiders and independent thinkers who will transform the federal government and revitalize our state and country. The best way to determine who and how they impact change wont be sorted out in the press, he added. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Trumps daughter and son-in-law both worked in the White House during Trumps first term, before retreating to private life after Trumps loss in 2020. Earlier this year, Kushner said he would not return to work in Washington, even if Trump won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And why would they? The two live in a $24 million mansion in Miami, situated on a private island down the street from Jeff Bezos. Nothing seems to have changed: even though the couple appeared alongside Trump at his election night party on Tuesday, Page Six reports they have no plans to join his administration. Nikki Haley The former South Carolina governor embarked on her own bid for president, but her performance during the 2024 Republican presidential primary lacked luster, forcing her to drop out of the race in February. She was the last GOP candidate to exit the race. At the time, she warned Trump would not win the general election. Then, two months later, she offered the former president a lukewarm endorsement, saying he isnt perfect but she would vote for him, as the Deseret News previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has softened her tune since then. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed ahead of the general election, Haley said that she agreed with Trump most of the time, adding, I disagree with Ms. Harris nearly all the time. She offered advice and criticism to the Trump campaign from the sidelines, but did not go out on the trail. In a television interview, she said she was on standby, and that the Trump campaign was aware of that. Although she served as the ambassador to the U.N. under Trump, her spot in his new administration isnt likely, especially since Trump and his advisors have kept her at arms length. Sen. Marco Rubio Reports suggest Sen. Marco Rubio is being considered for the position of Secretary of State. When asked if he would be interested in a cabinet position, Rubio told CNN, I always am interested in serving this country. Im not trying to play coy, its just, literally, just a few hours removed from this election. I havent had any set conversations with anybody in the Trump administration, he added. Either way, I plan to work with them, whether its in the Senate, which is an important place to be, or in some other capacity. Robert OBrien Robert OBrien served as national security adviser under the last Trump administration, but this time, he is competing with Rubio for the position of Secretary of State, as Fox News reported. Recent updates to his resume help his case for becoming the presidents foreign affairs adviser. Since leaving the White House, OBrian cofounded American Global Strategies, an international policy consulting firm. Sen. Tim Scott The South Carolina senator downplayed his willingness to join Trumps cabinet at an event with Punchbowl News in September, saying hed probably be better off serving the people of our country as chairman of the Banking Committee as opposed to going into the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tim Scott ran for president last year but dropped out of the race ahead of the GOP primary. As Post and Courier notes, Trump did not criticize Scott too harshly when they were opponents, and after Scott dropped out, he endorsed the former president over former South Carolina Gov. Haley. Sen. Mike Lee Election Nights results put this Utah senator in a favorable position. With the upper chamber now under Republican control, Sen. Mike Lee, one of Trumps staunchest defenders, could become the president-elects chief liaison, shepherding Trumps legislative requests through Congress, as the Deseret News previously reported. Lee, who stumped for the former president on several occasions in several weeks, may also be on the shortlist to head Trumps Justice Department as attorney general, or solicitor general. Although, its worth noting, Trump has floated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons name for this position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the Deseret News on Thursday, Lee said, I have the job I want, and I look forward to working in the next Congress and with President Trump and his team to implement his agenda and the reform agenda that Republicans have offered and campaigned on, and its going to be an exciting time. Weve got a lot of work to do. Lee has been engaged in frequent conversations with Trumps transition team, he said, and plans to aid the Trump administration by approving the presidents cabinet appointments. Gov. Doug Burgum The North Dakota governor was previously in the running to be Trumps pick for vice president. He said Trump had asked him to serve in his cabinet in July. Well, I got a call and a great conversation with the president. And he said, Hey, Mr. Secretary, Gov. Doug Burgum said. We were never running for a cabinet position, never running to be V.P., he said, adding he is focused on his job as governor. Contributing: Brigham Tomco No United States leader has handled relations with North Korea quite like Donald Trump. The former president went from threatening Kim Jong Un with fire and fury if the North Korean leader continued testing missiles, to becoming his pen pal, meeting him in a series of unprecedented summits, and boasting that the two had fallen in love. Now, that unlikely friendship will be put to the test. The former president is set to return to the White House at a moment of acute alarm among the US and its allies about Kim and the threat posed by his regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyongyang is believed to have sent thousands of troops and tons of munitions to Russia as Moscow wages war on Ukraine, in what Western leaders see as a major escalation. Days before Trump won the US presidential election, it lobbed another threat testing an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to strike anywhere in the United States. On the campaign trail, Trump said Kim misses him and implied the country would not be acting up when he returns to office. But the second Trump administration will face an emboldened and arguably more dangerous North Korean leader. Kim and potentially his arsenal are now bolstered by burgeoning ties with Moscow, and he has hardened his stance toward the US and its ally South Korea after the failed diplomacy of the last Trump era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That makes reaching an agreement between the two to rein in North Koreas weapons program all the more challenging and raises questions of whether Trump, known for his impulsive foreign policy, might seek to shift the goal posts on what the US wants to see from North Korea, experts say. A firefighter extinguishes remains of an unidentified missile, which Ukrainian authorities claimed to be made in North Korea, at a site of a Russian strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine this past January. - Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Reuters Closest comrade A series of 2018-19 meetings between Trump and Kim in Singapore, Hanoi and the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea created unprecedented optics for both leaders. Then, the president of the worlds democratic superpower was pictured smiling and posing for photos alongside a typically isolated autocrat known for his ruthless rule over his people and drive to build sanctions-defying weapons as a means of preserving his regime. For Trump, the meetings were a bid to accomplish what US presidents have repeatedly sought to do in other ways curb Pyongyangs rogue nuclear program. For Kim, they were both a chance to try to get relief from heavy international sanctions and a rare opportunity to be granted such prestige on the world stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But talks ended without any breakthrough with an abrupt ending to a 2019 summit in Hanoi amounting to what experts say was a huge loss of face for Kim. Though the leaders met once more that year, Pyongyang has since refused to reengage with the US, experts say, and restarted weapons testing it had appeared to pause alongside that dialogue. While it has yet to initiate a nuclear test since 2017, Kim has recently vowed to increase the countrys number of nuclear weapons exponentially. The circumstances in which we must deal with North Korea have changed fundamentally compared to five years ago, said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington. She pointed to the higher price tag on North Koreas nuclear and missile programs due to further advancements since Hanoi, as well as North Koreas foreign policy reorientation after the collapse of that summit set off a fundamental skepticism within the North Korean leadership circle about the strategic value of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim over the past year has raised international concern by breaking with decades of policy toward South Korea classifying it as a permanent enemy. Hes called on his army to accelerate war preparations in response to confrontation moves by the US actions that came as the Biden administration strengthened ties and increased military drills with South Korea and Japan. And then theres the deepening of ties with Russia. The North Korean leader has met with his closest comrade Russian President Vladimir Putin twice since last September and inked a major defense pact in June. Western officials have also warned of what they see as an emerging anti-West axis of China, North Korea and Iran with Russia a trope that, whether actualized or not, is likely to be welcomed by Kim as he seeks to reduce isolation and gain international clout. From Kims point of view, he has a lot more to gain economically, militarily, and diplomatically by aligning (North Korea) with China and Russia than by reengaging with the United States when the returns are so uncertain, said Lee. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang this past June. - Dmitry Azarov/SIPAPRE/Sipa USA/AP New breakthrough All that raises the stakes for how Trump would engage Kim and calls into question whether the autocrat would even be willing to sit down again were Trump looking to rekindle the bromance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to CNN during a World Knowlege Forum talk in Seoul in September ahead of the election, former Trump national security advisor Robert OBrien said Trump would resume talks with North Korea if he returned to office. But it was unclear how Kim would respond to new talks and if he would get back to the pledge of denuclearization, OBrien said, referring to past pledges that never came to fruition. For the US, asking for anything less than denuclearization would be a hard position to take, he added. In response to Trumps comments that Kim missed him, North Korean state media over the summer said that they do not care who takes office in the US. The official position from Pyongyang appears to be that, regardless of what happens in the US, Kims nuclear weapons policy will continue. Still, Kims fundamental goals recognition by the United States as a de facto nuclear power and sanctions relief for economic development are seen by many observers to remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means the North Korean leader may look for benefit in Trumps return. Despite the Pyongyang leader seeing the US as untrustworthy, Trumps reelection is likely to encourage Kim Jong Un considerably at the very least, it would allow him to reassert his personal friendship with Trump and communicate with him, said Eul-Chul Lim, director of the North Korea Research Center at Kyungnam Universitys Institute for Far Eastern Studies (IFES) in Seoul. Kim is likely to capitalize on the fact that a stronger North Korea-Russia alliance would be beneficial to his bargaining power with the United States, he said. Whether Trump is interested in deal-making and what kind of deal is another question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some observers have raised concern that he may seek to water down US demands in favor of getting a coveted deal or else could ramp up tensions again. Trump can be unpredictable and his style during his first term is not an entirely accurate indicator of future behavior. We will have to see if Trump 2.0 still wants to cap and eventually roll back North Koreas nuclear weapons program, said Duyeon Kim, a Seoul-based adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. The worst scenario is if Kim convinces Trump 2.0 to scrap denuclearization and even be okay with North Korea advancing its nuclear weapons capability indefinitely, she said. A US aircraft carrier sails with South Korea and Japan's destroyers off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsular during a 2024 joint drill. - South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff/AP Geopolitical fault lines But hardening geopolitical fault lines since Trumps last term in office have also fundamentally changed the ground upon which any US-North Korea engagement could be laid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins war in Ukraine has driven Russia closer not only to North Korea but also to China the US main geopolitical rival. Even as Trump has expressed admiration for Putin and a skeptical view of US alliances such as those with NATO, Japan and South Korea there are likely to be limits to how far he can reshape those relationships if he seeks to counter Beijing. Trump will also be dealing with a very different South Korea, where a conservative Yoon Suk Yeol government has emerged as a strong US partner in ramping up deterrence against North Korea and is unlikely to encourage Trump to meet with Kim without a clear path to Pyongyangs denuclearization. The likelihood of the US abandoning South Korea is low, not least given the gravity of the threat from North Korea, Russia, and, of course, China, said Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, who focuses on the Korean Peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if leader-to-leader dialogue may catalyze some very short-term reduction in tensions it is difficult to believe that Pyongyang will make any significant concessions on the treasured sword of its nuclear program, he said. CNNs Mike Valerio and Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President-elect Donald Trump could be in a position to select the governments top ethics czar when he assumes office in January after a key ally in the Senate blocked President Joe Bidens pick to head the Office of Government Ethics. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah in September objected to the speedy Senate confirmation of David Huitema to the post a little more than a year after he was first nominated by Biden. In a Senate speech, Lee said the confirmation vote should be delayed until after the presidential election, citing what he called the political weaponization of the US government against Donald Trump by the Biden-Harris administration. Huitema has served as an ethics official with the State Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees office did not respond to a CNN inquiry Thursday about the nomination. The Senate could return to the issue next week, during a lame duck session. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken steps to set up a procedural vote on several nominations, including Huitemas, before the chamber flips to Republican control in January. Independent watchdog groups outside the government say the agency, known as OGE, needs a permanent director to help oversee the onslaught of ethics reviews that are part of the transition to a new administration. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the liberal-leaning group Public Citizen, called the unfilled post incredibly concerning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We certainly think that ethics should not be a partisan game and holding over the placement of a new OGE director for a new administration to choose their new ethics point is exactly that, Gilbert said. Directors serve five-year terms, allowing them to overlap administrations as part of an attempt to reduce partisanship, she noted. The federal agency is charged with monitoring compliance with ethics laws that are aimed at preventing corruption. It helps vet presidential nominees and navigates whether those entering government service should divest their assets to avoid conflicts of interest. Traditionally, these a relatively noncontroversial positions because they serve both Republican and Democratic administrations, and everybody put a priority on ethics, said Virginia Canter, chief ethics counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, however, has consistently set aside historic norms. His most recent financial disclosures as a candidate showed that he has continued to make millions off his properties, books and licensing deals. He and his family recently launched a new cryptocurrency business. A sizable share of his net worth, meanwhile, is tied to the publicly traded parent company of Truth Social, the conservative social media network. Trump is the dominant shareholder. A Trump spokesman did not respond to CNNs inquiry. Walter Shaub, the OGE director when Trump first took office in 2017, clashed repeatedly with the then-president at the start of Trumps first term. Among other things, he openly criticized Trump for not relinquishing ownership of his real estate and licensing empire. Shaub resigned in July 2017 before his term ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Trump did not divest his interest in his business empire. Instead, he turned over management to two of his sons and a Trump Organization employee. Federal law does not require presidents to dispose of their assets before entering office, but previous officeholders took pains to avoid the appearance of improper dealings. Presidents ranging from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush stashed their assets in trusts that were independently managed. The president-elect has not publicly announced how he will navigate potential conflicts in a second administration. The previous OGE director, Trump appointee Emory Rounds, left the position in July 2023. Shelley Finlayson, a veteran agency staffer, serves as acting director. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Democrats lost the election because of its support for defunding the police, Donald Trump said in his first interview since winning back the White House. The former president, who saw a massive boost in his backing from black, Hispanic and young voters, argued the Democrats leftward shift had realigned politics. I started to see realignment could happen because the Democrats are not in line with the thinking of the country, the president-elect told NBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant have defund the police, these kinds of things. They dont want to give up and they dont work, and the people understand that. Demands to defund the police were triggered by the murder of George Floyd in 2020 when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death was followed by a wave of protests by the Black Lives Matter movement. Police in more than a dozen cities saw their funding cut by Democrat administrations although many later restored some of the money. Measures introduced by Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor and Kamala Harriss running mate, also went down badly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although he did not advocate defunding the police, some held him responsible for the demands and other changes made to policing which were viewed as restrictive. Protesters called to defund the police after the death of George Floyd - Erik McGregor Minneapolis lost 40 per cent of its police officers and against a backdrop of the defunding calls, five first responders including four police officers were killed in the line of duty. The widow of a sheriff who was gunned down pointedly told Mr Walz that he was not welcome at the funeral. Shortly after the 2020 election, Joe Biden blamed the defund the police campaign for the Democrats failure to win a raft of senate and congressional races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Republicans used the campaign to beat the living hell out of Democrats. Immigration led to election victory Mr Trump also said his hardline position on immigration and his pledge to mount Americas biggest ever deportation of illegal migrants had led to his decisive victory. They want to have borders, and they like people coming in, but they have to come in with love for the country. They have to come in legally. The American Immigration Council, which supports migrants, says deporting one million people a year would cost more than $88 million. However, the president-elect said there was no price tag on the plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now theyre going to go back to those countries because theyre not staying here. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump will go easy on Britain in his tariff war because of the president-elects sympathy for Brexit, a US state governor has said. Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, said he had a gut feeling that Mr Trump would look more favourably on Britain than on the EU. Mr Trump has promised to impose sweeping trade tariffs of up to 20pc on all goods imported to the US. Such tariffs could prove damaging to Britain as the US is the UKs largest export market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Mr Murphy, a Democrat, said: I think he showed that in his first term in office, there was a certain relationship here. Brexit and Trump each were born in the same year. And I cant speak for the president, but I think there is an embedded sympathy for somebody who leaves a bureaucracy. Thats just a gut feeling that Ive got that hell have more sympathy here. Trade exports have suggested that Britain could negotiate a carve out to any blanket tariffs. Addressing this possibility, Mr Murphy said: If I had to speculate, theres a lane for the UK. I think theres less of a lane for the EU. Mr Trump is expected to move quickly on trade policy after he is sworn into the White House in January as he views them as a key negotiating tool with US trade partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is expected to bear the brunt of Mr Trumps trade war. The Republican president-elect has promised to impose tariffs of 60pc on China, reflecting his view that US manufacturers have been unfairly undercut. However, Mr Trump has also made clear in the past that he views the EU as an adversary. He told CBS News in 2018: I think the European Union is a foe, what they do to us in trade. Now you wouldnt think of the European Union, but theyre a foe ... In a trade sense, theyve really taken advantage of us. Having a Labour Government may complicate things. Mr Trump was used to working with Conservative prime ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Mr Murphy said. Whether or not there is a political party bias or not, I cant tell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Keir Starmers potential working relationship with Mr Trump came under pressure last month when the Trump campaign accused the Labour Party of blatant foreign interference in the US election. Mr Trumps campaign filed a federal complaint after 100 Labour activists travelled to the US to help the Democratic campaign. In October, Mr Trumps former secretary of commerce Wilbur Ross told The Telegraph that the episode certainly would not help relations between the US and UK if Mr Trump won the presidency. Mr Murphy was speaking while on a five-day economic mission to the UK to strengthen ties and boost international investment between the UK and New Jersey. He said that trade relations between the UK and individual states should withstand potential future disruptions. The UK is New Jerseys second largest trading partner globally. Britain signed a memorandum of understanding with the state in 2021 agreeing trade mechanisms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Murphy said he is looking at all options on whether the state of New Jersey can make its own policy response to Mr Trumps trade tariffs. Separately, Goldman Sachs said British stocks should perform better than their European markets under a Trump presidency. In a note to clients, Lilia Peytavin, an analyst, said: The FTSE 100 appears relatively better positioned than other European equity indices to the implications from the election of Trump. This is because 30pc of FTSE 100 revenues are from the US, where businesses are likely to benefit from the corporate tax cuts Mr Trump has promised. 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. Were about to go onto the streets to hand out sweets. This was the message sent from a friend celebrating Donald Trumps victory not in Texas but in Tehran. Yes, the Iranian people are overwhelmingly celebrating The Donalds White House return. This may shock readers, but the explanation is simple: Trumps election has checkmated the Ayatollahs regime in Iran a regime the Iranian people have been desperate to overthrow for decades. Trumps election is the worst possible scenario for supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his brutal ideological paramilitary, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran was broke when I was in office has been one of Trumps favourite campaign refrains. And it gives a clear indication that one of his first foreign policy steps will be the revival of his maximum pressure policy on the regime. Trumps maximum pressure, which saw the U.S. exit the 2015 nuclear deal and re-impose sanctions, particularly on Irans IRGC-controlled oil and gas sectors, was highly effective. Iranian oil exports the regimes main funding source for terror proxies plummeted to 200,000 barrels per day. Even China, concerned about U.S. market access, complied with the sanctions, depriving Tehran of billions of dollars. There is no denying that maximum pressure brought the regimes economy to its knees and significantly hurt the IRGCs terrorist militia networks ability to function: from Hamas to Hezbollah. Under the Democrats, the abandonment of maximum pressure, allowed the regime to export as much as $139 billion in oil sales, and access billions in unfrozen assets. This cashflow directly enabled the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But drying up Khameneis cashflow wont be Trumps only blow to the IRGC and its terrorist proxies. It is almost certain that the president-elect will restore US military deterrence in the Middle East to make the ayatollah and his friends think twice about launching attacks. In the past four-years, the Biden administration has made it clear to Khamenei that the US will not impose direct military consequences on the IRGC, including when the IRGCs proxies killed three US soldiers in January this year. This approach shaped the Iranian regimes calculus and made them believe that they could get away with escalation without repercussions. The result has been unprecedented direct missile attacks on Israel and the ramping-up of its nuclear program to near-weapons grade level (something that did not occur under Trump despite withdrawing from the nuclear deal). This marks a stark difference from when Trump shocked Tehran by ordering the killing of the IRGCs notorious terrorist commander Qassem Soleimani after his proxies killed a US citizen. Trump would not only restore US deterrence in the Middle East, but would likely lift constraints on Israels efforts to dismantle the IRGCs terrorist network. Could Khamenei turn to his powerful friend in Moscow for support? Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the ayatollah has provided Vladimir Putin with missiles and drones, hoping to secure a strategic relationship. But Trump could be the ultimate homewrecker in this Putin-Khamenei love affair. If Trump strikes a deal in Ukraine that satisfies Moscow, would Putin stay faithful to the ayatollah? History suggests Putin isnt known for commitment and would have no problem dumping Khamenei to satisfy his own needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With few options, surely the ayatollah would have no choice but to shake hands with what he calls the Great Satan, after all Trump is a dealmaker? But this is where the checkmate move strikes. Khamenei cannot be seen shaking hands with the man who killed Soleimani. In the eyes of the regimes small but radical consistency, Soleimani was akin to a messianic Islamist idol. Against the backdrop of unprecedented anti-regime sentiment and looming protests, Khamenei cannot afford to lose the young Soleimani zealots who have consistently taken to the streets to uphold the regime through the suppression of Iranian civilians and protestors. Together this could put the Islamist regime in Iran in its weakest position in 45-years. If Trumps maximum pressure is followed with maximum support for the Iranian people, by the end of Trumps presidency there may not be a theocracy left in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump may not seek overt regime change as a policy, but it may be one of the inadvertent consequences of his actions. After all, for Trump, politics is personal and if a revenge list does exist, Khamenei whose regime has spent the past 4 years trying to assassinate the president-elect will almost certainly feature at the top. Kasra Aarabi is Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) 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. Over the course of his presidency, Joe Biden vowed to back Ukraine for as long as it took to defeat Russia. So far, his administration has doled out over $61 billion in military aid to Kyiv, with scores of packages including advanced air defense systems and munitions, millions of artillery shells, hundreds of armored vehicles, and much more. President-elect Donald J. Trump has vowed a very different approach to how the U.S. will deal with the nearly three-year-old all-out war, raising concerns that he could abandon Ukraine. On the campaign trail, Trump lambasted his predecessors approach, chiding Biden for providing arms free of charge. Above all else, Trump repeatedly touted his ability to quickly end the conflict, even if it means Ukraine conceding much of the nearly 20 percent of its territory Russia has captured going back to the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Moreover, Vice President-elect JD Vance has repeatedly expressed his disdain for the open-ended support to Ukraine, saying it should be greatly dialed back. 24 hours have passed. The war continues in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/6h02WBIwzj MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) November 7, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who was the first president to provide Ukraine with lethal aid in the form of FGM-148 Javelin advanced anti-tank missiles, has yet to provide details of his peace plan. However, it is reported that those close to him have ideas that include freezing the front lines as they are, and getting Ukraine to promise not to join NATO for at least 20 years in return for a promise to continue arming Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks, according to The Wall Street Journal. Under that plan, the front line would essentially lock in place and both sides would agree to an 800-mile demilitarized zone, the publication proffered. Who would police that territory remains unclear, but one adviser said the peacekeeping force wouldnt involve American troops, nor come from a U.S.-funded international body, such as the United Nations. Despite these looming changes, some Ukrainians are hopeful about Americas new leadership. Even though the Biden administration is scrambling to ship over $6 billion remaining in Ukraine security assistance funds out the door by Inauguration Day, there is growing resentment about its slow delivery of arms and restrictions preventing long-range weapons from being used deep inside Russia. That anger is exacerbated by concerns that billions in new equipment wont arrive before Trump takes office, raising questions about whether it might be cut off under a new administration. DONETSK OBLAST, UKRAINE OCTOBER 19: A Ukrainian anti-aircraft squadron guards the skies over Donetsk with MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems) along the front lines in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on October 19, 2024. The Ukrainian military relies on small, mobile units to defend and protect the skies as warfare evolves, with the proliferation of drones and Russian air superiority. (Photo by Fermin Torrano/Anadolu via Getty Images) President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly argued that an exchange of land for peace is off the table. However, his congratulatory message contained a sentiment expressed by some in Ukraine that Trumps leadership style could actually benefit Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate President Trumps commitment to the peace through strength approach in global affairs, said Zelensky. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trumps decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States. Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 6, 2024 The prospect of a second Trump administration is not as alarming as some critics have suggested, a former Zelensky administration official recently posited. With the announcement of the U.S. presidential election results, social media predictably erupted in drama, particularly concerning Ukraines future, former Zelensky press secretary Iuliia Mendel wrote Wednesday in an opinion piece for the Kyiv Post. Many experts and journalists have been convinced that Donald Trumps presidency would spell disaster for Ukraine. However, the reality is far more sober than social media drama: neither candidate offered a clear win for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps clearest stance on Ukraine was his call to end the war, she continued. Many interpreted this as a veiled call for capitulation, but the truth is more nuanced. That message resonates deeply with a less vocal group of Ukrainians those enduring daily bombardments, whose lives have been reduced to an unending cycle of destruction since Russias full-scale invasion. A purely military solution has never been a viable path to victory for Ukraine, even with unlimited Western financial and military support, Mendel argued. This is not a critique of our armed forces our soldiers, both professional and civilian, have shown extraordinary bravery and resilience in defending democracy against Russian tyranny. However, we must confront the sobering reality: the cost of this war is steadily eroding the very foundation of the Ukrainian nation. Donald Trump Will Be President: Lets Not Dramatize https://t.co/mnuCjm4lme Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) November 6, 2024 The War Zone reached out to some Ukrainians and subject matter experts for their take on what a new Trump presidency will mean for their future. Their responses range from concern that Trumps previous pro-Putin rhetoric is a sign that he might abandon Ukraine to cautious optimism that he wont, with the focus being on ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on what happened in the first Trump administration and all the things that he has said in the past four years, yes, of course, Id be concerned, retired three-star general and former commander of U.S. Army Europe Ben Hodges told The War Zone. Theres constant praise for Vladimir Putin, Hodges, one of Ukraines staunchest supporters in the U.S., said. Remember when Putin [launched] the large-scale invasion, Trump said how smart that was. Instead of saying anything positive about Ukraine, he never criticized the Kremlin for what they were doing. So that was the main thing about it that gives me such concern. Aside from praising Putin, Trump has repeatedly insulted Zelensky. On the flip side, there are reasons why Trump would want to keep backing Ukraine, Hodges surmised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hodges added that he sees potential for Trump to change his tune. He explained that he hopes pro-Ukrainian Republicans like U.S. Senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and U.S. Representatives Mike Turner of Ohio and Joe Wilson of South Carolina can convince Trump to maintain support for Kyiv. I think that Mr. Trump has no interest in having the blame for losing Ukraine placed on him. And so I think people that care about Ukraine should appeal to the president to say, look, youre going to own this,' Hodges argued. Nobody in the world believes for one second that Russia will live up to any agreement. And so I think its in the interest of the new president to make a very clear statement about how important protecting Ukraine is for civilian security around the world. At the moment, Russia does not have the ability to completely overrun Ukraine, said Hodges. The only way that happens is if we just quit backing Ukraine, he suggested. KREMINNA, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 6: A soldier in a trench 100 meters from the Russian positions in the Serebryansky forest on November 6, 2024 in Serebryansky Reserve, Ukraine. The forest is located about 8 kilometers southwest of Kreminna in the Luhansk Oblast Ukraine. Fighting has raged for months in this forest west of Russian-held Ukrainian cities Lysychansk and Severodonetsk. (Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) Not everyone in Ukraine is alarmed by another Trump term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainians are very happy to see Trump prevail over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Oleksandr V. Danylyuk, chairman of the Center for Defense Reforms and former special advisor to the head of Ukraines foreign intelligence service, told The War Zone on Wednesday. The reason, he stated, is that Trump will let the Russians understand that the U.S. is going to be great again and is not going to tolerate any attempt to destroy the world order. Either Putin calms down or Ukraine will get everything to finish the job. Trump will not be as cautious as Biden when it comes to allowing long-range weapons like U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles to be fired deep into Russia beyond the border areas, Danylyuk forecasted. What is the difference for the U.S. if you are not scared, he asked rhetorically. And Trump is definitely not scared. The next Trump administration could lift restrictions against using weapons like ATACMS deep inside Russia, a Ukrainian official suggested. (US Army) US Army Negotiations that would see Ukraine give up land for peace are not new, a Ukrainian political strategist highlighted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets be honest, conversations like these have been happening in Washington behind closed doors, without the press, for quite some time, Kateryna Odarchenko told The War Zone. Im not specifically referring to the plan [as described by The Wall Street Journal], but similar concepts have been discussed since the second year of the war. Im not in a position to say whether this is good or bad at this stage. Taking the pulse of how Ukrainians feel about the election results requires separating the sentiments of political elites from those of the general public, she added. Ordinary Ukrainian voters, like voters everywhere, do not deeply analyze geopolitical processes. As for the political elites, they are undoubtedly in a state of caution, leaning more toward negativity than optimism, explained Odarchenko, a partner in the SIC Group USA and leader of the PolitA Institute for Democracy and Development. The dialogue with Democrats has been more straightforward in the past. Additionally, during the election campaign, billions were spent not on discussing substantive issues but on message boxes that tend to generalize and polarize, including on topics related to Ukraine. Ukrainians view Americans as friends, she explained while pointing out that no definitive studies have yet been conducted on the nations sentiment toward a new Trump administration. However, there is also a sense of caution and misunderstanding regarding the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new administration only adds to the political headwinds faced by Zelensky, she noted. For Zelensky, any scenario is fraught with challenges, Odarchenko suggested. Economically, the country was already struggling before the war, but now the situation is even more severe. Furthermore, the mobilized population, after such a prolonged conflict, understandably expects clear answers and a coherent plan for the future though this is something military experts are better equipped to address. Another aspect to consider is the position of Zelenskys political opponents, who are largely in a state of waiting rather than actively challenging him, Odarchenko expressed. However, any shifts in U.S. or EU policy, or potential negotiations, could lead to their increased activity. At that point, we might see more discussions about internal issues such as the need for reforms particularly anti-corruption reforms and other critical topics that could become highly contentious following difficult negotiations. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and now President-elect Donald Trump (R) met in New York during Zelenskys visit to the United States on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Uliana Boichuk/Novyny LIVE/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Global Images Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Ukrainian defense expert we spoke with sees Trumps election as a positive development. Trump will be good for Ukraine, said the expert, because, after three years of war, we are not seeing formidable results. The U.S. strategy should be adjusted for the current situation on the battlefield. His comments come as Russian forces are pressing forward in the eastern part of Ukraine. Though Moscow is paying a heavy price in manpower and equipment, it also is seeking to recruit an additional 30,000 troops a month. Thats augmented by some 12,000 North Korean troops who are in Russia to help fight Ukraine, a figure that could rise significantly given Pyongyangs massive army. In an effort to keep pace, Ukraine is looking to draft an additional 160,000 troops into its armed forces, which will raise the manning of units to 85%, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko said on Oct. 29 during a session of the Ukrainian parliament. Still, if the current status quo persists, every day the Russian onslaught continues, Ukraine finds itself in a more precarious state. We are in a stalemate, leaning toward Russia, just depleting resources, including human resources, the expert added. We have less manpower while Russia has adjusted its economy to produce more weapons. They relocated major supplies like oil and gas and are self-sustainable. Not like Ukraine depends on 75 percent foreign financing. A pause in fighting now, he surmised, could ultimately lead to a situation like the one in post-World War II divided Germany, where it took four decades to finally put all the pieces back together and reunify. Servicemen of a mobile fire group of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine are on a mission in Odesa region, southern Ukraine, on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto While the Trump administration could drastically reduce the spigot of arms flowing to Ukraine, the expert sees some silver linings. Such a move would pressure European allies to step up and do more. It also opens the door for Ukrainian defense contractors to provide more arms not just domestically, but internationally as well. Greater reliance on its indigenous industry could be a win-win, the expert told us. This could be a situation for private industry in Ukraine to earn more money while protecting the motherland, he said. Trump has also sparked worry that he could pull out of NATO if its members didnt increase funding. Earlier this year, he said he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to any NATO member country that doesnt meet spending guidelines on defense in a stunning admission he would not abide by the collective-defense clause at the heart of the alliance if reelected, CNN reported at the time. NATO was busted until I came along, Trump said at a rally in Conway, South Carolina. I said, Everybodys gonna pay. They said, Well, if we dont pay, are you still going to protect us? I said, Absolutely not. They couldnt believe the answer. Those comments sparked outrage from allies. Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response, then-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement. Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. European Council President Charles Michel described comments from Trump on NATO [as] reckless, adding they serve only Putins interest,' the network reported. Still, in his congratulatory message, new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump for pushing NATO allies to spend more on defense. President-elect Trump demonstrated strong U.S. leadership throughout his first term in office a term that turned the tide on European defense spending, improved transatlantic burden sharing, and strengthened Alliance capabilities, Rutte wrote. When President-elect Trump takes office again on January 20, he will be welcomed by a stronger, larger, and more united Alliance. Two-thirds of Allies now spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense, and defense spending and production are on an onward trajectory across the Alliance. However, he has also pointed out that an undeterred Russia that wins in Ukraine is a massive threat to NATO members. If Russia would be successful in Ukraine, you would have an emboldened Russia at our border, he recently told reporters. Likewise, Polands Foreign Affairs Minister noted the importance of European allies doing more to support Ukraine and themselves. The American people have voted, Radek Sikorski stated. I am in regular contact with top security officials from both parties. Europe urgently needs to take more responsibility for its security. The winds of history are blowing ever more strongly. Polands leadership will rise to the occasion. The American people have voted. I am in regular contact with top security officials from both parties. Europe urgently needs to take more responsibility for its security. The winds of history are blowing ever more strongly. Poland's leadership will rise to the occasion. pic.twitter.com/34F6Mqf7CS Radek Sikorski (@radeksikorski) November 6, 2024 As for the Russians, opinions about Trump returning to the White House range from concern he might end restrictions on donated weapons to shrugs of indifference to crowing that this is a huge victory for Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated Trump, saying he welcomed the chance for warmer relations. What has been said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help bring the Ukrainian crisis to an end, I think thats worthy of attention, at the very least, he stated. And I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States. Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and said he was ready for contacts with him broadcast of Putin's speech at Valdai pic.twitter.com/N5hhJAaEBw NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 7, 2024 Putin is open to talking directly to Trump, but the Russian leader would not make the first move, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Telegram Thursday. Russian parliamentarians dont see much change in the wind. I think that Trump will offer Russia a deliberately unfavorable deal on Ukraine before January, which we will, of course, reject, said Russian member of parliament Yevgeny Popov. Donald will throw up his hands and, in his usual manner, announce an unprecedented aid package for the Zelensky regime and the lifting of all restrictions on missiles. This will not change anything either. But it will delay the settlement process. Glory to the Russian soldier! Russian MP Popov commented on US election results. He thinks that Donald Trump will lift all restrictions on long-range weapons. Russia is worried. Trabslation of Popov's post: "I think that Trump will offer Russia a deliberately unfavorable deal on Ukraine before January, https://t.co/oFSAfZB4vK pic.twitter.com/NVJnVVlp8a Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 6, 2024 Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russias upper house of parliament, also expressed doubt that Trump will offer a dramatic departure from Biden when it comes to bilateral relations. It would be extremely naive to believe that under Trump, as he promises, peace in Ukraine will suddenly become closer, he proclaimed on Telegram. The Ukrainian conflict has only one simple solution Russias victory, which the U.S. will not want under any president. The other solutions are complex, although the U.S. can indeed influence them, since the Kyivv and Brussels regimes depend on them. Meanwhile, Russian propagandist Alexander Dugin declared Trumps election a victory for Russia. So we have won, he said on Twitter. That is decisive. The world will be never ever like before. Globalists have lost their final combat. The future is finally open. I am really happy. So we have won. That is decisive. The world will be never ever like before. Globalists have lost their final combat. The future is finally open. I am really happy. Alexander Dugin (@Agdchan) November 6, 2024 A lot will change over the next few months. Trump will select a new defense secretary and a new national security advisor among his other cabinet choices. We should also see more clarity about exactly what the proposed peace treaty espoused by the soon-to-be 47th president will entail. Having majorities in both the Senate and House will make whatever agenda he chooses easier to become reality. Still, a deal with Russia may be far more difficult than Trump envisions. There are major concerns that Trump will hold out aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to a deal it does not want to make. And then there is also the issue of where the U.S. relationship with NATO would go if Trump decides to stop supporting Ukraines fight for whatever reason. A major fissure could form as a result after the alliance has come together in its support of Ukraine to a degree many thought was impossible. Above all else, if a peace deal isnt realized, the question of what happens next is arguably is the most glaring concern. So far Trump has not addressed that very real possibility. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com BOSTON (WWLP) While Kamala Harris won Massachusetts electoral college votes, Trump still gained ground in the Bay State. State leaders react to Ballot Question 2 being passed Between the 2020 Presidential Election and President-Elect Donald Trumps victory this week, Trump appears to have improved his standing in almost every single Massachusetts city and town. Almost all Massachusetts ballots have been counted, and as of now, Trump received 1.21 million votes, exceeding his 2020 vote count of 1.7 million in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Harris is on track to fail to match Bidens 2.38 million votes in 2020. While no political analysts expected Massachusetts to send their electoral votes to Trump, he gained significant ground in Massachusetts. The redder areas of the state are concentrated on the South Shore and in Central and Western Massachusetts Democrat leaders, including Governor Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell, have called for a peaceful transition of power when Trump takes office in January. The most decisive Trump victories in western Massachusetts happened in Granville and Blandford, where Trump earned over 60% of the total votes. The most decisive Harris wins took place in Northampton, Amherst, and Pelham, where Kamala Harris took over 85% of the total votes in all three townships. Areas where the two partys candidates were neck in neck include East Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Granby. While some states are still counting their ballots, Trump is expected to win the popular vote in addition to the electoral college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, overall voter turnout is significantly lower than it was in 2020. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. President-elect Donald Trump narrowed the gap in Maryland, but still lost the state badly to Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. No, Maryland is not about to flip from blue to red. Vice President Kamala Harris carried the state by more than 20 points, and Democrats held the open U.S. Senate seat and were on the way to retaining their 7-1 advantage in the states U.S. House delegation their top political priorities this year. They also waded into local school board elections for the first time in recent memory and fared pretty well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But former President Donald Trump did get a higher percentage of the vote in Maryland this year than he did in 2020, just as he did in 48 of 50 states. And he appears to have improved his numbers in all 24 of the states jurisdictions. In 2020, President Biden defeated Trump 65% to 32% in Maryland and carried Baltimore City and nine counties. This year, Harris is ahead 60% to 37% and carried eight jurisdictions though the margin is expected to widen some after more mail-in ballots are tallied. Maryland is not an island, so those national trends are going to come here, said Mileah Kromer, a pollster and director of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Institute of Politics. The question is whether any of the political developments that put Trump over the top will have any lasting effect nationally or in Maryland whether there is anything for state Republicans to build on or for state Democrats to worry about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Population centers like Baltimore City and Prince Georges and Montgomery counties are going to remain Democratic powerhouses, as they have been for decades. But politics can be a game of inches and micro trends, and Maryland does have some red and purple jurisdictions and swing-y legislative districts that political strategists fret over. Maryland is bigger than the core solid blue, geographically-centric counties that Maryland Democrats have come to rely on, said Peter E. Perini Sr., a Hagerstown City Council member and former Washington County Democratic chair. There have been no public exit polls on the Maryland vote this week, so it isnt clear if some of the changes in the national electorate also occurred here. The Maryland State Board of Elections will release vote statistics from congressional districts and legislative districts in a few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes a single election can transform an area for a long time. A prime example is in legislative District 6, centered in blue-collar Dundalk in Baltimore County. Going into the 2014 election, the district had a Democratic state senator and three Democratic delegates. But the delegation flipped to all-Republican in 2014, the same year former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) was elected in a major upset, and there isnt much talk about Democrats trying to win the district back these days. That development, in the view of many strategists, presaged Trumps rise in 2016, and particularly his appeal to working-class voters. The trend accelerated in this years White House election, not just with working-class white voters, but with working-class Black and Latino men as well a shift that some Democratic strategists find particularly concerning. Paul Ellington, the former executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, said the GOP should learn from and build on that development, nationally and in the state. He said that Trump, in his unconventional way, listened to the concerns of working-class Americans and crafted a message on the economy and other issues that appealed to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kind of like how Hogan became every man in Maryland and cut into traditional Democratic constituencies, Donald Trump has done that, particularly with what we would call labor, with working men and women, Ellington said. For too long, Republicans have carried the water for Chamber of Commerce types, when in fact, Chamber of Commerce types in Maryland probably split their donations between the two parties. Throughout the U.S. electorate, economic jitters proved to be a motivating issue, even if national statistics suggested that the economy was strong and getting stronger. That attitude also accrued to Trumps benefit. The economy in front of them is the only economy that matters to voters, Kromer said. People care most about their groceries. But even if Trumps political strength this election created some opportunities that Maryland Republicans might be able to take advantage of in discrete areas, the GOP writ large is not going to succeed in this state as a Trump party. The Senate race, with the decidedly anti-Trump Hogan as the Republican nominee, was the only race that was competitive, Kromer noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly really smart people will do some autopsies and have some real work to do on how the Democratic Party communicates with the people. I do think there's definitely going to be some soul-searching. Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman acknowledged that there will soon be conversations and analysis at the national level about what Democrats did wrong and what they need to do better. Clearly really smart people will do some autopsies and have some real work to do on how the Democratic Party communicates with the people, he said. I do think theres definitely going to be some soul-searching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of that soul-searching will invariably turn on whether the party has become too woke and has moved too far to the left a topic that will consume party leaders, activists and donors and political pundits for the foreseeable future, especially at the national level. Maryland Democrats will not be immune from that debate. But Perini said voters in outlying areas of Maryland also want to see signs that their government cares about them, suggesting that recent cuts in state transportation funding, which will kill or stall key highway projects, could hurt Democrats with rural and suburban voters. Youve got to understand how people feel when they take these projects off the books, Perini said. And how people feel is how they vote. We just need to give the people the credit for at least what they feel. Although April McClain Delaney, the Democratic nominee in the open-seat 6th District congressional race, appears to be headed to a narrow victory, and many party strategists worried about her fate, Perini predicted that her approach will resonate with voters in the ideologically, economically and geographically diverse district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I loved her line, common sense and common ground,' he said. From day one, that was her approach to campaigning and I believe that will be her approach to governing. So there is a road map for campaigning in areas that arent deep blue. I think were an outlier The good news for hand-wringing Democrats is that the 2026 election cycle has already begun, which means scores of political operatives and activists will be getting ready. As far as Im concerned, the 2026 election started [Wednesday], Perini said. And if people arent strategizing, theyre already a day late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats can also take comfort knowing that the party that doesnt control the White House often makes significant gains in the midterm elections even though politics in the Trump era is more volatile and unpredictable than ever. Ulman said he feels good about the infrastructure the state Democratic Party built for the 2024 election, and that it will carry over for 2026, when all statewide elected officials, all state legislators and most county officials will be on the ballot. While Democrats were caught by surprise when Hogan decided this spring to run for Senate, his high-profile candidacy forced them to put together a strong operation quickly, when presidential election years are usually sleepier in Maryland. Together, our coordinated campaign ran an active campaign in all 24 jurisdictions, and thats really going to help us in 2026, Ulman said. The party leader also said that the issue environment in 2026 could work to Democrats benefit, especially if Trump moves to radically make over the federal government, which is a major employer and economic driver in Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My gut feeling after doing politics for 30 years is 26 will be a really good cycle for the Democrats, Ulman said. But you have to prepare for the worst. I do think Marylanders are going to have a lot to be frustrated about with our federal government. Adam Wood, the executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, did not respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on the 2024 election results and what they may portend for 2026. Whatever small inroads Trump may have made in Maryland this year, the state has its own unique set of political trends and storylines. I think were an outlier, said state Sen. Cory V. McCray (D-Baltimore City). Were standing in a state where we have a Black governor and a Black United States senator. Were defying what the country is saying. But, McCray conceded, pointing to the presidential result, The voters were saying something. The roiling debate over the strength of democratic restraints to keep Donald Trump in check when he returns to the White House in January has put a renewed focus on a divisive Supreme Court ruling that some fear could enable his worst impulses. Trumps sweeping election victory has relit fears on the left of an empowered president pushing the boundaries of his authority only now with a precedent in hand that grants far-reaching immunity from criminal prosecution. Taken together, the political and legal alignment will usher Trump into a second term with unprecedented power following a campaign in which he vowed to fire special counsel Jack Smith within two seconds of his inauguration and has flirted with the idea that President Joe Biden himself could be a convicted felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 250 years, the possibility of criminal prosecution operated as a guard rail on the conduct of our presidents, said Neil Eggleston, a veteran attorney who served as White House counsel in the Obama administration. That guard rail is now gone, and I see few if any others that will constrain President Trump. In a highly anticipated ruling on July 1 that came over the objection of the three-justice liberal wing, the Supreme Court held that Trump enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution for actions taken within his core constitutional powers and a more limited immunity for other official actions. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that Congress couldnt criminalize a presidents conduct when he is carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch. Based on their statements at oral argument, it was clear that several conservative justices saw the ruling not as a gift to Trump but rather as a way to head off spiraling and potentially politically motivated prosecutions. And while the decision may accomplish that complicating any effort to prosecute Biden once he leaves office, for instance it is also widely viewed as removing a check on a president who chafed at the concept of boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned in her dissent that the decision would set up future presidents to be a king above the law. Noting an often-quoted hypothetical about Navy SEALs being ordered to kill political opponents, Sotomayor relayed worst-case scenarios. Orders the Navys Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune, she wrote. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune. Justice Department problem But just how far that immunity extends is murky. The Supreme Courts 6-3 decision left many questions unanswered and lower courts have not yet wrestled with them. And they may not get the chance: Within hours of Trump winning, Smith was discussing with Justice Department officials how to wind down the federal cases against him. Its not likely that Trump or anyone else will have a firm sense by January of what constitutes official actions that are entitled to immunity, for instance. It is doubtful that the White House or prosecutors will know for certain when they can overcome the presumptive immunity the Supreme Court said applies to most of a presidents actions. Its also not clear how the court defines the core constitutional functions of a president that the opinion said are entitled to absolute immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of that analysis, the majority wrote, is best left to the lower courts. What is exceptionally clear in the Supreme Courts ruling from July is the notion that a presidents discussions with Justice Department officials are completely immune from prosecution. Smiths first indictment in the election subversion case alleged Trump pressured Justice Department officials to conduct sham election crime investigations and send letters to states falsely claiming Election Day problems as part of a broader effort to encourage them to submit fake electors for certification. But the Supreme Court majority ruled that a presidents power to direct the Justice Departments investigative and prosecutorial work is within his exclusive constitutional authority. Trump, the majority ruled, is therefore absolutely immune from prosecution for the alleged conduct involving his discussions with Justice Department officials. When Smith submitted a new indictment this summer, Trumps alleged interactions with the Justice Department were gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going forward, those interactions are of particular concern for ethics experts. The same would presumably apply to Trumps oversight of intelligence services and the military, though the high court wasnt explicit on those points. At least for the short term, the problem is the Justice Department, said Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. The president has near-complete control. That is particularly alarming, Painter said, given Trumps rhetoric during the campaign. The former president has vowed to go after Biden and the entire Biden crime family. He has also called on Vice President Kamala Harris to be prosecuted. Some checks remain Trumps supporters brush aside the remarks as campaign hyperbole an extension of the lock her up chants at his 2016 rallies that were meant to intimidate Hillary Clinton but never materialized once he entered office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others pointed to institutional checks on a presidents power that were in place during Trumps first term and remain today. While the Supreme Court granted former presidents wide immunity, the ruling made no such promises to aides in the White House or Justice Department. That could create a line of defense against a president pushing to the edge of the law. On the other hand, Trump has made clear that he learned from his first term when White House aides frequently stepped in to thwart him and has made clear that, this time around, he will install loyalists instead. And a president has significant pardon powers. The Supreme Court on Friday is also considering whether to hear arguments in an appeal from former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, who wants to move his Georgia federal election subversion case to federal court where he will raise his own immunity claims. A decision could come as soon as Tuesday. The Supreme Courts immunity ruling this year also doesnt change the way federal prosecutors think about evidence, the law and the types of cases that can actually move forward before a judge. Even the conservative Supreme Court and several lower courts repeatedly blocked Trump, who according to a study last year had the worst win rate at the high court of any modern president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no law against the president expressing his opinion about who should or shouldnt be prosecuted, but the Constitution and ethics rules prohibit prosecutors from selecting people for prosecution based on their political views, Rod Rosenstein, a veteran attorney who worked in the Justice Department in three presidential administrations, told CNN. The department didnt investigate people unless it was justified by the facts and the law during President Trumps first term, he said. And it probably wont do so in his second term. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- Control of the US House hung Friday on the outcomes of some two dozen races, with Republicans strongly favored to claim a trifecta following Donald Trumps victory and party gains in the Senate. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vote counting could take another week or two, particularly in notoriously slow California, where Democrats want to flip several competitive seats. Oregon and Arizona also still have uncalled seats. Republicans are already declared winners by the Associated Press in 211 House contests, compared to 199 for Democrats, which needed a net gain of four seats nationwide to claim the majority. But Democrats hold some edge in more than half of the remaining races, prompting House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to assert that his party still has a clear path to squeaking out the majority. Almost all of the too-close-to-call contests are in districts now held by Republicans. A party needs at least 218 seats in the 435-member House to claim the majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Democrats fall short, any Republican majority would be tiny, perhaps coming down to the outcome of one or two races, Jeffries said Thursday in his interview with television show host Errol Louis. Unified Control In the Senate, Republicans now have a healthy majority of 53 seats, with counting ongoing in Arizona and Nevada. Those races, however, look favorable for Democrats. Whatever the outcome in that chamber, the party will be short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and must rely on Democratic backing to pass most legislation as Trump rushes to implement his agenda. Meanwhile, fractious House Republicans are deeply divided over a number of issues, including Ukraine and federal spending priorities, complicating legislating in that chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last two years, ultra-conservative lawmakers used their pivotal votes to stymie GOP leaders and even removed Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans announced plans to gather in Washington next week to elect party leaders and talk about next steps. There have been few signs Johnsons that hold on the top House GOP spot is in jeopardy. Trump will almost certainly need to flex some control over party mavericks, including the far-right House Freedom Caucus. Otherwise, the Trump agenda could be in trouble, Ross Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University, said Friday. A dysfunctional House is probably the principal impediment to the Trump agenda, Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, unified control of Washington particularly in the run-up to next years hotly anticipated tax debate will make it far easier for Republicans to extend Trumps 2017 law and deliver other campaign promises including deregulation and tighter immigration policies. It also would take some oversight pressure off Trump, who was impeached twice by a Democratic-controlled House. --With assistance from Steven T. Dennis. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trump has spoken extensively about his pledge for the mass deportation of migrants from the United States. When Trump takes office, Theres a lot of work in that first week and month to achieve that goal, said Chad Wolf, Trumps former acting secretary of Homeland Security. These arent secretive plans. These are things that conservatives have been advocating for some time, Wolf said on NewsNations The Hill. (Mass deportation) looks like removing individuals that dont have a right to be here. You target individuals. You remove dangerous criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps main priority will be tax reform: Mick Mulvaney Trump made securing the U.S. southern border a central component of his campaign for a second term in the White House, promising he will execute the largest domestic deportation in American history as soon as he takes office. Now, as he looks ahead to January after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump is formulating what other policies will be part of his plan to solve the countrys immigration issues. Trump pledged to supporters early Wednesday morning that he would fix our borders and fix everything about our country. As part of his border plan, Trump has pledged to go after the roughly 1.5 million immigrants who are in the U.S. and who have already received a formal order of removal. These immigrants include those who have been told by a judge that they do not qualify for asylum. Trump has also pledged to target immigrants who have been convicted of crimes and entered the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps border plan also involves leaning heavily into local law enforcement officers and military forces. That concerns some local law enforcement officials, however; Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels in Arizona said his department is already stretched thin, and he doesnt know how much they can assist federal agents in apprehending immigrants. NewsNations Ali Bradley contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Donald Trump has promised voters that he would carry out a range of immigration actions, including deporting, with the help of the National Guard or military, millions of immigrants living illegally in the U.S. Many of Trumps plans do not require congressional approval, but they still might be hard to undertake at a scale that Trump has described. Amy Lieberman, a politics editor at The Conversation U.S., asked University of Southern California immigration law scholar Jean Lantz Reisz to explain how Trump could follow through on some of his immigration promises during his second administration and what legal and political obstacles he could encounter along the way. What role do states play in any Trump order to deport immigrants? There are 11 million people living without legal authorization in the U.S., and Trump would have the authority, as president, to deport those people. But it would be very expensive to pay for the immigration officers, immigration judges, detention facilities, the plane flights and more that would be required to do so. Estimates on the cost of mass deportation range from US$88 billion a year to more than $300 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is probably going to have to rely on state and local governments to help carry out these deportations. The president cannot legally force state and local governments to cooperate with immigration enforcement. About 10 states, including New York, Massachusetts and California, have laws that prohibit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE the federal agency that oversees immigration and deportation under certain circumstances. For example, in California, employers may not allow ICE to enter nonpublic areas of their workplace without a proper warrant. Other states also prohibit law enforcement from sharing the immigration status of certain low-level criminal offenders. The federal government could give more money to a state in order to help it cooperate with federal immigration efforts, and take it away if they do not cooperate. But federal case law says that the president does not have the authority to withhold federal money to coerce a state into cooperating with immigration actions. Donald Trump shows immigration charts during the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2024. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Could Trump still send federal immigration officers to a state that does not cooperate, in order to identify and detain immigrants? States could not prevent the federal government from coming in to arrest and deport people but they dont have to help them, and could set up some obstacles. The federal government would have to provide all of its own personnel. Texas and Arizona have recently approved laws that require local law enforcement to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security and enforce immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to deputize and train local law enforcement to enforce immigration law. ICE could rely on local sheriffs or police in some states, like Texas, to identify and arrest immigrants and turn them over to ICE to deport. In other states, like Oregon and Illinois, that want to protect immigrants from deportation, they can refuse to cooperate with federal authorities by not providing certain personal information on immigrants. What are the other risks immigrants might be concerned about? There are about 580,000 people who are living in the U.S. and are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. DACA gives some people who came to the U.S. illegally as children the right to legally work, go to school and live in the country. The courts have already litigated that a president can lawfully terminate DACA through a certain process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, President Joe Biden is defending DACA by appealing a Texas district court decision that DACA is an unlawful program. Once in office, Trump can instruct the Justice Department to dismiss the appeal, effectively ending DACA. People who apply for DACA have to state in their application that they are in the country unlawfully. So the government could prove that DACA recipients can legally be deported, and will have information on where they live. The next group of immigrants that could be targeted is people from Afghanistan and other countries who have humanitarian parole, which is temporary permission to remain in the U.S. legally. Trump can end all of the parole programs, including those for Ukrainians. In addition, Trump can end Temporary Protected Status, a law that gives temporary permission to some people to legally stay in the U.S. for up to two years because of an emergency situation in their countries. He tried to do this, but was unsuccessful, during his first administration because he didnt follow the right legal process. About 1.2 million people are covered under this program, which Biden expanded. Trump has said he would end birthright citizenship, which is the right for any person born in the country to get citizenship. Could he legally do this? The Trump administration could order federal officials to stop processing passports and Social Security numbers for people who cannot establish that their parents are U.S. citizens. An ensuing lawsuit, probably brought by individuals denied their documents, would force courts to weigh in on birthright citizenship. A Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient greets President Joe Biden at the White House during a 12th anniversary event for the federal program on June 18, 2024. Michael A. McCoy for The Washington Post via Getty Images The Fourteenth Amendment gives the right of citizenship to all people born in the U.S. regardless of their parents nationality. Challengers to birthright citizenship argue that the Fourteenth Amendment should be reinterpreted to exclude people who were born in the U.S. to parents who are present unlawfully and therefore without the consent of the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To succeed in overturning birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court would have to reverse a 126-year-old precedent, which states that anyone who is born on U.S. soil and not the child of someone engaged in diplomatic service is a U.S. citizen. Trump has talked about using the Alien Enemies Act as a way to deport people. What does this mean? Trump has talked about using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as a way to get around judicial review and immigration courts and deport people such as gang members and cartel members. This law allows a president, during a time of war, to detain and deport people born in an enemy nation. One problem with this is that Trump wont have the authority to deport people under this act, unless there is a war with or invasion by another nation or government. Gangs or cartels are not their own nation or government. For example, Trump could not simultaneously recognize the Mexican government and a cartel also as the government of Mexico or succeed in legally proving the Mexican government is sending cartel members to invade the U.S. on behalf of the Mexican government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another problem Trump would have in using the Alien Enemies Act is that it allows for review by the courts to determine whether an individual is actually an enemy alien. It would not likely provide an automatic shortcut to deportation and would end up in litigation. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jean Lantz Reisz, University of Southern California Read more: Jean Lantz Reisz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. WASHINGTON Republicans are gearing up to lock in their remake of the judiciary under President-elect Donald Trump and a new Senate majority, including potentially installing several more conservative Supreme Court justices. Having already picked three Supreme Court justices in his first term who were critical in overturning abortion rights Trump will have appointed a majority of the court if he lands two more. Trump made the Supreme Court and lower courts priorities in his first term. He worked with Senate Republicans to help reshape the entire judiciary by naming 234 federal judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans will hold at least 52 Senate seats, having flipped Democratic-held seats in West Virginia, Montana and Ohio. The number may grow, with several other races still too close to call. Either way, theyll have power to confirm judges and justices with simple majorities. Conservatives are prepared for Supreme Court retirements, with the most attention on Justice Samuel Alito, 74. Top left, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Bottom left, Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Samuel Alito and Elena Kagan in Washington, on Oct. 7, 2022. I imagine that Justice Alito will want to get the hell out of D.C. as quickly as possible, said Mike Davis, the Senate GOPs former chief counsel for nominations, who runs the conservative Article 3 Project advocacy group. Thats who I would predict. The top candidates to become the next Senate majority leader John Thune, R-S.D., and John Cornyn, R-Texas both plan to prioritize confirming judges under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come January, we must be ready to confirm his nominees, Cornyn said while mentioning other priorities like passing a budget, extending the Trump tax cuts and pursuing tougher border policies. A source close to Thune said that confirming conservative judges will certainly be a priority, calling Trumps first term a great model to look to. When it comes to the Supreme Court, observers have their eyes on the two oldest conservatives. Justice Clarence Thomas, who has served on the court since 1991, will turn 80 by the next presidential election in 2028. He is close to being the longest-serving justice of all time, a mark he would reach that year. Alito, who wrote the 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, has served since 2006 and turns 78 ahead of the next presidential election. Both are conservative stalwarts who are in some ways more aligned with the Trump wing of the GOP than the three justices Trump appointed in his first term. They have also both been subject to hostile scrutiny in recent years over allegations of ethical lapses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I certainly expect there will be a vacancy, quite possibly two, said John Malcolm, a lawyer at the conservative, Trump-allied Heritage Foundation who was among those who helped compile a list of potential high court nominees for Trump when he first ran in 2016. A Trump-appointed Supreme Court majority If Trump gets two appointments, he would be the first president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to have appointed a majority of justices to the court, a milestone he could reach as soon as the summer of 2026 depending on the timing of retirements. Trumps previous appointees Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have been instrumental in shifting the court further to the right with a 6-3 conservative majority. All three voted to overturn abortion rights and regularly joined rulings invalidating Biden administration actions. Davis, a pugnacious Trump supporter known for throwing rhetorical flames at Trump's critics, called his three justices the most consequential accomplishment of his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there may be fresh criteria this time. President Trump will build on that with even more bold and fearless judicial picks, he said. It means judges who will follow the law and dont care what the liberal media says about them. If Thomas or Alito steps down, Trump is likely to look to the dozens of appeals court judges he appointed in his first term to find candidates to replace them, some experts believe. Trumps former White House counsel Don McGahn, who played a key role in judicial selections in the first term, spoke at a recent event about the importance of justices having courage to do the job youve been given. He added that some of Trumps potential Supreme Court nominees are certainly more strident than earlier generations of conservative judges were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And among Democrats, anxieties are running high about whether Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, a lifelong diabetic, will hang on for four more years. Some Democrats had openly wondered this year whether she should step down and assure a liberal replacement, to avoid a repeat of what happened to former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died during Trump's first term, which enabled him to swing the court to the right by picking Barrett. Sonia Sotomayor needs to retire right now, a Democratic official working in the Biden administration said within hours of NBC News projecting that Trump had won the presidency. If she does, theres no rule prohibiting Democrats from confirming a potential Sotomayor successor in the lame-duck session. They wouldnt need any Republican votes to do it. But some on the left who are familiar with the Senate confirmation process point out there is no guarantee that a replacement for Sotomayor would be confirmed in time. I dont think they could realistically confirm a replacement, and it would be risky, said Alex Aronson, a former Democratic Senate staffer who now runs Court Accountability, a liberal legal group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sotomayor didnt respond to a request seeking comment on her plans, relayed via a Supreme Court spokeswoman. Chuck Grassley likely to be Judiciary chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told NBC News in September he would seek to return as Judiciary Committee chairman if Republicans retake the majority. Grassley has seniority on the committee, which determines what judicial nominations the full Senate votes on. Ahead of the election, numerous Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee told NBC News they expected at least one, if not more, Supreme Court retirements should Trump prevail and their party win the Senate. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he believes the GOP would look to find more justices like Thomas or Alito, especially if theyre the ones being replaced. Unlike in 2016, Trump hasnt issued a public list of potential Supreme Court nominees. But the task of identifying potential nominees is made easier for him because he now has a deep bench of lower court judges he appointed to pick from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has the luxury that he appointed several outstanding judges who have now been judges for a number of years, so they have a judicial track record, said Malcolm of the Heritage Foundation. Among them are Judge Andrew Oldham of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, who was a law clerk for Alito. Another is Judge Amul Thapar of the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He was Trumps first appeals court nominee in 2017. Vice President-elect JD Vances wife, Usha Vance, clerked for Thapar when he was a district court judge. Other names conservative legal insiders frequently mention as potential Supreme Court nominees include Judge James Ho of the 5th Circuit appeals court, Neomi Rao of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and Judge Patrick Bumatay of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump appointed all of them to their current positions. There are 47 vacancies on the lower courts trial courts and the 13 influential courts of appeal that President Joe Biden hasnt filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But waiting in the wings are dozens of Republican-nominated judges who in January would be eligible to retire on full pay but were most likely delaying doing so until there was a Republican president who could appoint their successors. There are 83 such judges, according to Russell Wheeler, a scholar at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution who tracks judicial nominations. Once Trump takes office, he will probably be able to fill most of those slots. GOP won't pursue Supreme Court ethics rules Trump already transformed the federal courts in his first term, appointing 54 appeals court judges and 174 district court judges, many of whom are closely linked with the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group. Even putting aside the Supreme Court, those judges have had a major role to play in pushing the law to the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden has made his own mark on the judiciary, appointing 210 district and appeals court judges in total, including 44 appeals court judges, falling just short of Trumps total. His appointees have been substantially more diverse than Trumps, and he has also picked some with experience as public defenders or civil rights lawyers. To what extent Trump will follow the road map from his first term, in which he deferred to conservative lawyers like McGahn and legal activist Leonard Leo on judicial appointments, remains to be seen. Neither McGahn nor Leo responded to requests for comment on whether they will offer their advice this time around. In recent years, the Democratic-led Senate has sought to impose new ethics rules and organize inquiries into reports about potential corruption at the Supreme Court, only to get stymied by Republicans who used the filibuster to block the bills and prevent subpoenas from being enforced. Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who shepherded Trumps three justices through the chamber, said those efforts are likely to end under a GOP-led Senate. Well quit beating up the Supreme Court every time we dont like the decision they make, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (NewsNation) President-elect Donald Trumps cabinet and his proposals to fulfill campaign promises are taking shape. The 45th, and now 47th president of the United States is preparing for his second term in the White House, following a campaign season marred by legal woes and two suspected assassination attempts. Trump victory spurs worry among migrants abroad, but its not expected to halt migration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden has promised a peaceful and orderly transition of power. A meeting between the incoming and outgoing presidents is reportedly in the works. Trump names first woman chief of staff Trump named co-chair of his 2024 campaign Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. The announcement makes Wiles the first woman to fill the role a decision that received positive feedback from fellow Republicans. WASHINGTON, DC AUGUST 3: Senior strategists for former President Donald Trump, Susie Wiles, left, and Chris LaCivita stand outside the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Court House on August 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former President Donald Trump, indicted on charges related to the 2020 election, is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images) Some lawmakers told NewsNation the choice came as no surprise, describing Wiles as someone who can handle egos and strong opinions. A long-time Florida-based Republican strategist, Wiles has been credited with running a successful campaign. She also has a reputation for remaining loyal to Trump as a trusted adviser who can help manage the president-elect and his impulses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have joked that Wiles is the only person Trump listens to. In his victory speech this week, Trump thanked Wiles and called her The Ice Maiden. Susie likes to stay sort of in the back, Trump said. Let me tell you. The Ice Maiden, we call her. Who else could be in Trumps cabinet? Other considerations for top cabinet positions reportedly include Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state. Meanwhile, former Republican Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is seen as a top contender for secretary of defense. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign press secretary, is in line to become the next White House press secretary. In an Israeli settlement named after Trump, residents see opportunity after the election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump may tap North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the nations energy department and Stephen Miller a former senior adviser in the Trump White House is expected to return in a similar capacity. The Trump transition is led by longtime supporters Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, who are overseeing personnel and policies respectively. Trumps promise to end the war in Ukraine Trump is exploring ideas to end the war in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reports. One option includes forming a demilitarized zone and letting Russia claim the territory it currently occupies. The U.S. has provided more than $60 billion in military assistance for Ukraine since the start of the war a matter Trump has been critical of the Biden administration for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump prepares to reenter the White House, a push to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table could be on the horizon. During his campaign, Trump frequently brought up the soaring price tag of the war and claimed he could bring an end to the conflict quickly if he were in charge. Now, the WSJ reports that possible proposals all involve freezing the war in place. One option would reportedly involve Ukraine promising not to join NATO for at least 20 years. In exchange, the country would continue to receive weapons to protect against more Russian attacks, according to the WSJ. That plan would lock the front line in place. Both sides would need to agree on an 800-mile demilitarized zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources add that U.S. and United Nations forces would not be in charge of monitoring that zone. We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European, A member of Trumps team told the WSJ. We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British and French to do it. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke over the phone with President-elect Trump following his election win. Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Trump on his win this week. Meanwhile, Bidens team may rush as much as $9 billion in military aid before Trump takes office, Reuters reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That aid will help pay for supplies like munitions and anti-tank weapons. Throughout his presidency, Biden has vowed to let Ukraine decide when an end to the war would come. Were going to continue to surge aid to Ukraine and continue to make sure they have everything they need on the battlefield to push back on Russias aggression, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. We continue to be committed. Thats what were going to continue to do. Some European leaders fear the U.S. will quit the war under Trumps leadership and insist they cant fund it alone. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. From left, Senate Majority Assistant Whip Mike McKell, Senate President Stuart Adams, Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, and Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson talk with reporters after Senate Republicans elected a new slate of legislative leaders during a closed caucus at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Nov. 7, 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch) The Utah Legislatures Republican majority met in closed caucus meetings Thursday night to elect their next set of legislative leaders bringing a bit of a shakeup in the Senate but the same set of faces in the House. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, will remain the Senates top Republican. But Senate Republicans elected a new slate otherwise, promoting Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, (who this year served as majority assistant whip) to the second-most powerful leadership position as majority leader, a position previously held by Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans also chose a new majority whip, electing Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, in place of Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden. And to take Cullimores previous role as majority assistant whip, the Senate GOP elected Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In the House, the GOP majority decided to keep the status quo, re-electing House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper; House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs; House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield; and House Majority Assistant Whip Casey Snider, R-Paradise. Schultz told reporters none of the House GOPs leadership races were contested this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leadership teams told reporters in separate media availabilities after their closed caucus elections Tuesday night that they look forward to prioritizing a variety of topics during the Utah Legislatures 2025 legislation session. Those include becoming more energy independent, strengthening water optimization and development, supporting students and teachers, protecting children from the harms of social media, making life more affordable for Utahns and investing in infrastructure projects to manage Utahs growth, Senate Republicans said in a news release. The Republican legislative leaders expressed their excitement of working with a future administration under President-elect Donald Trump while also continuing their legal battle through a petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to wrest 18.5 million acres of unappropriated public land away from the Bureau of Land Management. Senate leadership changes Cullimore, McKell and Wilson said they sought their new positions not out of a desire to change Senate policy decisions, but rather for an opportunity to serve in leadership positions. All three expressed respect for their predecessors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were virtually no policy discussions. This wasnt about a different policy direction or anything like that, Cullimore said. I think generally everybody in the Senate caucus is pretty happy about the direction that the Senates been going. McKell echoed the same. For me it wasnt about policy. It was just about an opportunity to serve in this capacity, he said. Adams praised the Senate Republican caucus, saying it had to make some hard choices but it came through united. This was a tough leadership election, but I believe were more united after the election than we were before, Adams said. At least thats what I felt during the election process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKell said the only friction that surfaced during these leadership elections was because senators were forced to choose between two people that you really care about, that you really respect. Thats where it was difficult for me. I didnt feel like there was tension; I felt like all of the races top-to-bottom were very respectful, very professional. Wilson said those who ran an unsuccessful leadership bid are still going to be highly respected members of our caucus and very much involved with the direction of policy going forward. Adams, however, said he felt anxiety in this leadership election because Im going to miss Sen. Vickers and Sen. Millner. So theres anxiety, and yet weve got a great leadership team here. 2025 priorities In the House, Schultz said in coming months House Republicans will be working to nail down specific priorities for the 2025 general session thats slated to begin Jan. 21. He said he expects lawmakers to maintain similar priorities as theyve focused on in recent years: water (which policies are or arent working when it comes to conservation or development) and working closely with the federal government to make sure Utah remains a sovereign state. From left, House Majority Assistant Whip Casey Snider, House Speaker Mike Schultz, House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, and House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee talk to reporters after House Republicans re-elected them to their same leadership positions during a closed caucus at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Nov. 7, 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch) Under a future Trump presidency, Schultz said one of the biggest policy shifts he expects will be on public land control. The Biden administration, he said, was closing access to the citizens of this state and closing down recreation opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats probably one of the biggest and most important things I view as a top priority, is making sure our public lands remain public, accessible to everybody, and were going to fight hard to make sure that happens, Schultz said. However, a Trump presidency doesnt mean Utah Republican leaders will pull back on their petition with the U.S. Supreme Court. Schultz said regardless of the administration, thats a petition were still going to move forward with. Snider said Utah will continue that legal fight to prevent future yo-yoing on federal control of public lands depending on who controls the White House. Long term, for this to be resolved in a way that benefits all interests, we need to have legal certainty, Snider said, and the only way to get to that point is through that petition. Adams said one of his top priorities is Utahs energy independence because, he predicted, it will become increasingly important as artificial intelligence gains prominence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that AI is going to control the world and the country who controls AI is going to control the world, both economically and militarily, Adams said. And AI is dependent on data centers. Data centers depend on energy. And the rest of the country, everybodys looking for energy, around the world. Adams said Utah doesnt have a surplus of energy, so energy has to be one of our top priorities. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Idaho immigration lawyers and advocates said they started getting messages from clients within hours of Donald Trumps election victory Wednesday morning. During his campaign, Trump offered a series of immigration ideas that included mass deportation of people in the United States without legal status. In his term as president from 2017-21, he limited immigration from certain countries and attempted to end DACA, which offers deportation protection for undocumented people brought to the U.S. as children. The real question is how is it going to trickle down here, said Maria Andrade, a prominent local immigration lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrade said she expects three main impacts in the Gem State. The first would be exacerbation of a crisis-level agricultural labor shortage, she said, if mass deportations took place. Idahos dairy industry is dependent upon foreign-born workers, according to previous Statesman reporting, and so are other agricultural ventures. The second would be a potential slowing of legal immigration that could impact Idahos companies, Andrade said. Some highly skilled workers could be dissuaded from coming to the country at all due to an overall more difficult environment for immigrants, and might particularly avoid states that take a hard stance with Trumps policies. And third, Andrade expects the number of refugees coming to Idaho to drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Office for Refugees declined to comment to the Statesman. However, the national cap on refugees and the number of admitted refugees dropped dramatically when Trump was president last time, according to the Migration Policy Institute. In its community newsletter, the Idaho Office for Refugees said it recognized many were anxious and told people that the group remained committed to supporting refugees who relocate to the state. Despite our differences, were working together to pursue a path toward a brighter future, the newsletter said. We remain dedicated to collaborating with community members, partners, and leaders to build a society of belonging, peace, and opportunity. After blocking bipartisan bill, Trump to focus on border Immigration was a contentious topic during the 2024 campaign, with Republicans blaming Democrats for an increase in border crossings and Democrats criticizing Republicans for blocking a bipartisan border security bill at the behest of Trump, who has made anti-immigrant rhetoric a cornerstone of his political life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration has prioritized arresting and deporting immigrants who are criminals or multiple violators, lawyers told the Statesman. But in Trumps previous administration, there werent a lot of priorities other than people who were in the United States without authorization. What I expect is theres going to be broad arrests and deportation of all kinds of people, regardless of who the administration says theyre targeting, Andrade said. And Trumps mass deportation plans could increase backlogs in immigration courts, according to a CBS News story, which is what happened in his first term. In January 2017, immigration courts had over 500,000 cases. That number almost doubled by 2019, according to the American Immigration Council. Alycia Moss, a partner and immigration attorney at Hawley Troxell, said she expects to see more enforcement on immigration. She said that could have an impact on a number of people in Idaho, from mixed families to those who employ undocumented workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families could be scared to send their children to school or go to the doctor, Moss said, for fear of being discovered as undocumented. Under a new Trump administration, people in the U.S. under DACA, Uniting for Ukraine or temporary protected status could be affected by executive decisions, Moss said. People in the country on asylum status would likely be less affected, because thats under the purview of Congress and not the executive branch, she said. She also said some of the presidents decisions could be challenged by lawsuits. On the whole, mass deportations would be logistically intense, Moss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we have issues right now with having enough bodies on the ground for enforcement, Moss said. If the numbers are correct and theres 11 or 12 million (undocumented immigrants) ... its hard to see how that would happen without significantly more resources than I see available. Luis Campos, the legal director of the Alliance of Idaho in Blaine County, said that local and state officials would have to buy in for mass deportations to happen. Idaho Gov. Brad Little, who has sent state troopers over 1,000 miles away to the Mexico-Texas border, and the states congressional delegation did not return requests for comment. What could enforcement and deportation effort look like? Trump has not provided details when it comes to carrying out deportation plans. USA Today did a review and found that many ideas were floated, including use of the military and National Guard, and local and state police; using executive authority to bypass laws that include protections for immigrants; and using the Alien Enemies Act, which dates to the 1700s and was employed to detain Japanese and German people during World War II. In the 2024 legislative session, Idaho Republicans tried to pass a bill that would have allowed local law enforcement and judges to check peoples immigration status and order them returned to their home country if they werent here legally, according to legislative documents. The bill, HB 753, died in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campos said he is concerned for asylum seekers in Idaho. In 2018, the first of Trumps two U.S. attorneys general, Jeff Sessions, said that asylum seekers claiming domestic violence or gang violence shouldnt qualify, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Its possible the new Trump administration could take a similar stance. Problems at the border need to be solved, Campos said, and the United States cant accommodate the whole world. But the processes in place have to be humane and lawful, he said. All this impacts Idaho because we do have a significant population of immigrants, Campos said. Immigration is good for the state of Idaho in terms of economics. Immigrants, regardless of their status, are consumers. They have buying power. Immigrants bring more than just economic benefits to Idaho, said Estefania Mondragon, executive director of PODER of Idaho. They bring culture, music and food as well, Mondragon said, while doing work the states economy needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our economy is thriving. We have houses, homes being built left and right, Mondragon said. Who is building those houses? Immigrants ... immigrant labor is building Idaho. PODER is a nonpartisan organization, Mondragon said, and no one political party or candidate represents what is best for the community. The organization was founded, however, after the Trump administration attempted to rescind DACA protections. Mondragon said the group is having discussions about doing community meetings around the state to determine needs and answer questions for immigrants. ACLU of Idaho Spokesperson Rebecca De Leon said having a new Trump administration on the horizon will exacerbate an existing anti-immigrant trend in the Gem State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, many Eagle residents brought concerns about undocumented people to the Eagle City Council earlier this year, according to previous Statesman reporting. The council embraced a resolution barring services for immigrants who dont have permanent legal status. I think that theres a lot of uncertainty, Mondragon said. We dont want to build an Idaho that is built on fear of immigrants. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) President-elect Donald Trump put billionaire Elon Musk on the line with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when the Ukrainian leader called to congratulate the incoming U.S. president, according to a Ukrainian official with direct knowledge of the phone call. The person, who was not authorized to comment on the matter publicly, confirmed that Zelenskyy and Musk spoke during the call with Trump, but that Musk did not appear to be on the line for the entire conversation on Wednesday. Trump seemingly handed his phone over to Musk, the person said, and the Ukrainian president thanked the SpaceX owner for assisting his country with access to the Starlink satellite internet platform. The presence of Musk on the call highlights his influence in the president-elects circle. Trump has mused that Musk could have a formal role in his administration that focuses on government efficiency, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given SpaceXs lucrative government contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps interactions with Zelenskyy are being closely watched as he prepares to take over the presidency on Jan. 20 and has signaled a shift in Washingtons steadfast support for Ukraine against Russias nearly three-year-old invasion. Trump has promised to swiftly end the war and suggested that Kyiv should agree to cede some territory to Moscow in return for peace, a condition Zelenskyy has rejected. It was under Trump that the United States first sent weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, in 2017. Those Javelin anti-tank missiles were crucial to Ukraines initial ability to fend off the full-scale invasion in 2022. President Joe Biden's administration has sent tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to Ukraine, drawing criticism from Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, who are wary of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and suggested the money could better be spent domestically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has promoted his good relationship with President Vladimir Putin and called the Russian leader pretty smart for invading Ukraine. He characterized Zelenskyy as the greatest salesman on earth for winning U.S. aid. Zelenskyy is one of dozens of world leaders, business executives and political leaders to speak with Trump, who has been at his private club and residence in Florida, in the days since he won the White House. The Trump transition said it would not comment on private meetings. Axios was first to report on Musk's presence on the Trump-Zelenskyy call. ___ Gomez Licon reported from West Palm Beach, Fla. and Miller reported from Washington. In what appear to be the first public comments made by a member of the Colorado Supreme Court addressing its 2023 decision to remove Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot, Justice Melissa Hart on Friday said that threats and retribution against judges "can't continue." The weather in Azerbaijan is set fair for next week as Ed Miliband jets in to talk climate change. On day one of COP29, intermittent sunshine is expected, with only an 8 per cent chance of rain. Nonetheless, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary will need to pack his jumper, for there are chill winds blowing his way. Indeed, following Donald Trumps sensational election victory, the whole ten day shindig is likely to be enveloped in gloom. In a shattering blow to Net Zero crusaders, the most powerful man on the planet now appears to think climate change is a hoax. The UK is already experiencing what the Germans call dunkelflaute a series of murky days without wind or sunshine. Such conditions are always bad news for Milibands renewable energy push, as his beloved turbines and solar panels struggle to generate kilowatts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These dismal conditions will pass. What will not go away is the growing political threat to this Governments entire environmental agenda. Make no mistake the looming return of Trump to the White House has just planted a bomb under Labours Net Zero obsession. It is now far more politically perilous. For just as Miliband and his carbon emission-fixated ministerial colleagues ratchet up their campaign to achieve clean power by 2030, a Trump-led America will be pulling in the opposite direction. Sure, Trumps new efficiency Tsar Elon Musk, whose net worth is linked to Net Zero, may temper the new Presidents notoriously hard-line views. Meanwhile Labour eco-zealots like Miliband will seek to depict the new occupant of the White House as both delusional and irresponsible about rising temperatures. They have all bet the house on this particular agenda, allowing all manner of green enterprises to syphon billions from the public purse. They are all far too invested in their great emission reduction programme to back down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as British voters finally begin to appreciate what is being sacrificed, a growing number seem likely to be drawn to what Trump has to say. If millions start questioning the point in abandoning fossil fuels and turning our beautiful countryside into a latticework of new cables and pylons and giant solar panel farms when America is doing the reverse, Miliband and his party face political catastrophe. To date, Net Zero has not featured near the top of British voters concerns, dominated as they are by the cost of living and the state of the NHS. The same types who smeared Brexit supporters as xenophobes and racists have been extremely effective at shutting down debate. They demean anyone who dares question whether we are truly heading for global boiling. Supported by an army of pseudo scientists and far too many real ones, these eco-zealots seem to take great pleasure in making ordinary people feel stupid for their instinctive sense that something is not right with all the apocalyptic claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is of course a world of difference between denying the fact that weather patterns are changing and questioning the policy response, but why not call all dissenters flat-earthers and freaks? In America, Trump has faced down the shrieking hysterics, and his messaging about climate change could not be simpler. In short, he thinks it is a gigantic scam and considers decisively defeating the agenda one of his most urgent tasks. He believes what he calls radical Left fear-mongering about the future of the planet is not only scaring American youth, but destroying the economy, weakening society and eviscerating the middle classes.. In this country it is the least well-off who are paying the heaviest price for all the rising bills and burdens during the transition to Milibands carbon neutral Neverland. Mocking the shift in terminology from global warming (which wasnt working out too well, because a lot of places were extremely cool) to climate change (you cant miss with that; it can go up or down; it can go 15 different directions) Trump has called on conservative leaders, think tanks and intellectuals around the world to call out the lunacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people have got a lot of problems, the President-Elect has said. Well yes they do few more so than Miliband and Starmer, if Trumps message begins to reverberate here. For while Miliband destroys British steel and cancels North Sea oil and gas projects, costing tens of thousands of jobs, the worlds two biggest carbon emitters America and China will be ramping up production. As the headlong rush to reach Net Zero makes everyday life in the UK ever more costly and complicated, the argument that this is the wrong response to undeniable changes in weather patterns will truly begin to resonate. Luckily for Miliband and his party, voters in this country have been slow to make the connection between high consumer prices and the Net Zero agenda not least because we do not have many very influential politicians or business leaders making the case. That will almost certainly change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When housebuilding stalls under the weight of never-ending climate-related rules and regulations; when the rental market seizes up because of similar burdens; when every British householder faces the highest electricity prices of any developed country to pay for ruinous green subsidies; when visible climate change penalties are attached to more basic goods and services, the Net Zero agenda will become a very real consideration at the ballot box. Miliband and his fellow believers keep promising that more renewables will reduce electricity bills but persistently refuse to say when. In a sign of the Energy Secretarys diminishing confidence in his own pledge, he appears to have dropped the 300 annual bill reduction he promised at the general election. Alarmingly, a report published last week by the national grid operator NESO, which Milband controls, warned that taxpayers will need to spend an additional 40 billion per year to get to clean energy by 2030. That is twice the size of Chancellor Rachel Reeves infamous black hole and equivalent to 1,300 per household a year. Like all cult leaders, Miliband is undeterred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far too late, Tories are realising their mistake in going along with it all. After 14 years of backing Net Zero, they cannot credibly pivot to drill baby drill. Nobody likes admitting they have made a colossal mistake. But there are tentative signs that new party leader Kemi Badenoch may begin to pull away. Back in 2022, she described the Net Zero target as unilateral economic disarmament, questioning the pace. If she really has doubts, her problem will be that many in her own party remain wedded to the agenda. For now, that leaves Nigel Farage: Trumps closest UK political ally. His party has long labelled Net Zero Net Stupid. Stand by for Farage to fire this up the political agenda. When Miliband returns from Baku, he better start preparing for storms. 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. Governor Kristi Noem campaigns for former President Donald Trump on Oct. 24, 2024, in Pennsylvania. (Gov. Kristi Noem's Office) As the dust settles on the 2024 election and President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, political observers are buzzing about the role Gov. Kristi Noem might play in the new administration. Noem, a vocal Trump supporter throughout the campaign, was frequently seen on the trail in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve got to reward the people who backed you during the election, said Northern State University political science professor Jon Schaff. I think everybody knows she has been a strong supporter of Trump. I think itd almost be remarkable if she didnt have some position in that administration. The question is, does she want it? Schaff suggested Noem might be a fit for Secretary of Agriculture or Interior, which would align with her experience and the importance of agriculture to South Dakota. He said higher-profile cabinet posts like Secretary of Defense, State, Treasury, or Justice may be out of reach. The only one that seems plausible is State, and I dont know if she has the diplomatic chops for that, he said. Noem could also become a conservative media commentator or the face of a Republican-aligned political organization, or could opt to run for a U.S. Senate seat. If Sen. Mike Rounds decides to run for re-election in 2026 and Noem decides to challenge him, Schaff foresees a very competitive race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Dakota Governors Office did not respond to a request for comment regarding her plans. Mike Card, a political science professor at the University of South Dakota, thinks the Department of Agriculture secretary slot or an ambassadorship are two possible paths for Noem, given speculation that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will become Secretary of Interior. The question is whether she stays with the relatively easy job of being South Dakota Governor, he said, which offers her a platform without the administrative work of becoming a cabinet secretary. Noem has stayed quiet on Sen. John Thunes bid to become Senate Majority Leader. Noems silence could mean shes keeping her options open, Card said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thunes influence could matter to Noem down the line. If Rounds retires and Thune backs someone else for Senate, it might be harder for Noem to win the seat. She could try to negotiate with Thune since she has some sway with the president-elect to help him secure this leadership role, Card said. In exchange, he said, she could ask for his support if shes aiming for a cabinet position requiring Senate approval. Congress must sign off on a presidents cabinet secretary choices. Governor Kristi Noem departs a tour bus while campaigning for former President Donald Trump on Oct. 18, 2024, in North Carolina. (Gov. Kristi Noems Office) The potential departure of Noem from South Dakota politics has already set the stage for a competitive 2026 gubernatorial race, Card said. This essentially means the race for governor has already begun, he said, identifying key players like U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, Attorney General Marty Jackley, and Lt Gov. Larry Rhoden as likely contenders. Card also expects an insurgent America First Republican to enter the race for governor in 2026, representing the partys more populist wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an America First Republican party now, Card said. And so, who is that candidate? Its hard not to see it cutting any other way. Noem before the election Gov. Noem took an active role on the campaign trail for President-elect Donald Trump. On Oct. 14, she moderated a town hall in Pennsylvania, where she praised Trumps authenticity and commitment to protecting American families. The event generated headlines after Trump, 78, spent nearly 40 minutes listening to a variety of songs. Through mid-October, Noem balanced her campaign efforts with state duties, meeting with her executive team in Pierre on Oct. 16 to prepare South Dakotas budget before heading to Mar-a-Lago for discussions with Trump the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As October progressed, she campaigned for Trump in key battleground states, with stops in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. She also took part in South Dakota events, attending former Senator Tim Johnsons funeral and leading the annual Governors Hunt in Sioux Falls. Between campaign appearances, Noem was a frequent presence on conservative media, where she defended Trump and criticized President Joe Biden and business mogul Mark Cuban, the latter of whom she took issue with for his comments on Trumps female supporters. Noem joined panels of Republican women in Georgia and Michigan to rally support for Trump in his campaigns final days. Her schedule remained private for part of Election Day, but a social media post revealed that she celebrated Trumps victory on Nov. 6 with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that mass deportation of undocumented immigrants will be the top priority of his incoming administration after he claimed a common sense mandate from his big election win. Its a mandate to bring common sense back to the country, Trump told NBC News Kristen Welker in an exclusive interview. The incoming president said he has no choice but to keep his promise to launch a broad effort to deport undocumented immigrants, although he focused on criminals who would be a small minority of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have no choice. We have murderers and drug lords, he said. Now theyre going to have to go back to their country because they are not staying here. Trump rebuffed questions about the cost of such an operation, suggesting it would be done regardless of cost. There is no price tag, there really isnt, he said. Trump has been uncharacteristically quiet on social media and has not spoken publicly since his triumphant victory speech early Wednesday morning. Trump swept to victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, and was on track for a surprising win in the national popular vote. He increased his vote share from four years ago in a remarkable 90% of counties nationwide, backing his claim of a solid popular mandate for his right-wing policy program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican once and future president has also vowed dramatic efforts that he says will improve the economy, including blanket tariffs on imported goods, but he did not discuss those efforts Thursday. He was gracious toward Harris, who called to concede and congratulate him on Wednesday. The conversation was very nice, very respectful, both ways, he said. Trump said he appreciates her offer of support for a smooth transition to his second administration: I agree with that 100%. Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday that he planned to talk to Trumps team about the impact of migrants and asylum seekers and pitch a realistic and compassionate plan for undocumented immigrants, although he did not go into detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manuel Castro, New York Citys immigrant affairs commissioner, said he hoped to change Trumps mind about mass deportations. Trump only offered sparse details about his other second-term priorities in the 15-minute phone chat with Welker. He said he has spoken to as many as 70 world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump said he had not talked to Russian strongman Vladimir Putin since his victory. During the campaign, Trump boasted that he could solve the conflict in Ukraine in 24 hours, presumably by brow-beating the warring nations to reach a compromise peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was tight-lipped about potential cabinet appointments. He has vowed to pick a team of loyalists who will carry out his instructions and policy prescriptions, even if that means breaking with longstanding norms. Trump praised campaign chief Susie Wiles but stopped short of saying if she would be the favorite to become his White House chief of staff. She would certainly be a contender, he said. Shed be great. _____ (The Hill) President-elect Trump said in an interview with NBC News on Thursday that there is no price tag when it comes to his mass deportation plan. Throughout the campaign cycle, Trump touted a Day 1 agenda that oftentimes focused on border and immigration crackdowns, saying at nearly every rally, On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history. Trump has said the mass deportations will target those in the country illegally and especially those with a criminal record. He has also said that he will largely rely on local police departments for assistance, but the program will need coordination with federal agencies and would likely face pushback from some local jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the finances of his plan during his interview with NBC News, Trump insisted that there is no price tag. Its not a question of a price tag. Its not really, we have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now theyre going to go back to those countries because theyre not staying here. There is no price tag, he said, as reported by NBC News. Trump had also said during the interview that people should still be able to come into the country. We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful and, and we have to at the same time, we want people to come into our country, he said. And you know, Im not somebody that says, No, you cant come in. We want people to come in, NBC News reported that Trump said during the phone interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Democrats tried to pry Latino voters away from Trump using his remarks about immigrants and a racist joke about Puerto Rico told by a comedian at one of his recent rallies, his performance among Latino voters showed significant support. A CNN exit poll revealed that Trump won Latino men by 12 points over Vice President Harris a 35-point swing since 2020, when Biden won the group by 23 points. Harris, however, did comfortably win among Latino women, pulling ahead of Trump by 22 points, but that is a stark difference to the 39-point lead that broke for Biden among the cohort just four years ago. The poll also showed Harris winning Latino voters over Trump 52 percent to 46 percent, which is a single-digit lead compared to President Biden, who outpaced Trump among the group, with 65 percent support to Trumps 32 percent in 2020. According to NBC News, Trump had said that his messaging around immigration partly won him the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want to have borders, and they like people coming in, but they have to come in with love for the country. They have to come in legally, Trump said, as noted by NBC News. The president-elect also added that Democrats are not in line with the thinking of the country, NBC News wrote. Trump commented on the phone calls he had with both Harris and Biden, calling the calls very nice and very respectful both ways, NBC News reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. After four years out of office, former U.S. President Donald Trump is now once again the president-elect. The outcome of Tuesdays election was surprising, if not shocking. Most polls forecast a close outcome, with the chance of either Trump or his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, winning amounting to a coin flip. Others, including myself, predicted a Harris victory, even a convincing one. The basis of those predictions was that turnout would be high and would favor the Democratic Party. Turnout was high, though lower than in 2020, and the outcome was not particularly close. But that instead favored the Republican Party and Trump. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. He now joins Grover Cleveland as the only U.S. president to win two nonconsecutive terms in office. In doing so, Trump secured a majority of the Electoral College vote, but also, unlike in 2016, a majority of the popular vote. The victory broke a string of poor election performances by Trump himself since barely winning the presidency in 2016: In all subsequent elections in which he played a key role, whether by endorsing candidates for Congress and the Senate or by running himself, the Republican Party underperformed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It truly seemed that Trump was a drag on his party and that this would carry over into his 2024 presidential run. But that did not happenat all. While high turnout has traditionally favored Democrats, that tendency has changed in recent years, and Tuesdays election was a key example. Trump gained support in rural areas, as was expected, but also in urban areas, which wasnt. Down ticket, the Republicans won control of the Senate and appear poised to retain control of the House of Representatives. In other words, it was a clear win for Trump and the Republican Party. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The diversity of the electorate, in terms of voters priority issues and even the extent to which individuals who voted for Trump actually like Trump himself, along with the convincing nature of his victory make it difficult to trace the outcome to a single cause or even a handful of causes. Its notable that in his victory speech early Wednesday morning, Trump identified global turmoil and the record number of wars unfolding in the world as a key reason people turned to him with their votes. Whether that is what was truly on the minds of voters is less clear, given that foreign policy rarely factors into voter choice. Some of his voters may not want him to build a wall, but do want to see lower grocery prices. Others may not care for him or even his policies, but were upset with President Joe Bidenand by association Harrisfor not taking a tougher stance on Israels conduct of its war in Gaza. Some might have been concerned about Trumps actions on Jan., 6, 2021, but also saw him as the better choice for moving the U.S. economy forward. And its not impossible to rule out the gender dynamics of the race against Harris and the possibility that the U.S. simply isnt ready to elect a woman as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, the core explanation for Trumps victory could well boil down to a fundamental factor that was also a key reason that Harris ended up replacing Biden as the Democratic Party nominee in the first place: The incumbent president is unpopular, and that unpopularity affected his partys electoral performance. While both parties continue to digest and learn lessons from the election itself, attention naturally turns to its implications. Those are uncertain, especially for U.S. foreign policy. While both parties continue to digest and learn lessons from the election itself, attention naturally turns to its implications. Those are uncertain, especially for U.S. foreign policy. Indeed, the predictably unpredictable nature of Trumps policy positions during his first term as president is a key reason why people were concerned about him being reelected. Trump clearly recognizes the power that comes with being president and how it allows him to shape international politics. And the U.S. Supreme Court recently clarified the presidents discretion in exercising that power, in ways that seem to have greatly expanded it. But how will Trump wield that power during a second term? Will he impose protectionist measures that set off a global trade war? Will he tolerate NATO or hate it to the point of effectively withdrawing the U.S. from the alliance? Will he buddy up with Russian President Vladimir Putin and cut off military support to Ukraine or demonstrate his toughness by standing up to Putin in a way that Bidenby Trumps accountwouldnt dare? Will he try to talk North Korean leader Kim Jong Un into giving up his nukes and Chinese President Xi Jinping into abandoning Beijings ambitions to take over Taiwan, or would he lose interest in both endeavors? It is all of this uncertainty that worries so many leaders and observers of global affairs around the world. To be sure, many of them arent waiting to find out. Some are leaning into Trumps susceptibility to be flattered, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being the first world leader to publicly congratulate Trump on his victory. Others are calling for U.S. allies to take measures to prepare themselves if the U.S. under Trump chooses to stand aside. As Ulrike Franke of the European Council of Foreign Relations wrote shortly after the election result became clear, So my concern over the last weeks has been that a Harris victory wouldnt sufficiently shock the Europeans into action. Guess that wont be the problem now. Similarly, Robert Kellya South Korea-based analystremarked, Wake up, everybody. Start thinking about your own [defense industrial base], a bigger navy, indigenous missile defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a case to be made that such concerns are misplaced. A second Trump term could be much like his first, which also did not deviate greatly from the policies ultimately pursued by the Biden administration. But the concern is that a second termafter which Trump will not be facing reelectionwill allow him to pay less regard to more mainstream members of the Republican Party and the foreign policy establishment. He wont simply make tweaks around the edges of U.S. foreign policy. Instead hell fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. foreign policy by disengaging from much of the world. Perhaps the primary takeaway from this election is that it now offers a test of a fundamental question about U.S. foreign policy: Are the policies Washington pursues on the global stage the product of who is in office or of the countrys hegemonic position in the international order? If Trump chooses to take U.S. foreign policy in a completely different direction, then the answer is the former. But if we look back four years from now and see more continuity than change, it suggests that the answer is the latter. We now have four years to find out. Paul Poast is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a nonresident fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The post Trumps Second-Term Foreign Policy Is Still Shrouded in Uncertainty appeared first on World Politics Review. (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump doesnt take office for more than two months but hes already shaping US policy in two major hot spots: Israel and Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With phone calls to the leaders of both nations, and another expected with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trumps victory and the possibility he will seek major policy changes is reverberating in both countries and well beyond. One former Trump administration official, who asked not to be identified discussing private assessments, said the president-elect will have an immediate head start thanks to the perception that he will be tougher than his predecessor. US adversaries may change their behavior in advance, the person said some deterred by the threat of US retaliation, and others seeking to exploit their remaining leverage before President Joe Biden leaves office. Thats being felt most acutely in Ukraine. Trump promised during the campaign to solve the Ukraine crisis before Inauguration Day, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is already scrambling to catch up. Tesla CEO and Trump supporter Elon Musk was in the room for Zelenskiys call with Trump this week, according to a person familiar with the matter. Musk has previously advocated for a negotiated solution in which Ukraine gives up some of its territory. Trumps election has changed the Ukrainian rhetoric and planning in their views about negotiations, said Shelby Magid, deputy director of the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center. Magid said Ukraine is moving in the direction knowing that Trump has won of accepting that negotiations are a reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transitions between election and inauguration are always turbulent, especially when the presidents party changes. Thats even more extreme this year given Trump won so convincingly and has been so explicit in his belief that Bidens policies must be shunted aside. Thats handcuffed the Biden administration. US officials and outside observers conceded in the weeks leading up to the election that several key foreign policy priorities were essentially in a holding pattern as adversaries and allies alike waited to see who would be the 47th president. Biden administration officials have said publicly that they intend to continue carrying out the presidents foreign policy. We have no shortage of work to do over the next 74 days, and we are determined to make the most of the time left, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington on Thursday. An incoming president can make his own policy changes, his own policy decisions, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskiy, in a tweet congratulating Trump on the election, said he hoped they could work together to implement peace through strength and that his country was interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations. In a meeting Thursday with European leaders, Zelenskiy argued that concessions by Kyiv would be unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all of Europe. We would like a fair ending to the war, Zelenskiy said. A quick ending would be a loss. Putin congratulated Trump on his victory and said hes ready to hold discussions with the new American leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems to me, it deserves attention what was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis, Putin said late Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai Club in the Black Sea city of Sochi. The country whose leader benefits the most from Trumps arrival is Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a longtime ally of Trumps and had a tense relationship with Biden as the US pressed for an end to the Israeli campaign in Gaza. Trump has already signaled he would leave Israel a freer hand to strike against Irans nuclear program, especially if Tehran indicates it may shift its policy and seek a nuclear weapon. Congratulations on historys greatest comeback! Netanyahu wrote in a tweet after Trump won. Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact of an electoral result is itself reassuring for some countries, which were preparing for either outcome but unable or unwilling to move forward without knowing who would lead the US and in what direction. Deeply ingrained in his attitude is the desire to keep everybody off balance, Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said of Trump. All of our European allies, especially, are desperate to lock in whatever they can lock in. While a victory by Vice President Kamala Harris might have motivated Netanyahu to make some concessions ahead of her inauguration, Trumps win empowers the prime minister, said several people familiar with the situation who requested anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive subject. Netanyahu could be less resistant to pressure from Trump over Gaza because he views the president-elect as more aligned with him on core issues such as Iran, but there may still be limits to Trumps leverage, said Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anybody who thinks that the first term of the Trump administration is going to be a definitive policy reflection of whats to come really needs to be careful, Panikoff said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named the co-manager of his presidential campaign Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, elevating a longtime Florida political hand who has helped orchestrate some of the most crucial Republican wins in the state. Wiles, who has worked for Republican politicians ranging from Jacksonville mayors to gubernatorial and presidential hopefuls, will become the first woman to serve in the prestigious White House role. In a statement, Trump called Wiles an integral part of his campaign and credited her with helping him achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history. Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected, Trump said in a statement. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiles appointment comes just two days after Trump reclaimed the White House in a dramatic upset for Democrats that saw the former president and current president-elect sweep several key battleground states. Wiles, a disciplined operative known for eschewing the public spotlight, helped oversee the Trump campaigns strategy and messaging alongside co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita. Speaking to a crowd at his election-night watch party in West Palm Beach early Wednesday morning, Trump credited Wiles for her work on his reelection bid. We call her the ice maiden, Trump said. Susie likes to stay in the background. Wiles isnt a newcomer to Trumps orbit. She directed his successful presidential campaign in Florida in 2016. She went on to work on Ron DeSantis 2018 gubernatorial campaign before a falling out with the Florida governor. Wiles eventually returned to work on Trumps 2020 reelection bid, in which he won Florida but lost the overall race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trumps incoming chief of staff, Wiles is expected to play a crucial role in filling out the president-elects Cabinet. Wiles appointment as White House chief of staff is the first major staffing decision from Trump since his victory in Tuesdays election. His transition team, which will help Trump hire for some of his administrations most prominent roles, is led by former Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon and billionaire businessman Howard Lutnick. In a statement issued earlier on Thursday, McMahon and Lutnick said that they were prepared to move forward with the hiring process for Trumps incoming administration, insisting that the former presidents electoral victory amounted to a mandate from the American people. As he chooses the best people to join his team and best policies to pursue, his transition team will ensure the implementation of President Trumps common sense agenda starting on Day 1, they said. Donald Trump the tariff sheriff could give the fight against forced labor-tainted goods an unexpected boost, one supply chain expert says. This could be one silver lining amid the gathering storm of gloom-and-doom proclamations about the 45thand soon-to-be 47thpresidents desire to impose even steeper tariffs on foreign goods than he did in his previous term, potentially launching the United States into globally destabilizing trade wars with China, Europe and Mexico that would drive up costs for American households and businesses. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that tariffs, if theyre put into law, will force the supply chains to be more transparent, said Jag Lamba, founder and CEO of Certa, a California-based risk and compliance platform that works with companies such as Google and Oracle. While it was Trumps administration that first banned imports of cotton and tomato products from Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in 2021, preceding what would later be enacted into law as the more expansive Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or UFLPA, the man himself hasnt mentioned forced labor in any of his speeches on the election circuit. But aspiring tariff dodgers would be poking at the same transshipment or reexport loopholes that Customs and Border Protection, as the operational arm of the cross-agency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, has managed to circumvent with some degree of success, for instance, by detaining more shipments from Malaysia and Vietnam than from China. Obviously, tariffs have a similar issue, right? Lamba said. If you can just reroute the shipments from another country, then the tariffs dont work. Thats not to say that transshipment isnt a problem, even within the same trading bloc. It was only in September that a bipartisan group of U.S. legislators urged Canada and Mexico to adopt stronger measures that would enable more robust implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement provision against forced labor. They said that the two countries might provide avenues to bypass the U.S. prohibition on Xinjiang-linked imports, citing as an example a shipment of solar panels that were denied entry into the United States, only to be hauled off to Canada for an attempted re-entry stateside. A recent investigation by risk analytics firm Kharon found that 18 Chinese businesses with exposure to Uyghur forced labor were dispatching products to Canada as recently as August, despite a Canadian law that has required businesses to identify and eliminate human rights violations in their operations since January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flagging modern slavery is a cat-and-mouse game, said Lamba. Its why companies need to have n-tier transparency in their supply chain from the raw materials stage through to the consumer. Without that, its easy for companies or their suppliers, to hide where the goods are actually coming from, the former McKinsey & Company consultant added. Enforcement of laws is also important. To date, Canada has only detained one shipment on suspicion of forced labor, although the importer challenged the block and the goods were eventually allowed in. Mexicos forced labor regulation only went into effect in May. What American companies are starting to do, because theyre driven by enforcement actions, is that theyre starting to map and seek to map [not only Tier 1] but also Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 suppliers and seek chain-of-custody documentation, Lamba said. The fact is that the UFLPA has genuine teeth behind it. Even companies that exploit loopholes will ultimately realize that the cost of hiding products, versus the penalties theyll be on the hook for if they get caught, is economically unfeasible, he added. Other countries are looking to beef up their role in fighting forced labor. The European Union is on the knife edge of outlawing the sale and availability of goods made with forced labor from the worlds largest single market. Ministers in the United Kingdom urged the government this week to introduce a British version of the UFLPA that could complement mandatory human rights due diligence and uphold human rights in every sphere that we can. And just before Halloween, the Canadian government announced it was accepting submissions as part of a 30-day consultation on an import prohibition on forced labor goods that would better align with international mores and the countrys commitments under what it refers to as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The United States is far and away our most important trading partner, and we need to at least adhere to the standards that the American authorities have, John McKay, a member of the Canadian parliament, said at a Kharon webinar on Canadas Supply Chains Act last earlier this month. I think we just need to be more aggressive at the border because when negotiations come up, you can pretty well guarantee that our American interlocutors will raise this as a point of contention during the re-negotiation of CUSMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that technologies now exist to help trace not only supply chains, but also elucidate supplier ownership structures that indicate which business or legal entity benefits the most from a transaction, Lamba said. Certa works with intelligence providers like Altana and Sayari to ingest their risk data, combining it with a businesss own information to help identify potential hotspots, drive decision-making and simplify reporting. As for Trumps tariffs? Its going to be hard to create a good law, but l think tariffs will likely have a positive impact in reducing forced labor, he added. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps lawyers are preparing to seek dismissal of Georgias criminal case against him for trying to overturn the 2020 election as part of a broader attempt to end his prosecutions before his inauguration. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In private discussions since his election on Tuesday, Trumps lawyers have been planning an argument that the case shouldnt move ahead because he is returning to the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter. The strategy hinges on convincing a court that Justice Department guidelines against federal prosecutions of a sitting president also apply to a president-elect facing state charges. Trumps lawyers havent been able to thwart criminal cases against him in state courts in New York and Georgia, but his legal team is reinvigorating its push since he defeated Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, the special counsel overseeing his two federal cases is preparing to drop those prosecutions before hes sworn in on Jan. 20. Georgias case against Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants involves allegations that they conspired to spread false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election and pressured state officials to overturn Joe Bidens win. Although Trump has denied any wrongdoing, four other defendants in the case have pleaded guilty. Trump faces eight felony counts in Georgia, after the Atlanta judge overseeing the case, Scott McAfee, dismissed some charges against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the strategy being considered by Trumps lawyers, his legal team would argue he is also covered by a 2000 opinion from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel that concluded a sitting president cant be prosecuted in a federal case, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. McAfee froze the proceedings until Georgias state Court of Appeals decides whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case. Trumps lawyers have argued that she should be taken off the case because she had a romantic relationship with her lead prosecutor. A spokesperson for Willis, a Democrat who was re-elected Tuesday, didnt respond to a request for comment. Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign spokesman, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump is 73 days away. The White House is promising a smooth transition as the incoming president starts picking his personnel. President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday telling Americans there will be a peaceful transfer of power on January 20. We accept the choice the country made, said Biden. President Biden addressed Americans for the first time since the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoke with President Elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, said Biden. He said Vice President Kamala Harris should be proud of her campaign and gave a message of hope. Setbacks are unavoidable but giving up is unforgivable, said Biden. President-elect Donald Trump is making moves for his new administration. He named his campaign manager, Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. The White House says its ready to help with the transition. We want to have an effective efficient transition of power and so were ready to provide that, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. As the president-elect picks out his cabinet, hell have a Republican Senate to work with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party now has 53 seats in the upper chamber, after Republican Dave McCormick beat Democratic Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania. Were going to hit the ground running, said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). South Dakota Senator John Thune says the Senate will be ready to help the president-elect confirm a cabinet. Were going to help him get his team in place quickly so they can get to work right away, said Thune. Several Congressional races are still up for grabs so its not clear which party will hold power in the House. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday it will hear appeals in multiple cases, including the question of whether the public may access information about law enforcement officers who have been decertified for misconduct. MEXICO CITY (AP) Donald Trump's victory in the United States presidential election instantly changed calculations for millions of migrants or potential migrants across the globe. But perhaps not in the way Trump imagined. Trump has pledged to reduce immigration. But by narrowing the already limited legal pathways into the U.S., migrants will just recalibrate their plans and resort in greater numbers to hiring smugglers, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many cases that will mean turning to organized crime groups that increasingly profit from migrant smuggling. Those potentially affected come from dozens of countries and many have already sold their homes and their possessions to fund the trip. Venezuelans continue arriving at the U.S. southern border in reduced, but still large numbers. Mexicans made up half of U.S. Border Patrol arrests in September. Chinese come through Ecuador and make their way up through the Americas. Senegalese buy multi-stop flights to Nicaragua, then move north. The U.N.s International Organization for Migration estimates there are around 281 million international migrants in the world, or 3.6% of the global population. An increasing number of people will be displaced for political, economic and violence reasons, and more migrants will seek asylum, according to its annual report. It warns that when people cannot find regular pathways, they start looking for irregular channels that are extremely hazardous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Trump's first administration, Mexican border cities were saturated with migrants. Cartels preyed on them, kidnapping them, extorting their families for ransoms and forcibly recruiting them into their ranks. There were hundreds of arrivals every day, as well as thousands who were made to wait out the potentially yearslong U.S. asylum application process in Mexico. A U.S. program called CBP One brought some order after it was introduced by the Biden administration in early 2023. Migrants no longer have to come to the border to schedule an appointment and can do it on their smartphones. Once overflowing border shelters have emptied and many families are making every effort to go the legal route. Trump has pledged to end CBP One. He also wants to again restrict refugee resettlement and warned throughout his campaign of mass deportations. While his victory was deflating and worrisome to those en route to the United States, it was not a deal-breaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday night, Barbara Rodriguez, a 33-year-old Venezuelan, should have been sleeping after walking more than eight miles through southern Mexico's tropical heat with some 2,500 others from at least a dozen countries. Instead, she was watching U.S. election results on her cellphone. Back in Caracas, Rodriguez helped monitor a polling place for the opposition during Venezuela's July election. After President Nicolas Maduro claimed reelection, his supporters began to harass her family. Either my familys lives were going to be at risk or I had to leave the country, she said. In September, she sold her house and left her three children with her mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now her plan of waiting for a CBP One appointment to request asylum at the U.S. border has an expiration date. Plans changed. We have until Jan. 20," she said, referring to inauguration day. She has not ruled out hiring a smuggler, she added. Martha Barcena, Mexicos former U.S. ambassador during most of Trumps first administration, said migrants were the losers from his immigration policies and that could happen again. Organized crime is the big beneficiary, because the income from illegal human trafficking is already equal to or greater than the income from drugs, she said. Estefania Ramos of Guatemala woke up worried Wednesday in a Ciudad Juarez shelter across from El Paso, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to figure out whats going to happen to us, the 19-year-old said. This wasnt the plan. She and her husband left Guatemala after a gang threatened to harm him and kidnap her, she said. They have been waiting for three months for a CBP One appointment. Two months ago they had a baby girl. If we can keep waiting for an appointment we will, Ramos said, adding that she doesnt want to risk an illegal crossing with the baby. On Wednesday in Ciudad Juarez, a few dozen asylum seekers with appointments waited patiently to be called across the international bridge. Gretchen Kuhner, director of IMUMI, a nongovernmental legal services organization in Mexico, was in the southern Mexican city of Tuxtla Gutierrez last week, where she found migrant families with young children living in the streets waiting for CBP One appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are getting their cellphones charged every day at some makeshift place on the street so they can check their CBP One appointments ... while theyre breastfeeding and sleeping in a tent without any water, she said. "People who need protection are really trying to do it the right way. Further restrictions on the already difficult process would leave vulnerable populations with few options, said Mark Hetfield, CEO of the U.S.-based refugee support organization HIAS. It would mean they have no place to go because there are many, many countries in the hemisphere where there is effectively no asylum system or where even if you could get asylum, youre not necessarily safe, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then there's the specter of massive deportations. Trump made a similar threat before and didn't deliver, but there's real concern. Deportations to countries like Cuba and Venezuela could be complicated by icy relations, though Venezuelas Maduro issued a conciliatory message congratulating Trump Wednesday. Advocates in Haiti on Thursday demanded countries, including the U.S., halt deportations because of the country's domestic crisis. And no country stands to be more impacted than Mexico. There are some 11 million Mexicans living in the U.S., about 5 million of whom dont have legal status. Mexicans sent home more than $63 billion in remittances last year, mostly from the United States. Mass deportations would shake the finances of millions of families and the Mexican economy would struggle to absorb them. Migrant advocates and shelter directors in Mexico said they've heard of no government plans to deal with large numbers of deportees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican aid groups are not in a position to receive that quantity of people and let's be honest, it's civil society that carries on its shoulders most of the humanitarian response toward those who are deported or in transit, said Rafael Velasquez Garcia, Mexico director for the International Rescue Committee. Mexico needs to prepare itself for all manner of pressures coming from a Trump administration, said Carlos Perez Ricart, a professor of international relations at Mexican public research center CIDE. What Mexico has to accept is that our country is going to be a holding country for migrants, whether they want it or not, he said. Trump is going to deport thousands, if not millions of people and he's going to impede the flow of migrants. ___ Pesce reported from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. AP writer Juan Zamorano contributed from Panama City. As a senior in high school, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of anguish and bitterness as I gaze upon the results of this weeks presidential election. I also feel sadness for the country I had so wished to be proud of. Donald Trumps regime of alt-right political theater, destructive policy, lack of ethics, and general incoherence has taken a sour toll on the United States. I can hardly fathom how such an outcome could once again become reality in such a civilized and educated nation. The Republican Party is completely defunct of its professed values and morality, its leaders having gorged themselves preying upon the less fortunate and twisting the minds of millions into a sense of an impending doom by alienating and antagonizing minorities, parties and ideals they cannot control. With access to social media, it is easier than ever for the alt right to create political strife and discourse in order to distract and divide the American people into a sense of endless political warfare that seldom ceases. We can see these never ending squabbles playing out in key issues such as LGBT rights, gun control, reproductive rights, racial issues, economics and countless more contentious points that have been skewed to play to the radical sides of both parties significantly straying from the issues themselves and never providing actual change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a young man, my generation has become accustomed to a lack of the bare minimum in our elected leaders in the Trump era, because Trump and his allies do not meet it in any sense. Nonetheless, the masses will keep them in power because of empty promises, cult-like fanaticism, fearmongering and a bygone dream of returning to the past under a fraudulent leader. America is a husk of its former glory, and thus our hopes of returning to our more civilized past has faded with Trumps return. There is a palpable anger, sadness and hopelessness among the younger generation so strong that some dont even bother paying attention to politics at all, providing an easy route for the right to sweep national and local elections, impacting everyone. While Kansas and Missouri have held strong against the sweeping changes proposed by the right, thanks to officials such as Gov. Laura Kelly and Rep. Sharice Davids, we are not immune to the chilling influence of the alt right and the consequences that come with it. Missouri voters just recently overturned Republicans harsh abortion ban sparked by the dismantling of Roe v. Wade. Marcellus Williams was recently executed despite evidence of his innocence. And the GOP continues to stoke fears of fraudulent voting and mistrust of our elections as a cornerstone of their campaigns in both states. These examples all go to show the constant belligerent influence that the right sows both nationally and locally to rally communities by frightening and alienating those who oppose their radical speech. I have seen such disappointment from my own peers and other young adults across the nation who feel a sense of hopelessness and despair with the impending consequences of Trumps reelection looming. Many of us are scared for our future with the bizarre and perplexing sway of our country. We had been hopeful there would have been a better future in store for us, but that dream seems strained as the years march forward. My friends are scared not just for the security of their future, but the security of their rights, their freedoms and sense of justice. There is simply no greater pain to experience than watching the people I love utterly terrified for whats to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I write not out of passion, but out of desperation and resolve. I implore my fellow students to understand the imminent disasters that are sure to come under Trumps next term. It is up to us to make our own voices heard. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who inspire, unify and welcome all Americans into what should be the most prosperous and inviting country in the world. We need to step up, and be the leaders America needs. Hank Bannen lives in Overland Park. Hours after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election , a South Korean political analyst named Cheong Seong-chang sent an email to his 1,400 subscribers noting what he considered a silver lining in the news that had unsettled so many of Americas allies. The reelection of Trump is an opportunity for South Korea to create its own nuclear weapons, he wrote. Cheong and others in his camp argue that it is foolish for South Korea and its allies in the region to rely on the United States for their protection, an arrangement forged after the end of the Korean War in 1953 that granted the U.S. operational control of South Koreas military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea briefly operated a nuclear weapons program in the 1970s before shutting it down and signing the international Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in return for extended nuclear deterrence from the U.S. the promise that Washington would use its own nuclear arsenal to protect South Korea from such an attack. The push to revive it gained traction during Trumps first term with his oft-repeated complaints that Americas allies werent pulling their weight. Read more: Quiet dismay, open glee: U.S. adversaries, allies around world react to historic Trump win In 2020, Trump ordered the withdrawal of around 12,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, calling the European nation delinquent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germanys not paying for it, he said at the time. We dont want to be the suckers anymore. Trump has similarly dismissed the U.S.-South Korea alliance as an unnecessary drag, suggesting during his first presidential campaign that he might encourage Seoul to build its own nuclear arsenal a departure from Washingtons long-standing stance of nonproliferation. As president, he canceled joint military exercises between the two countries for being tremendously expensive and told aides that he wanted a "complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Korea," according to a 2022 memoir by his former secretary of Defense, Mark Esper. In an interview at the Economic Club of Chicago in October, Trump called South Korea a money machine that isnt paying enough for the upkeep of U.S. troops stationed within its borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How Trump tariff threats might plunge Mexico into recession and stoke immigration The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, which has covered 40% to 50% of the total costs, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, and Seoul contributes around $1 billion annually. Trump has claimed he would get South Korea to pay $10 billion. His victory in this weeks election is already raising doubts about the U.S. commitment to its allies in the region. Mistrust of the U.S. is growing, said Cheong, who founded the ROK Forum for Nuclear Strategy, a group of 50 analysts, former military officials and academics who share his view that South Korea should acquire nuclear arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also driving their campaign is fear of North Korea, which has defied the international community to develop its own nuclear weapons. With longtime ally China treating its nuclear ambitions with a measure of leeriness, North Korea has recently been strengthening ties with Russia, where it recently sent troops to join the fight against Ukraine. In a survey by the Korea Institute for National Unification, a government-funded think tank, 66% of South Koreans said their country should get nuclear weapons if North Korea does not disarm. Read more: Mexico is bracing for a new Trump presidency after threats of tariffs, deportations, attacks Among South Koreas strategic elites the academics, legislators and government officials with the most direct influence over national policy a survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in April found that just over a third support nuclear armament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But more than half the opponents said they might change their minds if the U.S. were to withdraw its troops or jack up the price of U.S. protection, as Trump has threatened. Few doubt that South Korea, which has an advanced civil nuclear industry, would be able to develop nuclear weapons. But many experts say it would not be easy or quick. Building the infrastructure and capacity to produce its own fissile material will take several years at best, as well as the time it will take to design, test and manufacture the weapons and compatible delivery systems, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, a think tank in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major political battles with the public are also likely when it comes to siting, testing or storing such materials, much less manufacturing and storage of warheads to form an actual arsenal. More significantly, nuclear armament would first require South Korea to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty a move that Town said would probably result in international sanctions. Perhaps more significantly, it would anger China and possibly lead to a regional arms race. But Cheong argues that the idea is not so far-fetched in todays unpredictable world order. So much has changed since the Ukraine war, with the nonproliferation regime once managed between China, Russia and the U.S. having been considerably weakened, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who will tell South Korea that it cant have nuclear weapons for its own survival? Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Democrats say they need a fresh start after President-elect Trumps decisive victory over Vice President Harris, which saw him sweep the swing states, narrow Democratic margins in various blue states and win over key parts of the electorate. Strategists and operatives say the Harris campaign relied too much on an old playbook that isnt working in 2024. It relies too much on data and its ground game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its messaging is ineffective. And it uses surrogates like Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen as crutches that end up backfiring by making Democrats look like the party of the elite. We have to burn the house down and begin anew, said one prominent Democratic strategist who has worked on recent presidential campaigns. We had a warning in 2016 that this wasnt working, we had another chance in 2020 to realize Trump wasnt going away and was only growing his base, and we ignored it and pretended this was a midterm election. As Democrats perform the autopsy of Harriss campaign and piecing together what went wrong, they are quickly concluding that their party apparatus and strategies are dated or nonfunctional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic messaging across the board also needs to be thrown out a window, one strategist said, pointing to Trump and Republicans ability to better understand the mood of the electorate. Democrats in recent years have lost their way, the strategist added, appealing to New York Times elites while snubbing working-class voters who traditionally supported Democrats. The party, the strategist said, needs to stop holding rallies with Beyonce and caring about a Taylor Swift endorsement because it only exacerbates the narrative that it has become the party of Hollywood. Its getting stale at this point, the strategist said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, who served as a senior adviser on Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign, said the messaging was a fundamental flaw in the presidential race. It starts with the reason Donald Trump won, Rocha said. Donald Trump won because people thought he over Harris could make their lives better, based on his message. And his message was the reason I joined the Democratic Party in 1990 as a 20-year-old factory worker. We have to return to the party of the workers and better label the Republican Party as the party of bosses, while we become the party of workers. At its core, the party has to rebrand and restructure as the party of the common man and woman, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have been effective at meeting voters where they are, Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons added. We have to realize the old days are gone, Simmons said. We live in a reality TV America that people experience in short clips on social media. And so we have to communicate with people with the transparency, the rapid fire and dramatic effect that people are used to. In rebuilding the party and its messaging, Simmons said Democrats have to realize that its not really a left-right debate. Its an outsider versus insider debate, he said. Trump has been very successful at positioning himself as the champion of the people who are left out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day after the election, Sanders also railed against the Democratic Party, with which he caucuses in the Senate. It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them, Sanders wrote in a statement posted on social media. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And theyre right, Sanders concluded. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison called the Sanders comment straight up BS. Biden was the most pro-worker President of my life time saved Union pensions, created millions of good paying jobs and even marched in a picket line and some MVPs plans would have fundamentally transformed the quality of life and close the racial wealth gap for working people across the country, Harrison wrote in a post on X. Form the child tax credits, to 25K for a down payment for a house to Medicare covering the costs of senior health care in their homes. There are a lot of post election takes and this one aint a good one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, there are Democrats who maintain Harris ran a solid campaign during a window of roughly 100 days and she lost through no fault of her own. Harris was behind the eight ball, Democratic strategist Joel Payne said. She was saddled with the baggage of an unpopular incumbent administration and had a very short amount of time to shift public opinion. But she managed to put together a compelling and fresh campaign that rejuvenated a lot of base Democrats. No campaign is perfect, but hers was very good under the circumstances, he said. At the same time, other Democrats said there needs to be more thought put into their organizing efforts in the future, with a renewed focus on year-round organizing, not just door-knocking in the final months of the campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Schale, a political strategist who ran then-Sen. Barack Obamas (D-Ill.) Florida operation during the 2008 race, pointed to the approach Howard Dean, the Democratic chair at the time, took for laying the groundwork for the 2008 campaign. We absolutely need to get back to the basics of organizing, Schale said. The DNC needs to be the central hub for organizing and as we look for the next chair, Id be in favor of a field general who focused the DNC work on building real permanent grassroots infrastructure, in more than just a handful of states. We need to expand who and where we are talking to voters. Let the candidates talk to voters, Schale added. Let the party expand voter registration and turn them out. Since Harriss loss, droves of party strategists and operatives have begun to point fingers, tossing blame at Biden and other party principals on cable news, social media posts, and op-ed pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in an interview Wednesday on CNN, Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky was blunt, saying she was speaking some hard truths to members of her party. This is not Joe Bidens fault. Its not Kamala Harriss fault. Its not Barack Obamas fault. It is the fault of the Democratic Party not knowing how to communicate effectively to voters, she said. We are not the party of common sense, which is the message that voters sent to us. Roginsky pointed to the use of pronouns after names, and the term Latinx, as examples. When we address Latino voters as Latinx, for instance, because thats the politically correct thing to do, it makes them think we dont even live on the same planet as they do, she said. We constantly try to parse out different ways of speaking to different cohorts because our focus groups, our polling, shows that so and so appeals to such and such. Thats not how normal people think. Its not common sense. And we need to start being the party of common sense again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocha echoed those sentiments, saying blame should not be placed on Biden or Harris. Its the party that needs realignment, he said. If you do the same thing over and over again, and expect different results, its the definition of insanity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines is working on a mutually beneficial strategy to boost economic ties with the US under President-elect Donald Trump, Manilas envoy to Washington said. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to the Heres Why podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. Our interests are very much aligned, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said in an interview Thursday at his Washington office. I am convinced and confident that there will be no major changes especially on the defense side. Definitely, the economic part of our relationship is where we really need to be watchful of, Romualdez separately told foreign correspondents in Manila during an online briefing on Friday. Manila plans to capitalize on strengthened defense ties to continue scoring economic benefits from Washington during Trumps second term, according to the envoy. The Philippines is seeking to sustain the flow of infrastructure aid and investment pledges from the US that ramped up under Joe Biden, as Trumps protectionist policies risk roiling the global economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a matter of being able to negotiate a level that we would both agree is good for our countries, he said of Trumps plan to impose steep tariffs on all US imports, especially those from China. Among the US oldest allies in Asia and one of the regions fast-growing economies, the Philippines is preparing to mount a campaign to convince the Trump administration to consider the Southeast Asian nation as a supply chain partner as the superpower rebuilds its manufacturing sector, the envoy said. Romualdez said the Philippines can handle some areas in the US semiconductor supply chain. It would be a quid pro quo where we can supply them and at the same time we are a trusted partner, he said, adding that there are also potential joint ventures in energy. The US is among the Philippines biggest export markets and sources of investments from abroad. The US imports semiconductors, car parts and farm products from the Philippines, and American companies also outsource services to the Southeast Asian nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not Worried Romualdez isnt worried at all that the next US administration would significantly alter Washingtons current strategy of countering Chinas aggression in the region. It was during Trumps first term, he said, that the US made the assurance that South China Sea is covered under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Romualdez recalled Trump saying in 2017 when he visited the Philippines that the country is in a geopolitical place where it is the most expensive piece of real estate because of its proximity to the South China Sea. If the South China Sea, which is a key route for trillions of dollars of trade, falls under the control of China, the US will be severely affected, the envoy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manila and Washington have bolstered their defense alliance, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expanding US access to Philippine military facilities, and holding joint drills in disputed waters. Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos, has been Manilas envoy to the US since 2017. He was instrumental in stabilizing the alliance, after the relationship faced headwinds during the past administration of Rodrigo Duterte, who forged warmer ties with China and was critical of Washington. The ambassador said he had been in touch with former Trump administration officials and other Republican leaders during the campaign. There are many areas where we can really work together. Its going to be again a mutually beneficial relationship that we will have on the economic front just as what we have in the defense front, Romualdez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with envoys comments on economy.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trumps dramatic victory has scrambled next weeks three-way contest to replace Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, the chambers longest-serving leader who is stepping down at the end of the year. Two of McConnells trusted lieutenants Senate Minority Whip John Thune, of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican leader, and Sen. John Cornyn, of Texas, who previously held that role as well as Sen. Rick Scott, a conservative from Trumps home state of Florida, are all running to be Senate leader after Republicans recaptured the majority in Tuesdays election. A third John who was considered a potential candidate, GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso, of Wyoming, decided not to run for the top job and will run for the No. 2 majority whip post instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of their years in leadership and relationships across the GOP Conference, Thune and Cornyn have been seen as the most likely successors to McConnell. But the pair have broken with Trump on several occasions and have spent the year trying to make amends with the past and now future president. With Trump returning to power, Scott and his conservative allies are making the case that he should be the one to run the Senate despite winning just 10 votes when he challenged McConnell for the top job two years ago. The Trump loyalist personally asked Trump for his endorsement in May when he notified the former president that he was launching a bid for Republican leader, a source familiar with the conservation told NBC News. He supported me when I ran against McConnell two years ago; Im hoping hell support me this time, Scott said on Fox Business Wednesday, adding that he and Trump have been texting back and forth. Im doing everything I can to make sure his agenda gets accomplished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has not publicly weighed in on the race and is staying out of it for now, according to a Republican source who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share private strategy. One ally of both Scott and Trump, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., urged Trump to endorse Scott, a former Florida governor who cruised to re-election in the Senate on Tuesday night. If youve got any influence with President Trump, ask President Trump to come out publicly and say he wants to work with somebody as accomplished as Rick Scott to accomplish his agenda. Weve got to do big things. We have to deliver, Johnson told a host on the conservative network, The First. We need outside the box, paradigm-shifting type of thinking in the United States Senate and, working with President Trump, hes going to need something like Rick Scott, Johnson said. So urge the president to come out and endorse Rick Scott publicly its probably what Ricks going to need to become the majority leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while Trump has been the most powerful Republican in the country for nearly nine years, its not clear that an endorsement from him would guarantee a Scott victory. Leadership elections are closed-door affairs and conducted by secret ballot, meaning that a senators vote is not publicly known. To win, a candidate needs a simple majority. If no candidate gets one on the first ballot, the candidate with the least number of votes is cast aside and the race goes head-to-head with the top two candidates. Triumphant Republicans return to Washington next week. Sen. Mike Lee, of Utah, is planning to host a forum with the trio of candidates on Tuesday. The election will take place Wednesday, and new senators-elect, including Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Tim Sheehy of Montana and Jim Justice of West Virginia, will be able to participate. Appearing on CNBC this week, Thune encouraged Trump to stay out of the internal leadership race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, if he wants to, he could exert a considerable amount of influence on that, but honestly, I think my preference would be, and I think its probably in his best interest, to stay out of that, Thune said. These Senate secret ballot elections are probably best left to senators, and hes got to work with all of us when its all said and done, Thune added, but whatever he decides to do, thats going to be his prerogative, as we know. Thunes remarks are interesting given that he likely has the most work to do to convince his colleagues that hes on the same page with Trump. Thune criticized Trump for his actions around Jan. 6, 2021, as well as some policy proposals and his offensive rhetoric. He endorsed colleague Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., in the presidential primary, then backed Trump months later after Scott dropped out. Just last year, Cornyn said that Trump could not win in 2024, that President Trumps time has passed him by and that he would be looking for other candidates to back in the GOP primary. Months later, as Trump destroyed his primary opponents, Cornyn endorsed Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lead-up to the leadership race, both Thune and Cornyn have been trying to make their peace with Trump. Thune visited him at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida in March, and they have spoken several times since then, most recently last week, according to a source familiar with Thune's schedule. Cornyn joined Trump at a rally in Reno, Nevada, last month for Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown, whose race is currently too close to call, according to NBC News projections. Cornyn also was with Trump during his visit to Texas. "As I told President Trump, I'm interested in getting the band back together again," Cornyn told Fox News host Neil Cavuto on Monday. Still, its the votes of their GOP colleagues that these candidates will need. And Cornyn and Thune are hoping that their travels and relationships with both current and incoming senators serve as a bridge between the more moderate wing of the GOP conference and the MAGA wing of the party, which was already growing in influence before Trumps win on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source familiar with Thunes operation said he raised north of $33 million this cycle across his accounts, for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and directly for candidates. He was a top fundraiser for the NRSC, and hes headlined more than 200 events this cycle for candidates and the NRSC, the source said. Cornyn, who held the whip job before Thune, touts that he was in that job as the GOP leadership's vote-counter when Trumps tax cuts were passed in the Senate. The Texan also spent October visiting battleground states to campaign with candidates and raised more than $26 million as of the end of September, said a source familiar with his political operation. He has crisscrossed the country, campaigning for colleagues, including Sen. Ted Cruz, a fellow Texas Republican for whom he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars this cycle. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Donald Trumps return to the presidency has done something no political opponent could: put an end date on his time atop the Republican Party. Well, sort of. Trump single-handedly remade the Republican Party in his own image, not only becoming its unquestioned leader but also rewiring what the Grand Old Party stands for. After he emerged on the scene in 2015, former party heavyweights who did not abide by the new MAGA ethos either were cast off to irrelevance or became the subjects of intense lines of attack from Trump and his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the fact is that the Constitution bars him from running for president again after a second term. And because Trump cannot run again, the process to figure out who will lead the party next has already begun, featuring a slate of ambitious and eager Republicans who have been eyeing the opportunity for years and a fight that will be shaped by the now two-term president. A dozen Republican elected officials, fundraisers and consultants said in interviews that at least in the near term, it does not matter whether Trump can run again. He will still cast an unshakable shadow over the party, one that influences who can ascend, who will descend and whether the party resets at all to resemble its pre-Trump state or continues on a path focused much more on new policy fascinations like isolationism, culture war-infused fights and tariff-focused economic policy. He will hold on to the party as long as he is still alive, said a longtime Republican operative who, like others who were interviewed, was granted anonymity to speak freely about what might come next for the party. Trump wont run again, another said. But that doesnt mean he wont be a major presence. He will relish his role as kingmaker and everyone sucking up to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A longtime swing-state Republican operative said: The Never Trump Republicans are gone; they are all now Democrats. The hold-your-nose Republicans will be firmly in the new Republican Party. And Reagan Democrats and union workers are now the base of the Republican Party. With Trumps victory, there is a sense, some of it driven by members of the Trump family, that Vice President-elect JD Vance now becomes the natural heir apparent to the MAGA and Trump legacy. It is not something Trump himself talked about in the final weeks of the campaign but it was the implicit signal sent by his selection of Vance as his running mate just two days after a would-be assassin targeted him in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance at a town hall meeting in Bedford, Pa., on Oct. 30. And Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., a huge Vance ally, has directly framed Vances role that way. We are getting four more years of Trump and then eight years of JD Vance! Trump Jr. said last week as he campaigned for Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance will now sit next to Trump in the White House for the next four years, giving him the dual opportunities to build or mend some relationships with the professional political class as he also leans into an outsider reputation the Trump base loves. JD has impressed. He had a shaky start, but he has steadied himself, a veteran Republican operative said. The professional class in D.C. despises him, yet thats among his best sales pitches. Outside of Vance, a long list of ambitious Republicans think they will have the inside track to lead the Republican Party in a post-Trump landscape. A Trump win means [the 2028] field will be slower to develop, a longtime Republican operative said. Everyone will wait to see how Vances relationship with Trump goes and how he performs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2026 midterms will be key, the person added. As that slow burn plays out, a field to try to succeed Trump after 12 years atop the GOP could include up to a dozen Republican heavyweights, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (who was Trumps final 2024 primary opponent), Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, among most likely a handful of others. It will need to be someone with enough Trump street cred but also dynamic communicators who have mastered retail politics and can raise a bunch of money, a swing-state Republican operative said. There are differing opinions about who that person might be as the way-too-early view of what a post-Trump Republican presidential nominee could look like takes shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is the most transformative political figure since Ronald Reagan. ... I do believe he has permanently transformed the Republican Party and the overall national political landscape, said a Republican lobbyist and fundraiser who has raised money for Trump. Looking to 2028, the two top prospects, of course, would be JD Vance as a sitting vice president and Gov. Ron DeSantis as the most successful Republican governor in modern history. DeSantis, who is term-limited in Florida, was at one point seen as a front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination. He raised record sums of political cash for a governor and pushed policies in Florida that opened up new fronts in the culture wars for conservatives, and he was competing with, and at times beating, Trump in many early-cycle polls. But DeSantis stock dropped quickly in a primary campaign against Trump, and his campaign and his super PACs spent heavily only for him to be out after Iowa, the GOPs first nominating contest. That precedent, others said, could be his downfall when he considers a future run. Why would anyone give money to him after 2024? asked a Republican member of Congress. He spent so much money, made so many promises and totally flamed out. Im not sure how seriously I would consider him at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also arguments for several candidates who have been rising stars in Republican Party politics, even if they are not as well known among the broader voting base. Huckabee Sanders has bona fides in Trump world, is a rock star on the campaign trail, and with a party hunting for women and one of the best campaigns in the party will be in her second term as a popular governor, a longtime Republican Party lobbyist and consultant said. And she will still only be 46. That person predicted a way-too-early GOP 2028 ticket of Vance-Huckabee Sanders. Ramaswamy, an avowed Trump supporter and campaign surrogate, could also get a boost in a scenario in which he replaces Vance as a senator from Ohio: If he does get that spot, he will have a continued huge platform to amplify his message that the Trump base clearly likes, a former Ramaswamy consultant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Trump now having four more years in the White House, it is extremely unlikely that the party will be looking to make any huge policy or political shifts. But there are also a handful of potential candidates who have done enough to appeal to the Trump base but are seen broadly as more traditional Republicans. Fitting that bill is Youngkin, whom some Never Trump Republicans saw earlier in the 2024 election cycle as a long-shot hope to move the party past Trump. Since then, though, he has become a reliable Trump supporter and was at one point considered as a running mate. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, also fits that mold. She ran a bruising primary campaign against Trump, saying she would not kiss the ring after she became the candidate of anti-Trump Republicans in the primaries. Then, she said she would support and vote for Trump, even though her support at public speeches has been tepid at times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know its noisy out there, Haley said last month at a rally near Pittsburgh for the Republican Senate nominee in Pennsylvania. When I tell you to take the emotion out and focus on the policies, Dave McCormick cant win if we dont elect Donald Trump at the top of the ticket. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The clashes that longtime immigration advocate Martha Arevalo had with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department under Jim McDonnell were years ago but still fresh in her mind after this week's election. Under McDonnell, who was sheriff during Donald Trump's first term as president, the department allowed federal immigration authorities to operate freely, targeting people for deportation in the nation's largest jail system. So as soon as Arevalo heard that McDonnell was selected for the LAPD chief's job with Trump returning to office and pledging to conduct mass immigration sweeps she braced for another fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonnell and some of his supporters have defended his record with the Sheriff's Department, saying his administration only handed over the most dangerous criminals to federal authorities, in keeping with the laws. He would not do so as chief, McDonnell has said, because department rules forbid it. But Arevalo, executive director of CARECEN Los Angeles, is among those raising concerns about McDonnell's record on immigration and pushing for stronger protections of the city's diverse immigrant population. The incoming chief is scheduled to appear Friday before the City Council for confirmation, with his swearing set for Thursday. It is worrisome in L.A. where we are a city of immigrants, we choose someone to lead the Police Department that does not have a track record to care for, or be friendly, or even want to protect the immigrant community," said Arevalo. Maybe this was naive of us, or naive of me, but I never thought that the city and the mayor would chose somebody like McDonnell to be chief." The LAPD has long-standing policies that should prevent McDonnell or any other chief from cooperating closely with federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 40 years, the LAPD has prohibited officers from questioning residents solely to determine their immigration status. After Trump's first election in 2016, the department stepped up its efforts to foster trust and cooperation among undocumented people. Observers say that continued outreach has allowed the department to make significant strides in some communities that were long mistrustful of law enforcement. The police force once almost all white has become more than half Latino, much like the ethnically diverse city it patrols. After the passage of a state law allowing police to hire immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, it also welcomed its first recruits who were so-called Dreamers. But Arevalo said that days after Mayor Karen Bass selected McDonnell for the chief's job in early October, she and other immigration advocates held a meeting with both officials and left "disappointed with the very weak answers that we received. All he could really say is that he would follow the law and unfortunately we know that that does not necessarily guarantee protection, Arevalo recalled of McDonnell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Incoming LAPD chief's proposed salary cut after rare drama at Police Commission McDonnell provided a similar response when he appeared before a council committee last last month and faced questions about his immigration record. He was noncommittal when asked whether he would support a sanctuary city ordinance being pushed by some community groups and several council members to shield some immigrants' deportation, saying simply that he would follow the law. Advocates for the immigrant community say that police encounters, already fraught with risk for the city's undocumented population, will become even more problematic under the expected ramping up of enforcement under a second Trump administration. Minor violations such as a broken taillight or seat belt left unbuckled may lead to a ticket for an average motorist but for someone who is undocumented it can have life-altering consequences. During the first four years of the Trump presidency, police in L.A. and elsewhere reported decreases in reporting of even serious crimes such as domestic abuse, which some experts saw as a sign that people had become fearful of calling law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw it when McDonnell was sheriff, and families and victims will not call the police even if they are victims of domestic violence," Arevalo said. McDonnell has not granted interviews since being named LAPD chief. In 2017, he described himself to The Times as not a Trump guy and not an anti-Trump guy. He has been a registered Republican in the past, but said during his time as sheriff that he was no longer affiliated with a political party. Maraky Alemseged, a local organizer with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, said the concerns extend beyond the Latino community. A study by the organization found that people of African descent were disproportionately represented among people deported in recent years, Alemseged said, often because a low-level offense led to their detainment. When we talk about the police to deportation pipeline is a racial justice issue, this is exactly what we mean," Alemseged said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other research has also shown that immigrants are less likely than U.S. citizens to commit violent crimes. Alemseged and others have called on the City Council to reject McDonnell's appointment; they plan to gather outside City hall on Friday to voice their opposition. The department's relatively tolerant posture toward undocumented people dates back to 1979, when then-Chief Daryl F. Gates responded to a wave of illegal immigration by trying to keep lines of communication open between officers and the communities they police. Gates issued the policy known as Special Order 40, which prohibited officers from initiating contact with anyone for the sole purpose of learning their immigration status. Gates also prohibited arrests solely for violations of U.S. immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department currently bars officers from inquiring about a place of birth when interviewing victims, witnesses or people who are temporarily detained. Previously, during arrests but no longer a suspect's place of birth was recorded during fingerprinting and sent to an FBI database, which immigration authorities can access. The LAPD also no longer transfers people with certain minor criminal convictions to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officers continue to hand over those wanted for signed federal warrants for serious or violent felonies, including for murder, rape, criminal threats, carjacking and arson. During a presentation before the Police Commission in May, Cmdr. German Hurtado of the Professional Standards Bureau said that the department had not complied with any of the 631 detainer requests it had received last year from federal authorities to hold undocumented immigrants for possible deportation. Read more: What type of LAPD chief will Jim McDonnell be? Clues may lie in the past Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department's policies to protect undocumented people have faced repeated attacks both from factions within the LAPD as well as anti-immigration activists who say they give a free pass to criminals in the country illegally. The department does, however, assign officers to scores of federal task forces, including one with Homeland Security Investigations dealing with "crime tourists" from South America who travel to the state on temporary 90-day visas and form burglary rings. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When the science journal Nature surveyed more than 2,000 scientists last month about the 2024 presidential election, 86 percent said they preferred Vice President Kamala Harris over former president Donald Trump. Because of Trumps anti-scientific views on issues like climate change and public health, these experts worried that a second Trump term would put millions of innocent lives at risk. Now that the Republican nominee has won, scientists are bracing for the worst. Speaking to Salon, these experts reiterated one theme over and over again: This was an election between science and ignorance of science, and the ignorant side which serves special interest groups like the fossil fuel industry has prevailed. Perhaps the most conspicuous instance of this is climate change. Trump himself denies that burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses that heat the atmosphere and ocean. His proxies, like Tucker Carlson and JD Vance, have respectively blamed abortion for causing freak hurricanes or have dismissed climate science as weird. Last month, climate scientists told Salon they were concerned about the future of the planet if Trump prevailed precisely because of his hostility to climate science and (perhaps not coincidentally) his coziness with fossil fuel companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a huge gap between what climate scientists know and what the public knows, over decades and even under Democratic administrations, Dr. Peter Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist who emphasized his opinions are his own. That huge gap will grow far larger under this new administration, which will use federal resources to join the oil, coal and gas industries in spreading disinformation. Trump campaigned on a promise to fire thousands of civil servants and replace them with loyalists, with a particular focus on those purging anyone who tells the truth that climate change is overwhelmingly caused by human use of fossil fuels. Kalmus cited this with alarm, arguing that it is done to make it impossible for environmental regulators and science educators to effectively do their jobs. Even worse, Kalmus said, Trump and his economic adviser Tesla CEO Elon Musk are going to take the ax to countless unrelated science initiatives that run afoul of their political positions. In the U.S., science is currently funded to a large extent by the federal government, Kalmus explained. People with means who value science should seriously consider setting up new foundations and other alternate funding instruments to keep critical science and science communication, especially for climate, alive during dark times. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael E. Mann was even more blunt than Kalmus, saying that Trump will turn America into a petrostate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I stated before the election, a second Trump term, which includes implementation of Project 2025, is the end of climate action as we know it, this decade, Mann said. And if Trump dismantles our democracy, as many fear will be the case, and the worlds greatest power, the U.S., becomes in essence a petrostate, its game over for climate action full stop for the foreseeable future, unless the rest of the world unites and takes bold action, including potentially the most punitive possible sanctions against the United States. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. One climate scientist believes that the writing was on the wall when Trump was first elected in 2016. Kevin Trenberth, a climatologist worked for the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and has published more than 600 articles on climatology, wrote in 2019 that he and his wife left the United States for New Zealand because of Trump and the Republican Partys stances on issues like gun control and school shootings, which is also a public health crisis. Yet climate change also played a role in their decision, with the Trump administrations decisions making it clear to Trenberth that the United States was an increasingly unwelcome place for scientists. Trump is a lying, convicted felon and a fascist threat, Trenberth said. He offered a message of xenophobia and misogyny and racism, of cruelty and darkness and hate. His lies were incredible, and it is terrible to see that Americans have not seen through him. This is very gloomy for those who believe in science, the rule of law, and in right and wrong. It undermines confidence in any leadership from the U.S. on international affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing attention to Trumps opposition to multinational organizations like NATO and the European Union, as well as his closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trenberth argued all of these details can be connected to Trumps climate change denialism. Like his support for the NRA and support for policies that give money to wealthy businesses, Trenberth says they are all part of an agenda that disregards scientific evidence to serve the interests of plutocrats. He plans to take the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement again, Trenberth said, referring to the international agreement to reduce emissions that Trump pulled the U.S from early in his first term. President Joe Biden rejoined the agreement when he was elected. Trenberth said Trump is an utter disaster for addressing climate change and pulling nations together for much needed leadership on environmental matters and other topics. He certainly wont Make American Great, but rather will find the U.S. increasingly isolated and at odds with most others. Americas impending estrangement from the scientific community will not be limited to the issue of climate change. Ahmed Gaya who works as director of the Climate Justice Collaborative at the National Partnership for New Americans, a national coalition of 83 state and local immigrant and refugee organizations explained to Salon that these pseudoscientific policies are specifically targeted against immigrants. For the climate justice movement, this means a dual fight not only to resist the rollback of environmental protections but also to defend vulnerable immigrant communities against harmful exclusionary policies, Gaya said. At the same time we need to build a compelling alternative to Trumps vision of walls, cages and guns, that invests in peoples ability to stay resilient in their communities, and provides safe, orderly pathways to refuge when they cannot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the 2024 election, Trump vilified immigrants and claimed that Americans hardships could be traced to various unflattering traits (such as criminality) that he ascribed to them. According to Gaya, this is part of the larger authoritarian pattern of distracting people from climate change by blaming vulnerable communities. Over the next four years, the climate movement must stand immutably and materially against xenophobia and use every tool at its disposal to resist Trump's proposed mass deportation scheme and other attacks on immigrant and refugee communities, Gaya said. This will likely include repurposing the legal and organizing strategies that defeated coal-fired power plants and tar-sands pipelines to stop the construction of mass detention facilities and border militarization. Even as Trump supporters cite racist theories to justify persecuting people and ignoring the extreme weather caused by climate change, Gaya argued that climate advocates must also work with migrant justice leaders and climate-displaced people to propose a positive alternative to border militarization that promotes both people's resilience to stay in their homes and orderly, safe pathways to refuge for those who cannot. To the extent that there is any coherence to the Trump platform on science, it is that it will double down on policies that will make Earth harder to inhabit for future generations, not to mention the ongoing biological holocaust happening to the natural world. Trump and Project 2025 have pledged to expand fossil fuels as rapidly as possible which is a worst-case scenario for irreversible global overheating, Kalmus said. Unfortunately, a majority has voted for climate chaos and thats what theyre going to get. Elephants are known for their intelligence and social complexity, and recent observations show they might even engage in playful pranks. A new study documents Asian elephants skillful use of hoses for showering and an intriguing case of sabotage between two elephants at the Berlin Zoo. While these behaviors display impressive coordination and learning, they also hint at a deeper layer of social dynamics and playful interaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elephants appear to be exceptionally good with hoses. We think this might be related to the similarity of trunk and hose, Michael Brecht, a senior author from Humboldt University in Berlin, explains to Interesting Engineering (IE). In general, we wonder if elephant intelligence coevolved with trunk manipulative abilities. Mary, the master of showering Elephants have long been observed using their trunks as versatile tools, but this study shows how they can handle flexible hoses with surprising dexterity. The discovery began when Lena Kaufmann from Humboldt University noticed an elephant named Mary at the Berlin Zoo expertly using a hose to shower herself. Kaufmann, co-author of the study, was intrigued enough to record Marys routine and share it with her team. Elephants are amazing with hoses, Brecht commented. As it is often the case with elephants, hose tool use behaviors come out very differently from animal to animal; elephant Mary is the queen of showering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marys method was indeed unique. The researchers observed her grabbing the hose just behind its tip, creating a sturdy showerhead effect for easier self-bathing. To reach her back, she switched to what the researchers called a lasso strategy, gripping the hose higher up and swinging it over her body. She showed adaptability, switching to her trunk if presented with a heavier hose, indicating her keen awareness of the tools limitations and strengths. Anchalis sabotage: social dynamics at play? However, what caught researchers attention most was Marys fellow elephant, Anchali, who seemed intent on interrupting Marys showering time. The researchers noted aggressive interactions between the two elephants surrounding Marys bathing sessions. Anchali appeared to try and stop Marys water flow by pulling the hose toward herself and kinking it. Brecht shared his thoughts with IE on this prank behavior, saying, "We are pretty sure that Anchali was trying to stop water flow to Mary. We also think that Anchali's behavior might be related to the numerous aggressive interactions that the two elephants had around Marys showering." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the study continued, Anchalis disruptive tactics became more elaborate. Brecht observed that she developed a method the researchers called a trunkstand, where Anchali placed her trunk over the hose and pressed down with her body weight to stop the water flow. This innovative method displayed remarkable problem-solving and intentional disruption. Brecht explained that the elephants at the zoo are trained to avoid stepping on hoses to prevent accidental damage, but Anchalis indirect approach showed her understanding of the water flow and a potential willingness to break the rules in her own clever way. When Anchali came up with a second behavior that disrupted water flow to Mary, I became pretty convinced that she is trying to sabotage Mary, Brecht noted in the press release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JHmm6YG53I What elephant tool use could mean in the wild The discovery raises interesting questions about elephant tool use and intelligence, particularly whether such complex behavior is unique to zoo environments or could occur in the wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elephants advanced manipulative abilities and high intelligence make them adept at handling various tools. While such learning is rare in non-human mammals, Anchalis kink-and-clamp behavior could have been inspired by observing zookeepers using similar techniques. This raises further questions about how social learning might play a role in elephants tool use. Observational learning does happen in elephants, but as in other mammals with the exception of humans it does not happen easily, Brecht told IE. We wonder if Anchali picked up kink & clamp behavior from caretakers, who did a few kink & clamp maneuvers a few weeks before we first saw Anchali do it. Brecht suggested that elephants clever trunks and big brains help them use tools well, possibly leading to even more complex behaviors. It probably comes down to extraordinary trunk manipulative skills paired with a large brain, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The studys findings could inspire future research on elephants social and cognitive behaviors, particularly in their natural habitats. Brecht raised an intriguing question that encapsulates the teams curiosity: Do elephants play tricks on each other in the wild? When I saw Anchali's kink and clamp for the first time, I broke out in laughter. So, I wonder, does Anchali also think this is funny, or is she just being mean? The new study has been published in the journal Current Biology. With the combination of a slow shutter speed and racking of a zoom lens, the Senate chamber has the look of motion in the State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) TULSA, Okla. (KFOR) Tulsa mayor-elect Monroe Nichols has made history as the first Black person elected ever in the city. The results came Tuesday night in the general election. Unofficial results from the State Election Board show Nichols beat out challenger Karen Keith by more than 13,000 votes. Nichols got the news while celebrating Tuesday at the Greenwood Cultural Center with family, friends, and supporters. Im not sure that its sunk in yet, to be totally honest, said Nichols. Id be lying if my next thought wasnt about like the obligation to do the job well, because so many people did go knock on doors and so many people did make phone calls, and so many people flipped their support and decided to attempt to do something that hadnt been done in Tulsa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCAL NEWS: We thank them: DOJ makes historic Tulsa trip amid federal race massacre review Nichols has served in Oklahomas legislature for the past eight years as a Democrat, although his new position is non-partisan. Hes says its been helpful to work with other legislators across the aisle, and believes itll be reflective of his leadership style. Were going to have a heck of a four years changing the face of Tulsa, and we will do it with everybody, regardless of party, partisan affiliation, said Nichols. A gallery of Tulsas mayors is available on the citys website. Nichols will replace mayor G.T. Bynum, the citys 40th mayor, as the 41st mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dating all the way back to 1898 with Colonel Edward E. Calkins, Tulsa has never had a Black mayor. It was significant especially in 1921 under the 15th mayor of Tulsa, T.D. Evans, who served during the Tulsa Race Massacre. Tulsa Race Massacre aftermath, June 1, 1921. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. The massacre saw dozens of blocks with the city burned, including businesses in the citys historic Black Wall Street or Greenwood district. Numerous Black lives were lost and people were hurt. The last two living survivors lost a legal appeal to Oklahomas Supreme Court earlier this year after petitioning a District Court Judge for reparations against the perpetrators of the massacre, including the City of Tulsa. Survivors Viola Ford Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle pose for photo outside of Oklahoma Supreme Court (KFOR). I think about all the great Black Tulsa Tulsans who rolled through here and did amazing things. Its like handed the baton off and its a baton that I will also hand off someday, and I want to make sure that I hand it off to the next generation, [and] that I hand them something thats a little bit better than it was when I got it in my hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4s John Hayes made the trip to Tulsas Greenwood district Wednesday to get reaction from residents and business owners. I cast my vote for a young man who, 100 years ago, would have never been able to have the opportunity to put his head in the ring, said business owner, Starr Fisher. Fishers daughter, Honour Rose, is also beginning to learn about the massacre. In 1921, Greenwood got burned down and then it got rebuilt, said Rose while explaining what she knew about Greenwoods history. Rose said shes proud of Nichols and think hes the right person for the job. It makes me feel great, said Rose. Greenwood Historic District in Tulsa, 2022. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. Nichols says he has high expectations for what hell accomplish as the transition begins. He said that early on, he plans to take quick action on the structure of the mayors office, addressing homelessness, improving student outcomes and public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YOUR ELECTION HEADQUARTERS: Oklahomans show up to the polls despite severe weather He says he imagines, within the next few weeks, his team will have announcements around the issues hes campaigned on with homelessness being the top priority. News 4s John Hayes caught up with current and former Tulsa Public Schools education leaders to talk about the impact on local education. His background is very strong in data, said Tulsa School Board President, Stacey Woolley. He brings that knowledge and understanding of the data to his decision making every day, and he recognizes that school doesnt just happen from eight to threeAll of the variable that are outside all of the societal issues that our kids face every single day, he understands those and he knows that until we work as a community to address the issues outside of school well never make the sort of progress we need to on behalf of our kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woolley says shes also grateful for the support Nichols showed during a direct threat of a potential state takeover from State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Woolley explains shell never be able to express how much his support meant when so many other leaders across the state stayed silent. Another major player in that threat, former Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, Deborah Gist, offered her endorsement of Nichols as well. She currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the President of the University of Tulsa, and said Nichols ability to help in public education would be just as beneficial at the end of the day to local higher education. Ive seen the way he engages deeply with the community and he truly is a servant leader in that respect, said Gist. Im very grateful for that and looking forward to having a mayor who has that mindset. Gist says at the end of the day, to improve the education space, you need a city that works collaboratively with the school system and higher education to ensure success for all Tulsans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4s John Hayes also spoke with Dr. Tiffany Crutcher about Nichols. Shes the founder of the Terence Crutcher Foundation in Tulsa, which works to free communities from violence and a Tulsa Race Massacre descendant. I am a descendent of a survivor of the Tulsa Race massacre, Rebecca Brown Crutcher, who is no longer here, and shes rejoicing now, said Crutcher. The ancestors are rejoicing right now. Nichols is hopeful the next generation, future mayors of Tulsa and across the country, can take something away from his win. What I hope this election shows people is that you dont have to be from a legacy family, said Nichols. You dont have to be a millionaire. You got to have a vision, a plan. You got to love this community and you got to go and you got to engage people; and if you do that, you can not only win an election, but you can change the trajectory of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols will be sworn in on December 2. On Thursday, current Tulsa Mayor, G.T. Bynum, held a news conference announcing a transition office had been open, and that all decision-making would include Nichols. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Recent efforts to smooth the frequently volatile ties between neighbors and regional rivals Greece and Turkey are bearing fruit, their foreign ministers said Friday, although significant differences remain between the two countries as they seek ways to prevent spats from escalating dangerously. Despite both being members of NATO, Greece and Turkey have been at loggerheads for decades over a long series of issues, including complex maritime boundary disputes that led them to the brink of war in 1987 and in 1996. In 2020, tension over drilling rights led to Greek and Turkish warships shadowing each other in the eastern Mediterranean. Over the past 16 months, the two sides have made concerted efforts to reduce tensions, with the Greek and Turkish leaders meeting six times. Last December, the two countries signed more than a dozen cooperation deals during a meeting in Athens between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not claiming that through the dialogue we have developed, all the problems in the two countries' relations have been magically resolved, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in statements to the media after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Athens. The ministers didn't take any questions. There were indeed difficult moments during the past year, Gerapetritis said. But in all cases, there was an immediate and honest channel that prevented escalation. With two brutal conflicts raging in the wider region, in Ukraine and in the Middle East, mending ties and preventing flare-ups in tension between the two neighbors has become all the more essential. "We are working to understand each other better on critical issues. The region we are in has many problems," Fidan said. "Turkey and Greece need to be able to act with mutual trust in this difficult geography. Through a win-win approach, we can contribute to the prosperity and peace of our people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the positive climate, the two sides remain far apart on some of the thornier issues, notably on territorial rights in the Aegean Sea. The two disagree on the delineation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, which determines exploitation rights for resources, as well as on the extent of territorial waters. Turkey has said that any move by Greece to extend its territorial waters around its islands in the Aegean Sea from six nautical miles to 12 nautical miles, which Greece insists it has the right to do at any time, would be a cause for war. Turkey also doesnt recognize that Greek islands off its borders have a continental shelf, while Greece insists that position is in contravention of international law. Athens insists the issue of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone is the only dispute it has with Turkey and is willing to bring it to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays talks included the evaluation of the conditions for the start of a fundamental discussion for the delineation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, Gerapetritis said. It is an initial, honest approach of a difficult but also crucial issue. Fidan stressed that all areas of disagreement connected to the Aegean, the sea that lies between the two countries, must be tackled. There are many problems that are interconnected in the Aegean. These disputes cannot be reduced to the issues of the continent shelf and exclusive economic zones," Fidan said. "We must address all issues that have the potential to create tensions and crises on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation. As Turkey, we continue to defend the principle of equitable sharing in the eastern Mediterranean, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migration has been a source of tension between the two countries for years. Tens of thousands of people make their way each year from Turkey to nearby Greek islands, using European Union-member Greece as a gateway to more prosperous countries in the 27-nation bloc. While thousands of migrants continue to arrive in Greece, risking sometimes fatal sea crossings, the two ministers stressed the need to crack down on illegal migration and smuggling networks. The two emphasized the importance of acting together to combat irregular migration, Fidan said. ___ Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, and Derek Gatopoulos in Athens, contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly congratulated Donald Trump on his election win in a speech on Thursday. The long-time Russian leader praised Trumps courage and celebrated a chance to seize victory in Ukraine under the president-elects watch. His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me. He turned out to be a brave man, Putin said in a Sochi speech, per The Associated Press. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian strongman said he hadnt talked to Trump since his surprising and overwhelming win but was looking forward to working with him. This is still his last presidential term. What he will do is his matter, Putin said, emphasizing he has no idea what Trump will do in office. Putin also said he looked forward to Trumps desire to restore relations with Russia [and] to help end the Ukrainian crisis. Trump has blasted the Biden administration for aiding Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an ongoing war with Russia. He's promised to cut spending on such aid in his second term. In a close race for a South Mississippi seat of the Court of Appeals, attorney Amy Lassiter St. Pe and Chancery Judge Jennifer Schloegel are headed for a runoff on Nov. 26. St. Pe established and held a lead in the race on election night, Nov. 5, but Schloegel and attorney Ian Baker battled it out for second place. Both St. Pe and Schloegel said Baker conceded the race Friday afternoon, with 99% of unofficial election returns reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Tuesday morning, The Associated Press had called the race, lowering to 97% the unofficial returns reported. The results show St. Pe with 84,769 votes, or 35.2%, to 79,612 votes, or 33.1% for Schloegel. Baker trailed with 76,382 votes, or 31.7%. St. Pe and Schloegel are vying for the District 5, Position 2 seat on the court, which is assigned appellate cases by the Supreme Court where the law is settled but facts are in dispute. The Court of Appeals has 10 judges who serve staggered, 8-year terms. The sitting judge, former District Attorney Joel Smith, did not seek re-election. Baker worked for Smith in the district attorneys office for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties. What runoff candidates say St Pe, who is from Pascagoula, carried six of the 11 counties in the district: Jackson, George, Greene, Wayne, Perry, Forrest. Schloegel prevailed in Harrison, the most populous county, and Hancock. Baker won Pearl River, Stone and Lamar counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Pe graduated from Mississippi College law school and has practiced law for 22 years. She founded her own law firm in Pascagoula, specializing in governmental law. She has served for 15 years as a city attorney for Moss Point and is also a municipal judge for the city of Gautier. Schloegel, who is from Gulfport, has served since 2011 as a Chancery Court judge for Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties. She graduated from University of Mississippi law school and also attended Emory University law school in Atlanta. Schloegel said her time as a chancery judge gives her the experience needed to sit on the appeals court. She pointed out that chancery judges hear appeals from county and justice courts, and said that the state Court of Appeals has upheld her rulings in 32 of 33 cases. My message the whole time is that I am the only candidate who is a full-time trial judge and that is a very different place to be in from simply being a lawyer, Schloegel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Pe has stressed her wide range of legal experience, saying shes shown the temperament and skills to be fair, and follow and uphold the law. She said that shes campaigned hard for 11 months. I will not give up these next three weeks, St. Pe said. I can promise you that. JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) Two state-imposed boil water notices have been issued in Jasper County due to the presence of E. coli in water samples. The notices were issued for Tri-County W/A #3-Summerland and Tri-County W/A #1-Jasper. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), water sampling showed the presence of E. coli bacteria. Hattiesburg releases draft of Safe Roads plan Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. This precaution will last at least two full days and water system officials will be immediately notified when the boil water alert is lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to MSDH, the presence of E. coli is a serious health concern. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems. Residents will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) - Masked men attacked two students who were demonstrating in support of Israel at Chicago's DePaul University on Wednesday, resulting in minor injuries and raising concern about potential antisemitism on the Catholic campus. The university said it was working with Chicago police to determine if the assault was a hate crime. Violence against Jewish and Palestinian Americans has surged across the country in the 13 months since the militant group Hamas attacked Israeli and Israel's subsequent assault on Hamas-governed Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the victims was a former member of the Israel Defense Forces who was wearing a sign identifying him as such and inviting conversation, said Josh Weiner, a co-founder of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, who said he knows both victims and had spoken with them since the incident. University President Robert Manuel said the students received minor injuries and declined medical treatment. "We are outraged that this occurred on our campus," he said. "We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is a core part of their Jewish identity. Those students and every student - should feel safe on our university campus," Manuel said in a letter to faculty, staff and students. Chicago police identified the victims as two men, ages 21 and 27, and said two male offenders struck the 27-year-old about the face and body and pushed the 21-year-old to the ground then fled on foot. Weiner said the students were standing near the student center just off campus property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives were investigating but there was no mention of hate crime in a brief press statement issued by police. The Chicago Commission on Human Relations reported 50 anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city in the first half of 2024, equal to the number in all of 2023, while finding the number of attacks against Muslims and Arabs was down. The city was rocked by the Oct. 26 shooting of 39-year-old Jewish man wearing a religious skullcap as he walked to synagogue. Police have charged a 22-year-old suspect with terrorism, hate crime and attempted murder in what they called an unprovoked attack. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Frank McGurty and Cynthia Osterman) DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Two men were arrested earlier in the week after investigators accused them of stealing construction equipment from the building site of the new Dothan animal shelter. On Wednesday, November 6, Dothan Police arrested and charged 43-year-old William Allen Navarre of Dothan and 50-year-old Bobby Gene Chandler of Atlanta, Georgia. According to Dothan Police, on Monday, November 4, workers at the construction site of the new Dothan animal shelter returned to work after the weekend and found that several construction tools had been stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called to the site, along Highway 52, between Honeysuckle Road and Ross Clark Circle. Investigators used a variety of investigative techniques, including surveillance cameras, said Lt. Scott Owens in a release to WDHN. Police say Navarre and Chandler were identified as the suspects after a short investigation and charged with one count of Theft of Property in the first degree and one count of Burglary in the third degree. Navaree is facing a bond total bond of $10,000. Chandler is facing a $20,000 bond. All stolen items were recovered and returned to their owner, said Lt. Owens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) On Thursday, November 7, 80 candidates from 39 countries took the Oath of Allegiance in Storer Auditorium, officially becoming U.S. citizens. For many, this ceremony represents their active participation in American democracy, a system they now have the right to shape and influence. For most, the path to citizenship is far from easy. It involves unique struggles, such as navigating the immigration process and learning a new culture. Among the new citizens, Girsewak Singh, a U.S. military solider from India, feels proud at this moment, just as he did when he started serving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I already feel a really proud moment as a US military soldier, so I feel the same today. But its a great thing. Like American, yeah Im proud, said Singh. Latest local news Singh, came to America to seek a brighter future filled with opportunity, stability, and the promise of respect that he receives from others who thank him for his service. Compared to Singhs Homeland, he said has noticed that America has no hierarchy, a truthful voting system, and it is much quieter in regards to violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They only want one community in India you know in America, everybody equal, in India no. Sometimes they dont want another community over there. Hinduism is a majority over there but here everybody is equal, said Singh. Missing the opportunity to vote by two days, he already decided where his support lies in the next election Republican. The U.S. military soldier from India is pleased to see former President Trump make his way back to the Oval Office. Hes like loyal and he has the guts to say something on stage he doesnt be like a double face guy hes like say straight everything. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. It didnt take long for racism to rear its ugly head after Trump won the election earlier this week. On Wednesdaythe day after Election Dayhorrible text messages were sent to several Black folks across the country that told them to prepare to go to a plantation and pick cotton. Now, the FBI has released a statement about the texts on its website. It explained that it is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. The federal agency also said As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities. The FBI claimed it contacted the U.S. Department of Justice and told people who received the disturbing messages to local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC reported that students at Clemson University reported receiving the text messages. The school later released a public statement. Based on the information available, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the Clemson community. CUPD takes all reports of concerning communication seriously and is committed to the safety of the University community. Clemson University shared that authorities are actively investigating the matter and working with state partners to identify the source of the messages. Other college students as well as residents in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina and North Carolina also reportedly received similar messages with the same hateful theme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyaress office released a statement denouncing the texts. The Attorney Generals Office is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them, the statement read. Anyone who believes themselves to be under threat should not hesitate to contact local law enforcement and their local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or visiting FBI.gov/tips. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The University of Kentucky Police Department has announced additional security measures on campus following an increase in shootings and other safety concerns in the areas around campus, Police Chief Joe Monroe said Friday. Changes including adding additional police patrols and lighting, and limiting night and weekend access to some campus garages. Several shootings have been reported near the university this semester, particularly around the north side of campus, which houses several residence halls and main campus buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No shootings have been reported on campus, but UKPD is taking a more aggressive approach on how we are going to secure our campus boundaries, Monroe said at a news conference Friday morning. Early Sunday morning, shots were fired at the Raising Canes on South Upper Street, prompting an alert that advised UK students to avoid the area. No injuries were reported. In September, shots were fired at Winslow Street and South Limestone, prompting a similar alert. The safety of our students and employees is our top priority at the University of Kentucky, Monroe said. The university will invest the necessary resources to ensure safety in this area and is working with partners in the city of Lexington to protect the UK community, both on and off campus, where many students live and work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UKPD will have an increased police presence on North Campus, with additional officers patrolling the area on bike, foot and vehicle from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Monroe said. Temporary floodlights will be installed this weekend on Winslow Street, and UKPD is assessing where to install additional permanent lighting, cameras and emergency call towers, which can be used to immediately call police from campus. The university will also begin limiting access to parking garages and lots on campus and at UK hospitals overnight, including the Cornerstone garage and Good Samaritan Hospital garage. They were previously open to the public on nights and weekends, but that will no longer be the case, Monroe said. Additionally, the university has partnered with a professional campus security group, Allied Universal, to enhance security in and around our residence halls across campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well continue to evaluate our responses, and well adjust accordingly, Monroe said. This is not going to be tolerated around our campus or on our campus, so were taking a very aggressive approach to make sure that we keep our campus safe. In the last year, about a dozen new officers have been added to UKPD, making the additional patrolling possible, Monroe said. UKPD works closely with the Lexington Police Department, Monroe said. The area around Limestone Street has been of particular concern to officers over the past 12 to 18 months, he said. Colorado maintained its customary blue tint in Tuesday's election, voting for the Democrats in statewide races and leaving the dominant party with majorities in the General Assembly and the state's congressional delegation. (Bloomberg) -- The proportion of UK births to two parents also born in the country slipped below 60% last year for the first time since records began, as the rising cost of living and lifestyle changes dented Britons desire to have children. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 58.9% of live births in England and Wales were to families where both parents were declared as born in the UK, Office for National Statistics data released Friday showed. Thats down from 60.3% a year earlier and the lowest in a series stretching back to 2008. Some 37.3% of babies had at least one foreign-born parent, while in the remainder of cases, the location of birth of either the mother or the father wasnt known. Across England and Wales, about 24.7% of births were to couples where neither parent was from the UK, up from 23.1% in 2022. In London, where around 47% of the population was born abroad according to 2021 census figures, 67.4% of births last year were to couples in which at least one was born overseas. The figures reflect the record number of migrants who have come to the UK in recent years to study or fill holes in the workforce. Thats pushed immigration to the forefront of political discourse in Britain, contributing to the record defeat suffered by the Conservatives in a general election in July, after successive Tory administrations failed to even come close to meeting their promises to rein in the numbers of those entering the country. But they also highlight the UKs falling birth rate, especially among adults who were born in the country. The total number of births to two non-UK-born parents, at 146,259, was only marginally higher in 2023 than in 2016 but the proportion is now larger due to the overall decline in the number of people having children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Figures from the ONS last month showed there were only 591,072 live births in England and Wales last year, the lowest number since 1977. Yet the population is much larger than it was then, meaning the fertility rate or how many children are being born per woman fell to its lowest since records began in 1938. Rob McNeil, deputy director of Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory, said it was unsurprising to see the proportion of births to non-UK-born parents rising, given the influx of migrants the UK has seen in recent years. Many of those people have come from countries where economic divides are more stark, such as India and Nigeria, and are often motivated by the possibility of providing a better education and life prospects for their children. The ONS said India remained the most common home country for non-UK-born parents in 2023, with Pakistan in second place. Net levels of legal migration to the UK fell to 685,000 last year from 764,000 a year earlier but was still the second highest level on record. That comes on top of tens of thousands of asylum seekers who have crossed the English Channel in small boats, entering the country illegally in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pace of demographic change has created flash points in Britain. Tensions around migration reached a tipping point over the summer when it was rumored that a fatal attack on three young girls had been committed by an asylum seeker. While it later turned out that the suspect had been born in the UK, the false claims sparked attacks on hotels housing migrants and centers providing support. The Tories, who ceded power to Labour at this years election, had taken steps to bring down the number of migrants to the UK after presiding over the boom in net arrivals. They banned most students from bringing dependents to the UK at the start of this year, as well as preventing care workers coming to the UK from bringing their partners or children. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- The EU is seeking to accelerate talks with the UK on a new defense and security pact, with the election of Donald Trump raising concerns in Europe that it will need to boost aid to Ukraine amid the possibility of reduced American support. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UK-European Union defense accord is now a top priority in their relations and has gained momentum in recent days, according to people familiar with the talks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU leaders used a summit in Budapest on Thursday to intensify talks about ways the security relationship could be ramped up, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. UK officials are looking into what would be included in such a pact, and are considering steps like common procurement of weapons and more joint military exercises and expeditions. In a September presidential debate, Trump sidestepped a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to succeed in its effort to expel the invading Russians, and his running mate, JD Vance, has said that a deal to end the war would probably entail Russia retaining the land its seized in Ukraine and Kyiv agreeing to renounce its goal of joining NATO. Even though the EU is the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, Kyiv relies on the US for crucial military resources such as F-16s and ATACM long-range missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has largely used up its existing stocks of arms to send to Ukraine but the UK is better stocked, according to one European diplomatic official. During the European Political Community meeting in Budapest Thursday, hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Starmer held talks with his Czech, Polish, Ukrainian counterparts. He also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Starmer will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris next week amid commemorations of the end of World War I. Starmer and Polands Donald Tusk discussed their desire to deepen their existing partnership across defense and security, particularly in the face of Russias ongoing aggression, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he wants the deal to be ambitious, some officials have cautioned that an accord cant risk infringing on the defense pact the UK already has with the US and Australia, which is mostly focused on the production of nuclear-powered attack submarines. While EU diplomats have always believed that the security pact is doable, despite private frustrations by the lack of detail from the UK so far, the accord is now their top priority for UK-EU relations due to the US election result, said the people. UK officials expect formal negotiations to begin in the coming months, once the EUs new commission gets underway. Both UK and EU diplomats believe that 2025 is the crucial window for thrashing out these pacts, and warn that momentum from the reset under the new UK administration risks being lost beyond that. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The UK government plans to examine ways of sustainably preserving linear television for older and underprivileged audiences amid the streaming revolution. Media minister Stephanie Peacock will oversee a forum of broadcasters and experts to consider the future of traditional TV so that all viewers can continue to access British content. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount, Sky, and media regulator Ofcom will be among the industry organizations represented on the forum, which will meet every three months. The aim of the group is to ensure that no one is left behind in the tidal wave of internet-connected viewing and the rise of services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Research published by the government shows that 5% of UK households, or around 1.5M people, will continue to rely on linear TV in 2040. This unconnected group tends to include older and underprivileged people, as well as those who live in rural communities. Peacock said: As the shift towards streaming and watching live broadcasting online continues, it is vital that no one is left behind. I want to ensure that as many people as possible can watch TV in a way that suits them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new forum, bringing together the major players in the TV industry and audience groups, will help deliver a long-term plan that ensures everyone in society can access world-class British content in the decades to come. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ukrainian government decided to terminate the agreement on air service with Iran, Taras Melnychuk, the government's representative in parliament, announced on Nov. 8. The air service deal was signed between Kyiv and Tehran on in July 1993. Flights from Ukraine to Iran were suspended in 2020 following Iran's shoot-down of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752. All 176 people aboard mostly Canadians and Iranians, were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran is one of Russia's closest allies. The two countries have deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Tehran has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones. Iran also reportedly has sent ballistic missiles to boost Russian forces. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's airspace has been closed to all flights due to the risk of Russian attacks. Once air service is restored, flights with Iran will not be resumed. Read also: Iran delivers satellites to Russia for rocket launch, media reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The bodies of 563 fallen defenders have been brought back to Ukraine as a result of repatriation efforts. Source: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Details: A total of 320 bodies of defenders who were killed in action on the Donetsk front and 89 fallen soldiers who were killed on the Bakhmut front were repatriated. In addition, 154 bodies were brought back from morgues within Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The repatriation of the bodies was facilitated by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in cooperation with the Joint Centre of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the Commissioner for Missing Persons Under Special Circumstances, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and other representatives of Ukraines security and defence sector organisations. The support of the International Committee of the Red Cross was also acknowledged. The repatriated bodies and remains will be transported to designated state facilities, where law enforcement officers and forensic experts will work to identify the deceased. Support UP or become our patron! The Ukrainian government believes its relationship with the UK government has deteriorated owing to new Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reluctance to provide Kyiv with long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Source: The Guardian, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to the Guardian, Kyiv's dissatisfaction with the UK government stems from a discussion between Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an October meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy delivered his Victory Plan, but according to a Guardian source in Kyiv, it met with "no big response". The source implied that Starmer was unwilling to make strategic decisions without US approval, although the Prime Minister denied this privately. The Guardian says Ukraine's principal complaint is that the UK has not provided any additional Storm Shadow missiles since Labour took office. Quote: "It isnt happening. Starmer isnt giving us long-range weapons. The situation is not the same as when Rishi Sunak was prime minister. The relationship has got worse," an anonymous Ukrainian official told the Guardian. Zelenskyy expressed his concerns during a meeting with Starmer at the European Political Community summit on 7 November, but sources in Kyiv said the discussion resulted in "no progress at all" in supplying Storm Shadows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardians sources say the "missile issue" is the reason that Starmer has not yet visited Ukraine since taking office as prime minister. "We have been discussing since August a possible visit by Starmer. Various dates have come and gone. Starmer has postponed several times. Theres no point in his coming as a tourist. At the moment hes not willing to take the decisions which are necessary," the official said. The United Kingdom is the third-largest donor of military equipment to Kyiv after the United States and Germany, and has supplied or pledged 12.8 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022. In October, it was revealed that the UK military command was considering sending troops to Ukraines west to train recruits. Support UP or become our patron! The U.S. will send Ukraine the full $6 billion in outstanding military aid before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said at a briefing on Nov. 7. Previously, Politico reported that U.S. President Joe Biden was rushing to deliver the remaining $6 billion by the end of his term out of fear that a Trump administration might halt weapons shipments to Ukraine. Ukraine will receive $4 billion under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which pulls weapons from U.S. stocks, and $2 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), Singh told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if the U.S. had enough weapons stockpiled to get shipments to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration, Singh said Washington was "confident" it could keep its commitments to Kyiv. "So we're always constantly backfilling and restocking our shelves. ... (W)e're committed to providing Ukraine what it needs and that includes that $4 billion in authority," she said. Singh also pointed out that Ukraine has many supporters both within the U.S. government and around the world. "(I)t's not just the United States that's supporting Ukraine and that will continue to support Ukraine," she said, emphasizing that Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) includes "over 50 countries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And on top of that, Ukraine has bicameral and bipartisan support in Congress. So there is an administration change that's going to happen in January, but support for Ukraine remains strong." Trump's Nov. 5 electoral victory triggered fears that U.S. aid to Ukraine might soon draw to a close. Trump's comments on Ukraine have emphasized speedy results over long-term support, and he has refrained from saying he wants Ukraine to prevail over Russia. Anxiety over the possible withdrawal of U.S. aid comes as Ukraine braces itself for another grueling winter of Russian infrastructure attacks. Meanwhile, North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia to aid Moscow's full-scale invasion. Read also: Ukrainians in US react to Trumps comeback Aid will either increase or stop altogether Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine will receive for testing air defence missiles from Estonian defence company Frankenburg Technology by the end of 2024. Source: Ukraines Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda This was discussed during a meeting in Kyiv between Deputy Defence Minister Brigadier General Anatolii Klochk and the leadership of Frankenburg Technology. The ministry said that the first missile samples for testing are expected to arrive by the end of 2024. These missiles are primarily designed to counter drones and are capable of targeting objects at altitudes of up to 2 km. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kusti Salm, Executive Director of Frankenburg Technology, highlighted that the company's goal is to help Ukraine win this war. Quote: "To achieve this, we are offering a new, affordable missile model aimed at destroying aerial targets, primarily drones," Salm explained. He added that, should the tests prove successful and further use be approved, missile production could be established in Ukraine. The two sides have tentatively agreed that the next step could involve finalising the funding arrangements for missile production. Background: The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that air defence forces managed to shoot down 62 out of 92 Russian drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine on the night of 7-8 November. Recently, Estonia's Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur discussed the possibility of purchasing drones from Ukraine during a meeting with the head of the country's defence forces, Andrus Merilo. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine has recovered the bodies of 563 soldiers from Russia, authorities announced in Kiev on Friday. They included over 400 soldiers who fell in the Donetsk region, including in the Bakhmut section of the front line. The remains of more than 150 others were handed over from morgues in Russia. It was not disclosed where these soldiers were killed. Local media reported that Russia received the remains of 37 soldiers in return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to official figures, more than 2,100 bodies have been returned to Ukraine this year alone. The exchange of fallen or captured soldiers is one of the last remaining humanitarian contacts between the warring countries. Meanwhile, fighting continued in eastern Ukraine on Friday, with the general staff in Kiev recording 114 attacks by Russian troops. "The enemy is using all available forces and means to achieve its goals," Ukrainian military leadership said, adding that 114 Russian attacks were recorded. The main flashpoints were once again the districts of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, west of Donetsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Defence Ministry said the number of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has increased sharply in the last month, with around 2,000 unmanned combat drones used against Ukrainian targets in October, up from 700 in September. It said the number continues to increase and that "it is likely that the high figures seen through September and October to date will become normal." The ministry attributed the increase to high Russian investments in various types of drone and an expansion of launch sites, which are easy to re-establish if targeted. If drone production continues unhindered, a shortage of personnel would be the most likely factor limiting more widespread use, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, at least 25 people were injured in a residential neighbourhood of the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv when a Russian airstrike targeted the city overnight, authorities said on Friday morning. The entrance of a multi-storey residential building has been partially destroyed, the military governor of the region, Oleh Syniehubov, wrote on Telegram. Thirty residents were evacuated overnight due to the risk of the building collapsing, he added. Nearby buildings, vehicles and the entrance to an underground train station were also damaged. Russia again used powerful guided bombs to attack Ukraine's second largest city, with further damages to buildings, businesses, vehicles and another train station recorded in another centrally located neighbourhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kharkiv is located close to the Russian border and has come repeatedly under attack since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia controls around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014. Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 563 soldiers who died fighting against Russia, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War reported on Nov. 8. The Geneva Conventions stipulate that those who lose their lives during war are entitled to a dignified burial. As of early March, Ukraine has identified more than 2,800 bodies and body fragments of fallen soldiers, according to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. The bodies of 320 soldiers were recovered from Donetsk Oblast, while 89 were brought back from Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Another 154 bodies were repatriated from morgues in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials and forensic experts will identify the killed, the headquarters wrote in a post on Telegram. The operation to recover the fallen soldiers involved several government and military agencies, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Interior Ministry, the State Emergency Service, and the Armed Forces. The headquarters also thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance. In late February, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that about 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the full-scale invasion. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers react to Trumps victory: This could be a disaster, others say Biden was impotent Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. At least a dozen election ballots were stolen, filled out, and mailed to the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder for counting. Nine of the 12 were caught in the signature verification process, but three have been counted and cannot be reversed, although the voters will be given another ballot. Key developments on Nov. 8: Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery in Russia's Saratov, HUR source confirms Ukraine to receive $6 billion in US military aid before Trump's term begins, Pentagon confirms Estonia to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles for testing Ukraine retrieves bodies of 563 fallen soldiers US allows deploying its military contractors to Ukraine, Reuters reports Ukrainian drones operated by military intelligence (HUR) attacked an oil refinery in the Russian city of Saratov on Nov. 8, a military intelligence source confirmed to the Kyiv Independent. Earlier in the day, Saratov Oblast Governor Ruslan Busargin said that a Ukrainian drone targeted the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Busargin, air defenses downed the drone over the city and debris fell in the industrial area in the Zavodsky district. He did not report any casualties or damage. The city hosts the Saratov Oil Refinery, formerly known as the Cracking Plant, which is part of Rosneft, the state-run oil company. The refinery is located in the city's Zavodsky District. The HUR source said drones hit one of the plant's oil refineries and fuel oil tanks, and cited local media reports of multiple explosions. Overnight, a total of 17 Ukrainian drones were "destroyed and intercepted," according to a report by the Russian Defense Ministry. Six drones were reportedly shot down over Saratov Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saratov is a city in southwestern Russia, located nearly 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Read also: Russia launches missile attack on Kyiv for first time since early October Ukraine to receive $6 billion in US military aid before Trump's term begins, Pentagon confirms The U.S. will send Ukraine the full $6 billion in outstanding military aid before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said at a briefing on Nov. 7. Previously, Politico reported that U.S. President Joe Biden was rushing to deliver the remaining $6 billion by the end of his term out of fear that a Trump administration might halt weapons shipments to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine will receive $4 billion under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which pulls weapons from U.S. stocks, and $2 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), Singh told reporters. When asked if the U.S. had enough weapons stockpiled to get shipments to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration, Singh said Washington was "confident" it could keep its commitments to Kyiv. "So we're always constantly backfilling and restocking our shelves. ... (W)e're committed to providing Ukraine what it needs and that includes that $4 billion in authority," she said. Singh also pointed out that Ukraine has many supporters both within the U.S. government and around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(I)t's not just the United States that's supporting Ukraine and that will continue to support Ukraine," she said, emphasizing that Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) includes "over 50 countries." "And on top of that, Ukraine has bicameral and bipartisan support in Congress. So there is an administration change that's going to happen in January, but support for Ukraine remains strong." Estonia to provide Ukraine with air defense missiles for testing The Estonian arms company Frankenburg Technologies will transfer air defense missiles to Ukraine for testing, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on Nov. 8. Kyiv has been calling on its partners to provide additional air defense assets as Russia intensifies its strikes against cities and energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first samples for testing will be delivered in the coming months. The missiles to be trialed by Ukraine are designed to counter drones, and can shoot down targets at an altitude of up to 2 kilometers (1 mile), the ministry said. "Our goal is to help Ukraine win this war. To do this, we offer a sample of a new low-cost missile to shoot down air targets, primarily unmanned aerial vehicles," said Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies and former Permanent Secretary of the Estonian Defense Ministry. Salm met with Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko, and discussed the upcoming tests. The next step is to agree on a financing format for missile production, according to the statement. If the trials are successful and the Defense Ministry and Frankenburg Technologies agree on further use of the weapons, Ukraine may also arrange the production of these missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankenburg Technologies is a defense-industrial company founded in 2024 and headquartered in Tallinn. It currently operates in Ukraine, Latvia, and Estonia. Read also: EU officials explore options for supporting Ukraine if Trump halts aid, Bloomberg reports Ukraine retrieves bodies of 563 fallen soldiers Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 563 soldiers who died fighting against Russia, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War reported on Nov. 8. The Geneva Conventions stipulate that those who lose their lives during war are entitled to a dignified burial. As of early March, Ukraine has identified more than 2,800 bodies and body fragments of fallen soldiers, according to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodies of 320 soldiers were recovered from Donetsk Oblast, while 89 were brought back from Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Another 154 bodies were repatriated from morgues in Russia. Law enforcement officials and forensic experts will identify the killed, the headquarters wrote in a post on Telegram. The operation to recover the fallen soldiers involved several government and military agencies, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Interior Ministry, the State Emergency Service, and the Armed Forces. The headquarters also thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian drone damages Estonian ambassadors apartment building in Kyiv US allows deploying its military contractors to Ukraine, Reuters reports The Biden administration allowed U.S. defense contractors to work in Ukraine to maintain and repair American-supplied weapons, Reuters reported on Nov. 8, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The "small numbers" of contractors will not participate in combat operations and will be stationed in far from the front line, one of the sources told Reuters. Such a move comes in the final months of Joe Biden's presidency before Donald Trump returns to the White House after the victory in the U.S. presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This policy would help the Ukrainian military maintain and repair weapons systems provided by Washington much more quickly. Washington will also send Kyiv the full $6 billion military aid before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, the Pentagon confirmed on Nov. 7. Politico reported that Biden was rushing to deliver the remaining funds by the end of his term out of fear that a Trump administration might halt weapons shipments to Kyiv. Read also: EU officials explore options for supporting Ukraine if Trump halts aid, Bloomberg reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence has stated that controversial MP Yevhenii Shevchenko has no connection with their institution. Source: Andrii Yusov, spokesman for Ukraines Defence Intelligence, in a comment to Suspilne, Ukraines public broadcaster Details: Shevchenko recently urged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in talks with Russia. He also said he had written a letter to US President-elect Donald Trump asking for his help in stopping Ukraine from "sliding into dictatorship". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, admitted in May 2023 that Shevchenko had been secretly negotiating with self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the behest of the Ukrainian special services. Yusov clarified that "the individual in question is not an employee of Ukraines Defence Intelligence". He emphasised that all Ukrainian citizens, particularly parliamentarians, should take responsibility for their country's interests and refrain from making public statements that could jeopardise national security. Quote: "Any attempt to justify the occupier, to shift responsibility from the aggressor to the victim, is clearly parroting for the enemy. Such actions should be thoroughly assessed by the appropriate authorities." Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian activist, blogger and volunteer Serhii Sternenko has accused Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, of personally instigating a Territorial Recruitment Centre (TRC) persecution against him as revenge for criticising the military command system. Source: Sternenko on social media Quote: "The situation with me being put on the wanted list by the TRC is a direct order from Syrskyi, who took offence at my calls for military reform. I know this for sure, including when and through whom he issued this order." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Sternenko stated that his sources in the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had informed him about this. Sternenko believes the primary reason for the vendetta was a livestream on 27 October in which he "explicitly stated that we [Ukraine] are on our way to disaster because of the poor military command system". The blogger believes he was deliberately sent a call-up notice to the wrong address to ensure he wouldnt receive it and could be put on the wanted list. Furthermore, Sternenko said that this information was "leaked to Russian agents". He also said the TRCs claim that he paid a fine was not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Commander Syrskyi, what are you counting on by stirring up confrontation within the country? Do you understand exactly the consequences of your actions? Lies and pettiness will definitely not help us save the country." Background: Sternenko stated that he had been placed on the wanted list for failing to appear at the Prymorskyi Recruitment Centre in Odesa Oblast when summoned, linking this to his criticism of the military system and calls for reform. He explained that the call-up notice had been sent to an old address where he no longer lived, noting that he had updated his new address and personal details in Reserve+, a software app designed by the Ukrainian government to digitalise the process of conscription. Moreover, there was no information on the app about him having been put on the wanted list [Ukrainian law requires men of conscription age, as well as women with certain military specialisms, to update their personal details in a timely manner, otherwise they may be prosecuted ed.]. The Odesa TRC has responded to say that they act "strictly within the law" and stated that Sternenko had omitted several important details, including the fact that he had apparently already visited the Primorskyi Recruitment Centre, where he paid an administrative fine for breaching military registration rules, and that he had been referred to a military medical board. Support UP or become our patron! Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, has met with Russian Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova in Belarus. The two sides exchanged lists of prisoners of war (POWs) visited by each side and established a new format for communication. Source: Lubinets on social media Details: The meeting, facilitated by Belarusian authorities, took place on Belarusian territory with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lubinets highlighted the outcomes of the meeting: Quote: "The bodies of the deceased were repatriated. Fulfilling our humanitarian mission, Ukraine once again facilitated family reunions. Following negotiations, a 91-year-old woman was reunited with her son. Thus, we show that reuniting families is our priority, and we hope this communication on this issue will continue. We exchanged lists of prisoners of war visited by both sides (Ukraine Russian POWs in our country, Russia Ukrainian POWs on their territory). We exchanged letters, including the establishment of a new format: letters from Ukrainian relatives were delivered to Ukrainian POWs in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoke with the leadership of ICRC missions in Ukraine and Russia. Once again, I insisted on ICRC access to Ukrainian POWs and civilians! I emphasise that my interaction with the Russian commissioner for human rights is focused solely on resolving humanitarian issues, bringing Ukrainians home and obtaining information about our citizens in Russia." Support UP or become our patron! The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon on Friday accused the Israeli military of "deliberate and direct destruction" of its property. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two excavators and one bulldozer belonging to the Israeli army destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in the border area of Ras Naqoura on Thursday. The mission called the incident a "a flagrant violation" of international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF [Israeli military]," UNIFIL added in a post on X. "We again remind the IDF and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," the mission said. On Thursday, UNIFIL said five peacekeepers were slightly injured in an Israeli drone strike in Sidon in southern Lebanon. Northern Israel hit by missiles from Lebanon Elsewhere on Friday, northern Israel was hit by missile fire from Lebanon, the Israeli military reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five missiles were fired at the majority-Arab community of Kafr Yasif north of Haifa, it said. Four were intercepted, while one hit a house. Nobody was injured, but the Times of Israel published videos of the strike on X. In total, around 60 missiles were recorded, fewer than in previous days. The Hezbollah militia has been firing missiles at northern Israel for more than a year. Houthi militia targets military airbase in southern Israel Meanwhile, the Houthi militia in Yemen, which is allied with Iran, said on Friday it had attacked the Nevatim military airbase in southern Israel. The group had also intercepted a US drone over western Yemen, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's army said it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen. There have been repeated attacks on Israel by the so-called "Axis of Resistance" of Iran's allies since the beginning of the Gaza war over a year ago. In addition to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Axis of Resistance includes militias in Iraq and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. US and Israeli military forces have repeatedly bombed targets in Yemen in response. Most of the verified deaths in the Gaza Strip during the first 10 months of the conflict between Israel and Hamas were among children between the ages of five and nine, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office published on Friday. The office has so far verified some 10,000 deaths for the period from November 2023 to August 2024, said the head of the UN Human Rights Office for the occupied Palestinian Territories, Ajith Sunghay. However the true death toll is likely to be significantly higher, with thousands of people still believed to be trapped under the wreckage of buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is therefore unclear how representative the report's assessment is. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry puts the death toll in the Gaza Strip at more than 40,000. These figures cannot be independently verified. The UN report said 80% of those killed died in civilian homes and that 70% of them were women and children. The 10-14 age group had the second-highest number of deaths, followed by the 0-4 age group, according to the report. The UN Human Rights Office reiterated that some of the violations it has documented could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The violations could constitute genocide, it said, "if committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report referred to statements by Israeli politicians calling for the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of Palestinians. It said the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the prevention of humanitarian aid deliveries and the destruction of homes and repeated displacement of hundreds of thousands of people have led to countless deaths, injuries and illnesses. The office said that only international courts could determine whether such violations have occurred, but that investigations by human rights experts provide the basis for court assessments and rulings. It also stated that Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other armed militias had committed massive violations of rights during the October 7 attacks on Israel, during which they killed more than 1,200 people and abducted another 250 into the Gaza Strip. These include the killing of civilians, sexual violence, the destruction of homes and the taking of hostages, which the report said could also constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel attacked the coastal strip in response, with massive attacks continuing to this day. Most of the verified deaths in the Gaza Strip during the first 10 months of the conflict between Israel and Hamas were among children between the ages of five and nine, according to a report by the UN's human rights office published on Friday. The office has so far verified some 10,000 deaths for the period from November 2023 to August 2024, said the head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the occupied Palestinian Territories, Ajith Sunghay. However the true death toll is likely to be significantly higher, with thousands of bodies believed to be trapped under the wreckage of buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is therefore unclear how representative the report's assessment is. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry puts the death toll in the Gaza Strip at more than 40,000. The figure cannot be independently verified. The UN report said 80% of those killed died in civilian homes and that 70% of them were women and children. The 10-14 age group had the second-highest number of deaths, followed by the 0-4 age group, according to the report. The study reiterated that some of the violations it has documented could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The violations could constitute genocide, it said, "if committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report referred to statements by Israeli politicians calling for the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of Palestinians. It said the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the prevention of humanitarian aid deliveries and the destruction of homes and repeated displacement of hundreds of thousands of people have led to countless deaths, injuries and illnesses. The OHCHR said that only international courts could determine whether such violations have occurred, but that investigations by human rights experts provide the basis for court assessments and rulings. It also stated that Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other armed militias had committed massive violations of rights during the October 7 attacks on Israel, during which they killed more than 1,200 people and abducted another 250 into the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include the killing of civilians, sexual violence, the destruction of homes and the taking of hostages, which the report said could also constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response to the report, the Israeli Embassy in Geneva on Friday denounced what it called the OHCHR's "obsession" with the "demonisation of Israel." It also criticized the agency's alleged "omission of Hamass systematic exploitation of civilian infrastructure" during the year-long conflict, and claimed Israel is complying with international law. Good morning and welcome to the Under the Dome newsletter. Im Caitlyn Yaede. The week is winding down, but that doesnt mean results from Election Day are finalized. Democrat Don Davis beat out Republican opponent Laurie Buckhout to keep his seat in the U.S. House serving District 1, the AP declared on Thursday. Winners have yet to be declared in five races: Democratic state Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs is still battling for her seat against Republican Jefferson Griffin. Its a close race Riggs has 49.9% of the vote to Griffins 50.1% and may trigger a recount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Brian Cohn is holding on to a small lead over Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon less than 200 votes. The two are fighting to serve N.C. House District 32. Similarly, Democrat Nicole Sidman is trailing close behind Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham for a seat in the state House by a mere 0.4%. Democrats may not be able to flip the district The Observers Nora ONeill explains why. In the state Senate, districts 18 and 42 are still being contested. In District 18, Republican Ashlee Adams and Democrat Terence Everitt are virtually tied, with fewer than 40 votes separating the two. In District 42, Democrat Woodson Bradley is leading Republican Stacie McGinn by 0.14%. BLUE GOVERNOR, RED LEGISLATURE AGAIN With North Carolinians electing a Democratic governor and a Republican majority in the General Assembly, this years election results might feel like deja vu. Thats because four years ago, they did the same, electing Gov. Roy Cooper to serve alongside a Republican majority later becoming a supermajority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Josh Stein is slated to take the governorship in January and work across the aisle with the GOP-led General Assembly, albeit without their former supermajority in the state House. Dawn Vaughan reports that Stein, Republican Senate leader Phil Berger and current House Rules Committee chair Destin Hall, who is likely to be elected House speaker, will hold the greatest power in the state. Vaughan also introduces us to N.C.s governor-elect with everything you need to know before he takes office. WHAT ELSE WERE READING Kamala Harris received fewer votes in Mecklenburg County North Carolinas largest Democratic stronghold than Joe Biden did in 2020. The Assemblys Matt Hartman investigates why turnout is an ongoing issue for organizers in the region. WHAT ELSE WERE WORKING ON Kamala Harris defeat by Donald Trump on Tuesday brings back memories of Hillary Clinton s 2016 fall to the same candidate. Their historic runs raised hopes of the United States first female president. Mary Helen Moore talked to experts about what this may mean for the future of women in the Oval Office. The Raleigh City Council will work with local HBCUs to strengthen their financial stability. Shaw and St. Augustines universities will partner with the city to explore grant options and expand the available affordable housing. Kristen Johnson has more. Democrat Mo Green secured a 2% margin over his controversial Republican opponent, Michele Morrow, in the race for N.C. superintendent of public instruction. Still, power over public education is shared with the GOP-controlled legislature and the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. The Observers Rebecca Noel explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays newsletter was by Caitlyn Yaede. Check your inbox tomorrow for more #ncpol. The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon on Friday accused the Israeli army of "deliberate and direct destruction" of its property. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two excavators and one bulldozer belonging to the Israeli army destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in the border area of Ras Naqoura on Thursday. The mission called the incident a "a flagrant violation" of international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF [Israeli army]," UNIFIL added in a post on X. "We again remind the IDF and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," the mission said. On Thursday, UNIFIL said five peacekeepers were slightly injured in an Israeli drone strike in Sidon in southern Lebanon. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations has been planning for the possible return of Donald Trump and the cuts to U.S. funding and engagement with world body that are likely to come with his second term as president. There was a sense of "deja vu and some trepidation" at the 193-member world body, said one senior Asian diplomat, as Republican Trump won Tuesday's U.S. election over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is also some hope that a transactional administration will engage the U.N. on some areas even if it were to defund some dossiers. After all, what bigger and better global stage is there than the United Nations?" said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. A U.S. retreat at the U.N. could open the door for China, which has been building its influence in global diplomacy. Trump has offered few specifics about foreign policy in his second term but supporters say the force of his personality and his "peace through strength" approach will help bend foreign leaders to his will. He has vowed to solve the war in Ukraine and is expected to give strong support to Israel in its conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Among the top concerns at the U.N. are whether the United States will decide to contribute less money to the world body and withdraw from key multinational institutions and agreements, including the world Heath Organization and the Paris climate agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. funding is the immediate worry. Washington is the U.N.'s largest contributor - with China second - accounting for 22% of the core U.N. budget and 27% of the peacekeeping budget. A country can be up to two years in arrears before facing the possible repercussion of losing its General Assembly vote. 'EXTREMELY HARD' Trump came to power last time proposing to cut about a third off U.S. diplomacy and aid budgets, which included steep reductions in funding for U.N. peacekeeping and international organizations. But Congress, which sets the federal U.S. government budget, pushed back on Trump's proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.N. spokesperson said at the time the proposed cuts would have made it impossible to continue all essential work. "The U.N. secretariat has known that they could face a Trump comeback all year. There has been prudent planning behind the scenes on how to manage potential U.S. budget cuts," said Richard Gowan, U.N. director at the International Crisis Group. "So (U.N. Secretary-General Antonio) Guterres and his team are not totally unprepared, but they know the next year will be extremely hard," he said. Trump's team did not immediately respond to a query about his policy toward the U.N. after he takes office in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Trump complained that the U.S. was shouldering an unfair burden of the cost of the U.N. and pushed for reforms. Washington is traditionally slow to pay and when Trump left office in 2021 the U.S. was in arrears about $600 million for the core budget and $2 billion for peacekeeping. According to U.N. figures, President Joe Biden's administration currently owes $995 million for the core U.N. budget and $862 million for the peacekeeping budget. "I don't want to pre-empt or speak about policies that may or may not happen, but we work with member states in the way we've always worked with member states," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday. In 2026, the U.N. Security Council will choose Guterres' successor, a decision in which the Trump administration will hold a veto power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'GREAT NEWS FOR CHINA' During Trump's first term, he was critical of the United Nations and wary of multilateralism. He announced plans to quit the World Health Organization, and pulled out of the U.N. Human Rights Council, the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, a global climate change accord and the Iran nuclear deal. When Biden succeeded him in 2021, he rescinded the U.S. decision to withdraw from the WHO and returned the U.S. to UNESCO and the climate agreement. Trump's campaign has said he would quit the climate deal again if he won office. "It will survive. But, of course, it will probably survive severely undermined," Guterres told Reuters in September of a second withdrawal from the climate pact by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the U.S. election, a senior European diplomat said a Trump win would be "great news for China," recalling that during Trump's first term "the Chinese influence in the U.N. increased a lot because it was an open bar for the Chinese." The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that if Trump again cuts U.N. funding and withdraws from international pacts "it will just give China the opportunity to present itself as the supporter number one of multilateralism." U.S. funding for some other U.N. agencies is also in question. One of the first moves by the Trump administration in 2017 was to cut funding for U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), the international body's agency focused on family planning as well as maternal and child health in more than 150 countries. Trump's administration said UNFPA "supports ... a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization." The U.N. said that was an inaccurate perception. Biden restored U.S. funding for UNFPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump again cuts funding, UNFPA warned that "women will lose lifesaving services in some of the world's most devastating crises" in places like Afghanistan, Sudan and Ukraine. Under Trump's first presidency, the U.S. also opposed long-agreed international language on women's sexual and reproductive rights and health in U.N. resolutions over concern that it would advance abortion rights. A senior African diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, summed up the impending return of Trump for multilateralism and the United Nations: "The heavens help us." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Don Durfee and Alistair Bell) The University of Iowa is helping veterans and military members on campus connect and get their voices heard with a new council. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The University of Iowa is establishing a new council with the aim of supporting military members and veterans on campus. The UI Veteran and Military Council will serve as a space for students, faculty and staff with military experience to find resources, connections and more, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the university, there are currently more than 560 veteran students, more than 160 National Guard and Reserve members, and more than 130 Air Force and Army ROTC cadets, alongside the more than 500 faculty and staff members who identified as veterans or military members in 2023. I work directly with veteran and military students every day and see a need for some of the same types of support for faculty and staff who are veterans, said Matthew Miller, Iowa veteran education, transition, and support director of student support services, in the release. Establishing this council is an excellent way to really build a community among faculty and staff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to its website, the council will represent the voice of veterans and military members on campus, address the groups needs and concerns, support recruitment and retainment efforts for military students, staff and faculty and serve as a formalized liaison between Veteran & Military staff, faculty, students and the greater University of Iowa communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller is serving on the council as a member of its interim leadership team. He said in the release that the council will also provide a place where students can find mentors who can understand their experiences, and other connections. We can sometimes be siloed in our buildings or in our departments, Miller said in the release. This is a great opportunity for us to reach across campus to other faculty and staff who have a shared experience. We also want to support our National Guard and Reserve members who have other obligations outside of the university and show them that theres a network to support them. Adam Potter, senior human resources specialist and a member of the interim leadership team, said in the release that in addition to providing more of a voice for veterans on campus, the council will also serve to draw in potential employees and encourage students to get involved. The council is currently undergoing a search for members, and interested parties can reach out to ui-veteran-council@uiowa.edu to get more information. Anyone on campus is welcome to join, Potter said, and he believes the council will most likely meet monthly and eventually host events. According to the website, the first meeting is planned for early December, and weekly planning meetings are currently underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited to move forward, Potter said. We hope that people show interest and get involved. We want Iowa to be a place where veterans, National Guard members, Army Reserve, and Army ROTC cadets can feel more at home when theyre at home. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Correction: A previous version of this story misstated how students should report issues of harassment to university leaders. Students should contact the office of Dean of Students Byron Hughes. Several University of Tennessee at Knoxville students were targeted by a racist text message campaign that's been reported at campuses nationwide. The messages tell recipients they've been selected to pick cotton at a nearby plantation and instruct them how to report to work. USA TODAY reported a few instances of similar messages that mention the Ku Klux Klan. The messages began arriving shortly before Election Day and have continued in the days after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the targeted UT students filed a complaint with university officials or police, but several told the Dean of Students office or University of Tennessee police they received the anonymous text message. "Unfortunately, we are not immune from racist messages that have been circulating nationally," UT spokesperson Kerry Gardner told Knox News on Nov. 7 in a written response. "We are aware of a few students who have received it. We have offered care and support to those students should they want it and will make support available to any other students who may be yet to come forward." The texts originated from a local area code, but online search tools yield no results about the sender or senders. Agencies in several states that were told about the racist messages consulted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but the sender or senders have not been identified. Clemson University officials said the numbers are associated with spoofing sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People, including many Black college students, in Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina have reported to police or news outlets that they received the racist texts. "Hateful discourse such as this aims to instill fear in the community and disrupt us from exercising our constitutional rights," said the Gwinnett Sheriff's Office in Georgia on its Facebook page. What University of Tennessee students should do if they've received a hateful message UT urges students to report racist text messages to the office of the Dean of Students and to the UT Police Department. UTPD's non-emergency phone number is 865-974-3114. More details about reporting an incident and resources for students can be found online at studentlife.utk.edu/campusclimate/report-an-incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UT also provides counseling resources to students. Appointments can be made online for the Student Counseling Center at studentlife.utk.edu/counselingcenter. Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real. Support strong local journalism by subscribing to subscribe.knoxnews.com. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee students targeted by racist text campaign Special Counsel Jack Smith appears to be giving up on a prosecution against President-elect Donald Trump over his alleged role in a plot to subvert the results of the 2020 election. In a Friday filing to Judge Tanya Chutkan, Smiths office asked that the court vacate future scheduled proceedings to afford the government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy. The DOJ has long held that they should not prosecute sitting presidents. Any consultation that Smith holds with his superiors will likely find that the case be paused, if not abandoned altogether. Recent reports claimed that Smith is already in the process of winding down the cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was previously impeached for his alleged role in a scheme to overturn the election, but conviction in the Senate failed by 10 votes. Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November of 2022, nearly 2 years after the assault, to investigate Trump, but major delays plagued the probe. The Supreme Court intervened at the request of Trumps attorneys earlier this year, to consider whether Trump's presidential immunity covered his actions on January 6. The court's ruling greatly extended the legal immunity afforded to a president, but Smith was able to narrow the scope of his case accordingly. The cases dismissal appeared inevitable following Trumps Tuesday victory. Hes previously promised to clear out the Biden Department of Justice and fire Smith. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) For the first time since 1983, flood maps in Peoria County are being updated, and residents got a chance to look at them and speak with FEMA representatives about flood insurance. The open house was held at the Peoria Public Librarys main branch downtown, with those who live near the floodplain of the Illinois River and its creeks and tributaries the most impacted by the topic at hand. Andrew Braun is the Floodplain Administrator for Peoria County, and said the current maps are on in black and white. The new maps are in color and residents can more easily pinpoint their homes, seeing how affected they could be by flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is really going to push us forward with the technology that we have available to us. And its going to make it easier for everybody to understand the flood risk associated with their property, he said. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance, and insurance costs depend on a variety of factors, such as proximity to bodies of water and the homes structural quality. Braun said homeowners with federally backed mortgages who live in floodplains are required to carry flood insurance, but any property owner can get it. The open house was designed to inform the public, according to Braun. If youre looking to purchase a property, we want to make sure that you have an avenue to find that information, that realtors have an avenue to find that information outside of the regular disclosures, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Ross is from Omaha, Nebraska and looking to move to the Peoria area. She attended the open house to learn more information about floodplains, even though she doesnt necessarily want to live near one. Flood insurance is very expensive, so Im trying to avoid getting a property that requires it or is even close to it. But its recommended to get it anywhere it rains, she said. Braun said the new maps will be adopted by late 2025 at the earliest, but Thursdays open house was a good first step in releasing them to the public. He added that impacted property owners will receive mailing information in the near future. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) For 43 years, Fall for Greenville has been held in downtown on Main Street. Its a festival full of music, and food along with beer and wine. The festival will last all weekend long and the fun starts on Friday. Preparations began Thursday for the Upstates largest event. A family friendly wonderful experience that is truly a taste of what Greenville has to offer. Thats how Veera Gaul, board chair for Fall for Greenville and downtown business owner, described Fall for Greenville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 60 different food vendors offering more than 300 menu items, there is a taste for everyone. The food, Gaul said. Oh, how can you not love the food? The food was good, Greenville resident David Gunn said. The music was good, so Im excited to be back out here. Music draws listeners from all directions with seven stages and more than 80 bands set to perform. All of the music is free to enjoy so anyone can come downtown to enjoy that, said Anna Catherine Miller, tourism administrator for the City of Greenville. Mac Arnold is going to be down there so that is always fun to see, said Greenville resident Dawson Kellett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenville city leaders said a selection of beer, wine, and Pepsi products will be available with 50+ beer taps and wine vendors. While Fall for Greenville is in the heart of downtown, its not just a local event for Greenville residents. This year in pre-sale tickets, we have 27 different states that are represented, Miller said. That is just in presale tickets alone. We also have the U.S. Virgin Islands that is going to be here. Tickets were purchased from there as well. People from all over the country want to experience a weekend full of flavor. When it pops up usually group chats and friends start making plans, Kellett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And business owners like Gaul say its the best weekend of the year, with last years crowds surpassing 200,000 people. My store does really well Fall for Greenville weekend, Gaul added. It brings so many people downtown that are both locals and visitors and it really creates this vibe that allows people to kind of want to wonder into shop. Fall for Greenville will run from Friday through Sunday. Seven different locations will be set up to purchase tickets for food and drinks. Admission is free. Something different the city is doing this year is accepting donations at those ticket booths for Hurricane Helene victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders said 100% of donations will go towards local efforts in Greenville and rebuilding efforts in western North Carolina. The festival was originally set for October but was postponed due to Helene. Numerous roads will be closed and parking is $5 at any City of Greenville garage. City leaders say they still need volunteers. Volunteers will get a free t-shirt and some taste tickets. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) An Upstate man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug charges following his trial in Spartanburg County. 45-year-old Kevin Terrell McLean Sr., of Spartanburg, was tried and found guilty of trafficking crack, trafficking cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. An investigation was initiated in July 2022, officers with the Spartanburg Police Department responded to a call of an unconscious driver at the intersection of Drayton Road and Old Charlotte Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found McLean unresponsive in the drivers seat while the car was still running with the transmission in gear to drive. The front passenger window was completely rolled down. Police said they saw an open container of liquor in plain sight. After several attempts, officers were able to awaken McLean who then provided his drivers permit. It was determined the suspect was driving but his license had been suspended. Authorities searched McLean and found a large amount of money and a brown bag filled with multiple small plastic bags of different substances. When weighed and tested, it was determined the suspect had a total of 60 grams of crack, 17 grams of cocaine, and over five grams of methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers also learned that McLean had a prior criminal history including convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute crack within a half-mile of school. McLean received the jurys guilty verdicts and then issued his sentences Wednesday, Nov. 6 totaling to 25 years in prison. All of the sentences shall be served concurrently according to officials. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. DETROIT (AP) The U.S. government's highway safety agency says Tesla is telling drivers in public statements that its vehicles can drive themselves, conflicting with owners manuals and briefings with the agency saying the electric vehicles need human supervision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking the company to revisit its communications to make sure messages are consistent with user instructions. The request came in a May email to the company from Gregory Magno, a division chief with the agency's Office of Defects Investigation. It was attached to a letter seeking information on a probe into crashes involving Tesla's Full Self-Driving system in low-visibility conditions. The letter was posted Friday on the agency's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency began the investigation in October after getting reports of four crashes involving Full Self-Driving" when Teslas encountered sun glare, fog and airborne dust. An Arizona pedestrian was killed in one of the crashes. Critics, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have long accused Tesla of using deceptive names for its partially automated driving systems, including Full Self-Driving and Autopilot, both of which have been viewed by owners as fully autonomous. The letter and email raise further questions about whether Full Self-Driving will be ready for use without human drivers on public roads, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has predicted. Much of Tesla's stock valuation hinges on the company deploying a fleet of autonomous robotaxis. Musk, who has promised autonomous vehicles before, said the company plans to have autonomous Models Y and 3 running without human drivers next year. Robotaxis without steering wheels would be available in 2026 starting in California and Texas, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A message was sent Friday seeking comment from Tesla. In the email, Magno writes that Tesla briefed the agency in April on an offer of a free trial of Full Self-Driving and emphasized that the owner's manual, user interface and a YouTube video tell humans that they have to remain vigilant and in full control of their vehicles. But Magno cited seven posts or reposts by Tesla's account on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that Magno said indicated that Full Self-Driving is capable of driving itself. Tesla's X account has reposted or endorsed postings that exhibit disengaged driver behavior, Magno wrote. We believe that Tesla's postings conflict with its stated messaging that the driver is to maintain continued control over the dynamic driving task." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The postings may encourage drivers to see Full Self-Driving, which now has the word supervised next to it in Tesla materials, to view the system as a chauffeur or robotaxi rather than a partial automation/driver assist system that requires persistent attention and intermittent intervention by the driver, Magno wrote. On April 11, for instance, Tesla reposted a story about a man who used Full Self-Driving to travel 13 miles (21 kilometers) from his home to an emergency room during a heart attack just after the free trial began on April 1. A version of Full Self-Driving helped the owner "get to the hospital when he needed immediate medical attention, the post said. In addition, Tesla says on its website that use of Full Self-Driving and Autopilot without human supervision depends on achieving reliability" and regulatory approval, Magno wrote. But the statement is accompanied by a video of a man driving on local roads with his hands on his knees, with a statement that, The person in the driver's seat is only there for legal reasons. He is not doing anything. The car is driving itself, the email said. In the letter seeking information on driving in low-visibility conditions, Magno wrote that the investigation will focus on the system's ability to perform in low-visibility conditions caused by relatively common traffic occurrences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers, he wrote, may not be told by the car that they should decide where Full Self-Driving can safely operate or fully understand the capabilities of the system. This investigation will consider the adequacy of feedback or information the system provides to drivers to enable them to make a decision in real time when the capability of the system has been exceeded, Magno wrote. The letter asks Tesla to describe all visual or audio warnings that drivers get that the system is unable to detect and respond to any reduced visibility condition. The agency gave Tesla until Dec. 18 to respond to the letter, but the company can ask for an extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means the investigation is unlikely to be finished by the time President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, and Trump has said he would put Musk in charge of a government efficiency commission to audit agencies and eliminate fraud. Musk spent at least $119 million in a campaign to get Trump elected, and Trump has spoken against government regulations. Auto safety advocates fear that if Musk gains some control over NHTSA, the Full Self-Driving and other investigations into Tesla could be derailed. Musk even floated the idea of him helping to develop national safety standards for self-driving vehicles. Of course the fox wants to build the henhouse, said Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit watchdog group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that he can't think of anyone who would agree that a business mogul should have direct involvement in regulations that affect the moguls companies. Thats a huge problem for democracy, really, Brooks said. The US Department of State has noted that Washington is continuing to work with its allies and partners on the response to North Korea's deployment of troops near the Ukrainian border. Source: US Department of State; Radio Liberty, citing Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State Quote from Miller: "We are consulting with our allies and partners about the appropriate response to the deployment of North Korean soldiers inside [Russia's] Kursk to potentially engage in combat against Ukrainian soldiers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: At the same time, Miller indicated that he does not "have any announcements to make today". He added that "the response to Russias aggression against Ukraine has not been just a United States response". Therefore, the State Department spokesperson stressed that "it is a response that we have organised on behalf of more than 50 countries". Quote from Miller: "On behalf of the United States, we are going to continue to support Ukraine. We are going to continue to support them on the battlefield, and we are going to continue to work to maintain the alliance that we have put together to back Ukraine." Details: He also indicated that the US has raised concerns with China over Russia's increased engagement with North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously: Reports indicated that the North Korean military had been involved in hostilities in Russia's Kursk Oblast for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast had suffered casualties. Support UP or become our patron! Colorado voters from across the political spectrum are happy with the state's voting system and give local officials high marks for the way they administer elections, according to statewide exit polling released Thursday by a bipartisan public opinion research consortium. The News World politicians are scrambling to excuse past critical comments about Donald Trump as he returns to power. The Australian ambassador to the US removed old tweets, notably one calling Trump the most destructive president in history, as the countrys prime minister reached out to congratulate Trump a man he himself once said scares the shit out of me. As a backbench MP in 2018, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Trump a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathizing sociopath, something he now says is old news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who once said Trump should stop lying, also sang a different tune, saying, I look forward to our cooperation. SIGNALS European allies make the case for continued cooperation Sources: Nils Schmid, The New York Times US allies are racing to get off to a better start with Trump than they did in 2016, when world leaders were more circumspect about the billionaires unexpected victory. One of their key messages is that they can offer real benefits to the US. Working together is more effective than working against each other, Nils Schmid, a German lawmaker, told Semafor, although he conceded that the transatlantic relationship is becoming rougher, as Trump does not view Germany and the EU as partners. Europeans have stressed that Europe and the US need each other, with EU diplomats pointing to the Netherlands role in restricting Chinas semiconductor industry, the importance of European markets for American companies, and the fact that the only time NATOs article 5 mutual defense clause has been triggered was after the 9/11 attacks. Key US allies in Indo-Pacific are less concerned Sources: Reuters, Foreign Affairs While European allies are worried about a reduced US commitment to NATO and Ukraine, American partners in the Indo-Pacific have higher hopes that the Trump administration will continue to value those relationships as it seeks to maintain pressure on China. The Philippine ambassador to the US told Reuters that he thought potential policy changes under Trump would be minimal and could even be beneficial, saying that it is in their interest that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, peaceful and stable. But some experts believe the US Asian allies should be more worried: A second Trump administration is likely to be far more disruptive for Asia than the first one was, an analyst wrote in Foreign Affairs, arguing that Trump is likely to see Asian allies as trade adversaries and reduce the US military presence in the region. The Biden administration allowed U.S. defense contractors to work in Ukraine to maintain and repair American-supplied weapons, Reuters reported on Nov. 8, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The "small numbers" of contractors will not participate in combat operations and will be stationed far from the front line, one of the sources told Reuters. Such a move comes in the final months of Joe Biden's presidency before Donald Trump returns to the White House after the victory in the U.S. presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This policy would help the Ukrainian military maintain and repair weapons systems provided by Washington much more quickly. Washington will also send Kyiv the full $6 billion military aid before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, the Pentagon confirmed on Nov. 7. Politico reported that Biden was rushing to deliver the remaining funds by the end of his term out of fear that a Trump administration might halt weapons shipments to Kyiv. Trump's electoral victory triggered fears that U.S. aid to Ukraine might soon draw to a close. His comments on Ukraine have emphasized speedy results over long-term support, and he has refrained from saying he wants Kyiv to prevail over Moscow. President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a recent phone call with President-elect Trump that the two had agreed "to maintain close dialogue and strengthen our cooperation." Read also: Kuleba: 5 lessons for Ukrainians from Trumps victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United States is ready to support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expresses his willingness in this regard. Source: Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, at a briefing, as reported by European Pravda Details: In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's statements about the possibility of ending the Russo-Ukrainian war in the "first 24 hours" of his term in office, journalists asked the spokesperson whether Washington would facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia "if both parties sort of express a willingness to start talking towards that". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller emphasised that if the Ukrainian president decides that he wants to start negotiations with Russia, the United States will support this. "That has been our policy our longstanding policy that it is up for President Zelenskyy to decide when its time for negotiations. Its not something that it is appropriate for us or for any other country to push him into," he stressed. The spokesperson emphasised that the United States would support Zelenskyy "in any process to try and ensure a just and lasting peace, but that is ultimately his decision". "But as always and you can just look at the statements that he continues to make we have seen no indication from Vladimir Putin that he is willing to drop his demand to continue to gobble up Ukrainian territory," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller also expressed confidence that Putin had agreed to negotiations in which he "would accept where he gets everything that he wants and Ukraine gets nothing that it is entitled to under the law". "But that is not a negotiation that President Zelenskyy has been interested in nor should it be," he concluded. Background: According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump's team is supposedly considering the idea of freezing the front along the current line with a demilitarised zone and a 20-year moratorium on Ukraine's NATO membership to fulfil his promise to "end the war quickly" in Ukraine. Zelenskyy himself, congratulating Trump on his victory in the election, said he appreciated his commitment to the "peace through strength" approach and expressed his belief that it could help bring a just peace to Ukraine. After the European Political Community Summit, Zelenskyy noted that he believed that Trump wanted a quick end to the war but that it could mean losses for Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! An American citizen who allegedly spied for China was arrested on Thursday, Germanys federal prosecutor office said, as reported by The Associated Press. The suspect, Martin D., was arrested in Frankfurt and his home was searched, the office said, according to AP. The suspect had previously worked for the U.S. Armed Forces in Germany and is strongly suspected of having agreed to act as an intelligence agent for a foreign secret service, AP reported that the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP also reported that the accused had contacted the Chinese government earlier this year and offered to transmit sensitive information from the U.S. military to a Chinese intelligence service, an investigation by Germanys intelligence service found. The suspect got the information through his work in the U.S. army, AP said the statement noted. The Hill has contacted Germanys federal prosecutor office for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON -A U.S. judge in Texas on Thursday ruled against President Joe Biden's program offering a path to citizenship for certain immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens, a blow that could keep the program blocked through Biden's final months in office. U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker found the program, which offers a path to citizenship to around 500,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally if they are married to U.S. citizens, exceeded Biden's executive authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative, known as Keeping Families Together, launched in August but was blocked days later by Barker, who left it frozen while he considered a legal challenge brought by Texas and a coalition of U.S. states with Republican attorneys general. Biden, a Democrat, announced the program in June before dropping out of the presidential race and paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to face Republican Donald Trump, an immigration hardliner. Trump defeated Harris in Tuesday's election and is expected to launch a wide-ranging immigration crackdown that would likely include rolling back Biden's initiative for immigrant spouses, which the Trump campaign called a "mass amnesty" that would encourage illegal immigration. Americans see immigration as the most pressing issue for Trump to address when he takes office in January, and a large majority believe he will order mass deportations of people living in the U.S. illegally, a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said in a statement on Friday that the Biden administration disagreed with the ruling and was considering next steps. "As the president has said, America is not a country that tears families apart," he said. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton lauded the ruling by Barker, a Trump appointee. Once again we have stopped the Biden-Harris administrations radical attempts to destroy Americas borders and undermine the rule of law, Paxton said. (Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Mary, Milliken, Leslie Adler and Bill Berkrot) The News The US Justice Department on Friday filed criminal charges over an alleged Iran-backed murder-for-hire plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump ahead of the Nov. 5 election. An Afghan national identified as an Iranian government asset told investigators that a contact within Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in September instructed him to to put together a plan to surveil and ultimately kill Trump, the Associated Press reported. The plot was ultimately thwarted by the FBI. The Afghan national, who has been charged in connection with the plot, was deported from the US and now remains in Iran, according to the Associated Press. Two other men involved in the plot including a prominent Iranian-American journalist were also arrested and charged Friday, authorities said in an unsealed complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement. US officials in September informed Trump about Iranian threats against him, his campaign said at the time. Authorities later clarified that the plot was unrelated to the two failed domestic assassination attempts against Trump. The president was briefed on real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States, the Trump campaign said in September. The 2024 election was marked by extensive foreign interference. Officials earlier this summer alleged that Russia paid US right-wing networks to push disinformation, and Chinese hackers reportedly targeted Trump and his running mate JD Vances phone data. By 2030, the U.S. could have approximately 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs. Not only are these lost opportunities for American workers, but this magnitude of unfilled manufacturing jobs could negatively impact the U.S. economy, costing us more than $1 trillion by the end of the decade. Part of that cost will be realized in reduced production capacity, limited adoption of new, more efficient technologies and overall slower pace of development and innovation. Beyond the economic implications, our nations unfilled defense manufacturing jobs have significant national security implications for our country. How did we get here? When looking at the maritime industrial base, it was post-Cold War budget cuts in the mid-1990s that led to reduced maritime production and left the once-robust industry fractured and fragile. Suppliers shifted focus or closed their doors, splintering a tightly integrated supply chain. Workers moved on and out of the manufacturing field, creating an immense skills gap. Today, we are short nearly 140,000 workers to support the building of submarines alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for todays remaining suppliers, there is a lack of new, younger skilled workers to replace veteran employees who are retiring and taking their years of production and maintenance experience with them. All of this contributes to the backlogs in ship production and maintenance at a time of broadening global threats. The most critical imperative the U.S. Navy is facing is to expand and sustain production capacity across the maritime industrial base to recapitalize its sea-based deterrence and guarantee a capable, enduring maritime presence at all times. To that end, the Navy recently launched the 1+2 Mission to build and maintain a cadence of three new submarines each year one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines. It is a massive, once-in-a-generation undertaking to revitalize shipbuilding, its supply chains and the maritime workforce. All hands on deck Our challenges are national in scope, necessitating coordination and collaboration across the country. Increasing capability, capacity, and collaboration on such a scale also depends heavily on understanding the unique strengths and needs of local regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This requires a neutral, integrated, whole of nation approach that empowers local suppliers and workforce initiatives, while building a cohesive, nationwide network that is focused on revitalizing the entire maritime industry and renewing the pride and satisfaction that comes with a career in manufacturing. There are good efforts in place to try to address these challenges and revitalize Americas maritime industrial base and our overall manufacturing sector. One of the many ways the Navy is stepping outside the box was through the establishment of a partnership in 2022 with non-profit BlueForge Alliance where I serve as chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board. Designated as their maritime and submarine industrial base integrator, this neutral, unbiased partner is focused on supplier development, workforce enablement and the strategic implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. Through these unique approaches, the Navy has had success in integrating shipbuilders, suppliers and a skilled workforce that can grow and sustain the maritime industrial base. In less than two years, they have provided more than $273 million to suppliers directly connected to the submarine industrial base to expand capacity and capability. More than 4,000 individuals have been trained in skilled trades directly tied to the submarine and maritime industrial base needs, and over 10,000 employees were hired in 2023, a 41% increase over the previous year. In addition, the BuildSubmarines.com website, managed by BlueForge Alliance, has attracted more than 11 million visits, leading to the creation of more than 560,000 job alerts and more than 1.4 million clicks to apply for jobs. Recent advancements in advanced manufacturing are transforming the submarine industrial base, driving improvements in both production capability and capacity. Through the adoption of cutting-edge tools like Additive Manufacturing (AM), automation, robotics, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), the industrial base is reducing lead times, improving quality, safety, and boosting overall performance metrics. Automated Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and AI-driven radiographic testing have significantly decreased inspection times while improving repeatability and quality control. Meanwhile, the certification of Navy-specific AM process material combinations are eliminating supply chain bottlenecks, allowing for rapid, more flexible alternatives to the manufacturing of critical parts. These technological efforts are not only increasing the resilience and agility of the supply chain but also ensuring the maritime industrial base is better positioned to meet the Navys growing demands and sustain long-term success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is clear, that if we work together, locally and nationally across government, businesses and community we can boost the American economy through a resurgence of manufacturing. Our nations maritime manufacturing industry can offer individuals a chance for stable, rewarding, and lucrative careers with the potential for dynamic growth. And most importantly, we can ensure those who serve our nation will be better equipped to defend it. Stephen Rodriguez is founder of One Defense and a commission director at the Atlantic Council. The U.S. will support President Volodymyr Zelensky if he decides to start negotiations with Moscow, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a Nov. 7 briefing. "It's not something that it is appropriate for us or for any other country to push him into. And we would support him in any process to try and ensure a just and lasting peace, but that is ultimately his decision, not ours," Miller said. Miller also stressed that, per the U.N. Charter, Ukraine has the right to maintain its borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the U.S. has "seen no indication" that Putin plans to "drop his demand to continue to gobble up Ukrainian territory." "I'm sure there's a negotiation that Putin would accept where he gets everything that he wants, and Ukraine gets nothing that it is entitled to under the law, but that is not a negotiation that President Zelensky has been interested in, nor should it be," he added. On Jan. 20 next year, Donald Trump's administration will take office. Trump's allies argue that Ukraine is losing the war and, therefore, pushing for a settlement is morally right, according to reports. The Financial Times (FT) reported on Oct. 28 that Trump planned to end the Russian war in Ukraine by freezing it in case of his victory in the U.S. presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump reportedly believes U.S. President Joe Biden should talk to Putin, as presidents did with Soviet leaders during the Cold War, and that NATO membership is not an option for Ukraine in the short term. Earlier on Nov. 7, Putin congratulated Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, adding that he was ready "to cooperate." Putin said Trump's campaign statements "deserve attention," referring to the Republican's aspiration to restore relations with Russia and help end the "Ukrainian crisis." Trump has claimed he would end Russia's war within "24 hours" without elaborating on how he plans to achieve it. Some reports and statements from Trump's inner circle indicate this might entail pressuring Ukraine to cede territory or give up on its NATO aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: What we know about Trumps plans for ending Russias war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Mike Schultz will continue in his role as Speaker of the House and J. Stuart Adams will continue to lead the Senate, as Republicans in the state of Utah announced the roles for House and Senate leadership on Thursday, Nov. 7. Schultz will be joined by Jefferson Moss (R-Saratoga Springs), Karianne Lisonbee (R-Davis County), and Casey Snider (R-Cache County) in leadership positions. Moss will be the Majority Leader, Lisonbee will be the Majority Whip, and Snider will be the Majority Assistant Whip. Gas leak determined as cause of home explosion that killed 15-year-old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am humbled and excited to continue serving as Speaker of the House, Schultz said today. He continues by saying that he is sure the House of Representatives will continue to do great things for Utah for the next two years. Schultz began his legislative service in 2015 and represents Davis and Weber Counties, he is a graduate of Roy High School. Jefferson Moss began his service in 2017, he studied at Provos Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelors and masters degree. It is an honor to serve my colleagues in the House Majority Caucus. Our caucus members selfless dedication and subject matter expertise continually impresses me, Moss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisonbee served previously as Majority Whip in the 65th legislature and will continue her service in that position next year. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues. I look forward to serving them and representing their voices and the voices of all Utahns, Lisonbee said. The Senate Majority also announced their leadership Thursday. The Senate leaders are as follows: President Sen. J. Stuart Adams Majority Leader Sen. Kirk Cullimore Majority Whip Sen. Chris Wilson Majority Assistant Whip Sen. Michael McKell The Utah Senate remains committed to putting Utahns first. During the 2025 General Session, senators will work toward becoming more energy independent, strengthening water optimization and development, supporting students and teachers, protecting children from the harms of social media, making life more affordable for Utahns, and investing in infrastructure projects to manage Utahs growth, the statement from the Utah Republican Party said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The second special session of the current General Assembly has concluded, passing two of the 13 bills introduced on Monday. House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, is pictured during a press conference at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Both House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, told reporters Thursday night they misstepped when they wrote proposed constitutional Amendment Ds vague ballot language, which was voided by the courts for being misleading to voters. The courts also voided both Amendment D (which would have made clear in the Utah Constitution that the Legislature has the power to repeal or replace any type of ballot initiative), and Amendment A (which would have removed the states constitutional earmark on income tax revenue for education) because state officials failed to meet publication requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I made some mistakes, and Ill own that, Schultz said when reporters asked him about lessons learned from amendments A and D. Were going to work together to find better ways. The Utah Constitution explicitly states the Legislature shall cause the text of proposed constitutional amendments to be published in at least one newspaper in every county of the state, where a newspaper is published, for two months immediately preceding the next general election. But that didnt happen for any of the proposed constitutional amendments that appeared on the Nov. 5 ballot. Amendments A and D were the most controversial, so critics challenged them in court. A district court judge voided Amendment D for two reasons: because it didnt follow publication requirements, and because its ballot language was not only too vague, but also inaccurate and misleading. The Utah Supreme Court upheld that decision. Amendment D ballot language Should the Utah Constitution be changed to strengthen the initiative process by: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prohibiting foreign influence on ballot initiatives and referendums. Clarifying the voters and legislative bodies ability to amend laws. If approved, state law would also be changed to: Allow Utah citizens 50% more time to gather signatures for a statewide referendum. Establish requirements for the legislature to follow the intent of a ballot initiative. Had Amendment D stayed valid and had voters approved it, it would have effectively sidestepped the Utah Supreme Courts recent interpretation of the Utah Constitution that limited the Legislatures powers to repeal and replace government-reform ballot initiatives, instead rewriting the constitution to cement lawmakers power to override any voter-approved ballot initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Nov. 5 ballot language posing the question to voters written by Utahs top Republican legislative leaders, Schultz and Adams did not explain that in plain language, prompting critics to sue as they claimed Amendment Ds language was false and misleading. When pressed on whether he regrets not writing Amendment Ds ballot language more clearly, Schultz said, I probably have a regret that we used the word strengthened. However, he said he truly believed (that) it was factual. It could have been a little more clear on what strengthen meant, but then the language becomes too big, so, you know, I think taking that word out probably would have been better, Schultz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether members of the House Republican caucus were upset with how Amendment D played out, Schultz said, theres always heartache. When the conversation turned to what theyll do differently, Schultz said, well work with the Senate, but he indicated lawmakers may explore revisiting a new law that assigned the House speaker and the Senate president the duty of writing the ballot language for proposed constitutional amendments rather than nonpartisan legislative attorneys. He said lawmakers may also try to address the process that makes sure that notification happens as well as the requirement that proposed constitutional amendments be printed in newspapers. Adams, in a separate media availability Thursday night, said we all can do better when reporters asked whether he had similar regrets though he indicated lawmakers will likely try again to tackle the issue. Both he and the speaker have characterized the Utah Supreme Courts ruling limiting the Legislatures control over government reform as one that made a new law about the initiative power, creating chaos and striking at the very heart of our Republic. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, is pictured during a press conference on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) I think both Speaker Schultz and I, we would have redone the language a little bit, Adams said. But we also are pretty passionate about the republic. So sometimes you step a little fast. Those mistakes happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Adams said the controversy over Amendment D didnt influence Senate majority leadership elections, with Republicans electing three new members of legislative leaders in that body. Asked whether he expects lawmakers to try again during the 2025 legislative session to accomplish what theyd hope to do with Amendment D, Adams said, Ill never give up the passion I have for being a republic. Pressed on whether that means lawmakers will try to propose another constitutional amendment with different wording to Utah voters, Adams wouldnt elaborate. Were working on things like that, he said. Weve got to keep a little bit of anxiety. Well have you stay tuned. But youll see something, I guarantee you. Were not going to give up on that one. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Thursday night, the Utah House and the Utah Senate each met to elect their respective leadership teams for the next two years. In the House, the team remains unchanged, with Speaker Mike Schulz, Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, and Majority Assistant Whip Casey Snider at the top. Schultz, R-Hooper, called it a pivotal time for Utah as we face todays challenges and prepare for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im confident the House of Representatives will accomplish great things for Utah over the next two years, and look forward to serving with all of our representatives to keep Utah the best state in the nation, he said. Moss, of Saratoga Springs, praised his fellow Republicans selfless dedication and subject matter expertise and said he is excited to solve problems and accomplish big things together. I am privileged to continue serving as the majority whip, said Lisonbee, R-Clearfield. And I am grateful for the support of my colleagues. I look forward to serving them and representing their voices and the voices of all Utahns. Snider, R-Paradise, also praised the majority caucus. Im grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside an exceptional leadership team and an extraordinary caucus, he said. The House is ready to make big strides as we work to better the lives of Utahns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Senate, there were some changes. Adams, R-Layton, remains the president of the Senate. He is joined by Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, as majority leader, who ran against Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City. The caucus also elected Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, as majority whip, who ran against Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden. She had been the only female member of the Senate leadership team. The majority assistant whip spot was open, as Cullimore ran for a different spot. Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, won that position. The Senate released a statement outlining the groups accomplishments over the last six years and their legislative priorities for the 2025 session. Leadership said the Utah Senate focused on delivering real results that empower families, strengthen communities and drive Utah forward in the following ways: Providing the largest direct increase to teachers compensation in state history. Cutting taxes by more than $1.3 billion. Doubling education funding. Enacting school choice. Implementing nearly $1 billion for water conservation and infrastructure. Keeping the American dream of homeownership attainable by instating the First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program. Protecting children against addictive social media apps. Investing in innovative energy solutions to make Utah more energy-independent and keep electricity bills low. With the nations strongest economy, the best state for the middle class, the best economic outlook and the happiest, most charitable people, Utah stands as a beacon of hope, said Adams. This doesnt happen by chance its the result of careful foresight and strategic growth. However, we have more work to do. As the Senate, we will continue crafting sound policies that ensure Utahns and our great state thrive for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2025 general session, the statement said, senators will work toward becoming more energy independent, strengthening water optimization and development, supporting students and teachers, protecting children from the harms of social media, making life more affordable for Utahns and investing in infrastructure projects to manage Utahs growth. Members of the new leadership team in the Senate will take their seats when the 2025 legislative session begins on Jan. 21. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A Utica man faces several weapon and drug charges after a Utica Police investigation into a shots-fired incident on Miller Street last week. Utica Police responded to the incident on the 1400 block of Miller Street at approximately 5:15 am on Friday, November 1. Upon their arrival, they spoke with a male and a female who stated the suspect later identified as 42-year-old Tirso DeLeon of Utica came to the females residence and began an argument with her. When the other male arrived on the scene, DeLeon allegedly approached his vehicle and knocked on the window. Police say DeLeon then brandished a firearm and shot twice at the other male, missing both times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male victim then fled the scene, called 911 and returned some time later. Later that morning, DeLeons vehicle was located and towed to the Utica Police Department for processing. When attempts to locate him were unsuccessful, the New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce of the US Marshals were called in to help locate him. DeLeon was finally located on Wednesday, November 6 at a residence on the 200 block of Pleasant Street. A group of officers from the Utica Police Department, the US Marshals Taskforce, and METRO SWAT responded to the location. After approximately 30 minutes, police were able to convince DeLeon to leave the residence. He was subsequently taken into custody without further issue. An execution of a search warrant on the residence found a loaded nine-millimeter handgun and an unknown amount of narcotics. Deleon was subsequently transported to the Utica Police Department, where he is being charged with: Second-degree Attempted Murder, a Class A-I Felony, First-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, a Class B Violent Felony, Second-degree Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E Felony, Fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class A Misdemeanor, Fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class C Felony, and Seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. A man was killed and then set on fire along a Cambria County roadway earlier this week. NBC affiliate WJAC reports the man has been identified as Barry Senior Jr., 54. Emergency crews were called to Route 56, near the county line, for reports of a brush fire just before 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Once the fire was put out, firefighters found Seniors body and called police. WJAC reports Seniors body was found over a guardrail and had been set on fire intentionally. His car was found broken down in another county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy found Senior had been reportedly stabbed and strangled before he was set on fire. He died as a result of massive blood loss and his death has been ruled a homicide. Investigators say Senior died a very violent death. Seniors parents identified him Wednesday night, WJAC reports. A person of interest, who police have not identified, is in custody. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW VESTAL, NY (WIVT/WBGH) George Harrington joined the NAVY in 1943 because it was a good paying job, and he could send an allotment home to his mother to care for his younger siblings. Harrington was a signalman in the NAVY. Using flags and codes to communicate with other ships, and lookout for danger. In the war, we could not have radios because the Japanese could trace where we were located. So, everything had to be done by signals, says Harrington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a flatbed ship, Harrington sailed to Guam, Okinawa, Saipan, the Marshall Islands and many more. Going from island-to-island, resupplying the American bases with supplies and troops. He says at Okinawa, he got bored of manning the ship. This was the invasion of Okinawa. We snuck off the ship and through the jungle, up on the side, was a big clearing up there. And we decided wed go up to the clearing and we could get some souvenirs, says Harrington. In his first year in the service, Harrington says he was very homesick. He says all he wanted was to be home in time for Christmas but his captain had other plans. Ive got good news for you sailors; were going home for Christmas. And he says George, Im awful sorry, but they need you on the other ship, and you have to stay in the war, says Harrington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrington served for 2 years, and he remembers the exact moment he found out the war was over. And the ship that was anchored next to us, he said, the war just ended. I said what? He said the war ended. I went down below deck and told the sailors were going home. The war has ended. They were shooting guns and everything celebrating, says Harrington. He came back to the states and worked at IBM in partnership with NASA to help put a man on the moon. His career was taking off, but Harrington said everyday life was different. It was all strange, the United States was strange. It was hard for us to adjust. And thats why the service men nowadays, we all have a hard time adjusting. When we come back its not the same, says Harrington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrington is now 99 years old, turning 100 just days before Christmas. Hes been inducted into New York States Veterans Hall of Fame and was honored at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thank you for your service George. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. A conversation about the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election prompted The Views hosts to engage in a heated on-air debate on Friday, Nov. 8. Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro were present for the discussion, during which the co-hosts often talked over each other as they sought to get their points across. Behar initiated the discussion by mentioning that President Joe Biden had on Thursday, Nov. 7, accepted the election results and assured Americans the transition to President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration would be peaceful. SIGN UP for Parade's Trending News newsletter & we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments & celebrity news everyone is talking about Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behar then addressed how some people frustrated with Trumps victory over Democrat Kamala Harris have begun finger-pointing, using a question posed earlier this week by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont as an example. It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them," the senator told reporters shortly after the election was called for Trump on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, added, While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. To open the discussion, Behar asked if her fellow co-hosts believed Sanders was right. After Farah Griffin presented her reasons for thinking that Sanders was absolutely right but his solutions are wrong, Hostin jumped in to reframe the conversation. Related: The View's Sunny Hostin Under Fire After Unfiltered Comments About Election Directed at Women I think the more relevant question, actually, is, What is wrong with America? Hostin began. What is wrong with our country that the Republican Party would choose as a candidate and support a candidate who is an insurrectionist, who is an election denier, who is someone who is twice impeached, 34 time convicted felon, someone who has been accused of alleged sexual misconduct by 26 women, found liable for sexual abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "What is wrong with this country that they would choose a message of divisiveness, of xenophobia, of racism, of misogyny, over a message of inclusiveness? A message for the people, by the people, of the people. Thats what the problem is. DEMS DISSECT HARRIS LOSS: As Democrats scramble for answers about why their campaign message was rejected by voters, #TheView co-hosts weigh in on Pres. Biden giving a pep-talk about the partys future and congratulating President-elect Trump. pic.twitter.com/tpJ4iYy7YI The View (@TheView) November 8, 2024 Behar then argued that the Democratic Party has historically been thought of as the party of the working class. All I can deduce is that its the messaging, she said of Harris campaign. It didnt get through to people. Haines then stepped in to argue that the way Democrats generally speak to voters is condescending before clarifying, The message of not being educated, being dumb and whats wrong with America. Haines added that she doesnt blame Biden or Harris specifically, adding, I blame a messaging within the Democratic Party. Next: Whoopi Goldberg Makes a Bold Move on The View Following Election Results FLORIDA On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here. Man Choked 2 Women Outside Polling Location: Sheriff The man got violent with two women over opposing political candidates outside a FL polling location on Election Day, HCSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child Found Dead In Fathers Car Outside Preschool The father went to pick his son up from daycare just to find the 1-year-old had been in the back of his car all day, St. Pete police said. 1 Dead In Waffle House Shooting In Hillsborough County The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened early Saturday at a Waffle House in Riverview. Man Dies After He's Run Over By ATV On Pasco County Road Florida state police said the crash happened on a private road behind a Sunoco gas station in Spring Hill. Girl, 15, Brought Gun To Tampa High School: Hillsborough Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 15-year-old girl was arrested for bringing a gun on campus at Armwood High School in Tampa, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Man Made Bomb Threat At FL City Hall: Pinellas County Sheriff A man hired to hang door notices about polling location changes after hurricanes threatened to blow up Dunedin City Hall, PCSO said. No Arrests Made In Racial Profiling Case: Sarasota County Sheriff 3 men were recorded following a Black teenager through a Sarasota neighborhood last month, the sheriffs office said. No charges were filed. 4 Teens Beat 67-Year-Old Man: Sarasota Police Four teenagers were arrested in the attack of a 67-year-old man early Oct. 13 on South Orange Avenue, Sarasota police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 Students Injured In St. Pete School Bus Crash: Reports A Monday morning crash involving an Azalea Middle School bus in St. Petersburg is under investigation, reports said. Unlicensed Contractor Sting Operation Leads To 40+ Arrests: FL Sheriff More than 40 people were arrested on more than 50 charges in an unlicensed contractor sting on Clearwater Beach, the sheriffs office said. Girl, 13, Shot After Bringing Gun On School Bus In St. Pete: Police Police said the shooting happened at 18th Avenue North and 49th Street North on Tuesday morning. 2 Dead In Murder-Suicide In Downtown Tampa: Police According to authorities, a 31-year-old man killed his wife and left her body inside a parked car. Deputies found him dead 4 hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FL Man Used Dead Business Partners Identity For COVID Fraud: U.S. DOJ A Pinellas County man used his dead business partners identity to apply for SBA loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. DOJ said. Arrest Made In Teens Fatal Stabbing: Hillsborough County Sheriff A 19-year-old man was stabbed to death early Sunday at a Tampa apartment complex, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said. Man Arrested In FL For Trying To Smuggle Venezuelan Oil Into U.S.: DOJ Taskin Torlak, a Turkish national, was arrested in Miami for violating U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, prosecutors said. Teen Killed In Shooting At Sarasota County Park: Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 17-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota early Sunday, the sheriffs office said. Man Found Injured In West Bradenton Dies: Police A man was found with a traumatic brain injury from an unknown cause in a West Bradenton neighborhood early Oct. 30, police said. Florida Election News and Results: Waffle House Shooting + Child's Death + Violence At Polls: FL News originally appeared on the Tampa Patch The Virginia State Capitol. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Following Tuesdays general election, in which Virginians sent two state senators to Congress, the commonwealth is preparing for special elections to fill the seats vacated by John McGuire, R-Goochland, and Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun. McGuire, who is set to succeed U.S. Rep Bob Good, R-Farmville, in Virginias 5th Congressional District, and Subramanyam, who was elected in the 10th Congressional District, have left a void in the Virginia Senate that each party will urgently work to fill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These vacancies could have a significant impact on the states legislative balance, where Democrats currently hold a narrow 21-19 majority. While the governor calls special elections in Virginia during recess of the legislature, Christian Martinez, a spokesman for Gov. Glenn Youngkin, said in a text message that because the General Assembly remains in special session from last May, the authority to call special elections rests with the leaders of each respective chamber which in the case of the Senate is Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, the bodys President Pro Tempore. The governor strongly believes all Virginians should be represented during the legislative session and trusts that Democratic leadership will call those elections in time to ensure all Virginians are represented, Martinez said. State law requires that a date for a special election to fill a vacancy be set within 30 days of the vacancy or receipt of notification of the latter, whichever comes first. If the vacancy occurs between Dec. 10 and March 1, the writ shall order the special election to be held no more than 30 days from the date of such vacancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Senate District 10, which includes 11 localities and extends from Lynchburg in the west to the Richmond suburbs in the east, former state senator Amanda Chase, who had served in the body for eight years and lost her 2023 GOP primary in her Chesterfield-based seat to Sen. Glen Sturtevant, has already announced her bid. Because the law requires state legislators reside in the district they represent, Chase has moved from her former home in Chesterfield County to Appomattox County. Shayne Snavely, Chases former aide who worked on her bid for the Republican nomination for governor three years ago, has also declared his intention to run. And so have Jean Gannon, a Powhatan County real estate appraiser and longtime Republican activist, and Duane Adams, the chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, who ran for the Republican nomination in the district in 2023 but lost to McGuire. David Richards, a political science professor at the University of Lynchburg, said that Chase may be the top contender among the Republican candidates in the 10th District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chase has made waves, but local GOP officials say she is no longer in the party, which would really complicate things, Richards said, referring to an intra-party controversy over allegations that the former senator had violated state party rules. No Democrat has announced a bid in the Republican-leaning district to date. In the 32nd District, Del. Kannan Srinivasan, D-Loudoun, formally announced his bid on Wednesday, along with Hurunnessa Fariad, the director of outreach at Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) and the secretary of the board of directors at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Buta Biberaj, a former commonwealths attorney for Loudoun County, has also announced her bid for the seat, as well as Ibraheem Samirah, a former state delegate, also from Loudoun. Other Democratic candidates include Sree NagiReddi, an Ashburn-based IT professional and small business owner, and Puja Khanna, a Loudoun County mental health advocate who ran unsuccessfully for the countys board of supervisors in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name I see mentioned most often is Srinivasan, which would then involve a special election in House District 26 later on, Richards said. Lots of other Democrats are emerging in this blue district, he added, but I expect some Republicans to throw their names in after the relatively good showing of the GOP statewide last Tuesday. The GOP might be looking for a pickup here, not sure they will get it. Editors note: Ommair Butt, a Republican, announced his candidacy for the 32nd District state Senate seat on TV news station WJLA on the evening of Nov. 7, after the above story was reported. No further details on Butts background or campaign were immediately available, but The Mercury will offer continuing coverage of all the candidates and the special election in the weeks to come. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken with US President-elect Donald Trump, discussing, among other things, Ukraine. Source: Ursula von der Leyen on (Twitter) Quote: "We discussed defence and Ukraine, trade and energy. Together, we can foster prosperity and stability on both sides of the Atlantic." Details: Von der Leyen added that shes "looking forward to strengthening EU-US ties and working jointly to address geopolitical challenges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Following the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he believes Trump wants a quick end to the war, though it may mean losses for Ukraine. He also informed European leaders about his phone conversation with Trump. Support UP or become our patron! Absentee ballot being handled by an employee of the Wake County Board of Elections. (Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images) Nearly 5.7 million people in North Carolina voted in this years general election. Now, local county elections boards have more than 60,000 provisional ballot applications to check to see how many votes can be added to candidate totals. Elections officials in the larger counties have the most provisional ballot research to do, of course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest numbers from the state Board of Elections, Wake County has more than 6,000 provisional ballot applications. Mecklenburg County has more than 5,000. Election boards must decide by Nov. 15 how many votes from provisional ballots to count. Local boards of election met to certify results on Friday, Nov. 15. People who cast provisional ballots also fill out a form, called an application, with information elections officials use to decide whether they are eligible to vote. Voters cast provisional ballots for a number of reasons. Some dont have a photo ID. Some go to the wrong precinct. This is the first general election where the photo voter ID law has been in effect. State data show that relatively few people, 1,625, who didnt have an ID with them were told to show one at their county elections office by the end of business Thursday, Nov. 14. Usually, these voters have ID but forget to bring it with them to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democracy North Carolina and other voting rights groups are working to contact those voters to remind them they need to show their ID in order for their votes to count, said Katelin Kaiser, Democracy NC policy director. The most cited reason for voters casting provisional ballots is that poll workers could not find them on the voter rolls. That happened 23,211 times. Kaiser said she wasnt surprised how often that happens. From calls into the voter hotline, it seems people dont realize that when they move within the state that their voter registration doesnt automatically transfer to their new county, she said. And some callers said that they registered at the DMV but were told when they showed up to vote that they werent on the rolls. In cases of missing DMV voter registrations, counties are supposed to check whether people applied before the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 20 states allow voters to register on Election Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Kaiser is thinking that advocacy groups might try to convince North Carolina to join them. Poll workers told nearly 550 people they had to cast provisional ballots because records showed that they already voted. That happens when father and son share a name or when people have common names, Kaiser said. When voters relay that problem in calls to the hotline, theyre advised to call their county boards to explain how Jr. and Sr. were mixed up, she said. Democracy NC, Common Cause North Carolina, You Can Vote, and other voting rights groups are planning to have people monitor county canvasses around the state, Kaiser said. Broker Fee Exercised your civic duty by voting this week? Bad news: now your personal information is probably online. A data-hoovering website is making it easier than ever to not only find out a person's party affiliation and whether or not they voted, but even to find their address. As 404 Media notes in its reporting on the sketchy data broker, VoteRef, this kind of information has unfortunately always been public in most states. Nevertheless, putting it all in such a tidy package raises a lot of red flags, especially in the wake of Donald Trump's landslide presidential victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some states are exempt from the site's panopticon, including California and Pennsylvania, most everyone else's addresses and party affiliations are but a few clicks away. Like 404, we tested how easy VoteRef is to use and were appalled to discover that not only does it immediately spit out a person's registration address, recent elections they voted in, and their party affiliation, but also links to other people who live at the same address as well. Harm and Foul While advocates for abuse survivors have long warned about the dangers of these sorts of sites for those who may be placed in harm's way by their services, those sorts of concerns are becoming all the more salient amid growing anxieties about the sorts of extremism that may soon bloom anew with Trump's second term. What's worse, as ProPublica reported in 2022, the group behind VoteRef is run by a billionaire ex-Trump campaign official with a voter fraud vendetta. In its own investigation, 404 found that people who use the service have posted conspiracy theories about voter fraud using its publicly-aggregated data as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we did our own perusal on X-formerly-Twitter, we also found that the site had been used by right-wing posters to dox a reporter and like 404, we're not sharing those tweets to protect the privacy of the people being targeted. Invasive Techniques In an interview with 404, Sarah Lamdan of the Office for Intellectual Freedom and the American Library Association decried this "invasive" aggregation and pointed out how unsafe it can be. "Policymakers need to get with the times," Lamdan said, "and recognize that data brokers digitizing, aggregating, and selling data based on public records which are usually considered 'publicly available information' and exempted from privacy laws has fueled decades of stalking and gendered violence, harassment, doxing, and even murder." Nobody should have to feel unsafe simply by exercising their constitutional right to vote and with sites like VoteRef essentially doxxing everyone, the unknowns of the forthcoming political landscape feel a lot scarier. More on voting: Huge Numbers of Bonehead Voters Googled "Did Joe Biden Drop Out?" on Election Day PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine residents this week overwhelmingly approved a referendum to limit donations to political action committees that spend independently in candidate elections, setting the stage for a legal showdown over caps on individual contributions to so-called super PACs that spend freely in elections. In the nation's only campaign finance reform initiative on the ballot on Election Day, residents voted to cap individual donations to super PACs at $5,000. Supporters fully expect a lawsuit that they hope will bring clarity to PAC donations after the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to unlimited spending by super PACs. The measure was carefully crafted to survive legal challenges as states try to find a way to regulate campaign spending after the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, said state Sen. Rick Bennett, a supporter of the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve become a place where our democracy is being bought and sold by the richest people in our country," said Bennett, a Republican from Oxford. People of all political stripes support this measure. The only people who really oppose this are the monied interests who abuse the system. The Supreme Court opened the floodgates for big business and labor unions to spend freely on elections in the Citizens United decision, and a Court of Appeals decision three months later lifted limits on individual spending. The Maine initiative doesn't attempt to limit independent spending on behalf of candidates. It focuses instead on limits on individual donations to super PACS, an area the Supreme Court has not ruled on, observers say. Cara McCormick, leader of Citizens to End Super PACs in Maine, said the goal is to reduce the outsized influence that super PACs currently enjoy through so-called dark money spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political nonprofit groups are not required to disclose their donors and do not have to reveal much about how they spend the donations they receive. A super PAC may raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to campaign independently for candidates for federal office. Its activities must be reported to the Federal Elections Commission but is not otherwise regulated if not coordinated with the candidate or campaign. We have the right to stand up to the big money in politics in Maine. Were asserting our right to limit the amount of money that someone can give to a super PAC to eliminate not only corruption in our politics but the appearance of corruption in our politics. We think thats something worth fighting for, McCormick said. In Maine, the limit would only apply to PACs spending money on behalf of candidates, not ballot committees involved in referendums. Maine law currently limits contributions to candidates, not PACs. For general elections, individuals can contribute a maximum of $1,950 to a gubernatorial candidate and $475 to a legislative candidate. Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig, a longtime advocate for campaign finance reform, and his Equal Citizens nonprofit backed the Maine referendum. A similar citizen initiative effort in Massachusetts was blocked by the attorney general on constitutional concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on the issue of individual contributions to PACs, and long-established case law supports the notion that states can limit individual contributions to PACs despite a decision to the contrary by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Lessig said. The concern with unlimited individual contributions is the risk of a quid pro quo even when super PACs are spending independently and not coordinating directly with a candidate, Lessig said. The matter will ultimately have to be decided by the Supreme Court. Im very optimistic that the U.S. Supreme Court will apply existing jurisprudence that states are free to limit contributions, he said. The issue that this case would raise is not asking the Supreme Court to change its jurisprudence, not asking them to overturn Citizens United. The Maine law goes into effect this winter, if there is no legal challenge, after an emphatic vote. Nearly 75% of voters supported the citizen initiative. People attend a rally in Miami to advocate for passage of a Florida abortion-rights amendment. The measure won a majority but failed to reach the 60% required for passage. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Voters backed the right to an abortion in seven of the 10 states where the question was on the ballot Tuesday, providing a vivid illustration of the issues political potency more than two years after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. The results in solid-blue Colorado, Maryland and New York were no surprise. But abortion-rights supporters also triumphed in Missouri and Montana both states that former President Donald Trump won handily. And they won in Arizona and Nevada, heavily contested swing states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters defeated an abortion-rights measure in South Dakota, but the major reproductive rights groups did not back that proposal, viewing it as too weak. In Nebraska, voters approved a ban on abortion beyond the first three months of pregnancy, canceling out a conflicting measure that would have allowed abortion until fetal viability. Meanwhile in Florida, an abortion-rights amendment garnered about 57% of the vote but fell short of the supermajority, 60%, needed for passage. The thing to look at is the number, which is that 57% of Floridians voted in favor of restoring abortion rights, said Kelly Hall, executive director of the nonprofit Fairness Project, which supported the abortion-rights measures in Florida and four other states. In any other state, in any other context, that would count as a win. She noted that supporters won a large majority despite strong opposition from Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who directed state resources to fight the measure. Hall vowed that this conversation about abortion in Florida is far from over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nations abortion-rights measures got much of the attention, but voters in 41 states considered a total of 146 ballot initiatives Tuesday, weighing in on marijuana, minimum wages, crime, universal basic income, school vouchers, rent control, redistricting, greenhouse gas emissions and a host of other issues. In addition, 11 states had governors races and in 44 states, voters chose state lawmakers to serve in 87 of the nations 99 legislative chambers. Heading into the election, there were 40 states where one party controlled the governors office and both chambers of the legislature, a so-called trifecta. That left 10 states with divided government the fewest since 1952, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a national research nonprofit serving state lawmakers, which began tracking the number in 1938. Split control forces lawmakers to work across the aisle, whereas complete control by one party can empower its most extreme members, political scientists say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its too early to say what the final party breakdown will be among state legislative chambers. However, in the days leading up to the election, political observers estimated that Democrats had a chance of seizing control of one or both legislative chambers in Alaska, Arizona, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Republicans were close to flipping chambers in Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. In addition, Democrats were hoping to dismantle Republican supermajorities in Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina, which have allowed the GOP to override the vetoes of Democratic governors in those states. But Republicans preserved their veto-proof margins in Kansas and Kentucky, while the outcome is still unclear in North Carolina. Until Tuesday night, abortion-rights measures had racked up a perfect record of success since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2022 that there was no federal constitutional right to an abortion. In the 2022 midterm election, voters in six states including conservative Kansas, Kentucky and Montana endorsed abortion rights when presented with abortion-related ballot questions. The measure Montana voters rejected in 2022 could have penalized health providers who didnt offer lifesaving care to all infants born prematurely or after an attempted abortion. The proposal voters approved Tuesday will enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the most contentious abortion fight was in Florida. GOP officials used a state website to discourage support for the amendment, and state police showed up at the homes of people who signed the ballot measure petition to confirm that they actually signed it. DeSantis, who signed a ban last year on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, said state police were investigating possible fraud. Abortion-rights advocates blasted the visits as intimidation. Makenzie Wilfert, 19, described the election as nerve-wracking after casting the first vote of her life in Oakland, Florida, on Tuesday. Wilfert said abortion rights were a major issue for her. Its a very big issue affecting many women, and its more than just, like, you get pregnant, and you want an abortion, she said. Its affecting women who do want a pregnancy but the babys unhealthy, and its affecting their health and leads to complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Florida measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana also won a majority but fell short of the 60% standard needed for passage. Voters in two other states also considered recreational marijuana measures. North Dakota was on track to reject recreational pot for the third time. South Dakota also seemed poised to defeat a legalization proposal. South Dakota voted in favor of legalization in 2020, but that amendment was struck down by the courts. A second attempt failed in 2022. In California, voters considered 10 ballot questions. Among other decisions, they approved a measure creating a constitutional right to same-sex marriage; brought back longer prison sentences for some drug and property crimes; and were headed toward giving the state permission to borrow billions to mitigate the threat of climate change. Californias Proposition 33 a proposed repeal of the states restrictions on local rent control attracted national attention. Caps on rent increases provide relief to tenants, but many economists say rent control policies exacerbate affordable housing shortages by pumping up rents for uncontrolled units, reducing landlords incentive to maintain units, and dampening the creation of new rental housing. Californians defeated the measure, disappointing affordable housing advocates who hoped other states might follow Californias lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three states Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska had school choice questions on the ballot. Voters were asked to decide whether public money should go to support private education. Supporters say the strategy gives parents more control over their kids education; critics say it takes money from traditional public schools. Voters in Kentucky and Nebraska voted against the proposals, and the same outcome appeared likely in Colorado. In Oregon, voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to increase the minimum tax on large businesses and send the proceeds to all residents. Interest in basic or universal income programs, under which the government gives money directly to people, has grown in recent years. But critics said the Oregon proposal was poorly designed and would deter other states from starting their own programs. And in Washington state, voters preserved the states cap-and-trade program, which forces polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions and invests the proceeds into clean energy and electrification projects. This is nothing short of the most consequential climate vote in the nation this year, former state Sen. Reuven Carlyle, the Democrat who authored the program, told Stateline. Theres no question that other states will be deeply reticent to embrace any type of meaningful carbon-related policy if the initiative passes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The repeal effort was funded by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who blamed the program for high gas prices and energy costs. Climate advocates say global economic factors play a much larger role in the price of gas, evidenced by the fact that Washington gas prices have now dropped below where they stood when the cap-and-trade program launched. Washingtons program is expected to link with carbon markets in California and Quebec. Backers of the program expect that expansion to stabilize prices and create an easier on-ramp for more states to join the coalition. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, visited Seattle last month to urge Washingtonians to preserve the program. Leaders in New York, which is in the process of establishing its own cap-and-trade program, said they were watching the Washington vote closely. Stateline staff writers Alex Brown and Nada Hassanein contributed to this report. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. Voters headed to the polls across the United States Tuesday following record-breaking early voting to elect a president, determine the balance of power in Congress and consider abortion ballot measures in 10 states. (John Partipilo / Tennessee Lookout) In the first presidential election since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to an abortion, former President Donald Trump, who touted during the campaign he was able to kill Roe v. Wade, won a second term in the White House. Simultaneously, seven out of 10 states voted to restore or expand abortion rights, according to early election results. National anti-abortion groups celebrated Trumps victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who campaigned heavily on restoring reproductive rights. They also celebrated the defeat of abortion-rights amendments in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota, and foreshadowed a full assault on reproductive freedom throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the work begins to dismantle the pro-abortion policies of the Biden-Harris administration, said Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement. President Trumps first-term pro-life accomplishments are the baseline for his second term. In the long term, GOP pro-life resolve must be strengthened and centered on the unalienable right to life for unborn children that exists under the 14th Amendment. Despite their losses, abortion-rights advocates said the ballot question victories signal widespread American support for abortion protections even in red states. Most significantly, Missourians voted to overturn a near-total abortion ban. Voters also approved an abortion-rights amendment in Arizona, which will override the current 15-week ban. Voters agreed to expand reproductive-rights protections in Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nevada and New York. This is an especially historic win for Missouri, said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the national legal advocacy group Center for Reproductive Rights. In fact, the amendment goes even further, calling for a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, defined to include abortion and all matters relating to reproductive health care. By saying yes to this powerful language, voters have demanded the return of the essential human rights and freedoms they lost after Roe was overturned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But abortion-rights advocates suffered a major loss in Florida, which barely failed to clear a 60% supermajority threshold, more than any of the other state abortion initiatives. With 57% voting in favor to overturn a six-week abortion ban and enshrine protections, Florida was the first state to fail to secure abortion rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago. Abortion-rights organizers who spearheaded and funded Floridas Yes on 4 campaign said the result still shows majority approval for abortion rights among Floridians, and they vow to continue trying to restore abortion rights in the state that six months ago was an abortion-access haven for the Southeast region. Were incredibly proud to have stood with doctors, patients, and advocates impacted by this ban, said Yes on 4 Florida campaign manager Lauren Brenzel in a statement. Their stories, along with the countless women who will continue to suffer under Floridas cruel and extreme abortion ban, remind us that our fight is far from over. Attorney and anti-abortion activist Catherine Glenn Foster told States Newsroom she is celebrating the fact that Floridians blocked attempts to enshrine abortion in their state constitution. However, she acknowledged that state abortion bans have created real problems, including women dying of preventable pregnancy-related causes and being denied routine miscarriage care. She said states that ban abortion should increase social supports, something that largely hasnt happened since states started banning abortion, and should implement a robust training system around treating health emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to have a real reckoning, said We need to have a real reckoning, said Foster, the president and CEO of First Rights Global, who previously led the anti-abortion policy group Americans United for Life and worked for Alliance Defending Freedom. Weve created an environment where doctors are scared. They dont know how to respond and how to treat, and thats a big problem. We have to address that before we pass anything else. Abortion ballot initiative results Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, seven states California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Vermont have approved reproductive-rights state constitutional amendments or rejected anti-abortion constitutional amendments. This year reproductive-rights coalitions put abortion on the ballot in 10 states. Arkansas had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, but this summer the state Supreme Court ruled that Arkansans for Limited Government, the committee behind the initiative, did not submit the correct paperwork. The group opposing abortion, marijuana and education measures in the state was led by a top adviser to Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas Advocate reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Arizona Proposition 139, to enshrine abortion rights until fetal viability APPROVED Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YES: 62% NO: 38% In this swing state, abortion is currently legal until 15 weeks gestation. Earlier this year, a few Republicans crossed party lines to repeal a Civil War-era near-total abortion ban the legislature had revived. This citizen-initiated amendment would also prevent any penalties for someone who helps a person get an abortion. And it would allow for exceptions later in pregnancy for the patients life or physical or mental health. Colorado Initiative 79, to allow public insurance to cover abortions APPROVED YES: 62% NO: 39% The citizen-initiated amendment proposes to expand abortion access in a state that currently has no gestational limits but does have a 40-year-old public funding ban. The amendment also proposes to prevent government interference in pregnancy and allow public insurance to cover abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Amendment 4, to enshrine abortion rights until viability FAILED YES: 57% NO: 43% This citizen-initiated amendment would have overturned a 6-week abortion ban that has impacted the Southeast. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis administration mounted fierce opposition against the abortion-rights campaign that involved a state-sponsored misinformation campaign. Florida was the only state in this election to require a 60% supermajority for ballot measures. Maryland Question 1, to protect reproductive autonomy APPROVED YES: 74% NO: 26% This legislatively-referred amendment would enshrine an individuals right to make decisions to prevent, continue, or end a pregnancy. Maryland has become a major abortion-access haven for the country; it is legal here until fetal viability and after for reasons related to the health of the fetus or pregnant person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri Amendment 3, to enshrine abortion rights until fetal viability APPROVED YES: 52% NO: 48% This citizen-initiated amendment would overturn a near-total abortion ban that only has exceptions to prevent the death of the pregnant person. The bans ambiguous language led at least one Missouri hospital system to stop providing emergency contraception to patients, a move that forced the state attorney general to announce that Plan B and contraception remain legal. Montana Constitutional Initiative 128, to enshrine abortion rights until fetal viability APPROVED YES: 57% NO: 43% This citizen-initiated amendment would guarantee protections in a state where abortion is currently legal but where Republican lawmakers have attempted to pass restrictions since Roe fell in 2022. Nebraska Initiative 434, to ban abortion after the first trimester vs. Initiative 439, to enshrine the right to abortion until viability Initiative 434 APPROVED Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOR: 55% AGAINST: 45% Initiative 439 FAILED FOR: 49% AGAINST: 51% Nebraska was the only state to have two competing abortion-related initiatives on the ballot. Nevada Question 6, to enshrine abortion rights until fetal viability APPROVED YES: 63% NO: 37% In this swing state abortion is currently legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, but this citizen-initiated measure would enshrine abortion rights into law. The measure will need to be approved by voters again in 2026 to become law. New York Proposal 1, to bar discrimination based on pregnancy status APPROVED YES: 62% NO: 38% This legislatively-referred measure would guarantee abortion rights in a state where abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy later if a provider determines the procedure is necessary to save a patients life or health, or if the fetus is nonviable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Amendment G, to allow abortion through the end of the first trimester FAILED YES: 41% NO: 59% This citizen-initiated measure would have allowed regulation in the second trimester for maternal health reasons and allow lawmakers in the third trimester unless the procedure is necessary to save the life or health of a pregnant patient. Races where abortion took center stage Minnesota Congressional District 3 Democrat Dr. Kelly Morrison: 59% Republican Tad Jude: 41% Minnesota State Sen. Kelly Morrison, DFL-Deephaven, won the Minnesota 3rd Congressional District race to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips in a seat that before 2018 had for decades gone to Republicans, AP reported. Morrison is a practicing OB-GYN who supports abortion rights. Currently, the only OB-GYNs in Congress oppose abortion. Her Republican opponent, Tad Jude, has called every abortion a tragedy and supported the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A special election in Minnesota will determine who takes over Morrisons state Senate seat, whose term ends in 2026. Wisconsin Congressional District 8 Republican Tony Wied: 57% Democrat Dr. Kristin Lyerly: 43% Of the close races in the swing state of Wisconsin, the 8th Congressional District was the least likely to flip from Republican control. But Dr. Kristin Lyerly launched a fierce campaign emphasizing a commitment to restoring reproductive health access to Americans, something she is uniquely positioned to advocate for as a longtime OB-GYN and abortion provider. Lyerly is also one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that successfully blocked an 1849 Wisconsin feticide law that was temporarily enforced as a state abortion ban. Her campaign attracted national campaign cash and support. Her opponent, Republican Tony Wied, a former gas station owner, largely ran on his Trump endorsement. Tennessee House District 75 Republican Jeff Burkhart: 55 % Democrat Allie Phillips: 45 % Incumbent Republican Rep. Jeff Burkhart defeated former day care operator and political newcomer Allie Phillips, who largely campaigned on reproductive rights. The 29-year-old drew national attention after speaking out about being denied a necessary abortion in Tennessee, where abortion is banned, when her desired pregnancy became nonviable and dangerous at 19 weeks. She ultimately traveled out of state to obtain the abortion. Phillips joined a legal challenge to the states strict abortion law. She pledged if elected to immediately push for a policy that would carve out exceptions for fetal anomalies to Tennessees abortion ban, which shes named Mileys Law after the baby she and her husband lost. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rep. Dave Schweikert (R-Ariz.) is the projected winner of Arizonas 1st Congressional District, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ. Schweikert has represented parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., for over a decade, and on Tuesday defeated Democrat Amish Shah, earning him an eighth term in Congress. Political observers considered the race to be one of the most competitive in the Grand Canyon State, as it represents a key swing district this cycle. The seat has been seen as a bellwether due to the areas high percentage of college-educated suburban voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With former President Trump at the top of the Republican ticket, the incumbent received a boost of energy after narrowly winning reelection in the 2022 midterms. Ahead of the previous race, he moved from the states 6th Congressional District to the 1st Congressional District. Schweikert, 62, was also up against certain factors that could have worked against him, including an abortion measure on the ballot and controversy surrounding GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake. Pockets of the district In April, he joined other Arizona Republicans in denouncing the state Supreme Courts ruling to uphold one of the countrys strictest abortion laws, calling the move a step too far. The group called on the state legislature to pass new abortions rights legislation. The veteran lawmaker, first elected in 2010, received Trumps nod in 2022, but ran without his backing in the 2024 race. He has also served in the state legislature and as Maricopa County treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill/DDHQ labeled the district as leaning Republican. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HONOLULU (KHON2) Meet Angelica, a sweet 45-pound terrier mix who is ready to steal your heart. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You This one-year-old pup, with her signature adorable mohawk, is full of energy and excitement, and shes eager to take you on unforgettable sniffaris as you explore the world together. With her playful, goofy personality, Angelica is sure to win you over in no time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she would do best in a home without small animals, as she tends to get a bit too excited around them. Wags N Whiskers: Max Angelica is a recipient of the Reid Krucky Fund, which means her adoption fee is waived. She will also go home with an adoption starter kit, helping her transition smoothly into her new familys life. Interested in meeting Angelica? She is available for adoption daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hawaiian Humane Societys Moiliili Campus. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news To learn more about Angelica and other adoptable pets, visit HawaiianHumane.org or stop by the Moiliili or Kosasa Family campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The war is never distant. In the skies above the Ukrainian capital, the buzz of drones is the stuff of urban nightmares. Glide bombs smash without warning into apartment blocks in Ukraine's east and south. Military funerals are a daily staple. As the carnage raged, Donald Trump boasted he could end the fight in Ukraine in 24 hours. Now that hes the president-elect, Ukrainians are grimly gaming out the next move in their country's nearly three-year-old war with Russia, in which the United States has been Kyiv's prime backer. In his victory speech early Wednesday, Trump appeared to allude at least partly to Ukraine when he declared: Im not going to start wars. Im going to stop wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many Ukrainians, the principal worry is whether their government faced with a potential choking off of vital military aid in a few short months would be forced to accede to a negotiated settlement giving up parts of their country to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to whom Trump has long demonstrated striking deference. Read more: Quiet dismay, open glee: U.S. adversaries, allies around world react to historic Trump win Some Ukrainians fear that if the front lines are frozen as part of a negotiation process, it would only give Putin time to regroup and return. Amid the gloom, however, are glimmers of hope. There are those in Ukraine who wonder whether Trumps election could shake up a dynamic that has grown increasingly frustrating for Ukraine and its supporters: the provision of just enough U.S. military assistance to keep Ukraine from losing the war, but not enough to give it a real chance to prevail on the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walks with then-candidate Donald Trump in September at Trump Tower in Manhattan. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Associated Press) If Trump can end the war as he says he can, great lets see him do it, said Ksenia Vyshtykailo, 20, a student in Kyiv. Maybe his ego is big enough that he wont want to back down on his promise to end the war in a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One wild card for Ukraine is the likely role in the incoming Trump administration of mercurial tech billionaire Elon Musk. Multiple news outlets reported Friday that Musk whose Starlink satellite internet service has been crucial to Ukraine's war effort, but whose affinity for Putin's policies has alarmed some in the government in Kyiv was on the line when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump spoke by phone Wednesday, hours after Trump's victory. Putin himself congratulated Trump on his win and told an international forum in southern Russia on Thursday that the president-elects "desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, deserves attention at least. In a predictable but ominous-for-Ukraine commentary, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban a staunch Trump ally and one of the biggest Ukraine skeptics in NATO and the European Union said Friday he expected support for Ukraine would end under the new U.S. administration. The Americans will quit this war, Orban told Hungarian state radio as EU leaders were gathered in Budapest for an informal summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Mexico is bracing for a new Trump presidency after threats of tariffs, deportations, attacks For much of the current conflict, which broke out after he left office, Trump has been a detractor of Ukraine's desperate fight against a larger and stronger invader. He has spoken of Putins full-scale invasion in February 2022 with something akin to admiration, calling it smart. Trump has repeatedly echoed Kremlin talking points about the conflict, asserting that the blame lies with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and with Ukraine itself. The vice president-elect, Sen. JD Vance, has in the past professed indifference to Ukraines fate. During the campaign, he denounced military aid to Ukraine, even that which financially benefits U.S. companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the face of it, the Trump-Vance ticket presented a sharp contrast to the Biden administrations unflagging expressions of support. Read more: Why has North Korea sent troops to help Russia fight Ukraine? But in Ukraine, particularly in recent months, gratitude for vital backing has been mixed with resentment over perceived timidity on Washingtons part particularly restrictions on use of long-range weaponry to strike military targets inside Russia, and its longtime pattern of denying certain types of armaments over concerns of escalation, then providing them often too late to make a difference. Rescue workers clear the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Thursday. (Kateryna Klochko / Associated Press) This years battlefield news has been mostly bad for Ukraine. Its outgunned forces have incrementally been losing ground in the countrys east, and North Koreas deployment of troops to aid its ally Russia recently introduced a volatile new element to the fighting. Attacks from missiles, drones and aerial glide bombs have killed dozens of civilians in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Against that backdrop, Zelensky sought even before Tuesday's U.S. election to lay the groundwork for a working relationship should Trump return to the White House. Zelensky who has a complicated history with Trump, dating to events surrounding the then-presidents first impeachment met with him in September. The Ukrainian leader was among the first to congratulate Trump on his impressive victory in Tuesdays vote, and the two later spoke by phone. Even before the election, Zelensky shrugged off denigrating references from Trump, who at one point called him the "world's greatest salesman" for his successes in garnering U.S. aid. After the vote, he quickly sought to cast the president-elect's stance on Ukraine in a positive light. Read more: Why Ukraine and much of Europe is alarmed over Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video address to his nation on Wednesday, Zelensky expressed support for what he described as Trump's international approach of peace through strength." People want certainty, they want freedom, a normal life," Zelensky said. "And for us, this is life without Russian aggression and with a strong America, with a strong Ukraine, with strong allies. Longtime observers of the conflict are studying Ukraines options. Vadym Prystaiko, a career Ukrainian diplomat, said if Trump in fact has a plan to end the war, he must understand Ukraines red lines, including its aspirations for closer ties with Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot compromise our core beliefs, said Prystaiko, who was foreign minister during Zelensky's first year in office and served as an envoy in the United States, Britain and at NATO headquarters. We cannot compromise our principles of a democratic society," he said. "We cannot go with Russia and be subservient again. Throughout the war, Ukraine has demonstrated a remarkable degree of resilience, but people are tired. Next week will come another bleak milestone: The conflict will hit the 1,000-day mark. Hardship is growing. Russia is now firing about 10 times as many drones at Ukraine as it did last fall, the Ukrainian government says. In Kyiv, there has been only one night since Sept. 1 without the wail of air-raid alerts sounding from smartphone apps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday night by no means an atypical one Russia staged a grueling eight-hour aerial attack on Kyiv, with dozens of drones buzzing overhead and near-constant alerts making sleep nearly impossible. Two people were injured in the barrage, authorities said. Russian strikes have severely damaged Ukraines power grid, and as winter approaches, officials predict that power capacity will be strained, although repairs and support from allied nations may help the country avoid the large-scale blackouts of previous seasons. In her high-rise Kyiv apartment, Vita Vigul, an entrepreneur, showed how she and her husband had prepared for winter: rechargeable LED lighting strips, a propane-fueled hot plate and a small pellet stove in case the citys central heating system, the largest in Europe, stops functioning. We know what this winter will be like, said Vigul, 52. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among so many practical wartime concerns, Trumps coming presidency figures large in her worries. "He talks about reducing funding for military actions and support for Ukraine, she said. Only God knows how it will turn out. Vyshtykailo, the student, said there was little to do but wait and see what the Trump era will bring. Hes like a surprise box, she said. You dont know what you will get when you open it. Special correspondent Ayres reported from Kyiv and Times staff writer King from Washington. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A former Washington County High School theater teacher will serve more than 33 years in prison for possessing and sharing explicit pictures and videos of students. Michael Allen Dendy, from Milledgeville, was sentenced Thursday after he pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child pornography on July 30. He appeared in front of Judge Marc Treadwell for his sentencing Thursday afternoon, with two victims, their families and his family sitting in the gallery. Federal sentencing guidelines initially indicated Dendy would serve 50 years Catherine Williams, Dendys attorney, and prosecutor Daniel Peach argued for a lesser sentence. Williams requested a little over 19 years in prison while Peach requested 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one is asking to slap his hand and send him home, Williams said. She argued similar cases have resulted in less significant sentences. Dendy never had physical sexual contact with victims, Williams said. He confessed when he was arrested on Jan. 20, 2023, that he used fake social media profiles and obtained nude images of underage students from Washington County High School, according to court documents and testimony. Dendy apologized, even though he acknowledged that his apology wouldnt mean much to the people he hurt and that his actions were wrong. In prison, he would atone in some way for my actions, Dendy said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difficult is possible, Dendy said. Peach agreed that Dendy confessed when he was arrested, but he only admitted to having images of three minors. When investigators were given access to his computer, phone and USB drive, they found roughly 80,000 sexually explicit images of 17 minors which were collected over more than five years, prosecutors said. Dendy took advantage of his position of trust and exploited many children, Peach said. He never laid a hand, but they have been victimized. He exploited me like I wasnt even human Two victims who attended his theater classes at Washington County High School spoke about their experiences with him as a teacher and the aftermath of their images leaking. They both shared how they trusted him, saw him as a mentor and how they could never trust anyone again thanks to Dendy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them shared that when she realized screenshots of her explicit images were seen by the school, and realized it was Dendy who leaked them, she felt he betrayed me and others. He exploited me like I wasnt even human, the first victim said. The second victim recalled when her explicit images got leaked, she was in disbelief. She broke down in her sisters arms upon the realization they were leaked. When she realized it was Dendy who leaked them, it hit me real bad, she said. But when she saw him for the first time in years in court, she said, I forgive you. What a tragic case this is, Treadwell said before issuing his sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also saidvictims, their families and his own family carry scars for the rest of their lives. Treadwell sentenced Dendy to 25 years for one of his criminal counts and eight years for another. Dendy wont pay restitution or a fine. Once he leaves prison, he will serve 10 years of supervised release. Dendy taught at Washington County High School from 2020 until 2023, after his arrest by the Washington County Sheriffs Office. Before that, he taught at Starkville High School in Starkville, Mississippi, from 2014 to 2016, St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland, from 2017 to 2018 and Griffin High School in Georgia from 2018 to 2020. Snowstorms across Colorado causing court that caused numerous closures forced the cancellation of the plea hearing for the owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Jon and Carie Hallford, that was originally scheduled Friday afternoon. Scott Sosebee, a spokesman for the El Paso County Combined Courts, confirmed to The Gazette that the Hallfords' plea hearing was postponed because of the court closures Friday, and that the hearing would be moved to a later date. The Hallfords' plea hearing is now set for Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m. The funeral home, about 35 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, came under a multiagency investigation in October 2023 after reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found nearly 190 bodies in various states of decomposition that were not properly stored. Featured Local Savings In July, the Hallfords were offered a plea deal in their state-level case, where they face 286 criminal charges. On Friday, Jon and Carie Hallford could have entered a plea on state-level charges after their past several hearings were delayed, due in part to their federal case taking priority. In October both Jon and Carie Hallford pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court. The couple will be sentenced March 20 and face a maximum of 15 years in prison, according to the terms of the plea agreement. The state plea deal, if accepted, could see the Hallfords spend up to 20 years in prison. Jon Hallford is being held without bond pending the outcome of his federal case, despite being released on a $100,000 bond in his state case. Carie Hallford remains free on a $100,000 bond. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A large buck became trapped this week inside a Michigan senior living facility with a 103-year-old woman, according to police. Employees at the Arbor North Living facility in Blackman Township reported Monday that a deer had entered the apartment of one of their residents and was thrashing around, according to the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety. Police said the employees, who were unable to enter, could see blood around the room but couldnt tell if the woman was hurt because she was out of sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived, two officers found the womans doors locked but could see the buck flailing around the room through a glass screen door. They, however, could not see the woman either. Large buck gets trapped and injures a 103-year-old woman in senior home. (Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety) As seen in body-camera video, police decided the best way to end the situation was to break the glass on a sliding door using a baton. When they did, the deer reared-up and slammed into the glass, eventually running from the apartment, across the porch, and into the darkness. Large buck traps, injured 103-year-old woman in senior home. (Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety) Large buck traps, injured 103-year-old woman in senior home. (Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety) Large buck traps, injured 103-year-old woman in senior home. (Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety) Large buck traps, injured 103-year-old woman in senior home. (Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety) Police say the woman was found conscious and alert and was treated at the scene before being taken to a local emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later told police that she was in bed when the deer entered her apartment by jumping through a closed window in her bedroom. 43 monkeys remain on the run from South Carolina lab. CEO thinks theyre having an adventure The animal, in its attempt to escape, had caused additional damage and left blood throughout the apartment, likely from injuries sustained upon entering, police said. Police later tried to find the buck, but it is believed to have fled into nearby woods. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Spain has been hit by a new deluge of heavy rain that saw cars carried away by floodwater near the northern city of Girona. In scenes reminiscent of the huge flash floods that devastated parts of Valencia last week, Cadaques, a Catalan coastal town, was among the worst-hit areas. Footage from the early hours of Friday showed more than 30 cars caught up in a cascade of water heading towards the sea. Wreckage was seen piling up under a bridge near the waterfront, but no one was reported to have been hurt. Credit: worldstormm/X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Catalonias firefighting service said operatives had checked about 30 cars that were washed away by a torrent in Cadaques, and that no one was injured or trapped. Catalans civil protection authorities had warned local officials of the possibility of flooding but did not send out a special alert to the population via their mobile phones. Credit: vallma94/instagram The nearby Alt Emporda and Baix Emporda areas of the coastline have been placed under orange alert because of the possibility of further flooding, with some areas experiencing more than 100 litres of rainfall per square metre in the past 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That figure compares to areas of inland Valencia, which experienced more than 600 litres of rainfall per square metre during roughly eight hours on Oct 29 the day leading up to the flash flood. Pia Serinyana, the mayor of Cadaques, which is known for its connection with the painter Salvador Dali, said: We received a warning from the Cecat [Catalonias operational coordination centre] but people parked their cars there anyway and the torrent carried them away. Credit: vallma94/instagram, HugoScoccia/X In the Valencia region, the death count from last weeks floods has reached 215. Rescue workers are searching for some 90 people who are still unaccounted for, although a number of these could be included in the more than 50 bodies yet to be identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Valencian regional government has come under pressure to explain why it failed to send out emergency warnings until 12 hours after Spains meteorological agency issued its first red alert on Oct 29. The alert, telling people to stay in their homes, was finally issued after 8pm, after several towns and districts had already experienced devastating flash floods. Salome Pradas, the interior chief of Valencias government, said on Thursday that she hadnt known that sending such a message was possible and the method was only proposed by a technical adviser around 8pm. But Cadena Ser, the Spanish radio station, aired on Friday an audio recording from a crisis meeting led by Ms Pradas revealing there were discussions at 7.15pm about sending an alert to the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Mazon, the regional president of Valencia, did not attend the meeting until two hours after its 5pm start. He said he had spent the afternoon in the government headquarters having a working lunch, during which he received regular updates on the situation. It has since emerged that Mr Mazon was in a restaurant until 6pm. Sources close to Mr Mazon told ABC, the newspaper, that he was having lunch with a journalist to whom he wished to offer a senior role at a public television network. The Telegraph has contacted Mr Mazons office. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A highway worker jumped out of the way seconds before a truck crashed into his equipment in New York State. Dashcam video shows the mans lucky escape from the crash that took place at roadworks on Interstate 81 highway near Whitney Point. The New York State Department of Transportation posted the video of the recent collision on social media to raise awareness of the dangers highway workers face every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no serious injuries to either the worker or the truck driver. These crashes are avoidable! Slow down, move over if possible, and stay alert in work zones these simple actions can save lives, the department said on social media. 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. WATERTOWN, S.D. (KELO)- A Watertown Man has been sentenced to federal prison for abusive sexual contact. 37 year old Deserick Bird was sentenced on Monday to 20-years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. In addition, Bird is to serve an 80-year sentence for a separate sexual assault conviction in South Dakota. Bird was initially indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child by a federal grand jury in February 2022. He pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact in August of 2024.Over three years, Bird sexually assaulted a young girl between the ages of eight and 11. A second victim also reported that Bird had sexually assaulted her when she was 14 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. HOLLIDAY (KFDX/KJTL) The nearly eight-hour stand-off in Holliday came to an end when the suspect was shot and killed just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 7. The stand-off began around 3 p.m. Thursday after police responded to a home near Holliday for a report of shots fired. During the early minutes of the incident, police locked down Holliday ISD and nearby homes to avoid injuries from crossfire. According to Wichita County Sheriff David Duke, Archer County Sheriffs deputies responded to the scene on Ford Road after dispatch received a call from the suspects mother that he had shot and killed her parents, the suspects grandparents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke said that when Archer County deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect used a long rifle to fire at law enforcement, who returned fire and immediately called for outside assistance from other agencies, such as the Wichita County Sheriff and Wichita Falls Police Department. PREVIOUS STORY: Multiple agencies respond to shooter outside Holliday The suspect barricaded himself inside a metal barn on the property with his weapon. SWAT forces from WFPD and the Texas DPS arrived and began working the scene with drones to gather more information about the suspect, which the suspect later shot down. Officers later attempted to negotiate with the suspect using armored vehicles, but the suspect refused to speak to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While police were attempting to negotiate, more personnel from surrounding agencies and the Texas Rangers arrived. At around 9 p.m., deputies sent an armored-covered Bobcat to begin dismantling the walls of the barn the suspect was hiding in. Law enforcement began using toxic chemicals to try to clear the barn. Officers received word that the suspect had night vision goggles and gas masks, limiting the effect those methods had on him. As law enforcement continued to try to use chemicals to clear the barn, they witnessed the suspect raise his rifle toward officers at around 10:15 p.m., who then fired at him. Duke said theres no confirmation the suspect was killed by a sniper due to trauma on the suspects body. Its believed the suspect had a shotgun and a rifle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Rangers have taken over this investigation. Archer County Sheriff Curd said the identity of the 28-year-old suspect and the identities of his grandparents who were killed will be released soon. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Friday that states supplying weapons to Israel as it pursues conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon despite evidence of violations of international law are empowering belligerents elsewhere. Tirana Hassan, HRW's Executive Director, said that countries like the United States, Germany and Britain could influence Israel's actions and should do so by ending arms sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there continues to be military support to the Israeli Defense Force and they (Western governments) know that these weapons are being used in the commission of war crimes, then that should be enough for weapons sales and transfers to stop," she told Reuters in an interview. "At this stage, the parties that could have some sort of influence and curb the behavior of the warring parties, when it comes to Israel, it's the U.S, it's the UK, and it's Germany, and it's through weapons sales and transfers." Israel says it takes care to avoid harming civilians and denies committing abuses and war crimes in the conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. It says its enemies are fighting amongst civilian populations, making its operations more difficult, and that it is acting in self-defence. Reuters has asked the Israeli authorities for comment on Hassan's remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassan said that when states which abused rights saw there were no consequences, they felt emboldened to continue. Governments supplying them with weapons were undermining their own credibility as defenders of international law and human rights as well as the credibility of the international system, she said. "It sends a message that these rules apply differently to us and our allies as they do to others, and that has really serious consequences," she said. This contradiction when Western countries were demanding accountability for Russia's invasion of Ukraine was being exploited by countries like Russia and China, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are very quick to point out double standards from the West and are trying to use that to undermine the system." Hassan spoke to Reuters as the U.N. rights office released a report on the death toll in the Israel-Hamas Gaza war where it said nearly 70% of verified fatalities were women and children. Palestinian authorities say that more than 43,500 people have been killed in Gaza in the 13-month war triggered by Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage. "This should now motivate the world into action. There is really no justification for the killing of children," Hassan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 13, Washington imposed a deadline for its ally Israel to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid. Asked about the likely impact of the election of Donald Trump in the United States, she said there was "little assurance" of his commitment to international law during his previous tenure as president. "Now we have seen in some of the statements on the campaign trail threats of mass deportation of millions of people and this sends a very worrying message," she added. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Angus MacSwan) BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Western New York native from Fredonia who went missing in Budapest was killed earlier this week, Hungarian police said. Mackenzie Michalski, 31, who had gone to Hungary as a tourist, was last seen at a nightclub on Tuesday. She worked as a nurse practitioner and lived in Portland, Ore. Investigators have arrested a 37-year-old man from Ireland that Michalski was seen with at several clubs that night. Police said the man confessed to the killing and showed police where he hid her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family confirmed her death in a statement on Friday. We would like to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. and Hungarian authorities and local police for their prompt attention, diligence, care, and consideration, they said. And we would especially like to acknowledge and thank members of this grassroots community at home and abroad for contributing to such a remarkable search effort. We are deeply appreciative of our Hungarian friends and locals for raising awareness on social media, distributing flyers, offering translation services, and mobilizing a boots-on-the-ground mission to find Kenzie. A candlelight vigil will take place in Barker Commons in Fredonia at 6 p.m. Saturday. Friends and loved ones of Mackenzie are encouraged to attend. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre walked out of a briefing Thursday after a strained interaction with Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich surrounding the Biden administrations messaging in recent days. Jean-Pierre accused Heinrich of twisting everything during the tense back-and-forth. The incident began with Heinrich, Foxs senior White House correspondent, asking Jean-Pierre about an apparent change in rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration messaged to millions of Americans that theyre going to wake up day after the election if Trump won and have their rights stripped away, that democracy would crumble. And the president said today, Were going to be OK Heinrich said, referencing Bidens first public speech since the election result. She added: So how do you square it? After claiming she had been answering this question multiple times, Jean-Pierre said, The American people made the decision. There was an election two nights ago. There was! And it was a free and fair election and we respect the election process. We do. And Americans spoke. And so the job of the president is to make sure we respect that. The job of the president is to make sure that we have a peaceful transfer of power. That is what the American people deserve. And thats what were going toits really, its not complicated. Its truly, truly as simple as that. Jean-Pierre referenced Bidens call to Trump and invitation to the White House, because that is customary. That is what you do if you respect what the American people decided... the president wants to lead by example, its not complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That led Heinrich to probe Jean-Pierre further, asking her if lead by example is the message is to people who are fearful based on what the messaging was about [Trump]? Jean-Pierre immediately reacted, accusing Heinrich of twisting everything around and thats really unfair. She continued, Its unfair because Ive been standing here trying to be very respectful to what happened the last two nights, two nights ago. Being respectful. Ive been standing here saying that we respect the decision that the American people made. Ive been standing here and saying that the presidents going to put the American people first. Ive been standing here talking about how the presidents going to make sure that they get what they deserve, which is a peaceful transfer of power. As she began to wrap up, she carried on. I do not appreciate having my words twisted. That isI am being very clear, very, very, very clear about what the president wants to do and the vice president. We want to make sure that we deliver for the American people. They deserve, they deserve a peaceful transfer of power. And thats what youre going to see. Jean-Pierre thanked everybody and subsequently walked out. Donald Trumps reelection has triggered a wave of social media posts and search interest in the 4B movement, a fringe feminist trend that started in South Korea in 2018. Partially inspired by the #MeToo movement in the United States, 4B encourages women to cut ties to men altogether. Gender played a huge role in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, with concerns over reproductive rights following the repeal of Roe v. Wade and the growing number of sexual misconduct allegations against Trump, who was found liable last year of sexually abusing journalist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Vice President-elect JD Vance disparagingly referred to some women as childless cat ladies while Trumps campaign prioritized reaching young male conservative voters. Though votes are still being counted in Nevada and Arizona, exit polls indicate that female voters especially those 18 to 29 largely showed up to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. As many Democratic women across the U.S. mourned Harriss loss this week, in the U.S., Google search interest in the 4B movement spiked by about 450%. A woman holds a sign during a Women's March in Chicago, Nov. 2. (Nam Y. Huh/AP) What is the 4B movement? In the wake of #MeToo a global, survivor-led movement against sexual violence South Korea was dealing with an overwhelming number of cases of femicide, revenge porn and domestic violence and a justice system that seemed to protect the men committing such offenses. This frustration boiled over in 2018 when a woman was jailed for posting a nude photo of a man while men usually go free in such cases, Human Rights Watch reported, which seemingly kicked off the 4B movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4B (4) is shorthand for four Korean words that all start with bi- or no: bBihon, the refusal of heterosexual marriage; bichulsan, the refusal of childbirth; biyeonae, refusal to date; and bisekseu, the rejection of heterosexual relationships between men and women. The 4B movement essentially encouraged women to boycott all types of relationships with men both romantic and platonic. 4B was also born out of another Korean feminist movement, tal-corset (escape the corset), in which women rejected societally imposed beauty standards by cutting their hair short and not wearing makeup in public. Its also worth noting that a number of Korean women on social media have emphasized that the 4B movement is pretty radical and not as mainstream as some Western coverage is making it out to be. It also has faced some backlash for allegedly being exclusionary to LGBTQIA+ women since the focus is on cisgender heterosexual relationships. How has the U.S. election inspired American interest in 4B? Prior to Trumps reelection on Tuesday, a small online movement was already taking shape on social media where women were pledging celibacy as a means of rejecting casual hook-up culture and to recover from bad relationships or sexual traumas, Business Insider reported in April 2023. This idea seems to be regaining interest in the wake of Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential election, based on the rising search interest in the 4B movement and numerous posts by American women across social media in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Tuesday, the TikTok hashtags #4b and #4bmovement have tens of thousands of posts, some with millions of views. Across the board, U.S. women seem determined to join in. Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my Republican boyfriend last night & officially joining the 4b movement this morning, one video, with over 9 million views reads. We cant let these men have the last laugh, an X post with hundreds of thousands of interactions said. We need to bite back. Women are coming together to decenter men, one TikTok user said. I encourage you to reclaim your power and have really honest conversations with yourself about whether being in a romantic relationship with men at this point in time is worth it. Members of the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force (WGDTF) served a pair of search warrants Wednesday, Nov. 6 one in Bellingham and one in Ferndale that resulted in four arrests related to what authorities believe is a drug trafficking operation in Whatcom County. The Bellingham warrant was served at a residence in the 2200 block of Valencia St., where Eric Ventress, 48, was taken into custody, according to a news release Thursday from the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office. A search of the residence yielded items indicative of cocaine and crack-cocaine processing and a pre-packaged bag of white powder that field tested positive for cocaine, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventress was booked into the Whatcom County Jail. The search warrants were the result of a lengthy WGDTF investigation, during which detectives observed Juan Mendoza, 32, of Sedro-Woolley appearing to make drug transactions in the Bellingham area. When law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop on Mendoza on Oct. 21 for a revoked driving status, Mendoza fled, according to the release. In the interest of public safety, there was no pursuit. The vehicle was located nearby with a different driver. A search warrant performed on the vehicle located a digital scale, Mendozas ID, zip lock bags and white powder. On Oct. 24, Mendoza fled from Ferndale Police and Washington State Patrol, the release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendoza was at the Ferndale residence where the second warrant was served, in the 2300 block of Main Street, along with Morgan Stewart, 19, of Burlington. The investigation had established probable cause for drug possession and criminal assistance charges against Stewart. Mendoza and Stewart failed to respond when ordered by law enforcement to come out of the building. Using video equipment, investigators watched Mendoza and Stewart crawl into the attic, where they remained for about 30 minutes. Investigators said the two returned from the attic and moved rapidly between the bedroom and the bathroom, suggesting they were concealing or destroying evidence, according to the release. Law enforcement entered the building and took both into custody. Officers reportedly discovered several grams of suspected fentanyl on Mendoza and suspected fentanyl-laced powder and cash in Stewarts bra while booking them into Whatcom County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ferndale search warrant also yielded two firearms, one reported stolen based on a Bellingham Police Department report from 2022. Stewart has a felony conviction from 2022 and is not eligible to possess firearms. Meanwhile, Mendoza was the respondent on a no-contact order through the Superior Court of Whatcom County, which ordered him not to own, possess, or control a firearm. The search also yielded plastic bags, a digital scale and a bag containing white powder (later field tested as baking soda). A bag containing several grams of blue pills stamped with M 30, which is consistent with fentanyl-laced pills, also was located. The investigation also determined probable cause to arrest Steven Barnett, 41, of Oak Harbor for cocaine possession and intent to delvier charges. He was contacted and arrested Nov. 6. Investigators suspect Barnett supplied cocaine to Ventress. Barnett was also booked into the Whatcom County Jail. As we continue to combat the devastating impact of harmful drugs in our communities, we are committed to arresting those who are contributing to this destructive and deadly drug epidemic, Sheriff Donnell Tank Tanksley said in the release. I commend our WGDTF and our law enforcement partners for being relentless in the pursuit of safer communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search warrants led to a total of 24 charges against the four people arrested: Eric Ventress: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver - Cocaine; Maintain Dwelling for Drug Trafficking; Delivery of a Controlled Substance Cocaine. In addition, the Bellingham Police Department had probable cause for Ventress for Assault 2nd (DV) and Assault 4th (DV) related to an incident in June. Juan Mendoza: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (2 Counts); Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement (2 Counts); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree (2 Counts); Possession of a Stolen Firearm; Maintain Dwelling for Drug Trafficking; DWLS 1st Degree (2 Counts); Resisting Arrest; Obstructing Law Enforcement. Morgan Stewart: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (2 Counts); Rendering Criminal Assistance 2nd Degree; Possession of a Stolen Firearm; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (2 Counts); Resisting Arrest; Obstructing Law Enforcement. Steven Barnett: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver - Cocaine. Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency because of the severe winter weather conditions throughout Colorado. Polis declared the emergency late Thursday and authorized unarmed Colorado National Guard members to provide winter storm response support. The declaration also activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate actions to assist affected jurisdictions with response, recovery and mitigation efforts. It also allows the Office of Emergency Management to mobilize state resources and to make contracts using emergency procurement procedures. The winter storm is expected to continue throughout Friday, and the declaration was declared to have resources in place to support rescue efforts around the state as the storm worsens into the evening. Featured Local Savings Polis and the Department of Personnel & Administration also announced that government offices along the Front Range will move to remote work where possible. Agencies will use their discretion to close public-facing state offices based on weather conditions throughout the day, with some facilities in southern and southeastern Colorado likely closing for the full day. State facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating schedules and essential staff will report as usual. The declaration comes as schools, roads, military installations and airports throughout the state have announced respective closures and delays in response to the winter storm warning. - Click or tap here for CDOT updates on the latest road conditions. - Click or tap here for updates on flight delays or cancellations. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Some of Americas most famous horses will return to East Tennessee this month ahead of the holiday season. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make several public appearances in East Tennessee this month. After 25 years, Voice of the Vols to retire at end of basketball season The first opportunity to see the massive eight-horse hitch and red beer wagon will be at the grand opening celebration for the new Sunsphere Welcome Center in Knoxville. The Clydesdales will be on hand on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9-11 a.m. at Worlds Fair Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 21, they will be at the Foothills Mall in Maryville for the WIVK 107.7 Holidays with the Clydesdales & Folds of Honor Celebration from 4-6 p.m. They will return to Knoxville the next day for an appearance at the Food City Centre at Deane Hill, located at 284 Morrell Road. Food City Holidays with the Clydesdales & Folds of Honor Celebration will run from 4-6 p.m. Smokies announce official name change with new logos, jerseys Finally, a single Clydesdale will make an appearance at the Total Wine at 11370 Parkside Drive on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 4-6 p.m. Photo: Jess Gutman, Eagle Distributing Company Photo: Jess Gutman, Eagle Distributing Company Photo: Jess Gutman, Eagle Distributing Company Photo: Jess Gutman, Eagle Distributing Company The 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales and a handler amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) The 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) The 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales and a handler amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) The 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales and a handler amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) The 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) The drivers and Budweiser Dalmatian with the 8-horse team of Budweiser Clydesdales amid the crowd in Farragut on Dec. 1, 2021. (Photo: Melanie Vasquez Russell/WATE Digital) See more top stories on WATE.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First appearing back in 1933, the Clydesdales have been synonymous with Budweiser for nearly a century and make hundreds of appearances around the country each year. The horses weigh an average of 2,000 pounds. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Many spots in Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs are honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a variety of Veterans Day deals Monday, Nov. 11. All places require proof of service, unless otherwise noted, so have a military ID with you. If your business has a special Veterans Day offer this year, please email cgleeson@gannett.com. Here are 10 spots in the Milwaukee area offering some freebies, discounts or other Veterans Day deals: 7Brew All 7Brew locations across the nation are offering veterans 25% off any drink. 7Brew has two locations in Wisconsin one in Brookfield and another in Mount Pleasant. Applebees Veterans can swing by Applebees for a free meal on Monday. The national chain is letting anyone who shows proof of service choose between the classic bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders platter, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad or three-cheese chicken penne. You will also receive a $5 bounce back card to be used within three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participating locations include Applebees Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Oak Creek and West Allis. Bar Louie Active-duty service members and veterans can grab a free burger from any Bar Louie location on Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11. The Big Louie burger is not included in the offer, and you must dine in to redeem it. To find a location near you, click here. Bensons Restaurant Group All veterans and active-duty service members can get a 25% discount at any of Bensons Restaurant Groups six restaurants. The restaurants are: AJ Bombers, at 1247 N. Water St. Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, at 249 N. Water St. The Bridgewater Modern Grill, at 2011 S. 1 st St. The Edison, at 322 N. Broadway Onesto, at 221 N. Broadway Smoke Shack, at 332 N. Milwaukee St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bensons Restaurant Group locations will also donate proceeds from orders of designated menu items to Milwaukees Stars and Stripes Honors Flight. Chilis Chilis is offering a free meal to veterans and active service members. The Veterans Day deal applies to specific menu items and is only available in-restaurant. Chilis has multiple locations in Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs, including Franklin, Germantown and Waukesha. Colectivo Coffee Service members past and present can get a free medium brewed coffee at Colectivo on Veterans Day, a spokesperson confirmed to the Journal Sentinel. A military ID does not need to be presented. To find a location near you, click here. Cousins Subs All veterans and active-duty service members can get a free 7.5 inch sub at any Cousins Subs location on Monday. The Wisconsin-based chain has multiple locations throughout Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To find a location near you, click here. Golden Corral Golden Corral is hosting a Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11 and offering a free meal and beverage to all veterans and active-duty service members. To find a location near you, click here. Harley Davidson Museum The Harley Davidson Museum is offering free admission for veterans, active-duty service members and their families throughout the weekend, Nov. 9-11. The Harley-Davidson Museum and Motor Bar and Restaurant are at 400 W. Canal St. Lowlands Group All veterans and active-duty service members can eat free at any Lowlands Group location across Wisconsin. They are: Cafe Hollander (has locations in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Mequon and Madison) Centraal Grand Cafe and Tappery, at 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Cafe Benelux, at 346 N. Broadway Motor Bar and Restaurant Motor Bar and Restaurant, connected to the Harley-Davidson Museum, is offering one complimentary meal (up to $14.95) with the purchase of a beverage on Veterans Day. Raising Canes Veterans and active-duty service members can get 10% off their entire purchase at Raising Canes on Veterans Day. Make sure you bring an ID and mention the Hero Discount Program when checking out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To find a location near you, click here. Scooters Coffee Scooters Coffee is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a free medium drink on Veterans Day. The offer includes any drink on the menu, including the coffee chains new holiday menu and limited edition drinks. To find a location near you, click here. Starbucks Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free tall coffee at Starbucks on Veterans Day. The offer applies to hot or iced drinks. To find a location near you, click here. More: Things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Veterans Day 2024: Where veterans can get discounts around Milwaukee During the Delphi murder trial in the deaths of Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams, journalists from IndyStar and the Journal & Courier are providing live coverage and recaps. Here's a look at what happened in the Caroll County Courthouse on each day during the trial. Jury selection in Richard Allen trial: Oct. 15-16, 2024 Jury selection day 1: 14 of 16 jurors chosen in Delphi murders trial; selection resumes Tuesday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury selection day 2: Delphi murder trial jury selection ends after day of revelations Day 1: Oct. 18, 2024 Day 1 recap: 'Grandma, it will be OK': Relatives remember teens as attorneys offer dueling narratives in Delphi trial Day 2: Saturday, Oct. 19 Day 2 recap: 'I thought they were mannequins': Delphi murders trial testimony is emotional on day 2 Day 3: Monday, Oct. 21 Day 3 recap: Gasps and tears as graphic images of Abby and Libby are shown to jurors at Delphi trial Day 4: Tuesday, Oct. 22 Day 4 recap: Delphi trial jurors see 'Bridge Guy' video, hear from witnesses who said they saw him Day 5: Wednesday, Oct. 23 Day 5 recap: A call, Snapchat photos, the infamous video: Delphi trial offers timeline of girls' activities Day 6: Thursday, Oct. 24 Day 6 recap: Richard Allen was not on Delphi investigators' radar. Then a volunteer found a box of tips. Day 7: Friday, Oct. 25 Day 7 recap: Delphi trial jurors hear from expert who tied Allen's gun to unspent round at crime scene Day 8: Saturday, Oct. 26 Day 8 recap: Officer recalls interview that preceded Richard Allen's arrest in Delphi murders trial Day 9: Monday, Oct. 28 Day 9 recap: Delphi trial jurors hear from blood specialist who says Libby German was likely dragged Day 10: Tuesday, Oct. 29 Day 10 recap: Delphi jurors saw dueling images of Richard Allen: one who claimed innocence, one who confessed Day 11: Wednesday, Oct. 30 Day 11 recap: Jurors hear about Richard Allen's confessions, bizarre behavior Day 12: Thursday, Oct. 31 Day 12 recap: State rests its case in Delphi murder trial, but is it enough to convict Richard Allen? Day 13: Friday, Nov. 1 Day 13 recap: Richard Allen was seriously mentally ill while at Westville prison, IDOC psychologist says Day 14: Saturday, Nov. 2 Day 14 recap: Defense presents its narrative around Richard Allen's mental state, murder investigation Day 15: Monday, Nov. 4 Day 15 recap: Defense in Delphi trial seeks to cast doubt on Richard Allen's confessions, discredit key witness Day 16: Tuesday, Nov. 5 Day 16 recap: New details about Libby's phone and the impact of isolation: What defense revealed to jurors Day 17: Wednesday, Nov. 6 Day 17 recap: Richard Allen and his defense attorneys have rested their case. Have they done enough? Day 18: Thursday, Nov. 7 Day 18 recap: Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland gives closing argument: "Richard Allen is 'Bridge Guy'" Jury deliberation: Friday, Nov. 8 Jury deliberation: Saturday, Nov. 9 Saturday, Nov. 9: Jurors in Delphi murders trial end Saturday deliberations without verdict Find more coverage online at IndyStar.com and JCOnline.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Richard Allen found guilty. Review Delphi murders trial testimony, coverage White House domestic policy chief Neera Tanden has been accused of repeatedly violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal government employees from engaging in campaign activity in their official capacity. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) brought a complaint against Tanden, claiming she made unlawful solicitations after being notified by OSC that some of her earlier solicitation posts were in violation of the law. Tanden knowingly solicited political contributions by posting or reposting requests for financial contributions to the campaigns of candidates for partisan political office, OSC said in the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It outlined that in July, Tanden reposted on her X account a post from Vice President Harriss campaign that asked for donations and included a link to her campaign website. In August, Tanden also reposted on X a post from a campaign official asking for donations to Harris and then reposted on X a post asking for contributions to House candidates. She also shared on X a post asking for donations to Sen. Bob Caseys (D-Pa.) reelection in September and, later that month, shared three more posts about contributing to Democrats. OSC outlined that its attorneys spoke with the White House Counsels Office about Tanden and an attorney said he would notify Tanden of the violation. She then removed one of the posts from August. White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said the White House is reviewing the OSC complaint and referred to a 2021 OSC report that found in the case of violations by Senate-confirmed presidential appointees and, in OSCs view, also by commissioned officers within the Executive Office of the President OSC may only submit a report to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House and Ms. Tanden take compliance with the Hatch Act seriously. As soon as these retweets which primarily consisted of non-fundraising content were brought her to attention, she appropriately deleted them. The White House is reviewing the complaint, Bates said. However, as recently as November 2021, the Office of Special Counsel stated that there are significant constitutional concerns with the MSPB disciplining White House commissioned officers, and that it was legally required to refer such matters to the President. Tandens attorney, Michael Bromwich of Steptoe LLP, told The Hill on Friday that the process from the OSC seemed rushed and that the OSC never requested an interview with her. Bromwich said that he told the OSC earlier this week that Tanden would be willing to sit for an interview and offered dates. He described the OSC as surprised about the idea of an interview and said the OSC told him they would be issuing a press release instead. The OSC complaint outlined that certain senior White House employees, including Tanden, are exempt from some of the Hatch Acts prohibitions but that all employees including senior White House employees are at all times prohibited from soliciting political contributions to political parties or candidates for partisan political office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OSC in December informed the White House that press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Bates violated the Hatch Act, explaining that criticizing MAGA Republicans when discussing the GOP budget plan earlier this year was a violation. The former Trump administration was the subject of numerous Hatch Act complaints during its four years in power. n one notable example, the OSC found White House counsel Kellyanne Conway to have violated the act repeatedly by posting on social media and sharing on television disparaging Democratic presidential candidates. An OSC report released after Trump left office found that 13 officials had violated the law by campaigning for the former president as he ran for reelection in 2020. During the Biden administration, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, former chief of staff Ron Klain and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge have all also been warned for making comments about candidates or an election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 10:05 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Driving past four boys gathered at a bus stop in Tacoma last year, a 17-year-old boy made a decision that will govern his fate for longer than he has been alive and perhaps sit in his heart until he leaves this world. Instead of continuing on to 7-Eleven, where he and his girlfriend had planned to get some snacks, William Isaac Kalama turned the car around on Portland Avenue. He fired eight gunshots at the group of children. Xaviar Siess, 14, was hit in the abdomen by one bullet, a wound that killed him later that day at a hospital. On Thursday morning, almost two dozen people came to a Pierce County Superior Court room to learn what punishment the state of Washington had for Kalama, who is now 19 and had already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and third-degree assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the hearing, Judge Karena Kirkendoll decided justice was a high-end punishment, sentencing Kalama to 22 years, eight months in the states custody. In Washington, young people sentenced for crimes committed before they are 18 go to juvenile rehabilitation in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families until age 25 when they would transfer to the Department of Corrections. People werent just there to hear how many years of incarceration a childs life is worth. At sentencing hearings, many of those most closely tied to the criminal case have a chance to have one last word. Thursday, the court would hear from a steely prosecutor, a grieving mother and her living children, Siess best friend, a sobbing biological father and a stepfather holding it together. There was also the veteran defense attorney trying to explain to the court how the turmoil of Kalamas early life and upbringing had made him the angry and quick-off-the-trigger person he was on Jan. 12, 2023, when he killed Siess. Then there was Kalama himself, either staring blankly or listening to testimony before he had a chance to speak. Finally the judge. Little sister of Xaviar Siess holds a photo of him during the sentencing of William Kalama, 19, for second-degree murder and third-degree assault of her brother. Photographed at Pierce County Superior Court, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 in Tacoma. Several of Kalamas family members were in attendance as well, but they declined to speak in court. Filling out the cast of characters were a judicial assistant handing out LifeSavers before the hearing began, victim advocates offering tissues as it went on, a court reporter and a couple of news reporters, plus sheriffs deputies standing guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy prosecuting attorney Mark Sanchez addressed the court first. He explained the circumstances of the shooting and the difficulty of talking with the family of homicide victims about standard sentencing ranges, enhancements and offender scores. Sanchez explained that because Kalama was under 18 when he murdered Siess, the court must consider the mitigating qualities of youth at sentencing, and that the judge had discretion to impose a punishment below the standard range. Despite that, he said, he was asking the court to hand down a high-end sentence. This wasnt a case about self defense, Sanchez said. Xaviars just minding his own business at the bus stop. Multiple shots fired. Not a single shot. Not a shot to scare him, shots to hit him. And he did. Defendant then callously drove away. The prosecuting attorney noted that Kalama had previously been convicted of second-degree robbery as a juvenile for an incident that occurred in 2020, within two years of Xaviars murder. Kirkendoll explained later in the hearing that Kalama had been attempting to rob beer and cigarettes with a friend, and he lost control of his emotions while carrying it out, repeatedly punching a store clerk to the point of concussion. I was supposed to grow up with him Siess mother, Daine Mabel, was the first family member to speak to the judge. She brought with her a painting that was placed on an easel. It was a portrait of her and Xaviar made after his death, depicting the two smiling together after an evening at a Family Fun Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mabel said Siess was her first-born son. She was pregnant with him when she graduated from Franklin Pierce High School. She recalled walking across the stage with him and then living in an independent youth housing program with him after he was born, sleeping on the floor when Siess was just a week old. He gave me a second chance at life and love, Mabel said. And when I visit his grave site, I get so upset sometimes. The mother recounted the story of how she learned Siess had been shot and when she was told he was dead. Mabel said at first she was told a lie by a group of boys who said Siess had only been grazed by a bullet. When she got to the hospital, a receptionist held her by the arm while she was led to a room to wait for the surgeon whod been working on her son. When the surgeon appeared, he told her that Siess vitals were low when he arrived. He said he thought the bullet was suppressing something, so they started emergency surgery, but he died during the procedure. Mabel said she told the doctor he must have the wrong one, her son was strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said, No doctor talk. What happened? Mabel said. And he said I cant find the bullet, to be honest. And he lost a lot of blood in his stomach. So youve seen that, and so there was no chance. Daine Mabel, mother of Xaviar Siess, gets emotional while giving a statement during the sentencing of William Kalama, 19, for second-degree murder and third-degree assault for the fatal shooting of her son. Photographed at Pierce County Superior Court, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 in Tacoma. Mabel cried at times while she spoke, and her voice fell to a whisper when she described how her sons last words were to tell ambulance workers what his name was. She said she had already forgiven Kalama in her heart, and she felt that Siess would have forgiven him if he had survived. Then she turned to face the young man. I forgive you, in my heart and my soul, Mabel said. Even when I saw you on the news, I still could not hold any hate in my heart. I just wanted to grieve my son in peace. Siess biological father, Christopher Siess, spoke next. He said he was in prison when he found out, but weeks earlier he had a weird feeling in his stomach that something was going to happen to one of his kids. He struggled to speak without becoming emotional and told the court that Siess never got to see him be a changed person. Eventually his stifled cries broke into loud sobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I used to get mad at him because I thought he needed to toughen up, Christopher Siess said. He was just so nice, like so gentle. And I apologize for that because why would I want him to be any different than who he was? He was just the nicest person that you could ever meet. He was 14 and headed to the mall. Tacoma residents mourn boys killing, call for change Kenneth Bradley, Siess stepfather, walked up to the judge next with two little girls in tow. They were two of Siess younger sisters, Azariah, 9, and Malaysia, 6. Bradley recalled asking Siess if it was OK to date his mom when the boy was about 5 years old over a meal of french fries and ranch dressing. Bradley said it was missing the little things that was hurting him, like playing video games with Siess or even him frustrating Bradley or messing with his sisters. He said Siess loved life and cherished his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his side, Azariah held a picture of her brother. The judge asked if she wanted to tell her about him. He was a really great brother, the girl said. I was supposed to grow up with him. Siess sister, Meleah, who was closest to him in age, spoke last along with her boyfriend, who was also Siess best friend. Both described having dreams of Siess and how he had always had their backs. Christopher Siess, father of Xaviar Siess, gets emotional while giving a statement during the sentencing of William Kalama, 19, for second-degree murder and third-degree assault for the fatal shooting of his son. Photographed at Pierce County Superior Court, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 in Tacoma. Defense attorney describes turmoil of clients life After a short recess, Kalamas defense attorney, Bryan Hershman, addressed the court, seeking to explain why Kirkendoll should impose a low-end sentence of around 14 years. He said he was going to ask for some latitude while he spoke. He said hed been to way too many sentencing hearings, and he hates them, but he couldnt think of a more eloquent and sorrowful presentation than what the victims family had just given. While he argued before the judge, the veteran attorney became emotional himself at times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people are in terrible pain, Hershman said. So is he. They want an answer, why he did this. I dont think my client knows. Hershman said this case emanated from Kalama being robbed weeks before the shooting. He said connecting the dots from that robbery to a finger on a trigger was senseless but also diagnostic. Hershman said Kalama had armed himself after the robbery. He didnt understand why he was so angry. I do, Hershman said. William Kalama, 19, looks on as the family of the victim gives emotional statements during his sentencing for second-degree murder and third-degree assault for the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Xaviar Siess. Photographed at Pierce County Superior Court, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 in Tacoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney turned to Kalamas upbringing and mental health issues. Kalamas mother was an addict, he said, and he was born addicted to methamphetamine, the fourth of 10 siblings. His father was an alcoholic who beat Kalama and raised him alongside his grandmother, according to Hershman. He said the boy grew up in a gang community, got in frequent physical altercations at school and was shot at before his mid-teens, something that led to a PTSD diagnosis. Kalama started abusing alcohol and drugs by age 12. Hershman said the major finding of a psychological evaluation done in the case was Kalamas troubled childhood and prenatal exposure to meth, but he had a different takeaway. He noted that Kalama admitted to feeling excited during the prior robbery he was convicted of. Whats going on here, Hershman said. A kid who grows up in turmoil, thats his world. Its turmoil. They self-treat with turmoil. Then it was Kalamas turn. He stood, then said he was sorry to the victims family, that he apologized for the pain hes caused and he takes responsibility for what he did. He turned to face the courtroom gallery. I apologize to everyone, Kalama said. Im sorry that Ive done this to you guys. Finally, the judge made her ruling. ORLANDO, Fla. The Florida Democratic Party had been cautiously optimistic before Tuesdays election. Then results from the polls showed a complete collapse. Florida has become so red, its not only hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, its hard to see the tunnel, said Mac Stipanovich, a Tallahassee consultant and anti-Trump Republican turned Democrat. President-elect Trump trounced Harris in the state, the GOP kept its supermajorities in Tallahassee, and Republicans flipped counties like Osceola that were blue in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the Democratic party faces the prospect of an election for governor in two years in a state more Republican-leaning than ever before, in a non-presidential year when turnout is only expected to drop. The party was hurt by a number of factors, analysts said, including a national shift of Hispanic voters to the Republican party, an aggressive effort to field candidates even in heavily red areas that may have spread its resources too thin, and the failed hope that the abortion issue would boost Democratic performance. The state, said Democratic elections analyst Matt Isbell, will be on the back burner for the national partys help given the low likelihood of success. Florida is going to be way in the back. Democrats have been the minority party in the state for more than 25 years, last winning a governors race in 1994. Republicans in the state have now out-registered them by more than a million voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after decades in the wilderness, however, the 2022 election was thought to be the partys nadir, with plummeting Democratic turnout leading to a red wave electing Republicans up and down the ballot. But the 2024 elections left them in nearly the exact same position. The year started on a good note for the party. It was coming off a win in the Jacksonville mayors race, which was followed up by Democrat Tom Keen winning a special election for a Central Florida seat in the Florida House, thanks in part to a wave of non-partisan voters. But on Tuesday Keen was defeated, Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott got his first double-digit victory and the party lost the state attorneys race in blue Hillsborough County, as Trumps coattails helped sweep Republicans into office across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried was defiant Wednesday, despite the losses. Our fight is not over, she said in a statement. Our fight to defend freedom and democracy in Florida is our sacred responsibility and the only way we can claw back political power in the Sunshine State is to stay in the fight the people of our state depend on it, she added. The state party did not respond to a question about whether Fried, the former agriculture commissioner who was elected chair last year, would continue in her role. State GOP chair Evan Power mocked Fried following Tuesdays results. The change she made adding the panther to the logo was appropriate as they are really an endangered species, Power wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isbell defended Frieds work as chair, citing the Republican gains across the country. I dont think what happened in Florida was on Nikki Fried or anybody in the state party, Isbell said. A lot of these campaigns were really well-run. They were doing everything right and then sometimes it just doesnt matter. Sometimes a national headwind kicks you in the teeth and theres nothing to be done. The party did have some wins to point to, including former Orange-Osceola state attorney Monique Worrell returning to the job she was removed from by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year and Democrat Leonard Spencer narrowly defeating Republican state Rep. Carolina Amesty, a Windermere-area Republican, after she was charged with four felony counts. Still, Stipanovich said of Amestys loss, I dont know if you get to thump your chest about beating somebody whos been indicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next test for Democrats will be in 2026, when DeSantis is term-limited and the governors race wide-open. Stipanovich said Democrats need a reasonable, charismatic alternative. John Morgan, the prominent Orlando attorney and prolific Democratic fundraiser-turned-independent, said the partys brand is so tarnished in Florida that an independent candidate will have the best shot against a Republican. In the present environment, I cant think of one Democrat that would have a chance, Morgan said in an email. It would need to be a star in business or a celebrity. But, he added, politics swings wildly now, Morgan added The Republicans will be overseeing a very good economy. If it falters, they will be blamed, as there is no one else to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jayden DOnofrio, the chair of the Future Florida Leaders political committee, said he left the state party in January because it wasnt doing enough for youth organizing, one of many decisions he criticized. He also disliked that Democrats ran a candidate in every state House district, including ones they had no chance of winning, which he said took party resources away from races they could have won. In 2026, DOnofrio said, Democrats could win if we actually know what were doing and are strategic about it from the very beginning. Stipanovich said a Democratic gubernatorial win in 2026 probably comes down to something bad has to happen to Republicans nationally that discredits extremism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could be fallout from Trumps planned mass deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, he said. Voters might turn on the GOP, he added, if there is video from all around the country, night after night, of weeping mothers cradling their children being dragged by big, hulking policemen to buses to be shipped to concentration camps in southwestern United States. Isbell fears that Republicans having a free hand in a Trump administration could interfere with elections in Florida. He cited DeSantis use of taxpayer-funded state agencies to successfully campaign this fall against abortion rights and marijuana amendments as a blueprint. Democrats, he said, especially in any state thats controlled by Republicans, need to factor in what kind of weaponization of the state is going to be used against them. _____ Even though the Presidential race was decided early Wednesday morning and state races earlier than that, Oklahomas results are still not finalized. But this is typical of elections. Many states around the country have not been finalized yet, and they will slowly be over the next 30 days. Heres everything we know about why results have yet to be finalized. When will the Oklahoma voting results be finalized? The Oklahoma State Election Board has until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, to certify the county and local elections, barring any petition for a recount. They also have until Tuesday, Nov. 12, to certify federal and state results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, all races will become certified and official results. Unofficial results can be viewed in the meantime. More: Catch up: See statewide and local election results What goes into the verification process? Following the June primary earlier this year, 76 Oklahoma counties conducted a post-election audit on federal, state and county races for Democratic and Republican primaries. Carter County opted instead for a full recount of all ballots in the county sheriff primary. Audits include the manual examination and tabulation of mail-in absentee ballots, in-person absentee ballots, and ballots cast on Election Day. Participating precincts were selected randomly for audits, and no differences were found according to the certification process. How secure are Oklahoma elections? The Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to building and promoting conservative public policies, found Oklahoma to be the fifth most secure state for election integrity going into the 2024 election. The Sooner state follows Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to aiding American lives through bold and progressive ideas, gave Oklahoma a C rating for its election integrity. Because the State of Oklahoma follows a uniform election system, voters cast their ballots in the same way in every county. This means procedures, security protocols and voting devices are the same across all the counties. To protect their elections, the State Board of Elections partners with numerous state and federal agencies to keep state and county election officials briefed on the current threat environments, remedy vulnerabilities, and monitor malevolent activities. In addition, no voting devices are connected to the internet, and all paper ballots are auditable and verifiable. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why is the election still not finalized? When, how they get verified LONDON Few have expressed glee at Donald Trumps election win like Europes far right. In President-elect Trump, these ascendant insurgents across the pond see a key ally, someone who shares their mix of authoritarianism, populism and extreme hostility to immigration. We have big plans for the future! posted Hungarys Prime Minister Vikor Orban, an influential Trump friend and ally, calling it a much needed victory for the World! Orban visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida earlier this year. Asked what these plans were, Andras Laszlo, a lawmaker in Orbans Fidesz party, told NBC News on Thursday that his leader had left it deliberately vague. It would broadly involve a continuation of their first-term partnership, he said, to help persecuted Christians around the world, and to promote policies and solutions to stop illegal immigration.Trumps lionization of dictators and promises to go after his political enemies have seen him called a fascist by two former aides and some experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Orban, Laszlo and fellow party members arent the only ones rejoicing at the election of Trump, whom they see as a fellow traveler because of his hard-line stance on immigration and rejection of what they see as internationalist left liberal dogma. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at an E.U. summit in Budapest on Friday. The Netherlands Geert Wilders, an anti-Muslim firebrand who is sometimes labeled the Dutch Trump, urged his Washington counterpart to NEVER STOP, ALWAYS KEEP FIGHTING AND WIN ELECTIONS!In Italy, right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has softened her approach since taking office, heralded the unshakable alliance, common values and historic friendship between Washington and Rome. And Alice Weidel, co-chairperson of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, said the vote was a repudiation of woke Hollywood. AfD lawmaker Stefan Keuter speaking in Essen, Germany on Sept. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her lawmakers, Siegbert Droese, wished the Republican all the best on this happy day with a red MAGA cap on his desk.The AfD is polling in second place ahead of elections likely next spring. If the party were to enter government, you can assume that we will work excellently with a Trump administration, Stefan Keuter, an AfD lawmaker in the German parliament and the partys ranking member in the foreign affairs committee, told NBC News. We have good personal contacts with people from the Trump team, he said, adding that the party had hosted a large delegation of the Young Republicans earlier this year. The AfD is an anti-immigration, anti-Muslim political party that is being monitored by the countrys domestic intelligence agency for suspected extremism something it denies. On Wednesday, it announced it would expel three members suspected of involvement in an in militant neo-Nazi group that prosecutors said was planning an armed revolt. Like Orban, many of its members have an open affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the party campaigns for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine something that could well mean concessions favorable to the Kremlin. Likewise, Trump has repeatedly spoken warmly about Putin, calling him a genius, and says he would resolve Russias invasion of Ukraine before he takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as well as Trumps positions on immigration, Keuter praised the Americans war on political correctness. You are simply no longer allowed to speak the truth, he said. Trump doesnt care about that at all. He states facts, and that is what we appreciate about him. These sentiments are not just contained to Europe. Argentinas far right, libertarian president, Javier Milei, told Trump he could count on Argentina to carry out your task. And Israels ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reacted with a Yesssss. AfD supporters during a rally in Erfurt, Germany, in August. These are not just kind words but the product of deep ties that have been cultivated between the European far right and Trumps Republican Party.Chief among these is Orban, 61, who has become an unlikely darling to Trump and other Republicans, who have hosted him and courted his political advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban is the model for Trumps team, said Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and the author of the new book Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future. They bring him over, they meet with him, Stanley said, arguing that Orbans most attractive quality is the 14 years he has managed to remain in power making him the European Unions longest-serving leader. Orban has done this, according to researchers, by passing laws curtailing judicial independence; stacking government agencies and institutions with party loyalists; and creating a pro-government media landscape by threatening fines or suspensions for unbalanced or amoral news reports. His grip on power has become such that the European Parliament calls his rule an elective autocracy. And from this platform, he has portrayed refugees as a threat to Christian culture describing migrants as poison and Muslims as invaders and passed supposedly anti-pedophile laws that in fact conflated that crime with LGBTQI+ issues. Its a platform he says he has been increasingly exporting to Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have entered the program-writing system of President Donald Trumps team, and we have deep involvement there, he said in a July lecture. Trump meanwhile described Orban in January as a very great leader and a very strong man. When the Hungarian visited Trump at his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort in March, President Joe Biden accused his Hungarian counterpart of looking for dictatorship. NBC News has asked the Trump team for comment on these criticisms, as well as its links to far-right parties in Europe. The label of far right is rejected by Orbans Hungarian party, Fidesz. If the left wants to portray us for for being far right on illegal immigration, the only thing I can say is: We are far right on illegal immigration, in the sense that the left is far wrong because they are promoting lawlessness at the borders, Fidesz lawmaker Laszlo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just about platitudes between leaders. Orban, left, speaking with European leaders including Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, in Budapest on Thursday. An Orban-linked think tank called the Danube Institute has developed ties with the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, which led the Project 2025 policy road map. Trump has disavowed the 900-page blueprint for reorganizing swaths of politics and society along hard-right lines, despite some of his former aides involvement in writing it.Nevertheless, in public, Trump has backed mass deportation, said he would use the legal system to punish political opponents, and threatened to deploy the military and National Guard against left-wingers whom he describes as the enemy within. Trump and his team have denied he is a fascist, and he described himself last month as the opposite of a Nazi. The prospect of a new alliance between these transatlantic political bedfellows is deeply alarming for independent experts, activists and political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Trumps first term, heavy hitters such as German leader Angela Merkel and Frances Emmanuel Macron presented themselves as rational, mainstream counterweights to the presidents most norm-busting outbursts. Now, Merkel is long gone and Macron is severely weakened. Europes new political topography has moved to the right, where Wilders has called for the de-Islamization of the Netherlands, Austrias Freedom Party wants to push through remigration of Austrian nationals with migrant backgrounds, and the Brothers of Italy party uses the fascist, Benito Mussolini-era motto: God, family, fatherland. Though the partys leader Meloni has softened her image internationally, forging ties with Biden and the E.U., at home she has overseen a controversial program to process migrants in Albania, declared her personal opposition to abortion and backed anti-surrogacy laws that critics say discriminate against same-sex couples. Now, Trumps election means Orban will be far less isolated and may even become the political blocs conduit to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a learning process the Trump movement is doing with these people, said Stanley, the Yale professor. Their use of Orban is very, very effective and very smart. Alexander Smith reported from London and Carlo Angerer reported from Munich, Germany. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (WGHP) North Carolina foodies will have to travel if they dream of dining at a Michelin Star restaurant. A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, according to the Michelin Guide. The award is granted to restaurants after anonymous inspectors dine there to assess five specific criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time. Michelin Stars are awarded by the tire company Michelin, which began publishing Michelin Guides in France in 1900. These guides were conceived of initially as a way to boost car ownership, and thus tire demand, across France. In 1926, they began issuing star ranking to restaurants as part of their guides and the star ranking was solidified in 1931, with several European countries having their own guides by then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out the best food trucks from around the Piedmont Triad on Food Truck Friday! Michelin began issuing stars in the United States in 2005. The U.S. Michelin Guides focus on specific cities and states, so only restaurants within those areas are eligible. The U.S. guides started with New York City. Since then, Michelin has expanded to the cities of Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and formerly Las Vegas, as well as the states of California, Colorado and Florida. North Carolina is not one of the states that is featured in a Michelin Guide. Carolinian foodie seeking the best of the best will have to travel, and the closest starred restaurants are in Washington D.C. and Atlanta. However, if traveling isnt in the cards, there are prestigious culinary honors that you can find a little closer to home. James Beard Awards North Carolina often features among the yearly nominees and semi-finalists for the James Beard Awards. James Beard Awards are highly coveted culinary awards that span multiple categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina chefs and restaurants largely centered around Asheville and the Triangle have taken home the prize several times in the past few years. The only winner in the Piedmont Triad was Lexington Barbecue #1 which won in the Americas Classics category in 2003. While North Carolina didn't take any top prizes in the 2024 James Beard Awards, Piedmont Triad favorites like Machete in Greensboro and Sweet Potatoes in Winston-Salem have made it up to the semifinalist round in recent years, and this year Bobby Boy Bakeshop was in the running for best bakery. It's easy to find highly ranked and award-winning places to grab a meal, even if the prestige of a Michelin Star isn't available in the Tar Heel State. Best restaurants in the Carolinas If you're hungry, which you probably are at this point, check out the Yelp ranking for 100 best places in the Carolinas to grab a meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. A task force composed of state officials, district school board members, superintendents and parents agrees Colorado's education accountability system needs a major overhaul. The Accountability, Accreditation, Student Performance, and Resource Inequity Task Force released its report Friday, recommending various improvements to better address the needs of students and schools. The 26-member task force that included parents, educators, students and community leaders from across the state held over 150 hours of meetings over the past year to discuss how to improve the system. Their focus was to address gaps in educational outcomes and to make sure all students have fair access to resources. In total, the task force developed 30 recommendations aimed at helping the state better evaluate and support student success. "I am thrilled that 26 diverse voices from across our state came together to identify ways to strengthen our accountability and accreditation system, focusing on addressing academic inequities and expanding opportunities for all, said Wendy Birhanzel, Harrison School District 2 superintendent and task force chair. The task force's recommendations cover four core areas: accountability frameworks, state assessments, public reporting and engagement, and continuous improvement practices. Within these areas, key recommendations include: Refining school and district ratings. The task force suggests changing how schools and districts are rated to reflect the achievements of various student groups more accurately. This includes adding support for smaller student populations and addressing achievement gaps. Better metrics for growth, achievement and postsecondary readiness. To give parents a clearer idea of how schools prepare students for college or careers, the task force recommends adding new measures focused on postsecondary and workforce readiness. Featured Local Savings Modernizing state assessments. Recommendations include creating assessments that adapt to student needs, offer multilingual options, and provide quicker results to help teachers and the community understand student progress. Improving data sharing and accessibility. Recognizing the importance of accessible information, the task force proposes a statewide dashboard. This dashboard would offer clear, easy-to-understand data on school performance for parents, educators and policymakers. Strengthening improvement processes. The task force suggests creating a system of early identification and targeted support to help schools and districts address issues as they arise and recognize their successes. Additionally, the report suggests areas for further study, including exploring best practices for assessing students with disabilities and leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence, in state assessments. The task force was formed last year with passage of House Bill 23-1241 by the General Assembly. The bill specifically requires the task force to release a final report of recommendations by Nov. 15. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Colorado's legislators for focusing on academic opportunities and inequities that contribute to achievement gaps," said State Board of Education chair and task force co-chair Rebecca McClellan. The task force encourages the legislature, the State Board of Education, the state Department of Education and all education stakeholders to collectively implement these recommendations, though the law does not require them to do so. Birhanzel noted that while the recommendations themselves are "essential," they are also "just the beginning." "Our commitment to this work must continue to ensure that every student in Colorado has access to the educational opportunities and outcomes they deserve." The full report is available online for the public to view. A lack of adequate rain in New Jersey this season may make one of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes hard to come by this year. The state typically produces about $20 million worth of cranberries every yearsecond only to Mass.but depleted reservoirs and dry lands may put a significant dent in that number this time around, according to a new report from NJ.com. With a heavy reliance on water at every step of their growth and harvesting cycles, producing a crop fit for retail has become a slow and expensive process, if not altogether impossible. SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter This season has been exceptionally tough, Bill Haines, who works for Pine Island Cranberry in Chatsworth, NJ, told the publication recently, calling it "as dry an October as I can remember. Haines has worked in the cranberry industry since 1976, and considers this to be the worst drought he's seen since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been able to manage. We actually have a good crop, but water is precious, Haines added. We havent had any significant rainfall since early July. Steve Lee, of Lee Brothers Farms in the same town, told the publication that his reservoir usually sits at "about six to eight feet below the ground," but last time he checked, it was at "about 20 feet." Many of the states' berries are intended for Ocean Spray products, with local farms submitting requests for "more time" to the co-op, though it's still too early to say how the drought may affect availabilityor costfor cranberry sauce later this month. Next: 44 Recipes That Use Fresh and Dried Cranberries This Holiday Season NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Caroline Mwikali lost her ability to walk at age 13 after an illness. She quickly learned how difficult it is to get around in Kenyas busy capital, Nairobi. Mwikali, who now works at a car financing company, said public transport is not designed to accommodate wheelchair users like her. Nairobi's most popular modes of transport include motorbikes along with minivans and minibuses that are not fitted with ramps. They also are not designed to fit wheelchairs in their aisles, so users must be hoisted up the stairs and placed on regular seats while their wheelchairs are put with luggage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most cases, the people manning the bus terminals have to lift you off the wheelchair to help you board the buses. This is not only uncomfortable but leaves you attracting unnecessary attention from the public, Mwikali told The Associated Press. She is among 2.2% of Kenyas population, or about 900,000 people, who live with a disability. The most common type of disability is mobility-related at 42%. One entrepreneur, Daniel Gatura, founded Ace Mobility in Nairobi in 2021. Its vehicles are modified with ramps and swivel seats to accommodate people with disabilities and anyone else who needs support commuting. Gatura said he was inspired by a personal experience growing up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My father sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident that left him in a wheelchair when he was just 5 years old. I witnessed the challenges my father faced, including losing his job due to transportation issues, Gatura said. Users can book rides through the Ace Mobility app. Drivers are trained as caregivers, ensuring they understand how to provide respectful and appropriate assistance to passengers with disabilities. Gatura said they have 5,000 users. We are changing the narrative around disability and reduced mobility. Just because you have a disability doesnt mean you cannot earn for yourself; it doesnt mean you are a nobody in the society, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transport is more expensive than public transport, charging the equivalent of $1 per kilometer (0.6 miles). The same amount can be used to pay for a 40-kilometer (24-mile) ride in public transport vehicles. But Gatura noted it delivers people directly to their homes. I find the charges quite fair considering the convenience that it offers. I get to travel comfortably and without necessarily moving from my chair. It also somehow preserves my dignity, said Mwikali, who has used the service for four months after a referral from a former classmate. But others like Cindy Cherotich can't afford the service. She must jostle for space on minibuses while on crutches. When I go to the bus station sometimes the public vehicles do not allow me to board," she said. When they see my crutch and (see) somebody who is OK without crutches, they will let them in and I will be left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucy Nkatha, a disability advocate and coordinator of Kiengu Women Challenged to Challenge Group, an NGO, said she had never heard of Ace Mobility and called for marketing support for such companies. It should also be made affordable, she said. Sandra Nyawira, the disability inclusion adviser at United Disabled Persons of Kenya, noted that Kenya has a number of policies in place to address accommodations for people with disabilities, but implementation is rare. She called for more political will. Its one thing to have a policy that speaks to your issues, but then its another to implement them, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Queen Camilla recently canceled all her scheduled royal engagements on account of a chest infection. This has shocked many people, who have since been anxious to learn more about the Queens health situation and the cancelations. So, heres all you need to know about Queen Camillas health situation and her royal engagement cancelations. Queen Camillas health update Queen Camilla is dealing with a chest infection. Buckingham Palace confirmed this via a statement that reads, Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest. It further states, With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekends Remembrance events as normal. (via BBC) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Queen has issued apologies to those who would be affected by her absence. Due to her illness, she will not be present at the Field of Remembrance ceremony in Westminister Abbey this Thursday. Instead, she will be represented by the Duchess of Gloucester. The Queen will also not attend the Buckingham Palace reception hosted by King Charles III, which honors the accomplishments of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Queen Camillas illness happened shortly after she and her husband King Charles III returned from a royal tour to Australia and Samoa. This tour marked King Charles IIIs first visit to Australia as a monarch. This is not the first time the Queen has missed engagements on account of an illness. Back in 2023, she tested positive for COVID-19, which made her drop out of a scheduled visit to West Midlands. Five years earlier in 2019, a chest infection forced the Queen to drop out of a gala dinner at the London Library and an event at Westminister Abbeys Field of Remembrance, the next day. (via Daily Mail) Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon. The post Heres Why Queen Camilla Cancelled Royal Engagements appeared first on Mandatory. Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has sparked interest among Americans in South Korea's "4B" fringe feminist movement, which urges women not to date, marry, sleep with, or have children with men. Across Instagram, TikTok and X, American women have been sharing 4B's tenets "bihon" (no marriage with men), "biyeonae" (no dating), "bichulsan" (no giving birth) and "bisekseu" (no sex with men) and calling for the movement to take off in the US. Many of the videos about 4B posted on TikTok have gone viral, gaining millions of views. "Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my Republican boyfriend last night and officially joining the 4B movement this morning," said one user on X. On Wednesday, when Trump's win was confirmed, Google searches for 4B soared by 450%, with more than 200,000 people looking up the movement. It was one of the search engine's top trending topics, and most of the interest came from US users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surge in interest in 4B reflects concern among women in the US about the risk of a rollback of female freedoms and reproductive rights under Trump as president. The 4B trend is said to have started in South Korea following the country's #MeToo movement in 2018. There was widespread anger and national protests in the East Asian nation against the spycam epidemic: the use of tiny, hidden cameras to film victims naked, urinating or mid-sex. The 4B movement which is reportedly practised by a few thousand women in South Korea takes aim at the country's deeply conservative and patriarchal culture and highlights issues from violence against women to the gender wage gap. South Korea ranks 94th out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forums global gender gap index. File photo: Demonstrators supporting the #MeToo movement stage a rally to mark the International Women's Day in Seoul, South Korea, 8 March, 2018 - Ahn Young-joon/Copyright 2018 The AP. All rights reserved. The US presidential election had been characterised in some quarters as a referendum on women's rights in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key pillar of Democratic challenger and Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign was her support for access to abortion and a warning that Trump would further erode such rights. The US Supreme Court's decision in 2022 to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling a result that Trump took credit for ended the constitutional right to abortion and fuelled a series of restrictive laws in Republican-controlled states. In the US elections this week, 10 states held votes on whether or not to expand abortion rights. Seven states voted in favour, while three states Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota rejected the measures, representing the first wins for US anti-abortion advocates since the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling. Abortion rights activists have said they fear the Trump administration will reduce access to reproductive rights and services. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the pre-election debates and focus on abortion from the Democrats, the issue was not as prominent among voters as anticipated by the Harris campaign. An Edison Research exit poll found that 14% of voters viewed abortion as their main election issue, compared to 34% who cited the state of democracy and 32% who said the economy. Furthermore, while Harris had the lead among women voters with 53% of female votes compared to Trump's 46%, her margin was ultimately narrower than President Joe Biden's 55% share when he won the 2020 election. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The WFPD Burglary Unit is asking for the communitys help identifying the suspect of multiple car burglaries that happened on the MSU Texas campus. On the evening of Friday, November 1, 2024, an individual was captured on surveillance cameras breaking into multiple vehicles around the MSU campus parking lots. If you recognize this individual or have any information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Patricia Ferguson with the WFPD at (940) 761-7792 and reference case #24-110048. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also contact the Wichita Falls Area Crime Stoppers at (940) 322-9888 or leave an anonymous tip at p3tips.com. If your tip information leads to an arrest, you could be compensated for your efforts. Your assistance is crucial and appreciated. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. The wife of an Illinois judge was arrested after he was found fatally shot to death outside the couples home. Officials say that County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine, 41, was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds at the property in Edwards County. Police say that the victims body was found lying outside the home in Albion, Illinois. His wife, Megan Valentine, 44, was arrested and charged with his murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records state that she has been charged with three counts of murder, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery. The judge was in the second year of a six-year term as a judge. On behalf of all of the judges of the Second Judicial Circuit, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Edwards County Resident Judge Michael J. Valentine, said the office of the Chief Judge of the Illinois Second Judicial Circuit. Illinois judge Michael Valentine found shot to death at home (Village of Orland Park, Illinois) Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. The suspect was booked into Edwards County Jail and made her first court appearance on Thursday. ALBION, Ill. A southern Illinois judge was found shot to death at his home on Election Day. His wife has since been charged with killing him. According to a statement from the Illinois State Police, deputies with the Edwards County Sheriffs Office were called to a home in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion just before 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Deputies arrived to find Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine laying dead outside the residence. Megan S. Valentine, 44, was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Girl struck, killed by school bus in OFallon, Missouri The sheriffs office asked the ISP to handle the investigation. On Thursday, the Illinois States Attorney Appellate Prosecutors Office charged Megan Valentine with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery. Valentine is being held at the White County Jail. Shes scheduled to make her first appearance in court on Friday morning. A motive was not mentioned. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. This year's Falls Fire northwest of Burns has been among the blazes that have burned a record 2 million acres. (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center) Across Oregon, the flames from more than 2,000 fires this season have engulfed homes, ravaged landscapes and emitted dangerous levels of particulate matter, while burning through state budgets to rack up a large tab for taxpayers. Oregons current approach to wildfire budgeting is inherently incompatible with the level of risk it faces in a changing climate. In fact, the damages hundreds of thousands of acres burned, dozens of homes and other structures destroyed are only likely to get worse. The solution? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A carbon price. Making polluters pay corrects a long-standing market inefficiency, shifting the burden of wildfire costs from the shoulders of taxpayers back on to the responsible party: large carbon emitters. Plenty of evidence shows that the carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are driving climate change, which, in turn, is causing more extreme weather and more extreme wildfires. In Oregon, modestly pricing the carbon emissions that largely responsible for our changing climate and worse wildfire seasons could generate an additional $3 billion annually, providing ample resources to fund the states wildfire response efforts, offer direct loans for community, infrastructure and landscape recovery, and significantly boost investments in wildfire prevention and resilience. And were going to need it all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 26, Oregons legislative Emergency Board approved $47.5 million in emergency funding for the Oregon Department of Forestry to pay for this wildfire season. With climate change, Oregon will continue to face a severe wildfire risk, experts say. Yet the states current practice of mopping up wildfire costs after the fact is inefficient at best and consistently fails to account for the true costs of worsening wildfire in the warming world. Wildfire doesnt bend to the will of the budget writers in Salem. The Emergency Board plays a tenuous role doling out funds to keep Oregons agencies afloat. This year, when the forestry departments initial budget ran out, wildfires burned on. They faced financial tumult: insolvency by November, with more costs to come, according to a legislative analysis. Protecting Oregonians by approving this round of emergency funding was critical, but as we anticipate the next record-setting wildfire season, the continued use of stop-gap expenditures as a makeshift solution levies an unsustainable burden on the states budget and, by default, on Oregon taxpayers. Oregonians are all too familiar with the impacts of wildfire: skyrocketing home insurance premiums; countless acres of forest, grasses and croplands burned to a crisp; homes and communities devastated by flames; lives lost. Despite their best efforts to protect themselves and their property, individual action can only go so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And costs have continued to rise. Since 1992, annual average wildfire damages have doubled, then tripled, then quadrupled. Before this summer, 2020 was considered the worst wildfire year on record: burning more than 1 million acres, destroying 5,000 homes and businesses and killing nine. The 2024 season is worse in terms of acreage burned, scorching nearly 2 million acres. So far, the department of forestry has spent more than double its budget for fire protection this year, effectively subsidizing polluters emissions to the tune of $250 million. Oregons budget is uniquely constrained by a kicker law that limits the states ability to hold additional revenues for a rainy day. Like other states, many of Oregons essential services are already facing budget shortfalls, leaving little wiggle room for wildfire costs. Its clear the state needs a new, reliable source of wildfire funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon isnt alone in this quandary. Governments play a critical role in addressing market failures and protecting constituents from unexpected costs. Now they are flailing to cover the many costs that stem from decades of unmitigated, unpriced carbon emissions. Any economist can tell you that the solution is simple: Put a price on the problem. Legislators have proposed a handful of tax adjustments, including a uniform property tax and an acreage-based tax on private timber harvests. But theyre missing the mark. The additional revenue generated by these proposals would barely cover half of the department of forestrys emergency funding request, and theyre pointing fingers at the wrong industry. Neither trees, nor property owners, are at fault here. Polluters are and they should be on the hook for the bill. Pricing the upstream, direct emissions of the states largest emitters (think natural gas processing facilities, large industrial plants, etc.) would not only raise the necessary funds but would minimize the welfare impacts felt by Oregonians. Targeted exemptions for critical industries and providing direct assistance to low-income, disadvantaged groups would further negate the strain on consumers. This is not a new concept for Oregon lawmakers who have discussed, but failed to pass, several bills on the topic over the years. Though politically challenging, putting a price on carbon emissions would be an effective and efficient way to cover the increasing costs of wildfire associated with human-caused climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further inaction by Gov. Tina Kotek and state legislators willput Oregonians in harms way and drain the state budget and is no longer acceptable. A carbon price wouldnt stop the world from warming. Its too late for that. Climate change is here, its impacting Oregonians their homes, their land, their lives and its expensive. Adopting a carbon tax could alleviate Oregons wildfire funding woes, set the stage for better budgeting and ensure a safer, more resilient Oregon for years to come by making the polluters pay. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. (AP) Firefighters in New Jersey were stretched even thinner on Friday when another wildfire broke out in the state's bone-dry conditions. At least four wildfires were burning in the state, stretching from the Pinelands in the central and western parts of the state to the New York City suburbs. The latest fire broke out along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County, across the Hudson River from New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was smaller than the three others burning in New Jersey, each of which had burned less than a square mile as of late Thursday. Those fires, in Jackson, Glassboro and Evesham, were between 50% and 80% contained Friday. The Englewood Cliffs fire was 30% contained, and no homes were threatened by it. Conditions were even more hazardous Friday than they were the day before, with the National Weather Service issuing a red flag warning calling for gusty winds and low humidity that could help spread fires quickly. New Jersey has not received measurable precipitation in over a month, the weather service said, setting a new record. More snow arrived in the Pikes Peak region Friday, dumping several more inches across Colorado Springs and southern Colorado. State officials declared an emergency Thursday evening, allowing for the deployment of additional resources to fight the storm, which was expected to move out of the area Saturday morning. Here are the latest 72-hour snowfall accumulations in southern Colorado as of Saturday evening: HANNA CITY, Ill. (WYZZ) The Wildlife Prairie Park is gearing up for the holiday season with some upcoming festivities. Before the weather cools down, hikers can get their last trek in on the 3.5-mile Wildlife Waddle hike on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. The park encourages people to just waddle on in, as the event is free with park admission. For those who prefer the indoors, the park hosts a Critters Chat every Saturday. The elementary-oriented Critters & Cookies events are at noon, while the adult Critters & Coffee events are at 2 p.m. All children must be chaperoned by an adult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upcoming Critter Chats include: Critters & Cookies Nov 9: Were Owl In This Together Animal Ambassador: Jessie the Barn Owl, Craft/Activity: Owlet Collage Nov 16: Scent-sational Animals Animal Ambassador: Rogue the Striped Skunk, Elon the Musk Turtle & Little John the Fox Snake. Craft/Activity: Skunk Keychain Critters & Coffee Nov. 9: OwlsMasters of the Night Sky Nov. 16: Illinois Alligator Snapping Turtle Recovery Program Once the Christmas season kicks off, attendees can ride through a magical wonderland on Santas Wildlife Express. People will be able to meet their animal ambassadors and decorate Christmas-themed cookies and crafts in Santas workshop. On Dec. 14, the park will also host a Santas Children Musical Recital where children can sign up for 10-minute slots to show off their musical talents. Tickets for Santas Wildlife Express are on sale now for Dec. 13, 14, and 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Head over to the Wildlife Prairie Park website to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and how to become a member. Love Good Day Central Illinois? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our Daily Newsletter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. WINNSBORO, Texas (KETK) A 74-year-old East Texas man has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison after a 2020 murder in Winnsboro. Tyler man gets 50 years in prison for sexual abuse of children According to the Wood County Criminal District Attorney, police arrested Billy Dwaine Cotten, 74, of Winnsboro, on May 13 of 2020 after they found him covered in the blood of Steven Wayne Lancaster. Officers were responding to reports of a stabbing at Bobs Garage on East Carnegie Street, Albers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They found Lancaster on the floor of the garage and he was rushed to the where he later died, according to a press release. Cotten was still at the scene and he reportedly told the officers he kicked me and I stabbed him. Cotten also reportedly told law enforcement that he and Lancaster were arguing about a scooter battery when the argument got physical. Cotten is quoted by officials as saying he had to kill [Lancaster] or [Lancaster would] stomp me in the ground. Billy Dwaine Cotten. Photo courtesy of Wood County Criminal District Attorneys Office. Security footage from Bobs Garage shows Cotten following Lancaster with a knife as he was leaving the garage. Lancasters wife testified that 3-4 weeks before the incident [Cotten] told me if he and [Lancaster] got into another argument, he would stab [Lancaster]. I am very pleased with the jurys verdict in this case. The jury saw through the defendants bogus claim that he acted in self-defense and rightfully convicted him of murder. There was absolutely no reason for Steven Lancaster to die on May 13, 2020. The defendant murdered him because he was angry. It was a senseless tragedy and I am thankful that the jury held this defendant accountable for his actions. I want to commend the Winnsboro Police Department and Chief Ryan Brown for their excellent work investigating this case and helping bring justice to Steven Lancaster and his family. Wood County Criminal District Attorney Angela L. Albers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian national accused of engaging in multi-national arms smuggling in East Texas After less than three hours of deliberation the jury in Cottens case found him guilty of murder. Cotten reportedly waived his right to an appeal as a part of a deal with Albers office and he was sentenced to 15 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Cotten will also have to pay a $1,000 fine and court costs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The Kenosha Police Department said a 13-year-old who made searches related to school shootings was captured on video with a rifle Kenosha Police Department/Facebook A photo of the suspect from the Kenosha Police Department. A photo of the suspect from the Kenosha Police Department. Police said they arrested a 13-year-old student after he allegedly attempted to enter Roosevelt Elementary School with two "suspicious bags." The teen was allegedly captured on video "practicing rudimentary techniques" with an illegal firearm and made searches related to school shootings, per police. As police investigated and searched for the suspect, all KUSD schools were placed on lockdown Staff at a Wisconsin elementary school are being praised for their efforts to protect students after they prevented an allegedly "suspicious" teenager from entering an elementary school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenosha Police Department Chief Patrick Patton shared during a press conference that the 13-year-old suspect was intercepted by school staff members when he allegedly tried to enter Roosevelt Elementary School on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 7, before fleeing on foot. A photo of the teenage suspect shared by police showed the boy dressed in a black hoodie with a black hat carrying what police described as two suspicious bags including a large backpack and what appeared to be another large duffle bag into the school. We can confirm that weve received at least one video depicting the suspect holding an illegal firearm, Patton said during the press conference, later adding: The video shows the suspect walking with what we believe to be a rifle, practicing rudimentary techniques. Kenosha Police Department/Facebook A photo of the suspect trying to enter the elementary school provided by the Kenosha Police Department. A photo of the suspect trying to enter the elementary school provided by the Kenosha Police Department. We also have information that the suspect performed multiple internet searches related to school shootings prior to the incident, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patton said that thanks to tips police received from the community, they were able to locate and arrest the suspect, who police said was a student within the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) system, a few blocks away from the school. Police confirmed the arrest in an update on social media at around 2:20 p.m. We know that there [were] internet searches, and all the red flags that we would look for and expect someone to report were there, Patton said. We narrowly missed a tragedy today, and were just going to re-encourage everybody when they see something, say something, help us have those talks with your children, he added. Roosevelt Elementary School and the rest of KUSD schools were placed on lockdown while police investigated the incident, the Kenosha Police Department said. 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. Google Maps A photo of Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A photo of Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. KUSD Superintendent Jeff Weiss told CNN and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the teen used one of the schools side entrances to get to a "secure entryway," where school staff approached him and questioned him. The boy then appeared to get nervous before fleeing the building into the neighborhood, Weiss alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not know in the exact moment what was happening, but their actions were heroic and prevented the unfathomable, Weiss said, calling the incident a potential school shooting. Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly also shared a statement, saying she was so thankful for the school staff in Kenosha for preventing a young person with a firearm from entering the school. Their quick actions protected students and ensured nobody was hurt, she continued. The threat of violence in our schools is real, and staff must prepare every day. Under the leadership of Superintendent Weiss, staff were well-trained they saved lives today. I am so grateful for them. MADISON In his first address to the public following Donald Trump's presidential victory, Attorney General Josh Kaul said Friday he would work to support all Wisconsinites and re-emphasized his efforts to protect reproductive freedoms in Wisconsin. Trump's election will bring forth a significant shift in federal policies, "which is how things are supposed to work," Kaul said. At the same time, Kaul expressed hope that the new administration will work with leaders across the political spectrum to find common ground. "We all want our community to be safe. We all want a healthy and growing economy. We all want our nation to be strong, and we should all be willing to work across the aisle when it's in the best interest of the people that we serve," Kaul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul also praised the candidates who won Wisconsin elections, noting that Democrats picked up 10 seats in the state Assembly and four seats in the state Senate. As we enter 2025, Kaul said, the legislature better reflects the ideological makeup of Wisconsinites across the state, no doubt a nod to the newly drawn legislative maps. Friday's press event outlined Kaul's hopes to work together to help fund programs facing severe cuts, both at the state and federal level, such as the Office of School Safety, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories and the Office of Crime Victim Services. Kaul also said the Department of Justice would be meeting with the state Supreme Court Monday to argue for the overturning of the state's 1849 abortion ban. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul vows to protect rights of all Wisconsinites in wake of Trump presidential election. Kaul is widely viewed as being a potential Democratic contender in the 2026 governors race, although when asked about future election, Kaul hedged. "The last thing that most Wisconsinites are focused on right now is future elections," Kaul said. Justice Department committed to standing up against attacks During the Trump campaign, Project 2025, the rigid agenda authored by the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation, loomed large. Kaul noted, however, that Trump has distanced himself from the presidential transition project. Kaul also shared other policies that Trump has since walked back: namely a national abortion ban, repealing the Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He asserted that he wouldn't support and, in fact, would veto, a national abortion ban. He recently indicated that he's not thinking about repealing the Affordable Care Act. And his supporters have vociferously rejected the idea that he poses a danger to our democracy," Kaul said. Still, Kaul warned that there are "justified concerns" that Trump could still take a different path. He voiced some of the safety fears he's been hearing from constituents and that he's personally confronted. Some of that comes in the form of attacking people of color and LGBTQ+ community members, harassing election workers and reporters for simply doing their jobs. Of note, children, college students and professionals have received racist texts referencing America's painful past with slavery from unrecognized numbers following the election results. Kaul confirmed that the Department of Justice is investigating these texts, which are being received in Wisconsin and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First, anybody sending harassing or threatening text messages is completely unacceptable, and anybody making racist statements, bigoted statements in text messages is something we cannot tolerate," Kaul said. "I encourage anybody who has information about those texts to contact local law enforcement." Emphasis on law and constitution Whether Kaul heard questions regarding the National Guard assisting in mass deportation or LGBTQ+ rights being attacked, Kaul deferred to the U.S. Constitution and the Department of Justice's past actions to support and defend Wisconsinites. Kaul's tenure as attorney general began two years into the Trump administration in 2019. In that time, Kaul said the Department of Justice has challenged a number of Trump administration policies, policies that Kaul saw as "contrary to the best interests of the people of Wisconsin and inconsistent with the law." Kaul worked with other attorneys general around the country to demand opioid settlement funds and protecting children from social media harms. He specifically noted the fact that he and other attorneys general opposed actions that would roll back efforts to address climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul concluded his press event with a promise to the people of Wisconsin. "Let me say that if the new administration infringes upon the freedoms of Wisconsinites or attempts to use our system of justice as a tool for vengeance, we will act," Kaul said. "We will act to protect the best interests of the people of the state of Wisconsin. We'll act to uphold equal justice under the law, and we will act to defend Wisconsinites' freedoms." Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin AG vows to act if Trump administration infringes on rights Officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, found no real firearms in the home of a boy accused of attempting to enter a secure area of an elementary school, police said Friday. The 13-year-old, whose name has not been made public, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of making terroristic threats, the police department said in a statement. He is expected to make an appearance in court later Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff members at Roosevelt Elementary School were hailed as heroes after they approached the teen, who appeared suspicious and was allegedly trying to enter the school while carrying two bags. The boy entered a secure area of the school after trying to get in through side entrances, Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss said Thursday. The teen then appeared nervous and ran away. They did not know in the exact moment what was happening, but their actions were heroic and prevented the unfathomable, Weiss said, calling the incident a potential school shooting. Detectives who executed the search warrant on the teens home found several air soft replica handguns and a replica rifle, but police said, no real firearms were located during the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said detectives have interviewed the suspect who first claimed to have gone to the school to sell candy but later told a social worker that he went to the school with the intent to scare students. The suspects mother has been cooperative throughout the investigation, the department said, and she informed police that the child does not have access to firearms. While yesterdays incident did not result in unimaginable tragedy, it still had a powerful effect on many of us, the department said, adding although a crisis was averted, the staff response is an example of the adage, see something, say something. As we try to process everything, we are encouraging everyone to have conversations with their children and talk about the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to the scene at Roosevelt Elementary School and posted photos of the teen on social media, which led to tips from the community, Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said at a news conference Thursday. Meanwhile, students throughout the district were held in class during investigators search for the suspect. An aerial view of the Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin - WISN Through those tips, authorities were able to locate the suspect and convinced him to surrender before he was ultimately arrested. He was described as being a student within the district. Though Patton did not say what was in the bags the boy was carrying, he said authorities have at least one video of him holding what they believe is a firearm and appears to show him practicing rudimentary techniques with the weapon. The teen conducted multiple internet searches about school shootings, and he also shared videos and made several comments to students about school shootings for months before Thursdays incident, Patton said. We know that there was internet searches, and all the red flags that we would look for and expect someone to report were there, the chief added. We narrowly missed a tragedy today, and were just going to re-encourage everybody when they see something, say something, help us have those talks with your children. These videos should have been reported to us earlier. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WEST CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Beneath the cover of trees in West Charlotte, Cedar Grove is an African American cemetery that leaves many wanting to know more. A lot of stories to be told here, says Warren McNabb, walking through the wooded area with his sister Beverly. They look for a special tree with a ribbon tied to it. Well, the ribbons holding up good, says McNabb. Our grandmother planted this, he said, next to the tree that helps the siblings spot where their hero is buried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their grandfather Thomas McKnabb served in the Navy and was a World War II veteran. He died 50 years ago when Warren was 12. I just remember him being a nice guy, I really do. My regret is, I wasnt old enough to fully understand him, McNabb reflected. A huge cleanup effort allowed loved ones to pay their respects this Veterans Day. While strides have been made, McNabb says more improvements are needed to give the site the respect it deserves. Queen City News Faces of the Carolinas Despite improvements, he says the state of Cedar Grove is still hard to accept. Ive been all over this city, Ive never seen a cemetery unkept, I havent, McNabb told Queen City News. And I was wondering what happened with this one? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established in the late 1800s, hundreds are buried at Cedar Grove, including veterans. The site was neglected for decades. Thats why we felt the need to come help, said Aaron Harper of Veterans Bridge Home. Volunteers, including many vets, helped restore the site that was once inaccessible because of brush, trash, and debris. Harper heads the ongoing effort to clean up the site and maintain it with the help of other groups. When we came out here, there was so much overgrowth that we could only find 11 soldiers and sailors that were interred here. As we finished this workout, there wound up being 20, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One sunken grave makes volunteer Ryan Burkes heart sink. World War II army veteran Bernard Hemphill passed away in 1987. Burke served in the Navy, so it pains him to see a grave like that. Unfortunately, its not in the best condition. So just doing what we can to honor the service members, said Burke. Just try to give it as much respect as possible. Were doing the best that we can as veterans to take care of them, Harper says. This is just a sliver of the 67 acres once designated for the cemetery. Most of the land in the Beatties Ford community went to developers and the city of Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the owner and caretaker died in the early 70s, the place was abandoned. Che Abdullah is with Save Cedar Grove. [I] partnered with Aaron, once he found out once he found out there were a bunch of veterans in this abandoned cemetery, he explained. Beyond vets, prominent black leaders are interred at Cedar Grove, including Bishop R.B. Bruce of Grace AME Church. VIDEO: YCSO bloodhound Pepper gives birth to eight puppies We really found out he was an influential and monumental person in establishing a strong, free black community, Abdullah says. Rabbi Judy Schindler of the Charlotte Black/Jewish Alliance says, unfortunately, some of those interred here may never be identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neglected stones, the stones where we dont even have the persons name to remember them, Schindler said. And then theres beauty in the other stones that are here that we can study and learn about the history, and try to tell their story. Every bag of debris that volunteers fill, helps clear the way for families to pay their respects. While were doing this project taking care of other veterans, were also taking care of the family members, says Harper. So thats why we thought it was important to do this project. The McKnabbs treat their grandfathers gravesite with reverence. I do have good memories of him, Warren remembers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he praises the progress made, hes also frustrated conditions deteriorated so badly in the first place. Its a form of respect, he said. If you cant get any respect at this point, what is anything worth, right? And respect is precisely what keeps the volunteers coming back. Worth spending the morning volunteering, Burke concluded. I think whats important about this is that this history not be lost, Abdulla said. In the shadow of towering trees, too many stories are either untold or unknown. The McKnabb family wont forget. Without them, there is no us, said Warren. And you just have to keep their memory alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman accused of stabbing another woman in the neck and hitting her with a car was denied a bond decrease Thursday. Reeva Hampton, 36, is charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and vandalism of property. She is being held on a $200,000 bond. According to police, Hampton went to a house on Piney Woods Avenue in Oakhaven early Sunday morning, attacked a woman at the residence, and threatened two others with a gun. Reeva Hampton(SCSO) One of the victims said she was at her boyfriends home when Hampton began banging on the front door so hard she shattered the glass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim said she exited the house, and when she began walking to her car, Hampton started yelling at her and threatened her with a bottle. The victim said Hampton followed her car and slammed into her vehicle, causing her airbags to deploy. She said Hampton got out of her car and stabbed her in the hand and throat with a knife. The victim said she tried to run away, and thats when Hampton hit her with her car. Woman wanted in connection to body found in burned-out car Police said Hampton returned to the same house five hours later and pointed a black 9mm handgun at two other women. The victim who was stabbed and hit by the car was not seriously hurt, but in a Facebook post said she was traumatized by what happened. The woman shared pictures of her injuries and the damage to her vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Hamptons bond hearing, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Jack Gould told a judge Hampton posed a significant threat to the community. Gould argued that Hamptons ties to the community were severed due to the brutal nature of the alleged crimes and that she remained a clear danger to the public. He suggested that the charges could be upgraded to first-degree murder at the grand jury level. Suspect accused of shooting man at point-blank range in gas station The DAs office said Judge Louis Montesi agreed to maintain Hamptons $200,000 bond and emphasize the severity of the charges. Hampton remains in custody. She is scheduled to be back in court on November 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez has been charged amid the investigation into the 2022 disappearance of Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco Orlando Police Department Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez; Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez; Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco A woman in Florida has been charged with second-degree murder after her roommate was last seen on Christmas Day two years ago. According to a statement by the Orlando Police Department on Facebook, Gisselle Victoria-Gonzalez has been charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of tampering with physical evidence and one count of grand theft in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina-Pacheco, 42, was reported missing on Dec. 27, 2022. Victoria-Gonzalez, also 42, contacted police to say she had not seen her roommate since Dec. 25, 2022, but as the authorities investigation continued, detectives discovered numerous inconsistencies in the version of events as described by Victoria-Gonzalez, per the OPD. "A search warrant was executed at their residence, where significant evidence was recovered, indicating a violent incident had occurred, the police statement continued. Orlando Police Department Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco Runyleidy Medina-Pacheco Multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were able to find Victoria-Gonzalez living in Hartford, Connecticut, and after conducting an additional interview with her, police were able to arrest and charge Victoria-Gonzalez. In a video released by the OPD, Victoria-Gonzalez can be seen in a red dress and handcuffs while being led to an elevator by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the body of Medina-Pacheco has not been located. 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. Per local media outlet NBC Connecticut, authorities said Medina-Pacheco had traveled from her home in the Dominican Republic to Orlando for an extended vacation in October 2022 and was living with an acquaintance she knew from home. PEOPLE has reached out to the Orlando Police Department for additional information. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. In the last year, the state has spent nearly $35 million on school choice, giving parents the freedom to send their kids to private school or keep them home on the taxpayers dime. When it was first announced, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said this portion of the Arkansas Learns Act was all about empowerment. Students were no longer bound to a failing school district just because of their zip code or what their parents made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 14,000 students enrolled this fall, KARKs Working 4 You team is breaking down the numbers showing you exactly who is benefiting from Education Freedom Accounts. Parent celebrates first year of Arkansas LEARNS Act-funded Education Freedom Accounts The school day looks different this year for 8-year-old Aleah. In this classroom, she is just one of 15 students. A year ago, Aleah was not today, Aleah, Aleahs mother, Ginny Heisler, said. Today Aleah is confident and can run a classroom. The lesson plans go beyond whats considered traditional but Heisler says its what works for her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont worry about her learning anymore and I dont worry about her socially anymore, Heisler said. All 28 students at The Learning Lounge, including Aleah, are on school vouchers funded through the Learns Act but its an opportunity Heisler says wouldnt have been possible without the opening of the micro-school in Pine Bluff. We dont have private schools, and I absolutely had no interest in homeschooling, Heisler said. Working 4 You: How are some recipients of Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts spending the money of Natural State taxpayers There are more than 100 participating schools in the states Education Freedom Account program or school vouchers, but if you look at a map, most are centralized in the middle and northwestern part of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money itself, I dont really have a big problem with, obviously I am using it for my daughter to get an education, Heisler said. But I also see the need beyond my child. What are we doing to make sure every child in Arkansas has a quality education? Each year, the Department of Education is required to release a report on the EFA program, detailing which students are taking advantage of the program and where they are choosing to attend school. The latest numbers released last week show that 18% of EFA participants in the 2023-2024 school year went to public school the year before. The others were either already in private school, homeschooled, or first-time students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demand for Education Freedom Accounts spikes as more Arkansas families become eligible for funds Working 4 You had to FOIA this years numbers, which are only based on new students in the program. Just 17 percent previously attended public school. Were not rescuing them, and Im using the Governors language here, Were going to rescue these students. No student should have to go to a failing school because of their zip code. Thats ludicrous, thats not whats happening, Gwen Faulkenberry said. Faulkenberry is a teacher in rural Arkansas and has been very vocal against the Learns Act. She says it only provides choice for families that live near a private school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no point in having it here because there arent many options for students to use here, Faulkenberry said. Faulkenberry lives in a small town in Ozark. She says there is just one private school in the area and says that even if students wanted to use the vouchers to go there, they couldnt. They dont have the facilities, they dont have the supplies, they dont have the teachers, Faulkenberry said. Gov. Sanders announces more families eligible for Education Freedom Account In the 2024-2025 EFA breakdown, students who previously attended a D or F rated school use 3%. Students who were homeless were just over 1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we still have a gap in the State of Arkansas where a parents income is really driving the quality of education that their kids have access to, Heisler said. What are we doing for those? What are we doing for the children whose parents cant make it happen? Heisler says she would like to see the State incentivize former teachers like Kanesha Adams, who alongside her husband, opened The Learning Lounge. Its just one passionate teacher and her passionate teacher husband deciding that they were going to do it differently, Heisler said. She says more micro-schools will help fill the gap of private school deserts, putting choice back into the LEARNS Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just 8 weeks, Heisler says Aleah has made a 7-month improvement in her reading. For me, I was like this is it, Heisler said. Home school, private, micro-school, or public. Heisler says shes happy she had the choice and wants to make sure that opportunity is available to all families in the state. The Department of Education declined an interview with KARK 4 News. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) With December right around the corner, Wreaths Across America is looking for donations to ensure every veterans grave has a wreath this year. Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 14a day when people across the country honor fallen soldiers and veterans by laying wreaths on their gravesand the organization is asking for help from the public. It means a lot to cover the national cemeteries every year, Cliff Vangilder, local coordinator of West Virginia National and Grafton National Cemeteries, told 12 News in an interview. I said this last year and Ill continue to say it every year, it makes my heart feel full when we cover all these veterans. That is my mission year in and year out, but to pick and choose who gets one and who doesnt, I dont want to be put in that spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations for the program are needed for this years wreath laying by Dec. 1. Veteran returns to Vietnam in search of West Virginia comrades remains Wreaths Across America will also be set up at West Virginia Universitys Blue Lot on Nov. 16 for the Mountaineers military appreciation game. Free food and drinks will be available while the organization will also be collecting donations for Wreaths. You can donate to the West Virginia National and Grafton National cemeteries by getting in touch with Vanglider by phone at 304-612-0053 or the Wreaths Across America Facebook page. You can also donate to other cemeteries through the Wreaths Across America official website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. GOLDEN The Golden and metro Denver police communities are mourning the death of a Golden officer who was killed while on duty Wednesday evening when he was thrown underneath a crashed vehicle parked on the side of the highway. Officer Evan Dunn was pinned underneath a car and appeared to have died instantly. Golden police said that he had just graduated from the police academy in July. A second officer, Bethany Grusing, sustained a cheekbone injury, and two drivers who were involved in the earlier crash also were injured. They were thrown by the impact and one sustained a skull fracture and brain bleed, the arrest document reported. A Colorado School of Mines mechanical engineering professor was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide and DUI, two counts of vehicular assault and DUI, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Stephen Geer, 43, appeared in Jefferson County Court Thursday morning and was given a $250,000 bond with the condition of pretrial supervision. Prosecutor Alexa Visscher argued that Geer refused a blood and breathalyzer test at the scene, but his wife, who is a public defender, said that he is not a flight risk. "Our daughter asked to please bring Daddy home," she said. "He's never harmed anyone." Featured Local Savings The Colorado State Patrol said that a trooper, Dunn and Grusing were tending to a crash on Colorado 58 in Golden just before 5 p.m. Wednesday when the incident happened. One officer was in a police cruiser near the crash and Dunn and Grusing were managing the site when Geer, in a black Mazda, ran into the parked car, forcing the two officers under the original vehicle, according to the arrest affidavit. Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey described Dunn, 33, officer as an "amazing human being" who flew Black Hawk helicopters in the military and served as a commander. He is survived by his wife, Analise, his sister and his parents. The Fallen Hero Foundation is planning a memorial for Dunn. The Colorado State Patrol is the investigating agency in the incident. Geer will hear his charges on Thursday. HONOLULU (KHON2) The vote on the lawsuit settlement in the Lindani Myeni case has been canceled and removed from the full Council agenda after being postponed in October. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The $1.5 million wrongful death lawsuit sought to resolve claims brought by Myenis widow, Lindsay, who maintains that his shooting death was unjustified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argued that HPD officers acted recklessly and without justification, as Myeni was unarmed when he was shot while police responded to a burglary call. More families are homeschooling than ever before The police chief and prosecuting attorney argued at an earlier council meeting that the officers acted in self-defense, maintaining that no wrongdoing occurred. Council members were divided on the settlement in early October, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to avoid an expensive legal battle, while others believed it could imply an admission of guilt. A new exhibit brings global past into Hawaiis future Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Honolulu City Council Chair, Tommy Waters, said in a statement that he decided to shift the matter to the judiciary system, where it rightly belongs. The Council, according to Waters, believed the settlement should be addressed in court, rather than at a legislative hearing, where the facts can be examined in a fair and transparent manner. During our last Full Council meeting in October, the discussion around the Myeni case escalated, turning the Honolulu City Council meeting at Kapolei Hale into what resembled a heated civil trial, with speakers presenting passionate arguments and facts from both sides. It is clear that the legal framework and procedural safeguards of the judiciary system are best equipped to handle this matter. I will not permit these public hearings to devolve into a spectacle for grandstanding or serve as a substitute for a court of law, Waters concluded in his statement. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Following former U.S. President Donald Trump's reelection victory in November 2024, online users shared and discussed a rumor claiming Vice President Kamala Harris only won states not requiring identification in order to vote. For example, one user posted (archived) on Nov. 6, "Kamala only won in states where voter ID is not required. Do you understand anon?" As of this writing, the post received around 1.5 million views. In another post (archived) making a similar claim, a different user on X wrote, "Kamala won EVERY SINGLE state that doesn't require voter ID. She didn't win a SINGLE state that requires it. It's insane that this is just being ignored." At least one other user also shared (archived) that same post as a screenshot. As for the former post, according to election projection data reported by The Associated Press (AP) as of Nov. 8, it was false to say that AP and others projected Harris as having only won in states not requiring ID to vote. A Closer Look at the Numbers Ballotpedia the website dubbing itself as "the encyclopedia of American politics" published that, out of all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 15 states and the District of Columbia generally did not require ID to vote. At the same time, some of those states did require some first-time voters to present identification. Still, Ballotpedia designated those states and the District of Columbia as "no ID required," seeing as they did not require ID of most voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those 15 states and the District of Columbia, as of Nov. 8, AP projected Harris to win California, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Further, the news organization projected Trump won Pennsylvania a battleground state only requiring first-time voters to present a photo or non-photo ID. As for the remaining 35 states, Ballotpedia noted 25 required photo ID to vote while 10 others required non-photo ID. In states generally requiring photo ID to vote, AP projected Harris won New Hampshire and Rhode Island. In states generally requiring non-photo ID, AP projected Harris won Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware and Virginia. In other words, AP projected Harris won most of the states generally not requiring ID to vote but also projected her as victorious in some other states that required voters to present ID. The statements made in the X posts were misleading and not true. In our research, we noted some states established varying policies regarding their photo or non-photo ID requirements. For example, Ballotpedia published, "In certain states that require voters to provide identification, there may be exceptions that allow some voters to cast a ballot without providing an ID." Readers can learn more details for each state and the District of Columbia on the Ballotpedia website. Sources: "Election Live Updates: Harris to Deliver Concession Speech." The Associated Press, Nov. 2024, https://apnews.com/live/trump-harris-election-updates-11-5-2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First Time Voters | Voting & Election Information." Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote/voter-support/new-voters.html. "Voter Identification Laws by State." Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/Voter_identification_laws_by_state. (Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping told Italian President Sergio Mattarella that China is willing to import more of Italys high-quality products and expand their business ties. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italy can also play an active role in enhancing cooperation between China and Europe and in Europes participation in tackling global challenges, state-run China Central Television quoted Xi as saying during the leaders meeting in Beijing on Friday. China is willing to expand imports of high-quality Italian products, support mutual investment between businesses in both countries, and continue to promote cooperation in science, environmental protection, clean energy, and aerospace, Xi said. China regards Europe as a key partner, and both sides should manage differences prudently to ensure stable relations, Xi said. Mattarellas state visit to Beijing came a few months after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered to broker better trade relations between China and the European Union. Her July visit to China was meant to renew Beijing-Rome ties after she snubbed Xis flagship Belt and Road Initiative last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas trade relationship with the EU had been under the spotlight in recent months over the blocs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. On Friday, China and the EU said they made some progress after a week of technical talks in Beijing aimed at scaling back or reversing the tariffs. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Yechiel Leiter, a Scranton, Pa.-born former aide to Israeli Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Ariel Sharon, will be Israels next ambassador to the U.S., the Prime Ministers Office announced on Friday. Leiter is expected to arrive in Washington in January, when Ambassador Mike Herzogs term, which was extended from the end of this year to Jan. 20, concludes. Netanyahu called Leiter a highly talented diplomat, an eloquent speaker, who has a deep understanding of American culture and politics. I am convinced that Yechiel will represent the State of Israel in the best possible way, and I wish him success in his position. Leiter served as Netanyahus chief of staff when he was finance minister, and as an aide to Sharon in the Knesset and in the Education Ministry. More recently, Leiter has been affiliated with numerous right-leaning organizations in Israel, including the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and the Kohelet Forum. Leiter, a resident of the West Bank settlement Eli, grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Israel at age 18 to serve in the IDF. He is an ordained rabbi, has a doctorate in political philosophy and has written several books. Netanyahu brought Leiter as his guest to his speech to a joint session of Congress in July, and paid tribute to his son Moshe, who died in combat in Gaza last year. With us today is Yechiel Leiter, the father of one of those Maccabees, Netanyahu said. Yehiels father escaped the Holocaust and found refuge in America. As a young man, Yechiel moved to Israel and raised a family of eight children. He named his eldest son Moshe after his late father. Moshe became an exemplary officer in one of our elite commando units. He served with distinction for two decades while raising six beautiful children of his own. On Oct. 7, the prime minister added, Moshe volunteered to return to combat. Four weeks later, he was killed when a booby-trap mine exploded in a tunnel shaft right next to a Mosque. At his sons funeral, Yechiel said this: If the State of Israel had not been established after the Holocaust, the image engraved in our collective memory would have been the photograph of that helpless Jewish boy in the Warsaw Ghetto holding his hands up in the air with Nazi rifles pointed at him. But because of the birth of Israel, because of the courage of soldiers like my son Moshe, the Jewish people are no longer helpless in the face of our enemies. Leiter also had a message for President Joe Biden in his eulogy for his son, referring to their shared Scranton background and calling on him to cease and desist his pressure on Israel to hold off, to cease the offensive in Gaza. Moshe gave his life so the barbarians wouldnt get through the gates of our democracies, of our Judeo-Christian Western values, he said. Leiter will have to give up his U.S. citizenship to serve as an Israeli ambassador. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Yemen's Houthi rebels shot down what they described as an American drone early Friday, potentially the latest downing of a U.S. spy drone as the militants continue their attacks on the Red Sea corridor. The U.S. military acknowledged the videos circulating online showing what appeared to be a flaming aircraft dropping out of the sky and a field of burning debris in what those off-camera described as an area of Yemen's al-Jawf province. The military said it was investigating the incident, declining to elaborate further. It wasn't immediately clear what kind of aircraft was shot down in the low-quality night video. The Houthis, in a later statement, claimed to have downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have surface-to-air missiles such as the Iranian missile known as the 358 capable of downing aircraft. Iran denies arming the rebels, though Tehran-manufactured weaponry has been found on the battlefield and in sea shipments heading to Yemen for the Shiite Houthi rebels despite a United Nations arms embargo. The Houthis have been a key component of Iran's self-described Axis of Resistance" during the Mideast wars that includes Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hamas and other militant groups. Since Houthis seized the countrys north and its capital of Sanaa in 2014, the rebels have shot down MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen in 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2024. The U.S. military has declined to offer a total figure for the number of drones it has lost during that time. Reapers, which cost around $30 million apiece, can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and have an endurance of up to 24 hours before needing to land. The aircraft have been flown by both the U.S. military and the CIA over Yemen for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have targeted more than 90 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023. They seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels. The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the U.K. to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran. The tempo of the Houthi sea attacks also has waxed and waned over the months. In October, the U.S. military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by the Houthis. (NEXSTAR) Even though Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election, she secured wins against former President Donald Trump in both New York and New Jersey. Nonetheless, the race was closer than it was in 2020 or 2016. There were multiple counties in both states that flipped red for the Republican ticket this election cycle. Harris ended up with 55.8% of New Yorks vote as of Friday Nov. 8, down almost 5% from the 2020 election. New Jersey also saw the roughly the same dip in Democratic votes, currently sitting at 51.6% for Harris, down from 57.3% for Biden in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for election results With that, Trump finished with more votes in both states than he did in both 2020 or 2016 winning 44.2% of the votes in New York and 46.4% in New Jersey. According to election maps provided by AP, Trump flipped three counties in New York to red during the 2024 election that were previously blue in 2020. Two of the counties were in upstate New York with Clinton and Essex voting Republican, and the third county was Broome, located south of Syracuse. As for New Jersey, five counties flipped to red in the 2024 election. Two were in North Jersey (Passaic and Morris), while the other three were in South Jersey (Atlantic, Cumberland, Gloucester). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Currently as of Nov. 8, only 97% of the votes have been counted in New York and 94% have been counted in New Jersey. Meaning these counties could potentially still sway back towards blue in the coming days. As for the country as a whole, the bulk vote was in Trumps favor with the former president receiving 50.7% of the popular vote. He was elected the 47th president of the U.S. on Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. On Nov. 5, the American people did the unthinkable they elected a convicted felon president. Judge Juan Merchan should now do what was once unthinkable force a president-elect to take the oath of office in a jail cell. After taking the oath on Jan. 20, Donald J. Trumps first act of his second term undoubtedly would be to try to pardon himself and walk out a free man. But the surreal scene, while certainly shocking for the rest of the free world to witness, would send an unmistakable message the rule of law still rules in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That message needs to be sent because, after Inauguration Day, the rule of law will cease to exist for sitting presidents thanks to the U.S. Supreme Courts immunity ruling. Trump proved Tuesday, aided and abetted by 72 million voters, that crime does indeed pay. He thumbed his nose at Americas once respected system of justice. He made a laughingstock of prosecutors and the judicial process. He turned what used to be a political liability for candidates into a political asset for fundraising. The Justice Departments long-standing policy of not pursuing criminal charges against a sitting president now works in Trumps interests, but against the interests of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the federal charges against him will likely be shelved, which means the only hope for any accountability is sentencing in the New York hush money case on Nov. 26. Trumps lawyers reportedly are already moving to delay or derail the sentencing. But Merchan should sentence and jail Trump while he is still a private citizen, no better nor more privileged than any of the millions of people who voted for or against him. Merchan should show the same courage that Vice President Mike Pence showed on Jan. 6 when he stood for the rule of law, risking his life and destroying his political career in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps election should not alter Merchans judgment on whether jail time is justified or not. Even if its sentencing Trump to serve only the day of Jan. 20 an extremely light sentence for 34 felony convictions it would reinforce what used to be a judicial cornerstone: No one is above the law. If that principle no longer means anything in America, then more was lost on Election Day than just Kamala Harris race for president. Bill Dalton is a former reporter and editor for The Kansas City Star and worked at several Michigan newspapers. This commentary originally appeared on his Substack at judydalton.substack.com Woody Kissel says getting a lung screening last year saved his life and he is encouraging more people to get tested. I went to the screening and thought there was nothing wrong with me, said Kisel of Champlain, New York. Well, I guess I was wrong. Kissel signed up for the procedure after talking to his health care provider. A week later the retiree learned he had stage three lung cancer. Now 12 months after seeking treatment, his scans have come up negative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think I would personally be here in five years if I hadnt gone to this screening, he said. Dr. Beth Zigmund, a diagnostic radiologist with the UVM Cancer Center said only 10% of Vermonters at high risk of cancer are being screened. She advises anyone between the ages of 50 and 80 who has smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 or more years, including those who quit 15 years ago or less, to talk to their provider about getting screened. The rate of cure among people whose cancers are found early is dramatically higher than those who are found in later stages of the disease, said Dr. Zigmund. Zigmund says screening at UVM Cancer Center have risen to about 33%, compared to the national 4.5% average. But she acknowledged that many people fear getting tested, adding that the procedure only takes about 10 minutes and could help some people catch their cancer before it becomes deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just think of your family and friends, she said. Its worth the half hour of your day to find out and get it treated early, said Kissel. In honor of National Lung Cancer Screening Day, the UVM Cancer Center in Burlington will screen 47 patients on November 9. CVPH will also hold a screening event in Plattsburgh and is encouraging people to call (518) 562-7340 to make an appointment. And interested in learning more about cancer trends? The American Lung Association in Vermont will release a key lung cancer report on November 19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. (Bloomberg) -- From New York to the Rio Grande Valley, across big cities like Miami and San Francisco, in college towns and subdivision-dotted exurbs, the US electorate this year shifted unmistakably rightward. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see it if you zoom in on a place like Robeson County, North Carolina, a majority-minority county with the states largest Native American population, which swung 9 points toward Donald Trump. You can see it if you zoom out, with the reliably blue state of New Jersey favoring Kamala Harris by just 5 points only four years after President Joe Biden won it in a 16-point rout. The trend cut across demographic groups, with the heavily Arab American city of Dearborn, Michigan, giving a plurality of its votes to the Republican. Latino men backed Trump by a 12-point margin, according to CNN exit polls an outcome that wouldve been unimaginable to strategists from both parties as recently as 2012, when the GOP lost the presidency and said in its own autopsy of the contest that non-White voters think that Republicans do not like them. The strength of the right was apparent up and down the ballot, with Republicans taking control of the Senate and appearing on the cusp of holding a narrow majority in the House. While the extent of the carnage is still being tallied, Democrats lost their majorities in the lower houses of the Michigan and Minnesota legislatures. And the shift was so broad that it left Democrats with hardly any silver linings. After claiming the popular vote in every election since 2008 and lamenting the Electoral College as a quirky obstacle to what would otherwise be an era of assured political dominance the party looks poised to lose that, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That came despite Democrats outspending Republicans and knocking on millions more doors, and after Harris star-studded endorsements and meticulous ground game, which in the end fell short as Trump closed the deal with Joe Rogan and Elon Musk. Ultimately, Harris' truncated 107-day campaign after Biden's sudden exit couldn't shake off voter anxiety over the direction of the country, especially the state of the economy and immigration. The Democratic Party just has to come to terms with the fact that we were rejected en masse at the national level by the American electorate, said Evan Roth Smith, a Democratic pollster. Border Counties One place that helps illuminate Trumps decisive victory is Maverick County, Texas. Its shift was bigger than that of any other county in the nation: Trump won it with 59% of the vote a 28-point swing from four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last Republican to win Maverick County was Herbert Hoover in 1928. Maverick, where nearly 90% of the population speaks Spanish at home, has large numbers of Latino voters. Trump won Latino men outright nationwide, and while Latino women still broke for Harris, the Republican chipped away at her partys advantage with them. The map gives hints about the issues that drove the shift. Eight of the 10 US counties with the largest lurch to the right were in Texas all of them along the Rio Grande River that separates the US from Mexico. Maverick is home to Eagle Pass, a hotspot for border crossings that Trump promised to shut down. Both campaigns shelled out on ads aimed at Latino voters, with the percentage of presidential election ads running on Spanish-language television and radio stations hitting a record this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people have always been conservative, they have just never had anyone knocking on their door and saying its ok to vote this way, said Abraham Enriquez, founder of Bienvenido US, a Republican advocacy group that targeted Latino voters in Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Texas during the election. Betty Silva, a New York voter and daughter of Puerto Rican parents, is one voter who put aside personal dislike of Trump and cast her ballot for him. When the Republican was president, she said, I could afford stuff. Trumps victory this time has shown Republicans that a winning coalition can be built around populist appeals to multi-ethnic, working-class voting blocs and that his 2016 win was no fluke. Still, it remains to be seen how enduring Trump's MAGA movement will be in 2028, when he will be constitutionally barred from a third term. After all, voters already rejected him in 2020 as the pandemic upended the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris Collapse The story of the 2024 election is as much about a Harris collapse as it was a Trump surge. With Arizona and Nevada still to be called, but leaning Republican, Trump could get as many as 312 electoral votes if he completes the sweep of all seven battleground states. That's more than the victor received in the last two elections, but well short of a landslide by historical standards: Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all received more. In states with mostly complete results, Trump improved over his 2020 vote totals in roughly equal proportions in battleground and non-battleground states. But Harris can't say the same. As of early Friday morning, she was 84,227 votes behind Biden's pace in five battleground states but 2.7 million votes behind in 29 other states with more than 98% of expected vote counted. As Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray noted, her vote totals suffered most in states where Democrats usually win a sign of flagging enthusiasm from her base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona voter Jennifer Linzy couldnt get behind Harris because of the vice presidents stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Linzy, a 39-year-old progressive, left a Phoenix polling station on Tuesday saying she only voted in down-ballot races. This is the first time Ive abstained in my entire adult life in a presidential election, she said. Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, is on track to have a 20% increase in these presidential undervotes this year compared to last time. Of the US counties with more than 98% of the expected vote counted as of 12:00 a.m. Friday, Trump had improved his vote share in 2,380 of them. Harris improved over Bidens 2020 mark in just 231 of them. Many of those were the Georgia and North Carolina counties hardest hit by Septembers Hurricane Helene, suppressing turnout. In Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, New York City expatriates have shaded local politics blue for the last two decades. But after a 7-point shift to the right, Trump is winning the county by 900 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's showing, coupled with Republicans taking control of the Senate and on track to keep the House, will give him a strong hand in negotiating with Congress on taxes, spending, immigration and trade. He's shown a willingness to use his endorsement to impose party discipline, giving him considerable influence over leadership in Congress. And he's already appointed three justices to the Supreme Court in his first term creating a six to three conservative majority and with three justices in their 70s, he could have a chance to nominate even more. Voters of the United States of America decisively said we are not happy with what we've received under the Biden presidency, and we're ready to go in a different direction, said Jay Townsend, a bipartisan political consultant. --With assistance from Akayla Gardner, Eliyahu Kamisher and Nacha Cattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A questionable choice by one of the most respected newspapers in the country created backlash about its role in spreading climate misinformation. What's happening? The New Republic questioned why The New York Times invited Kevin Roberts to a one-day climate conference in September. Roberts is the head of The Heritage Foundation as well as a Project 2025 coordinator and has claimed climate action and environmentalism are merely vehicles to influence corporations and their investment strategies in the name of diversity, equity, and inclusion plus environmental, social, and governance issues. He has also written a book about the necessity of a violent "second American revolution" for the political right to install its ideologies throughout the country. It was to be released in September but was pushed to Nov. 12, perhaps to avoid further linking Project 2025 to Donald Trump's presidential candidacy so close to the election, as TNR speculated. Project 2025 would slash environmental regulations and eliminate or cripple climate agencies, among other governmental changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the book, Roberts said ESG is "actually a system for punishing the lawful and empowering the unlawful. Effectively, it's anarcho-tyranny for business." A Reddit thread that highlighted a Media Matters story about the Times' choice to use Roberts featured abject dismay among commenters, many of whom wrote that the Times was abandoning its responsibility in order to make more money by catering to an audience interested in unrestrained economic growth, at the expense of the environment. Why is this important? Roberts spoke at Climate Forward in September and dismissed proven science in addition to worries about how Project 2025 would install conservative loyalists in positions traditionally held by career scientists, as the Times reported. With the platform, Roberts spread lies about the impacts of the climate crisis, including that deaths caused by rising temperatures are falling when they are projected to rise to 14.5 million annually by 2050. He said recent catastrophic natural disasters made worse by planetary warming were caused by "a hot year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Events like these are hardly the only way news outlets have undermined their credibility on climate topics in recent years," TNR stated. Another issue with Roberts' speaking at this event billed by the Times as "bringing together newsmakers who seek to influence climate and political policy for a day of rigorous, challenging interviews" is that Project 2025 calls for the abandonment of clean energy development in favor of doubling down on dirty energy. ExxonMobil has been a major funder of the Heritage Foundation for many years. Do you think misinformation is a major problem in America today? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind The United States and world at large is already being besieged by the consequences of the rising global temperature, which is driven by the burning of coal, gas, and oil. Green technology such as solar power promises to pull back that warming and its associated effects, which include more frequent and severe extreme weather, water and food insecurity, and negative health outcomes. What are people saying? "However rigorous the interview might be might being the operative word giving him the mic feels like a throwback to the days when cable news shows felt the need to 'balance' climate scientists with outright kooks who denied the climate was changing," TNR stated. " It was awful then, and it's awful now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's nothing wrong with opposing viewpoints, and discussing them in an open forum with respect needs to happen more often. That also requires transparency and a commitment to base opinions in facts. Sharing values and moving to solutions is also essential to productivity, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says. "This is a weird guest choice," one Redditor wrote about Roberts. Someone else joked: "The planet you live on counts for nothing! My wallet needing more stuffing is what's important here!" Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A few days after a hit-and-run crash at a McDonald's in Monument killed a 47-year-old, the suspect turned himself in to law enforcement. Just before noon Monday , the El Paso County Sheriff's Office was notified of a hit-and-run wreck in the parking lot of the McDonald's at 765 West Baptist Road. Monument police found a severely injured adult female. Despite aid from first-responders, Kristy Kerst died at the scene. The Sheriff's Office took over the investigation and asked the community for assistance in identifying the suspect, according to prior Gazette reporting. On Wednesday, Joel Lang, 41, turned himself in to Colorado Springs police. The Sheriff's Office took Lang into custody, recovering the vehicle used in the deadly crash in the process. In an arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette on Thursday, investigators allege that the incident started with a fender bender, when Lang accidentally hit Kerst's vehicle while backing out of a parking spot. Video footage from a nearby business showed Kerst and a family member hopped out of their vehicle to confront Lang. Featured Local Savings Lang continued to drive away, running over Kerst, who was dragged nearly 300 feet before she fell free from beneath the vehicle. In an interview with Lang after he was detained, he said that he felt the bump and "knew it was (Kerst)" but continued to drive away. He stated that he did not look back or stop because "he just wanted to get out of the area." Also in the affidavit, investigators said Lang "knew she was under the vehicle, and (he) knew that his continual driving and dragging her (Kerst) would cause the death of the victim." Lang has been charged with second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, duty to report accidents and accidents involving death. He was booked into the El Paso County jail with a $50,000 bond, and will make a first appearance in court Nov. 14. Law enforcement continues to seek information from anyone who witnessed or has information related to this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 719-520-7777. YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY) A week after a 19-year-old man was shot to death in Yorktown, law enforcement tracked down the suspect in his murder, in South Carolina. York-Poquoson Sheriffs deputies responded to the 200 block of Barham Boulevard just before midnight on Oct. 30 in response to calls about gunshots. They arrived to find 19-year-old Elysiah Lee-Jordan, who had been shot twice. He died from his injuries. Man dead, sister injured after shooting at Yorktown Square Apartments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened outside the Yorktown Square Apartments. The murder victims 24-year-old sister was also shot. She was treated at the hospital and is expected to recover, the sheriffs office confirmed. Jafay Jabarre Moore. Photo courtesy: Sumpter County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Jafay Jabarre Moore on Nov. 7, in Sumter, South Carolina. Moore is from Newport News. He is currently in custody at the Sumter County Detection Facility and is facing the following felony charges: murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and reckless handling of a firearm. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said a man was arrested early Friday on a South Side street after reports said he fired two shots while arguing with a woman. Dwan Jones, 47, was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony. He is expected to be arraigned later Friday in municipal court. The woman was not injured. Reports said police were called about 3:30 a.m. to West Myrtle Avenue for a report of a man chasing a woman with a gun, and when they arrived, they found Jones staggering on the sidewalk asking about a woman. After several commands, he showed his hands and was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police searched him, they found a gun in his pockets, reports said. Nearby, they found a loaded drum magazine and two shell casings, reports said. Reports said a woman told police that she was with Jones, and when she called for a ride, he was upset it was a man who was coming to get her and he pulled a gun and fired it. She ran away, and he fired two more shots, reports said. A witness also told police they heard two shots fired, reports said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by Teen Vogue editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Liz Coulbourn As we begin to make sense of the results of the 2024 election, in which Donald Trump was handily reelected president of the United States, we are learning more about the turnout and preferences of young voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no shortage of events and initiatives geared toward turning out young voters this cycle, including: on-the-ground organizing on college campuses nationwide; Daybreaker events like dance parties and marches to the polls with Quavo in Philadelphia and with Yung Gravy in Madison, Wisconsin; political-influencer hype houses meant to inspire and promote social content about the election; podcast appearances by the presidential candidates themselves, ranging from Trump on Joe Rogans show to Vice President Kamala Harris on Alex Coopers Call Her Daddy; a Swifties for Kamala coalition of Taylor Swift fans backing the vice president; and slates of creators invited to the Democratic and Republican national conventions. But how did these efforts fare? According to analysis of National Election Pool and Census data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts (CIRCLE), an estimated 42% of young Americans voted in the 2024 presidential election, which is lower than in 2020, when CIRCLE estimated that more than 50% of young Americans cast a ballot. But in critical battleground states Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin youth voter turnout reached an estimated 50%. (Its worth noting that official final vote counts are not yet in, as millions of ballots still need to be counted in states like California, Nevada, and Arizona.) Young voters are not a monolith, and their political preferences vary across the country. On the whole, young voters preferred Harris over Trump by an estimated 6-point margin (52% to 46%), according to CIRCLE analysis of AP VoteCast data. But that is significantly lower than the level of support President Joe Biden received from young people in 2020, which shows substantial shifts toward the right in the youth electorate this year. Four years ago, young voters backed Biden over Trump by a whopping 25 points, CIRCLE has reported. The breakdown shows there were key demographic trends that contributed to the shift in preference, most notably a wide gap in party preference between young women and young men. While 82% of young nonbinary/other voters supported Harris (a 69-point margin from the 13% who voted for Trump) and women backed Harris by 18 points (58% to 40%), young men supported Trump by 14 (56% to 42%). In 2020, young womens support for Democrats outpaced young mens, but by a much smaller margin. And four years ago, young men were more likely to vote blue. In 2020, 56% of young men supported Biden, while 41% voted for Trump. Meanwhile, 65% of young women voted for Biden, while 33% voted for Trump. This time, support for Trump was strongest among young white men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During listening sessions and one-on-one conversations with young voters over the past many months, Ive noticed this gender divide firsthand. While young women are more likely to list womens rights or access to reproductive health care as a top priority and said they were motivated to vote and to vote for Democrats young men, as a result, are less likely to focus on the issue, often adding that it doesnt feel as personal to them. Zooming out, young women became more liberal during Trumps first term in office, but the number has since receded a bit, according to Gallup data. Young women have fought for abortion access and womens rights in the Trump era, but young men arent as strongly united on a specific set of issues. In turn, the political experiences of young men and women have diverged. Daniel Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life, tells Teen Vogue via email, A lot of pre-election polls showed something unthinkable a few years ago, that Trump [was] making significant inroads with young men. But thats exactly what he did. According to APs [VoteCast] data, a majority of young men voted for Trump. Like a lot of voters, men generally viewed Trump as better able to handle the economy." Cox, who studies and is writing a book on the partisan gender gap, adds, "But they also simply liked him. Most young men who showed up to vote have a positive view of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox explains further, There are a number of reasons Trump appealed to young men. First, he showed up in the places they congregate online. He engaged with the podcasters and influencers they follow and trust. More than most other voters, young men are more politically homeless they have a negative view of both political parties. They do not trust the politicians to serve the public interest, or the political process. Trump offered an easy shortcut. Despite all the stupid and offensive comments, young men also found Trump likable. But thats not the case for most young women, Cox says: They were less likely to brush off crude and demeaning comments he made about women or give him a pass on the role he played in the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Although young women and men share similar formative experiences, they are now heading in very different political directions. Broken down by race, young voters of color were more likely to support Harris, while young white voters favored Trump, according to CIRCLE. The organizations analysis shows that 75% of African American or Black voters under age 30 backed Harris, while 23% backed Trump; 58% of Latino or Hispanic voters backed Harris, while 38% backed Trump; and 72% of Asian voters backed Harris, while 23% backed Trump. Meanwhile, 54% of white voters under 30 backed Trump, while 44% backed Harris. When it comes to education, young voters without college experience were more likely to back Trump, while voters who had attended college were more likely to back Harris. Regionally, young voters in rural areas were more likely to back Trump (59% to 38%), while young voters in urban and suburban areas were more likely to back Harris (61% to 37% and 56% to 42%, respectively). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As CIRCLEs Newhouse director Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg pointed out during a Thursday press briefing on the organizations analysis, young voters are issue-focused. CIRCLEs analysis found that young voters prioritized the economy and jobs above all else at 40% and were more likely than all voters to say the economy was their top issue followed by abortion (13%), immigration (11%), health care (9%), and climate change (8%). Leading up to the election, polls of young people repeatedly showed that economic issues were their top concern. According to CIRCLEs analysis, young voters who ranked abortion, climate change, racism, and gun policy as their top issue were more likely to support Harris, while those who said economy and jobs or immigration were more likely to back Trump. According to CIRCLE, 9% of young voters who said foreign policy was their top concern voted for a third-party candidate. The analysis shows that just 2% of young voters overall backed a third-party candidate. CIRCLEs analysis also shows varying political preferences state by state, with some states shifting red since 2020 in terms of the youth vote. There were only three states Maine, Wisconsin, and Indiana where Harriss support from young voters under 30 outperformed Bidens in 2020. In crucial battlegrounds like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Harris clinched the youth vote, but by a smaller margin than Biden in 2020. And though Biden won the youth vote in 2020 in Louisiana, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas, the initial analysis shows young voters in these states flipped for Trump in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more U.S. government coverage? North Korean troops deployed to Russias Kursk region have fought Kyivs forces on the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, adding that the clashes resulted in fatalities. Zelensky said 11,000 North Korean soldiers are in the region, where Ukraines three-month military incursion into Russian territory has stalled. Eleven thousand North Korean soldiers or soldiers of the North Korean army are currently present on the territory of the Russian Federation in the border with Ukraine on the north of our country in the Kursk region, Zelensky told reporters at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of these troops have already taken part in hostilities against the Ukrainian military. Yes, there are already losses, this is a fact. He did not specify which side suffered the losses. The New York Times reported earlier this week that a number of North Korean troops had been killed in a limited engagement with Russian and Ukrainian forces, citing senior US and Ukrainian officials. The announcement of their use in combat comes as the United States and its allies weigh how to respond to the escalating military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukraine and its NATO allies are also gauging how the reelection of US President-elect Donald Trump will impact the balance of the war and are bracing for the possibility of a dramatic reduction in US support two-and-a-half years after Moscow invaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first public comments on the US election, saying he is ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect and noted that Trumps comments on ending Russias war in Ukraine deserve attention at the very least. Were ready, the Russian leader said when asked whether he would hold talks with Trump, while addressing a discussion forum in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and praised his courageous conduct following an assassination attempt in July. Trump has said he would end the war in 24 hours and suggested that Ukraine should have given up a little bit to Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his election campaign, Trump and his running mate JD Vance cast strong doubts on continued US commitment to Kyiv and made comments that suggest the US could pressure Ukraine into an uneasy truce with Russia. Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back at suggestions of making concessions to Russia. Trump has not elaborated on how he would quickly end the war, but former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty said it essentially would freeze everything in place. Which means that the Russians would be holding the Ukrainian territory that they have, that theyve won, and then they would somehow come to territorial concessions, including Ukraine likely giving up Donbas and Crimea, according to Dougherty, adjunct professor at Georgetown Universitys Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies. Russia escalates attacks in Ukraine Trumps election to a second term comes at a precarious moment in the war. Ukraine is under fierce pressure on the front lines, where its army chief has warned his forces are facing one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the start of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow is also unleashing near-constant waves of long-range drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and firing decoy drones without warheads to overwhelm Ukraines air defenses, according to a spokesperson for Ukraines air force. Zelensky warned Monday that since last fall Moscow had increased tenfold its attacks using Iranian-made Shahed drones, and in the capital there has only been one night without a drone attack since September 1. The Ukrainian president said from Budapest Thursday that world leaders are not listening hard enough to his pleas to allow Kyiv to use long-range weapons as it faces a new wave of escalation involving the army of another state in the war against Ukraine. To counter Ukraines surprise Kursk offensive the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II Putin has bolstered his militarys manpower with North Korean forces, according to the US, South Korea and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US officials had warned that around 10,000 North Korean troops are in the Kursk region and would be expected to enter combat against Ukraine. But Zelensky fears a greater role for North Korean troops if its allies fail to exert more pressure on Putin. We believe that if we do not use appropriate weapons and political pressure on the Russian Federation, the next step may be much more use of the North Korean contingent, he said. CNNs Catherine Nicholls, Sebastian Shukla, Lauren Kent, Daria Tarasova-Markina and Christian Edwards, contributed reporting For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, focusing on the involvement of North Korean troops in Russias aggression against Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy shared that during his meeting with Rutte, he briefed him on the battlefield situation, specifically highlighting the involvement of North Korean troops in Russias aggression against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "A more decisive response from Western countries to North Koreas new role in the Russia-Ukraine war is needed." The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that they discussed the implementation of decisions made at the NATO summit in Washington, particularly on strengthening air defence and investing in Ukraines production of shells, drones and long-range weaponry. "Ukraine requires permission to use long-range weaponry against military targets on Russian territory," he added. Background: Earlier, before the start of the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, Rutte stated his intent to discuss the response to the deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea, Iran, and China in detail with European leaders and US President-elect Donald Trump. This week, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries and three key allied nations expressed serious concerns over the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia and are working on a coordinated response to this situation. Meanwhile, UK Defence Intelligence has indicated that North Korean troops involved in fighting against Ukraine would encounter interoperability issues with Russian forces and their equipment. Support UP or become our patron! When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Apple Quick Summary There are already a number of new features for Apple TV with tvOS 18, including InSight and Enhance Dialogue. But, the public beta for tvOS 18.2 has been released, bringing support for different aspect ratios which'll suit projectors, especially. Software updates are great. Sometimes they only fix bugs and help with performance issues, while other times they add a range of new features to your devices, making them feel brand new. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple has released several software updates over the last couple of weeks, with iPhones, iPads and Macs all getting access to the initial phase of Apple Intelligence features, with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. However, the company has also started to release public betas of the next build of software for all those devices. It isn't just iPhone, iPad and Mac that will benefit when next build of software arrives in its final release form Apple TV owners will too. Just like iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, the first release of tvOS 18 didn't have all the features Apple announced during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. Several arrived, including Insight, that displays information about actors, characters and music on the screen, Enhance Dialogue that uses machine learning for better vocal clarity, and subtitles appearing automatically when you press mute. But, Apple also announced support for different aspect ratios during WWDC and that didn't appear in the first release of tvOS 18. It is in the public beta of tvOS 18.2 however, and there's several on offer. What is coming with tvOS 18.2? When tvOS 18.2 fully arrives, you will be able to choose between Automatic, 16:9, 21:9, 2.37:1. 2.39:1, 2.40:1. DCI 4K and 32:9. Most TVs are 16:9 but as 9to5Mac points out, if you're a home cinema enthusiast who connects your Apple TV to a projector, the support for different aspect ratios allows you to pick the one best suited to your projector screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You'll find the aspect ratio options in your Apple TV's Audio and Video settings in the tvOS 18.2 public beta now. Or if you'd rather wait for a more stable final build, that arrives in December. December is also when localised Apple Intelligence for the UK is set to arrive on iPhone, iPad and Mac, negating the need to set those devices to US English like you currently have to do to get access to the Apple's AI features. We suppose then, Santa is bringing us software for our pressies this year. Let's just you're not on the naughty list or there will be no screen aspect ratio options for you. Buckle Up It isn't enough that Japan already has its iconic bullet train that's the envy of the world. No: it must now construct an entire "conveyor belt road" to embarrass us all. Also referred to as an "autoflow road," the automated cargo transport corridor will span some 320 miles, linking Tokyo and Osaka in a bid to make up for the country's dire shortage in delivery capacity. Calling it a "conveyor belt," however, is a tad misleading. It's not a blown-up moving walkway, and there's no conveyor mechanism. Instead, the road will facilitate the movement of an army of robotic pallets that can travel from destination and destination around the clock, carrying loads of cargo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism who is overseeing the project, told The Associated Press. "The key concept of the autoflow road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilizing a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system." Hive Mind An official concept video shows dozens of the cargo pallets traveling across the autoflow road, which is split into three lanes and sits between an existing highway. The middle lane appears to act as a passing lane but also as a place for pallets to stop, while the two outermost ones are designated for opposite flows of traffic. The driverless vehicles automatically move between lanes and form convoys on the fly, with the kind of robotic coordination that would be impossible for human drivers (but which also has us asking, "why not just use a train?") Once they reach their destination, which is a logistics base of some sort, automatic forklifts will load and unload the cargo. From there, humans will handle making door-to-door deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transport ministry claims that this automated network could do the work of 25,000 truck drivers per day. Delivering the Goods It wouldn't be remiss to view the "conveyor belt road" as a somewhat over-elaborate solution. But there's no denying that Japan is in the throes of a legitimate trucking crisis. Over ninety percent of the country's cargo is transported over roads. Recent restrictions on overtime hours, however, means that there will be a 14 percent deficit in delivery capacity, according to government estimates. These same estimates indicated that a third of Japan's cargo could be left undelivered by the end of the decade, per The New York Times, causing $70 billion in economic losses in 2030 alone. Since it's unglamorous and often grueling work, it's unlikely that companies can make up for the shortfall by hiring more drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, Japan is investing serious money into the project, with one estimate sitting at over $24 billion, per The Guardian, citing Japanese newpaper Yomiuri Shimbun. Tests won't begin until 2027 or 2028, though, with a fully operational auto-road not expected to be completed by the mid 2030s. More on weird transportation solutions: Confused Drivers Are Somehow Getting Lost in Elon Musk's Goofy Las Vegas Tunnel It really does bring the boom. A supersonic aircraft nicknamed the Son of Concorde neared Mach 1 the speed of sound in a successful test on Tuesday, that could lead to travelers flying between New York and London in just over 3 hours. The single-seat XB-1, a 201-foot-long test model by American company Boom Technology, reached 499 knots about 574 miles per hour during the milestone test at 23,015 feet above Mojave, California. A supersonic aircraft nicknamed the Son of Concorde neared Mach 1 the speed of sound in a successful test on Tuesday. Boom Supersonic The single-seat XB-reached 499 knots about 574 miles per hour. It was the seventh of 10 planned flights since March that were carried out by former Navy test pilot Tristan Geppetto Brandenburg, continuing progress toward supersonic flight, according to the company, and soaring closer to restoring the rapid form of air travel effectively and safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its predecessor, the Concorde, could fly from London to New York in under three hours before it was retired in 2003, not long after a catastrophic Air France crash in Paris in July 2000 that killed 109 on board and four people on the ground. Both American Airlines and United Airlines have inked deals to fly the groundbreaking planes should Booms broader Overture project its planned fleet of full-sized passenger supersonic jets take off, according to the company, which is backed by the U.S. Air Force. Ive long believed that Overture is the rightful successor to Concorde, said former British Airways Chief Concorde Pilot Mike Bannister. After experiencing Overtures flight deck, which is incredibly well designed and delightful to fly, my excitement and enthusiasm for this aircraft has only intensified. Boom predicted flight speeds could reach Mach 1.7, far beyond current testing, and cut travel over land by 20%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its max range is just under 5,000 miles at a 60,000-foot cruising altitude typical flights are around half of that height and could accommodate up to 80 passengers. Along with a three-hour, 40-minute trip from NYC to London, Overture promises travel from New York to Rome, Atlanta to Madrid, and Tokyo to Vancouver in about 4 hours. Pictured is a view of the supersonic jets cockpit. Boom Supersonic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The XB-1 is an experimental craft aiming to restore supersonic commercial air travel. Boom Supersonic A trip from Washington, D.C. to Dublin would log about 3 hours, and Los Angeles to Tahiti would take about 4 hours, according to the company, while a trip from Montreal to Paris would be under four hours, Space.com reported. In July, Boom announced that a full-scale engine core would be operational by the end of 2025. A final timeline for commercial use has not been released. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Session Send messages, not metadata. This is the level of privacy promised by Session, an open-source and encrypted messaging app developed in 2018 and based in Australia. Or rather, it was based in the Land Down Under until last month. The founders decided to flee the mother country due to an increasingly "hostile" legal landscape that opposed what they most believed in their users' anonymity. While tougher regulations around encryption have been enforced since 2018, the last drop arrived last year when the police visited a Session employee at their home and asked questions about the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About nine months and a lot of bureaucracy later, the newly formed Session Technology Foundation (STF), based in Switzerland, was born to steward the project instead of the Australian Open Privacy Technology Foundation (OPTF) which was previously in charge of maintaining the service. "It has been quite a difficult and arduous process," STF President Alexander Linton told me. "Yet, I would much rather go through the effort of taking things from Australia and moving them to Switzerland than to see the project's privacy or security credentials be compromised." A matter of jurisdiction Australian police visited the Session worker to understand how the company and its technology operate and the team knew that they couldn't risk being required to reveal more. Under the anti-terrorism law enforced in 2018 (the Assistance and Access Act), authorities can force tech companies and service providers to build capabilities that allow them to break encryption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This technology refers to the process of scrambling the content of online communications to prevent unwanted access. It's used by many online services nowadays, from secure email providers and messaging apps to the best VPN apps, to secure user privacy and security. At the same time, though, encryption is under attack in many countries as authorities increasingly see it as an obstacle to law enforcement investigations. Did you know? Security padlock in circuit board, digital encryption concept Australia was the first country to take a strong stance against encryption, but it isn't the only government willing to do so. While the UK Online Safety Act has postponed the practice until it's "technically feasible to do so," a proposal to scan encrypted communication is repeatedly debated in the EU. The US and some countries in Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the so-called Identify and Disrupt Act extended Australian law enforcement powers even further. It enables officers to hack devices and take control of people's accounts when they are under investigation without their knowledge. Linton also mentions the more recent e-Safety Commissioner as another reason for concern. The regulatory body introduces new industry codes that could clash with Session's business model. The new e-safety codes would require service providers to collect identifying information from end users. However, to avoid gathering this metadata, Session doesn't require users to sign up with a phone number or an email something that it may have had to change under these rules. "And that's a huge problem for people's privacy and their ability to be anonymous online when they need or want to," Linton told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aforementioned reasons prompted Session to find a privacy-friendly jurisdiction to relocate to in order to offer the same product. Ultimately, Switzerland was a natural fit. Switzerland is already home to some of the most prominent privacy companies on the market. The provider behind the popular paid and free VPN and secure email services, Proton was born here. Also, Threema, another encrypted messaging app, was developed in the European country back in 2012. This is because Switzerland boasts very strong data protection laws. The Swiss Federal Constitution, for example, explicitly establishes a constitutional right to privacy. While Article 271 of the Swiss Criminal Code rules out strict provisions for any Swiss company to collaborate with foreign law enforcement. Most importantly, in 2021, both Proton and Threema even won a court case for not being classified as telecommunications service providers. This means email services and messaging apps do not fall under the BUPF laws which oblige telecom providers to monitor and share traffic data with authorities. How secure is the Session app Similarly to the likes of WhatsApp and Signal, Session uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that all your messages and calls remain private between you and the person you're speaking to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As mentioned earlier, though, Session promises to go a step further than its competitors by offering something that others do not metadata protection. "Encryption only protects the contents of your communications. But there's all of this information surrounding them that can still impact your privacy, your security, and, oftentimes, even your safety," Linton told me. Metadata refers to all the details around the data you shared that it isn't the content. These include IP addresses, location, phone numbers, who you have spoken with, and when, among other things. The team behind Session wanted to develop a fully open-sourced app focused on protecting these details. "Which usually means not collecting or creating that metadata in the first place," said Linton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why Session has never required a phone number or email address to sign up. The app simply generates a keypad on your device that you can use to send your messages to people. Last year, Signal also began beta testing the idea of ditching phone numbers in the name of privacy. The ex-Australian app goes even further as it also protects your IP. Session runs on a decentralized network meaning that not even the provider itself can see your IP or other data which uses an onion routing to protect this piece of metadata from third-party access. This infrastructure is similar to the one that the secure Tor browser also employs. Now that Session operations have moved country, the company assures users that the app will continue working exactly as it did before. You can expect the same level of privacy, security, and usability, with its transparency reports and app updates now coming from the new Swiss Session Technology Foundation instead. Republicans cheer at the Bellevue Hyatt as election results come in Tuesday night. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times) Arizona Western College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 10 to commemorate the opening of the DeAnza Residence Hall. The 47,851-square-foot, $25 million project features 90 rooms, with a private bathroom in each dorm. The residence hall has a community area, gym, theater, communal kitchen and rooftop terrace, and each floor contains study rooms. "Some of my first and greatest memories of going away to college was in the dorm," Dr. Daniel Corr remarked during the ceremony. "Those are experiences that I want all students in Yuma and La Paz counties to take advantage of." Close Nick Fenley Follow Nick Fenley Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party, has had successful talks in Budapest with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the leader of the Austrian People's Party, his party said in a statement on Thursday. Talks focused on strengthening Hungary-Austria relations and intensifying bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries, the statement added. In addition to domestic policy, the sides reviewed major European issues, it said. They discussed the need for strong European regulations against illegal migration, and they were in agreement that all diplomatic means must be used to end the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible, it added. According to the statement, the talks will continue in Vienna. Magyar is also scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, it added. Meanwhile, Orban discusses European competitiveness with Draghi Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday had a meeting with Mario Draghi, the one-time Italian premier and former president of the European Central Bank, who has arrived in Budapest at Orban's invitation, the PM's press chief said in a statement. On the meeting's agenda was the EU's competitiveness problems, in light of Draghi's strategic assessment report on European competitiveness, the statement said. Draghi will also participate in the EU summit in Budapest on Friday, it added. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. Maruti Suzuki Looks To Enhance Exports: Maruti Suzuki India is targeting markets like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Mexico, and other Latin American countries with its upcoming new version of compact sedan Dzire to accelerate exports as it eyes over 300,000 units of overseas shipments this fiscal, a senior company official said on Wednesday. In the domestic market, the company hopes to enhance its share in the sedan market amid the passenger vehicles market shifting towards SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), with the new Dzire which is slated for launch next week. "We have been growing (exports) at a rate of about 11.9 per cent in the first seven months of the financial year and we hope to continue on that momentum. So we hope to do more than about 300,000 car exports within this financial year," Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director Corporate Affairs Rahul Bharti said. In contrast, just about four years ago, the company's exports were below 100,000 per year, he added. "So, now we'll be doing about three times of that, and by the turn of the decade, we hope to multiply it another three times over to something like 800,000 units a year," Bharti added. Elaborating on the export strategy, Bharti said, "One of the biggest enablers of increasing export is more models in more geographies. So, we are adding the number of models, and we are adding the markets also." At the moment, he said, the company is exporting to Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Further, he said, "At some point in time, we will re-enter Europe and Japan also (with upcoming electric SUV)." With the upcoming new version of Dzire compact sedan, Bharti said, "We hope to increase our exports also because with the new sleek design, technologies, six airbags, as standard, it is being widely accepted in the market." He further said, "We have to increase the density in those (existing) markets. We will target markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Mexico, other countries in Latin America and maybe some markets in Southeast Asia also." The existing Dzire model was among the top three export models in October, he added. On the domestic front, Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Partho Banerjee said the company hopes to enhance its share in the sedan market with the new offering. Last year, the outgoing version of Dzire clocked over 160,000 units, he said, adding that with the new offering coming in, the company expects more growth. "Every second car which is sold in the sedan segment (in the domestic market) happens to be from Maruti...We are, in fact, increasing our market share in the sedan segment," he asserted. Banerjee acknowledged that with the SUVs growing faster, the sedan segment is shrinking but sedans will continue to have its market as SUV demand stabilises at some point in time. "Being the market leader we need to be present in all the segments. "Our take is this, in each segment, we need to be present and offer products to the consumers. Let the consumer decide which form factor they want to go," Banerjee said. Delhi Vidhansabha Chunav 2025: Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc parties were brave enough to let go of their egos and fight a collective battle against the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. However, as expected, the regional satraps are keen on having a solo show in the state assembly elections. After the Aam Aadmi Party made it clear that it would fight the Delhi assembly polls alone, the Congress sounded its poll bugle against the ruling AAP. The Congress will begin its Dilli Nyay Yatra on Friday with the first two pitstops being a Harijan Basti & Haksar Haveli in Sitaram Bazar and the ancestral home of Kamala Nehru, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis mother. With this, the party wants to remind people of its rich legacy and history of serving people. The 'Nyay Yatra', inspired by Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, will be flagged off by Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken and other senior leaders. Rahul Gandhi, who is busy with Jharkhand and Maharashtra Elections, will join the month-long yatra later. Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to join the yatra after Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls where she is contesting her debut electoral battle. Once flagged off from Rajghat, the yatra will proceed through Delhi Gate, Asaf Ali Road, Turkman Gate, Sitaram Bazar, Hauz Qazi Chowk, and Katra Bariyan, concluding at Fatehpuri. After facing a setback in the Lok Sabha polls, the Congress has prepared a constituency-wise plan to boost its chances in the assembly polls. It has divided the seven Parliamentary constituencies Assembly-wise to ensure coverage of the majority of the 70 seats. The two phases of the Yatra will see a focus on around 40 seats. On the other hand, AAP has also launched a membership drive while the BJP is campaigning against the alleged failures of the Kejriwal government. AMU Minority Status Case: In a temporary relief for the Aligarh Muslim University, a seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Friday delivered four separate judgements in the Aligarh Muslim University minority status case. The SC delivered a 4-3 majority verdict in the case saying that a three-judge bench will now decide on the case. However, the Supreme Court overruled a 1967 verdict holding that since AMU was a central university it cannot be considered a minority institution. In its majority verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that the issue of AMU's minority status must be decided on the basis of tests laid down by it. The apex court also laid down criteria for deciding AMU's status as a minority institution. The bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. Justice Chandrachud said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. The Supreme Court said case papers will be placed before the CJI for setting up fresh bench to decide validity of 2006 Allahabad HC verdict. In January 2006, the Allahabad HC had struck down provision of 1981 law by which AMU was accorded minority status. This is a rare instance when a seven judge bench delivered a verdict with 4-3 majority but still referred the case to a three-judge bench for final hearing. This primarily happened because there are four separate judgement while 3 dissenting views. The All India Ulema Board has written a letter to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) offering its support for forming the government in Maharashtra. The board has expressed its readiness to support MVA candidates, campaign for them, and contribute to their election efforts. However, the board has laid down several conditions that need to be met in exchange for this support. In today's Episode of DNA, Zee News explains the situation in detail. Watch Full Episode Here: Key Conditions for Support 1. Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill: The Ulema Board has demanded that the MVA oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill and work towards its cancellation. 2. Financial Aid for Waqf Board: The Maharashtra government must allocate 1,000 crores to the Maharashtra Waqf Board. 3. Legislation for Removal of Encroachments: The Ulema Board wants a law passed in the Maharashtra Assembly to remove encroachments from Waqf properties. 4. 10% Reservation for Muslims: The Board has called for a 10% reservation for Muslims in Maharashtra. 5. Police Recruitment Preference: The Ulema Board has demanded that educated Muslims be given preference in police recruitment in the state. 6. Ban on RSS: The Ulema Board is also pushing for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as soon as the MVA government is formed. 7. Legal Action Against Controversial Figures: The Board has called for the immediate imprisonment of Nitesh Rane, a BJP leader, and the release of Salman Azheri, a controversial figure who has faced legal action for his inflammatory statements. While these conditions have been put forward as demands to ensure the rights of Muslims, critics have raised concerns about whether this is a genuine demand for justice or a political bargaining tactic to consolidate the Muslim vote. SIMDEGA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of trying to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest, land) from tribal people. He termed the Jharkhand polls as a fight of ideology between the INDIA bloc and the BJP-RSS combine. The Congress leader alleged that the RSS-BJP's mission was to "destroy" the Constitution of the country, while the INDIA bloc "wanted to protect" it. "PM (Narendra) Modi calls you 'vanvasi' as the BJP believes that land, forest and water belong to the saffron party, RSS and capitalists. The BJP believes in grabbing tribal land under its newly coined word development. It wants to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest, land) from tribals," Gandhi alleged while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Simdega. He also claimed that the Constitution was under "constant attack" and the INDIA bloc was making "all efforts to protect it". The Congress, if voted to power, will ensure caste census and removal of the 50 per cent cap on the reservation, Gandhi claimed. "The Constitution is under constant attack and it needs to be protected. We will remove the cap of 50 per cent reservation at any cost. If we are voted to power in Jharkhand, we will raise reservation of STs to 28 per cent from the present 26 per cent, SCs to 12 per cent from the current 10 per cent and OBCs to 27 per cent from the existing 14 per cent," he claimed. He also asserted that a caste census is "a must to identify the participation of tribals, Dalits and OBCs" in various institutions and wealth of the country. "When I raised the issue in Parliament, PM Modi was silent and later said that Rahul Gandhi wants to divide the country," the Congress leader claimed. This was Gandhi's second visit to Jharkhand after the assembly poll schedule was announced. The polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23. Jharkhand Vidhansabha Chunav 2024: The BJP is campaigning aggressively in the poll-bound Jharkhand. After warming the opposition benches for five years, the BJP is looking to mark a return to power in the state and has a tried and tested weapon to counter the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance. Even before the election dates were announced, the BJP raised the demographic change issue after the reports of 'Jamai Tola' surfaced showing an increase of the Muslim population in tribal belts. The BJP has raked up the infiltration poll plank to woo the voters of the state. The BJP has successfully reaped the benefit of the infiltration poll plank in states like Assam, Tripura and West Bengal. Now, the saffron party has made it a big poll strategy in Jharkhand. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the party's state election incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma, the senior BJP leadership are playing on the same line to maintain the seriousness of the infiltration issue. Amit Shah has accused the JMM government of harbouring a soft-corner for infiltrators while alleging that the state's tribal population was declining due to the JMM-Congress government treating 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' as its vote bank. Now, PM Modi also accused the JMM of facilitating the rehabilitation of the infiltrators for vote bank politics. Addressing a poll rally, PM Modi said, " They are allowing the Bangladeshi infiltrators to settle in the state for the vote bank....When Saraswati Vandana was disallowed in schools when there was stone-pelting during festivals...We realise how grave the threat is." PM Modi further alleged that the infiltrators are snatching local people's livelihood, daughter, and land. "If this flawed policy continues, the Adivasi population will shrink in Jharkhand," he said. In Bengal as well, the BJP has accused the TMC of allowing illegal entry of Bangladeshi migrants, especially Muslims. The topic has been a longstanding issue in Tripura as well, where the party has argued that the tribal population has diminished over time. In Tripura, the BJP has managed to secure support from both tribal and Bengali communities, steering clear of their conflicts, unlike the CPI(M). In Assam, for many years, the rising population of Bengali speakersoften attributed to alleged illegal immigration of Bengali-speaking Muslims from Bangladeshhas fueled polarization. This increase is viewed by some as a threat to the states indigenous communities, adding to ongoing tensions. The BJP is aiming to leverage polarizing immigration issues in Jharkhand as a strategy to boost its performance, with the goal of drawing support away from the JMMs core voter base. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address several rallies in the poll-bound state of Jharkhand on Saturday (November 9) as a part of the BJP's campaigning in the run-up to the Assembly elections in the eastern state. HM Shah has got a busy schedule lined up for November 9 as he will address four rallies in Jharkhand where polling will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20. The Home Minister will address the first rally at around 11 a.m. in the Chhatarpur Assembly segment. From there, he will leave for Hazaribarh where he is scheduled to address his second poll rally on Saturday at around 12.30 p.m. After wrapping up the Hazaribagh programme, the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president will arrive in Potka where he will address the third rally at around 2 p.m. In Jamshedpur, Home Minister Shah will address the day's fourth election rally at around 3.15 p.m. Besides, Amit Shah, his Union Cabinet colleague -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh -- will also address two rallies on November 9 in Jharkhand. The veteran BJP leader, also a former party president, will address the first rally at around 12.50 p.m. in Khunti and the second rally in Chatra at around 2.25 p.m. As voting dates are approaching, the BJP has intensified its campaigning in Jharkhand with the party's heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing rallies for garner support for the nominees contesting the two-phase Assembly polls. During a mega rally in Jharkhand's Chaibasa on November 4, PM Modi slammed the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), labelling them as "anti-Adivasi". Accusing the parties of disrespecting countrys Adivasi community, PM Modi highlighted their disregard for India's first female Adivasi President. Addressing a huge gathering in Chaibasa, PM Modi stated: "History stands as a proof of how the British were uprooted from Kolhan. Today, Kolhan is determined to uproot the corrupt JMM government." He also prophesied that BJP will be next to form government in the state.. PM Modi also underscored the BJP's commitment to Jharkhand, invoking a popular slogan that has gained traction among the masses: "Roti, beti aur maati ki pukaar, Jharkhand me BJP-NDA sarkar," affirming that if the NDA assumes power, it will focus on addressing local demands symbolised by "Roti, Beti, Maati" (livelihood, daughters, and land). Kerala Lottery Results Friday 08-11-2024 LIVE Updates: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-405" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-405, November 08, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Nirmal NR-405" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Nirmal NR-405 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-405 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 08-11-2024 November: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR NIRMAL NR-405 Draw LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: NZ 524074 LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: NX 912727 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: 1) NN 858004 2) NO 858906 3) NP 529624 4) NR 354637 5) NS 604028 6) NT 835562 7) NU 617888 8) NV 338722 9) NW 295956 10) NX 807257 11) NY 609450 12) NZ 587240 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: NN 524074 NO 524074 NP 524074 NR 524074 NS 524074 NT 524074 NU 524074 NV 524074 NW 524074 NX 524074 NY 524074 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 1432 1448 1513 2653 3192 3210 6035 6524 6898 7108 7401 7506 7817 7901 8262 9411 9571 9712 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0830 0966 1023 1278 1434 1738 1959 2120 2352 2434 2558 2671 2841 3000 3054 3317 3544 3818 4053 4534 4541 5094 5271 5845 6894 6947 7083 7137 7376 8101 8153 8463 8785 8999 9044 9641 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0128 0399 0413 0496 0629 0902 1565 1877 1918 1981 2245 2379 2419 2499 2536 2887 3050 3078 3171 3501 4020 4152 4175 4197 4309 4556 4573 4579 4584 4628 4711 4941 4982 5046 5169 5173 5234 5279 5350 5371 5436 5462 5540 5634 5911 6034 6061 6107 6542 6854 7004 7139 7156 7318 7379 7481 7536 7638 7912 8049 8056 8338 8407 8462 8692 8818 8983 9006 9055 9073 9163 9294 9467 9506 9542 9727 9796 9943 9995 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0025 0094 0123 0467 0914 0936 0970 1157 1259 1266 1274 1321 1441 1747 1809 1922 2006 2160 2321 2324 2455 2548 2607 2618 2620 2652 2777 2784 2836 3051 3089 3136 3162 3253 3277 3328 3593 3715 3724 3769 3838 3878 3968 4110 4190 4229 4306 4335 4377 4391 4407 4598 4704 4772 4858 4882 4988 4995 5006 5015 5030 5101 5146 5218 5220 5312 5343 5630 5848 5992 6013 6067 6147 6205 6410 6461 6658 6705 6711 6821 6843 6919 7028 7068 7219 7263 7282 7323 7413 7427 7519 7535 7692 7810 7938 8007 8011 8012 8265 8395 8453 8494 8777 8780 8884 9116 9127 9166 9246 9332 9345 9552 9611 9631 9684 9686 9696 9722 9777 9857 9952 9956 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 08-11-2024 November: NIRMAL NR-405 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000 4th Prize: Rs. 2,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 200 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) UP News: In a bid to ensure the safety of women and protect them from bad touch, the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission has proposed that men should not tailor clothes for women or cut a womans hair either. The womans body has sent the proposal to the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government with multiple suggestions to do away with the ill intentions of men. The list of suggestions, which includes men not being allowed to take womens measurements and installing CCTV cameras, came after a meeting that was held on October 28. Speaking to news agency PTI, one of the members of the womens body, Himani Agarwal said, "On October 28, at the meeting of the women's commission, a proposal was floated that only female tailors should take the measurement of stitched clothes worn by women and that CCTVs should be installed in these areas. She stated that the proposal was floated by the state women's commission chairperson, Babita Chauhan, and it was backed by the members who were present at the meeting. "We have also said that in salons, it should only be female barbers who should attend to female customers," Agarwal said. "We are of the view that because of men involved in this type of profession, women are molested. They (men) try to indulge in bad touch, she further stated. "The intention of some of the men is also not good," she said, before adding, "not that all the men have bad intentions." Agarwal, however, also underscored that this is just a proposal as of now, and the women's commission will subsequently request the state government to make laws in this regard. (With PTI Inputs) Maharashtra Election 2024: Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi on Friday kickstarted the campaign for the Maharashtra assembly election. Addressing his first rally from Dhule, PM Modi slammed the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for 'looting' the people of the state. He said that the MVA is a vehicle without wheels, and brakes and everyone is fighting for the driver's seat. PM Modi was referring to the tussle in the MVA over the Chief Minister's post. While Shiv Sena-UBT has said that Uddhav Thackeray would be the CM of the alliance, Congress and the NCP-Shara Pawar have refrained from naming anyone, saying that the party with the most seats will get the CM post. Hitting out at the Congress party's caste census plank, PM Modi said that the grand old party's agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country. "Congress' agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country. When Congress tried this conspiracy with religious groups, it led to the partition of the country. Now Congress is inciting SC, ST, and OBC categories against each other. There can be no bigger conspiracy for India. You will stay strong as long as you stay united. 'Ek hai toh safe hai," said PM Modi. Hitting out at the Congress over Article 370 ruckus in the J&K assembly, PM Modi said, "As soon as the Congress party's INDI alliance has got a chance to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, they are hatching conspiracy related to Kashmir. You must have seen the ruckus in the J&K assembly. The Cogress-led alliance has passed a resolution to restore Article 370 once again there. Will the country accept this? Will you agree? Do you accept the Congress party's move to break Kashmir away from India?" The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. However, this time, the NCP and the Shiv Sena are heading to the polls after splits. Jharkhand Assembly Elections: Coming down heavily on the JMM-led coalition on Friday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused it of patronizing infiltration for vote bank politics. He stated that if infiltration goes unchecked, there will be no place for Hindus and tribals in Jharkhand in 20 years. The Assam CM made the remarks during a political rally at Kharsawan in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Sarma, who is also the BJP co-incharge of elections in Jharkhand, said that while the Hindu and tribal populations were rapidly declining, the Muslim population was increasing. "There will be no place for tribals and Hindus in Jharkhand after 20 years at the current pace of infiltration from Bangladesh," he alleged. The BJP leader claimed that in Santhal Pargana, Hindus and tribals together made up 90 percent of the population, with tribals accounting for 44 percent. However, by 2011, the Hindu population had dropped to 67 percent, while tribals had reduced to just 28 percent, he alleged. "During the same period, the Muslim population grew from 10 percent to 22 percent," he claimed. Sarma concluded by saying, "This election is a choice between the dictatorship of the JMM-led coalition and PM Modis development model." (With PTI Inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Dhule, Maharashtra, cornered the NC-Congress over the Article 370 resolution and warned voters about what he described as the 'conspiracies' of the opposition in the Union Territory. As soon as Congress and the INDI alliance got a chance to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, they started their conspiracies against Kashmir, Modi said, referring to the recent resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in favor of reinstating Article 370. He also emphasized that the BJP would not allow any such efforts to succeed. Resolution in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370, which had been revoked by the BJP-led government in 2019. The resolution was passed through a voice vote, with the Congress and NC legislators supporting it. The BJP, however, opposed the motion. In his address, Modi pointed out that BJP MLAs who had opposed the resolution were forcibly removed from the assembly. He described this as a blatant attempt by Congress and NC to undermine the constitutional order in Jammu and Kashmir, further fueling the BJP's narrative that the opposition parties were trying to reverse the historic changes made by the government. 'No Power Can Bring Back Article 370' In his rally, Modi said that "no power can bring back Article 370" in Jammu and Kashmir as long as he remains in office. He reminded voters in Maharashtra that the BJP had decisively revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, a move that was a key part of the partys agenda for national integration. "Till Modi is there, Congress wont be able to do anything in Kashmir. Only Bhim Rao Ambedkars Constitution will run there," Modi stated, reinforcing his government's commitment to upholding the Indian Constitution and rejecting any attempts to restore Jammu and Kashmir's special status. He further asserted that the country would not accept any attempt to roll back the revocation of Article 370. Earning trust in the construction sector requires more than just delivering quality products; it demands a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and reliability. In a field where demand for efficient and environmentally responsible building materials continues to grow, the companies that innovate while maintaining trust are those that lead the industry. Over the last 20 years, Walplast Products has exemplified these principles, emerging as a trusted provider of home-building solutions tailored to India's growing infrastructure needs. Founded by Ashok Mehta, Walplast began with a vision to deliver high-quality construction materials that meet the evolving demands of the industry. Under his leadership and later joined by his son, Kaushal Mehta, the company transformed into a market leader. Today, Walplast is recognised as one of Indias top manufacturers of wall putty and other construction materials, setting new benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Innovating Responsibly With A Diverse Product Range Walplasts product portfolio has grown to address a wide range of construction needs. Initially focused on core construction materials, the company expanded with products like Homesure Wall Putty; Homesure WallEx, which covers Plasters and AAC Blocks; Homesure TileEx range of Tile Adhesives; Homesure GypEx range of Gypsum products; Homesure w-Shield, which includes Construction Chemicals & Admixtures; and Homesure MasterTouch Paints - Primers, Distempers, and Emulsions. The companys Homesure brand, a key growth driver, has gained widespread recognition for its superior performance across various product categories. Recently, the company has also launched new products under its Homesure Mastertouch portfolio, including Homesure Mastertouch Bloom Premium Emulsions for both interior and exterior applications. Additionally, it introduced Homesure Mastertouch Waterlock, a waterproofing solution under the Homesure TileEx portfolio, alongside Homesure TileEx 2K Epoxy Grout and Homesure TileEx Tile Cleaner. These innovations are designed to meet the growing demand of customers seeking high-performance solutions. The Homesure brand has experienced impressive growth across multiple product categories. In the past year, within its Homesure GypEx Gypsum Plaster and Boards, it has seen a significant surge in market demand. This growth is complemented by an increasing interest in Homesure TileEx, the high-performance Mastertouch paints product line, and the innovative w-Shield Admixtures. The strong demand across key markets including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh highlights Homesure's expanding presence and influence within the construction sector. Eco-Friendly Construction Practices Sustainability plays a central role in Walplast's operations, reflected in the company's eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Walplasts facilities prioritise waste and energy reduction, ensuring alignment with sustainable construction principles. This commitment is evident in their flagship product, Homesure Waterproof Putty, which is made from 5% recycled raw materials derived from renewable natural dolomite stones and is 10% recyclable post-consumer and industrial stages, contributing to a circular economy. In addition, the Homesure WallEx self-curing plaster conserves water and incorporates 5% recyclable waste and byproducts like fly ash, reflecting Walplasts dedication to responsible waste management. The Homesure Mastertouch Paints category upholds sustainability with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels and no heavy metals. Walplasts sustainability efforts extend beyond its product offerings, encompassing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power and sustainable business practices. The company employs advanced methods like Thin Layer technology, manufactured sand, fly ash utilisation, eco sand, slag cement, and stone byproducts, further solidifying its commitment to environmentally conscious production processes. Expanding Manufacturing Capacities Walplasts commitment to sustainable growth is evident in its continuous investments in manufacturing capabilities. Currently, the company operates 25 manufacturing facilities across India, supported by NABL-accredited R&D labs equipped with the latest testing technologies. In addition to its existing infrastructure, Walplast has significantly enhanced its manufacturing capabilities in recent years. The company has expanded its operations by inaugurating two state-of-the-art facilities in the South. One plant, located in Chennai, can produce 150,000 metric tonnes annually, while the Perundurai facility in Tamil Nadu specializes in premium white products, boasting an annual capacity of 180,000 metric tonnes. Additionally, in June 2024, Walplast introduced a cutting-edge grinding unit in Nanhwara, Katni, capable of manufacturing 600 metric tonnes daily of wall putty and white products. Diversifying its product range, a newly established plant in Khapoli, Maharashtra, now offers grey products such as tile adhesive and ready-mix plaster, with an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes. Looking forward, Walplast is preparing to invest in new greenfield projects to strengthen its market position. These upcoming ventures, strategically positioned in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, are expected to increase Walplast's total production capacities for white, grey, and gypsum products by an impressive 800,000 metric tonnes per year. This strategic expansion underscores Walplast's dedication to innovation, growth, and addressing the evolving demands of the construction materials industry. Walplast is dedicated to innovating responsibly, maintaining high-quality standards, and expanding its presence in India and beyond while prioritizing sustainability. Under the leadership of Kaushal Mehta, the company aims to achieve a Group status of Rs 2,000 crore by 2025. (This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts sponsored feature, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) New Delhi: Pan-India superstar Prabhas and Hombale Films have sealed an industry-first, multi-film partnership. This historic collaboration, which includes Salaar Part 2 and two additional back-to-back films, represents the largest deal between an actor and a production house to date, marking a transformative chapter for both respectively. Following the worldwide success of KGF Chapter 1, KGF Chapter 2, Kantara, Salaar 1 - Hombale has built an impressive lineup, which now includes the much-anticipated Kantara 2 and KGF Chapter 3, as well as its new ventures with Prabhas. Vijay Kiragandur, Founder of Hombale Films, commented on the monumental collaboration: "At Hombale, we believe in the power of storytelling that transcends borders. Our collaboration with Prabhas is a step towards crafting timeless cinema that will inspire and entertain for generations to come." !#PrabhasXHombal3Films We are proud to unite with the Rebel Star, #Prabhas, in a groundbreaking three-film partnership that celebrates the essence of Indian cinema and aims to take it to the world. This is a declaration of pic.twitter.com/E4osJGaMgR Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) November 8, 2024 With Salaar Part 2, Kantara 2 and KGF Chapter 3, a range of exciting projects on the horizon, Hombale Films growing repertoire highlights its commitment to creating groundbreaking cinema that resonates globally. Prabhas, brings an exciting lineup of projects to his name, including Hombales Landmark film Salaar 2, Raja Saab, Spirit, Kalki 2 and Fauji. The multi-film agreement with Hombale reflects his strong affinity with Indias leading production house, setting him up to headline four films under Hombales banner. The partnership begins with Salaar Part 2, directed by Prashanth Neel, who has been instrumental in Hombales success with cinematic phenomena like KGF 1, KGF 2 and Salaar Part 1. Hombale Films is creating waves as the only production house which has been able to give a mainstream hit in all markets including KGF & Kantara in Kannada, Salaar in Telugu, Raghu Thatha in Tamil and Dhoomam in Malayalam with Fahaad Fasil in lead. Now, This is actually the collaboration of titans as Hombale and Prabhas together are part of 5 out of 20 biggest worldwide hits with Baahubali 1&2, KGF 2, Kalki and Salaar. The Prabhas-Hombale partnership heralds an exhilarating new era in Indian cinema, one that will set new benchmarks and captivate audiences around the world, showcasing the power of bold storytelling on a grand scale. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently made changes to the Know Your Customer (KCC) norms to align them with recent amendments carried out in the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules and revised certain existing instructions. According to the Amendment to the Master Direction - Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016, regulated entities (REs) will have to apply the customer due diligence (CDD) procedure at the unique customer identification code (UCIC) level. Amendments have also been made regarding CDD Procedure and sharing KYC information with the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR). CKYCR is an entity which receives, stores, safeguards and retrieves KYC records in the digital form of a customer. KYC Rules: 6 Amendments Announced By RBI Effective Immediately 1. Paragraph 10 Customer Acceptance Policy Paragraph 10(f) of the Master Direction is amended to read as follows: REs shall apply the CDD procedure at the UCIC level. Thus, if an existing KYC compliant customer of a RE desires to open another account or avail any other product or service from the same RE, there shall be no need for a fresh CDD exercise as far as identification of the customer is concerned. 2. Paragraph 37 The Explanation that High risk accounts have to be subjected to more intensified monitoring is applicable to sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 37 and accordingly, the Explanation has been shifted. 3. Paragraph 38 - Updation/ Periodic Updation of KYC To provide better clarity, the phrase updation has been inserted with the phrase periodic updation in the clauses (ii) and (iv) of sub-paragraph (a); and clauses (iii) and (iv) of sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph 38. 4. Paragraph 56 - CDD Procedure and sharing KYC information with Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) Paragraph 56(h) of the Master Direction is amended to read as follows: In order to ensure that all KYC records are incrementally uploaded on to CKYCR, REs shall upload/update the KYC data pertaining to accounts of individual customers and LEs opened prior to the above-mentioned dates as per clauses (e) and (f), respectively, at the time of periodic updation as specified in paragraph 38 of this Master Direction, or earlier, when the updated KYC information is obtained/received from the customer. Also, whenever the RE obtains additional or updated information from any customer as per clause (j) below in this paragraph or Rule 9(1C) of the PML Rules, the RE shall within seven days or within such period as may be notified by the Central Government, furnish the updated information to CKYCR, which shall update the KYC records of the existing customer in CKYCR. CKYCR shall thereafter inform electronically all the reporting entities who have dealt with the concerned customer regarding updation of KYC record of the said customer. Once CKYCR informs an RE regarding an update in the KYC record of an existing customer, the RE shall retrieve the updated KYC records from CKYCR and update the KYC record maintained by the RE. Paragraph 56(j) of the Master Direction is amended to read as follows: For the purpose of establishing an account-based relationship, updation/ periodic updation or for verification of identity of a customer, the RE shall seek the KYC Identifier from the customer or retrieve the KYC Identifier, if available, from the CKYCR and proceed to obtain KYC records online by using such KYC Identifier and shall not require a customer to submit the same KYC records or information or any other additional identification documents or details, unless there is a change in the information of the customer as existing in the records of CKYCR; or the KYC record or information retrieved is incomplete or is not as per the current applicable KYC norms; or the validity period of downloaded documents has lapsed; or the RE considers it necessary in order to verify the identity or address (including current address) of the customer, or to perform enhanced due diligence or to build an appropriate risk profile of the customer. 5. Annex II of the MD on KYC Based on the corrigendum dated April 22, 2024 issued by the Government of India to the Order dated February 2, 2021 regarding the Procedure for implementation of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the designation of Central Nodal Officer for the UAPA has been changed from Additional Secretary to Joint Secretary. 6. The provisions of Master Direction may henceforth be read as paragraph instead of section. All internal cross-references to section in the Master Direction on KYC have been replaced to be read as paragraph. New Delhi: Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has announced successful completion of pilot run of the new Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS) under Employees Pension Scheme 1995. He mentioned that the pilot run was completed on 29th and 30th October 2024 with the pension disbursement of about Rs 11 Crore for October 2024 to more than 49,000 EPS Pensioners of Jammu, Srinagar and Karnal Regions. Earlier, during the announcement of the new CPPS system, the Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya had said, The approval of the Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) marks a significant milestone in modernization of the EPFO. By enabling pensioners to receive their pension from any bank, any branch, anywhere in the country, this initiative addresses the long-standing challenges faced by pensioners and ensures a seamless and efficient disbursement mechanism. This is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to transform the EPFO into a more robust, responsive, and tech-enabled organization, committed to serving the needs of its members and pensioners better. The CPPS is a paradigm shift from the existing pension disbursement system that is decentralized, with each Zonal/Regional Office of EPFO maintaining separate agreements with only 3-4 banks. In CPPS, there will also be no need for pensioners to visit the bank for any verification at the time of commencement of pension and the pension shall be immediately credited upon release, said a Ministry of Labour & Employment release. The CPPS system would also ensure disbursement of pension throughout India without any need for transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO) from one office to another even when the Pensioner moves from one location to another or changes his bank or branch. This would be a great relief to pensioners who move to their hometown after retirement, it added. The new CPPS system will be fully rolled out as part of EPFOs ongoing IT modernization project Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01) by January 2025 and will benefit more than 78 lakh EPS pensioners of EPFO. Hezbollah fired about five rockets toward central and northern Israel on Friday, setting off air raid sirens in 53 Israeli cities and communities, according to Israeli sources. The Israeli military said in a statement that most rockets were intercepted, though one struck the Upper Galilee. The state-owned Kan TV news reported that one rocket hit a residential home in Kafr Yasif, an Arab community northeast of Acre city, northern Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to the Israeli Magen David Adom rescue service. Hezbollah has yet to confirm the attacks, Xinhua news agency reported. The attacks came two days after a barrage of about 120 rockets were fired by Hezbollah at northern and central Israel throughout Wednesday, as Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem earlier vowed to fight until victory over Israeli forces. These developments took place amid ongoing cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began over a year ago and has sharply escalated since late September. About dozen people wait outside in a line to vote at Centennial Hall in downtown Colorado Springs about two hours before the polls closed on Tuesday. Clemmy Hollenbeck, 12, and her little sister Leia, 9, joyfully scream as they sled down a hill in Monument Valley Park, Wednesday. A storm that began Tuesday evening dropped at much as 12 inches of snow in several parts of the Colorado Springs metro area, according to the National Weather Service. The wintry conditions forced school cancellations and road closures Wednesday throughout much of the Pikes Peak region. More snow arrived in the Pikes Peak region Friday, dumping several more inches across Colorado Springs and southern Colorado. When Nondi Harrington filled out her ballot this year, she darkened the bubbles next to every Republican candidate on the ticket. But the Sheridan resident who has spent the last 40 years of her professional life helping health care institutions raise money also voted to pass the ballot measure codifying an explicit right to abortion in the Montana Constitution. I believe that abortion is a personal choice, Harrington said. It doesnt have anything to do with the government, and its situational. I dont think that anybody should be telling anybody else what to do with health and their own body, especially women. Harrington wasnt alone in her voting behavior this election cycle. Republicans most of whom voiced staunch opposition to abortion rights throughout their campaigns trounced their Democratic competition up and down the ballot in races for statewide office in Montana, even as the abortion initiative garnered double-digit support on its way to a comfortable victory. Constitutional Initiative 128 creates a constitutional right to an abortion before fetal viability for Montanans. People can access abortion care later in pregnancy if a medical provider deems it necessary to protect the life or the health of the mother. CI-128 also shields health care providers who offer abortions from prosecution. With all precincts reporting by Friday, results from the Montana secretary of state show CI-128 secured more than 50% support in 24 of Montanas 56 counties. Needing a simple majority across the state, CI-128 passed with 58% of all votes cast, a total of 336,451 ballots. Of those counties where it passed, 13 also went to Senator-elect Republican Tim Sheehy, who was endorsed by a well-known anti-abortion organization and opposed the ballot measure. In another six counties where Sheehy won by 20 points or more, CI-128 failed but by a much tighter margin of 5 points or less. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life American, a major anti-abortion nonprofit organization, endorsed Sheehy in January and campaigned heavily on his behalf. According to the group, they visited over 114,500 Montana homes and spent more than 6,800 hours reaching voters through 82 canvassers. Abortion out-performed Democrats, including three-term incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, all over the state in smaller, rural counties like Meagher and Granite and more populous counties like Cascade and Yellowstone, in the far west in Mineral County and the far east like Custer County. Montanans have long supported reproductive access and abortion care, said Minority House leader Rep. Kim Abbott, D-Helena. (CI-)128 passing shows thats still true. Clearly, a lot of Republican voters voted for 128. Though Sheehy softened his stance on abortion as Election Day drew nearer, he spent many months denouncing it in public and private. He peddled untrue claims that Tester condoned abortions up to and including the moment of birth during the first debate between the two candidates. In recordings obtained by Char-Koosta News, Sheehy labeled young people motivated by abortion rights as indoctrinated. Tester, on the other hand, made reproductive rights central to his campaign platform. As recently as 24 hours before Election Day, he raised the ballot measure during remarks to supporters. You know what hes really saying? Hes saying that my daughter and granddaughter arent smart enough to make their own health care decisions, Tester said to a crowd in Helena, referencing Sheehy. "Im going to tell you something kids, plug your ears thats a bunch of bullshit. How CI-128 passed so convincingly while Sheehy defeated Tester puzzles some, but comes as no surprise to others. Joan Ehrenberg, an advocate with abortion rights group Northwest Montana Pro-Choice and longtime community organizer in the Flathead Valley, said she was baffled and shocked by election night losses across the board, especially given the extensive ground game operation they stood up statewide. Significant defeats for Democrats made CI-128s passage bittersweet, she said. I dont think reproductive rights hurt anybody on the ballot at all, Ehrenberg said. I guess the question you would ask is did it take away from the larger effort to get Democrats elected? And that could be a valid question. Back in 2022, the summer that the U.S. Supreme Court threw out decades-old federal abortion protections with the Dobbs decision, a Nashville-based political consulting firm saw the writing on the wall. The Rural Voter Institute issued a report cautioning Democrats that while abortion ballot measures would motivate voters to turn out, support for reproductive rights would not automatically translate into support for candidates who shared that belief. When it is a ballot initiative, it drives turnout, said Isaac Wright, a Democratic strategist who leads the Rural Voter Institute. Does that equate to a Democratic advantage in a turnout model? The data we have says no. Andrea, a southwestern Montana resident who declined to share her last name for fear of community backlash, is another voter whose support for reproductive rights led her to vote "yes" on CI-128 while also casting an entirely Republican ballot. I feel like Republicans, if were for less government intervention, why are they telling us reproductive rules? It should be my choice, she said. Andrea explained that she was better able to stomach votes for the Republicans if she could still keep control over the abortion issue by voting for CI-128. Nobody can make the decision better than yourself, she said. Multiple people, including Abbott, the outgoing House minority leader in the state Legislature, took issue with that rationale, however. Our state Constitution would not protect us from a national abortion ban, Abbott said. Ultimately, it seems some voters who supported Republicans and CI-128 believed soon-to-be-president Donald Trump when he said he wouldnt restrict abortion at the federal level, instead leaving it up to states to decide. Voting for the ballot measure alongside Republicans, as they saw it, allowed them to get Republicans into elected office without sacrificing abortion rights. When asked how she would feel if Trump did enact a federal abortion ban, Harrington said she would be very discouraged, but simply didnt think he would do such a thing. He is a man of his word, she said. Montana isnt alone in this apparent discordance. The Treasure State was one of 10 with measures on the ballot this cycle to enshrine or expand abortion protections. A majority of voters supported codifying the right in seven of the 10 states that ran the electoral gamut, including New York, Arizona, Missouri and Nevada. Republicans won handily at the top of the ticket in Missouri despite abortion being on the ballot and were looking poised to win in Nevada and Arizona too, as of Friday afternoon. A poll ahead of the election from nonprofit media outlet 19th News found that nearly a quarter of women voters who think abortion should be legal all or most of the time would vote for Trump. Ultimately, that prediction panned out. The Republican candidate for president was handed huge victories in nearly every population group nationally including women despite Vice President Kamala Harris presenting herself as the candidate for reproductive freedom. Abortion is not and has never been a partisan issue, a spokesperson for Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, the coalition behind CI-128, said in an emailed statement. Republicans have tried for decades to create a political divide out of a womans right to make decisions about pregnancy and her own body. It hasnt worked. Despite MSRRs repeated efforts at positioning the ballot measure as apolitical, the prominence of reproductive rights in political advertisements and stump speeches from Montana Democrats cant be denied. Think Big America, a 501(c)(4) that lobbies for abortion rights, also published a report in August encouraging Democratic candidates nationally to continue to hammer on abortion, calling it a Republican wedge issue that is working for us and a believable starting point. [Montana Democrats] philosophy is Democrats will show up and vote and support those abortion initiatives and hopefully at the same time theyll support Jon Tester, said Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson. With that strategy having arguably failed electorally in Montana, what to do next is almost equally flummoxing for Democrats as it is for anti-abortion advocates, many of whom were left bewildered by the widespread support for the ballot measure. Don K Kaltschmidt, chair of the Montana Republican Party, acknowledged the popularity of abortion rights, but ultimately blamed the trend on out-of-state groups spending millions in Montana to push CI-128, and therefore influencing residents to vote for it. ...There were millions and millions and millions of dollars that were spent to push those initiatives through, he said. Weve let these outside groups dictate to Montana how were going to change our Constitution. The state Democratic party declined an interview but sent a statement over email. Montana voters made it clear: They believe women deserve the right to make private decisions about abortion and their health care not the government, Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party Sheila Hogan said in an emailed statement. On behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, which came out in strong opposition to CI-128, spokesperson Dan Bartleson said the large margin of support could be attributed to Montanans not understanding the measure. The Catholic Church has repeatedly characterized CI-128 as extreme. Though the success of CI-128 gave abortion providers like Blue Mountain Clinic in Missoula reason to celebrate, it was not without pause. Tess Fields, the facilitys policy executive director, said she anticipates a series of attacks on reproductive freedom as a result of the federal elections for president and the U.S. Senate. Recalling the memo his organization penned in 2022, Wright said if the election became a choice for voters between rights and the economy, the economy would win. He said Democrats all over the country this election cycle failed to show they could be both. There are tiers, if you will, to the hierarchy of needs, he said. The ability to pay for gas and the grocery bill is fundamental and foundational in the hierarchy of needs. It took precedence. James Jay Tate could not keep his emotions in check as he shared stories from the Vietnam War. You didnt make a lot of friends, Tate said. You had acquaintances, but you sort of held people at arms length because if you became a good buddy, it would tear you up to know your buddy died. Tate, 79, was a U.S. Army helicopter pilot during the war from 1970 to 1971 and flew with the 101st Airborne Aviation, nicknamed Comancheros. During Tates service, 14 of the Comancheros were killed in action, Tate said. By the end of the war, 44 had been killed in action, he said. Now there is a monument dedicated to the Comancheros, listing the names of those who were killed in action. Tate said it is located at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. During the conversation, Tate shared several stories from Vietnam. Here are two of those stories. A harrowing flight Operation Lam Son 719 began on Feb. 8, 1971. Fast forward a little bit to we were getting the South Vietnamese troops up there, Tate said. We had to get them in place so that they could fight this operation Lam Son, because we had to take them across the border. Tate said he piloted one of 120 helicopters split into three groups, with 40 helicopters per group. He said he was in the second group. Intelligence said there was no enemy activity in the landing zone, Tate said. He said the U.S. Air Force had dropped bombs around the area. We later find out that, no, that didnt happen, Tate said. They were off course and dropped several miles away from the area where we were going into. Tate said the first 40 aircraft went in and dropped off soldiers. They reported some enemy fire but not much, Tate said. Tate said the first aircraft in his group called in that it was taking fire. The second called in that it was taking heavy fire, he said. Tate piloted the seventh helicopter in his group. And it just got worse and worse and worse. The ship in front of me, Tate said, then paused mid-sentence to regain his composure. One hundred meters separation, blew up. Hit by anti-aircraft. Blew up. And I saw him hit the ground. They all died. It has been 53 years since then, Tate said, and it still gets me to this day. Tate said just before his helicopter touched down to unload South Vietnamese troops, it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He said it blew the windshield out. Tate said the helicopters controls became stiff immediately after liftoff. He said the hydraulics had been shot out. Think about going down Interstate 40, and youre driving 75 miles an hour, and your power steering goes down, Tate said. It took both of us, me and the co-pilot, on the controls to manhandle those controls to get the aircraft back over into South Vietnam, because we were in Laos. Tate said: We called in to Khe Sanh tower. Comanchero two-six, were calling an emergency for landing, hydraulics are shot out. And the tower operator said, Comanchero two-six, youre number three for emergency. I said We dont have any hydraulics, and he said, Comanchero two-six, number two is on fire coming in. Thats how bad it was. Tate said that when helicopters land, they hover and then touch down. He said without hydraulics, they could not land that way. The helicopter hit the runway at 70 to 75 miles per hour, Tate said, and slid on its skids nearly the whole length of the runway. Tate said the helicopter was too damaged by bullets to fly more missions, so it was considered a loss. My battalion commander was monitoring all the units in his battalion, and he came running out to greet us there, and that was a really nice thing, but he said, OK, well, we got to get you back in the briefing tent, weve got another operation coming up this afternoon. And I said, Well, sir, I dont have aircraft to fly. He said, Dont worry, you can fly my aircraft. And he put his arm around me, he said, Now, this is a brand-new aircraft that Im going to let you fly. And he said, It doesnt even have 25 hours on it. And he said, Dont you bring it back here the way you brought that one back. Amazing Grace Tate also shared a story about finding God in Vietnam. Tate said that after seeing several aircraft shot down during Lam Son 719, he made up his mind that he would not come back alive. And when I came to that realization, it was amazing how suddenly I felt relieved, Tate said. I wasnt worried about getting killed; I just accepted the fact that that was going to happen. Tate said when the helicopter he was flying climbed to altitude, there were clouds above and clouds below. The sun broke through the upper layer and cast the shadow of the helicopter on the clouds below, he said. He said the air was cool and the helicopter was warm, and its exhaust created a rainbow effect around the shadow of the helicopter. Tate said he had his helmet on and tuned into a radio frequency broadcast out of Saigon that played pop music. And the announcer then said, This next song is for, Tate said, then paused as he began to tear up. All of those guys flying Lam Son 719, its been a terrible day for them. Wed like to dedicate this next song to them. Tate cleared his throat and added: And the next song was Amazing Grace. As he listened, Tate said he heard the words, Jay, dont worry, things will be OK. He said he turned around and no one was there. And I heard one more time, Jay, dont worry, everythings going to be OK. Im sitting there watching that shadow and listening to Amazing Grace, Tate said. Tate said a week later, he received a letter from his mother. She said, I had the craziest dream the other night. She said, I woke up about five oclock in the morning, four oclock in the morning, and I thought your dad was talking to me, and I thought for sure he said, Dont worry, Jay is going to be OK. Now think about that. Same time I heard that voice, and my mother was awakened. And I was listening to Amazing Grace, Tate said. He said his mother wrote the lyrics to Amazing Grace in her letter. Dont tell me theres not a God, because I became a Christian that day, Tate said. " " Manila. Matteo Colombo / Getty Images According to World Population Review, Manila is home to 119,600 people per square mile, although the city has a relatively low population of 1.8 million people. Manila is also the capital of the Philippines and has been a major financial and shipping hub in the country for over a millennium. Manila's strategic position in the Pacific has led to its active economy. Advertisement However, it's also given foreign colonizers reason to take advantage of the Philippines, including Chinese and Hindu rulers in ancient times, then Islamic and Spanish occupation in the 1500s. In 1898, the United States seized Manila from Spanish forces during the Spanish-American war. Then the city was invaded by the Japanese military during Word War II. It wasn't until 1948 that Manila officialy claimed independence along with the rest of the country. Illumio says a comprehensive curriculum and complimentary hands-on training will make it easier to sell, implement and operate its olutions - and a new pricing program, price protection and a no-cost services enablement program reassure partners that they are investing in a winning opportunity with Illumio. According to Illumio, despite organisations best efforts to prevent breaches, threat actors continue to get in and cause significant damage and destruction. Microsegmentation is a critical component of Zero Trust and essential for preventing breaches and ransomware from escalating into catastrophic disasters. While many organisations realize the critical role microsegmentation plays in breach containment and cyber resilience, most dont know where to start. Illumio is arming partners to step in and fill this critical gap for their customers, notes Illumio. The value of microsegmentation is indisputable. Organisations understand the necessity and want to proceed, but the perceived complexity often stands in the way. This creates an enormous opportunity for our partners, says Todd Palmer, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales and Alliances. To empower our partners, weve evolved our partner program to ensure they have all the necessary resources and support to guide their customers forward with microsegmentation as part of their Zero Trust journey. Microsegmentation is something the industry would have liked to have solved a long time ago. The inevitability of an attack makes limiting the blast radius paramount. But there are reasons why lateral movement has been allowed to go unchecked, not the least of which is a level of confusion in the market as to how to do this simply, said Chris Nicholson, Area Vice President, Global Security Sales & Advisory, World Wide Technology. Illumio has leveraged its expertise in Zero Trust Segmentation to thoughtfully evolve its program, providing WWT with resources to guide our clients through their Zero Trust journey. Described as the original microsegmentation specialist and a market leader by Forrester, Illumio was purpose-built to prevent attackers from moving laterally once they breach an organisation, notes Illumio. We have been distributing Illumio in France since 2020 and we can see now that customers are more and more conscious that microsegmentation is one of the main cybersecurity components of their infrastructure. As the leader in the microsegmentation market, Illumios technology presents a significant opportunity for our partners. Their solution is flexible, simple to use and to implement, said Jean-Baptiste Pomme, General Manager, MIEL. We are convinced that Illumio is the best microsegmentation solution and our team will be heavily involved in helping our partners develop their skills and businesses thanks to the new channel program. "Tesserent (cyber solutions by Thales) is proud to be a key cybersecurity partner of Illumio. We are allies in the battle to protect Australian Governments, Enterprises and all Australians from escalating cyber crime. Illumios micro segmentation is a necessary architecture for Zero Trust frameworks and working together we can prevent ransomware and breaches from reaching critical levels that compromise business operations. James Ormesher, Chief Growth Officer. The Illumio ZTS platform prevents breaches from spreading across clouds, endpoints, and data centres. By combining a proprietary graph that continually visualises connectivity throughout the environment with AI-driven insights that discover and highlight anomalies and malicious connections, Illumio delivers immediate risk reduction. By creating granular policies that only allow necessary connections to occur, Illumios microsegmentation capabilities automatically isolate breaches by reducing and restricting lateral movement either proactively or in response to an attack, Illumio concludes. For more details about the Enlighten Partner Program, check out the Program Guide. To gain additional insights, attend a special partner breakout session at an Illumio World Tour stop. For location details and dates, or to register, visit Illumio World Tour. About Illumio Illumio, the most comprehensive Zero Trust solution for ransomware and breach containment, protects organizations from cyber disasters and enables operational resilience without complexity. By visualizing traffic flows and automatically setting segmentation policies, the Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation Platform reduces unnecessary lateral movement across the multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructure, protecting critical resources and preventing the spread of cyberattacks. GUEST OPINION: Too many Australian businesses still operate with a mindset of apathy or complacency on cyber risk. With federal parliament last month turning its attention to legislation that would bring Australia in line with international cyber security best practice, its timely to consider the cyber-readiness of our business community. Cyber threats are becoming more common, more costly and increasingly sophisticated. This, combined with the complexity of many organisations legacy IT infrastructure and insufficient staff compliance and training, makes cyber resilience a critical concern. Within this landscape, research by RSM Global in the US, UK and Australia found key areas in which Australias businesses trail our US and UK counterparts. RSMs c-suite survey shows only half of the Australian business leaders polled were confident in their staffs capability to manage cyber security risk, compared to 84% of UK and UK leaders. Around two thirds of our businesses are prepared to respond to an attack, against nine in 10 US and UK leaders. Understanding the threat is one thing. There is a need to prioritise mitigation strategies and take a whole-of-organisation approach, as cyber security is not just a problem for the IT department. An Australian business experiences a cyber-attack every six minutes, Australian Signals Directorate data shows. Struggle to get cyber basics right What was learned from the 2022 experiences of data breaches at Optus and Medibank? Intrinsically, too many Australian enterprises are still struggling to get the basics right. Its common for enterprises who dont commit to rigorous testing to underestimate just what it takes to be prepared for cyber-attack, leading to reputational and financial impact when an actual cyber incident takes place. APRAs CPS 230 Operational Risk Management cross-industry prudential standard, effective from July 2025, emphasises the importance of managing operational risks and maintaining critical operations during disruptions caused by cyber security incidences. While this standard will apply specifically to financial services firms (including service providers) that report to APRA, it is instructive for all businesses looking to appropriately manage cyber risks. In line with the standards requirements, Australian businesses should be allocating significant investment in being prepared to: Identify, assess and manage cyber risks through effective internal controls and monitoring. Maintain a credible business continuity plan to ensure critical operations can continue during severe disruptions. Put in place comprehensive policies and formal agreements to effectively manage service provider and supply chain risks. RSMs research found the most common form of attack on Australian businesses, phishing, had successfully targeted 46% of large organisations with almost half of them saying their existing security plans were unable to limit the damage of this attack. A quarter of those caught by phishing took more than a month to recover. Even amongst large organisations a third had never tested vulnerabilities or had not done so in the past year. More than half had not tested their web applications or wifi networks, making them exceedingly vulnerable to attack. Ai the big fear with cyber attacks Protection against AI-enabled cyber-attacks was named as the top priority for Australian businesses, with protection against ransomware and extortion attacks not far behind. Criminals use machine learning scanning programs to trawl business internet-facing networks and identify vulnerabilities. They dont need to spend long in a business system to identify and act on vulnerabilities. The financial and reputational consequences of poor preparation, or fumbled response to data security breaches, are significant. To overcome a culture of inadequate cyber security and resilience, insufficient risk assessments, deficient security measures and poorly tested response plans, organisations must be clear in communicating the risks and should use KPIs to incentivise their C-suite to enhance risk management. Our research found that around 9 in ten large organisations (89%) understand the gravity of the issue and have increased their investment in cyber security in the past 12 months (this drops to 65% of mid-sized organisations). Increased investment is a decent start but theres room for improvement across the board. Investment in staff training, increased system testing and security measures tailored to specific needs areas are viable ways to boost privacy and data security defences. Youre only as strong as your supply chains security, as cyber-attacks can have a significant ripple effect. Continual testing of multiple risk scenarios and due diligence into third party risks helps ensure supply chain partners meet high network security standards. This includes verifying that suppliers comply with high standards during contract negotiations. New cyber threats emerge every day. The chaos created for so many businesses from the CrowdStrike situation earlier this year, while it was a tech glitch as opposed to an attack, serves as fair warning. Ashwin Pal and Darren Booth are Security and Privacy Partners at national advisory firm RSM Australia and co-authors of the Cyber Storm Rising report. Australian defence and tech group Sovereign Australian Prime Alliance (SAPA) has welcomed the signing of the Australian Governments first-ever orbital launch permit by the Minister for industry and Science, Ed Husic. The permit, granted to SAPA member Gilmour Space, paves the way for the companys maiden flight of its three-stage rocket to be launched from the companys Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland. SAPA says the approval is testament to Australia's sovereign prime capability to execute intricate, multi-year programs for national defence and space initiativesincluding end-to-end phases of design, manufacturing, testing, and operational deployment of advanced aerospace systems, including sovereign orbital rockets and launch, in Australia - and it comes at a time when the Government and Defence face growing strategic threats in the region (articulated in the Defence Strategic Review) underscoring their commitment to pursuing sovereign capabilities in critical technologies, domestic manufacturing, and resilient supply chains. Today, only seven nations in the world have sovereign launch capabilities. Australia will be the eighth. The Eris launch vehicle began as an entirely Australian design concept which was brought to life at Gilmours advanced manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, notes SAPA. Achieving minimum viable capability is a crucial step toward a proven, operational system that will meet Australias immediate and future strategic needs. When Eris launches in the coming months, it will represent Australias entry into the space race and provide a compelling example of what Australias genuinely sovereign Space and Defence Industry can achieve at scale. As reported by iTWire, the Australian Government authorised the Gold Coast startup Gilmour Space Technologies to launch its Eris 1 launch vehicle from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport at Abbot Point, Queensland. About SAPA The Sovereign Australian Prime Alliance (SAPA) is an informal grouping of large Australian prime contractors comprising: AUSTAL (ASX: ASB) Australias global shipbuilder; DroneShield (ASX: DRO) Australias world leader in counter-drone solutions; Gilmour Space Australia's leading venture-capital-backed space technology company; Macquarie Technology Group (ASX: MAQ) Australias data centre, cloud, cyber security and telecom company; and NIOA Group Australias largest family-owned global munitions company. In aggregate, SAPA represents significant human resources (i.e. combined workforce approximately 3,000), financial capital (i.e. combined valuation over AU$5 billion), and technical capability developed through years of investment into research and development (e.g. registered patents). Since forming in 2022 SAPA has advocated the important economic and social contributions sovereign Australian prime contractors provide the Australian economy including to Australian SMEs and to push for genuine sovereign capability in areas that are critical to Australias technological, national security and defence interests. View from Mt. Takao (Photos by Ichiro Katayanagi) In the Kanto Plain, one of the go-to places for hiking is Mt. Takao in Hachioji City. Every year, this peak draws over three million climbers and is even in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. If youre stationed anywhere in the Kanto Plain, getting there is a piece of cake. A short train ride from Camp Zama and Yokota Air Base is all it takes to get you to the foot of the mountain in Hachioji City. Its close to many of the bases, but its also popular with locals because its a relatively easy hike. It stands only 599 meters, and cable cars and chairlifts are available from the foothill to the mid-slope of the mountain. People of all ages come to enjoy hiking in this beautiful area. I climbed it during a one-day trip when I was a child, and it remains a good memory. One windy but sunny day in November, I returned to Mt. Takao as compensation for my recent lack of exercise. I arrived at Takaosanguchi Station about two hours after I left my home in Chiba by train. The station at the foot of the mountain has a cedar roof overhang designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma in 2015, and it is artistic and impressive. (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) I started on Trail No. 1 as suggested by one of the employees at the tourist information center inside Takaosanguchi Station. He said it was the most popular and suitable for enjoying the colorful autumn leaves. The hiking trail was unexpectedly steep until halfway up the mountain and was paved with concrete, which seemed like it was not good for my knees. Twenty minutes into my climb, I started to get sweaty and had to remove my jacket. The higher I climbed, however, the windier and cooler it got, so eventually my jacket and another shirt layer I brought came in handy. (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) As the tourist information employee suggested, Trail No. 1 was really climber friendly. There were five restroom areas and restaurants and souvenir shops in several places along the way. The two causes of worry for climbers, empty stomach and restrooms, are solved. Many of the shops sold the same type of toasted dumpling, so I decided to stop at Kissakobou Ichifuku, a booth near Yakuoin Temple, to one a try. The dumpling was crisp on the outside thanks to the charcoal fire it was toasted over, but still soft and chewy on the inside. It was glazed with a flavorful walnut miso sauce, making it a great treat to give me a boost of energy and some warmth on the cool climb up. (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) It took me nearly 2 hours to reach the summit. For the most part, the summit was flat, and I noticed many of the climbers were drinking to commemorate making it to the top. I saw some people in high heels and others had a stroller, which made me wonder how they were able to climb. The summit offered views of cities such as Hachioji and Sagamihara on one side, and Tanzawa Mountains and Mt. Fuji on the other. (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) Though it was a short hike, I was still tired. I decided that Id had enough physical exertion and would instead take the cable car or chairlift down. Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea and the platforms had long lines for the lifts down. I gave up and took the trail back down. The steep paved trail was difficult to walk down, so it was really more like a run down. There were more than 20 restaurants and gift shops on the foothill near the beginning of the trail. About half of the restaurants were for soba, or buckwheat noodles. I chose Mugitoro Tsutaya simply because the food samples outside the restaurant looked good. I ordered chicken nanban soba, or buckwheat noodles in broth with roasted chicken. This dish was made with local ingredients and the noodles were cooked al dente and to perfection. The chicken fat on the surface of the broth made it hard to cool, so it was enough to warm my cold body. (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) (Photo by Ichiro Katayanagi) My second visit to Takao was a good one. It was easy to get to and easy to climb. Anybody can enjoy climbing without qualms, and the beautiful views and food await you. Next time, I want to a try a different trail for a different side of the mountain. Takao Tozan Railway URL Mugitoro Tsutaya Location: 2466 Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo Hours: 11 a.m. 5 p.m. (Monday closed. Closed at 4 p.m. on weekdays in winter) TEL: 042-661-2427 Kissakobou Ichifuku Location: 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo (in the precincts of Yakuoin Temple) Hours: 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. (may extend depending on seasons) TEL: 042-661-1115 Yakuoin Temple Location: 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo TEL: 042-661-1115 (Reception hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) URL Mt. Takao Magazine URL (This website is run by Bondesign Inc., a web production company on the foothill of Mt. Takao. Well-made website about Mt. Takao.) HanesBrands Inc. is requesting as expected local economic incentives to assist in paying for the pending move of its corporate headquarters to downtown Winston-Salems Park Building. A Winston-Salem City Council legal notice posted Friday lists HanesBrands projecting a downtown workforce of 500, as well as committing to remaining a viable part of Winston-Salems downtown area for at least seven years. In exchange, the council would make HanesBrands eligible for up to $208,050 in performance-based incentive, payable over a five-year period. It plans to spend $6 million on capital investments to renovate the 121,000 square feet on the top three floors. The public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at City Hall, 101 N. Main St. The incentives are geared toward retaining the 500 headquarters jobs, although the package is designed to incentivize ... to create new jobs where possible. HanesBrands declined to comment on the incentives request. Don Martin, chairman of Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said the county does not offer incentive packages focused on job retention. While Hanesbrands is not a Fortune 500 company today, it has supported many philanthropic campaigns over the years. Having more people working downtown is a plus. In August, HanesBrands sold to Carolina University for $9 million its 125-acre global headquarters campus at 1000 E. Hanes Mill Road in Winston-Salem. When HanesBrands disclosed plans to take the top three floors of the Park Building, local elected officials said they were told by HanesBrands officials that the headquarters workforce could be in the 500 range when the move is completed in early 2025. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines told the Journal when HanesBrands announced its downtown move on July 8 that I believe HanesBrands will rank very well with other major employers downtown that include Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Inmar Intelligence, Reynolds American Inc., Flow Automotive Cos. and city and county government. Joines could not be immediately reached for comment on the incentive request. Downsizing It is probable council members will approve the package without a job-creation pledge in order to keep whats left of a hometown company. The manufacturer has not provided an update on its Forsyth County workforce for several years. It was estimated to be in the 1,100 to 1,300 range before the Sept. 30 closing of the $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion sale of Champion to Authentic Brands Group. HanesBrands has said the headquarters relocation didnt stem from selling off Champion, but it is likely the departure of Champion-focused corporate employees resulted in HanesBrands having more space on the Oak Summit campus than it needed. By comparison, HanesBrands had about 4,900 local employees when it spun out of Sara Lee Corp. in September 2006. HanesBrands has taken several local restructuring steps over the past two years. HanesBrands disclosed in Thursdays third-quarter financial report it has made an unspecified number of local corporate and other job cuts beyond the workforce reduction connected to the sale of Champion. The manufacturer said it accelerated strategic actions to improve its processes. These actions are driving a step-function change in the companys cost structure, including reducing corporate headcount and overhead, to lower fixed cost and fund growth-related investments in its brands. HanesBrands CEO Stephen Bratspies told analysts during a conference call that specifically in the quarter, we reduced headcount and corporate costs across the organization. We continue to right-size and rebalance manufacturing and distribution networks. HanesBrands declined to provide additional details on the headcount reduction beyond those in the news release and conference call. The Hanes request for incentives rooted in job retention as opposed to job attraction is somewhat of an outlier for North Carolina, but not uncommon nationally, said John H. Boyd, founder and principal with global site-selection firm The Boyd Co. of Boca Raton, Fla. HanesBrands and the council are wise for being upfront and transparent about the potential for few, if any, new jobs associated with the incentive package. Its smart to avoid the kind of downstream cost penalty and negative publicity that Cognizant in Charlotte experienced earlier this year when it lost some $2 million in incentive monies due to its failure to meet its job creation goals. Boyd said headquarters office jobs are proving to be more difficult to retain given the rollout of AI, hybrid work schedules and the ongoing de-centalization to smaller, remote satellite facilities in distant locales. The Hanesbrands incentive request comes with a high level of goodwill and intangibles tied its long history in the Triad and its current role as one of the key anchors in the redeveloping Winston-Salem downtown business district. Previous workforce reductions The manufacturer reported in a Nov. 1 WARN Act notice to the N.C. Commerce Department that it will cease operations at its distribution center in High Point by Jan. 31. The notice listed 75 employees who are affected at the 4190 Eagle Hill Drive facility. HanesBrands has leased the building since November 2018 as part of its product support efforts for Champion. The operations at the High Point distribution center were primarily focused on fulfilling the distribution needs of the Champion brand business, Mike Lovelace, the centers senior manager for distribution, wrote in the notice. In August 2023, HanesBrands confirmed eliminating at least 250 U.S. corporate jobs, sending the work to international operations. Bratspies told analysts at that time that we reorganized and relocated approximately 250 corporate roles to leverage our talent pools outside the U.S., standardized processes and reduced expenses by approximately $15 million. In January 2023, HanesBrands confirmed it had cut an unspecified number of local jobs in response to current financial and sales challenges. At that time, some affected employees told the Winston-Salem Journal that corporate headquarters jobs were among those eliminated. Reuters reported that 310 employees were affected by the January 2023 job cuts. HanesBrands has not confirmed or denied that reduction total. Over the past 12 months ending Sept. 29, it has had $19 million in headcount actions and related severance charges, compared with $13 million over the previous 12-month period that ended Sept. 30, 2023. Overall, the workforce reduction is primarily about reaching a sustainable operational model post-Champion, Bratspies told analysts Thursday. Our strategic actions to create a more focused, simplified business are working, Bratspies said. We are driving a step-function change in our cost structure, increasing operational efficiencies, reducing inventory and freeing up capital to invest in growth. Park Building background The planned move to the Park Building is projected to provide an economic shot in the arm to the downtown Winston-Salem economy. Nicole Ducouer, HanesBrands director of corporate communications, said Thursday the team is in the new space getting it ready for us to move in at the beginning of 2025. While HanesBrands is taking 121,000 square feet, Truist Financial Corp. the building owner and current primary occupant is retaining a smaller space HanesBrands said the Park Building fits the companys strategy as it focuses on strengthening its operating model, simplifying the business and streamlining operations in a post-Champion marketplace. We are confident that moving our headquarters to the newly renovated, modernized space will provide HanesBrands associates with an energetic environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. Joines said having the HanesBrands headquarters downtown is welcomed given the losses of thousands of downtown jobs following the headquarters departures to Charlotte of BB&T Corp., and Wachovia Corp., along with the shifting of the bulk of Reynolds employees to its mammoth Tobaccoville production plant. One of the benefits to HanesBrands is giving their employees the option to live in close proximity to the headquarters and being able to walk to their work, walk to lunch, etc., Joines said. This should be very appealing to young professionals that HanesBrands will be recruiting to work here. An excerpt from Our Connected Lives by permission of Texas Tech University Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. I used to think that as an active oncologist for thirty-five years, I was well-versed on the subject of empathy. But I was wrong. It was only when, in a matter of seconds, I went from doctor to patient that I grasped its true significance. I also came to understand the stark reality of being a patient. Susan Sontag said, Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Like my patients, I had left the realm of the well and had entered the realm of the sick. A hiking trail that I had taken for granted for a long time betrayed me one day. The stones on a steep path that appeared solid beneath my feet suddenly shifted, and I slipped hard, slid fast, and fell off a cliff. My right foot landed on a rock slab, crushing my right ankle badly, with five fractures. Once my swelling subsided after about three weeks, I made the difficult trip to another city to see Dr. M, the ankle orthopedist I was referred to. I believed that he, being a fellow physician, would surely be empathetic to me and understand my suffering. To my shock, my belief proved to be utterly misplaced. He was unfeeling and showed more interest in my fractures than in me. He seemed unaware that the joint was attached to a living being. He didnt bother to touch me and was aloof to the concerns I raised. I was just a technical challenge and nothing more. Ive looked at your X-rays and scans, he said, and youve a hell of a lot of fractures. He then scheduled my surgery. Desperate to get some personal attention, and unsure if he was aware of my profession, I told him that I was an oncologist. That wont change your surgery, he said, and left. I wish I could say that my experience is unique, but it is not. Countless patients can identify with me. Sadly, as I look back, I see that Dr. Ms behavior was partly explained by the silence of our profession. After all, neither I, nor likely any other physician, ever reproached a colleague who fell far short on compassion and empathy. Sure, advances in medicine are saving and improving the quality of our lives, as they did mine, and my own surgeon was technically skillful. And of course, technical knowledge and proficiency are essential in medicine. But by themselves they do not ensure patients welfare. For one important attribute, empathy, is an integral part of care. Empathy helps to build bond between doctors and patients and lessens patients anxiety and distress; in turn, it improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcome. I believe that physicians empathy is particularly important for cancer patients, especially those who are on prolonged chemotherapy, since they see their oncologists so often, from weekly to monthly and so on, for years. Its easy to become dulled to their distress hearing the same complaints again and again. A lack of empathy has also another effect thats not obvious: a corrosive influence on the doctors mindset. At least nine medical specialty groups have found that more than fifty procedures and tests currently performed by doctors have no demonstrable benefit, and they can even be harmful to patients. Although some tests and treatments are done with good intentions, others, unfortunately, are done for reasons that are less than altruistic. Surely, any empathetic physician would strive not to subject her or his patients to unnecessary tests or treatments. Moreover, a lack of empathy will also harm doctors own interests: the public will become increasingly disenchanted with our profession, and then, over time, they will make greater demands on our practice, demands that are less empathetic to our difficulties and frustrations. Sensitivity to others anguish cant be taught through science alone. Though science is the basis of medicine, it cant grasp our lifes trials, foibles and incongruities. Empathy can be nurtured from the beginning of medical education. How? By teaching the humanities to medical students and trainees. Some medical schools take the issue more seriously than others. I realize that studying all the scientific complexities of medicine and dealing with the diversions of modern living, theres little time for anything else. But the complexity and diversions are all the more reason to have some room for arts and literature. Of course, any medical student and trainee can get certificates by learning only the science. But I have never forgotten my grandmothers admonition about education: its more than earning certificates. Though unlettered, her lack of formal education was more than made up by her incisive wisdom. *** End-of-life care shouldnt be treated as a stepchild of medicine. Physicians and students need to believe that caring for the dying is as noble as caring for the others. And the quality of life of the dying is just as important. Communicating with the terminal patients and talking about death is difficult for the young minds, but this can be overcome if we instruct them in a measured tone. In my student and post-graduate years in Dhaka, New York and Houston, the overriding concern was on teaching how to cure and save lives, and the end-of-life teaching was an afterthought or avoided altogether. Things have progressed since then, but we still have a long way to go. This is especially pertinent now because medical technology is advancing faster than before, and we can keep the terminally ill elderly alive in ICU longer and longer, to their detriment. I have seen enough thoughtless CPRs inflicted on them, traumatizing their last days before their death. The uncomfortable fact is that the fastest growing population is 85+years, and with that, there will be more afflictions and prolonged debility for many. We will then be forced to confront more gray areas in medicine, and our compassion and empathy will be tested. We have no choice but to learn and teach how to deal with this newer world. Medical school teachers must practice what they preach. I had been taught by many committed teachers in all the places I had been. But in more than a half a century as a student, trainee, practitioner, and sometimes a teacher, I have also seen the contrary type, who regurgitates textbooks and journals, and gives short shrift to empathy and personal connection. This attitude breeds cynicism among the learners and molds their thinking, which they will carry to their future careers. We should instill into the young doctors and the would-be ones that medicine is more of a calling than a profession. Fazlur Rahman is a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! In this episode, nurse consultant Beth Boynton joins us to discuss the transformative power of the Medical Improv Toolkit in clinical settings. We dive into how playful, experiential activities can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and foster psychological safety among healthcare teams. Beth shares how these simple yet powerful tools can be seamlessly integrated into meetings and daily routines, creating long-lasting improvements in teamwork and collaboration. Beth Boynton is a nurse consultant. She discusses the KevinMD article, Transform your health care team with these 5-minute communication exercises. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. Do you spend more time on administrative tasks like clinical documentation than you do with patients? Youre not alone. Clinicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for each hour of patient care. Microsoft is committed to helping clinicians restore the balance with DAX Copilot, an AI-powered, voice-enabled solution that automates clinical documentation and workflows. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Help restore your work-life balance with DAX Copilot, your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://kevinmd.com/cme Im partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://kevinmd.com/learnerplus Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Beth Boynton. Shes a nurse consultant and shes the author of the book, The Medical Improv Toolkit: 10 Simple Activities to Promote Safe Care, Healthy Workplaces, and Rewarding Careers. Theres an excerpt from that book on KevinMD. Transform your health care team with these five-minute communication exercises. Beth, welcome back to the show. Beth Boynton: Hi, Kevin. Thank you. Hi, everybody. Its nice to be back talking with you. Kevin Pho: All right, so before talking about your excerpt, what led you to submit this particular one to KevinMD? Beth Boynton: Well, I, I knew that there was approximately a thousand-word framework to come up with something from this book that would give people a good idea about what its about and why its important. And so this excerpt is pretty much the entirety of a chapterchapter fourwhich is part of the first point of the book that goes into the how and why of medical improv. This chapter is about the vision. So its preceded by, you know, health care interactions are importantthats chapter one. Changing behavior is hardthats chapter two. Medical improv is a teaching modality. And then this chapter, which is the vision of this book, kind of capsulizes all of it without going into the actual 10 activities. Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us about this excerpt for those who havent had a chance to read it. Beth Boynton: Yeah, well, you know, I, Ive been teaching soft skills in health care as a nurse consultant for almost two decades. And Ive been playing with, experimenting with integrating simple improv activities into those workshopslike workshops on speaking up, giving and receiving feedback, emotional intelligence. And what Ive discovered over the years is what really works best is when you take the more traditional learning methods of a lecture and maybe a PowerPoint and a handout and you integrate them with activities from improv because theyre so experiential. And the more I see how powerful these experiences are when Im working with health care teams or students or faculty, its like, I want to be able to give other health care leaders the tools so they can teach them. You do need a little bit of understanding about improv and yes, and, but you dont need to be an expert. Theyre so powerful. If health care leaders and managers can get a hold of a few, they can start to integrate them into meetings they already haveyou know, grand rounds, you can spend five minutes in grand rounds or human resources, or, you know, a retreat. You can integrate them into just about anything else youre doing. And so then youre always building the skills and also maybe having a little bit of fun, which isnt a bad thing. Kevin Pho: So give us examples of some playful activities that could be integrated into busy clinical settings. Beth Boynton: Sure. Well, so I would integrate them into the meeting. So, for instance, in one of the chapters, theres an activity called adjective name gesture. To simply explain the activity, its just in a circle. You go around, and you say your name with some sort of an adjective that begins with the same letter and some sort of gesture. And then everybody mirrors it back. So I might say, Im Boisterous Beth, and then you and everybody else would have to mirror that back. So the way I integrated in a case scenariowhich there are visionary case scenarios in each of the activitiesrehab during a nursing clinic where theyre at a rehab hospital. So theres the rehab instructor. And what that instructor says is that what were going to do is were going to integrate these activities into our clinical experience, not with patients, but in our pre- and post-meetings. So they go around, they do that activity. He does it twice. And so then he starts to notice that the second time around, everybody is a little bit more vocal. Theyre a little bit more comfortable speaking up, which we know is critical in health care. And so then it goes on to help. So everybodys voice is heard in that situation. Then later on in the scenario, one of the students decides to teach and work with one of her patients in the rehab unit, and he says hes Vivacious Vic, and Vivacious Vic raises his arm and actually, I bring it back to a clinical experience where the range of motion is actually improved. So thats something I made up. I dont want to present that as an evidence-based situation, but its to give people an idea of how they can integrate the activity. Kevin Pho: Do you find it challenging when you talk to these health care organizations to incorporate some of these improv-based skills into their meetings or retreats? Beth Boynton: Yes, its, you know, its, I think its, theres a lot of challenges around bringing this work into the field. And in this chapter, I talk about six of them. You know, one of the challenges is that the activities require a little bit of emotional risk. You know, were talking about changing behavior, and speaking up or listening can be challenging a little bit for everybody, so thats a challenge. Another stress is that, to learn these skills in the clinical environment with this almost relentless nonstop pressurewhat we can do by taking five or ten minutes out of that clinical environment and removing the pressure to perform clinically is to get a little bit more playful and a little bit more comfortable with taking the risk. And once we take the risk, its a little bit easier the next time. You know, another challenge to teaching these kinds of skills is that people are at different places. You know, I might be more comfortable as a listener and good at that skill, but I might not be as confident about sharing ideas or concerns. Somebody else in an activity might be more comfortable speaking up but not as good at listening. And so when we do an activity together, one of the elegant parts of it is that I get to practice my speaking up and developing my confidence while the person that Im working with is actually practicing listening. And so we end up teaching each other. Its a really elegant design for developing the social kinds of skills that help us. And I think a lot of the work in health care, when we approach communication or other kinds of soft skills, is that going to one workshop and then not going to another one for a year is not all that effective. It probably helps some, depending on the workshop, but we really need to practice them. And so if health care leaders get these simple activities and can get them going with their teams, theyll be creating social opportunities for those people to practice those skills. They go out into the clinical environment, they have an experience where they practice it, they get some feedback. For instance, in a typical yes and/yes but, I think you and I have talked about this before, I might gain an awareness of what it feels like when somebody yes buts me, or I might become aware that I am saying yes, but a lot. So I get the awareness and the activity, and then I go out into my life and my work, and I find that, oh, I notice I say yes, but. So then I reframe it, and I get a different reaction. I get the feedback, and its a more open conversation, so then I can integrate it more. So basically, what Im saying is, like, changing behavior is hard, and we need a chance to practice it, you know, get feedback, and try it again. Kevin Pho: You mentioned earlier that some of these activities require emotional risk and that some members of the staff may be more amenable to taking that risk than others. So how do you overcome that obstacle? How do you get people who are a little bit more hesitant to risk themselves emotionally to participate in these exercises? Beth Boynton: Thats a really important question and fundamental to this book with the facilitation tips for each of the activities, some of which Ive learned over time by practicing. For example, in that activity, Ive been in groups where I can see visually that somebody is really struggling to have a physical expression or say something, because its not something were used to doing in health care. So Ive learned to do things differently. I might say, depending on the group and my sense of who might be struggling, who might be more timid, or who might be a little bit more dominating, I might position myself in a circle and say, All right, lets do one with just the adjective and the name. Forget about the physical gesture. That makes it easier. I say in the book that I cant take the risk away, but I can make it safe enough to try. And I can help other health care leaders who want to champion this kind of work learn. Thats what makes the big difference between just doing a silly activity and facilitating it in a way that is as safe as possible for everybody. Kevin Pho: Tell us about a successful case study or story where an organization implemented some of your techniques and really moved the needle to appreciable outcomes. Beth Boynton: Well, that is a challenging question, and Im going to answer it the best way that I can by just sharing an experience that I just had at SUNY Corning, where I was presenting to nursing faculty and students and theater faculty and students. One of the senior leaders in this workshop thought, Wow, this would be a really great experience. It was the radical acceptance activity, where people name something, and everybody says yes to it. You do it in the room, and you can see how visceral it can feel for people to be affirmed by others, creating an opportunity for that connection. Her plan was to try it with her nurse faculty, but she was a little apprehensive the next morning. I gave her a copy of the book and hoped she would read the facilitation tips. Its similar to when health care leaders do something for the first time in their clinical world, like writing a prescription or giving an injectionit can be scary, but you do it. For this teaching method, leaders could say, This is the first time Im teaching this, and it feels awkward, but I hope youll help me by participating. Taking that risk shows your humanity, and it becomes easier with experience. It also builds empathy for the hesitant participants. A successful story related to this is from Esther Waterhouse, a UK physician and palliative care leader who directs Medical Improv Great Britain. She tried the radical acceptance activity in a meeting and admitted it felt risky, but the feedback was positive. People enjoyed it and even wanted to do it again. Sometimes, you just need to leap, and the net will appear. Kevin Pho: Beth Boynton is a nurse consultant and author of The Medical Improv Toolkit: 10 Simple Activities to Promote Safe Care, Healthy Workplaces, and Rewarding Careers. Beth, who is the audience for your book? Who is the ideal person that you want this book to help the most? Beth Boynton: The ideal audience is anyone in a leadership position in health care who works with or interfaces with health care teams. That includes physicians, nurse leaders, managers, and even management teams. Emerging leaders with an interest in teaching or incorporating soft skills into their teams development will find this resource useful. Endorsements for the book come from both nurse and physician leaders. Dr. Mike Smith, a physician in Nebraska who also teaches improv, wrote the foreword, showcasing the interdisciplinary appeal of this work. Kevin Pho: What are some take-home messages you want to leave with the KevinMD audience? Beth Boynton: Thank you, Kevin. The activities themselvesall 10 of themare fairly simple intellectually but offer powerful social and emotional learning opportunities. If you understand and apply the facilitation tips I mentioned, you can teach them effectively. The book also provides access to video clips, most under one minute, to show what these activities look like. While the activities are simple, the facilitation is essential, and the individual, team, and organizational learning from them can be transformative. Kevin Pho: Beth, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show. Beth Boynton: Thank you, Kevin. Its always nice to see you. Thanks, everybody. 2nd meeting of China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism held in Beijing Xinhua) 08:33, November 08, 2024 Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, co-chair the second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism was held in Beijing on Thursday. Zhang Guoqing, Chinese Vice Premier, and Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, co-chaired the meeting. Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Trkiye relations have maintained a momentum of stable development. Zhang said that China is willing to work with Turkiye to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and push for in-depth development of China-Turkiye strategic cooperative relations. Simsek said that Turkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, abides by the one-China principle and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, co-chair the second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A delegation of Chinese publishers, alongside the China Cultural Center in Malta, showcased a variety of Chinese publications at the 45th Malta Book Festival, which runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 10 in Attard, central Malta. This year's book festival, themed "Binding Worlds," features some 40 exhibitors and is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors. The Chinese exhibition booth, themed "Reading China," uses vibrant "Chinese red" as its backdrop, making it a striking presence at the festival. The books on display span diverse topics, including Chinese culture, history, tourism, education, science and technology, and medicine, offering Maltese readers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of China. The "Reading China" booth, one of the festival's most eye-catching displays, provides readers with a fresh perspective on China and Chinese culture, and opens a new chapter in literary and publishing exchanges and cooperation between China and Malta, Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, told Xinhua. For the first time, Chinese publishers are participating in the Malta Book Festival, Mark Camilleri, executive chairman of Malta's National Book Council, told Xinhua. He said that this initial participation is a promising start, describing it as a "foundation stone for future successes" in the publishing sector cooperation between Malta and China. He expressed hopes that more Chinese books will enter the Maltese market and that Maltese books will reach Chinese readers through expanded collaboration. Emiliano Salvi, a 34-year-old attendee, was captivated by the books at the Chinese stand. "I am particularly interested in finding out something about Chinese culture," he said, noting that he plans to buy some books introducing Chinese culture and language for his 26-year-old sister, who is learning Chinese. He shared his hope to visit China with his family one day to experience the culture in person. Joe Borg, executive secretary of Malta's SKS Publishers, told Xinhua at the festival that he was pleased to meet the Chinese publishers, whose visit from afar "gives us more encouragement to pursue our efforts to publish more books directly translated from Chinese." He expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with Chinese partners. Two years ago, SKS published a Maltese version of The Analects of Confucius in collaboration with Chinese publisher Shandong Friendship Publishing House. The Analects of Confucius, or Lunyu in Chinese, is a collection of ideas and sayings from the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551 B.C.-479 B.C.). At the "Meeting Chinese Publishers" event, Zhang Jing, head of the Chinese publishers' delegation, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in the publishing sector. She said both sides could benefit by expanding translations and publications, creating shared data platforms to facilitate learning and cultural exchange, and fostering publishing talent. The Belt and Road Forum on Scientific and People-to-people Exchange and High-Quality Development, which brought together participants from 16 countries, concluded at University of Science and Technology Beijing recently. Representatives from universities and international organizations from countries including France, Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Egypt convened to discuss how to promote international scientific and cultural exchange and cooperation, as well as how to advance the development of higher education. At the opening ceremony, Wu Guilong, the Party secretary of USTB, presented a detailed overview of the recent initiatives and successes of the university in internationalization efforts. He expressed USTB's commitment to deepening scientific and people-to-people exchanges with a more open mindset and practical approaches in the future, in order to elevate scientific innovation cooperation to a higher level. In recent years, USTB has leveraged its strengths in first-class disciplines such as the history of science, metallurgy, material science, and mining to collaborate on training talent and exchange programs with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The university has already trained over 5,000 international students from countries involved in the initiative. On 7 November students from Panamas state university, Universidad de Panama (UP), staged protests for a second day on the Transistmica highway, a major Panama City artery, against the proposed package of reforms to the social security system (CSS) unveiled the previous day by the government led by President End of preview - This article contains approximately 400 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Negotiating teams for the Colombian government and the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group will meet for another round of peace talks between 19 and 25 November, according to a joint statement released on 7 November. End of preview - This article contains approximately 499 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The European Space Agency (ESA) is reportedly in talks with Americas SpaceX to cooperate in efforts to reduce the growing amount of space junk. The talks, reported by Reuters news agency, aim to get the California-based space company to join an international agreement that pushes for policies to fight space debris. It has been estimated that SpaceX satellites represent about two-thirds of spacecraft currently in low-Earth orbit. Space debris is anything that humans have put into space that is no longer in use. This could include satellites, equipment, parts of rockets or spacecraft. Space junk orbits hundreds of kilometers above Earth. It can circle Earth at speeds of about 25,000 kilometers per hour in low-Earth orbit. And it can cause major damage if it hits a space station, satellite or spacecraft. The International agreement that ESA wants SpaceX to join is called the Zero Debris Charter. It seeks to stop any new orbital junk from being created by 2030. The 22 members of ESA have been seeking new members to join the agreement since the agency announced it in 2023. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters that more than 100 countries and organizations have so far joined the agreement. When asked about SpaceXs possible involvement, Aschbacher said ESA was in discussion with the company to possibly sign up. Aschbacher did not provide further details. But he said that work on the charter is moving forward, and ESA is continually raising the issue of space junk with nations and organizations. Reuters reported that SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. The news agency said that out of about 10,300 active satellites in space, an estimated 6,300 are part of SpaceXs fast-growing Starlink internet service system. Reuters said that information came from the U.S. Space Force. Other organizations and nations are also launching their own large satellite collections. China has done so in an attempt to compete with SpaceX, Reuters reported. In addition, American-based Amazon expects to launch more than 3,000 satellites for its Kuiper internet service over the next 10 years. Jonathan McDowell is a Harvard University astronomer who follows such objects. He has estimated there are nearly 19,000 pieces of trackable space junk in orbit. McDowell said he thinks it is important to have members of industry publicly support this kind of charter. "So, I'm glad to know SpaceX is considering it," he said. There are no international laws on space debris. But in recent years countries have begun to create plans and national rules for fighting the problem. "We are not a regulatory body; we are a technical space agency," Aschbacher said. "But the fact that we have put the charter around the table, which was elaborated with all the other partners, and that they signed up to it is very encouraging," he added. Im Bryan Lynn. Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story junk n. old things that no longer have much value debris n. broken pieces of something regulatory adj. controlling an activity or process, especially by using rules and laws elaborate v. to talk for a long time about something Researchers in Mexico have discovered a large, lost Mayan city. The major urban settlement, named Valeriana, is hidden deep in the southern forest of Campeche. The discovery adds to existing knowledge about ancient Mayan settlements. Valeriana was discovered by chance thanks to Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging. It is a technology that uses lasers to map the Earths surface. The data used for the study came from around 122 square kilometers of high-quality Lidar data collected in 2013. The work, led by the Nature Conservancy in Mexico, was part of a forest monitoring project called Alianza. The project aimed to reduce emissions from tree cutting, or deforestation, and land damage. Researchers wrote in the study, published by Cambridge University Press, that "The discovery of Valeriana highlights the fact that there are still major gaps in our knowledge of the existence or absence of large sites within as-yet unmapped areas of the Maya Lowlands. Lidar technology revealed a major settlement, filled with buildings and agricultural infrastructure. The classical-era Maya civilization dates back to around 1800 to 1100 years ago. At the time, the Maya civilization grew its control over present-day southern Mexico and what are now Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. In the study, the researchers identified a total of 6,764 structures, suggesting a populous ancient city. The researchers will carry out further detailed study of the dataset both remotely and in the field. The discovery serves as a way to better understand ancient Mayan urbanization and settlements. Im John Russell. Raul Cortes reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story urban adj. of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city monitor -- v. to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose highlight v. to constitute a significant or especially interesting part of; to center attention on infrastructure n. the resources (such as buildings, roads, irrigation, or equipment) required for an activity Visitors look at the RISE technology demonstrator program model at the exhibition area of General Electric during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] At the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), exhibitors at the American food and agriculture pavilion saw a robust start, securing deals worth about 600 million U.S. dollars within an hour after the launch of the pavilion. "We've only been here for two hours and we've had a good amount of interest," said Manuel Garibay, manager of industrial sales at Royal Ridge Fruits, adding that the company looks to foster partnerships with Chinese importers to tap the increasingly dynamic market. Despite a challenging global environment and lackluster economic recovery, the CIIE, held once a year since 2018, has been a testament to China's determination to open its door wider. Notably, U.S. firms have since the first edition been at the forefront in terms of exhibition area and exhibitor numbers. This year, a large number of U.S. enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies such as General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, and Honeywell, have once again emerged as focal points of the expo. They have showcased a diverse array of products, such as food items, automobiles, advanced smart technology, high-end equipment, medical devices and healthcare products, reflecting a strong interest in exploring the Chinese market. "Trade can help solve the biggest challenges facing the world," said Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "An event like this, which promotes trade, is a real opportunity." Irresistible market Covering over 240 square meters, the American Food & Agriculture Pavilion features 14 exhibitors, including state representatives, national trade associations, food manufacturers and export packaging companies. It showcases the diversity of the American agriculture and food industry, displaying a range of products such as beef, wine, potatoes and pet food. Steve Reinhard, chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB), told Xinhua that China has been a major destination for American soybean exports, accounting for 54 percent of all exported U.S. soybeans, while adding that U.S. soybeans are among the top three sources of China's soybean imports. Reinhard said the USB supports free trade and is ready to align more closely with China's opening-up drive. Christopher Beros, California Wine Institute director of Greater China and Southeast Asia, said China has been an important and growing overseas market for California wineries. He noted that the increasing sophistication of Chinese consumers is creating more opportunities for Californian wine products. American food giant General Mills, meanwhile, is using its presence at the 2024 CIIE to showcase a wide array of new products of its three major brands, namely Haagen-Dazs, Wanchai Ferry and Blue Buffalo. "China is the irreplaceable growth engine and one of the most important overseas markets of General Mills," said Su Qiang, president and managing director of General Mills China, noting that the Chinese market is of great potential for consumer companies considering its "growing middle class, thriving digital economy, industrial upgrading and green initiatives." Widely known to Chinese consumers for its baby formula products, American healthcare company Abbott is participating in the CIIE for the fifth time. It has exhibited some of its latest technologies and innovations in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals. "China is a vital market for us," said Fanny Chen, vice president of Abbott Core Diagnostics. "There is a substantial market opportunity here, and we also appreciate the established infrastructure tailored for the Chinese market." China is currently the world's second-largest consumer market, boasting a middle-income group that exceeds the total population of the United States. Over the past 45 years, bilateral trade between China and the United States has seen an over 200-fold expansion. More than 70,000 U.S. companies have invested and operated in China, according to China's Ministry of Commerce. Expecting a better future At the opening of the 7th CIIE, Premier Li Qiang said China is capable of promoting sound and steady economic growth, adding that the country will open up its enormous market even further. Many participants from the United States at this year's CIIE have expressed appreciation for China's dedication to opening up, while conveying their aspirations for mutually beneficial cooperation in the context of globalization. U.S. carmaker Ford is attending the expo for a seventh consecutive year. At its booth, a diverse range of car models, highlighting innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, has drawn the attention of many visitors. Sam Wu, vice president of Ford Motor Company and president and CEO of Ford China, said the company's appearance at the expo is based on its belief that "collaboration in the global economy will make everybody stronger." At its CIIE booth, GE Aerospace is showcasing its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program model, a revolutionary demonstration initiative aimed at developing more sustainable engine technologies. The company has benefited from the rapid development of China's aviation industry during the past decades, said Xiang Weiming, vice president of GE Aerospace and president of GE Aerospace Greater China, adding that the company will further expand its investment in China, capitalizing on the growing opportunities presented by the country's thriving aviation market. At the expo, Johnson Controls' 300-square-meter booth is divided into a new product display area, a digital solution display area, and a smart city demonstration area. "China is not only a key market and manufacturing base, but also a globally significant source of green innovation and sustainable development. We are full of confidence in China's economy," said Anu Rathninde, Johnson Controls Asia Pacific president. The upgrading of China's manufacturing industry and its emphasis on green development align with the company's goals, he said. "Johnson Controls will continue to fulfill its long-term commitment to the Chinese market." "Our companies are in China for China," said Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. "China has a critical role to play in leading the globalization process in the new decades to come," Zheng added. Zheng emphasized the importance of communication between the United States and China, saying, "It's important for the U.S. and Chinese governments to coordinate and work together, so that their policies will be beneficial, not only to these two countries, but also to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the world." > < 23:48 Advani turns 97, Modi says he devoted himself to India's development PM Narendra Modi meets BJP veteran leader LK Advani to wish him on the occasion of his birthday, in New Delhi/ANI Photo Veteran BJP leader LK Advani, who as the party president crafted its rise to become a central force in national politics, turned 97 on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding him as one of India's most admired statesmen devoted to furthering the country's development. Modi said... Read more > 23:27 Discount offers pour in for Mumbai voters File image Voters will get up to 20 percent discounts in select shops, restaurants and multiplexes in Mumbai after showing the inked finger, Election Commission officials announced here on Friday. Assembly elections will be held in Maharashtra on November 20. The initiative, aimed at encouraging... Read more > 23:07 Kerala CM orders vigilance probe into worm-infested food kits in Wayanad Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday ordered a vigilance inquiry into the reports of distribution of worm-infested food kits by Meppadi Grama Panchayat to the survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district. The CM ordered an inquiry based on the media... Read more > 22:40 Dinanath Batra who fought in courts -- and outside -- for value-based education Dinanath Batra/File image From a schoolteacher in Punjab to becoming the chief of the RSS-run school network Vidya Bharati, which today has 12,000 schools and 32 lakh students, educationist Dinanath Batra will be remembered for his advocacy of value-based and nationalist education. Batra, who breathed last on... Read more > 22:21 Privilege motion against 6 BJP MLAs in J-K House BJP MLAs being marshalled out of the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Friday/ANI Photo National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen moved a privilege motion in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday against six Bharatiya Janata Party members, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, for allegedly making derogatory remarks. This was announced by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather at... Read more > 22:12 Dhanush unveils poster for his 'Idli Kadai', release on April 10 Actor-director Dhanush has treated his fans with exciting news as he is ready to release his fourth directorial venture, Idli Kadai. Dhanush took to his X account on Friday to share a new poster of the film and announce its release date. In the poster, the actor can be seen entering... Read more > 21:36 TN declares snake bite as notifiable disease File image Tamil Nadu government has declared snake bite as a notifiable disease in the state, thus making it mandatory for all government and private hospitals to report data to it for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies like ramping up clinical infrastructure and allocation of anti-snake... Read more > 21:09 Trump's sons to launch 6 luxury towers in India Founder of Tribeca Developers Kalpesh Mehta/ANI Photo Founder of Tribeca Developers, Kalpesh Mehta, on Friday said that the Trump juniors -- Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump -- will visit India in early next year to launch iconic 'Trump Tower' projects. The project launches are expected between March and June, said Kalpesh Mehta, who is Trump... Read more > 20:38 NSE, BSE to be closed on Nov 20 for Maharashtra assembly polls File image Leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE on Friday declared a trading holiday on November 20 in view of assembly elections in Maharashtra. There will be no trading on that day in the equity, Futures & Options and Securities Lending and Borrowing segments. In view of assembly elections in... Read more > 20:08 Terrorists, aides behind Srinagar grenade attack held The forensic team examines the site of the grenade attack in Srinagar/ANI Photo The Jammu and Kashmir police arrested terrorists and their associates in connection with the grenade attack in Srinagar's weekly market on November 3. The police officials said the terror attack was carried out by the terrorists and their associaties on instructions of their handlers in... Read more > 20:03 I don't care: Daniel Craig on who he would want to be next James Bond It's been over three years since Daniel Craig surrendered his 'licence to kill' as James Bond. Even as the search is on, the actor said he doesn't care about who goes on to become the next Agent 007.Craig, 56, first essayed the character in 2006's Casino Royale. He went to star in four... Read more > 19:36 Four militants arrested for abduction, assault of railway driver The Manipur police arrested four members of the banned outfit, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, in Imphal East district for the abduction and assault of a 23-year-old railway driver, an official statement said on Friday.The police said in connection with the abduction and assault of railway driver Joshua... Read more > 19:11 TV actor battling depression ends life in Mumbai flat A 35-year-old television actor allegedly committed suicide at his house in the western suburb of Goregaon here, police said on Friday. Actor Nitin Kumar Satyapal Singh was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his apartment in the Yashodham area on Wednesday, an official said. Singh had... Read more > 19:04 Terror funding case: Yasin Malik goes on hunger strike in Tihar jail The Delhi high court on Friday issued notice on a plea filed by convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, seeking permission for his urgent medical treatment. Malik currently imprisoned at Tihar jail in Delhi, has filed a petition in the Delhi high court, stating that he has been on... Read more > 19:01 We were a state... all has been snatched: Omar NC leader Omar Abdullah takes oath as the CM of J-K, in Srinagar/Umar Ganie for Rediff.com Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday claimed the people of Jammu and Kashmir found their voice after the passage of the resolution on the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state and it seems that the burden is off their shoulders. Speaking on the vote of thanks for the Lt... Read more > 18:54 Air India rejigs senior management ahead of Vistara merger Air India Group on Friday announced a rejig at the senior management level ahead of the merger of Vistara with Air India. As part of this exercise, Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kanan, who has also been holding the role of chief integration officer for the merger of the two entities,... Read more > 18:22 Ian Botham falls into crocodile-infested waters. rescued Pic: Philip Brown/Reuters Legendary England cricketer Ian Botham survived a fall into crocodile-infested waters during a fishing trip in Australia. The English cricket icon was rescued by former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes. England's Barmy Army, the fan club of the England cricket team, posted on X: Ian... Read more > 18:13 Will clarify our stand on Nov 10: Maratha leader Jarange Maratha leader Manoj Jarange/File image Maratha leader Manoj Jarange on Friday said he would make clear his stand on the Maharashtra assembly elections on November 10. Jarange, whose agitation for quota for the Marathas has drawn huge response over the last one year, continued to target deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for... Read more > 17:53 Forex kitty drops by $2.67 bn to $682.13 bn India's forex reserves declined by $2.675 billion to $682.13 billion for the week ended November 1, the RBI said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had dropped by $3.463 billion to $684.805 billion. In September- end, the reserves had hit an all-time high of... Read more > 17:24 What went up, what went down From the 30-share Sensex pack, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank and IndusInd Bank were the biggest laggards. Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Nestle and Hindustan Unilever were among the gainers. Read more > 17:19 Explain conflict of interest: Lokpal to Sebi chief Sebi chief Madhabi Puri Buch Anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal on Friday sought SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch's explanation on complaints of impropriety and conflict of interest filed by a Lok Sabha member and two others on the basis of a report by US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research, according to an official... Read more > 17:09 Sensex, Nifty fall for 2nd day on FII selling Stock markets closed lower for the second straight day on Friday amid relentless foreign fund outflows and losses in blue-chip stocks Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India. Benchmark BSE Sensex declined by 55.47 points or 0.07 per cent to settle at 79,486.32. During the day, it... Read more > 16:48 Samosa raucous: Sukhu clarifies on CID probe Representational image Amidst a row over a CID probe over samosas and cake that was meant for him being mistakenly served to his staff, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday provided a clarification over the alleged anti-government action stating that the probe was into an issue of... Read more > 16:17 Chandrachud's farewell message as CJI... Justices Khanna and Chandrachud Today is the final day of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's tenure. The CJI delivered a message from the ceremonial bench and acknowledged the reality that he would no longer serve as the country's top judge. I won't be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content, he... Read more > 15:51 Attacked, buried, yoga teacher plays dead, survives Yoga techniques helped the victim play dead. Representational image A 34-year-old Yoga teacher faked her death using breathing techniques and saved herself after allegedly being assaulted, strangled and then buried by a group of people who assumed she was dead, police said on Friday. Five people, including a woman identified as Bindu and her friend... Read more > 15:41 Vijay 69 Review: Bland It's too bad Viijay 69 does not let the viewer feel Anupam Kher's despair or his triumph. The most forgettable 'zero to hero' films at least managed that much, notes Deepa Gahlot. Read the review here. Read more > 15:34 No power in world can restore Art 370 in J-K: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress-led INDIA bloc of wanting to take the Constitution out of Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that no power in the world can restore Article 370 there. He also accused the Congress of pitting one caste against another and cautioned people to... Read more > 14:59 Swiggy IPO fully subscribed on 3rd day The initial public offer of food delivery and quick-commerce major Swiggy got fully subscribed on the third day of the share sale on Friday. The Rs 11,327-crore initial share sale received bids for 40,59,18,888 shares against 16,01,09,703 shares on offer, translating into 2.54 times... Read more > 14:37 MVA is vehicle without wheels and brake: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jab at the opposition on Friday, likening the Maha Vikas Aghadi as a vehicle without wheels or brakes and called them out for mis-governance and looting the people of the state. Addressing a gathering in Dhule ahead of the November 20 Assembly elections,... Read more > 14:20 Weapons possibly used during 1857 rebellion found A host of weapons, possibly used during the rebellion of 1857, was found by a farmer while working in his field in Shahjahanpur, an official said on Friday. District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh said Baburam was ploughing his field a few days ago when he stumbled upon an item resembling... Read more > 14:02 HM: Uddhav wants son to be Maha CM, Pawar wants... Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will be wiped out in Maharashtra in the assembly elections the same way the Congress faced a defeat in Haryana. He also said that while Uddhav Thackeray wants his son (Aaditya Thackeray) to become the chief... Read more > 13:31 Israel evacuates citizens after mob attack in Amsterdam At least 10 Israeli soccer fans were injured when a mob of rioters shouting 'Free Palestine' attacked them in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, prompting authorities to advise Israelis in the Dutch capital not to leave their hotels.Videos circulating on social media showed masked rioters, several of... Read more > 13:08 Tejasvi Surya, editors of news portals booked for fake news BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and editors of some Kannada news portals have been booked for allegedly spreading fake news linking a farmer's suicide to land disputes with Waqf Board, police said on Friday. Sharing the article of the news portals on 'X', the Bengaluru South MP on November 7... Read more > 12:50 Lawrence Bishnoi my idol: Man who threatened Salman The accused arrested for allegedly giving threat message and demanding Rs 5 crore ransom from Bollywood actor Salman Khan while allegedly claiming to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang said that he has no regrets about going to jail for the Bishnoi community. According to Mumbai... Read more > 12:33 Trump presidency: How India loses AND gains Amidst Donald Trump's unconventional thinking, India will face the brunt of higher tariffs and immigration restrictions, but despite these challenges the country will be the beneficiary if higher tariffs are imposed on China says a report by Philip Capital. Trump's return as US President is... Read more > 12:01 College student gangraped over several days Six people, including a minor, were arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student for several days and videographing the act in Odisha's Cuttack district, police said on Friday. The woman lodged a complaint with the Badambadi Police Station in Cuttack, alleging that the accused... Read more > 11:58 SC overrules 1967 verdict holding AMU can't be minority institution Update: The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the question of Aligarh Muslim Unversity's minority status to a fresh bench and overruled the 1967 judgement that said the university cannot be considered a minority institution since it was created by a central law. Pronouncing the majority... Read more > 11:29 Ananya Panday pays tribute to Rohit Bal in her unique way Actor Ananya Panday, who walked the ramp for Rohit Bal's last fashion show, paid tribute to the late designer by wearing a suit that he designed for her mother 21 years ago. One of India's most celebrated fashion designers, Bal died on November 2 at a South Delhi hospital following a... Read more > 11:23 Aligarh University entitled to minority status: SC Supreme Court's 7- judge bench by a majority of 4:3 rules that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is entitled to minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution of India. The SC says case papers be placed before CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide validity of 2006 Allahabad HC... Read more > 11:11 AMU case: SC gives 3 dissenting judgements AMU case: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud heading the 7-judge bench says there are four judgements in the case. Four judges give majority verdict, while three judges pass dissent judgement. CJI writes majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj... Read more > 10:53 Under your leadership we are...: Rahul to Trump Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to US President-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his victory and expressed confidence that under his leadership, the two nations will further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. I would like to congratulate... Read more > 10:41 Encounter in J-K's Baramulla, two terrorists killed Two terrorists were killed on Friday in an overnight encounter with security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Their identification and affiliation is being ascertained, the Kashmir Zone police posted on X.Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition were recovered from them.... Read more > 10:27 Salman gets another threat over Bishnoi song Another day, another threat:Salman Khan has received another threat over a song linking his name to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The Mumbai's traffic control room received the threat at around midnight on Thursday. There have been a series of threats over recent months including a... Read more > 10:19 Sensex, Nifty fall in early trade amid foreign fund exodus Markets yesterday The Sensex and Nifty fell in early trade on Friday amid continuous foreign fund outflows and weak trends in blue-chip stocks Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank. Market watchers said the Indian market is likely to trade sideways till clarity emerges on corporate earnings, pick up in consumption... Read more > 10:05 Trump effect: Rupee falls to all-time low The rupee fell 5 paise to an all-time low of 84.37 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, weighed down by persistent foreign fund outflows and a muted trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said the US Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates signals a shift... Read more > 09:51 1.5 lakh toilets to be set up across Mahakumbh Mela In a bid to make Mahakumbh 2025 a 'Swachh Kumbh', the Uttar Pradesh government plans to install over 1.5 lakh toilets and urinals across the Mahakumbh area in Prayagraj, informed a press statement on Friday. The Prayagraj Mela Authority has set a target completion date of December 15. All... Read more > 09:34 White House blames 'global headwinds' for Kamala's loss White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in her first press briefing since Tuesday's election blamed the 'global headwinds' for Democrats' loss in the Presidential elections.On being asked if US President Joe Biden felt any responsibility for Harris's decisive loss to President-elect Trump,... Read more > 09:32 Putin congratulates Trump, says ready for talks Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the United States presidential poll and said that Moscow is ready to have dialogue with the Republican president-elect.I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his victory in the US presidential... Read more > 09:18 TikTok ordered to wrap up offices in Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led federal government ordered Chinese app TikTok to shut its operations in Canada, although Canadians could still use it, as per CBC News.The order that came on Wednesday (local time), stated that TikTok's offices in Toronto and Vancouver would shut down,... Read more > 08:59 Trump appoints first woman White House chief of staff United States president-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named his campaign manager Susan Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman ever to hold this powerful position in any administration.Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a... Read more > 00:54 Malegaon: Pragya posts photo of her swollen face, says 'torture of Cong' caused fatal pain Pragya Singh Thakur, prime accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case/File image Pragya Singh Thakur, prime accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, on Thursday posted a photo of her swollen face on social media, stating that torture of Congress caused lifelong fatal pain and that she will attend court if she remains alive. She posted the photo two days after a special court... Read more > 00:46 MBBS examinations in Bengal to be held under CCTV surveillance File image The West Bengal University of Health Sciences has decided that MBBS examinations in different medical colleges in the state would now be held under CCTV surveillance, an official said on Thursday. As part of new standard operating procedures prepared by the West Bengal University of Health... Read more > 00:37 Ajit Pawar calls on Prakash Ambedkar in Pune Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday visited Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar's residence in Pune to enquire about his health. Ambedkar, grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar and an influential leader, underwent an angioplasty recently. The VBA is contesting 177... Read more > 00:30 Three men held for throwing bag containing iron rods on rail tracks File image The police arrested three persons for allegedly throwing a bag containing iron rods on the railway tracks between Bhayandar and Mira Road railway stations in Maharashtra's Thane district, thereby causing threat to human life, an official said on Thursday. The trio was held on Wednesday, he... Read more > Voters in the Republic of Ireland have chosen their first female president. Unofficial returns suggest that Mary Robinson, who is standing as an independent, took nearly 40% of the vote in the first round. Irelands system of proportional representation means the result will not be confirmed until tomorrow. But Mrs Robinsons performance in the first round means it is now impossible for anybody else to win. Senior sources in the camp of her main opponent, former deputy prime minister, Brian Lenihan, have already conceded victory to Mrs Robinson. It is the first time in 70 years that a presidential candidate put up by Mr Lenihans party, Fianna Fail, has been defeated. Mrs Robinson, a Dublin barrister, is considered radical by Irish terms. A civil and human rights lawyer, she has campaigned for the liberalisation of laws prohibiting divorce and abortion for more than 20 years. However, she not only won the support of women countrywide but also polled well in traditionally conservative rural areas. The mother-of-three has been a member of the Irish Senate for more than 20 years. She twice ran unsuccessfully for parliament as a Labour candidate. But five years ago she resigned from the Irish Labour party over the Anglo-Irish agreement because she felt unionists in Northern Ireland had not been consulted. Courtesy BBC News In context Mary Robinson helped transform the role of Irish president from a largely ceremonial position to one of influence. She resigned a few months before end of her term in 1997 to become the United Nations Commissioner on Human Rights Her forthright style and uncompromising criticism of some countries human rights records angered governments around the world. She made enemies in the United States after with her outspoken criticism of the detention of al-Qaeda suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. In March 2002 Mrs Robinson announced she would not be seeking a second term in the UN post. Chinas exports rose 12.7% in October from a year earlier, the fastest monthly growth in more than two years, according to customs data released Thursday. The report came a day after former President Donald Trump won Tuesdays election, gaining a second term as president. Trump has pledged to increase tariffs on imports from China to 60%, adding to uncertainty over the outlook for exports to the U.S. It showed imports fell 2.3% in October from a year earlier, while Chinas trade surplus rose to $95.7 billion in October, up from $81.7 billion in September. Exports far surpassed analysts estimates of about 5.5% growth and outpaced Septembers growth of just 2.4%. It was the fastest expansion since July 2022. The growth in Octobers exports signaled sustained demand for Chinese goods abroad, while demand in the domestic market remains subdued. Chinas exports to Russia rose almost 27% from the same time last year, customs data showed, the fastest pace in 11 months. Exports to the U.S. increased by 8% year-on-year, while shipment to the European Union climbed nearly 13%. Chinas exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chinas largest trading partner by region jumped 16%. Economists say that the effect of higher tariffs under Trump would not take effect until next year. Although Trumps proposed tariffs would hurt the export sector, their impact would be less significant than many fear - we think they could lower export volumes by around 3% and may not be felt until the second half of 2025, Zichun Huang of Capital Economics said in a report. Meanwhile, Trumps return could create a short-term boost to Chinese exports as U.S. importers increase their purchases to get ahead of the tariffs, Huang said. Beijing is expected to unveil a long-awaited stimulus package on Friday during a top legislative body meeting aimed at revitalizing the economy amid deflationary pressures and lackluster consumer spending. Chinas leaders have been struggling to rev up the economy since the COVID-19 pandemic ended. The U.S. and Europe recently raised tariffs on Chinas exports of electric vehicles and other products, darkening the outlook for Chinas trade as an engine of growth. A prolonged slump in the property industry also remains a major drag on the Chinese economy. Chinese policymakers have already announced a slew of measures to boost the economy, including frontloading 200 billion yuan ($28.2 billion) from next years budget for spending and construction projects. In October, Chinas manufacturing activity expanded for the first time after months of decline. ZEN SOO, HONG KONG, MDT/AP Macaus SAR government has presented a revised version of the urban plan for the Ilha Verde area. The updated plan was introduced for the first time on Wednesday afternoon at a meeting of the Urban Planning Committee (CPU), which aimed to gather feedback from committee members. This new plan replaces a previous version from 2010, which was never implemented. The revised version significantly reduces both the number and size of buildings in the area while expanding the spaces designated for leisure and public use. According to the projects presentation, the projected population density in the area has been reduced from the initial estimate of 23,000 people per square kilometer to 13,000 people per square kilometer. For context, the current average population density in Macau is 24,009 people per square kilometer. After the meeting, Mak Tat Io, deputy director of the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU), explained that the size of the Ilha Verde Hill conservation area in the new plan is more than double that of the previous plan, with a larger portion of land designated for green spaces. Mak also highlighted that the living environment in the area would be greatly improved due to the reduced population density. This is a result of the smaller residential buildings allowed in the new plan. The reduction in population density means fewer people will live in this area, and more space will be reserved for public facilities, improving public and leisure areas. The plan also includes a view corridor to Ilha Verde Hill, which will limit the height of buildings, he said. As part of the environmental improvements, the plan also includes the relocation of several existing warehouses and public facilities, including the slaughterhouse. The Ilha Verde urban plan is part of the broader urban development of Northern District 1, which is expected to be presented to the public next year, along with a public consultation. However, DSSCU Director Lai Weng Leong noted that, in the meantime, any applications for Urban Condition Plans (PCUs) in the area must be processed by the CPU, referencing the current Ilha Verde urban plan in force. During the presentation, a DSSCU representative also mentioned plans to transform the southern part of Ilha Verde Hill into a cultural district, in line with Macaus 1+4 industrial development strategy. The voters have cast their ballots, and after those ballots have been counted, and a winner has been projected by news organizations, thats not the conclusion of the election. The actual outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be determined by the Electoral College. The Conversation U.S. has had several articles explaining the history and effects of the United States curious method of choosing a president, not with one national election but with 51 smaller elections, in each state and Washington, D.C. Here are the highlights of that coverage. The Electoral College was the result of a compromise devised among 11 men at the Constitutional Convention in the hot Philadelphia summer of 1787. It was meant as a protective measure against rule by an uninformed mob, as Purdue University social studies education professor Phillip J. VanFossen explains. He describes how electors came to cast the decisive votes for president, writing: (The) founders were reassured that with this compromise system, neither public ignorance nor outside influence would affect the choice of a nations leader. They believed that the electors would ensure that only a qualified person became president. And they thought the Electoral College would serve as a check on a public who might be easily misled, especially by foreign governments. By contrast, though, Barry C. Burden, a political science scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that rather than protecting American democracy, the Electoral College system created a new risk: Someone who wants to infiltrate the election system would have difficulty causing problems in a national popular vote because it is decided by thousands of disconnected local jurisdictions. In contrast, the Electoral College makes it convenient to sow mischief by only meddling in a few states widely seen as decisive. There may be limits to that meddling, though. The Constitution allows state legislatures to choose the electors which Donald Trump and his supporters tried to exploit in 2020 by asking Republican state legislators to appoint fake electors to confuse matters. However, as Eric Eisner, a history Ph.D. student at Johns Hopkins University, and David B. Froomkin, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center, explain, that would have run afoul not only of those states laws but also of another provision of the Constitution: The 14th Amendment says that if a state disenfranchises any of its voters, that state loses a proportional amount of its seats in the House of Representatives. So, Eisner and Froomkin explain: (I)f a state legislature were to directly choose electors, that would disenfranchise all of the states voters. The right to vote, after all, is the right to have ones vote counted, not the right to have ones preferred candidate win. If all of a states voters have their right to vote taken away, Section 2 requires that the states House representation immediately and automatically be reduced to zero. That, in turn, means the state would only have two electors and would no longer be a factor in the election. Other nations took a lead from the U.S. creation of the Electoral College, creating their own versions. But they didnt last, as Westminster College political scientist Joshua Holzer explained: None have been satisfied with the results. And except for the U.S., all have found other ways to choose their leaders. Many people in the U.S. also have problems with the Electoral College, and Holzer identifies one effort underway to replace it without amending the Constitution. But even that wouldnt ensure that the person who becomes president would be supported by at least half of the people who cast ballots. Macaus gaming operators have broadly described the citys competitive promotional environment as improving, even as competition between the six concessionaires remains fierce, according to recent earnings calls. The issue has been a common point of discussion, with most operators noting that competition has stabilized and that efforts have increased to keep player reinvestment in check. In a recent earnings call with analysts, Melco Resorts chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho expressed hope that all operators would continue to focus on EBITDA rather than aggressive promotions, stating, For the healthy development of the entire market going forward, I hope that all the operators continue to do that because at Melco, our primary focus has always been on EBITDA. Ho said he believed Macau was now past peak promotional intensity, adding, Hopefully, with the promotional environment stabilizing, well continue to improve on our EBITDA margin model. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings described the current promotional environment in Macau as stable to slightly better but its still very competitive. He said the company continues to focus on maximizing EBITDA rather than purely on its market share. According to an Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) report, Sands China president and CEO Grant Chum told analysts in late October that his company was carefully managing its player reinvestments at a time when it is also facing significant disruption from major upgrade works at its old Sheraton Grand hotel at The Londoner Macao. Melcos president and director Evan Winkler suggested it is still too early to tell if Macaus promotional environment is trending down but reiterated the need to manage spending. Melco has been among the main critics of Macaus tough comps this year, calling out the crazy behavior of some rival operators, which was seen as a direct shot at MGM Chinas strategy of increasing market share through additional tables and smart gaming technology. The Macau government has also stepped in, directing concessionaires to rein in free drink and snack giveaways, which were seen as negatively impacting the citys small businesses. While the promotional environment appears to be stabilizing, challenges remain. Wynns Billings acknowledged that the scene is still very competitive, and Sands Chinas upgrade works are causing significant disruption. Melcos Winkler suggested it may be too soon to determine if the promotional environment is on a long-term downward trajectory, emphasizing the need for operators to manage spending effectively. Victoria Chan Success Universe Group Ltd., the partner in Ponte 16, has announced plans to expand the integrated resorts non-gaming facilities, with construction expected to commence in the first half of 2025 and be completed within two years. According to GGRAsia, the deputy chairman of Success Universe Group, Hoffman Ma Ho Man, has said the budget for the project is still being finalized as the company fine-tunes its plans. We anticipate to start construction in the first half of 2025 and complete within two years, Ma was quoted saying by the media outlet. Ponte 16 is a satellite of SJM Holdings Ltd. and is located in Macaus Inner Harbour district. The local government has approved the expansion, which includes the construction of a commercial building and a plaza, as well as the repurposing of the former floating casino, Macau Palace, into a facility with shops, food and drink outlets, and a museum-type attraction. The new land concession lease is valid until Feb. 13, 2030, with options for renewal, said Ma, indicating Successs long-term commitment to the project. The project is expected to be implemented over more than two years, potentially ready by 2025 or 2026, Ma added. The land plan redesignates the site into two areas, one with 9,424 square meters, including the existing hotel and outdoor area, and another with 9,217 square meters, which includes Pier 14, to be converted into the new commercial building and plaza, he explained. Ponte 16 has voluntarily returned the 4,160 square meter Inner Harbour Pier 16 site to the government as part of the redevelopment plan. Victoria Chan A strong typhoon was forecast to hit the northern Philippines yesterday, prompting a new round of evacuations in a region still recovering from back-to-back storms a few weeks ago. Typhoon Yinxing is the 13th to batter the disaster-prone Southeast Asian nation this season. I really pity our people but all of them are tough, Gov. Marilou Cayco of the province of Batanes said by telephone. Her province was ravaged by recent destructive storms and is expected to be affected by Yinxings fierce wind and rain. Tens of thousands of villagers were returning to emergency shelters and disaster-response teams were again put on alert in Cagayan and other northern provinces near the expected path of Yinxing. The typhoon was located about 175 kilometers (109 miles) east of Aparri town in Cagayan province yesterday morning. The slow-moving typhoon, locally named Marce, was packing sustained winds of up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 205 kph (127 mph) and was forecast to hit or come very near to the coast of Cagayan and outlying islands later Thursday. The coast guard, army, air force and police were put on alert. Inter-island ferries and cargo services and domestic flights were suspended in northern provinces. Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoon Kong-rey hit the northern Philippines in recent weeks, leaving at least 151 people dead and affecting nearly 9 million others. More than 14 billion pesos ($241 million) worth of rice, corn and other crops and infrastructure were damaged. The deaths and destruction from the storms prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a day of national mourning on Monday when he visited the worst-hit province of Batangas, south of the capital, Manila. At least 61 people perished in the coastal province. Trami dumped one to two months worth of rain in just 24 hours in some regions, including in Batangas. We want to avoid the loss of lives due to calamities, Marcos said in Talisay town in Batangas, where he brought key Cabinet members to reassure storm victims of rapid government help. Storms nowadays are more intense, extensive and powerful. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest recorded tropical cyclones, left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattened entire villages and caused ships to run aground and smash into houses in the central Philippines. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP Analysis There is broad dialogue among both alternative and conventional economists to shake the foundations of the central importance of economic growth. This questions the validity of GDP as a proxy measure for desirable social outcomes and asks whether resources and political focus should continue to be directed towards GDP growth or be shifted to other outcomes more meaningful to communities: to environment and maintenance of local places, a healthy climate, fair income and wealth distribution, strong communities, good and fair work, and civic voice. These topics are necessarily filtering down into common discourse so that communities are given the opportunity to pinpoint the outcomes based on held values and what sort of future we are to strive towards. In his book Growth: A Reckoning, economist Daniel Susskind raises three approaches to the harms and benefits of striving towards GDP growth and manage its trade-offs; growths promise and its price. The first is that leadership dodges discussion or acknowledgement of trade-offs (and accepts or alternatively covers up or denies the harms). They seek growth as the main priority and tool of political and social goals. Although economic growth has been the lever to bring many benefits to the wellbeing of societies over the last 70 years, at some point we are unable to weaken or avoid the tradeoffs, as we have seen with the harm done to our natural environment and growing wealth inequalities. Here, we hit the possibility frontier where an increase in growth means we lose out in other areas we care about (see figure): suffice to say, there are opportunity costs to growth. The question is a moral one: once current resource utilization and technologies have taken us to the possibility frontier, how much are we prepared to forego what we value in pursuit of material growth? The degrowth, or negative growth, approach suggests that to prioritise the outcomes we seek such as health, safe and secure housing and meaningful jobs, we wind back the size of the economy, using fewer resources and thus doing less harm to local communities and the planet. Then, there is the approach taken by Kate Raworth and Tim Jackson which suggests we should be less concerned with growth as long as what we seek to achieve is a thriving community and planet: sometimes called growth agnosticism. This approach says the outcomes we seek should not depend upon economic growth, epitomized in Raworths We need to move from economies that need to grow, whether or not it makes us thrive, towards economies that make us thrive, whether or not they grow. Regardless of the approach taken, all three serve to highlight that tradeoffs are part and parcel of any system of economic activity and particularly so when the fundamentals of any economic system change, even if the main tradeoff is the high mental discomfort and grief from having beliefs in the current economic orthodoxy disrupted. As in decisions all over the world to prioritize GDP, in the goal of GBA integration, we see relatively little leader-directed public discourse in the mainstream media about the tradeoffs for local communities. Over the last year or so, descriptions have been published in the media of Hong Kongs and Macaus retail and hospitality sectors being stifled by the institutional, technological, legal and logistical changes which have given ready access to the mainland market for Hong Kong and Macau citizens. A feature report by Luo Weiteng in the China Daily and republished in the Times last week, speak not just of the GBA integration and market accessibility by consumers from the SARs but also of the drawcard of innovation and new ideas in a hyper-competitive mainland market that have caught the traditional SARs outlets off-guard and undermined enthusiasm for the offerings south of the border for local and mainland customers alike. If a companys position as first in its class is threatened, it must innovate to escape the competition effect, but, says French economist, Prof Philippe Aghion, this is only if the business is towards the leading edge anyway. If an enterprise is struggling already without the knowhow, resources and experience to reinvent its business, the situation can seem hopeless unless there is someone out there batting for them. As in Susskinds discussion on global GDP tradeoffs, how the difficulties in the local SARs retail and hospitality sectors are to be approached is what is missing from the discussions. Reported are descriptions of sector downturns (reported in SCMP were closures of Tom Lee, Garrett Popcorn, Paul & Joe, Dah Chong Hong, CR Care) and the perfect storm of elements which include cost-hikes and labour shortages, some due to welfare disincentives. As reported, some workers do not wish to work more than part-time hours in HKs hospitality industry because they might lose their housing subsidies (as an aside, a well-known moral hazard of welfare support is the creation of poverty traps). Although some fixes are being applied and/or considered such as the importation of labour under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme in Hong Kong, and lifting restrictions on Shenzhen residents visiting Hong Kong, we are not hearing about strategies to alleviate the underlying systemic causes of the softening of the sector. An alternative explanation is that the demise of some sectors of the small-business hospitality and retail industry is actually recognised as a necessary and acceptable tradeoff of GBA integration. Should the latter be the case, businesses in the sector could be assisted through open and meaningful dialogue with and direction from the state to understand both the vision for the sector locally and likelihood of assistance either in transformation and re-invention or for winding down, or indeed whether the transformation is to be left to market forces in the midst of pressures from centralized reform. Being uninformed of the likely external opportunities and threats upon a business will ultimately undermine profitability and longevity, and waste corporate, individual and community resources. The most valuable business plan is that which recommends the investor cut their losses and move on, rather than persist and sink further resources into wishful thinking. By Leanda Lee, MDT The manager of the Essen Haus said he gets 10 to 20 calls a day from people wondering if the longtime German restaurant and bar and is still open. Thats not counting the calls his staff takes, Neale Hansen said. You almost cant count it because youre getting (the questions) from so many directions, not just the phone, he said. The Essen Haus and its companion bar, the Come Back In, are open, just with reduced hours, since they were originally set to close at the end of August in anticipation of the redevelopment of the buildings. The timeline has changed due to holdups with the real estate deal, said Bob Worm, who opened the Essen Haus and Come Back In, Downtown on the 500 block of East Wilson, Street 42 years ago. Things didnt go as originally planned. So yes, things are delayed, Worm said. It could be several months, it could be several years. The deal hasnt fallen through, its just taking time, Worm said. Were still open and viable. Its not that the property is not unvaluable or nobody wants it, its just that its hard, Worm said. It took us 2 years to get this far, just with one developer. In June, the City Council gave final approval for the developer, JCap Real Estate of Eau Claire, to build an eight-story, 178-unit apartment building and six-story, 100-room hotel on the site. The Essen Haus will be torn down for the apartment building, but the hotel project involves rebuilding the facades of the Come Back In and a neighboring building. A sign on the door to the Essen Haus says, Welcome! We have no closing date at this time. We are still here to show you the best time possible until our very last day! The restaurant is taking reservations for its family-style Thanksgiving dinner and has bands booked for New Years Eve, Worm said. Its open Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights with polka bands each night, while the Come Back In is open Thursday through Monday nights with bands on Saturdays and an open mic on Mondays. Essen Haus monthly Stein Club was on Wednesdays and wont make a comeback, Worm said. Brian Johnson, principal of JCap, said theres no closing date set for the sale, and although he has an investor on the apartment side, hes still looking for one or two investors for the hotel side. Its taken longer to raise the money, Johnson said. Id hate to put any dates (out) because we just dont know. I mean, it could be three months, it could be 12 months. He said he did another project in Madison on the West Side called Midtown Commons. He bought the land, got approved for 240 units, but before developing it, sold the land to another developer. Madison is a very strong market and we love the demand with apartments and hotels in the market, Johnson said. JCaps project would be next to the 15-room Hotel Ruby Marie on the corner of East Wilson and South Blair streets. It was built in 1875 and renovated by Worm in 2000 and named after his mother. The development will spare the Ruby Marie, but Worm will no longer own it, JCap will. The Up North bar, another business Worm owns on the block, isnt being torn down, either. Worn wont own it, and the couple who run it now will continue to operate it under JCap. Worm, who tangled with the city in the summer of 2022 when it stopped allowing live music behind the Come Back In and the Up North, said the neighborhood is on board with the new development. They prefer that than what they have here now, lets say. So they must be happy, he said. The Essen Haus and Come Back In closed prematurely on Aug. 31 and gave employees a 10-day vacation. The businesses opened up with modified hours and fewer employees on Sept. 12. Where the businesses had a combined 60 to 80 employees, now they are running with about 30, Worm said. Worm had an online auction in the interim of all the unwanted items he had in the attic and in the basement, which he said went well. He got rid of some memorabilia, but nothing that hangs on the walls, he said. The businesses were jammed for about a month before the original August closing date, Worm and Hansen said. Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove a statement by Bob Worm expressing an opinion about the developer's financing. Worm isn't in a position to speak for the developer. People visit the booth of Toyota at the Automobile Exhibition Area during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] As the new energy vehicle (NEV) boom continues in China, global players in related sectors are eyeing a vast array of opportunities and exerting efforts to tap into this promising market. At the 2024 edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), running from Nov. 5 to 10 in east China's commercial hub of Shanghai, the trend is obvious -- with innovation, openness and cooperation proving the buzzwords. Focusing on sustainability and future mobility, the auto exhibition at the expo features 12 Fortune 500 vehicle manufacturers. Nearly 90 percent of all the brands on display showcase NEV models, and the use of recyclable and bio-based materials is increasingly common. Unmissable opportunities At the entrance of Toyota's display, two Crown sedans can be spotted, with this vehicle one of the Japanese auto giant's best-selling models. The pair of sedans are parked side by side, symbolizing Toyota's evolution in the Chinese market. One of these sedans is a 1964 model, marking the company's first entry into China, while the other is the latest intelligent hybrid version, a testament to advancements in NEV technologies that have benefited the brand's growth and followed the trend in the Chinese market. "China is now not only the world's largest automotive market in terms of volume, but also a global leader in smart and electric vehicle development," said Xu Yiming, Toyota's head for brand and communications in China. According to official data, the NEV market share in China was just above 1 percent in 2015 but has since surged thanks to an expedited green transition of the Chinese economy. In July this year, NEVs made history by surpassing fuel-powered vehicles for the first time in terms of market share, with retail sales nationwide hitting 878,000 units -- accounting for 51.1 percent of the total Chinese domestic market. To leverage NEV-related innovations achieved in China, including some of the highest levels of advancement seen anywhere in the world, Toyota has established one of its largest overseas testing and R&D centers in Changshu, east China's Jiangsu Province, and recently opened an advanced technology research center in Shanghai. "Looking ahead, especially in the fields of electrification and smart technology, our focus is shifting towards research and development (R&D) based in China," said Xu. A few steps from the two Crown sedans is another eye-catching exhibit crowded by visitors and professional buyers, a concept electric car in the form of a robotaxi, co-developed by Toyota and Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai. Featuring a pre-collision system, developed using data from 20 billion kilometers of assisted driving, the new vehicle is aimed at upscaling and commercializing fully autonomous solutions. "We aim for the technologies developed in China to influence our R&D approach worldwide, enhancing products and technologies that can be applied across global markets," said Xu. Besides world-renowned original equipment manufacturers, many auto parts suppliers are also eager to try their luck amid China's NEV drive. Aptiv, a multinational developing automobile parts, is making its debut appearance at the seventh CIIE, showcasing software and hardware products developed by local teams for the local market, with two themes in accordance with the market's trend -- intelligence and electrification. As a newcomer to the CIIE, Aptiv is flexing its tech muscle via its unique strength involving both the "brain and the nervous system" of a vehicle, providing advanced solutions to software-defined and electrified vehicles. Highlighting the opportunities they manage to sniff out in the Chinese market, Jiang Weihao, an engineer with the company, said Aptiv chose to base operations in China to stay closely aligned with the requirements of automakers in the world's largest automobile market. "China's manufacturing sector has matured significantly, providing a strong foundation for us to develop solutions that are cost-effective, reliable and tailored," Jiang noted, adding that several exhibits and technologies were scheduled to be launched for the first time at this year's CIIE. Protectionism leads to dead end Despite rosy prospects, the Chinese NEV sector still faces headwinds due to trade protectionism. The United States and the European Union (EU) have this year both unveiled exorbitant additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. At the 2024 CIIE, a major event based on openness, many industry insiders have voiced concern about such protectionist moves, while praising China's opening-up measures. Trade protectionism disrupts international cooperation and technological progress in the automotive industry, impacting negatively on efforts in green transition and climate change collaboration, said Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji at a sub-forum held along with the CIIE. "Development and technological progress of the NEV industry both rely on international cooperation. Regardless of external protectionist pressures, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to openness and collaboration," Ling added. Taking the development of China's auto industry as an example, Yin Tongyue, chairman of China's automaker Chery, said that when global players Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota entered the Chinese market, they didn't push Chinese automakers out -- instead, they energized them. "Now, as China advances in electrification and smart technologies, we may be leading in certain areas, and it's our turn to energize others, supporting their healthy growth and smooth transition to electrification," Yin added. Notably, China caters to its domestic market and China's NEV exports constitute a small portion of its total production. While approximately 9.59 million NEVs were manufactured in the country last year, only about 12 percent of them were exported. Adding to the discussion, Ralph Ossa, chief economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO), noted that trade tensions and conflicts have emerged, not only concerning trade but also in areas like the green economy, environmental protection and energy conservation. Ossa also said that naturally, no one wants to see such tensions arise. "International trade is an important part of the solution to climate change. The share of electric vehicles in total car imports was only about 5 percent in 2017. Now it is much higher," Ossa said. "And of course, China is an important part of the story." Successful collaboration lies in finding synergy and sustainability, and cooperation and mutual benefit are advantageous for both China and the United States, said Sam Wu, president and CEO of Ford China. "From this perspective, global automakers are eager to see China's rapid progress in the NEV sector and are open to partnerships on a global scale," the senior executive stated. Starmer has recently brushed off criticism of British imperialisms bloody history, and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. This article, from a new RCP booklet, explains how these horrific crimes laid the basis for Britain to rule the waves. [Originally published at communist.red] Resisting pressure from the leaders of various Commonwealth countries, first Starmer and then King Charles have doubled down on Britains role in the transatlantic slave trade. They have categorically refused to offer any reparations for the exploitation of its former colonies of which some estimates value as high as 18 trillion pounds. They have even refused to offer a symbolic apology to any of the countries involved. Instead, Starmer has offered the usual platitudes about looking forward, not backwards, and pleas for us to stop living in the shadow of the past. The furthest he has been willing to budge on the issue is considering non-cash options like helping ex-colonial countries fight climate change! Sir Keir is simply following the long and rich tradition of British politicians who gloss over British imperialisms bloody history, and who repeat the common myth that British moral superiority is what ended the slave trade. Saying the quiet part out loud, former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said that former colonies should pay us for ending slavery, attributing the abolition of slavery to Christian charity. They ought to pay us for ending slavery, it is not something any other country had done and we were motivated by Christian charity. https://t.co/cdJzJq0r7C Jacob Rees-Mogg (@Jacob_Rees_Mogg) October 15, 2024 As the following article will explain, this is total fiction, crafted to obscure the bloody history of the capitalist system that Starmer, King Charles, Rees-Mogg, and the rest of them protect. This article is a part of a brand new booklet, The Crimes of British Imperialism, which uncovers the bloodstained history of the worlds oldest capitalist power. The booklet has been produced as part of the Revolutionary Communist Partys Books not Bombs campaign. The first step towards fighting imperialism and militarism in Britain and across the globe is to understand it from a scientific, Marxist perspective.Our aim with this collection of articles is to educate communists in how to fight imperialism today. We arent interested in empty apologies from imperialisms present-day defenders least of all those like David Lammy, who cynically use the language of anti-colonialism to cloak their western imperialist agenda. We the working class can only bring justice to the innumerable victims of imperialism by fighting to uproot the entire system that caused these crimes in the first place. Pre-order The Crimes of British Imperialism today. [Note: For the sake of clarity, Britain is used throughout the article, even for times before the 1707 Act of Union] Anybody that has gone through the British education system will have been taught about Britains role in the transatlantic slave trade, the brutal kidnapping of tens of millions of West Africans to work in squalid conditions as slaves in the West Indies. You will likely have been taught that the British werent as ruthless as the French, or not quite as prolific as the Portuguese. And of course, who can forget that it was the British who came to their senses and abolished the entire institution before any other power had even thought of it, all thanks to the moral superiority of the British character. For example, a 2024 article from The Spectator writes: The largely successful British effort to eradicate the transatlantic slave trade did not grow out of any kind of self-interest. It was driven by moral imperative and at considerable cost to Britain and the Empire. This is complete fiction. Britain was one of the key architects and the dominant power in the slave trade throughout the 18th Century and the beginning of the 19th. It was on the backs of millions of slaves that British capitalism came to dominate the globe, lay the foundations for world trade, and that its empire was able to rule the waves. Triangular trade Britain had a presence in the West Indies since the mid 16th Century, mainly as outposts for raiding Spanish ships. This was followed by permanent settlements in the early 17th Century, consisting of Puritans looking to escape the repression of the Stuart monarchy, as well as small numbers of slaves to work the land. In 1781, the Zong a British slave ship embarked on the middle passage with over 400 slaves on board, over twice the capacity / Image: public domain In the middle of the century the monarchy was smashed in the English Revolution, and the bourgeois had seized power. After Cromwells brutal subjugation of Ireland, the British deported over 50,000 Irish prisoners to the Caribbean, who worked as indentured servants and as slaves. They were sent across the Atlantic to Britains newly conquered Caribbean territories. They had seized Jamaica in 1655 and this was swiftly followed by a number of other islands in the Caribbean. New territories, as well as growing demand for raw materials from British industry, created new demand for slaves to work the plantations. Rather than continually warring with the Irish, they instead looked to the West Coast of Africa for slaves an area they had already been using to mine gold. It was this that led to the development of triangular trade, the main process by which the transatlantic slave trade took place. British ships sailed to West Africa and set up fortresses on the coast, trading manufactured goods with local elites, merchants, and rulers who brought captive locals to sell into slavery. This often wasnt sufficient to meet the demand for slaves that the plantations needed, and so: [When they] found that peaceful commercial relations alone did not generate enough enslaved Africans to fill the growing demands of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, they formed military alliances with certain African groups against their enemies. This encouraged more extensive warfare to produce captives for trading. Initially, this was all carried out by the Royal African Company, in which infamous Bristol slaver Edward Colston was a major shareholder. This was established in 1660 as a royal monopoly to oversee this increasingly lucrative venture. At this stage, around 5,000 slaves a year were transported to work in the colonies. Once purchased, they were loaded into ships and sailed across the Atlantic to the West Indies. During the middle passage, Africans were chained together and trapped in the hold, often way over capacity. Over 2,000,000 died of disease, malnutrition, or were murdered by the crew before they even made it to the Caribbean. In 1781, the Zong a British slave ship embarked on the middle passage with over 400 slaves on board, over twice the capacity. Faced with dwindling water supplies, the slavers threw over 100 captives overboard, half of whom were women and children. In defiance of this, many committed suicide, whilst others begged to be starved rather than face the sharks that followed the ships. This was typical of a slave ship in this period. Surviving the journey meant being sold to plantations where the slaves were subject to backbreaking labour growing crops such as cotton, tobacco, coffee, and cacao. Whilst working they were whipped and beaten, to ensure obedience. It was common for the British in this period to describe the slaves as two legged cattle. They were seen as commodities or natural resources made to be exploited, not as human beings. The life expectancy of a slave was under a decade. As Marx explained in Capital: It is accordingly a maxim of slave management, in slave-importing countries, that the most effective economy is that which takes out of the human chattel in the shortest space of time the utmost amount of exertion it is capable of putting forth. It is in tropical culture, where annual profits often equal the whole capital of plantations, that negro life is most recklessly sacrificed. It is the agriculture of the West Indies, which has been for centuries prolific of fabulous wealth, that has engulfed millions of the African race. It is in Cuba, at this day, whose revenues are reckoned by millions, and whose planters are princes, that we see in the servile class, the coarsest fare, the most exhausting and unremitting toil, and even the absolute destruction of a portion of its numbers every year. The masses of raw materials produced were then shipped back to Britain and used to meet the growing demands of industry. Protectionist measures tied the whole process together, protecting nascent British industry. The Navigation Acts gave British ships sole rights to handle British goods, and sugar sources outside of the British West Indies were burdened with tariffs. Conquest The first controversy surrounding Britains involvement in the slave trade related to the Royal African Company itself. It had nothing to do with any moral scruples about slavery however, but that its status as a royal monopoly prevented other merchants from getting involved. Parliament, representing the interests of the bourgeoisie, fought for the RAC to be abolished and for free trade, to sweep away this last vestige of feudal particularism and let them get rich from the slave trade. The first struggle relating to slavery therefore was not to abolish it but to expand it! They won in 1697. Having removed this obstacle, the scope of the slave trade ballooned, and Britain was at the very heart of it. Bristol alone shipped 161,000 slaves in the first nine years. Wars with rival powers such as Spain allowed Britain to increase its dominance and become the number one power in the Atlantic. After concluding war with Spain in 1713, Britain seized Gibraltar, Minorca, and the Asiento de Negros, which gave them 30 years of monopoly rights to selling slaves to the Spanish colonies. This right was granted to the South Sea Company, the shareholders of which included 460 Members of Parliament, 100 Lords, and the entire royal family. The tradition of the British bourgeoisie so far is therefore one of fighting tooth and nail for their God given right to put man into bondage and work him to death for their own profit. By the end of the 17th Century, the transatlantic slave trade was in full swing, and Britain was its chief architect. This, however, was only the beginning. So far, only 16% of slaves that would be transported over the course of the trade had been. The bulk occurred in the 18th Century, where Britain rose to the position of the dominant slave power of the world, overtaking the Portuguese and maintaining its spot for over 80 years. Britains brutal role In all, the conservative estimate is that a total of 12,500,000 Africans were enslaved and sailed across the Atlantic. Of this figure, Britain and Portugal together took 9,000,000 of them, 3,500,000 of which were taken by the British. In all, the conservative estimate is that a total of 12,500,000 Africans were enslaved and sailed across the Atlantic / Image: public domain Not included in this figure are the 4,000,000 Africans who died between being captured and marched to the ports on the West Coast of Africa. Forced marching, disease, brutal slave raids, and conflicts manufactured by slavers were responsible for upward estimates of 40,000,000 deaths before they had even made it to the ships. To justify their brutalities, all sorts of racist ideas were concocted and codified into law. The Barbados slave code, the first of its kind, was used as a model across Britains colonies. It stated: If any Negro or slave whatsoever shall offer any violence to any Christian by striking or any other form of violence, such Negro or slave shall for his or her first offence be severely whipped by the Constable. For his second offence of that nature he shall be severely whipped, his nose slit, and be burned in some part of his face with a hot iron. [] And being brutish slaves, [they] deserve not, for the baseness of their condition, to be tried by the legal trial of twelve men of their peers, as the subjects of England are. And it is further enacted and ordained that if any Negro or other slave under punishment by his master unfortunately shall suffer in life or member, which seldom happens, no person whatsoever shall be liable to any fine therefore. A highly profitable venture Cheap raw materials to feed the fires of industry, alongside new markets to sell its commodities to, created a huge amount of profit. This was ploughed into industry, leading to a rapid development of British capitalism. Bristol, already an important city, became the centre of the entire slave trade, accounting for about 40% of Britains slave voyages at one point. It would later be supplanted by Liverpool, which was a fairly insignificant port until its easy access to the Atlantic made it a new hub, bringing in tens of millions of pounds every year. Manchester, through its proximity to Liverpool, was also raised from nothing into the beating heart of the cotton industry. From 1785-1830 its population increased seven times, and the value of cotton-manufactures exported from Britain increased from 1,000,000 to 31,000,000. In the same period, the quantity of cotton that Britain imported to feed its factories increased from 11,000,000lb a year to 283,000,000lb a year. Workshop of the world This was a part of British capitalisms period of primitive accumulation, where through the most violent acts imaginable it brought together the conditions necessary for free capitalist development. Britains status as the workshop of the world was made possible by the immense levels of profit generated by the slave trade. It was the blood, sweat, and tears of millions of slaves that would provide a large amount of the resources needed for the industrial revolution. The steam engine, the symbol of British power, was initially partially financed by the William Deacon Bank, which emerged directly out of the need to finance increasingly costly voyages across the Atlantic. As the scale of production increased, as well as the cost of increasingly large slave voyages, so did the amount of investment needed. Many British banks or their component parts before mergers originated in this period, rising out of the growing demands of commodity production. The most notable example is Barclays. Much of the Barclay family made their millions through slavery. The William Deacon Bank today is incorporated in the RBS/Natwest group. At this stage there was very little abolitionist sentiment, other than amongst certain radicals on the fringes. Simply put, slavery was far too profitable for anybody to even consider abolishing it. Reaching its limits It was only towards the end of the 18th Century that the cause for abolitionism began to strengthen. Whilst there were many honest fighters for this cause, the movement grew in strength because the colonies in the West Indies were becoming less profitable. Unable to compete with the cheap sugar produced in India, the West Indies had to rely on their protectionist privileges / Image: public domain Stripped of nutrients from a century of intensive farming, the British West Indies were struggling to compete with the vast and fertile soil of Cuba, Brazil, and the French colony of Saint Domingue, now Haiti. So desperate were the British ruling class to get their hands on Saint Domingue they attempted to invade it during the Haitian Revolution of 1791, an adventure that failed spectacularly. Britains colonial possessions in the East Indies (i.e. the Indian subcontinent) were also rising in importance. Between 1791-1833, sugar imports from the British East Indies increased twenty three times. In the West Indies sugar was king, 72% of Barbados and the Leeward Islands was occupied with sugar. Unable to compete with the cheap sugar produced in India, the West Indies had to rely on their protectionist privileges to stay competitive, as the East Indies imports were burdened with tariffs. There was also the American Revolution in 1775, the ending of which in 1783 kicked the British out and weakened their dominance in the Caribbean sea. The battleground had been prepared for a struggle between the landed interests of the West Indies planters who wished to maintain protectionism to stay alive and the advocates of free trade who saw the West Indies plantations as an archaic hindrance to further growth. Economists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo became the voices for this movement; they carried out a full on ideological assault against monopolies and protectionism. Economics of slavery All of these different events expressed the same undeniable truth: that slavery was running into its limits, and was unable to keep up with the galloping pace of British industrial development. Slaves on the plantations were using the same tools in 1831 as they were in 1631. There is very little scope or incentive to invest in new technologies and technique, as slaves have very little incentive to increase their productivity. Tools would often be sabotaged and destroyed in protest against their enslavement, and regardless of how much sugar cane they pick in a day, a slave remains a slave at the end of it. Birth rates amongst slaves were very low, and infant mortality was over 50%, so a constant source of new slaves from West Africa was required to keep the plantations functional. This got increasingly expensive the longer it went on, as the price of slaves increased. The combination of West Indies sugar being more expensive than sugar produced elsewhere, Napoleons blockade of Britains access to European markets, and the saturation of markets back in Britain caused the plantations to enter into a period of crisis. Around 65 plantations in Jamaica alone were abandoned in this period, and the slaves killed. Slave rebellions The intolerable, inhuman conditions naturally led to a string of slave rebellions. These were heroic uprisings of slaves who could not bear another moment of being chattel. The stakes were clear from the beginning: success and freedom or failure and death. In Jamaica, the colony that no Country excels in a barbarous treatment of slaves, or in the cruel methods they put them to death, hundreds of slaves rose up in 1760 in Tackys Revolt. The intolerable, inhuman conditions naturally led to a string of slave rebellions / Image: public domain Despite no military training, they managed to fight back the British for a year through intense guerilla warfare before being defeated and brutalised in 1761. In 1816, Barbados saw its largest slave rebellion, led by Bussa. Over 5,000 slaves rose up, with 500 or so organised into a militia. The British greeted the crudely armed militias with cannons, and executed over half the rebels after defeating the uprising. This was closely followed by the Demerara rebellion in 1823, the largely peaceful nature of which did not prevent the British from killing 500 men, women, and children and slinging up the bodies of the leaders in public for all to see. Finally there is the Baptists War, also known as the Great Slave Rebellion in Jamaica. 60,000 slaves (out of 300,000 total on the island) rose up and called for a general strike on the island. Before being crushed by British forces, they managed to inflict multiple defeats on local militias, and many escaped into the countryside before being killed. Whilst none of these heroic rebellions succeeded in their final goals, they did drive up the cost of maintaining the slave system for the British ruling class. Abolition By the turn of the 19th Century, the capitalists of Britain were singing the song of abolition. In 1807, parliament passed the Slave Trade Act, which banned the slave trade but didnt emancipate those already enslaved. This was partly a compromise between the industrialists in Britain and the West Indian landed interests, who still had a strong presence in parliament. Not for one moment was there a whiff of moral sentiment in banning the trade. Simply put, abolitionism gained traction when slavery ceased to be profitable. The twenty five years between the banning of the trade and full emancipation was one of palliative care for the West Indies plantations. Some sources say that by 1828 the West Indies amounted to a yearly loss of 1,500,000 for the British economy. In the past the West Indies sugar monopoly, alongside other protectionist measures, played an important role in protecting British industry, which was still young and developing. These had now served their purpose, and had become a hindrance on further development. For example, far from damaging profits, the independence won by the USA in the late 18th Century actually increased profits for Britain, as they made far more from the US as a partner in trade than they did as a slave colony. In 1833 parliament passed An Act for the Abolition of Slavery which abolished slavery across the British empire. Everywhere other than Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Saint Helena, and territories administered by the East India Company. In other words, the places where slavery was still turning a profit. 20,000,000 in compensation was paid out to the slave owners for their trouble. To pay for this, a loan was taken out that equated to 40% of GDP which was only paid off in 2015. Freed slaves were then subject to a six year apprenticeship where they worked for free for their former masters in order to learn how to live as free men. Freed slaves would be forgiven for not noticing the difference between the apprenticeship and their former bondage. Britains fight for freedom Britains involvement with slavery and the slave trade did not cease after abolishing it in 1833. Manchester and Liverpool provided cotton-manufactures and shackles to slave hunters on the West African Coast, as well as to plantations in Cuba and Brazil. Hundreds of thousands of guns manufactured in Birmingham were exported to slave colonies to help round them up and put down their rebellions. Around 70% of the shackles, chains, and other tools that Brazil used for their own slave plantations were produced in Britain. And of course there is sugar, which was a major British export across the world. The attitude of the British ruling class was that gold doesnt stink, as summarised in this speech given to the Commons by the pro-slavery Lord Macaulay: We import the accursed thing; we bond it; we employ our skill and machinery to render it more alluring to the eye and to the palate; we export it to the Leghorn and Hamburg; we send it to all the coffee houses of Italy and Germany; we pocket a profit on all this; and then we put on a Pharisaical air; and thank God that we are not like those sinful Italians and Germans who have no scruple about swallowing slave-grown sugar. On the pretext of enforcing abolition, the Royal Navy was mobilised to patrol the West African coast. This had a marginal impact (if any) on stopping slave ships, but it was used as a means of establishing the full British colonies of The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast, and Nigeria. The same justification was used to justify Britains Eastward expansion across the continent, and was one of the arguments used by the other major powers to justify the scramble for Africa. Here Britain would commit some of its greatest atrocities. The final nail in the coffin of the British ruling class story about their moral crusade is the American Civil War of 1861-65. Britain came very close to officially recognising the Confederacy and entering the war on the side of the slave-owning South. The vast majority of the cotton that fuelled British factories was bought from the slave plantations in the South and so they werent keen on pushing for abolition when it hurt their wallets. Lessons on slavery often focus on the horrors of chattel slavery in the South of the US however, these plantation owners learnt all they knew about slavery from their old British masters. A major reason why Britain didnt enter the war was that there was mass opposition to it in the ranks of the working class. Despite unemployment caused by the drying up of cotton imports, British workers stood in full solidarity with the North, and refused to handle Southern cotton. Abraham Lincoln personally thanked the international solidarity of the workers of Manchester in a letter, saying that I cannot but regard your decisive utterances on the question as an instance of sublime Christian heroism which has not been surpassed in any age or in any country. Rotten traditions The abolition of the slave trade in 1807 is often taught to be the end of any atrocities that the British Empire committeed. Again, this is total fiction. Abolition marked a turning point for the British Empire, it was in this period that Britain grew to dominate not just the Atlantic but the entire world. Far from being done with brutality and slaughter, the bloody history of British capitalism was just getting into full swing. As Marx said in Capital: China and the European Union (EU) are currently engaged in intensive consultations on the specific details of the price commitment plan on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). MOC spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks at a press conference on Thursday in response to a question regarding the EU's imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles from China. The EU technical team arrived in Beijing on Nov. 2 and the consultations between the two sides follow the principles of "pragmatism and balance," He said. While announcing the imposition of tariffs on Oct. 29, the European side said it will continue with the price commitment consultations with the Chinese side. Following a video-link discussion on Oct. 25 between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, both sides have reiterated their political will to resolve differences through dialogue and clarified their commitment to making price commitment the solution to address the EU's anti-subsidy case against EVs from China. The World Health Organization has orchestrated the allocation of 899,000 vaccine doses to combat the rising mpox surge across nine African nations. This initiative follows the organizations second declaration of a global public health emergency in August, prompted by the spread of a new virus variant from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The distribution plan prioritizes the most affected regions, with the Democratic Republic of Congo receiving 85 percent of allocated doses due to its status as the epicenter of the outbreak. Other recipient nations include the Central African Republic, Cote dIvoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. This coordinated response comes after WHOs approval of Bavarian Nordics vaccine and consideration of additional options from other manufacturers. The organization has implemented a scheme similar to COVID-19 protocols to ensure vulnerable populations in low-income countries receive necessary medical resources. The vaccine supplies originate from multiple international donors, including European countries, the United States, Canada, and the public-private alliance Gavi. This distribution addresses a critical need, as Africa has reported over 46,000 confirmed and suspected mpox cases this year, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities. initiative represents a significant step in addressing the continents public health challenges through international cooperation and resource sharing. The multi-faceted development achieved in the Moroccan Southern Provinces under the leadership of King Mohammed VI was highlighted at a conference held in the French city of Lyon, part of the commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the Green March. Panelists, including French figures and members of the Moroccan diaspora, as well as Consul General of Morocco in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, reviewed the significant achievements realized under the leadership of the Monarch at the national scale, with focus on the Sahara region. The various speakers highlighted the comprehensive development projects launched across the Kingdom, driven by the Sovereigns farsighted vision, which has sparked sustained and renewed dynamics of development, progress, and prosperity in the southern provinces. Thanks to this vision, they noted, the southern provinces have become a hub of development and prosperity and a prime destination for major structural projects and investments, positioning the region as a gateway to the African continent and a link between Europe and Africa. The French economic operators and businessmen from the Moroccan diaspora attending the conference followed the presentations with great interest, and expressed their willingness to support the Kingdom in its development and progress efforts. Henri Louis Vedie, emeritus professor at HEC-Paris, focused his remarks on the development efforts in the Sahara provinces, from the organization of the Green March by the late King Hassan II to the present day, emphasizing the New Development Model initiated by King Mohammed VI. As a keen observer of Moroccan economy, Vedie highlighted the reform projects that have made the region an attractive and competitive centre in the agricultural and maritime sectors, along with its significant tourism potential. Congratulatory messages from leaders all across Africa to Donald Trump on his decisive election victory have been pouring in, with some hailing the return of transactional politics, while many others expressing concerns especially about what impact a looming new era of US protectionism will have on Africa and the current global trade dynamics in general. Worlds first country to formally recognize the independence of the United States and a close and strong ally in the continent, Morocco sent a warm message to congratulate Donald Trump for his comeback to the oval office as both countries share many upcoming political and economic issues. Also of the big African powers, Egypts Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Ethiopias Abiy Ahmed, who may have a vested interest in Trump winning the presidency, were quick to send congratulations. The former was never invited to the White House during the Joe Biden administration, while his governments $10m donation to Trump campaign in 2016 was investigated by the US, though no charges were ever laid. Ahmeds quick reaction is also hardly surprising given that former Trump envoy to the Horn of Africa, J. Peter Pham, essentially backed Ethiopia in its spat with neighboring Somalia when he described as existential Ethiopias access to a coastline. Also Nigerias Bola Tinubu to South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa have congratulated Trump on his victory, with the latter looking forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation. But others, such as economist Charlie Robertson, caution that Africa will again be seen from Washington through the geopolitical prism as we saw in the Cold War, and 2017-19 with Trump with China as the enemy, instead of Russia. For Raymond Parsons, an economist from North West University Business School, the decisive election mandate has strengthened political certainty within the United States, while also heightening market volatility and uncertainty elsewhere, including among emerging economies. The prospect of higher protectionism under the upcoming Trump administration will likely impact countries, such as South Africa that as a small open economy, [] has a vested interest in the multilateral trading system, Parsons commented. To ensure that President Trump listens to what Africans want, the Afreximbank has reportedly hired top lobbying firms to launch a $300,000 campaign to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) amid increasing concern that the 24-year-old corner-stone of US economic polity toward the continent may be in trouble. Botswanas newly elected President Duma Boko has announced groundbreaking plans to regularize undocumented Zimbabwean immigrants through temporary work and residence permits. The initiative aims to formalize the status of the nations second-largest immigrant community while addressing critical skills shortages. The proposal, though potentially controversial, forms part of Bokos broader economic revival strategy. The 54-year-old leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), who replaced President Mokgweetsi Masisi and ended the 58-year rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) , emphasizes the practical benefits of integrating Zimbabwean workers, particularly in construction and skilled trades. Current statistics indicate Zimbabweans constitute 98 percent of irregular migrants, with over 13,000 recorded cases between 2021 and 2023. Daily deportations continue nationwide, affecting workers primarily employed in domestic and agricultural sectors. Boko pleads for a dual approach combining legal immigration with skills transfer programs to benefit local workers. This strategy aligns with his ambitious job creation targets of 100,000 positions annually over five years, addressing Botswanas 30 percent unemployment rate. The presidents vision includes renegotiating diamond industry agreements and promoting entrepreneurship through improved access to financing and markets. While the immigration proposal faces potential public resistance, it represents a significant shift in regional migration policy and economic development strategy. Ghanas parliament has resubmitted a controversial new law, which proposes up to three years of imprisonment for LGBTQ individuals and increased penalties for promoting LGBTQ activities, to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his signature, despite an order to wait until the Supreme Court rules on the bills constitutionality. Akufo-Addo had previously declined to receive the anti-LGBTQ bill, insisting on a legal review first. But the parliament speaker, Alban Bagbin, has still decided to push ahead with the bills resubmission, saying that both the president and the judiciary have sinned against the Constitution by obstructing its progress. Ghanas anti-LGBTQ bill that was passed earlier this year has been widely condemned as brutal, harsh and unjust. As an analysis published by the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in April concluded, Ghana, despite its more solid reputation for democracy and respect for human rights than authoritarian Uganda, is joining it in more stringently criminalizing homosexuality and vacillating about the legislation to do that. In October, hundreds gathered in Accra to urge the Supreme Court to expedite the passage of the anti-LGBTQ legislation. If enacted into law, it would not only heighten discrimination against LGBTQ individuals but would also potentially lead to a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years. The LGBTQ bill has drawn sharp criticism from both Western nations and organizations such as Amnesty International (AI) or the International AIDS Society (IAS). The latter has recently expressed its deep concern at the passing of the bill, with IAS President Sharon Lewin warning that if these bills become laws, they will set back the substantial gains made towards ending the HIV pandemic as a threat to public health and individual well-being. Egypts agricultural exports saw a 32% increase in the first 10 months of 2024, according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. The total value of exports reached $4.1 billion, reflecting a $1 billion increase compared to the same period last year. The report revealed that Egypts agricultural exports exceeded 7.1 million tons from January to October 2024. Citrus fruits led the exports, accounting for 2.2 million tons, followed by potatoes at 0.9 million tons. The Government aims to export 10 million tons of fresh produce in addition to other food products. To achieve this, the agricultural sector is being expanded through major national projects, including the New Delta project, which targets more than 4 million acres, with 2.2 million acres already in operation. In support of this goal, Egypt has introduced a new shipping service linking the port of Dekheila in Alexandria with Russias Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg ports. The service, operated by Global Logistics in partnership with Fox Shipping, will run two weekly trips, ensuring the rapid delivery of agricultural products to Russian markets. The vessels are equipped with 350 refrigeration units, offering a weekly capacity of 700 refrigerated containers. This new service aims to enhance Egypts agricultural export capacity, particularly to Russia, which has seen increasing demand for Egyptian produce. The initiative aligns with Egypts broader strategy to boost exports and solidify its position as a regional hub for trade and agricultural products. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Liza Summer from Pexels Investigators at Mass General Brigham have developed an AI-based tool to sift through electronic health records to help clinicians identify cases of long COVID, an often mysterious condition that can encompass a litany of enduring symptoms, including fatigue, chronic cough, and brain fog after infection from SARS-CoV-2. The results, which are published in the journal Med, could identify more people who should be receiving care for this potentially debilitating condition. The number of cases they identified also suggests that the prevalence of long COVID could be greatly under-recognized. "Our AI tool could turn a foggy diagnostic process into something sharp and focused, giving clinicians the power to make sense of a challenging condition," said senior author Hossein Estiri, Ph.D., head of AI Research at the Center for AI and Biomedical Informatics of the Learning Health care System (CAIBILS) at Mass General Brigham and an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "With this work, we may finally be able to see long COVID for what it truly isand more importantly, how to treat it." Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), includes a wide range of symptoms. For the purposes of their study, Estiri and colleagues defined it as a diagnosis of exclusion that is also infection associated. That means the diagnosis could not be explained in the patient's unique medical record and it also had to be associated with a COVID infection. In addition, the diagnosis needed to have persisted for two months or longer in a 12-month follow-up window. The algorithm used in the AI tool was developed by drawing de-identified patient data from the clinical records of nearly 300,000 patients across 14 hospitals and 20 community health centers in the Mass General Brigham system. Rather than having to rely on a single diagnosis code, the AI utilizes a novel method developed by Estiri and colleagues called "precision phenotyping" that sifts through individual records to identify symptoms and conditions linked to COVID-19 and to track symptoms over time in order to differentiate them from other illnesses. For example, the algorithm can detect if shortness of breath may be the result of pre-existing conditions like heart failure or asthma rather than a long COVID. Only when every other possibility was exhausted would the tool flag the patient as having long COVID. "Physicians are often faced with having to wade through a tangled web of symptoms and medical histories, unsure of which threads to pull, while balancing busy caseloads. Having a tool powered by AI that can methodically do it for them could be a game-changer," said Alaleh Azhir, MD, the co-lead author who is an internal medicine resident at Brigham Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham health care system. The patient-centered diagnoses provided by this new method may also help alleviate biases built into current diagnostics for long COVID, according to the researchers, who note that patients diagnosed with the official ICD-10 diagnostic code for long COVID trend towards those with easier access to health care. While other diagnostic studies have suggested that approximately 7% of the population suffers from long COVID, this new approach reveals a much higher estimate22.8%. The authors stated that this figure aligns more closely with national trends and paints a more realistic picture of the pandemic's long-term toll. The researchers determined their tool was about 3% more accurate than what ICD-10 codes capture, while being less biased. Specifically, their study demonstrated that the individuals they identified as having long COVID mirror the broader demographic makeup of Massachusetts, unlike long COVID algorithms that rely on a single diagnostic code or individual clinical encounters, skewing results toward certain populations such as those with more access to care. "This broader scope ensures that marginalized communities, often sidelined in clinical studies, are no longer invisible," said Estiri. Limitations of the study and AI tool include that health record data used in the algorithm to account for long COVID symptoms may be less complete than what is captured by physicians in post-visit clinical notes. Another limitation was the algorithm did not capture possible worsening of a prior condition, which may have been a long COVID symptom. For example, if a patient had COPD and prior episodes of it worsened before they developed COVID-19, the algorithm might have removed them even if their persisting symptoms were a long COVID indicator. Declines in the amount of COVID-19 testing in recent years also make it difficult to identify when a patient may have first gotten COVID-19. The study was also limited to patients in Massachusetts. Future studies may explore the algorithm in cohorts of patients with specific conditions, like COPD or diabetes. The researchers also plan to release this algorithm publicly on open access, where physicians and health care systems globally can use it in their patient populations. In addition to opening the door to better clinical care, this work may lay the foundation for future research into the genetic and biochemical factors behind long COVID's various subtypes. "Questions about the true burden of long COVIDquestions that have thus far remained elusivenow seem more within reach," said Estiri. More information: Azhir A et al, Precision Phenotyping for Curating Research Cohorts of Patients with Unexplained Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19, Med (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.10.009. www.cell.com/med/fulltext/S2666-6340(24)00407-0 Journal information: Med This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Presentation of treatment course and tumor response of patient 6. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53041-7 Researchers from Queen Mary University of London, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University in Beijing have tested a virus treatment in eight patients with glioblastoma. The treatment was safe and effective below a maximum dose, with complete remission achieved in one patient, supporting progression to phase II clinical trials. Glioblastoma is the most common and fatal type of brain cancer, with most patients surviving fewer than 14 months after diagnosis. Existing treatments have limited success, and tumor recurrence is common. Oncolytic virusesviruses that selectively target and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmedhave gained attention as promising treatments and have been tested widely in glioblastoma. However, delivering these treatments is challenging. "Most existing oncolytic viruses are ineffective at low doses and too toxic at higher doses. The key challenge is how to increase efficacy without causing harmful side effects," said Professor Yaohe Wang, co-lead author of the study and inventor of the virus being tested. "We believe our approach offers a way forward." In this phase I, dose-escalation study, the team enrolled eight patients with glioblastoma that had returned after surgery. Patients received one of three dosages of the new virus, named Ad-TD-nsIL12. The team identified a maximum-tolerated dose, below which the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with only mild to moderate side effects. Encouragingly, one patient achieved a complete response, meaning that the tumor disappeared entirely, and another experienced a partial response, with tumor shrinkage. The results of the phase I trial are published in Nature Communications. Professor Wang was able to meet some of the patients his invention has been benefitting in a recent visit to Beijing. "I was introduced to the patient who had a complete response to the treatment, who shook my hand and thanked me," Professor Wang recalls. "I was extremely touched by the experience, and it reinforced the potential of this therapy and the necessity to continue working hard on its development." The success of the Ad-TD-nsIL12 virus lies in its unique design. The team genetically engineered an adenovirus (a type of virus typically associated with common colds) to deliver a modified version of IL-12one of the most potent immune-boosting proteins. IL-12 has shown enormous potential in inhibiting tumor growth but can be extremely toxic in its natural form. To overcome this, the team engineered a version that restricts its release from cells, limiting it to the area surrounding the tumor and preventing it from building up to high levels throughout the body. The researchers believe that Ad-TD-nsIL12 could be a promising candidate for combination therapies, potentially working alongside other treatments like immunotherapy. "It's like Yin and Yang," explained Professor Wang. "This virus enhances the positive signals that encourage the immune system to attack the tumor, but it could also be paired with treatments that block the tumor's ability to suppress the immune system." Following these early results, the team plans to progress to Phase II trials, which will be led by Professor Hongwei Zhang in Beijing Sanbo Hospital, where this treatment's effectiveness can be more fully assessed in a larger group of patients with glioblastoma. In addition, the researchers believe that this treatment could hold promise in other cancer types. This work, which brings together experts from Beijing and London, highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing cancer research. Professor Wang emphasized, "This collaboration was key to the success of the project, and we look forward to continuing our work together as we develop this promising therapy further." More information: Weihai Ning et al, Non-secreting IL12 expressing oncolytic adenovirus Ad-TD-nsIL12 in recurrent high-grade glioma: a phase I trial, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53041-7 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Zhangbiao Long, Suyu Jiang, Honglei Xin, Lu Zhang, Ruinan Lu, Fengqi Liu, Yong Xu, Linv Wang, Jun Wang, Xuezhong Zhang, Hui Liao, Jinning Shi, Xue Yan, Xiang Zhu, Ruonan Shao, Zijian Li, Yilin Zhu, Han Yan, Jiao Wu, Chao Fang, Xiaodong Xi, Xiaofeng Shi The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the rapid development and administration of various vaccines worldwide, with some reports linking these vaccines to immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A report published in Frontiers of Medicine presents two cases of TTP occurring after the administration of the inactivated vaccine CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech, highlighting the potential association between this type of vaccine and TTP. The article also provides an analysis of TTP incidence in the Nanjing area of China, suggesting a possible correlation between COVID-19 vaccination and the occurrence of TTP. The first case details a 23-year-old female who developed symptoms of TTP three days after receiving her second dose of CoronaVac. Initially presenting with dizziness and weakness, her condition progressed to include thrombocytopenia, anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and -hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (-HBDH) levels, with further deterioration indicated by decreased platelet count, hemoglobin levels, and the presence of schistocytes in peripheral blood smears. Despite negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results, the patient was treated with dexamethasone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and platelet transfusion. Her condition improved following the introduction of glucocorticoids, plasma exchange, and rituximab, with a gradual return to normal values for ADAMTS13 antigen and inhibitory antibodies. The second case involves a 45-year-old female who experienced fever and muscle soreness five days after her second dose of CoronaVac. She presented with a high fever, hematological abnormalities, acute renal failure, and thrombocytopenia. Despite negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results and initial suspicions of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), she was later diagnosed with TTP based on the presence of schistocytes in peripheral blood smears and significantly low ADAMTS13 levels. Treatment with plasma exchange and glucocorticoids led to her recovery, although she experienced a retroperitoneal hemorrhage that required surgical intervention. The report also examines a series of TTP cases from 14 hospitals in the Nanjing area, showing an increase in TTP incidence from 2019 to 2022 that may be related to COVID-19 vaccination. The data suggests that while TTP is rare, with an average annual incidence of about one new case per million people, the incidence rates increased in years following the initiation of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. It is hypothesized that the increase in TTP cases could be associated with the vaccines, although a direct causal link is not established. Discussion within the report delves into the potential mechanisms by which COVID-19 vaccines could trigger TTP, focusing on the autoimmune response that may cross-react with ADAMTS13, leading to its deficiency and subsequent TTP development. The report also emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis of TTP, as misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, which may exacerbate the condition. Furthermore, it underscores the critical nature of plasma exchange and immunosuppression in the treatment of TTP, as evidenced by the successful management of the reported cases. In conclusion, this report presents the first known cases of TTP associated with an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the potential adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines. It also provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of TTP, highlighting the need for vigilance and appropriate clinical management in the context of COVID-19 vaccination programs. The findings suggest a potential link between COVID-19 vaccination and TTP incidence, warranting further investigation to understand the mechanisms involved and to guide the development of strategies for the prevention and management of vaccine-related TTP. More information: Zhangbiao Long et al, Acquired immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac, Frontiers of Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1054-2 Provided by Higher Education Press This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Relationships between cancer deaths, GDP, cancer mortality-to-cancer incidence ratio, and number of EBRT machines. Credit: The Lancet Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00452-2 A new study led by Oxford University and involving Swansea University has found that the treatment of cancer in twelve former Soviet Union countries is being impacted by shortages and inconsistencies in equipment and staff. The ART (Access to Radiotherapy Technologies) study, published in The Lancet Oncology, has highlighted crucial gaps in access to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy technologies (RT) in a region made up of the Baltics, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. By addressing these gaps, health care services can increase their ability to rapidly diagnose and effectively treat cancer patients, ultimately improving patient survival rates. The former Soviet Union region is ranked second highest in the world for the number of radiotherapy cancer treatments delivered mainly with "outdated" cobalt-60 machines. To date, there has been a lack of understanding about the obstacles preventing the shift to more effective linear accelerators (LINACs) for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). LINACs are more precise and effective than cobalt-60 machines; they are also safer as they do not use radioactive materials. However, these devices rely on skilled staff and regular maintenance, meaning health care providers are required to make a significant investment in infrastructure and training. Through national cancer data and a combination of surveys and workshops with cancer specialists and regulators, the research team identified the challenges these countries face and how suitable funding could improve their radiotherapy technologies and other cancer-related services. Although the characteristics of the countries vary significantly in terms of total population, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, cancer incidence, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), there are several key trends. In general, more economically developed countries, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have greater diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy equipment capacity, as well as greater radiation oncology and human resources. They also have better cancer survival rates. The Baltic countries have both above-average EBRT capacity and number of oncologists, while countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have lower radiation therapy equipment capacity and lower radiation therapy staffing levels. However, greater equipment capacity does not always translate into improved survival. For instance, Georgia has above regional average radiation therapy equipment capacity but also has the highest cancer mortality rate. According to the team, this underscores the importance of having sufficient numbers of trained staff. The countries with the lowest GDPs and lowest EBRT capacities, such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, have the lowest reported cancer death rates. Researchers believe this is likely due to the lack of diagnostic imaging equipment in these countries, causing many cancer patients to go undiagnosed. In support of this, the countries with the highest GDPs and highest EBRT capacity have the highest reported death rates but the most favorable cancer MIR. Dr. Richard Hugtenburg, a primary author of the study and medical physicist at Singleton Hospital and Swansea University Medical School, said, "Each of the countries we surveyed has widely differing resources for the delivery of radiotherapy, yet nearly all have a shortage of medical physicists, radiation therapy technologists, and engineers to maintain equipment. There is an urgent need to expand educational and training opportunities. "The workshops were an opportunity to share strategies in education and technology development. I presented at the 2022 workshop in Almaty, Kazakhstan and spoke about our advances in the provision of radiotherapy in the UK, including Singleton Hospital's involvement in the Fast Forward breast trial, which showed that patient visits could be safely reduced from 15 to 5 days, and was rolled out for the majority of patients during COVID-19. "Cancer is a global challenge, with technological and scientific advances having the potential to benefit low- and middle-income countries, as well as addressing the wide variation in quality of care in high-income countries." Lead researcher Professor Manjit Dosanjh, visiting professor at the University of Oxford, said, "Improving cancer survival for the countries in the Access to Radiotherapy Technologies (ART) study requires a multilayered approach that includes building human and technical capacity, improving cancer detection rates, and improving the accessibility to and quality of all cancer care. Because of major differences in available resources, each country needs to develop a specific roadmap to improve its cancer program." The study was carried out by the International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC) and led by global cancer experts from Oxford University and Swansea University, UK; International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Austria; King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan; Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia; University of Abuja, Nigeria; and the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST) together with representatives from the ART study countries. The countries examined were Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. More information: Manjit Dosanjh et al, Access to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy technologies for patients with cancer in the Baltic countries, eastern Europe, central Asia, and the Caucasus: a comprehensive analysis, The Lancet Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00452-2 Journal information: Lancet Oncology Sony holds a briefing on ESG (environmental, social and governance) at its booth during the 7th China International Import Expo held in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] At this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE), Sony has underscored its commitment to "empowering creativity and sustainability through technology." Marking its third appearance at this high-profile global event, the tech giant has highlighted the importance of China to its long-term strategy, showcasing cutting-edge innovations that not only inspire sustainability but also reflect a shared vision for a better future. The CIIE is an annual trade exhibition that brings together leading enterprises from a vast array of industries, boosting international trade and high-quality economic development. Being held in Shanghai from Nov. 5-10, this year marks the seventh year that China has organized this expo. Takashi Yoshida, president of Sony China, emphasized the significance of the expo as a platform for Sony to present its latest technologies, deepen cooperation and stimulate innovation. "Sony's third participation in the CIIE not only reflects our long-term commitment to the Chinese market but also our firm belief in creating a better future together with China," Yoshida remarked on Wednesday at Sony's booth. In alignment with the Beautiful China initiative and its pursuit of green and low-carbon development, Sony has actively sought to integrate sustainable practices across all its operations in China. At the 7th CIIE, Sony has unveiled three major eco-friendly materials and a symbiotic agriculture technique, reinforcing its support for green industrial upgrades and encouraging eco-friendly consumer spending. One of the featured materials is SORPLAS (sustainable oriented recycled plastic), a high flame-retardant plastic made from recycled buckets, discarded CDs and a proprietary Sony-developed flame-retardant. With a renewable material utilization rate of up to 99%, SORPLAS is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is already in use across Sony's product lines, including Bravia TVs, Alpha cameras and Xperia smartphones. Another innovation at the exhibition is Triporous, a naturally derived porous carbon material made from rice husks. At its CIIE booth, Sony has on display items such as clothing and blankets that are produces using this Sony-developed material. Sony is also showcasing OBM (original blended material), a durable, recyclable and multifunctional material. Widely used with packaging and manuals for Sony products, OBM is a testament to the tech giant's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Sony releases the 19th edition of Sony China Sustainability Report 2024 at the 7th China International Import Expo held in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] On Wednesday at the exhibition, Sony launched the 19th edition of Sony China Sustainability Report 2024, with printed copies produced for the first time using OBM. Recognizing China as one of the most significant and promising global markets for Sony, Sony China has committed to a strategy of localization to better serve Chinese consumers. Established in Oct. 1996, Sony China is working to build a comprehensive operation platform to support local product planning, design, R&D, production, sales and customer service, enabling Sony to deliver high-quality, innovative products tailored to the Chinese market. To date, Sony has invested in three large-scale manufacturing facilities in China and has established engineering, design, R&D and software development centers in cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. These facilities not only support fundamental research but also allow Sony to customize products specifically to the needs and preferences of Chinese consumers. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Proportions of recommendations followed, based on the type of recommendation (n = 718). Credit: British Journal of Cancer (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02890-6 More than half of midlands-based cancer patients whose genomes were successfully sequenced through the 100,000 Genomes Project, received clinical recommendations according to a new study. Almost 60% of participants signed up to the 100,000 Genomes Project through the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, whose genome sequencing results were discussed by a specialist genomic multidisciplinary team, had clinical recommendations made. Four in ten (40.4%) of participants had a potential treatment recommendation, for example a licensed or unlicensed drug or clinical trial, although few of these treatment recommendations led to changes in the patient's cancer care. A paper published in The British Journal of Cancer led by Professor Andrew Beggs and his team of researchers at the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with The West Midlands Regional Genomics Laboratory, Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and The Wessex NHS Genomics Medicine Centre, has evaluated the regional implementation of the 100,000 Genomes Project for cancer patients. Professor Beggs from the University of Birmingham, who led the study said, "The results of this study on whole genome sequencing on cancer patients in our region are particularly interesting because our local population is very diverse with many minority ethnic groups represented and a wide range of participants with extremes of socioeconomic status." "It is hoped that whole genome sequencing may provide therapeutic avenues for patients with currently very limited therapeutic options. It is also possible that with longer follow-up more of the participants may access stratified medicine options based on the whole genome sequencing data, particularly at times of disease relapse or recurrence." Landmark initiative The 100,000 Genomes Project was a landmark initiative in the United Kingdom, evaluating the feasibility and benefits of whole genome sequencing in cancers and rare diseases. The study found that different types of cancer were associated with different rates of recommended actions. For example, 53.7% of lung cancer participants had potential treatment or trial recommendations versus only 13.3% of blood cancer participants. Furthermore, participants with breast and pediatric cancers were more likely to be referred to clinical genetic services. Throughout the period of study, an improvement in recruitment, sample quality and also speed of sequencing turnaround was seen, from 16 weeks to complete a sequence to just 4 weeks by the end of the study. This suggests that the project has helped to build infrastructure and experience, which facilitates more efficient delivery of whole genome sequencing. Dr. Helen Robbins from the University of Birmingham and a co-author of the study said, "This study reviewed the clinical utility of whole genome sequencing for cancer patients. The 100,000 Genomes Project adopted an unselected approach to sequencing, and did not exclude patients based on stage, grade or prognosis. "The benefit of this strategy is that it better contributes to the biological understanding of malignancy, the downside being that a significant portion of patients who have their genomes sequenced were unable to have any change to their cancer management." More information: Elaine Y. L. Leung et al, The potential clinical utility of Whole Genome Sequencing for patients with cancer: evaluation of a regional implementation of the 100,000 Genomes Project, British Journal of Cancer (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02890-6 Journal information: British Journal of Cancer This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Can large national health plans make an impact in reducing prescribing of high-risk medications to people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias by mailing patients, caregivers and their health care providers educational materials? A study led by UMass Chan Medical School researchers, recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that the educational mailings made no difference. "People with dementia are at risk both of polypharmacy and adverse effects of certain drugs, more so than other groups of older people," said principal investigator Jerry H. Gurwitz, MD'83, the Dr. John Meyers Professor of Primary Care Medicine, and a researcher in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Division of Health Systems Science. "So, continual reassessment of their needs is really, really important, and that was the driving force behind our study." Investigators targeted antipsychotics, sedative-hypnotics and strong anticholinergics like bladder-control drugs. The study, known as D-PRESCRIBE-AD, which stands for Developing a Program to Educate and Sensitize Caregivers to Reduce the Inappropriate Prescription Burden in Elderly with Alzheimer's Disease, was a pragmatic randomized clinical trial. It enrolled nearly 13,000 people with dementia living in the community in the United States who were enrolled in one of two national health plans. Sonal Singh, MD, MPH, associate professor of family medicine & community health, was first author on the paper. Participants were randomized into three arms: In one group, only the prescribing clinician received a mailing from the health plan alerting them to the risks of the targeted drug; another group had mailings sent to the patient and their caregiver as well as their prescribing clinician; and the third group received care as usual, without the mailings. Dr. Gurwitz said that mailings are still the method of choice used by health plans to communicate with clinicians and patients. And as someone who provided care to older adults for over 30 years, he wasn't surprised that the letters to clinicians were ignored during busy clinic days. "Mailings to health care providers arrive completely out of context," he said of the letters. "But we were hopeful that the patient or their caregiver would bring the mailed information to their health care providers to think together about what was best for the patient." Gurwitz said the negative results of the trial still have important lessons. "The bigger implications of our study relate to how health plans communicate with their members," he said. "Health plans go through the motions, and they never know if what they're sending out had any kind of impact, even for important things like use of a medication that may be unsafe. It's really an important challenge, and they have to figure out a better way." The study also showed the importance of randomized interventions with a comparison group receiving usual care. During the six-month study period of follow-up, around one in five patients who received, or whose provider received, the letter stopped taking the targeted drug. "That's pretty good for just sending a letter, but the reality is the same number of people who didn't get the letter stopped taking the medication, too," said Gurwitz. Gurwitz said that the study's negative results are consistent with at least one other study in the U.S. Similar studies done in Canada with smaller numbers of people, which directly involved pharmacists, have shown more success from educational interventions. It's a question for future research to explore why. The UMass Chan team is pursuing additional research, in partnership with the national health plans, to test novel solutions to address the challenges of unsafe prescribing to older persons living with dementia. "We can't stop trying," Gurwitz said. More information: Sonal Singh et al, High-Risk Medications in Persons Living With Dementia, JAMA Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5632 Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Age standardized incidence of lung cancer by ethnicity in the primary care population, 20052019. Rates per 100,000 person-years adjusted to the standard European population. Credit: The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101124 The most comprehensive study ever conducted of lung cancer diagnosis in England has revealed significant disparities between ethnic groups and striking evidence that people living in the most deprived areas were diagnosed with lung cancer at twice the rate of those in affluent areas. The study, published in The Lancet Regional HealthEurope, which is the largest of its kind, analyzed health records of more than 17.5 million people and more than 84,000 lung cancer cases, found that Bangladeshi men had the highest rates of lung cancer, while people from the most deprived areas developed the disease at twice the rate of those from affluent areas. Among those who developed lung cancer, people from deprived areas had a 35% higher risk of being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease. Researchers from Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences found clear evidence that different ethnic groups show distinct patterns of lung cancer types, with important implications for screening and early detection. Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox, senior author of the study, said, "This research provides the strongest evidence yet of how your ethnic background and social circumstances affect both your risk of developing lung cancer and the type of cancer you may develop. These findings are particularly timely as the NHS rolls out its targeted lung cancer screening program." Key findings include: Bangladeshi men showed the highest lung cancer rates, followed by White, Chinese and Caribbean men Women and people from Indian, Caribbean, Black African, Chinese and other Asian backgrounds were twice as likely to be diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, one of the most common types of lung cancer Lung cancer occurred twice as frequently in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas (215 vs. 94 cases per 100,000 person-years for men; 147 vs. 62 for women) Men and current smokers were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of cancer than women and non-smokers Dr. Daniel Tzu-Hsuan Chen, who led the research, said, "For the first time, we can see clear patterns in how lung cancer affects different communities across England. This isn't just about smokingour research shows that ethnic background and social circumstances play crucial roles in both cancer risk and how the disease develops." The findings come at a crucial time as the NHS rolls out its Targeted Lung Health Check Program across England. This screening initiative currently focuses on areas with high lung cancer rates and social deprivation, aiming to detect cancer earlier when it's more treatable. The new research could help ensure these vital health checks reach those most at risk and are tailored to different community needs. Early detection through targeted screening could significantly reduce treatment costs for the NHS, as late-stage cancer care is considerably more expensive. More importantly, catching cancer earlier could save thousands of lives each year. The research highlights how social factors like poverty and health care access affect cancer outcomes. "We need to ensure our cancer services are reaching all communities effectively and that everyone has the same opportunity for early diagnosis, regardless of their background or where they live," said Professor Hippisley-Cox. "But tackling these disparities isn't just about lung cancer, when we address these fundamental inequalities in health care access and social deprivation, we can improve health outcomes across many conditions. This research helps make the case for wider action on health inequalities." More information: Daniel Tzu-Hsuan Chen et al, Ethnic disparities in lung cancer incidence and differences in diagnostic characteristics: a population-based cohort study in England, The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101124 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Association of host cell-derived CD55 and CD59 with purified SARS-CoV-2 particles. Credit: Emerging Microbes & Infections (2024). DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2417868 Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and the Medical University of Innsbruck discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity. This significantly impairs viral clearance which may affect the course of both acute COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 sequelae. The study is published in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections. An early and effective immune response is crucial for resolving viral infections and preventing post-infectious complications. The complement system, a pivotal element of antiviral immunity, is a cascade of proteins found in the bloodstream and at mucosal sites, such as the respiratory tract. Activated through three different pathways, complement facilitates the clearance of virus particles by directly inducing their destruction (lysis). To prevent bystander damage to host cells, complement is rapidly inactivated by a set of host molecules referred to as complement regulatory proteins. The study led by Anna Ohradanova-Repic and colleagues from the Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology at the Medical University of Vienna in collaboration with the team of Heribert Stoiber from the Institute of Virology at the Medical University of Innsbruck shows that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three of these regulatory proteins, CD55, CD59 and Factor H, and thereby successfully shields itself from complement-mediated lysis. Hijacking host proteins for effective complement resistance By propagating SARS-CoV-2 in human cells, the researchers discovered that the virus particles acquire the cellular proteins CD55 and CD59. Further experiments showed that SARS-CoV-2 also binds to Factor H, another complement regulatory protein that is primarily found in the bloodstream. Confronting the virus particles with active complement revealed that they are partially resistant to complement-mediated lysis. By removing CD55, CD59 and Factor H from the virus surface or inhibiting their biological functions, the researchers could successfully restore complement-mediated clearance of SARS-CoV-2. "Through hijacking these three proteins, SARS-CoV-2 can evade all three complement pathways, resulting in reduced or delayed viral clearance by the infected host," Anna Ohradanova-Repic, the leader of the study explains. Because complement is intricately linked with other components of the immune system, this not only affects virus elimination but can also cause significant inflammation, a core feature of both severe COVID-19 and long COVID. "Uncovering immune evasion mechanisms that allow the virus to linger within the host for longer, deepen our understanding of the acute and long-term impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection," says first author Laura Gebetsberger. More information: Laura Gebetsberger et al, SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host CD55, CD59 and factor H to impair antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis, Emerging Microbes & Infections (2024). DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2417868 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain This year could shape up to be the worst year for whooping cough Washington has seen in over a decade. State health officials counted 1,193 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, across 31 counties as of Nov. 2, according to the Department of Health's most recent update. This time last year, the state had reported 51 cases. Washington is not alone in its sharp rise of the highly contagious bacterial infection this year. It's been an unusually bad year for whooping cough in the United States, which has counted more than 20,000 cases so far. Seven states, including Washington, have reported more than 1,000 infections. "The surge in pertussis cases is a stark reminder of how critical vaccinations are in protecting our most vulnerable, especially infants for whom it can be life threatening," Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, the state's chief science officer and a pediatrician, said in a statement. Of the people who have gotten sick, 28 have been hospitalized, including 12 infants younger than 1 year old, according to DOH. More than 80% of cases were recorded among those under 18, with about 34% among those younger than 4. The highest rates of infection are in Whitman, Clark and Chelan counties, which all reported rates between 78 and 113 cases per 100,000 people. Eight counties have not yet reported any instances of whooping cough. In King County, there are about 6.5 cases per 100,000. Whooping cough often begins with common cold symptoms, including a runny nose, but can lead to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months, according to DOH. Babies are at the highest risk for severe illness and death. Some infants might not show typical coughing symptoms, but can experience "dangerous pauses" in their breathing, DOH said. "To protect babies from whooping cough, people of all ages should get up to date on pertussis vaccination, and anyone with symptoms should see a health care provider to see if testing and antibiotic treatment are needed," Kwan-Gett said. Whooping cough vaccines are the most effective way to prevent severe illness from the infection, according to local and national health experts. The shots are routine and "extraordinarily safe," Dr. Helen Chu and Collrane Frivold, infectious disease and vaccine researchers at the University of Washington, wrote in an op-ed published in The Seattle Times this week. "Unfortunately, skepticism that arose during the pandemic about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine has bled over into a declining confidence in routine childhood vaccines, and now many children, teens and young adults in our community are under-vaccinated," Chu and Frivold wrote. In Washington, the rate of K-12 childhood immunizations has settled at around 90% the past few school yearslower than it was during the worst of the pandemic, but higher than before 2020. Public health officials have been particularly concerned about kindergartners, who have reported lower vaccination rates in the past two years. During the 20232024 school year, about 87% of them were up-to-date on immunizations, compared with about 91% during the 2020-2021 year, state data shows. Lower vaccination rates mean "we can expect to see outbreaks of several vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough now that schools are back in session," Chu and Frivold said in the op-ed. In late August, Clark County's public health department warned its residents about the continued rise in whooping cough cases there. About 65% of people who got sick had never received a whooping cough vaccine, according to Clark County public health. In the U.S., the whooping cough vaccine comes in two forms: DTaP and Tdap, which both also help protect against tetanus and diphtheria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the shots work well, protection decreases over time, the CDC says. Waning immunity ultimately accounted for many of the cases seen in the state's whooping cough epidemic of 2012, Chu and Frivold wrote. That year, The Seattle Times reported the state had the third-highest rate of whooping cough cases in the nation and almost 5,000 infections. The outbreak prompted dozens of federal disease investigators to descend on the state, in addition to others with high infection rates, to figure out what was behind the wave of cases. Another significant whooping cough outbreak hit the state in 2015, when we had about 1,380 cases, according to DOH. "There's now a recommendation for a (pertussis vaccine) booster dose in adolescents to prevent this waning immunity," Chu said during a UW Medicine news conference last month. Pregnant people are encouraged to get the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, which helps protect their babies after birth, until they're old enough to start the whooping cough vaccination series at two months old. State health officials are "closely monitoring" the continued spread of whooping cough and are working with local health teams to provide resources and support, DOH said. For more information about whooping cough or what to do if you get sick, visit the state Department of Health website. 2024 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Bayer's radiology business chief reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Chinese market during an interview at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Nov. 6 in Shanghai. "This is a fantastic platform for interacting with other companies and the government while seeking collaborations," said Nelson Ambrogio, head of the radiology business at Bayer's pharmaceuticals division. "In the past seven years, we've introduced more than 100 innovative technologies and launched eight new products, which we call 'CIIE babies.' We have also signed 30 contracts," he told China.org.cn. "This year, our exhibition space at CIIE exceeds 800 square meters," he added. Ambrogio highlighted China's position as a strategic market for Bayer's radiology business. "The Chinese market is growing, and we expect it will continue to grow because of the need for more diagnostic procedures in the future that lead to better patient outcomes in the long term. We are making investments and will continue to make investments," he said. A key demonstration of this commitment is Bayer's multi-million dollar supply center in Beijing, launched in September 2023. According to Ambrogio, the facility aims to begin local production of injectors within three to five years. Bayer's Booth at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Bayer] Attending the expo for the seventh consecutive year, the life science giant is showcasing its latest products and technologies across pharmaceutical, consumer health and crop science, as it seeks to strengthen local partnerships. In the field of radiology, the company introduced its MEDRAD Centargo CT Injection System, a "CIIE Baby." This product is the first CT high-pressure injector registered with a Class III certificate in China and includes a Smart Protocol assistant that creates personalized injection protocols based on equipment parameters and patient factors. Beyond new production facilities, Ambrogio emphasized local cooperation with Chinese institutions and scientists. He noted that Bayer is engaged in "very good conversations" aimed at harnessing the advanced scientific work being conducted in China. "This applies to the manufacturing of our products," he explained, and also to "the great work in artificial intelligence in China." Ambrogio noted that Bayer seeks to share its expertise while exploring commercialization opportunities for Chinese institutional research. Earlier that day, Ambrogio visited two hospitals to discuss collaborative efforts with leading R&D, focusing on data generation and developing solutions specific to the Chinese population. "We are investing in China in many ways," he added. An American business owner recently reported a high-stakes fraud scheme to Kenyan authorities, leading to the arrest of Michael Otieno Owano, a lawyer allegedly linked to a fake tender scam valued at over Kes 182 million. Detectives from the Operations Support Unit arrested Owano at Nairobis Milimani Law Courts after he attended a hearing for another criminal case (CR 145/13/2024) in which he is also an accused party. Owano, the purported head of Owano Michael & Co. Advocates, is suspected of playing a central role in a scheme that deceived the American businessman into paying for fictitious government contracts. The scam, which dates back to 2022, reportedly began when Alvin Alexander, claiming to be the CEO of Orion AST Company, convinced the American businessman, who owns Underground Pipeline Rehabilitation Company, to travel to Nairobi. Alexander promised the businessman access to Kenyan government officials and lucrative tenders. Upon arrival, the complainant attended several meetings and received three fake tender documents, promising contracts for large-scale projects: a control center system for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, an information management system for the ICT Authority, and automatic weather stations for the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Natural Resources. To secure these contracts, the complainant was instructed to make payments covering bid bonds, legal fees, and work permits, totaling USD 1,617,200 (equivalent to Kes 182,743,600). Four law firms, including Owano Michael & Co. Advocates, processed these payments through escrow accounts. These included $90,000 to Owano Michael & Co. Advocates for legal services, with additional amounts paid to other firms, such as Ollando Misare & Associates, LLP, and Ouko Angado Co. Advocates. Following these payments, the complainant endured months of delays, ignored calls, and canceled meetings. Suspecting fraud, he reported the incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which launched a swift investigation. Detectives subsequently apprehended Owano and now seek charge approval from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) ahead of his next court date. Authorities continue to pursue Owanos accomplices, determined to dismantle the entire fraud network. A judge has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to file evidence in a lawsuit filed by Omnicare Medical, operating under the name Body by Design, which KMPDC closed following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui after a body contouring procedure last month. Omnicare Medical, which filed the case on October 31, seeks a court order to prevent KMPDC from shutting down its operations. The facility claims KMPDC closed its Nairobi County establishment without proper notice. In the lawsuit filed by lawyer Danstan Omari, Omnicare alleges that it performed a successful liposuction procedure on Lucy Wambui on October 16, 2024. However, Wambui later passed away at Nairobi Hospital, ten days after the procedure while receiving treatment. Omnicare seeks the High Courts intervention to stop KMPDC from closing its facility. The lawyer also requests the cancellation of the closure notice posted at the medical facilitys entrance, arguing that it infringes upon Omnicares right to conduct business and provide services to its clients. In the evidence presented to the High Court, Omnicare Medical asserts that it specializes in body contouring procedures and employs highly qualified personnel. The court also heard that on October 31, KMPDC requested the patients information and the academic credentials of the staff who attended to the deceased. RELATED Lucy Wambuis Death: New Autopsy Report Uncovers Disturbing Details of Surgical Complications Omnicare further claims that its offices were barricaded by goons who threatened to burn them down. The health facility is now pleading with the court to protect its business, stating that it employs a significant number of workers who would lose their jobs if the facility is shut down. Omnicare has named KMPDC, the Ministry of Health, and the Nairobi County Director of Health as respondents in the case. On Tuesday, Justice John Chigiti, who certified the case as urgent, ordered KMPDC to submit its evidence within seven days. The judge also directed KMPDC to serve its evidence to Omnicare Medical so the facility can respond to the issues raised. The case is set for mention on December 4, 2024, for further directions. Following Donald Trumps election as the 47th President, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi assured that Kenyas economic ties with the U.S. will remain stable. In response to questions about how the election outcome might affect Kenya-U.S. relations, Mbadi confirmed that there would be no significant changes in Kenyas economic and policy connections with the U.S. Mbadi also addressed concerns about whether Trumps presidency would influence ongoing discussions between Kenya and the U.S., particularly regarding debt support raised during President William Rutos State Visit to the U.S. in May. The Treasury Minister emphasized that U.S. foreign policy, especially towards Africa, is consistent regardless of the political party in power. American policy generally doesnt change much whether the White House is held by a Republican or a Democrat, Mbadi said. The policy on Africa and economic engagement remains stable, so I dont expect any major shifts. Mbadi congratulated the American people on the election result, adding, Whether that was my wish or not is immaterial. It was the decision of the American people. He also noted that Kenyas primary engagement with the U.S. occurs through multilateral channels, such as the World Bank, where U.S. contributions indirectly benefit Kenya and other African countries. This reliance on multilateral support means that changes in U.S. leadership will have a limited impact on Kenyas economic aid and support. Our current engagement is more at the multilateral level. The U.S. supports the World Bank, from which we receive assistance, Mbadi explained. Even bilateral engagements would not be affected by the election results. The High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the lifting of the ban on genetically modified (GMO) foods. The court ruled that the issue had already been addressed by the Environment and Land Court in October last year. Justice Lawrence Mugambi stated, The court finds that the current petition is res judicata and hereby strikes it out with no orders as to costs. In its earlier ruling, the Environment Court dismissed a case filed by the Kenya Peasants League, a lobby group representing peasant farmers, who had challenged GMO imports. The court concluded that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence proving that GMOs are harmful to people. Justice Oscar Angote, who presided over the case, ruled that adequate public participation had taken place, citing a session held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) and a gazette notice as part of the process. The court also noted that the petitioner had made premature claims regarding the cultivation, importation, and exportation of GMO maize without proper licensing, but no supporting evidence was provided. The respondent is already engaged in food cultivation, processing, import, and export Justice Angote noted. Additionally, the court pointed out that the petitioner had not challenged the international or domestic laws governing GMOs. Evidence presented in court demonstrated that Kenya has a robust framework regulating GMO viability. Evidence before me has shown that the country has put in place a strong framework with inbuilt structures that must be met before considering the use of GMOs, Justice Angote stated. He added that the International Biosafety Authority can assess food safety. The court further emphasized that Kenya has multiple institutions in place to handle GMO-related matters, making it unlikely that all these bodies would conspire to expose the population to a disaster. I dismiss the petition, Justice Angote concluded. David Ndii, Chairperson of the Presidential Council of Economic Advisors, warned Kenyans that the country will face continued tough economic times. Responding to public inquiries about when relief would come, Ndii explained that Kenyas financial difficulties started when the government entered an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking at the NCBA economic forum, Ndii likened Kenyas situation to being in receivership, where drastic measures such as cost-cutting are necessary to stabilize finances. When you enter an IMF program, you are in receivership. There is no relief. Relief only comes when you exit receivership, he said. He also drew parallels to companies in receivership, noting that the government must reduce expenses, which often leads to layoffs. Ndii pointed out that true economic recovery wont come from external loans or quick fixes but from comprehensive structural reforms that the government is currently working on. He emphasized, Many countries remain stuck in economic crises because they treat the symptoms, not the root causes. The economist insisted, An IMF program is merely a palliative. What is needed are the structural changes we are undertaking. You cant keep asking, How much relief are we getting? At this point in time, the answer is zero. China has taken a significant step in space logistics and commercial space advancement with the introduction of low-cost cargo spacecraft, including a space cargo shuttle, tailored to meet the frequent supply needs of its space station. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed on Oct. 29 the winners of its solicitation for overall schemes aimed at the low-cost cargo transportation system, a crucial component of the space station's operations. After two rounds of selection, schemes respectively from the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) and from the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) finally won the contracts for the flight verification phase, said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA. The IAMCAS-developed Qingzhou cargo spacecraft features an integrated single-capsule configuration with a cargo volume of up to 27 cubic meters. This expansive capacity is set to significantly cut cargo transportation costs and enhance flexibility in logistics. Equipped with an intelligent transportation system, the Qingzhou is capable of accommodating a variety of space science payloads, supporting both manned and unmanned in-orbit experiments. The cargo spacecraft is scheduled to be launched by the Lijian-2 rocket, which is manufactured by CAS Space. The Haolong space cargo shuttle, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the AVIC, is a winged, reusable spacecraft. It incorporates a large wingspan, high lift-to-drag ratio, and a reusable technology plan. Leveraging cutting-edge aviation technologies, the Haolong is capable of being launched by a carrier rocket, docking with the space station, and upon separation, executing de-orbit braking and re-entry maneuvers, culminating in a horizontal landing on an airport runway. It also possesses excellent flight performance in both atmospheric and space environments. The selection process has engaged scientific research institutes and commercial space companies in developing spacecraft, rockets and other flight products for China's manned space program, Lin said. Lin noted that this strategic move will not only slash cargo transportation costs for the space station but also pave the way for new opportunities in the growth of the country's commercial space industry. China has established a vibrant and competitive landscape in the low-cost cargo spacecraft sector. The involvement of established aerospace companies and emerging players is expected to fuel innovation and bolster the development of a healthy and orderly space logistics system. Beyond CAS Space, several commercial space companies are actively advancing the development of reusable medium-lift launch vehicles, signaling a shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective space travel solutions. The Zhuque-3 reusable rocket is currently undergoing the development of its system products in the preliminary design phase, and is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2025, with plans to achieve first-stage recovery and reuse by 2026, according to its developer LandSpace. The company aims to make a breakthrough in large-capacity, low-cost, and reusable launch vehicle technology within the next three years, supporting the advancement of China's commercial space industry, LandSpace said. The emergence of these companies has invigorated the country's commercial space market, propelling technological progress and industrial upgrading within the aerospace field. Since 2015, the scale of China's commercial space market has maintained rapid growth. According to data analysis provider iiMedia Research, the country's commercial space market has seen a remarkable annual growth rate of over 20 percent since 2017, with the market size projected to soar to approximately 2.34 trillion yuan by 2024. Attendees take photos outside the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing on Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the organizer] The first World Conference of Classics opened at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing on Nov. 7. The two-day event, themed "Classical Civilizations and the Modern World," brought together experts and scholars from more than 30 countries and regions to discuss the relevance of classical civilizations in the modern world. At the conference, Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and Lina Mendoni, Greek minister of culture, conducted the handover ceremony of the permission documents for the establishment of the China Classical Civilization Research Institute in Athens. This joint initiative between China and Greece aims to deepen academic research, exchange and mutual learning of classical civilizations. The establishment ceremony of the China Classical Civilization Research Institute is held at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing on Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the organizer] Gao Xiang expounded on the close connection between classical civilizations and the modern world. Classical civilizations have created splendid cultural arts and made far-reaching ideological and academic achievements, he explained, adding that Eastern and Western classical civilizations have laid the foundation for human development. Gao emphasized that the new research institute should respond to the Global Civilization Initiative, uphold the principles of inclusiveness, mutual learning and making the past serve the present, take the path of disciplinary integration, interact with multiple disciplines and draw on new technologies to activate the vitality of classical civilizations. Theodoros Papangelis, head of the delegation from the Academy of Athens in Greece, said in his speech that the conference is of great significance to classical scholars. He pointed out the modern phenomenon of paying too much attention to the future while ignoring ancient history, and referred to frequent discussions in the West about the crisis in the humanities, especially in classical studies. As such, he likened the conference to building a bridge between the classical and the modern, with the participants as the builders. Papangelis also highlighted the unique nature of the two countries jointly hosting the conference, as both China and Greece have long-standing and important classical traditions, which are crucial to the formation of national identities and societies. He concluded by expressing his firm belief that the conference will promote further exchanges between the two countries and have an impact on the world. The World Conference of Classics kicks off at the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing on Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the organizer] The first World Conference of Classics was co-hosted by the CASS, China's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Greece's Ministry of Culture, and the Academy of Athens. For the next three years, Mount St. Marys University will offer affordable semester-abroad trips to Dublin in the fall and spring semesters as well as a week-long summer study abroad experience. Under a partnership between the university and the Handmaids for the Sacred Heart of Jesus (HSHJ) congregation, the Mount will lease Clonmore House at the HSHJ property outside Dublin as a base for three years of study abroad trips in Ireland. This program meets our goal of offering a financially accessible study abroad opportunity comparable to the cost of a semester of room and board in residence at the Mount, said Love Sechrest, Ph.D., the Mounts associate provost for academic affairs and a professor in the Department of Theology. The program was made possible by a generous gift from Raphael Della Ratta, C92, a member of the Mounts Board of Trustees and a long-time supporter of the liberal arts at the university. Della Rattas gift funded the Climb the Mount Initiative in support of the universitys mission. Under the Climb the Mount initiative, students are led through a self-discovery process as part of the integrated core curriculum. Next, students are introduced to avenues to leave campus to interact with the world beyond Emmitsburg. Finally, the university assists students in securing external academic opportunities that will launch them to purpose-driven lives and successful careers. In making study abroad more accessible to Mount students, the university will lease recently renovated Clonmore House, a dormitory-style building on the grounds of HSHJs St. Raphaelas Convent in Stillorgan, Ireland, for three years. Clonmore House features accommodations for students, a kitchen and dining area, and space for classes and recreation. The lease also includes housing for faculty leading the study abroad trips on St. Raphaelas grounds. St. Raphaelas convent is in County Dublin, mere minutes from Dublin city. The HSHJ congregation runs primary and secondary schools on the property. Sechrest worked alongside Elizabeth Strauss, Ph.D., interim director of international programs and assistant professor of history, in bringing the partnership to fruition, with help from Edward Egan, J,D., C'77, director of the Pre-Law Program and First-Year Symposium and lecturer in the Department of Political Science (as well as erstwhile faculty leader for Dublin semesters abroad); Bill Davies, vice president for business and finance; John Callahan, controller; and the Foreign Studies Advisory Committee faculty. Were thrilled to craft a sustainable pilot program for Mount students to have an incredible and affordable study abroad opportunity in Dublin, said Sechrest. The Mount will continue to offer selected trips to other destinations during the academic year and spring and summer breaks. To learn more about study abroad programs, visit https://msmary.edu/academics/international-programs/mount-sponsored-programs.html. SIUs Paul Simon Institute hosts leading diplomat to discuss statesmanship, world issues CARBONDALE, Ill. Jan Eliasson, a former Swedish and United Nations diplomat, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Tuesday, Nov. 12, for a virtual discussion about the complex challenges and important opportunities facing global leaders. Eliasson will join John Shaw, institute director, for a discussion that will center on how skilled diplomacy can help tackle vexing problems such as climate change, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, U.N. reform and the global refugee crisis. He will also discuss the international implications of the incoming Trump administration with its America First orientation. The discussion, via Zoom at 10 a.m., is free and open to the public, but registration to view the conversation is required. The discussion is part of the institutes Understanding Our New World discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register. Eliasson is the subject of Shaws recently published book, The Education of a Statesman: How Global Leaders Can Repair a Fractured World. The book examines Eliassons career, and Shaw offers insights into diplomacy and international politics, highlighting lessons to renew the global order in this period of what he describes as maximum danger. A 2006 book on Eliasson by Shaw, The Ambassador: Inside the Life of a Working Diplomat, chronicles Eliassons work as Swedens ambassador to the United Nations. Ambassador Eliasson is one of the great diplomats in the world. He is respected and revered everywhere for being principled, strategic, civil and effective, Shaw said. He has a deep interest in, and penetrating insights about, the United States, having lived here for nearly 20 years as a diplomat in Washington and New York. Eliasson held high level U.N. posts including president of the General Assembly, special envoy to Darfur, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy secretary-general. During his diplomatic career, Eliasson made important contributions to human rights, U.N. reform, Sustainable Development Goals, international water policy and advocating for what he calls a culture of prevention. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Eliasson on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. More information, a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available. VMPL New Delhi [India], November 8: Zence, powered by Easyrewardz, a leading provider of Unified CRM solution announced a collaboration with Google Wallet, marking a significant leap forward in the rewards landscape. This integration offers a seamless and convenient way for customers to access rewards. Consumers can now enjoy immediate access to their loyalty points and coupons directly through their mobile wallets, eliminating the need for physical cards or app downloads. Brands, in turn, gain a potent platform to drive customer acquisition, enhance engagement, and build loyalty through precision-targeted offers. With this robust integration, accessing loyalty account and rewards becomes a hassle-free, on-the-go experience, boosting customer satisfaction and brand affinity. "Our collaboration with Google Wallet positions us to redefine the rewards landscape. As a CRM leader, we are excited to offer brands a more integrated, customer-first approach to loyalty programs. With seamless mobile wallet integration, brands can expect to see increased engagement as customers prioritize convenience in their rewards experience. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in elevating customer journeys and loyalty experiences," said Soumya Chatterjee, CEO, Easyrewardz. Tejas Kadakia, Co-Founder and Sales Director at Easyrewardz, added, "This strategic alliance with Google Wallet marks a significant advancement for our clients and their customers. By enhancing the rewards experience, we are reshaping how brands connect with their audience. This integration empowers businesses to build loyalty through an enhanced platform that improves customer interactions. As we strive to innovate in our CRM solutions, this partnership will play a crucial role in driving business growth and strengthening customer relationships." About us Zence, powered by Easyrewardz, is the world's first end-to-end B2C-focused unified CRM stack. The CRM suite enables brands across various industries to create consistent and engaging experiences at every touchpoint of the customer journey. The connected customer experience (CX) solution is powered by a unified Customer Data Platform, allowing brands to orchestrate a holistic experience strategy and nurture lifelong customer relationships. The Zence CRM Stack integrates Lead Management, Loyalty Programs, Campaign Management, Marketing Automation, Ticket Management & Chatbot, Feedback Management, Customer Data Platform + Insights. Large enterprise brands, including Bata, BESTSELLER, The Belgian Waffle, The Body Shop, Levi's, Soch, Senco, Royal Orchid Hotels, have trusted Zence to create impactful brand experiences and delight customers. For media queries, please contact: VivekvKumar@lexiconworld.co.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 8: GoSchool, a progressive international online school, is breaking new ground to ensure that every child, irrespective of their learning needs, has access to high-quality education. Serving students with ADHD, high-functioning autism, dyslexia, and physical disabilities, GoSchool's inclusive approach fosters a nurturing, personalized, and adaptable learning environment. In today's fast-paced world, traditional schools often struggle to meet the unique requirements of students with special learning needs. GoSchool's innovative online platform offers a supportive and flexible learning space that empowers these students to reach their fullest potential. Why GoSchool is the Ideal Choice: Children with special learning needs often face significant challenges in traditional classroom settings, from difficulties in social interactions and sensory processing to the need for tailored educational approaches. GoSchool addresses these challenges through a variety of innovative solutions: 1. Specialized Teachers and Support StaffGoSchool employs dedicated educators who are specifically trained to support children with special learning needs. These teachers understand the complexities of neurodivergent behaviors and are adept at fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Their expertise enables them to effectively guide students, offering them the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically. 2. Alleviating Social Anxiety Through Online LearningFor children dealing with social anxiety, traditional school environments can feel overwhelming. GoSchool's online platform enables children to learn from the comfort of their homes, creating a safe space that reduces anxiety and encourages engagement. This approach is especially beneficial for children with autism or social anxiety, who may find in-person interactions challenging. 3. Small Class Sizes for Personalized AttentionGoSchool maintains small class sizes to ensure each student receives individualized attention. With fewer students per class, teachers can tailor their instruction, closely monitor each child's progress, and make necessary adjustments that enhance the overall learning experience. 4. High Academic Standards Without CompromiseDespite its inclusive and personalized approach, GoSchool adheres to the highest academic standards. Affiliated with Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, GoSchool offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for academic success, college readiness, and lifelong learning. The curriculum is structured to deliver a robust educational experience while allowing flexibility in teaching methods for students who require additional support. 5. An Ideal Alternative to HomeschoolingGoSchool provides the best of both worlds: the flexibility and one-on-one support often found in homeschooling, combined with the academic rigor, structure, and social interaction opportunities of an international school. This unique approach makes GoSchool an excellent option for parents seeking more than a traditional or home-based education. A Commitment to Individual Growth and Excellence GoSchool believes that children with special learning needs have tremendous potential and simply need the right environment to flourish. By blending technology, specialized teaching methods, and a supportive community, GoSchool aims to redefine inclusive education. With a curriculum designed to promote both academic achievement and personal growth, GoSchool equips students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in today's world. Ready to Empower every Child: GoSchool believes in nurturing every child's unique potential within a learning environment where they feel valued and supported. If parents are seeking a school that truly understands and meets the specific needs of their child, GoSchool could be the perfect fit. Parents can enrol today to give their child the opportunity to thrive in a school that champions inclusivity, high standards, and innovative education. To learn more or start the enrollment process, visit www.go-school.in and begin the child's journey to success. Contact Us: +91 91794 69179Email: admission@go-school.inDr. Thomas V Aghamkar | +91 8055870956 | thomas.aghamkar@go-education.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551307/Special_Learning_Needs_GoSchool.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551306/GoSchool_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) ATK New Delhi [India], November 8: Art lovers and cultural aficionados are invited to experience Buoyant Iconic Depth, a major exhibition of the late Sanjeev Sinha's artistic works, at the India Habitat Centre's Visual Arts Gallery from November 20 to 26, 2024. Organized by the Sanjeev Sinha Foundation and supported by The Raza Foundation, Takshila, and Mediverse Hospital, this exhibition is a comprehensive presentation of Sinha's creative journey between 2013 and 2020, highlighting his remarkable skill in both painting and sculpture. Curated by Els Reijnders (Director, Foundation for Indian Artist) and Dianne Hagen (visual artist from the Netherlands), Buoyant Iconic Depth invites viewers to explore Sinha's artistic narrative, where themes of peace, beauty, and spirituality are interwoven with Indian cultural symbols and contemporary reflections. This layered approach is what makes Sinha's work timeless, urging viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the deeper meanings embedded within each piece. One of the unique aspects of this exhibition is the presentation of Sinha's sculptures, which were previously exhibited in Amsterdam, displayed side by side with his paintings. This setup was a long-held vision of Sinha, who believed that his sculptures and paintings could offer a richer narrative when exhibited together. Through this juxtaposition, the exhibition reveals the interconnectedness of Sinha's artistic vision, showing how both mediums come together to convey his contemplative views on society and the human experience. Renowned art historian Willem Baars has noted Sinha's ability to create "enigmatic and complex works that invite viewers into a meditative space, challenging them to look beneath the surface." This view is shared by Meera Menezes, an independent art critic, who described Sinha's early work as a search for a "visual language that is both timeless and transcendental," reflecting his deep-rooted connections to India's artistic traditions and spiritual philosophies. In addition to the artwork on display, the exhibition will also launch a full-color catalog. This comprehensive publication features essays and insights from prominent voices in the art world, including Baars, Menezes, Reijnders, and Hagen. Art enthusiasts and collectors will find this catalog an invaluable resource, offering a deeper understanding of Sinha's work and his influence on the Indian and international art scenes. About Sanjeev Sinha Born in 1963 in Barh, Bihar, Sanjeev Sinha was a pivotal figure in the emerging Bihari art generation of the 1980s. Graduating from the College of Arts & Crafts, Patna, Sinha's journey took him across India, from Lucknow to his permanent residence in Delhi. His work, deeply rooted in Hindu and Buddhist mythologies, explores themes of society, peace, and beauty, always with a reflection on the intrinsic role of art in society. His artistic contributions have been recognized worldwide, including winning the National Academy Award in 1991 at the young age of 28. Sinha's eclectic body of work is notable for its diversity in style and medium. From his early contemplative paintings depicting silence amidst a world in turmoil to his later vivid works such as the Gentle Bite series of 2013, Sinha deftly shifted between stylistic approaches and composition methods, often juxtaposing mythological figures with modern symbols. His sculptures, intimate yet monumental, play with scale and symbolism, inviting the viewer into a world of personal reflection and cultural depth. Contact Information: Sanjeev Sinha Foundation #205, 2nd Floor, Capital T, Fraser Road Patna G.P.O, Phulwari Patna, Bihar, 800001 IndiaEmail: info@sanjeevsinha.foundationPhone/WhatsApp: +919811717063 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) MohanJi Foundation New Delhi [India], November 8: Ammucare, a prominent non-profit organization committed to humanitarian service throughout Bharat, will commemorate its 21st anniversary with an official event on November 9, 2024, at the OP Jindal Auditorium, New Delhi. Founded in 2003, Ammucare has consistently worked to uplift and support underprivileged communities across India, embodying the core values of compassion, kindness, and selfless service. Under the leadership of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Mohanji, Ammucare was founded with the mission to foster kindness and inspire people to transition from selfishness to selflessness. Guided by principles of "humanity as the highest religion" and "non-violence in thought, word, and action," Mohanji established Ammucare as a tribute to his beloved daughter, Ammu. Over the past two decades, the organization has profoundly impacted countless lives through initiatives providing food, shelter, education, medical care, disaster relief, and animal welfare. Today, Ammucare operates in 21 states, continually expanding its reach and mission of compassionate service. The anniversary event will be honored by the presence of Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, as the Chief Guest. The event will also be attended by esteemed guests, including: - Swami Goswami Sushilji Maharaj, Spiritual Leader - Major General (Dr) G.D. Bakshi SM, VSM (Retd) - Ambassador Venu Rajamony - Dr Murthy Devarbhotla - Ambassador Sanjiv Kohli - Ambassador Prashant Pise - Saikrishna Rajagopal - Aparna Rajagopal, Founder of Beejom - S. Naren - Haji Syed Salman Chishty The support and participation of these dignitaries underscore the community's recognition of Ammucare's impactful work and commitment to humanitarian causes. The event will feature a special performance by the children of Mohanji Ka Aangan, an initiative under Ammucare dedicated to nurturing and empowering underprivileged children. The evening will also include tributes to Ammucare's volunteers, donors, and patrons, whose dedication has fueled the organization's ongoing impact. Reflecting on the journey, Mohanji remarked, "Our story is one of love, resilience, and selfless service. With the continued support of our community, we are committed to building a brighter future for those in need." This 21st-anniversary celebration invites the community to join Ammucare in honoring its legacy and reaffirming its commitment to a future of compassion and service. Event Details: * Date: November 9, 2024 * Venue: OP Jindal Auditorium, New Delhi * Time: 11:00 AM onwards For inquiries and additional information, please contact info@ammucare.org or visit www.ammucare.org. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by MohanJi Foundation. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India will develop the complete ecosystem of solar equipment manufacturing in the next four to five years compared to other countries which have taken over 20 years says Vineet Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Avaada Group.Mittal spoke exclusively with ANI on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference at Abu Dhabi.Indian companies are dependent on other countries for solar energy components, which are hindering the abilities of Indian solar companies, expressing optimism that the situation will change soon. On the development of a complete manufacturing ecosystem of solar energy, Mittal said "What other countries have done in the last 20 years, they have built the complete ecosystem of every component of supply chain, which India would take four to five years to develop," Mittal said. Mittal added that his company, a green energy company headquartered in Mumbai with business interests in renewable energy generation using Solar energy, Wind energy, Pumped Hydro, and Green Fuels, aims to eliminate dependence on imported components, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness. "We are setting up a campus where you insert a wafer at one end of the factory and the solar panel will be coming out on the other side of the factory," he said, positioning the model as a game-changer in India's renewable energy sector.He further added that country like India should encourage e-methanol for the transport sector. "We are already using grey methanol in the North East to run cars and it's the best solution for heavy transport, car transport, and green ammonia for fertilizers. So I think opportunity is humongous. The government should bring out the policy through mandates, through aggregating the demand, and by making it as a fuel of choice," Mittal said.The founder of Avaada group highlighted the need for long-term government support through mandates and off-take contracts for future development in hydrogen energy sector.Hydrogen energy is a reliable source of energy but there is a need to work on the cost structure front globally. "The cost is still high because the whole ecosystem is not well developed. And unless we grow it like solar sector, in solar, when I did my first project, the tariff was closer to 30 US cents. Now we are doing it less than four US cents. So, basically, unless global government decides and brings several projects through long-term off-take contract, the sector would find it difficult to bring prices closer to grey ammonia and blue ammonia," he said. To encourage green fuels, Mittal asked the government to establish a carbon market to accelerate the transition to green fuels, which is still very costly compared to traditional fuel sources.A carbon market would provide incentives that are currently missing for businesses and individuals to shift toward cleaner fuel options. "The biggest practical advice would be for governments to introduce carbon market, in absence of carbon market, there is no incentive for the user community to go for the green fuel," he said. Mittal said that Avaada Group is advancing India's renewable energy goals through significant investments in solar and wind power. The company has an ambitious plan to contribute to India's 2030 target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy. "Currently, Avaada Group is focusing on building 30 gigawatt projects of solar and wind across India," he said, noting that the portfolio includes 5 gigawatt-hours of battery storage and 10 gigawatt-hours of long-duration pumped hydro storage.With government policies now encouraging the addition of storage systems to existing renewable energy farms, companies can store energy for use during peak hours, effectively stabilizing the market. (ANI) SMPL New Delhi [India], November 8: TGI Fridays India continues its ambitious expansion in South Asia and Southeast Asia with plans to open 75 new restaurants by 2030. The brand is focused on delivering its iconic American dining experience while embracing the diverse tastes of local markets. This exciting phase of growth includes significant developments across multiple countries, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. A Focus on Growth TGI Fridays India's ambitious expansion plans aim to bring 75 new restaurants to South Asia and Southeast Asia by 2030, reinforcing the brand's commitment to the region. With the upcoming openings, TGI Fridays India intends to cater to the evolving tastes of local markets, ensuring that each restaurant remains true to the brand's signature style while infusing elements that appeal to regional preferences. In India, the company is focused on rapidly expanding its presence in the North, with a new store opening in Amritsar scheduled for Q4 of this year. This will be followed by the launch of another restaurant in Delhi NCR in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, TGI Fridays India is actively working on finalizing franchising opportunities in the South, West, and East of India, ensuring broad coverage across the country in the coming years. TGI Fridays India's expansion strategy in the region is a reflection of its resilience and its commitment to bringing exciting new dining experiences to markets with a growing appetite for international cuisine. The openings will feature a great atmosphere, including American-inspired food, vibrant settings, and exceptional customer service. International Franchise Stability: Business as Usual TGI Fridays Inc. USA is currently undergoing financial restructuring under the Chapter 11 process in the U.S. However, the brand's international franchise operations remain unaffected. TGI Fridays Franchisor, LLC has successfully franchised the brand to 56 franchisees across 41 countries, and these locations continue to operate smoothly, independent of the Chapter 11 proceedings. TGI Friday's India is an independent entity, and is unaffected by the above process. Customers can continue to enjoy the same great experience at TGI Fridays locations in South and South East Asia. TGI Fridays India remains robust and is poised to grow, as evidenced by the brand's strong momentum in these regions. India-Specific Developments: Expansion Plans and Partnerships TGI Fridays India is particularly excited about the future. TGI Fridays India has set up robust partnerships with companies in South and South East Asia, such as their recent 15-store development agreement with Feastary Hospitality for the North Region. Suman Dutta, CEO of TGI Fridays South Asia and Southeast Asia, expressed enthusiasm about the brand's expansion plans. He said, "TGI Fridays' growth in South Asia and Southeast Asia is a testament to the strength and resilience of our brand. We are excited about our new openings in India and other key markets, as well as the partnerships we are forging to further expand our footprint. The future looks bright for TGI Fridays in this region, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience while staying true to the brand's core values of great food, great service, and a great time for all." TGI Fridays India remains steadfast in its mission to create memorable experiences for guests across the region, with numerous new openings on the horizon. The brand's commitment to growth and innovation ensures that it will continue to thrive in South Asia and Southeast Asia well into the next decade. For more information, please contact : fridays.franchise@use-hospitality.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Chandigarh [India], November 8: Shining bright in the firmament of academics, Chandigarh University has emerged as one of the top universities in Asia, by rising 29 places to achieve the 120th rank among all Asian universities in the coveted QS Asia University Rankings 2025, published by the London-based university ranking organization QS, on Wednesday. Delivering a stellar performance, Chandigarh University has been ranked 1st among all Indian private universities and took a giant leap to secure the 11th position among all public and private universities in India. Chandigarh University has been ranked India's top university based on its remarkable performance in 11 indicators, including Employer Reputation, International Faculty Ratio, International Research Network, International Student Ratio, Academic Reputation, Faculty Student Ratio, Outbound Exchange Students, Inbound Exchange Students, Papers per Faculty, Citations per Paper and Staff with PhD. In Academic Reputation, CU has jumped 1st place from last year's ranking and secured 13th rank in 2025 (with a score 54.2) as compared to 14th rank in 2024 (with score of 28.6) among all Indian HEIs. Chandigarh University was accredited with an A+ rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), placing it among the top 5 percent universities in India to get NAAC A+ Accreditation. CU also holds accreditation from the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), placing it among the top 0.1 percent of Indian universities with accredited engineering programs and accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). CU offers academic programs in emerging areas such as AI, Blockchain, Big Data, Analytics and Fintech, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, IoT, Bioinformatics, Information & Network Security, Grid Computing, Structural Engineering, Geo-Technical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Construction Technology, Environmental Engineering, and GIS. Water Resource Engineering, among others, is specially designed by industry giants themselves. In the International Faculty Ratio, climbing 2 places from 4th rank in 2024 (with a score of 60.4) to secure 2nd rank in 2025 (with a score of 72.4), Chandigarh University has made a significant improvement in international student ratio from 3rd place in 2024 to 2nd place in 2025. Similarly, marking a significant improvement in the International Research Network parameter, Chandigarh University has climbed 21 places from 52nd rank in 2024 (score of 8.7) to 31st rank in 2025 (score of 55.9). Research-intensive and innovation-driven, Chandigarh University has more than 14,700 research publications to its credit and more than 4,300 patents have been filed in varied domains by the students and faculty members of the varsity. CU has more than 1300 visiting international faculty members, which includes 560 international research network scholars. CU houses 60 centres of research, and more than 3,000 international students from 65 countries study at the varsity. The vast research network of CU is not only restricted to India but also transcends beyond borders; the varsity has established 550 international collaborations with prestigious global universities, to arm its students with global academic and research exposure. In Employer Reputation, CU has secured 5th place with a score of 90.5 in 2025 to 68.8 in 2024 in this year's rankings. With over 30 industry-sponsored high-tech labs and 32 centres of excellence, Chandigarh University has been laying major thrust on experiential and practical learning of students. In the academic session of 2023-24 alone, students at CU received a whopping 9124 job offers from 904 leading brands and MNCs, with one student securing a salary package of Rs 1.74 crore. The students of CU have also introduced more than 150 start-ups in different domains. The university figured among top HEIs in Citations per Paper, Papers per Faculty and Staff with PhD in this year's rankings. Chandigarh University Chancellor and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu said, "Research and Innovation are the two major cornerstones of academic ethos nurtured here at Chandigarh University. The significant improvement in various performance indicators in QS Asia University Rankings 2025 have placed Chandigarh University among the elite league of higher education institutions in the world. Securing 2nd rank both in International Faculty Ratio and International Students' Ratio speaks volume about CU's resolute commitment to nurture academic ethos that provides international exposure to its students." "Chandigarh University allocates Rs 15 Crores for research projects on an annual basis. The research projects at CU get strengthened by additional 52 Crore of funded research by the government bodies and corporates. The research is conceded at both in the department itself and at University Centre for Research & Development and at the 60 Research centres within the campus," added Sandhu. "Chandigarh University is dedicated to cultivating a culture of innovation and discovery through its research-driven academic approach. With collaborations with renowned universities worldwide, CU offers students unparalleled research internships opportunities in leading brands both in India and abroad. Chandigarh University improved its overall score from 32.3 in 2024 to 52.5 this year, thereby registering a substantial increase of 62 percent in the overall score in QS Asia Rankings," added Sandhu. About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552391/QS_Asia_University_Rankings_CU.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], November 8: In the year 2017, Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani founded Pancham Dham, driven by two decades of dedicated research and a deep commitment to preserving Sanatana Dharma. His efforts have been supported by Shri Indresh Kumar, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) veteran and legend, who shares Dr. Hiranandani's vision. Together, they have worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Sanatana Dharma worldwide, believing that its practice can foster global harmony. Pancham Dham plays a crucial role in the revival of Sanatan Dharma as an experimental organization aligned with RSS values. Since its inception, it has attracted a diverse group of spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Pancham Dham offers a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and enlightenment, benefiting both individuals and society. Through various initiatives and yatras, it provides a space for visitors from around the world to engage with Sanatan Dharma's teachings, rituals, and ancient Vedic wisdom, enhancing spiritual understanding and building a strong sense of community. Through workshops, lectures, and various spiritual practices, Pancham Dham continually encourages a deeper appreciation of the values of Sanatani practices, making it a pivotal place for anyone on a quest for knowledge and inner peace. True to this founding principle this organisation has undertaken yet another significant spiritual venture of conducting a Mahayagya and yatra aimed towards the objective of benefitting the people of Bihar and furthering their spiritual and social progress. If the metaphor of body politic is used for Bharat, then Bihar might stereotypically be perceived as a decay prone organ by the common citizen, given how a certain idea of backwardness has come to be associated with it. This erroneous perception ignores Bihar's rich cultural Sanatani heritage where it has not only been home to the great Nalanda university-- a bastion of education and knowledge but it is also a land of many ancient Hindu temples. Pancham Dham has undertaken the task of reviving the splendour of Bihar through the mammoth spiritual Vedic initiative of Mahayagya and yatra expected to reach over crores of people and usher in Sanatani spiritual awakening. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the ritual of yagya is where spirituality meets science. Yagya or Yajna, an ancient Vedic ritual focuses on purifying the body, spirit and the environment by restoring balance. Scientific studies of this Vedic ritual have proved that when the medicinal herbs and the items devoted to the sacred fire vaporize, the generated smoke helps eliminate harmful microbes and release beneficial phytochemicals which positively influence various bodily functions especially by bringing about hormonal balance. Yagya is also linked to improvements in digestion, hypertension, mental tranquillity, and sleep quality, with regular chanting contributing to mental clarity and purification of both body and spirit. Pancham Dham, strongly motivated by its principles of serving the nation, has embarked on the initiative of uplifting Bihar through these ancient practices of Vedanta. The incipient Mahayagya was initiated by RSS's national executive Shree Indresh Kumar ji in Madhepura, Bihar by hoisting the Mahayagya Pataka (flag), on 7th September 2024 on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The initiative will further unfold over the coming months, wherein the Pataka (flag) will travel across 38 districts and reach Patna on 11th February 2025. During this journey Mahamrityunjaya Yagya and pooja will be performed in 108 ancient Shiva temples across Bihar. More than 2 lakhs people are expected to daily participate in these spiritual Vedic prayers and yajna, with an expected participation reaching up to 20-25 lakhs for the duration of the whole event. The 11 days long yatra will take place between 16th to 25th February 2025. Not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that the people of Bihar obtain maximum benefit from this venture - 11 marriages of people from the needy section of society will be performed every day, daily talks by the spiritual leaders and saints will take place accompanied by various cultural programs. This colossal initiative is estimated to reach out to more than 1 crore people to educate and revive the glorious Vedic practices, rituals of Bharat and bring peace, prosperity and enlightenment to the state of Bihar. This initiative undertaken by Pancham Dham for Bihar's spiritual welfare and social emancipation is a cause that resonates with the people of this state but is especially close to the heart of the NRIs from Bihar. This spiritual endeavour by Pancham Dham pays obeisance to the great Bhakti Saint Ravidas in the 150 days long Sanatan Yatra. Saint Ravidas stands tall amongst the Bhakti Saints, born into the untouchable leather-working caste; his life and works not only led to social reform but his teachings emphasized gender equality, the abolition of the caste system and social justice. This Mahayagya and yatra inspired by his life and teachings intends to inspire and re-introduce the public to this great Bhakti saint, the organisation raises its voice against the evils of caste system by venerating the saint who rose above this bane to follow the enlightened path of bhakti. Another upcoming noteworthy event announced by Nyas is the organisation of the 8th Yatra to Cambodia commencing on 25th May 2025, promising to be a truly magnificent and soul stirring journey this is potentially the largest Sanatan festival in South-East Asian since 2018. This massive spiritual venture would not be possible without the generous contributions of Pancham Dham Nyas Trustees, especially the guiding hand and vision of its venerable Chairman and Chief Patron Shree Indresh Kumar. The Honourable President and Founder Trustee Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani's magnanimity in economically supporting the entire spiritual venture has been truly valuable. Shri Sikandar Kumar (National Executive) has served as the Co-Convenor of Bihar Mahayagya. The generous investment of time, effort and economic contributions by all the trustees of Nyas-- its Vice President Shri Adarsh Raj, Shrimati Kompella Madhvim Latha, and the Dham's staunch supporter Ashok Pratap Sen (Ex-Chairman of Modern School) has been vital in support and organisation of this event. The tireless efforts of Shri Shailesh Vats, General Secretary of Pancham Dham has been quite significant in the organisation and coordination of all the spiritual events of the organisation ranging from South-East Asia to Bihar. The Sanatani feat is expected to reach out to crores of people and is geared towards establishing Bihar as the first Sanatan state of Bharat, adopt and revive Vedic practices in its ancient temples, to emancipate the entire state and lead it on to the path of spiritual enlightenment. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Chancay Port, a vindication of China-Peru win-win cooperation under BRI 08:40, November 08, 2024 By Liu Yang and Ma Tong ( Global Times As the 2024 APEC gathering will commence soon in Peru, the Chancay Port, located north of Lima, Peru's capital, and constructed by a Chinese company, is also set to open for business. The Chancay Port, an important infrastructure project in Latin America under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will transform Peru into a major trade hub in the region. The port is expected to produce a broad economic impact, helping open new trade routes and enhance the competitiveness of Latin America as a whole, analysts said. The flagship project puts the pragmatic cooperation between China and Peru into full display, illustrating China's commitment to working with Peru and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to seek co-prosperity, they noted. Peru's President Dina Boluarte in July said the mega port will serve as a "nerve center" to facilitate connection between South America and Asia, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The port, scheduled to be inaugurated in November, "will open investment opportunities for the development of infrastructure for all countries that see Peru as a point of connection to access the gigantic Asian market," Boluarte said. Project for connectivity The port stands to become a major trade hub in the region and will serve to ship cargo from the north, east, and central mountains of Peru and redistribute cargo from countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Paraguay, Boluarte said. The port's inauguration will coincide with this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic (APEC) Leaders' Meeting to be held in Peru, she said, adding the port will benefit farmers, small and medium-sized businesses, and thousands of Peruvian families. "Strengthening infrastructure connectivity is an efficient approach to promote China-Peru economic and trade cooperation, which will help the Latin American country transfer its geographical advantages into tangible benefits," Zhou Zhiwei, an expert in Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told the Global Times on Thursday. Moreover, the project will have a multiplier effect, serving as a key regional hub to provide new routes for other countries to enter Asia-Pacific markets, Zhou said. Nearly half of Brazilian exports are of agribusiness, with China being the top destination between July 2023 and July 2024. If Brazil gained access to the Pacific Ocean, potentially through ports in Peru, such as the Chancay Port, the shift could significantly increase Brazil's agricultural exports to China. The route would become shorter, faster, and less costly, J. Renato Peneluppi Jr., a Brazilian professor specializing in public administration and energy transition policies at the China campus of the University of Worcester, told the Global Times on Thursday. "Chancay Port ... offers Brazilian products access to the Asian market, especially to China. The Brazilian government is fully committed to realizing this ambitious plan for regional integration to boost the competitiveness of Brazilian exports," the Brazilian expert noted. During an interview with the Global Times recently, Juan Carlos Capu ay, former Peruvian Ambassador to China, described the project as "a significant initiative aimed at developing a national infrastructure system that will enhance economic integration, regional, and world connectivity." "The port project will serve as the primary logistical and operational hub for connecting South America with the Asia-Pacific region," the former envoy said, giving the example of how the port will help reduce the sea transportation time for cargo between South America and Asia, which will result in significant cost savings in shipping goods to and from China and other Asian countries. Closer cooperation Zhou said that the progress of the port reflects the deepening economic and trade relationship between China and Peru. Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties and a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China, according to Xinhua. In 2019, Peru signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China on BRI. At present, China is Peru's largest trade partner, largest export market, and largest source of imported goods, while Peru is China's fourth largest trade partner in Latin America. In 2023, their bilateral trade volume reached $37.691 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 0.8 percent. In June this year, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid her first state visit to China, bringing a delegation of key cabinet members and representatives from the economic sector. The two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of the Joint Action Plan of the Government of China and the Government of Peru (2024-2029), and multiple bilateral cooperation documents regarding economic and trade relations, digital economy, technological innovation, inspection and quarantine, and news media, among others. The two sides announced the completion of negotiations on upgrading their free-trade agreement, Xinhua reported. "In addition, the two countries are also exploring more collaboration in the green economy, particularly in new-energy vehicles (NEVs)," Zhou said. Peru enjoys abundant mineral resources, with Chancay Port close to major lithium-producing countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. China has a mature technology and production chain, and bilateral collaboration in the NEV sector will achieve win-win results, Zhou noted. The pragmatic collaboration between China and Peru serves as a good model for further partnerships across Latin America, and it also demonstrates China's commitment to pursuing common development and building a community with a shared future with Latin American countries, which is based on mutual respect and trust, Zhou said. A total of 22 Latin America and Caribbean countries have joined the BRI by signing cooperation memoranda with China. Also, China has become the region's second-largest trading partner and has signed free trade agreements with five Latin American countries, Xinhua reported in July. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) BusinessWire India Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 8: Gleneagles Hospitals (Gleneagles Healthcare India Pvt Ltd) India has been certified Great Place To Work Certified in India (from 09, 24, to 09, 25). This Certification is a testament to their commitment to creating a positive and empowering work environment for their employees. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. Anurag Yadav, CEO of Gleneagles Healthcare India, expressed his enthusiasm about the Certification: "We are thrilled to be recognized as a Great Place To Work. This Certification reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of trust, respect, and innovation. Our employees are the heart of our organization, and their dedication to providing exceptional healthcare is what makes Gleneagles a truly great place to work. We will continue to invest in our people and create an environment where they can thrive and grow." Gleneagles Hospitals India is a pioneering multi-specialty healthcare provider, operating six state-of-the-art hospitals across Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. With over 1500 beds and a team of world-renowned specialists, Gleneagles is at the forefront of medical innovation in India. The hospital group has achieved remarkable success in complex organ transplants, including heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplantations, with survival rates comparable to global standards. As part of the IHH Healthcare network, Gleneagles leverages global expertise to continually push the boundaries of medical excellence, offering hope to patients with complex and critical conditions. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Their mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organizations to truly capture, analyse, and understand the experience of all employees. Their groundbreaking research empowers organizations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. Since 1992, their Certification, Best Workplaces Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries around the world. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that his government is working towards taking state's economy to USD 3.5 trillion by 2047 as part of its contribution towards achieving the target of Viksit Bharat. Addressing the special session at FICCI's National Executive Committee Meeting (NECM), Chief Minister Patel underscored Gujarat's commitment to a robust, industry-friendly ecosystem, emphasising the state's policies and other initiatives aimed at promoting investments and creating a sustainable growth environment. "Under PM Modi's visionary leadership, India is on track to become the third-largest economy, with initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Skill India setting the pace for rapid development. Gujarat has been benefitting from his leadership for 23 years and transformed itself into a growth engine by turning challenges into opportunities," he said. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, positioning Gujarat as a key driver in this mission. The Chief Minister engaged with industry leaders on critical issues and shared the government's vision for driving economic growth and industrial development in the state and country. He added that the government's policy-driven approach has made Gujarat a leader in foreign direct investment and the most preferred investment destination. He cited massive investments in areas like semiconductors, green hydrogen and renewable energy in Gujarat. "The roadmap for Viksit Gujarat by 2047 to contribute to Viksit Bharat is ready. We are committed to taking Gujarat's economy to USD 3.5 trillion by then. FICCI is a catalyst for economic growth. I am confident it will immensely contribute to Viksit Gujarat for a Viksit Bharat," he added. Anish Shah, President, FICCI, praised Gujarat's achievements and leadership role in India's growth story. "Gujarat has been at the forefront of India's economic journey. With only 5 per cent of the population, it contributes 8 per cent to national exports, 30 per cent to merchandise exports, and 40 per cent to maritime cargo. Its annual growth rate of 12 per cent over several years represents an extraordinary achievement. As we work towards the $32 trillion Viksit Bharat vision for 2047, Gujarat's infrastructure positions it as a critical gateway for trade. FICCI stands committed to supporting Gujarat, which accounts for 10 per cent of India's GDP and is becoming a USD 1 trillion economy," he said. Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, Senior Vice President, FICCI, said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Gujarat for sharing their vision. FICCI is honoured to partner with Gujarat and looks forward to deepening this collaboration in the coming years." Rajiv Gandhi, Chair of FICCI's Gujarat State Council and CEO & MD of Hester Biosciences, described Gujarat as a beacon of industrial progress. "While FICCI is India's leading voice towards advocating policies to the government, Gujarat plays a key role in leading India's growth story. The synergy between policy and industry has enabled us to make strides in diverse sectors that drive economic growth and create meaningful livelihoods and a better standard of living, as envisioned by honourable PM Modi," he said. During the meeting, Harsha Vardhan Agarwal was announced as the president-elect of FICCI. The FICCI National Executive Committee meeting saw the participation of key industry figures and other stakeholders and witnessed discussions on opportunities and strategies to address industry challenges, catalysing economic advancement and reinforcing Gujarat's leadership in the national economy. (ANI) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 8: Amidst the vibrant streets of Mumbai, Weaver Saga Private Limited stands as a beacon of India's artisanal legacy. Founded in 2021 by M Shah Fahad, MBA, Warwick Business School, UK; the brand has embarked on a journey to connect discerning customers with India's most authentic, handcrafted treasures. From the intricate patterns of Patola to the luxurious sheen of Kanjivaram silk, each offering by Weaver Saga is a tribute to India's cultural wealth, crafted to bring "Luxury with Tradition" to those who value true craftsmanship. The traditional weaving styles of India are facing challenges due to fast fashion, mass production, loss of artisanal skills and cultural changes in consumer preferences. The weavers are leaving their art due to lack of demand and support, leading to the decline of India's weaving heritage. Weaver saga is Supporting Revitalization Efforts by promoting Handloom Products, collaborations with Designers and encouraging Sustainable Practices. The brand's mission goes beyond selling sarees and attire--it's about preserving stories. To accomplish this, Weaver Saga's founders have journeyed across the country, sipping Kahwa with weavers in Kanihama, Kashmir, to engaging with Kanchipuram weavers, traveling east to the homes of the revered Shantipur and west to Kota Doria weavers. Every interaction with these artisans deepens the brand's commitment to revive India's weaving heritage and celebrate the heart and soul poured into each thread. Authenticity Woven with Precision Weaver Saga's product range is meticulously curated, bringing together a variety of India's luxurious handloom sarees and dress materials crafted from premium materials like Kanjivaram silk, Banarasi Katan, Paithani, and Chanderi. Each piece reflects unparalleled craftsmanship, with intricate zari work, handwoven patterns, and vibrant colors that stand as timeless markers of elegance. For customers who value exclusivity, Weaver Saga offers limited-edition collections, making every purchase a unique addition to the buyer's wardrobe. Where Heritage Meets Modern Elegance With a focus on blending cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, Weaver Saga's collections cater to women who appreciate the cultural depth behind traditional attire yet seek versatility in their wardrobe. Special collections for festivals like Diwali and wedding seasons offer a modern interpretation of classic attire, bringing Indian heritage to the forefront of today's fashion scene. This unique approach allows customers to wear not only a garment but a piece of India's story. Quality and Customer-Centricity From fabric selection to quality checks, Weaver Saga emphasizes unmatched quality. Each saree and garment undergoes rigorous checks to ensure that only the finest products reach customers. The brand offers personalized shopping experiences, from customization options to attentive customer service, making every shopping experience memorable and tailored to individual preferences. "Our aim at Weaver Saga is to deliver more than just luxury attire," says M Shah Fahad, Founder of Weaver Saga. "We're delivering a piece of India's heritage, meticulously crafted by artisans who have dedicated generations to this art. We believe in sustainable fashion for those who cherish tradition and sophistication alike." Future-Forward with Tradition Looking ahead, Weaver Saga is set to launch a hemp organic fabric collection, fusing modern sustainability with traditional charm. Additionally, plans for ALL-size attire reflect the brand's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every woman can experience the beauty of Indian craftsmanship. Weaver Saga is not just about fashion--it's a movement that celebrates Indian heritage, one weave at a time. For affluent women, cultural enthusiasts, the global Indian diaspora, and fashion-conscious professionals, Weaver Saga offers an unmatched experience of luxury, authenticity, and a connection to India's rich cultural roots. Hashtags: #WeaverSaga #IndianHandloom #LuxuryFashion #SustainableStyle #CulturalHeritage #HandcraftedElegance #ArtisanCrafted #MadeInIndia #LuxuryWithTradition (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Hanoi [Vietnam], November 8: DND International Eye Hospital is the first facility in Vietnam to implement SMILE Pro technology, an advanced FDA-approved eye refractive surgery method. It is also an ideal destination for international tourists seeking to combine travel with refractive eye surgery. Health tourism is rapidly gaining popularity in Asia, and Eye Refractive Surgery in Vietnam is becoming an appealing option for international tourists due to its high-quality medical services and affordability. Travelers are increasingly seeking not just attractive destinations but also opportunities to improve their health, particularly through medical services like eye refractive surgery. Vietnam is emerging as a prime destination that fulfills both tourism and healthcare needs, with the DND International Eye Hospital in Hanoi being a leading choice for eye refractive surgery. 1. Convenient Solution: Combining Tourism and Eye Refractive Surgery Many international travelers are opting to combine tourism with myopia surgery to save time and costs. The surgery is safe, quick, and offers a short recovery period, making it ideal during travel. At DND International Eye Hospital, a pre-surgery eye examination takes about two hours, and the surgery itself lasts only 15-20 minutes. Patients can even complete a comprehensive exam and surgery in a single day. After a 24-hour post-surgery check, they can continue exploring Vietnam's beautiful sights with confidence. 2. Cutting-Edge Technology for Eye Refractive Surgery Quality equipment and technology are crucial when choosing a place for lasik surgery. DND International Eye Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art systems that meet international standards. This includes advanced diagnostic tools and the latest laser machines, such as the VISUMAX 800 laser with SMILE Pro technology and the Femto LDV Z8 from Ziemer, both of which are FDA-certified for safety and effectiveness. SMILE Pro's 2mm incision quickly corrects refractive errors while minimizing risks and promoting fast recovery. DND leads the Asia-Pacific region in the number of SMILE surgeries, demonstrating its credibility and service quality. 3. Leading Ophthalmologists in Vietnam DND International Eye Hospital features a highly qualified team of ophthalmologists with over 30 years of experience. These specialists are pioneers in SMILE technology and continually update their skills at international institutions, ensuring that each surgery is performed by experts dedicated to the latest medical advancements. Additionally, the doctors and staff are proficient in English, facilitating effective communication with international patients. This presence of top specialists and English-speaking personnel builds trust among local and international patients alike. The hospital also offers 24/7 support for patients before and after surgery. 4. Cost-Effective Lasik Eye Surgery Myopia surgery in Vietnam is attracting international tourists due to its affordability. Compared to countries like the U.S. and Japan, the costs in Vietnam are significantly lower while maintaining comparable quality. For instance, while SMILE surgery costs around $6,000 - $8,000 in the U.S., in Vietnam, it is only about a third of that price. 5. Comprehensive Examination Process for Safety DND International Eye Hospital prioritizes patient safety with a thorough examination process comprising eight international standard steps. This includes various assessments to ensure safe surgery and optimal outcomes tailored to individual needs. 6. 5-Star Medical Service DND International Eye Hospital offers a 5-star service experience, featuring a friendly environment and attentive care. Patients are warmly welcomed and guided throughout their treatment, and the hospital provides free periodic post-surgery checkups to ensure ongoing health monitoring. The health tourism trend, especially in eye refractive surgery, presents numerous opportunities for international visitors to Vietnam. With modern technology, a specialized medical team, and attentive service, DND International Eye Hospital is the perfect choice for those looking to enhance their vision while enjoying a memorable vacation. The hospital guarantees a remarkable healthcare experience at reasonable costs. For more information about DND International Eye Hospital, please contact: - Branch 1: 128 Bui Thi Xuan - Hai Ba Trung - Hanoi, Vietnam - Branch 2: Bang Ba Lan Road, Dinh Ke Ward, Bac Giang City, Vietnam - Branch 3: 250 Truong Chinh Street, Tan Binh Ward, Hai Duong City, Vietnam - Hotline: +84969128128 - Email: info@matquocte.vn - Website: https://matquocte.vn - Facebook: https://facebook.com/VienMatQuocTe (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], November 8: Info Origin, a leading technology solutions provider signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, an industry interface organization of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. It is from this strategic memorandum of understanding that they will look into the major growth areas, especially towards Generative AI. This alliance aims to sponsor revolutionary research and technological development through the effective utilization of IIT Delhi's top academic leaders and Info Origin's industry-leading solutions. Collaborative Research Programs Lays the Foundation for Innovation Under the MoU, IIT Delhi students and faculty members, along with Info Origin engineers, will co-work on joint research projects to explore transformative potential offered by Generative AI across sectors such as finance, health care, and consumer industries. The collective efforts will be put toward pioneering applications of Generative AI toward advanced Large Language Model (LLM) fine-tuning, customization, and more. The collaboration will offer a chance to IIT Delhi students and researchers to collaborate with the experienced industry professionals of Info Origin towards solving real-world problems-the very gap which is repeatedly perceived between academia and industry. It aims to look for innovation solutions towards business needs and will enrich the overall area of AI technology. A Focus on Upskilling and Talent Development Apart from moving the research activities forward, it will open numerous avenues for Info Origin engineers to up skill in many emerging technological disciplines. These engineers will be trained in important areas such as machine learning and Generative AI in the deal. Providing this ongoing development, the MoU is aiming to develop a very skilled workforce prepared to face eventual eventualities in the fast-changing tech landscape. Speaking about the partnership, Dr Anurag Tripathi, Director of Info Origin, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with IIT Delhi. This partnership underscores our commitment to merging academic excellence with industrial innovation, thereby preparing students for the industry. We anticipate a vibrant exchange of ideas, knowledge, and talent, which will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the success of groundbreaking projects and contribute to the growth of both Info Origin and IIT Delhi." Enhancing Academia-Industry Integration It marks a significant step forward in fostering cooperation between one of India's most renowned educational institutions and an innovative industry leader, albeit at an idea-crystallizing stage, for the partnership further underlines IIT Delhi's continuous endeavour to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the industries, by giving students and faculty members firsthand experience of Info Origin's cutting-edge technologies. Prof. Santanu Chaudhary, Director at IIT Delhi, echoed the excitement surrounding this collaboration:"By merging the academic excellence of IIT Delhi with the industry expertise of Info Origin India Pvt Ltd, we aim to foster a dynamic environment for cutting-edge projects and offer invaluable opportunities for our students and researchers. This MoU aligns with IIT Delhi's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating a strong connection between theoretical knowledge and practical industry solutions." FITT, which plays a crucial role in driving innovation at IIT Delhi, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. The Managing Director of FITT, emphasized its importance:"FITT is thrilled to embark on this collaboration, which represents a significant step forward in its mission to foster innovation and scientific knowledge. FITT supports the institute by enabling innovations, business partnerships, technology development, consultancy, and collaborative R&D." Real-World Impact Through Industry-Driven Research Students, faculty members, as well as Info Origin engineers, would be included in the collaboration possibilities that will work toward the development of real-world solutions for real industry challenges, which will therefore align with what is currently necessary for business and technological advancements today, thus ensuring that their research is directly resultant. IIT Delhi will collaborate with Info Origin for the development of joint intellectual property among its students and Info Origin's engineers. This will not only present an opportunity for the student fraternity to contribute toward meaningful innovation but also pave the way to develop commercially viable solutions to be implemented in industries and transform them completely. Development and promotion of joint IP will position IIT Delhi and Info Origin at the forefront of technological advancement in AI and machine learning. Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready Workforce The MoU is going to highly benefit both organizations due to the strengthening that gets in knowledge sharing and talent development. The cutting-edge hands-on experience will do well to get the students from IIT Delhi up to date with the competitive edge in the technology industry. On the other hand, Info Origin should drive new ideas, perspectives, and talent that come with being one of India's top academic institutions. This is not only a step forward for Info Origin and IIT Delhi but speaks toward collaborative innovation regarding the future of AI and machine learning in India. Academic insights and industry expertise come together to deliver impactful solutions for finance, healthcare, and more. Info Origin Info Origin is a leader in technology solutions companies specializing in AI, machine learning, and data-driven solutions. The company drives innovation through its research and development and collaboration with both industry partners and academic partners to create transformative solutions for all businesses across various sectors. FITT, IIT Delhi This is the FITT-the interface organization for the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, with an objective to nurture partnership between academia and industry. Innovation, business partnerships, technology developments are encouraged through various activities supported by FITT in order to provide a platform for collective R&D and consultancy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 8: Simpli Namdhari's, India's only 100% veg Omni-channel retailer with over four decades of heritage in Karnataka's farming and retail sectors, is proud to launch 'Vocal for Local', a first-of-its-kind initiative to empower and support local FMCG brands. This initiative launched on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava on November 1st, aims to offer a premium retail platform for grassroots brands with limited resources, giving them a unique opportunity to gain visibility and showcase their products to customers without the barrier of costly listing fees. Through 'Vocal for Local,' Simpli Namdhari's will identify five emerging, innovative FMCG food brands to be featured in their stores each quarter. Selected brands will benefit from dedicated shelf space and sampling opportunities, allowing them to showcase their unique, category-first products in the FMCG food segment. The program is dedicated to selecting bootstrapped brands from Karnataka with limited visibility and networking opportunities, particularly those led by entrepreneurs and founders who face challenges in reaching larger markets. "We are deeply connected to Karnataka and committed to fostering its diverse entrepreneurial spirit," says Gurmukh Roopra, Group CEO, Namdhari Group. He further says, "This initiative aligns with our mission to uplift local brands, offering them a pathway to growth that otherwise would be out of reach. By nurturing grassroots innovation, we are championing these brands and the community and economy they represent." The competing brands must undergo a multi-stage selection process before securing their place in the 'top 5'. The process will ensure inclusivity and impact and will use a rigorous selection process to identify brands that align with Simpli Namdhari's values and commitment to quality: 1. Application: Local brands submit applications and a short video detailing their product, mission, and why they should be shortlisted along with necessary mandatory documents. 2. Screening: Simpli Namdhari's team reviews product quality, brand story, and licensing to ensure alignment with the program's values. 3. Display & Sampling: Selected brands will have the opportunity to showcase their products in-store for a limited time, offering samples to engage customers and build traction. They'll also gain visibility through featured posts on Simpli Namdhari's social media channels. This thoughtful approach ensures that 'Vocal for Local' benefits the brands most in need of support, fostering economic growth, job creation, and a stronger sense of community. A Commitment to Local Prosperity Simpli Namdhari's commitment to Karnataka's growth is at the heart of this initiative. "Supporting local businesses has a ripple effect on the community," Roopra added. "Every purchase boosts our local economy, creates jobs, and keeps money circulating within the region." As a 'Karnataka-first' brand, Simpli Namdhari is proud to lead the way in promoting local businesses and celebrating the region's vibrant diversity. The Vocal for Local initiative reflects Simpli Namdhari's dedication to building a prosperous and resilient community by providing a platform for the region's small-scale brands to thrive. For more information on how local brands can participate in and nominate themselves for 'Vocal for Local', they can visit: choosegoodness.simplinamdharis.com/vocalforlocal/index.html# Simpli Namdhari's is a 100% vegetarian Omni-channel retail chain with presence in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Simpli Namdhari's strength lies in its ability and position to control the value chain - it aims to become a fully backward integrated retailer offering a unique assortment of products and home-developed food recipes for on and off-premise consumption. Over 70% of products that make up a consumer's shopping basket are available at the company's retail stores where Namdhari's integrates backwards from a value chain perspective to deliver premium quality products. The stores offer a comprehensive range of fresh fruits & vegetables, a residue-free range of staples and grains, single-origin dairy products, an in-house bakery, imported dry fruits, healthy snacks, cold-pressed oils to FMCG, beauty products and home essentials amongst others. The company's aim has been to provide a distinctive grocery experience to its patrons and empower them to choose goodness. For more information, visit on choosegoodness.simplinamdharis.com. Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @simplinamdharis. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is unlikely to host the Oscars 2025, but he is open to the possibility in the future, reported People. He opened up on the reports about him and Hugh Jackman as the choices for hosting the award ceremony. "No, I don't, historically speaking, that is a difficult job, you know," said Reynolds, adding, "We've had people that have come before us that did it flawlessly, I think, and you've had people who are so talented and just based on what's happening out there in the zeitgeist you're like, 'Oh, that was hard. It's a very hard job.' " "It would be a dream to do it one day. I'll say that," he added. "I'm really just spending the year writing a movie for myself, Hugh Jackman and Shawn Levy to do that is not Marvel, and that's kind of it." In July, Jimmy Kimmel had declined to host the ceremony for the fifth time. Comedian John Mulaney also declined the gig. In October, Reynolds and Jackman were in talks to host the ceremony. Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson had been approached as potential hosts, according to People. Jackman previously hosted the 81st Oscars back in 2009. He has also hosted the Tony Awards on four separate occasions. Meanwhile, Ryan and Hugh shared screen space in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. The film showcases the immense popularity of the franchise and the star power of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The storyline kicks off with Wade Wilson, played by Reynolds, grappling with a mundane civilian life after hanging up his mercenary cape. However, when an existential crisis threatens his world, Wade must don the Deadpool persona once more, persuading a very reluctant Wolverine to join him on this chaotic adventure. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film features a stellar cast that includes returning favourites such as Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and Jennifer Garner as Elektra. (ANI) Dhanush took to his X account on Friday to share a new poster of the film and announce its release date. In the poster, the actor can be seen entering into a small shop called "Sivanesan," with blue skies and birds in the background. https://x.com/dhanushkraja/status/1854758303399919813 Apart from Dhanush, Nithya Menon is also part of the film. The two were last seen together in the 2022 hit 'Thiruchitrambalam' and are set to reunite in 'Idli Kadai.' Dhanush had earlier announced the film in September, as he shared a concept poster on his X (formerly Twitter) account. The poster depicted a small roadside shack under a starry sky with the caption, "#D52 #DD4 Om Namashivaaya." Idli Kadai will feature music composed by GV Prakash, cinematography by Kiran Koushik, and editing by Prasanna GK. The film is being produced under Dhanush's banner Wunderbar Films in collaboration with Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures. The film is set to release on April 10 next year. Meanwhile, Nithya won the National Film for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Thiruchitrambalam, earlier this month. Thiruchitrambalam, directed by Mithran Jawahar, is a family entertainer featuring Dhanush and Nithya Menon as best friends Thiru and Shobana. The film was released in 2022 and has been praised for its heartwarming story and performances. (ANI) The action film remains a fan favourite for its gripping story, powerful performances, and memorable dialogues. To celebrate the special occasion, the 'Gadar' actor on Friday took to his Instagram and shared a nostalgic video featuring some of the film's best scenes and dialogues. Sunny also took a moment to remember the late legendary actor Amrish Puri, who played the role of Kashi Nath, a feared crime lord in the movie. Amrish Puri's performance as the menacing villain was one of the highlights of Ghatak. Along with the video, Sunny wrote, "28 years of #Ghatak! My Diwali Release of 1996! Directed by #RajKumarSantoshi, Miss you #AmrishPuri sahab." https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCG3FvqpDeP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film also starred Danny Denzongpa, and Meenakshi Seshadri in prominent roles. Released in 1996, the film was declared a blockbuster hit, and Sunny's hard-hitting dialogues remain unforgettable. Sunny will be next seen in 'Jaat'. The cast also includes Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra. Sunny also stars in 'Lahore 1947,' directed by the renowned Rajkumar Santoshi. This much-awaited film features Sunny Deol and Preity G Zinta in pivotal roles. Announced last October, the film has garnered attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline. Actors Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal will also appear in the film, with Sunny sharing screen space with his son Karan Deol. Additionally, Sunny has the war film 'Border 2' in his lineup. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) party working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) vigorously defended his efforts to elevate Hyderabad's global image, especially through the Formula E race, amidst alleged criticisms, as per a press release by KTR's office. KTR addressed accusations from Congress leaders and a few media outlets, asserting that he has devoted substantial time and resources to promote both the city and the state. He stated, "If anyone intends to imprison me out of political vendetta for bringing investments to Hyderabad, creating an incredible brand for the city, and generating employment opportunities through these investments, I will not back down." Responding to allegations of financial mismanagement, KTR clarified that around Rs 40 crore was spent by the government on the Formula E event. He explained that the Formula E race was not just a race but part of a week-long series of events under the Telangana E-Mobility Week, which drew numerous companies to consider investing in Telangana. KTR mentioned that the Formula E event brought approximately Rs 700 crore in economic benefits and attracted investments worth around Rs 15,000 crore, creating thousands of job opportunities, a statement from the release said. He further noted that the funds were part of a tripartite agreement with Hyderabad's urban development body HMDA, FIA, and sponsors. As a responsible government official, KTR emphasized that the Telangana government had made the decision to fund the Formula E race to boost Hyderabad's brand, attract investments, and create employment opportunities. He clarified that he took responsibility for any administrative matters related to the event's funding and operation. KTR highlighted that the Telangana government spent around Rs 50 crore to bring the Formula E race to Hyderabad, and according to studies by global firms like Nielsen, the event generated an estimated Rs 700 crore in benefits for the city. He also pointed out that the race helped increase Hyderabad's visibility in over 49 countries, attracting major investments and promoting the city as a hub for electric vehicle technology and manufacturing, the release said. In response to Revanth Reddy's allegations, KTR clarified that no corruption was involved in the event, with all financial transactions being transparent and approved by relevant authorities. He stressed that the initiative was solely intended to boost Hyderabad's brand image, promote sustainable mobility, and encourage investments in electric vehicles. KTR defended the government's decision to bring the race to Hyderabad, explaining that the Formula E event was a strategic move to position the city as a key player in the global electric vehicle market. He drew comparisons to similar large-scale events in other countries, like the Commonwealth Games and Formula 1 race in Greater Noida, which also involved substantial government spending. KTR criticized the attempts to undermine Hyderabad's progress, stating that Revanth Reddy's political agenda was detrimental to the city's image. He also dismissed Revanth Reddy's proposal to host the Olympics in Telangana as an impractical and costly idea. KTR reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for the people of Telangana and to work towards enhancing Hyderabad's global standing, despite political distractions and baseless criticisms. He stated, "If they want to file a case, let them. I'll go to jail for two months and come back stronger, ready to continue the fight for Telangana's future." (ANI) BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil on Thursday demanded that Waqf properties be nationalized and declared national property amid the ongoing Waqf land issue in Karnataka. Patil's demand was made during a meeting with Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal. After Pal visited Karnataka, Patil said that 10 to 15 thousand farmers and public representatives told them about the manner in which lakhs of acres of land were grabbed by Siddaramaiah. Speaking to ANI, Patil said "Today, the chairman of JPC, Jagdambika Pal and the committee member Tejasvi Surya came to Vijaypura. Around 10 to 15 thousand famers and public representatives told them about the way the lakhs of acres of land of the Hindus and farmers were grabbed by Siddaramiah. We also demanded that Waqf's property should be nationalized and declared as a national property." Further, he said that the JPC Chairman assured the farmers and representatives that the demands would be fulfilled. "We were given assurance that our demands would be fulfilled. He also promised us that we would be called to Delhi and be given a chance to speak in the committee meeting," he added. On Thursday, the state Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge stated that it was a "BJP-sponsored committee" visiting the state. Speaking to ANI, Priyank Kharge questioned the committee's composition, asking, "If it's a JPC, then where are the other committee members? It is a BJP committee. If it's a Joint Parliamentary Committee, where are the other members (of Parliament)? What is a former MP doing in that committee meeting? What are other MPs, who have no connection with the JPC, doing in that meeting?... A Joint Parliamentary Committee means the committee members should be present. This is nothing but a BJP-sponsored committee that has come today," he remarked. On Thursday morning, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal met various farmers' organisations in Hubballi, Karnataka, and announced that a fact-finding report would be presented in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. He was accompanied by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. "We will submit the report in the upcoming winter session of Parliament," Pal stated to ANI, adding that he was in Karnataka to meet with farmers after receiving an invitation from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. The BJP has alleged that Waqf designations were added to land records for 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district without proper notification, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he has instructed officials to stop issuing notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fact-finding committee on the alleged Waqf land-grab issue in Vijayapura in Karnataka has submitted their report to Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman, Jagdambika Pal. The committee, led by BJP MP Govind M Karjol claims that there were several instances of land records being altered without any prior notice to the people. "The Committee uncovered several instances where land records were altered without any prior notice, citing outdated Waqf Board orders and verbal directives from Deputy Commissioners," said party's Karnataka president, Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Thursday in a post on X. https://x.com/BYVijayendra/status/1854506285854552239 The party has alleged that Waqf designations were added to land records for 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district without proper notification, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he has instructed officials to stop issuing notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. Jagdambika Pal also visited the area of Vijayapura, on the request of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, and attended a protest organised by farmers, MLAs and former MPs. Pal addressing the protesters and said he listened to their problems. "Today in Vijayapura, Karnataka, a joint protest is being organized by farmers and MLAs, former MPs, saints and people from the monastery against the Waqf Board, where I addressed them through a meeting and listened to their problems," read a post by Pal. "Farmers met us and gave a memorandum and said that they used to do farming on the land for centuries and they had land deeds for it but now we are getting notice from the board. So will we be submitting the memorandum before the JPC," said Jagdambika Pal while speaking with media on Thursday. The JPC Chairman visited Vijayapura upon a request by JPC member and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, to understand the concerns of farmers on their agricultural land being claimed by the Waqf Board. Surya also met with the JPC chairman while he visited various districts where there were allegations of Waqf land grab. According to Karnataka BJP, the JPC chairman met more than 80 farmer organisations and 5 thousand farmers in Hubballi and Vijayapura districts. BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil earlier on Thursday demanded that Waqf properties be nationalized and declared national property too. After Pal visited Karnataka, Patil said that 10 to 15 thousand farmers and public representatives told them about the manner in which lakhs of acres of land were grabbed by Siddaramaiah. (ANI) The conference was held at the Directorate General Assam Rifles Headquarters in Laitkor, Shillong and was chaired by Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, the Director General of Assam Rifles. This conference was attended by Formation Commanders, Battalion Commanders, and Staff Officers of Assam Rifles. In the conference, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera complimented all ranks of the Force for their professional conduct and performance under challenging circumstances. He emphasised the importance of maintaining security and sanctity of the Indo-Myanmar Border and said that the Assam Rifles should be prepared for all contingencies and security challenges arising in the future. One of the major highlights of the conference includes discussions on enhancing the capability and combat potential of the Assam Rifles and preparing a road map for the acquisition of new-generation weapon systems and military equipment for Assam Rifles. To enhance overall efficiency, the paramilitary force put emphasis on the training and skill development of soldiers and the sharing of best practices amongst units. The Director General complimented the Formation and Unit Commanders for ensuring peace and tranquillity in their respective areas of responsibility. He also exhorted them to be ever-vigilant on the volatile and dynamic environment under which the Force operates. The Assam Rifles Inspector General's Conference 2024 provides a valuable platform for the Commanders to deliberate on critical issues related to combat potential, operational readiness, administrative issues and human resource management issues, the release stated. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to uphold the highest standards of operational excellence and to continuously strive for excellence in all spheres. (ANI) The SDRF conducted a joint operation with Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), local police, and fire service on Thursday and saved the life of the trapped individual. According to the information, the trolley got stuck in the middle of the stream due to a technical fault which led to the incident. The SDRF team after receiving the information, immediately reached the spot and conducted a joint operation under the leadership of sub-inspector Ashish Dimri. The team skillfully reached the youth using the rope river crossing technique and brought him safely to the shore. Augustmuni is a town, located on the banks of the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand. (ANI) The Haveri Police station in Karnataka registered an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya for a false claim that a farmer in the district died by suicide after having his land claimed by Waqf board. According to the FIR registered on Thursday, Tejasvi Surya claimed that a farmer, identified as Rudrappa Channappa Balikai died by suicide after he found out that his land was "taken over by Waqf" and blamed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan have "unleashed catastrophic effects in Karnataka" in a post on X. The post has since been deleted by Surya which also mentioned a news report by a Kannada paper. The Superintendent of Police in Haveri also issued a clarification that the claim on the reason for the suicide is false. "The news shared is false. No such incident reported. The farmer mentioned here, Rudrappa Channappa Balikai suicide case was reported on 06/01/2022 and it was reported to be due to loan and crop loss. Case was registered u/s 174 CrPC in Adur PS. Final report was already submitted," read the post. The BJP MP further said that he would no longer rely on the source which reported it. "Thanks for the information. The tweet stands deleted. I will henceforth not rely on the news agency that reported it. Given the rampant amount of WAQF conversion notices to 1000s of farmers across the State, one is easily led to believe such outcomes," read a post by the MP. The Waqf land and properties row in the state has intensified in the recent days, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagdambika Pal also visiting various districts and meeting farmers' organisations in Huballi, Vijayapura and other districts, accompanied by Tejasvi Surya. Pal also announced that a fact-finding report would be presented in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. "We will submit the report in the upcoming winter session of Parliament," Pal stated to ANI, adding that he was in Karnataka to meet with farmers after receiving an invitation from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. The BJP has alleged that Waqf designations were added to land records for 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district without proper notification, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he has instructed officials to stop issuing notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. (ANI) The individuals, including three men and three members of the third gender, reportedly entered India illegally from Bangladesh. They were detained while attempting to board a train to travel further into other states. "The operation involved collaboration between Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP), Border Security Force (BSF), and Railway Protection Force (RPF). Following their detention, the six individuals were taken to the Agartala GRP station, where they are undergoing rigorous questioning," Officer in charge, GRPS said. Authorities suspect that more people may be connected to this case and anticipate further arrests as the investigation unfolds. A case has been registered at Agartala GRP station. The detainees are scheduled to be presented in court on November 8. The detained persons have been identified as Ekhlas Mia (24 years, Third Gender), Rubayet Hossain @ Simi (20 years, Third Gender), Zakira @ Mona (22 years, Bangladeshi tout), Zakaraiya (19 years), Tanvir Ahmed (20 years, Third Gender), and Mohammad Mominul Haque (54 years, Bangladeshi tout). The Agartala GRP is continuing the investigation, with officials expecting further developments in the coming days. Earlier two Bangladeshi citizens were detained by the security personnel for illegally entering India, said police officials. They were detained on Tuesday afternoon at the Agartala Railway Station. The Bangladesh nationals were identified as Mohammed Jalal Awladar (40) and Ruma Begum (25) with her 4-year-old daughter Raima and are residents of Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. They reportedly planned to board a train to travel to other Indian states. Based on the confidential information, a joint operation involving the Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP), Border Security Force (BSF), and Agartala Railway Protection Force (RPF) led to their detention. (ANI) Devotees at various places in the country gathered at riverbanks and offered Argya on the last day of the four-day festival. After the holy offering, parents pray to 'Chhatti Maiya' for the protection of their children as well as the happiness and peace of their whole family. A large number of devotees can be seen offering 'Arghya' to the rising Sun on the last day of festival in Bihar's Gaya and Patna. Visuals emerged from Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Marina Beach in Chennai where devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayer to rising sun. In the national capital, devotees offered prayers at a ghat in ITO. A devotee who had gathered with her family at Geeta Colony said that she was excited and content that she could celebrate the entire festival. "I have gathered here with my whole family to celebrate the occasion. We are all very excited that we could celebrate the whole festival," said a devotee who had gathered with her family at Geeta Colony. In Noida, devotees gathered at the Sector 21 stadium to offer the 'Surya Arghya'. Chhath Puja is a four-day festival celebrated to offer prayer to the Sun God. The four days are marked as Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, a day of purification, followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and will conclude with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. In the four-day celebration, fasting is done by worshippers to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal, and by diaspora communities from these regions. (ANI) According to an official release, a committee formed for this investigation reported that, among 13,858 students from Scheduled Tribes, 257 students had registered religions other than Hinduism. It came to notice during the 2023 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) ITI admission process that some students, who converted from tribal communities to other religions, were still availing benefits reserved for tribals. In light of this, Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha had ordered a thorough investigation during the Winter Session in 2023. The Skill Development Department has decided to take necessary action against these students, and the report has been forwarded to the Tribal Development Department for further proceedings. Additionally, the committee has proposed several measures to preserve the culture, traditions, and practices of the tribal community, which have also been submitted to the Tribal Development Department. (ANI) Condemning the killing of two village defence guards in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that he is "deeply" saddened and concerned by the attack Abdullah further said that security forces should ensure that such attacks are stopped "completely." "Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local village defence committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families. At the same time, I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely," Abdullah posted on X. Reacting to the attack, National Conference leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad said that it is unfortunate that innocent people are being targeted. He further said that such cases have especially increased ever since the formation of the new government in J-K. "These incidents have been going on in J&K for the last 35 years, sometimes it gets stopped, but it starts again. It can be a part of strategy who are responsible for such attacks... Our security forces cannot provide security to each and every one in remote areas, and two days ago, selectively killing was done in Kashmir, and every district of Jammu was targeted. Apparently, these things were over and police also claimed the same. But these cases have especially increased ever since the formation of the new government in J-K. Everyone including civil society needs to find a way out of this... It is unfortunate that innocent people are being targeted..." he said. Earlier, J-K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha condemned the heinous terrorist attack in which two village defence guards were killed in the Kishtawar district. The LG paid homage to the two deceased Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar who were killed in the attack and reiterated the government's resolve to destroy all terror outfits and avenge the barbaric act. On Thursday, terrorists killed two Village Defence Group (VDG) members in Kishtwar. The deceased were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Kuntwara area. They had gone to graze their cattle in the forest. (ANI) Gauranga Das was born into a pious South Indian family based in Bhilai. A high-performing and ambitious student in school, he graduated from the prestigious IIT Bombay with a B. Tech in Metallurgy. Besides honing his engineering/tech skills, his tenure at IIT Bombay gave wings to the spiritual seeker in him. He found his calling in a few years and turned full-time monk at ISKCON after a short corporate stint in 1993. He was keen to be 'A Monk for Action', one who remains relevant and thus pursues services that make a tangible difference to society. Gauranga Das is a Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) for ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness which was founded by Grace Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada which has 1100 temples, 120 sattvik vegetarian Govindas restaurants and 70 plus farm communities in 120 countries globally and has distributed 550 million copies of Bhagavat Gita and allied literature in more than 80 languages through its publishing arm the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Acting upon the vision of the founder of the Govardhan ecovillage(GEV), Radhanath Swami Maharaja, Gauranga Das as the Director of Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) located in Palghar district of India implemented several sustainable green initiatives there including Organic Farming, Waste Management, Water Conservation, Green Buildings, Alternative Energy, Goshala etc. He is facilitating transformation in the lives of tribal villagers around GEV by assisting the Govardhan Rural Development initiatives through various social and economic interventions in over 200 tribal villages including farmer's empowerment, rural education, women empowerment, skill development, rural education, water resource development, etc. Under the guidance of Radhanath Swami Maharaja, Gauranga Das along with his team has created a replica of the Vrindavan forest along with stone temples showcasing the preservation of cultural heritage. GEV is accredited to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Council for Bio-Diversity (UNCBD), and United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). Under his guidance, GEV has won more than 36 awards including the United Nations Award for Excellence and Innovation in Sustainable Tourism. Gauranga Das is a Mentor of the Govardhan School of Yoga (GSY) and the Govardhan Ayurvedic Centre at GEV. GSY offers a 200-hours, 300-hours and 500-hours Yoga Teachers' Training Program while the Ayurvedic Centre at GEV offers a full-fledged Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma and disease management in a spiritual ambience. As Trustee and Director (Administration) of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre, India (BRC), and with branches in Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and Vrindavan, he leads the mission for providing accredited academic programs including Ph.D, MA, Diploma, and Certificate courses, in the fields of Philosophy and Sanskrit. BRC houses a manuscripts library containing approximately 20,000 works on a vast variety of India's ancient religions and cultures. Gauranga Das has organized self-sufficient, low-cost, high-quality kitchens (up to 125000 sq. ft. area) and sanctified food in the annual yatras of ISKCON Chowpatty. This Kitchen was featured on the National Geographic Channel as one of India's Mega Kitchens. He has personally cooked more than 3.5 Million plates of sanctified vegetarian meals (prasadam) since 2007 in the temple and Yatra kitchen. Gauranga Das as the Chairman of ISKCON Govardhan Annakshetra, led efforts to serve over 4.78 million meals to the tribal villagers in the Palghar region and visiting pilgrims since Dec 2018. Gauranga Das draws inspiration from the Vedic scriptures and has a unique knack for narrating them in a manner relevant to the modern audience. He has delivered talks at reputed global educational institutions in renowned global corporates and is a visiting faculty at IIM Nagpur for an IKS based course titled 'Life Management Skills' for PGDM students. He has also authored three popular books - The Art of Resilience, The Art of Focus and The Art of Habits. Brought up in a richly diverse setup, the accomplishments of Gauranga Das are as diverse: spanning Vedic scholarship to being a climate change warrior to driving social inclusion to being satvik masterchef to prototyping a global model for self-sufficient sustainable living to being a storyteller-author par excellence. At the core of such a diverse personality is the focus to be spiritually grounded, politically alert and socially relevant and thus be a 'Monk for Action'. (ANI) Flash Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he is ready to hold discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election. When answering a question about whether he is ready to talk with Trump at the plenary session of the Russian think tank Valdai's annual meeting, the Russian leader said: "ready." "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States," Putin said, adding that Russia will work with any head of state who the American people trust. The Supreme Court on Friday overruled by 4:3 majority the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case which in 1967 held that since the Aligarh Muslim Univeristy was a Central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The majority verdict said the issue of AMU minority status to be decided by a regular three-judge bench. The bench said that in order to determine whether an institution is a minority institution, what needs to be looked at is who established the institution. This administration by non-minority members will not take away the minority character of an institution, the apex court verdict said. It further held that the government can regulate minority educational institutions as long as it does not infringe the minority character of such institute. The CJI wrote the majority opinion for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JD Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma gave dissent verdict. The apex court verdict came on a reference arising out of the 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which held that AMU was not a minority institution. A five-judge Constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a Central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The university got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. However, in January 2006, the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which the university was accorded the minority status. Later, the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre approached the top court in appeal against the Allahabad High Court order. The university also filed a separate petition against it. The NDA government led by the BJP in 2016 told the apex court that it will withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA government. The top court had on February 12, 2019 referred the case to a seven-judge bench. During the hearing by the seven-judge bench, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, has told the apex court that there was no concept of minority or minority rights in 1920. The AMU Act came into being in 1920. The Union government argued that an institution of national importance cannot be given a minority status, as it would mean that the institution would be beyond the access of several sections of the society and would exclude reservations for SC/ST/SEBC categories. (ANI) Tensions persisted in Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDG) in Kishtwar, with the people in the region protesting and demanding on Friday that the government take strict action to crush the militancy in the state. The protesters, chanted slogans and remembered the martyred, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar. One of the protesters also informed that today there will be a 'chakka jam' in Kishtwar too, adding, "There will be a chakka jam and closures in remembrance of the two VDGs which have been martyred. We only demand from the home minister that there is strict action taken to crush the militancy in the region, that the security forces get adequate weapons so that they can take care of the militants." "We appeal to the district administration that despite having inputs for so long, and yet there was no action taken, and that's why the VDGs were martyred. So I would like to say that despite these inputs this has happened, then it is a failure of the administration. Moreover, the VDGs in Nowshera area of Rajouri district are also on high alert after the killing. One of the VDGs explained his role for protecting the region, saying, "This weapon has been given to me and others to protect the country, and whenever there is a need for us, we will reach there, police will also reach and army will also reach the place needed. The police call us, and other security forces call us too." VDGs serve as a frontline defence against potential militant threats. Operating around the clock, these civilian-led teams work closely with the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary forces, forming a well-coordinated security network essential for the region's stability. "Everyone has the josh, and we will give our lives for the nation, but one thing which is a little sad is that nowadays in all the places there is something or the other which is coming up," the VDG added. The VDG said that they do the duty daily in groups, looking across the region for any threat, patrolling without fear. VDG members undergo regular training and guidance from security agencies, ensuring they are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any security threats. This robust preparation, combined with their deep local knowledge, positions the VDGs as a crucial asset in India's broader border security framework. For decades, VDGs have played a vital role in anti-militancy operations, demonstrating resilience and dedication to safeguarding their communities. Their ongoing vigilance not only strengthens India's defenses but also brings a sense of peace and stability to the border areas of Nowshera, reflecting a united commitment to national security. (ANI) Ruckus ensued in Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday, the third day in a row, after People''s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara exhibited a banner in support of the restoration of Article 370 in the union territory. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs raised slogans and clashed with fellow members, including Engineer Rashid''s brother and Awami Ittehad Party MLA Sheikh Khursheed over a banner he was carrying. BJP MLAs were seen entering the well of the House along with Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh were been marshalled out of the House on the orders of Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. During the session, several slogans were raised against PDP by BJP MLAs and MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh. BJP MLAs also raised slogans of ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai'' in the House. Reacting to the ruckus, J-K LoP Sunil Sharma termed it as the "darkest day in the democracy." He accused Assembly Speaker of behaving as the "Speaker of National Conference," instead of the House. Sharma alleged that the Speaker wanted to "suppress" the voice of the opposition. "This is the darkest day in J&K''s democracy. For the last three days, the Speaker - who is believed to be the custodian of the House, has been implementing marshal law, behaving as the speaker of the National Conference. They want to suppress the voice of the opposition," Sharma said. As uproar erupted over the restoration of Article 370, opposing the resolution, LoP Sharma said that this assembly is not bigger than the Parliament and the Supreme Court and there cannot be debate on this topic. After BJP MLAs were marshalled out of the House, Sharma said that they (the opposition) would run a parallel assembly against the speaker outside the House. He said, "We believe that all these actions are unlawful, undemocratic and unconstitutional. The resolution (to restore Article 370) was drafted by the speaker himself. We want them to take it back. Article 370 is a history - it can''t be debated now. This assembly is not bigger than the Parliament and the Supreme Court. We wanted to have a debate - about the way our MLAs were manhandled by the marshals at the direction of the Speaker, they did this today as well. We will now sit here on protest to run a parallel assembly which is against the Speaker." Earlier on November 6, a ruckus erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly over a resolution on the restoration of Article 370. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary had demanded the resolution, but Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma objected to it. The first session of the newly elected assembly in Jammu Kashmir kick-started on November 4 with the introduction of a resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 and restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the ruckus, the resolution was passed on Wednesday by a voice vote, with all parties barring the BJP supporting it. An uproar erupted on that when PDP (People''s Democratic Party) leader Waheed Para, representing the Pulwama constituency introduced a resolution against the revocation of Article 370 and to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah stated that the resolution was introduced merely "for the cameras" and holds no real significance. He added that if there had been a genuine intention behind the resolution, it should have been discussed with the National Conference. Notably, the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir''s statehood as well as the implementation of the autonomy resolution was one of the main promises made by the National Conference in its manifesto for the Jammu-Kashmir elections. The first session of the new assembly will conclude today. In the last Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, the Congress-National Conference alliance won 49 seats out of 90. The BJP won 29 seats in the election. The Assembly election was held after a gap of 10 years and since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. NC leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on September 16. (ANI) As the Chhath Puja festivities concluded on Thursday morning with 'Arghya' rituals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the citizens on the holy occasion. The Prime Minister remarked that the four-day rituals of Mahaparv Chhath would fill citizens with new energy and enthusiasm. "The glimpse of nature and culture seen in the four-day ritual of Mahaparva Chhath is going to fill the countrymen with new energy and enthusiasm. Many congratulations to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of morning Arghya," PM Modi stated in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1854719898406338637 Devotees all across the country offered 'Arghya' to the rising Sun on Friday morning. They gathered at various places in the country, at the riverbanks and ghats to offer Arghya on the last day of the four-day long festival. After the holy offering, parents pray to 'Chhatti Maiya' for the protection of their children as well as the happiness and peace of their whole family. A huge throng of devotees were spotted giving 'Arghya' to the rising Sun from different parts of the country, including the national capital, where devotees offered prayers at a ghat in ITO. A devotee who had gathered with her family at Geeta Colony said that she was excited about celebrating the entire festival. "I have gathered here with my whole family to celebrate the occasion. We are all very excited that we could celebrate the whole festival," said a devotee who had gathered with her family at Geeta Colony. In Noida, devotees gathered at the Sector 21 stadium to offer the 'Surya Arghya'. With today morning's 'Arghya', the Chhath Puja celebration, a four-day festival, has marked its end. It is believed to be one of the hardest festival and is celebrated to offer prayers to the Sun God. It includes 36-hour-long fasting with other rituals. The four days are marked as Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, a day of purification, followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and will conclude with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi. In the four-day celebration, fasting is done by worshippers to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal, and by diaspora communities from these regions. (ANI) Election Commission's flying squad along with Kerala police have seized food kits with pictures of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi from Thirunelly, in Wayanad district ahead of bypolls in the constituency. The by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled for November 13. Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, will see a contest between Priyanka Gandhi of Congress, Navya Haridas of the BJP, and Sathyan Mokeri of the Left in the upcoming bypolls. The election was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, choosing to retain Rae Bareli following his victory in both constituencies in the general elections earlier this year. On Tuesday, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, addressing a public rally in Pookkottumpadam on Wednesday, urged voters to elect leaders who prioritise public welfare and development. Campaigning as the Congress candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha bypolls, Vadra emphasised that political representatives should serve as "servants of the people." "In a democracy, the power of the people is paramount," she said, adding, "Today, we see a negative force sweeping across our country. What we need most is positivity and progress." Vadra also urged people to stand against divisive politics. "When leaders come to you, attempting to manipulate your emotions or religion for votes, you must show them that it won't work anymore. It is your duty towards yourself, your children--the future generation of this country--and your nation to uphold the values enshrined in our constitution. It is your duty to question, to remind every leader that their primary role is to serve you," she said. Meanwhile, campaigning in Sogala village, Kumaraswamy said, "I am permanently based in Ramanagara. I am not going anywhere, and no one can make me leave. Dirty politics may succeed once, but it won't work every time," he remarked. He also questioned Priyanka Gandhi's candidature from Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. "Rahul Gandhi ran away from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh to Wayanad -- what kind of 'Talkies' is he? Priyanka Gandhi, instead of contesting from UP, came to Wayanad to support her brother -- what 'Talkies' are they? Instead of cleaning up your own house, don't worry about others," Kumaraswamy criticized. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh CID has launched an investigation to determine how samosas and cake intended for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were mistakenly served to his staff. A senior officer in the report, described this act as an "anti-government" act condemning it as an offence against the intended respect for the VVIP's presence. The report added that those involved appeared to be "acting according to their own agenda." The alleged incident, which took place on October 21 during a program at the CID headquarters, led to a full inquiry by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The inquiry sought to understand which officers and staff members were responsible for the oversight. The Chief Minister visited the CID headquarters to inaugurate the Cyber wing's new Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) station. However, instead of the CM, the samosas and cake were served to his staff, sparking an internal CID investigation. DGP, Atul Verma said that the matter is being investigated by the CID and not by the police headquarters. The investigation report details that an Inspector General (IG) officer asked a sub-inspector to procure food from a five star hotel in Shimla's Lakkar Bazaar for the chief minister's program. Following this order, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a head constable driver retrieved three boxes of samosas and cake, handing them over to a woman officer of Inspector rank. This officer, unaware of the items' intended recipient, instructed for the boxes to be placed in a senior officer's room, where they were then moved between rooms. When questioned, the officers involved claimed that they had confirmed with tourism department personnel on duty, who reportedly stated that the items in the boxes were not on the CM's menu. The investigation further noted that an MTO (Motor Transport Officer) and HASI (Head Assistant Sub-Inspector) were assigned to manage refreshments like tea and paan for the CM's staff. According to her statement, the woman Inspector was not informed that the items inside the boxes were meant for the CM. Without opening the boxes, she directed them to the MT section. The IG's orderly, HASI, testified that the boxes were opened by a sub-inspector and a head constable and intended for the DSP and staff in the IG's office. Following these instructions, the food was served with tea to approximately 10-12 people in the room. Based on statements from those involved, the CID report indicates that only a sub-inspector was aware that the boxes contained refreshments for the CM. Nevertheless, these boxes, overseen by a woman Inspector, were ultimately passed to the MT section without higher clearance, and the items were inadvertently served to the CM's staff instead. (ANI) Following Supreme Court's decision to overrule the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case which in 1967 held that since the Aligarh Muslim University was a Central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution, Vice Chancellor Naima Khatoon said that she will discuss the judgement with the legal experts for the next course of action. Speaking to media persons, Vice Chancellor of AMU, Naima Khatoon said, "We honour the judgement. We will discuss with our legal experts for the next course of action." The apex court by 4:3 majority verdict said the issue of AMU minority status to be decided by a regular three-judge bench. The bench said that in order to determine whether an institution is a minority institution, what needs to be looked at is who established the institution. Following the verdict, Aligarh Muslim University staff welcomed the decision and stressed to act on the further course of action. AMU, Professor Mohd. Aasim Siddiqui, Member Incharge, PRO Department, AMU said, "We welcome and accept this judgement." "AMU honours the decision of the SC... For now, we are dedicated to maintaining academic actions, nation-building, and inclusivity," Omar Saleem Peerzada (PRO-AMU) said. Reacting to the Supreme Court Verdict Professor Aftab Ahmad stated, "SC majority judgement has not said anything about the minority status. So it will remain as a minority institution. We will read the judgement and decide the next course of action." Notably, the CJI wrote the majority opinion for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JD Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma gave dissent verdict. The apex court verdict came on a reference arising out of the 2006 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which held that AMU was not a minority institution. Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said that the Supre Court's decision will go a long way in deciding the minority status of AMU "We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court in which it has overruled its decision of 1967 in which it was decided the AMU will not be a minority institution. I think SC's decision will go a long way in deciding the minority status of AMU. I think all the historical facts are before us and we will certain those before the 3-judges bench.....The biggest question is if Aligarh Muslim University is not considered to be a minority institution, then which institution will be considered as a minority institution and what will happen to Article 30A?" Firangi Mahali said. A five-judge Constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a Central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The university got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. However, in January 2006, the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which the university was accorded minority status. Later, the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre approached the top court in an appeal against the Allahabad High Court order. The university also filed a separate petition against it. The NDA government led by the BJP in 2016 told the apex court that it would withdraw the appeal filed by the erstwhile UPA government. (ANI) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday hit out at the National Conference (NC) over the resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370, terming it as "illegal and unconstitutional." A resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 and restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was passed in the first session of the newly elected assembly in the Union Territory by a voice vote. Calling the resolution against the constitutional and democratic traditions, Chugh underscored that Articles 370 and 35A were abrogated by the "biggest panchayat of India." "The resolution brought by National Conference in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is illegal, unconstitutional, against the constitutional and democratic traditions. Articles 370 and 35A were abrogated by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the biggest panchayat of India, on 5th August 2019, and the Supreme Court of the country put its stamp on its end," Tarun Chugh told ANI. He further questioned Congress party's stand on the issue which is a part of the alliance with NC in Jammu and Kashmir. "What is the stand of Congress? The country wants to know. Is Congress with NC on their proposal to bring back Articles 370 and 35A or against them?" the BJP leader added. "Bharatiya Janata Party will not let democracy be killed in Jammu and Kashmir, it will not let it happen," he said He further stated that his party MLA in Jammu and Kashmir are facing "anti-national forces" by being the warriors of the country. "All the BJP MLAs in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are facing anti-national forces by becoming the warriors of the country. We will not back down.," he stated. "No power in the world can bring Article 370 and 35 back, it had become history," he added. Earlier, a ruckus ensued in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday, the third day in a row, after People's Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara exhibited a banner in support of the restoration of Article 370 in the union territory. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs raised slogans and clashed with fellow members, including Engineer Rashid's brother and Awami Ittehad Party MLA Sheikh Khursheed over a banner he was carrying. BJP MLAs were seen entering the well of the House along with Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh and were marshalled out of the House on the orders of Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. On November 6, amid the ruckus, the resolution was passed on Wednesday by a voice vote, with all parties barring the BJP supporting it. However, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah stated that the resolution was introduced merely "for the cameras" and holds no real significance. He added that if there had been a genuine intention behind the resolution, it should have been discussed with the National Conference. Notably, the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as the implementation of the autonomy resolution was one of the main promises made by the National Conference in its manifesto for the Jammu-Kashmir elections. (ANI) Following the killing of two Village Defence Guards in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders condemned the attack and said that the government will take strict action against the militants. BJP's National General Secretary Tarun Chugh called the killing of VDGs an "attack on humanity," and said, "The act is not just an attack on innocent lives but an attack on humanity. Attacking those who are working to protect their village, their region. We will face such people firmly and we have full faith in the security forces. We have destroyed the conspiracy of annihilation in Jammu and Kashmir before. It will be destroyed in future also. We will keep on punishing those who commit heinous crimes, they will have to pay the price for it." J-K BJP President Sat Sharma recounted how the Kishtwar region maintained its peaceful atmosphere even before the elections, and blaming Pakistan for the attack. "Kishtwar is a region which has maintained its peaceful atmosphere, before elections and after elections too. But today, the killing of two VDGs is a very sad incident and I condemn it. Pakistan is directly responsible for it. On instructions from Pakistan, the terrorists want to disturb the atmosphere here. These sacrifices will not go in vain. I also believe that the people who are responsible for it, they will not be spared, The PM and Union Home Minister are making all efforts to maintain peace in the country," Sharma told ANI. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal highlighted that Home Minister Amit Shah talking about an anti-terror policy for the country during the inaugural session of the 'Anti-Terror Conference-2024'. "The incident is very unfortunate. We have no place for terrorism in the country, yesterday also Home Minister Amit Shah also has said that the government will make an anti-terrorism policy too. The Indian government has taken various steps to eradicate terrorism, we hope that the J&K government will fulfil their obligations and take action against the incident," the BJP MP said. Shah announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs is taking the next step in its proactive approach to combat terrorism and will come up with a National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy. "We are taking the next step in the proactive approach that the Home Ministry has made to fight terrorism, terrorists and the terrorism ecosystem. We will come up with a National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy," he said. Party leader Kavinder Gupta further alleged that the locals might have been involved in the attack too. "I believe this incident could not have happened without the help of the local people...The brutality and ruthlessness with which it has been done makes it clear that they are trying to run their same old model of terrorism. The Lieutenant Governor had said that those who are involved in this need to be identified," he told ANI. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he is "deeply" saddened and concerned by the attack Abdullah further said that security forces should ensure that such attacks are stopped "completely." (ANI) Shortly after the Supreme Court of India of India overruled its 1967 verdict on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University, AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Assaduddin Owaisi hailed the decision on Friday, saying that the right of minorities to educate themselves has been upheld. "It is an important day for Muslims of India. The 1967 judgement had rejected minority status of #AMU when in fact it was. Article 30 states that minorities have the right to establish and administer their educational institutions in a manner that they deem fit," Owaisi said in a post on X. He congratulated the students and faculty of AMU, and said that the arguments made by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led union government were rejected in the court. "The right of minorities to educate themselves has been upheld. I congratulate all students and faculty of AMU today. It does not matter if the University was established before the Constitution, or if it was set up by a law of the govt. It is a minority institution if it was established by minorities. All the arguments of the BJP were rejected," the post added. The SC overruled by 4:3 majority the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case which in 1967 held that since the Aligarh Muslim Univeristy was a Central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. The majority verdict said the issue of AMU minority status is to be decided by a regular three-judge bench. The bench said that in order to determine whether an institution is a minority institution, what needs to be looked at is who established the institution. Owaisi further implored that after this judgement, the BJP should go for "course correction" He added, "The BJP has opposed minority status for AMU for all these years. What is it going to do now? It has made every effort to attack AMU and Jamia, and our right to even run madrasas." He said that the PM Modi led central government should "stop discriminating" against AMU, mentioning that as Jamia gets Rs 3 lakh per student, AMU gets 3.9 lakh, the Banaras Hindu University gets Rs 6.16 lakh per student. He said in the post, "The Modi govt should take this judgement in its stride. It should support AMU as it is also a central university. Jamia gets Rs3L per student, AMU gets Rs3.9L per student, but BHU gets Rs6.15L. Jamia and AMU have consistently performed well in national rankings. With the right support the Universities could be globally renowned. But for that, Modi must stop discriminating against them." (ANI) Flash Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit on Thursday, calling on the six GMS members to upgrade their cooperation after a productive partnership spanning three decades since the establishment of the mechanism. Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The summit, slated from Nov. 6 to 7 in Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China, brought together leaders from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as president of the Asian Development Bank. The six countries launched the GMS Economic Cooperation Program in 1992 to pool efforts to improve regional infrastructure and enhance trade, investment and economic growth. "The GMS has increasingly become an important platform for China and Mekong countries to discuss cooperation and promote development," Li said. As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, China and Mekong countries should work together closely, give full play to economic complementarity, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, Li said. Li called on the GMS members to advance opening-up at a higher level and on a larger scale to build a more efficient and dynamic super-large market. He suggested that the countries build a high-quality Belt and Road, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership well, and accelerate the signing of the 3.0 upgrade protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Stressing innovation-driven development, Li urged all parties to promote the planning, construction and upgrading of regional power grids, deepen cooperation in the new-energy battery, automobile and photovoltaic industries, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, smart manufacturing, big data and smart cities. He said that more connectivity should be made on infrastructure, such as roads, railways and ports, as well as on policies, laws, supervision, rules and standards, to speed up regional economic integration. He announced that China has decided to issue "Lancang-Mekong visas" to the five Mekong countries and issue five-year multiple-entry visas to qualified business people. Li said GMS countries should practice genuine multilateralism, promote the coordinated development of the GMS with the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and other regional mechanisms, and strengthen cooperation with the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and other institutions. Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as president of the Asian Development Bank, who are attending the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The foreign dignitaries expressed appreciation for China's important role in GMS economic cooperation, saying they are willing to enhance synergy between the development strategies of the member states. They said the member states will focus on innovation-driven development, expand practical cooperation on economy and trade, agriculture, connectivity, digital economy, green development, health care, tourism, culture and other fields, to safeguard free trade and the inclusive and sustainable development of GMS countries. As a chill across the region of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir persisted after the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), Congress leaders on Friday condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government for not doing enough to stop militancy in the region. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said that the law and order subject is completely under the control of the union government and the Lieutenant Governor, and asked whether the statements given by Amit Shah on curbing terrorism are false or not. "Only yesterday Amit Shah gave a statement that everything is under control in J&K. An incident occurred the day before yesterday, and today again with the Village Defence Guards, so many lies are being told. The law and order situation in J&K is completely under the jurisdiction of BJP-led central government, under the Lieutenant Governor. Not only this, but the terrorists have taken responsibility for the attack too. So does that mean that the statement by Amit Shah on terrorism is a false statement? The terror acts in the region are increasing," Tiwari told ANI. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha paid homage to the two deceased on Thursday, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar who were killed in the attack and reiterated the Government's resolve to destroy all terror outfits and avenge the barbaric act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday warned against "borderless and invisible" terror threats and stressed the need for cutting-edge technology to deal with them effectively. Congress leader Rashid Alvi mentioned that the government should get to the root of the problem and find out the reason for these terror attacks, saying that the terrorists should be caught alive instead of killed in encounters. "When someone dies it is only after that that efforts are made to know who is behind all this. Why doesn't the government find out who is behind all these terror attacks before it happens? I have said this earlier I will say it again that till the time those spreading terrorism in J&K are caught alive the truth will never be known," he told ANI. He further criticised the government, saying that it was claimed that after the abrogation of article 370, the situation was supposed to be normalised, instead calling these are "abnormal" times. "Also there is such a presence of our security forces there, what is the LG doing? Indian government has said repeatedly that after the abrogation of Article 370 the situation is normal, but are these normal times? These are even more abnormal times," he added. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the killing of the two VDGs, and said that he is "deeply" saddened and concerned by the attack. Abdullah further said that security forces should ensure that such attacks are stopped "completely." "Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local village defence committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families. At the same time, I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely," Abdullah posted on X. (ANI) In the wake of the killing of two village defence guards in the Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir, Sanatan Dharm Sabha on Friday called for a shutdown in the district. Speaking to ANI, Arvind Parihar, President of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Kishtwar said that they are protesting against the killing of the defence guards and have appealed to the central government to take strict actions to crush the militancy in the region. "Sanatan Dharm Sabha has called for a complete shutdown to protest against the killing of our village DGs. We appeal to the Home Minister to take strict action to crush the militancy which is on the rise again and provide high technological weapons to security forces. The district administration has been given regular inputs but still no timely action was taken and two of our VDGs were killed..." he said. Tensions persisted in Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDG) in Kishtwar, with the people in the region protesting and demanding that the government take strict action to crush the militancy in the state. Moreover, the VDGs in Nowshera area of Rajouri district are also on high alert after the killing. One of the VDGs explained his role for protecting the region, saying, "This weapon has been given to me and others to protect the country, and whenever there is a need for us, we will reach there, police will also reach and army will also reach the place needed. The police call us, and other security forces call us too." VDGs serve as a frontline defence against potential militant threats. Operating around the clock, these civilian-led teams work closely with the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary forces, forming a well-coordinated security network essential for the region's stability. "Everyone has the josh, and we will give our lives for the nation, but one thing which is a little sad is that nowadays in all the places there is something or the other which is coming up," the VDG added. The VDG said that they do the duty daily in groups, looking across the region for any threat, patrolling without fear. On Thursday, terrorists killed two Village Defence Group (VDG) members in Kishtwar. The deceased were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Kuntwara area. They had gone to graze their cattle in the forest. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized diamond and gold jewellery worth Rs 85 lakh, and cash to the tune of Rs 25 lakh during searches conducted at four locations in Bhopal in a case of bank fraud allegedly committed by Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd., its directors and others by doing diversion of funds availed from Bank of India, the agency said on Friday. Various incriminating documents and mobile phones were also seized during these raids carried out on November 6 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 ED's Bhopal Zonal Office has conducted search operations. As per the agency, Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd had diverted the funds to their sister concerns and related entities causing a loss to the bank to the tune of Rs 44 crore. The agency initiated an investigation on the basis of First Information Report registered by the CBI under various sections of IPC, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. ED investigation revealed that Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd had secured a credit facility of Rs 42 crore in 2014 from Bank of India. By 2017, the account turned Non-Performing Asset. "Further, in 2019, the Kotak Mahindra Bank also informed Bank of India about prior mortgaging of certain properties by a sister concern of Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd such as My Car (Bhopal) for securing credit facilities from Kotak Mahindra Bank, whereas mortgaged properties were also mortgaged with Bank of India by Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd for securing credit facilities," said the ED. Accordingly, the Bank of India declared the account fraudulent and reported it to Reserve Bank of India. ED investigation also revealed that funds were diverted by Excel Vehicle Pvt Ltd to its sister concerns and utilized for payment towards vendors of its sister concerns and in the repayment of loans of other Non-Banking Financial Companies. (ANI) The Congress party is set to hold a press conference on Saturday to counter Bharatiya Janata Party allegations that "Congress has failed to deliver on its promises," as per sources. According to the above sources, the press conference will be jointly held by the Chief Ministers of Congress ruling states, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his thread of tweets, accused Congress of making empty promises during election campaigns. Through his posts, the prime minister claimed, "The Congress Party is realizing the hard way that making unreal promises is easy, but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign, they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver." Modi cited issues in Congress-ruled states, mentioning that the "developmental trajectory and fiscal health is turning from bad to worse" in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana. He alleged that Congress's unfulfilled promises were misleading the poor, youth, farmers, and women and that existing welfare schemes were being neglected. Modi urged the public to be vigilant against what he termed the "Congress-sponsored culture of fake promises" and cited Haryana's recent election results as evidence of people rejecting Congress. Responding to this, Mallikarjun Kharge said that lies, deceit, fraud, loot and publicity are the five adjectives that best define the BJP government at the centre. "Lies, Deceit, Fakery, Loot & Publicity are the 5 adjectives which best describe your Govt! Your drumbeating regarding a 100-day plan was a cheap PR stunt! On May 16, 2024, you also claimed that you took inputs from more than 20 lakh people for the road map for 2047. RTI filed in PMO declined to put forth details, exposing your LIES!" Kharge posted on X. Launching a scathing attack on the central government, the Congress chief said, " The 'B' in BJP stands for Betrayal, while the 'J' stands for 'Jhumla', and the 'S' stands for 'Setting' the record straight." He further highlighted several areas where the central government has allegedly failed, and said, "Why is India's Unemployment Rate at a 45-year high? Why are stampedes witnessed wherever there are vacancies for a handful of jobs? Who is responsible for 70 paper leaks in 7 years? Who snatched 5 Lakh Govt jobs by selling stake in PSUs? Why have the household savings plunged to a 50-year low? Why has the cost of a common thali increased by 52% in just last year? TOP -- Tomato Prices increased by 247%, Potato by 180% and Onion by 60%? Who levied GST on essential food items such as Milk, Curd, Atta, Dal? Who is penalising Middle Class through LTCG by indulging in Tax Terrorism?" (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday strongly criticised the Congress Party, claiming that the country's division was a result of decisions made by the grand old party, which had approved India's partition. "Whatever the Congress says, if the country was divided, it happened because of them. When the British were leaving India, it was Congress that sanctioned the partition. The Congress has consistently faced communal unrest in its governed states, so the reality cannot be ignored. Wherever there are Congressmen, they create divides along religious lines. If anyone is responsible for the country's economic distress, it is Congress," CM Yadav told ANI. He further stated that Congress could never escape the taint of its past mistakes. "If the country has endured hardship due to past misgovernance, Congress has played a role in it. These accusations will persist against them. Congress can never wash away the stigma of its past sins," CM Yadav added. He also alleged that Congress continued to support illegal infiltrators within the country. He argued that the party remained silent on issues in Bangladesh due to its fear of losing vote banks. "Congress is still harbouring intruders in our country. Why does Congress not speak out on incidents in Bangladesh? Because it fears losing vote banks. Bangladeshi infiltrators are intruders, as are Pakistanis. If there's wrongdoing by Hindus, call it out. But Congress's policy of singling out Hindus is unfair," CM Yadav said. Regarding his campaign visit to Jharkhand, the Chief Minister expressed optimism about establishing a "double engine" government in the state. "I am pleased to visit Jharkhand and Bihar, regions steeped in Sanatan culture, though under Congress leadership, development has lagged. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, this will accelerate. I'm heading to Jharkhand today with the hope of establishing a double-engine government," Yadav said. He expressed confidence in a favourable outcome, citing the growing support for the BJP in Jharkhand, boosted by the BJP's successes in Haryana and Modi's third term. "I am hopeful that India will emerge as a global force. Jharkhand has immense potential in the mining sector, and it can progress under PM Modi's leadership. With BJP in power at both the centre and in the states, development gains momentum, and I hope this trend continues," the CM added. He also appealed to voters, urging them to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to contribute to development under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Meanwhile, in response to CM Yadav's remarks, state Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, speaking to ANI in Bhopal, questioned the BJP's fulfilment of promises made during the 2023 state assembly polls. "The BJP promised a monthly aid of Rs 3000 for Ladli Behna. Are they receiving it? Is this true or false? They misled the Ladli Behnas and took votes. They also promised MSP of Rs 2700 per quintal for wheat and Rs 3100 for paddy. Is this true or false? If Congress is accused of lying, the Chief Minister should clarify what the truth is," Patwari challenged. He further alleged that the BJP had discontinued welfare schemes for the poor and stopped scholarships for SC-ST and OBC students. He noted that financial issues in 33 departments had left the state in distress. "I want to meet him face-to-face. I want to talk. You (referring to CM Yadav) stand on a foundation of lies. The BJP is built on lies. I believe this has become their ideological stance; they deceive themselves and bring shame to the state with their language while accusing the opposition. What happened to the 'Modi guarantee' given during the 2023 assembly poll?" he added. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice on a plea filed by convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, seeking permission for his urgent medical treatment. Malik currently imprisoned at Tihar Jail in Delhi, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, stating that he has been on a hunger strike since November 1. The imprisoned Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) is protesting what he claims is the denial of his fundamental rights, including proper medical treatment and attention to his health issues, by the Tihar Jail authorities. In his plea before the Delhi High Court, Yasin Malik has sought direction from the Tihar Jail Authority to produce records of his medical treatment. He has sought appropriate directions from the court to ensure that he is referred for proper and necessary medical care at AIIMS or any other super-speciality hospital, either in New Delhi or in the Kashmir region, to address his ongoing health concerns. Additionally, Malik has asked the court to direct the authorities to produce him before the courts in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi whenever his presence is required. The bench of Anoop Kumar Mendiratta is scheduled to hear this matter today itself. Earlier this year, Yasin Malik had also approached the Delhi High Court, claiming inadequate medical treatment and citing serious cardiac and kidney issues. In response, the court was informed that Malik had been examined by doctors at AIIMS, where he was provided the necessary medical care. The counsel for the central government and the Director General of Prisons (Tihar Jail) assured the court that Malik would receive any further required medical treatment as needed. Recently, the Tribunal handling matters under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has upheld the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) for another five years. The MHA had initially extended the ban on March 15, 2024, citing the group''s continued involvement in unlawful activities. The UAPA Tribunal, led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court, reaffirmed the decision, emphasizing that associations promoting secessionism would not be tolerated. Despite Yasin Malik, the imprisoned leader of the JKLF, asserting that he had renounced armed resistance in favour of a Gandhian approach to achieve their goals since 1994, the Tribunal noted his ongoing links to violent means and groups. The Tribunal remarked that Malik''s continued association with wanted terrorists and his admission of having visited a terrorist camp in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), where he was reportedly honoured, could not be overlooked. The Delhi High Court is currently examining an appeal by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the imposition of the death penalty for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik in connection with a terror funding case. Representing the NIA, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Malik was responsible for the killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed. Mehta also highlighted that four terrorists released following the kidnapping were later involved in orchestrating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over the resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370 passed in the Jammu-Kashmir assembly, and strongly affirmed that the erstwhile article would not be reinstated even after four generations of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) supremo Sharad Pawar. "National Conference and Congress party passed a resolution in the J&K assembly to bring back Article 370, that Kashmir is not an integral part of India. Today, I am saying it on the land of Sambhaji Maharaj - Sharad Pawar sahab, even if your four generations come, we will not let Article 370 be back," he said. He further asked whether Aurangabad should have been renamed as Sambhajinagar or not. "The MVA and Uddhav Thackeray opposes this move but the name will remain Sambhajinagar," he said. The Home Minister further slammed Maha Vikas Aghadi accusing it of indulging in 'appeasement politics.' "The entire country is upset with some provisions of the Waqf board made by the Congress party. PM Modi brought a bill in the parliament to bring a change in that. In Karnataka, the entire village including temples and the land of the people has been declared the property of the Waqf," Shah said. He added, "I have come to ask Pawar Sahab and Uddhav ji, tell me whether you will support the bill or oppose it. They'll not answer. If they (MahaVikasAghadi) come to power, they will also try to transfer the land of the farmers in the name of the Waqf board." The Home Minister further said that till the time the NDA government is in power the government would not allow anyone to touch the land of temples and farmers. Speaking on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Shah said that Ram Lalla was in a 'tent' for 500 years and Congress was delaying the building of the temple. "PM Modi came to power and in 5 years did the Bhoomi Pujan for the temple. Then he went on with the construction and did the Pran Pratishtha. Sharad Pawar, Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray did not attend the ceremony as they are afraid of losing their vote bank. We have also constructed Kashi Vishwanath corridor and Somnath temple is going to be built in gold," he added. He further said that only the Mahayuti government can put an end to appeasement politics. Shah added that the MVA was in power from 2004 to 2014 and during that period Maharashtra got 1 lakh 91 thousand crores while PM Modi gave 10 lakh 15 thousand crores in the last 10 years. The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), seeks to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (ANI) In a shocking incident, a 10-year-old girl was raped and was found in an unconscious state at the spot in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, a police officer said. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Myana police station in the district on Wednesday night. On getting the information, the police rushed to the site and sent the minor to the district hospital and later she was referred to Bhopal for further treatment, the police added. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP, Guna) Vivek Ashthana told ANI, "A woman along with her 10-year-old daughter came to a village to sell maize and grind wheat (in a haat bazaar). After completing her task, when she was returning with her daughter, an unidentified person around 30 years old on a bike intervened and said that some money of maize was left and he would help to get it from the shopkeeper." The man then took them on his bike. A moment later, he dropped the woman and said that he would go with the minor and bring the money back. After that the accused took the minor to a jungle and committed the crime, the police said. Upon receiving information, the police arrived at the spot and with the help of dial 100 and the police station in charge, the minor was sent to the district hospital. As the minor was bleeding, she was referred to Bhopal for further treatment, he added. "We have registered an FIR into the matter and formed four teams to nab the accused. The Superintendent of Police (SP) has also announced a reward of Rs 10,000 on the arrest of the accused. Efforts are on and we will arrest the accused soon," DSP Ashthana said. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari took a jibe at the state government saying that there was no rule of law in the state but a jungle raj and the government was worthless. "I say this again and again that there is no rule of law in Madhya Pradesh but a jungle raj. There is no power left in the government to keep daughters safe here. 20 women are raped every day in the state and the rape of 10-year-old girl in Guna is its validation. Now we don't expect the government to do anything. We know they can't do anything. Therefore, we are running a public awareness campaign. We will create a sense of self-social equation and social awareness. The government is worthless," Patwari told ANI. Additionally, MP Minister Krishna Gaur hit back at Patwari's remark and said that the state BJP government was very sensitive towards women and continuous efforts were being made to ensure the safety of women in the state. "The BJP government is a very sensitive government towards women and continuous efforts are being made to ensure that adequate safety should be given to women. Wherever such an incident happens, the Chief Minister has directed the officers to take immediate action. You must have noticed that wherever incidents happen, the accused gets caught immediately and action is taken against them," Gaur told ANI. She further added that Congress knew the definition of Jungle Raj better because Jungle Raj used to operate in the Congress itself. Therefore, Congress did not see anything other than Jungle Raj. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) works on the rule of law and works on good governance and in this regard, it takes immediate action against the injustice that happens to anyone, she added. (ANI) The Delhi Crime Branch has arrested two individuals and uncovered a syndicate involved in the illegal supply of weapons in North East Delhi, Delhi Police reported on Friday. The accused have been identified as Nadeem and Fazeel, both residents of Seelampur. According to the police, a raid was conducted by a Crime Branch team in Brahmpuri, Seelampur, on November 4, following further investigation. During the raid, Nadeem and Fazeel, residents of Jafrabad and identified as sources of illegal weapons, were apprehended. At their instance, the police recovered three pistols, four magazines, and 24 live cartridges. The Crime Branch seized three high-quality illegal pistols, four magazines, and 24 live cartridges. Police stated that these fine-quality firearms were being supplied in large quantities. "A Crime Branch team uncovered a syndicate involved in illegal weapon supply in North East Delhi with the arrest of two individuals, seizing three high-quality illegal pistols, four magazines, and 24 live cartridges," stated Delhi Police. Previously, on September 18, the Crime Branch registered the case after seizing two illegal pistols and two spare magazines from two individuals, Sameer Ahmad and Sahil. The case was subsequently assigned to SI Jagseer Singh for further investigation. During interrogation, Sameer Ahmad and Sahil disclosed that they obtained illegal pistols from Nadeem and Fazeel in Jafrabad, Delhi, and supplied them to various buyers. Police obtained a three-day custody remand for both to thoroughly investigate and trace the connections involved. Earlier, based on their information, raids were conducted in the Delhi NCR region, leading to the arrest of Suhaib, a 24-year-old resident of Shiv Vihar, Karawal Nagar, Delhi, along with a high-quality pistol and 55 live cartridges. Efforts have been ongoing since September 18 to locate the original source of the illicit weapons supplied to Nadeem and Fazeel. During interrogation, both admitted to their involvement in the illegal weapon trade, revealing that they procured the firearms from an individual named Rashid, also from Jafrabad. Nadeem had previously been involved in a similar offence, as recorded in FIR no. 315/09, under Section 25 of the Arms Act, at Seelampur Police Station, Delhi. Further inquiry revealed that the accused have been supplying illegal weapons for the past six months. Nadeem, who studied up to Class 10, supplied weapons on demand, while his brother Fazeel is currently pursuing a degree from IGNOU. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the esteemed Jain saint, Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, on Friday in Dhule, Maharashtra, where he also addressed a public rally ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi praised the Jain saint's contributions to social service and spirituality. "In Dhule, I met Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb. His dedication to social service and spirituality is commendable. He is also respected for his extensive writings," PM Modi stated. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1854828028804972687?s=46&t=L8tLF4dNfP3ME82Pj8IKlQ Jainacharya Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb is a revered Jain saint and prolific author who has written extensively to promote the socio-cultural development of individuals and society. He has completed 55 years of Sayyam Jeevan (Diksha) and is blessed with the rare grace of goddess Saraswati. To date, he has written approximately 425 books in Gujarati and was awarded the Padma Bhushan by then-President Pranab Mukherjee in 2017. Meanwhile, addressing the rally in Dhule, PM Modi criticised the Congress-NC alliance after it passed a resolution in Jammu and Kashmir's newly elected assembly by voice vote, opposing the revocation of Article 370 and advocating for the restoration of the region's special status. PM Modi described the move as a "conspiracy against Kashmir." "As soon as Congress and the INDI alliance had the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir, they began conspiring against Kashmir... Two days ago, they passed a resolution in the J&K legislative assembly to restore Article 370," he said. He further ridiculed the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comparing it to a vehicle lacking wheels or brakes, and accused them of "misgovernance" and "exploiting" the people of Maharashtra. "MVA's 'gaadi' has neither wheels nor brakes, and they argue over who will sit in the driver's seat. Their only purpose in politics is to exploit the people. When groups like the MVA form a government, they obstruct every government policy and development initiative," he asserted. The Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (ANI) Flash The 2024 Forum on Dialogue between the Civilizations of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was held on Wednesday in Lima, Peru, gathering over 150 representatives, including government officials, scholars, and business leaders from China and more than 10 Latin American countries. The event focused on the theme "Civilizational Heritage and Modern Development," exploring ways to deepen cultural exchange, collaboration, and joint modernization efforts between China and LAC. Peru's Secretary of the Secretariat of Government and Digital Transformation Cesar Vilchez Inga highlighted the longstanding ties between Peru and China which enjoy broad opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, with the Chancay Port project serving as a model. Rebecca Lemos Igreja, secretary-general of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, praised the partnership between Latin America and China as a model for cross-civilizational dialogue through research and knowledge exchange. In a video address, Rolando Gonzalez, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), emphasized that modernization should honor each country's unique culture, identity, and heritage. The Chinese side called for joint efforts to preserve cultural heritage while embracing innovation and said that China and Latin America should pursue high-quality partnerships that benefit broader populations. The forum's opening ceremony also saw the launch of the "Academic Partnership Network for Global Civilization Dialogue," proposed by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies alongside 53 institutions, including the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences. The 2024 China-LAC dialogue between civilizations was guided by China's State Council Information Office, Peru's Ministry of Culture, and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino). Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Sangli on Friday, expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance would secure victory in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. He urged voters to trust the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, promising progress and development for Maharashtra. "Listen up, Sangli! Voting is on November 20, and the counting is on the 23rd. A Mahayuti government is going to be formed in Maharashtra. This government, under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, will be built on the trust that the people of Maharashtra have placed in them, and the NDA will come to power here. The excitement is palpable even in Sangli!" Shah said. Shah praised Modi's leadership, particularly highlighting the country's economic growth. "Modi ji has raised our country's economy from the 11th to the 5th largest in the world, and by 2027, India will be the world's third-largest economy," he added. The Home Minister also criticised the Congress-led opposition, accusing them of attempting to divide the nation on caste lines. He raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "Tell me about Kashmir, does it belong to us or not? Article 370 was removed, is it good or bad?" Shah criticised Congress for vowing to restore Article 370, adding, "Rahul Baba, listen with all your ears open, not only you, but even your fourth generation won't be able to bring it back. Every child in India is ready to fight for Kashmir." Shah contrasted the NDA's security measures with what he described as Congress's failures during its tenure. "In your (UPA) government, there were regular terrorist attacks. When the BJP was in power, within 10 days, surgical and air strikes were carried out. Modi ji has made our country a safe place," he said. He also addressed the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "In Ayodhya, should the Ram Mandir have been built or not? Congress was obstructing it for the last 75 years. In 2019, Modi ji became the PM again, and the court's judgment was implemented. Pran Pratishtha was done, and we could say Jai Shree Ram," Shah added. Shah criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for disrespecting the Constitution, referencing Gandhi holding up a blank booklet. "Rahul Gandhi, you have disrespected the Constitution and Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Shah said, questioning whether such an attitude towards the Constitution should be trusted. Promising further development for Maharashtra under the Mahayuti government, Shah highlighted key achievements of the Modi administration, including an allocation of Rs 10,15,900 crore to Maharashtra for various development projects. He pointed to the construction of Asia's largest port in Wadwan and a new airport in Sangli. Shah also mentioned the electrification of railway lines in the region and the launch of two Vande Bharat trains. Shah also promised continued support for farmers, announcing that Modi had removed income tax on sugar and allocated Rs 15,000 crore for agricultural welfare. He stated, "A Haldi Board has been created, and a branch will open in Sangli." Under the current government, farmers receive Rs 12,000 annually, which could increase to Rs 15,000 if the Mahayuti is voted to power. Shah further promised healthcare benefits, including an additional Rs 5 lakh coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), seeks to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. (ANI) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday expressed concern over the low voter turnout in urban constituencies like Colaba and Kalyan, highlighting the stark contrast with regions affected by Naxalism, such as Bastar and Gadchiroli, which reported 68 and 78 percent voter turnout, respectively. "When voters in LWE-affected regions like Bastar (68%) and Gadchiroli (78%) can vote, why can't Colaba and Kalyan? Colaba in 2019 recorded only 40% voting," CEC Rajiv Kumar questioned Maharashtra officials during a review meeting held today. Sources in the Chief Electoral Office of Maharashtra told ANI that during the review meeting with District Election Officers (DEOs), Police Commissioners, SPs, Municipal Commissioners, and Returning Officers (ROs), CEC Kumar pointed out that in Jammu & Kashmir, constituencies like Doda, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri had voter turnouts exceeding 70 percent in the most recent Assembly elections, even in the most sensitive areas. Kishtwar district achieved a 100 percent voter turnout. Kumar asked why urban constituencies in Pune, Thane, and Mumbai couldn't see similar enhancements in voter participation. Kumar also drew attention to the trend in sensitive areas like Manipur, which recorded a 78 percent voter turnout in the 2024 General Election. Meanwhile, one of the posh constituencies in Mumbai South saw nearly half of eligible voters skipping the polls. This worrying trend extended to high-rise societies in Gurgaon and Faridabad, where voter turnout was dismal, even as low as 20 percent, despite polling stations being set up within society buildings during the recent Haryana elections. In response, the CEC directed all officials to engage voters, especially in urban areas, using various mediums to encourage them to exercise their right to vote. Kumar also instructed DEOs and ROs to ensure that polling stations provide a comfortable voting experience, with guaranteed minimum facilities. Benches must be provided in queues at polling stations in dense areas to ease the process. Moreover, CEC Kumar emphasized the importance of accessibility and grievance redressal, directing officials to be available to all stakeholders. He also urged officials to maintain a level playing field for all parties and candidates, warning of action if any violations occurred. Officials were instructed to ensure that candidates or their agents are involved in all stages of the electoral process, following the Election Commission's guidelines and instructions. Finally, CEC Kumar called for strict vigilance against any attempts to offer inducements, such as cash, liquor, drugs, or freebies, to influence voters. He stressed the importance of monitoring government vehicles, such as ambulances and vans, to prevent their misuse in the circulation of cash and valuables. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an example for the country and the world on achieving high developmental goals with the "nation first" ethos. The Chief Minister was speaking at the National Executive Meet of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organised in Ahmedabad. "Under the Prime Minister's leadership, India is advancing towards becoming the world's third-largest economic power. Due to his initiatives over the past decade, India is pursuing self-sustained growth. A recent IMF report also projects India's growth rate at 7 per cent, outpacing that of developed countries," he said. He further highlighted that Gujarat has emerged as the country's growth engine under PM Modi's guidance, demonstrating how visionary thinking and structured development can transform a region. "In 2001, when Narendra Modi assumed governance in Gujarat, the state faced numerous challenges, including the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. With a determination to turn challenges into opportunities, Gujarat, with the people's support, has now become a national model of development," he said. The Chief Minister noted that Gujarat, under PM Modi's direction, has expanded its road network extensively, improving connectivity to remote villages. He also highlighted Gujarat's achievement in transforming its 1,600 km coastline into a gateway for India's maritime trade. The launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003 has put the state on the global trade, commerce, and industry map. Gujarat has evolved into a policy-driven state, leading in FDI inflows and becoming the most sought-after investment destination, he added. He pointed out that 100 Fortune 500 companies currently operate in Gujarat, with the state's GSDP growing from Rs1.23 lakh crore in 2001-02 to Rs22.3 lakh crore in 2022-23. Patel further noted that Gujarat's manufacturing sector has grown from Rs44,886 crore in 2001 to Rs6.70 lakh crore in 2022-23, while power generation capacity has increased from 8,750 MW to 52,945 MW in 2023-24. The Chief Minister commended FICCI for witnessing Gujarat's growth story and participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. He expressed confidence that FICCI, as a catalyst for economic development, will play a significant role in achieving a developed Gujarat for a developed India by 2047. He clarified that Gujarat is also incentivising emerging sectors in alignment with the Prime Minister's vision. New semiconductor plants are set to launch soon in Gujarat. Additionally, the largest solar and wind hybrid energy park is being constructed in Kutch, positioning Gujarat as a renewable energy hub. He also extended Diwali and New Year greetings to all. In his welcome address, FICCI President Anish Shah praised Gujarat's transformation under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's guidance, calling it a model state. Gujarat contributes significantly to the nation's GDP, exports, and industrial output, and has become a welcoming destination for industry, he remarked. (ANI) Punjab Police on Friday arrested two operatives linked to Portugal-based gangster Manpreet Singh, also known as Mannu Ghanshampuria, marking a significant step in the fight against illegal arms smuggling, as per an official press release. The arrested individuals were also found to have connections with USA-based criminals Balwinder Singh, alias Doni Bal, and Prabhdeep Singh, alias Prabh Dasuwal, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. The two detained operatives have been identified as Aditya Kapoor, alias Makhan, from Lahori Gate, Amritsar, and Ravinder Singh from the village of Akarpura in Gurdaspur. Police recovered four firearms from their possession, including a 9mm Glock pistol, two foreign-made .30 bore pistols, and one .32 bore pistol, along with five magazines and 14 live cartridges. In an official statement, DGP Gaurav Yadav stated, "In an intelligence-led operation, teams from Counter-Insurgency (CI) Amritsar set up a special checkpoint at Mehta Road near the cattle market in Amritsar and intercepted both individuals while they were travelling on a black Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number PB18Z5033." The statement added that the police teams have impounded the motorcycle. "Preliminary investigations revealed that Aditya Kapoor has 12 criminal cases registered against him. He was operating under the instructions of USA-based criminals Doni Bal and Prabh Dasuwal, who are close associates of gangster Mannu Ghanshampuria," DGP Yadav's statement continued. Furthermore, the DGP noted that these criminal syndicates are rivals of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group. The investigation has revealed that the arrested individuals received a consignment of weapons arranged by Doni Bal and Mannu Ghanshampuria and were planning to carry out serious crimes in the state. The DGP assured that further investigations are underway to uncover additional details and establish both forward and backward linkages in the case. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act at the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Police Station, Amritsar. (ANI) Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday criticised the JMM-Congress government in Jharkhand, calling on the people to rise up against what he described as a "dishonest" administration. Addressing a rally, Chouhan pledged to safeguard the rights and security of the people, promising to end injustice and fear if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were elected to power in Jharkhand. He stated, "Our sisters and daughters are standing against this dishonest JMM-Congress government. This is to eradicate injustice and terror. We must protect our 'roti, beti, and maati.' This support is crucial to forming a BJP government here and expelling Bangladeshi infiltrators." In another rally in East Singhbhum, Chouhan promised financial support and employment opportunities for graduates if the BJP came to power. "Once the BJP government is formed, Rs 2,000 per month will be deposited in the accounts of graduates for two years to help them secure employment. Moreover, all recruitment processes will commence in the first cabinet meeting. We will fill 2,87,000 vacant posts," he declared. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for challenging the BJP to directly engage in the upcoming elections. Chouhan asserted that the public had already decided that Soren would not win. "What should we confront? He (Soren) himself was recently released from jail for his misdeeds. What more could be expected? The public has decided he won't win the election," CM Chouhan told ANI. In a post on X, Soren had challenged the BJP to confront him directly in the elections, rather than "attacking from behind like the cowardly British." He claimed substantial resources were being used to damage his reputation, referring to investigations by agencies like the ED and CBI. "Sometimes it's the ED, sometimes the CBI, sometimes another agency. Now billions have been spent to tarnish my image. The situation is bizarre," Soren wrote. Soren also criticised the BJP's "double-engine" government, highlighting issues such as closed schools, cancelled ration cards, and unmet recruitment promises despite BJP power at both the Centre and state levels. "The BJP has been in power at the Centre for 11 years and in the state for five years, yet it calls itself a double-engine government. Why were 13,000 schools closed? Why were 11 lakh ration cards cancelled?" The Chief Minister continued, "Why wasn't even one JPSC exam conducted in those five years? Why was the old age/widow pension neither increased nor distributed adequately? Why did hundreds die of hunger in the state? Why were youth advised to make bicycles and sell bananas?" He pledged that if re-elected, his government would continue working for the welfare of every Jharkhand resident. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will go to the polls in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested terrorists and their associates in connection with the grenade attack in Srinagar's weekly market on November 3. Police officials said the terror attack was carried out by the terrorists and their associaties on instructions of their handlers in Pakistan and two civilians including a woman were seriously injured. On November 3 Srinagar grenade attack, Kashmir IGP VK Birdi says, "...12 civilians got injured in this attack. We have arrested the terrorists and their associates who carried out this shameful incident. Three people have been detained in this case - Osama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh," Kashmir Inspector-General of Police VK Birdi said at a press conference here on Friday. "They threw the grenade with the intention of disrupting peace and normal activities here. They did this on the instructions of their handlers sitting in Pakistan," he added. The police official said that the woman seriously injured in the incident had very young children. Twelve people, including a woman, were injured in the grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and weekly market in the Jammu and Kashmir's capital on Sunday. The terrorists and their associates have been booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had condemned the attack, saying there can be "no justification for targeting innocent civilians." "The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Today's news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the 'Sunday market' in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians," the Chief Minister had said in a post on X on November 4. "The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," he had added. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, addressing the FICCI National Executive Meet in Ahmedabad, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting a remarkable example for both India and the world, showcasing how ambitious goals and developmental milestones can be achieved through the "Nation First" values. CM Patel highlighted that under the PM Modi's leadership, India is steadily advancing towards becoming the world's third-largest economic power, an official release stated. He also referenced a recent IMF report projecting India's growth rate at 7 per cent, surpassing many developed nations. He further emphasized Gujarat's emergence as the country's 'Growth Engine' under the Prime Minister's leadership, illustrating how visionary leadership and strategic development can transform challenges into opportunities. CM Patel remarked that when Narendra Modi assumed leadership of Gujarat in 2001, the state was facing numerous challenges, including the devastation caused by a major earthquake. "Under Narendra Modi's leadership, defined by a resolute commitment to transform adversity into opportunity, Gujarat has emerged as a model of development for the nation, powered by tireless efforts and widespread public support," CM said. The CM highlighted that, under the Prime Minister's guidance, Gujarat has developed a vast and efficient road network, both horizontally and vertically, ensuring even the remotest villages are connected. The Chief Minister also highlighted Gujarat's success in turning its 1,600-kilometer coastline into a strategic gateway for India's maritime trade, establishing the state as a global leader in trade, commerce, and industry, with the Vibrant Gujarat Summit serving as a key milestone since its inception in 2003. Furthermore, he emphasized that Gujarat has become a policy-driven state, attracting significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and establishing itself as the country's top investment destination, all thanks to visionary leadership, the release stated. CM Patel mentioned that 100 Fortune 500 companies are operating in Gujarat, with the state's GSDP rising from Rs1.23 lakh crore in 2001-02 to Rs22.3 lakh crore in 2022-23. He further noted the remarkable growth of Gujarat's manufacturing sector, which has increased from Rs44,886 crore in 2001 to Rs6.70 lakh crore in 2022-23, and its power generation capacity, which has expanded from 8,750 MW to 52,945 MW in 2023-24. Recognizing FICCI's pivotal role in Gujarat's development and its involvement in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the CM Patel expressed confidence that FICCI will continue to be a key partner in achieving the vision of a 'Viksit Gujarat' for a 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. He also emphasized that Gujarat is incentivizing emerging sectors in line with Prime Minister Modi's forward-looking vision. "New semiconductor plants are set to be established in Gujarat soon, while the state is also witnessing the construction of the largest solar and wind hybrid energy park in Kutch, further solidifying Gujarat's position as a renewable energy hub," he said The Chief Minister extended his warm Diwali and New Year wishes to all present. FICCI President Anish Shah, in his welcome address, praised Gujarat for emerging as a model state under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. He highlighted Gujarat's significant contributions to India's GDP, exports, and industrial output. "The state has become a preferred destination for industries, and industries will play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat," he said. He further emphasized FICCI's continued efforts toward supporting initiatives like Make in India, Women-Led Development, and Sustainability. Rajiv Gandhi, Chairman of the FICCI Gujarat State Council, shared that FICCI has over 7,000 direct and 250,000 indirect members. He praised Gujarat for becoming the nation's growth engine, noting the critical role industrial and economic growth have played in this success. He expressed confidence that today's FICCI meeting would drive industry growth, focusing on sustainable development, innovation, and collaboration. During the event, FICCI President Anish Shah presented a green certificate to CM Bhupendra Patel. FICCI President-Elect Harshvardhan Agrawal, FICCI Vice President Anant Goenka, Zydus Group Chairman and former FICCI President Pankaj Patel were also present, along with industry leaders and FICCI committee members. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to Centre on a plea of Jharkhand government against an interim order of the High Court to constitute a fact-finding committee, which includes Central government officers, to look into allegations of illegal immigration into the state from Bangladesh. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah sought response from Centre and petitioner before the High Court on the plea and posted the matter for hearing on December 3. It has also given liberty to the state to not nominate its members to the Committee till then. The Jharkhand government has filed an appeal against the High Court's September 20 order constituting a fact-finding committee comprising of officers of the Central government for determining illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The state government said that the fact-finding committee was appointed despite the fact that a report was submitted by the Deputy Commissioners of 6 Districts (Godda, Jamtara, Pakur, Dumka, Sahibganj, and Deoghar), wherein no such illegal migration was found except in two cases in District Sahibganj, which were being dealt with by the state Authorities. The High Court addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) in which the petitioner expressed concern about certain tribal communities in the districts of Sahebganj, Pakur, Godda, Dumka, Jamtara, and Deoghar. These tribes, recognized as the indigenous people of the region, have been experiencing a decrease in their population due to what the petitioner described as forceful conversions initiated by Bangladeshi Muslims. (ANI) The railways have been developing Jaipur's suburban station Gandhinagar-Jaipur with world-class facilities under the Amrit Station Scheme. The redevelopment work of Gandhinagar Jaipur has been approved for Rs 212.48 crore and at present the work is in progress at war footing. The building being constructed at Gandhinagar Jaipur station has taken shape and now further work is being done at a fast pace. Recently, the work of girder launching was completed for the construction of a huge air concourse of 72 meters in width and 48 meters in length for the first time on the entire Indian Railways at this station. Which is an excellent example of engineering efficiency. The Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised this work and congratulated every employee associated with the work for this. In the air concourse, passengers will get facilities like a waiting room as well as a shopping complex, cafeteria, and game zone and this area will be available for passengers as well as the general public. Two new buildings are being constructed at Gandhinagar Jaipur station. Provision has been made in the station building for the arrival and departure lobby, vestibule, security check area with baggage scanner, help desk area, departure hall, toilets, RPF room head TC room etc. Facilities like unreserved waiting rooms, executive waiting rooms, and toilets will be made available on platform 1. Facilities like access control, metal detector system, baggage scanner system, waiting room, retail stalls, modular toilets, stairs, lifts, escalators etc. will be available.Along with this, the station redevelopment will have green building-based facilities for a reduction in energy consumption, which will be equipped with renewable energy along with resources like waste disposal, rainwater harvesting system etc. The railways are developing Jaipur's suburban station Gandhinagar-Jaipur with world-class facilities under the Amrit Station Scheme. The redevelopment work of Gandhinagar Jaipur has been approved for Rs 212.48 crore and at present the work is in progress at war footing. The building being constructed at Gandhinagar Jaipur station has taken shape and now further work is being done at a fast pace. Recently, the work of girder launching was completed for the construction of a huge air concourse of 72 meters in width and 48 meters in length for the first time on the entire Indian Railways at this station. Which is an excellent example of engineering efficiency. The Honorable Railway Minister praised this work and congratulated every employee associated with the work for this. Speaking to ANI, Chief Public Relations Officer, North Eastern Railway Gorakhpur Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "In the air concourse, passengers will get facilities like a waiting room as well as a shopping complex, cafeteria, and game zone and this area will be available for passengers as well as the general public. Two new buildings are being constructed at Gandhinagar Jaipur station. Provision has been made in the station building for the arrival and departure lobby, vestibule, security check area with baggage scanner, help desk area, departure hall, toilets, RPF room head TC room etc. Facilities like unreserved waiting rooms, executive waiting rooms, and toilets will be made available on platform 1. Facilities like access control, metal detector system, baggage scanner system, waiting room, retail stalls, modular toilets, stairs, lifts, escalators etc. will be available. Along with this, the station redevelopment will have green building-based facilities for a reduction in energy consumption, which will be equipped with renewable energy along with resources like waste disposal, rainwater harvesting system etc." "A record number of special trains were run on Chhath Puja, through which Yat Yatris came to their homes and now Chhath Puja is over. Special trains are also being run for their return and are being run in record numbers. First of all, we will talk about today, out of the special trains being run by North Eastern Railway, two such trains are ours, which are from Uttarakhand. It's going on, apart from this, if you look at the overall numbers in the trains running from Uttar Pradesh, then Aria in all three places of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand comes under our connection. All in all, we are running thirty seven special trains. First of all, let's talk to Gorakhpur and a special train has been run from Gorakhpur to Ahmedabad at 7:30 AM this morning. A train has run from Gorakhpur for Ah Bandra Terminus i.e. for Mumbai at 9:30 pm. A special train has been run from Ghazipur city to Udhna i.e. Surat at 9:30 pm. A train has been started from Gorakhpur to Sealdah at 11:30 pm. A train will run from Gorakhpur to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at 2:30 pm. A special train will run from Banaras to Mumbai at 2:30 pm. From Gorakhpur to Pune at 5:30 pm. A train will run from Gorakhpur to Guwahati at 8:55 pm minutes. A special train will run from Gorakhpur to Mumbai for Lokmanya Tilak at 9:10 pm. A special train will run from Gorakhpur to Chandigarh at 10:05 pm and we will run a train from Gorakhpur to Jodhpur at 11:25 pm. Besides this, there is a passing train which is going through Gorakhpur. And there is an important station Chhapra, from there we have planned many trains. Such as this morning we started a train from Chhapra to Katihar at 4:30 pm. We started a train from Chhapra to Amritsar at 9:50 am. A special train is running from Chhapra to Patliputra at 3:20 pm. We are running a train from Chhapra to Udhna i.e. Surat at 1.30 am. A train is running from Chhapra to Lucknow at 11 pm," he added. "So in this way, we are running a lot of special trains for all major destinations and passengers will be able to travel back to their office car or destination through these special trains. For this purpose, additional arrangements have been made for the main stations where a large number of passengers come, such as the holding area has been made. In the passenger holding area that has been created, the seating arrangement as well as the public address system i.e. the announcement system, have been extended and taken to the place. The entire station is being monitored with CCTV cameras as well as the very popular holding area is also being monitored. In holding areas have been built at the station, there are daily special trains about which I was providing information, the daily position of trains is set up there. So all types of railways are ready so that passengers can reach their destination comfortably and easily. So let's talk about the status of the seats on the train which is running. Look how they are packed," he said. "Because of the number of passengers, such a special train has been run and due to which such several passengers can come back. You have seen that crores of travellers have come from all over the country in Purvanchal, Bihar and Jharkhand and these travellers. If we go back to our destination, we are running all the special trains. The crowd from travellers For management, we have prepared to hold areas, so that if passengers are meant for any destination, they will be stopped in the holding area, when their train arrives on the platform where the special train leaves from here, then a direct one will be made and placed in those trains by RPF. We will be able to take advantage of the special train we are running at night and reach your destination easily. As far as reservation is concerned, we are continuously issuing its daily position for which trains have reservation vacancies in the upcoming dates. Therefore, there is a lot of relief in these special trains for the rest of the general class passengers. Through this, they will be able to reach their destination easily," he concluded. (ANI) Flash Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, and Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, held talks on Thursday in Beijing, vowing to strengthen exchange in the area of rule-of-law development. Noting that next year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China is willing to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state, continue deepening the special, friendly bilateral relations in the new era, and promote the steady, far-reaching construction of a community with a shared future between China and Cuba. Zhao said China has always placed Cuba in a special position in its external relations, and is willing to deepen political mutual trust and strategic coordination with the country. Zhao thanked Cuba for its firm support on the Taiwan question and other issues concerning China's core interests. He said China supports Cuba firmly in its just struggle against sanctions, blockades and external interference, and will continue providing Cuba with assistance and support within its own capacity. China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Cuba in various fields, make good use of coordination mechanisms under the Belt and Road, and deepen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, tourism, sports, biotechnology, clean energy, and information and communication, Zhao said. China is also prepared to translate the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries into further practical cooperation results, he added. The NPC of China is willing to work with Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power to implement the cooperation agreement between the legislative bodies of the two countries, he said. He called on both sides to strengthen coordination and speak with one voice on safeguarding each other's core and major interests, and to undertake dialogue and exchange in the areas of socialist-democracy and rule-of-law development, poverty reduction and public security. The two nations should also promote exchange in the fields of education, culture, youth and media, and consolidate the popular public support for the China-Cuba friendship. Zhao also said that the legislatures of the two countries can promote the exchange of experience in strengthening key legislation areas and improving the quality of legislation. Lazo said that Cuba adheres firmly to the one-China principle, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and is willing to learn from China's experience in reform and opening-up, as well as in party construction. Noting that China's rapid development is a growing force for world peace and has brought development opportunities to Latin America and the Caribbean, Lazo said the National Assembly of People's Power is willing to strengthen its friendly exchange with China's NPC, advance exchange and mutual learning in rule-of-law development and other areas, and give play to the positive role of legislative bodies in enhancing bilateral friendships. Zhao and Lazo signed a cooperation agreement between their two legislative bodies following their meeting. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday took a swipe at NCP leader Praful Patel and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik, alleging they switched parties to avoid pressure from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). "What Praful Patel and Pratap Sarnaik are saying has no meaning. These people left to escape ED. There was pressure on me too; I had written to the Vice President then. Many people were under pressure to leave the party and join the BJP. Weak-hearted people left the party," Raut remarked. Praful Patel, along with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, broke away from the MVA to join the Mahayuti in July last year. Earlier, During the Maharashtra political crisis, when Eknath Shinde's faction of Shiv Sena declared its split from Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and formed a coalition with the BJP. Pratap Sarnaik also had tagged along with Shinde to join the Mahayukti on June 30, 2022. Meawhile on Tuesday, an FIR was filed against Sanjay Raut's brother and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Sunil Raut, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a female candidate. In response, NCP leader Praful Patel underlined the need for respect towards women. "Women should be respected. 'Nari Shakti' makes up half of our population. Today, we are coming to the forefront. Maharashtra's 'Ladli Behen' scheme is not just about financial support but also aims to boost respect and self-confidence for women," Patel stated. He also mentioned the recent Constitutional amendment for 33 percent women's representation in legislative bodies, set to be implemented after delimitation in 2029. "PM Modi has worked for women's empowerment for 10 years. Other parties made tall claims but never implemented them. By 2029, we will see 33 percent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha after delimitation," he added. An FIR has been filed against Sunil Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from the Vikhroli constituency, for reportedly calling Suvarna Karanje, a Shiv Sena candidate, a "goat" at an election rally. The FIR was registered under Sections 79, 351(2), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sunil Raut, who previously won the Vikhroli seat in the 2014 and 2019 assembly elections, is contesting again, facing candidates from Shiv Sena and MNS. Maharashtra elections are scheduled for a single phase on November 20, with vote counting on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP won 105 seats, undivided Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, BJP had secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 8 (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met former Deputy PM Lal Krishna Advani on his 97th birthday and extended heartfelt greetings. Earlier in the day, PM Modi wished Advani on X, saying he is "among India's most admired statesmen" and has devoted himself to furthering India's development. "Best wishes to LK Advani Ji on his birthday. This year is even more special because he was conferred the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding service to our nation. Among India's most admired statesmen, he has devoted himself to furthering India's development. He has always been respected for his intellect and rich insights. I am fortunate to have received his guidance for many years. I pray for his long and healthy life," PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1854888831410938054 Bharatiya Janata Party National President J P Nadda also met 'Bharat Ratna' Advani and extended his greetings. Sharing his visit on X, Nadda wrote, "I extended my heartfelt birthday wishes to senior leader, former Deputy Prime Minister, 'Bharat Ratna' respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji at his residence and received his blessings. I pray to God that you always remain healthy and live long." https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1854892407302898044 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also congratulated Advani. "I met and congratulated former Deputy Prime Minister of the country, Bharat Ratna, respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji, who played an important role in the development of the country, the leader of the BJP family, who is an idol for millions of workers due to his dedication and principles in politics, on his birthday. I pray to God that you live long, stay healthy and keep guiding us always," Saini said on X. https://x.com/NayabSainiBJP/status/1854890374470549785 Advani served as Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA government led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2002 to 2004. He was conferred Bharat Ratna by President Droupadi Murmu in March this year. Born in Karachi (present-day Pakistan) on November 8, 1927, Advani joined the RSS as a Swayamsevak in 1942. He served as the BJP National President from 1986 to 1990, then from 1993 to 1998, and from 2004 to 2005. Advani had served as the President of the party for the longest period since its inception in 1980. Capping a parliamentary career of nearly three decades, LK Advani was first the Home Minister and, later, the Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004). (ANI) The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Kapil Sibal, praised Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for tackling complex issues during his tenure, including Article 370, same-sex marriage, and electoral bonds, during the CJI's farewell function on Friday. Sibal spoke at the farewell event for CJI Chandrachud, who will step down on Sunday, November 10. Justice Chandrachud will be succeeded by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court, who will assume office on Monday, November 11. In his farewell speech, Sibal remarked, "CJI Chandrachud was willing to address complex issues that previous chief justices had avoided for years, such as Article 370, same-sex marriage, and electoral bonds. "You, CJI Chandrachud, have shown a readiness to engage with these issues within their complexities and with remarkable clarity. We thank you for all you have done. While we may not always agree with your decisions, we salute your commitment to tackling these challenging matters." Justice Chandrachud's tenure was marked by substantial contributions to the broader legal landscape, significantly shaping the future direction of the justice delivery system. He noted that his judgments extend the legacy of his father, who held the longest tenure as Chief Justice of India. "We can critique any judge, as perfection in life is unattainable, and truth is always relative. Judges should be assessed within the context of the times they serve." Sibal further noted that Justice Chandrachud's legacy will be remembered for his judgments, demeanour, simplicity, and patience, describing him as "one of the greatest judges of this country." On Thursday, Justice Chandrachud inaugurated the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) at the Supreme Court in New Delhi. Several Supreme Court judges attended the inauguration. Speaking at the event, Justice Chandrachud emphasised the role of judicial institutions in delivering justice and safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights. "This project has been a year and a half in the making, from conceptualisation to planning, with six months of actual execution. It's been completed in record time. We wanted not just a museum of artefacts but one that could stand alongside the best internationally, showcasing the significance of our institution and the role of high courts in delivering justice and upholding fundamental rights," said Justice Chandrachud. He also acknowledged the contributions of the designers, who previously worked on the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and Teen Murti Bhawan. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the Congress party, accusing them of transforming Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, into "Karachi," a city in Pakistan. He stated that restoring Ranchi's former glory requires voting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into power in the upcoming state assembly election. CM Yadav made these remarks during a public gathering in the Panki assembly constituency in Jharkhand's Palamu district on Friday as part of the BJP's election campaign. Addressing the crowd, Yadav said that the overwhelming applause indicated the imminent departure of the Hemant Soren government and the arrival of a BJP-led government in the state. He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, expressing gratitude for his role in the formation of Jharkhand. "Applaud Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created this new state for us with Ranchi as its capital. It was our good fortune. Sadly, I must say that Ranchi now reminds us of Pakistan, a nation associated with lies, deceit, cunning, and daily insults to Hindus. Hemant Soren and the Congress have unfortunately turned Ranchi into Karachi. We must bring back its lost glory by voting the BJP into power," CM Yadav said. He further alleged that CM Soren and the Congress party were responsible for the gradual decline of the Hindu population due to the influx of Bangladeshi immigrants. "Those responsible for the dwindling Hindu population, due to Bangladeshi intruders, are the Congress, Hemant Soren, and their alliance, the INDIA bloc," Yadav claimed. He asserted that the combined tribal and Hindu population, once at 44 per cent, has now reduced to 28 per cent, with a seven per cent decline in the Hindu population and a four per cent rise in the Muslim population, attributing this change to the INDIA bloc's policies. "If we are not vigilant, even our Holi, Diwali, and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations will be at risk. This election is crucial to safeguarding our culture and preserving Sanatan values," he added. Yadav argued that no country in the world encourages foreign intruders, pointing out that nations prioritise their citizens' welfare. However, in pursuit of votes, he said, Congress and its allies welcome these immigrants and allow them undue freedom, turning a blind eye to their actions. He characterised this election as an opportunity to eliminate these transgressions. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will hold elections in two phases, on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. A total of 2.6 crore voters, including 1.31 crore men, 1.29 crore women, 11.84 lakh first-time voters, and 66.84 lakh young voters, are eligible to participate. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, the BJP secured 25, and the Congress took 16 seats. In the 2014 election, the BJP won 37 seats, JMM 19, and Congress only 6. (ANI) Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, while addressing his farewell function on Friday, said that his shoulders are broad enough to accept criticism. He also remarked, in a lighter vein, that all those who trolled him would soon be rendered unemployed. During the farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Chandrachud said, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant. I know in many ways I've exposed my personal life to public knowledge." "When you expose your own life to public knowledge, you expose yourself to criticism, particularly in today's age of social media. My shoulders are broad enough to accept all the criticism that we have faced," he said. "...In a lighter vein, I am wondering what will happen from Monday. All those who trolled me will be rendered unemployed," he added. He also thanked the bar and mentioned that it had responded with tremendous support to all the initiatives he had taken. SCBA President Kapil Sibal, in his address, said that CJI Chandrachud will be remembered as one of the greatest judges in the country. "We can criticise any judge because there is nothing called perfection in life. There's also nothing called eternal truth. Perfection is relative. Truth is relative. You have to judge the man or the judge based on the times in which we live. When we write about Justice Chandrachud, we will discuss his judgments, his manner, his simplicity, his patience. All attributes of one of the greatest judges in this country," Sibal said. CJI Chandrachud also shared a personal story about his children. He said, "A word for my lovely children Abhinav and Chintan, I keep telling them, 'Why don't you come to Delhi and argue in the SC? At least I will see you.' They told me, 'Dad, we will do that after you demit office. Why should we bring disrepute to your name and our name by coming here when you are a judge?'" While addressing his farewell function, CJI Chandrachud also spoke about the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court. He said, "At the time when I took over as the Chief Justice, I found that there were close to 1,500 files which had been stashed up in the cupboard of a registrar. I said this has to change. Between 9th November 2022 and 1st November 2024, 1.11 lakh cases were filed. 5.33 lakh cases were listed, and 1.07 lakh cases were disposed of. On 1st January 2020, 79,500 cases were pending before the Supreme Court, including what we now call unregistered or defective cases. That number on 1st January 2022 went up to 93,000 cases. On 1st January 2024, the number has come down to 82,000 cases. The 82,000 cases which are pending do not tell you that this number includes both registered and unregistered cases, and the number has decreased in two years by over 11,000 cases." CJI Chandrachud shared another personal memory, saying, "He (my father) bought this small flat in Pune. I asked him, 'Why on earth are you buying a flat in Pune? When are we going to stay there?' He said, 'I know I'm never going to stay there. I'm not sure how long I will be with you, but do one thing, keep this flat until the last day of your tenure as a judge.' I said, 'Why is that?' He said, 'If you feel that your moral integrity or your intellectual integrity is ever compromised, I want you to know that you have a roof over your head. Never allow yourself to be compromised either as a lawyer or as a judge, because you have no place of your own.'" He also mentioned that whenever he sat through the Collegium making tough decisions, they never had a difference of opinion. "We never lost sight of the fact that we are not here with personal agendas. We are here to subserve the interest of the institution," CJI Chandrachud said. He also thanked everyone for such a great honor and shared a story about his mother's advice. "My mother told me when I was growing up that I have named you Dhananjay. But the 'dhan' in your 'Dhananjay' is not material wealth. I want you to acquire knowledge..." CJI DY Chandrachud said. During the farewell function, SCBA President Kapil Sibal also said, "CJI Chandrachud was willing to deal with complex issues that past chief justices would not have dared to address for years, like Article 370, same-sex marriage, or electoral bonds. You (CJI Chandrachud) were willing to take them forward. You addressed these issues within the contours of their complexities with great clarity. Therefore, we must thank you for all that you have done. We may not agree with you, but at least we must salute you for being ready to deal with those complexities." CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that as CJI, Justice Chandrachud had a mission to improve the top court. He further mentioned that, as a tech enthusiast, he had transformed the top court and built a just world wherever he walked. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Friday slammed the Opposition for spreading a "fake narrative" that the BJP-led Centre will change the Constitution and end the reservation for the vulnerable sections of the society. Ajit Pawar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has immense respect for the Constitution. "Some people tried to create a fake narrative. They say that the Constitution will be changed and the reservation will be finished," Ajit Pawar said in an election rally here in support of NCP candidate Sunil Tingare from Vadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency. "Our constitution is the best. Who can change this? While the Opposition spreads a fake narrative that the Constitution will be changed, PM Modi, after taking the oath, immediately bowed down to the Constitution. He respects it the most," he added. He said that Mahayuti, which constitutes NCP, BJP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, working unitedly to win the upcoming Assembly election in the state. Ajit Pawar also said that the Congress is promising people a scheme like the Mahayuti government's Ladki Bahin Yojana if it comes to power. But he said that the Congress' promise is not fiscally viable. "Ladki Bahin Yojana has become very famous in Maharashtra. My dear sisters are getting money now directly in their bank accounts. But the opposition, who were attacking us for this scheme, now is making promises like our schemes. They say in their manifesto that they will give more money. I have asked my officers how much amount needed to fulfil their promises. I got to know it would require 3 lakh crore," he said. "I am certain that if they arrange this much money, then all the other developmental work will be stalled. This is nothing but a false promise," he added. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Wednesday announced five guarantees including Mahalakshmi Yojana for women under which Rs 3,000 will be given per month to one woman in every family and free bus travel for women. The Maharashtra Assembly election will be held for 288 seats in Maharashtra on November 20 and results will be declared on November 23. (ANI) As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly session concludes with a ruckus, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma slammed the Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for his "reprehensible" conduct in the House after the BJP MLAs were marshalled out. Sharma also called the day a "black chapter" in the history of J&K. Notably, ruckus ensued in Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday, the third day in a row, after People's Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara exhibited a banner in support of the restoration of Article 370 in the union territory. "Today was the last day of the assembly session and the way the Speaker of the House behaved and conducted the assembly is reprehensible. Today will be written as a black day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir... The Speaker acted as an agent of a particular party... JKNC has a separatist mindset and has shown its mindset by bringing an unconstitutional resolution," said Sharma. Earlier he accused Assembly Speaker of behaving as the "Speaker of National Conference," instead of the House. Sharma alleged that the Speaker wanted to "suppress" the voice of the opposition. "This is the darkest day in J&K's democracy. For the last three days, the Speaker - who is believed to be the custodian of the House, has been implementing marshal law, behaving as the Speaker of the National Conference. They want to suppress the voice of the opposition," Sharma said. Opposing the resolution to restore Article 370, LoP Sharma said that this assembly is not bigger than the Parliament and the Supreme Court and there cannot be debate on this topic. After BJP MLAs were marshalled out of the House, Sharma said that they would run a parallel assembly against the Speaker outside the House. He said, "We believe that all these actions are unlawful, undemocratic and unconstitutional. The resolution (to restore Article 370) was drafted by the Speaker himself. We want them to take it back. Article 370 is a history - it can't be debated now. This assembly is not bigger than the Parliament and the Supreme Court. We wanted to have a debate - about the way our MLAs were manhandled by the marshals at the direction of the Speaker, they did this today as well. We will now sit here on protest to run a parallel assembly against the Speaker." Notably, the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood were the main promises made by the National Conference in its manifesto for the Jammu-Kashmir elections. (ANI) Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly elections, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Shiv Sena leader and Actor Govinda along with Shaina NC visited the Mumbadevi Temple on Friday, seeking blessings for victory in the upcoming polls. Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC is contesting against the incumbent Congress MLA, Amin Patel, in the Mumbadevi Assembly constituency. Shiv Sena's candidate Shaina NC is contesting against incumbent Congress MLA Amin Patel from the Mumbadevi Assembly constituency. Kiren Rijiju exuded confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the assembly election. "We have come here to take the blessings of Devi (Mumbadevi). After seeing the atmosphere here, I can say that the Mahayuti alliance will get a clear majority," Rijiju said. Meanwhile, Govinda said that he prayed to Goddess Mumba Devi for Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC contesting from the Mumbadevi Assembly constituency. "I pray to Mumbadevi that our candidate Shaina NC wins the election from here," Govinda said. While speaking to the media, Shaina NC mentioned that she aims to "work for the people." Shaina NC, while speaking with the media, mentioned that she aims to "work for the people." Recently, a comment by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant about Shaina NC stirred controversy. While campaigning for Congress MLA Amin Patel, Sawant allegedly referred to Shaina as "imported maal," remarking, "Look at her situation. She spent her entire career in the BJP and now has joined another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does." Sawant later apologized, claiming he was "deliberately targeted." In recent days, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant's remark on Shaina NC sparked a political row in the state. While campaigning for Congress MLA Amin Patel, Arvind Sawant allegedly referred to Shaina NC as "imported maal," saying, "Look at her situation. She was in the BJP her entire career, and now she's joined another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does." Arvind Sawant, while campaigning for Congress MLA Amin Patel, allegedly referred to Shaina as "imported maal," saying, "Look at her situation. She was in the BJP her entire career, and now she's joined another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does." Sawant later apologised for his remark, saying that he was "deliberately targeted." Shaina had also accused Congress MLA Amin Patel, who was present, of laughing at the comment. In response, Patel noted that Sawant had issued a clarification and apologised for his remark, which Shaina NC has accepted. Shaina had also alleged that Congress MLA Amin Patel, present at the time, laughed along. In response, Patel noted that Sawant had issued a clarification and apologised for his remark, which Shaina NC has accepted. "Arvind Sawant has clarified his remarks, and Shaina NC has accepted the clarification. I have always said publicly that I respect women, and today you can see the many women who stand here with us. People know that Amit Patel respects women. We do not take anyone as an opponent in an election. The election is fought on principles, policies and the development of the region," Patel said while speaking to ANI. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42. (ANI) Archana Patnaik has been appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer for Tamil Nadu, said an official release from the Election Commission of India. Patnaik succeeded Satyabrata Sahoo. Patnaik has been designated the Chief Electoral officer after ECI consulted with the state government. (ANI) Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Privithraj Chavan has rejected allegations of him not working for his Karad constituency and said the area has seen progress. The Congress leader countered allegations against him concerning Karad levelled by Home Minister Amit Shah during an election rally here. Chavan is recontesting from Karad. "I can give him a list of what I did when I was the chief minister. From the central government, I brought an earthquake research centre, which is going to be a university. Just to say that nothing got done is quite silly. The people of Karad know what I did. Amit Shah doesn't know Karad. Whatever has been written down for him, he read it," Chavan told ANI. With Amit Shah raking up the issue of abrogation of Article 370 and the J-K assembly resolution for restoration of special status, Chavan said the decision to do away with Artcile 370 was taken by Parliament and any change can be made there only. Chavan, who made an error about the place concerning Article 370 and later corrected himself, said Article 370 was a temporary provision. In his speech in Karad, Amit Shah slammed Congress and Rahul Gandhi and said fake narratives have been made about Agniveer scheme. . "I want to assure you all in Maharashtra, that both the central government CAPF and the Maharashtra state government will give pension jobs to each Agniveer after they return from the armed forces," Shah said. Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.(ANI) Flash Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Mehmet Simsek, Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance, co-chair the second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The second meeting of the China-Turkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee mechanism was held in Beijing on Thursday. Zhang Guoqing, Chinese vice premier, and Mehmet Simsek, Turkish minister of Treasury and Finance, co-chaired the meeting. Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Turkiye relations have maintained a momentum of stable development. Zhang said that China is willing to work with Turkiye to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and push for in-depth development of China-Turkiye strategic cooperative relations. Simsek said that Turkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, abides by the one-China principle and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields. Austrian Ambassador to India, Katharina Wieser, hosted Vinay Gupta, the author of the book, ''A Rescue in Vienna'' at her residence alongwith Israeli ambassador to India, Reuven Azar. Talking to ANI about Gupta''s book, Wieser praised it and said that it''s an incredible story. A Rescue in Vienna is an endearing family memoir that sheds light on a fascinating slice of history, and an unusual piece of heroism. "They [the Jewish families] stayed with him for a longer time and set up a business in Ludhiana in Punjab. And over time one of these families emigrated in a complicated way to the United States and the other one ended up in Australia. So these families did not stay in India. But it''s an incredible book and it sheds a very important, it sheds light on a very important phase of history, both in Europe and also in India. One of the families moves on to Karachi and then has to leave there again. They again set up a business there, but then life became difficult for Jews there and then they emigrated to the United States," she said. When Vinay Gupta heard of the daring exploits of his grandfather, he embarked on a journey to uncover the truth. What he found was the exceptional tale of an unassuming yet enterprising man from Punjab who chose to help strangers in their most dire hour of need. The year is 1938 and Kundanlal, a machine tool manufacturer from Ludhiana, is in Vienna for surgery. As he is recovering, he befriends Lucy and Alfred Wachsler, a young Jewish couple about to have their first child. From them, Kundanlal learns of the changing political climate in Europe attacks against Jewish people and the Aryanisation of their businesses. As the owner of multiple factories, he finds himself in a unique position to help. Applying for visas on behalf of the Wachslers, Kundanlal sponsors them, along with four other Jewish families, providing proof of employment, financial backing and shelter. He starts new businesses to employ the men and builds homes for the families back home. When they arrive in Punjab, the families are forced to contend with the slow pace of life in small-town India, a stark contrast to cosmopolitan Vienna. But even this interlude is fleeting as the British round up all people of German descent-Jewish and Gentile alike-and ship them to internment camps across the country, echoing in a way the events in Europe. Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s recent visit to Austria, and the chances of any visit from Austria to India, Wieser said that after the new government is formed in Austria, they would try to arrange an official visit to India. "The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Austria after 41 years was a high point I would say in the very good relations we have had over the past few years. We are celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations. This Sunday is sort of the day when we are celebrating 75 years and so his visit which came on top of several other visits at the high political level that have been taking place over the past years, meetings between our two foreign ministers, a week-long visit of our Minister of Labour and Economy to India in February, but of course the high point was this very high-level engagement and with a big focus also on our business development and the development of a strategic, sustainable economic partnership in the future. So it''s given a real boost to our bilateral relations and we''re very happy that we were able to pull that off after a long time," she said. Wieser said that when PM Modi invited Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, it was not just a personal invite, but an official one. So, they would arrange a visit after a new Federal Chancellor would be chosen. "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Austria, he invited Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer to come to India. But as we had elections at the end of September, we have a caretaker government right now so negotiations are going on, because ours will be a coalition government. We do not know who our Federal Chancellor will be, but these invitations are usually issued not at the personal level only but to the institutional level. So it is an invitation to the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Austria, and we will certainly be working very hard that once we have a government in place, we will hopefully be able to have a return visit to India," she said. Talking about Donald Trump''s victory in the US Presidential elections, Wieser said that Austria and the US have had a good trans-Atlantic partnership and they would maintain it, no matter who the President would be. "Good relations with the United States are very important to Austria. We have a very strong Trans-Atlantic partnership, and we are confident that we will maintain very good relations with the United States, no matter who is the president of the United States. So we have a very strong and stable base to our partnership, which is one of the most consequential and important partnerships, and we''ll continue on that," she said. (ANI) Author Vinay Gupta's book 'A Rescue in Vienna: The Story of an Unlikely' is the journey to uncover the truth about his grandfather's heroic actions during World War II is a fascinating one. Gupta's grandfather rescued five Jewish families from persecution, but Gupta initially didn't believe the story. "I started as a skeptic," he said, thinking it was just a family legend. However, after digging through India's National Archives, which had recently been digitized, Gupta discovered that the story was indeed true. Speaking about his book, which was launched last month, Gupta told ANI on Thursday that it was about his grandfather who rescued five Jewish families to save them from persecution. "I started as a skeptic. I didn't believe the story when I heard bits of it from my mother. I thought this was all a mistake because I thought oh, this must be Britishers, right? They are colonial administrators. I thought those pictures must be of Britishers. So my initial thought was to try and get to the bottom of the story so that my family would stop talking about it. It was surprising when I got to know that it was true. And you know timing is everything. The Indian government had just digitized the National Archives. So even sitting in America, I could log in and find lakhs of files going back to the 1850s. So it was quite a journey about trying to get to the bottom and then actually meeting one of the people who lived in my grandfather's house, the house that I remember playing in, still alive in Florida. And then I started going down every year, we'd go meet him every year. It was quite a gratifying story," he said. Vinay Gupta was hosted by Austrian Ambassador to India, Katharina Wieser, where he talked about his family memoir. Gupta's grandfather had placed an advertisement in a local Austrian newspaper, seeking people willing to relocate to India. This revelation was surprising, even to Gupta's own family, who had no idea about the extent of their grandfather's humanitarian efforts. What's remarkable is that Gupta's grandfather never spoke about his actions, unlike many others who would have sought recognition. "The story was that there were two or three Jews that were living in Ludhiana that my grandfather rescued. Later, it turned out there were five families. They did not know that. My own family didn't know that. I found out in the National Archives. Then how did they come here? They didn't know that. All my mother and my aunts knew was that they were living there. I found out that he had put an advertisement in a local Austrian newspaper looking for people who would relocate to India. All this was new information that even my family didn't know. They were just as surprised. They didn't believe it. So it was quite a revelation. And because my grandfather never talked about it, it's surprising. Most people who do something like this talk about it. He was a very quiet man. He never wanted to discuss it," he said. Gupta said that India is one of the few countries that has never harboured anti-semitic views. It was just the British colonisers that held this view. But, it is interesting to note that they kept Jews as prisoners in their own country, but treated Jews in India better than Indians themselves. "Some of the anecdotes are how, India is one of the few countries in the world that has not had, at least not by Indians, anti-semitic incidents, except for instance that one time where these terrorists came from Pakistan and attacked a Jewish house in Bombay. Indians have not done it. We have been very good about it. But what was interesting is that the British controlling India were more negative towards Jewish families than Indians were. But still, they treated them as Europeans. the fact that they were still superior to us Indians Even though they were prisoners- the fact that you would build a prisoner camp in Dehradun, in the mountains above Pune it's a ghost of the mentality even at that time," he said. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar also lauded the work of Vinay Gupta and said that it's a story that is worth to be told and promised the author to send his book to Jerusalem for the researchers of the Holocaust in Jerusalem to read it and to follow it up. "I was delighted to come here today to the Austrian Ambassador's residence and I congratulate the ambassador for hosting Vinay Gupta who has written the amazing story of his family that rescued five Jewish families from Vienna after the Nazis took over Austria. The Jewish community in Austria was a formidable community with businessmen, academicians, with doctors who unfortunately have been exterminated by the Nazis. Some of them managed to escape. And each one of these stories is a story that is worth telling. I heard with admiration the amazing story of Gupta's family. Mr Gupta was not only an entrepreneur but was a person with a huge heart. Thanks to his goodwill, many souls were saved during the Holocaust. So it's a story that is worth to be told. And I promised Mr Gupta that I'm going to send his book to Jerusalem for the researchers of the Holocaust in Jerusalem to read it and to follow it up. And I'm really thankful for this opportunity to be here today...," said Azar. (ANI) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led federal government ordered Chinese app TikTok to shut its operations in Canada, although Canadians could still use it, as per CBC News. The order that came on Wednesday (local time), stated that TikTok's offices in Toronto and Vancouver would shut down, citing national security concerns, CBC News reported. Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the order came after the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and evidence presented by a national security review, CBC News reported. "We came to the conclusion that these activities that were conducted in Canada by TikTok and their offices would be injurious to national security. I'm not at liberty to go into much detail, but I know Canadians would understand when you're saying the government of Canada is taking measures to protect national security, that's serious," he told CBC News. The official statement said that the Canadian government did not block Canadians from using the app. "The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice," the statement said. However, Champagne asked TikTok users in Canada to do so "with eyes wide open," as critics pointed out that the users' data could be accessed by the Chinese government. "Obviously, parents and anyone who wants to use social platforms should be mindful of the risk," CBC News. The decision was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada's national security, CBC News reported. TikTok's spokesperson in Canada said that the company would take legal action against the government. "Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that. We will challenge this order in court," the spokesperson said in an email. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warned all Canadians against using TikTok. Former CSIS director David Vigneault told CBC News it's "very clear" from the app's design that data obtained from its users "is available to the government of China" and its large-scale data harvesting goals. "Most people can say, 'Why is it a big deal for a teenager now to have their data [on TikTok]?' Well in five years, in 10 years, that teenager will be a young adult, will be engaged in different activities around the world. As an individual, I would say that I would absolutely not recommend someone have TikTok," Vigneault said. In February 2023, the Canadian government banned the social media platform from all government devices. Later that year, it ordered a national security review of the app. (ANI) Israeli ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who was a guest at the event at the Austrian Ambassador to India, Katharina Wieser's house, who hosted Vinay Gupta, the author of the book, 'A Rescue in Vienna' at her residence, said that he admired the effort by Gupta's family in rescuing the Jews. Azar, while speaking with ANI said that Indians and Jews have been oppressed historically, but now as they are free, they have the opportunity to flourish together. Azar said that India never harboured a sense of anti-semitism, which encouraged Jews to come here for refuge. "Well, people-to-people contact at the end of the day is the true diplomacy. You know, the bond between countries is not just a bond between leaders, but also a bond between people. India has extraordinary people, people who have been always welcoming of the Jewish people. There has never been in India any sign of anti-semitism. So people who came here throughout history to escape from persecution found refuge here and this is something worth mentioning and something that is continuing today when we are not being persecuted anymore when we have our state. Both the Indian people and the Jewish people have been oppressed for many centuries but today we are free and we have huge opportunities to develop relations to prosper and flourish together," he said. Azar said that he was in all praise for Gupta's book and his family who helped in rescuing the five Jewish families. "I was delighted to come here today to the Austrian Ambassador's residence, and I congratulate the Ambassador for actually hosting Vinay Gupta, who has written the amazing story of his family, and rescued five Jewish families from Vienna in the 30s, after the Anschluss, after the Nazis took over Austria. The Jewish community was a formidable community with businesspeople, academicians, and doctors who unfortunately were exterminated by the Nazis. Some of them managed to escape and each one of these stories is worth telling. I heard with admiration the amazing story of Gupta's family," he said. Azar said that he would send the book to Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, for research purposes. "Gupta Sr was not only an entrepreneur but was a person with a huge heart. Thanks to his goodwill, many souls were saved during the Holocaust. So it's a story that is worth to be told. And I promise Gupta that I'm going to send his book to Yad Vashem, to Jerusalem, for the researchers of the Holocaust in Jerusalem to read it and to follow it up and I'm really thankful for this opportunity to be here today," he said. (ANI) Sharjah [UAE], November 8 (ANI/WAM): Under the patronage of Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah held a press conference during the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair. The conference announced a historic achievement: the publication of 127 volumes of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, the first of its kind in the Arab world. This dictionary documents the evolution of Arabic vocabulary and meanings across centuries, aiming to preserve linguistic heritage and strengthen the connection between future generations and the language of their ancestors. In a written address to the conference participants, Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stated: "The completion and printing of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language is a celebration for both the Arab and Islamic worlds. Language is a civilisational vessel that carries the history and culture of this nation. This dictionary serves as a cultural and intellectual reference, documenting the history of Arabic words and the evolution of their meanings, thereby strengthening Arab cultural identity and making our language accessible to future generations." He added: "This achievement could only have been realised through fruitful cooperation between Sharjah and various linguistic institutions across the Arab world. The dictionary project is a fundamental step towards enhancing the Arabic language as a comprehensive civilisational vessel that records the knowledge and history of the nation." Sharjah's Pivotal Role: Led by Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah played a pivotal role in transforming the vision of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language into reality. The emirate provided extensive financial, logistical, and moral support throughout all stages of the project. Thanks to this unwavering commitment, the dictionary has become a comprehensive linguistic reference for researchers and Arabic language enthusiasts worldwide. The press conference witnessed the presence of prominent cultural and literary figures from the UAE and the Arab world. Attendees included heads and members of writers' and intellectuals' unions, alongside prominent local and regional media personalities, as well as a group of academics and researchers specialising in Arabic language and history. The event also saw the participation of senior figures in the cultural field, underscoring the importance of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language as a unifying project for the Arab world's linguistic and cultural heritage. The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language stands out as an extraordinary achievement in terms of scope and content. It includes approximately 73,000 entries, covers more than 21.5 million words distributed across 127 volumes, and relies on around 351,000 historical citations derived from 11,300 linguistic roots. The total number of pages amounts to approximately 91,000. Over 20 linguistic and academic institutions from various Arab countries contributed to this monumental work, making it a product of collective Arab cooperation that reflects the richness and diversity of the Arabic language through the ages. The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language caters to a wide audience, including researchers, specialists, students, and even the general public who seek to understand the origins and evolution of Arabic words. By providing precise historical evidence, the dictionary enhances a deeper understanding of the Arabic linguistic heritage, helping to safeguard Arab cultural identity from foreign influences. It is not merely a tool for academic research but also a cultural gateway that allows future generations to connect their language to the rich civilisational heritage of the Arab world, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their Arab identity. Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, remarked during the conference: "The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language represents a pioneering step in preserving the cultural and linguistic legacy of the Arab nation. This ambitious project is not just a collection of volumes or encyclopedias documenting words and their meanings; it is a bridge connecting the nation's past and present, providing future generations with a deeper understanding of the evolution of their language. At the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, we view the Historical Dictionary as a monumental achievement that serves not only one nation but all Arabic-speaking countries. It is a cultural unifier, proving that Arab cooperation can yield impactful projects with lasting influence." Amhad Safi Al-Mostaghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah and Executive Director of the Dictionary, emphasised the importance of this cultural milestone: "The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language is the product of a profound scientific and cultural vision that transcends mere linguistic documentation. This dictionary reflects the academy's ambition to provide a comprehensive reference that traces the development of the Arabic language from its early beginnings to the present day. With the support of Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, we have been able to turn this dream into reality." Professor Mohammad Al-Saoudi, Coordinator of the Jordanian Team and university professor, highlighted the role of modern technologies in the project, stating:"The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language represents a groundbreaking development in linguistic research. It offers researchers, scholars, and the public a reliable source to trace the evolution of Arabic words and their meanings across various historical contexts. This achievement required immense effort and collaboration among linguistic institutions across the Arab world, providing users with detailed historical evidence from classical and modern Arabic literature, religious texts, philosophical writings, and scientific works." The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language embodies Sharjah's commitment, under the leadership of Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, to preserving Arab heritage and cultural identity. This dictionary is not merely a record of the language's history but a tool that ensures the Arabic language remains dynamic and relevant while retaining its core cultural essence. More than a linguistic archive, the dictionary serves as a bridge connecting younger generations to their linguistic roots. By tracking the evolution of vocabulary across centuries, the project strengthens cultural identity, making the Arabic language more accessible and vibrant for current and future generations. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi highlighted this purpose, saying: "We are here to serve the Arabic language and support its linguistic academies across the Arab world. Our goal is to ensure that the dictionary stands as a testament to the richness of this language and its ability to accommodate modern developments while preserving its core principles and cultural value." With this achievement, Sharjah has presented the Arab world with an unparalleled cultural project that elevates the Arabic language to a distinguished scientific and historical standing. The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia serve as two cultural pillars, reinforcing cultural ties among Arab nations and documenting the history and shared heritage of the Arab world. (ANI/WAM) The Taiwanese MND stated that seven of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "11 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1854690310003085406 Chinese activity around Taiwan's strait has risen. On Thursday, the Taiwanese MND detected 13 Chinese aircraft and six vessels around it. In a post on X, it said, "13 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1854327915682689531 China has increased its military activities around Taiwan by deploying aircraft and naval vessels since September 2020. It is using grey zone tactics to achieve its security objective. Earlier, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security conference in which he assured the public about the government's commitment to neutralising any threat to Taiwan's democracy and security after China staged a large-scale military drill around the island. He made his remarks in response to the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) announcement of military drills, named "Joint Sword-2024B," in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, which were described as a "stern warning" to advocates of Taiwan independence, according to the Taipei Times. In an attempt to modernise Taiwan, on November 4, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te attended the keel-laying ceremony for the Taiwanese Navy, also known as the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) new light frigate prototype at Kaohsiung shipyard. (ANI) The report also evaluates human rights practices in Ecuador, France, Greece, Iceland, and Turkiye. The Committee expressed alarm over a disturbing rise in discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes targeting religious minorities in Pakistan, including Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and Sikhs. Concerns were raised regarding the destruction of worship places and cemeteries, as well as escalating instances of mob violence and harassment. Additionally, Pakistan's stringent blasphemy laws, which carry severe penalties, including the death penalty, have led to increased incarcerations. The Committee noted cases of alleged entrapment, particularly targeting young individuals accused of online blasphemy under cybercrime laws. The UN body has urged Pakistan to take immediate steps to curb and investigate acts of violence and discrimination against religious minorities and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. Furthermore, it has called for a repeal or significant amendment of blasphemy laws to comply with international human rights standards and an end to the application of cybercrime laws, such as the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, for prosecuting individuals on blasphemy-related charges. The Committee also raised concerns over Pakistan's treatment of journalists and human rights defenders, citing reports of enforced disappearances, torture, killings, and intimidation. Despite the introduction of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act in 2021, the Committee observed ongoing threats to press freedom, including internet shutdowns and social media censorship. Pakistan was urged to investigate abuses against journalists and activists, bring those responsible to justice, and compensate affected individuals. Additionally, the Committee recommended that the state discontinue restrictive measures, such as internet blockages, and ensure that defamation, blasphemy, sedition, and counter-terrorism laws are not used to stifle freedom of expression or suppress dissenting voices. The UN Committee's findings underscore the need for Pakistan to adopt more stringent safeguards for human rights, particularly for religious minorities, journalists, and activists, in alignment with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (ANI) India's decision to buy oil from Russia amid global uncertainties helped prevent a potential spike in global oil prices, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a recent interview to CNN. Speaking to CNN's Becky Anderson on the sidelines of the annual energy industry event ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Union minister Puri explained that if the Indian government hadn't bought Russian oil, global oil price would have gone up to 200 dollars for everyone. https://x.com/BeckyCNN/status/1854558420868763749 Oil will remain a key part of the world's energy supply for years to come, he said. Puri told CNN, "Earlier I said I hope there will be a reduction in oil price. Today I'm more confident that there will be.". "By 2026, when more energy is available in the market, As a student of the situation, I think that the likelihood of prices remaining stable and coming down are higher", Puri said. On being asked why India reduced oil imports from Russia in October by around 10 per cent, Puri explained that happened because of competitive oil rates in the market. "There are other people willing to supply at the same competitive rate because the OPEC position is they don't deal with price. There's healthy competition going on. If you don't get it from one, you get it from someone else", he said. On being questioned whether the reduction in Russian oil imports was a strategic decision, Puri said, "These are oil decisions taken in the marketplace. When we face February 22 there was 13 million barrels of Russian oil on the market suddenly if that oil had gone off the market and India had decided to shift its 5 million barrels to say suppliers in the Gulf, price of oil would have gone up to 200 a barrel. So I think we did everybody a favour". He said technological changes such as green hydrogen and the transition to cleaner energy will change the global oil demand landscape in five years. Puri also took to his X account to share details. https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1854589611437154670 "India did the entire world a favour by buying Russian oil because if we had not done so, the global oil prices would have skyrocketed to USD 200/barrel. Russian oil was never under any sanctions and there was only a price cap, which Indian entities also followed." He also pointed out that some "ill informed commentators" wanting to put restrictions on India when European and Asian countries had also engaged in significant energy purchases from Russia. "Let us not forget that while some ill informed commentators talked about putting restrictions on India, many other European and Asian nations bought much more crude oil, diesel, LNG, rare earth minerals worth billions of dollars from Russia. We will continue to buy energy from whoever offers the best rates to our oil companies" Puri wrote. The union minister also noted in his X post, "We need to ensure steady availability, affordability and sustainability of energy for our 7 crore citizens who visit a petrol pump everyday. That's our top priority. India is the only major consumer where fuel prices has come down significantly in the last three years despite unprecedented global price increases in other nations". India is the third largest oil consumer in the world, as estimated by the International Energy Agency 2024. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US presidential poll and said that Moscow is ready to have dialogue with the Republican president-elect. "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his victory in the US presidential election. I have already said that we will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people," Putin said while addressing the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on November 7. As per Al Jazeera, these were the first public remarks from Putin since Trump's victory. He had also praised Trump for displaying courage during the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 14. "He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way - courageously, like a real man," Putin said in his addressat the Valdai discussion club, Al Jazeera reported. Putin also said that Trump's comments "about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, deserves attention at least". The Kremlin earlier welcomed Trump's claim that he could negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine "in 24 hours" but emphasised that it would wait for concrete policy steps. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow remembered Trump's words on resolving the war in Ukraine but that the incoming US president "exaggerated" the speed at which he could do it. "If the new administration is going to look for peace, not for the continuation of the war, it will be better in comparison with the previous one," Peskov said, according to Al Jazeera. Moscow has also repeatedly denied US assertions that Russia meddled in the 2024 and other presidential elections and had spread disinformation. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been putting pressure on its allies to gather more support in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump. "We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation. Strong and unwavering US leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace," Zelenskyy said in a post on X. As per Al Jazeera, in his past remarks, Trump had suggested that in order to end the war, Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia to reach a peace deal, something Ukraine has rejected and US President Joe Biden never suggested. Since 2022, the US has already provided more than USD 64.1bn in military assistance to Ukraine, according to the data by the US Department of State. Foreign policy had been a key issue for the American electorate during the 2024 US Presidential elections. (ANI) According to the Office of the Federal Prosecutor, the accused worked for the US forces "until recently" and an investigation is being held "in close coordination" with German intelligence agencies. The accused reportedly contacted Chinese officials this year and offered them "sensitive information about the US military," the report stated citing the prosecutors. Both the United States and China, however, have not responded to the arrest as of yet. Notably, Berlin has seen an uptick in suspected spying cases linked to Russia since the Ukraine war and to China as its ties with Beijing are under growing pressure. Last month, Germany warned of an increased risk of espionage from Beijing and tightened security checks for staff in sensitive areas of government and business. In a separate incident from April, three Germans were arrested on suspicion of working to hand over technology that could bolster the Chinese navy. In the same month, a European Union staffer of a far-right German politician was accused of working with Chinese intelligence. Concerns over alleged Chinese spying have mounted across the West as well in recent months, according to Al Jazeera. In March, the US and Britain accused Beijing of cyberespionage against millions of people, including lawmakers, academics and journalists, as well as companies such as defence contractors. (ANI) Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing on Thursday, calling on the two sides to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to promote and enrich the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Noting that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Xi said the two countries have maintained close interactions and exchanges at all levels and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation with high quality on all fronts since Anwar's first China visit in March last year after taking office as prime minister, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Malaysia are both at crucial stages of national development and rejuvenation, Xi said. "The two sides should take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship as an opportunity to work together for a more concrete China-Malaysia community with a shared future, to help each other achieve their development goals, and to make new and greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability," said Xi. Xi urged the two sides to develop a high-level strategic partnership, continue to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen exchanges on experience of governance, enhance political mutual trust, and firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. China supports Malaysia in upholding strategic independence and choosing a development path suited to its national conditions, he said. Xi called on the two sides to synergize development strategies, deepen all-round and mutually beneficial cooperation, continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement flagship projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," foster new growth areas of cooperation including the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy, and explore the establishment of exchange and cooperation mechanisms for poverty reduction. China welcomes the Malaysian side to make good use of the platform of the China International Import Expo to bring more Malaysian quality and specialty products to China, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Malaysia in higher education, culture, tourism, youth and local government, and strengthen bonds between the two peoples. Xi said that, as important representatives of developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, China and Malaysia should strengthen communication and cooperation on international and regional issues, firmly support each other, jointly oppose protectionism, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, push for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, and uphold international fairness, justice and the common interests of developing countries. China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and supports ASEAN centrality and strategic independence, to maintain the mainstream of regional cooperation in development, Xi added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Hailing the important concepts and initiatives put forward by President Xi as the embodiment of wisdom and a sense of responsibility for the progress of human civilization and people's benefits, which represent the common wishes of the Global South, Anwar expressed the appreciation and support for Xi's vision and initiatives. He said the Malaysian government is committed to strengthening cooperation with China in such areas as information technology, digital economy and energy. Anwar said Malaysia and China share the same ideas and similar positions on multiple major international and regional issues. Malaysia sticks to strategic independence, and is willing to maintain close multilateral coordination with China to help safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, he added. The Hindu Forum for Canada (HFC) has rejected the allegations of 'inciting speech' during the peaceful protest against attack on Hindu temples in Brampton, and said it is "deeply disturbed" by the "misinterpretation of events" The forum has also demanded the Brampton Mayor to retract his accusations and recognise the Hindu community as a "peaceful, law-abiding" part of Canadian society. "Hindu Forum Canada is deeply disturbed by the recent misinterpretation of events surrounding a peaceful protest at a temple, where the words of a respected priest have been unfairly distorted to project a narrative of incitement and violence. The priest's message was clear, heartfelt, and devoid of any hostility," said Hindu Forum Canada in a post on X. https://x.com/canada_hindu/status/1854595199860666687 On November 3, an Indian consular camp was met with "violent disruption" allegedly by Khalistani separatists, in response, a priest and other community members protested against the violence, where they were interrupted. Following this, thousands of Canadian Hindus held a protest, expressing their outrage following repeated attacks on Hindu temples in the country and pressed the Canadian administration to take stricter actions against the extremists attacking the religious sites. On November 5, the Hindu Sabha suspended priest Rajinder Parsad for "controversial involvement" with a protest at the temple premises which was held on November 3. The Hindu Forum for Canada claimed that the priest was interrupted and other people started to speak, which was then misinterpreted to be hateful rhetoric said by the priest himself. "This interruption has been wrongly interpreted as incitement, despite the fact that the priest himself never said anything that could reasonably be construed as promoting violence. Multiple video recordings from various angles confirm that Hindus were gathered peacefully within their place of worship--a right protected under Canadian law--and were simply exercising their freedom to assemble," the forum stated. In response to the clashes near the Hindu Sabha temple, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown highlighted the suspension notice of the priest and a statement by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council. "The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council denounced the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday night. Remember we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we can't let the agitators fuel the flames of division. The leadership of both Sikh and Hindu communities in the GTA do not want this division, hate and violence," Brown said in a statement on X. https://x.com/patrickbrownont/status/1853931743646253359 "I am asking everyone in the community to not respond to violence and hate. Law enforcement will be there to respond. This is their job. We must continue to be the country where the rule of law is followed," the Mayor added. The Hindu Forum for Canada also expressed disappointment over the public handling of the situation by the mayor. "Hindu Forum Canada demands that Mayor Brown retract these unfounded accusations and recognize the Hindu community as a peaceful, law-abiding part of Canada's multicultural society. We stand united in our commitment to peace, justice, and a fair, factual approach to public service, and we call for accountability and truth in this matter," it stated. "Not only has he remained silent in the face of rising Hinduphobia and recent attacks on temples, but he has used a suspension letter--a document that, by Ontario employment standards, should remain private--as a tool to unfairly cast Hindus in a negative light. This act singles out the Hindu community, labeling their peaceful gatherings as "violent," while similar assemblies by other communities are celebrated as their right to free expression," the statement read. (ANI) Over a thousand devotees came together to celebrate the Chhath Puja for the evening Arghya (offering) in New Jersey, United States as Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) organised a recreation of puja for devotees overseas. This year''s celebration was particularly special, as the ghat (riverbank) was beautifully adorned with banana stems and vibrant lighting, creating a unique and authentic atmosphere reminiscent of traditional ghats in Bihar. BJANA President, Sanjeev Singh, shared his joy, expressing that it was his dream to recreate the authentic feeling of the ghats he experienced in Patna, Vaishali, and Bokaro. "The sight of the decorated ghat, combined with the devotion of the participants, brought that vision to life. The entire community embraced the celebration with great enthusiasm, eagerly looking forward to the Morning Arghya the next day," Singh said. Alok Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter, highlighted the emotional connection of seeing people from the same region, speaking the same language, and sharing a deep dedication to Chhath Puja. "I would like to emphasize the importance of unity in preserving cultural traditions, particularly for those living far from their homeland, and I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor of Edison for providing all the necessary facilities at Papaianni Park, allowing BJANA to host the event in a public space," Kumar added. A special acknowledgment was given to the dedicated Vratis (devotees), who undertook the rigorous Chhath fast, going without food for 72 hours, praying for the well-being of everyone. This year''s event was even more memorable due to the unseasonably warm weather, which made the experience of stepping into the lake for the ritual offerings even more enjoyable. Meanwhile, devotees in India offered ''Arghya'' to the rising sun on Friday morning, as devotees gathered at riverbanks on the last day of the four-day festival. After the holy offering, parents pray to ''Chhatti Maiya'' for the protection of their children as well as the happiness and peace of their whole family. (ANI) According to Aljazeera, no one has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) armed group, also known as Pakistan Taliban, turned violent in the region since its ally, the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan, seized power in 2021. Pakistan's military in a statement on Thursday confirmed the "martyrdom" of four officers and also said that in response to the attack security forces killed five "Khwarij", a term used by the military for the Pakistan Taliban. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed "grief and sorrow" over the death of the soldiers and said, "Our war against terrorists will continue until the complete elimination of terrorism from the country." On Thursday, a mortar fired by armed fighters landed near a road in the Tirah Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing two children who were going to school, police said. Islamabad has accused Kabul's rulers of failing to stop rebels from attacking Pakistan from over the border. Last month, Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack on 10 Pakistani police officers who were killed at a security checkpoint, Aljazeera reported. Pakistan saw 785 armed attacks during the first 10 months of 2024, resulting in 951 deaths and 966 injuries, reflecting a persistently high level of violence across the country, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank. As per Aljazeera, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad on Thursday to brief him about the investigation into an attack on Tuesday where a guard shot and wounded two Chinese nationals at a textile mill in Karachi, allegedly over a private dispute. (ANI) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi extended warm congratulations to US President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 US Presidential Polls and also conveyed regards to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for her "spirited presidential campaign". In the letter to Donald Trump, Rahul Gandhi emphasised the "historic friendship" between India and the United States and affirmed that the two nations will further deepen their cooperation during his second term in office. "I would like to congratulate you on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America. The people have placed their trust in your vision for the future," the LoP stated. https://x.com/INCIndia/status/1854743927716233524 He emphasised, "India and the United States of America share a historic friendship rooted in our commitment to democratic values.". Expressing confidence in his leadership, Gandhi said that the two nations "will further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest" and "continue to work towards expanding avenues and opportunities for both, Indians and Americans". "I wish you the very best during your second term as President of the United States of America", he stated. Donald Trump created history by winning the US presidential elections on November 5, becoming only the second leader to serve non-consecutive tenures. The Republican Party also gained the control of the House and Senate. He secured over 300 electoral votes, well ahead of the 270 mark needed to win the presidency. On the other hand, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris could only win 224. In a major takeaway, Trump won all seven battleground states as well as the popular vote. After a resounding victory in the US Presidential Elections, Donald Trump took to stage and in his speech, said, "America's future will be bigger, better, bolder, richer, safer and stronger than it has ever been before. God bless you and God bless America". In his letter to Harris, Rahul Gandhi expressed his regards and said her "unifying message" will continue to inspire many. https://x.com/INCIndia/status/1854747338058727494 "I would like to congratulate you on your spirited Presidential campaign. Your unifying message of hope will continue to inspire many," he stated. The Congress leader appreciated the deepening of India-US ties under her tenure as Vice President, and said her determination to bring people together will be remembered. "Under the Biden administration, India and the United States have deepened cooperation on issues of global importance. Our shared commitment to democratic values will continue to guide our friendship. As the Vice-President, your determination to bring people together and find common ground will be remembered," the LoP said. He wished Harris the best for her future endeavours. Kamala Harris conceded defeat on Wednesday and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her during the election campaign. "My heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say: The light of America's promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting," she told her supporters in Washington DC. (ANI) The Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom along with the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK, celebrated the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', honouring the legacy of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards fostering unity, integrity, and democratic values. The details of the event, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, were also shared on the social media platform, X, by the Indian High Commission in London, UK. https://x.com/HCI_London/status/1854488185910215105 The event showcased PM Modi's speech where he congratulated the citizens on 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' and informed about the two-year celebration to be commenced in honour to mark the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event welcomed notable members of the Indian diaspora, with Priti Patel, Shadow Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, delivering the keynote address. The event was attended by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami and several other dignitaries. They paid tribute to Sardar Patel for his pivotal role in fostering a united and resilient India. The event underscored Patel's enduring influence and contributions to the nation's unity and strength. "It is a great honour for me to speak here on this very auspicious occasion and it is a celebration because without the Independence movement, we wouldn't be here today", UK MP Priti Patel said in her address. Discussing how Sardar Patel completed his education in the UK and took back its elements to India, Patel noted, "That is the part of the reason why we have such strong people-to-people ties and education ties as well that still to this date drive us forward". In a post on X, she emphasised the India-UK ties and said the historic ties between the two nations have resulted in a friendship that continues to "grow from strength to strength." "An honour to speak at the Indian High Commission for the celebration of National Unity Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the 'Iron man' of India who played such a pivotal role in the foundation of the modern Indian state," she stated in a post. https://x.com/pritipatel/status/1854616295699877995 "Our partnership with India is one of the cornerstones of our foreign policy, with the historic ties between our two countries resulting in a friendship that continues to grow from strength to strength, and it was a pleasure to reaffirm our shared belief in the power and unity that economic freedom brings," Patel added. Every year, on October 31, India observes 'National Unity Day', also known as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. This significant day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. 'National Unity Day' serves as a reminder of his efforts to unite the diverse princely states into a single nation and fosters a spirit of solidarity among the people of India. (ANI) The Canadian House of Commons has passed a motion unanimously affirming that UN Resolution 2758 does not grant the People's Republic of China (PRC) sovereignty over Taiwan, nor does it decide Taiwan's future involvement in the UN or other international organizations. According to the Taipei Times, the motion, introduced by Yves Perron, president of the Bloc Quebecois, was said to have been unanimously agreed upon by all parties prior to the meeting on November 7. While reading the motion in French, he stated that Canada and Taiwan are strengthening their relationship, with growing economic and cultural exchanges. The two sides are also collaborating in areas such as bilateral trade, investment, technology, education, youth exchanges, industry, art, culture, and indigenous peoples' affairs. He added that the outcome is positive and aligns with Canada's foreign policy. Members of the Canadian House of Commons, he said, would continue to advocate with international allies for Taiwan's meaningful participation in global organizations, including the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The report further stated that he later wrote in a social media post that China is distorting the meaning of UN Resolution 2758 to justify its military activities in Taiwan's airspace and territorial waters. He also stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping is using the resolution to issue threats and bolster his claim over Taiwan. The resolution, passed during the 26th UN General Assembly, led to the People's Republic of China (PRC) taking over the UN seat previously held by the Republic of China (ROC), which governs Taiwan. Crucially, the resolution did not mention Taiwan or the ROC by name, leaving Taiwan's political status unresolved, according to CNA. Perron was one of two Canadian lawmakers who visited Taiwan in July to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit. Last month, the European Parliament also adopted a resolution affirming that UN Resolution 2758 does not affect Taiwan's participation in the UN or other international bodies and rejected any unilateral attempt to alter the "status quo" in the Taiwan Strait as unacceptable. (ANI) The Taiwan government believes the newly elected President of the US, Donald Trump, will also continue with the resolve to protect the self-ruled island from Chinese aggression. Taipei is expecting Trump to follow his campaign remarks that the US will protect the island nations after payment, reported Radio Free Asia (RFA). Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said, "We will work together with the new US administration and Congress to create a new situation in Taiwan-US relations." As reported by Radio Free Asia, the Taiwanese residents claim the election victory of Donald Trump as the "victory of the island." A local told RFA, "Trump is more assertive than Biden, and China won't do anything rash. He won't sit back and watch while China annexes Taiwan". Lee, an official said, "I think the situation in the Taiwan Strait will be more secure if Trump is elected. But Trump's desire for Taiwan to increase military spending doesn't mean that spending can be expanded indefinitely". The President-elect in an earlier interview had said that Beijing has been too aggressive in the Indo-Pacific region as they had deployed all their ships in the area. He also highlighted that the advanced semiconductor industry in Taiwan has been a significant obstruction to military invasion. Tao Yi-fen, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National Taiwan University has also suggested the Taiwan government be in close relations with the US President as soon as possible and suggest different defence spending measures. "On the Taiwan issue, Trump isn't expected to publicly offer a clear military commitment to Taiwan, but he will not let Xi Jinping think that he will abandon Taiwan either," Tao further highlighted. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. China sees Taiwan as its territory and insists on reunification, by military force if necessary. (ANI) Families of two disappeared youths have staged a protest, demanding the immediate release of victims in Turbat, Balochistan on Friday. Sher Jan and Irshad Baloch, the victims, were forcibly abducted by the Pakistan military forces in the Buleda region of Kech district. The sit-in protest occurred at Fida Ahmed Chowk of Turbat with many locals joining and showing solidarity against the oppression by the Pakistan military force. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has also condemned the abduction of two Baloch youths and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. In a post on X, the BYC stated,"BYC stands in solidarity with the sit-in protest by the family members of two forcibly disappeared Baloch youths from Bulada".The sit-in protest at Shaheed Fida Chowk, Turbat, demands the immediate recovery of Sherjan Darvesh Baloch, who forcibly disappeared on November 5, 2024, and Irshad, son of Haji Abdul Ghafoor, who forcibly disappeared on November 6, 2024". The BYC further highlighted," Forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are at their peak. In this hour of need, we urge the conscious people of Kech to support these families and join the sit-in protest". The families lamented that instead of taking the youths to unknown locations, the armed forces should have presented them before a legal authority. They further alerted the government that if their demand was not accepted then they would stage a protest on highways. Recently, a similar protest took place at Khuzdar for the immediate release of Salman Baloch, who was abducted two years ago by the Pakistani armed forces. The BYC along with locals participated in the protest and chanted slogans against the enforced disappearances by the Pakistani forces. The BYC people are standing in solidarity against the oppressions meted out by the Pakistan military forces. Till now the protests against enforced disappearances have taken place in Karachi, Hub Chowki, Khuzdar, Turbat, Panjgur, Kharan, Quetta, Nushki, Dalbandin, and Chagai. (ANI) The conference held in October featured over 20 sessions, showcasing leading-edge technologies and solutions to create new business opportunities among Asian countries and other international participants. Yuki Ota, a Representative from the Yokohama City said, "Participants, mainly from the Philippines and Indonesia, joined the Asia Smart City Conference. Through this event, we aim to enhance Yokohama City's international presence in preparation for TICAD9 and the Green Expo 2027". The theme of the conference was "Decarbonization of Cities". The conference welcomed participation from cities across Asia, government agencies, international organisations, and 50 private companies. Gen Takahashi, Official from JFE Engineering said, "We frequently collaborate with Yokohama City, especially on infrastructure issues across Asia. Asia remains our main market, and we aim to continue supporting Yokohama City's initiatives in partnership with Asian cities". Under the sister cities agreement between Yokohama and Odesa, Ukraine, a Ukrainian institution also set up a booth at the event. Tamila Afanasyeva, from the Municipal Institute, Odesa City, Ukraine, said "Yokohama's example as a green and smart city is inspiring. I'm impressed by the clean streets and air. We aspire to achieve the same level of cleanliness and clarity in Odesa". In preparation for the 2027 Green Expo, Yokohama City is organizing youth meetings to promote environmental awareness. Ryousuke Wakasa, Sales Manager from Solution Management Department said, "We began by exploring new aspects of Yokohama tourism, including the development of green hamburgers using local meat. Our goal is to introduce Yokohama's green hamburgers globally at the 2027 Green Expo". Mayor of Yokohama City, Takeharu Yamanaka said, "Through active participation in the Asia Smart City Conference, international forums, and networks, we are committed to contributing to a sustainable green future". Yokohama City is leveraging events like the Asia Smart City Conference, TICAD, and the 2027 Green Expo to champion the development of smart cities worldwide. (ANI) On the second leg of his two-state visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who landed in Singapore on Friday met with Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan. Sharing the details on the social media platform X, Jaishankar noted that the two leaders discussed the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore and also shared perspectives on regional and global developments. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854780624705667130 Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward a contemporary bilateral partnership, with a focus on areas like industrial parks, innovation and semiconductors. Jaishankar also addressed the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think Tanks. During his speech, he said, "As India's engagement with Indo-Pacific and Quad deepens, ASEAN centrality and cohesion will continue to be a guiding principle". The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. India has a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN which is expressed through the Act East Policy. The EAM will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. India and Singapore have a close bilateral relationship. Singapore has played an important role in reconnecting India to the countries of Southeast Asia since the inception of the Look East Policy in the early 1990s. The Indian community has a significant presence in Singapore and constitutes about 9.2 per cent of the total population of the country. The visit by Jaishankar comes on the heels of the three-day state visit of Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Minister of Defence, to India. During his visit, he had co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi, with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. Singapore has been an integral partner of India's Act East Policy. Expressing confidence in the relationship shared between the two countries, Singapore's Defence Minister Hen had remarked, "From Singapore's perspective, India has always been part of the East. Whether you choose to act or look, we consider you part of the area." Jaishankar is on a two-state visit, namely to Australia and Singapore. The Australian interactions lasted from November 3 to November 7 and saw the External Affairs Minister holding meetings with various groups of the Australian society to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Jaishankar's visit to the two countries is set to boost the warm and friendly ties India shares with them. (ANI) The Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh is attending the 10th Conference of G20 parliaments that is currently underway in Brazil from Novenber 6 to 8. Speaking in the first working session, Harivansh said, "The contribution of parliaments in the fight against hunger, poverty and inequality." The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman mentioned about various measures taken by India for enhancing global food security like PMGKY, POSHAN ABHIYAN, Matru Vandan Yojna, PM Jan Dhan Yojna, PM Awas Yojna, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Aayushman Bharat Scheme. He said that these measures have helped in eradicating hunger and poverty as well as made health a basic right of the citizens instead of being a privilege. Harivansh spoke in the sencond working session about the role of parliaments in promoting sustainable development and about India's commitment to the protection and improvement of environment while safeguarding the forests and wildlife. In this, he mentioned about the Forest Conservation Act, Environmental Protection Act, Right to Education Act, National Food Security Act, Dam Safety Act and Prime Minister's MISSION LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment. He said about India's contribution of mere 4 per cent emissions with a population of 17 per cent of the world's population, achieving NDC targets 11 years ahead of the schedule of 2030, installing 100 GW of Green Energy, initiatives like ISA, IRIS and CDRI. Harivansh stated that 96.35 per cent households in India now have clean cooking fuel; 99.29 per cent rural households have access to improved sources of drinking water and 100 per cent households have access to electricity. He also called for a human centric approach, collective efforts and robust action to further sustainable development. Harivansh was warmly welcomed by Rodrigo Pacheco, President of the Senate and Arthur Lira, President of the House of Deputies in the Brazilian Congress for P20 Meetings at Brasilia yesterday. He held a bilateral meeting with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia. He inter alia mentioned about the partnership between India and Russia in bilateral trade and Defence as well as the Parliamentary Cooperation. Harivansh also met Anneliese Lotriet, Dy Speaker of the National Assembly of Republic of South Africa and conveyed India's support for the successful holding of P20 in South Africa next year. Harivansh was warmly greeted by senators and Congressmen from Brazil. Besides, he met the Leaders of the delegations from South Korea, Turkey, Singapore, Italy, Portugal, France and with the President of IPU and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania Tulia Ackson. (ANI) Highlighting the ongoing transition in the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, stressed the need for having resilient supply chains, trusted partners and diversified production. During his speech, Jaishankar spoke about the opportunities for a stronger India-ASEAN partnership. He further stressed that "ASEAN Centrality" will be India's guiding principle of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific During his state visit to Singapore, Jaishankar delivered the keynote address at the 8th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of think-tanks. The theme of the event was, 'Navigating a world in transition: Agenda for the ASEAN India partnership'. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854721763805999200 Speaking about the emerging knowledge economy and advancement of AI, he brought to attention how this necessitates greater human and enterprise mobility within our region. The Foreign Minister also shared the key highlights of his speech on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854778874141589542 Jaishankar put forward India's commitment towards collaborative connectivity through various initiatives in multiple sectors such as the digital public infrastructure, energy sector and transportation. The EAM also brought to attention India's leading initiatives for this include the India Middle East Economic Corridor, INSTC and the trilateral highway to the east. He spoke about utilising two prominent areas namely skilling and education to open up new avenues for deeper partnership with ASEAN. "India and ASEAN are major demographies whose emerging demands can not only support each other but become larger productive forces in the international economy. Our collaboration can also be crucial in addressing contemporary challenges," the Foreign Minister added. Touching upon the energy sector, he said, "In visualising the areas of cooperation, we are also targeting new domains and technologies that hold potential, India and ASEAN are today more focused on realising the value of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. We are preparing for an era of electric mobility, green shipping and green steel" for a more sustainable region." Jaishankar further expressed great confidence in the India-ASEAN ties and highlighted the deep cultural and civilisation connect between the two regions has resulted in fruitful cooperation and a strong foundation for a deeper partnership benefitting our people. "As India's engagement with Indo-Pacific and Quad deepens, ASEAN centrality and cohesion will continue to be a guiding principle," the EAM concluded. (ANI) Locals in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took out a protest rally against the closure of roads in the province due to security concerns. The Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday that the the Thall-Parachinar road has been closed by the authorities for three weeks and this has created a shortage of food, medicine and other essential commodities needed in daily lives. Khurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud cited security concerns as the main reason behind the closure of roads in the region. Locals began the protest rally from the Parachinar Press Club with people from all age groups participating in the protest, as reported by the Dawn. According to the publication, the closure has also raised conflicts among tribal groups over land disputes, with dozens of people dying in the clash. Tribal leaders Jalal Bangash and Agha Tajammul Hussain have also raised concerns over the prolonged closure and said that the protest is "against the government's failure to provide security to the people." The tribals said, "We are holding this unarmed protest to send a message of peace to all tribes in the district and to show the world our suffering." They further added, "We are holding this unarmed protest to send a message of peace to all tribes in the district and to show the world our suffering." Recently, unknown armed men opened fire on vehicles, killing two persons including Mushtaq Hussain and Wahab Ali. Due to the ongoing attacks on vehicles in the area, the administration had decided to close the roads. But the residents are suffering due to the closure of roads as it has hampered their daily basic needs. The situation has isolated the residents of Kurram province from other regions. Earlier, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan raised deep concerns over the prolonged road closure that led to humanitarian crises, increasing tribal conflicts in the region. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on his visit to Singapore met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday and the two engaged in "fruitful discussions" on advancing technology and industrial partnership. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to meet PM & Finance Minister @LawrenceWongST today in Singapore. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi." "A fruitful discussion on advancing our technology, skilling and industrial partnership. Also spoke about our engagement in regional forums," the post added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854820749581722056 Meanwhile, the Singaporean PM Wong also wrote about his meeting with Jaishankar and said that the two leaders had discussions on global developments, and looking forward to commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. Sharing a post on X, Wong wrote, "Happy to catch up with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar so soon after his September 2024 visit with PM Narendra Modi's delegation. He updated me on the good progress India and Singapore made on new areas of cooperation, such as skills training and industrial parks." "We also exchanged views on global developments. India & Singapore are like-minded partners with many common interests. We're working to upgrade our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I look forward to commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025," the post added. https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1854828459987546149 Jaishankar also met his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen and discussed Indo - Pacific security situation. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Good to meet Defence Minister @Ng_Eng_Hen of Singapore today. Shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific security situation and bilateral defence cooperation." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854823809313828945 Jaishankar during his visit to Singapore also met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam where the two discussed the political and economic situation. "Called on President @Tharman_S of Singapore. Discussed the global political and economic scenario, and its implications for India and Singapore," Jaishankar wrote on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1854821968123772948 Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed with him ways to take forward a contemporary bilateral partnership, with a focus on areas like industrial parks, innovation and semiconductors. Jaishankar also addressed the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think Tanks. During his speech, he said, "As India's engagement with Indo-Pacific and Quad deepens, ASEAN centrality and cohesion will continue to be a guiding principle." The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. India has a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN which is expressed through the Act East Policy. India and Singapore have a close bilateral relationship. Singapore has played an important role in reconnecting India to the countries of Southeast Asia since the inception of the Look East Policy in the early 1990s. The Indian community has a significant presence in Singapore and constitutes about 9.2 per cent of the total population of the country. The visit by Jaishankar comes on the heels of the three-day state visit of Singapore's Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to India from October 21 to 23. During his visit, he had co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi, with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. Singapore has been an integral partner of India's Act East Policy. Expressing confidence in the relationship shared between the two countries, Singapore's Defence Minister Hen had remarked, "From Singapore's perspective, India has always been part of the East. Whether you choose to act or look, we consider you part of the area." (ANI) Former Pakistani federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has publicly urged US President-elect Donald Trump to conduct a personal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the removal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from office. Chaudhry alleged that the Biden administration may have been involved in Khan's ouster, a claim he hopes Trump will examine in light of similar challenges both leaders have faced, ARY News reported. Chaudhry highlighted what he saw as "similarities" between experiences of Trump and Khan , pointing out that both leaders endured "fake cases." He suggested that Trump's advisors also suspect Biden's administration played a role in Khan's removal as Pakistan's prime minister, adding to calls for Trump to review the situation directly. The Tehreek-e-Insaf leader also commented on recent US elections, drawing a contrast between the political landscapes of the two nations. He said, "The people's decision has been accepted in the US election 2024, but the nation's mandate was 'disregarded' in Pakistan's general elections," implying that Pakistan's electoral integrity has been undermined. In an interview on ARY News' program 'Off The Record', the PTI Member of National Assembly (MNA) Ali Muhammad Khan said that Imran Khan was optimistic about the US-Pakistan relationship under Trump's incoming administration. The former Prime Minister, currently imprisoned, reportedly expressed hope that Trump's return to office would end the "negativity which prevailed under the [Joe] Biden administration," reported ARY News. Ali Muhammad Khan noted that while Imran Khan did not specifically mention his own release from prison, he conveyed a positive outlook for Pakistan-US relations moving forward. Khan reportedly reflected on his "good and friendly relations with Trump" during his tenure as prime minister, according to the Tehreek-e-Insaf legislator. Ali Muhammad Khan added that Imran Khan had received calls from Trump during his premiership, where they discussed a range of topics including business and bilateral relations. The PTI leader said, "Khan said that Trump had a positive attitude towards Pakistan and the relations between the two countries were improving." (ANI) The leaders of the ISKCON Bangladesh on Friday protested against the spreading of misleading information regarding their organisation in various ways in the wake of untoward incidents such as the attack and vandalism in the Hazari Goly area of Chittagong, the port city of Bangladesh. "In view of the recent violent incident in Chittagong, there are blamable move to damage our religious and social image by involving ISKCON Bangladesh in various ways," said Satya Ranjan Baroi, President of ISKCON Bangladesh at a news conference in Dhaka. "We strongly condemn the attack and vandalism in the Hazari Goli area of Chittagong," he added. "ISKCON Bangladesh is a non-political and peaceful religious organisation dedicated to communal harmony, religious tolerance and human welfare throughout Bangladesh. ISKCON Bangladesh expects a peaceful solution to the Hazari Goli incident in Chittagong and a responsible statement after a proper investigation in the interest of maintaining peace and order in the country," Baroi said. Earlier on November 5, a local Muslim youth named Osman Ali reportedly uploaded a post on Facebook criticising ISKCON and demanded the banning of the international religious organisation. Irated over his remarks, a clash between the Hindu community and the law enforcement forces took place in the Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong. Due to this, the joint forces of police and army conducted an operation there on Tuesday night (November 5). "A local Muslim youth reportedly uploaded a post on Facebook criticizing ISKCON. The angry Hindu community people protested and clashed with the law-enforcing agencies. They threw bricks and other objects at the police. After the clashes, a joint operation conducted by law enforcing agencies, comprising police and army," Saifuddin Tuhin, a local reporter from Chittagong told ANI over the phone. "A local youth named Osman posted on Facebook demanding the banning of ISKCON. Law and order forces went there when tension arose. It has been alleged that something like acid was thrown at the law enforcement agencies," said a Hindu community leader. The leader also noted, "At night, joint forces raided Hazari Goly and arrested about 100 suspects. Some were released after questioning. Due to power outage during the operation, details about the incident were not known." But an ISKCON leader said they were innocent. "As far as I know, they are innocent. They are local people. They gathered there and chanted various slogans including Jai Sriram," said Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh at the news conference at Swamibag Ashram. Recently, some individuals and groups have also demanded a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh. ISKCON leaders in Dhaka had asked "Amar Desh" editor Mahmudur Rahman to apologise for demanding the banning of ISKCON. A group called "Inqilab Manch" also demanded the banning of ISKCON. Hindus, who make up about 8 per cent of Bangladesh's 170 million population, have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party, which has faced backlash following violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces. On August 5, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Hasina, 76, fled to India on August 5 and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. Since then, Bangladesh saw targeted attacks against minority communities including Hindus and Buddhists. In September, the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (HBCOP), the largest organization of minorities in Bangladesh, has called on the United Nations to investigate communal violence against minorities in the country. Monindro Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the HBCOP had told ANI, "A total of 2,010 incidents of communal violence have occurred in 68 districts and cities of Bangladesh during the afternoon of August 4, the day before the departure of the Sheikh Hasina government, to August 20." He further added, "Nine people were killed in these incidents. 69 places of worship were attacked, vandalised and set on fire. 915 houses were attacked, vandalised, looted, and set on fire. 953 business establishments were attacked, vandalised, and looted." (ANI) Calling the blocking of the prominent diaspora outlet 'Australia Today' by Canada, the "murder of free press," its founder and editor-in-chief, Jitarth Jai Bhardwaj questioned the Justin Trudeau government as to why the rights of the Hindu community in the country are not being upheld, as they face "repeated attacks on their places of worship." This comes after Canada blocked the outlet's social media handles and pages shortly after it aired a press conference of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra. During the presser, the EAM slammed Canada for making allegations against India without any specific evidence and termed the "surveillance of Indian diplomats" unacceptable and also highlighted that the "political space has been given in Canada to anti-India elements." Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also lambasted Canada for its "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech" following the blocking of 'The Australia Today' in the country. Following the blocking by the Trudeau government, Bhardwaj raised concerns over the move and said the publication would continue to advocate for open media. In an interview with ANI, Bhardwaj opened up about how their supporters notified them about not being able to access the outlet's content in Canada. After that, they found out that the press conference and interview of EAM Jaishankar went off the social media platform. "We were notified by a lot of readers, followers of our page that they are not able to watch or view our content on Facebook and Instagram which they were able to watch like 10-15 minutes back and now they were not, they were trying to share it with their friends and colleagues and all of a sudden the press conference and the interview went off from the Facebook page and there was a notification written there that this content is not available for viewing in Canada by the order of Canadian government legislation," he said. Condemning the Trudeau government's "dictatorial" move as a "murder of press freedom," the editor of the outlet said there should be a space for diverse views in a democracy. "This is murder of press freedom. This is not free speech, this is not how democracies act, this is the way for dictators to act and clamp down on press. In every democracy there are space for diverse views and for press to debate, interpret, analyse all those diverse views," Bhardwaj said. He added, "It seems that Canada is not kind of happy with how we were asking questions to Indian and Australian foreign ministers and they were not happy to see that a lot of Canadians were responding to it and they were trying to educate themselves than what Canadian government has been propagating for long now." The Australia Today founder further elaborated on the news coverage of his outlet, and said they aim to provide coverage to the 'vibrant' Indian democracy, which he said, are being "left out." "Australia Today is a news outlet which works for multicultural communities here in the West. We do stories from UK, Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, everywhere the Indian diaspora is hardworking and vibrant. Their stories are important, however, they are being left out by the so-called mainstream media and this platform Australia Today highlights the issues which are very important to Indian Australian community and Indian diaspora as a whole," he said. While stating that the coverage of 'The Australia Today' is being appreciated everywhere for highlighting the condition of the Indian community, Bhardwaj also shed light on the 'threats' received by the outlet. He alleged that the news platform and its journalists have been threatened by India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other Khalistani extremists. "Our coverage about what is happening by Khalistani groups in Canada or in US was getting a lot of traction there. Our reporting was being appreciated in all the places. Gurpat Singh Pannun threatened us after issuing a video. He put pictures of me and my team online, telling his supporters to harm us in different ways. This has been going on and we have been reporting continuously without fear," he said. Referring to the situation in Canada, 'The Australia Today' editor-in-chief said that the Hindu community is being "attacked, persecuted and suppressed" not just by the extremist elements, but also by the police and the authorities. He also said that his outlet is willing to interview Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and ministers and ask why the rights of the Hindu community are not being realised in his country as they continue to face one untoward incident after the other. "I'm just a reporter. I can report on what is going on. So I can say that Hindu community is being attacked in Canada right now. Hindu community is being persecuted in Canada right now by police, RCMP, authorities. Everyone is working as if to suppress the rights of Canadian Hindu citizens," Bhardwaj said. "That's what I see right now and that's what we are reporting. If Trudeau or his ministers are happy to talk to us, we are happy to interview them and ask simple questions which any and every journalist should be asking them right now. Why Hindu community, Canadian community is being treated the way they are being treated? Why their rights are not upheld? Why their temples are being attacked? These are the questions Trudeau should be answering right now," he added. Being asked about whether 'The Australia Today' will try to challenge the Canadian government's order, the editor said they would focus on reporting the issues of Canadian citizens without any fear. "I don't think Canadian government is listening right now. But we will not stop doing what we do, that is reporting. Reporting the issues of Canadian citizens, Canadian Indians, multilingual communities. That we will keep on doing," Bhardwaj stressed. (ANI) The Tibetan parliament in-exile has called on the United Nations to initiate scientific research into the implications of the damage that is being done by the China in Tibetan plateau. The call was made during the launch of the Tibet Museum's latest exhibition, Rivers of the Sky, in Dharamshala, which aims to raise awairness on how environmental degradation in Tibet directly affects not only the region but also neighbouring countries, especially India. The exhibition was inaugurated on Friday morning by Dolma Tsering, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan parliament in-exile, who underscored the plateau's importance for worldwide climate patterns. "The impact is such that the monsoon fluctuation in India and Northeast Asia and the warming Europe. They are all impacted by the thinning of snow at the Tibetan plateau," Tsering told ANI. "Therefore, we want the United Nations framework for climate convention to have a scientific research on how the Tibet's glaciers, how the Tibet plateau is significant for the survival of whole humanity... I am urging the United Nations to have scientific findings on what are the implications of the damage that is being done by the People's Republic of China." According to Tibetan environmentalist Padma Wangyal, "There is a massive deforestation is going on in Tibet for the past few decades and it's affecting Tibet's environment very badly. Specially countries like India are directly affected by this environmental destruction in Tibet." Deforestation has reportedly exacerbated the effects of climate change in Tibet, affecting water supplies and monsoon cycles critical to regional agriculture and ecosystem stability. Tenzin Thubten, director of the Tibet Museum, emphasised the exhibition's message to the international community and China. He highlighted that the main content for 'Rivers of the Sky' was developed by renowned researcher Gabriel, but was curated to reflect the Tibet Museum's perspectives. Thubten explained, "Of course, there are multiple objectives behind this particular temporary exhibition, but the main objective is to tell Chinese that your counter-narrative your policy towards Tibet is not working because for last 70 years, China has captured Tibet and tortured Tibetans in many ways but now this is in global ways, in terms of the rivers exploitation. It is not only for the 6 million Tibetan people, it is now to the 2 billion people who are directly dependent on the major rivers that flow from Tibet." The timing of the exhibition also aligns with the upcoming COP-29 climate conference, which Thubten mentioned, noting the importance of global attention on the environmental issues affecting Tibet. (ANI) Ongoing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistan's armed forces continue to torment Balochistan, with fresh reports surfacing of civilians being forcibly taken from their homes, workplaces, and communities. These incidents, which include alleged physical assaults and kidnappings, have sparked renewed fears among Baloch families who now live under a constant state of distress, concerned for the safety of their loved ones. According to The Balochistan Post, Khan Mohammad Bugti, a shop owner in Dera Bugti's Phelawgh area, was reportedly abducted from his place of business several days ago by Pakistani security forces. Since his forced abduction, his family has received no word of his whereabouts. In a similar incident in the Buleda Pusht Kaor area of Kech district, a man named Irshad was allegedly assaulted during a late-night raid before being taken by security forces, leaving his family distressed and without answers. In the coastal city of Gwadar, security forces reportedly apprehended Naoman, son of Ishaq, and have since held him in an undisclosed location. These cases are just the latest in a long string of enforced disappearances throughout the region, deepening the fears of Baloch communities who see this as part of an ongoing pattern of oppression. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1854828461514223906 Meanwhile, in Turbat, families of two other missing men, Sher Jan Darvesh and Irshad, have taken to the streets in a peaceful sit-in protest at Fida Chowk. This marks the second day of their demonstration, with the families calling for justice and the safe return of their loved ones. The Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC), a local activist group, posted on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the district administration for failing to recognise the protestors' pleas. BYC reported that rather than addressing the concerns, authorities, in collaboration with the Frontier Corps, blocked the road to the DC office and issued threats to the protestors. The BYC emphasised that the families are simply "exercising their mere right to public assembly and are demanding their right to life and security." Sibghat Abdul Haq Baloch, a central organising member of the BYC, criticised the heavy-handed response from authorities and warned of potential consequences if there were any further intimidation or violence directed at the protestors. He also called on residents of Kech and nearby regions to join the protest, pledging to continue their fight for justice despite threats and attempts at suppression. Reports indicate that in the past month alone, approximately 100 people from various areas of Balochistan have gone missing due to alleged forced disappearances by security forces, with 18 new cases emerging over the last few weeks. While ten individuals have been released, others remain missing, leaving their families desperate for information. Local political groups are raising alarm over the increasing frequency of these incidents and are urging international human rights organisations to intervene and pressure Pakistani authorities to address the enforced disappearances and release those still in detention. (ANI) Four missing men were reportedly killed in what human rights groups are calling a "staged encounter" in Balochistan's Musa Khel district, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). The incident has sparked outrage among Baloch activists and human rights organisations, who claim these killings are part of a disturbing pattern of extrajudicial actions targeting Baloch individuals who had previously been forcibly disappeared, The Balochistan Post reported. On November 3, the CTD claimed responsibility for an operation on the national highway near Rarasham, where, according to their report, a joint force comprising CTD personnel, Frontier Corps (FC), and law enforcement agents engaged in a gunbattle with "terrorists" attempting to block the highway. The CTD stated that three suspects were killed, two were arrested, and several weapons were confiscated. The families of three of the deceased identified them as individuals who had been missing for weeks or months prior to the incident. The victims were named as Muhammad Nawaz Buzdar, detained on September 10 in Loralai; Ghulam Buzdar, who was reportedly taken into custody on October 2 at a petrol station in Rarasham; and Jafar Marri, detained around the same time, reported The Balochistan Post. The fourth victim's identity remains unconfirmed. The Baloch Yakjheti Committee condemned the alleged encounter, accusing Pakistani security forces of staging the incident and asserting that it reflects a broader, systematic trend of targeting forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Committee stated, "A disturbing trend of fake encounters by state forces and agencies continues. The Baloch nation has been resisting these heinous, systematic, and targeted killings of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals, yet this brutal practice remains unchecked." Reports indicate that this incident mirrors a similar occurrence last year, when CTD officials were accused of staging an encounter resulting in the death of a young detainee in Turbat, a case that incited protests, including a long march from Quetta to Islamabad led by Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch, The Balochistan Post reported. Human rights organisations have repeatedly urged Pakistani authorities to investigate these extrajudicial killings and hold those responsible accountable. Despite these calls, incidents of "staged encounters" involving Baloch missing persons persist, fuelling ongoing tensions and calls for justice. (ANI) The agreement formalises the integration of the advanced MANSUP Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) launcher onto ADSB's RABDAN FA-400 Fast Attack vessel, equipping it with a highly precise, long-range missile system tailored for modern naval combat. The agreement was signed by David Massey, CEO of ADSB, and Paulo Salvador, Commercial Director of SIATT, at EURONAVAL 2024 in Paris, being held until 8th November. David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said, "Our newly launched RABDAN FA-400, which is being constructed entirely in the UAE, stands as a powerful example of our commitment to high-performance, sovereign naval solutions and exemplifies the impactful synergy within EDGE companies. By integrating SIATT's advanced MANSUP missile launcher, we are enhancing the vessel's strike capability, delivering a sophisticated and resilient platform tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern defence." Paulo Salvador said, "This collaboration marks a pivotal expansion for SIATT into the UAE's growing defence sector. Partnering with ADSB allows us to bring SIATT's advanced missile systems to a UAE-built vessel, reinforcing our commitment to contributing to the UAE's defence ecosystem. This alliance underscores the value we place on forging strong partnerships in the region, delivering innovative, high-performance solutions tailored for the strategic needs of our partners and the UAE market, and marks an important milestone towards SIATT's international expansion." The RABDAN FA-400, equipped with the MANSUP missile system, will be showcased at Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX), which will be held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 17-21 February 2025. (ANI/WAM) The Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) celebrated Chhath Puja festival with devotees coming together to offer 'arghya' to rising Sun at Naas, County Kildare in Ireland. The devotees were seen carrying fruits and making sacred offerings to the Sun God, with vermillion adorning the devotees' foreheads. The Al Mamzar Beach in Dubai also echoed with devotional Chhath songs with a huge turnout of devotees. https://x.com/biharfoundation/status/1854759763969819005 As part of Chhath festival rituals, Indian devotees across the world offered 'Arghya' to the rising Sun on Friday morning. Devotees at various places in the country gathered at riverbanks and offered Argya on the last day of the four-day festival. After the holy offering, parents pray to 'Chhatti Maiya' for the protection of their children as well as the happiness and peace of their whole family. Earlier, over a thousand devotees came together to celebrate the Chhath Puja for the evening Arghya (offering) in New Jersey, United States as Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) organised a recreation of puja for devotees overseas. This year's celebration was particularly special, as the ghat (riverbank) was beautifully adorned with banana stems and vibrant lighting, creating a unique and authentic atmosphere reminiscent of traditional ghats in Bihar. BJANA President, Sanjeev Singh, shared his joy, expressing that it was his dream to recreate the authentic feeling of the ghats he experienced in Patna, Vaishali, and Bokaro. "The sight of the decorated ghat, combined with the devotion of the participants, brought that vision to life. The entire community embraced the celebration with great enthusiasm, eagerly looking forward to the Morning Arghya the next day," Singh said. Nepal on Thursday observed the third day of Chhath, the festival of benediction to lord "Surya" making offerings to the setting sun on the embankments of Narayani River. Devotees undergoing arduous fasting stood on the edge of the river braving the current making offering of delicacies to Lord Sun. The festival dedicated to the Sun sees devotees worshipping and making offerings to the setting and rising sun. "The fasting of Chhath is arduous and one needs to be bound by the rules. Undergoing this fasting will fulfill the wishes; if a couple wants to have a child then they will be blessed with it, and all the wishes made also will be fulfilled. The "Chhathi Maiya" (goddess) bless everyone who undergoes the fasting," Meena Devi Sah, a devotee told ANI. (ANI) China is bracing itself for an uncertain future as Donald Trump returns to the White House, signalling a volatile period in US-China relations. Trump's re-election is expected to bring aggressive trade policies, including tariffs as high as 60 per cent on Chinese goods, potentially disrupting global supply chains and impacting China's economic growth, CNN reported. With new technology restrictions and Trump's expected hard-line stance on Beijing, the superpowers' already fragile relationship may face further strain. But while Trump's protectionist trade stance and transactional approach to foreign policy could put significant pressure on China, it may also lead to opportunities for Beijing. As Trump's stance threatens US alliances and global leadership, Beijing sees a potential to fill the vacuum left by an "America First" approach and to assert a new global order less reliant on the US, reported CNN. "Trump's return to power will certainly bring greater opportunities and greater risks for China," said Shen Dingli, a foreign policy analyst based in Shanghai. "Whether it eventually leads to more risks or more opportunities depends on how the two sides interact with each other." Officially, China's response has remained neutral. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it "respected" the American electoral outcome, while Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Trump on Thursday. Trump has often praised Xi, calling him "a very good friend," despite the marked downturn in US-China relations during his first term. Xi conveyed to Trump that both countries should "find the right way" to "get along in the new era," as stated by the Foreign Ministry. Yet beneath the calm official statements, Beijing is preparing for what could be an era of increased uncertainty. "Trump is a very mercurial person," said Liu Dongshu, assistant professor of international affairs at the City University of Hong Kong. "It remains to be seen whether he will implement, and to what extent, the policies he promised during the election campaign, and if he will stick to his first-term agenda." During his first term, Trump enacted sweeping trade tariffs on China, blacklisted telecom giant Huawei, and placed blame on Beijing for the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of his term, bilateral relations had reached their lowest point in decades. Trump has now indicated plans to impose 60 per cent tariffs on all Chinese goods, a punitive measure that could further destabilise China's economy, already grappling with a property crisis, low consumer demand, and rising government debts, reported CNN. Analysts warn that these tariffs could slash China's growth rate by two percentage points, nearly half of the country's projected annual growth rate of 5 per cent. The Chinese economy is already struggling with a property crisis, low consumer demand, and rising government debts. Investment bank Macquarie forecasts that tariffs at this level could slash China's growth rate by two percentage points, nearly half of the country's projected annual growth rate of 5 per cent. "Trade war 2.0 could end China's ongoing growth model, in which exports and manufacturing have been the main growth driver," wrote Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, in a recent research note. Unlike prior Republican leaders, Trump's unconventional style of policymaking adds to the uncertainty Beijing faces. "Trump began his first term as an enthusiastic admirer of Xi Jinping, before levying tariffs and then vilifying Beijing during the pandemic," said Daniel Russel, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "So, Beijing is likely to approach the President-elect with caution -- probing to ascertain which Trump to expect and where there may be opportunities to exploit." Despite the risks, Beijing also recognises the potential advantages of Trump's "America First" stance. "Although Beijing is deeply concerned about the unpredictability of Trump's China policy, it reminds itself that challenges also bring opportunities," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Beijing sees an opportunity to build closer ties with Europe, which may reject Trump's tariffs and technology decoupling efforts, as well as other regions wary of US aggression. (ANI) On a beautiful, warm November day, amid the smell of roasted peanuts, popcorn and ox roast sandwiches, there stood a strange sense of unity. Following several wins and losses earlier this week, residents from across Delaware gathered at The Circle in Georgetown for Return Day, a centuries-old tradition celebrated every two years, two days after Election Day. While the results of one election, in particular, hung in the air, several attendees both community members and state and local officials alike still came together to mark not only the end of a long and contentious cycle but also the beginning of a new chapter for the First State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what happened on Return Day 2024. 'Just bury the hatchet' Among Return Days many noteworthy traditions was the parade. As a result of ongoing construction, the parade route was slightly changed to accommodate, only moving halfway around The Circle and down the street to the Georgetown Little League Field on South King Street. Several former opponents across many races including Gov.-Elect Matt Meyer and Delaware House Minority Leader Mike Ramone rode side by side. Other campaign opponents, including current U.S. Rep. and soon-to-be Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Wilmington resident Eric Hansen, rode separately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some candidates, including John J. Whalen III who ran against state Sen. Sarah McBride for Delawares lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives did not appear. Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long also rode in the parade, waving to attendees as they drove through The Circle and down West Market Street. Other familiar faces included Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper, the latter of whom served as honorary marshal. Several nods to President-elect Donald Trump were also scattered throughout the festivities. An in-depth look: Election 2024 replay: Donald Trump wins presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential race against Vice President Kamala Harris. One truck displayed a poster-size photo of the president-elect clutching the American flag and a vendor sold Trump shirts and hats. Almost every available place to sit was taken including the edge of the fountain in the middle of the Georgetown Circle on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. This isn't the first time that Return Day had controversial images featured in its parade, specifically with members of the Delaware Grays Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2068 marching in the countys last Return Day in 2022. A notable Return Day tradition seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the parade. The literal burying of the hatchet which was adopted from the symbolic gesture used among Native American communities to signify the end of a conflict and progression toward peace has become a staple of Return Day. WBOC-TV news broadcaster Hunter Landon holds up the hatchet before the "Bury the Hatchet" ceremony at Return Day in Georgetown on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Several floats featured in the parade highlighted this same message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One car, topped with the head of a replica of SpongeBob SquarePants and arms protruding from its windows, splaying the words Dont be a square bury the hatchet on the side. Another led by members from Delaware's FFA Association displayed a wooden elephant and donkey propped up the symbols of the Republican and Democratic political parties, respectively painted in stars and stripes, facing a giant hatchet standing in the middle, with one message in the background: Just bury the hatchet. 'A great opportunity' After the parades conclusion, several familiar traditions soon followed. Before the reading of the election results, Mayor of Georgetown Bill West acknowledged that this years Return Day was a great opportunity for both state officials and Delawareans to come together to help move the state forward and into the future. The Sussex County Courthouse on the Circle in Georgetown provides a landmark for the Return Day parade on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. As per tradition, High Sherriff of Sussex County Robert Lee then passed the baton or rather, election returns off to town crier Kirk Lawson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson then read the total tallies of votes cast for the candidates who ran in several state and local races, as well as for the president and vice president of the United States, from the balcony of the Sussex County Courthouse. Following this, Debbie Jones, president of the Sussex County Return Day Inc., then gave thanks to her fellow committee members and those who attended Thursday's events. Her remarks also included an invitation to the next Return Day, which is set to take place in 2026. 'It's time to do the work' For many candidates and state leaders who attended this years festivities, despite the intensity of this past election season, it was a time to celebrate and reflect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Return Day's message would resonate nationally Former state Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, who ran against state Sen. Kyle Evans Gay for lieutenant governor, said Return Day is always special for her, and particularly memorable this year having her grandchildren alongside her. Carney called the festivities very heartwarming, and he said they should serve as a reminder to Delawareans of what needs to be done next. You come with a little bit of a heavy heart as a Democrat, having lost the race for the next president of the United States, Carney said. But it is an opportunity to remind everybody that its time to do the work. Return Day dignitaries at the Return Day celebration included, from left, Gov. John Carney, Georgetown Mayor Bill West and wife, Sen.-elect Lisa Blunt Rochester, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and Gov.-elect Matt Meyer on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Return Day newcomer Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, it was a complete pleasure getting the chance to meet people from across the First State, and seeing many come together as a community, if only for just a few hours. I know some people are having very strong emotions this week, and its really nice just to come together as Delawareans and enjoy a wonderful day in Sussex [County], Wilson-Anton, who represents areas of Newark and Bear, said. What exactly is Return Day? A tradition that dates back several centuries, the exact date of Delawares first Return Day still remains a mystery. Many predict the first took place in the early 1790s, according to the Sussex County Return Day website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two days, voters would return to hear the election results, hence the traditions name. The history: Return Day, a 200-year Delaware tradition, briefly makes friends of political enemies Other accounts have argued that the first official Return Day took place in 1812, following the passage of a law that established more local polling places along with an exact time and place to announce the returns of elections that year. Sussex County Sheriff Robert Lee rides in the Return Day parade with his family Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.. Eventually, as Return Day became increasingly popular other traditions, including opponents of each race sharing a ride in a carriage together and eating ox roast sandwiches were also incorporated into the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Return Day was held every two years except for 1942 and 2020, due to shortages during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Candidates, residents mark the end to campaigns at Return Day 2024 Hoax bomb threats targeting polling places and election offices briefly disrupted voting in five battleground states, with the FBI saying the threats in four of those states came from Russian email domains. The origin of the threats in the fifth state was not clear. The threats targeted at least 50 sites across Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan, authorities said. No bombs were found, and the few delays related to the threats appeared to have little impact on voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains, the FBI said in a statement Tuesday night. Email addresses associated with a foreign countrys domain are easy to make online by people located anywhere, and a countrys email domains being associated with a message does not mean it was sent from that country. The Russian Embassy in the U.S. said any accusation that it was behind the threats was vicious slander and nonsense, according to the government-owned news service RIA Novosti. German officials accused Russia of orchestrating bomb threats against several polling places in Moldovas presidential elections last week. Experts say such threats could discourage voters from going to polling sites. The potential to have suppressed votes is a huge escalation, said Bret Schafer, a senior fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund. Calling in a bomb threat takes things to a very different level than what weve seen them do in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If U.S. authorities conclude that Russia was behind the threats, I dont think anyone could look at this, regardless of party, and decide that this is not that big of a deal, he said. Its not totally clear yet, but there seems to be a playbook here, added Schafer, who co-wrote an analysis earlier Tuesday saying Moscow might try the same approach it did in Moldova. The emails and threats sent to the various states were similar in language and structure, according to a senior FBI official and a senior law enforcement official. The largest number of threats appeared to target polling sites in Georgia. Fulton County received 32 bomb threats delivered in a variety of ways some called 911, others dialed directly into target locations, and some were delivered via email, Fulton County Police Chief W. Wade Yates said. A Fulton County Superior Court judge ordered five polling places to stay open less than an hour past their scheduled closing times to make up for evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other threats were made to sites in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, authorities said. All told, about 10 polling places in Georgia were kept open 40 more minutes to make up for time lost to temporary evacuations, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said. Delays related to the threats appeared to be short. A poll worker at the Etris Community Center in Union City told NBC News that the Fulton County center was evacuated suddenly around 9 a.m. for at least 45 minutes while local authorities cleared the building for safe re-entry. The worker, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the majority of those evacuated came back in and voted after having waited in the parking lot. That was a good thing, the worker added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond Georgia, limited information about the threats was available Tuesday evening. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said in a briefing Tuesday evening that four bomb threats were emailed to polling sites in Navajo Country. They came from an email address with a Russian domain, Fontes said, but he cautioned that it did not necessarily mean the threats came from Russia. The threats were deemed not credible, he said. The motive appears to be to ensue chaos not to impact any political outcome, he said. We dont see anything in the pattern or the distribution that would make us think that this is to affect a political outcome. Police in Madison, Wisconsin, said they responded to emailed threats to several locations in the city, including current and former polling sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threats to polling sites and election offices were reported across about a dozen Pennsylvania counties, where targeted polling sites were ordered to stay open late, officials said. Philadelphia police said they received 911 threats at about 10 locations Tuesday evening. One polling site was briefly evacuated, so a judge extended voting times there for 23 minutes, police said. Officials said state election offices and law enforcement agencies had anticipated bomb threats to polling places or other election-related sites and had prepared for them. Election officials and law enforcement have been planning for possible scenarios like this for the last couple of years, and their training has really shown, said Lawrence Norden, vice president of the elections and government program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I think the number of these bomb threats is, if not surprising, very concerning, he added. The threats need to be investigated, and whoever is responsible must be held accountable. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) After a day of election results leading to the win for former President Donald Trump, both Illinois party chairs and Governor JB Pritzker are sharing their thoughts on the outcome of the race. Today, I stand with the millions of Americans who voted for our Democratic values in this election. It is clear now that, nationally, a majority of those who came to the polls chose a different path, and President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance won the election, Pritzker said. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, their team, and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who put their heart and soul into the campaign. IL Planned Parenthood group calls Trump win devastating loss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker reassured Illinoisians that despite the outcome, women, Black, Brown and AAPI communities, LGBTQ members, immigrants and Americans with disabilities will always be welcome in Illinois. This morning, our most vulnerable communities woke up to new uncertainty about their future, scared that their rights will no longer be protected, and unsure whether this nation still stands with them, Pritzker said. Pritzker said he will continue to work for the people of Illinois. In 2017, I sought public office in large part because of the threat Donald Trump and his allies posed to Illinois, and as governor, I have helped enshrine into state law protections that uphold our common Illinois values, Pritzker said. That work will continue, and it remains my north star. I will always strive to do what is best for the people of Illinois. When that means working with the next presidential administration that is what I will do, and when that means standing up to it, I believe my record is clear on where Ill be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Illinois Democrats, they have kept their congressional seats and kept most of their seats in both chambers of the statehouse. Party leaders said thats because they engaged nearly 2 million voters at doors and on the phone. 2024 Election Results: National Map and Race Calls I couldnt be more proud of the strong statewide coalition that weve built through engaging with communities across Illinois, DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said. DPI has brought people from all walks of life together to advocate for their communities and ensure our fundamental rights continue to thrive across our great state. Party officials highlighted wins by Nikki Budzinski and Eric Sorenson and credited their performances to the hard work of more than 1,000 volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day in and day out and county by county, DPI put in countless hours this election cycle to show up for Illinois, Hernandez said. Grassroots organizing is at the heart of our work and absolutely critical for shaping a brighter future for us all. Illinois GOP chair Kathy Salvi said the presidential win sent a clear message that voters reject Democrats excessive spending. This morning marks a brighter future for our nation and our state, Illinois GOP chair Kathy Salvi said. President Trumps administration brought us prosperity 4 years ago and will do so again by securing our border, bringing down the cost of living for families, and protecting our individual liberties. Illinois made massive strides last night, reflecting the foundation we are building to bring in new voters and compete with the billionaire governor and his band of cronies in Springfield. Time to get back on our horse and start working again theres only 727 days until the 2026 midterms. While Kamala Harris won the sate, early unofficial results she won the state with a single-digit percentage, much less than Clintons lead in 2016 or Joe Bidens win by in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Iowans have gone to the polls and cast their votes for president, Congress, the Iowa Legislature and county offices. Republicans had a good night on Tuesday. Former President Donald Trump won big, GOP incumbents won or lead in Iowa's highly competitive congressional races and Republicans are on their way to expanded supermajorities in the Iowa Legislature. But for now, the results are still unofficial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several steps in state law before Iowa certifies its state election results and casts its electoral votes for president and vice president. Here's what will happen next. Nov. 7-12: Special county boards will review provisional ballots Absentee and Special Voters Precinct Boards in every county will meet to review challenged ballots, as well as write-in votes and ballots that were unreadable by machine tabulators. The boards are made up of Iowa poll workers chosen by the county auditor. Those post-election meetings are open to the public, although members of the public may not interfere with the board's work, including by handing any ballots. Voters who were challenged because they appeared on Secretary of State Paul Pate's list of possible noncitizens must present proof of citizenship to the board in order for their ballot to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large number of voters on the list are naturalized citizens who are eligible to vote, and some reported being told to vote a provisional ballot on Tuesday even after presenting a U.S. passport. More: Judge denies request for records over alleged improprieties in Tuesday's election Nov. 12-13: Boards of supervisors will certify their county's election results County boards of supervisors are required by Iowa law to meet on the first Monday or Tuesday after the election to certify the county's results. This year, because Veterans Day falls on Monday, county boards of supervisors must meet either Tuesday or Wednesday. In Polk County, the board of supervisors will meet Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m. to approve the results. Dallas County's supervisors will also meet Nov. 13. Nov. 18: The deadline for candidates to request a recount Requests for a recount in an election must be made by 5 p.m. on the third day following the county's canvass of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For counties that canvass their results on Nov. 12, the deadline to request a recount is Nov. 15. For counties that canvass their results on Nov. 13, the deadline is Nov. 18 (because the third day following the canvass is a Saturday). Any candidate whose name is printed on the ballot, or who receives write-in votes for the office in question, is allowed to request a recount. More: US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks declares victory in 1st District: race not called Iowa law requires recount boards to conduct their work "as expeditiously as possible." Some races this year may be headed for recounts. Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks leads Democrat Christina Bohannan by about 800 votes in southeast Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller-Meeks won her first term in Congress after surviving a recount that saw her win election by just six votes. Seven races for the Iowa Legislature this year are also separated by no more than 1 percentage point. Several of those races could see recounts as well. More: A big shift right: What 7 graphics tell us about Iowa's new red wave in the 2024 election By Dec. 2: Iowa will certify its statewide election results Iowa's secretary of state will present the certified votes in each county to a state board of canvassers not later than 27 days after the election. That deadline this year is Dec. 2. The state board reviews the results and "if the results are accurately tabulated, the state board shall approve the canvass," the law states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state canvass is the final step in affirming the outcome of every race on the ballot except president and vice president. Dec. 11: Gov. Kim Reynolds must certify Iowa's electors Six days before the Electoral College meets, each state's governor must submit a "certificate of ascertainment" to the archivist of the United States containing the names of their state's electors. Iowa has six electors equal to the number of senators and representatives the state has in Congress. Dec. 17: Iowa's electors will meet to cast their votes for president By law, the Electoral College meets on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December. This year, that date is Dec. 17. Iowa's six electors will meet at the Iowa Capitol to cast their votes for Donald Trump for president and JD Vance for vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa's electors are bound by law to cast their votes for the presidential ticket that won the popular vote in the state. Iowa law says if an elector does not mark their ballot for the winning presidential candidate, they will be replaced by a substitute elector. Electors are typically longtime party activists, selected by members of their party at state party conventions. Jan. 6: Congress will meet to certify the presidential results Congress will convene on Jan. 6, 2025, in a joint session to count and certify the electoral votes cast in each state. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to preside over the joint session in her role as president of the Senate. Jan. 20: The new president and vice president are sworn into office Trump and Vance will be sworn into office as president and vice president at noon on Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Here are the steps Iowa will take to certify the 2024 election results The member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, have stood out in recent years for successfully balancing their relationships with competing global powers in order to better position themselves for the emerging multipolar world. However, of them all, Oman has most leveraged its long-standing tradition of robust neutrality in a volatile region to make itself a uniquely valued partner for both global and regional powers. In particular, Washingtons continued reliance on Muscat as a vital backchannel for indirect talks with Tehran has become an enduring pillar of Omans regional foreign policy, one that has only become more central amid the escalating regional confrontation between Israel and Iran. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Former President Donald Trumps return to the White House following his victory in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5 signals a potential return by Washington to the hardline approach toward Tehran that characterized his first term as president. However, Omans solid impartiality toward Iran would likely remain unshakeable even if U.S.-Iranian relations worsen and the regional landscape becomes even more volatile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small Gulf states neutrality was a hallmark of its foreign policy throughout the 50-year reign of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and it has been maintained by Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq since he assumed the throne following Qaboos death in February 2020. Indeed, although Oman has traditionally been a vital defense partner for both the U.S. and the U.K., its pragmatic outlook on foreign policy has enabled it to maintain ties with Iran, as well as other countries that include some of Washington and Londons bitterest adversaries. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. In early October, for instance, Iran and Oman conducted joint military and naval drills, with the latter focusing on maritime rescue and relief operations in the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz. The drills underscore Omans focus on maintaining regional security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint through which 20 percent of the worlds oil passes. But they also speak to Muscats willingness to cultivate ties with Tehran among a broad range of partnerships. Other GCC states have similarly sought to maintain smooth relations with Iran, albeit for different reasons. On the sidelines of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue summit in Doha on Oct. 2-3, foreign ministers from the GCC and Iran held informal discussions over concerns that regional tensions may threaten their oil industries. At the meeting, GCC ministers reassured Tehran that they intend to remain neutral in the standoff between Iran and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have feared being dragged into a regional war, potentially involving pro-Iran factions in Iraq or the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The latter already demonstrated their ability to strike Gulf state targets long before underscoring the point with their strikes against Israel since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. The shift among Gulf states toward engagement doesnt mean all the sticking points with Tehran have been smoothed over, however. Both the UAE and Kuwait, for instance, have active territorial disputes with Iran. Abu Dhabi and Tehran both claim ownership of the Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands, while Kuwait had been engaged in a dispute with Iran over drilling rights in the Durra/Arash gas field in the Persian Gulf, which remains a source of tensions between the two countries despite a breakthrough in talks to resolve the matter in 2023. Omans role is unique in facilitating dialogue rather than acting strictly as a go-between, a position only made possible by its strict neutrality. By contrast, Oman has historically enjoyed more cordial relations with Iran. Omanis still remember how the then-Shah of Iran provided military support for Sultan Qaboos in the 1970s to help quell the countrys Dhofar revolution. As for Oman, it withstood pressure to abandon its neutrality during the Iraq-Iran war from 1980-1988, when its Gulf allies supported Saddam Husseins government. Even amid subsequent tumultuous periods in the region, Muscat and Tehran have continued to cooperate on matters such as maintaining stability in the vital Strait of Hormuz for the transit of oil and gas exports. Omans neutrality in key conflict zones like Yemen and Syria has also rendered it an appealing partner, not only for Iran, which has influence and interests in both countries, but also for Russia, given its military intervention to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In addition to its role as a mediator, Oman is also a promising and strategic destination for Russian trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 1, the head of Omans Shura Council Khalid Al-Maawali paid a three-day visit to Moscow, where he met with prominent Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and pitched Oman as a destination for Russian private-sector investment. The visit followed Omans participation in the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2024, where both sides strengthened their cooperation in areas such as logistics and food security. Russias bilateral trade with Oman has grown substantially in recent years, rising from $84 million in 2014 to $400 million in 2023, while trade volume increased by 60 percent from 2022 to 2023 alone. That has provided a vital outlet for Russia amid Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, with Omans Sohar port having emerged as a crucial hub for re-exports of Russian oil to East Africa. Omani investment has also begun to flow to Russia. In 2022, for instance, the Omani state-owned Southern Sea Investment fund purchased a stake in the Moscow-based trading firm, Demetra Holding, one of Russias largest wheat exporters. Russias shifting focus to Oman comes at a time when Washington has pressured other Gulf allies, particularly the UAE, to distance themselves from Moscow. Indeed, Washington has upped its regulatory pressure on Russian companies and banks active in the UAE or tied to Emirati firms. As a result of that more complicated landscape, as well as rising living costs in Dubai, Russian businesses are increasingly looking toward Oman as an alternative. Oman is happy to pocket the economic benefits, even as it seeks to navigate the political risks of getting too close to Moscow. Although the U.S. and its Western partners may not be entirely comfortable with Omans ties to Russia, Muscats pivotal role in regional and energy security outweighs these concerns. From Washingtons perspective, Omans neutrality is a net good worthy of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It helps that the U.S. also depends on access to Omans ports and airbases to protect shipping lanes and project military power in the Middle East. And in the event of a crisis with Iran, Omans cooperation would be vital to ensuring the free passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining global energy security. In addition to playing this critical role in Washingtons regional security policy, Muscat has become a key conduit for U.S. diplomacy, particularly during former President Barack Obamas administration. At the time, Washington began to rely more on Omans diplomatic capabilities in the Yemen war, while it also served as a discreet but crucial intermediary in the negotiations that culminated in the multilateral nuclear agreement with Iran in 2015. Even as U.S.-Iran relations broke down in 2018 after Trumps withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020, Oman remained relevant as a backchannel for Washington and Tehran. That has continued to be the case throughout the past year. To be sure, other Gulf countries have played a role in managing current regional tensions, such as Qatars negotiations between Israel and Hamas over hostage releases and a temporary pause to the fighting in Gaza. However, Omans role is unique in facilitating dialogue rather than acting strictly as a go-between, a position only made possible by its strict neutrality. Omans own capacity to control or manage broader Middle East tensions by itself is clearly limited. On Oct. 14, for instance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the suspension of Muscat-brokered talks with the U.S., citing limited progress made through the discussions. Yet Araghchi praised Omans role in maintaining the backchannel, demonstrating Tehrans ongoing faith in Muscat as a diplomatic actor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Trump readopts a tougher sanctions policy and containment approach toward Iran, Oman will likely remain steadfast in its neutrality, especially given Washingtons appreciation for Omans approach. That may further distinguish Muscat from its GCC neighbors if Riyadh and Abu Dhabi realign with Trumps administration, given their warmer ties with Trump compared to President Joe Biden, should regional tensions with Iran escalate. Although Oman may not possess the regional influence of the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Qatar, its foreign policyanchored in neutrality and diplomatic balance among the U.S., Russia and Iranhas positioned it as a vital player in regional diplomacy, in turn bolstering its geopolitical clout. More broadly, Oman exemplifies how global powers seeking to enhance their influence in the Middle East must first go through the GCC states to do so. Jonathan Fenton-Harvey is a British analyst and journalist whose work has focused largely on Gulf Cooperation Council affairs, as well as geopolitical and economic issues pertaining to the wider Middle East and Indo-Pacific. He has worked with or written for a wide range of think tanks and publications based in the U.S., the U.K. and the Middle East. The post Oman Has Quietly Become a Vital Player in the Gulf appeared first on World Politics Review. Commentary: Confidence in China's opening up on clear display at CIIE Xinhua) 08:41, November 08, 2024 A visitor takes photos of a replica of Volant VE25 vertical take-off and landing aircraft cabin at the Automobile Exhibition Area during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has attracted a record number of Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. This shows their strong confidence in the Chinese market despite attempts of certain countries to "decouple" from China. Since it was launched in 2018 as the world's first national-level import expo, the CIIE has been a symbol of China's commitment to opening up and has grown into a huge magnet for businesses from across the world. A total of 3,496 exhibitors are participating this year, exceeding the number from the previous session. Against the backdrop of the EV trade frictions initiated by Europe against China, almost all global automakers showcase their latest innovative and environmentally friendly products at the CIIE, pinning their hopes on the world's largest auto market. Meanwhile, building on the success of last year, AmCham Shanghai and the United States Department of Agriculture partnered again to launch the American Food &Agriculture Pavilion, promoting U.S. food and agricultural products at the venue. For these participants, especially major global companies whose significant presence in China is imperative, the country is an indispensable destination for trade and investment. The reason is clear: As the world's second-largest economy, China is still growing at a fairly rapid pace and boasts a vast market with a population of over 1.4 billion. The income level of Chinese consumers is increasing. China's level of openness is constantly rising, and its new reforms have brought enormous opportunities for cooperation. Over the past decade, more comprehensive policies have been adopted, including easing the restrictions for foreign investors in sectors such as telecommunications, the internet, education, and medical services. In October, the Chinese government launched a pilot program to expand openness in value-added telecom services in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Shenzhen. China's determination to improve the business environment is firm and anyone without bias can see the actions taken. Currently, China's level of openness is already high. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers are significantly lower than those in other developing countries, restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector have been completely lifted, and the scope of the service sector opening to foreign investment continues to expand. Initiatives such as implementing the Foreign Investment Law have encouraged international businesses to engage with the huge market. CIIE itself was designed as a platform to advance the country's high-level opening up, where participants directly learn about and experience tangible actions of opening up. It also serves as a bridge connecting international companies and their advanced technologies and products with local partners, enabling them to explore potential opportunities for cooperation driven by China's industrial innovation and economic transformation. This year, "new quality productive forces" has become a buzzword at the CIIE. Global brands such as BMW, Bayer AG, GE and Honeywell are debuting innovative products and technologies. Participants are finding immense opportunities for win-win cooperation in artificial intelligence, low-altitude aviation, clean energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, robot manufacturing and space exploration. An executive of Ebara, a Japanese company that established its Chinese headquarters last year to promote hydrogen energy, said that China is becoming increasingly important to them. A billboard of an international enterprise at the expo reads: "Investing in China is investing in the future." This rings true as China continues to play a pivotal role in the world's efforts to achieve economic recovery. In the long run, foreign companies will be in a better position if they compete and cooperate with Chinese companies, rather than being locked in a "protective shield" of tariffs and other politically motivated barriers. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Iraq is poised to slash the legal age of consent from 18 to to nine, allowing men to marry young children. The proposed legal change also deprives women of rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance. Iraqs parliament, which is dominated by a coalition of conservative Shia Muslim parties, is preparing to vote through an amendment that would overturn the countrys personal status law. The legislation, also known as Law 188, was heralded as one of the most progressive in the Middle East when it was introduced in 1959 and provides an overarching set of rules governing the affairs of Iraqi families, regardless of their religious sect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as bringing down the legal marriage age, the amendment would also remove womens rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance. Iraq already has high rates of child marriage and it is particularly widespread in poor, ultra-conservative Shia communities - DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images The governing coalition says the move aligns with a strict interpretation of Islamic law and is intended to protect young girls from immoral relationships. The second reading of the amendment to Law 188 was passed on September 16. It isnt the first time Shia parties in Iraq have tried to amend the personal status law attempts to change it failed in 2014 and 2017, largely due to a backlash from Iraqi women. But the coalition now has a large parliamentary majority and is on the brink of pushing the amendment over the line, said Dr Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the closest its ever been, he told The Telegraph. It has more momentum than its ever had, primarily because of the Shia parties, he said. Its not all Shia parties, its just the specific ones that are empowered and are really pushing it. Dr Renad added that the proposed amendment was part of a wider political move by Shia Islamist groups to consolidate their power and regain legitimacy. Stressing the religious side is a way for them to try and regain some of the ideological legitimacy that has been waning over the last few years, he told The Telegraph. It is not yet clear exactly when the amendment will go before parliament for a vote, but it could come at any moment, he said. An attack on women, girls... and Iraqs social fabric Experts and activists say the amendment would effectively erase the most important rights of women in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment would not just undermine these rights, said Sarah Sanbar, Iraq researcher at Human Rights Watch. It would erase them. Athraa Al-Hassan, international human rights legal adviser and director of Model Iraqi Woman, told The Telegraph she is afraid Iraqs system of governance will be replaced with a new system known as the Guardianship of the Jurist a Shia system that puts religious rule above the state. The system is the same one that underpins the regimes in Afghanistan and Iran, where a Guardian Jurist serves as supreme leader of the country. Iraq already has high rates of child marriage. According to the United Nations Childrens Fund (Unicef), some 28 per cent of women in Iraq are married by 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is because of a loophole in the personal status law which allows religious leaders, instead of the courts, to officiate thousands of marriages each year including those involving girls as young as 15, with permission from the father. These unregistered marriages are widespread in economically poor, ultra-conservative Shia communities in Iraq. But because the nuptials are not recognised by law, the girls and any children they have are denied a plethora of rights. For example, hospitals can refuse women admitted for childbirth without a marriage certificate. The amendment would legitimise these religious marriages, putting young girls at increased risk of sexual and physical violence, as well as being denied access to education and employment, according to human rights watch. The proposed legal change also deprives women of rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance - ALI AL-SAADI/AFP/Getty Images The proposed amendment is the latest move by the governing coalition to curb the rights of women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April it also made same-sex relationships punishable with up to 15 years in prison, after failing to impose the death penalty. And last year, it ruled that media outlets replace the term homosexuality with sexual deviance on all platforms. The term gender was also banned. The Iraqi parliament will formally debate the latest amendments before putting them to a vote. The action has ignited an outcry on social media, with womens rights activists accusing the government of attempting to legalise child rape. In August, protests erupted in Baghdad and other cities across the country. The demonstrations were organised by Coalition 188, an Iraqi group of female activists opposed to amending the personal status law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What they aspire to in parliament is not in the interest of society, but their personal interest, said Ms Al-Hassan, one of the leading voices in the countrys feminist movement. There are fears that the amendment will deepen Iraqs already sectarian divides. We are defending the rights of women and girls [and] protecting Iraqi society from disintegration and the establishment of sectarianism among the social fabric, said Ms Al-Hassan. Sectarian conflict has long been rife in Iraq, with the toppling of Saddam Husseins regime in 2003 ultimately increasing Iranian Shia influence. Dr Mansour said amending Law 188 would further entrench divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would bring everything back to the sect, said Dr Mansour. But many Iraqis dont want to be defined politically by their sect. They want to be defined by their government and their state. Sectarian conflict has long been rife in Iraq, with the toppling of Saddam Husseins regime in 2003 increasing Iranian Shia influence - Peter Payne The proposed amendments would give Muslim citizens the option of selecting either the current, largely secular personal status law, or religious law depending on their sect as the basis for governing their personal affairs. But, ultimately, this decision lies solely with the men. Its explicitly written in the draft that when theres a dispute between the couple, the sect of the husband takes priority, said Ms Sanbar. This is going to remove a lot of protections for women it will undermine the principle of equality before the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was also concerned the amendment would give Iraqi women belonging to certain sects greater privileges and economic independence, while others remain trapped in poverty or abusive marriages. [These women] will have to stay in harmful situations because they fear losing custody of their children, Ms Sanbar said. Ms Al-Hassan denounced the amendment as very dangerous, adding that its interference in the affairs of the Iraqi judiciary was a violation of the constitution. Iraq is a civilised civil state that cannot be otherwise. The first female minister in the Arab countries was Iraqi and the first female judge was Iraqi, said Ms Al-Hassan. We aspire to progress, not regress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Tim Sheehy, the wealthy businessman whose campaign was plagued by controversies, is projected to defeat incumbent Jon Tester to represent Montana in the U.S. Senate. A shift toward conservative ideology in the state benefitted Sheehy, 38, despite allegations that he lied about obtaining a bullet wound injury in Afghanistan and injuring himself during a trip to Glacier National Park. The battle over Montanas Senate seat became one of the most-watched in the nation. Sheehy, pictured with his wife, won in Montana (AP) Tester, a conservative Democrat, was running behind his Republican opponent for months. And D.C. Democrats didnt fly in to help out, either: Tester, 68, and his campaign made clear throughout that they were largely running against their partys brand, not alongside it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, hoped that by winning the seat in deep-red Montana he would doom any Democratic notions of holding on to the Senate. Ultimately, he bet correctly. Abortion rights were Testers lifeline as he sought to hang on, hammering the issue nonstop for months. But Testers bet that even in deeply conservative areas, GOP restrictions on the practice will be too unpalatable for voters to handle did not pay off. Incumbent Democratic Senate candidate Jon Tester lost his re-election bid, in part thanks to shifting conservative ideology (AP) Sheehy was recruited by his Republican colleagues to run against Tester in part due to his experience as a combat veteran which they hoped would appeal to traditional conservatives in Montana. But a convoluted story about his experience in Afghanistan became an issue for Sheehys campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past spring, The Washington Post reported that Sheehy was hospitalized in 2015 after his firearm discharged at Glacier National Park a crime and he allegedly accidentally shot himself in the arm. But Sheehy told conservative podcast host Megyn Kelly that did not occur and he actually injured himself while hiking. He claimed he sought medical attention related to a previous injury he received while serving in Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL. Sheehy alleges he was shot in the arm in Afghanistan during a friendly fire incident but never reported it because he did not want to ignite an investigation into a small injury. A spokesperson for Sheehy repeated this when asked for comment by The Post. The Glacier National Park park ranger who responded to the incident reiterated that Sheehy did in fact injure himself during the 2015 incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear what exactly happened that day but ultimately the confusing story did not deter conservative voters from supporting Sheehy. On Wednesday morning, Sheehy thanked Montana voters for their support We The People made our voices heard, we completed our mission, and now we will secure our childrens future and save America together!! Sheehy wrote on X. Centra Health recently expanded its plastic surgery team by welcoming Dr. Jesse Payton and Dr. Christina Canzoneri, two surgeons bringing extensive experience in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The additions of Payton and Canzoneri help to create further access to breast reconstruction and other restorative procedures for patients across the region, especially women affected by breast cancer. Having officially started his practice in August, Payton said he is eager to enhance access to advanced reconstructive care for the Lynchburg community. My start with plastic surgery happened when I was first exposed to medicine, he said. A family friend, a plastic surgeon, came to my school to talk about his mission work, repairing cleft lips and palates through Doctors Without Borders. It was a critical moment for me, seeing him do that kind of work made me want to be a doctor. Despite considering other medical fields during his career, Payton found himself continually drawn back to plastic surgery. A lot of medicine is about removing the disease, but plastic surgeons actually create, its very gratifying, he said. Hes seen this approach most profoundly with breast cancer patients. Theyre some of the most inspiring patients. We get to help them find relief from their trauma and they often come back, bringing stories of their lives, their families. Its rare to form that kind of lasting relationship in medicine, he said. Returning to Virginia after years in Texas, Payton connected to Centra in 2021 when a former colleague from his residency at University of Virginia told him of an opening. He said he had a strong desire to return to the area where he met his wife, whose family lives nearby and was excited to bring his skills to Lynchburg. Virginia feels like home, he said, adding he is happy to be contributing to a team that includes collaborative specialists in the cancer center. Canzoneri, originally from Austin, Texas, brings her years of expertise and passion for helping breast cancer patients through reconstructive surgery. Her motivation for entering the field began with an early encounter with a female plastic surgeon after a childhood injury. I was nine and had just been attacked by a dog when a female plastic surgeon treated me, she said. She became my mentor, and that experience shaped my desire to help people through plastic surgery. A graduate of Duke University, Canzoneri completed her medical training at the University of Texas and her plastic surgery residency at Virginia Tech Carilion. I have been very impressed with Centras mission, focus on community and the supportive environment they foster for both employees and patients, she said. The addition of Canzoneri and Payton also addresses a shortage of plastic surgeons in the area, particularly for breast reconstruction. In the last five months, women facing mastectomies often had to leave Lynchburg for their cancer and reconstruction care, which delayed their treatment. With us here, they have local access to advanced options and timely support, she said. Canzoneri said breast reconstruction isnt for everyone. Its a deeply personal decision and patients should feel empowered in whatever choice they make, she said. The surgeons inform patients about the timing of reconstruction options, insurance coverage and alternatives such as prosthetics. There has been a real need to serve women locally who want to stay in their community for their care, especially in breast reconstruction, Payton said. Were getting to a steady state now, helping most of the women who were waiting, and its been rewarding to see that stability. Payton said that access to reconstructive surgery is often limited by geography, leaving many without essential resources. Studies show that breast reconstruction rates are directly related to the distance a patient is from a plastic surgeon, he said. Large areas of the country have low rates of reconstruction, leaving women without relief after a mastectomy. He said the surgeons are focused on tried-and-true, data-proven reconstruction methods, adding newer safety techniques, such as advanced imaging and innovative materials, make these surgeries more effective and less painful. In the future, he hopes to expand services to offer free flap reconstructions, a technique that uses a patients own tissue. Alongside these reconstructive services, Payton is introducing new options for patients seeking rhinoplasty a plastic surgery that changes the shape and size of the nose a specialty he is particularly excited about. I believe Im the only surgeon in Lynchburg offering both functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty and its been meaningful to meet that need for patients here, he said. Plastic surgery is a referral-based field, so were constantly working with other doctors in the system. The team approach we have at Centra is essential for our work and our patients outcomes. Canzoneri said she is excited to expand cosmetic and body contouring options. Im looking forward to offering procedures like panniculectomies for patients who have lost significant weight and breast reductions. Theres a high demand and Im eager to provide these services locally, she said. Both surgeons said helping to rebuild confidence in their patients after trauma and live fuller lives is the real reward of their work. Getting to see someone heal, feel like themselves again and grow past their trauma is why I do this, Payton said. Its what keeps me coming back. TOKYO, Nov 08 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology announced that Tohoku University, initially shortlisted, has been formally designated as Japan's first 'International Outstanding Research University,' aiming to achieve world-class research capabilities. The "International Outstanding Research University" designation is given to institutions expected to produce impactful research results on a global scale. The program provides financial support from a 10 trillion yen national university fund to foster world-class research strength. Selected universities may receive funding support for up to 25 years. The Ministry began the application process in December two years ago. Ten universities, including the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, applied. Following a review that included on-site inspections, Tohoku University was selected as the first candidate in June, with an expert panel confirming it met the required standards. In its plan, Tohoku University outlined organizational reforms, such as shifting from the traditional "chair system," in which multiple faculty members operate within one research lab, to a "PI system" that allows young researchers to work independently. Following its official designation, Tohoku University is expected to receive an initial grant of approximately 10 billion yen by the end of the fiscal year after completing the necessary procedures. The "International Outstanding Research University" program is expected to recognize several universities, and the Ministry will hold a second round of applications within this fiscal year. Source: ANN Ukraine said on Friday it had received the bodies of 563 soldiers from Russian authorities, mainly troops that had died in combat in the eastern Donetsk region. The exchange of prisoners and bodies of killed military personnel remains one of the few areas of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded in 2022. The bodies of 563 fallen Ukrainian defenders were returned to Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on social media. The announcement represents one of the largest repatriations of killed Ukrainian servicemen since the beginning of the war. The statement said that 320 of the remains were returned from the Donetsk region and that 89 of the soldiers had been killed near Bakhmut, a town captured by Russia in May last year after a costly battle. Another 154 of the bodies were returned from morgues inside Russia, the statement added. Neither Russia nor Ukraine publicly disclosed how many military personnel have been killed fighting. Canadian police and migrant aid organisations are preparing for a potential influx of asylum-seekers fleeing to Canada as President-elect Donald Trump returns to power in the United States. This development comes as Canada grapples with record refugee claim numbers and an aim to reduce immigration. Trump, the former and now future U.S. president, won this weeks election with a platform that includes enacting the largest deportation effort in American history, raising concerns among Canadian authorities about a new wave of border crossings. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been preparing for months, said RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier on Thursday. We knew a few months ago that we had to start prepping a contingency plan because if he comes into power, which now he will in a few months, it could drive illegal migration and irregular migration into (the province of) Quebec and into Canada, Poirier told Reuters. Worst-case scenario would be people crossing in large numbers everywhere on the territory. Lets say we had 100 people per day entering across the border, then its going to be hard because our officers will basically have to cover huge distances in order to arrest everyone, he said. During Trumps first term in 2017, thousands of asylum-seekers crossed the Canadian border outside formal checkpoints to file refugee claims, most often at Roxham Road near the Quebec-New York border. However, Roxham Road is no longer an option for would-be asylum-seekers, following a bilateral agreement between Canada and the U.S. This pact, which now applies to the entire 4,000-mile border, mandates that asylum-seekers trying to cross outside formal checkpoints be turned back unless they qualify for a narrow exemption. Now, those who attempt to cross into Canada undetected must evade authorities and hide for two weeks before they can safely seek asylum a high-risk approach, say immigrant advocates. When you dont create legitimate pathways, or when you only create pathways where people have to do the impossible to receive safety, you know, unfortunately, people are going to try to do the impossible, said Abdulla Daoud, director of The Refugee Centre in Montreal, which provides support services for migrants. As these pressures mount, Canadian police are on high alert, prepared to mobilize additional resources if the need arises, Poirier added. This could mean deploying hundreds of extra officers, increasing patrols with additional cruisers, chartering buses, and even setting up temporary facilities near the border. All eyes are on the border right now. We were on high alert, I can tell you, a few days before the election, and well probably remain on alert for the next coming weeks, Poirier said, underlining the tense anticipation among Canadian Police amid Donald Trumps immigration crackdown threat. By Amos Tauna Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Military, members of the State Community Watch Corps and vigilantes, have foiled simultaneous attacks in Jibia township. ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, Police Public Relations Officer, Katsina State Police Command, disclosed this in a statement. At about 2115 hrs (9:15 pm), suspected armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on Kaida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters, all in Jibia Township, Jibia LGA, Katsina State. The swift response of the joint security team led by the DPO Jibia repelled the attackers, resulting in a fierce gun duel that lasted for over an hour, the statement said. The statement added that the superior firepower and tactical advantage of the joint security team eventually forced the bandits to retreat with unspecified casualties. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 16 victims trapped by the bandits. According to the statement, five persons sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the bandits attack. The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Also, according to the statement, one member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and a vigilante member lost their lives during the encounter. The Command noted that, in collaboration with sister security agencies, it is making efforts to ensure the arrest of the bandits. The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Police Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, reassured the public of the Commands commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in the state. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Commands emergency numbers: 0815 967 7777 and 0707 272 2539. The Mozambican government has threatened to deploy soldiers to quell opposition protests that are gaining momentum in response to the recent presidential election, which incumbent Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party won, thus extending its five-decade rule. The unrest has engulfed the southern African nation after the opposition rejected the results of the countrys polls which saw the governing Frelimo party extend its 49-year repressive regime. Thousands of protestors have taken to the streets since the results were announced on 24 October, and the opposition has announced its plans to further escalate the unrest with the biggest rally across the capital Maputo on Thursday (7 November). If the escalation of violence continues, the armed forces will replace the police on the ground to protect the interests of the state, the countrys defense minister Cristovao Chume warned on Tuesday, saying they were attempts to overthrow the democratically-elected government. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, said on Wednesday (6 November) that at least 20 people have died and hundreds more injured and arrested in the latest wave of protests. The regime is trying to use force to stop people from demonstrations. So far this has not worked, people are still on the street, says Mozambican analyst Fredson Guilengue, adding that due to its repressive nature, the regime will likely increase its violence as it seems to have become the only way to effectively engage with those in power. Each election result in Mozambique for the past thirty years has lacked credibility and thus has been highly contested not only by opposition figures but also by independent analysts. Speakers gathered in Lyon, at the initiative of the Consulate General of Morocco in this French city, highlighted the development boom in the southern provinces of the Kingdom under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI. This conference, held on Wednesday to mark the 49th anniversary of the glorious Green March under the theme Southern Provinces of Morocco: Potential and Investment Opportunities, brought together Moroccos Consul General in Lyon, Fatima Baroudi, along with several French dignitaries and members of the Moroccan diaspora. It served as an opportunity to highlight the significant achievements made under the Sovereigns leadership on a national scale, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara. The various speakers emphasized the wide-ranging development initiatives launched throughout the Kingdom, driven by the Sovereigns farsighted vision, which has fostered a sustained and renewed momentum for development, progress, and prosperity in the southern provinces. Thanks to this Vision, they highlighted, the southern provinces have become a center of development and prosperity and a prime destination for major structuring projects and investments, establishing them as a hub for the African continent and a bridge between Europe and Africa. The various French economic operators and members of the diaspora present followed the different presentations at the conference with great interest, expressing their willingness to support the Kingdom in its efforts toward development and progress, particularly in its southern provinces. Henri Louis Vedie, Professor Emeritus at HEC-Paris, focused his remarks on the development efforts in these provinces from the organization of the Green March by the late King Hassan II to the present day, emphasizing the New Development Model initiated by King Mohammed VI. As a keen expert on the Moroccan economy, Mr. Vedie highlighted the reform initiatives that have transformed the region into a hub of attraction and competitiveness in the agricultural and maritime sectors, as well as its vast tourism potential. For his part, Mr. Tariq Essaid, a management consultant, presented the provisions of the investment charter, which include mechanisms to support investment, improve the business environment, and promote unified and decentralized governance. Speaking on behalf of the Regional Investment Center (CRI) of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, Nabil Ameziane reviewed the practical aspects of investing in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, notably through the establishment of one-stop shops, such as the one in Dakhla, to better support investors. The audience then viewed two documentaries: the first tracing the key moments of the historic Green March, and the second showcasing the wealth and various investment opportunities offered by the Dakhla region. Following this, economic operators who have chosen to invest in the southern provinces shared their success stories in the region, which benefits from a business-friendly and encouraging environment. The UK government has announced dozens of new sanctions against Russia, targeting three private mercenary groups in Africa, linked to the Kremlin, and eleven people involved in the Ukraine war and associated with a nerve agent attack on British soil. Todays action disrupts the supply of vital equipment for Putins war machine and bears down on Russian malign activity globally, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Thursday (7 November) when it announced 56 new sanctions against individuals and entities, in its largest sanctions package against Russia since May 2023. The sanctions are said to target Russias military industrial complex and further restrict the supply of vital military equipment that Russian President Vladimir Putin requires in Ukraine. Three private mercenary groups, including the Wagner Groups successor Africa Corps and 11 individuals associated with Russian proxies were sanctioned as well. These targets have direct links to the Kremlin, have threatened peace and security in Libya, Algeria, Mali and the Central African Republic, and have committed widespread human rights abuses across the continent, the Foreign Office said. The sanctions were imposed amid Russias continued effort to expand its footprint across Africa, especially in the western parts of the continent and in the Sahel region. France and the United States have been gradually withdrawing soldiers and weapons from the continent as governments from Burkina Faso, to Mali and Niger object to their presence amid ongoing violence from armed groups. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images In January, President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House backed by an electoral win more substantial than his first in 2016. Trump will also be bolstered by a likely Republican-controlled Congress as well as a strongly conservative majority in the U.S. Supreme Court. A second Trump presidency will be a marked difference from the outgoing Biden-Harris administration, and the contrast will be strongly felt in New York City. Throughout his presidential bid, Trump campaigned heavily on the southern border, blanketing airwaves with ads tying Vice-President Kamala Harris to an influx of illegal immigration and highlighting incidents of violent crimes committed by migrants. He has vowed to conduct mass deportations of illegal immigrants on Day One and had previously urged Congress to pass legislation banning sanctuary cities, a status New York City presently holds. Over the past few years, immigration quickly emerged as a top issue in New York City and nearby. House races on Long Island, which are closer to the countrys northern border than its southern one, featured ads specifically on ending the migrant crisis in the state. Mayor Eric Adams, who was frequently at odds with the Biden administration over its handling of the migrant crisis, expressed an openness to working with the Trump White House on the issue. We also intend to protect our immigrant communities, and we will work with the new administration in Congress to develop a realistic and compassionate national strategy for our immigration system. This includes pushing Congress to provide expedited authorization for asylum seekers who desire to work and they are already here, he said Wednesday. On Thursday, Adams said he had spoken to Trump following his win but declined to say whether the subject of immigration or his proposed mass deportations came up. Im not going to go into private conversations, he said. A second Trump term likely does not bode well for the future of congestion pricing in the city. Earlier this summer, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she had ordered the MTA to pause the implementation of congestion pricing just weeks before it was set to go into effect. The governor, who was once a strong supporter of the program to require a toll for drivers traveling below 60th Street, said the planned $15 fee would be a burden on New Yorkers. In the months since, Hochul has suggested that the pause is temporary and that her administration is looking at fixes. But as the end of the year approaches, there has been no additional movement on the program. Trump has made his feelings on congestion pricing well known. In a Truth Social post from May, he called the program a disaster, writing, I will TERMINATE Congestion Pricing in my FIRST WEEK back in Office!!! Congestion pricings future in the city likely depends on whether Hochul will move to implement it before Trump takes office. Advocates for the toll believe it would be harder to wind back the program once in place. Curbed reports that Trump will probably attempt to stop federal funding for it, following the trend from his first term when he held up or halted similar transit projects. Politico reported Friday that Hochul has inquired with the Department of Transportation about the possibility of lowering the proposed toll, suggesting some potential movement on the issue. In remarks following Trumps win, Hochul did not mention congestion pricing by name but indicated some transit projects and other issues she hopes Trump will address once in office. President-elect Trump needs to repeal his elimination of the state and local tax deduction. He also needs to support our ongoing efforts to support our transit, support the Gateway Tunnel, Second Avenue Subway, and fund major critical infrastructure again, particularly the MTA and also to back our critical economic-development projects, such as those funded by the CHIPS and Science Act, which is intended to bring manufacturing back home from China and South Asia and create thousands of jobs in our state, as is occurring with Micron, she said. The governor referenced the state and local tax deduction, also known as SALT, a key issue for state politicians and residents alike. In 2017, Trump instituted a $10,000 cap on the deduction as part of his signature tax-cut package, a move that remained unpopular even among his supporters. Ahead of a September visit to Long Island, Trump suggested he was open to reversing the change. The announcement prompted praise from Congressman Mike Lawler who called the idea a top priority of his since entering office, while Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trumps flipping on the issue amounted to selective amnesia. Both Adams and Hochul made a point of assuring New Yorkers that a Republican-led government would have no impact on their ability to access reproductive care or the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the election cycle, Democrats hammered Trump for his appointment of three Supreme Court justices who later went on to overturn Roe v. Wade. I will work with him or anybody, regardless of party, on these kinds of efforts that I know will benefit the State of New York. However, if you try to harm New Yorkers or roll back their rights, I will fight you every step of the way. New Yorkers are resilient we fought the first time around, and well fight again, Hochul said. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Photo Elon Musk, whose empire of companies already holds billions of dollars in government contracts, donated his money, time, reputation, and social-media network to support Donald Trumps election. In return, Musk has been promised oversight of a government efficiency commission with broad power to make wide-ranging cuts at federal agencies and changes to federal rules, including, potentially, those that govern his own companies. Musk made a big bet on Trumps victory specifically, but also on a reasonable general theory of how things will work for the tech industry should that victory come to pass: Loyalty will be rewarded, and disloyalty will be punished. This bet on loyalty is related to but distinct from the widely internalized expectation that firms with business in front of the government will donate to and spend money lobbying politicians in hopes of getting what they want a sort of legitimized, in-the-open form of corruption that treats giving to one or both major political parties as a standard cost of doing business. Its a recognition that an empowered, consolidated Trump administration will place value not just on material support but on public expressions of support. Its a bet that the personalized and loyalty-centric character of the past Trump administration recall the countless leaks about who was in or out of the presidents favor, the endless resignations, and the subsequent appointments of outspoken loyalists will extend further outward into the government, in particular into the realm of tech regulation and contracting. Starting around the attempt on Trumps life in July, other major tech leaders appeared to start taking this theory more seriously. Mark Zuckerberg called Trump a badass, while Jeff Bezos praised his grace under literal fire. Other leaders including Googles Sundar Pichai and Apples Tim Cook called the former and possibly future president, knowing he would later characterize the calls as he pleased. (Trump, who had previously threatened to criminally prosecute Google for only revealing and displaying bad stories about Donald J. Trump, called Pichai a great guy, very smart after a call in which the men reportedly talked about Trumps appearance at a McDonalds.) When, in July, Trumps chances against then-nominee Joe Biden seemed all but certain, a parade of Silicon Valley elites started voicing their support for the former president. After Trumps victory, tech leaders made sure their acknowledgments had a personal touch. Bezos, who hadnt posted on X since his last message about Trump but whose newspaper had, in the meantime, declined to endorse a presidential candidate, reached out again: Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love. Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 6, 2024 On Threads, Zuckerberg, whom Trump has also repeatedly threatened with criminal prosecution, wrote, Congratulations to President Trump on a decisive victory. We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. Looking forward to working with you and your administration. He had company: congrats to President Trump. i wish for his huge success in the job. Sam Altman (@sama) November 6, 2024 Congratulations President Trump on your victory! We look forward to engaging with you and your administration to help make sure the United States continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity. Tim Cook (@tim_cook) November 6, 2024 Letting the incoming administration know that youre looking forward to working with it is pragmatic and standard behavior for a major tech executive. However, the circumstances under which theyre doing so in 2024 are unusual. The broad outline of Trumps economic agenda suggests a hard swerve into privatization; in recent years, tech companies with roots in social media, retail, and search have been pushing hard into government contracting including military contracting in order to sustain growth. Tech companies and their leaders were uneasy administration antagonists during Trumps first presidency, never quite figuring out how to balance employee and public backlash with pressure from the president and his allies. They really did think, after 2020, that they were done with him and he was done with them. Now, having signaled their interest in working with the government and the military, particularly with big potential AI contracts on the line as well as a corresponding intolerance of staff and members of the public who may think they shouldnt, theyre clearly hoping for a different role this time. A tech industry in which fate is more determined by expressions of political loyalty and patronage is an industry in which the range of possible outcomes for major firms is fundamentally altered: At one end, tentatively represented by Musk, you have oligarchal opportunity; at the other, you have arbitrary retribution and punishment. The latter is a fate that Bezos who in 2019 saw Trump allegedly sabotage a major federal contract with Amazon over his personal dislike of the then-CEO and whose Blue Origin now competes directly with Musks SpaceX for massive new contracts surely wants to avoid. (Every tech giant is gunning for AI contracts, and many could need help building or accessing power infrastructure to support their efforts; Musk, with a possible role inside government, is also competing in this space.) This isnt a dynamic that major tech leaders can easily opt out of. We can expect them to become thoroughly politicized in ways that are both within and uncomfortably beyond their control. This time around, we shouldnt be shocked to see groveling, over-the-top praise, swift apologies, and other rituals of highly personal appeasement and debasement. (A small secondary prediction: Tech reporting and business reporting in general will, under the second Trump administration, necessarily focus more on interpersonal conflict and palace intrigue. As was the case with leak-centric whos in, whos out stories about, say, Cabinet appointees during Trumps first term many of whom came from high positions in the military or the private sector and were unaccustomed and ultimately unable or unwilling to survive in such an environment this reporting will be simultaneously insufficient for understanding whats happening and often the best information anyone has. Is Trump annoyed by Musk? Is Vance still taking Thiels calls?) Let that sink in pic.twitter.com/XvYFtDrhRm Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2024 As the first industry figure to embrace this new reality completely, Musk stands to benefit the most. He could also be first to encounter its inherent risks. Loyalty in this context isnt just about support or allegiance its about knowing, and acknowledging, whos really the boss. Abortion-rights protesters in Arizona. Photo: Rebecca Noble/Reuters/Redux Between the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in June of 2022 and the 2024 election, voters registered their opinions on abortion policy seven times. In red as in blues states, the pro-choice forces won seven straight times (three times rejecting anti-abortion measures, four times confirming abortion rights). Eager reproductive-rights advocates in ten states managed to put measures restoring (and in some cases extending) Roes protections on 2024 general-election ballots. And now we know: The winning streak has ended but not without some striking victories. Voters in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota rejected constitutional amendments protecting abortion rights. South Dakota was the one straightforward defeat: Fifty-nine percent of voters opposed an initiative restoring Roes original trimester system of abortion regulations (first-trimester abortions completely protected, third-trimester abortions unprotected except for procedures necessary to protect the life or health of the mother) after the no forces outspent initiative proponents in that very conservative state. In Nebraska, the narrow defeat of a constitutional amendment enshrining a right to pre-viability abortions was likely attributable to confusion over a competing initiative with a similar title that actually enshrined the states existing 12-week abortion ban. That second measure passed with 55 percent of the vote. Then there was the bitterest defeat of all, in Florida, where 57 percent of voters backed a constitutional amendment restoring Roes protections and overturning Ron DeSantiss six-week abortion ban. Unfortunately, the state requires 60 percent for voter ratification of constitutional amendments, and active opposition from DeSantis and his various agents, as well as from Catholic and Evangelical activists, doomed the measure in a very Republican year in Florida (Trump won the state with 56 percent of the vote). On the other hand, abortion-rights initiatives won in seven states, including four carried by Trump. Margins of victory in these red states ranged from 4 percent in Missouri to 16 percent in Montana, 22 percent in Arizona, and 28 percent in Nevada. Three blue states predictably passed sweeping abortion-rights measures by comfortable margins. In Colorado (62 percent yes) and Maryland (74 percent yes), state constitutional amendments were approved providing for unconditional abortion rights. In New York, abortion rights were advanced via a much broader equal-rights amendment that won 62 percent (despite earlier fears it was in trouble). All this must, of course, be viewed against the backdrop of two troubling developments. First and foremost is the return to the White House of the man who promised and delivered a Supreme Court reversal of Roe. Second is the GOPs newfound control of the Senate, which confirms and rejects the federal judicial appointments that will shape the future of reproductive rights. There remains a lot of popular momentum for protecting abortion rights. But Trump sits atop a federal regulatory regime that could cause a lot of trouble for women, despite his claims to oppose federal meddling with state prerogatives on this issue. The danger he poses, plus the horrible laws that will continue to be enforced in large states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas, show how far the reproductive-rights movement has to go. Mark Paoletta, who is helping plan the Trump administrations Justice Department staffing during the transition, repeated his belief that Trump has the right to direct the department to charge, or not charge, anybody he likes. The President has a duty to supervise the types of cases DOJ should focus on and can intervene to direct DOJ on specific cases, Paoletta argues in a long social-media post. He is the duly elected chief executive and he has every right to make sure the executive branch, including the DOJ, is implementing his agenda. After the Watergate scandal revealed that Richard Nixon had influenced the Justice Department to conceal the investigation into a burglary his administration committed to spy on Democrats, Congress implemented reforms to wall the department off from political influence. The rationale for these reforms is obvious. Nixons abuses hinted at the potential for the department as a partisan weapon. Indeed, taken to its limit, a president could use selective prosecutions to render all his critics criminals or targets of criminal investigations, while giving his allies carte blanche to commit crimes on his behalf. Those reforms closed a kind of procedural loophole big enough to swallow up much of the Constitution by permitting the president to run a virtual police state. Now, there is a long-standing theory from some corners of the right that these reforms violate original constitutional principles, which, they believe, require the president to maintain total control over every action taken by the executive branch. How does this theory deal with the possibility of abuse? It insists that the voters constitute the main line of defense by denying the presidency to somebody who would be prone to abuse his control of federal prosecutions. This seems like bad news, given that we just elected Donald Trump. Paoletta, however, insists, President Trump will not use the DOJ for political purposes, that is to go after individuals simply because they are political opponents. Nothing to worry about here! Trump will use his discretion in a completely unbiased way! The wee flaw in this method, of course, is that Trump is in the habit of declaring all his opponents to be criminals. An abridged list of the people Trump has deemed to have committed crimes includes all three Democratic nominees he ran against, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Mueller, and James Comey. There are many, many other targets. So Paolettas assurance that Trump will not go after his opponents is not very reassuring given that Trump has no capacity to distinguish between a crime and the act of opposing him. By the same token, he believes that any criminal prosecution of himself or one of his allies is inherently illegitimate. The dilemma is compounded by the fact that Trump has been surrounding himself with criminals and violating the law habitually his entire career. Even more automatic than his impulse to label his critics criminals is his tendency to insist his criminal allies did nothing wrong. This applies to corrupt politicians who merely support Trump, crooks who are attracted to him for obvious reasons, and even the violent insurrectionists who aided his coup attempt and whom Trump has called hostages who are innocent victims of the left-wing justice system. A major theme of the conservative rationale for giving Trump power is that he would be restrained by normal Republicans. But now the normal Republicans are saying that, when it comes to his most dangerous power, they cannot and will not restrain him. After Nick (Horatio Sanz) makes an insensitive remark, his travel agent decides to get some payback by sending him and his best friend, Jerry (Cuba Gooding Jr.), on a cruise for gay men. As the true nature of their situation gradually dawns on them, they start to get over their feelings of homophobi a and meet potential mates. For Nick, love takes the form of a gorgeous model, Inga (Victoria Silvstedt), while Jerry develops feelings for dance instructor Gabriella (Roselyn Sanchez). Posing as crew members, two con men compete to see who can swindle an elderly baker out of his lottery winnings while he is on a cruise from Spain to Mexico with his family. A retired couple prepare to enjoy their life as pensioners on a cruise trip through the Mediterranean. They end up going on separate journeys of self-discovery and find unexpected ways to spend their golden years. A struggling young comedian takes a menial job on a cruise ship where he hopes for his big chance to make it in the world of cruise ship comedy. U.S. criminals hijack a cruise ship with a gluttonous private eye (Jackie Chan) aboard who is seeking a magnate's missing daughter. After an ocean liner has been restored, it embarks on an extended cruise with the rich and famous on board, including actress Gloria (Erika Eleniak) and her dutiful guard, Aaron (Dylan Walsh). Given its abundance of riches, the ship becomes a target for piracy, with the ambitious criminal Josef (Ice -T) leading a group of thugs onto the vessel in hopes of scoring a major haul. But, when an explosion occurs on the ship, everyone has to struggle for survival as the boat sinks into the sea. When a luxury cruise ship reaches the high seas, its owner (Ian Holm) receives a disturbing phone call from a man known only as Juggernaut (Freddie Jones) : Pay a steep ransom or he will explode the ship. Soon after the demand, explosives expert Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Fallon (Richard Harris) and his squa d parachute onto the cruise ship to defuse the rigged time bombs. On land, Superintendent John McLeod (Anthony Hopkins), who has family on board, searches for the terrorist. Pete (Stephen W. Burns) is excited when he learns he's inherited a car from his uncle. His enthusiasm wanes when he and his friend, D.J. (Charles Martin Smith), travel to Puerta Vallarta and discover the car is a rusty old Volkswagen Beetle. But they quickly realize their car has extraordinary abili ties. They set off on a road trip across Central America to enter the special Beetle in a high-stakes race, encountering pickpockets, counterfeiters and other obstacles along the way. It has been awhile since I had an ONTD original dedicated to movies/shows that take place on cruise ships, and since I have found even more that take place on the high seas, I thought I would make a post highlighting some additional entries to the list. I can't actually find my original post ( only my cruise disaster movies one ), but if I have any duplicates, oops! Let me know in the comments what your favorites are!This movie is actually far more hated than loved or remembered, and many called it downright homophobic. Filmed in Greece aboard the MV Olympic Voyager (now sailing in China as the Chinese Taishan), the Olympic Voyager is more famous for its memed storm video than it is for hosting this movie's production.Ignore the terrible dubbing of this Spanish-language comedy caper, filmed aboard the MV Sovereign (formerly Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas). This ship was scrapped during COVID times when its line, Pullmantur, went out of business.Released in the US in 2024, this German-language movie was filmed on the Costa Smeralda (yes, same line as Costa Concordia) and judging by the trailer, this movie is an advertisement for Costa Cruises.Adam Sandler's first role and one of the worst rated movies of all time. I tried to find out what ship this was filmed on but could not. It went from conception to completion in less than three months, and the producers hired 50 former beauty pageant winners for the film. Also stars Billy Zane for those Zaniacs in the audience.This slapstick martial arts comedy crime movie was not filmed on a cruise ship - all the cruise ship scenes were filmed on sets.This movie also has a sequel of the same name (except with a 2 in the title) and involves a trip to Portugal. The first film, though, was filmed aboard the Costa Favolosa on a real cruise from Brazil to Italy.Filmed aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, this movie (and the trailer) heavily features footage from the 1974 movie Juggernaut, because the people who made this movie were very fucking cheap. Yes, this also has the exact same plot as Juggernaut. Speaking of Juggernaut...Juggernaut was filmed after the ship TS Hamburg had been sold to a Soviet company, giving the film crew a charter before it went to the USSR. Yes, this also has the exact same plot as Juggernaut.Heavily features the Sun Princess (not the current one given that Princess Cruises reuses names, but the one built in 1970). The prop Herbie dropped in the ocean was never recovered. Europe has made huge progress in boosting its renewable energy capacity in recent years. For the first time ever, wind and solar power generation topped the share of electricity provided by fossil fuels in the first half of 2024. Yet, this week, hourly power prices for the peak demand morning and evening hours soared to the highest level since the height of the energy crisis in the autumn of 2022. The reason was quite simple and unpredictablevery low wind speeds in northwest Europe which resulted in slumping wind power generation. To meet power demand in what is now officially the winter heating season in Europe, major economies including Germany and the UK had to rely on more natural gas for electricity generation. Power Prices Soar The slump in wind generation and the additional gas required to back up the electricity system pushed power prices higher and prompted some emergency grid stabilizing measures. In Germanys case, the so-called Dunkelflaute, German for dark wind lull, resulted in wind farms in Europes biggest economy generating early this week just 7% of their nameplate capacity. This lull in wind power sent day-ahead electricity prices for Wednesdays peak demand hours to high levels not seen since the peak energy crisis in 2022. Related: Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates The UK, for its part, saw on Tuesday just 4% of its electricity demand in peak morning and evening hours met by wind power, while natural gas-fired generation topped 60% of the power mix. The share of natural gas in the UK power generation jumped to the highest level in a year, since November 2023. Most UK households heat with gas, so demand for the fossil fuel has also jumped. The predicament for Europe is that even if wind and solar installations hit record-highs and clean power generation outstrips fossil fuels (when weather cooperates), economies need reliable, weather-independent, and flexible back-up generation and, to fully use the power of renewables a lot of energy storage capacity. Renewables Surge The advance of renewable energy is undeniableEurope has rushed to install record wind and solar capacity over the past few years, especially after the 2022 energy crisis when most of Russias gas pipeline flows stopped. Surging solar and wind electricity output displaced one-fifth of the European Unions fossil-fuel power generation between 2019 and 2023, according to data from clean energy think tank Ember. Wind and solar power generation overtook fossil fuel electricity in the EU in the first half of 2024, for the first time, Ember said in a separate report earlier this year. Between January and June, the share of wind and solar in the EUs power mix was 30%, compared to 27% for fossil-powered electricity. Power demand in the EU rose by 0.7% in the first half, rebounding from two years of declines during the energy crisis, Ember said, acknowledging that a mild 2023/2024 winter limited the rise in overall power demand. Wind and solar combined overtook fossil fuel power generation in 13 EU Member States, with four of these hitting the milestone for the first time in 2024 over a January-June period: Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands, according to the think tank. These numbers are great when weather is favorable for wind and solar generation. When its not, it falls back on more fossil fuels to fill in the gap, at least until a significant boost in energy storage helps renewable power be dispatched when it is needed. But Energy Storage Lags Europe, and the rest of the world, need solutions to tackle the intermittency in wind and solar generation and to expand and overhaul grids so that they are capable of handling surging renewable capacity. Essentially, if the booming wind and solar power doesnt have a way to access the grid, its pointless to tout the record-breaking capacity additions. Grid investments are lagging behind renewable additions and a lack of transmission capacity could hold back the energy transition, Ember said in a report earlier this year. Making sure solar and wind can actually connect to the system is as critical as the panels and turbines themselves, says Elisabeth Cremona, Energy & Climate Data Analyst at Ember. Thanks to soaring renewables capacity additions and power generation, wind and solar contribution was particularly strong during daylight hours this summer, Ember said last month. While reliance on fossil power has fallen quickly during daylight hours, it remains relatively high during early mornings and evenings, the think tank noted. Due to the nature of wind and solar generation, intra-day power prices have varied wildly. These large and widening intra-day price spreads strengthen the business case for battery storage, Embers analysts say. While renewable shares are quickly growing across the EU, measures to provide that flexibility have not yet been equally planned for or implemented, they added. This weeks power price surge due to very low wind speeds highlighted the urgent need for Europe to rapidly expand battery storage and other flexibility solutions for clean energy if it wants to truly benefit from renewables and move away from fossil power. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iranian IRGC commanders have been talking about a direct strike on Israel (first mentioned on Oct 25), but since then there has largely been silence, with only limited attacks from proxy Hezbollah on Israeli While President-elect Donald Trump is said to have plans to target Irans oil exports with tougher sanctions, criticizing the current administration for not enforcing existing sanctions, it will likely have a much larger impact on prices at home because China will retaliate, for one. It would not be necessary to slap new sanctions on Iran; rather simply to more strictly enforce the existing sanctions, which would take nearly 1 million bpd of oil off the market and upset the fragile supply-demand setup we have right now. For the most part, this is, then, all about Chinathe main buyer of Irans sanctioned oil. There are some indications from the president-elect himself (beyond the media bluster) that he understands the danger of over-sanctioning and disrupting the market. The ripple effects could be rising gasoline prices at home and a weakening of the US dollar. However, theres a dangerous quid pro quo here. Putin is rather excited over a Trump victory because the Trump campaign has essentially suggested it would remove sanctions on Russia. In other words, he sanctions Iran and risks the market disruption because he assumes that everything will balance out if he removes Russia sanctions and leaves Ukraine with few options. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict While President-elect Donald Trump is said to have plans to target Irans oil exports with tougher sanctions, criticizing the current administration for not enforcing existing sanctions, it will likely have a much larger impact on prices at home because China will retaliate, for one. It would not be necessary to slap new sanctions on Iran; rather simply to more strictly enforce the existing sanctions, which would take nearly 1 million bpd of oil off the market and upset the fragile supply-demand setup we have right now. For the most part, this is, then, all about Chinathe main buyer of Irans sanctioned oil. There are some indications from the president-elect himself (beyond the media bluster) that he understands the danger of over-sanctioning and disrupting the market. The ripple effects could be rising gasoline prices at home and a weakening of the US dollar. However, theres a dangerous quid pro quo here. Putin is rather excited over a Trump victory because the Trump campaign has essentially suggested it would remove sanctions on Russia. In other words, he sanctions Iran and risks the market disruption because he assumes that everything will balance out if he removes Russia sanctions and leaves Ukraine with few options. Iranian IRGC commanders have been talking about a direct strike on Israel (first mentioned on Oct 25), but since then there has largely been silence, with only limited attacks from proxy Hezbollah on Israeli positions in southeastern Lebanon, according to ISW. Discovery & Development Gran Tierra Energy (GTE) has made its sixth consecutive oil discovery in Ecuador, drilling the Charapa-B7 well in the Basal Tena formation. This follows successful finds in the Hollin and T-Sand zones, with cumulative production in Ecuador reaching 1M barrels since 2022. In Q3 2024, GTE reported a $1M net income, down from $36.4M in the previous quarter, but increased funds flow from operations by 31% to $60M. Average production hit 32,764 bbl/day, though oil sales dropped 16% to $151M YoY amid a 7% cut in operating expenses. Chevron (CVX) is ramping up exploration in West Africa, particularly offshore Angola and Nigeria, targeting what it sees as under-explored hydrocarbon reserves. While supermajors like Eni, Equinor, and ExxonMobil have sold assets in Nigeria, Chevron is securing new exploration blocks, including a recent near-field discovery in Nigerias PML 49. This year, CVX signed contracts for ultra-deep blocks in Angola, countering the regional shift of other majors like Shell and TotalEnergies toward Namibias Orange Basin. Chevron's strategy highlights its commitment to West Africa amid wider regional interest in untapped resources. TotalEnergies (TTE) has initiated high-impact exploration drilling in Namibia's Orange Basin, targeting the Tamboti-1X prospect on Block 2913B, estimated at 1B barrels. Utilizing the DeepSea Mira rig under Odfjell Drilling's management, the operation aims to build on past discoveries, including the Venus and Mangetti accumulations. TTE holds a 45.25% stake in Block 2913B and a 42.5% interest in Block 2912, with other partners including QatarEnergy, NAMCOR, and Africa Oil Corp. (AOC), which retains a 9.5% interest. This project aligns with a Phase 1 development plan for Venus, expected to be finalized by 2025. Karoon Energy Ltd (KAR) announced a promising hydrocarbon discovery in the Who Dat South well, drilled in the Gulf of Mexicos Miocene play, which aligns with the company's diversification strategy. The initial results indicate a high liquid yield gas-condensate resource close to Karoons existing production facility, marking significant potential for future production. Revised estimates for Karoon's nearby Who Dat East well also boosted 2C contingent resources to 15.7 MMboe, up from 5.4 MMboe, following additional analysis. Further development studies are planned, with Karoon aiming to enhance resource assessments and explore production feasibility over the next year. Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions Petrogas Denmark and Petrogas E&P UK, alongside Danoil Exploration, now fully control the Robin Hood licenses in the North Sea after the exit of Dana Petroleum and Nordsfonden. Petrogas gains an 85% operating share, with Danoil holding the remaining 15%, covering licenses 12/06 and 4/16, which include the Broder Tuck gas/condensate and Lille John oil discoveries. These licenses, valid until 2046, await development decisions, with guarantees required from the parent companies. Petrogas E&P Netherlands recently began production on the B10 platform as part of its Stage 2+ project. Mineral Resources (MinRes) has inked an AUS$1.1B gas deal with Hancock Prospecting, involving full ownership transfer of EP 368 and EP 426 in the Perth Basin and joint ventures in the Carnarvon Basin. Hancock will pay MinRes AUS$804M upfront, plus a conditional AUS$327M adjustment based on resource classification thresholds for the Lockyer Gas and Erregulla Oil projects. This agreement allows Hancock 100% ownership of key permits and 50% in other exploration permits, while MinRes retains operations and provides drilling services. The transaction, set to close by year-end, aims to expedite exploration and reduce costs in the Perth and Carnarvon basins. Sri Lanka has signed a deal with Sinopec for a major oil refinery in Hambantota, allowing Sri Lanka to purchase 20% of the refinery's output at a reduced price, with savings on freight and insurance. The refinery, set to process 100,000 barrels per day initially, represents a $1.7B investment in its first phase and may exceed $4.5B long-term. Sinopecs involvement extends to Sri Lankas fuel supply tenders, enhancing the local bunkering business. This partnership strengthens Sri Lankas energy security and ties with China, with potential broad economic benefits. - If the US does slap a 60% tariff on Chinese goods as promised and this triggers an escalatory spiral in retaliatory tariffs, too, Mexico and Canada would suffer the most with their GDP up - Canada is bracing for tough negotiations with the United States, despite being the largest importer of US goods globally, as President-elect Trump readies to implement his ambitious tariff plan. - Saudi Arabia was one of the largest issuers of international debt this year, with its Public Investment fund issuing some $50 billion in 2024 to date, with Aramco selling some $9 billion in bonds, too. - Speculation is rife that OPEC+ could extend its current production targets into 2025, with Saudi Arabia continuing to produce 9 million b/d, despite a $10 per barrel drop in oil prices from a year ago. - Even though Saudi Aramcos net income fell by 15% year-over-year to $27.6 billion, the state oil firm kept its $31 billion dividends intact as Riyadh uses hard-earned oil income to finance its ambitious diversification drive. - Saudi Aramco reported a free cash flow of $21.99 billion in Q3 2024, suggesting that the worlds largest oil producer may have been pushed into a net debt position for the first time in two years. 1. Saudi Aramco Debt Becomes New Reality as Revenues Dip - Saudi Aramco reported a free cash flow of $21.99 billion in Q3 2024, suggesting that the worlds largest oil producer may have been pushed into a net debt position for the first time in two years. - Even though Saudi Aramcos net income fell by 15% year-over-year to $27.6 billion, the state oil firm kept its $31 billion dividends intact as Riyadh uses hard-earned oil income to finance its ambitious diversification drive. - Speculation is rife that OPEC+ could extend its current production targets into 2025, with Saudi Arabia continuing to produce 9 million b/d, despite a $10 per barrel drop in oil prices from a year ago. - Saudi Arabia was one of the largest issuers of international debt this year, with its Public Investment fund issuing some $50 billion in 2024 to date, with Aramco selling some $9 billion in bonds, too. 2. Trump Re-Election Puts US-Canada Ties Under the Spotlight - Canada is bracing for tough negotiations with the United States, despite being the largest importer of US goods globally, as President-elect Trump readies to implement his ambitious tariff plan. - If the US does slap a 60% tariff on Chinese goods as promised and this triggers an escalatory spiral in retaliatory tariffs, too, Mexico and Canada would suffer the most with their GDP up to 2% lower by 2028. - With President Trump expected to focus on trade deficits, the approximately $150 billion deficit that the US is running vis-a-vis Canada and the awkward personal relationship between Trump and Trudeau could become a problem. - Thanks to the recent launch of the TMX pipeline that lifted the availability of Canadian oil sands to Californian refiners, US imports of Canadian oil reached an all-time high of 4.91 million b/d in July and would grow further. 3. Diesel Demand Set for a Surprise Drop in 2024 - Global diesel demand is set for a surprise year-over-year decline in 2024, with the International Energy Agency predicting a 258,000 b/d drop on the back of efficiency gains and Chinas demand woes. - Over the past 15 years, diesel posted year-over-year declines only in the financial crisis-stricken years of 2009 and 2020, as well as two countercyclical drops in 2016 and 2019, sapping hopes of robust oil demand growth ahead. - Diesel still represents the single biggest chunk of global oil demand, although Chinas construction slowdown and diesel-to-LNG switching, Europes anemic industrial recovery, and warmer temperatures globally erode that standing. - Diesel demand growth should return in 2025 thanks to tighter shipping emission rules in Europe, improved US consumption as well as stronger Indian growth, but increments in supply would be even greater. 4. Brazil Turns to Coal as Its Hydro Woes Continue - Brazil is set to import a whopping 900,000 metric tonnes of thermal coal in November, an all-time high for any given month and approximately triple the monthly average in 2024 so far. - The lust for coal stems from Brazils ongoing issues with hydropower generation as widespread draughts depressed hydro output to three-year lows cumulative rainfall in the countrys southeast was only 23 inches in January-October. - Relying on natural gas and now increasingly on thermal coal to meet Brazils ever-growing electricity demand, up 7% year-over-year, sapping the countrys reputation as one of the cleanest power-generating nations globally. - Nearby Colombia has been by far the largest supplier of coal to Brazil, according to Kpler data, accounting for 87% of all imports, benefitting from a very short voyage time. 5. Dark Lulls Become Europes New Headache - Dunkelflaute become the most often repeated word in Europes power markets this week (roughly translating as dark lull from German) as Europes renewable generation plunged to near-zero readings. - The phenomenon pertains to periods when neither solar nor wind energy can be produced as autumn weather brings about no-wind conditions and only very limited solar radiation, often in fall months. - With Germanys monthly generation high averaging only 20 GW so far, half of the September average, it comes as no surprise that Europe has seen the biggest drawdown in gas reserves this heating season to date. - Additional battery capacity could alleviate such periods, however that has been a missing element in Europes renewable strategy so far in 2023, Germany added 3,600 MW of wind capacity but only 80 MW of battery storage. 6. US Slams the Breaks on Coal Retirements - Booming power demand from data centers might trigger a mini-revolution in US energy policy as utilities operating coal power plants are now increasingly prone to postpone their capacity retirement plans. - This year will see the lowest level of coal capacity retirements since 2015, coming in at a mere 3 GW, and even though next year should see a lot more closures 14.1 GW this is some 2.5 GW lower than projections from 2023. - Additional demand from data centers is set to double next year, according to S&P Global, surging to 47,448 GWh, and then rise more than eightfold by 2030, requiring a lot of capacity to be available in the now. - The EPAs mandate for all coal power plants to capture 90% of their carbon emissions from 2032 onwards could create a capacity squeeze as by that point data centers would already account for 9-10% of total US power generation. 7. Could US Agriculture Overcome Trumps Tariff Pledges? - Agriculture markets are reeling from the potential impacts of Trump policies on China, with a blanket 60% tariff most probably prompting Beijing to retaliate with similar tariffs on US soybeans, corn, wheat, and rapeseed as its first line of attack. - China is the largest market for US farm goods, and by far the largest export market for US soybeans despite recent declines in Chinese buying activity, accounting for 53% of total American exports (compared to 18% for corn) in the 2023-2024 marketing year. - Beijing slapped tariffs of up to 25% on US farm imports such as soybeans or sorghum during the 2018 trade war, although China-bound US agriculture supplies recovered in the Biden years, peaking at $40 billion in 2022. - China has failed to meet its obligations for US agricultural purchases under the 2020 trade deal signed with then-President Trump to end the trade war, preferring to ramp up imports from Brazil which supplanted US soybean exports. The Iraqi federal government in Baghdad is led by a Shiite Cabinet (a Kurd), which officially sides with Lebanon and the Palestinians, condemning Israels bombardments. Pro-Iranian militias are actively launching attacks against Israel from Iraqi territorymost notably. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Israeli positions in the Golan Heights in October. Baghdad denies that Iraq is being used to launch attacks on Israel, but it is a desperate plea at this point. But its also being used to attack Iran. And the Iraqi Kurds, who have all but lost their battle for independent oil, will be called upon once again to deploy their impressive Peshmerga forces to quell ISIS advances as Sunni radical forces step in to fill a dangerous security vacuum as Baghdad is torn in two by competing forces. While all attention has been on what many think are pivotal U.S. elections this week, and what that might mean for the Israel-Gaza conflict, Iran and China, Iraq risks falling apart at the seams, and could be the next domino to fall if the Middle East conflict is not handled correctly by all involved external actors. While all attention has been on what many think are pivotal U.S. elections this week, and what that might mean for the Israel-Gaza conflict, Iran and China, Iraq risks falling apart at the seams, and could be the next domino to fall if the Middle East conflict is not handled correctly by all involved external actors. Iraq has unwittingly become a staging ground for attacks on both Israel and Iran. And the Iraqi Kurds, who have all but lost their battle for independent oil, will be called upon once again to deploy their impressive Peshmerga forces to quell ISIS advances as Sunni radical forces step in to fill a dangerous security vacuum as Baghdad is torn in two by competing forces. Baghdad denies that Iraq is being used to launch attacks on Israel, but it is a desperate plea at this point. But its also being used to attack Iran. The Iraqi federal government in Baghdad is led by a Shiite Cabinet (a Kurd), which officially sides with Lebanon and the Palestinians, condemning Israels bombardments. Pro-Iranian militias are actively launching attacks against Israel from Iraqi territorymost notably. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Israeli positions in the Golan Heights in October. Likewise, Iran claims that Israel used Iraqi airspace (arranged by the U.S.) to attack Iran on October 26. Baghdad is certainly questioning its sovereignty right nowas it should. But its government is but a collection of U.S. and Iranian puppets, and the entire country is simply waiting for the other shoe to drop. That will mean civil waragain. One of the biggest problems is that post-U.S. invasion in 2003, nothing has been resolved here. Like Bosnia, it is fractured along political/religious lines, and the Sunnis were largely sidelined in favor of the Shiites and Kurds. But all this time, the Sunnis have been regrouping, making money, and buying influence (media, industry, ect). And they are just waiting for their time to re-emerge. Along with them will come a re-emergence of the radical elements of the Sunni political sphere, and even those extreme radical elements such as ISIS, which has never been decimated. Its just been regrouping and waiting for the vacuum they always knew would come sooner rather than later. This week, the Iraqi federal government approved plans that will finally see the Kurds in the semi-autonomous north (KRG) receive much-needed compensation for the oil produced in Iraqi Kurdistan after Baghdad essentially won a long-standing battle to stop the Kurds from bypassing the federal govt. In producing and exporting their own oil. With the new plan, the Kurds will be compensated for the costs of production and transport to the market. Kurdish oil exports (which go to Turkey) have been stalled since March 2023, when a court ruled in favor of Baghdad, but its taken a year and a half to hammer out the details of how to satisfy the Kurds after taking their oil. Foreign oil companies operating in the KRG, of course, have been in a state of desperate flux, with the deals they signed with the Kurds suddenly no longer valid. While this deal is still a bit uncertain, the rate of compensation proposed by Baghdad is $16 per barrel. Only once the proposal has been finalized can exports resume. From the perspective of where negotiations started per barrel, its a good deal for the Kurds. Based on Iraqs 3-year federal budget released last year, it would have been $6.90 per barrel. With Iraq being used as a staging ground for U.S.-Israel-Iran proxy warfare, the Iraqi Kurds may just find themselves creating a new area of leverage for more bargaining power over Baghdad. Baghdad will need the Kurdish Peshmerga forces amid a clear escalation of ISIS and ISIS-related activity in northern Syria, which will quickly spread to cells in Iraq. And those Kurdish forces, both in Iraq and Syria, have been largely responsible for halting ISIS activities in the past, and serve as the frontline of defense for ISIS-related attacks in both countries. The Kremlin's primary concern remains the level of U.S. support for Ukraine under a Trump administration, with hopes that a reduction in aid could benefit Russia's military campaign. While Russian state media expressed glee over Trump's win, Putin's measured response suggests a strategic approach aimed at maintaining leverage and avoiding any perception of weakness. The Kremlin's initial silence and subsequent cautious remarks on Trump's victory reflect a complex mix of hopes and uncertainties regarding the future of U.S.-Russia relations and the war in Ukraine. As congratulations poured in from leaders around the world when it became clear that Donald Trump had won the U.S. presidency for the second time, there was no sign of a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his spokesman suggested one might never come. The Kremlin website, where such things are posted, was dominated by an account of Putins remote participation in the ceremonial launch of an atomic-powered icebreaker -- a symbol of Russias role in the Arctic, where it competes for resources with the United States and others. The signal was crystal clear, and it would have been even if Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hadnt spelled it out by saying the icebreaker launch was more important for Russians than the U.S. election. It was part of an effort by Putin, the Kremlin, and state-aligned media to portray Russia and its government as indifferent to the result of the American vote. Putin withheld comment on the U.S. election result until late on November 7, when he offered informal congratulations to Trump hours into remarks at a forum in the resort city of Sochi. Putin praised Trump, saying that he had displayed courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him in July. He said that what he called Trumps statements about a desire to restore relations with Moscow and foster an end to the Ukraine crisis a reference to the all-out war Putin launched against Russias neighbor in 2022 -- deserve attention, to say the least. The comments in Sochi seemed to support the case made by observers that the air of indifference was a smokescreen. More likely: The Kremlin was hoping for a Trump win, largely because it would put the future of U.S. support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion in doubt, or for a narrow victory for Vice President Kamala Harris, which could potentially have caused chaos in the United States if contested by Trump and his supporters. The thinking was that if Trump won, the prospects for continued -- let alone expanded -- support for Ukraine would be in jeopardy, Europe would panic, and the NATO alliance risked fraying, Russia analyst Mark Galeotti wrote in an article published by the British newspaper The i on November 6. However, even if Harris won, they anticipated that Trumps supporters would call foul and the ensuing recriminations and challenges would paralyze the new administration, Galeotti wrote. Putin, who likes to mock the West and keep it guessing about his hopes, plans, and motives, asserted in September that he favored Harris. That comment was part of what may have been a concerted effort by the Kremlin to avoid the impression that Putin and his government were hoping Trump would win. To this end, there was plenty of criticism of Trump on state TV as the U.S. campaign progressed. Speaking on state-run Channel One television in late July, military observer Dmitry Drozdenko called Trump a slave of the deep state -- he cant do anything about it, he doesnt have the power -- thats the way America is organized. In 2016, for the most part, we passionately loved Trump, a commentator said on pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyovs Internet channel in June. We even hadpeople who painted triptychs: Trump, [French far-right politician Marine] Le Pen, and [Putin]. Well, what did we get out of it in the end? Once Trump won, the tone among pro-Kremlin commentators was more upbeat. But on his evening show on November 6, Solovyov cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. "We dont need fanfare. We shouldn't be too happy or celebrate it, he said. We should observe whats happening with interest and draw sensible conclusions." While Putin offered his informal congratulations in the comments on November 7, there are several reasons why he did not do so along with other world leaders on November 6 and appears not to have done so formally. For one thing, Putin has demonized the United States and portrayed Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine as part of a civilizational struggle against an aggressive and morally bankrupt West. In that context, Putin wants to avoid any impression that he is anxiously hoping for a thaw in ties with Washington, or that he is likely to soften up and make concessions on any contentious issue -- such as the war in Ukraine -- with Trump in power. The desire to appear aloof is probably even stronger following reports that Trump secretly sent COVID testing equipment to Putin during the pandemic and that the two have spoken several times since Trump left office -- something Trumps campaign denied. In addition to optics -- the desire to seem coolly impartial and unconcerned -- the Kremlins wariness may also reflect uncertainty about how, exactly, Trump will address Russias invasion of Ukraine. Criticism from Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, of the tens of billions of dollars in weapons and other aid the United States has given Ukraine under U.S. President Joe Biden has led to hopes in the Kremlin that Western support for Kyiv will dry up fast, handing Russia a huge advantage on the battlefield. And Trump repeatedly claimed during the campaign that he would engineer an end to the war very quickly if elected, sparking fears in Ukraine and among its supporters that the United States might push for a deal that gives Kyiv very little and Moscow a lot, including the territory it currently controls. But Trump has said little about how he would go about getting the sides to the negotiating table. So for now, at least, there seems to be no motive for Putin to signal that he is prepared for peace on anything other than Russias terms. Among other things, those include Russian control over five Ukrainian regions in their entirety, including parts that are not currently occupied by Moscows forces, and a permanent bar on Ukraine joining NATO. Not long before Putin spoke in Sochi, his Security Council secretary and former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, talked tough about the war in Ukraine, saying that the West is faced with a choice - to continue financing [Kyivs defense against the Russian invasion] and destroying the Ukrainian population or to recognize the current realities and start negotiating." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Amber Energy, which has been selected to buy Venezuelas PDV Holding, the parent company of refiner Citgo, has proposed a new bid, which is lower in value but could meet some demands from the company creditors waiting for years to be paid from the sale. Amber Energy, which is backed by a group of strategic U.S. energy investors, including Elliott Investment Management, has made a new $5.3-billion offer for Citgos parent company, $2 billion lower than the initial bid of $7.3 billion, Bloomberg reports, citing a legal filing. At the end of September, Robert Pincus, the Special Master appointed by the Delaware court to oversee the sale of PDV Holding, selected Amber Energy to acquire Citgo. Amber Energy has said that its strategy for growth includes plans to reinvest in the business and potentially pursue strategic investments that enhance the profitability of Citgo. However, the many creditors of Citgo have been unhappy with the structure of the initially proposed transaction which envisages a trust structure for payments. The new bid now offers creditors would be paid directly after the acquisition is finalized. Now the court-appointed special master will consider both offers from Amber Energy, as well as any other offers that interested buyers can submit during the so-called topping period. The sale process of shares to pay creditors and claimants against Venezuelas oil asset appropriation and debts owed by Citgo was launched by the Delaware court in October 2023. Overall, creditors and claimants have sought to recoup at courts in Delaware a total of $24 billion in claims and arbitration awards against Venezuela. Citgo is the seventh-largest refiner in the United States with a total capacity topping 800,000 barrels per day (bpd). It has plants in Texas, Louisiana, and Illinois, along with pipelines and a gasoline distribution network that supplies 4,200 outlets in the United States. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iranian oil exports dipped in October as Tehran loaded fewer cargoes waiting for the Israeli retaliatory attack for Irans missile strike, and they are expected to further slide next year when Donald Trump returns to the White House. Iranian oil exports likely fell by about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) 350,000 bpd last month, commodity intelligence analysts told Iran International. Vortexa has tracked Irans oil loadings at 1.5 million bpd in October, down from previous months. Most of the decline occurred in the first half of last month, Arman Azizian, a senior analyst at Vortexa, told Iran International. Analysts at Kpler, for their part, say that oil loadings dropped to 1.473 million bpd in October, down from 1.826 million bpd in September. The 350,000-bpd fall in Iranian loadings means that Tehran has likely lost $800 million on oil exports last month, according to the commodity data intelligence firm. Early last month, Iranian oil tankers were spotted moving away from Kharg Island, Irans biggest oil export terminal, amid fears of an imminent Israeli attack on the most important crude export infrastructure in Iran. Reports also emerged in October that Iran is offering its crude to Chinas independent refiners at narrower discounts to Brent, as sellers are seeking higher prices for the oil bound for the worlds top crude importer. In recent days, Irans crude oil going to China has been priced at its narrowest discount to Brent in five years as Iranian cargo loadings slumped in October due to the heightened regional tensions in the Middle East. China is Irans main oil customer, purchasing more than 90% of the oil the Islamic Republic exports. Earlier this year, Iran boosted its oil exports to six-year highs. Trumps election victory, however, could snap the recent rises in Iranian oil sales as the president-elect is expected to ratchet up sanctions pressure on Iran and its oil industry. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil prices retreated in Fridays session as fears of damage on oil and gas infrastructure in the U.S. Gulf by Hurricane Rafael receded. Concerns about weakening demand in China have also contributed to the oil price decline, after data showing crude imports in China fell 9% in October. That marked the sixth consecutive month that imports by the world's largest oil importer declined on a year-over-year basis. Brent crude for January delivery was down 2.7% to trade at $73.76 a barrel at 11.40 am ET while WTI crude for December delivery fell 2.9% to trade at $70.28 per barrel. "The weakening of oil imports in China is due to weaker demand for oil as a result of the sluggish economic development and rapid advance of e-mobility," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch told Reuters. Oil markets witnessed choppy trading in Wednesdays session, with oil prices declining in the intraday session before jumping after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris to clinch leadership of the White House.The mixed reactions by oil markets are not hard to decipher. On one hand, U.S. oil producers are looking forward to fewer regulations on crude production under a Trump presidency, meaning higher oil supply and consequently lower prices. On the other hand, a Trump win also means more sanctions on Iranian and Venezuelan barrels, potentially boosting prices.. Whereas the ongoing hurricane season has contributed to large oil price rallies in recent months, the extreme weather is proving very costly for energy companies. On Thursday, North Carolina giant electric utility, Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE:DUK), has provided estimates that the total cost to restore facilities damaged by Hurricanes Debby, Milton and Helene could fall in the range of $2.4 billion to $2.9 billion. According to CEO Lynn Good, tens of thousands of the companys customers were left without power after Helene ripped away transmission lines and power poles, but the company managed to restore 5.5 million outages during the "historic storm season". Duke Energy made the announcement during the companys third quarter earnings call. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Brazils Petrobras reported a 22% increase in its third-quarter net profit, which came in at around $5.7 billion. Thanks to the strong profit figure, Petrobras said it would distribute a total dividend of $3 billion. Petrobras also reported a 3.8% dip in earnings before tax, interest, depreciation, and amortization, which was in line with analyst expectations, and a 3.8% increase in net revenues from sales. Separately, Petrobras said in a filing that it had boosted investments by 31% more during the third quarter compared to a year earlier, spending $4.5 billion, most of it on oil and gas exploration and production, Reuters said in a report on the third-quarter news. Petrobras planned to spend a total of $13.5 billion to $14.5 billion this year, a downward revision from an initial investment plan worth $18.5 billion, Reuters noted in its report. So far, the company has spent $10.9 billion. Petrobras also revised down its planned spending for 2025. Last month, it reduced that plan to $17 billion from an earlier estimate of $21 billion in spending for the year. Petrobras said that the $17 billion was a more realistic figure that matched its resources more accurately. At the same time, Petrobras is revising upwards its medium-term spending plans. Earlier this year, the company said it planned to spend around $102 billion between 2024 and 2028 but later in the year the sum was revised up to close to $107 billion. Then, in October, unnamed sources told Reuters that Petrobras was making adjustments to the spending total, and those could bring it higher, closer to $110 billion. The bulk of that sum, whatever its final size, will be allocated for Petrobras core business of producing oil and gas, countering natural depletion at its mature fields, which was bothering the management, according to the newly appointed chief executive of the company Mgda Chambriard. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Donald Trump plans to renew the so-called maximum pressure campaign against Iran, to further isolate Tehran and hamper its ability to support its proxies in the Middle East, The Wall Street Journal reported, quoting sources briefed on the president-elects early plans. During his first term in office, Trump tore up the so-called Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and re-imposed sanctions on Irans oil industry and exports. President Joe Biden and his Administration, while keeping all sanctions on Iran in place, havent monitored strictly the compliance of the sanctions as they were keen to keep oil flowing amidst crises elsewhere such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now Trump could have a personal issue with Iran and is likely to seek a maximum pressure policy, which could stifle Iranian oil exports that had just hit a six-year high earlier this year. Trump now knows that a man with ties with Iran plotted to assassinate him earlier this year, in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike in 2020 which killed Iranian military general and hardliner Qassem Soleimani. Commenting on Trumps policy in the second term, Mick Mulroy, a top Pentagon official for the Middle East during Trumps first-term administration, told the Journal, If hes going to be hawkish on any particular country, designated major adversaries, its Iran. A major drop in Iranian oil exports, if the U.S. ratchets up the sanctions, could lead to higher oil prices, other things being equal, analysts say. However, Trumps other possible policies, notably the import tariffs he has pledged to introduce, could slow down global and U.S. economic growth and consequently, oil demand, other analysts note. Low Iranian oil exports will also hit China, as it is Irans main oil customer buying over 90% of Tehrans oil cargoes at discounted prices. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. oil producer Apache plans to cease oil production at its assets in the UK North Sea by 2030, due to the windfall tax on operators. Apaches parent company APA Corporation said in an SEC filing that its assessment of the impact of the windfall tax, officially known as the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), resulted in findings that continued production in the UK North Sea would be uneconomical. The Labours Autumn Statement confirmed last week that the windfall tax on UK North Sea operators is rising to 38% from 35%, effective November 1, 2024. The tax will now expire on 31 March 2030, a year later than the previous tax regime. The government is also removing the 29% investment allowance. Since the tax was initially introduced by the Conservative government at the height of the energy crisis in 2022, oil and gas companies operating in the UK North Sea have been calling for certainty in the regulatory and tax framework. Recent changes in policies and the rising taxes have driven away operators, who say that a lack of North Sea investments would only make the UK more dependent on oil and gas imports. Now Apache joins a growing list of companies reconsidering their presence in the UK. The Company determined the expected returns do not economically support making investments required under the combined impact of the regulations, and it will cease production at its facilities in the North Sea prior to 2030, it said in the securities filing of the Q3 financial results. The companys investment program in the North Sea is now directed toward asset safety and integrity, APA said. Apache entered the North Sea in 2003 after acquiring a 97% working interest in the Forties Field (Forties). Apache also has operated interests in the Beryl, Ness, Nevis, Nevis South, Skene, and Buckland fields and non-operated interest in the Maclure and Nelson fields. The company had already suspended all new drilling activity in the North Sea in the second quarter of 2023, as part of its focus on capital allocation to optimize investment returns. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set for the maiden edition of Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit (NTLS 2019) which will hold at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Coming with the theme; Repositioning the Nigerian Telecom Industry for future challenges and Prospects, the summit according to the Commission, is in line with the regulators commitment towards improving the investment climate of the Nigerian Telecom industry. NCC in a statement made available to journalist said that It is geared towards sustaining a robust collaborative regulatory environment where current and future challenges are addressed. NCC further noted that as part of the programme of collaborative regulatory atmosphere, the summit presents a unique opportunity for NCC to interact with key stakeholders to discuss pertinent issues affecting the industry with a view to proffering solutions to address challenges. It is also designed to critically analyse the current state of the industry and make profound recommendations for sustaining a healthy Nigerian telecom industry. Details revealed that whereas the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to be the Special Guest of honour, the Keynote will be delivered by former Communications Technology Minister, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson on the topic, Best Fit Infrastructure Investment Choice for an emerging Market. His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the Minister of Communications, Chief. Raheem Adebayo Shittu are expected as guests. The Chairman of the Governing Board of NCC, Distinguished Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of NCC, Prof. UMar Danbatta, who will present an overview of the Status of the Industry as a prelude to the Keynote and panel discussions will also be present. Panelists who have been carefully selected for the Summit will discuss The challenges facing the Nigerian telecoms industry, way forward and the role of the regulator, and Implications of multiple taxation on telecom investments in Nigeria, after a presentation of the latter subject by Dr. Doyin Salami of the Lagos Business School. Additional details show that the panelists for the two segments include: Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Ms. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mr. Abubakar Mahmood (SAN) immediate past President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Senior Partner at KPMG, Also to make appearance on the panel include President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola, and his counterpart at the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo. Besides, leading telecoms lawyer, Professor Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), will speak on The Role of the Mandatory Code of Corporate Governance in the Nigerian Telecom Industry. In a brief, NCC recalled that with investments so far put at over $70 Billion since 2001, active lines in the voice segment standing at 173.7 million as at March 2019. Nigerias teledensity also stands at 91% as at March 2019, while Broadband users have increased to more than 63 million representing 33.22% using Nigerias projected population of 190 million. According to Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, the telecommunications sector is work in progress. Post Views: 70 Welcome to another impactful week. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Unlocking the Supernatural via the Prophetic! From scriptures, we understand that Thus saith the Lord is the Grand Commander of the supernatural. For it is written, The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24). This is because every Word from God is a sworn verdict already settled in heaven and cannot be altered. Thus, we must recognise that God is not in the class of men and as such, He speaks according to Himself not according to us. He speaks according to His greatness, not our smallness. Also, He speaks according to His abilities, not our inabilities. Besides, He does not look for solutions, He creates them. In other words, God creates whatever He says. It is written, The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:2-3, 31). Interestingly, Prophets are Gods spokesmen through whom God unfolds what He wants to do. Thus, when we believe what they say, we simply commit God to perform it in our lives. For instance, the Bible records that through the ministry of Moses, the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and Honey. Furthermore, Elijah brought supernatural prosperity and divine supplies to the widow of Zarephath. As a result, she flourished in the midst of famine, while others were famished. Another prophet named Elisha changed the financial fortune of the widow of a prophet, whose creditors came to take away her two sons. In addition, God also sent Elisha to Naaman and he was cleansed of his leprosy (1 Kings 7:8-16; 2 Kings 4:1-10, 5:1-15). In another instance, God spoke to me that the Faith Tabernacle shall be dedicated within a year. Obviously, it was humanly impossible but Gods power built it debt-free. But, who are Prophets? From scriptures, we understand that: They are Agents of Restoration: As it is written, And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians (Exodus 12:36). As we all know, Israel laboured for 430 years without wages, but through the ministry of Moses the prophet, their dignity was restored (Hosea 12:13). They are Agents of Breakthroughs: As breakthrough agents, prophets are barrier breakers. Remember, in Ezra 4:23-24, 5:1-2, the work of the house of the Lord was made to cease by force; but through the intervention of a prophet, the barriers were broken. They are Agents of Rescue after the Order of Moses: Through the ministry of Moses, God rescued Israel out of Egypt. God said to him, Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). The landmark role of Moses in the liberation of the Israelites underscores the reality of prophets as God-sent agents of rescue for His people. They are Agents of Prosperity: As it is written, And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20). Prosper in the above scripture connotes abundance, prosperity or supernatural supply. We must understand that prosperity is one of the ministries of every God-ordained prophet. This is why the Bible admonishes us to believe them so as to prosper. They are Agents of Divine Rewards: Jesus once said, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophets reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward (Matthew 10:41). They are Custodians of Visions: Prophets are vision carriers through whom Gods agenda is unveiled from time to time. As it is written, I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets (Hosea 12:10). In summary, there is no doubt that prophets are agents of change through whom God opens new chapters in the lives of His people. Hence, we must recognise that God is committed when He speaks and everything He has spoken prophetically to us this month is already created. All we need to do is to take delivery of them by believing unreservedly, unrepentantly and unashamedly to commit Him to perform them through His prophets. Nevertheless, you must be born again in order for prophetic utterances to become a reality in your life. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural and Commanding the Supernatural. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: [email protected], Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to Supreme Courts dismissal of his petition against President Muhammadu Buharis re-election in February. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Tanko Mohammed in his judgment said, We have examined all the briefs and exhibits for over two weeks. And we agreed that there is no merit in this appeal. The appeal is dismissed. Reasons to be given on a date to be announced. A statement he signed in reaction said: It is said that the Supreme Court is not final because it is infallible, but that it is infallible because it is final. While I believe that only God is infallible everywhere, and only Nigerians are infallible in our democracy, I must accept that the judicial route I chose to take, as a democrat, has come to a conclusion. Whether justice was done, is left to the Nigerian people to decide. As a democrat, I fought a good fight for the Nigerian people. I will keep on fighting for Nigeria and for democracy, and also for justice. I thank all Nigerians who have stayed the course since the commencement of trial in the petition on the February 23 presidential election. The judgement is part of democratic challenges we must face as a nation. The Nigerian judiciary, just like every estate of our realm, has been sabotaged and undermined by an overreaching and dictatorial cabal, who have undone almost all the democratic progress the Peoples Democratic Party and its administrations nurtured for sixteen years, up until 2015. Can Nigeria continue like this? Recently, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, averred that Nigeria had rolled back the democratic gains she made in 2015. When democracy is rolled back, the economy, the society and the judiciary will not be far behind. Today, the nail has been put on the coffin and the gains we collectively made since 1999 are evaporating, and a requiem is at hand. In a democracy, you need a strong judiciary, a free press and an impartial electoral umpire. Nigeria has none of those three elements as at today. One man, one woman, one youth, one vote, should be the only way to make gains in a democracy. And when that is thwarted, the clock starts to tick. Two and a half millennia ago, Sophocles said If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: Thou shalt not ration justice. Nigeria will do well to observe this warning. To those who think they have broken my spirit, I am sorry to disappoint you. I am too focused on Nigeria to think about myself. I gave up that luxury twenty years ago. The question is not if I am broken. The question is if Nigeria is whole? This is not a time for too many words. It will suffice for me to remind Nigeria of this we are an independent nation and we are the architects of our fate. If we do not build a free Nigeria, we may end up destroying her, and God forbid that that should be the case. I was a democrat, I am a democrat, and I will always continue to be a democrat. May God bless Nigeria. Adamawa, Plateau, Bauchi also affected INEC names Ayade, Idris, El-Rufai, Bello, Sule winners Ihedioha Okowa, Masari, Zullum, Buni also win VOTERS in six states are to wait a little longer to know who will be their governor as from May 29 when the tenure of incumbent governors expires. Reason: elections in the six states have been declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the cancellation of votes in some polling units (PUs). The states are: Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau and Bauchi. The development came yesterday as the electoral umpire announced governorship election results in more states, including Yobe, Borno, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Cross River, Delta, Imo and Kaduna. INECs decision to declare the polls inconclusive in the affected states was taken because the number of cancelled votes was more than the margin between the two leading candidates in the affected states. The commission will organise supplementary polls in the affected PUs to determine the winners of Saturdays governorship elections in 29 states. Seven states have their governorship elections staggered. INEC will today review the suspension of the electoral process in Rivers State. It suspended the process on Sunday for 48 hours following widespread disruptions in the Southsouth state. KADUNA With 1.045,427 votes as against his PDP challenger Isa Mohammed Ashirus 814,168, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has retained his seat for the APC. He was declared winner of Saturdays governorship election in Kaduna State. The Returning Officer, Prof. Mohammed Yahuza Bello, said El-Rufai pollled 1.045,427 to beat Isa Mohammed Ashiru of the PDP, who got 814,168, and other candidates. Bello said: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of the All Progressives Congress, having scored the highest number of votes and met all the requirements of the law, is hereby returned elected. The results of the 23 local government areas show that El-Rufai won in 14 local government areas of Makarfi, Soba, Kudan, Ikara, Kauru, Kubau, Kaduna North, Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Sabongari, Lere, Kaduna South, Zaria and Igabi. Ashiru won in nine local government areas of Jaba, Kachia, Kaura, Kajuru, Zango Kataf, Sanga, Chikun, Kagarko and Jemaa. El-Rufai got 56 per cent of the total votes scored. Ashiru scored 44 per cent. ZAMFARA In Zamfara, APCs candidate Mukhtar Shehu Idris was declared governor-elect after polling 534,541 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Dr. Bello Muhammad who got 189, 452 votes. The governor-elect told reporters in his Gusau country home that he will continue with the partys policy and programmes. Idris said the incumbent Governor Abdul Aziz Yari has sacrificed a lot for the development of the stare and the well-being of its citizens. He said: I assure you that my administration will work right from day one towards meeting your yearnings for a more developed prosperous Zamfara state. SOKOTO In Sokoto, where INEC declared the election inconclusive, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and candidate of the PDP urged the commission to declare him winner of the poll in the spirit of fairness and justice. According to him, the decision by the Returning Officer of INEC, Professor Fatima Mukhtar, to declare the exercise inconclusive was unconstitutional. Citing Section 179(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic stated that the provision clearly explains how to conduct governorship polls. He said: Our party, the PDP has returned the highest number of votes and have won 2/3 of the local governments in the state and, therefore, the decision of INEC is not founded in law. We wonder why INEC is coming with this technical reason to declare the exercise inconclusive. Addressing a news conference in Government House, Sokoto, the governor said the decision would be put to test in the court, adding: We have not been given substantial reasons for such decision. INEC should note that it has an image and integrity to protect as an agency and for its officials. It should not put its integrity to public questioning. Up till now, we have not been told why the cancellations of the exercise in 136 polling units across 22 local government areas. We know there are adverse factors that should be considered to warrant such decisions and not in all cases rerun should be conducted. Urging INEC to revisit its decision, Tambuwal added: There is the need for INEC to revisit its decision. A little more has to be done by the umpire. Prof Mahmood Yakubu and his staff should know that they have the duty of holding to public trust given them by Nigerians. I believe we have won the elections in Sokoto State. We got the majority votes which confirm Sokoto peoples readiness and support for the party and its candidate. On whether he would participate in a rerun, the governor said: Our court action will not stop us from participating. We want to make sure the right thing is done based on constitutional provisions. Thanking security agencies for their support to the election process and INEC for its ability to do and to be seen doing the right thing in defence of the democratic process, the governor insisted that INEC and security agencies should do their best during the rerun. ADAMAWA The PDP candidate, Umaru Fintiri, said the electoral commission has only postponed his victory by declaring the election inconclusive. Fintiri said he was sure of winning the supplementary poll whenever it is conducted. The PDP flagbearer was leading incumbent Governor Jibrila Bindow by end of the collation early yesterday. INEC pronounced the election inconclusive because the margin of lead between the two leading candidates was smaller than the number of cancelled votes. Fintiri polled 367,471 votes to take the lead. He was being trailed by the incumbent, who is the APC candidate. Bindow got 334,995 votes. Explaining how he arrived at declaring the election inconclusive, the state returning officer, Prof Andrew Haruna, had said the 32,467 margin between Fintiri and Bindow was lower than the 40,948 votes cancelled in 44 polling units. Prof Andrew said election would be held in the affected units to address the vote cancellation anomaly. Fintiri, who chatted with reporters in Yola, asserted that he would eventually be announced as winner. He said: Im very hopeful of victory. Adamawa is my constituency and I have been voted across the length and breadth of the state. If INEC, for reason of its own cancellation of results, has opted for supplementary election, we are ready for it. The local government areas where elections were cancelled in some units are: Madagali (three polling units), Michika (five polling units), Mubi North (three polling units), Hong (four polling units), Song (four polling units), Toungo (three), Demsa (four polling units), Numan (six polling units), Lamurde (three polling units) and Guyuk (three polling units). Fintiri said despite the turn of events regarding the election, he regarded its conduct as having been generally credible. I am satisfied with the electoral process. It was credible and transparently so in most places, he said. DELTA Incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was yesterday declared winner of the governorship election in Delta State. Returning Officer Prof Seth Accra-Jaja said Okowa, of the PDP, polled 925,271 to defeat his closest rival, Great Ogboru of the APC, who scored 215,938 votes. According to Accra-Jaja, 1,188,784 of the 2,831,205 registered voters were accredited for the election. He said that 24,147 votes were voided and 1,154,188 valid, bringing the total valid votes to 1,178,335. The ruling PDP won in 23 local government areas spread across the three senatorial districts. The APC won in two local government areas of Ughelli North and Ethiope East. But the APC rejected the results. It alleged that the election was marred by massive rigging and non- compliance with the electoral law. The APC state agent, Prof Festus Arunaye said: I reject the votes as announced because right from the ward level to the local government collation centre, there was gross mayhem and violence that resulted in deaths. The elections were conducted in gross violation of the electoral laws. He said his party will seek legal redress to claim the mandate given to it by the people. PDP State Chairman Kingsley Esiso was happy over his partys victory, describing it as a victory for Deltans. NASARAWA The governorship candidate of the APC in Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule,was declared winner by the Returning Officer, Prof Bala Abdullahi Sule polled 327,229 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP who scored 184,281 votes and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Labaran Maku, who came third with 132,281 votes. According to the returning officer, the APC candidate won in 11 of the 13 local government areas. Maku and Doma Aliyu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) won one local government each. The 11 local government areas won by the APC candidate are: Awe, Keana, Obi, Lafia, Wamba, Akwanga, Kokona, Keffi, Karu, Toto and Nasarawa. Maku won in Nasarawa Eggon and Doma won in Doma. CROSS RIVER Incumbent Cross River State Governor Prof Ben Ayade retained his seat for the PDP. Ayade, who won in all the 18 local government areas, polled 381,484 to beat the APC to the second position with 131,161 and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the third with 4, 818 votes. Announcing the results early yesterday, the returning officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Warri, Delta State, Prof Akii Ibhadode, said the PDP candidate, having scored the highest number of votes and fulfilled the requirements of the law, was returned elected. KANO INEC suspended indefinitely the collation of results from the Nassarawa Local Government Area, following the destruction of electoral materials by thugs. Results of 43 local council areas had already been declared with incumbent Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and APC candidate winning in 29. His challenger, Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the PDP, held sway in 14 local government areas. The PDP candidate was leading with 6,608 votes. The results of Nassarawa Local Government were delayed following the cancellation of some polling units in Gama ward. Speaking to reporters at the INEC collation centre, about 4am, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Riskuwa Shehu Arabu, said the suspension of the collation followed disturbing reports of electoral violence. He said: We have received disturbing reports of disruption of results collation of Nassarawa Local Government polls by some people which led to the destruction of some of the result sheets. Riskuwa noted that INEC could not continue with the collation and final declaration of the result due to the commotion that disrupted the compilation of the results. He said INEC had resolved to refer to its primary and secondary data from the polling units and wards that will confirm those that will be acceptable within the Electoral Act. YOBE Mai Mala Buni of the APC was declared governor-elected governor of Yobe State. Buni, a former National Secretary of the APC, was dlared as winner of the March 9 governorship poll in the Northeast states after polling 444, 013 votes to beat Umar Iliya Damagum of the PDP, who polled 95, 703. Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Abubakar Musa Kundiri, who announced the results, said the election was generally peaceful. There was wild jubilation across the state as supporters of the APC took to the streets to celebrate the victory. BORNO Prof Babagana Umara Zullum of the APC won the governorship in Borno. Declaring him governor-elect, the INECs Returning Officer, Prof Alhassan Muhammad Gani, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, said Prof Zullum scored 1,175,440 votes across the 27 local government areas to trounce his closest rival Mohammed Alkali Imam of the PDP, who got 66,115 votes. Prof Mani also announced that 32 political parties registered and participated in the governorship election, noting that the election was peaceful. IMO Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha was yesterday declared governor-elect in Imo State. The PDP candidate polled 273, 404 to defeat the Action Congress (AA) candidate Uche Nwosu, who scored 190,364 and Ifeanyi Ararume of APGA, who got 114, 676 votes. The origin of the nickname "cup of joe" is a bit of a mystery, but there are three main theories that coffee lovers often debate. 1. Josephus Daniels and the Navy First, there's the Josephus Daniels Navy theory from 1914. When Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels banned alcohol on naval ships, sailors were left with coffee as the strongest drink aboard. In protest, they allegedly dubbed it a "cup of Joe," a not-so-subtle jab at Daniels. Advertisement However, this story has a few holes. Sailors were already prohibited from drinking rum before Daniels' order, and the term didn't actually appear in written records until the 1930s, raising doubts about the timing. 2. The 'Average Joe' Theory Another idea ties the term to the common man. "Joe" was a common slang term for the average person, like "G.I. Joe." In this theory, "cup of Joe" is thought to represent coffee as a simple, no-nonsense drink for everyone an affordable option for regular folks. This explanation has a certain charm, but while it makes sense culturally, there's no direct evidence linking the use of "joe" to coffee specifically. 3. Java-Mocha, Anyone? Finally, there's the "jamoke" theory, which suggests that "cup of joe" evolved from a blend of the words "java" and "mocha," two popular coffee-growing regions. This combination, "jamoke," was supposedly shortened over time to "joe." The theory hinges on the idea that coffee drinkers, particularly in the early 20th century, may have used "jamoke" as slang for coffee. Over time, laziness or familiarity shortened it to "joe." While it's possible, this explanation also lacks solid documentation, and there's no clear proof of "jamoke" being widely shortened to "joe" in everyday speech. Additionally, "jamoke" itself never seemed to gain widespread usage, making this theory more of a linguistic curiosity than a concrete origin story. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers analyzed sediment core samples collected by D/V JOIDES Resolution near Cape Town, South Africa. Their findings uncovered details about the changes in deep ocean temperature and salinity, as well as the mixing histories of waters originating in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Credit: Sophie Hines, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution A recently published study in Science challenges theories regarding the origins of a significant transition through the Earth's ice ages. Led by an international team of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Cardiff University, this research provides fresh insights into the ocean's role in climate during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, an enigmatic interval of change in climate cycles that began about 1 million years ago. Many theories have been proposed for the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and an important one is linked to a significant weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). However, the new findings suggest an equally important but much more nuanced role for the deep ocean. Using climate records spanning the past 1.2 million years, the team reconstructed deep ocean properties that are crucial for understanding the ocean's flow and carbon sequestration capabilities. "The deep ocean is enormous, especially when considering its capacity to store carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) compared to the atmosphere," said lead author Dr. Sophie Hines, an Assistant Scientist at WHOI. "Even a modest change in ocean circulation could significantly impact global climate." The researchers analyzed sediment core samples collected during the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 361 near Cape Town, South Africa. By studying carbon and oxygen from fossils of single-celled organisms called foraminifera and isotopes of neodymium, the team uncovered details about the changes in deep ocean temperature and salinity, as well as the mixing histories of waters originating in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Dr. Sophie Hines (right) assists IODP-JRSO technician Sandra Herman (left) in cutting an Expedition 361 core into sections. Credit: Tim Fulton. Dr. Sidney Hemming, the Arthur D. Storke Memorial Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and co-chief scientist on the expedition, said, "Crucially, we show that shifts in different deep ocean properties are not always coincident. With our more highly resolved multi-proxy record that includes transitional intervals, we find that ice age intensification was influenced primarily by changes around Antarctica." It is suggested that as the Antarctic Ice Sheet expanded, it enhanced the ocean's capacity to store carbon, leading to lower atmospheric CO 2 levels, colder climates, and prolonged ice age cycles. Dr. Hines added, "Our research sheds light on the intricate interplay between ocean dynamics and climate change, underscoring the significance of the Southern Ocean in understanding our planet's climate history." Recent studies stress the urgency of anthropogenic climate change, particularly in relation to reductions in the AMOC. As the Southern Ocean continues to warm at an alarming rate, understanding its dynamics is critical. The Southern Ocean plays a pivotal role in regulating global climate patterns, and its changes could have significant implications for ecosystems and weather systems worldwide. More information: Sophia K. V. Hines et al, Revisiting the mid-Pleistocene transition ocean circulation crisis, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn4154 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A Mexican delegation has retrieved 84 Mesoamerican axes. Credit: Amelie Philibert, Universite de MontreAl A Mexican delegation is coming to retrieve 84 Mesoamerican axes currently in transit at UdeM, underscoring the need to raise public awareness of the looting of archaeological artifacts. With its rich pre-Columbian history and huge trove of cultural treasures, Mexico has been a prime target for archaeological looting. Olmec, Aztec, Mayan and other artifacts are scattered around the world in museums and private collections. As a result of recent awareness campaigns, some of these lost archaeological relics are gradually being returned to Mexico by institutions and private individuals. Last year, for example, the remains of a Mesoamerican child, which had been sitting on a shelf in the Department of Anthropology at Universite de Montreal, were sent back to Mexico. Following the repatriation ceremony, Hector Huerta, the Deputy Consul General of Mexico in Montreal, approached its organizers, Carlos Jacome Hernandez, a visiting researcher at UdeM who is an expert on Mesoamerican bioarchaeology, and Isabelle Ribot, a professor in the Department of Anthropology at UdeM, about organizing another event: the repatriation of 84 Mesoamerican axes that had been in the possession of a Canadian citizen. These artifacts will be returned to Mexico in an official ceremony at Universite de Montreal on October 10. From the Aztecs to modern-day looters: A long history of plunder The looting of archaeological artifacts in Mexico predates the arrival of Europeans. "Long before the coming of European colonizers, precious objects were highly sought after," Hernandez explained. "The Aztecs, for example, explored ancient sites such as Teotihuacan not for scientific purposes but to take their treasures and legitimize certain myths." This quest for valuable artifacts intensified with European colonization, particularly with the discovery of gold-bearing objects. One emblematic example is Moctezuma's headdress, a unique piece made of quetzal feathers, now housed in the Weltmuseum in Vienna. "Some say it was a gift from Moctezuma to Cortes," said Hernandez. "The headdress is still in Austria. It is one of many pieces that left Mexico soon after first contact with Europeans and never returned." The extent of the looting of Mexico's cultural treasures is difficult to determine. "Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia officially registers 49,347 archaeological sites. If you plant a tree or move some earth for an archaeological dig, you're likely to find something!" Hernandez said. It is not unusual for impoverished farmers to sell what they find to interested buyers. Such looting can reach massive proportions. Hernandez recalls a case from the 1980s in which looters hired locals to carry out more than 70 raids over a period of more than six months, bringing out an immense quantity of archaeological finds. The main problem with looting, Hernandez pointed out, is that the looters are focused on an object's aesthetic value and destroy the archaeological context, erasing centuries of cultural history. "All the archaeological value that we treasure as heritage is lost," he lamented. The winding road to protecting Mexico's archaeological heritage Recognition of the need to protect Mexico's heritage is relatively recent. It was not until Mexico became a nation and a sense of nationhood emerged that the first laws were passed in 1868. Their purpose was to ban private ownership of archaeological objects but their impact was limited. At the time, it was common for foreign archaeologists, supported by institutions such as the Carnegie Institute and the University of California, to send artifacts abroad for study and never return them to their place of origin. Within Mexico, artists and intellectuals such as Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera also amassed collections of artifacts, which had often been looted and obtained "by chance" from local farmers. It was not until 1972 that stricter legislation was introduced to protect archaeological monuments and objects. However, complete control has proved elusive. "Today, museums and academic institutions around the world argue that the pieces in their possession left Mexico before 1972, since the laws aren't retroactive," Hernandez said. "So some museums have hundreds of items and we can't demand their return." Recently, under the administration of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, there have been calls for stronger heritage protection measures. Thanks to UNESCO conventions that recognize the heritage of nations as part of the common heritage of humanity, more than 10,000 archaeological pieces have been returned to Mexico in recent years. The regulations have also changed. Researchers must now register the pieces they want to study, specify what will be exported, and undertake to return them within one year after the analysis. For more advanced scientific studies involving invasive testing, such as isotopic analysis or radiocarbon dating, researchers may take a sample but are still required to submit a final report and return the artifacts they borrowed for their studies. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The long process of repatriation The process of returning artifacts is a lengthy one. "When the university wanted to return a single box containing the remains of the child last year, the procedures took over two years," recalls Hernandez. Considerable paperwork was involved. Among other things, they had to obtain a feasibility study from a Mexican expert to assess the authenticity and value of the objects, and coordinate with Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH), the government and foreign affairs authorities. A repatriation request can be made by an institution or a private individual. In the case of the 84 Mesoamerican axes, an individual wanted to return them after loaning them to Princeton University. He contacted the Mexican consulate, which handled the administrative procedures with INAH. "At that point the legal director sets all the legal procedures in motion," Hernandez explained. "It's a rigorous process based on Mexican laws on archaeological heritage and cultural property, as well as various international treaties." A Mexican archaeologist then validates the archaeological pieces and recommends whether or not they should be returned, based on photographs. Raising awareness of looting and UdeM's role One argument often used to avoid returning Mexican archaeological objects is "I've owned this piece since before 1972, so it's not subject to the law." Hernandez believes change must come through collective awareness, as well as stricter laws to discourage both looting in Mexico and the purchase of archaeological pieces. "Looted archaeological heritage is shorn of its cultural value and historical context," he said. "It becomes just a precious object or a piece of aesthetic value." The ceremony at Universite de Montreal for the return of the 84 Mesoamerican axes is intended to remind people of their true cultural value and raise public awareness. "We want to encourage people to stop buying archaeological artifacts, which, unfortunately, are still too easy to acquire today," Hernandez said. Christina Halperin, an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, served as an intermediary in the return of these objects. Through this process, the university is helping to restore the meaning of the artifacts. "As an expert, she won't just talk about their aesthetic value; she will place them in their historical context and explain how they were used," said Hernandez. "As an anthropology department, we have an important academic role to play. We can help put these objects back into their cultural context, and then these pieces, which belong to the Mexican people, can be returned with that knowledge." Collection of 84 stone axes returned According to Halperin, "These green stone axes were made and used mainly during the Preclassic period, between 2000 BCE and 300 CE. They were often offered for the construction of public plazas and monuments at Olmec sites and in other regions of Mesoamerica." The axes were used for practical tasks such as chopping wood and clearing fields, and also had strong symbolic value. Their elongated triangular shape evoked ears of corn, and they were associated with maize deities and fertility. They also served as currency and trade items over long distances, indicating extensive interregional relations. Jade and green stone axes have been found as far away as Costa Rica. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku (Azerbaijan) from November 11 to 22, 2024, will also address the sensitive issue of financing adaptation strategies. Prof. Dr. Lisa Schipper from the Department of Geographical Development Research at the University of Bonn and Dr. Aditi Mukherji from CGIAR, warn in the journal Science against misusing the alleged lack of measurability of climate change adaptation strategies to cut funding. Both scientists were involved in the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Countries continue to debate adaptation to climate change: How should such strategies be financed? Who pays for them? How should the success of these measures be measured and their failure avoided? "If political decision-makers claim that it is impossible to measure the success of adaptation measures due to their complexity, this can have an impact on the financing of such measures," warns Schipper. Adequate funding is linked to progress in adaptation. Many countries in the Global North support a view that questions the usefulness and accuracy of adaptation indicators. "Without such indicators, however, the countries of the Global South fear that their arguments for funding will come to nothing," says Schipper. Plenty of examples of improvements Maladaptationwhen adaptation measures backfire and make people worse off in the face of climate changeare most often the result of poor planning and implementation, the two researchers write. It is also problematic when external donors lack an understanding of the context. However, considerable investments have been made in adaptation measures worldwide over the last ten years and these have also been implemented. "There are enough examples available for evaluation and improvement," says Schipper. As an example, the scientists cite the fact that irrigation is often generally referred to as maladaptation because this can lead to an unequal distribution of this resource and promote water-intensive cultivation systems. "However, this is not a problem if appropriate crops suited to overall ecology and water endowments are grown using irrigation. The problem arises when water intensive crops are grown in water-scarce regions using irrigation," according to Aditi Mukherji from CGIAR, who works on irrigation in the Global South. Furthermore, irrigation in poor agricultural areas can provide the population with necessary food. If labeled as maladaptation in advance, the benefits of irrigation may be ignored and this could remove an important mechanism for improving development and well-being for many people around the world. What makes people vulnerable to climate change? The discussion rarely addresses what makes people vulnerable to climate change in the first place. Factors such as the exclusion of certain social groups due to their ethnicity, religion or political beliefs are often ignored. However, those affected are forced to live in areas that are more frequently affected by flooding. Instead of avoiding these areas for settlements, early warning systems would be installed. "Maladaptation should be understood as a cautionary tail and a roadmap for adaptation improvements," the two authors conclude. A climate reparations agenda would provide funding for those most affected by climate change without imposing strict conditions on funding. After all, those who most urgently need adaptation funding bear the least responsibility for climate change. "The UNEP estimates that hundreds of billions of US dollars need to be raised annually for such adaptation measures," says Aditi Mukherji referring to the recently published "Adaptation Gap Report 2024" by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). "We are still a long way from this sum." "The task now is to ensure that the money that is spent is used effectively and carefully aligns with development needs and agendas to avoid maladaptive outcomes," adds Schipper. More information: E. L. F. Schipper et al, Misguided negative adaptation narratives are hurting the poor, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adq7821 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Past and possible future Earth system trajectories. Credit: Nature Reviews Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43017-024-00597-z The Planetary Boundaries (PB) framework is a pivotal tool for tackling the climate crisis and safeguarding humanity's future on Earth. For the first time, the full story of the Planetary Boundaries is now being told from its beginning. In a review published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, researchers highlight the growing influence of the framework across disciplines and its impact on society and policy. The paper offers a unique overview of how the framework has been adopted across sectors. It also underscores how, 15 years after its initial proposal, PB science has become widely recognized as crucial for advancing the global sustainability agenda in an era of rising planetary risks. "Monitoring and governing Earth's stability and resilience is no longer optionalit is an urgent necessity to restore Earth's balance and stay within safe boundaries," says Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact research PIK and lead author of the paper. Together with an international team of 28 scientists, he first proposed the PB framework in 2009. "Thanks to the science of the Planetary Boundaries, we have clear evidence that there is no solution to the climate crisis and no way of holding the 1.5C boundary, without coming back to the safe operating space within the Biosphere boundaries: biodiversity, water, land, ocean, nutrients, aerosols. We need to consider all boundaries together to safeguard Earth's health." "Understanding our relationship with the planet is a form of empowerment, and the Planetary Boundaries framework provides a clear way to understand how much we are taking from Earth. In this sense, it is essential for guiding the development of sustainable societies," says Katherine Richardson from the University of Copenhagen, author of the review and of all the PB assessments. The authors of the review trace the development of the PB framework, describing how evidence of tipping points, the Anthropocene and Holocene led to the proposal of this pioneering holistic model of Earth's health. Today, it provides a scientific basis for guiding global development toward life-supporting conditions akin to those of the Holocene. The PB framework identifies nine global biophysical boundaries that are essential for regulating the Earth system, such as climate change and biosphere integrity. The third update in 2023 not only quantified all boundaries, it also concluded that six of the nine boundaries have been transgressed, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate further risks. A roadmap for the future In their review, the researchers reflect on the significant impact of the PB framework on Earth system governance and its role in bridging the gap between Earth system science and sustainability science. They show how PBs have paved the way for innovative concepts like planetary health and doughnut economics. Their conclusion is that PB science has become mainstream in global sustainability science, and increasingly adopted across business, finance, policy and civil society, as a framework guiding sustainable development in the Anthropocene. Examples of the adoption of PB science are mapped in the article, including country studies like for New Zealand, operationalizing attempts in cities like Amsterdam, business networks like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and global science assessment mechanisms like the Earth Commission. The paper also explores the continued development of PB science in advancing the global sustainability agenda. Looking ahead, the authors stress the importance of ongoing progress in PB science, particularly through higher-resolution Earth monitoring, more frequent PB assessments, and innovative solutions that address issues of equity and justice in the context of global sustainability. In light of rising planetary risks, PB science provides a roadmap for a future where human development can thrive on Earth. By adopting strategies that operate within Planetary Boundaries, society can foster resilience and equity across generations, ensuring a sustainable legacy. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Scarlet macaws are a symbol of fidelity and virtue to many people because they are thought to mate for lifebut it turns out that they also "play favorites" when feeding their young, making them excellent mates, but neglectful parents. Fortunately, Texas A&M scientists have developed a way to ensure the birds' bad parenting results in fewer chick deaths. Researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have discovered that scarlet macaws purposefully neglect feeding the youngest chicks in most broods, even when resources are plentiful. This results in only one or two chicks being able to fledgethe process in which parents teach their young to fly and survive on their owneven though broods may contain up to four chicks. "Scientists have known for years that scarlet macaws hatch more chicks than they fledge," said Dr. Donald Brightsmith, a professor in the VMBS' Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. "We found that 26% of second chicks in scarlet macaw broods and nearly all third and fourth chicks die before fledging. "We tested several theories as to why these younger chicks don't survive, and we found that it's not sibling rivalry or a lack of food. The parents just stop feeding certain chicks, so they starve to death," he said. The deciding factor appears to be the difference in chick ages. "Scarlet macaws lay eggs over a period of several days instead of all at once, which means the chicks don't hatch on the same day," said Dr. Gabriela Vigo-Trauco, a post-doctoral researcher with the Schubot Center for Avian Health, who led the project. "If the second chick hatches only a couple of days after the first, there is a good chance that the parents will feed it. However, if it hatches four, five, or more days after the first chick, the parents will probably neglect it and let it die." The researchers, who recently published their study in the journal Diversity, suspect that when chicks are young and hatch four or more days apart, they begin to need different types of parental care. For example, some chicks need feeding while others are still incubating, which contributes to the high rates of neglect and starvation. Armed with this knowledge, the team has developed a method to save neglected chicks by giving them macaw "foster parents." "Thankfully, scarlet macaws are not endangered or threatened, but there are many parrot species that are," Brightsmith said. "We hope that this foster program will be used to help save the populations of endangered parrot species." Understanding brood reduction Brood reduction, or eliminating chicks after they hatch, is a common practice among birds. "Some species of seabirds, like boobies, gulls, and pelicans, have a high degree of sibling rivalry that can lead to death," Vigo-Trauco said. "Eagles, falcons and other species are known to attack and kill their own chicks. Often, parents target the smaller chicks, which are usually younger." For scarlet macaws, starvation is the cause of 45% of all chick deaths; chicks that hatch third or fourth in a brood always die. "We wanted to understand what was causing 26% of second chicks to die of starvation," Brightsmith said. "Scientists often point the finger at a lack of resources in the environment, but if it's about conserving resources, then why do scarlet macaws lay so many eggs?" To rule out lack of resources, Gustavo Martinez, a member of the research team, marked and monitored trees to estimate the amount of fruitscarlet macaws' main source of foodin the forests of the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru where the study was conducted. "Once a month for several years, he would go out and check about 1,300 trees for fruit and flowers," Brightsmith said. "Looking at the data, we can tell that there were times when food scarcity forced macaws to forgo breeding for a season, but we couldn't find any association with chick starvation." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Catching macaws in the act To see what was happening in scarlet macaw nests, the researchers installed cameras in nest boxes at the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru. For 10 years, they captured video segments showing what was happening to the chicks. They also accessed the nests and manually checked which chicks had received food, which was how they determined that some chicks were intentionally being starved. "Scarlet macaws have a food sac on their necks called a crop, and in chicks it's very easy to see when it's full of food," Brightsmith said. "We caught video of female macaws trying to over-feed their oldest chicks while the third chick would be running slowly around the base of the nest with an empty crop, begging for food. "What's more, the chicks at that age can't regulate their own body temperature, so they need to be in the nest. We saw that the mother won't even share her body heat with her dying offspring," he said. "As scientists, we try not to do what's called anthropomorphizingattaching human ideas about morality to animals. But it's hard to watch that and not think of it as parental abuse." The "abusive behavior" goes even furtherbut it seems that macaw parents aren't always on the same page. "Sometimes the female macaw will start to bury a chick that she's decided not to feed by kicking nest substrate on top of it," Brightsmith said. "But then the father will come home and unbury the chick and feed it. So, they're not always in agreement, which makes the whole process even more complex." Saving neglected chicks While scarlet macaws have some questionable parenting techniques for their own hatchlings, the good news is they also make excellent foster families for neglected chicks. As part of her doctoral research, Vigo-Trauco developed a program for saving neglected chicks. The chicks are raised in captivity for a few weeks before being placed in the nests of macaws with chicks at a similar developmental stage or that have lost all their chicks to predation. The program effectively eliminates the need for different types of parental care and allows the foster parents to raise chicks that would have starved. "The key to success is making sure that the chicks all look about the same size," she said. "This encourages the new parents to take care of the foster chick as if it were their own." While the macaws seem to notice that something is different, that doesn't stop them from adopting the foster chick. "We see them on camera as they land on the nest box, look in, and then look around like they're thinking, "Did I walk into the wrong house?" It's kind of hilarious," Brightsmith said. "They turn their heads sideways to get a good look at the new chick, think about it for a moment, and then start to feed them." The foster chick program, published in Diversity in 2021, successfully re-homed 28 chicks over the course of three breeding seasons. "Parrots are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world," Brightsmith said. "We hope that this program, and the understanding of brood reduction behind it, can assist with the conservation of a broad array of parrot species across the tropics." More information: Gabriela Vigo-Trauco et al, Age Difference, Not Food Scarcity or Sibling Interactions, May Drive Brood Reduction in Wild Scarlet Macaws in Southeastern Peru, Diversity (2024). DOI: 10.3390/d16110657 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain How do you encourage a skeptical public to support a new policy? New research by Georgia State University economist Stefano Carattini and his co-authors suggests that experience with a policy can lead people to change their beliefs about the policy and increase public support for it. While researchers often examine how policies work, they generally neglect to examine how voters learn about how policies work. Documenting how opposition to necessary policies may dissipate (or increase) with a person's experience is key to tackling the most important issues of this century. Their findings were recently published in the journal Science. "Many sound policies considered to be socially desirable have not been widely accepted," Carattini said. "In fact, they're often opposed. However, if there was a body of knowledge showing that opposition dissipates when voters experience a new policy, then policymakers may be more inclined to test policies otherwise considered unpopular." Examples of policies that have become more popular over time include congestion charges, pricing garbage by the bag and expanded health insurance coverage. And on Nov. 5, voters in Washington turned down Initiative 2117, a proposal to repeal its carbon pricing policy, which voters have experienced since 2023 when it was introduced by the state legislature. Nearly 62% of voters voted against the repeal. Before then, in 2016 and 2018, voters in Washington State had rejected two carbon tax proposals, at 59.3% and 56.6%, respectively. In the article, Carattini and his colleagues Robert Dur (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and John List (University of Chicago) suggest that systematically combining policy evaluation with the causal analysis of public support would allow scholars to create a body of knowledge on the conditions under which policies become more (or less) popular after implementation. This could lead policymakers to better understand what drives change in beliefs and public support and to potentially be less reticent in implementing new policies. "Policymakers care about both a policy's effects and a voter's process of learning about the policy," he said. "Researchers should prioritize collecting evidence not only on how policies work, but also on how they can be maintained and scaled up, which naturally includes questions of political buy-in. Evidence showing a policy is becoming popular could prevent its repeal while encouraging other policymakers to follow suit. If public support decreases after implementation, that would also be important to know." Carattini and his colleagues suggest research funders encourage the combination of policy evaluation with public support. They also suggest how policymakers could facilitate this research. "It is in the policymaker's interest, when testing new policy, to collaborate with researchers and make data available to facilitate policy evaluation, to help voters understand how the policy is working," Carattini said. More information: Stefano Carattini et al, Policy evaluation and the causal analysis of public support, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adp7497 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Members of a research team take various measurements around a pecan tree at the Orranteno Farm in Saucillo, Chihuahua, Mexico, on July 31, 2023. This work served as a precursor to a National Science Foundation-supported study led by Hugo Gutierrez-Jurado, Ph.D. (not pictured), associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso, investigating the impact of climate change on dryland agricultural ecosystems such as pecan orchards in the Chihuahuan Desert region. Credit: Hugo Gutierrez-Jurado/The University of Texas at El Paso How are U.S. agricultural crops affected by climate change? A research team from The University of Texas at El Paso aims to find out, starting with the region's pecan farms. The research is led by Hugo Gutierrez-Jurado, Ph.D., associate professor in UTEP's Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences. "Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which are already having a profound impact on the crops in large agricultural areas across the country's arid regions," said Gutierrez-Jurado. "We are seeing decreases in crop productivity due to plant stress from excessive dry and warm conditions." Pecans are one of the most economically significant crops for communities across the Chihuahuan Desert region on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, Gutierrez-Jurado said. According to Iowa State University's Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, the pecan crop in the U.S. alone was valued at $500 million in 2022. The UTEP study will look at how drought, heat waves and soil impact the cycle of water and carbon between plants and the atmosphere in dryland agricultural ecosystems. It will focus on two orchards, one in the El Paso area and another in the Conchos River basin near the city of Delicias in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Hugo Gutierrez-Jurado, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso, examines a soil monitoring device at the Orranteno Farm in Saucillo, Chihuahua, Mexico, on July 31, 2023. Gutierrez-Jurado will lead a study, supported by the National Science Foundation, investigating the impact of climate change on dryland agricultural ecosystems, such as pecan orchards in the Chihuahuan Desert region. Credit: Hugo Gutierrez-Jurado/The University of Texas at El Paso The research team will monitor tree and root system growth, soil-plant water status and canopy temperature. Their goal is to develop a detailed understanding of how soil structure and management practices can either mitigate or exacerbate the stress that plants experience during extreme weather events. Additionally, the project will explore how these stressors affect the ability of crops to sequester, or capture and store, carbon dioxide, a critical factor in addressing climate change. "This is a new way of looking at this problem. There has been a lot of research into how to make pecans and other crops more productive through input control, especially irrigation levels, but much of that work has failed to take into account the changes that trees and plants experience as a result of climate-related stress," Gutierrez-Jurado said. The goal of the study is to uncover valuable insights for farmers and policymakers on how to improve water use efficiency and enhance carbon sequestration in agro-ecosystems. If successful, the work will bring innovation to an area of agricultural practice known as precision farming, the team said, which seeks to improve productivity by taking a detailed look at the characteristics and unique variables that affect a specific plot of land. "This research aims to determine the optimal timing for irrigation, which is vital information for agricultural producers, both local and beyond, as it will help improve orchard efficiency and conserve valuable resources," said Robert Kirken, Ph.D., dean of the UTEP College of Science. "I congratulate Dr. Gutierrez-Jurado and his team for receiving this award from NSF." Gutierrez-Jurado's project continues a study initially funded by a program aimed at strengthening relationships between researchers on both sides of the border and promoting academic work that benefits the entire Paso del Norte region. Throughout both phases of his project, Gutierrez-Jurado has collaborated closely with colleagues from Mexican institutions, including the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias. The research team will also collaborate with a local museum in El Paso to create hands-on, interactive learning experiences for the public, with a focus on climate change and its impact on the region's agriculture. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Having been given to the Natural History Museum over a century ago, the past of these whale vertebrae is only now being rediscovered. Credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London A mystery beginning in the South Atlantic and ending in South Kensington has finally been solved. The century-long story of two blue whale vertebrae can now be told for the first time, revealing their part in helping to ban whaling. In the final resting place of some of the largest animals on Earth, countless secrets remain to be told. The cetacean collection at the Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of remains from whales, dolphins and their relatives. The bones, skins and baleen it houses span hundreds of years of history, providing an ever-growing record of humanity's relationship with these marine mammals. Containing more than 6,000 specimens, the cetacean collection is one of the most important of its kind and has been intensively studied by scientists from all over the world. This means there is extensive data for most objectsbarring one or two surprises. When Dr. Sophia Nicolov came across a pair of discolored labels attached to two huge blue whale vertebrae in the collections, her curiosity was piqued. Nicolov is an Early Career Research Fellow who has been working to better understand the history of our specimens. She had no idea the bones would be the beginning of an investigation spanning more than 100 years and half the world. Or that it would unravel a long-forgotten link between the Natural History Museum and a colonial exhibition showcasing wildlife from across the British Empire. Uncovering the British Empire Exhibition At first, the labels seemed quite straightforward. The handwritten notes contained the scientific name of the blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus, followed by a date and location: "Nov 6th 1924, Falkland Islands." But there was one other piece of information that captured Nicolov's attention. The labels referred to something called the "Wembley Exhibition." Neither Nicolov nor her colleague Richard Sabin, the Natural History Museum's Principal Mammals Curator, had heard of this exhibition. Research quickly revealed that this referred to a historic event called the "British Empire Exhibition." While it may not be well-known today, more than 27 million people visited it in 1924 and 1925making it one of the largest events ever held. Its main purpose was to project a powerful and unified image of the British Empire at a time when its influence was starting to falter. Grand pavilions were constructed around Wembley Park, London, showing off the material resources and industries of the 56 different dominions, colonies and protectorates they represented. "When I started looking into the Exhibition's history, I couldn't believe the scale of it," Nicolov recalls, "Despite the enormity of it, both Richard and I were surprised by how relatively unknown the British Empire Exhibition appears to be." "Its links to the Natural History Museum, then a part of the British Museum, are particularly obscure. There doesn't seem to be much contemporary knowledge about that, so I was determined to find out morethese [blue whale] vertebrae didn't just appear out of a vacuum." References to the "Wembley Exhibition" initially mystified researchers. Credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London Cetaceans and colonialism To find out more about the whale bones, Sophia had to uncover more about what was on display within the British Empire Exhibition's regional pavilions. Their contents varied hugely, from bizarre sculptures made entirely from butter to the racist and deeply problematic "Races in Residence" where hundreds of colonial subjects were brought to London to form part of living displays. Since their closure, records of the pavilions were dispersed across a variety of archives. Nicolov delved into them as part of her research, and was able to locate a series of photographs of the Falkland Islands Pavilion in the UK's National Archives. As well as the islands themselves, this pavilion represented what were then known as the Falkland Island Dependencies, which included South Georgia and the South Shetlands. As this region's largest industry, the pavilion focused heavily on whaling. At this time, hunting whales was big business. The animals were a valuable source of oils for lubricating machines, making soaps, margarine and other products that fueled the growth of the British Empire. One of the major whaling firms was the Southern Whaling and Sealing Company, which exhibited many of its tools of the trade in the Falkland Islands Pavilion. The latest in harpoon guns, knives and hooks were on display, as well as photos of how they were used. The Falkland Islands Pavilion also highlighted the diverse array of wildlife found in the Southern Oceans which were ripe for exploitation. This included a variety of whale remains, and while many can be seen in the archival photos, the two whale vertebrae aren't among them. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Fortunately, Nicolov's research in the Natural History Museum's own archives was able to confirm they were at the exhibition. She found letters showing that the bones were collected from the pavilion by one of the museum's taxidermists, Percy Stammwitz, on 5 November 1924. While this established that the vertebrae were indeed from the South Atlantic, it still didn't reveal exactly where these bones came from. The ocean surrounding the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Shetlands is vast, and the specimens could have come from anywhere within it. "Accurate spatial and temporal data are crucial for museum specimens," Sabin explains. "Without this data, it's much harder to make use of them for scientific research." The key to solving this mystery was found in a dense box of letters found elsewhere in the archives. They belonged to Sir Sidney Harmer, the Director of what is now the Natural History Museum between 1919 and 1927. In a letter to a Mr. A. Radcliffe, the manager of the Southern Whaling and Sealing Company, Harmer expressed his thanks for the whale vertebrae from the Falkland Islands Pavilion. It revealed that the bones came from either one or two whales killed off South Georgia, which were taken back to the island for processing. Further details were found in a memo sent by Harmer, which showed that the vertebrae had been left on a beach in South Georgia for over a year before being collected and shipped to London for the exhibition. This made them particularly useful for Harmer who had been investigating the impact of whaling around South Georgia for more than a decade. Whale populations had declined dramatically in the region, and Harmer was an early voice calling for much needed regulations on the whaling industry. Although Harmer would later use the vertebrae as part of a long-forgotten talk at the Zoological Society of London, little is known of their use in research over the following century. Nicolov and Sabin hope that with the enhanced locality data the vertebrae can now be used more regularly by scientists investigating the impacts of whaling. They also plan to make a 3D scan of the vertebrae to ensure these bones can be accessed by researchers from all over the world. While Nicolov might be one step closer to resolving the mystery of these vertebrae, her research has revealed that they were only a small part of a wider relationship between the British Empire Exhibition and the Natural History Museum. The legacy of empire One object that nicely highlights these links between is a paper cast of a Commerson's dolphin on display in the Falkland Islands Pavilion. It can be seen suspended above the heads of visitors as they wandered around the displays. It was based on a dolphin which had been killed near the Falkland Islands in 1922, and then sent packed in salt to the Natural History Museum. A plaster cast was made as soon as it arrived, which was later used to make the paper cast for the exhibition. While the whereabouts of the paper cast are now unknown, Nicolov found the original cast and skeleton in the collections. Other remnants of the Falkland Islands Pavilion in the collections include several seal and penguin specimens that were prepared by Stammwitz for display. Other pavilions are also represented among the Natural History Museum's collections, with Nicolov able to identify a number of other specimens acquired from the exhibition. These include a specimen of the antelope-like Sumatran serow from Malaysia, as well as an example of the smallest living flightless bird, the Inaccessible Island rail. This has spurred researchers to now investigate what other links exist between the collections and the British Empire Exhibition, searching for more connections to this mostly forgotten event. "The specimens from the exhibition highlight the complex ways the British Empire weaves through the collections, and the impact our imperial past had on the natural world," explains Nicolov. "This underscores the complicated, changing and accumulating significance of natural history specimens, the enduring legacy of the Natural History Museum's role in cetacean science, and the necessity of engaging with questions around empire in our collection." Nicolov continues to explore these questions as part of a project to investigate the links between cetaceans, colonialism and commerce, with many more important histories yet to be told. This story is republished courtesy of Natural History Museum. Read the original story here. The government has launched the InvestMalaysia portal, positioning it as a one-stop gateway for investors seeking insights into Malaysias economic and financial landscape. This portal is designed as a centralised resource for businesses, investors, and industry leaders interested in understanding and accessing investment opportunities within Malaysia. By centralising these resources, the platform also aims to make Malaysia a more competitive and attractive destination for both domestic and international investments. The InvestMalaysia portal is designed for various audiences, from individual investors to institutional investors, venture capitalists, and companies looking to set up operations in Malaysia. It provides users with comprehensive resources, including insights in Malaysias economic outlook, national policies, business environment, and sector-specific market data. Through this digital platform, prospective investors and business leaders can make well-informed decisions by accessing a wide array of data and insights essential for identifying and evaluating opportunities within Malaysias financial markets, and more importantly connecting them to relevant government agencies. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan emphasised the portals role in bridging information gaps for investors. The InvestMalaysia Portal aims to address the gap of finding that final bit of information about investing in Malaysia. What we have built is a platform where you enter with questions and exit with answers, or at the very least, are pointed in the right direction to find the right information, he said in his speech. Amir also noted that, together with the Investor Relations Office, the portal will act as a navigator for portfolio investors looking to engage with Malaysias markets. Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour highlighted the portal as a testament to Malaysias economic resilience and investment potential. Ultimately, the platform is akin to an arbiter of Malaysias macroeconomic strength and investment potential, one that extracts signals about the state and prospects of the countrys economy and financials, and imparts them seamlessly to investors, he said. The central bank anticipates that the InvestMalaysia portal will play a crucial role in attracting quality investments that will further strengthen Malaysias financial markets. These anticipated capital inflows are expected to stimulate economic growth and contribute significantly towards Malaysias journey to high-income status. 5 2 votes Article Rating SHARE Chinese national wanted in N.Y. and Georgia extradited from Mexico City Mexico City, Mexico A Chinese national arrested in Mexico City has been extradited to the the U.S. from Mexico City. On Thursday, Zhi Dong N was returned to the U.S. where he will face money laundering, narcotics and criminal association charges. Zhi Dong N was arrested in Mexico City on October 31 and held by Mexican authorities for extradition purposes. According to the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), his arrest was carried out as a result of the exchange of information between security institutions and coordinated investigative work between the Secretariat of Public Safety and Citizen Protection, the Secretariat of the Mexican Navy, the Secretariat of National Defense and the Attorney Generals Office. Zhi Dong N was served with an arrest warrant for extradition purposes for his probable responsibility in drug related crimes as well as criminal association and operations with illicit proceeds, they said. Zhi Dong N was wanted by the Federal Court for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Zhi Dong N, a Chinese national, is considered the alleged leader of a criminal organization dedicated to drug trafficking and money laundering in the United States and likely responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico to that country for distribution and sending the profits from the sale of the drugs to Mexico, they said in a statement. Lingering category 3 Hurricane Rafael keeps Yucatan Peninsula on standby Riviera Maya, Q.R. The Navy of Mexico says their Prevention Phase plan is still in effect due to the lingering of category 3 Hurricane Rafael. The plan remains active since the storm is forecast to eventually backtrack south over part of the Yucatan Peninsula. On Thursday, the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) had forecast Rafael to head due west after passing over Cuba, however, a new trajectory issued Friday has the storm hovering in the central Gulf of Mexico. Rafael has regained its category 3 hurricane status since Thursday. Forecasters say the storm is expected to move west-northwest before tracking back on itself down toward the Yucatan Peninsula for Wednesday as a tropical depression. Given the constant uncertainty of Hurricane Rafaels trajectory and intensity, the Secretaria de Marina says their storm plan (Fase de Prevencion) remains in place for possible impacts on Quintana Roo. The Marine Plan remains active in the Prevention Phase in Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche, in view of the possible impact of Hurricane Rafael, they said in a press statement. Hurricane Rafael is still packing hurricane force winds in excess of 200 kms/h. In this context, the Ninth Naval Region based in Isla Mujeres, in coordination with the Fifteenth Naval Zone, in Cozumel and the Seventeenth Naval Zone, in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, is prepared with personnel, vehicles, surface units and mobile kitchens, to provide support to the population if required, they added. The Seventh Naval Region based in Lerma, Campeche, together with the Thirteenth Naval Zone in Yucalpeten, Yucatan, the Eleventh Naval Zone in Ciudad del Carmen and the Naval Sector of Champoton, Campeche, is also ready to serve citizens in the face of the possible impact, they added. According to Mexicos Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (SMN), the center of Hurricane Rafael, a category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is located north of Yucatan Peninsula and is moving west. Its cloud detachments will cause strong points of rain in Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, they reported Friday morning. Vamonos! Virgin Atlantic returns to Mexico with direct London Heathrow to Cancun International flights Cancun, Q.R. Virgin Atlantic says they are returning to Mexico with new flights to Cancun. For the Winter 2025 season, the airline will offer three weekly flights between London Heathrow and Cancun International. Photo: Virgin Atlantic Starting October 25, 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate one of their new fuel efficient aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000 with 16 Upper Class, 56 Premium and 325 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats as well as the airlines Upper Class social space, The Booth. The company says the new service will be the only direct route between London Heathrow and Cancun. Virgin Atlantic Holidays customers will be able to book premium sunshine, eco and adventure holidays in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and beyond, they said in a Friday press release. The route will be the only direct service between London Heathrow to Cancun, with seamless onward connections with SkyTeam partner Aeromexico and codeshare partner LATAM to destinations including Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aries and Lima. Cancun and the surrounding area boast world-class white sandy beaches, breathtaking Mayan ruins, incredible wildlife and delicious local cuisine. Customers seeking adventure can discover eco-tourism and experiences in Riviera Maya and Tulum, plus an exciting range of new hotels. Launching on 19 October 2025, the new service provides easy access to Central America, offering customers premium sunshine holidays to the amazing beaches, history, nightlife and food scene of Mexico. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Offer, Virgin Atlantic, commented, Were delighted to be returning to Cancun, offering customers a new destination for some winter sun. Cancun has an amazing nightlife and dining scene, dreamy sandy beaches, plus its the perfect gateway to Mayan ruins and adventure travel in the region. Our new route also offers increased connectivity to the region with our codseshare partner LATAM and SkyTeam partner Aeromexico. We cant wait for more of our customers to enjoy Virgin Atlantics trademark fiesta and flair, on their way to Mexico. Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo, said In this New Era of the Mexican Caribbean, expanding international connectivity has been a top priority as travelers continue to showcase strong interest in exploring our twelve iconic destinations and rich Mayan culture. The addition of this Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow to Cancun will further strengthen Cancun International Airports position as one of the most in-demand airports in the world, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors from the United Kingdom to our paradise. Those who have no love of home nor bond to a craft have little motive to risk life and limb to defend either. For his creation of Middle-earth, drenched in cultural and linguistic inventiveness, and rich in theological undertones, J.R.R. Tolkien is deservedly credited as one of the first and best creators of the modern fantasy genre. In Tolkien: Philosopher of War, Graham McAleer makes the case that this is not just a literary accomplishment, but that Tolkien should be recognized as a serious thinker concerning warfare and its place in the greater narrative of human history. The book offers an unusual and extremely thought-provoking assessment of Tolkiens work, developing links between his views of aesthetics, theology, history, philosophy, and strategy. McAleer uses a range of authors as foils or lenses through which to assess Tolkiens work, including Christopher Dawson, Halford Mackinder, David Hume, Eric Voegelin, and Carl Schmitt. McAleers Tolkien emerges as an unorthodox thinker defined by his refusal to elevate human beings above their real naturesand especially by his deference to the cosmos we inherit. While this book presents a compelling account of what Tolkien thought about war, McAleer makes an even stronger case for Tolkiens depth as a conservative and postliberal thinker steadfastly opposed to progressive philosophies of history. History is a matter of vanity. Worldly endeavors end in defeat, and it is vanity to think otherwise. But just as in Ecclesiastes, the worlds tendencies toward vanity do not in any way absolve us from defending the good in our ordinary life, in our politics, and, at the extreme, in war, for war touches the things we cherish and fear: life and land, building and belonging, subversion and possession, plunder and justice, and anger and mercy. McAleer cites a remarkable comment Tolkien offered about these matters at the end of World War II: There is a stand-down parade of Civil Defence in the Parks in the afternoon, to which I shall prob. Have to drag myself. But I am afraid it all seems rather a mockery to me, for the War is not over (and the one that is, or the part of it, has largely been lost). But it is of course wrong to fall into such a mood, for Wars are always lost, and The War always goes on; and it is no good growing faint! Even a good war ends in a certain sort of defeat, with much that should have been cherished lost, and many promising lives cut short. But in his view, the struggle is one against evil itselfand one we all must endure. The Lord of the Rings and Tolkiens other works stand as reminders of what it means to think seriously about the defense of civilization. From the outset we can see that Tolkien did not shy away from presenting wars violence and horror; but he went further, exploring a truth about the human condition many are reluctant to admit: Some of the most loveable characters are, it is undeniable, enthusiastic about war. Gimli and Legolas relish combat and even Treebeard, once angered enough about the destruction of the trees, savors revenge, embracing a war of annihilation against his enemies. Convinced that such violence could vindicate justice, Tolkien used highly moral language throughout his works to describe civilizations enemies, but McAleer highlights Tolkiens use of aesthetic judgment as well. The orcs are not simply evil; they evoke disgust. He highlights an exchange in The Two Towers between Sam and Frodo that places orcish tastes beyond the pale (perhaps even to cannibalism): Orcs drink, dont they? Yes, they drink, said Frodo. But do not let us speak of that. Such drink is not for us. McAleer contends that Tolkiens strong aesthetic sense that beauty and goodness oppose evil and horror is tied to his sober philosophy of history, one driven by mans incomplete knowledge. He contrasts this to fascism and futurism, the movements that gave birth to World War II, which he argues are allied forms of Gnosticism, united in their revolt against the cosmos. McAleer via Tolkien traces this sense of refusing realitythis vanityback to the Enlightenments desire to liberate men from all restraint, including that of nature. As a consequence, War is hard-wired into the Enlightenment, argues McAleer, because its philosophies of history all trade on vanity. Enlightenment powers must always strive to transform the world, in part because if they were to stop, they would realize the futility of their efforts. Tolkiens postliberalism is an expose: All history is a false promise, perhaps especially the liberatory philosophies of the Enlightenment. We are not on a march toward perpetual peace, and war will always be with us. Characters throughout the books, ranging from the Galadriel of The Silmarillion to Saruman and Sauron in Lord of the Rings, embody this revolt and its desire to divinize man and spread false hope in secular transformation. McAleer argues that theyand most of the Westremain in at least partial thrall to the speculative history that emerged in our consciousness during the Enlightenment. Apart from those who retain a theological view of time, it is thinkers such as Leibniz, Smith, Hume, Hegel, and Marx who shape todays popular view of historys scope and character. McAleer suggests that most of us are Whiggish Hegelians now, inhabiting a world convinced of Historys bias toward progress, whether we consciously think in these terms or not. Tolkien: Philosopher of War places Tolkien in fruitful conversation with many writers, but none provokes more questions and thinking than the one with Carl Schmitt. Developed in works like The Concept of the Political, Schmitts infamous view that politics is defined by the friend-enemy distinction has influenced postliberals of both the left and the right in recent years. McAleer frames Schmitts insights around his later work and in particular the concept of the manring, which he argues appears throughout Tolkiens sagas. McAleer explains the manring as the communitys enforcing of boundaries within and without to protect civilization: The life of a place requires a preparedness to protect that home. Solidarity requires a solidification of the enclosure. McAleer argues that the right way to understand Schmitt is to see his politics of friends and enemies in narrower termsthis is an insight that pertains more to war than to peace. In McAleers view, Schmitt helps us see what a community attuned to this politics will know: A genuinely political people are ever sensitive to existential threat, to grasping that they may be conquered, and their way of life destroyed. An enemy is one who threatens a way of life. Threats, disputes, and events that do not rise to this level are not grounds for war. Everything hinges on what we view as a genuine threat to our way of life. In the context of the War of the Ring, Middle-earths many free peoples faced exactly such a threat. McAleer makes a compelling case that Tolkien at least partially resonates with Schmitts understanding, but does so in a manner that utterly rejects Schmitts value minimalism. Tolkiens fable frames the definition of friendship and enmity through explicitly moral and aesthetic language and acceptance of the cosmossomething it is unclear Schmitt ever did. The use of Schmitt to help grasp Tolkien slightly distracts from the moral and theological core of Middle-earth. But it is one of several references that McAleer uses to deepen the readers understanding of what he sees as Tolkiens Tory postliberalism. McAleer also points to the strategist Halford Mackinder, whose understanding of geographys constraints on world history partially align with Tolkiens own. For Mackinder and Tolkien both, the physical constraints and possibilities of the land, how it is used and cultivated, are literally the stuff of civilizations. But Tolkien departs from Mackinder on a crucial point: The latter primarily derives history from nature, land being near-deterministic, whereas Tolkien retained a deeper sense of providential hopeone embodied in the strange providence of the Ring falling into Bilbos and then Frodos hands. Tolkien would have none of the modern pretension that history could sweep away constraint and was equally against modernitys various mechanical determinisms. He abhorred something he called Americo-cosmopolitanism, which he opposed to his own deep love of England. McAleer attempts to explain this through a contrast between two images of the city, one that fits our own societys view, which echoes Hume, who argues that civilization relies on the intimate relationship between commerce and refinement in the arts and sciences. Contrast this with Tolkiens view, as seen in the various cities of Middle-earth: Middle-earth has its share of magnificent cities but, interestingly, in LotR they are mostly marked by decay. Gondolin was long ago overrun by Orcs, Osgiliath is in ruins, Dwarrowdelf a tomb, Rivendell is emptying, and the White City sparsely populated. At stake here is the understanding of what matters and is worth defending in war. In Tolkiens imagination, cities are places of decadence and commerce rather the real sources of civilization. They rely too much on the allure of fashion, opulence, and vanity, and representat least until their declinesomething of a constant acceleration to human life. In contrast to the aggressive energy unleashed by commercial society, Tolkien emphasizes the love of an inherited place as what Middle-earths heroes fight to protect. These are people who live for something handed down to them and love it, going forth against their preferences and character to war in its defense. McAleer suggests that Tolkien is acutely aware of how our world places a wedge between our inheritance and our current prosperity, as markets tend to erode our attachments to home and shatter the ties of history. But it is inheritance that rules in Tolkiens world: The eccentricities of Bilbo, Eowyn, and Bombadil, to name only a few, are a way for Tolkien to stress how an inherited identity enhances rather than smothers. To fight for ones land is, implies Tolkien, to fight for personhood. Other forms of inheritance matter, too: To the degree that Tolkien presents hints of markets and commerce in his stories, it is craftsmanship that is most prominent. Although McAleer does not explicitly draw this out, Tolkiens views bear some resemblance to the Anglo-American arts and crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and their attachment to slow forms of work and beautiful design. Tolkien offers lavish details of the craft cultures of Middle-earth: Tone-setting is the craftsmanship of the Dwarves, but whatever universal appeal it has pales under the appeal and authority of the language, lore, craft, and music of the Elves, who are tasked with the healing and adornment of the earth. This is where the peculiar love that until quite recently those with more progressive or countercultural sensibilities had for Tolkien becomes apparent. Tolkien shares the same dissatisfactions with the modern world held by the average shopper at a Whole Foods or Waitrose supermarket. It is only the anxiety that is common, not the political solution. Much like modern critics of markets, Tolkien was not opposed to modern conveniencehe loved cars, for instancebut he nonetheless had grave reservations about industry and commerce and their links to the vanity that he thought contributed to the terrors of the 20th century. As a scholar of the Scottish Enlightenment, McAleer is aware of the commercial worlds benefits and does not set the ideal of craftsmanship out as a real competitor or alternative for our own world. Instead, it seems to serve as a kind of explanation for why cosmopolitan views seem to undermine the ability to think clearly about war: Those who have no love of home nor bond to a craft have far less at stake, and little motive to risk life and limb to defend either. Tolkien becomes something of a mirror exposing our own lack of clarity regarding what moves peoples and nations to fight, and the hubris of ideological efforts to remake the world. The cowards of Silicon Valley have spoken. After former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to clinch a second stint in the White House, he was greeted with a chorus of overzealous congratulations from the richest people in the United States. Obviously, Elon Musk, who has been campaigning for Trump and celebrated with him, was ecstatic and boastful. GameStop chief and meme-stock lord Ryan Cohen wrote, God bless America! and followed it up crudely with, Its cool to be a white guy again. (Lets not all vomit at once.) But the normie tech titanseven the liberal oneswere quick to bow before the new king. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who reportedly donated $50 million to Harris campaign, tweeted his best to Trump and running mate J.D. Vance. America is at its strongest when we use ingenuity and innovation to improve lives here in the U.S. and around the world, he wrote. I hope we can work together now to build a brighter future for everyone. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has consistently donated to Democrats, tweeted his own congratulations to Trump: i wish for his huge success in the job, he said; it is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values. Congratulations President Trump on your victory! wrote Tim Cook, who Trump once called Tim Apple. We look forward to engaging with you and your administration to help make sure the United States continues to lead with and be fueled by ingenuity, innovation, and creativity. Mark Cuban, who campaigned for Harris, congratulated both Trump and Muskwho, of course, was not on the ballot. Related From Slate This Is a Simple and Satisfying Way to Fight Trump and Musk Read More Gates, Altman, and Cook effectively said, Congrats! Good game! Please dont regulate us. And what can we say about Jeff Bezos, who intervened to pull the Washington Posts Harris endorsement. The Amazon founder greeted Trump with a nauseating message on Wednesday. Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love. (OK, back to vomiting.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the Silicon Valley crew of white-guy executives, seemingly only LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffmanwho donated $7 million to a Democratic-aligned super PAC this cycleissued a thoughtful statement rebuking Trump: Advertisement Iand many othersraised alarms about the anti-democratic actions Donald Trump took during his first Presidency, and has promised to take this next time. Some of his supporters assured me that this would not be the case: Trump wouldnt seek to punish political opponents, wouldnt corruptly play favorites in business or foreign policy, wouldnt actually enact a crippling, 19th-century tariff regime. On this day, and for Trumps term, I very much hope they are right. I love America, and hope that the next four years will be our strongest yet. Despite their ostensibly liberal political beliefs, Silicon Valleys leaders know intimately that Donald Trump is a vindictive leader who can ruin their lives and businesses at a moments notice. Amazon previously sued the Trump administration after it canceled a government contract, claiming that Trump sought to punish Bezos as his political enemy. Perhaps its smart politics to play within the system, to give the policies you care about a fighting chance, to not alienate the guy in charge before hes even taken office. Perhaps its beneficial for thousands of employees who count on you to maintain positive relations with the emerging regulatory regime. Perhaps itll only be four years more of Trump, only two years of unified or near-unified Republican control of government. Perhaps biting ones tongue is a savvy move. But what the American public is witnessing is a falling in line of Americas private sector with a vitriolic and potentially autocratic new rule, one where compliance is rewarded and dissent is punished. All too often, smart business tactics produce cowardly leaders who take liberal democracy and common decency for granted. This will be Slates final edition of Keeping Up With the Trump Trials. You can read our old coverage of Trumps legal entanglements here. Donald Trump has been reelected, and hes set to become the 47th president of the United States in January. Now all of the criminal proceedings against him are winding down, since Department of Justice policy prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president. Special counsel Jack Smith filed a motion Friday requesting that all deadlines in his Jan. 6 case be vacated while he decides his next move, and Judge Tanya Chutkan has granted it. Meanwhile, the fate of Trumps sentencing in the New York hush money trial remains uncertain. In 2023 Trump racked up over 80 felony charges across four criminal indictments: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs hush money case, Smiths classified-documents and Jan. 6 cases, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis election-interference case. From the get go, Trumps defense attorneys aggressively engaged in delay tactics to force prosecutors to slow their investigations and prevent Trump from facing a jury trial as he ran as the Republican nominee for president for the third time. These delay tactics managed to slow both federal cases and Willis Georgia case, which became mired in scandal after the defense exposed a romantic relationship Willis had had with one of her prosecutors. The hush money case, however, did go to trial earlier this year, and Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts. But his biggest legal win came from the Supreme Court, when it ruled that U.S. presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for certain official acts committed while in office. I spoke with Dennis Fan, a former federal prosecutor and a professor at Columbia Law, who explained how prosecutors could navigate the end of their cases while Trump prepares to become the next commander in chief. The Federal Jan. 6 Case At the end of 2023, Judge Tanya Chutkan paused Jack Smiths election interference case while the Supreme Court considered Trumps presidential-immunity appealand it remained paused for two months after the court released its decision, while Smith considered how to amend the charges in his indictment. On Friday, Smith requested that Chutkan vacate the remaining pretrial deadlines to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy. Chutkan almost immediately granted Smiths request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith will officially announce what he plans to do with this case by Dec. 2, though DOJ policy states that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, since it would unconstitutionally undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions. This means that Smith may decide to drop his case against Trump, and even step down as special counsel before Trump takes office. Technically, the special counsel could keep the case going through the end of this year, since that authority doesnt disappear once theres a change in administration, Fan said, but Smiths latest motion indicates he is likely not considering this route. Special counsels typically create a report toward the end of their investigation that sums up their findings and their recommendations of what to do next. Special counsel Robert Mueller famously did this in 2019, after investigating the Trump campaigns alleged links to Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. (Former Attorney General Bill Barr chose not to pursue charges.) Smith could hand his report to the next attorney general, who would then decide what to do about the special counsels open caseand Trumps next AG would almost certainly choose to dismiss it. Advertisement Related From Slate The Law Should Have Locked Him Up Read More The Federal Classified-Documents Case Florida-based U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed this case in July, ruling that Smiths appointment as special counsel was unlawful and that this meant he did not have the authority to prosecute Trump. Her decision came after she spent a year issuing sympathetic rulings that favored Trump. Smith appealed Cannons decision to dismiss, and that appeal is currently being considered by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Smith could continue pursuing this appeal through the end of the yearbut the court may very well not move forward on it, given that Trump has been elected president again and in a few short months its almost certain that Smith will no longer be a special counsel. If I were the 11th Circuit, Id hold off on this one, Fan said. Smith could also cut his losses and formally rescind his appeal. Advertisement The New York Hush Money Case This is the only criminal case against Trump that has gone to trial. In May, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts related to hush money payments he made in the lead-up to the 2016 election. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan initially scheduled Trumps sentencing in July, then delayed it twice, most recently until Nov. 26, to avoid the perception that he was interfering with the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Merchan has a big decision to make. Since the justice delayed sentencing once for the election, Fan believes that the actual election of Donald Trump to the presidency would be a greater reason for him to delay the sentencing further, and I doubt Trump has any objection to that. Merchan could push off Trumps sentencing another four years, once hes out of the White House and a private citizen again. (As president, Trump will not be able to vacate his felony conviction since its from a state court.) Technically, Merchan could sentence Trump on Nov. 26 as scheduled, though Fan thinks that this is highly unlikely. Youre not going to say, Hey, in the next week, go complete your community service and do 500 hours between Christmas and Jan. 20, Fan said. Trumps attorneys would also undoubtedly argue against the existing sentencing, and its likely going to create drawn-out litigation that takes time to resolve. The Georgia Election-Interference Case This case, spearheaded by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, has been tied up with drama and delays since the beginning of 2024. Earlier this year, a defendant in her case accused Willis of misconduct related to her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to work on her investigation. During a dramatic evidentiary hearing, Willis admitted to having had a romantic relationship with Wade after he was hired but denied any misconduct. A judge ultimately ruled that she could stay on the election-interference case, so long as Wade resigned, which he did. (Willis on Tuesday won her own reelection fight.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trumps defense attorney appealed the judges decision, and for the past several months, the case has been paused until a Georgia appeals court makes a final ruling on Willis status in this caseoral arguments are scheduled for Dec. 5, and a final decision is expected in 2025. If Willis is allowed to remain on her case, she may be unable to prosecute Trump for the next four years, but she could still pursue charges against the 18 other co-defendants. If the appeals court rules that Willis cannot remain on her case, it could be reassigned to another prosecutor, who would have to decide whether to keep it alive or drop the entire thing. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/almost-two-thirds-of-germans-support-snap-elections-as-soon-as-possible---poll-1120825149.html Almost Two-Thirds of Germans Support Snap Elections As Soon As Possible - Poll Almost Two-Thirds of Germans Support Snap Elections As Soon As Possible - Poll Sputnik International About two-thirds of German nationals want early elections to take place as soon as possible, given the collapse of the ruling coalition, a Deutschlandtrend poll carried out by the Infratest dimap for the ARD media group found on Friday. 2024-11-08T17:54+0000 2024-11-08T17:54+0000 2024-11-08T17:54+0000 world europe olaf scholz christian lindner frank-walter steinmeier ukraine germany free democratic party (fdp) ard https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1d/1118690866_0:0:3468:1950_1920x0_80_0_0_ef809b210d2d1a7e3f6e523e5c184f2f.jpg According to the survey, 65% of respondents are in favor of expediting the vote of confidence in the current government, which will unlock early elections in January 2025, while 33% support Chancellor Olaf Scholz's plan to request the vote only in early 2025. The plurality of respondents, 40%, blamed the collapse of the traffic-light coalition on the Free Democratic Party (FDP), while 26% of Germans blame The Greens and 19% blame Scholz's Social Democrats. On Wednesday, Scholz said that he had asked President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to fire Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner. On Thursday, Steinmeier dismissed Lindner and two other Free Democrat ministers. The ruling coalition had long-standing disagreements over the new 2025 budget, specifically the amount of the Ukraine aid. German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck from The Greens said Lindner refused to agree on more aid for Ukraine in a draft budget, while the ex-minister accused Scholz of deliberately splitting the ruling coalition. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/germanys-coalition-collapse-signals-uncertain-fiscal-path-as-finance-chief-lindner-axed-1120807350.html ukraine germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ruling coalition in germany collapses, split of german ruling coalition, traffic light coalition in germany, why did german coalition split https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/botswanas-opposition-leader-boko-sworn-in-as-president-after-winning-election-1120821952.html Botswana's Opposition Leader Boko Sworn In as President After Winning Election Botswana's Opposition Leader Boko Sworn In as President After Winning Election Sputnik International Duma Boko, the leader of Botswana's Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, which won a general election last week, was sworn in as president on Friday. 2024-11-08T12:57+0000 2024-11-08T12:57+0000 2024-11-08T12:57+0000 world botswana africa insight mokgweetsi masisi election presidential election https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/08/1120822082_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_1b7997da42278a48014f382a7c10d966.jpg "I, Duma Gideon Boko, swear that I will faithfully and diligently fulfill my duty and fulfill my duties in the high office of President of the Republic of Botswana; that I will respect the Constitution of Botswana and honor the laws; that I will impartially direct my abilities to serving the people of Botswana and ensuring their well being. May God help me," Boko said in Gaborone during the inauguration ceremony, which was broadcast on national television. Last Friday, outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Botswana Democratic Party, which had been in power since the country's independence in 1996, conceded defeat in the election. Boko was declared president-elect the same day by the country's chief justice, Terrence Rannowane. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240817/how-africa-is-stopping-the-hegemonic-craziness-of-the-us-and-the-west-1119805904.html botswana Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International duma boko new president of botswana, umbrella for democratic change, udc, general election in botswana, duma boko sworn in as president https://sputnikglobe.com/20241108/houthis-blast-another-us-drone-out-of-the-sky-fire-hypersonic-missile-at-israel-1120818095.html Houthis Blast Another US Drone Out of the Sky, Fire Hypersonic Missile at Israel Houthis Blast Another US Drone Out of the Sky, Fire Hypersonic Missile at Israel Sputnik International The Yemeni militia began a campaign of drone and missile attacks against Israel in October 2023 in solidarity with Gaza, gradually escalating their operations to include a partial blockade of the Red and Arabian Seas, and strikes using increasingly sophisticated weapons. 2024-11-08T10:46+0000 2024-11-08T10:46+0000 2024-11-08T10:46+0000 military middle east israel negev yemen houthi houthis f-35i mq-9 reaper https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/08/1120817936_0:36:884:533_1920x0_80_0_0_bad05eac8cdaacd4e2fa5a798991b12b.png Houthi fighters have reportedly shot down another MQ-9 Reaper drone, this one over al-Jawf province in Yemens north, with footage posted to social media early Friday morning showing flaming wreckage falling out of the sky and starting a large fire on the ground in the dead of night as onlookers inspect the unmanned aerial vehicle's remains.The US military acknowledged to the Associated Press that it had seen the footage, and said it was investigating the incident, without offering any further details.The militia has a surprisingly large array of air defense systems at their disposal, including upgrades to Soviet-era Kub, Dvina, Neva/Pechora and Strela-1 SAMs, and allegedly, derivatives of Iranian-designed systems.Missile AttackThe source did not elaborate on the missiles characteristics or its target, but the Negev is known to be the home to some of Israels most important airbases, including Nevatim, which hosts the countrys fleet of F-35I jets, and Hatzerim, home to F-15I series aircraft. The United States military is also known to host a top-secret radar facility atop Mount Har Qeren in the Negev known as Site 512.The Houthis unveiled what they said was a two-stage, solid-fuel hypersonic missile with a range of 2,150 km known as the Palestine-2 in September, saying the weapon can reach speeds up to Mach 16, and features stealth technology. Multiple Houthi missiles and drones have pierced Israels powerful air defenses since the militia began its campaign against Tel Aviv last year. US, British and Israeli air and naval forces regularly deployed to try to "degrade" the militia's capabilities have so far failed to do so, with the US alone spending over $2.5 billion on operations against the group since January. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240531/why-houthis-dont-fear-the-reaper-everything-we-know-about-militias-air-defenses-1118720010.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/houthis-urge-trump-to-make-american-economy-great-again-by-ending-gaza-war-1120812236.html israel negev yemen Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov can houthis be stopped, where do houthis get their weapons, how many reapers have houthis shot down, how many mq-9 drones have houthis destroyed